DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, FEDRU.-.RY 1, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DUCHESS OPENS HENRY MOORE EXHIBITION ..................... 1
PRE-PAID TUNNEL TICKET SALE ENCOURAGING ................ 2
MAKING U.C. ELECTIONS BETTER KNOWN ....................... 2
FIRST FORUM FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES ........... ....... 3
SEMINAR ON RESULTS OF TWO SURVEYS ....................... 4
BOARD TO DISCUSS ANIMAL WASTE CONTROLS ................... 5
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN KWAI CHUNG ................. 5
FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN KWUN TONG .................... 6
NEED TO KEEP PUBLIC AREAS CLEAN .......................... 7
DB MEMBERS TO TAKE PART IN TELEMATCH ..................... 7
DISPOSE OF REFUSE PROPERLY, HOUSECLEANERS TOLD ........... 8
RSD TO LAUNCH YEAR-END CLEAN UP .......................... 9
FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE ................................. 9
RSD RECREATION FACILITIES CLOSE ON HOLIDAYS ............... 10
FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO CONTEST .................... 10
NEW SEAWALL AT TSUEN WAN BAY ............................. 11
OIL DISPERSANT FOR 'OILY' DAYS ............... ........... 11
SALT WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN ............................... 11
FIRING PRACTICE IN FEBRUARY......................... .... 12
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
1
DUCHESS OPENC HENRY MOORE EXHIBITION * * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT SHE WAS SURE +THE ART OF HENRY MOORE* EXHIBITIONWOULDBE APPRECIATED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND WOULD ADD A FRESH DIMENSION TO THE RELATIONS BETWEEN CULTURES IN HONG KONG AND ERITAIN.
THE DUCHESS WAS OPENING THE LARGEST EXHIBITION OF HENRY MOORE'S ART IN HONG KONG.
♦HENRY MOORE HAS PRACTISED HIS ART IN ENGLAND THROUGHOUT A LONG LIFETIME,♦ SHE SAID.
♦THIS INSPIRATION OF HIS WORK IS PERHAPS PECULIARLY ENGLISH-BUT ITS APPEAL, AS PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS HAVE AMPLY SHOWN, IS UNIVERSAL.♦
SHE WENT ON TO SAY THAT MR MOORE, WHO HAD FOLLOWED THE PREPARATIONS FOR THIS EXHIBITION WITH KEENESS, SPECIALLY APPROVED THE PROPOSAL TO MOUNT THE EXHIBITION HERE, WHERE HIS SCULPTURES COULD BE VIEWED AGAINST THE EYER-MEMORABLE SWEEP OF HONG KONG HARBOUR, AND ITS SKYLINE.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, SHE WENT TO JJE MUSEUM OF ART IN CITY HALL TO SEE SOME OF THE EXHIBITS. ON HAND TO BRIEF HER WAS MR LAWRENCE TAM, CHIEF MUSEUM CURATOR.
SHE THEN PROCEEDED TO THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE IN WAN CHAI, WHERE SHE WAS BRIEFED BY MR DAVID MITCH ISON, CURATOR OFTHE bENRY MOORE FOUNDATION, ON SOME OTHER WORKS OF HENRY MOORE.
IN THE AFTERNOON SHE CONTINUED HER PROGRAMME WITH A VISIT TO THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN SANDY BAY. ....
ACCOMPANIED BY LADY YOUDE, SHE TOURED SEVERAL HOSPITAL WARDS AND TALKED TO CHILDREN STAYING THERE.
THE DUCHESS ALSO SAW VARIOUS ACTIVITIES GOING ON IN HE DEPARTMENTS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY, ORTHOPAEDIC APPLIANCE AND - ~
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, BEFORE SHE UNVEILED A PLAQUE TO MARK THE START OF CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN THE HOSPITAL.
TOWARDS THE END OF THE VISIT, SHE WAS INVITED TO WATCH A BRIEF PROGRAMME OF SONG AND DANCE PERFORMED BY THE PATIENTS.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
2
PRE-PAID TUNNEL TICKET SALE ENCOURAGING
* * * X
MORE THAN Si MILLION WORTH OF PRE-PAID TICKETS FOR GOVERNMENT ROAD TUNNELS HAVE BEEN SOLD SINCE THEY WENT ON SALE ON MONDAY, WITH ABOUT HALF BEING BOUGHT BY PRIVATE CAR OWNERS AND THE REMAINDER BY FLEET USERS.
THE PRE-PAID TICKETS, WHICH CAN BE TENDERED AT THE LION ROCK AND ABERDEEN TUNNELS FROM TODAY (SATURDAY), ARE AVAILABLE AT 22 MULTI-STOREY GOVERNMENT CARPARKS AND PRIVATE CARPARKS MANAGED BY WILSON PARKING (HONG KONG) PTY LTD.
WILSON PARKING HAS PROJECTED INITIAL MONTHLY SALES AT 600 000 TICKETS, REPRESENTING ABOUT 20 PER CENT OF TUNNEL USERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT JUDGING FROM THE GOOD RESPONSE SO FAR, IT APPEARED LIKELY THAT SALES WOULD EXCEED THE ESTIMATED FIGURE.
LIKE EXACT TOLLS, THE TICKETS ARE EXPECTED TO INCREASE THROUGHPUT AT THE TOLL BOOTHS OF THE TUNNELS AND THEREBY REDUCE CONGESTION.
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MAKING U.C. ELECTIONS BETTER KNOWN
******
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION INTRODUCING THE WORK OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE STAGED FROM TODAY (SATURDAY) AT VICTORIA PARK.
ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EXHIBITION ON MARCH°6 ™E PUBL,CITY PR0GRAMME TO PROMOTE THE U.C. ELECTIONS
IT WILL MOVE TO THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY HALL FROM FEBRUARY 14 TO 16 AND THEN TO CITY PLAZA, BETWEEN FEBRUARY 28 AND MARCH 2.
UNDER THE ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS EASTERN DISTRICT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO CONSTITUENCIES — NORTH POINT AND SHAU KEI WAN.
THE NORTH POINT CONSTITUENCY COVERS CAUSEWAY BAY, NORTH POINT AND QUARRY BAY, WHILE THE SHAU KEI WAN CONSTITUENCY INCLUDES CHAI WAN, A KUNG NGAM, SHAU KEI WAN HILLSIDE AND SAI WAN HO. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ELECTORS IN THE DISTRICT IS MORE THAN 142 000, THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ELECTORS ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
/CANDIDATES .......
3
CANDIDATES COMPETING FOR THE NORTH POINT CONSTITUENCY ARE MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, MR STEPHEN CHENG AND MR SHEK KWEI-CHUN.
MR CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG, MR B.A. BERNACCHI, MADAM CHEUNG WAI-PING AND MR TONG CHOR-YIN ARE STANDING FOR ELECTIONS IN SHAU KEI WAN CONSTITUENCY.
THE CANDIDATES WILL FACE ELECTORS IN THEIR OWN CONSTITUENCY AT PUBLIC FORUMS TO BE ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE LATER THIS MONTH.
A TOTAL OF 35 OOO NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENTS GIVING A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS, THE VOTING PROCEDURE, ADDRESSES OF POLLING STATIONS AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL RESIDENTS LATER THIS MONTH.
MEANWHILE, DISPLAY WINDOWS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES WILL BE RE-DECORATED TO URGE ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON ELECTION DAY.
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FIRST FORUM FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES K * * * * *
THE FIRST FORUM FOR CANDIDATES IN THE FORTHCOMING REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTION TO OUTLINE THEIR PLATFORMS, HAS BEEN ARRANGED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE FORUM WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BOTH CANDIDATES AND VOTERS TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER AND TO GIVE AMPLE TIME FOR ELECTORS TO DECIDE WHO THEY SHOULD VOTE FOR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT, THERE ARE SIX NOMINATIONS VYING FOR THE CONSTITUENCY IN THE MARCH 6 ELECTIONS.
THE SIX CANDIDATES ARE : MR TANG YIU-CHO, PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADMASTER; MR FU WAI-BUN, MATHEMATICS LECTURER; MR TANG TUNG-KWONG MERCHANT; MR LEE KAE-BUN, RETIRED HEADMASTER; MR CHENG MUI-TIN, MERCHANT AND MR TANG KAM-FAT, UNION EMPLOYEE.
DURING SUNDAY’S FORUM, EACH CANDIDATE WILL INTRODUCE HIMSELF AS WELL AS HIS PLATFORM AND THEN ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR. THE MODERATOR OF THE FORUM IS MR ALAN WONG, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CANDIDATES FORUM TO BE HELD AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE LUT SAU HALL, TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
4
SEMINAR ON RESULTS OF TWO SURVEYS * * * * *
A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FINDING! OF TWO SURVEYS CONDUCTED IN MONG KOK ON THE EFFECTS OF BILLIARD SALOONS, VIDEO GAMES CENTRES AND SIGNBOARDS.
THE SURVEYS, ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, ARE PART OF A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT, ENTITLED +COMMUNITY-IN-PERSPECTIVE+.
IT IS DESIGNED TO ATTRACT PROFESSIONALS AND BUSINESSMEN TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AND DISTRICT ACTIVITIES.
♦BILLIARD SALOONS, VIDEO GAMES CENTRES AND SIGNBOARDS WERE CHOSEN FOR STUDY BECAUSE THERE IS GREAT CONCERN ABOUT THE INFLUENCES AND PROBLEMS THEY CAUSE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PROJECT ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
♦THE BILLIARD AND VIDEO GAMES CENTRES PROLIFERATED WIDELY IN THE DISTRICT IN RECENT YEARS AND HAVE BECOME GATHERING PLACES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
♦AT THE SAME TIME, THE NUISANCE AND OBSTRUCTION OF SIGNBOARDS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF COMPLAINTS AMONG LOCAL RES I DENTS,+ HE ADDED.
STUDENTS, MEMBERS OF YOUTH CENTRES, SCHOOL TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS, AND COMMUNITY LEADERS WERE INTERVIEWED IN STREET POLLS DURING THE SURVEYS.
REPORTS ON THE SURVEYS HAVE BEEN COMPILED AND WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR DISCUSSION.
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MRS PAULINE NG AND MRS ROSANNA TAM, URBAN COUNCILLOR, DR RONALD LEUNG- ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (KOWLOON) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR T.K. CHOY AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (MONG KOK), MR WONG TSAN-KWONG WILL SPEAK AT THE SEMINAR.
THE DISTRICT OFFFCER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY-IN-PERSPECTIVE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR HO FEI-CHI WILL ALSO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW AT CALIPH ROOM, 16TH FLOOR, AMBASSADOR HOTEL, MIDDLE ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
5
BOARD TO DISCUSS ANIMAL WASTE CONTROLS *****
ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTES AT THEIR NEETING ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3).
THEY WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON HE REPORT OF BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A MOTION REQUESTING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO TRANSPORT EXPENSES INCURRED BY THE TEACHERS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AND MATTERS CONCERNING THE BOARD’S OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AT 2 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3) IN DISTRICT BOARD ON THE 14TH FLOOR, CENTRAL.
ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETING THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE
HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD,
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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME IN KWAI CHUNG
* * * *
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME DESIGNED TO MOBILISE RESIDENTS AGAINST CRIME IN FIVE BLOCKS OF RESIDENTIAL PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl, WILL BE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3).
SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 154 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS HAVE BEEN FORMED AMONG 2 050 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE FIVE BLOCKS.
THE FIVE BLOCKS ARE LOCATED IN SHEK YAM ESTATE, SHEK LEI ESTATE, KWAI HING ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG ESTATE AND HONG WO HOUSE IN TSING Yl. THESE BUILDINGS WERE SELECTED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE POLICE.
THE +NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME* IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO FORM A +NIEGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNIT* TO KEEP AN EYE ON THEIR NEIGHBOUR’S HOME AND PROPERTY.
AN OPENING CEREMONY TO MARK THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME IN SHEK LEI BLOCK 14 WILL BE HELD MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3) AT 3 PM AT NO. 8 PLAYGROUND IN SHEK LEI ESTATE.
/KWAI CHUNG .......
+
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
- 6
KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR COMMANDER IN KWAI CHUNG, MR CEREMONY.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, HO TUNG-CHING AND POLICE DISTRICT BRIAN ELEY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN KWUN TONG * * * * *
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KWUN TONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-CRIME MESSAGE
THE + KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL* WILL FEATURE SINGING, LION DANCES, AND MARTIAL ARTS AND CLASSICAL DANCING BY LOCAL JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS.
ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE EVENT IS PART OF A PROGRAMME TO EDUCATE LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATION AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS ON HOW TO FIGHT CRIME.
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN THE FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL, WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WILL BE THE ASSISTANT KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE TAMI SAU MAU PING POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR TEDDY U, KWUN TONG POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR J.G. HURST! FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER, MRS SOPHIA HO, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR BASIL LEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE +KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL* HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
1
NEED TO KEEP PUBLIC AREAS CLEAN *****
™HBufEoSEDsSoSfS REMEMBER
MR f^lXCSAAW? 4S iELL’
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT YEAR-END CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN, MR LO URGED HOUSEHOLDS TO DISCARD THEIR RUBBISH AND JUNK PROPERLY AT THE NEAREST REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, AND NOT TO LEAVE THEM IN COMMON AREAS OF BUILDINGS AND STREETS.
HE SAID THAT FROM PAST EXPERIENCE, LARGE VOLUMES OF RUBBISH AND JUNK WERE DISPOSED OF BY HOUSEHOLDS BEFORE LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY.
STARTING FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) UNTIL FEBRUARY 8 (SATURDAY), THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS TO REMOVE ADDITIONAL REFUSE AND JUNK.
THE YEAR-END CLEAN UP CAMPAIGN, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WAS OFFICIATED BY MR LO, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SlK-KONGl THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR TANG TAI-CHUEN AND MR WONG CHI-KEUNG.
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DB MEMBERS TO TAKE PART IN TELEMATCH
*****
TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILL AND VITALITY IN A TELEMATCH TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE TELEMATCH, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE TAI YUEN SOCCER PITCH, IS PART ONE OF THE PROGRAMMES OF THE ON-GOING TAI PO FESTIVAL.
THE EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
A TOTAL OF SEVEN TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF GAMES AND COMPETE FOR PRIZES DONATED BY THE CHAIRMEN OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE.
/TAI PO .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
8 -
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TELEMATCH WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE TAI YUEN SOCCER PITCH AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
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DISPOSE OF REFUSE PROPERLY, HOUSECLEANERS TOLD ******
HOUSECLEANERS HAVE BEEN URGED TO REMOVE THEIR JUNK AND REFUSE TO THE NEAREST REFUSE COLLECTION POINT DURING THE YEAR-END CLEAN UP.
MAKING THE APPEAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) THROUGH FEBRUARY 8, ALL THE 107 OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC IN THE URBAN AREAS FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM EACH DAY.
IN ADDITION, THE OPENING HOURS OF MORE THAN 200 TEMPORARY ON-STREET POINTS WILL BE EXTENDED.
+RESIDENTS CAN CALL THE LITTER HOTLINE 5-95555 IF THEY ARE NOT SURE OF THE LOCATION OF THESE POINTS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO DEPLOY EXTRA CLEANSING STAFF AT THE VARIOUS RCP’S TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN REFUSE.
+WE HOPE THAT BY INCREASING THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF THE COLLECTION POINTS AND BY INCREASING THE MANPOWER, WE CAN ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO DISPOSE OF THEIR REFUSE AND JUNK PROPERLY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+WE ALSO HOPE THAT BY PROVIDING MORE REFUSE COLLECTION FACILITIES THROUGHOUT THE LAST SEVEN DAYS OF THE YEAR, RESIDENTS WILL HELP US BY CLEARING OUT THEIR HOUSES EARLY, AND NOT LEAVE IT ALL TO THE LAST MOMENT.+
ALL CLEANSING SERVICES WILL BE SUSPENDED ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY, FEBRUARY 9.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
RSD TO LAUNCH YEAR-END CLEAN UP *****
WITH THE APPROACH OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A FIVE-DAY CLEAN UP OPERATION FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3) TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE OF REFUSE.
THE AMOUNT OF REFUSE AND JUNK DISCARDED IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS USUALLY INCREASES A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WHEN THE PUBLIC TRADITIONALLY CLEAN UP THEIR HOMES TO WELCOME THE FESTIVAL, AN RSD SPOKESMAN SAID.
EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT, THE YIELD WILL START TO MOUNT ABOUT SIX DAYS BEFORE LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY AND PEAK AT ABOUT 2 050 TONNES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, WHICH IS ALMOST DOUBLE THE DAILY AVERAGE OF 1 050 TONNES.
DURING THE CLEAN UP OPERATION, THE RSD WILL DEPLOY HEALTH INSPECTORS TO VISIT COMMON PARTS OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO ACCUMULATED REFUSE AND JUNK.
CLEANSING STAFF WILL EXTEND THEIR NORMAL WORKING HOURS UNTIL ALL REFUSE AND JUNK ARE REMOVED. ADDITIONAL STAFF AND VEHICLES WILL BE DEPLOYED FOR THE TASK.
TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL ALSO BE SET UP AT CONVENIENT LOCATIONS FOR THE PUBLIC TO DISPOSE OF THEIR UNWANTED ARTICLES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CONTACT THEIR RESPECTIVE RSD DISTRICT OFFICES TO FIND OUT THE LOCATION OF THE NEAREST COLLECTION POINT.
-ESTIVAL ’-C'E’S j'l SALE * * * * *
TICKETS FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF PERFORMANCES IN THE 6TH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BE ON SALE FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3).
THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL, WHICH RUNS FROM FEBRUARY 21 TO MARCH 11, INCLUDE DANCES, DRAMAS, OPERAS AND CONCERTS.
ADVANCED BOOKING OF TICKETS CAN BE MADE AT THE BOX OFFICES OF THE TWO PERFORMING VENUES, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND LUT SAU HALL. THE DAILY OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM FOR YUEN LONG*TOWN HALL, AND FROM 1 PM TO 8.30 PM FOR LUT SAU HALL.
DETAILS OF THE PERFORMANCES AND TICKET PRICES ARE CONTAINED IN A FESTIVAL PROGRAMME LEAFLET WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTER OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, THE LUT SAU HALL AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT
BOARD SECRETARIAT OFFICE.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
10
RSD RECREATION FACILITIES CLOSE ON HOLIDAYS
*****
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT ITS NON-URBAN RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES WILL CLOSE FOR TWO OR THREE DAYS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
ALL SQUASH COURTS, TENNIS COURTS, SPORTS GROUNDS, AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL, INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND STADIUM UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE RSD WILL CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 9 AND 10, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE AND SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, HOWEVER, WILL CLOSE FOR THREE DAYS FROM FEBRUARY 3 TO 10.
ALL SPORTS CENTRES, WATER SPORTS CENTRES AND THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL WILL ALSO CLOSE FOR THREE DAYS FROM FEBRUARY 9 TO 11.
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FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO CONTEST
*****
PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN SHA TIN ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO COMPETITION.
SPONSORED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE +SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO CONTEST* IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE PLANNING COMMITTEE ON THE FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN AND SHA TIN DISTRICT OFF ICE.
PARTICIPANTS CAN SUBMIT PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE RECENT CHRISTMAS OR THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS MARCH 10.
THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY A PARTICIPANT. A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS CONSISTING OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL SCREEN THE ENTRIES AT THE PLANNING COMMITTEE’S MEETING IN MID-MARCH.
A CASH PRICE OF $3 000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNER WITH THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP RECEIVING $2 000 AND Si 000 RESPECTIVELY. WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE DISTRICT’S COMMUNITY HALLS AT A LATER DATE.
INFORMATION LEAFLET ON THE PHOTO COMPETITION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6065456.
MEANWHILE, THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS IN SHA TIN WILL BE SWITCHED ON AT A CEREMONY AT THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE IN THE TOWN CENTRE AT 6.30 PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6).
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
11
NEW SEAWALL AT TSUEN WAN BAY * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $34.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND PHASE OF A SEAWALL AT TSUEN WAN BAY.
THE 350-METRE-LONG SEAWALL WILL LINK A PARTLY COMPLETED SEAWALL STRETCHING FROM THE NEW FERRY PIER AT TSUEN WAN RECLAMATION TO THE OTHER END OF THE BAY.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE WORK TO PREPARE ABOUT NINE HECTARES OF SEABED FOR FUTURE RECLAMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BOX CULVERT IN THE AREA.
IT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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OIL DISPERSANT FOR ’OILY’ DAYS * * X X
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS +TOPPING UP+ ITS STOCK. OF OIL DISPERSANT BY LAYING IN AN EXTRA SUPPLY OF 1 980 LITRES AT A COST OF $27 720.
THE PURCHASE WAS AGREED AT THE LAST MEETING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S TENDER BOARD.
THE DISPERSANT IS USED FOR CLEANING OIL SPILLS SUCH AS THE ONE LAST JULY THAT POLLUTED 11 OF THE 12 BEACHES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND COST THE URBAN COUNCIL $700 000 TO CLEAN UP.
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SALT WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN
*****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 4).
THE SUSPENSION IS TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS AT THE TUEN MUN SALT WATER PUMPING STATION.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1986
12
FIRING PRACTICE IN FEBRUARY
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 14 DAYS THIS MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE:
DATE TIME
FEBRUARY 6 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 3 PM
FEBRUARY 7 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 3 PM
FEBRUARY 13 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 3 PM
FEBRUARY 17 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 18 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 19 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 20 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 21 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 24 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 25 (TUESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRURAY 26 (WEDNESDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 27 (THURSDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 28 (FRIDAY) 8 AM - 5 PM
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WARNING AGAINST BRINGING IN MEDICINES ......................... 1
MORE WOMEN JOIN CUSTOMS WORK .................................. 2
PROMOTE BILLIARDS AS HEALTHY SPORT, SURVEY SAYS ............... 3
HISTORY OF LANGUAGE TEACHING UNFOLDED ......................... 4
TEACHING KIT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION PRODUCED .............. 5
PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT MARCh 6 ELECTION ...................... 6
CONCEPT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT EXPLAINED................. 7
LAW AND ORDER IN KWUN TONG IMPROVES ........................... 7
MEW FACILITIES aT MAN KAM TO SET TO OPEN ...................... 8
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ....................................... 9
WARNING ON POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS ............................ 9
COUNTRY PARKS TO RJMAIN CLOSED ................................ 10
ROAD SAFETY REPORT PUBLISHED .................................. 11
APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS INVITED ............................. 11
MAC'S HELP IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE........................- 12
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME .................... 13
KEEP FIT FOR ONLY 530 A MONTH AT UC SPORTS CENTRES............. 13
NEW BEACH BUILDING AT KIU TSUI ................................ 15
CHILDREN INVITED TO SINGING CONTEST ........................... 16
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BURIAL, CREMATION .................... 17
FOOD CENTRE, OPEN SPACE FOR TSING YI .......................... 17
ROAD WORK TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC .................................. 18
TRAFFIC CHANGES ...............................................
KEEP KITCHENS CLEAN, OPERATORS TOLD ........................... 19
BANQUET FOR THE ELDERLY ..............-........................ 19
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
1
WARNING AGAINST BRINGING IN MEDICINES * * * * *
RESIDENTS RETURNING FROM CHINA WERE REMINDED TODAY (SUNDAY) NOT TO BRING IN PHARMACY OR ANTIBIOTICS OTHER THAN THOSE MEDICINES REQUIRED FOR PERSONAL MEDICAL TREATMENT.
CUSTOMS DIVISIONAL COMMANDER OF THE BORDER CONTROLS, MR EDDIE LAM, SAID IMPORTATION AND POSSESSION OF THE DRUGS ARE SUBJECT TO STRICT CONTROLS UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AS WELL AS THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE.
♦ANY PERSON, IF CONVICTED FOR POSSESSION OF PART 1 POISONS, WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT OF 12 MONTHS.
♦A FINE OF UP TO $10 000 WILL BE IMPOSED ON THOSE CONVICTED OF POSSESSING ANTIBIOTICS,* MR LAM SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MOST COMMON PHARMACY AND POISONS BEING BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG ARE UNGUENTUM FLUOCINOLONI ACETONIDI ACET IS, INJECT10 ANALGIN I, INJECT 10 ANTONDINI AND TABELLAE DIAZEPAM.
THE COMMON ANTIBIOTICS ARE OCULENTUM CHLORETRACYCLIN, CAPSULAE OXYTETRACYCLINE, TABELLAE ERYTHROMYCLINI, INJECTIO BENZYLPENIC ILL I UM KALIUM, OCUSTILLA CHORAMPHENICOLI, TABELLAE TETRACYCLINI, INJECTIO GENTAMYCINI SULFATIS.
♦CUSTOMS OFFICERS AT VARIOUS BORDER CONTROL POINTS WILL STEP UP CONTROL MEASURES TO CHECK ON TRAVELLERS DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD.+
♦IT IS IMPORTANT THAT RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT BREAK THE LAW AND REFRAIN FROM BRINGING IN THE DRUGS,+ MR LAM SAID.
DURING 1985, A TOTAL OF 79 RESIDENTS RETURNING FROM CHINA WERE PROSECUTED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE AND 26 UNDER THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE.
MR LAM ALSO WARNED THAT IT WAS ALSO AN OFFENCE FOR THE PUBLIC TO BRING IN +ENDANGERED SPECIES+ SUCH AS PANGOLIN, OWL, TURTLE, CROCODILE AND PYTHON.
♦AS FOR IMPORTATION OF CATS, DOGS, FIRE CRACKERS AND FIREWORKS, THIS SHOULD NOT BE DONE UNLESS ARRANGEMENT IS MADE FOR A PERMIT FROM THE RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS.+
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
2
MORE WOMEN JOIN CUSTOMS WORK *****
THE NUMBER OF WOMEN IN THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE HAS MORE THAN DOUBLED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
WHILE THERE WERE ONLY 141 WOMEN OFFICERS IN THE SERVICE IN 1980, THEIR NUMBER HAS INCREASED TO 267 THIS YEAR. THERE ARE NOW 205 WOMEN OFFICERS IN THE CUSTOMS OFFICER GRADE AND 62 IN THE INSPECTORATE GRADE, REPRESENTING ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FORCE, ACCORDING TO ACTING ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT, MRS MAGGIE KWOK.
MRS KWOK JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1969 WHEN THE MAIN DUTY CF WOMEN OFFICERS WAS TO CARRY OUT PERSONAL SEARCHES ON WOMEN AT CHECKPOINTS.
+AT THAT TIME, WOMEN OFFICERS WERE GIVEN 25 PER CENT LESS PAY THAN THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS,+ SHE RECALLED.
+BUT BY 1975 WHEN THE FINAL STAGE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ’EQUAL PAY FOR EQUAL WORK’ SCHEME WAS COMPLETED, WOMEN BEGAN TO ENJOY THE SAME BENEFITS AS MALE OFFICERS. OF COURSE, THIS MEANT THAT THEY HAD TO TAKE UP ADDITIONAL DUTIES.*
TODAY, WOMEN OFFICERS SERVE IN ALMOST ALL THE UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE ONLY EXCEPTION IS THE STRIKE AND SEARCH DIVISION WHERE OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT SEA AND COASTAL PATROLS, CHECK ON REFUGEES AND CONDUCT STRIKE-AND-SEARCH OPERATIONS.
+WOMEN DO NOT TAKE PART IN THESE OPERATIONS NOT BECAUSE THEY ARE INCAPABLE OF DOING SO BUT BECAUSE FACILITIES IN VESSELS ARE NOT ADEQUATE,* SHE EXPLAINED.
MRS KWOK, WHO IS ONE OF THE MOST SENIOR WOMEN OFFICERS IN THE SERVICE, HAS JUST RETURNED FROM AN OVERSEAS CUSTOMS TECHNIQUES TRAINING COURSE IN JAPAN.
SHE IS THE FIRST WOMAN OFFICER TO ATTEND THE COURSE IN WHICH REPRESENTATIVES FROM 15 COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD TOOK PART.
+BEING A WOMAN, I AM PROUD TO HAVE TAKEN PART BECAUSE I WAS ONE OF THE ONLY TWO WOMEN PARTICIPANTS IN THIS INTERNATIONAL EVENT,* frRS KWOK SAID.
♦THAT A WOMAN OFFICER HAS BEEN CHOSEN TO ATTEND THE COURSE WHICH LASTS FOR TWO MONTHS SHOWS THAT THE MANAGEMENT APPRECIATES THE ROLE OF WOMEN OFFICERS.
♦THIS ALSO SHOWS THAT WOMEN ARE NOT DISCRIMINATED AGAINST AS FAR AS PROMOTION IS CONCERNED.*
THERE ARE NOW EIGHT WOMEN OFFICERS OF SENIOR INSPECTOR RANK. LOOKING AHEAD, MRS KWOK ENVISAGED THAT MORE AND MORE WOMEN CFFICERS WOULD RISE TO THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT RANK OR ABOVE.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
3
PROMOTE BILLIARDS AS HEALTHY SPORT, SURVEY SAYS
* * * M
RECOMMENDATIONS IN A SURVEY ON BILLIARD SALOONS IN MONG KOK SUGGEST THAT LAWS GOVERNING SUCH HALLS SHOULD BE AMENDED AND THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL SHOULD PROMOTE THE GAME AS A HEALTHY SPORT.
THIS IS ONE OF THE TWO SURVEYS RECENTLY CONDUCTED BY THE ♦COMMUNITY-IN-PERSPECTIVE+ PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, TO FIND OUT THE EFFECTS OF BILLIARD SALOONS AND VIDEO GAMES CENTRES ON YOUTHS, AS WELL AS NUISANCES CAUSED BY SIGNBOARDS ON RESIDENTS.
ACCORDING TO THE FIRST SURVEY, SOME 900 STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS INTERVIEWED ABOUT BILLIARD SALOONS AND VIDEO GAMES CENTRES THOUGHT THAT YOUTHS COULD EASILY INDULGE IN THE GAME AND SPEND MUCH POCKET MONEY IN SUCH PLACES.
THE REPORT ALSO SUGGESTED THAT STRICT ENFORCEMENT BE CARRIED OUT ON THE LAW FORBIDDING STUDENTS UNDER 16 YEARS OLD AND IN SCHOOL UNIFORM FROM ENTERING VIDEO GAMES CENTRES.
ANOTHER SURVEY ON THE NUISANCE OF SIGNBOARDS REVEALED THAT AMONG THE 120 SHOP OPERATORS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND BUILDING OWNERS INCORPORATIONS INTERVIEWED, MORE THAN HALF OF THEM DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHICH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT REGULATED SIGNBOARDS.
AND AMONG THEM, 80 PER CENT DID NOT KNOW WHICH DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE APPROACHED FOR PERMISSION TO ERECT A SIGNBOARD.
THE REPORT PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD WIDELY PUBLICISE LEGISLATION ON SIGNBOARDS AND TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC AND SHOP OWNERS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN A SEMINAR TODAY (SUNDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FINDINGS OF THE TWO SURVEYS.
FINDINGS AND PROPOSALS IN THE SURVEYS HAVE BEEN COMPILED INTO TWO REPORTS AND WILL BE SUBMITTED FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CONSIDERATION.
GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDED UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MRS PAULINE NG AND MRS ROSANNA TAM- URBAN COUNCILLOR, DR RONALD LEUNG- ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR T.K. CHOY AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (MONG KOK), l*R WONG TSAN-KWONG.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
4
HISTORY OF LANGUAGE TEACHING UNFOLDED * * * * *
THE HISTORY OF LANGUAGE TEACHING IN HONG KONG IS UNFOLDED IN THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF A JOURNAL PUBLISHED BY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT S INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION.
IN AN ARTICLE IN THE JOURNAL, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN CHARGE OF THE INSTITUTE. DR VERNER BICKLEY, WROTE THAT EDUCATION IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN HONG KONG WAS Fl«ST PROVIDED IN THE ANGLO-CHINESE COLLEGE AND IN ST PAUL’S COLLEGE, BOTH OF WHICH WERE FOUNDED IN 1843 TO TRAIN MINISTERS FOR THE LONDON MISSIONARY SOCEITY AND THE ANGLICAN CHURCH.
IT WAS NOT UNTIL 10 YEARS LATER THAT ENGLISH TEACHING WAS INTRODUCED IN SCHOOLS.
ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF AN EDUCATION COMMITTEE, A NUMBER OF SMALL GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS WERE MERGED INTO THE CENTRAL SCHOOL IN 1862, WHICH WAS LATER RENAMED THE QUEEN’S COLLEGE.
IN THE ENSUING YEARS, THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG AS A TRADING CENTRE LED TO A DEMAND FOR BILINGUAL CLERKS, COMPRADORES AND INTERPRETERS TO WORK NOT ONLY IN BUSINESS HOUSES IN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO IN TRADING PORTS IN CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES. AS A RESULT, ENGLISH TEACHING IN THE CENTRAL SCHOOL WAS VALUED BY STUDENTS WHO WANTED TO SECURE EMPLOYMENT IN THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR.
SOON AFTER ASSUMING GOVERNORSHIP IN 1877, SIR JOHN POPE-HENNESSY APPOINTED A COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT LANGUAGE TEACHING IN HONG KONG. THE COMMITTEE MADE FAR-REACHING RECOMMENDATIONS TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE EDUCATION. AMONG OTHER THINGS, IT SUGGESTED THAT THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH SHOULD BE THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THAT MORE ENGLISH SPEAKING MASTERS BE APPOINTED AND SMALLER CLASSES BE ARRANGED.
IN THE FOLLOWING DECADES, THE GOVERNMENT GRADUALLY INCREASED ITS PARTICIPATION IN EDUCATION BY PROVIDING MORE SCHOOLS AND BY INTRODUCING TEACHER TRAINING FACILITIES. THE NORTHCOTE TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE WAS OPENED IN 1939.
IN THE IMMEDIATE POST-WAR PERIOD, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT (1946-47) STATED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A GREATER PARTICIPATION BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PROVISION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION IN CHINESE.
SUBSEQUENTLY, MEASURES WERE TAKEN TO EXPAND CHINESE-MEDIUM EDUCATION. THESE INCLUDED THE OPENING OF THE GRANTHAM TEACHER TRAINING COLLEGE IN 1951 TO TRAIN PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO WOULD TEACH THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF CHINESE.
/THE LANGUAGE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
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THE LANGUAGE ISSUE WAS LOOKED AT AGAIN IN 1951 BY A COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION WHICH CONSIDERED THAT THERE WERE WEAKNESSES IN ENGLISH TEACHING IN SCHOOLS AND SUGGESTED TWO KINDS OF COURSE FOR TEACHERS TO IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY AND TO INSTRUCT THEM IN METHODOLOGY.
IN 1963, A WORKING PARTY SET UP UNDER THE THEN EDUCATION COMMISSION RECOMMENDED THAT THE STANDARD OF CHINESE STUDIES IN ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS AND OF ENGLISH STUDIES IN CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD BE IMPROVED.
DR BICKLEY’S ARTICLE ALSO GAVE AN ACCOUNT OF EVENTS LEADING TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE ^LANGUAGE PACKAGE* IN 1980 AND THE EXISTING EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS RELATED TO LANGUAGE EDUCATION.
THE JOURNAL ALSO CONTAINS A WEALTH OF WRITING BY EDUCATIONISTS AND LINGUISTS ON THE TEACHING OF BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES. COPIES OF THE JOURNAL HAVE BEEN SENT TO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS.
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TEACHING KIT ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION PRODUCED ft ft ft ft ft
A TEACHING KIT ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN PRODUCED FOR SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN THEIR CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
THE KIT WAS PREPARED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
A TOTAL OF 100 SETS ARE AVAILABLE. AND INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS CAN MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO USE THE KIT.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID AS CIVIC EDUCATION WAS A MAJOR CAMPAIGN FOR THIS YEAR, EACH OF THE 16 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT WOULD RECEIVE A FREE FOLDER CONTAINING A HANDBOOK FOR TEACHERS, FACT SHEETS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO STUDENTS, AND A SET CF 30 SLIDES AND 17 TRANSPARENCIES.
THE FOUR-CHAPTER TEACHER’S GUIDE PROVIDES DETAILS ON THE FORMATION AND BACKGROUND, RECENT DEVELOPMENT, CURRENT SITUATION AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, AS WELL AS THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
/IN HIS .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
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IN HIS FOREWORD, SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID THE WELL-ILLUSTRATED TEACHING KIT, WHICH DEPICTS AT LENGTH THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WITH SPECIAL RELATION TO SOUTHERN DISTRICT, SHOULD HELP AROUSE THE ATTENTION OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ON THE ISSUE.
HE SAID WITH THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THROUGH THE DISTRICT BOARDS, IMPORTANT PROGRESS HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN AREAS SUCH AS TRAFFIC, HOUSING AND PUBLIC WORKS IN RECENT YEARS.
♦DISTRICT ADMINSTRATION WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN COPING WITH SOCIETY’S NEEDS. AND ITS SUCCESS WILL DEPEND ON THE SUPPORT AND ENTHUSIASM OF RESIDENTS,* MR CHAN SAID.
HE HOPED MORE YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THEIR COMMUNITY AND TAKE A MORE ACTIVE PART TOWARDS BUILDING A BETTER SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
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PUBLIC URGED TO SUPPORT MARCH 6 ELECTION M M M M
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTION ON MARCH 6 BY CASTING THEIR VOTES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES TELEMATCH. MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT CLOSE CO-OPERATION AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION WERE NOT ONLY THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN SPORTS, BUT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
♦THE TELEMATCH CAN HELP FOSTER A BETTER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DB MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS, AND MAY ALSO HELP PROMOTE THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE CONSTITUENCIES,* MR CHAN SAID.
A TOTAL OF SEVEN TEAMS, EACH COMPRISING 22 MEMBERS AND LED BY ONE APPOINTED DB MEMBER AND ONE ELECTED DB MEMBER OF EACH CONSTITUENCY, TOOK PART IN THE TELEMATCH AT THE TAU YUEN SOCCER
PITCH.
THE TELEMATCH WAS ONE OF THE MANY PROGRAMMES OF THE ON-GOING TAI PO FESTIVAL.
IT WAS ORGANISED BY THE PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE’S WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
?
CONCEPT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT EXPLAINED * * * *
THE BASIC CONCEPT AND SPIRIT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IS TO PROVIDE A CHANNEL FOR RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVE, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SAI KUNG GAMES DAY, MR HO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO ESTABLISH A LINK WITH RESIDENTS THROUGH VARIOUS TYPES OF REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEMS.
♦THERE ARE THE APPOINTED SYSTEM AND THE ELECTED SYSTEM, WHICH ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE PUBLIC OPINION AS A MAJOR REFERENCE WHEN DECIDING ON A POLICY,+ HE SAID.
♦THE DISTRICT BOARD IS AN EXAMPLE OF PUBLIC OPINION COLLECTING BODY. THROUGH 'MEET THE PUBLIC SESSIONS’ AND CONTACTS WITH PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS FIELDS, BOARD MEMBERS CAN UNDERSTAND THE WISHES OF THE PUBLIC AND REFLECT THEM TO THE GOVERNMENT.
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE THEME OF TODAY’S EVENT WAS TO PROMOTE THE PARTICIPATION ASPECT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM THROUGH GROUP ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID SAI KUNG DISTRICT HAD THE HIGHEST OF VOTER TURNOUT RATE DURING THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS LAST YEAR. HE HOPED THAT VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT WOULD CONTINUE THEIR SUPPORT AT THE POLLS DURING REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
THE GAMES DAY, BEING HELD AT TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN IN SAI KUNG. IT WAS CO-ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
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LAW AND ORDER IN KWUN TONG IMPROVES * * * *
THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN KWUN TONG HAS IMPROVED DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER MISS ANNIE TAM, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
OFFICIATING AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL, SHE SAID THE OVERALL CRIME DETECTION RATE IN THE DISTRICT IN 1985 HAD BEEN IMPROVED TO 46.3 PER CENT FROM 41.3 PER CENT IN 1984.
MISS TAM ATTRIBUTED THE IMPROVEMENT IN LAW AND ORDER TO ADDITIONAL POLICE RESOURCES DEPLOYED IN THE DISTRICT SINCE THE NEW SAU MAU PING POLICE DISTRICT STARTED OPERATION IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
/IN SAU .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
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IN SAU MAU PING DISTRICT, THE NUMBER OF CRIMES REPORTED WENT DOWN BY SIX PER CENT FROM 6 607 IN 1984 TO 6 224 LAST YEAR, SHE SAID.
TO ACHIEVE FURTHER IMPROVEMENT. MISS TAM SAID THE POLICE, AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, HAD SELECTED SEVEN PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS IN THE DISTRICT TO IMPLEMENT THE ’NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME*.
ACCORDING TO THE POLICE, THE SCHEME HAD BEEN USEFUL IN PREVENTING BURGLARIES AND ENHANCING NEIGHBOURLINESS, SHE SAID.
MISS TAM BELIEVED THE RESIDENTS IN THE SELECTED BUILDINGS WOULD SUPPORT THE SCHEME AND JOIN HANDS WITH THE POLICE TO MAKE THEIR HOMES SAFER.
ANOTHER FORCE VITAL TO THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME WAS THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WHICH ACTED AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE POLICE AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE IN KWUN TONG HAD ORGANISED A SERIES OF FIGHT CRIME SEMINARS FOR MEMBERS OF LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, TODAY’S EVENT FEATURED LION DANCES, MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCES AND A VARIETY SHOW. /
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL WERE THE SAU MAU PING POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR TEDDY U, THE KWUN TONG POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR J.G. HURST; A FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBER, NRS SOPHIA HO; AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, W BASIL LEUNG.
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NEW FACILITIES AT MAN KAM TO SET TO OPEN *****
CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC FLOW AT MAN KAM TO SHOULD BE GREATLY IMPROVED FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) WHEN NEW IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE FACILITIES COME INTO OPERATION.
THIS MAJOR CROSSING POINT WITH CHINA IS NOW USED BY SOME 5 500 VEHICLES AND 1 000 COACH PASSENGERS EACH DAY, AND AUTHORITIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER ARE GEARING UP FOR A STEADY GROWTH IN TRAFFIC.
/THE MAIN .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
9
THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE NEW $6O-MILLI0N FACILITIES IS A TWO-STOREY TERMINAL BUILDING INCORPORATING OFFICES AND PASSENGER PROCESSING FACILITIES. FOR COACH PASSENGERS THERE ARE 28 IMMIGRATION AND 15 CUSTOMS COUNTERS, WHILE VEHICLES ARE PROVIDED WITH 12 IMMIGRATION AND 12 CUSTOMS KIOSKS.
IN ADDITION, THERE IS A SEPARATE CUSTOMS IMPORT CARGO EXAMINATION COMPLEX CONSISTING OF SIX VEHICLE PARKING BAYS AND A CARGO STORAGE AREA. A SIMILAR EXPORT CARGO EXAMINATION PARKING BAYS IS DUE TO COME INTO OPERATION
COMPLEX WITH TWO IN MAY.
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HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES *****
THE MEDICAL DURING THE LUNAR EVENING CLINICS,
AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT^ NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ALL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, INCLUDING WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 8 AND 10.
HOWEVER, ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 11), EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPENED FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM.
THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON, LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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WARNING ON POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THEY ARE PROHIBITED FROM ANY UNLICENSED POSSESSION CR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORK, FIRECRACKERS, PISTOL CAPS AND PARTY POPPERS.
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MINES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, bfl BORHYEN WANG, TODAY (SUNDAY) WARNED THAT UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO POSSESSES OR DISCHARGES ANY FIREWORK WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
HE SAID SOME UNSCRUPULOUS TRADESMEN MIGHT BRING IN LARGE QUANTITY OF FIREWORKS TO HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, TO MAKE PROFITS.
ILLEGALLY-IMPORTED FIREWORKS WILL BE SEIZED AND THE OFFENDER IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
ANYONE IN POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS OR SIMILAR ITEMS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY SURRENDER THEM TO THE POLICE OR THE MINES DIVISION AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MR WANG SAID.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
10
COUNTRY PARKS TO REMAIN CLOSED
* * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE TAI LAM, TAI MO SHAN AND SHING MUN COUNTRY PARKS AND TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE WOULD REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
THE BAN ON BARBECUING IN ALL OTHER COUNTRY PARKS WILL STAY IN FORCE AT THE SAME TIME.
THE PARKS WERE CLOSED AND THE FIRE BAN IMPOSED ON JANUARY 11 BECAUSE OF EXTREMELY HIGH FIRE RISK.
FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT FIRE SITUATION AND THE LONG RANGE WEATHER FORECAST, A DECISION WAS RECENTLY TAKEN TO CONTINUE WITH THESE CONTROL MEASURES TO PREVENT FURTHER FIRE DAMAGE TO PARK PLANTATIONS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +IN VIEW OF THE CONTINUING HIGH FIRE RISK AND THE FACT THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO MEASURABLE RAINFALL IN THE PAST 50 DAYS, A SPECIAL ACTION PLAN HAS BEEN DRAWN UP AMONG THE DEPARTMENT, THE FIRE SERVICES AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES TO PROTECT THE COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD AND ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE FIRE SEASON.
+PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN INCLUDE MORE FREQUENT PATROLS BY PARK WARDENS AND CAS MEMBERS, AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF MORE AFD AND CAS PERSONNEL AND MORE FSD APPLIANCES ON STANDBY DUTY DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.+
IN ADDITION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, TEMPORARY WATER TANKS WOULD BE SET UP AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN THE VULNERABLE PARKS TO FACILITATE FIRE FIGHTING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE THE COMING INTO EFFECT OF THE CLOSURE ORDER AND THE FIRE BAN, THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF FIRES IN COUNTRY PARKS - FROM 45 IN THE WEEK PRECEDING THE SHING MUN FIRE ON JANUARY 8 AND 9 TO ONLY SIX LAST WEEK.
DESPITE THE IMPROVEMENT, HE SAID, THE FIRE TOLL SO FAR THIS FIRE SEASON HAD FAR EXCEEDED THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S RECORD AND THE DAMAGE DONE WAS THE WORST IN 10 YEARS.
SINCE THE START OF THE FIRE SEASON LAST SEPTEMBER, THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 824 REPORTS OF HILL FIRE, OF WHICH 241 VERE INSIDE OR THREATENED COUNTRY PARKS. THESE FIRES DAMAGED MORE THAN 515 000 TREES AND 4 650 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND.
IN THE LAST FIRE SEASON, ONLY 68 000 TREES AND 798 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND WERE AFFECTED IN 480 HILL FIRES INCLUDING 159 INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
11
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD TAKEN OUT SUMMONSES AGAINST 10 PEOPLE FOR VIOLATING THE CLOSURE ORDER AND THE FIRE BAN.
♦OFFENDERS OF THE CLOSURE ORDER WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF 82 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS WHILE VIOLATIONS CF THE FIRE BAN MAY RESULT IN A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 000 ONE YEAR S IMPRISONMENT,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE THESE CONTROL MEASURES STRICTLY. THEY SHOULD BRING PRE-COOKED FOOD ONLY AND HANDLE CIGARETTE ENDS WITH CARE WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE.
♦WE WOULD LIKE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE CAREFUL, MORE THOUGHTFUL AND MORE CIVIC-MINDED SO THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY A FIRE-FREE HOLIDAY SEASON,+ HE ADDED.
ROAD SAFETY REPORT PUBLISHED
******
A BRIEF CEREMONY TO MARK THE PUBLICATION OF THE FIRST ISSUE CF THE ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT 3 PM AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE, 2 MURRAY ROAD, GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (TRAFFIC), ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, fR J.C. CLEMENCE, AND THE CHIEF ENGINEER, ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR D.G. WILLDAY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY IS PUBLISHED BY THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG ROAD USERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE NEXT TO THE MURRAY ROAD CAR PARK AT 2.55 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS INVITED
*****
LOCAL BODIES IN SHAM SHU I PO ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO CARRY OUT COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 7.
A LETTER WAS SENT TO MORE THAN 1 000 ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT LAST MONTH INVITING THEM TO APPLY FOR GRANTS AND SUBSIDIES.
/CHAIRMAN CF.........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1?b6
12
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR FAN KAM-PING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT AT A MEETING EARLIER, MEMBERS DECIDED TO ADOPT A NEW ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS.
INSTEAD OF HANDLING THEM IN AN INTERMITTENT AND PIECEMEAL BASIS THE COMMITTEE HAD SET UP A VETTING SUB-COMMITTEE WHICH WOULD MEET THREE TIMES A YEAR TO CONSIDER AND APPROVE THE APPLICATIONS, HE SAID.
♦ THIS WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT AND LABOUR-SAVING ARRANGEMENT, BUT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE COMMITTEE TO HAVE AN OVERALL PICTURE OF fHE PROJECTS TO BE ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT OVER A CERTAIN PERIOD, SO THAT IT CAN PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN COORDINATING THE ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS ENSURING AN EVEN AND EFFECTIVE DISTRIBUTION OF THE RESOURCES,* MR FAN ADDED.
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE VETTING SUB-COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD ON APR IL 4.
MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS, KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND VARIOUS REGISTERED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR DB FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT NON-PROFIT-MAKING ACTIVITIES.
APPLICATION FORMS AND DETAILS OF THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFF ICE AND SUB-OFF ICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-7204251 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
----0------
MAC’S HELP IN FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE
*****
CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS FROM OVER 150 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN TUEN MUN DISTRICT LEARNED MORE ABOUT DRUG ABUSE AND ITS HARMFUL EFFECTS THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
THEY WERE ENTERTAINED TO AN ANTI-NARCOTICS SLIDE SHOW ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HELD AT THE NEW TOWN CINEMA, TUEN MUN.
THE SHOW WAS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES OF THE TERR I TORY-wIDE ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN WITH THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, THE COMMITTEES, ON THE BASIS OF MUTUAL AID AND CONCERN FOR THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD, COULD BE ENCOURAGED TO REPORT DRUG PEDLARS AND TO COMBAT DRUG TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES.
/THE -.J*PAlGh ...........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY e, 19&6
THE CAMPAIGN WAS LAUNCHED WITH AN AIM TO ALERT THE MAC’S, ESPECIALLY THEIR MEMBERS WHO WERE PARENTS, JO THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE, TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO FORM PARENT GROUPS TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN FROM DRUG ABUSE IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD, AND TO URGE THEM TO TAKE MORE CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN.
THE SLIDE SHOW WAS FOLLOWED BY AN ENTERTAINING LOCALLY PRODUCED MOVIE +PROTECTOR+ WHICH FEATURED THE WORK OF THE POLI IN ERADICATING AN INTERNATIONAL DRUG SMUGGLING RING.
CE
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FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME
* * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR THE 1986 EASTERN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, SCHOOLS, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN EASTERN DISTRICT CAN APPLY,
THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S EASTERN DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, ISi *TO CARE FOR SOCIETY AND TO KNOW MORE ABOUT HONG KONG*.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER THE APPLICATIONS IN MARCH AND THE RESULTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN APRIL.
ANY ORGANISATION WHO WANTS TO APPLY FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT CAN COLLECT APPLICATION FORMS AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
THE DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 26, AND APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, GROUND FLOOR, 884-886 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT.
------( — —
KEEP FIT FOR ONLY $30 A MONTH AT UC SPORTS CENTRES * * * * ■*
AT A NOMINAL MONTHLY FEE OF $30, YOU CAN NOT ONLY STAY FIT AND HEALTHY IN A RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT AT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S TO KWA WAN SPORTS CENTRE, BUT YOU CAN ALSO MAKE NEW SPORTS-MINDED FRIENDS.
THE MODERN SPORTS CtNTRE OFFERS A VARIETY OF KEEP-FIT COURSES AT THIS HIGHLY AFFORDABLE MONTHLY FEE. FOR YOGA COURSES, IT IS EVEN CHEAPER, AT ONLY $20 A MONTH.
-S :CE BEING........
JJNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
♦SINCE BEING OPENED LAST APRIL, THE CENTRE HAS PROVED TC BE EXTREMELY POPULAR,+ SAID MR W.K. LIU, RECREATION AND SPORTS MANAGER (KOWLOON EAST) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE CENTRE’S UTILISATION RATE IN 1984/85 WAS ABOUT 80 PER CENT, WHICH WAS VERY HIGH GIVEN A GENERAL RELUCTANCE TO ENROLL FOR MID-DAY SESSIONS, HE SAID.
♦DURING THE YEAR, MORE THAN 31 003 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN 950 KEEP-FIT PROJECTS AND NO FEWER THAN 154 803 SESSIONAL ATTENDANCES WERE RECORDED,* HE SAID.
♦THE PROJECTS INCLUDE COURSES ON FITNESS TRAINING, YOGA, DANCING OF VARIOUS KINDS SUCH AS FOLK DANCE, MODERN DANCE, SOCIAL DANCE, ORIENTAL DANCE AND DISCO DANCE, BALLET FOR CHILDREN AND AEROBICS.
♦THESE COURSES ARE WELL RECEIVED SINCE IT IS WIDELY RECOGNISED THAT FITNESS PROGRAMMES LEAD TO A BETTER PHYSICAL CONDITION AND HELP MINIMISE CARD10-VASCULAR AND ORTHOPAEDIC DISEASES.
♦BOTH YOUNG AND OLD ARE GENERALLY WELL AWARE THAT THE GENERAL EFFECT OF EXERCISES IS TO GIVE ONE A BETTER MENTAL OUTLOOK AND IMPROVE ONE’S FITNESS AND CAPACITY TO COPE WITH DAILY L IFE.+
FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED, THE 768-SQUARE METRE CENTRE IS wELL EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST FITNESS FACILITIES. IT COMPRISES A FITNESS ROOM WITH A 16-STATION MULTI-GYMNASIUM, WALL BARS, EXERCISE BICYCLES, ROWING MACHINES, SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT FOR TRAINING COMPETITIVE SWIMMERS AND A TREADMILL.
THERE IS ALSO A FITNESS ROOM EQUIPPED WITH A 10-STATI0N GYMNASIUM SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR FEMALES AND TO HELP TIGHTEN UP THE MUSCLES OF THE WHOLE BODY.
OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A SPACIOUS ROOM FOR DANCE ACTIVITIES, A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL FOR YOGA PRACTICE, A LECTURE ROOM AND AMPLE CHANGING FACILITIES.
MR LIU SAID: +ANOTHER ATTRACTION OF THE CENTRE IS ITS CORDIAL AND CONVIVIAL ATMOSPHERE. OUR FULLY-QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS NOT ONLY TAKE CARE OF THE PHYSICAL SIDE OF THE PARTICIPANTS, BUT ALSO STRIVE TO MAKE THEM FEEL AT HOME. MOST PARTICIPANTS HAVE THUS BECOME VERY ATTACHED TO THE CENTRE AND REGARD IT AS THEIR SECOND HOME.
♦MANY 0F OUR PARTICIPANTS ARE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 40 AND INCLUDE HOUSEWIVES, CLERICAL WORKERS AND STUDENTS.
/+OLD 1 20PLE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 19fc6
15 -
♦OLD PEOPLE ALSO ACCOUNT FOR A PROPORTION OF THE PARTICIPANTS BECAUSE THE CENTRE’S MANAGEMENT IS ALSO MINDFUL OF THE NEEDS OF OUR SENIOR CITIZENS IN ITS EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE FITNESS AWARENESS AMONG THE PUBLIC. A FITNESS COURSE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE AGED IS WELL SUPPORTED AND IS FREE OF CHARGE FOR THOSE AGED OVER 60.+
THE CENTRE IS ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN MA TAU WAI ROAD, TO KWA WAN, AND IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
♦ IT HAS BECOME A FAVOURITE SPOT AMONG HOUSEWIVES AS THEY CAN DO THEIR DAILY MARKETING ON THE LOWER FLOORS OF THE BUILDING AFTER AN EARLY-MORNING SESSION OF AEROBICS OR YDGA,+ SAID MR LIU.
APART FROM THE TO KWA WAN SPORTS CENTRE WHICH SERVES KOWLOON RESIDENTS, THE URBAN COUNCIL ALSO OPERATES THE CITY LIONS CLUB SPORTS CENTRE IN HAPPY VALLEY ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
♦ FACILITIES AT THE TWO SPORT CENTRES ARE SIMILAR AND BOTH ARE JUST AS POPULAR,+ SAID MR LIU.
♦ IN 1984/85 AT THE CITY LIONS CLUB SPORTS CENTRE, 10 000 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN MORE THAN 400 PROJECTS AND A TOTAL ATTENDANCE OF OVER 108 000 SESSIONS WAS RECORDED.
♦ BOTH CENTRES ARE OPEN FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 P.M. DAILY.♦
NEW BEACH BUILDING AT KIU TSUI *****
WHEN THE COMING SWIMMING SEASON STARTS ON APRIL 1, BETTER FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO SWIMMERS AT KIU TSUI BEACH IN SAI KUNG FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF A BEACH BUILDING.
THE PROVISION OF THE BEACH BUILDING IS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EXISTING FACILITIES AT THE BEACH WHICH WAS FREQUENTED BY MORE THAN 170 000 SWIMMERS LAST YEAR, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
COSTING ABOUT $2.3 MILLION, THE ONE-STOREY BUILDING WAS CONSTRUCTED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. IT HAS BEEN HANDED OVER TO THE RSD FOR MANAGEMENT AFTER ITS COMPLETION EARLY THIS YEAR.
FACILITIES INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, SHOWERS, TOILETS, A FIRST AID ROOM, A LOOK-OUT POST, A STOREROOM AND A REFRESHMENT KIOSK.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
16
MEANWHILE, THE RSD IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SALE OF LIGHT REFRESHMENTS AT THE KIOSK OF THE BEACH BUILDING.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE GRANTED A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT COMMENCING APRIL 1.
TENDER FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSD’S SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AT FIFTH FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICE, SAI KUNG. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 3-2813680.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE PUT IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX LOCATED ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FEBRUARY 28. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
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CHILDREN INVITED TO SINGING CONTEST M * * M
CHILDREN LIVING OR STUDYING IN KWUN TONG ARE WELCOME TO JOIN A CONTEST TO SHOW THEIR SINGING TALENT.
IN ITS SIXTH YEAR, THE +KWUN TONG CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST* WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THREE DIVISIONS! THE SOLO DIVISION FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 13, WHILE CHILDREN UNDER 13 CAN FORM SINGING GROUPS TO COMPETE IN EITHER THE SMALL GROUP OR CHOIR
DIVISIONS.
THE CONTEST WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 22 AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND PARTICIPANTS WILL PERFORM EITHER OR CLASSICAL NUMBERS.
KEI CHI FOLK SONGS
WINNERS OF THE CONTEST WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS.
THE KWUN TONG
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CHILDREN’S CHORUS AND oluallIA DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SINGING CONTEST IS AIMEfi AT PROMOTING MUSICAL INTEREST AMONG CHILDREN IN
THE DISTRICT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-416315. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS FEBRUARY 5 (WEDNESDAY).
- 0 ----------
/17........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
17
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BURIAL, CREMATION *****
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BURIAL AND CREMATION SERVICES IN NONURBAN AREAS WILL BE MADE DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FROM FEBRUARY 9 TO 11, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
ON LUNAR NEW YEAR DAY (SUNDAY), ALL CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA OFFICES AND BOOKING CENTRES WILL BE CLOSED AND NO BURIAL OR CREMATION SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED AT PUBLIC CEMETERIES OR CREMATORIA EXCEPT WITH THE SPECIAL PERMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
+ALSO, ON THAT DAY, NO DEAD BODIES WILL BE REMOVED FROM PUBLIC MORTUARIES OR HOSPITALS AND NO TRANSPORTATION OF COFFINS TO PUBLIC CEMETERIES WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT FUNERAL DEPOTS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 10 AND 11), NORMAL SERVICES FOR DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD WILL BE PROVIDED, BUT THE CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA OFFICE AT 6 CHEONG HANG ROAD, HUNG HOM, AND ALL BOOKING CENTRES WILL REMAIN CLOSED.
J
ALL SERVICES WILL RESUME ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 12).
FOOD CENTRE, OPEN SPACE FOR TSI NG Yl *****
A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, PUBLIC TOILET AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, AND LOCAL OPEN SPACE ARE TO BE BUILT AT TSI NG Yl HEUNG SZE wUl ROAD ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND.
THE SINGLE-STOREY COOKED FOOD CENTRE WILL HAVE 12 STALLS, AND FACILITIES AT THE OPEN SPACE WILL INCLUDE A BASKETBALL -VOLLEYBALL COURT, ARBOURS AND BENCHES.
AN OFFICE AND STOREROOMS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
THE 2 400-SQUARE-METRE SITE WILL BE WIDELY LANDSCAPED.
WORK ON THE 10-M0NTH PROJECT, A PART OF THE TSI NG Yl NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WILL START IN APRIL.
TENDERS FOR THE WORK ARE NOW BEING SOUGHT BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
18
ROAD WORK TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC * * * *
WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO WIDEN CARPENTER ROAD IN KOWLOON, TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION AND ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
AND STORMWATER DRAINS ALONG CARPENTER ROAD WILL BE DUPLICATED TO AVOID RECURRENCE OF FLOODING IN NEARBY LOW-LYING AREAS.
TENDERS ARE BEING CALLED BY THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR THE WORKS, WHICH WILL START IN APRIL AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES
* * *
TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUET LUN STREET, LAI CHI KOK FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 5) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THE CHANGES ARE«
* THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF YUET LUN STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH PO LUN STREET TO THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATOR WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND,
* THE NORTHERN SECTION OF YUET LUN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND, AND
M YUET LUN STREET BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATOR WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING BAN ON RIGHT TURNS FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST EASTBOUND ONTO LA SALLE ROAD WILL CONTINUE FOR ABOUT NINE WEEKS, TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF A GAS PIPELINE AT THE JUNCTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND LA SALLE ROAD.
VEHICLES ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST EASTBOUND, HEADING FOR THE CUL-DE-SAC SECTION OF LA SALLE ROAD SOUTH OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KOWLOON CITY INTERCHANGE AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WESTBOUND.
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/19........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1986
19
KEEP KITCHENS CLEAN, OPERATORS TOLD *****
OPERATORS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENT IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS WERE TODAY WARNED OF THE NEED TO KEEP THEIR KITCHENS IN A HYGIENIC CONDITION OR FACE PROSECUTION.
THE REMINDER WAS SOUNDED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AFTER A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH THE OPERATOR OF A BAKERY IN KWAI CHUNG WAS FINED 11 500 IN THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY FOR A RELATED OFFENCE.
AN RSD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT HUNDREDS OF COCKROACHES HAD BEEN FOUND CRAWLING ON THE WALLS AND FLOOR OF THE KITCHEN OF THE BAKERY, DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION CARRIED OUT ON NOVEMBER 25.
UNDER THE LAW, OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF >2 000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
---o-------
BANQUET FOR THE ELDERLY *****
THIS OLD* CHAI
ABOUT 600 ELDERLY RESIDENTS OF WAN CHAI ATTENDED A BANQUET (SUNDAY) EVENING IN THE FINAL PROGRAMME OF THE +CARE FOR THE CAMPAIGN. THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN WAS ORGANISED BY THE WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE BANQUET, WAN CHAI D’STR CT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, SAID THAT DURING THE PAST YEARS, VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD SHOWN THEIR CONCERN FOR THE ELDERLY BY ORGANISING A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR THEM.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WOULD BECOME MORE CONCERNED AND SHOW RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY, HE SAID.
BEFORE THE DINNER, PARTICIPANTS WERE TREATED TO A CANTONESE OPERA BY ARTISTES AND A LUCKY DRAW.
OTHER GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR HO FAI AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, WS PEGGY LAM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ARTS ACADEMY FACILITIES AMONG FINEST - DUCHESS ............... 1
DUCHESS VISITS PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL ...................... 2
property market healthy, says land agent...................... 3
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1985 ........................ 5
TRIAD PROBLEM DISCUSSED WITH UMELCO .......................... 11
TRANSPORT PLAN FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY ......................... 12
RSD PLANS FUN, GAMES FOR 2 OOO ............................... 14
RED PACKETS FOR 6 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE ......................... 14
GROUP TO DISCUSS BILLIARD CLUBS .............................. 15
DRY WEATHER LEADS TO MORE FIRE CALLS ......................... 16
SHAM SHUI PO PLANS BIG YEAR-END FEuTIVaL ..................... 16
PUBLIC WELCOME TO BOARD MEETING ........................... 17
ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS REMOVED.................................. 18
VICTORIA PaRK LIGHTS UP TOMORROW ............................. 18
Salt WATER MAINS WORK......................................... 19
SAFETY NEWSLETTER FOR ROAD USERS ............................. 19
LUNaR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY REMINDER .................. ........... 21
water storage figures ........................................ 21
URBaN COUNCIL'S CITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP GOES ON ................... 21
BY-CENSUS SET FOR EARLY MaRCH ................................ 22
ONE-HOUR TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR SWITCH ON ........................ 23
LIBRARIES TO CLOSE ON HOLIDAYS ............................... 23
WORKS TO EASE CHINA-BOUND TRAFFIC ............................ 24
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
1
ARTS ACADEMY FACILITIES AMONG FINEST - DUCHESS * * * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT TODAY (MONDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED THE NEW THEATRE BLOCK OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, SHE CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISERS ON +THE EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENT OF COMPLETING THIS BUILDING, WITH ALL ITS COMPLEXITIES, IN SO SHORT A TIME+.
♦THESE ARE SOME OF THE FINEST FACILITIES ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD,* SHE SAID.
♦THE DECISION TO INVEST SO MUCH WEALTH AND EFFORT IN THIS ACADEMY SEEMS TO ME TO HAVE BEEN AS BOLD AS IT WAS TIMELY, COMING AT A MOMENT WHEN SO MUCH LOOKED UNCERTAIN.*
THE DUCHESS THEN WATCHED A THREE-HOUR PERFORMANCE OF DON GIOVANNI BY THE GLYNDEBOURNE OPERA COMPANY IN THE NEW AUDITORIUM.
SHE HAD LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE ACADEMY IN 1982.
EARLIER TODAY, THE DUCHESS, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ICALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, HAD VISITED THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL IN SHA TIN.
THERE SHE SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE RED CROSS HOSPITAL SCHOOL, CONDUCTED IN THE PAEDIATRIC WARD AND SAW CHILDREN LISTENING TO A STORY FROM A CASSETTE RECORDER.
WITH THE HELP OF AN INTERPRETER, SHE SPENT SOME TIME CHATTING WITH THE PUPILS - AND THEN SURPRISED THEM - BY SPEAKING IN CANTONESE THE WORDS *GOOD MORNING+ AND +GOOD BYE+ .
AS SHE LEFT, SHE SMILINGLY ASKED IF ANY OF THE CHILDREN WISHED TO GO BACK TO BRITAIN WITH HER, BUT RECEIVED NO REPLY.
THE DUCHESS ALSO TOURED THE GERIATRIC AND WOMEN’S bEDICAL WARDS.
AFTERWARDS. ACCOMPANIED BY MR CHAMBERS SHE WENT TO THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, WHERE SHE WAS WELCOMED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL, MR Q.W. LEE AND THE VICE CHANCELLOR, DR MA LIN.
THE DUCHESS SAW A SLIDE SHOW ON UNIVERSITY ACTIVITIES AND TOURED THE ART GALLERY, WHERE ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS FROM THE JIN TO THE TANG PERIODS UNCOVERED IN GUANGDONG, WERE BEING DISPLAYED.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986 .
2
.•CHESS VISITS PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL * * * *
HL’R ROY '.GHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT SPENT AN HOUR AT THE
PRINCE C WA f'S iOSPITAL IN SHA TIN TODAY (MONDAY) TO SEE THE LATEST DcVEL ’PMF.IiT OF THE HOSPITAL WHICH SHE HAD OPENED THREE YEARS AGO.
THE 1 446-BED HOSPITAL, WHICH SERVES AS A REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE EAST NEW TERRITORIES AND A TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR THE MEDICAL FACULTY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE DUCHESS IN NOVEMBER, 1982.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, THE DUCHESS OF KENT WAS GREETED ON ARRIVAL AT THE HOSPITAL BY THE DIRECT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES, DR S.H. LEE AND OTHER SENIOR STAFF.
THE DUCHESS WENT FIRST TO A MEMORIAL PLAQUE, WHICH SHE HAD PERSONALLY UNVEILED WHEN SHE ATTENDED THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HOSPITAL.
SHE WAS HAPPY TO LEARN THAT THE FOUR-PHASE COMMISSIONING PROGRAMME OF THE 1713.5 MILLION HOSPITAL HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED IN JULY LAST YEAR AND WAS PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF MEDICAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING A 24-HOUR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICE.
she, was Later taken on a tour of the geriatric day hospital IN TH1" 1A1E LOC" WHERE SHE WAS WELCOMED BY PROFESSOR JOHN VALLA’- -O'. ’;, ■’ROFESSOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MED IC INc OF .THE UNIVERSITY.
PROFESSOR VALLANCE-OWEN EXPLAINED THAT THE UNIT AIMED TO l£LP THE AGED TO LIVE AN INDEPENDENT LIFE AND TO OVERCOME SOCIAL PROBLEMS LIKE LONELINESS, AND PROVIDED THEM WITH TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION SERVICES.
SOME 20 ELDERLY PEOPLE GO EVERY DAY TO USE THE UNIT’S FACILITIES.
AT THf OMEN’S MEDICAL WARD, THE DUCHESS MET A GROUP OF MEDICAL ST, jcNTS.
A', TH' PAEDIATRIC WARD, THERE WAS A LITTLE SURPRISE WAITING FOR THE DUCHESS.
AN EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BOY PATIENT, .WU KAM-LAN, GREETED HER AND PRESENTED HER WITH A BOUQUET OF FLOWERS.
THE DUCHESS, ACCOMPANIED BY PROFESSOR DAVID DAVIES. WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE PAEDIATRIC UNIT, THEN TOURED THE WARD AND TALKED TO SOME YOl’NG PATIENTS WHO WERE HAVING THEIR LESSONS AT THE RED CROSS HOSPITAL SCHOOL SET UP THERE.
THE r T RUN BY THE RED CBOSS SCHOOLS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, PROVIDES ' . \ FOR YOUNG PATIENTS WHILE THEY ARE IN HOSPITAL.
IHETE ARE TEACHERS. SERVING AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 35 CHILDREN FROM v\R IC »S UNITS IN THE HOSPITAL.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
- 3 -
PROPERTY MARKET HEALTHY, SAYS LAND AGENT
* * * M *
THE PROPERTY MARKET IS NOW HEALTHY AND POSITIVE AND SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENTS ARE BEING MADE IN VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS WHICH SIGNIFY LONG-TERM CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY THE GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR BOB POPE, IN A SPEECH TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA.
HE LISTED AS EXAMPLES THE 6TH KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL, THE SITE OF THE CHINA PASSENGER FERRY TERMINAL AT CANTON ROAD, ANOTHER SITE AT CANTON ROAD PURCHASED BY THE AW SIAN GROUP AND THE SITE AT VICTORIA BARRACKS PURCHASED BY MESSRS. SWIRE PROPERTIES WHO WERE ALSO INTERESTED IN OBTAINING THE ADJOINING SITE WHICH WOULD PROBABLY BE OFFERED FOR AUCTION IN MAY.
♦I AM PLEASED TO SAY, AS AN AUCTIONEER OF GOVERNMENT LAND, THAT WE HAVE HAD A 100 PER CENT SALES RECORD FOR ALL SITES OFFERED FOR AUCTION.
+ADMITTEDLY TWO PURCHASERS DID NOT SUBSEQUENTLY COMPLETE. BUT THESE ARE BEING OFFERED FOR RESALE AND I SEE NO DIFFICULTY IN RESELLING THEM, ALTHOUGH AT POSSIBLY MORE SENSIBLE PR ICES,+ FE SAID.
ON RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION MR POPE SAID THE DEMAND HAD BEEN ♦TREMENDOUS*.
THE LAND OFFICE HAD REGISTERED SOME 54 000 SALES AGREEMENTS WHICH WAS AN 80 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THOSE REGISTERED LAST YEAR.
THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN SUPPLY AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT PRICES WOULD REMAIN STEADY OVER THE NEXT YEAR, PARTICULARLY AS THERE WERE MANY LARGE PROJECTS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION SUCH AS WHAMPOA GARDENS, KORNHILL AND HENG FA CHUEN.
♦THERE WERE SIGNS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR THAT SPECULATION WAS EMERGING AND QUEUES OF INTENDING PURCHASERS WERE QUITE COMMON,* Ffi POPE SAID.
♦THIS WORRIED GOVERNMENT SO MUCH THAT THERE WAS TALK OF LEGISLATION BEING ENACTED TO CONTROL SPECULATION.*
HOWEVER, BY THE END OF THE YEAR, IT WAS QUITE APPARENT THAT THE SPECULATION WAS SHORT-LIVED AND MANY DEVELOPERS TOOK A REASONABLE ATTITUDE AND INTRODUCED A BALLOT SYSTEM OF FLAT ALLOCATION RATHER THAN A QUEUING SYSTEM.
GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO CONSIDERING RAISING THE DEPOSIT NECESSARY TO RESERVE FLATS WHICH WOULD AGAIN DETER SPECULATORS, HE SAID.
/THE LUXUBY .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 1986
4
THE LUXURY END OF THE MARKET SHOWED A MUCH STRONGER RECOVERY AS IT WAS THIS SECTOR WHICH WAS WORST HIT DURING THE PROPERTY RECESSION, HE CONTINUED.
HOWEVER, THE YEAR OF THE OX SAW THE RELEASE OF +PENT-UP DEMAND+ AIDED BY LOW-INTEREST RATES AND AN OVERALL INCREASE IN CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
THERE WERE SIGNS THAT MANY FOREIGN FIRMS WERE SETTING UP OFFICES IN HONG KONG AND REQUIRED ACCOMMODATION FOR THEIR EXECUTIVES.
IN FACT, THERE WERE SIGNS OF A RATHER TOO RAPID INCREASE IN PRICES, BUT-WITH THE SUPPLY OF LARGER-SIZE FLATS THE INCREASING DEMAND WAS MET, AND A MORE STEADY RECOVERY WAS NOW APPARENT.
MR POPE SAID THE OFFICE SECTOR HAD SHOWN A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT AS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE OVER-SUPPLY AND A LOW OCCUPANCY RATE.
CURRENTLY, IT WAS APPARENT THAT THERE WAS A PRACTICALLY 100 PER CENT OCCUPANCY RATE WITHIN THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA AND WITH THE LIMITED SUPPLY OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION IN THAT LOCALITY THIS MAY WELL LEAD IN THE SHORT TERM TO AN INCREASE IN PRICES AND RENTALS.
HOWVER, WITH THE OVER-SUPPLY OF OFFICES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN A NARROWING OF THE RENTAL SPREAD BETWEEN OFFICES IN CENTRAL AND ELSEWHERE AND THIS WAS ENCOURAGING MOVEMENT BACK TO CENTRAL WHERE HIGH QUALITY OFFICE SPACE WAS AVAILABLE AT REASONABLE RENTALS.
THERE WERE SIGNS, HE SAID, THAT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WOULD BE IN RELATIVELY S.’ORT SUPPLY OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, BUT THIS WAS LIKELY TO BE A TEMPORARY SITUATION AS THERE WOULD BE A NUMBER OF NEW PROJECTS COMING ON STREAM IN 1988.
THEREFORE, OFFICE SALE PRICES AND RENTALS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WERE NOT EXPECTED TO SHOW MUCH OF AN INCREASE.
THE HIGH PRICES OBTAINED FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND IN THE EARLY 1980’S DID HONG KONG NO GOOD AND DISCOURAGED GENUINE INDUSTRIALISTS.
LAND IN KOWLOON
_____________________ BAY INDUSTRIAL AREA WAS ABOUT HALF THE PRICES OBTAINED IN 1980.
CURRENTLY SELLING AT
HOWEVER, THIS WAS A VAST IMPROVEMENT ON PRICES OBTAINED IN 1982 WHEN VALUES 1/10TH OF 1980 PRICES WERE REALISED.
/+THERE ARE .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 1986
- 5 -
♦THERE ARE CURRENTLY QUITE A NUMBER OF SITES BEING DEVELOPED IN KOWLOON BAY AND SIGNS THAT THIS AREA WILL SHORTLY BECOME A MUCH SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION FOR INDUSTRIALISTS WITH ITS CLOSE PROXIMITY TO A SKILLED WORKFORCE AND TO THE AIRPORT AND CONTAINER TERMINAL,* HE SAID.
THERE WAS CURRENTLY A STRONG INDICATION THAT MANY OF THE INDUSTRIAL SITES WERE BEING PURCHASED BY END USERS, GENUINE INDUSTRIALISTS RATHER THAN PROPERTY DEVELOPERS.
PRICES OBTAINED FOR THREE INDUSTRIAL SITES SOLD AT A RECENT AUCTION, WHICH HE UNDERSTOOD WERE PURCHASED BY GENUINE INDUSTRIALIST INDICATED A STEADY, CONFIDENT LONG-TERM INVESTMENT FOR INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN HONG KONG, DESPITE THE THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM AND THE DROP IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
MR POPE SAID PROPERTY VALUES HAD RALLIED AND, INDEED, INCREASED SOMEWHAT OVER THE YEAR OF THE OX AND THERE WERE SIGNS CF RENEWED CONFIDENCE AND LONG-TERM STABILITY.
♦THE PROSPECTS FOR THE COMING YEAR OF THE TIGER ARE LOOKING GOOD,* MR POPE SAID.
+ | SINCERELY HOPE THAT PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AND FINANCE INSTITUTIONS, WHO ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, HAVE LEARNED THEIR LESSONS FROM THE PROPERTY BOOM IN 1981 AND ITS SUBSEQUENT CRASH AND WILL CONTINUE WITH THE STEADY, RESPONSIBLE APPROACH THEY SHOWED THIS YEAR.
+SOOTHSAYERS HAVE PREDICTED THAT THE YEAR OF THE TIGER COMBINED WITH THE PASSING OF HALLEY’S COMET WOULD SEE A DIFFICULT YEAR FOR HONG KONG, BUT IT IS MY VIEW THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET IN HONG KONG HAS SHOWED TREMENDOUS STRENGTH AND MATURITY IN PULLING OUT OF THE BAD RECESSION AND I TRUST AND BELIEVE THIS WILL CONTINUE INTO THE YEAR OF THE TIGER,* HE CONCLUDED.
------0-------
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER 1985 M # *
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW FASTER IN DECEMBER THAN IN NOVEMBER, ACCORDING TO MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE GROWTH IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO BE FASTER THAN THAT IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, REFLECTING AT LEAST IN PART A FURTHER INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS, AS THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN MONEY MARKET RATES AND THE HKAB DEPOSIT RATES WIDENED.
/MONEY SUPPLY .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 1986
6
MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS INCREASED. EXCEPT FOR Ml (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION), THE TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY INCREASED FASTER THAN THE CORRESPONDING HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENTS.
LOANS AND ADVANCES FELL IN DECEMBER. LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG INCREASED MODERATELY FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH, AFTER HAVING FALLEN CONTINUOUSLY FOR SIX MONTHS; OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG RECORDED SOME DECLINE.
TWO TABLES WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK, AND WILL BE BOXED SEPARATELY.
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1985 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 SETS OUT FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED FURTHER BY 1.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 3 PER CENT AND OVER THE YEAR THE GROWTH RATE WAS 9.8 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW RAPIDLY BY 3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 2.8 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 8.5 PER CENT AND OVER THE YEAR THE GROWTH RATE WAS 35.2 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS ALSO INCREASED. BY 2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.8 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, THE SAME AS THE UNADJUSTED GROWTH RATE, AND BY 3 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER; ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW SLIGHTLY FASTER, AT 3.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER AND AT 9.3 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 2.1 PER CENT IN DECEMBER FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.6 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER; TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 2.2 PER CENT AFTER HAVING REMAINED UNCHANGED IN NOVEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER, THE GROWTH OF TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS WAS 6.8 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS 2 PER CENT; OVER THE YEAR, THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES WERE 24 PER CENT AND 13.1 PER CENT.
/HONG KONG ........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
ALL DEFINITIONS INCREASED. BY 1.2 PER CENT IN DECEMBER
IN NOVEMBER. HK$M2 AND
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON
FK$M1 (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION) ROSE FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 0.4 PER CENT HC8M3 ROSE BY 1.5 PER CENT AND 1.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY; THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN NOVEMBER WERE 0.9 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER, HKSM1 GREW BY 1.1 PER CENT, HK$M2 BY 3.9 PER CENT, AND HK$M3 BY 3.3 PER CENT ; OVER THE
YEAR, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 25.4 PER CENT, 12.8 PER
CENT AND 12 PER CENT.
AFTER ADJUSTING FOR SWAP DEPOSITS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 GREW MARGINALLY FASTER, AT 1.6 PER CENT AND 1.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN DECEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 3.7 PER CENT AND 3.2 PER CENT.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS ROSE FURTHER IN DECEMBER. TOTAL Ml GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 2.2 PER CENT AND 2.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY; THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN NOVEMBER WERE 2 PER CENT AND 1.7 PER CENT. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER. TOTAL Ml FELL BY 0.9 PER CENT, WHILE TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 6.5 PER CENT AND 5.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY; OVER THE YEAR, THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 23 PER CENT, 24.2 PER CENT AND 22.6 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 1.4 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, AGAINST AN INCREASE CF 1.8 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. IN THE iHREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER THESE GREW BY 1.1 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 4.5 PER CENT. LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 0.3 PER CENT AND LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES FELL BY 3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER. THE CORRESPONDING RATE OF GROWTH IN NOVEMBER WERE 1.5 PER CENT AND 2.1 PER CENT. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER, THE FORMER GREW BY 1 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 1.1 PER CENT.
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.1 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER, THESE LOANS GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS, THEY FELL .BY 5 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG FELL BY 1.5 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 2.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. IN THE THREE MONTHS TO DECEMBER, THEY GREW BY 0.5 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 6.4 PER CENT.
/QUARTERLY .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 1986
- 8 -
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY
SECTOR
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FELL BY 3.4 PER CENT, OFFSETTING THE INCREASE RECORDED IN THE THIRD QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR THESE LOANS GREW BY 5 PER CENT. LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES ROSE BY 3.9 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A MARGINAL DECLINE OF 0.6 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR THESE LOANS GREW BY 4.6 PER CENT. PROBABLY BECAUSE OF IMPROVEMENT IN THE CASH FLOW POSITION OF SOME PROPERTY DEVELOPERS, LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR FELL FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE QUARTER, BY A SIGNIFICANT 8.3 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A DECLINE OF 4.1 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR THESE LOANS FELL BY 16.7 PER CENT. REFLECTING THE REVIVAL OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME) CONTINUED TO RISE STRONGLY, BY 5.2 PER CENT, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 7.2 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR THESE LOANS GREW BY 23.8 PER CENT.
LIQUIDITY RATIOS
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS FELL TO 50.7 PER CENT IN DECEMBER FROM 51.6 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FELL TO 45.3 PER CENT IN DECEMBER FROM 46.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
___THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND LlCENSFn RESPECT7vnvNG f2?PinilinR™AINEI) UNCHANGED AT 143 AND^B COMPANIES FELL BY 2 TO 278? REP0RTING ^'STEREO DEPOSIT-TAKING
/TABLE 1 .........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1986
9
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - DECEMBER 1985
Dec 1985 Earlier months (% change to December 1985) (HK$mn)
Money Supply Nov 1985 Sep 1985 Dec 1984
Ml - HK$ 41,806 41,293 (+1.2%) 41,363 (+ 1.1%) 33,351 (+25.4%)
Foreign currency 3,460 3,760 (-8.0%) 4,316 (-19.8%) 3,440 (+ 0.6%)
Total 45,266 45,054 (+0.5%) 45,679 (- 0.9%) 36,791 (+23.0%)
M2 - HK$ 194,641 191,746 (+1.5%) 187,396 (+ 3.9%) 172,547 (+12.8%)
Foreign currency 195,597 190,255 (+2.8%) 178,975 (+ 9.3%) 141,533 (+38.2%)
Total 390,239 382,001 (+2.2%) 366,371 (+ 6.5%) 314,081 (+24.2%)
M3 - HK$ 233,230 229,941 (+1.4%) 225,785 (+ 3.3%) 208,266 (+12.0%)
Foreign currency 242,730 235,162 (+3.2%) 223,756 (+ 8.5%) 180,035 (+34.8%)
Total 475,960 465,102 (+2.3%) 449,541 (+ 5.9%) 388,301 (+22.6%)
Deposits
Demand deposits 28,409 28,494 (-0.3%) 29,074 (- 2.3%) 23,518 (+20.8%)
Savings deposits 98,765 98,063 (+0.7%) 96,407 (+ 2.4%) 81,150 (+21.7%)
Time deposits with banks 240,050 232,997 (+3.0%) 218,457 (+ 9.9%) 191,436 (+25.4%)
Time deposits with dtcs 81,744 80,015 (+2.2%) 80,161 (+ 2.0%) 72,283 (+13.1%)
All HKi deposits 212,132 209,703 (+1.2%) 205,857 (+ 3.0%) 193,190 (+ 9.8%)
All foreign currency deposits 236,837 229,866 (+3.0%) 218,243 (+ 8.5%) 175,198 (+35.2%)
Total 448,968 439,569 (+2.1%) 424,100 (+ 5.9%) 368,387 (+21.9%)
Loans and advances
To finance Hong Kong’s visible 30,855 30,259 (+2.0%) 30,459 (+ 1.3%) 32,467 (- 5.0%)
trade
To finance merchandising trade 3,738 3,860 (-3.2%) 4,917 (-24.0%) 4,448 (-16.0%)
not touching Hong Kong
Other loans for use in Hong Kong 234,943 238,559 (-1.5%) 233,382 (+ 0.5%) 220,905 (+ 6.4%)
Other loans for use outside Hong 146,319 150,203 (-2.6%) 146,570 (- 0.2%) 142,790 (+ 2.5%)
Kong Other loans where the place of use 24,109 23,285 (+3.5%) 19,475 (+23.8%) 20,439 (+18.0%)
is not known All loans in HKi 222,929 222,369 (+0.3%) 220,692 (+ 1.0%) 206,930 (+ 7.7%)
All loans in foreign currencies 217,035 223,796 (-3.0%) 214,611 (+ 1.1%) 214,119 (+ 1.4%)
Total 439,964 446,165 (-1.4%) 435,303 (+ 1.1%) 421,049 (+ 4.5%)
/TABLE 2 : .......
10
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 19fe6
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR - DECEMBER 1985
(HK$rm)
Dec 1985 Sep 1985 Earlier quarters (% change to December 1985) 1984
Jun 1985 Dec
Manufacturing 19,726 20,419 (- 3.4Z) 19,754 (- 0.12) 18,793 (+ 5.02)
Transport and transport equipment 19,744 22,267 (-11.32) 21,504 (- 8.2%) 20,598 (- 4.1%)
Building, construction and property development 40,080 43,71 2 (- 6.32) 45,578 (-12.12) 48,115 (-16.7%)
Wholesale and retail trade 29,540 28,444 (+ 3.92) 28,629 (+ 3.22) 28,245 ( + 4.6%)
Financial concerns (other than banks and deposit-taking companies) Individuals 19,532 17,805 (+ 9.72) 17,568 (+11.22) 16,950 (+15.2%)
to purchase flats in the Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme 5,708 5,713 (- 0.1%) 5,095 (+12.02) 3,911 (+45.9%)
to purchase other residential property 31,522 29,973 (+ 5.22) 27,966 (+12.72) 25,453 (+23.8%)
other purposes 22,989 21,918 (+ 4.9%) 20,443 (+12.52) 20,065 (+14.6%)
Others 46,102 43,631 (+ 5.72) 43,041 (+ 7.12) 38,777 (+18.9%)
Total 234,943 233,882 (+ 0.52) 229,577 (+ 2.32) 220,905 (+ 6.4%)
- - 0-----------
/11 ......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
11
TRIAD PROBLEM DISCUSSED WITH UMELCO * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY, THAT ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 THE UMELCO SECURITY PANEL MET WITH MR JEAFFRESON, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AND MR LI KWAN-HA, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE/ OPERATIONS TO DISCUSS THE TRIAD PROBLEM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UMELCO MEMBERS WERE CONCERNED ABOUT A REVIEW OF THE TRIAD PROBLEM, PRODUCED BY THE POLICE IN 1976, WHICH APPARENTLY UNDER-ESTIMATED THE PROBLEM AND THAT THEY HAD ASKED FOR GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN THE SITUATION.
AFTER THE MEETING, UMELCO MEMBERS EXPRESSED SATISFACTION WITH THE DETAILED STATEMENT GIVEN AT THE MEETING.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN 1976 THE POLICE PREPARED ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE, AN ASSESSMENT OF THE TRIAD SITUATION. IT SET OUT TO DESCRIBE THE EXTENT OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG AT THAT TIME. WHILE IT CONCLUDED THAT THE PROBLEM POSED BY TRIADS WAS VERY REAL, IT PRESENTED A CONFUSED PICTURE IN DESCRIBING THE DEGREE OF ORGANISATION THAT PROBABLY EXISTED IN SOME TRIAD SOCIETIES AND THE EXTENT OF CONTROL EXERTED BY THOSE ORGANISED TRIAD SOCIETIES OVER THEIR MEMBERS.
AT THAT TIME LOW KEY PUBLICITY WAS GIVEN TO
THE SITUATION WITH HINDSIGHT,
SO AS NOT TO GIVE UNDUE PUBLICITY TO THE TRIADS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THAT APPROACH WAS PROBABLY THE WRONG STRATEGY, IN THAT IT DID NOT ACHIEVE THE EXPECTED RESPONSE.
BUT. HE ADDED, THE REPORT HAD MADE A NUMBER OF CONSTRUCTIVE AND FAR-REACHING PROPOSALS. IT ALSO CONTAINED RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO THE OVERALL STRATEGY TO BE ADOPTED AGAINST TRIADS AND ORGANISED CRIME.
THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED i +THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDING THE POLICE ARE CONTINUING AND SUSTAINING THEIR ACTION AGAINST THESE GANGS. THE POLICE NOW HAS AN ENHANCED CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEM WHICH HAS A FAR HIGHER CAPABILITY THAN BEFORE OF BEING ABLE ACCURATELY TO ASSESS THE SITUATION. NEW INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED AND INTRODUCED AND A NUMBER OF INROADS HAVE BEEN MADE.+
♦ELSEWHERE, THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND WORKING GROUP ON GANGS HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE,+ HE SAID. +NOT ONLY HAVE VARIOUS PROBLEM AiEAS, SUCH AS FISH MARKETS, SQUATTER AREAS AND DECORATION OF HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS, BEEN LOOKED AT IN DETAIL BUT OPT ONS FOR LEGISLATIVE CHANGES HAVE ALSO BEEN CONSIDERED AND ARE NOW BEING PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT APPRECIATES THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS OF UMELCO AND THE INTEREST THEY HAVE SHOWN. THE GOVERNMENT REASSURES UMELCO AND THE PUBLIC OF THEIR TOTAL COMMITMENT TO THE FIGHT AGAINST TRIADS AND CRIMINALS INVOLVED IN ORGANISED CRIME.
------o--------
/12.......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
12
TRANSPORT PLAN FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY * * * *
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES NEXT MONDAY (FEBRUARY 10) EVENING, IN CONNECTION WITH THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY OVER VICTORIA HARBOUR AT 8 PM.
BUS, GREEN MINIBUS AND FERRY SERVICES WHICH FALL WITHIN THE CLOSED AREAS ON LAND OR IN THE HARBOUR WILL BE SUSPENDED OR DIVERTED.
THERE WILL BE STEPPED-UP SERVICES BY VARIOUS MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO GO TO VIEW THE FIREWORKS.
THE DETAILS AREi
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
X MORE TRIPS WILL BE OPERATED ON CMB ROUTE 15 BETWEEN CENTRAL AND THE PEAK, WITH BUSES RUNNING AT TEN-MINUTE INTERVALS FROM 6 PM.
X ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL ALSO BE DEPLOYED ON THE MTR, AND THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE EVERY THREE MINUTES BETWEEN 2 PM AND 10 PM.
X KCRC WILL OPERATE ADDITIONAL TRIPS BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHEUNG SHU I AFTER THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY. THE TRAINS WILL DEPART FROM KOWLOON AT 8.44 PM, 8.55 PM AND 9.59 PM.
X HK TRAMWAYS WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND WHITTY STREET AND BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND SHAU KEI WAN AFTER THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY.
X HYF AND STAR FERRY WILL OPERATE ADDITIONAL SERVICES.
X ADDITIONAL CROSS-HARBOUR BUS SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED.
X THE PEAK TRAM WILL EXTEND ITS SERVICES, DEPENDING ON PASSENGER DEMAND.
SUSPENDED SERVICES
* CMB ROUTE 780 ALONG THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 5.25 PM.
X KMB ROUTE 5A BETWEEN KOWLOON CITY AND STAR FERRY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6.05 PM, WHILE KMB ROUTt 208 BETWEEN BROADCAST DRIVE AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 5.30 PM.
/• KOWLOON
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1986
- 13 -
* KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 1 FROM TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE SUSPENDED DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE.
* HYF’S WAN CHAI TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 7.20 PM AND 8.40 PM. ITS WAN CHAI TO HUNG HOM ROUTE WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 7.15 PM AND 8.45 PM.
ROUTE DIVERSIONS
* A NUMBER OF SERVICES WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF ROAD CLOSURE AND RE-ROUTE INGS IN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI, CAUSEWAY BAY AND TSIM SHA TSU I 1 CMB ROUTES 8, 11A, 21, 24 AND 40-KMB ROUTES 1, 1A, IK, 2, 2C, 2K, 3, 3C, 4A, 5, 5C, 6 , 6A 7, 8, 9, 13, 26, 28, 68, 70, 71 AND 201- HONG KONG GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 1, 2, 3, 3A, 6, 7, 10, 11, 24M AND 31- AND KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 6, 7
25, 25A
8 AND 31M
TERMINAL CHANGES
* THE TERMINAL POINT FOR HONG KONG GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 1, 2, 3 AND 3A WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO CONNAUGHT PLACE FROM 6 PM.
*
*
KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 3 WILL TERMINATE AT LOCK ROAD FROM 6.30 PM.
THE STAR FERRY BUS TERMINUS IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6.30 PM. KMB ROUTES 1, 1A, 2, 6, 6A, 7, 9 AND 26 WILL THEN TERMINATE AT THE CANTON ROAD TEMPORARY TERMINUS BETWEEN KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND PEKING ROAD. KMB ROUTES 5 AND 5C WILL TERMINATE AT THE BUS TERMINUS ON GRANVILLE ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST. KMB ROUTES 2C, 8, 28 AND 201 WILL TERMINATE AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST BUS TERMINUS ON SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD.
SPECIAL ENTRY/EXIT ARRANGEMENTS AT TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION
* FROM 6 PM TO 8 PM, ALL ENTRANCES OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI
MTR STATION WILL BE RESERVED FOR OUT-GOING PASSENGERS EXCEPT THE CAMERON ROAD ENTRANCE, WHICH WILL ONLY ADMIT IN-COMING PASSENGERS.
FROM 8 PM ONWARDS, ALL STATION ENTRANCES WILL BE RESERVED FOR IN-COMING PASSENGERS EXCEPT THE ONE AT CARNARVON ROAD, WHICH WILL BE FOR OUT-GOING PASSENGERS ONLY.
THE HUMPHREYS AVENUE ENTRANCE WILL BE CLOSED THROUGHOUT THE EVENING.
-------0---------
/14........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
14
RSD PLANS FUN,GAMES FOR 2 OOO
MOK
OVER 2 000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN 48 RECREATION AND SPORTS PROGRAMMES TO BE ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE TAI PO DISTRICT IN MARCH AND APRIL.
DISCLOSING THIS AT A MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TODAY, THE BSD'S DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER (TAI PO), MR MARCUS LEE, SAID THE PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE TRAINING COURSES IN BADMINTON, WINDSURFING, CANOEING, DANCING AND FITNESS.
COMPETITIVE EVENTS WILL ALSO BE HELD FOR GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS.
ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AT THE FU SHIN ESTATE, MR LEE SAID THE $7.9 MILLION PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MAY.
♦THE MAJOR FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THIS CENTRE INCLUDE ONE MULTI-PURPOSE HALL FOR TEAM SPORTS, TWO FUNCTION ROOMS, ONE OFFICE AND FIRST-AID ROOM, ONE DANCE ROOM, ONE FITNESS TRAINING ROOM, ONE VIEWING GALLERY AND BLEACHERS,♦ MR LEE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE LATER DECIDED TO NAME THE NEW CENTRE +FU SHIN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE*.
HE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO TOLD THAT FROM AUGUST 17 TO THE END OF LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 26 CULTURAL PROGRAMMES WERE PRESENTED AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE, ATTRACTING 9 748 PEOPLE.
THE RSD’S DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (TAI PO), MR CHAN CHAI-CHI, TOLD THE COMMITTEE THAT THE DISTRICT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR WILL BE HELD FROM FEBRUARY 2 TO 9 AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND. THERE WILL BE 80 STALL SITES - 76 FOR WET GOODS AND FOUR FOR DRY GOODS.
♦TO ADD TO THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE AND TO ATTRACT RESIDENTS CF TAI PO TO THE FAIR, A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE STAGED ON THE SITE BY THE TAI PO FESTIVAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON FEBRUARY 6 AT 8 PM, TOGETHER WITH A POTTED SPORTS PROGRAMME WITH EIGHT FUN STALLS TO ENTERTAIN CHILDREN ORGANISED BY THE RSD,+ MR CHAN SAID.
-------o---------
RED PACKETS FOR 6 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE * * * *
RESIDENTS FROM 58 HOSTELS AND HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TODAY (MONDAY) RECEIVED NEW YEAR +LAI-SEE+ (RED PACKETS) OF $100 EACH FROM THE SHANGHAI FRATERNITY ASSOCIATION.
A SUM OF $600 000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE ASSOCIATION FOR DISTRIBUTION TO 6 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
/THE DISTRIBUTION ........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 1986
THE DISTRIBUTION BEGAN AT THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED JJAN CHUEN HOME FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE BRADBURY HOME FOR THE ELDERLY IN ABERDEEN WHERE ABOUT 390 RESIDENTS RECEIVED THEIR RED PACKETS THIS MORNING. OTHER RESIDENTS OF HOSTELS AND HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY ALSO RECEIVED LAI-SEE LATER ON.
SPEAKING AT THE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY, MRS EVELYN DOE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, PRAISED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONCERN FOR THE ELDERLY AND NOTED THAT IT HAD SET AN OUTSTANDING EXAMPLE FOR OTHER INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL GROUPS.
HELPERS AT THE DISTRIBUTION INCLUDED MR ROBERT WANG, VICE-CHAIRMAN AND MR YAO LING-SUN. HONORARY ADVISER OF THE ASSOCIATION, fflS WANG, MRS YAO, AND MRS CARMELA ROSE TAN.
YESTERDAY, THE ASSOCIATION HAD DISTRIBUTED 100 BLANKETS TO SAINT MARY’S HOME.
-------o----------
GROUP TO DISCUSS BILLIARD CLUBS * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS WHETHER BILLIARD CLUBS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL.
IT WILL ALSO EXAMINE THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON HAWKER CONTROL PREPARED BY A WORKING PARTY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MARKETS AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE, AND REFER ANY RELEVANT POINTS TO THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REVIEW OF FEES AND CHARGES FOR PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSE LICENCES AND THE MECHANISED CLEANSING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE RSD.
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 2ND FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
0
/16
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1936
16
DRY WEATHER LEADS TO MORE FIRE CALLS
X X X X
A MONTHLY RECORD OF 2 345 FIRE CALLS REPRESENTING AN 84 PER CENT INCREASE OVER
WERE RECEIVED THIS YEAR, JANUARY 1985.
(MONDAY) THAT THE DRY RISE IN ALL TYPES OF OUTSIDE THE PLANTATION
A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY WEATHER WAS THE MAIN CAUSE FOR THE OVERALL FIRES, INCLUDING HILL FIRES WHICH OCCURRED
AREAS.
a<? thf I UMAR NEW YEAR IS ROLLING IN, THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE EXTRA CAUTION AGAINST POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARDS CAUSED BY THE BURNING ff^ss STICKS JOSS PAPER, THE SPOKESMAN WARNED.
THEY SHOULD NOT LEAVE THE BURNING TRIBUTE UNATTENDED- ALL FIRES HAVE TO BE EXTINGUISHED, HE SAID.
LAST YEAR A TOTAL OF 161 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY THE BURNING OF JOSS STICKS AND JOSS PAPER, HE ADDED.
THF SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT EXPERIENCED A H1SY START IN 1986 AS THE NUMBER OF CALLS FOR SPECIAL SERVICES JUMPED 23 PER CENT FROM 667 IN JANUARY 1985 TO 821 FOR MONTH THIS YEAR, WHILE THE NUMBER OF CALLS FOR AMBULANCt ROSE 12 PER CENT FROM 27 712 TO 31 097.
HAD ALSO THE SAME SERVICES
------o-------
SHAM SHU I PO PLANS BIG YEAR-END FESTIVAL
X X X X X
A FIVE-WEEK FESTIVAL, THE LARGEST EVER PLANNED FOR SHAM SHU I PO, WILL BE HELD AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
ANNOUCING THE PLANS AT THE INAUGURAL MEETING OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON, DISTRICT OFFICER, W SYLVESTER TSE APPEALED TO DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS TO CONTRIBUTE ACTIVITIES OF THEIR OWN TO THE PROGRAMME.
THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 8 TO DECEMBER 15 AND WILL STRESS DIVERSITY AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.
♦THE AIM IS TO PROMOTE INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN ART, SPORT, CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES BY PROVIDING HEALTHY AND FREE OR INEXPENSIVE ENTERTAINMENT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
♦WE HOPE THESE ACTIVITIES WILL HELP FOSTER DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE RESIDENTS, AND PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT,+ MR TSE SAID.
/THE FESTIVAL .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MADE UP OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, COMMUNITY GROUPS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WILL PLAN, COORDINATE AND ORGANISE ALL ACTIVITIES HELD BY RECOGNISED ORGANISATIONS WITHIN THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
MR TSE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE FOUR ART AND SPORT FESTIVALS FELD IN THE DISTRICT IN PREVIOUS YEARS HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED AND HAD DRAWN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE.
THE SHAM SHU I PO ARTS ASSOCIATION
SPORTS ASSOCIATION THE PROMOTION OF
AND
FOR
TOGETHER WITH THE SHAM SHU I PO COUNCIL SUB-
CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICE, WOULD CONTINUE TO FINANCE AND ORGANISE THE MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE FESTIVAL, WHILE THE DISTRICT BOARD WOULD BE THE MAIN SOURCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT
9
FOR ALL FRINGE ACTIVITIES.
---------o ----------
PUBLIC WELCOME TO BOARD MEETING *****
PEOPLE INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND DISTRICT AFFIARS RELATING TO CULTURE AND SPORTS EVENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND A COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 5) AT 9.30 AM.
THE BOARD’S CULTURE AND SPORTS COMM ITTEE WIILL DISCUSS THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS FESTIVAL FOR ’86-87 AT THE MEETING IN , THE BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 6TH FLOOR OF THE KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
IT WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED PERMANENT ARCHERY RANGE AT THE TUNG LO WAN HILL SERVICE RESERVOIR.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS FROM THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE WORKING GROUP ON THE HISTORY OF SHA TIN.
THERE WILL BE PLACES IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM FOR ABOUT 10 AMBERS OF THE P’eSS.AND BB MEMBERS OP TH PUBLIC.^PEOPLE^^^^ LATE COMERS WILL HOT BE ALLOWED IH WHEH
WISHING TO ATTEND THE
ON TELi 0-6065440, THE PUBLIC GALLERY
AS IS
FULL.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
-------o---------
/18........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS REMOVED
FIVE HUGE ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS IN MONG KOK HAVE BEEN REMOVED IN A CLEAN-UP OPERATION WHICH CONCLUDED A PROGRAMME TO RID THE AREA OF EYESORES AND TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE OPERATION WAS PART OF A THREE-MONTH LONG ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND CLEANLINESS.
A SURVEY HAD EARLIER BEEN CONDUCTED TO IDENTIFY ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS THAT POSE A RISK TO RESIDENTS. AS A RESULT, 28 SIGNBOARDS WERE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS BY THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE AND WERE THUS PROCESSED FOR REMOVAL BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE FIVE SIGNBOARDS RECENTLY REMOVED ALTHOUGH FOUND NOT TO BE DANGEROUS, HAD BEEN ABANDONED FOR A LONG TIME, AND WERE DISMANTLED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE POLICE, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE.
+THE SUCCESS OF THE OPERATION WAS THE RESULT OF THE GOOD CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE PUBLIC,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
+WE HOPE THIS OPERATION WILL ENCOURAGE MORE BUILDING OWNERS TO REPORT ABANDONED AND DANGEROUS SIGNBOARDS SO THAT WE CAN CO-ORDINATE EFFORTS TO HAVE THEM DISMANTLED AS SOON AS FUNDS AND RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE.
- o -
VICTORIA PARK LIGHTS UP TOMORROW * * * *
THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS IN VICTORIA PARK WILL BE SWITCHED ON FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING, AND WILL BE ON UNTIL FEBRUARY 23.
FUNDED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT $35 000, THE LIGHTING DISPLAYS DEPICT THREE CHILDREN DOING A LION DANCE, WITH NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON DAILY FROM'6 PM TO 12 MIDNIGHT, AND FROM 6 PM UNTIL 6 AM ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE (FEBRUARY 8).
BETWEEN FEBRUARY 9 TO 11, THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON FROM 6 PM TO 1 AM.
AN EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD DECIDED TO ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR THE FESTIVE LIGHTS AND DECORATION AGAIN THIS YEAR, BECAUSE OF ITS SUCCESS LAST YEAR.
/+THIS WILL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
- 19 -
♦THIS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THE PUBLIC WHO VISIT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK TO SHARE THE FESTIVE MOOD,* HE SAID.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG AND THE CHIEF MANAGER OF LEISURE SERVICE, MR PETER RULL, WILL SWITCH ON THE LIGHTING DISPLAY AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW.
MEANWHILE, LAI-SEE PACKETS PRODUCED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE ARE AVAILABLE FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTING DECORATIONS AT 6 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) OUTSIDE THE SQUASH COURT (NEAR THE HING FAT STREET ENTRANCE) IN VICTORIA PARK.
------o-------
SALT WATER MAINS WORK * * * *
HUNG HOM WILL BE TO 10 AM THE FOLLOW
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6) DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
NG
HE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CHATHAM ROAD, WUHU STREET, WINSLOW STREET, PO LOI STREET AND DOCK STREET.
------o-------
SAFETY NEWSLETTER FOR ROAD USERS * * * * *
. no ice rcoCMOMV WAS HELD TODAY AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S
HOMO ROM> TO HARK THE
SBLT7lHFEiRt? W au*’TEBLV’
THE BILINGUAL NEWSLETTER IS BEING DISTRIBUTED FREE TO THE PUBLIC TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS.
/TODAY THE .......
.Ki, KEBROARY 3, 1986
20 -
TODAY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (TRAFFIC), ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MR J.C. CLEMENCE AND THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE ROAD SAFETY AND STANDARDS DIVISION, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR D.G. WILLDAY OFFICIALLY RECEIVED COPIES OF THE FIRST ISSUE OF THE ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SPONSORS - MR W.A. BEST JR., MANAGING DIRECTOR, CALTEX OIL HK LTD. AND MR K.P. YUE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, TONG SENG CO.LTD.
MR CLEMENCE THEN HANDED OVER THE FIRST COPY TO A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WHO WAS AT THAT TIME APPLYING FOR RENEWAL OF HIS DRIVING LICENCE.
♦COPIES OF THE ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY WILL BE SENT TO OTHER OUTLETS AND MADE AVAILABLE AT OTHER LICENSING OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES, THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS AND THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL SAID.
THE THEME OF THE FIRST ISSUE IS ON ♦HIGH-CAPACITY ROADS*.
THE MAIN ARTICLE DEALS WITH THE +TWO-SECOND RULE*, WHICH HELPS DRIVERS TO DETERMINE THE SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE BETWEEN IWO VEHICLES ON HIGH-CAPACITY ROADS.
