DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
Saturday, November 1, 1986 contents PAGE NO.
RnPID GROWTH IN IMMIGRATION WORK ............................ 1
VISIONS OF PROGRESS AT THE CHECKPOINT ....................... 2
DUKE LEAVES AFTER SHORT STAY ................................ 5
PUBLIC URGED TO SH.J8E CONSERVaTI N RESPONSIBILITY........... 5
hCTTVE PARTICIPATION VIT..L FOR 'CIVIC' C.JIPaIGN SUCCESS .... 7
S0-1INAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HELD..................... 8
ISLANDS DB TO DISCUSS VEtHCLE PEFMITS ....................... 9
SIX WIN SOUTHERN DISTRICT GOOD CITIZENS AWaRD........-....... 9
FORTNIGHT TO BOOST RECREATION AND SPORTS .................... 11
CIVIC CARNIVAL FOR YaU Ma TEI RESIDENTS ..................... 12
MUSIC C,J1P FOR WAN CHAI CHILD-JEN .......................... 12
URBaN COUNCIL PARTY LEAVES FOR CHINA ........................ 13
INDIA JOINS SPEEDPCST NETWORK ............................... 13
L.J-TE CLOSURE ON SHA TIN ROAD............................... I2*
FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER.................................. 15
PUBLIC CEMETERY FOR HUI WO................................... 16
YAU MA TEI W.lTER CUT ....................................... 16
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTEING IN YUEN LONG............................. 16
RESTRICTED ZONES IK KWUN TONG ............................... 17
K./UN TONG STREET SECTION RE-ROUTED ......................... 17
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1936 1
RAPID GROWTH IN IMMIGRATION WORK
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAS SHOWN A PHENOMENAL EXPANSION EVEN BY HONG KONG STANDARDS, SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1961 FROM A TINY DEPARTMENT OF SOME 200 STAFF TO ALMOST 5 000, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SILVER JUBILEE BALL OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE, SIR DAVID, NOTED HOWEVER, THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S VOLUME CF WORK HAD GROWN EVEN FASTER AND IMMIGRATION HAD BECOME MUCH MORE COMPLICATED.
HE LISTED THE MANY PROBLEMS THE DEPARTMENT HAD HAD TO GRAPPLE WITH DURING THE PAST 25 YEARS:
* THE ARRIVAL OF SUCCESSIVE WAVES OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES;
* THE SUDDEN SURGES OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ACROSS THE BORDER;
* THE HUGE GROWTH IN THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG WHICH NOW RAN AT ABOUT 40 MILLION A YEAR AND WAS STILL GROWING;
* THE AMALGAMATION OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE FORMER REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT AND;
* THE ABSORPTION OF THE WORK OF THE BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARR IAGES REGISTRIES.
SIR DAVID QUOTED THE WORK AT LO WU AS AN EXAMPLE. HE SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS PASSING THROUGH THE CONTROL POINT HAD INCREASED FROM AN AVERAGE OF 4 000 A DAY 10 YEARS AGO TO OVER 50 000 NOW AND THE STAFF THERE HAD HAD TO WORK UNDER DIFFICULT CONDITIONS IN INADEQUATE PREMISES.
BUT HE WAS GLAD TO KNOW THAT NEXT JANUARY THE NEW AND IMPROVED LO WU STATION WOULD BE OPENED.
SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED THAT THE NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM TO ASSIST IN IMMIGRATION CONTROL WOULD BEGIN TO OPERATE IN 1987.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A WARM, FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS CITY AND THE MEMORY THAT VISITORS CARRIED WITH THEM WOULD DEPEND ON THEIR FIRST AND LAST IMPRESSIONS WHEN THEY MET THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE STAFF ON THEIR ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE.
HE PRAISED THE STAFF FOR HAVING ESTABLISHED A FINE REPUTATION AND THEIR PROFESSIONALISM HAD BEEN TEMPERED WITH POLITE AND HELPFUL SERVICE.
+THERE WILL NO DOUBT BE FURTHER CHALLENGES IN THE YEARS AHEAD AND I AM CONFIDENT YOU WILL MEET THEM,+ HE SAID.
-t- NOVEMBER 1, 1986
VISIONS OF PROGRESS AT THE CHECKPOINT K K K* *
THOSE EARLY DAYS IN THE NEW DEPARTMENT ARE STILL VIVID IN THE MIND OF MR LEE CHUN-KWOK - EACH WORKING DAY BEGAN WITH HIM CLIMBING ONTO HIS HIGH CHAIR BEHIND A SIMILARLY HIGH DESK AND CHECKING THE FLOW OF HUMAN TRAFFIC BELOW.
FROM THIS PERCH HE FELT THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS JOB AS HE SURVEYED THE MOVING SEA OF FACES - AT TIMES ONLY A TRICKLE, BUT MORE OFTEN LIKE A GUSHING TORRENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN A FEW PLANES DISGORGED THEIR CARGOES OF WEARY, IMPATIENT PASSENGERS.
TODAY, CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER LEE’S MEMORY OF KAI TAK AIRPORT IN 1961 ARE STILL CLEAR, BEING HIS FIRST JOB WITH THE DEPARTMENT THAT HAD JUST BEEN SET UP THE SAME YEAR.
+THERE WERE MORE THAN 1 500 ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES EVERY DAY, AND EVEN AT THE BUSIEST OF TIMES, THERE WERE ONLY SEVEN OF US ON DUTY,* HE SAID.
+OUR JOB WAS TO KEEP A RECORD OF DEPARTING PASSENGERS AND TO CHECK THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF INCOMING PASSENGERS. AS THERE WERE NO OFFICERS FROM THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT STATIONED AT THE AIRPORT THEN, WE HAD ALSO TO REGISTER THE DECLARATIONS FOR ARMS, AMMUNITIONS AND EVEN ANIMALS.
+ IT WAS QUITE STRENUOUS AT TIMES. AS DELAYS WERE MORE FREQUENT FOR AIRPLANES IN THOSE DAYS, I REMEMBER ONE OCCASION WHEN THREE OF US HAD TO HANDLE PASSENGERS FROM FOUR PLANES THAT LANDED AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME.*
YET, MR LEE SAID, HE AND HIS COLLEAGUES DID NOT MIND THE EXTRA WORKLOAD. +WE ENJOYED THE RESPONSIBILITY GIVEN US AND THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE OUR JUDGEMENT AND INITIATIVE.*
THE PRESENT DAY AIRPORT IS OF COURSE FAR DIFFERENT FROM WHAT MR LEE HAD DESCRIBED. THERE ARE MORE THAN 26 000 PASSENGERS DAILY AND THE CHECKPOINT IS NOW MANNED BY OVER 400 IMMIGRATION SERVICE OFFICERS ROUND THE CLOCK.
THESE OFFICERS HAVE THE SAME THRUST OF INITIATIVE AND ENTHUSIASM FOR WORK, MAKING THE CHECKPOINT AT KAI TAK ONE OF THE MOST EFFICIENT AIRPORTS IN THE WORLD.
WITH THE DEPARTMENT CELEBRATING ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH, MR LEE SAID ITS FUNCTIONS HAD DIVERSIFIED A GREAT DEAL FROM THOSE PIONEERING DAYS.
SET UP WITH THE AIM TO EXERCISE IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND TO ISSUE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS, IT HAS GROWN TO INCLUDE THE REGISTRATION OF A PERSON’S BIRTH, MARRIAGE OR DEATH. THIS FOLLOWED THE AMALGAMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WITH THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE IN 1977 AND THE BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGE OFFICE IN 1979.
/DURING THE........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS, THE DEPARTMENT HAD REGISTERED AN AVERAGE OF 81 000 BIRTHS, 49 000 MARRIAGES AND 26 000 DEATHS.
MR LEE SAID THAT IN THE 25 YEARS THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CONFRONTED WITH THE VARIOUS CHALLENGES OF A CHANGING WORLD.
+IN 1975, WHEN THE NORTH VIETNAMESE OVERRAN SAIGON, IT TRIGGERED OFF A MASS EXODUS WHICH OUR DEPARTMENT SUDDENLY HAD TO FACE. IT WAS TREMENDOUS WORK, BUT WE FACED UP TO IT VERY WELL.+
+IN MAY OF THAT YEAR, THE CLARA MAERSK BROUGHT IN 3 743 REFUGEES, MANY WITH DISEASES CONTRACTED DURING THE LONG JOURNEY BY SEA. WE HAD TO PROCESS THEM IMMEDIATELY, RUNNING THE RISK OF BEING INFECTED.*
THE CLARA MAERSK WAS THE FIRST OF MANY SHIPS THAT BROUGHT THE REFUGEE PROBLEM TO THE DEPARTMENT, TO HONG KONG AND THE ATTENTION OF THE WORLD. BETWEEN 1975 AND 1985, OVER 110 000 REFUGEES ESCAPED TO HONG KONG WATERS IN ABOUT 2 100 SHIPS AND BOATS.
THE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WAS YET ANOTHER SERIOUS HURDLE THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD TO TACKLE.
THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, WHICH HAD REMAINED RELATIVELY LOW SINCE THE EARLY 6O’S INCREASED DRAMATICALLY FROM 1970.
BETWEEN 1970 AND 1974, A TOTAL OF 79 083 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS APPLIED FOR IDENTITY CARDS.
TO STEM THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, AGREEMENT WAS REACHED WITH CHINA TO REPATRIATE ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRESTED IN THE BORDER AREA WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 30, 1974.
THERE FOLLOWED A LULL IN THE INFLUX UNTIL THE END OF THE DECADE WHEN CHINA’S MODERNISATION GAVE MANY PEOPLE THE CHANCE TO COME IN CONTACT WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD. IT WAS QUITE NATURAL THAT THEY TURNED TO HONG KONG, THE NEAREST ATTRACTION.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ESCALATED ONCE AGAIN.
A TOTAL OF 183 240 APPLICATIONS FOR IDENTITY CARDS FROM CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE RECORDED BETWEEN 1978 AND 1980.
THIS UNDOUBTEDLY UPSET ANY PLANS FOR THE FUTURE IN HONG KONG. THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE ABOLISHED THE TOUCH-BASE POLICY ON OCTOBER 24, 1980. NO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT FROM CHINA WAS TO BE ALLOWED TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG AFTER THAT DATE.
/THObE ALREADY........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
4
THOSE ALREADY HERE WERE GIVEN THREE DAYS TO REGISTER FOR AN IDENTITY CARD.
+YOU CAN IMAGINE WHAT A CHAOTIC SITUATION IT WAS WHEN OVER 5 OOO APPLICATIONS FOR IDENTITY CARD WERE FILED, ALL WITHIN THREE DAYS,* MR LEE SAID.
TO DETECT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO HAD SNEAKED INTO HONG KONG, LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN 1980 MAKING IT COMPULSORY FOR RESIDENTS TO CARRY PROOF OF IDENTITY. A NEW FORM OF IDENTITY CARD WHICH WAS DIFFICULT TO FORGE WAS ALSO DESIGNED.
THE JOB OF RENEWING ALL IDENTITY CARDS STARTED FROM MAY 1983 AND UP TO THE END OF 1985, 2 499 361 RESIDENTS HAVE HAD THEIR IDENTITY CARDS RENEWED.
LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 40 MILLION PASSENGERS PASSED THROUGH IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS, A 20-FOLD INCREASE OVER PASSENGER TRAFFIC IN 1961.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ISSUED ONE MILLION TRAVEL DOCUMENTS TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS IN 1985 AND HANDLED 840 APPLICATIONS FOR NATURALISATION.
WITH A WORKFORCE OF ONLY 201 IN 1961 THE DEPARTMENT HAS GROWN IN STRENGTH OVER 25 YEARS TO 4 710. COUPLED WITH THOROUGH STAFF TRAINING AND THE USE OF ADVANCED EQUIPMENT, THE DEPARTMENT IS COPING WITH THE INCREASED WORKLOAD EFFICIENTLY.
A NEW ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER RECEIVES 17 WEEKS OF INDUCTION TRAINING IN ORDINANCE AND STANDING ORDERS, WORKING PROCEDURE, VISA REGULATIONS AND FOOTDRILL. IN-SERVICE COURSES WILL ALSO BE CONDUCTED WHEN NECESSARY.
THE DEPARTMENT IS QUICK TO USE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY TO BOOST EFFICIENCY. IN 1976 A TRAFFIC INDEX COMPUTER REPLACED THE PUNCH CARDS USED IN PROCESSING TRAVELLERS’ RECORDS.
IN 1983 THE DEPARTMENT ADOPTED THE CINDEX COMPUTER SYSTEM WHICH PROVIDES RAPID RETRIEVALS OF RECORDS AND MAINTAINS A CENTRAL INDEX OF MICROFILMED RECORDS.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR LEE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD HAVE BETTER FACILITIES TO HANDLE THE FLOW OF HUMAN TRAFFIC. IN THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR THERE WILL BE A NEW TERMINAL AT LO WU= A MODERN HONG KONG-CHINA FERRY TERMINAL WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL IN 1987 AND A THIRD VEHICULAR CROSSING POINT AT LOK MA CHAU IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
/FUNDS HAVE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
FUNDS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED FOR THE DEPARTMENT TO COMPUTERISE ALL IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS WITH THE TRAVEL RECORD AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM.
+ IT’S A FAR CRY FROM MY DAYS UP ON THAT HIGH CHAIR,+ MR LEE SAID WITH A LAUGH.
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DUKE LEAVES AFTER SHORT STAY * * *
THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH LEFT HONG KONG TONIGHT (SATURDAY) FOLLOWING A SHORT STOPOVER AFTER A RETURN VISIT TO CHINA IN HIS CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD WILDLIFE FUND.
HE WAS SEEN OFF AT KAI TAK BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE.
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PUBLIC URGED TO SHARE CONSERVATION RESPONSIBILITY
******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF LOOKING AFTER THE COUNTRYSIDE BY KEEPING IT CLEAN AND GREEN.
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY FOR THIS YEAR’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME AND COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PREVENTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, SIR DAVID SAID: +AS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE USE OUR COUNTRY PARKS, THE PROBLEMS OF LITTER AND HILL FIRES INCREASE.
+ONCE AGAIN THIS YEAR WE WILL BE MOBILISING OUR RESOURCES HELPED BY ROCK CLIMBERS OF THE MOUNTAINEERING TRAINING CENTRE, CIVIL AID SERVICES AND MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HIKING GROUPS AND MANY OTHERS IN PICKING UP LITTER AND IN REPORTING FIRES IN REMOTE AREAS OF THE COUNTRYSIDE. BUT THE BEST METHOD IS TO STAMP OUT THESE PROBLEMS AT THEIR SOURCE.+
/ALSO OFFICIATING
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR ROBERT HOLMES, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS.
+EACH YEAR, THERE ARE ABOUT 500 HILL FIRES. LAST YEAR WAS EVEN WORSE THAN USUAL, WITH A TOTAL OF OVER 1 000 FIRES, MAINLY DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. OVER 500 000 TREES WERE DESTROYED AND IT WILL TAKE YEARS TO REPLACE THEM,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, HE ADDED, THE WORST HILL FIRE SINCE 1979 OCCURRED IN THE SHING MUN AND TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARKS, DAMAGING MORE THAN 850 HECTARES OF PLANTATION. THREE COUNTRY PARKS AND A NATURE RESERVE WERE CLOSED FOR OVER A MONTH AS A RESULT.
ON LITTER IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, HE SAID MORE THAN 4 000 TONNES WERE COLLECTED LAST YEAR, INVOLVING AN ENORMOUS EXPENDITURE OF EFFORT AND MONEY.
+THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO NEED FOR THIS IF COUNTRY PARK VISITORS WOULD MAKE MORE USE OF RUBBISH BINS OR TAKE THEIR RUBBISH HOME.+
AT THE CEREMONY, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE ARMY, AND THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE PRESENTED WITH SOUVENIRS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION IN FIRE PREVENTION IN 1985-86.
TODAY’S EVENT WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 100 DISTINGUISHED GUESTS AND POPULAR TELEVISION ARTISTES AND 300 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB AND JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS.
DR LEE SAID THAT THE ENTHUSIASTIC TURNOUT AT THE CEREMONY REFLECTED THE COMMUNITY’S CONCERN FOR CONSERVING THE COUNTRYSIDE.
HE CALLED ON ALL PRESENT TO SPREAD THE CONSERVATION MESSAGE AND TO MAKE OTHERS AWARE OF THE NEED TO KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN AND GREEN.
SIR DAVID THEN LED PARTICIPANTS TO COLLECT LITTER IN THE NEIGHBOURING ROTARY PARK TO SYMBOLISE THE START OF THIS YEAR’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.
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/7........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
7
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION VITAL FOR ’CIVIC’ CAMPAIGN SUCCESS K K X K K
PARTICIPATION OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND THE PUBLIC IS REQUIRED FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS RITA FAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, SHE SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED THE PEOPLE WITH MORE WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND THUS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE PEOPLE WAS VITAL TO ITS PROPER FUNCTIONING.
MRS FAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF SETTING UP THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WERE TO ENHANCE PUBLIC CONCERN ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION, DEVELOPING THEIR ABILITY TO THINK INDEPENDENLY, PROMOTING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF TRADITIONS AND CULTURES, AND HELPING THE PUBLIC TO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO HONG KONG SO THAT THEY WOULD WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SOCIETY.
ALTHOUGH THE COMMITTEE CO-ORDINATED ACTIVITIES ON CIVIC EDUCATION, PARTICIPATION OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND THE PUBLIC WAS REQUIRED FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE CAMPAIGN, SHE STRESSED.
TURNING TO TODAY’S CEREMONY, MRS FAN SAID SHE WAS GLAD TO SEE A GROUP OF ENERGETIC YOUTHS WHO WERE CONCERNED ABOUT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
SHE SAID THAT WITH THE EFFORTS OF ORGANISATIONS IN TAI PO AND THE SUPPORT OF RESIDENTS, THE MESSAGE ON CIVIC EDUCATION WOULD BE DRIVEN HOME IN THE DISTRICT.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, MR CHEUNG HOK-MING, SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT TO HELP RESIDENTS LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POLITICAL SYSTEM AND THEIR COMMUNITY, AND THUS ENHANCE CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AMONG THEM.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A SINGING CONTEST, A TRAINING CAMP, AND EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION, A COLOURING COMPETITION, A CARTOON DESIGN CONTEST, A CIVIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND A CIVIC EDUCATION GAMES DAY.
ABOUT 500 YOUNG TOOK LAUNCHING OF THE CAMPAIGN CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE
PART IN TODAY’S CEREMONY TO MARK THE WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, A GROUP OF PARTICIPANTS WENT TO DIFFERENT PLACES IN TAI PO TO DISTRIBUTE LEAFLETS, BOOK-MARKS AND STICKERS ON CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES.
THE REST OF THE YOUNGSTERS STAGED VARIETY SHOWS TO PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE ON CIVIC EDUCATION AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND AND KWONG FUK AND TAI YUEN ESTATES.
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/8........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
8
SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HELD * * * * *
A SEMINAR ON +DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN KOWLOON CITY+ TO ENRICH 50 CIVIC AMBASSADORS’ KNOWLEDGE ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WAS HELD AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE AMBASSADORS WHO HAD ACHIEVED OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICES WERE NOMINATED FROM LOCAL SCHOOLS, ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN A RECENT CIVIC AMBASSADOR SCHEME HELD IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SELECTED AMBASSADORS INCLUDE AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS, TEACHERS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND STUDENTS IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT.
TODAY’S SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE CIVIC AMBASSADORS HAD EARLIER ATTENDED AN OPEN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AND A SEMINAR. THEY WILL ATTEND ANOTHER SEMINAR AND PAY A VISIT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS MONTH.
THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, THE AMBASSADORS CAN LEARN MORE ABOUT GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, THE LEGISLATURE, THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM, THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
IT IS HOPED THAT THE AMBASSADORS WILL SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THEIR EXPERIENCES THEY HAVE LEARNED THROUGH THE CIVIC AMBASSADOR SCHEME TO THEIR FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND RELATIVES.
GUEST SPEAKERS AT TODAY’S SEMINAR WERE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG = AND APPOINTED KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, REV. PETER CHOW= AND AN ELECTED KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG CHI-KEUNG.
MR FONG GAVE A TALK ON +DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN KOWLOON CITY+, WHICH INCLUDED THE DISTRICT CHARACTER I STICS, HISTORY OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, ITS FORMATION, MEMBERSHIP, COMMITTEES ROLES AND FUNCTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS.
THE AMBASSADORS WERE ENCOURAGED TO SUPPORT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BY JOINING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WHICH COULD CONTRIBUTE TO DECISIONS AFFECTING THEIR DAILY LIFE.
THE OTHER GUEST SPEAKERS, REV PETER CHOW AND MR WONG CHI-KEUNG, TALKED ON THEIR WORK AND EXPERIENCES AS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
/AN AUDIO .......
SATURDAY, NOVBXBER 1, 1986
9 -
AN AUDIO VISUAL SLIDE PRESENTATION INTRODUCING +DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN HONG KONG+ AND +DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN KOWLOON CITY+ WAS SHOWN IN THE SEMINAR.
THE SEMINAR CONCLUDED WITH A FLOOR DISCUSSION WHICH HELPED PARTICIPANTS EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
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ISLANDS DB T« DISCUSS VEHICLE PERMITS * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL TAKE UP THE
SUBJECT OF VILLAGE VEHICLES AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO REFLECT OBSERVATIONS MADE BY ISLANDS RESIDENTS ON CONDITIONS LAID DOWN BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR THE ISSUE OF SUCH PERMITS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO TALK ABOUT A SEWER CONNECTION PROBLEM ON CHEUNG CHAU, THE FORTHCOMING ISLANDS DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET AND ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2 PM ON MONDAY AT THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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SIX WIN SOUTHERN DISTRICT GOOD CITIZENS AWARD *****
FIVE MEN AND A WOMAN HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS MODEL CITIZENS FOR SEPTEMBER FROM EACH OF THE SIX AREAS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN AN AWARD SCHEME JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
SELECTION FOR THE OCTOBER AWARDS IS UNDERWAY AND NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE NOVEMBER AWARDS.
/THE +CITIZIMS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
10 -
THE +CITIZENS OF THE MONTH* AWARD SCHEME IS PART OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. IT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC AWARENESS AND GIVING RECOGNITION TO GOOD CITIZENS.
IT IS INTENDED THAT TROPHIES WILL BE PRESENTED TO AN OUTSTANDING RESIDENT FROM EACH OF THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREAS EVERY MONTH BASIS UNTIL DECEMBER.
THE SIX WINNERS FOR SEPTEMBER ARE LAI LING-FONG OF POK FU LAM5 CHAN NAI-KWONG OF WAH FU ; WONG FAI-WONG OF TIN WAN-SHEK PAI WAN, LUK KWOK-KEUNG OF ABERDEEN-AP LEI CHAU, YU TONG OF WONG CHUK HANG-BAYS, AND CHAN MAN-HOI OF STANLEY-SHEK 0.
THEY ARE MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS OR THE YIN NGA I SOCIETY AND ALL HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH TIME AND EFFORT TOWARDS COMMUNITY SERVICE.
SOME OF THEM HAVE SERVED ON THE ST JOHN’S AMBULANCE BRIGADE, THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES. SOME HAVE ALSO DEMONSTRATED THEIR CARE AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS IN ORGANISING DISTRICT ACTIVITIES, CHARITY AND VOLUNTARY WORKS.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED DURING THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL LATER THIS MONTH.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID CANDIDATES FOR THE AWARDS MUST EITHER LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT, BE TRUSTWORTHY AND KNOW THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF A CITIZEN.
THEY SHOULD HAVE A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR OWN AREA AND OF HONG KONG IN GENERAL, AND HAVE COMMENDABLE RECORDS FOR THEIR SERVICES.
THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS IS THE 18TH OF EACH MONTH. NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE AWARD SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
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/11 .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
11
FORTNIGHT TO BOOST RECREATION AND SPORTS
*****
MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO AN EVENT-PACKED SPORTS AND RECREATION FORTNIGHT THIS MONTH.
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT IS AIMED AT BRINGING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENTS AND ACTIVITIES TO RESIDENTS.
A CHINESE SHUTTLECOCK TEAM WILL BE INVITED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS ON THE OPENING DAY ON NOVEMBER 6.
OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE A MINI-SOCCER COMPETITION A TABLE-TENNIS INVITATION COMPETITION, A VARIETY SHOW WITH MIME. SINGING AND BRASS BAND PERFORMANCES, A MODERN DANCE SHOW BY THE CITY CONTEMPORARY DANCE COMPANY, AND A MASS FOLK DANCE RALLY FOR MORE THAN 1 OOO DANCE ENTHUSIASTS.
A SPORTS OPEN DAY WILL TAKE PLACE IN LIM POR YEN CENTRE WHERE ATHLETES WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS IN VARIOUS SPORTS AND RESIDENTS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART.
♦ALL PROGRAMMES ARE CAREFULLY PLANNED TO GIVE A BALANCED MIXTURE OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, AND TO CATER TO THE INTERESTS OF ALL PEOPLE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
♦THIS YEAR, MOST ACTIVITIES ARE HELD IN DIFFERENT VENUES TO FACILITATE RESIDENTS LIVING IN DIFFERENT AREAS,+ HE ADDED.
TO BOOST THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS AND RECREATION IN THE DISTRICT, A SPECIAL AWARDS SCHEME WILL BE SET UP TO COMMEND RESIDENTS WHO HAVE MADE CONTRIBUTIONS.
THE RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
ENQUIRIES ON ADMISSION TO THE VARIOUS PERFORMANCES AND COMPETITIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-932288.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
12
CIVIC CARNIVAL FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS * * * #
YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO AN ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL CARNIVAL NEXT SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 9) AT THE SOCCER PITCH OF KOWLOON PARK.
ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE EVENT WILL MARK THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A QUIZ FINAL IN WHICH CONTESTANTS WILL BE TESTED ON THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT AND CIVIC MATTERS.
TWENTY GAME STALLS WILL ALSO BE SET UP WITH CIVIC EDUCATION-ORIENTED GAMES.
OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE DANCE AND SINGING PERFORMANCES BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION.
THE +TVB CARES+ TEAM WILL ALSO PERFORM A MAGIC SHOW AND ACROBATIC ACTS AND CONDUCT GAMES ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
+IT IS HOPED THAT MESSAGES ON CIVIC EDUCATION CAN BE PUT ACROSS TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH A LIVELY AND ENTERTAINING ATMOSPHERE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
FREE TICKETS FOR THE CARNIVAL ARE AVAILABLE AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE.
- - 0 - -
MUSIC CAMP FOR WAN CHAI CHILDREN X X X * M
ABOUT 60 CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS FROM WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARE TAKING PART IN A TWO-DAY MUSIC CAMP AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP IN SAI KUNG THIS WEEKEND.
THE CAMP WAS ORGANISED BY THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD.
THE PURPOSE IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CHILDREN TO APPRECIATE AND ENJOY SINGING IN A RELAXED ATMOSPHERE.
APART FROM TRAINING SESSIONS, PARTICIPANTS TOOK PART IN A VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND GAMES.
THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1982 AND HAS PERFORMED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS IN DISTRICT EVENTS.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
- 13 -
URBAN COUNCIL PARTY LEAVES FOR CHINA *****
THE URBAN COUNCIL PARTY THAT LEFT TODAY FOR CHINA IS ♦KEENLY LOOKING FORWARD* TO SEEING A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL FACILIiIES AND ACTIVITIES IN PEKING AND SHANGHAI, AND IN WIDENING CONTACTS WITH CULTURAL AUTHORITIES IN CHINA. rnHMrLHlSMoAS BA,D T0DAY BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, WHO IS LEADING THE COMBINED COUNCIL-URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT VISIT.
in Peking the party will visit the city’s main museum the TIEN TAN HEAVENLY TEMPLE, THE GREAT WALL THE MING ’ ™BS JHE CH,NA ARTS PERFOrAiNC COMPANY* THE PEOPLE’S ART JSilSc’ HALL’ THE 0R|ENTAL 6PERA AND DANCE
PALAEONTOLOGYNAT 0NAL L,BRARY’ AND TH€ INSTITUTE OF VERTEBRATE
nDC GHANGHAI THE PARTY WILL VISIT THE SHANGHAI FOLK OPERA AND DANCE THEATRE, THE SHANGHAI MUSEUM, THE CITY’S LIBRARY AND ART GALLERY AND THE CONCERT HALL WHERE IT WILL tdahd/ PERp0RMANCE BY THE FOLK OPERA AND DANCE THEATRE IKvUr
(NOVEMBERPA)TY W,LL RETURN T0 H0NG K0NG 0N SUNDAY WEEK
-----0-----
INDIA JOINS SPEEDPOST NETWORK *****
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO INDIA FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 3), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS WILL BRING TO 46 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG.
+SPEEDPOST ITEMS ARE ACCEPTABLE FOR TRANSMISSION TO BOMBAY, NEW DELHI, CALCUTTA AND MADRAS IN INDIA,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEES IN BOMBAY ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY I IN CASE OF NEW DELHI, CALCUTTA AND MADRAS, SPEEDPOST ITEMS POSTED ON MONDAY TO FRIDAY WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEES ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY WHILE THOSE POSTED ON SATURDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY.*
/ONLY +0N
SATURDAY, NOVSXBK 1, 1986
14
ONLY +ON DEMAND+ SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT IS TWO KG AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS!
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250 G $70
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 250 G AND 500 G «80
EACH SUBSEQUENT 500 G |25
+CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO INDIA AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE GENERALLY ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-2671108,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
-----0------
LANE CLOSURE ON SHA TIN ROAD
*****
TRAFFIC LANES ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SHA TIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED SEPARATELY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 3) TO 6 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TO SHA TIN WAI ROAD.
AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE LANE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE.
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/15
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
15
FIRING PRACTICE IN NOVEMBER *****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CAST1f Pcjk
ON 21 DAYS IN NOVEMBER. CASTLE PEAK
JHE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE AREi
DATE TIME
NOVEMBER 6 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.30 PM
NOVEMBER 7 (FRIDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 8 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 10 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 11 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 12 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 13 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 14 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 15 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 17 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 18 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 19 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 20 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 21 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 22 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 24 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 25 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
NOVEMBER 26 (WEDNESDAY) 0.01 AM - 11.59 PM
NOVEMBER 27 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 28 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
NOVEMBER 29 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
16
PUBLIC CEMETERY FOR MUI WO * * * * *
A PUBLIC CEMETERY IS TO BE BUILT AT NGAU KWU WAN IN MUI WO, ON LANTAU ISLAND.
TENDERS FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
WORK IN THIS STAGE INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING A CONCRETE ACCESS TRACK, FOOTPATHS, DRAINAGE, A RETAINING WALL, EARTHWORKS AND OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS, AND ALSO FORMING TERRACES FOR ABOUT 300 BURIAL SPACES.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT WORK WILL START IN JANUARY AND TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
YAU MA TEI WATER CUT * * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 4) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CANTON ROAD, ARGYLE STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, SHANTUNG STREET, NATHAN ROAD AND DUNDAS STREET, INCLUDING RECLAMATION STREET, PORTLAND STREET, CHANGSHA STREET AND SOY STREET.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTE 11*6. IN. YUEN .LONG *****
THE SECTION OF TAI YUK ROAD IN YUEN LONG BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND MA TIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 4).
THE MEASURE IS BEING INTRODUCED IN CONNECTION WITH WORK ON THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM AND WILL LAST ABOUT A MONTH.
MOTORISTS ON TAI YUK ROAD WISHING TO TRAVEL NORTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO USE MA TIN ROAD.
- - o - -
/17
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1986
17
RESTRICTED ZONES IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN KWUN TONG WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 4)«
* THE SECTION OF HING YIP STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KING YIP STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 38 METRES NORTHWEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION? AND
* THE NORTHEAST-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KING YIP STREET BETWEEN HING YIP STREET AND HUNG TO ROAD.
NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES.
-----o------
KWUN TONG STREET SECTION RE-ROUTED
*****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 4) THE STREET IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN HUNG TO ROAD AND BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHEAST BOUND TO
SECTION OF KING YIP HING YIP STREET WILL TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
TONG INDUSTRIAL®A?U^"EI) T° IMPB0VE TR4FFIC FL0“ '* THE KWUN
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS MUST NOT BE RELAXED.......................... 1
LATEST AIDS TxST FIGURES PUBLISHED............................... 2
LAN AND ORDER SITUATION IMPROVING IN KWUN TONG................... 3
TSUEN NAN DB TO DISCUSS RENT SUBSIDY............................. 4
•♦CLEAN AND GREEN+ SCHEME ON AGAIN............................... 5
TUEN NUN MINI-OLYMPICS OFF TO SPECTACULAR START.................. 7
SAFETY AI-SASSADOR NOMINATION STILL OPEN.........-............... 8
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL GETS UNDERLAY ......................... 9
SOUTHERN DISTRICT ORGANISES DISTANCE RUN........................ 10
VARIETY SHOW WITH A MESSAGE..................................... 10
INFORMATION PAMPHLET ON URBAN COUNCIL........................... 11
STANLEY BRIDG^ TO BE REPLACED .................................. 12
SEAWALL TO BE BUILT OFF PENG CHAU .............................. 13
SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO BE iMDENED ................................. 13
CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH................................ 13
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS MUST NOT BE RELAXED *****
WHILE THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE IS BEING CONTAINED IN HONG KONG AS IT SPREADS WORLDWIDE, EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS SHOULD NOT BE RELAXED, MEMBER OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), MR J.P. LEE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN, HE WARNED THAT AS LONG AS DRUG ABUSE REMAINED A PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, THE STRUGGLE WAS FAR FROM OVER AND A GREAT DEAL REMAINED TO BE DONE.
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE CONCENTRATED EFFORTS OF ACAN ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION REQUIRED THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF THE PUBLIC.
+IN RECENT YEARS, MORE AND MORE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS HAVE COME FORTH WITH VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION BY SPREADING THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE, HELPING REHABILITATED ADDICTS RE-INTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY AND REPORTING DRUG PUSHERS.+
MR LEE ALSO ACKNOWLEDGED THE EFFORTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE WHO TOOK PART IN TODAY’S EVENT AND THOSE WHO CAME TO CHEER THEM.
+YOUNG PEOPLE ARE THE BACKBONE OF SOCIETY AND WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PROTECT THEM FROM THE DRUG MENACE, BUT ON THE OTHER HAND THEY SHOULD REALISE THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARD SOCIETY AND STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS.+
THE DISTRICT EVENT, IN THE FORM OF TELEMATCH GAMES, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACAN, THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
TWELVE TEAMS FROM SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES COMPETED IN A SERIES OF GAMES DESIGNED WITH AN ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME.
IN A GAME FOR CELEBRITIES, POPULAR ARTISTES FROM TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED BEAT TEAMS FROM ASIA TELEVISION BROADCASTING LIMITED, HONG KONG COMMERCIAL BROADCASTING COMPANY LIMITED AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO CLINCH THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
TEAMS FROM ACAN YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TEAM WON IN THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS RESPECTIVELY.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
- 2
LATEST AIDS TEST FIGURES PUBLISHED OXO
A TOTAL OF 69 PERSONS IN HONG KONG WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO THE AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) VIRUS DURING THE PERIOD FROM APRIL 1985 TO SEPTEMBER 1986.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AIDS WHEN IT RELEASED ITS LATEST STATISTICS ON THE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME ON THE DISEASE.
UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER 1986, THE VIRUS UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAD CONDUCTED HUMAN IMMUNE DEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) TESTS FOR 30 012 PERSONS.
OF THE 69 PERSONS FOUND TO HAVE AIDS ANTIBODIES, 44 WERE HAEMOPHILIACS, SIX WERE PATIENTS OF SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS, TEN WERE REFERRALS FROM PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS AND NINE WERE PATIENTS AT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS OR CLINICS. THE NINE ALSO INCLUDED THREE CONFIRMED AIDS PATIENTS WHO DIED IN 1985.
THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE ALSO REPORTED THREE AIDS POSITIVE TEST RESULTS FROM AMONG ITS DONORS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
SINCE THE RED CROSS STARTED ITS MASS SCREENING PROGRAMME IN AUGUST 1985, A TOTAL OF 156 710 TESTS HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT ON BLOOD DONORS.
THE SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, WHICH OFFICIALLY STARTED IN AUGUST 1985 WHEN AIDS TEST KITS WERE COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE HERE, WAS ONE OF THE MEASURES RECOMMENDED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE IN HONG KONG.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, TESTS ARE CARRIED OUT ON CERTAIN HIGH RISKS GROUPS INCLUDING HAEMOPHILIACS WHO HAVE TO USE IMPORTED BLOOD PRODUCTS, ATTENDANCES AT SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS AND INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSERS.
THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW THAT THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE INCIDENCE OF HIV POSITIVES AMONG CERTAIN HIGH RISK GROUPS OF PEOPLE AND BLOOD DONORS.
IT IS NOTED THAT MOST HIV POSITIVES ARE HAEMOPHILIACS.
THE PERCENTAGE OF HAEMOPHILIACS FOUND POSITIVE WITH HIV (46 PER CENT) IS SIMILAR TO THAT OBSERVED IN OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE IMPORTED FACTOR VIII HAD BEEN USED BEFORE THE HIV TEST BECAME AVAILABLE.
A SAFER HEAT-TREATED FACTOR VIII IS NOW BEING USED IN HONG KONG. THIS NEW PRODUCT WILL REDUCE THE RISK OF TRANSMISSION OF AIDS.
HOWEVER, AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN STRESSED
THAT A POSITIVE TEST ONLY INDICATED THAT THE PERSON HAD BEEN EXPOSED TO THE VIRUS BUT THAT IT DID NOT INDICATE THAT THE PERSON WAS A CARRIER AND THAT HE OR SHE MIGHT DEVELOP AIDS.
t:
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
+T0 DETERMINE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF A POSITIVE TEST, FURTHER MEDICAL EVALUATION WILL BE PROVIDED,+ HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE WITH ITS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME TO MONITOR THE AIDS SITUATION IN HONG KONG.
SINCE AIDS WAS FIRST REPORTED IN HONG KONG, THE DEPARTMENT HAD LAUNCHED A HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON THE DISEASE. THIS PROGRAMME INCLUDED SEMINARS AND TALKS FOR HEALTH PERSONNELS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, FREE DISTRIBUTION OF EIGHT TYPES OF LEAFLETS AND PUBLICITY THROUGH THE MASS MEDIA.
IN MARCH 1985, A HOTLINE SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON THE DISEASE. TO DATE, A TOTAL OF 12 864 CALLS WERE RECEIVED.
IN NOVEMBER 1985, IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE COUNSELLING SERVICE ON AIDS, A SPECIAL COUNSELLING CLINIC WAS ESTABLISHED IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL. THIS CLINIC PROVIDED COUNSELLING FOR PEOPLE WHO FEARED THEY MIGHT HAVE CONTRACTED THE DISEASE AND ALSO FOR THOSE WHO HAD BEEN FOUND POSITIVE WITH HIV TEST.
THE CLINIC IS MANNED BY A SENIOR HEALTH NURSE AND A PHYSICIAN, AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7102553. ALL INFORMATION IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL AND CALLERS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO GIVE THEIR NAMES. WHEN NECESSARY, BLOOD SCREENING TEST CAN BE CARRIED OUT FOR CALLERS IN THE CLINIC. SO FAR, A TOTAL OF 2 170 CALLS WERE RECEIVED AND 272 BLOOD TESTS WERE CONDUCTED FOR CALLERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A LIST OF HIV TESTING RESULTS WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS NEWSROOM.
-------o---------
LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IMPROVING IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN KWUN TONG HAS BEEN IMPROVING OWING TO THE CO-OPERATION AND EFFORTS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, KWUN TONG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
/SPMKING
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
4
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR IN THE DISTRICT MR YEUNG CALLED ON PARTICIPANTS TO ENCOURAGE THEIR NEIGHBOURS TO ATTACH IMPORTANCE TO CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES.
HE SAID THE SEMINAR HAD PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERS, AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE WAYS TO PREVENT AND COMBAT CRIME.
VIEWS COLLECTED AT THE SEMINAR WOULD BE PUT FORWARD TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND INVOLVED CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE 14 AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE KWUN TONG POLICE DIVISION, SAU MAU PING POLICE DIVISION AND CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU GAVE TALKS ORDER SITUATION IN KWUN TONG AND WAYS TO PREVENT
ON THE LAW AND CRIME.
THE TALKS LIKE +JUVENILE +TRIAD SOCIETY
WERE FOLLOWED BY A GROUP DISCUSSION ON TOPICS DELINQUENCY*, +COMMUNITY AND CRIME PREVENTION*, AND TRIAD ACTIVITY*, AND +DRUG PROBLEM*.
------0--------
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS RENT SUBSIDY
X X K K X
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS IN A MEETING ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 4) THE REPORTS ON SUBSIDY TO TENANTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND DOMESTIC RENT POLICY REVIEW.
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TSUEN WAN WEST AREAS WHICH INCLUDE TING KAU, SHAM TSENG AND TSING LUNG TAU.
THE PLANS SEEK TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING LOW POPULATION DENSITY IN THESE AREAS AND RETAIN THE SEASHORE AREAS FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSE.
AN EXPLANATORY PAPER ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ON VILLAGE HOUSE SITES AT SAN TSUEN WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ CONSIDERATION.
THE PAPER PROPOSES TO RESERVE LAND FOR VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT WITH VEHICULAR ACCESS AND ALSO TO AVOID DESTRUCTION OF VEGETATION.
THE SUBJECT OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO HELP NEW IMMIGRANTS COPE WITH DAILY LIVES WILL ALSO BE RAISED.
/REPORTS ON .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
5 -
REPORTS ON THE WORK PROGRESS AND FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD WILL BE TABLED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO HEAR A REPORT BY MR RICHARD LAI ON THE WORK OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
--------0----------
+CLEAN AND GREEN+ SCHEME ON AGAIN * * * * *
PARTICIPANTS IN THIS YEAR’S +CLEAN AND CHANCE TO WIN VALUABLE PRIZES WHILE AT THE PRESERVE THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS.
GREEN+ SCHEME HAVE THE SAME TIME HELPING
FROM TODAY (SUNDAY), ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLI CAN ENROL IN THE SCHEME ORGANISED FOR THE FOURTH BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
C AGED 12 AND OVER CONSECUTIVE YEAR
COME-?I RESERVED BAS?s? PART,CIPANTS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 500 PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE AWARDED FREE TICKETS TO A GRAND COUNTRYSIDE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME TO BE HELD AT THE END OF THE YFAR.
THE SCHEME, STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEANER AND GREENER COUNTRYSIDE, IS HELD IN TWO STAGES AND WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +PARTICIPANTS IN THE FIRST STAGE CAN QUALIFY THEMSELVES RY EITHER TAKING PART IN ANY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION VOLUNTARY SERVICES ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OR COLLECTING A BAGFUL OF LITTER IN ANY COUNTRY PARK BEFORE DECEMBER 8.
♦THEY WILL THEN BE ISSUED WITH A CLEAN AND GREEN HANDBOOK WHICH ENABLES THEM TO ENTER THE NEXT STAGE.+
/IN THE .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
6
IN THE SECOND STAGE, HE SAID, PARTICIPANTS CAN ENROL IN ONE OR MORE OF THE FOUR PROJECTS INCLUDING A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION, A CLOTH-BADGE DESIGN COMPETITION, A SLOGAN COMPETITION AND A CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE THEME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION WAS RESTRICTED TO PREVENTION OF HILL FIRES, THE BEAUTY OF NATURAL VEGETATION OR PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN COUNTRYSIDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
+ALL ENTRIES MUST BE BLACK AND WHITE OR COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS IN 5R SIZE AND MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY NEGATIVES,* HE SAID.
ENTRIES IN THE CLOTH-BADGE DESIGN COMPETITION MUST BE MOUNTED OR DRAWN ON A4 SIZE CARDBOARD AND SHOULD HIGHLIGHT THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF ANY OF THE FOUR SPECIFIED COUNTRY PARK AREAS -TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK, TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK, LANTAU TRAIL OR HONG KONG TRAIL.
THE CLOTH-BADGE DESIGN IS RESTRICTED TO FIVE COLOURS, INCLUDING BLACK AND WHITE, AND THE SIZE SHOULD RANGE BETWEEN 30 AND 50 SQUARE CENTIMETRES IN ANY SHAPE.
ENTRIES IN THE SLOGAN COMPETITION MUST EITHER BE IN CHINESE OF NOT MORE THAN 16 WORDS OR IN ENGLISH OF NOT MORE THAN 12 WORDS, WRITTEN ON A4 SIZE PAPER. THEY SHOULD BE AN APPEAL FOR THE PROPER USE OR THE PROTECTION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, OR IN PRAISE OF THE COUNTRY PARKS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT EVERY PARTICIPANT IN THE CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION WAS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A PUZZLE EITHER IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH AND PASTE IT ON A PIECE OF A4 SIZE PAPER.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED, TOGETHER WITH THE ENTRY STAMPS, NAMES AND ADDRESSES, TO THE RANGER SERVICE UNIT OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, 4-1/2 MILESTONE, TAI PO ROAD, KOWLOON, OR DELIVERED BY HAND TO ANY COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE BEFORE DECEMBER 12, HE ADDED.
THE 10 PARTICIPANTS WHO RECEIVE THE HIGHEST SCORES IN EACH COMPETITION, WILL RECEIVE VALUABLE PRIZES DONATED BY SWIRE BOTTLERS LIMITED, THE MOUNTAINEER AND TRAVEL SERVICES COMPANY AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HIKERS.
THE +CLEAN AND GREEN ’86+ SCHEME IS ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES WHICH DESIGNS ALL THE PUBLICITY MATERIALS.
- - 0 - -
/7
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
- 7 -
TUEN MUN MINI-OLYMPICS OFF TO SPECTACULAR START *****
MORE THAN 3 000 SPECTATORS AND PARTICIPANTS TOOK PART IN A SPECTACULAR SPORTS MEET, FEATURING A FIVE-KILOMETRE DISTANCE RUN, TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS AND FAMILY TELEMATCHES, AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND TODAY (SUNDAY) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE MONTH-LONG TUEN MUN MINI-OLYMPICS.
THE HIGHLIGHT WAS AN ALL-STAR TELEMATCH AND A 4 BY 100-METRE RELAY IN WHICH ARTISTES FROM ASIA TELEVISION LIMITED RAN AGAINST TEAMS FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE MINI-OLYMPICS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, SAID THE MINI-OLYMPICS WAS ONE OF THE BIGGEST COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS HELD IN TUEN MUN THIS YEAR.
THE PROJECT WAS AIMED AT COMMUNITY BUILDING AND ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TO TUEN MUN, WITH THE SPECIAL FEATURE THAT PARTICIPANTS TAKING PART IN THE VARIOUS COMPETITIONS CAME FROM RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND VILLAGE ORGANISATIONS, HE SAID.
MR CHUI NOTED THAT TUEN MUN HAD GROWN FROM A SMALL FISHING TOWN 10 YEARS AGO INTO A NEW TOWN WITH A POPULATION OF 300 000, AND A PROJECTED POPULATION OF ABOUT 500 000 IN THE 199O’S.
DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS, A WIDE-RANGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES WERE PROVIDED AT TUEN MUN FOR A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN. THESE INCLUDED SPORTS GROUNDS, A TOWN PARK AND A SWIMMING POOL.
THERE WERE MANY MORE PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE INCLUDING THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL, THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TOWN PARK, VARIOUS INDOOR SPORTS CENTRES, AND A BOTANICAL GARDEN, MR CHUI ADDED.
IN ADDITION, THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS DEVOTED MUCH EFFORTS IN ORGANISING CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS. THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SPENT OVER $1 MILLION EACH YEAR TO SPONSOR VARIOUS CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.
THE OPENING CEREMONY BEGAN WITH A SERIES OF MINI-SOCCER, TABLE-TENNIS AND BADMINTON COMPETITIONS WITH 46 TEAMS REPRESENTING RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS FROM THE FOUR GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS IN THE DISTRICT TAKING PART.
/AISO OFFICIATING
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LAU WONG-FAT CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR TANG TUNG-CHIU DISTRICT COMMANDER FOR POLICE, MR G.H. COX AND DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR JIMMY CHOW.
THE 1986 TUEN MUN MINI-OLYMPICS WAS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND ORGANISED BY A COMMITTEE COMPRISING STAFF FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.
---0 - -
SAFETY AMBASSADOR NOMINATION STILL OPEN
K * K X X
INDUSTRIAL WORKERS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AMBASSADOR AWARD SCHEME ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATIONS BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION (CISAP) AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE SCHEME IS TO ENCOURAGE A VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.
IT IS OPEN TO WORKERS AGED 18 AND OVER. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE NOMINATED BY THEIR EMPLOYERS OR THEIR RELATED WORKERS’ OR TRADE UNIONS.
+SELECTION WILL BE BASED ON THE NOMINEE’S KNOWLEDGE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ADHERENCE TO HIS SAFETY KNOWLEDGE AND CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DURING HIS EMPLOYMENT OR CAREERS,+ A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
+FINALISTS WILL BE INTERVIEWED BY A SELECTION COMMITTEE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CISAP, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND RTHK.+
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS WILL EACH RECEIVE $3 OOO AND A FREE TRIP TO JAPAN WHERE THEY WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MATTERS.
PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO 27 OTHER FINALISTS AND THE EMPLOYERS OF THE TOP TEN WINNERS.
NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION, RTHK, GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE THE SCHEME WAS LAUNCHED ON SEPTEMBER 15 RESPONSE HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRY IS NOVEMBER 30.
---0------
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
9
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL GETS UNDERWAY * * * * *
A 12-KILOMETRE MARATHON WAS HELD THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING IN TSUEN WAN TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE MONTH-LONG EIGHTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, JOINED VARIOUS COMMUNITY LEADERS ON THE LAST SECTION OF THE MARATHON AND THEN OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL IN THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND.
THE DIGNITARIES WHO ACCOMPANIED MR LIAO ON THE LAST SECTION INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, AND MEMBERS OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
RUNNERS IN THE MARATHON INCLUDED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, CIVIC LEADERS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES. THE ROUTE TOOK THEM FROM SHAM TSANG TO CENTRAL TSUEN WAN.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR CHAN WAI-MAN, SAID THE ANNUAL SPORTS EVENT WAS A MAJOR FUNCTION NOT ONLY FOR PROMOTING SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES BUT ALSO FOR FOSTERING RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING.
THE FESTIVAL INCLUDES COMPETITIONS IN FOOTBALL, GO-KARTING, TENNIS, ATHLETICS AND ARCHERY, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THERE ARE EVENTS SPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR THE ELDERLY.
AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY VISITING CHINESE SPORTS TEAMS.
ALL PERFORMANCES ARE FREE. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PREMISES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICES IN THE DISTRICT.
STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPREHENSIVE SPORTS
NURTURE SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO PERFORM IN THE FESTIVAL. OUTSTANDING PARTICIPANTS WILL BE SELECTED AT A LATER STAGE AS YOUTH AMBASSADORS TO REPRESENT THE DISTRICT ON GOODWILL VISITS OVERSEAS.
THE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE FESTIVAL Will BE SFMT dy
OPENING OF THE EIGHTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS frrr-clMII.F NFTWORK 'ATCR TODAY.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
10
SOUTHERN DISTRICT ORGANISES DISTANCE RUN *****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TEST THEIR PHYSICAL STRENGH AND DETERMINATION IN A LONG DISTANCE RUN ALONG ONE OF THE DISTRICT’S MOST SCENIC ROUTES DURING THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30) FROM 10 AM TO NOON IN STANLEY. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE SPORTS AND TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY SPIRIT. THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO MAN AND WOMAN SECTIONS, AND IS OPEN TO SOUTHERN RESIDENTS AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 45.
PARTICIPANTS WILL START OFF FROM STANLEY SPORTS GROUND, AND RUN VIA STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, WONG MA KOK ROAD AND STANLEY FORT BEFORE RETURNING TO THE STARTING POINT. THE DISTANCE IS ABOUT NINE KILOMETRES.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 10 FINISHERS IN EACH SECTION AND ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO FINISH THE RACE WILL RECEIVE A SOUVENIR.
REGULATIONS AND ENTRY FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT RECREATION, SPORTS AND AMENITIES OFFICE AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, AS WELL AS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE'S BRANCHES IN STANLEY AND WAH FU. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE RACE CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S STANLEY BRANCH ON 5-8130305.
---0 --
VARIETY SHOW WITH A MESSAGE
*****
ABOUT 1 000 RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT WERE ENTERTAINED THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING TO A VARIETY SHOW IN WHICH THE EMPHASIS WAS PLACED ON DETERRING PEOPLE FROM LETTING OBJECTS FALL FROM WINDOWS.
THE SHOW WAS HELD IN THE PLAYGROUND OF CHOI PO COURT, SHEUNG
SHUI.
FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS, MAGICIANS AND ACROBATS, IT WAS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WHICH HAS THE THEME OF +T0 KNOW AND CARE FOR THE COMMON ITY+.
/SPEAKING
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, NORTH, MR PETER TAM, URGED RESIDENTS TO PERFORM THEIR CIVIC DUTIES AND TO SET GOOD EXAMPLES BY NOT THROWING OBJECTS FROM WINDOWS.
THIS WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS SUCH AS PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS WHERE SUCH +MISBEHAVIOUR+ COULD CAUSE FATAL ACCIDENTS, HE SAID.
MR TAM ALSO URGED RESIDENTS TO REPORT SUCH INCIDENTS TO THE POLICE IF THEY WITNESSED THEM.
THE SHOW WAS ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN CHOI PO COURT AND CHOI YUEN ESTATE, AND THE RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATION IN YUK PO COURT.
OTHER GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR RAYMOND PANG, SHEUNG SHU I POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, MR NG HON-KWAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE SHEUNG SHU I RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LIU CHING-LEUNG, AND HOUSING MANAGER OF CHOI YUEN ESTATE, MR CHIU PING-FAN.
- - 0 - -
INFORMATION PAMPHLET ON URBAN COUNCIL XXX
DID YOU KNOW THAT DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR THE URBAN COUNCIL
LOANED 7.2 MILLION BOOKS AND OTHER MATERIALS FROM ITS PUBLIC LIBRARIES?
COLISEUM?
ATTRACTED 1 418 027 PEOPLE TO PERFORMANCES AT THE
PLANTED 21 878 TREES?
. SOLD 1 103 103 TICKETS THROUGH ITS COMPUTERISED U”BTIX OUTLETS?
PROSECUTED 48 628 LITTERBUGS WHO WERE FINED A
• r iwqu. VVIL.M vcu u i I i l r\ ijuqq nnv nunu 1111 LU M
TOTAL OF $8 425 811?
THESE AND HUNDREDS OF OTHER INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT HOW OUR CITY IS MANAGED AND SERV'CED ARE CONTAINED IN A HANDLY-SIZED PAMPHLET ENTITLED +1985/86 URBCO AND USD IN FIGURES+ WHICH HAS JUST BEEN PRODUCED.
/THE COMPREHENSIVE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
12 -
THE COMPREHENSIVE PAMPHLET CONTAINS VITAL STATISTICS ON THE WIDE-RANGING FACILITIES AND WORK OF THE COUNCIL AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SUCH AS THEIR EFFORTS IN PROVIDING RECREATIONAL AND SPORT PROGRAMME, ORGANISING CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS AND MAINTAINING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN HONG KONG.
BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE VERSIONS OF THE PAMPHLET ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE COUNCIL’S PUBLICATION CENTRES IN ICE HOUSE STREET. CENTRAL CITY HALL LOW BLOCK KOWLOON CENTRAL LIBRARY IN PUI CHING ROAD, KOWLOON AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM MUSEUMS, LIBRARIES, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AS WELL AS DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE +1985/86 URBCO AND USD IN FIGURES+ ARE BOXED TODAY.
-------0---------
STANLEY BRIDGE TO BE REPLACED X X X X *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO REPLACE A BRIDGE KNOWN AS BRIDGE H7 ON TAI TAM ROAD IN STANLEY.
A BOX CULVERT WILL BE BUILT TO REPLACE THE BRIDGE, WHICH WILL BE DEMOLISHED.
ABOUT 120 METRES OF APPROACH ROADS WILL BE REALIGNED AND RESURFACED WITH A 5.7-METRE TO 7.9-METRE-WIDE CARRIAGEWAY AND A TWO-METRE-WIDE FOOTWAY ON ONE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR ABOUT 90 METRES OF ITS LENGTH.
A RETAINING WALL AND FILL SLOPE WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE WORK.
THE EXISTING BRIDGE IS A PRE-WAR STRUCTURE AND IS DETERIORATING DESPITE MAINTENANCE.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY DECEMBER 30.
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/13........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1986
13
SEAWALL TO BE BUILT OFF PENG CHAU
*****
THE NEW TERRITORIES SOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING A SEAWALL OFF PENG CHAU.
THE 6O-METRE SEAWALL WILL ENABLE RECLAMATION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND.
ON COMPLETION IN TWO YEARS, ABOUT 3 OOO SQUARE METRES OF LAND WILL BE PROVIDED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, AN OPEN SPACE AND PUBLIC TOILETS.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A NUMBER OF ROADS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER.
- - 0 - -
SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO BE WIDENED X X X X
THE SHEK CHUNG AU SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD WILL BE WIDENED AND IMPROVED TO ENHANCE TRAFFIC FLOW NEAR THE BORDER.
OTHER WORK WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS ON RECLAIMED LAND IN THE WESTERN PART OF SHA TAU KOK, THREE DISTRIBUTOR ROADS, A CAR-LORRY PARK, FOOTPATHS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
A TEMPORARY CAR PARK WILL BE BUILT TO REPLACE ON-STREET CAR PARKING BAYS ALONG SHA TAU KOK ROAD AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT.
MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN TO MINIMISE DISTURBANCE TO MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS.
TENDERS ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
---0 - -
CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH
*****
EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 3 PM TO 9 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 5) IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1986 CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
— o —
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1986
CONTENTS Page no.
FS: STABILITY IMPORTANT FOR TEXTILES INDUSTRY.................... 1
MORE LABORATORIES SEEKING HOKLAS ACCREDITATION................... 5
ROYAL VISIT GOLD COIN ^PLICATION PROCESSING COMPLETED....... 6
ALL SET FOR ANNUaL CAREERS EXHIBITION ........................... 7
CONSULTATION OF GRIEVANCES P*PER EXTENDED ....................... 8
REGISTRATION REVOKED ............................................ 8
DB TO DISCUSS TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR FIRE VICTIMS ................ 8
MORE ROOFTOP ILLEG.JL STRUCTURES TO GO........................... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURE............................................. 9
CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN WONG CHUK HANG.................... 10
DETAILS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIV/iL.......................... 11
SAN PO KONG WaTER CUT .......................................... 11
NEW GIL COMP.lNY PIER AT TbING YI .............................. 12
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF JUNK BAY ROaD ............................. 12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1986
1
FSs STABILITY IMPORTANT FOR TEXTILES INDUSTRY *****
WHILE THE CASE FOR FREE TRADE IS QUITE WIDELY EXPOUNDED, IN PRACTICE VARIOUS FORMS OF PROTECTIONISM ABOUND FOR VARYING REASONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ON + INTERNAT I ONAL TRADE AND COMPETITION*, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT A CASE OF INSTITUTIONALISED PROTECTIONISM MIGHT BE FOUND IN THE INTERNATIONAL TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TRADE, WHOSE SIGNIFICANCE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC WELL-BEING WAS UNDERLINED BY THE FACT THAT OVER 40 PER CENT OF ITS DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE IN THIS CATEGORY.
HE RECALLED THAT ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) WAS EXTENDED FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS UNTIL JULY 31, 1991. THE COVERAGE OF THE ARRANGEMENT INCLUDED VEGETABLE FIBRES AND SILK AND VEGETABLE FIBRE BLENDS, WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY OUTSIDE THE AMBIT OF THE MFA.
NEVERTHELESS, THERE WERE SOME IMPROVEMENTS FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF EXPORTERS, INCLUDING PROVISIONS TO STRENGTHEN THE RULES FOR DETERMINING MARKET DISRUPTION AND PREVENTING CUTBACK ON QUOTAS, HE SAID.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE FACT THAT THE MFA IS STILL A PROTECTIONIST AND DISCRIMINATORY INSTRUMENT, WE HAVE ACQUIESCED IN AGREEMENT TO IT IN ORDER THAT OUR TEXTILES AND GARMENT INDUSTRY MAY HAVE A PERIOD OF STABILITY AND CERTAINTY.
♦■THAT I BELIEVE TO BE OF VITAL IMPORTANCE IN THE YEARS AHEAD,* HE ADDED.
AS FOR BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED WITH SOME OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, MR JACOBS SAID THAT IN JUNE AN AGREEMENT COVERING THE PERIOD 1986 TO 1991 WAS REACHED WITH THE UNITED STATES.
♦THE AGREEMENT IS SLIGHTLY MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN ITS PREDECESSOR IN TERMS OF GOODS COVERED AND GROWTH POTENTIAL,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT ANOTHER AGREEMENT CONTAINING SOME MODEST IMPROVEMENT OVER ITS PREDECESSOR IN TERMS OF GROWTH AND FLEXIBILITY WAS CONCLUDED WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY LAST MONTH. IT WOULD RUN FROM 1987 TO 1991.
♦WE WOULD HAVE LIKED BOTH THE AGREEMENTS TO INCLUDE MORE IMPROVEMENTS, WHICH WE CONSIDERED WERE REASONABLE, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF OUR OPEN MARKET POLICIES.
/♦KEVERi’IlEl.EJIj;, WE............
MONDAY, NOV04BER J, 1986
- 2
♦NEVERTHELESS, WE HAVE ACQUIESCED IN ACCEPTING THESE AGREEMENTS SINCE THEY PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH THAT VITAL PERIOD OF STABILITY AND SECURITY FOR THE TEXTILES AND GARMENTS INDUSTRIES.* HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH PRESIDENT REAGAN’S VETO OF THE THURMOND-JENKINS’ BILL WAS SUSTAINED, THE VERY NARROW MARGIN BY WHICH THIS WAS ACHIEVED POINTED TO THE STRENGTH OF THE PROTECTIONIST CAMP.
+THE NEED TO KEEP UP OUR VIGILANCE TO COMBAT THE TENDENCY TOWARDS RESTRICTING TRADE FOR SHORT-TERM ILLUSIONARY GAINS HAS BY NO MEANS SUBSIDED,* HE STRESSED.
IN APRIL THIS YEAR, IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, HONG KONG BECAME THE 91ST CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT WITH THIS NEWLY ACQUIRED STATUS, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE ITS FULL CONTRIBUTION TO THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING REGIME, A CONTRIBUTION DESIGNED TO FURTHER LIBERALISE WORLD TRADE.
HE ALSO SAID A NEW ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS HAD BEEN FORMALLY LAUNCHED FOLLOWING THE CONTRACTING PARTIES SESSION AT MINISTERIAL LEVEL HELD IN URUGUAY IN SEPTEMBER, AT WHICH HONG KONG WAS ALSO REPRESENTED.
THE URUGUAY ROUND, THE EIGHTH ONE HELD UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE GATT, WOULD ADDRESS A NUMBER OF ISSUES IN WHICH HONG KONG HAD SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS’ FOR EXAMPLE, SAFEGUARDS, QUANTITATIVE RESTRICTIONS AND OTHER NON-TARIFF BARRIERS, AND DISPUTE SETTLEMENT.
FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE GATT’S HISTORY, TRADE IN SERVICES IN ADDITION TO TRADE IN GOODS WOULD BE DISCUSSED.
MR JACOBS SAID THE NEGOTIATIONS WOULD BE AIMED AT TRADE LIBERALISATION, IMPROVED MARKET ACCESS AND STRENGTHENED DISCIPLINE IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD ALREADY PARTICIPATED ACTIVELY IN THE PREPARATORY PROCESS LEADING TO THE NEW ROUND AND WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS FULL PART IN THE FORTHCOMING NEGOTIATIONS.
TURNING TO THE PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, MR JACOBS SAID IT HAD BEEN BETTER THAN EXPECTED.
HE SAID TO A LARGE EXTENT THE GROWTH HAS BEEN EXPORT-LED.
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
3 -
DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAD BEEN INCREASING HEALTHILY SINCE MARCH. AN OVERALL GROWTH RATE OF 12 PER CENT WAS RECORDED FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS GREW DURING THIS PERIOD.
IMPORTS INTO HONG KONG ALSO INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT DURING THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THE YEAR.
MR JACOBS SAID THE LATEST STATISTICS ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES AND ON THE ORDER-BOOK POSITIONS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS SUGGESTED A CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY.
HE ADDED THAT RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY HAD INCREASED CONSIDERABLY, BY 51 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AND SOMEWHAT LESS IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
+INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY IS ESSENTIAL NOT ONLY TO THE PRODUCTION OF GOODS BUT ALSO TO THE MAINTENANCE AND FURTHERANCE OF OUR COMPETITIVENESS IN OVERSEAS MARKETS,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SECOND THEME OF THE CONFERENCE, +COMPETITION+, MR JACOBS SAID AS HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS EXTERNALLY ORIENTED, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FACILITATE THE ECONOMY’S ABILITY TO ADJUST EFFICIENTLY SO THAT INDUSTRY MAINTAINED ITS EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH ITS OWN EFFORTS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MAINTAINED AN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH PRIVATE ENTERPRISES WERE ENCOURAGED TO MAXIMISE THEIR RETURN ON INVESTMENT, CONSTRAINED THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC SECTOR SPENDING, AND MAINTAINED A PREDICTABLE AND CERTAIN LEGAL FRAMEWORK WITHIN A LOW TAX REGIME.
HE ALSO SAID THE AIMS OF POLICIES IN RELATION TO INDUSTRY WERE TO SUPPORT AND FACILITATE ITS GROWTH AS A WHOLE RATHER THAN PROMOTING THE INTERESTS OF ANY ONE PARTICULAR INDUSTRY.
MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH THE AVAILABILITY AND DISSEMINATION OF USEFUL TECHNOLOGY.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES, THE PROMOTION OF INWARD INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT AND THE PROVISION OF APPROPRIATE MANPOWER TRAINING, FACILITATED THE ACQUISITION AND DISSEMINATION OF USEFUL TECHNOLOGY.
/TO IDENTIFY
MONDAY, NOVEMBER J, 1986
4
TO IDENTIFY OBSTACLES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR OVERSEAS TRADING, MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG HAD AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME OF CONSULTANCY STUDIES ON FOUR MAJOR INDUSTRIAL GROUPS - ELECTRONICS; THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY; GARMENTS, TEXTILES AND RELATED industries; and metals fabrication and light engineering INDUSTRIES.
EACH STUDY AIMED AT EVALUATING THE ADEQUACY OF MANPOWER TRAINING, INDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION, LAND, CAPITAL AND INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE INDUSTRY CONCERNED.
HE SAID OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS EIGHT OTHER INDUSTRIAL STUDIES WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN.
AS TO WHY THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT FUND MORE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AS SOME OF HONG KONG’S REGIONAL COMPETITORS HAD REPORTEDLY DONE, AND WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT SET UP AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BANK, MR JACOBS SAID: + HERE WE MUST NOT OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT HEAVY CAPITAL-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES REQUIRE MUCH MORE PUBLIC SPENDING ON DIRECT INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES THAN THE LIGHT LABOUR-INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH PREDOMINATE IN HONG KONG.
+SIMILARLY, BANK CREDIT IS MUCH TIGHTER ELSEWHERE THAN IN HONG KONG WHERE THERE ARE FEW MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WHICH REQUIRE LONG-TERM FINANCING.*
MR JACOBS SAID AS HONG KONG’S COMPETITORS WERE DEVELOPING RAPIDLY AND IF IT WAS NOT VIGILANT ITS MARKET SHARE COULD BE PLACED IN JEOPARDY.
+WE MUST ENSURE THAT WE ARE RESPONDING PROPERLY TO INDUSTRY’S NEEDS IN A MANNER NEVERTHELESS CONSISTENT WITH OUR OVERALL AIM OF CONTAINING PUBLIC EXPENDITURE,* HE STRESSED.
HE SAID THE INITIATIVES BEING TAKEN BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS IN ADDRESSING THE SUBJECT OF RISK ASSESSMENT OF INDUSTRIAL LOANS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF VENTURE CAPITAL COULD BE SIGNIFICANT.
+THERE IS AN AWARENESS IN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF INDUSTRY’S NEEDS. WE IN THE GOVERNMENT MUST PLAY OUR PART. THERE IS WORK TO DO,* HE SAID.
-------0---------
/5........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1986
5
MORE LABORATORIES
SEEKING HOKLAS ACCREDITATION M H K H K
THE PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) TO CATER FOR LABORATORIES TESTING BUILDING MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WOULD RESULT IN CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF LABORATORIES SEEKING FORMAL ACCREDITATION.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR E.J. EVANS, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE INTERNATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION CONFERENCE (I LAC) 1986 IN ISRAEL.
HE SAID HOKLAS STAFF HAD ALREADY INSPECTED AND ADVISED 16 OF THE LFADING CONCRETE-TESTING LABORATORIES IN HONG KONG, A NUMBER OF WHICH MIGHT BE IN A POSITION TO BE FORMALLY ASSESSED FOR ACCREDITATION IN 1987.
HE NOTED THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HOKLAS HAD PROCEEDED ACCORDING TO A PLANNED PROGRAMME AND IN A SYSTEMATIC MANNER OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.
+ON THE BASIS OF THE ADVICE OF THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES OF AUSTRALIA (NATA) AND HAVING REGARD TO INTERNATIONAL LABORATORY ACCREDITATION PRACTICE AS ESTABLISHED BY ILAC, BASIC DOCUMENTATION PROVIDING GUIDANCE ON ACCREDITATION MATTERS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND WIDELY CIRCULATED, ASSESSORS HAVE BEEN SELECTED AND TRAINED, INTRODUCTORY SEMINARS HAVE BEEN HELD AND APPROPRIATE PUBLICITY ISSUED.
+A LABORATORY ASSESSMENT PROGRAMME IS IN OPERATION AND SEVERAL LABORATORIES HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY ACCREDITED.+
HE EXPLAINED THAT LABORATORY ASSESSMENTS WERE CONDUCTED BY INDEPENDENT ASSESSORS DRAWN FROM A CADRE OF LOCAL TECHNICAL SPECIALISTS WITH EXPERTISE IN THE PARTICULAR FIELDS OF TESTING.
+THEY ARE RECRUITED FROM ALL SECTORS OF INDUSTRY AND EMPLOYED ON A PART-TIME BASIS.
+IN JUNE 1986, A GROUP OF COMMERCIAL LABORATORIES SEEKING HOKLAS ACCREDITATION IN ONE OR MORE OF THE COMMODITY GROUPS, TEXTILES, TOYS AND FOOD TESTING, WERE ASSESSED AND IN AUGUST 1986 A FURTHER GROUP SEEKING ACCREDITATION FOR ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TESTING AND CALIBRATION SERVICES WERE VISITED.
+IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THEY WILL BE OFFERED ACCREDITATION IN THE NEAR FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR EVANS POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY HAD PROVIDED ESSENTIAL SUPPORT FOR HOKLAS IN RESPECT OF HIGH QUALITY CALIBRATION SERVICES AND IN THE EVALUATION AND ACCREDITATION OF COMMERCIAL CALIBRATION FACILITIES.
/♦THE LABORATORY .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER J, 1986
- 6 -
+THE LABORATORY IS CURRENTLY EXPANDING ITS CAPABILITY TO PROVIDE FOR MEASUREMENT STANDARDS IN MASS, LENGTH AND FORCE. FURTHER EXPANSION OF THE STANDARDS AND ASSOCIATED CALIBRATION SERVICES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN AS ADDITIONAL NEEDS ARE IDENTIFIED.+
REGARDING ADVISORY POLICY AND TECHNICAL INPUT TO HOKLAS, HE SAID THEY WERE PROVIDED RESPECTIVELY BY THE SCHEME’S TWO STEERING COMMITTEES - THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LABORATORY ACCREDITATION (ACLA) AND THE INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT BOARD (ITAB).
MR EVANS IS ATTENDING THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE TOGETHER WITH DR JOSHUA WONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE ITAB OF HOKLAS.
-------o ---------
ROYAL VISIT GOLD COIN APPLICATION PROCESSING COMPLETED * * * * *
THE PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS FOR ROYAL VISIT GOLD COINS HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND BOTH SUCCESSFUL AND UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED AROUND THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE ISSUE HAD BEEN HEAVILY OVERSUBSCRIBED. SOME 38 800 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED OF WHICH 20 900 WERE FOR PROOF COINS WHILE THE REMAINING 17 900 WERE FOR THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED VERSION.
A TOTAL OF 9 500 PROOF AND 12 500 UNCIRCULATED COINS
WERE AVAILABLE FOR SALE TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS. THESE FIGURES REPRESENT AN INCREASE OF 2 000 COINS FOR EACH VERSION OVER THE NUMBER OF TIGER COINS WHICH WERE SOLD LOCALLY.
ABOUT 2 900 DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS WERE REJECTED BY COMPUTER PRIOR TO BALLOTING.
THE 1986 ROYAL VISIT GOLD COIN IS ONE OF A SET OF 14 HONG KONG COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COINS, COMMENCING WITH THE 1975 ROYAL VISIT AND CONTINUING WITH THE LUNAR YEAR SERIES WHICH WILL BE COMPLETE NEXT YEAR - THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT.
0
/7
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1986
7
ALL SET FOR ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION *****
PREPARATIONS ARE WELL UNDER WAY FOR THE OPENING OF THE 15TH CAREERS EXHIBITION IN THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL IN ABOUT TEN DAYS’ TIME.
THIS YEAR, 23 EXHIBITORS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL TAKE PART IN THE 1O-DAY EVENT WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, MR CHAN SUI-KAU, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, AND THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR MR DARWIN CHEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING ON NOVEMBER 14.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 6.30 PM DAILY FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 24.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXHIBITION HAD BECOME A MAJOR EVENT IN THE LOCAL CAREERS EDUCATION SCENE.
+LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 100 000 PEOPLE VISITED THE EXHIBITION + HE SAID.
+THROUGH THE USE OF GRAPHS, PHOTOGRAPHS, MODELS AND OTHER AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS, EACH EXHIBITOR WILL ILLUSTRATE THE NATURE OF THE JOB, ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION IN ITS OWN SPHERE OF WORK,* HE SAID.
+INFORMATION PAMPHLETS WILL BE FREELY AVAILABLE TO VISITORS AND AN ENQUIRY SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED BY INDIVIDUAL EXHIBITORS.*
TO ADD ZEST TO THE EVENT, LIVE CAREERS SHOWS WILL BE STAGED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND FOUR AUXILIARY SERVICES INCLUDING THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, AND THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES.
THESE SHOWS WILL BE HELD ON THE TWO SATURDAYS AND TWO SUNDAYS DURING THE TEN-DAY PERIOD OUTSIDE THE CITY HALL IN EDINBURGH PLACE.
-------0 ---------
/8........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1936
8
CONSULTATION OF GRIEVANCES PAPER EXTENDED
X ** X K
FOLLOWING A REQUEST FROM OMELCO, THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO EXTEND THE CONSULTATION PERIOD ON THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES DOCUMENT BY TWO MONTHS. A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE CONSULTATION WILL NOW CLOSE AT THE END OF DECEMBER, 1986 AND ANY VIEWS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT (ATTN. PAS (CE)), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, THIRD FLOOR, HONG KONG.
-------o---------
REGISTRATION REVOKED
* * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF THAI-OVERSEA INVESTMENT AND FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
--------o----------
DB TO DISCUSS TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR FIRE VICTIMS
* * * * *
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL TAKE UP THE SUBJECT CF TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR FIRE VICTIMS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A PAPER, TABLED BY MR TAM KUEN, NF WONG KAM-CHI, MR CHAN CHUN-FAT AND MR CHAN KAM-MAN, THAT URGES THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TO OPEN TRANSIT CENTRES IN THE URBAN AREAS FOR FIRE VICTIMS.
THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY FIRE VICTIMS ARE PUT UP TEMPORARILY IN COMMUNITY CENTRES HAS INTERRUPTED NORMAL ACTIVITIES CF THESE CENTRES.
A REPORT ON THE SQUATTER AREA AT MAN KUK NEW VILLAGE WILL BE CONSIDERED DURING THIS DISSCUSSION.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE ALLOWANCE FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS. THIS WAS PUT FORWARD BY MR WONG KAM-CHI AND MR CHAN KAM-MAN.
THE REPORTS ON PUBLIC HOUSING RENTAL AND SUBSIDY POLICIES WILL BE DISCUSSED.
/OTHER ITIMS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 9
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE HALF-YEARLY REVIEW CF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR 1986-8? AND THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC STREET LIGHTING IN SQUATTER AREAS UNDER THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW AT 2.30 PM AT THE FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
------0-------
MORE ROOFTOP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO GO *****
NOTICES WERE POSTED ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TODAY (MONDAY) INFORMING OCCUPANTS THAT THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY TO HAVE THEM CLOSED BEFORE DEMOLITION.
THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE ROOF OVER FLATS A AND G ON THE 11TH FLOOR OF 145-153, CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
APPLICATION FOR A CLOSURE ORDER WILL BE MADE AT KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 7.
A BUILDING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID THE OCCUPANTS WERE INSTRUCTED IN MARCH BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE THAT THE STRUCTURES SHOULD BE DEMOLISHED, BUT THE WORK HAD NOT BEEN DONE TO DATE.
HE SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WOULD START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDERS WERE MADE.
----0------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
-------0--------
/10
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1986
10
CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES IN WONG CHUK HANG *****
AN ESSAY COMPETITION AND MODEL STUDENT COMPETITION WILL BE HELD IN THE WONG CHUK HANG AND BAYS AREA THIS MONTH IN SUPPORT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
THE AREA’S CIVIC EDUCATION TEAM WILL INVITE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO EACH NOMINATE A MODEL STUDENT WHO WILL BE GIVEN PRIZES. THE TEAM WILL THEN SELECT THREE STUDENTS TO COMPETE FOR THE AREA’S +CITIZEN OF THE MONTH* AWARD.
THE ESSAY COMPETITION, WITH THE THEME ON COURTESY, IS DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND OPEN SECTIONS.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, THE TEAM HAD EARLIER VISITED 120 HOMES IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE, AND HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH RESIDENTS OF THE WELFARE ROAD TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, KAU WAI, SAN WAI AND WONG CHUK HANG PATH VILLAGES TO PROMOTE THE CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGE.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A +CLEAN YOUR ENVIRONMENT* COMPETITION IN THE WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE, THE SQUATTER AREAS AND THE INDUSTRIAL AREA.
LEAFLETS AND RUBBISH BAGS WERE ALSO DISTRIBUTED TO REMIND RESIDENTS OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO DISPOSE OF RUBBISH PROPERLY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THESE ACTIVITIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
MEANWHILE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS PRINTED 5 000 LEAFLETS EXPLAINING THE OBJECTIVES AND BENEFITS OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC.
ARRANGEMENTS ARE ALSO MADE FOR BROADCAST VANS TO TOUR THE DISTRICT TO PUBLICISE VARIOUS CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES.
- - 0
/11
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1986
11
DETAILS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL *****
DETAILS OF THE HALF-MONTH-LONG SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 7, WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A FINAL MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 7-11, NAM NING STREET, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE DURING WHICH THE FESTIVAL’S PROGRAMMES WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
-------o---------
SAN PO KONG WATER CUT *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAN PO KONG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 6) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST street- tsew luk s™eet- ™
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/12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1986
12
NEW OIL COMPANY PIER AT TSI NG Yl
* * K *
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO GRANT HONG KONG OIL COMPANY LIMITED THE LEASE OF 2.62 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED ON THE EAST COAST OF TSI NG Yl ISLAND ON WHICH TO CONSTRUCT A PIER FOR BERTHING TANKERS.
THE PIER WILL BE BUILT IN THE AREA ADJOINING THE COMPANY’S DEPOT TO THE SOUTH OF TSI NG Yl BRIDGE.
THE COMPANY WILL HAVE EXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO THE PIER.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.
ANYONE OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSED LEASE SHOULD WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY DECEMBER 30.
0 -------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF JUNK BAY ROAD * * * *
JUNK BAY ROAD IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN KAI TIN ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON NOVEMBER 6 AND NOVEMBER 7.
THE MEASURE WILL FACILITATE DUCT LAYING WORK AT THE JUNCTION CF JUNK BAY ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD.
MOTORISTS ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR LAM TIN AREA SHOULD DIVERT VIA KAI TIN ROAD. VEHICLES ON KAI TIN ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE SHOULD USE JUNK BAY ROAD, SAU MAU PING ROAD AND HIP WO STREET.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
COTSITS PAGE NO.
LOCALISATION AT ’SENSIBLE AND EVEN PACE* ....................... 1
32 000 FIRST DEGREE PLACES PLANNED BY MID-1990’S................ 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED ..................... 2
LEGCO MEMBERS TO DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS................... 7
CISAP PROVIDING SOUND BhSE FOR S/J’ETY COUNCIL.................. 8
CONSULTANTS iiPPOINTED TO AID CHIEF EXECUTIVE SEARCH........ 9
PRE-1981 PRIVATE C.Jte MUST BE TESTED.......................... 10
BUILDING IMPROVEMENT SCHEME ACHIEVES RESULTS................... 11
larger number of dogs being inoculated ........................ 13
7/100 000 project to improve sewerage in HUNG HOM.............. 14
central-western district festival begins TOMORROW ............. 14
DB TO DISCUSS TRaGIC FACTORY INCIDENT.......................... 16
TAI PO DB MEMBERS SEE HOW KCR OPERATES ........................ 17
MEDICAL, MaXICAB CONCESSIONS FOR ELDERLY....................... 18
MACHINE TO ISSUE POSTAGE LABELS ............................... 19
SITTING-OUT iiREA TO BE BUILT.....'............................ 19
MASTER CLASSES BY RENOWNED MUSICLJNS .......................... 20
MEET-THE-MEDIa SESSION ........................................ 20
NEW RO^DS OPENING IN HUNG HOM.................................. 21
GREEN MINIBUS FaRE ADJUSTED.................................... 21
RESTRICTED ZONES TO BE LIFTED ................................. 22
TRAFFIC DIVERSION IN TAI KOK TSUI ............................. 22
PROHIBITED ZONES IN HUNG HOM .................................. 23
TRAFFIC REROUTINGS IN THEN MUN ................................ 23
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
LOCALISATION AT ’SENSIBLE AND EVEN PACE’
* * * *
*
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT
DAVID AKERS
ONES, SAID TODAY
WAS NOT RUSHING INTO LOCALISATION
AND WOULD ACHIEVE LOCALISATION OBJECTIVES AT A +SENSIBLE AND EVEN
PACE+.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE HISTORY EXHIBITION AT THE LANDMARK, SIR DAVID SAID THE FIGURES WHICH LAY BEHIND THE STATEMENT HE MADE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK SHOWED THE MEASURED PACE WITH WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WAS PROCEEDING WITH LOCALISATION.
♦LOCALISATION IS BEING ACHIEVED AND IT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED AND IT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED OVER A VERY CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME,* HE SAID.
HE REFUTED SUGGESTIONS THAT THERE WAS A GROWING ROW BETWEEN THE LOCAL SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS AND THEIR EXPATRIATE COUNTERPARTS.
ASKED WHY THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT APPOINT A LOCAL CHINESE AS THE NEXT CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID SAIDi +ALTHOUGH WE HAVE A PROCESS OF LOCALISATION WE ALSO PROMOTE ON MERIT AND NOT ON RACE, AS I SAID BEFORE. AND DAVID FORD, BY VIRTUE OF HIS EXPERIENCE AND AGE, HAS NOW REACHED THE POINT AT WHICH HE CAN TAKE OVER FROM ME NEXT YEAR.*
THE CHIEF SECRETARY DECLINED TO COMMENT ON A REPORT THAT THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WAS THE MOST LIKELY CANDIDATE TO TAKE OVER FROM MR ERIC HO ON THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
+1 CANNOT SPECULATE ON THAT,* HE SAID.
-----o--------
32 000 FIRST DEGREE PLACES PLANNED BY MID-1990’S
K X K * *
WITH THE PLANNED EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY, THE GOVERNMENT’S TARGET IS TO DOUBLE FIRST DEGREE PLACE PROVISION TO SOME 32 000 PLACES BY THE MID-1990’S, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE HISTORY EXHIBITION, SIR DAVID PRAISED THE COLLEGE FOR GIVING GOOD EDUCATION TO THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS.
/♦THROUGH THE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1986
+THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE STAFF AND THE MANAGEMENT, THE COLLEGE HAS EARNED THE RESPECT AND RECOGNITION OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND A WIDER COMMUNITY THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,+ HE SAID.
SIR DAVID RECALLED THAT THE COLLEGE BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER 1956 BY OFFERING POST-SECONDARY DIPLOMA COURSES TO ABOUT 150 STUDENTS IN A TEMPORARY CAMPUS AT PUI CHING MIDDLE SCHOOL.
+NOW THE COLLEGE HAS OVER 2 000 STUDENTS AMONG WHOM 210 ARE FOLLOWING DEGREE PROGRAMMES, INTRODUCED THIS YEAR,+ HE SAID.
SIR DAVID WENT ONs +THERE IS NO DOUBT THE YEARS AHEAD ARE YEARS OF CHALLENGE AND THE GREATEST CHALLENGE OF ALL IS TO OUR ECONOMY FOR WITHOUT AN EXPANDING ECONOMY WE SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE EXTRA COST OF IMPROVED SOCIAL, MEDICAL AND EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND THE ROADS, TUNNELS AND RAILWAYS WE SHALL NEED IN THE NINETIES.
+INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF ALL KINDS IS WHERE THIS EXPANDING ECONOMY MUST START.
THE RIGHT EDUCATION; AN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION! and AN EDUCATION IN THE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDED TO SERVE THE ECONOMY.+
DiotuTaE EXHIB,t,On HAS BEEN STAGED TO MARK THE COLLEGE’S 30TH BIRTHDAY.
------0-------
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED * * * * *
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW IN SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH TODAY. THE GROWTH RATE OF HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS (INCLUDING SWAP DEPOSITS) WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THAT FOR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS.
HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml (THE NARROWEST DEFINITION OF MONEY SUPPLY) INCREASED MARGINALLY, AFTER A RAPID INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 AND M3 CONTINUED TO RECORD STEADY GROWTH.
,N T0TAL LOANS AND ADVANCES PICKED UP IN SEPTEMBER. An^no-rTOo^,^NPE HONG K0NG’S TRADE INCREASED AFTER THE FALL IN ron1U/Tu,D?ZrER L0ANS F0R USE IN HONG K0NG ALS0 MISTERED A HIGHER GROWTH RATE THAN THE PREVIOUS MONTHS.
/TABLE 1
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER <♦, 1986
5 -
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1986 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
IN SEPTEMBER, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.9 PER CENT AFTER A RAPID INCREASE OF 9.7 PER CENT IN AUGUST. SAVINGS AND TIME DEPOSITS, HOWEVER, RECORDED INCREASES OF 2.9 PER CENT AND 1.8 PER CENT. TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.9 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.0 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OVER THE YEAR (THE 12 MONTHS TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER), THESE GREW BY 11.4 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND 35.7 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 3.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND BY 13.1 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR! ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 2.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND BY 36.7 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 3.6 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY 5.8 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 31.6 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER FELL BY 8.9 PER CENT.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY Ml INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER A RAPID INCREASE OF 7.2 PER CENT IN AUGUST. HKfiM2 AND HK$M3, ON THE OTHER HAND, GREW FASTER BY 2.4 PER CENT AND 1.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, HK«M1 GREW BY 10.3 PER CENT, HK$M2 BY 16.6 PER CENT AND HKSM3 BY 12.1 PER CENT
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY Ml FELL BY 1.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER HAVING INCREASED BY 6.8 PER CENT IN AUGUST. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 GREW BY 3.6 PER CENT AND 2.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml INCREASED BY 9.2 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 30.4 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 23.4 PER CENT.
/LOANS AND........
TUESDAY, NOVOIBER 4, 1986
- 4
LOANS AND ADVANCES
LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW FASTER IN SEPTEMBER, BY 2.6 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2.3 PER CENT IN JULY AND 0.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OVER THE 12 MONTHS, THEY GREW BY 14.0 PER CENT.
LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW SLOWER AT 0.6 PER CENT WHILE LOANS DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES GREW BY 4.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, THE FORMER GREW BY 8.4 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 19.7 PER CENT.
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 1.6 PER CENT AFTER A DECREASE OF 3.3 PER CENT IN AUGUST; OVER THE YEAR THEY GREW BY 12.9 PER CENT. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG INCREASED FASTER THIS MONTH BY 2.6 PER CENT AFTER INCREASES OF 1.7 PER CENT IN JULY AND 1.6 PER CENT IN AUGUST? OVER THE YEAR, THEY GREW BY 12.0 PER CENT.
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY
SECTOR
IN THE THIRD QUARTER, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 6.6 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 5.2 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 16.4 PER CENT. LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES INCREASED BY 9.9 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 2.7 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 22.0 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ROSE BY 3.2 PER CENT AFTER FALLING FOR SEVEN CONSECUTIVE QUARTERS. LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) ALSO ROSE FASTER, BY 11.6 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 4.3 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 8.6 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER, REFLECTING THE CONTINUED GROWTH IN ACTIVITIES IN THE PROPERTY MARKET. OVER THE 12 MONTHS, THESE LOANS GREW BY 32.9 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 149 AND 37 RESPECTIVELY. THE NUMBER OF REPORTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY 2 TO 259.
/TABLE 1
5
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - SEPTEMBER 1986
Money Supply Sep 1986 Earlier months (% change to September 1986) (HK$mn) 1985
Aug 1986 Jun 1986 Sep
Ml - HK$ 45,603 45,521 ( 0.2 X) 42,854 ( 6.4 X) 41,363 ( 10.3 %)
Foreign currency 4,293 5,109 (- 16.0 X) 4,167 ( 3.0 X) 4,316 ( -0.5 %)
Total 49,896 50,630 ( -1.4 X) 47,021 ( 6.1 X) 45,679 ( 9.2 %)
M2 - HK$ 218,419 213,211 ( 2.4 X) 206,836 ( 5.6 X) 187,396 ( 16.6 X)
Foreign currency 259,447 248,122 ( 4.6 X) 229,438 ( 13.1 X) 178,975 ( 45.0 X)
Total 477,866 461,332 ( 3.6 X) 436,274 ( 9.5 X) 366,371 ( 30.4 X)
M3 - HK$ 253,152 248,329 ( 1.9 X) 242,432 ( 4.4 X) 225,785 ( 12.1 X)
Foreign currency 301,587 294,419 ( 2.4 X) 276,731 ( 9.0 X) 223,756 ( 34.8 X)
Total 554,739 542,747 ( 2.2 X) 519,164 ( 6.9 X) 449,541 ( 23.4 X)
Deposits
Demand deposits 31,445 32,511 ( -3.3 X) 29,772 ( 5.6 X) 29,074 ( 8.2 X)
Savings deposits 113,219 110,225 ( 2.7 X) 104,471 ( 8.4 %) 96,407 ( 17.4 X)
Time deposits with banks 307,873 294,072 ( 4.7 X) 278,543 ( 10.5 X) 218,457 ( 40.9 X)
Time deposits with dtcs 72,989 77,511 ( -5.8 X) 79,165 ( -7.8 X) 80,161 ( -8.9 X)
All HK$ deposits 229,292 225,035 ( 1.9 X) 220,409 ( 4.0 X) 205,857 ( 11.4 X)
All foreign currency deposits 296,235 289,285 ( 2.4 X) 271,542 ( 9.1 X) 218,243 ( 35.7 X)
Total 525,527 514,320 ( 2.2 X) 491,951 ( 6.8 X) 424,100 ( 23.9 X)
Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 34,400 33,871 ( 1.6 X) 33,882 ( 1.5 X) 30,459 ( 12.9 X)
To finance merchandising trade 6,857 4,538 ( 51.1 X) 4,961 ( 38.2 X) 4,917 ( 39.5 X)
not touching H.K.
Other loans for use in H.K. 262,058 255,391 ( 2.6 X) 247,037 ( 6.1 X) 233,882 ( 12.0 X)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 163,608 161,324 ( 1.4 X) 159,185 ( 2.8 X) 146,570 ( 11.6 X)
Other loans where the place of 29,192 28,523 ( 2.3 X) 25,467 ( 14.6 X) 19,475 ( 49.9 X)
use is not known
All loans in HK$ 239,165 237,757 ( 0.6 X) 233,975 ( 2.2 %) 220,692 ( 8.4 X)
All loans in foreign currencies 256,949 245,890 ( 4.5 X) 236,556 ( 8.6 X) 214,611 ( 19.7 X)
Total 496,114 483,647 ( 2.6 X) 470,531 ( 5.4 %) 435,303 ( 14.0 X)
/TABLE 2 .......
6 - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR - SEPTEMBER 1986
(HK$mn)
Sep 1986 Earlier quarters
-------- (% change to September 1986)
Jun 1986 Mar 1986 Sep 1985
Manufacturing 23,773 22,294 ( 6.6 X) 21,191 ( 12.2 X) 20,419 ( 16.4 X)
Transport and transport equipment 19,428 19,988 ( -2.8 X) 20,438 ( -4.9 %) 22,267 (■ -12.7 X)
Building, construction and property development 37,635 36,466 ( 3.2 X) 37,944 ( -0.8 X) 43,712 ( -13.9 X)
Wholesale and retail trade 34,708 31,577 ( 9.9 X) 32,460 ( 6.9 X) 28,444 ( 22.0 X)
Financial concerns* 22,424 21,113 ( 6.2 X) 19,619 ( 14.3 X) 17,805 ( 25.9 X)
Individuals:
to purchase flats in the Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme 6,309 6,030 ( 4.6 X) 5,959 ( 5.9 X) 5,713 ( 10.4 %)
to purchase other residential property 39,835 35,699 ( 11.6 X) 32,875 ( 21.2 X) 29,973 ( 32.9 %)
other purposes 26,194 24,489 ( 7.0 X) 23,373 ( 12.1 X) 21,918 ( 19.5 X)
Others 51,752 49,380 ( 4.8 X) 46,797 ( 10.6 X) 43,631 ( 18.6 X)
Total 262,058 247,037 ( 6.1 X) 240,655 ( 8.9 X) 233,882 ( 12.0 X)
* This excludes funds advanced to banks and deposit-taking companies
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
7
LEGCO MEMBERS TO DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS
*****
A TWO-DAY DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, TO BE MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BEGIN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, WILL START THE DEBATE, TO BE FOLLOWED BY OTHER MEMBERS OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
MISS DUNN WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE HON MARIA TAM, THE HON MARTIN LEE, THE HON SZETO WAH, THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE HON RITA FAN, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, THE HON HO SAI-CHU, DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, THE HON LEE YU-TAI, THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN AND THE HON ANDREW WONG.
THEY WILL BE SPEAKING ON THE STRUCTURE AND MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
TOUCHING ON THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SITUATION WILL BE THE HON WONG PO-YAN, THE HON DAVID LI, THE HON ALLEN LEE, THE HON PETER POON, THE HON JACKIE CHAN AND THE HON NGA I SHIU-KIT.
THE HON LAU WONG-FAT WILL CONCENTRATE ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE.
ON THURSDAY, ANOTHER SEVEN MEMBERS WILL CONTINUE TO SPEAK ON THE TOPIC OF INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, THEY ARE THE HON HU FA-KUANG, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN, THE HON RICHARD LAI, THE HON POON CHI-FA I AND THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH.
EIGHT MEMBERS WILL TOUCH ON EDUCATION, HEALTH AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMES. THEY INCLUDE THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, THE HON SELINA CHOW, DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG, THE HON ROSANNA TAM AND DR THE HON DANIEL TSE.
ELABORATING ON LAW, ORDER AND SECURITY WILL BE THE HON CHEN SHOU-LUM, THE HON PETER C. WONG, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, THE HON J.J. SWAINE, THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN AND THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM.
THE SPEECHES WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RTHK’S CHINESE AND ENGLISH SERVICES RADIO 1 AND 3.
-------o ---------
/8........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
8
CISAP PROVIDING SOUND BASE
* M * * *
FOR SAFETY COUNCIL
ALTHOUGH HONG KONG DOES NOT HAVE A STATUTORY SAFETY COUNCIL AT PRESENT, IT DOES HAVE A STRONG TRIPARTITE MOVEMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THE MOVEMENT, LED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION (CISAP) AND ITS SIX INDUSTRY-BASED SUB-COMMITTEES, WAS GAINING MOMENTUM IN RECENT YEARS.
THE SPOKESMAN WAS COMMENTING ON CRITICISMS IN THE MEDIA OVER THE DELAY IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY COUNCIL IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID HE AGREED THAT A STATUTORY SAFETY COUNCIL WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BY PROVIDING ADVICE TO THOSE CONCERNED AND HELPING TO RAISE SAFETY STANDARDS, KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND TRADES.
+BUT THIS ROLE IS CURRENTLY BEING FILLED BY CISAP AND ITS SUB-COMM ITTEES,+ HE SAID.
ESTABLISHED IN 1978 UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TO FOSTER A VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT, CISAP IS MADE UP OF SIX UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FROM THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, SIX REPRESENTATIVES FROM INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATIONS, FOUR SAFETY PROFESSIONALS, FOUR REPRESENTATIVES FROM ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AND THE CHAIRMEN FROM THE SIX INDUSTRY-BASED SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEES.
THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, IT HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY THROUGH A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES.
THESE INCLUDED THE ISSUE OF CODES OF PRACTICE PREPARED BY THE VARIOUS SUB-COMMITTEES AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, PLANNING AND ORGANISING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROMOTIONAL EXHIBITIONS AND SEMINARS, ADVISING ON THE ANNUAL PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN PROPOSALS, ESTABLISHING A FORUM FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF IDEAS ON PRACTICAL NETHODS OF MEETING STATUTORY SAFETY STANDARDS, AND RECOMMENDING THE BEST MEANS OF PROVIDING A TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE FOR MATTERS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
+THROUGH CISAP AND ITS INDUSTRY-BASED SUB-COMMITTEES, AN EXCELLENT WORKING RELATIONSHIP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS AND WORKERS UN IONS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/+THIS GROWING .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
9
+THIS GROWING INTEREST AND COMMITMENT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO THE CAUSE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY HAVE ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR THE INCREASED VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AS WELL AS SPONSORSHIP OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.* i ■ . » ! u c* ■ ’
HE REITERATED THAT THE INTENTION OF SETTING UP CISAP WAS TO ENABLE IT TO EVOLVE IN TIME INTO A STATUTORY BODY WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROMOTING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
FROM EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST YEARS, CISAP HAS INDEED PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY AND A SOUND BASE FOR THE EVENTUAL ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH A STATUTORY BODY.
AT PRESENT, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS PREPARING A DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE ISSUE WHICH WOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR DISCUSSION IN EARLY DECEMBER.
+IT IS HOPED THAT A COUNCIL FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND FEALTH WILL BE FORMED ONCE A CONSENSUS COULD BE REACHED ON FINANCING,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0 -----
CONSULTANTS APPOINTED TO AID CHIEF EXECUTIVE SEARCH
*****
THE BOARD OF THE PROVISIONAL LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) HAS APPOINTED SPENCER STUART AS EXECUTIVE SEARCH CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST IT IN THE IDENTIFICATION AND RECRUITMENT OF A CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
SPENCER STUART IS ONE OF THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL GROUPS WORKING IN THE AREA OF SENIOR EXECUTIVE SEARCH AND RECRUITMENT. THE COMPANY HAS BEEN REPRESENTED IN HONG KONG SINCE 1976 AND HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN RECRUITING SENIOR EXECUTIVES FOR A NUMBER OF PROMINENT LOCAL AND OVERSEAS FIRMS.
• • j .• r </<• $ p •: f »’< e
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THE EMPLOYMENT OF SPENCER STUART WAS DECIDED ONLY AFTER A NUMBER OF AGENCIES HAD BEEN CONSIDERED.