ANOTHER ARTICLE, ON LANE DISCIPLINE, DESCRIBES THE CORRECT WAY TO JOIN, DRIVE ALONG AND LEAVE A HIGH-CAPACITY ROAD.
OTHER ARTICLES TELL ABOUT SOME SIMPLE CHECKS THAT WILL MAKE NIGHT DRIVING SAFER, AND WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF BREAKDOWNS.
THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL, CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE (OPERATIONS), CO-ORDINATES THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OR ROAD SAFETY ACTIVITIES - INCLUDING ROAD BUILDING, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLICITY.
FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE STANDING CONFERENCE ON ROAD SAFETY, SET UP IN SEPTEMBER 1973, THE COUNCIL ACQUIRED ITS PRESENT NAME AFTER A RE-CONSTITUTION IN JANUARY 1983.
SINCE THEN, THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL, BESIDES ACTING AS A CO-ORDINATOR OF EXECUTIVE ACTION, HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING PROPOSALS TO PREVENT TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND FOR PROVIDING ADVICE ON POLICIES TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
MEMBERS OF THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM TRANSPORT BRANCH, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, TRANSPORT, EDUCATION, INFORMATION SERVICES, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, BRITISH FORCES, HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION, THE INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED MOTORISTS, AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POL I Ct.
21
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 19*6
LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY REMINDER
* * * * *
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY THAT THE DAY PRECEDING LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY AND THE SECOND AND THIRD DAYS OF THE NEW YEAR - FEBRUARY 8, 10 AND 11 - ARE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
HE CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF LABOUR RELATIONS, NR CHOW TUNG-SHAN, EXPLAINED THAT SINCE LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY FALLS ON A SUNDAY THIS YEAR, THE DAY BEFORE HAS BEEN MADE A STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $9 500 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAYS. THEY MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAYS-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
HOLIDAY PAY, HOWEVER, SHALL NOT BE MADE IN LIEU OF THE GRANT OF A HOLIDAY.
+IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, l£ MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY,* HE SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE TO THE BAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
-------o ---------
WATER STORAGE FIGURES * O *
KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT PER CENT OF CAPACITY,
STORAGE IN HONG 1986) STOOD AT 62.6
9 AM TODAY (FEBRUARY 3, OR 366.896 MILLION CUBIC
NE TRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 404.266 MILLION CUBIC Sems OF MAT£r7 REPRESENTING 69 PER CERT OF CAPACITY.
-----o------
URBAN COUNCIL’S CITY-WIDE CLEAN-UP GOES ON ft ft ft ft
TMF URBAN COUNCIL’S YEAR—END CLEAN—UP OF ALL 11 URBAN DISTRICTS TFFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY CONTINUED TODAY WITH A BIG SWEEP JuScHED IN YAU MA TEI BY DR DENNY HUANS, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE COMMITTEE.
JOINED BY UC MEMBER DR PHILIP KWOK, L2£AL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS, DR HUANG HELPED TO CLEAR A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT OF DISCARDED JUNK.
/OTHER COUNCILLORS .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 1986
22
OTHER COUNCILLORS TOOK PART IN SEPARATE CEREMONIES AND CLEAN-UPS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS TO DRUM UP SUPPORT FOR THE EFFORT.
MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN UC CHAIRMAN WAS IN WAN CHAI AND MISS MARIA TAM IN CENTRAL PERFORMING THE SAME FUNCTIONS.
LAST SATURDAY, UC VICE-CHAIRMAN MR H.M.G. FORSGATE TOOK PART IN A CEREMONY IN WESTERN WHILE MR HOWARD YOUNG LAUNCHED THE OPERATION IN EASTERN.
ON THE SAME DAY MRS ELSIE TU AND MR LAM CHAK-PIU APPEARED IN KWUN TONG WHILE MR JOSEPH CHAN DID THE HONOURS IN SOUTHERN.
GRACING A CEREMONY IN WONG TAI SIN WERE MISS CECILIA YEUNG AND MR AUGUSTINE CHUNG WHILE IN KOWLOON CITY MR LO KING-MAN OFFICIATED.
DR RONALD LEUNG AND MR RAYMOND CHOW LED THE KICK-OFF IN MONG KOK AND YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) MR FAN KAM-PING OFFICIATED IN SHAM SHU I PO.
THE YEAR-END CLEAN-UP WILL END AT THE CLOSE OF THE WORKING DAY ON SATURDAY. UNTIL THEN, 107 REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN THE URBAN AREA WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR EXTENDED HOURS.
HOUSECLEANERS MAY CALL THE LITTER HOTLINE - 5-95555 - TO FIND OUT THE LOCATION OF THEIR NEAREST REFUSE POINT.
------o-------
3Y-CENSUS SET FOR EARLY MARCH
* * * *
SOME 230 000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL RECEIVE A LETTER FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A POPULATION BY-CENSUS BETWEEN MARCH 7 AND 16 TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE DEMOGRAPHIC AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DATA ON THE POPULATION FOR PLANNING AND ANALYSIS PURPOSES.
THE BY-CENSUS, CONDUCTED BETWEEN TWO FULL CENSUSES, WILL INVOLVE ONLY A SAMPLE OF THE POPULATION.
+ONE OUT OF EVERY SEVEN HOUSEHOLDS HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FOR THE SAMPLE FOR THE 1986 BY-CENSUS. THE LETTERS INFORMING THOSE SELECTED WILL BE DELIVERED DURING THIS WEEK,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
A FURTHER LETTER WILL BE SENT TO THE HOUSEHOLDS INVOLVED, GIVING THEM THE ENUMERATOR’S NAME AND HIS CENSUS OFFICER’S CERTIFICATE NUMBER BEFORE THE OPERATION STARTS.
/+WE HOPE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY J, 1986
- 23 -
♦ WE HOPE THAT THE SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS WILL PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AS DATA COLLECTED IS VITAL FOR GOVERNMENT PLANNING AND IS ALSO WIDELY USED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR PLANNING PURPOSES.+
THE SPOKESMAN GAVE ASSURANCE THAT ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL AND WOULD BE DESTROYED AFTER DATA PROCESSING.
--------0 ---------
ONE-HOUR TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR SWITCH ON * * * *
SAND MARTIN BRIDGE IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ONE HOUR - FROM 6 PM TO 7 PM - ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6) TO FACILITATE THE SWITCHING ON OF LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS.
VEHICLES INTENDING TO CROSS SHING MUN RIVER VIA SAND MARTIN BRIDGE AT THAT TIME, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LION BRIDGE AND BANYAN BRIDGE.
AND A NUMBER OF KMB ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED DURING THE CLOSURE.
THEY ARE 1 ROUTE 48 BETWEEN WO CHE AND TSUEN WAN FERRY, ROUTE 69 BETWEEN CHOI YUEN AND YUEN CHAU KOK, ROUTE 70 BETWEEN SHEUNG SHU I AND JORDAN ROAD FERRY, ROUTE 72 BETWEEN TAI PO MARKET AND SHAM SHU I PO FERRY, ROUTE 81K BETWEEN SUN TIN WAI AND SUI WO COURT, AND ROUTE 281 BETWEEN BELAIR GARDENS AND SHA TIN CENTRAL.
LIBRARIES TO CLOSE ON HOLIDAYS * * *
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THE NON-URBAN AREA WILL BE CLOSED FROM SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 9) TO TUESDAY, THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES, EXCEPT THE SOUTH LAMMA AND THE TWO MOBILE ONES. WILL REMAIN OPEN ON LUNAR NEW YEAR'S EVE, SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 8).
THE OPENING HOURS FOR THE LIBRARIES AT CHEUNG CHAU, FANLING, NORTH KWAI CHUNG. SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, SHEUNG SHU I, SOUTH KWAI CHUNG TAI 0, TAI PO, T^UEN WAN, fuEN MUN (TAI HING). TUEN MUN (YAU 01) AND YUEN LONG WILL BE Fr6m 9 AM TO 1 PM. THE HOURS AT MU I WO AND PENG CHAU PUBLIC LIBRARIES WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 1 PM.
-----0------
/24........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1986
2U -
WORKS TO EASE CHINA-BOUND TRAFFIC
M * * * *
TUC vFUiriF HOIDI NG AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF MAN KAM TO ROAD
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE FORMATION OF AN EARTH EMBANKMENT AND CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINS AND PAVEMENTS.
tuf fmtranof TO THE EXISTING VEHICLE HOLDING AREA WILL BE ocdmamfmt^y^t^osed TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ON COMPLETION OF A NEW FNTRANCETAT THE SOUTHERNENDOF THE NEW HOLDING AREA, WHILE THE footfKh and carriageway near the existing entrance will be MODIFIED.
ANY OBJECTIONS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE APRIL 1.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DUCHESS ENDS SIX-DAY VISIT ................................... 1
NEW DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ....................... 1
NEARLY S1 BILLION MORE SOUGHT FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING ...... 3
CONTROL OF PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS URGED ...................... 4
LAW REFORM COMMISSION APPOINTS SUB-COMMITTEE ................. 6
S633M SPENT TO DEVELOP YUEN LONG ............................. 7
FOUR NEW BILLS FOR LEGCO ................................... 8
SHIPPING, PORT, CARGO STATISTICS REI,.EASED .................. 8
SPECIAL FUND TO HELP DISABLED ATHLETES ....................... 10
FS-DESIGNATE VISITS ED ....................................... 11
PREFERENTIAL SCHEME FOR ELDERLY .............................. 11
POSTER DESIGN CONTEST RESULTS ANNOUNCED ...................... 12
LICENSING OFFICES TO ADOPT QUOTA SYSTEM ............. 13
VILLAGE HOUSE TO BE CONVERTED INTO FOLIC MUSEUM .............. 13
LAI-SEE PACKETS WITH A MESSAGE .................... ......... 14
SHA TIN LIGHTS UP FOR NEW YEAR................................ 14
MEET THE MEDIA ............................................... 15
YOUTH AMBASSADORS OFF TO JAPAN ............................... 15
TAI PO CANDIDATES TO APPEAR IN FORUMS......................... 16
TUEN MUN CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS............................. 17
DB MEMBERS TO INSPECT ENVIRONMENTAL BLACKSPOTS ............... 17
HENRY MOORE POSTER EXHIBITION ................................ 18
RSD MUSEUMS TO CLOSE ON HOLIDAYS ........................... 18
TSUEN WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ............................... 18
YAU MA TSI TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS .............................. 19
SALT WATER CUT ............................................... 20
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
1
DUCHESS ENDS SIX-DAY VISIT
* * * * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF KENT LEFT FOR LONDON THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING AFTER A SIX-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, SHE HAD VISITED THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF THE ACADEMY, '■R ALEX wU AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE ACADEMY, DR BASIL DEANE, THE DUCHESS SA* A DANCE CLASS BEING CONDUCTED, AND A PERFORMANCE OF CHINESE DANCE.
SHE ALSO TALKED TO SOME OF THE STAFF AND STUDENTS BEFORE WATCHING STUDENTS IN THEIR MUSIC, DRAMA AND TECHNICAL ARTS CLASSES.
THE DUCHESS LATER WENT TO HMS TAMAR, WHERE SHE WAS RECEIVED BY THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM.
SHE SPENT TWO HOURS TOURING THE JOINT SERVICES SENIOR RANKS f*ESS, AND THE JOINT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE, AND MET W I TH SERVICE! EK AND SERVICEWOMEN.
THE DUCHESS IS COLONEL-IN-CHIEF OF THE ARMY CATERING CORPS AND CONTROLLER COMMANDANT OF THE WOMEN’S ROYAL ARMY CORPS.
SEEING THE DUCHESS OFF AT THE AIRPORT WERE THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE; THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER CF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG AND THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.
-----C------
NEW DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY A FURTHER SERIES OF SENIOR DIRECTORATE MOVEMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS. THEY ARE AS FOLLOWSs-
MR JOHN TODD. CURRENTLY DIRECTOR OF LANDS, IS TO BE APPOINTED SECRETARY FOR HOUSING IN APRIL.
MR FREDDIE PANG YUK-LING, wHO HAS ACTED AS SECRETARY FOR HOUSING IN ADDITION TO HIS SUBSTANTIVE DUTIES AS DIRECTOR OF HOUSING SINCE AUGUST 1985, WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE DIRECTOR CF HOUSING.
/DR JOHN .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
2
DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN WILL EE RETIRING FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE IN MARCH THIS YEAR. DR RIDDELL-SWAN HAS BEEN DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SINCE FEBRUARY 1980.
DR LAWRENCE LEE HAY-YUE WILL SUCCEED DR RIDDELL-SWAN AS DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES. DR LEE IS CURRENTLY DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS FOLLOW:
MR J.F. TODD, CVO, OBE, JP
AGED 56. MR TODD JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN MAY 1976 AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE C, AFTER HAVING SERVED FOR SOME 19 YEARS IN OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIES AND A TWO YEAR SECONDMENT TO THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE. HE SERVED INITIALLY AS DISTRICT OFFICER TSUEN WAN, THEN WAS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM 1977 TO 1980, AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT FROM 1980 TO 1981. HE BECAME THE FIRST DIRECTOR OF LANDS, ON THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT IN APRIL 1982.
MR FREDDIE PANG YUK-LING, ISO, JP
AGED 55. MR PANG JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN OCTOBER 1956 AS AN APPRENTICE ARCHITECT IN THE (THEN) PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. HE WAS APPOINTED ON TRANSFER AS CHIEF ARCHITECT IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN MARCH 1974 AND PROMOTED TO BE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (CONSTRUCTION) IN MARCH 1981. HE WAS AGAIN PROMOTED TO BE THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING IN FEBRUARY 1985.
DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN, OBE, JP
AGED 59. DR RIDDELL-SWAN FIRST JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN MAY 1956 AS A VETERINARY OFFICER IN THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. HE BECAME ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN OCTOBER 1964, AND WAS FURTHER PROMOTED TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN MAY 1971 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF DIRECTOR CF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN FEBRUARY 1980. HE WILL HAVE COMPLETED 29 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ON HIS RETIREMENT IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
DR LAWRENCE LEE HAY-YUE, JP
AGED 48. DR LEE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN JUNE 1963 AS AN ASSISTANT PEST CONTROLLER OFFICER. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN FEBRUARY 1980 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHER IES IN JULY 1983.
- - 0 ---------
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
NEARLY $1 BILLION MORE SOUGHT FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW TO APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL SUM OF $976 MILLION FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S PUBLIC RENTAL PROJECTS FOR THE FOUR YEARS FROM 1986-87 TO 1989-90.
THIS WILL ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO DRAW UP TO S3 194 MILLION FOR ITS PROJECTS FOR THE PERIOD, AND WILL INCLUDE $622.7 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON REDEVELOPMENT OF STRUCTURALLY DEFECTIVE PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS.
WORK ON CLEARING THE 26 BLOCKS UNDER THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME HAS ALREADY BEGUN AND WILL EXTEND TILL JULY 1989. A TOTAL OF 14 519 NEW FLATS WILL BE BUILT, ON THE CLEARED AREAS OVER THIS PERIOD, AND THIS WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE 30 OOO-PLUS RENTAL FLATS THAT WILL BE BUILT EACH YEAR.
THE $3 194 MILLION WILL ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO ACHIEVE THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM OF MAINTAINING AN OVERALL ANNUAL PRODUCTION OF AT LEAST 40 000 FLATS, INCLUDING THOSE BUILT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, AND THOSE BUILT BY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
THE LATEST REQUEST WILL BRING TO $14 241 MILLION THE AMOUNT OF LOANS MADE BY THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND FOR HOUSING AUTHORITY RENTAL PROJECTS SINCE JUNE 1977.
ANOTHER REQUEST BEFORE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE FOR $256 876 000 AS SUPPLEMENTARY EDUCATION PROVISION LARGELY FOR MEETING INCREASES IN STAFF SALARIES OF ORGANISATIONS SUBVENTED DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS, SUCH AS AIDED SCHOOLS, IN LINE THE REVISED CIVIL SERVICE PAY SCALES WHICH CAME
ON A WITH FROM
INTO EFFECT
APRIL 1 LAST YEAR.
OTHER SUMS SOUGHT ARE:
* $66 494 000 FOR ADJUSTMENTS TO PAY SCALES IN A NUMBER OF SUBVENTED MEDICAL ORGANISATIONS*
* $51 860 000 TO MEET SOCIAL WELFARE COSTS FOR THE INCREASED CASELOAD UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME?
* $33 533 000 FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENTS IN SUBVENTED SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS?
* $8 129 000 AS SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THE CITY POLYTECHNIC?
/• $25 480 000 .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1986
* 525 430 000 TO MEET THE SHORTFALL IN THE COST OF MAIL CONVEYANCE, PARTICULARLY BY AIR;
* 526 500 000 TO MEET THE INCREASE IN THE PRICE OF WATER FROM CHINA;
* $10 896 000 TO MEET GENERAL EXPENSES OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND
X $141 556 000 FOR PAYMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, RETIRING ALLOWANCES AND GRATUITIES.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE A
NEW BASIS FOR CALCULATING EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO RED WORM FARMERS, NEW RATES OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PAYABLE TO OPERATORS OF RED WORM FARMS AFFECTED BY CLEARANCES, AND TO WAIVE THE CURRENT MAXIMUM COMPENSATION OF $50 000 A FARM.
- - 0 - -
CONTROL OF PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS URGED X * X X X
THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TODAY EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL.
HOWEVER, CLUBS WITH FIVE BILLIARD TABLES OR LESS, AND WHICH ARE CONSIDERED TO BE NON-PROFIT MAKING, SHOULD BE EXEMPTED.
SPEAKING AT THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HEADQUARTERS) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR GEOFFREY ORR, SAID THAT THERE ARE AT PRESENT, 20 LICENSED PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 331 TABLES.
♦IN THE PAST TWO YEARS OR SO THERE HAS BEEN, THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, A RAPID GROWTH OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS UNDER THE NAME OF PRIVATE CLUBS,+ HE SAID.
+ALTHOUGH THESE CLUBS SERVE ONLY THEIR MEMBERS OR GUESTS OF MEMBERS, THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS NOT MATERIALLY BARRED FROM USING THE FACILITIES, AS MEMBERSHIP IS EASILY OBTAINABLE AT A NOMINAL FEE.+
A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR SHOWED THERE WERE 39 BILLIARD CLUBS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS PROVIDING 454 TABLES.
THE EXISTENCE AND RAPID GROWTH OF THESE PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS, MR ORR SAID, HAVE RESULTED IN AN INEQUITABLE SITUATION.
/+AT PRESENT,
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY A, 1986
5 -
+AT PRESENT, PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS PAY A LICENCE FEE OF $1 440 PER TABLE PER YEAR AND ARE SUBJECT TO STRINGENT LICENSING CONDITIONS, SUCH AS OPERATING HOURS AND MAINTENANCE OF SEPARATE ACCESS IF SITUATED IN A MIXED-USERS BUILDING,* HE SAID.
+PRIVATE CLUBS, ON THE OTHER HAND, PAY NO LICENCE FEES AND NOT SUBJECT TO CONTROL AS FAR AS THEIR OPERATIONS ARE CONCERNED.*
AT THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE ACCEPTED A RECOMMENDATION BY THE RSD TO ABOLISH THE LICENCE FOR THE SETTING UP OF A SLAUGHTERHOUSE, AND ALTER THE BASIS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF FEES FOR A LICENCE TO OPERATE A SLAUGHTERHOUSE.
THE FEE FOR THE FORMER LICENCE, WHICH IS ISSUED ON ONE-OFF BASIS TO COVER THE PREPARATORY PERIOD OF A SLAUGHTERHOUSE, IS $1 200 FOR 24 MONTHS AND THE FEE FOR THE LATTER, WHICH IS ANNUALLY RENEWABLE, IS $2 500 FOR 12 MONTHS.
ON THE ABOLITION OF THE LICENCE FOR THE SETTING UP OF A SLAUGHTERHOUSE, MR ORR SAID THAT NO SUCH LICENCE WAS AT PRESENT IN FORCE AS NO PRIVATE SLAUGHTERHOUSES WERE BEING BUILT.
AND THE REQUIREMENT FOR SUCH A LICENCE DID NOT ADD TO THE DEPARTMENT’S POWERS TO CONTROL THE PROVISION OF SLAUGHTERING FACILITIES.
REFERRING TO THE LICENCE FEE FOR OPERATING A SLAUGHTERHOUSE, MR ORR SAID A COSTING EXERCISE HAD BEEN CONDUCTED LAST YEAR.
+THE RESULTS SHOWED A DEFICIT OF $355 969 IN 1983-84. THE ESTIMATED DEFICITS FOR 1984-85 AND 1985-86 ARE $742 149 AND $836 806 RESPECTIVELY. IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, THE SUBSIDY LEVELS FOR THESE THREE YEARS WOULD BE 97.9, 98.8 AND 99 RESPECTIVELY,* HE ADDED.
+IN VIEW OF THE RECORDED AND ESTIMATED DEFICIT, IT IS NECESSARY TO ADJUST THE LEVEL OF FEES FOR SLAUGHTERHOUSE LICENCES.*
WHILE LICENCE FEES SHOULD NOT BE SET WITH A VIEW TO RECOVERING THE FULL COST OF ADMINISTERING THE LICENSING SYSTEM, MR ORR SAID, THE AIM SHOULD BE TO REDUCE THE LEVEL OF SUBSIDY AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
IT WAS RECOMMENDED, THEREFORE, LICENCE FEES FOR OPERATING SLAUGHTERHOUSES SHOULD BE PAYABLE ACCORDING TO A GRADUATED SCALE, HAVING REFERENCE TO THE DESIGNED THROUGHPUT CAPACITY OF THE SLAUGHTERHOUSES.
MR ORR SAID THAT IF THE NEW FEE STRUCTURE IS APPROVED, ITS EFFECT ON THE INCREASE IN MEAT PRICE WOULD ONLY BE MINIMAL. BUT IT WOULD REDUCE THE SUBSIDY LEVEL IN RESPECT OF SLAUGHTERHOUSE LICENSING IN 1986-87 TO 94.3 PER CENT.
/MEMBERS of
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
6
MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ALSO DISCUSSED A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT PREPARED BY A WORKING PARTY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL S MARKETS AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE ON HAWKER CONTROL AND EXAMINED^THE RELEVANCE OF THE WORKING PARTY’S RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE NON-URBAN AREAS.
THFIR VIEWS WOULD BE CONVEYED TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, WOULD BE FOLLOWED UP BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES
DEPARTMENT.
-------0--------
LAW REFORM COMMISSION APPOINTS SUB-COMMITTEE * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAD RECENTLY APPOINTED A SUB-COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER THE LAW CONCERNING THE COMPETENCE AND COMPELLABILITY OF SPOUSES TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.
UNDER THE EXISTING LAW, A WIFE, FOR EXAMPLE, 'SHOT ALLOWED TO GIVE EVIDENCE AGAINST HER HUSBAND AT HIS TRIAL FOR A CRIMINAL OFFENCE, SAVE IN CERTAIN EXCEPTIONAL CASES, NOR CAN SHE BE COMPELLED TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN HIS DEFENCE.
IN RECENT YEARS REFORMS HAVING THE EFFECT OF MAKING SPOUSES ABLE (AND IN SOME CASES, COMPELLABLE) TO GIVE EVIDENCE AGAINST eScH OtSeR IN CRIMINAL CASES, AND COMPELLABLE TO GIVE EVIDENCE ON EACH OTHER’S BEHALF HAVE BEEN PROPOSED IN CANADA AND AUSTRALIA. AND ENACTED IN ENGLAND. THE SUB-COMMITTEE WILL BE SEEKING PUBLIC VIEWS ON WHETHER SIMILAR REFORMS SHOULD TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF COMMISSION MEMBER, DR BYRON S J WENG OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, INCLUDES AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR LEE CHIK-YUET; A BARRISTER, MISS FI-LAN CHUA; LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS ROSANNA TAM', UNIVERSITY LECTURER, MS ANNE HUGHES » AND DEPUTY CROWN PROSECUTOR, MR ANDREW HODGE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT ARE INVITED TO CONTACT OR WRITE TO THE SUB-COMMITTEE SECRETARYi
MR MICHAEL F RUTTER LAW REFORM COMMISSION FOURTH FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES 66 QUEENSWAY HONG KONG
TEL i 5-8622166 --------------------------o--------
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
7
S633M SPENT TO DEVELOP YUEN LONG * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS SPENT ABOUT 5633 MILLION ON ENGINEERING WORKS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT UP TO MARCH 1985.
THE FIGURE IS QUOTED IN THE 1985 EDITION OF THE + YUEN LONG NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME* WHICH WILL BE TABLED AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6).
1 Sew
DEVELOPMENT AND NORTH WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES?
ACCORDING TO THE PROGRAMME, THE TOTAL COST OF ENGINEERING WORKS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, EXCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING BUILT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND LAND ACQUISITION IN THE DISTRICT, WAS CURRENTLY ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $6 800 MILLION.
AT THURSDAY’S MEETING, AMONG THE VARIOUS PROGRESS REPORTS TO BE SUBMITTED FOR FULL BOARD ENDORSEMENT, WILL BE A WHITE PAPER ON THE DRAFT HONG KONG (BRITISH NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986, WHICH HAS BEEN PREPARED BY A WORKING GROUP SET UP AFTER A DEBATE ON THE ISSUE LAST DECEMBER.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE RECENTLY-PUBLISHED CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTE PREPARED BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
AS YUEN LONG HAS ONE OF THE LARGEST COMMUNITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MEMBERS WILL GIVE SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE CONSEQUENCES OF UNCONTROLLED DISCHARGE OF ANIMAL WASTE, THE OPTIONS FOR IMPROVED CONTROLS AND THEIR ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS ON THE MARINE BORROW AREA IN DEEP BAY, THE PROPOSED VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME FOR HA TSUEN AND CHANNEL IMPROVEMENTS NEAR TIN SHU I WAI AND THE REBUILDING OF SURVEYED DOMESTIC STRUCTURES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE NOTIFIED OF A YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD SPECIAL MEETING ON MARCH 3 TO ELECT A REPRESENTATIVE MEMBER TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING, TO BE HELD FROM 9.30 AM NEXT THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6) ON 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8 AM SHARP TO TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO YUEN LONG.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
8
FOUR NEW BILLS FOR LEGCO
*****
FOUR BILLS, THREE SEEKING TO FACILITATE THE EFFECTIVE OPERATION OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WHEN IT COMES INTO BEING ON APRIL 1, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, AND THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE BILL 1986.
IN ADDITION, DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THREE BILLS - THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1985, THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986.
OTHER BUSINESS WILL INCLUDE REPLIES BY OFFICIALS TO 16 QUESTIONS BY UNOFFICIALS AND A STATEMENT BY THE HON S.L. CHEN ON THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 8.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A MOTION BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, FOR APPROVAL OF REGULATIONS CONTROLLING THE USE OF ASBESTOS IN FACTORIES.
- - 0 -
SHIPPING, PORT, CARGO STATISTICS RELEASED
******
IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985, 3 341 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 19.6 MILLION NRT (NET REGISTERED TONNAGE) ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, AN INCREASE OF 404 IN NUMBER AND OF 13 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984.
THESE FIGURES ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING SHIPS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT. WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VESSELS (+190), DRY BULK CARRIERS (+67), CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS (+44) AND ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF VESSELS (+41), WHILE THE NUMBER OF OIL TANKERS DROPPED (-6). INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR SHIPS REGISTERED IN CHINA (+147), PANAMA (+105), THE PHILIPPINES (+37) AND JAPAN (+22), BUT THERE WAS A DECLINE FOR SINGAPOREAN SHIPS (-13). THE NUMBER OF SHIPS WITH CAPACITY UNDER 10 000 DWT INCREASED (+316).
/THERE WERE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
9 -
THERE WERE 3 332 OUTGOING SHIPS, WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 19.5 MILLION NRT, AN INCREASE OF 382 IN NUMBER AND OF 12 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984. THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED IN HONG KONG ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS ROSE BY 14 PER CENT. ABOUT 66 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING SHIPS STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN TWO DAYS.
OF THE CARGO DISCHARGED FROM INCOMING SHIPS, 86 PER CENT
IN TERMS OF TONNAGE WAS IMPORTS AND 14 PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT.
OF THE CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS, 56 PER CENT WAS
EXPORTS (INCLUDING RE-EXPORTS) AND 44 PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT.
THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS IN TONNAGE TERMS WERE JAPAN (17%), SINGAPORE (15%), THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA (12%) AND CHINA (9%), WHILE THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE U.S. (21%), CHINA (19%), TAIWAN (11%) AND JAPAN (5%).
TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED IN THE U.S. (27%) AND CHINA (24%), AND TRANSHIPPED TO CHINA (28%) AND THE U.S. (13%).
COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984, INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE NOTED FOR IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA (+47%), AUSTRALIA (+33%), THE U.S. (+26%), TAIWAN (+25%) AND JAPAN (+4%), BUT DECLINES WERE RECORDED FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA (-22%) AND SINGAPORE (-14%). AS A WHOLE, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 9%. AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, INCREASES IN CARGO TONNAGE WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORTS OF COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (+40%) AND IRON AND STEEL (+12%). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE NOTED FOR IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (-8%), AND CEMENT AND CEMENT CLINKER (-4%).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE TONNAGE OF TOTAL SEABORNE EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5%. INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS TO CHINA (+42%), AND JAPAN (+13%), BUT SLIGHT DECREASES WERE NOTED FOR THOSE TO THE U.S. (-3%) AND TAIWAN (-2%). AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR EXPORTS OF INORGANIC CHEMICALS (+301%), METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (+73%), VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (+28%), AND PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (+28%). HOWEVER, A DECLINE WAS RECORDED FOR THE EXPORTS OF TOYS (-2%).
SHIPPING STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIPOWNERS OR AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS, AND COVER ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT. PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS ARE COMPILED FROM OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. BECAUSE OF RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS, A SAMPLE OF ALL CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE MANIFESTS IS USED FOR COMPILING THE STATISTICS. THE SAMPLING METHOD IS DESCRIBED IN THE EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE REPORT.
/MORE DETAILS........
10
MORE DETAILS ON SHIPPING, PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 ARE CONTAINED IN THE + HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* REPORT FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1985, WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $12.00 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, AT TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-452701 AND 5-455422.
- - 0 -
SPECIAL FUND TO HELP DISABLED ATHLETES * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY SET UP A SPECIAL FUND TO FOSTER THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS FOR THE DEAF, THE PHYSICALLY AND THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT TODAY (TUESDAY) INVITED SUCH ATHLETES IN NEED OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO APPLY FOR GRANTS FROM THE SPORTS AID FOR THE DISABLED FUND, ADDING THAT ELIGIBILITY FOR ASSISTANCE WOULD BE BASED ON INDIVIDUAL MEEDS AND MERITS.
HE SAID THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS WOULD BE MADE FROM THE INVESTMENT INCOME OF A $1.5 MILLION DONATION WHICH WAS CONVERTED FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S ORIGINAL PROVISION TOWARDS THE 1982 FAR EAST AND SOUTH PACIFIC GAMES (FESPIC) HELD IN HONG KONG FOR DISABLED ATHLETES FROM OVER 20 COUNTRIES IN THE REGION.
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE GAMES RETURNED THE SUM TO THE GOVERNMENT IN 1984 AS CONSIDERABLE SURPLUS WAS REALISED AND REQUESTED THAT THE SUM SHOULD BE USED FOR SETTING UP A FUND FOR THE PROMOTION OF SPORT FOR THE DISABLED, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED.
THE FUND IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO ASSIST ATHLETES IN THE FOLLOWING AREASj
* TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO ENABLE DISABLED SPORTSMEN AND WOMEN TO TAKE PART IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS AND TO PROVIDE ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVE NO WAGES FROM EMPLOYERS DURING SUCH PART I ClPATION :
* TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVES IN REHABILITATION 5
* TO PROVIDE TRANSPORT SUBSIDY TO ASSIST THE DISABLED IN PRE-COMPETITlON TRAINING IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENTS AND
* TO PROVIDE TRAINING OF COACHES AND OFFICIALS FOR DISABLED
SPORTS
/APPLICATIONS WILL
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1986
11
ASSOCIATION, HANDICAPPED (SAP
APPt ICATIONB WILL BE VETTED BY THE SECRETARIAT OF THE COUNCIL FOR Re?R»nJN Snd spor?E.no referred TO an appropriate suppopt.ng
• -E ^^^S^NGS^£'°.SSOcf A™NP?Ji1 ™ L HE NT ALLY
’OR THE HONG KONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE DEAF
HANDICAPPED (SAM.
(SAD) FOR RECOMMENDATION.
THF AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY WILL BE DECIDED BY THE SPORTS AID FOR THE DISABLED COMMITTEE AFTER HAVING CONSIDERED THE APPLICANT’S Individual needs and the potential for development.
-----0------
FS-DESIGNATE VISITS ED * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY-DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AS PART OF HIS FAMILIARISATION TOUR BEFORE TAKING UP HIS NEW JOB.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, MR JACOBS VISITED SEVERAL DIVISIONS AT THE HEADQUARTERS AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE RANGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME, NEW ACTIVITIES IN THE YEARS AHEAD AND EXPENDITURE PATTERN ON EDUCATION.
HE WOUND UP THE VISIT WITH A GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH SENIOR OFFICERS.
-------0--------
PREFERENTIAL SCHEME FOR ELDERLY
*****
A YEAR-LONG PREFERENTIAL SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE LAUNCHED FROM APRIL 1 IN TSUEN WAN, AS PART OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SERVICES FOR THE AGED.
THE SCHEME, ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, AIMS TO PROVIDE CONCESSIONARY MEDICAL TREATMENT AND OTHER FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE 65 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE.
ELDERLY PEOPLE WITH THE QUALIFYING AGE REQUIREMENT WHO LIVE OR WORK IN TSUEN WAN MAY APPLY.
/SERVICES UNDER .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY L, 1986
12 -
SERVICES UNDER THE SCHEME
DENTAL CONSULTATION FEES, BUS ROUTES, DISCOUNTS FOR PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT IN
INCLUDE CONCESSIONARY MEDICAL AND
PRICE FARES FOR CERTAIN PUBLIC LIGHT SHOPPING IN DEPARTMENT STORES AND CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
HALF
ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN YUEN-SUM WILL CHAIR A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE SCHEME. THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING AT 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
-------0 - - -
POSTER DESIGN CONTEST RESULTS ANNOUNCED * * * *
A STUDENT FROM THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND ONE FROM THE CCC ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL HAVE WON TOP HONOURS IN THE 18TH ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WERE SELECTED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES 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.
MORE THAN 500 ENTRIES FROM 46 SCHOOLS WERE ENTERED FOR THE COMPETITION, WHICH WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS - ’A’ SECTION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND ’B’ SECTION FOR POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTES.
IN SECTION ’A’ THE FIRST PRIZE OF A CASH COUPON OF Si 500 WILL BE AWARDED TO CHEUNG CH I-WING OF CCC ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, WHILE THE ’B’ SECTION FIRST PRIZE, A CASH COUPON OF S3 000, WILL BE AWARDED TO CHAN KWOK-CHU OF LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
IN ADDITION, 10 ENTRIES FROM EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED WITH CONSOLATION PRIZES OF CASH COUPONS OF S300 AND $600 RESPECTIVELY.
/THE PRIZES .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, fee.
THE PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED BY MR TAM YIU-CHUNG, A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, AT A CEREMONY IN THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28.
VINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED BY LETTER OF THE RESULTS.
- - 0 -
LICENSING OFFICES TO ADOPT QUOTA SYSTEM * * * *
THF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL INTRODUCE A QUOTA SYSTEM AT ITS FOUR LICENSING OFFICES ON BUSY DAYS TO COPE WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE BEGINNING AND END OF EACH MONTH.
♦UNDER THE SYSTEM, LICENCE AND PERMIT APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN AN APPOINTMENT DISC ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS IN THE LICENSING OFFICES BEFORE THE APPLICATION IS PROCESSED,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SYSTEM, WHICH TRIED OUT LAST YEAR, HAD PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN RFDUCING WAITING TIME AT BUSY PERIODS AND ENCOURAGING APPLICANTS TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE LESS BUSY DAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF the MONTH, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED APPLICANTS THAT DRIVING AND VEHICLE LIC-NCr APPLICATIONS MAY ALSO BE MADE BY REGISTERED POST, CNC! USING THE RELEVANT FORMS, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND APPROPRIATE FEES, TO P.O. BOX 69511, KWUN TONG POST OFFICE.
HE ADDED THAT VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES COULD BE RENEWED AT ANY TIME DURING THE FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE LICENCE EXPIRED.
- - c -
VILLAGE HOUSE TO BE CONVERTED INTO FOLK MUSEUM
*****
WORK TO CONVERT A FAMOUS 2OO-YEAR-OLD VILLAGE HOUSE IN SAI LAU KOK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, INTO A FOLK MUSEUM WILL START AFTER CHINESE NEW YEAR.
THE VILLAGE HOUSE, KNOWN AS SAM TUNG UK, HAS BEEN PRESERVED AS A HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN THE NEW TOWN AND WAS DECLARED A MONUMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1981.
/THi MUSEUM,
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
14
THE MUSEUM, WHEN COMPLETED EARLY HOUSES ILLUSTRATING THE FOUR SEASONS; TYPICAL EARLY VILLAGE LIFE; AREAS FOR COSTUME, AGRICULTURAL, RELIGIOUS AND EXHIBITION HALL.
NEXT YEAR, WILL HAVE FOUR A FURNISHED ROOM TO RE-CREATE DISPLAYING TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL ITEMS; AND A SMALL
SURROUNDING THE MUSEUM WILL BE A KIOSK, A POND, ARBOURS AND BENCHES.
LARGE OPEN SPACE WITH A
THE SITE AREA, COVERING ABOUT 8 600 SQUARE METRES BE LANDSCAPED. ’
WILL
A 39.7 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT HAS THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
BEEN AWARDED BY NEW TERRITORIES
-------0----------
LAI-SEE PACKETS WITH A MESSAGE * X * * K
ABOUT 120 000 LAI-SEE PACKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS IN SHAM SHU I PO ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS (WEDNESDAY)R,CT °FF,CE AND SUB-0FFICE COUNTERS FROM TOMORROW
APART FROM TRADITIONAL LUNAR NEW YEAR GREETINGS. THE RED PACKETS CARRY AN APPEAL TO RESIDENTS TO VOTE IN THE MARCH 6 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
IN SHAM SHUI PO, FOUR CANDIDATES ARE COUNCIL SEATS IN THE SHAM SHUI PO EAST AND CONSTITUENCIES. A TOTAL OF 110 000 PEOPLE ON POLLING DAY.
CONTESTING TWO URBAN SHAM SHUI PO WEST ARE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE
OTHER PUBLICITY INCLUDE A SUPPLEMENT. POSTERS AND DISPLAYS.
BANNERS AND BUNTINGS,
LATER THIS MONTH, BROADCAST VANS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO PROMOTE THE ELECTIONS.
-----0------
SHA TIN LIGHTS UP FOR NEW YEAR
* * * *
SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE WILL BE ADORNED WITH DECORATIVE LIGHTS ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6) EVENING TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MR PIERS JACOBS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE.
/A SPECTACULAR .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
15
A SPECTACULAR LION DANCE, PERFORMED BY THE DISTRICT’S JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS, WILL FOLLOW.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE ON THE FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN, MR LAM HUNG-CHIU; OTHER BOARD MEMBERS, AND THE CHAIRMEN OF AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT 6.30 PM ON THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE (NEAR THE TOWN CENTRE) ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6).
-----0------
MEET THE MEDIA * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, MR MORRIS MORGAN, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6) AT 2 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD
HOUSE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. -----------------------------0 ------
YOUTH AMBASSADORS OFF TO JAPAN
*****
TEN YOUTHS FROM TSUEN WAN SELECTED AS AMBASSADORS UNDER THE DISTRICT’S INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR AMBASSADORS SCHEME WILL LEAVE FOR JAPAN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
DURING THEIR WEEK-LONG STUDY TOUR, THEY WILL VISIT JAPANESE YOUTHS AT KYOTO, YOKOHAMA AND TOKYO AND STAY WITH FAMILIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE JAPANESE CULTURE AND WAY OF LIFE.
/THEY WILL .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
- 16 -
THEY WILL RETURN ON FEBRUARY 12.
THE YOUTH AMBASSADORS WILL BE SEEN 0FF AT,™E A'^ ®Y JHE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG D STR CT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, AND MEMBERS OF THE 1985 TSUEN WAN DISTRICT IYY CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED WILL MEET MEMBERS OF FLOOR AT THE AIRPORT CX 502 AT 4 PM.
TO COVER THE DEPARTURE THE PRESS IN THE PRESS AT 2.30 PM. THEY WILL
OF THE GROUP. THEY ROOM ON THE GROUND DEPART ON FLIGHT
- - - - 0 ------------
TAI PO CANDIDATES TO APPEAR * * * * *
IN FORUMS
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED THREE INTRODUCE TO THE PUBLIC SEVERAL CANDIDATES WHO WILL IN THE FORTHCOMING REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTION.
FORUMS TO TAKE PART
THE FIVE CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE ONLY SEAT IN CONSTITUENCY WILL PRESENT THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE TAI PO AND ANSWER
THE FIRST FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 8.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE TAI YUEN COMMUNITY HALL.
THE SECOND FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 23 IN THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE WHILE THE THIRD ONE WILL. TAKE PLACE AT THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALL AT 8.30 PM ON FEBRUARY 28.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ANDREW WONG, WILL BE THE MODERATOR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUMS.
-----0------
/1?........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
17
TUEN MUN CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS
* * * *
THE FOUR CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTION IN TUEN MUN CONSTITUENCY OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL MEET THE PRESS AT THE ON TING AND YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE IN ON TING ESTATE, TUEN MUN, AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6).
THE CANDIDATES WILL PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS AT THE SESSION. DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY WILL PRESIDE.
THE FOUR CANDIDATES VYING FOR SEATS IN TUEN MUN EAST AND TUEN MUN WEST CONSTITUENCIES ARE MR SO SHIU-SHING, MR TSANG KWONG-YUEN, MR NG MING-YUM, AND MADAM WAN SHUI-LING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ARRIVE AT THE COMMUNITY
ATTEND. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD CENTRE AT 10.45 AM SHARP.
-------o----------
D3 MEMBERS TO INSPECT ENVIRONMENTAL BLACKSPOTS *****
NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL INSPECT SOME RIVERS TO SEE THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON WATER COURSES ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6). THE VISIT IS TO PREPARE MEMBERS FOR THEIR DISCUSSION ON THE PROPOSED MEASURES OVER ANIMAL WASTE AT THEIR NEXT BOARD MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE TOUR. A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT AT 2.15 PM.
-------o----------
/18........
I
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
18
HENRY MOORE POSTER EXHIBITION X * * * X
TH'RTY POSTERS USED TO PROMOTE THE PAST EXHIBITIONS OF srill prnp HENRY MOORE WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG PUBLIC LIBRARY FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO FEBRUARY 25.
DEPARTTMlNrAH^'IJEONB^T^;NCTOUVN?^:"ISED BY THE REGI0N4L SEflVI<:ES
ADMISSION WILL BE FREE.
-------o----------
RSD MUSEUMS TO CLOSE ON HOLIDAYS
*****
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM AT THE OLD TAI PO MARKET STATION AND THE SHEUNG YIU FOLK MUSEUM IN SAI KUNG WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FROM FEBRUARY 9 TO 11.
THE MUSEUMS WILL RE-OPEN ON FEBRUARY 12. ADMISSION IS FREE.
--------o----------
TSUEN WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
******
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TSUEN WAN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 7).
THE DETAILS AREr
* SHEK WAI KOK ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TEXACO ROAD NORTH AND THE ESTATE ACCESS ROAD WEST OF SHEK LAN HOUSE WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. TRAFFIC ON TEXACO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSUEN KAM INTERCHANGE, WAI TSUEN ROAD, MIU KONG STREET, SHING MUN ROAD, TEXACO ROAD NORTH AND SHEK WAI KOK ROAD UNDERPASS.
* SHEK WAI KOK ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD AND A POINT 110 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TEXACO ROAD NORTH WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE AREA.
/• TSUEN WAN
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1986
- 19 -
* TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET BETWEEN YAN CHAI STREET AND CHUNG ON STREET WILL BE MADE A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE. NO PLBS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE AREA.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY, THE FOLLOWING TWO SECTIONS OF WAI KEK STREET, KWAI CHUNG WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY TAXI RESTRICTED ZONE:
* WAI KEK STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN TAI LOONG STREET AND SHEK LI STREET; AND
X WAI KEK STREET SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN SHEK LI STREET AND SHEK PAI STREET.
NO TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
ALSO, FROM 12 MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, TUNG CHAU STREET SECTION BETWEEN WALNUT STREET AND MAPLE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING ALONG TUNG CHAU STREET HEADING FOR TAI KOK TSUI ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WALNUT STREET AND CUK TSUN STREET.
YAU MA TEI TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE VICINITY OF YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET FROM 2 PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 6) TO 6 PM ON SATURDAY TO COPE WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EXPECTED TO VISIT THE MARKET.
THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* RECLAMATION STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN THE UN-NAMED ROAD SOUTH OF SHEK LUNG STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD, AND WATERLOO ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN RECLAMATION STREET AND FERRY STREET WILL BE REDUCED FROM THREE-LANE TO TWO-LANE TRAFFIC.
* THE UN-NAMED ROAD SOUTH OF SHEK LUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
* CHING PING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
* LEFT-TURN FROM RECLAMATION STREET NORTHBOUND TO TUNG KUN STREET WESTBOUND WILL BE BANNED.
/• SHEK LUNG
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 19&6
20 -
W SHEK LUNG STREET BETWEEN RECLAMATION STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AND CONVERTED INTO A PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
* THE METERED PARKING SPACES IN CANTON ROAD BETWEEN PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND THE UN-NAMED ROAD SOUTH OF SHEK LUNG STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
-------0----------
SALT WATER CUT * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES ON RENFREW ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 7) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;
BILLS DEFINE SCOPE OF COUNCILS ............................. 1
RULES ON ASBESTOS USE TAKE EFFECT AUGUST 1 .................. 5
PUBLICITY ON ASBESTOS HAZARDS URGED ........................ 5
NEW BANKING BILL EXPECTED IN MARCH ......................... 7
ANTI-DRUG EFFORT GETS HIGH PRIORITY ........................ 8
HK-UK AID FOR ~TUDENTS ..................................... 9
VIEWS ON AGE OF MAJORITY EXPECTED .......................... 10
GREATER VIABILITY SOUGHT FOR ARTS CENTRE.................... 10
+CLEARER INDICATION* SOUGHT FROM CONSULTATION' ............. 12
REVIEW OF VALUE TOR MONEY STUDIES URGED .................... 14
BETTER SERVICES FOR MENTALLY ILL PLANNED ................... 15
CLOSURE OF TUNNEL TUBE EXPLAINED ........................... 15
RAMPED ACCESS FOR DISABLED NECESSARY ....................... 16
PRIORITY AREAS FOR PROJECTS CONSIDERED ..................... 17
BILL TO RELAX NT HOUSE HEIGHT LIMIT PLANNED ................ 17
CRITERIA FOR CONTRACTS EXPLAINED ........................... 18
SPEECH THERAPY COURSE PLANNED .............................. 19
SPECIALIST RECOGNITION UP TO ROYAL COLLEGES ................ 19
NO PLANS FOR NURSING DEGREES ............................... 20
/BAN ON.........
BAN ON SOME VISITORS STILL VALID............................. 21
PIG, POULTRY FARM PATTERN LITTLE CHANGED .................... 21
PRACTISING DENTISTS ......................................... 22
BILLS PASSED ................................................ 22
PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED ........................................... 23
TRAFFIC ARRANGIMENTS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR'S EVE .................. 23
PUBLIC URGED TO AVOID CONGESTION ............................. 25
MEETING CW WAR MEMORIAL FUND ................................... 26
BARBECUE BAN TO BE LIFTED ...................................... 27
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR NEW YEAR FAIRS ................................ 27
ARRANGEMENTS TO EASE CONGESTION AT AIRPORT ..................... 28
RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR ISLANDERS ................. 29
BOARD GROUP HOLDS OPEN MEETING ................................. 30
FINANCE COMPANY LICENCE REVOKED ................................ 50
CLOSURE ORDER SOUGHT FOR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES .................... 31
OPEN STORAGE SITE FOR RENT ..................................... 51
CANDIDATES MEET THE PRESS ...................................... 51
central and western candidates to meet press ................... 52
FIRE OFFICERS COMMENDED ........................................ 55
LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTINGS ....................................... 55
NEW YEAR LIGHTS TO GO ON ...................................... 5*+
NEW PLAYGROUND ON HEI LING CHAU ................................ 55
VARIETY SHOW IN TAI PO ........................................ 55
COMPUTERISED WHEELCHAIR DEVELOPED .............................. 56
TAI HaNG Water SUPPLY TO BE INTERRUPTED ........................ 56
ROADS TO OPEN .................................................. 57
RESTRICTED ZONES ............................................... 37
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
1
BILLS DEFINE SCOPE OF COUNCILS * X * *
THREE BILLS DEFINING THE RESPONSIBILITIES, BOUNDARIES AND JURISDICTIONS OP THE NEW REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL W-RE READ A SECOND TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THt SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON BARRIE WIGGHAM.
Thl BILLS ENABLE THE TWO COUNCILS TO PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF SER\ICES TO THE PUBLIC, AND AT THE SAME TIME ALLOW FOR COST EFFECTIVENESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUCH FACILITIES.
THt JURISDICTIONS OF THE TWO COUNCILS WOULD BE DIVIDED INTO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA IN DEALING WITH PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, MR WIGGHAM SAID.
♦DEVELOPMENTS SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE IN JULY LAST YEAR HAVE MADE A NUMBER OF MINOR CHANGES TO THE ORDINANCE NECESSARY,+ HE EXPLAINED.
♦THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BILL SEEKS TO MAKE AMENDMENTS SO THAT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CAN OPERATE EFFECTIVELY WHEN IT COMES INTO BEING ON APRIL 1,+ HE SAID.
♦THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL HAS ALSO MADE CERTAIN CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL ORDINANCE HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE ESSENTIAL,*
AND THE PUBLIC HE ADDED.
PROPOSALS CF THE COUNCIL SAME TIME, THE
IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BILL SPECIFY THAT MEMBERS WOULD MEET ON APRIL 1 TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN. AT THE COUNCIL WOULD BECOME THE AUTHORITY IN THE COLLECTION CF WASTE IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA WHILE THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE COLLECTION AUTHORITY IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA.
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD. LIKE THE URBAN COUNCIL, BE EMPOWERED TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND TO DETERMINE CHARGES ACCORDINGLY.
THE CHINESE NAME OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD BE CHANGED AS IT IS TOO SIMILAR TO THE CHINESE NAME OF DISTRICT BOARDS, f*R WIGGHAM SAID.
♦OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS INCLUDE PROVISIONS TO EXPAND THE CATEGORY OF PUBLIC OFFICERS WHO MAY ATTEND MEETINGS OF COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMIT "EES OF THE COUNCIL, AND TO BRING THE ORDINANCE INTO LINE WITH THE EXISTING ACCOUNTING SYSTEM AND PRACTICES OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THOSE ENVISAGED FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
/+THE URBAN .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
2
♦THE URBAN COUNCIL BILL SEEKS TO REDEFINE THE JURISDICTION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA BECAUSE THE EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE BOUNDARY OF THE COUNCIL IS DIFFERENT FROM ITS ELECTORAL BOUNDARY,+ WIGGHAM SAID.
PROPOSALS IN THE BILL ALSO SEEK TO LIFT CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS TO ALLOW THE TWO COUNCILS TO PROVIDE RECIPROCAL ACTIVITIES IN RECREATION, CULTURE AND TRAINING.
♦UNDER THE ORDINANCE ALL THE URBAN COUNCIL’S POWERS ARE CURRENTLY RESTRICTED TO THE URBAN AREAS, WHICH IS CONSIDERED UNDULY LIMITING,+ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
♦THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSES THAT IN FUTURE THE URBAN COUNCIL, LIKE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WILL ONLY BE RESTRICTED TO ITS JURISDICTIONAL AREAS IN TERMS OF ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING PUBLIC PLACES AND FACILITIES RELATED TO RECREATION AND CULTURE.
♦THIS WILL ALLOW THE URBAN COUNCIL TO ARRANGE, FOR EXAMPLE SPORTS TRAINING CAMPS AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE. IT ALSO PERMITS THE TWO COUNCILS TO ACT TOGETHER, FOR INSTANCE IN CONSTRUCTING AND RUNNING A STAFF TRAINING SCHOOL,♦ HE ADDED.
9
♦THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE CONSIDERED HIGHLY DESIRABLE IN TERMS OF PROVIDING A FULL SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, COST EFFECTIVENESS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE^ HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL’S SURPLUS FUNDS COULD BE LEGALLY INVESTED ONLY IN SUCH INVESTMENTS AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE.
♦THE BILL PROPOSES TO RELAX THIS REQUIREMENT BY ALLOWING THE COUNCIL TO DEPOSIT MONEY IN A LICENSED BANK WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AND IT ALSO SPECIFIES THAT THE COUNCIL IS EMPOWERED TO ENTER INTO CONTRACTS OR ENGAGE FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME STAFF,♦ SAID MR WIGGHAM.
♦THE BILL ALSO CLARIFIES THE STATUS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THAT IT IS NOT, AND NEVER HAS BEEN A SERVANT OR AGENT OF THE CROWN,+ HE ADDED.
♦PROVISIONS CONCERNING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL ARE ALSO INCLUDED TO BRING THEM INTO LINE WITH THOSE APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS,♦ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
AS FOR THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES BILL, MR WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THAT THE AMENDMENTS WOULD EMPOWER THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO MAKE SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND TO SET FEES IN RESPECT OF ITS AREA.
/THE REGIONAL
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD ALSO BE THE AUTHORITY. IN PLACE CF THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, FOR A WIDE RANGE OF POWERS AND FUNCTIONS UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF SERVICES, THE MANAGEMENT OF FACILITIES, THE ISSUANCE OF LICENSES, AMONG OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES, HE ADDED.
REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WOULD CONTINUE TO PERFORM THEIR PRESENT FUNCTIONS UNTIL APRIL 30, 1986 BY WHICH DATE, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD BE ABLE TO FULLY ASSUME ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM.
+ALTHOUGH THE PROPOSALS REGARDING THE JURISDICTIONAL BOUNDARIES OF THE TWO COUNCILS WILL SLIGHTLY AFFECT THE DELINEATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE EFFECT OF THE PROPOSAL ON THE OPERATIONS OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS IS MINIMAL AS THE AREA INVOLVED IS NEITHER LARGE NOR DENSELY POPULATED,♦ MR WIGGHAM SAID.
MINOR CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS INCLUDE THE CHANGING OF THE TITLE OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE.
THIS, MR WIGGHAM SAID, WOULD REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE NATURE OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH WAS CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONS CF THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS — THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE BILLS THAT CONCERN THEM AND ENDORSED THE PROPOSALS THEREIN.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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RULES ON ASBESTOS USE TAKE EFFECT AUGUST”! M * M * *
REGULATIONS PROHIBITING THE USE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF ASBESTOS. AND CONTROLLING THE USE OF OTHERS, WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
APPROVAL OF THE MEASURES WAS GIVEN TODAY BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MOVING THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ASBESTOS) SPECIAL REGULATIONS 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID THE AIM WAS TO PROTECT THE HEALTH OF WORKERS IN FACTORIES WHICH USE AN ASBESTOS PROCESS. THE REGULATIONS IMPOSE DUTIES ON PROPRIETORS OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, AND PROHIBIT THE USE OF BLUE ASBESTOS (CROCIDILITE), BROWN ASBESTOS (AMOSITE), OR ANY SUBSTANCE CONTAINING EITHER OF THESE MINERALS.
/♦THESE TYPES .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBHUAHY 5, 1986
4
♦THESE TYPES OF ASBESTOS ARE PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS, BUT, FORTUNATELY, VERY RARELY USED IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
SPRAYING OF MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS IS ALSO PROHIBITED BECAUSE IT IS A SPECIALLY HAZARDOUS PROCESS, MR HENDERSON SAID. THE USE OF ASBESTOS WHICH IS NOT PROHIBITED IS STRICTLY CONTROLLED, AND THE REGULATIONS IMPOSE A NUMBER OF DUTIES ON A PROPRIETOR OF AN INDUSTRIAL TAKING WHO USES AN ASBESTOS PROCESS, HE EXPLAINED.
ALTHOUGH ASBESTOS IS NOT MINED IN HONG KONG AND THE MANUFACTURE OF ASBESTOS PRODUCTS IS VERY RARE AND ON A SMALL SCALE, ASBESTOS AND ASBESTOS PRODUCTS ARE USED IN A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN HONG KONG FOR INSULATION AND FIREPROOFING.
SPEAKING OF THE DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH ASBESTOS USE, HE SAID INHALATION OF ASBESTOS DUST IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITIES COULD RESULT IN PNEUMOCONIOSIS IN ONE FORM OR ANOTHER. SINCE 1981, WORKERS WHO HAVE CONTRACTED ASBESTOS-RELATED DISEASES HAVE BEEN ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO ASBESTOS DUST MIGHT ARISE IN HANDLING RAW MATERIALS OR WORKING IN ANY DUSTY PROCESS INVOLVING MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS. BECAUSE OF THE HEALTH HAZARD INVOLVED. MANY COUNTRIES HAD, IN RECENT YEARS, INTRODUCED LAWS CONTROLLING THE USE OF ASBESTOS.
THESE HEALTH HAZARDS HAD ALSO BEEN STUDIED IN HONG KONG BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, HE SAID.
DUTIES IMPOSED BY THE REGULATIONS ON THE PROPRIETOR WHEN ASBESTOS IS USED INCLUDE*
M USE OF EXHAUST VENTILATION EQUIPMENT OR PROVIDING WORKERS WITH RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING,
M PROPERLY CLEANING AND STORING SUCH PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, AND
* ENSURING THAT PLANT AND PREMISES ARE KEPT CLEAN AND FREE OF ASBESTOS DUST.
IN ADDITION. THE PROPRIETOR MUST NOT EMPLOY A PERSON UNDER 18 YEARS OF AGE. HE MUST ALSO ENSURE.THAT EMPLOYEES ENGAGED IN ANY ASBESTOS PROCESS PERIODICALLY UNDERGO MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS, AND MUST BEAR THE COST OF THE EXAMINATIONS.
FAILURE IN THESE DUTIES RENDERS THE PROPRIETOR LIABLE TO FINES VARYING FROM $10 000 TO $30 000.
MR HENDERSON ALSO RECALLED THAT HE HAD SAID EARLIER IN THE COUNCIL THAT HE THOUGHT THE REGULATIONS WOULD ALSO PROVIDE FOR CORRESPONDING OFFENCES FOR EMPLOYEES WHO REFUSED TO COMPLY WITH INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN BY PROPRIETORS.
/THIS POINT, ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
- 5 -
THIS POINT, HE EXPLAINED, HAD BEEN CONSIDERED WHEN THE REGULATIONS WERE BEING DRAFTED. BUT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO MAKE A SPECIFIC PROVISION FOR THIS SITUATION BECAUSE THE EMPLOYEES, APART FROM RENDERING THEMSELVES LIABLE TO DISMISSAL BY THE EMPLOYERS, WOULD ALSO BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION UNER REGULATION 21 CF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNERTAKING REGULATIONS.
MR HENDERSON SAID THAT AUGUST 1 HAD BEEN SET FOR THE COMING INTO OPERATION OF THE REGULATIONS TO GIVE TIME FOR PROPRIETORS TO INSTALL EXHAUST VENTILATION SYSTEMS OR ACQUIRE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.
MEANWHILE, A GUIDE TO THE REGULATIONS WOULD BE PUBLISHED AND A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WOULD BE LAUNCHED.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, HAD ALREADY PUBLISHED A CODE CF PRACTICE ON THE CONTROL OF ASBESTOS AT WORK, PROVIDING GUIDELINES AND TECHNICAL ADVICE FOR EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS TO PREVENT ASBESTOS HAZARDS.
- 0 - -
PUBLICITY ON ASBESTOS HAZARDS URGED * * * * *
A SUSTAINED EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME +TO HEIGHTEN AWARENESS* OF ASBESTOS HAZARDS AMONG WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS SHOULD EE MOUNTED TO MAXIMISE THE EFFECT OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ASBESTOS) SPECIAL REGULATIONS 1986.
THE SUGGESTION WAS MADE BY DR THE HO‘I HO KAM-FAI WHEN SUPPORTING THE MOTION FOR APPROVAL OF THE REGULATIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REGULATIONS, HE SAID, WOULD HELP TO PROTECT THE HEALTH CF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS AGAINST INHALATION OF HARMFUL ASBESTOS DUST AND FIBRES.
♦THE PROVISIONS IN THESE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN SO DRAFTED AS TO TAKE CARE OF MOST OF THE WORRIES OF THOSE WORKERS BEING ENGAGED IN ASBESTOS PROCESSES.
♦THEREFORE I CONSIDER THEM TO BE A GOOD PIECE OF PREVENTIVE LEGISLATION WORTHY OF OUR SUPPORT,* HE SAID.
DR HO SAID HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE THAT HIS CONCERN THAT WORKERS MIGHT NOT USE THE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING PROVIDED BY THE EMPLOYER HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE DELIBERATIONS ON THE REGULATIONS AND WAS SATISFACTORILY RESOLVED BY REGULATION 21.
HOWEVER, TO MAXIMISE THE EFFECT OF THESE REGULATIONS, HE SUGGESTED THAT A SUSTAINED EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME BE MOUNTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
/DR HO .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
6 -
DR HO EXPRESSED REGRET THAT ANY BREACH OF THESE REGULATIONS ONLY ENTAILED A MONETARY FINE AND WONDERED WHETHER A CUSTODIAL SENTENCE IN ADDITION TO A FINE FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE WOULD MAKE THE INDUSTRIAL PROPRIETOR MORE ABIDING TO THESE REGULATIONS, ALTHOUGH THIS MIGHT INVOLVE AN AMENDMENT TO THE MAIN ORDINANCE.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, HON CHENG HON-KWAN SAID THERE WAS NO DOUBT WORKERS AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC WOULD GREATLY BENEFIT FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATIONS AND THAT THE PROVISIONS MET MOST, IF NOT ALL, SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
MR CHENG SAID HE WAS VERY PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN PROMPT ACTION.
HE NOTED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE REGULATIONS WAS TO PROHIBIT THE USE IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING OF CERTAIN TYPES OF ASBESTOS, TO PROHIBIT ANY PROCESS INVOLVING THE SPRAYING OF ASBESTOS AND TO CONTROL THE USE OF OTHER TYPES OF ASBESTOS IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
+IT IS INTENDED BY THE REGULATIONS THAT YOUNG PERSONS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE EMPLOYED IN ANY PROCESS INVOLVING ASBESTOS AND WORKERS HAVE TO BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED BEFORE BEING ENGAGED IN AN ASBESTOS PROCESS AND THEREAFTER TO BE MEDICALLY EXAMINED PERIODICALLY,* HE SAID.
ANOTHER MEMBER, THE HON DR THE HON CHFU HIN-KWONG, ALSO EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE MOTION.
HE SAID THE HAZARD OF ASBESTOS WAS OFTEN UNKNOWN AND ONCE DAMAGE WAS DONE, IT WAS IRREVERSIBLE AND TREATMENT COULD ONLY PREVENT FURTHER DETERIORATION.
♦THE SPIRIT OF THE REGULATIONS, WHICH IS TO IMPOSE DUTIES ON THE PROPRIETOR OF THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, IS A POSITIVE STEP TOWARDS THE RIGHT DIRECTION IN THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
♦AND THIS PROPOSAL IS TO BE APPLAUDED,* DR CHIU SAID.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE ENACTMENT OF THE REGULATIONS, THE DANGERS CAUSED BY ASBESTOS COULD BE MINIMISED, HE ADDED.
THANKING UMELCO MEMBERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE ♦IMPORTANT SET OF* REGULATIONS, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, REFERRED TO THE POINT RAISED CONCERNING CUSTODIAL SENTENCES, AND SAID THAT THE PRESENT LEVEL OF FINES H*D BEEN DETERMINED AFTER TAKING INTO REGARD THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE AND THE CORRESPONDING LEVELS OF PENALTIES IN OTHER SETS OF REGULATIONS.
+WE HOPE, THEREFORE, THESE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT, BUT IF THEY PROVE NOT TO BE, WE MAY HAVE TO CONSIDER A MORE STRINGENT APPROACH,* HE SAID.
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/7......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1936
7
NEW BANKING BILL EXPECTED IN MARCH * * * M *
SUBJECT TO FINAL DRAFTING ISSUES AND THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, A NEW BANKING BILL WAS EXPECTED TO BE PRESENTED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE FIRST HALF OF MARCH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON ♦TROUBLED BANKS* BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, SIR JOHN SAID HE INTENDED TO TOUCH ON THE NEW BANKING ORDINANCE IN PARTICULAR IN THE COMING BUDGET SPEECH, AND THEREFORE WOULD GIVE RATHER GENERALISED REPLIES.
SIR JOHN ALSO SAID THAT HE HAD NO PRESENT INTENTION OF SEEKING TO REVOKE THE LICENCE OF ANY BANK.
REVOKING THE LICENCE OF A BANK WAS NOT THE BEST WAY OF HELPING DEPOSITORS OR OF MAINTAINING INTEGRITY OF THE SYSTEM
IE SAID.
♦WE ARE COMMITTED TO PRESERVING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY CF HONG KONG. THE NEED IS FOR THE BANKING COMMISSION TO FIND OUT WHEN TROUBLES ARE COMING AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT TOGETHER WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BANK THE COMMISSIONER CAN FIND A BETTcR COURSE,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID HAVE LONG TERM METHOD TO IMPROVE THE BANKING SITUATION, HE SAID THE NE.* BANKING BILL REPRESENTED THE OUTCOME OF THE TWO YEARS WORK TO IMPROVE CHE SITUATION.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO WAY THAT GOVERNMENT COULD PREVENT FRAUD AT THE TOP NOR WAS THERE REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT SHAREHOLDERS IN PUBLICLY QUOTED BANKS SHOULD EXPECT ANY MORE CARE FOR THEIR POSITION THAN SHAREHOLDERS IN ANY OTHER COMPANIES IN HONG KONG.
♦THEY ENJOY THE PROTECTION OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE. IF A BOARD WHICH IS ELECTED BY SHAREHOLDERS IS EITHER INCOMPETENT CR FRAUDULENT, THE SHAREHOLDERS ARE AT RISK,* SIR JOHN SAID.
SIR JOHN NOTED THAT THE NEED FOR MAJOR NEW LEGISLATION HAD BEEN SAID BY THE GOVERNMENT MANY TIMES AND THE NEW POLICIES TO BE ADOPTED HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY ALL CONCERNED.
HE DID NOT REGARD AS HELPFUL ANY VIEW THAT SUGGESTED THAT, MEANWHILE, AN UNSTABLE SITUATION EXISTED.
♦IN FACT IF ONE CONSIDERS THE TURMOIL OF THE PAST FOUR YEARS IT IS REMARKABLE HOW RESPONSIBLY HONEST BANK MANAGERS HAVE DIRECTED THEIR AFFAIRS,+ HE SAID.
♦DISHONESTY IS ANOTHER QUESTION, BUT NO LEGISLATION IN ITSELF WILL CURE THAT.+ HE ADDED.
- o -
/8-
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
8
ANTI-DRUG EFFORT GETS HIGH PRIORITY * * * * *
ALL FORMS
ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST______ .
OF DRUG ACTIVITY HAD
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN MR THOMAS SAID THE POLICE HAD BEEN ASSISTED BY AN ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR BY THF T° ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS FOR INFORMATION ON NEIGHBOURHOOD
DRUG PEDDLERS.
THE POLICE RESPONSE TO INFORMATION FROM THE PUBLIC VARIED WITH THE NATURE OF THE INFORMATION AND THE DETAIL PROVIDED, HE SAID.
+IN SOME CASES, AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE IS JUSTIFIED. IN OTHERS A PERIOD OF INVESTIGATION AND OBSERVATION MAY BE NECESSARY.*
AS FOR FURTHER ACTIONS BY THE POLICE TO ELIMINATE DRUG ♦BLACK SPOTS*, MR THOMAS SAID THESE PLACES WERE KNOWN TO THE POLICE AND WERE THE SUBJECT OF PARTICULAR ATTENTION.
inr./MEASURES To restrict or eliminate such activities in these
*NCLUDE AN INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE, BY BEAT OR MOBILE ^J”^3 AND BY CALLING IN LOCAL SPECIAL DUTY SQUADS, WITH GREATER ISE OF POWERS TO STOP AND SEARCH,* HE SAID. ' wKtAltK
MR THOMAS POINTED OUT THAT IN 1985, THE NUMBER OF DRUG RELATED ARRESTS IN PUBLIC PLACES INCLUDING STAIRCASES AMOUNTED TO 6 408.
THE NUMBER OF ARRESTS MADE IN 1984 WAS 5 648, AND IN 1983 WAS 5 573.
BECAUSE OF THE MANY AND VARIED AVENUES OF APPROACH OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TO PASS INFORMATION TO THE POLICE, WHETHER IN PERSON, BY LETTER OR TELEPHONE, IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO PROVIDE FIGURES OF EXACTLY HOW MANY CASES INVOLVING DRUG TAKING AND DRUG TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC PLACES HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, MR THOMAS EXPLAINED.
o -------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
9
HK-UK AID FOR STUDENTS
* * * X
HONG KONG STUDENTS ON FIRST DEGREE AND HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES IN BRITAIN MAY APPLY FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UNDER A SCHEME JOINTLY FUNDED BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR HENDERSON SAID 1 327 STUDENTS WERE OFFERED GRANTS AVERAGING 2 530 POUNDS STERLING PER STUDENT IN 1984-85.
+THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF GRANTS APPROVED WAS 3 357 025 POUNDS STERLING, OF WHICH 50 PER CENT IS BORNE BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND 50 PER CENT BY THE UK GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
MR HENDERSON SAID THE SCHEME, INTRODUCED IN 1983 AFTER THE INTRODUCTION OF DIFFERENTIAL FEES FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS STUDENTS IN BRITAIN, WAS MEANS TESTED.
♦IN ADDITION, INTEREST-FREE LOANS ARE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES MADE AVAILABLE TO HONG KONG STUDENTS PROCEEDING TO UK,+ HE SAID.
♦THESE ARE FUNDED SOLELY BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND IN 1984-85 WERE OFFERED TO 22 APPLICANTS WHO WERE LATE TO QUALIFY FOR GRANTS.+
MR HENDERSON SAID THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON ALSO PROVIDED ADVICE AND INFORMATION TO HONG KONG STUDENTS GOING OVERSEAS TO STUDY.
+THE COST OF OPERATING THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION, THE JOINT UK-HK FUNDING SCHEME AND THE STUDENTS DIVISION OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IS ABOUT «4.2 MILLION.+
AVAILABLE STATISTICS SHOWED THAT SOME 10 950 HONG KONG SECONDARY OR POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS HAD LEFT TO STUDY IN THE UK, 10 070 HAD LEFT FOR CANADA, 5 990 FOR THE USA AND 1 660 FOR AUSTRALIA IN THE THREE YEARS FROM 1982 TO 1985.
♦THESE ARE THE MAJOR DESTINATIONS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS, ALTHOUGH SMALL NUMBERS ARE KNOWN TO BE STUDYING IN NEW ZEALAND, NETHERLANDS, WEST GERMANY AND ELSEWHERE,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, THE ACTUAL NUMBERS STUDYING IN THE MAJOR DESTINATIONS WAS ALMOST CERTAINLY HIGHER THAN THE FIGURES GIVEN, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT, HE POINTED OUT, DID NOT REQUIRE STUDENTS TO ADVISE IT OF THEIR MOVEMENT.
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/10......
v WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986 '
4, 7 ' I । i ;
, J ■ - 10 - • . f >■ • ■ *
J >1
j A'Vl^WS on age of majority expected
* * * *
VIEWS BY THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION ON THE MATTER OF THE AGE CF MAJORITY ARE EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED IN APRIL THIS YEAR, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY. ” " '
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR THOMAS EXPLAINED THAT THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAD IN JANUARY 1983 REFERRED THE MATTER TO THE COMMISSION FOR ITS VIEWS IN SEVERAL AREAS OF THE LAW WHERE MINIMUM AGES WERE STIPULATED FOR YOUNG PERSONS.
A SURVEY OF PUBLIC OPINION WAS THEN UNDERTAKEN BY A SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE COMMISSION, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE HON DAVID LI, ON THE AGE AT WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE VARIOUS RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, SUCH AS THE RIGHT TO MARRY, MAKE A WILL, GIVE VALID CONSENT TO MEDICAL TREATMENT AND PURCHASE REAL PROPERTY AND STOCKS AND SHARES.
IN APRIL, 1983, A QUESTIONNAIRE WAS SENT TO 206 ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING SCHOOLS, WELFARE AGENCIES AND STUDENT AND YOUTH GROUPS, AND TO INDIVIDUALS IN CLOSE DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT WITH YOUNG PEOPLE.
AFTER DETAILED ANALYSIS AND CONSIDERATION OF 1 580 COMPLETED RESPONSES, THE SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTED TO THE COMMISSION IN OCTOBER 1985 WITH ITS VIEWS.
MR THOMAS ADDED THAT THE COMMISSION’S REPORT, TITLED ’YOUNG PERSONS - EFFECTS OF AGE IN CIVIL LAW’ WOULD, IN THE USUAL WAY, BE SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT TO DECIDE WHETHER TO IMPLEMENT ANY OF THE RECOMMENDATION.
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/
A BILL EFFICIENTLY SECOND TIME
GREATER VIABILITY SOUGHT FOR ARTS CENTRE KO*
ENABLING THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE TO FUNCTION MORE AS A COMMERCIALLY VIABLE VENUE OPERATOR WAS READ A IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE READING, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID THE BILU SOUGHT TO CLARIFY THE OBJECTIVES AND POWERS OF 'THE ARTS CENTRE, AND TO CREATE A MORE DIRECT AND CLEARLY DEFINED ADMINISTRIAVE STRUCTURE FOR THE CENTRE.
♦THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ARTS CENTRE ARE TO FOSTER AND _ ENCOURAGE THE APPRECIATION OF, AND PARTICIPATION IN, THE VARIOUS DISCIPLINES OF THE ARTS.
I ■
/+THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, FEBHDAHY 5, 1986
11
♦THE BILL UNDERLINES THE CENTRE’S ROLE BOTH AS A VENUE-PROVIDER AND AS A PROMOTER OF THE ARTS.
♦IT ALSO EXPANDS THE SCOPE OF THE CENTRE’S PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES SO THAT IT MAY PURSUE ITS OBJECTIVES BOTH IN AND OUTSIDE HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO EMPOWERS THE ARTS CENTRE TO ACT INDEPENDENTLY IN SETTING ITS OWN FEES AND REGULATING THE USE OF ITS FACILITIES.
♦TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE FOR THE ARTS CENTRE, THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS SHALL BE THE SOL^ GOVERNING BODY OF THE CENTRE, AND THE MEMBERSHIP WILL BE EXPANDED,* SAID MR WIGGHAM.
♦ITS COMPOSITION WILL ALSO CF PERCEPTIVES, AND ENSURE THAT INVOLVED IN THE ARTS CENTRE ARE DECISIONS.*
BE CHANGED TO PROVIDE A BALANCE THE INTERESTS OF THE VARIOUS BODIES FULLY REPRESENTED IN THE MANAGEMENT
OPERATING THE ARTS CENTRE HAD PROVIDED A BROAD OUTLINE OF THE , THE DETAILED PROVISIONS IN THE
HE SAID THAT EXPERIENCE IN SHOWN THAT, WHILE THE ORDINANCE AIMS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CENTRE ORDINANCE WERE INADEQUATE.
♦IN PARTICULAR, THE PROVISIONS RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT CF THE CENTRE ARE AMBIGUOUS AND HAVE, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, LED TO CONFUSION IN MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES,* HE SAID.
♦SUCH A STATE OF AFFAIRS IS NOT CONDUCIVE TO THE EFFICIENT OPERATION OF THE ARTS CENTRE.♦
MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME PUBLICITY RECENTLY ABOUT THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE ARTS CENTRE.
♦GOVERNMENT HAS ON TWO OCCASIONS EXTRICATED THE CENTRE FROM ITS FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
♦WITH THE NEW LEGISLATION NOW PROPOSED, THE ARTS CENTRE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FUNCTION MORE EFFICIENTLY AS A COMMERCIALLY VIABLE VENUE OPERATOR, AND AS A PROMOTER OF THE ARTS,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
0 -
/12........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
12
+CLEARER INDICATION-*- SOUGHT FROM CONSULTATION
*****
LEGCO MEMBERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATION EXERCISE A CLEAR INDICATION OF WHETHER OR NOT THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS ACCEPT A PROPOSAL, RATHER THAN REGISTERING MERE ACQUIESCENCE, SO THAT THE RESPONSE MIGHT BE MORE ACCURATELY ASSESSED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON MARIA TAM WHEN SPEAKING TODAY IN SUPPORT OF THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL.
OUTLINING THE UNOFFICIALS’ STUDY OF THE BILL, SHE NOTED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO BRING THE FIRE SERVICES IN LINE WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IN THAT ANY OFFICER WHO HAD, BY HIS NEGLIGENCE OR DEFAULT, CAUSED ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE TO CERTAIN GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES WOULD BE ORDERED TO MAKE COMPENSATION TO THE GOVERNMENT.
UNDER CLAUSES 3 AND 5 OF THE BILL, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT:
(A) WHERE A SUCCESSFUL DISCIPLINARY ACTION HAS BEEN BROUGHT AGAINST A SUBORDINATE OFFICER OR MEMBER OF OTHER RANKS, EITHER THE GOVERNOR OR THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES MAY ORDER HIM TO PAY AS COMPENSATION A SUM OF LESS THAN ONE MONTH OF HIS SALARY.
(B) WHERE THE DAMAGE TO GOVERNMENT PROPERTY IS OF A MINOR NATURE, AND NO DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING IS REQUIRED, THE DIRECTOR MAY STILL ORDER AN OFFICER TO MAKE A COMPENSATION PAYMENT OF LESS THAN ONE MONTH’S SALARY. HOWEVER, UNDER CLAUSE 6 OF THE BILL, THIS OFFICER IS GIVEN THE RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST AN ORDER MADE BY THE DIRECTOR.
(C) IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH A PERSON’S LIABILITY TO MAKE COMPENSATION, CLAUSE 3 PROVIDES THAT HE MAY ONLY BE ORDERED TO PAY COMPENSATION WHEN THE COSTS INCURRED BY THE GOVERNMENT ARISE AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THAT PERSON’S NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT.
IN SCRUTINIZING THE BILL, MISS TAM SAID, SOME MEMBERS WERE CONCERNED THAT A FIREMAN ENGAGED IN AN EMERGENCY OPERATION IN THE COURSE OF HIS DUTY SHOULD NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR CAUSING DAMAGE TO HIS UNIFORM OR FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT WHILE SOME WERE CONCERNED THAT ALTHOUGH THE JOINT COUNCIL ON STAFF RELATIONS HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE PROPOSALS IN 1984 THEY HAD GIVEN NO RESPONSE TO INDICATE THEIR ACCEPTANCE.
/A LH3CO .......
WbLfcfibDAy, FEBRUARY 5. 1986
- 13 -
A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WAS SUBSEQUENTLY FORMED AND MET WITH THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES TO DISCUSS THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS’ CONCERN ABOUT BEING ASKED TO COMPENSATE FOR THE COST OF THE EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS USED AND DAMAGED DURING EMERGENCY OPERATIONS.
MEMBERS WERE ASSURED THAT IT WOULD BE UNLIKELY THAT AN OFFICER COULD BE HELD LIABLE IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES BECAUSE IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO PROVE +NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT+ ON THE DIRECTOR’S PART, MISS TAM SAID.
IN ORDER TO ALLAY THE STAFF’S CONCERN, THE DIRECTOR ALSO ARRANGED FOR HIS DEPUTIES TO MEET WITH THE SIX STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AND BRIEF THEM IN CHINESE ON THE CONTENT OF THE BILL.
AFTER THREE MEETINGS, THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS ACCEPTED THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.
MISS TAM SAID THE AD HOC GROUP APPRECIATED THE DIRECTOR’S EFFORTS IN REACHING AN UNDERSTANDING WITH THE STAFF WITHIN A MERE 10 DAYS.
SHE SAID MEMBERS WERE ALSO PROVIDED WITH THE MINUTES OF THE STAFF MEETINGS HELD IN 1984 AND CLEARLY THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WERE ADVISED OF THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL.
HOWEVER, SHE SAID, MEMBERS WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN FUTURE A CLEAR INDICATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF A PROPOSAL RATHER THAN MERE ACQUIESCENCE SO THAT THEY MIGHT MORE ACCURATELY ASSESS THE RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE.
MISS TAM WAS ALSO PLEASED TO SEE THAT IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL THE ATTORNEY GENERAL HAD TAKEN NOTE OF COMMENTS ON THE INAPPROPRIATENESS OF PROVIDING A STATUTORY RIGHT OF APPEAL AGAINST AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR AND THAT HE WOULD BE MOVING A SUITABLE AMENDMENT DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
MOVING THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING OF THE BILL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID THE POINT MADE BY MISS TAM ABOUT THE NEED FOR ADEQUATE CONSULTATION WITH THE STAFF WAS WELL TAKEN.
ON MATTERS OF PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, MR THOMAS SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONSULTED WITH THE RELEVANT STAFF ASSOCIATIONS AND THE VIEWS THEY PUT FORWARD HAD BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION BEFORE DECISIONS WERE REACHED. ALTHOUGH ON MATTERS TO DO WITH DISCIPLINE, THIS POLICY MIGHT NOT ALWAYS BE APPROPRIATE.
HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT STAFF ASSOCIATIONS WOULD IN ALL CASES BE INFORMED OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO DISCIPLINE RULES AND SO FAR AS POSSIBLE THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
--------0 ---------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
14
REVIEW OF VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES URGED * * * *
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN EARLY REVIEW OF THE POWERS OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONDUCT OF VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE HON S.L. CHEN WHEN HE TABLED THE EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEN SAID THE AIM OF THE REVIEW WOULD BE TO CLARIFY FIRSTLY WHETHER THE DIRECTOR MIGHT CONDUCT VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES AND SECONDLY THE BOUNDARIES WITHIN WHICH SUCH STUDIES SHOULD BE CONDUCTED.
HE NOTED THAT THIS WAS +AN UNRESOLVED ISSUE FROM PREVIOUS YEARS+ WHICH HAD BEEN BROUGHT INTO SHARP FOCUS IN THIS YEAR’S AUDIT REPORT.
IT HAD BEEN THE DIRECTOR’S PRACTICE IN COMPILING HIS SUCCESSIVE REPORTS TO CONDUCT VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES, HE SAID. THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WAS IN NO DOUBT OF THE NEED FOR SUCH STUDIES AND HAD IMPLICITLY ENDORSED THE DIRECTOR’S RIGHT TO CONDUCT THEM BY COMMENTING ON THEM IN ITS OWN REPORTS.
♦WHAT IS LESS CLEAR ARE WHAT THE BOUNDARIES OF VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES ARE, OR SHOULD BE,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEN SAID THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THERE SHOULD BE AN EARLY REVIEW OF THE DIRECTOR’S POWERS SO AS TO PUT THIS MATTER BEYOND ALL DOUBT IN THE FUTURE. /
HE STRESSED THERE WAS NOTHING UNUSUAL OR SURPRISING IN THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE AUDITOR’S POWERS, SAYING THAT SIMILAR DEBATES HAD OCCURRED IN ALL THOSE TERRITORIES WHICH HAD ADOPTED A SIMILAR
SYSTEM.
HOWEVER HE CAUTIONED THAT WHILE SOLUTIONS ADOPTED IN OTHER TERRITORIES MIGHT HAVE SOME RELEVANCE HERE, THEY COULD NEVER BE THE FINAL DETERMINANT.
♦OUR SOLUTION MUST HAVE REGARD TO THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES CF HONG KONG AND TO THE DELICATE AND UNIQUE SYSTEM OF CHECKS AND BALANCES WHEREBY ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS MAINTAINED ON THE ONE HAND AND THE AUTHORITY OF THE ADMINISTRATION
IS UPHELD ON THE OTHER,+ MR CHEN SAID.
- 0 - -
/15
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
15
BETTER SERVICES FOR MENTALLY ILL PLANNED * * * *
EXISTING FACILITIES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL WERE CONSIDERED TO BE GENERALLY ADEQUATE, BUT THERE WERE SAME SHORTFALLS AND PLANS WERE IN HAND TO AUGMENT AND IMPROVE THE SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE MOST COMMON MENTAL DISEASES IN HONG KONG WERE SCHIZOPHRENIC PSYCHOSIS, AFFECTIVE PSYCHOSIS, NEUROTIC DISORDERS, PERSONALITY DISORDERS AND PARANOID STATES.
+THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE CARE CF THE MENTALLY-ILL. PREVENTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF HEALTH EDUCATION, OUT-PATIENT AND IN-PATIENT FACILITIES, DAY HOSPITALS, PSYCHIATRIC COMMUNITY SERVICES AND AFTER-CARE FACILITIES,* HE SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE TOTAL NUMBERS OF PSYCHIATRIC IN-PATIENTS TREATED IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS WEREi 6 276 IN 1983- 7 036 IN 1984, AND 7 083 LAST YEAR.
THE NUMBERS OF NEW PATIENTS SEEN IN PSYCHIATRIC OUT-PATIENT CLINICS IN THE SAME YEARS WERE 4 280 IN 1983- 4 377 IN 1984, AND 4 394 IN 1985, HE ADDED.
~--0---
CLOSURE OF TUNNEL TUBE EXPLAINED
******
THE CLOSURE OF ONE OF THE TUBES OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL BEFORE MIDNIGHT SHOULD NOT NORMALLY BE NECESSARY AND THE PRACTICE WAS NOT TO CLOSE A TUBE FOR MAINTENANCE AND CLEANSING UNTIL AFTER MIDNIGHT OR LATER DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, I* MACPHERSON SAID RECORDS SHOWED THAT ON THREE RECENT SATURDAYS ONE TUBE WAS NOT CLOSED UNTIL 1 AM AND ON ONE OCCASION UNTIL 1.30 AM WHEN THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC HAD FALLEN TO A LEVEL WHICH COULD COMFORTABLY BE HANDLED BY A SINGLE TUBE.
+THERE WAS, HOWEVER, A PROBLEM DURING DECEMBER WHEN ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WORK REVEALED THAT THE EXPANSION JOINTS IN THE CARRIAGEWAY OF THE NORTHBOUND TUBE WERE BREAKING UP, REQUIRING URGENT REMEDIAL WORK,* MR MACPHERSON SAID.
/THIS MEANT........
16
THIS MEANT CLOSING THE TUBE BETWEEN 10 PM AND 6 AM FOR OVER THREE WEEKS, ALTHOUGH THE WORK HAD BEEN SUSPENDED AT WEEKENDS, PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND RACE DAYS, HE SAID.
MR MACPHERSON NOTED THAT THE NEED TO CLOSE THE TUBE AT 10 PM HAD BEEN CAUSED BY THE SPECIAL MATERIALS USED BY CONTRACTOR WHICH REQUIRED TIME TO SET AND HARDEN IN TIME FOR THE 6 AM RE-OPENING.
HE SAID HE THEREFORE COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE OCCASIONS WHEN ONE TUBE OR ONE LANE HAVE TO BE CLOSED BEFORE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS WOULD NORMALLY ALLOW, NEVERTHELESS HE ASSURED THAT THOSE WOULD BE KEPT TO THE ABSOLUTE MINIMUM. _
-------o ---------
RAMPED ACCESS FOR DISABLED NECESSARY * * * *
IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROVIDE RAMPED ACCESS WHEREVER THERE ARE FOOTBRIDGES OR SUBWAYS, UNLESS THERE WERE OVERRIDING REASONS FOR NOT DOING SO, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FA I, MR HENDERSON SAID TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR THE DIABLED WAS COMPLEMENTARY TO RAMPED FOOTBRIDGES AND SUBWAYS, RATHER THAN A SUBSTITUTE.
AS IN MANY OTHER CITIES, MR HENDERSON SAID, THE RATIONALE FOR CONSTRUCTING RAMPS FOR ALL FOOTBRIDGES AND SUBWAYS PROVIDED FOR THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL SECTORS OF THE POPULATION.
+THE GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL SUPPORTS THE CURRENT EFFORTS BEING MADE TO RENDER HONG KONG MORE ACCESSIBLE TO EVERYONE,* HE SAID.
MR HENDERSON SAID A FOOTBRIDGE WITH RAMPS WAS ABOUT 130 PER CENT MORE COSTLY THAN A FOOTBRIDGE WITH STAIRCASES, AND A RAMPED SUBWAY ABOUT 40 PER CENT MORE COSTLY THAN A SUBWAY WITH STAIRCASES.
THE AVERAGE LAND USE RATIO FOR A FOOTBRIDGE WITH RAMPS WAS ABOUT 310 PER CENT HIGHER THAN A FOOTBRIDGE WITH STAIRCASES WHILE THAT FOR A RAMPED SUBWAY WAS ABOUT 260 PER CENT HIGHER THAN A SUBWAY WITH STAIRCASES, HE ADDED.
MR HENDERSON ADDED THAT THERE WAS NO AVAILABLE DATA ON THE USAGE RATE OF THE TWO PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEMS ACROSS MODY ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST BY THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.
------0--------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
17
PRIORITY AREAS FOR PROJECTS CONSIDERED * * * *
A COMMITTEE WHICH INCLUDES OFFICIALS AND REPRESENTATIVES CF WELFARE AGENCIES WAS CONSIDERING NOMINATIONS OF PRIORITY AREAS FOR NEW NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN 1986-87, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
AND WHETHER THE OLDER RESIDENTIAL AREAS, SUCH AS SHAM SHU I PO AND WESTERN DISTRICT WOULD BE ACCORDED PRIORITY DEPENDED ON THE COMMITTEE’S ASSESSMENT OF COMPETING CLAIMS FROM OTHER AREAS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT.
THE SOCIAL WELARE DEPARTMENT, MR CHAMBERS SAID, WAS AWARE THAT THERE WERE SHORTFALLS IN PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES IN SOME OF THE OLDER URBAN AREAS, SUCH AS SHAM SHU I PO AND WESTERN DISTR ICT.
♦APART FROM THE COMPETING DEMANDS FOR FUNDS FOR OTHER PROJECTS, THE MAIN DIFFICULTY IN MEETING THE PLANNED PROVISION IN THESE DISTRICTS IS IN FINDING SUITABLE PREMISES FOR SETTING UP FACILITIES SUCH AS CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES,+ HE SAID.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECTS WERE INTENDED TO SERVE AREAS WHERE COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND WELFARE SERVICES DID NOT EXIST OR WERE GROSSLY INADEQUATE. SUCH AREAS INCLUDED TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, SQUATTER AREAS, BOAT SQUATTER AREAS AND SLUMS.
PAST PROJECTS HAD BEEN MAINLY ESTABLISHED IN SQUATTER AREAS, AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WHICH WERE GEOGRAPHICALLY ISOLATED, AND WHICH, BECAUSE OF THEIR TEMPORARY NATURE, DID NOT NORMALLY QUALIFY FOR FULL-FLEDGED WELFARE FACILITIES, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
EACH YEAR, A NUMBER OF NEW PROJECTS WERE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE WELFARE SERVICES, AND TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF THE MORE DEPRIVED AREAS, HE SAID.
- 0 -
BILL TO RELAX NT HOUSE HEIGHT LIMIT PLANNED *****
A BILL PROPOSING TO RELAX THE HEIGHT LIMIT OF NEW TERRITORIES EXEMPT HOUSES IS NOW IN THE FINAL DRAFTING STAGE, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RICHARD LAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THE PROPOSAL TO RELAX THE HEIGHT LIMIT TO 8.23 METRES (27 FEET) WAS PART OF A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS TO BE INCORPORATED IN A BILL TO REPLACE THE EXISTING BUILDINGS (APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES) ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
/THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
- 18 -
THE BILL WOULD ALSO SEEK TO PROVIDE BETTER STATUTORY CONTROL OVER THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TERRITORIES EXEMPT HOUSES TO IMPROVE THEIR SAFETY BY IMPOSING BETTER CONTROL OVER SITE FORMATION AND DRAINAGE WORKS, SPECIFYING THE THICKNESS OF PARTY WALLS OF SMALL HOUSES BUILT IN PAIRS, AND DEFINING TERMS LIKE ’HEIGHT’ AND ’ROOFED OVER AREA’, MR CHAN SAID.
♦IT WILL ALSO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS TO EXEMPT, INTER ALIA, STRUCTURES BUILT BY BONA-FIDE ORGANISATIONS FOR COMMUNITY USE FROM HAVING TO GO THROUGH THE STANDARD PROCEDURES UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.
♦THE BILL IS NOW IN THE FINAL DRAFTING STAGE AND IS ANTICIPATED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL FOR ENACTMENT WITHIN THE CURRENT SESSION OF THIS COUNCIL,+ HE TOLD THE COUNCIL.
---o------
CRITERIA FOR CONTRACTS EXPLAINED
* * *
THE CRITERIA UNDER WHICH GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS ARE AWARDED WAS OUTLINED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN.
MR CHAN WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHENG HON-KwAN, WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD IN APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCES RESTRICT ITS INVITATION TO TENDER FOR PUBLIC WORKS TO LOCAL CONTRACTORS.
HE SAID UNDER CURRENT GOVERNMENT POLICY TENDERS FOR PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTS WORTH LESS THAN $15 MILLION AND FOR TERM MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS WERE RESTRICTED TO LOCAL CONTRACTORS.
♦HOWEVER, I SHOULD ADD THAT THIS POLICY WAS NOT ADOPTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THE INTE'xSTS OF LOCAL CONTRACTORS, BUT RATHER THAT IT WAS THOUGHT THAT MAJOR OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS, BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THEIR OPERATION, WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR SUCH SMALL-SCALE CONTRACTS,+
IN RESPECT OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $15 MILLION, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS WERE NORMALLY ALLOWED TO TENDER SO LONG AS THEY WERE IN THE APPROPRIATE CATEGORIES OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH APPROVED LIST OF CONTRACTORS.
♦IN AWARDING THESE CONTRACTS, THE MAIN CONSIDERATIONS ARE, INTER ALIA, THE LEVEL OF TENDER PRICES, THE FINANCIAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT CAPABILITIES OF THE CONTRACTORS TO COMPLETE THE CONTRACT AND THE PAST AND PRESENT PERFORMANCE OF THE CONTRACTORS,* NR CHAN SAID.
♦IT IS BASED ON THESE CRITERIA, AND NOT THE LOCAL OR OVERSEAS STATUS OF THE CONTRACTOR, THAT GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS ARE AWARDED.♦
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/19
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
19
SPEECH THERAPY COURSE PLANNED * * * * *
A DEGREE UNIVERSITY OF FOR EDUCATION (WEDNESDAY).
COURSE IN SPEECH THERAPY COULD BE OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG FROM THE 1988-91 TRIENNIUM, THE SECRETARY AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON SAID TODAY
REPLYING
— TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, HE SAID THAT InETHEULONGW?ERM BE T0 MEET THE SH0RTFALL 0F speecA THERAPISTS
THE UNIVERSITY HAD BEEN ASKED, VERY RECENTLY, BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, AT THE REQUEST CF THE GOVERNMENT, TO START SUCH A COURSE IN SPEECH THERAPY.
+THE UNIVERSITY HAS ALSO BEEN ASKED TO CONSIDER THE STARTING DATE AND INITIAL STUDENT INTAKE IN RELATION TO THE AVAILABILITY CF AN ADEQUATE NUMBER OF SUITABLE CLINICAL PLACEMENTS,+ HE SAID.
-----o------
SPECIALIST RECOGNITION UP TO ROYAL COLLEGES *****
DOCTORS WORKING IN ANAESTHESIA OR PATHOLOGY IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS RECEIVE IN-SERVICE TRAINING, AND ALL TRAINEES IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE ARE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SIT FOR HIGHER EXAMINATIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HINKWONG, MR CHAMBERS SAID AS FOR THOSE HOSPITALS IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, THE ROYAL COLLEGES RECOGNISED ONLY A FEW HOSPITALS FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAINING FOR HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS IN THESE TWO SPECIALTIES.
TURNING TO THE MANPOWER SITUATION AND STAFF STRUCTURE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS, MR CHAMBERS GAVE THE FOLLOWING DETAILS:
ANAESTHESIA GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS SUBVENTED HOSITALS
ESTABLISHMENT 101 57
STRENGTH 94 54
HIGHER QUALIFICATION HOLDERS 28 20
/pathology .......
WEDNESDAY, EEBHUaKY p,
20
PATHOLOGY
ESTABLISHMENT 56 26
STRENGTH 50 24
HIGHER QUALIFICATION HOLDERS 15 8
ESTABLISHMENT
ANAESTHESIA GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS SUBVENTED HOSPITALS
CONSULTANTS 7 6
SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICERS 21 13
NEDICAL OFFICERS 73 38
101 57
PATHOLOGY
CONSULTANTS 8 7
SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICERS 14 3
PEDICAL OFFICERS 34 16
56 26
ON STAFF STRUCTURE, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE ABOVE WAS ONLY THE OVERALL SITUATION IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, AS THE STAFF STRUCTURE VARIED CONSIDERABLY BETWEEN HOSPITALS.
-----0--------
NO PLANS FOR NURSING DEGREES *****
THERE WERE NO DEFINITE PLANS TO ESTABLISH DEGREE COURSES IN BASIC OR POST-BASIC NURSING EDUCATION, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, CR CHAMBERS SAID THAT PART-TIME POST-BASIC NURSING COURSES WERE AT PRESENT, PROVIDED BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
/IN ADDITION.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY Si 19$6
- 21
IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC PROV A FULL TIME POST-REGISTRATION DIPLOMA COURSE IN HEALTH CARE EDUCATION, HE SAID.
AS FOR CAREER PROSPECTS FOR NURSES IN SPECIAL FIELDS, PR CHAMBERS SAID THAT IT WAS NOT THE PRACTICE IN HONG KONG FOR NURSES TO FOLLOW A CAREER IN A SPECIALIST FIELD.
NURSES MIGHT BE CALLED UPON TO CARRY OUT WIDELY DIFFERENT FUNCTIONS AS THEY ROSE IN SENIORITY.
EXCEPT IN A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF CASES, SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS DID NOT ENHANCE PROMOTION PROSPECTS, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
--------o ---------
BAN ON SOME VISITORS STILL VALID * X X X X
THE GROUNDS FOR DENYING ENTRY PERMITS TO APPLICANTS FROM
EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ARE STILL VALID AND THERE ARE AT PRESENT NO PROPOSALS FOR ANY CHANGE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN. MR THOMAS SAID THESE GROUNDS WERE REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME, MOST RECENTLY IN AUGUST 1985.
------ o------
PIG, POULTRY FARM PATTERN LITTLE CHANGED * * * *
ARE FOUND IN MOST PARTS OF THE NEW
PIG AND POULTRY FARMS --------- ... ... „
TERRITORIES AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION PATTERN HAS NOT CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, PR CHAMBERS SAID THAT 1979 FIGURES SHOWED ABOUT 48 PER CcNT (2 670) THE FARMS WERE LOCATED IN NORTH-WEST NT, MAINLY IN KAM TIN, SAP PAT HEUNG, PAT HEUNG, SAN TIN, PING SHAN, TUEN MUN AND HA TSUEN.
ABOUT 33 PER CENT (1 840) WERE LOCATED IN NORTH-EAST NT, MAINLY IN SHEUNG SHU I, FANLING, TAI PO, TA KWU LING, SHA TAU KOK AND SHA TIN AND THE REMAINING 19 PER CENT (1 050) IN SAI KUNG, TSUEN WAN, ISLANDS AND THE URBAN AREAS.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE 4 920 FARMERS PRINCIPALLY ENGAGED IN PIG KEEPING AND 4 460 ENGAGED IN POULTRY keeping in 1976, while the figures cor 1981 were 4 267 engaged in PIG AND 4 830 IN POULTRY KEEPING.
--------0-----------
/22........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
22
PRACTISING DENTISTS
*****
ALTOGETHER 117 DENTISTS HELD
VALID PRACTISING CERTIFICATES
UNDER SECTION 7(D) OF THE REPEALED DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE 1940 AT THE END OF 1985 ACCORDING TO THE REGISTER CF THE DENTAL COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS REASONABLE TO ASSUME THAT ALL OF THEM WERE IN PRACTICE AT THAT TIME.
-------0 -
BILLS PASSED * * *
TMRFF BILLS - THE FIRE SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1985, tuf i archjr TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND RESUMPTION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IODAY.
FOUR OTHER BILLS - THE REGIONAL COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THF URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND ifiRAN SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE bill 1986 were read a second time and debate on them was adjourned.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO FEBRUARY 26.
-------o--------
/23........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUa.. . 5 '936
- 25 -
PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE CFFICERS HAVE BEEN PROMOTED SUBSTANTIVELY TO THE RANK OF
FOLLOW I NG SECRETARY,
GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT:
MR I.F.C. MACPHERSON, OBE, JP
MR J.W. CHAMBERS, JP
MR D.R. FORD, LVO, OBE, JP
MR P. TSAO KWANG-YUNG, CPM, JP ----------------------------0--------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE x st 1* k
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CAUSEWAY BAY ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE (FEBRUARY 8) TO COPE WITH THE CROWDS ATTENDING THE FLOWER FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK.
AT THE SAME TIME, MOST PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS WILL EXTEND CERTAIN SERVICES TO OPERATE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES
TRAMS WILL RUN ALL NIGHT BETWEEN WHITTY STREET AND NORTH POINT, BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND WHITTY STREET, BETWEEN KENNEDY TOwN AND NORTH POINT, BETWEEN HAPPY VALLEY AND SHAU KEI WAN, AND BETWEEN WHITTY STREET AND CAUSEWAY BAY. SERVICES BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL CEASE OPERATING AROUND MIDNIGHT, AND THOSE BETWccN CAUSEWAY BAY AND KENNEDY TOWN WILL STOP AT ABOUT 2 AM.
MTR AND STAR FERRY SERVICES WILL OPERATE ALL NIGHT. ,^HYF FERRIES ON JORDAN ROAD TO JUBILEE STREET, NORTH POINT TO KWUN TONG AND NORTH POINT TO HUNG HOM ROUTES WILL RUN UNTIL 1 AM. THELASTKCR TRAIN BOUND FOR SHEUNG SHU I WILL DEPART FROM KOWLOON STATION AT 12 MINUTco PAST MIDNIGHT.
SERVICES ON CMB ROUTES 1. 2. 3, 4, 6. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15 19, 20, 21, 23, 25, 37, 3$, 40, 47, 48, 70, 71, 73, 81, 83. 9oft, 9$ AN6 95 WILL CE1SE OPERATING ABOUT AN HOUR LATEft THAN ON NORMAL HOLIDAYS, I.E. FROM 11.30 PM TO 1-45 AM. ROUTE 5B WILL RUN UNTIL 2 AM. SPECIAL ROUTE 86 (CHAI WAN EAST - CAUSEWAY ROAD) WILL OPERATE FROM 8 PM, WHILST SPECIAL ROUTE 304 (CAUSEWAY ROAD - WAH FU) AND 308 (CAUSEWAY ROAD - CHAI WAN EAST) WILL START RUNNING SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT. ROUTE 86 WILL CEASE OPERATING AT MIDNIGHT BUT ROUTE 304 WILL OPERATE UNTIL ABOUT 5 AM. ROUTE 308 WILL CONTINUE OPERATING AS LONG AS WARRANTED BY DEMAND.
/SERVICES ON .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
2^
SERVICES ON 35 KMB ROUTES WILL BE EXTENDED BY AN HOUR TO FINISH BETWEEN 11.12 PM AND 1.32 AM. THESE INCLUDE ROUTES 1, 2A, 3B, 3C, 6A, 6B, 9, 10, 15C, 16, 21, 29, 31M, 32, 33, 35, 36A, 36M, 37, 39A, 44A, 46, 54, 59, 60M, 61A, 63, 64K, 66M, 67M, 73, 76K, 77K, 85 AND 85A.
MEANWHILE, ROUTES 1A. 2, 5C, 6C, 11, 14, 15. 26, 27K, 31, 32B, 34A, 36, $7M, 39M. 43, 43M, 46A, 72K. 80K AND 81K WILL CEASE OPERATING AN HOUR-AND-A-HALF AFTER NORMAL SERVICE SCHEDULES, I.E. FROM 0.51 AM TO 2.10 AM.
SEVEN KMB ROUTES WILL RUN OVERNIGHT. THESE WILL INCLUDE: ROUTE 5 (CHOI HUNG - STAR FERRY), ROUTE 6 (MEI FOO - STAR FERRY), ROUTE 59M (BUTTERFLY ESTATE - TSUEN WAN MTR STATION), ROUTE 68M (YUEN LONG EAST - TSUEN WAN MTR STATION), ROUTE 70 (SHEUNG SHU I -KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION), ROUTE 70M (WO CHE - KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION) AND ROUTE 82M (YUEN CHAU KOK - KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION).
CROSS-HARBOUR BUSES ON ROUTES 102 AND 106 WILL BE EXTENDED UNTIL 1.45 AM AND HALF PAST MIDNIGHT RESPECTIVELY. TWO SPECIAL ROUTES - 111A (CAUSEWAY BAY - CHOI HUNG) AND 112A (CAUSEWAY BAY -MONG KOK) WILL OPERATE OVERNIGHT IN ADDITION TO ROUTES 121 AND 122.
THE OPERATING HOURS OF 10 GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 15 IN KOWLOON AND 35 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED. IN SOME CASES, A FLAT FARE WILL BE CHARGED DURING THE EXTENSION PERIOD.
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
A NUMBER OF ROAD LINKS NEAR VICTORIA PARK WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 6 PM ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY: THESE INCLUDE LOCKHART ROAD EAST OF PERCIVAL STREET, JAFFE ROAD EAST OF PERCIVAL STREET, KESWICK STREET (EXCEPT FOR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 21M), CANNON STREET, PATERSON STREET BETWEEN KINGSTON STREET AND YEE WO STREET, GREAT GEORGE STREET, SUGAR STREET, KINGSTON STREET BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND CLEVELAND STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN CAUSEWAY ROAD AND THE SOUTHERN END OF THE VICTORIA PARK ROAD FLYOVER, CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND JUNCTION OF LEIGHTON ROAD WITH PENNINGTON STREET, ROXY ROUNDABOUT, TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER SOUTHBOUND LEADING FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD TO TAI HANG ROAD, SUN WUI ROAD, EAST POINT ROAD, AND CANAL ROAD EAST BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD.
IN ADDITION, THE SECTION OF PERCIVAL STREET BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD AND THE SECTION OF TUNG LO WAN ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND NORTHBOUND EXIT RAMP OF TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 PM.
/FROM 6 PM
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
FROM 6 PM ONWARDS, HYSAN AVENUE BETWEEN LEIGHTON ROAD AND YUN PING ROAD, AND LEIGHTON ROAD BETWEEN CANAL ROAD EAST AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND. KESWICK STREET, LAU LI STREET BETWEEN ELECTRIC ROAD AND HING FAT STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD BETWEEN PENNINGTON STREET AND HYSAN AVENUE, AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD BETWEEN MORETON TERRACE AND THE RAMP TO TAI HANG ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
FOR NORTH POINT
VEHICLES ON HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING
SHOULD PROCEED VIA MARSH ROAD FLYOVER AND VICTORIA PARK ROAD. THEY SHOULD USE PERCIVAL STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD TO REACH TAI HANG.
WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT, HEADING FOR WAN CHAI SHOULD USE TSING FUNG STREET FLYOVER AND VICTORIA PARK ROAD.
BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FLOWER FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK, SOME BUS ROUTES AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL HAVE TO BE DIVERTED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ATTENDING THE FLOWER FAIRS ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
-------o---------
PUBLIC URGED TO AVOID CONGESTION
* * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC GOING TO THE FLOWER FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE (FEBRUARY 8) ARE URGED TO EXERCISE COMMONSENSE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE IN THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ALTHOUGH MOST PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WOULD BE EXTENDED, THE CROWDS COULD NOT BE CLEARED ALL AT ONCE IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ATTENDING THE FLOWER FAIR.
HE APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO LEAVE THE FAIR SITE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SO AS NOT TO OVERBURDEN TRANSPORT SERVICES, PARTICULARLY AFTER 2 AM WHEN THE MTR AND KMB START THEIR FREE SERVICES. THE PEAK HOUR OF LATE NIGHT SERVICE IS EXPECTED TO BE BETWEEN 2 AM AND 3 AM.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT AS THE FREE SERVICES WILL RUN UP TO 6 AM, PEOPLE SHOULD EXERCISE FLEXIBILITY AND SPREAD OUT THEIR JOURNEY HOME TIME.
BUS USERS WERE ALSO ADVISED THAT THE SEVEN MAINLAND SERVICES NO. 5, 6, 59M, 68M, 70, 70M AND 82M AND FOUR CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES NO. IHA, 112A, 121 AND 122 OPERATED BY KMB WOULD BE FREE OF CHARGE FROM 2 AM.
/HOWEVER, CHB
______________________________________L.
WEDNESDAY, FEBkUAF 5, 19bb
26
HOWEVER, CM3 WOULD BE CHARGING FARES OF 52.70 FOR ITS ROUTES 334 AND 308 AND $4 FOR CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES 121 AND 122.
+T0 DISTINGUISH BUSES OFFERING FREE RIDES AND THOSE CHARGING FARES COMMUTERS SHOULD LOOK OUT FOR POSTERS DISPLAYED ON THE WINDOWS OF EACH BUS BEFORE BOARDING,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN HOPED COMMUTERS WOULD APPRECIATE THAT IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED CAPACITY AVAILABLE ON FREE SERVICES, PASSENGERS SHOULD NOT AVOID FARE PAYING BUSES.
+SIMILARLY, MTR RIDERS SHOULD ALSO EXERCISE DISCRETION IN PLANNING THEIR JOURNEYS HOME AFTER THE FAIR SO AS TO EASE THE BURDEN ON THE TRAINS,* HE EMPHASISED.
MTR TRAINS WILL BE OPERATING ON A FIVE-MINUTE FREQUENCY FROM 11 PM TO 3 AM, AFTER WHICH TIME A 10-MINUTE INTERVAL SERVICE WILL COME INTO OPERATION.
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MEETING ON WAR MEMORIAL FUND
*****
THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE FUTURE OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND WILL HOLD A FURTHER PUBLIC SESSION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4.30 PM TO HEAR THE VIEWS CF WAR VETERANS.
A SPOKESMAN EACH FROM THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND COMMITTEE (HKWMFC), THE HONG KONG PRISONERS OF WAR ASSOCIATION (HKPOWA), THE SECOND WORLD WAR VETERANS ASSOCIATION (SWWVA) AND THE NATIONAL FEDERATION OF FAR EASTERN PRISONER OF WAR CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS (NFFCA) WILL PRESENT THEIR ORGANISATIONS’ VIEWS ON THE FUTURE ADMINISTRATION OF THE HONG KONG WAR MEMORIAL FUND.
THIS MEETING IS THE SECOND OF A TWO-PART SERIES, THE FIRST HAD BEEN HELD ON JANUARY 30 WHEN THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE PRESENTED THE ADMINISTRATION’S VIEWS.
THE SPOKESMEN APPEARING AT TOMORROW’S HEARING WILL BE:
HKWMFC - SIR ALBERT RODRIGUES (CHAIRMAN)
HKPOWA - MR J. MITCHELL (CHAIRMAN)
SWWVA - MR MAXIMO CHENG (CHAIRMAN)
NFFCA - MR JACK EDWARDS (FAR EAST REPRESENTATIVE)
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PUBLIC SESSION.
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/27........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
27
THE BAN ON CLOSED PARKS IN NATURE RESERVE,
BARBECUE BAN TO BE LIFTED * * * *
BARBECUING IN ALL COUNTRY PARKS, OTHER THAN THE TAI LAM, TAI MO SHAN, SHING MUN AND TAI PO KAU - ILL BE LIFTED AS FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPART" NT SAID THAT THE MOVE WAS MADE IN VIEW OF THE RECENT WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THIS WOULD ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY THE COUNTRY PARKS TO THE FULL DURING THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN WARNED, THE FIRE RISK IN THE COUNTRYSIDE IS STILL HIGH.
+THERE IS, THEREFORE, A NEED TO KEEP THE TAI LAM, TAI MO SHAN AND SHING MUN COUNTRY PARKS AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE TO PREVENT FURTHER FIRE DAMAGE TO HONG KONG’S MAJOR PARK PLANTATIONS,+ HE SAID.
DESPITE THE LIFTING OF THE BARBECUE BAN, THE PUBLIC SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE AND BARBECUE ONLY IN DESIGNATED AREAS INSIDE THE OPENED PARKS.
♦ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE IS A SERIOUS OFFENCE PUNISHABLE WITH A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 OOO AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0------
TRAFFIC PLAN-TOR NEW YEAR FAIRS
' X X X
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN
YUEN LONG AND SAN PO KONG ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 8) IN CONNECTION WITH THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS IN THE TWO AREAS.
IN YUEN LONG, TAI YUK ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND MA TIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 5 PM ON FEBRUARY 8 TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY. MA TIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EAST AND NORTHBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 39 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KAU- YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD AND MA TIN ROAD ON ITS KUNG OM BOUND JOURNEYS.
/IN SAN PO........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY
28
IN SAN PO KONG, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6 PM ON NEw YEAR’S EVE TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY- NG FONG STREET, THE UN-NAMED ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN SZE MEI STREET AND TAI YAU STREET LUK HOP STREET, THE UN-NAMED ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN TAI YAU STREET AND TSAT PO STREET, SZE MEI STREET, KING FUK STREET BETwEEN SZE MEI STREET AND KING HONG STREET, TSAT PO STREET BETWEEN LUK HOP STREET AND PAT TAT STREET, AS WELL AS THE UN-NAMED ACCESS ROAD FRONTING SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL FACTORY BUILDING BLOCK NO. 5 JUNCTION WITH SZE MEI STREET AND KING FUK STREET.
THE SECTION OF TSAT PO STREET BETWEEN PAT TAT STREET
AND SAM CHUK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
0
ARRANGEMENTS TO EASE CONGESTION AT AIRPORT
*****
A SPECIAL CHECK-IN AREA WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE HONG KONG AIRPORT FOR GUANGZHOU-BOUND TRAVELLERS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.
THE AREA WILL OPERATE FROM FRIDAY UNTIL NEXT TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 11), AND IS SITUATED AT THE WESTERN END OF THE DEPARTURES HALL OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE AREA WAS PROVIDED TO PROCESS THE LARGE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS EXPECTED TO LEAVE FOR GUANGZHOU DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
SIGNS WILL BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED TO ADVISE PASSENGERS CF SPECIFIC FLIGHTS AND SPECIAL PROCESSING FACILITIES.
♦THESE ARRANGEMENTS ARE DESIGNED TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY CROSS-FLOW OF PEOPLE AND BAGGAGE MOVEMENTS IN THE DEPARTURE HALL,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE URGED HOLIDAY-MAKERS TRAVELLING BY AIR DURING THIS PERIOD TO OBSERVE A FEW SIMPLE GUIDELINES TO HELP EASE CONGESTION AT THE AIRPORT.
♦PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT EARLY AND CHECK-IN EARLY.
♦THEY SHOULD LOOK FOR SIGNS INDICATING SPECIFIC FLIGHTS AND SPECIAL PROCESSING FACILITIES.
♦IT IS ALSO IN THEIR INTERESTS THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT, INSTEAD OF PRIVATE CARS, IS USED TO GO TO THE AIRPORT.+
PASSENGERS WOULD HELP MINIMISE CONGESTION BY KEEPING THE NUMBER OF FRIENDS SAYING FAREWELL TO A MINIMUM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----q_-------
/29......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
29
RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR ISLANDERS X X * X *■
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE ABOUT 90 RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR THE 9 900 RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT BETWEEN MARCH AND JUNE.
IT WILL ALSO ORGANISE FOR THE FIRST TIME A SERIES OF EIGHT LUNAR NEW YEAR CARNIVAL TYPE EVENTS FOR CHILDREN TO TIE IN WITH OTHER FESTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE RSD’S DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER (ISLANDS), MR TAM PAK-HANG, AT A MEETING OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WAS ALSO INFORMED OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANS TO GAZETTE TONG FUK BEACH ON LANTAU ISLAND FOR THE PUBLIC IN MAY. THE BEACH, LOCATED NEAR TO THE BUS ROUTE, HAS BEEN VERY POPULAR WITH PICNICKERS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.
A PROPOSAL BY THE RSD TO PROVIDE A STANDARD SPORTSGROUND AT MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND RECEIVED THE SUPPORT OF THE COMMITTEE AT THE MEETING.
THE RSD’S SENIOR STAFF OFFICER (PLANNING), MR PETER LAW, SAID CURRENTLY THERE WAS NO STANDARD SPORTSGROUND IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AND MAJOR SPORTS EVENTS HAD TO BE HELD ELSEWHERE.
MR LAW POINTED OUT THAT THE CURRENT HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES RECOMMEND THE PROVISION OF A STANDARD SPORTSGROUND FOR EVERY 250 000 RESIDENTS.
+WITH A CURRENT POPULATION OF ABOUT 52 000 AND A PROJECTED POPULATION OF 63 000 BY 1995, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT IS THEREFORE THE ONLY DISTRICT IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA WHERE THERE IS NEITHER AN EXISTING STANDARD SPORTSGROUND NOR ANY PLAN TO CONSTRUCT ONE,+ HE SAID.
+SINCE A STRICT APPLICATION OF THE PLANNING STANDARDS MAY RESULT IN UNDERPROVISION, A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY HAS TO BE APPLIED IN ASSESSING THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE RATHER ISOLATED RURAL ISLANDS DISTRICT.+
HE ADDED THAT A STANDARD SPORTSGROUND ALLOWED FOR HIGH LEVEL COMPETITIONS AND MIGHT HELP TO FORGE A DISTRICT IDENTITY. +FLEXIBLE APPLICATION OF THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARD AND GUIDELINES RELATED TO THE PROVISION OF A STANDARD SPORTSGROUND IN MUI WO IS CONSIDERED TO BE JUSTIFI ABLE.+
AT THE MEETING, THE RSD’S DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (ISLANDS), MR IP KI-TIT, SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS PLANNING A SECOND CEMETERY ON LANTAU WITH 2 703 BURIAL SPACES, TWO CREMATORIA AND ASSOCIATED COLUMBARIUM WITH 1 000 NICHES, ONE ON CHEUNG CHAU AND THE OTHER ON LANTAU AND TWO 500-NICHE COLUMBARIA FOR PENG CHAU AND LAMMA ISLAND.
-----o-------
/3O......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
30
BOARD GROUP HOLDS OPEN MEETING * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON +GAS SAFETY AT HOME + BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE GAS ADVISER’S OFFICE OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT A MEETING ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 7) AT 9.30 AM.
THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF THE KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON TELi 0-6048078 FOR RESERVATION.
THE PUBLIC ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE FOLLOWING COMMITTEESi
* COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, AT 4 PM ON FEBRUARY 17.
* HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE, AT 2.30 PM ON FEBRUARY 19.
* TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, AT 9.30 AM ON FEBRUARY 21.
M FINANCE COMMITTEE, AT 9.30 AM ON FEBRUARY 25.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETINGS.
-------o----------
FINANCE COMPANY LICENCE REVOKED * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF ASIA ALLIANCE FINANCE AND INVESTMENT LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
-------o----------
/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
31
CLOSURE ORDER SOUGHT FOR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING CLOSURE OF TWO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT A ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF A BUILDING AT 44-49, SUN CHUN STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY, FOR DEMOLITION.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 19 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JANUARY, 1985, REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AS A RESULT OF THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER.
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDER IS GRANTED.
OPEN STORAGE SITE FOR RENT * * * *
AN OPEN STORAGE SITE AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD NEAR CHAK ON ESTATE, KOWLOON, IS TO BE PUT UP FOR TENDER BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
MEASURING 5 250 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE CAN ALSO BE USED FOR STORING EMPTY CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS INITIALLY FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 21.
- c -
CANDIDATES MEET THE PRESS * * *
A MEET-THE-PRESS SESSION TO INTRODUCE SOME OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION CANDIDATES TO THE MEDIA WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
DURING THE SESSION, EACH CANDIDATE WILL INTRODUCE HIS PLATFORM AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS.
IN EASTERN DISTRICT, THERE ARE SEVEN CANDIDATES VYING FOR TWO CONSTITUENCIES IN THE MARCH 6 ELECTIONS.
/CANDIDATES
Wz-x - Xi, FiuBRUARi' 5, 1986
- 52 -
CANDIDATES COMPETING FOR THE NORTH POINT CONSTITUENCY ARE MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, MR STEPHEN CHENG AND MR SHEK KWEI-CHUN.
MR CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG, MR B.A. BERNACCHI, MADAM CHEUNG WAI-PING AND MR TONG CHOR-YIN ARE STANDING FOR ELECTIONS IN THE SHAU KEI WAN CONSTITUENCY.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM CF THE EASTERN DISTR ROAD.
TO COVER THE MEET-THE-PRESS SESSION WHICH TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S
-----0------
CENTRAL AND WESTERN CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS * * * * *
THE TWO CANDIDATES STANDING IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CONSTITUENCY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION WILL MEET THE PRESS IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY.
THEY WILL PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS THE MEDIA.
AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, MISS WINDY KWOK, WILL INTRODUCE PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES ARRANGED FOR THE ELECTION IN THE CONST!TUENCY.
THE TWO CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE SINGLE SEAT CONSTITUENCY ARE MR CHOW WAI-KEUNG, AND MR HUNG WING-TAT WHO ARE BOTH ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEET-THE-PRESS SESSION TO BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING. 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
- 0
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
- 33 -
FIRE OFFICERS COMMENDED * * *
T^O FIRE S’ATION OFFICERS WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) COMMENDED FOR RPCCUI’3 25 PEOPLE INCLUDING A TWO-YEAR-OLD BOY IN A PRE-WAR BUILDING DURING A NO. Z ALARM FIRE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN LAST MONTH.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF KOWLOON COMMAND, MR M. KINGDOM, PRESENTED HIS COMMENDATIONS TO STATION OFFICERS MR CHAN YIU-MING, 26 AND MR YAU CHI-ON , 24, FOR THEIR LEADERSHIP, RESOURCEFULNESS AND DEVOTION TO DUTY UNDER DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.
SENIOR FIREMAN CHAN CH I-KWONG, 35, WAS GIVEN SPECIAL MERITS FOR HIS PROMPT AND SKILFUL MOBILISATION OF OPERATIONAL SUPPORT DURING THE FIRE-FIGHTING.
THE FIRE BROKE OUT IN A FOUR-STOREY TENEMENT BUILDING AT 342-344 UN CHAU STREET AT ABOUT 1.20 AM ON JANUARY 14 AND WAS UPGRADED TO NO. 3 ALARM SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. AT THAT TIME THE STAIRCASE WAS ABLAZE AND THE FRONT PORTION OF THE BUILDING HEAVILY SMOKE-LOGGED.
THE TWO OFFICERS IMMEDIATELY CARRIED OUT THE RESCUE AT THE NARROW REAR LANE WITH THE USE OF EXTENSION LADDERS AS THE LANE WAS NOT WIDE ENOUGH TO ACCOMMODATE A LARGE TURNTABLE LADDER.
THEY HAD TO CLEAR THROUGH OBSTRUCTIONS AND TORE DOWN AWNINGS WHEN EFFECTING THE RESCUE OF THE RESIDENTS WHO WERE TRAPPED AT THE REAR PORTIONS OF THE UPPER FLOORS.
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LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTINGS * * * *
a TfiTAl OF SIX LOCATIONS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl WILL BE (THURSDAY) UNTIL FEBRUARY 24 TO CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER.
FUNDED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD AT A rO<5T OF 3230 500 THE LIGHTINGS WILL BE PUT UP AT THE CASTLE P-AK ROAD/KWA? CHUNG ROUNDABOUT, TS'NGY I BRIDGE J^NDABOUT, THREE FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS KWAI CHUNG ROAD, AND THE FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR WO Yl HOP ROAD.
/THE BIGGEST ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
- -
THE BIGGEST LIGHTING DISPLAY ERECTED AT THE FOOTBRIDGE NEAR KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES FEATURES +THE GOD OF FORTUNE*, WITH NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE SWITCHED ON DAILY FROM 6 PM TO 12 MIDNIGHT, AND FROM 6 PM UNTIL 6 AM ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE.
A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 6 PM ON THE PODIUM OF KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR. KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING AND MRS BRIAN COAK, WIFE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY FOR THE KWAI CHJNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTING DECORATIONS.
-------o----------
NEW YEAR LIGHTS TO GO ON * * *
DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS FOR THE KWUN TONG LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR WILL BE SWITCHED ON AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVcNINu
THE LIGHTINGS INCLUDE THOSE ON A +PAI-LAU+ ERECTED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE FAIR AND AROUND THE VENUE IN THE TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND.
OFFICIATING AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WILL BE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK- DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, KR LAM HANG-FAI- URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR LAM CHAK-PIU- AND CHAIRMAN CF THE CULTURE, RECREATION, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAM KIN-KWOK.
W--
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR AT 7 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE TSUI PING ROAD PLAYGROUND.
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/35 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1986
55
NEW PLAYGROUND ON HEI LING CHAU * * * * *
THE W,FE 0F THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
0PEBED A ch,lmen's ’
THE 1 5OO-SQUARE-METRE AND REFUGEES ON THE ISLAND, FACILITIES AND A PLAY-SCHOOL AGE OF FOUR AND 11 YEARS.
PLAYGROUND, WHICH WAS BUILT BY INMATES ENCOMPASSES VARIOUS RECREATIONAL
FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN BETWEEN THE
tuc uI?E,RL£RL^R! I^AN 1 400 REFUGEES CURRENTLY STAYING l^YEARS’ OLDCHAU CL0SED CENTRE AND ABOUT 400 OF THEM ARE
AT BELOw
--------o ---------
VARIETY SHOW IN TAI PO
* * * *
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE STAGED TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW YEAR BAZAAR IN TAI PO.
THE SHOW, TO BE HELD IN THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND, IS PART OF THE PROGRAMMES OF THE ON-GOING TAI PO FESTIVAL.
TAI PO ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (COMMUNITY AFFAIRS), MS ANISSA WONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND RURAL LEADERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO NEW YEAR BAZAAR NIGHT TO BE HELD AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND AT 8 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
I
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY : ’.986
36 -
COMPUTERISED WHEELCHAIR DEVELOPED
******
A +COMPUTERISED+ WHEELCHAIR WHICH RESPONDS TO SPOKEN INSTRUCTIONS, HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY ENGINEERING GRADUATES UNDER TRAINING AT THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
A DEMONSTRATION OF THE WHEELCHAIR WILL BE GIVEN AT THE EMSD TRAINING CENTRE, CAROLINE HILL, AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE DEMONSTRATION.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE EMSD HQ AT 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD.
0
TAI HANG WATER SUPPLY TO BE INTERRUPTED
*****
THE TAI HANG ROAD AREA WILL BE WITHOUT WATER FROM 9 AM TO 7 Pi-1 ON FRIDAY WHILE A DIVERTED WATER MAIN JS RECONNECTED. THE AREAS AFFECTED ARE 83 TO 113, TAI HANG ROAD, wANG FUNG TERRACE, TAI HANG DR IVE AND CHUN FA I ROAD.
THREE WATER TANKERS WILL PATROL THE AREAS WHILE THE SUPPLY IS INTERRUPTED.
WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STAFF HAVE BEEN WORKING AROUND THE CLOCK TO DIVERT THE MAIN WHICH WAS ONE OF FOUR AFFECTED BY THE UNDERMINING OF TAI HANG ROAD AT THE JUNCTION OF BLUE POOL ROAD.
THIS WAS DISCOVERED ON THURSDAY LAST WEEK WHEN IT WAS FOUNv THAT A LOW-PRESSURE MAIN WAS LEAKING. THE WATER HAD UNDERMINED AN ANCHOR BLOCK OF TWO HIGH-PRESSURE MAINS, THE FOUNDATIONS OF A RETAINING WALL AND ROAD SUPPORTING STRUCTURES IN THE AREA.
THE EAST-BOUND SECTION OF TAI HANG ROAD WAS CLOSED SO THAT REPAIR WORK COULD BE CARRIED OUT ON THE MAINS WITHOUT INTERRUPTING THE WATER SUPPLY TO THE JARDINE’S LOOKOUT AND TAI HANG AREA.
THE WHOLE ROAD WAS CLOSED THE FOLLOWING DAY, FRIDAY, WHEN IT WAS FOUND THAT THE WEST-BOUND LANE SHOwED SIGNS OF SETTLING. SITc INVESTIGATION SHOwED HOLES OF CONSIDERABLE SIZE UNDER ThE CARRIAGEWAY.
/HIGHWAYS OFFICE .......
WEDNESDAY, EEBRU ABY 'IS#ocr
- 57 -
HIGHWAYS OFFICE ENGINEERS HAVE SINCE BEEN WORKING AGAINST TIME TC MAKE THE ROAD SAFE AND IT IS HOPED TO OpEN 0NE LANt 0 TAI HANG ROAD BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY.
HOWEVER, THE ROAD WILL NOT BE RE-OPENED FULLY FOR TO SIX WEEKS.
ABOUT FOUR
A HIGHWAYS office spokesman explained that the site was SMALL, CONTAINED FOUR WATER MAINS, AND ROAD wORK HaD TO ^IVc . REC._EcI.Uc WORK ON THE wATER SUPPLY.
TO
C -------
ROADS TO OPEN * * X
ON BE
THE UNNAMED ROADS LEADING FROM SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND NAM STREET TO THE ALDRICH BAY BOATYARDS AND,^NG LUNG STREET WILL OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 7).
’ AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD LINKING MONG LUNb STREET AND THE ALDRICH BAY BOATYARDS WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
- - 0-------------
RESTRICTED ZONES * * *
THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE OF SHING YIF'STREET K»UN TONG FROM ITS « ffiM tr I I A E 1W daily restricted ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY ts).
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 8).
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED Tu STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONE ON SHING YIP STREET WILL BE LIFTED.
--------o-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THU.'SDa. , FEBRUARY 6, 1986
CCIITENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO SPEAK ON xUDIO, TV ................................... 1
SIR DAVID LOOKS OVER PRINTING WORK ............................... 2
PROPERTY REVIEW SHOWS DROP IN VACANCY RATES ....................
HOUSING PLANS FOR ELDERLY ENDORSED ............................... 6
EMERGENCY PAYMENT RATES UP BY 6.8 PER CENT ....................... 8
STRONG ACTION TAKEN AGaINST COUNTERFEITING ....................... 9
NOVEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE MOVEMENTS ............................... 10
INSIDER DEALING REPORT EXPECTED ................................. 15
GOVERNOR TO LEaVE FOR LONDON .................................... 15
GOVERNOR TO LOOK OVER iUEN LONG ................................. 16
GROUP RETURNING FROM U.K......................................... 16
public warned about fire hazards ................................ 17
EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT CONTRACTS .............................. 17
A WHEELCHAIR THAT TAKES COMMANDS ................................ 18
JACKIE CHAN HELPING TO DRAW ELECTORS ............................ 19
SHA TIN HERALDS NEW YEAR WITH LIGHTS ............................ 20
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC PLAN IN' WESTERN DISTRICT ..................... 20
FURTHER JURY LIST TO BE POSTED .................................. 21
SITE FORMATION CONTRACT AWARDED ................................. 21
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION FOR MARKET COMPLEX ..................... 22
EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS' WORK .................................... 22
WONG TAI SIH ROAD CLOSURE
22
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
1
GOVERNOR TO SPEAK ON RADIO, TV ft ft * * *
a1 '»-EW YEAR
THE MESSAGE WILL BE BROADCAST AS FOLLOWS:
TELEVISION
STATION DATE AND TIME
SATURDAY (FEB 8) (REPEAT) SUNDAY (FEB 9)
TVB JADE 7.00 PM 12.00 NOON
TVB PEARL 7.25 PM 12.30 PM
ATV CHINESE 6.45 PM 12.15 PM
ATV ENGLISH 8.30 PM 12.10 PM
RADIO
DATE AND TIME,
(REPEAT)
CHANNEL SATURDAY (FEB 8) SUNDAY (FEB 9)
RTHK 1 AND 2 7.03 PM 1.03 PM
(CHINESE)
RTHK 3 7.15 PM 9.02 AM
(ENGLISH)
COMMERCIAL RADIO 6.10 PM 12.10 PM
(CHINESE : 1 AND 2)
COMMERCIAL RADIO 6.01 PM 12.01 PM
(ENGLISH)
- - o -
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
2
SIR DAVID LOOKS OVER PRINTING WORK
*****
SPECIAL FEATURES TO PREVENT FORGERY OF THE NEWLY-DESIGNED IDENTITY CARDS WERE AMONG SOME OF THE MATTERS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, DURING HIS VISIT TO THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT TODAY.
WATCHING WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE SECURITY DIVISION, SIR DAVID ALSO LEARNED THAT SOME 1.6 MILLION NEW STYLE IDENTITY CARDS HAD BEEN PRINTED IN 1985.
AFTER A BRIEFING ON THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MR HARRIS MYERS, SIR DAVID WENT TO SEE HOW THE VARIOUS OTHER DIVISIONS, USING THE LATEST PRINTING PROCESSES, TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT, COPE WITH THE BIG TASK OF HANDLING ALL GOVERNMENT PRINTING.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAW FULLY COMPUTERISED ENGLISH LANGUAGE TYPESETTING WORK BEING CARRIED OUT, AND NOTED THAT FUNDS HAD BEEN APPROVED WHICH WOULD ENABLE CHINESE TYPESETTING TO BE COMPUTERISED SHORTLY.
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT HAD MOVED TO ITS PRESENT PREMISES IN CORNWALL HOUSE, QUARRY BAY, IN JUNE LAST YEAR, AND IS OCCUPYING EIGHT FLOORS, COVERING 14 OOO SQUARE METRES.
-----0------
PROPERTY REVIEW SHOWS DROP IN VACANCY RATES * * * *
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF THE 1986 PROPERTY REVIEW INDICATE THAT VACANCY RATES IN THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE PROPERTY MARKET, EXCEPT FOR FLATTED FACTORIES, HAD FALLEN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
FOLLOWING ARE SOME DETAILS:
PRIVATE DOMESTIC (ALL PREMISES)
BOTH SUPPLY AND TAKE-UP IN 1985 INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THOSE IN 1984. VACANCIES HAD FALLEN SLIGHTLY FROM 22 400 AT THE END OF 1984 TO 22 100 AT THE END OF 1985. (I.E. 3.7 PER CENT OF TOTAL STOCK).
A RECORD SUPPLY OF 37 100 UNITS IS EXPECTED IN 1986.
/PRIVATE........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
- 3 -
PRIVATE DOMESTIC (LARGE UNITS - 100 SQ. M AND OVER)
THERE WAS A REDUCTION IN THE TAKE-UP OF LARGE DOMESTIC FLATS FROM 2 850 IN 1984 TO 2 000 IN 1985. SUPPLY INCREASED FROM 1 400 IN 1984 TO 1 950 IN 1985, AND THE VACANCY RATE FELL ONLY SLIGHTLY FROM 6.4 PER CENT AT THE END OF 1984 TO 5.8 PER CENT AT THE END OF 1985.
THE SUPPLY OF 2 900 LARGE FLATS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1986 REPRESENTS A 49 PER CENT INCREASE ON THE SUPPLY IN 1985.
COMMERCIAL
SUPPLY IN 1985 WAS MUCH THE SAME AS IN 1984. WITH AN IMPROVED TAKE-UP IN 1985, VACANCIES HAD FALLEN TO 9.0 PER CENT CF TOTAL STOCK AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE SUPPLY OF NEW COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN 1986 IS FORECAST TO BE 213 000 SQ. M.
FLATTED FACTORIES
THE TAKE-UP OF 397 000 SQ. M IN 1985 WAS LESS THAN HALF THE 1984 TAKE-UP AND WAS ALSO LOWER THAN THE ACTUAL SUPPLY OF 456 030 SQ. M. CONSEQUENTLY, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN VACANCIES.
EXPECTED SUPPLY IN 1986 WILL EXCEED THAT IN 1985 BY NEARLY 93 PER CENT.
OFFICES
ALTHOUGH THE TAKE-UP IN 1985 AT 385 000 SQ. M WAS LOWER THAN THE 1984 RECORD TAKE-UP OF 449 000 SQ. M. IT EXCEEDED THE 1985 SUPPLY BY 77 000 SQ. M. AS A RESULT, VACANCIES FELL FROM 561 003 SQ. M AT THE END OF 1984 TO 484 000 SQ. M AT THE END OF 1985 (I.E. 11.1 PER CENT OF TOTAL STOCK).
ONLY 72 000 SQ. M ARE FORECAST FOR COMPLETION IN 1986 AND THE MAJORITY (78 PER CENT) OF THESE ARE SECTOR III OFFICES.
A SUMMARY OF SUPPLY, TAKE-UP AND VACANCY IN THE MAIN SECTORS IS SET OUT BELOW.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE FIGURES QUOTED IN THIS RELEASE ARE PRELIMINARY. FULL DETAILS WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE PROPERTY REVIEW 1986, EXPECTED TO BE PUBLISHED IN APRIL.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
4
IN THE PROPERTY REVIEW 1986, +SALEABLE AREA* WILL BE USED TO DESCRIBE THE SIZES OF DOMESTIC PREMISES. THE METHOD OF MEASUREMENT OF +SALEABLE AREA+ IS THE SAME AS +COVERED AREA+ UScD IN PREVIOUS EDITIONS. HOWEVER, FOR NON-DOMESTIC PREMISES, +INTERNAL FLOOR AREA+ WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED. CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CONVERTING THESE TO SALEABLE AREAS IN FUTURE.
PRIVATE DOMESTIC (ALL PREMISES)
(NO. OF UNITS)
SUPPLY TAKE-UP VACANCY
1983 21 600 26 200 24 400 4.5
1984 22 300 23 500 22 400 4.0
1985 29 900 29 500 22 100 3.7
1986 (37 100)
'PRIVATE DOMESTIC’ EXCLUDES FLATS BUILT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME.
* VACANCY AT THE END OF THE YEAR AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL STOCK.
PRIVATE DOMESTIC (LARGER UNITS - 100 SQ. M AND OVER)
SUPPLY (NO. OF UNITS)
TAKE-UP VACANCY %
1983 2 600 1 800 4 400 9.9
1984 1 400 2 850 2 900 6.4
1985 1 950 2 000 2 750 5.8
1986 (2 900)
COMMERCIAL
(’000 SQ. M)
SUPPLY TAKE-UP VACANCY %
— - — - — ■V
1983 270 243 541 10.1
/1984 .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
- 5 -
1984 255 229 550 9.J
1985 249 264 524 9.3
1986 (213)
FLATTED FACTOR IES
(’000 SQ. M)
SUPPLY TAKE-UP VACANCY %
1983 621 727 1 089 8.9
1984 429 857 657 5.2
1985 456 397 716 5.5
1986 (863)
CFF ICES (ALL)
(’000 SQ. M)
SUPPLY TAKE-UP VACANCY %
——————
1983 591 371 793 20.6
1984 219 449 561 13.3
1985 308 385 484 11.1
1986 (72)
CFF ICES (SECTORAL ANALYSIS)
(’000 SQ. M)
SUPPLY TAKE-UP VACANCY %
SECTOR 1 CENTRAL, GRADE A OFFICES
1983 40 44 94 13.2
/1984........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
6
1984 30 33 91 12.2
1Q85 163 153 101 11.1
1986 (7)
SECTOR 1 1 SHEUNG WAN. WAN CHAI, CAUSEWAY BAY AND TSIM SHA TSUI,
GRADE A + CENTRAL, GRADE B OFFICES
1983 234 118 235 19.7
1984 11 139 107 8.J
1985 93 90 110 8.5
1986 (9)
SECTOR 1 1 1 REMAINDER
1983 317 209 464 23.9
1984 178 277 363 17.2
1985 52 142 273 12.6
1986 (56)
-------C ---------
HOUSING PLANS FOR ELDERLY ENDORSED * M * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE (SWAC) AT A MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY) CONSIDERED A COMPREHENSIVE PAPER ON THE IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ON HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE MEETING REAFFIRMED THE PRESENT POLICY OF ENCOURAGING FAMILIES TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS AND TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL SERVICES TO ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO CANNOT BE ADEQUATELY HOUSED AND CARED FOR WITHIN THEIR FAMILIES.,
IN THIS CONNECTION, MEMBERS STRESSED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR POLICIES WERE CONSISTENT AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS OBJECTIVE.
A CO-ORDINATED APPROACH IN THE PROVISION OF HOUSING TO THE ELDERLY AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND WELFARE AGENCIES WAS ENDORSED.
/IN FUTURE
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
7
IN FUTURE THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SHELTERED HOUSING PROGRAMME wITH WARDEN SERVICE FOR THE ABLE-BOD I cl) ELDERLY; WHILE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND WELFARE AGENCIES WILL CONCENTRATE THEIR EFFORTS ON SUPPORT AND RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN NEED OF CARE.
IN THE LIGHT OF THIS ARRANGEMENT, THE SWAC ENDORSED A RECOMMENDATION NOT TO EXTEND THE SHELTERED HOUSING PROGRAMME (ALSO KNOWN AS THE GOLD COIN HOUSING SCHEME) AT PRESENT OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
IT ALSO ENDORSED PLANS BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO SET UP SMALLER SCALE CARE-AND-ATTENTION UNITS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AND TO INCORPORATE CL-"
SUCH FACILITIES
IN HOMES FOR THE AGED.
OF THE COMPLEX
THE MEETING SUPPORTED THE EARLY IMPLEMENTATION
FOR THE ELDERLY AT WONG CHUK HANG AS A PILOT SCHEME PROVID ING AN INTEGRATED SERVICE APPROACH TO THE DELIVERY OF RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES FOR THE FRAIL AND SENILE ELDERLY.
MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONERN AT THE LACK OF RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE OLDER BUILT-UP URBAN AREAS, AND ADVISED THAT MORE EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO LOCATE SUCH SERVICES IN URBAN AREAS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO CONSIDERED A REPORT ON THE 1984 SURVEY ON SOCIAL WELFARE MANPOWER PREPARED JOINTLY BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, TOGETHER WITH THE COMMENTS FROM THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WORK TRAINING AND THE GOVERNMENT.
THE MEETING NOTED THAT THE OVERALL WASTAGE RATE FELL SIGNIFICANTLY FROM 10.5 PER CENT IN 1981 TO 4.7 PER CENT IN 1984.
WITH THE IMPROVED SUPPLY SITUATION, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE NEED TO RECRUIT A LARGE NUMBER OF NON-SOCIAL WORK TRAINED GRADUATES, BUT ADVISED THAT THE CURRENT RECRUITMENT FLEXIBILITY SHOULD BE RETAINED IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT VACANCIES WERE FILLED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN THIS CONNECTION, MEMBERS NOTED THAT THERE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE TWO UNIVERSITIES FOR SUCH RECRUITS.
THE SWAC ALSO ENDORSED A RECOMMENDATION IN THE REPORT THAT A SOCIAL WELFARE PERSONNEL INFORMATION SYSTEM BE SET UP TO COLLECT BASIC INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER SITUATION.
- - 0 - -
/8
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
8
EMERGENCY PAYMENT RATES UP BY 6.8 PER CENT
* * * *
PAYMENT RATES FOR PERSONAL INJURIES AND DEATH UNDER THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND (ERF), WHICH PROVIDE CASH GRANTS TO PEOPLE IN NEED OF RELIEF AS A RESuCt OF NATURAL OR OTHER DISASTERS, HAVE RECENTLY BEEN INCREASED BY AN AVERAGE OF 6.8 PER CENT.
THE REVISED RATES APPLY ALSO TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME AND THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) SCHEME AS THEIR SCHEDULE OF PAYMENT IS BASED ON THAT OF THE FUND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE REVISION, WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT LAST MONTH, INDICATED AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEVEL OF PAYMENT BASED ON INCREASES IN WAGES AND PRICES.
DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF GRANTS UNDER THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND ARE AVAILABLE TO COVER DEATH OR PERSONAL INJURY.
UNDER THE NEW RATES, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT FOR DEATH GRANTS INVOLVING THE LOSS OF SOLE WAGE-EARNERS HAS BEEN RAISED FROM $38 500 TO $42 450, COMPRISING $29 950 FOR ONE SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBER AND $2 500 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL SURVIVING DEPENDENT FAMILY MEMBER.
FOR LOSS OF A WAGE-EARNER WHERE THERE ARE OTHER WAGE-EARNERS IN THE FAMILY, THE MAXIMUM GRANT HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $24 900 TO $27 480.
IN THE CASE OF THE LOSS OF A HUSBAND OR WIFE WHO IS NOT A WAGE-EARNER IN A FAMILY WHERE THERE ARE SURVIVING CHILDREN, THE MAXIMUM GRANT HAS ALSO GONE UP FROM $24 900 TO $27 480.
THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF DISABILITY GRANTS HAS BEEN RAISED FROM $32 640 TO $35 940. FOR INJURY GRANTS, THE NEW PAYMENT RATE IS $230 UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $9 970 DEPENDING ON THE GRAVITY OF THE INJURY. PREVIOUSLY, THE MAXIMUM WAS $9 590.
IN 1985, $3 MILLION WAS PAID OUT FROM THE EMERGENCY RELIEF FUND, $34.6 MILLION FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE FUND, AND $5.2 MILLION FROM THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME.
ALL THESE SCHEMES ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
-------0 ---------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
9
STRONG ACTION TAKEN AGAINST COUNTERFEITING * * * *
THE FIGHT AGAINST COUNTERFEITING AND COPYRIGHT PIRACY IN HONG KONG IS DIRECTED AT ALL LEVELS - FROM RETAILING AT STREET LEVEL, LARGE AND SMALL ESTABLISHED RETAIL PREMISES, MANUFACTURING OUTLETS AND ON IMPORT AND EXPORT.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY THE HEAD OF CUSTOMS TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR JOHN HOWARD AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH.
MR HOWARD SAID SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS ALSO PAID TO THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT GOODS AT ALL ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS BY THE 3 OOO STRONG CUSTOMS OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT.
+OVER THE YEARS, SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS AGAINST SYNDICATES INVOLVED IN THE MAKING AND EXPORT OF COUNTERFEIT CASSETTE TAPES AND WATCHES BEARING WELL KNOWN TRADE MARKS WHICH HAVE BEEN FORGED HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED.
+IN ORDER TO PROTECT OWNERS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COVERING COMPUTERS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES, CUSTOMS OFFICERS HAVE TAKEN ENFORCEMENT ACTION UNDER BOTH THE TRADE DESCRIPTION ORDINANCE AND THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.
IN 1973, THE RECORDING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG ESTIMATED THAT THERE WERE 50 INFRINGING MUSIC CASSETTE TAPES FOR EVERY LEGITIMATE COPY SOLD.
MR HOWARD SAID THAT WITH THE ENACTMENT OF THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE IN 1973, CUSTOMS OFFICERS’ TOOK VIGOROUS ACTION ON MUSIC PIRACY.
+AFTER A FEW YEARS’ CONTINUOUS EFFORT, THE LATEST REPORT FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY REVEALED THAT 99 PER CENT OF ALL SALES ARE LEGITIMATE PRODUCTS,+ HE SAID.
+IT CAN BE SAID BY THE PRESENT SITUATION THAT MUSIC PIRACY HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY CONTAINED BECAUSE NO INFRINGING MUSIC CASSETTE TAPES HAVE BEEN OBSERVED IN THE LOCAL MARKET.+
MR HOWARD SAID THAT WITH THE ADVENT OF VIDEO EQUIPMENT, PIRACY OF CINEMATOGRAPH FILMS AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS IN THE FORM OF VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES BECAME A PROBLEM IN 1979.
+SINCE THEN, CUSTOMS OFFICERS TAKE CONTINUOUS ACTION AND CRACK DOWN SYNDICATES ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURE, EXPORT AND RETAIL SALE OF INFRINGING VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES. PROBLEMS RELATING TO VIDEO PIRACY HAVE BEEN GREATLY REDUCED,* HE SAID.
THE RECENT REDUCTION IN PHOTOCOPYING COST HAD LED TO THE PROBLEM OF LITERARY WORK PIRACY, HE SAID.
/AS UNAUTHORISED .......
THURSDAI FEHHUAHX 6, 19&b~^
10
AS UNAUTHORISED PHOTOCOPYING OF ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE BOOKS WAS INCREASING, IN 1984 AND 1985, CUSTOMS OFFICERS CARRIED OUT AN OPERATION IN WHICH A LARGE NUMBER OF BOOKSHOPS AND PHOTOCOPYING SHOPS WERE RAIDED.
+AS A RESULT, THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN GREATLY REDUCED.+
♦ THE DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A CONSTANT SURVEY ON THE MARKET SITUATION. MORE RECENTLY AN OPERATION AGAINST UNAUTHORISED +IN STORE+ TAPING OF SOUND RECORDINGS TOOK PLACE. TWENTY-SEVEN TRADING PREMISES WERE RAIDED, RESULTING IN THE SEIZURE OF 61 INFRINGING AUDIO TAPES, 23 AMPLIFIERS AND 33 CASSETTE RECORDERS VALUED AT $200 000,+ HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT INTERNATIONAL TRADE WAS THE MAINSTAY OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, MR HOWARD SAID, +IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF ITS TRADING SYSTEM, HONG KONG HAS TO TAKE PARTICULAR CARE TO PROTECT ITS INTERNATIONAL TRADING IMAGE.
+AND HONG KONG’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY VIOLATORS ARE WELL RECOGNISED INTERNATIONALLY.*
-----o------
NOVEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE MOVEMENTS * * * *
COMPARING THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF 1985 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED BY 7 PER CENT WHILE THAt OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 27 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE CF 5 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IMPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS REMAINED UNCHANGED AND THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS DROPPED BY 3 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE COMPILED. VOLUMES OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
COMPARING NOVEMBER 1985 WITH NOVEMBER 1984, THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT. WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT. THE LATTER INCREASE WAS THE FIRST IN EIGHT MONTHS, SUGGESTING THAT THE DECLINE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS MIGHT HAVE BOTTOMED OUT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS DROPPED BY 4 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
/EXTENDING THE .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1985 WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1984, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE CF 6 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 6 PER CENT. PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 1 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THAT OF IMPORTS DROPPED BY 2 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR NOVEMBER AND FOR JANAURY-NOVEMBER CF 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1984 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1. THIS TABLE, TOGETHER WITH TWO OTHER TABLES IS BEING SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK, AND WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS FELL IN NOVEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984 THESE INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-14%); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-13%); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-12%); TEXTILE FABRICS (-9%) ; WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-5%) ; CLOTHING (-4%) ; FOOTWEAR (-4%) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-2%). INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED FOR COMMODITY GROUPS SUCH AS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+5%); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+3%); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+2%) AS WELL AS METAL MANUFACTURES (+1%).
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN NOVEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+27%); TEXTILE FABRICS (+16%); CLOTHING (+13%)5 FOOTWEAR (+10%) ; TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+8%) AS WELL AS TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+2%). HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-45%); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-38%) ; RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-23%); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-12%); METAL MANUFACTURES (-5%) AS WELL AS DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-1%).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR NOVEMBER AND FOR JANUARY-NOVEMBER OF 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1984 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
IMPORT PRICES OF SOME END-USE
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2
CATEGORIES DECREASED IN NOVEMBER 1985 1984, RANGING FROM 5 PER CENT FOR RAW MANUFACTURES TO 7 PER CENT FOR FUELS. CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS ROSE CENT RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER 1985 AS
AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER MATERIALS AND SEMI-THE IMPORT PRICES OF BY 3 PER CENT AND 6 PER COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984
/MMW OF......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
12 -
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME TERMS IN NOVEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED FOR WHEAT AND FLOUR? SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD? LIVE POULTRY ; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS? FRUIT; hEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS AS WELL AS CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR SUGAR? RICE? ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES TEA AND COFFEE AS WELL AS MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MANY CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING TOBACCO MANUFACTURES’ WATCHES? CLOTH I NG-; ALCOHOL IC BEVERAGES ; CAMERAS FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY 5 MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILE MATERIALS AS WELL AS FOOTWEAR. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS AS WELL AS PASSENGER MOTOR CARS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOME RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ROSE IN NOVEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984, INCLUDING COTTON YARN AND THREAD? CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS ? WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS ? WOVEN COTTON FABRICS? SPECIAL TEXTILE FABRICS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE'? SILK FABRICS? FABRICS OF MAN-MADE Fl BREST RAW COTTON YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES AS WELL AS PAPER AND PAPERBOARD. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS? WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK ?FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES ; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR? MAN-MADE FIBRES AS WELL AS YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN NOVEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOME COMMODITIES DECREASED IN NOVEMBER 1985 OVER NOVEMBER 1984, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES; TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT; ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY. INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AS WELL AS SCIENTIFIC. MEDICAL, OPTICAL, NEASURING AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS AND APPARATUS.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR NOVEMBER AND FOR JANUARY-NOVEMBER OF 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS IN 1984 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
-AS DEP'CTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN NOVEMBER 1985 WHEN COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984, RANGING FROM 3 PER CENT FOR FUELS TO 52 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS DECREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER 1985 AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1984.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE NOVEMBER 1985 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS+, AVAILABLE LATER THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT S2 PER COPY.
/Table 1 .......
Table 1 t C:
in d.
13
••EB^u-hKY b, 19&6
conmi
Cannodi tv group Comparing -November 1?85 with November 1984 Comparing Jan.
value % Unit value % Volume % ♦13 Value Unit value Si-*. . * Volume
Clothing Textile fabrics ♦ 8 - 4 % - 6 % + 3 % - 8
♦ 0 Textile yam and thread +12 Textile made—upe and - 9 ♦ 3 ♦16 ♦ 8 -11 -19 - 4 + 3 - 7 -22
related, articles ♦ 2 ♦ 2 - 7 + 6 -12
Badios of all kinds Electronic components Footwear -33 -35 -13 * 5 -23 -38 -30 -24 - 5 « -27 -24
Metal manufactures 4- O - 4 ♦10 - 3 - 5 + 2
Metal ores and scrap batches and clocks - 4 -53 4-21 ♦ 1 -14 - 5 - 5 -45 +27 - 7 -21 ♦ 4 -16 -10 - 5
Travel goods, handbags -1^ +19
and similar articles -*-4 - 2 -12 -22 ♦ 5 -26
Domestic electrical —T A
appliances -14 • -12 - 1 -13 - 8 - 6
All commodities - 2 - 4 ♦ 2 - 7 ♦ - 7
Insignificant, i*e . less than O.^t
/Table 2
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, ^986
14
Table 2 i CbangeB in import b ty end-use category
Comparing Npvqtnbar 1985 with November 1984 Comparing Jan.- Nov. 1985 with Jan.-N0v. i984
End-use category Value Unit value Volume Value Unit value Volume
% % % % % %
Foodstuffs ♦11 - 6 ♦18 ♦ - 7 ♦ 7
Consumer goods ♦14 + 3 ♦10 +14 ♦ ♦14
Raw materials and semi-manufactures ♦ 2 - 5 + 7 - 4 - 4 «
Fuels -22 - 7 -16 -13 - 6 - 7
Capital goods -11 ♦ 6 -16 ♦14 - 1 ♦15
All oanmoditios + 3 - 1 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 - 3 ♦ 6
Table 3 » Changes in re-exports by end-use category
Comparing November 19&5 with November 2°84 Copparing Jan.-Nov < 1985 ^ith Jan.-Nov* 1?84
End-use category Value % Unit value % Volme % Value % Unit value % Volxne %
Foodstuffs ♦51 - 1 ♦52 +17 ♦ +17
Consuner goods ♦ 8 ♦ 2 ♦ 6 ♦27 ♦ 1 ♦26
Raw materials and ♦17 - 5 ♦23 ♦25 ♦ 1 +24
eeni-manufactures
Fuels ♦ 7 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 -17 ♦ 6 -22
Capital goods -15 ♦ 2 -17 ♦48 ♦ 3 ♦43
All commodities ♦ 9 - 1 ♦10 ♦29 ♦ 1 ♦27
* Insignificant > i.e. less than 0.9^
-----0------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
15
INSIDER DEALING REPORT EXPECTED
THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL INQUIRING INTO DEALINGS IN THE SHARES OF INTERNATIONAL CITY HOLDINGS LTD IS EXPECTED TO REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY BETWEEN THE END OF FEBRUARY AND MID-MARCH, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE ADDED THAT AFTER THE SUBMISSION, ANY PERSON SUSPECTED OF BEING A CULPABLE INSIDER DEALER AND FOUND NOT CULPABLE WILL BE GIVEN SEVEN DAYS UNDER SECTION 141 I (5) OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE TO ELECT NOT TO BE NAMED IN THE REPORT.
+IT IS ENVISAGED THAT IT WOULD TAKE A FURTHER TWO WEEKS TO HAVE THE REPORT PRINTED FOR PUBLICATION. THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE REPORT WILL BE PUBLISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UPON COMPLETION OF TRANSLATION,* HE SAID.
THE TRIBUNAL COMMENCED IN NOVEMBER 1984 ITS INQUIRY INTO DEALINGS IN RELATION TO ORDINARY SHARES IN INTERNATIONAL CITY HOLDINGS OR ANY RELATED COMPANIES BETWEEN JANUARY 1, 1984 AND JUNE 30, 1984.
-----o------
GOVERNOR TO LEAVE FOR LONDON # * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 8) ON FLIGHT CX201, ETD 10.55 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
THERE WILL BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER SIR EDWARD’S DEPARTURE ON SATURDAY EVENING. THOSE COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE-IN THE AIRPORT PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM AT 10.05 PM.
GIS OFFICERS WILL ASSIST.
0
/16........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
16
GOVERNOR TO LOOK OVER YUEN LONG it if if
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL VISIT YUEN LONG TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
HIS PROGRAMME INCLUDES VISITS TO THE POK 01 HOSPITAL, THE WANG CHAU SERVICE RESERVOIR WHERE A BRIEFING WILL BE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR Y.Y. NG, ON TIN SHU I WAI DEVELOPMENT, AND THE YUEN LONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION CLUBHOUSE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE CGO CARPARK AT 1.30 PM SHARP FOR YUEN LONG. GIS OFFICERS WILL ASSIST.
THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE POK 01 HOSPITAL, YUEN LONG, BEFORE 3 PM.
GROUP RETURNING FROM U.K * * *
THE GOVERNMENT DELEGATION, LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, 14? ALAN CARTER, WILL RETURN FROM LONDON TOMORROW (FRIDAY), AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH HOME OFFICE AND FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE OFFICIALS ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S THREE REQUESTS CONCERNING THE DRAFT NATIONALITY ORDER.
THEY WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT BA 3, ETA 4.40 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE COVERAGE OF THE DELEGATION’S RETURN. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 3.50 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
GIS OFFICERS WILL ASSIST.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
17
PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT FIRE HAZARDS
* * * *
THE PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE SPECIAL CARE AGAINST POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARDS CAUSED BY THE BURNING OF JOSS STICKS AND JOSS PAPER DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAID THAT WITH THE TRADITIONAL WORSHIPPING RITUALS AND THE FREQUENT USE OF COOKING STOVES DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON, FIRE RISKS TEND TO BE MUCH HIGHER.
ACCORDING TO LAST YEAR’S STATISTICS, OVER 160 FIRES WERE CAUSED BY THE BURNING OF WORSHIPPING ITEMS ALONE, AND MANY OF THESE OCCURRED DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.
♦THE SIMPLE RULES TO REMEMBER IN PREVENTING FIRE ARE TO GIVE A LITTLE THOUGHT, APPLY YOUR COMMONSENSE AND BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE ALL THE TIME,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO BURN JOSS STICKS AND JOSS PAPER IN NETAL CANS, NOT TO FILL A KEROSENE STOVE OR HEATER WHEN IT IS ALIGHT NOR TO STORE MORE THAN ONE CONTAINER OF FUEL AT HOME.
THOSE WHO INTEND TO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE HOLIDAYS SHOULD TAKE CARE TO PREVENT THE OUTBREAK OF HILL FIRES.
+REMEMBER TO BARBECUE ONLY AT DESIGNATED PITS AND EXTINGUISH ALL FIRES BEFORE LEAVING THE SITES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH IT IS BEST NOT TO SMOKE AT ALL IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, IF PEOPLE DO, THEY MUST DISPOSE OF THEIR CIGARETTE ENDS AND SPENT MATCHES PROPERLY.
♦HELP PREVENT FIRE, AND DON’T LET IT RUIN YOUR NEW YEAR,* HE SAID.
-----o------
EMPLOYERS REMINDED ABOUT CONTRACTS * M M *
au cmdi nvco no HIS AGENT IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF S5Q 000 IF HE'FA ILS TO ENTER INTO A WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH A MANUAL WORKER TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
tuc fine is also applicable if the employerfailed to PRESENT THE CONTRACT TO LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR ATTESTATION BEFORE THE WORKER LEAVES HONG KONG-.
/THIS REMINDEE .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
- 18 -
THIS REMINDER wAS GIVEN TODAY BY THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, MR LEUNG LIT-CHEONG.
UNDER THE CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG ORDINANCE, IT IS ALSO AN OFFENCE IF THE EMPLOYER INDUCES A WORKER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE, OR COUNSELS A WORKER TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT BEFORE THE CONTRACT IS ATTESTED.
HE ALSO ADVISED LOCAL PEOPLE INTENDING TO WORK OUTSIDE HONG KONG TO ENSURE, IN THEIR OWN INTEREST, THAT THEIR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS HAVE BEEN ATTESTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE DEPARTURE.
ALTHOUGH HEAVY PENALTIES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED UNDER THE ORDINANCE, MR LEUNG SAID, ENFORCEMENT OF THE LEGISLATION DEPENDED MUCH ON WORKERS’ INITIATIVE IN REPORTING OFFENDERS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT PERSONS RESPONDING TO ADVERTISEMENTS AND OTHER PUBLICITY REGARDING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE HONG KONG SHOULD CHECK WHETHER THE EMPLOYERS WAS LOCALLY BASED, OR REPRESENTED BY A LOCAL AGENT.
♦THEY CAN ALSO CONTACT THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FOR SUCH BACKGROUND INFORMATION,* HE SAID.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYERS ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE SERVICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE PROPER PROCEDURES TO RECRUIT WORKERS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG.*
SINCE LAST SEPTEMBER, THE SERVICE HAS BEEN OPERATING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD. CENTRAL. THE TELEPHONES FOR ENQUIRIES ARE 5-8523535 AND 5-8523537.
-------o ---------
A WHEELCHAIR THAT TAKES COMMANDS
* K * * *
ENGINEERING GRADUATES IN A GOVERNMENT WORKSHOP HAVE BUILT WITH THE AID OF CHIPS A WHEELCHAIR THAT CAN LISTEN TO AND OBEY VERBAL COMMANDS.
THE WHEELCHAIR, POWERED BY A CAR BATTERY, CAN MOVE IN ANY DIRECTION, INCLUDING REVERSING.
IT HAS TAKEN FIVE WEEKS FOR THE 23 APPRENTICES UNDER TRAINING AT THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO BUILD THE MECHANISED CHAIR CALLED +SPEECH CONTROL POWERED WHEELCHAIR* (SCPW).
/THE TRAINING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
- 19 -
THE TRAINING OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR SO KEUNG-FAI, SAID THE WHEELCHAIR CONSISTS OF A MECHANICAL TRANSMISSION UNIT, AN ELECTRICAL POWER SUPPLY AND A MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEM.
♦ THE CONTROL SYSTEM CONTAINS A 16-BIT SINGLE BOARD MICROCOMPUTER WITH A USER-DEPENDENT SPEECH RECOGNITION CARD,* HE SAID.
+ THIS IS CAPABLE OF INTERPRETING THE PRE-ASSIGNED COMMANDS GIVEN BY THE USER AND ACTIVATES THE ELECTRO-MECHANI CAL PARTS OF THE WHEELCHAIR ACCORDINGLY.
+ ALL THESE ARE ASSEMBLED IN A COMPACT CASE AND CAN BE MOUNTED ON A CONVENTIONAL WHEELCHAIR WITHOUT DIFFICULTY,* HE SAID.
MR SO SAID THE WHEELCHAIR HAD TO UNDERGO A PERIOD OF ^LEARNING MODE* DURING WHICH THE USER’S SPEECH COMMANDS FOR DIFFERENT MOTIONS WOULD BE ANALYSED AND STORED IN ITS MEMORY.
A VERBAL COMMAND MUST MATCH WITH ANY OF THE PRE-STORED SPEECH PATTERNS TO ENABLE THE WHEELCHAIR TO MOVE ACCORDING TO INSTRUCTIONS, HE SAID.
IT COSTS 52 500 IN SPARE PARTS, TOGETHER WITH A BORROWED WHEELCHAIR AND A COMPUTER, TO ASSEMBLE THE PACKAGE NEEDED TO DEVELOP THE SCPW.
THE WHEELCHAIR STOPS AUTOMATICALLY WHEN CLOSE TO AN OBSTRUCTION.
-----0------
JACKIE CHAN HELPING TO DRAW ELECTORS * * * * *
WORLD-RENOWNED KUNG FU FILM STAR JACKIE CHAN, A REGISTERED VOTER HIMSELF. TOOK TIME OFF FROM HIS BUSY SCHEDULE TODAY (THURSDAY) TO RECORD A MESSAGE TO PROMOTE THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
HE WILL BE ADDING TO THE PUBLICITY WHICH WILL GO INTO FULL SWING AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
IN HIS MESSAGE JACKIE CHAN APPEALS TO REGISTERED ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR VOTES FOR THE CANDIDATE OF THEIR CHOICE WHO CAN HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
THE TAPE WILL BE PLAYED BY FOUR BROADCAST VEHICLES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHICH WILL TOUR THE 19 DISTRICTS FROM FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 6 - TO REMIND PEOPLE OF THE ELECTION DAY.
/DECORATED WITH
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1986
- 20 -
DECORATED WITH POSTERS, THE BROADCAST VEHICLES WILL VISIT FOUR DISTRICTS DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM, TOURING BUSY AND POPULATED AREAS, SUCH AS HOUSING ESTATES, MARKET PLACES AND COMMERCIAL AND SHOPPING CENTRES.
THE TAPE WILL ALSO BE USED AT DISTRICT PUBLICITY FUNCTIONS, EXHIBITIONS, VARIETY SHOWS AND FORUMS.
0 -------
SHA TIN HERALDS NEW YEAR WITH LIGHTS
* * X *
SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE WAS BRIGHTLY LIT UP WITH DECORATIVE LIGHTS THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING TO HERALD THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
AT THE FLICK OF A SWITCH, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MR PIERS JACOBS TURNED ON THE FESTIVE LIGHTINGS ALONG THE 200-METRF SAND MARTIN BRIDGE ACROSS THE SHING MUN RIVER.
THE DECORATIVE LIGHTS DEPICT FLOWERS AND PETS, SYMBOLISING PROSPERITY AND FORTUNE IN THE YEAR OF THE TIGER.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR JACOBS SAID TIGER IS KNOWN FOR ITS BRAVERY AND MIGHT AND, IN THE CHINESE ALMANAC, THESE SYMBOLISE POWER AND BOLDNESS.
SEEING THE RAPID DEVELOPMENTS OF SHA TIN IN RECENT YFARS, HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THESE VIRTUES OF THE TIGER HAD BEEN SHARED BY ALL THOSE CONCERNED, HE SAID.
THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY LION DANCE PERFORMED BY THE DISTRICT’S JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE SHA TIN ' I STR I CT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG; CHAIRMAN OF PLANNING COMMITTEE ON THE FESTIVE LIGHTINGS IN SHA TIN, MR LAM HUNG-CHIU? OTHER DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE CHAIRMEN OF AREA COMMITTEES.
-------0 ---------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ^LAN IN ataTERN DISTRICT
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 8) TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE LOADINc AND UNLOADING AREA FOR GOODS VEHICLES ON KENNEDY TOWN NEW °RAYA BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 32 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH CADOGAN STREET *ILL cE SUSPENDED.
AND THE SECTION OF CATCHICK STREET BETWEEN SMITHFIELD AND SANDS STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TC 9.39 Ah' 0’-. TUESDAY (FEBRUARY n).
/WLSTBOUND .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1^86
WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON CATCHICK STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SANDS STREET, BELCHER’S STREET AND CADOGAN STREET WHILE, EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON CATCHICK STREET WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA SMITHFIELD AND KENNEDY TO*N NEW PRAYA.
GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 23 ON ITS JOURNEY TO POK FU LAM WILL az DIVERTED VIA KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA, SANDS STREET, BELCHER’S STREET, CADOGAN STREET, CATCHICK STREET AND SMITHFIELD BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL ROUTE INGS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBIT! J., Oi>i CADOGAN STREET NORTH OF BELCHER’S STREET WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED.
FURTHER JURY LIST TO BE POSTED * * * *
A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WILL BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING AT NO. 38, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG ON FEBRUARY 17, THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR NICHOLAS JOHN BARNETT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS, WHEN ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED UPON CAUSE DULY ASSIGNED IN SUCH NOTICE.
THE REGISTRAR SHALL IN HIS DISCRETION, POST OR REMOVE SUCH NAME ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL IF NECESSARY ALTER THE LIST.
- c -
SITE FORMATION CONTRACT AWARDED * * * *
A 361.8 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR SITE FORMATION AND OTHER ENGINEERING WORKS IN TA I PO.
THE CONTRACT, AWARDED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, INVOLVES FORMATION OF ABOUT 18 HECTARES OF LAND NORTH CF TAI YUEN ESTATE FOR A PROPOSED PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND OTHER USES.
IT ALSO INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A 1 97O-METRE TWO-WAY CARRIAGEWAY AROUND THE NEW ESTATE.
A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS TING KOK ROAD, LINKING TAI YUEN ESTATE WITH THE NEW ESTATE, WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
wORK IS EXPECTED TO START THIS MONTH, AND TAKE ABOUT 30 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1936
22
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION FOR MARKET COMPLEX
* * *
A $3.66 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR THE ELECTRICaL INSTALLATION FOR A MARKET COMPLEX UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE JUNCTION OF MONG KOK ROAD AND FA YUEN STREET, KOWLOON.
THE 14-STOREY COMPLEX IS BEING BUILT FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT ON A 1 6OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE PREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED BY A HAWKER BAZAAR.
------0 ------
EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ WORK
X * *
AN EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ CREATIVE WORK WILL BE HELD IN THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FROM WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 12) UNTIL MARCH 1.
TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, FOURTH AND FIFTH FLOORS, NORTH POINT.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE SELECTED ART WORK, GARMENTS AND NEEDLEWORK BY SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS, ART AND CRAFT WORK BY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS, WINNING ENTRIES INCLUDING PAINTINGS, DRAWINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS IN LAST YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
THERE WILL ALSO BE CHILDREN’S ART WORK FROM THE UNITED STATES AND PAINTINGS BY KOREAN CHILDREN.
SCHOOLS PLANNING GROUP VISITS ARE REQUESTED TO NOTIFY THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT TELEPHONE 5-629205 FOR ARRANGEMENTS.
-----o------
WONG TAI SIN ROAD CLOSURE
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE TEMPORARY TR^ , JK^PLE FROM 6 PM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 3) DAY TO FACILITATE CROWD CONTROL IN THE AREA.
WONG NEXT
VICINITY OF TO 6 PM THE
ROAD BETWEEN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND FUNG TAK ROAD, ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN GREEN MINIBUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE Sansport department will be allowed to enter the closed sections.
SHAT IN
PASS
AND THE UN-NAMED AND WONG TAI SIN
THE SAME MEASURES WILL BE REPEATED FROM 6.30 AM ON FEBRUARY 10 TO 6 PM THE NEXT DAY.
--------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL; 5-233191
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7. 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR LOOKS OVER YUEN LONG PROJECTS ........................ 1
51.75 BILLION SCHEME KEEPS CHINA WATER FLOWING ................ 2
HOTEL AMONG J7 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED ........................
NEW MTRC BOARD MEMBER NAMED ................................... 5
VISIT TO FIRE .SERVICES ..................................... 5
BRIGHT FUTURE SEEN FOR CRAFTSMEN .............................. 6
RUNNING START FOR SAI KUNG FESTIVAL ........................... 7
EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ELECTIONS .................................. 8
STAMP COVER ON SALE FEBRUARY 12 ............................... 9
IMPROVEMENT WORK AT AIRPORT......... .......................... 10
TOP PRIZES FOR TOP FISH CATCHES ............................... 10
DISCO TO PROMOTE ANTI-DRUG FIGHT .............................. 11
SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET .................-.......... 12
TAI HANG ROAD PARTIALLY RE-OPENED ............................. 12
TWO SITES OFFERED FOR LEASE ................................... 1?
CHEUNG CHAU FERRY PIER TO BE EXTENDED ......................... 15
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO PARK ..................................... 11*
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR CHE KUNG FESTIVAL ............................ 1^
FLYOVER SLIP ROAD RE-OPENING ..................................
BLANKETS FOR STREET SLEEPERS .................................. 15
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
1
GOVERNOR LOOKS OVER YUEN LONG PROJECTS * * K *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, VISITED YUEN LONG TODAY (FRIDAY) TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEW TOWN, WHERE MANY LARGE-SCALE GOVERNMENT PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY.
SIR EDWARD, ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.W. HAYES, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, l*R JAMES WILSON AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN, FIRST VISITED THE LOK MA CHAU POLICE STATION. HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT HIGH ENGINEER, MR H.C. BEATON ON THE PROGRESS CF THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING PROJECT.
SIR EDWARD WAS TOLD THAT THE CROSSING, DESIGNED TO HANDLE AN INCREASING VOLUME OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO AND FROM CHINA AND TO SUPPLEMENT THE EXISTING CROSSING AT MAN KAM TO, WOULD INCLUDE A BRIDGE ACROSS THE SHENZHEN RIVER TO BE CONSTRUCTED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES, A DUAL TWO-LANE HIGHWAY AND AN INTERCHANGE WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.
THERE IS ALSO PROVISION FOR A SECOND BRIDGE AND THE WIDENING CF THE ROAD ON A DUAL THREE-LANE HIGHWAY AT A LATER STAGE.
ON HIS WAY FROM LOK MA CHAU TO THE YUEN LONG TOWN, SIR EDWARD CALLED AT THE POK 01 HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS TAKEN ON A CONDUCTED TOUR OF THE FACILITIES AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG ON-FOOK, ON THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR THE HOSPITAL.
AT YUEN LONG TOWN EAST, THE GOVERNOR WENT TO THE ROOF OF A PRIVATE BUILDING OVERLOOKING THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TERMINUS. HERE, HE WAS GIVEN A CONCISE ACCOUNT BY THE KCRC PROJECT MANAGER OF THE DEVELOPMENT, MR S.S. CHOI, ON SYSTEM AND HOW IT WOULD OPERATE IN YUEN LONG.
THE
THE GOVERNOR NEXT STOPPED AT THE WANG CHAU SERVICE RESERVOIR FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF TIN SHU I WAI, NOW OCCUPIED BY HUNDREDS OF FISHPONDS.
HE WAS TOLD BY MR Y.Y. NG, GOVERNMENT ENGINEER, NEW TERRITORIES THAT THE FISHPONDS WOULD BE FILLED UP WITH MARINE SAND DREDGED FROM DEEP BAY AND THAT LAND WOULD BE FORMED FOR A NEW TOWN WITH A POPULATION OF UP TO 146 000 IN THE LATE 1990’S.
BEFORE ATTENDING AN INFORMAL NEW YEAR RECEPTION HOSTED BY YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION CLUBHOUSE, SIR EDWARD DROPPED IN AT A LUNAR NEW YEAR FLOWER FAIR NEAR YUEN LONG TAI YUK ROAD.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
2
$1.75 BILLION SCHEME KEEPS CHINA WATER FLOWING
*****
WHEN IT COMES TO WATER BILLS THE GOVERNMENT IS FACED WITH A TOTAL $1 75O-MILLI0N PAYMENT OVER THE 12-YEAR PERIOD UP TO 1995, TO ENSURE THAT THE TERRITORY’S TAPS DO NOT RUN DRY.
THAT IS THE AMOUNT BEING SPENT BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ON A MASSIVE SCHEME TO BRING MORE WATER FROM CHINA, WHICH IS ALREADY PROVIDING SLIGHTLY UNDER HALF OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL CONSUMPTION.
AT THE SAME TIME THE DEPARTMENT IS BUILDING A TERRITORY-WIDE WATER GRID SO THAT SUPPLIES FROM THE MAIN RESERVOIRS CAN BE PUMPED ANYWHERE IN THE TERRITORY.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR WONG KWOK-LA I, EXPLAINED THE REASON FOR THE HUGE OUTLAY ON THE SCHEME. +EACH DAY HONG KONG USES AN AVERAGE OF 1.86 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER,+ HE SAID, +AND CONSUMPTION IS INCREASING AT ABOUT SIX PER CENT A YEAR.
+AT PRESENT WE GET SLIGHTLY LESS THAN 50 PER CENT OF OUR WATER FROM CHINA. UNDER AN AGREEMENT SIGNED IN 1980, WE WILL INCREASE OUR OFFTAKE BY A FIXED AMOUNT EACH YEAR SO THAT BY 1995 CHINA WILL BE SUPPLYING US WITH 60 PER CENT OF OUR NEEDS.+
SO BY 1995, HONG KONG WILL BE TAKING 620 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER A YEAR FROM ACROSS THE BORDER. IT IS TO RECEIVE AND PROCESS THIS INCREASE THAT PLANNING FOR THE 12-YEAR PROGRAMME WAS STARTED IN JANUARY, 1981.
THE SCHEME INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING SOME 20 KILOMETRES OF TUNNELS THROUGH MOUNTAINS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, LAYING MANY KILOMETRES OF PIPES AND BUILDING SEVEN NEW PUMPING STATIONS.
BESIDES HONG KONG FIRMS, COMPANIES FROM FRANCE, ITALY, BRITAIN, CHINA AND JAPAN HAVE BEEN AWARDED CONTRACTS FOR THE WORK.
THE PROJECT IS THE RESULT OF A COMPUTER ANALYSIS OF ALL AVAILABLE WATER RESOURCES FROM RAINFALL RUN-OFF WITHIN THE TERRITORY AND FROM CHINA. THIS GAVE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT THE BEST MEANS OF TIMING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME, BASED ON PROJECTED DEMANDS IN HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE GROWTH OF NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THAT IT WAS DECIDED WATER PUMPED FROM CHINA SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO SEVERAL AREAS. THIS MEANT LINKING THE MAIN RESERVOIRS IN A NATIONAL GRID.
/THE ENTIRE ........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
- 5 -
THE ENTIRE SCHEME IS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN THREE STAGES BECAUSE CF THE LARGE CAPITAL COMMITMENT AND BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTIES IN MAKING LONG-TERM PROJECTIONS OF POPULATION GROWTH. SUFFICIENT FLEXIBILITY HAS BEEN BUILT INTO THE EARLY STAGES TO ACCOMMODATE ANY FUTURE CHANGES IN THE PATTERN OF DEVELOPMENT.
STAGE ONE, NOW ALMOST COMPLETED, INCLUDES AN ADDITIONAL PUMPING STATION AT MUK WU ON THE BORDER, WITH A CAPACITY OF 24.7 CUBIC rETRES A SECOND. PIPELINES WILL CONNECT THIS WITH THE PRINCIPAL WESTERN AQUEDUCT WHICH WILL CARRY UP TO 910 000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER A DAY TO THE TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.
THE AQUEDUCT REPRESENTS THE BIGGEST SINGLE CONTRACT IN STAGE ONE. COSTING $220 MILLION, IT INCLUDES 14 KILOMETRES OF TUNNELS, THE LAYING OF 5.5 KILOMETRES OF 2.2-METRE PIPES AND CONSTRUCTION CF FOUR KILOMETRES OF ACCESS ROADS.
ANOTHER 5.2 KILOMETRES OF TUNNELS ARE ALSO BEING BUILT UNDER STAGE ONE AS WELL AS SEVERAL PUMPING STATIONS.
STAGE TWO, DUE FOR COMPLETION IN 1988, WILL PROVIDE AN ARTERY SERVING THE EASTERN PART OF THE TERRITORY AND A MEANS OF DELIVERING WATER FROM PLOVER COVE IN THE EAST TO THE WESTERN AQUEDUCT DURING THE TWO MONTHS EACH YEAR THAT CHINA SHUTS DOWN ITS DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A MEANS OF TRANSFERRING WATER FROM CHINA THROUGH PLOVER COVE TO THE NEW TOWN AT JUNK BAY, TO EASTERN KOWLOON AND THE EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND BY MEANS OF A SUBMARINE PIPELINE ACROSS THE HARBOUR.
THIS INVOLVES BUILDING A TREATMENT WORKS WITH AN ULTIMATE CAPACITY OF 727 000 CUBIC METRES A DAY.
STAGE THREE, STILL IN THE PLANNING STAGE, IS DUE TO BEGIN IN 1988 AND WILL INCLUDE A SUBMARINE PIPELINE BETWEEN TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR AND LANTAU ISLAND.
HONG KONG’S PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN THE PAST TWO DECADES IS THE ENVY OF MANY COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD. BUT, AS PROSPERITY INCREASES, SO DOES HONG KONG’S THIRST BECAUSE THE GROWTH OF INDUSTRY AND HIGHER STANDARDS OF LIVING MEAN INCREASED DEMANDS FOR WATER.
FOR HONG KONG WATER SUPPLY IS A GROWING PROBLEM IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. BUT WITH IMAGINATIVE FORWARD PLANNING, SUCH AS THE CHINA SCHEME, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS KEEPING ABREAST CF IT.
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/4........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1936
4
HOTEL AMONG 37 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED * * * *
A 600-R00M, 26-STOREY HIGH HOTEL AT CITY GARDEN IN NORTH POINT WAS AMONG 37 PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE CFFICE IN DECEMBER.
OF THE APPROVED PLANS, 24 WERE FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
OTHER PLANS INCLUDED A 35-STOREY COMMERCIAL BLOCK AT HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI? A 24-STOREY APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCK AT TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD? 21 RESIDENCES AT STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD; A 12-STOREY CINEMA-OFFICE BLOCK AT CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD-FUK WA STREET-KWONG CHEUNG STREET AND 50 APARTMENT BLOCKS AT DISCOVERY BAY, LANTAU ISLAND.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 41 PROJECTS, NINE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND 26 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROJECTS INCLUDED A HOTEL AT LOCKHART ROAD-JAFFE ROAD IN WAN CHAI, A WORKSHOP IN KOWLOON CITY, A GODOWN ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND, A CHURCH AND KINDERGARTEN IN TUEN MUN AND A NEW WING FOR POK 01 HOSPITAL IN YUEN LONG.
THE 41 PROJECTS COVER 271 474 SQUARE METRES - 176 715.1 SQUARE rETRES FOR DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE OFFICE ISSUED 42 OCCUPATION PERMITS FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS.
INCLUDED WERE TWO APARTMENT BLOCKS FOR THE KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT, SIX APARTMENT BLOCKS WITH HEALTH CLUB AND CLUB HOUSE AT KENNEDY ROAD, AND THREE APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCKS AT LOK MAN ROAD, CHAI WAN.
THE FLOOR AREA OF THE NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS TOTALLED 326 985.7 SQUARE METRES - 172 422.6 SQUARE METRES FOR DOMESTIC AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC USE.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $955.4 MILLION.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ISSUED 21 DEMOLITION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 53 BUILDINGS.
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/5........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1936
5
NEW MTRC BOARD MEMBER NAMED * * * *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR P.J. WRANGHAM AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR A PERIOD CF TWO YEARS FROM MARCH 1, 1986.
MR WRANGHAM IS REPLACING MR W.C.L. BROWN, WHO HAS SERVED ON THE BOARD SINCE 1982. MR BROWN HAS DECIDED TO RESIGN FROM THE BOARD FROM MARCH 1, 1986 BECAUSE OF HIS OTHER COMMITMENTS.
MR WRANGHAM IS THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS. HE CURRENTLY SERVES ON A NUMBER OF PUBLIC BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, WHICH INCLUDE THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTcc THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION ADVISORY BOAku, THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY NR WILFRID NEWTON, ARE MR OSWALD CHEUNG, MR G.M. MACWHINNIE, NR CH. TUNG, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR D.A.C. NENDICK (SECRETARY MONETARY AFFAIRS), THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF
FOR THE THE
CORPORATION.
- - o - -
VISIT TO FIRE SERVICES
* * X *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY - DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS, PAID A HALF-DAY VISIT TO VARIOUS FIRE SERVICES FORMATIONS TODAY.
IT WAS PART OF A SERIES OF VISITS HE IS MAKING TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES, MR JACOBS TOURED THE SHEUNG WAN FIRE STATION, THE CHEUNG SHA WAN AMBULANCE DEPOT, THE COMMUNICATION CENTRE AND A WORKSHOP.
MR JACOBS WAS BRIEFED ON DETAILS ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT AND SA.. HOW THE FIRE SERVICES OFFICERS WORKED.
- o -
/6
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
6
BRIGHT FUTURE SEEN FOR CRAFTSMEN
* * * *
CRAFT APPRENTICES AND TECHNICIANS COULD LOOK FORWARD TO A BRIGHT FUTURE IN HONG KONG, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, K.L. WONG, SAID TODAY.
MR WONG WAS PRESENTING CERTIFICATES AND TROPHIES TO 84 CRAFT APPRENTICES FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING COURSE, AT THE CRAFT APPRENTICES GRADUATION CEREMONY AT CIVIL AID SERVICES HEADQUARTERS.
♦HONG KONG HAS NOW DEVELOPED INTO AN INDUSTRIAL CITY OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTE, AND FOR THE YOUNG MEN GRADUATING TODAY THE FUTURE HAS NEVER BEEN BRIGHTER,* MR WONG SAID.
+A CONTINUATION IN THE GROWTH OF TECHNICAL EXPERTISE IS ESSENTIAL FOR A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY IN HONG KONG AND THEREFORE IT IS ON YOUR SKILLS THAT THE FUTURE OF ALL OF US DEPENDS.*
+THERE IS STILL A LOT OF HARD WORK AHEAD FOR YOU,* MR WONG POINTED OUT. +THE FUTURE WILL HOLD AN INTERESTING AND DEMANDING CHALLENGE, BUT I AM SURE THAT YOU ARE NOW WELL-EQUIPPED TO MEET THIS CHALLENGE.*
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME, MR WONG NOTED, WAS TO PROVIDE TRAINED CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICE AS WELL AS TO MEET THE EVER INCREASING DEMAND OF INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG.
TWO TYPES OF APPRENTICESHIP ARE OFFERED UNDER THE SCHEME -TECHNICAL APPRENTICESHIP, FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AT FORM V LEVEL AND CRAFT APPRENTICESHIP FOR THOSE COMPLETING FORM III.
THE YOUTHS UNDERGO A FOUR-YEAR COURSE WHICH BLENDS THEIR ACADEMIC LEARNING WITH PRACTICAL TRAINING.
PRESENT ANNUAL RECRUITMENT TOTALS 50 TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES AND 160 CRAFT APPRENTICES, MR WONG SAID.
CURRENTLY, 758 APPRENTICES ARE RECEIVING TRAINING - 166 TECHNICIAN AND 592 CRAFT.
THE TRAINING CENTRE HAD IN 16 YEARS PRODUCED 349 TECHNICIANS AND 1 247 CRAFTSMEN WHO WERE MAKING A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRY, MR WONG SAID.
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/7.......
FR I DAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1936
- 7 -
RUNNING START FOR SAI KUNG FESTIVAL * * * *
THE 1986 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH A LUNAR NEW YEAR MARATHON ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 13), THE FIFTH DAY ON THE CALENDAR.
ABOUT 400 RUNNERS WILL SET OFF AT 10.39 AM ON THE 10-KIL0METRE EVENT FROM THE LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE, AND FINISH AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN SAI KUNG TOWN.
THE FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT NOON AT THE FINISHING POINT OF THE RACE, FOLLOWED BY PRESENTATION OF PRIZES TO THE RUNNERS.
THE NEW SAI KUNG TOWN HALL WILL BE THE VENUE FOR MANY FESTIVAL FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING A CANTONESE OPERA NIGHT- VARIETY SHOWSAND A FOLK SONG MUSIC CONCERT.
OTHER FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A CHILDREN GAMES DAY- A TELEMATCH DAY- A CARNIVAL AT RENNIE’S MILL- AND THE HANG HAU NEW YEAR FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT.
THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL CONCLUDE WITH A VARIETY SHOW ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17) AT 7.30 PM IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
DETAILS OF THE 1986 SAI AS FOLLOWS:
DATE/TIME
KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL EVENTS ARE
VENUE
FEBRUARY 13 (THURSDAY)
10.30 AM - 12 NOON NEW YEAR MARATHON STARTING OFF FROM LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE AND FINISH AT TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, SAI KUNG TOWN.
12 NOON - 1 PM OPENING CEREMONY OF 1986 SAI KUNG
DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
2.30 PM - 5 PM CHILDREN GAMES DAY AT SAI KUNG MAN
YEE REHOUSING PLAYGROUND, SAI KUNG TOWN.
7.30 PM - 9.30 PM CANTONESE OPERA NIGHT AT SAI KUNG TOWN HALL, SAI KUNG TOWN.
FEBRUARY 14 (FR IDAY)
2 PM - 5 PM
TELEMATCH DAY AT TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
7.3O pM _ 9.30 PM VARIETY SHOW AT SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
/FEBRUARY 15 ........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
8 -
FEBRUARY 15 (SATURDAY)
2 PM - 3.30 PM
2 PM - 6 PM
FEBRUARY 15 (SATURDAY) AND
FEBRUARY 16 (SUNDAY)
9 AM - 5 PM
FEBRUARY 16 (SUNDAY)
7 PM - 9.30 PM
FEBRUARY 17 (MONDAY)
7.30 PM - 9.30 PM
FOLK SONG MUSIC CONCERT AT SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
RENNIE’S MILL CARNIVAL AT RENNIE’S MILL MIDDLE SCHOOL.
HANG HAU NEW YEAR FOOTBALL LEAGUE AT CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL.
VARIETY SHOW AT CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL.
CLOSING CEREMONY OF 1986 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL - VARIETY SHOW AT SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME
TO
COVER THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES OF THE 1986 SAI kiimc DISTRICT FESTIVAL TRANSPORT FROM TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND TH ^SImacFfhOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR COVERAGE £ T^NeO YeSr MARAtAoJ ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 13). THE COACH WILL LEAVE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND AT 9.30 AM.
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EFFORTS TO PROMOTE ELECTIONS * * * M
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE HAS LAUNCHED A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
BEGINNING FROM TODAY (FRIDAY), RESIDENTS CAN OBTAIN FREE LAI-SEE PACKETS, WITH A SLOGAN URGING PEOPLE TO VOTE, AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE AT CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO.
BANNERS HAVE ALSO BEEN PUT UP AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO CAST THEIR BALLOT.
/THERE ARE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
- 9 -
THERE ARE FOUR CANDIDATES IN THE SINGLE-SEAT ISLAND DISTRICT CONSTITUENCY.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ARRANGED TwO FORUMS FOR THE CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PUBLIC AND PRESENT THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS.
THEY WILL BE HELD IN THE TAI 0 TOWN HALL ON FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY) AND IN THE CHEUNG CHAU YOUTH CENTRE ON MARCH 1 (SATURDAY).
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO ARRANGED A MOBILE BROADCASTING CART TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ELECTION ON THE VARIOUS ISLANDS AND ABOARD FERRIES.
A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING THE SAME THEME WILL BE HELD AT CHEUNG CHAU AND TAI 0 ON MARCH 2 (SUNDAY).
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STAMP COVER ON SALE FEBRUARY 12
* * X *
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS FOR THE FORTHCOMING SET OF FOUR NEw STAMPS ON HALLEY’S COMET WILL BE ON SALE, AT 50 CENTS EACH, AT ALL POST OFFICES ON FEBRUARY 12.
THE NEW STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON FEBRUARY 26.
THEY ARE NOw ON DISPLAY AT THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AND AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, MIDDLE ROAD.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST DAY TREATMENT OF THE COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM FEBRUARY 12 TO 21, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED.
A MINIMUM ORDER OF FIVE COVERS IS REQUIRED FOR THIS SERVICE.
A SOUVENIR SHEET FEATURING THE FULL SET OF STAMPS WILL ALSO E£ ISSUED. IT WILL COST $8.50 EACH.
THE NEW STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5.
0 --------
/10........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
10
IMPROVEMENT wORK AT AIRPORT * * *
A PROJECT TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE OPERATIONAL SAFETY AT KAI TAK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT * ILL COMMENCE IN MAY.
ADDITIONAL PAVEMENT WIDTH IS TO BE BUILT DOWN BOTH SIDES OF THE RUNWAY AND THE MAIN TAXIWAYS ARE TO BE RESURFACED.
ALSO, THE KOWLOON CITY END OF THE RUNWAY IS TO BE RECONSTRUC"D.
THE PROJECT INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO LIGHTING AND SIGNALLING INSTALLATIONS.
A LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, IN ORDER THAT OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT WOULD NOT BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED, AND TO RETURN IT TO NORMAL OPERATION IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME, MOST OF THE WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AT NIGHT. WORK WHICH COULD BE CARRIED OUT DURING THE DAY WOULD CONTINUE ON GENERAL HOLIDAYS.
HE SAID, NORMALLY, CONSTRUCTION WORK AT NIGHT AND ON GENERAL HOLIDAYS WAS RESTRICTED, BUT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD ORDERED AN EXEMPTION UNDER SECTION 13 OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, SUBJECT TO VARIOUS CONDITIONS COVERING NOISE LEVELS AT NIGHT AND MEASURES TO REDUCE THE NOISE OF CONSTRUCTION PLANT.
♦CONSTRUCTION NOISE WILL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM AND CLOSELY MONITORED DURING THE 22-MONTH CONSTRUCTION PERIOD,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY STAFF OF THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION CF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE WHICH IS PART OF THE ENGINEERING
DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
TENDERS WILL BE MARCH 14.
INVITED SHORTLY AND THE CLOSING DATE WILL BE
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TOP PRIZES FOR TOP FISH CATCHES
XXX
TWENTY-SIX FISHERMEN WHO LANDED THE TOP CATCHES IN THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION’S WHOLESALE MARKETS LAST YEAR WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
SIX OF THEM WILL ALSO RECEIVE AWARDS FOR WINNING THE TITLES OF CHAMPION FISHERMEN ON A TERRITORY BASIS.
/THE director .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7,
11
" THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL-’ SwAN AND MRS RIDDELL-SWAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
DR RIDDELL-SWAN WILL ALSO PRESENT PRIZES TO TWO OTHER FISHERMEN FOR SAVING LIVES AT SEA LAST YEAR, AND LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO STA^F OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET, 102 SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, ABERDEEN AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
TRANSPORT FOR PRESS WILL LEAVE AFD HEADQUARTERS AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON AT 10.15 AM SHARP.
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DISCO TO PROMOTE ANTI-DRUG FIGHT * * * *
AN ANTI-DRUG DISCO EVENING, ORGANISED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WITH THE ASSISTANCE. CF THE POLICE, WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY) FROM 8 PM AT THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG TANG SHIU KIN INDOOR GAMES HALL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID A SIMILAR FUNCTION RECENTLY HELD IN SYDNEY HAD PROVED TO BE A SUCCESS WITH GOOD RESPONSE FROM YOUNGSTERS.
I
k VIDEO TAPE SHOWING THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUG TAKING WILL BE SHOWN DURING THE EVENT.
AN ANTI-NARCOTIC QUIZ WILL ALSO BE HELD. THOSE WHO CAN GIVE THE PROPER ANSWERS DURING THE QUIZ TIME WILL BE GIVEN PRIZES.
TICKETS OF THE DISCO, WHICH COSTS 35 EACH, WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES FROM FEBRUARY 13.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
12
SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET *****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL EXAMINE THE SCHEDULES OF CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN SHA TIN DURING MARCH AND APRIL AT A MEETING ON FEBRUARY 12 (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS AN INTER-SCHOOL MURAL DESIGN AND PAINTING COMPETITION TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN CENTRAL LIBRARY IN OCTOBER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
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TAI HANG ROAD PARTIALLY RE-OPENED * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE SECTION OF TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN BLUE POOL ROAD AND STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT, WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR WATER WORKS FOLLOWING A WATER MAIN BURST ON JANUARY 30, WILL BE PARTIALLY RE-OPENED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 8).
VEHICLES NOT EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RE-OPENED WESTBOUND LANE. TRAFFIC WILL BE ONE-WAY EASTBOUND ONLY.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS ON STUBBS ROAD EASTBOUND AND WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO OTHER DESTINATIONS.
VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL CONTINUE TO BE BANNED FROM THE SECTION OF TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN MOUNT BUTLER ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD AND THE SECTION OF BLUE POOL ROAD BETWEEN GREEN LANE AND TAI HANG ROAD.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
TWO SITES OFFERED FOR LEASE
* * *
A SITE FOR A FLOATING RESTAURANT AND ONE FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION ARE BEING OFFERED FOR LEASE BY TENDER.
THE RESTAURANT SITE IS AT SHING MUN RIVER, SHA TIN. MEASURING 7 700 SQUARE METRES, IT INCLUDES SPACE ON LAND FOR LANDSCAPING AND CAR PARKS.
IT IS NEAR THE LOCATION OF THE OLD FLOATING RESTAURANT WHICH WAS EARLIER SOLD AND TAKEN TO GUANGZHOU.
THE LEASE TERM WILL START FROM THE DATE OF THE AGREEMENT AND EXPIRE ON JUNE 30, 2047.
THE FILLING STATION SITE, WHICH LUBRICATING OR SERVICING FACILITIES, METRES AND IS IN TONG YAN SAN TSUEN, PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
CAN ALSO BE USED FOR MEASURES 1 708 SQUARE NEAR 26 MILESTONE CASTLE
THE LEASE TERM IS 21
YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE AGREEMENT.
-------C ---------
CHEUNG CHAU FERRY PIER TO BE EXTENDED * * * *
WORK WILL START IN APRIL ON EXTENDING CHEUNG CHAU FERRY PIER.
THE EXTENSION WILL BE BUILT ALONGSIDE^-
THE EXISTING FERRY
PIER WHICH WILL BE MODIFIED. IT WILL WAITING AREA AND ENABLE INSTALLATION
OF A LIFT AND RAMPS WHICH
WILL INCREASE PASSENGER FLOW.
THE IMPROVED PIER WILL CONTINUE TO BE USED ONLY BY FERRY SERVICES.
THE WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS, HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WHICH WILL SUPERVISE THE PROJECT.
A NOTICE CALLING FOR TENDERS BY MARCH 7 APPEARS IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
-----0------
/1U........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
14
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO PARK
* * *
A PEDESTRIAN ACCESS SYSTEM WILL BE BUILT TO LINK KwAi SHING CIRCUIT WITH KWAI CHUNG PARK, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE JUNCTION OF TSUEN wAN ROAD AND KWAI HEI STREET.
A $8.99 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE aORK HAS BEEN AWARDED BY TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
IT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A SUBWAY UNDER KWAI FUK ROAD NEAR KWAI SHING CIRCUIT GARDEN AND A FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM ACROSS KWAI FEI STREET AND TSUEN WAN ROAD LEADING TO KWAI CHUNG PARK.
THE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS SYSTEM wILL BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND THE PARK AT THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
------0-------
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR CHE KUNG FESTIVAL * * * *
CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, SHA TIN BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH SHA TIN TAU ROAD AND CHUI TIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 10) TO 7 PM THE NEXT DAY TO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO VISIT THE CHE KUNG TEMPLE DURING CHE KUNG FESTIVAL.
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN KMB BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CLOSED ROAD. TRAFFIC HEADING FOR TIN SAM AND HIN TIN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSUEN NAM ROAD AND HUNG MUI KUK ROAD.
DURING THE FESTIVAL, BUS AND TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE STEPPED UP ACCORDING TO PASSENGER DEMAND. PEOPLE GOING TO THE TEMPLE ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
- 0 -
FLYOVER SLIP ROAD RE-OPENING * * * *
THE SLIP ROAD B AT THE FUNG MO INTERCHANGE FLYOVER, WONG TAI SIN LEADING FROM FUNG MO STREET NORTHBOUND TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE RE-OPENED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 8) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
- - 0 -
/15
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1986
- 15 -
BLANKETS FOR * *
STREET SLEEPERS * * * *
WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL MOUNT AN DISTRIBUTE BLANKETS TO STREET
FIELD STAFF OF THE SOCIAL OPERATION TONIGHT (FRIDAY) TO SLEEPERS AND OTHERS IN NEED.
THE DISTRIBUTION WILL START FROM 7.30 PM TO 8 PM TODAY IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES INTERESTED IN FILMING THE OCCASION MAY ASSEMBLE AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, YAU MA TEI AT 7.30 PM.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, FjBRUaRY 8, 1986
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
GOVERNOR'S LUNAR NE.7 YEAR MESSAGE 1986 ......................
LOANS HELP FISHING PRODUCTIVITY ................................ 2
SPRING DINNER BALL.............................................. 3
JOSS STICK OFFERINGS .........................................
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1986
GOVERNOR’S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE 1986 ******
AT THE ADVENT OF THIS NEW YEAR WE ARE ABOUT TO LEAVE THE YEAR OF THE OX AND ENTER THE YEAR OF THE TIGER. IT IS NATURAL THAT AT SUCH A TIME WE SHOULD LOOK BACK OVER WHAT WE HAVE ACHIEVED AND LOOK FORWARD TO WHAT WE SHALL ENDEAVOUR TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE COMING YEAR.
WHEN I SPOKE TO YOU A YEAR AGO I DESCRIBED THE OX AS A STURDY SYMBOL OF OUR DETERMINATION TO MEET THE CHALLENGES WHICH LAY AHEAD. TODAY WE CAN LOOK BACK WITH SOME SATISFACTION ON WHAT THAT DETERMINATION HAS ENABLED US TO ACCOMPLISH.
I LISTED SOME OF THOSE ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE OPENING OF THE PRESENT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THEY INCLUDED:
* THE OPENING OF THE NEW COUNCIL ITSELF?
* THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION!
* THE IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND OF THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION?
* THE RECORD PRODUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING?
* THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL MEDICAL AND SOCIAL FACILITIES! AND
* THE REMARKABLE GROWTH OF OUR NEW TOWNS AND IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS.
AS WE LOOK BACK ON THE PAST YEAR WE SHOULD REFLECT ON THESE ACHIEVEMENTS, AMD ON HOW FAR WE HAVE COME, RATHER THAN BE DAUNTED BY WHAT HAS YET TO BE ACCOMPLISHED.
AS WE PROCEED ON OUR JOURNEY INTO 1986 WE SHALL STILL IKED TO DRAW ON THOSE-QUALITIES WHICH NAVE BROUGHT US THIS FAR. IT WILL REMAIN THE GOVERNMENT’S OBJECTIVE TO PROVIDE THE BEST POSSIBLE CONDITIONS 4N WHICH-OUR ECONOMY CAN PROSPER. BECAUSE A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY LIES AT THE HEART OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS. WE SMALL SEEK FURTHER PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION. WE SHALL MONITOR CAREFULLY THE WORKING OF OUR SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN READINESS FOR THE REVIEW IN 1987. WE SHALL PRESS ON STEADILY WITH THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES. ALL THIS IS PART OF OUR CONTINUING PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE WELL-BEING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO SECURE FOR THEM A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE FUTURE.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1986
2 -
I KNOW THAT I CAN COUNT ON ALL OF YOU TO SHOW THE SAME DETERMINATION, THE SAME COMMONSENSE AND THE SAME SOUND JUDGEMENT IN ADDRESSING THE TASKS WHICH LIE AHEAD AS YOU HAVE SHOWN IN THE PAST. THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG LIES IN THE CONSTANT SEARCH FOR CONSENSUS ON THE POLICIES WE SHOULD ADOPT, AND ON THE PATH WE SHOULD FOLLOW. THAT WILLINGNESS TO SEEK CONSENSUS IS AN ASSET WHICH WILL SERVE US WELL IN THE YEAR AHEAD.
I WISH ALL OF YOU THE SAME GOOD FORTUNE IN YOUR PERSONAL AFFAIRS AS WE SEEK IN OUR COLLECTIVE ENDEAVOURS.
----0-----
LOANS HELP FISHING PRODUCTIVITY
* M * M
MORE THAN $16 MILLION WAS GIVEN LAST YEAR IN LOANS FROM THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION LOAN FUND AND OTHER LOAN FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO HELP LOCAL FISHERMEN INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN TODAY (SATURDAY) WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE FMO ANNUAL PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY IN THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
LOANS TO FISHERMEN FOR PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES CONTINUED TO PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL FISHING INDUSTRY, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT, TO QUALIFY FOR SUCH LOANS, FISHERMEN HAD TO SELL THEIR CATCHES REGULARLY THROUGH THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKETS.
IN HIS ADDRESS, DR RIDDELL-SWAN ALSO REVIEWED THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION IN MARKETING REPROVISIONING AND IN ITS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
HE LATER PRESENTED PRIZES TO TWO FISHERMEN, MR CHAU WAI-HUNG AND MR CHEUNG KAM-FOOK, FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN SAVING THE LIVES OF SIX PEOPLE AT SEA LAST YEAR.
HE ALSO PRESENTED LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 18 STAFF MEMBERS OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHO HAVE EACH COMPLETED 25 YEARS OF SERVICE.
MRS RIDDELL-SWAN PRESENTED PRIZES TO 26 CHAMPION FISHERMEN FOR THEIR TOP LANDINGS AT FMO WHOLESALE MARKETS LAST YEAR.
-----o------
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1986
3
SPRING DINNER BALL
* * *
A SPRING DINNER BALL FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY) FROM 7 PM TO 11.30 PM ABOARD THE YAU MA Tl FERRY FLOATING NIGHT CLUB.
IT OFF ICE, AND THE
IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WESTERN DISTRICT GROUP WORK UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE
DEPARTMENT.
AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS, THE DINNER BALL WILL INCLUDE A CHINESE FEAST, SINGING, BAND MUSIC, ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES, A LUCKY DRAW AND A DISCO DANCE.
TICKETS AT $160 PER COUPLE ARE ON SALE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL 5-495141 OR 5-8523491.
-----o------
JOSS STICK OFFERINGS * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NG CHAN-LAM, AND LOCAL VILLAGE LEADERS WILL OFFER JOSS-STICKS TO CHE KUNG ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 10) - THE SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
ON THEIR WAY TO THE CHE KUNG TEMPLE, THEY WILL BE LED BY DANCING LION AND UNICORN.
THEN, ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN, MR NG WILL PICK A ’FORTUNE-STICK’ ON THE DISTRICT’S PROSPECTS FOR THE COMING YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THIS TRADITIONAL CEREMONY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 8 AM AT TAI WAI VILLAGE OFFICE IN CH IK FUK STREET, TAI WAI.
------0 _ _ - -
NOTE: NO DIB WILL BE ISSUED ON TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1986
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
BOXING CLEVER OVER CONCRETE PLANS FOR HaRBOUR TUNNEL......... 1
134.6 MILLION AID FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS......................... 3
BOOKLET TELLS HO1.. BUILDING IS CONTROLLED..................... 4
SURVEY ON MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE aGED........................ 5
GIANT SPRING SCROLL TO CELEBRATE NE. YEAR...................... 5
GAMES HALL RE-OPtNS ........................................... 6
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1986
1
BOXING CLEVER OVER CONCRETE PLANS FOR HARBOUR TUNNEL *****
WHEN WORK STARTS ON THE HKS3-BILLI0N EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING LATER THIS YEAR, IT WILL INVOLVE ONE OF THE BIGGEST CONCRETEPOURING OPERATIONS HONG KONG HAS EVER SEEN.
AT THE HEIGHT OF CONSTRUCTION THE CONTRACTORS WILL BE POURING 50 CUBIC METRES OF CONCRETE PER HOUR, 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FOR UP TO 16 MONTHS.
THE MASSIVE OPERATION, IN THE CHA KWO LING QUARRY, WILL PRODUCE 15 CONCRETE +BOXES+, EACH 115 METRES LONG, 30 METRES WIDE AND 10 METRES DEEP AND WEIGHING 35 000 TONNES.
THE +BOXES+, KNOWN OFFICIALLY AS PREFABRICATED, IMMERSED, RE-INFORCED, CONCRETE TUBE UNITS, WILL CONTAIN THE TWO RAIL, TWO ROAD AND VENTILATION TUNNELS WHICH WILL MAKE UP THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
FOR THE OPERATION THE CHA KWO LING QUARRY, WHICH WILL SUPPLY THE AGGREGATE FOR THE CONCRETE, WILL BE TURNED INTO A DRY DOCK AND A CHANNEL WILL BE BUILT CONNECTING IT TO THE HARBOUR. AS EACH OF THE 15 UNITS IS COMPLETED IT WILL BE FLOATED ACROSS THE HARBOUR AND LOWERED ON TO CONCRETE PADS CONSTRUCTED IN A TRENCH DREDGED ON THE HARBOUR FLOOR. THE UNITS WILL BE LOWERED INTO POSITION BY ANCHOR WINCHES ATTACHED TO TWO PURPOSE-BUILT PONTOONS.
ANY PROJECT OF THIS SIZE PRESENTS PROBLEMS, BUT ONE OF THE BIGGEST IN THIS CASE WILL BE TIME.
AS ONE ENGINEER ASSOCIATED WITH THE TUNNEL SA I Ds +T0 COMPLETE ^3 BILLION WORTH OF WORK OF THIS NATURE IN JUST THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS IS QUITE AN UNDERTAKING AND THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL CONSORTIUM WHO WILL Pr BUILDING THE TUNNEL, WILL HAVE TO EMPLOY SEVERAL CONTRACTORS.+
TO HELP OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS AND SMOOTH THE WAY FOR THE CONSORTIUM AND ITS SUB-CONTRACTORS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP A SPECIAL UNIT OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. KNOWN AS THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TEAM, ITS JOB IS TO EASE THE PATH THROUGH THE MANY LAWS AND ORDINANCES THAT HAVE TO BE OBSERVED WHILE THE TUNNEL IS BEING BUILT TO ENSURE THAT THE WORK IS NOT HELD UP.
WITH THE TUNNEL INTENDED AS AN IMPORTANT LINK IN HONG KONG’S RAPIDLY-DEVELOPING MODERN TRAFFIC NETWORK, THE GOVERNMENT IS MAINTAINING A WATCHING BRIEF OVER THE PROJECT.
THE HEAD OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TEAM, MR KEITH FUTCHER, SAID: +CERTAIN PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN WRITTEN INTO THE CONTRACT TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC’S AND THE GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST ARE PROTECTED. AFTER ALL, THIS IS, IN A SENSE, A PUBLIC UTILITY.*
/HONG kcng .......
MONDAY, FEBHDABY 10, 1986
2
HONG KONG HAS PIONEERED THE USE OF IMMERSED-TUBE TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION WHICH WAS FIRST DEMONSTRATED SUCCESSFULLY BY AN ENGINEER IN BRITAIN IN THE VI CTOR IAN-ERA, USING UNITS BUILT OF BRICK. LITTLE WAS DONE WITH THE METHOD UNTIL HONG KONG’S FIRST CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL WAS BUILT IN THE 1960’S. KUMAGAI GUM I, ONE OF THE PARTNERS IN THE NEW CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL CONSORTIUM, BUILT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY’S CROSS-HARBOUR LINK BY A SIMILAR METHOD.
THE NEW TUNNEL, WITH ITS CAPACITY OF 80 000 VEHICLES A DAY AND ITS MTR ACCESS TO THE EASTERN PARTS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, WILL GREATLY RELIEVE ROAD CONGESTION AT THE PRESENT CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, WHICH IS ALREADY OPERATING ABOVE ITS ORIGINALLY-PROJECTED CAPACITY.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE ANOTHER ACCESS ROUTE TO JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, THE PROJECTED HOME FOR 180 000 PEOPLE IN THE NEXT DECADE. WHEN THE PROPOSED TUNNEL THROUGH TATE’S CAIRN IS COMPLETED IT WILL PROVIDE A NEW CONNECTION BETWEEN SHA TIN AND DOWN-TOWN BUSINESS AREAS.
THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE NEW ACCESS WILL BRING A BUILDING +BOOM+ TO THE CURRENTLY RUN-DOWN CHA KWO LING AREA, WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE THE SITE OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE EARLY 199O’S.
ONE CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT WILL BE THE FILLING IN OF THE DRY-DOCK IN THE QUARRY BASIN AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA ON THE SITE. THERE WILL ALSO BE ROAD IMPROVEMENTS IN THE KWUN TONG-LAM TIN AND CHA KWO LING AREAS. THE MTR LINE WILL BE EXTENDED OVERGROUND FROM KWUN TONG STATION VIA KWUN TONG ROAD TO LAM TIN WHERE IT WILL GO UNDERGROUND NEAR CHA KWO LING FOR THE HARBOUR CROSSING.
ALSO PART OF THE TUNNEL +PACKAGE+ WILL BE A COMBINED RESIDENTIAL-COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT NEXT TO LAM TIN MTR STATION.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START SOMETIME IN MARCH ONCE THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING ORDINANCE HAS BEEN PASSED.
THE NEW HARBOUR TUNNEL IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING ENGINEERING PROJECTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS.
AS MR FUTCHER SAID: + IT’S PROBABLY AS BIG AS ANYTHING IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF TUNNELLING UNIT SIZE.+
JUST AS BIG IWILL BE ITS IMPACT IN IMPROVING NOT ONLY THE COMMUNICATIONS BUT THE ENVIRONMENT AND LIFESTYLE OF HONG KONG.
AS WITH THE FIRST CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE MTR, HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL NOT REALISE JUST HOW MUCH THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WILL BENEFIT THEM UNTIL IT IS COMPLETED AND IN OPERATION.
-----0------
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1986
3
$34.6 MILLION AID FOR ACCIDENT VICTIMS
* * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PAID OUT $34.6 MILLION IN 1985 TO HELP TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS.
THE PAYMENTS, MADE UNDER THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WERE 8.8 PER CENT MORE THAN PAYMENTS MADE IN 1984.
LAST YEAR, 5 622 APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE WERE RECEIVED, COMPARED WITH 5 916 IN 1984.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE FEWER APPLICATIONS RESULTED FROM A DECLINE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT CASUALTIES.
ABOUT 93 PER CENT (5 233) OF THE APPLICATIONS WERE SUCCESSFUL COMPARED WITH 90 PER CENT IN 1984, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ONE INCIDENT OCCURRING ON FEBRUARY 2 LAST YEAR AT THE JUNCTION OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD IN SHA TIN, 54 VICTIMS WERE INVOLVED, AND ASSISTANCE AMOUNTING TO $66 577 WAS PAID TO 27 OF THEM.
THERE WERE TWO CASES IN WHICH THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $48 280 WAS MADE TO EACH OF TWO FAMILIES INVOLVING THE LOSS Of7 THE SOLE WAGE-EARNERS.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES EARLY FINANCIAL HELP TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE MEANS OF THE FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT.
ANY PERSON INJURED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE IF THE CASE HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE POLICE, AND THE PERSON HAD OBTAINED THREE DAYS OF SICK LEAVE FROM A REGISTERED DOCTOR, OR BY CERTIFICATION OR HOSPITALISATION. APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE ACCIDENT.
ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF VICTORIA CENTRE, 15 WATSON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY OR BY CALLING 5-702342.
-----o------
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1986
- 4 -
BOOKLET TELLS HOW BUILDING IS CONTROLLED * * * *
BUILDING IS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST OBVIOUS ACTIVITIES AND GOES ON THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY 24 HOURS A DAY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
BUT, WITH SO MUCH ACTIVITY AND SO LITTLE SPACE, BUILDING MUST BE CAREFULLY CONTROLLED AND THAT TASK FALLS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
HOW THE DEPARTMENT COPES, HOW IT IS ORGANISED AND WHAT ARE ITS FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND POWERS ARE ALL DESCRIBED IN A FULL-COLOUR, 36-PAGE BOOKLET NOW ON SALE - +BUILDING: A GUIDE TO BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG+.
PUBLISHED BY THE DEPARTMENT ITSELF, THE BOOKLET IS AVAILABLE AT $16 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CENTRAL.
IT RUNNING VARIOUS DESIGNS
HAS BEEN PRODUCED IN A NOVEL FORMAT WITH A +FILM STRIP+ ALONG THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGES SHOWING BUILDINGS IN STAGES OF CONSTRUCTION. FULL-PAGE COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, AND PHOTO-MONTAGES ILLUSTRATE THE TEXT.
LIKE THE BDD ITSELF, THE BOOKLET - ONE ON THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE AND ORDINANCE OFFICE.
IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS ANOTHER ON THE BUILDINGS
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR CHAU CHAM-SON, SAYS IN A FORWARD: +THE TWO OFFICES HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR MANY YEARS, BUT IT WAS NOT UNTIL APRIL 1, 1982, FOLLOWING THE BREAK UP OF THE FORMER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, THAT TOGETHER WITH A HEADQUARTERS ORGANISATION THEY WERE LINKED TO FORM THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.+
AS THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, TOLD A CONFERENCE IN HONG KONG: +NOBODY WOULD QUESTION THE GOVERNMENT’S RIGHT TO LAY DOWN MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE DESIGN OF TALL BUILDINGS. WE ARE FACED WITH A COMPLEX SOCIETY, RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT, AND A NEED TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF RESOURCES.+
THE BOOKLET TELLS HOW THE BDD EXERCISES THAT RIGHT - FROM DESIGNING BUILDINGS, CALLING TENDERS AND SUPERVISING CONSTRUCTION TO THE INSPECTION OF DANGEROUS OR ILLEGAL BUILDINGS AND THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS.
- - - - 0 ----------
/5........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1986
- 5 -
SURVEY ON MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE AGED * * * *
A SURVEY ON THE EXISTING
PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE AGED IN THE NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE THIS MONTH.
THE SURVEY IS AIMED AT IDENTIFYING THE NEEDS OF LOCAL SENIOR RESIDENTS IN THE MEDICAL SERVICES, COMPARING THE CURRENT PROVISION OF THE SERVICES WITH THE DEMAND, AND LOOKING INTO POSSIBILITIES OF IMPLEMENTING SUCH SERVICES AS HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECTS AND A PRIORITY TREATMENT SCHEME.
ABOUT 400 HOUSEHOLDS, WHICH REPRESENT ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL HOUSEHOLDS IN THE AREA, WILL BE COVERED BY THE SURVEY.
THE SURVEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN FEBRUARY 22 AND 28, AND THE FINDINGS WILL BE RELEASED IN MARCH.
-----0------
GIANT SPRING SCROLL TO CELEBRATE NEW YEAR
* * *
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUT UP A LARGE SIGNBOARD IN THE TOWN CENTRE TO WISH LOCAL RESIDENTS A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
IN THE FORM OF A CHINESE SPRING SCROLL, THE $70 000 SIGNBOARD, 18 METRES TALL AND 12 METRES WIDE, GREETS PEOPLE PASSING THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET - ONE OF THE BUSIEST AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.
AT NIGHT, IT IS LIT UP WITH ABOUT 800 LIGHT BULBS AND FIVE SPOTLIGHTS.
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, SAID THE BOARD HAS ALSO PRINTED 400 000 LA I-SEE PACKETS AND 100 000 POSTERS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE KAIFONGS, AND CONSTRUCTED A +PAI-LAU+ TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
--------o - - - -
/6........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1936
- 6 -
GAMES HALL RE-OPENS * * *
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL IN KWAI CHUNG OPEN ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 12) AFTER THE COMPLETION OF LIGHTING IMPROVEMENT WORK.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO BOOK THE FACILITIES IN THE GAMES HALL SHOULD TELEPHONE 0-242258 DURING OFFICE HOURS, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1986
CONTENTS PaGE NO.
1985 ACHIEVEMENT FOR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE............... 1
GEARED UP FOR UC ELECTIONS ........................... 1
HYGIENE RULES STRESSED................................ 2
TUEN MUN ROAD WORKS PLANNED........................... 3
RESTAURANT TENDER SOUGHT ............................. 3
I .D. CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN ........................ 4
PARTIAL CLOSURE OF CAR PARK PROPOSED ................. 5
PROMOTING CIVIC ahaRENESS ............................ 5
MEET THE MEDIA ....................................... 6
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1986
1 -
1985 ACHIEVEMENT FOR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE * * * *
LAST YEAR WAS A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST COUNTERFEITING.
DURING THE YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED 1 295 CASES LINKED WITH FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTION AND FORGED TRADE MARK OFFENCES.
AS A RESULT, 774 COMPANIES AND INDIVDUALS WERE PROSECUTED FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, AND FINES OF OVER $3.4 MILLION AND 29 IMPRISONMENT SENTENCES RANGING FROM ONE TO 18 MONTHS WERE IMPOSED BY THE COURTS.
APART FROM THESE, THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PROSECUTED 323 CASES OF ORIGIN FRAUD, 168 TEXTILES LICENSING CASES, 49 IMPORT/EXPORT DECLARATION CASES AND 30 MISCELLANEOUS CASES. TOTAL FINES IMPOSED IN THESE CASES AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $8 MILLION.
-----0------
GEARED UP FOR UC ELECTIONS
* * * X
KwUN TONG IS ALL GEARED UP FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, SAID: +THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SOON LAUNCH A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE ELECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
♦THESE INCLUDE TWO PUBLIC FORUMS LATER THIS MONTH AND EARLY MARCH FOR THE RESIDENTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES.+
THE TWO CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE SEAT IN THE KWUN TONG WEST CONSTITUENCY ARE MR CHAN KANG-CHOW AND MRS ELSIE TU, WHILE THE TWO VYING FOR THE SEAT IN KWUN TONG EAST CONSTITUENCY ARE MR LAM CHAK-PIU AND MR TSOI LOK-KEUNG.
A GIANT BANNER, MEASURING 6 BY 15 METRES, WOULD BE PUT UP OUTSIDE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, MR MAK SAID.
♦AS THE BUILDING IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF THE DISTRICT, THE BANNER WILL ATTRACT THE ATTENTION OF THE PASSERS-BY,+ HE SAID.
/printed on .......
TU3SDAY, FKBHUAKY 11, 1986
2
PRINTED ON THE GIANT BANNER, AS WELL AS POSTERS, STREET BANNERS, AND LAMP-POST PENNANTS ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD, WILL BE THE SLOGAN OF THE PROMOTION DRIVE - +BEAUTIFUL BAUHINIA GROWS ON YOUR VOTE+.
+THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ISSUE 35 OOO COPIES OF AN ELECTION SUPPLEMENT FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION WITH THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER, WHICH INCLUDE THE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS, THE FUNCTIONS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, ITS ROLE IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT AND DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT THE ELECTION DAY,+ MR MAK CONTINUED.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO CAST THEIR VOTES INCLUDE SHORT FILMS TO BE SHOWN AT LOCAL CINEMAS, APPEAL LETTERS TO RESIDENTS, AND BROADCASTING VANS TOURING THE DISTRICT.
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SPEND ABOUT $100 000 ON THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS PROMOTION DRIVE.
♦TO MAKE KWUN TONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE, I URGE EVERY REGISTERED VOTER TO CAST HIS VOTE ON MARCH 6, AND ELECT THOSE WHO CAN BEST REPRESENT LOCAL PEOPLE’S INTERESTS TO THE NEW URBAN COUNCIL,+ MR MAK SAID.
-----0------
HYGIENE RULES STRESSED * * * *
OPERATORS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) URGED TO FOLLOW HYGIENE RULES IN THE HANDLING OF FOOD OR FACE PROSECUTION.
THE WARNING CAME FROM THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AFTER A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A RESTAURANT OPERATOR IN TSUEN WAN WAS FINED $1 000 FOR A RELATED OFFENCE IN THE TSUEN
WAN MAGISTRACY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DURING A SURPRISE INSPECTION ON NOVEMBER 15 LAST YEAR, FOUR PIG CARCASSES ^RE FOUND ON THE FLOOR AT THE REAR EXIT OF THE RESTAURANT WITHOUT ADEQUATE PROTECTION
FROM RISK OF CONTAMINATION.
UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE FOOD BUSINESS (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS, OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2 000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE RSD
TO INSPECT ALL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC HEALTH WILL CONTINUE ITS ON-GOING EFFORTS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1936
- 3 -
TUEN MUN ROAD WORKS PLANNED K * M
ROADS ARE PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEvV TOWN.
THE PROPOSED WORKS WILL INCLUDE 370 METRES OF FOOTPATHS AND A 90-METRE CARRIAGEWAY RUNNING FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO TSING WING CIRCUIT NEAR TUEN MUN ROAD.
ABOUT 45 CAR PARKING SPACES AND A TAXI STAND WILL BE CONSTRUCTED. DRAINAGE, TRAFFIC AIDS AND STREET FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE WORKS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BEFORE APRIL 8.
-----0------
RESTAURANT TENDER SOUGHT * * * *
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO OPERATE A GENERAL RESTAURANT IN THE SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.
LOCATED AT YUEN WO ROAD IN THE TOWN CENTRE, THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IS A MAJOR AQUATIC SPORTS CENTRE FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER CAN OPERATE BUSINESS FROM APRIL 1 UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 1988.
TENDER FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSD’S SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON LEVEL 4, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE DEPOSITED INTO THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON MARCH 14.
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY TELEPHONE O-6O6572O FOR FURTHER DETAILS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/4........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1986
- 4 -
I.D. CARD REMINDER FOR wOMEN * * * *
WOMEN BORN IN 1939. 1940, 1941 AND 1942 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS FROM TOMORROW.
THEY SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES BY MARCH 8.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN RECEIVING CALLS FOR APPOINTMENTS FROM APPLICANTS THROUGH THE PHONE-IN SERVICE SINCE DETAILS OF THIS PHASE WAS ANNOUNCED ON JANUARY 31.
HE THEREFORE EXPECTED THE ISSUE OFFICES TO BE VERY CROWDED IN THE FIRST FEW DAYS AFTER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
+APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE IN THE INITIAL PERIOD TO AVOID HAVING TO QUEUE UP AT THE ISSUE OFFICES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICANTS CAN CALL THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NUUN ON SATURDAY.
+T0 COMPLETE THE BOOKING PROCEDURE, THEY HAVE ONLY TO PROVIDE PERSONAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS NAME, I.D. NUMBER AND YEAR OF BIRTH,+ SAID.
PARTICULARS FOR BOOKING APPOINTMENTS ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI. 5-747070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, 3-755367?
77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
‘WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND FLOOR, 3-7232442 393 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
TSUEN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 0-4981259 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.
SHAT IN : SHAT IN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK 0-6359138
STREET.
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK 0-793291 ROAD.
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 0-862562 CHI LOK FA YUEN.
SHEUNG SHU I : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 0-927155
82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.
/THESE OFFICES ......
TIiasTUY, FEBBDAKY 11, 1986
- 5 -
THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
+APPLICANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIROLD I.D. CARDS WHEN THEY APPLY FOR ONES. THOSE WHO^WA^^ status”SHOULD BRING KnG RELEVANT^DOCUMENTS SUCH AS MARRIAGE OR DIVORCE CERTIFICATES
AS WELL,-*- THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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PARTIAL CLOSURE OF CAR PARK PROPOSED * * * *
PERMANENTLY PART OF THE ROAD REST GARDEN AND TSZ
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES JO CLOSE
EEshanC(south) buP'terminus^off po KONG’VILLAGE ROAD.
THE CLOSURE IS TO MAKE LAND AVAILABLE FOR A CHURCH AT PO KONG JlLLAGE ROAD FOR TSZ WAN SHAN DISTRICT.
AFFECTED WILL BE SEVEN LORRY PARKING SPACES TOGETHER WITH AM ADJOINING FOOTPATH.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED CLOSURE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND wORKS NOT LATER THAN APRIL 8, 1986.
PROMOTING CIVIC AWARENESS * * * *
,pai£« °F ?UDL,C
C0HTej?ErND,:sLsEHi^N'^rij;^hrAi!r^&)^%bSeDR‘H‘
STUDENTS THEMSELVES.
OFFICE, WILL LAST TILL THE END OF MARCH.
- - o
/6........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1986
6
MEET THE MEDIA * * * *
THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE STANDING ^MISSION ON CIV IL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, MR ALAN BR ^TOW WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 13) AT 4 PM IN THE G PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTR .
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG, TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SMUGGLERS VARY THE DRUG TRAIL .................................. 1
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TO VISIT HK ............................... 2
TWO OUTLINE ZONING PLANS TO BE AMENDED ....................... 3
COMPETITION TO MARK LIBRARY OPINING ............•............. 3
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO STAGE CONCERT .........................
SPRING RECEPTIONS ............................................
FRIDAY RECEPTION FOR JOO .....................................
FUNDS OFFERED FOR YOUTH WORK .................................
CHILDREN'S CHOIR HOLDS CONCERT ...............................
PERFORMANCE BY DANCE WINNERS ................................. 7
NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO RURAL COMMITTEES .......................
RETIRING OFFICER COMMENDED ...................................
TENANCY SOUGHT FOR STORAGE SITE .............................. 8
WATER FIGURES ................................................
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12,
1
SMUGGLERS VARY THE DRUG TRAIL * * *
DRUG TRAFFICKERS, RELYING ON SUPPLIES FROM THE +GOLDEN TRIANGLE*, ARE TURNING TO MORE ELABORATE SMUGGLING ROUTES IN A BID TO EVADE DETECTION.
THE WARNING CAME TODAY FROM THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS (INVESTIGATIONS), MR K.S. TONG, wHO SAID THE INCREASING USE OF CIRCUITOUS ROUTES IN CARGO SHIPMENTS TO SMUGGLE DRUGS INTO HONG KONG EMERGED AS ONE OF THE MORE WORRYING TRENDS OF LAST YEAR.
MR TONG SAID THERE WERE DISQUIETING SIGNS THAT THIS TACTIC, THOUGH NOT ALTOGETHER NEW, wAS BECOMING MORE POPULAR WITH DRU^ SYNDICATES.
THE BULK OF THE OPIATE DRUGS THAT FEED HONG KONG’S ADDICTS ORIGINATE FROM THE +GOLDEN TRIANGLE*, A MOUNTAINOUS REGION WHERE THE BORDERS OF THAILAND, LAOS AND BURMA MEET. BUT INSTEAD OF SHIPPING THE DRUGS DIRECTLY FROM THE PRODUCING COUNTRIES TRAFFICKERS ARE SWITCHING TO LONGER, MORE CIRCUITOUS ROUTco AND TRANSHIPPING THEIR ILLICIT CARGOES THROUGH NON-PRODUCING COUNTRIES, SUCH AS JAPAN, TAIWAN, KOREA AND CHINA.
BY MASKING THE ORIGIN OF THE SHIPMENT, THE TRAFFICKERS HOPE TO THROW CUSTOMS OFFICERS OFF THEIR TRAIL.
THE SAME PLOY IS BEING USED BY TRAFFICKERS TRYING TO SMUGGLE CANNABIS INTO HONG KONG FROM THE PH ILL IP INES, MR TONG SAID.
HE SAID THAT IN DECEMBER 126 KG OF CANNABIS, WITH AN ESTI ;AT=D STREET VALUE OF $7 MILLION, WAS DISCOVERED ON A SHIP THAT HAD SAILED FROM THE PHILLIPINES VIA TAIWAN, WHICH IS A NON-PRODUCING COUNTRY.
THE DRUG, THE BIGGEST SEIZURE OF CANNABIS IN HONG KONG, wAS FOUND IN THE CAVITIES AND TELEVISION CATHODE RAY TUBES OF USED VIDEO GAMES MACHINES IN A CONTAINER.
IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, CUSTOMS OFFICER FOUND 20 KG OF CANNABIS, VALUED AT $1.1 MILLION HIDDEN IN FURNITURE FROM THE PHILLIPINES THAT HAD BEEN TRANSHIPPED THROUGH TOKYO, ANOTHER NON-PRODUCING COUNTRY, TO THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL.
+WE ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS METHOD OF SMUGGLING WHICH MAKES DETECTION AN EVEN MORE DIFFICULT JOB.
+TENS OF THOUSANDS OF SHIPS COME INTO HONG KONG EVERY YEAR, AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO SEARCH EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM, PARTICULARLY THOSE THAT DO NOT COME FROM SUSPECT PORTS,* SAID MR TONG.
/IN RESPONSE........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
2
IN RESPONSE TO THIS LATEST DRUG-SMUGGLING TACTIC, CUSTOMS (TWICERS HAVE STEPPED UP INTELLIGENCE-GATHERING wITH COUNTERPARTS IN THE REGION. THEY ARE ALSO INSPECTING MORE SHIPMENTS OF CARGO FROM SUCH COUNTRIES AS JAPAN, TAIWAN, KOREA AND CHINA AND ARE checking manifests more closely.
MP TONG DESCRIBED 1985 AS +A YEAR OF STEADY YIELDS+, IN T-.2 BATTLE AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS.
CUSTOMS OFFICERS SEIZED 315 KG OF DRUGS wI TH EA STREET Vhlu; OF $43 MILLION LAST YEAR. TOTAL DRUG SEIZURES FOR THE YEAR BY BOTH THE CUSTOMS SERVICE AND THE POLICE AMOUNTED TO 621 KG.
SEIZURES OF DRUGS BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ROSE EY SIX PER CENT LAST YEAR COMPARED WITH 1984 SEIZURES. A TOTAL OF 315 KG OF DRUGS COMPRISING 90 KG OF HEROIN BASE, 48 KG OF HEROIN, 33 KG OF OPIUM AND 144 KG OF CANNABIS AND CANNABIS RESIN wERE CONFISCATED.
MR TONG SAID THAT THE FAVOURITE METHOD OF SMUGGLING DRUGS INTO HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE THE SEA ROUTE BECAUSE OF HONG KONG’S EASY ACCESSIBILITY BY SEA. ONE EXTENSIVELY USED TACTIC INVOLVES THAI TRAWLERS WHICH DROP THEIR CARGO OF DRUGS CLOSE TO HONG KONG WATERS. THE DRUGS ARE THEN PICKED UP BY LOCAL FISHING VESSELS.
AMONG OTHER POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS, MR TONG CITED THE FACT THAT NO SIGNIFICANT DRUG SEIZURES HAD BEEN MADE LAST YEAR ON BOARD OCEAN-GOING VESSELS. HE SAID THIS ATTESTS TO THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE SANCTION LAW ON SHIPOWNERS WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT IN JANUARY 1983.
THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION GIVES THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE THE POWER TO ACT AGAINST CHARTERERS AND OwNERS CF VESSELS EXCEEDING 250 GROSS TONNES IF EXCESSIVE QUANTITIES OF DANGEROUS DRUGS ARE FOUND.
BEFORE THIS LAW WAS INTRODUCED, OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WERE FREQUENTLY USED TO SMUGGLE DRUGS AND THE CULPRITS WERE DIFFICULT TO NAIL DOWN BECAUSE THE DRUGS WOULD INVARIABLY BE CONCEALED IN PUBLIC AREAS TO WHICH CREW MEMBERS HAD EASY ACCESS.
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PRINCESS ALEXANDRA TO VISIT HK
* * * *
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS ALEXANDRA, AS HONORARY COMMANDANT GENERAL OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM APRIL 9 TO 14, 1986 ACCOMPANIED BY HER HUSBAND, THE HON ANGUS OGILVY.
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/3........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
3
TWO OUTLINE ZONING PLANS TO BE AMENDED * * * * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS REFERRED TwO APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLANS TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR AMENDMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI ADMINISTRATION DISTRICTS WERE AT PRESENT COVERED BY TWO OUTLINE ZONING PLANS, THE YAU MA TEI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN APPROVED IN 1976 AND THE TAI KOK TSUI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN APPROVED IN 1979, AS WELL AS TWO DRAFT TOWN PLANS.
HE SAID SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO BRING THE BOUNDARIES OF OUTLINE ZONING PLANS AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THOSE OF THE ADMINISTRATION DISTR ICTS.
IT WAS NOW PROPOSED THAT MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI ADMINISTRATION DISTRICTS SHOULD EACH HAVE THEIR OWN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN SO THAT THE LAYOUT AND PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES WITHIN EACH DISTRICT COULD BE MORE ACCURATELY PLANNED.
THE AMENDED PLANS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE CONCERNED DISTRICT BOARDS FOR CONSULTATION IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO PUBLIC INSPECTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OUTLINE ZONING PLANS WERE STATUTORY PLANS TO BRING DEVELOPMENTS IN EACH DISTRICT UNDER PROPER PLANNING CONTROL.
------o-------
COMPETITION TO MARK LIBRARY OPENING * * * *
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE AN INTER-SCHOOL MURAL DESIGN AND PAINTING COMPETITION TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN CENTRAL LIBRARY IN OCTOBER.
THIS WAS DECIDED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL AT A MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE RSD’S CHIEF LIBRARIAN, MR ALEX NG, SAID THE LIBRARY WOULD BE THE FIRST CENTRAL LIBRARY IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA OCCUPYING A TOTAL AREA OF 3 250 SQUARE METRES.
♦IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE REGION-WIDE SUPPORTING REFERENCE AND INFORMATION AND AUDIO-VISUAL SERVICES FOR ?T,HER PUBLIC LIBRARIES, PENDING THE COMPLETION OF TWO OTHER CENTRAL LIBRARIES AT TSUEN *AN AND TUEN MUN,+ HE SAID.
/THE COMPETITION .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
4
THE COMPETITION WILL TAKE THE FORM OF AN INTER-SCHOOL DRAWING COMPETITION ON A SPECIFIC THEME - + JOY OF READING* - AND AN ENSUING PROGRAMME OF GROUP PAINTING BY PUPILS FROM THREE WINNING SCHOOLS ON A WALL MEASURING 2.6 M X 4.3 M AT THE JUNIOR LIBRARY.
ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED BETWEEN APRIL 1 AND MAY 15. WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND PRIZES.
ON ANOTHER MAJOR CULTURAL PROJECT FOR SHA TIN, THE COMMITTEE DECIDED TO NAME A CULTURAL COMPLEX CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE DISTRICT AS +SHA TIN TOWN HALL+. UPON ITS COMPLETION TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR, IT WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES COMPARABLE TO THOSE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
IT WILL HAVE A 1 450-SEAT AUDITORIUM, A CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL WITH A MOVABLE STAGE, A 378-SQUARE METRE EXHIBITION GALLERY, A DANCE STUDIO, A MUSIC STUDIO, LECTURE ROOMS, A CONFERENCE ROOM AND PRACTICE ROOMS, THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF CFFICER (PLANNING) CULTURAL PROJECTS, MR LEE KIN-CHUN SAID.
BOTH THE SHA TIN CENTRAL LIBRARY AND THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL WILL BE MANAGED BY THE RSD AFTER THEIR OPENING.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO REVIEWED A HOST OF CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE RSD FOR RESIDENTS IN SHA TIN DURING MARCH AND APRIL.
THESE INCLUDE 32 RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS BADMINTION, TENNIS, CANOEING, HIKING AND CAMPING WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO ATTRACT SOME 2 600 PARTICIPANTS.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES CONSIST MAINLY OF LIBRARY EXTENSION ACTIVITIES TO TAKE PLACE IN THE SHA TIN PUBLIC LIBRARY. AMONG THEM ARE BOOK EXHIBITIONS, MUSIC APPRECIATION SESSIONS, INTEREST GUPS, VIDEO CASSETTE SCREENINGS AND VARIOUS INTELLECTUAL GAMES.
FREE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES SCHEDULED FOR THE PERIOD WILL INCLUDE A POP-FOLK CONCERT, AN ORCHESTRAL CONCERT, PUPPET SHOWS AND CANTONESE OPERAS.
------0 ------
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO STAGE CONCERT
* * * * *
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE WILL STAGE A CONCERT THERE ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 14) MORNING TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
BE OFFICIALLY OPENED
AFTERWARDS, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND WILL
AT THE CENTRE, BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, CHAN WA-SHEK, TOGETHER WITH PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE? AND THE OFFICER COMMANDING THE SALVATION ARMY, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL LIM AH-ANG.
/THE PLAYGROUND
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
- 5 -
THE PLAYGROUND IS EQUIPPED WITH NEW PLAYING FACILITIES DONATED BY A CHARITY GROUP.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT QUEEN’S PIER BY 9 AM ON FRIDAY MORNING WHEN A LAUNCH WILL TAKE THEM TO CHI MA WAN.
-------o ---------
SPRING RECEPTIONS * * * *
TWO DISTRICTS WILL BE HOLDING SPRING RECEPTIONS TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD ITS RECEPTION FROM 3.30 PM TO 5.30 PM AT PHOENIX COURT, JUMBO FLOATING RESTAURANT, ABERDEEN.
INVITED GUESTS INCLUDE THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD TEMBERS, AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOST ITS RECEPTION FROM 4.30 PM AT THE CITY PLAZA PALACE RESTAURANT ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF CITY PLAZA, TAIKOO SHING.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL ARRIVE AT 5 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO RECEPTIONS.
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/6......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
FRIDAY RECEPTION FOR 3OO * * *
MORE THAN 300 COMMUNITY LEADERS, AREA COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL ATTEND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE’S ANNUAL SPRING RECEPTION ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 14) IN THE TREASURE RESTAURANT AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN.
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, WILL ATTEND THE RECEPTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE RECEPTION TO BE HELD AT 3.30 PM.
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FUNDS OFFERED FOR YOUTH WORK * X * *
THE 1986 SAI KUNG SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD FROM JULY TO AUGUST ON THE THEME - +CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY, KNOW YOUR HONG KONG*.
A SAI KUNG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE UNDER THE AUSPICES OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE SET UP TO CO-ORDINATE AND ALLOCATE RESOURCES FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
JOCKEY CLUB FUNDS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE YOUTH ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER.
APPLICATIONS FOR THESE FUNDS SHOULD REACH THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE BY FEBRUARY 28.
FURTHER OFFICER, SAI EXT. 24.
INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LIAISON KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, MISS VIKKI YIU AT 3-2814455
0--------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1936
7
CHILDREN’S CHOIR HOLDS CONCERT
******
THE SHAM SHUI PO CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL HOLD ITS FOURTH ANNUAL CONCERT AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON MARCH 9.
STARTING AT 3 PM, THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE GROUP CHORUS, MOVIE THEME SONGS, POPULAR MUSIC, CLASSIC LIEDER AND FOLK SONGS.
PART OF THE EVENT WILL ALSO BE DEDICATED TO RHYTHMIC PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL SCHOOL TEAMS.
FORMED IN 1982 WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CHOIR IS AT PRESENT MADE UP OF 125 CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 15 FROM THE DISTRICT, AND DIVIDED INTO JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS.
BESIDES A TWO-HOUR VOCAL TRAINING BY PROFESSIONAL INSTRUCTORS EVERY SATURDAY, MEMBERS OFTEN ATTEND CONCERTS AND TAKE PART IN OPEN COMPETITIONS.
TICKETS FOR THE ANNUAL CONCERT ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT $10 EACH AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES, AND THE SHAM SHUI PO ART ASSOCIATION AT S14-15 LAI FU HOUSE, LAI KOK ESTATE.
-----0-----
PERFORMANCE BY DANCE WINNERS
*****
WINNERS OF THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST RECENTLY HELD IN KWUN TONG WILL STAGE A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE AT THE CITY HALL LATER THIS MONTH (FEBRUARY).
THE 17 DANCING GROUPS WERE SELECTED FROM 119 PARTICIPATING TEAMS OF THE 5-DAY CONTEST HELD LAST DECEMBER.
DURING THE WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE, AUDIENCES WILL BE TREATED TO WESTERN AND ORIENTAL, CLASSICAL AND MODERN, AND CHILDREN’S DANCES.
THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY CUM WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE WILL START AT 7.30 PM ON FEBRUARY 26 (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL.
TICKETS AT $10, $20 AND $30 ARE AVAILABLE AT KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE IN ROOM 309 OF THE KUNG TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICcS BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN ••TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
o -------
/8........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986
8
NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO RURAL COMMITTEES *****
• f
ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL WU, WILL VISIT THE EIGHT RURAL COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT TWO DAYS TO BRING NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO RC REPRESENTATIVES AND VILLAGERS.
HE WILL VISIT MUI WO, SOUTH LANTAU, TUNG CHUNG AND TAI 0 TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AND SOUTH LAMMA, NORTH LAMMA, CHEUNG CHAU AND PENG CHAU ON FRIDAY.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT IS ONE OF THE LARGEST ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS, COVERING MORE THAN 20 ISLANDS AND ISLETS INCLUDING LANTAU ISLAND WHICH IS TWICE THE SIZE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
-------o---------
RETIRING OFFICER COMMENDED * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PRESENTED A LETTER OF VALEDICTION TO A TECHNICAL OFFICER (TRAFFIC) IN APPRECIATION OF HIS SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PAST 26 YEARS.
TECHNICAL OFFICER (TRAFFIC), THE GOVERNMENT IN JANUARY I960 AS
MR LAM WING-CHUNG, FIRST JOINED FOREMAN CLASS II IN THE URBAN
SERVICES DEPARTMENT. FOUR YEARS LATER, HE WAS APPOINTED TECHNICAL ASSISTANT IN THE THEN PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND WAS PROMOTED TO
HIS PRESENT RANK IN NOVEMBER 1968.
MR LAM HAS WORKED IN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE APRIL 1982, AFTER THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE HIGHWAY OFFICE.
-----o------
TENANCY SOUGHT FOR STORAGE SITE
* * *
A SITE FOR STORING GOODS AND VEHICLES AT THE JUNCTION OF ON SUM STREET AND ON MUK STREET, SHA TIN, IS TO BE LET BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE TENANCY FOR THE 2 158-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS INITIALLY FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FEBRUARY 28.
------0-------
/9......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1? '■
- 9 -
WATER FIGURES
* * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 61.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 363.822 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 404.899 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 69.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1}, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR DAVID TOURS COUNCIL CHAMBERS ............................... 1
SECURITIES FIRMS’ BOOKS TO BE EXAMINED ....................... 1
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK .......................... 2
KWUN TONG ROAD CLOSURE........................................ 3
JANUARY 1986 SECOND DRIEST SINCE 1884 ........................ 3
MARATHON KICKS OFF SAI KUNG FESTIVAL ......................... 5
MONG KOK CARNIVAL ............................................ 5
SPRING RECEPTION ............................................. 6
TAXI TENDER RESULTS ANNOUNCED ................................ 6
JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT NEXT MONTH .................... 6
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT IN MARCH AND APRIL...................... 7
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1986
1
SIR DAVID TOURS COUNCIL CHAMBERS
* * * * *
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (THURSDAY) PAID A VISIT TO THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS IN TSUEN WAN.
HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR NATHAN MA« THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND AND THE SECRETARY OF THE COUNCIL, MRS PAMELA TAN.
SIR DAVID THEN MET MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL BEFORE TOUR ING THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS AND SAW A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY ON THE WORK OF THE THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
COUNCIL AND
AT THE END OF THE VISIT, MR CHEUNG PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO SIR DAVID.
- - _ o------------
SECURITIES FIRMS’ BOOKS TO BE EXAMINED
* * * X *
REGISTERED DEALERS AND DEALING PARTNERSHIPS IN SECURITIES WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET A REVISED SET OF REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE SECURITIES (ACCOUNTS AND AUD IT)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1966 GAZETTED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDED REGULATIONS, MADE CONSEQUENT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE SECURITIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1985, WERE DRAWN UP IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMITTEE OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WHEN THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE COMMENCES OPERATION.
DEALERS AND DEALING PARTNERSHIPS, UNDER THE AMENDED REGULATIONS, WILL HAVE TO SUBMIT PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS AND BALANCE SHEETS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REVISED SCHEDULE TO THE REGULATIONS.
THEY WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO PREPARE A COMPUTATION OF THEIR NET CAPITAL REQUIREMENT AND LIQUIDITY MARGIN FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTION 65B OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE WHICH DEALS WITH CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERED DEALERS AND DEALING PARTNERSHIPS.
IN ADDITION, THE AUDITOR OF A REGISTERED DEALER OR DEALING PARTNERSHIP IS REQUIRED TO EXPRESS AN OPINION AS TO WHETHER THE COMPUTATION IS CORRECTLY COMPILED AND TO STATE WHETHER THERE APPEARS TO BE ANY CONTRAVENTION BY THE DEALER OR DEALING PARTNERSHIP OF THE NEW FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 65B OF THE ORDINANCE.
o -------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1986
2
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK * * M
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FROM 12 MIDNIGHT ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 15) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE JUNCTION OF KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT ROAD AND NORTH VIEW STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED:
* EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON KING’S ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ELECTRIC ROAD, JAVA ROAD, TONG SHU I ROAD AND KING’S ROAD.
X WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON KING’S ROAD WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA KAM HONG STREET, TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD, SHU KUK STREET, JAVA ROAD, POWER STREET AND KING’S ROAD.
X NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ON FORTRESS HILL ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT TO KING’S ROAD.
X THREE ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY TRAFFIC TO TWO-WAY. THESE INCLUDE THE SECTION OF JAVA ROAD BETWEEN SHU KUK STREET AND POWER STREET, THE SECTION OF CHEUNG HONG STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND FORT STREET AND THE SECTION OF FORT STREET BETWEEN CHEUNG HONG STREET AND NORTH VIEW STREET.
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK, THE SLIP ROAD FROM CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO VICTORIA PARK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 16) TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER NORTHBOUND FADING FOR CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD TO GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND, FENWICK STREET, LOCKHART ROAD, ARSENAL STREET FLYOVER AND GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND TO JOIN VICTORIA PARK ROAD.
THE MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM ON FEBRUARY 17 AND 18.
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/J........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1986
KWUN TONG ROAD CLOSURE X * *
CHOI HA ROAD IN KWUN TONG WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17) FOR ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WIDENING WORK.
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN THOSE FOR ACCESS TO MARYKNOLL TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOL OR THE CAR PARK OF AMOY GARDENS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CLOSED SECTION.
_ - G-----
JANUARY 1986 SECOND DRIEST SINCE 1884
X X X X
LAST MONTH WAS THE SECOND DRIEST JANUARY SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884 AND THE MONTHLY MEAN CLOUDINESS OF 32 PER CENT RANKED FOURTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR JANUARY, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.
OVER THE WHOLE MONTH, THE WEATHER WAS FINE, SUNNY AND VERY DRY WITH NO MEASURABLE RAINFALL AND ONLY TRACES OF RAIN RECORDED ON THREE DAYS.
BECAUSE THE EXCEPTIONALLY DRY WEATHER CONTRIBUTED TO THE HIGH RISK OF FIRE, THE FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT EVERY DAY.
DURING THE MONTH 266 HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED, THE MOST
SERIOUS ONE RAGED IN SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK ON JANUARY 8, AND LASTED FOR 34 HOURS, DESTROYING MORE THAN 130 000 TREES AND 900 HECTARES OF PLANTATION LAND.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND SUNNY BETWEEN JANUARY 1 AND 16.
AN INTENSE WINTER MONSOON BROUGHT STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS OFFSHORE AND IN EXPOSED PLACES ON THE MORNING OF JANUARY 1.
FURTHER REPLENISHMENT OF COLD AIR REACHED HONG KONG DURING THE EVENING ON JANUARY 3 AND STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS WERE AGAIN EXPERIENCED OFFSHORE THE NEXT MORNING AND ON THE MORNING OF JANUARY 5.
DURING THE COLD SPELL FROM JANUARY 1 TO 9, TEMPERATURES FELL TO A MINIMUM OF 8.6 DEGREES CELSIUS AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON JANUARY 6, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH, AND TEMPERATURES OF 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS AND 1.5 DEGREES CELSIUS WERE RECORDED AT TA KWU LING AND TAI MO SHAN RESPECTIVELY, HOWEVER, NO REPORTS OF HOAR FROST WERE RECORDED.
A MILDER AND MORE HUMID EASTERLY AIRSTREAM BROUGHT CLOUDY WEATHER AND A TRACE OF RAIN ON JANUARY 17.
/THE WEATHER
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1986
THE WEATHER TURNED FINE, SUNNY AND WARM ON JANUARY 18 WHEN TEMPERATURES ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 23.4 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH, AND REMAINED FINE AND MILD UP TO JANUARY 21.
A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON JANUARY 22 AND THE WEATHER BECAME COOLER AND CLOUDY WI TH A TRACE OF RAIN AND THE CLOUDY AND COOL WEATHER CONTINUED FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
ANOTHER SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON JANUARY 25, MAINTAINING THE CLOUDY AND COOL WEATHER UP TO JANUARY 26 WHEN A TRACE OF RAIN WAS AGAIN RECORDED.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND SUNNY FROM JANUARY 27 TO 31 AND TEMPERATURES ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 23.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ONCE AGAIN ON JANUARY 30.
THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC OR THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, 2, FROM 4 TO 15, 18, 19, 26 AND 27.
THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS ISSUED ON JANUARY 2, 3, 16, 17, FROM 20 TO 25, AND FROM 27 TO 31.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF ______________ ___________ HOISTING
LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON JAN 1, 5.30 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON JAN 4, 4.10 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON JAN 4, 9.50 PM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NO
JAN 1
JAN 4
JAN 5
WERE:
12 NOON
10.05 AM
10.10 AM
SUNSHINE
RAINFALL
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN TEMPERATURE
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT TOTAL EVAPORATION
230.2 HOURS - 76.7 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL TRACE - 26.9 MM BELOW NORMAL 32 % - 27 % LESS THAN NORMAL 65 % - 6 % LOWER THAN NORMAL
18.8 DEG. C. - 0.1 DEG. C. ABOVE NORMAL
15.9 DEG. C. - 0.3 DEG. C. ABOVE NORMAL
13.6 DEG. C. - 0.4 DEG. C. ABOVE NORMAL
9.0 DEG. C. - 0.8 DEG. C. BELOW NORMAL
94.3 MM - 9.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 23.4 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON JANUARY 18 AND 30 WHILE THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 8.6 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON JANUARY 6.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1986
5
MARATHON KICKS OFF SAI KUNG FESTIVAL
* * *
THE SAI KUNG NEW YEAR MARATHON WAS HELD TODAY (THURSDAY) AT LADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE AS THE FIRST PROGRAMME OF THE 1986 SAI KUNG FESTIVAL.
THE FASTEST RUNNER, MR LEUNG SHUE-MING, TOOK ONLY 34 MINUTES AND 25 SECONDS TO FINISH THE 10 KILOMETRE RACE BACK TO TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, SAI KUNG TOWN.
THE WINNER OF THE WOMEN’S EVENT WAS MISS KWOK PUI-YIN WHO COMPLETED THE RACE IN 46 MINUTES AND 27 SECONDS.
MR CHEUNG NGAI-WAH, 73 YEARS OLD, WAS THE OLDEST PARTICIPANT IN TODAY’S RACE. HE FINISHED THE RACE IN 1 HOUR AND 53 SECONDS.
IT WAS THE SEVENTH TIME FOR HIM TO TAKE PART IN THE SAI KUNG NEW YEAR MARATHON.
THE MARATHON WAS FOLLOWED BY THE OPENING OF THE 1986 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND A SPRING RECEPTION, WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO.
- - 0 - -
MONG KOK CARNIVAL * * * *
A CARNIVAL FEATURING ENTERTAINMENT HELD ON FEBRUARY 22 (SATURDAY) FOR MORE RESIDENTS IN MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND.
AND GAMES STALLS WILL BE THAN 10 000 MONG KOK
AIMED AT ENHANCING
THE +KNOW YOUR POLICE CARNIVAL* IS
^SIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE DUTIES OF THE POLICE AND FOSTERING A BETTER RELATIONSHIP AND CLOSER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE FORCE AND THE PUBLIC.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE OF THE MONG KOK POLICE STATION AND SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, COMPANIES AND FACTORIES.
ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, MOVIE STARS, AS WELL AS POLICE BAND, CHOIR AND DOG UNIT.
THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE DAY WILL BE A LUCKY DRAW IN WHICH PARTICIPANTS CAN WIN PRIZES INCLUDING A SHARK’S FIN MEAL FOR 12 PEOPLE AND A TRIP TO GUILIN.
FREE ADMISSION AND LUCKY DRAW TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED NOW FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE OF MONG KOK POLICE STATION.
------0-------
/6
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1986
6
SPRING RECEPTION
* * *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A SPRING RECEPTION AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 4 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SPRING RECEPTION.
---0------
TAXI TENDER RESULTS ANNOUNCED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED PROCESSING THE LATEST TENDERS FOR 100 URBAN TAXI LICENCES.
A TOTAL OF 531 TENDERS HAD BEEN ON JANUARY 10 THIS YEAR. THE HIGHEST AND THE LOWEST $291 000.
RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED TENDER ACCEPTED WAS $293 000
THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $292 140 MARKED AN INCREASE OF 32.9 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE LAST TENDER EXERCISE IN JUNE 1985.
DETAILS OF SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS AND THE AMOUNTS OFFERED WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
-------o ---------
JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT NEXT MONTH
* * * * *
JUNIOR TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS ARE INVITED TO TEAM UP FOR ENTRY IN THE ELEMENTARY TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD IN MARCH.
TO QUALIFY FOR THE EVENT, EACH MEMBER OF A TEAM WILL BE ALLOTTED POINTS ACCORDING TO THEIR COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE. EACH TEAM MAY COMPRISE THREE TO FIVE MEMBERS.
INTERESTED PLAYERS ARE ADVISED TO APPLY EARLY, AT THE HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION AT 59-63, WAN CHAI ROAD. ENTRIES WILL CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 15.
/ENTRY FEES .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15,
?
ENTRY FEES ARE $10 PER TEAM FOR MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION AND $20 FOR NON-MEMBERS.
THE TOURNAMENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS ASSOCIATION.
- 0 -
VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT IN MARCH AND APRIL
X * *
vni I FYRAI I PLAYERS ARE INVITED TO TEAM UP AND VIE FOR TITLES IN THE 7TH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT TO BE HELD OVER MARCH AND APRIL.
COMPETITORS WILL BE GRADED INTO ™REE CATEGOR1ES ArrnoniNR TO AGE AND EXPERIENCE, AND EACH CATEGORY WILL dl FURTHDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISIONS. WINNtRb WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES.
ENTRY FEES ARE $30 PER TEAM AND THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS FEBRUARY 20 (THURSDAY).
adoi PfiQMR ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE QUEEN
SG743836:O;»cbNS‘AtLpOST
OFFICE).
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE TOURNAMENT, WHICH IS BEING n i nti y ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND HONG KONG AND iKoo; VOLLEYBALL^ASSOCIATION, CAN BE OBTAINED ON 3-310293.
-------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED .................. 1
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1985 ...............
ONE-OFF RULE FOR BY-ELECTION .................................. 11
DRAFT MID-LEVELS WEST ZONING PLAN PUBLISHED.................... 12
ONLY THREE WORK STOPPAGES LAST YEAR............................ 14
OPEN FORUMS FOR TUEN MUN CANDIDATES .......................... 15
PREPARING FOR NEW POST ..................................... 16
STUDENTS OF THE YEAR HONOURED ................................. 16
MINI-TENNIS DEMONSTRATION FOR TUEN MUN YOUNGSTERS ............. 17
JOO TO TAKE PART IN RACE ...................................... 17
TREAT FOR TAI PO ELDERLY FOLK ............................... 18
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION IN WAH FU .......................... 19
FIRE STATION FOR SHEK KONG .................................... 19
FORUM ON ELECTIONS ............................................ 20
QUILTS FOR THE ELDERLY ........................................ 20
CROSS-COUNTRY RACE SET FOR MARCH 2 .......................... 21
REFUGEES WELCOME 'YEAR OF TIGER' .............................. 21
TSUEN WAN SPRING RECEPTION FOR 600 ............................ 22
WORKSHOP ON SELF-DEVELOPMENT .................................. 22
FOUR AUSTRALIAN BANKS GET LICENCES ............................ 25
US BANK GRANTED LICENCE ....................................... 25
BANK'S LICENCE REVOKED ........................................ 24
WATER CUT ..................................................... 24
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
- 1 -
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED * * * *
THE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED LARGELY STABLE DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
HOWEVER, MANUFACTURERS GENERALLY EXPECT A MILD DECLINE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, PARTLY DUE TO SEASONAL FACTORS.
THIS IS PART OF THE SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
ABOUT 1 000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY AND WERE ASKED ABOUT THIER BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND EXPECTATIONS.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR EXPERIENCED A CONTINUED UPTREND DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985 AND EXPECT THE SITUATION TO REMAIN FAVOURABLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS WAS ALSO REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE 'WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ SECTOR AND THE SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE.
GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS WAS EXPERIENCED BY FIRMS IN THE ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER AND THEY WERE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, A DECLINE IN BUSINESS WAS EXPERIENCED BY FIRMS IN THE ’FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO’, ’ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ AND ’ELECTRONICS’ INDUSTRIES DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER. THIS WAS PARTICULARLY THE CASE FOR MOST OF THE FIRMS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
PARTICIPATING FIRMS IN THE ’WEARING APPAREL’ AND ’TEXTILES’ INDUSTRIES ACHIEVED SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER WHILE THOSE IN THE ’PRINTING’, ’FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS’ AND ’WATCHES AND CLOCKS’ INDUSTRIES REPORTED LITTLE CHANGE.
REGARDING THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, EXPECTATIONS VARIED ACROSS DIFFERENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
WHILE A GENERAL DECLINE IN BUSINESS WAS PREDICTED BY FIRMS IN THE 'FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO’, ’WEARING APPAREL’, ’TEXTILES’, ’FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS’ AND 'ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ INDUSTRIES, SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS WERE ANTICIPATED BY FIRMS IN THE 'PLASTICS’ AND ’ELECTRONICS’ INDUSTRIES.
/RESPONDING FIRMS .......
FBIDA.Y, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
- 2 -
RESPONDING FIRMS IN THE ’PRINTING’ AND ’WATCHES AND CLOCKS’ INDUSTRIES EXPECTED THE BUSINESS SITUATION TO REMAIN STABLE DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
FIRMS ACROSS ALL TRADES IN THE ’WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ SECTOR REPORTED IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WITH HOTELS EXPERIENCING A STRONG SEASONAL UPTREND IN BUSINESS.
FIRMS IN BOTH THE ’WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES’ AND ’RESTAURANTS’ BUSINESSES EXPECTED THE BUSINESS LEVEL IN THE FIRST QUARTER TO REMAIN SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE PRECEDING QUARTER. RESPONDENTS IN THE HOTELS BUSINESS ANTICIPATED A SEASONAL DOWNTREND DURING THE FIRST QUARTER.
WITH REGARD TO THE ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR, A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER WAS REPORTED 3Y FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY.
FIRMS IN THE ’REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES’ BUSINESS AND THE BANKS WERE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WHILE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE ’TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION’ BUSINESS EXPECTED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION.
THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED BUSINESS PROBLEMS FACED BY THE VARIOUS FIRMS.
FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, INSUFFICIENT BUS I NESS#CONTRACTS, PRICE COMPETITION BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS WERE INDICATED BY RESPONDENTS AS THE MOST PROMINENT PROBLEMS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985 AND THESE PROBLEMS WERE EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1986.
THE INTENSITY OF THESE PROBLEMS, HOWEVER, HAS SHOWN A TENDENCY TO LEVEL OFF.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HIGH MATERIAL PRICES APPEARED TO EMERGE AS A PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL INDUSTRIES, ALTHOUGH THE EXTENT WAS NOT PARTICULARLY WORRYING.
FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE PROBLEMS OF PRICE COMPETITION BOTH IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS WERE REGARDED AS MAJOR PROBLEMS BOTH FOR THE FOURTH AND THE FIRST QUARTERS.
AS THE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR CONTINUED TO IMPROVE, THE PROMINENCE OF THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS CITED IN PREVIOUS ROUNDS OF THE SURVEY DECLINED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER AND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE UNCHANGED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
AS FOR THE 'WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES’ BUSINESS, PRICE COMPETITION WAS CONSIDERED AS A MAJOR PROBLEM DURING BOTH QUARTERS UNDER REVIEW.
/INSUFFICIBiT BUSINESS, .......
<? ’»
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1U, 1986 '
INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS, PRICE COMPETITION AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER REMAINED THE MAIN PROBLEMS FACED BY RESTAURANTS DURING BOTH QUARTERS.
PRICE COMPETITION AND HIGH STAFF COSTS CONTINUED TO BE THE MAIN PROBLEMS FOR HOTELS DURING THE FOURTH AND FIRST QUARTERS.
AS FOR THE 'OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR, FIRMS ACROSS DIFFERENT BUSINESSES CONSIDERED PRICE COMPETITION AS A PREDOMINANT PROBLEM DURING THE FOURTH AND FIRST QUARTERS. IN ADDITION, THE BANKS ALSO ENCOUNTERED THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASICALLY INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD 'IMPROVED', 'REMAINED THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATED’ IN THE QUARTER JUST ENDED AS COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER, THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION WILL ’IMPROVE’, ’REMAIN THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATE’.
THE BALANCE OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED. THE SURVEY REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A SECTION ON BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN OF VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $3 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-423401.
0 -------
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1936
4
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1985 ******
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR 1985, VALUED AT $466 572 MILLION, INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE 1984 FIGURE, ACCORDING ID TRADE VALUE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY SIX PER CENT TO $129 882 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT TO $105 270 MILLION AND IMPORTS INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT TO $231 420 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT.
COMPARING DECEMBER 1985 WITH DECEMBER 1984, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT AND FIVE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, GIVING A GROWTH OF FOUR PER CENT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME SINCE FEBRUARY 1985 THAT AN INCREASE IN MONTHLY DOMESTIC EXPORTS VALUE WAS RECORDED AND WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE INCREASE OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN DECEMBER 1985 INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1984.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS ON THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR DECEMBER 1985 WILL BE RELEASED EARLY NEXT MONTH.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS
COMPARING 1985 WITH 1984, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. DECREASED BY SIX PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 497 MILLION OR 2Q PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1 393 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $980 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $1 158 MILLION OR FIVE PER CENT) AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $232 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT).
/MOST COMMODITIES .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO CHINA INCREASED RAPIDLY IN VALUE, PARTICULARLY MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS AS WELL AS PRINTED MATTER (BY $575 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $509 MILLION OR 108 PER CENT) AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $421 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (NOT INCLUDING UNMILLED CEREALS) (BY $34 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT) AS WELL AS NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $30 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $644 MILLION OR 54 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $577 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS AS WELL AS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF (BY $162 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT). HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $5 MILLION OR TWO PER CENT) AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS EDIBLE PRODUCTS AND PREPARATIONS (BY $4 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT).
DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $991 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT) AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $177 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS CF CLOTHING AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF TO JAPAN ALSO FELL (BY $407 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT AND BY $99 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY).
HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $11 MILLION OR THREE PER CENT), AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $23 MILLION OR FIVE PER CENT).
IMPORTS
DEMAND FOR GOODS IMPORTED FROM CHINA INCREASED IN 1985 AS COMPARED WITH 1984. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $1 260 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACUTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS, AS WELL AS JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS) (BY $919 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT), AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $532 MILLION OR 55 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $453 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT) AS WELL AS MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $347 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT).
/AS FOR .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $717 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $664 MILLION OR 12 PER CENT), AS WELL AS MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $532 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 358 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $540 MILLION CR EIGHT PER CENT).
DECREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 721 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $508 MILLION CR 72 PER CENT), AS WELL AS NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $490 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT). HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR INORGANIC CHEMICALS (BY $354 MILLION OR 196 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $268 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT).
MEANWHILE, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN CF TEXTILES (BY $1 399 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT) AND MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $515 MILLION OR 196 PER CENT). HOWEVER, A DECREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS CF OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $52 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT). AS FOR IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $573 MILLION OR NINE PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $368 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT). HOWEVER, AN INCREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR GENERAL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND MACHINE PARTS (BY $57 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT).
RE-EXRPORTS
COMPARING 1985 WITH 1984, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED BY 64 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $3 107 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2 130 MILLION OR 104 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2 028 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN MANUFACTURED FERTILIZERS (BY $111 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT), AS WELL AS TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $106 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).
/INCREASES IN .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
7
INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS, AS WELL AS MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF) (BY $1 008 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $826 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $437 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $171 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT), AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $73 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN WERE RECORDED IN NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $315 MILLION OR 264 PER CENT), FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $124 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT) AS WELL AS COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $104 MILLION OR 195 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $67 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILES (BY $45 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT).
DECREASES IN RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $266 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT) AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $55 MILLION OR SEVEN PER CENT). RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF FELL (BY $565 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT), AS DID CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $116 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT). HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $165 MILLION OR 60 PER CENT), AND FOR RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN CF NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $194 MILLION OR 103 PER CENT).
THE DECEMBER 1985 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE ON SALE LATER THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 A COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*. WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN DECEMBER 1985 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY MARCH 1986 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $13 PER COPY. ENQUIRIES ABOUT SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS AND ON TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 5-214375) AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. ; 5-444436), RESPECTIVELY.
/&
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1??*
8 -
Table I : Domestic exports by ten major markets
Major market 1985 ($ Mn) 1984 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (X)
U.S.A. 57,687 61,374 -3,687 - 6
China 15,189 11,283 +3,906 +35
U.K. 8,546 10,497 -1,950 -19
F,R. of Germany 7,998 9,522 -1,524 -16
Japan 4,480 5,151 - 670 -13
Canada 4,405 4,510 - 105 - 2
Australia 3,349 3,824 - 474 -12
Singapore 2,233 2,627 - 394 -15
Net Herlands 2,083 2,418 - 335 -14
Ft ance 1,818 2,007 - 189 - 9
Table 2
: Domestic exports by major commodity division
Commodity division 1985 ($ Mn) 1984 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (%)
Articles ot apparel and clothing accessories 44,912 46,714 -1,802 - 4
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods) 20,769 21,838 -1,068 - 5
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 10,883 10,408 + 476 + 5
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 10,037 11,479 -1,442 -13
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 8,993 11,002 -2,010 -18
Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products 7 >823 8,631 - 808 - 9
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
9
Table
3 : Imports from ten major sources
Major source 1985 ($ Mn) 1984 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (X)
China 58,963 55,753 +3,210 + 6
Ja pan 53,350 52,620 + 730 + 1
U.S.A, 21,896 24,377 -2,481 -10
l'aiwan 20,898 17,347 +3,551 +20
Singapore 11,281 12,229 - 948 - 8
U.K. 8,450 8,703 - 253 - 3
Republic of Korea 8,293 7,289 +1,004 + 14
F.R. of Germany 6,672 5,510 +1,162 +21
Switzerland 3,637 3,346 + 291 + 9
Italy 3,582 2,972 + 610 + 21
Table 4 : Imports by major commodity division
Commodity division 1985 ($ Mn) 1984 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (X)
Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products 33,661 32,802 + 859 + 3
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 19,094 22,590 -3,496 -15
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 13,655 11,907 +1,749 + 15
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 13,071 11,509 +1,562 + 14
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 12,129 10,581 t +1,548 + 15
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods) 11,373 9,895 +1,479 + 15
/10........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
10 -
Table 5 : Re-exports by ten major markets
Major market 1985 ($ Mn) 1984 ($ Mn) Increase(+)/ Decrease(-) ($ Mn) Percentage change (X)
China 46,023 28,064 +17,959 +64
U.S.A. 14,705 12,109 + 2,596 +21
Japan 5,486 4,633 + 853 + 18
Singapore 4,388 4,511 123 - 3
Taiwan 4,325 4,868 *- 543 -11
Republic of Korea 3,872 3,440 + 432 + 13
Macau 2,556 2,354 + 202 + 9
Indonesia 2,301 3,654 - 1,353 -37
F.R. of Germany 1,554 1,073 + 481 +45
Philippines 1,532 1,478 + 54 + 4
Table 6 : Re-exports by major commodity division
Commodity division 1985 ($ Mn) 1984 ($ Mn) Increase(+) ($ Mn) Percentage change (Z)
Textile yarn, fabrics, made-up articles and related products 15,999 12,708 + 3,291 +26
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 8,989 8,389 + 600 + 7
Articles of apparel and clothing accessories 7,652 6,184 + 1,467 +24
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages, toys, games and sporting goods) 7,258 5,378 + 1,879 +35
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 6,999 4,590 + 2,409 +52
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 5,575 5,089 + 486 + 10
- 0 -
/11 ........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
11
ONE-OFF RULE FOR BY-ELECTION * * *
A SET OF REGULATIONS WHICH ENABLES MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO REGISTER AS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS IN THE 1986 FINAL REGISTER WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE REGULATIONS, KNOWN AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS AND APPOINTMENT OF AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1986, PAVE THE WAY FOR ADVANCED VOTER REGISTRATION IN THAT PARTICULAR ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCY.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND TO THE REGULATIONS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THIS WAS A ONE-OFF EXERCISE TO MEET THE ONE-OFF SITUATION ARISING FROM THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ON APRIL 1, 1986.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ON THE DAY THE COUNCIL IS TO COME INTO BEING, THE REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD VACATE HIS SEAT.
+ IT WILL THUS BE NECESSARY FOR A BY-ELECTION TO BE HELD FOR THE PURPOSE OF FILLING THIS SEAT,+ HE SAID.
LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS ARE THEREFORE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE FOR INCOMING MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO BE REGISTERED IN ADVANCE OF THE NORMAL REGISTRATION PERIOD SO THAT THE BY-ELECTION COULD BE HELD IN THE FIRST WEEK OF JUNE.
+THE SET OF REGULATIONS MAKES PROVISION FOR THE REGISTRATION CF REGIONAL COUNCIL MEMBERS AS ELECTORS IN THEIR ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCY TO COMMENCE IMMEDIATELY UPON INAUGURATION OF THE COUNCIL.
♦ IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE MODIFICATIONS TO APPLY IN 1986 ONLY AND EXCLUSIVELY TO MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. AND FURTHER FOR THE NAMES OF THOSE SO REGISTERED TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE EXISTING FINAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORAL REGISTER,+ HE SAID.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE MORE SIGNIFICANT DATES PROPOSED IN THE REGULATIONS, TOGETHER WITH DETAILS OF THE TIMETABLES FOR THE RUN UP TO THE BY-ELECTION:
(A) PERIOD FOR REGISTRATION OF REGIONAL
COUNCIL MEMBERS 1.4.86 - 18.4.86
(B) PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF VACANCY
IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTORAL
COLLEGE 18.4.86
/(C) PUBLICATION OF .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
12 -
(C) PUBLICATION OF NOTICE
(I) APPONnING 5.6.86 AS THE
DATE OF THE ELECTION! )
AND )
(II) CALLING FOR NOMINATION ) OF CANDIDATES TO BE MADE ) BY 16.5.86 )
(D) PERIOD FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION
(E) PERIOD FOR PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AND FOR DETERMINATION OF OBJECTIONS, IF ANY, BY REVISING OFFICER
(F) PUBLICATION OF REGISTER
DATE OF ELECTION
2.5.86
1.4.86 - 21.4.86
22.4.86 - 30.4.86
2.5.86
5.6.86
REGIONAL COUNCIL
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE PROVISIONAL -------
HAS BEEN CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED TIMETABLE AND HAD AGREED TO IT.
--------0 ---------
DRAFT MID-LEVELS WEST ZONING PLAN PUBLISHED * * * * *
A DRAFT MID-LEVELS WEST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN COVERING 235.44 HECTARES, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT IS BOUNDED BY BONHAM, CAINE AND KENNEDY ROADS IN THE NORTH, EOwEN DRIVE IN THE EAST, POK FU LAM ROAD IN THE WEST, AND POK FU LAM COUNTRY PARK IN THE SOUTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVE CF THE DRAFT PLAN WAS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY LAND USE PATTERN AND ROAD NETWORK AS A BASIS FOR PROPER CONTROL AND REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THIS AREA.
+IN RECOGNISING THAT MID-LEVELS WEST IS PRIMARILY A RESIDENTIAL AREA, THE LAND USE ZONINGS SHOWN ON THE DRAFT PLAN ARE INTENDED TO MAINTAIN THE RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER OF THE AREA AND ARE LARGELY BASED ON EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AND KNOWN REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS,+ HE SAID.
DEVELOPMENTS ALONG THE CAINE ROAD - BONHAM ROAD CORRIDOR ARE PRIMARILY RESIDENTIAL WITH SOME COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BANKS, RESTAURANTS OR RETAIL SHOPS ON THE LOWER THREE FLOORS. THIS AREA IS ZONED RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A) IN WHICH CERTAIN COMMERCIAL USES ARE PERMITTED AS OF RIGHT ON THE LOWER THREE FLOORS.
/AREAS TO .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
13
AREAS TO THE SOUTH OF ROBINSON ROAD, AND BETWEEN PARK ROAD AND KOTEWALL ROAD, AND THE AREA AROUND GARDEN ROAD - MAGAZINE GA? ROAD ARE ZONED RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B) WHICH ARE PREDOMINANTLY FOR RESIDENTIAL USE AND ANY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WOULD REQUIRE PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PLAN WOULD ALSO BRING SPECIAL CONTROL AREAS, DESIGNATED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE, UNDER STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL.
THESE AREAS HAVE NOW BEEN DESIGNATED RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C) IN THE PLAN, AND ARE AT THE SOUTH OF THE WESTERN SECTION OF ROBINSON, CONDUIT AND PO SHAN ROADS, AND ON BOTH SIDES OF MACDONNELL ROAD.
THIS ZONE IS PRIMARILY FOR RESIDENTIAL USE AND PERMISSION FROM THE BOARD WOULD BE NEEDED FOR ANY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT. HOWEVER, THIS ZONE IS SUBJECT TO MORE SPECIFIC CONTROL ON BUILDING HEIGHT AND MAGNITUDE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE CHARACTER OF EXISTING AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS.
THESE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE SERVED BY GOVERNMENT-INSTITUTION-COMMUNITY FACILITIES SUCH AS COMMUNITY CENTRES, CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS.
A GOVERNMENT PROJECT IS PROPOSED IN THE AREA FOR A JOINTUSER BUILDING TO ACCOMMODATE A POST OFFICE AND OTHER URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES NEAR THE JUNCTION OF CAINE ROAD AND SEYMOUR ROAD.
THE SITE OF THE FORMER BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL IN BARKER ROAD IS ZONED FOR DEVELOPMENT AS AN OPEN SPACE. TWO COMMERCIAL SITES AT MAY ROAD AND NEAR THE JUNCTION OF GARDEN ROAD AND MACDONNELL ROAD ARE RESERVED FOR THE POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF SMALL SHOPPING CENTRES TO SERVE RESIDENTS IN THE VICINITY.
♦DURING PREPARATION OF THIS OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, THE BOARD MAINTAINED CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD WHOSE COMMENTS WERE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION,♦ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE PLAN COULD BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG; AND ALSO AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND AND 11TH FLOORS, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE PLAN COULD SUBMIT OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/O LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE APRIL 14, 1986.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SURVEY SECTION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, OR THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION AT 382 NATHAN ROAD, AT 513 FOR AN UNCOLOURED AND $120 FOR A COLOURED COPY.
-----0-----
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1936
14
ONLY THREE WORK STOPPAGES LAST YEAR *****
AN ALL-TIME-LOW RECORD OF ONLY THREE WORK STOPPAGES OCCURRED LAST YEAR, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF 1 160 WORKING DAYS, A SENIOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦ THIS FIGURE IS VERY LOW BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS AND A POSITIVE INDICATOR OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS IN GENERAL IN HONG KONG,+ SAID MR CHOW TUNG-SHAN, CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER WHO HEADS THE LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION.
IT ALSO REFLECTED +A TREMENDOUS IMPROVEMENT OVER 1984, wncN
11 WORK STOPPAGES CAUSED THE LOSS OF MORE THAN 3 000 WORKING DAYS.+
REVIEWING THE WORK OF HIS DIVISION DURING LAST YEAR, HE SAID THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (LRS) HANDLED 155 TRADE DISPUTES IN 1985.
EIGHTY-ONE OF THESE WERE INSOLVENCY CASES, OF WHICH 66 HAD TO BE PASSED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT FOR WINDING UP PROCEEDINGS AND 15 REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL.
OF THE REMAINING 74 CASES, 69 WERE SETTLED THROUGH CONCILIATION BY LABOUR OFFICERS AND FIVE CASES BETWEEN THE PARTIES.
THE LRS ALSO PROVIDED CONCILIATION SERVICE FOR 17 928 CLAIMS IN CONNECTION WITH PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ON TERMS CF CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT.
OF THESE, 13 015 OR 72.6 PER CENT WERE SETTLED BY
CONCILIATION AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND MOST OF THE REMAINDER WERE REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR JUDICIAL DECISION.
OVER 21 QOO WORKERS RECEIVED SOME $57 MILLION FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS LAST YEAR, AFTER THEIR LABOUR-MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS HAD BEEN SETTLED THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE LRS.
DURING THE YEAR, THE LRS HANDLED 409 679 ENQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS, COMPARED WITH 391 677 CASES IN 1984. MOST OF THESE CONCERNED PROVISIONS IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND OTHER MATTERS CONCERNING LABOUR RELATIONS.
0 -------
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
15 -
OPEN FORUMS FOR TUEN MUN CANDIDATES * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE TWO FORUMS FOR CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTION IN THE TUEN MUN CONSTITUENCIES OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO EXPLAIN THEIR PLATFORMS AND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THE TUEN MUN EAST CONSTITUENCY FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17) AT THE ON TING AND YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE IN ON T|NG ESTATE. THE TWO CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE SEAT ARE MR SO SHIU—SHING AND MR TSANG KWONG-YUEN.
THE TUEN MUN WEST CONSTITUENCY FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 8 P« ON FEBRUARY 20 (THURSDAY) AT THE MADAM LEUNG WONG WAI FONG MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN SHAN KING ESTATE. THE CANDIDATES CONTESTING THIS CONSTITUENCY ARE MADAM WAN SHUI-LING AND MR NG MING-YUM.
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUMS.
OTHER PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FLECTIONS INCLUDE AN APPEAL LETTER BY TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY TO MORE THAN 76 000 REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT, URGING THEM TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 6. AND 50 000 COPIES OF A NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT OUTLINING THE CANDIDATES’ ELECTION °LATFORM, ELECTION PROCEDURES, AND WORKS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS IN EARLY MARCH.
THF DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO ARRANGED FOR TWO BROADCASTING VANS TO TOUR MAJOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND OTHER PROMINENT AREAS FROM MARCH 2 TO 6, AND BANNERS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
A MINI-EXHIBITION ON THE FUNCTIONS OF REGCO AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PUT UP ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES UNTIL MARCH 6, AND TEMPORARY COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WILL HELP CONDUCT HOUSEHOLD VISITS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO FORUMS.
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/16
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
- 16 -
PREPARING FOR NEW POST * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY VISITED THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AS PART OF PREPARATIONS FOR TAKING ON HIS NEW POST LATER IN THE YEAR.
MR JACOBS WAS BRIEFED BY THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, MR WINKY CHAN ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE CMA’S WORK, AND HELD DISCUSSION^ WITH OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS.
LATER HE MET THE DIRECTOR OF THE HKGCC, MR JIMMY MCGREGOR.
-----o-----
STUDENTS OF THE YEAR HONOURED
* * *
TWELVE STUDENTS IN KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU WAI AREAS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTER BEING SELECTED AS STUDENTS OF THE YEAR UNDER AN AWARD SCHEME.
THE OUTSTANDING STUDENTS, SIX FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND SIX FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WERE NOMINATED BY THEIR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN STUDY, CONDUCT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.
THE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR AWARD SCHEME, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THC KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU WA? AREA COMMITTEE, WAS SET UP TO PROMOTE MORAL EDUCATION AND ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S PRESENTATION WILL BE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, AND THE ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DIANA TONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU WAI AREA COMMITTEE STUDENTS OF THE YEAR AWARD PRESENTATION TO BE HELD AT NORTE DAME COLLEGE, 51 SHING TAK STREET, TO KWA WAN, AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
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/17........
» FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
1?
MINI-TENNIS DEMONSTRATION FOR TUEN MUN YOUNGSTERS * * * *
MINI-TENNIS TEAMS FROM KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, AT THE INVITATION OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL GIVE A DEMONSTRATION MATCH TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE ON TING AND YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE MATCH WILL BE PRECEDED BY A DEMONSTRATION OF THE BASIC SKILLS IN PLAYING THE GAME, WHILE SPECTATORS WILL BE INVITED TO HAVE A GO. ADMISSION IS FREE TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
MINI-TENNIS IS DESIGNED WITH SIMPLER PLAYING RULES AND IS SPECIALLY SUITABLE FOR YOUNG PLAYERS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 12.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MINI-TENNIS DEMONSTRATION MATCH WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE ON TING AND YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TUEN MUN.
- - 0
300 TO TAKE PART IN RACE * * *
MORE THAN 300 RUNNERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE SHA TIN ROAD RACE ON SUNDAY STARTING AT 10 AM.
THE 5.5 KILOMETRE RUN WILL START AND FINISH AT THE YUEN WO SPORTS GROUND IN YUEN WO ROAD.
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, CEREMONY.
MR NG CHAN-LAM AND THE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING
OTHER GUESTS INCLUDE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR ANDREW WONG, MR WONG PO-MING, MR LI KWONG, MR LAM HUNG-CHIU AND THE DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR LAU TAK-SHIU.
/THE EVENT........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
- 18 -
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN ROAD RACE TO BE HELD AT 10 AM AT THE YUEN WO SPORTS GROUND IN YUEN WO ROAD ON SUNDAY.
-----0------
TREAT FOR TAI PO ELDERLY FOLK *****
ABOUT 1 300 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN TAI PO WILL ENJOY A VERY HAPPY ’YAN YAT’ - EVERYONE’S BIRTHDAY, AT TWO LOCAL RESTAURANTS TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE EVENT IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TAI PO FESTIVAL.
SENIOR CITIZENS AGED 73 OR ABOVE ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FEAST, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, THE TAI PO TSAT YEUK RURAL COMMITTEE, THE TAI PO SOCIETIES FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION AND THE TAI PO MERCHANT’S ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
GOLD MEDALS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE FIVE OLDEST PERSONS AT THE BANQUET, AND ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE LAI-SEE PACKETS.
VOLUNTEERS FROM THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL HELP THE ELDERLY.
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE BANQUETS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BANQUET FOR THE AGED.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KOON NIN WAH RESTAURANT, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
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/19
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
- 19 -
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION IN WAH FU * * * * *
A FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE WAH HONG SQUARE IN WAH FU ESTATE ON SUNDAY FROM 12 NOON TO 3 PM.
THE EXHIBITION, THE SEVENTH ORGANISED BY THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP THIS WINTER, AIMS TO REMIND RESIDENTS IN THE ESTATE TO TAKE HEED OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK IN THE PREVAILING DRY WEATHER.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE PANELS OF PHOTOGRAPHS PREPARED BY THE FIRE SERVICES AND AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FEATURING THIS YEAR’S FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN THEME THAT CARELESSNESS CAUSES FIRE. THERE WILL ALSO BE FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES AND EQUIPMENT ON SHOW.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE A BOOKLET ON FIRE PREVENTION AT HOME AS WELL AS BOOKMARKS AND CALENDAR CARDS.
FIRE STATION FOR SHEK KONG UK
A THREE-STOREY SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION IS TO BE BUILT ON A 2 7OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT KAM TIN ROAD, ADJACENT TO PAT hEUNG POLICE STATION, TO SERVE SHEK KONG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IT WILL CONSIST OF A FOUR BAY APPLIANCE ROOM, BARRACK ROOMS, AN EXERCISE ROOM, CANTEENS, A KITCHEN, LECTURE AND RECREATION AREAS AND WASHING FACILITIES.
AN EXTERNAL DRILL YARD WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED, PLUS TWO BUILDINGS FOR STORING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES TO SERVICE FIRE APPLIANCES.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH WILL START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 7.
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/20.......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
- 20 -
FORUM ON ELECTIONS
* 4 4
A SERIES OF CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL START ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 16) WITH A FORUM ON THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE FORUM WILL BE ATTENDED BY CANDIDATES FROM SHA TIN DISTRICT.
IT IS THE FIRST OF A NUMBER OF CAMPAIGN FORUMS ON THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS WHICH CONSTITUTE THE FIRST PART OF RTHK’S CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND MR CHU PUI-HING, HEAD OF CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICE OF RTHK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 10.30 AM ON SUNDAY AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND FORUM.
- - 0 - -
QUILTS FOR THE ELDERLY
XII
MORE THAN 500 RESIDENTS FROM SEVEN HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl WILL RECEIVE COTTON QUILTS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AS A LUNAR NEW YEAR PRESENT.
THE DISTRIBUTION OF COTTON QUILTS IS ORGANISED BY THE YIN NGA I SOCIETY IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE ACTIVITY IS SPONSORED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD.
A BRIEF CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AT 11.30 AM AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL IN LAI FONG STREET.
KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING; AND DB MEMBER YAU HON-KEE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SEVEN HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
- - 0
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1936
- 21
CROSS-COUNTRY RACE SET FOR MARCH 2 * * * *
MEN AND WOMEN, AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 60, ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT ON MARCH 2 (SUNDAY).
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SHEUNG SHU I SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE RACE WILL COVER 10 000 METRES FOR MEN AND 8 000 METRES FOR WOMEN, STRETCHING FROM THE SING PING PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TA KWU LING TO THE SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND IN SHEUNG SHU I.
THE FIRST 20 WINNERS IN THE MEN’S AND THE WOMEN’S SECTIONS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AND ALL OTHER PARTICIPANTS COMPLETING THE COURSE WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES AND THE SHEUNG SHU I SPORTS ASSOCIATION. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY FEBRUARY 23 (SUNDAY).
-----o------
REFUGEES WELCOME ’YEAR OF TIGER’
M K K
VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE STAGED A CONCERT TODAY (FRIDAY) TO WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE TIGER.
THE 90-MINUTE CONCERT FEATURED VIETNAMESE CULTURAL DANCES, FOLK SONGS AND DRAMA PROVIDING MUCH FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT TO THE REFUGEES.
' MANY OFFICIALS FROM GOVERNMENT, THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, RELIGIOUS GROUPS AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS FOREIGN COUNTRIES’ CONSULAR REPRESENTATIVES IN HONG KONG ATTENDED THE CONCERT.
AT A CEREMONY AFTERWARDS, A NEW CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IN THE CENTRE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK5 TOGETHER WITH PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR KEN WOODHOUSE AND THE OFFICER COMMANDING THE SALVATION ARMY, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL LIM AH-ANG.
THE PLAYGROUND IS EQUIPPED WITH NEW PLAYING FACILITIES WHICH WERE DONATED BY A GROUP OF CONSULTANTS AND CONTRACTORS INVOLVED IN THE HONG KONG BANK REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
THE $67 000 DONATION CONSISTS OF TWO FULL SETS OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT EACH INCLUDING A PLAYHOUSE AND A CLIMBING TOWER WITH SLIDE.
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/22.......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1336
- 22 -
TSUEN WAN SPRING RECEPTION FOR 600
*****
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A SPRING RECEPTION ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17), STARTING AT 4 PM.
SOME 600 GUESTS HAVE BEEN INVITED, INCLUDING LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS, AREA COMMITTEE AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
HAYES
MAX IM’S
THc REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES , wILL ATTEND THE RECEPTION TO BE HELD IN THE TSUEN WAN
CHINESE RESTAURANT AT LUK YUENG SUN CHUEN IN THE TSUEN
wAN MTR STATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SPRING RECEPTION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
------o-------
WORKSHOP ON SELF-DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL ORGANISE A HALF-DAY WORKSHOP ON SELF-DEVELOPMENT NEXT THURSDAY FOR MANAGERS AND TRAINERS.
JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY MR JOHN BRIAN AND MR RICHARD WILLIAMS, SENIOR ADVISORS OF THE CENTRE, THE WORKSHOP WILL ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO EXPLORE THE CONCEPTS OF POWER AND INFLUENCE IN RELATION TO THEIR ORGANISATIONAL ROLES.
THE APPROACH OF THE WORKSHOP IS HIGHLY INTERACTIVE AND EXPERIMENTAL SO THAT PARTICIPANTS CAN OPTIMISE THEIR OWN PERSONAL LEARNING, UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES MORE CLEARLY AND ACHIEVE MORE WITHIN THEIR OWN ORGANISATIONS.
THE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE OFFICE OF THE CENTRE ON 17TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THOSE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT MR BRIAN OR MR WILLIAMS ON 5-8932341 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
- 0 -
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
- 23 -
FOUR AUSTRALIAN BANKS GET LICENCES
X * * *
FOUR AUSTRALIAN BANKS HAVE BEEN GRANTED BANKING LICENCES TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
THEY ARE AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED, COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA, NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED AND WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THESE WERE THE FIRST FOUR AUSTRALIAN BANKS LICENSED IN HONG KONG. THE GRANT OF LICENCES SIGNIFIED NOT ONLY THE ACCORD OF RECIPROCITY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND AUSTRALIA BUT ALSO THE STRENGTHENING OF THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION OF HONG KONG’S BANKING SECTOR.
AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP LIMITED SET UP A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE IN HONG KONG IN 1974, AND UPGRADED IT TO A REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY IN 1978, AND A LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY IN 1982. IT ACQUIRED THE UK-BASED GRINDLAYS BANK PLC IN 1984 AND NOW HAS A PRESENCE IN 45 COUNTRIES.
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA, A MEMBER OF THE COMMONWEALTH BANKING CORPORATION, HAS OVERSEAS OFFICES IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES AND HAS BEEN OPERATING A LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HERE SINCE 1983.
FORMED BY THE MERGER OF TWO LONG ESTABLISHED AUSTRALIAN BANKS, NATIONAL AUSTRALIA BANK LIMITED HAS OVERSEAS OFFICES IN 13 TERRITORIES, INCLUDING A WHOLLY-OWNED REGISTERED DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY IN HONG KONG SINCE 1980.
wESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION, WHICH ALSO HAS OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION IN MANY COUNTRIES, SET UP A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE HERE IN 1972 AND UPGRADED IT TO A REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY IN 1979. IT HAS BEEN OPERATING A LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING
COMPANY IN HONG KONG SINCE 1983.
--------0-----------
US BANK GRANTED LICENCE
*****
CONTINENTAL ILLINOIS NATIONAL BANK AND TRUST COMPANY OF CHICAGO (CONTINENTAL BANK), WHICH SATISFIED THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS, HAS BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG.
INCORPORATED IN THE UNITED STATES, IT HAS OVERSEAS REPRESENTATION IN MORE THAN 25 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY: CONTINENTAL ILL INIS BANK LIMITED (CIEL), WHICH HAS BEEN A LICENCED BANK IN HONG KONG.
/+WHBJ CONTINENTAL
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1986
♦WHEN CONTINENTAL BANK RECEIVES ITS LICENCE, IT WILL TAKE OVER Cl BL’S BUSINESS IN HONG KONG AND THE LATTER’S BANKING LICENCE WILL SUBSEQUENTLY BE REVOKED,+ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT CONTINENTAL BANK HAD TO MAKE AFRESH APPLICATION BECAUSE THE EXISTING BANKING ORDINANCE DID NOT PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSFER OF A LICENCE.
- - 0 - -
BANK’S LICENCE REVOKED X * * *
THE BANKING LICENCE OF THE LLOYDS BANK INTERNATIONAL LTD HAS BEEN REVOKED UNDER A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE REVOCATION WAS NECESSITATED BY THE MERGER OF LLOYDS BANK INTERNATIONAL LTD (LBI) WITH ITS PARENT COMPANY, THE UK INCORPORATED LLOYDS BANK PLC.
AS THERE WAS NO PROVISION FOR THE TRANSFER OF LICENCE IN THE EXISTING BANKING ORDINANCE IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE NEW ENTITY - LLOYDS BANK PLC. TO APPLY FOR A SEPARATE BANKING LICENCE AND SUBMITTING THE OLD ONE FOR REVOCATION SUBSEQUENTLY.
LLOYDS BANK PLC. HAS BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG. THE TRANSFER OF BUSINESS FROM LBI TO LLOYDS BANK PLC. TOOK PLACE ON JANUARY 1, 1986 AND LBI HAS CEASED TO TRANSACT BUSINESS SINCE THEN.
- - 0 -
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY AUSTIN ROAD, KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY AND THE SEAFRONT OF TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICT.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, FED1UA.1Y 15, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
UNDERSTANDING SOUGHT IN OVERSEAS PR EFFORT .................. 1
ELECTION PUBLICITY IN FULL SWING ............................ 3
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED......... 5
STI LEAVES FOR TRADE TaLKS ..................................
STRIVING FOR NEW TOWN IMPROVEMENTS ..........................
VISIT TO HOSPITAL ...........................................
NEW PUBLICITY ON MINT AL HEALTH.............................. 8
WORKING GROUP PROMOTES UC ELECTIONS ......................... 9
VILLAGERS hUITP WITH BIG CLEaN-UP ........................... 10
+ STUDENTS OF YEaRt- GET PRIZES .............................
GOVERNOR RETURNING .......................................... 12
TRAFFIC CHANGES ANNOUNCED....................................
PRESS CONFERENCE ON DISTRICT OFFICE'S WORK .................. 13
LUNAR NEW YEAR CHILDREN FUN DAY ............................. 14
DANCE COURSE FOR TEACHERS ................................... 14
BRIEFING ON FLOATING RESTAURANT ............................. 15
SPRING RECEPTION ............................................ 15
NEW YEAR CARNIVaL ........................................... 16
CHING CHEUNG ROAD TO BE REPAIRED............................. 16
RUNNING TRACK TO BE RISURFACED............................... 1?
BUS-ONLY LaNES ON POK FU LaM ROAD ...........................
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1936
1
UNDERSTANDING SOUGHT * *
IN OVERSEAS PR EFFORT * * *
HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORT WAS AIMED ESSENTIALLY AT PROMOTING A CORRECT AND SYMPATHETIC UNDERSTANDING CF ITS PROBLEMS AND ACHIEVEMENTS BY THE REST OF THE WORLD, AND PARTICULARLY BY THE MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE UNIVERSITY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MR CHAN SAID HE FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT SUCH UNDERSTANDING WOULD BE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS FOR HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
+1 ALSO FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THERE IS MUCH THAT MEMBERS OF THE UNIVERSITY GRADUATES ASSOCIATION, AS MEN AND WOMEN OF STANDING IN THEIR RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS AND BUSINESSES, CAN DO TO ENGENDER THAT INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING,* HE TOLD THEM.
EACH YEAR, HE NOTED, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN TRAVELLED TO ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD +DOING A MARVELLOUS JOB IN MARKETING THEIR OWN PRODUCTS OR SERV ICES. + THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION WORKED HARD TO DEVELOP NEW MARKETS AND TO ATTRACT FOREIGN VISITORS.
+AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ITSELF HAS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE TOTAL OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORT BY PRESENTING THE FACTS ABOUT HONG KONG AND COUNTERING ADVERSE PUBLICITY GENERATED BY PROTECTIONIST LOBBIES INSIDE OUR MAIN MARKETS,+ HE SAID.
MUCH OF THE PUBLIC RELATIONS WORK HAD BEEN DONE +BENEATH THE SURFACE, IN THE SENSE THAT IT HAD NOT PRODUCED HEADLINES IN FOREIGN NEWSPAPERS.*
+THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE. THE AIM OF
OUR OVERSEAS PUBLIC INTO THE HEADLINES OF
RELATIONS EFFORTS IS NOT TO GET HONG KONG
THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS: INDEED, IF YOU BELIEVE THAT ^OD NEWS IS NO NEWS WHILE BAD NEWS TRAVELS FAST, THEN PERHAPS THE SUCCESS CF OUR OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORTS SHOULD BE MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE ABSENCE OF REPORTING ON HONG KONG IN THE FOREIGN
MEDIA,+ MR CHAN SAID.
THIS EFFORT, HE SAID, HAD LARGELY BEEN GEARED TO SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES, SUCH AS PROMOTING THE QUALITY AND VALUE-FOR-MONEY IMAGE OF THE +MADE IN HONG KONG+ LABEL OR TO ATTRACT FOREIGN BUSINESS INVESTMENTS, AND HAD BEEN TARGETED AT OPINION-FORMERS AND DECISION-MAKERS, OR AT THOSE WHO HAD THE MEANS TO BUY FROM OR INVEST IN HONG KONG.
AND WHILE THE NEWS MEDIA WERE IMPORTANT POP ATTRACT I NG ATTENTION, THERE WAS NO REAL SUBSTITUTE FOR DIRECT CONTACT.
/HCSG KCBG’S........
SJ/TUHDAY, JKBBDAHY 15» 1936
2 -
HONG KONG’S PUBLIC RELATIONS WORK, MR CHAN SAID, HAD RECENTLY TAKEN ON A NEW DIMENSION.
+THE SINO-BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG DID MORE TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE TERRITORY THAN ANY OTHER DEVELOPMENT IN POST-WAR HISTORY,* HE SAID.
THE EYES OF THE WORLD WERE ON HONG KONG AS THE NEGOTIATIONS UNFOLDED, AND THE WORLD WAS CURIOUS TO KNOW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN +TO THIS TINY CAPITALIST ENCLAVE IN 1997, WHEN 92 PER CENT OF THE TERRITORY WAS DUE TO BE RETURNED TO SOCIALIST CHINA.*
+EVERYONE EVERYWHERE FOUND OUT A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US THAN THEY HAD EVER KNOWN BEFORE AND I HAVE HEARD VIVID ACCOUNTS OF HOW NEW YORK TAXI DRIVERS WERE EAGERLY SHOWING OFF TO VISITORS FROM HONG KONG THEIR NEWLY-ACQUIRED KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROBLEMS WE FACED ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE GLOBE,* HE SAID.
BUT THE ONE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE IN THE HONG KONG STORY WAS THAT THE UNIQUE AND IMAGINATIVE CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS,’ ON WHICH THE JOINT DECLARATION IS BASED, EXCITED THE INTELLECT OF WORKING JOURNALISTS AND POLITICAL COMMENTATORS THE WORLD OVER.
THERE WOULD PROBABLY BE +A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF SCEPTICISM* AS TO WHETHER, EVEN WITH THE BEST WILL AND THE SINCEREST INTENTIONS ON THE PART OF CHINESE LEADERS, TINY CAPITALIST HONG KONG WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO FUNCTION AND PROSPER UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE NEXT CENTURY ONCE IT HAD BECOME PART CF GIANT SOCIALIST CHINA.
OBSERVERS IN THE WORLD WOULD, THEREFORE, CONTINUE TO TURN THEIR ATTENTION TO HONG KONG — EITHER IN ITS OWN RIGHT OR TO HONG KONG AS PART OF THE MUCH BIGGER CHINA STORY IN WHICH THEY HAD ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED.
MR CHAN SAID THAT A GREAT DEAL OF DETAILED WORK REMAINED TO BE DONE BY BOTH SIDES TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION AND FOR THE SMOOTH TRANSITION IN 1997. AS FOREIGN OBSERVERS WOULD AT TIMES FACE PROBLEMS IN TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS GOING ON, IT WAS * IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG THAT THEY SHOULD UNDERSTAND OUR SITUATION AND BE ABLE TO SEE THINGS IN THEIR TRUE PERSPECTIVE,* HE SAID.
+WE MUST STRIVE TO GET THROUGH TO THE REST OF THE WORLD THAT HONG KONG STILL IS, AND WILL FOR A LONG TIME REMAIN A WORTHY TRADING PARTNER AND A PLACE IN WHICH THEY CAN SAFELY INVEST THEIR CAPITAL,* MR CHAN SAID.
THE BULK OF HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS EFFORTS WOULD +CONTINUE TO BE DEVOTED TO THE KIND OF WORK THAT NEVER GETS INTO THE HEADLINES, NAMELY THE PERSONAL CONTACTS WITH FOREIGN POLITICIANS, OFFICIALS, BUSINESSMEN, THE MEDIA, AND INDEED, ANYONE WHO CAN HELP TOWARDS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG.
/+KSEDLESS TO........
&AT0BD1Y, FEBHUAHY 15, 1986
- 3 -
♦NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE DO NOT WANT TO OVERSELL. NOR DO WE WANT TO PRESENT HONG KONG AS A BED OF ROSES, AS A PLACE WHERE MIRACLES ARE PERFORMED. HONESTY AND BALANCE ARE THE KEY INGREDIENTS IN ANY EFFORT TO SECURE A TRUE UNDERSTANDING.
♦WE NEED NOT, OF COURSE, BE TOO MODEST IN PUBLICISING HONG KONG’S ACHIEVEMENTS, BUT EQUALLY WE MUST NOT SEEK TO HIDE OUR PROBLEMS AND WORRIES,* MR CHAN SAID.
-----0---------
ELECTION PUBLICITY IN FULL SWING M * * M
PUBLICITY FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE FIRST REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE IN FULL SWING IN THE COMING WEEKS LEADING UP TO A CLIMAX ON MARCH 6.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID: +DURING THE NEXT THREE WEEKS, THE PUBLIC WILL BE CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF THE ELECTIONS THROUGH TELEVISION, RADIO AND NEWSPAPERS. THE MESSAGE WILL ALSO BE CONVEYED BY ELECTION POSTERS DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND BY SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE 19 DISTR ICTS.+
A TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY PACKAGE COSTING MORE THAN $1 □□□ □□□ HAS BEEN WORKED OUT BY THE PUBLICITY CO-ORDINATION WORKING GROUP FOR THE 1986 ELECTIONS WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THIRTY-SECOND FILMS PUBLICISING THE ELECTION DAY WILL EE SCREENED ON TELEVISION AND BROADCAST ON RADIO. THESE WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY A SERIES OF FIVE +COUNTDOWN+ ANNOUNCEMENTS NEARER THE ELECTION DAY.
MORE THAN 15 OOO COLOURFUL ELECTION POSTERS HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND ARE BEING DISPLAYED AT MTR AND KCR STATIONS, BUS STOPS, FERRY PIERS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES, DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NOTICE BOARDS OF MUTRAL AID COMMITTEES, URBAN COUNCIL AND PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL FACILITIES.
IN ADDITION, FOUR BROADCASTING VEHICLES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL TOUR THE 19 DISTRICTS FROM FEBRUARY 20 UNTIL ELECTION DAY, BROADCASTING A MESSAGE RECORDED BY FILM STAR JACKIE CHAN, CALLING ON THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE ELECTIONS.
THESE WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS ON MARCH 5 AND 6.
/registered voters
SATURDAY, FffiBDAHY 15, 1986
4
REGISTERED VOTERS WILL BE FULLY AWARE OF THE ELECTIONS, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY RECEIVE THE POLL CARDS SENT OUT BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AROUND FEBRUARY 17, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO ENABLE ELECTORS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES, THE GOVERNMENT IS PRINTING MORE THAN 1.4 MILLION COPIES OF CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS WHICH WILL BE SENT TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS SHORTLY, HE ADDED.
AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, PUBLIC FORUMS ARE BEING HELD TO ENABLE ELECTORS TO MEET THE CANDIDATES. ANYONE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THESE FORUMS MAY CONTACT THEIR LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICE FOR THE SCHEDULE.
THE DISTRICTS WILL CONTINUE TO ORGANISE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE ELECTIONS. THESE INCLUDE MOBILE EXHIBITIONS, SLIDE SHOWS, VARIETY SHOWS AND OTHER SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION, SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTS ON THE ELECTIONS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN DISTRICT NEWSPAPERS TO PUBLICISE THE WORK AND FUNCTIONS CF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. THESE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ELECTORS TOGETHER WITH THE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS.
MEANWHILE, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS OF VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS HAVE BEEN APPEARING ON TELEVISION AND RADIO TO EXPLAIN THE WORK AND FUNCTIONS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG HAS ALSO HELPED IN PROMOTING THE ELECTIONS. THE RADIO STATION IS ORGANISING TEN FORUMS FOR LIVE BROADCAST ON RADIO ONE, BETWEEN 5 PM - 6 PM, STARTING FEBRUARY 17. CANDIDATES WILL ALSO TAKE TURNS IN PRESENTING THEIR PLATFORMS AT 8 AM. 11 AM AND 10 PM, STARTING THE SAME DAY. FROM FEBRUARY 28 TO MARCH 4 BETWEEN 7 PM AND 8 PM, MARCH 1 TO MARCH 5 BETWEEN 11.05 PM AND 11.30 PM THERE WILL BE GENERAL ANALYSIS ON THE ELECTIONS.
FOR TELEVISION VIEWERS, RTHK HAS PRODUCED A +LOOK AND LEARN+ CIVIC EDUCATION SERIES.
THE EPISODES ON FEBRUARY 16 AND FEBRUARY 23 WILL BE ON ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG AND WORK OF THE UC AND RC RESPECTIVELY. THIS PROGRAMME WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB JADE FROM 3 PM TO 3.30 PM.
ELECTORS WHO WISH TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE VOTING PROCEDURES SHOULD NOT MISS THE ACCESS PROGRAMME ON MARCH 5.
APART FROM GOVERNMENT PROMOTIONAL EFFORT, COMMERCIAL TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS HAVE ALSO BEEN GIVING REGULAR EXPOSURE TO CANDIDATES, AND MOST MAJOR NEWSPAPERS ARE DEVOTING EXTENSIVE COVERAGE TO THE ELECTIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+0N THE OTHER HAND, THE CANDIDATES THEMSELVES ARE BUSY PUBLICISING THEIR PLATFORMS,+ HE SAID.
♦EFFORTS FROM ALL PARTIES CONCERNED ARE BUILDING UP, AND WE CAN EXPECT THE ATMOSPHERE TO INTENSIFY AS ELECTION DAY DRAWS NEARER, + HE ADDED.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1936
5
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED *****
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE IN THE QUARTER BETWEEN OCTOBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1985 WAS 3.2 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 3.4 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1985. THE RATE FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1984 WAS 3.8 PER CENT.
WHILE THE DECREASE OF 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, THE DECREASE OF 0.6 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984 IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, THAT IS, THE CHANGE IS GREATER THAN MIGHT BE EXPECTED TO ARISE FROM SAMPLING ERROR.
THE NUMBER OF THE UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1985 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 85 500, COMPARED WITH 89 600 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1985 AND 99 500 FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1985 WAS 1.1 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 1.3 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1985. THE RATE FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1984 WAS 0.8 PER CENT.
WHILE THE DECREASE OF 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, THE INCREASE OF 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984 IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYMED PERSONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1985 WAS 29 700, COMPARED WITH 35 600 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1985 AND 21 800 FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984.
CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE SEEKING MORE WORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR COLIN GREENFIELD 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.
/MH GHEB8FIHLD........
SATVBJMY, PEBHDAHY 15, 1986
MR GREENFIELD ADDED THAT BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION CF 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. THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST TREND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED) FOR NOVEMBER 1985 TO JANUARY 1986 WAS 3.2 PER CENT, AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.2 PER CENT. THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1985 WAS 3.4 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY (GHS) CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14 OOO HOUSEHOLDS OR 52 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
MR GREENFIELD FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT TO CONFORM TO THE LATEST STANDARDS RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO, THE GHS DEFINITIONS CF +UNEMPLOYMENT+ AND +UNDEREMPLOYMENT+ HAVE BEEN MODIFIED SINCE JANUARY 1985.
HOWEVER, A COMPLETE CONVERSION WILL ONLY BE INTRODUCED IN MAY 1986 WHEN A SUFFICIENTLY LONG SERIES OF THE STATISTICS UNDER THE NEW DEFINITIONS IS AVAILABLE.
USING THE NEW DEFINITIONS THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1985 WAS 3.1 PER CENT, AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 2.3 PER CENT.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1985 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND MARCH 20, 1986.
-----o-----
/7........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 198'
- 7 -
STI LEAVES FOR TRADE TALKS
* K * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR TALKS ON TRADE ISSUES IN CANADA, THE UNITED STATES AND EUROPE.
MR HO WILL HOLD TALKS IN OTTAWA WITH THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT ON A NUMBER OF TRADE MATTERS ON MONDAY. THE FOLLOWING DAY HE WILL JOIN A DELEGATION OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WHICH IS IN CANADA, AND THE GROUP WILL THEN TRAVEL TO WASHINGTON.
AFTER THE THIRD JOINT PLENARY SESSION OF THE HONG KONG-UNITED STATES AND THE UNITED STATES-HONG KONG ECONOMIC COOPERATION COMMITTEES, MR HO WILL REMAIN IN WASHINGTON FOR FURTHER TALKS WITH U.S. ADMINISTRATION AND CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS.
HE WILL THEN LEAVE FOR EUROPE WHERE HE WILL VISIT A NUMBER OF CAPITALS BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG ON MARCH 5.
DURING MR HO’S ABSENCE MR S.A. WEBB-JOHNSON WILL BE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
---.0------
STRIVING FOR NEW TOWN IMPROVEMENTS M * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO STRIVE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT CF THE ENVIRONMENT OF NEW TOWNS AND THEIR SURROUNDING AREAS, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THIS, HE SAID, WOULD BE DONE IN CONSULTATION WITH THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AND BODIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
SPEAKING AT A HEUNG YEE KUK NEW YEAR RECEPTION, DR HAYES SAID THERE SEEMED TO BE A GROWING GAP BETWEEN THE NEW TOWNS AND THE AREAS OUTSIDE THEM, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHICH EXIST BETWEEN AND AROUND THE NEW TOWNS.
+QUITE DENSELY POPULATED, OCCUPIED BY AN INDISCRIMINATE, SHAPELESS MIXTURE OF DOMESTIC, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY, WITH INADEQUATE ROAD AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS, AND AS OFTEN AS NOT LACKING IN OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES, THEY PRESENT A SITUATION WHICH IS OFTEN IN STRIKING CONTRAST TO THE EVER-IMPROV I NG CONDITIONS IN THE NEW TOWNS,+ HE SAID.
+WHILST NOT EVERYTHING THAT IS NEW IS BEAUTIFUL, IT IS CERTAIN THAT THE SITUATION IN THESE OTHER PLACES IS TOO OFTEN UNACCEPTABLE,* KE ADDED.
/+A LOT........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1986
8
+ A LOT OF PREPARATORY WORK HAS BEEN DONE, ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTHERN NEW TERRITORIES, BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND ITS CONSULTANTS, AND THIS FORM THE BASIS FOR NEW INITIATIVES AND CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS WILL SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE THE POSITION,* DR HAYES SAID.
+ TIED WITH THIS IMPROVEMENT IS THE EXTENSION OF PLANNING TO THE AREAS OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS,* HE SAID.
DR HAYES SAID THERE COULD BE NO REAL PROGRESS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES UNLESS THERE WAS CONTINUED GOOD UNDERSTANDING AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
+WE SHALL SHORTLY BEGIN WORK TOGETHER ON THE LAND POLICY LIAISON GROUP WITH ITS FOUR WORKING PARTIES TO REVIEW POLICY REGARDING RESUMPTION, THE SMALL HOUSES, LAND USE PLANNING AND DETERMINATION OF BOUNDARIES,* HE SAID.
-----o------
VISIT TO HOSPITAL
* X * *
CONTINUING HIS SERIES OF FAMILIARISATION VISITS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS, THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING CALLED AT KWONG WAH HOSPITAL.
JACOBS WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR ALOYSIUS CHU CEE-LOONG, AND THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF KWONG WAH, DR LIU WOON-TIM.
HE THEN VISITED THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE HOSPITAL, INCLUDING THE PRIVATE AND GERIATRIC WARDS, THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT, ELECTRO-MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC UNIT, THE NEUROSURGICAL WARD, AND THE PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT.
HE LATER MET OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AT A TEA RECEPTION.
-----0------
NEW PUBLICITY ON MENTAL HEALTH
* * *
A NEW TELEVISION API (ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST), ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO BE HELPFUL AND SYMPATHETIC TOWARDS THE MENTALLY ILL. WILL BE SCREENED ON TELEVISION AS FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
COMMENTING ON THE NEW API, THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MARTIN LEWIS SAID TODAY, THAT A +SOFT-SELL+ APPROACH WAS BEING ADOPTED TO PROVIDE THE BASIC FACTS OF MENTAL HEALTH TO PUBLIC.
/THE FILM.......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1986
THP FILM DRAWS THE COMPARISON BETWEEN WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PERSON BREAKS HIS LEG AND HIS SYMPATHETIC FRIENDS DO NOT EXPECT HIM TO RECOVER OVER NIGHT, TOGETHER WITH THEIR ATTITUDE TOWARDS HIM AFTER HE HAS RECOVERED, AND THAT OF A MENTALLY ILL PERSON AND HIS
RECOVERY.
+WHEN A PERSON IS FIT AGAIN, HIS FRIENDS WILL TREAT HIM NORMALLY AND FORGET THAT HE HAS EVER BEEN TEMPORARILY DISABLED. IF ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS GETS MENTAL ILLNESS, THE SAME RULES APPLY,+ MR LEWIS SAID.
+ | FEEL THAT THE KEY POINT OF THE API IS EMPHASISED THROUGH THE VOICEOVER -- DON’T EXPECT HIM TO RECOVER OVER NIGHT. BE FELPFUL AND SYMPATHETIC AND AS HE RECOVERS, TREAT HIM LIKE A NORMAL HUMAN BEING.
+MENTAL PATIENTS, AFTER RECEIVING PROPER TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, WILL BE NO DIFFERENT FROM ANYONE ELSE.*
BY STRESSING FRIENDSHIP AS A WAY TO INTEGRATION, THE PUBLIC IS URGED THROUGH THE API TO GIVE A HELPING HAND TO THE MENTALLY ILL AND TO ACCEPT EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AS EQUAL MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.
THIS API IS PART OF A CURRENT PUBLICITY EFFORT TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH.
OTHER PUBLICITY ITEMS INCLUDE A 12-PAGE BOOKLET, WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENTS AND DISTRICT OFFICES, AND A SET OF EIGHT FACT SHEETS, WHICH WILL BE READY SOON.
-----o------
WORKING GROUP PROMOTES UC ELECTIONS * * * *
RESIDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FORE ABOUT CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ABOUT THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS AT TWO PUBLIC MEETINGS TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17) AND TUESDAY.
THE MEETINGS ARE ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WHICH WAS RECENTLY SET UP UNDER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR LEE MAN-KWONGJ ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES (KOWLOON), MR T.K. CHOY} CHIEF MANAGER (LEISURE SERVICES) KOWLOON EAST OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR WOO WAI-MANJ AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL SPEAK AT THE MEETINGS, WHICH WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE WORKING GROUP LEADER, MR ALBERT LI.
/a DOCUMENTARY .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1986
10 -
A DOCUMENTARY FILM ON THE WORK OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, ’CITY VOICES’, WILL ALSO BE SHOWN.
THE MEETING ON MONDAY WILL BE HELD AT 8.30 PM IN THE LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL.
FREE TRANSPORT WILL BE ARRAGED AT FOUR PICK-UP POINTS: THE JUNCTION OF HENG LAM STREET AND FU MEI STREET WEST, THE JUNCTION OF ,ANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, THE ME I TUNG ESTATE CARPARK ENTRANCE, AND THE CHOI HUNG ESTATE CAR PARK ENTRANC-.
THE MEETING ON TUESDAY WILL BE HELD AT THE PO LEUNG KUK C F A NO. 1 COLLEGE AT 8.30 PM. PICK UP POINTS OF THE FREE COACH SERVICES WILL BE AT FUNG SHING STREET, CHOI WAN ESTATE OPPOSITE AND AT KA WAH TERRACE, HAMMER HILL ROAD.
KAI
FAI HOUSE
RESIDENTS WHO ATTEND THE MEETING MAY BOARD THE COACH AT 7.45 PM AND AT 8.10 PM IN BOTH EVENINGS.
THE CIVIC EDUCATION WORKING GROUP HAS ALSO PRINTED A BOOK MARK FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PEOPLE ATTENDING THE MEETINGS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED (FEBRUARY 17) AT LOK AT 161 LOK SIN ROAD,
TO COVER THE TWO MEETINGS HELD ON MONDAY MING SECONDARY SCHOOL
SIN TONG WONG CHUNG SAN PO KONG AT 8.30
(FEBRUARY 18) AT PO LEUNG KUK C.F.A. NO VILLAGE ROAD, TSZ WAN SHAN
AT 8.30 PM
PM, AND ON TUESDAY
1 COLLEGE AT 173, PO KONG
-----o------
VILLAGERS HELP WITH BIG CLEAN-UP * * * * *
THE APPEARANCE OF TAI HAU WAN VILLAGE NEAR BISNEY ROAD IN POK FU LAM HAS BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED BY CLEAN-UP, CONSTRUCTION AND ACCESS IMPROVEMENT WORKS CARRIED OUT UNDER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES.
ABOUT $26 000 WAS SPENT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA AND A BRIDGE, REPAIRS TO A FOOTPATH AND DRAINAGE, AND THE INSTALLATION OF GUARD RAILINGS IN THE VILLAGE WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 150 IN 40 HOUSEHOLDS.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND VILLAGERS HAD JOINTLY LAUNCHED A FIVE-DAY CLEAN-UP OPERATION TO CLEAR AWAY HEAPS OF JUNK FROM VARIOUS SPOTS IN THE VILLAGE.
/RECOJMBiDATICNS FOR........
SATURDAY, fEBRU ABY 15, 19&>
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WERE ENDORSED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE LAST SEPTEMBER FOLLOWING A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN AUGUST UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
+TAI HAU WAN VILLAGE WAS ONE OF THE FOUR SQUATTER AREAS SURVEYED UNDER THE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR,+ A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+UNDER THIS SCHEME, AN IN-DEPTH STUDY IS ALSO BEING CONDUCTED TO LOOK INTO THE CURRENT LEVELS OF BASIS FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED IN THE VILLAGE AND THE MEASURES REQUIRED TO MEET DEMANDS,+ HE SAID.
THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT POWER AND WATER SUPPLY, REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICES, STREET LIGHTING, POSTAL SERVICES, ACCESSES, LAW AND ORDER IN THE VILLAGE WERE GENERALLY SATISFACTORY.
+IT IS HOPED THAT THE SITTING-OUT AREA WILL MEET THE RESIDENTS’ RECREATION AND AMENITY NEEDS,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
-----o-----
+STUDENTS OF YEAR+ GET PRIZES * * * *
SIX OUTSTANDING STUDENTS IN KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU wAI AREAS WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) NAMED +STUDENT OF THE YEAR*.
THEY WERE AMONG THE 12 WINNERS OF AN AWARD SCHEME FOR STUDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS IN STUDIES, CONDUCT AND COMMUNITY SERVICES.
THE WINNERS, SIX FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND SIX FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS, HAD BEEN NOMINATED BY THEIR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS FOR THE award.
THE SCHEME WAS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, KOWLOON TONG AND MA TAU WAI AREA COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DI STR ICT BOARD.
THE FIRST THREE STUDENTS OF EACH SECTION WERE NAMED 'STUDENT OF THE YEAR’, AND EACH RECEIVED A SCHOLARSHIP OF 8400 AND A PLAQUE. THE OTHER WINNERS WERE GIVEN SOUVENIRS.
WINNERS IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION WERE CHAN WAI-HONG, SHEK MAY-CHEE, WONG WAI-CHUNG, CHOI MAY-SHAN, AU KING-CHEE AND TSANG WING-HANG AND THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION WINNERS WERE CHEUNG CHUNG-MING, POON KAM-HA, LAM HON-SANG, CHAN WING-WAH, LO KIN-YEE AND MA CHI-KIT.