THE APPOINTMENT OF A CHIEF EXECUTIVE FOR THE LDC WOULD MARK A SIGNIFICANT AND IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE FORMATION OF THE CORPORATION. HE WOULD BE EXPECTED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CORPORATION AS WELL AS FOR ITS DAY-TO-DAY OPERATION.
/>IR BARNES.......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
10 -
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WAS LIKELY TO HAVE A BACKGROUND AS A SENIOR EXECUTIVE IN A MAJOR COMMERCIAL ORGANISATION WITH KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG. HE MUST BE A CREATIVE AND EXPERIENCED EXECUTIVE, ABLE TO LEAD AND MANAGE A TEAM OF HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL AND SUPPORT STAFF.
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE WOULD BE A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION AS WELL AS BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR RAISING FINANCE AND IMPLEMENTING DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AIMS OF THE CORPORATION.
-----0-----
PRE-1981 PRIVATE CARS MUST BE TESTED
*****
PRIVATE CARS MANUFACTURED BEFORE 1981 WHICH REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE COMMENCING ON OR AFTER APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR MUST PASS A ROADWORTHINESS TEST PRIOR TO LICENCE RENEWAL, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS MEANS THAT OWNERS OF PRE-1931 PRIVATE CARS MUST FIRST OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS FROM A GOVERNMENT-DESIGNATED CAR TESTING CENTRE BEFORE THE LICENCE OF THEIR VEHICLES CAN BE RENEWED BY THE LICENSING OFFICE. THERE ARE 17 DESIGNATED CAR TESTING CENTRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.
THE REQUIREMENT FOR SIX-YEAR OLD PRIVATE CARS TO BE INSPECTED UNDER THE PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 2 THIS YEAR, STARTING WITH PRE-1980 CARS. UP TO SEPTEMBER, 17 756 VEHICLES HAD BEEN INSPECTED, WITH ABOUT 8 840 CARS PASSING THE ROADWORTHINESS TEST ON FIRST INSPECTION.
+ WITH THE APPROACH OF 1987, IT IS ONLY NATURAL THAT PRE-1981 CARS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE INSPECTION SCHEME,* A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS FOR ANY PRIVATE CAR WHICH HAS PASSED THE TEST MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN FOUR MONTHS OF THE ISSUE DATE FOR RELICENSING A VEHICLE, OTHERWISE ITS VALIDITY WILL LAPSE.
+IN OTHER WORDS, A CAR WHOSE LICENCE EXPIRES IN MARCH 1987 MAY BE PRESENTED FOR INSPECTION FROM DECEMBER ONWARDS, AND ONE WHOSE LICENCE EXPIRES IN APRIL FROM JANUARY ONWARDS, AND SO FORTH,* HE SAID.
/We stressed .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
HE STRESSED THAT CAR OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THEIR VEHICLES CHECKED AND REPAIRED BEFORE THE INSPECTION APPOINTMENT WITH CAR TESTING CENTRES SO AS TO AVIOD UNNECESSARY INCONVENIENCE.
THE EXAMINATION FEE FOR CAR INSPECTION IS $160 AND A RE-CHECK FEE OF $50 IS CHARGED WHEN DEFECTS FOUND IN THE 0RIG'NAL INSPECTION ARE REMEDIED AND EXAMINED WITHIN 14 DAYS. IN CASES OF SPECIFIED MINOR FAULTS, THE RE-CHECK IS ^REE OF CHARGE.
SHOULD A CAR OWNER DISAGREE CAN APPEAL TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR
WITH THE RESULT OF A TEST, HE A FRESH, INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION.
- 4. - - 0 ---------------------------
BUILDING IMPROVEMENT
SCHEME ACHIEVES RESULTS X X *
A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN YAU MA TEI HAS ACHIEVED SATISFACTORY RESULTS WITH MORE THAN ONE-THIRD OF ABOUT 30 PROBLEM BUILDINGS IDENTIFIED AS MAKING PROGRESS, THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SINGLED OUT IN PARTICULAR OWNERS OF BOOMAN HOUSE IN JORDAN ROAD FOR COMMENDATION FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO RECTIFY DEFECTS ON THE IR BUILD INGS.
THE 14-STOREY BOOMAN HOUSE IN JORDAN ROAD WAS BUILT IN 1961 AND HAD DEVELOPED CRACKS AND SPALLINGS OVER THE YEARS DUE TO POOR MAINTENANCE. IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM (BMCT) AS ONE OF THE FIRST 30 TARGET BUILDINGS FOR IMPROVEMENTS SINCE THE TEAM WAS SET UP IN MAY LAST YEAR.
THE OWNERS CORPORATION OF THE BUILDING HAS RECENTLY ENTERED INTO A $600 000 CONTRACT WITH A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR FOR MAJOR RENOVATION WORKS AFTER SEEKING ADVICE FROM THE TEAM.
♦GIVEN THAT BUILDING MANAGEMENT IS A LONG-STANDING PROBLEM IN THE DISTRICT, IT IS INDEED ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT BUILDING OWNERS ARE WILLING TO TAKE UP THE RESPONSIBILITY OF KEEPING THEIR BUILDINGS IN GOOD SHAPE,+ MR CHENG SAID.
HE NOTED THAT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TEAM THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE BUILDING CONDUCTED MEETINGS WITH OWNERS WHO ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN IDENTIFYING NECESSARY REPAIR ITEMS AND SUBSEQUENTLY SELECTING TENDER.
/♦THE FINAL .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER A, 190b ■
- 12 -
+THE FINAL SIGNING OF THE CONTRACT IS A REFLECTION OF THEIR CO-OPERATION AND THE IMPORTANCE THAT OWNERS HAVE ATTACHED TO THEIR OWN LIVING ENVIRONMENT,* HE SAID.
HE SAID ONE OF THE PRIMARY AIMS OF THE BMCT WAS TO STIMULATE SELF-HELP PROGRAMMES AMONG OWNERS AND TENANTS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
WHILE OWNERS CORPORATIONS WERE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT BODIES IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS, THEIR EFFECTIVENESS WAS OFTEN HAMPERED BY A WIDE RANGE OF PROBLEMS, HE SAID.
THE MORE COMMON ONES WERE THE APATHETIC ATTITUDE OF INDIVIDUAL OWNERS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND THE DIFFICULTY IN COLLECTING MANAGEMENT FEES OR CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS MAINTENANCE COST.
TO TACKLE THESE PROBLEMS, MR CHENG CALLED ON BUILDING OWNERS TO BE MORE FAR-SIGHTED AND TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE CO-OWNERS OF A BUILDING SHOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP A MAINTENANCE FUND TO PROVIDE THE FINANCIAL BASIS FOR MAJOR MAINTENANCE WORKS IN THE LONG RUN.
+PROPER AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE HAS IMPORTANT BEARING ON THE PHYSICAL STATE AS WELL AS THE MARKET VALUE OF THEIR BUILDING,* HE SAID.
MR CHENG SAID OF THE 30 TARGET BUILDINGS IDENTIFIED BY THE BMCT LAST YEAR FOR IMPROVEMENT ACTIONS, 11 HAD ACHIEVED SATISFACTORY PROGRESS.
ANOTHER 15 BUILDINGS, HE SAID, HAD RECENTLY BEEN INSPECTED BY THE TEAM AND WERE INCLUDED IN THE TARGET LIST AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.
+OTHER BUILDING OWNERS OR BUILDING MANAGEMENT BODIES IN THE DISTRICT ARE ALSO WELCOME TO SEEK ADVICE FROM THE BMCT ON MATTERS RELATING TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT,* MR CHENG SAID.
-------0----------
/1J........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
LARGER NUMBER OF DOGS BEING INOCULATED X * X * *
GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE TO BRING RABIES UNDER CONTROL HAS RESULTED IN MORE DOGS BEING INOCULATED AND MORE REPORTS OF STRAY DOGS BEING MADE TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, TODAY (TUESDAY) WHEN HE GAVE DETAILS OF A DISTRICT ANTI-RABIES DRIVE TO BE CARRIED OUT IN YUEN LONG AND TAI PO THIS MONTH.
DR CHENG SAID THAT IN SEPTEMBER ALONE STAFF OF THE DOG CONTROL UNIT HAD INOCULATED 4 830 DOGS, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 60 PER CENT OVER THE AVERAGE MONTHLY INOCULATION FIGURE OF 3 000.
+THIS BROUGHT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INOCULATIONS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR TO 28 600, ALREADY EXCEEDING LAST YEAR’S FIGURE OF 28 100,+ HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, OVER 10 630 STRAY DOGS WERE ROUNDED UP IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR.
THIS WAS A GOOD SIGN OF PUBLIC VIGILANCE AGAINST RABIES AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE WITH ITS STRINGENT CONTROL MEASURES TO PREVENT A RESURGENCE OF THE DISEASE.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE QUARANTINE OF IMPORTED DOGS AND CATS, OBSERVATION OF BITER ANIMALS, STRAY DOG CONTROL AND MOBILE INOCULATION SERVICES TO RURAL VILLAGES.
THE YUEN LONG VILLAGES TO BE VISITED INCLUDE KIU TAU WAI, TIN SHUI WAI, MONG TSENG TSUEN, TONG FONG TSUEN, FUNG KA WAI, WING NING TSUEN, SHA KUI TSUEN AND TAN KWAI TSUEN.
THE TAI PO VILLAGES ARE YUE KOK, YUE KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, NAM HANG, OLD MARKET, CHUK HANG, YING PUN HA, TAI PO TAU, KAM SHAN, PUN CHUN YUEN, LIN AU, WAN TAU TONG, PUN CHUNG, SAN PUN CHUNG AND PAK KIU TSAI.
DOG OWNERS IN THESE VILLAGES SHOULD MAKE FULL USE OF THE MOBILE SERVICES TO HAVE THEIR PETS INOCULATED AND LICENSED.
+ANY PERSON WHO KEEPS A DOG OVER FIVE MONTHS’ OLD WHICH IS NOT INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES, OR WHO LETS HIS DOG STRAY, IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF 55 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT + DR CHENG POINTED OUT.
- 0 -
/14
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
14
$100 000 PROJECT TO IMPROVE SEWERAGE IN HUNG HOM
*****
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 6) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSED $100 000 PROJECT TO IMPROVE SEWERAGE IN HUNG HOM.
THE SEWERAGE PROBLEM HAS BEEN SUBJECTS OF COMPLAINTS BY RESIDENTS IN THE AREA. INVESTIGATIONS BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE SERIOUS BLOCKAGE OF SEWERS ALONG WING KWONG STREET, HUNG FOOK STREET AND OTHER STREETS IN THE VICINITY.
A THOROUGH CLEANSING OPERATION IS REQUIRED TO ARREST AND PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM SURFACING AGAIN.
MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE PROJECT WHICH WILL TAKE TWO TO THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A REPORT ON THE WORKING GROUP OF PRIVATE LANES WILL ALSO BE TABLED IN THE MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A JOINT DEPARTMENT TlDYING-UP EXERCISE AT CLEARED BACK LANES AND THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THERE WILL NOT BE ANY SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE AT THE MEETING.
- 0 - -
CENTRAL-WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW
*****
AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY OF A 50-METRE-LONG DRAGON AND TWO LIONS AT EDINBURGH PLACE AND A VARIETY SHOW AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WILL MARK THE GRAND OPENING OF THE SECOND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL PERFORM THE EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY AND OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE VARIETY SHOW AT 7.30 PM.
/THE VARIETY
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER A, 1986
THE VARIETY SHOW WILL FEATURE A STRINGS ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE, BALLET, CHOIR SINGING, BAND MUSIC, ORIENTAL FOLK DANCE AND SONGS BY POPULAR SINGERS.
THE THREE-HOUR PROGRAMME ON OPENING NIGHT WILL ONLY BE A CURTAIN-RAISER FOR THE THREE-WEEK DISTRICT FESTIVAL. THERE WILL BE 30 OTHER EVENTS WHICH LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 30 TO CATER TO THE INTERESTS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EVENTS. ADMISSION TO MOST EVENTS WILL BE FREE. DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMMES ARE LISTED IN A LEAFLET AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE ON 5-8523002! 5-8170196 OR 5-220031.
EVENTS ARRANGED DURING THE FIRST SEVEN DAYS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE/TIME EVENT VENUE
NOVEMBER 6 (THURSDAY) 8 PM CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR AND CHILDREN’S CHOIR ANNUAL CONCERT CITY HALL THEATRE
NOVEMBER 8 (SATURDAY) 2 PM CARNIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK, EASTERN STREET
2 PM STUDENT CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION PUI YING MIDDLE SCHOOL, BABINGTON PATH
2 PM PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION CHIU CHOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 85 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST
1 PM TO 6 PM OPEN DAY OF UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
NOVEMBER 9 (SUNDAY) CONCERN FOR THE ELDERLY CHUN SING
9.30 AM DRAWING COMPETITION STREET TEMPORARY CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND
/9 AM CHILDREN DRAWING........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER U, 1986
16
9 AM
CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION
2 PM
LIGHT OF PEACE CARNIVAL
10 AM TO 6 PM
OPEN DAY OF UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
NOVEMBER 10 (MONDAY) 7.30 PM
BANQUET FOR THE ELDERLY
ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS
BLAKE GARDEN, PO HING FONG
UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
CHINESE RESTAURANT, CITY HALL
NOVEMBER 11-15
SURVEY ON PASTIME OF WHITE COLLAR WORKERS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW AT EDINBURGH PLACE AND THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
------0 -------
DB TO DISCUSS TRAGIC FACTORY INCIDENT
K X K X X
MEMBERS OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE TRAGIC INCIDENT AT THE CIPEL MARCO FACTORY IN KWAI CHUNG DURING THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 6) AFTERNOON. THIRTEEN WORKERS HAVE SO FAR DIED FOLLOWING AN EXPLOSION AT THE FACTORY.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL POLICY SPEECH WHICH WAS DELIVERED AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
BOARD MEMBER, MR LI CHI-FAI, WILL MOVE A MOTION TO REQUEST REGULAR PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE AT FUTURE DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS UNTIL THE BRIDGE IS COMPLETED.
/QUESTIONS ON
TUESDAY, NOVJMBER 4, 1986
- 17 -
QUESTIONS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY HALLS, THE USE OF CULTURAL AND RECREATION FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT, THE STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN FACTORY PREMISES AND THE FOLLOW-UP SERVICES FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WILL BE RAISED AT THE MEETING.
AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE UPPER KWAI CHUNG ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT STUDY REPORT, ANTI-CHOLERA OPERATION IN KWAI CHUNG AND THE PROGRESS OF THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICE (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
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TAI PO DB MEMBERS SEE HOW KCR OPERATES * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE TAI
... PO DISTRICT BOARD AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TH!S (TUEsDAY> MORNING VISITED THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION TO GET A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ITS OPERATIONS.
LED BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, DR STEPHEN TANG FIRST WENT TO THE CONTROL CENTRE AT KOWLOON TO LOOK AT HOW TRAIN SERVICES WERE RUN.
THE PARTY
STATION AT HUNG HOM
THEY LATER BOARDED A SPECIAL TRAIN FOR TUNG LAU WORKSHOPS WHERE THEY WERE RECEIVED DIRECTOR, MR CLEMENT CHIU, AND WERE BRIEFED OF TRAINS.
THE CORPORATION’S HO BY THE ENGINEER ON THE MAINTENANCE
MEMBERS NEXT WENT T0 THE RACECOURSE STATION AND WERE THEN DIRECTOR, MR PETER JJlcT ™EY WERE MET BY ™E MANAGI^
OF TM?FJn?pnp?TmM SH0W’ MR QUICK BRIEEED THEM ON THE MANAGEMENT vr I nt UUKrUKAi IUN.
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/18........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
18
MEDICAL, MAXICAB CONCESSIONS FOR ELDERLY *****
SENIOR CITIZENS OF EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BENEFIT FROM CONCESSIONS IN BOTH MEDICAL EXPENSES AND MAXICAB FARES BY JOINING TWO SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY LAUNCHED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD THIS MONTH.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE TWO SCHEMES TODAY (TUESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT MEDICAL SERVICE WORKING GROUP, MR SHUM CHI-KIN, SAID THAT WHEN THE MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN THE DISTRICT IN 1983, APPLICANTS HAD TO OBTAIN INTRODUCTORY LETTERS EACH TIME THEY CONSULTED A DOCTOR.
IN ORDER TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURE, APPLICANTS UNDER THE NEW SCHEME WOULD BE ISSUED WITH REUSABLE +MEDICAL CARDS* FOR THEM TO SEEK TREATMENT FROM DOCTORS WHO HAD JOINED THE SCHEME, MR SHUM SAID.
ALL EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS AGED 60 AND OVER OR RECEIVING WELFARE ALLOWANCES FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WERE ELIGIBLE FOR JOINING THE SCHEME, HE ADDED.
MR SHUM SAID THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GETTING 35 REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IN THE DISTRICT TO PARTICIPATE.
MEANWHILE, AT THE DISTRICT BOARD’S REQUEST, MAXICAB OPERATORS PLYING ROUTES IN THE DISTRICT HAVE AGREED TO GIVE A FARE CONCESSION TO ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN EASTERN. THE SCHEME WILL OPERATE ON A TRIAL BASIS FOR SIX MONTHS.
AS AGREED WITH MAXICAB OPERATORS, SENIOR RESIDENTS AGED 60 OR OVER COULD ENJOY A CONCESSION OF 50 CENTS ON PRODUCTION OF A +PREFERENTIAL CARD* ISSUED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM SAID.
AT PRESENT, EIGHT MAXICAB ROUTES WERE INVOLVED IN THE SCHEME. A SPECIAL LABEL WOULD BE DISPLAYED ON THE MAXICABS FOR EASY IDENTIF ICATION.
MR SHUM THANKED MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN PERSUADING MAXICAB OPERATORS TO JOIN THE SCHEME.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR BOTH SCHEMES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, ITS SUB-OFFICES AND VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.
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/19
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
19
MACHINE TO ISSUE POSTAGE LABELS X * X K X
AN ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABEL ISSUING MACHINE WILL IN HONG KONG ON A TRIAL BASIS IN DECEMBER.
BE INTRODUCED
+LOCATED IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE MACHINE WILL ACCEPT HONG KONG COINS IN ALL DENOMINATIONS FROM 10 CENTS TO FIVE DOLLARS AND ISSUE POSTAGE LABELS WITH FIXED VALUES OF 10 CENTS, 50 CENTS, 31.30 AND Si.70,+ A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
+THE VALUES ARE SELECTED BY PUSHING APPROPRIATE BUTTONS ON THE FACIA OF THE MACHINE,+ HE ADDED.
ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABEL ISSUING MACHINES ARE NOW IN OPERATION IN MANY COUNTRIES PROVIDING A FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE PAYMENT OF POSTAGE WITHOUT THE NEED TO QUEUE FOR STAMPS AT POST OFFICE COUNTERS.
+IF THE MACHINE PERFORMS SATISFACTORILY DURING ITS TRIAL, IT WILL BECOME A PERMANENT FIXTURE AND ADDITIONAL MACHINES WILL BE PROVIDED AT OTHER POST OFFICES,* HE SAID.
+FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ISSUED TO COMMEMORATE THE INTRODUCTION IN HONG KONG OF THE POSTAGE LABELS.+
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SITTING-OUT AREA TO BE BUILT
* * * M
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING A SITTING-OUT AREA AT SHAM SHU I PO.
OCCUPYING A 1 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND TAI NAM STREET, IT WILL COMPRISE PAVILIONS, WOODEN ARBOURS, COVERED WALKWAYS AND PLANTERS.
A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA WITH PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT WILL BE INCLUDED.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
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/20........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
20
MASTER CLASSES BY RENOWNED MUSICIANS
*****
A SERIES OF MASTER CLASSES AND LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS ON ER-HU, BAN-HU, SHENG AND SUO-NA WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH’S MUSIC OFFICE TO ADD COLOUR TO THE 1986 HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL WHICH STARTED LAST SATURDAY.
THESE CLASSES AND DEMONSTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY RENOWNED MUSICIANS, MR LIU CHONG-ZENG AND MR CAO JIAN-GUO, AT VARIOUS MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
A MASTER CLASS ON ER-HU AND ANOTHER ON SUO-NA WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 4.30 PM AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE AND THE TSUEN WAN MUSIC CENTRE WHILE A LECTURE DEMONSTRATION ON +SKILLS IN PLAYING BAN-HU+ WILL BE STAGED AT THE TSUEN WAN MUSIC CENTRE AT 7.30 PM.
LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS ON SUO-NA AND ER-HU WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 6) AT THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE AND ON FRIDAY AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE AT 7.30 PM.
ADMISSION IS FREE. FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL 5-458791 OR 0-4928127.
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MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION
*****
TWO MUSICIANS FROM CHINA, MR CAO JIAN-GUO AND MR LIU CHONG-ZENG, CURRENTLY TAKING PART IN THE 1986 HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, WILL MEET THE MEDIA TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 3 PM AT THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAMBRIDGE COURT, 84 WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON (ABOVE THE SHANGHAI COMMERCIAL BANK LTD.)
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
21
NEW ROADS OPENING IN HUNG HOM
* * *
A NUMBER OF NEW ROADS IN HUNG HOM WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 3 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7) TO FACILITATE BETTER TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
THESE AREi PO LOI STREET CONNECTING DOCK STREET - BAKER STREET AND HUNG HOM WAN STREET- HUNG HOM WAN STREET CONNECTING PO LOI STREET AND HUNG HOM FERRY CONCOURSE- AND WINSLOW STREET UNDERPASS CONNECTING WINSLOW STREET AND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH NORTHBOUND.
AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD OPENING, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON MA TAU WAI ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KOWLOON KCR STATION OR HUNG HOM FERRY CONCOURSE CAN USE WUHU STREET, DOCK STREET, PO LOI STREET AND HUNG HOM WAN STREET.
MOTORISTS IN HUNG HOM AREA CAN USE WINSLOW STREET UNDERPASS AND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH TO GO TO EAST KOWLOON.
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GREEN MINIBUS FARE ADJUSTED
*****
THE FARE FOR THE FULL JOURNEY OPERATED BY THE OVER-NIGHT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 18S WILL BE REVISED FROM THE EXISTING $6 TO V WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE FULL JOURNEY RUNS FROM MONGKOK MTR STATION TO SHEK WU HUI.
MEANWHILE, FARE FOR THE ADDITIONAL TRIPS FROM MONGKOK MTR STATION TO TAI PO OPERATED ON THIS ROUTE BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 4.30 AM WILL REMAIN AT $6.
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/22
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
22 -
RESTRICTED ZONES TO BE LIFTED
X * X X X
THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTED ZONES ON WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WILL BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7)8
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 73 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SOARES AVENUE AND A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ARGYLE STREET;
X THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 110 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ARGYLE STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 105 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PUI CHING road;
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND A POINT ABOUT 135 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION! AND
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WATERLOO ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 78 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
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TRAFFIC DIVERSION IN TAI KOK TSUI
X X X X
CERTAIN STREETS IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7) BECAUSE OF WORK ON THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR.
DETAILS AREs
* FIR STREET BETWEEN BEDFORD ROAD AND LARCH STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHEAST BOUND TO ONE-WAY SOUTHWEST BOUND.
* LARCH STREET BETWEEN TONG MEI ROAD AND FIR STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHWEST BOUND TO ONE-WAY SOUTHEAST BOUND TOWARDS TONG MEI ROAD.
THE MEASURES WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR ABOUT 20 WEEKS.
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/23
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1986
25
PROHIBITED ZONES IN HUNG HOM * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7), CERTAIN SECTIONS OF ROADS IN HUNG HOM WILL BE UNDER THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTIONS 24 HOURS DAILY:
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM HUNG HOM WAN STREET TO CHEONG WAN ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE. NO PLB'S WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED AREA.
* THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE TAXI STAND AT THE HUNG HOM FERRY PIER CONCOURSE WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE. NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE RESTRICTED ZONE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE HUNG HOM FERRY BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE. NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS.
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TRAFFIC REROUTINGS IN TUEN MUN *****
TAI HING STREET IN TUEN MUN WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN TAI HING ESTATE.
THE EXISTING ONE-WAY WESTBOUND ROUTING OF TAI FONG STREET SECTION BETWEEN TSUN WEN ROAD AND TAI HING STREET WILL REMAIN.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR TAI HING ESTATE SHOULD USE THE TAI FONG STREET-TSUN WEN ROAD JUNCTION.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
CONSENSUS VITAL TO STABILITY - DUNN .......................... 1
• I . .
DIRECT ELECTIONS IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL ..................... 2
DEVELOP FAIR, RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE GuVT ................ 6
LONG-TERM LABOUR POLICY NEEDED ............................... 7
POSITIVE ACTION TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT NEEDED................ 8
SOUND AND EXPANDING ECONOMY CRUCIAL TO SUCCESS ............... 9
COMMON LAW SHOULD PROTECT PRESS FREEDOM ..................... 12
PROPER TRANSPORT PL JI REQUIRED FOR NT ...................... 14
•WORK FOR THE COMMON GOOD' SAYS CHEONG ...................... 15
POLITICAL CHANGE MUST BE COMPATIBLE ......................... 18
PARTIAL DIRECT ELECTION ADVOCATED ........................... 20
THUMBS DOWN TO RADICAL POLITICAL REFORMS .................... 23
DEMOCRACY AND ELECTIONS MORE ACCEPTABLE ..................... 24
UNNECESSARY CHANGE MUST BE AVOIDED .......................... 26
THREE-TIER GOVT STRUCTURE SHOULD BE REVIEWED ................ 29
SOUND ECONOMY THE KEY TO STABILITY .......................... 50
'DON'T DRIVE PROFESSIONALS, BUSINESSMEN AWAY' .............. 32
LIBERAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM ESSENTIAL ........................... 33
/ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS
I
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FLOW EFFECTIVELY STEfiMED...............<• 35
PROMOTION OF PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH VITAL ......................... 36
COLOURFUL LAUNCHING OF CENTRAL-WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ... 37
REMEMBRANCE DaY CEREMONY .iT CENOTAPH .......................... 38
FOUR NT SITES FOR LEASE......................................... 39
NEW SERIES OF SPECIAL NEW YEaR STitMPS ......................... 39
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS VISIT ROYAL OBSERVATORY.................... ^0
MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORTS ....................
TV PROGRAMME PUTS FOCUS ON WONG TAI SIN .....................
BRIEFING ON TSING YI OPEN SPACE .............................
DETAILS OF EASTERN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ........................ ^3
NEW CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STRATEGY ................................. ^3
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE ON GARDEN ROAD...........................
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE IN TUEN MUN .............................
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHAI ........................ ^5
RESTRICTED ZONE IN KWAI CHUNG .................................. ^5
NO FLUSHING WATER............................................... ^5
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
1
CONSENSUS VITAL TO STABILITY - DUNN
M * * * *
THE SEARCH FOR CONSENSUS IS AS ESSENTIAL AS EVER TO THE SUCCESSFUL GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WHEN STRONG DIFFERENCES OF VIEW ARE NOT RESOLVED IN A FREE SOCIETY, SHE SAID, +THERE CAN BE NO MOVEMENT, NO SOLUTION, NO ADVANCE.*
MISS DUNN WAS LEADING THE DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
SHE NOTED THAT THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE DIFFERENCES OF OPINION ABOUT HOW PRINCIPLES SHOULD BE APPLIED IN PRACTICE.
+BUT ARGUMENTS ABOUT PRACTICAL APPLICATION MUST NEVER BE ALLOWED TO OBSCURE THE PRINCIPLES THEMSELVES, NOR TO BECOME SO HEATED OR SO PERSONALISED THAT COMPROMISE BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE AND THE FUNDAMENTAL FRAMEWORK IS PUT AT RISK,* SHE SAID.
+THE SEARCH FOR CONSENSUS THROUGH DEBATE AND REASONED COMPROMISE IS THE ONLY WAY IN WHICH WE CAN IN THE LONG RUN PRESERVE OUR STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
+ON THE WAY TO THAT CONSENSUS THERE IS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR ARGUING DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEW.*
MISS DUNN SAID DEBATE WAS HEALTHY AS IT TENDED TO EXPOSE THE WEAKNESSES AND THE STRENGTHS OF DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW AND REVEAL THE COMMON GROUND.
CONSENSUS WAS NEVER IMPOSED, SHE STRESSED. +IT REPRESENTS AGREEMENT FREELY ENTERED INTO FOR THE GOOD OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY ON THE BEST AVAILABLE WAY FORWARD.*
HONG KONG ALREADY HAD BASIC CONSENSUS ABOUT THOSE FUNDAMENTALS ESSENTIAL TO THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS FREE SOCIETY AND OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THAT SOCIETY, SHE SAID, ADDING +WE CALL IN TO QUESTION THE ELEMENTS OF THAT CONSENSUS AT OUR PERIL.*
MISS DUNN NOTED THAT IN HONG KONG’S MORE MORE ARGUMENTATIVE, MORE DISPUTATIOUS SOCIETY MORE DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE CONSENSUS.
OPEN, MORE LIVELY, IT MIGHT WELL BE
HIS OWN VIEW AND
EACH COUNCIL MEMBER WAS ENTITLED TO HAVE
TO ARGUE HIS CASE AS STRONGLY AS HE LIKED, SHE SAID. +BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE MUST RECOGNISE THAT WHEN STRONG DIFFERENCES OF VIEWS ARE NOT RESOLVED IN A FREE SOCIETY THERE CAN BE NO MOVEMENT,
NO SOLUTION, NO ADVANCE.*
COUNCILLORS REPRESENTED A WIDE VARIETY OF INTERESTS AND THOSE INTERESTS MUST INEVITABLY CONFLICT AT TIMES, SHE SAID.
/+WE SHALL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
2
+WE SHALL CONTINUE TO SUCCEED ONLY SO LONG AS WE ARE WILLING TO RESOLVE THOSE CONFLICTS IN OUR EFFORTS TO SERVE THE WIDER INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY,* SHE ADDED.
+IN DOING SO THE PUBLIC MUST BEAR IN MIND THAT, EVEN THOSE WHO ARE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES ARE NOT DELEGATES REQUIRED TO SPEAK AND VOTE AS DIRECTED BY THOSE THEY REPRESENT.
+EACH ONE OF US MUST BE PREPARED TO SAY, IF NECESSARY, TO THOSE TO WHOM WE OWE OUR PLACE IN THIS COUNCIL THAT WE CANNOT PURSUE A PARTICULAR INTEREST TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE COMMON GOOD,* SAID MISS DUNN.
SHE SAID CHANGES IN THE MAKE-UP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD NOT LED TO THE ABANDONMENT OF THE SEARCH FOR CONSENSUS, THOUGH PERHAPS THE RECENT DEBATE ON DAYA BAY HAD DIVERTED ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE COUNCIL’S SUCCESSES IN FINDING CONSENSUS ON MANY ISSUES AND IN GETTING COUNCIL BUSINESS DONE FROM WEEK TO WEEK.
MISS DUNN WAS CONFIDENT THAT ELECTED AND APPOINTED COLLEAGUES ALIKE WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE SAME SPIRIT AS IN THE LAST SESSION WHEN THEY HAMMERED OUT AGREEMENT ON THE AMENDED FORM OF MANY BILLS BEFORE PASSING THEM INTO LAW.
MISS DUNN NOTED THAT CONSENSUS ABOUT FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES HAD EXISTED IN HONG KONG FOR MANY YEARS. EVEN THEN, THERE HAD BEEN ISSUES FROM TIME TO TIME ON WHICH COUNCIL MEMBERS SAW IT AS THEIR DUTY TO OPPOSE THE GOVERNMENT THAT HAD APPOINTED THEM TO THE COUNCIL.
IN THE OLD DAYS, SHE SAID, MEMBERS DID MOST OF THEIR PROTESTING IN PRIVATE WHILE AT PUBLIC COUNCIL MEETINGS THEY WERE HEARD TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS WHICH BY THEN HAD OFTEN BEEN MODIFIED TO MEET THEIR CRITICISMS.
♦IT WAS NEVER UNTHINKING ACQUIESCENCE; IT WAS A WILLING ACCEPTANCE OF THE OUTCOME OF PRACTICAL POLITICS, THE BEST THAT COULD BE ACHIEVED IN A REAL WORLD,* MISS DUNN SAID.
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DIRECT ELECTIONS IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL
IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF ALL PEOPLE IN HONG KONG THAT DIRECT ELECTIONS ARE INTRODUCED IN 1988, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
+FOR THE SOONER WE START THE TRULY DEMOCRATIC PROCESS, THE BETTER OUR CHANCES OF EVOLVING A SUCCESSFUL POLITICAL SYSTEM FOR 50 YEARS BEYOND 1997,+ HE SAID.
/MR I.EE.............
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
MR LEE EXPRESSED HIS WORRY THAT THE TIDE OF EMIGRATION IN HONG KONG HAD NOT SUBSIDED ALMOST TWO YEARS AFTER THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND NOTED WITH CONCERN THAT YOUNG PEOPLE SHOWING GREAT PROMISE IN THEIR CAREER WERE NOW JOINING THE QUEUES FOR EMIGRATION.
HE SAID THIS WOULD CONTINUE SO LONG AS PEOPLE HERE DID NOT SEE ANY POSSIBILITY OF THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT BEING ABLE TO PRESERVE THEIR FREEDOM, UNLESS THEY COULD BE CONVINCED THAT THERE WAS A FUTURE FOR THEM HERE AND THAT THEIR FREEDOM COULD AND WOULD BE PRESERVED.
+IN PRACTICAL TERMS, IT MEANS WE MUST ENSURE THAT WHAT HAS BEEN PROMISED TO US IN THE JOINT DECLARATION WILL NOT BE TAKEN BACK FROM US IN THE BASIC LAW- WE MUST ENSURE THAT ALL THE IMPORTANT OUTSTANDING ISSUES WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN AGREED UPON IN THE JOINT DECLARATION WILL BE RESOLVED IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BASIC LAW WILL NOT FALL BELOW WHAT MOST PEOPLE CONSIDER TO BE ALREADY THE BOTTOM LINE AS CONTAINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND WILL BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MUST SEE THAT THIS GOVERNMENT HAD THE WILL AND THE ABILITY TO GOVERN WITHOUT INTERVENTION FROM PEKING, HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS MUST LEARN TO TRUST EACH OTHER MORE, AND THERE WERE ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT THIS WAS HAPPENING.
LIKEWISE, HE SAID, THERE SHOULD BE MORE TRUST BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG.
AS FOR HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEE CALLED ON THEM TO LEARN TO FEEL AS THE PEOPLE FEEL, TO THINK AS THE PEOPLE THINK, AND TO SAY WHAT THE PEOPLE DARE NOT SAY.
+FOR IF WE CANNOT PUT THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE ABOVE OUR OWN, WE DO NOT DESERVE TO BE ON THIS COUNCIL, WHETHER ELECTED OR APPOINTED,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO URGED COUNCILLORS TO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF BELONGING WHICH HE SAID WAS SO FAR LACKING, AND WITHOUT WHICH THERE COULD BE NO DEDICATION AND NO FUTURE FOR HONG KONG.
MR LEE CRITICISED THE GROUP OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHOM HE SAID DID NOT BELIEVE IN DEMOCRACY AND CLAIMED UNJUSTIFIABLY THAT DIRECT ELECTIONS WOULD LEAD TO SOCIAL UNREST WHICH WOULD IN TURN RUIN THE ECONOMY.
•+THEY INSISTED THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE NOT POLITICALLY MATURE ENOUGH TO CHOOSE THEIR OWN CHIEF EXECUTIVE OR LEGISLATOR.,* HE SAID.
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/HE REMINDED........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 4 -
HE REMINDED THE COUNCIL THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE BROUGHT UP IN A SYSTEM OF THE RULE OF LAW WHICH MEANT THAT EVERY PERSON WAS EQUAL IN THE EYES OF THE LAW.
+A VERY NATURAL APPLICATION OF THIS PRINCIPLE IS TO GIVE ONE VOTE TO EVERY ADULT CITIZEN OF HONG KONG, WHETHER RICH OR POOR,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT FREEDOMS ENJOYED IN HONG KONG WERE SAFEGUARDED BY A VERY DEMOCRATIC BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND HE QUESTIONED WHETHER THE SAME FREEDOMS COULD BE GUARANTEED IN 1997.
HE SAID HE REFUTED THE ARGUMENT THAT HONG KONG DID NOT NEED A DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT TO PRESERVE THESE FREEDOMS AS LONG AS THE RULE OF LAW AND AN INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY WERE ENSURED.
+IF THE RULE OF LAW AND OUR INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY ARE TO REMAIN WITH US IN THE YEARS AHEAD, THEN WE MUST HAVE AN EXECUTIVE BODY THAT IS ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE, SO THAT THOSE IN POWER HAVE TO ABIDE BY THE LAW, KNOWING THAT THEY ARE THERE BY THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE EXPRESSED THROUGH A DEMOCRATIC ELECTORAL PROCESS,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT SOME PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING SOME COUNCILLORS, HAD BEEN CASTING DOUBT ON THE VALUE OF DEMOCRACY, ALTHOUGH BOTH THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS HAD ACKNOWLEDGED ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+FOR BOTH CHINA AND GREAT BRITAIN REALISE THAT WE NEED A DEMOCRATIC AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN THE SAR, SO THAT IT CAN EXERCISE THAT HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR CAPITALIST SYSTEM SEPARATE FROM THE COMMUNIST SYSTEM,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE ARGUED THAT DEMOCRACY WAS NOT THE ANTITHESIS OF PROSPERITY AS WAS SUGGESTED.
HE SAID THAT THESE WHO WERE OPPOSED TO DEMOCRACY HAD PROPOSED A FUTURE POLITICAL STRUCTURE FOR HONG KONG WHICH WOULD PRESERVE THEIR VESTED INTERESTS, BY MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO HAVE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FORMATION OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND BY MAKING SURE THAT THE SELECTION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND A SUBSTANTIAL PORTION OF LEGISLATORS WOULD REMAIN IN THE HANDS OF THE RICH.
HE SAID THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ABOUT A POLITICAL SYSTEM WHICH ENSURED THAT THE RICH WOULD CONTROL THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DAY BECAUSE THOSE IN POWER WOULD THEN GOVERN FOR THEIR OWN BENEFIT.
HE SAID SUCH A GOVERNMENT WAS BOUND TO BE CORRUPT WHICH WOULD KILL HONG KONG’S IMAGE AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE AND RESULT IN A LOSS OF CONFIDENCE IN THE SYSTEM BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
/MR LEE........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1986
- 5
MR LEE SAID THAT SUCH A SYSTEM SIMPLY WOULD NOT DO BECAUSE IT DID NOT ENABLE THOSE IN POWER TO DEFEND THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE VIS-A-VIS THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
+FOR A GOVERNMENT THAT HAS THE SUPPORT OF SUCH A SMALL MINORITY OF THE PEOPLE IT GOVERNS IS BOUND TO SEEK SUPPORT FROM THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND WILL THUS BECOME A MERE PUPPET GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT HE WAS NOT AGAINST RICH PEOPLE ENTERING POLITICS BUT FELT THAT THEY SHOULD, LIKE THEIR RICH COUNTERPARTS IN THE REST OF THE FREE WORLD, BE ELECTED BY THEIR PEOPLE AND WORK FOR IT.
IN NOT WANTING TO COMPETE IN AN EQUAL ELECTION AND INSISTING THAT THEY BE ALLOCATED CERTAIN PLACES IN THE LEGISLATURE, THEY WERE DEMANDING WHAT HAD BEEN CALLED A +POLITICAL FREE LUNCH+, HE SAID.
MR LEE CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE DIRECT ELECTIONS
TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1988, STARTING WITH A PROPORTION
OF 25 PER CENT, WHILE KEEPING THE PRESENT THREE TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP FROM FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, ELECTORAL COLLEGES AND APPOINTMENTS TO 25 PER CENT EACH.
HE SUGGESTED THAT AFTER THE 1988 ELECTION, A REVIEW SHOULD BE MADE IN EITHER 1989 OR 1990 TO SEE HOW WELL DIRECT ELECTIONS WERF RECEIVED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE TO DECIDE ON THE PERCENTAGES FOR THE VARIOUS MODES OF ELECTION IN 1991.
AFTER THAT, ANOTHER REVIEW WOULD BE NEEDED TO SEE WHAT THE COMPOSITION OF THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE BY 1994, HE ADDED.
HE SAID SUCH A GRADUAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE POLITICAL SYSTEM WAS NECESSARY IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE AND IT WAS ONLY FAIR THAT THE PEOPLE SHOULD DECIDE FOR THEMSELVES THE TYPES OF ELECTION THEY WANTED TO HAVE AND TO WHAT EXTENT.
■♦■DEMOCRACY IS OUR GOAL. LET NO ONE COMPROMISE IT WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT ONCE THE PEOPLE HAD SEEN HOW DIRECT ELECTIONS REALLY WORKED, THEY WOULD BE PERSUADED THAT THEY WERE A GOOD THING, LEADING TO A PEACEFUL TRANSFORMATION OF THE PRESENT COLONIAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT INTO +A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS FAIR, RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE TO THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG+.
+MANY WILL SEE THAT THERE IS HOPE IN OUR FUTURE, BECAUSE THEY SEE SOME REASONABLE PROSPECTS OF THE FUTURE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT BEING REALLY ABLE TO EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, AND THUS SAFEGUARD OUR FREEDOMS, AND DEFEND OUR INTERESTS.
♦THEY MAY THEN CHOOSE TO STAY IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
_____0-------- /&..................
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986-
6
DEVELOP FAIR, RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE GOVT *****
A DEMOCRATIC FORM OF GOVERNMENT MUST BE FAIR. RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE. THE HON SZETO WAH TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, NR SZETO SAID IT WAS ONLY BY DEVELOPING A FAIR, RESPONSIBLE AND RESPONSIVE GOVERNMENT THAT WE COULD MAINTAIN SOCIAL STABILITY AND PROSPERITY? A STRONG. CARING AND COHESIVE SOCIETY; AND A SOCIETY CONFIDENT IN ITSELF AND ITS INSTITUTIONS.
HE SAID ONLY SUCH A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND SUCH A KIND OF SOCIETY COULD GROUP TOGETHER THE INTERNAL STRENGTH, UNITY AND COHESION REQUIRED TO OVERCOME THE UNFAVOURABLE EXTERNAL FACTORS WHICH COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED BY OURSELVES.
+THE KEY ISSUE NOW IS WHETHER THERE WILL BE ANY DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY 1988,+ HE SAID.
MR SZETO SAID THE 1984 WHITE PAPER HAD MADE SOME DEFINITE CONCLUSIONS, BUT THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS THIS YEAR STATED THAT +AT THIS POINT IN TIME, THERE IS A WIDE RANGE OF OPINION AND NO CLEAR CONSENSUS ON MANY IMPORTANT ISSUES.+
IN ONLY TWO YEARS’ TIME, THERE HAD BEEN AN OBVIOUS CHANGE AND SIGNS OF WITHDRAWAL IN THE STANCE OF THE ADMINISTRATION, M? SZETO SAID.
HE SAID A GOVERNMENT WITHOUT A FIRM STANCE, A GOVERNMENT WHICH WOULD NOT +PUT INTO PRACTICE WHAT IT SAYS AND SEE TO IT THAT RESULTS ARE ACHIEVED+, AS WELL AS A GOVERNMENT WHICH WAS INCOHERENT IN ITS WORDS, WOULD CERTAINLY DEAL A SERIOUS BLOW AT THE CONFIDENCE OF THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY.
MR SZETO ALSO DISAGREED WITH THE GOVERNOR’S STATEMENT THAT +THE DRAMATIC PROGRESS WHICH HONG KONG HAS MADE OVER THE LAST TWO DECADES WAS NOT BUILT ON CONFLICT AND TURBULENCE, BUT ON A CONSTANT SEARCH FOR CONSENSUS.+
HE SAID THE 1967 RIOTS, THE ENERGY CRISIS, THE STOCK MARKET CRAZE AND THE 1997 ISSUES WERE ALL EXTERNAL FACTORS WHICH COULD NOT BE CONTROLLED BY OURSELEVES.
HE SAID HE FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAD ENABLED THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE TO REFLECT MORE TRUTHFULLY THE VARIOUS VIEWS WHICH ACTUALLY EXISTED IN SOCIETY, WITHOUT AFFECTING STABILITY AND PROSPERITY IN ANY WAY OR BRINGING ABOUT ANY CONFLICTS AND UNREST.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
7
LONG-TERM LABOUR POLICY NEEDED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE FORMULATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE LABOUR POLICY, THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, HE SAID THE POLICY SHOULD INCLUDE THE BETTERMENT OF LABOUR-EMPLOYER RELATIONSHIPS, AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, IMPROVEMENTS IN LABOUR SAFETY AND PROTECTION FOR EMPLOYEES AFTER RETIREMENT.
+A GOOD LABOUR-EMPLOYER RELATIONSHIP SHOULD BE CONCRETELY REFLECTED IN SUFFICIENT DIALOGUES BETWEEN THE TWO PARTIES, WHO SHOULD ADOPT AN ATTITUDE OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND MUTUAL CONCESSION,* HE SAID.
••■COMMUNICATING ON AN EQUAL BASIS AFFIRMING THE STATUS OF LABOUR UNIONS AND THE RIGHT OF COLLECTIVE NEGOTIATION WOULD BE AN EFFECTIVE MEANS TO PROMOTE A SOUND LABOUR-EMPLOYER RELATIONSHIP,* FE SAID.
ON THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WHICH HAD BEEN ENACTED ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO, HE SAID SOME OF ITS PROVISIONS COULD NO LONGER MEET CURRENT PRACTICAL REQUIREMENTS AND AN OVERALL REVIEW WAS NECESSARY.
MR TAM ALSO CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF SAFETY.
LEGISLATION ON INDUSTRIAL
ON THE SUBJECT OF SAFEGUARDING THE LIVELIHOOD OF EMPLOYEES AFTER RETIREMENT, MR TAM CALLED FOR THE EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
HE REQUESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO MAKE PUBLIC THE RESEARCH DOCUMENT ON THE FUND COMPLETED RECENTLY AND TO CARRY OUT EXTENSIVE CONSULTATIONS.
TURNING TO ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, MR TAM SAID DURING THIS TRANSITIONAL PERIOD THERE WERE STILL MANY AREAS IN ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND IN SOCIAL PROGRAMMES WHICH REQUIRED IMPROVEMENT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ATTACH DUE IMPORTANCE TO THESE AREAS.
HE FELT THAT IN RECENT YEARS THE GOVERNMENT HAD PLACED MORE EMPHASIS ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY WHILE ITS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN LESS ACTIVE.
HE REQUESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER SETTING UP A CO-ORDINATING BODY TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FORMULATING AND ENFORCING LONG-TERM, COMPREHENSIVE AND BALANCED POLICIES ON INDUSTRY AND TRADE.
/Mr tam .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 8 -
MR TAM ALSO SAID THAT KAI TAK AIRPORT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO HANDLE EVER-GROWING DEMANDS IN ABOUT FIVE YEARS’ TIME.
+ l THINK IT IS ABOUT TIME TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE PROBLEM OF CONSTRUCTING A SECOND AIRPORT,* HE SAID.
+THIS IS BECAUSE IT MIGHT BE TOO LATE TO TAKE REMEDIAL ACTION WHEN THE AIRPORT BECOMES OVER-BURDENED,* HE SAID.
ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, MR TAM MADE FOUR OBSERVATIONS.
HE SAIDi + IN POLITICAL REFORMS WE MUST FIRST CONSIDER WHETHER IT IS IN LINE WITH THE PART ON THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN THE BASIC LAW.
+SECOND, POLITICAL REFORMS SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED PROGRESSIVELY SO THAT THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE SOCIETY WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.
+THIRD, THE MERITS OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM SHOULD BE RETAINED.
+FOURTH, DEMOCRACY HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE HOPE OF THE GRASS ROOTS, BUT IT COULD NOT BE REALISED UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM. THUS, WHILE REALISING THE IDEAL OF DEMOCRACY, WE SHOULD ALSO BEAR IN MIND THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC EDUCATION ON DEMOCRACY.*
--------0----------
POSITIVE ACTION TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT NEEDED X X X * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENDEAVOUR TO REMOVE UNNECESSARY DOIJRT<;
0F H0NG K0NG BY TAKING POSITIVE ACTION IN CONATION WITH LOCAL INDUSTRIAL AND BUSINESS BODIES, THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
-rue e^8en?^NG °N H0NG K0NG’s INDUSTRY AND TRADE IN HIS DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS, MR WONG SAID SPECULATIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE WOULD HEAVILY INFLUENCE INDUSTRIALISTS IN THEIR INVESTMENT DECISIONS, ESPECIALLY THOSE RUNNING MEDIUM AND SMALL-SIZED FACTOR IES.
olTllAt™E RES™J IS THAT EVEN UNDER THE FAIRLY FAVOURABLE
HWESTMEn/I HEESA?d’ THEY ARE STILL HESITANT T0 c0mmIT further
MR WONG DESCRIBED THE PHENOMENON AS WORRYING AND SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE POSITIVE ACTION.
/♦APART EROM........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 9 -
+APART FROM REMOVING THESE PSYCHOLOGICAL WORRIES, INVESTORS SHOULD ALSO BE GIVEN POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT,+ HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY ON CREDIT OR OVERDRAFT WERE SELDOM GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION, MR WONG SAID THE SETTING UP OF AN INDUSTRIAL BANK WAS THE BEST SOLUTION.
+HOWEVER, SINCE GOVERNMENT HAS YET NO INTENTION TO SET UP AN INDUSTRIAL BANK, IT IS WORTH NOTING THAT CERTAIN BANKS IN HONG KONG HAVE ALREADY INDICATED THEIR INTENTIONS TO ESTABLISH INDUSTRIAL GROUPS TO HANDLE SUCH MATTERS,+ HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID HE HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD PROVIDE POSITIVE ENCOURAGEMENT IN THIS AREA.
NOTING THAT THE PRODUCTS OF SOME OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES HAD ACHIEVED A SLOWER GROWTH IN COMPARISON WITH THOSE OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, HE SAID WHAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD DO WAS TO STRENGTHEN THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AS WELL AS OTHER RELATED BODIES AND FACILITIES AND TO ALLOCATE MORE RESOURCES TO ENABLE THEM TO IMPLEMENT LARGE-SCALE AND INNOVATIVE PROGRAMMES.
ALTHOUGH EXPENDITURE MIGHT HAVE TO BE INCREASED CONSIDERABLY, THE GOVERNMENT COULD ALWAYS TREAT THEM AS URGENT AND SPECIAL CASES, MR WONG SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID HE HOPED THE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE COULD IDENTIFY PROFESSIONAL TALENTS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT WHAT THEY LEARNED INTO PRACTICE.
MR WONG ALSO ATTRIBUTED THE GOOD EXPORT GROWTH RATE TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM.
--------0----------
SOUND AND EXPANDING ECONOMY CRUCIAL TO SUCCESS *****
HONG KONG’S CONTINUING SUCCESS MUST BE BUILT ON THE BASIS CF A SOUND AND EXPANDING ECONOMY, THE HON DAVID LI STATED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LI SAID HE AGREED WITH THE GOVERNOR THAT THE FIRST AND FOREMOST OBJECTIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG REMAINED PROSPEROUS AND STABLE.
MR LI WAS COMMENTING ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SITUATION IN HIS SPEECH.
/BE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 10 -
HE SAID HE WHOLEHEARTEDLY SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION NOT TO CHANGE THE PREVAILING LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM THOUGH HE OBSERVED THE MECHANICS OF THE PRESENT SCHEME DID NOT SEEM TO BE WORKING AS WELL AS WAS FIRST ENVISAGED.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER HOW THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM COULD BE FURTHER REFINED SO THAT THE ARBITRAGE PROCESS COULD FUNCTION MORE EFFICIENTLY.
NOTING THAT THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG GENERALLY WELCOMED THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986, MR LI POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW LEGISLATION NEVERTHELESS IMPOSED CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS ON THE OPERATION OF THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND CALLED FOR SPECIAL ATTENTION TO CERTAIN ISSUES, ONE OF WHICH WAS THE CAPITAL TO RISK ASSETS RATIO.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE STATUTORY RATIO HAD FORCED A NUMBER CF FOREIGN DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO SHIFT SOME OF THEIR FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES TO OTHER CENTRES DUE TO THEIR DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLYING WITH IT AND HAD RESULTED IN A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE CATERING FOR ALL FINANCIAL SERVICES.
+1 BELIEVE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW BANKING ORDINANCE SHOULD BE FLEXIBLE SO AS NOT TO DISCOURAGE OR DRIVE AWAY REPUTABLE FOREIGN INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAVE ADDED STRENGTH TO OUR FINANCIAL COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
HE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE WHATEVER STEPS WFRE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S ATTRACTIVENESS AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, INCLUDING MORE FLEXIBILITY IN BANKING REGULATIONS, SUCH AS HAVING RESTRICTED LICENCES FOR INSTITUTIONS WITH RESTRICTED FUNCTIONS.
MR LI ALSO SAID GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER COMBINING ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF MONEY LENDERS UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH AND TO REVIEW THE EXISTING ORDINANCE BECAUSE THE CURRENT FRAGMENTARY ARRANGEMENT FOR LICENSING AND SUPERVISING MONEY LENDERS WAS FAR FROM SATISFACTORY.
HE SAID HE AGREED THAT A SECOND PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISORY PRACTICE WAS GOOD FOR ALL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BUT CAUTIONED THAT REGULATORS SHOULD NOT BE MISTAKEN AS SUBSTITUTES FOR BANKERS, WHO ULTIMATELY BORE THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAKING SOUND COMMERCIAL DECISIONS.
+1 BELIEVE OVER-RESTRICTIVE FINANCIAL REGULATIONS AND CUMBERSOME REPORTING REQUIREMENTS WILL EVENTUALLY WEAKEN THE POSITION OF OUR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, AND AT THE SAME TIME, UNREALISTICALLY RESTRICT THEIR NORMAL ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.
/MR LI .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5» 1986
11
MR LI SAID HE CONSIDERED THE RECENT INCREASE IN THE SIZE CRITERION FOR FOREIGN BANKS APPLYING FOR BANKING LICENCES IN HONG KONG A RETROGRADE STEP AND WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE DECISION WAS MADE WITHOUT FORMAL CONSULTATION WITH THE BANKING ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
HE SAID HE FELT THE TOTAL ASSETS OF A BANK SHOULD NOT USED AS A HURDLE TO HALT THE INFLUX OF THE LARGEST BANKS OF SMALL COUNTRIES AND SAID THAT BY DENYING THESE INSTITUTIONS THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES HERE, HONG KONG'S BEST INTERESTS WERE NOT SERVED.
MR LI SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO NOTE THAT HIS LONG ADVOCACY FOR PUTTING THE OFFICES OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES JOINTLY UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH WAS ANSWERED FROM LAST SEPTEMBER AS HE FELT BETTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN AND CO-ORDINATION OF THE TWO COMMISSIONS WERE A MATTER OF PRIORITY.
HE ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH A SINGLE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY THINK-TANK TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON HOW BEST TO KEEP ABREAST OF THE RAPIDLY CHANGING FINANCIAL ARENA AND TO CO-ORDINATE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE NUMEROUS EXISTING ADVISORY BODIES.
MR LI NOTED THAT DESPITE THE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE LONG-TERM OUTLOOK FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMY REMAINED CLOUDED AND THERE WAS MOUNTING CONCERN OVER THE SLUGGISHNESS OF FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION IN HONG KONG DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
HE SAID IT APPEARED THAT HONG KONG’S EXISTING LOW TAX ENVIRONMENT ALONE WAS INSUFFICIENT TO INDUCE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS AND BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD LOOK AT WAYS AND MEANS TO ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF ECONOMIC GROWTH.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER FISCAL INCENTIVES TO STIMULATE LONG-TERM CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION CF A MORE LIBERAL DEPRECIATION AND INVESTMENT ALLOWANCE SCHEME FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENCOURAGING REAL INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND NEW MACHINERY.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE MUCH IMPROVED STATE OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC FINANCES SHOULD NOW ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER A TAX REDUCTION ACROSS THE BOARD SINCE THE INCREASE OF A TWO PER CENT RATE IN STANDARD AND PROFITS TAX IN 1984-85 FOR BUDGETARY REASONS.
MR LI SAID HE STRONGLY BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXPLOIT EVERY POSSIBILITY TO PROMOTE MORE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.
+1 AM IN FAVOUR OF MORE HIGH-LEVEL AND WIDELY-REPRESENTATIVE ECONOMIC MISSIONS TO GENERATE MORE DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT FOR HONG KONG.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
12 -
+WE SHOULD AIM TO UPGRADE AND ENHANCE OUR ECONOMIC PROFILE IN THIS AREA, SO AS TO BETTER PROMOTE HONG KONG INTERNATIONALLY,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, MR LI CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO THE INDUSTRIAL LAND POLICY IN ORDER TO PROVIDE MANUFACTURERS AND FOREIGN INVESTORS WITH A SUFFICIENTLY ATTRACTIVE INCENTIVE TO INVEST AND PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT.
MR LI THEN DREW ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN EQUIPPING HONG KONG’S LABOUR FORCE TO MEET THE DEMANDS CF FOREIGN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES.
+OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ESSENTIALLY ON THE CAPABILITY AND SKILLS CF OUR LABOUR FORCE WHOSE PERFORMANCE CAN ONLY BE IMPROVED THROUGH CONTINUED EDUCATION AND TRAINING WITHIN THEIR WORKING ENVIRONMENT,* HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXPAND EXISTING PROGRAMMES OF DAY-RELEASE AND EVENING COURSES AT THE TWO POLYTECHNIES, TECHNICAL COLLEGES AND OTHER SIMILAR INSTITUTIONS, SO AS TO MEET THE CHALLENGES POSED BY HONG KONG’S COMPETITORS IN THE WORLD MARKET.
------0--------
COMMON LAW SHOULD PROTECT PRESS FREEDOM
*****
THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS MUST BE FIRMLY ANCHORED ONTO THE (WEDNESDAY)AND PR°TECTED BY IT’ THE H0N MAR,A TAM SAID T0DAY
LIKEWISE THE DISCIPLINES OF COMMON LAW COULD ALSO BE USED TO +CONTROL+ PRESS FREEDOM RATHER THAN BY COMPLICATED STATUTORY LEGISLATION.
SHE MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN COMMENTING ON THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE AT THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
r,^'?$.TAM DESCRIBED THE ORDINANCE AS + A PRODUCT OF THE HISTORICAL A^P T. CAL REALITIES OF THE 5O’S +AND SAID THE DRAFTING OF IT WAS +HOPELESSLY OUTDATED*.
/.SHE LAID...........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
SHE SAID SHE BELIEVED THE ESSENCE OF FREEDOM OF THE PRESS CONSISTED MAINLY OF TWO PRINCIPLES - NO PREVIOUS HINDRANCE BEFORE PUBLICATION; AND ANY SANCTION BY THE AUTHORITY MUST BE THROUGH A COURT OF LAW.
SHE EXAMINED TWO SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH WERE THE MAIN CHARGING PROVISIONS OF THE LAW.
+SINCE THIS ORDINANCE HAS NO COUNTERPART LEGISLATION IN OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES, COUPLED WITH THE FACT THAT THE ORDINANCE WAS RARELY ENFORCED IN THE PAST, THE SCOPE OF THESE PROVISIONS IS NOT CLEAR.
+NEVERTHELESS, THE ENGLISH POSITION IN THE COMMON LAW OFFENCE OF SEDITION MAY PROVIDE A BASIS FOR CONSIDERATION,* SHE EXPLAINED.
MISS TAM THEN WENT ON TO ANALYSE THE VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE WHICH SHE FOUND COULD BE ADEQUATELY COVERED UNDER THE COMMON LAW OFFENCE OF SEDITION AND THE CRIMES ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER SOME NEEDED REDRAFTING AND FURTHER DISCUSSION WHILE OTHERS COULD BE DELETED.
CHANGING THE SUBJECT, MISS TAM GAVE A WARNING THAT OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS HAD COME TO DOMINATE THE SCENE IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING FIELD.
QUOTING FACTS AND FIGURES, MISS TAM TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS’ SHARE IN MAJOR LOCAL BUILDING WORK WAS GROWING.
+FIGURES FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1986 SHOW THAT OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS HAVE SECURED 54 PER CENT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTRACTS AND ARE CLEARLY INTENDING TO MAKE A STRONG BID TO DOMINATE THE FIELD.
+IT WAS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING THAT LOCAL EXPERTISE WAS LACKING WHEN WORK WAS STARTED ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR) BUT LOW-COST HOUSING IS NOT AN AREA WHERE LOCAL CONTRACTORS ARE DEFICIENT,* SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT LOCAL CONTRACTORS HAD TOLD HER THAT OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS WERE BRINGING IN THEIR OWN ENGINEERS ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SUCH TALENTS IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING FROM PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE, MISS TAM SAID SHE FELT THAT THE ADMIMl STRATI ON HAD NOT ADHERED TO THE IMMIGRATION POLICY IN ISSUING +WORK VISAS*.
+ AS A RESULT OF THIS, OIJR LOCAL ENGINEERS MAY BE DEPRIVED OF THE EXPERIENCE OF WORKING IN LARGE PROJECTS AND THE BENEFIT OF OUR POLICY IN THE CONTROL ON WORK PERMITS.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
1U
+IF WE INSIST ON A FREE TRADE POLICY FOR INVESTMENT, WE SHOULD ALSO INSIST ON OUR IMMIGRATION POLICY SO THAT WE CAN ENJOY THE BEST OF BOTH POLICIES,* SHE SAID.
ON THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPING OF NEW TOWNS, MISS TAM SAID THE +SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY* CONCEPT MAY NOT BE AS REALISTIC AS HAD BEEN HOPED.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BE THINKING OF DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS AS AN EXTENSION OF THE URBAN AREA AND MAKING THEM ACCESSIBLE BY MASS TRANSPORT OR FIXED TRACK SYSTEMS FOR THE
REGULAR COMMUTERS.
MISS TAM SAID SHE WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO CONSTRUCT BOTH TUBES OF THE EAST KOWLOON TUNNEL AS WELL AS THE KCRC AND THE MTR STUDIES ON THE FEASIBILITY OF A RAIL LINK BETWEEN
THE WESTERN TERRITORIES AND TSUEN WAN.
SHE SAID THAT WITH A TWO-TUBE TUNNEL TO JUNK BAY. THE ECONOMIC COST TO THE COMMUNITY IN TERMS OF TRAVELLING TIME WOULD BE AFFORDABLE, BUT TO TIN SHU I WAI, +WE MUST ENSURE THAT TRAVELLING TIME FOR COMMUTERS MUST NOT BE UNREASONABLE, OR THE PROJECT MAY FAIL.+
-----o------
PROPER TRANSPORT PLAN REQUIRED FOR NT * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PRODUCE A FULL-SCALE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON LAU WONG-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR LAU SAID THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM WAS AN INTERNAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM IN THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, BUT APPARENTLY IT COULD NOT SATISFY PUBLIC NEEDS AS IT LINKED NEITHER WITH THE URBAN AREA NOR THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT TO LINK THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES WITH THE URBAN AREAS AND THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES, THE LRT COULD BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS TO JOIN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR) AT TSUEN WAN OR EASTWARDS TO CONNECT WITH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY (KCR).
ANOTHER ALTERNATIVE WAS FOR THE MTR AND KCR CORPORATIONS TO EXTEND THEIR SERVICE AREA TO LINK WITH THE LRT, MR LAU SAID.
/♦IN THIS........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1986
- 15 -
+IN THIS WAY, PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES CAN TRAVEL CONVENIENTLY AND THE WHOLE TRANSPORT NETWORK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE MORE COMPLETE WHEN IT LINKS UP EVERY PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH ALL OTHER AREAS,+ HE SAID.
ON NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT IN JUNK BAY AND THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT AT TIN SHUI WAI, MR LAU URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
HE ALSO HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN AREAS AND VILLAGES OUTSIDE THE PERIMETER OF THE NEW TOWNS.
TURNING TO POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, MR LAU SAID PEOPLE MUST SERIOUSLY CONSIDER WHETHER IT WAS NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE MAJOR CHANGES TO THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE IF IT ALREADY FUNCTIONED PROPERLY AND HAD PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
_ _ — o-------------------
’WORK FOR THE COMMON GOOD’ SAYS CHEONG * * * * *
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPEALED TO ALL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS TO LISTEN TO THEIR CONSCIENCE AND WORK FOR THE COMMON INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
+HONG KONG WILL NOT SURVIVE ECONOMICALLY IF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL ONLY KNOW HOW TO PLAY TO THE GALLERY AND TO APPEASE THE ACTIVISTS AND IDEALISTS,* HE SAID DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD COME A LONG WAY TO BECOME WHAT IT IS TODAY AND SAID +WE MUST NEVER ALLOW IDEALISM TO BLIND US INTO THREATENING THE VERY REASON FOR THE SURVIVAL OF HONG KONG.+
WHETHER APPOINTED OR ELECTED, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MUST ALWAYS WORK FOR THE COMMON INTEREST OF HONG KONG AND NOT FOR THE NEXT TENURE OF OFFICE.
MR CHEONG SAID THE GOVERNOR HAD TRIED IN HIS ADDRESS TO STEER HONG KONG PEOPLE TO A SOUL-SEARCHING THOUGHT PROCESS ON THE REASONS WHY HONG KONG WAS SO SUCCESSFUL AND THE NEED TO DRAW LESSONS FROM EXPERIENCE WHEN PONDERING THE FUTURE.
HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE SEEMED TO HAVE FALLEN GENERALLY ON DEAF EARS IN THE CURRENT CRAZE FOR POLITICAL REFORM AND SAID IT WAS INDEED SAD FOR HONG KONG THAT SOME COMMENTATORS SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN BLINDED BY IDEALS TO SUCH AN EXTENT THAT THEY CONTINUOUSLY FAILED TO COMPREHEND THOSE ELEMENTS THAT WERE ESSENTIAL TO FUTURE SURVIVAL.
/+NOT ONLY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 16 -
♦NOT ONLY WAS THE WORD CONSENSUS IN YOUR ADDRESS TAKEN COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTEXT, IT ALSO SEEMS THAT IN THEIR PUSH FOR A FUTURE STRUCTURE THAT WILL BE MADE UP OF LARGELY ELECTED MEMBERS IN THIS COUNCIL, QUITE A NUMBER OF SUCH IDEALISTS AND INTELLECTUALS HAVE SEEN TRE NEED TO BLATANTLY MAKE UNFAIR ATTACKS ON THE APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
♦THEY TRY TO PROPAGATE THE MESSAGE THAT BECAUSE APPOINTED MEMBERS SERVE THIS COUNCIL AT THE WISH OF THE GOVERNOR AND THAT IN ORDER TO RETAIN THE CHANCE OF BEING APPOINTED AGAIN, THEY WILL ALL TOE THE GOVERNMENT LINE WITHOUT REGARD TO THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE,♦ HE SAID.
SUCH ATTACKS BORDERED ON A WHOLESALE QUESTIONING OF THE INTEGRITY OF THE APPOINTED MEMBERS.
♦ARE THESE ATTACKS NECESSARY? MUST HONG KONG BE TURNED UPSIDE DOWN TO SUIT JUST IDEALS? ARE THESE CONSTANT UNFAIR CRITICISMS AIMED AT DIVIDING THE COMMUNITY REALLY GOOD FOR THE STABILITY OF HONG KONG? MUST THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG BE LED DOWN A PATH OF CONFRONTATIONAL TURMOIL IN ORDER TO SATISFY THE IDEALISTIC THIRST OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO, DESPITE THE CAMOUFLAGE, ARE BASICALLY CHAMPIONING THE CAUSE OF ’DEMOCRACY AGAINST COMMON ISM’?+ HE ASKED.
MR CHEONG REFERRED TO THE SUCCESS HONG KONG HAD ENJOYED AS AN ENVIED CITY OF THE WORLD PRIOR TO THE 1985 SESSION WHEN THERE WAS NO ELECTED ELEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND SAID THE AMOUNT OF FREEDOM AND RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN HONG KONG RANKED SECOND TO NONE IN ASIA.
ALL THESE WERE ACHIEVED WHILE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY HAD BEEN PHENOMENAL, HE NOTED.
♦SUCH ACHIEVEMENTS ARE NOT JUST THE EFFORTS OF AN EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION, THEY ARE ALSO THE FRUITS OF THE CONSCIENTIOUS WORK PUT IN BY APPOINTED MEMBERS IN THE LEGISLATURE, IN BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, IN DISTRICT BOARDS AND URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, AS WELL AS IN A WHOLE HOST OF OTHER BODIES,♦ HE SAID.
RECOGNISING THAT MEMBERS OPERATED UNDER TRUE DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES, MR CHEONG RECALLED THAT ANY DIFFERENCES IN VIEW WERE GIVEN A GOOD THRASHING OUT WITH THE MINORITY ACCEPTING THE MAJORITY VIEW WITH GRACE IN THE END BECAUSE THEY DID NOT WISH TO CREATE ANY TURMOIL OR TO FOSTER ANY REBELLIOUS SPIRIT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
♦NOW, EVER SINCE ’HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG’ HAS BEEN PROMISED, IT IS SAD TO HEAR AND READ THAT THE INTEGRITY OF APPOINTED MEMBERS HAS BEEN SO UNFAIRLY PUSHED TO THE GUTTER BY PEOPLE WHO ONLY HAVE THEIR BLINKERS ON IDEALS AND USE SUCH PRESSURISING TACTICS TO DEMORALISE THE SPIRIT OF THE APPOINTED MEMBERS IN ORDER TO PROMOTE THEIR OWN VERSION OF WESTERN DEMOCRACY,+ HE OBSERVED.
/♦THESE CRITICS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5i 1986
17
+THESE CRITICS JUST CONVENIENTLY SHUT THEIR MINDS OFF TO THE PROGRESS HONG KONG HAS MADE FOR THE PAST 30 YEARS AND HAVE CONVENIENTLY IN THEIR PUSH FOR THEIR IDEALISM, DISCOUNTED THE SOLID WORK NOT ONLY OF THIS COUNCIL, BUT ALSO OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND ITS DEDICATED CIVIL SERVANTS, AND OF THE WORK OF HUNDREDS OF HONG KONG CITIZENS WHO GIVE THEIR TIME AND EFFORT WILLINGLY WITHOUT SEEKING PUBLICITY OR PUBLIC RECOGNITION,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG SAID THE SILENT MAJORITY IN HONG KONG RECOGNISED THAT THE GOVERNING OF THE TERRITORY HAD BEEN IN GOOD HANDS.
THEY ALSO RECOGNISED THAT AN ADVERSARIAL POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT BRED INSTABILITY WHICH WAS CERTAINLY NOT CONDUCIVE TO THE MAINTENANCE OF AN ENVIRONMENT FOR ECONOMIC PROGRESS, WITHOUT WHICH THERE WAS NO FUTURE FOR HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT UP TO NOW APPOINTED MEMBERS HAD GENERALLY SWALLOWED WHATEVER HAD BEEN THROWN AT THEM AND MIGHT HAVE BECOME VICTIMS OF THEIR OWN DECENCY AND THEIR INSTINCTIVE DISLIKE OF ADVERSARIAL POLITICS.
+YET, IF THE PRESENT TREND OF UNJUSTIFIED AND UNFAIR DIRT SLINGING CONTINUES UNABATED AND UNCHALLENGED, I FEAR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO SERVE ON PUBLIC BODIES IN FUTURE WILL BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED,* HE SAID.
+THIS WOULD DEFINITELY BE DETRIMENTAL TO ALL IN HONG KONG FOR THEIR QUIET DEDICATION, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE ARE MORE CRUCIALLY NEEDED THAN EVER BEFORE IN GUIDING HONG KONG THROUGH THE YEARS OF TRANSITION,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG CALLED ON ALL HIS APPOINTED COLLEAGUES TO CONSIDER SHAKING OFF THE SHACKLES OF BEING GAGGED OR DEMORALISED BY THE +PSEUDO NON-REPRESENTATIVE IMAGE* THE IDEALIST TRIED TO CHAIN ON TO THEM AND TO CONTINUE TO BRAVE UNFAIR CRITICISM AND WORK WITH THEIR USUAL DEDICATION FOR THE GOOD OF HONG KONG AS THEY HAD DONE IN THE PAST ACCORDING TO THEIR CONSCIENCE.
+YOUR STRENGTH OF NOT BEING PUPPETS OF IDEALISTS AND ACTIVISTS MUST NOT BE LOST IN HELPING TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THE DIFFICULT YEARS AHEAD,* MR CHEONG SAID.
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/18
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
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POLITICAL CHANGE MUST BE COMPATIBLE * * * * *
POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS, NO MATTER HOW HIGH SOUNDING AND ATTRACTIVE, MUST BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE BASIC OBJECTIVES OF ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY, WHICH REMAIN THE COMMON AIM OF THE PEOPLE, THE HON RITA FAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MRS FAN SAID HONG KONG HAD ACHIEVED AN OUTSTANDING TRACK RECORD IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WHICH CONVINCED OTHERS THAT ITS SYSTEMS, WAY OF LIFE, AND FREEDOM WERE WORTH PRESERVING.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF ECONOMIC PROSPERITY WAS BY FAR THE BEST GUARANTEE FOR CONTINUING THE TERRITORY’S WAY OF LIFE.
REFERRING TO THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, MRS FAN FELT IT WAS ONLY FAIR THAT CITIZENS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE ESSENCE OF THE PRESENT SITUATION BEFORE THEY COULD BE EXPECTED TO DECIDE WHAT CHANGES AND WHICH FORMAT WERE BETTER AND MORE SUITABLE.
+ IT IS NECESSARY THAT THE PEOPLE, IN PARTICULAR, THE SILENT MAJORITY, SHOULD BE INFORMED ABOUT THE PROS AND CONS OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM, THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF WESTERN DEMOCRACY, AND OF OTHER ALTERNATIVES, IN A BALANCED AND OBJECTIVE MANNER,+ SHE SAID.
ON DIRECT ELECTION, MRS FAN SAID IF THE PEOPLE DECIDED IN FAVOUR OF THIS FOR 1988, THEY SHOULD DO SO IN FULL APPRECIATION OF THE PITFALLS SO THAT THEY WERE PREPARED AND COULD TRY TO AVOID THEM.
IF THE PEOPLE DECIDED AGAINST DIRECT ELECTION FOR 1988, THEY SHOULD ALSO DO SO WITH FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPLICATIONS.
MRS FAN CAUTIONED THAT ANY CHANGES MUST SUIT THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE.
+WHAT WE MUST ENSURE IS THAT CHANGES ARE FOR THE BETTER AND THAT THEY WILL STRENGTHEN PROSPERITY AND STABILITY,+ SHE SAID.
SHE BELIEVED THAT CHANGES SHOULD SATISFY TWO BASIC CRITERIA -THAT THE NEXT STAGE OF CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT MUST HAVE THE RIGHT MIX OF INGREDIENTS TO MAINTAIN THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND THAT THE PEOPLE MUST SUPPORT THE CHANGES AND HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THEM.
MRS FAN FELT THAT ON ANY ISSUE THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PROVIDE THE PEOPLE ADEQUATE INFORMATION, STIMULATE THEM TO THINK ABOUT THE ISSUE AND GIVE EXPLANATIONS WHENEVER NECESSARY.
/+HOWEVER, IT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1986
- 19 -
+HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO CONSULT AND GATHER THE OPINION OF THE SILENT MAJORITY,* SHE SAID. THESE PEOPLE HAD A RIGHT TO HAVE THEIR VIEWS CONSIDERED AND TO KNOW HOW TO USE VARIOUS CHANNELS TO PRESS HOME THEIR OPINIONS.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MRS FAN SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WAS CORRECT IN ITS AIM TO DESIGN THE SIXTH FORM AS A SELF-CONTAINED EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD BE OF SPECIAL BENEFIT TO THOSE WHO DID NOT PROCEED TO HIGHER EDUCATION.
SHE NOTED THAT DOUBTS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ABOUT THE PRACTICABILITY OF THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF MANY STUDENTS’ ASPIRATIONS TO ENTER HIGHER EDUCATION.
HOWEVER, SHE QUESTIONED WHETHER A DEGREE COURSE WAS THE BEST OPTION FOR EVERY SIXTH-FORM STUDENT AT THAT POINT IN THEIR DEVELOPMENT.
SHE CONSIDERED THERE WAS A CASE FOR MAKING A CONCERTED EFFORT TO ASSIST EVERY STUDENT TO LEARN ABOUT ALL POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVES AND CHOOSE THE OPTION THAT WAS MOST SUITABLE.
STUDENTS NEEDED INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE TO ASSIST THEM TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE AND TO FEEL SATISFIED AND CONFIDENT ABOUT IT.
MRS FAN SUGGESTED THAT IN THIS RESPECT THREE INTER-RELATED SYSTEMS NOW BEING DEVELOPED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE HONG KONG CONTEXT.
USING THE LATEST INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, THESE SYSTEMS WOULD GIVE STUDENTS ACCESS TO ALL RELEVANT INFORMATION.
+IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR PEOPLE TO HAVE THE RELEVANT INFORMATION IN A SYSTEMATIC MANNER IF THEY ARE TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION, BE IT POLITICS OR EDUCATION,* SHE SAID.
MRS FAN ALSO DISCUSSED THE ISSUE OF THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
SHE SAID THAT PROSPECTS FOR RESETTLING THE 8 300 REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WAS DISMAL UNLESS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER REOPENING ITS DOORS- TO SOME OF THEM, AND THUS ENCOURAGE OTHER MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TO CONTINUE THEIR INTAKE.
+AFTER ALL, BRITAIN, BY ITS OWN ACCLAIM, HAS SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS HONG KONG, AND ITS LEADERS HAVE REPEATEDLY ASSURED HONG KONG PEOPLE THAT THEY WILL DISCHARGE THIS RESPONSIBILITY,* SHE SAID.
/SHE UNDERSTOOD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
20
SHE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS VERY LIKELY
TO COME TO A DECISION THIS MONTH AND THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPRESS UPON IT IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS THE IMPLICATIONS OF ITS DECISION AND HOW IT WOULD BE VIEWED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE.
MRS FAN ALSO SAID SHE SUPPORTED THE PROPOSAL TO REPATRIATE THOSE WHO COULD NOT SATISFY THE REFUGEE CRITERIA.
+IT IS INDEFENSIBLE FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO RETURN THE ILLEGAL TRAVELLERS TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN, ABOUT 50 PER DAY ACROSS THE CHINESE BORDER, ON THE ONE HAND AND ACCEPT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ON THE OTHER HAND, KNOWING FULLY WELL THAT THEY ARE BOTH DRIVEN BY THE SAME INCENTIVE - DESIRE FOR A BETTER LIFE-STYLE, SHE SAID.
SHE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO OBTAIN INFORMATION FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON PROGRESS MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THIS SUGGESTION
+IF NO SOLUTION IS FORTHCOMING TO THE ROOT OF THIS PROBLEM, THEN THE EXISTING POLICY SHOULD BE REVIEWED WITH A VIEW TO CONTAINING THE PROBLEM WITH OUR OWN MEANS,* SHE SAID.
------0-------
PARTIAL DIRECT ELECTION ADVOCATED * * M X *
A SYSTEM OF PARTIAL DIRECT ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATURE WAS ADVOCATED BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE WAS IN FAVOUR OF HAVING 12 DIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS TO THE COUNCIL IN 1988 FROM FOUR MULT I-MEMBER REGIONAL CONSTITUENCIES - THREE EACH FROM HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON EAST, KOWLOON WEST AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT SUCH A MOVE WOULD GIVE THE SMALL MAN, THE AVERAGE INDIVIDUAL, THE MAN-1N-THE-STREET, THE OPPORTUNITY TO FEEL AND BELIEVE THAT HIS VIEWS WERE LISTED TO AND WOULD BE REFLECTED WITHIN THE COUNCIL.
+HE MUST BE CONVINCED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS HIS COUNCIL AND THAT HE CAN HAVE SOME SAY - EVEN THOUGH VERY LIMITED -IN WHAT IS HAPPENING BY ELECTING HIS REPRESENTATIVE TO THIS COUNCIL TO SPEAK UP FOR HIM,+ HE SAID.
/+A SYSTEM OF ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVJNBER 5, 1986
21
+ A SYSTEM OF PARTIAL DIRECT ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATURE WILL GIVE HIM A GREATER SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO AND MORE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE, AND IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION UNDER THE +ONE COUNTRY-TWO SYSTEMS* PRINCIPLE,* HE ADDED.
' I" '
COMMENTING ON FEARS THAT DIRECT ELECTION WOULD AFFECT HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, MR CHEONG-LEEN BELIEVED THAT IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND, SO LONG AS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS DID NOT EXCEED ONE-THIRD BY 1997, HONG KONG WOULD HAVE MUCH TO GAIN IN JHE LONG TERM BY THUS CREATING ITS OWN UNIQUE SYSTEM OF DEMOCRATICALLY ELECTED AND BROADLY REPRESENTATIVE SAR GOVERNMENT SUITED TO THE HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT.
HE ALSO STRESSED "HAT THE GOVERNOR SHOULD WITHDRAW AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1988 AND THAT THE PRESIDING OFFICER SHOULD BE ELECTED FROM AMONG THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AND APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
TO MAINTAIN CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID IT WAS VITAL THAT THE RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH WITHIN THE LAW AS ALREADY EXISTED SHOULD BE ENSHRINED IN THE FUTURE BASIC LAW.
FURTHERMORE, THE RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF THE MEDIA WITHIN THE LAW SHOULD EQUALLY BE ENSHRINED IN THE BASIC LAW, HE ADDED.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS A POSITIVE SIGN FOR THE FUTURE THAT THERE WAS INCREASED UNDERSTANDING AND RESTRAINT NOW BEING SHOWN BY THE LEADERS OF CHINA TOWARDS THE MORE VISIBLE POLITICAL AWARENESS DEVELOPING IN HONG KONG.
HE SAI Di +AS WE ENTER THE SECOND YEAR OF THE TRANSITION PERIOD, WE WILL HAVE TO FOCUS OUR THOUGHTS AND ENERGIES ON KEEPING HONG KONG POLITICALLY STABLE AND ECONOMICALLY PROSPEROUS, ON STRENGTHENING WHATEVER PERSONAL FREEDOMS AND DEMOCRATIC PROCESSES WE ALREADY ENJOY, AND ON BUILDING A STRONG AND BINDING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP THAT WILL STAND THE HONG KONG PEOPLE IN GOOD STEAD BY 1997 AND THEREAFTER.*
ON THE ECONOMIC FRONT, MR CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO STEP UP ITS PROMOTION EFFORTS TO ENCOURAGE MORE OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, WHETHER INDUSTRIAL, HIGH-TECH, OR IN THE SERVICE OR OTHER TYPES OF INDUSTRIES, IN HONG KONG.
HE ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EMBARK ON A PROGRAMME TO REACH OUT TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO HAD EMIGRATED, IN PARTICULAR TO NORTH AMERICA, AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO RETURN TO HONG KONG IN SEARCH OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 22 -
HE SAID MANY OF THESE FORMER RESIDENTS WERE PROFESSIONALS, MIDDLE-CLASS ENTREPRENEURS AND OTHER PRODUCTIVE INDIVIDUALS, WHO COULD CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.
ON HONG KONG’S REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE TOURIST INDUSTRY, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAI Di +WE IN HONG KONG SHOULD AVOID BEING OVER-COMPLACENT, AND I SHALL BE GLAD TO TAKE THIS MATTER UP FURTHER WITHIN GOVERNMENT.*
HE FELT THAT THE TIME HAD COME FOR THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH TO MONITOR TOURISM MORE EXHAUSTIVELY AND TO LOOK AHEAD FOR THE INDUSTRY, AND IF CALLED ON TO DO SO, TO CO-ORDINATE AND GIVE SUPPORT WHEREVER WAS NECESSARY FOR FURTHER EXPANSION, AND IMPROVEMENT IN QUALITATIVE TERMS.
TURNING TO RECREATION AND SPORTS, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DURING THE COMING YEAR ENCOURAGE AND CO-ORDINATE RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR +SPECIAL GROUPS*, PARTICULARLY THE DISABLED, THE ELDERLY AND THE UNDERPRIVILEGED.
IT SHOULD ALSO IDENTIFY AND GIVE TALENTED YOUNG SPORTSMEN AND SPORTSWOMEN SUITABLE TRAINING TO ACHIEVE OUTSTANDING RESULTS LOCALLY, REGIONALLY AND EVEN INTERNATIONALLY.
ON CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A STRONGER TREND TOWARDS CULTURE IN HONG KONG BECOMING A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OR GOVERNMENT-SUPPORTED BODIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE COMPANIES AND PRIVATE CITIZENS.
*THERE IS ROOM FOR FURTHER EXPANSION OF MATCHING GRANT PROGRAMMES WHEREBY FUNDS FROM GOVERNMENT OR SEMI-GOVERNMENT SOURCES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ARTS OR SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROVIDING SIMILAR SUMS ARE MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR,* HE SAID.
+PERHAPS SOME CO-ORDINATED EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE WHEREBY EVERY COMPANY LISTED ON THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE IS APPROACHED FOR SUPPORT OF THE ARTS AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT,* HE SUGGESTED.
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/23........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 23 -
THUMBS DOWN TO RADICAL POLITICAL REFORMS *****
IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO INTRODUCE ANY RADICAL POLITICAL REFORMS IN THE 1987 REVIEW IN VIEW OF THE SHORT OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL STRUCTURE IN ITS PRESENT FORMAT, THE HON HO SAI-CHU SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR HO SAID HONG KONG SHOULD NOT AT THIS STAGE OF ITS DEVELOPMENT HAVE ANY MAJOR POLITICAL OVERHAUL OF ITS SYSTEM BUT SHOULD CONCENTRATE ON THE NUMBERS OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENT SEATS IN THE COUNCIL AND ON REFINING THE METHOD OF ELECTING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ELECTORAL COLLEGES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE SYSTEM SHOULD REMAIN VERY MUCH THE SAME AT PRESENT, BUT WITH CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL EXCEPTIONS.
+1 CANNOT HELP BUT POINT OUT THAT ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAS NO REAL DEMOCRACY, WE CERTAINLY HAVE FREEDOM WITHIN THE LAW AND THE SYSTEM WORKS,+ MR HO SAID.
IN THE PURSUIT OF LOCALISATION, MR HO FELT THAT HONG KUNG SHOULD NEITHER DISCRIMINATE AGAINST SERVING OVERSEAS OFFICERS WHOSE CONTRIBUTIONS HAD BEEN SUBSTANTIAL NOR PUT THE FUTURE AT RISK BY PUSHING THE MATTER TOO FAR.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, THERE WAS A PLACE FOR EXPATRIATE OFFICERS NOT ONLY DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD BUT ALSO AFTER 1997, HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO WELCOME ANYONE WHO WAS PREPARED TO ACCEPT ITS SYSTEM AND TO WORK WITHIN IT AND TO OPEN THE DOOR TO ALL WHO HAD MADE THE TERRITORY THEIR HOME.
TURNING TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, MR HO SAID HE NOTED WITH PLEASURE THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO INVEST HEAVILY IN CAPITAL WORKS IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
HOWEVER, HE DREW THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION TO THE PLIGHT OF THIS INDUSTRY AS A RESULT OF THE POLICY OF ALLOWING OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS TO ENGAGE IN WORK REQUIRING TECHNIQUES READILY AVAILABLE LOCALLY.
+IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IT CANNOT BE GOOD FOR THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG TO ALLOW A SITUATION TO EVOLVE IN WHICH THE LOCAL CONTRACTING INDUSTRY DISAPPEARS,* MR HO SAID.
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/2L........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
24
DEMOCRACY AND ELECTIONS MORE ACCEPTABLE * * * * *
DEMOCRACY AND ELECTIONS, UNDER WHICH PEOPLE EXERCISE THEIR FREE CHOICE, ARE NOT A PERFECT SYSTEM AND YET THEY ARE MORE ACCEPTABLE AS A FORM OF GOVERNMENT, THE HON DESMOND LEE SAID DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE,. POINTED OUT THAT THE SECTION OF THE ADDRESS ON THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT WAS EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS, HIGHLY QUALIFIED, NON-COMMITTAL AND COMPLETELY OPEN, IN CONTRAST TO THE GREEN PAPER AND THE WHITE PAPER OF 1984 WHICH SHOWED CLEAR INDICATIONS OF THE WAY AHEAD AND CONTAINED A MUCH STRONGER NOTE OF COMMITMENT AND DETERMINATION.
MR LEE SAID THAT ACCORDING TO THE WHITE PAPER PUBLISHED IN 1984, THE NEXT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WAS A DIRECTLY ELECTED ELEMENT BY 1988 AND THIS WAS THE COMMITMENT THE GOVERNMENT MADE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID HE FELT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SEEK CONFIRMATION OF THE STRONG PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE IDEA OF DIRECT ELECTIONS AS MENTIONED IN THE WHITE PAPER, IN THE POLITICAL REVIEW NEXT YEAR.
NOTING THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE AN ABRUPT PROCESS BUT A GRADUAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE PRESENT STRUCTURE, MR LEE LIKENED THE PROCESS TO THE METAMORPHOSIS GROWTH OF AN INSECT WHICH COMPRISED OF FOUR STAGES-THE EGG, THE LARVA, THE PUPA AND THE ADULT.
+ THE EGG OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN HATCHED AND IT IS NOW A LARVA,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT IT MUST GO THROUGH FURTHER TRANSFORMATION OF THE PUPA STAGE BEFORE BECOMING AN ADULT.
+DIRECT ELECTION IS PART OF THE TRANSFORMATION AND SHOULD BE INTRODUCED IF THE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM IS TO BECOME MATURE,* HE STATED.
MR LEE SUGGESTED A +QUARTER SYSTEM* FOR THE FORMATION OF THE LEGISLATURE BY 1988.
HE SAID A QUARTER OF THE SEATS SHOULD BE FILLED BY DIRECT ELECTION WHILE THE REMAINDER EQUALLY SHARED AMONG THE THREE EXISTING CATEGORIES-APPOINTMENTS, FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND ELECTORAL COLLEGES.
/+THXG EYLTHd........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
25
+THIS SYSTEM WILL PROVIDE SUFFICIENT DIVERSITY OF BACKGROUNDS IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THIS COUNCIL, AND YET MAINTAIN A SUITABLE BALANCE OF VIEWS,+ HE SAID.
THE TOTAL SIZE OF THE LEGISLATURE, HE ADDED, MIGHT HAVE TO BE SOMEWHAT ENLARGED TO ACCOMMODATE THIS DIVERSITY OF MEMBERSHIP.
MR LEE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE GREEN PAPER CONTAINED AN OPTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS ON A TERRITORY-WIDE LIST.
+l WOULD THINK THAT, IF CONSTITUENCIES ARE ADOPTED FOR DIRECT ELECTIONS, A SYSTEM OF MULTIPLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES WITH EXTENSIVE BOUNDARIES MAY YIELD CANDIDATES WITH MORE OBJECTIVE VIEWS AND A MACRO-VISION,+ HE COMMENTED.
MR LEE ALSO REFERRED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG AND THE MINORITIES ISSUE IN HIS SPEECH.
ON EDUCATION, HE NOTED THAT BOTH THE THIRD UNIVERSITY AND THE COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC AWARDS WOULD COME INTO OPERATION WITHIN THE NEXT 11 YEARS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE NEW UNIVERSITY SHOULD PLACE AN EMPHASIS ON SECOND CHANCE PROGRAMMES SUCH AS PART-TIME DEGREES AND OPEN EDUCATION.
MR LEE SAID HE FELT IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO EXCLUDE THE TWO POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, NAMELY LINGNAN AND SHUE YAN, FROM VALIDATION AND ASSESSMENT BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC AWARDS AND SAID IT WAS DESIRABLE TO IMPROVE THE STATUS OF THESE TWO COLLEGES.
ON THE MINORITIES ISSUE, MR LEE OBSERVED THAT THE PRESENCE OF ETHNIC MINORITIES WAS A DISTINCT FEATURE CHARACTERISING THE COSMOPOLITAN NATURE OF HONG KONG.
♦WHETHER THEY ARE GOING TO STAY IN HONG KONG OR NOT WILL BE OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE TO PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS MOST CONCERNED THAT WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME, THE SUBJECT MIGHT BE ALLOWED TO LAPSE FROM MEMORY, HE SAID HE FEARED THAT THE LACK OF FURTHER TALK AND ACTION MIGHT CAST DOUBTS ON THE SINCERITY AND INTENTION BEHIND THE ORIGINAL MOTION BY THE COUNCIL WHICH INCLUDED A PLEDGE OF SUPPORT FOR THE CLAIM OF MINORITIES FOR BRITISH CITIZENSHIP.
MR LEE SAID HE KNEW FOR CERTAIN THAT THE MINORITIES WANTED TO STAY IN HONG KONG AND CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY AFTER 1997.
♦BUT IN ORDER TO ENABLE THEM TO DO SO WITH CONFIDENCE, THEY NEED SECURE AND CREDIBLE NATIONAL STATUS,+ HE SAID.
+1 THINK BRITAIN HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE THIS STATUS, AND I HOPE A FUTURE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL RE-CONSIDER THEIR CASE,+ HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
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UNNECESSARY CHANGE MUST BE AVOIDED
*****
ALL REFORMS SHOULD AVOID CHANGE THAT IS UNPREDICTABLE IN ITS CONSEQUENCES, OR CAN DAMAGE HONG KONG’S PROVEN STRENGTH WHICH LIES FIRST AND FOREMOST IN ITS POSITION AS A COMMERCIAL CENTRE OF GLOBAL SIGNIFICANCE.
UNNECESSARY CHANGE COULD HARM THE TERRITORY’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
♦WHEN HE CAN NO LONGER PERFORM IN ECONOMIC TERMS AS WELL AS WE HAVE IN THE PAST HONG KONG WILL NOT MAKE IT, NO MATTER HOW SUCCESSFUL WE MIGHT OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN IN PRACTISING DEMOCRACY AND REPLACING THE MERCHANT CLASS WITH QUALIFIED STATESMEN,+ HE SAID.
MR SOHMEN SAID HE DID NOT WISH TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT ALL REFORMS WERE ANATHEMA OR SUSPECT. MUCH CHANGE WOULD NEED TO COME ABOUT IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION AND IN ENSURING CONTINUED PROGRESS, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HONG KONG HAD DONE VERY WELL IN THE LAST 30 YEARS AND ITS ECONOMIC SUCCESS HAD EARNED IT, IN THE WORDS OF THE QUEEN, +RESPECT AND GOODWILL THROUGHOUT THE WORLD.+
HE REFERRED TO THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE, AND SAID THAT WITHOUT ITS ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND COMMERCIAL LEADERSHIP, HONG KONG PROBABLY WOULD NOT WARRANT PARTICULAR CONSIDERATION AND BE GIVEN THE STATUS OF A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY.
HONG KONG, WITH A BELIEF IN GOVERNMENT BY CONSENSUS, HAD PRODUCED A POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT WHICH HAS BECOME THE ENVY OF MANY LARGER NATIONS, HE EMPHASISED.
♦THIS SYSTEM HAS ALSO MANAGED TO GENERATE A SENSE OF UNITY AND DETERMINATION IN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHICH FINDS FEW PARALLELS IN MULTI-RACIAL AND MULT I-CULTURAL SOCIETIES WITH SUCH A SHORT HISTORY ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD,+ HE SAID.
MR SOHMEN SAID THAT WHETHER THE PERCEIVED NEED IN 1984 FOR REFORM WAS JUSTIFIED OR NOT WAS NOW NO LONGER THE ISSUE.
BUT THE POLITICAL REALITY OF TODAY HAD TO BE ADDRESSED AND IT CENTRED ON THE CALL FOR GREATER DEMOCRACY BY WAY OF DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FROM 1988 ONWARDS.
HE SAID THERE APPEARED TO BE CONFLICTING VIEWS AS TO WHAT DEMOCRACY ACTUALLY MEANT IN THE HONG KONG CONTEXT.
/DEMOCRACY WAS........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 27 -
DEMOCRACY WAS NOT SOMETHING THAT COULD BE COPIED FROM OR APPLIED TO ANYWHERE, NOR LIKE A SHIRT COULD BE PUT ON AND TAKEN OFF ACCORDING TO THE TEMPERATURE.
+DEMOCRACY HAS TO BE FIRMLY EMBEDDED IN THE PUBLIC MIND AND ANCHORED IN INSTITUTIONS THAT HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO EVOLVE NATURALLY AND BE TESTED OVER TIME,+ HE SAID.
+EVEN MANY DEMOCRATIC SOCIETIES HAVE DISCOVERED THAT DEMOCRACY IS NOT THE PANACEA FOR ALL EVILS OF MODERN EXISTENCE NOR THE GUARANTEE FOR HAPPIER AND MORE PROSPEROUS LIVES.
+ INDI VI DUAL FREEDOMS IN HONG KONG ARE BETTER PROTECTED THAN IN MANY SO-CALLED DEMOCRATIC COUNTRIES.
+THERE ALREADY EXIST A WIDE RANGE OF AVENUES FOR POLITICAL PARTICIPATION.+
NOTING THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION SUCCINCTLY PRESCRIBED THAT THE LEGISLATURE +SHALL BE CONSTITUTED BY ELECTIONS+, MR SOHMEN STRESSED THAT HONG KONG HAD TO GET ITS PRIORITIES IN ORDER WHEN DECIDING WHAT SYSTEM OF ELECTIONS IT FAVOURED.
HE SAID THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY HAD YET TO BE CONVINCED THAT DIRECT ELECTIONS AS AT PRESENT ADVOCATED WOULD DO MORE, RATHER THAN DO LESS, FOR THE CAUSE OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
HE BELIEVED THAT DIRECT ELECTIONS WOULD MEAN PARTY POLITICS, WITH THE ATTENDANT PANOPLY OF PLATFORMS, CAMPAIGNS, FINANCE SCHEMES, MEMBERSHIP DRIVES AND PATRONAGE.
+IT IS IN THE VERY NATURE OF POLITICAL PARTIES THAT THEY TRY TO PRODUCE SEPARATE IDENTITIES AND A TREND TOWARDS POLARISATION, THEREBY OPENING UP OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISSENT AT HOME AS WELL AS FOR MANIPULATION FROM ABROAD.
+SUCH A DEVELOPMENT COULD WELL LEAD US AWAY FROM THE GOAL OF A SOCIALLY COHESIVE AND ECONOMICALLY STRONGER HONG KONG WITH A BETTER CHANCE TO EXPLAIN AND DEFEND ITS AUTONOMY.
+INSTEAD, IT COULD VERY QUICKLY INCREASE THE PERCEPTION OF POLITICAL RISK AMONG LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS, REDUCE THE LEVEL OF PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO THE TERRITORY AND INCREASE THE PRESSURE FOR EMIGRATION,+ HE SAID.
MR SOHMEN ALSO SAID THAT ALL POLITICAL PARTIES EXISTED TO ATTAIN AND MAINTAIN POLITICAL POWER AND IT WAS NAIVE AND VERY DANGEROUS TO ASSUME THAT POLITICAL GROUPINGS IN HONG KONG WOULD SOMEHOW BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY OR COULD SHIELD THEMSELVES MORE EFFECTIVELY FROM OUTSIDE INFLUENCES.
/♦THE LOGIC .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5. ">986
28 -
♦THE LOGIC OF ARGUING FOR A SYSTEM THAT WILL TEND TO FACILITATE INTERFERENCES, AS A MEANS OF PROTECTION AGAINST THAT VERY INTERFERENCE TOTALLY ESCAPES ME,+ HE SAID.
MR SOHMEN DID NOT BELIEVE THAT IT MATTERED WHETHER THERE WERE DIRECT ELECTIONS FOR PART OR FOR THE WHOLE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+THE PRACTICAL EFFECTS OF A CHANGE THAT TOUCHES THE ESSENCE OF OUR TRADITIONAL SYSTEM AND THE FABRIC OF OUR SOCIETY, AND WHICH WOULD CERTAINLY BE IRREVERSIBLE EVEN IF WE LATER DISCOVERED THAT IT WAS ALL A BAD MISTAKE, WILL BE THE SAME WHETHER WE ELECT TWO, 20 OR ALL OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS BY UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE ORGANISED ON A GEOGRAPHIC CONSTITUENCY BASIS,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SETTING UP OF AN AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER IN HONG KONG, MR SOHMEN SAID THAT A SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE OF OPINION STILL EXISTED BETWEEN THE SHIPOWNERS AND THE ADMINISTRATION ON THE QUESTION OF TAXATION.
HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS HAD PROPOSED THAT INSTEAD OF TAXING PROFITS, REVENUE SHOULD BE COLLECTED BY THE IMPOSITION OF INITIAL REGISTRATION FEES AND ANNUAL TONNAGE DUES ON EACH SHIP REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
MR SOHMEN EXPLAINED THAT THIS APPROACH HAD THE BENEFIT OF CERTAINTY AND PREDICTABILITY FOR BOTH SHIPOWNERS AND INLAND REVENUE, AND PROVIDED FOR EFFICIENT AND ECONOMIC TAX COLLECTION AND FOR GREAT FAIRNESS.
+IT IS THE SYSTEM ADOPTED IN THE LARGEST FLAG COUNTRIES AND THUS KNOWN TO MANY OF THE SHIPOWNERS WHOM THE NEW HONG KONG REGISTER WOULD WISH TO ATTRACT.
+DEPENDING ON THE TOTAL SIZE OF THE FLEET THE REVENUE GENERATED FROM TAXATION ON THE SHIPS THEMSELVES CAN BE QUITE SUBSTANTIAL.
+AND THE SIMPLER THE TAX TREATMENT THE MORE ACCEPTABLE THE REGISTER WILL BE TO THE USERS,+ HE SAID.
HE RECOMMENDED THAT THS SUBJECT BE FURTHER REVIEWED.
- o
/29
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 29 -
THREE-TIER GOVT STRUCTURE SHOULD BE REVIEWED *****
IT IS OPTIMISTIC AND PREMATURE TO CONCLUDE THAT THE PRESENT THREE-TIER STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IS SERVING HONG KONG WELL, THE HON ANDREW WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, HE SAID THE QUESTION OF REFORMING THE THREE-TIER STRUCTURE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE 1987 REVIEW.
MR WONG SAID HIS WORRIES CONCERNED THE MIDDLE TIER - THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL LEVEL.
HE SAID THE REGIONAL COUNCIL MIGHT SUFFER FROM THE SAME FAILURES AS ITS COUNTERPART IN THE URBAN AREA DID.
+ THE SITUATION IS EXACERBATED BY THE VERY EXISTENCE OF TWO COUNCILS GOVERNING TWO MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE YET CONTIGUOUS AREAS EACH HAVING THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE DECISIONS ON MATTERS SOME OF WHICH OUGHT TO BE APPLIED UNIFORMLY THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE TERRITORY,* HE SAID.
HE RECALLED THAT WHEN THE DECISION TO SET UP THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WAS ANNOUNCED IN 1984 HE LIKENED THE PROPOSED THREE-TIER STRUCTURE TO A MONSTER.
HE BELIEVED A BETTER SOLUTION COULD BE FOUND IN THE 1966 DICKINSON REPORT ON LOCAL ADMINISTRATION WHICH ADVOCATED A SYSTEM OF SEPARATE LOCAL AUTHORITIES AT THE LOCAL LEVEL WITH NOTHING BETWEEN THIS AND THE CENTRAL LEVEL.
HE THEN LISTED THREE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THIS PROPOSED SYSTEM.
FOR THOSE FUNCTIONS WHICH WERE NOW ENTRUSTED TO THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS BUT WHICH REQUIRED UNIFORM STANDARDS AND APPLICATION THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE TERRITORY, MR WONG BELIEVED THEY OUGHT TO BE ENTRUSTED TO A FUNCTIONAL AUTHORITY OR A NUMBER OF FUNCTIONAL AUTHORITIES AT THE CENTRAL LEVEL, RATHER LIKE THE PRESENT HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE EXISTING URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS COULD BE AMALGAMATED TO FORM THIS OVERALL FUNCTIONAL AUTHORITY OR AMALGAMATED AND EXPANDED TO FORM A NUMBER OF AUTHORITIES SUCH AS CULTURE, SANITATION, AND AMENITIES, HE SUGGESTED.
+SECOND, FOR THOSE FUNCTIONS OF THE TWO COUNCILS WHICH CAN BE DEVOLVED AND WHICH SHOULD BE DEVOLVED TO ENHANCE EFFECTIVENESS, THEY SHOULD BE ENTRUSTED TO THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS WHICH WILL BECOME LOCAL AUTHORITIES WHICH ARE BODIES CORPORATE AND IN CHARGE OF MAKING DECISIONS, AS FAR AS SUCH FUNCTIONS ARE CONCERNED IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS,* HE SAID.
/IF IT WAS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5t 1986
IF IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT A SYSTEM OF 19 LOrai AiiTunoiTice WAR™ THE ’04RDS C0UL’’ Bf »"?LG^ATE5ATL04pJ7loTIES
AUTHOR™ % fl
REVENUE SHARING SCHEME SHOULD BE ADOPTED,! hIsaJd EQU,TABLE
ci 1987 REVIEW, MR WONG SAID HE REGARDED DIRECT
ELECTIONS AND DI RECT—I ND I RECT ELECTIONS ON A GEOGRAPHIC^!
?E'™EiN9eeB‘S's T° BE SUPERI0R AND ‘ 8E
-------0---------
SOUND ECONOMY THE KEY TO STABILITY
*****
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONTINUING THE STRIDE TO IMPROVE HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE TWIN OBJECTIVES OF A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE SOCIETY WAS EMPHASISED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE HON ALLEN LEE.
SPEAKING IN THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR LEE SAID IT WAS NATURAL THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE, BUT +WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT WHAT MAKES HONG KONG TICK IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE OUR ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.+
+ONLY THROUGH CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENTS OF OUR ECONOMY WILL WE BE ABLE TO HAVE A STABLE SOCIETY.... AND WITHOUT A SOUND ECONOMY WE CERTAINLY HAVE NO FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
CONCENTRATING ON THE ECONOMY, IN HIS SPEECH, MR LEE CALLED FOR VIGOROUS DEFENCE OF HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS OVERSEAS AND THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY IN ORDER TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY.
MR LEE SAID IF THE INDUSTRY, WHICH PROVIDED BY FAR THE GREATEST EMPLOYMENT, WAS UNABLE TO COMPETE WITH PRODUCERS IN THE REGION, THE SNOWBALL EFFECT ON OTHER SECTORS SUCH AS TRADE, FINANCE AND SERVICES WOULD BE DEVASTATING.
TO ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY, MR LEE MADE TWO OBSERVATIONS.
FIRST, HE REPEATED HIS PLEA FOR GREATER FUNDING FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT IN UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS WHOSE RESEARCH BUDGETS WERE +PATHETIC+.
/+WE SHOULD .......
WEDNESDAY, NOViXBER 5, 1986
+WE SHOULD NOT LOOK AT THESE INSTITUTIONS FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AS A DIRECT ASSISTANCE OR INPUT TO INDUSTRY, BUT THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO TEACH AND TRAIN GOOD TALENT WHICH WILL COME OUT OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS TO SERVE INDUSTRY.
+OUR ONLY NATURAL RESOURCES IS THE TALENTS OF OUR CITIZENS. WE MUST NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
SECONDLY, MR LEE PUSHED FOR THE VIGOROUS PURSUIT OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION.
RATHER THAN HAVING A HANDFUL OF PEOPLE IN A FEW OFFICES AROUND THE WORLD, MR LEE SUGGESTED THE TASK OF INVESTMENT PROMOTION BE OFFERED TO THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL IN ORDER TO UTILISE RESOURCES EFFECTIVELY.
BESIDES HAVING 24 OFFICES AROUND THE WORLD WITH WIDE COVERAGE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S PAST PERFORMANCE RECORD IS WELL KNOWN, MR LEE NOTED.
+WE MUST LOOK FORWARD IN THE DIFFICULT YEARS AHEAD TO CORRECT OUR SHORTCOMINGS WHENEVER WE CAN,+ HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG, MR LEE APPEALED TO THE COUNCIL TO WORK TOGETHER FOR THE PRAGMATIC SOLUTION OF THE PROBLEMS FACING HONG KONG AND TO HELP LAY A GOOD FOUNDATION FOR THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE.
HE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE AND THE NEED FOR COHESIVENESS IN THE COUNCIL AS THERE WERE MANY IMPORTANT ISSUES TO BE TACKLFD IN THE COMING YEAR.
HE SAID HE ACCEPTED THAT THERE WOULD BE DIFFERENCES IN OPINIONS AMONG MEMBERS ON ISSUES + BUT AFTER DUE DEBATE AND FRANK EXCHANGE OF VIEWS, THE TRUE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACY MUST PREVAIL AND THAT IS THE MAJORITY MUST BE ALLOWED TO CARRY THE DAY.+
+IN SERVING THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THERE REALLY SHOULD NOT BE A DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN THE APPOINTED AND ELECTED MEMBERS.
+THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS THE DESIRE TO SERVE NOT FOR FAME OR FORTUNE, BUT FOR THE BETTERMENT OF HONG KONG WE DEARLY LOVE,+ MR LEE STRESSED.
HE WARNED THAT PUTTING A DIVIDER BETWEEN APPOINTED AND ELECTED MEMBERS WAS DANGEROUS AND NON-CONSTRUCTIVE FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
HE SAID THAT WHATEVER THE OUTCOME OF THE 1987 REVIEW AND THE FUTURE BASIC LAW FOR HONG KONG, PERCEIVED POLITICAL STABILITY WAS NEEDED IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE FUTURE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
/32........
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 52 -
’DON’T DRIVE PROFESSIONALS, BUSINESSMEN AWAY’
*****
POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC STABILITY IS VITAL TO CONFIDENCE OF ENTREPRENEURS AND PROFESSIONALS WHO DRIVING FORCE BEHIND HONG KONG'S ECONOMY, THE HON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
PRESERVE THE PROVIDE THE PETER POON
SPEAKING AT THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, HE WARNED THAT +EVEN IF ONLY A FEW THOUSAND OF THEM WERE TO LEAVE EVERY YEAR, THE EFFECT ON OUR ECONOMY, THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT, AND ON CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG WOULD BE CONSIDERABLE.*
ALTHOUGH SMALL IN NUMBER, THE ENTREPRENEURS AND PROFESSIONALS SHOULDER MOST OF THE REVENUE RAISED, MR POON POINTED OUT.
OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS FOR WELL-QUALIFIED PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG WERE IMPROVING, AND IMMIGRATION REQUIREMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA WERE BECOMING LESS RESTRICTIVE. TAXES IN THESE COUNTRIES WERE ALSO BEING CUT, HE ADDED.
TO KEEP THESE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, ANY CHANGES, PARTICULARLY CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGES, SHOULD BE EVOLUTIONARY AND NOT REVOLUTIONARY, MR POON SAID.
TURNING TO TRADE MATTERS, MR POON URGED GOVERNMENT TO WINTA IN THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM WHICH HAD BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN HONG KONG EXPORTS IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS.
HOWEVER, HE WARNED THAT PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENTS IN THE UNITED STATES WERE STILL STRONG. IT WAS NECESSARY ON THE ONE HAND TO CONTINUE FIGHTING AGAINST UNJUSTIFIED PROTECTIONISM, BUT ON THE OTHER TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR COMPETITIVENESS THROUGH HIGHER QUALITY AND BETTER TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTIVITY.
ALTHOUGH INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL GOODS WAS RECOVERING GRADUALLY IN HONG KONG, MR POON SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO BUILD UP THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS SO THAT THEY COULD UPGRADE OR EXPAND THEIR OPERATIONS.
TO DO THIS, HE ADVISED GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE INCENTIVES BY REDUCING THE TAX RATE. +OTHERWISE WE SHALL SOON LOSE OUT TO TAIWAN, KOREA AND SINGAPORE.*
ON CONTROLLING GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE, MR POON URGED THAT THE +VALUE-FOR-MONEY+ STUDIES SHOULD CONTINUE AND TRY TO MAXIMISE COST-EFFECTIVENESS.
+ IN AREAS WHERE PRIVATISATION IS DESIRABLE, CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO HIVE OFF SUCH OPERATIONS, WITHOUT AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE,* MR POON SAID.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED A PERIODICAL REVIEW OF THE TOTAL PAY PACKAGE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE TO SEE WHETHER IT WAS IN LINE WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE PATTERN OF INFLATION.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
55
LIBERAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM ESSENTIAL *****
THE MAINTENANCE OF A LIBERAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM SHOULD BE MADE A PRE-REQUISITE WHEN EXAMINING ANY POSSIBLE CHANGES TO HONG KONG’S POLITICAL SYSTEM, THE HON NGA I SHIU-KIT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A PRUDENT APPROACH TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE VARIOUS FACTORS CF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN THE POLITICAL REVIEW NEXT YEAR, HE ADDED WHEN SPEAKING IN THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
HONG KONG’S PROGRESS AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY HAD BEEN BUILT ON ITS HIGH DEGREE OF LIBERTY AND NOT DEMOCRACY, HE SAID.
♦ IN THE PAST SEVERAL DECADES, THE EXISTING ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SYSTEMS HAVE PROVED TO BE OPERATING WELL AND VERY SUITABLE TO THE STRUCTURE AND SPECIAL FEATURES OF HONG KONG’S COMMUNITY,+ MR NGA I SAID.
WHETHER HONG KONG COULD CONTINUE TO ENJOY PROSPERITY AND STABILITY IN THE FUTURE DEPENDED TOTALLY ON WHETHER THE BASIS CF LIBERTY COULD BE RETAINED.
THE URGENT TASK WAS TO STUDY HOW HONG KONG COULD SECURE ITS ECONOMIC BASE, PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT. INCREASE EMPL6YMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND IMPROVE LIVING STANDARDS. IT WAS DESIRABLE NOT TO PROCEED NOW WITH ANY RISKY POLITICAL EXPERIMENTS THAT WOULD LAY A HEAVY BLOW ON INVESTMENT CONFIDENCE IN INDUSTRY AND TRADE.
MR NGA I FELT THE INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS WOULD BRING ABOUT RADICAL CHANGES TO GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND WOULD DEFINITELY AFFECT LONG-TERM INVESTMENT CONFIDENCE.
STAGE TO
HE CONSIDERED IT WAS INAPPROPRIATE AT THE PRESENT
ADOPT ANOTHER FORM OF ELECTION IN PLACE OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM.
+WE SHOULD WAIT UNTIL THE PROMULGATION AND IMPLEMENTATION CF THE BASIC LAW, WHEN THE MODE OF CONSTITUTION IN HONG KONG IS CONFIRMED, AND ACT ACCORDING TO THE BASIC LAW,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND. MR NGA I SAID THE SCHEME, IF ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WOULf) HAVE NO LESS IMPLICATION THAN DIRECT ELECTIONS.
HE SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WITH CONTRIBUTIONS BY BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAD ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY AS WORKERS WOULD HAVE LESS MONEY TO SPEND AND EMPLOYERS LESS FUNDS TO INVEST.
/+IM ADDITION,
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- -
+ IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO TAKE UP THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MANAGING THIS FUND WHICH WOULD GROW ANNUALLY AND IT WOULD SURELY BE A PAINSTAKING TASK TO HANDLE THE MATTER,+ HE SAID.
MOREOVER, GOVERNMENT’S REVENUE WOULD DEFINITELY BE REDUCED SUBSEQUENT TO THE SETTING UP OF THE FUND, HE ADDED.
HE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSULT BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ON THEIR VIEWS WHEN THEY CONSIDERED SUCH A PROPOSAL.
MEANWHILE, MR NGA I SAID HE SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL BY THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTOR ON REDUCING THE COMPANY PROFITS TAX RATE WITH A VIEW TO ATTRACTING MORE FOREIGN INVESTMENT.
IT SHOULD BE REASONABLE AND TIMELY TO BRING THE TAX RATE BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL LEVEL SINCE THE GOVERNMENT ONCE MORE HAD A BALANCED BUDGET, HE SAID.
MR NGA I CONSIDERED REDUCING THE COMPANY PROFITS TAX RATE BY TWO PER CENT WOULD BRING POSITIVE EFFECTS AS HONG KONG WAS FACING KEEN COMPETITION FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND THAT THE LOCAL TAXATION SYSTEM DID NOT PROVIDE THE PRIVILEGE OF A TAX EXEMPTION PERIOD FOR NEW INVESTMENT.
+IF HONG KONG SHOULD BE ABLE TO ATTRACT MORE FOREIGN INVESTMENT, IT WILL IN THE LONG RUN CONVINCE PEOPLE TO PLACE MORE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
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/35........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 35 -ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FLOW EFFECTIVELY STEMMED *****
CONTINUED VIGILANCE ON THE BORDER AND AN EFFECTIVE IDENTITY CARD SYSTEM WOULD DETER THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE VISITED MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) PERFORMING ANTI-II DUTIES AT THE BORDER.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS DURING THE VISIT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID +THE SOLUTION IS GOOD BORDER PATROL, AND OF COURSE, CRUCIAL, THE IDENTITY CARD SYSTEM.
+SO PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE IN HONG KONG ARE EASILY RECOGNISABLE BY THE FACT THAT THEY HAVE AN ID CARD, AND THOSE HAVEN’T GOT THE RIGHT TO LIVE IN HONG KONG HAVE NOT GOT A CARD SO THEY TOO CAN READILY BE IDENTIFIED.
+IN THE END, ALL THESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE FOUND OUT AND WILL BE RETURNED TO CHINA. SO THEY ARE HIDING FOR NOTHING.+
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICE WERE CARRYING OUT REGULAR IDENTITY CARD CHECKS AND NO ONE WAS ALLOWED TO EMPLOY A PERSON WITHOUT AN IDENTITY CARD.
♦SO THESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE GOING TO BE FOUND OUT SOONER OR LATER,+ HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON PRAISED THE HONG KONG REGIMENT FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE IN ANTI-II OPERATIONS, SAYING THAT THEY WERE +DOING VERY WELL+.
ASKED IF THE REGIMENT WERE DOING JUST AS GOOD AS THE REGULAR TROOPS. MR JEAFFRESON SAIDx +THEY COULD EVEN DO BETTER BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE COUNTRY, THEY KNOW THE LANGUAGE. LEAST WHEN SOME OF THE ILLEGALS COME OVER THEY PROBABLY SPOT AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MORE READILY THAN THE BRITISH GARRISON SOLDIERS, MOST OF THEM ARE NOT FROM HONG KONG AT ALL.+
MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENT ARE CARRYING OUT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OPERATIONS ON THE BORDER DURING THEIR ANNUAL CAMP FROM THE FIRST TO THE NINTH OF THIS MONTH.
------0----------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
36
PROMOTION OF PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH VITAL
*****
THE PROMOTION OF PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH - THROUGH APPROPRIATE MANPOWER TRAINING, THROUGH THE FACILITATION OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION, AND THROUGH THE PROVISION OF PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCING INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES, IS AN IMPERATIVE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL STRATEGIES, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING A SYMPOSIUM ON INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SECTION OF THE INSTITUTE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS, MR YEUNG SAID THE NEED FOR HONG KONG TO ACHIEVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF PRODUCTIVITY WAS UNDERLINED BY THE FACT THAT IT HAD TO COMPETE IN THE SAME FOREIGN MARKETS AS THE ASIAN NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES.
+MOREOVER, AS THE MODERNISATION AND INDUSTRIALISATION OF SOUTH CHINA GATHERS PACE, THOSE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES THAT ARE RELATIVELY LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND INEFFICIENT WILL COME UNDER INCREASING PRESSURE EITHER TO CEASE OPERATING OR TO SHIFT ACROSS THE BORDER.*
WHILE POINTING OUT THAT INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION WAS A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ACHIEVING GROWTH IN PRODUCTIVITY, MR YEUNG SAID IT WAS GRATIFYING TO NOTE THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS HAD IN RECENT MONTHS, INVESTED SUBSTANTIALLY IN PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY.
+IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1986, RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY GREW BY 51.3 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS, OR ABOUT 14 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1985,+ HE SAID.
NONETHELESS, INVESTMENT IN PRODUCTION PLANT AND EQUIPMENT ALONE WOULD NOT ENABLE THE MANUFACTURER TO REALISE THE FULL POTENTIAL FROM HIS INVESTMENT.
+GIVEN THAT MOST OF OUR INDUSTRIES ARE ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CONSUMER GOODS AND THE PREVALENCE OF INCREASINGLY SHORT PRODUCTION RUNS, MANUFACTURERS ARE INCREASINGLY FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY, BECAUSE OF THE TIME REQUIRED TO COME UP WITH DIFFERENT DESIGNS AND TO MOUNT DIFFERENT PRODUCTION LINES,+ HE SAID.
+THUS THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE BECOMES IMPORTANT, AND THE GOVERNMENT, ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, HAS PROVIDED FUNDS FOR THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL TO PRODUCE LOW-COST CAD/CAM SYSTEMS FOR GARMENT PATTERN GRADING AND MARKER MAKING AND FOR THE DESIGN OF PCB LAYOUTS.
+THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO PROVIDED FUNDS FOR DEVELOPMENT WORK BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE TWO UNIVERSITIES.*
YEWiG........
WEDNESDAY, NOVQABER 5, 1986
- 37 -
MR YEUNG ADDED THAT THE CAD/CAM SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAS RECENTLY BEEN CONSIDERING A PROPOSAL BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES TO TAKE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT WORK A STEP FURTHER BY MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR CAD SYSTEMS TO BE INTEGRATED WITH COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS.
♦THE PROPOSALS FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ARE BEING EXAMINED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE PUT TO THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN DUE COURSE,* HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
COLOURFUL LAUNCHING OF CENTRAL-WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL *****
A SPECTACULAR DRAGON AND LION DANCE AND A COLOURFUL VARIETY SHOW LAUNCHED THE SECOND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
THE USUAL QUIET EDINBURGH PLACE LIVED UP WHEN A 5O-METRE-LONG DRAGON CAME TO LIFE AFTER AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO.
MR LIAO THEN ANNOUNCED THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL WHERE AUDIENCE WERE ALSO TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING A STRINGS ORCHESTRA, BALLET AND ORIENTAL FOLK DANCE PERFORMANCES AND SINGING PERFORMED BY A CHOIR AS WELL AS POPULAR SINGERS.
IN HIS ADDRESS, MR LIAO SAID THAT APART FROM RETAINING CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES, THE SECOND FESTIVAL SOUGHT TO OFFER NEW PROGRAMMES TINTED WITH LOCAL COLOURS AND TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WITH FUNCTIONS ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
♦ALL IN ALL, THE WHOLE DISTRICT FESTIVAL HAS ORGANISED MORE THAN 30 EXUBERANT PROGRAMMES TO CATER FOR THE VARIED INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
MR LIAO ALSO EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION TO ORGANISERS AND SPONSORS OF THE FESTIVAL.
THE FESTIVAL WILL LAST FOR THREE WEEKS AND A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED TO SUIT THE INTERESTS OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT.
/THEY INCWDE......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
THEY INCLUDE A CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL, A BANC ” ND '"NTONESE OPERA SHOW FOR THE ELDERLY, A DISTRICT CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION, A CIVIC EDUCATION CARNIVAL, AN OUTSTANDING STUDENTS COMPETITION, A CIVIC EDUCATION GAMES DAY AND A PROJECT TO SURVEY THE PASTIME OF WHITE COLLAR WORKERS.
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE EVENTS. ADMISSION TO MOST WILL BE FREE AND THE PUBLIC CAN OBTAIN A PROGRAMME LEAFLET AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
- - 0
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY AT CENOTAPH
*****
THE REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 9) IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
WREATHS WILL BE LAID BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, COMMONWEALTH COMMISSIONERS, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANN ING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
WREATHS WILL ALSO BE LAID BY SERVICE COMMANDERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, SERVICE UNITS, TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS, SOCIETIES AND OTHER BODIES.
THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 11 AM AND WILL END ABOUT 11.30 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS POSITION FOR COVERING THE CEREMONY HAS BEEN RESERVED ON THE NORTHERN BALCONY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING IN CHATER ROAD. SPECIAL BADGES FOR ADMISSION TO THE CEREMONY MAY BE COLLECTED FROM THE DUTY OFFICER, GIS NEWSROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FROM 9 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
PRESS SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE NORTHERN ENTRANCE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING FACING THE CENOTAPH BY 10.30 AM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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/39
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
39
FOUR NT SITES FOR LEASE K X M *
FOUR SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE BEING OFFERED FOR TENDERS ON SHORT-TERM TENANCIES BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE FIRST LOT, IN TUEN MUN ADJACENT TO WU KING ESTATE, MEASURES 2 700 SQUARE METRES. IT WILL BE FOR OPEN STORAGE, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS.
THE SECOND LOT, MEASURING 1 306 SQUARE METRES AT TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, WILL BE FOR REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES, INCLUDING PAINT SPRAYING.
INITIAL TENANCIES FOR THESE SITES ARE FOR TWO YEARS AND ARE RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
LOCATED AT MA TIN ROAD IN YUEN LONG, THE THIRD SITE OF 1 792 SQUARE METRES WILL ONLY BE USED AS A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE CARS AND LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE LAST SITE IS AT TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET, TSUEN WAN. MEASURING 2 675 SQUARE METRES, IT IS ALSO FOR USE AS A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR GOODS VEHICLES, EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRUCKS, TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
TENANCY IS FOR SIX MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR ALL FOUR SITES IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 21.
- - 0 - -
NEW SERIES OF SPECIAL NEW YEAR STAMPS
*****
THE POST OFFICE WILL ISSUE A SECOND LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL STAMPS SERIES ON JANUARY 21 NEXT YEAR.
THIS SERIES, BEGINNING WITH THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT, WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1998, THE YEAR OF TIGER.
THE NEW STAMPS WILL BE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5.
/A POST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
40 -
THIS SET OF STAMPS SOUVENIR SHEET ISSUED.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DESIGN OF DTP ICTS THE RABBIT IN AN EMBROIDERY STYLE AND A Kills A SET or THE FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE
THE FIRST LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL STAMPS SERIES WAS ISSUED BETWEEN 1967 AND 1978.
thf SPOKESMAN SAID THAT OTHER STAMP ISSUES IN 1987 WILL COMPRISE: HISTORICAL SCENES OF HONG KONG IN APRIL? NEW DEFINITIVE SERIES IN JULY? 1OOTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ALICE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL SERItb in Ju^LSp)TAL) and the MED|CAL FACULTY OF HONG KONG IN SEPTEMBER, AND HISTORICAL CHINESE COSTUMES IN
(NETHERSOLE UNIVERSITY NOVEMBER.
-------0----------■
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS VISIT ROYAL OBSERVATORY K * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ITS OPERATION.
THE VISIT WAS PART OF AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME FOR MEMBERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE WORK AND OPERATIONS OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
LED BY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, AND THE TWO KWUN TONG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STANLEY YING AND MR EDDIE YU, THE PARTY WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY MR PATRICK SHAM, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, DR PETER LI AND MR ROBERT LAU.
FOLLOWING A BRIEFING THE GROUP TOURED THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS AND SECTIONS OF THE OBSERVATORY, INCLUDING THE CENTRAL FORECASTING OFFICE, TELECOMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AND DATA ACQUISITION SECTION, THE COMPUTER DIVISION, THE RESEARCH AND RECORDS DIVISION, AIR POLLUTION METEOROLOGY RESEARCH DIVISION, SPECIAL PROJECT DIVISION, SEISMOLOGY, ASTRONOMY AND TIME SERVICES SECTION, AND RADIATION MONITORING DIVISION.
BEFORE ENDING THE VISIT, MEMBERS ALSO ATTENDED A DISCUSSION AT THE CONFERENCE HALL.
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/41 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
41
MONG KOK DB TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORTS * K * X K
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE NEWLY RELEASED PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM.
THE PAPER PROPOSES A NEW MEANS OF PLACEMENT FOR FORM 3 LEAVERS TO BE INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER 1987. THE SYSTEM DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY PUBLIC SCALING TEST.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE SECOND REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WHICH COVERS THE MEDIA OF INSTRUCTION, PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES, THE DEVELOPMENT OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION, TEACHER PREPARATION, OPEN EDUCATION AND THE FINANCING OF EDUCATION.
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON A REPORT WHICH EXPLORES WAYS TO IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN MONG KOK.
THE REPORT FOLLOWS A SURVEY CONDUCTED LAST YEAR BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WHICH CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO INSTALL FLOODLIGHTS TO ILLUMINATE THE DISTRICT BOARD LANDMARK AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
- - 0 - -
TV PROGRAMME PUTS FOCUS ON WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A TWO-HOUR TELEVISION PROGRAMME, +GOOD MORNING WONG TAI SIN+, WHICH PORTRAYS THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT.
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
/TAKING part
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
TAKING PART WILL BE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK. DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG J PRODUCTION MANAGER OF TVB MR P.K. LEE । AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF THE +GOOD MORNING HONG KONG+ PROGRAMME, MR JOHNNY WONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD TOMORROW AT 3 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.
- - 0 - -
BRIEFING ON TSING Yl OPEN SPACE
X * * *
A PRESS BRIEFING, ARRANGED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, ON THE PROVISION OF TEMPORARY OPEN SPACE ON TSING Yl WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
THE BRIEFING WILL BE GIVEN BY THE CHIEF ARCHITECT OF THE TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR THOMAS KU, IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174, HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE BRIEFING WILL BE THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, MR JOHNATHAN YUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS BRIEFING ON FRIDAY.
- - 0 - -
/43
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- <3 -
DETAILS OF EASTERN ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN * * * *
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE 1986 EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEYS WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
SPEAKERS AT THE CONFERENCE INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR YUE HUI-KWONGj CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR STEPHEN CHENGj CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEYS, MR AU-YEUNG YING-CHEONGj SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR TSANG WlNG-HANG , EASTERN DISTRICT, OPERATIONS OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MR PAU SHIU-PING. AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, MR PAUL W.C. HO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 11.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
-------0---------
NEW CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STRATEGY * * M
A FAR-REACHING OPERATIONAL AND NEW CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN MUST PASS ITS (THURSDAY) WHEN THE JOINT URBAN AND KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETS.
PUBLICITY STRATEGY FOR A MAJOR SECOND HURDLE TOMORROW REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG
NOTE TO EDITORS
IM n™ITED T0 C0VER THE MEETING WHICH BEGINS AT 2.30 PM
2ni£2no!uTm a^0M 2’ F0URTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE.
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/44 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 44 -
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE ON GARDEN ROAD
* K * * *
PART OF GARDEN ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
THE SECTION AFFECTED IS THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE( ON GARDEN ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES WEST OF TS JUNCT ON THE SLIP ROAD TO THE WEST OF ST JOHN’S BUILDING, LEADING GARDEN ROAD TO COTTON TREE DRIVE, TO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES
WITH FROM WEST
OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
THE MEASURE WILL BE EFFECTIVE DAILY FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS.
THE EXISTING 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE AT THE SAME SECTION OF GARDEN ROAD WILL BE LIFTED.
-------0----------
PLB RESTRICTED ZONE IN TUEN MUN * * * *
THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD SOUTHBOUND IN TUEN MUN WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY STARTING 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
THE AFFECTED SECTION IS FROM A POINT ABOUT 290 METRES NORTH OF CASTLE PEAK POLICE STATION TO A POINT 430 METRES NORTH OF KADOORIE BEACH CAR PARK.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS.
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/45........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1986
- 45 -
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN WAN CHAI *****
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN WAN CHAI WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS.
THE ROAD SECTIONS ARE:
* EASTBOUND HENNESSY ROAD BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FENWICK STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION. THE RESTRICTION WILL BE IN FORCE 24 HOURS DAILY.
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TONNOCHY ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION. THE RESTRICTION WILL BE IMPOSED DURING PEAK-HOURS (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY.
WITHIN THE ABOVE ROAD SECTIONS, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
-------o---------
RESTRICTED ZONE IN KWAI CHUNG
THE SECTION OF WO TONG TSUI STREET IN KWAI CHUNG BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KIN CHUEN STREET AND A POINT 10 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ON KEI STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY STARTING 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
------o--------
NO FLUSHING WATER
* * «
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 8) TO 10 AM ON NOVEMBER 10 FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY PEDDER STREET, WYNDHAM STREET, GLENEALY, CAINE ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD, SANDS STREET AND HOK SZ TERRACE, INCLUDING CONNAUGHT PLACE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE'COUNCIL MEETINGS : CONFRONTATION A THREAT TO AUTONOMY .......................... 1
TIME TO SET UP ACADEMY OF MEDICINE .......................... 3
HIGHER PRIORITY' FOR SOCIAL WELFARE NEEDED .................. 5
GOVT MULT PLAY MORE POSITIVE ROLE IN INDUSTRY................ 8
CALL FOR MORE PERSONAL YOUTH SERVICES ....................... 9
POSTGRADUATE ROLE URGED FOR THIRD UNIVERSITY ............... 10
TIME TO SET UP A CENTRAL PROVIDIM FUND ..................... 12
PRIVATE SECTOR CAN BUILD UP INFRASTRUCTURE ................. 15
UNFAIR- DEAL FOR LOC.iL CONTRACTORS ECHOED ................. 17
SCOPE FOR AN ENERGY COUNCIL ................................ 18
NEED FOR BALANCE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICY ................ 20
MEW TOWNS STILL HAVE 'PROBLEMS.............................. 22
+MINIMUM+ PHULTY SUGGESTED FOR CERTAIN CRIMES............... 24
LAW, ORDER AND SECURITY Rfl-UIN VITAL....................... 26
ANTI-TRIAD STRATEGY NEEDED FOR SCHOOLS ..................... 27
EDUCATE YOUTHS TO COMBAT TRIADS ............................ 29
CALL TO FIGHT CRIME ON A DISTRICT BASIS .................... 30
HAYE OUTLINES GOOD PROSPECTS FOR UK FIRMS...................... 32
YAXLEY EMPHASISES HK'S ROLE aS GATEWAY TO CHINA ............... 33
/TRADING IMAGE .......
TRADING IMAGE BEING PROTECTED .............................. PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO SPONSOR ARTS ....................... NEW aIRBUS SERVICE LAUNCHED ................................ REGULATIONS ON SaMPAN OPERATION CLARIFIED .................. FORD VISITS WELFARE OFFICES ................................ DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS .................. REGISTRATION REVOKED ....................................... FAMILIES OF FIRE VICTIMS TO RECEIVE DONATIONS............... ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TO GO ........................ WONG TAI SIN TO HONOUR 56 CITIZENS ......................... TV PROGRAMME TO PORTRAY WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT .............. DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ZONING PLANS ....................... +LAW FOR JOURN.lLISTS* COURSE SEEKS ^PLICaTIONS ............ 49 FARE WELL aT PUBLIC EX-J4INATIONS ....................... MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION ..................................... spring launch for new clean-up campaign .................... FOLK GROUP TO GIVE CONCERT ................................. TRAFFIC PLAN FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY..........................
RIGHT-TURN BaN IN KWAI CHUNG ...............................
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
1
CONFRONTATION A THREAT TO AUTONOMY
H * M * *
THE AUTONOMY PROMISED BY CHINA COULD BE IN JEOPARDY IF HONG KONG SHOWS ITSELF UNWORTHY BY PUTTING ITS INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PEACE AND STABILITY AT RISK, THE HON SELINA CHOW SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦THE SUCCESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION DEPENDS ON A FOSTERING OF TRUST AND RESPECT BETWEEN OURSELVES AND CHINA,* MRS CHOW SAID.
MRS CHOW WAS SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SHE DISPUTED THE CONTENTION THAT DEMOCRACY COULD ACT AS A BUFFER AGAINST COMMUNISM AND CRITICISED ADVOCATES OF DEMOCRACY AGAINST COMMUNISM FOR KNOWINGLY PITCHING HONG KONG AGAINST CH'NA, AND ASSUMING CONFRONTATION AS A NECESSARY TACTIC.
+EVERY DAY THE SEED OF DOUBT AND SUSPICION IS CAST ON THl GOVERNMENT, ON CHINA, AND ALL THOSE WHO HAPPEN TO DISAGREE WITH THE PUSH FOR CHANGE,* SAID MRS CHOW.
+THE PREVAILING DISTRUST CONSUMES MUCH OF THE ENERGY AND POSITIVE THINKING WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN CHANNELLED INTO ENTERPRISE AND PRODUCTIVITY.
+WE ARE BEING LED TO ERODE OUR OWN RAISON D’ETRE,* SHE ADDED.
IN RESPONSE TO THE CONCERN EXPRESSED IN THE COUNCIL YESTERDAY ABOUT THE MANY PROFESSIONALS LEAVING HONG KONG FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE OVERSEAS, MRS CHOW SAID THAT THEY DID SO BECAUSE THEY WERE MORE WORRIED THAT INTERNAL INSTABILITY WOULD SET IN OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS SHOULD CONFRONTATION IN LOCAL POLITICS WOULD BECOME THE ORDER OF THE DAY.
+UNLIKE MR MARTIN LEE, THEY DO NOT SEE DIRECT ELECTION AS THE PANACEA. ON THE CONTRARY, THEY SEE THIS AS A THREAT TO THE VALUES THAT UNDERLINE THE UNIQUE HONG KONG SYSTEM, WHICH MAY BE UNDEMOCRATIC, BUT CERTAINLY POSSESSES THE RARE COMBINATION OF FREEDOM AND EFFICIENCY.
+HONG KONG HAS ALWAYS PRIDED ITSELF AS THE MOST PRAGMATIC OF SOCIETIES, COMING TO DECISION QUICKLY AND QUIETLY, WHILE CARRYING FOR THE MOST PART THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE.
+WE HAVE RISEN ABOVE THE SOUND AND FURY WHICH TEND TO CHARACTERISE FOREIGN PARLIAMENTS AND AT THE SAME TIME MANAGE TO GET THE JOB DONE,* SHE SAID.
/REFERRING TO .......
THURSDAY, NOVENBER 6, 1986
2
REFERRING TO THE COMMENT +GOVERNMENT OF THE RICH, FOR THE RICH, AND BY THE RICH+, MRS CHOW SAID THAT TO DRIVE A WEDGE BETWEEN THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS AT THIS TIME WAS TO STRIKE AT THF VERY HEART OF HONG KONG.
♦SUCH POLITICAL RHETORIC IS TO SAY THE LEAST IRRESPONSIBLE, UNFAIR, ILLOGICAL AND DIVISIVE AND RUNS TH*7 Ri SK OF INCITING CLASS WAR,+ SHE SAID.
+WHATEVER OUR POLITICAL PERSUASIONS REGARDING THE FORM OF ELECTION, WE OWE IT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO PRESENT OUR VIEWS HONESTLY AND FEARLESSLY, SO THAT OUR PEOPLE CAN BE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TO CHOOSE THE OPTION THEY PREFER RATIONALLY. INTELLIGENTLY AND WISELY,+ SHE SAID.
TURNING TO HOUSING, MRS CHOW WELCOMED THE NEWS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVIEWING ITS PRODUCTION PROGRAMMES AND WOULD FORMULATE LONG-TERM STRATEGIES FOR THE 199O’S AND BEYOND.
SHE REMINDED THE GOVERNMENT THAT A WAITING LIST OF 170 900 WAS UNACCEPTABLY HEAVY AND THAT TO BUILD AT A RATE TO MEET ALL OUTSTANDING DEMAND FOR RENTAL HOUSING BY THE MID-199CPS WAS FAR TOO SLOW.
+IT APPEARS THAT BOTH THE RATIO AND AMOUNT OF FLATS SET ASIDE FOR WAITING LIST APPLICANTS SHOULD BE RESTRUCTURED INTO A FAIRER DEAL FOR THOSE WHO HAVE PATIENTLY WAITED IN THE QUEUE,+ SHE SAID. •
SHE ALSO SAID THAT THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME REQUIRED CLOSE SCRUTINY IN THE REVIEW, SAYING THAT THIS WAS AN AREA WHERE THE LINE NEEDED TO BE CAREFULLY DRAWN TO ENSURE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMPLEMENTING AND NOT COMPETING WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+THE RIGHT FORMULA OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR COULD MEAN QUICKER RELIEF TO THE PRESSURE ON THE HOUSING PROBLEM AS A WHOLE,+ SHE SAID.
TO FURTHER REDUCE THE LONG WAITING LIST, MRS CHOW SUGGESTED THAT HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS SHOULD BE USED FOR THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF OFFERING A HIGHER QUALITY OF ACCOMMODATION TO THOSE PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS WHO WERE LOOKING FOR SUCH UPGRADING.
SHE ADDED THAT PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEMES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AND FELT THAT IT MIGHT BE WORTH CONSIDERING TERMINATING THE TENANCY OF ALL THOSE TENANTS WITH THE MEANS TO BUY A HOME.
MRS CHOW ALSO SAID THAT TAX INCENTIVES SHOULD BE GIVEN TO FIRST-TIMF HOME PURCHASERS BELOW A CERTAIN INCOME LEVEL.
/THIE WOULD
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 5 -
THIS WOULD ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR OUTPUT, RELEASE CURRENT HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS TAKEN BY THOSE WHITE FORM AND GREEN FORM APPLICANTS AND HELP THE SANDWICH SOCIETY.
ON EDUCATION, MRS CHOW APPLAUDED RECENT DEVELOPMENTS RELATING TO THE ABOLITION OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL EDUCATION ASSESSMENT (JSEA).
+THE AMAZING CONSENSUS OF 70 SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS IN ARRIVING AT A METHOD SENSIBLE AND PRACTICABLE ENOUGH TO BRIDGE THE GAP LEFT OPEN BY THE IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF THE JSEJ AND ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF PUBLIC PLACES BEYOND FORM 3 IN 1991 DESERVE NOT ONLY OUR SUPPORT BUT OUR APPLAUSE,+ SHE SAID.
SHE HOPED THIS WAS ONLY THE START OF AN INVALUABLE PARTNERSHIP AND POINTED OUT THAT AN AREA WHICH COULD BENEFIT GREATLY FROM SUCH CO-OPERATION WAS CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT, WHERE UNOFFICIAL INPUT AND ADEQUATE RESOURCES WERE BADLY NEEDED.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE PROPOSAL FOR A CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY SHOULD BE CLOSELY AND URGENTLY STUDIED.
-------0----------
TIME TO SET UP ACADEMY OF MEDICINE M * * *
AN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE SHOULD BE SET UP FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF POSTGRADUATE STATUS OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS AFTER 1997, DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, DR CHIU SAID THAT AT PRESENT HONG KONG RELIED ON THE GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM TO SUPERVISE AND OVERSEE THE STANDARD OF UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND ON THE ROYAL COLLEGES FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF POSTGRADUATE STATUS.
+ THE EXISTING LINKAGE WITH THE BRITISH SYSTEM MIGHT BE WEAKENED IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997, AND CERTAINLY AFTER 1997,+ HE SAID.
+IT IS THEREFORE IMPERATIVE THAT WE SHOULD SET UP A LOCAL AUTHORITY TO TAKE OVER THIS VERY IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE ROYAL COLLEGES,+ HE ADDED.
/DR CHIU .......
THURSDAY, NOVOtBER 6, 1986
DR CHIU SAID THAT POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING HAD BECOME A PREREQUISITE FOR ENSURING AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL OF MEDICAL CARE WAS PROVIDED TO THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THAT AN AUTHORITY SUCH AS AN ACADEMY OF MEDICINE COULD OVERSEE POSTGRADUATE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME IT WOULD FORMULATE PLANS FOR THE ACCREDITATION OF THE STANDARD OF SPECIALIST SERVICE AND TRAINING, AND ENSURE THAT THE QUALIFICATIONS OF DOCTORS IN HONG KONG WOULD MEASURE UP TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
DR CHIU URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FUNDING AND SUPPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH AN ACADEMY BUT STRESSED THAT THE ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC FUNDS SHOULD IN NO WAY COMPROMISE ITS STATUS OF AUTONOMY AND THAT IT SHOULD BE ACCORDED AN APPROPRIATE DEGREE OF PROFESSIONAL FREEDOM.
IN THIS REGARD, HE INSISTED THAT THE FOLLOWING THREE POINTS MUST BE METs FIRST, THE ACADEMY SHOULD BE AN AUTONOMOUS AND STATUTORY BODY, COMPLETELY FREE FROM GOVERNMENT INTERFERENCE; SECOND, ITS STANDARDS SHOULD BE ACCEPTABLE TO THE LOCAL MEDICAL PROFESSION AND INTERNATIONAL AUTHORITIES; AND THIRD, INTERNATIONAL LINKS WITH OVERSEAS MEDICAL CENTRES AND EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES MUST BE PROMOTED FOR THE EXCHANGE OF MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE AND RECIPROCAL RECOGNITION.
+ONLY IN THIS WAY CAN WE ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE IN THE MEDICAL ASPECTS WILL BE MET IN THE YEARS TO COME,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL MEDICAL PRACTICES AND MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS, DR CHIU NOTED WITH PLEASURE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS NOW WORKING ON PROPOSALS TO AMEND EXISTING LAWS TO CLOSE LOOPHOLES AND TO MAKE THEM MORE EFFECTIVE.
HE SAID THAT ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION WERE EQUALLY IMPORTANT IN THIS AREA.
AT PRESENT, A NUMBER OF BODIES WITH THE MEDICAL PROFESSION WERE SEPARATELY EXERCISING THEIR INDIVIDUAL STATUTORY POWERS TO HANDLE THE CASES WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION, HE SAID.
HE CONSIDERED IT NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH A CENTRAL STATUTORY BODY TO CO-ORDINATE THESE BOARDS AND COUNCILS AND TO STREAMLINE THE ENFORCEMENT OF VARIOUS ORDINANCES AGAINST ILLEGAL PRACTICES.
HE ALSO THOUGHT THAT MORE ACTIVE MEASURES SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROSECUTE OFFENDERS. A CENTRAL COMPLAINT SECTION COULD BE SET UP UNDER THE STATUTORY BODY TO HANDLE COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING ILLEGAL MEDICAL PRACTICES, UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS AND RELATED MATTERS.
/DR CHIU .......
THURSDAY, NOVUffiER 6, 1986
- 5 -
DR CHIU ALSO URGED THAT DUE IMPORTANCE BE GIVEN TO THE ROLE OF PRIMARY CARE. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER INTEGRATING THE SERVICE INTO THE MAINSTREAM OF HOSPITAL SERVICES, HF ADDED.
ON THE SUBJECT OF DIRECT ELECTION, DR CHIU SAID HE BELIEVED THAT A CERTAIN DEGREE OF EXPERIMENT WAS JUSTIFIED IN THIS AREA.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FUTURE POLITICAL SYSTEM SHOULD BE REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE, HE SAID
HE FELT THAT ANY POLITICAL REFORMS THAT TOOK PLACE WOULD PROBABLY BE CARRIED OVER TO 1997 AND AFTER.
+IF WE DO NOT GRASP THIS OPPORTUNITY WHICH THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW OFFERS, TO INTRODUCE A REASONABLE POLITICAL REFORM I' a REASONABLE SCALE FOR A TRIAL, HISTORY WILL SOON PROVE THAT A RETROGRADE STEP IN THIS CRUCIAL TRANSITIONAL PERIOD HAS BEEN WRONGLY TAKEN BY US,+ HE SAID.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE BEST INTERESTS AND VIEWPOINTS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BEFORE FORMULATING POLITICAL REFORMS.
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HIGHER PRIORITY FOR SOCIAL WELFARE NEEDED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT CAME IN FOR CRITICISM FOR +SWEEPING UNDER THE CARPET+ THOSE PROBLEMS CONCERNING SOCIAL WELFARE.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE HON HUI YIN-FAT ATTACKED THE +STEREO-TYPED+ ACCOUNT OF THE QUANTITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED WITHOUT MENTIONING THE QUALITY OF THESE SERVICES WHICH NEEDED EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT.
+INDEED, HONG KONG CAN NOW AFFORD TO AWARD HIGHER PRIORITY TO SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND TO SHOW MORE MAGNANIMITY TOWARDS SOCIAL WELFARE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF WHICH HAS BEEN FROZEN DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS,+ HE SAID.
DISAGREEING WITH THE GOVERNMENT STAND THAT SOCIAL WELFARE HAD TO BE TAILORED ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE RESOURCES, MR HUI SAID THE MODERN PHILOSOPHY OF SOCIAL WELFARE ADVOCATED THAT SERVICE STANDARDS SHOULD BE ADEQUATE FOR THE CLIENTS TO MAINTAIN A DECENT LEVEL OF LIVING IN A COMMUNITY.
/DESCRIBING SOCIAL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
6
DESCRIBING SOCIAL SERVICE AS A +HELPING PROFESSION*, MR HUI SAID THAT IN ALMOST ALL KINDS OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, THE LACK OF CENTRAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORT STAFF HAMPERED THE EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF SERVICES.
HE CITED AS AN EXAMPLE THAT ONLY 60 PER CENT OF PRIVATE HOMES MEASURED UP TO THE STANDARDS LAID DOWN BY THE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE OLD-AGE HOMES, WHICH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONSIDERED TO BE THE BASIC MINIMUM.
THE NEED FOR ONE ADDITIONAL WELFARE WORKER IN EACH OF THE ELDERLY HOMES AND HOSTELS TO DO OVERNIGHT SHIFTS HAD NOT PEEN MET, HE ADDED.
MR HUI SAID HONG KONG COULD NOT CLAIM TO BE A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY WHEN ITS SOCIAL SERVICES WERE ONLY WINDOW DRESSING- PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WAS STILL SET AT AN UNREALISTICALLY LOW LEVEL AND THERE WERE MANY HOUSEHOLDS LIVING BELOW THE POVERTY LINE.
TO PUT INTO PROPER PERSPECTIVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN hJNG KONG, HE LISTED OUT VARIOUS STATISTICS ON INCREASING DIVORCE CASES, CHILD ABUSE AND BATTERED SPOUSE CASES AND THE RATE OF ELDERLY SUICIDES.
+IN VIEW OF THE GROWING COMPLEXITY OF THE NATURE OF OUR SOCIAL PROBLEMS, SERVICES MUST BE OF A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH QUALITY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVES OF CRISIS INTERVENTION, PROBLEM SOLVING AND TOTAL REHABILITATION FOR THE CLIENT,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT SUFFICIENT RESOURCES WOULD BE FOUND TO IMPLEMENT IMPROVEMENTS IN SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, IF ONLY THE GOVERNMENT COULD APPRECIATE THAT THE WELL FUNCTIONING OF ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTED TO SOCIAL STABILITY.
OF CRITICS WHO OPPOSED GIVING +FREE LUNCH* TO THE POOR, MR HUI EXPLAINED THAT THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES WAS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHO MUST FULFIL THIS RESPONSIBILITY BY PROVIDING CLIENTS WITH SERVICES OF DECENT STANDARDS.
ON THE PROTECTION OF THE INTERESTS OF WELFARE CLIENTS, MR HUI NOTED THAT THE NEW SOCIAL WELFARE PERSONNEL REGISTRATION SCHEME COULD ASSURE CLIENTS OF GETTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FROM REGISTERED WORKERS.
+SINCE THE PROPOSED BOARD OF REGISTRATION HAS THE AUTHORITY TO REMOVE FROM MEMBERSHIP IN THE COURSE OF A PROVEN CHARGE OF MISCONDUCT, THE ACCREDITATION SYSTEM IS AIMED AT REGULATING SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE TO ENSURE BETTER CLIENT PROTECTION AS WELL AS RAISING THE QUALITY OF SERVICE.
/♦WHEN THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
♦WHEN THE FORMAL REGISTRY IS COMPLETED, INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIED SOCIAL WORKER SHOULD BE ENTITLED TO VOTE IN THE ELECTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE OF OUR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO OTHER ISSUES, MR HUI SAID DIRECT ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATURE WAS THE SPRINGBOARD FOR ESTABLISHING A DEMOCRATIC FORM OF GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED ONLY WHEN HONG KONG HAD REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED BY THE PEOPLE TO SIT IN THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) GOVERNMENT COULD +HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG*. HE PRACTISED.
+ AN SAR GOVERNMENT RETURNED BY DIRECT ELECTION GUARANTEES A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY WITHOUT THE FEAR OF EXTERNAL PRESSURES AND INFLUENCE WHICH UNDERLINES THE MANY CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSALS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE POLITICAL STRUCTURE,* HE SAID.
DIRECT ELECTION, HE ADDED, NOT ONLY PROMISED POLITICAL REFORM IN ITS TRUE SENSE, IT WAS ALSO THE CORNERSTONE OF PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORK BELIEF THAT AN EQUAL, CARING SOCIETY WAS BUILT ON ACTIVE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION.
MR HUI SAID HE BELIEVED 1988 WAS THE TIME TO INTRODUCE DIRECT ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATURE AND THE PERCENTAGE COULD BE 20 PER CENT AS A START.
HE ALSO EXPRESSED FULL PROVIDENT FUND.
SUPPORT FOR THE SETTING UP OF A CENTRAL
HE SAID A CONTRIBUTORY CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WITH AN INITIAL CONTRIBUTION OF FIVE PER CENT OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SALARY MADE BY EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES COULD PROTECT THE LATTER IN TIMES OF RETIREMENT, INVALIDITY AND DEATH.
+THE MERIT OF THE PROPOSED SCHEME, ALLOWING TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP FROM PRIVATE SCHEMES TO THE CENTRAL SCHEME, LIES IN UNIVERSAL COVERAGE WITHOUT STIGMATISING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE POPULATION SUCH AS THE ELDERLY OR THE DISABLED.
+THE UNDUE WORRY OVER THE OPERATION, INVESTMENT AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHEME CAN BE SOLVED BY APPOINTING A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION OR SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND ADMINISTRATION CORPORATION THROUGH LEGISLATION, AND WITH GOVERNMENT ENDORSEMENT,* HE SAID.
MR HUI SAID THAT IT WOULD BE A WISE, PROGRESSIVE DECISION FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A COURAGEOUS STEP FORWARD IN LAUNCHING THE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE AND THE FUTURE GENERATION.
— 0
z'8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
8
GOVT MUST PLAY MORE POSITIVE ROLE IN INDUSTRY
K * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY A MORE POSITIVE ROLE IN HELPING INDUSTRY IN VIEW OF THE FIERCE COMPETITION COMING FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, PROFESSOR THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, PROF POON SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT STILL INSISTED IT MUST ADHERE TO ITS POLICY OF NON-INTERVENTION, HE FELT THAT IT COULD STILL PLAY A POSITIVE ROLE BY INVESTING IN FACILITIES WHICH ASSISTED INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THERE WAS SCOPE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO OFFER ASSISTANCE IN HELPING INDUSTRY TO GO INTO MAKING HIGH-TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS AND IN UPGRADING GOODS.
PROF POON SAID HE HOPED THAT THE INDUSTRY DEVEOPMENT BOARD, ' OF WHICH HE WAS A MEMBER, WOULD TAKE A BOLD STEP FORWARD AND PARTICIPATE CONSTRUCTIVELY IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AIMED AT HELPING LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO COMBAT THE SURGING TIDE OF INTERNATIONAL PROTECTIONISM AND THE INCREASING COMPETITIVENESS OF NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
HE ALSO REPEATED A PROPOSAL HE MADE LAST YEAR — THAT A STERILISATION PLANT SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED, AND THUS STIMULATE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING STERILISED MEDICAL PLASTICS FOR LOCAL USE AND FOR EXPORT.
TURNING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY, PROF POON SUGGESTED THAT WITH AN INCREASING TENDENCY TOWARDS SPECIALISATION AND CONSEQUENT RE-AMALGAMATION OF BASIC DISCIPLINES THE UNIVERSITY MIGHT CONSIDER ADOPTING A DIFFERENT STRUCTURE TO INCREASE THE FLEXIBILITY OF INTER-DISCIPLINARY CO-OPERATION.
HE SAID THE THIRD UNIVERSITY SHOULD STRIVE FOR AN INTERNATIONAL STATUS, AND ATTEMPT TO RECRUIT THE BEST ACADEMIC STAFF, IRRESPECTIVE OF RACE AND PLACE OF ORIGIN.
THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD AIM AT PRODUCING GRADUATES WHO COULD COMMUNICATE WITH PEOPLE AND EXPRESS THEIR KNOWLEDGE BOTH IN ENGLISH AND IN CHINESE TO MEET THE PRESENT AND FUTURE DEMANDS OF THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
SINCE THE THIRD UNIVERSITY WAS EXPECTED TO HAVE A STRONG BIAS TOWARDS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND PROFESSIONAL SUBJECTS, HE FELT THAT IT MIGHT BE WORTH CONSIDERING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPECIALISED INSTITUTES WITH RELATIVELY GREATER EMPHASIS ON RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
+THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THESE INSTITUTES WITHIN THE STRUCTURE OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF LONG-TERM MANPOWER PLANNING IN HONG KONG,+ PROF POON ADDED.
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/9........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
9
CALL FOR MORE PERSONAL YOUTH SERVICES
* * * X X
MORE PERSONAL SERVICES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO CATER TO THEIR NEEDS, THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS TAM SAID THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAD BECOME MORE DIVERSIFIED FOLLOWING RAPID DEVELOPMENTS OF SOCIETY.
SHE IDENTIFIED IN DETAIL SOME OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LAST TEN YEARS AND OUTLINED THE DIFFERENT PROBLEMS AND NEEDS FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY.
SHE SAID SHE AGREED THAT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES HAD THEIR PARTS TO PLAY IN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEMSELVES BUT CONSIDERED THAT THEY SHOULD ALSO DEVELOP A SENSE OF INDIVIDUALITY AND SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS TO TACKLF THE MORE COMPLEX PROBLEMS IN LIFE.
SHE NOTED THAT IN THE PAST PERSONAL YOUTH SERVICE HAD BEEN CRITICISED AS COSTLY BUT ARGUED THAT IT WAS AN EFFECTIVE WAY OF MEETING THE NEED OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND PROVIDED CONSTRUCTIVE ASSISTANCE TO THEM.
MRS TAM CALLED ON GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE DEMAND OF SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND TO SEE WHETHER THERE WAS AN EXCESSIVE SUPPLY OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR THEM.
SHE SAID THIS WAS DONE IN THE HOPE THAT MORE RESOURCES COULD THEN BE ALLOCATED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR IT TO PRACTICALLY DEVELOP PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
SHE NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD IN FACT RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK IN ITS PROGRAMME PLAN RELEASED IN 1979 BUT HAD NEVER BEEN ABLE TO IMPLEMENT THF RECOMMENDATIONS FULLY DUE TO A LACK OF RESOURCES.
SHE POINT OUT THAT THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED TO IMPROVE SUCH SERVICES AND CALLED ON GOVERNMENT TO ALLOCATE MORE RESOURCES TO THIS AREA.
MRS TAM SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD ATTACH MORE IMPORTANCE TO THE OVERALL PLANNING AND CO-ORD I NAT I ON IN THE PROVISION OF PERSONAL SOCIAL SERVICES.
SHE SAID SHE BELIEVED THAT BEFORE ANY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN WAS FORMULATED, EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO REDUCE THE RATIO OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS TO STUDENTS, TO CO-ORDINATE THE WORK BETWEEN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND TO STRENGTHEN CO-OPERATION BETWEEN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND GUIDANCE TEACHERS.
/IN THE.........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
10
IN THE LONG RUN, SHE SAID SHE FELT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CAREFULLY WORK OUT HOW TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL COUNSELLING SERVICE IN A MORE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WAY.
MRS TAM ALSO POINTED OUT THAT OUTREACH I NG SOCIAL WORK WAS ANOTHER IMPORTANT AREA OF PERSONAL SOCIAL WORK FOR THE YOUNG.
SHE SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF OUTREACH I NG TEAMS HAD REMAINED AT 18 SINCE 1979 WHICH MEANT THAT MANY NEW TOWNS WERE DEPRIVED OF SUCH A SERVICE TO HELP THOSE WHO MIGHT HAVE PROBLEMS.
MRS TAM SAID THAT WITH HER OVER TEN YEARS EXPERIENCE IN YOUTH SERVICES, SHE DEEPLY APPRECIATED THE WORK OF OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORKERS AND URGED GOVERNMENT TO FULFIL ITS PROMISE TO FULLY DEVELOP THE SERVICE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT COULD SET UP SPECIAL COUNSELLING CENTRES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AT DISTRICT LEVEL TO PROVIDE COUNSELLING SERVICE TO THOSE IN NEED DIRECTLY.
MRS TAM SAID THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY SOON TO FORMULATE AN EFFECTIVE STRATEGY TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.
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POSTGRADUATE ROLE URGED FOR THIRD UNIVERSITY * X X X *
THE THIRD UNIVERSITY SHOULD PLACE MAJOR EMPHASIS ON POSTGRADUATE RATHER THAN UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION IN THE AREAS OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT, DR THE HON DANIEL TSE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
DR TSE WAS EXAMINING +THE UNIQUE MISSION+ OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY WHEN SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
HE SAID IT WOULD CERTAINLY BE UNREALISTIC TO LIMIT THE NEW UNIVERSITY TO PROVIDING ONLY COURSES THAT WERE NOT BEING OFFERED ELSEWHERE IN HONG KONG BECAUSE THERE WERE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH ACADEMIC AREAS LEFT THAT THE NEW UNIVERSITY COULD BUILD ON.
DEVELOPING THE THIRD UNIVERSITY AS A GROUPING OF PROFESSIONAL SCHOOLS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND BUSINESS STUDIES WOULD NOT BF SUFFICIENT TO MAKE IT UNIQUE, DR TSE ADDED.
/+UNKJJENK.I3 OF.........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
11
♦UNIQUENESS OF A TERTIARY EDUCATION MUST BE CLAIMED ON THE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION IT CAN MAKE TO MEET AN IDENTIFIED NEED,+ HE SAID.
FOLLOWING THIS VIEW, HE FELT THAT THE GREATEST NEED IN HONG KONG’S TERTIARY EDUCATION IN THE YEARS TO COME WOULD BE A STRONG, RESEARCH-BASED POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME.
DR TSE SAID THAT AT PRESENT LITTLE EFFORT HAD BEEN MADE HERE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. +BUT AS HONG KONG MOVES UP-MARKET IN ITS PRODUCTS AND SERVICES, IT WILL SOON LOSE ITS COMPETITIVENESS IF IT CANNOT COME UP WITH ORIGINAL AND INNOVATIVE IDEAS OF ITS OWN THROUGH APPLIED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
HE FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE BY PROVIDING HIGH-LEVEL INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUNDING FOR SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS.
+TO THIS END, THE GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO BUILD THE THIRD UNIVERSITY INTO A PREDOMINANTLY POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH INSTITUTION WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS HELPING HONG KONG’S DEVELOPMENT AS A WORLD CLASS INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE,* MR TSE SAID.
HE DESCRIBED AS OUTDATED THE CONCEPT OF SOME PEOPLE THAT THE FIRST DEGREE WAS THE ALL-IMPORTANT ONE, SAYING THE KNOWLEDGE BASE IN VIRTUALLY EVERY FIELD HAD EXPANDED SO RAPIDLY IN THE LAST FEW DECADES THAT WHAT COULD BE LEARNT IN A DEGREE COURSE SIMPLY WAS NOT SUFFICIENT TO EQUIP A PERSON FOR ORIGINAL AND INDEPENDENT RESEARCH WORK.
+THEREFORE, IF WE ARE TO PROMOTE ORIGINAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH ARE THE ULTIMATE SOLUTIONS TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY, NOW IS THE TIME TO EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN POSTGRADUATE EDUCATION IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
TO THIS END, DR TSE PROPOSED THAT HALF OF THE PLANNED PROVISION OF PLACES IN THE THIRD UNIVERSITY BE DEVOTED TO POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON RESEARCH-BASED HIGHER DEGREES.
HE ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE UNIVERSITY SHOULD HAVE A POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME FROM THE VERY BEGINNING AND, IF NECESSARY, START A POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMME FIRST AND WORK ITS WAY DOWN TO THE UNDERGRADUATE LEVEL.
/’i’llIS SEQUENCE..................
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 19^6
12 -
THIS SEQUENCE OF DEVELOPMENT, AS DR TSE SAW IT, WOULD ALLOW THE UNIVERSITY TO RECRUIT RESEARCH SCIENTISTS WHO COULD BEGIN THEIR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES ALMOST FROM DAY ONE, PROVIDE ADEQUATE OPPORTUNIT?ES TO OUTSTANDING GRADUATES AND ENABLE GRADUATES TO TAKE HIGHER DEGREE AND OTHER COURSES TO RE-EQUIP THEMSELVES FOR
CHANGING CAREER NEEDS.
NOTiNG THE GOVERNMENT’S^!NTENT^ON^TO INCRE.^ ITS^ROVISlON^ OF HIGHER EDUCATION EXPANSION WELL INTO
OF FIRST-YEAR PLACES TO 8 WOULD CONTINUE ITS POLICY THE NEXT CENTURY.
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TIME TO SET UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND
K X H X K
WITH THE FUTURE GUARANTEED BY THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, IT IS THE RIGHT TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE THE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, THE HON HU FA-KUANG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, HE SAID A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, IF PROPERLY SET UP AND ADMINISTERED, WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE SOCIAL STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG.
ALTHOUGH PEOPLE OFTEN REMINDED THEMSELVES OF THE UNPLEASANT EXPERIENCE OF THE SINGAPORE SCHEME AND THE DISASTROUS EFFECT IT HAD BROUGHT TO ITS ECONOMY, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE ISSUE SHOULD BE APPROACHED IN A MORE POSITIVE MANNER.
+FIRST, A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND COULD PROVIDE EMPLOYEES WITH BASIC FINANCIAL SECURITY UPON RETIREMENT AND FOR THEIR OLD AGE, THUS REDUCING TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM RESPONSIBILITY UNDER VARIOUS SOCIAL SECURITY MEASURES.
+SECONDLY, DEPENDING ON HOW IT IS DESIGNED, THE FUND COULD ALSO MAKE FUNDS AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYEES TO PURCHASE THEIR OWN HOMES AND TO MEET OTHER SOCIAL OR MEDICAL NEEDS.
+FURTHERMORE, THROUGH THE FUND, SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS COULD BE CREATED OVER THE YEARS, WHICH IF SUCCESSFULLY MANAGED WOULD CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO CAPITAL FORMATION AND CREATIVE INVESTMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT,* MR HU SAID.
/TURNIN'. TO
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 19%
TURNING TO THE SHORTCOMINGS OF THE FUND, MR HU DID NOT DENY THAT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONE BEING THAT IT WOULD INCREASE EMPLOYERS’ FINANCIAL BURDENS AND WOULD REDUCE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS.
HE SAID HE AGREED THAT EMPLOYERS COULD ALSO BE UNDER PRESSURE TO INCREASE EMPLOYEES’ SALARIES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE LATTERS’ TAKE-HOME PAY.
♦THE MAIN CRITERION FOR THE SUCCESS OR OTHERWISE OF THE SCHEME DOES NOT LIE IN THE SCHEME ITSELF, BUT IN THE CONTRIBUTION RATE,* HE SAID.
MR HU SUGGESTED THE INITIAL RATE SHOULD BE LIMITED TO FIVE PER CENT EACH FROM EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE.
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE COST, MR HU SAID IT SHOULD BE BORNE BY THE CONTRIBUTING PARTIES.
+IT COULD EITHER BE MANAGED BY A BODY STATUTORILY SET UP FOR THIS PURPOSE OR IT COULD BE ADMINISTERED BY A REPUTABLE PROFESSIONAL BODY AS AN AGENT FOR THE BEST BENEFIT OF ITS CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING ISSUE, MR HU SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVIEWING THE HOME OWNERSHIP HOUSING PRODUCTION PROGRAMMES AND TO FORMULATE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGIES FOR THE 1990’S AND BEYOND.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT PUBLIC RESOURCES SHOULD BE USED TO COMPLEMENT THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHICH WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO INCREASE THE OUTPUT TO MEET THE OVERALL DEMAND FOR HOUSING COLLECTIVELY.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS ENTERING AN ERA OF FAIRLY EQUAL PROPORTION OF DIFFERENT INCOME GROUPS WHICH REQUIRED ACCOMMODATION IN THREE CATEGORIES OF HOUSING — PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING, HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) AND PUBLIC SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) AND PRIVATE SECTOR ACCOMMODATION.
MR HU SAID LONG-TERM PLANNINGS SHOULD BE ADJUSTED ACCORDINGLY, AND PROPOSED THAT IMPROVEMENTS ON RENTAL HOUSING AND HOS-PSPS FLATS SHOULD AIM AT DURABILITY AND REDUCED MAINTENANCE.
NOTING THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR COULD PRODUCE PSPS FLATS TO THE SAME STANDARD AS HOS FLATS CHEAPER AND FASTER WHILE GOVERNMENT COULD RECEIVE CONSIDERABLE PREMIUM ON PSPS BESIDES REDUCTION IN ADMINISTRATIVE COST, MR HU SAID THAT PSPS SHOULD REPLACE HOS GRADUALLY.
/AS MANUFACTURING .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
14
AS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WAS STILL THE BACKBONE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, MR HU SAID HE WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION OF WORKING THROUGH VARIOUS BODIES TO STIMULATE RESEARCH AND TO INTRODUCE NEW TECHNOLOGY TO INDUSTRIES.
HE SUGGESTED THAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE INTENSIFIED TO PERSUADE OVERSEAS INVESTORS WITH HIGH-TECHNOLOGY KNOW HOW TO SET UP MANUFACTURING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG EITHER INDEPENDENTLY OR JOINTLY WITH HONG KONG INVESTORS.
+IT WOULD BE EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE IF THE CHINESE PARTIES COULD BE BROUGHT INTO JOINT VENTURES AS IT COULD PROVIDE AN EASY ACCESS TO THE HUGE POTENTIAL MARKET IN CHINA.
♦THE ADVANTAGE TO THE CHINESE PARTIES IS THE AVAILABILITY OF TECHNICAL TRANSFER AND TRAINING IN MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL TO ITS MODERNISATION PLAN.+ HE SAID.
ON THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND RECREATION, MR HU SAID THAT MANY GOVERNING BODIES WERE STILL OPERATED AND MANAGED IN THE SAME WAY AS IN THE 50’S AND SO’S.
HE CALL ON THESE INSTITUTIONS TO CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDE TO ALLOW NEW BLOOD TO BE INVOLVED IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND PREPARATION OF LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
MR HU SAID HE REGRETTED THAT LOCAL ATHLETES DID NOT HAVE ADEQUATE DEDICATION IN THEIR FIELD DUE TO FINANCIAL REASONS, POOR CAREER PROSPECTS OR LACK OF EMPHASIS OF SPORTS AND RECREATION IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
+THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION SPORTS HAS SET UP A WORKING PARTY TO STUDY THE QUESTION OF SPORTS WITHIN OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM AND A COMMITTEE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SPORTS AID FOUNDATION TO RESOLVE SOME OF THE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS.
+CAREER PROSPECT NEEDS THE SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMMERCIAL COMMUNITY WHOSE INVOLVEMENT SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED AND WILL BE MOST BENEFICIAL IN THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND RECREATION,+ HE SAID.
MR HU EMPHASISED THAT THERE MUST BE CLOSE CO-ORDINATION AMONG THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORTS, UNBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE SO THAT AN OVERALL UNIFIED POLICY WITH CLEARLY DEFINED RESPONSIBILITY FOR EACH BODY COULD BE ESTABLISHED.
+THE AIM WILL BE MASS PARTICIPATION, PURSUIT FOR EXCELLENCE AND BETTER FACILITIES,+ HE SAID.
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/15........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
15
PRIVATE SECTOR CAN BUILD UP INFRASTRUCTURE
K M M M K
THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAS MUCH TO OFFER TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF HONG KONG’S MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE, GIVEN ENCOURAGEMENT, FACILITATION AND A FIRM PUSH IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION,
THIS WAS STATED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP WHEN SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SHE SAID THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF LAND WHICH HAD THE POTENTIAL FOR RE-DEVELOPMENT ON MODIFICATION OF THE LEASE CONDITIONS.
AND, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION, MODIFICATIONS OF THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN LEASES GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT CONTINUE TO BE GRANTED BEFORE JULY 1, 1997 AT A PREMIUM, SHE NOTED.
THE PREMIUM IS EQUIVALENT TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE VALUE OF THE LAND UNDER THE PREVIOUS CONDITIONS AND ITS VALUE UNDER THE MODIFIED CONDITIONS.
♦THE QUESTION IS HOW TO PUT THIS THEORETICAL CALCULATION INTO PRACTICE AND ARRIVE AT A FAIR AND BALANCED PREMIUM SO AS TO CAUSE THE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH POTENTIAL SITES.
+VERY OFTEN, THE EXPERIENCE IS THAT THE DEMAND FOR EXCESSIVE PREMIUM RARELY JUSTIFIES THE LANDLORD’S FINANCIAL OUTLAY TO DEMOLISH EXISTING BUILDINGS, COMPENSATE TENANTS AND PAY THE PREMIUM AS WELL AS BEAR THE RISK OF RISING BANK INTEREST AND AN UNCERTAIN MARKET,+ DR IP SAID.
SUCH SITES WERE THEREFORE ABANDONED BY THE LARGE PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS, SHE ADDED.
DR IP SAID THAT FAILURE BOTH TO TAP THE POTENTIAL PREMIUM DUE TO UNREASONABLE TERMS AND TO DEVELOP SUCH LAND SPACE WAS A LOSS NOT ONLY TO THE LANDLORD, BUT ALSO TO THE GOVERNMENT, THE POTENTIAL FLAT OWNERS, THE NEIGHBOURS OF THESE DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS AND ALSO THE TAXPAYER.
IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT INCREASE THE APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE LANDS TRIBUNAL TO COVER THE FAIR ASSESSMENT OF PREMIUM FOR LEASE MODIFICATION.
/DR IP .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 19$6
- 16 -
DR IP OBSERVED THAT LOCAL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WERE RUNNING INTO DIFFICULTIES BECAUSE OF THE CUT-THROAT COMPETITION BOTH BETWEEN LOCAL COMPANIES THEMSELVES AND BETWEEN LOCAL AND FOREIGN COMPANIES.
THE COMPETITION, WHICH WAS SHOWN BY FALLING PROJECT TENDER PRICES, WAS MADE WORSE BY A FALL IN THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF PRIVATE SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND A DECLINE IN PUBLIC EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, SHE SAID.
+THIS COMPETITION HAS FORCED SOME COMPANIES INTO LIQUIDATION, SOME INTO SERIOUS DECLINES IN ANNUAL PROFITS, SOME INTO TENDERING AT A LOSS TO OFFSET FURTHER LOSSES IN OVERHEADS WHILE LYING IDLE,* DR IP SAID.
SHE WONDERED FOR HOW LONG AND AT WHOSE EXPENSE THE GOVERNMENT WAS REAPING THE BENEFIT OF ARTIFICALLY DEPRESSED TENDER PRICES.
+WHAT I AM CONCERNED ABOUT IS THAT WHEN THE TIME COMES WHEREBY ONLY A HANDFUL OF COMPANIES ARE LEFT IN THE ARENA, TENDER PRICES WILL RISE AND MAY RISE EXPONENTI ALLY,*- SHE SAID.
DR IP SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENCOURAGE THOSE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WHICH DROPPED OUT OF TENDERING TO GO INTO SMALL-SCALE PRIVATE RE-DEVELOPMENT OF OLDER BUILDINGS WITH AN OFFER OF ATTRACTIVE PREMIUM PAYABLE FOR LEASE MODIFICATION SO THAT THEIR EXPERTISE COULD CONTINUE TO BENEFIT HONG KONG.
ON THE ISSUE OF PROCESSING NEW BUILDING PLAN SUBMISSIONS, DR IP NOTED THAT THE STATUTORY PERIOD FOR PROCESSING WAS INCREASED FROM 28 DAYS TO 60 DAYS FROM JULY 1, 1973, BUT QUESTIONED WHY IT COULD NOT BE DONE MORE SWIFTLY.
SHE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THE SETTING UP OF A REVIEW COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE APPROVAL OF BUILDING PLANS.
TURNING TO THE ISSUE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, SHE FELT THAT IT WOULD NEVER BE RESOLVED AS LONG AS UNSCRUPULOUS CONTRACTORS AND GUILTY TENANTS WERE NOT PENALISED FOR THESE WORKS.
SHE ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO PROPOSE NEW LEGISLATION AND TO CONSIDER APPLYING THE MAGISTRATES AMENDMENT ORDINANCE TO THE CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS.
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/17........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 17 -
UNFAIR DEAL FOR LOCAL COMRACTORS ECHOED
*****
THE LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WHICH EXISTS ON ITS FAITH IN HONG KONG IS NOT GETTING A FAIR DEAL IN THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY, THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR CHENG SAID HONG KONG’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD BEEN INVADED AND SWAMPED BY OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS OPERATING WITH SO MANY ADVANTAGES WHICH WAS UNFAIR TO LOCAL CONTRACTORS WHO WERE BEING PUSHED OUT OF BUSINESS.
HE ADDED THAT SOME OF THESE ADVANTAGES WERE OF HONG KONG’S OWN MAKING BECAUSE THE SAME STRINGENT TENDERING CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED ON LOCAL CONTRACTORS WERE NOT APPLIED TO OVERSEAS COMPANIES.
MR CHENG NOTED THAT OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS WERE ORIGINALLY WELCOMED TO HANDLE SPECIFIC PROJECTS WHICH CALLED FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY BUT THINGS HAD SINCE GONE OUT OF HAND.
QUOTING AS EXAMPLE, HE POINTED OUT THAT MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY CONTRACTS HAD GONE TO OVERSEAS FIRMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
+WHILE APPRECIATING THE NECESSITY TO ACCEPT THE LOWEST SUITABLE TENDER, I FEEL WE CANNOT AFFORD TO LET OUR LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RUN DOWN IN THIS WAY,+ HE SAID.
MR CHENG SAID HE AGREED IT MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE OVERSEAS FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SITUATION, BUT FELT THAT SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THE INEQUALITIES IN REGISTRATION AND CONTRACTING.
+ALL THAT THE LOCAL CONTRACTORS ARE ASKING FOR IS THAT THEY SHALL BE TREATED FAIRLY AND ON EQUAL TERMS WITH THE OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS AND THAT THE SAME CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS SHALL APPLY TO ALL,+ HE SAID.
MR CHENG ALSO SUGGESTED THAT JOINT VENTURES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED SO THAT NEW TECHNOLOGY WAS SHARED AND PASSED ON AS WAS INTENDED WHEN FOREIGN CONTRACTORS WERE FIRST BROUGHT IN.
+UNLESS ACTION IS TAKEN, I FEAR THAT WE MAY FIND OURSELVES WITH LITTLE OR NO CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY LEFT IF AND WHEN THE OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS FIND IT MORE PROFITABLE TO RETURN HOME OR TO WORK ELSEWHERE,+ HE SAID.
ON THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC HOUSING, MR CHENG CONGRATULATED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ON ITS IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT THIS YEAR.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 18 -
HE ALSO WELCOMED GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL HOUSING MIX STUDY, ESPECIALLY THE CONSIDERATION OF HOW PRIVATE SECTOR OUTPUT COULD BE ENCOURAGED, AND HOW PUBLIC RESOURCES COULD BEST BE USED TO COMPLEMENT THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO MEET THE OVERALL DEMAND FOR HOUSING.
MR CHENG SAID HE BELIEVED THESE TWO ASPIRATIONS MIGHT BEST BE ACHIEVED BY ELIMINATING ANYTHING WHICH TENDED TO CREATE A SITUATION OF COMPETITION BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS.
MR CHENG SAID THAT CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN NOT TO RULE OUT THE INCENTIVE FOR INVESTMENT IN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT.
+RATHER THAN CREATING A COMPETITIVE SITUATION, WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE PRIVATE INVESTMENT AS A MEANS OF ALLEVIATING THE GOVERNMENT’S BURDEN IN MEETING THE ENORMOUS NEED FOR HOUSING,* HE SAID.
MR CHENG THEN TURNED TO THE PROBLEM OF PARKING PROVISION FOR CONTAINER TRACTORS AT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL.
REFERRING TO A REPRESENTATION HE RECEIVED RECENTLY, HE SAID DELAYS IN DELIVERIES AND COLLECTION OF CONTAINERS WERE CAUSED BY THE PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED THAT THE BEST SOLUTION WOULD BE TO ALLOCATE LAND NEAR TO THE TERMINAL AND TO BUILD MULTI-STOREY PARKING FACILITIES FOR THESE VEHICLES.
+ A LARGE PROPORTION OF OUR ECONOMY IS DEPENDENT ON THE SMOOTH RUNNING OF THE TERMINAL AND IT IS INCONCEIVABLE THAT WE SHOULD ALLOW TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND THE LACK OF PARKING FACILITIES TO CAUSE ANY DISRUPTION,* HE SAID.
-------0---------
SCOPE FOR AN ENERGY COUNCIL X X X * X
THE GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN MONITORING THE ENERGY UTILISATION STRUCTURE OF HONG KONG TO FOSTER A STABLE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, THE HON RICHARD LAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE POLICY DEBATE, MR LAI SAID HE BELIEVED A SOUND ENERGY POLICY COULD ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WOULD NOT BE STIFLED BY UNCERTAINTIES IN ENERGY COSTS AND SUPPLIES.
/IN THIS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 19 -
IN THIS REGARD, HE SAID, THERE WAS A NEED TO ESTABLISH AN ENERGY COUNCIL.
MR LAI CALLED INTO QUESTION THE EXISTING POLICY GOVERNING THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL CONCERNING THE TWO ELECTRICITY COMPANIES.
HE SAID THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL DID NOT PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR THE POWER COMPANIES TO ADOPT MORE EFFICIENT USE OF GENERATING CAPACITY.
MR LAI SUGGESTED THAT THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL BE MODIFIED TO ENCOURAGE INCREASINGLY EFFICIENT USE OF THE POWER COMPANIES’ INFRASTRUCTURE. •
+THESE MEASURES AIMING AT MORE EFFICIENT USE OF THE PRESENT FACILITIES MAY BE MORE EFFECTIVELY CARRIED OUT IF THE GOVERNMENT SETS UP AN ENERGY COUNCIL,+ MR LAI SAID.
THE ENERGY COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITY WOULD BE TO OVERSEE THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ENERGY USE AND ENERGY NEEDS.
+THIS COUNCIL SHOULD CONSIDER, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL THAT WILL BE INSTRUMENTAL IN FUTURE ENERGY GOALS, DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENERGY ECONOMY SYSTEM, VARIOUS PLANS, INCLUDING AMENDING APPROPRIATE ORDINANCES SUCH AS THE BUILDING ORDINANCE, TO STIMULATE USERS’ INTERESTS IN ENERGY ECONOMY.
+MOREOVER, IT MAY SERVE AS A CENTRAL MONITORING BODY WHEREBY THE PRESENT NEED OF OVERSEEING THE RETAIL OIL PRICES WHICH FALLS UPON THE SHOULDER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, AS WELL AS THE FUTURE REQUIREMENT TO SUPERVISE THE WORKING OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR PLANT WILL BE MET,+ HE SAID.
MR LAI ALSO EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPROVING HONG KONG’S TECHNOLOGICAL BASE BY A CO-ORDINATED AND COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME OF APPLIED RESEACH AND DEVELOPMENT, INCREASED FUNDING TO INDUSTRY SUPPORTING ORGANISATIONS TO PROMOTE THE APPLICATION OF KEY TECHNOLOGIES, TRAINING AND EDUCATION IN NEW TECHNOLOGY, AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF MARKETING CAPABILITY AIMED AT INCREASING THE VALUE OF EXPORTS.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF POLITICAL REFORM, MR LAI SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD NOT LIVED UP TO DEMOCRATIC IDEALS.
HE BELIEVED THAT ONE OF THE WAYS OF IMPROVING THE PRESENT SYSTEM WAS TO HAVE DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE COUNCIL.
+IT IS DISHEARTENING TO HEAR PROMINENT PEOPLE VOICING RESERVATIONS ABOUT OPENING UP THE COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
/+WE HAVE .......
THURSDAY, NOVIMBER 6, 1986
20
+WE HAVE ATTAINED IN OUR POLITICAL MATURITY PROCESS THE WISDOM OF KNOWING WHAT WE WANT, THE JUDICIOUSNESS OF DISCERNING WHAT IS GOOD FOR US, AND THE WILL TO ACCOMPLISH OUR ASPIRATIONS.*
HE SAID THE DAY OF PARENTALISTIC DIRECTIVES HAD LONG GONE.
MR LAI SAID THAT THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY HONG KONG ENJOYED A HIGH STANDARD OF LIVING TODAY.
THAT EFFECTIVENESS SHOULD BE PRESERVED IF POSSIBLE, BUT NOT AT ALL COSTS, AND CERTAINLY NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF DEMOCRACY.
HE CONSIDERED THAT AN ELECTED ELEMENT MUST BE SLOWLY EASED INTO THE COUNCIL TO EFFECT A SMOOTH TRANSITION.
MR LAI BELIEVED THAT PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WAS A POSITIVE WAY OF ENSURING THAT REPRESENTATIVES RETURNED BY DIRECT ELECTION WOULD BE OF HIGH INTEGRITY AND ABILITY, AND WILLING TO DEVOTE THEMSELVES TO THE BETTERMENT OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE, AND NOT JUST TO SMALL SECTORS OF PEOPLE WITH VESTED INTERESTS.
MR LAI ALSO ADVOCATED REPEALING THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE TO FULFIL THE GOAL OF AN OPEN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID A THREAT TO THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS WAS EMBEDDED IN THE ORDINANCE.
+ IF WE PRESERVE THE ORDINANCE WHICH MAY CURTAIL THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS TO REPORT WHAT IT SEES FIT AND SUBJECT IT TO THE THREAT OF CLOSURE, THE PRESS CAN NEVER BE AN EFFECTIVE LINKAGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
------0-------
NEED FOR BALANCE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICY * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS CRITICISED FOR ACTING AGAINST THE SPIRIT TADoonINCIPLES 0F MAINTAINING A BALANCED PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM ™ ^IDE MULTIPLE F0RMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR ?HE CHOICE Jf I nt rt Ur LE •
tuc ,J!U;L«nS STATED BY THE H°N POON CH I-FA I DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, NOVUfBER 6, 1986
21
HE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE RETURNS AND INTERESTS OF RAIL TRANSPORT SYSTEMS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROHIBITED OTHER MEANS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FROM DIRECT COMPETITION WITH THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
+THERE IS NOTHING MUCH TO BE CRITICISED ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT GIVING DUE ASSISTANCE AND CARE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE THREE RAILWAY SYSTEMS.
+BUT IF SUCH CARE IS OVERDONE BY IMPOSING TOO MUCH RESTRICTIONS ON OTHER MEANS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, IT WOULD NOT ONLY CONTRAVENE THE PR INICIPLES OF A FREE ECONOMY, BUT WOULD ALSO HAMPER FAIR AND HEALTHY COMPETITION WHICH IS REQUIRED FOR MAINTAINING OR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES,+ HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, MR POON SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD REJECTED, ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS DURING THE PAST YEAR, REQUESTS BY DISTRICT BOARDS FOR THE ARRANGEMENT OF EXPRESS BUS SERVICE FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES TO URBAN AREAS.
HE SAID HE FELT THIS WAS CONTRARY TO THE OBJECTIVE OF ENCOURAGING THE PUBLIC TO MAKE MORE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND IMPROVE THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
HE SAID SUCH A SUPPRESSIVE POLICY WOULD RESULT IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES LOSING CONFIDENCE AND INTEREST IN RE-INVESTMENT AND WOULD ALSO DEPRIVE COMMUTERS OF THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE A MORE DIRECT, MORE CONVENIENT AND CHEAPER FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, MR POON URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE SOME GUIDELINES TO MONITOR AND ENSURE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG COULD ENJOY ADEQUATELY PROVIDED AND INEXPENSIVE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
TURNING TO THE USE OF CHINESE IN OFFICIAL BUSINESS, MR POON SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REINFORCE THE TRAINING OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO IMPROVE THEIR STANDARD OF WRITING IN CHINESE.
HE SUGGESTED THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WITH A GOOD COMMAND OF CHINESE SHOULD BE DEPLOYED TO ATTEND MEETINGS OF DISTRICT BOARDS OR OTHER COMMITTEES WHENEVER POSSIBLE SO AS TO MINIMISE THE ARRANGING FOR THE SERVICE OF INTERPRETERS WHEN AN EXPATRIATE OFFICER WAS PRESENT.
AS FOR THE LOCALISATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR POON SAID THAT THE PROCESS SHOULD NOT BE TOO ABRUPT.
/HOWEVER, HE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1?86
22 -
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACTIVELY SELECT CAPABLE LOCAL OFFICERS TO FILL SENIOR POSTS, SO AS TO RECTIFY THE UNBALANCED SITUATION AND TO BOOST THEIR MORALE.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE PROPOSED THAT THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF EQUAL PAY AND EQUAL FRINGE BENEFITS FOR EQUAL WORK BEING ADOPTED FOR LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE DIRECTORATE OFFICERS SHOULD ALSO BE EXTENDED TO NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVANTS IN ORDER TO BE FAIR.
IN DEVELOPING THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, MR POON SAID THAT +WE MUST BE PRAGMATIC AND PROCEED IN GRADUAL STEPS, WITHOUT BEING RADICAL OR HASTY+.
+AT THIS SENSITIVE MOMENT, GOVERNMENTAL REFORMS OR CHANGES IN HONG KONG DO NOT ALLOW ANY SERIOUS MISTAKE; OTHERWISE IT MIGHT PLACE HONG KONG IN AN IRREDEEMABLE SITUATION,* HE ADDED.
--------o ---------
NEW TOWNS STILL HAVE PROBLEMS * * X * *
THE IDEA OF A BALANCED AND SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY IN THE NEW TOWNS HAS NOT BEEN REALISED.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE PROBLEMS FACING THE NEW TOWN, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
+WHILE HONG KONG IS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO DIVERSIFY ITS INDUSTRIES, IT REMAINS TRUE THAT THE MAJORITY OF INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG ARE LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND COMPARATIVELY SMALL IN SIZE,* HE SAID.
+THE SITUATION THAT NOW EXISTS IS THAT A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE WORK FORCE RESIDING IN OUR NEW TOWNS HAVE TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT IN THE URBAN AREA.
+HENCE, COMMUNICATION AND TRANSPORT SYSTEMS ARE ESSENTIAL TO A NEW TOWN’S DEVELOPMENT.*
MR TAI WELCOMED THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AS A BIG STEP TOWARDS IMPROVING THE TRANSPORT NETWORK OF THE REGION.
/HOWEVER, HE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 23 -
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE LRT SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO LINK UP WITH THE REST OF THE TERRITORY TO FACILITATE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND TO ENHANCE THE REGION’S INVESTMENT POTENTIAL.
+l APPRECIATE THAT BOTH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION (KCRC) AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTRC) HAVE BEEN CARRYING OUT FEASIBILITY STUDIES ON POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS OF THEIR SYSTEMS AND I HOPE THAT PLANS TO SOLVE THE LONG-TERM TRANSPORT PROBLEM OF THE REGION WILL BE READY BEFORE LONG,+ HE SAID.
ON THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE OVERALL PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW TOWN PROJECTS, MR TAI SAID THERE WAS STILL ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
+AT PRESENT, TOWN PLANNERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OVERALL ZONING AND PLANNING OF THE NEW TOWNS WHILE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PLANS IS SUBJECT TO APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCE BRANCH.
+THE TIME LAG BETWEEN THE TWO HAS LED TO THE PHENOMENON WHERE SOME OF THE PROPOSED SPACES FOR COMMUNITY CENTRES IN HOUSING ESTATES HAVE TO REMAIN EMPTY FOR SEVERAL YEARS WHILE WAITING FOR THE NECESSARY FUNDS,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID PROGRESS ON ALL COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PROJECTS SHOULD KEEP PACE WITH THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TOWN DEVELOPMENT AND SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BY ECONOMIC FLUCTUATIONS.
MR TAI ALSO CALLED FOR SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS SUCH AS SHORTAGES OF SCHOOL PLACES AND AN UPSURGE OF PETTY CRIME IN NEW TOWNS.
DEALING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, MR TAI SAID NEW REGULATIONS TO CONTROL DUMPING OF ANIMAL WASTE INTO STREAMS AND WATER COURSES WOULD NOT ONLY JEOPARDISE THE LIVELIHOOD OF A QUARTER OF A MILLION PEOPLE LIVING IN THE RURAL AREAS BUT ALSO CAUSE ANOTHER SOCIAL PROBLEM - LARGE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED LIVESTOCK FARMERS WHO MIGHT NOT POSSESS THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO CHANGE TRADES.
+CONSTRUCTION SUGGESTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ON THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING UP LIVESTOCK FARMING ZONES IN PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR BETTER UTILISATION OF WASTE LAND AND TO COPE WITH THE POLLUTION PROBLEM CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTE.
+l SUGGEST THAT DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THIS PROPOSAL,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF DRAFTING LAWS IN CHINESE, MR TAI SAID THE PURPOSE WOULD NOT BE FULFILLED UNLESS SUITABLE LEGAL EXPERTS WERE AVAILABLE TO PRACTISE LAW IN CHINESE.
/HE URGED .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
24
HE URGED THAT TRAINING OF BILINGUAL LEGAL PRACTITIONERS SHOULD BEGIN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE SAID HE WAS MOST ANXIOUS TO SEE THE NEWLY APPROVED LAW DEPARTMENT OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC GIVE A HIGH PRIORITY TO BILINGUALISM.
ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM, MR TAI SAID THAT WHATEVER THE OUTCOME IT WAS VITAL THAT THE SOCIETY SHOULD NOT BE POLARISED BETWEEN THE RICH AND THE POOR.
+IF HONG KONG IS TO MASTER ITS OWN DESTINY, IT MUST PUT ITS OWN HOUSE IN ORDER,+ HE SAID.
----o------
+MINIMUM+ PENALTY SUGGESTED FOR CERTAIN CRIMES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO CONSIDER STIPULATING A *MINIMUM+ PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENCES SO AS TO STRENGTHEN THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE LAW.
THE CALL CAME FROM THE HON CHEN SHOU-LUM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) DURING THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
MR CHEN SAID THE GREATEST DETERRENT FOR A CRIMINAL WAS THE PROSPECT OF BEING CAUGHT AND SENTENCED TO A PUNISHMENT COMMENSURATE WITH HIS OFFENCE.
IN DETERMINING A SUITABLE LEVEL OF SANCTION, THE JUDICIARY SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE COMMUNITY’S SENTIMENTS AND OTHER RELEVANT SOCIAL FACTORS, AS WELL AS THE NEED TO GENERATE A DETERRENT EFFECT TO SHOW THE DETERMINATION OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE TO WEED OUT CRIMINAL ELEMENTS FROM THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
+HOWEVER, OVER THE YEARS THE COURTS HAVE BECOME MORE AND MORE CONCERNED WITH THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS AND THUS SHOWED A GROWING RELUCTANCE TO IMPOSE A HIGH LEVEL OF SANCTION,* HE SAID.
+AS A RESULT, THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES AGAINST DIFFERENT ACTS CF CRIME AS STIPULATED IN THE LAW WERE SELDOM, IF AT ALL, EXERCISED.*
/MR CHEN .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 25 -
MR CHEN CITED AVAILABLE STATISTICS ON THE SENTENCES IMPOSED FOR THREE REPRESENTATIVE OFFENCES IN 1985.
HE SAID THE AVERAGE DURATION OF IMPRISONMENT IMPOSED FOR THEFT, THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR WHICH WAS 10 YEARS IMPRISONMENT, WAS 0.66 YEARS.
ROBBERY AND RAPE, BOTH WITH A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT, HAD FIGURES OF 4.3 YEARS AND NINE YEARS RESPECTIVELY, l£ SAID.
+THE SENTENCES PASSED BY THE COURTS WERE, ON AVERAGE, SUBSTANTIALLY LOWER THAN THE MAXIMUM PENALTY,+ MR CHEN SAID.
+ALTHOUGH I APPRECIATE THAT EACH CASE MIGHT HAVE ITS UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES AND SHOULD THEREFORE BE JUDGED ACCORDING TO ITS OWN MERITS, IT SEEMS OBVIOUS TO ME THAT THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF THE LAW, WHICH I BELIEVE WAS VERY LARGELY DETERMINED ON THE BASIS CF THE MAXIMUM PENALTY, HAS NOT BEEN ACHIEVED.
♦THIS IS PARTICULARLY THE CASE WITH YOUNG OFFENDERS AS IT WOULD CREATE A FALSE IMPRESSION THAT, WITH LITTLE OR NO PREVIOUS CRIMINAL RECORD, THEY COULD GET AWAY WITH THEIR WRONGDOINGS BY SERVING A RELATIVELY LIGHT SENTENCE.+
MR CHEN SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING MORE FRUSTRATING TO THE POLICE THAN TO SEE ALL THEIR EFFORTS LEADING TO THE ARREST AND PROSECUTION OF CRIMINALS GO ASTRAY AS A RESULT OF LENIENT SENTENCES HANDED DOWN BY THE COURTS.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THE DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON OPTIONS FOR CHANGES IN THE LAW AND IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LAW TO COUNTER THE TRIAD PROBLEM CITED THIS AS A +SI GN IF I CANT PROBLEM+ IN RESPECT OF THE CONTROL OF TRIADS AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE.
DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON TRIADS ON JULY 9, SOME COUNCILLORS HAD URGED THE JUDICIARY TO IMPOSE HEAVIER PENALTIES ON CONVICTED TRIADS, HE ADDED.
MR CHEN SAID THE TIME WAS OPPORTUNE FOR CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO STIPULATING A +MINIMUM+ PENALTY FOR CERTAIN OFFENCES.
THERE MIGHT BE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROPOSAL. HOWEVER, ONCE THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF MINIMUM PENALTY WAS ACCEPTED, THOSE TECHNICALITIES COULD BE RESOLVED.
HE SUGGESTED THAT AS A FIRST STEP, A FEW COMMON OFFENCES WHICH AFFECTED NORMAL DAILY LIFE COULD BE CHOSEN UNDER A PILOT SCHEME FOR A LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT EXERCISE.
+AFTER A PERIOD OF TRIAL, SAY FOR A FEW YEARS, IF THE CRIME RATE IS REDUCED AS A RESULT, THEN A FULL LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT EXERCISE COVERING MORE EXTENSIVE AREAS COULD BE MOUNTED,+ MR CHEN ADDED.
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/26......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
26
LAW, ORDER AND SECURITY REMAIN VITAL * * * * *
LAW, ORDER AND SECURITY IS THE KEY TO STABILITY ON WHICH HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY DEPENDS, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR WONG SAID THAT TO ENSURE THE CONTINUANCE OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT +WE DID NOT NEGLECT THE MANY VITAL ISSUES IN THE FIELD OF LAW, ORDER AND SECURITY+.
ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, HE SAID THERE WERE REALISTICALLY ONLY IWO DURABLE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM — RESETTLEMENT IN THIRD COUNTRIES AND REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM.
ALTHOUGH THE FIRST SOLUTION WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT, THE GOVERNMENT MUST CONTINUE TO EXERT PRESSURE ON RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO BE MORE GENEROUS IN THEIR QUOTAS FOR REFUGEES REMAINING IN HONG KONG, MR WONG SAID.
AS TO THE SECOND SOLUTION, WHICH REQUIRED DELICATE AND COMPLICATED DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS, HE NOTED THAT IT MIGHT SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF THE INCREASING RESIDUE OF REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WHO, FOR WHATEVER REASON, COULD NOT BE RESETTLED IN THIRD COUNTRIES.
+IN THE LONG RUN IT MIGHT ALSO PROVE A FAR GREATER DETERRENT TO NEW REFUGEES THAN ANY MEASURES WE COULD TAKE WITHIN HONG KONG.+ MR WONG SAID.
IT WAS AN OPTION WHICH MUST BE SERIOUSLY EXPLORED AND PURSUED, HE ADDED.