THE COMPETITION WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING MORAL EDUCATION AND ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS DIANA TONG PRESENTED
PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS TO THE WINNERS.
0
/12
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1986
GOVERNOR RETURNING * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG FROM LONDON ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17).
HE WILL BE ARRIVING ON FLIGHT BAOO3, ETA 4.25 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THERE WILL BE A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL ON MONDAY. THOSE COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN THE AIRPORT PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM BY 3.35 PM.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- 0 - -
TRAFFIC CHANGES ANNOUNCED * * * *
THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN WAH KING HILL ROAD AND BUTTERFLY VALLEY INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 2.15 AM TO 4.15 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 18) TO FACILITATE THE TRANSPORTATION OF TRANSFORMER BY CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY.
VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WAH KING HILL ROAD, TAI WO INTERCHANGE, WAH YIU ROAD, LAI CHI LING ROAD, LIM CHO STREET, KING CHO ROAD, LAI KING HILL ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE AND KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON KOWLOON-BOUND JOURNEY ARE ALSO ADVISED TO USE KWAI CHUNG ROAD INSTEAD OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
FROM 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 18, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED PROHIBITED ZONES FOR VEHICLES EXCEEDING THREE TONNES:
* FEI NGO SHAN ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 750 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD:
* SHAT IN PASS ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TSZ WAN SHAN ROADj AND
* KING HONG STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KING FUK STREET.
/WITH EFi'iKT
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 198r
WITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME TIME, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WESTBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 78 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
MEANWHILE, THE 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES ON THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE LIFTED:
* YUET LUN STREET BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH PO LUN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 68 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION? AND
* THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PO LUN STREET BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH YUET LUN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 16 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
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PRESS CONFERENCE ON DISTRICT OFFICE’S WORK * * * *
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 17) ON THE WORK OF THE OFFICE IN PREPARATION FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS NEXT MONTH.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, WILL CHAIR THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND GIVES DETAILS OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES.
THE THREE CANDIDATES FROM THE DISTRICT CONTESTING THE_SINGLE CONSTITUENCY, MR CHEUNG CHUNG-YAN, MR YEUNG FUK-KWONG AND MR CHA.J wAI-YIP WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS
CONFERENCE STARTING AT
WAN DISTRICT MULTI-STOREY
NOON IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN 7ME FIRST FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN STATION BUILDING AT 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN.
OFFICE, ON CARPARK
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/14........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1986
14
LUNAR NEW YEAR CHILDREN FUN DAY * * * *
MORE THAN 3 OOO CHILDREN IN TO KWA WAN SOUTH AREA WILL BE TREATED TO A LUNAR NEW YEAR CHILDREN FUN DAY AT THE KO SHAN ROAD PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TO KWA WAN SOUTH AREA COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE TWO-HOUR CHILDREN FUN DAY WILL FEATURE 15 GAMES STALLS PUT UP BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE AREA COMMITTEE, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE LION DANCES AND AN EXHIBITION ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION DISPLAYED BY THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THAT SUCH FREE ENTERTAINMENT HAD BEEN VERY POPULAR AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS, AND HELPED PROMOTE NEIGHBOURLINESS AMONG RESIDENTS.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT TOMORROW’S CHILDREN FUN DAY WILL INCLUDE THE ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TOMMY YUEN I CHAIRMAN OF TO KWA WAN SOUTH AREA COMMITTEE, MR WONG LUNG-TAK, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR KONG PAK-KEUNG AND MR TANG PO-HONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TO KWA WAN SOUTH AREA LUNAR NEW YEAR CHILDREN FUN DAY AT THE KO SHAN ROAD PLAYGROUND AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY^.
------0-------
DANCE COURSE FOR TEACHERS * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A LATIN AMERICAN AND BALLROOM DANCE COURSE FOR TEACHERS INCHARGE OF DANCE ACTIVITIES AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION EARLY NEXT MONTH.
A'MeD AT IMPROVING THE PRACTICAL SKILL OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION J^ACHtRS AND THEIR TECHNIQUES IN TEACHING, THE FREE COURSE WILL EE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH BY MRS JOAN CAMPBELL.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SEVENTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAUMATI, BEFORE FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 21).
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1986
- 15 -
BRIEFING ON FLOATING RESTAURANT
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WILL HOLD A MEETING WITH PROSPECTIVE OPERATORS OF THE PROPOSED SHA TIN +FLOATING RESTAURANT* ON MONDAY.
THE MEETING IS TO BRIEF RESTAURANT COULD BE BUILT AT BY PILES.
INTERESTED OPERATORS HOW THE THE SHING MUN RIVER SUPPORTED
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM AT 10 AM, SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, ON MONDAY.
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SPRING RECEPTION * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A SPRING RECEPTION ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 18) FROM 4 PM TO 6 PM AT THE HO MAN TIN HSIN KUANG RESTAURANT, SECOND FLOOR, 86 WATERLOO ROAD.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM WILL BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE RECEPTION.
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/16 ........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1986
- 16 -
NEW YEAR CARNIVAL
* * *
MORE THAN 10 000 MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A FUN-PACKED CARNIVAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND TO CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE TIGER.
THE CARNIVAL, HELD IN THE DISTRICT FOR THE SEVENTH TIME, FEATURES A LION DANCE, A VARIETY SHOW AND GAMES STALLS.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE TRUSTEES OF THE HONG KONG BANK FOUNDATION.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR POON CHEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL AT 1.40 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET.
-----o------
CHING CHEUNG ROAD TO BE REPAIRED
*****
REMEDIAL WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO A 500 METRE-SECTION OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD, KOWLOON, ADJACENT TO CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE.
THE LOCAL DRAINAGE SYSTEM WILL ALSO BE IMPROVED.
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH WILL START IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN 10 MONTHS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 7.
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/17........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1)36
17
RUNNING TRACK TO BE RESURFACED * * * * *
THE RUNNING TRACK AT KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND IS TO BE RESURFACED INTO AN ALL WEATHER TRACK.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
THE SPORTS GROUND IS THE MAIN ATHLETICS VENUE FOR KWAI CHUNG AND IS USED FREQUENTLY BY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE TRACK IS 400 METRES LONG.
- - 0 - -
BUS-ONLY LANES ON POK FU LAM ROAD
*****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 18), THE PROHIBITION ON THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF THE NORTHBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF POK FU LAM ROAD WHERE NO VEHICLE EXCEPT BUSES IS ALLOWED TO ENTER BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS WILL BE LIFTED FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS:
* FROM A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH MT. DAVIS ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 180 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION: AND
* FROM A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH POKFIELD ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 290 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
HOwEVER, FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY, VEHICLES OTHER THAN BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM THE NORTHBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF POK FU LAM ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH POKFIELD ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 270 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 AM FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MOVE TOWARDS BAR CODING ................................ 1
THIRD QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED ............... 1
GROUP TO COLLECT VIEWS ON HAWKERS......................... 2
TRAFFIC SIGNS IMPROVED IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT .............. 3
KAIFONGS THANKED FOR SUPPORT............................ 4
HIGH STANDARDS SET FOR SECURITY GUARDS ................... 5
IMPROVING WATER SUPPLY TO QUARRY BAY ..................... 7
BADMINTON COURSE FOR TEACHERS ............................ 7
DEMOLITION WORK OFFERED .................................. 8
MONG KOK SPRING RECEPTION ................................ 8
+FUNNY FEET+ TICKETS ON SALE ............................. 8
SPEED LIMIT CUT .......................................... 9
WATER CUT
9
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
1
MOVE TOWARDS BAR CODING * * * *
WITH INCREASING USAGE OF BAR CODING ON A WIDE VARIETY OF PRODUCTS THE HONG KONG TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL HAS SET UP A SUB-COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE ARTICLE NUMBERING.
PRODUCTS MUST BE NUMBERED ACCORDING TO AN AGREED SYSTEM FOR BAR CODING TO WORK EFFICIENTLY AND THE ARTICLE NUMBERING SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE COUNCIL HAS NOW STARTED WORK. ITS FORMATION FOLLOWED A VISIT TO HONG KONG LAST YEAR BY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM ARTICLE NUMBERING ASSOCIATION. THE COUNCIL WILL PROVIDE THS INITIAL FRAMEWORK FOR AN ORGANISATION SERVING THE TERRITORY WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY BECOME INDEPENDENT.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE IS MR GEORGE ELLEDGE, ADMINISTRATION MANAGER OF THE DAIRY FARM COMPANY, AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN IS MR K.T. TONGSON, A DIRECTOR OF THE STAR INDUSTRIAL COMPANY AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PLASTIC MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION.
TERMS OF REFERENCE AND FUNDING FOR THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN AGREED ON. COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS ARE TO BE APPROACHED AND INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE WORK. THE NEXT MEETING WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 5, WHEN CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO WAYS TO INCREASE MEMBERSHIP, AND TO PUBLICITY ON THE BENEFITS OF ARTICLE NUMBERING TO RETAILERS, WHOLESALERS AND MANUFACTURERS.
AMONG THE COMPANIES WHICH HAVE ALREADY EXPRESSED INTEREST ARE: A.S. WATSON AND CO, AMOY INDUSTRIES (INTERNATIONAL), THE ASIA PROVISIONS CO, BRITISH-AMERICAN TOBACCO (HK), COLGATE-PALMOLIVE (HK), THE DAIRY FARM CO, GARDEN CO, GOLDEN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT LTD, NESTLE CHINA LTD, STAR INDUSTRIAL LTD, AND TAI-KOO SUGAR LTD.
- - 0 -
THIRD QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED * * * * *
THE TOTAL GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 AMOUNTED TO $9 012 MILLION, WHICH WAS 4.1 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 1.4 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984, ACCORDING TO RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS (AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, AND OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS) IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 WAS 35 883 MILLION. THIS GAVE AN INDEX OF 89.3, WHICH WAS 2.7 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 7.5 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1Q84. THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 WAS TAKEN AS 100.
/AS DISTINCT ........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
2
AS DISTINCT FROM THE FIGURES ON CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS, THE FIGURES FOR MAIN CONTRACTORS ARE FREE FROM THE EFFECT OF DOUBLE COUNTING OF CONSTRUCTION VALUE DUE TO THE SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985 AMOUNTED TO 54 483 MILLION, WHICH WAS 6.2 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 12.5 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984. THE DROP WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE COMPLETION OF THE MAJOR PART OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE PROJECT.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 198£ WAS 51 537 MILLION. WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984, IT DECREASED BY 5.3 PER CENT AND 7.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WAS $744 MILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 10.0 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND OF 21.7 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IS GIVEN IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, THIRD QUARTER 1985+ RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE REPORT MAY BE BOUGHT AT $2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT CENTRE OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS CALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7224490.
- - o-------------
GROUP TO COLLECT VIEWS ON HAWKERS
*****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO COLLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON HAWKER AND MARKET POLICIES.
AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE WORKING GROUP, HELD RECENTLY, MEMBERS AGREED TO ADOPT A TWO-PRONGED CONSULTATION STRATEGY.
/CHAIRMAN OF .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR PANG KAM-FAI, SAID:
+THE WORKING GROUP WILL SHORTLY ISSUE LETTERS TO ALL LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES, LICENSED HAWKERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND SHOP-OWNERS’ ORGANISATIONS, AND INVITE THEM TO SEND IN THEIR VIEWS ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT.
♦APART FROM WRITTEN COMMENTS, INTERESTED PARTIES CAN ALSO APPROACH THE LIAISON STAFF OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUS-OFFICES AND VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE HAWKER ISSUE.*
TO BROADEN THE CONSULTATION NETWORK, AREA COMMITTEES WILL 3E FNCOURAGED TO OPEN THEIR MEETINGS TO THE PUBLIC WHEN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT IS DISCUSSED.
+FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, THE WORKING GROUP WILL APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE A LARGE-SCALE FORUM IN MARCH OR APRIL TO COLLECT OPINIONS ON A WIDER SPECTRUM,* MR PANG SAID.
HE ALSO CALLED ON INDIVIDUAL RESIDENTS TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS TO THE WORKING GROUP IF THEY HAD ANY COMMENT ON THE DOCUMENT.
+3ESIDES SOLICITING VIEWS FROM THE PUBLIC, MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP WILL ALSO STUDY THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE DISTRICT BOARD,* MR PANG ADDED.
THE WORKING GROUP EXPECTS TO COMPLETE ITS TASK WITHIN THREE TO FOUR MONTHS AND A REPORT WILL 3E AVAILABLE AT THE FULL BOARD MEETING IN JUNE.
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TRAFFIC SIGNS IMPROVED IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT
X * * *
MORE THAN 20 TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE EITHER BEEN INSTALLED, IMPROVED OR REPAIRED IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
SINCE ITS FORMATION IN MAY LAST YEAR, THE +WORKING GROUP TO REVIEW THE ADEQUACY OR OTHERWISE OF EXISTING TRAFFIC SIGNS IN GUIDING MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS* HAD IDENTIFIED ABOUT 50 TRAFFIC SIGNS FOR CORRECTION.
THE WORKING GROUP COMPRISES THREE MEMBERS WHO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACTS WITH THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES. THEY ALSO CONDUCT SITE VISITS AND ARE CONSTANTLY ALERT TO VIEWS OF RESIDENTS AND THEIR COLLEAGUES
/COMPLAINTS OR .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
4
COMPLAINTS OR SUGGESTIONS COLLECTED REGARDING TRAFFIC SIGNS WOULD 3E RELAYED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR REFERENCE VIA THE SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT committee.
+F0R EXAMPLE, SOME 30 SIGNS WERE IDENTIFIED IN ABERDEEN TOWN CENTRE AND WONG CHUK HANG DURING A SITE VISIT LAST JUNE,+ A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE WORKING GROUP MADE A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS CONCERNING THESE FINDINGS.
A +T0 CARPARK+ SIGN WAS PROVIDED AT THE STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD’S JUNCTIONS WITH STANLEY BEACH ROAD AND STANLEY MOUNT ROAD UPON THE SUGGESTION OF THE STANLEY AND SHEK 0 AREA COMMITTEE.
IN NOVEMBER LAST, COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ABOUT TRAFFIC SIGNS IN ABERDEEN TOWN CENTRE WERE ALSO NOTED AND REFLECTED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
AS A RESULT, THREE LARGE TEMPORARY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS WERE PUT UP ALONG NAM NING STREET IN ABERDEEN CENTRE. CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS WILL SOON BE PAINTED IN WU NAM STREET TO WARN MOTORISTS OF A PEDESTRIAN ZONE AHEAD.
-----o------
KAIFONGS THANKED FOR SUPPORT * * *
RESIDENTS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT MATTERS HAD HELPED CREATE A BETTER COMMUNITY TO LIVE IN. MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT NEW YEAR CARNIVAL, MRS FUNG SAID GOVERNMENT EFFORTS ALONE WERE NOT SUFFICIENT TO MAINTAIN A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY. RESIDENTS KEEN SUPPORT AND SERIOUS COMMENTS ON LOCAL AFFAIRS WERE NEEDED.
SHE URGED THE RESIDENTS TO CARRY OUT THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY ONCE AGAIN ON MARCH 6 BY VOTING IN THE URBAN COUNCIL
ELECTIONS.
POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPEN FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM ON THAT DAY, SHE SAID.
MRS FUNG ALSO NOTED THAT THE NEW YEAR CARNIVAL WAS A POPULAR FUNCTION FOR FAMILIES IN THE DISTRICT.
SHE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AS WELL AS THE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR ORGANISING A SUCCESSFUL CARNIVAL FOR ALL RESIDENTS.
HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS VISITED THE CARNIVAL WHICH FEATURED LION DANCES, VARIETY SHOWS AND GAMES STALLS.
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/5.......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
5
HIGH STANDARDS SET FOR SECURITY GUARDS
* * * *
ARMED SECURITY GUARDS ARE A FAMILIAR SIGHT ON THE STREETS OF nONG KONG. THEY GUARD BANKS AND JEWELLERY SHOPS AND CARRY CASHIN-TRANSIT. AND MANY OF THEM CARRY HIGH-CALIBRE SHOTGUNS, AS WELL.
HOw SAFE IS THIS FOR THE MAN-IN-THE-STREET WHO HAS NO CRIMINAL INTENT AND WHO UNWITTINGLY FINDS HIMSELF AT THE SCENE OF A ROBBERY?
ACCORDING TO POLICE, SOME 2 300 WATCHMEN ATTEND SHOOTING TESTS AT POLICE FIRING RANGES EACH YEAR IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR THE LICENCE WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO CARRY FIREARMS ON DUTY.
THE TESTS ARE STRINGENT, MANDATORY, AND MUST BE RE-TAKEN EVERY 12 MONTHS.
’’HIGH STANDARDS ARE LAID DOWN IN THESE TESTS, DESPITE THE Fact THAT WATCHMEN ARE FROM A MUCH LESS-DISCIPLINED FORCE THAN wE ARE,” SAID STATION SERGEANT CHAN WING-KEUNG, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE POLICE SHOOTING RANGE AT MOUNT BUTLER.
HE SAID THAT EACH WATCHMAN MUST DEMONSTRATE A SOUND KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN HANDLING HIS WEAPON BEFORE A LICENCE FOR POSSESSION (WATCHMAN), IS GRANTED.
THE TEST IS IN TWO PARTS AND IS CONDUCTED BY RANGE POLICE OFFICERS WITH WIDE EXPERIENCE IN FIREARMS AND SHOOTING.
SAID STATION SERGEANT CHAN : ’’EACH WATCHMAN IS FIRST TESTED ON THE PRINCIPLES GOVERNING THE USE OF FORCE AND FIREARMS - WHICH INCLUDES JUDGEMENT, WHEN TO OPEN FIRE, WHEN NOT TO OPEN FIRE, SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AND THE CARE OF WEAPONS.
”HE THEN HAS TO DEMONSTRATE THE PROCEDURES FOR LOADING AND UNLOADING AND DRY-FIRING, SO THAT THE EXAMINER CAN ASSESS HOW WELL KE HANDLES HIS WEAPON.”
A MANUAL ON THE USE OF FIREARMS, COMPILED BY THE POLICE LICENSING OFFICE, IS GIVEN TO THE WATCHMEN WHEN THEY SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS.
THOSE WHO ARE SUCCESSFUL AT THE THEORY AND HANDLING INTERVIEW WILL THEN TAKE PART IN AN ACTUAL SHOOTING TEST WHERE THE EMPHASIS IS ON ACCURACY.
’’THEY MUST SCORE THE NECESSARY PASS MARK,” SGT CHAN ASSURED, ADDING THAT THE POLICE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THIS AND MUST TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE FACT THAT MOST ARMED WATCHMEN ARE 'WORKING IN CROWDED AREAS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT POLICEMEN AND ARMED WATCHMEN MUST OBSERVc. THE SAME REGULATIONS ON THE USE OF FIREARMS.
/’’THEY KNOW ......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
- 6
’’THEY KNOW TO USE THE MINIMUM FORCE TO COMBAT CRIMES, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, AND TO THINK OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF OPENING FIRE IN CROWDED PLACES.’’
AS FOR THE SUCCESS RATE OF WATCHMEN AT HIS RANGE, SGT CHAN SAID THIS WAS CURRENTLY AROUND 70 PER CENT IN THE THEORY-HANDLING TESTS AND 60 PER CENT IN THE PRACTICAL TESTS.
AT PRESENT, AMONG THE 55 994 WATCHMEN REGISTERED WITH THE POLICE, A TOTAL OF 2 106 HAVE A LICENCE TO BE ARMED. THEY WORK AT BANKS, IN SECURITY COMPANIES AND IN HIGH-RISK PREMISES SUCH AS JEWELLERY, WATCH AND GOLD SHOPS.
A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, IN MOST CASES, ARMED WATCHMEW APE ALLOWED TO CARRY SHOTGUNS BECAUSE THE WEAPON IS RELATIVELY LESS POWERFUL THAN A RIFLE, wHEREAS REVOLVERS ARE CONSIDERED UNNECESSARY.
ALSO, SHOTGUNS ARE MORE VISIBLE AND THIS COULD HAVE A DETERRE< 1 EFFECT ON wOULD-BE CRIMINALS.
THE POLICE HAVE, TO DATE, ISSUED 2 946 ARMS AND AMMUNITION LICENCES, THE MAJORITY (949) ARE FOR SHOTGUNS, WHILE THE OTHERS ARE FOR A VARIETY OF GUNS INCLUDING SPORTING RIFLES, TARGET RIFLES, AIR PISTOLS, HARPOON GUNS AND STARTING GUNS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE ALSO RULES GOVERNING THE SAFEKEEPING OF FIREARMS AND THE POLICE CARRY OUT REGULAR CHECKS ON THE SECURITY OF ARMS STORAGE ARRANGEMENTS, AS WELL AS ON THE WEAPONS THEMSELVES.
TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE FOR POSSESSION (WATCHMAN), AN APPLICANT MUST BE ABLE TO MEET THE PRE-REQUISITES FOR BECOMING A REGISTERED WATCHMAN. HE MUST BE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 65, WITH NO CRIMINAL RECORD, HAVE AT LEAST TWO YEARS’ RESIDENCY IN HONG KONG AND BE IN GOOD PHYSICAL CONDITION WITH NORMAL EYESIGHT.
HE SHOULD APPLY ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF HIS EMPLOYER WHO MUST POSSESS AN ARMS AND AMMUNITION LICENCE AND WHOSE REQUEST FOR ARMED WATCHMEN IS CONSIDERED JUSTIFIED BY THE POLICE.
BEFORE ATTENDING THE TEST, THE WATCHMAN SHOULD HAVE UNDERGONE INTENSIVE SHOOTING TRAINING UNDER THE COACHING OF AN INSTRUCTOR HIRED BY THE EMPLOYER.
SO, NEXT TIME YOU SEE AN ARMED SECURITY GUARD IN THE STREET, REST ASSURED. HE HAS EARNED THE RIGHT.
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/7........
SUNfiAX, fSBaJARY 16, 1986
- 7 -
IMPROVING WATER SUPPLY TO QUARRY 3AY
* * *
THE ’'.'ATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR EXTENDING SHAU KEI WAN SERVICE RESERVOIR AND IMPROVING THE ACCESS ROAD LINKING SHING ON STREET WITH THE RESERVOIR.
TH' MULT I-MILL I ON DOLLAR CONTRACT WILL ADD ANOTHER 18 OOO CUD IC METRES OF CAPACITY TO THE RESERVOIR AND UPGRADE 300 METRES THE ROAD.
I" IS PART OF AN OVERALL SCHEME TO IMPROVE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO QUARRY BAY AND SHAU KEI WAN TO COPE WITH LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
THE OVERALL SCHEME INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF DISTRIBUTION •■'Ali!S IN QUARRY BAY, SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION AREA AND SHAU KEI WAN IT WILL ENABLE WATER SUPPLIES TO COPE WITH DEVELOPMENT UNTIL WELL INTO the 1990’S.
WORK ON THE SHAU KEI WAN EXTENSION IS EXPECTED TO START 1.1 APRIL AND BE READY BY THE END OF 1937.
0
BADMINTON COURSE FOR TEACHERS
K * *
A FREE BADMINTON TRAINING COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN-CHARGE OF BADMINTON ACTIVITIES AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION WILL BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
THE 10-SESSION COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AND THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND WILL BE HELD AT JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHA. TIN, FROM ‘-’ARCH 1.
IT IS PART OF THE + IMPROVE PERSONAL SKILL* COURSES ON VARIOUS SPORTING ACTIVITIES.
INSTRUCTORS OF THE COURSE WILL BE THE HEAD BADMINTON COACH OF JUBILEE CENTRE, MRS DIANO LO, AND A REGISTERED COACH OF HONG KONG BADMINTON ASSOCIATION, MR CHENG KIN-CHUNG.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION), PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD YAU MA TC| BEFORE FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 21).
0
/8........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
8
DEMOLITION WORK OFFERED * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR DEMOLITION WORK ON TAI WAI TEMPORARY RAILWAY STATION.
THE WORK INVOLVES DEMOLITION OF TWO, 25O-METRE-LONG PLATFORMS, TOGETHER WITH AWNINGS, AND THE TEMPORARY STATION BUILDING. REINSTATEMENT WORK WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
DEMOLITION OF THE STATION WILL START AFTER THE COMMISSIONING IN APRIL OF THE PERMANENT TAI WAI STATION TO THE SOUTH.
- - 0 -
MONG KOK SPRING RECEPTION * * *
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOST A SPRING RECEPTION
-OR COMMUNITY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AT THE INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANT, FOURTH FLOOR, 612 MATHAN ROAD AT 4 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON,
■';< BARRIE WIGGHAM WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SPRING RECEPTION.
- 0 - -
+FUNNY FEET+ TICKETS ON SALE * * *
THE AMERICAN 3ALLET COMEDY WILL PERFORM +FUNNY FEET+ IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 8 PM ON MARCH 13.
TICKETS AT Dio, 320, 330, 040 AND ‘60 ARE ON SALE AT THE TOWN HALL’S BOX OFFICE. HALF-PRICED TICKETS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO FULL-TIME STUDENTS UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE AND PEOPLE OVER 6^ YEARS OLD.
THE PERFORMANCE IS PRESENTED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES nEPART^ENT.
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1986
9
SPEED LIMIT CUT * * *
THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD, -ROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO CARITAS HOSPITAL, TO A POINT ABOUT 300 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE REDUCED FROM 70 KPH TO 50 KPH FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 19). THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, AND IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
-----o------
WATER CUT X * X
corcu wiTPR SUPPLY TO PREMISES BOUNDED BY CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, sutheK auEe»;s road west and eastern
e-ropcT iM WESTERN WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 11 PM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 18) AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
NATIONALITY ISSUES UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION ................. 1
SIR DAVID TO PROMOTE HK IN NORTH AMERICA........................ 2
CORDLESS PHONES FOR HOMES SEEN IN A YEAR........................ 3
COUNTRY PARKS REOPENING TOMORROW................................ 4
INTELPOST EXTENDED TO SHENZHEN ................................. 5
SKILLED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS NEEDED FOR RECOVERY ............
MORE LAND FOR JUNK BAY.......................................... 6
HAWKER ISSUE ON BOARD AGENDA ................................
GROUP TO DISCUSS SPORTS SUBSIDIES .............................. 8
RESTAURANT SITE OFFERED IN SHA TIN ............................. 8
COURSE ON PHOENIX MUSHROOM OFFERED.............................. 9
LAST TWO WEEKS FOR LOGO CONTEST ENTRIES ....................... 10
PRIZES FOR SAFETY SLOGAN WINNERS .............................. 1°
24-CLASSROOM SCHOOL FOR CHEUNG CHAU ........................... 11
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOxl SLOPE WORK................................. 11
ONE-HOUR TUNNEL CLOSURE........................................ 11
ONE-WEEK TRAFFIC CHANGE........................................ 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURES
12
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17,
•.996
NATIONALITY ISSUES UNDER SERIOUS CONSIDERATION * * * * *
THE UK GOVERNMENT IS SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING THE REQUESTS MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OVER THE NATIONALITY ISSUE BUT NO DECISION HAS YET BEEN TAKEN, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM LONDON, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT THE UK GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY SAID THAT PROVIDING A SATISFACTORY FORMULA COULD BE FOUND, THEY WOULD AGREE TO AN ENDORSEMENT IN THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORTS MAKING IT CLEAR THAT ENTRY VISAS WOULD NOT BE REQUIRED BY BONA FIDE VISITORS TO THE UK.
+1 WAS ABLE TO HAVE A FURTHER TALK WITH THEM ABOUT THAT,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
+ON THE OTHER ISSUES WHICH ARE MORE COMPLICATED, I WAS ABLE TO HAVE SOME DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM, AND I CAN ASSURE YOU IT’S ALL BEING VERY SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED IN LONDON AT THIS TIME, BUT NO DECISION HAS YET BEEN TAKEN.+
ON WHETHER HE HAD DISCUSSED CONTROLS OF BANKS IN HONG KONG WITH OFFICIALS OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND, SIR EDWARD SAID HE ALWAYS WENT TO SEE THE BANK OF ENGLAND WHEN HE WAS IN LONDON FOR A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE FINANCIAL SITUATION.
+BUT WE WERE NOT TALKING ABOUT ANY SPECIFIC MEASURES,* HE SAID.
AS FOR WHETHER THERE WAS A +SECRET REPORT* ON THE BANKING SITUATION IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR SAID THERE WAS NO SUCH SECRET REPORT.
RECOUNTING HIS TRIP TO LONDON, SIR EDWARD SAID HE HAD HAD A BUSY WEEK THERE SEEING FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS! THE SECRETARY CF STATE, SIR GEOFFREY HOWEl AND THE MINISTER OF STATE, NR TIMOTHY RENTON.
+THE MAIN PURPOSE THERE WAS TO GIVE THEM AN UP-TO-DATE BRIEFING ON DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG SINCE I WAS LAST IN THE UK,+ HE SAID.
+THEY WERE VERY INTERESTED AND CONCERNED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THE ECONOMY, HOW THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS SETTLING DOWN, THE STATE OF OPINION GENERALLY, AND ALSO THE PREPARATIONS AND WORK WHICH IS BEING DONE IN HONG KONG ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+NATURALLY I ALSO WENT TO THE HOME OFFICE AND SAW HOME OFFICE MINISTERS.
/+YOU KNOW-.......
MONDAY, FEBBUAfiY 17, 1966
2
+ YOU KNOW WE HAD A TEAM OVER THERE JUST BEFORE I WAS THERE, AND THAT ENABLED US TO IDENTIFY SOME MORE WORK TO BE DONE. BUT I WAS ABLE TO REPRESENT DIRECT TO HOME OFFICE MINISTERS AND TO FOREIGN OFFICE MINISTERS IN GREATER DEPTH THE FEELING IN HONG KONG ON THESE ISSUES.+
SIR EDWARD SAID HE ALSO WENT TO SEE OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENT CF TRADE TO GO OVER WITH THEM THE PROSPECTS OF THIS YEAR AND TO BRING HOME TO THEM HONG KONG’S CONCERNS ON PROTECTIONIST TENDENCIES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD.
+l HAD A FEW MEETINGS WITH DR WILSON WHO IS LEADING THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TEAM IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE ON LINE ON THE PREPARATIONS FOR THAT,+ HE ADDED.
SIR EDWARD WAS GREETED AT THE AIRPORT BY SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, FINANCIAL SECRETARY; MR OSWALD CHEUNG, UNOFFICIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR; AND MISS LYDIA DUNN, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
-----o------
SIR DAVID TO PROMOTE HK IN NORTH AMERICA
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR TODAY (MONDAY) ON A SEVEN-DAY
DAVID
VISIT
AKERS-JONES, LEFT HONG KONG TO NORTH AMERICA.
THE PURPOSE IS TO PROMOTE HONG KONG DISCUSS WITH THE OFFICERS WORKING ON THE PUBLIC RELATIONS WORK.
IN NORTH AMERICA AND TO SCENE HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS
HIS FIRST STOP IS MONTREAL WHERE HE NEETING OF THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS
WILL ADDRESS A LUNCH
^theTevening TOC fasr,°n gaea at thTeaton^s'department^tore^ 18
PLENARY W,LL ATTEND THE THIRD JOINT
HLtNARY SESSION OF THE HK—U.S. AND THE U S “HK ECONOMIC CO—DPFR at I aki COMMITTEES AND MEET WITH OVERSEAS REPRESENTATIVES OF HONG KONGBASED AGENCIES WITH OFFICES IN NORTH AMERICA.
rceDii!?DvW04L ADDRESS THE PHILADELPHIA WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL ON rtDnUAKY £1.
SIR DAVID WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON FEBRUARY 24.
sir A,RP0RT were THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY,
>S2Siei°^.P?EMR ,DGE’ THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE
C0UNC,L> MISS LYDIA DUNN, AND MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, MR OSWALD CHEUNG.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 198b
- 3 -
CORDLESS PHONES FOR HOMES SEEN IN A YEAR * * * * *
CORDLESS TELEPHONES MIGHT BE AVAILABLE FOR DOMESTIC USE IN HONG KONG IN ABOUT A YEAR’S TIME, THE ACTING POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES, MR LAN SAID HONG KONG-MADE CORDLESS TELEPHONES WERE PROHIBITED FROM USE BECAUSE THEY WERE MAINLY DESIGNED FOR OVERSEA MARKETS AND OPERATED ON FREQUENCIES IN THE 49 MHZ BAND WHICH INTERFERED WITH POLICE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS.
THE POST OFFICE HAD RECENTLY IDENTIFIED A TYPE OF CORDLESS TELEPHONE USING 47 MHZ BAND WHICH WAS SUITABLE FOR HONG KONG, HE SAID.
DETAILS ON SPECIFICATION OF THE EQUIPMENT AND HOW THEY WERE TO BE CONTROLLED HAD NOT BEEN FINALISED, BUT IT WAS HOPED THAT A PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT COULD BE MADE IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS’ TIME, WITH AN IMPLEMENTATION DATE LATER IN THE YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.
MR LAN ALSO SAID THE POST OFFICE HAD RECENTLY COMPLETED PLANS TO IMPROVE FM AS WELL AS TELEVISION RECEPTION IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THE FM IMPROVEMENT PLAN NOW BEING IMPLEMENTED, HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, BE ABLE TO GET EXCELLENT RECEPTION OF FM SIGNALS FROM BOTH RTHK AND COMMERCIAL RADIO VIRTUALLY EVERYWHERE IN HONG KONG.
AS FOR TELEVISION RECEPTION, A TRANSPOSER WAS BEING BUILT TO IMPROVE TV RECEPTION IN SHA TAU KOK AND NORTH-EAST FANLING. THIS WOULD BE OPERATIONAL IN THREE MONTHS.
ANOTHER ONE WAS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL IN SOUTH LANTAU NEXT YEAR, MR LAN SAID.
IT HAD BEEN DECIDED THAT ALL COMMUNITIES OF MORE THAN 6 OOO INHABITANTS WOULD HAVE TO BE SERVED BY A TELEVISION TRANSPOSER.
MEANWHILE, THE POST OFFICE CONTINUED TO MAINTAIN ITS HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE AND TO LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE.
THE POST OFFICE PROCESSED 1.55 MILLION LETTERS AND PARCELS EVERYDAY, AND THE TRAFFIC WAS GROWING AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF EIGHT TO 10 PER CENT.
HE ALSO SAID THAT:
/* NINETY-EIGHT PER.......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1986
- 4 -
* NINETY-EIGHT PER CENT OF LOCAL MAIL IS DELIVERED TO MOST URBAN AREAS WITHIN A DAY AFTER POSTING, AND
i
* NINETY-NINE PER CENT OF ALL OUTGOING AIRMAIL WAS DESPATCHED WITHIN 24 HOURS IF OUTGOING FLIGHTS WERE AVAILABLE.
THE HONG KONG POST OFFICE, HE SAID, HAD EARNED A GOOD REPUTATION LOCALLY AS WELL AS OVERSEAS FOR ITS RELIABLE AND EFFICIENT SERVICE.
- - - - 0 ----------
COUNTRY PARKS REOPENING TOMORROW
*****
THE SHING MUN, TAI MO SHAN AND TAI LAM COUNTRY PARKS AND THE TAI PO KAU NATURE RESERVE, WHICH HAVE BEEN CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC FOR MORE THAN A MONTH DUE TO EXTREMELY HIGH FIRE RISK, WILL BE RE-OPENED FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL-SWAN, MADE THE DECISION TODAY FOLLOWING AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE RECENT HILL FIRE SITUATION IN THE COUNTRY PARKS, AND AFTER CONSIDERING THE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE FIRE RISK IN THE COUNTRYSIDE HAD BECOME LOWER BECAUSE OF THE RECENT RAIN AND THE GENERAL RISE IN RELATIVE HUMIDITY.
♦THE CLOSURE AND THE BAN ON BARBECUING IN ALL COUNTRY PARKS HAVE ACHIEVED THE GOAL OF REDUCING THE NUMBER OF FIRE OUTBREAKS AND THE PUBLICITY GENERATED HAS MADE THE PUBLIC MORE FIRE-CONSCIOUS. BEFORE THE CLOSURE (JANUARY 11), THERE WERE ABOUT 30 FIRES IN OR NEAR COUNTRY PARKS IN A WEEK, BUT THE NUMBER DROPPED TO 16 AND 5 IN THE FIRST AND SECOND WEEK AFTER CLOSURE RESPECTIVELY.*
THE BAN ON BARBECUING HAD BEEN LIFTED SINCE FEBRUARY 6 AFTER CONSIDERING THE IMPROVEMENT IN WEATHER CONDITIONS AND THE FACT THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WOULD BE GOING OUT TO THE COUNTRYSIDE SEEKING RECREATION DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
+COUNTRYSIDE VISITORS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE, ESPECIALLY DURING SHORT SPELLS OF DRY WEATHER. THEY SHOULD BARBECUE ONLY IN DESIGNATED PLACES AND DISCARD CIGARETTE ENDS WITH CARE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/5
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17,
INTELPOST EXTENDED TO SHENZHEN
*****
THE INTELPOST (INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC POST) NETWORK FRv HONG KONG WILL BE EXTENDED TO SHENZHEN FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
INTELPOST ITEMS FOR LOWU AND SHANGBU POSTED BEFORE 2 PM AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND THOSE FOR NANTOU, SHEKOU, SHATOUK.^ AND BAOAN POSTED BEFORE NOON AT GPO WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEE THE SAME DAY, HE SAID.
ITEMS POSTED AFTER THESE TIMES WILL BE DELIVERED THE NEXT DAY, HE ADDED.
THE CHARGE FOR THE SERVICE TO SHENZHEN WILL BE:
’SHORT MESSAGE’ FACILITY 4>28
FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER s?35
FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE
SAME ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME S15
PEOPEL WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE SHOULD HAND OVER THEIR DOCUMENTS AT ANY ONE OF THE 23 ACCEPTANCE OFFICES.
INTELPOST IS NOW AVAILABLE TO 36 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING USA, UK, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN AND CHINA.
THOSE HAVING FACSIMILE MACHINES IN THEIR OFFICES CAN, bY ARRANGEMENT, TRANSMIT THEIR ITEMS DIRECT TO THE POST OFFICE INTELPOST TERMINAL IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE FOR RETRANSMI Sb I~ . OVERSEAS.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INTELPOST MANAGER ON TELEPHONE 5-2.671148.
- - 0 - -
SKILLED CONSTRUCTION WORKERS NEEDED FOR RECOVERY
*****
THERE WILL BE GROWING DEMAND FOR TRAINED WORKERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR AFTER A SLOW RECOVERY IN THE INDUSTRY LAST YEAR, A VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SURVEY REVEALED.
INCREASING COMPLEX PROJECTS AND STRINGENT QUALITATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS ALSO REQUIRE MORE SKILLED PERSONNEL TO JOIN THE INDUSTRY AND TO KEEP PACE WITH TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT, MR JOHN LOK. CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
/HE NOTED
MONDAY, FEBHUAEY 17, 1986
6
HE NOTED THAT FINDINGS CONTAINED IN THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY LAST YEAR HAD INCREASED BY ABOUT ONE PER CENT TO 87 OOO FROM 86 000 IN 1983.
+THE GROWTH, THOUGH MINIMAL, INDICATED THE INDUSTRY HAS BEEN UNDERGOING A SLOW RECOVERY OUT OF THE RECESSION BETWEEN 1981 AND 1983 WHEN THE WORKFORCE EXPERIENCED AN AVERAGE ANNUAL DROP OF SEVEN PER CENT,+ MR LOK SAID.
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AND THE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE BOARD FORECAST THAT SKILLED WORKFORCE AT CRAFT, TECHNICIAN AND TECHNOLOGIST LEVELS WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW BY ABOUT SIX TO SEVEN PER CENT ANNUALLY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THAT MEANS EMPLOYERS IN THE INDUSTRY NEED TO TRAIN AT LEAST 420 TECHNOLOGISTS, 810 TECHNICIANS AND 1 700 CRAFTSMEN EACH YEAR TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR FUTURE RECOVERY, MR LOK SAID.
HE NOTED THAT MANPOWER TRAINING WAS A LONG-TERM PROCESS AND SHOULD NOT BE DETERRED BY SHORT-TERM BUSINESS FLUCTUATIONS. EMPLOYERS SHOULD THEREFORE STEP UP STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN ORDER TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF THEIR WORKFORCE.
THE 1985 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $15 EACH. ______ _________
-----o------
MORE LAND FOR JUNK BAY
WORK WILL START IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS ON A $107-MILLI0N RECLAMATION CONTRACT TO PRODUCE 45 HECTARES OF ADDITIONAL LAND IN THE HANG HAU AREA OF JUNK BAY.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE JUNK BAY PROJECT MANAGER, MR NORMAN TUCKER, AND MR AKIRA SHIMADA, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE CONTRACTORS, AOKI CORPORATION.
IT INCLUDES THE PLACING OF 3.8 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILLING MATERIAL AS PART OF THE RECLAMATION, FORMATION AND PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE COASTAL AREAS OF AP TSAI WAN AND THE WESTERN HALF OF HANG HAU.
THE NEWLY-FORMED LAND WILL BE USED FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUSING, RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING, VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
/THE SOUTHERN........
MONDAY, /EBBDAKY 17, 1986
7 -
THF SOUTHERN TIP OF THE AP TSAI PENINSULA WILL BE
EXCAVATED TO PROVIDE FILLING MATERIAL AND A BUILDING PLATFORM.
THE EXCAVATED FACES OF THE PENINSULA WILL BE SHAPED AND LANDSCAPED AS PART OF THE PROPOSED URBAN FRINGE PARK.
ADDITIONAL FILLING MATERIAL WILL BE OBTAINED FROM EXCAVATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S LAM TIN SOUTH ESTATE AND FROM THE BORROW AREA AT PAK SHEK KOK.
ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECLAMATION WILL BE MAJOR DRAINAGE WORKS INCLUDING 900 METRES OF STORMWATER CULVERT.
THE WHOLE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE ENGINEERS FOR THE CONTRACT ARE MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA WHO HAVE DESIGNED AND WILL SUPERVISE THE WORK ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT.
- 0 -
HAWKER ISSUE ON BOARD AGENDA * * * *
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON HAWKER AND MARKET POLICIES AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON THE CONTROL CF POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTES.
DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO RAISE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE PROPOSED UNDERGROUND CARPARK AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, BILLIARD ROOMS AND THE PROBLEMS OF SIGNBOARDS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 18) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 201 HENNESSY ROAD, STH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1986
8
GROUP TO DISCUSS SPORTS SUBSIDIES
*****
THE RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE OFTHEPROVI SIGNAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY TO DISCUS| JgE PROCEDURES AND VETTING PRINCIPLES FOR SUBSIDISING SPORTS AL IiviI its IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA.
tuc MfrTlMf Wil I START AT 2.30 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT THE TSUEN WAN MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFjCE BUILDING, Sd FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TtRRITORIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
-----0------
RESTAURANT SITE OFFERED IN SHA TIN
*****
A REPLACEMENT FOR THE COLOURFUL SHA TIN FLOATING RESTAURANT WHICH WAS TOWED TO GUANGZHOU AT THE END OF 1984 COULD BE IN OPERATION IN A YEAR’S TIME.
A SITE ALONG THE SHING MUN RIVER NEAR WHERE THE PREVIOUS RESTAURANT WAS ANCHORED IS BEING OFFERED FOR TENDER BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR A SIMILAR RESTAURANT TO BE BUILT.
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT HAS JUST CALLED FOR TENDERS FOR A
7 709-SQUARE METRE SITE AT SHA TIN. THIS INCLUDES 6 000 SQUARE hETRES OF SPACE ON LAND FOR USE AS CAR PARKS AND FOR LANDSCAPING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE SAID ALTHOUGH IT IS KNOWN AS THE +FLOATING RESTAURANT* SITE, A SUITABLE VESSEL COULD NO LONGER BE OPERATED ON THE SHING MUN RIVER.
♦THE SITE OFFERED IS WITHIN THE RIVER SO THAT A MODERN CONCRETE STRUCTURE OF NOT MORE THAN THREE STOREYS CAN BE ERECTED OVER THE WATER AND SUPPORTED BY PILES,* HE SAID.
+IT IS HOPED THAT A BUILDING RESEMBLING A TRADITIONAL CHINESE FLOATING RESTAURANT WILL BE CONSTRUCTED WITH ALL THE UTILITIES SUCH AS POWER, WATER AND DRAINAGE.
/+THIS RESTAURANT
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1986
- 9 -
+ THIS RESTAURANT WHEN COMPLETED w ILL NOT POSE ANY POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN THE RIVER BECAUSE ITS EFFLUENT WILL BE DISCHARGED THROUGH AN UNDERGROUND SEWER,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF BUSINESSMEN CONNECTED WITH THE HOTEL AND RESTAURANT TRADE HAD SHOWN INTEREST IN THE PROJtC .
HE SAID THE PROPOSED RESTAURANT COULD BECOME OPERATIONAL WITHIN A YEAR, IF EVERYTHING WENT ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE.
-----0-----
COURSE ON PHOENIX MUSHROOM OFFERED
*****
SIXTH FORM BIOLOGY TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A FREE LECTURE AND WORKSHOP ON CULTIVATION OF THE PHOENIX MUSHROOM, TO BE HELD ON SEVERAL DAYS NEXT MONTH AND IN APRIL.
THE LECTURE AND WORKSHOP, ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 7, 8 AND 10, AND APRIL 4, 12 AND 26.
THERE WILL BE MEETINGS FOR THE LECTURE ON THE BIOLOGY AND CULTIVATION OF THE PHOENIX MUSHROOM AND FOR THE WORKSHOP ON CULTIVATION OF PHOENIX MUSHROOM METHODS AND PRACTICE.
THE LECTURE AND WORKSHOP ARE RELEVANT PARTLY TO THE TEACHING OF THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION’S MORPHOLOGY OF AN AGARIC FUNGUS AND PLANTS AND ANIMALS USED FOR FOOD, AND PARTLY TO THE HONG KONG HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION’S RECYCLING OF WASTES AND BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES EXPLOITED BY MAN.
THE LECTURE AND THE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT TAI LUNG FARM IN SHEUNG SHUI AND THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT.
A HORTICULTURIST OF TAI LUNG FARM, AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR HO KOON-YUE, WILL CONDUCT THE LECTURE AND WORKSHOP.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE A BIOLOGY TEACHER TO THE LECTURE OR WORKSHOP, OR BOTH. SHOULD SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (BIOLOGY^, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BEFORE FEBRUARY 26.
- - 0 ----------
/10 .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1’86
10
LAST TWO WEEKS FOR LOGO CONTEST ENTRIES
PEOPLE WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION HAVE ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID ALL. ENTRIES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE TWO COLLECTION POINTS THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL OR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS — BEFORE 12 NOON ON SATURDAY, MARCH 1.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TO ACQUIRE A LOGO FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WHICH WILL COME INTO BEING ON APRIL 1.
THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF $30 000. TROPIES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO THE WINNER AND THE FIRST TWO RUNNERS-UP.
--------o----------
PRIZES FOR SAFETY SLOGAN WINNERS
*****
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SLOGAN COMPETITION AT 4 PM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 19), AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 13/F., HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
THE FIRST PRIZE OF A FREE TRIP TO JAPAN, WORTH $5 000 WAS WON BY MR TSANG WING-SHING.
THE SECOND PRIZE OF A FREE TRIP TO SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA, WORTH $3 530, WENT TO MR CHUN WAI-YIN, AND THE THIRD PRIZE OF A FREE TRIP TO GUILIN, WORTH $1 690, WENT TO MR TANG SAI-LING.
THE COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE METALWARE SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, TO PROMOTE WORK SAFETY IN THE INDUSTRY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION.
------0-------
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17,
'■?C C
11
24-CLASSR00M SCHOOL FOR CHEUNG CHAU *****
v.ORK WILL START wlTHIN THE NEXT FEw DAYS ON BUILDING a 24-CLASSROOM SECONDARY SCHOOL ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND.
DUE FOR COMPLETION^BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, THE 311.6 MILLION SCHOOL wILL INCLUDE AN ASSEMBLY HALL, WOODWORK AND METALWORK ROOM, ART AND DESIGN STUDIOS, FOUR LABORATOR I co, a LIBRARY AND HOME MANAGEMENT AND GEOGRAPHY ROOMS.
BECAUSE OF HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON BUILDINGS ON CHEUNG CHAU, THE SCHOOL .ILL DIFFER FROM THE STANDARD GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND WILL BE ONLY TwO-AND-A-HALF STOREYS HIGH.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE USUALLY BUILT TO FIVE OR SIX STOREYS.
-----o------
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR SLOPE WORK
*****
TAI WO HAU ROAD IN TSUEN WAN, NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH SHEK TaU STREET WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE-LANE, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THIS WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS, TO FACILITATE SLOPE REPAIR WORK.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING TO TSUEN WAN ARE ADVISED TO USE TSUcN wAN ROAD OR KWAI CHUNG ROAD AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION MAY OCCUR ON TAI WO HAU ROAD.
THE BUS STOPS AT THIS SECTION OF TAI WO HAU ROAD FOR KMB ROUTES NO. 30, 33, 33A, 34, 34A, 43 AND 46A WILL BE SUSPENDED DUR ING THIS PERIOD.
------o-------
ONE-HOUR TUNNEL CLOSURE * * *
TO FACILITATE EQUIPMENT TESTING, THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 3 AM AND 4 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 20).
5 *
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT MAY USE STUBBS ROAD, wONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD AND NAM FUNG ROAD OR REPULSE BAY ROAD.
-----o-----
/12
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1986
- 12 -
ONE-»EEK TRAFFIC CHANGE * * * * *
TO FACILITATE THE LAYING
OF DUCT
NETWORK FOR
THE AREA
OF HYSAN AVENUE
TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY .....
BETWEEN SUN WUI ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 20) FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON HYSAN AVENUE HEADING FOR LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SUN «UI ROAu. THE METERED PARKING SPACES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE SECTION OF SUN WUI ROAD BETWEEN HYSAN AVENUE AND LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.
WATER STORAGE FIGURES
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 61.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 358.790 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR, THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 402.746 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 68.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
CONTACTS PAGE NO.
HK FACING CHANGE IN PRACTICAL WAY — SIR DAVID .................... 1
NE/ DEPUTY POLITICAL ADVISER NAMED ............................... 3
POLL CARDS SENT TO VOTERS......................................... 3
$1 BILLION WORTH OF UC PROJECTS SINCE 1973 ....................... 4
COUNCIL TO SEEK DISTRICT BOARDS' VIETS ON CONTROL OF BILLIARD PREMISES ......................................................... 5
CLOSE UC/EPA CO-OPERATION TO RID LNVIRONltENTAL POLLUTION .... 6
TAI PO LAUNCHES ELECTION PROMOTION EFFORT ....................
LAB SAFETY KIT CONTEST ........................................... 8
COMMITTER SUPPORTS SPORTSGROUND PROPOSAL ......................... 9
MFI,IT THE MEDIA................................................. 1°
SPRING RECEPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS.......................... 10
I,ANT ERN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS ................................. 11
DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW.............................. 12
CONTRACT AWARDED ................................................ 12
BOARD TO DISCUSS CONTROLS ON ANIMAL WASTES ...................... 13
SPRING RECEPTIONS................................................ 13
STAFF QUARTERS FOR TREATMENT CENTRE.............................. 14
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS............................................. 14
WATER CUT
15
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
1 -
HK FACING CHANGE IN PRACTICAL WAY -- SIR DAVID *****
HONG KONG WAS FACING UP TO CHANGE IN A PRACTICAL WAY, BACKED BY A STRONG AND RESILIENT ECONOMY WHICH HAD CONTINUED ITS UPWARD TREND, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID IN MONTREAL TODAY (TUESDAY).
+DESPITE AN UNDERSTANDABLE IMPATIENCE, REAL PROGRESS IS BEING MADE ON THE NUMEROUS COMPLICATED QUESTIONS WHICH HAVE TO BE RESOLVED,* SIR DAVID TOLD THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE HONG KONG PHILOSOPHY OF MINIMUM INTERFERENCE AND INTERVENTION IN THE ECONOMY BY THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENABLED BUSINESSMEN AND INDUSTRIALISTS + TO GET ON WITH THEIR JOB DURING THIS TIME WITHOUT BEING SUBJECT TO IRRELEVANT DIRECTIVES AND CONCERN FROM A GOVERNMENT PREOCCUPIED BY THE WEIGHTY PROBLEMS OF THE FUTURE*.
APART FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO INVEST IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE, PRIVATE SECTOR CONFIDENCE AND INVESTMENT HAD BEEN FORTHCOMING, SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THROUGH PRIVATE INVESTMENT, WORK HAD BEGUN LAST YEAR ON A HKS2-BILLION EXPANSION OF THE CONTAINER PORT — ALREADY THE THIRD IN THE WORLD IN THROUGH-PUT} THE POWER COMPANIES HAD CONTINUED WITH THEIR VIGOROUS EXPANSION PLANS TO KEEP THE WHEELS OF INDUSTRY TURNING, AND PRIVATE INVESTORS FROM JAPAN, CHINA AND BRITAIN WOULD BEGIN WORK LATER THIS YEAR ON ANOTHER ROAD AND RAIL LINK UNDER THE HARBOUR. AND, NORTHWARDS, ROAD AND RAIL LINKS WERE BEING IMPROVED BOTH IN HONG KONG AND IN THE NEIGHBOURING PARTS OF GUANGDONG WHICH WOULD ENSURE THE FREE MOVEMENT OF GOODS WITHIN HONG KONG TO AND FROM THE REST OF CHINA.
+THESE ARE LARGE INVESTMENTS BY ANY STANDARD AND I HOPE THAT MENTION OF THESE EXAMPLES TO YOU TODAY WILL GIVE YOU AN IDEA OF SOME OF THE PRACTICAL STEPS THAT ARE BEING TAKEN TO UNDERPIN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG,* SIR DAVID SAID.
HONG KONG’S LINKS WITH THE CANADIAN PEOPLE AND ECONOMY HAD BEEN GROWING STEADILY, PARTICULARLY OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS, SIR DAVID SAID.
+IT HAS BEEN A FRUITFUL RELATIONSHIP AND ONE WHICH IS MUCH VALUED BY HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
CANADA WAS HONG KONG’S SIXTH LARGEST EXPORT MARKET AND ITS TENTH TRADING PARTNER. AND LAST YEAR, CANADA’S EXPORTS TO HONG KONG HAD GROWN BY 15 PER CENT.
/THIS GHOWTH.........
lUESjUY, F£BxiU/utY 1&, 15*86
--II3 GROWTH, HE SAID, WAS REFLECTED IN THE INCREASING NUMBER ' CANADIAN EXPORTERS WHO HAD BECOME AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ■ 'NG FOR ITS INTERNATIONAL MARKET, FOR ITS ACCESS TO THE P-ST 0s- CHINA AND AS A REGIONAL CENTRE.
CANADA’S INCREASING INTEREST WAS MATCHED BY THE INTEREST SHOWN r HONG KONG BY OTHER MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, SIR DAVID SAID.
SPEAKING OF THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THERF COULD BE NOTHING BETTER, + IN THIS UNCERTAIN WORLD, THAN ’HIS SET OF ASSURANCES AND NO BETTER COLLATERAL.+
+ NO.V MOST THINGS THAT WE DO, MOST PLANS AND PROGRAMMES CAN sc AMD ARE MEASURED AGAINST THE AGREEMENT, AND ALMOST EVERYTHING IS DONE WITH AN EYE TO THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
♦ THIS GIVES A MORE POSITIVE DIRECTION TO PROGRESS, BUT IT rAS CHANGED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FROM THEIR LACK OF INVOLVEMENT ONE OF DEEP CONCERN AND INTEREST’ AND IT HAS STIMULATED A UVELY AND ALMOST NEVER-ENDING PUBLIC DEBATE.
♦GRADUALLY FROM THIS DEBATE A CONSENSUS WILL EMERGE,* SIR DAVID SAID.
AS A DIRECT OUTCOME OF THE AGREEMENT, SIR DAVID SAID, SOLID CHIEVEMENTS HAD BEEN GAINED THROUGH THE SETTING UP OF THREE RGANISATIONS - THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION, AND A COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, TO "RAFT THE BASIC LAW FOR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
+THESE ARE ALL SOLID AND NECESSARY ACHIEVEMENTS, THEY ARE "OT SENSATIONAL BUT THEY, I HOPE, INDICATE TO YOU THAT HONG KONG IS FACING UP TO CHANGE IN A PRACTICAL WAY, AND, DESPITE AN UNDERSTANDABLE IMPATIENCE, REAL PROGRESS IS BEING MADE ON THE NUMEROUS COMPLICATED QUESTIONS WHICH HAVE TO BE RESOLVED,* SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID IS ON A SEVEN-DAY PROMOTIONAL TOUR OF NORTH AMERICA, AS GUEST OF HONOUR WITH A TOP-LEVEL, 1O-MEMBER ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADt DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
LATER IN THE EVENING, HE WILL ATTEND THE TDC’S GALA -ASHION PRESENTATION AT THE MONTREAL STORE OF EATON’S, THE LARGEST DEPARTMENT STORE GROUP IN CANADA.
-------------—--------------------------------------—-------------- ----------- - *------------------- ------------------—---------................- u.- ' ~~
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1., 1936
3
KE* DEPUTY
-OlITICAL adviser named
* * * * *
IT .vAS ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT MR ROBERT NIGEL PEIRCE, A MEMBER n DIPLOMATIC SERVICE, IS TO SUCCEED MR RICHARD MARGOLIS AS LEPl'TY POLITICAL ADVISER AT THE END OF APRIL.
YR PEIRCE IS 30. HE JOINED THE FOREIGN aND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE IN 1977, STUDIED CHINESE AT CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY AND LATER IN HONG KONG. HE SERVED IN PEKING FROM 1980 TO 1983 A3 THIRD SECRETARY AND LATER SECOND SECRETARY.
■MR PEIRCE RETURNED TO THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE IN OCTOBER 1983, wHERE HE HELD APPOINTMENTS SUCCESSIVELY IN THE NEAR EAST AND NORTH AFRICAN AND HONG KONG DEPARTMENTS. MORE RECENTLY MR PEIRCE HAS BEEN ON SECONDMENT TO THE CABINET OFFICE. MR PE IRCE IS MARRIED.
- 0-----------
POLL CARDS SENT TO VOTERS
*****
°OLL CARDS OF ELECTIONS ON MARCH REGISTERED VOTERS.
THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL 6 HAVE BEEN SENT TO NEARLY 1.4 MILLION
CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID .FORMATION ON THE POLL CARDS INCLUDE ELECTORS’ CONSTITUENCIES, DESIGNATED POLLING STATIONS, ELECTION DATE, AND POLLING HOURS.
-ELECTORS MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS OTHERWISE THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO CAST THEIR VOTES,+ HE SAID.
+THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED THAT THEY CANNOT SPEAK TO ANYONE OTHER tHAN ELECTION OFFICIALS, WHEN INSIDE the POLLING STATIONS HI CH WILL BE OPEN FROM 7.30 AM TO 13.30 PM, + HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED ELECTORS THAT THEY CAN ONLY VOTE IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH THEY ARE REGISTERED.
-VOTING IS SIMPLE, ALL AN ELECTOR HAS TO DO IS MARK AN " AGAINST THE NAME OF THE CANDIDATE OF HIS CHOICE,+ HE SAID.
♦ELECTORS WHO HAD REGISTERED IN PREVIOUS DISTRICT BOARD C’ -iBA’I COUNCIL ELECTIONS CAN ALSO CAST THEIR BALLOTS IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS IN their DISTRICT,- HE ADDED.
THERE ARE 39 CANDIDATES CONTESTING -OR THE 15 SEATS IN THE
UR3A\ COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND 40 CANDIDATES ARE VYING FOR "HE 12 SEA’S IM THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
/T’.fC CANDIDA
QESDAY, ZEBfiUAKY 18, 1986
“WO CANDIDATES, ONE IK THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS AND ONE IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS, HAVE BEEN DUELY DECLARED AS BEING ELECTED BECAUSE THEIR NOMINATIONS WERE UNCONTESTED.
-,EY ARE MR PAO PING-WING OF KOWLOON CITY EAST CONSTITUENCY AND VP JAMES WONG MAN-TAI OF KWAI CHUNG WEST AND TSI NG Yl CONSTITUENCY.
ELECTORS IN THESE TWO CONSTITUENCIES WILL NOT BE RECEIVING POLL CARDS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID REGISTERED VOTERS SHOULD RECEIVE THEIR POLL CARDS THIS WEEK, AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-273369 OR 5-270380.
- 0 -
$1 BILLION WORTH OF UC PROJECTS SINCE 1973 * * *
IN AN EFFORT TO ACHIEVE ITS LONG-TERM GOAL OF IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG PEOPLE’S LIFE-STYLE, THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS SPENT MORE THAN $1 BILLION ON HUNDREDS OF CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS SINCE IT GAINED FINANCIAL AUTONOMY IN 1973.
THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, SAID THIS AT THE COUNCIL’S MONTHLY OPEN MEETING THIS AFTERNOON.
HE SAID THE PROJECTS COVERED WHAT MIGHT EE CALLED IN UNICIPAL TERMS THE NECESSARY (MARKETS, ETC), THE HEALTHY (Swimming pools, sports grounds, etc) and the finer things (LIBRARIES AND CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES).
+ THE COUNCIL HAS BUILT FOUR MARKET COMPLEXES AT NGAU TAU KOK, ABERDEEN, SAI WAN HO AND TO KWA WAN, EACH OF WHICH HAS BROUGHT BIG IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THOSE DISTRICTS,* HE SAID.
♦AND TODAY SIMILAR URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEXES ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR PLANNING FOR THE REMAINING HEAVILY-POPULATED URBAN DISTRICTS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE HARBOUR.*
TURNING TO THE HEALTHY, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE
E, TENSIVE RANGE OF HIGHLY POPULAR FACILITIES OPENED IN THE PAST 12 YEARS INCLUDED SIX SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES, ONE . -EC I AL 1ST TRAINING POOL, THREE SPORTS GROUNDS AND EIGHT INDOOR GAMES HALLS.
ON THE FINER THINGS, HE SAID: +TODAY wE HAVE SUCH SPLENDID CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT VENUES aS THE 12 500-SEAT COLISEUM, THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AND THE KO SHAN THEATRE. OTHER NEW CULTURAL FACILITIES INCLUDE THE SPACE MUSEUM AND THE MUSEUM OF TEA WARE.*
/LOOKING to
TUESDAY, FEBxiUAKY 18, 1986
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN SAID THE FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME COVERING THE PERIOD 1985-96 TO 1989-90 PROVIDED FOR A TOTAL NUMBER OF 127 MAJOR PROJECTS AND INVOLVED ANTICIPATED CASH EXPENDITURE OF THE ORDER OF $1.57 BILLION.
+AS PART OF THIS RE-STRUCTURED PROGRAMME, PROJECTED EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS WILL RISE BY 59 PER CENT IN THE COMING FISCAL YEAR TO $330 MILLION,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG-LEEN STRESSED THAT WHILE THE COUNCIL WAS COMMITTED TO PRESS ON WIIH ITS LARGE BUILDING PROGRAMME, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE EXTREME VIGILANCE AND STRINGENT FINANCIAL CONTROL OVER ITS FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
+STAFFING IN PARTICULAR HAS BEEN UNDER CONSTANT SCRUTINY BOTH BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE COUNCIL, AND SINCE APRIL 1, 1983, NO FEWER THAN 1921 USD POSTS HAVE BEEN DELETED*, HE ADDED.
-----o------
COUNCIL TO SEEK DISTRICT BOARDS’ VIEWS ON CONTROL OF BILLIARD PREMISES
* * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL CONSULT ALL URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE COUNCIL’S POLICY WITH REGARD TO PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS AND PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS.
AT ITS COMMITTEE STAGE THIS AFTERNOON, THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL DISCUSSED A PAPER FOR THE DISTRICT BOARDS SEEKING THEIR VIEWS ON WHETHER PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS NEED TO BE CONTROLLED AND, IF THEY DO, IN WHAT WAY.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE WAS TOLD THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE HAD EARLIER AGREED THAT BEFORE THE COUNCIL MADE ANY FINAL DECISION ON THE LICENSING OF PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS, THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC, AND IN PARTICULAR CF THE DISTRICT BOARDS, SHOULD BE SOUGHT.
THE SELECT COMMITTEE HAD ALSO AGREED THAT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT CONSULATION WITH DBS WAS CONDUCTED EFFECTIVELY, A PAPER ON THE ISSUE WOULD BE PRESENTED TO THEM FOR DISCUSSION.
THE STANDING COMMITTEE WAS TOLD THAT THE COUNCIL RECOGNISED THAT BILLIARDS AND SNOOKER WERE BOTH HEALTHY GAMES AND IT HAD NO INTENTION TO ACT IN ANY WAY WHICH MIGHT BE SEEN AS OBSTRUCTIVE TO THE PROMOTION OF THE GAMES.
/THE COUNCIL .......
TUESDAY, FEBHUAHY 18, 19&
- 6 -
THE COUNCIL HAS BEEN STUDYING THE OF PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS AND PRIVATE SOME TIME WITH A VIEW TO FORMULATING A
QUESTION OF CONTROL BILLIARD CLUBS FOR POLICY WHICH MAY, ON ONE HAND, PROVIDE ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER THE BUSINESS AND CUSTOMERS, AND, ON THE OTHER, PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THOSE GENUINE CLUBS CATERING EXCLUSIVELY FOR THEIR MEMBERS, AND PROMOTE HEALTHY INTEREST IN A SKILFUL SPORT.
COUNCILLORS WERE TOLD THAT SEVERAL OPTIONS WERE BEING CONSIDERED. THESE INCLUDE:
+ TO LICENSE PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS AS AT PRESENT AND, IN ADDITION, TO REQUIRE ALL PRIVATE CLUBS WITH MORE THAN 5 BILLIARD TABLES TO BE LICENSED
+ TO ABANDON LICENSING ALTOGETHER BUT TO REQUIRE REGISTRATION OF BOTH PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS AND BILLIARD CLUBS
+ TO LICENSE PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS AS AT PRESENT, PAYING NO ATTENTION TO THE EXISTENCE OF PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS
+ TO CEASE TO CONTROL ALTOGETHER, REQUIRING NO LICENSING OR REGISTRATION WHATSOEVER.
-----o--------
CLOSE UC/EPA CO-OPERATION TO RID ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION * * *
THERE IS IN GENERAL MUCH SCOPE FOR CLOSE LIAISON AND MUTUAL SUPPORT BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IN KEEPING THE CITY FREE FROM NOISE, AIR AND WATER POLLUTION.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, DR DENNY HUANG, IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS BY MR JOSEPH CHAN AT THE COUNCIL’S MONTHLY OPEN MEETING.
DR HUANG SAID THE COUNCIL, IN COOPERATION WITH THE EPA, ACTED UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE TO ABATE NUISANCES RELATING TO, INTER ALIA, THE EMISSION OF DUST, FUMES OR EFFLUVIA.
+THE COUNCIL ALSO TAKES APPROPRIATE STEPS TO MONITOR WATER QUALITY, PARTICULARLY AT BATHING BEACHES THROUGH REGULAR SAMPLING AND SANITARY SURVEYS,* HE SAID.
/+THE COUNCIL .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1E, 1986
- 7 -
+THE COUNCIL HAS AGREED TO TRANSFER TO THE EPA RESPONSIBILITY FOR WATER QUALITY MONITORING AT PUBLIC BEACHES, AND HAS ALSO AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO TRANSFER ENFORCEMENT RESPONSIBILITY IN RESPECT OF NOISE NUISANCE WHEN THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE WAS PASSED INTO LAW.
+1 HAVE NO DOUBT, HOWEVER, THAT EVEN AFTER THESE FUNCTIONS ARE TRANSFERRED, THE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE TO COOPERATE VERY CLOSELY WITH THE EPA IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE EEST QUALITY OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.+
ON THE COUNCIL’S FUTURE PLANS FOR EDUCATING CITIZENS TO KEEP THE CITY CLEAN, DR HUANG SAID AN APPEAL TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE ISSUE OF A NOTICE TO RATE-PAYERS WAS BEING CONSIDERED, AND CONSULATION WITH CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WAS IN PROGRESS.
HE SAID THE COUNCIL HAD AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN THE PROGRESS OF WHICH WAS MONITORED BY THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE.
+IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, THE COUNCIL CO-ORDINATES THROUGH THIS COMMITTEE ALL ACTIVITIES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE GENERAL CLEANLINESS OF THE CITY AND CHANGING THE LITTER-CREATING HABITS OF THE POPULACE AT LARGE.+
APART FROM A SIX-PHASED SCHEDULE OF YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, DR HUANG SAID SPECIAL ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED THROUGH THE YEAR-END CLEAN-UP DRIVE, THE AUXILIARY ITTER WARDEN SCHEME FOR TARGET BEACHES, AND THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT BADGE SCHEME, PLUS A SELF-CLEANSING SCHEME BEING PLANNED FOR SQUATTER VILLAGERS.
IN COOPERATION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE COUNCIL HAS ALSO DRAWN UP HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AIMING AT STIMULATING THE AWARENESS OF STUDENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE CF KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN, HE ADDED.
----o------
TAI PO LAUNCHES ELECTION PROMOTION EFFORT * * X * X
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS LAUNCHED PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), EXHIBITION BOARDS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT FIVE LOCATIONS TO LET RESIDENTS KNOW MORE ABOUT THE ELECTIONS. THE LOCATIONS ARE« THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES COUNTER AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RAILWAY STATION, THE TAI YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALL AND AT THE KAI-TO PIER WHICH OPERATES SERVICES RUNNING BETWEEN TAP MUN AND WONG SHEK PIER.
/THE BOWS..........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
THE BOARDS WILL DISPLAY THE FUNCTION AND WORK OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE PLATFORMS OF THE FIVE CANDIDATES.
ABOUT 35 OOO COPIES OF AN ELECTION SUPPLEMENT WILL BE SENT TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FOUR-PAGE SUPPLEMENT COVERS THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WORK OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, CANDIDATES PLATFORMS, POLLING STATIONS AND GUIDE TO VOTERS.
FILMS PUBLICISING THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTION WILL BE SHOWN AT THREE CINEMAS AND ELECTION MESSAGES WILL BE BROADCAST THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO ORGANISED A SLOGAN COMPETITION TO PUBLICISE THE ELECTION AND MORE THAN 2 000 SOUVENIR BALL PENo WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC TO REMIND THEM TO VOTE ON MARCH 6.
THREE FORUMS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED TO INTRODUCE THE CANDIDATES TO THE PUBLIC. THE FIRST FORUM HELD ON FEBRUARY 5 AT THE TAI YUEN COMMUNITY HALL RECEIVED GOOD RESPONSE.
THE OTHER FORUMS WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 23) IN THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE AND AT 8.30 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 2o) AT THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALL.
- - 0 -
LAB SAFETY KIT CONTEST * * *
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A CONTEST ON THE DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF A PROMOTIONAL KIT ON LABORATORY SAFETY IN SCHOOLS.
THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION, AND SPONSORED BY THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG.
AIMED AT PROMOTING THE AWARENESS OF LABORATORY SAFETY IN SCHOOLS AND DEVELOPING PUPIL’S COMMUNICATIVE SKILLS, ALL ENTRIES MUST BE THE ORIGINAL WORK OF THE PARTICIPANTS.
CONTESTANTS SHOULD BE SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN AGED 15 TO 23 IN JANUARY THIS YEAR.
ENTRIES MAY BE IN THE FORM OF AN AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATION SUCH AS A SET OF SLIDES WITH COMMENTARY ON CASSETTE TAPES, A FILM CR VIDEO TAPE WITH USERS’ NOTES, OR A GAME AND LEARNING PACKAGE.
/THE TOPIC
TUESDAY, FEBBUAHY 18, 1986
- 9 -
THE TOPIC CHOSEN CAN BE ON ANY ASPECT OF SAFETY IN A SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORY AND THE KIT CAN BE EITHER IN CHINESE, ENGLISH OR IN BOTH LANGUAGES.
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH THE SCHOOL HEAD TOGETHER WITH A COMPLETED ENTRY FORM TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICS), SCIENCE SUBJECT SECTION. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY NOT LATER THAN APRIL 9 THIS YEAR.
PRIZES FOR THE THREE WINNING ENTRIES INCLUDE A TRIP TO SINGAPORE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SINGAPORE YOUTH SCIENCE FORTNIGHT 1986 TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED IN MAY AND JUNE.
BOOK COUPONS WORTH BETWEEN $200 TO $1 000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST THREE PRIZE AND FIVE CONSOLATION PRIZE WINNERS.
-----0------
COMMITTEE SUPPORTS SPORTSGROUND PROPOSAL
*****
MEMBERS OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TODAY GAVE THEIR SUPPORT TO A PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE A STANDARD SPORTSGROUND AT MUI WO, LANTAU, FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HEADQUARTERS) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR GEOFFREY ORR, TOLD THE COMMITTEE THAT THERE WAS NO STANDARD SPORTSGROUND IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AT PRESENT AND MAJOR EVENTS HAD TO BE HELD OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT.
MR ORR SAID WHILE THE POPULATION OF THE DISTRICT WAS UNDER THAT CURRENTLY RECOMMENDED IN THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES FOR THE PROVISION OF A STANDARD SPORTSGROUND, A STRICT APPLICATION OF THE PLANNING STANDARDS MIGHT RESULT IN UNDER PROVISION.
A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY, THEREFORE, HAD TO BE APPLIED IN ASSESSING THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR ISOLATED RURAL DISTRICTS, HE SAID.
THE PROPOSAL WILL GO TO THE WAYS AND MEANS SELECT COMMITTEE NEXT TUESDAY AND THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL ON MARCH 20.
-----0------
/10........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
10
MEET THE MEDIA * * *
THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), LT. COL. T.C. VILLIERS, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 20) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------o -------
SPRING RECEPTIONS FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS
*****
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SPRING RECEPTION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 4.30 PM AT THE FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
ABOUT 600 GUESTS INCLUDING DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS, AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL ATTEND THE FUNCTION.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM WILL ALSO ATTEND.
MEANWHILE, THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPRING RECEPTION ON THURSDAY AT THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, FANLING AT 1 PM.
ABOUT 120 LOCAL LEADERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL PARTICIPATE.
AT THE EVENT, BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG, WILL GIVE A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE BOARD IN THE PAST AND ITS FUTURE PLANS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SPRING RECEPTIONS.
_--------o ------------
/II ........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
11
LANTERN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS
* * * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO FUN, GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT IN A NUMBER OF CARNIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS TO BE HELD IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE THE SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL THIS SUNDAY.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE HAS ALLOCATED MORE THAN $98 OOO FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES IN TIN WAN, WONG CHUK HANG, POK FU LAM, STANLEY, WAH FU AND SHEK PAI WAN.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID SOME 32 000 RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
+WE HOPE SUCH COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WILL HELP PROMOTE NEIGHBOURLINESS, ENHANCE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND BOOST COOPERATION AMONG VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS,* HE SAID.
THE TIME AND VENUE OF SUNDAY’S ACTIVITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
AREA TIME VENUE
1. TIN WAN 7 PM - 11 PM FOOTBALL PITCH BETWEEN BLOCK 6 AND BLOCK 7, TIN WAN ESTATE
2. WONG CHUK HANG AND BAYS 1 PM - 6 PM SQUARE OUTSIDE TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL, WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE
3. POK FU LAM 2 PM - 5 PM CHI FU FA YUEN SKATING RINK
4. STANLEY AND SHEK 0 2 PM - 6 PM STANLEY UC PLAYGROUND
5. WAH FU 2 PM - 10 PM WAH HONG SQUARE, WAH FU ESTATE
6. SHEK PAI WAN 11 AM - 6 PM SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE
THE CELEBRATIONS WILL FEATURE SONGS BY ARTISTES AND LOCAL GROUPS, ACROBATIC SHOWS, LION DANCES, GAMES STALLS, LANTERN QUIZES, DRAWING COMPETITIONS AND SPRING COUPLETS WRITING COMPETITIONS.
IN SHEK PAI WAN, SPECIAL EMPHASIS WILL BE GEARED TOWARD THE ELDERLY, WITH PROGRAMMES THAT wILL INCLUDE A TEA PARTY AND AN INTRODUCTION TO WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE AGED. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE WORK OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
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/12
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
- 12 -
DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW
*****
THE KwAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
OTHER THINGS, THE HAWKER CONTROL OF CULTURAL, RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
IT WILL DISCUSS, AMONG PROBLEMS AND THE ORGANISING ACTIVITIES BY THE REGIONAL
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT £°^,SnD F0R THE KWAI CHUNG PARK> AN ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD IN APRIL AND THE NAMING OF TWO NEW OPEN SPACES
MEETING WILL START AT 10 AM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT THc TSUEN WAN MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN
NEW TERRITORIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
CONTRACT AWARDED
* * *
A CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR AIR-CONDITIONING THE DISTRICT POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION AT TAI PO.
THE CONTRACT, VALUED AT $2.5 MILLION, IS FOR SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF AN AIR-CONDITIONING AND VENTILATION SYSTEM TO COVER THE 4 OOO-SQUARE-METRE OFFICE.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE POLICE STATION NEAR TAI PO TOWN CENTRE, WHICH STARTED LAST SEPTEMBER, wILL BE COMPLETED LATE NEXT YEAR.
THE AIR-CONDITIONING WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, TOGETHER WITH THE PERIOD OF THE BUILDING CONTRACT.
THE CONTRACT WAS AWARDED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO DAH CHONG HONG (ENGINEERING) LTD.
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/13........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
13
BOARD TO DISCUSS CONTROLS ON ANIMAL WASTES
*****
NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL THEIR VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED CONTROL OF WASTES.
MEET ON THURSDAY TO GIVE POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL
A RFPRESENTATIVE FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND TO COLLECT MEMBERS VlE?<o ON THE DOCUMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS AT THE MEET I NG DOH I^^TEN THE DRAFT HONG KONG NATIONALITY) ORDER 1986^ AND LISTEN
TO A REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE FANLING NEW TOWN DtVtLurriE i PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9 30 AM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, NEW TERRITORIES.
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SPRING RECEPTIONS * * *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A SPRING RECEPTION FOR ABOUT 400 GUESTS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
DURING THE OCCASION, 43 REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION FOR THEIR GOOD SERVICE TO COMMUNITY BUILDING AND EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK IN THE DISTRICT.
THE RECEPTION WILL START AT 3.30 PM AT THE TELFORD RESTAURANT IN TELFORD GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY. THE REGIONAL SECRETARY, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL ATTEND THE RECEPTION.
MEANWHILE, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SPRING RECEPTION ON THURSDAY AT 3.30 PM AT THE MAXIM’S RESTAURANT IN CONNAUGHT CENTRE, CENTRAL.
/MORE THAN .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
- 14 -
MORE THAN WO COMMUNITY LEADERS, DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL ATTEND.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM; THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOwLOON, MR T H CHAU: AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MISS MARIA TAM, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SPRING RECEPTIONS.
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STAFF QUARTERS FOR TREATMENT CENTRE * * *
WORK WILL START NEXT MONTH ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BARRACKS AND 14 FOUR TO FIVE-STOREY BLOCKS WHICH WILL BE USED AS STAFF QUARTERS AT HEI LING CHAU TREATMENT CENTRE.
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED MILLION CONTRACT FOR THIS PROJECT, WHICH IS EXPECTED COMPLETED IN LATE 1987.
A $31.95 TO BE
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * *
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUS ALONG THE SECTION OF BEACH ROAD BETWEEN REPULSE BAY ROAD AND THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING BEACH ROAD AND SOUTH BAY ROAD WILL BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
ALSO FROM THE SAME TIME, A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY. THEY INCLUDE:
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ALDRICH STREET BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KAM WA STREET.
X THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ALDRICH STREET BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND FACTORY STREET.
* THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF FACTORY STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ALDRICH STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
/* THE SOUTHERN .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1986
15
* THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF FACTORY STREET BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST AND ALDRICH STREET.
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NAM ON STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ALDRICH STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS IN THE ABOVE ROAD SECTIONS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONES ON THESE ROAD SECTIONS AND THE PLB URBAN CLEARWAYS ON THE SECTION OF NAM ON LANE BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND NAM ON STREET WILL BE LIFTED.
WATER CUT X * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL EE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY THE SOUTHBOUND OF PUI TO ROAD, INCLUDING SAN HOP LANE, TIN HAU ROAD, SAN ON STREET, HUNG CHEUNG ROAD, HING WONG STREET, SAN LIK STREET, SAN PING CIRCUIT, TUEN MUN KAU HUI AND TSING SHAN TSUEN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
Canadians eager to hear about hong kong...................... 1 increase in nt taxi fares approved .......................... 2 LORD CLEDjYN TOURS EASTERN DISTRICT ......................... 3 BUSY YEAR FOR KWUN TONG...................................... 3 KCR STEPS UP SERVICE DURING TUNNEL WORK...................... 4 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEING SINT BACK........................... 5 chance for candidates to spe^k............................... 6 OPIN FORUM FOR TSU IN WAN CANDIDATES......................... 7 ELECTION FORUMS FOR SHAM SHUI PO CANDIDATES ................. 7 ELECTION FORUMS FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ...................... 8 GUANGDONG JUDICIARY OFFICIALS VISIT HK ...................... 9 FORMER INFORMATION CHIEF DIES ............................... 9 335 OOO RAISED FOR CHaRITY .................................. 9 CHIEF FIRE OFFICER RETIRING.................................. 10 CAMP ORGANISED FOR MaRRIED COUPLES .......................... 10 TUEN MUN DB TO HOLD MEETING ................................. 11 PRESS CONFERENCE BY LORD CHITKIS............................. 11
LORD CLEDWYN TO MEET FREsS................................... 11 FOLK NIGHT IN YUEN LONG...................................... 12 HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION IN TAI PO ........................... 12 SITE WORK CONTRACT AWARDED .................................. 13 WAN CHAI SPRING RECEPTION ................................... 13 FRANCHISED BUSES ONLY........................................ 13
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1986
1
CANADIANS EAGER TO HEAR ABOUT HONG KONG * * * *
CANADIANS HAVE BEEN SHOWING UNBRIDLED ENTHUSIASM FOR HONG KONG DURING A TRADE PROMOTION AND A VISIT BY SOME OF THE TERRITORY’S MOST HIGH-POWERED BUSINESS AND GOVERNMENT LEADERS TO MONTREAL OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS.
YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) MORNING THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, TOURED THE FOCAL POINT OF THE TRADE PROMOTION, AN EXHIBITION OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS AND CULTURE AT THE EATONS DEPARTMENT STORE.
SIR DAVID AND SIR S.Y. WERE SHOWN AROUND THE STORE BY THE GENERAL MANAGER OF EATONS, PIERRE WITMEUR. THE EATONS MONTREAL STORE IS THE LARGEST IN CANADA AT 1.1 MILLION SQUARE FEET, AND THERE IS SOME SORT OF HONG KONG DISPLAY ON EACH OF ITS SIX FLOORS.
THE PROMOTION, WHICH IS RUNNING FOR THE WHOLE OF FEBRUARY, FEATURES HONG KONG ARCHES AND BUNTING THROUGHOUT THE STORE, A LION DANCE AND T’AI CHI DEMONSTRATIONS THREE TIMES DAILY, AND CHINESE COOKING LESSONS. THERE ARE ALSO DEMONSTRATIONS BY HONG KONG MASTERS CF CALLIGRAPHY, ENGRAVING AND CHINESE PAINTING.
ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR PROMOTIONS IS A MOCK-UP OF A CANADIAN-PACIFIC AIRCRAFT, IN WHICH VISITORS CAN EXPERIENCE A 2O-MINUTE SIMULATED +FLIGHT+ TO HONG KONG, COMPLETE WITH HOSTESSES SERVING DIM SUM. THE SIMULATOR’S 102 SEATS HAVE BEEN BOOKED OUT THROUGHOUT THE PROMOTION.
IN CONNECTION WITH THE SIMULATOR, C-P AIR HAS SOLD 4 000 FLIGHTS TO HONG KONG IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS FROM A BOOTH IT HAS SET UP IN EATONS.
AFTER VISITING EATONS, SIR DAVID ADDRESSED A LUNCHEON MEETING CF THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
HE DELIGHTED HIS AUIDENCE OF ALMOST 150 BY MAKING HIS OPENING REMARKS IN FRENCH, THANKING THEM FOR THEIR HOSPITALITY AND HIS WARM WELCOME TO CANADA.
IN THE AFTERNOON, SIR DAVID HOSTED A NEWS CONFERENCE ATTENDED BY 15 LEADING CANADIAN FINANCIAL JOURNALISTS, INCLUDING REPORTERS FROM CANADA’S MAIN DAILY NEWSPAPER, THE TORONTO GLOBE AND MAIL, AND FOUR RADIO STATIONS.
THE DAY WOUND UP WITH A FORMAL BLACK-TIE FUNCTION AT THE EATONS STORE HOSTED BY THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR JACK SO, AND A MEMBER OF THE RETAILING FAMILY, MR FREDRIK EATON.
THE FUNCTION INCLUDED A CHAMPAGNE RECEPTION AND GALA SHOW OF HONG KONG FASHIONS, FOLLOWED BY A CHINESE BANQUET.
- 0 ----------
/2.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1986
- 2 -
INCREASE IN NT TAXI FARES APPROVED *****
A FARE INCREASE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXIS HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
EFFECTIVE FROM MARCH 1, FARES FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS AND LANTAU TAXIS WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT$3.30 TO $4 FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES AND FROM 70 CENTS TO 80 CENTS FOR EVERY SUBSEQUENT 0.4 KILOMETRE.
THE REVISED FARE SCALE WILL CAUSE A 19 PER CENT FARE INCREASE FOR AN AVERAGE TAXI TRIP OF 2.8 KILOMETRES IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES AND A 16 PER CENT FARE INCREASE FOR AN AVERAGE TAXI TRIP OF ID KILOMETRES ON LANTAU.
CHARGES FOR WAITING TIME WILL ALSO BE REVISED. IT WILL COST 80 CENTS INSTEAD OF 70 CENTS FOR EVERY TWO MINUTES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE FARE RISE WAS APPROVED FOLLOWING A CAREFUL STUDY OF THE OVERALL OPERATING ECONOMICS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXI TRADES.
AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF DECLINE IN BUSINESS AND RISING OPERATING COSTS, THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF TAXI OPERATORS IN BOTH PLACES HAS DETERIORATED OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+SURVEYS CARRIED OUT BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT DUE TO THE DROP IN UTILISATION RATE THE MONTHLY INCOME OF BOTH NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXIS IN 1985 WAS LESS THAN THAT IN 1983. THE TOTAL MONTHLY EXPENDITURE FOR BOTH TYPES OF TAXI ON THE OTHER HAND, HAS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY OVER THE SAME PERIOD,* HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THE FARE INCREASE WAS INTENDED THEREFORE TO ENABLE TAXI OPERATORS TO MAKE A REASONABLE RETURN ON THEIR OPERATIONS BY OFFSETTING THE LOSS CAUSED BY HIGHER OPERATING COSTS AND THE REDUCTION IN UTILISATION RATE OF TAXIS.
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1986 WHICH GIVE EFFECT TO THE REVISED FARES WILL BE GAZETTED ON FEBRUARY 28.
A TABLE OF THE NEW FARES, SET AGAINST EXISTING FARES, WILL BE DISPLAYED IN TAXIS FOR USE BY PASSENGERS BEFORE THE METERS ARE RECALIBRATED.
THE COVERSION TABLES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY TAXI OPERATORS FROM FEBRUARY 26 AT ALL TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS OF THE TAI PO, NORTH.JUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE MUI WO SUB-OFFICE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
TAXI OPERATORS ARE REMINDED TO BRING ALONG THEIR TAXI REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WHEN COLLECTING THEIR CONVERSION TABLES.
- - 0 - -
WtDNEbDAT, rcBRUAKl l?tib
3 -
LORD CLEDWYN TOURS EASTERN DISTRICT * M * *
A MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS, LORD CLEDWYN, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TOURED EASTERN TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS ALONG THE DISTRICT’S COASTLINE.
ACCOMPANIED BY EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG ABOARD THE LAUNCH ’TIN HAU’, LORD AND LADY CLEDWYN FIRST CRUISED THE HARBOUR WHERE THEY SAW THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, TAI KOO SHING, SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION, LYEMUN BARRACKS, HENG FA TSUEN AND CHAI WAN CARGO HANDLING BASIN.
THEY THEN WENT ASHORE AT CHAI WAN AND FROM A VANTAGE POINT AT THE CHAI WAN CEMENTERY, LORD CLEDWYN WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS IN BOTH CHAI WAN AND SIU SAI WAN.
HE WAS TOLD THAT WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, MORE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS WOULD OPERATE ON THE LAND DERIVED FROM THE CHAI WAN RECLAMATION AROUND THE CARGO HANDLING AREA.
LORD CLEDWYN WAS ALSO BRIEFED ABOUT THE KORNHILL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT. HE LEARNT THAT ABOUT 36 OOO PEOPLE WILL EVENTUALLY BE HOUSED IN THE 9 000 FLATS OF THE PRIVATE ESTATE, A QUARTER OF WHICH ARE UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
LORD AND LADY CLEDWYN ALSO MET SEVERAL EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT A LUNCH IN TAI KOO SHING.
o --------
BUSY YEAR FOR KWUN TONG * * * *
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, KWUN TONG, MR KEVIN MAK, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE DISTRICT IN THE COMING YEAR.
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ONE WAS THE $3 000 MILLION EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT WHICH WOULD START NEXT MONTH WITH VARIOUS FOUNDATION AND GROUND WORK, MR MAK SAID AT A SPRING RECEPTION HE HOSTED FOR THE DISTRICT’S COMMUNITY LEADERS.
TO COPE WITH THE SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, A REVIEW ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SITE AT CHA KWO LING - THE TUNNEL’S KOWLOON EXIT - IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR, HE ADDED.
THE OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS INCLUDED THE FOURTH PHASE OF THE SAM KA TSUEN RECLAMATION AND ASSOCIATED IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE AREA, MR MAK SAID.
/he added .......
WEDKSSD1Y, FKBffiJAfiY 19. 19&>
4
HE ADDED THAT THIS YEAR WOULD SEE THE START OF CONSTRUCTION WORK OF A TUNNEL LINKING JUNK BAY AND SAU MAU PING.
ON HOUSING MATTERS, MR MAK SAID THE FOURTH PHASE OF KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE RE-DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WOULD START SOON WHILE SITE FORMATION WORK WOULD COMMENCE ON THE LAM TIN SOUTH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND LAM TIN EXTENSION.
FOST oTX ?yMJE ,' IIK
PROJECT OF NGAU TAU KOK MARKET
THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE EXTENSION COMPLEX,+ HE SAID.
THIS YEAR WOULD ALSO SEE THE CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL AND A DECISION
EXTENSION PROJECT OF UNITED WOULD BE MADE ON A REGIONAL
CULTURAL
CENTRE, MR MAK SAID
THE WIGGHAM,
REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON MR BARR IF J»d/he KTy.r^2°"‘l secretary for tons k6hs a“ MR T.H. CHAU, PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO
MR T’H- CHAU» PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF AFFKtUIAIlUN iu
43 LOCAL ORGAN I SAT IONS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN COMMUNITY BLilL DINC AND EMERGENCY RELIEF WORK IN THE DI STR I CT DUR IH6 TODAY'S SPRlit
RECEPTION
- 0 -
KCR STEPS UP SERVICE DURING TUNNEL WORK * * * *
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION WILL STEP UP THEIR SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC NEXT WEEK WHEN RECABLING WORK AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA IS UNDERWAY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY HAS ALSO BEEN ADVISED OF THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES DURING THE WORK PERIOD LASTING 78 HOURS FROM 8 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24) TO 2 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28).
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE WORK, WHICH INVOLVES REPLACEMENT OF THE POWER, COMPUTER AND COMMUNICATION CABLES SERVING THE TOLL PLAZA, IS REQUIRED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
HE SAID THE ADDITIONAL TOLL BOOTHS ARE EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION BY THE END OF MARCH, BRINGING THE NUMBER OF BOOTHS TO 12 WITH 13 LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND THEREBY EASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION PROBLEMS.
tyvjiu $He,NG THE CABLING WORK PERIOD, DOWN THE COMPUTERS AND VACATE THE TOI I
TUNNEL TOLLS WILL HAVE TO BE COLLECTS
ON THE TRAFFIC ISLANDS ADJACENT TO THE
IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO SHUT BOOTHS. AS A RESULT, BY STAFF TEMPORARILY LOCATED BOOTHS.
/♦THE DEPABTlffiNT...........
WEDNESIUY, FSBHUARY 19, 1986
5
+THE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING ALL NECESSARY MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT NORMAL OPERATION WILL BE RESUMED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND THAT DISRUPTION DURING THE RECABLING EXERCISE WILL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS IS A SUBSTANTIAL PROJECT TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE TUNNEL AND CONSIDERABLE CONGESTION MUST BE EXPECTED, PARTICULARLY DURING PEAK HOURS.
THE SPOKESMAN THEREFORE URGED MOTORISTS TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHEREVER POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO AVOID CONGESTION AT THE TUNNEL.
HE ALSO CALLED UPON MOTORISTS WHO CANNOT AVOID USING THE TUNNEL DURING THE RECABLING EXERCISE, PARTICULARLY AT THE PEAK PERIODS, TO BE AS PATIENT AS POSSIBLE.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL KEEP ALL 10 TOLL LANES OPEN AT PEAK PERIODS (FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM AND 5 PM TO 7 PM) DURING THE FIRST 48 HOURS OF THE RECABLING WORK. HOWEVER, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF LANES IN OPERATION TO FIVE AT OFF-PEAK TIMES.
DURING THE LAST 30 HOURS OF WORK, ALL LANES WILL AGAIN BE AVAILABLE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
ADVISORY SIGNS WOULD BE PUT UP ALONG THE APPROACH ROADS AT BOTH ENDS OF THE TUNNEL TO WARN MOTORISTS OF THE RECABLING WORK.
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ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BEING SENT BACK *****
TO CHINA, A SPOKESMAN FOA^hI'SeJa^mInT lilD TODA?! ““
ALL EIGHT, WHOSE AGES RANGE FROM 17 TO 40, HAD BEEN FOUND EMPLOYED IN THREE WORKSHOPS. THEY HAD COME FROM HOI FUNG AND LUK FUNG IN CHINA, AND HAD BEEN HERE SINCE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, HE SAID.
THE OPERATORS OF THE WORKSHOPS WERE UNDER INVESTIGATION, HE SAID.
ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, WOULD BE SENT BACK AND THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AND AS IT WAS AGAINST THE LAW TO EMPLOY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, ALL EMPLOYERS WERE REQUIRED TO CHECK THE IDENTITY CARDS OF WORKERS AND TO KEEP RECORDS OF THEM. FAILURE TO DO SO RENDERED THE EMPLOYER LIABLE TO A FI NE OF $10 000 ON CONVICTION, HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1?, 1986
- 6 -
CHANCE FOR CANDIDATES TO SPEAK * * * * *
FOUR OPEN FORUMS WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE FOR URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION CANDIDATES TO VOICE THEIR PLATFORMS IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
+BOTH THE CANDIDATES AND ELECTORS WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW EACH OTHER BETTER DURING THE SESSIONS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
+THE VENUE FOR EACH OPEN FORUM HAS BEEN SPECIALLY CHOSEN SO THAT RESIDENTS WILL FIND IT EASIER TO ATTEND IN A PLACE NEAR THEIR HOME,* THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED.
THE SCHEDULE OF THE FORUMS IS AS FOLLOWs-
DATE/TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
FEBRUARY 22 2 PM SHAU KEI WAN HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S
CLUB COLLEGE AT 2B TAI CHEONG STREET, SAI WAN HO
FEBRUARY 23 2 PM NORTH POINT MAN KIU COLLEGE AT 81 CLOUD
VIEW ROAD, NORTH POINT
FEBRUARY 23 8 PM NORTH POINT NORTH POINT ESTATE ASSEMBLY
HALL AT WEST MAIN BLOCK, NORTH POINT ESTATE
MARCH 1
8 PM SHAU KEI WAN
CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 230 CHAI WAN ROAD
CANDIDATES COMPETING FOR THE NORTH POINT CONSTITUENCY ARE MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, MR STEPHEN CHENG AND MR SHEK KWEI-CHUN- WHILE MR CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG, MR BROOK BERNACCHI, MADAM CHEUNG WAI-PING AND MR TONG CHOR-YIN ARE STANDING FOR ELECTIONS IN THE SHAU KEI WAN CONSTITUENCY.
EACH CANDIDATE FOR THE TWO CONST ITUENCIES WILL BE GIVEN FIVE MINUTES TO VOICE THEIR PLATFORMS AND WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR DURING THE FORUMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUMS.
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/7 •
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, lj86
- 7 -
OPEN FORUM FOR TSUEN WAN CANDIDATES * * *
THE THREE CANDIDATES RUNNING IN
CF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON FORUM ARRANGED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE
THE TSUEN WAN CONSTITUENCY MARCH 6 WILL ATTEND AN OPEN
TOMORROW EVENING
EACH CANDIDATE WILL INTRODUCE HIS PLATFORM AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
SEAT IN
THE THREE CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE SINGLE
TSUEN WAN ARE : MR CHEUNG CHUNG-YAN, MR YEUNG FUK-KWONG AND l*R CHAN WAI-YIP. ALL OF THEM ARE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERo.
THE FORUM. TO BE HELD AT 8 PM AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY HALL IN TAI HO ROAD, WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER IN TSUEN WAN, MR FRANCIS LO.
THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY HALL IN TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
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ELECTION FORUMS FOR SHAM SHU I PO CANDIDATES X X *
CANDIDATES FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION IN TWO SHAM SHU I PO CONSTITUENCIES WILL MEET RESIDENTS IN FORUMS TO BE HELD ON TWO CONSECUTIVE FRIDAYS STARTING THIS WEEK.
AT THE FORUMS CANDIDATES WILL PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS, EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MAJOR PUBLIC ISSUES AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE.
TWO CANDIDATES ARE CONTESTING FOR THE SEAT IN THE SHAM SHU I PO EAST CONSTITUENCY AND TWO OTHERS IN THE SHAM SHUI PO WEST CONSTITUENCY.
THE DATES, TIMES AND VENUES OF THE FORUMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
/DATE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUABY 19, 1986
8
DATE TIME
CONSTITUENCY CANDIDATES VENUE
FRIDAY 8.30 PM
FEBRUARY 21
SHAM SHU I PO WEST
MR LEE CHIK-YUET MR STEPHEN NGOK
FRIDAY 8 PM
FEBRUARY 28
SHAM SHU I PO EAST
MR FUNG KIN-KEE MR HA SIU-KWONG
MOUNT STERLING MALL, MEI FOO SUN CHUEN
SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE MARKET PODIUM
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ELECTION FORUMS.
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ELECTION FORUMS FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS * * * *
FOUR REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTION FORUMS WILL BE HELD IN SAI KUNG NEXT WEEK, INCLUDING A SPECIAL FORUM FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS.
THE FIRST FORUM WILL BE AT 8 PM IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24) AND THE SECOND WILL BE AT 8 PM IN THE SAI KUNG CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 25).
THE SPECIAL FORUM FOR ENGLISH SPEAKING RESIDENTS WILL BE FELD AT 8 PM IN THE SAI KUNG HANG HAU CHENG CHEK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 27).
FOR RENNIE’S MILL RESIDENTS, THERE WILL BE A FORUM AT 3 PM IN THE RENNIE’S MILL QUEEN MAUD PRIMARY SCHOOL ON MARCH 1 (SATURDAY).
THE THREE CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6 IN THE SAI KUNG CONSTITUENCY ARE MR WONG CHONG-WAH, MR WONG SHUI-SANG, AND MR GILBERT LEUNG.
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/9.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1936
9
GUANGDONG JUDICIARY OFFICIALS VISIT HK * * * *
THREE GUANGDONG JUDICIARY OFFICIALS ARRIVED IN HONG KONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE TERRITORY’S LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEM.
THEIR TOUR WILL INCLUDE DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE JUDICIARY ON THE PROVISIONAL ARRANGEMENT, MADE LATE LAST YEAR BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, WHICH PROVIDES FOR PRACTICAL COOPERATION IN CIVIL MATTERS BETWEEN THE GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG SUPREME COURTS.
THE DELEGATION - CONSISTING OF MR PAN GEHUAN, HEAD OF THE GUANGDONG ECONOMIC COURT, HIS DEPUTY MR HE CHAOMING AND MR XUAN SHENGQI, HEAD OF THE GUANGDONG CIVIL COURT - TODAY MET MEMBERS OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS. THEY WILL ALSO JOUR THE SUPREME COURT AND ATTEND THE APPEAL COURT AND THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL.
------o-------
FORMER INFORMATION CHIEF DIES
XXX
THE FORMER DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, PR JOHN LAWRENCE MURRAY, PASSED AWAY IN HIS HOME IN SURREY, UNITED KINGDOM, YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR MURRAY WAS 75. HE WAS THE DIRECTOR OF GIS FROM 1950 TO 1963. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIDOW, KATRINE, HIS SON IAN AND HIS DAUGHTER CAROLYN.
------o-------
$35 000 RAISED FOR CHARITY XXX*
OVER 99 PER CENT OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF HAVE SHOWN SUPPORT TO THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY CHEST BY RAISING A TOTAL OF $35 000 RECENTLY.
AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE DEPARTMENT S HEADQUARTERS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, PRESENTED ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF, A CHEQUE FOR THE AMOUNT TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR DAVID FORD, WHO IS * COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY
CHEST.
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY CHEST, MR DENIS BRAY AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ATTENDED THE CEREMONY.
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/10........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1986
10 -
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER RETIRING * * * * *
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER MONTAGUE KINGDOM, WHO HAS SERVED THE GOVERNMENT FOR 25 YEARS, IS RETIRING SHORTLY.
BORN IN 1930 IN DEVON, ENGLAND, MR KINGDOM, PRESENTLY HEAD CF THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND, JOINED HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES AS A STATION OFFICER IN I960 AFTER BEING A FIREMAN AT DEVON FIRE ER IGADE.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL. OFFICER IN 1962, SENIOR FIRE OFFICER CLASS II IN 1965, ASSISTANT CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1977, DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1979, AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK' IN 1981.
MR KINGDOM WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL IN 1972 AND THE QUEEN’S FIRE SERVICES MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN 1983.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, A CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE FIRE SERVICES SENIOR OFFICERS’ MESS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT WHICH A MEMENTO WAS PRESENTED TO HIM BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES.
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CAMP ORGANISED FOR MARRIED COUPLES
* * * *
ROMANCE, GAMES AND SERIOUS DISCUSSION FORM PART OF A SPECIAL CAMP FOR MARRIED COUPLES LIVING OR WORKING IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTR ICT.
AIMED AT ENHANCING AFFECTION AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING AMONG MARRIED COUPLES, A +HARMONIOUS CAMP FOR COUPLES+ HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE ASSOCIATION.
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE Y.M.C.A. CAMP SITE IN WU KAI SHA ON THE WEEKEND OF MARCH 1 AND 2.
ACTIVITIES ARRANGED INCLUDE A CANDLE-LIGHT PARTY, GAMES, SINGING, A BARBECUE, A MORNING STROLL, AS WELL AS TALKS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
TICKETS, AT $160 PER COUPLE, MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-495106.
- - 0 -
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1986
11 -
TUEN MUN DB TO HOLD MEETING *****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD (THURSDAY).
WILL HOLD A MEETING
TOMORROW
THE 1985 EDITION OF
ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE -
bEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND THE FORMAT ON OF COMMITTEES UNDER THE BOARD FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
TUEN MUN FUNCTIONAL
TUP MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM
<F THE DISTCICT WARD SECRETARIAT OH THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 1 TUEN HI ROAD.
TUEN
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
0 - - - -
* * * *
PRESS CONFERENCE BY LORD CHITNIS
HONG
AT 3
I non CHITNIS CHAIRMAN OF REFUGEE ACTION, WHO IS NOW VISITING
KoSg WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 21) PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE,
5TH FLOOR, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
0
LORD CLEDWYN TO MEET PRESS
*****
THE LEADER OF THE LABOUR LORDS, LORD CLEDWYN, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 21) AT 9 PM AT THE AIRPORT VIP PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM BEFORE DEPARTING HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1986
12
FOLK NIGHT IN YUEN LONG * * X *
THE TWO-WEEK SIXTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH ™ NIGHT OF FOLK ART +AT LUT SAU HALL ON FRIDAY.
THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE EVENING WILL BE A WIDE COLLECTION OF FOLK LYRICS AND BALLADS OF VILLAGES BY VARIOUS LOCAL ARTISTES.
PERFORMANCES OF NEW TERRITORIES
FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, OPENING CEREMONY OF THE
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY PETER NG, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN FESTIVAL AT 7.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE PERFORMANCES.
-----o------
HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION IN TAI PO
SIX
EXQUISITE HORTICULTURE WORTH ABOUT $2 MILLION WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN TAI PO FOR FOUR DAYS STARTING FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE. IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, THE TAI PO MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION, THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE, THE TAI PO ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE HAS CONTRIBUTED ABOUT 140 PIECES OF VALUABLE HORTICULTURE FOR DISPLAY.
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY
OF THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET AT 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1986
- 13 -
SITE WORK CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
A TWO-HECTARE SITE WILL BE FORMED IN CHEUNG CHAU NEAR SAI WAN FOR A PROPOSED CREMATORIUM AND COLUMBARIUM COMPLEX.
A $3.4 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATHS AND DRAINAGE, WAS AWARDED RECENTLY BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO A SECTION OF PEAK ROAD WEST, ADJACENT TO THE SITE, AS PART OF A LONG-TERM PLAN TO PROVIDE FIRE ENGINE ACCESS ALONG THE ROAD.
WORK WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK AND TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----o------
WAN CHAI SPRING RECEPTION
* * *
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A SPRING RECEPTION FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 4 PM AT THE RUBY RESTAURANT IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM WILL ATTEND THE RECEPTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE RECEPTION.
------o-------
FRANCHISED BUSES ONLY * * *
THE TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS IN THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE, TUEN MUN WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 21).
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, FEBRUA-tY 20, 1986
contents Page no.
PUBLIC DEBATE ON HK'S FUTURE HEALTHY, AMERICANS TOLD......... 1
'HK DEVELOPING HIGHEST PRODUCT, SERVICE STANDARDS' ..........
STEPS TO CURB URBAN DECAY BEING TAKEN ....................... 4
QUARTERLY INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX PUBLISHED.............. 7
COMPULSORY INSPECTION OF PRE-1977 VEHICLES .................. 11
EXHIBITION ON UC ELECTION STARTS TOMOxiROW................... 11
RC TO BECOME HEW LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY IN NT............ 12
POPULATION IS 5 466 900 ..................................... 13
ANIMAL WASTE POLLUTION CONTROL TO BE DISCUSSED .............. 13
FORUMS FOR CANDIDATES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT .................. 14
OPEN FORUM FOR KWAI CHUNG CANDIDATES ........................
BOARD MEMBERS SEE KMB OPERATIONS.............................
JACOBS VISITS KNITWEAR FACTORY ..............................
NEW ESTATE PROPOSED FOR SHAM SHUI PO ........................
MAKING A SHOW OF THE DISTRICT CaMPAIQI ...................... 18
MONG KOK SEMINAR ON HAWKER POLICIES .........................
MORE SPORTS FACILITIES AT HOLIDAY VILLAGE.................... 20
EXHIBITION CN CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS ......................
LOOP ROAD TO IMPROVE TRaFFIC ................................ 21
SHORTER OPERATING HOURS FOR PARKING METERS ..................
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1936
1
PUBLIC DEBATE ON HK’S FUTURE HEALTHY, AMERICANS TOLD
*****
THE CONTINUING PUBLIC DEBATE ON DEVELOPING A RESPONSIBLE AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WAS A HEALTHY ONE, IF AT TIMES A LITTLE CONFUSING TO OUTSIDE OBSERVERS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES TOLD AMERICANS TODAY.
+SCARCELY A DAY PASSES WITHOUT SOME FRESH COMMENT, SOME NEW VOICE, SOME FRESH TURN OF EVENTS,* SIR DAVID SAID IN A KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO THE HONG KONG-U.S. AND U.S.-HONG KONG ECONOMIC COOPERATION COMMITTEES’ THIRD PLENARY SESSION IN WASHINGTON, D.C. TODAY (THURSDAY).
HOW HONG KONG WAS GOING TO DEVELOP A GOVERNMENT WHICH WOULD REFLECT THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY PROMISED BY THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT AND WHICH WOULD LIVE COMFORTABLY WITH THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OF CHINA WAS *A TASK OF ABSORBING INTEREST,* SIR DAVID SAID.
+N0 MODEL FOR IT CAN BE FOUND IN TEXTBOOK THEORIES, NOR IN THE PREVIOUS HISTORY OF DECOLONISATION. WE HAVE TO FIND OUR OWN WAY,* HE SAID.
A START HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE. THERE WERE 1.4 MILLION VOTERS ON THE ELECTORAL ROLE AND A MIXTURE OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT ELECTIONS TAKING PLACE AT DISTRICT, REGIONAL AND CENTRAL LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT.
AND IN 1987 THERE WOULD BE A REVIEW BEFORE THE NEXT ELECTIONS TOOK PLACE IN 1988.
+HOWEVER, WE SHOULD NOT FORGET THAT CIRCUMSTANCES IN HONG KONG ARE UNUSUAL AND WE WILL HAVE TO FIND SOLUTIONS WHICH MAY APPEAR UNFAMILIAR TO OUTSIDE OBSERVERS,* SIR DAVID SAID.
AN EXAMPLE OF THE SEARCH FOR NEW SOLUTIONS WAS THE BELIEF THAT, GIVEN HONG KONG’S DEPENDENCE ON COMMERCE, TRADE AND INDUSTRY, IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT MEN WHO COULD BRING IN EXPERT KNOWLEDGE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC LIFE.
THUS THE BANKING INDUSTRY, THE MAIN INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE COULD NOW EACH ELECT MEMBERS DIRECTLY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT.
THERE WAS NO DOUBT IN HIS MIND THAT ONE OF HONG KONG’S STRENGTHS DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS WAS THAT BUSINESSMEN WERE FREE TO CARRY ON MAKING THEIR OWN DECISIONS. AS A RESULT, THE ECONOMY DESPITE A DOWNTURN IN EXPORTS LAST YEAR, CONTINUED TO PERFORM WELL. WHILE EXPORTS DECLINED, SIR DAVID SAID, IMPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW, AND FEW PEOPLE REALISED THAT HONG KONG WAS THE 17TH LARGEST IMPORTER IN THE WORLD -- HIGHER THAN AUSTRALIA, CHINA, OR SWEDEN. AND, WHILE HONG KONG MIGHT BE JUDGED AS AN EXPORTER OF CLOTHING, VERY FEW PEOPLE REALISED ALSO THAT HONG KONG WAS THE THIRD LARGEST IMPORTER OF TEXTILES IN THE WORLD.
/IN THS ........
THUBSDAY, FEBBUARY 20, 1986
2
IN THE YEAR FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE SI NO—BRITISH AGREEMENT, HONG KONG +SEEMS BIGGER, MORE MODERN, MORE BUSTLING THAN EVER,* SIR DAVID SAID.
THE FACTS WERE THAT HONG KONG HAD MADE A POSITIVE BEGINNING IN THE IMPORTANT STEPS TO BE TAKEN OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO TRANSFORM FROM ITS PRESENT STATUS INTO A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, 11 YEARS FROM NOW, IN 1997, SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE LONG TERM. +THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR FIFTY YEARS AFTER 1997 AND THIS LONG-TERM VIEW HAS ALSO BEEN REFLECTED IN THE ACTIVITIES AND INVESTMENT BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE WORK OF THE TWO HK-U.S. COMMITTEES, SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITH THEIR EXPERT KNOWLEDGE AND THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION, THEY WOULD RENEW THEIR DETERMINATION TO RESIST +THOSE FORCES AT WORK TO RESTRICT TRADE, AND TO DAMAGE AND TO CHECK, NOT ONLY THE STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC TIES, BUT THE WARMTH OF UNDERSTANDING AND HUMAN FELLOWSHIP WHICH FLOW FROM THESE CONTACTS AND WHICH MUST IN THE END BE A VITAL CONTRIBUTOR TO PEACE
AND UNDERSTANDING.*
SIR DAVID IS ON A SEVEN-DAY PROMOTIONAL TOUR OF NORTH AMERICA, AS GUEST OF HONOUR WITH A TOP-LEVEL, 10-MEMBER HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL ECONOMIC AND TRADE DELEGATION.
-----o------
’HK DEVELOPING HIGHEST PRODUCT, SERVICE STANDARDS’
******
HONG KONG NOW BELIEVES THAT IT SHOULD BE A LEADER AND IS DEVELOPING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS BOTH IN SERVICES AND IN PRODUCTS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE SPRING DINNER HOSTED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, MR JACOBS SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT PREPARED TO MAKE DO WITH SECOND BEST.
HE ATTRIBUTED THIS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE TO THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS AND ENERGY OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, AND AN ADMINISTRATION WHICH RECOGNISED THAT ITS PRIMARY TASK WAS TO PROVIDE THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT FOR COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISE.
+T0 MAINTAIN OUR EXPORT PERFORMANCE WE HAVE HAD TO MOVE UP MARKET AND INTO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES AS WELL AS GOODS.
+THIS TREND IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE IN THE YEARS AHEAD AND TO ENSURE THAT WE DO NOT STAND STILL, WE MUST BE SURE THAT OUR LABOUR FORCE HAS THE REQUISITE LEVEL OF SKILLS AND ABILITY TO ABSORB AND TO USE TECHNOLOGY,* HE SAID.
/THE VOCATIONAL .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1986
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAD THROUGH ITS TRAINING CENTRES BEEN PARTICULARLY ACTIVE IN THIS AREA.
HE ADDED THAT A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF TOTAL PUBLIC EXPENDITURE WAS DEVOTED TO HIGHER EDUCATION.
GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, THROUGH SUBVENTION MADE TO UPGC, IS ESTIMATED AT $1.7 BILLION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
HE SAID THAT IN THIS PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE, MANUFACTURERS HAD REALISED THAT THEY HAD TO PRODUCE GOODS WHICH MET THE DEMANDS OF CONSUMERS.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS WELL AWARE OF THIS AND OVER THE PAST DECADE THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAD BEEN WORKING TOGETHER TO PROMOTE QUALITY CONSCIOUSNESS IN LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.
HE COMMENDED THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE +GREAT VIGOUR* OF HONG KONG, AN ASPECT OF HONG KONG’S PERSONALITY WHICH HE FOUND VERY IMPRESSIVE.
THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR HAD BEEN FOR MANY YEARS THE LARGEST IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE GDP, HE SAID.
ANOTHER MOST SIGNIFICANT FACTOR WAS THE MUTUAL SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT, THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND INSTITUTIONS SUPPORTED BY TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JACOBS STRESSED.
+ IN FUTURE, AS IN THE PAST, 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.
+1 BELIEVE IN CONTINUITY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ECONOMY, A STRIVING AFTER EXCELLENCE IN QUALITY IN ALL ITS ASPECTS, AND THE EVOLUTION OF OUR INSTITUTIONS.
+WE MUST BE OUTWARD LOOKING AND DEVELOP OUR CONTACTS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD. IN THESE WAYS WE SHALL SAFEGUARD OUR WAY OF LIFE AND HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR,+ MR JACOBS SAID.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1986
4
STEPS TO CURB URBAN DECAY BEING TAKEN X X * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN POSITIVE STEPS TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF URBAN DECAY, BUT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE SHOULD RISE TO THE CHALLENGE OF IMPROVING THE SITUATION BEFORE IT WORSENED, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE RETAIL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, MR WIGGHAM SAID A LACK OF INTEREST IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT BY MANY RESIDENTS AND OWNERS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS HAD PRODUCED A SITUATION WHERE SOME 15 PER CENT OF ALL PRIVATE BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG WERE CONSIDERED TO BE SLUMS.
HE SAID WHILE THERE WAS A LIMIT TO WHAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO, MUCH OF THE RESPONSIBILITY LIES WITH THE COMMUNITY, IN PARTICULAR FOR INDIVIDUAL PROPERTY OWNERS.
+IT IS OUR ENVIRONMENT, LET US ALL PLAY OUR PART IN PROTECTING IT AND IMPROVING IT,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.
+T0 DATE WE DO NOT THINK IT APPROPRIATE TO MAKE THE MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS SUBJECT TO STATUTORY LAW, BUT IF OWNERS OF PROPERTY CONTINUE TO NEGLECT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THIS AREA THEN SOME FORM OF COMPULSORY MANAGEMENT MAY BECOME NECESSARY,* HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THAT THE 600 000 PRIVATELY-OWNED DOMESTIC UNITS, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH WERE HIGH-RISE MULTISTOREY BLOCKS, ACCOMMODATED ABOUT HALF OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION EITHER AS OWNER-OCCUPIERS OR TENANTS.
MANY OF THE BUILDINGS WERE BUILT 20 OR 30 YEARS AGO AT A TIME WHEN PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS WERE LESS STRINGENT. THIS ALSO INCLUDED THE STANDARD CONDITIONS OF LEASEHOLD GRANT.
+MOST OF THESE BUILDINGS WERE ALLOWED A MUCH HIGHER PROPORTION OF SITE DEVELOPMENT THAN WOULD BE PERMITTED AT PRESENT, AND THEY SUFFER FROM THE CONGLOMERATE PROBLEMS OF OVER-CROWDING, OBSOLETE AND DEFICIENT SANITATION, ILLEGAL WIRING AND A MYRIAD OF UNLAWFUL STRUCTURAL ADDITIONS,* MR WIGGHAM SAID.
+ALTHOUGH NEWER BUILDINGS HAVE NOT YET HAD TIME TO DEGENERATE TO SUCH A WORRYING EXTENT, THERE ARE DISTURBING SIGNS OF EARLY DILAPIDATION IN CERTAIN AREAS, EVEN IN BUILDINGS LESS THAN TEN YEARS OLD,* HE ADDED.
+THE CRUX OF THE PROBLEM REVOLVES AROUND THE NATURE OF RESIDENTIAL OWNERSHIP IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
MOST PRIVATELY-OWNED RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ARE HIGH-RISE BLOCKS, HELD IN MULT I-OWNERSHIP BY SEVERAL OWNERS WHO HAVE DIFFERENT INTERESTS AND STANDARDS CONCERNING THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF THEIR PROPERTIES, SAID MR WIGGHAM.
/HE FOISTED........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1986
- 5 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT QUITE OFTEN PROBLEMS WOULD ARIS- OVCR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF COMMON AREAS CF PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
+A LACK OF INTEREST IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AMONG OWNERS LEADS INEVITABLY TO DILAPIDATION IN THE FABRIC OF BUILDINGS, AND THIS IS EXACERBATED WHEN OWNER-OCCUPIERS MOVE OUT AND ARE REPLACED BY TENANTS.* SAID MR WIGGHAM.
+THESE TENANTS OFTEN HAVE NO I'.TEREST IN THE PHYSICA- CC DIT OF A BUILDING AND, UNDERSTANDABLY, SEE PROELEMS CF MAI'.TE ' JCE REPAIR AS THE BUSINESS OF LANDLORDS,* HE ADDED.
+THUS, A SPIRAL OF DECLINE SETS IN, WHICH IF LEFT UNATTENDED, CULMINATES IN THE PRODUCTION OF YET MORE SLUMS,* HE SAID.
MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT OVER THE YEARS THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENDEAVOURED TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
*FOR SOME YEARS NOW STRICTER APPLICATION OF TOWN PLANNING CODES AND BUILDING REGULATIONS HAS RESULTED IN MORE APPROPRIATE SITE DEVELOPMENT RATIOS AND INCREASED CONTROL OVER THE ENVIRONMENT.
♦IN ADDITION, MODERN LEASEHOLD CONDITIONS INCLUDE MORE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS IN RELATION TO THE MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTY,* HE SAID.
*CLOSELY RELATED TO THIS IS THE REQUIREMENT IN MANY LEASES TO HAVE AN ACCEPTABLE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT PREPARED BY DEVELOPERS, TO ENSURE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT AFTER COMPLETION,* HE ADDED.
A DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT SETS OUT THE RIGHTS, DUTIES, LIABILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER, THE FIRST PURCHASER AND A NOMINATED MANAGEMENT COMPANY. THE CONDITIONS SET OUT IN A DMC ARE BINDING ON ALL SUBSEQUENT PURCHASERS OF UNITS.
IN THIS REGARD, THE GOVERNMENT RECENTLY INITIATED A SYSTEM WHERE ALL NEW, NON-INDUSTRIAL LAND SALES WOULD REQUIRE TO HAVE A DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT APPROVED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, AS A CONDITION OF LEASEHOLD GRANT, SAID MR WIGGHAM.
*SUCH A DEED WILL HAVE TO CONTAIN A NUMBER OF STANDARD CLAUSES DRAWN UP BY GOVERNMENT TO SET A FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.
+IT WILL BE DIFFICULT HOWEVER, TO RECTIFY DEFICIENCIES IN EXISTING COVENANTS, AS THIS WOULD REQUIRE SOME FORM OF RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION, AND SUCH A STEP COULD POSE PROBLEMS OF PRINCIPLE AS WELL AS PRACTICE,* HE ADDED.
/THE FOBMATICN .......
THURSDAY, FE9HUAHY 20, 1$86
THE FORMATION OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS TO MANAGE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WAS ANOTHER POSITIVE STEP THE GOVERNMENT TOOK TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, BUT THE SITUATION HAD BEEN FRUSTRATED BY INSUFFICIENT INTEREST AMONG OWNERS.
UNDER THE TERMS OF THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE, IT IS NECESSARY FOR OWNERS OF 50 PER CENT OF THE UNDIVIDED SHARES IN A BUILDING TO AGREE TO APPOINT A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE DISTRICT COURT MAY, HOWEVER, ON APPLICATION FROM THE OWNERS OF NOT LESS THAN 20 PER CENT OF THE UNDIVIDED SHARES, ORDER A MEETING BE CONVENED TO APPOINT A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY CONSIDERING AMENDING THE ORDINANCE TO MAKE THE FORMATION OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS EASIER AND LESS COSTLY.
+IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT AL I' ISTRATIC;
•E APPOINTED THE AUTHORITY TO PERU. IT 2C PER CENT OF ~HE TO
CONVENE a MEETING TO FORM AN O-.'NERS CORPORATION,
+THIS WOULD REPLACE THE CURRENT JUDICIAL PROCESS, WHICH CAN BE TIME-CONSUMING AND COSTLY IN TERMS OF LEGAL FEES, AND WHICH HAS PROVED TO BE A DETERRENT TO PROSPECTIVE OWNERS CORPORATION MEMBERS,* HE SAID.
FURTHER AMENDMENTS INCLUDE ELIMINATING THE LAND SEARCH FEES IN CONNECTION WITH ASCERTAINING THE IDENTITIES OF THE OWNERS OF A BUILDING FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING AN OWNER CORPORATION, PROVISION OF RULES IN THE COMPOSITION AND PROCEDURES OF MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND GENERAL MEETINGS, DISCRETION TO REMUNERATE OFFICE BEARERS OF THE CORPORATION, AND THE REQUIREMENT OF A TENDER TO PURCHASE GOODS AND SERVICES VALUED AT MORE THAN 35 000.
TO SUPPORT AND ADVISE MANAGEMENT BODIES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ESTABLISHED DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS IN YAU MA TEI AND EASTERN DISTRICTS, MR WIGGHAM SAID.
+THESE TEAMS, STAFFED BY PROFESSIONAL HOUSING MANAGERS FORM PART OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN PROBLEMATIC BUILDINGS,* HE SAID.
+UNDER THE DIRECTION OF DISTRICT BOARDS, THE TEAMS HAVE CARRIED OUT ADIVSORY AND INSPECTION VISITS TO SOME 30 BUILDINGS IN EACH DISTRICT WITH THE AIM OF ASSISTING AND ADVISING MANAGEMENT BODIES TO IMPROVE THE CONDITION OF THEIR BUILDINGS,* HE ADDED.
THE TEAMS ALSO PERFORM AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF AGENCY CO-ORDINATION WITHIN GOVERNMENT, SAID MR WIGGHAM.
/AT
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY SO, 1
AT present, several unrelated ordinances, ENFORCED 3Y SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS, APPLIED TO MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND A HIGH DEGREE OF INTER-AGENCY CO-OPERATION WAS REQUIRED TO ENSURE A CONCENTRATED AND EFFECTIVE APPROACH OF ENFORCEMENT, HE SAID.
♦THIS ROLE IS CARRIED OUT BY THE TEAMS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE,+ HE ADDED.
+ WE HOPE TO HAVE AN ADDITIONAL TWO TEAMS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, AND TO ADD MORE AS RESOURCES PERMIT,+ HE SAID.
+ IT IS FELT THAT BY SETTING OUT A LEGAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH OWNERS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO HELP THEMSELVES, ALONG WITH ACTIVE ADVICE AND SUPPORT PROGRAMMES SUPPLIED BY BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS, MUCH CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT RESORT TO LEGAL COMPULSION,+ SAID MR WIGGHAM.
--------u ---------
QUARTERLY INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX PUBLISHED 4 4 4
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1?85, AT 132.1, wAS 12.4 POINTS OR 8.6 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE INDEX SHOWED A\ INCREASE OF 7.5 POINTS OR 6.0 PER CENT. THE THIRD QUARTER IS NORMALLY THE PEAK SEASON FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION TO MEET THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR DEMAND.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY SHOWED THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PRODUCTION, BY 76.3 PER NT, OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984, TO MEET THE INCREASED IMPORT DtMAND FROM CHINA.
OTHER INDUSTRIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN PRODUCTION OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 INCLUDED NON-ELECTRI CAL MACH I Me-Y (+23.8 PER CENT), PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENIFIC EQUIPMENT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+19.9 PER CENT) AND LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTwEAR (+14.3 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, SEVERAL INDUSTRIES REPORTED DECLINES IN PRODUCTION OVER THc SAME PERIOD. THESE INCLUDED RUBBER PRODUCTS (-26.*- PER CENT), CONSUMER ELtCTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-24.2 PER CEjT TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (-23.8 PER CENT), FABRICATED METAL PRODUCT; (-16.2 PER CENT), AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-11.3 PER CENT).
/THE MOST........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1986
- 8
THE MOST SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN PRODUCTION OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 OCCURRED IN THE MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES CATEGORY. THE PRODUCTION INDEX FOR THE MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AS A WHOLE DROPPED BY 37.2 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984, WITH A DRASTIC DROP i- THE DEMAND FOR PRECIOUS STONES, JEWELLERY AND FABRIC rLOWERb «..D FOLIAGE FROM OVERSEAS MARKETS MORE THAN OFFSETTING A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE PRODUCTION OF IMITATION JEWELLERY.
COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1985, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT SUCH COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, MOST INDUSTRIES RECORDED INCREASES IN PRODUCTION. THESE INCLUDED BEVERAGES (+19.3 PER CENT), PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+15.5 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+14.7 PER CENT), PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+13.3 PER CENT), AND TEXTILES (+10.6 PER CENT).
A FEW INDUSTRIES REPORTED SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN PRODUCTION OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER. THEY WERE RUBBER PRODUCTS (-19.2 PER CENT), CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-9.8 PER CENT), AND NON-ELECTRICAL MACHINERY (-7.3 PER CENT).
THE CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY JAS PARTICULARLY AFFECTED BY DECLINES IN ORDERS FROM THE UNITED STATES, EUROPEAN COUNTRIES AND CHINA. COMMODITIES THAT RECORDED SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN PRODUCTION IN THE THIRD QUARTER Oh 1985 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1984 AS WELL AS OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER INCLUDED PORTABLE CASSETTE RECORDERS, DIGITAL CLOCK RADIOS AND ELECTRONIC POCKET CALCULATORS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE LEVELS AND TRENDS OF OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS, THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER REMOVING THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, THIRD QUARTER 1985+.
THE PUBLICATION IS ON SALE AT $3 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 Dtb VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7224504.
/Table 1 .......
[Typographical errors in the original document]
WRSIUY, -0, 1'jiv
Table ui»»<ry table quarterly indene* of Industrial production
► • ~»ad « duatry <mup, Ird quarter 1982 to ^rd quarter |9w5
(I9M1 - 100>
t*« a ■••O’i. Weicht : J 98? 1983 19b* 1982 |983 1964 1985
40 10 20 30 *0 IQ 20 30 *0 10 2o
34 .e । 100.7 110.9 112.5 IU6.2 94.5 105.0 121.5 122.6 102.9 122.8 126.6 1’5.6 113,6 145.1
< • i
4e« aona'e . eaa tnt tv»a* 251.1 •»9.b 106.0 113.8 95.6 113.5 H9.b 109 .8 108.8 115.6 106.3 116.1 115.9 120.7 95. 3 97.1 104.6
1 '•xt ’ ' udtRg I?7.* 94.6 103.3 11 IU5.) 98.5 7b.6 109.3 117.1 110.8 99.6 119.5 120.7 l?o.l H5.9 119.6 132.3
““r- Inn!
• • • 133. t 125.2 123.9 III*.5 132.3 N0.O 141.7 121.4 160.2 177.4 *9.3 ‘39.2 1*5 7.9 163.5
• rail ft I. - A. -f’ ■ • #•»<* n • • • • • r-•r ’ : k 'ucta •n.O 104.* . .6 i" . > .0.2 106.6 92.9 129.5 138.3 122.6 113.2 153.0 199.9 .5.1 1 U.6 |n I * 183.0
• **• t ■ a'a e* •’rate'' aar a 1 • *UC"* an lyf- *’,»f • t •iVur/ 104.1 >01.4 IU5.1 13.’..’ 105.4 104.0 91 .3 106.6 112.1 111.2 113.1 139.1 151.9 12* .8 1-0.1 14? .5 ! 3* ..
• E «c:'teal end ela.:tc*nlc «dur • a, • ' fea<lone ■•iip-'Rt *«'■ lea <ood« 99.' 123.. 133.9 101.3 109.5 93.h 123.5 133.5 142.2 109.3 126.7 143.0 155.1 hr.-* 12*. . 129.7
•. M’ecrl a«<*ou« «a«ufa iti'F t^g »**••.< . !*• *»fc .9 9J.M 117.6 I54.h 95.7 95.8 98 .n 112.4 118.4 14|.6 119.1 165.1 168.1 MS. r !-’4.5 l-»5. f 121.-
a’ • -*»faetu*irj rtuat !•• 1000.0 100.. »>).* I 32.0 104.2 107.7 9|.5 116.0 122.5 125.4 in9.| 130.5 144.5 1-3.7 |O9.» J -•. 1
1
'Table 2
typographical errors in the original document]
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1?
11 -
COMPULSORY INSPECTION OF PRE-1977 VEHICLES * * * *
GOODS VEHICLES, SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES AND TRAILERS MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1977 WHICH REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE ON OR AFTER JUNE 1 THIS YEAR WOULD HAVE TO UNDERGO EXAMINATION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BEFORE THE LICENCE IS RENEWED.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT THE MEASURE WOULD COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 21). AT PRESENT, VEHICLES IN THESE THREE CATEGORIES ARE REQUIRED TO PASS A TEST BEFORE RELICENSING ONLY IF THEY ARE MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1976.
HE SAID A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS WOULD BE ISSUED TO GOODS VEHICLES, SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLES AND TRAILERS WHICH HAVE PASSED THE EXAMINATION AT THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE AT CHEUNG YIP STREET, KOWLOON.
+THE CERTIFICATE SHOULD BE PRODUCED FOR LICENCE RENEWAL APPLICATIONS BUT ONLY THOSE ISSUED WITHIN FOUR MONTHS PRECEDING THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW LICENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED VALID,+ HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR VEHICLE EXAMINATION ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL LICENSING OFFICES AND VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND VEHICLE OWNERS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE EARLY APPOINTMENTS TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE WHEN THEIR LICENCES EXPIRE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7597505.
-----o-----
EXHIBITION ON UC ELECTION STARTS TOMORROW ******
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION TO PUBLICISE THE MARCH 6 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE LOBBY OF HENNESSY CENTRE IN CAUSEWAY BAY BEGINNING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
♦IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE EXHIBITION, WAN CHAI RESIDENTS WILL KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE VARIOUS FACILITIES AND SERVICES IT PROVIDES IN THE DISTRICT SO THAT MORE REGISTERED VOTERS WILL VOTE IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIONS,+ WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ROGER GARCIA, SAID.
APART FROM INTRODUCING THE URBAN COUNCIL, EACH OF THE TWO CANDIDATES, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN AND DR ALBERT CHEUNG CHI-PIU, WILL BE ALLOCATED AN EXHIBITION PANEL TO DISPLAY THEIR PLATFORMS.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION MAY ALSO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE ABOUT WAN CHAI DISTRICT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL BY TAKING PART IN A COMPUTER GAME.
/TttS EXHIBITION ......
THURSDAY, ZSBRUARY 20, 1986
12
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 9 PM.
TO FURTHER PUBLICISE THE ELECTION, THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS PRINTED POSTERS, MOUNTED PUBLICITY BANNERS AND RE-DECORATED THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S SHOW WINDOW.
PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS HAVE ALSO BEEN PRINTED AND WILL BE MAILED TO SOME 60 000 REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE TWO CANDIDATES WILL ALSO ATTEND A PUBLIC FORUM TO BE HELD ON MARCH 2 AT 2 PM AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM OF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING IN HENNESSY ROAD.
TWO TRAMS DECORATED WITH PUBLICITY POSTERS WILL TRAVEL DAILY BETWEEN HAPPY VALLEY AND KENNEDY TOWN FROM MARCH 1 TO MARCH 6. A BROADCASTING VAN CALLING ON THE ELECTORS TO VOTE WILL ALSO TOUR THE DISTRICT ON MARCH 3 AND 4.
-----o------
RC TO BECOME NEW LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY IN NT *****
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IS TO TAKE OVER FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD AS THE LIQUOR LICENSING AUTHORITY IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS WHEN IT COMES INTO BEING ON APRIL 1.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HEADQUARTERS) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR GEOFFREY ORR, AT A MEETING TODAY OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.
AT THE MEETING, IT WAS DECIDED THAT A LICENSING SCHEME BASED ON THE POLICY AND PROCEDURES MOW FOLLOWED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD SHOULD BE ADOPTED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL ALSO ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO SEND A DELEGATION TO SINGAPORE IN AUGUST ON A STUDY VISIT.
THE SECRETARY OF THE COUNCIL, MRS PAMELA TAN, SAID THE VISIT WOULD ESTABLISH AND EXTEND THE COUNCIL’S OFFICIAL CONTACTS WITH MUNICIPAL AUTHORITIES IN OTHER CITIES AND ENABLE MEMBERS TO ENGAGE IN FRUITFUL EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND VIEWS WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN OTHER MUNICIPAL COUNCILS.
SHE ADDED THAT SINGAPORE IS CHOSEN BECAUSE, LIKE HONG KONG, IT IS A CITY STATE WITH AN EXPORT-ORIENTED ECONOMY AND THE SIZE OF ITS POPULATION AND AREA ARE COMPARABLE TO THOSE OF HONG KONG.
ON THE SUBJECT OF BILLIARD CLUBS IN NON-URBAN AREAS, THE COUNCIL DECIDED TO CONSULT THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE NINE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON THE NEED AND WAYS OF CONTROLLING THEM.
- 0 ----------
/13........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 19a
13
POPULATION IS 5 466 900
*****
THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF HONG KONG AT THE END OF DECc.-.-.l •985 WAS 5 466 900, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE CENSUS 7ATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 69 400 PERSONS OR 1.3 PER CENT O'.'E: END-1984.
THE BALANCE OF TOTAL ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES SHOWED A NET .FLOW OF 18 110 PERSONS DURING 1985.
THERE WERE 76 598 BIRTHS LAST YEAR. DEATHS TOTALLED 25 323. NATURAL INCREASE, I.E. THE SURPLUS OF BIRTHS OVER DEATHS AMOUNTED TO 51 275, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR 74 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION .<OwTH.
- 0 -
ANIMAL WASTE POLLUTION CONTROL TO BE DISCUSSED
*****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTES AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW ( l. I DA AFTERNOON.
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR NIGEL SHIPMAN, SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR ROBIN JORDAN, AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR CHOI CHI-CHUNG, WILL ATTtNj THE MEETING.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSING PROPOSED MEETING DATES OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES FOR 1986-87, APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR HOLDING A SPRING CARNIVAL IN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE AND FOR CARRYING OUT MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN LAN LAI BAY.
BOARD MEMBER MR WALTER SULKE WILL ASK ABOUT THE MONITORING OF THE AIR QUALITY IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS ON MEETINGS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMITTEES, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2.30 P IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM AT NO.7-11, NAM NING STREET, SECON FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTF . , HONG KONG.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, PJ:
- 14 -
FORUMS FOR CANDIDATES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ******
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE FOUR OPEN FORUMS FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE SOUTHERN-DISTRICT SEAT IN THE FORTHCOMING URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FOUR FORUMS, BEING HELD BECAUSE OF THE EXTENSIVE GEOGRAPHICAL AREA OF THE CONSTITUENCY, WILL BE HELD IN WAH FU, STANLEY, ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG.
THREE CANDIDATES, MR JOSEPH CHAN, MR TENNY HUNG AND MISS YEUNG CHUI-CHUN, WILL SPEAK ON THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR.
THE DATES AND PLACES OF THE FORUMS, 8.30 PM, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ALL TO BE HELD AT
VENUE DATE ADDRESS
(1) WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL 21.2.86 (FRIDAY) WAH FU ESTATE
(2) S.K.H. STANLEY VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL 24.2.86 (MONDAY) CARMEL ROAD, STANLEY
(3) ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY CENTRE 25.2.86 (TUESDAY) 180B ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD
(4) TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL 28.2.86 (FRIDAY) WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE
+T0 PUBLICISE THE FORTHCOMING URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL PRINT A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT WITH THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER ON FEBRUARY 25 TO EE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS DURING THE FORUMS AND OTHER PUBLIC FUNCTIONS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ SOME 27 000 COPIES ARE BEING PRINTED TO INFORM RESIDENTS OF THE PLATFORMS OF THE CANDIDATES; THE URBAN COUNCIL’S STRUCTURE, SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT; THE LOCATIONS OF THE POLLING STATION AND DETAILS ON HOW TO VOTE,* HE SAID.
BESIDE PUTTING UP BANNERS AND SENDING APPEAL LETTERS TO REGISTERED VOTERS, SPECIAL WINDOW DISPLAYS ARE BEING PUT UP AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S ABERDEEN AND WAH FU OFFICES TO HELP VOTERS BETTER UNDERSTAND THE CANDIDATES AND THE WORK OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
/a BROADCASTING .......
THURSDAY, FSBttUARY 20, 1986
A BROADCASTING VAN WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT BETWEEN MARCH 3 AND MARCH 6 AND A BROADCASTING LAUNCH WILL TOUR THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER ON ELECTION DAY TO REMIND VOTERS TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S CANDIDATES FORUMS.
- - 0 ----------
OPEN FORUM FOR KWAI CHUNG CANDIDATES
******
THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE A FORUM FOR CANDIDATES RUNNING IN THE KWAI CHUNG EAST CONSTITUE 'Y OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 22) AFTERNOON.
THE TWO CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE SEAT ARE MR CHAN VEN-VON AND MR LEE WING-TAT WHO WILL EXPLAIN THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWEb. QUESTIONS AT THE FORUM TO BE HELD AT 3 PM AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL IN LAI FONG STREET.
MR WONG MAN-TAI, AN UNCONTESTED CANDIDATE FOR THE KWAI CHUM' WEST AND TSING Yl CONSTITUENCY, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE FORUM TO EXPLAIN HIS PLATFORM.
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUM.
THE FORUM IS PART OF THE PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
OTHER PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES INCLUDE 30 000 COPIES OF A NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT ON THE ELECTIONS, WINDOW DISPLAYS ON THE WORK OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AT THE SEVEN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES, AND A MINI-EXH IBITI ON. PUBLICITY BANNERS WILL ALSO -Ji UP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO ARRANGED THREE DOUBLE-DECKER KMB BUSES PAINTED wI TH SLOGAN URGING RESIDENTS TO VOTE OH ■ C
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM ON SATURDAY AT 3 PM AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY
193<-
BOARD. MEMBERS SEE KMB OPERATIONS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY TO SEE ITS OPERATION.
LED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, DR STEPHEN TANG, MEMBERS WERE FIRST BRIEFED AT THE KWAI CHUNG HEAD OFFICE.
THEY THEN TOURED THE COMPUTER CENTRE, TECHNICAL TRAINING SCHOOL AND MAINTENANCE DEPOT.
THE PARTY ALSO wENT TO THE LAI CHI KOK DEPOT AND VISITED THE RADIO CONTROL SECTION AND PASSENGER ENQUIRY SECTION.
JACOBS VISITS KNITWEAR FACTORY
X X X
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOURED A KNITWEAR FACTORY IN KWAI CHUNG TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE INDUSTRY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR PETER JOHNSON, MR JACOBS VISITED THE HONG KONG MILO’S KNITWEAR FACTORY LIMITED WHERE HE WAS WELCOMED BY THE COMPANY’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR FRANK LIN.
THE FACTORY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1969 AND IS EQUIPPED WITH HIGHLY-MECHANISED MACHINERY INCLUDING 50 COMPUTER-CONTROLLED FLAT KNITTING MACHINES. IT ALSO USED MICRO-COMPUTERS IN DESIG' I PATTERNS.
MILO’S KNITWEAR MAINLY PRODUCES WOOLLEN AND ARCYLIC KNITWEAR FOR EXPORT TO EEC COUNTRIES, ESPECIALLY FRANCE, WEST GERMANY AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.
- 0 - -
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, l?0
17
NEW ESTATE PROPOSED FOR SHAM SHU I PC
*****
SHAH SHU I PO DISTRICT SOARD MEMBERS -ILL BE ^ED^ATJhE IR. MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO CONS DtK A rtturuo ^MPLEMENTATIONSOFMTHEUEX^ENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE DISTR ICT.
THE DISTR ICT.
members will also give their views on a survey conducted^/. i ^^s?°?™Os™ict^S«;s;rsh)pU?eY p°o? songs ..th obuectionabl. LYRICS.
THF MEETING WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE sJSh SHuIpO DISTRICT OFFICE at 30 TONKIN STREET.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME OBSERVERS.
TO ATTEND THE MEETING kc
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHU I PO DB MEETING AT 2 PM TOMORROW.
-----0------
/i£ ........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 198t •
- 18 -
MAKING A SHOW OF THE DISTRICT CAMPAIGN * * * * *
A MULTI-ACTIVITY DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH AN AUDIO-VISUAL SHOW ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 22) AT THE NEW WORLD CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE SHOW FEATURES A SLIDE PRESENTATION, A VIDEO AND A PHOTO EXHIBITION ILLUSTRATING THE WORK OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT AND INFORMATION ON VOTING PROCEDURES FOR THE MARCH 6 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE SHOW WILL BE HELD IN THE NEW WORLD CENTRE FROM FEBRUARY 22 TO 26, AND IN THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE FROM MARCH 1 TO 3.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $155 000 FOR PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES OF THE CAMPAIGN.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID THE AIM WAS TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
AND TO ENCOURAGE GREATER PARTICI PAT I ON, THE ACTIVITIES WERE ARRANGED TO SUIT DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.
YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS THROUGH A VARIETY SHOW AT THE KOWLOON PARK ON MARCH 1.
ORGANISED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO, THE SHOW WILL START AT 2 Pf WITH QUIZZES AND PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN LOCAL SINGERS.
A PARADE OF CARTOON CHARACTERS TO BE HELD ON HIGHLIGHT THE CAMPAIGN.
MARCH 2 WILL
FIVE CARTOON CHARACTERS WILL TOUR YAU MA TEI DISTRICT IN A DECORATED OPEN-TOP BUS TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE. THEY WILL STOP AT CERTAIN LOCATIONS TO DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS TO PEOPLE.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 500 MEMBERS FROM AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WILL BE TREATED ’ OF FUN AT FANASY LAND IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AUDIOVISUAL SHOW TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 22), AT THE NEW WORLD CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI. DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
/19 .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1986
- 19 -
MONG KOK SEMINAR ON HAWKER POLICIES r *****
A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD IN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FOR RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON HAWKER AND MARKET POLICIES.
THE DOCUMENT WAS PUBLISHED BY THE WORKING PARTY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL MARKET AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE TO REVIEW HAWKERS AND RELATED POLICIES.
ORGANISED BY A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP FORMED UNDER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR IS PART OF AN EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION PROGRAMME TO SEEK VIEWS ON HAWKERS.
+THE BOARD FOUND IT NECESSARY TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH STUDY OF THE DOCUMENT AS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PROPOSALS WOULD GREATLY AFFECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND HAWKING ACTIVITIES OF MORE THAN 6 003 HAWKERS IN THE DISTRICT,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND SHOP OPERATORS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR. A MEMBER OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WORKING PARTY AND AN OFFICIAL FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF PARTICIPANTS ON THE BACKGROUND OF THE DOCUMENT AND WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE CONVENED BY THE CHAIRMAN AND A MEMBER Oc THE WORKING GROUP, MR CLEMENT TAO AND MR JACOB CHAN.
MEANWHILE, INFORMATION FROM AN OPINION SURVEY OF 300 HAWKERS AND SHOP OPERATORS ON EXISTING HAWKER POLICIES AND THE PROPOSALS OF THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ARE BEING ANALYSED AND TABULATED.
THE FINDINGS, TOGETHER WITH COMMENTS COLLECTED FROM THE SEMINAR, AND DISCUSSIONS DURING THE SIX AREA COMMITTEE MEETINGS, WILL BE COMPILED INTO A REPORT TO BE SUBMITTED FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CONSIDERATION DURING A SPECIAL MEETING ON MARCH 21.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR TOMORROW AT 6 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROO^ OF MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 1B7 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
/20 .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2u, ,4c.
20
MORE SPORTS FACILITIES AT HOLIDAY VILLAGE
*****
vORK * ILL START EARLY NEXT MONTH ON HORE SPORTS F AC IL । TI c..-. AT 'ADY MACLEHOSE HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN SAI KUNG, FOLLOWIN'^ Fnc. -wARDtV A S3.lt MILLION CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT.
FACILITIES * ILL INCLUDE TWO BADMINTON COURTS, Tv.0 SQUASH COUR".. AND OTHER IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
EXISTING FACILITIES AT THE HOLIDAY VILLAGE INCLUDE AN ARTS MD CRAFTS CENTRE, A MINI-GOLF COURSE, AN ARCHERY RANGE, ROLLER SKATING AND ARTIFICIAL ICE SKATING RINKS, AN INDOOR RECREATION HOUSE, TwO TENNIS COURTS, A SWIMMING POOL AND A CLUB HOUSE.
THE CONTRACT UNDER PHASE I IB OF THE VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WAS AWARDED BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO CHUNG SHING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
- 0 - -
EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS
*****
TEk SECONDARY AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE SCHOOLS RESEARCH PROJECTS ON CIVIC EDUCATION ORGANISED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AND THE CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
THE PROJECTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE HA KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL IN HING SHING STREET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM AND ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 22) FROM 9 AM TO 4.30 PM.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS HAVE USED VISUAL MATERIALS, FIGURES AND STATISTICS, GAMES ACTIVITIES AND DISPLAY BOARD TO ILLUSTRATE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE FELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3 PM AT THE HA KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL. DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK J DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHINGS AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (TSUEN WAN AND KwA I CHUNG), MR WONG S'HIU-GAN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION.
/21 •
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1936 - 21 -
LOOP ROAD TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC
*****
VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC IN THE WESTERN PART OF KOWLOON WILL BE IMPROVED a I TH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LOOP ROAD IN KAU WAH KENG.
WORK ON THIS $36 MILLION PROJECT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ROAD AND FOOTPATHS TO THE NORTH OF THE LAI CHI KOK AMUSEMENT PARK, LINKING LAI KING HILL ROAD TO LAI WAN ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, LARGE SECTIONS OF THESE TwO ROADS WILL ALSO BE WIDENED AND IMPROVED.
IN ADDITION A TWIN BOX CULVERT UNDER THE NEW ROAD AND SLOPE PROTECTION’MEASURES IN THE WORK AREA WILL BE PROVIDED.
WORK WILL BEGIN AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS.
-----o------
SHORTER OPERATING *
HOURS FOR PARKING METERS * * * * *
THE OPERATING HOURS FOR GOODS VEHICLE METERED PARKING SPACES IN THE KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA WILL BE SHORTENED FROM THE EXIoTI q 8 AM-MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM-8 PM WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
A RECOMMENDATION BY A CONSULTANCY FIRM THAT GOODS ENCOURAGED TO PARK IN INDUSTRIAL ZONES SO AS TO
THIS FOLLOWED
VEHICLES SHOULD BE ___________
REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR PARKING SPACES IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
A SIMILAR PROPOSAL WAS MADE BY THE MANUFACTURERS IN KWUN TONG.
THE DEPARTMENT FOUND THAT THE SCHEME COULD BE TRIED OUT IN THE INDUSTRIAL AREAS WHICH WERE ISOLATED FROM THE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PREMISES.
THE PROPOSAL WAS ALSO ENDORSED BY THE KOWLOON REGIONAL ROAu USE GROUP AND A NUMBER OF ROADS IN KWUN TONG WERE DESIGNATED A3 SITES FOR THE PILOT SCHEME IN KOWLOON.
THEY ARE HUNG TO ROAD, TSUN YIP STREET, CHONG YIP STREET, HOW MING STREET, HING YIP STREET, HOI BUN ROAD AND SHING YIP STREET.
THE SCHEME WOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER INDUSTRIAL AREAS IF IT PROVED SUCCESSFUL, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR WILLIAM HARDING TO VISIT HK ................................. 1
U.S. ASKS FOR TEXTILE TALKS ..................................... 1
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ...................... 2
DECEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT ........ J
IMPROVED MEDICAL SERVICES FOR NORTHWEST NT ...................... 5
EPA EXPERTS TO TALK ON POLLUTION ................................ 6
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LANDS RETIRES ................................ 7
SECURITIES NOTICES PUBLISHED .................................... 8
FS (DESIGNATE) TOURS FACTORY .................................... 9
JACOBS SEES IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS ............................. 10
MODERN TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES CATCHES ............................. 10
SPRING LANTERN CARNIVAL IN WAN CHAI ............................ 11
MANPOWER SURVEY OF MERCHANT NAVY TO START ...................... 12
U.S. SETS NEW POSTAL RULES ON TEXTILES ......................... 12
200 CHILDREN JOIN SINGING CONTEST .............................. 13
FESTIVAL HELPS FOLK LYRICS REVIVAL ............................. 13
STARTING CEREMONY FOR WALK ..................................... 14
YOUTHS TO LEARN ABOUT ELECTIONS ................................ 15
NEW YEAR BANQUET FOR TUIT< MUN ELDERLIES ....................... 15
VICTORIA PEAK WALKATHON ON SUNDAY .............................. 16
CELEBRATIONS IN TSUEN WAN LANTERN FESTIVAL ..................... 17
DISTRICT PROBLEMS PRESENTED IN CONTEST ......................... 18
ANTI-NARCOTICS DISCO NIGHT FOR YOUTHS .......................... 18
COOKING CONTEST FOR ELDERLY .................................... 19
PHOTO DISPLAY ON REGIONAL COUNCIL............................... 20
WATER TANK FOR HIGH GROUND „REAS PLANNED ....................... 20
FANLING RECREATION GROUND CLOSURE .............................. 21
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSUEN WAN, TUEN MUN ......................... 21
CENTRAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................................... 22
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
1
SIR WILLIAM HARDING TO VISIT HK *****
AT THE FOREIGN AND
COMMONWEALTHUOFFl!CE^RS?RCW^LL,iAMOHARDtNG, WILL VIS IT HONG KONG FROM FEBRUARY 23 TO 26 AS PART OF HIS TOUR OF THE FAR EAST.
WHILE IN HONG KONG, SIR WILLIAM WILL HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE GOVERNOR AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS WELL AS MEMBcRg CF UMELCO. HE WILL VISIT THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND TWO URBAN DISTRICTS.
SIR WILLIAM LAST VISITED HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER 1984. HIS PRESENT TOUR WILL COVER NEW DELHI AND CHINA APART FROM HONG KONG.
-----0------
U.S. ASKS FOR TEXTILE TALKS
*****
THE UNITED STATES HAS ASKED HONG KONG TO ENTER BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING HONG KONG’S TEXTILE EXPORTS TO THE STATES, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE REQUEST WAS CONVEYED YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) IN WASHINGTON TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO BY AMBASSADOR CHARLES CARLISLE, THE CHIEF TEXTILES NEGOTIATOR IN THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE’S OFFICE.
+THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD WILL BE MEETING TOMORROW TO DISCUSS THIS DEVELOPMENT AND SUCH OTHER RELATED INFORMATION AS IS AVAILABLE,* MR MACLEOD SAID.
♦CLEARLY THIS IS AN IMPORTANT ISSUE WITH POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS ALSO FOR THE MFA NEGOTIATIONS. WE SHALL BE ASSESSING THE POSITION VERY CAREFULLY.♦
MR HO IS IN WASHINGTON HAVING DISCUSSIONS WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS AND POLITICIANS AND PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE HONG KONG-UNITED STATES ECONOMIC COOPERATION COMMITTEE.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
2
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES *****
THE OPERATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES MUST COMPLY WITH STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID SIX EMPLOYMENT AGENCY OPERATORS WERE CONVICTED AND FINED LAST YEAR FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS.
THE OFFENCES INCLUDED OPERATING AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE, CHARGING JOB-SEEKER AN AMOUNT MORE THAN THE PRESCRIBED FEE AND COMMISSION, FAILING TO SUBMIT QUARTERLY RETURNS WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND FAILING TO MAINTAIN THE PRESCRIBED REGISTERS.
AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IS DEFINED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AS AN ESTABLISHMENT WHICH AIMS AT OBTAINING EMPLOYMENT FOR ANOTHER PERSON OR SUPPLYING PERSONNEL TO AN EMPLOYER BOTH WITHIN OR OUTSIDE HONG KONG, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE EMPLOYMENT IS OF PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME NATURE.
OPERATORS OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES ARE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A LICENCE FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BEFORE STARTING BUSINESS, AT A FEE OF $300 A YEAR.
THE AMOUNT OF FEE AND COMMISSION THAT CAN BE CHARGED BY AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY IS PRESCRIBED BY THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS.
THE FEE TO BE CHARGED TO JOB-SEEKERS FOR FIRST REGISTRATION AND SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL AFTER THREE MONTHS IS LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF $3, AND THE COMMISSION FOR A SUCCESSFUL JOB PLACEMENT TO 10 PER CENT OF THE FIRST MONTH’S RECEIVED SALARY.
THE REGULATIONS ALSO LIMIT THE FEE THAT CAN BE CHARGED BY AN AGENCY TO AN EMPLOYER TO A MAXIMUM OF $10 FOR EACH TYPE OF VACANCY REGISTERED ON FIRST REGISTRATION AND $5 PER RENEWAL OF SUCH REGISTRATION AFTER THREE MONTHS, WHILE THE COMMISSION TO BE PAID BY AN EMPLOYER ON SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINING FOR HIM AN EMPLOYEE BY AN AGENCY IS A MATTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN BOTH PARTIES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT AN OPERATOR MUST DISPLAY THE FEE SCHEDULES AND HIS LICENCE IN HIS PLACE OF BUSINESS AND MUST SOBMT QUARTERLY RETURNS WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME AND MAINTAIN THE PRESCRIBED REGISTERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ORDINANCE AND THE REGULATIONS.
ENQUIRIES ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE OPERATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES MAY BE MADE TO THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-8523535 OR 5-8523537.
-------0 --------
/3........
hRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
DECEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT
******
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) IN THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN DECEMBER 1985 COMPARED WITH THE PREVI OUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
MOST MAJOR INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES REPORTED INCREASES IN ORDERS BUT THE FABRICATED NETAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REPORTED NO CHANGE.
THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE DECREASED SLIGHTLY. THIS DECREASE WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DECLINE IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE FOOD AND DRINKS, WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES REPORTED A STABLE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
INCREASES IN BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE REPORTED BY ALL THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED. SUCH INCREASES WERE MAINLY DUE TO THE PAYMENT OF YEAR-END BONUSES AND MORE OVERTIME WORK PERFORMED.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE EMPLOYMENT LEVEL WAS UNCHANGED. PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS SHOWED SOME INCREASE AS A FEW FIRMS PAID BONUSES TO THEIR EMPLOYEES.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTORS REMAINED STABLE. HOWEVER, BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BECAUSE MANY FIRMS USED TO DISTRIBUTING BONUSES AT THE END OF THE YEAR.
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 A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
/THE SURVEY........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1985 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 3-7212854.
A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
(% CHANGE PRECEDING
OVER THE MONTH)
ORDERS-ON-HAND ( IN TERMS OF
INDUSTRY OCT. 1985 NOV. 1985 DEC. 1985 MONTHS) FOR DECEMBER 1985
WEARING APPAREL, FOOTWEAR EXCEPT -2 2 4.41
TEXTILES, EXCEPT APPAREL WEARING 8 * 3 2.45
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -5 -2 2 3.80
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -3 * * 3.15
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 -1 1 4.86
OTHERS * * * 4.40
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES -1 1 1 1 »-> 1 4.17
B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/ SERVICES PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE PER CAPITA COMPANIES SURVEYED EARNINGS (% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) OCT. NOV. DEC. OCT. NOV. DEC. 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 1985 PER CAPITA EARNINGS FOR DECEMBER 1985 HK
i*ANUFACTUR ING -1 -1 -1 2 1 8 3 332
FOOD AND DRINKS -1 -1 * * -4 13 4 132
/WEARING APPAREL, .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
5
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR * * * 5 X 8 2 841
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL * * 3 1 14 3 620
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -2 -3 -1 1 -5 6 2 732
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -1 * 7 6 1 3 173
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -3 * -2 * 2 6 3 079
OTHERS -1 -2 * 2 5 5 4 551
CONSTRUCTION ** -1 -2 * -4 1 4 4 597
——
SERV ICES BANKS HOTELS PUBLIC UTILITIES * * 1 * * * 1 * * K X X -4 -1 2 -6 -2 * -3 -6 37 71 43 19 7 8 5 6 353 406 □27 487
OTHERS 1 * X -1 -1 36 8 889
* CHANGES WITHIN + 0.5 PER CENT
* * PERSONS ENGAGED COVER EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY COMPANY EMPLOYEES SUB-CONTRACTORS ONLY; SITE NOT INCLUDED WORKERS •
- - 0 -
IMPROVED MEDICAL SERVICES FOR NORTHWEST NT
* * * * X
Mrnirii qppvirFS FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NORTHWEST PART OF mF NFW^T'RRI TORIES SlLL BE GREATLY IMPROVED WHEN THE TUEN MUN HOSPITALTAND THE POKOI HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROGRAMME PHASE III ARE COMPLETED BY MID-1988.
TUIQ was statfd TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND lfALTH SERVICES DR K.L? THONG, AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE’POK 01 HOSPITAL PHASE III EXTENSION PROGRAMME.
/THE PHASE III
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
- 6 -
THE PHASE III EXTENSION PROGRAMME, WHICH COSTS $14.6 MILLION, WILL INCLUDE A NEW OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT AND AN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT WITH THE MOST ADVANCED FACILITIES, DR THONG SAID.
EIGHTY PER CENT OF THE CAPITAL COST FOR THE PHASE III PROGRAMME IS BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT WHILE THE REMAINING AMOUNT WILL BE RAISED BY THE HOSPITAL BOARD.
PHASE I OF THE POK 01 HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROGRAMME WAS COMPLETED IN 1981 WHILE PART OF THE PHASE II PROGRAMME WAS COMPLETED IN 1984.
DR THONG PRAISED THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR ITS EFFORTS IN PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICE FOR THE PEOPLE IN YUEN LONG.
THE POK 01 HOSPITAL HAS SERVED THE PEOPLE OF YUEN LONG FOR MORE THAN 60 YEARS. THE BOARD HAS EMBARKED ON A FIVE-PHASE EXTENSION PROGRAMME FOR THE HOSPITAL TO COPE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG NEW TOWN AS WELL AS ITS POLICY IN PROVIDING A FULL RANGE OF MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
+UPON COMPLETION OF THE FIVE-PHASE EXTENSION PROGRAMME, POK 01 HOSPITAL WILL BECOME A DISTRICT HOSPITAL WITH THE MOST ADVANCED AND UP-TO-DATE FACILITIES,* DR THONG SAID.
------0 ------
EPA EXPERTS TO TALK ON POLLUTION * * * * *
EXPERTS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY WILL GIVE TALKS ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND PROTECTION IN THE COMING TWO WEEKENDS.
DR KWAN SIU-HEI AND MR LEUNG PAK-MING WILL BE TALKING ABOUT NOISE POLLUTION AND AIR POLLUTION AT 3.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDA ) AT THE YAU MA TEI PUBLIC LIBRARY.
NEXT SATURDAY (MARCH 1), MR CHOI CHI-CHUNG AND DR SHIN KAM-SHING WILL BE S?eIk I NG ON WASTE MANAGEMENT AND WATER QUALITY MONITORING AT THE KOWLOON CENTRAL LIBRARY AT PUI CHING ROAD AT 2.30 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE TALKS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED SAID THE TALKS WERE AIMED AT INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENT.
/DR REED .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
7
DR REED SAID MORE ATTENTION MUST BE GIVEN TO INFORMING AND EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO REDUCE POLLUTION AND TO ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO DO THEIR PART IN AVOIDING OR REDUCING POLLUTION.
HE HOPED THAT INCREASED PUBLICITY ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS WOULD EVENTUALLY BRING ABOUT AN IMPROVED PUBLIC ATTITUDE AND COMMITMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY.
IN ADDITION TO THE TALKS, HE SAID, PUBLICITY MATERIALS WERE NOW BEING PREPARED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
THE PUBLICITY MATERIALS, INCLUDING A TELEVISION COMMERCIAL, POSTERS, RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESS RELEASES, WILL BE DISSEMINATED THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA STARTING FROM MAY.
- 0 -
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LANDS RETIRES
*****
A MAN WHO CAME TO HONG KONG BECAUSE HE WANTED A CHANGE AND OVER THE PAST 26 YEARS HAS SEEN MORE CHANGES THAN EVEN HE IMAGINED RETIRES FROM GOVERNMENT SERVICE TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE IS MR PATRICK ANTHONY WARD, 59. PADDY TO HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES, MR WARD HAS BEEN DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF LANDS SINCE THE DEPARTMENT WAS SET UP IN 1982, SOMETHING IN WHICH HE PLAYED A MAJOR PART.
MR WARD AND HIS WIFE WILL LEAVE HONG KONGEN THE^INER
CANBERRA ON MARCH 8 AND WILL SETTLE COLDFIELD NEAR BIRMINGHAM.
FOR MR WARD IT WILL BE THE END
IN
A LIFETIME OF LIVING SUDAN WHERE HIS FATHER
OF
IN
OVERSEAS. UNTIL HE WAS 12 HE LIVED
WORKED. AFTER STUDYING IN ENGLAND HE SERVED IN THE BRITISH
ARMY IN INDIA AND LATER WORKED IN EAST AFRICA BOTH IN THE
PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS.
ASKED WHY HE CAME TO HONG KONG IN I960, MR WARD REPLIED: +THAT’S A GOOD QUESTION. I WANTED A CHANGE AND I’D READ A GOOD DEAL ABOUT HONG KONG BECAUSE IT WAS VERY MUCH IN THE NEWS IN THOSE DAYS. THERE WAS A VERY ACTIVE PROPERTY MARKET EVEN THEN.+
ON HIS ARRIVAL HE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST THREE SURVEYORS SENT TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
+THE NEW TOWNS WERE JUST AN IDEA THEN,+ HE SAID, +ALTHOUGH DEVELOPMENT HAD STARTED ON TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG. IT WAS FELT THE NEW TERRITORIES NEEDED PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT AND ADVICE AND THAT WAS WHY WE WERE SENT THERE.+
/AFTER FIVE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1?86
8 -
AFTER FIVE YEARS IN WHICH HE SERVED IN EVERY NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT, MR WARD WAS POSTED TO THE CROWN LANDS OFFICE. HOWEVER HE RETURNED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IN 1977 AS PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT.
+WORK ON THE NEW TOWNS WAS STARTING THEN,* HE SAID, + BUT THE GREATEST PHYSICAL CHANGES HAVE HAPPENED SINCE I WAS POSTED BACK TO HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY IN SHA TIN, FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I. ALTHOUGH I KNEW THE AREA WELL I GET LOST ON THE ROADS AROUND FANLING, THE CHANGES ARE TREMENDOUS.
+ IT’S QUITE AN EXPERIENCE TO OBSERVE IT. IT’S ONE THING TO SEE THE NEW TOWNS ON A PLAN, BUT IT’S QUITE DIFFERENT WHEN YOU SEE THE END RESULTS.+
ALTHOUGH HE HAS NO DEFINITE PLANS FOR HIS RETIREMENT, MR WARD THINKS HE WILL BE DOING QUITE A BIT OF TRAVELLING.
+MANY OF THE FRIENDS I HAVE MADE IN HONG KONG HAVE RETIRED AND SETTLED DOWN IN CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND SPAIN AND I HOPE TO VISIT THEM,+ HE SAID.
-------0----------
SECURITIES NOTICES PUBLISHED * * * * *
THE SECURITIES (RECOGNITION OF STOCK MARKETS) NOTICE 1986 AND THE SECURITIES (REGISTRATION OF DEALERS) (APPROVED EXAMINATIONS) NOTICE 1986 WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
ONE OF THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS A DEALER IN SECURITIES UNDER THE NEW SECTION 65A OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, WHICH BECAME EFFECTIVE ON OCTOBER 25, 1985, IS THAT THE APPLICANT SHOULD HAVE NOT LESS THAN THREE YEARS’ EXPERIENCE IN DEALING IN SECURITIES IN HONG KONG OR ANY OTHER STOCK MARKET RECOGNISED BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION.
IF THE APPLICANT DOES NOT HAVE THE REQUISITE EXPERIENCE IN DEALING IN SECURITIES, HE SHOULD HAVE PASSED AN EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION.
THE SECURITIES (RECOGNITION OF STOCK MARKETS) NOTICE 1986 SETS OUT THE FOLLOWING STOCK MARKETS THAT ARE SO RECOGNISED BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION IN ADDITION TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE, LONDON WHICH HAS BEEN THE SUBJECT OF A SIMILAR NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE ON DECEMBER 6, 1985s
/(A) AUCKLAND ........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
(2) AUCKLAND STOCK EXCHANGE
(B) AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
(C) AMSTERDAM STOCK EXCHANGE
(D) BRUSSELS STOCK EXCHANGE
(E) COPENHAGEN STOCK EXCHANGE
(F FRANKFURT STOCK EXCHANGE
(G) KOREA STOCK EXCHANGE
H) KUALA LUMPUR STOCK EXCHANGE
(I) LUXEMBOURG STOCK EXCHANGE
(j) MANILA STOCK EXCHANGE
(K> MEMBER EXCHANGES OF AUSTRALIAN ASSOCIATED STOCK ExC»-aNGc
t) MILAN STOCK EXCHANGE
M MONTREAL STOCK EXCHANGE
(N) NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES DEALERS (USA)
(0) NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE
(P) OSAKA STOCK EXCHANGE
(Q) OSLO STOCK EXCHANGE
(R) PARIS BOURSE
(S) SECURITIES EXCHANGE OF THAILAND
(T) SINGAPORE STOCK EXCHANGE
fU) STOCKHOLM STOCK EXCHANGE
(V) TORONTO STOCK EXCHANGE
(W) TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE
(X) WELLINGTON STOCK EXCHANGE
(Y) ZURICH STOCK EXCHANGE
THE
SECURITIES (REGISTRATION OF DEALERS) (APPROVED EXAMINATIONS) NOTICE 1986 GIVES NOTICE THAT THE EXAMINATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP OF, OR REGISTRATION AS A REGISTERED REPRESENTAT: e Cfi REGISTERED TRADER WITH. THE STOCK EXCHANGE, LONDON ARE APPROVtD BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF SECTION 6$A(2)( /
CF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE.
- 0 -
FS (DESIGNATE) TOURS FACTORY
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS, TOD (FRIDAY) TOURED A TOY FACTORY IN KwUN TONG AS PART OF H I S PROGRAMME OF FACTORY VISITS TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH LOCAL
WITH LOCAL
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
MR JACOBS, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR NR PETER JOHNSON, VISITED PERFEKTA ENTERPRISES LTD STREET, AND WAS WELCOMED BY THE VICE-PRESIDENT, MR
OF INDUSTRY, AT CHONG YIP EDMUND YOUNG.
PERFEKTA ENTERPRISES LTD, ESTABLISHED IN I960, HAS A BRANCH FACTORY IN TSUEN WAN AND OTHER OPERATIONS IN CHINA AND MACAU. ITS TWO FACTORIES IN HONG KONG HAVE A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 29 300 SQUARE METRES AND EMPLOY A WORKFORCE OF ABOUT 2 000 PtOPLE.
EQUIPPED WITH MODERN MACHINERY SUCH AS ELECTRO-DISCHARGE MACHINES AND OTHER COMPUTER-CONTROLLED MOULD-MAKING MACHINES, THF COMPANY MAINLY PRODUCES PLASTIC DOLLS AND TOYS FOR EXPOR' TO THE STATES AnD EUROPE.
-----o------
/10........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
1C
JACOBS SEES IMMIGRATION OPERATIONS
*****
TnE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, DESIGNATE, MR PIERS JACOBS TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED AT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AS PART OF HIS CURRENT SERIES OF FAMILIARISATION VISITS.
BEFORE TOURING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR JACOBS HAD A DISCUSSION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS.
MR JACOBS WAS SHOWN THE OPERATION OF VARIOUS SECTIONS INCLUDIN THE CONTROL ADMINISTRATION SECTION, THE EXTENSION SECTION, THE TRAV DOCUMENTS SECTION. HE WAS BRIEFED ON DETAILS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND THE TRAVEL RECORD AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM WHICH WILL COST ABOUT 3174 MILLION FOR THE COMPUTERISATION OF ALL IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS.
THE SCHEME, TO BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 1987 AND 1989, WILL BENEFIT HONG KONG RESIDENTS AS IDENTITY CARD HOLDERS WILL NO LONGER BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE CARDS.
MR JACOBS ALSO VISITED THE IMMIGRATION FACILITIES AT THE ■HONG KONG-CHINA AND MACAU FERRY TERMINALS BEFORE WINDING UP HIS TOUR.
-------o---------
MODERN TECHNOLOGY IMPROVES CATCHES
*****
INCREASING USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY BY THE LOCAL FISHING INDUSTRY CONTRIBUTED TO IMPROVED CATCHES IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1985, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR JOHN RIDDELL SWAN SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
DR RIDDELL-SWAN WAS ADDRESSING FISHERMEN AT A SPRING DINNER PARTY TO CELEBRATE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR OF THE TIGER.
♦ LAST YEAR, THE WEATHER WAS FAVOURABLE FOR FISHING BUT DURING THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR RESULTS WERE DISAPPOINTING.
♦FORTUNATELY, CATCHES IMPROVED IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR MAINLY DUE TO THE HARD WORK OF OUR FISHERMEN FRIENDS AND TO THEIR INCREASING ADOPTION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY,* HE SAID.
REVIEWING THE AQUACULTURE SECTOR, DR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THE TOTAL AREA OF FISH PONDS CONTINUED TO DROP DUE TO THE UNCEASING DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND, AS A RESULT, POND FISH PRODUCTION DECREASED.
/♦HOWEVER,+ .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, I9bb
V :•
*• V* **•
♦ HOWEVER,+ HE SAID, +MARICULTURI STS DID VERY WELL AND THE I R TOTAL PRODUCTION INCREASED BY SOME 20 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING YEAR DESPITE A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED.+
ME STRESSED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO LIAISE WITH MAR ICULTURI STS TO RESOLVE THESE PROBLEMS.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, HIS DEPARTMENT CONTINUED TO PROVIDE VARIOUS SERVICES TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY. THESE INCLUDE LOW-INTEREST LOANS FROM THE LOAN FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS FROM THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
—---u - —
SPRING LANTERN CARNIVAL IN WAN CHAI *****
A SPRING LANTERN CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD FOR WAN ^HAI RESIDENTS AT 7 30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE LOCKHART ROAD PLAYGROUND TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THERE WILL BE A MAGIC SHOW, DRAMA PERFORMANCE AND SINGING. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE CARNIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHA CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT BOARD.
DISTRICT ARTS, WITH THE ASSISTANCE AND SPONSORED BY
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------0-------
/12 .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
12
MANPOWER SURVEY OF MERCHANT NAVY TO START * * * * X
A SURVEY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE MANPOWER SITUATION OF
THE MERCHANT NAVY WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 27 AND MARCH 27 BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD.
♦THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR FORMULATING MEANINGFUL TRAINING PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE INDUSTRY,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRAINING BOARD SAID.
HE URGED SHIPPING AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES AS WELL AS RECRUITMENT AGENCIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY TO COOPERATE BY SUPPLYING THE INFORMATION NEEDED.
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL ONLY BE PUBLISHED AS STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY ONE COMPANY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS WERE RECENTLY SENT TO COMPANIES TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY. OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL BE CALLING AT THESE COMPANIES TO ASSIST IN THE COMPLETION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
-------o -
U.S. SETS NEW POSTAL RULES ON TEXTILES
*****
ALL POSTAL PACKETS AND PARCELS FROM HONG KONG CONTAINING TEXTILE PRODUCTS, REGARDLESS OF VALUE, WILL REQUIRE FORMAL ENTRY TREATMENT IN THE UNITED STATES FROM MARCH 7, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MEASURE, WHICH WILL APPLY ALSO TO SPEEDPOST PACKAGES, WAS RECEIVED FROM THE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE IN THE PRESENT POSTING PROCEDURES IN HONG KONG. THE ONLY CHANGE IS THAT SUCH ITEMS WHEN ARRIVING AT THE U.S. WILL BE RETAINED BY THE DESTINATION POST OFFICE AND THE ADDRESSEES WILL BE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE FORMAL ENTRY PROCEDURE OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE BEFORE THEY CAN TAKE DELIVERY OF THE ITEM,* SAID.
♦CUSTOMERS WISHING TO OBTAIN FURTHER FORMAL ENTRY PROCEDURE IN THE U.S. SHOULD STATES CONSULATE IN HONG KONG.+
-----0--------
INFORMATION ABOUT THE APPROACH THE UNITED
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
13
200 CHILDREN JOIN SINGING CONTEST
*****
*2°UT 200 CHILDREN WILL COMPETE AT THE SIXTH KWUN TONG CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST TOMORROW '
(SATURDAY).
THE CONTEST WILL BE IN THREE GROUP AND CHOIR DIVISIONS.
DIVISIONS — THE SOLO,
SMALL
ADJUDICATORS FOR THE CONTEST WILL BE THE TUTORS OF THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN’S CHORUS AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE ART OF SINGING AMONG CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CONTEST TO BE HELD AT 2 PM IN THE HALL OF KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SHU I NING STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
-----o------
FESTIVAL HELPS FOLK LYRICS REVIVAL
*****
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR PETER NG, THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING COMMENDED ORGANISERS OF THE SIXTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL FOR THEIR FAR-SIGHTEDNESS AND THOUGHTFULNESS FOR INCLUDING A RARE COLLECTION OF FOLK LYRICS AND BALLADS IN THE FESTIVAL.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 19-DAY FESTIVAL, MR NG SAID TRADITIONAL FOLK ARTS PREVALENT AMONG VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS RICH IN VARIETY AND THE LYRICS AND BALLADS WERE CONSIDERED +TREASURES+ IN THE FIELD OF MUSIC.
THE FOLK SONGS ABOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE PLENTIFUL, BUT REGRETTABLY THE POPULARITY OF MANY LOCAL BALLADS AND FOLK SONGS OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS HAD GRADUALLY DECLINED BECAUSE OF THE ABSENCE OF SYSTEMATIC COLLECTION AND REARRANGEMENT, THE URBANISATION OF THE VILLAGES AS WELL AS THE INTRUSION OF WESTERN CULTURE, HE ADDED.
/♦IT IS .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
+ IT IS PARTICULARLY COMMENDABLE FOR THE ORGANISERS OF THE YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL TO INCLUDE THE PRESENTATIONS OF BALLADS, LYRICS AND OTHER CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS IN THE PROGRAMME, PROVIDING LOCAL RESIDENTS A RARE OPPORTUNITY TO SHARE IN THIS RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE.
♦THESE PERFORMANCES SHOULD HELP AROUSE PUBLIC INTEREST IN FOLK ARTS AND PROMOTE MORE RESEARCH IN THIS FIELD,+ MR NG SAID.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL WAS HELD IN THE FORM OF +A NIGHT OF FOLK ARTS* FEATURING A WIDE COLLECTION OF FOLK LYRICS AND BALLADS ORIGINATED FROM THE +WAI+ AND +TSUEN+ OF YUEN LONG AND KOWLOON AND HAKKA PEOPLE.
THERE WERE TRADITIONAL DRAGON AND LION DANCES TO MARK THE START OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE FOLK ARTS.
SINCE 1981, THE YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL HAS BECOME THE MOST COLOURFUL ANNUAL EVENTS OF THE YUEN LONG COMMUNITY.
THIS YEAR, THE FESTIVAL HAS DRAWN UP A PROGRAMME WITH MORE THAN 40 ACTIVITIES INCLUDING CONCERTS, DRAMAS, OPERAS, DANCES, FILMS AND EXHIBITIONS WHICH WILL CATER TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND WITH DIFFERENT ARTISTIC INTERESTS.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AT A TOTAL COST OF ABOUT S500 000.
------0-------
STARTING CEREMONY FOR WALK *****
LADY AKERS-JONES WILL BE OFFICIATING AT THE START OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAMILY WALK FOR THE DISABLED AT THE VICTORIA GAP CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND ON THE PEAK AT 10 AM THIS SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 23)
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS DIVISION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
-------C----------
/-I5...........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
15
YOUTHS TO LEARN ABOUT ELECTIONS
*****
ABOUT 200 STUDENTS AND YOUTHS IN SAI KUNG WHO ARE TOO YOUNG T1 BE REGISTERED AS VOTERS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO LEARN AND PARTICIPATE IN A DUMMY ELECTION TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 23).
THE DUMMY ELECTION IS A PROGRAMME OF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT STUDY CAMP AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, WHICH IS AN ACTIVITY OF THE DISTRICT’S REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
DURING THESE TWO DAYS, YOUTHS WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THE SPIRIT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT THROUGH LECTURES GIVEN BY SAI KUNG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND LI, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG KWOK-YEE.
APART FROM THE DUMMY ELECTION, THE YOUTHS
ACTIVITIES TO LEARN ABOUT THE PROCESS OF VOTER CANDIDATE NOMINATION, SETTING UP OF ELECTIONEERING CANVASSING AND VOTING. THERE WILL ALSO BE A POSTER
WILL PARTICIPATE IN REGISTRATION,
GROUPS, FORUMS AND SLOGAN
DESIGN COMPETITION.
CANDIDATES WILL BE NOMINATED AMONG THEMSELVES AND THEY WILL START FROM THE VOTER REGISTRATION DRIVE TO THE DECLARATION OF POLLS WITHIN TWO DAYS.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS OF THE GAME AND ALSO TO THE BEST POSTER DESIGNER. THE NOMINATED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE NEXT SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON MARCH 10.
PARTICIPANTS CAN ALSO ENJOY SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE DURING THE CAMPING PERIOD.
THE CAMP WILL START AT 3 PM ON SATURDAY AND FINISH AT NOON ON THE NEXT DAY.
--------c ---------
NEW YEAR BANQUET FOR TUEN MUN ELDERLIES
*****
MORE THAN 1 000 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN TUEN MUN DISTRICT WERE TREATED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO A NEW YEAR BANQUET ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT RESPECT FOR THE AGED ASSOCIATION, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE FEAST AT A LOCAL RESTAURANT WAS AIMED AT FOSTERING RESPECT FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS OF THE COMMUNITY AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO JOIN IN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.
/SPEAKING AT .......
16
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
SPEAKING AT THE BANQUET, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, THANKED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ORGANISING NUMEROUS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR ELDERLIES IN THE DISTRICT.
HE APPEALED TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTION ON MARCH 6.
GIFT PACKETS CONTAINING SWEATERS, SCARFS AND TOWELS WERE DISTRIBUTED TO THE TEN OLDEST PERSONS AGED BETWEEN 86 AND 97, WHILE ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVED A LAI-SEE PACKET AND SOUVENIRS.
-----0------
VICTORIA PEAK WALKATHON ON SUNDAY * * * * *
MORE THAN 1 000 RESIDENTS FROM CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE VICTORIA PEAK WALKATHON 1986 ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 23).
O1.AIMED AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS TO ^ARE ™E FUN 0F HIKING AND LEARN THE IMPORTANCE OF CONSERVING ^EDADT£ncRL2FrJoE cOuntrySIDE, THE ANNUAL EVENT WAS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES
<runr>iTHATR?nIEo^t-.T.H^ WAl-KATHON WILL START FROM THE CHIU SHEUNG
AI»^B POKFULAM ROAD, VIA THE SERVICE RESERVOIR, HATTON ROAD, LUGARD ROAD, AND FINISH AT THE VICTORIA GAP CHILDREN PLAYGROUND AT THE VICTORIA PEAK.
THE ROUTE WILL TAKE PARTICIPANTS ALONG SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERIES IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT AND WILL ENABLE THEM TO HAVE A PANORAMIC OF THE KOWLOON PENINSULA.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN FREE SOFT DRINKS AND WILL BE TREATED TO A LUCKY DRAW. SOUVENIRS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THEM.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, KENNEDY TOWN AREA COMMITTEE, KENNEDY TOWN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, THE MOUNT DAVIS KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, THE CHUNG SING BENEVOLENT SOCIETY AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTR ICT BOARD.
/OFFICIATING AT .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
- 17 -
OFFICIATING AT THE START OF THE WALKATHON WILL BE DISTRICT CFt-ICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG* DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO; CHAIRMAN OF THE WALKATHON ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW YIN-SUM-THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR KAM YING-TONG, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE VICTORIA PARK WALKATHON 1986 WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 9.15 AM ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 23) AT THE CHIU SHEUNG SCHOOL AT 79B POKFULAM ROAD, WESTERN DISTRICT.
------0-------
CELEBRATIONS IN TSUEN WAN LANTERN FESTIVAL
*****
RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE TREATED TO VARIOUS CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT’S CELEBRATION FOR THE LANTERN FESTIVAL ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 23).
THE PROGRAMMES, WHICH INCLUDE STAGE PERFORMANCES, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY DEMONSTRATION, LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION AND GAMES STALLS, ARE AIMED AT FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AMONG PARTICIPANTS.
THEY ARE ORGANISED BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES OF THREE COMMUNITY CENTRES WHICH COMPRISE MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, THE DISTRICT BOARD AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY CF THE LANTERN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION AT SHEK WAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL AT 1.30 PM.
ACTIVITIES IN THE LEI MUK SHUE COMMUNITY HALL WILL CENTRE AROUND THE THEME OF ’HOME IN LEI MUK SHUE’ AND WILL START AT 3 PM.
AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDES A CANTONESE OPERA, WILL START AT 7.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LANTERN FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES TO BE HELD IN THE COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES IN TSUEN WAN ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 23).
------o ------
/18......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
18
DISTRICT PROBLEMS PRESENTED IN CONTEST
*****
SIX TEAMS PARTICIPATING IN THE TAI PO COMMUNITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION WILL PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS ON VARIOUS DISTRICT PROBLEMS IN THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE COMPETITION WAS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT WORKING GROUP ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDINGS TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS, YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT WERE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION.
TOMORROW, THE PARTICIPATING TEAMS WILL PRESENT THEIR FINDINGS ON THF DISTRICT’S TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, POLLUTION OF LAM TSUEN RIVER, SHOPPING FACILITIES IN KWONG FUK ESTATE, SOCIAL SERVICES FACILITIES, NEW ARRIVALS TO THE DISTRICT AND THE FLOATING POPULATION.
TAI PO ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER MS ANISSA WONG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GROUP ON REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, MR PRIZES TO WINNERS.
(COMMUNITY AFFAIRS), TAI PO DISTRICT WORKING WONG MUK-LIN WILL PRESENT
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMUNITY RESEARCH PROJECT COMPETITION AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
------0-------
ANTI-NARCOTICS DISCO NIGHT FOR YOUTHS
*****
ABOUT 800 YOUNGSTERS WILL AT THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG TANG SHIU (SATURDAY).
ENJOY AN EVENING OF DISCO DANCING ANTI-NARCOTICS DISCO NIGHT IN KIN INDOOR GAMES HALL TOMORROW
IS AIMED AT
TMF FVENT ORGANISED BY THE KwAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTKlCl FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WITH THE ASSISTANCE FROM THE POLICE, IS AIMED AT FRINGING HOME THE ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE TO YOUNGSTERS.
/THE CHAIRMAN .......
FHIuAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
- 19 -
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR BRIAN COAK, AND THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR ISAAC CHO*, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING AT 7.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------0 ------
COOKING CONTEST FOR ELDERLY * * * * *
FIFTEEN ELDERLY RESIDENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR COOKING Sa ILLS IN A LUNAR NEW YEAR COOKING CONTEST AT THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB IN TO KWA WAN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
EACH PARTICIPANT, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ASSISTANT COOK, WILL PREPARE A SPECIAL DISH FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR AT A COST OF NOT MORE THAN $40.
THE CRITERIA FOR ADJUDICATION INCLUDE COOKING SKILLS, RECIPE, DESIGN, TASTE AND TEAM CO-OPERATION.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS AND oOUVENIRS WILL BE PRESENTED TO ALL PARTICIPANTS.
BOARD
THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB
AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR COOKING CONTEST TO BE HELD IN THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB AT 42 SHING TAK STREET, TO KWA WAN, AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
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/20........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
2C
PHOTO DISPLAY ON REGIONAL COUNCIL * * * * *
A MINI-PHOTO EXHIBITION DEPICTING THE WORK OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE STAGED IN KWAI CHUNG IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
+THE DISPLAY AIMS TO HELP PEOPLE TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING CF THE ROLE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WHICH WILL COME INTO BEING ON APRIL 1, AND THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT,* AN RSD SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS, ALL IN COLOUR, SHOW VARIOUS TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND LEISURE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE EXHIBITION WILL FIRST BE STAGED IN THE LIFT LOBBY OF KwA I HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KwAI CHUNG, FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24) TO THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 27). AFTER THAT IT WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG PUBLIC LIBRARY FROM SATURDAY (MARCH 1) TO MARCH 6.
WATER TANK FOR
HIGH GROUND AREAS PLANNED
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY IS TO BE EXTENDED FURTHER UP TO THE HIGH GROUND AREAS AT SHEK KONG FOR PEOPLE LIVING THERE.
TO DO THIS, A WATER TANK THAT CAN HOLD 1 400 CUBIC METRES OF FRESH WATER WILL BE BUILT AT SHEUNG TSUEN.
THE PIPE THAT WILL CARRY THE WATER WILL BE LAID ALONGSIDE A 600—METRE FOOTPATH THAT WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE ACCEoo.
THE PROJECT IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WHICH IS NOW CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS
THAT
’ TIME.
/21 ........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1986
21
FANLING RECREATION GROUND CLOSURE
*****
THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 26 AND MARCH 14 IN CONNECTION WITH THE NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER SHOW, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DURING THAT PERIOD ALL FACILITIES IN THE RECREATION GROUND WILL NOT BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC.
HE ADDED THAT AFTER THE FLOWER SHOW THE FOOTBALL PITCH WITHIN THE RECREATION GROUND WILL REMAIN CLOSED UNTIL APRIL 15 FOR ANNUAL MAINTFNANCE, WHILE OTHER FACILITIES, INCLUDING THE TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, VOLLEYBALL COURT, ROLLER-SKATING RINK AND THE REST GARDEN WILL BE REOPENED FOR PUBLIC USE.
o —
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSUEN wAN, TUEN MUN
*****
VEHICLES ON TSUEN WAN ROAD KOWLOON-BOUND HEADING FOR TSING Yl AND KWAI CHUNG WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM CUTTING INTO THE KERBSIDE LANE, BETWEEN THE SLIP ROAD FROM TEXACO ROAD LEADING TO TSUEN WAN rOAD AND THE SLIP ROAD TO KWAI TSING ROUNDABOUT, FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24).
THE MEASURE, TO LAST FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS, IS TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF A TRAFFIC SIGN IN THE AREA.
MOTORISTS FROM TSUEN WAN HEADING FOR TSING Yl AND KWAI CHUNb ARE ADVISED TO USE THE SLIP ROAD TO TEXACO ROAD, THE KOWLOON-BOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF TSUEN WAN ROAD AND KWAI TSING ROUNDABOUT.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 24 TO MARCH 13, THE EXISTING TWO-WAY TRAFFIC IN TSING HOI CIRCUIT IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CONVERTED TO ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS AT THE NORTHERN JUNCTION OF TSING HOI CIRCUIT WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1936
- 22 -
CENTRAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * * *
TO FACILITATE THE DELIVERY OF EQUIPMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MTR SHEUNG WAN CENTRE CONCOURSE, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE SECTION OF WING LOK STREET BETWEEN RUMSEY STREET AND HILLIER STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24) TO 5 AM THE NEXT DAY.
DURING THE CLOSURE, WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL HEADING FOR WING LOK STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BONHAM STRAND AND HILLIER STREET.
THE CLOSURE WILL BE REPEATED BETWEEN 10 PM ON MARCH 7 (FRIDAY) AND 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF QUEEN VICTORIA STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 26 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION wILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK.
NO VEHICLE EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS IN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTION ON THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF QUEEN VICTORIA STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN S ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POLITICAL SYSTEM HK'S GREATEST CHALLENGE..................... 1
HONG KONG - A GATEWAY FOR CHINA TRADE........................ 2
APPEAL TO LI® ROCK TUNNEL USERS.............................. 3
TALKS ON HK'S TEXTILE EXPORTS TO U.S......................... 4
YOUTHS WARNED TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS ....................... 4
RESULTS OF GREEN MINIBUS TENDERS OUT ........................ 5
WOMEN REMINDED TO GET NEW ID CARDS .......................... 6
SAFETY FOR PUPILS TRAVELLING ON SCHOOL BUSES STRESSED ....... 7
PLANS TO BUILD MORE CHILDREN, YOUTH CENTRES ................. 9
TUEN MUI: NEW TOWN FURTHER DEVELOPED ........................ 9
DREDGING OF SEABED AT HUNG HOM BAY.......................... 10
EFFORTS CONTINUE TO PROSECUTE LITTERBUGS ................... 10
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN CLOSES .................. 11
TAI PO FESTIVAL CLOSES TOMOKiiO.i .......................... 12
FORUMS FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES ............................. 13
KWUN TONG ./EST FORUM ON UC ELECTIONS ...................... 14
WONG TAI SIN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN .......................... 14
CARNIVAL FOR CENTRAL, WESTERN RESIDENTS..................... 15
COMPUTER COURSE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS ...................... 16
RSD MOBILE LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR ®E WEEK..................... 17
CORRECTIONAL STAFF CO®EBE AT SPORTS 1UEP ................... 17
PARKING METERS FOR TAI PO .................................. 18
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN THREi AREAS ............................. 18
HUNG HOM, ./ONG TAI SIN TRAFFIC CHANGES .................... 19
YUEN LONG WATER CUT ......................................
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
1
POLITICAL SYSTEM HK’S GREATEST CHALLENGE
*****
THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WILL PERHAPS BE THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FOR THE TERRITORY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING BEFORE MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE AT THE PHILADELPHIA WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL,’SIR DAVID SAID.IT WOULD BE A CHALLENGE BECAUSE THERE WERE NO PRECEDENTS FOR WHAT HAD TO BE ACCOMPLISHED.
+IT’S NO USE SIMPLY LOOKING IN TEXTBOOKS OF POLITICAL THEORY AND SYSTEMS OF GOVERNMENT, OR SIMPLY TAKING SOMETHING OFF THE SHELF FROM WESTERN DEMOCRACY AND TRYING TO STICK IT INTO THE HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT,+ HE SAID.
THE CHALLENGE IS, HE SAID, TO TAKE THE PRESENT COLONIAL SYSTEM AND ADAPT AND MOULD IT IN SUCH A WAY THAT HONG KONG WILL PASS THROUGH 1997 WITHOUT DISLOCATION IN ITS SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL ORGANISATION, AND WITHOUT ANY NOTICEABLE BREAK IN THE LIVES OF ITS PEOPLE.
SIR DAVID SAID THE TASK IN THE YEARS AHEAD WOULD BE TO BUILD A SYSTEM WHICH WILL MEET THE HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE PEOPLE ON THE ONE HAND, AND ON THE OTHER TO CREATE A GOVERNMENT WHICH WILL, WHILE EXERCISING A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, NEVERTHELESS, BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE LARGER ENTITY OF CHINA AND THE CONCEPT OF +ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS*.
MOVING ON TO PHYSICAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE YEARS AHEAD, SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE WERE PROCEEDING APACE.
■•■HAVE WE STARTED TO PACK OUR BAGS IN HONG KONG? THE ANSWER TO THAT IS N0,+ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THE PRIVATE SECTOR EXPANSION OF THE CONTAINER TERMINAL, THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, HONG KONG INVOLVEMENT IN THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR PLANT, AND GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR A THIRD UNIVERSITY AS EXAMPLES OF CONTINUING INVESTMENT.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, ROAD, RAIL AND FERRY LINKS WITH CHINA ARE EXPANDING AT A RECORD RATE.
SIR DAVID SAID THE PHYSICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THIS PROCESS AS THE HINTERLAND OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE DEVELOPS WILL BE A GROWING CONURBATION IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA, STRETCHING FROM HONG KONG TO CANTO'N.
TURNING TO HONG KONG’S POSITION IN THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, HE SAID IT HAD TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE ASSURANCE OF A WELL-REGULATED AND STABLE ENVIRONMENT TO ATTRACT INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
/HE POINTES .......
2
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS IN HONG KONG INCREASED TEN PER CENT LAST YEAR TO REACH ABOUT 15 000 AND THAT THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RECENTLY ATTAINED A MEMBERSHIP Or 2000.
+ WE MUST MAKE THE MOST OF HONG KONG'S SPECIAL GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION. HONG KONG HAS AN IMPORTANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE WHICH TRANSCENDS THE IMMEDIATE INTERESTS OF ITS OWN PEOPLE.+
+IT IS A BRIDGE WHERE EAST MEETS WEST, A CENTRAL MEETING POINT AMONG THE 1.5 BILLION PEOPLE OF THAT DYNAMIC REGION OF THE WORLD,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
-----0------
HONG KONG - A GATEWAY FOR CHINA TRADE *****
HONG KONG IS NOT ONLY AN ATTRACTIVE MARKET FOR QUALITY GOODS AND SERVICES IN ITS OWN RIGHT, BUT IS ALSO A GATEWAY TO CHINA, AS wELL AS CHINA’S WINDOW ON THE WORLD, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO SAID YESTERDAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WOULD FACILITATE THE CONTINUANCE OF THESE ROLES AND HONG KONG’S EXCELLENT COMMUNICATIONS WOULD ENABLE IT TO PLAY THIS ROLE IN REGARD TO THE WESTERN PACIFIC RIM AS WELL.
MR HO WAS SPEAKING AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IN WASHINGTON D.C.
HE SAID: +WITH OUR TOTALLY OPEN ECONOMY, THERE ARE UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INCREASING U.S. EXPORTS TO THE TERRITORY.+
HE NOTED THAT ON A PER CAPITA BASIS, EACH MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN HONG KONG BOUGHT U.S.$580 WORTH OF U.S. PRODUCTS IN 1984.
+THIS IS THREE TIMES MORE THAN OUR COUNTERPARTS IN JAPAN AND THE EEC.+
MR HO SAID ALTHOUGH THE SIZE OF THE U.S. ECONOMY WAS SUCH THAT HONG KONG COULD NEVER BE A MAJOR MARKET FOR THE U.S. AS A wHOLE, HONG KONG REPRESENTED A MARKET OF U.S.$3 BILLIONS FOR U.S. EXPORTS.
♦FURTHERMORE, NOTWITHSTANDING OUR SMALL SIZE HONG KONG IMPORTED U.S.S103M WORTH OR 44.2 PER CENT OF U.S. EXPORTS OF aluminium structures in 1984.
♦ ..£ ARE THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR AMERICAN POULTRY AND CIGARETTES AND THE THIRD LARGEST MARKET FOR U.S. ORANGES AND EGGS It. THE WHOLE WORLD. +
/ON U.S.'S ......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1?86
3
ON U S.’S INTERESTS IN HONG KONG, MR HO SAID THERE WERE OVER 833 U.S. ENTERPRISES WHICH HAVE A PRESENCE IN HONG KONG.
+OF THE 150 LICENSED BANKS, OVER 100 ARE FOREIGN CONCERNS AND 20 OF THESE ARE U.S. BANKS. ALL THE MAJOR U.S. BANKS ARE. ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG, TOGETHER WITH BROKERAGE FIRMS, INSURANCE COMPANIES AND FINANCIAL SERVICE INSTITUTIONS.
+FI NALLY 53 PER CENT OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN 142 ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IS FROM THE U.S.: THEIR INVESTMENT IS ESTIMATED TO BE WORTH OVER U. S. 4>803M.
- - 0
APPEAL TO LION ROCK TUNNEL USERS
* * K *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS AGAIN APPEALED TO MOTORISTS USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TO SWITCH TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE NEXT WEEK WHEN RECABLING WORK AT THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA IS UNDERWAY.
KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY SERVICES WILL BE STEPPED UP DURING THE RECABLING EXERCISE WHICH BEGINS AT 8 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24) AND IS SCHEDULED TO END AT 2 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28).
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY HAS ALSO BEEN ADVISED FOR THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES DURING THE 78-HOUR WORK PERIOD, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE RECABLING WORK WAS PART OF A PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT FOUR ADDITIONAL TOLL BOOTHS AT THE TUNNEL TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW. THE NEW BOOTHS ARE EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION AT THE END OF MARCH.
TO FACILITATE THE WORK, THE TUNNEL COMPUTERS WILL HAVE TO BE SHUT DOWN AND TOLL BOOTHS VACATED. TUNNEL STAFF WILL THEREFORE BE COLLECTING TOLLS ON TRAFFIC ISLANDS ADJACENT TO THE BOOTHS.
MOTORISTS WHO CANNOT AVOID USING THE TUNNEL ARE URGED TO BE PATIENT, PARTICULARLY AT PEAK HOURS.
ALL 10 TOLL LANES WILL BE KEPT OPEN AT PEAK PERIODS (FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM AND FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM) DURING THE FIRST 48 HOURS OF RECABLING WORK, BUT AT OFF-PEAK TIMES, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF LANES IN OPERATION TO FIVE.
DURING THE LAST 30 HOURS, ALL LANES WILL AGAIN BE AVAILABLE TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
/♦THE DEPARTMENT........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
+ THE DEPARTMENT IS TAKING ALL NECESSARY MEASURES TO ENSURE THAT NORMAL OPERATION WILL BE RESUMED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND THAT DISRUPTION DURING THE RECABLING EXERCISE WILL BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT SIGNS WOULD BE PUT UP ALONG THE APPROACH ROADS AT BOTH ENDS OF THE TUNNEL TO WARN MOTORISTS OF THE RECABLING WORK.
-----o------
TALKS ON HK’S TEXTILE EXPORTS TO U.S. * X *
BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING HONG KONG’S TEXTILE EXPORTS TO THE U S. ARE LIKELY TO TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG IN THE MIDDLE OF MARCH, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR MACLEOD SAID THE EXISTING HONG KONG-U.S. BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT DOES NOT EXPIRE UNTIL THE END OF 1987.
COMMENTING ON THE TIMING OF THE U.S. REQUEST FOR BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS WHICH COMES AS MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS ARE IN HAND CONCERNING ARRANGEMENTS AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE MFA IN JULY THIS YEAR, MR MACLEOD SAID: +SOME IMPORTING COUNTRIES VIEW THE MFA AND BILATERAL AGREEMENTS AS CLOSELY LINKED. IN THE PAST THE EEC HAS TAKEN A SIMILAR APPROACH.*
MR MACLEOD WAS SPEAKING AFTER A MEETING OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD TO DISCUSS THE U.S. REQUEST FOR BILATERAL DISCUSSIONS. THE BOARD HAD A FULL AND DETAILED DISCUSSION OF ITS IMPLICATIONS.
MR MACLEOD SAID A RESPONSE TO THE U.S. REQUEST WOULD NOW Be PREPARED AND WOULD PROBABLY BE CONVEYED TO THE U.S. NEXT WEEK.
- 0 -
YOUTHS WARNED TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS * * * *
KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THIS EVENING ("SATURDAY) CALLED ON YOUNG PEOPLE NOT TO EXPERIMENT WITH ANY FORM OF DRUGS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANT I-NARCOTIC BLUE LIGHT DISCO AT THE NORTH KWAI CHUNG TANG SHIU KIN INDOOR GAMES HALL, MR COAK SAID NARCOTIC ABUSE AMONG THE YOUNG WAS ONE OF THE MOST INSIDIOUS MALADIES OF OUR TIME.
/HE SAID .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
- 5 -
HE SAID YOUNG PEOPLE WERE FAR BETTER OFF INDULGING IN WORTHWHILE ARTISTIC OR SPORTING PURSUITS TO FIND A SENSE OF
FULFILMENT.
THE ANTI-NARCOTIC DISCO WAS JOINTLY ^S^ISED BY THE DISTR I CT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE NARCOTICS DIVIS ON OF GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WITH THE AIM OF SPREADING THE ANT I-NARCOTIC MESSAG-TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE SAID PARENTS SHOULD ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO JAKE UP MORE WORTHWHILE EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WHICH BRING ENJOYMENT
TO
IF
AS
RELIEVE SCHOOL PRESSURES.
+THEY SHOULD ALSO TAKE A SYMPATHETIC LINE WITH THEIR CHILDREN A DRUG PROBLEM DOES ARISE AND SHOULD SEEK EXPERT HELP AS SOON POSSIBLE,+ HE ADDED.
-----o------
RESULTS OF GREEN MINIBUS TENDERS OUT
* * X *
THE GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS SELECTION BOARD HAS JUST COMPLETED THE TENDERS SELECTION EXERCISE FOR 24 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES.
THE NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES, SET TO SERVE ABERDEEN, WONG TAI SIN, SHAM SHU I PO, KWUN TONG, YUEN LONG, NORTH DISTRICT, TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN, WERE TENDERED OUT IN 11 PACKAGES IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND ARE EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION BY APRIL.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON DECEMBER 13, A TOTAL OF 50 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED. HOWEVER, NONE OF THE APPLICANTS WERE INTERESTED IN THE PACKAGE COMPRISING ROUTES LINKING HOP CHOI STREET, YUEN LONG WITH FUNG KAT HEUNG, SHUI MEI AND TAI KONG PO.
THE SELECTION OF OPERATORS FOR ANY NEW GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE IS BY OPEN SELECTION. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS HAVE BEEN ASSESSED ON A SCORING SYSTEM WHICH COVERS ASPECTS RELATING TO THE APPLICANTS’ EXPERIENCE IN PUBLIC LIGHT BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS OPERATION, PAST PASSING RATE IN MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINATIONS, FINANCIAL RESOURCES. AND.PERCENTAGE OF VEHICLES OWNED.
IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN THIS TENDER EXERCISE, ONLY APPLICANTS WITH HIGHER SCORES WERE SHORTLISTED FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE SELECTION BOARD WHICH IS AN INDEPENDENT BODY CHAIRED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND HAS AS MEMBERS, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE ICAC.
/the spokesman .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
r O
THP SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT IN ITS DELIBERATIONS, THE BOARD HAD BORNE IN MIND THE OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST AND HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ANY RELEVANT LOCAL FACTORS PREVAILING.
+A^ ONLY ONE OPERATOR CAN BE SELECTED FOR ONE PACKAGE OF GRPEN MINIBUS SERVICE, THE FACT THAT AN APPLICANT IS UNSUCCESSFUL MERELY IMPLIES THAT, ON THIS OCCASION, ANOTHER APPLICANT IS CONSIDERED BY THE BOARD TO BE MORE SUITABLE.
+IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT HE IS NOT QUALIFIED TO OPERATE A ^REEN MINIBUS SERVICE AND SHOULD NOT DEBAR HIM FROM APPLYING IN FUTURE TENDER EXERCISES,* HE SAID.
ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE RESULT OF THEIR APPLICATIONS AND UNSUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE NOTIFIED PRIOR TO TH? SUCCESSFUL ONES. THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO ALLOW TIME FOR APPEALS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
IF AN UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANT CONSIDERS THAT THERE IS NEW EVIDENCE WHICH MERITS THE BOARD TO RECONSIDER HIS APPLICATION, HE SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS ELECTION BOARD, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, GUARDIAN HOUSE, 32 01 KWAN ROAD, BEFORE MARCH 5. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
-----o------
WOMEN REMINDED TO GET NEW ID CARDS * X * *
WOMEN BORN IN 1939, 1940, 1941 AND 1942 WERE REMINDED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE MARCH 8.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT UP TO FEBRUARY 21, THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 46 829 APPLICATIONS.
+IT IS EXPECTED THAT 42 271 MORE APPLICATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED IN THE REMAINING 12 WORKING DAYS. TO AVOID THE LAST MINUTE RUSH, WOMEN IN THIS TARGET GROUP ARE ADVISED TO COME EARLY,* HE SAID.
APPLICANTS CAN ALSO USE THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON ON SATURDAY.
+APPLICANTS HAVE TO PROVIDE PERSONAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS NAME, I.D. CARD NUMBER AND YEAR OF BIRTH TO COMPLETE THE BOOKING PROCEDURE,* HE ADDED.
/THE ADDRESSES .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
THE ADDRESSES OF THE ISSUE OFFICES AND THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR BOOKING APPOINTMENTS ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, EASl kuwl NGAU tau K0|< RQAD.
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES
W.SI ruwu FLOOR, 393 cantqn R0AD>
5-747070
3-7553679
3-7232442
□-4981259
□-6O591O8
0-793291
0-862562
0-927155
TSUEN WAN ■ EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.
SHA TIN : SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK 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 SHUI • TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, ‘ 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI .
THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
♦ APPLICANTS SHOULD BR|NG ALONG THEIR OLD I.D^CARD^WHEN^THEY ob divorce certificates as well,+ the spokesman SAIU.
-----0------
SAFETY FOR PUPILS TRAVELLING ON SCHOOL BUSES STRESSED ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED SCHOOL SUPERVISORS OF THE NEED TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THEIR PUPIlS TO SAFETY MEASURES FOR TRAVELLING ON SCHOOL BUSES OR SCHOOL HIRE CARS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ADVISED SCHOOL SUPERVISORS TO TEACH THEIR PUPILS ON HOW TO BEHAVE IN THESE VEHICLES.
/THROUGHOUT THE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
- 8 -
THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY PUPILS MUST REMAIN SEATED AND AT NO TIMC SHOULD THEY PUT THEIR HEADS OR HANDS OUT OF THE WINDOW. THEY MUST NOT TALK TO THE DRIVER OR SHOUT AND REFRAIN FROM EATING, DF INKING OR PLAYING.
SCHOOL CHILDREN SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO BOARD AND ALIGHT FROM A SCHOOL VEHICLE PROPERLY AND THEY MUST ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLE HAS COME TO A COMPLETE STAND-STILL BEFORE BOARDING OR ALIGHTING.
IN THE CASE OF YOUNG CHILDREN TRAVELLING ON SUCH VEHICLES, SCHOOL SUPERVISORS SHOULD ARRANGE FOR AN ADULT OR A TEACHER WHO KNOWS THE PUPILS WELL, TO ESCORT THEM THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY.
THE ESCORT SHOULD ENSURE THAT PUPILS ARE PROPERLY SEATED AND THE DOORS OF THE VEHICLE ARE PROPERLY CLOSED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
A NAME-LIST OF PUPILS TRAVELLING ON EACH VEHICLE SHOULD BE PREPARED FOR THE ESCORT TO ENSURE THAT NO ONE IS MISSING. IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY, THE ESCORT SHOULD HELP THE PUPILS TO KEEP CALM AND TO AVOID UNNECESSARY PANIC.
PARENTS OR GUARDIANS SHOULD BE INFORMED OF THE DETAILS OF THt ROUTE, INCLUDING THE PICK-UP POINTS AND THE ARRIVAL .IME AT EACH point’
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT CARE SHOULD BE EXERCISED BY ALL PARTIES CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT PUPILS REACH SCHOOL SAFELY AND THAT YOUNu PUPILS ARE COLLECTED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS ON THEIR HOMEWARD JOURNEY.
IN THE MEANTIME, A CHINESE LEAFLET ON SAFETY IN PRIVATE SCHOOL LIGHT BUSES HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE INFORMATION SERVICcS DEPARTMENT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PUPILS WHO USE THIS MODE OF TRANSPORT.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED THAT THE LEAFLET IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE MARKETING SECTION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, 22 ICE HOUSE STREET, SECOND FLOOR, CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE LEAFLET CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 5-214371 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
-----0------
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
9
PLANS TO BUILD MORE CHILDREN, YOUTH CENTRES ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS SPENDING ABOUT $77 MILLION IN ASSISTING VOLUNTARY AGENCit^ TO OPERATE CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES, THE ’ - CHAN, SAID TODAY
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELrARt, MRS ANSON (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY DIANA BOYD-WILSON CENTRE FOR CHILDREN SHE SAID THIS REPRESENTED 17 PER CENT
OF THE HANS ANDERSON CLUB’S IN WANG TAU HOM ESTATE, OF THE ENTIRE SOCIAL WELFARE
proVISION, AND SHOWED THAT GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO A STEADY EXPANSION OF SUCH CENTRES.
+THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN’S CENTRES AND YOUTH CENTRES IN OPERATION HAS MORE THAN QUADRUPLED SINCE THE EARLY 1970’S WHEN WE FIRST EMBARKED ON THIS PROGRAMME,* SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, SHE ADDED, THE PRESENT FIGURES OF 140 CHILDREN’S CENTRES AND 152 YOUTH CENTRES WERE STILL SOME WAY BEHIND TARGET, MAINLY DUE TO FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, SLIPPAGES IN COMPLETION DATES OF HOUSING ESTATES AND DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING SUITABLE SITES AND ACCOMMODATION IN DEVELOPED URBAN AREAS AND IN THE OLDER HOUSING ESTATES.
+WE CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO REDUCE THE SHORTFALL INCLUDING UPGRADING SUBSTANDARD CENTRES AND LEASING PRIVATE PREMISES THOUGH THE LATTER IS A VERY EXPENSIVE OPTION AND CANNOT BE RESORTED TO FREQUENTLY,* SHE SAID.
THE DIANA BOYD-WILSON CENTRE IS THE SECOND CHILDREN’S CENTRE TO BE ESTABLISHED BY THE HANS ANDERSON CLUB IN HONG KONG, AND IS THE ONLY FULL-FLEDGED CHILDREN’S CENTRE IN WANG TAU HOM ESTATE.
ALREADY IT HAS MADE A PROMISING START w I TH A REGISTERED PEMBERSHIP OF 450 AND AN AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE OF 100.
-----0------
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN FURTHER DEVELOPED
******
TWO ROADS, TOTALLING 500 METRES, ARE TO BE BUILT NEAR THE CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL TO SERVE THE HOSPITAL AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NORTH-WESTERN PART OF TUEN MUN.
THREE HECTARES OF LAND WILL ALSO BE FORMED ADJACENT TO THE ROADS TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR BUILDING A FOLKLORE MUSEUM, AN INDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRE, A DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION, A SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION AND FOR LOCAL OPEN SPACE.
/ABOUT 100 000
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1986
13 -
Aun.IT inn non CUBIC METRES OF FILL MATERIAL WILL BE REQUIRED FpSM^ 1 W™ cmM ' ^TtatI0K.
r£TA I; W-' &LkS^cT^E§Os™J™ So W
WATER DRAINS.
OTHER WORK WILL BE THE FOR^TtON TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTtM TO wORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY COMPLETE.
OF A TURNING LOOP FOR THE THE SOUTH OF YAU Ol ESTATt.
AND WILL TAKE 22 MONTHS TO
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE
OFFICE OF THE NEw TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
development
-----o------
DREDGING OF SEABED AT HUNG HOM BAY
X * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE DREDGING OF THE SEABED AT HUNG HOM BAY.
THE WORK FORMS PART OF THE PHASE I OF THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION PROJECT WHICH IS TO PROVIDE LAND FOR EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING KOWLOON GOODS YARD OF THE KOwLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
THE DREDGING IS TO REMOVE ABOUT 803 JOO CUBIC METRES OF MUD BEFORE RECLAMATION STARTS. THIS IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
THE DEPARTMENT’S RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE HAS DESIGNED AND WILL SUPERVISE THE WORK.
------o-------
EFFORTS CONTINUE TO PROSECUTE LITTERBUGS * * *
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED 843 LITTERBUGS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS LAST MONTH (JANUARY), WHICH RESULTED IN $96 758 IN FINES BEING COLLECTED.
THESE REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 93 PER CENT IN TERMS OF FINES AND 102 PER CENT FOR PROSECUTIONS WHEN COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING FIGURES OF $50 040 IN FINES AND 416 PROSECUTIONS IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
/AMONG the........
.SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
AMONG THE JANUARY LITTER OFFENDERS, 539 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR ILLEGAL LITTERING, 161 FOR SPITTING AND 112 FOR UNAUTHORISED DISPOSAL OF TRADE WASTE.
THE MAXIMUM FINE IMPOSED DURING THE MONTH WAS $600.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT TO PREVENT THE ENVIRONMENT FROM BEING SPOILED INDISCRIMINATE LITTER NG, RSD WILL CONTINUE ITS ON-GOING EFFORTS TO CATCH LITTERBUG^.
LITTERING IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $5 000 IN FINE AND SIX-MONTH IMPRISONMENT, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 -
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN CLOSES *****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WILL CLOSE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH A PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION AND A FILM SHOW AT THE EMPRESS THEATRE.
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, IS AIMED AT AROUSING THE AWARENESS OF RESIDENTS TO ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENE AS WELL AS AT CLEARING EYESORES IN THE DISTRICT.
A SERIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS WHICH DEPICT VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED DURING THE THREE-MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE THEATRE HALL.
THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE DAY WILL BE A FAMILY FILM +ALL THE WRONG SPIES*. SEVERAL SHORT ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST REMINDING SHOP OWNERS AND HAWKERS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING SHOPS AND STREETS CLEAN AND TIDY, WILL ALSO BE SHOWN PRIOR TO THE FEATURE FILM.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, URBAN COUNCILLOR, DR RONALD LEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE, MR CLEMENT TAO.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN CLOSING CEREMONY AT 10 AM TOMORROW AT EMPRESS THEATRE, NATHAN ROAD, HONG KONG.
--------0 - -
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1966
TAI PO FESTIVAL CLOSES TOMORROW ******
THE TWO-MONTH-LONG FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL WILL COME TO A CLOSE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) WITH THE PRESENTATION OF PRIZES FOR SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND A LANTERN CARNIVAL.
THE TAI PO FESTIVAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 6.30 PM IN THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR STEPHEN WONG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG, RURAL LEADERS AND A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
A LANTERN CARNIVAL WILL THEN BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL POPULAR SINGERS AND BANDS, DANCES, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS AND KUNG FU DEMONSTRATIONS.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE FRINGE CLUB.