TURNING TO LEGAL AID, MR WONG SAID IT WAS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR GOVERNMENT THROUGH ONE OF ITS DEPARTMENTS TO DECIDE WHO SHOULD RECEIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM PUBLIC FUNDS IN LEGAL AID CASES. OR TO PROVIDE ONE OF ITS LAWYERS TO REPRESENT THE DEFENDANT.
HE SAID THAT LEGAL AID SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED BY THE LAW SOCIETY WHICH WAS NOW A LARGE AND WELL-DISCIPLINED PROFESSION AND HAD PROVED ITSELF CAPABLE AND EFFICIENT IN ADMINISTERING THE DUTY LAWYER SCHEME AND THE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME.
+INFORMED OPINION IS OPPOSED TO TURNING THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT INTO AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AND FOR THE RIGHT REASONS; THE COMMISSION WOULD STILL BE UNDER THE DIRECTION CF THE GOVERNOR, WHO IS THE HEAD OF THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF GOVERNMENT,+ MR WONG SAID.
/Of! REEOHHIUG ......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 27 -
ON REFORMING OF THE PENAL SYSTEM, HE SAID A NUMBER OF EXCITING AND WORTHY SCHEMES WERE IN THE PIPELINE TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS FULL PROVISION FOR REHABILITATION OF PRISONERS.
APART FROM THE SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER, MR WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND THE OMELCO SECURITY PANEL HAD RECENTLY EXAMINED PROPOSALS FOR THE RELEASE OF CERTAIN TYPES OF PRISONERS UNDER SUPERVISION BEFORE THE FULL SENTENCE HAD BEEN SERVED.
THESE SCHEMES WERE DESIGNED TO ASSIST NON-VIOLENT PERSONS CONVICTED OF LESS SERIOUS OFFENCES AND ANY EARLY RELEASE WOULD POSE NO THREAT TO SOCIETY, HE SAID.
MR WONG FINALLY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE VARIOUS ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE FOR ADOPTING VARIOUS MEASURES TO PREVENT CRIME, ADDING THAT GREATER EFFORTS SHOULD BE DIRECTED TOWARDS THE PROMOTION OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
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ANTI-TRIAD STRATEGY NEEDED FOR SCHOOLS * * * * *
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SHOULD JOIN FORCES WITH COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO FORM A WORKING GROUP WHICH WOULD FORMULATE A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY TO SUPPRESS TRIADS AND OTHER CRIMINALS AND TO GUIDE STUDENTS AWAY FROM CRIME.
THIS PROPOSAL WAS MADE BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
DR HO ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE MASTER PLAN FORMULATED BY THE WORKING GROUP BE TRIED OUT IN A SELECTED DISTRICT AND IF EFFECTIVE ADAPTED TO OTHER DISTRICTS LATER.
HE SAID DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT UNITS, INCLUDING THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS HAD CARRIED OUT INVESTIGATIONS AND SURVEYS INTO THE PROBLEM OF TRIAD ACTIVITY IN SCHOOLS.
+HOWEVER, THERE IS NO CONVERGENCE OF VIEWS ABOUT THE EXTENT AND GRAVITY OF TRIAD PRESENCE IN O'JR SCHOOLS IN THESE SURVEYS, + HF NOTED.
/MO.* T GOVERNMENT......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
28
MOST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TENDED TO TAKE A LEGALISTIC APPROACH IN THEIR ASSESSMENT AND DREW CONCLUSIONS STRICTLY ON THE STRENGTH OF MATERIAL EVIDENCE, HE SAID.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ADOPT A LESS LEGALISTIC AND A MORE COMMON SENSE APPROACH IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AMONG THE STUDENT POPULATION IN ORDER TO FREE THEM FROM CRIMINAL AND TRIAD CONTAMINATION.
+THE IMPLICATIONS OF OUR STUDENTS’ ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AND UNDERTAKINGS SHOULD WARRANT AS MUCH GOVERNMENT ATTENTION AND INTERVENTION AS TRIAD MEMBERSHIP BACKED UP BY EVIDENCE,+ HE SAID.
DR HO ALSO SAID THAT THERE WAS AN UPWARD TREND IN SUSPECTED INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD-RELATED ACTIVITIES AMONG STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 13 AND 17, RISING FROM 250 TO 340 PER 100 000 STUDENTS, WHICH REPRESENTED A 36 PER CENT INCREASE.
HE SAID IT WAS RATHER DISTURBING TO LEARN THAT SECOND AND THIRD FORMERS WERE MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO TRIAD AFFILIATION, ESPECIALLY THOSE STUDYING IN COMMERCIALLY OPERATED SCHOOLS.
DR HO NOTED THAT SOME 50 SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON WERE IDENTIFIED AS HAVING BEEN PENETRATED BY MEMBERS FROM AT LEAST ONE TRIAD SOCIETY.
IN ONE SCHOOL, HE SAID, SIX SEPARATE TRIAD GANGS WERE REPORTED TO BE ACTIVE.
HE SAID THE REGIONAL CRIME PREVENTION UNIT OF THE POLICE, WHEN INVESTIGATING THE MURDER OF A STUDENT IN KOWLOON, DISCOVERED IN INTERVIEWS THAT OUT OF SOME 70 STUDENTS FROM THE TWO SCHOOLS INVOLVED 40 HAD AFFILIATION TO VARIOUS TRIAD SOCIETIES.
WHILE NO DEFINITE CONCLUSIONS COULD BE DRAWN FROM CURRENT RESEARCH THAT TRIADS HAD INFILTRATED HONG KONG’S SCHOOLS, DR HO SAID STUDENTS, IN PARTICULAR JUNIOR FORM STUDENTS, HAD BEEN INSIDIOUSLY EXPOSED TO THE INFLUENCE OF UNSCRUPULOUS AND CRIMINAL ELEMENTS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE WHOLE STRUCTURE OF YOUTH GANGS, STREET GANGS, TRIAD GANGS AND OTHER CRIMINAL GANGS SHOULD BE WORKED OUT BECAUSE THESE DIFFERENT GANGS WERE INTERLOCKING THROUGH OVERLAPPING MEMBERSHIP IN TWO OR MORE GROUPS.
ON THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, DR HO SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO HELP BY TAKING THE LEAD AGAIN IN ACCEPTING MORE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG.
/+THE INTERNATIONAL .......
THURSDAY, NOVtWBER 6, 1986
29 -
+THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT IT LOOKS TO BRITAIN TO SHOW THE WAY,+ HE SAID.
AN OFF-TAKE BY BRITAIN OF A FURTHER 500 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WOULD ENABLE HONG KONG TO PERSUADE OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH HAD BEEN SO GENEROUS IN THE PAST TO TAKE MORE, HE SAID.
+FAILURE TO DEMONSTRATE ITS WILLINGNESS TO HELP WILL BOTH SERIOUSLY UNDERMINE BRITAIN’S CREDIBILITY IN HONG KONG AND COMPEL US TO RECONSIDER OUR GENEROUS POLICY OF FIRST ASYLUM,+ HE ADDED.
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EDUCATE YOUTHS TO COMBAT TRIADS
*****
THE TRIAD PROBLEM WAS DESCRIBED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN AS A VICIOUS DISEASE WHICH WOULD ERODE THE OVERALL STABILITY OF SOCIETY AND CALLED ON GOVERNMENT TO TAKE EFFECTIVE MEASURES TO COMBAT IT.
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND DAY OF THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR YEUNG SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO INCREASING PENALTIES, THE MORE EFFECTIVE WAY TO COMBAT TRIADS WAS TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE TO ELIMINATE TOTALLY THEIR MISPLACED ADMIRATION FOR CHIVALRY.
+THIS IS BECAUSE YOUNG PEOPLE OFTEN MISTAKE TRIAD MEMBERS FOR HEROES AND UNCONSCIOUSLY CHERISH A SENSE OF ADMIRATION FOR THEM,+ HE SAID.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE POLICE EMPHASISED THAT THE INFILTRATION OF TRIADS INTO SECONDARY SCHOOLS WAS NOT THAT SERIOUS, THE POLICE MUST CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH SCHOOLS AND ORGANISE MORE SEMINARS.
+0N THE OTHER HAND, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE AVAILABLE MORE RESOURCES TO THE POLICE, SO THAT MORE STUDENTS COULD BECOME MEMBERS OF THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND MORE PROPER OR MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES WOULD RE PROVIDED FOR THEM,+ HF SAID.
AS THE TRIAD PROBLEM WAS CLOSELY RELATED WITH THE DRUG PROBLEM, MR YEUNG SAID HE RELIEVED IT WAS NECESSARY TO PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM GETTING INVOLVED IN DRUG TRAFFICKING.
Ain this ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 30 -
+ IN THIS RESPECT, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN ITS ANT I-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGNS, SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD GAIN A BETTER KNOWLEGE OF THE EVILS OF DRUGS AND THE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM PARTICIPATION IN DRUG TRAFFICKING ACTIVITIES,+ MR YEUNG SAID.
THE MASS MEDIA WAS ALSO ASKED TO EXPOSE THE EVIL OF DRUGS SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD NOT MISTAKE DRUG ADDICTION AND PARTICIPATION IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES AS HEROIC ACTS.
TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE SOCIETY’S DIVERSIFIED DEVELOPMENT. MR YEUNG ALSO ADVOCATED A COMPREHENSIVE COMPUTER EDUCATION POLICY.
+l HOPE THE GOVERNMENT WILL EXTEND COMPUTER EDUCATION TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND EVENTUALLY THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS.
+l ALSO HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER SETTING UP ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AT APPROPRIATE TIME A COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE SIMILAR TO THE ONE TO BE COMPLETED SHORTLY IN KOWLOON SO AS TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMANDS OF TEACHERS IN THIS RESPECT,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE, MR YEUNG CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO REINFORCE THE POLICE FORCE, TO MAINTAIN THE HEALTHY ORGANISATION OF THE FORCE AND TO PREVENT DETERIORATION OF LAW AND ORDER WHICH WOULD AFFECT SOCIAL STABILITY.
HE ALSO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROPER TRAINING SCHOOL FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, SO AS TO FIT IN WITH ITS COMPREHENSIVE STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMME AND THF APPLICATION OF ADVANCED EQUIPMENT.
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CALL TO FIGHT CRIME ON A DISTRICT BASIS
*****
BY ENFORCING COMPREHENSIVE LAWS AND ADOPTING APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS ON A DISTRICT BASIS WILL PROVIDE A FUNDAMENTAL FORCE TO THE POLICE AND FIGHT CRIMES COMMITTEES IN THEIR LONG-TERM BATTLE TO MAINTAIN ORDER AND ERADICATE TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM DURING THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
AO FURTHER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 31
TO FURTHER ENSURE LAW AND ORDER, HE MADE A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS FOR GOVERNMENT’S CONSIDERATION.
FIRST, HE SUGGESTED TO PROMPTLY ESTABLISH A FAIR STATUTE ON MUTUAL COVENANT SO THAT OWNERSHIP RIGHTS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS COULD BE MANAGED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS BASED ON A SET OF PRINCIPLES; AMEND THE EXISTING MULTI-STOREY BUILDINS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE SO THAT OWNERS INCORPORATIONS WERE ACCORDED EQUITABLE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES; AND AMEND THE WATCHMEN ORDINANCE AND DEFINE THE MEANING OF +WATCHMEN+ AS WELL AS LAY DOWN HARD AND FAST RULES ON THEIR QUALIFICATIONS. RESPONSIBILITIES AND RELEVANT PENALTIES.
SECOND, DISTRICT OFFICES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE TO MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
THIRD, THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH PROGRAMME WHICH HAD PROVED TO BE SUCCESSFUL INITIALLY SHOULD BE FURTHER PROMOTED. IN ADDITION. AN EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE IN EACH DISTRICT TO ASSIST IN LINKING UP ALL MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS WITHIN THE DISTRICT SO THAT THEY FORMED A BASIC SOCIAL GROUP AND PARTICIPATED IN CRIME PREVENTION UNDER POLICE SUPERVISION.
TO ENSURE SOCIAL STABILITY DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, •R CHUNG SAID HE BELIEVED THAT CRIME PREVENTION SHOULD BE STEPPED Ur' AND ALL TRIAD AND GANG ACTIVITIES WHICH POSED A THREAT ON PUBLIC ORDER BE ROOTED OUT.
TURNING TO ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES, MR CHUNG POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE WAS STILL GOVERNED BY EXTERNAL INFLUENCES.
+l WOULD THEREFORE SUGGEST THAT IN REGARD TO OUR FREE ECONOMY AND COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT S’ICK TO THE SAME OLD PRINCIPLE OF POSITIVE NON-INTERVENTI ON ISM.
’■RATHER, IT SHOULD IMPLEMENT CONTROL MEASURES AS AND WHEN NECESSARY IN THE SAME WAY AS IT TACKLED PROBLEMS IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR RECENTLY WITH A VIEW TO PROVIDING A MOST FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENTS,+ HE SAID.
UNDER THE BASIC STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY INVESTMENT AND REINVESTMENT SHOULD BE DIRECTLY ENCOURAGED IN REAL TERMS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD DISCUSS WITH THE BANKING SECTOR TO SET UP AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT FUND TO DEAL CENTRALLY WITH THE ADVANCEMENT, ON INSURANCE TERMS, OF LONG-TERM LOANS AT LOW INTEREST RATES TO MEDIUM AND SMALL-SIZED FACTORIES.
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/32........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986-
- 32 -
HAYE OUTLINES GOOD PROSPECTS FOR UK FIRMS
*****
NOW IS CLEARLY THE TIME FOR MORE BRITISH BUSINESSMEN TO INVEST IN HONG KONG AS ALL THE AUGURIES ARE GOOD.
THIS WAS THE MESSAGE GIVEN BY HONG KONG’S COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, MR COLVYN HAYE, WHEN HE ADDRESSED A BRITISH BOARD OF TRADE SEMINAR IN THE BRITISH CAPITAL TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SEMINAR WAS ENTITLED +HONG KONG: THE BASE FOR CHINA TRADE*.
MR HAYE SAID THE TERRITORY HAD THE PRE-CONDITIONS FOR SUCCESS, AND HE URGED BRITISH BUSINESSMEN TO FOLLOW IN THE STEPS OF THEIR COLLEAGUES WHO HAD ALREADY INVESTED IN HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ECONOMY WAS AGAIN ON THE UPTURN, WITH FORECASTS OF GROWTH IN EXCESS OF CAUTIOUS EXPECTATION, AND THERE WAS NEGLIGIBLE UNEMPLOYMENT AND LOW INFLATION.
HONG KONG COULD OFFER AN EDUCATED, INDUSTRIOUS AND HIGHLY MOBILE WORKFORCE, ENTERPRISING BUSINESSMEN, FIRST-RATE FINANCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNICATIONS, AND A FREE MARKET PLACE IN WHICH THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD INTERVENE ONLY IF THERE WAS NEED.
EXPLAINING WHY THERE WAS CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE, MR HAYE SPOKE OF THE SUCCESS WITH WHICH THE SI NO—BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED.
THE MACHINERY OF THE AGREEMENT -- THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE LAND COMMISSION, AND THE BASIC LAW COMMITTEES — WAS WORKING CONSTRUCTIVELY.
SURVEYING THE PAST, MR HAYE SAID THE RISE OF HONG KONG FROM THE ASHES OF WORLD WAR II WAS A MIRACLE OF SURVIVAL AND OPPORTUNISM. i'^NG KONG HAD MADE A VIRTUE OF NECESSITY, CAPITALISED ON CRISES AND TURNED VICISSITUDE TO FINANCIAL GAIN.
REFERRING TO THE PRESENT DECADE, MR HAYE POINTED OUT THAT DEC-ITE THE FINANCIAL LOW IN 1982 AMERICAN AND JAPANESE BUSINESSMEN 1AD CONTINUED TO INVEST IN HONG KONG, AS THEY REALISED THE TERRITORY HAD THE DURABILITY AND RESILIENCE TO BOUNCE BACK, AS INDEED IT DID.
MR HAYE CITED VARIOUS BRITISH FIRMS AS EXAMPLES OF COMPANIES WHICH HAD TRADED SUCCESSFULLY IN HONG KONG OVER THE YEARS, AND EMPHASISED THAT THERE WAS PLENTY OF SCOPE FOR MORE.
GOOD BUSINESS COULD BE DONE IN THE IMMEDIATE YEARS AHEAD AND BEYOND THAT THE LONG-TERM PROSPECT FOR TRADING WITH CHINA OFFERED PETTER BUSINESS STILL, HE POINTED OUT.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 33 -
YAXLEY EMPHASISES HK’S ROLE AS GATEWAY TO CHINA * * * * *
THE GROWING ECONOMIC LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WILL PROVIDE NOT ONLY INCREASING BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG AND FOREIGN INVESTORS BUT WILL ALSO HELP CHINA TO ACHIEVE ITS ECONOMIC OBJECTIVES.
THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY TO THE EXPANDING MARKET IN CHINA WAS UNDERLINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR JOHN YAXLEY, WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE HONG KONG TRADE ADVISORY GROUP SEMINAR IN LONDON TODAY (THURSDAY).
+WHILE CHINA HAS ESTABLISHED AND STRENGTHENED DIRECT CONTACTS WITH MANY ECONOMIES IN RECENT YEARS, IT IS EVIDENT THAT HONG KONG, WITH ITS PROXIMITY TO CHINA AND ITS NATURE AS A HIGHLY EXTERNALLY ORIENTED ECONOMY, IS BEING INCREASINGLY USED BY CHINA AS AN INTERMEDIARY FOR FACILITATING BUSINESS,* MR YAXLEY SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PHENOMENAL UPSURGE IN HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH CHINA SINCE THE COUNTRY’S OPEN DOOR ECONOMIC POLICY BEGAN IN 1978, HAD ADDED A NEW IMPETUS TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WITH PROFOUND IMPLICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE PATH OF THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
CHINA’S SEVENTH FIVE YEAR PLAN COVERING 1986-90 RECOGNISED THAT THE LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY IN ITS INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES WAS GENE :ALLY BACKWARD, AND THAT SIGNIFICANT BOTTLENECKS EXISTED IN SUCH AREAS AS ENERGY AND TRANSPORT WHICH WERE IMPOSING SERIOUS CONSTRAINTS ON CHINA’S ABILITY TO EXPORT AND ON ITS LONGER TERM ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
+BECAUSE OF THIS, VARIOUS MEASURES AND INCENTIVES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO ENCOURAGE FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA. THE FIVE YEAR PLAN INDICATES THAT HEAVY INVESTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE RAILWAY NETWORK, THE ROAD SYSTEM, PORT FACILITIES AND POWER SUPPLIES,* HE SAID.
A FEW OF THESE PROJECTS WERE IN THE FORM OF JOINT VENTURE WITH OUTSIDE INVESTORS.
EXAMPLES CLOSE TO HONG KONG WERE THE PROPOSED SHENZHEN -CANTON SUPERHIGHWAY, WHICH WAS TO BE FINANCED BY TOLLS, A COAL-FIRED POWER STATION AT SHA JIAO (NEAR SHENZHEN), AND THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION AT DAYA BAY, WHICH WAS MAKING EXTENSIVE USE OF FRENCH AND BRITISH CAPITAL EQUIPMENT, HE ADDED.
ON FUTURE GROWTH IN TRADE WITH CHINA, MR YAXLEY SAID HE BELIEVED THP LONG-TERM PROSPECTS WERE GOOD BUT HE SOUNDED A NOTE OF CAUTION FOR THE SHORTER TERM.
/+THE VERY
THURSDAY, NOVSIBER 6, 1986
- 34 -
+THE VERY HIGH GROWTH RATES SEEN IN THE PERIOD 1978 TO 1985 REPRESENTED LARGELY A RELEASING OF PENT-UP DEMAND AND THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NATURAL LEVEL OF TRADING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND ITS ECONOMIC HINTERLAND. THUS, THE GROWTH RATES ACHIEVED WERE EXAGGERATED BY THE VERY LOW INITIAL BASE AND COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE LONG RUN,+ HE NOTED.
MR YAXLEY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASED TARIFFS AND STRICT CONTROLS ON THE USE OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE IMPOSED BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT AS A RESULT OF TRADE IMBALANCE HAD HAD THE EFFECT OF CHECKING SHARPLY THE INFLOW OF GOODS.
+DESPITE A SIMULTANEOUS EXPORT DRIVE AND SEVERAL DEPRECIATIONS IN THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE REMINBI, THE EFFECT HAS ONLY BEEN TO CHECK THE RATE OF DETERIORATION OF THE TRADE BALANCE. THUS, IN THE SHORT RUN, UNTIL THE PRESENT IMBALANCE IS CORRECTED, THE PROSPECTS FOR EXPORTS TO CHINA SEEM LIMITED,+ HE SAID.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT ONCE THE IMBALANCE WAS CORRECTED, THE NEEDS OF CHINA’S +FOUR MODERN ISATIONS+ PROGRAMME AND ITS REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTED TECHNOLOGY SHOULD RESULT IN GOOD GROWTH RATES OF EXPORTS TO CHINA WHICH SHOULD BE MORE SOUNDLY BASED AND THUS SUSTAINABLE.
+IN A WIDER CONTEXT, BECAUSE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL PROBLEMS IN CHINA AND BECAUSE HONG KONG WITH ITS SOPHISTICATED BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS AVAILABLE NEARBY, CHINA IS MAKING INCREASED USE OF HONG KONG. THUS HONG KONG IS FILLING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN FACILITATING CHINA’S MODERNISATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
+SPECIFICALLY, LOCAL ENTERPRISES IN HONG KONG ARE ENJOYING INCREASED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FROM CHINA. FOREIGN ENTERPRISES, INCLUDING BRITISH ENTERPRISES, ARE ABLE TO MAKE USE OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERMEDIARY TO ENTER THE CHINA MARKET, TO ESTABLISH LINKS, OR TO MAKE INVESTMENTS,* HE SAID.
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TRADING IMAGE BEING PROTECTED K K K X
HONG KONG HAS TAKEN PARTICULAR CARE TO PROTECT ITS NTERNATIONAL TRADING IMAGE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF ITS TRADING SYSTEM, THE HEAD THE CUSTOMS TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR JOHN HOWARD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO A GROUP OF STUDENTS OF THE SWIRF qrtinoi nr DESIGN AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR HOWARD SAID THR OOVFRNMFNT
THAT THE infringement of industrial and Intellect ro OPFRAT?oSHTS UNDERM,NED INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, NOVUIBSi 6, I986
- 35 -
HE SAID THE STRATEGY OF ATTACKING COUNTERFEITING AND COPYRIGHT PIRACY IN HONG KONG WAS DIRECTED AT ALL LEVELS.
SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS PAID TO THE IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT GOODS AT ALL ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED COMPREHENSIVE LAWS COVERING TRADE MARKS, TRADE DESCRIPTIONS, COPYRIGHT, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS AND PATENTS AND COMMITTED SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES TO THE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT OF THESE LAWS.
+THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS OF HONG KONG ARE, IN FACT, MORE STRINGENT THAN THE LAWS AND PRACTICES OF MANY COUNTRIES, DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING,* HE EXPLAINED.
MR HOWARD SAID A TOTAL OF 874 SEIZURES WERE MADE FROM JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, INVOLVING GOODS VALUED AT $47.3 MILLION, UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE AND RESULTED IN PROSECUTION OF 535 PERSONS OR FIRMS.
OPERATIONS TAKEN IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS THIS YEAR UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE HAD LED TO 79 SEIZURES WITH GOODS VALUED AT $1.09 MILLION AND A TOTAL OF 108 PROSECUTIONS.
MR HOWARD SAID THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD A SPECIAL TASK FORCE COMPRISING 150 INVESTIGATORS WITH WIDE-RANGING POWERS TO ENFORCE THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS AND COPYRIGHT ORDINANCES.
♦IN ORDER TO PROTECT OWNERS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COVERING COMPUTERS AND THEIR ACCESSORIES, CUSTOMS OFFICERS l’AVE TAKEN ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST OFFENCES INCLUDING THE FORGING OF TRADE MAKES IN BOTH COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE AND, MORE RECENTLY, INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT IN SOFTWARE PROGRAMMES.
♦OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, OPERATIONS AGAINST THE INFRINGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN COMPUTER PRODUCTS HAVE RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE OF GOODS VALUED AT $2.56 MILLION. 136 TRADERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE AND 48 AWAITS PROSECUTION ACTION,* HE SAID.
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PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO SPONSOR ARTS K X * X X
THERF IS A NEED TO CONSIDER AFRESH THE POSSIBILITY OF CREATING A HONG KONG BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP ASSOCIATION, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG NORTH, MRS WONG SAID SHE HOPED THAT MORE COMPANIES WOULD TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN SPONSORING ARTISTIC VENTURES.
/+AT
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 36 -
♦ AT PRESENT THERE IS AN INDICATION OF TOO GREAT A RELIANCE ON PUBLIC FUNDING,+ SHE SAID.
+IF WE EXCLUDE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, ONLY SOME THREE PER CENT OF THE FUNDING OF THE ARTS COMES FROM PRIVATE SECTORS. I THINK THE CUSHIONING PROVIDED BY PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP IS TOO THIN.
+IN ALL RESPECTS, PUBLIC FUNDING SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS AN EXCLUSIVE SOURCE OF INCOME. TO ENSURE FREEDOM OF ARTISTIC DEVELOPMENT AND TO REFLECT COMMUNITY ASPIRATIONS, IT IS SUGGESTED THAT SPONSORSHIP HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY.+
MRS WONG SAID THE PROPOSED ASSOCIATION SHOULD BE FORMED ALONG THE LINES OF ORGANISATIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA.
SHE SAID SUCH AN ORGANISATION COULD PROVIDE A SERVICE TO POTENTIAL SPONSORS BY SEEKING EVENTS FOR THEM. IT COULD ALSO ACT AS A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION FOR BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS WITH ARTS BODIES AND GROUPS. °
♦COULD I SUGGEST THAT THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY BE THE DRIVING FORCE IN THIS VENTURE. IF IT THINKS THE FORMATION OF SUCH AN ASSOCIATION WOULD BE USEFUL, I AM SURE THE COUNCIL FOR RUNN?ng'NG ARTS (CFPA) W0ULD EXPL0RE WAYS OF GETTING IT UP AND
♦IN SHARING WITH YOU THE ABOVE THOUGHTS, I MUST ALSO MENTION THE FACT THAT THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH (MSB) IS CURRENTLY CONSULTING THE CFPA, THE GOVERNMENT’S ADVISORY BODY, ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF POLICY. I AM CONFIDENT THAT CFPA WILL ADD TO THE IDEAS AND SEEK THE VIEWS OF INTERESTED PARTIES INVOLVED.+
MRS WONG, WHO SPOKE IN HER CAPACITY AS COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, SAID SHE FELT THAT IN THE FIELD OF THE ARTS, +WE SHOULD ALL WORK QUIETLY AHEAD, BUT IN THE MATTER OF EVOLVING A POLICY, WE SHOULD GIVE THE AREA THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CONSULTATION.*
TO ASSIST IN LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE WITHIN THE SPIRIT OF ENCOURAGING FREEDOM OF DEVELOPMENT, MRS WONG SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO EVOLVE A FUNDING POLICY.
SHE SAID FUNDING OF PERFORMING ARTS, AS SHE SAW IT, WAS PRINCIPALLY TO ASSIST THE DEVELOPMENT OF PROFESSIONAL GROUPS AND ARTISTS, AND ALSO TO PROMOTE APPRECIATION OF, AND ACCESSIBILITY TO, THE PERFORMING ARTS.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
37
NEW AIRBUS SERVICE LAUNCHED * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE AIRPORT MANAGEMENT WELCOME THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ESPECIALLY COACHES, AS THEY ARE RELATIVELY EFFICIENT USERS OF ROAD SPACE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR PETER LEEDS, SAID THIS (THURSDAY)
AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF A NEW AIRBUS SERVICE OPERATED BY THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY, MR LEEDS SAID ABOUT 80 000 TRIPS TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT WERE MADE DAILY BY VISITORS INCLUDING AIRPORT AND AIRLINE STAFF.
+THIS VOLUME OF GROUNDSIDE TRAFFIC, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE STEADILY, CREATES A MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE LIMITED ROAD SPACE AVAILABLE AT KAI TAK,+ HE SAID.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TWO NEW DIRECT ROUTES, A2 AND A3, FROM THE AIRPORT TO CENTRAL AND CAUSEWAY BAY RESPECTIVELY WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ROUTE 200.
KMB ALSO OPERATES A THIRD ROUTE FROM THE AIRPORT TO TSIM SHA TSUI.
MR LEEDS SAID IMPROVEMENTS TO THE AIRPORT COACH SERVICE HAD BEEN INTRODUCED GRADUALLY SINCE THE END OF LAST YEAR.
IN DECEMBER, THE FIRST OF THE AIR-CONDITIONED COACHES BEGAN SERVICE ON ROUTE 200, AND THE SECOND BATCH OF AIR-CONDITIONED BUSES STARTED TO PLY THE TSIM SHA TSUI ROUTE IN APRIL.
MR LEEDS NOTED THAT WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF AIR-CONDITIONED COACHES AND OTHER MEASURES, PASSENGERS ON THE TWO ROUTES INCREASED BY ALMOST 60 PER CENT OVER THE PAST YEAR.
HE PREDICTED THAT PUBLICITY GIVEN TO THE THREE ROUTES IN MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS AND THE NEW DISTINCTIVE BUS STOPS ALL HELP TO ENCOURAGE VISITORS TO USE THE AIRBUS SERVICE ON THEIR RETURN TRIP TO THE AIRPORT.
- - 0 - -
REGULATIONS ON SAMPAN OPERATION CLARIFIED *****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY CLARIFIED THAT REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE OPERATION OF SAMPANS WHICH HAD BEEN IN FORCE FOR MANY YEARS, HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT THESE REGULATIONS, DESIGNED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PASSENGERS, ALLOWED SAMPANS TO CARRY PASSENGERS INSIDE TYPHOON SHELTERS ONLY.
/+PAS! ENGER SAFETY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 38 -
+PASSENGER SAFETY MUST NOT BE COMPROMISED JUST FOR THE SAKE OF ALLOWING SAMPAN OPERATORS TO EARN MORE MONEY,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN WAS COMMENTING ON PRESS REPORTS THAT SAMPAN OPERATORS WERE COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT THEY CLAIMED TO BE ♦LATEST RESTRICTIONS ON THEIR OPERATIONS+ WHICH TOOK EFFECT FROM SATURDAY.
HE SAID THESE SAMPANS WERE NOT DESIGNED TO CARRY PASSENGERS OUTSIDE TYPHOON SHELTERS. + IT IS DANGEROUS TO ALLOW THEM TO OPERATE OUTSIDE THE LIMITS.*
ADDITIONALLY, THE OPERATORS WERE NOT QUALIFIED TO OPERATE OUTSIDE SPECIFIC RESTRICTED AREAS SUCH AS TYPHOON SHELTERS AND SUCH ACTIONS WERE DANGEROUS. TWO RECENT FATAL ACCIDENTS INVOLVED UNDER-QUALIFIED OPERATORS.
+THE SAMPAN WHICH RECENTLY COLLIDED WITH THE CHINESE PASSENGER SHIP NEAR LEI-U-MUN WITH THE LOSS OF TWO CHILDREN WAS OPERATED BY A PERSON WHO WAS ONLY QUALIFIED TO OPERATE WITHIN A TYPHOON SHELTER.
♦SIMILARLY A SMALL FISHING VESSEL CAPSIZED IN AUGUST NEAR TAP MUN WITH LOSS OF LIFE. THE OPERATOR WAS NOT QUALIFIED TO OPERATE IN THAT AREA BUT WAS RESTRICTED TO AN AREA NEAR TAI PO,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE REFUTED A SUGGESTION THAT THE REGULATIONS WOULD DEPRIVE PEOPLE OF A CONVENIENT TRANSPORT BETWEEN THE SHORE AND OTHER VESSELS.
THESE PEOPLE, SUCH AS CREWMEN AND EMPLOYERS OF BARGES, COULD AND SHOULD TAKE OTHER FORMS OF SEA TRANSPORT. WHEN TRAVELLING OUTSIDE OF TYPHOON SHELTERS THEY SHOULD USE PROPERLY LICENSED PASSENGER CARRYING LAUNCHES WHICH ARE READILY AVAILABLE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IF SAMPAN OPERATORS WANTED TO CARRY PASSENGERS OUTSIDE THE TYPHOON SHELTER, THEY WOULD HAVE TO UPGRADE THEIR SAFETY STANDARD AND MEET THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (LAUNCHES AND FERRY VESSELS) REGULATIONS.
PASSENGER CARRYING SAMPANS LICENSED UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (MISCELLANEOUS CRAFT) REGULATIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE BANNED FROM WATERS OUTSIDE THE TYPHOON SHELTERS AND OUTSIDE MINOR PORTS.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
39
FORD VISITS WELFARE OFFICES K * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR DAVID FORD, VISITED SEVERAL SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FIELD OFFICES TODAY (THURSDAY) TO SEE HOW WELFARE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, HE FIRST CALLED AT THE MONG KOK FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE.
HE LEARNED THAT THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 22 SUCH CENTRES BEING OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT. CASES HANDLED MAINLY INVOLVED DIFFICULTIES IN INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS, CARE AND PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS, ADJUSTMENT TO MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES AND FINANCIAL HARDSHIP ARISING FROM UNEMPLOYMENT OR LOSS OF THE CHIEF BREAD-WINNER.
MR FORD THEN VISITED THE YAU MA TEI FI ELD UN IT WHI CH IS ONE OF THE 31 OFFICES RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME — PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE AND EMERGENCY RELIEF.
HE NEXT TOURED THE HENRY G. LEONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AND SAW HOW PROGRAMMES WERE ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP WORK UNIT TO HELP PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THE YOUNG, TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF MUTUAL CO-OPERATION AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AS WELL AS LEADERSHIP QUALITIES.
AFTER VISITING THE FIELD OFFICES, MR FORD RETURNED i'1-’ ' HE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN CAUSEWAY BAY TO MEET SENIOR OFFICERS AND STAFF REPRESENTATIVES.
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DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, TODAY (THURSDAY) APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC FOR DONATIONS TO HELP VICTIMS OF THE BUS ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED NEAR TAI HING ESTATE YESTERDAY.
ME SELBY MADE THE APPEAL WHEN HE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT, VISITED THOSE INJURED IN PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL THIS AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY SEND CROSSED CHEQUES PAYABLE TO +TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE - PUBLIC DONATION ACCOUNT*.
THE ADDRESS IS THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
/♦THE DISTRICT .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
♦THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ALLOCATE FUNDS TO THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES FROM THE ACCOUNT UNLESS THE DONORS HAVE SPECIFIED RECIPIENTS,* MR SELBY SAID.
DONORS SHOULD WRITE +AID TO TUEN MUN BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS* ON THE ENVELOPES AND ENCLOSE THEIR ADDRESSES AS THEY WILL BE GIVEN OFFICIAL RECEIPTS LATER.
THE PUBLIC IS ALSO WELCOME TO FORWARD CASH DONATIONS >0 THE DISTRICT SECRETARY OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-4511151.
- - 0 - -
REGISTRATION REVOKED * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRY ION OF KUWAIT PACIFIC FINANCE COMPANY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
FAMILIES OF FIRE VICTIMS TO RECEIVE DONATIONS
*****
THE DISTRICT BOARD GROUP THAT HAS BEEN RAISING FUNDS FOR SURVIVORS AND DEPENDENTS FOLLOWING THE KWAI CHUNG FUR FACTORY FIRE ON OCTOBER 8 WILL MAKE AN INITIAL DONATION TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
CHEQUES WILL BE PRESENTED TO FAMILY REPRESENTATIVES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
THREE MEMBERS OF THE FUND-RAISING GROUP, MR HO TUNG-CHING, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI AND MR LEE SHUN-SHIN, WILL PRESIDE.
THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
/THE EIGHT-MEMBER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
mcToIrT RA,S,NG GR0UP- WITH THE KWAI TSING
!lnT?l?L°^ ITS ADVISER WAS SET UP UNDER THE KWAI CHUNG 0^iIclN?uY!u?,lTR,CT B0ARD T0 ^°VIDE ASSISTANCE TO THOSE INJURED IN THE FIRE AND TO THE FAMILIES OF THOSE WHO DIED.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 10.15 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWA TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES <J*EXT T° KWAI H,NG MTR STAT,0N> 166-174, HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG•
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TO GO * * * * *
THE OCCUPANTS OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE MAIN ROOF OF 182, WOOSUNG STREET IN KOWLOON, WHO IGNORED A DEMOLITION ORDER ISSUED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE 18 MONTHS AGO, NOW FACE COURT ACTION.
NOTICES POSTED ON PROMINENT PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES SAID THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WOULD APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS AT KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 9.
THE AUTHORITY WISHES TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURES SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
A SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WOULD TAKE PLACE ONCE THE COURT MAKES THE CLOSURE ORDER.
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WONG TAI SIN TO HONOUR 56 CITIZENS * * * *
THE NEIGHBOURLINESS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT DEMONSTRATED BY 56 PEOPLE IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL BE RECOGNISED AT AN AWARD CEREMONY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE 12 OUTSTANDING CITIZENS AND 44 GOOD CITIZENS WERE CHOSEN UNDER A SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE.
/+WE HOPE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
+WE HOPE TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS AFTER ESTABLISHING A WELL DEFINED IMAGE OF GOOD CITIZENS,* SAID THE CONVENOR OF THE WORKING GROUP, MR ALBERT LI.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE MR LI, WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR MICHAEL CHENG, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MR CHAN CHOW-FAN AND MR LEE MAN-KWONG, AND WONG TAI SIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (WEST), MR NG HON-WAH.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8.15 PM AT FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BEGIN TOMORROW AT 8.15 PM AT FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
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TV PROGRAMME TO PORTRAY WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT
K X X * »
A + GOOD MORNING WONG TAI SIN* TELEVISION PROGRAMME PORTRAYING THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS AND DEVELOPMENTS OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
THE BROADCAST WILL BE MADE ON TVB JADE FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM. FROM THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
THE PROGRAMME IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE TWO-HOUR PROGRAMME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER. MR NICHOLAS YEK, SAID THE PROGRAMME WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING THE AUDIENCE, PARTICULARLY WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS, WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT.
THIS WOULD STIMULATE THEM TO SHARE AND PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TH I ER LOCAL COMMUNITIES.
IN WONG TAI SIN, A NUMBER OF PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY TO FURTHER DEVELOP THE DISTRICT INTO A BETTER LIVING AREA.
/THE PROGRAMME
■n.vn* wa | w
Vf x/vw
- 43 -
THE PROGRAMME WILL CONTAIN DETAILS OF REDEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR HOUSING ESTATES AND FOR THE DIAMOND HILL AND TAI HOM AREAS WHICH WILL IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND RELIEVE OVERCROWDING
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG, WILL REPORT ON THE WORKS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD DURING AN INTERVIEW IN THE PROGRAMME.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ZONING PLANS
* * * *
MEMBERS OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE WILL HAVE A CLOSED-DOOR DISCUSSION TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ON THE OUTLINE ZONING PLANS FOR SHEK KIP MEI AND CHEUNG SHA WAN.
THE MEETING. WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM, WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AT 4 PM FOR DISCUSSION CONCERNING NINE OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AND FIVE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
THESE OTHER MATTERS INCLUDE CLEARANCE OF HING WAH STREET SQUATTER AREA, DECKING OF TONKIN STREET NULLAH jFUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF HING WAH STREET NULLAH DECK! A PROPOSED SIGNBOARD RELOCATION OF UN CHAU STREET TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINT j AND A PROPOSED RAIN SHELTER AT FIVE RINGS GARDENS.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF SITTING-OUT AREAS AND OPEN SPACE, THE HAWKER PROBLEM AT PEI HO STREET, AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN APLIU STREET WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
PRIOR TO THE COMMITTEE MEETING, THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL GO INTO SESSION AT 2 PM IN ORDER TO COMPLETE BUSINESS FROM ITS TENTH MEETING WHICH HAD TO BE ADJOURNED.
BOTH MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD AT 39 TOKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER BOTH THE ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM AT 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
THE ADJOURNED DB MEETING WILL LAST FROM 2 PM TO 3 PM. ALL REPORTERS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL THEN BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE CONFERENCE ROOM SO THAT MEMBERS CAN DISCUSS PRIVATELY THE SHEK KIP MEI AND CHEUNG SHA WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLANS.
THE COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE RE-OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AT 4 PM.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986-
44
+ LAW FOR JOURNALISTS* COURSE SEEKS APPLICATIONS
*****
JOURNALISTS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A +LAW FOR JOURNALISTS* COURSE ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD FOR 10 EVENINGS STARTING FROM DECEMBER 4, FROM 6.30 PM TO 9.30 PM. COURSE FEE IS 1900, BUT PARTICIPANTS SPONSORED BY EMPLOYERS PAY ONLY 1150, WHILE THE REST WILL BE BORNE BY THE COUNCIL.
CONTENTS OF THE COURSE INCLUDE NATURE AND FUNCTION OF LAW, CLASSIFICATIONS, SOURCES OF LAW, COURT STRUCTURE AND TRIBUNALS, CONTEMPT OF COURT, LAW OF TRADE SECRETS AND SO ON.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS NOVEMBER 21 AND ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 60.
THE PROGRAMME IS ONE OF 13 COURSES UNDER THE BASIC TRAINING SCHEME. JOURNALISTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED 10 COURSES WITHIN FIVE YEARS WILL BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES COULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD, ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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49 FARE WELL AT PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS *****
A FORMER ROBBER WHO ACHIEVED THE SECOND HIGHEST PLACE IN A PUBLIC EXAMINATION WAS AMONG A NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE RECEIVING ACADEMIC CERTIFICATES AT A PENAL INSTITUTION TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE GROUP OF 49, AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 21, RECEIVED CERTIFICATES FROM MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, MR PETER C. WONG, AT A PRESENTATION AT PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.
THEY HAD SAT FOR 49 PAPERS IN FOUR PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS — THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (HIGHER ACCOUNTING), LCC INTERMEDIATE MATHEMATICS, LCC ELEMENTARY BOOK-KEEPING, AND PITMAN ELEMENTARY MATHEMATICS — BETWEEN LAST NOVEMBER AND MAY THIS YEAR WHILE SERVING SENTENCES IN THE INSTITUTION, AND PASSED WITH 25 DISTINCTIONS.
/THE 21—TEAR-OLD .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
45
THE 21-YEAR-OLD EX-ROBBER CAMF SECOND IN THE INTERNATIONAL LCC INTERMEDIATE MATHEMATICS. HE HAD BEEN AWARDED A BRONZE MEDAL BY THE LCC EXAMINATION BOARD EARLIER.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR WONG PRAISED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR PROVIDING INMATES WITH ACADEMIC TRAINING LEADING TO THEIR ACQUISITION OF ACCREDITED QUALIFICATIONS.
HE TOLD INMATES THAT THEY MIGHT AGAIN FACE DIFFICULTIES IN LIFE, BUT THE ATTENDANCE OF THEIR FAMILIES AT THE CEREMONY WAS AN INDICATION OF THEIR CONCERN AND SUPPORT FOR THEM.
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MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION X X X
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY ON POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION, DR KEITH HALNAN, WILL MEET THE MEDIA AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL, TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 4 PM.
DR HALNAN WILL SPEAK ON PLANS OF THE WORKING PARTY SET UP RECENTLY TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE FUTURE ORGANISATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF POST-GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
- - 0 - -
SPRING LAUNCH FOR NEW CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN X X K X K
A NEW TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-LITTER CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED LIVE ON TELEVISION IN MID-MAY NEXT YEAR IF ALL GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN.
THIS WAS ENDORSED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE JOINT URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY MR W.M. SULKE AS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE PUBLICITY AND OPERATIONAL STRATEGY FOR NEXT YEAR.
AMONG OTHER COMPONENTS OF THE PROPOSED PUBLICITY PROGRAMME ARE A MUSIC VIDEO, A PARADE ON A MAIN THOROUGHFARE AND CARNIVALS IN AS MANY DISTRICTS AS POSSIBLE.
/THE CAMPAIGN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 46
THE CAMPAIGN STRATEGY HAD EARNER BEEN ENDORSED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE AND MUST NOW BE APPROVED BY BOTH COUNCILS BEFORE PLANS ARE FINALISED.
AT TODAY’S MEETING THE STEERING COMMITTEE ALSO DISCUSSED THE FEASIBILITY OF INVESTIGATING SUCCESSFUL ANTI-LITTER CAMPAIGNS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
FOLK GROUP TO GIVE CONCERT * * K K X
A FOLK CONCERT FEATURING A POPULAR LOCAL GROUP, CRYSTAL NOTES. IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE CONCERT WOULD TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) BUT IT WILL NOW BE HELD AT THE FRINGE CLUB, 2 LOWER ALBERT ROAD, ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, STARTING AT 8 PM.
THE CRYSTAL NOTES GROUP WAS FORMED IN 1978, COMPRISING FOUR AMATEUR FOLK SINGERS. IT HAS WON A NUMBER OF AWARDS IN VARIOUS CONTESTS SUCH AS THE KWUN TONG MUSIC FESTIVAL COMPETITION IN 1978, THE AMATEUR TALENT SINGING CONTEST IN 1979 AND THE ANTI-NARCOTICS SINGING COMPETITION IN 1983.
POPULAR PIECES SUCH AS +TODAY+ +COUNTRY ROAD+ AND +JAMAICA FAREWELL+ WILL BE PLAYED ON NOVEMBER 28.
ADMISSION IS FREE. FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED ON 5-283257.
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TRAFFIC PLAN FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY * * *
sOSWemW
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC:
* PLACE N0RTH BETWEEN QUEFN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR
AND THE SECTION OF JACKSON ROAD BFTWFPN CONNAUGHT ROAD ’ CENTRAL AND CHATER ROAD WILL BE S'OSED FROM 8 AM TO NOON.
/* CONNAUGHT ROAD
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
- 47 -
X CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EAUBOUND BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE WEST AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10.50 AM TO 11.25 AM.
* HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER, THE SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND BETWEEN HARCOURT ROAD AND ICE HOUSE STREET, AND THE SECTION OF MURRAY ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CHATER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10.30 AM TO NOON.
* CHATER ROAD BETWEEN PEDDER STREET AND JACKSON ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF ICE HOUSE STREET BETWEEN QUEER’S ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7 AM TO NOO?j
THE FOLLOWING DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED, NOON UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED:
BETWEEN 8 AM AND
* AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSURE OF JACKSON ROAD, VEHICLES ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CLUB STREET.
X EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EDINBURGH PLACE WEST, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST FROM 10.50 AM TO 11.25 AM. ALL BUSES AND HEAVY VEHICLES WILL USE THE NORTHERN LANE WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE QUEEN’S PIER CONCOURSE AREA.
X WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON HARCOURT ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED SOUTH INTO COTTON TREE DRIVE. DRIVERS WISHING TO PROCEED FURTHER WEST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
X EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM THE MTR ADMIRALTY STATION WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN SOUTH INTO TAMAR STREET AND THEN LEFT INTO QUEENSWAY.
X AS SOON AS CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE WEST AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST IS CLOSED, EDINBURGH PLACE CENTRAL WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND. VEHICLES LEAVING THE STAR FERRY MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EDINBURGH PLACE CENTRAL, QUEEN’S PIER AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST BETWEEN 10.50 AM AND 11.25 AM.
ALL PARKING SPACES IN JACKSON ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED THROUGHOUT SUNDAY WHILE MOTORCYCLE PARKING SPACES IN EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH WILL ALSO BE CANCELLED TEMPORARILY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND NOON.
/IN ADDITION, .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1986
48
IN ADDITION, THE TAXI STANDS IN CHATER ROAD AND EDINBURGH PLACE WEST WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT AND FROM 10 AM TO 11.30 AM RESPECTIVELY. THE GREEN MINIBUS STAND AT EDINBURGH PLACE EAST WILL ALSO BE RE-SITED TEMPORARILY TO CONNAUGHT PLACE BETWEEN 10 AM AND NOON.
BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 2, 3, 6, 12, 13, 15, 24. 61, 64, 70, 80, 81M, 99, 260, 780. CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 103, AND KMB ROUTE A2 WILL BE DIVERTED TO AVOID THE CLOSED OR RE-ROUTED ROADS BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND NOON. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, GREEN MINIBUSES ON ROUTES 1, 3A, 8, 9, 22 AND 28 WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED.
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RIGHT-TURN BAN IN KWAI CHUNG
X * * X X
FROM 10 AM TOMORROW ONTO WO TONG TSUI STREET
Sfr'day), RIGHT TURNS FR0M KIN hong STREET IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE BANNED.
THIS WILL ALLEVIATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE JUNCTION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER’ 7, 1986 ___
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR DAVID STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF REACHING CONSENSUS................ 1
CS: ROLE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE MUST CONTINUE ........................ 2
.. . s . "•
EJIPLOYMENT SERVICE FINDS JOBS FOR 500 ............................ 3
MUCH WORK REQUIRED OK SHIP REGISTER - JACOBS ...................... 4
• , ....... • ■ • ■ ' • • • ■> ■
ORDER SEEKS BETTER CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL HA-.TCING.............
NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA DESIGNATED................................ 7
REGISTRATION FEES FOR FIRE SERVICE CONTRACTORS GAZETTED....... ’ 9
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AMENDMENT BILL PUBLISHED ..................... 9
1 445 613 ELECTORS LISTED ON ROLL................................ 10
ASSISTANCE ARRANGED FOR BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS ..................... 11
KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER TO BE REDEVELOPED ............................ 12
SURVEY TO IDENTIFY SEWERAGE BLACKSPOTS IN MONG KOK................ 12
19TH CENTURY PORTRAITS HIGHLIGHTED IN SPECIAL STAMPS ........ 13
REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON CUSTOMS CL-OPERATION ENDS ................... 14
WARNING ON BOGUS LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS ...................... 15
CYPRUS JOINS INTELPOST NETWORK ................................... 16
EASTERN DISTRICT LAUNCHES ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.................... 16
EXCITING PERFORMANCES FOR ARMY CAMP OPEN DAY ..................... 18
LAUNCH PICNIC TO FOSTER FAMILIARITY............................... 18
CHILDREN TO SHOW DRAWING TALENTS ................................. 19
FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEKE AT TIN SHUT WAI .......................... 20
TEA PARTY HELD FOR CaAlONI.’EALTH SCHOLARS ....................... 21
FREE CONCERTS FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS ......................... 21
/INTERFLOW
INTERFLOW CONCERT, FINALE CONCERT ORGANISED.................. 22
FIRE PREVENTION DISPIAY STAGED IN SHAM CHUI PO .............. 23
SAI KUNG !TO HOLD BLOOD DONATION DAY......................... 23
SHAM SHUT PO FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW........................ 24
ROAD TO BE BUILT ON AP LEI CHAU.............................. 25
DETAIIS OF WONG TAI SIN FESTIVAL............................. 25
COK4ISSIONING’OF'LAUNCHES ................................... 26
T31PORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL......................... 26
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSIFG YI BRIDGE......................... 27
I # *
RIGHT-TURN BAN IN CHEUNG SHA WAN ............................ 27
PARKING SPACES FOR FANLING................................... 27
RE-ROUTING lF MAPLE STREET................................... 27
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
1
SIR DAVID STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF REACHING CONSENSUS M M * * M
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAViu AKERS-JONES, TODAY (FRIDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF REACHING A CONSENSUS OF THE VARIOUS VIEWS THAT HAD BEEN EXPRESSED ON HONG KONG’S POLITICAL REFORM.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CF SOUVENIRS CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE’S EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD TO ACCOMMODATE ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE AND ALL SORTS OF EXPRESSION OF VIEWS.
+AND THAT IS WHAT MISS LYDIA DUNN SAID IN HER SPEECHi THE IMPORTANCE OF REACHING, AT THE END OF THE DAY, A CONSENSUS AND TO FIND THE MIDDLE GROUND AMONGST ALL THE VIEWS THAT ARE BEING EXPRESSED,+ HE SAID.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS ON THE 1987 REVIEW, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE ITS POSITION VERY CLEAR. HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, HAD REPEATED MANY TIMES THAT THE REVIEW WOULD BE A THOROUGH AND COMPREHENSIVE ONE.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON A REMARK ATTRIBUTED TO CHINESE OFFICIAL, MR LU PING, THAT POLITICAL REFORMS IN HONG KONG SHOULD CONVERGE WITH THE BASIC LAW, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD NOT SEEN PRECISELY WHAT MR LU HAD SAID.
+WHAT I SAID ABOUT THE REVIEW NEXT YEAR IS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POSITION,* HE ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON REPORTS THAT AN AUSTRALIAN PRESS CORPORATION WOULD BE TAKING OVER THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG TO HAVE ENGLISH-LANGUAGE NEWSPAPERS BECAUSE A LOT OF PEOPLE DEPENDED UPON THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST AND THE HONG KONG STANDARD AS THEIR SOURCE OF NEWS, INFORMATION AND VIEWS.
+THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST HAS OCCUPIED A VERY IMPORTANT POSITION IN THAT RESPECT IN THE PAST, AND I HOPE, AND I AM SURE, THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO OCCUPY THAT ROLE IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
ON A SUGGESTION THAT THE POST MIGHT COME UNDER AUSTRALIAN CONTROL, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS A HONG KONG NEWSPAPER AND IT HAD TO SERVE THE HONG KONG PUBLIC.
HE DISMISSED AS +SPECULATION BEYOND THE BOUNDS OF POSSIBILITY* A SUGGESTION THAT HE WOULD BECOME THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF THE POST FOLLOWING ITS TAKEOVER.
- - 0--------
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986 .
2
CS: ROLE OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE MUST CONTINUE
K X X * *
THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH, THE PREDOMINANT LANGUAGE OF THE COMMERCIAL WORLD, OF INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING AND OF FINANCE, MUST NOT BF ALLOWED TO DIMINISH, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY MARKING THE 5OTH ANNIVERSARY OF KING GEORGE FIFTH SCHOOL (KGV), SIR DAVID SAID RECENTLY MEASURES HAD BEEN ANNOUNCED TO STRENGTHEN THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH, BUT THIS SHOULD BE SEEN AS ONLY A BEGINNING, AS A CONTINUING EFFORT WOULD BE NEEDED IN WHICH WE COULD ALL PLAY A PART.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS A COSMOPOLITAN SOCIETY, A CAPITAL CITY OF ASIA AND ITS EDUCATION SYSTEM, ITS SCHOOLS AND UNIVERSITIES MUST SERVE THIS INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER.
THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS, OF WHICH KGV WAS ONE, PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE. OTHER SCHOOLS, TOO, PROVIDING EDUCATION FOR AMERICAN, JAPANESE, FRENCH, GERMAN AND SWISS CHILDREN, EACH USING THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION AND WITH A DISTINCT CURRICULUM OF THEIR OWN, BROUGHT A HEALTHY DIVERSITY.
THEY GAVE HONG KONG A SPECIAL STRENGTH, ENCOURAGED TOLERATION AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG ITS MANY RACES AND PRODUCED A CREATIVE FUSION OF IDEAS, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE PRIMARY ROLE OF KGV WOULD CONTINUE TO BE TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE ENGLISH SPEAKING COMMUNITY BUT IT HAD AN IMPORTANT SECONDARY ROLE IN PROVIDING A LIBERAL EDUCATION IN THE MEDIUM OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TO A MUCH GREATER RANGE OF STUDENTS.
SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED THAT THE FUTURE OF KGV AND SCHOOLS LIKE IT IN THE YEARS AFTER 1997 WAS ASSURED BY WHAT HAD BEEN AGREED BETWEEN THE PRIME MINISTERS OF GREAT BRITAIN AND CHINA.
HE CONGRATUATED KGV FOR ITS PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND WISHED IT MIGHT GO FORWARD INTO ITS NEXT 50 YEARS WITH CONFIDENCE.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT LOOKING AT THE LANDSCAPE OF HONG KONG IN 1986 IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT IT WAS ONLY IN 1971 THAT ALL CHILDREN HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO GO TO SCHOOL- AND ONLY IN 1978 THAT ALL OF THEM HAD A CHANCE TO GO TO SECONDARY SCHOOL.
HE SAID IT WAS UNBELIEVABLE THAT HONG KONG COULD HAVE MADE SUCH GIANT STRIDES IN SUCH A SHORT TIME: TO HAVE MADE HONG KONG WITH ITS TINY CROWDED POPULATION ONE OF THE FOREMOST AMONG THE TRADING NATIONS OF THE WORLD, THIRD IN CONTAINER TRAFFIC AND THIRD AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE AND, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE WORLD’S LARGEST PRODUCER OF WATCHES, TOYS AND GARMENTS.
/+! THINK........
FRIDAY, NOVJNBER 7, 1986
- 3 -
+l THINK WE SHOULD TAKE CREDIT, AND TAKE HEART FROM THE WAY, AS A COMMUNITY, WE HAVE FACED UP TO THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE, AND I REFUSE TO BE DEPRESSED BY THE CHALLENGES THAT WE FACE IN THE YEARS. AHEAD, AND I AN STRENGTHENED IN THIS BY WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED AND WHAT IS BEING ACHIEVED BY HONG KONG TODAY.
*INDEED, WE HAVE BECOME SO USED TO BEING ABLE TO GET THINGS DONE IN HONG KONG THAT EVENTS AND CEREMONIES TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF GREAT PROJECTS PASS ALMOST UNNOTICED AND + NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS* HAS BEEN TURNED ON ITS HEAD TO BECOME + GOOD NEWS IS NO NEWS*.* HE SAID. ’
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EMPLOYMENT SERVICE FINDS JOBS FOR 500
SOME 500 PEOPLE WERE SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN EMPLOYMENT IN 1985-86 BY THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF SOUVENIRS CEREMONY OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
HE SAID THAT THE SERVICE, INITIATED BY THE COUNCIL IN 1959, HAD AN ECONOMIC VALUE AS WELL AS A WELFARE PURPOSE.
+HELPING THE SOCIALLY DISADVANTAGED TO FIND EMPLOYMENT IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THEIR REHABILITATION,* HE SAID.
THE COUNCIL’S TARGET GROUPS THIS YEAR WERE DISCHARGED PRISONERS, FORMER DRUG ADDICTS, PROBATIONERS AND PEOPLE WITH PERSONALITY PROBLEMS, SIR DAVID NOTED. MANY OF THESE PEOPLE WERE WITHIN THE AGE GROUP OF THE ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE.
+ THEY ARE, HOWEVER, HANDICAPPED BY A LACK OF CONFIDENCE AND DISADVANTAGE BECAUSE OF THEIR BACKGROUND,* HE SAID, AND TO REINTEGRATE THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY REQUIRED CONSTANT PERSONAL COUNSELLING AND ENCOURAGEMENT- MUCH UNDERSTANDING AND ACCOMMODATION BY SOCIETY.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THIS WAS BY NO MEANS EASY BUT IT WAS GRATIFYING TO SEE ABANDONED INDIVIDUALS TURN A NEW LEAF, RE-GAIN SELF-RESPECT IN REWARDING JOBS AND MAKE THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY LIKE ANY OTHER RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS.
/HE conghatulated .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
HE CONGRATULATED THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE FOR PROVIDING THIS MEANINGFUL SERVICE TO WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY GIVEN ITS SUPPORT BY FULLY SUBVENTING THE SERVICE.
+THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME DEPENDS NOT ONLY ON THE DEDICATION AND PROFESSIONALISM OF THE WORKERS BUT ALSO THE CO-OPERATION OF OTHER WELFARE ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE INVOLVED IN THE REHABILITATION OF THE UNFORTUNATE,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
♦ABOVE ALL, THE GOODWILL AND SUPPORT OF THE EMPLOYERS ARE CENTRAL TO THE RUNNING OF THE SCHEME AND THE SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE TO OVERCOME AN UNDERSTANDABLE RELUCTANCE AND SUSPICION.+
SIR DAVID NOTED WITH PLEASURE THAT OVER 400 COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS HAD PARTICIPATED IN THIS SCHEME AND 10 OF THEM HAD PLEDGED SUPPORT FOR MORE THAN A DECADE.
+IT IS EVEN MORE ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT SOME OF THE EMPLOYERS NOT ONLY PROVIDE JOB OPPORTUNITIES BUT HAVE ALSO FACILITATED THE REHABILITATION OF THE INDIVIDUALS BY ACTIVE COUNSELLING AND ASSISTANCE,+ HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE FINE EXAMPLE THEY HAD SET WOULD SERVE AS A MODEL FOR OTHERS. HE HOPED THAT MORE EMPLOYERS WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VERY WORTHWHILE PROJECT.
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MUCH WORK REQUIRED ON SHIP REGISTER - JACOBS
*****
THERE WAS STILL MUCH WORK TO BE DONE TO FLESH OUT THE PRINCIPLES SO AS TO PUT THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER ON A FOOTING ATTRACTIVE TO SHIPOWNERS, FREE FROM THE STIGMA OF BEING PERCEIVED AS A FLAG OF CONVENIENCE AND CONDUCIVE TO THE OVERALL PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, TO THE HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION.
MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG HAD MADE A GOOD START IN THE DRAFTING OF LOCAL LEGISLATION TO REPLACE THE EXISTING UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION WHICH, FOR THE MOST PART, EXTENDED TO HONG KONG ON MARITIME MATTERS.
♦ BUT WE ARE NOW GETTING ON TO THOSE DIFFICULT AREAS WHERE A HIGHER DEGREE OF LIAISON BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE VARIOUS CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT AND WITH THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION IS CALLED FOR,+ HE SAID.
/♦TO THIS ......
FRIDAY, UOVEMBER 7, 1986
5 -
+TO THIS END, WE HAVE ALREADY TAKEN STEPS TO POST A SENIOR OFFICER TO LONDON TO ESTABLISH AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM OF LIAISON AND FEEDBACK.*
MR JACOBS OUTLINED THE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS MADE SO FAR ON DISENGAGING THE HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER FROM BRITAIN.
+BY MAY 1985 WE HAD PUBLISHED A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT SEEKING VIEWS ON THE WAY FORWARD TOWARDS ESTABLISHING AN AUTONOMOUS REGISTER.
+TAKING ACCOUNT OF COMMENTS MADE, AND AFTER SEVERAL SESSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION AND WITH THE UNIONS, WE THEN SOUGHT AND RECEIVED THE BLESSING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT ON THE PRINCIPLES UNDER WHICH THE NEW REGISTER SHOULD OPERATE,* HE SAID.
+FI NALLY, AT THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN LONDON IN JULY THIS YEAR, THESE PRINCIPLES WERE AGREED WITH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.*
THEY WERE PUBLISHED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION IN THE MIDDLE OF LAST MONTH, HE NOTED.
MR JACOBS ALSO REITERATED THREE BASIC APPROACHES OF THE NEW SHIPPING REGISTER:
K EXISTING STANDARDS (WHETHER OF SAFETY, CREW QUALIFICATIONS OR ANYTHING ELSE) WILL BE MAINTAINED-
* VERY CLOSE LINKS WILL BE ESTABLISHED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHIPS ON THE REGISTER - INDEED, THESE LINKS WILL BE FAR CLOSER THAN THOSE WHICH EXIST AT PRESENT- AND
* THE REGISTER WILL, HOPEFULLY, BE OF HELP TO ALL WORKING IN OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, WHETHER OWNERS, OFFICERS, CREW OR OTHERS.
ON EMPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS OR CREW ON BOARD HONG KONG REGISTERED SHIPS, ONE OF THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF THE NEW REGISTER, MR JACOBS QUESTIONED THE RELEVANCE OF A SHIPOWNER BEING LEGALLY OBLIGED TO EMPLOY A BRITISH, IRISH OR COMMONWEALTH OFFICER, A RULE ORIGINALLY DEVISED FOR DEFENCE PURPOSES.
+WE HAVE THEREFORE DETERMINED, AND THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS HAVE AGREED, THAT NO SPECIFIED NATIONALITY WILL BE REQUIRED FOR EITHER OFFICERS OR CREW ON SHIPS ON THE NEW REGISTER.*
/MR JACOBS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
6
MR JACOBS CONTINUED: +WE HAVE NOT INSISTED ON ANY LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENT THAT THERE SHOULD BE A RESIDENTIAL LINK BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE CREW ON HONG KONG SHIPS BECAUSE IT IS OUR OBJECTIVE THAT THERE SHOULD BE AS LITTLE CHANGE AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER FOR THE NEW REGISTER TO TAKE OVER SMOOTHLY FROM THE OLD.+
HE ADDED THAT NEARLY HALF THE POSTS AVAILABLE ON ALL HONG KONG REGISTERED VESSELS WERE ALREADY BEING FILLED BY HONG KONG SEAMEN -FOR OCEAN-GOING SHIPS THE PROPORTION WAS ABOUT A THIRD.
BESIDES, SINCE THE NUMBER OF ADEQUATELY QUALIFIED HONG KONG OFFICERS WAS INSUFFICIENT TO MEET THE DEMAND FROM SHIPS AT PRESENT REGISTERED IN HONG KONG, EITHER THE NEW REGISTER WOULD START OFF IN AN UNSATISFACTORY WAY BY RELYING ON WIDESPREAD EXEMPTIONS Oft THE SIZE OF THE FLEET WOULD HAVE TO DROP TO MEET THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS AVAILABLE.
ON SELF-FINANCING OF THE REGISTER, MR JACOBS SAID, +IT MAY WELL BE THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF FEES AND CHARGES SHOULD BE OVERHAULED AND THE COSTS OF THE REGISTER RECOVERED, IN A DIFFERENT WAY - FOR EXAMPLE AS THE ASSOCIATION HAS SUGGESTED, FROM AN INITIAL REGISTRATION FEE PLUS AN ANNUAL TONNAGE FEE.+
THIS WOULD GIVE THE REGISTER A GREATER DEGREE OF FINANCIAL STABILITY ON A YEAR-ON-YEAR BASIS, HE SAID.
TURNING TO AN ARGUMENT THAT IN ORDER TO MAKE THE REGISTER EFFECTIVE, HONG KONG SHOULD OFFER SIGNIFICANT TAX EXEMPTIONS TO THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, MR JACOBS SAID BOTH RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT SHIPOWNERS WERE SUBJECT TO HONG KONG PROFITS TAX ON THAT PART OF THEIR WORLDWIDE PROFITS ARISING FROM OUTWARD FREIGHT FROM HONG KONG REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEIR SHIPS WERE REGISTERED. I
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE UNDERLYING THE TAXATION SYSTEM WAS THAT PROFITS WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM HONG KONG SHOULD BE LIABLE TO TAX HERE.
+l CAN SEE LITTLE JUSTIFICATION FOR TREATING PROFITS FROM THE BUSINESS OF SHIPPING DIFFERENTLY FROM PROFITS FROM ANY OTHER BUSINESS,* HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/7
7
ORDER SEEKS BETTER CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL HAWKING *****
AN ORDER WHICH SEEKS TO TIDY UP CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE LAW SO THAT MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL HAWKING CAN BE ACHIEVED IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE (AMENDMENT OF FIRST SCHEDULE) ORDER 1986 PROVIDES FOR THE OFFENCE OF HAWKING IN A STREET WITHOUT A LICENCE AS ONE OF THE SCHEDULED OFFENCES FOR WHICH AUTHORISED PUBLIC OFFICERS HAVE POWER OF ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS BASICALLY A REGULAR ISATION EXERCISE AIMED AT SMOOTHING OUT THE PROCEDURES FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST UNLICENSED HAWKING AND HAWKING IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE LAW.
♦PREVIOUSLY PROSECUTION ACTION AGAINST PERSONS HAWKING WITHOUT A LICENCE WAS TAKEN UNDER BY-LAW 5(1) OF THE HAWKER BY-LAWS (NOW THE HAWKER (URBAN COUNCIL) BY-LAWS) IN THE URBAN AREA AND UNDER REGULATION 4(1) OF THE HAWKER (NEW TERRITORIES) REGULATIONS (NOW THE HAWKER (REGIONAL COUNCIL) BY-LAWS) IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH PROVIDED ENFORCEMENT STAFF WITH THE POWER OF ARREST WITHOUT WARRANT.
♦HOWEVER, A PAST AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE GAVE RISE TO CERTAIN INCONSISTENCIES WHICH HAD THE INADVERTENT EFFECT OF INVALIDATING THE RELEVANT HAWKER BY-LAWS,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT BEFORE THE MAKING OF THIS ORDER, ARREST ACTION COULD ONLY BE TAKEN UNDER BOTH THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE AND THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES. ORDINANCE.
THE AMENDMENT ORDER WILL TAKE IMMEDIATE EFFECT, HE POINTED OUT.
- - 0----
NEW RABIES INFECTED AREA DESIGNATED *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE DESIGNATION OF SO KWUN PO VILLAGE AND ITS VICINITY IN SHEUNG SHUI, NEW TERRITORIES, AS A RABIES INFECTED AREA, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY JOCKEY CLUB ROAD IN THE NORTHEAST, LUNG SUM AVENUE IN THE NORTHWEST, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY IN THE SOUTHWEST, AND FAN LENG NAM WAI IN THE SOUTHEAST.
IT IS ADDITIONAL TO THE RABIES INFECTED AREA IN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA WHICH HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 1980.
/A GAZETTE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
8
A GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY WILL BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW TO GIVE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT TO THE DESIGNATION.
(SATURDAY)
THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (AGRICULTURE), DR THOMAS YIP, SAID THE DESIGNATION OF THE ADDITIONAL AREA FOLLOWED CONFIRMATION OF AN INDIGENOUS RABIES CASE IN THE VILLAGE EARLY THIS
THIS INVOLVED A THREE-YEAR-OLD MONGREL BITCH WHICH DIED OF RABIES WHILE UNDER OBSERVATION AFFER BITING A 75-YEAR-OLD WOMAN.
DR YIP SAID: +IN THE RABIES INFECTED AREA, NO DOGS ARE ALLOWED TO BE BROUGHT INTO OR OUT OF SUCH AREAS WITHOUT PRIOR PERMISSION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
+SPECIAL SIGNS HAVE ALREADY BEEN WARN LOCAL RESIDENTS TO THIS EFFECT.+
ERECTED AROUND THE AREA TO
IN THE DESIGNATED AREA, INTENSIVE OPERATIONS ARE BEING CARRIED OUT INCLUDING HOUSE-TO-HOUSE VISITS TO ENSURE THAT ALL DOGS ARE INOCULATED AND LICENSED. SPECIAL SWEEPING EXERCISES ARE CONTINUING IN AN EFFORT TO GET RID OF STRAY DOGS. uunnmuiNb
IN TODAY’S OPERATION CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA, 47 DOGS WERE INOCULATED OR RE-INOCULATED AND 28 UNLICENSED DOGS, INCLUDING El STRAYS, WERE ROUNDED UP AND PUT DOWN. nbuuuiNb ti
ON A TERRITORY-WIDE BASIS, STRINGENT ANTI-RABIES MEASURES WILL CONTINUE IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF AN OUTBREAK TO A MINIMUM.
™ sB^^^c%u{^£^sMpsL!?tiEEDxn;EDEDH;^°SEv su
controlEover°the(E pe"t?at0*ll'tiwte'’ t° exercise proper
HE ADVISED THAT ANY DOG-BITING INCIDENT MUST BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE WITHOUT DELAY AND THE ANIMAL INVOLVED HANDED OVER TO THE NEAREST GOVERNMENT KENNEL FOR OBSERVATION.
nc TUcR^J.R£P0RTING W0,JLD ENABLE EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS OF THE DISEASE AND REMEDIAL MEASURES COULD ALSO BE TAKEN AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE, DR YIP EMPHASISED.
- - 0 - -
/9
9
REGISTRATION FEES FOR FIRE SERVICE CONTRACTORS GAZETTED
*****
FEES FOR THE REGISTRATION OF FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS ARE SET OUT IN THE FIRE SERVICE (INSTALLATION CONTRACTORS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1986 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW REGULATIONS FOLLOWED THE ENACTMENT OF THE FIRE SERVICE (AMENDMENT)(NO 2) ORDINANCE WHICH WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WERE AIMED AT TIGHTENING CONTROL OVER FIRE SERVICES CONTRACTORS. THE FEES WERE CHARGED FOR VETTING THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THESE CONTRACTORS WHEN THEY APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION.
+THE EXAMINATION AND INSPECTION PROCEDURES ENTAIL CONSIDERABLE ADMINISTRATIVE EFFORT BY THE STAFF OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND IT IS IN LINE WITH GENERAL GOVERNMENT POLICY TO RECOVER THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS THROUGH THE CHARGING OF FEES,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE OPPORTUNITY HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO MAKE SOME ADDITIONAL AMENDMENTS TO ENHANCE ENFORCEMENT.
+SINCE A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR, OR ITS QUALIFIED DIRECTOR OR PARTNER, AS THE CASE MAY BE, IS REQUIRED TO BE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG TO SUPERVISE THE INSTALLATION OR MAINTENANCE OF FIRE SERVICE EQUIPMENT, REGULATION 3 WHICH GOVERNS THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION IS AMENDED TO INCLUDE A RESIDENCE REQU IREMENT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+NEW REGULATION 6A ALSO RESTRICTS A REGISTERED CONTRACTOR FROM UNDERTAKING ANY WORK IN CONNECTION WITH FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS OR EQUIPMENT IN THE CASE OF ILLNESS OR ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG OF THE CONTRACTOR OR ITS ONLY QUALIFIED PERSON,+ HE ADDED.
---0 - -
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AMENDMENT BILL PUBLISHED *****
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, WHICH UPDATES VARIOUS PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS, AS WELL AS ADAPTS TO MODERN BUSINESS PRACTICES, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
NO CHANGES IN DUTY RATES ARE PROPOSED.
/THE DUTIABLE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER J, 1986
- 10
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 109) WAS ENACTED IN 1931 FOR THE TAXATION AND CONTROL OF LIQUOR, TOBACCO, HYDROCARBON OIL, METHYL ALCOHOL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES, AND WAS LAST SUBSTANTIALLY REVISED IN 1963.
A TOTAL OF 42 FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS, REPRESENTING EVERY SECTOR OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES TRADE, WERE CONSULTED ON THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WHICH WOULD AFFECT THEIR RESPECTIVE INTERESTS.
THE CONSULTATION PROCESS WAS ALSO EXTENDED TO THE FOUR CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE. THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES,THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG .'ND THE TRADE FACILITATION COUNCIL.
A GENERALLY FAVOURABLE RESPONSE FROM THE TRADE WAS RECEIVED. DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, TOGETHER WITH COMMENTS RECEIVED AND THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE, WERE THEN REFERRED TO AND ENDORSED BY THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD.
,THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 19.
1 445 613 ELECTORS LISTED ON ROLL O * * *
A TOTAL OF 1 445 613 ELECTORS WERE LISTED ON ROLL AS THIS YEAR’S REGISTRATION PERIOD
THE GENERAL ENDED ON
ELECTORAL SEPTEMBER
30.
tu 1 c rpprpspnTS AN INCREASE OF 4 073 ELECTORS COMPARED WITH
T NAMES ALREADY ON THE FINAL REGISTER, A REGISTRATION AND DIVISION SPOKESMAN SAID.
1 441 540 ELECTORAL
nr tup TDTAI OF 92 306 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN THE PERIOD, 31 439 WERE ACCEPTED FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROVISIONAL R^®'5TER mATF WHILE*THEREMAINDER WERE REPORTS ON CHANGES OF ADDRESS AND DUPLICATE APPLICATIONS.
THERE WERE ALSO 16 366 NAM^ OMITTED FROM THE REGISTER DUE TO DEATHS, EMIGRATION AND LOSS OF CONTACT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THESE DELETIONS WERE MADE IN RESPECT OF 6 527 1 ®J|LE
CASES OF EMIGRATION, 7 056 CASES WHERE THE DIVISION HAD BEEN UNABLE TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH THE ELECTORS AND 937 DOUBLE REGISTRATION CASES,* HE EXPLAINED.
/the provisional .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FROM TODAY (FRIDAY) TO NOVEMBER 20 AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AT HARBOUR CENTRE, TENTH FLOOR, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON ELIGIBLE PERSONS TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER AS ELECTORS BY APPLYING IN PERSON TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER. SUCH APPLICATIONS WOULD BE OPEN FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION UNTIL NOVEMBER 25.
ANYONE WHO HAS ANY OBJECTION ON VALID GROUNDS TO THE INCLUSION IN THE REGISTER OF ANY NAME MAY ALSO LODGE A NOTICE OF OBJECTION IN A SPECIFIED FORM WITH THE REGISTRATION OFFICE, l£ SAID.
HE ALSO REMINDED ELECTORS TO REPORT CHANGES OF REGISTERED PARTICULARS BY DECEMBER 10 FOR INCORPORATION IN THE FINAL REGISTER WHICH WOULD BE PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 9 NEXT YEAR AND WOULD REMAIN IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER 12 MONTHS.
♦FOR CHANGES REPORTED AFTER DECEMBER 10, AMENDMENTS WILL BE MADE IN THE NEXT PROVISIONAL REGISTER TO BE COMPILED LATER IN 1987.
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ASSISTANCE ARRANGED FOR BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS X * K * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS ARRANGING CASH AID AND OTHER KINDS OF ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF THE TUEN MUN BUS ACCIDENT.
FIVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND 61 OTHERS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED AT SHEK PAI TAU ROAD NEAR MING KAM ROAD ON WEDNESDAY MORNING.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE ACCIDENT STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SECTION AS WELL AS THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF TUEN MUN AND WONG TAI SIN VISITED FAMILIES OF THE DECEASED AND THE INJURED IN THE HOSPTAL OR CONTACTED THOSE DISCHARGED BY TELEPHONE TO OFFER ASSISTANCE.
OF THE 32 VICTIMS WHO RESPONDED, FIVE WERE EACH GRANTED ■H;690 FROM THE TAVA FUND TODAY (FRIDAY). MAKING A TOTAL OF $3 450.
APPLICATIONS FROM 12 VICTIMS ARE BEING PROCESSED WHILE 15 HAD INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT WANT TO SEEK ASSISTANCE UNDER THE TAVA SCHEME.
MEANWHILE, MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS OF THE PR INCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL ARE RENDERING ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING COUNSELLING, TO THOSE HOSPITALISED.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
12
KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER TO BE REDEVELOPED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO REDEVELOP KOWLOON PUBLIC WATERFRONT IMMEDIATELY IN FRONT OF THE EXISTING PIER.
PIER AT THE
THE PROPOSED NEW PIER WILL BE BUILT WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 1.85 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED.
THE WORK WILL PROVIDE A PILED DECK WITH A NEW WATER FRONTAGE WHICH WILL BECOME THE NEW KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER WITH A TOTAL OF SIX BERTHS.
THE REMAINDER OF THE DECK WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPACE TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR CIRCULATION SERVING BOTH THE NEW PIER AND THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE.
AN ELEVATED PROMENADE WILL ALSO BE BUILT ABOVE THE ROOF OF THE PIER TO FORM A PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY LINKING THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE TO THE FUTURE MUSEUM OF ART AND THE EXISTING TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED ABOUT THE END OF 1988.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORK HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE JANUARY 6, 1987.
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SURVEY TO IDENTIFY SEWERAGF HLACKSPOTS IN MONG KOK * * * * *
A SURVEY IS BEING CONDUCTED IN MONG KOK TO STUDY THE PROBLEMS CREATED BY BLOCKED UNDERGROUND DRAINS AND LEAKING PIPES OF BUILDINGS.
THE SURVEY IS PART OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WHICH HAS SELECTED THE SEWERAGE PROBLEM AS THE MAIN FOCUS OF THIS YEAR’S PUBLICITY DRIVE.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO MORE THAN 600 RESIDENTS, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SCHOOL HEADS, SHOPS AND RESTAURANT OPERATORS IN THE DISTRICT.
/+THEY WILL .......
FRIDAY, N0VB-1BER 7, 1986
♦THEY WILL BE ASKED ABOUT THE CAUSES AND THE SEVERITY OF THE BLOCKAGE PROBLEM, AND TO IDENTIFY VARIOUS BLACKSPOTS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
+IT IS HOPED THAT THE SURVEY CAN HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF FREQUENT STREET FLOODINGS, AND TO HELP BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS MAINTAIN SEWERS AND PIPES IN GOOD CONDITION.+ HE SAID.
DATA COLLECTED WILL BE ANALYSED AND DISCUSSED WITH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN DRAINAGE DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO WORK OUT REMEDIES TO ALLEVIATE THE SITUATION.
TO PUBLICISE THE MESSAGE, POSTERS AND STICKERS WITH SLOGANS ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT TO REMIND RESIDENTS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING SEWERS FREE OF TRASH.
THE SURVEY WILL TAKE A MONTH TO COMPLETE AND FINDINGS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION.
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19TH CENTURY PORTRAITS HIGHLIGHTED IN SPECIAL STAMPS
* K K X K
THE POST OFFICE WILL ISSUE THIS YEAR’S LAST SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9.
THE NEW STAMPS FEATURE THREE 19TH CENTURY PORTRAITS HELD BY THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART IN DENOMINATION OF 50 CENTS ?1a22„AND $1-70 AND 0NE HELD BY THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING TODAYR(FR?DAY) DEN0MINATI0N 0F $5» A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID
THE FOUR STAMPS TO BE ISSUED AREs
50 CENTS A PORTRAIT ATTRIBUTED TO SPOILUM, A CHINESE PAINTER SPECIALISING IN PORTRAITS OF EUROPEAN AND AMERICAN MERCHANTS. THE PAINTING IS PROBABLY A PORTRAIT OF THE SECOND PUAN KHEQUA WHOSE FATHER WAS THE FOUNDER OF TUNGWEN HONG, ONE OF THE LEADING HONGS WHICH SPECIALISED IN SI NO-WESTERN TRADE IN CANTON.
/I1.30 AN .........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
- 14
ftl.3O AN EARLY 19TH CENTURY PORTRAIT OF AN UNIDENTIFIED CHINESE LADY BY AN UNKNOWN ARTIST. IT IS BELIEVED TO BE A COPY OF A PORTRAIT ORIGINALLY PAINTED BY LANG SHIH NING (THE CHINESE NAME OF THE JESUIT FATHER GIUSEPPE CASTIGIONE) WHO LIVED AT THE COURT OF PEKING FOR ABOUT 50 YEARS AND DIED IN 1766. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF SUCH COPIES IN EXISTENCE.
Si.70 A SELF-PORTRAIT OF LAMQUA IN 1853 (KWAN KIU CHIN) AT THE AGE OF 52. THE ARTIST IS BELIEVED TO BE THE ONLY CHINESE PUPIL OF GEORGE CHINNERY AND WAS ONE OF THE MOST ESTABLISHED AND BEST KNOWN ARTISTS WORKING FOR THE EXPORT PAINTING MARKET IN CANTON.
S5 THE LADY IN THE PORTRAIT IS BELIEVED TO BE THE WIFE
OF A HONG MERCHANT, WO HING QUA. THE PORTRAIT IS ATTRIBUTED TO GEORGE CHINNERY, ONE OF THE MOST INFLUENTIAL AND TALENTED ARTISTS WHO LIVED AND WORKED IN THE FAR EAST DURING THE 19TH CENTURY.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR REDGE SOLLEY AND PRINTED IN . IRELAND.
FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WILL BE ON SALE ON DECEMBER 2. FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DAY OF ISSUE.
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REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION ENDS * * * * *
THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION OF ASIA PACIFIC REGIONAL WORKSHOP BEING HELD IN HONG KONG SINCE OCTOBER 27 CONCLUDED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL, MR GEORGE GOTSCHLICH, SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE ACTION PLAN DECIDED AT THE WORKSHOP BY REPRESENTATIVES CF 15 MEMBER COUNTRIES WHICH INTRODUCED MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN CUSTOMS CO-ORDINATION AND EXCHANGE OF OPERATIONAL INFORMATION WITHIN THE REGION IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING.
IN FORMULATING A REGIONAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, THE DRUG EXPERTS AGREED TO NOMINATE A CONTACT OFFICER IN EACH CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION TO CO-ORDINATE DRUG INTELLIGENCE BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THEIR COUNTRIES.
/mix ALSO .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7,p1986
THEY ALSO AGREED TO EXCHANGE INFORMATION ON A REGULAR BASIS AND TO CO-OPERATE IN DRUG INVESTIGATIONS WHENEVER NECESSARY.
THE WORKSHOP ALSO DEVELOPED DETAILED PROFILES FOR DRUG COURIERS, CARGO SHIPMENTS AND MAIL WHICH COULD HELP CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO STOP THE FLOW OF ILLICIT DRUGS.
HONG KONG WAS REPRESENTED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER, MR K.S. TONG, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT, MR K.L. MAK, AND SENIOR INSPECTOR, MISS CATHERINE MOK.
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WARNING ON BOGUS LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
* X X X *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ADVISED EMPLOYERS TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE SOLICITING MONEY BY IMPERSONATING OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID REPORTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED THAT A MAN CLAIMING TO BE AN OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN SOLICITING MONEY FROM FACTORY PROPRIETORS FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN A PURPORTED DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATION TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+NO OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN AUTHORISED TO SOLICIT OR ACCEPT MONEY FOR SUCH A PURPOSE,* HE STRESSED.
+ALL SERVICES PROVIDED ON LABOUR LEGISLATION AND I PUBLIC FREE OF CHARGE.*
BY THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS PUBLICATIONS NDUSTRIAL SAFETY ARE AVAILABLE TO THE
. ™.,HE SAID EVERY OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED WITH HIM A governmfnt IDENT,TY card and a warrant bearing his photograph AND NAME.
MEMBERS OF THE FACTORY AND LABOUR INSPECTORATES WERE UNDER
wSeJRv?I!?7nJ°fA?t55Ies themselves by producing theVr warrants
__ „ J?LnP0KESMAN CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO CHECK ON THE IDENTITY nrnnrt^ T0RS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND TO REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION WHEN IN DOUBT
/16 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
16
CYPRUS JOINS INTELPOST NETWORK * * * * *
THE INTELPOST (INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC POST) NETWORK WILL BE EXTENDED TO CYPRUS FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
INTELPOST ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG BEFORE 6 PM DURING WEEKDAYS WILL BE DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEE THE SAME DAY, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CHARGES FOR THE SERVICE TO CYPRUS WILL BEs
X SHORT MESSAGE FACILITY 850
X FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER 865
* FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME 830
ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO USE THE SERVICE SHOULD HAND IN THEIR DOCUMENTS AT ONE OF THE 26 ACCEPTANCE OFFICES.
INTELPOST IS AVAILABLE TO 39 OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY CHINA, FRANCE, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA.
THOSE HAVING FACSIMILE MACHINES IN THEIR OFFICES CAN, BY ARRANGEMENT, TRANSMIT ITEMS DIRECT TO THE POST OFFICE INTELPOST TERMINAL IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION OVERSEAS AT NO EXTRA COST.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INTELPOST MANAGER ON 5-2671143.
- - 0 - -
EASTERN DISTRICT LAUNCHES ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN K M * H
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL LAUNCH AN EXTENSIVE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN NEXT WEEK AND ALSO CONDUCT A SERIES OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEYS IN THE DISTRICT.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR YUE HUI-KWONG, SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALLOCATED A TOTAL OF 8100 000 FOR THE TWO PROJECTS.
/IT :;as
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
IT WAS HOPED THAT THE CAMPAIGN COULD HELP PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY AMONG RESIDENTS AND THAT THE SURVEYS WOULD BE USEFUL IN PLANNING FUTURE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT, MR YUE SAID.
CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN, MR STEPHEN CHENG, SAID PEDESTRIANS, PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE ELDERLY, FORMED THE TARGET GROUP THIS YEAR.
THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS OF THE RESIDENTS ON ROAD SAFETY SO THAT THEY WOULD PROPERLY OBSERVE TRAFFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS, MR CHENG SAID.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN THIS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 9 WITH THE SELECTION OF +MODEL PEDESTRIANS* IN THE VARIOUS SUB-DISTRICTS OF EASTERN. ROAD SAFETY BANNERS WILL ALSO BE PUT UP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
VISITS WILL BE MADE TO 16 PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO BRIEF CHILDREN ON ROAD SAFETY. A ROAD SAFETY TOWN WILL BE FORMED DURING THE VISITS.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A ROAD SAFETY DAY ON NOVEMBER 23, AT VICTORIA PARK. IT WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW WITH PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS, MAGICIANS AND ACROBATS.
IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE ROAD SAFETY TOWN EXHIBITION, GAMES STALLS AND A COLOURING CONTEST.
THE CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION.
CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEYS, MR AU YEUNG YING-CHEONG, SAID A SERIES OF SURVEYS RELATING TO TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS IN THE DISTRICT HAD BEEN PLANNED IN THE COMING MONTHS. IT WAS HOPED THAT BASED ON THESE REPORTS, IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE SUGGESTED TO THE COMMITTEE.
THE SURVEYS WILL INCLUDE THE FREQUENCY OF BUS SERVICES, GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, USE OF FOOTBRIDGES, AND THE IMPACT OF ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION ON PRIMARY STUDENTS.
WORK ON THE SURVEYS IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR AND THE RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED IN DUE COURSE.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE EASTERN DISTRICT OPERATIONS OFFICER OF ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MR PAU SHIU-PING; SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR TSANG WING-HANG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, MR PAUL W.O. HO j AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHNNY CHAN.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
18
EXCITING PERFORMANCES FOR ARMY CAMP OPEN DAY * * * M *
ABOUT 1 500 TUEN MUN CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS WILL BE TREATED TO SPECIAL DISPLAYS BY THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS AT THE PEROWNE CAMP OPEN DAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE DISPLAYS INCLUDE A BRIDGE BUILDING COMPETITION BETWEEN DIFFERENT UNITS OF THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS, AND A MOCK SECTION ATTACK ON A BRIDGE.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE DANCING BY GURKHA CHILDREN, PIPE AND DRUM PERFORMANCES BY THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS AS WELL AS DISPLAY INVOLVING AN ARMY HELICOPTER AND MILITARY EQUIPMENT.
THE CHILDREN, AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 14, CAN TAKE PART IN SPECIAL GAMES SUCH AS ON AN AERIAL ROPEWAY AS WELL AS HAVING PONY AND CAMEL RIDES.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE QUEEN’S GURKHA ENGINEERS.
TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAU WONG-FAT AND THE DEPUTY COMMANDER OF GURKHA FIELD FORCE, COLONEL M.J.F. STEPHENS WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PEROWNE CAMP OPEN DAY AT 2 PM TOMORROW ON THE SOCCER PITCH OF PEROWNE BARRACKS IN SO KWUN WAT. THE CAMP IS LOCATED AT 18 MILESTONE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, OPPOSITE THE OLD CAFETERIA BEACH. A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE, AM 5797 WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 12.30 PM TO TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO TUEN MUN.
- - 0------
LAUNCH PICNIC TO FOSTER FAMILIARITY *****
A LAUNCH PICNIC TO ENABLE RESIDENTS OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT TO KNOW THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS BETTER WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16.
TMF PICNIC HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
/CHAIRMAN .......
FRIDAY, NOTiMuffl 7, 1986
19 -
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MRS WINNIE POON, SAID THE FUNCTION WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR BOARD MEMBERS AND RESIDENTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
♦THROUGH THIS INFORMAL GATHERING, PARTICIPANTS WILL COME TO KNOW THEIR DB MEMBERS BETTER AND CLOSER COMMUNICATION WILL BE FOSTERED,+ SHE SAID.
ABOUT 300 PEOPLE WILL BE ON BOARD FOR A CRUISE AROUND THE HARBOUR BETWEEN 10 AM AND 3.30 PM. PARTICIPANTS HAVE BEEN NOMINATED BY DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS.
PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE AN INTRODUCTION TO THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS MEMBERS, A QUIZ ON CIVIC KNOWLEDGE, TALENT PERFORMANCES AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
\ '
THE KWUN TONG CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION ORGANISING COMMITTEE WAS FORMED LAST MONTH WITH MEMBERS AND CO-OPTED MEMBERS COMING FROM THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES, CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE AND THE N. M. S. PING NGON YOUTH SERVICES CENTRES.
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CHILDREN TO SHOW DRAWING TALENTS
*****
CHILDREN IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR DRAWING TALENT IN TWO COMPETITIONS TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 9) MORNING.
THE FIRST COMPETITION WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM AT THE ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS. MORE THAN 300 CHILDREN HAVE APPLIED TO TAKE PART.
IT WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS WITH A CLASS FOR CHILDREN AGED FROM FOUR TO NINE AND ONE FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 10 AND 15.
..___ADJWLCATOES-WrtL INCLUDE THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE
DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MRS IRENE LEE, THE EXTERNAL SECRETARY OF THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MRS ALICE KO, AND AN ARTIST, MR HSJ TAT-CHIN.
/PAST OF .......
rariuv, jJOvrMBEa 7, 1986
20
. . . PART OE .THE. SECOND CENTRAL AND WJ^TEgN. DISTRICT FESTIVAL PROGRAMME, THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), THE MID-LFVELS (CENTRAL) AND MID-LEVELS (WESTERN) AREA COMMITTEES.
THE SAME MORN'.NG, 4NOTHE" DRAWING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN WILL 3E HELD AT 9.30 AM AT THE SHEK TONG TSUI CHILDREN PLAYGROUND IN KENNEDY TOWN...OVER 4Q0 CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE.
IT WILL ALSO BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECT I ONS~ .ONE—E0R_THOSE AGED FROM FIVE TO EIGHT AND ONE FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN NINE AND 14.
THE THEME FOR THIS COMPETITION IS +CONCERN FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE TO STIMULATE RESPECT FOR PARENTS AND ELDERLY PEOPLE.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SAI YING PUN AREA COMMITTEE, THE COMPETITION ALSO FORMS PART OF FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES.
ADJUDICATORS FOR THIS COMPETITION WILL BE TWO MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARD, MR LEE TAT-YU AND MR LEUNG YING-YEUNG- AND TWO MEMBERS OF THE SAI YING PUN AREA COMMITTEE, MR YAU YUK-TAK AND MR HO SIU-SUM.
CHILDREN WISHING TO COMPETE IN BOTH DRAWING COMPETITIONS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR DRAWING EQUIPMENT AND REGISTER AT THE REGISTRATION BOOTH ON ARRIVAL.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNING ENTRIES.
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FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEME AT TIN SHU I WAI * *. * * >
AS PART OF A SCHEME TO PROTECT FOUR LOw-LYING VILLAGES NEAR TIN SHU I WAI FROM FLOODING, THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF 10 SCREW PUMPS AT FOUR PUMPING STATIONS TO BE BUILT.
THE WORK INCLUDES DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, TESTING AND COMMISSIONING OF THE SCREW PUMPS, TOGETHER WITH ALL NECESSARY FITTINGS AND ACCESSORIES.
THE AIM OF THE PROJECT IS TO DISCHARGE EXCESS WATER ACCUMULATED IN FLOOD PONDS wITHIN LO UK TSUEN, SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI AND KIU TAU WAI INTO DRAINAGE CHANNELS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MID-FEBRUARY AND TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS CLOSE AT NOON ON DECEMBER 19
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
21
TEA PARTY HELD FOR COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARS
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, GAVE A TEA RECEPTION TO SEVEN COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARS AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS RECENTLY.
THE SCHOLARS -- FROM AUSTRALIA, BAHAMAS, SINGAPORE, TANZANIA, TRINIDAD AND UGANDA — ARE PURSUING POST-GRADUATE STUDIES IN THE TWO LOCAL UNIVERSITIES, UNDER THE COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP PLAN.
THEY ARE RECIPIENTS OF SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES WITH THE AIM OF ENHANCING MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN THE COMMONWEALTH.
THERE ARE RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS STUDYING IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
---0 - -
FREE CONCERTS FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS
*****
KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO THREE FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS FEATURING TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS OVER THE NEXT THREE SUNDAYS.
THE PERFORMERS ARE WINNERS OF A RECENT +KOWLOON CITY FOLK MUSIC FROM THE COMMUNITY* SINGING COMPETITION.
THERE WILL BE SOLO AND GROUP PERFORMANCES INVOLVING BOTH FOLK SONGS AND POP MUSIC AT THE CONCERTS.
THE FIRST CONCERT, TO BE HELD THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 9), WILL TAKE PLACE OUTSIDE THE 01 MAN ESTATE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX FROM 3 PM TO 4.30 PM.
THE OTHER TWO CONCERTS WILL BE HELD AT HUNG HOM FERRY PIER SQUARE AND MA TAU WAI ROAD PLAYGROUND RESPECTIVELY ON THE FOLLOWING SUNDAYS.
THE SINGING COMPETITION AND OUTDOOR CONCERTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, URBAN COUNCIL, MUSIC OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
/KOWLOON
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
22
KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CONCERTS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE SCHEDULE OF THE THREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS:
DATE TIME VENUE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 3 - 4.30 PM 01 MAN ESTATE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 3 - 4.30 PM HUNG HOM FERRY SQUARE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23 3 - 4.30 PM MA TAU WAI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
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INTERFLOW CONCERT, FINALE CONCERT ORGANISED
* * * *
AN INTERFLOW CONCERT JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. IT WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT AN INTERFLOW CONCERT INVOLVING AS MANY AS 11 LOCAL AMATEUR CHINESE ORCHESTRAS HAS BEEN HELD AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR.
THE 11 ORCHESTRAS, TOGETHER WITH THE OFFICE’S HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA, WILL TAKE TURNS TO PERFORM ON STAGE WHILE LOCAL MIS IC IANS AND TWO GUEST MUSICIANS FROM CHINA, MR LIU CHONG-ZENG AND MR CAO JIAN-GUO, WILL GIVE INSTANT COMMENT ON THEIR PERFORMANCES.
+THE MUSIC OFFICE HOPES THAT THE CONCERT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL CHINESE ORCHESTRAS TO GET TOGETHER AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE 1986 HK YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL STARTED LAST SATURDAY AND WILL END ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 9).
TO MARK THE CLOSE OF THE FESTIVAL, A FINALE CONCERT FEATURING GUEST MUSICIANS FROM CHINA, WINNERS OF LOCAL AWARDS OF CHINESE MUSIC AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA WILL BE STAGED AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY.
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR A.K. CHUI, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUEST AT THE FINALE CONCERT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INTERFLOW CONCERT AND FINALE CONCERT TOMORROW AND ON SUNDAY RESPECTIVELY.
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^3 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, l'»
23
FIRE PREVENTION DISPLAY STAGED IN SHAM SHU I PO
*****
THE FIRST FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION DURING THE PREVAILING DRY WEATHER WILL BE HELD THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 9) FROM NOON TO 3 PM AT MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAM SHU I PO.
ON DISPLAY — TOGETHER WITH FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES, AMBULANCES AND OTHER EQUIPMENT -- WILL BE SETS OF EDUCATIONAL PANELS ADVISING THE PUBLIC TO BE CAREFUL WITH FIRE WHETHER THEY ARE AT HOME OR IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
A SECTION OF THE DISPLAY MATERIAL EMPHASISES THE DANGER POSED BY SMOKE FROM FIRES AND ADVISES THE PUBLIC OF THE +DO’S+ AND +DON’TS+ SHOULD FIRE OCCUR.
EIGHT SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD ON A BI-WEEKLY BASIS IN OTHER DENSELY POPULATED AREAS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE COMING WINTER MONTHS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAID THE EXHIBITIONS ARE INTENDED TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE CONSTANT NEED TO PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAKS IN THE DRY WINTER MONTHS.
+THE DANGER OF SMOKE IS STRESSED AS EXPERIENCE TELLS US THAT MOST FIRE VICTIMS DIED FROM SUFFOCATION RATHER THAN BURNS,* THE
SAID.
SPOKESMAN
+ THE EXHIBITIONS WILL MAKE THE PUBLIC REALISE THAT THE EFFECT CF SMOKE CAN ACTUALLY BE MINIMISED CONSIDERABLY IF THEY WOULD LISTEN TO FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S ADVICE TO KEEP SMOKE LOBBY DOORS IN GOOD CONDITION AND CLOSED.*
VISITORS TO THE FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION WILL INFORMATIVE FIRE PREVENTION LEAFLET, A 1987 CALENDAR ITEMS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK LTD.