THE TAI PO FESTIVAL IS AIMED AT PROMOTING DISTRICT IDENTITY AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
ABOUT 60 COLOURFUL AND ENTERTAINING SPORTS, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WERE HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL.
MR CHAN WILL ALSO OFFICIATE AT THE CARNIVAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH FUNCTIONS.
------o-------
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
- 13 -
FORUMS FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES
*****
THF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD TWO PUBLIC FORUMS ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24) AND TUESDAY FOR CANDIDATES IN THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO MEET RESIDENTS AND TO EXPLAIN THEIR PLATFORMS.
THE FORUM ON MONDAY IS FOR CANDIDATES SOUTH CONSTITUENCY. IT WILL BE HELD IN ST LOK FU AT 3.30 PM.
IN THE WONG TAI SIN PATRICK’S SCHOOL AT
THE TWO CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE SEAT ARE MISS FOK PUI-YEE AND MR WONG KAM-CHI.
THE FORUM ON TUESDAY IS FOR CANDIDATES IN THE WONG TAI SIN NORTH CONSTITUENCY. IT WILL BE HELD IN THE TSZ WAN SHAN (SOUTH) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 8.30 PM.
THREE CANDIDATES ARE RUNNING FOR THIS CONSTITUENCY. THEY ARE MR NG NGOK-SHING, MR YEUNG SHIU-YIU, AND MISS CECILIA YEUNG.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUMS AND ASK QUESTIONS.
TH? FORUMS ARE PART OF THE PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SPECIAL WINDOW DISPLAYS AT THE FOUR DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES. PHOTOGRAPHS OF URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT ARE ALSO DISPLAYED.
PUBLICITY SIGNBOARDS AND BANNERS HAVE BEEN PUT UP IN PROMINENT LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO URGE PEOPLE TO VOTE.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO PRINTED SOME 140 000 COPIES OF A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON THE ELECTIONS WHICH HAVE BEEN SENT TO REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
ON MARCH 5 AND 6, PUBLICITY VEHICLES WILL TOUR MAJOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND OTHER PROMINENT AREAS TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO CAST THEIR VOTES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO FORUMS.
- - 0
/14........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
KwUN TONG wEST FORUM ON UC ELECTIONS
******
RESIDENTS WISHING TO KNOw MORE ABOUT THE URBAN COUNCIL CANDIDATES IN THE KWUN TONG WEST CONSTITUENCY ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND A PUBLIC FORUM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE TWO CANDIDATES, MR CHAN KANG-CHOW AND MRS ELSIE TU, WILL PRESENT THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM AT THE NO. 8 PLAYGROUND IN LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE. IN CASE OF BAD WEATHER, THE VENUE wILL BE CHANGED TO THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE WHICH IS
ALSO IN NGAU TAU KOK.
THE KWUN TONG WEST CONSTITUENCY CONSISTS OF FIVE AREAS --PING SHEK AND KAI YIP, NGAU TAU KOK WEST, NGAU TAU KOK EAST, TING HONG, AND KWUN TONG TOWN AND INDUSTRIAL AREA.
ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF THE PROMOTION DRIVE ON MARCH 6 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS, THE FORUM
BE MODERATED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ANNIE
aILL TAM.
THE FORUM FOR THE OTHER CONSTITUENCY IN THE DISTRICT, KWUN TONG EAST, WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 2 (SUNDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PUBLIC FORUM FOR CANDIDATES CF THE KWUN TONG WEST CONSTITUENCY HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW.
WONG TAI SIN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN * * * *
THE MONTH-LONG ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN WONG TAI SIN wILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) w I TH A ROAD SAFETY DAY AT THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION.
THE ROAD SAFETY DAY, WHICH STARTS AT 2 PM, WILL PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES CARRYING THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
/THEBE WILL ......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
THERE a ILL BE EXHIBITIONS, A DISPLAY OF ACCIDENT WRECKED CARS, A ROAD SAFETY BUS, COMPUTER GAMES ON ROAD SAFETY, A ROAD SAFETY TOWN FOR PARTICIPANTS TO TEST THEIR CYCLING SKILLS, A GIANT INFLATABLE GORILLA FOR CHILDREN AND SINGING PERFORMANCES.
THE OPENING CEREMONY wILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CONRAD LAM; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK5 WONG TAI SIN POLICE DISTRICT COMi-ANDER, MR F.S. KAVANAGH, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG.
THERE WILL BE A PRESENTATION OF PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A RECENT PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION.
ADMISSION TO THE ROAD SAFETY DAY IS FREE AND RESIDENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO TOUR THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION.
THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IS ORGANISED BY A COMMITTEE SET UP BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE POLICE AND THE DISTRICT OFF ICE.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL PUT UP WARNING SIGNS AND BANNERS AT TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACK SPOTS IN THE DISTRICT, URGING PEOPLE TO BE MORE CAREFUL WHEN USING THE ROADS.
IN THE FIRST TWO WEEKS OF THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, PEDESTRIANS CAUGHT CONTRAVENING THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATIONS WILL BE WARNED, AND IN THE FOLLOWING TWO WEEKS, BETWEEN MARCH 9 AND 22, POLICE aILL TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OFFENDERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN ROAD SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN POLICE STATION, SHA TIN PASS ROAD, AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
0 --------
CARNIVAL FOR CENTRAL, WESTERN RESIDENTS * * * *
RESIDENTS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO A FREE LUNAR NEW YEAR CARNIVAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE KING GEORGE THE FIFTH MEMORIAL PARK IN SAI YING PUN.
THE TWO-HOUR CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCES, ORIENTAL DANCING, FOLK DANCING, LION DANCES AND MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS.
/there will ......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
16
THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES CHILDREN. A PERFORMER FROM AN AS THE GOD OF WEALTH AND WILL RESIDENTS.
STALLS AND A TELEMATCH FOR ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY WILL DRESS UP DISTRIBUTE LAI-SEE PACKETS TO
BE
THE CARNIVAL, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN D-oTRICT OFFICE, THE SAI YING PUN AREA COMMITTEE, THE WESTERN ' STRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WILL d^NED EY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND
WESTERN),
MISS WINDY KWOK.
NOTE TO EDITORS'.
TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2.30 PM AT KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK ING PUN.
YOU ARE INVITED CARNIVAL TOMORROW AT EASTERN STREET, SAI Y
---------o------------
COMPUTER COURSE FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS
* * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WILL JOINTLY RUN A COMPUTER COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE TEACHERS NEXT MONTH.
THE 10-SESSI0N COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR TEACHERS WHO WISH TO GAIN A WORKING KNOWLEDGE IN COMPUTER SO THAT THEY MAY APPLY THE TECHNOLOGY TO THEIR RESPECTIVE SUBJECTS.
THE COURSE WILL COVER BASIC COMPUTER CONCEPTS AND THE APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS IN LANGUAGE ASPECTS. IT WILL CONSIST OF AN INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER AND PROGRAMMING, APPLICATION OF COMPUTER, COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE CONCEPT.
THE COURSE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SEMINAR ROOM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ON 10 CONSECUTIVE SATURDAY MORNINGS STARTING MARCH 15.
--------0 ---------
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
- 17 -
RSD MOBILE LIBRARY TO CLOSE FOR ONE WEEK * * * * *
ONE OF THE TWO MOBILE LIBRARIES OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CLOSE FOR ONE WEEK FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 26) TO FACILITATE ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING WORK.
AS WILL BE A RESULT, SERVICES TO THE SUSPENDED: FOLLOWING SCHEDULED STOPS
* FEBRUARY 26 (WEDNESDAY) — KWAI KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE, CHUNG
¥ FEBRUARY 27 (THURSDAY) AM PM — CHI SAN LOK FA YUEN, TUEN MUN SHING ESTATE, TUEN MUN
* FEBRUARY 28 (FRIDAY) — LUEN WO MARKET, FANLING
* MARCH 1 (SATURDAY) — SHAM TSENG MARKET, TSUEN WAN
* MARCH 3 (MONDAY) — SIU HONG COURT, TUEN MUN
* MARCH 4 (TUESDAY) — SHEK LEI ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG
DURING THE PERIOD, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REQUESTED TO MAKE USE OF OTHER PUBLIC LIBRARIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS.
THE MOBILE LIBRARY WILL RESUME NORMAL SERVICE ON MARCH 5.
CORRECTIONAL STAFF COMPETE AT SPORTS MEET
*****
OVER 300 CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF TOOK PART IN TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS DURING THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL SPORTS MEET HELD AT THE FOOTBALL FIELD ADJACENT TO STANLEY PRISON TODAY.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM SIX OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND A GROUP OF DISABLED PEOPLE FROM THE MARGARET TRENCH MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE AS WELL AS CHILDREN OF THE STAFF ALSO COMPETED IN SOME OF THE EVENTS.
MRS FRANSCIA CHAN, WIFE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1936
- 18 -
PARKING METERS FOR TAI PO * * *
THE NEWLY-INSTALLED TWO-HOUR PARKING METERS IN WAI YAN STREET AND THE OPEN-AIR CAR PARK OFF PO YICK STREET IN TAI PO MARKET WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 25) TO REGULATE THE USE OF PARKING SPACES THERE.
THE METERS WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 3 AM AND 8 PM EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. THE CHARGE WILL BE $1 FOR 30 MINUTES.
-----o------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN THREE AREAS
XII
TO FACILITATE THE HOISTING OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY, HARBOUR VIEW STREET IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO R AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 25) AND WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 26).
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM ON TUESDAY, VEHICLES WILL NOT BF ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD TO O’BRIEN ROAD WHERE A FOOTBRIDGE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
VEHICLES ON INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE FENWICK STREET AND JAFFE ROAD.
THE MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON MARCH 11 (TUESDAY).
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTION AND PEAK HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JARDINE’S BAZAAR BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 45 AND HOUSE NO. 57 WILL BE LIFTED.
-----o------
/19........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1986
19
HUNG HOM, WONG TAI SIN TRAFFIC CHANGES
* * *
SHEK TONG STREET IN HUNG HOM BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND MA TAU WAI ROAD WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 25).
AT THE SAME TIME, SHEK TONG STREET WILL BE CONVERTED TO A TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC WITH ACCESS ONLY FROM MA TAU WAI ROAD TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCT I ON OF CHATHAM ROAD NORTH. THE MEASURE WILL BE FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 25 THE EXISTING BAN ON RIGHT TURN MOVEMENT (EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES) FROM MA CHAI HANG ROAD EASTBOUND IN WONG TAI SIN ONTO FUNG MO INTERCHANGE SOUTHBOUND WILL BE LIFTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
-----o------
YUEN LONG WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY COR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, HA ROAD, INCLUDING FUI SHA WAI,
TAN KWAI TSUEN ROAD AND TIN HUNG UK TSUEN, KIU TAU WAI, SHEK PO TSUEN, TIN SAM, LEI
TAN KWAI TSUEN, HUNG SHU I KIU, UK TSUEN, SAN LEI UK TSUEN AND
SAI SHAN TSUEN.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, FJLRUaRY 23, 1986
CONTENTS 2aGE NO.
CS MEETS HK REPRESENTATIVES IN WASHINGTON ..................... 1
HK PROJECTS FOR COMMONWEALTH AWARD SCHEME ..................... 2
LABOUR LAW OFFENCES DROP AS FINES GOUP......................... 3
CALL FOR MORE UC FACILITIES IN MONG KOK ....................... 4
RESIDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT RC ELECTIONS ....................... 5
ANNUAL CONCERT FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHOIRS ................... 5
CONCERT BY MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES .............................. 6
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR ADULT EDUCATION AIDS ................. 7
BOARD TO DISCUSS HOUSING PROJECTS ............................. 8
NT STUDENTS POTTED PLANT COMPETITION .......................... 9
INDOOR GAMES HALL FOR MONG KOK ................................ 10
BOARD TO DISCUSS ANIMAL WASTE CONTROL ......................... 10
PUBLICITY MOUNTED TO PROMOTE UC ELECTIONS ..................... 11
BALLOONS TO PROMOTE ELECTIONS ................................. 12
TAXI CONVERSION TABLES READY FOR COLLECTION ................... 13
LADY AKERS-JONES STARTS OFF WALK .............................. 13
DAY OF FUN FOR EMSD STAFF ..................................... 11*
ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON THE MOVE ........................... I1*
SIR DAVID RETURNING TO HK .........................•...........
KIOSK TENDER SOUGHT .............-............................. 15
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, ln86
1
CS ME-TS HK REPRESENTATIVES IN WASHINGTON
******
MORE THAN 30 OF HONG KONG’S REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR GATHERED IN WASHINGTON, D.C. YESTERDAY (SATURDAY) TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR EFFORTS IN PUTTING OVER THE HONG KONG STORY IN NORTH AMERICA.
THEY WERE TOLD BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONFERENCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THAT THEY SHARED A COMMON OBJECTIVE - THE PROMOTION OF HONG KONG AS A STABLE AND VIABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR TRADE, INVESTMENT AND TOURISM, WITH A LONG FUTURE.
+WE ARE HERE TODAY TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION AND IDEAS AND TO WORK OUT A JOINT APPROACH TO PROMOTE HONG KONG IN OUR VARIOUS WAYS,* SIR DAVID SAID.
THE CONFERENCE INCLUDED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION. MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN NEW YORK AND WASHINGTON AND THE INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICES IN NEW YORK AND SAN FRANCISCO ALSO PARTICIPATED.
AMONG THOSE PRESENT FROM HONG KONG WERE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS SIR S.Y. CHUNG, Q.W. LEE AND ALLEN LEE; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, JACK TANG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, LAWRENCE CHU ; AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, ERIC HO.
OPENING THE CONFERENCE, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID HE WOULD DESCRIBE AS BEST HE COULD THE MOOD IN HONG KONG AND THE PROGRESS AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE THAT WAS TAKING PLACE.
HE OUTLINED DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG BOTH IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS, AND WENT ON TO DESCRIBE HONG KONG’S GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE REST OF CHINA.
MOVING ON TO GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR NORTH AMERICA, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE PROPOSALS TO OPEN AN OFFICE ON THE WEST COAST OF THE UNITED STATES, AND TO STRENGTHEN THE WASHINGTON OFFICE.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE CORE OF HONG KONG’S MESSAGE TO NORTH AMERICA HAD TO BE THE HARD FACTS OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE TERRITORY'S FUTURE.
+OUR REPRESENTATIVES MUST BE FAMILIAR WITH THE DETAILS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION TO REASSURE AND GAIN THE CONFIDENCE OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS AND INVESTORS,* HE SAID.
+wE NOW HAVE A REFERENCE POINT FOR OUR FUTURE, AND WE MUST LET PEOPLE OVERSEAS KNOW IT,* HE ADDED.
------c-------
/2 .....
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1936
2
HR PROJECTS FOR COMMONWEALTH AWARD SCHEME * * * *
TWO PROJECTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AwARDS SCHEME WHICH WAS LAUNCHED TO MARK THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE TWO PROJECTS, ENTITLED +THE ELDERLY PROJECT - HEALTH CARE FOR HOME BOUND ELDERLY PEOPLE* AND +wALK FOR LOVE - FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN FOR PEOPLE OF ETHIOPIA*, REFLECT FINE EXAMPLES CF EFFECTIVE TEAMWORK BY ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE KEEN NOT ONLY TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE BUT TO SHOW CONCERN ABOUT PEOPLES’ SUFFERING IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
THE FIRST PROJECT WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG RED CROSS YOUTH AND WELFARE KOWLOON DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS AND THE OTHER BY THE LAI TAK YOUTH CENTRE.
+BOTH PROJECTS HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH TOWARDS IMPROVING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND CREATED A DEEP SENSE OF CARING AMONG THE COMMUNITY,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID.
THE AWARDS SCHEME, INITIATED BY THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT CF THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, OFFERS UP TO FIVE AWARDS ANNUALLY WITH NOT MORE THAN TWO AWARDS EE I NG MADE TO COUNTRIES IN ANY ONE REGION.
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR CO-ORDINATING THE NOMINATIONS IN HONG KONG.
+THE AWARDS SCHEME WAS DESIGNED TO RECOGNISE AND REWARD THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR SOCIETIES- FOSTER CO-OPERATION, EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE AMONG COMMONWEALTH YOUTHS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AWARDS WILL BE IN THE FORM OF OVERSEAS STUDY TOURS FOR. UP TO TWO MEMBERS OF AWARD WINNING TEAMS- AS WELL AS PERSONAL MEMENTOES SUCH AS MEDALLIONS TO ALL TEAM MEMBERS.
+THE TWO PROJECTS SELECTED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE SCHEME HAVE DEMONSTRATED YOUTH ABILITY IN CO-OPERATING, PLANNING AND EXECUTION- ACCEPTING RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION CF THEIR WORK UNDER AN AGREED PLAN- PROVIDING ADVENTUROUS INNOVATIONS TO ACHIEVE THEIR OBJECTIVES- AND EVALUATING AND ALLOWING FOR FLEXIBILITY IN THE PROJECT AS IT PROCEEDS,* HE SAID.
APART FROM THAT, THE PROJECTS HAVE ALSO REFLECTED AND RESPONDED TO LOCAL NEEDS, THUS CONTRIBUTING SOLUTIONS TO A TERRITORY-WIDE PROBLEM.
POTH PROJECTS WERE NOMINATED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND ASSESSED BY A SELECTION BOARD AT THE END OF LAST MONTH FOR SUBMISSION TO THE COMMONWEALTH SECRETARIAT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
A GROUP OF MEMBERS DRAWN FROM THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT /.ILL SERVE AS AN INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT PANEL AND THE AWARDS WILL EE ANNOUNCED IN MAY.
------C-------
/3......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
LABOUR LAW OFFENCES DROP AS FINES GO UP * * * * *
THE NUMBER OF LABOUR LA* OFFENCES HAD DROPPED CONSIDERABLY I'. 1985 AS A RESULT OF STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT AND HEAVIER AVERAGE FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR 2 PARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S PROSECUTIONS DIVISION TOOK OUT 1 741 PROSECUTIONS LAST YEAR FOR BREACHES OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, RESULTING IN A TOTAL FINE OF 34 523 450 IMPOSED ON THOSE CONVICTED.
THE FIGURES COMPARED WITH 3 028 CASES AND A TOTAL FINE OF b4 934 100 IN 1984, HE SAID.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO TOOK OUT 1 828 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS FOR BREACHES OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS, THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS AND PART IVB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
THESE CASES RESULTED IN FINES TOTALLING $1 863 993, COMPARED WITH 3 938 CASES IN 1984 AND $2 717 153 IN FINES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LEVEL OF FINES FOR FACTORY SAFETY CASES LAST YEAR HAD SHOWN AN INCREASE OF 47.4 PER CENT OVER THAT OF 1984.
FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY CASES, THE INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF FINES WAS 74.1 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR 1984.
AS FOR CASES UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS AND THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, THE LEVEL OF FINES WAS 44 PER CENT OVER THAT OF 1984.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INCREASES IN THE LEVEL OF FINES MIGHT HAVE A DETERRENT EFFECT WHICH PARTLY EXPLAINED THAT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT.
OTHER FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF OFFENCES WERE THE STEPPED-UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF REVISED PROSECUTION GUIDELINES BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S PROSECUTIONS DIVISION, aITH THE HELP OF THE OPERATIONAL DIVISIONS, HAD BEEN CONCENTRATING ITS EFFORTS ON BRINGING THE MORE SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT OFFENDERS T3 JUSTICE.
------o-------
A....
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
A
CALL FOR MORE UC FACILITIES IN MONG KOK
M * X
THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD BE CARRYING OUT AN EXTENSIVE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME IN MONG KOK TO IMPROVE AMENITIES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICtR, FRS BRENDA FUNG, SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TODAY (SUNDAY), SHE SAID THE COUNCIL HAD MADE GREAT EFFORTS TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
SOME OF THE MAJOR WORKS UNDER CONSTRUCTION INCLUDE A MARKET COMPLEX AT FA YUEN STREET, A SECOND INDOOR GAMES HALL AT BOUNDARY STREET, A LANDSCAPED SITTING-OUT AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET, AND AN OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT SAI YEE STREET.
WORK ON A TEMPORARY MARKET AT FUK TSUN STREET WILL START IN NOVEMBER. +IT WILL PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED MARKET FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN TAI KOK TSUI,+ MRS FUNG SAID.
+ IN ORDER TO STRIVE FOR BETTER URBAN COUNCIL SERVICES AND FACILITIES FOR OUR DISTRICT, IT IS NECESSARY TO SELECT SOMEONE THAT^CAN TRULY REPRESENT MONG KOK RESIDENTS’ INTERESTS IN THE
COUNCIL,* SHE ADDED.
+THEREFORE I APPEAL TO ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS TO COME OUT AND VOTE IN THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6,+ SHE CONTINUED.
MRS FUNG NOTED THAT WITH THE ADVANCEMENT OF THE COMMUNITY, PEOPLE HAVE BECOME MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR LIVING AND 'wORK ING ENVIRONMENT.
IN RESPONSE, THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD INITIATED THE DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE RESIDENT^ awareness of environmental cleanliness and to improve building MANAGEMENT.
TWELVE ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED DURING THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDING TRAINING COURSES ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT, HOME BEAUTIFICATION, STREET, BUILDING AND MARKET STALLS CLEAN-U0 COMPETITIONS, AS WELL AS A SCHEME TO HELP REMOVE ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE URBAN COUNCILLOR, ER RONALD LEUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR CLEMENT TAO.
0--------
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
RESIDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT RC ELECTIONS * X X *
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN TODAY (SUNDAY? URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT THE REIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6 AS IT WOULD BE A STEP TOWARDS REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL AN? LANTERN CARNIVAL AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND, MR CHAN SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT PEOPLE TOOK PART IN A DISTRICT-WIDE ELECTION TO CHOOSE SOMEONE TO REPRESENT THEM IN THE WHOLE REGION.
♦THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL PLAN ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, PUBLIC HEALTH, RECREATION AND CULTURE FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THEREFORE RESIDENTS SHOULD SUPPORT THE ELECTIONS AND VOTE ON MARCH 6,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE AIMS OF ORGANISING THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL WERE TO PROMOTE THE RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING AND DISTRICT IDENTITY.
THE CARNIVAL FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL SINGERS AND BANDS, DANCES, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS AND KUNG FU DEMONSTRATIONS.
IT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FIRST TAI PO FESTIVAL CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE FRINGE CLUB AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
- 0 -
ANNUAL CONCERT FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHOIRS * * * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S YOUTH CHOIR AND CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL HOLD THEIR THIRD ANNUAL CONCERT ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1) AT 8 PM IN THE SHOUSON THEATRE AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
THE CONCERT IS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENING INCLUDE 39 CHINESE AND WESTERN FOLK, CLASSICAL, ROCK’N ROLL AND POPULAR SONGS PERFORMED IN SOLO, GROUP OR MIXED CHORUS. TWENTY MEMBERS OF THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL PRESENT A CHINESE FOLK DANCE TO CELEBRATE A PROSPEROUS YEAR.
THE TWO CHOIRS, wITH A MEMBERSHIP OF ABOUT 200, WERE FORMED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WITH SUPPORT FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE MUSIC OFFICE AND LOCAL BODIES.
/THEY HAVE
SUNDA: , FEBRUARY 23, 1986
6 -
THEY HAVE WEEKLY PRACTICES AND THE YOUTH CHOIR HAD FORMED ITS OWN ROCK BAND WHILE THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR RECENTLY SET UP AN INSTRUMENTAL SECTION.
+THE YOUTH CHOIR HAS HOSTED SIX CONCERTS OF ITS OWN, AND BOTH CHOIRS HAVE MADE A NUMBER OF GUEST PERFORMANCES AT JOINT DISTRICT FUNCTIONS, LOCAL CAMPAIGN VARIETY SHOWS AND TV PROGRAMMES,+ A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TICKETS AT $1Q AND $15 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, NO. 7-11, NAM NING STREET, GROUND FLOOR, I^E I FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
-------o----------
CONCERT BY MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES * * * *
tup MiiQir pff IrF IS UNIQUE IN THE SENSE THAT AS ONE ORGANISATION IT CURRENTLY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING
FOR 3 300 ODD TRAINEES IN NO LESS THAN 30 DIFFERENT WESTERN AND CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS MR MICHAEL RYAN THE PR INC PAL LECTURER OC-MUSIC AT THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, bAiu TODAY (SUNDAY). <■
+1 KNOW OF NO OTHER INSTITUTION IN HONG KONG THAT PROVIDES MUSIC TRAINING IN SUCH A MAGNITUDE,* HE ADDED.
MR RYAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MUSIC OFFICE STUDENTS CONCERT (HONG KONG REGION) HELD AT THE ST. PA^L b CONVENT SCHOOL IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
dyam caih THF MUSIC OFFICE’S OBJECTIVES, WHICH ARE TO PROVIDE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING TO UP TO 5 000 ?EuPLc
SS TO PROMOTE AN INTEREST IN MUSIC, PARTICULARLY AMONG THE YOUNG, ARE PRACTICAL AND REALISTIC.
*1 UNDERSTAND THAT THE MUSIC OFFICE STAFFED BY A GROUP^ OF PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS WHO ARE KE^LY COMMITTED TO T AMD tuat hup uaq TO GO THROUGH AWFULLY KEEN COMPETITIONS Tu BECOME A TRAINEE OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME,* HE SAID.
WHILE URGING THE MUSIC OFF ICE'S TRAI NEES TO MAKE THE MOST rr thf IP TRAINING OPPOF<TUN IT IES, MR RYAN SAID TO SUCCEED IN Sslc TRAINING ONE MUST EXERCISE GOOD SELF-DISCIPLINE IN THE ADPROACH TO HIS TRAINING AS MUSIC TRAINING CALLS FOR PRACTICE AND PRACTICE IS HARD WORK.
/EARLIER, THE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
- 7 -
EARLIER, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO, SAID THAT THE CONCERT WAS AN IMPORTANT OCCASION FOR THE TRAINEES OF THE HONG KONG REGION AS IT PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM NOT ONLY TO PERFORM BEFORE AN AUDIENCE BUT ALSO TO DEMONSTRATE TO THEIR PARENTS AND TEACHERS WHAT THEY HAD LEARNT IN THE PAST YEAR.
SHE BELIEVED MANY OF THEM wOULD BE PROUD OF THEIR PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENTS AND THEY WERE EXCELLENT EXAMPLES FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW,
MRS HO THANKED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MUSIC TEACHERS AND PARENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT WITHOUT WHICH, SHE SAID, THE MUSIC OFFICE’S INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME WOULD NOT HAVE ACQUIRED THE VERY SATISFACTORY RESULT AS IT HAS TODAY.
THE MUSIC OFFICE’S ISLAND YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, ISLAND YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND SOME TRAINEES PERFORMED AT THE CONCERT.
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR ADULT EDUCATION AIDS
* * * *
NON-PROFIT-MAKING VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION IN THE 1986-87 SESSION FOR THE OPERATION OF ADULT EDUCATION COURSES AND ACTIVITIES UNDER THE SUBVENTION SCHEME.
THE SUBVENTION SCHEME, wHICH WILL BE IN ITS SEVENTH YEAR OF OPERATION BY SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, IS TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INTERESTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SO THAT THEY CAN COMPLEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES IN THE ADULT EDUCATION FIELD.
THE SCHEME WILL SPONSOR COURSES DESIGNED TO IMPROVE BASIC LITERACY IN CHINESE? GENERAL EDUCATION FOR PARTICULAR GROUPS, SUCH AS FACTORY WORKERS AND FISHERFOLK; RE-ORIENTATION AND CANTONESE LANGUAGE COURSES FOR NEWCOMERS TO HONG KONG FROM OTHER PARTS OF ASIA; SOCIAL AND MORAL EDUCATION, AND LABOUR EDUCATION INCLUDING LEGAL KNOWLEDGE.
IT ALSO APPLIED TO PRE-VOCATIONAL TRAINING; SPECIAL EDUCATION FOR PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS 5 CAREERS EDUCATION, PRE-RETIREMENT AND RETIREMENT EDUCATION; ADULT EDUCATION COURSES AND ACTIVITIES CONDUCTED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS; JOE ORIENTED COURSES AND ACTIVITIES IN GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS NOT COVERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S SERVICES.
/THE SUBVENTION .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
- 8 -
THE SUBVENTION WILL COVER THE COST OF TEACHING AND CLERICAL STAFF AND SALARY FOR CENTRE ADMINISTRATORS; THE COST OF BASIC TEACHING AND OFFICE EQUIPMENT, HIRE CHARGES FOR ACCOMMODATION AT EXISTING GOVERNMENT RATE 5 AND A SUM OF i5OO PER QUARTER TO COVER THE COST OF TELEPHONE, WATER AND ELECTRICITY CHARGES ON A SHARING BASIS.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY POST FROM THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, 33-37 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD REACH THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION NOT LATER THAN APRIL 30.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING MR H.H. WOO AT 5-8392304 OR MRS T.M. DAI ON 5-8392303 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
DURING THE CURRENT SESSION, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TOTALLING $3.5 MILLION IS BEING PROVIDED TO 47 VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS FOR RUNNING 132 PROJECTS WHICH BENEFIT SOME 13 000 ADULTS.
----0------
BOARD TO DISCUSS HOUSING PROJECTS
*****
TWO HOUSING PROJECTS WILL BE ON THE AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION AT THE KwUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE FIRST IS A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP AN AREA ADJACENT TO SHUN TIN ESTATE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AS A SUPPLEMENTARY SITE TO ACCOMMODATE RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY THE EXTENDED RE-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
THE 1.5-HECTARE SITE TO THE NORTH-EAST OF SHUN TIN ESTATE
IS BEHIND THE BUS TERMINUS ON SHUN ON ROAD, AND HAS BEEN RESERVED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TWO INTERLOCKING SECONDARY SCHOOLS
ANOTHER PROJECT IS THE FOURTH TO SEVENTH PHASES OF THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE TO PROVIDE ABOUT 7 300 PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS AND 1 630 HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS.
KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE ORIGINALLY COMPRISED 24 MARK I BLOCKS BUILT BETWEEN 1959 AND 1961.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PLANNING), MR R.A. CROSB*, CHIEF ENGINEER, MR EDWARD YIM, AND SENIOR PLANNING OFFICER, MISS MARY SEDDON, Or THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT wILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO INTRODUCE ThE PROJECTS TO THE BOARD.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
- 9 -
AT TOMORROW’S MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS wILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEwS ON THE REPORT OF THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN CF THE THEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAU WONG-FAT, ON THE SETTING UP CF A THIRD UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG, REPORTS FROM CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS, AND A REPORT FROM THE CHA IRMA., CF KwUK TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
KT STUDENTS POTTED PLANT COMPETITION X * X X
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR NATHAN MA WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY OF St'1986 NEW TERRITORIES STUDENTS POTTED PLANT COMPETITION ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28).
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION ON ALL ENTRIES WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY AT THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE, LUK YEUNG SUN TSUEN, TSUEN WAN.
THE COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED EY THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT POTTED PLANTS AS WELL AS AROUSING THEIR AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH VEGETATION.
THE COMPETITION HAS ATTRACTED SOME 800 ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY 75 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
THERE ARE NINE COMPETITION CATEGORIES FOR BOTH SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTIONS INCLUDING AFRICAN VIOLETS, ANNUALS, CACTI CHRYSANTHEMUMS, FERNS, FOLIAGE PLANTS, SUCCULENT PLANTo, HANGING BASKETS PLANTS AND BULBOUS PLANTS.
/book coupons
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2J, 1986
10
BOOK COUPONS *ILL BE AwARDED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS AND 10 HER IT PRIZES FOR EACH CATEGORY.
ALSO PRESENT IN THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR ^ETER NG- THt VICP-CHAIRMAN OF NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KJK, MR TSANG LIN, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR SO rAI-CHO, AND THc. CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB, MRS RUBY LAU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1986 NT STUDENTS POTTED PLANT COMPETITION AND EXHIBITION AT THE CHILDREN AND YOUTn CENTRE, LUK YEUNG SUN TSUEN, TSUEN WAN, ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28) AT 3 PM.
OFFICIAL TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE KOwLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 2.15 PM. INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL EE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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INDOOR GAMES HALL FOR MONG KOK * * *
AN ADDITIONAL INDOOR GAMES HALL MONG KOK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED
AT BOUNDARY STREET IN BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED AT THE GAMES HALL, WHICH IS PARTLY BUILT, INCLUDE FOUR SQUASH COURTS WITH VIEWING GALLERY A FITNESS AND GAMES ROOM, CHANGING ROOMS AND OFFICES. ’
THIS GAMES HALL WILL SUPPLEMENT THE EXISTING FACILITIES OF THE BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL WHICH IS ADJACENT TO IT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND TAKE SEVEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS NO* CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE WORK.
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BOARD TO DISCUSS ANIMAL WASTE CONTROL * * *
TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON CONTROL ON ANIMAL WASTES AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 25).
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE TAI PO NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
/'BOaRD MiXBERS,
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY .j, 19S6
’ 3ARD MEMBERS, DR STEPHEN TANG, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE :,.E>« TERRITORIES EAST INTER-DISTRICT WORKING GROUP ON LION ROCK r'JNNEL CONGESTION PROBLEM, W ILL REPORT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE .-.ORKING GROUP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 0.30 AM ON TUESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, THIRD FLOOR, TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172, KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET.
- --------G - - - -
PUBLICITY MOUNTED TO PROMOTE UC ELECTIONS
*****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
THE PROGRAMMES wERE LAUNCHED IN MID-JANUARY WITH COLOURFUL WINDOW DISPLAYS URGING REGISTERED ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR BALLOTS.
COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS INTRODUCING URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT HAVE ALSO BEEN PUT UP AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN KAU PUI LUNG ROAD AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN HO MAN TIN ESTATE AND HUNG HOM.
COLOURFUL POSTERS AND BANNERS HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS INCLUDING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES.
A TOTAL OF 120 000 COPIES OF A FOUR-PAGE SPECIAL ELECTION SUPPLEMENT HAVE BEEN PRINTED GIVING A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS, VOTING PROCEDURES, ADDRESSES OF POLLING STATIONS AND THE STRUCTURE AND WORK OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
MORE THAN 107 700 COPIES OF THE SUPPLEMENT HAVE BEEN SENT TO REGISTERED ELECTORS AND THE REMAINDER WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
TWO FORUMS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PUBLIC AND ANSWER QUESTIONS AT 01 MAN ESTATE AND THE TO KWA wAN VOLLEY BALL PLAYGROUND ON MARCH 2.
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO ARRANGED A PUBLICITY BUS AND TWO VEHICLES TO TOUR MAJOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, BUSY STREETS, MARKET PLACES, COMMERCIAL AND SHOPPING CENTRES AND OTHER PROMINENT AREAS ON MARCH 5 AND 6.
/LIOiN _AKC£S...........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
12
LION'DANCES AND STREET PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED ABOARD THE PUBLICITY BUS DURING THE TWO DAYS.
OTHER PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES INCLUDE AN APPEAL LETTER BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES TO REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS URGING THEM TO SUPPORT THE ELECTIONS BY ENCOURAGING THEIR FRIENDS, RESIDENTS AND RELATIVES TO VOTE.
APPEAL LETTERS FROM MR JONES WILL ALSO BE SENT TO ENGLISH SPEAKING VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
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BALLOONS TO PROMOTE ELECTIONS
* * *
_1 - TR I ?TCaSm I»! sM-Tw ift “I IciATE UCRTh™UchKAOF • A SA! KUNG ON A FULL FLIGHT OVER
THE NEW TERRITORIES AT 8 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
tup fi ICHT *HlCH IS SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG BALLOON AND aIrIhIP CLUB AND TELEVISION BROADCAST LIMITED, IS TO PUBLICISE THE FORTHCOMING REGIONAL COUNCIL AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION^.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
AS THE LAUNCH LOCATION IS DIFFICULT TO DEFINE, WILL DEPART FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR SHARP ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 24).
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FLIGHT WILL BE SUBJECT TO SITUATION.
TRANSPORT
PARK AT 7 AM
THE WEATHER
- 0 -
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
- 13 -
TAXI CONVERSION TABLES READY FOR COLLECTION
* * * *
CONVERSION TABLES SHOWING EXISTING NEW TERRITORIES AND LANTAU TAXI FARES AS AGAINST THE NEW FARE SCALE DUE TO COME INTO EFFECT ON MARCH 1 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY TAXI OPERATORS FROM WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 26), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
TAXI OPERATORS WILL BE ABLE TO COLLECT SUCH TABLES AT ALL LICENSING OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS OF THE TAI PO, NORTH, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, SAI KUNG DISTRICT CFFICES AND THE MUI WO SUB-OFFICE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE TABLES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, ROOM 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED TAXI OPERATORS TO BRING ALONG THEIR TAXI REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WHEN COLLECTING THEIR CONVERSION TABLES AND ADVISED THEM TO DISPLAY THE TABLES IN THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE THE METERS ARE RECALIBRATED.
------o-------
LADY AKERS-JONES STARTS OFF wALK * * * * *
LADY AKERS-JONES TOOK THE LEAD IN A WALKATHON FOR THE DISABLED AT THE VICTORIA GAP CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT THE PEAK THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
ABOUT 400 PEOPLE INCLUDING THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, THE BLIND, THE DEAF, REHAB IL I TANTS AS WELL AS THE ABLE-BODIED TOOK PART IN THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAMILY WALK, ORGANIStD BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE DIVISION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
THE EVENT WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING MUTUAL HELP AND CO-OPERATION IN FAMILIES WITH DISABLED MEMBERS.
-----0------
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
DAY OF FUN FOR EMSD STAFF * * * *
5;
THE GOVERNMENT WORKSHOP AT CAROLINE HILL ROAD TODAY (SUNDAY) BECAME A RECREATION AND FUN GROUND FOR MORE THAN 1 500 STAFF of the electrical and mechanical services department and their CHILDREN.
THEY WERE ENTERTAINED WITH VARIETY SHOWS, GAMES, COMPETITIONS AND A -_UCKY DRAW.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE FUN FAIR, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF CLUB, WAS A CAMEL BORROWED FROM THE BRITISH FORCES.
SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT A(.SO JOINED IN THE FUN AND LATER PRESENTED PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS.
_ _ 0-------------
ADULT EDUCATION SECTION ON THE MOVE
* * *
THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS NDVFD RACK TO THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT LEE GARDENS, FIFTH ™0R, 33-37 hSn AVEN™ CAUSEWAY BAY, AND WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO DIRECT ENQUIRIES REGARDING COURSES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION TO THc NE*. ADDRESS.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-8392309.
-------C----------
SIR DAV* ID RETURNING TO HK * * *
HONG
TMF CH IFF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES KONG TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 24), AFTER A DUTY
, WILL RETURN TO VISIT TO NORTH
AMERICA.
HE WILL BE ARRIVING ON FLIGHT SQ1, ETA 9 AM.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1986
- 15 -
KIOSK TENDER SOUGHT * * *
THE rEGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS TO OPERATE A REFRESHMENT KIOSK IN THE CHE KUNG MIU ROAD PLAYGROUND IN SHA TIN.
ADJACENT TO HIN KENG ESTATE, THE 2.2-riECTARE PLAYGROUND IS A MULTI-PURPOSE RECREATION FACILITY FOR SHA TIN RESIDENTS, AL RSD SPOKESMAN SAID.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLAYGROUND, COSTING ABOUT S3.6 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR.
DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, THE PLAYGROUND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE RSD ON COMPLETION.
TENDER FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE RSD’S SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ON LEVEL 4, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE DEPOSITED INTO THE TENDER BOX AT THE RSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE, 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE 9 AM ON MARCH 7.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE GRANTED A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT WHICH COMES INTO EFFECT ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR.
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY TELEPHONE O-6O6572O FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
' REAL FUND OF GOODWILL FOR HK' — SIR DAVID.................. 1
FS TO PRESENT BUDGET WEDNESDAY .............................. 2
ELECTION COUNTDOWN PUBLICITY STARTS ......................... 4
FORUMS FOR CENTRAL, WESTERN UC CANDIDATES ................... 5
RC CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PUBLIC ............................
NORTH DISTRICT STEPS UP ELECTION EFFORT ..................... 6
SPECIAL COMET STAMPS OUT WEDNESDAY........................... 7
PAPUA NEW GUINEA JOINS INTELPOST NETWORK.....................
NEW POLLUTION MONITORING SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED ............ 8
DB MEMBERS SEE LAND DEVELOPMENTS............................. 9
SEMINARS ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH................... 9
NEV/ SHRINE FOR SHUN FUNG WAI VILLAGERS ..................... 10
SELECT COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW ........................... 11
BUS SERVICES DURING TUNNEL WORK .............................
YUEN LONG WATER CUT ......................................... 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE......................................... 12
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
1
’REAL FUND OF GOODWILL FOR HK’ -- SIR DAVID ******
THERE WAS + A TREMENDOUS INTEREST* IN, AND A REAL FUND OF GOODWILL FOR HONG KONG IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM HIS WEEK-LONG VISIT TO NORTH AMERICA, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD MET U.S. SENATORS, CONGRESSMEN, BUSINESSMEN AND OFFICIALS. AND IN MONTREAL, CANADA, HE HAD SPOKEN TO MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG-CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
SPEAKING OF HIS MEETING IN MONTREAL, WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS FIRST CLASS, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD BEEN ABLE TO TALK TO ABOUT 200 PERSONS WHO + HAD COME FROM ALL OVER CANADA TO ATTEND THAT MEETING*.
HE ADDED: +S0 I THINK THAT DEMONSTRATES THE INTEREST THAT THERE IS, BECAUSE IT WAS VERY COLD, SNOWY WEATHER, AND THEY HAD COME FROM ALL OVER CANADA TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF LISTENING TO WHAT I HAD TO SAY.+
ASKED HOW HONG KONG COULD FURTHER PROMOTE TRADE WITH NORTH AMERICA, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS ALREADY HAPPENING BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF AMERICAN ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE COMING TO HONG KONG TO SET UP THEIR HEADQUARTERS AND TO DO BUSINESS.
+AND, OF COURSE, THE MORE THAT OUR OWN REPRESENTATIVES IN NORTH AMERICA AND IN THE UNITED STATES GENERALLY KNOW ABOUT HONG KONG, THEN THE MORE WE CAN PROMOTE HONG KONG’S INTERESTS.
+S0 I THINK WE MUST DO MORE. WE ARE DOING A LOT ALREADY, BUT WE MUST DO MORE,* HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT PROTECTIONISM IN THE UNITED STATES, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS +ANOTHER MATTER*, AND THAT IT WAS +A REQUIREMENT OF AMERICA’S OWN DOMESTIC PROBLEMS AND POLITICS*.
+BUT THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THERE IS A FUND OF GOODWILL RUNNING FOR HONG KONG IN NORTH AMERICA,* HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HIS TRIP WAS +MARVELLOUS AND VERY USEFUL* IN THAT HE WAS ABLE TO SEE +A GREAT MANY PEOPLE IN MONTREAL, WASHINGTON AND PHILADELPHIA*.
IN WASHINGTON, SIR DAVID SAID, HE HAD A CONFERENCE WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, INDUSTRIAL OFFICES AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES? AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS AND THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK IN THE UNITED STATES.
/THE CCM7EEENCE
JOiDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
2
THE CONFERENCE WAS +T0 GET THEM ALL TOGETHER TO BE ABLE TO TALK TO THEM AND TO BRING THEM UP-TO-DATE ON WHAT’S BEEN GOING ON IN HONG KONG IN THE LAST YEAR, AND TO GET THEIR VIEWS ON HOW WE CAN FURTHER DEVELOP HONG KONG’S INTEREST IN NORTH AMERICA,* HE SAID.
+IT WAS A VERY USEFUL FAMILY GATHERING, AND IT WAS THE FIRST MEETING OF ITS KIND AND I’M SURE THAT THE MEMBERS WHO ATTENDED THAT MEETING WILL WANT TO HOLD SIMILAR MEETINGS LIKE THAT IN FUTURE, SO THAT WE CAN INCREASE AN UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG, AND ALSO PROMOTE OUR TRADE AND INVESTMENT WITH NORTH AMERICA, HE ADDED.
ASKED ABOUT THE VISITS BY BRITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN RECENT MONTHS, SIR DAVID SAID THE PRACTICE OF INVITING BRITISH MP’S TO HONG KONG HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR A VERY LONG TIME.
IT WAS ALSO THE PRACTICE OF INVITING PEOPLE FROM OTHER COUNTRIES TO COME AND SEE HONG KONG FOR THEMSELVES.
+AND THIS WILL GO ON,+ HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR JOHN CHAN AND THE DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR ALAN SANDERS.
----0------
FS TO PRESENT BUDGET WEDNESDAY
*****
HONG KONG’S BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87 WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 26).
THE PROCEEDINGS WILL START AT 2.30 PM, WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE MOVES THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1986 AND OUTLINES HONG KONG’S ESTIMATED REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1986-87.
THE ESTIMATED HEADS OF EXPENDITURE WILL BE SET OUT IN THE SCHEDULE OF THE BILL TO BE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE THE SAME AFTERNOON.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WILL BE ADJOURNED UNTIL MARCH 26 AND 27, WHEN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS.
ON APRIL 23, OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES. IF NECESSARY, THE DEBATE WILL CONTINUE THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING OF THE BILL ON MAY 7.
/THE FINANCIAL
MON IM Y, /EBRUAfiY 24, 1986
3
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY'S SPEECH ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE OVER RTHK’S RADIO 1 (CHINESE) AND RADIO 3 (ENGLISH).
RTHK WILL ALSO BROADCAST LIVE THE OTHER BUDGET SITTINGS ON MARCH 2C AND 27, APRIL 23, 24 (IF NECESSARY) AND MAY 7 ON RADIO 1 (CHINESE) AND RADIO 3 (ENGLISH).
THE BUDGET SITTINGS WILL ALSO BE COVERED, IN NORMAL NEWSCASTS AND BULLETINS OF RTHK, COMMERCIAL RADIO, HK-TVB AND ATV.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TO AFFORD MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE TO PREPARE THEIR BUDGET STORIES ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 26), A CLOSED WORKING SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE GROUND RULES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. NO PART OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH OR RELATED DOCUMENTS IS TO BE PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST PRIOR TO DELIVERY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
2. REPORTERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE CLOSED WORKING SESSION SHOULD BE AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM BY 11.15 AM TO REGISTER.
AT 11.30 AM, THE FIRST, BACKGROUND, PART OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
AT 12.30 PM, EVENING NEWSPAPER REPORTERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE TO FILE STORIES BASED ON THIS PART OF THE SPEECH.
OTHER REPORTERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION THAT AFTERNOON WILL ALSO LEAVE AT THIS POINT.
BOTH GROUPS MUST BEAR IN MIND THE EMBARGO STATED IN PARAGRAPH 1.
3. AFTER DEPARTURE OF THE ABOVE TWO GROUPS, THE REMAINING REPORTERS WILL BE GIVEN THE SECOND PART OF THE SPEECH, CONTAINING THE BUDGET PROPOSALS. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM UNTIL AFTER THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS FINISHED SPEAKING. A SANDWICH LUNCH, AND SOFT DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED.
4. ON COMPLETION OF DELIVERY, THE CLOSED SESSION WILL END AND REPORTERS MAY LEAVE.
ALL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES REGISTERING FOR THE CLOSED WORKING SESSION WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE ACCEPTED IN FULL THE ABOVE CONDITIONS.
------0 ------
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
ELECTION COUNTDOWN PUBLICITY STARTS
* X * * * *
THE COUNTDOWN HAS STARTED FOR PUBLICITY IN SUPPORT OF THE MARCH 6 REGIONAL COUNCIL AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS WITH THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF OUTDOOR PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES TODAY.
TWO HOT-AIR BALLOONS, CO-SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG BALLOON AND AIRSHIP CLUB AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED AND BEARING BANNERS WITH VOTING MESSAGES ON THEM, MADE A TOKEN FLIGHT OVER THE NEW TERRITORIES TO SYMBOLICALLY MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE COUNTDOWN.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY MR C.M. LEUNG, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (GENERAL), CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP CO-ORDINATING THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME.
♦ IN ADDITION TO A TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDES TELEVISION AND RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS, POSTERS DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND AT MTR AND KCR STATIONS, AND THE BROADCASTING OF APPEAL MESSAGES IN THE 19 ELECTORAL DISTRICTS, A CHAIN-SERIES OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES CO-SPONSORED BY LOCAL TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS WILL BE LAUNCHED IN A PUBLICITY BLITZ,+ MR LEUNG SAID.
+PROMINENT TELEVISION STARS AND POPULAR RADIO DISC-JOCKEYS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THESE OUTDOOR PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN APPEALING TO REGISTERED VOTERS TO CAST THEIR BALLOT ON MARCH 6.
+FOLLOWING THE HOT-AIR BALLOON FLIGHT, THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE, DURING THE PERIOD LEADING TO THE ELECTION, TWO BUS-TOURS BY ASIA TELEVISION ARTISTES AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG DISC-JOCKEYS AROUND HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DELIVERING APPEAL MESSAGES, ON MARCH 4 AND 5,+ HE ADDED.
RTHK DISC-JOCKEYS WILL ALSO VISIT TAI PO AND SHA TIN DISTRICTS ON A FREE TRAIN-RIDE SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY TO PUBLICISE THE ELECTIONS.
ON MARCH 5, DURING THE MID-DAY PERIOD, A CLASSIC TRAM WILL TAKE COMMERCIAL RADIO ARTISTES ON A FULL-ROUTE TRAM JOURNEY ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO DELIVER VOTING APPEAL MESSAGES CALLING ON REGISTERED VOTERS TO SUPPORT THE ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
+ EACH ACTIVITY IS AN EVENT IN ITSELF AND WILL HELP ENHANCE PUBLICITY FOR THE ELECTIONS,* MR LEUNG ADDED.
- 0 ----------
/5.........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
3
FORUMS FOR CENTRAL, WESTERN UC CANDIDATES * * * *
THE TWO CANDIDATES STANDING IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CONSTITUENCY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6 WILL ATTEND TWO OPEN FORUMS ARRANGED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1).
TOMORROW’S FORUM WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE KENNEDY TOWN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, 14A BELCHER’S STREET, KENNEDY TOWN.
THE SECOND FORUM WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1) AT 7.30 PM IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, 36A WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN.
THE CANDIDATES WILL INTRODUCE THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THE TWO CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE SINGLE SEAT IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN CONSTITUENCY ARE MR CHOW WAI-KEUNG AND MR HUNG WING-TAT BOTH OF WHOM ARE SERVING MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, WILL BE THE MODERATOR OF BOTH FORUMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.
-----0------
RC CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PUBLIC * * * * *
THE FOUR CANDIDATES COMPETING IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT CONSTITUENCY WILL MEET THE PUBLIC IN TWO FORUMS THIS WEEK.
THE FIRST FORUM WILL BE HELD IN THE CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE YOUTH CENTRE, TUNG WAN ROAD AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WHILE THE OTHER WILL BE IN THE TAI 0 TOWN HALL, SHEK TSAI PO, TAI 0, AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1).
/THE FORUMS ......
MONDAY, FEBBUAKY <4» 1986
6
THE FORUMS ARE ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE. THE FOUR CANDIDATES, MR SO YIU-KWAN, MR YIU KAI-HUNG, MR KWONG PING-YAU AND MR CHU CHEONG-HAYJ WILL PRESENT THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
I3lahZsUdTstrIct'offiJ?.C0VEH THE ™° F0RUHS 0RG4,HSED by the
MARINE LAUNCH, THE +CLEMENTI+ WILL LEAVE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER IN CENTRAL TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 6 PM FOR CHEUNG CHAU AND ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1) AT 12.15 PM FOR MUI WO YOU ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES
-----0------
NORTH DISTRICT STEPS UP ELECTION EFFORT *****
THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE IS STEPPING UP ITS EFFORTS TO PUBLICISE THE MARCH 6 REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS BY LAUNCHING A SER IES OF ACTIVIT IES.
CANDIDATES’ FORUMS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1) AT THE CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHU I AND ON SUNDAY (MARCH 2) AT THE CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
THE FORUMS, MODERATED BY STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, ARE TO INTRODUCE THE FOUR CANDIDATES TO THE PUBLIC, AND TO GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN THEIR ELECTION PLATFORMS.
ALSO FROM MARCH 1, EXHIBITION BOARDS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE FANLING AND THE SHEUNG SHU I RAILWAY STATIONS TO TELL MORE ABOUT THE ELECTIONS.
COPIES OF A DISTRICT NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT AND LEAFLET WILL EE DISTRIBUTED, WHILE BROADCASTING VANS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE ELECTORS TO COME OUT AND CAST THEIR BALLOTS ON THE ELECTION DAY.
+THESE, TOGETHER WITH THE POSTING OF ELECTION BANNERS AND POSTERS, COULD HELP MAINTAIN A FAIRLY GOOD ELECTION ATMOSPHERE,+ THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON SAID.
-----0------
/? .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
7 -
SPECIAL COMET STAMPS * * * *
OUT WEDNESDAY *
A SPECIAL SET OF FOUR STAMPS TO COMMEMORATE THE RETURN OF HALLEY’S COMET IN 1986 WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 26).
AS ALL POST OFFICES ARE EXPECTED TO BE CROWDED, ADDITIONAL COUNTERS FOR NORMAL BUSINESS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* HONG KONG ISLAND — GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HENNESSY ROAD, MORRISON HILL, NORTH POINT, QUEEN’S ROAD AND SHEUNG WAN.
* KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES — KOWLOON CENTRAL, CHEUNG SHA WAN, GILLIES AVENUE, KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, SHAM SHU I PO, TSIM SHA TSUI AND TSUEN WAN.
♦ IN ADDITION TO THE ISSUE OF FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS, A SOUVENIR SHEET WILL ALSO BE ON SALE THAT DAY,+ A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO SHOW THEIR USUAL TOLERANCE AND IF POSSIBLE, TRY TO TRANSACT THEIR NORMAL POSTAL BUSINESS ON THE DAY BEFORE OR AFTER THE SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUE DATE.
-----o------
PAPUA NEW GUINEA JOINS INTELPOST NETWORK * * * X
THE INTELPOST (INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC POST) NETWORK FROM HONG KONG WILL BE EXTENDED TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA FROM WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 26), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
INTELPOST ITEMS POSTED AT NOON AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY THE ADDRESSEE AT THE INTELPOST CENTRES THE SAME DAY, HE SAID.
♦SPECIAL COURIER DELIVERY IS AVAIALBLE TO SELECTED AREAS IN BOROKO AND PORT MORESBY THE SAME DAY,+ HE ADDED.
THE CHARGE FOR THE SERVICE TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA WILL BE:
- SHORT MESSAGE FACILITY $42
- FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4
SHEET OF PAPER $55
- FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME $25
/PEOPLE WISHING .......
MONDAY, FEBBUAKY <<4»
8
PEOPLE WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE SHOULD HAND IN THEIR DOCUMENTS AT ANY ONE OF THE 23 ACCEPTANCE OFFICES.
INTELPOST IS NOW AVAILABLE TO 37 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE U.S., UK, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN AND CHINA.
THOSE HAVING FACSIMILE MACHINES IN THEIR OFFICES CAN MAKE USE OF INTELPOST TO RETRANSMIT MESSAGES DIRECT TO OVERSEAS INTELPOST CENTRES FOR DELIVERY IN A FEW HOURS.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INTELPOST MANAGER ON TELEPHONE 5-2671148.
-----o------
NEW POLLUTION MONITORING SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED *****
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO INTRODUCE A TELEMETRY SYSTEM TO MONITOR AIR POLLUTION IN HONG KONG WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, EMPIRE CENTRE, 11TH FLOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI, EAST, AT 11 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE NEW SYSTEM IS ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A TOUR OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM CENTRE AND A VISIT TO THE AIR MONITORING STATION IN CENTRAL-WESTERN.
SPECIAL VISUAL DISPLAYS WILL BE ARRANGED IN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM CENTRE AND AT THE CENTRAL-WESTERN STATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.
------o-------
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
- 9 -
DB MEMBERS SEE LAND DEVELOPMENTS
******
KOLWOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON WEST) AND THE WHAMPOA DEVELOPMENT SITE TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE VISIT WAS PART OF A PROGRAMME ARRANGED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO ACQUAINT BOARD MEMBERS WITH THE WORKING PROCEDURES AND OPERATIONS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISES.
LED BY BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR TOMMY YUEN, MEMBERS FIRST WENT TO THE KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AT THE YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING.
THEY WERE BRIEFED BY DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR JOHN DILLEY ON THE ORGANISATION AND MAJOR FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICE.
THEY THEN WENT TO THE WHAMPOA GARDEN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND SITE WHERE THEY WERE MET BY THE COMPANY MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR J.D. JOHNSTON.
BOARD MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE WHAMPOA GARDEN DEVELOPMENT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1991 WITH ABOUT 11 200 FLATS IN 94 RESIDENTIAL TOWERS TO HOUSE AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF 40 000.
-----0-----
SEMINARS ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD TWO IDENTICAL HALF-DAY SEMINARS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN APRIL IN SUPPORT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED PRIMARY ENGLISH LANGUAGE SYLLABUS FOR PRIMARY FOUR TO SIX.
SCHOOL HEADS, PANEL-CHAIRMEN AND TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN SENIOR CLASSES ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE SEMINARS TO BE HELD AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT AT TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE SEMINARS AIM TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS OF ENGLISH IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITH THE REVISED SYLLABUS.
/THERE WILL .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1?86
10 -
THFRE WILL BE A SHORT TALK ON THE PRINCIPLES OF THE REVISION DISCUSSION ON THE PROCEDURES AND TECHNIQUES IN THE ENGLISH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO PRIMARY FOUR TO SIX.
AND A GROUP TEACHING OF
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO THE SEMINARS SHOULD SpND THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A, BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE MARCH 13.
0 --------
NEW SHRINE FOR SHUN FUNG WAI VILLAGERS *****
TOMORROW (TUESDAY)
AN ENSHRINEMENT CEREMONY WILL BE HELD
MORNING TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF A NEW SHRINE IN SHUN FUNG
WAI VILLAGE IN TUEN MUN.
THE SHRINE WAS ERECTED AT SITE NEAR THE VILLAGE, AT 22-AND-A-HALF MILESTONE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TO REPLACE ONE WHICH WOULD BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN TUEN MUN.
THE CEREMONY WILL CONSIST OF A LION DANCE, RITUALS, AND THE PLANTING OF A BANYAN TREE, WHICH IS TRADITIONALLY ACCEPTED BY VILLAGERS AS THEIR GODFATHER. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A FEAST FOR ABOUT 700 VILLAGERS AND GUESTS.
TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY} CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU WONG-FAT} PROJECT MANAGER, MR KWEI SZE-KANJ DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR RON CROSSJ AND THE POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, MR MARTIN BROWN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT 10 AM.
SHUN FUNG WAI VILLAGE, WITH MORE THAN 1 000 INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, IS AT THE NORTH-EASTERN PART OF TUEN MUN AND HAS A HISTORY OF SEVERAL HUNDRED YEARS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
o -------
/11 ........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
11 -
SELECT COMMITTEE TO MEET TOMORROW * * * *
THE WAYS AND MEANS SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A MURAL DESIGN AND PAINTING COMPETITION TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN CENTRAL LIBRARY, THE EMPLOYMENT OF STUDENTS AS TEMPORARY WORKERS AND AN OVERSEAS MANAGEMENT TRAINING SCHEME FOR SENIOR STAFF OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT TSUEN WAN MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED.
-----o------
BUS SERVICES DURING TUNNEL WORK * * * *
A NUMBER OF BUS ROUTES WILL NOT BE USING THE BUS STOPS IN FRONT OF THE TOLL PLAZA OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ON THEIR SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND JOURNEYS FROM 8 PM TODAY (MONDAY) TO 2 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28) TO FACILITATE THE RECABLING WORK AT THE TUNNEL, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THESE ARE KMB ROUTES NO. 70, 70M, 72B, 74A, 80, 81M, 85A, 87 AND 89A. SOUTHBOUND PASSENGERS WISHING TO SWITCH TO OTHER ROUTES CAN DO SO AT ONE BUS STOP EARLIER, WHILE THOSE FOR NORTHBOUND CAN DO SO AT A STOP LATER.
MEANWHILE KMB ROUTES NO. 82M, 85, 87A, 89 AND 170 WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE BUS*STOPS IN FRONT OF THE TOLL PLAZA ON THEIR SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND JOURNEYS.
- - 0
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1986
- 12 -
YUEN LONG WATER CUT
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES AND VILLAGES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 27) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
HANG WAI, KONG PING
tuc AFFECTED AREAS ARE BOUNDED BY LAU FAU SHAN, FUK LO TSUEN, HAU TSUEN, SHA KONG TSUEN, SAN HING TSUEN, NGAU HOM SHA KONG FUNG KONG TSUEN, TUNG TAU TSUEN, SAN WAI, LO UK TSUEN, SlK TSUEN, SlK KONG WAI, SAN UK TSUEN, LEI UK TSUEN, DEEP BAY ROAD, HA ROAD AND TIN HA ROAD.
------ 0 -----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 60.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 355.199 MILLION CUBI.C
METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 401.363 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 68.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY ....................... 1
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS.............................. 3
THOUSANDS MOBILISED FOR ELECTIONS ........................... 4
SIR WILLIAM LOOKS AT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS ................... 5
CMB RECEPTIVE TO CONSULTANT’S REPORT ........................ 7
NEW SYSTEM IMPROVES AIR MONITORING WORK...................... 8
VARIETY SHOW STRESSES HOME SAFETY ........................... 9
GRANTS FOR SPORTS-RELATED PROJECTS AVAILABLE .............. 10
GOVERNOR TO VISIT KWAI CHUNG, TSING YI ...................... 11
UC CANDIDATES FORUM FOR MONG KOK ............................ 11
YAU MA TEI FORUM FOR UC CANDIDATES .......................... 12
MP TO MEET PRESS ............................................ 12
CLOSURE ORDER SOUGHT ........................................ 1?
SEMINAR ON EFFECTIVENESS OF RETRAINING COURSES............. 1?
PRIZES FOR 'SAFETY AWARD SCHEME' WINNERS .................... 14
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ANTI-MOSQUITO DRIVE .................... 14
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS TO PERFORM TOMORROW ................... 15
ARTS FESTIVAL SOUVENIR BOOKS CW SALE ......................... 15
LAND AUCTION ................................................. 16
CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT ........................ 16
SEARCH FOR ILLEGAL GOODS .................................... 17
FANLING, TUEN MUN TRAFFIC CHANGES ........................... 17
EDINBURGH PLACE TEMPORARY CLOSURE ........................ 17
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1936
1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY X > * * *
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1986, AT $10 530 MIlLIOi,, WAS LOWER BY SIX PER CENT OR »636 MILLION THAN IN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
CENT OR
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ALSO DECLINED, BY FOUR PER CENT OR $395 MILLION, TO $8 563 MILLION. THUS, TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE 0F TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $19 093 MILLION, WAS FIVE PER CENT OR $1 031 MILLION LOWER THAN A YEAR
EARL I ER.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WAS $18 806 MILLION, REPRESENTING A DECLINE OF TWO PER CENT OR $313 MILLION OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS GREATER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, IN JANUARY 1986 THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT RECORDED A SURPLUS OF $287 MILLION, WHICH WAS EQUIVALENT TO 1.5 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, COMPARED WITH 5.3 PER CENT IN JANUARY 1985.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT COMPARING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1986 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1985, OVERALL TRADE VALUE GREW BY THREE PER CENT. FURTHER, THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT FOUR PER CENT, WAS FASTER THAN THAT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, AT TWO PER CENT.
A VISIBLE SURPLUS, EQUIVALENT TO 1.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE CF IMPORTS. WAS RECORDED FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JANUARY 1986, COMPARED WITH A VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS, THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY TOTAL EXPORTS) OF 0.8 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS TWELVE-MONTH PERIOD.
COMMENTING ON THESE COMPARATIVE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DECLINE N THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN JANUARY 1986 (COMPARED WITH JANUARY 1985 AND PARTICULARLY WITH DECEMBER 1985) WAS INFLUENCED BY THE RUSH SHIPMENT BY MANUFACTURERS TOWARDS THE END °F LAST YEAR, TO FULFILL HIGHER QUOTA UTILISATION RATES FOR RESTRAINED TEXTILE ITEMS AND TO SECURE PAYMENTS BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, WHICH FELL IN EARLY FEBRUARY 1986.
BECAUSE OF THIS, THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR THE 3-MONTH PERIOD OF NOVEMBER 1985 TO JANUARY 1986.
OVER THIS PERIOD THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPO*T|_^LINED BY ONLY ONE. PER CENT COMPARED WITH A YEAR AGO. THIS REPRESENTED A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT COMPARED WITH THE FALL OF 12 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1985.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
TUEbDAY, FEBKUABY 25, 1986
2 -
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR JANUARY 1986 -
MERCHANDISES
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE
: 510 530 MILLION
s $ 8 563 MILLION
: 519 093 MILLION
: 518 806 MILLION
: 5 287 MILLION (IN SURPLUS)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
NOVEMBER 1985 NOVEMBER 1984 TO TO INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS JANUARY 1986 JANUARY 1985 DECREASE
$ MN. 5 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 34 305 34 740 - 435 - 1.3
RE-EXPORTS 26 752 25 985 + 767 ♦ 3.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 61 057 60 725 + 332 +0.5
IMPORTS 61 303 59 796 ♦ 1 507 + 2.5
TRADE BALANCE - 246 + 929 - 1 175
JANUARY JANUARY INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1986 1985 DECREASE
5 MN. 5 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 10 530 11 166 - 636 - 5.7
(% OF TOTAL (55.2%) (55.5%)
EXPORTS)
RE-EXPORTS 8 563 8 958 395 - 4.4
TOTAL EXPORTS 19 093 20 124 - 1 031 - 5.1
IMPORTS 18 806 19 119 313 - 1.6
TRADE BALANCE + 287 + 1 005 718
JANUARY DECEMBER INCREASE OR
LAST MONTH 1986 1985 DECREASE
$ MN. 5 MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 10 530 12 325 - 1 795 - 14.6
(% OF TOTAL (55.2%) (56.6%)
EXPORTS)
RE-EXPORTS 8 563 9 465 902 - 9.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 19 093 21 790 - 2 697 - 12.4
IMPORTS 18 806 22 180 - 3 374 - 15.2
TRADE BALANCE + 287 - 390 * 677
/LAST12_M0NTHS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
FEBRUARY FEBRUARY
1985 TO 1984 TO
LAST 12 MONTHS JANUARY JANUARY
1986 1985
$ MN. 5 MN.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 129 246 138 311
RE-EXPORTS 104 875 86 487
TOTAL EXPORTS 234 121 224 798
IMPORTS 231 107 226 590
TRADE BALANCE + 3 014 - 1 792
INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. %
- 9 065 - 6.6
+18 388 +21.3
+ 9 323 + 4.1
+ 4 517 + 4 806 + 2.0
-----0------
SENIOR DIRECTORATE APPOINTMENTS *****
SERIES
THF GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) ANOTHER FORTHCOMING SENIOR DIRECTORATE MOVEMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS AS
OF
FOLLOWS:
MR NEIL HENDERSON, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, WILL BE RETIRING IN AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER 1986 AFTER 33 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE-
MR RON BRIDGE THE PRESENT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, WILL TAKE OVER ?RoS°MR HENDERSON AS SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER-
MR TONY HAMMOND, THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, WILL REPLACE MR BRIDGE AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR- AND
MR MICHAEL SUEN MING-YEUNG.DEPUTYDiRECTOROF REGIONAL SERVICES, WILL BECOME DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SER/ICES.
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
mr I N HENDERSON OBE. JP. AGED 56. AFTER SERVING IN THE administrative SERVICE IN KENYA FOR NINE YEARS MR HENDERSON SlS ™E MNG ? CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER w HF INITIALLY WORKED MAINLY IN THE FINANCE AND
ESTABLISHMENT BRANCHES. 2prT?rSmS1973DT0N1978 A^THE^AS^ ’ FIRST AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FROM 1973 TO 1978 AND IntN ao COMMISSIONER FROM 1978 TO *983. MR HENDERSON WILL HAVE BEEN SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER FOR THREE RETIREMENT AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS SUBSTANTIVE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN 1984.
YEARS ON HIS RANK OF SECRETARY,
/MB R.G.B. BRIDGE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
4
MR R.G.B. BRIDGE OBE, JP. AGED 53. MR BRIDGE JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1957 AND HAS HAD EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE (THEN) RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, LANDS BRANCH, AND ESTABLISHMENT BRANCH. HE HAS ALSO BEEN DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, AND DEPUTY SECRETARY AND ACTING SECRETARY -OR THE CIVIL SERVICE. FROM 1978 TO 1983 MR BRIDGE WAS DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, AND SINCE THEN HE HAS BEEN THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1983.
MR J.C.A. HAMMOND JP. AGED 52. AFTER SIX YEARS SERVICE IN NYASALAND (AS IT THEN WAS), MR HAMMOND JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1964. HE HAS SERVED EXTENSIVELY IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT IN THE COUNCILS BRANCH AND CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH. HE WAS DIRECTOR, COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH FROM 1982 TO 1985 AND WAS THE FIRST DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES ON THE CREATION OF THE DEPARTMENT IN APRIL 1985. MR HAMMOND ALSO HAS PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WHERE HE WAS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER BETWEEN 1978 AND 1982. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A IN 1985.
MR M. SUEN MING-YEUNG JP. AGED 41. MR SUEN JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1966. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING PERIODS AS AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER AND DISTRICT OFFICER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN THE RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, AND AS A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH. MORE RECENTLY HE HAS ALSO SERVED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT (1981-3), DIRECTOR, CITY SERVICES IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (1983-5), AND BECAME DEPUTY DIRECTOR, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THE DEPARTMENT’S CREATION IN APRIL 1985. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B IN 1981.
- 0 - -
THOUSANDS MOBILISED FOR ELECTIONS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL MOBILISE NEARLY 4 OOO PEOPLE, INCLUDING AMBERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ON MARCH 6.
THIS FIGURE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE HUNDREDS OF POLICE OFFICERS WHO WILL BE ON DUTY AT THE 302 POLLING STATIONS AND 19 COUNTING CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
/SUCTION OFFICIALS........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
- 5 -
ELECTION OFFICIALS wHO WILL MAN THE POLLING STATIONS AND COUNTING CENTRES HAVE BEEN BRIEFED ON THEIR DUTIES, PROCEDURES AND OTHER ASPECTS OF THE ELECTIONS.
OFFICIALS FROM THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION SPENT TWO DAYS BEIEFING THE 302 PRESIDING OFFICERS, ABOUT 60J ASSISTANT PRESIDING OFFICERS AND MORE THAN 1 000 POLLING OFFICERS AND COUNTING SUPERVISORS AT THE CITY HALL YESTERDAY AND TODAY (TUESDAY).
♦A MAKESHIFT POLLING STATION WAS ERECTED AT THE CITY HALL’S CONCERT HALL YESTERDAY (MONDAY) TO GIVE PRESIDING OFFICERS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS SOME IDEA OF THE PROCEDURES IN HANDLING THE VOTING INSIDE THE RESTRICTED AREA,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+IT WAS ALSO AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE 19 RETURNING OFFICERS WHO ARE ALL DISTRICT OFFICERS TO MEET THEIR STAFF FOR THE ELECTIONS,+ HE ADDED.
THE PRESIDING OFFICERS AND THEIR ASSISTANTS WERE TOLD THAT ELECTORS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO SPEAK TO ANYONE OTHER THAN ELECTION OFFICIALS INSIDE THE POLLING STATIONS AS BALLOTING IS SECRET.
THEY WERE ALSO TOLD TO GIVE ASSISTANCE TO HANDICAPPED AND BLIND ELECTORS.
THE POLLING STATIONS WILL BE OPENED FROM 7.30 IN THE MORNiNG UNTIL 10.30 AT NIGHT ON MARCH 6 (THURSDAY).
ALL POLLING AND COUNTING STAFF HAVE TAKEN THE OATH OF SECRECY FOR THE ELECTIONS.
-------G ---------
SIR WILLIAM LOOKS AT HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
*****
THE DEPUTY UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE, SIR WILLIAM HARDING, TODAY (TUESDAY) SAW VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HOUSING AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SIR WILLIAM SPENT THE AFTERNOON VISITING SQUATTER AREAS, OLD HOUSING ESTATES AND SOME NEWLY-BUILT HOUSING BLOCKS IN WONG TAI SIN.
HE FIRST VISITED THE DIAMOND HILL SQUATTER AREA WHERE ABOUT AO 000 PEOPLE LIVE IN 7 000 HUTS.
/DOBING A .........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
6
nuA ,O£LTIN^A *ALK THR0UGH the area xlth the district board CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG, AND THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE DISTR ICT’5 SQUATTER AREA COMMITTEE, MRS LEE YUK-SIN HE WAS BRIEFED BY tSf DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEN, ON CONDITIONS IN THE ANEA
RFrFNT'YPAPc^iTu^-rJ^0. ™AT THE SITUATION HAD IMPROVED IN i^t-ARS WITH BETTER WATER SUPPLIES THE CONSTRUCTiaki nr
COLLErT^^P^K^Ri^SfHETH|E^NRSFTAA^NAGTl^
HOWEVER, A LAYOUT PLAN HAD BEEN PREPARED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT ALL SQUATTERS WOULD BE REHOUSED BY THE EARLY 1990’S.
THE PLAN INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND APPROACH ROADS CAIRN TUNNEL WHICH WILL BE A MAJOR ROAD AND KOWLOON.
OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, TO THE PROPOSED TATE’S LINK BETWEEN SHA TIN
THE PARTY THEN TOURED THE MARK I AND I I OLD STYLE BLOCKS AT LOK FU ESTATE BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE ROOF OF A NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BUILDING IN LOK FU CENTRE FOR A BRIEFING ON REDEVELOPMENT OF KOWLOON CENTRAL ESTATES BY A SENIOR ARCHITECT OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN, WHICH BEGAN IN 1979, INCLUDES LOWER WONG TAI SIN, TUNG TAU, WANG TAU HOM AND LOK FU, WHICH COLLECTIVELY HAS A POPULATION OF 116 700 AND COMPRISES OLD STYLE BLOCKS CONSTRUCTED BETWEEN 1958 AND 1964.
SIR WILLIAM WAS TOLD THAT ALL THE MARK I AND I I BLOCKS WOULD BE CLEARED BY 1990 AND THE $2 000 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME WOULD BE THE LARGEST AND MOST AMBITIOUS PROJECT OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD.
DURING RECENT YEARS, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF NEW BLOCKS HAVE ALREADY BEEN BUILT AND SIR WILLIAM NOTED THE MARKEDLY IMPROVED FACILITIES WHEN HE VISITED A FAMILY IN ONE OF THE NEW BUILDINGS.
DURING HIS FOUR—DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG SIR will 1 am wm 11 n
L^?SLAT?ve'coSN?!^E^ETRSM,"OUS G0VERNME*T OFFICIALS AND
-------0----------
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
CMB RECEPTIVE TO CONSULTANT’S REPORT
*****
THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY (CMB) HAS SUBMITTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ORGANISATION AND METHOD CONSULTANT REPORT TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, AND IN ITS COMMENT ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS, CMB HAS SHOWN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPORT.
THIS WAS REVEALED IN THE NINTH PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPORT OF THE TAC WORKING GROUP ON CMB MAINTENANCE DISCUSSED AT A TAC MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE ORGANISATION AND METHOD CONSULTANT WAS COMMISSIONED BY CMB WITH THE AIM OF PUTTING THE COMPANY’S ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT IN GOOD ORDER.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE REPORT MAINLY COVERED THE AREAS OF TRAINING AND RECRUITMENT, WORKSHOP PRACTICES AND HOUSEKEEPING, MAINTENANCE SYSTEM, SUPERVISION AND SPAN OF CONTROL, AND DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS.
THE COMMITTEE FELT THAT CMB SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO STEP UP ITS EFFORTS IN IMPLEMENTING THE REPORT AS THIS WOULD IMPROVE THE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMPANY’S ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE WORKS.
THE NEW ENGINEERING MANAGER OF CMB, WHO ASSUMED DUTY IN MID-JANUARY, HAD SETTLED IN WELL AND MEMBERS HOPED THAT WITH HIS INITIATIVE AND EXPERIENCE, THE ORGANISATION AND METHOD REPORT WOULD HELP CMB ESTABLISH AN ENGINEERING AND MAINTENANCE SYSTEM THAT WOULD ENABLE THE COMPANY TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF RUNNING A LARGE BUS FLEET AT AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING ENVIRONMENT IN FUTURE.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED CMB’S CONTINUED GOOD PROGRESS IN THE FIELD OF STAFF TRAINING. AS FOR SAFETY STANDARDS, THE AVERAGE RATE OF 0.5 SAFETY DEFECT FOUND ON EACH CMB BUS SPOT CHECKED WAS SUSTAINED.
THE TREND OF IMPROVEMENT IN THE RATE OF BUS BREAKDOWNS WAS ALSO SIGNIFICANT. IN DECEMBER, THE NUMBER OF BREAKDOWNS TOWED IN WAS ALMOST HALF OF THE FIGURE IN JANUARY LAST YEAR, SHOWING IMPROVEMENT IN THE LEVEL OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE ACHIEVED DURING 1985.
NEVERTHELESS, MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT ALTHOUGH CMB HAD MADE SOME PROGRESS IN WITHDRAWING OLD BUSES, THIS WAS NOT BEING CARRIED OUT SYSTEMATICALLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH A WELL-DESIGNED PROGRAMME. AS THIS WOULD AFFECT CMB’S EFFICIENCY IN DEPLOYING ITS FLEET, THE TAC HOPED THE COMPANY WOULD DRAW UP A PROPER BUS WITHDRAWAL PROGRAMME SOON.
- o
/8
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
8
NEW SYSTEM IMPROVES AIR MONITORING WORK * X * X *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY NOW HAS IN OPERATION A NEW SYSTEM WHICH HAS GREATLY INCREASED ITS ABILITY TO INVESTIGATE AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS IN THE TERRITORY.
THE NEW +ENVIRONMENTAL TELEMETRY SYSTEM+, THE FIRST IN HONG KONG, AND ONE OF THE MOST ADVANCED SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD, ENABLES THE EPA TO RETRIEVE AND ANALYSE INSTANTLY AIR QUALITY DATA FROM ANY OF ITS MONITORING STATIONS IN THE TERRITORY.
GIVING DETAILS OF THE NEW SYSTEM TODAY (TUESDAY), THE SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE EPA’S AIR MONITORING NETWORK, MR JONATHAN BOWER, SAID THAT INFORMATION ON A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF AIR POLLUTANTS IS RAPIDLY RELAYED VIA PHONE LINE FROM THE EXISTING STATIONS AT JUNK BAY, CENTRAL-WESTERN, TSIM SHA TSUI, CAUSEWAY BAY, SHAM SHU I PO AND KWUN TONG.
THE INFORMATION IS THEN PROCESSED AND DISPLAYED AT A COMPUTERISED TELEMETRY CONTROL CENTRE, SPECIALLY INSTALLED IN THE EPA CENTRAL LABORATORIES.
THE OVERALL SYSTEM WAS DEVELOPED BY A JAPANESE COMPANY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY.
ITS ADVANCED DESIGN INCORPORATES THE LATEST IN MICROCOMPUTER AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY.
ALTHOUGH IT COST LESS THAN $1 MILLION TO DEVELOP AND INSTALL, THE LOCAL SYSTEM HAS A NUMBER OF INNOVATIVE FEATURES WHICH ENABLE IT TO OUT-PERFORM SIMILAR BUT COSTLIER INSTALLATIONS IN USE ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
MR BOWER EXPLAINED THAT THE TELEMETRY SYSTEM WILL CONSIDERABLY STREAMLINE THE OPERATION OF THE EPA’S AIR MONITORING NETWORK.
IT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE AGENCY TO RESPOND RAPIDLY AND FLEXIBLY TO AIR QUALITY PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN HONG KONG.
HE ADDED THAT IN THE FUTURE, IT WILL ALSO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE EPA TO DEVELOP A CONTINUOUS AIR QUALITY INDEXING, REPORTING AND FORECASTING SERVICE.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
9
VARIETY SHOW STRESSES HOME SAFETY
*****
EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN URGED TO HELP IMPROVE THEIR ENVIRONMENT AND TO TAKE MORE CARE WHILE DOING THEIR DOMESTIC CHORES TO AVOID ACCIDENTS THAT COULD PUT THEIR NEIGHBOURS AT RISK.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE + HOME SAFETY VARIETY SHOW*, THE ASSISTANT EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VINCENT LEUNG, SAID THAT SINCE THE FORMATION OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM IN MAY LAST YEAR, MUCH HAD BEEN DONE TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HOME SAFETY.
+WITH CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE FROM LOCAL OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, THE BMCT INSPECTED 30 PROBLEMATIC MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN NORTH POINT DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF ITS WORK,* MR LEUNG SAID.
+THE OVERALL ENVIRONMENT OF THESE BUILDINGS HAS IMPROVED AND THE TEAM PLAN TO EXPAND THEIR WORK IN SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN.*
HE ALSO PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM AND HARD WORK IN IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT OF MULTISTOREY BUILDINGS.
A HOME SAFETY TALK, INTRODUCING THE SAFE USE OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF DOMESTIC LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS AND COOKING STOVES, AND VARIOUS SAFETY MEASURES TO PREVENT FIRE AT HOME, WAS INCLUDED IN TONIGHT’S VARIETY SHOW.
THE TALKS WERE GIVEN BY MR HO KWONG-WAI, THE GAS ADVISER FROM THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND MR LI CHUN-FAT, SENIOR STATION OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY THE VARIETY SHOW WHICH FEATURED SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES, ACROBATIC AND MAGIC SHOWS.
THE +HOME SAFETY VARIETY SHOW* WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS, AND SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
-------0----------
/10........
TUESDAY, FEBRU>.' Y 25, 1936
10
GRANTS FOR SPORTS-RELATED PROJECTS AVAILABLE
*****
CULTURAL AND SOCIAL
ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO INITIATE NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IN CONNECTION WITH RECREATIONAL, SPORTING, ACTIVITIES ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR GRANTS
FROM THE SIR DAV : D
TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION.
THE FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT CF the MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, HAS BEEN ALLOCATED $2.5 MILLION THIS FINANCIAL YEAR (1985-86) AND SO FAR 91 ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN GRANTED $1.58 MILLION IN AID FOR 154 PROJECTS.
A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, PARTICULARLY NEW AGENCIES NOT AWARE OF THE THAT THEY COULD STILL APPLY BEFORE THE END OF THE CURRENT
FUND, FINANCIAL
YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE FUND WAS TO ENCOURAGE PROJECTS WHICH PROMOTED PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, ESPECIALLY OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE SAID THAT PROJECTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH CONSTRUCTIVE AND LONG-TERM BENEFITS.
+THEY SHOULD ALSO BE SPECIFIC AND ALLOCATIONS WILL BE MADE FOR EACH ITEM ON A ONE-OFF BASIS,+ HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAD NO ACCESS TO OTHER FUNDING RESOURCES.
REQUESTS FOR RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT OR AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT AND THE LIKE WOULD USUALLY BE CONSIDERED, HE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SECRETARIAT, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT ON THE 11TH FLOOR, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN DUPLICATE AND RETURNED TO THE SAME ADDRESS.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-458511.
-------0---------
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
11
GOVERNOR TO VISIT KWAI
* * * *
CHUNG, TSING Yl *
WILL VISIT THE KWAI CHUNG AND
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, — ........................ .... TSING Yl DISTRICT ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28) TO LOOK AT VARIOUS FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI, BY 3 PM.
- - c -
UC CANDIDATES FORUM FOR MONG KOK * * * *
AN OPEN FORUM WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) BY THE FOUR CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE MONG KOK CONSTITUENCY IN THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION ON MARCH 6.
■rue rAuninATFC MR SHAM TAK-ON. MR CHAN KWOK-MING, MR EDMUND CHOW WAI-HUNG AND MR CHOW HING-CHUEN, WILL INTRODUCE THEIR ELECTION PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM VhE FLOOR.
ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FORUM WILL BE MODERATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG.
THF PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUM TO BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE T. S. LO HALL, HONG KONG PLAYGROUND ASSOCIATION, QUEEN ELIZABETH II YOUTH CENTRE, AT 10 YIM PO FONG STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
12
YAU MA TEI FORUM FOR UC CANDIDATES
*****
CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN THE YAU MA TEI CONSTITUENCY WILL HOLD THEIR FORUM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING AT THE HENRY 6. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE THREE CANDIDATES ARE MR NG KIN-SUN, MR KWAN LIM-HO AND l*R LAI WING-TAK.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ANDREW W.F. WONG, WILL BE THE MODERATOR AT THE FORUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM AT 7.45 PM, AT 60 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET, HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE.
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MP TO MEET PRESS * * *
CONSERVATIVE MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, MR MICHAEL GRYLLS, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 9.30 AM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
13
CLOSURE ORDER SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF TWO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT FLAT B, FIFTH FLOOR, 97 HAU WONG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY, AND ON THE ROOF OVER THE FLAT SO THAT THE STRUCTURES CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN DECEMBER, 1982 REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 25 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (TUESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY THE CLOSURE ORDER IS GRANTED.
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SEMINAR ON EFFECTIVENESS OF RETRAINING COURSES
*****
MORE THAN 100 PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF RETRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1).
ORGANISED BY THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT ITS ANNEXE AT ARGYLE CENTRE, STAGE ONE, 688 NATHAN ROAD, 19TH FLOOR, MONG KOK.
THE COLLEGE ANNUALLY RUNS FOUR FULL-TIME RETRAINING COURSES FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS WITH MORE THAN FIVE YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE.
THE EIGHT-WEEK COURSES AIM TO ACQUAINT SERVING TEACHERS WITH MODERN METHODS AND APPROACHES IN TEACHING IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING IN THE USE OF RESOURCES AND NEW CONCEPTS IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
THE EMPHASIS IS ON THE PRACTICAL SIDE AND IS DESIGNED TO HELP TEACHERS DEVELOP MODERN METHODS IN PROGRAMMED LEARNING, TEAM TEACHING, REMEDIAL TEACHING, MIXED ABILITY GROUPING AND THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.
AT THE SEMINAR, SCHOOL HEADS CAN GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON RETRAINING COURSES FOR THEIR TEACHERS AND PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE COURSES, AND ON HOW TO ADOPT AND IMPLEMENT THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IN SCHOOLS.
PRINCIPAL OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MR PUN WANG-KEUNG, AND V ICE-PRINCI PAL OF THE COLLEGE, MR FOK PO-NAM, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AT THE OPENING AND CONCLUSION OF THE COURSE.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1*86
14
PRIZES FOR 'SAFETY AWARD SCHEME’ WINNERS
*****
DINNERS OF THE THIRD ANNUAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARD SCHEME WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A CEREMONY ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 27).
MR CHAN NAI-KEONG, SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS. MR TAM ‘
YIU-CHuNG, MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, AND MR RON BRIDGE, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE SAFETY AWARD SCHEME IS AN ANNUAL COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR WORKERS AND CONTRACTORS IN THE INDUSTRY.
THE 1985-86 +SAFETY WORKER* AWARD WAS WON BY MR CHUNG SHUN-PING OF GAMMON (HONG KONG) LTD, THE +SAFETY SITE* AWARD WENT TO THE CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION ’B’ C2 SITE OF THE KUMAGAI GUMI (HONG KONG) LTD, AND THE +SAFETY CROSSWORD PUZZLE* AWARD WAS WON BY MR CHAN TAK-CHEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
AT 4 BANK
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION, WHICH STARTS PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 27), AT THE ’RAFFLES’ IN THE OF AMERICA TOWER, CENTRAL.
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COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ANTI-MOSQUI TO DRIVE
* * * *
AN ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN AND THE PROVISION OF A NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL BE AMONG THE SUBJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED IN A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO EXAMINE THE RANGE OF LEISURE ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THE DISTRICT FROM MARCH TO JUNE, AND DECIDE ON THE NAMING OF THREE NEW PUBLIC PLEASURE GROUNDS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MAY.
THE MEETING WILL START AT 3 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 2ND FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
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/15........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
15
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS TO PERFORM TOMORROW
*****
DANCE FANS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE PERFORMANCES OF 17 WINNING DANCING GROUPS OF THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST AT THE CITY HALL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
DURING THE TWO-HOUR SPECIAL, WINNERS WILL PERFORM VARIOUS TYPES OF DANCES INCLUDING WESTERN AND ORIENTAL, CLASSICAL AND MODERN, AND CHILDREN’S DANCES.
THE DANCING GROUPS, SELECTED FROM 119 PARTICIPATING TEAMS OF THE FIVE-DAY CONTEST HELD IN DECEMBER WILL BE PRESENTED THEIR PRIZES BEFORE THE PERFORMANCE.
THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR POON CHI-FAI CHIEF MANAGER (LEISURE SERVICES) KOWLOON EAST, MR JOHNNY WOO AND THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF KTDCRPA, MRS FANCY NG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST PRIZEPRESENTATION CEREMONY AND WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL.
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ARTS FESTIVAL SOUVENIR BOOKS ON SALE
*****
COPIES OF A SOUVENIR BOOK ON THE TSUEN KWAI ARTS FESTIVAL 1986 ARE NOW OBTAINABLE AT $10 EACH.
PUBLISHED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE FESTIVAL, THE ENGLISH-CHINESE PUBLICATION ALSO PROBES INTO VARIOUS INTERESTING ASPECTS OF THE LOCAL CULTURAL SCENE.
IT COMPRISES 88 PAGES AND IS WELL-ILLUSTRATED WITH COLOUR PICTURES.
THE BOOKS ARE ON SALE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BOX OFFICE, GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AND HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE.
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/16........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
16
LAND AUCTION * * *
A WATERLOO ROAD SITE MEASURING 1 635 SQUARE METRES WILL BE AUCTIONED AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION.
C - -
CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT *****
ABOUT 400 RUNNERS WILL COMPETE IN A CROSS-COUNTRY RACE IN NORTH DISTRICT ON SUNDAY (MARCH 2) AS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN THE DISTRICT.
THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO WOMEN’S AND MEN’S SECTIONS, WITH WOMEN PARTICIPANTS RUNNING EIGHT-KILOMETRES AND THE MEN’S ROUTE COVERING TEN KILOMETRES.
THE WOMEN WILL START THE RACE AT 3.15 PM AT PING CHE ROAD WHILE THE MEN WILL START 15 MINUTES LATER FROM THE SING PING PUBLIC SCHOOL IN TA KWU LING. THEY WILL ALL FINISH AT SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND IN 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 PRIZES TO WINNERS AT A CEREMONY AT 4.45 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE RACE AND THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1986
17 -
SEARCH FOR ILLEGAL GOODS
*****
A SERIES OF CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN KOWLOON EAST, INCLUDING LAM TIN ESTATE, FOR ILLEGAL AND EXCESSIVE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY OFFICERS OF THE EAST DIVISION OF KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND AND KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE OF FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPERATION. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE YAU TONG FIRE STATION IN KO FAI ROAD BEFORE 9.30 AM TOMORROW.
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FANLING, TUEN MUN TRAFFIC CHANGES *****
SHA TAU KOK ROAD IN FANLING BETWEEN KWAN TEI AND PING CHE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11.30 PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 27) TO 3.30 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE AREA.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO SHA TAU KOK ROAD, LUK KENG ROAD, BRIDE’S POOL ROAD AND TING KOK ROAD.
THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE REPEATED FROM 11.30 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28) TO 3.30 AM THE NEXT DAY.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 28, CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TUEN MUN, FROM A POINT ABOUT 140 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH THE NORTHERN END OF ROAD D9 TO A POINT ABOUT 740 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
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EDINBURGH PLACE TEMPORARY CLOSURE
*****
EDINBURGH PLACE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 9 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 28) TO FACILITATE THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY FOR THE +COMMUNITY CHEST TAXI WEEK+ FUND-RAISING CAMPAIGN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 19S6
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;
MOTION MOVED TO AMbND SECURITIES REGULATIONS .............
TRANSPORT STUDY TO BE UPDATED IN FEW MONTHS .................
FLEXIBLE RESPONSE TO YOUTH NEEDS URGED .......................... 6
INSURANCE COMPANY WOUND UP ..................................
VOTE ON MARCH 6 APPEAL TO ELECTORS ..........................
EXHIBITION CN UC ELECTION STARTS TOMORROW....................
RESIDENTIAL SITE FETCHES $42 MILLION ........................... 1°
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR THREE SITES ............................
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED .........................
TSUIN WAN, MONG KOK TRAFFIC CHANGES .........................
RIGHT TURN NOT ALLO-.ED......................................
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
1
MOTION MOVED TO AMEND SECURITIES REGULATIONS
*****
A MOTION TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE OF THE SECURITIES (STOCK EXCHANGc LISTING) RULES 1986 WAS MOVED BY THE HON MARIA TAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND OF THE REGULATIONS, MISS TAM SaID PARAGRAPH 7 OF THE SCHEDULE DEaLT WITH NOTIFICATION OF ACQUISITION CR DISPOSAL OF THE ASSETS OF LISTED COMPANIES TO THE COMMISSIONER CF SECURITIES.
SHE SAID PARAGRAPH 7(1)(A)(I I) OF THE SCHEDULE AS DRAFTED PLACED AN ONUS ON THE LISTED COMPANY TO NOTIFY ITS SHAREHOLDERS CF ACQUISITION OR DISPOSAL OF ASSETS OF THE COMPANY OR ANY UF ITS SUBSIDIARIES +WHERE THE ASSETS ARE REQUIRED FROM OR DISPOSED OF TO ANY OF THE COMPANY’S OR ITS SUBSIDIARY’S DIRECTORS OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OR ANY ASSOCIATE OR ANY SUCH DIRECTOR OR CHIEF EXECUTIVE.*
MISS TAM SAID THE AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THESE REGULATIONS UNDER HER CONVENORSHIP HAD RECEIVED REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE BUSINESS SECTOR EXPRESSING FEAR THAT THE INTERPRETATION OF THIS PARAGRAPH, IF CARRIED TO ITS LOGICAL EXTREME, MIGHT CREATE AN ABSURD EFFECT.
SHE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF A HOLDING COMPANY PURCHASING A BOTTLE OF MILK FROM A SUBSIDIARY COMPANY WOULD IMPOSE UPON THE HOLDING COMPANY THE OBLIGATION TO NOTIFY ALL ITS SHAREHOLDERS OF SUCH A TRANSACTION.
WHILE THE AD HOC GROUP wAS AwARE THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES COULD wAIVE ANY REQUIREMENT FOR NOTIFICATION UNDE* ANOTHER SECTION OF THE REGULATIONS, THEY FELT THAT THE ASSETS IN QUESTION SHOULD BE CONFINED TO THE EQUITY OF THE COMPANY CR SUBSIDIARY COMPANY.
MISS TAM SAID THEY HAD MET wITH THE COMMISSIONER TO LOOK INTO ALL THE REPRESENTATIONS ON THE ISSUE.
AS TO THESE REPRESENTATIONS, SHE NOTED THAT THE VIEwS OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS AND THE LAW SOCIETY WERE DIVIDED.
SHE SAID THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS wAS IN FAVOUR CF THE EXISTING WORDING WHILE THE HONG KONG lAw SOCIETY WISHED TO SEE THE OBLIGATION OF NOTIFICATION REMOVED FOR ACQUISITION ANU FUh DISPOSAL OF TRADING ASSETS IN THE ORDINARY COURoE OF BUSlNcSi.
/on balance;..........
WSDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, '?86
2
■ balance, the ad hoc group decide that the original . .ag TO ..IDE A:^ NOT IN SPIRIT .. I TH THE SCHEDULE AND THEREFOEz HA-PRO? sED THE PRESENT AMENDMENT, SHE SAID.
FOLLOWING THE AMENDMENT, PARAGRAPH 7(1)(A)(II) OF THE SCHEDULE i:O‘W READS:
+ ..HERE THE ASSETS ARE ACQUIRED FROM OH DISPOSED OF TO
ANY OF THE COMPANY’S OR ITS SUBSIDIARIES’ DIRECTORS Ut
CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OR ANY ASSOCIATE OF ANY SUCH jIRE^Tur.S
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OTHER THAN TRACING ASSETS SO ACQUIht-
OR DISPOSED OF IN THE ORDINARY COURSt OF BUSINESS! OR*
COMMENTING ON THE SECURITIES REGULATIONS IN GENERAL, MISS Ta. POINTED OUT THAT THEY WOULD FORM A NEw BASIS "OR THE OPERATIONAL RULES OF THE UNIFIED STOCK EXCHANGE TO BE LAUNCHED IN APRIL THIo YEAR.
+WHILE THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY DEFINITELY wANTS HONG KONG TO -OVE FORWARD AS A VIBRANT FINANCIAL CENT"-, THEY ALSO LOOK TO_ THE GOVERNMENT FOR LEGISLATIVE MEASURES TU STRENGTHEN OUR PRUDENTIAL CONTROLS,+ MISS TAM &AID.
MISS TAM STRESSED THAT COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THE COMMISSIONER OF SECURITIES WAS VITAL TO MAKE THE RULES AND LISTING REQUIREMENTS wORK.
♦ AND IN THIS CONTEXT, I MUST ALSO EXPRESS CONCERN THAT OTHER Pa'-TS OF THE LISTING REQUIREMENTS, WHICH. ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE STATUTORY RULES BUT WHICH ARE OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE TO THOSE AFFECTED, HAVE GIVEN RISE TO REPRESENTATIONS BY LISTED COMPANIES AND aRl IF. SOME RESPECTS UNACCEPTABLE IN THEIR PRESENT FORM.
♦.IT IS A MATTER OF REGRET THAT THESE RULES, UNLIKE THE STATUTORY RULES, APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO FORCE WITHOUT ANY PROCESS OF PRIOR CONSULTATION,* SHE bAID.
MISS TAM ALSO DREw ATTENTION TO The FhCT THAT A STATUTORY MONOPOLY HAD BEEN CREATED IN Th. FORM JF THE NEW UNIFIED ...TOCK EXCHANGE AND WIDE POwERs HAD BEEN CONFERRED ON THE NEw EXCHANGE COMPANY. 4
HOWEVER, SHE EXPRESSED CONCErtN THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DID NOT HAVE ANY CONTROL OVER THE i'iANNeR IN wHICH THESE POwERo wERE EXERCISED.
+ IT MAY THEREFORE BE APPROPRIATE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO T.-.jSE ENTRUSTED WITH THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF THIS VITAL ANu nIbriLT VISIBLE ORGAN OF OUR FINANCIAL CENTRE ACTIVITIES THAT ;.E ExPcCT TO BE AT LEAST AS DILIGENT AS GOVERNMENT ITSELF IN CONSULTING -Il ALL INTERESTED PARTIES AND SEEKING CONSENSUS WHEN EXERCISING i Hz POWERS VESTED IN THE'-,* MISS FAM URGED.
/ALSO SPEAKING .......
WEDNESDAY, PEBRUA3Y 26, 1986
3 -
ALSO SPEAKIKo IN SUPPORT > THE MOTION, DR THE HOI. Ml' ..HADE SCR I BED THE ENACTMENT OP THE xOTICE AND ThE RULES UNDER THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE AS AN IMPORTANT LANDMARK IN THE DEVELOPMENT CF THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
■•■EVIDENTLY, THESE TwO PIECES OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATE. CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE PERTINENT GOaL OF ENHANCING aND BUT7;:.*_, HONG KONG’S POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE,+ nc SA ID.
DR CHAM NOTED THAT ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD THERE HAD BEci.
CAsES 0- STOCK BROKERS BEING OVER-STRETChEl IN THEIR COMM I T.-x;. . j, CREATING CREDIT AMID A PYRAMID OF SPECULATIVE TRANSACT IONo, THUS RESULTING IN A PROLIFERATION OF CREDIT BETWEEN STOCK BRO.x-rsj A! THEIR CLIENTS.
HE WARNED ThAT THE FAILURE TO HONOUR COMMITMENTS WOULD BRING DOwN THE MARKET AND ITS MEMBERS AND Sa ID THE PAINFUL LESSON DRAWN FROM THIS OVERSEAS INCIDENT WAS THAT THE DOMINO EFFECT MUST BE CONTAINED AND MINIMISED.
♦ THE NOTICE OF SPECIFICATION OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES atcKo TO ENSURE THAT SECURITIES DEALERS ARE FINANCIALLY STABLE,* JR CHAh EXPLAINED.
HE SAID SUCH SPECIFICATION OF ASSETS OBLIGED THE DEALERS TO •JRTAIN QUALITY CONTROL wI Th IN THEIR CAPITAL STRUCTURE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IF THE QUALITY > ASSETS FELL SHOh i OF THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENT, THu BROKER MUST CEASE TRADING.
♦ THIS ENSURES THAT THE OBLIGATIONS OF ONE INSOLVENT STOCa BROKE, ARE NOT PASSED ON TO OTHER BROKERS, THEREBY THREATENING * : SOUNDNESS OF THE ENTIRE SYSTEM.
+ THIS MEASURE, IN TURN, THEREFORE ENHANCES THE INTEGRITY CF THE MARKET AS A «HOLE,+ HE SAID.
DR CHAM ALSO NOTED THAT AN ADDITIONAL ELEMENT OF CAUTION AND PRUDENCE WOULD BE INSTILlE J ..I TH IN THE BROKER I Nb COMMUNITY IN THAT DEALERS WOULD HAVE TO REVIEa THEIR ASStT PORTFOLIO ON A REGULAR AND CONTINUOUS BASIS THROUGH THEIR INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A +FLOOR+ BASKET OF SPECIFIED ASSETS.
TURNING TO THE SECURITIES (STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING) RUL_o 1936, DR CHAM ShID IT REQUIRED DISCLOSURE OF IwORMATION rY NEW LISTING COMPANIES IN THEIR LISTING APPLICATION.
+ THIS OBLIGATION ENSURES THAT THE NECESSARY INFORMATION AFFECTING ASSETS, PROFIT, SUBSIDIARIES 0 INTER-GROUP TRANSACT!. IS ADEQUATELY DISCLOSED,* HE SAID.
/he stressed.......*
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1«8b
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oTRESotD THAT THE OVERALL PURPOSE ••/■_ T STREa.’iL , WE 7hE
•Yi OCL bb OF (.FORMATION CLO* BcL I c v. THAT Aj A k ESUL " ■ 1 -
-■ KET ;.CULD BE MADE MORE EFFICIENT AND . DULL ;.--'0Riv. eETlit, _ ■■TING TO INCREASED INVESTORS’ CUnFIDEnCc AN. PaRTICI PAT I Uh.
*UNDOUBTEDL-, THE IF ENHANCED CONFIDENCE WILL IN TURN LIQUIDITY IN THE MARKET PLACE,* DR CHAM SAID.
CONCLUDING HIS SPEECH, DR CHAM POINTED OUT THAT THESt ■ SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION wERE BY Nu MEANS SUBSIDIARY IN IMPUhiA^t FOR THEIR ROLE TO NURTURE THE CRYSTALLISATION OF A SOUND MAkKcI NECHANIuM IN OUR CITY WHICH TOOK PRIDE IN ITS FREE ENTERPRISl MARKET ECONOMY.
THANKING MISS TAM AND DR CHAM FOR THEIR COMMENTS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HO'. Sih JOHN BRuMRIDGE, SAID THE MINOR AMENDMENT TO PARAGRAPH 7 (I) (A) (II) SHOULD REMOVE ANY DOUBTS N THAT PARTICULAR PROVISION DEALING wI TH IN-HOUSE TRANSACTIONS.
+LET US HOPE ALL CONCERNED BUY THEIR BOTTLES OF MILk AS NECESSARY,* SIR JOHN SAID, ADDING: +LET US SEE HOU THE NEW RULES WORK, THEY CAN BE CHANGED IF NECESSARY.*
SIR JOHN SAID LIKE HIS LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL COLLEAGUES, HE w, S LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OPENING OF THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE.
*■. SUCCESSFUL SELF—REGULaTED STOCK EXCHANGE OPERATING wITHi. ThE APPROPRIATE LEGAL FRAMEWORK WILL FURTHER ENHANCE nONG KONG’S POSITION AS A WORLD FINANCIAL CENTRE,* HE oAID.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, IPi-
- 5 -
TRANSPORT STUDY TO EE UPDATED IN FEW MONTHS * * * * *
-vORK SHOULD START IN A FEw MONTHS TO UPDATE THE TEN-YEAR-OLD COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY WHICH FORMED TrtE BEDROCK OF THE TERRITORY’S TRANSPORT POLICY, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR I ar. MACPHERSON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TWO-YEAR EXERCISE WILL ENABLE THE COVER .-ENT TO aoScSS PRECISELY OPTIONS STEMMING FROM THE MORE GENERALISED LaNj Ube AND TRANSPORT OPTIMISATION STUDIES OF THE LANDS «ND WORKb BRAHCn, MR MACPHERSON TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTO«b.
+THE END PRODUCTS SHOULD INCLUDE ROAD AND RAIL DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND FURTHER STATEMENTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT
SERVICES,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR MACPHERSON STRESSED THAT HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT POLICY ITSELF wAS GENERALLY SOUND AND NOT IN NEED OF RADICAL CHaNwc.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE THREE MAIN +PLANKS+ WHICH CuUuv BE CONTINUALLY SUPPORTED. THEY WERE THE EXTENSION AND IMPROVtrjt. I CF THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE^ILA*IL 1 TV
EFFICIENCY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT”
ADDRESSING THE QUESTION ON WHETHER THl DEVELOPMENT OF <he TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE SHOULD BE BY THE PUBLIC ON PR IVATE bEC ijk, ,vR MACPHERSON SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT ^tK^L PLANNING HAb TO Be FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO COORDINATE BUT HE WELCOMED PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN COMMERCIALLY VIABLE PROJECTS.
THE OPERATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SHOULD BE pY THt PRIVATE SECTOR OR BY PUBLIC CORPORATIONS WORKING ON COMMERCIAL LINES, HE SAID.
AND ON THE OPTIMUM USE OF ROADS, MR MACPHERSON REITERATED THAT DUE TO PUBLIC OPINION, THE GOVERNMENT wOULD RECONSIDER THt ERP ONLY AFTER A PERIOD OF SUSTAINED GROwTH IN VEHICLE OWNERSHIP AND/OR INCREASED CONGESTION. IN THE MEANTIME, THE POLICY Or RESTRAINING CAR OWNERSHIP THROUGH FISCAL MEANS wOULu REMAIN I ■ FORCE.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1.936
- 6 -
FLEXIBLE RESPONSE TO YOUTH NEEDS URGED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY SHOULD ENSURE THAT EDUCATION, INSTITUTIONS, WORK AND PLAY REMAIN FLEXIBLE AND RESPONSIVE iO THE CHANGING NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG LUNCHEON FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE ZONTA STUDENT PROJECT AwARD, SHE NOTED THAT 20 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION FELL BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 24 AND WERE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.
+TODAY’S GENERATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS, AND A DIFFERENT SENSE OF MORALITY, VALUES AND ENTITLEMENT THAT MANY OF US AS PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS MAY FIND SOMEWHAT STRANGE AND PERHAPS EVEN UNACCEPTABLE.
+IT IS FUTILE TO BEMOAN THE PASSING OF TRADITIONAL BELIEFS AND VALUES,* SHE SAID.
SHE EXPLAINED THAT CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED IN HONG KONG SOCIETY, AND FOR THE MOST PART, THERE HAVE BEEN CHANGES FOR THE BETTER.
WHEN YOUNG PEOPLE WERE DISCUSSED IN OPEN FORUMS, IT wAS CFTEN IN THE CONTEXT OF SOME SOCIAL PROBLEMS, THAT IS A LACK OF CONCERN FOR OTHERS, INABILITY TO COPE WITH SCHOOL WORK, TRIAD INFLUENCES, DRUG ADDICTION, PREOCCUPATION wI TH MATERIAL ACQUISITIONS.