RECEIVE AN CARD AND
GIVEAWAY
- - 0 - -
SAI KUNG TO HOLD BLOOD DONATION DAY * * * * *
SAI DONATION
KUNG RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN DAY TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28 AT THE
BLOOD
SAI KUNG
TOWN HALL.
EDUCATION TRANSFUSION
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC PROMOTION COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD SERVICE, THE BLOOD DONATION DAY IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO GIVE BLOOD AND TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS
OTHER PEOPLE.
A
/THE BLOOD
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
- 24 -
THE BLOOD DONATION DAY IS THE FIRST EVENT IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL RUN FROM THIS MONTH TO MAY.
RESIDENTS WHO WEIGH 40.45 KG OR ABOVE AND ARE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 65 ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE. HOWEVER, ANYONE WHO HAS RECEIVED AN INOCULATION OR A VACCINATION RECENTLY SHOULD INFORM THE NURSES ON DUTY BEFORE GIVING BLOOD.
A BLOOD DONATION COMPETITION WILL BE HELD, WITH PARTICIPANTS FORMING TEAMS. THE NUMBER OF TEAM MEMBERS IS UNRESTRICTED AND TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR GROUP DONORS.
FIVE OUTSTANDING TEAMS WITH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS NOVEMBER 14. APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL AT PO TUNG ROAD AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AT MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG. ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO MISS WONG MF I-LI ON 3-2814485.
-------0----------
SHAM SHUI PO FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW
*****
THE 1986 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL GET UNDERWAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) WITH A COMBINED OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW AT MONG KOK STADIUM.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY TOGETHER WITH AN EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR PETER C. WONG, AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
THE PROGRAMME WILL START AT 11.30 AM WITH A PARADE BY A WOMEN’S BAND AND A LION DANCE.
AFTER THE RIBBON-CUTTING, THERE WILL BE A PARADE BY SHAM SHUI PO SCHOOL TEAMS LED BY THE HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS BAND.
ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES WILL START AFTER THE PARADE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL TOMORROW AT 11.30 AM AT MONG KOK STADIUM, BOUNDARY STREET.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
- 25 -
ROAD TO BE BUILT ON AP LEI CHAU *****
A 65O-METRE-LONG ROAD IS TO BE BUILT ON AP LEI CHAU EAST RECLAMATION.
THE ROAD, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED STORMWATER AND SEWER DRAINS, WILL SERVE THE PROPOSED BOATYARDS ON THE EAST OF THE ISLAND.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE ACCESS TO FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE
AREA.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE 12-MONTH PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO GET UNDERWAY IN JANUARY.
- - 0 - -
DETAILS OF WONG TAI SIN FESTIVAL * * * *
A PRESS LUNCHEON WILL BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE WONG TAI SIN FESTIVAL ’86.
THE 15—DAY FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 16. IT IS ORGAINSED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD AND CO-ORGANISED BY URBAN COUNCIL, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG= THE DISTRICT OFFCER, MR NICHOLAS YEK= AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG WILL SPEAK AT THE CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS LUNCHEON TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10) AT 12.00 PM AT FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
- - 0 - -
/26
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
26
COMMISSIONING OF LAUNCHES * * * * *
FOUR NEW CUSTOMS LAUNCHES WILL SALUTE TIN HAU AT JOSS HOUSE BAY AS PART OF A COMMISSIONING CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10) AT 11 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PIER BY 9 AM FOR A PRESS BOAT THAT WILL LEAVE FOR JOSS HOUSE BAY AT 9.15 AM.
A COCKTAIL RECEPTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CUSTOMS MESS ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING IN CENTRAL AFTER THE CEREMONY.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL
*****
TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION OF STAUNTON STREET, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL SINCE SEPTEMBER, WILL REMAIN IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER SIX WEEKS FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10):
* THE SECTION OF SHELLEY STREET BETWEEN STAUNTON STREET AND ELGIN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND AND THE METERED PARKING SPACES ON THIS ROAD SECTION WILL BE SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY. VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM STAUNTON STREET INTO THIS SECTION OF SHELLEY STREET, AND TO TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT FROM SHELLEY STREET INTO ELGIN STREET.
* THE SECTION OF ELGIN STREET BETWEEN SHELLEY STREET AND PEEL STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. VEHICLES CAN NOW TURN EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT FROM ELGIN STREET INTO PEEL STREET.
* THE SECTION OF PEEL STREET BETWEEN ELGIN STREET AND STAUNTON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, AND VEHICLES CAN TURN LEFT FROM THIS SECTION OF PEEL STREET INTO STAUNTON STREET.
---0------
/27
o o •
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1986
27
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSI NG Yl BRIDGE
*****
THE TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 12.30 AM TO 2.30 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER- 9) IN ORDER TO MONITOR THE STRUCTURE OF THE BRIDGE.
THE BRIDGE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 6.30 AM TO 7.30 AM AND FROM 3 PM TO 4 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
DURING THE PERIOD OF CLOSURE, THE BRIDGE WILL BE RE-OPENED TO GENERAL TRAFFIC AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS AND IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
------0-------
RIGHT-TURN BAN IN CHEUNG SHA WAN XXX Xi
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10), THE RIGHT TURNING MOVEMENT FROM LAI CHI KOK ROAD NORTHWEST BOUND ON TO FAT TSEUNG STREET NORTHEAST BOUND IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WILL BE BANNED TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY AT THE JUNCTION.
MOTORISTS ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD NORTHWEST BOUND HEADING FOR FAT TSEUNG STREET ARE ADVISED TO USE TONKIN STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.
------0-------
PARKING SPACES FOR FANLING X-Jt X JtX-
FROM 8 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10), FOUR METERED PRIVATE CAR PARKING SPACES IN LUEN WO ROAD, FANLING, NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH LUEN CHEONG STREET, WILL COME INTO OPERATION.
FOUR MORE PARKING SPACES FOR GOODS IN LUEN CHEONG STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION
VEHICLES WILL BE PROVIDED WITH WO FUNG STREET.
------0-------
RE-ROUTING OF MAPLE STREET X * K
MAPLE STREET IN TAI KOK TSUI BETWEEN BEDFORD ROAD AND JUNG CHAU STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY TOWARDS BEDFORD ROAD FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10).
THE MOVE IS KOWLOON CORRIDOR
DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THE ROAD WORK OF WEST AND WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS.
MOTORISTS ON MAPLE STREET HEADING FOR TUNG CHAU STREET ARE ADVISED TO ROUTE VIA BEDFORD ROAD AND LIME STREET.
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXTENSION OF RATING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ............... 1
GROWING APPRECIATION FOR LANDSCAPED SURROUNDINGS ........... 2
LONG SERVICE PAYMENT DUE FOR REVIEW ........................ 3
LIAO OPENS SHAM SHUI PO FESTIVAL ........................... 5
SUGGESTION TO DB HELPS OLE.J? PAVEMENT ..................... 6
CIVIC EDUCATION THEME IN aRT, DESIGN COMPETITION ........... 7
YAU MA TEI FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW......................... 7
TENDERS CALLED FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK ......................... 8
LEADERSHIP CaMP FOR WAN CHAI YOUTHS ........................ 9
SEMINARS ON MOltL, CIVIC EDUCATION ORGANISED ............... 9
SEMINAR TO ENHANCE BETTER FAMILY UNDERST.JiDING............. 10
FIRE PREVENTION DaY IN NORTH DISTRICT ...................... 10
SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS RENTAL POLICY ................... 11
MONG KOK CONCERT TO MARK PEaCE YEAR ........................ 12
REVIEW OF SALE.............................................. 12
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRaNGEiiNTS IN CENTRAL................... 13
LaNE CLOSURE ON HUNG MUI KUK ROAD........................... 13
to KWrt w.tN water cut ..................................... 1*+
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
- 1
EXTENSION OF RATING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY * * M *
THE EXISTING RATING AREAS WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER THE WHOLE OF THE TERRITORY WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1988, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY, FOLLOWING DISCUSSION WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
THIS WOULD MEAN ALL PROPERTIES IN HONG KONG OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY EXEMPTED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE RATING ORDINANCE WOULD IN DUE COURSE BE ASSESSED TO RATES.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH LARGE STRETCHES OF THE AREAS TO BE INCLUDED ARE STILL UNDEVELOPED, SOME SCATTERED DEVELOPMENTS HAD ALREADY TAKEN PLACE AND MORE ARE PLANNED.
+FURTHERMORE, THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG PROVIDES THAT ALL PROPERTIES HELD ON LEASES WHICH ARE EXTENDED BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997 UNDER THE AGREEMENT WILL (WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS) BE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL RENT OF THREE PER CENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE. THIS WILL NECESSITATE THE PROVISION OF A RATEABLE VALUE FOR EACH SUCH CASE AND THE EXTENSION OF THE RATING AREAS IS A NECESSARY STEP IN THIS DIRECTION,+ HE ADDED.
ASSURANCES HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO THE HEUNG YEE KUK THAT THE EXEMPTION OF VILLAGE HOUSES OCCUPIED BY INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY IN THESE AREAS.
CERTAIN VILLAGES WILL BE DESIGNATED AS DESIGNATED VILLAGE AREAS FOR EXEMPTION PURPOSES WITHIN THE EXTENSION AREA.
+STAFF FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY BEGIN INSPECTING PREMISES WITHIN THE EXTENDED AREAS IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHICH PROPERTIES NEED TO BE ASSESSED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
REQUISITION FORMS WOULD BE ISSUED AS PART OF THIS EXERCISE AND THESE SHOULD BE RETURNED WITHIN ONE MONTH OF RECEIPT.
NOTICES WILL BE ISSUED TO RATEPAYERS EARLY IN 1988
ADVISING THEM OF THE PROPOSED RATEABLE VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTIES. HE ADDED.
RATES WILL BE CHARGED AT A PERCENTAGE OF THESE RATEABLE VALUES AS DETERMINED DY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
RATI PAYERS WILL BF ARl.F TO OBTAIN ADVICE REGARDING SUCH U'HI'TS AND WILL ALSO BF GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT IT THEY FEEL AGGRIEVED. THF PERIOD FOR MAKING SUCH OBJECTIONS WILI RF MARCH 1033.
IF I MD I Gl NOUS VILLAGERS LIVING IN TRADITIONAL VILLAGE HOI.ISI 0 RECEIVE A NOTICE OF RATEABLE VALUE, THEY WILL BE ARLF TO APPLY TO THF REGIONAL SECRETARY OF THF NFW TERRITORIES TOR EXEMPTION FROM PAYMENT OF RATES, THF SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
2
GROWING APPRECIATION FOR LANDSCAPED SURROUNDINGS * * * * *
MORE NATURAL VEGETATION ARE BEING DESTROYED THAN BEING REPLACED, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
HOWEVER HONG KONG WAS NOW IN A CONSIDERABLY MORE HOPEFUL POSITION THAN IN THE EARLY 197O’S.
+THERE IS A GROWING APPRECIATION SPREADING RIGHT THROUGH ALL CIRCLES THAT WE DO NOT WANT TO LIVE IN A TOTALLY CONCRETE JUNGLE, AND THAT THE INFLUENCE OF NATURAL SURROUNDINGS AND THE OTHER MANIFESTATIONS OF NATURE THAN MAN WERE NECESSARY FOR LIFE.+
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG LANDSCAPE GROUP, HE SAID THAT DURING THE 7O’S PEOPLE HAD MOVED TO LANDSCAPED ESTATES AND HAD FELT THE BENEFIT OF EVEN THE MINIMAL AMENITY AREAS PROVIDED WHEN THE ROAD MEN COULD MAKE AVAILABLE A SPACE FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND BIT BY BIT THEY HAD FOUND THEMSELVES LIVING IN A RATHER GREENER ENVIRONMENT.
IN ADDITION, HE ADDED, FAR MORE PEOPLE HAD GONE ABROAD AND RECOGNISED THE TREES AND FLOWERS THEY SAW THERE AS WHAT THEY ALWAYS REALLY WANTED FOR THEMSELVES. SO SUPPORT FOR LANDSCAPING AND GREENERY WAS NO MERE LIP SERVICE.
MR BARNES SAID DISTRICT BOARS AND LOCAL RESIDNETS FOUGHT FOR THE PRESERVATION OF BANYAN TREES WITH A FERVOUR WHICH MIGHT NOW WIN AGAINST OPPOSING PRESSURES, AND THE AUTHORITIES HAD RESPONDED BY AN ENORMOUS QUANTITATIVE AND MORE GRADUAL QUALITATIVE IMPROVEMENT IN AMENITY PLANNING.
MUCH MORE EXPERTISE WAS BEING PUT INTO THE LANDSCAPING OF PARKS AND ROADSIDE AMENITY PLOTS, AND THE NEED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF AMENITY PLOTS AND TREES IN EVERY ENVIRONMENT WAS BOTH RECOGNISED AND APPRECIATED BY THOSE FOR WHOM THEY WERE PROVIDED.
+SO, AT A TACTICAL LEVEL, AT LEAST IN THE PLACES, SUCH AS NEW TOWNS AND HOUSING ESTATES, BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, WHERE PLANNING AND PROVISION IS RELATIVELY EASY, THE BATTLE IS PROBABLY BEING WON,+ HE SAID.
WHEN IT WAS NOT SO EASY, WHERE LANDSCAPING AT CORNER STREET LEVEL WAS UP AGAINST SUCH FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION AS TRAFFIC RELIEF OR VERY HIGH COST IN OTHER TERMS, THERE WAS A LONG WAY TO GO IN TERMS OF GAINING PUBLIC PREFERENCE AND IN TERMS OF RESULTS.
+IN THESE AREAS I THINK THE NAME OF THE GAME MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED IS PROBABLY WATCHING FOR OPPORTUNITIES AND I HOPE THAT THE MANY REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES WHICH WE ARE PLANNING IN THE URBAN AREAS WILL PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LANDSCAPING TALENTS TO BE BROUGHT INTO THE PLANNING OF THESE AREAS TO THE PERMANENT BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE WHO WILL ENJOY THEM.
/+IT IS .......
SATURDAY, N0VQ5BER 8, 1986
♦IT IS NOT THE PLACE TO TALK ABOUT SCHEMES SUCH AS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION SCHEME IN DETAIL, BUT I FEEL STRONGLY THAT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS AND THE LOCAL LANDSCAPING TRADE SHOULD KEEP A VERY GOOD EYE ON THESE DEVELOPMENTS.*
TURNING TO THE STRATEGY OF LANDSCAPING, MR BARNES SAID HE PERSONALLY LOOKED ON THE COUNTRY PARKS AS STRATEGIC.
+THE PHILOSOPHY BEING THAT IF THE JUNGLE WE LIVE IN HAS TO BE OVERLY CONCRETE, AT LEAST WE SHOULD TRY TO KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE AREAS GREEN AND UNSPOILED.
+WHERE I THINK THAT THE LANDSCAPE IS LOSING OUT MOST IS THE GRADUAL DISAPPEARANCE OF THE VISTAS OF NATURAL SCENERY OF THE SEA FROM THE STREETS AND BUILDINGS IN URBAN AREAS BOTH IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.*
THIS WAS RELATED TO THE PLANNING OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND ALSO TO THE LACK OF EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF UNPLANNED DEVELOPMENT.
+IN CRITICISING URBAN PLANNING, ONE HAS TO ACCEPT THAT THERE IS MUCH OF SUBJECTIVITY IN ALL OUR APPROACHES, AND I REALISE I HAVE A PERSONAL FRUSTRATION ABOUT THE LOSS OF VISTAS, BUT I DO THINK THAT THE LOSS OF EVERYBODY’S VIEW OF VICTORIA BARRACKS MIGHT HAVE BEEN WEIGHED MORE HEAVILY IN THE DECISION TO BUILD THE SUPREME COURT AND THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN QUEENSWAY,* HE SAID.
0 -------
LONG SERVICE PAYMENT DUE FOR REVIEW
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TO EXAMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF u.-. (ENDING THE SCOPE OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID.
AND IT WILL ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT TO INCREASE THE BENEFITS OF EMPLOYEES AGED BELOW 40 AND TO PROVIDE COMPENSATION TO THEIR DEPENDANTS UNDER THE SCHEME, HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL BALL OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ASSOCIATION THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING, MR CHEN NOTED THAT SINCE THE SCHEME CAME INTO OPERATION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, IT WAS SUBJECTED TO CRITICISMS IN A NUMBER OF AREAS.
/+THESE INCLUDE .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
+THESE INCLUDE THE EXCLUSION FROM COVERAGE OF EMPLOYEES WHO ARE FORCED TO RESIGN DUE TO OLD AGE AND PROLONGED ILL HEALTH, THE LIMITING OF EMPLOYEES ELIGIBLE FOR PROTECTION AND BENEFITS BY REASON OF AGE, AND THE DISMISSAL OF EMPLOYEES WHO ARE ABOUT TO QUALIFY FOR PROTECTION UNDER THE SCHEME,+ HE SAID.
♦THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW COLLECTING INFORMATION FROM VARIOUS SECTORS AND AN OVERALL REVIEW WILL BE CONDUCTED EARLY NEXT YEAR,+ NR CHEN ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT 306 COMPLAINTS FROM WORKERS CONCERNING LONG SERVICE PAYMENT WERE RECEIVED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
THIS FIGURE REPRESENTED ONLY 2.4 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER CF COMPLAINT CASES RECEIVED IN THE SAME PERIOD. AS A RESULT OF CONCILIATION EFFORTS BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE (LRS), A TOTAL OF $1.3 MILLION WAS PAID OUT TO WORKERS.
HE FURTHER REVEALED THAT OF DISMISSAL CASES, 72 WERE IN CONNECTION WITH OLD AGE AND 18 RELATED TO PROLONGED ILLNESS OF WORKERS. OF THE DISMISSED WORKERS, 70 PER CENT WERE AGED OVER 53 WHILE 40 PER CENT OF THOSE CLAIMING FOR COMPENSATION HAD SERVED THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR AT LEAST TEN YEARS.
TURNING TO LABOUR RELATIONS IN HONG KONG, MR CHEN SAID THAT IT COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH MOST OTHER INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
-LAST YEAR, THERE WERE ONLY THREE WORK STOPPAGES RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF 1 160 WORKING DAYS,+ HE SAID.
♦ALTHOUGH LATEST STATISTICS ON OTHER COUNTRIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. THE 1Q84 FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE NUMBER OF DAYS LOST FOR F"ERV 10 000 WORKING DAYS IN THAT YEAR WAS 0.04 IN HONG KONG AS COMPARED WITH 0.19 IN JAPAN, 2.4 IN THE UNITED STATES AND 31.92 IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.+
IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THE LRS HANDLED 166 TRADE DISPUTES AND HELPED SETTLE MORE THAN 14 500 CLAIMS INVOLVING SOME 38 000 WORKERS. AS A RESULT, NEARLY $70 MILLION WERE PAID TO WORKERS INVOLVED IN THE DISPUTES. DURING THE SAME PERIOD IT GAVE ADVICE IN 320 000 CASES ON MATTERS RELATING TO CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AND PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT.
THE LRS ALSO CONDUCTS A SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME OF VISITS TO EMPLOYERS AND TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, AND ORGANISES SEMINARS, LECTURES, EXHIBITIONS AND TRAINING COURSES TO HELP BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEE* TO UNDERSTAND BETTER THEIR OBLIGATIONS AND RIGHTS UNDER THE LABOUR LEGISLATION.
/MH CHIU ........
SATURDAY, NOV JUBER 8, 1986
- 5 -
MR CHEN ALSO TALKED BRIEFLY ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF ESTABLISHING A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND IN HONG KONG, A SUBJECT WHICH HE SAID HAD BEEN CONSIDERED INTERMITTENTLY OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS.
+A CONSULTATION PAPER HAS JUST BEEN ISSUED AND WILL BE DISCUSSED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AT ITS MEETING ON DECEMBER 5,+ HE SAID.
+THE PAPER ATTEMPTS TO SUMMARISE THE ARGUMENTS BOTH FOR AND AGAINST THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH A FUND AS WELL AS THE VARYING RATES OF CONTRIBUTION OVER VARYING PERIODS OF TIME.
+HOWEVER, THE PAPER DOES NOT DRAW ANY CONCLUSION AS THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT TAKEN ANY CONCRETE STAND OR MADE ANY DECISION ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH A FUND,+ HE ADDED.
------o-------
LIAO OPENS SHAM SHU I PO FESTIVAL * * * *
THE $1 MILLION SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGAN TODAY (SATURDAY) WITH A VARIETY SHOW AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
OPENING THE FESTIVAL, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION MR DONALD LIAO, SAID THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR WOULD BE THE BIGGEST EVER STAGED IN THE DISTRICT.
MR LIAO PRAISED THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT DEMONSTRATED BY VARIOUS LOCAL BODIES IN ORGANISING THE FESTIVAL. LOCAL DONATIONS HAD ACCOUNTED FOR 70 PER CENT OF THE FUNDS REQUIRED.
HE SAID IT WAS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, IN ORDER TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TO THEIR DISTRICT.
THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL IS PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION. MORE THAN 50 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED.
THE FIVE-WEEK DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE WITH A VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON DECEMBER 13.
A LIST OF FESTIVAL EVENTS IS AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICE, 39 TONKING STREET, KOWLOON AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE 1986 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, CO-ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, THE SHAM SHUI PO ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS.
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/6........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
6
SUGGESTION TO DB
K
HELPS CLEAR PAVEMENT
* « K *
ACTION WAS TAKEN TO CLEAR THE PAVEMENT ALONG BOTH SIDES OF AP LEI CHAU MAIN STREET AFTER A CIVIC-MINDED RESIDENT WROTE TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.
USING THE +MY SUGGESTION TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD* POSTGRAMME SCHEME, THE RESIDENT COMPLAINED THAT THE PAVEMENTS OF AP LEI CHAU MAIN STREET WERE OFTEN OBSTRUCTED BY GOODS, MACHINES AND GARBAGE FROM NEARBY SHOPS, CAUSING AN INCONVENIENCE TO PEDESTRIANS WHO HAD TO WALK ON THE ROAD INSTEAD.
DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF INSPECTED THE AREA AND FOUND THE COMPLAINT VALID. THE CASE WAS REFERRED TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY TOOK OUT NINE SUMMONSES AGAINST THE SHOPOWNERS DURING AN OPERATION ON JULY 25.
IN FACT, THE PAVEMENTS HAD BEEN A BLACKSPOT OF OBSTRUCTION. THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN MONITORING THE AREA CLOSELY AND HAD TAKEN REGULAR ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TO CONTAIN THE PROBLEM. SOME 40 PROSECUTIONS WERE TAKEN OUT BETWEEN MAY AND JULY THIS YEAR AGAINST SHOPOWNERS.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE POSTGRAMME SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1983 FOR RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE LIVING IN REMOTE PARTS OF THE DISTRICT SUCH AS THE BAYS AREA, STANLEY AND SHEK 0, TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS TO THE BOARD MORE CONVENIENTLY.
BETWEEN OCTOBER 1, 1985 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 1986, THE BOARD HAD RECEIVED 168 POSTGRAMMES, COMPARED WITH 122 IN THE PRECEDING YEAR. MOST OF THE CASES WERE ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND LAW AND ORDER MATTERS.
+THE POSTAGE-FREE POSTGRAMMES, PUBLISHED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, ARE OBTAINABLE AT 72 DISTRIBUTION POINTS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
+THESE INCLUDE THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, POST OFFICES, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, COMMUNITY HALLS, MAJOR BANKS, PETROL STATIONS AND VARIOUS KAIFONG AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/7
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
7
CIVIC EDUCATION THEME IN ART, DESIGN COMPETITION
* * m *
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN AN ART AND DESIGN COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION, THE HONG KONG CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES AND THE CITY JAYCEES.
THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY WAH KIU YAT PO AND THE CULTURE CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH ART AND DESIGN.
THE THEME IS ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE GOOD CITIZEN. ENTRIES MAY BE SUBMITTED IN THE FORM OF A PENNANT DESIGN FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SECTION AND BOOKMARK AND TIME-TABLE DESIGN FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION.
THE PENNANT SHOULD BE VERTICAL WITH SIZE NOT EXCEEDING 76OMM X 295MM WHILE THE BOOKMARK AND THE TIME-TABLE SHOULD BE MOUNTED ON A PIECE OF WHITE CARDBOARD WITH SIZE NOT EXCEEDING 38OMM X 295MM.
THERE WILL BE THREE TOP PRIZES AND 10 COMMENDATION PRIZES FOR BOTH THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION AND PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION IN THE FORM OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND STATIONERIES.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH HEADS OF SCHOOLS BY DECEMBER 6 TO COLLECTING CENTRES RUN BY THE ORGANISERS.
SELECTED ENTRIES WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY ON JANUARY 3 AND 4 NEXT YEAR AT FOUNTAIN SQUARE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE NEW TOWN SQUARE IN SHA TIN.
0--------
YAU MA TEI FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW X X X * *
A LARGE-SCALE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN KOWLOON PARK TO LAUNCH THE YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL.
PROGRAMMES FOR THE DAY INCLUDE A QUIZ FINAL IN WHICH THREE WINNING TEAMS IN THE PRELIMINARY ROUNDS WILL BE COMPETING IN A CONTEST DESIGNED TO TEST THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT AND CIVIC MATTERS. THE QUIZ GAME WILL START AT 2 PM.
/THERE WILL........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
8
THERE WILL ALSO BE 20 GAME STALLS SET UP BY DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE FIVE AREA COMMITTEES, TO HELP PROMOTE CIVIC KNOWLEDGE AND A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND TELEVISION ARTISTES.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU.
THE FESTIVAL, TO RUN UNTIL NOVEMBER 23, IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE
YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE SOCCER PITCH IN KOWLOON PARK.
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TENDERS CALLED FOR FOOTBRIDGE WORK *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT FOR BUILDING A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE AT KOWLOON BAY.
THE FOOTBRIDGE, SPANNING 30 METRES ACROSS WANG CHIU ROAD, WILL PROVIDE A SAFE, GRADE-SEPARATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AND BETTER TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.
OTHER WORK WILL INVOLVE COMPLETION OF CHEUNG YIP AND TSUI HING STREETS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.
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/9.......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
- 9 -
LEADERSHIP CAMP FOR WAN CHAI YOUTHS * * * * *
ABOUT 50 YOUTHS FROM WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARE TAKING PART IN A TWO-DAY YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP ORGANISED BY THE CONCERN FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES WORKING GROUP OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AT THE SAI KUNG TAI MONG TSAI OUTDOOR TRAINING CAMP THIS WEEKEND.
AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 20, THEY WILL LEARN ABOUT BASIC LEADERSHIP SKILLS AND CIVIC EDUCATION, AS WELL AS TAKING PART IN VARIOUS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE CAMP.
THE AIM OF THE CAMP IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTHS TO DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO CULTIVATE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
PARTICIPANTS HAVE ALREADY ATTENDED A PRE-CAMP SEMINAR ON THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND VOLUNTEERING WORK. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO EMBARK ON FOLLOW-UP PROJECTS TO BE ORGANISED AFTER THE CAMP SO THAT THEY WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTISE SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE ACQUIRED IN THE CAMP.
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SEMINARS ON MORAL, CIVIC EDUCATION ORGANISED
* * * * *
TO ASSIST PRIMARY TEACHERS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TEACHING SKILLS IN MORAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE TWO IDENTICAL SEMINARS FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS ON DECEMBER 4.
THE SEMINARS, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE TEACHING CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, WILL FEATURE TALKS ON MORAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND DISCUSSIONS AMONG PARTICIPANTS ON THE TOPIC.
SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS SHOULD SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, RELIGIOUS-ETHNICAL EDUCATION SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY NOVEMBER 17.
AS PART OF THE CURRENT PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS, TWO SEMINARS WILL ALSO BE HELD FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH ON NOVEMBER 28 AT THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE AT 9A BONHAM ROAD, MID-LEVELS.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE BY NOVEMBER 13.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1936
10
SEMINAR TO ENHANCE BETTER FAMILY UNDERSTANDING * * * * *
A SEMINAR AIMED AT ENHANCING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN WILL BE HELD FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEE YU-TAI, AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MRS GRACE TAM, WILL SPEAK ON THE DISCIPLINING AND TEACHING OF CHILREN IN THE SEMINAR.
THE EVENT IS PART OF A HEALTHY LIFE CAMPAIGN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, LOCAL RELIGIOUS BODIES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
MORE THAN 400 PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AT 2 PM AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR.
- - 0 - -
FIRE PREVENTION DAY IN NORTH DISTRICT
*****
A FIRE PREVENTION DAY FOR RESIDENTS OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE PLAYGROUND OF THE SHEUNG SHU I TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
THE EVENT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
+THE AIM IS TO AROUSE AN AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION ESPECIALLY DURING THE ONSET OF THE DRY WINTER SEASON,+ A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
PROGRAMMES FOR THE DAY INCLUDE A CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION, DISPLAYS OF FIRE ENGINES AND FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT, A FIRE-FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION, FIRE PREVENTION TALKS AND GAMES STALLS.
/A PRESENTATION
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
A PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR WINNERS OF THE DRAWING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT 3.30 PM. OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, NORTH, MR PETER TAM, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, |VR ANTHONY YUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FIRE PREVENTION DAY TOMORROW FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE PLAYGROUND OF SHEUNG SHU I TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL MEETING TO DISCUSS RENTAL POLICY *****
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO DISCUSS THE REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC RENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE.
THEY WILL ALSO AIR THEIR VIEWS IN THE RECENTLY-RELEASED SECOND REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DEALT WITH INCLUDE REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE WORK CF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BY A MEMBER, MR CHEUNG KUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE.
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/12
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
12
MONG KOK CONCERT TO HARK PEACE YEAR *****
A VARIETY CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO ENTERTAIN MONG KOK RESIDENTS, INCLUDING 100 PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN.
THE SHOW WILL FEATURE POPULAR MUSIC AND FOLK SONGS BY SINGERS BRENDA LO, TO TAK-WAI, MAN PUI-LING AND TAI WAN-WAI. THE MONG KOK CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL ALSO PERFORM.
THE CONCERT IS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD IN OBSERVANCE OF THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL PEACE YEAR.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CONCERT ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MISS MAK SUK-HAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT PEACE CONCERT TO BE HELD TOMORROW AT 8 PM AT THE COMMUNITY HALL OF CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE, 45 FUK TSUN STREET, TAI KOK TSUI.
- 0 - -
REVIEW OF SALE * * * *
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO REVIEW THE SALE AND OCCUPANCY OF FLATTED FACTORY UNITS IN TUEN MUN BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER 1986.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
13
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL *****
TO FACILITATE UTILITY DIVERSION WORKS, THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 11) FOR ABOUT ONE MONTHi
* NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH, INCLUDING FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF POTTINGER STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF GILMAN STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE. ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
* NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL INTO SOUTHBOUND GILMAN STREET.
* VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL HEADING FOR DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WING WO STREET.
* CMB ROUTES 11, 25 AND 75 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE AND QUEENSWAY FOR JOURNEYS LEAVING THE CENTRAL BUS STATION. TEMPORARY BUS STOPS WILL BE SET UP ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE CONNAUGHT CENTRE AND CITY HALL.
* CMB ROUTES 3A, 4, 7 AND 37 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, GILMAN STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL FOR JOURNEYS LEAVING THE CENTRAL BUS STATION.
- - 0 - -
LANE CLOSURE ON HUNG MUI KUK ROAD
* * * * *
TO FACILITATE WORK, THE LANES ON THE SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED ALTERNATELY FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 10) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM TIN SAM STREET TO LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE PERIOD OF LANE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE WITH CARE.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1986
14
TO KWA WAN WATER CUT * * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE °N TUESDAY (^^MBER 11) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAT r UK LtAKAbc TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY PAU CHUNG STREET MA WNG ^NJLR0AD’ K0WL00N C,TY R0AD> MA TAU KOK ROAD, TAM KUNG M CHEUNG^STREET* ,NCLUD""3 S™EET> SU' LUN STREET
AND KWM^N2SiLB|-»?L‘tTB?^^|KfeVBET?WEA^ JWi FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL NOT INCLUDE LAI KING ESTATE, LAI YIU ESTATE, CHO YIU CHUEN AND LAI KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
- o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PLANS APPROVED FOR 1JD-LEVETS APARTMENT BLOCKS .................. 1
PROPER USE OF ELECTRICAL APPARATUS ESSENTIAL..................... 2
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY AT CENOTAPH............................. 3
YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL OPENS ....................... 3
30 PROJECTS SELECTED FOR CIVIC EDUCATION ........................ 4
TSUEK WAN TO STAGE HEALTH WEEK................................... 5
KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR STUDY TO BE RELEASED ................... 6
TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS REDRESS DOCUMENT ........................... 7
TRAINING COURSE TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT .................. 8
BIRMINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP FOR HK STUDENT OFFERED ................... 8
SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPREADS ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.................... 9
LOGO DESIGN CONT-ST FOR YOUTH................................... 10
COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TO HOLD PARADE............................. 10
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR KOWLOON CITY .......................... 11
DETAILS OF FIGHT CRIME, ANTI-NARCOTICS SHOW .................... 12
DB TO BE BRIEPED ON PIER PROJECT ............................... 12
TSUEN WAN APPRENTICESHIP OFFICE I-IOVING........................ 13
FRESH WATER FOR KA JAN RESIDENTS ............................... 13
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
1
PLANS APPROVED FOR MID-LEVELS APARTMENT BLOCKS
*****
PLANS FOR TWO MULTI-STOREY APARTMENT BLOCKS IN CONDUIT ROAD IN THE MID-LEVELS WERE AMONG 46 PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN SEPTEMBER.
THEY WILL BE BUILT AT 6-8, CONDUIT ROAD, AND 2-4, CONDUIT ROAD, AND BE OF 37 AND 31 STOREYS.
ALSO IN THE MID-LEVELS AREA, A 40-STOREY BLOCK WILL BE BUILT AT ALBANY AND ROBINSON ROAD.
A 44-STOREY APARTMENT-COMMERCIAL BLOCK AND A 22-STOREY GOVERNMENT-INST I TUT ION-COMMMUNITY BUILDING WITH STADIUM AND CAR PARK OVER TWO CAR PARK BASEMENTS WILL BE DEVELOPED ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SITE IN WAN CHAI.
AT SHA TAU KOK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY WILL DEVELOP TWO SITES AS RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES. ONE WILL CONSIST OF FOUR FIVE-STOREY BLOCKS, WHILE THE OTHER WILL HAVE 15 BLOCKS OF FOUR, FIVE AND SIX STOREYS.
AT SHA TIN, A 376-ROOM HOTEL WILL BE BUILT BY MINDANO LIMITED. IT WILL BE OF 16 STOREYS AND A 13-STOREY OFFICE BLOCK WILL ALSO BE DEVELOPED ON THE SITE.
DURING THE MONTH, CONSENT TO START WORK WAS GIVEN IN RESPECT OF 50 PROJECTS COMPRISING 230 BUILDINGS.
THEY INCLUDED A 447-ROOM HOTEL IN MODY ROAD, KOWLOON, A FERRY TERMINAL AT CANTON ROAD, A HOSPITAL IN KWAI CHUNG AND 132 RESIDENCES AT HO CHUNG MARINA IN SAI KUNG.
A TOTAL OF 34 BUILDINGS WERE GIVEN OCCUPATION CERTIFICATES --10 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN IN KOWLOON AND 17 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NUMBER OF CONSENTS TO DEMOLISH DURING THE MONTH WAS 14, AFFECTING 3* BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 482 COMPLAINTS, CARRIED OUT 1 016 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 228 ORDERS. FIVE CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
2
PROPER USE OF ELECTRICAL APPARATUS ESSENTIAL
K * M I I
FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS ARE URGED TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION WHEN USING ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, NINE PERSONS DIED FROM ELECTROCUTION IN FACTORIES AND ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE MAJOR CAUSES WERE DUE TO LEAKAGE OF CURRENT FROM FAULTY EQUIPMENT WITHOUT PROPER EARTHING AND WORKING ON +LIVE+ WITHOUT TAKING THE NECESSARY PRECAUTION.
♦ AS FAULTY EQUIPMENT CAN LEAD TO FATAL ACCIDENTS, IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE ALL EQUIPMENT PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND EFFECTIVELY EARTHED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ IF WORKING ON ’LIVE’ IS NECESSARY, WORKERS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM WORKING ALONE AND SUITABLE PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT MUST BE USED.
♦ FURTHERMORE, WORKERS ENGAGED IN ELECTRICAL WORK SHOULD BE CONVERSANT WITH THE TREATMENT FOR ELECTRIC SHOCK.♦
UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS AND THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, EMPLOYERS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THESE TWO REGULATIONS ARE LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO FINES BETWEEN t3O 000 AND $50 000.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND WORKERS TO ATTEND FREE TRAINING COURSES ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY ORGANISED YEAR ROUND BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO PUBLISHED A GUIDE TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (ELECTRICITY) REGULATIONS WHICH IS AVAILABLE FREE TO THE PUBLIC.
ANYONE SEEKING FURTHER ADVICE SHOULD CONTACT THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
i
- 3 -
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY AT CENOTAPH ft ft ft ft
THE REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
WREATHS WERE LAID BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR-GENERAL ANTHONY BOAM, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXECUTIVEAND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, COMMONWEALTH COMMISSIONERS, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, THE VICE CHAIRMAN O* THE URBAN COUNCIL MRS ELSIE TU, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
WREATHS WERE ALSO LAID BY SERVICE COMMANDERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, SERVICE UN ITS, • TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS, SOCIETIES AND OTHER BODIES.
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALSO HELD AN OBSERVANCE OF REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY IN THE MAIN HALL OF THE OFFICERS’ CLUB IN STANLEY.
THE SERVICE WAS ATTENDED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, STAFF AND FRIENDS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
FOLLOWING THE SERVICE, THE CONGREGATION, LED BY THE CAPE COLLINSON MARCHING BAND, MARCHED TO STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY IN REMEMBRANCE OF THOSE TWO WARS AND THOSE WHO HAD DIED IN SERVICE.
AND JOINED IN THE KILLED DURING THE
0
tMBF «<
YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL OPENS
X ft X ft ft
THE GOAL OF CIVIC EDUCATION IS TO MAKE CITIZENS RECOGNISE THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS IN THE COMMUNITY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
OPENING THE YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL AT KOWLOON PARK, MR CHAU SAID THE SUCCESS OF CIVIC EDUCATION SHOULD ALSO INVOLVED THE CARE AND PARTICIPATION OF RESIDENTS, RATHER THAN RELYING SOLELY ON GOVERNMENT PROMOTION.
HE SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SEE THE ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT BY YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS IN TODAY’S EVENTS.
/also........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBIH % 1986
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MRS ENA CHAN, SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD CHOSEN THE FORMAT OF A FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION SO THAT PARTICIPANTS COULD LEARN ABOUT THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES BY TAKING PART IN LIVELY AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
SHE SAID SHE HOPED THE FESTIVAL WOULD ALSO STIMULATE OTHER ORGANISATIONS TO ORGANISE MORE CIVIC ACTIVITIES.
PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY ALSO WERE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR SO CHUNG-PING.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, PARTICIPANTS TOOK PART IN VARIOUS CIVIC GAMES AT GAME STALLS AND WATCHED A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE +TVB CARES* TEAM.
EARLIER, A QUIZ FINAL ON CIVIC EDUCATION WAS HELD AND PRIZES WERE PRESENTED TO THE WINNING TEAMS TODAY.
BESIDE THE CARNIVAL, A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING A FAMILY CAMP, A CIVIC IMPLEMENTATION SCHEME FOR YOUTH AND A SEMINAR WOULD BE HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL WHICH WOULD LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 23.
THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME COST ABOUT 1110 000, OF WHICH $70 000 WAS FROM DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
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30 PROJECTS SELECTED FOR CIVIC EDUCATION
*****
THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY PROJECTS SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION HAS DRAWN CONSIDERABLE INTEREST FROM THE PUBLIC, THE CONVENOR OF THE PARTICIPATION GROUP, MR MAK HOI-WAH, SAID TODAY.
*A TOTAL SUBSIDY OF $250 000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THIS YEAR’S PROJECTS. BUT THE COMMITTEE HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN 120 APPLICATIONS, REQUESTING FOR SUBSIDIES AMOUNTING TO ONE MILLION DOLLARS,* HE SAID.
/after .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
- 5 -
AFTER VETTING BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP WHICH COMPRISED UNOFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES, 30 PROJECTS OF VARIOUS NATURE WERE SELECTED.
♦IN DECIDING THE SUBSIDY, EACH APPLICATION WAS ASSESSED ACCORDING TO THE CONTENT OF THE PROJECT, TARGET. THE AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE REQUIRED AND THE COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAMME,♦ MR MAK SAID.
THE 30 PROJECTS SELECTED INCLUDE EXHIBITION, VOLUNTEERS TRAINING SCHEME, SEMINAR, SURVEY, PRODUCTION OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS AND PUBLICATION OF HANDBOOK ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
OTHER ACTIVITIES ARE VARIETY SHOW, FILM SHOW, DRAMA, QUIZ AND VARIOUS KINDS OF COMPETITION.
ALL PROJECTS SUBSIDISED BY THE SCHEME COULD TAKE PART IN AN OUTSTANDING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT AWARD SCHEME TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR, MR MAK SAID.
LETTERS HAD BEEN SENT TO ALL APPLICANTS INFORMING THEM OF THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS.
♦IN VIEW OF THE GOOD RESPONSE, THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER RUNNING THE SCHEME AGAIN NEXT YEAR, AND WE HOPE TO RAISE THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF SUBSIDY TO $500 000,+ HE ADDED.
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TSUEN WAN TO STAGE HEALTH WEEK
I IK I*
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP DURING THE TSUEN WAN HEALTH WEEK STARTING FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE HEALTH WEEK IS A JOINT PROJECT OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL TO PROMOTE HEALTH CARE.
UNDER THE SCHEME, PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE SPECIFIED VENUES TO HAVE A CHECK-UP BY STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL.
MEDICAL STAFF WILL CONDUCT BLOOD PRESSURE AND URINE TESTS AND GIVE HEALTH ADVICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SCHEME NOTED THAT EARLY DETECTION OF ANY UNDESIRABLE SYMPTOMS AND THE APPROPRIATE TREATMENT COULD PREVENT DEVELOPMENT OF DISEASES.
/the venues .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
6
THE VENUES FOR THE FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS INCLUDE SCHOOLS AND FACTORY BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN THE HEART OF THE NEW TOWN.
STUDENTS CAN ENJOY FREE MEDICAL SERVICES AT THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL LIM POR YEN SECONDARY SCHOOL BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON TOMORROW AND THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AT THE SAME TIME ON TUESDAY.
WORKERS CAN OBTAIN FREE SERVICES AT THE PO YIP INDUSTRIAL BUILDING BETWEEN 2 TO 4.30 PM ON MONDAY AND THE SUN FUNG INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT THE SAME TIME ON TUESDAY. f
THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FOR FREE CHECK-UPS BETWEEN 2 TO 4.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY.
A SIMILAR SCHEME WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE NEIGHBOURING KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT FROM NOVEMBER 13-15.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND DIRECTORS OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL VISIT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 60 TAI HO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF THE FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS ON WEDNESDAY AT 2.30 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR STUDY TO BE RELEASED * * * *
FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON THE GASEOUS EMISSION FROM CHIMNEYS OF THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR WOULD BE RELEASED IN A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED RECENTLY BY A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER AND A CONCERN GROUP IN THE KENNEDY TOWN AND MOUNT DAVIS AREA.
IT CONCLUDED THAT GASEOUS EMISSION FROM THREE CHIMNEYS HAD AFFECTED THE HEALTH OF RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY CHILREN UNDER THE AGE OF SEVEN.
SUNAY, HOV JIBES 9, 1986
- 7
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REVISED VERSION OF THE KENNEDY TOWN AND MOUNT DAVIS OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE EARTH STOCKPILE ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
PROCEDURES FOR IMPLEMENTING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND ACCEPTANCE OF PRIVATE DONATIONS AS WELL AS THE PROGRESS OF SEVERAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
THIS IS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE FOLLOWING A MERGER OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND PLANS AND WORKS COMMITTEES. THE NEW CHAIRMAN IS MISS ESTHER CHAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS REDRESS DOCUMENT * * K X *
TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVF ?EDRESS 0F GRIEVANCES AT THEIR MEETING ON TUESDAY VE \ l\|Uv t rlDC. n 11),
THE ADM MR PAUL LEU’
’STRATIVE ASSISTANT TO THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY WILL BE PRESENT TO HEAR VIEWS ON THE DOCUMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXCHANGE REPORT NO. 2.
VIEWS ON THE EDUCATION COMMISSION
win REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT
Satire im °N DETA,LS 0F INTEGRATED PUBLIC TRANSPORT
otKVICt IN HUNG KONG.
HONG KONG.
VIEWS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT FROM MEMBERS ON SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN THE MA ON SHAN INITIAL POPULATION INTAKE BEGINS AT THE END OF
WHETHER NT TAXIS NEW TOWN WHEN THE YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY om tup TmonR^AAORA0M °F THE TAI P0 DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE TH,RD FL00R OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172 KWONG FIJK ROAD.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
8
TRAINING COURSE TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT M * * *
A ONE-WEEK TRAINING COURSE WILL BE ORGANISED LATER tuic THETDI^RirTNG K°K RES,DENTS T0 IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN I nt_ ui o I It lv I •
...... THE C0URSE WILL BE CONDUCTED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM the BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT DEPARTMENT' Laq^wfi AeL|^cD^ DEP*R™ENT AND URBaS SERVICES T OF f^JliERl “'•OF^KSI?8 FR°M THE EXTR‘ HUR4L STUD,ES
THE COURSE WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SIX SESSIONS WITH topics CORPORATION^ ILLEGAL D?tXtHIcAL C0VENANT’ FUNCTIONS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATION, ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND CLAIMING OF MANAGMENT FEES.
LECTURES WILL BE HELD AT THE LECTURE THEATRE of tuf rirv POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG ON THREE EVENINGS.
A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY in wmru ONMTHESSUTJFCT BU,LD,NG MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM WILL TALK '>ii i nc oUDvitu I .
NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE COURSE CERTIFICATFS will RE ,'SSUED T° PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE SATISFACTORILYES W,LL CvUKSt.
COMPLETED THE
Fi»sT-slB;e5DM?ism'CIP‘NTS W,LL BE ENR0LLED °" ncc.rcPPi“l^AIl?N AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD ON 3-802251.
A FIRST-COME
MONG KOK DISTRICT
«^RE TRAINING COURSE IS PART OF THE DISTRICT FNVIRONmfmtai IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN, SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT IoIJd I?g?ene E PUBL,C AWARENESS 0F environmental cLeanliJesJ m D’
- - 0 - -
BIRMINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP FOR HK STUDENT OFFERED tF tJE X
__ THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM WILL AGAIN OFFER A epuni apquid TO A HONG KONG STUDENT FOR AN UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE COURSE nfyt year, invitation to apply FOR THIS SCHOLARSHIP IS noS opIn" tEGREf^COIWsT’^tJDeNre NHOAHB»EF“pu|dN“rAADSbs"o™TOFtJeHE »MysS?ONVOFFEHCLAl!nGHl? ul<lvERS IT IES CENTRAL COUNCIL ON
EDUMTE? I^ENjuiiSJOT°BE"oji IS"' STUDENTS “ 'NG
/applicants
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
- 9
APPLICANTS SHOULD BE LOCAL STUDENTS RESIDING IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS OR MORE BEFORE OCTOBER 1, 1987 AND BE AT THE AGE GROUP OF 18-25.
APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE OBTAINED GOOD RESULTS IN THE HONG KONG ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMIMATION, PREFERABLY GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION A-LEVEL OR THEIR EQUIVALENT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 530, FIFTH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
APPLICANTS SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED FORMS TO THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR. SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED FOR INTERVIEW IN LATE MARCH.
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPREADS ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE * * * * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL VISIT CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOLD GAMES DAYS IN SCHOOLS TO SPREAD THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED #16 500 FOR THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WHICH PLACES EMPHASIS ON SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN AS STATISTICS SHOWED THAT THEY ARE MOST VULNERABLE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, A FILM SHOW WAS HELD IN SEPTEMBER FOR 1 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
TOGETHER WITH OFFICERS FROM THE WESTERN POLICE DISTRICT, COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL VISIT THREE HOSTELS THIS MONTH TO GIVE TALKS ON THE RULES OF THE ROAD AND SHOW ROAD SAFETY FILMS.
THEY WILL VISIT THE HONG KONG AND MACAU LUTHERAN CHURCH’S WAI KEI HOSTEL, THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE IN TIN WAN, AND THE CHINESE RHENISH CHURCH HONG KONG SYNOD’S WONG CHUK HANG SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY ON NOVEMBER 11 AND 18, AND DECEMBER 5, RESPECTIVELY.
THEY HAVE ALREADY VISITED THE HONG KONG AND CHINESE CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE’S LEI FOOK CHURCH SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE’S WAH HONG HOSTEL.
TO REINFORCE THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE FOR CHILDREN, 20 ROAD SAFETY DAYS WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT’S PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN DECEMBER.
SPECIALLY DESIGNED GAMES, QUIZZES AND EXHIBITIONS WILL BE STAGED DURING THESE FUN DAYS TO ENABLE YOUNGSTERS TO LEARN ROAD SAFETY RULES MORE EASILY.
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/10......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
10
LOGO DESIGN CONTEST FOR YOUTH
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH (CCY).
THE CCY WAS ESTABLISHED TO PROMOTE YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND TO EXAMINE THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH POLICY.
MOUNTED ON ARTBOARD AND 25 CM X 25 CM IN SIZE, THE LOGO SHOULD BE RESTRICTED TO NO MORE THAN TWO COLOURS, INCLUDING THE BASE COLOUR.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGONIESi JUNIOR SECTION FOR PARTICIPANTS 10 TO 15 YEARS OLD-INTERMEDIATE SECTION FOR THOSE AGED 16 TO 19- AND SENIOR SECTION FOR THOSE 20 TO 25 YEARS OLD.
THE THREE PRIZE-WINNERS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED BOOK VOUCHERS VALUED AT UP TO Si 500.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINABLE FROM ANY DISTRICT OFFICE. ENTRY FORMS AND LOGO DESIGNS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO CITY AND t NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, 13TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, OR ANY DISTRICT OFFICE BY NOVEMBER 15.
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COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB TO HOLD PARADE
*****
THE SIXTH ANNUAL PARADE OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE PARADE AND PRESENT AWARDS TO CYC MEMBERS.
MORE THAN 3 000 CYC MEMBERS FROM VARIOUS SCHOOLS WILL ATTEND THE PARADE WHICH WILL ALSO FEATURE A LION DANCE, ANTISMOKING DRAMA SHOW, DANCING AND A CHILDREN’S CHOIR.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT, TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY. REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM BEFORE 2.15 PM.
0------
/".....
11
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN FOR KOWLOON CITY * * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 14) WITH A PUBLICITY BUS TOURING THE DISTRICT TO SPREAD THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE TO RESIDENTS.
VARIOUS PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED TO PUBLICISE ROAD SAFETY AND TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ROAD SAFETY CODES.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE THE ROAD SAFETY DAY ON FR IDAY.
A SPECIALLY DECORATED OPEN TOP DOUBLE DECKER CARRYING MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS WILL SPREAD THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
ROAD SAFETY MANUALS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PASSERS-BY AT VARIOUS PEDESTRIAN BLACKSPOTS IN THE DISTRICT.
AT THE SAME TIME. MODEL PEDESTRIANS WILL BE SELECTED ON THE SPOT AND SPECIAL ROAD SAFETY UMBRELLAS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THEM.
TO SUPPORT THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN, 32 PUBLICITY SIGNBOARDS REMINDING THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE ROAD CROSSING SAFETY RULES WILL BE MOUNTED AT 16 LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
•
PRIZES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF A RECENT ROAD SAFETY CROSS-WORD PUZZLE AND SLOGAN COMPETITION FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.
THE PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE INVITED TO VISIT THE ROAD SAFETY TOWN IN SAU MAU PING ON NOVEMBER 22.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE KOWLOON CITY ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL BE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG1 CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, MR WONG SIK-KONG. CHAIRMAN OF THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN CHI-KWANJ KOWLOON CITY POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER W NG CHING-KWOK} AND SENIOR STAFF OFFICER OF THE POLICE TRAFFIC KOWLOON HEADQUARTERS, MR MICHAEL HARPER.
NOTE TO EDITORSt
o.r-r-r^°^.ARE 1NV1TED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ROAD 2PE’,,NS CER£m°NY AND PRIZE PRESENTATION TO BE HELD 2nInAT THE K0WL00N CITY DISTRICT OFFICE,
141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
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/12........
12
DETAILS OF FIGHT CRIME, ANTI-NARCOTICS SHOW
*****
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE NORTH FIGHT CRIME-ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN OPENING CEREMONY AND WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY).
DISTRICT CONCERT
THE OPENING CEREMONY AND CONCERT, TO BE HELD AT THE PLAYGROUND ON NOVEMBER 15, WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY ATV
FANLING
TAKING PART IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR TAO MAN-KWONG AND PRODUCTION MANAGER OF ATV, MR ANDREW LUK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
,,, ™Z0U, ,ARE INVITED T0 ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD
IN ROOM 441 OF ASIA ----------- -------
AT 3 PM TOMORROW.
TELEVISION LIMITED AT
81 BROADCAST DRIVE
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DB TO BE BRIEFED ON PIER PROJECT
*****
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS A MINOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT AT A SITTING-OUT AREA IN MAN MING LANE AND THE RELOCATION OF PLANTER BOXES IN SALISBURY ROAD.
A PROGRESS REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT CASES RECEIVED AT MEET-THE-PUBLIC SESSIONS WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 400 NATHAN ROAD.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1986
13
TSUEN WAN APPRENTICESHIP OFFICE MOVING
*****
THE OFFICE OF THE APPRENTICESHIP SECTION OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AT TSUEN WAN IS MOVING TO THE NINTH FLOOR OF KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG (ADJACENT TO KWAI HINg’mTR STATION).
THE OFFICE, SERVING EMPLOYERS AND APPRENTICES WITHIN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN AREAS, WILL BE OPERATIONAL FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY). miiUNAL
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE APPRENTICESHIP ORDINANCE ON 0-297039. THERE ARE FOUR OTHER BRANCH OFFICES TO KWAN WAN, KWUN TONG AND TSIM SHA TSUI.
CAN BE MADE AT WAN CHAI,
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FRESH WATER FOR MA WAN RESIDENTS
*****
RESIDENTS OF MA WAN ISLAND OFF NORTH LANTAU WILL RECEIVE FRESH WATER WHEN A SUPPLY SCHEME IS COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
A SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 500 CUBIC METRES IS TO BE BUILT ON THE ISLAND AND ABOUT 1.7 KILOMETRES OF 200-MILLI METRE DIAMETER PIPELINE LAID.
OTHER WORK INCLUDES LAYING ABOUT FIVE KILOMETRES OF DELIVERY MAINS ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM YAU KOM TAU TO SHAM TSENG.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS TO START IN JANUARY AND TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BILL WILL SEEK DISCLOSURE OF TRUE OWNERSHIP................. 1
DAYA BAY REPORT PRESENTED TO LEGCO.......................... 3
EPCCM BRIEFED ON BEACH WATER STUDY ......................... 6
FOUR NEW CUSTOMS LAUNCHES COMMISSIONED...................... 8
Mail DAMAGED IN POST BOX FIRE............................... 9
CIVIC EDUCATION YOUTH PIONEER PROJECT FOR KWUN TONG ........ 9
safety handouts for fur processing workers ................. 10
STUDENTS EXPRESS VIEWS ON YOUTH POLICY ..................... 11
PROJECTIONS ALONG LRT ROUTE TO BE REMOVED................... 13
BRIEFING ON CONTRACT TENDERING ............................. 13
BILINGUAL GLOSSARIES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPILED ......... 14
USE OF CHINESE COURSES FOR TEACHERS......................... 14
EVENT-PACKED FESTIVAL FOR WONG TAI LIN RESIDENTS ........... 15
ELDERLY INVITED TO JOIN COOKING CONTEST .................... 16
WAN CHAI TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING .............. 16
SOUTHERN DISTRICT GETS READY FOR FESTIVAL .................. 18
TSUEN WAN PLANS TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL................... 19
TO KWA WAN WATER CUT ....................................... 19
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ....................................... 19
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
1
BILL WILL SEEK DISCLOSURE OF TRUE OWNERSHIP *****
A NEW BILL TO PROVIDE FOR A GREATER DEGREE OF DISCLOSURE OF THE TRUE OWNERSHIP OF PUBLIC COMPANIES WILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 17TH WORLD CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES INSTITUTES, MR JACOBS SAID THIS WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EXISTING REGULATORY FRAMEWORK, DRAWING IN PART ON THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHER INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRES, SO AS TO AFFORD A GREATER DEGREE OF PROTECTION TO INVESTORS.
+THESE EFFORTS IN UPDATING OUR LAWS RELATING TO INVESTMENT ARE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT GIVEN THE GROWING IMTERNATIONALISATION OF THE SECURITIES BUSINESS AND THE PLETHORA OF NEW INSTRUMENTS WHICH CONTINUE TO BE INVENTED AND LAUNCHED UPON THE MARKET.*
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT HAD NOT BEEN ENTIRELY SMOOTH AND THE LAST FEW YEARS HAD WITNESSED DIFFICULTIES IN SOME LOCAL BANKS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT THE ONLY PLACE THAT HAD EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS IN ITS BANKING SYSTEM OVER THE PERIOD. +OUR PROBLEMS WERE PARTLY THE RESULT OF EXCEPTIONAL FLUCTUATIONS IN THE ECONOMY, AND A CONSEQUENTIAL SEESAW IN ASSET VALUES.* +PERHAPS WE HAVE ALSO HAD MORE THAN OUR FAIR SHARE OF CASES WHERE MANAGEMENT WAS INCOMPETENT OR WORSE,* HE SAID.
+BUT IN FACT ONLY A VERY SMALL PART OF THE BANKING SECTOR, WHETHER RECKONED IN TERMS EITHER OF ASSETS OR OF DEPOSITS HAS BEEN AFFECTED. THE SECTOR AS A WHOLE HAS BEEN AND IS SOUND AND HAS SERVED THE COMMUNITY WELL.*
MR JACOBS REITERATED THAT GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS TO INTERFERE AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETPLACE, EXCEPT IN THE INTERESTS OF THE OVERALL FABRIC OF THE SYSTEM, OR TO PROTECT THE NON-PROFESS IONAL PARTICIPANTS FROM EXPLOITATION.
THE MEASURES WE HAD USED HAD RANGED FROM THE DIRECT ACQUISITION OF TROUBLED INSTITUTIONS TO THE PROVISION OF LIQUIDITY ON A SHORT-TERM BASIS TO GIVE TIME FOR PERMANENT SOLUTIONS, AT NO COST TO GOVERNMENT, HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID HE BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG HAD NOW EMERGED FROM THE PROBLEMS OF THE PAST.
+THE BANKS IN GOVERNMENT OWNERSHIP ARE MAKING A STEADY RECOVERY -- TWO OUT OF THE THREE HAVE RETURNED TO PROFITABILITY --AND WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT THEY WILL BE SOLD TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.*
/+THE INTEREST .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
- 2 -
+ THE INTEREST OF INTERNATIONAL BANKS IN COMING TO HONG KONG CONTINUES UNDIMINISHED, WITH NINE BANKING LICENCES ISSUED SO FAR THIS YEAR.*
MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE EXPERIENCE HAD HELPED IN PRODUCING THE NEW BANKING ORDINANCE, WHICH, AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE INDUSTRY, CAME INTO EFFECT ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
♦ALTOGETHER THE NEW ORDINANCE SHOULD PROVIDE A MORE EFFECTIVE FRAMEWORK FOR PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF THE BANKING SYSTEM.*
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD FOUR FACTORS WHICH FAVOURED ITS DEVELOPMENT AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE — ITS LOW TAXATION, FLEXIBILITY. LEGAL SYSTEM AND LANGUAGE, AND GEOGRAPHY.
ON FLEXIBILITY, MR JAOCBS SAID HONG KONG HAD A SMALL AND COMPARATIVELY TIGHTLY ORGANISED ADMINISTRATION, WELL ABLE TO MOVE QUICKLY WHEN THE NEED AROSE.
♦WHEN THERE IS A SITUATION CALLING FOR A SWIFT RESPONSE THEN OUR MECHANISMS ARE UP TO THE TASK. IF REGULATIONS OR INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS NEED TO BE CHANGED IN RESPONSE TO MARKET DEVELOPMENTS, THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT DELAY AND WITHOUT STRUCTURAL DAMAGE.* HE SAID.
+OUR LAW IS BASED ON THE ENGLISH LEGAL SYSTEM ALTHOUGH WE HAVE OUR OWN STATUTES AND REGULATIONS TO SUIT OUR OWN ,REQUIREMENTS. NEVERTHELESS WE ARE TIED IN WITH THE THINKING OF OTHER COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT IN RELATION TO LONDON AND NEW YORK.
+OUR LANGUAGE OF BUSINESS LARGELY REMAINS ENGLISH. ENGLISH HAS BECOME THE INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE OF FINANCE AND COMMERCE AND ITS USE IN HONG KONG IS OF INESTIMABLE ADVANTAGE.
+AND, MOST IMPORTANT FOR THE FUTURE, THERE IS SPECIFIC PROVISION IN THE SINO-BRITISH DECLARATION FOR THE PRESERVATION OF BOTH THE LEGAL SYSTEM AND THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
♦THE LAST FACTOR, BUT NOT THE LEAST, IS GEOGRAPHY. OUR LOCATION ON THE COAST OF CHINA HAS LED TO NOTEWORTHY DEVELOPMENTS IN RELATION TO HONG KONG’S ROLE VIS A VIS THE MAINLAND.*
MR JACOBS SAID CHINA HAD RECENTLY MADE INCREASING USE OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR.
IN ADDITION TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS AND FINANCIAL INTERMEDIATION, HE ADDED, HONG KONG OBVIOUSLY HAD MUCH TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAINLAND IN RELATION TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF MANAGEMENT SKILLS, THE PROVISION OF EXPERTISE, AND THE PROMOTION OF TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
+1 BELIEVED THESE FOUR FACTORS THAT I HAVE MENTIONED WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE HONG KONG WELL INTO THE FUTURE, AND THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG 49 4 FINANCI41 rFNTRF W<LL CONTINUE,*
- - 0 -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
5
DA BAY REPORT PRESENTED TO LEGCO *****
TK GOVE "ODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED A DETAILED 103-PAGE REPORT ON S/::' TARIFF ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR
POWER STATION.
THE REPO.. < BEEN PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN RESPONSE TO AN OiRNMENT DEBATE ON THE SUBJECT ON OCTOBER 15.
DURING Tii •.'-'BATE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, UNDERTOOK TO PF 1 A PAPER GIVING DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS
REGARDING SAFE D TARIFF FOR THE PURCHASE OF ELECTRICITY FROM
THE DAYA BAY PLAN TOGETHER WITH SUCH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WHICH WOULD NOT BREACH COMMERCIAL CONFIDENTIALITY.
THE LEG IS COUNCIL ALSO ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN WHETHER OR NOT SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WOULD SUFFICIENTLY SAFEGUARD THE LONG TERM INTERFF'S OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
IN THE REPOR THE GOVERNMENT EMPHASISES THAT IT REMAINS CONFIDENT THAT THE DAYA BAY STATION WAS A SUITABLE SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY TO ME! HONG KONG’S FUTURE NEEDS AND THAT ALL INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT T DETERMINED TO ENSURE ITS SAFETY AND MAKE IT A SUCCESS.
IT CONCLUDED THAT FOR HONG KONG NOT TO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE PROJECT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A NUCLEAR POWER STATION AT DAYA BAY ABOUT W! '••! HONG KONG WOULD HAVE HAD LITTLE INFORMATION AND FROM WHICH WOULD HAVE DERIVED NO ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE.
THE REPORT ; , PRODUCES MORE THAN 20 PAGES OF DOCUMENTS FROM CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED (CLP) AND FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL CONSULTANTS ON THE PROJECT, LAZARD BROTHERS AND COMPANY LIMITED.
BUT, THE RE' f NOTED, CERTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE OVERALL ARRANGEMENTS, SH AS TAXATION AND PROFIT RATES, COULD NOT BE RELEASED AS I REGARDED AS BEING COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE OR CONSTITUTED CLASSIFIED STATE INFORMATION.
THE REPOR r TES THAT AFTER STUDYING CLP’S FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM ON ? LED COSTING OF COAL-FIRED AND NUCLEAR POWER OPTION IN MAY j.O'i'i, THE GOVERNMENT ASKED LAZARD BROTHERS TO REASSESS THE OPTIONS PRESENTED IN THE MEMORANDUM.
ALSO RE 0’ N THE REPORT ARE LAZARD BROTHERS’ GRAPHS WHICH ILLUSi !OUS SCENARIOS BASED ON LESS FAVOURABLE
CONDITIONS AND C^PARE THE NUCLEAR AND COAL-FIRED STATIONS. THE LAZARDS CO' ION ON EACH SCENARIO WAS THAT THE NUCLEAR OPTION WAS THE HOST ADVANTAGEOUS.
THE CON ONCLUSION ON TARIFFS WASi +THIS REASSESSMENT
OF THE COMPAQ OF ELECTRICITY CONFIRMS THERE HAS BEEN A
SIGNIFICANT IN EXPECTED BENEFITS TO CLP CONSUMERS ...+
/THE REPORT .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1?86
4
THE REPORT INDICATES THAT ON THE BASIS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS, AS ANALYSED BY LAZARDS. THE GOVERNMENT CONCLUDED, ON JANUARY 3, 1985, THAT IT WAS REASONABLE TO EXPECT THAT OVER THE LIFE OF THE PROJECT PURCHASING POWER FROM THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION AT DAYA BAY WOULD BE IN THE INTEREST OF CONSUMERS.
THE REPORT CONTINUES +ALTHOUGH THE FOSSIL FUEL PH ICES HAVE FALLEN SINCE THE PROJECT WAS APPROVED, OTHER IMPORTANT CHANGES HAVE ALSO TAKEN PLACE. PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT, BEARING IN MIND THE ENORMOUS BORROWINGS THAT ARE INVOLVED, IS THE'LOW INTEREIT RATES CURRENTLY PREVAILING. THE PRESENT EXPORT CREDIT IN INTEREST RATE FOR CHINA 1$ 7.4 PER CENT PER ANNUM WHICH IS SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER THAN THE ORIGINAL PLANNING FIGURE OF 10 PER CENT PER. ANNUM. THIS INTEREST RATE WILL BE FIXED FOR 21 YEARS ...
+THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE REMAINS CONFIDENT THAT THE DAYA BAY POWER STATION CONTINUED TO REPRESENT AN ATTRACTIVE SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY TO MEET HONG KONG’S FUTURE REQUIREMENTS,* THE REPORT SAID.
THE REPORT ALSO NOTES THE ACCURACY OF CLP’S FORECASTING IN PREDICTING FUTURE DEMANDS. DETAILED FORECASTS MADE IN 1977 FOR 1985 AND 1986 WERE ONLY 2.2 PER CENT AND 5.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY BELOW ACTUAL SALES. IN THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS, CLP EXPECTS MAXIMUM DEMAND TO GROW BETWEEN SEVEN AND NINE PER CENT PER ANNUM.
OTHER ASPECTS RELATING TO TARIFFS IN THE REPORT INCLUDE AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY TO HONG KONG, CLP’S LINKS WITH THE GUANGDONG POWER COMPANY, THE FINDINGS OF THE FEASIBILITY STUDY, ELECTRICITY DEMANDS, ALTERNATIVE METHODS IN MEETING FUTURE DEMANDS, THE STRUCTURE OF THE DAYA BAY PROJECT, ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SALE OF NUCLEAR ELECTRICITY, THE WAY IN WHICH TARIFFS ARE DETERMINED UNDER THE SCHEME OF CONTROL. AND THE TARIFF IMPACT OF THE DAYA BAY PROJECT.
IN THE FINAL +TARIFF+ CHAPTER UNDER +EVIDENCE FROM OTHER RECENT SOURCES*, THE REPORT REFERS TO A SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF LORDS WHICH CONCLUDED THAT NUCLEAR POWER WAS, IN ALMOST ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE CHEAPEST MEANS BY WHICH ELECTRICAL UTILITIES IN EUROPE WOULD BE ABLE TO GENERATE POWER IN THE FUTURE.
PART TWO OF THE REPORT DEALS WITH SAFETY ASPECTS RELATING TO THE STATION. ITS INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER STRESSES THAT ALTHOUGH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAS ABSOLUTE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PLANT’S SAFETY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS BEEN CONCERNED THAT THE HIGHEST SAFETY STANDARDS SHOULD BE ADOPTED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION AND SUBSEQUENT OPERATION OF THE POWER STATION. THE EVIDENCE AVAILABLE DEMONSTRATES THAT INSOO* AS SAFETY IS CONCERNED, ALL THE FUNDAMENTAL REQUIREMENTS THAT ARE GF IMPORTANCE (FOR EXAMPLE, SOUND DESIGN CONCEPT, A WELL ENGINEERED AND PROVEN DESIGN, HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION AND HIGH STANDARDS OF OPERATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH CAREFULLY PREPARED OPERATING RULES) ARE BEING ADDRESSED MOST CAREFULLY BY THOSE CONCERNED.
/ANOTHER SEVB<
MONDAY, N0VD4BER 10, 1986
- 5 -
ANOTHER SEVEN CHAPTERS OF THE REPORT ARE DEVOTED TO SAFETY ASPECTS OF THE STATION. THE REPORT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE DISTANCE OF THE SITE FROM HONG KONG IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE IN THE CONTEXT OF SAFETY.
UNDER SITE SELECTION IT LISTS A NUMBER OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS LESS THAN 50 KILOMETRES FROM CITIES WITH POPULATIONS BETWEEN 17.3 MILLION AND 1.2 MILLION.
IT ALSO STATES THAT STANDARDS USED BY THE UNITED STATES ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR FINAL SITE SELECTION AT DAYA BAY. AND IT ADDED THAT ASSISTANCE WAS ALSO GIVEN BY THE UK ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY AND THE CENTRAL ELECTRICITY GENERATING BOARD OF THE UK.
THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT THE PROJECT INVOLVES A TRANSFER TO CHINA OF THE LATEST WESTERN TECHNOLOGY. IT SAYSi + IN OPTING FOR FRENCH REACTORS, WITH THEIR EXCELLENT SAFETY RECORD, AND FRENCH ASSISTANCE IN A WIDE RANGE OF OTHER ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROJECT, CHINA HAS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED ITS CONCERN NOT ONLY TO OBTAIN EQUIPMENT OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, BUT ALSO TO OBTAIN THE BEST EXPERTISE AND ASSISTANCE.*
THERE IS A CHAPTER ON THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT. WHILE ADMITTING CHERNOBYL HAS BEEN THE WORST NUCLEAR ACCIDENT EVER TO HAVE OCCURRED AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE DAYA BAY PROJECT PRECEDED THE ACCIDENT, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT + IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, IT IS EXTREMELY PROBABLE THAT CHERNOBYL WILL HAVE NO DIRECT LESSONS FOR THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF WESTERN NUCLEAR POWER STATIONS OF THE TYPE TO BE SUPPLIED TO DAYA BAY. CHERNOBYL THEREFORE HAS NOT ALTERED THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW ON THE SAFETY OF THE DAYA BAY PLANT.*
CONTINGENCY PLANNING IS HIGHLIGHTED UNDER THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT. SUCH PLANNING INCLUDES BACKGROUND RADIATION MONITORING, CROSS BORDER LIAISON AND THE DRAWING UP OF DETAILED PLANS ON THE BASIS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS FROM HARWELL CONSULTANTS WHICH ARE EXPECTED AT THE END OF THIS YEAR. AN EXISTING INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP WILL BE SPECIFICALLY TASKED TO CONSIDER THE PREPARATION OF DETAILED CONTINGENCY PLANS.
THE GOVERNMENT SAYS IT ACCEPTS THAT IT HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO SATISFY ITSELF AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THAT THOSE INVOLVED IN BUILDING AND OPERATING THE PLANT MAINTAIN THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARDS I TO DEVISE CONTINGENCY PLANS? AND TO LAUNCH PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON NUCLEAR ENERGY IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY.
ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IT REITERATES THAT THE NEED FOR A PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME WAS RECOGNISED BY THE GOVERNMENT LONG BEFORE THE CHERNOBYL ACCIDENT.
/+IN 1985.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 19%
6
+IN 1985,+THE REPORT CONTINUES, +THE GOVERNMENT, AS PART OF THE HARWELL CONSULTANCY, SOUGHT EXPERT ADVICE IN THIS FIELD... MEANWHILE IT HAS BEEN AGREED WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THAT COVERAGE OF THE CONCEPT OF NUCLEAR ENERGY SHOULD ALSO BE STRENGTHENED IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM.+
DISCUSSION OF MANY OTHER SAFETY ASPECTS IS INCLUDED IN THE REPORT, INCLUDING STANDARDS IN THE DESIGN, CONSTRUCT I ON. OPERATION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE PLANT? TRAINING? SAFETY CONTROL* LEGCO FACT-FINDING DELEGATIONS AS WELL AS MISSIONS BY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS? AND INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY AND ASSISTANCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE ™E CONSTRAI NTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, ONLY ENGLISH COP’ES BUT COPIES IN CHINESE SHOULD BE
IN ISSUING THE REPORT WERE AVAILABLE TODAY, SHORTLY.
AVAILABLE VERY
-----0------
EPCOM BRIEFED ON BEACH WATER STUDY
*****
THE LINK BETWEEN POLLUTION AT BATHING BEACHES AND THE HEALTH OF SWIMMERS IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY MEDICINE.
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) WERE BRIEFED AT A MEETING TODAY (MONDAY) ON THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE STUDY IN WHICH 6 000 FAMILIES USING FOUR BEACHES DURING THE SUMMER WERE CONTACTED. AT THE SAME TIME, POLLUTION WAS MEASURED IN SEVERAL DIFFERENT WAYS.
PRELIMINARY RESULTS ARE THAT SICKNESS RATES AMONG SWIMMERS ARE LOW, BUT RATES OF EYE INFECTION ARE SOMEWHAT HIGHER.
THE STUDY WILL CONTINUE FOR TWO MORE YEARS TO GATHER ENOUGH MEASUREMENTS ON WHICH TO BASE FIRM CONCLUSIONS.
/ITS PURPOSE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
ITS PURPOSE IS TO OBTAIN A RELIABLE QUANTITATIVE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BEACH WATER QUALITY AND THE HEALTH OF SWIMMERS, BY CORRELATING BACTERIA COUNTS WHICH INDICATE SEWAGE POLLUTION WITH THE EXTRA CASES OF DISEASE WHICH MAY OCCUR IN SWIMMERS.
WHILE THE RESULTS SO FAR DO NOT SUGGEST THAT POLLUTION AT HONG KONG’S BEACHES IS CAUSING SIGNIFICANT LEVELS OF GASTROINTESTINAL SICKNESS, THE PRESENT CONTROL OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL NEAR TO BEACHES WAS CONSIDERED UNACCCEPTABLE BY MEMBERS OF EPCOM.
IT WAS POINTED OUT TO MEMBERS THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME IMPROVEMENTS AT REPULSE BAY, SHEK 0, STANLEY AND BUTTERFLY BEACHES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
MEMBERS EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR FURTHER VIGOROUS ACTION AND A MORE FUNDAMENTAL APPROACH TO THE MATTER.
THE MEETING ALSO EXAMINED IN DETAIL THE OUTCOME OF THE CONSULTATIONS WITH INDUSTRY ON THE DRAFT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE DRAFT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (SPECIFIED PROCESSES) REGULATIONS 1986.
SUBJECT TO A MINOR AMENDMENT, MEMBERS RECOMMENDED THAT the DRAFT BILL AND THE DRAFT REGULATIONS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE DRAFT REGULATIONS WILL CONTROL +SPECIFIED PROCESSES* WHICH CAUSE OFFENSIVE AND OBNOXIOUS EMISSIONS. EXISTING INDUSTRIES WILL BE OBLIGED TO REGISTER WITH THE EPD AND ANY NEW +SPECIFIED PROCESS* WILL REQUIRE A LICENCE.
ON THE ADVICE OF THE MEMBERS EARLIER THIS YEAR, AN EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION EXERCISE WAS CARRIED OUT IN COLLABORATION WITH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IN WHICH 33 REPRESENTATIVE INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS WERE INVITED TO COMMENT ON THE DRAFT BILL AND REGULATIONS. SIX WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS WERE RECEIVED.
MEMBERS LEARNED THAT THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE HONG KONG PHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD HAVE INDICATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION.
THE OTHER FOUR MAJOR ASSOCIATIONS (THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF TEXTILE BLEACHERS, DYERS, PRINTERS AND FINISHERS LTD),, DID RAISE SOME POINTS AND THESE HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN FINALISING THE PROPOSALS TO BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THE FIRST TWO AIR CONTROL ZONES (HARBOUR AND TSUEN WAN/KWAI CHUNG) WILL BE GAZETTED LATER THIS YEAR AND SHOULD EFFECTIVELY FOCUS EFFORTS AIMED AT REDUCING AIR POLLUTION LEVELS IN THESE AREAS.
/The arrangements
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
- 8
THE ARRANGEMENTS PUT IN HAND BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT FOR THE HANDLING OF POLLUTION COMPLAINTS WERE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING AS WAS THE STRATEGY THAT HAS NOW BEEN DEVELOPED FOR THE DISPOSAL OF THE TERRITORY’S GROWING QUANTITIES OF WASTE.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT ACTIVITIES TO MARK THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (WED) 1987 ARE PLANNED FOR MAY 17 TO JUNE 5, 1987 WITH THE CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS.
THE EPCOM WORKING GROUP ON WED HAS PLANNED A SERIES OF EVENTS TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AMONG THE PUBLIC IN HONG KONG.
-----0-----
FOUR NEW CUSTOMS LAUNCHES COMMISSIONED X K KO
THE PHASED PROGRAMME FOR REPLACING THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE’S 24-YEAR-OLD FLEET OF LAUNCHES CAME TO AN END TODAY (MONDAY) WITH ITS LAST BATCH OF FOUR LAUNCHES PUT INTO SERVICE.
SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION TO MARK THE COMMISSIONING THIS MORNING, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, SAID THE SERVICE NOW HAD A FLEET OF SIX LAUNCHES AS WELL AS FIVE INFLATABLE CRAFTS.
HE SAID THE NEW LAUNCHES WOULD GREATLY ENHANCE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THEIR MARINE OPERATIONS AGAINST THE SMUGGLING OF CONTRABAND WHICH JEOPARDISED THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND SECURITY OF THE COMMUNITY.
+OUR SECTOR PATROLS CAN NOW BE MAINTAINED AROUND THE CLOCK AND SHOULD PROVIDE A REASONABLE DETERRENT AGAINST THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF NARCOTICS, DUTIABLE COMMODITIES, FIREARMS, UNMANIFESTED CARGO AND OTHER PROHIBITED GOODS BY SEA.
+BUT WE WILL NEED TO SEEK ADDITIONAL LAUNCHES IN FUTURE TO PROVIDE A FULLER COVERAGE OF HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL WATERS IN ORDER TO PREVENT AND SUPPRESS SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES BY SEA.+ HE ADDED.
TODAY’S ADDITIONS INCLUDE THREE +DAMEN+ SECTOR LAUNCHES, BUILT LOCALLY AT A COST OF ABOUT S7.2 MILLION EACH, AND A HARBOUR LAUNCH.
/TOGETHER WITH
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
9
TOGETHER WITH THE INFLATABLES, THE SECTOR LAUNCHES ARE USED FOR PATROLS OF TERRITORIAL WATERS, INTERCEPTING AND SEARCHING FISHING VESSELS AND CARRYING OUT +STRIKE AND SEARCH* OPERATIONS ON THE OUTER ISLANDS FOR THE PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION OF ILLICIT TRAFFICKING IN NARCOTIC DRUGS AND OTHER SMUGGLING ACTIVITIES.
THE HABOUR LAUNCHES ARE USED TO CONVEY PERSONNEL TO VARIOUS VESSELS MOORED IN THE HABOUR TO CARRY OUT SHIP RUMMAGING AMD CARGO EXAMINATION FOR ANTI-SMUGGLI NG, ANTI-NARCOTICS AND REVENUE PROTECTION PURPOSES.
--------0 ---------
MAIL DAMAGED IN POST BOX FIRE *****
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT AS A RESULT OF A FIRE INSIDE THE POSTING BOX OUTSIDE NATIONAL COURT AT 240-252 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, ABOUT 4 AM YESTERDAY (NOVEMBER 9), A NUMBER OF THE ITEMS POSTED BETWEEN 4 PM ON NOVEMBER 8 AND 4 AM ON NOVEMBER 9 WERE SERIOUSLY DAMAGED OR DESTROYED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO POSTED LETTERS AT THE POSTING BOX CONCERNED DURING THAT PERIOD AND ARE IN DOUBT OVER THE FATE OF THEIR CORRESPONDENCE ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE ASSISTANT CONTROLLER OF POSTS (INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE) ON 3-339111 EXT. 241
> ------0-------
CIVIC EDUCATION YOUTH PIONEER PROJECT FOR KWUN TONG *****
YOUNG PEOPLE IN KWUN TONG OVER 18 ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE +KWUN TONG CIVIC EDUCATION YOUTH PIONEER PROJECT* TO BE HELD AT THE END OF THIS MONTH UNTIL FEBRUARY 1987.
THE PROJECT IS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MRS WINNIE POON, SAID THE AIM OF THE PROJECT WAS TO ALLOW YOUNG PEOPLE TO LEARN ABOUT THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
+BY TAKING PART IN A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, PARTICIPANTS WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT, THEY AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS*.
/DURING THE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
DURING THE THREE MONTHS THEY WILL ATTEND TALKS, SEMINARS, GROUP DISCUSSION, AS WELL AS TAKING PART IN TRAINING CAMP, SITE VISITS AND PROJECT WORKS.
TOPICS OF TALKS WILL BE ON +THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF CITIZEN*, +THE IMPORTANCE OF DISTRICT BOARD IN DISTRICT ADMINI STRATI0N+, AND +WAYS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION* AND SO ON.
APPLICATION FORMS TO JOIN THE PROJECT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS NOVEMBER 15.
A TOTAL OF 40 PARTICIPANTS WILL BE SELECTED FOR THE PIONEER PROJECT AND APPLICANTS MAY BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW. ENQUIRIES COULD BE MADE ON 3-7502325.
- _ o -
SAFETY HANDOUTS FOR FUR PROCESSING WORKERS
M K X K X
A LEAFLET AND A GUIDANCE NOTE ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO WORKERS AND MANAGEMENT ENGAGED IN FUR AND LEATHER PROCESSING TO PROVIDE THEM WITH ESSENTIAL SAFETY INFORMATION ON DANGEROUS CHEMICALS.
PRODUCED BY THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE PUBLICATIONS IDENTIFY THE RISKS CREATED BY CERTAIN CHEMICALS AND SUGGEST BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO DEAL WITH SUCH RISKS.
THE PICTORIAL LEAFLET FOR WORKERS GIVES A NUMBER OF SAFETY HINTS AS WELL AS THE ’DOS’ AND ’DONTS’ WHEN HANDLING TOXIC SUBSTANCES.
THE GUIDANCE NOTE FOR MANAGEMENT OUTLINES IN GREATER DETAILS THE EFFECTS OF VARIOUS TYPES OF CHEMICALS AND WHAT THEY SHOULD DO TO PROTECT THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF WORKERS.
♦ THE CHEMICALS LISTED IN THE GUIDANCE NOTE ONLY SERVE TO ILLUSTRATE THE POTENTIAL RISKS THAT MAY BE INVOLVED AND THE CORRESPONDING BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED,* A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO REDUCE OR ELIMINATE RISKS, HE STRESSED, THE MANAGEMENT MUST TAKE THE FOLLOWING FUNDAMENTAL STEPSi
/*■ IDENTIFY THE
MONDAY, NOVQfBER 10, 1986
11
* IDENTIFY THE CHEMICALS USED WITH THE HELP OF THE SUPPLIERS OR AGENTS;
X CLASSIFY AND LABEL THE CHEMICALS SO THAT THEIR NAMES, THE ASSOCIATED RISKS AND BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED;
X ADOPT THE BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS; AND
X PASS ALL THE RELEVANT SAFETY INFORMATION TO THE WORKERS WHO HANDLE CHEMICALS.
APART FROM CHEMICALS, THE TWO PUBLICATIONS ALSO CALLED FOR PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO BE PAID TO VARIOUS TYPES OF MACHINERIES USED IN FUR PROCESSING FACTORIES INCLUDING MATERIAL LIFTING APPLIANCES.
IN ADDITION, RECOMMENDATIONS ARE ALSO GIVEN ON THE PROPER MAINTENANCE OF WORK FLOOR, HOUSE-KEEPING AND FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE LOCAL FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
-------0----------
STUDENTS EXPRESS VIEWS ON YOUTH POLICY
X X X X X
A??UT 30 P0ST SECONDARY STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES ATTENDED AN INFORMAL GATHERING WITH MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH ^SATURDAY T° TALK AB°UT THEIR EXPERIENCE aSd VIEWS ON YOUTH iULIG|to,
THE GATHERING WAS PART OF THE COMMITTEE’S ACTIVITIES TO LI«5TFN TO FIRST-HAND VIEWS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ON THEIR OWN NEEDS THE n.AT^R!^G’ IN THE F0RM 0F QUESTIONING AND GROUP DISCUSSION TOOK PLACE AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC CAMPUS. ’
/THE COMMITTEE, .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1^86
12
THE COMMITTEE, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS ROSANNA TAM, WAS SET UP TO EXAMINE THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE YOUTH POLICY AND TO PROMOTE YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
SPEAKING BEFORE THE DISCUSSION BEGAN, MRS TAM SAID IT WAS TIME FOR THE COMMITTEE TO ABSORB MORE PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT BEFORE MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT.
THE PARTICIPANTS, MOSTLY OFFICE-BEARERS OF POST SECONDARY INSTITUTION’S STUDENT UNIONS OR YOUTH ORGANISATIONS, SPOKE ON VARIOUS TOPICS SUCH AS THE INTERESTS OF TODAY’S YOUNG PEOPLE, THEIR CONCERNS AS WELL AS ASPIRATIONS.
DURING DISCUSSION SESSIONS, THEY WERE FORTHCOMING IN RELATING THEIR EXPERIENCE AND DIFFICULTIES IN ORGANISING AND MOBILISING YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN ACTIVITIES TO THE COMMITTEE.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS TAKING PART IN THE GATHERING INCLUDED CHAIRMEN OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROMOTION COMMITTEE AND SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, MR NG SHUI-LAI, AND MR PETER LEE SHUNG-TAK, MR YOUNG TZE-KONG, DR AGNES NG AND MR KOK KA-MING AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
MOST SPEAKERS EXPRESSED CONCERN ON A GENERAL LACK OF ENTHUSIASM IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE REQUIRING EFFORTS AND COMMITMENT, AMONG STUDENTS STUDYING AT POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES.
ROUNDING UP THE GATHERING, MRS TAM ENCOURGED STUDENTS TO CONTINUE THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN YOUTH ACTIVITIES WHILE SHE WOULD LIKE TO SEE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE NEED FOR AN ALL-ROUND EDUCATION AND A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE FOR HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE.
+YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD BE MORE READY TO TAKE UP RESPONSIBILITY AND TO COMMIT THEMSELVES TO PROMOTING THE INTEREST OF OTHERS AND THE COMMUNITY,* SHE SAID.
+ THE FUTURE IS IN THEIR HANDS AND WHAT THEY WILL BECOME WILL DETERMINE FOR THE MOST PART WHAT OUR SOCIETY WILL BE,* SHE CONCLUDED.
- 0 - -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
15
PROJECTIONS ALONG LRT ROUTE TO BE REMOVED
X X X **
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO REMOVE PROJECTIONS OR OBSTRUCTIONS ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN YUEN LONG IN CONNECTION WITH THE FORMATION OF A LIGHT RAIL RESERVE ON THE TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG CORRIDOR.
TO ACCOMMODATE THE LRT, WHICH WILL RUN DOWN THE MIDDLE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THE ROAD IS BEING PUSHED OUT ON EACH SIDE WHILE THE FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES WILL BE REDUCED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
A NUMBER OF SERVICE BAYS WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
OBSTRUCTIONS AND PROJECTIONS PUT UP RECENTLY HAVE TO BE REMOVED TO MAKE WAY FOR THE WORK.
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE LRT WILL LINK TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG. COMPRISING 23 KILOMETRES OF DOUBLE TRACK. WORK STARTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1988.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED REMOVAL SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JANUARY 6.
-------o ---------
BRIEFING ON CONTRACT TENDERING *****
a OR LANDS AND WORKS. MR GRAHAM BARNEY Will uni n
KM® &»JECT ” ““
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING.
------0--------
/14.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
1U
BILINGUAL GLOSSARIES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL COMPILED
*****
TO FACILITATE THE WIDER USE OF CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS COMPILED A SET OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE GLOSSARIES OF TERMS COMMONLY USED IN THE TEACHING OF 19 SUBJECTS.
THE BILINGUAL GLOSSARIES, FOR ISSUE TO SCHOOLS, PROVIDE TRANSLATIONS OF ENGLISH TERMS USED IN THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS, COMPUTER STUDIES, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY, BIOLOGY, HUMAN BIOLOGY, SCIENCE, HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, SOCIAL STUDIES, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, ECONOMICS, RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (CHRISTIAN), ART AND DESIGN, HOME ECONOMICS, MUSIC, PHYSICAL EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SUBJECTS AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID COMMENTS ON THE GLOSSARIES WERE WELCOME FROM THE TEACHING PROFESSION AS THESE PUBLICATIONS WERE PRODUCED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AS A FIRST DRAFT.
ALL COMMENTS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE PRINCIPAL CURRICULUM PLANNING OFFICER (SECONDARY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, FIFTH FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE BILINGUAL GLOSSARIES, THE DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF COURSES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS STARTING EARLY NEXT YEAR.
- 0 -
USE OF CHINESE COURSES FOR TEACHERS
* * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF COURSES ON THE USE OF CHINESE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF SUBJECTS OTHER THAN CHINESE, CHINESE HISTORY AND ENGLISH STARTING FEBRUARY 18.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE COURSES IS TO ENHANCE THE ORAL AND WRITTEN SKILLS OF THOSE TEACHING SPECIAL SUBJECTS IN CHINESE.
THE COURSES ALSO AIM TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE USE OF BILINGUAL GLOSSARIES AND TO PROVIDE THEM WITH INFORMATION ON REFERENCE AND SUPPLEMENTARY READING MATERIALS IN CHINESE.
/ONE OF
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
- 15 -
ONE OF THE COURSES WILL BE ON INTEGRATED SCIENCE, PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY AND OTHER ON HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, ECONOMICS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL STUDIES.
THEY WILL BE HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 18 AND JUNE 27 AT THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSES AND NOMINATIONS SHOULD REACH THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, BY DECEMBER 16.
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EVENT-PACKED FESTIVAL FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS
I * * H X
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT WILL HOLD ITS THIRD DISTRICT FESTIVAL FROM NOVEMBER 16 TO 30, PROVIDING MORE THAN 30 RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL AND ARTS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL TODAY (MONDAY), WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK. SAID THE EVENT-PACKED FORTNIGHT WOULD BE A MAJOR COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT AIMED AT ENHANCING THE SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL IS +T0 BUILD A BEAUTIFUL WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT*.
CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG, SAID THE FESTIVAL WOULD FEATURE A VAST VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES THAT CATERED TO EVERY AGE AND TASTE.
THERE WOULD BE VARIETY SHOWS, CONCRETS, EXHIBITIONS, DEBATE, CANTONESE OPERA, MOVIES, ROUND-THE-DI STR I CT RACE, CAMPS, FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL COMPETITIONS DURING THE FESTIVAL.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WOULD BE HELD AT 12.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 16 AT MORSE PARK, AND THIS WOULD BE FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW WITH DRAGON AND LION DANCES AND RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS PERFORMED BY 300 SCHOOL CHILDREN.
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/16........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
- 16 -
ELDERLY INVITED TO JOIN COOKING CONTEST K K H K K
ELDERLY PEOPLE IN KOWLOON CITY ARE INVITED TO COMPETE IN A COOKING CONTEST TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILL AND TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCE.
THE CONTEST, LIMITED TO 20 TEAMS, IS OPEN TO AMATEURS ONLY. EACH TEAM SHOULD HAVE TWO MEMBERS AND WITH ONE AGED 60 OR OVER.
THEY ARE REQUIRED TO PREPARE A HOT POT DISH - A FAVOURITE IN WINTER - AT A COST OF NOT MORE THAN $40. THE MONEY WILL BE REIMBURSED AFTER THE COMPETITION.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE JUDGED ON THEIR COOKING SKILL, RECIPE DESIGN, TASTE, TIDINESS AND TEAM CO-OPERATION.
GIFT COUPONS OF $250 TO $700 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE PRESENTED TO ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS.
THE CONTEST IS SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS DECEMBER 12 AND ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE IN BULKERLEY STREET, HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE IN HO MAN TIN ESTATE AND THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB AT 42 SHING TAK STREET.
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WAN CHAI TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING *****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD.
MEMBERS WILL RAISE QUESTIONS REGARDING THE LOCATION OF PARKING METERS, TRAFFIC FLOW AT LEE TUNG STREET, AND PROBLEMS CAUSED BY A GREEN MINIBUS STAND AT LEE GARDEN ROAD.
/THE CLOSING .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
17 -
THE CLOSING CEREMONY ON NOVEMBER 29 AT THE TSZ WAN SHAN CENTRAL PLAYGROUND WOULD BE MADE INTO A ONE-HOUR PROGRAMME AND BROADCAST ON TVB JADE THE NEXT DAY.
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL WOULD BE A ROUND-THE-DISTRICT RACE WHICH WOULD ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO GET AQUAINTED WITH THE DISTRICT WHILE TRYING OUT THEIR PHYSICAL STAMINA.
THE FESTIVAL WOULD ALSO FEATURE PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION, INCLUDING A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION OF CARTOONS AND STORIES ABOUT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE EXHIBITION WOULD BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMERCIAL CENTRE FROM NOVEMBER 28.
+A SONG SPECIALLY COMPOSED FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND SUNG BY THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR CAN BE HEARD THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL PERIOD,* MR FUNG SAID.
+T0 AROUSE MORE INTEREST AND AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS, A BUS PARADE WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15 TO PUBLICISE THE PROGRAMMES OF THE FORTNIGHT.
+AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL JOIN THE PUBLICITY TEAM IN THIS PROMOTION EXERCISE,* HE SAID.
MR FUNG SAID THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN MARCH THIS YEAR AND SIX WORKING GROUPS WERE FORMED TO TAKE CHARGE OF ARTS, SPORTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, PUBLICITY, AND THE PRODUCTION OF A COMMEMORATIVE PUBLICATION.
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG, SAID THE FESTIVAL COST ABOUT $800 000, OF WHICH $300 000 WAS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, WITH THE REST DONATED BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THE SIK SIK YUEN.
PAMPHLETS CONTAINING A FULL PROGRAMME OF THE FESTIVAL ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-7572510.
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL.
/THEY WILL .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
- 18 -
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED SIGNALISED CROSSING AT THE JUNCTION OF KAI CHIU ROAD AND YUN PING ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING.
------0-------
SOUTHERN DISTRICT GETS READY FOR FESTIVAL * * * * *
COLOURFUL BANNERS AND BUNTINGS ARE BEING PUT UP IN MAJOR THOROUGHFARES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 22 AND DECEMBER 7.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID MORE THAN 170 ATTRACTIVE PINK AND YELLOW BUNTINGS BEARING THE FESTIVAL LOGO WILL BE PUT UP ON LAMP-POSTS ALONG MAJOR ROADS, CONCOURSES AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES TO CREATE A FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE.
MANY BANNERS TO PUBLICISE THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES OF THE HALF-MONTH FESTIVAL ARE ALSO BEING MOUNTED ON STREETSIDE RAILINGS.
MORE THAN 8 000 POSTERS AND 50 000 LEAFLETS HAVE BEEN PRINTED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SCHOOLS.
THE LEAFLETS GIVING DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL’S PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE NEXT WEEK AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN WAH FU AND STANLEY.
AS CIVIC EDUCATION IS THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL, A BROADCAST VAN PLAYING THE CIVIC EDUCATION THEME REVELATION OF A CLAM+ WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGE IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.
SONG +THE SPREAD THE
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/19
19
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
TSUEN WAN PLANS TO HOLD DISTRICT FESTIVAL
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE WILL TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EXAMINE PROPOSALS TO STAGE A DISTRICT FESTIVAL IN JANUARY.
THEY WILL CONSIDER THE SUGGESTED PROGRAMMES AND BUDGET.
REPORTS ON THE PROGRESS OF THE ART NURTURE SCHEME WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE FUNDS FOR STAGING A CHRISTMAS DISCO NIGHT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN. tot ---------------------------------0 ------
TO KWA WAN WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 13) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY LOK SHAN ROAD, TO KWA WAN ROAD, CHI KIANG STREET AND KOWLOON CITY R°AD, INCLUDING HA HEUNG ROAD, LAI WA STREET, MEI WA STREET AND SZE CHUEN STREET.
_-------0----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 64.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 377.406 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
this TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 440.255 MILLION CUBIC SeTRES OF JaTeJ.ReJrESENTINC 75.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, N0VEUB2R 11, 1?86
CONTENTS PAGE KO,
CO1TTBUINC EVOLUTION 0? G0V1B1IIUKT SYST3I FUNDAMENTAL...... 1
APPROVAL SOUGHT FOR ITT HOUSING ESTATE LOAN..................... 2
PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OP AUGUST EXTERNAL TRADE ............... 4
EXPORT LICENCE TO FINLAND SUSPECTED ............................ 9
BUSY SESSION FOR LEGCO TOMORROW................................. 9
BALANCED DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENTS STRESSED .................... 10
QM HOSPITAL QUARTERS TO BE EXPIEDED ........................... 10
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST ................... 11
MANPOWER SURVEY ON FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY BEGINS ................... 12
OUTDOOR SHO iS TO SUTPLEENT CAR .ERS EXHIBITION................ 13
CLEAN-UP BUTZ YIELDS MOUNTAIN OF RUUSE ........................ 14
SHA TIN REGISTRY ON THE HOVE................................... 14
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR RECREATION At® SPORTS ........................ 15
YUEN LONG COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS JSEA............................ 15
C0KUTT3E TO DISCUSS SERVICES FOR ELDERLY....................... 16
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSZ WAN SHAN FOR RESUR.ACING WORK........ 16
SHEUITG SHUI .-.ATER CUT
17
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1936
1
CONTINUING EVOLUTION OF GOVERNMENT SYSTEM FUNDAMENTAL KOKX
THE GRADUAL AND CONTINUING EVOLUTION OF A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT FIRMLY ROOTED IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTATIVE OF ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, IS FUNDAMENTAL, THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, MR ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 17TH WORLD CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FINANCIAL EXECUTIVES INSTITUTES, MR SCOTT SAID IT WAS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG MUST HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THEMSELVES, AND IN THEIR ABILITY TO GRASP AND TO MANAGE THEIR OWN FUTURE.
+FOR HISTORICAL REASONS, HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE PERHAPS NOT WISHED, AND HAVE NOT BEEN ENCOURAGED TO COME OF AGE POLITICALLY UNTIL QUITE RECENTLY’ riUT THERE ARE CLEAR SIGNS THAT THE PROCESS IS MOVING SATISFACTORILY,* HE SAID.
MR SCOTT SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD NOT FEAR, OR DISTRUST, THIS NEW CLIMATE OF POLITICAL AND CIVIC AWARENESS.
+RATHER, IT SHOULD BE WELCOME AS EVIDENCE AND AN ASSURANCE THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PRODUCE THOSE MEN AND WOMEN OF ABILITY AND DEDICATION TO THE COMMUNITY, WHICH IT WILL ALWAYS NEED,* HE SAID.
QUOTING EDMUND BURKE, THE PHILOSOPHER, WHO WROTE OVER 2OO YEARS AGO THAT +YOU CAN NEVER PLAN THE FUTURE BY THE PAST*, MR SCOTT POINTED OUT THAT BURKE WAS RIGHT IN THE SENSE THAT WHAT COULD HAVE TURNED OUT TO BE THE RIGHT FORMULA, IN ONE PLACE, AT ONE TIME, WAS NOT AUTOMATICALLY RIGHT FOR ANOTHER PLACE AND ANOTHER TIME.
+AND THIS IS WHY IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS, HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST INDICATE THEIR PREFERENCE FOR AND DEVELOP, THE SYSTEM WHICH WILL WORK BEST FOR THEM,* HE ADDED.
+MEANWHILE, WHETHER OR NOT ONE CAN PLAN THE FUTURE BY THE PAST, A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT MUST PLAN FOR THE FUTURE WITH ALL THE WISDOM AND RESOURCES IT CAN COMMAND,* HE SAID.
MR SCOTT POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD LIVED WITH THE UNCERTAINTY OF 1997 FOR MANY YEARS, AND ITS PLANNING HAD FOR YEARS EXTENDED UP TO AND BEYOND THAT DATE.
+LOOK AT THE ENORMOUS INVESTMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE AREA OF HONG KONG LEASED TO 1997 ’ LOOK AT THE CREATION OF THE NEW TOWNS, LOOK AT OUR RESERVOIRS AND OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.
/+BY THE........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
- 2 -
+ BY THE YEAR 2000, SOME THREE MILLION PEOPLE: NEARLY A HALF OF OUR POPULATION, WILL BE LIVING iN NEW TOWNS CREATED TO PROVIDE A FULL BASIS FOR A HEALTHY AND FULFILLING LIFE.
+BY THE YEAR 2000, THE HOUSING PROGRAMME WILL HAVE MET THE ENORMOUS DEMAND FOR NEW FLATS FOR THE POPULATION. BY THEN, THE EMPHASIS WILL BE ON PROVIDING FLATS FOR SALES RATHER THAN FOR LOW RENT,* HE SAID.
ON THE PLANNING SIDE, MR SCOTT SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN LARGE AND DETAILED STUDIES INTO FUTURE LAND REQUIREMENTS, TO MEET THE COMPETING DEMANDS OF THE 21ST CENTURY.
+WE SHALL SEE FURTHER MAJOR RECLAMATIONS OF LAND FROM THE SEA? FURTHER EXPANSION OF OUR PORT FACILITIES, OF THE TRANSPORT NETWORK, AND OF AMENITIES IN THE DENSELY POPULATED OLDER URBAN AREAS.+
IN THE YEAR 2000, HE SAID, HONG KONG WOULD BE SERVED BY A TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD, WHICH WOULD BE SECOND TO NONE, AND HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD NE BETTER HOUSED AND HAVE BETTER EDUCATION AND MEDICAL AND WELFARE SER.ICES THAN EVER BEFORE.
' +BUT MOST IMPORTANT THE FUNDAMENTAL QUALITIES OF LIFE WILL REMAIN, IN PARTICULAR HONG KONG PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO ENJOY THE FREEDOMS AND THE WAY OF LIFE TO WHICH THEY HAVE GROWN ACCUSTOMED - FREEDOM TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES, FREEDOM TO TRAVEL, FREEDOM TO PURSUE WHATEVER CAREER OR BUSINESS ENTERPRISE THEIR DESIRES AND ABILITIES MAY LEAD THEM T0,+ HE SAID.
MR SCOTT SAID HE BELIEVED THAT IN THE YEAR 2000, HONG KONG WOULD BE VERY MUCH WHAT IT IS TODAY: A DYNAMIC SOCIETY, BUILT ON THE STRONG FOUNDATIONS OF A STABLE GOVERNMENT AND A PROSPEROUS ECONOMY, A MAGNET FOR AMBITIOUS AND TALENTED PEOPLE BOTH WITHIN HONG KONG AND FROM MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD.
+ l PREDICT THAT IN THE YEAR 2000, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL BE TAKING THE CHALLENGES OF THE 21ST CENTURY, COMFORTABLY IN THEIR STRIDE,* HE SAID.
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APPROVAL SOUGHT FOR NT HOUSING ESTATE LOAN O O If
(WEDNESDAY)
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW
TO APPROVE A NEW ALLOCATION OF $110.5 MILLION FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AS LOAN TO THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING (RPH) ESTATE AT SHA TAU KOK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
OVER HALF OF THE SHA TAU KOK TOWN’S 5 500 POPULATION LIVE IN TWO SQUATTER AREAS AT YIM LIU HA AND TSOI YUEN KOK.
/THE GOVERNMENT
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO REDEVELOP THE TOWNSHIP AND CLEAR THE EXISITING SQUATTER AREAS, WHICH ARE CROWDED, INSANITARY AND VULNERABLE TO TYPHOONS AND FIRE.
THE PROPOSED RPH ESTATE WILL COMPRISE BLOCKS OF FOUR TO SIX STOREYS HIGH, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF ABOUT 674 DOMESTIC UNITS TO ACCOMMODATE UP TO 3 900 PERSONS.
RPH IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES AND TO COMPLEMENT ITS URBAN PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME. IT IS UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY.
THE PROGRAMME AIMS TO MEET THE DEMAND FROM PEOPLE IN REMOTE AREAS FOR IMPROVED HOUSING CONDITIONS, WHILE PRESERVING THE STRUCTURE OF THE EXISTING COMMUNITY BY REHOUSING ALL THE CLEAREES TOGETHER.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AREj
* AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT OF $1 900 000 TO MEET THE COST
OF PROVIDING PHASE IX OF A MICROWAVE RADIO TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE’
* A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF >10.2 MILLION FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT’S HIRING OF SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL FEES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR’
* MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH IN PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ;
X AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT OF $5 376 000 TO ENABLE THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE SECTION IN HONG KONG (EDUCATION) LTD. TO BUILD AND EQUIP A NEW PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AT TSUEN WAN 5
X CAPITAL GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR CONSTRUCTING
A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME AT SAM TIP TAM, TSUEN WAN 5 ESTABLISHING A CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRE WITH STUDY CUM READING ROOM AT KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) REDEVELOPMENT estate; and establishing a multi-service centre for the ELDERLY AT TSUI PING ROAD’
X ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONTINGENT LIABILITY OF >919 417 000
IN RESPECT OF A PROJECT TO BE DEVELOPED UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AT CHUK YUEN WEST’
* A REVISION OF THE RATES OF PAY FOR PART-TIME TEACHING AND SUPERVISORY STAFF EMPLOYED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO RUN EVENING COURSES’
/* A COMMIWtKT........
TUESDAY, NOVBXBER 11, 1986
* A COMMITMENT OF S3 740 000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE GEOSTATIONARY METEOROLOGICAL SATELLITE GROUND RECEPTION SYSTEM; AND
* CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986-87 IN PURSUANCE OF SECTION 8 OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE.
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PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF AUGUST EXTERNAL TRADE
X * X * *
STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY 12 PER CENT IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1986 AS COMPARED HTH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT. HENCE, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 8 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
IMPORTS INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS PRICES INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT.
PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 5 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 3 PER CENT.
COMPARING AUGUST 1986 WITH AUGUST 1985, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HENCE, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 20 PER CENT IN VOLUME. IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT. IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 7 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. THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
/EXTENDING THE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 190b
5
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1986 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1985, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT, THUS GIVING AN INCREASE OF 6 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT. IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 2 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR AUGUST 1986 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1 WHICH HAS BEEN SENT TOGETHER WITH TWO OTHER TABLES BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND ALSO BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF SOME COMMODITY GROUPS FELL IN AUGUST 1986 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985. THESE INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-9 PER CENT)5 RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-8 PER CENT) 5 ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-4 PER CENT)’ METAL MANUFACTURES (-3 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-3 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-2 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED FOR WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+11 PER CENT)! TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+7 PER CENT)? TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+6 PER CENT) AS WELL AS CLOTHING (+3 PER CENT). THE PRICES OF TEXTILE FABRICS AND FOOTWEAR REMAINED UNCHANGED.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN AUGUST 1986 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985, INCLUDING TEXTILE FABRICS (+57 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+37 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+26 PER CENT) 5 METAL MANUFACTURES (+22 PER CENT)? CLOTHING (+22 PER CENT)? TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+12 PER CENT) 5 WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+11 PER CENT) AS WELL AS FOOTWEAR (+8 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-33 PER CENT)! ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-7 PER CENT)’ TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-6 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-1 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR AUGUST 1986 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS SHOWN IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN AUGUST 1986 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985, RANGING FROM 2 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 20 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS DROPPED BY 44 PER CENT.
/MANY OF........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
6
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED IN VOLUME IN AUGUST 1986 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS’ SUGAR? SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD? RICE AS WELL AS VEGETABLES. HOWEVER, NOTABLE DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR AS WELL AS TEA AND COFFEE.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MANY CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING CLOTHING? RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS AS WELL AS WATCHES. HOWEVER, NOTABLE DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AS WELL AS CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES INCREASED IN AUGUST 1986 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985. THE MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS? MAN-MADE FIBRES! DYEING, TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIALS? CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS 5 THERMIONIC, CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS AS WELL AS WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES AS WELL AS WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME IN AUGUST 1986 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITIES DECREASED IN AUGUST 1986 WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985, THE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT’ CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY AS WELL AS OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY. AN INCREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR AUGUST 1986 AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN AUGUST 1986 WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1985, RANGING FROM 9 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 148 PER CENT FOR FUELS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS DECREASED BY 21 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE AUGUST 1986 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS* AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE TOMORROW AT $2.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG, ON 5-214375 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-444584.
/Table 1.........
7
TUESDAY, N0VD1BER 11, 1986
Increases in domestic exports
by commodity group
Table 1:
Commodity group Comparing Jan-Aug 1986 Comparing Aug 1986 with Aug 1985
Value % with Jan-Aug 1985
Unit Value Volume Value % Unit Value % Volume %
% %
Clothing 14 * 14 25 3 22
Textile fabrics 36 -3 40 56 * 57
Textile yarn and thread 19 -2 21 9 -2 12
Textile made-ups and related articles 7 1 6 7 7 -1
Radios of all kinds 2 -10 14 16 -8 26
Electronic components -1 3 -4 -10 -4 -7
Footwear 15 1 14 8 * 8
Metal manufactures 11 -1 12 18 -3 22
Metal ores and scrap -36 -6 -32 -39 -9 -33
Watches and clocks 26 6 19 23 11 11
Travel goods, handbags and similar articles -6 7 -11 -1 6 -6
Domestic electrical appliances -6 -7 1 33 -3 37
ALL COMMODITIES 12 1 12 23 1 22
Note:
* Insignificant, i.e. less than 0.5%
/Table 2: .......
8
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
Table 2: Increases in imports by end-use category
End-use category Comparing Jan-Aug 1986 with Jan-Aug 1985 Comparing Aug 1986 with Aug 1985
Value % Unit Value Volume Value % Unit Value % Volume %
% %
Foodstuffs 14 -1 16 12 2 10
Consumer goods 22 10 11 37 12 22
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 18 2 15 29 5 23
Fuels -19 -30 16 -35 -44 16
Capital goods -2 16 -16 8 20 -10
ALL COMMODITIES 13 5 9 23 7 15
Table 3: Increases in re-exports by end -use category
Comparing Jan-Aug with Jan-Aug 1986 1985 Comparing with Aug Aug 1986 1985
End-use category Value % Unit Value Volume % % Value % Unit Value % Volume %
Foodstuffs 32 1 30 21 3 17
Consumer goods 16 3 12 51 5 44
Raw materials and semi-manufactures 6 -3 10 7 -2 9
Fuels 73 -30 149 52 -39 148
Capital goods -23 10 -30 -11 13 -21
ALL COMMODITIES 5 2 4 21 3 17
■0 • - 0
/9........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
YP1PT LICENCE TO FINLAND SUSPENDED * * * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM FINLAND TO CONSULT ON HONG KONG’S EXPORTS ON COTTON, WOVEN TROUSERS FOR MEN, BOYS, W'lMFN AND GIRLS.
THE CONSULTATi )n WILL TAKF PLACE IN HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 14).
PENDING THE OUTCOME K THE CONSULTATION, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ACCEPTANCE OF LICENCE APPLICATION OP THIS ITEM rROM 8.45 AM TOMORROW.
BUS* SESSION FOR LEGCO TOMORROW * * * * *
THREE BILLS, TWO MOTIONS AND 11 QUESTIONS WILL BE AMONG MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TWO OF THE THREE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THESE ARF THE PENALTIES FOR PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY BY UNREGISTERED PERSONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1986 AND THE ANTIBIOTICS (AMENDMENTS) BILL 1986.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) RILL 1986.
TWO MOTIONS WILL ALS' RE INTRODUCED. ONE, SEEKING TO AMEND THE FIRST SCHFDULE TO THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION ORDINANCE, WILL BE MOVED BY THE CHIFF SECRETARY, WHILE THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS 1986 WILL BF MOVFD «Y THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL ALSO BE AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE +CARE AND SERVICES FOR THC rLDERLY+.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
10
BALANCED DEVELOPMENT FOR STUDENTS STRESSED
X * * *
STUDENTS SHOULD NOT ONLY STUDY HARD BUT PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES TO ACHIEVE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SIXTH ANNUAL PARADE OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM, MR LEUNG SAID SCHOOL CHILDREN MUST DEVELOP THEMSELVES TO BE GOOD CITIZENS AND CONTRIBUTE CONSTRUCTIVELY TO SOCIETY.
TO PROMOTE CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES AMONG STUDENTS, HE SAID THE CYC WAS SET UP TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS TO TAKE PART IN ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE CLASSROOM.
SINCE THE MOTTO OF THE CYC WAS TO +LEARN, BE CONCERNED AND SERVE+, IT WOULD HELP STUDENTS TO BUILD A POSITIVE VIEW TOWARDS COMMUNITY AFFAIRS THROUGH INVOLVEMENT, HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG EXPRESSED HIS THANKS TO THOSE WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE CYC IN THE PAST YEAR AND HOPED MORE STUDENTS WOULD JOIN THE 190 000 STRONG CONTINGENT.
AFTER TAKING THE SALUTE, HE PRESENTED PURPLE BADGES TO 273 SENIOR MEMBERS FROM 69 SCHOOLS WHO HAD MADE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
MR LEUNG ALSO PRESENTED A FLAG TO THE NEWLY-FORMED CYC ISLAND DISTRICT COMMITTEE TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE FORMATION OF ALL DISTRICT COMMITTEES OF THE CYC.
ABOUT 3 000 MEMBERS, SUPERVISORS AND TEACHERS INVOLVED IN CYC ACTIVITIES ATTENDED TODAY’S PARADE.
THE EVENT ALSO FEATURED A LION DANCE BY SAVIOUR LUTHERAN SCHOOL, A CHINESE DANCE BY SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL AND AN ANTI-SMOKING DRAMA.
-------o----------
QM HOSPITAL QUARTERS TO BE EXTENDED
K K * *
THE NURSES’ AND SISTERS’ QUARTERS AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL ARE TO BE EXTENDED UNDER A 1514.4 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE WORK WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF ADDITIONAL FLOORS. THREE WILL BE ADDED TO THE NURSES’ QUARTERS AND ONE TO THE SISTERS’ QUARTERS.
/THE new.....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
11
THE NEW FLOORS, TOTALLING 2 910 SQUARE METRES IN AREA, WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR 63 NURSES AND SISTERS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT ARE ALTERATIONS TO THE SISTERS’ QUARTERS.
WORK WILL START THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN MARCH 1988.
THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE THIRD AND FINAL STAGE OF THE HOSPITAL’S REDEVELOPMENT.
OTHER WORK TO BE COMPLETED UNDER SEPARATE CONTRACTS INCLUDES FURTHER UPGRADING AND RENEWAL OF BUILDING SERVICES, AIR-CONDITIONING OF WARDS, EXPANSION OF THE MORTUARY, IMPROVEMENT TO THE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY UNIT AND EXTENSION OF THE RADIOTHERAPY UNIT.
WORK ON THE $864 MILLION REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1992.
-------0---------
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST
* * X X X
YOUTHS LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE FIFTH CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST.
AIMED AT PROMOTING AN INTEREST IN SINGING AND DISCOVERING TALENTS IN THE DISTRICT, THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND THE MOUNT CAMERON LIONS CLUB AND SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO THREE CATEGORIES — CLASSICAL MUSIC (SOLO SINGING), POP MUSIC-FOLK SONG (SOLO SINGING) AND POP MUSIC-FOLK SONG (GROUP SINGING).
PRELIMINARIES WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, ON DECEMBER 6 AND THE FINALS AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL AT 7.30 PM ON JANUARY 5 NEXT YEAR.
CASH PRIZES OF $1 000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNER IN EACH CATEGORY WHILE THE FIRST RUNNER-UP WILL RECEIVE $500 AND THE SECOND RUNNER-UP 3300.
/ENTRY FORMS.........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
12
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT :
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE (GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL) 5
* HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE (NINTH FLOOR, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE) I
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE KENNEDY TOWN SUB-OFFICE (82 BELCHER’S STREET, GROUND FLOOR);
X CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE (GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES. WEST WING, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET); AND
X WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE (GROUND FLOOR, 36A WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN)
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 20. FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES.
CALL 5-283257 OR 5-8523489. ’
----0------
MANPOWER SURVEY ON FOOTWEAR INDUSTRY BEGINS
*****
THE TRAINING FOOTWEAR
CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT A MANPOWER SURVEY ON HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY BETWEEN NOVEMBER 19 AND 29
WITH ASSISTANCE OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT THE SURVEY WILL COVER THE SHOE, SOFT-SOLE AND RUBBER SHOE* SATORS. ABOUT 300 ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE COVERED SO AS TO ^RTAINTHF INDUSTRY’S MANPOWER SITUATION AND TRAINING ntUUI ntnt NTS.
AGO toUselected'employers^PLoff}cersNfrom theEcensusTandWEEKS
KTABUSHHENTS to assist
EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO CO-OPERATE BY PROVIDING ACCURATE
F0RHULATE hanpower training
CONF,IISeS ' !ik?E, SA?SeLEFDO^ r1 ct witho,jt reference to any individual
to I AdL I onrltN I S.
--------0 ---------
/15........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
15
OUTDOOR SHOWS TO SUPPLEMENT CAREERS EXHIBITION
M M M * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE AN ADDED BONUS WHEN THEY VISIT THE 15TH ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL DURING THE COMING WEEKENDS.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, OPENS TO THE PUBLIC FROM SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 15) UNTIL NOVEMBER 24 BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 6.30 PM DAILY.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THREE DISCIPLINARY FORCES AND A NUMBER OF AUXILIARY SERVICES WILL STAGE LIVE CAREERS SHOWS OUTSIDE THE CITY HALL IN EDINBURGH PLACE ON THE TWO SATURDAYS AND TWO SUNDAYS DURING THE 10-DAY EXHIBITION PERIOD.
THE SHOWS TO BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO ABOUT 5 PM AREi
* SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 15) - CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT
* SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16) - FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
* SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 22) - ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE
* SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23) - CIVIL AID SERVICES
ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT
ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENTS INCLUDE STATIC DISPLAYS, VISITS TO CUSTOMS AND MARINE POLICE LAUNCHES AT QUEEN’S PIER, POLICE AND DRUG DETECTION DOG SHOWS, BAND PERFORMANCES BY THE AUXILIARY POLICE AND AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, DEMONSTRATIONS BY CAS CADET CROPS BICYCLE TEAM, JUNIOR LEADER CROPS SILENT DRILL, TURNABLE LADDER AND SNORKEL RESCUE DRILL BY THE FIRE SERVICES, AND FIRST AID AND RESUSCITATION DEMONSTRATION.
THE EXHIBITION THIS YEAR ATTRACTED 23 PARTICIPANTS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE CIVIL SERVICE. THROUGH THE USE OF GRAPHS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS, THEY PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE WIDEST POSSIBLE RANGE OF CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE ANNUAL EVENT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 14) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, MR CHAN SUI-KAU, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, AND THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN.
NOTE TO EDITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
14
CLEAN-UP BLITZ YIELDS MOUNTAIN OF REFUSE * * * * *
THE JUST-COMPLETED URBAN COUNCIL BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP RESULTED IN 13 900 BASKETS OF RUBBISH AND 460 LORRY-LOADS OF JUNK COLLECTED.
SIXTY-SIX FLIMSY AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE ALSO CLEARED DURING THE TWO-MONTH-LONG OPERATION. SEVEN MORE STRUCTURES WERE IDENTIFIED AND WERE REFERRED TO LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICES.
ON THE PROSECUTION SIDE, AN INTEGRAL COMPONENT OF THE BLITZ 850 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED FOR OFFENCES RANGING FROM CASUAL LITTERING, TO OBSTRUCTION OF CLEANSING SERVICES, TO FAILURE TO CLEAR FILTHY CANOPIES.
URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF ALSO MANAGED TO IDENTIFY AND REFER TO THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT 446 DEFECTIVE DRAINAGE DITCHES.
THE BIGGEST EFFORT WAS IN KOWLOON CITY WITH 2 500 BASKETS OF RUBBISH AND 105 LORRY-LOADS OF JUNK BEING HAULED AWAY WHILE CENTRAL YIELDED ONLY 150 BASKETS AND 15 LORRY-LOADS.
-------0---------
SHA TIN REGISTRY ON THE MOVE *****
THE SHA TIN BIRTHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRY OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE OPERATING FROM THE GROUND FLOOR OF SHA TIN TOWN HALL AT NO. 1 YUEN WO ROAD, SHA TIN, FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 17).
AFTER THE MOVE, THIS OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE SAME BIRTH AND MARRIAGE REGISTRATION SERVICES AT THE FOLLOWING TIME:
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8.45 AM - 12.45 PM
2 PM - 4.45 PM
SATURDAY 9 AM - 11.30 AM
+THE NEW REGISTRY IS A PRESTIGIOUS ONE WHICH IS THREE TIMES LARGER THAN THE OLD OFFICE. AND THERE ARE TWO MARRIAGE HALLS.
+IT IS CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT THE SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE FACING THE SCENIC SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK AND SHING MUN RIVER,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT NEXT TO THE REGISTRY WAS A GARDEN DESIGNED FOR USE BY WEDDING PARTIES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES SHOULD CALL 3-7333111.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
15
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR RECREATION AND SPORTS *****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO CONSIDER THE ALLOCATION OF $356 000 TO ORGANISE 56 RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA WILL INCLUDE THE APPLICATION OF $2 000 TO HOLD A FIRE PREVENTION DAY IN THE DISTRICT AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES PLANNED FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
- - 0 - -
YUEN LONG COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS JSEA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE +REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM* AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER PUBLISHED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONTAINS A REVISED PROPOSAL TO REPLACE THE JSEA PUBLIC SCALING TEST WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
ALSO TABLED FOR DISCUSSION WILL BE TWO PROGRESS REPORTS RESPECTIVELY ON THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND THE PREFERENTIAL MEDICAL SCHEME OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE BOARD, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED ON NOVEMBER 14, HAS BEEN POSTPONED TO 2.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 24.
- 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
- 16 -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SERVICES FOR ELDERLY
*****
THE OPERATION OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A MEETING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
THE TOPIC WILL BE RAISED BY SEVERAL DISTRICT BOARD WHO HAVE STUDIED THE PROVISION OF SUCH SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER 22 APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS INVOLVING $300 000 TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY PROJECTS.
THESE INCLUDE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN CLOSING CEREMONY, PRODUCTION OF A REPORT ON CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, PRODUCTION OF A PROMOTIONAL FILM OR SLIDE SHOW ON KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THERE WILL BE NO SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE.
-----0------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TSZ WAN SHAN FOR RESURFACING WORK
*****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE TSZ WAN SHAN AREA FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK ON TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD BETWEEN WAI WAH STREET AND WAN WAH STREET.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO STAGES AND INCLUDE REDUCTION OF TRAFFIC LANES AND A BAN ON TURNING MOVEMENTS.
/STAGE ONE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1986
17
STAGE ONE
* TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD BETWEEN WAI WAH STREET AND NING WAH STREET WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS.
* THE LEFT TURNING MOVEMENT FROM WAI WAH STREET EASTBOUND TO TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD WESTBOUND AND THE RIGHT TURNING MOVEMENT FROM NING WAH STREET SOUTHBOUND TO TSZ WAN SHAN STREET WESTBOUND WILL BE BANNED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
* WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRANCHISED BUSES, ALL VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD WESTBOUND MUST TURF LEFT AT ITS JUNCTION WITH WAI WAH STREET. THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
STAGE TWO
AFTER THE COMPLETION OF STAGE ONE WORK, THE SECTION OF TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD BETWEEN NING WAH STREET AND WAI WAH STREET WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS.
DURING THE PERIOD OF ROAD WORK, MOTORISTS ON TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR TSZ ON ESTATE AND SHATIN PASS ESTATE SHOULD USE WAI WAH STREET AND WAN WAH STREET.
_ _ 0 - -
SHEUNG SHU I WATER CUT *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG SHU I WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 14) FOR MAINS WORK.
ALL PREMISES ALONG MAN KAM TO ROAD FROM HUNG KIU TO MUK WU WILL BE AFFECTED, INCLUDING HUNG KIU SAN TSUEN, FU TEI AU ROAD, LO WU TSUEN, LIU POK TSUEN, SAN UK LENG TSUEN, MUK WU TSUEN, SHA LENG TSUEN AND TAK YUET LAU.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
VIED1SSDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
CONTENTS PACE ITO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL M-EHNG s BAN STRICTLY A HEALTH 1 LEASURE.............................. 1
STRICT CONTROL NEEDED IB PUBLIC INTEREST ................. 2
CANCER-CAUSE’G CHEMICALS BANNED........................... 3
TT.171T.Y MOVE TO BAN HAREFUL SUBSTANCES ................. 4
FURTHER STEP Ei IMPROVING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY............... 6
STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL MEDICAL PRACTICE............ 6
HIGHER PENALTIES SOUGHT FOR ANTIBIOTICS OFFENCES.......... 8
TINE RIPE TO BRING PO1ICY ON ELDERLY UP-TO-DATE........... 8
COKZSSIOKTR FOR THE ELDERLY PROPOSED .................... 11
HOTLINE SERVICE TO HANDLE ELDERLY ABUSE ................. 13
SERIOUS PR0BL113 ET PRESENT POLICY ...................... 16
NEff PROGRAM'S RXUIR-D TO EEiff PRACTICAL NEEDS.......... 17
CALL TO REINFORCE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY................... 18
LONG-T^RN DEVELOPIENT PLAN ON _LDERLY_SERVICES NEEDED .... 19
COORDETATETG C0MJ?£TZ3 FOR -LD..RLY ADVOCATED ........... 20
URGENT RLVESK OF SUBVATTIOIT SYSKil-I NEEDED....... .r... . 21
POLICY SHOULD TAKE POSITIVE APPROACH .................... 22
ET.D, RT.Y SERVICES PAIL TO MEET GROJETG NEEDS .......... 24
SET UP PROVIDEiT FIR’D SCH3I3 FOR ELDERLY ............... 26
/NOTEUCATION
NOTIFICATION REGISTER FOR B JDSPACE APARTMENTS PROPOSED ... 27
IMPORTANCE OF ELDERLY POLICY RLJVIEJ STRESSED.................. 28
ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO FAMILIES OF BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS ... 29
BUILDING SITE SAFETY REQ,UIRIMlD:TS TIGHTENED ................. 31
STEPS TAKEN AT PLANNING STAGE TO CONTROL ROAD NOISE........ 32
ASBESTOS IN BUS SHELTERS NOT APPRECIABLE HEALTH HAZARD ... 33
HONORARIUM FOR DB KIIBLRS TO BE REVIEWED ...................... 33
IMMEDIATE ACTION TAKEN ON DANGEROUS SIGNS...................... 34
NL'i BEAUTY TREATMENT, FITNESS TlKHNIQUES BEING MONITORED . 35
PROVED-25T FUND HAS FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS ................. 35
OVERSEAS SCHOOLS NOT SUBJECT TO SCRUTINY ...................... 36
TELEPHONE APFOINTJASST FOR CLINIC PATIENTS SOON................ 37
TRADES REFERENCE IN OZP NOTES HAY B^ DROPPED .................. 37
ONE BILL PASSED ............................................... 38
CS: MORE FACTS ON LOCALISATION SHORTLY ........................... 39
SCHOOL .EXTENSION A SIGN OF CONFIDENCE............................ 41
CASH AID LOR BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS ................................ 42
TENANCY SOUGHT FOR KO’.TIOON BAY SITE............................. 43
WEEK-DAY EVENINGS BAST FOR JUVENILE ID C .RDS .................... 43
HILLSIDE ESCALATOR LINKS TO BE DISCUSSED......................... 44
COMMITTEE PLANS NEXT YEAR'S ACTIVITIES ........................... 45
RESTRICTED ZONE SET UP IN YUEN LONG............................... 46
RESTRICTED' ZONES IN CAUSEWAY BAY................................. 46
TO KWA WAN WATER CUT.............................................. 46
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986 1
BAN STRICTLY A HEALTH MEASURE
*****
HONG KONG IS NOT ALONE IN ASIA IN TAKING ACTION TO STEM THE DANGERS OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO AS A PRODUCT WITH A GREAT POTENTIAL ATTRACTION FOR THE YOUNG, FOR WHOM IT MAY EASILY BE AN INTRODUCTION TO NICOTINE DEPENDENCE FOR LIFE AS WELL AS POSING A SERIOUS CANCER RISK.
THIS WAS STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, IN WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1986.
THANKING THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG AND THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN FOR THEIR REMARKS ON THE BILL, MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS STRICTLY A HEALTH MEASURE, WHICH HAD NO CONNECTION WHATSOEVER WITH TRADE POLICY AS HAD BEEN SUGGESTED BY REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY ONE OF THE MAJOR PRODUCERS OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO.
HOWEVER, CONCERNING THE POINT MADE BY MR CHEONG-LEEN, HE SAID HE WOULD CERTAINLY CONTACT THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE U.S. TOBACCO COMPANY CONCERNED TO CLARIFY THE MATTER ABOUT THE VIEWS OF THE U.S. SURGEON-GENERAL.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE EFFECT OF THE BILL AND THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS WOULD BE A COMPREHENSIVE BAN ON LOCAL MANUFACTURE AND SALE AS WELL AS ON IMPORTATION.
+THIS WILL EFFECTIVELY PREVENT ANY LOCAL MANUFACTURER FROM STARTING PRODUCTION HERE FOR THIS OR ANY OTHER MARKET,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE WAS TOLD THAT AT A MAJOR WORLD MEDICAL CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE LAST WEEK SMOKELESS TOBACCO WAS RECOGNISED AS AN SERIOUS HEALTH RISK WHICH WAS OF CONCERN TO A NUMBER OF ASIAN COUNTRIES.
+SEVERAL COUNTRIES IN WHICH, LIKE HONG KONG, IT IS NOT YET A GENERALLY ESTABLISHED HABIT, ARE NOW TAKING AN INTEREST IN HONG KONG’S ACTION,* HE SAID.
+1 UNDERSTAND THAT THE SINGAPORE DEPUTY MINISTER OF HEALTH HAS STATED THAT HIS MINISTRY IS TAKING IMMEDIATE STEPS TO LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF A BAN UNDER THEIR HEALTH REGULATIONS ON SIMILAR LINES TO THE MEASURE BEFORE MEMBERS TODAY,* HE ADDED.
0
/2........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 2 -
STRICT CONTROL NEEDED IN PUBLIC INTEREST * * * * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HAVE AGREED THAT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST HONG KONG SHOULD EXERCISE STRICT CONTROL OVER SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1986 DURING ITS SECOND READING IN THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG SAID COUNCILLORS BELIEVED HEALTH RISKS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH SMOKELESS TOBACCO.
DR CHIU POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL AIMED AT ENABLING REGULATIONS TO BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO PROHIBIT THE IMPORTATION, MANUFACTURE, SALE, OFFERING OR POSSESSION FOR SALE OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS.
AS THE CONVENER OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WHICH STUDIED THE BILL, DR CHIU SAID IN DECIDING ON WHAT KIND OF CONTROL SHOULD BE ADOPTED, THOUGHTS HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE FOLLOWING THREE OPTIONS:
* A VOLUNTARY AGREEMENT WITH THE TOBACCO COMPANIES TO RESTRICT THE PROMOTION OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE TARGETTED AT YOUNG PEOPLE 5
* BY REQUIRING THE PLACEMENT OF HEALTH WARNING LABELS ON THE SMOKELESS TOBACCO PACKAGE WHICH WARNED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PRODUCT MIGHT CAUSE ORAL CANCER, GUM DISEASE AND LOOSENING OF TEETH ; AND
* TO IMPOSE A TOTAL BAN ON THE IMPORTATION, MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF SUCH PRODUCTS.
AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, THE AD HOC GROUP DECIDED THAT THE MOST SERVERE MEASURE WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH SHOULD BE THE OVER-RIDING CONCERN, AND THAT THE MOST CAUTIOUS ATTITUDE SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN DEALING WITH MATTERS OF THIS NATURE, HE SAID.
DR CHIU ADDED THAT THE GROUP HAD CONSIDERED REPRESENTATIONS AGAINST THE BILL MADE BY AN AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY? AND THEIR VIEWS AND SUBMISSIONS WERE DISCUSSED IN DETAIL IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BILL AT TWO LEGCO IN-HOUSE MEETINGS.
LASTLY, DR CHIU POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL, ONCE ENACTED, WOULD BE APPLICABLE TO ALL BRANDS OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR MANUFACTURER OR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN.
/ALLO SPEAKING .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
3 -
ALSO SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON THE BILL, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE TO PROVIDE THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY THE INFORMATION WHICH SHOWED THAT THE U.S. SURGEON GENERAL SUPPORTED A BAN BEING IMPOSED HERE.
HE SAID A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMPANY CALLED TO SEE HIM YESTERDAY IN CONNECTION WITH A LETTER FROM THE SECRETARY WHICH MENTIONED THAT THE U.S. SURGEON GENERAL WAS +ON RECORD* SUPPORTING THE BAN.
HOWEVER, THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD MR CHEONG-LEEN THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOT PROVIDED HIM WITH THE RELEVANT INFORMATION.
+IF THIS INFORMATION HAS NOT YET BEEN SUPPLIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, I WOULD URGE THAT IT BE DONE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
+l AM CONCERNED THAT IF GOVERNMENT DOES NOT FULLY CLARIFY THIS POINT IN PARTICULAR, THERE MIGHT BE UNNECESSARY MISUNDERSTANDINGS THAT THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL COULD BE MISCONSTRUED AS AN ANTI-U.S. IMPORT RESTRICTION, AS I AM INFORMED, SUGGESTED BY THE REPRESENTATIVE, AND WHICH I DO NOT BELIEVE TO BE THE CASE,* MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID.
+CERTAINLY HONG KONG BELIEVES IN AND CONSISTENTLY PRACTISES FREE TRADE PRINCIPLES, AND WE IN HONG KONG HAVE NO INTENTION AT ALL TO DEPART FROM SUCH PRINCIPLES,* HE ADDED.
-------o----------
CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICALS BANNED
*****
REGULATIONS SEEKING TO PROHIBIT THE MANUFACTURE OR USE OF CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES IN ANY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE RESOLUTION SEEKING APPROVAL OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS, 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE SAID FOUR CHEMICALS KNOWN TO CAUSE CANCER WOULD BE PROHIBITED FROM BEING MANUFACTURED OR USED IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
HE ADDED THAT EXEMPTION FROM THE PROHIBITION WAS PROVIDED FOR UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS WHERE SUCH SUBSTANCES WERE MANUFACTURED OR USED FOR RESEARCH, TESTING OR INVESTIGATION.
/AS FOR .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVJMBER 12, 1986
AS FOR THESE CHEMICALS SUSPECTED OF BEING CANCER-INDUCI NG, MR BRIDGE SAID THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF FOUR OTHER CHEMICALS AND ANY OF THEIR SALTS, AND THE MANUFACTURE OF AURAMINE AND MAGENTA WERE ALSO CONTROLLED BY THE REGULATIONS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REGULATIONS REQUIRED INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS TO:
* TAKE ALL PRACTICABLE STEPS TO PREVENT PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN A PROCESS INVOLVING ANY CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OR ITS SALTS FROM BEING EXPOSED TO THE RISK OF INHALING, INGESTING OR OTHERWISE ABSORBING THE SUBSTANCE ’
* ISSUE WRITTEN PRECAUTIONARY INSTRUCTIONS TO ANY EMPLOYEE WHO MAY HAVE TO HANDLE SUCH SUBSTANCES I
* KEEP CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES IN CLOSED AND PROPERLY LABELLED RECEPTACLES? AND
X ARRANGE PERIODIC MEDICAL EXAMINATION, BY A COMPETENT MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, OR EMPLOYEES HANDLING CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.
PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENING THE REGULATIONS RANGED FROM $10 000 TO $30 000.
MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT THE SUBSTANCES TO BE PROHIBITED OR CONTROLLED WERE USED MAINLY AS DYESTUFFS AND WERE NOT MANUFACTURED OR USED IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT.
+THESE REGULATIONS ARE THEREFORE PRECAUTIONARY IN NATURE AND ARE UNLIKELY TO HAVE ANY ADVERSE EFFECT UPON INDUSTRY,* HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID A GUIDE ON THESE REGULATIONS WOULD BE PUBLISHED.
-------0----------
TIMELY MOVE TO BAN HARMFUL SUBSTANCES X X X X X
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE, PROF THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARCI NOGEN IC SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS 1986.
THE REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE MANUFACTURE AND USE OF FOUR CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS AND REQUIRE SIX OTHER CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES TO BE USED IN THE SAFEST PRACTICABLE MANNER.
/PROF POON, ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 5 -
PROF POON, CONVENER OF A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP WHICH STUDIED THE REGULATIONS, SAID THAT PROVIDING A SAFEGUARD IN ADVANCE OF A POTENTIAL HAZARD WAS DEFINITELY A MOVEMENT IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
BEING A UNIVERSITY TEACHER AND RESEARCH WORKER IN CHEMISTRY BY PROFESSION, HE SAID HE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ADEQUACY OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN THE USE OF CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES.
+IN RECENT YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS RESULTING IN EXPLOSIONS CAUSED BY CHEMICALS, + HE SAID.
+IN FACT, BESIDES EXPLOSIONS, ANOTHER INDICATOR OF A SERIES HAZARD IN THE USE OF CHEMICALS IS CANCER.
+THEREFORE, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT MORE EMPHASIS ON THE SAFETY ASPECT SHOULD BE PUT ON THE REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE USE OF CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES.+
PROF POON WAS GLAD THAT CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO RESEARCH WORK IN DRAFTING THE REGULATIONS.
HE SAID THE FLEXIBILITY PROVIDED IN THE REGULATIONS FOR THE USE OF CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES IN MEDICAL OR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. INVESTIGATION OR TESTING WAS VERY SENSIBLE.
♦THE EXEMPTION INDICATED IN THE REGULATIONS FOR RESEARCH WORK WILL ENSURE THAT RELEVANT SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH IN UNIVERSITIES AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE REGULATIONS.* HE ADDED.
THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT, ALSO A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP, SAID HE BELIEVED NO SAME PROPRIETOR WOULD OPPOSE PROPER PROMOTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR WORKERS.
HE SUGGESTED THAT, PROVIDED RESOURCES PERMITTED, OTHER CANCER-INDUCING SUBSTANCES USED IN INDUSTRY AND IN ANY OTHER TRADES SHOULD BE PINPOINTED AND PUT UNDER PROPER CONTROL.
MR NGAI SAID THAT ONE OF THE REGULATIONS, WHICH PRESCRIBED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO BE OBSERVED BY THE PROPRIETOR WHERE THE NAMED CHEMICALS WERE CONCERNED, WAS NOT CLEARLY DEFINED AND EXPLAINED.
+HOWEVER, THANKS TO THE ADMINISTRATION, WE WERE ASSURED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION IS PRECAUTIONARY IN NATURE AND IS DIRECTED AGAINST GENUINELY IRRESPONSIBLE EMPLOYERS,* HE SAID.
AS THE LEGISLATION SERVED A PRECAUTIONARY PURPOSE, MR NGAI FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD INCLUDE AS MANY SAFETY STEPS AS POSSIBLE IN THE GUIDE TO THE REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO RELEVANT INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS.
/6.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
6
FURTHER STEP IN IMPROVING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY * * * * *
REGULATIONS MADE UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE REPRESENTED ONE MORE STEP DOWN THE ROAD TO IMPROVING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN PROTECTING EMPLOYEES IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES FROM THE DANGERS OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BRIDGE WAS WINDING UP DEBATE ON A MOTION CONCERNING THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS 1986, WHICH THE COUNCIL SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED.
HE NOTED THAT THE HON NGA I SHIU-KIT HAD OBSERVED THAT THE USE OF THE WORD +PRACTICABLE* IN REGULATION 6 WAS NOT DEFINED.
+THE AIM IS TO DEAL WITH SITUATIONS WHICH ARE NOT PROVIDED FOR OR ANTICIPATED IN THE REGULATIONS AS PROCESSES AND CONDITIONS MAY CHANGE. THE SPIRIT OF THIS PROVISION IS TO IMPOSE A GENERAL DUTY ON THE EMPLOYER IN ADDITION TO ANY SPECIFIC PROVISIONS IN THE LAW,* HE SAID.
+IT IS NOT THE INTENTION TO IMPOSE UNNECESSARY BURDEN ON EMPLOYERS AND THE FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL DO ALL THEY CAN TO ADVISE EMPLOYERS ON THE SAFETY MEASURES THAT MAY BE REQUIRED IN ANY PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.*
MR BRIDGE CONFIRMED THAT THE GUIDE TO THE REGULATIONS WOULD INCLUDE ADVICE ON HOW TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS.
-------o ---------
STIFFER PENALTIES FOR ILLEGAL MEDICAL PRACTICE
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO FACILITATE THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENCES RELATING TO THE ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY AND TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR SUCH OFFENCES WAS INTRODUCED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PENALTIES FOR PRACTICE OF PED IC INE AND DENTISTRY BY UNREGISTERED PERSONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THE NEED FOR THESE AMENDMENTS BECAME EVIDENT AS A RESULT OF A COURT CASE IN DECEMBER 1984 FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS BY A NUMBER OF PATIENTS WHO HAD SUFFERED SERIOUS PERMANENT DISABILITIES AFTER RECEIVING TREATMENT AT AN ILLEGAL CLINIC.
/+THE COURT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
♦THE COURT CASE HIGHLIGHTED A NUMBER OF DEFECTS IN THE EXISTING LAW,* MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE SAID THE NEW BILL SOUGHT TO RECTIFY THE DEFICIENCIES IN THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, THE MEDICAL CLINICS ORDINANCE, AND THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE.
CLAUSE 4 AMENDED SECTION 27 OF THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE SO THAT FRAUDULENT REGISTRATION AS A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER BECAME AN INDICTABLE OFFENCE AND CARRIED A HIGHER PENALTY.
CLAUSE 5 AMENDED SECTION 28 OF THE ORDINANCE SO THAT ILLEGAL PRACTICE WOULD BE MADE AN OFFENCE TRIABLE SUMMARILY OR ON INDICTMENT AND WOULD BE SUBJECT TO MUCH MORE SEVERE PENALTIES.
+IN CASES WHERE SUCH ILLEGAL PRACTICE RESULTS IN INJURY, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE PENALTY SHOULD BE A MAXIMUM FINE OF $100 003 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS ON SUMMARY CONVICTION AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SEVEN YEARS ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT,* MR CHAMBERS SAID.
THE BILL ALSO AMENDED THE MEDICAL CLINICS ORDINANCE. CLAUSE 8 PROVIDED THAT PROSECUTIONS RELATING TO OFFENCES OF MANAGING OR PRACTISING MEDICINE IN AN UNREGISTERED CLINIC MIGHT PROCEED BY IND ICTMENT.
+AS IN THE CASE OF THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, AN ADDITIONAL INDICTABLE OFFENCE WITH HEAVIER PENALTIES IS CREATED TO DEAL WITH CASES WHERE THE TREATMENT GIVEN RESULTS IN INJURY,* HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO AMENDED THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (CAP 156) ALONG SIMILAR LINES.
MR CHAMBERS EMPHASISED THAT ALTHOUGH THE BILL SOUGHT TO INCREASE THE PENALTIES FOR THE ILLEGAL PRACTICE OF MEDICINE, THE PROVISIONS WOULD NOT APPLY TO THE PRACTICE OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE PEDICINE OR TO PRACTICE BY REGISTERED PHARMACISTS, PHYSIOTHERAPISTS, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, OPTOMETRISTS, MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNICIANS OR RADIOGRAPHERS OR TO FIRST AID TREATMENT.
+NOR WILL CHINESE DOCTORS TRAINED IN WESTERN MEDICINE BE AFFECTED SINCE THEY CAN CONTINUE TO BECOME QUALIFIED TO PRACTISE IN HONG KONG UNDER THE LICENTIATE SCHEME,* MR CHAMBERS ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
/8........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
8
HIGHER PENALTIES SOUGHT FOR ANTIBIOTICS OFFENCES
*****
A BILL SEEKING TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF PENALTIES FOR THE UNLAWFUL SALE AND POSSESSION OF ANTIBIOTICS WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ANTIBIOTICS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THE MEASURES PROPOSED IN THE BILL WOULD ALSO EXTEND THE TIME LIMIT FOR SUMMARY PROCEEDINGS TO BE COMMENCED FROM SIX MONTHS TO 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF THE COMMISSION OF THE OFFENCE.
+THESE PROPOSALS ARE IN LINE WITH SIMILAR PROVISIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS AND POISONS UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL, SEEKING TO AMEND SECTION 10 OF THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE, STEMMED FROM THE SAME CASE AS THE PENALTIES FOR PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY BY UNREGISTERED PERSONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1986, WHICH HE MENTIONED EARLIER IN THE MEETING. THIS CASE INVOLVED THE OPERATOR OF AN ILLEGAL CLINIC.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - o - -
TIME RIPE TO BRING POLICY ON ELDERLY UP-TO-DATE *****
AS THE PRESENT POLICY FOR THE ELDERLY WAS LAID DOWN NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO IT MAY BE TIME TO UPDATE THE POLICY IN THE LIGHT OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE BASIC GOVERNMENT POLICY ON THE CARE OF THE ELDERLY AS SET OUT IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER +SOCIAL WELFARE INTO THE 198O’S+ WAS TO PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF SENIOR CITIZENS AGED 60 AND OVER BY PROVIDING SERVICES THAT WOULD ENABLE THEM TO RETAIN THEIR SELF-RESPECT AND REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AND WHERE NECESSARY TO PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE SUITED TO THE VARYING NEEDS OF THIS AGE GROUP.
/ON FINANCIAL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 9
ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, HE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT ALL RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG AGED 70 OR OVER WERE ENTITLED TO AN OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WHICH WAS NOT MEANS TESTED.
AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO DID NOT HAVE ANY MEANS OF SUPPORT MIGHT APPLY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, HE ADDED.
HE ALSO ASSURED MEMBERS THAT RATES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND OLD AGE ALLOWANCE WERE REVISED PERIODICALLY TO PRESERVE THEIR REAL PURCHASING POWER.
AS FOR FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENTS LIVING IN CHINA TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THESE PAYMENTS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THERE WERE CONSIDERABLE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN ADOPTING THIS SUGGESTION.
MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT SEVERAL MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED SUPPORT FOR THE PROPOSED CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME.
HE SAID CONSULTATION ON THIS PROPOSAL HAD JUST BEGUN AND IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO PRE-EMPT ITS OUTCOME AT THIS STAGE.
+THE DECISION WHETHER TO ESTABLISH A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND WILL OF COURSE INEVITABLY HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR OUR POLICY ON CARE FOR THE ELDERLY,+ HE ADDED.
ON COMMENTS THAT PRESENT SUPPORT SERVICES WERE INADEQUATE, W CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT EXPANSION PROGRAMMES EXISTED FOR ALL THESE SERVICES AND THE PLANNED PROVISION OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS INCLUDED 76 SOCIAL CENTRES, 14 DAY-CARE CENTRES, AND 10 MULTISERVICE CENTRES. FOR HOME HELP SERVICES THE PLAN WAS TO PROVIDE 10 ADDITIONAL TEAMS EACH YEAR.
+THIS EXPANSION SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET THE ESTIMATED NEED FOR THE VARIOUS SERVICES ON THE PRESENT PLANNING RATIOS, BUT WE SHALL NEED TO RE-EXAMINE THESE RATIOS FROM TIME TO TIME TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE STILL APPROPRIATE,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID PROPOSALS FOR NEW COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES WOULD BE CONSIDERED FURTHER. THESE PROPOSALS INCLUDED AN OUTREACH ING SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY, RESPITE SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO LOOKED AFTER ELDERLY PEOPLE, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE ELDERLY? AS WELL AS PRE-RETIREMENT AND EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
+T0 ENCOURAGE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO LIVE WITH THEIR FAMILIES IT IS THE POLICY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO GIVE FAMILIES WITH ELDERLY MEMBERS PRIORITY TREATMENT IN APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING,* HE SAID.
/HE ADDED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
10
HE ADDED THAT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WERE RESERVED EACH YEAR FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THE DEPARTMENT ALSO OPERATED A SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEME IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN WAN CHAI AND SHA TIN.
ON THE NEED TO IMPROVE THE LOT OF ELDERLY SINGLE PEOPLE LIVING IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE WORKING GROUP ON BEDSPACE APARTMENTS RECENTLY CARRIED OUT AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THE PROBLEMS OF THESE APARTMENTS AND IDENTIFIED FIRE SAFETY AS BEING A MAJOR AREA OF CONCERN.
+THE SECURITY BRANCH IS NOW ENGAGED IN A MORE DETAILED STUD* OF THIS PROBLEM AND I UNDERSTAND THEY ARE VERY CLOSE TO BEING ABLE TO INSTITUTE SOME IMPROVEMENTS,+ HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THE QUESTION OF FIRE SAFETY IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS WAS NOT AN EASY ONE. SOME UNDOUBTEDLY POSED SERIOUS HAZARDS BUT IT WOULD CLEARLY NOT BE DESIRABLE TO IMP SE CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD RESULT IN ELDERLY PEOPLE BEING MADE HOMELESS.
THERE WERE AT PRESENT 40 HOSTELS AND HOMES FOR THE EDI ERLY PROVIDING 4 850 PLACES.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS WAS NOT ADEQUATE TO MEET THE DEMAND, AND ANOTHER 3 700 PLACES WERE PLANNED FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO SATISFY DEMAND.
HE ALSO SAID THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED TO EXPAND THE PROVISION CF PLACES IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES.
MORE HOMES OF THIS TYPE WERE NOW BEING PLANNED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND IT WAS PROPOSED TO INCORPORATE SIMILAR FACILITIES IN HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, HE SAID.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR CHAMBERS SAID, RECENTLY ADVISED THAT FOR THE TIME BEING THERE WAS NO IMMEDIATE NEED TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO CONTROL PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, ALTHOUGH THIS MIGHT BE NECESSARY IN THE FUTURE.
ON MEMBERS’ SUGGESTION THAT PRIVATE HOMES SHOULD BE PROVIDED WITH SUBVENTIONS TO HELP RAISE THEIR STANDARDS OF SERVICE, HE SAID THIS PRESENTED CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTY AS +WE DO NOT NORMALLY GIVE SUBVENTIONS TO PROFIT-MAKING ORGANISATIONS.*
HE ALSO SAID THE SUGGESTION THAT THE SYSTEM OF VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION SHOULD BE SET UP TO REGISTER THOSE HOMES WHICH MET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE WAS +CERTAINLY WORTHY OF CONS(DERATION*.
/TURNING TO........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1?86
TURNING TO MEDICAL FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE EXISTING 120 PLACES IN DAY HOSPITALS WOULD BE INCREASED TO ENABLE PEOPLE WHO DID NOT NEED FULL-TIME MEDICAL CARE TO LIVE AT HOME RATHER THAN TO OCCUPY VALUABLE HOSPITAL BEDS.
HE ALSO SAID THAT IN ORDER TO ASCERTAIN MORE EXACTI Y THE REQUIREMENT FOR INFIRMARY AND CARE AND ATTENTION HOME PLACES, A SURVEY WAS BEING JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE RESULTS OF WHICH WOULD BE AVAILABLE EARLY NEXT YEAR.
ON DENTAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS SAID AT PRESENT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO PLAN TO INTRODUCE FREE OR SUBSIDISED DLn/aI. SERVICES EITHER FOR THE PUBLIC AS A WHOLE OR FOR THE ELDERLY AS THIS WOULD BE + A VERY MAJOR UNDERTAKING WITH SERVICES RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS+.
ON THE INTRODUCTION OF CONCESSIONARY RATES FOR ELDERLY PF I , ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AND FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, HE SAID THAI THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WAS IN TOUCH WITH PUBI IC TRAN"ORT OPERATORS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS ABOUT THE PROPOSAI, ANH THF IR RESPONSES WERE STILL AWAITED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE POLICY IN ADM IN ISTRA J ION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTIONS WAS AT PRESENT THE SUBJECT OF A REVIEW BY A GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP, AND THE PROPOSAI S FOR IMPROVEMENT MADE WOULD CERTAINLY BE GIVEN DUE CONSIDERATION.
HE NOTED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE SHOULD DO EVERYTHING IT COULD TO HELP ELDERLY PEOPLE TO CONTINUE TO LIVE A FULL LIFE IN THEIR LATFR YEARS.
+IT IS PERHAPS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY UNIT SHOULD TRY TO UNDERSTAND AND SYMPATHISE WITH THEIR ELDERS’ DIFFICULTIES,* HE ADDED.
-------0---------
COMMISSIONER FOR THE ELDERLY PROPOSED
X X X X X
A COMMISSIONER FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO CO-ORDINATE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
LEADING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AS CONVENER OF THE AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE ISSUE, DR HO SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE DEBATE WAS TO BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF GOVERNMENT A WIDE SPECTRUM OF SERVICES ON WHICH THE ELDERLY MIGHT DEPEND FOR THEIR WELL-BEING.
/+AS THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOV JUBER 12, 1986
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+AS THE ELDERLY HAVE MADE THEIR SHARE OF CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY OF OUR COMMUNITY, WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THEM SPEND THEIR TWILIGHT YEARS IN DIGNITY, DECENCY AND PEACE+, HE SAID.
DR HO SAID THAT PLANNING OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD TAKE A WHOLISTIC APPROACH IN ORDER TO BE EFFECTIVE.
CO-ORDINATION AND COLLABORATION AMONG THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WAS ESSENTIAL.
HE SAID HE FELT THAT THE CO-ORDINATING MACHINERY MUST BE VESTED WITH SUFFICIENT AUTHORITY AND GIVEN EASY AND QUICK ACCESS TO THE TOP LEVEL OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO ENS'RE SPEEDY AND FULL CO-OPERATION.
+ IN THE INTEREST OF EFFICIENT IMPLEMENTATION, A POLICY DIRECTIVE FROM THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT IS THEREFORE IMPERATIVE,* HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT A CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS SET UP IN 1981 AND DISSOLVED IN 1985 AFTER MAKING SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS IN PLANNING AND MONITORING THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS PROGRAMMES IN SPITE OF ITS SHORT LIFE SPAN.
+IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER CO-ORDINATION AND OF THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF AUTHORITY, I PROPOSE THAT A COMMISSIONER FOR THE ELDERLY, EQUIVALENT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, BE ESTABLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT,* HE SUGGESTED.
DR HO ALSO NOTED WITH PLEASURE THAT AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP IN MAY 1985 TO EXAMINE WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL SAFETY AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF SENIOR SINGLETONS LIVING IN BED-SPACE APARTMENTS IN DILAPIDATED CONDITIONS.
HE SAID HE WANTED TO KNOW GROUP HAD PROPOSED AND HOW THE
WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS THE WORKING GOVERNMENT HAD REACTED TO THEM.
+ A DEGREE OF URGENCY SHOULD BE ACCORDED TO THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE THE BENEFICIARIES ARE FRAIL AND AGED PERSONS,* HE SAID.
IN PARALLEL TO THE VARIOUS HOUSING SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE, DR HO COMMENDED THE GOVERNMENT FOR HAVING IMAGINATIVELY PLANNED TO PROVIDE SHELTERED HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY IN NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICY THRUST OF THIS SCHEME WAS TO ENABLE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO REMAIN ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, WITH THE SUPPORT OF A NETWORK OF SERVICES IN THE VICINITY TO MEET THEIR PERSONAL NEEDS.
/HE STRESSED ........
15
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
HE STRESSED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME HINGED HEAVILY ON THE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVISIONS AT THE IMPLEMENTATION LEVEL.
♦THE SPONSORS FOR THESE COMMUNITY SERVICES MUST BE SECURED WELL AHEAD OF TIME, AND THE OPERATION OF THESE SERVICES MUST BE CAREFULLY SYNCHRONISED WITH THE MOVING IN OF THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.
DR HO SAID MA ON SHAN, WHERE THE FIRST PROJECT OF THE SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEME WOULD BE SITUATED AND OPERATING AT THE END OF THIS YEAR WAS FAR FROM A FULL-FLEDGED, SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITY, AS A RESULT OF WHICH THE ELDERLY RESIDENTS THERE WOULD HAVE TO RELY ON THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN SHA TIN TO MEET THEIR NEEDS.
♦THIS WILL INEVITABLY CAUSE MUCH INCONVENIENCE AND HARDSHIP FOR RESIDENTS, WHO, APART FROM DEALING WITH THEIR ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH SETTLING DOWN IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT, HAVE TO COPE WITH PERSONAL PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE PROCESS OF AGEING,* HE SAID.
HE SAID HE FEARED THAT THE PHYSICAL FEEBLENESS AND MOBILITY DIFFICULTY OF THESE ELDERLY WOULD HINDER THEM FROM TAKING ADVANTAGE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES ACROSS TOLO HARBOUR IN SHA TIN, BECAUSE TRANSPORT BETWEEN THESE TWO PLACES WAS NOT VERY CONVENIENT.
HE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXERCISE GREAT CARE IN ENSURING DOVETAILING THE SERVICE PROVISION WITH THE OCCUPANCY OF THESE SHELTERED HOUSING UNITS.
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HOTLINE SERVICE TO HANDLE ELDERLY ABUSE X X * X X
GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO INTRODUCE A HOTLINE SERVICE TO HANDLE CASES OF ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY TODAY (WEDNESDAY), DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID THOUGH CHINESE FAMILIES ON THE WHOLE RESPECTED THE OLD. ELDERLY ABUSE DID EXIST.
IN FACT, THE EXISTENCE OF SUCH ABUSE HAD BEEN WELL DOCUMENTED IN A PILOT SURVEY DONE BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE IN 1983, SHE SAID.
/+! CONSIDER
WEDNESDAY, N0VQ1BER 12, 1986
14
+ l CONSIDER THAT IT IS NOW APPROPRIATE FOR GOVERNMENT TO CREATE A HOTLINE SERVICE WHEREBY ANY GOOD CITIZEN, NEIGHBOUR OR RELATIVE CAN TELEPHONE TO SEEK FOR URGENT HELP ON ANY MATTERS RELATED TO THE ELDERLY.
+SUCH MATTERS CAN THEN BE INVESTIGATED AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY CO-ORDINATED TO OFFER REMEDY TO PRESSING PROBLEMS.+ SHE SAID.
DR IP QUOTED A COMMENT MADE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN HIS SPEECH ON THE DEMESTIC VIOLENCE BILL IN WHICH HE SAID: +THE KNOWN FIGURES MAY BE RELATIVELY SMALL, BUT I TAKE THE VIEW THAT THIS ... WOULD BE JUSTIFIED EVEN IF THERE WAS ONLY ONE CASE WHERE THE VICTIM OF VIOLENCE WISHED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITS PROVISIONS.+
♦THE SAME GOES FOR WHAT SUCH A GOVERNMENT HOTLINE SERVICE CAN OFFER IN THE HANDLING OF ELDERLY ABUSE,+ SHE SAID.
TURNING TO ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ELDERLY PEDESTRIANS DR IP SAID EDUCATING THE OLD ON TRANSPORT SAFETY HAD ITS VALUE, BUT IT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE ALTERNATIVES OPENED TO THEM WAS TO GET UP AND DOWN ONE OR MORE FOOTBRIDGES.
SHE SAID SHE HAD NO PERFECT CURE FOR HONG KONG’S TRAFFIC PROBLEMS BUT ON TOP OF BETTER DESIGN OF ROADS AND FACILITIES FOR CROSSING AND EDUCATION ON ROAD SENSE, IT MIGHT NOT BE A BAD IDEA TO FOLLOW WHAT THE CANADIAN CHINESE WERE DOING FOR THEIR SENIOR CITIZENS.
+WE CAN CUSTOM-DESIGN A USEFUL CONSPICUOUS APPAREL TO BE WORN OR CARRIED BY OUR SENIOR CITIZENS TO ALERT THE TRAFFIC.
♦FOR THIS IDEA TO BE SUCCESSFUL, THE DESIGN OF THE APPAREL MUST BE PLEASING TO THE ELDERLY AND USEFUL FOR HIM TO GO ABOUT HIS DAILY ACTIVITIES.
♦FOR IT TO STAND OUT ENOUGH TO ALERT MOTOR DRIVERS,‘IT MUST BE OF A BRIGHT COLOUR DURING THE DAY AND FLOURESCENT AT NIGHT, AND THE DESIGN MUST BE MADE TO IDENTIFY WITH THE ELDERLY,* SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG TOGETHER WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE HAD JUST LAUNCHED SUCH A COMPETITION TO GAIN PUBLIC AWARENESS.
QUOTING A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY HEALTH SURVEYS, DR IP SAID NUMEROUS ELDERLY PEOPLE WERE SUFFERING FROM PAIN, INABILITY TO CHEW PROPERLY AND DISCOMFORT EMANATING FROM THEIR ORAL STATUS.
/SHE said .......
WEDNESDAY, N0VU1BER 12, 1986
- 15
SHE SAID WHAT THE GOVERNMENT DENTAL SERVICE OFFERED WAS IN FACT THE LEAST OF WHAT AN ELDERLY PATIENT WANTED.
+WHAT THE ELDERLY DESIRE IS A GOOD SET OF DENTURES FOR
HIM TO ADEQUATELY ENJOY HIS FOOD IN THE LAST YEARS OF HIS LIFE.+ SHE SAID.
SHE SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF OFFERING DENTAL SERVICE TO THE SENIOR CITIZENS OF THE COMMUNITY IN THE FOLLOWING WAY;
* TO EXTEND THE SERVICES OF THE DENTAL THERAPIST NOW SERVICING SCHOOLCHILDREN, TO THE ELDERLY BY TEACHING THEM ORAL HYGIENE;
X TO OFFER PART SUBVENTION IN THE FORM OF A REBATE TO THOSE EXISTING NON-PROFIT MAKING DENTAL CLINICS OF SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS WHEN THEY OFFERED DENTAL SERVICE TO ELDERLY PATIENTS OVER THE AGE OF 65 YEARS’
* TO REDIRECT SOME OF THE DENTAL EXTRACTION CLINIC SESSIONS NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, TO SERVICE THE DENTAL NEEDS OF ELDERLY PATIENTS.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MAINTENANCE OF GOOD MENTAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH IN OLD AGE WAS ALSO EMPHASISED.
+ELDERLY PEOPLE MUST GET OUT OF THE HOUSE, MEET PEOPLE, KEEP IN CONTACT, KEEP IN TUNE, ENJOY THE LEISURE OF LIFE, FEEL USEFUL AND CONTRIBUTORY ... BE CONTRIBUTORY.
+WE MUST AS A COMMUNITY DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT ELDERLY PERSON CAN DO ALL THESE THINGS.
+WE MUST ENSURE THAT THEY CAN MOVE ABOUT SAFELY DESPITE
THEIR PHYSICAL DISABILITY. WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT THEIR FAILING VISION IS COMPENSATED WITH GLASSES. WE MUST MAKE SURE THEY ARE SUPPLEMENTED WITH A HEARING AID.
+WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT THEY GET TO ENJOY ALL THE LEISURES IN LIFE THAT WE CAN, AND FREE, AT TIMES WHEN WE ARE WORKING AND UNLIKELY TO BE COMPETING TO USE SUCH FACILITIES,+ DR IP SAID.
SHE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR ITS SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY PEOPLE.
+THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS SUPERSEDED EVEN
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN GIVING PRIORITY TO THE ELDERLY, IN THAT IN MOST CLINICS, ALL ELDERLY PATIENTS OVER THE AGE OF 65 YEARS ARE SEEN FIRST WITHOUT WAITING.
+THIS PRACTICE HAS BEEN IN EXISTENCE FOR SOME 20-30 YEARS ...
A GOOD PRACTICE I MUST SAY, FOR ALL TO FOLLOW,+ SHE SAID.
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/16........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
16
SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN PRESENT POLICY
* * X K *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADDRESS ITSELF TO THE PROBLEM OF THE ELDERLY AND DRAW UP A NEW POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THEM, DR THE HON CONRAD LAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THERE WERE SERIOUS PROBLEMS IN THE PRESENT POLICY AS WELL AS IN THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE ELDERLY, HE SAID.
DR LAM SAID IT SEEMED THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT WAS CARRYING OUT A REVIEW OF POLICY SOME VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WERE TOTALLY IGNORANT
IT SHOWED THAT THERE WAS A LACK OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN BOTH PARTIES, HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A CENTRAL COMMITTEE SHOULD BE SET UP TO FORMULATE POLICY.
DR LAM SAID THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF OLD PEOPLE WHO HAD BECOME PHYSICALLY DISABLED AND REQUIRED LONG-TERM TREATMENT. THE MEAGRE SUM PROVIDED BY DISABILITY AND INFIRMARY ALLOWANCES AND PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GENERALLY COULD NOT SATISFY THEIR NEEDS.
HE FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET UP A COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES SCHEME AND PROVIDE REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK-UPS AND HEALTH EDUCATION FOR OLD PEOPLE, SO AS TO IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH AND TO PROTECT THEM FROM ILLNESS.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD IMMEDIATELY IMPROVE THE PRESENT SITUATION UNDER WHICH GERIATRIC WARDS ONLY ACCOUNTED FOR A SMALL PORTION OF THE ENTIRE MEDICAL PROGRAMME. THERE WAS AN URGENT DEMAND, HE SAID.
DAY TREATMENT FACILITIES IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS SHOULD BE EXPANDED, AND THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE SHOULD BE REINFORCED.
COMMUNITY NURSING, ESPECIALLY PHYSIOTHERAPY, WAS VERY IMPORTANT, HE SAID.
LASTLY, DR LAM BELIEVED THAT THE SETTING UP OF A SATISFACTORY CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD HELP RELIEVE FINANCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PRESSURES ON THEM.
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/17........
I
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
17 -
NEW PROGRAMME REQUIRED TO MEET PRACTICAL NEEDS * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RECONSIDER ITS OVERALL CONCEPT OF PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LIGHT OF EXISTING RESOURCES AND PRODUCE A NEW PROGRAMME THAT WOULD BE ABLE TO MEET ELDERLY PEOPLE’S PRACTICAL NEEDS, THE HON LIU LIT-FOR SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, HE SAID THAT, FIRSTLY, MORE FUNDS SHOULD BE ALLOCATED FOR PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
NOTING THAT THE POLICY ON FUND ALLOCATION FOR SERVICES WAS FORMULATED SEVEN YEARS AGO, MR LIU SAID IT APPEARED SUPPLY COULD NOT MEET DEMAND.
+AS A RESULT, THERE IS STILL A FAIRLY SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF FACILITIES SUCH AS COMMUNITY CENTRES, CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES AND HOSPITAL BEDS FOR THE AGED,* HE SAID.
SECONDLY, MR LIU FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE MORE FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH HAD ALL ALONG BEEN PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE SAID THAT IF INCREASING NUMBERS OF AGED PEOPLE WERE NOT PROPERLY TAKEN CARE OF, THE SITUATION WOULD DEVELOP INTO A SOCIAL PROBLEM.
+IN THIS RESPECT, I FULLY SUPPORT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE RELEVANT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THEIR EFFORTS TO PROMOTE FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION,* HE SAID.
ONLY THROUGH GOOD FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION COULD THE PUBLIC APPRECIATE THE CONTRIBUTION THAT THE ELDERLY HAD MADE TO SOCIETY AND THUS ATTACH MORE IMPORTANCE TO PROMOTION OF THEIR WELL-BEING, HE SAID.
MR LIU SAID HE REGARDED AS MEANINGFUL THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE ELDERLY BY SCHOOL STUDENTS. THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED.
HE ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO RECONSIDER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A PREFERENTIAL SCHEME UNDER WHICH THE ELDERLY WOULD BE ENTITLED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FREE OF CHARGE OR AT A SPECIAL RATE.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
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CALL TO REINFORCE SERVICES FOR ELDERLY *****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REINFORCE ITS PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, WHO HAD IN THEIR DAYS MADE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO HONG KONG, THE HON PAULINE NG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, SHE SAID THAT FIRST OF ALL THE AUTHORITIES SHOULD FOLLOW THE LEAD OF WESTERN COUNTRIES BY INTRODUCING CONCESSIONARY SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY BECAUSE THEIR INCOME WOULD DIMINISH AFTER RETIREMENT.
MRS NG NOTED THAT IN MANY DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG, THERE WERE ALREADY A NUMBER OF SERVICES AND SCHEMES OFFERING A VARIETY OF BENEFITS TO THE ELDERLY INCLUDING FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS, CONCESSIONARY FARES ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND MAXICABS AND DISCOUNTS AT LOCAL SHOPS.
HOWEVER, SHE SAID, MOST SCHEMES WERE LAUNCHED BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS WITH THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL RESIDENTS, WHICH NOT ONLY INVOLVED CONSIDERABLE COST IN TERMS OF MANPOWER AND RESOURCES TO INDIVIDUAL DISTRICT BOARDS BUT ALSO REDUCED EFFICIENCY.
SHE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD COORDINATE AND IMPLEMENT SUCH SERVICES AND SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY SO AS TO EXTEND THEIR COVERAGE AND INCREASE THEIR EFFICIENCY.
ON THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED +CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE HOME FOR THE ELDERLY+, MRS NG SAID IT DID SET OUT A NUMBER OF DETAILED AND CLEAR GUIDELINES.
+PROVIDED THAT OPERATORS OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE WILLING TO LEARN FROM OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE, RECOGNISE THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG AND FOLLOW GOOD EXAMPLES OF HOMES RUN BY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS, I BELIEVE THEY TOO CAN PROVIDE QUALITY SERVICE TO OUR OLD PEOPLE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,* SHE SAID.
MRS NG ALSO URGED THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE MORE SINGLETON UNITS FOR THE AGED AND THAT THE NUMBER OF BEDS IN OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES AND CARE CENTRES SHOULD ALSO BE INCREASED.
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/19
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 19 -
LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PLAN ON ELDERLY SERVICES NEEDED * M * * *
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SHOULD WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY WORK TOGETHER TO FORMULATE A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY AND A LONG-TERM PLAN ON PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THIS CALL WAS MADE BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DR CHIU SAID OLD PEOPLE HAD A VARIETY OF NEEDS WHICH COULD ONLY BE MET BY THE JOINT EFFORTS OF DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS USING A MULTI-DISCIPLINE APPROACH.
HE SAID HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE PROGRAMME PLAN FOR THE ELDERLY SO AS TO PRODUCE A FUNDAMENTAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
+THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD AIM AT ENABLING THEM TO LEAD A DIGNIFIED AND MEANINGFUL LIFE.
♦THESE SERVICES WOULD NOT HAVE SERVED THE PURPOSE IF THEY MERELY ALLOW OUR ELDERLY TO LINGER ON IN THEIR TWILIGHT YEARS,+ HE SAID.
DR CHIU NOTED THAT THE OMELCO HEALTH SERVICES PANEL, WHEN CONSIDERING THE OCCUPATION OF HOSPITAL BEDS BY OLD PEOPLE, FOUND IT NOT TOO DIFFICULT TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM IN PRACTICAL TERMS WHEREAS FORCING FAMILY MEMBERS TO TAKE OLD PEOPLE BACK FOR HOME CARE MIGHT LEAD TO UNPREDICTABLE RESULTS.
♦ THE OCCUPATION OF HOSPITAL BEDS BY OLD PEOPLE IS ESSENTIALLY THE OPEN AND PRACTICAL MANIFESTATION OF A HIDDEN PROBLEM,+ HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT UNLESS THE LACK OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS SOLVED THE OCCUPATION OF HOSPITAL BEDS WOULD CONTINUE.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT ADEQUATE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES MIGHT HELP IMPROVE THE BED OCCUPATION SITUATION.
DR CHIU ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE OBJECTIVE OF ENABLING OLD PEOPLE TO REMAIN AN INTERGRAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY, IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICES BE INTRODUCED AND MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND SHELTERED WORKSHOP FACILITIES BE PROVIDED.
HE ADDED THAT ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FACILITIES AND APPLICATION CRITERIA FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES SHOULD BE MADE BEFORE PROMOTING THE +CARE IN THE COMMUNITY PLAN*.
♦IF WE SIMPLY IGNORE THE EXISTENCE OF OLD PEOPLE WHEN PLANNING OUR HOUSING, OUR EFFORTS WILL BE WASTED NO MATTER HOW HARD WE TRY TO PROMOTE THE ’CARE IN COMMUNITY’ CONCEPT,+ HE SAID.
_ _ _ _ O-------- /2o .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
20 -
COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ADVOCATED
X X X X X
THE SETTING UP A COMMITTEE TO COORDINATE AND PLAN SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS ADVOCATED BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON ELDERLY SERVICES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEE STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF COORDINATING THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WHICH INVOLVED A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, EDUCATION AND LABOUR.
HE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY SET UP A CENTRAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON YOUTH POLICIES, AND QUESTIONED WHY THERE WAS NO SUCH BODY FOR THE ELDERLY.
POINTING OUT THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES USUALLY ENJOYED HALF-FARE BENEFITS FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT SPENT SOME $200 MILLION EACH YEAR ON THE STUDENT TRAVEL SCHEME, HE SAID ELDERLY PEOPLE HERE ENJOYED NO PRIVILEGED TREATMENT AT ALL EXCEPT FOR SOME MAX I CAB SERVICES.
MR LEE SAID HE FELT THAT HOSTEL SERVICE SHOULD BE IMPROVED IN PROPORTION TO POPULATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANCE AND COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE BE STRENGTHENED.
HE SAID THAT IF MORE HOUSEKEEPING ASSISTANCE OR COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE COULD RENDERED TO OLD PEOPLE, MORE FAMILIES WOULD BE WILLING TO LIVE WITH THEIR ELDERS, THUS HELPING TO RELIEVE THE DEMAND FOR HOSTELS.
HE ALSO PROPOSED SETTING UP A CENTRAL EMPLOYMENT REGISTRY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE LOOKING FOR PART-TIME JOBS AND STRENGTHENING EMPLOYMENT COUNSELLING SERVICES FOR RETIRED PEOPLE.
ON EDUCATION, MR LEE SAID HONG KONG SHOULD FOLLOW THE EXAMPLES OF SOME ADVANCED COUNTRIES IN DEVELOPING ADULT EDUCATION.
THE PROPOSAL TO USE THE TEMPORARY PREMISES OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AS A CENTRE FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION SHOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED, HE SAID.
/21
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
21
URGENT REVIEW OF SUBVENTION SYSTEM NEEDED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD URGENTLY RETHINK AND REVIEW ITS PRESENT SUBVENTION POLICIES AND PLACE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE HIGHEST PRIORITY, THE HON DAVID LI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LI SAID VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH DID NOT PRACTISE +CREATIVE ACCOUNTING* WERE BEING UNFAIRLY PENALISED BY THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF SUBVENTION.
IN HIS OVER 16 YEARS OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE, MR LI SAID, HE HAD SEEN A GOOD DEAL OF +CREATIVE ACCOUNTING* AS PRACTISED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
+IT IS NOT CREATIVITY BY CHOICE, BUT AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INFLEXIBLE SUBVENTION POLICIES,* HE SAID.
THEREFORE, HE ADDED, HE WELCOMED THE RECENT CALL BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THESE SUBVENTION POLICIES SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
MR LI SAID THE PRESENT SUBVENTION SYSTEM HAD CREATED A +NO-WIN+ SITUATION FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH WERE CAUGHT IN THE SUBVENTION CROSSFIRE BETWEEN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
+THE AGENCIES ARE THE VICTIMS OF A CONTINUOUS ’MORE OR LESS’ BATTLE OVER SUBVENTIONS, A BATTLE THAT BENEFITS NO ONE, LEAST OF ALL THE ELDERLY,* HE SAID.
HE QUESTIONED THE WISDOM OF A SUBVENTION SYSTEM WHEREBY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WERE ALLOWED NO ROOM TO GROW AND HAD NO CERTAINTY THAT SUBSIDIES WOULD BE GUARANTEED IN THE LONG TERM.
MR LI NOTED THAT UNDER THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CLASSIFICATION, PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS FOR DAY CARE AND HOME HELP SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WERE ENTITLED TO A FULL SUBVENTION.
HOWEVER, THE SUBVENTION SUM WAS CALCULATED ACCORDING TO A MODEL SYSTEM, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE AGENCIES USUALLY SUSTAINED A DEFICIT, HE SAID.
HE THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO BE MORE REALISTIC IN COSTING THE MODEL SYSTEM, AND TO TAKE VARYING SALARY SCALES AND SERVICES INTO CONSIDERATION.
MR LI ALSO POINTED OUT THAT PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS IN REGARD TO SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WERE ENTITLED TO ONLY 70 PER CENT OF THE MODEL SUBVENTION.
/HE SAID .......
Wednesday, November-12, 1986
22 -
HE SAID HE FELT THAT THIS LEVEL OF SUBVENTION SHOULD BE RAISED TO AT LEAST 100 PER CENT TO LESSEN THE AGENCIES’ BURDEN IN PAYING STAFF SALARIES, AND TO ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR THEM TO TURN TO THE PUBLIC AND TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST FOR THE BALANCE IN FUNDS.
ON THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF SUBVENTIONS FOR AGENCIES’ PROGRAMMES AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES, MR LI SAID A MUCH MORE REALISTIC ASSESSMENT BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WAS NEEDED SO THAT AGENCIES COULD RECEIVE INCREASES AT THE VERY LEAST ON A PAR WITH THE RATE OF INFLATION.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SHOULD PAY OUT SUBVENTIONS ON A PROMPT MONTHLY BASIS INSTEAD OF ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, OR ALTERNATIVELY SHOULD PROVIDE FUNDS TO ENABLE THE AGENCIES TO CARRY OUT THE ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE AND ACCOUNTING WORK INVOLVED IN REPAYMENT OF INTEREST ON SUBVENTION FUNDS.
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POLICY SHOULD TAKE POSITIVE APPROACH
*****
HONG KONG’S FUTURE POLICY ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE A POSITIVE ONE OF COMMUNITY CARE RATHER THAN A PASSIVE ONE OF RELIEF.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE HON CHUNG PUI-LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE SAID THE PRINCIPLE OF SUCH NEW POLICY SHOULD AIM AT ASSISTING THOSE AGED FO OR OVER TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES.
MR CHUNG PUT FORWARD THREE SUGGESTIONS IN THIS RESPECT.
FIRSTLY, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SPEED UP ITS EXPANSION PROGRAMME AND IMPROVE THE SERVICES OF THAT COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE CENTRES OFFERED TO THE ELDERLY.
?.T PRESENT» THERE WERE ONLY 45 SUCH CENTRES IN THE TERRITORY AND THE RANGE OF THEIR SERVICES WAS INADEQUATE.
/IF ACCOMMODATION .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 23 -
IF ACCOMMODATION UNITS AND THE RANGE OF SERVICES WERE INCREASED, MR CHUNG BELIEVED THE HEALTH OF THE ELDERLY COULD BE PROTECTED DIRECTLY AND THE DEMAND FOR HOSPITAL BEDS AND OUT-PATIENT CLINIC SERVICES WOULD BE REDUCED INDIRECTLY.
A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL SERVICE SCHEME COULD BE SET UP FOR THE ELDERLY IN ORDER TO STRENGTHEN THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE COMMUNITY NURSING CENTRES. THIS COULD BE IMPLEMENTED ON A REGIONAL BASIS.
SECONDLY, MR CHUNG PROPOSED THAT CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE DEVELOPED IN PROPORTION TO DEMOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION.
+THIS SHOULD PREFERABLY BE BASED ON AN INTEGRATION OF HOME CARE AND COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE ELDERLY WHO JOIN THE CENTRES TO SPEND THE NIGHT WITH THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO GOVERNMENT’S PLAN TO SET UP ONE CENTRE FOR EVERY 30 OOO ELDERLY PERSONS, MR CHUNG SAID THE-SIMPLEST AND QUICKEST WAY TO MATERIALISE THIS PLAN WAS TO SELECT SUITABLE PRIVATE PREMISES FOR THE PROVISION OF HIGH-QUALITY SERVICES.
THIRDLY, MR CHUNG SAID THE STANDARD OF EQUIPMENT, STAFFING, CARE SERVICES AND SAFETY MEASURES IN PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE AGED SHOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED.
HE SAID A CODE OF PRACTICE WHICH WAS NOT ENFORCED BY THE LAW WOULD NOT BE EFFECTIVE.
HE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GRANT A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN PRIVATE HOMES, PROVIDE SUBSIDIES AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO PROPERLY RUN PRIVATE HOMES AND GIVE GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE TO THOSE HOMES WHICH REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS, BEFORE ENOUGH PLACES COULD BE PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED HOMES.
+ACTUALLY, MOST OF OUR ELDERLY RESIDENTS WHO ARE OVER 60 YEARS OLD ARE STILL VERY ENERGETIC,* HE SAID.
+THEY SELDOM WITHDRAW FROM TAKING PART IN ACTIVITIES EVEN AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN ’FORCED’ TO RETIRE FROM WORK.*
THROUGH A SECURITY PROGRAMME FEATURING PROGRESSIVE SUBVENTION AND SUITABLE GUIDANCE, THE VALUABLE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE VETERANS COULD TILL BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY.
MR CHUNG ALSO WELCOMED THE INTRODUCTION OF A +HOUSING SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY* IN NEWLY COMPLETED HOUSING ESTATES.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS HIGH TIME TO CONSIDER MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO FURTHER RAISE THE DEPENDENT PARENT ALLOWANCE AND TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND OLD AGE ALLOWANCES.
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/24........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
24
ELDERLY SERVICES FAIL TO MEET GROWING NEEDS
*****
SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE LAGGING BEHIND THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE AGED POPULATION IN HONG KONG, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR HUI ATTRIBUTED THE SITUATION TO THE ABSENCE OF REGULAR REVIEWS ON THE PROGRAMME PLAN ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE SAID THE LACK OF AN OPEN FORUM HAD PREVENTED BOTH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FROM EXAMINING DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROGRAMME PLAN, IDENTIFY LOOPHOLES AND SEEK ADJUSTMENTS OF THE PLAN.
HE ALSO SAID THERE HAD BEEN POOR CO-ORDINATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES INVOLVED IN PROVIDING DIFFERENT TYPES OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE SAID HE SUPPORTED DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI’S CALL FOR A WHOLISTIC REVIEW ON THE OBJECTIVES AND STRATEGIES OF GOVERNMENT POLICY ON CARE FOR THE AGED, TO BE FOLLOWED BY REGULAR PROGRAMME PLAN REVIEWS.
MR HUI POINTED OUT THAT THE CHANGING NEEDS AND PROFILES OF THE ELDERLY POPULATION AS A RESULT OF RAPID SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGES IN HONG KONG WERE LIKELY TO PRODUCE SOCIAL PROBLEMS AND THREATEN HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO DESIGN A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICE PROGRAMMES TO MEET THE HETEROGENEOUS NEEDS OF BOTH THE PROVIDERS AND RECEIVERS OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
+THE SOONER WE CAN HARNESS THE FORSEEABLE PROBLEMS BEFORE THEY GROW OUT OF PROPORTION, THE BETTER IT WILL BE FOR OURSELVES AND OUR SENIOR CITIZENS,* HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE CURRENT SOCIAL WORK TREND WAS TO ENABLE THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN AS LONG AS POSSIBLE AS MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, MR HUI SAID HE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THERE WERE INADEQUATE FORMAL SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE AND SAID ALL CATEGORIES OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES WERE IN URGENT NEED OF EXPANSION.
+SINCE CARING FOR THE AGED INVOLVED HIGH RISKS OF FINANCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL STRESS FOR THE CARE-GIVERS, PROLONGED SHORTAGE OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT IS IMPOSING ENORMOUS STRAINS ON BOTH THE ELDERLY AND THEIR FAMILIES,* HE SAID.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 25 -
HE SAID THAT GROSS INADEQUACY OF SUPPORT SERVICES LEFT FAMILIES WITH NO CHOICE BUT TO PUT THE FRAIL ELDERLY INTO INSTITUTIONS, THUS DEFEATING THE CARE IN COMMUNITY CONCEPT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT CLAIMED TO PROMOTE.
IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE COMMUNITY CARE OBJECTIVE, MR HUI MADE THE FOLLOWING SUGGESTIONS;
FIRSTLY, A COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT NETWORK LINKING UP FORMAL AND INFORMAL SUPPORT SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED? SECONDLY, GAPS IN SERVICE PROVISIONS SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND STEPS TAKEN TO INCREASE THE NUMBER AND RANGE OF SERVICE PROVISIONS? THIRDLY, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE SUPPORT TO INNOVATIVE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SUCH AS OUTREACHING SERVICE AND RESPITE SERVICES FOR CARE GIVERS? FOURTHLY, STAFF AND RESOURCES SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICES TO FAMILIES? AND LASTLY APART FROM TAX REDUCTIONS, OTHER INCENTIVES SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ENCOURAGE FAMILIES TO CARE FOR THE OLD.
MR HUI SAID ALTHOUGH COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES WOULD MAKE LIFE EASIER FOR THOSE ELDERLY WHO COULD LEAD AN INDEPENDENT SOCIAL LIFE, THEY COULD NOT IMPROVE THOSE CHRONICALLY-ILL AND BED-RIDDEN ELDERLY.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE A SHORTFALL OF 1 590 INFIRMARY PLACES AND AN UNMET DEMAND FOR INTENSIVE CARE FOR 4 698 APPLICANTS ON THE WAITING LIST FOR CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES IN 1985 AND URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO PAY IMMEDIATE ATTENTION TO THE SITUATION.
MR HUI SAID THAT INCOME MAINTENANCE FOR RETIRED PERSONS WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM THAT WOULD GROW WITH THE INCREASING AGED POPULATION.
+WITH MORE AND MORE ELDERLY GETTING LITTLE OR NO SUPPORT FROM THEIR FAMILIES, TO MAINTAIN A DECENT LIVING STANDARD WITHOUT HAVING TO DEPEND ON PUBLIC WELFARE REQUIRES A COMPREHENSIVE SOCIAL SECURITY PROGRAMME IN THE FORM OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME NOT ONLY GAVE PEOPLE HUMAN DIGNITY BUT ALSO ENSURED BETTER PRODUCTIVITY IN THE LIGHT OF SECURED BENEFITS AFTER RETIREMENT.
REFERRING TO THE RECENTLY RELEASED CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE HOMES, MR HUI SAID HE REGRETTED THAT IT ONLY CONTAINED THE MINIMUM STANDARDS AND FELT THESE SHOULD BE RAISED TO THE SAME LEVEL AS OLD AGE HOMES RUN BY SUBVENTED WELFARE AGENCIES.
SINCE THE CODE OF PRACTICE DID NOT HAVE ANY MANDATORY POWER, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SHOULD ADOPT MORE POSITIVE MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION OF PRIVATE OLD AGE HOMES WHICH MET THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS OF THE CODE.
HE ADDED THAT PUBLIC EDUCATION WAS NEEDED TO ENABLE CONSUMERS TO ASSESS AND MONITOR THE QUALITY OF SERVICE, AND TO GIVE THE PUBLIC MORE CONFIDENCE IN SEEKING RESIDENTIAL SERVICES FOR THEIR ELDERLY.
-------0---------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
26
SET UP PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME FOR ELDERLY
*****
IT IS NOW THE RIGHT TIME TO MAKE PREPARATIONS FOR SETTING UP A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY AS WE CAN NO LONGER RELY SOLELY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SERVICES TO SOLVE THEIR FINANCIAL PROBLEM, THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE DEBATE ON ELDERLY SERVICES MRS TAM SAID THAT, THROUGH SOME SORT OF CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCHEME THE AGED COULD MAINTAIN A CERTAIN SOURCE OF FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AFTER RETIREMENT, THUS REDUCING THEIR RELIANCE ON SOCIETY.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME BE ESTABLISHED THROUGH LEGISLATION.
+ A COMPREHENSIVE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME SHOULD BE PROMULGATED, REQUIRING EACH AND EVERY COMPANY TO ESTABLISH AND MANAGE ITS OWN SCHEME.
+THE MOST IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT WHEN AN EMPLOYEE CHANGES JOB OR OCCUPATION, HIS PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS AND YEARS OF SERVICE WILL BE PUT INTO THE RECORD,* SHE SAID.
MRS TAM SAID SHE FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WOULD NOT ONLY HELP SOLVE THE FINANCIAL PROBLEM OF THE AGED BUT ALSO INDUCE THE PUBLIC TO SAVE MORE MONEY AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG WAS CONFRONTED WITH AN AGEING POPULATION.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE CRUX OF THE PRESENT PROBLEM OF THE ELDERLY LAY IN THE LACK OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES WHICH PROHIBITED OLD PEOPLE FROM CHOOSING THEIR PREFERRED WAY OF LIVING AND DEPRIVED THEM OF THEIR FAMILY AND SOCIAL STATUS.
THEY WERE EASILY NEGLECTED AND FORGOTTEN, SHE ADDED.
MRS TAM SAID BEFORE A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WAS SET UP, A FEASIBLE WAY TO IMPROVE THE ELDERLY’S LIVING CONDITION WAS TO REVIEW THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO THEM AND EXTEND THE SCOPE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
SHE PREDICTED THAT BY THE 21ST CENTURY, THE NUMBER OF OLD PEOPLE AGED 65 AND ABOVE WOULD INCREASE TO 720 000.
+ BY THEN THE EXPENDITURE ON PROVIDING SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY WOULD INCREASE TO $8 BILLION WHICH WOULD POSE A CONSIDERABLE ECONOMIC BURDEN ON THE COMMUNITY,* SHE SAID.
THEREFORE, SHE SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF A PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME WAS THE BEST LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
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/27........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 27 -
NOTIFICATION REGISTER FOR BEDSPACE APARTMENTS PROPOSED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE URGENT STEPS TO ESTABLISH A NOTIFICATION SYSTEM TO REGISTER BED-SPACE APARTMENTS, THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
OPERATORS OF THESE APARTMENTS, OFTEN REFERRED TO AS +CAGE-MEN’S HOSTELS+, WOULD THEN BE REQUIRED TO FURNISH PARTICULARS FOR A SIMPLE ASSESSMENT OF THE SAFETY AND HEALTH IMPLICATIONS, HE SAID.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID THERE WERE SEVERAL HUNDRED SUCH APARTMENTS, ACCOMMODATING 10 000 TO 15 000 RESIDENTS, ABOUT 25 PER CENT OF WHOM WERE AGED 60 OR OVER.
MOST OF THESE APARTMENTS WERE POTENTI AL DEATH-TRAPS IF A FI RE OCCURRED ANYWHERE IN THE BUILDING WHERE THESE HOSTEL RESIDENTS LIVED IN A TERRIBLY OVERCROWDED SITUATION, HE SAID.
THEREFORE, MR CHEONG-LEEN PROPOSED TO SET UP A NOTIFICATION REGISTER, WHICH WOULD BE KEPT BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SHOULD BE SET UP WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WITH OTHER DIRECTLY CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS PARTICIPATING, HE SAID.
+THE COMMITTEE WILL MEET AS AND WHEN REQUIRED, SO THAT ALL CONCERNED PARTIES CAN BE INFORMED OF WHAT ACTION THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT INTEND TO TAKE IN CONNECTION WITH THOSE BEDSPACE APARTMENTS WHICH REPRESENT THE GRAVEST FIRE HAZARDS, AND JOINT ACTION TAKEN ACCORDINGLY,* HE SAID.
MR CHEONG-LEEN ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE IF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT REQUIRED MORE STATUTORY POWER TO TAKE ACTION AGAINST FIRE RISKS CAUSED BY GROSS OVERCROWDING IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS IN OLD TENEMENT BUILDINGS.
ON OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND OTHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GRANTS, MR CHEONG-LEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE CURRENT PAYMENT PROCEDURES BE REVIEWED TO MAKE IT AS CONVENIENT AS POSSIBLE FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS TO RETIRE IN CHINA AND TO CONTINUE RECEIVING THEIR ALLOWANCES THUS RELIEVING TO SOME EXTENT THE OVERCROWDED LIVING CONDITIONS IN URBAN AREAS.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, N0VD4BER 12, 1986
- 28 -
HE SAID HE ALSO BELIEVED IT WAS WORTHWHILE FOR GOVERNMENT
TO INVITE A PUBLIC REVIEW OF ITS POLICIES AND PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE LIGHT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES AND CHANGING ECONOMIC ClRCUMSTANCES.
+THIS PUBLIC REVIEW NEED NOT BE BY WAY OF A GREEN PAPER, BUT MORE IN THE NATURE OF AN INTERIM REVIEW PENDING A FUTURE FULL-SCALE REVIEW ON THE NEEDS FOR THE NEXT DECADE,+ HE SAID.
+l SUGGEST THAT THE ADMINISTRATION PREPARE A GENERAL INFORMATION PAPER ON THE SUBJECT AND INVITE PUBLIC RESPONSE FROM ALL SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE ADDED.
-------o----------
IMPORTANCE OF
ELDERLY POLICY REVIEW STRESSED
*****
THE IMPORTANCE TO REVIEW THE POLICY ON PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND TO HAVE A MORE LONG-TERM PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH SERVICES WAS STRESSED BY THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE, MR TAI SAID THIS WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE HONG KONG’S POPULATION WAS FACING A CHANGING AGE STRUCTURE WITH THE ELDERLY OCCUPYING AN INCREASING PROPORTION.
MR TAI POINTED OUT THAT MOST OLD PEOPLE IN SOCIETY WERE NOT WELL-INFORMED OF THE KIND OF WELFARE SERVICES THEY WERE ENTITLED TO AND THE VARIOUS CHANNELS THEY MIGHT APPROACH FOR HELP DUE TO THEIR POOR EDUCATION STANDARD.
HE SAID OLD PEOPLE LIVING ALONE OR WITH OTHER OLD PEOPLE ENCOUNTERED ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS AND IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT APPROPRIATE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED TO THOSE WHO NEEDED THEM.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD PLAY A MORE ACTIVE ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF HOSTEL ACCOMMODATION AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES, AND IN ALLOCATING UNITS FOR the ELDERLY IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
/HE SUGGESTED
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 29
HE SUGGESTED THAT MORE TAX ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO PEOPLE WHO TOOK CARE OF THEIR PARENTS FINANCIALLY.
MR TAI NOTED THAT THE INADEQUATE PROVISION OF INFIRMARY PLACES HAD RESULTED IN MANY OLD PEOPLE CONTINUING TO OCCUPY ALREADY CROWDED HOSPITAL WARDS WHEN THEY COULD BE CARED FOR IN LESS EXPENSIVE INFIRMARIES.
HE SAID THE BUILDING OF MORE INFIRMARIES WAS A MORE COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
MR TAI SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO FURTHER EXPAND THE COMMUNITY NURSING PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE HOUSE-CARE HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SO AS TO EASE THE SHORTAGE OF PLACES IN HOSPITALS AND INFIRMARIES.
HE SAID THAT COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES SHOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR THE ELDERLY TO INTEGRATE THEM BACK TO THE COMMUNITY AND URGED THAT BETTER PUBLICITY BE GIVEN TO THESE SERVICES.
------0--------
ASSISTANCE OFFERED TO FAMILIES OF BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS
* H n K K
m WITH FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES WERE RFINr AQQiQTcn
SARHABLe TRUSTVFUNDS "hFaDDED™*^ AND F°R CASH GRANTS FR0M
/TO DATE, ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 30
TO DATE, FOUR FAMILIES WERE RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, AND A NUMBER OF FAMILIES CONCERNED WERE CONSIDERING WHETHER THEY WISHED TO SEEK SUCH ASSISTANCE.
MR GREWAL SAID ONE PERSON HAD APPLIED FOR LEGAL AID TO DATE. AND OTHERS MIGHT DO SO AT THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT’S MAIN OFFICE AT 66 QUEENSWAY OR AT THE BRANCH OFFICE AT RITZ BUILDING, AND ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE ON REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS TO BE COMPLETED AT THE HOSPITAL.
TURNING TO INVESTIGATION OF THE ACCIDENT, MR GREWAL SAID THIS WAS BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE POLICE.
UP TO 100 STATEMENTS WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN AND THE EVIDENCE OF EXPERTS COLLECTED, INCLUDING FORENSIC EVIDENCE, HE SAID.
ON COMPLETION OF THE INVESTIGATION, A REPORT WOULD BE MADE TO THE CORONER WHO WOULD DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT A PUBLIC HEARING SHOULD BE HELD, AND THE POLICE FILE WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS FOR CONSIDERATION ON WHETHER THERE WERE ANY GROUNDS FOR PROSECUTION.
THE SUBSTANCE OF THE REPORT ITSELF WOULD NOT BE MADE PUBLIC OTHER THAN THROUGH THE COURTS OF HONG KONG, MR GREWAL SAID.
STILL ON THE QUESTION OF BUSES, MR GREWAL SAID THE MEASURES ADOPTED BY GOVERNMENT TO PROMOTE VEHICLE SAFETY INCLUDED DESIGN APPROVAL FOR EACH BUS TYPE I FULL INSPECTION OF EACH INDIVIDUAL BUS BEFORE LICENSING? ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION' A MAJOR OVERHAUL OF BUSES AT INTERVALS OF BETWEEN THREE TO FIVE YEARS FOLLOWED BY A MORE SEARCHING EXAMINATION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT? SPOT-CHECKS ON BUSES ON SAFETY ASPECTS; AND MONITORING OF MAINTENANCE FACILITIES AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAMMES OF THE OPERATORS.
MR GREWAL SAID MEASURES WERE ALSO TAKEN TO PROMOTE THE SAFE OPERATION OF BUSES. THESE INCLUDED AGREEMENT WITH THE COMPANIES ON BUS DRIVER TRAINING PROGRAMMES? TESTING OF BUS DRIVERS FOR LICENSING; ADJUSTMENT OF SCHEDULES TO MEET TRAFFIC CONDITIONS? TRIAL RUNS USING THE PROPOSED BUS TYPE ON A PROPOSED NEW ROUTE; DESIGN OF ROADS TO ENSURE SAFETY; AND ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION AND PROMPT REMEDIAL ACTION WHERE NECESSARY.
MR GREWAL ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT ANY LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM THE TUEN MUN BUS ACCIDENT WOULD BE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AND REFLECTED IN GOVERNMENT’S PROCEDURES OR REQUIREMENTS, OR TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES, AS APPROPRIATE.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
31
BUILDING SITE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS TIGHTENED
* * * * X
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ALL GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS NOW REQUIRE CONTRACTORS TO TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS TO FENCE, GUARD, LIGHT AND DRAIN ALL OPEN-PITS AND TRENCH EXCAVATIONS WHICH COULD POSE A DANGER TO THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY TO CHILDREN.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON WONG WANG-FAT, MR BARNES SAID IN ORDER TO ENFORCE THESE REQUIREMENTS INSTRUCTIONS HAD BEEN ISSUED TO ALL STAFF CONCERNED WITH THE CONTROL OF SITES.