+IT IS OF COURSE ENTIRELY RIGHT THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE AWARE OF THESE PROBLEMS AND SHOULD TAKE POSITIVE STEPS TO COUNTERACT THEIR INFLUENCE.
+AT THE SAME TIME, WE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT THE MAJORITY OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, DESPITE SOMETIMES ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES AND ENVIRONMENT, GROW INTO WELL-ADJUSTED, RESPONSIBLE AND CARING CITIZENS WHO BRING TO THEIR WORK, WHETHER IT IS IN SCHOOL, AT THEIR WORK PLACE, OR IN LEISURELY PURSUITS, A DEEPLY-ROOTED DESIRE TO DO A GOOD JOB.
+THEY ASPIRE TO WORK THAT WILL SATISFY SOME OF THEIR BASIC CRAVINGS FOR PARTICIPATION, FOR FELLOWSHIP, FOR CHALLENGES, FOR SELF-FULFILMENT, FOR FREEDOM AND FOR EQUALITY,* MRS CHAN SAID.
ON THE ZONTA STUDENT PROJECT SHE SAID IT wAS A WORTHWHILE PROJECT WHICH COMPLEMENTED THE EFFORTS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THEIR HOMES, THEIR CLASSROOMS AND LECTUREHALLS.
/□USING THE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBHDARY 26, 1986
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE DEPARTMENT HAD APPROVED GRANTS EXCEEDING SI MILLION FOR VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY PROJECTS BY YOUNG PEOPLE »VHICH PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-MOTIVATED INVOLVEMENT, COMMITMENT AND PARTICIPATION.
+WE MUST CONTINUE TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SELF-FULFILMENT AND SERVICE, FOR BY ENCOURAGING VOLUNTARY ACTION BY THE PEOPLE AND NOT JUST GOVERNMENT ACTION FOR THE PEOPLE WE GIVE HEALTH AND VITALITY TO OUR SOCIETY,* SHE SAID.
-----0-----
INSURANCE COMPANY WOUND UP * * * X
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, IN HIS CAPACITY AS INSURANCE AUTHORITY, ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT MOW TAI INSURANCE AND REINSURANCE CO., LTD HAD INITIATED STEPS TO PLACE ITSELF IN LIQUIDATION BY WAY OF A CREDITORS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP.
THE COMPANY HAD MADE THAT DECISION AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE INSURANCE DIVISION OF HIS DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
THE COMPANY WAS INCORPORATED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE ON DECEMBER 22, 1962 AND WAS AUTHORISED TO CARRY ON THE MAJOR CLASSES OF GENERAL BUSINESS (EXCEPT MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE) UNDER THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, MR GLEESON SAID, FOLLOWING NEGOTIATIONS WITH HIS INSURANCE DIVISION, THE COMPANY CEASED ISSUING ANY NEW INSURANCE POLICIES, CR RENEWING EXISTING POLICIES IN MAY 1985 AND IN AUGUST 1985 TERMINATED ALL INSURANCE CONTRACTS THAT wERE TERMINABLE.
SINCE THAT TIME THE COMPANY HAD BEEN DEALING ONLY WITH OUTSTANDING CLAIMS AND LIABILITIES.
IT IS NOW CONSIDERED DESIRABLE FOR THE COMPANY TO BE WOUNx> UP IN ORDER THAT ITS REMAINING LIABILITIES MAY BE RUN OFF IN AN ORDERLY MANNER.
MR GLEESON EXPLAINED THAT LIQUIDATORS ARE EXPECTED TO BE APPOINTED AT A MEETING OF CREDITORS SCHEDULED FOR EARLY APR IL 1986.
HE ADVISED INSURANCE CLAIMANTS AND CREDITORS OF THE COMPANY WHOSE CLAIMS HAVE NOT YET BEEN MET TO LODGE THEIR CLAIMS WITH THE LIQUIDATORS WHEN THEIR APPOINTMENT IS ANNOUNCED.
-----o------
/8 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 8 -
VOTE ON MARCH 6 APPEAL TO ELECTORS
*****
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, NR T.H. CHAU, THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING LIKENED ELECTORS TO THAT OF ADJUDICATORS OF A CONTEST AS THEY WOULD BE THE ONES TO GIVE POINTS TO CANDIDATES WITH THEIR VOTES IN THE FORTHCOMING ELECTIuno ON MARCH 6.
SPEAKING AT THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE, HE SAID, +wHILE NOT ALL OF US COULD ADJUDICATE A DANCE CONTEST, THE ’ADJUDICATORS’ FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS ARE NO OTHER THAN THE VOTERS.+
MR CHAU SAID THE WORK OF THE TWO COUNCILS, SUCH AS PROVIDING CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES, MAINTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND PUBLIC HEALTH, WAS CLOSELY RELATED TO THE DAILY LIVES OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.
+AS THE SUCCESS OF THEIR WORK DEPENDS ON RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT, I CALL ON EVERY VOTER TO POLL ON MARCH 6 AND ELECT THOSE WHO ARE WELL PREPARED TO BUILD A HEALTHY COMMUNITY FOR US,+ HE SAID.
THE 302 POLLING STATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 10.30 PM ON MARCH 6 NEXT THURSDAY.
THIS EVENING’S PERFORMANCE WAS STAGED AT CITY HALL BY 17 WINNING DANCE GROUPS OF THE 15TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST HELD LAST YEAR wITH 119 PARTICIPATING TEAMS.
THE CONTEST WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
- - - - 0 ------------
EXHIBITION ON UC ELECTION STARTS TOMORROW
* * * *
A TWO-WEEK EXHIBITION TO PUBLICISE THE MARCH 6 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION WILL BE HELD AT THE LOBBY OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN, STARTING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
COLOURFUL PHOTOGRAPHS INTRODUCING URBAN COUNCIL FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT TOGETHER a I TH PLATFORMS OF THE TwO CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTIONS .-.ILL BE ON DISPLAY.
/THE FREE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 9 -
The free exhibition will be opened daily to the public from 9 AM TO 10 PM.
+IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE EXHIBITION, RESIDENTS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF URBAN COUNCIL AS WELL AS THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES IT PROVIDES IN THE DISTRICT SO THaT MuRE REGISTERED ELECTORS WILL COME OUT AND VOTE ON MARCH 6,+ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM—KwONG, SAID.
+RESIDENTS SHOULj EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND VOTE IN THE ELECTIONS AS IT IS ANOTHER STEP TOwARD REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG,+ HE POINTED OUT.
THE EXHIBITION FORMS PART OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION PUBLICITY PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, WHICH HAS ALSO ARRANGED A PRESS CONFERENCE AND TWO FORUMS FOR CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PRESS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE FIRST FORUM WAS HELD YESTERDAY AT THE KENNEDY TOWN KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, AND THE SECOND ONE wILL BE HELD AT 7.30 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1) AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
APART FROM PUTTING UP COLOURFUL POSTERS AND ATTRACTIVE BANNERS AT VARIOUS PROMINENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO VOTE, THE DISPLAY WINDOWS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES HAVE ALSO BEEN DECORATED WITH THE EYE-CATCHING MESSAGES.
TO FURTHER PUBLICISE THE UC ELECTIONS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ALSO PRODUCED SOME PUBLICITY SOUVENIRS SUCH AS KEY HOLDERS AND BALL PENS FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC AT VARIOUo DISTRICT FUNCTIONS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION TO SENDING OUT PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT NEWSPAPER wILL ALSO ISSUE A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON THE ELECTIONS AND THE wORK OF THE UC IN ITS LATEST EDITION.
TwO TRAMS DECORATED v. I TH COLOURFUL PUBLICITY POSTERS WILL E PLYING BETWEEN HAPPY VaLLEY AND KENNEDY TOwN DAILY FROM MARCH 1 TO 6 TO REMIND PEO/uE OF THE ELECTIONS. A BROADCASTING VEHICLE Calling on the electors TO VOTE WILL also TOUR THE DISTRICT ON MARCH 4 AND 5.
0 -
/IO
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 198b
10
RESIDENTIAL SITE FETCHES $42 MILLION *****
A RESIDENTIAL SITE IN WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON, WAS RE-SOLD AT AN AUCTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR $42 MILLION.
THE 1 635-SQUARE-METRE SITE WAS BOUGHT BY LAI SUN GARMENTS, ONE OF FOUR ACTIVE BIDDERS AT THE AUCTION. BIDDING STARTED AT $35 MILLION AND WENT UP IN $1 MILLION BIDS.
THE SITE WAS ORIGINALLY SOLD AT AN AUCTION IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR TO WORLD WIDE EXHIBITION CO. LTD. WHO BID $60 MILLION BUT LATER FAILED TO GO THROUGH WITH THE TRANSACTION. %
TODAY'S AUCTIONEER, MR NIGEL BURLEY, SAID HE WAS HAPPY WITH THE PRICE OF $42 MILLION. +IT WAS ABOUT WHAT WE EXPECTED. THE PRICE AT THE LAST SALE WAS OBVIOUSLY TOO HIGH,+ HE SAID.
+1 DON’T VIEW THE PRICE AS A LOSS ON THE LAST SALE AS THE LAST TRANSACTION DID NOT GO THROUGH.+
THE BUYERS WILL HAVE TO DEVELOP THE SITE TO A MINIMUM OF 4 400 SQUARE METRES BEFORE THE END OF DECEMBER 1989.
- - 0 - -
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR THREE SITES * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF THREE SITES — TWO IN KOWLOON AND ONE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ONE OF THE KOWLOON SITES IS AT THE JUNCTION OF HONG NING ROAD AND KUNG LOK ROAD IN KWUN TONG.
MEASURING ABOUT 1 980 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS TO BE USED AS A FEE-PAYING PARKING AREA FOR VEHICLES wI TH THE EXCEPTION OF CONTAINERS.
THE OTHER LOT OF ABOUT 750 SQUARE METRES AT YUET LUN STREET, LAI CHI KOK, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
TENANCY FOR THE KWUN TONG SITE IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS WHILE FOR THE LAI CHI KOK ONE IT IS Tv.0 YEARS, ALSO RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE NEW TERRITORIES SITE IS AT SAI KUNG TUK AND IS FOR VEHICLE PARKING, VEHICLE REPAIRING AND OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
/THE 1 719-SQUABE-14ETRE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY' 26, 1986
THE 1 719-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR A THREE-YEAR TENANCY, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 14.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT:
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH 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, SAI KUNG. .
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 253-259 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, SO THAT THE STRUCTURES CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN APRIL, 1985 REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 26 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
TSUEN WAN, MONG KOK TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *
TEXACO ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH MA TAU PA ROAD AND THE ROUNDABOUT UNDERNEATH TSUEN WAN ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED INTO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1).
VEHICLES FROM LUNG TAK STREET WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT ONTO WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TEXACO ROAD.
/ALSO, THE
12
L^AHY 26, 1986
Al^O, THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TEXACO ROAD CONNECTING ■V T.l.u ?A ROAD AND THE ROUNDABOUT UNDEF .EAT- TSUEN WAN ROAD '.III L-E DESIGNATED a 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
.■ ITH EFFECT FROM THE SAME TIME, Yl PO FONG STREET SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ARGYLE STREET AND A POINT 130 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FRO" 7 Ar. TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
YIM PO FONG STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND PAK PO STREET WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
UC VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STtfP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS llrtlN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
0 --------
RIGHT TURN NOT ALLOWED * * * *
VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM LOWER ALBERT ROAD TO ICE HOUSE STREET FROM 1 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 1) TO 6 AM ON MONDAY (MARCH 3) BECAUSE OF ROAD WORK.
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO UPPER ALBERT ROAD, ARBUTHNOT ROAD AND WYNDHAM STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL BUS ROUTE NO. 103 ON ITS JOURNEY TO KOWLOON WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO CAINE ROAD, ARBUTHNOT FOAD, WYNDHAM STREET AND ICE HOUSE STREET WHILE CMB ROUTE NO. 23A •! ITS JOURNEY TO LAI TAK TSUEN WILL BE DIVERTED TO GARDEN ROAD, UPPER ALBERT ROAD, ARBUTHNOT ROAD, wYNDHAM STREET AND ICE HOUSE STREET BEFORE RESUMING THEIR NORMAL ROUTE INGS.
- 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE TOP PRIORITY - SIR JOHN ......•.......... 1
398 MILLION SURPLUS SHOWN FOR THIS YEAR ......................
339.5 BILLION SPENDING SET FOR '86-87 ........................
HO BILLION REVENUE EXPECTED ..................................
+SMALL+ 3J48M SURPLUS SEEN FOR '86-87 ......................
HYDROCARBON OILS: 4.5 PER CENT DUTY RISE SOUGHT ..............
TOBACCO DUTY RISE PROPOSED ...................................
BANK, DTC LICENCE FEE RISE PROPOSED ............................. 10
TAX ALLOWANCE TO BENEFIT 96 PER CENT........................... 11
REPEAL OF OFFSHORE DEPOSITS LAW PROPOSED ........................ 12
RISE IN VEHICLE, DRIVING LICENCE FEES PLANNED................... 13
+REGULAR REVISIONS BEST GUARANTEE* ...........................
EXCLUSION FROM CHARGE TO STAMP DUTY SOUGHT ...................
COMMISSION STUDYING LAND SALES PLAN ............................. 16
+1 WISH I HAD BEEN MORE FAR SIGHTED* ........................
INFLATION UNDER 4 PER CENT ..................................... 17
MORE SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCE PROPOSED ................... 18
EXPENDITURE OVER 16 PER CENT OF GDP .........................
20 GDP UP BY ONE PER CENT .................................... °
4.5 PER CENT GDP GROWTH SEEN FOR *86 ........................
/STABILITY
2
STABILITY THROUGH U.S.S LINK ..................................... 24
MAJOR BILL ON ANKING READY FOR STUDY ............................. 24
^OPERATING SURPLUS VIThIa-...................................... 26
MTRC, KCRC FINANCES STILL SEPARATE .. ■ ....................... 27
NEW MOVE IN LIABILITIES COVER .................................. 28
latest figures shuw $98m surplus .................. ............ 29
LAND PRODUCTION: 460 HECTARES EXPECTED ......................... 30
10 PER CENT HOUSING PRODUCTION GROWTH SEEN........................ 31
EDUCATION SPENDING NEAR 39 BILLION '.............................. 32
REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNE-> ........................... 33
FS'S SPEECH ON TV AND RADIO ...................................... 33
BUDGET BRIEFING .................................................. 55
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
1
IMPROVING INFRASTRUCTURE TOP PRIORITY - SIR JOHN
*****
riONG KONG’S FIRST DOMESTIC PRIORITY REMAINED THE STEADY IMPROVEMENT OF THE TERRITORY’S INFRASTRUCTURE, A TASK THAT WAS CERTAINLY wITHIN LOCAL CAPABILITIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN SUMMING UP HIS 1986-87 BUDGET SPEECH TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR JOHN WARNED THAT CONFIDENCE ABOUT THE FUTURE STATE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY CONTINUAL AWARENESS THAT HONG KONG DEPENDED LARGELY ON WHAT HAPPENED ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
WHILE FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT THEODORE ROOSEVELT HAD BELIEVED IN SPEAKING SOFTLY AND CARRYING A BIG STICK, SIR JOHN SAID, FOR HONG KONG HE PREFERRED SCEPTICISM ABOUT ECONOMIC FORECASTS AND CARRYING LARGE RESERVES.
+OUR ECONOMY IS CHANGING RAPIDLY UNDER OUR EYES AS HONG KONG AGAIN BECOMES A MAJOR ENTREPOT FOR CHINA. I WONDER IF WE REALLY YET UNDERSTAND WHAT IS GOING ON,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
+AS A NON-ECONOMIST I PERSONALLY FIND IT DIFFICULT TO COMPREHEND HOW PRESENT PROSPERITY INCLUDING FULL EMPLOYMENT, RISING REAL WAGES, A SWING TO A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS AND LOW INFLATION CAN BE RECONCILED WITH LAST YEAR’S OSTENSIBLE LOW FIGURE OF GROWTH IN GDP.+
TURNING TO THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE, SIR JOHN SAID HE HAD A FEELING OF SLIGHT UNEASE AS PERHAPS BEFITTED THE YEAR OF THE TIGER. THE U.S. BUDGET DEFICIT WAS AN OBVIOUS GENERATOR OF PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENT, WHILE OTHER PROBLEMS INCLUDED CONTINUING MONETARY INSTABILITY AND THE OIL SITUATION.
+WHILE CHEAP ENERGY WILL BE OF ASSISTANCE TO EVERYONE, EXCEPT THE OIL PRODUCERS, A SUDDEN COLLAPSE IN OIL PRICES WILL NOT NECESSARILY BE IMMEDIATELY HELPFUL FOR HONG KONG. I FEAR A POSSIBLE RIPPLE EFFECT IN SOME OF OUR EXPORT MARKETS,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD CLEARLY PROSPERED IN THE LAST 40 YEARS ALTHOUGH NOT EVERYTHING HAD BEEN DONE WELL IN EITHER THE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE SECTORS, THE LOT OF THE INDIVIDUAL MAN AND WOMAN WAS NOW TRANSPARENTLY BETTER. FURTHER CONTINUED INCREASES IN WEALTH, WHICH HAD TO BE CREATED BEFORE IT COULD BE DIVIDED, DEPENDED ON SEVERAL FACTORS.
FIRST, SIR JOHN SAID, HONG KONG HAD THE JOINT DECLARATION WITH ITS OBJECTIVE OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, AND THE COMMITMENT CF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO ITS FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION.
/SECOND, .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 19&6
2
SECOND, HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE HAD NOT ONLY TO BE GOOD, BUT TO BE SEEN TO BE GETTING BETTER - A TASK FOR WHICH THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY. THERE HAD TO BE LAW AND ORDER; A STEADY STATE OF THE PUBLIC FINANCES INCLUDING PROPER RESERVES; A DECENT SYSTEM OF MEDICAL CARE ; STEADILY IMPROVING HOUSING; BETTER TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATIONS; APPROPRIATE SOCIAL WELFARE AND THE BEST POSSIBLE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
+THIRD, THE TOTAL SYSTEM MUST PROVIDE PROPER INCENTIVES TO OUR ENTREPRENEURS AND BUSINESSMEN. HONG KONG’S WHOLE ECONOMY DEPENDS ON INCREASING EXTERNAL TRADE. THIS IN TURN REQUIRES FOR THOSE CREATIVELY INVOLVED THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE FREEDOM WITHIN AN APPROPRIATE AND IMPROVING FRAMEWORK OF LAWS AND REGULATIONS.
+ l AM NOT PHILOSOPHICALLY OPPOSED TO'GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN INDUSTRY. IF, INDEED, SUCH INTERVENTION WERE EVER TO ACHIEVE THE PLANNED RESULTS, WHY NOT? IT IS HOWEVER A TRUISM THAT GOVERNMENTS USUALLY MAKE LARGE MISTAKES IN THIS APPROACH.
+SUCH MISTAKES TEND THEN TO BE VERY EXPENSIVE INDEED. THE BURDENS THAT HAVE TO BE CARRIED BY THE WRETCHED TAXPAYER AND INDUSTRY ITSELF SUBSEQUENTLY BECOME UNBEARABLE. FOR OBVIOUS REASONS OF TACT I DO NOT POINT A FINGER BUT THE WORLD IS LITTERED WITH EXAMPLES.
+ IF BRIEF, MY OBJECTION TO GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN INDUSTRY IS NOT PHILOSOPHICAL BUT WHOLLY PRAGMATIC. ON THE RECORD IT IS TOTALLY INAPPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG. BUSINESS HERE IS BEST CONDUCTED BY RISK BEARING BUSINESSMEN,* SIR JOHN SAID.
FINALLY, SIR JOHN SAID, THE IMPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG WEKt CLEAR. THEY WERE NOT NECESSARILY APPLICABLE TO EVERYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD, FOR IN MANY WAYS HONG KONG WAS UNIQUE.
+SUCCESS HERE REQUIRES A PRUDENT FREEDOM, THE ABILITY TO OPERATE FEARLESSLY WITHIN SOUND AND INDEPENDENTLY ADMINISTERED LAW, THE POSSIBILITY OF SELF IMPROVEMENT FOR THE SUCCESSFUL AND THE CERTAINTY OF SENSITIVE TREATMENT FOR THE UNSUCCESSFUL.
+ABOVE ALL THE BURDEN OF DIRECT TAXATION MUST REMAIN MODERATE AND PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE MUST BE CONSTRAINED.
ALL GOVERNMENTS MAKE MISTAKES. LET US MAKE FEWER THAN MOST.*
------o-------
/3........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
$98 MILLION SURPLUS SHOWN FOR THIS YEAR * * * *
THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR 1985-86 NOW SHOWS AN ESTIMATED SURPLUS OF $98 MILLION COMPARED WITH THE BUDGETED DEFICIT OF $961 MILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
SIR JOHN WAS PRESENTING THE 1986-87 BUDGET, HIS FINAL BUDGET.
HE DESCRIBED THE SWING AS RELATIVELY INSIGNIFICANT GIVEN TOTAL REVENUE PLUS EXPENDITURE OF ABOUT $80 BILLION. REVENUE HAD BEEN UNEXPECTEDLY BUOYANT AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WAS BELOW BUDGET.
+THIS IS THE LUCK OF ONE YEAR’S DRAW. WE MUST ANTICIPATE OPPOSITE SWINGS. THE NEED TO SMOOTH ONE YEAR WITH ANOTHER IS CLEAR,* HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID HIS NEW BUDGET WAS SHAPED BY AN ANNUALLY UPDATED FIVE YEAR MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST OF PUBLIC FINANCES.
♦DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1982-83 OUR REVENUE DROPPED PRECIPITOUSLY MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE COLLAPSE OF THE REAL ESTATE MARKET. THE ADVERSE BUDGETARY SWING WAS OVER $9 BILLION IN JUST ONE YEAR. IT WAS NEARLY MUCH MORE. WE THEREAFTER FACED THE VICISSITUDES BROUGHT ABOUT BY ACKNOWLEDGED AND INEVITABLE POLITICAL UNCERTAINTIES AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF A GENERAL WORLD RECESSION. BANKING AND CURRENCY PROBLEMS WERE ONLY PART OF THE STORY.*
SIR JOHN SAID THAT WHERE POSSIBLE AND APPROPRIATE, IT HAD ALWAYS SEEMED FAR SIGHTED TO BUILD UP WORKING RESERVES, WHICH IN THE PRESENT CONTEXT MEANT THE BALANCES IN THE MAJOR FUNDS. TO THIS END, THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND WAS ESTABLISHED IN EARLY 1982.
♦AS IS THE GENERAL RULE FOR GOVERNMENTS, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS ARE ATTUNED TO CASH ACCOUNTING. AT THE START OF NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE BALANCES IN THE FUNDS WILL HAVE INCREASED BY $1.7 BILLION. THEY FORM IN EFFECT OUR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE AGAINST POSSIBLE FUTURE UNTOWARD TURNS IN /fFA IRS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL, WHICH COULD LEAD TO DOMESTIC CASH FLOW PROBLEMS.
♦THIS OUTCOME, INTER ALIA, REFLECTS RATIONAL TREATMENT OF WINDFALL LAND REVENUE IN 1985-86 OF A CAPITAL NATURE, WHICH WILL BE SOME $2.5 BILLION MORE THAN EXPECTED.*
/SIR JOHN .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
SIR JOHN SAID THERE WAS LAST A SURPLUS, A VERY CONSIDERABLE ONE, ON THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT IN 1981-82, AND COMMENTED: +1 DO NOT WISH TO DWELL ON HISTORY BECAUSE HONG KONG LOOKS FORWARD NOT BACK. PUNDITS ARE SOUNDER ON PAST THAN FUTURE EVENTS. BUT IT IS ARGUABLE NOW WITH HINDSIGHT THAT FOR VARIOUS GOOD REASONS WE ARRIVED IN A POSITION WHERE EXUBERANT RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WAS OVER DEPENDENT ON BURGEONING CAPITAL INCOME FROM LAND SALES. THAT IS TO SAY ON EXTRAORDINARY PROFITS. THIS WAS CERTAINLY TRUE OF MY FIRST BUDGET FOR 1982-83. WE LIVE AND LEARN.+
NO IMPORTANT PROGRAMMES HAD HAD ’STOP AND GO’ PROCEDURES INFLICTED ON THEM, HE SAID, BUT +WE HAVE NEVERTHELESS SINCE 1982 SUCCEEDED IN CONTAINING EXPENDITURE AND INCREASING REVENUE SO THAT THE PUBLIC FINANCES ARE NOW BACK IN EXJU IL IBR I UM. +
THIS WAS A MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT.
LAND SALES PROCEEDS, WELCOME IN THEMSELVES, NO LONGER FUELLED RECURRENT EXPENDITURE. TOUGH THOUGH NOT INDISCRIMINATE l€ASURES HAD BEEN NECESSARY, TO WHICH HONG KONG RESPONDED WELL.
+1 SEE NO REASON WHY WE SHOULD NOT BE ABLE OVER A PERIOD CF YEARS TO MAINTAIN THIS BALANCE WITHOUT INCREASING THE OVERALL BURDEN OF TAXATION PROVIDED THAT WE ENSURE BROADLY THAT PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE GROWTH INCLUDING ALL NEW PROGRAMMES AND INITIATIVES OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS DOES NOT EXCEED GROWTH IN GDP.
♦ OF COURSE, THIS IS EASY TO SAY BUT MORE DIFFICULT TO PUT INTO PRACTICE IN THE FACE OF RISING ASPIRATIONS. MOREOVER, AS TAX REVENUE LAGS ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE, WHICH IS ITSELF CYCLICAL, IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY FOOLISH TO MAKE SNAP DECISIONS BASED ON JUST ONE YEAR’S OUTCOME.
+IT IS THUS ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT WE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE OVERALL TRENDS, SAY OVER TWO OR THREE YEARS, AND DO NOT ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE BLOWN OFF A SMOOTHED COURSE INTO EITHER OPTIMISM OR PESSIMISM BY THE RESULTS OF ONE YEAR. THIS WILL REQUIRE RESPONSIBLE JUDGEMENT FROM BOTH THE ADMINISTRATION AND THIS COUNCIL.+
SIR JOHN AT THIS POINT COMMENTED ON THE DEPRESSED GROWTH CF THE GDP IN 1985, FOR SEVERAL REASONS THE LOWEST RATE OF GROWTH FOR MANY YEARS. BUT HE NOTED THAT OVER THE FIVE YEARS 1981-85 EXPORTS INCLUDING RE-EXPORTS HAD INCREASED IN REAL TERMS BY AN AVERAGE OF 10.4 PER CENT PER YEAR AND GDP BY 5.7 PER CENT. FOR 1986, GDP WAS AT PRESENT ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 4.5 PER CENT.
♦ IT IS THE TREND THAT MATTERS AND WE MUST NOT BE OVER SENSITIVE TO ONE DISAPPOINTING YEAR,+ HE SAID.
--------o----------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 5 -
$39.5 BILLION SPENDING SET FOR '86-87 *****
TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $39.5 BILLION ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCO'JN' WAS BUDGETED FOR THE 1986-87 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET, SIR JOHN SAID CIVIL SERVICE GROWTH WAS EXPECTED TO BE AROUND 2.5 PER CENT IN 1986-87.
EVEN WITH DUE REGARD TO CONTINUING AND MOST SUCCESSFUL VALUE FOR MONEY EFFORTS IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE STAFFING REQUIREMENTS OF NEW HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, FIRE STATIONS, IMMIGRATION POSTS, POLICE AND SO ON MAKE SOME GROWTH INEVITABLE, HE NOTED.
NEVERTHELESS, HE SAID THIS FIGURE STILL REPRESENTED A CONSIDERABLE CONTAINMENT OF DEPARTMENTAL ASPIRATIONS.
+ IT IS BELOW THE PROJECTED RATE OF GROWTH OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN REAL TERMS REFLECTING FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IN THE EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF STAFF AND INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY,* HE ADDED.
SIR JOHN SAID A SUM OF $1.75 BILLION WITHIN THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE HAD BEEN ALLOWED FOR ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES.
♦ THIS MAKES PROVISION FOR, WITHOUT ASSUMING, POSSIBLE SALARIES ADJUSTMENTS, PLUS THE USUAL RANGE OF NEW AND UNFORESEEN ITEMS THAT ARISE EACH YEAR,* HE SAID.
WITHIN THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE BUDGET ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT SIR JOHN PROPOSED THE TRANSFER OF $5.6 BILLION TO THE GOVERNMENT’S VARIOUS FUNDS FOR FINANCING OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
+THIS WILL STABILISE THE SIZE OF THE FUNDS AT AROUND THEIR PRESENT LEVEL,* HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE MEDIUM RANGE STRATEGY AGAINST WHICH GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES WAS NOW MONITORED REQUIRED TOTAL EXPENDITURE TO GROW BY NO MORE THAN THE EXPECTED GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY.
* INDEED AT LAST EXPENDITURE IS EXPECTED TO BE SHAPED BY LIKELY REVENUE OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS,* SIR JOHN SAID.
HE ADDED: +IN THE SHORT TERM THIS BALANCE MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE BECAUSE THERE IS NO EXACT CORRELATION BETWEEN REVENUE AND GDP GROWTH. MOREOVER GDP GROWTH MUST BE CYCLICAL.
+FOR 1986-87 THE CONSOLIDATED ESTIMATES WHICH I NOW PUT BEFORE YOU IMPLY TOTAL EXPENDITURE GROWTH OF 3.8 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS. THIS REAL GROWTH COMPARES WITH A REVISED ESTIMATE CF 3.4 PER CENT IN 1985-86, WHICH wAS HIGH WHEN TESTED AGAINST ACTUAL RATHER THAN ESTIMATED GDP GROWTH.*
/SIR JOHN .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, t‘?86
6 -
SIR JOHN SET OUT THE BUDGETED GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE AS FOLLOWS:
DRAFT ESTIMATES
1986-87
($MN)
RECURRENT EXPENDITURE
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
30 763
1 431
32
194
ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS TRANSFERS TO FUNDS
1
5
750
600
39 544
-----o------
MO BILLION REVENUE EXPECTED * * * X *
THE TOTAL REVENUE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR THE 1986-67 FINANCIAL YEAR IS ESTIMATED TO BE $39.9 BILLION, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.
THIS TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE EFFECTS OF THE FIRST FULL YEAR OF THE NEW LAND REVENUE SHARING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT, UNDER WHICH REVENUE FROM NEW SALES ACCRUED DIRECT TO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.
HE SAID A FURTHER $500 MILLION MIGHT BE AVAILABLE DURING 1986-87 IF THE KCRC REPAID THE REMAINDER OF THE OUTSTANDING LOAN TO GOVERNMENT.
HOWEVER, SIR JOHN ADDED THAT SINCE THIS WAS AT KCRC’S OPTION, AND MIGHT DEPEND ON COMPARATIVE INTEREST RATES AT THE TIME, NO ALLOWANCE WAS MADE IN THE REVENUE ESTIMATES.
+IT IS UP OUR SLEEVE. BUT THERE ALSO MAY WELL BE UNFORESEEABL-ITEMS OF EXPENDITURE ARISING FROM LEGAL CLAIMS,+ HE ADDED.
AS THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND CONTINUED TO RUN IN SURPLUS, HE PROPOSED TRANSFERRING $800 MILLION BACK FROM THE FUND IN 1986-87. SIR JOHN STRESSED THAT THIS WOULD NOT AFFECT ANY HOUSING PROGRAM Eo.
/7.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2b, 1986
7
♦SMALL* S348M SURPLUS SEEN FOR ’86-87
*****
A +SMALL SURPLUS+ OF $348 MILLION FOR THE 1986-87 FINANCIAL YEAR WAS FORECAST TODAY BY SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE.
PRESENTING HIS FINAL BUDGET SPEECH, SIR JOHN SAID, ♦IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE TARGET OF A BALANCED BUDGET COULD BE ACHIEVED IN 1986-87 WITHOUT FURTHER REVENUE MEASURES+.
HE SAID THAT TAKEN TOGETHER, THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT IMPLIED A SMALL SURPLUS CF $388 MILLION.
♦THIS IS A GREAT RELIEF AFTER FOUR DIFFICULT YEARS,* HE NOTED.
NEVERTHELESS, SIR JOHN SAID SOME TAXES AND CHARGES WERE FIXcd IN CASH TERMS AND WERE, THEREFORE, NON-RESPONSIVE TO INFLATION.
+ IN ALL EQUITY SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES MUST ALSO BE REVIEW.
I THUS PROPOSE A SMALL PACKAGE OF INCREASES IN TAX AND CHARGES MORE THAN OFFSET BY TAX CONCESSIONS. IT WILL COST A NET $40 FILLION IN 1986-87,+ HE SAID.
+THE ESTIMATED SURPLUS IN 1986-87 WILL CONSEQUENTLY FALL FROM $388 MILLION TO $348 MILLION,* HE ADDED.
THE 1986-87 DRAFT ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT IS AS FOLLOWS:
REVENUE (EXCL. TRANSFERS) RECURRENT CAPITAL TOTAL
($MN) 38 231 (SMN) 901 ( 39 132
EXPENDITURE (EXCL. TRANSFERS) 32 363 1 581 33 944
SURPLUS/(DEFIC IT) 5 868 (680) 5 188
LESS TRANSFERS TO FUNDS (NET) 4 S3)
— — —
388
LESS COST OF REVENUE MEASURES 40
— — —
SURPLUS
o
/8........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1
8
HYDROCARBON OILS: 4.5 PER CENT DUTY RISE SOUGHT *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TODmY PROPOSED AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 4.5 PER CENT IN DUTY RATES FOh ALL HYDROCARBON OILS - MOTOR SPIRIT FROM S2.2O TO $2.30 PER LIT.-.; AND DIESEL OIL FROM $1.10 TO $1.15 PER LITRE.
SIR JOHN SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH THAT THE 1985 INCREASE CF 10 PER CENT WAS SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THAT REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE REVENUE YIELD IN REAL TERMS IN THE LIGHT OF INFLATION SINCE 1983.
NEVERTHELESS, HE PROPOSED FOR THE 1986 BUDGET AN OVERALL INCREASE FOR ALL HYDROCARBON OILS OF 4.5 PER CENT ONLY.
SIR JOHN SAID, +THIS WILL MAINTAIN THE 1985 YIELD IN REAL TERMS,+ ADDING THAT FALLING OIL PRICES wERE LIKELY TO EASE THE ACTUAL BURDEN ON CONSUMERS.
ASSUMING NO CONSUMER RESISTANCE, HE ESTIMATED THAT THE ADDITIONAL YIELD WOULD BE $50 MILLION IN 1986-87.
HE SAID CONSUMPTION OF MOTOR SPIRIT HAD DECLINED 21 PER CE..T SINCE 1982-83 WHILE REVENUE OVER THE SAME PERIOD HAD INCREASED 62 PER CENT DUE TO DUTY INCREASES.
+A DECLINE IN YIELD IS PRESENTLY ESTIMATED FOR 1986-87,+ HE SAID.
CONSUMPTION OF DIESEL OIL HAD GROWN BY 18 PER CENT AND REVENUE BY 320 PER CENT SINCE 1982-83, REFLECTING THE GROWTH IN NUMBERS OF DIESEL ENGINED ROAD VEHICLES, HE ADDED.
SIR JOHN SAID THE CURRENT REFUND ON DIESEL OIL TO THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WOULD REMAIN AT 65 CENTS A LITRE.
+THE COST TO THESE COMPANIES SHOULD BE OF THE ORDER uF $6 MILLION,+ HE ADDED.
THE EFFECT ON BUS FARES wOULD ON AVERAGE BE LESS THAN ONE HALF OF ONE CENT, SIR JOHN SAID.
HIS PROPOSALS FOR DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AND TRANSPORT LICENCt FEES HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT EARLIER, IN THE MORNING, OF PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR JOHN SAID.
THEY INCLUDED UNMANUFACTURED n\D MANUFACT ED TOBACCO AnD HYDROCARBON OILS.
/9........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 19oE
9
TOBACCO DUTY
* *
RISE PROPOSED * * *
THE 1986-87 BUDGET INCLUDES PROPOSED INCREASES IN DUTY ON TwO TYPES OF TOBACCO, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SIR JOHN SAID THE DUTY ON BOTH IMPORTED RAW TOBACCO AND MANUFACTURED TOBACCO (OTHER VARIETIES) WOULD RISE FROM $170 A KILOGRAM TO $190. THE DUTY RATE OF $210 A KILOGRAM ON IMPORTED MANUFACTURED CIGARETTES WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT AS THE NEW DIFFERENTIAL WOULD BE AS LOW AS 10.5 PER CENT, IT COULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS PROVIDING AN IMPROPER PROTECTION TO LOCAL MANUFACTURERS.
EXPLAINING THE CHANGES, SIR JOHN SAID THAT DUTY ON IMPORTED TOBACCO HAD BEEN INCREASED IN THE 1985 BUDGET, REDUCING THE. DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN UNMANUFACTURED RAW TOBACCO AND IMPORTED MANUFACTURED CIGARETTES. AT THE TIME, HE HAD WARNED THE TRADE THAT HE WOULD REVIEW THE MERITS OF IMPOSING A PURE AD VALOREM DUTY ON TOBACCO.
+THE TOBACCO TRADE HAS BEEN CONSULTED. THEIR RESPONSE HAS BEEN DIVIDED, TO PUT IT MILDLY. SOME OPPOSE THE IMPOSITION OF AN AD VALOREM BASED DUTY, WHILE OTHERS - AND I HAVE NOTED THIS WITH GREAT INTEREST - SUPPORT ITS INTRODUCTION ON THE GROUNDS THAT THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD TO PAY MORE BY BUYING MORE EXPENSIVE TOBACCO PRODUCTS SHOULD DO S0,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
HE SAID FINANCE BRANCH AND THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY HAD HELD INTENSIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS DURING 1985. A NUMBER CF COMPANIES HAD EXPENDED CONSIDERABLE RESOURCES TO MAKE VtRY COMPLETE PROPOSALS.
+IT HAS NEVERTHELESS BECOME PLAIN THAT THE TOBACCO TRADE DOES NOT. INDEED CANNOT, SPEAK WITH UNANIMITY ON THE MERITS OR OTHERWISE OF IMPOSING AN AD VALOREM DUTY - OR INDEED ON ANYTHING EXCEPT THE VIRTUES OF LOW TAX,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT DESPITE THE LOWERING OF THE DUTY DIFFERENTIAL TO AN ALL TIME LOW, UNITED STATES COMPANIES HAD CONTINUED TO MAKE ALLEGATIONS OF HONG KONG PROTECTIONISM.
+1 DO NOT ACCEPT THAT THESE ALLEGATIONS HAVE REAL SUBSTANCE BECAUSE THE DUTY DIFFERENTIALS THAT EXIST REFLECT ESTABLISHED-INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE WHEREBY RAW MATERIALS ARE NORMALLY TAXtJ AT A LOWER RATE THAN THE RELATED MANUFACTURED PRODUCT.
+1 MUST NOT, HOWEVER, PROVIDE ANY EXCUSE FOR A REPETITION CF THESE UNFAIR ALLEGATIONS IN 1986 WHEN TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WILL HAVE SUCH A HIGH PROFILE,* SIR JOHN oAlD.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
10
HE SAID THE RETAIL PRICE OF LOCALLY-PRODUCED CIGARETTES SHOULD INCREASE MUCH LESS THAN THE DUTY RATE INCREASE OF 11.8 PER CENT.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT CONSUMPTION OF MANUFACTURED TOBACCO (OTHER VARIETIES) HAD INCREASED MARKEDLY IN RECENT YEARS BECAUSE OF THE INCREASED USE OF PUFF OR CUT TOBACCO BY LOCAL CIGARETTE MANUFACTURERS.
EVEN AFTER AN INCREASE IN THE DUTY RATE OF 21 PER CENT IN THE 1985 BUDGET, CONSUMPTION IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR HAD GROWN BY AN ENORMOUS 192 PER CENT. IN RECOGNITION OF THIS RISE, AND TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE DUTY RATE INCREASE ON IMPORTED RAW TOBACCO, HE PROPOSED THE $20 A KILOGRAM RISE IN THE DUTY RATE ON MANUFACTURED TOBACCO (OTHER VARIETIES).
SIR JOHN SAID TOTAL ADDITIONAL REVENUE FROM THE TWO DUTY RATE INCREASES WAS ESTIMATED AT $55 MILLION FOR 1986-87 — $40 MILLION FROM IMPORTED RAW TOBACCO AND $15 MILLION FROM MANUFACTURED TOBACCO (OTHER VARIETIES). IN BOTH CASES HE HAD ALLOWED FOR CONSUMER RESISTANCE.
THESE PROPOSALS WERE ALSO THE SUBJECT OF REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR EARLIER IN THE DAY.
-------0---------
BANK, DTC LICENCE FEE RISE PROPOSED SZ
***** c
PROPOSALS FOR AN INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT IN BANK LICENCE FEES AND 13 PER CENT IN DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY LICENCE FEES WERE MADE BY SIR JOHN BREMR1DGE TODAY.
THE TWO LICENCE FEES WERE LAST INCREASED IN 1983 AND 1984 RESPECTIVELY. SIR JOHN PROPOSED THAT THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEE FOR A BANK BE INCREASED FROM $300 000 TO $360 000. THE LICENCE FEE FOR A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WOULD GO UP FROM $150 000 TO $170 000.
HE ALSO PROPOSED SIMILAR INCREASES IN RELATED FEES. FOR BANKS, THESE INCLUDED THE FEES REQUIRED FOR ESTABLISHING A LOCAL BRANCH AND AN OVERSEAS BRANCH. THE FORMER WOULD RISE FROM $15 000 TO $17 000, AND THE LATTER FROM $30 000 TO $34 000.
FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, THE FEE FOR ESTABLISHING A
LOCAL BRANCH WOULD RISE FROM $7 500 TO $8 500, AND THE REGISTRATION
FEE WOULD INCREASE FROM $45 000 TO $50 000.
OVERALL, THE INCREASES WOULD YIELD AROUND $15 MILLION IN
1986-87. <
/HE ADDED .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 19^6
11
HE ADDED THAT THESE PROPOSALS WOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS AT THE END OF MARCH AND AMENDING LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY AFTERWARDS.
SIR JOHN SAID EFFORTS TO KEEP FEES AND CHARGES GENERALLY AS UP TO DATE AS POSSIBLE HAD BEEN ASSISTED IN RECENT YEARS BY COMPUTER SYSTEMS DESIGNED SPECIALLY FOR THIS PURPOSE.
DURING THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, A NUMBER OF AREAS WERE SCHEDULED FOR THEIR NORMAL REGULAR REVIEW. THESE WOULD INCLUDE WATER CHARGES AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT CHARGES. IN ADDITION, A FRESH LOOK WOULD BE TAKEN AT PARKING METER CHARGES, WHICH HAD BEEN UNCHANGED SINCE 1981.
+1 EXPECT THAT THESE TOGETHER WITH THE FAR MORE NUMEROUS, BUT INDIVIDUALLY SMALLER ITEMS THAT WILL 'COME UP FOR REVIEW IN 1986 WILL YIELD A TOTAL OF ABOUT $135 MILLION.+
-----o-----
TAX ALLOWANCE TO BENEFIT 96 PER CENT
M # * *
TAX PROPOSALS IN THE 1986-87 BUDGET WOULD BENEFIT ABOUT 96 PER CENT OF THOSE WHO MIGHT EXPECT TO PAY SALARIES TAX, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH TODAY.
UNDER SIR JOHN’S PROPOSALS, THE ADDITIONAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCE (SINGLE) WOULD RISE FROM 37 500 TO $8 500, AND THAT FOR MARRIED PERSONS FROM $17 000 TO $19 000.
THE BASIC PERSONAL ALLOWANCE PLUS ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE WOULD TOTAL $29 000 FOR A SINGLE PERSON AND $60 000 FOR A MARRIED COUPLE.
SIR JOHN ALSO SAID THAT A RISE IN THE BASIC DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE FROM $8 000 TO $9 000 WOULD TAKE THE TOTAL ALLOWANCE AVAILABLE FOR A DEPENDENT PARENT RESIDING WITH THE TAXPAYER TO $12 000.
THE CHANGES WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1986 AND WOULD THEREFORE FIRST APPLY TO PROVISIONAL SALARIES TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR 1986-87, FINAL TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR THAT YEAR, AND TO 1986-87 PERSONAL ASSESSMENTS.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT WHILE THE CONCESSIONS MIGHT NOT BE AS LARGE AS SOME MIGHT WISH, HE BELIEVED THEM TO BE REASONABLE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE PRESENT LOW INFLATION RATE AND THE PERSONAL TAXATION CHANGES MADE IN THE LAST BUDGET.
HE ESTIMATED THE COST TO REVENUE IN 1986-87 TO BE ABOUT $127 MILLION, AND $180 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR.
c --------
/12........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
REPEAL OF OFFSHORE DEPOSITS LAW PROPOSED
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, PROPOSED TODAY THAT THE AMENDMENTS MADE IN 1984 TO THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WHICH RENDERED SOME INTEREST EARNED ON OFFSHORE DEPOSITS CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX, BE REPEALED FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
SIR JOHN EXPLAINED THAT THE PROPOSAL TO REVERSE THE LEGISLATION THAT HAD ONLY BEEN IN EFFECT FOR A SHORT TIME DID NOT MEAN THAT HE CONSIDERED IT TO HAVE BEEN PHILOSOPHICALLY MISCONCEIVED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
+IT HAS, HOWEVER, PROVED TO BE FAR MORE CONTENTIOUS AND DIFFICULT TO INTERPRET THAN I AT FIRST EXPECTED,* HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID HE BELIEVED IN PRINCIPLE THAT INTEREST DERIVED THROUGH OR FROM THE CARRYING ON OF A BUSINESS IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE LIABLE TO PROFITS TAX IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THAT INTEREST AROSE FROM ONSHORE OR OFFSHORE DEPOSITS.
’THE PROVISION OF CREDIT’ TEST IN THIS TECHNOLOGICAL AGE IS BOTH ARTIFICIAL AND INAPPROPRIATE IN DETERMINING THE TRUE TERRITORIAL SOURCE OF INTEREST INCOME DERIVED BY BUSINESS, HE ADDED.
+WHILE PHILOSOPHICALLY THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MERE HOLDING OF INVESTMENT FUNDS OFFSHORE AND THE MAKING OF DEPOSITS OFFSHORE AS PART OF A BUSINESS CARRIED ON IN HONG KONG, IT HAS HOWEVER PROVED IMPOSSIBLE TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN THE TWO IN THE FORM OF THE CRISP LEGAL DRAFTING ESSENTIAL TO REVENUE LAW,* SIR JOHN SAID.
+UNCERTAINTY IN THE LAW IS ALWAYS UNSATISFACTORY,* HE SAID, +IN THIS CASE THE UNCERTAINTY HAS TENDED TO STRENGTHEN THE CASE OF THOSE WHO SEEK TO PRETEND THAT WE HAVE DEPARTED IN SOME WAY FROM THE IMPORTANT TERRITORIAL SOURCE CONCEPT OF TAXABLE PROFITS.*
+ACCORDINGLY, AND ON THE ADVICE OF THE HELPFUL UMELCO AD HOC INLAND REVENUE REVIEW PANEL SET UP TO EXAMINE THIS MATTER AMONGST OTHERS, I AGREED THAT THE PRACTICE NOTES ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE ON THE ASSESS IBILITY OF INTEREST SHOULD BE SUITABLY AMENDED TO MAKE THE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH OFFSHORE INTEREST IS LIABLE TO TAX MUCH CLEARER,* SIR JOHN SAID.
HE HAD ALSO PROMISED THE PANEL THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO REPEALING THE AMENDMENTS ALTOGETHER WHEN THE FISCAL AND BUDGETARY POSITION PERMITTED, HE SAID.
/WITH THE
WECWESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 13 -
WITH THE IMPROVED BUDGET POSITION, SIR JOHN SAID HE WAS ABLE TO CONTEMPLATE TAX CONCESSIONS FOR BUSINESS EARLIER THAN HE HAD EXPECTED.
+l HAVE THEREFORE, DECIDED TO ADVANCE THE REPEAL OF THESE PARTICULAR AMENDMENTS, WHICH INADVERTENTLY HAVE CREATED ABSURD LEVELS OF DISPUTE,* HE SAID.
IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE THE COST OF THIS PROPOSAL WITH ANY ACCURACY BUT HE BELIEVED THE LOSS TO THE REVENUE IN 1986-87 WOULD BE ABOUT $200 MILLION FALLING TO $150 MILLION PER ANNUM THEREAFTER, HE SAID.
THE REDUCTION AFTER 1986-87 TAKES ACCOUNT OF HIS EXPECTATION THAT THE YIELD FROM ThTs SOURCE WOULD HAVE BEEN REDUCED FROM ITS INITIAL LEVEL ESTIMATED AT $350 MILLION IN 1985-86, AS METHODS OF AVOIDANCE WERE INEVITABLY FOUND TO MITIGATE THE EFFECT OF THE LEGISLATION, SIR JOHN SAID.
- - 0 - -
RISE IN VEHICLE, DRIVING LICENCE FEES PLANNED *****
PROPOSALS TO RAISE VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCE FEES BY AROUND FOUR PER CENT WERE ANNOUNCED BY SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE TODAY.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH HE HAD INCREASED VEHICLE AND DRIVIN LICENCE FEES IN LAST YEAR’S BUDGET, THIS WAS A SENSITIVE AREA TO WHICH HE FELT THE +LITTLE AND OFTEN* PRINCIPLE PARTICULARLY APPLIED. THE INCREASES WERE ESTIMATED TO YIELD ABOUT $40 MILLION IN 1986-87.
UNDER THE PROPOSALS, THE FEE FOR A FULL DRIVING LICENCE WILL RISE FROM $160 A YEAR TO $170.
THE FEE FOR A PRIVATE CAR UNDER 1 500 CC WILL RISE FROM $2 500 TO $2 600- THE FEE FOR A PRIVATE CAR BETWEEN 2 501 CC AND 3 500 CC WILL RISE FROM $5 000 TO $5 200, AND THAT FOR A PRIVATE CAR EXCEEDING 4 500 CC WILL RISE FROM $7 400 TO $7 700.
RATES FOR OTHER TYPES AND SIZES OF VEHICLES WILL RISE IN PROPORTION.
THESE PROPOSALS WERE ALSO THE SUBJECT OF REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNED EARLIER IN THE DAY BY THE GOVERNOR.
-----o------
/14........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
14
♦REGULAR REVISIONS BEST GUARANTEE* * * * * *
REGULAR SMALL REVISIONS OF MAJOR CHARGES AND TAX RATES, TO MAINTAIN THEIR YIELD IN REAL TERMS, WAS THE BEST GUARANTEE OF A CONTINUING SOUND BASIS FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN SUMMARISING THE REVENUE MEASURES IN THE 1986-87 BUDGET TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR JOHN SAID IT HAD REQUIRED A RIGOROUS DISCIPLINE OVER THE LAST FEw YEARS TO REGAIN A SITUATION WHICH HAD BEEN GRADUALLY DETERIORATING BECAUSE OF THE FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY ENGENDERED BY ABUNDANT LAND REVENUES.
THE PROCESS OF UPDATING MAJOR CHARGES AND TAX RATES HAD NOW LARGELY BEEN COMPLETED.
♦ A FIRM WATCH MUST BE KEPT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIRECT AND INDIRECT TAXATION.
+1 HAVE STATED IN PREVIOUS BUDGET SPEECHES MY VIEW THAT BY 1983 TOO MUCH EMPHASIS HAD COME TO BE PLACED ON DIRECT TAXATION AND NOT ENOUGH ON INDIRECT TAXATION. MY BUDGETS SINCE THEN HAVE SERVED TO REDUCE THE DI RECT:I ND I RECT RELATIONSHIP FROM 69:31 IN 1982-83 TO 59:41 IN 1985-86. CONSOLIDATION SEEMS APPROPRIATE AT ABOUT THIS LEVEL,* SIR JOHN SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID THE BUDGET PROPOSALS WOULD COST A NET $40 MILLION IN 1986-87 — REVENUE RAISING MEASURES DESIGNED TO YIELD $295 MILLION, OFFSET BY TAX CONCESSIONS ESTIMATED TO COST $335 MILLION.
-----0------
EXCLUSION FROM CHARGE TO STAMP DUTY SOUGHT * * * *
FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TODAY TO EXCLUDE FROM THE CHARGE TO STAMP DUTY HONG KONG NSTRUMENTS WHICH ARE IN RESPECT OF LOAN CAPITAL AND IN UNIT TRUSTS INVESTING ONLY IN SUCH INSTRUMENTS.
THE PROPOSED BEARER I OF UNITS
HE SAID THE STAMP DUTY CHARGE OF ONE PER CENT ON HONG KONG BEARER INSTRUMENTS RELATING TO LOAN CAPITAL HAD BROUGHT IN A NEGLIGIBLE AMOUNT OF REVENUE.
THIS WAS BECAUSE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS MOST HONG KONG COMPANIES SEEKING LOAN CAPITAL HAD EITHER ISSUED NON-HONG KONG DOLLAR EURO BONDS OR USED OFFSHORE SUBSIDIARIES AS THE ISSUING VEHICLES, HE EXPLAINED.
/+CLEARLY, THIS........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 15 -
♦CLEARLY, THIS STAMP DUTY CHARGE IS HAVING AN INHIBITING EFFECT ON THE RAISING OF CAPITAL THROUGH THE ISSUE OF BONDS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
IF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT ENCOURAGED THE ISSUE OF CORPORATE BONDS BY HONG KONG AND FOREIGN COMPANIES, THE REVENUE COULD EXPECT TO GAIN EVENTUALLY FROM THE ADDITIONAL PROFITS AND SALARIES TAX FLOWING FROM THE INCREASED ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR, HE SAID.
♦FURTHERMORE, THE EXISTENCE OF MORE BONDS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF SECONDARY MARKETS, THUS ENHANCING THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
AS FOR ESTATE DUTY, SIR JOHN PROPOSED THAT THE WORDING OF THE ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO ENSURE THAT THE EXEMPTION WOULD APPLY IN ALL CASES WHERE THERE WAS BOTH A PRINCIPAL MATRIMONIAL HOME AND A SURVIVING SPOUSE.
HE SAID THAT LEGISLATION ENACTED EARLIER EXEMPTED FROM DUTY A PRINCIPAL MATRIMONIAL HOME WHICH HAD BEEN PASSED TO THE SURVIVING SPOUSE UNDER A WILL OR BY OPERATION OF LAW.
HOWEVER, IN SOME CASES WHERE A PERSON DIED INTESTATE, THE SURVIVING SPOUSE HAD NO RIGHT TO THE MATRIMONIAL HOME. CONSEQUENTLY THE EXEMPTION AVAILABLE UNDER THE EXISTING LEGISLATION COULD NOT APPLY.
THE COST OF THIS PROPOSAL WOULD BE ABOUT S8 MILLION IN 1986-87, HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT HE HAD CONSIDERED SUGGESTIONS THAT THE ESTATE DUTY ORDINANCE MIGHT BE FURTHER AMENDED IN A NUMBER OF WAYS, BUT AFTER CAREFUL EXAMINATION HAD FOUND THE PROPOSALS UNACCEPTABLE AS THEY HAD SERIOUS DRAWBACKS.
♦THE IMPLEMENTATION* OF ALL OR ANY OF THE CHANGES WOULD BE VERY COSTLY TO THE REVENUE,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
♦IN ADDITION THEY WOULD COMPLICATE OUR TAX SYSTEM FURTHER AND WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ADMINISTER.*
THE PRESENT EXEMPTION LEVELS, SIR JOHN SAID, WERE GENEROUS AND THE RATES WERE LOW BY ANY STANDARDS.
IN MANY CASES, BECAUSE DIVIDENDS AND INCOME WITH A SOURCE OUTSIDE HONG KONG WERE NOT CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX, ESTATE DUTY WAS THE ONLY DIRECT TAX WHICH SOME HONG KONG RESIDENTS WOULD EVER PAY.
♦ESTATE DUTY IS THEREFORE A WAY OF ENSURING THAT SOME OF THOSE ABLE TO AFFORD IT MAKE AT LEAST ONE CONTRIBUTION TO THE EXCHEQUER,* SIR JOHN SAID.
------0-------
/16........
- 16 -
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
COMMISSION STUDYING LAND SALES PLAN * * *
A DETAILED PROGRAMME OF LAND DISPOSAL FOR 1986-87 IS CURRENTLY EE I NG CONSIDERED BY THE LAND COMMISSION AND SHOULD BE AGREED SHORTLY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.
IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, SIR JOHN SAID FROM A PROVISIONAL DRAFT PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDED AT LEAST TWO MORE LARGE SITES IN TrE URBAN AREAS AND A NUMBER OF VALUABLE SITES FOR PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME HOUSING, THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATED THAT THE GROSS LAND REVENUE TO BE SHARED IN 1986-87 SHOULD EE 83.4 BILLION.
+ABOUT 81.4 BILLION WOULD ACCRUE TO THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT AND $2 BILLION TO THE WORKS ACCOUNT,* HE SAID.
+THESE FIGURES, HOWEVER, ARE DEPENDENT ON SO MANY UNKNOWNS THAT THEY CANNOT BE RELIABLE, THEY REPRESENT ONLY A BEST GUESS,* HE ADDED.
THE GROSS ESTIMATE OF 83.4 BILLION FOR THE SUSPENSE ACCOUNT TOGETHER WITH THE REVENUE OF 8500 MILLION ACCRUING TO THE GENERAL REVENUE COMPARED WITH A REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1985-86 TOTALLING 84.6 BILLION AND ACTUAL REVENUE IN 1984-85 OF $4.3 BILLION, SIR JOHN SAID.
ON EXPENDITURE UNDER THE FUND ACCOUNTS, SIR JOHN ESTIMATED A SPENDING OF $9.4 BILLION.
+THIS WILL BE MET PARTLY BY INTERNAL REVENUE GENERATED BY THE FUNDS THEMSELVES IN TERMS OF LAND TRANSACTIONS, LOAN REPAYMENTS AND INTEREST AND PARTLY BY A TRANSFER OF FUNDS FROM GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT,* HE SAID.
-----n------
+1 WISH I HAD BEEN MORE FAR SIGHTED*
* * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY THAT HE ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGED HIS MISTAKES.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT DURING DELIBERATION OF THE BUDGET IN 1982 HE HAD NOTED +APPREHENSIVE (AND INDEED PERCEPTIVE) COMMENTS BY MISS LYDIA DUNN AND MR BILL BROWN ON POSSIBLE FUTURE PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND CAPITAL REVENUE AND THE ALLIED POSSIBILITY OF FALLING REVENUE FROM LAND SALES.
/+! WISH .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
♦I WISH LIKE THEM I HAD BEEN MORE FAR SIGHTED, THOUGH I WAS NOT ALONE. BUT I ALWAYS ACKNOWLEDGE MY MISTAKES. I DID REPLYi IF FOR INSTANCE GOVERNMENT LAND SALES OR PROFITS TAX OR ANY OTHER MAJOR HEAD OF REVENUE FALL OFF SHARPLY THEN INITIALLY ANY DEFICIT IN OVERALL RETURN WOULD BE TAKEN UP BY OUR SATISFACTORY RESERVES. THAT IS WHAT SAVINGS ARE FOR AND WE MUST NOT GET EXCITED ABOUT ONE OR POSSIBLY TWO DIFFICULT YEARS. FOR SUBSEQUENT BUDGETS WE WOULD THEN HAVE TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO RAISE TAXATION, CUT EXPENDITURE, USE THE RESERVES OR RAISE LOANS.+
SIR JOHN SAID THIS WAS EXACTLY WHAT HAD BEEN DONE, ALL OF IT, AND IT HAD SUCCEEDED.
HE ALSO COMMENTED THAT HE HAD STATED IN
1982 THAT IT WAS PLANNING UNIT TO
ESSENTIAL FOR THE FINANCE BRANCH TO SET UP A
WORK ON MODELS FOR PROJECTION OVER A FIVE YEAR PER OD SO THAT ♦WE COULD SEE WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN TO FUTURE BUDGETS IN THE LIGHT
CF VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS.*
THIS WAS ONLY A PLANNING TOOL, AND ALL EXPERIENCED BUSINESSMEN WOULD BE AWARE THAT IT MUST NOT BE TAKEN AS A LONG RANGE FORECAST — +NOT LEAST BECAUSE OF THE HEROIC ASSUMPTIONS THAT HAVE TO BE MADE AND THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF FORESEEING WHAT NEW POLICY INITIATIVES OR PROGRAMMES MAY BE AGREED OR WHAT UNEXPECTED CONTINGENCIES HAVE TO BE MET. I REMAIN VERY SCEPTICAL ABOUT THE RELIABILITY OF FINANCIAL SOOTHSAYING.*
SIR JOHN SAID THAT LAST YEAR IN THE BUDGET DEBATE HE HAD BEEN UNWILLING TO EXPOSE THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST, BECAUSE IT WAS STILL CLEARLY IN NEED OF FURTHER REFINEMENT.
♦IT CAN, HOWEVER, NOW STAND IN THE OPEN TO MAKE THE BUDGETARY PROPOSALS MORE COMPREHENSIBLE TO THIS COUNCIL. DO BEAR IN MIND THAT IMPROVEMENTS WILL INEVITABLY BE FOUND POSSIBLE IN LATER YEARS.
+WE ARE THEREFORE IN A POSITION TO TAKE AN OPEN VIEW EACH YEAR ON THE ESSENTIAL MEDIUM TRENDS. THIS FIRSTLY MEANS KEEPING AN EYE ON PROBABLE OPERATING SURPLUSES. IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO SEE PROBLEMS COMING UP AND THUS TO TAKE EARLY CORRECTIVE ACTION.*
-------0----------
INFLATION UNDER 4 PER CENT
*****
INFLATION HAD FALLEN MORE THAN HE DARED HOPE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID.
THE RATE WAS UNDER FOUR PER CENT ON CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR 1985.
/A SLIGHT .......
WEENBSDAY, FEBRUARY ?6, 1986
- 18
A SLIGHT UPTURN WAS EXPECTED IN 1986 AS A RESULT OF THE EFFECTS ON IMPORTS OF THE DROP IN THE VALUE OF THE U.S. DOLLAR, TO WHICH REPRESENTING LONG TERM GOVERNMENT POLICY THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WAS FIRMLY LINKED AND WOULD REMAIN LINKED.
SIR JOHN SAID THE FALL IN THE TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR SHOULD, HOWEVER, BE OF ASSISTANCE IN EXPORT MARKETS. MOREOVER, THE CURRENT PRIME RATE OF SEVEN PER CENT HAD BEEN UNCHANGED FOR SIX MONTHS, AND WAS LOW BY COMPARISON rtITH OTHERS, FOR EXAMPLE IN THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA.
REFERRING TO EMPLOYMENT, SIR JOHN SAID: + AS I THINK YOU ALL KNOW THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO OUR UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES. IT REMAINS SATISFACTORY THAT WE HAVE IN EFFECT FULL EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG WITH REAL WAGES INCRFASING MODERATELY. APART FROM IMPORTANT SOCIAL ISSUES, CLEARLY CONSIDERABLE UNEMPLOYMENT WOULD REQUIRE AN APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN PARTICULAR*.
-------C--------„
MORE SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCE PROPOSED
*****
REVENUE PROPOSALS FOR 1986-87 INCLUDE FURTHER INCREASES IN SALARIES TAX ALLOWANCES, A SMALL AMENDMENT TO ESTATE DUTY AND REMOVAL OF THE UNPOPULAR 1984 OVERSEAS INTEREST TAX PROVISIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.
THERE WOULD BE MODERATE ADJUSTMENTS IN SOME LICENCE FEES, DUTIES AND CHARGES, BUT OVERALL IN MONEY NOT IN REAL TERMS, AND DESIGNED TO MAINTAIN REAL REVENUE YIELDS.
+1 BELIEVE THAT THESE PROPOSALS WILL PROVE TO BE SENSITIVE TO THE SITUATION IN WHICH WE ALL ACTUALLY LIVE, THOUGH THEY CANNOT EXPECT UNIVERSAL APPROVAL*, SIR JOHN SAID.
+THEY ACTUALLY CUT EXPECTED REVENUE BY $40 MILLION NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR IN MONEY TERMS. I HOPE THAT THIS BUDGET MAY MARK THE END OF REGULAR REAL TAX INCREASES*.
SIR JOHN REMINDED MEMBERS AGAIN OF THE POSSIBLE YIELDS FROM INCREASES IN DIRECT TAXATION, WHICH HE +CERTAINLY DID NOT RECOMMEND*. HE SAID HIS VIEW HAD NOT CHANGED FROM HIS BUDGET STATEMENT LAST YEAR THAT +ENTERPRISE AND HARD WORK ARE STIMULATED BY LOW DIRECT TAXATION AND BY CONFIDENCE THAT IT WILL REMAIN LOW.*
/SIR JOHN
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 19 -
SIR JOHN WENT ON: +SETTING ASIDE OTHER ARGUMENTS, THE ADDITION OF ONE PERCENTAGE POINT TO THE PRESENT STANDARD RATt CF 17 PER CENT IS NOW ESTIMATED TO Y,ELD $15° MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR AND $300 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR- .SIMILARLY THE ADDITION OF ONE PERCENTAGE POINT IN THE CORPORATE RATE OF 18.5 PER CENT WOULD YIELD $230 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR AND $485 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
+IF THEREFORE THERE IS SUPPORT FOR FURTHER INCREASES IN PURI IC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WHICH I BELIEVE WOULD BE MOST UNWISE PART rilSEARC ? AT THIS JUNCTURE MEMBERS CAN SEE WHAT IT WOULD COST TO BALANCE INCREASED SPENDING BY HIGHER DIRECT TAXATION.
+THEY CAN ALSO EASILY JUDGE WHAT INCREASES IN INDIRECT TAXATION WOULD BE INVOLVED. NATURALLY A DEGREE OF JUGGLING XJTf?prf2tIAL SLICING REMAINS POSSIBLE THOUGH LONG TERM STARIL ISATION OF ALL TAX MEASURES IS AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION. A sJlES OR VAlSe ADDED TAX REMAINS A THEORETICAL POSSIBILITY WHATEVER WE DO MUST BE SUITABLE FOR HONG KONG. I ASSUME THAT FEW WILL ADVOCATE DEFICIT FINANCING IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES*.
o
EXPENDITURE OVER 16 PER CENT OF GDP
*****
IN 1985-86 WILL BE OVER 16 PER CENT BUT WOULD BE APPRECIABLY LOWER IF THAN FORECAST, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY,
PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, GDP ITSELF HAD NOT BEEN LOwER
SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.
THE CUT OF ABOUT THREE PERCENTAGE POINTS IN THREE YEARS wAS STILL VERY LARGE, SIR JOHN SAID. HOwEVER PAINFUL, CONTROL OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WAS OF FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE. HONG KONG HAD TO BE FRUGAL.
HE BELIEVED EXPENDITURE SHOULD RUN AT ABOUT THE SAME PERCENTAGE LEVEL IN 1986-87 AND IN THE YEARS BEYOND, THOUGH IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO MAKE ACCURATE FORECASTS.
HE SAID: +AS ONE EXAMPLE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROBLEMS, THE PROVISIONAL ACCEPTABLE LEVELS OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE NEXT YEAR HAVE TO BE RELEASED TO BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT IN SEPTEMBER, THAT IS AT LEAST FIVE MONTHS BEFORt THE BUDGET DATE, ITSELF A MONTH BEFORE THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR STARTS. THEY CANNOT THEREFORE BE BASED ON ANY (RELATIVELY) ACCURATE FORECAST OF THE CURRENT YEAR’S EXPENDITURE OR OF EXPECTED GROWTH IN THE SUBSEQUENT FINANCIAL YEAR’S GDP.
/+THOUGH WE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
20 -
♦THOUGH WE DO ADJUST SUBSEQUENTLY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, GENERALLY SPEAKING WE HAVE TO WORK ON THE BLUNT ASSUMPTIONS OF THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST. THESE ASSUMPTIONS SHOULD BE DEPENDABLE WHEN AVERAGED OVER A SERIES OF YEARS. BUT THEY WILL NOT BE ACCURATE FOR ONE YEAR, UNLESS «E ARE EXTRAORDINARILY LUCKY. IN 1985-86, PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE GROWTH THUS UNWITTINGLY NOSED AHEAD OF GDP GROWTH. THERE WAS OF COURSE AN OPPOSITE SWING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.+
SIR JOHN SAID THAT ON APRIL 1, 1986, FISCAL RESERVES
ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT WILL BE ABOUT $15.6 BILLION. THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO NET DEBT. THIS WAS A STRONG POSITION, AS FOR MOST GOVERNMENTS SERVICE OF THE NATIONAL DEBT REPRESENTED A LARGE PORTION OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT EARNED INCOME. FOR MOST GOVERNMENTS UNEXPECTED DISASTERS MEANT MORE BORROWING. HONG KONG HAD RESOURCES IN HAND.
STATING HE DID NOT WANT TO BE ACCUSED OF MISLEADING OPTIMISM, SIR JOHN NOTED THAT THE ECONOMY WAS NOW ENTIRELY EXTERNALLY ORIENTED, AND VISIBLE TRADE NOW REPRESENTED ABOUT 175 PER CENT CF GDP.
+AS HAS BEEN UNDERLINED IN 1985 WE ARE ALWAYS EXPOSED TO THE CYCLICAL WINDS THAT HOWL AROUND wORLD TRADE.
♦FREQUENTLY WE CAN DO LITTLE TO HELP OURSELVES BEYOND PRUDENT MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC FINANCES AND RELIANCE ON MARKET FORCES AND ON THE VIGOURS OF OUR PROPERLY MOTIVATED ENTREPRENEUR.
♦OUR ECONOMY IS ALSO CHANGING SHAPE UNDER OUR EYES. I THUS MAKE NO APOLOGIES FOR WHAT SOME WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CALL EXCESS CONSERVATISM IN MY APPROACH TOWARDS HONG KONG’S PUBLIC FINANCES. THEY ARE NOW, I BELIEVE, AGAIN IN SOUND SHAPE. BUT EVEN THIS COMMENT WOULD BE PROVED SANGUINE BY EVENTS WHOLLY OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL.+
- - 0 -
GDP
UP BY ONE PER CENT * * *
BY ABOUT ONE PER CENT DOWN COMPARED WITH
THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) GREW in iOS's REPRESENTING A SIGNIFICANT SLOWING THFCROWTH RATE OF OVER NINE PER CENT IN 1984, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH TODAY.
SIR JOHN SAID THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY WAS DISAPPOINTING, WITH THE MAJOR FACTOR BEING A FALL IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS THOUGH TOTAL EXPORTS STILL GREW BY SIX PER CENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECLINED BY FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, REFLECTING THE SLOWDOWN IN ECONOMIC GROWTH IN OUR MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS, IN PARTICULAR THE UNITED STATES, AND THE RELATIVE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
/re-exports
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 19&6
RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW, AS DID IMPORTS, BY 25 PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
+AS A RESULT, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT RECORDED A SURPLUS EQUIVALENT TO 1.6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, A UNIQUE OUTCOME FOR HONG KONG IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD,* SAID SIR JOHN.
WITHIN DOMESTIC DEMAND, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE GREW BY FIVE PER CENT. OVERALL EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, HOWEVER, DECLINED BY 10 PER CENT DUE TO THE COMPLETION OF A NUMBER OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND THE MAJOR PART OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE. OVERALL EXPENDITURE ON PLANT AND MACHINERY DECLINED BY THREE PER CENT, REFLECTING THE EFFECT OF THE POOR DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE ON MANUFACTURERS’ INVESTMENT PLANS.
SIR JOHN SAID IN NATIONAL ACCOUNT TERMS, PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE OVERALL DECLINED BY EIGHT PER CENT.
DESPITE THE POOR DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE, THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES REMAINED AT A LOW LEVEL. THE EFFECT OF JOB LOSSES IN MANUFACTURING WAS OFFSET BY INCREASED EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, PARTICULARLY THOSE ASSOCIATED WITH THE RE-EXPORT TRADE. THE LATTER HAD BECOME OF GREATER VALUE TO HONG KONG THAN WAS GENERALLY ACKNOWLEDGED, SIR JOHN SAID.
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1985, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STOOD AT 3.2 PER CENT — EFFECTIVELY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND LOWER THAN 12 MONTHS BEFORE — AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE AT ONLY 1.1 PER CENT. DURING THE YEAR, EARNINGS IN MOST SECTORS INCREASED IN REAL TERMS, HELPED BY THE SLOWING DOWN IN THE RATE OF INFLATION.
THE AVERAGE RATE OF INFLATION, AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), WAS 3.2 PER CENT IN 1985, COMPARED WITH 8.1 PER CENT IN 1984.
SIR JOHN SAIDt +THIS WELCOME OUTCOME IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO A NUMBER OF FACTORS, INCLUDING THE WEAK GROWTH IN DOMESTIC DEMAND, THE MODEST RATES OF INFLATION IN OUR MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, GENERALLY SOFT COMMODITY PRICES, SOUND GOVERNMENT POLICIES, AND THE RELATIVE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN EARLY 1985.+
HE ADDEDs +THUS IN 1985 IN COMMON WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER ECONOMIES IN THIS REGION, MORE DIFFICULT INTERNATIONAL TRADING CONDITIONS RESULTED IN A GDP GROWTH RATE SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW
THAT EARLIER FORECAST.*
- o ----------
/22........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 22 -
4.5 PER CENT GDP GROWTH SEEN FOR '86
* X * *
PRESENT FACTORS INDICATE THAT THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) WILL GROW AT A RATE OF ABOUT 4.5 PER CENT IN 1986, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
EXPLAINING THE REASONS FOR AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP, SIR JOHN SAID THE DOMESTIC EXPORT SECTOR SHOULD BENEFIT FROM THE EXPECTED IMPROVED GROWTH IN MOST MAJOR ECONOMIES. IN PARTICULAR, THE GROWTH RATES OF SEVERAL MAJOR MARKETS, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES AND WEST GERMANY, WERE EXPECTED TO ACCELERATE. MOREOVER, THE TRADE-WEIGHTED DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN THE LATTER PART OF 1985 WOULD HELP TO ENHANCE THE PRICE COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN WORLD MARKETS.
BUT PROTECTIONISM REMAINED A CONSTANT THREAT, AND THE FORTHCOMING NEGOTIATIONS ON THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT WERE GOING TO BE TOUGH. EVEN THE UNCERTAINTY CREATED BY THE THREAT OF GROWING PROTECTIONISM HAD SOME ADVERSE EFFECT ON DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE.
SIR JOHN SAID: +CHINA IS NOW HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST DOMESTIC EXPORT MARKET. THE UNDERSTANDABLE MEASURES ADOPTED BY CHINA IN EARLY 1985 TO RESTRICT IMPORTS AND TO CONTROL THE USE CF FOREIGN EXCHANGE RESERVES HAVE NEVERTHELESS RESULTED IN A SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATES OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA. THESE MEASURES ARE LIKELY TO PERSIST THROUGHOUT 1986.+
SIR JOHN SAID THAT, AS ALWAYS, THE FORECAST OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS THE MOST CRUCIAL PART OF THE WHOLE FORECASTING EXERCISE. IT WAS ALSO THE MOST DIFFICULT BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT OF FACTORS WHICH'WERE SIMULTANEOUSLY OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL AND DIFFICULT TO PREDICT.
♦WITH THIS WARNING, THE FORECAST OF THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1986 IS 7.5 PER CENT, A MARKED IMPROVEMENT COMPARED WITH THE DECLINE IN 1985. THIS FORECAST, COMBINED WITH AN EXPECTED GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS OF FOUR PER CENT, GIVES A FORECAST FOR TOTAL EXPORTS OF SIX PER CENT, ABOUT THE SAME AS IN 1985. SUCH AN OVERALL GROWTH RATE OF EXPORTS IS MODEST BY HONG KONG STANDARDS BUT THE SHIFT IN FAVOUR OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IMPLIES A GREATER INCREASE IN DOMESTIC VALUE-ADDED CONTENT.+
/PRIVATE........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 2J -
PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE WAS FORECAST TO GROW AT 3.5 PER CENT AND GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE AT TWO PER CENT. SIR JOHN SAID IN LINE WITH IMPROVEMENT IN EXPORT PERFORMANCE, PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON PLANT AND MACHINERY WAS FORECAST TO GROW BY THREE PER CENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION BY SIX PER CENT.
THE LATTER TOOK ACCOUNT OF WORK IN PROGRESS FOR MANY LARGE SCALE PROJECTS, SUCH AS THE NEw CONTAINER TERMINALS AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING. PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION WAS FORECAST TO GROW BY THREE PER CENT, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT WORK IN PROGRESS FOR THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME AND SUCH LARGE PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AS THE ROUTE 5 LINKING SHA TIN WITH KWAI CHUNG AND THE TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THESE FORECAST, WHEN COMBINED WITH THE FORECASTS OF OTHER, SMALLER, COMPONENTS, GAVE A GROWTH RATE FOR GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION FOR 1986 OF THREE PER CENT, A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT OVER 1985.
SIR JOHN SAID: +THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE FORECASTS OF FINAL DEMAND IS SIX PER CENT, THE SAME AS IN 1985. NET EXPORTS OF SERVICES ARE FORECAST TO GROW BY NINE PER CENT COMPARED WI TH A DECLINE CF ONE PER CENT FOR 1985.
♦ LET ME GET TO THE CRUX. THESE FORECASTS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF EXPENDITURE, WHEN COMBINED, GAVE A FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP OF ABOUT 4.5 PER CENT.+
SIR JOHN SAID IF THESE EXPECTATIONS WERE FULFILLED, ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 1986 WOULD BE LARGELY EXPORT-LED. THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL FINAL DEMAND (EXCLUDING RE-EXPORTS), AT FIVE PER CENT, WAS EXPECTED TO BE ONLY SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THAT OF THE GDP AND SHOULD NOT THEREFORE GENERATE SIGNIFICANT INTERNAL INFLATIONARY PRESSURES. THERE WOULD, HOWEVER, BE SOME INFLATIONARY PRESSURES IF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPRECIATED FURTHER, ALONG WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.
HE ADDED: +THE AVERAGE RATE OF INFLATION OF CONSUMER PRICES IN 1986 IS EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT FIVE PER CENT, AND THUS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN IN 1985. THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR IS FOUR PER CENT. I DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE ESTIMATE OF FIVE PER CENT OF GROWTH IN CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION AND OF 4.5 PER CENT ASSUMED FOR GOVERNMENT COST INFLATION IN THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST.
♦ THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP IN 1986 IN MONEY TERMS IS NINE PER CENT, IMPLYING A CURRENT PRICE GDP OF $289 BILLION. AT CURRENT PRICES, PER CAPITA GDP IN 1986 SHOULD THUS BE $53 OOO, OR ABOUT US$6 800.+
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/24........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1^86
?4
STABILITY THROUGH U.S.S LINK * * *
HONG KONG HAS EXPERIENCED REMARKABLE STABILITY IN THE EXCHANGE RATE DESPITE VOLATILE CONDITIONS IN THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS IN 1985 - THANKS TO THE LINK WI TH THE U.o. DOLLAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MAINTENANCE OF THE LINK CONTINUED TO BE GOVERNMENT POLICY, SIR JOHN SAID.
♦ THIS SHOULD NOW BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED. IT HAS SERVED HONG KONG WELL,* HE SAID.
-----0------
nO MAJOR BILL ON BANKING READY FOR STUDY * * * *
A MAJOR BILL TO REPLACE THE EXISTING BANKING AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCES IS NOW READY AND WILL TAKE THE USUAL LEGISLATIVE COURSE, ALLOWING TIME FOR SCRUTINY AND AMENDMENT, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.
INTRODUCING HIS FINAL BUDGET, SIR JOHN SAID THE NEW BILL WOULD EMBODY A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION.
♦ THIS APPROACH IS ONE THAT RELIES MORE ON THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING’S DIRECTION AND QUALITATIVE JUDGEMENT THAN ON QUANTITATIVE COMPLIANCE WITH TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS.
+AT THE SAME TIME IT INTRODUCES A GREATER DEGREE OF ACCOUNTABILITY BY THE COMMISSIONER IN THE EXERCISE OF HIS POWERS,* HE SAID.
IT WAS INTENDED THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF SOME OF THE NEW REQUIREMENTS WOULD BE PHASED IN OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, SIR JOHN SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE TAKEOVER OF THE INSOLVENT OVERSEAS TRUST BANK BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FACT THAT A FEW SMALLER LOCAL BANKS HAD SOUGHT STRONG PARTNERS TO IMPROVE THEIR POSITIONS, SIR JOHN SAID THE CAUSES OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH HAD EMERGED IN THE BANKING SECTOR WERE COMPLEX, AND OUTDATED PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION HAD NOT HELPED.
NOTING THAT HE HAD MENTIONED IN HIS LAST BUDGET SPEECH THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT IN THIS AREA, HE SAID EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION HAD BEEN UNDERTAKEN LAST YEAR WITH THE TWO ADVISORY COMMITTEES, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION, THE SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, AND OTHERS.
/♦THOUGH IT .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
♦THOUGH IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO SUIT ALL INTERESTS, THERE HAS RESULTED A GENERAL CONSENSUS ON A COMPREHENSIVE PACKAGE, AND ON THE NEED FOR A SINGLE PIECE OF NEW LEGISLATION TO REPLACE THE PRESENT BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCES.+ SIR JOHN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT DURING THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION IT WAS REPEATEDLY EMPHASIZED BY THE BANKING INDUSTRY THAT THE QUALITY AND ADEQUACY OF THE STAFF IN THE COMMISSION WAS CRUCIAL TO EFFECTIVE SUPERVISION.
♦THE COMMISSIONER HAS ARRANGED - AND WILL CONTINUE TO ARRANGE -TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT FOR HIS PROFESSIONAL STAFF. THE DRAFT ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE I AM PRESENTING ALSO CONTAIN APPROPRIATE INCREASES IN RESOURCES FOR THE COMMISSION,* SIR JOHN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DETERMINED TO PROMOTE SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICE AMONG ALL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND TO PROVIDE A MEASURE OF PROTECTION FOR DEPOSITORS.
WHILE THERE WOULD BE SUSTAINED EFFORTS TO IMPROVE PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION, SIR JOHN SAID, IT HAD TO BE REALISED THAT THIS DID NOT AND COULD NOT PROVIDE A FOOLPROOF SYSTEM WHICH FULLY SAFEGUARDED ALL INTERESTS.
♦OUR BANKING SYSTEM, DESPITE RECENT DIFFICULTIES, IS INTRINSICALLY SOUND. BUT IT MUST DEPEND ON HONEST PRACTICES.
♦IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS THE INTEGRITY OF THE1 SYSTEM RESTS ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF OUR BANKERS, WHO BEAR THE TRUST OF THE COMMON ITY,+ HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID THE INTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS CARRIED OUT IN THE PAST YEAR OR SO ALSO FOCUSSED ON WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE SOME FORM CF DEPOSIT INSURANCE.
♦ALL RECOGNISED THAT THE PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS WAS IMPORTANT. THERE WAS, HOWEVER, ALSO GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES MAKE DEPOSIT INSURANCE A NON-STARTER IN HONG KONG.
THE MAJOR BANKING GROUPS WOULD HAVE TO BEAR AN UNFAIR SHARE CF THE BURDEN, SIR JOHN SAID, ADDING THAT DEPOSIT INSURANCE COULD NOT PREVENT THE PROBLEMS OF ONE BANK SPREADING ACROSS THE BANKING SYSTEM AS A WHOLE AS A RESULT OF INTER-BANK RELATIONSHIPS.
-----0------
/26........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
26
♦OPERATING SURPLUS VITAL+ * * * *
THE MAINTENANCE OF A RECURRENT, OR OPERATING, SURPLUS WAS VITAL TO THE STABILITY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
EVEN WITH THE RECENT RECOVERY IN PROPERTY PRICES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD HAD TO LEARN TO ACCEPT A MUCH LOWER PROPORTION OF ITS CAPITAL PROGRAMMES BEING FINANCED FROM CAPITAL REVENUE.
THIS SHIFT IN EMPHASIS HAD NOW BEEN ACHIEVED, SIR JOHN SAID, AND TO MAINTAIN IT WOULD REQUIRE CONSTANT CARE THROUGH REGULAR REVIEWS OF SPECIFIC RATES OF TAXES AND CHARGES TO ENSURE THAT THEIR REAL VALUE WAS KEPT UP TO DATE.
♦ THE LESSON OF THE LATE 197O’S AND EARLY 198O’S IS CLEAR,+ SIR JOHN SAID. +IF WE EVER ALLOW THIS OPERATING SURPLUS TO SLIP, FALSELY REASSURED BY A TEMPORARY ABUNDANCE OF CAPITAL REVENUE, IT WILL BE A PAINFUL PROCESS TO EFFECT REPAIR.+
SIR JOHN SAID TOTAL EXPENDITURE GROWTH IN REAL TERMS WAS PROJECTED TO BE BETWEEN ABOUT 3.5 AND 4 PER CENT A YEAR, WHICH ■ WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW ASSUMED ECONOMIC GROWTH. THIS SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT, AVERAGED OVER SEVERAL YEARS, TO FINANCE ADDITIONAL STAFFING AND OTHER RECURRENT COSTS FLOWING FROM THE COMPLETION OF NEW PROJECTS AND FACILITIES, AND TO RESPOND REASONABLY TO PROJECTED DEMANDS FOR NEW OR IMPROVED SERVICES.
♦ AT THIS RATE OF GROWTH, PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE SHOULD STAY AROUND 16 PER CENT OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP), HAVING FALLEN IN RECENT YEARS FROM A HIGH OF JUST OVER 19 PER CENT IN 1982-83,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
+VIEWED IN ANOTHER WAY, ON CONSERVATIVE ASSUMPTIONS, ABOUT 16 PER CENT OF GDP REPRESENTS THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC ACTIVITY SUPPORTABLE BY PRESENT FISCAL POLICY.
♦ NOTHING THAT I HAVE SAID IMPLIES THAT A FIGURE LOWER THAN 16 PER CENT IS NOT ACHIEVABLE. IT WILL COME IF GDP GROWTH BURGEONS. ON THE OTHER HAND, SOME WILL PRESS FOR GREATER PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE. IF CONCEDED, IT WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID FOR BY HIGHER TAXES,* SIR JOHN SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE GOVERNMENT’S LATEST MEDIUM-RANGE FORECAST FOR GOVERNMENT FINANCES UP TO THE END OF THE DECADE, SIR JOHN SAID IT WAS NOT A PLAN, BUT A BASELINE AGAINST WHICH PROGRESS COULD BE MEASURED AND THE NEED FOR FURTHER ACTION ASSESSED.
/♦I MUST .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 27 -
+l MUST EMPHASISE THAT WE PRODUCE THIS FORECAST NOT BECAUSE ANYBODY SERIOUSLY BELIEVES THAT FUTURE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES CAN BE PRECISELY ANTICIPATED, BUT TO ENSURE THAT BEFORE IMPORTANT DECISIONS ARE TAKEN, WE HAVE A FIRM EYE ON THEIR POSSIBLE LONGER-TERM IMPACT,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT AS PROMISED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH LAST YEAR, THE FORECAST ALSO EMBODIED A REV IEv> OF THE FORMER BUDGETARY GUIDELINES. THESE HAD NOw EFFECTIVELY BEEN REPLACED BY EIGHT KEY ASSUMPTIONS.
+TW0 ARE BASIC ECONOMIC ASSUMPTIONS HAVING A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON GOVERNMENT FINANCES — THEY ARE THE AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH IN GDP AND THE AVERAGE RATE OF INFLATION AS IT AFFECTS PUBLIC SECTOR COSTS. WE HAVE TAKEN 4.5 PER CENT FOR BOTH. THEY CAN BE CHANGED ON REGULAR UPDATE IF NECESSARY,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
HE SAID THE REMAINING SIX ASSUMPTIONS WERE SPECIFIC TO GOVERNMENT FINANCES AND WERE THUS ARGUABLY SUBJECT TO DIRECT CONTROL. THEY COVERED TOTAL NET CASH FLOW, TOTAL EXPENDITURE GROWTH, CAPITAL EXPENDITURE GROWTH, TAXATION POLICY, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RECURRENT REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE, AND THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
-----0-------
MTRC, KCRC FINANCES STILL SEPARATE KM * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED NOT TO INCORPORATE THE FINANCES OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID.
THE ARGUMENT FOR THE INCLUSION OF MTRC AND KCRC FINANCES IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE WAS A RESPONSIBLE AND REASONED ONE WHICH HAD REQUIRED MUCH THOUGHT, HE SAID.
+THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW HOWEVER HAS NOT CHANGED THAT, GIVEN FULL PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE OF ALL THE FIGURES, THERE IS GREATER MERIT IN LIMITING THE DEFINITION OF CONSOLIDATED EXPENDITURE TO THAT VOTED FROM PUBLIC FUNDS,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT’S MEDIUM-RANGE FORECAST IDENTIFIED ALL EQUITY INJECTIONS INTO THE MTRC, BUT DID NOT INCLUDE THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATING EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE OF THE MTRC.
+T0 INCLUDE THESE WOULD, I SUGGEST, BE MISLEADING, SINCE THE WHOLE CONCEPT OF THE MTRC AS AN AUTONOMOUS CORPORATION SETS IT CLEARLY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AS A COMPETING TRANSPORT MODE,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
/+ANYWAY, WE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
- 28 -
♦ANYWAY, WE TAKE NO ACCOUNT OF THE PROFITS ALREADY BEING MADE BY THE KCRC AND WHICH WE EXPECT FROM THE MTRC IN THE MID-199O’S. IT MAY ALSO APPEAR APPROPRIATE ONE DAY TO OFFER A SHAREHOLDING TO THE PUBLIC.+
SIR JOHN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S MEDIUM-RANGE FORECAST PROJECTED A SURPLUS IN TOTAL CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW IN 1986-87, FOLLOWED BY A SMALL DEFICIT IN 1987-88 BECAUSE OF A FURTHER EQUITY INJECTION INTO THE MTRC IN THAT YEAR, AND A RETURN TO SURPLUS IN 1988-89. IN 1989-90, THE FORECAST PROVIDED FOR A POSSIBLE FURTHER EQUITY INJECTION INTO THE MTRC AND FOR REPAYMENT OF THE 1984 BOND ISSUE.
♦OVER THE FORECAST PERIOD AS A WHOLE THE APPARENT POSITION IS ONE OF A SMALL UNDERLYING SURPLUS OF LESS THAN $600 MILLION.
+1 EXPECT THIS TO BE A MINIMUM FIGURE,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
--------c ---------
NEW MOVE IN LIABILITIES COVER
*****
GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO THE COVER IT REQUIRED FOR CONTINGENT LIABILITIES FOLLOWING A CRITICAL REVIEW OF INDIVIDUAL ITEMS, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
THE CONCLUSION HAD BEEN THAT THE PREVIOUS DEVICE OF A BLANKET OVERALL COVER OF ONE THIRD OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONTINGENT LIABILITIES WAS NOW SOMEWHAT SIMPLISTIC. INSTEAD, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN A FRESH AND CRITICAL LOOK AT EACH ITEM AND ASSESSED THE NATURE AND AMOUNT OF EACH RISK.
+IN SOME CASES THE EFFECTIVE RISK IS MINIMAL AND IN OTHERS FULLER COVER IS PRUDENT,‘ + SIR JOHN SAID.
♦WHILE IT IS IMPRUDENT FOR ME TO QUOTE PUBLICLY OUR ASSESSMENT OF RISK IN EACH CASE, I NOW REGARD A TOTAL COVER OF $7.5 BILLION AS PROPER.
♦I CONTINUE, AS YOU WOULD EXPECT, TO BE SOMEWHAT CONSERVATIVE. THERE ARE ALSO ALL SORTS OF CONTINGENCIES WHICH ANY GOVERNMENT MUST BE PREPARED TO FACE BUT WHICH ARE UNQUANTIFI ABLE. WE HAVE IN ADDITION MANY UNQUANT IFI ABLE ASSETS.+
SIR JOHN SAID THAT ABOUT $8 BILLION FROM GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT BALANCES WAS READILY AVAILABLE TO MEET CASH FLOW FLUCTUATIONS AND TO BE A CUSHION AGAINST POSSIBLE FURTHER SHOCKS. HE WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE THIS FIGURE GO SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER.
/SIR JOHN .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1986
29
THE WAS THE
VARIOUS FUNDS^'OULD AMOUN?Cfo3SOi<n' ™E BALANCES IN TO SMOOTH OUT THE OFTEN UNE VFN ^iu.10r?JLL,0N- THE IR PURPOSE FUNDS^AND TO PROVIDE FIRM BACK ?nTfAQR ^ONG-X ' CAP nAL^ °F
COMMITMENTS.
+ THE MAGNITUDE OF THIS FIGURE, WHICH IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED, MUST BE RELATED TO THE OUTSTANDING COMMITMENTS FOR PROJECTS WHICH WILL HAVE ALREADY STARTED BY APRIL 1, 1986,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
+FOR THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND, THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND, THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND, AND THE MASS TRANSIT FUND, THESE COMMITMENTS ARE IN EXCESS OF $26.5 BILLION. THIS FIGURE WILL INCREASE TO WELL OVER $30 BILLION AS NEW PROJECTS ARE STARTED DURING THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.+
0 - -
LATEST FIGURES SHOW $98M SURPLUS * * *
LATEST FORECASTS INDICATED A SURPLUS ON GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR 1985-86 OF $98 MILLION COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $961 MILLION IN THE PRINTED ESTIMATES, FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
SIR JOHN SAID THE $961 MILLION DEFICIT ESTIMATE WAS A CONTINUED AND DEL IBERATELLY PLANNED DOWNWARD TREND FROM DEFICITS OF $3.5 BILLION IN 1982-83, $3 BILLION IN 1983-84, AND $1.6 BILLION IN 1984-85.
REVIEWING THE ESTIMATES FOR 1985-86, SIR JOHN SAID THAT CAPITAL REVENUE HAD INCREASED BECAUSE OF HIGHER LAND PRICES, BECAUSE OF A NUMBER OF LAND SALES CONCLUDED BEFORE THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION REQUIRING SHARING CAME INTO EFFECT, BECAUSE OF THE USE OF CASH INSTEAD OF LETTERS B, AND TO THE KCRC’S EARLY REPAYMENT OF $500 MILLION OUT OF A DEBT OF $1 BILLION.
+WE HAVE LARGELY TUCKED THIS WINDFALL REVENUE INTO RESERVES TO HELP FINANCE THE $1.5 BILLION EQUITY INJECTION INTO MTRC (WHICH WAS NOT ENVISAGED) AND TO PROVIDE FOR THE FURTHER INJECTION OF $1 BILLION DUE IN 1987-88,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
APART FROM THESE EXCEPTIONAL MATTERS, SIR JOHN SAID, THERE HAD BEEN AN UNDERSPENDING OF 1.2 PER CENT ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT AND A GAIN OF 1.6 PER CENT IN RECURRENT REVENUE. THE CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE BUDGETS BY CASH LIMITS HAD CONTINUED VERY SUCCESSFULLY.
/SIR JOHN
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 19? 6
30 -
Sir. JOHN SAID ANOTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTOR HAD BEEN
THE EFFECTIVE ACHIEVEMENT IN 1985-36 OF THE ZERO GROWTH TARGET FOR THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT. BY DECEMBER 1985, TOTAL CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT, AT 181 703, WAS A MERE 41 POSTS HIGHER THAN ONE YEAR PREVIOUSLY.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE GREATER PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WAS NOw UNDERTAKEN THROUGH A VARIETY OF FUND ACCOUNTS, RATHER THAN THROUGH GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT. THIS .vAS ESSENTIAL TO SMOOTH THE INEVITABLE FLUCTUATIONS IN CAPITAL REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE.
THE TOTAL REVISED ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE ON THESE CAPITAL FUNDS IN 1985-86 WAS $10.4 BILLION. THE BALANCES OF THE FUNDS WOULD HAVE INCREASED BY $1.7 BILLION DUE PARTLY TO SOME UNDERSPENDING, BUT ALSO DUE TO THE DELIBERATE POLICY OF BUILDING UP THE BALANCES FROM EXTRAORDINARY CAPITAL REVENUE. SIR JOHN SAID.
-----0------
LAND PRODUCTION: 460 HECTARES EXPECTED
*****
GROSS LAND PRODUCTION IN 1986-87 IS EXPECTED TO BE 460 --------------------------- ESTIMATE Of 648 HECTARES FOR
HECTARES^COMPARED WITH A REVISED 1985-86, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID
TODAY.
OVER THE THREE YEARS OF THE TOTAL PRODUCTION WAS EXPECTED TO IN 1987-88, 504 IN 88-89 AND 381
NEW FORECAST PERIOD, HE SAID, BE ABOUT 1 365 HECTARES - 480 IN 89-90.
FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, GOVERNMENT,
THESE FIGURES INCLUDED LAND .
INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY PURPOSES, OPEN SPACE AND ROADS IN BOTH THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, SIR JOHN EXPLAINED.
+ THEY EXCLUDE 13.9 HECTARES WHICH THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION PLANS TO FORM DURING 1986-87,+ HE SAID.
THE CORPORATION DID NOT COMPLETE THE FORMATION OF ANY NEW LAND IN 1985-86.
SIR JOHN SAID FOLLOWING
-- - THE DISSOLUTION OF THE SPECIAL
COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY, THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD TAKEN ON RESPONSIBILITY FOR MONITORING THE AVAILABILITY OF LAND TO MEET FUTURE REQUIREMENTS.
-------0----------
/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1936
- 31 -
10 PER CENT HOUSING PRODUCTION GROWTH SEEN
* * * * *
HOUSING AUTHORITY PRODUCTION FRO* 1986-87 TO 1989-90 WAS TODAY FORECAST BY SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE TO EXCEED PRODUCTION IN THE PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS BY 10.4 PER CENT.
THIS INCLUDED 7 241 PLATS TO BE PRODUCED UNDER THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE 26 SUB-STANDARD BLOCKS.
FLATS PRODUCED UNDER THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ARE ADDITIONAL TO THE ANNUAL PRODUCTION TARGET OF 30 000 RENTAL FLATS.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT OF THE TOTAL CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN 1986-87, 83.4 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSING, INCLUDING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, AGAINST A REVISED ESTIMATE OF $3.1 BILLION FOR 1985-86.
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY, HE SAID, WAS THAT THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME SHOULD ACHIEVE A LEVEL OF PRODUCTION OF AT LEAST 40 000 FLATS A YEAR FOR RENTAL AND SALE.
+THIS TARGET COMPRISES THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S RENTAL FLATS AND FLATS FOR SALE UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, FLATS SOLD UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME, AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL HOUSING AND THE URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME,+ HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID TOTAL PRODUCTION IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, INCLUDING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS AND HOUSING SOCIETY FLATS WAS ESTIMATED AT 188 000, WITH AN AVERAGE COMPLETION RATE OF 47 000 A YEAR: 41 932 IN 1986-87, 43 564 IN 1987-88, 48 532 IN 1988-89 AND 54 243 IN 1989-90.
+IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS THERE WILL CONSEQUENTLY BE PROVIDED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR NEW, GOOD QUALITY, SUBSIDISED HOUSING FOR SOME 750 000 PEOPLE,* HE SAID.
+THIS IS A REMARKABLE FIGURE,* SIR JOHN SAID, +1 KNOW OF NO COMPARABLE PROGRAMME ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD.*
THE SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTION OF PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPERS ALSO MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED, AS THIS WAS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT, HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID SOME 56 650 HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS OUT OF 62 250 IN THE FIRST SEVEN PHASES WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1986-87, AND WORK WAS IN HAND ON THE BALANCE AND ON A FURTHER 21 540 FLATS IN PHASES EIGHT-NINE AND TEN.
- 0 ----------
/32........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1966
32
EDUCATION SPENDING NEAR $9 BILLION * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO SPEND $8.7 BILLION ON EDUCATI AND $4 B BILLION ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN 1986-87, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.
ON
AND, CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES*WILL BE $2.8 BILLION.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE $8.7 BILLION EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION IN 1986-87 REPRESENTED 18 PER CENT OF TOTAL CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE, COMPARED WITH JUST OVER 14 PER CENT IN 1981-82.
THE MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST TOOK ACCOUNT OF LIKELY CONTINUED GROWTH IN EDUCATION AND THE FINANCIAL IMPACT OF EXPECTED EDUCATION COMMISSION PROPOSALS, HE SAID.
THE EDUCATION PROGRAMME COMPRISES NOT ONLY PRE-PRIMARY, PRIMARY SECONDARY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION BUT ALSO ADULT EDUCATION, TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FOR THE DISABLED, TEACHER TRAINING AND RETRAINING AS WELL AS EDUCATION AT THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE TWO POLYTECHNICS, THE BAPTIST COLLEGE AND THE LINGNAN COLLEGE.
THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO NON-PROFIT-MAKING KINDERGARTENS BY REFUNDING RENT AND RATES. FEE ASSISTANCE IS ALSO PROVIDED TO NEEDY CHILDREN ATTENDING KINDERGARTENS.
FOR MEDICAL SERVICES, THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $4.3 BILLION IN 1986-87 WOULD BE 8.9 PER CENT OF CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE AS COMPARED WITH 7.3 PER CENT IN 1981-82.
WITH REGARD TO SPECIFIC CAPITAL PROJECTS, IN ADDITION TO THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF $899 MILLION FOR THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL IN TUEN MUN, $783 MILLION WOULD BE SPENT OVER A PERIOD ON IMPROVEMENTS AND EXTENSIONS TO QUEEN MARY AND TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITALS.
A FURTHER $123 MILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON SITE FORMATION WORKS AND CONSULTANTS FEES FOR A NEW HOSPITaL TO SERVE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
SUCH MAJOR NEW FACILITIES WOULD GIVE RISE TO FURTHER CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN RECURRENT OPERATING COSTS ON WHICH A STEADY EYE HAD TO BE KEPT, SIR JOHN ADDED.
SPEAKING OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE EXPENDITURE, SIR JOHN POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD SHOWN THE STEEPEST INCREASE IN GROWTH OF ALL MAJOR PROGRAMMES SINCE 1981-32.
/THE $2.8 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2b, lyoo
55
THE 52.8 BILLION EXPENDITURE IN 1986-87 WAS 5.8 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPENDITURE. THIS SHARE HAD RISEN FROM 4.2 PER CENT IN 1981-2.
AS TO WHETHER ITS EXPANSION WAS TOO PRONOUNCED, HE SAID HE FELT THAT A FAIR DEGREE OF BALANCE SEEMED TO BE EVIDENT, BUT, HE COULD NOT ACCEPT THE VIEW THAT MORE MONEY WAS THE ANSWER TO ALL PROBLEMS.
♦CONTROL REMAINS ESSENTIAL. THERE IS OTHERWISE NO LIMIT TO WHAT DECENT PEOPLE CAN SPEND,* HE SAID.
SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES INCLUDE SOCIAL SECURITY, MAINLY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES, SERVICES FOR OFFENDERS, FAMILY WELFARE, SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, COMMUNITY BUILDING, PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND REHABILITATION.
-----0------
REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNED * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSALS CONCERNING DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AND TRANSPORT LICENCE FEES WERE THE SUBJECT OF PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID HIS PROPOSALS FOR BANK AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANY LICENCE FEES WOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF FURTHER PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS AT THE END OF MARCH, AND AMENDING LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY THEREAFTER.
DURING THE CURRENT SESSION, THREE OTHER BILLS WOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL TO GIVE EFFECT TO HIS PROPOSALS ON STAMP DUTY, ESTATE DUTY AND TAX CONCESSIONS, HE ADDED.
-------0---------
FS’S SPEECH ON TV AND RADIO
*****
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE BUDGET SUMMARY DELIVERED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING;
+WE HAVE EXPERIENCED FOUR DIFFICULT YEARS AS GOVERNMENT REVENUE HAS BEEN INCREASED AND EXPENDITURE RESTRAINED. SUCCESS NOW ATTENDS OUR EFFORTS.
/+IN PLACE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2o, 1986 *
- -
+ IN PLACE OF AN EXPECTED DEFICIT FOR THE CURRENT Fl NANCI AL YEAR OF ABOUT BILLION, THERE SHOULD BE A SMALL SURPLUS.
♦MOREOVER FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87 I FORECAST A SURPLUS OF $348 MILLION. THESE FIGURES SUGGEST THAT I HE PUBL v FINANCES ARE BACK IN EQUILIBRIUM.
♦FOR THE FOURTH YEAR RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS BELOW BUDGET. MOREOVER IN 1985 THE CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT INCREASED BY ONLY 41 POSTS WE MUST NOW ACCEPT GROWTH IN ORDER Tu PROVIDr PROPER STAFFING FOR HOSPITALS, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT THE POLICE AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS. BUT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE FRUGAL.
♦THUS WE INTEND TO ENSURE THAT GROWTH IN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE IS CONTROLLED BY GROWTH IN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. IT IS VITAL NOT TO SPEND MORE THAN WE EARN. OTHERWISE TAXES
MUST RISE.
♦IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO PAY TOO MUCH ATTENTION TO ANY ONE YEAR WE MUST BE IN A POSITION TO CONSIDER LONGER TERM TRENDS. TO THIS END WE HAVE NOW PUBLISHED A FIVE-YEAR MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST.
♦THE GROWTH OF GDP LAST YEAR WAS ONLY ABOUT 1 PER CENT. THIS WAS DUE TO A FALL IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THOUGH OUR TOTAL EXPORTS, INCLUDING RE-EXPORTS, GREW BY 6 PER CENT. ON THE OTHER HAND INFLATION FELL TO 3.2 PER CENT ON THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX A. WE ENJOYED EFFECTIVE FULL EMPLOYMENT. REAL WAGES HAVE AGAIN BEEN RISING MODERATELY.
+1 EXPECT GDP GROWTH OF ABOUT 4.5 PER CENT THIS COMING YEAR. WHILE INFLATION MAY INCREASE SLIGHTLY BECAUSE OF THE FALLING US DOLLAR TO WHICH THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IS FIRMLY LINKED, IT SHOULD NOT EXCEED 5 PER CENT. OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS SHOULD AGAIN GROW AND FULL EMPLOYMENT BE MAINTAINED.
♦WITH THIS IMPROVED BACKGROUND MY REVENUE PROPOSALS INVOLVE A REDUCTION OF $40 MILLION IN TAXATION. THEY INCLUDE INCREASES IN PERSONAL TAX ALLOWANCES, AMENDMENTS TO ESTATE DUTY, AND REPEAL OF THE UNPOPULAR 1984 OVERSEAS INTEREST TAX PROVISIONS.
♦OFFSETTING THESE CUTS OF SOME $335 MILLION WILL BE SMALL INCREASES IN VARIOUS INDIRECT TAXES AND FEES, DESIGNED TO CORRECT THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION.
♦IN THE CASE OF TOBACCO, BECAUSE OF FORTHCOMING TRADE hEGOTIATIONS THERE IS NEED TO EMPHASISE HONG KONG’S FREE TRADE POSITION.
♦IT IS CONSEQUENTLY NECESSARY TO LOWER THE DIFFERENTIAL IN DUTY BETWEEN IMPORTED CIGARETTES AND IMPORTED TOBACCO SO THAT WE MAY NOT SEEM UNFAIRLY TO BE PROTECTING OUR LOCAL CIGARETTE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
/♦THE TAX .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, ;^86
- 35 -
+ THE TAX ON IMPORTED TOBACCO a ILL THEREFORE BE INCREASED WHILE ON IMPORTED CIGARETTES IT a ILL STAY UNCHANGED.
+IT Io IMPOSSIBLE TO PREDICT ACCURATELY THE ECONOMIC .-UTURE BECAUSE WE CANNOT FORETELL WHAT wILL HAPPEN OVERSEAS BUT BASICALLY OUR PUBLIC FINANCES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE.
H0P^ THAT REAL INCREASES IN TAXATION WILL, THEREFOR-NO LONGER BE NECESSARY. TO ACHIEVE THIS CONTINUED CONTROL OF* PUdLIC ScCTOR EXPENDITURE IS ESSENTIAL.+
-----0------
BUDGET BRIEFING * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE BUDGET AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.