THESE INSTRUCTIONS DREW ATTENTION TO THE NECESSARY STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO FENCE EXCAVATIONS ADEQUATELY AND TO PREVENT PONDS FORMING ON SITES.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY ON PRIVATE SITES LAY WITH AUTHORISED PERSONS AND CONTRACTORS. A NOTE HAD BEEN ISSUED TO AUTHORISED PERSONS DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR FENCING OF SITES AND OTHER MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD THE PUBLIC.
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, ENACTED IN 1983, REQUIRED ADEQUATE FENCING OF EXCAVATIONS TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE NEW FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICER AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) REGULATIONS, SHORTLY TO COME INTO FORCE, WOULD IMPOSE A NEW REQUIREMENT FOR SAFETY OFFICERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
+ A FULL-TIME SAFETY OFFICER WILL HAVE TO BE EMPLOYED ON ALL CONSTRUCTION SITES HAVING MORE THAN 200 WORKERS, AND ANY SITE WITH MORE THAN 20 WORKERS WILL REQUIRE A SAFETY SUPERVISOR,+ HE SAID.
THESE OFFICERS WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THAT OPEN PITS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES WERE MADE SAFE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW AND CONTRACT CONDITIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF WORKERS AND THE PUBLIC.
+1 AM SATISFIED THAT THE MEASURES BEING TAKEN TO REDUCE HAZARDS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES TO A MINIMUM ARE ADEQUATE,* MR BARNES SAID.
+HOWEVER IN CONCLUSION, I WOULD SAY THAT, NOTWITHSTANDING THE ADDITIONAL LEGAL REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCED IN RECENT YEARS TO MINIMISE RISKS, CONSTRUCTION SITES ARE DANGEROUS PLACES, PARTICULARLY TO CHILDREN.
+THEY SHOULD NEVER BE CONSIDERED AS ’ADVENTURE PLAYGROUNDS’, AND PARENTS ALSO SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO INSTIL INTO THEIR CHILDREN THE DANGERS OF ENTERING SUCH SITES,* HE SAID.
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/32 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 32 -
STEPS TAKEN AT PLANNING STAGE TO CONTROL ROAD NOISE
K X * X *
MEASURES ARE TAKEN AT THE PLANNING STAGE OF NEW ROAD WORKS TO CONTAIN NOISE AND OTHER POLLUTION BY CAREFUL SELECTION OF THE ROUTES AND BY SITING NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AWAY FROM THE ROAD.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM DR THE HON DANIEL TSE ON NOISE POLLUTION AFFECTING RESIDENTS LIVING ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FLYOVER IN KOWLOON CITY ROAD.
DR TSE QUOTED A DISTRICT BOARD SURVEY WHICH FOUND THE NOISE LEVELS EXCEEDED THE MAXIMUM TOLERATION LIMIT STIPULATED IN THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES.
MR BARNES SAID IN ADDITION, DURING THE DESIGN STAGE, AN ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW WAS NOW CARRIED OUT ON ALL NEW MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS INCLUDING HIGHWAYS AND FLYOVERS.
THE PURPOSE WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS STIPULATED IN THE PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER 1985 WERE MET, WHEREVER PRACTICABLE, BY THE INCORPORATION OF APPROPRIATE NOISE REDUCTION MEASURES.
+SO WE ARE NOW DOING ALL THAT IS REASONABLY POSSIBLE TO AVOID SERIOUS NOISE PROBLEMS WHEN WE BUILD FLYOVERS,* HE SAID.
THIS HAD NOT ALWAYS BEEN THE CASE IN THE PAST AND COMPLETE AVOIDANCE OF THE PROBLEM HAD NOT BEEN POSSIBLE DUE TO VERY CROWDED CONDITIONS.
+THE ONLY REAL ANSWER TO THE EXTREME CASES, IN WHICH I WOULD INCLUDE KOWLOON CITY ROAD, LIES IN THE RE-PLANNING AND RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE BUILDINGS AFFECTED,* MR BARNES SAID.
+BUT WE CAN ONLY ACHIEVE THIS, IF AT ALL, FAIRLY SLOWLY.*
HE SAID HE DID NOT THINK THAT COMPENSATION, EITHER STATUTORY OR EX-GRATIA, WAS THE ANSWER.
SINCE THE KOWLOON CITY ROAD FLYOVER SYSTEM WAS COMPLETED, OWNERSHIP AND OCCUPATION OF MANY OF THE PROPERTIES AFFECTED HAD CHANGED AND DOUBTLESS WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO.
+1 SEE NO WAY IN WHICH A SYSTEM OF EITHER STATUTORY OR EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION PAYMENTS COULD BE OPERATED,* HE SAID.
-------0 ---------
/33
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 33 -
ASBESTOS IN BUS SHELTERS NOT APPRECIABLE HEALTH HAZARD
X X K X X
or-SHELTERS WHICH CONTAIN ASBESTOS DO NOT POSE ANY APPRECIABLE HEALTH HAZARD TO THE PUBLIC, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORK*?
J® "°" B4RNES- T0LD ™ legislative council tomy ’
VWEDNESDAYJ .
ANSWERING A QUESTION FROM THE HON PAULINE NG MR BARNES
MATERIAL 'NED IN AN ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOFING
MATERIAL WHERE THE ASBESTOS FIBRES WERE HELD FAST BY THE
F,BRES 'NT0 THE AIR W0ULD °NLY OCCUR IF MATERIAL WAS BADLY DAMAGED,+ MR BRANES SAID.
CEMENT.
THE
SHELTERS IS
meLsTOsR?E°«m 5$sEnow 5SEoBSTITUTE "hich di° not C0NT4IN
THE
PROrRAMMFTHAi F°AenL™r«T,rE’ UNDER THE N0RMAL MAINTENANCE UF°cA?nME’ ALL ASBESTOS CEMENT WILL ULTIMATELY BE REPLACED,+ nt bAID. . 9
OF NFWNBii?S?MFir?rDcATER,ALS ARE N0W USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION vr incw DUo ontLltKS.
euciTCDe 1 CAN CONFIDENTLY ASSURE MRS NG THAT BUS
SHELTERS ARE SAFE TO THE PUBLIC,+ HE SAID.
-------0---------
HONORARIUM FOR DB MEMBERS TO BE REVIEWED
*****
A REVIEW ON THE LEVEL OF HONORARIUM FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON CONRAD LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LIAO SAID IT WAS THE INTENTION OF GOVERNMENT TO INTRODUCE A MECHANISM WHEREBY THE LEVEL OF HONORARIUM FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF THE RESULTS OF THE PAY TREND SURVEY CONDUCTED EVERY YEAR.
+THIS MEANS THAT A REVIEW WILL BE CARRIED OUT EARLY NEXT YEAR SO THAT AN INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF HONORARIUM WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
/HR LIAO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVtMBER 12, 1986
- 34 -
MR LIAO SAID THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENT WOULD ALLOW REVIEWS ON A SIMILAR BASIS TO BE CONDUCTED AT REGULAR INTERVALS IN THE FUTURE.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD ALSO RECOMMEND THE IMMEDIATE INTRODUCTION OF A MONTHLY RENT ALLOWANCE TO ASSIST BOARD MEMBERS IN SETTING UP THEIR OWN OFFICES FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEETING THEIR CONSTITUENTS AND CARRYING OUT OTHER ACTIVITIES RELATED TO THEIR WORK AS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
THESE PROPOSALS WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT MONTH, HE ADDED.
-------0---------
IMMEDIATE ACTION TAKEN ON DANGEROUS SIGNS
* X * *
BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT RECEIVES INFORMATION A SIGN APPEARS^TO^BE’DANGEROUS S ^eV^^eT^a""
kjin PFPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HILTON CMFONC—l fcm ™ 2mE?HES‘s?eNTHsIfPF IH^t?o0?f1rmed ™"' ?pED
'Y 2™.. S,GN SAFE, A NOTICE WAS SERVED ON THE OWNFR OF tmf S|GN^REQUIRING IT TO BE REMOVED OR REPAIRED WITHIN A SPECIFIED
0WNER CANNOT BE FOUND, OR IF HE DOES NOT TAKE the NECESSARY ACTION WITHIN THE SPECIFIED T ME THE BUILDUPS aIS LANDS DEPARTMENT ARRANGES FOR THE SIGN TO BE REMOVED ™ AND WHERE POSSIBLE RECOVERS THE COST FROM ?HE Ser?+ REPA,RED’
MR BARNES SAID IF THE INSPECTION ^HOWFH thf qicki to dc "vfD|?lELJovDEA?G^2^laTT?fv™ !:?I"™^and^lands^department^would COSTS FROM ?Xe”oiS4 ELV’ 4G4IN subsequently recovering the REMOVEaDS DEPARTMENT TAKES SIMILAR ACTION TO ntriuvt SIGNS THAT PRESENT A DANGER TO TRAFFIC OR Or^triict TDAcrir SIGNS ON REQUEST FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT?. 2e IdmJ.
0 —
/55 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
55
NEW BEAUTY TREATMENT, FITNESS TECHNIQUES BEING MONITORED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MONITORING NEW TECHNIQUES INTRODUCED FOR BEAUTY TREATMENT AND PHYSICAL FITNESS TO DETERMINE WHETHER ANY FORM OF REGULATION WAS REQUIRED, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI, MR CHAMBERS SAID TREATMENT AT BEAUTY TREATMENT CENTRES INVOLVING MEDICAL AND SURGICAL OPERATIONS OR THE USE OF DRUGS WAS GOVERNED BY THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE (CAP 161), THE PHARMACY AND POISONS ORDINANCE (CAP 138), AND ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE (CAP 137) AND COULD ONLY BE PERFORMED BY PERSONS QUALIFIED AND REGISTERED UNDER THOSE ORDINANCES.
+THE MAJORITY OF PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTRES ARE OPERATED AS PRIVATE CLUBS AND THE ACTIVITIES THEY PROMOTE, IF SUPERVISED BY TRAINED INSTRUCTORS AND IF PRECEDED BY A MEDICAL CHECK-UP, ARE CONSIDERED TO BE CONDUCIVE RATHER THAN HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS ADDED THAT THERE WAS AT PRESENT NO LEGISLATION SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO REGULATE THE ACTIVITIES OF PHYSICAL FITNESS CENTRES OR ORGANISATIONS PURPORTING TO OFFER BEAUTY TREATMENT SERVICES.
-----0------
PROVIDENT FUND HAS FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S PRESENT POSITION TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND IS THAT BECAUSE OF ITS FAR-REACHING IMPLICATIONS, THE PROPOSAL NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED WITH GREAT CARE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR BRIDGE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS NOW SEEKING THE VIEWS OF APPROPRIATE CONSULTATIVE BODIES, IN PARTICULAR THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, WHICH REPRESENTED THE VIEWS OF BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WHICH REPRESENTED THE VIEWS OF A WIDE RANGE OF WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.
+SINCE THE PROPOSAL ALSO HAS FAR REACHING ECONOMIC, ACTUARIAL AND MONETARY IMPLICATIONS, THE ADMINISTRATION IS ALSO CONSULTING THREE BODIES WITH EXPERTISE IN THESE AREAS — THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS, THE LIFE INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AND THE DISCUSSION GROUP ON THE HONG KONG ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
WHEN ALL THESE VIEWS HAVE BEEN OBTAINED A DECISION WILL BE TAKEN AS TO WHAT FORM ANY FURTHER CONSULTATION SHOULD TAKE.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE VIEWS OF COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD BE SOUGHT BEFORE ANY DECISION WAS REACHED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 56 -
OVERSEAS SCHOOLS NOT SUBJECT TO SCRUTINY
* * * * K
OVERSEAS EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, WHICH ARE NOT PROVIDING ANY FORM OF SERVICE IN HONG KONG, BUT SEEKING ONLY TO ADVERTISE HERE, ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY FORM OF SCRUTINY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR BRIDGE SAID AS THE INSTITUTIONS CONCERNED HAD NO LOCAL PRESENCE, IT WOULD NOT BE PRACTICABLE TO UNDERTAKE AN ASSESSMENT OF THEIR SERVICES.
AS TO WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED REFERENCE MATERIALS ON THESE INSTITUTES IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF LOCAL STUDENTS WHO INTENDED TO STUDY ABROAD, MR BRIDGE SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF WAYS IN WHICH STUDENTS COULD OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS.
+THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIP SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS A LARGE COLLECTION OF REFERENCE MATERIALS ON EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE UNITED STATES.
+STUDENTS WISHING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDY OVERSEAS CAN SEEK DETAILED ADVICE FROM OFFICERS OF THE SECTION IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR OWN SPECIFIC NEEDS. SCHOOLS ARE REGULARLY ADVISED BY CIRCULAR OF THESE SERVICES,+ HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS EDUCATION SECTION, WHICH MAINTAINED CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, COULD ALSO ASSIST STUDENTS SEEKING INFORMATION ABOUT OVERSEAS STUDY.
HE ADDED THAT MOST OF THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS MAINTAINED STOCKS OF REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR STUDENTS’ USE, THE BRITISH COUNCIL COULD PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT A WIDE RANGE OF BRITISH INSTITUTIONS AND CONSULATES AND COMMISSIONS OF OVERSEAS COUNTRIES COULD ALSO BE APPROACHED.
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/37........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
yi
TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT FOR CLINIC PATIENTS SOON *****
A TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM WILL BE ADOPTED AS STANDARD PRACTICE IN ALL GOVERNMENT SPECIALIST CLINICS SOON, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE AGREED THAT SUCH A SYSTEM WOULD BE MORE EFFICIENT AND CONVENIENT TO PATIENTS ALTHOUGH IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR THEM TO HAVE TO WAIT FOR AS LONG AS HALF A DAY TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT.
HE SAID THE SYSTEM WAS ALREADY THE PRACTICE IN TWO OUT OF THE EIGHT SPECIALIST CLINICS AND THAT WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONTH IT WOULD BE ADOPTED IN ALL GOVERNMENT SPECIALIST CLINICS EXCEPT FOR THE SAI YING PUN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF SESSIONS BEING OPERATED IN THIS CLINIC, IT WOULD TAKE A LITTLE LONGER TO INTRODUCE THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS.
+ IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO OPERATE A TELEPHONE APPOINTMENT SYSTEM IN THIS CLINIC IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS’ TIME,* HE ADDED.
-r' " -----o- —
... •
TRADES REFERENCE IN OZP NOTES MAY BE DROPPED *****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD WILL BE ASKED TO CONSIDER DELETING REFERENCE TO CERTAIN TRADES UNDER THE COLUMNS + USES ALWAYS PERMITTED* ' ' AND +USES THAT MAY BE PERMITTED ON APPLICATION TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD* IN NOTES ATTACHED TO OUTLINE ZONING PLANS.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, ' STATED THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CH I-FA I.
MR POON HAD ASKED IN VIEW OF PUBLIC COMPLAINTS ABOUT LAW AND ORDER, AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENTAL AND NOISE PROBLEMS CREATED , BY COMMERCIAL BATHHOUSES, MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND PRINTINGPUBLISHING AND ALLIED INDUSTRIES BEING OPERATED IN BUILDINGS IN COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL AND RESIDENTIAL (A) ZONES, WOULD GOVERNMENT CONSIDER DELETING THE REFERENCES AS TO THE *USES+ IN THE NOTES ATTACHED TO OUTLINE ZONING PLANS.
Sfe • /HR BARNES........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 58 -
mr RARNF9 SAID THAT NOTES REGARDING USES WERE PARTS OF STATUTORY TOWN PLANS AND WERE APPROVED IN RESPECT OF EACH DRAFT PLAN PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
HE ADDED THAT HE WOULD ACCORDINGLY ASK THE BOARD WHAT IT THOUGHT OF MR POON’S SUGGESTION.
MR BARNES SAID COMMERICAL BATHHOUSES, MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS AND PRINTING-PUBLISHING BUSINESSES WERE A NECCESITY AND HAD TRADITIONALLY OPERATED IN BOTH COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
+MOREOVER BY NO MEANS ALL OF SUCH OPERATIONS GIVE ANY WORRIES TO THEIR NEIGHBOURS.
+THF BOARD WILL THUS HAVE TO CONSIDER A BALANCE BETWEEN THE VARIED INTERESTS INVOLVED AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF ANY SUCH AMENDMENTS TO THE NOTES,+ HE ADDED.
----0------
ONE BILL PASSED
K * *
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1986 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TWO OTHER BILLS — THE PENALTIES FOR PRACTICE OF MEDICINE AND DENTISTRY BY UNREGISTERED PERSONS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) BILL 1986 AND THE ANTIBIOTICS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO NOVEMBER 19.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
39
OS: MORE FACTS ON LOCALISATION SHORTLY
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE WOULD GIVE MORE FACTS AND FIGURES ABOUT LOCALISATION IN ABOUT 10 DAYS’ TIME IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL’S HIGH SCHOOL IN TAI TAM, HE SAID HE WOULD BE DEALING WITH LOCALISATION IN HIS SPEECH IN REPLY TO THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS.
SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS FOLLOWING A POLICY WHICH HAD BEEN PURSUED OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME.
+WE ARE NOT RUSHING INTO THIS,+ HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT OFFICERS EMPLOYED ON CONTRACT TERMS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID: +THE PEOPLE WHO’RE ON CONTRACT, FOR THE MOST PART, ARE THERE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO BE ON CONTRACT AND TO RECEIVE THE BENEFITS OF CONTRACT SERVICE.
+THAT IS, AT THE END OF YOUR CONTRACT YOU’LL GET A CHOICE AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEAVE, IF YOU WISH, AND TAKE WITH YOU A GRATUITY.+
IN RESPONSE TO A SUGGESTION THAT CONTRACT STAFF WERE NOT ENCOURAGED TO APPLY TO BECOME PERMANENT AND PENSIONABLE CIVIL SERVANTS, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT ADOPTED AS A POLICY WAS TO TRY AND LOOK SOME YEARS AHEAD TO SEE WHETHER THERE WAS A LOCAL OFFICER WHO WOULD HAVE REACHED THE NECESSARY AGE, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATION TO FILL THAT POST.
+IF THAT IS SO, THEN OF COURSE THE QUESTION OF LOCALISATION OF THAT POST BECOMES A VERY REAL ONE,+ HE SAID.
BUT, HE ADDED, IN GENERAL THE NUMBER OF EXPATRIATES EMPLOYED BY THE GOVERNMENT NEXT YEAR WOULD PROBABLY BE GREATER THAN THE NUMBER EMPLOYED THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS BECAUSE OF THE EXPANSION OF GOVERNMENT WORK GENERALLY AND, OF COURSE, IN SOME CASES THE RENEWAL OF CONTRACTS, HE EXPLAINED.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ABOUT THE CONVERGENCE OF THE BASIC LAW, SIR DAVID SAID THE BASIC LAW WAS PURSUING A STEADY COURSE.
WHAT WAS IMPORTANT OF HONG KONG WOULD HAVE GOING TO BE IN 1997 FOR
WAS THAT BY ABOUT 1989-90, THE PEOPLE A FAIR IDEA OF WHAT THE BASIC LAW WAS THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, HE SAID.
/+IT is........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
40
+IT IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH I THINK THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD WISH TO RUSH. THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO GET IT RIGHT, BECAUSE IT WILL SET DOWN THE BASIC LAW AND FRAMEWORK FOR THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION FROM 1997 UNTIL THE YEAR 2047.
+AND I’M SURE NONE OF YOU WOULD WISH THAT PROCESS TO BE RUSHED HE ADDED.
AS TO CONVERGENCE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S GREEN PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF THE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM WOULD BE PUBLISHED NEXT YEAR.
♦ AND IT IS PART OF THIS PROCESS OF GROWING TOGETHER AND MAKING SURE THAT THE SYSTEM WE HAVE IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1997 IS ONE WHICH IS COMPATIBLE WITH THE SYSTEM AFTER 1997. WE DON’T WANT ABRUPT CHANGES AND BREAKS IN 1997. SO IT IS A CAREFUL PROCESS.
+WE MUST ALL BE VERY PATIENT ABOUT IT AND WE MUST ALL THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT IT. IT IS NOT SOMETHING TO TAKE UP EXTREME POSITIONS. IT IS SOMETHING WHICH ALL OF YOU AND ALL OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, MUST THINK VERY CAREFULLY ABOUT,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE MUST NOT JUST THINK ABOUT THE SUPERFICIAL, EXTREME PROBLEMS BUT ABOUT THE PROBLEMS OF DETAIL.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY REFUTED A SUGGESTION THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS GIVING THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY PREFERENCE BY GIVING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL THE SITE TO BUILD THE NEW SCHOOL.
+N0, I THINK THE POLICY WHICH WE HAVE ADOPTED WITH REGARD TO INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS WHICH WISH TO SET UP IN HONG KONG IS THAT THE SCHOOL SHOULD HAVE IN IT A STREAM WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO HONG KONG PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN IF THEY WISH TO PURSUE EDUCATION THROUGH THE SCHOOLS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ANY SPECIAL NEEDS IN THE COMMUNITY, AND WE’VE HAD THIS POLICY FOR A VERY LONG TIME. AS A RESULT, SCHOOLS LIKE THE GERMAN, SWISS SCHOOL AND SO ON HAVE BEEN BUILT.
♦SOME SCHOOLS WHICH WISH TO PURSUE EDUCATION THROUGH THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND WHICH DON’T OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY REALLY FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS TO GO THROUGH THAT SYSTEM UNLESS THEY HAPPEN TO SPEAK THAT PARTICULAR LANGUAGE DON’T GET THE SAME TREATMENT,+ HE SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT MANY LOCAL STUDENTS GO TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN PREFERENCE TO OTHER SCHOOLS AND THEN EVENTUALLY GO INTO THE AMERICAN SYSTEM OF EDUCATION.
+IN THIS INTERNATIONAL COSMOPOLITAN COMMUNITY OF OURS, A DIVERSITY OF EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY IS A VERY WELCOME DEVELOPMENT, AND IT’S SOMETHING THAT WE SHOULD WELCOME,+ HE CONTINUED.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
41
ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION WOULD HAVE GOT THE SITE IF THEY WANTED IT, HE SAID: +I’M NOT SURE IN FACT IF THE ESF WANTED THE SITE, BUT YOU KNOW WE TRY TO MAKE SITES AVAILABLE FOR ALL THE SCHOOLS THAT NEED SITES AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME. I HAVEN’T HEARD THAT THE ESF WERE COMPETING FOR THIS SITE.
I DON’T THINK THEY WERE. I THINK THE ESF HAVE GOT ALL THE SITES THEY NEED AT THE PRESENT TIME.*
ASKED IF HE THOUGHT BRITISH INFLUENCE WAS WANING AND HONG KONG WAS BECOMING MORE AMERICANISED, HE REPLIEDi + NO, I SEE IT AS I SAID IN MY SPEECH, HONG KONG IS BECOMING A MUCH MORE INTERNATIONAL PLACE AND THIS IS WHAT ONE WOULD EXPECT.
+AFTER ALL, AMERICA IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PACIFIC BASIN. BRITAIN IS SEVERAL OCEANS AWAY. I WOULD EXPECT THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG TO GROW AND IT IS NOW LARGER THAN THE BRITISH COMMUNITY,* HE NOTED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ADDED THAT THE SIZE OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHICH IS OUR MAJOR TRADING PARTNER, IS NOW THE LARGEST EVER WITH OVER 2 OOO MEMBERS. +WE DEPEND UPON NORTH AMERICA FOR A LOT OF OUR EXPORT TRADE,* HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PICTURE TAKEN AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY WILL BE ISSUED VIA FACSIMILE LATER.
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SCHOOL EXTENSION A SIGN OF CONFIDENCE *****
THE DECISION TO BUILD AN EXTENSION TO THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS A WELCOME AND VALUED INDICATION OF THE AMERICAN COMMUNITY’S CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND OF ITS DETERMINATION TO PLAY A CONTINUING ROLE IN THE TERRITORY’S FURTHER GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+THE STEADY GROWTH OF AMERICAN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS IS ANOTHER INDICATION OF THIS DETERMINATION,* HE SAID AT THE GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY FOR WORK ON THE EXTENSION TO THE SCHOOL AT TAI TAM.
/+THE RESULTING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
42 -
+THE RESULTING INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF AMERICAN COMPANIES WHICH HAVE ESTABLISHED LOCAL OR REGIONAL OFFICES IN HONG KONG HELPS TO EXPLAIN WHY THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IS IN NEED OF THE ADDITIONAL SPACE WHICH THIS EXTENSION WILL PROVIDE.*
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED 20 YEARS AGO AS A NON-PROFIT-MAKING, CO-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION PROVIDING INSTRUCTION FROM THE KINDERGARTEN TO THE HIGH-SCHOOL LEVEL.
IT WAS DESIGNED TO MEET THE PARTICULAR REQUIREMENTS OF A SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY PREFERRING ITS CHILDREN TO RECEIVE AN EDUCATION IN THE AMERICAN TRADITION AND ACCORDING TO THE AMERICAN MODEL.
+THE DEMAND FOR THIS TYPE OF EDUCATION HAS INCREASED STEADILY OVER THE YEARS AND HAS FINALLY OUTSTRIPPED THE CAPACITY OF THE PRESENT SCHOOL PREMISES,* HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IN ANY COMMUNITY WAS OF COURSE, A REFLECTION OF THAT COMMUNITY’S HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT. HONG KONG WAS NO EXCEPTION IN THAT RESPECT.
+TRADIT IONALLY, HONG KONG HAS HAD TWO PRINCIPAL TYPES OF SCHOOLS, THE ANGLO-CHINESE AND THE CHINESE MIDDLE, BASED ON THE BRITISH AND CHINESE MODELS RESPECTIVELY AND REFLECTING THE TERRITORY’S STRONG LINKS WITH BOTH BRITAIN AND CHINA.
+BUT HONG KONG, AS A CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMERCE, FINANCE AND COMMUNICATIONS, HAS DEVELOPED NEW LINKS.
+IT HAS GROWN INTO A MULTI-NATIONAL COMMUNITY WHICH ENCOURAGES OTHER TRADITIONS TO FLOURISH.
+THE ESTABLISHMENT AND GROWTH SINCE THE 1960’S OF A NUMBER OF FINE SCHOOLS DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT NATIONAL AND LINGUISTIC GROUPS IS A REFLECTION OF THIS INTERNATIONAL OUTLOOK,* HE SAID.
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CASH AID FOR BUS ACCIDENT VICTIMS * * * * *
MORE VICTIMS OF THE TUEN MUN BUS ACCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 5 ARE RECEIVING CASH ASSISTANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME AND OTHER CHARITABLE FUNDS.
SO FAR, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ARRANGED CASH AID AMOUNTING TO $74 000 FOR 22 VICTIMS OR THEIR FAMILIES.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
THIS AMOUNT COVERED BURIAL AND SPECIAL GRANTS FOR THE FAMILIES OF THE FIVE PERSONS KILLED, AND GRANTS MADE TO 17 OF THE INJURED.
APPLICATIONS FROM FOUR OTHER VICTIMS ARE BEING PROCESSED, WHILE 21 OF THE INJURED INDICATED THAT THEY DID NOT REQUIRE ASSISTANCE OR WERE NOT ELIGIBLE UNDER THE TAVA SCHEME.
------0-------
TENANCY SOUGHT FOR KOWLOON BAY SITE * * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING A KOWLOON BAY SITE FOR RENT ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY.
THE SITE, AT THE SOUTHERN END OF KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, MEASURES ABOUT 3 100 SQUARE METRES.
UNDER THE TENANCY TERMS, IT WILL BE USED FOR STORAGE, DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF CEMENT, NATURAL SAND AND AGGREGATE AND OR CONCRETE-ASPHALT BATCHING.
THE TENANCY IS INITIALLY FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 28.
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WEEK-DAY EVENINGS BEST FOR JUVENILE ID CARDS
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADVISED PARENTS WHO HAVE TO OBTAIN NEW JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN THE CURRENT IDENTITY CARD REPLACEMENT EXERCISE TO MAKE USE OF WEEK-DAY EVENINGS INSTEAD OF SATURDAYS.
THE CURRENT PHASE INVOLVES CHILDREN BORN IN 1970, 1971 AND 1972.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REASON FOR CHOOSING SATURDAYS WAS OBVIOUS AS MOST CHILDREN IN THIS AGE GROUP HAD TO ATTEND SCHOOL ON WEEK-DAYS.
/+HOWEVER, THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
44
♦ HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS THE ISSUE OFFICES CAN HANDLE ON SATURDAYS IS LIMITED.
♦ IT IS NECESSARY TO GET THE PARENTS’ CO-OPERATION IN BRINGING THEIR CHILDREN TO THE ISSUE OFFICES FOR CARD RENEWAL ON WEEK-DAYS,* HE SAID.
ALL EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN UNTIL 9.30 PM DAILY AND THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND DURING THE DAYTIME CAN VISIT THE OFFICES IN THE EVENINGS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THAT SOME CHILDREN IN THIS AGE GROUP ARE ALREADY HOLDING THE NEW TYPE JUVENILE IDENTITY CARD AND THEREFORE ARE NOT REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A REPLACEMENT UNTIL REACHING THE AGE OF 18.
♦ THEY INCLUDE THOSE CHILDREN WHO OBTAINED THEIR JUVENILE CARDS AFTER THE IDENTITY CARD REPLACEMENT SCHEME STARTED IN MARCH 1983 AND OTHERS WHO HAD LOST OR DAMAGED THEIR IDENTITY CARD AND OBTAINED A REPLACEMENT AFTER THAT DATE,+ HE SAID.
THE PRESENT JUVENILE IDENTITY CARD REPLACEMENT EXERCISE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL DECEMBER 27.
-----o-----
HILLSIDE ESCALATOR LINKS TO BE DISCUSSED
K * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSED ESCALATOR LINK BETWEEN CENTRAL AND MID-LEVELS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURESDAY).
THE HILLSIDE ESCALATOR LINK IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD BY A CONSULTANT IN A STUDY OF THE TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS OF MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL DISTRICT IN 1984.
A TRAFFIC ENGINEER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT. MR TSANG KING-MAN, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO REPORT ON THE LATEST PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ROUTE 7 DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
/they will
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 19«t>
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSED 1986-88 YEAR PLAN FOR THE COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ON THE 1ATH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
-----o------
COMMITTEE PLANS NEXT YEAR’S ACTIVITIES
X * * *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR’S ACTIVITIES.
MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE WORK TARGETS AND ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO ALLOCATE FUNDS FOR A DANCE TO BE HELD ON NEW YEAR’S EVE FOR RESIDENTS.
THE EVENT IS AIMED AT ENHANCING NEW YEAR’S ATMOSPHERE AND TO PROMOTE YOUNG PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT ACTIVITIES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER 11 APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
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A6.....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1986
- 46 -
RESTRICTED ZONE SET UP IN YUEN LONG * * * *
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ACCESS ROAD UK IN YUEN LONG WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 14).
LEADING TO WONG RESTRICTED ZONE
ROAD
STOP
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK TO A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
0
RESTRICTED ZONES IN CAUSEWAY BAY * * * * *
TO FACILITATE THE REPLACEMENT OF GAS MAINS ALONG LOCKHART ROAD BETWEEN EAST POINT ROAD AND CANNON STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY, TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 14).
THESE ARE THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EAST POINT ROAD- AND THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LOCKHART ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 514 TO ITS JUNCTION WITH EAST POINT ROAD.
THE MEASURES WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FIVE WEEKS. NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
0--------
TO KWA WAN WATER CUT
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TO KWA WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 14) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY KOWLOON CITY ROAD, MOK CHEONG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD AND MA TAU KOK ROAD.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOV125W 13, 1986
CC_7TL_iITS PAGE I<0 •
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS OR 3 JPTJLBER R’ALAAS^JD................ 1
ELDERLY URGED TO ILIIAET SOCIALLY ACTIVE.......................... 9
HELP FOR ELDERLY TO IU1AIK .JTHDT COIL.UNITY...................... 10
WATER SUPPLY PLATTED LOR SQUATTERS ...............- ............. 10
LAUNCH PICNIC TO PROLOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.......................... 11
KOWLOON PEAK RUN LOR PIREELK...................................... 12
CIVIC EDUCATION CAIW Oil TAI PO RESIDENTS......................... 12
CLOSURE 07 iJDINBURGH PLACE NORTH................................. 13
DRAWING COMPETITION TO STEIULAPJ CHILDREN’S H7T3C3T............... 13
HEALTHY LIVING CARNIVAL “.OR SUNDAY............................... 14
xRJS SHOW FOR HONG KOK .E.5T 1U3ID LTTS ...................... • 14
THRJU CARNIVAIS IN C.JTTRAL ON SUNDAY............................. 15
THAHJIUG POH MIjri-TSSBL'IS COACHES .............................. 16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER IB, 198F
EXTFRNAl TRanc BTAT|<T|cs FOP SFPTFMBFR RELEASED ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥ ¥
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) RELEASED TRADE VALUE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER 1986. TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1986, VALUED AT $388 175 MILLION, INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT TO $108 386 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY NINE PER CENT TO $85 353 MILLION, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, THE TRADE VALUE INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT TO $194 437 MILLION.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST OF THE PRINCIPAL MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS. THE MARKETS WITH RAPID GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED FRANCE (46 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (38 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (29 PER CENT), JAPAN (24 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE <21 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TWO LARGEST MARKETS, THE U.S. AND CHINA, HOWEVER, GREW LESS RAPIDLY RY NINE PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO AUSTRALIA DECREASED BY THREE PER CENT.
IMPORTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL SUPPLIERS GENERALLY INCREASED OVER THE SAME PERIOD, PARTICULARLY THOSE FROM SWITZERLAND (57 PER CENT), CHINA (39 PER CENT), ITALY (24 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (18 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (18 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE, HOWEVER, RECORDED IN IMPORTS from SINGAPORE (EIGHT PER CENT) AND THE U.S. (ONE PER ^nt).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE U.S. AND TAIWAN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 102 PER CENT, 80 PER CENT, 49 PER CENT, 48 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA RECORDED A DECLINE (22 PER CENT), AS DID THOSE TO MACAU (FIVE PER CENT).
ALL THE TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKFN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS Oc COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE FOR JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1986 WILL B- RELEASED IN EARLY DECEMBER.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE I-
it.; ’HE...............
’HUREDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
?
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. INCREASED BY NINE PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY #1 406 MILLION OR EIGHT PER CENT) ; MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF (BY $979 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $603 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $89 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AS WELL AS POWER GENERATING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (BY $42 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT IN VALUE. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $917 MILLION OR 64 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS 'MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $313 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); AS WELL AS CLOTHING (BY $174 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $857 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $295 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT IN VALUE. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $1 288 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA 'PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $356 MILLION OR 198 PER CENT); AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $161 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $98 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT); AS WELL AS CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS (BY $3 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS UP BY 16 PER CENT, WITH INCREASES RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $886 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT); AND PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $134 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN INCREASED BY 24 PER CENT IN VALUE, WITH INCREASES RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $258 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $171 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES.........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY 1236 MILLION OR 85 PER CENT); AND FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF ARTIFICIAL RESINS, PLASTIC MATERIALS, CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $33 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION ARE PRESENTED IN TABLE 2.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM THE TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
IMPORTS FROM CHINA INCREASED BY 39 PER CENT IN VALUE IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY 14 472 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY S3 996 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT), AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY Si 524 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY S499 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT), AS WELL AS PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY S355 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM JAPAN INCREASED BY ONE PER CENT. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY S95O MILLION OR 19 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $658 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT); AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $649 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $1 708 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT); AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $736 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN WAS UP BY SIX PER CENT. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY 1924 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS, PLASTIC MATERIALS, CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY 3189 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT), AS WELL AS CLOTHING (BY $104 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $211 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT)? AS WELL AS NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $198 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT).
/IMPORTS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. DROPPED BY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE, WITH DECREASES REGISTERED FOR OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $385 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT), AS WELL AS TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $154 MILLION OR 82 PER CENT). IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE DROPPED BY EIGHT PER CENT IN VALUE. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $1 117 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT)} AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $184 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. OF NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY $265 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT)5 AND FOR IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $266 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN- IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO THE TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986 WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA DECREASED BY 22 PER CENT. ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2 456 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT)} ROAD VEHICLES, INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $1 830 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT)} AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 694 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT). HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $744 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT)} AS WELL AS LEATHER, LEATHER MANUFACTURES AND DRESSED FURSKINS (BY $430 MILLION OR 170 PER CENT).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, RE-EXPORTS TO THE U.S. INCREASED BY 48 PER CENT IN VALUE. COMMODITIES WITH INCREASES INCLUDED CLOTHING (BY $2 967 MILLION OR 111 PER CENT)} MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $1 067 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT)} AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $201 MILLION OR 22 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $70 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT); AS WELL AS MEDICINAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS (BY $57 MILLION OR 72 PER CENT).
/the value ......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN WAS UP BY 10 PER CENT. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN NON-METALLIC MINERAL MANUFACTURES (BY >168 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT)t PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY 1152 MILLION OR 93 PER CENT), AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND OTHER ARTICLES OF PRECIOUS OR SEMI-PRECIOUS MATERIALS (BY $149 MILLION OR 88 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR NON-FERROUS METALS (BY $307 MILLION OR 79 PER CENT), AS WELL AS TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $254 MILLION OR 73 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN RECORDED A 29 PER CENT INCREASE IN VALUE. THERE WERE INCREASES IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $542 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT), AS WELL AS DYEING, TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIALS (BY $80 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT). OVERALL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED BY 49 PER CENT.
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $462 MILLION OR 68 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $369 MILLION OR 97 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR RE-EXPORTS TO TAIWAN OF FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $83 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT), AND FOR RE-EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA OF COFFEE, TEA, COCOA. SPICES AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $37 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE SEPTEMBER 1986 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE NEXT WEEK AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 PER COPY. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1986 WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY DECEMBER AT $13.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASEKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG, 5-214375 AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-444436.
/Table 1 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
Table 1:
Domestic
exports by ten major markets
Major Mar ket Jan—Sep 1986 (HKD Mn.) Jan-Sep 1985 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Percentage Increase ( 7. )
U.S.A. 45,947 42,209 <4 •JI u 03 9
Chi na 12,204 11,522 682 6
F.R. of Germany 7,662 5,567 2,094 38
U.K. 7,021 6,078 944 16
Japan 4,126 3,337 789 24
Canada 3,633 3,208 425 13
Australia 2,411 2,475 -64 -3
Si ngapore 2,009 1 ,655 354 21
Nether 1ands 1 ,908 1,480 428 29
France 1 ,824 1,251 572 46
Table 2:
Domestic exports
by major commodity division
Commodi t y di v]si on
Jan Sep Jan-Sep
1986 1985
(HKD Mn.) (HKD Mn. )
Increase Percentage
Increase
(HKD Mn.) ( 7. )
Articles of apparel and clothing accessor ies
Mi seel 1aneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carri ages,toys,games and sporting goods) 18,157
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 9,164
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 7,913
7,606
Tel ecommunicati ons and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment
6,743
Text1 1e yarn,f abri r , made-up articles and related products
5,520
4,871 15
2,592 17
1,541 20
306 4
1,088 16
1,877 34
/Table 3s .......
- 7 •»
Table 3: Imports from ten major suppliers
Major Supplier Jan-Sep 1986 (HKD Mn.) Jan-Sep 1985 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Percentage Increase ( 7. )
China 56,665 40,757 15,908 39
Japan 40,243 39,918 325 1
Taiwan 16,517 15,630 888 6
U.S.A. 16,443 16,545 -102 -1
Si ngapore 7,876 8,552 -676 -8
Republic of Korea 7,574 6,393 1 , 180 18
U.K. 6,721 6,059 661 11
F.R. of Germany 5,780 4,903 877 18
Swi tzer1 and 3,863 2,463 . 1,400 57
Italy 3, 164 2,547 617 24
Commodity division
Table 4: Imports by major commodity division
Jan-Sep Jan-Sep Increase Percentage 1986 1985 Increase
(HKD Mn. ) (HKD Mn. ) (HKD Mn. ) ( 7. )
Textile yarn,fabrics, made-up articles and related products 30,100 23,705 6,394 27
Electrical machinery, apparatus and appliances, and electrical parts thereof 16,623 14,571 2,052 14
Articles of apparel and clothing accessori es 13,801 8,882 4,919 55
Photographic apparatus, equipment and supplies, optical goods, watches and clocks 11,672 9,337 2,335 25
Miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly baby carriages,toys,games and sporting goods) 10,250 8,032 2,218 28
Telecommunications and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 9,388 9,392 -3 —#
* less than 0.57.
/Table 5
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986 '
M Al kl kl
- - - - 8 -
fable 5: Re-exports by ten major markets
Major Market J an-Sep 1906 (HKD Mn.) Jan-Sep 1985 (HKD Mn.) Increase (HKD Mn.) Per centage Increase ( 7. )
China 27,903 35,578 -7,675 -22
U.S.A. 15,705 10,624 5,081 48
Japan 4,384 3,974 410 10
Tai wan 4,226 3,268 957 29
Republic of Korea 4,1.39 2,770 1,369 49
Si ngapore 3,897 3,139 757 24
Macau 1,886 1 ,989 -103 -5
F.R. of Germany 1 ,823 1 ,014 809 80
Indonesi a 1,794 1,804 -11 -1
U.K. 1,668 828 841 102
fable 6: Re-exports by major commodity division
Commodi ty di vi si on
Jan-Sep Jan-Sep
1906 1905
(HKD Mn.) (HKD Mn.)
Increase Percentage
Increase
(HKD Mn.) ( 7. )
textile yarn , f abr i gs, made-up articles and related products 13,824 11,514 2,310 20
Articles of apparel and clothing accessori es 9,484 5,421 4,063 75
Mi ac »>l 1 aneous manuf actured <r i icles (mainly baby c arriages,toys,games and sporting goods) 7, J 6.6 5,385 1,780 33
1 - i or 1 r i cal machinery, apparatus and app1iantes, and electrical parts thereof 6,727 7,081 -354 -5
leJ “• ommuni cat i tins and sound recording and reproducing apparatus and equipment 4,346 5,645 -1,299 —23
f l iniographic appar a tus, nqui p«if*nt and suppl i er., optical goods, watches and clot 1 - 4.034 4,168 -134 -3
— — - - 0 /9 ....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
9
ELDERLY URGED TO REMAIN SOCIALLY ACTIVE *****
BY TAKING PART IN MORE SOCIAL ACTIVITIES, ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO ENRICH THEIR DAILY LIFE AND MAINTAIN A CHEERFUL AND CONTENTED OUTLOOK, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS EVELYN DOE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT WOULD ALSO HELP THEM, SHE ADDED, TO ENHANCE THEIR ADAPTABILITY TO SOCIETY, TO BUILD UP HARMONIOUS INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS AND TO ENJOY COMMUNITY LIFE.
MRS DOE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A SPECIAL CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE IN HONOUR OF THE ELDERLY ORGANISED BY THE ENDEAVOURES AT THE NORTH POINT KAIFONG HALL.
SHE NOTED THAT THERE WERE AT PRESENT 104 SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE TERRITORY, WHICH APART FROM PROVIDING A GOOD RENDEZVOUS, ALSO ORGANISED VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND INTEREST GROUPS FOR THE ELDERLY.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE MANY COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND VOLUNTEER GROUPS WHICH CARED VERY MUCH ABOUT THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND ORGANISED FUNCTIONS REGULARLY TO PROMOTE RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY, MRS DOE SAID, CITING THE ENDEAVOURES AS ONE OF THESE ORGANISATIONS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO HAD TO LIVE APART FROM THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS DESERVED EVEN MORE OF OUR ATTENTION AND CARE.
+THE OBJECTIVE OF PUBLISHING THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY IS TO ASSIST THESE HOMES TO ATTAIN THE BASIC STANDARD OF SERVICE,+ SHE SAID.
+UNDERLYING ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS IS A CONVICTION THAT CARE FOR THE ELDERLY INCLUDES BOTH RESIDENTIAL CARE AND SOCIAL CARE.
+THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO PROMOTE THEIR PHYSICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING AS WELL AS RESPECT FOR THEIR FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS,+ MRS DOE ADDED.
SHE STRESSED THAT GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE ORGANISED IN THE HOMES FOR THE AGED TO MINIMISE THE INSTITUTIONALISED ATMOSPHERE AND TO PROVIDE A MORE HOME-LIKE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE ELDERLY.
— o —
/1O
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
10
HELP FOR ELDERLY TO REMAIN WITHIN COMMUNITY * * * *
THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IS TO ENABLE THEM TO RETAIN THEIR SELF-RESPECT AND TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE WHILE RESIDENTIAL CARE GENERALLY CATERED FOR OLD PEOPLE WHO CANNOT LIVE INDEPENDENTLY OR WITH THEIR FAMILIES. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MISS NANCY LAW, SAID t6dAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SIK SIK YUEN HO NING SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AT SHEK LEI ESTATE, MISS LAW SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES JOINTLY PROVIDED A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO HELP THE ELDERLY TO FACE OLD AND TO PASS THEIR REMAINING YEARS HAPPILY.
AGE POSITIVELY
THESE SERVICES INCLUDED RESIDENTIAL CARE AND HOME HELP SERVICES AS WELL AS DAY CARE, MULTI-SERVICES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
+SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY ARE SET UP IN THE HOPE THAT COMMUNITY SUPPORT CAN BE PROVIDED FOR THE ELDERLY THROUGH VARIOUS SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES,+ MISS LAW SAID.
+THE PRESENT PLANNING RATIO IS ONE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY FOR EVERY 30 000 POPULATION AND INCLUDING THE HO NING CENTRE, THERE ARE AT PRESENT 81 SUBVENTED SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN HONG KONG,+ SHE ADDED.
NOTING THAT THERE WERE AT THE MOMENT ONE CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME, ONE HOSTEL AND THREE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY OPERATED BY SIK SIK YUEN, MISS LAW SAID SHE WAS GLAD THAT THE ASSOCIATION WAS PLANNING OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES AND WOULD DIVERSIFY INTO THE CHILD CARE FIELD.
0
WATER SUPPLY PLANNED FOR SQUATTERS XXIX
PROGRESS REPORTS ON WATER SUPPLY PROJECTS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE PRESENTED AT A MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
SOME OF THESE PROJECTS INVOLVE SERVING SQUATTER AREAS FROM THE TSUEN WAN WEST ULTRA HIGH LEVEL WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRAMME TO BUILD BUS SHELTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
WAYS OF IMPROVING ROAD CROSSING FACILITIES AT SHAM TSENG, FOR PEDESTRIANS CROSSING CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL BE CONSIDERED.
/in addition, .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1?86
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL RAISE QUESTIONS ON TRANSPORT SERVICES IN TSUEN WAN AND ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN CONNECTION WITH CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 5.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 14 IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
- - 0 - -
LAUNCH PICNIC TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION K K H K M
A LAUNCH PICNIC TO ENABLE KWUN TONG RESIDENTS TO KNOW THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS BETTER WILL BE HELD THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
TO MARK THE EVENT, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON BOARD A YAUMATI FERRY AT 10 AM AT KWUN TONG FERRY PIER.
KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR POON CHI—FAI, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR LI WAH-MING, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
PROGRAMMES FOR THE LAUNCH PICNIC WILL INCLUDE A QUIZ ON CIVIC KNOWLEDGE, SINGING AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS: I
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AT 10 AM ON BOARD A YAUMATI FERRY AT THE KWUN TONG FERRY PIER (CENTRAL LINE BERTH). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME OF THE LAUNCH PICNIC SHOULD CONTACT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE INFORMATION OFFICER ON 3-416315.
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0 0 0 0 0 *0
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
12
KOWLOON PEAK RUN FOR FIREMEN * * * * *
THE ANNUAL KOWLOON PEAK MOUNTAIN RUN ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE 2.2-KILOMETRE RUN WILL START FROM FEI NGOR SHAN ROAD ABOUT 200 METRES FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO THE GILWELL CAMP SITE.
MORE THAN 100 UNIFORMED AND CIVILIAN STAFF ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE RUN AND CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, MR JOHN BREDBURY, CF KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT NGAU CHI WAN FIRE STATION BEFORE 2 PM FOR TRANSPORT TO THE STARTING POINT.
- 0
CIVIC EDUCATION
TAI PO RESIDENTS AGED PART IN A TRAINING CAMP ON
CAMP FOR TAI PO RESIDENTS * * M X
BETWEEN 16 AND 35 ARE INVITED TO TAKE CIVIC EDUCATION.
BY THE DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD THE CAMP WILL BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE ON DECEMBER 20 AND 21.
C£MP ,S T0 PR0VIdE PARTICIPANTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF HAVING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
ACTIVITIES IN THE CAMP INCLUDE TALKS ON CIVIC EDUCATION. GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND ROLE-PLAYING GAMES.
. * FEE 9F $2° PER PERSON WILL BE CHARGED AND ENROLMENT IS
LIMITED TO 50 PERSONS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 1 TING KOK ROAD, ITS SUB-OFFICES AT THE TAI YUEN AND THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALLS, THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE, AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE AT THE SHUEN WAN AND THE YUE KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
- 13 -
CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH * * * *
IN CONNECTION WITH THE CAREERS EXHIBITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY FROM 7 AM TO 6.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 15 (SATURDAY), 16, 22 AND 23.
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DRAWING COMPETITION TO STIMULATE CHILDREN’S INTEREST
K X X X K
CHILDREN INTERESTED IN DRAWING ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COMPETITION AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
THE COMPETITION, ON THE THEME 0? +HONG KONG - MY HOME+, HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE AN APPRECIATION OF ART AMONG CHILDREN.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS: A COLOURING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN THREE AND SIX-AND A PAINTING CONTEST FOR THOSE BETWEEN SIX AND 12.
THREE WINNING AND 20 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES FROM EACH SECTION WILL BE SELECTED AND AWARDED PRIZES. THESE ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE PARK LANE BOULEVARD.
ALL ENTRIES WILL LATER BE SENT TO JAPAN WHERE THEY WILL BE ENTERED IN AN INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
SUNDAY’S COMPETITION WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM. CHILDREN WISHING TO PARTICIPATE SHOULD ARRIVE EARLIER IN ORDER TO PUT IN THEIR APPLICATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DRAWING COMPETITION TO BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986'
- 14 - * '
HEALTHY LIVING CARNIVAL FOR SUNDAY K X K X X
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO SPEND THE AFTERNOON AT THE HEALTHY LIVING CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
THEME OF THE CARNIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, IS +HEALTHY LIVING, EVERYONE A WINNER+.
THE CARNIVAL, BEGINNING AT 1 PM TO 5 PM, IS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR LEE SHIU-HUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE GAMES STALLS, A HEALTH AND FITNESS EXHIBITION AND A SLOGAN RECITAL COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN. THERE WILL ALSO BE A ONE-HOUR VARIETY SHOW ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION'HONG KONG AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
PEOPLE VISITING THE CARNIVAL MAY ALSO TAKE PART IN THE +FITNESS TEST+. THERE WILL BE DENTAL CHECK-UP AND HEIGHT AND WEIGHT MEASUREMENT FOR CHILDREN AND FREE T-SHIRT PRINTING FOR EVERYONE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SUNDAY CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE NUMBER 4 FOOTBALL PITCH OF VICTORIA PARK AT 2.30 PM.
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FREE SHOW FOR
MONG KOK EAST RESIDENTS X X * * X
RESIDENTS IN THE MONG KOK EAST AREA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A VARIETY SHOW, FEATURING TRADITIONAL CHINESE DANCES AND MUSIC, ON SATURDAY EVENING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES OF POPULAR SONGS, A MAGIC SHOW AND A LUCKY DRAW.
THE SHOW WILL START AT 7.30 PM IN THE ASSEMBLY HALL OF QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, SAI YEE STREET.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
THE VARIETY SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND THE EAST AREA COMMITTEE.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
15
THREE CARNIVALS IN * M
CENTRAL ON SUNDAY * *
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO THREE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CARNIVALS TO BE HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY IN THREE DIFFERENT VENUES IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16) AFTERNOON.
CARNIVAL
THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE MAIN WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 1.45 PM AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A LION DANCE, VARIETY SHOW, STALL GAMES, EXHIBITION, GIRL GUIDE PARADE, AND ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES.
AT THE SAME TIME, ANOTHER CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT CHATER GARDEN WHERE THERE W|Ll ALSO BE TWO EXHIBITIONS. ONE WILL BE ON ♦HOME SAFETY KNOWLEDGE* FOR THE PUBLIC WHILE THE OTHER ONE ON ♦ROAD TO GOOD HEALTH* WILL BE AIMED AT ELDERLY PEOPLE.
TO TIE IN WITH THE HEALTH EXHIBITION, A FREE SIMPLE MEDICAL CHECK-UP SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE.
A CHINESE CHESS COMPETITION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE HELD IN THE GARDEN AND BE FOLLOWED BY A DEMONSTRATION BY EMINENT CHESS PLAYERS.
AT 2 30 PM ON THE SAME DAY, ANOTHER DISTRICT FESTIVAL CARNIVAL, ORGANISED*BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, WILL BEGIN AT THE CAR 'PARK OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
MR CHAU WILL ALSO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THIS CARNIVAL. THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES A LION DANCE, BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE, WESTERN DANCING, ORIENTAL FOLK DANCING, STRINGS ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE, AND MARTIAL ARTS PERFORMANCES.
THE CARNIVALS ARE AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS YEAR’S CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH WILL CONTINUE UNTIL NOVEMBER 30.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CARNIVALS TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY AT 1 45 PM AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL AND AT 2’30 PM AT THE CAR PARK OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.
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/16
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1986
- 16 -
TRAINING FOR MINI-TENNIS COACHES *****
RESIDENTS WILL UNDERGO AN THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE
MORE THAN 20 KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl RESIDENTS WILL UNDERGO AN INSTRUCTOR’S REFRESHER COURSE IN TENNIS AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE STARTING SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 15) FOR TRAINING YOUNGSTERS IN THE SPORT.
THE TWO-SESSION REFRESHER COURSE IS ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING MINI-TENNIS CLUB IN CONJUNCTION WITH HONG KONG TENNIS ASSOCIATION AND KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
• • • < - 'Ac-,
ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE GROUP WILL BECOME COACHES FOR CHILDREN IN A SERIES OF MINI-TENNIS TRAINING PROGRAMME TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE CLUB IN END-NOVEMBER.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE WILL PROVIDE VENUES FREE FOR THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES AT SEVEN COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES.
- - 0. - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CASH ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO FAMILY ............................ 1
HONG KONG-AUSTRIA TEXTILES ACRES'ENT INITIALLED ............ 1
IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG'S GROWING TRADE LINKS WITH CHINA ... 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON ................................... 4
MEET THE MEDIA .............................................
PORT STUDY IDENTIFIES TWO EXPANSION OPTIONS ................ 4
TESTS ON CIGARETTES SHOW LITTLE CHANGE ..................... 7
PROVISIONAL BOaRD MEMBER SPEAKS ABOUT LDC .................. 8
ADOPTION SERVICE HAS BEEN IMPROVED ......................... 11
HEADMASTER APPOINTED TO NORTH DB ........................... 14
ROAD SAFETY FOR ELDERLY STRESSED ........................... 14
MORE EMPHASIS PLACED ON GROUP WORK ......................... 15
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO ACQUIRE NEW TECHNIQUES, SKILLS ....... 16
FIRH:SN TO GIVE PUBLIC DISPLAY ............................. 18
SIMINAR ON GUIDANCE WORK FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ............. 19
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS CUSTOMS WORK ......................... 20
BANK GRANTED REVOCATION OF LICENCE ......................... 21
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED ................................... 21
KOWLOON CITY POLICE STATION TO BE REFURBISHED .............. 21
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTIM FOR CORRIDOR .................... 22
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS NEXT WEEK ................ 2?
CIVIC-MINDEDNESS CAMPAIGN DAY IN KWUN TONG ................. 24
bus Parade to publicise district festival .................. 25
600 TO COMPETE IN KWAI TSING ATHLETICS MEET ................ 26
OPERA TREAT FOR SHAM SHUT PO................................ 26
GAMES DAY FOR TUEN MUN ELDERLY ............................. 27
KOWLOON PARK DRIVE CLOSED ONE HOUR ......................... 27
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
1
CASH ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO FAMILY * * * *
INJURY GRANTS AMOUNTING TO $1 380 HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME ON BEHALF OF TWO CHILDREN INJURED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT.
A MAN AND HIS SON WERE KILLED IN THE ACCIDENT WHILE TWO OTHER SONS AND A DAUGHTER WERE INJURED. ONE OF THE INJURED BOYS DIED YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
THE GRANTS ARE IN ADDITION TO THE $2 700 MADE AVAILABLE BY THE DEPARTMENT FROM CHARITABLE TRUST FUND TO THE FAMILY YESTERDAY FOR TEMPORARY MAINTENANCE.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL KEEP IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE FAMILY AND GIVE COUNSELLING AND OTHER ASSISTANCE THAT MAY BE REQUIRED.
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HONG KONG-AUSTRIA TEXTILES AGREEMENT INITIALLED * * * * *
HONG KONG AGREEMENT, THE
AND AUSTRIA HAVE INITIALLED A NEW THREE-YEAR TEXTILES TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AGREEMENT, CONCLUDED AFTER CONSULTATION IN VIENNA THIS WEEK, WILL RUN FROM FEBRUARY 1 NEXT YEAR UNTIL JANUARY 31, 1990.
THE NEW AGREEMENT COVERS THE SAME FOUR CATEGORIES PUT UNDER RESTRAINT IN THE CURRENT AGREEMENT AND PROVIDES FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN SOME ASPECTS.
THE NEW ACCORD PROVIDES FOR AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF ONE PER CENT FOR WOVEN SHIRTS AND BLOUSES COMPARED TO 0.5 PER CENT IN THE CURRENT AGREEMENT.
ANNUAL GROWTH RATES FOR THE TWO OTHER RESTRAINT CATEGORIES — WOVEN SLACKS, SHORTS, TROUSERS AND DIVIDED SKIRTS AND KNITTED AND WOVEN DRESSES AND WOVEN SKIRTS -- REMAIN UNCHANGED AT TWO PER CENT.
CARRYOVER-CARRYFORWARD FOR THE FOUR RESTRAINT CATEGORIES WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE CURRENT TEN PER CENT AND FIVE PER CENT TO ELEVEN PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT, WHILE THE SWING PROVISION FOR „ ALL CATEGORIES REMAINS AT FIVE PER CENT, THE SAME PERCENTAGE ALLOWED FOR IN THE CURRENT AGREEMENT.
/FOUR ITEMS........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
2 -
FOUR ITEMS CURRENTLY PUT UNDER AN EXPORT AUTHORISATION (EA) ARRANGEMENT WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE COVERAGE OF THE NEW EA ARRANGEMENT. MEANWHILE, BOTH GOVERNMENTS ARE MAKING PREPARATIONS FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THIS BILATERAL AGREEMENT.
COMMENTING ON THE AGREEMENT, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER, WHO LED FOR HONG KONG, SAID THAT WHILE IT FELL SHORT OF HONG KONG’S EXPECTATIONS THE NEW AGREEMENT NEVERTHELESS CONTAINED SOME MODEST IMPROVEMENTS AND WAS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
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IMPORTANCE OF
HONG KONG’S GROWING TRADE LINKS WITH CHINA
######.
HONG KONG AND ITS IMMEDIATE HINTERLAND IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE IS NOT ONLY ONE OF THE MOST EXCITING AND DYNAMIC GROWTH AREAS IN ASIA OR IN THE PACIFIC RIM BUT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID IN SAN FRANCISCO TODAY (FRIDAY, HONG KONG TIME).
ADDRESSING A MEETING OF THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION, MR YAXLEY STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG’S GROWING LINKS WITH CHINA BOTH IN TRADE AND INVESTMENT.
+THERE HAS BEEN A DRAMATIC UPSURGE IN HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE WITH CHINA. BETWEEN 1978 - WHICH MARKS THE BEGINNING OF CHINA’S OPEN DOOR POLICY - AND 1985, THE TOTAL VOLUME OF THIS BILATERAL TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA GREW AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF 41 PER CENT. THE GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THIS SAME PERIOD WAS 111 PER CENT EACH YEAR AND GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 115 PER CENT EACH YEAR,* HE SAID.
MR YAXLEY NOTED THAT IN 1982 CHINA OVERTOOK JAPAN AS HONG KONG’S LARGEST IMPORT SUPPLIER? IN 1984 CHINA,BECAME THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET, AFTER THE UNITED STATES, FOMRONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS’ AND IN 1985 CHINA OVERTOOK THE UNITED STATES TO BECOME HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER.
+ON THE INVESTMENT SIDE HONG KONG HAS ALSO PLAYED A MOST IMPORTANT ROLE. ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF ALL FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA COMES FROM HONG KONG.
+IF YOU LOOK AT THE SOUTHERN PART OF CHINA, PARTICULARLY THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE OF SHE-NZHEN, THAT FIGURE RISES TO ABOUT 80 PER CENT,* MR YAXLEY SAID, ADDING THAT HONG KONG TOO WELCOMED THE INVESTMENT IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION - BY CHINA IN HONG KONG - WHICH WAS MAINLY IN THE SERVICES SECTOR.
/REGARDING ECONOMIC
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER !<♦, 1986
REGARDING ECONOMIC LINKS, MR YAXLEY POINTED OUT THAT THESE WERE INCREASINGLY EXTENSIVE AND REFLECTED IN THE RAPID ^yfL°A?oNT °F CR°SS B0RDER INFRASTRUCTUREj ROADS AND BRIDGES, RAIL, AIR AND SHIPPING.
™RN,NG T0 THE FUTURE» MR YAXLEY OUTLINED THREE MAIN ECONOMIC TRENDS FOR HONG KONG.
FIRSTLY HE NOTED THE NEED FOR FURTHER TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, BUT REITERATED THAT DESPITE COMPETITION FROM WITHIN THE REGION AND THE GOVERNMENT BEING CONTINUALLY UNDER PRESSURE TO SUBSIDISE INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, THAT WAS A PRESSURE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD RESIST.
THE SECOND TREND WOULD BE THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE SERVICES SECTOR, IN PARTICULAR THE FINANCIAL COMPONENT OF THE SECTOR. + l DON’T THINK WE ARE GOING TO RIVAL TOKYO OR LONDON OR NEW YORK. I SEE HONG KONG AS A SECOND LEVEL REGIONAL FINANCIAL BASE.+
MR YAXLEY SUGGESTED THE SECTOR WOULD DEVELOP IN RELATION TO HONG KONG’S OWN ECONOMY AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, WOULD DEVELOP TO SERVICE CHINA.
AS FOR THE THIRD TREND, THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG-CHINA ECONOMIC RELATIONS, MR YAXLEY PROPOSED THAT THE TERRITORY WOULD BE A CONDUIT FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES WHICH WOULD BE NEEDED BY CHINA.
♦CHINA'S SEVENTH FIVE-YEAR PLAN, WHICH COVERS THE YEARS 1986 TO 1990, CALLS FOR ANNUAL GROWTH RATES OF SEVEN PER CENT. NOW CLEARLY THERE IS A ROLE HERE FOR HONG KONG TO PLAY IN ASSISTING CHINA TO MEET THOSE ECONOMIC TARGETS.+
♦CHINA WILL ALSO NEED CONSIDERABLE INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE - IN RAILWAYS, IN ROADS, IN PORTS AND IN POWER. AND HERE HONG KONG IS ALREADY PLAYING A ROLE,+ MR YAXLEY NOTED.
ON POLITICAL PROSPECTS, MR YAXLEY SAID THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION SIGNED BY BRITAIN AND CHINA TWO YEARS AGO CHARTED A UNIQUE COURSE FOR HONG KONG TO BECOME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA WHILE PROVIDING FOR THE CONTINUATION OF ITS WELL KNOWN LIFESTYLE AND ITS ECONOMIC SYSTEM.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL VISIT LONDON FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO 27. THIS VISIT WILL BE ANOTHER IN THE SERIES OF HIS REGULAR CONSULTATIONS WITH MINISTERS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS ON MATTERS OF CURRENT INTEREST.
THE GOVERNOR LAST VISITED LONDON IN SEPTEMBER WITH MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
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MEET THE MEDIA * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES, MR PETER WILLIAMS, WHO WILL RETIRE LATER THIS MONTH, WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
- - o - -
PORT STUDY IDENTIFIES TWO EXPANSION OPTIONS
*****
A GOVERNMENT STUDY HAS IDENTIFIED THAT EXISTING AND FIRMLY PLANNED CONTAINER TERMINAL FACILITIES WILL CONTINUE TO BE FULLY UTILISED AND IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL CONTAINER TERMINALS AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES WILL BE REQUIRED TO MEET ANTICIPATED DEMANDS IN THE 199O’S AND BEYOND.
THIS IS THE FINDING OF THE PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY (PDSS) UNDERTAKEN BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND IN FULL CONSULTATION WITH RELEVANT SEGMENTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
/THE study
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
- 5 -
THE STUDY, ACCORDING TO A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN, PROPOSED TWO BASIC OPTIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF SUCH FACILITIES -RECLAMATION AT STONECUTTERS ISLAND AND CREATION OF A PORT ISLAND AT KELLETT BANK.
OF THE TWO, STONECUTTERS HAD THE BENEFIT OF BEING LESS COSTINTENSIVE AND ALSO HAVING THE FLEXIBILITY TO EXTEND THE TERMINALS INCREMENTALLY AS DEMAND DICTATED, WHILE PORT ISLAND WOULD REQUIRE EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY EXPENDITURE AND DID NOT HAVE THE FLEXIBILITY OF MEETING ANY CHANGE IN DEMAND, HE SAID.
THE STONECUTTERS OPTION WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR THE EXCHANGE OF LOCAL AND TRANSHIPMENT CARGO BETWEEN LOCAL CRAFT, CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS AND CONTAINER VESSELS.
+THE CONSOLIDATION OF ALL THESE CARGO ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE ONE AREA WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE MAXIMUM UTILISATION OF THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AREA THEREBY KEEPING CARGO-HANDLING COSTS TO A MINIMUM TO THE ULTIMATE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, WHICH WILL ALSO ENABLE HONG KONG TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE WITH ITS NEIGHBOURING PORTS AS WELL AS MAINTAINING ITS EFFICIENCY AS A MAJOR WORLD PORT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE STUDY ALSO IDENTIFIED THAT EXISTING AND PLANNED PROVISION OF HARBOUR MOORINGS SHOULD BE ABLE TO MEET DEMAND UP TO ABOUT 1992 AFTER WHICH SHORTAGES WOULD BEGIN TO BECOME APPARENT.
IT RECOMMENDED THAT A SYSTEM OF FORE-AND-AFT MOORINGS BE INTRODUCED WITH A VIEW TO OPTIMISING THE UTILISATION OF WATER AREAS IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR AS A STRATEGY FOR PROVIDING NEW FACILITIES FOR CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS, AND FOR REPROVISIONING HARBOUR MOORINGS DISPLACED BY OTHER STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF DOUBLE MOORINGS FOR OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WAS A UNIQUE CONCEPT FOR A MAJOR NATURAL HARBOUR OF THE SIZE OF HONG KONG.
♦FORE-AND-AFT MOORINGS ARE MAINLY USED IN PORTS WHERE SPACE IS ALREADY AT A PREMIUM OR IN RIVERS AND ARTIFICIAL (MAN-MADE) PORTS. AS HONG KONG IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO TROPICAL STORMS, ALTERNATIVE ^'ARRANGEMENTS FOR TYPHOON MOORINGS WILL BE MAINTAINED,* HE ADDED.
IT IS THE FIRST TIME THAT SUCH A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG.
/THE PRIMARY .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
6
THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE STUDY IS TO FORMULATE A STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL MAJOR PORT FACILITIES UP TO THE YEAR 2001 BASED ON ANTICIPATED FUTURE DEMANDS DERIVED FROM THE LATEST TRADE FORECASTS, THE EFFICIENT OPERATIONAL THROUGHPUT CAPACITIES OF EXISTING AND PLANNED PORT FACILITIES, AS WELL AS THE MEDIUM AND LONG TERM STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFYING THE LIKELY FUTURE NEEDS AND LOCATIONS OF KEY PORT INFRASTRUCTURES AND FACILITIES.
+THESE ASPECTS OF PORT FACILITIES ARE ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO SUSTAIN AND ENHANCE THE ROLE OF HONG KONG AS A PORT FOR ITS OWN OVERSEAS TRADE, AS AN ENTREPOT, AND AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, FINANCIAL AND MARITIME CENTRE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE STUDY HAD REVIEWED EXISTING KEY PORT INFRASTRUCTURES AND FACILITIES AND THE CAPACITIES OF DIFFERENT MODES OF CARGO-HANDLING. A BROAD SPECTRUM OF MAJOR PORT FACILITIES HAD BEEN CONSIDERED AND THESE AREi
* CONTAINER TERMINALS AND RELATED USES’
* PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS?
* TYPHOON SHELTERS AND SHELTERED ANCHORAGES FOR LOCAL CRAFT?
* MOORING BUOYS FOR CONVENTIONAL CARGO VESSELS’
* MAJOR FERRY TERMINALS? AND
* REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE FACILITIES.
THE STUDY CONSISTED OF TWO PHASES.
TUD +™ASE 1 F0CUSSED 0N TRADE FORECASTS, PORT FACILITIES AND THROUGHPUT CAPACITIES, TOGETHER WITH STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSTRAINTS.
+PHASE II INVOLVED THE TRANSLATION OF THE TRADE FORECASTS INTO PORT FACILITY REQUIREMENTS AS WELL AS THE ASSESSMENT OF THE CAPACITIES OF EXISTING, PLANNED AND OTHER STRATEGIC PROVISIONS, THUS LEADING TO IDENTIFICATION OF SURPLUSES SHORTFALLS AND THE LAND REQUIREMENTS THAI ARE NEEDED TO PROVIDE THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES,* HE SAID.
THE PORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT POLICY COMMITTEE WHICH HAD DIRECTED THAT THE MAJOR CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STUDY BE COMBINED WITH FUTURE LAND DEVELOPMENT TO BE INCORPORATED INTO THE TERR. TOR I AL DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (TDS).
/THE COMMITTEE
FRIDAY, N0VQ4BER 14, 1986
THE COMMITTEE ALSO DIRECTED THAT HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY STUDIES BE CARRIED OUT TO DETERMINE THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON THE HARBOUR REGIME FROM EXISTING AS WELL AS PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS ARISING FROM THE PDSS AND TDS.
THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTIVES OF THE HYDRAULIC AND WATER QUALITY STUDIES ARE TO ENSURE THATi
K EXISTING WATER QUALITY OF THE WATERS OF THE HARBOUR IS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY ALTERED;
X LEVEL OF SCOURING AND SEDIMENTATION IN THE HARBOUR IS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY ALTERED;
M A SMOOTH TIDAL FLOW IS MAINTAINED IN THE HARBOUR SO THAT ADVERSE EFFECTS DUE TO TIDAL EDDIES AND SLACK WATER ZONES MAY BE AVOIDED; AND •
X NO UNDUE DIFFICULTY IS CAUSED TO MARINE ACTIVITIES INCLUDING SHIP MOVEMENTS AND CARGO HANDLING AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE HARBOUR.
-----o------
TESTS ON CIGARETTES SHOW LITTLE CHANGE X * X MM
THE RANGE OF TAR AND NICOTINE CONTENT IN CIGARETTES SOLD IN HONG KONG HAS SHOWN LITTLE CHANGE, ACCORDING TO RESULTS OF THE LATEST TEST CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST COVERING THE PERIOD FEBRUARY TO JULY THIS YEAR.
THIS STUDY CONDUCTED EVERY SIX MONTHS, IS THE SEVENTH SINCE REGULAR TESTS BEGAN IN 1983 AT THE TIME OF GOVERNMENT’S FIRST MAJOR DRIVE AGAINST SMOKING.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS EXERCISE IS THOUGHT TO BE A HELP TO SMOKERS WHO FIND IT TOO HARD TO GIVE UP BUT WISH TO CUT DOWN ON THE MORE DANGEROUS ELEMENTS OF SMOKING.
♦THESE DETAILED AND SCIENTIFIC SURVEYS ALSO HELP CONFIRM THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION ON CIGARETTE PACKETS,* HE SAID.
MORE THAN A HUNDRED BRANDS OF CIGARETTES ARE TESTED, AND THIS TIME THESE SAMPLES INCLUDED 12 NEW BRANDS AS AGAINST SIX PREVIOUS BRANDS WITHDRAWN DURING THE PERIOD UNDER STUDY.
/♦THERE IS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
8
+THERE IS A PREPONDERANCE HERE OF MIDDLE TAR AND LOW TO MIDDLE TAR BRANDS, BUT THERE ARE NO HIGH TAR AND ONLY FOUR MIDDLE TO HIGH TAR BRANDS ON THE MARKET, AS AGAINST A DOZEN LOW TAR,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TWO BRANDS AT THE TOP OF THE MOST RECENT TABLE HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS COMPARED EVEN TO OTHER LOW TAR BRANDS.
+BUT SMOKING LOW TAR OR LOW NICOTINE CIGARETTES IS NOT SAFE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +IT IS MERELY A MARGINALLY SAFER WAY TO CONTINUE WITH A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS HABIT.*
+THERE IS EVEN SOME MEDICAL EVIDENCE THAT A FEW HEAVY SMOKERS WHO HOPE TO REDUCE THE RISK TO THEIR LIVES BY SWITCHING TO LOW TAR OR NICOTINE CIGARETTES, MERELY COMPENSATE EITHER BY SMOKING MORE, OR BY INHALING THE LOWER YIELDS MORE THOROUGHLY, TO GET THE SAME EFFECT,* HE ADDED.
♦HOWEVER, SINCE TAR AND NICOTINE ARE CIGARETTES’ MOST LETHAL ELEMENTS AMONG MANY, THE FORMER LEADING TO LUNG CANCER, THE LATTER SIMILARLY CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH A NUMBER OF HEART DISEASES, THE SMOKER WHO TAKES IN SIGNIFICANTLY LESS OF THEM IS NOT AT QUITE SUCH A RISK*.
THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE FELT IT WAS USEFUL TO CONTINUE THE REGULAR PUBLICITY ON TAR AND NICOTINE CONTENT, PARTICULARLY DURING THE PRESENT ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN, HE EXPLAINED.
+FAR BETTER THAN MERELY SWITCHING BRANDS IS TO GIVE UP,* HE SAID, AND HE SUGGESTED SMOKERS MAKE A START NEXT THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 20) WHICH WAS DESIGNATED A SMOKEOUT DAY.
-----0-----
PROVISIONAL BOARD MEMBER SPEAKS ABOUT LDC
*****
inr. IrE.°?l?INAL INTENTION OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PROMOTING THE IDEA OF A LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) WAS TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT IN THE PRODUCTION OF LAND AND TO FACILITATE THE SITE FORMATION PROCESS IN A CONTROLLED AND trrtbllVt DANNER.
WHO IJ r£^ISI0NAL BOARD. MR SAMUEL P.W. WONG,
WHO IS ALSO AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) IN A LUNCHEON SPEECH TO THE ROTARY duB OF HONG KONG ISLAND WEST.
MR WONG ADDEDs +HOWEVER, THE ROLE OF THE LDC WAS EXTENDED LATER TO ACCOMMODATE URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS SITE PROMOTION.
AHIS WAS
FRIDAY, NOVD?BER 14, 1986
*AS PARTLY DUE T0 A REALISATION that government efforts IN THE FIELD OF URBAN RENEWAL HAD NOT BEEN PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL AND IT WAS CONSIDERED PREFERABLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE TO BE RESTRICTED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
WITH THESE ASSUMPTIONS, AND FOLLOWING FURTHER STUDY, IT BECAME CLEAR THAT THE FORMATION OF AN INDEPENDENT AGENCY WOULD HAVE TO BE PROMOTED INITIALLY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS.
+IN THE LONG RUN, THE PRIVATE SECTOR SHOULD BECOME MORE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN ALL ASPECTS OF THE LDC’S ACTIVITIES,* MR WONG SAID. ’
HE SAID ACCORDING TO THE STEERING GROUP’S SUBMISSION TO
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, THE OBJECTIVES OF THE LDC WOULD BE TOi
* IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF DEVELOPMENT BY ASSEMBLING LARGER SITES?
* ENSURE EQUITABLE TREATMENT OF TENANTS AFFECTEDj
* PROVIDE IMPROVED COMMUNITY FACILITIES, INCLUDING BETTER TRAFFIC CIRCULATION?
* ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION OF LAND OWNERS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS?
* SPEED UP PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT IN SELECTED AREAS? AND
* MINIMISE THE NEED FOR DIRECT GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES AND THE APPLICATION OF COMPULSORY ACQUISITION POWERS.
TO ACHIEVE THESE OBJECTIVES, MR WONG SAID, THE LDC WOULD HAVE TO BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH THE FOLLOWING ISSUESi-
* ACQUISITION? THE LDC WOULD BE EXPECTED TO NEGOTIATE WITH EXISTING PROPERTY OWNERS ON THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTY WITHIN AREAS IDENTIFIED TO BE IN NEED OF REDEVELOPMENT. IT WOULD BE EXPECTED TO ACQUIRE A MAJORITY OF THE PROPERTIES WITHIN AN AREA TO BE REDEVELOPED THROUGH NEGOTIATIONS.
M HOUSING? OFFERS MADE TO OWNER OCCUPIERS SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO ENABLE THEM TO PURCHASE A MODERN PROPERTY OF SIMILAR SIZE AND IN THE SAME GENERAL AREA AS THEIR ORIGINAL PREMISES.
DEVELOPMENT: IT
FRIDAY, N0VD4BER 1U, 1986
- 10
* DEVELOPMENT! IT WOULD FORM INDIVIDUAL SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES TO UNDERTAKE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS. THESE COMPANIES WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RAISING FINANCE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND NEGOTIATING WITH PROPERTY OWNERS FOR THE ACQUISITION OF THEIR PROPERTIES, A$ WELL AS FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT, OR SETTING UP JOINT VENTURE PROJECTS.
* PROJECT MANAGEMENT! IT SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
* BUILDING MANAGEMENT! IT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANGING THE MANAGEMENT OF PROPERTY IT ACQUIRED PRIOR TO DEMOLITION AND FOR RETAINED PARTS OF COMPLETED DEVELOPMENTS.
MR WONG SAID THE LDC WOULD REQUIRE AN INITIAL INJECTION OF FUNDS TO ENABLE IT TO BE SET UP AND BEGIN OPERATIONS.
HOWEVER, THIS INITIAL LOAN WOULD BE PRIMARILY TO COVER OPERATING COSTS.
+THE LDC THROUGH ITS SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES, IS EXPECTED TO RAISE FINANCE TO FUND INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT FROM PRIVATE SECTOR SOURCES SUCH AS BANKS,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE PROVISIONAL LDC BOARD HAD MET FOUR TIMES SO FAR.
IT HAD BEEN BRIEFED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON STUDIES CARRIED OUT BY THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE INTO URBAN RENEWAL STUDY AREAS AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AREAS.
A TOTAL OF 19 AREAS CONTAINING SITES SUITABLE FOR COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT HAD BEEN IDENTITIED AND A REPORT ON THESE AREAS WOULD BE COMPLETED SOON.
REFERRING TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR WONG SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT A SHORT LIST OF POTENTIAL CANDIDATES WOULD BE AVAILABLE AROUND THE END OF THIS MONTH.
HE SAID DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREPARATION OF THE LDC ORDINANCE HAD BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL BOARD FOR CONSIDERATION.
SUBJECT TO THE PRESSURE OF WORK IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION, IT WAS HOPED THAT THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE LDC BILL WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
+IT IS THEREFORE POSSIBLE BY THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR THAT THE LDC COULD BE FORMALLY ESTABLISHED UNDER ITS OWN ORDINANCE AND THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE,* MR WONG SAID.
-------0---------
11
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
11 -
ADOPTION SERVICE HAS BEEN IMPROVED *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO REDUCE THE TIME TAKEN TO PLACE A CHILD IN A SUITABLE ADOPTIVE HOME SO AS TO MINIMISE CHILDREN’S STAY IN INSTITUTIONS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SHE TOLD A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH OF THE IMPROVEMENTS THAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED AND THOSE BEING PLANNED FOR THE ADOPTION SERVICE.
SHE SAID THAT WITH THE STREAMLINING OF THE ADOPTION PROCEDURES AND ADDITIONAL MANPOWER, SOME 120 BACKLOG APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN CLEARED BY THE END OF 1985 AND THE DEPARTMENT HAD NOW BUILT UP A SMALL POOL OF SUITABLE PROSPECTIVE ADOPTERS.
DURING 1985-86, A TOTAL OF 114 LOCAL HOMES WERE APPROVED FOR ADOPTION OF A WARD AND 106 WARDS WERE PLACED IN ADOPTIVE HOMES, REPRESENTING A RESPECTIVE INCREASE OF 60 PER CENT AND 70 PER CENT OVER THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
+AT PRESENT, WE HAVE A POOL OF 14 FAMILIES WAITING FOR MATCHING WITH A CHILD AND ANOTHER 76 HOMES ARE UNDERGOING A HOME STUDY.
+AT THE SAME TIME, 41 CHILDREN (21 BOYS AND 20 GIRLS) ARE AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL ADOPTION,* MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE ALSO NOTED THAT A SUPPORTIVE GROUP ADOPTIVE PARENTS HAD BEEN LAUNCHED.
FOR FIRST-TIME CHINESE
♦THIS WAS WELL RECEIVED AND WE INTEND TO ORGANISE ADDITIONAL GROUPS TO EQUIP ADOPTERS WITH PARENTING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AND TO HELP THEM IN ADJUSTING TO THEIR NEW RESPONSIBILITIES,* SHE SAID.
IN AN EFFORT TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE SERVICE, MRS CHAN SAID, ALL ADOPTION WORK WOULD SHORTLY BE CENTRALISED IN THE ADOPTION UNIT.
AT PRESENT, PRE-ADOPTION SERVICE IS PROVIDED BY STAFF IN THE 22 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES WHILE ASSESSEMENT OF PROSPECTIVE ADOPTIVE PARENTS, MATCHING AND THE SUBSEQUENT LEGAL FORMALITIES ARE CARRIED OUT BY THE ADOPTION UNIT.
MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT CENTRALISING WOULD ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO EITHER ELIMINATE OR AT LEAST KEEP TO A MINIMUM THE NEED FOR INSTITUTIONAL CARE OF CHILDREN AWAITING ADOPTION.
EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO PLACE TWO NEWt-BORN BABIES STRAIGHT FROM HOSPITAL WITH SUITABLE AND WILLING PROSPECTIVE ADOPTERS FOR TEMPORARY CARE AND CUSTODY INITIALLY AND SUBSEQUENTLY FOR ADOPTION AFTER THE BABIES WERE FORMALLY RELINQUISHED BY THEIR MOTHERS AT SIX WEEKS.
/THIS ARRANGEMENT
FRIDAY, NOVaiBER 14, 1986
12 -
THIS ARRANGEMENT WAS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THE MOTHERS CONCERNED HAD DECIDED TO GIVE UP THEIR BABIES EVEN BEFORE BIRTH AND THERE WERE SUITABLE ADOPTIVE PARENTS AVAILABLE, SHE SAID.
ON OVERSEAS ADOPTION, SHE SAID THAT THE SERVICE WAS ALSO REVIEWED RECENTLY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE (ISS) WITH A VIEW TO RECRUITING MORE HOMES AND TO EFFECT EARLIER ADOPTION PLACEMENTS.
+WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SPEED UP THE AVERAGE PROCESSING TIME FROM THE PREVIOUS 24 MONTHS TO AROUND 15 MONTHS FOR THE MAJORITY OF OUR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, THOUGH MORE DIFFICULT CASES MAY REQUIRE A LONGER TIME.
+SOME 78 NEW HOMES WERE RECRUITED IN THE LAST SIX MONTHS REPRESENTING A 28 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 61 HOMES RECRUITED IN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1985,+ SHE SAID.
NOTING THAT THERE WAS A STEADY STREAM OF APPLICATIONS FROM OVERSEAS CHINESE FAMILIES, MRS CHAN SAID IT WAS INTENDED TO CONDUCT A SURVEY OF POSSIBLE DEMANDS FROM OVERSEAS CHINESE TO ADOPT FROM HONG KONG.
+ALL THINGS BEING EQUAL WE BELIEVE THAT IT IS IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD TO PLACE HIM OR HER WITH ADOPTIVE PARENTS WHO SHARE THE SAME CULTURE AND ETHNIC BACKGROUND,* SHE SAID.
+WE ARE ALSO LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF EXPANDING THE PRESENT SERVICE NETWORK TO COUNTRIES IN EUROPE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ADOPTION OUTLETS FOR OUR HOMELESS CHILDREN,* SHE ADDED.
EARLIER IN HER SPEECH, MRS CHAN OUTLINED THE PROCEDURES FOR ADOPTION IN HONG KONG.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT ADOPTION IN HONG KONG FELL BROADLY INTO TWO CATEGORIES — ADOPTION OF ORPHANED AND ABANDONED CHILDREN AND 'HI LOREN GIVEN UP BY THEIR PARENTS, WHO ARE MADE WARDS OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, AND ADOPTION BY PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT.
FOR ABANDONED CHILDREN, SHE EXPLAINED THAT THE PROCEDURE WOULD INVOLVE TRACING THE PARENTS THROUGH RADIO BROADCAST AND PRESS RELEASES. IN THE CASE OF AN ILLEGITMATE CHILD, IT WOULD INVOLVE HELPING THE UNMARRIED PARENT OR PARENTS TO ASSESS THEIR ABILITY TO CARE FOR THE CHILD AS WELL AS OTHER ALTERNATIVES BEFORE MAKING THEIR DECISION TO SIGN OFF THE CHILD FOR ADOPTION.
IN 1995-86, SOME 140 OF THESE CHILDREN CAME TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES. AMONG THEM, LESS THAN 20 WERE ABANDONED WHILE THE MAJORITY WERE SIGNED OFF BY 1HFIR UNMARRIED MOTHERS.
/+WHB< PROCEDURES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
- 15 -
♦WHEN PROCEDURES TO FREE THE CHILDREN ARE IN PROGRESS, THEY ARE PLACED IN CHILDREN’S CENTRES OR CRECHES FOR TEMPORARY CARE AND UNDERGO MEDICAL EXAMINATION FACILITATE ONWARD WELFARE PLANNING FOR THEM, INCLUDING ADOPTION,* MRS CHAN EXPLAINED.
SHE ADDED THAT FOR LOCAL ADOPTION, INTERESTED RESIDENTS WERE WELCOME TO APPROACH THE ADOPTION UNIT FOR AN INTERVIEW.
FOR OVERSEAS ADOPTION, MRS CHAN SAID THERE WAS AN OVERSEAS ADOPTION PROGRAMME THAT THE DEPARTMENT RAN IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH I.S.S. WHICH HAD AN INTER-COUNTRY ADOPTION NETWORK COVERING U.S.A., CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND U.K.
+THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THIS PROGRAMME IS TO SECURE SUITABLE HOMES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS WHO STAND A VERY SLIM CHANCE OF BEING ADOPTED LOCALLY,* SHE EXPLAINED.
APART FROM THE ADOPTION OF HOMELESS CHILDREN THROUGH THE DEPARTMENT, SHE NOTED THAT THE OTHER FORM OF ADOPTION WAS BY PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY THE STATUS OF THE ILLEGITIMATE CHILDREN OR CHILDREN FROM A PREVIOUS MARRIAGE COULD BE LEGALISED IN THE CURRENT MATRIMONIAL HOME OF THE PARENT’ AND THOSE CHILDREN GIVEN AWAY BY THEIR NATURAL PARENTS OR GUARDIAN TO UNRELATED PERSONS COULD BE LEGALLY ADOPTED BY THESE PERSONS.
MRS CHAN OBSERVED THAT THIS FORM OF ADOPTION WAS NOT ALWAYS SATISFACTORY IN THAT THERE WAS NO PRIOR ASSESSMENT OF THE SUITABILITY OF THE PROSPECTIVE ADOPTERS AND IT MIGHT BE MONTHS OR EVEN YEARS AFTER THE CHILD HAD BEEN PLACED WITH HIS ADOPTERS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ADOPTERS’ INTENTION TO ADOPT THE CHILD.
♦FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHILD, I WOULD URGE ALL SUCH PARENTS TO APPROACH THE DEPARTMENT IN THE FIRST INSTANCE IF THEY INTEND TO GIVE UP THEIR CHILD FOR ADOPTION,* SHE SAID.
0 - -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
14
HEADMASTER APPOINTED TO NORTH DB *****
THE HEADMASTER OF A SCHOOL IN SHEUNG SHU I, MR POON HUEN-WAI, HAS BEEN APPOINTED A MEMBER OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD TO REPLACE A MEMBER WHO DIED IN MAY. THE APPOINTMENT WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR.
MR POON, THE PRINCIPAL OF THE HONG KONG TAOIST ASSOCIATION TANG HIN MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL, WILL TAKE OFFICE FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO MARCH 31, 1988.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID MR POON IS INVOLVED IN NUMEROUS COMMUNITY WORK AND VARIOUS RECREATION AND CULTURE PROGRAMMES.
+ HE HAS MADE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+HE IS ALSO AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF NUMEROUS COMMITTEES INCLUDING THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.*
MR POON WILL TAKE UP THE SEAT FORMERLY HELD BY MR LIU YUN-SUM.
- - o - -
ROAD SAFETY FOR ELDERLY STRESSED
*****
THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON CITY HAS BEEN INCREASING IN RECENT YEARS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE SAFETY OF THE ELDERLY ON THE ROADS.
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG, SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
MR FONG NOTED THAT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR ABOUT ONE-FIFTH OF THE 426 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT INVOLVED THE ELDERLY AND MOST OCCURRED WHILE THEY WERE CROSSING THE ROAD.
+THOUGH THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR DROPPED BY 52 CASES COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THIS INDICATES THAT MUCH ATTENTION SHOULD STILL BE PAID TO ROAD SAFETY.
/+IN VIEW
FRIDAY, NOVHMBER 14, 1986
- 15 -
+ IN VIEW OF THIS, AND TO TIE IN WITH THE AIM OF THE CENTRAL ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN, THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR WILL HAVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY - PARTICULARLY FOR THE ELDERLY - AS THE MAIN THEME,+ MR FONG ADDED.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT TO PUBLICISE ROAD SAFETY AND TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ROAD SAFETY CODES.
A SPECIALLY DECORATED OPEN TOP DOUBLE-DECKER BUS, CARRYING MEMBERS OF THE CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, TOURED THE DISTRICT TODAY TO SPREAD THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
IT STOPPED AT VARIOUS PEDESTRIAN BLACKSPOTS AND ROAD SAFETY PAMPHLETS WERE GIVEN TO PASSERS-BY.
AT THE SAME TIME, MODEL PEDESTRIANS WERE SELECTED ON THE SPOT AND SPECIAL ROAD SAFETY UMBRELLAS WERE PRESENTED TO THEM.
TO SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN, 32 PUBLICITY BANNERS AND SIGNBOARDS REMINDING THE PUBLIC TO OBSERVE ROAD CROSSING SAFETY RULES HAVE BEEN MOUNTED AT 16 PEDESTRIAN BLACKSPOTS.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, PRIZES WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO 23 WINNERS OF A RECENT ROAD SAFETY CROSSWORD PUZZLE AND SLOGAN COMPETITION FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN.
THE PRIZE WINNERS WILL BE INVITED TO VISIT THE ROAD SAFETY TOWN IN SAU MAU PING ON NOVEMBER 22.
-------0----------
MORE EMPHASIS PLACED ON GROUP WORK * * * * *
THERE HAVE BEEN SOME CHANGES RECENTLY IN THE SERVICES THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES IN COMMUNITY CENTRES, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SHENG KUNG HUI LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE, HE SAID THAT INSTEAD OF DIRECTLY PROMOTING COMMUNITY WORK, EMPHASIS WAS BEING PLACED ON STRENGTHENING GROUP
-yORK.
THE INTENTION WAS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND TO PROVIDE ACTIVITIES TO FOSTER THE LINKS BETWEEN THEM, THUS TURNING THE COMMUNITY CENTRE INTO A FAMILY ACTIVITIES CENTRE.
/IN ADDITION, .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
- 16 -
IN ADDITION, MORE SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES WERE BEING ORGANISED FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID.
+THE MORE NOVEL DEVELOPMENT IS THE INTRODUCTION OF SUPPORTIVE GROUPS TO ASSIST INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES OR SPECIAL NEEDS TO ENHANCE THEIR ABILITY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH OTHER SUITABLE SERVICES,* HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF SUPPORTIVE GROUPS AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, MANY FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, HOUSEWIVES, ELDERLY SINGLE PEOPLE, MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE AND FORMER MENTAL PATIENTS HAD BENEFITTED FROM THIS SERVICE.
+THROUGH MUTUAL ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT, THEIR ADJUSTMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT HAS BEEN ENHANCED,* HE SAID.
+WE FEEL THAT THIS KIND OF WORK CAN ASSIST OTHER WELFARE SERVICE UNITS TO MORE FULLY DISCHARGE THEIR FUNCTIONS WHILE THE CLIENTS ARE RECEIVING MORE SUPPORT,* HE ADDED.
+THEREFORE, THE ROLE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN COMMUNITY CENTRES HAS FOCUSSED MORE ON THE WELFARE SERVICES SIDE,* HE SAID.
AS FOR THE OTHER ASPECT OF COMMUNITY CENTRE WORK — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT — MR LAW SAID IT REQUIRED THE PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT OF RESIDENTS IN ORDER TO MEET THEIR NEEDS.
HE PRAISED THE LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE FOR BEING ALERT TO THE NEEDS OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD AND FOR DEVELOPING NEW SERVICES TO MEET THESE NEEDS.
-------0----------
YOUNG PEOPLE URGED TO ACQUIRE NEW TECHNIQUES, SKILLS
*****
HONG KONG NEEDS A LABOUR FORCE WHICH CAN COPE WITH AN
INCREAS!NG DEMAND FOR QUALITY AND TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE, THE CHAIRMAN J2*mLch?Uu.mDVIS0RY BOARD’S COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES,
MR CHAN SUI-KAU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
rnMDcnlK,r°nnD,TNJBLE H0NG K0NG T0 MAINTAIN ITS PRODUCTS’ HEMEXPLAINEDP0S T 0N IN B0TH ™E L0CAL AND OVERSEAS markets,
/+I WOULD .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
- 17 -
♦ I WOULD ADVISE YOUNG PEOPLE INTENDING TO TAKE UP ANY NEW CAREER TO BE AWARE OF, AND BE PREPARED FOR, THE CHANCES OF ACQUIRING NEW TECHNIQUES AND UPDATING SKILLS, AS HONG KONG, FACED WITH KEEN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, HAS TO IMPROVE ITS PRODUCTS AND MOVE TO THE UPPER END OF THE MARKET,+ HE SAID.
♦ALTHOUGH NOBODY KNOWS HOW QUICKLY AND TO WHAT EXTENT CHANGES WILL TAKE PLACE, YOUNG PEOPLE MUST ALWAYS BE READY TO LEARN AND UPDATE THEIR SKILLS.+
MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 15TH ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL.
HE NOTED THAT THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG DEPENDED HEAVILY ON ITS HUMAN ASSETS. BUT HUMAN RESOURCES COULD ONLY BE EFFECTIVELY UTILISED IF THEY WERE PROPERLY CHANNELLED INTO THE RIGHT COURSE AND GIVEN THE CHANCE TO DEVELOP, HE ADDED.
♦FOR THIS REASON, CAREERS SERVICE, WHICH EMPHASISES THE IMPORTANCE OF INDIVIDUALS FINDING JOBS BEST SUITED TO THEIR POTENTIAL, HAS MUCH TO CONTRI BUTE.+
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, CAREERS WORK COULD NOT SUCCEED WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION AND CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, SCHOOLS, PARENTS AND EMPLOYERS.
IN PARTICULAR, EMPLOYERS HAD THE OBLIGATIONS TO SUPPLY INFORMATION SUCH AS EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES RELATING TO CAREERS GUIDANCE AND CO-OPERATE WITH OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION OF CAREERS EDUCATION.
♦IN THE LONG TERM, OUR SOCIETY WILL BENEFIT FROM BEING ABLE TO OPTIMISE ITS USE OF HUMAN RESOURCES,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN ALSO REFERRED TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S THREE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES WHICH, HE POINTED OUT, WERE EQUIPPED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF PRINTED AND AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION AND PUBLIC VIEWING.
WITH THE BACKING OF THE COMMITTEE ON EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, THE CENTRES WERE PLANNING TO PRODUCE A SERIES OF VIDEOS ON HOW TO CHOOSE A CAREER WHICH +WILL PROVE EXTREMELY USEFUL TO THOSE AT THE CROSSROADS OF MAKING CAREERS DECISIONS*.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, SAID HE SHARED MR CHAN’S VIEW THAT YOUNG PEOPLE MUST BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT CHALLENGES BY ACQUIRING NEW SKILLS IN THE WAKE OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS.
/-t-THE URBAN.............
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
18 -
THE URBAN COUNCIL FULLY APPRECIATES THE NEED FOR HELPING IG PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND REALISE THEIR POTENTIAL BY
Ou NG SUITABLE CAREERS, AND WE FULLY SUPPORT THIS EXHIBITION,+ HE SAID.
NOTED THAT THE EXHIBITION ATTRACTED MORE THAN 100 000 VISITORS LAST YEAR AND HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THIS YEAR’S RESPONSE WOULD BE AS ENCOURAGING.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN.
THE EXHIBITION, INTENDED TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH THE
T POSSIBLE RANGE OF CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG, IS
■J TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9.30 AM TO 6.30 PM DAILY AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL UNTIL NOVEMBER 24.
ASSOCIATION WITH THIS EXHIBITION, LIVE CAREERS SHOWS - STAGED OUTSIDE THE CITY HALL IN EDINBURGH PLACE TOMORROW, DAY, NOVEMBER 22 AND 23 BY A NUMBER OF DISCIPLINARY FORCES AUXILIARY SERVICES.
------0-------
FIREMEN TO GIVE PUBLIC DISPLAY
* X M I
A DEMONSTRATION AND DISPLAY OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED •■NT AND APPLIANCES IN DEALING WITH FIRES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES PL STAGED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT EDINBURGH PLACE i’J CENTRAL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
ART OF ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE CAREERS EXHIBITION ORGANISED : LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE SHOW IS INTENDED TO INTRODUCE THE WORK i FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO THE PUBLIC. IT WILL BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM.
'MONSTRATIONS WILL INCLUDE JUMPS ON TO AN AIR-FILLED RESCUE '■ON, RESCUE OF INJURED PEOPLE FROM A HEIGHT BY USING THE ISS RESCUE SYSTEM, AND RESCUE OF INJURED PEOPLE TRAPPED
■ A VEHICLE, USING AIR-LIFTING BAGS.
VISITORS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO INSPECT A WEST GERMAN-MADE
'RE TURNABLE LADDER, AND TO BOARD A FIRE BOAT AT QUEEN’S PIER LLE ITS FIRE FIGHTING INSTALLATIONS.
OTHER APPLIANCES WILL INCLUDE A ^YDRAULIC PLATFORM, AN E, AMBULANCE LAND-ROVER, MOBILE CASUALTY TREATMENT CENTRE, ln * MOBILE COMMAND UNIT.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
- 19 -
EQUIPMENT USED IN DEALING WITH VARIOUS EMERGENCIES, INCLUDING LANDSLIDES, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, HOUSE COLLAPSES AND MOUNTAIN RESCUES, WILL BE DISPLAYED.
THE SHOW WILL ALSO FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHS DEPICTING THE HISTORY OF THE FIRE SERVICES.
A TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT CENTRE WILL BE SET UP WHERE INTERESTED SPECTATORS CAN UNDERGO MEASUREMENT, EYESIGHT AND STRENGTH TESTS. THE DAILY WORK OF A FIREMAN WILL BE SHOWN ON VIDEO.
FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND WILL ALSO DEMONSTRATE HOW TO OPERATE SOME COMMON TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM.
-----0-----
SEMINAR ON GUIDANCE WORK FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS * * ft * ft
AROUND 270 SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, MONG KOK, TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SEMINAR IS INTENDED TO INTRODUCE THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED +GUIDLINES ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS* AND TO ALLOW PRINCIPALS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GUIDANCE SERVICE IN SCHOOLS.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN, WILL ALSO SPEAK.
AT A PLENARY SESSION, A SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR H.W. LEUNG, WILL TALK ON +ORGANISING AND PROMOTING GUIDANCE WORK IN SCHOOL*.
/THE PRINCIPAL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1L, 1?86
20
THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICE WILL SPEAK ABOUT THE +ROLE AND CONTRIBUTION OF KEY PERSONNEL IN GUIDANCE WORK FOR SECONDARY PUPILS+.
NOTE TO EDITORSs
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO BEGIN AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL AT 152 SAI YEE STREET, KOWLOON AT 9.15 AM TOMORROW.
-----0-----
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS CUSTOMS WORK M M N M N
YOUNG PEOPLE ASPIRING TO SERVE IN THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE AS A CAREER WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THE SERVICE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) WHEN AN EXHIBITION RELATING TO ITS ACTIVITIES IS HELD AT EDINBURGH PLACE, CENTRAL.
THE EXHIBITION, FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM, WILL INCLUDE PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS AND A SERIES OF DEMONSTRATIONS TO SHOW THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF DUTIES UNDERTAKEN BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS.
AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION BY DRUG DETECTOR DOGS AND A DEMONSTRATION ON THE USE OF A METAL DETECTOR.
ALSO ON SHOW WILL BE A SELECTION OF SPECIAL EQUIPMENT USED BY THE CUSTOMS, INCLUDING DIVING EQUIPMENT AND SHIP-RUMMAGING TOOLS.
A WIDE RANGE OF CONTRABAND SEIZED BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS WILL BE ON DISPLAY.
IN ADDITION, A CUSTOMS PATROL LAUNCH WILL BE OPEN TO PUBLIC INSPECTION AT QUEEN’S PIER.
THE EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE CAREERS ’86 EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL.
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/21
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
21
BANK GRANTED REVOCATION OF LICENCE
*****
THE REQUEST BY NCNB NATIONAL BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA TO REVOKE ITS BANKING LICENCE HAS BEEN GRANTED ON THE GROUND THAT IT HAS CEASED TO TRANSACT BANKING BUSINESS IN HONG KONG. A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BANK’S DECISION TO CLOSE ITS HONG KONG OFFICE WAS MADE ON COMMERCIAL GROUNDS FOLLOWING A REASSESSMENT OF ITS OVERALL CORPORATE STRATEGY.
+WITH THIS REVOCATION, THE NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG NOW STANDS AT 151,+ HE ADDED.
SO FAR THIS YEAR, 10 BANKING LICENCES HAVE BEEN GRANTED AND TWO LICENCES REVOKED.
_ - - - o ---------■
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS TODAY (FRIDAY) REVOKED THE REGISTRATION OF FINANCIAL AND INVESTMENT SERVICES FOR ASIA LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, ON THE GROUND THAT THE COMPANY IS BEING WOUND UP.
-------0---------
KOWLOON CITY POLICE STATION TO BE REFURBISHED
* * * * *
KOWLOON CITY POLICE STATION, WHICH IS 40 YEARS OLD, IS TO BE REFURBISHED.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A CONTRACT FOR THE SI.8 MILLION PROJECT.
THE TWO-STOREY STATION, WHICH IS IN ARGYLE STREET, WILL UNDERGO PARTITIONING, REWIRING AND PLUMBING WORK AT THE REPORT ROOM, OFFICES, CELLS, BARRACK ROOMS, STORE ROOMS AND THE OFFICERS’ MESS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT IS REDECORATION AND REFITTING CF THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS’ CANTEEN AND KITCHEN IN THE ANNEXE BLOCK.
/THE ANNEXE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
22
THE ANNEXE BLOCK IS A FOUR-STOREY THAN 10 YEARS AGO. IT HOUSES THE STORE AND RECREATION ROOM.
BUILDING CONSTRUCTED MORE ROOMS, OFFICES, CANTEEN
IM cir2?KMAMtheSTART NEXT M0NTH AND ,S EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN t I bn I MONTHS.
THE POLICE STATION WILL CONTINUE REFURBISHING WORK IS IN PROGRESS.
TO SERVE THE PUBLIC WHILE
-----0------
EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM FOR CORRIDOR
* * * X
AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR’S CHEUNG SHA WAN SECTION AND THE TUNG CHAU STREETTONG MEI ROAD RAMP.
THE SYSTEM WILL COMPRISE 16 SETS OF EMERGENCY TELEPHONES INSTALLED AT CONVENIENT ROADSIDE LOCATIONS.
THE TELEPHONES WILL BE LINKED DIRECTLY TO THE POLICE REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE AT KOWLOON REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS.
MOTORISTS ON THE CARRIAGEWAY REQUIRING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE WILL THEN BE ABLE TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE POLICE.
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR TENDERS TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL THE SYSTEM. THEY SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON DECEMBER 19.
THE ELECTRONICS DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING THE SYSTEM AND SUPERVISING INSTALLATION WORK.
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/25 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
- 25 -SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS NEXT WEEK I * X * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A VARIETY OF FREE CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES IN A FESTIVAL STARTING NEXT SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
THE TWO-WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL COINCIDES WITH THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND FESTIVAL ORGANISERS HOPE THAT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING WOULD BE BOOSTED THROUGH TAKING PART IN WIDE-RANGING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT $380 000 WOULD BE SPENT ON STAGING 13 PROGRAMMES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND INTERESTS. MOST WOULD BE HELD ON WEEKENDS TO ENSURE MAXIMUM PARTICIPATION.
+0F THE SUM, $230 000 IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND THE REMAINDER COMES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND COMMERCIAL BODIES,* HE SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE INCLUDE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, URBAN COUNCILLORS, AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN, LEADING PERSONALITIES AND ADVISERS FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN SERVICES, THE POLICE FORCE, ICAC, AND SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED AT AN OPENING CEREMONY AND LASER VARIETY SHOW AND CLOSE WITH A GRAND TATTOO, BOTH TO BE HELD AT THE WONG CHUK HANG SOCCER PITCH.
REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR T.H. CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AND ATTEND THE LASER SHOW AT 7 PM ON NOVEMBER 22.
DECORATED VANS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREAS THAT DAY AND AREA COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES WILL FORM A DISTRICT BOARD LOGO DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY TO SYMBOLISE THE UNITY OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS. WELL-KNOWN DISC-JOCKEYS AND POPULAR SINGERS WILL PERFORM AT THE VARIETY SHOW.
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A CARNIVAL FEATURING CRAFTS STALLS, STAGE PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITIONS AND STAFF GAMES ON NOVEMBER 23 AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN.
THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS BY CRAFTSMEN, PALM READING, LIVE SKETCHES, FOLK SONGS AND DANCES, CHILDREN’S DANCE, MAGIC SHOWS AND AN EXHIBITION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT AT THE CARNIVAL. RESIDENTS CAN ALSO VISIT A MODERN FISHING VESSEL MOORED ALONGSIDE THE PROMENADE THAT DAY.
/A GRAND .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
24
A GRAND TATTOO WITH DISPLAYS AND PERFORMANCES BY VARIOUS DISCIPLINED UNITS AND LOCAL GROUPS WILL MARK THE CLOSE OF THE FESTIVAL ON DECEMBER 7. THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF WEAPONS BY THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS, FIRE ENGINES, POLICE ARMOURED CARS, LION AND DRAGON DANCES, MOCK BATTLES, DEMONSTRATIONS OF KARATE, MOTORCYCLE AND BMX BICYCLE TECHNIQUES, AND PERFORMANCES BY THE POLICE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).
OTHER PROGRAMMES INCLUDE A SINGING CONTEST, A NINE-KILOMETRE RACE, A ONE-DAY DISTRICT TOUR FOR THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED, AND A MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS.
THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL HOLD FOUR OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES IN SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL. TOGETHER WITH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION COUNCIL, IT WILL ALSO ORGANISE A LARGE-SCALE SANDSOAPING COMPETITION AT SHEK 0 AND A TELEMATCH AMONG LOCAL FACTORIES AND COMMERCIAL FIRMS IN THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND.
A PAMPHLET GIVING DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMMES IS OBTAINABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY. ENQUIRES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
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CIVIC-MINDEDNESS CAMPAIGN DAY IN KWUN TONG *****
SUNDAY CN0VEMBERD23NESS CAMPA,GN DAY W,LL BE HELD IN KWUN T0NG 0n
THE CAMPAIGN DAY HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG OFFICE, SHUN LEE AREA COMMITTEE AND FOUR LOCAL VOLUNTARY
VENUE W,LL BE THE SHUN 0N BASKETBALL COURT AND iNtAKBY UrtN or ACE.
DISTRICT
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE DESCRIBED CI VIC-MINDEDNESS AS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE CAMPAIGN WILL AIM AT AROUSING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS IN THIS REGARD.
ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE A CIVIC-MINDEDNESS LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE AREA’S PRIMARY AND INVITING PUPILS TO TAKE PART.
SLOGAN COMPETITION SECONDARY SCHOOLS
OUTSTANDING SLOGANS WILL BE PRINTED ON A WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING CAMPAIGN DAY.
CALENDAR CARD WHICH THE CIVIC-MINDEDNESS
/ON THE ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
25
ON THE CAMPAIGN DAY, THERE WILL BE A CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION SO THAT PARTICIPANTS CAN ILLUSTRATE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES STALLS BASED ON THE THEME OF THE CAMPAIGN.
A VIDEO TAPE AIMED AT OBTAINING RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON CIVIC-MINDEDNESS IS BEING MADE AND WILL BE SHOWN THAT DAY.
------o-------
BUS PARADE TO PUBLICISE DISTRICT FESTIVAL *****
A DECORATED BUS WILL TOUR WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO REMIND RESIDENTS ABOUT THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM NOVEMBER 16 TO 30.
THE OPEN-TOP DOUBLE-DECKER WILL STOP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WHERE MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, ASSISTED BY AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND STUDENTS, WILL DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY LEAFLETS TO RESIDENTS.
A SPECIALLY COMPOSED DISTRICT FESTIVAL SONG WILL BE BROADCAST DURING THE TOUR.
THE BUS WILL STOP AT CHING TAK STREET, WANG TAU HOM SOUTH ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, TUNG FAT ROAD, SZE MEI STREET, NING YUEN STREET AND CHOI HUNG ESTATE IN THE MORNING.
IN THE AFTERNOON, IT WILL STOP AT HAMMER HILL ROAD, FUNG SHING STREET, NING WAH STREET, WAN WAH STREET (NEAR TSZ ON ESTATE), WONG TAI SIN ROAD (NEAR WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE), CHUK YUEN ESTATE AND CHOI WAN ESTATE.
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE PUBLICITY DAY WILL BE HELD AT THE CAR PARK OF HO LAP COLLEGE AT 2 PM.
AMONG THOSE PRESENT WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG- CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM- AND WONG TAI SIN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (EAST), MR CHESTER KWOK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY MARKING THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL PUBLICITY DAY AT 2 PM TOMORROW AT THE HO LAP COLLEGE CARPARK AT 15 TSEUK LUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.
- - 0------------
/26 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1986
26 -
600 TO COMPETE IN KWAI TSI NG ATHLETICS MEET X * M *
ABOUT 600 ATHLETES WILL COMPETE IN MORE THAN 25 EVENTS
IN THE FIRST KWAI TSING DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16) AT THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND IN YEUNG UK ROAD.
THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, WHICH WAS SET UP IN JULY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, HAS BEEN CLOSELY INVOLVED IN ARRANGING THE FIXTURE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN
OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO TUNG-CHING-CHAI RMAN OF THE BOARD’S CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE, MR CHENG WING-CHUN- REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR WONG WING-TAI- AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER LEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST KWAI TSING DISTRICT ATHLETICS MEET AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY IN THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND, YEUNG UK ROAD.
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OPERA TREAT FOR SHAM SHU I PO
X X X X X
SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO ENJOY THE CHOR FUNG MING CANTONESE OPERA SHOW DURING THE 1986 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE PERFORMANCE WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 6 AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN KOWLOON TONG.
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, ^9 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS, AT 9.30 AM - NOON AND 2 PM - 4 PM.
-------0
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1936
27
ABOUT 3 OOO ANNUAL ^FESTIVAL ENTERTAINMENT AT
GAMES DAY FOR TUEN MUN ELDERLY
*****
SENIOR RESIDENTS IN TUEN MUN WILL CELEBRATE THE FOR THE ELDERLY* THERE WITH A DAY OF GAMES AND THE YAN 01 TOWN SQUARE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN RESPECT FOR THE AGED ASSOCIATION, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT IS AIMED AT FOSTERING FRIENDSHIP AND PROMOTING THE THEME OF +HARMONIOUS OLD AGE+ AMONG SENIOR RESIDENTS.
THE VARIED PROGRAMME RANGES FROM A VARIETY SHOW, PALM-READING, MAGIC SHOW, ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES, GAMES STALLS AND CHARITY SALE OF HANDICRAFTS TO A BOOK EXHIBITION, SONG DEDICATION AND CALLIGRAPHY.
THE VARIETY SHOW WILL RUN FROM 2.30 PM TO 5 PM.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM. OFFICIATING WILL BE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY; DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR CHAN CHE-HIM; DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR JIMMY CHOW; AND CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE, MISS ROWENA WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY IN THE YAN 01 TOWN SQUARE, YAN CHING CIRCUIT IN TUEN MUN.
------o-------
KOWLOON PARK DRIVE CLOSED ONE HOUR
* * * * *
PEKINGHROADUWILB|OUJ? DRIVE BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND
NG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 2 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 17)
THE HOM Hg |!|USeShFw'hI^¥™E DEL'VERY °F A FlM'GAT°B TO
USE CANTON'rOADFROM YAU MA TE' HEADING F0R SALISBURY ROAD SHOULD
-----o-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST-CLASS PORT FACILITIES MAINTAINED ..................... 1
SECOND QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED...... 2
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS SHOW INCREASE.......................... 3
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED........ 6
SCHOOL HEADS BRIEFED ON GUIDELINES ......................... 8
HISTORY OF CUSTOMS SERVICE OUTLINED ........................ 9
NEW HOME FOUND PCR ANEIALS ................................. 10
OCTOBER DRUB THAN USUAL..................................... 11
CONCERT OPENS FIGHT CRD® CAMPAIGN .......................... 13
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW ............. 14
ADJUDICATORS TO VISIT CRIME FIGHTERS ....................... 15
SPORTS DAY FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS ........................ 16
WEEKEND CAMP FOR YAU MA TEI FAMILIES ....................... 16
DANCE CONTEST TO BE HEID IN KOWLOON CITY ................... 1?
TRAFFIC CHANGES AT AIRPORT ................................. 17
LEFT TURN BAN ON BOUNDARY STREET CONTINUES ................. 18
WATER CUTS IN TWO AREAS..................................... 19
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
1
FIRST-CLASS PORT FACILITIES MAINTAINED * * * *
STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG HAS FIRST-CLASS PORT FACILITIES, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE EXPOSHIP FAR EAST ’86 INTERNATIONAL MARITIME EXHIBITION, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE PORT OF HONG KONG CONTINUED TO MEET THE DEMANDS PLACED ON IT.
+WE SEE AN INCREASING NUMBER OF SHIPS USING THE PORT, MORE CARGO HANDLED, AND, SURPRISINGLY, A GREATER PASSENGER THROUGHPUT,+ HE SAID.
+CARGOES WERE UP 12-1/2 PER CENT IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR - A TREND LIKELY TO BE MAINTAINED - AND THE NUMBER OF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS CALLING AT HONG KONG INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT DURING THE SAME PERIOD. PASSENGER TRAFFIC IN 1985 WAS UP 9 PER CENT OVER 1984,+ HE SAID.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT PLANNING TOOK US BEYOND THE YEAR 2000 AND WOULD BE REGULARLY UPDATED TO MEET OUR NEEDS. +HONG KONG’S PORT HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG OCCUPIED A PROMINENT POSITION AS A CENTRE FOR SHIPOWNING AND WAS A SIGNIFICANT PORT OF REGISTRY FOR SHIPS.
+THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH THE FUTURE REGISTER WILL OPERATE HAVE BEEN AGREED BY THE GOVERNMENTS OF BRITAIN AND CHINA AND WE ARE NOW WORKING TO CONVERT THESE PRINCIPLES INTO DETAILED WORKING PROCEDURES.+
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION THAT THE NEW HONG KONG REGISTER WOULD RETAIN THE EXISTING HIGH STANDARDS IN RELATION TO MANNING AND OPERATION.
+WITH THE EMERGENCE OF HONG KONG AS A CENTRE FOR SHIPOWNING, HONG KONG’S SHIPPING-RELATED INDUSTRIES HAVE ALSO GROWN,* HE NOTED.
+WE SEE MORE INVOLVEMENT IN SHIPPING BY THOSE ENGAGED IN FINANCE, INSURANCE, BANKING AND SO ON. ALSO, HONG KONG RANKS AS A LEADING SHIP MANAGEMENT CENTRE FOR THE FAR EAST, AND INDEED IN THE WORLD.*
- 0--------
/2
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
2
SECOND QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
THE TOTAL GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 AMOUNTED TO $9 426 MILLION, WHICH WAS 1.1 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 0.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS (INCLUDING WORK CARRIED OUT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, AND OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS) IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 WAS $6 085 MILLION.
THIS GAVE AN INDEX OF 92.4, WHICH WAS 1.1 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER BUT 0.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985. THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 WAS TAKEN AS 100 FOR THE INDEX.
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. THEY ARE, THEREFORE, DIFFERENT FROM THE FIGURES ON CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 AMOUNTED TO $4 751 MILLION, WHICH WAS 1.1 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY. OF THIS, $1 524 MILLION WAS CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT OF PUBLIC PROJECTS. THE LATTER RECORDED A DECREASE OF 19.9 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, OR 10.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985.
IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT AT SITES, AT $3 227 MILLION, SHOWED INCREASES OF 11.1 PER CENT AND 4.7 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
THE DECLINE IN CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR WAS RELATED TO TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, NOTABLY THE COMPLETION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE. THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT OF TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS DROPPED BY $348 MILLION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BY $224 MILLION WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 WAS $1 845 MILLION. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 7.0 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 13.7 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985.
/the output .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1?86
- 3
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL (COMPOSITE) BUILDINGS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 WAS S623 MILLION, WHICH WAS 23 4 PER CENT AND 64.4 PER CENT ABOVE THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WAS S474 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 9.7 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT A DROP BY 42.7 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL AND STORAGE BUILDINGS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 WAS S482 MILLION, WHICH WAS 21.4 PER CENT AND 69.1 PER CENT ABOVE THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985 RESPECTIVELY.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IS GIVEN IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, SECOND QUARTER 1986+ RELEASED TODAY BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE QUARTERLY SURVEY REPORT IS PRICED AT $2 A COPY. PURCHASES MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT CENTRE, OR AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLICATIONS SALES 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 DEPARTMENT ON 3-7224490.
-------0----------
TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS SHOW INCREASE *****
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRANSPORT MATTERS LODGED WITH THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) IN THE PERIOD JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1986 ROSE BY 32 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE UNIT’S QUARTERLY REPORT RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY).
A TOTAL OF 1 959 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW COMPARED WITH 1 486 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHILE 1 734 WERE FILED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER STARTING APRIL 1986.
/tiie upward.......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
- 4 -
THE UPWARD TREND WAS DUE TO MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT, SAID THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE TCU, MR MOHAMMED RUMJAHN.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES REMAINED THE LARGEST SINGLE GROUP OF COMPLAINTS HANDLED BY THE TCU, CONSTITUTING SLIGHTLY MORE THAN 40 PER CENT OF ALL COMPLAINTS RECEIVED.
REGARDING THE ADEQUACY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, 302 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED. THESE WERE MAINLY GENERATED BY AN INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IN NEWLY COMPLETED HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE INADEQUACY OF BUS SERVICE WERE MOSTLY MADE BY COMMUTERS IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, QUARRY BAY, CHAI WAN, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AREAS AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND BY THOSE IN KWUN TONG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, TUEN MUN AND KWAI TSING DISTRICTS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUACY OF SERVICE WERE REFERRED TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR CONSIDERATION AS THE SUBJECTS OF COMPLAINT INCLUDE FREQUENCY - CARRYING CAPACITY, ROUTING, HOURS OF OPERATION AND PROVISION OF STOPS,+ MR RUMJAHN EXPLAINED.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE STANDARD OF SERVICE OF THE VARIOUS MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT MADE UP 477 CASES OR APPROXIMATELY 60 PER CENT OF THE CASES INVOLVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
+THESE COMPLAINTS WERE TAKEN UP INDIVIDUALLY WITH THE TRANSPORT OPERATORS CONCERNED OR WITH THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES (TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CONCERNING IRREGULARITIES IN GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES AND THE POLICE IN RESPECT OF TAXI MALPRACTICES),+ MR RUMJAHN SAID.
THE STANDARD OF SERVICE OF THE TWO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WAS THE SUBJECT OF 228 COMPLAINTS. BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY AND BUS DRIVERS - BUS CAPTAINS FAILING TO PICK UP - SET DOWN PASSENGERS ATTRACTED THE MAJORITY OF THESE COMPLAINTS.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT ERRATIC BUS SERVICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND WERE MAINLY DIRECTED AT BUS ROUTES SERVING THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, COMPLAINTS ABOUT BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY WERE MAINLY LEVELLED AGAINST BUS ROUTES SERVING KWUN TONG AND SHA TIN DISTRICTS AND THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TURNING TO GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, MR RUMJAHN POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS WERE NON-ADHERENCE TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY - ROUTING AND CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE OF DRIVERS.
/COMPLAINTS .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
- 5 -
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SERVICE RECEIVED BY THE TCU HAD MORE THAN DOUBLED FROM 42 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 103 CASES THIS QUARTER. MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS CONCERNED MALPRACTICE AND MISCONDUCT BY TAXI DRIVERS, SUCH AS REFUSING HIRE OR SOLICITING PASSENGERS, OVERCHARGING AND NOT TAKING THE MOST DIRECT ROUTE.
DURING THE PASSAGE OF TWO TYPHOONS IN JULY AND AUGUST, SIX CASES OF TAXI DRIVERS REFUSING HIRE OR DEMANDING EXCESSIVE FARES WERE REPORTED TO THE TCU.
MR RUMJAHN ADVISED COMPLAINANTS TO REPORT MALPRACTICES BY TAXI DRIVERS TO THE POLICE DIRECT AS THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IS THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR TAKING ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
CONCERNING SEA TRANSPORT, MR RUMJAHN SAID ROUTES OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY SERVING THE OUTLYING ISLANDS ATTRACTED MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ON FERRY SERVICES LODGED WITH THE TCU. THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE INADEQUACY OF SERVICE, CARRYING CAPACITY, ERRATIC SERVICE, CONDUCT OF STAFF AND PASSENGER BOARDING ARRANGEMENTS.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION TOTALLED 359 CASES - 97 CASES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 153 CASES' IN KOWLOON AND 109 CASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
FACTORS WHICH WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, INADEQUATE ROAD CAPACITY, ROAD WORKS AND HAWKER AND PAVEMENT OBSTRUCTION. OF ALL CASES CONCERNING VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION CAUSING CONGESTION, ABOUT 40 PER CENT WERE DIRECTED AGAINST PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES TOTALLED 107 CASES. THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN WERE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION AND ITS RELATED TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME, TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG LOCKHART ROAD, TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG MAN KAM TO ROAD AND ROAD SAFETY ASPECTS IN HANG HAU ROAD, SAI KUNG.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AND ROAD WORKS INCREASED TO 204 THIS QUARTER, COMPARED WITH THE 173 CASES LODGED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINT WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACE, MALFUNCTIONING TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS OR AIDS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES ROSE FROM 136 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 190 THIS QUARTER, MAINLY INVOLVING REQUESTS FOR TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING, ABANDONED VEHICLES AND OTHER ROAD OFFENCES.
/the transport .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
6
THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT, SET UP UNDER THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE AND MONITOR COMPLAINTS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS, OPERATES A 24-HOUR HOTLINE ON 5-776866.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED STABLE WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION IMPROVED IN THE JULY-SEPTEMBER 1986 QUARTER, COMPARED WITH THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE 1986, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER WAS 2.8 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 3.0 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE AND OF 3.3 PER CENT FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR. THE DECREASE OF 0.2 PERCENTAGE POINT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, WHILE THE DECREASE OF 0.5 PERCENTAGE POINT COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE JULY-SEPTEMBER QUARTER WAS ESTIMATED AT 75 000, COMPARED WITH 80 600 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE AND 86 900 FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER WAS 1.3 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH THE RATE OF 1.9 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE. THE RATE FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER 1985 WAS 2.1 PER CENT. THE DECREASES OF 0.6 PERCENTAGE POINT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND OF 0.8 PERCENTAGE POINT COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER CF LAST YEAR ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR THE JULY-SEPTEMBER QUARTER WAS 36 600, COMPARED WITH 52 200 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING JUNE AND 55 400 FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER 1985.
/CONSISTENT .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
- 7
CONSISTENT WITH THE LATEST RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK DUE TO ECONOMIC REASONS (SUCH AS SLACK WORK, MATERIAL SHORTAGE, MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN AND INABILITY TO FIND FULL-TIME WORK) WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE EITHER SEEKING OR AVAILABLE FOR MORE WORK.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT, BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE LATEST MONTH, PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVER INb THE LATEST 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 AUGUST-OCTOBER WAS 2.8 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.3 PER CENT. HOWEVER, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS EXPECTED TO BE LOWER AFTER SEASONAL ADJUSTMENT. (THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY-SEPTEMBER WAS 3.0 PER CENT.)
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE CF SOME 14 000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 50 000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTI TUTIONAL 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 bEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR. THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1986 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND DECEMBER 20, 1986.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
8
SCHOOL HEADS BRIEFED ON GUIDELINES * * * *
THE LATEST SET OF GUIDELINES ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAS BEEN SPECIALLY PREPARED IN RESPONSE TO INCREASING DEMAND THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD PLAY A MORE POSITIVE PASTORAL ROLE AND IVE MORE SPECIFIC AND IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE TO PUPILS IN SHAPING THEIR LIVES, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH PROBLEMS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
ADDRESSING A GATHERING OF 270 SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AT A SEMINAR ON GUIDANCE WORK AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, MR LEUNG SAID THE PURPOSE WAS TO BRIEF THEM ON THE AIMS AND CONTENTS OF THE SUGGESTED GUIDE ON GUIDANCE WORK, CLARIFY ANY POINTS OF DOUBT AND GIVE THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THE GUIDELINES AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS.
NOTING THAT +GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS* HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR, MR LEUNG SAID EDUCATORS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE WERE CONCERNED WITH PUPILS’ DEVELOPMENTAL, EDUCATIONAL AND PERSONAL PROBLEMS.
+THE ENCHANCEMENT OF PUPILS’ PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IS NOT ONLY AN IMPORTANT EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVE, IT IS ALSO THE MAIN THRUST OF RECENT MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY’OF EDUCATION,* HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID MORE SERVICES AND RESOURCES MATERIALS WERE PROVIDED TO SCHOOLS DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS. THIS WOULD COMPLEMENT OR BROADEN THE CURRICULUM AND MADE THE SECONDARY EDUCATION MORE RELEVANT TO THE PUPILS.
+GUIDELINES ON MORAL EDUCATION, ON CIVIC EDUCATION, ON SEX EDUCATION AND, MORE RECENTLY, ON PUPIL GUIDANCE HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED FOR TEACHERS’ REFERENCE SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE A READY SOURCE OF MATERIALS AND SUGGESTED PROGRAMMES.*
NOTING THAT NO NEW INITIATIVES IN SCHOOLS COULD SUCCEED WITHOUT THE FULL AND UNFAILING SUPPORT FROM THE SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MR LEUNG SAID THEIR CO-OPERATION COULD ONLY BE SOLICITED IF THEY WERE FULLY BRIEFED ON THE NEW INITIATIVE, UNDERSTOOD TIS PURPOSES AND MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL, WERE CONVINCED OF ITS VALUE.
A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN, SAID THERE WAS A STRONG NEED FOR A PUPIL GUIDANCE SERVICE BECAUSE ADOLESCENTS TODAY WERE OFTEN CONFRONTED WITH DIFFICULTIES RESULTING FROM HEAVY SCHOOL WORK, EXAMINATION STRESS, AND RAPID AND COMPLEX CHANGES IN SOCIETY.
/MR YEUNG .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
9
mr YFI1NG SAID TEACHERS WERE EXPECTED TO PLAY AN IMPORTANT PASTORAL ROLE IN THE SCHOOL SETTING AND THEIR SUCCESS DEPENDED GREATLY^UPON THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES AND APPROPRIATE SUPPORT FROM THE SCHOOL.
COMMENTING ON CONFLICTING VIEWS THAT MlGHT ARISE AMONG niFFFRFNT FUNCTIONAL UNITS. MR YEUNG SAID THEY COULD BE MINIMISED THROUGH STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, ACCOMMODATING EACH OTHER’S VIEWS.
ON GUIDANCE SERVICE IN THE TERM, MR YEUNG SAID MORE tecAOTc in tuic niRFCTION WERE DEFINITELY REQUIRED SO THAI ruriLt> COULD BE HELPED TO MAXIMISE THEIR OWN POTENTIAL. ACQUIRE ACCEPTABLE SOCIAL SKILLS DETERMINE RIGHT FROM WRONG, DEVELOP APPROPRIATE VALUES ADJUST TO SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHANGES AND, IN GENERAL, BE BET EQUIPPED FOR LIFE.
- - o - -
HISTORY OF CUSTOMS SERVICE OUTLINED *****
THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF HONG KONG’S CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IS OUTLINED IN A NEWLY PUBLISHED REVIEW.
THE BOOK, APART FROM COVERING THE TWO CALENDAR YEARS 1984 AND 1985, ALSO GIVES A HISTORY OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE ILLUSTRATED WITH HISTORICAL PICTURES.
THE SERVICE WAS FOUNDED IN SEPTEMBER 1909, AS A RESULT OF THE ENACTMENT OF THE LIQUOR ORDINANCE , TO PROVIDE FOR THE COLLECTION CF REVENUE ON INTOXICATING LIQUOR.
THE FORMER COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR H.S. GREWAL, POINTED OUT IN THE FOREWORD TO THE REVIEW THAT1 +THERE IS NO READILY AVAILABLE RECORD OF THE SERVICE’S ACTIVITIES OVER THE INTERVENING THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY, A PERIOD DURING WHICH THE SERVICE HAS IN MANY WAYS REFLECTED HONG KONG’S OWN GROWTH INTO A SOPHISTICATED COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE OF WORLD SIGNIFICANCE. THIS REVIEW IS INTENDED TO FILL THAT GAP.+
/THE BOOK ......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
10
tuc elnw N0T 0NLY DETA,LS THE ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF ™E SERy*CE BUT ALS0 recaptures some of the major issues of old nUNG KONG.
E°* E*AMPLE’ ,t tells how the adulterated liquor trade was PR0BLEM AND PEOPLE WERE KNOWN TO HAVE DIED OR LOST THEIR SIGHT BY DRINKING SUCH LIQUOR.
- - 0 - -
NEW HOME FOUND FOR ANIMALS *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES HOME FOR 13 ENDANGERED ANIMALS BE I DEPARTMENT.
DEPARTMENT HAS FOUND A SUITABLE NG KEPT IN THE CUSTODY OF THE
AM0^GJHE RARE ANIMALS are five rhesus monkeys, a crab-eating MONKEY, A SERPENT EAGLE AND SIX PYTHONS. ONE OF THE PYTHONS, 2.7 METRES IN LENGTH, WAS CAPTURED IN SEPTEMBER IN TIN FU TSAI, INLAND FROM SHAM TSENG.
THESE ANIMALS, PROTECTED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE, WILL BE FLOWN TO PEKING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 17) TO JOIN THE BREEDING COLONIES IN THE ENDANGERED ANIMALS BREEDING CENTRE THERE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE EXERCISE WILL BE GIVEN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, AT THE AFD AIRPORT ANIMAL HOSTEL AT 61 CONCORD ROAD (OPPOSITE HAECO BUILDING) AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE.
------0--------
/II ...
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
11 -
OCTOBER DRIER THAN USUAL
*****
OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS DRIER THAN USUAL WITH THE TOTAL RAINFALL OF 61.3 MILLIMETRES REPRESENTING ONLY 51 PER CENT OF THE NORMAL AMOUNT, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
AND WITH THE ARRIVAL OF AN INTENSE SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ON OCTOBER 28 THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG BECAME NOTICEABLY COOLER TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
OCTOBER 1 STARTED CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN, BUT THE WEATHER TURNED FINE LATER IN THE AFTERNOON. FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER PREVAILED FROM OCTOBER 2 TO 9 APART FROM A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS ON OCTOBER 8.
THE WEATHER ON OCTOBER 10 TO 12 WAS CLOUDY WITH PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN DUE TO THE INFLUENCE OF A WEAK SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON. HOWEVER, SUNNY PERIODS RETURNED IN THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 12 AND FINE WEATHER PREVAILED FOR THE FOLLOWING THREE DAYS.
THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 30.4 DEGREES CELSIUS ON OCTOBER 15, THE HIGHEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED DURING THE MONTH.
THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG BEGAN TO DETERIORATE WITH ISOLATED SHOWERS ON OCTOBER 16 AS WINDS STRENGTHENED WITH TYPHOON ELLEN APPROACHING FROM THE SOUTHEAST. CONDITIONS BECAME OVERCAST WITH SQUALLY SHOWERS WHICH WERE HEAVY AT TIMES, AND SUCH CONDITIONS REMAINED UNTIL OCTOBER 19.
ON OCTOBER 19, AS A DRY AIRSTREAM FROM THE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE ARRIVED LATER IN THE DAY, THE WEATHER IMPROVED AND THERE WERE SUNNY INTERVALS. HOWEVER, WINDS REMAINED FRESH TO STRONG IN EXPOSED PLACES.
IT WAS FINE AND SUNNY ON OCTOBER 20 AND 21.
AN EASTERLY SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 22 AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY. STRONG EASTERLY WINDS WERE EXPERIENCED IN EXPOSED PLACES AND OFFSHORE DURING THE NIGHT AND CONTINUED UNTIL THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 23.
CLOUDY CONDITIONS PREVAILED UNTIL OCTOBER 25 AND A TRACE OF LIGHT RAIN WAS RECORDED ON OCTOBER 24. HOWEVER, SUNNY WEATHER RETURNED ON THE AFTERNOON OF OCTOBER 25 AND IT WAS MAINLY FINE DURING THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
/A COLD .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
12
A COLD FRONT OVER SOUTH CHINA MOVED SOUTH ACROSS THE COAST ON OCTOBER 28, BRINGING RAIN AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS TO HONG KONG. FRESH GUSTY NORTHERLY WINDS SET IN DURING THE AFTERNOON AND BECAME STRONG THE NEXT DAY.
IT WAS CLOUDY AT FIRST ON OCTOBER 29, BUT THE WEATHER BECAME FINE IN THE AFTERNOON. DRIER AND APPRECIABLY COOLER AIR CONTINUED TO AFFECT HONG KONG AFTER THE PASSAGE OF THE COLD FRONT.
FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER PREVAILED ON OCTOBER 30 AND 31
AND THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 17.3 DEGREES CELSIUS ON OCTOBER 30, THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH, SEVEN FLIGHTS WERE CANNCELLED WHEN TYPHOON ELLEN AFFECTED HONG KONG.
A THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS ISSUED ON OCTOBER 28.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON OCTOBER 12, 13, 14, 15 AND 31, WHILE THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON OCTOBER 4, 5, 6, 11, 14, 15, 16, 22 AND 26.
FIVE TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
TROPICAL CYCLONE AND MONSOON SIGNALS HOISTED DURING OCTOBER WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
TYPHOON ELLEN 1 OCT 15 2.15 PM OCT 16 11.10 PM
3 OCT 16 11.10 PM OCT 19 9.15 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON OCT 19 9.15 AM OCT 20 8 AM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON OCT 22 8.15 PM OCT 23 2.30 PM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON OCT 29 5.15 AM OCT 29 2.15 PM
/THE MONTH’S .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
13 -
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE
RAINFALL
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN TEMPERATURE
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
190.3 HOURS - 19.6 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
61.3 MM - 59.9 MM BELOW NORMAL
5896 - 696 MORE THAN NORMAL
73% - 196 HIGHER THAN NORMAL
27.3 DEGREES C - 0.6 DEGREE C BELOW NORMAL
25 DEGREES C - NORMAL
23.2 DEGREES C - 0.5 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
19.7 DEGREES C - 0.4 DEGREE C ABOVE NORMAL
134.5 MM - 27.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
-------0---------
CONCERT OPENS FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN * * M *
HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT ATTENDED A TWO-HOUR CONCERT AT THE SHEUNG SHU I TOWN HALL THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT’S ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.
THE CONCERT AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF CRIME AND DRUG ABUSE. IT WAS ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE ASIA TELEVISION LIMITED, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR TAO MAN-KWONG, SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN PLANNED TO DRIVE HOME THE ANT I-NARCOTICS AND FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES.
/THESE INCLUDED .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
- 14 -
THESE INCLUDED EXHIBITIONS, FILM SHOWS, SEMINARS AND TALKS, AN INTER-SCHOOL ESSAY COMPETITION, SOCCER MATCHES AND A SPORTS CARNIVAL.
MR TAO URGED RESIDENTS TO BE VIGILANT IN HOME SAFETY AND TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE POLICE BY REPORTING CRIME.
THE CONCERT FEATURED PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS AND TELEVISION ARTISTES AND A DRAMA ON HOW TO PREVENT CRIME.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG- CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR RAYMOND PANG- AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (FRONTIER), MR G.R. LLOYD.
-------0 - -
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW *****
THE THIRD DISTRICT FESTIVAL IN WONG TAI SIN, THE LARGEST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITY EVER PLANNED IN THE DISTRICT, WILL BE LAUNCHED AT NOON TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT MORSE PARK.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO SIGNAL THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR MICHAEL CHENG- DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK- URBAN COUNCILLOR, MISS CECILIA YEUNG-AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG.
THERE WILL BE A BAND PARADE AND ALSO DRAGON AND LION DANCES. SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL PERFORM VARIOUS DANCES.
A GROUP OF OVER 300 STUDENTS SELECTED FROM FOUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT WILL PERFORM RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS.
IN THE AFTERNOON, FIVE EVENTS WILL BE HELD AT DIFFERENT SPORTS VENUES IN MORSE PARK — A SPORTS GAME FOR THE ELDERLY, A CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL, A POP-DANCE PERFORMANCE, A PING-PONG BALL MATCH AND A BASKETBALL MATCH.
THERE WILL BE A BALL GAME FOR THE HANDICAPPED TO BE HELD AT WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE IN THE AFTERNOON.
/IN the .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
- 15 -
IN THE EVENING, A ALL-STAR SHOW FEATURING POPULAR SINGERS WILL BE STAGED AT MORSE PARK.
TO PUBLICISE THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL, AN OPEN-TOP DOUBLE-DECKER BUS CARRYING MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE TODAY TOURED THE DISTRICT TO DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS TO RESIDENTS.
LARGE CROWDS WERE DRAWN TO THE PUBLICITY BUS AS IT STOPPED AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT AND BROADCAST THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL SONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL 1986 OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT NOON TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE MORSE PARK NO. 1 FOOTBALL PITCH.
- - 0 - -
ADJUDICATORS TO VISIT CRIME FIGHTERS
* * * *
ADJUDICATORS OF THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNIT CONTEST IN KWAI ONUMONDAY MEET FINALISTS IN THE COMPETITION
THE GROUP INCLUDES MISS ASIA PACIFIC (HONG KONG) 1986
person4l,ty ™ ™
W4S ORGAN|SEO AS PART OF THE DISTRICT'S FIGHT Ln I Mt CAMPAIGN.
LED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT ^'ME C0MMITTEE» MR CHOI HING-SHUN, THE GROUP WILL TOUR ,N*TS TAKING PART IN THE CONTEST AND TALK TO MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
un ni-^??,?TANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE MR PETER LEUNG, WILL ALSO JOIN THE TOUR. ’
A T°JAL 0F 14 NOMINATIONS FOR THE CONTEST WERE RECEIVED AND rcRAEc?ruZH™.MJLL BE PRESENTED PRIZES AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN MID-JANUARY.
------0-------
16
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
16
SPORTS DAY FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS
■* ■****■
ABOUT 500 SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS WILL BE DISPLAYING THEIR SKILLS AT THE YAU MA TEI SPORTS DAY TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE SPORTS DAY, IN MONG KOK STADIUM, WILL FEATURE 14 TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG J DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR DAVID KWAN} AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR CHAN CHI-KWAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAU MA TEI SPORTS DAY TO BE HELD AT 9 AM TOMORROW IN MONG KOK STADIUM, BOUNDARY STREET.
- - 0 - -
I WEEKEND CAMP FOR YAU MA TEI FAMILIES X X X X X
ABOUT 200 RESIDENTS FROM YAU MA TEI DISTRICT ARE TAKING PART IN A TWO-DAY FAMILY CAMP AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE THIS WEEKEND.
THE ACTIVITY WAS ARRANGED BY THE YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL THAT BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9.
+THE AIM OF THE FESTIVAL IS TO BOOST CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG RESIDENTS, AND PARTICIPATING FAMILIES IN THE CAMP WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH TALKS, FILM SHOW AND CIVIC GAMES,* A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦FAMILIES ARE ONE OF OUR TARGET GROUPS IN SPREADING CIVIC EDUCATION AS THEY ARE THE FUNDAMENTAL UNITS IN SOCIETY,+ HE SAID.
MORE ACTIVITIES CATERING TO THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS WILL BE ORGANISED DURING THE FESTIVAL WHICH WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 23.
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/17
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
17
DANCE CONTEST TO BE HELD IN KOWLOON CITY * * * * *
SCHOOLS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN KOWLOON CITY ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION ON DECEMBER 7.
THE ANNUAL EVENT, NOW IN ITS FOURTH YEAR, IS ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE VENUE WILL BE THE KO SHAN THEATRE.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONSi OPEN SECTION FOR ALL AGES- YOUTH SECTION FOR THOSE BETWEEN 13 AND 18- CHILDREN SECTION FOR THOSE BETWEEN SIX AND 12- AND KINDERGARTEN SECTION FOR UNDER SIX YEAR OLDS.
ALL TEAMS SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST TWO MEMBERS AND NOT EXCEED 16.
THERE WILL BE ORIENTAL DANCE AND WESTERN FOLK DANCE COMPETITIONS FOR THE OPEN, YOUTH AND CHILDREN SECTIONS.
THE FIRST THREE PLACE-GETTERS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES WHILE ALL PARTICIPATING TEAMS WILL RECEIVE SOUVENIRS.
ALL WINNING TEAMS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM IN THE KOWLOON CITY DANCE APPRECIATION NIGHT ON FEBRUARY 10.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 25 AND ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE IN HO MAN TIN ESTATE, HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE AT BULKELEY STREET, AND THE KO SHAN THEATRE.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES AT AIRPORT
*****
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 18) IN CONNECTION WITH THE AIRPORT STAGE FIVE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL INCLUDE REMOVAL OF A MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED ZONES.
/
/the mini-rcundabout
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1$, 1986
THE MINI-ROUNDABOUT AT THE JUNCTION OF CONCORDE ROAD AND AIRPORT DRIVE NO. 2 WILL BE REMOVED. TRAFFIC COMING FROM THE DEPARTURE CIRCUIT ON THE PODIUM LEVEL OF THE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK VIA THE EASTERN DOWN RAMP WILL HAVE TO TURN RIGHT ONTO THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE ARRIVALS ROAD.
MEANWHILE, ALL VEHICLES WITH AN OVERALL HEIGHT EXCEEDING 3.5 METRES AND GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS:
X CONCORDE ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN AIRPORT DRIVE NO. 3 AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO ARRIVALS ROAD.
X THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM CONCORDE ROAD TO ARRIVALS ROAD.
X THE EASTERN DOWN RAMP LEADING FROM THE DEPARTURE CIRCUIT ON THE PODIUM LEVEL OF THE MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK TO THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO ARRIVALS ROAD.
- - 0 - -
LEFT TURN BAN ON BOUNDARY STREET CONTINUES X X X X X
THE EXISTING BAN ON LEFT TURNING MOVEMENT FROM BOUNDARY STREET INTO SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH WILL REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE LEFT-TURN BAN WAS INTRODUCED FROM JUNE 17 BECAUSE OF ROAD WORKS IN THE AREA.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SECTION OF SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH, NORTH OF BOUNDARY STREET SHOULD TRAVEL VIA TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND POPLAR STREET.
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/19
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1986
19
WATER CUTS IN TWO AREAS * X * X K
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN chan iwn SHEUNG WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 18) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST. ' '
T„ IuLWoa.SHA.N’ THE AFpECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY JSZ SHAN ROAD, WAN WAH STREET AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD INCLUDING YUK WAH STREET, YUK WAH LANE, PO WAI LANE PO MING LANE, PO TIN LANE, PO HANG LANE, PO YING LANE, PO kInG LANE PO FONG LANE, KOON WAH LANE, FONG WAH LANE AND TSZ WAH LANE ’
TSZ MAN ESTATE AND ON YAN HOUSE, ON KAY HOUSE ON YEE HOUSE AND ON KA HOUSE IN TSZ ON ESTATE WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
„XO__XN WAN» AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY SHING WONG
STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, LADDER STREET AND CIRCULAR PATHWAY INCLUDING 270-276 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND 1-2 TSUI ON LANE.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAN PO kono WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 10 AM AND 7 PM ON TUESDAY FOR MAINS WORK. road TpoiMrr^cnwADn AFFECT ALL .PREMISES BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND SZE MEI STREET.
_ - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ADOPTION OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IMPORTANT ......................... 1
RURAL CLEAN-UP IN FULL SWING .................................... 1
ROLE OF PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS AFFIRMED ........................... 2
DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH A +BANG+ .......................... 3
launch picnic enhances communication ............................ 3
DB TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT ................................. **
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER TRAFFIC MEASURES ....................... 5
DB COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE TAXI POLICY ............................. 5
TART .FT FOR CHAN'S .JJCESTRAL HALL............................. 6
PLASTICS JOB SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED ........................... 7
BOOST FOR AN OLD SPORT .......................................... 7
1OTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER ......................................... 8
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLEARED................................. 9
NEW WATER PUMPING STATION ....................................... 9
POT FLOWER CONTEST ORG.LNISED FOR STUDENTS ..................... 10
Parking meters for kowloon tong ................................ 10
KOWLOON TONG WATER CUT ......................................... 10
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
1
ADOPTION OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IMPORTANT
*****
A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO THE HEALTH CF EVERYONE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.H. LEE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE NOTED THAT PEOPLE OFTEN ASSOCIATED HEALTH WITH MEDICAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES, BUT IN FACT THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAD POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS UP TO INDIVIDUALS TO UNDERTAKE A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THEIR FITNESS.
DR LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HEALTHY LIVING CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HELD AT VICTORIA PARK THIS AFTERNOON.
THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAD ADOPTED +HEALTHY LIVING, EVERYONE A WINNER* AS THE THEME FOR WORLD HEALTH DAY THIS YEAR, DR LEE POINTED OUT.
HE STRESSED THAT ATTENTION MUST BE GIVEN TO A BALANCED DIET, SUITABLE EXERCISE, MENTAL HEALTH AND PERSONAL HYGIENE.
ACTIVITIES AT THE CARNIVAL INCLUDED GAMES STALLS, A HEALTH AND FITNESS EXHIBITION AND A SLOGAN RECITAL COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN. THERE WAS ALSO A ONE-HOUR VARIETY SHOW PRESENTED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MANY PEOPLE TOOK PART IN A +FITNESS TEST*. THERE WERE ALSO FREE DENTAL CHECK-UPS, HEIGHT AND WEIGHT MEASUREMENT AND T-SHIRT PR INTING SERVICES.
SOUVENIRS AND PRIZES WERE PRESENTED TO PARTICIPANTS AND TO WINNERS OF THE SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER.
o - -
RURAL CLEAN-UP IN FULL SWING * * * *
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL HAS MOVED INTO A NEW PHASE IN THE JOINT URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF HAVE EMBARKED ON THE +COUNTRYSIDE PHASE* OF THE CAMPAIGN — A BLITZ CLEAN-UP OF RURAL AREAS IN THE NINE DISTRICTS UNDER THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S JURISDICTION.
THE DEPARTMENT RECENTLY CONCLUDED THE +TOWN PHASE* — A SWEEP OF THE BUILT-UP AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH COINCIDED WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL’S +BLOCK-TO—BLOCK CLEAN-UP* IN THE URBAN AREAS.
/THE CLEAN-UP
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
2
THE CLEAN-UP COVERS CEMETERIES, FOOTPATHS, TRAILS, PICNIC SPOTS, STREAM COURSES AND NULLAHS IN ADDITION TO VILLAGE COMMON AREAS.
THE CLEAN-UP IN DISTRICTS SUCH AS TSUEN WAN WILL LAST ABOUT A MONTH BUT IN LESS BUILT-UP DISTRICTS SUCH AS NORTH IT WILL LAST LONGER.
THE BLITZ ALSO EXTENDS TO THE ISLANDS. PENG CHAU, LAMMA, CHEUNG CHAU, AND SOUTH LANTAU AND TAI O-TUNG CHUNG ON LANTAU WILL BE COVERED.
THE ENTIRE OPERATION WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF DECEMBER.
-----0------
ROLE OF PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS AFFIRMED * * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, TODAY (SUNDAY) AFFIRMED THE ROLE OF PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAOIST ALL TRUE RITUAL AT THE FUNG YING SIN KOON IN FANLING, DR HAYES SAID IN A FAST MODERNISING NEW TERRITORIES PRIVATE RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS PROVIDED A TRADITIONAL SIDE TO THE DAILY LIFE OF THE PEOPLE WHICH WAS ESSENTIAL.
WITHOUT THEM, TOO MUCH WOULD BE LEFT TO GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE, HE SAID.
DR HAYES PRAISED THE FUNG YING SIN KOON AND THE CHING CHUNG SIN KOON FOR ORGANISING THE RITUAL TO PRAY FOR WORLD PEACE.
THE TAOIST ALL TRUE RITUAL, WHICH WILL CONTINUE FOR NINE DAYS, IS BEING HELD IN SUPPORT OF THE 1986 YEAR OF PEACE.
THE RITUAL WILL INCLUDE SEMINARS ON TAOISM, A DISPLAY OF TAOIST EXHIBITS, AND BONSAI AND CRYSANTHEMUM EXHIBITIONS.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR RAYMOND PANG; THE PRESIDENT OF FUNG YING SIN KOON, MR YAU FOOK-HUNG? CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG FAT; AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (FRONTIER), MR G. LLOYD.
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/3.......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
- 5 -
DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH A +BANG+ * * * *
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGAN WITH A +BANG+ TODAY (SUNDAY) AFTER THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, PUSHED A BUTTON TO SET OFF THE SOUND OF FIREWORKS EXPLODING.
THIS SET THE SCENE FOR PERFORMANCES BY A 150-FEET-LONG DRAGON AND NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN LIONS, TO ILLUSTRATE THE +SPIRIT OF VITALITY* WHICH IS THE SLOGAN FOR THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
IN ADDRESSING THE CROWD WHICH ATTENDED THE FUNCTION AT MORSE PARK, MR CHAU CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE VARIED FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES.
THESE WERE BOTH ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL, HE SAID. PARTICIPATION WOULD ENHANCE THE SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
+ THEY MAY INCREASE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT AND PARTICIPATE MORE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS,* HE SAID.
MR CHAU ALSO EXPRESSED HIS THANKS TO THE FESTIVAL ORGANISERS AND SPONSORS.
THE FESTIVAL WILL RUN FOR TWO WEEKS UNTIL NOVEMBER 30. THERE WILL BE VARIETY SHOWS, CONCERTS, EXHIBITIONS, A DEBATE, ROUND-THE-DISTRICT RACE, CANTONESE OPERA AND BALL GAME COMPETITIONS.
PAMPHLETS ON THE PROGRAMME ARE AVAILABLE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS BRANCH OFFICES.
--------o --------
LAUNCH PICNIC ENHANCES COMMUNICATION
X X X X X
MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN A +KNOW YOUR KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS* LAUNCH CRUISE ROUND THE HARBOUR TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE LAUNCH PICNIC WAS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE EVENT, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID THE GATHERING PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO GET TO KNOW THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS BETTER.
/Mr chan .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
MR CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS HAD RESPONDED ENTHUSIASTICALLY.
MOST OF THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE LAUNCH PICNIC CAME FROM VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND YOUTH CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT, AND MANY OF THEM HAD CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE IN COMMUNITY SERVICES, HE NOTED.
THE PROGRAMME FOR THE PICNIC INCLUDED AN INTRODUCTION TO THE WORKS OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT AND ITS MEMBERS, A QUIZ ON CIVIC KNOWLEDGE, SINGING AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI? LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR POON CHI-FAI? CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR LI WAH-MING? AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MRS WINNIE POON.
- - 0 - -
DB TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 18) AT 9.30 AM TO DISCUSS THE SECOND REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND THE PROGRESS REPORTS BY ITS SIX COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT THE SIXTH FLOOR CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN.
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/5
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
- 5 -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER TRAFFIC MEASURES *****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT MEASURES IN DUNDAS STREET.
THE MEASURES INVOLVE EXTENDING THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE TO COVER THE SECTION OF DUNDAS STREET BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND PORTLAND STREET AND THE INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS IN SHANGHAI STREET SOUTH OF DUNDAS STREET.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE SITUATION REGARDING THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND GRANVILLE ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
-------o----------
DB COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE TAXI POLICY *****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD ITS MEETING IN PUBLIC FOR THE FIRST TIME ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON TAXI POLICY, COVERING THE ROLE OF TAXIS IN THE TERRITORY’S OVERALL TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
THEIR VIEWS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE LATER, FOR REFERENCE IN A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON TAXI POLICY.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL STUDY THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ADDITIONAL ACCESS ROAD TO THE PROPOSED LEI YUE MUN BARRACKS PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AS PART OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDER STAGE I I I PROJECT.
/TRAFFIC CONGESTION .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE WESTERN END OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 18) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 880-886 KING’S ROAD, 1/F.
- - 0 - -
TABLET FOR CHAN’S ANCESTRAL HALL *****
A TABLET BEARING FOUR CHINESE CHARACTERS PRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW CHAN’S ANCESTRAL HALL AT SAM TUNG UK RESITE VILLAGE IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ANCESTRAL HALL AT A CEREMONY ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 17).
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANGUS MIU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY. THE TABLET BEARS A QUOTATION FROM THE CONFUCIAN ANALECTS WHICH MEANS +THE VIRTUE OF THE PEOPLE WILL RESUME ITS PROPER EXCELLENCE*.
THE ANCESTRAL HALL, DUE TO OPEN OFFICIALLY ON WEDNESDAY, IS SITUATED AT A SEPARATE SITE CLOSE TO THE RESITED SAM TUNG UK VILLAGE AT SAM TUNG UK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN.
THE ORIGINAL 18TH CENTURY VILLAGE OF SAM TUNG UK WAS RESITED TO ITS PRESENT LOCATION TO MAKE WAY FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IN EARLY 198O’S.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 11 AM AT THE CHAN’S ANCESTRAL HALL, SAM TUNG UK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN ON MONDAY.
- - o -
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
7
PLASTICS JOB SPECIFICATIONS PUBLISHED K * * * #
THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAS PUBLISHED A MANUAL OF JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
THE MANUAL RECOMMENDS JOB SPECIFICATIONS FOR 21 PRINCIPAL JOBS AT TECHNOLOGIST, TECHNICIAN AND CRAFTSMAN LEVELS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD SAID THE MANUAL WAS PUBLISHED AS A GUIDELINE TO BRING ABOUT A HIGHER QUALITY WORKFORCE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF AN ADVANCING PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
THE MANUAL WAS PREPARED AS A REFERENCE GUIDE WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF SKILL FOR PRINCIPAL JOBS IN THE INDUSTRY, TO PROVIDE GUIDELINES FOR PLANNING TRAINING COURSES, TO ASSIST EMPLOYERS TO DRAW UP SYSTEMATIC ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR EMPLOYEES, AND TO ASSESS COMPETENCE.
PUBLISHED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, THE MANUAL IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT S12 A COPY.
- - 0 -
BOOST FOR AN OLD SPORT * O * X
MADE WITH BIRD’S FEATHERS AND PAPER, THE HUMBLE SHUTTLECOCK MAY BE ONE OF THE MORE SIMPLE AND INEXPENSIVE OF SPORTS ITEMS, BUT KICKING IT REQUIRES SOME SKILL.
LOOKING AT HISTORY, IT CAN BE SEEN THAT SHUTTLECOCK KICKING RANKS AS ONE OF THE OLDEST AND MOST POPULAR SPORTS DEVELOPED IN CHINA.
RECORDS SHOW THAT THE GAME WAS WIDELY PLAYED AMONG CHILDREN IN THE SUNG DYNASTY.
FOLK SONGS OF THE MING DYNASTY REVEAL THAT THE SPORT THEN WAS ESPECIALLY POPULAR DURING AUTUMN.
IT HAD DEVELOPED INTO A WELL-FORMED SPORT BY THE TIME OF THE CHING DYNASTY.
BESIDES USE OF HANDS AND FEET, RECORDS CLEARLY SHOW THAT THE SHUTTLECOCK COULD BE MOVED BY USING OTHER PARTS OF THE BODY --KNEECAP, NECK, FOREHEAD, MOUTH, NOSE AND SHOULDER.
/TRADITION has
SUNDAY, NOVJMBER 16, 1986
- 8
TRADITION HAS IT THAT THE SPORT COULD INDUCE THE FOOLISH TO BECOME WISE, AND ENABLE THE RESTLESS TO REGAIN SELF-CONTROL.
BECAUSE THE SPORT WAS NOT COSTLY, AND BECAUSE IT HELPED TO IMPROVE AN INDIVIDUAL’S CO-ORDINATION, IT BECAME A POPULAR FOLK SPORT IN CHINA IN THE EARLY 2OTH CENTURY.
NOW, THE ORGANISERS OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT PLAN A REVIVAL.
A SHUTTLECOCK TEAM FROM CHINA — COMPRISING 14 PLAYERS FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY -- HAS BEEN INVITED TO GIVE A DEMONSTRATION IN HONG KONG.
THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE MACPHERSON INDOOR STADIUM IN MONG KOK ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 20), STARTING AT 7 PM.
TAKING PART WITH THE VISITORS WILL BE THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SHUTTLECOCK ASSOCIATION TEAM.
ANOTHER DEMONSTRATION BY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SHUTTLECOCK ASSOCIATION WILL BE GIVEN DURING A SPORTS OPEN DAY IN LIM POR YEN CENTRE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS TO BOTH EVENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE (3-802251) OR THE TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE (3-932288).
-------o - - - -
10TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
X * *
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY WILL HOLD A DINNER RECEPTION AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE REGENT HOTEL BALLROOM TO CELEBRATE ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1986
- 9 -
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE CLEARED
*****
EIGHTEEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE REAR LANES BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, CAMERON ROAD AND CARNAVON ROAD WILL BE PULLED DOWN IN A CLEARANCE OPERATION STARTING ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 18).
THE CLEARANCE IS PART OF A CONTINUING STREET MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR YAU MA TEI DISTRICT.
CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE OPERATION WILL BE JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE CLEARANCE OPERATION SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE JUNCTION OF CAMERON ROAD AND CAMERON LANE AT 10 AM ON TUESDAY.
-----0 ----
NEW WATER PUMPING STATION
*****
A FRESH WATER PUMPING STATION WILL BE BUILT ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION NEAR WATER STREET IN SAI YING PUN.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE ASSOCIATED MAINLAYING WORKS.
THE PUMPING STATION WILL BE A TWO-STOREY BUILDING WITH BASEMENT OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 35 METRES BY 17 METRES.
WITH AN INITIAL CAPACITY OF 157 □□□ CUBIC METRES PER DAY, THE NEW STATION IS NEEDED TO COPE WITH AN INCREASE IN THE PROJECTED DEMAND FOR WATER FROM SOUTHWESTERN AREAS OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY AND TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS BY
DECEMBER 5.
-------0---------
/1O........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER lb, 1986
10
POT FLOWER CONTEST ORGANISED FOR STUDENTS *****
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A POT FLOWER GROWING COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN MID-MARCH TO COINCIDE WITH THE 1987 HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE COMPETITION WILL GIVE STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANT GROWTH AND CARE.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO GROUPS - URBAN SCHOOLS GROUP FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON, AND NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS GROUP FOR SCHOOLS OUTSIDE THE URBAN AREA.
STUDENTS SHOULD GROW PLANTS IN POTS UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THEIR TEACHERS.
THERE WILL BE PRIZES FOR ALL CLASSES WITH AN OVERALL WINNER CHOSEN FOR THE URBAN AND THE NEW TERRITORIES GROUPS RESPECTIVELY.
. ALL ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AND CENTRAL PARK FROM MARCH 14 TO 17.
----0------
PARKING METERS FOR KOWLOON TONG
*****
FORTY-THREE NEWLY INSTALLED PARKING METERS IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE OPERATIONAL FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 19) TO REGULATE THE USE OF PARKING SPACES IN THE AREA.
EIGHTEEN OF THE PARKING METERS ARE LOCATED IN FESSENDEN ROAD AND THE OTHER 25 IN MARCONI ROAD.
THE TWO-HOUR METERS ARE FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN HEAVY AND MEDIUM GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTORCYCLES AND BICYCLES. THE FEES WILL BE Si FOR 30 MINUTES.
-----0------
KOWLOON TONG WATER CUT
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS
TO CERTAIN PREISES IN KOWLOON TONG WILL BE WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 19) TO 7 AM THE WORK.
TRF AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY BROADCAST DRIVE, MARCONI \ ROAD BEACON HILL ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, ALNWICK
Ide rSaS INCLUDING SOCIAL WEFARE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON StchEN CHAK OH ESTATE, SHEK KIP MEI PARK AND TAI WO PING AND CORNWALL STREET TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SHIPPING REGISTER WILL BE RESPECTED WORLDWIDE - GOVERNOR ... 1
DECISIONS ON SSPA MODIFICATIONS .ANNOUNCED ............• 2.
+NO ASSISTANCE* FOR OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS ................. 1F
FEES FOR ENTRY TO UK REVISED .............................. 6
SOUTHERN +MEET THE PUBLIC SCHUiE* STRENGTHENED ............ 7
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER NEW TOWN LAYOUT PLjU .............. 8
1986 banking manpower survey to begin ..................... 8
VARIETY SHOW TO OPEN SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ........... 9
RARE ANIM.vLS FLOWN TO PEKING ............................ 9
ELDERLY TO SHOW OFF DANCING SKILLS ....................... 10
TRAFFIC AT AIRPORT RE-aLIGNED FROM TOMORROW .............. 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ..................................... 11
KOWLOON CITY WATER CUT
12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
1
SHIPPING REGISTER WILL BE RESPECTED WORLDWIDE - GOVERNOR
*****
THE NEW HONG KONG REGISTER OF SHIPPING WILL BE ATTRACTIVE TO REPUTABLE SHIPOWNERS AND RESPECTED WORLDWIDE, AND IT WILL ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OTHER ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S SHIPPING INDUSTRY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 1986 SEATRADE HONG KONG CONFERENCE, SIR EDWARD POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG COULD NOT CONTINUE TO BE A PORT OF BRITISH REGISTRY AND ITS REGISTER COULD NOT FORM PART OF THE REGISTER OF BRITISH SHIPS AFTER 1997.
HE SAID A SEPARATE AND AUTONOMOUS REGISTER HAD TO BE ESTABLISHED SO THAT THERE WOULD BE CONTINUITY DURING THE TRANSITION IN 1997 AND AS LITTLE CHANGE AS POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHOSE SHIPS WERE REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
♦WITH THE NEW REGISTER THERE WILL BE VERY CLOSE LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND ITS SHIPS, DRAWN LARGELY THROUGH THE CONCEPT OF MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL OF VESSELS FROM HONG KONG.
+THE EMPHASIS WILL BE ON MAINTAINING A HIGH STANDARD OF SAFETY ON THE SHIPS ON THE REGISTER,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PORT OF HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID LAST YEAR THERE WERE ALMOST 190 000 VESSEL MOVEMENTS IN AND OUT AND A RECORD 13 000 OCEAN-GOING SHIPS CALLED AT HONG KONG TO LOAD OR DISCHARGE CARGO.
HE ADDED THAT MORE THAN 53 MILLION TONNES OF CARGO, NEARLY HALF OF WHICH WAS CONTAINERISED, WERE HANDLED IN THE PORT LAST YEAR.
+ THIS IS A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR AND REFLECTS BOTH THE RESURGENCE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND THE INCREASING USE OF HONG KONG AS A SHIPPING CENTRE BOTH FOR SOUTH CHINA AND THE REGION AS A WHOLE,* HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD NOTED THAT THE ABILITY OF HONG KONG TO HANDLE BOTH DOMESTIC AND OTHER CARGO +IS SECOND TO NONE IN ASIA AND POSSIBLY IN THE WORLD*.
TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S PORT FACILITIES CONTINUED TO MATCH THE BURDENS PUT UPON THEM, A PORT DEVELOPMENT STUDY WHICH PROJECTED TOTAL TRADE DEMANDS UP TO THE END OF THE CENTURY AND IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL AREAS OF SHORTFALL IN PORT FACILITIES HAD BEEN CONCLUDED RECENTLY.
/THIS study .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
THIS STUDY TOOK ACCOUNT OF PORT DEVELOPMENTS IN NEARBY AREAS OF CHINA AND CONCLUDED THAT THESE WERE MORE LIKELY TO BE COMPLEMENTARY TO HONG KONG RATHER THAN COMPETITIVE.
SIR EDWARD SAID THEY SHOULD INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF CHINA TO TRANSPORT ITS EXPORTS AND IMPORTS TO AND FROM HONG KONG AND THUS STRENGTHEN FURTHER HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL BASE.
IN THE SAME WAY, PROJECTS TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE CHINESE RAILWAY SYSTEM WOULD INEVITABLY INCREASE HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE AS A LINK BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD, HE ADDED.
SIR EDWARD ALSO NOTED THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO EXPAND THE CONTAINER PORT AT KWAI CHUNG.
HE SAID THE CONTAINER PORT HANDLED WELL OVER TWO MILLION 2O-FOOT EQUIVALENT UNITS LAST YEAR AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT IT WOULD HAVE TO HANDLE TWO OR THREE TIMES THAT NUMBER BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY.
SIR EDWARD CONCLUDED THAT WHAT HE HAD SAID +HAS DEMONSTRATED OUR DETERMINATION TO KEEP HONG KONG IN THE FOREFRONT OF WORLD MARITIME AFFAIRS AS A MAJOR PORT, AS A CENTRE FOR THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY AND AS A PORT OF REGISTRY*.
- 0 -
DECISIONS ON SSPA MODIFICATIONS ANNOUNCED
*****
FOLLOWING RECENT PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS OF THE MODIFICATIONS OF THE SSPA SYSTEM, DETAILS OF WHICH WERE CIRCULARISED TO SCHOOLS IN JULY, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING DECISIONS, AS ENDORSED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:
* THE NEW METHOD OF ALLOCATION BASED ON 25 GRADE POINTS WOULD BE DEFERRED TO PERMIT RECONSIDERATION OF THE ISSUE IN THE LIGHT OF THE FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW ON THE CURRICULUM AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION RELATING TO THE NINE YEARS OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
/*■ THE FURTHER
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
* THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE FEEDER AND NOMINATED SCHOOL SCHEMES WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF A FRESH.REVIEW BY 1991 OF EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS. IN THE MEANTIME, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES WOULD BE ADOPTED: (I) THE FEEDER SCHOOL SCHEME WOULD NOT BE REOPENED’
(II) THE NOMINATED SCHOOL SCHEMES WOULD ALSO NOT BE GENERALLY REOPENED*
(III) THE QUOTA OF RESERVED PLACES UNDER THE NOMINATED SCHOOL SCHEMES WOULD REMAIN AT 25 PER CENT OF THE FORM I PLACES OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS CONCERNED AND WOULD NOT BE INCREASED TO 50 PER CENT?
(IV) HOWEVER, WHERE JUSTIFICATION COULD BE DEMONSTRATED, NEW LINKS WOULD BE PERMITTED IN EXCEPTIONAL CASES SUBJECT TO THE LIMIT OF 25 PER CENT RESERVED PLACES’ AND (V) THE ELIGIBILITY LIMIT FOR BOTH THE FEEDER AND NOMINATED SCHOOL SCHEMES WOULD BE LOWERED TO INCLUDE BAND
3 PUPILS.
* THE SCHOOL NETTING SYSTEM WOULD BE REVISED TO REDUCE THE EXISTING 25 SCHOOL NETS TO 19 IN LINE WITH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BOUNDARIES AS EARLIER ANNOUNCED.
* A SINGLE SSPA ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE SET UP AS EARLIER ANNOUNCED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING DISTRICT COUNCILS AND THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE.
* THE MODIFIED SYSTEM OF PROCESSING DISCRETIONARY PLACES AND REPEATERS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED AS ORGINALLY ANNOUNCED, SUBJECT TO REVIEW IN THE LIGHT OF OPERATING EXPERIENCE.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IN REACHING THESE DECISIONS THE DEPARTMENT HAD SOUGHT THE ADVICE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR PETER C. WONG, SAID THAT THE BOARD’S ENDORSEMENT OF TODAY’S DECISIONS HAD TAKEN FULL ACCOUNT OF THE DIFFERING VIEWS AND DETAILED COMMENTS MADE SINCE JULY BY VARIOUS GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS ON THE ORIGINAL SSPA MODIFICATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD ANNOUNCE FULL DETAILS OF ITS DECISIONS IN A SCHOOL CIRCULAR TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY.
0 - -
A
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
♦NO ASSISTANCE+ FOR OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT SOME GOVERNMENT PROCEDURES HAD TENDED TO ASSIST OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS.
SPEAKING AT THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE CONStRUCTlON INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY (CITA), MR BARNES SAID THE LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAD RECENTLY EXPRESSED VERY GENUINELY-FELT FEARS THAT ITS FUTURE WAS THREATENED BY OVERSEAS COMPETITORS ENJOYING FINANCIAL ADVANTAGES NOT ENJOYED BY THE LOCAL INDUSTRY.
♦ I HAVE HAD VERY SERIOUS DISCUSSIONS WITH MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY ABOUT THIS,* HE SAID. +IT IS COMMON DOCTRINE THAT HONG KONG SURVIVES ON A PURELY COMPETITIVE BASIS, AND THAT THE CLIENT, WHETHER PRIVATE OR GOVERNMENT, MUST BE ABLE TO GET AS GOOD A VALUE FOR MONEY AS HE CAN.*
♦ BUT THE LOCAL INDUSTRY HAS FELT THAT SOME OF OUR PROCEDURES HAVE TENDED TO ASSIST OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS TO THEIR DETRIMENT.
♦ WE DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THIS IS SO, FOLLOWING SOME ADJUSTMENTS WE HAVE MADE OVER THE LAST YEAR, BUT I HAVE ALSO SAID THAT I AM PREPARED TO RE-EXAMINE WITH THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS' ASSOCIATION EVERY ASPECT OF OUR TENDERING PROCESS WHICH MIGHT BE SEEN TO DISCRIMINATE ONE WAY OR THE OTHER TO ENSURE THAT ALL GET BASICALLY THE SAME TREATMENT.
♦ IT IS THE LEAST WHICH I CAN DO, BUT IT IS ALSO THE MOST, AS THE SURVIVAL OF THE LOCAL INDUSTRY, WHICH MEANS IN EFFECT RATHER LOCAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND MANAGEMENT THAN LOCAL TECHNICAL SKILLS AND WORKMANSHIP, MUST DEPEND ON ITS COMPETITIVENESS.
♦ WE BELIEVE THAT THE INDUSTRY IS IN FACT DEVELOPING AND LOOKING VELL AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AS LONG AS THE INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT CONTINUE TO PUT IN THE FUNDS AND EFFORT TO TRAIL ALL PROFESSIONS AND TRADES TO A VERY HIGH LEVEL,♦ HE SAID.
OF THE FUTURE MR BARNES SAID HE COULD NOT SEE THE RATE OF NEW BUILDING DECREASING.
SOME $6.3 BILLION WORTH OF NEW WORKS WOULD BE STARTED IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR AND EXPENDITURE OF AT LEAST $6 BILLION OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS WAS FORECAST.
MR BARNES SAID THE DECISION HAD BEEN MADE TO CONSTRUCT MORE l€W TOWNS IN JUNK BAY AND TIN SHU I WAI, AND THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WAS EXPECTED TO STRETCH LATE INTO THE NINETIES.
/+WE HOPE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
- 5 -
♦WE HOPE MOREOVER TO INCREASE OUR RATE OF REPLACEMENT OF URBAN BUILDINGS THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, THROUGH WHICH WE PLAN TO REPLACE MUCH LARGER AREAS OF THE OLDER URBAN AREAS WITH MORE COMPREHENSIVELY PLANNED AND BETTER CONSTRUCTED RENEWAL SCHEMES,♦ HE SAID.
MAJOR ENGINEERING WORKS WOULD BE NEEDED ON SEWERAGE AND TRANSPORT.
♦BUT THERE IS ANOTHER KIND OF CONSTRUCTION WHICH I SEE AS BECOMING MUCH MORE IMPORTANT.
♦WE ALREADY HAVE A QUITE MASSIVE BIILDING STOCK IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
♦SOME OF IT WAS WELL LOOKED AFTER5 SOME WOULD BE REPLACED BY I*BAN REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES' BUT A VERY LARGE PROPORTION WAS BUILT TO ITS MAXIMUM POTENTIAL, AND WAS UNLIKELY TO BE REPLACED FOR A VERY LONG TIME AND FOR VARIOUS REASONS WAS NOT BEING MAINTAINED PROPERLY.
♦ANY BUILDING HAS A FINITE LIFE, BUT IF IT IS NOT PROPERLY MAINTAINED, AS DAMP AND OTHER CORROSIVE FORCES PENETRATE ITS STRUCTURE, THUS LIFE WILL BE REDUCED,+ MR BARNES SAID.
THE MOMENT WHEN A BUILDING ACTUALLY BECAME UNSAFE COULD NOT BE EASILY DETECTED, BUT IT SURELY ARRIVED AND FROM THEN ON\IT WAS MERELY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE STRUCTURE WOULD REACH A POINT OF NO RETURN. \
♦THIS MATTER GAINS IN URGENCY DAY BY DAY AND SOMEHOW THE PRESENT SITUATION HAS TO BE REVERSED,+ MR BARNES SAID.
♦OVER THE YEARS WE HAVE LOOKED TO MEASURES TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE THE ANSWER, AND AT LEAST IN RESPECT OF NEWER BUILDINGS OR ESTATES STILL MANAGED BY THE DEVELOPERS THERE ARE SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT.
♦BUT IF PROPER MAINTENANCE IS THE CRITERION BY WHICH WE SHOULD JJDGE RESULTS THERE IS LITTLE SIGN OF ANY REAL HEADWAY BEING MADE IN THE OLDER AREAS OF THE TOWN, AND I SEE NO REAL ALTERNATIVE TO COMPELLING MAINTENANCE BY LAW AS SOON AS WE CAN DEVISE SUITABLE MEANS TO DO SO.+
MR BARNES SAID THE CITA BEGAN ITS LIFE AS A STATUTORY BODY IN SEPTEMBER, 1975, AND ITS MAIN TASKS WERE TO OPERATE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES WITH THE PROVISION OF RELEVANT TRAINING COURSES. TO ASSIST IN THE PLACEMENT OF TRAINED PERSONNEL AND TO ADMINISTER A TRAINING LEVY IMPOSED ON THE INDUSTRY.
/+BY ANY .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
- 6
♦BY ANY STANDARDS THE CITA HAS BEEN AN ENORMOUS SUCCESS, + HE SAID.
MR BARNES CONGRATULATED THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY +ON THE ENORMOUS SUCCESS* OF THE CITA SCHOOLS.
♦! BELIEVE THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A MACqivc inn FLOURISHING INDUSTRY HERE AND THAT THE FUTURE OF TWF riT?LnND THOSE WHO TRAIN IN ITS SCHOOLS IS VERY WELL ASSURED^. HE SAID.
-----o------
FEES FOR ENTRY TO UK REVISED *****
THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT FEES FOR ENTRY TO THE UNITED KINGDOM ARE TO BE RAISED WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE NEW FEES AREt
* ORDINARY VISA-ENTRY CERTIFICATE FOR VISIT, TRANSIT, EDUCATION AND RETURNING RESIDENT
*
DOUBLE-MULTIPLE VISA-ENTRY CERTIFICATE FOR VISIT, TRANSIT, EDUCATION, AU PAIR WORKING HOLIDAY OR RETURNING RESIDENT
* VISA-ENTRY CERTIFICATE FOR ALL OTHER PURPOSES SUCH AS SETTLEMENT
* CERTIFICATE OF ENTITLEMENT OR CONFIRMATION OF RIGHT OF ABODE
* HANDLING CHARGES FOR REFERRING A VISA APPLICATION TO A DEPENDENT TERRITORY
* HANDLING CHARGES FOR VISA APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES
20 POUNDS STERLING
40 POUNDS STERLING
50 POUNDS STERLING
50 POUNDS STERLING
5 POUNDS STERLING
10 POUNDS STERLING
THE FEES WILL BE COLLECTED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS.
+THE NEW FEES ARE UNIFORMLY IMPOSED WORLD-WIDE AND ARE NECtSSA TO KEEP UP WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OF PROVIDING SUCH SERVICES WHICH HAVE GROWN CONSIDERABLY SINCE THE HOME SECRETARY ANNOUNCED VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR INDIA, PAKISTAN, BANGLADESH AND GHANA,* AM IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
NECESSARY
3-7333111ERS °F PUBL,C WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE .
-----0-----
/7........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
7
SOUTHERN +MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME* STRENGTHENED
*****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL FOLLOW *MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME* CASES MORE CLOSELY FROM NOW ON TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE ADEQUATELY DEALT WITH.
AT A RECENT MEETING OF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MEMBERS AGREED THAT THEY SHOULD BE MORE CLOSELY INVOLVED IN HANDLING THESE CASES IN ORDER TO INCREASE THE IMPACT OF THE COMPLAINTS AND TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ABOUT THEIR PROGRESS.
AFTER ATTENDING *MEET THE PUBLIC* SESSIONS, MEMBERS ON THE ROSTER WILL PERSONALLY REFER CASES TO RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THEY WILL ALSO BECOME INVOLVED IN SUBSEQUENT CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE DEPARTMENTS AND WILL FOLLOW THE CASES UNTIL SATISFIED THAT THE BEST RESULTS HAD BEEN OBTAINED. A REPLY WILL THEN BE SENT TO THE CLIENT.
THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN WILL SCRUTINISE ALL CASES HANDLED BEFORE GIVING APPROVAL TO CLOSE THEM.
THIS NEW PROCEDURE WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED ON A TRIAL BASIS FOR SIX MONTHS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO SOUTHERN RESIDENTS, A SPOKESMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID.
HE SAID A REVIEW OF THE SCHEME FROM OCTOBER 1, 1985 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1986 SHOWED THAT 67 CASES HAD BEEN HANDLED. MOST CASES CONCERNED HOUSING MATTERS.
AT PRESENT, **MEET THE PUBLIC* SESSIONS ARE HELD AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S MAIN OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE ON TUESDAYS i FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM AND ON FRIDAYS FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM. ONE SESSION EACH IS HELD AT THE WAH FU AND THE STANLEY SUB-OFFICES ON TUESDAYS FROM 8 PM TO 9 PM.
RESIDENTS CAN EITHER CONTACT OR AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS APPOINTMENTS. BOOKINGS SHOULD BE THE APPOINTMENT.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-524429 OF THE THREE OFFICES FOR MADE AT LEAST ONE DAY BEFORE
-----0------
/8.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
8
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER NEW TOWN LAYOUT PLAN *****
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE LAYOUT PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MAJOR SECTION OF THE FANLING SOUTH NEW TOWN EXTENSION.
THE PLAN, TO BE PRESENTED BY SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF NEW TERRITORY NORTH-EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR MICHAEL CHAO, WILL COVER DEVELOPMENTS FOR THE WAH MING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND A SITE FOR PRIVATE COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO HEAR VIEWS ON THE REPORT OF THE DOMESTIC RENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
- 0 - -
1986 BANKING MANPOWER SURVEY TO BEGIN
*****
THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL START A SURVEY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO COLLECT UPDATED INFORMATION ON MANPOWER AND TRAINING NEEDS OF BANKING STAFF.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES WERE SENT TO ALL 151 LICENSED BANKS AND 38 LICENSED DTC’S AND 261 REGISTERED DTC’S TWO WEEKS AGO.
OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT THESE COMPANIES TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNAIRES, AND ASSIST IN COMPLETING THEM IF NECESSARY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BF USED TO FORMULATE TRAINING POLICIES TO ENSURE BANKING STAFF HAVE THE NECESSARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR CAREERS DEVELOPMENT.
ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD ONLY BE PUBLISHED IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES.
THE SURVEY WILL BE COMPLETED ON NOVEMBER 27.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
9
VARIETY SHOW TO OPEN SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL * * * * *
THE SECOND SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL OPEN WITH A VARIETY SHOW AT AN URBAN COUNCIL SOCCER PITCH IN WONG CHUK HANG AT 7 PM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
THE THREE-HOUR SHOW WILL INCLUDE A LASER BEAM DISPLAY ACCOMPANIED BY POPULAR MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS PATRICIA CHAN, MAK KIT-MAN, SANDY LAM AND ALBERT AU.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
AS A PRELUDE TO THE SHOW, DECORATED VANS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREAS EARLIER IN THE DAY TO DISTRIBUTE PROGRAMME LEAFLETS.
THE VANS WILL ASSEMBLE AT THE VENUE IN THE EVENING, AND AREA COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES WILL PUT TOGETHER A SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD LOGO DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY TO SYMBOLISE THE UNITY OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS.
A TRADITIONAL ARCH WILL BE ERECTED AT THE ENTRANCE TO ENHANCE THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE.
FREE TICKETS FOR THE SHOW ARE OBTAINABLE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, STANLEY AND WAH FU, AND AT THE AP LEI CHAU ESTATE COMMUNITY HALL.
- 0 - -
RARE ANIMALS FLOWN TO PEKING *****
THIRTEEN RARE ANIMALS PROTECTED UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE WHICH ENFORCES THE SPIRIT OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES), FLEW OUT OF HONG KONG TODAY (MONDAY) FOR CHINA.
THE ANIMALS INCLUDE FIVE RHESUS MONKEYS, A CRAB-EATING MONKEY, A SERPENT EAGLE AND SIX PYTHONS, ONE OF WHICH MEASURING 2.7 METRES, WAS CAPTURED IN TIN FU TSAI, NEW TERRITORIES, IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.
THEY WILL BE TAKEN TO BREEDING COLONIES IN THE PEKING ENDANGERED ANIMALS BREEDING CENTRE.
/HONG KONG
MONDAY, NOVbUBUR 17, 19«6
HONG KONG AND CHINA ARE PARTICIPANTS IN THE CITES UNDER WHICH THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONSERVATION OF ENDANGERED WILD BIRDS, ANIMALS AND PLANTS.
THESE ANIMALS CAMF INTO POSSESSION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AS A RESULT OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
THIS IS THE SEVENTH CONSIGNMENT OF LIVING ENDANGERED ANIMALS FOR CHINA SINCE 1384. THE PREVIOUS SIX INVOLVED 87 RARE ANIMALS INCLUDING AN ASIATIC BROWN BEAR, AN ASIATIC BLACK BEAR, A PYTHON, TWO CROCODILES, 47 MONKEYS AND 29 GIANT SALAMANDERS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WAS ILLFGAL TO IMPORT, EXPORT OR POSSESS ENDANGERED ANIMALS WITHOUT LICENCES ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5 OOO FOR A FIRST OFFENCE, AND $10 OOO AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR A REPEATED OFFENCE.
- - - - 0---------------
ELDERLY TO SHOW OFF DANCING SKILLS * * * * *
M°RE THAN 300 ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR DANCING SKILL AT THE SIXTH HONG KONG DANCE COMPETITION AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE ON NOVEMBER 30.
PARTICIPANTS, ALL AGED OVER fD, COME FROM SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HOMES FOR THE AGED, KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. THEY HAVE FORMED 3^ TEAMS AND WILL PERFORM TRADITIONAL CHINESE, WESTERN AND AEROBIC
THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LOK SIN TONG AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY ™E ^LY CARPENTER CHURCH MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
TICKETS ARE OBTAINABLE FREE FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE AT BULKERLEY STREET AND HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE AT HO MAN TIN ESTATE ON FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVFD BASIS.
/11
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
11
TRAFFIC AT AIRPORT RE-ALIGNED FROM TOMORROW
*****
TRAFFIC RE-ALIGNMENT WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE SECTION OF CONCORDE ROAD NORTH OF THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL STAFF CANTEEN FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE ROUNDABOUT ADJACENT TO THE SECTION OF CONCORDE ROAD NEAR THE STAFF CANTEEN (ALSO KNOWN AS CONCORDE RESTAURANT) WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM.
THE RE-ALIGNMENT IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTENSION OF THE PODIUM TO JOIN THE DEPARTURE LEVEL OF THE STAGE V DEVELOPMENT OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
WHEN COMPLETED IN MID-1988, IT WILL INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF PASSENGER THROUGHPUT FROM 12 MILLION TO 18 MILLION A YEAR.
ACCESS TO THE ARRIVAL FORECOURT FROM THIS ROAD WILL BE ROUTED VIA A NEW VEHICULAR PASSAGEWAY BENEATH THE EAST END OF THE AIRPORT CAR PARK PODIUM.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS, ROAD MARKINGS AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS WILL BE INSTALLED AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS TO DIRECT MOTORISTS.
IN ADDITION, A COVERED WALKWAY WILL BE PROVIDED BETWEEN THE WORK SITE AND THE STAFF CANTEEN FOR PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS TO AND FROM THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND THE AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE AREA.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FORMS PART OF RELOCATION OF ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO ENHANCE A SMOOTH TRAFFIC FLOW WHILE WORK IS IN PROGRESS.
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 64.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 376.505 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 434.328 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 74.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
/12
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1986
12
KOWLOON CITY WATER CUT
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 20) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, KAI TAK ROAD AND CARPENTER ROAD, INCLUDING NAM KOK ROAD, LUNG KONG ROAD, SOUTH WALL ROAD AND TAK KU LING ROAD.
- - o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
CLOTHING INDUSTRY MUST ADAPT TO CHANGES — GOVERNOR....I.. 1
FIFTH JLG MEETING IN PEKING NEXT WEEK ................... 2
EXPERTS FOR JLG MEETING.................................. 2
GOVT AIMS AT MAINTAEmTG BANKING STABILITY................ 3
IMPORTANCE OF EEFICUW HK PORT STRESSED .................. 5
MANAGEMENTS URGED TO LNI’ORCE NO SMOKING AREA BAN........ 7
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED .............. 8
EIGHT TO SPEAK IN LEGCO ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY............. 10
NEU ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR ON SALE................... 11
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES REMOVED SROM LANES ................... 11
THREE ISLAND SITES TO BE SOLD............................ 12
FLOOD PROTECTION FOR TIN SHUI WAI VILLAGES .............. 12
FOOTBRIDGE TO BE BUIIT ACROSS NULLAH..................... 13
BUS ACCIDENT ON COMMITTEE'S AGXDA ....................... 13
CASH AID FOR FAMILY OF ACCIDENT VICTIMS.................. 14
COMMUNITY PROGRAMME FOR ELDERS ORGANISED................. 15
HAYJ-O TO OPEN CHAN’S ANCESTRAL HALL..................... 15
SOUTHERN DISTRICT TO HOLD CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY............. 16
CEMETERY EXTENSION SCHEME TO BE CONSIDERED............... 16
EASTERN DB TO UKAI-UNE EDUCATION ISSUES ................. 17
DB TO DISCUSS HANG HAU CLEARANCE......................... 18
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION MATTES.................... 18
/STVIROI^SNTAL......
IWIRONMERTAL ZKPROVDCTIT PROGRESS FOR DISCUSSION............ 19
RESTRICTED ZONE ON PUIKINS ROAD .......................... 19
NO FLUSHING WATER........................................... 19
■ 1
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
1
CLOTHING INDUSTRY MUST ADAPT TO CHANGES — GOVERNOR
*****
FIERCE COMPETITION AND THE PRESENT PROTECTIONIST MOOD IN MANY OF HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS MARKETS MAKE IT ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT FOR THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TO CONTINUE TO ADAPT TO CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS AND TO KEEP ABREAST OF EVER-CHANGING TECHNOLOGY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
THE SETTING UP OF A CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY ACCESS UNIT BY THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY TO ACQUIRE AND DEMONSTRATE THE MOST ADVANCED TECHNOLOGICAL METHODS AND MACHINES WAS THUS A SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT, HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE AUTHORITY’S 1OTH ANNIVERSARY DINNER, SIR EDWARD RECALLED THAT IN THE EARLY 197O’S, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY WAS HINDERED BY A SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF SKILLED PERSONNEL, PARTICULARLY AT THE OPERATIVE LEVEL.
HE SAID MANY EMPLOYERS HAD DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING PROPERLY TRAINED WORKERS, AND IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY TRAINING ON THE JOB DUE TO LACK OF FACILITIES AND THE INEVITABLE DISRUPTION THAT THIS CAUSED TO THE PRODUCTION PROCESS ITSELF.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS TO OVERCOME THIS OBSTACLE TO THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST EXPORT INDUSTRY THAT THE AUTHORITY WAS ESTABLISHED.
THE FIRST CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE AT KWAI CHUNG WAS COMPLETED IN 1977 AND A SECOND, AND LARGER, TRAINING CENTRE AT KOWLOON BAY WAS OPENED IN 1984.
BETWEEN THEM, THESE TWO CENTRES HAD SO FAR PROVIDED TRAINING FOR NEARLY 37 000 WORKERS.
SIR EDWARD ALSO SAID THAT UNDER MARKET CONDITIONS, WHICH WERE CHANGING RAPIDLY, THE PLANNING OF TRAINING PROGRAMMES WAS A CHALLENGING TASK.
BUT HE SAID IT WAS A CHALLENGE TO WHICH THE AUTHORITY WOULD RISE IN THE FUTURE AS IT HAD RISEN SO SUCCESSFULLY IN THE PAST.
SIR EDWARD SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED THE LAND FOR THE TWO TRAINING CENTRES, BUT THE AUTHORITY WAS OTHERWISE FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT, ITS WORK BEING FUNDED BY A LEVY ON CLOTHING EXPORTS.
♦ THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE CAN THEREFORE TAKE PRIDE IN HAVING SHARED DIRECTLY IN WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED,+ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD THEN PAID TRIBUTE TO MR FRANCIS TIEN IN HIS ABSENCE WHO HAD BEEN CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1975.
HE SAID HE REGRETTED THAT MR TIEN HAD TENDERED HIS RESIGNATION FROM THE AUTHORITY ON THE GROUNDS OF ILL HEALTH, BUT WAS SURE THAT MR S.K. CHAN WOULD RE A WORTHY SUCCESSOR.
-------0---------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
2
FIFTH JLG MEETING IN PEKING NEXT WEEK
X X X * X
THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE IN PEKING FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO 28.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, DR DAVID WILSON, ASSISTANT UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE (ASIA), FCO. THE OTHER MEMBERS ON THE BRITISH SIDE WILL BE MR ERIC HO (SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, HONG KONG), MR JOHN BOYD (POLITICAL ADVISER, HONG KONG), MR PETER THOMSON (COUNSELLOR, BRITISH EMBASSY, PEKING) AND MR CHRISTOPHER HUM (HEAD OF HONG KONG DEPARTMENT, FCO}.
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EXPERTS FOR JLG MEETING
X X 3E X
THE FOLLOWING EXPERTS FROM HONG KONG WOULD ATTEND THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN PEKING:
MR D.R. FORD MR F. BURROWS SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE LAW OFFICER (SPECIAL DUTIES)
MR A.J. CARTER DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION
MR J.F. MATHEWS CROWN SOLICITOR
MR K.O. SHIPLEY PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (STAFF PLANNING)
MR R.C. WILSON PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
3
GOVT AIMS AT MAINTAINING BANKING STABILITY
I K X X I
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THE BANKING SECTOR DOES NOT ALWAYS INVOLVE A LIABILITY ON PUBLIC FUNDS, NOR DOES IT REPRESENT A SAFETY NET FOR SHAREHOLDERS AND MANAGERS.
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO ACHIEVE IS THE STABILITY OF THE SYSTEM COUPLED WITH THE PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, IN AN ADDRESS TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD HAD TO INTERVENE IN THE AFFAIRS OF TWO SMALL BANKS IN RECENT MONTHS.
+WE WERE QUITE PREPARED TO SEE THEM GO INTO ORDERLY LIQUIDATION, AND I STRESS THE WORD ’ORDERLY’. BUT IN THE EVENT VIABLE COMMERCIAL SOLUTIONS WERE FOUND WITHOUT ANY LONG-TERM COMMITMENT ON THE EXCHANGE FUND,+ HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT TWO OF THE THREE GOVERNMENT-OWNED BANKS HAD RETURNED TO PROFITABILITY AND THEY WOULD BE RETURNED TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR AT THE RIGHT TIME.
+1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT AS A RESULT OF OUR ACTIONS AND THE POLICIES WE HAVE FOLLOWED THE FINANCIAL SECTOR HAS BEEN MADE MORE SECURE, AND AT A MODEST COST TO THE PUBLIC PURSE IF ONE CONSIDERS WHAT WAS AT RISK.*
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPING NEXUS BETWEEN FINANCIAL SERVICES AND INDUSTRY, MR JACOBS SAID MANUFACTURING REMAINED AN IMPORTANT PILLAR OF THE ECONOMY, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR SOME 25 PER CENT OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND 36 PER CENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT SEEK TO INTERVENE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BECAUSE THE MARKET, NOT THE GOVERNMENT, WAS FAR MORE EFFICIENT IN ALLOCATING RESOURCES.
HE SAID THAT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT TRIED TO ENSURE WAS THAT HONG KONG HAD AN EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORTED ORGANISATIONS WHICH IN TURN SUPPORTED AND FACILITATED THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL BASE, WITHOUT TARGETTING SPECIFIC INDUSTRIES.
MR JACOBS MENTIONED A PROPOSAL ADVOCATED BY A RECENT CONSULTANCY REPORT ON THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY ON THE SETTING UP OF AN INDUSTRIAL LOAN FUND, WITH PARTICIPATION FROM BANKS, TO MAKE LOANS EXCLUSIVELY TO MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AT COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATES.
/+GIVEN........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
+GIVEN OUR OPEN AND COMPETITIVE BANKING SYSTEM AND THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE WITHIN IT, I PERSONALLY DO NOT SEE THE NEED FOR AN INDUSTRIAL LOAN FUND OR AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ’ BANK,* HE SAID.
+ IN ANY EVENT, IT IS LIKELY THAT THE LIGHT LABOUR INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH PREDOMINATE IN HONG KONG REQUIRE LESS IN THE WAY OF LONG-TERM FINANCING THAN THE HEAVY CAPITAL INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH EXIST IN MANY OTHER PLACES.*
MR JACOBS ALSO EXPLAINED THAT HE SAW LITTLE EVIDENCE TO SUGGEST THAT AN ENTREPRENEUR WITH A VIABLE BORROWING PROPOSITION WAS UNABLE TO OBTAIN THE LOAN CAPITAL HE REQUIRED ON TERMS AND AT A COST WHICH ENABLE HIM TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY WITH HIS RIVALS OVERSEAS.
+ | DO NOT SEE THAT AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BANK, WITHOUT PUBLIC SUBSIDY, WOULD BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE MUCH MORE,+ HE SAID.
ON WHETHER BANKS HAD A SPECIAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING HONG KONG’S FURTHER INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MR JACOBS SAID THAT WITH BANK LOANS TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AVERAGING ONLY ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF ALL BANK LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG, OTHER THAN THOSE FOR FINANCING VISIBLE TRADE, THERE WAS PROBABLY SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT.
APART FROM PROVIDING FUNDS, A LENDER COULD ALSO CONTRIBUTE BY MAKING BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE AVAILABLE, PARTICULARLY TO SMALLER CONCERNS, FOR EXAMPLE, FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING GUIDANCE.
NOTING THAT MANY LARGER COMPANIES NOW TURNED TO THE CAPITAL MARKETS FOR MUCH OF THEIR NEEDS WHILE BANKS REMAINED BASICALLY THE ONLY AVAILABLE SOURCE OF FUNDS FOR SMALLER BUSINESS CONCERNS, MR JACOBS SAID THE PARTICULAR EMPHASIS NOW BEING GIVEN TO LENDING TO SMALL INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS WAS TIMELY.
HE MENTIONED A +WELCOME INITIATIVE* TAKEN RECENTLY BY ONE OF THE MEDIUM-SIZED LOCAL BANKS WHICH LAUNCHED AN INDUSTRIAL LOAN SCHEME FOR SMALL INDUSTRIES A FEW MONTHS AGO, THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF EACH LOAN BEING $300 000.
+ IT HAS HAD A MARKED AND THOROUGHLY DESERVED SUCCESS. WITHIN THREE MONTHS ALMOST 200 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN APPROVED, FOR FACILITIES TOTALLING OVER $25 MILLION. I AM AWARE THAT SEVERAL BANKS ARE UNDERTAKING SIMILAR INITIATIVES AND THIS MAY SERVE TO ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO FOLLOW SUIT,* HE SAID.
ON WHETHER THERE WAS A ROLE FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND BANKS IN PROMOTING THE CONCEPT OF VENTURE CAPITAL, WHICH WAS A WAY OF CHANNELLING INWARD INVESTMENT INTO HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, MR JACOBS SAI Ds
/+WI1AT THE..........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1S, 1986
+WHAT THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT STANDS READY TO DO, IS TO ACT AS AN HONEST BROKER, ASSISTING VENTURE CAPITAL FIRMS IN IDENTIFYING THOSE OVERSEAS MANUFACTURING FIRMS THAT ARE INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN HONG KONG AND HAVE USEFUL TECHNOLOGY TO OFFER.*
HE ALSO SAID THAT IT WOULD BE PRESUMPTUOUS OF HIM TO ADVISE BANKS AS TO HOW THEY SHOULD RESPOND TO THE PROVISION OF VENTURE CAPITAL, ADDING THAT WHETHER A VENTURE SHOULD BE BY WAY OF LOAN OR MAYBE PARTICIPATION WAS A MATTER OF JUDGMENT BY INDIVIDUAL BANKS.
+CLEARLY THE SKILLS SOME BANKERS HAVE IN MANAGING SHAREHOLDINGS, ASSESSING CREDIT-WORTHINESS, AND ANALYSING MARKET PROSPECTS COULD WELL CONTRIBUTE TO ANY NEW VENTURE. BUT THIS DEGREE OF PARTICIPATION MUST BE LEFT TO THE DECISION OF INDIVIDUAL BANKS.*
HE SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT THE ASSOCIATION HAD ESTABLISHED A WORKING PARTY ON THE SUBJECT WITH BALANCED REPRESENTATION FROM BANKS, INDUSTRY AND THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF.
+THIS WORKING PARTY IS CONSIDERING THE WHOLE ISSUE. I WELCOME THIS INITIATIVE AND LOOK FORWARD TO STUDYING ITS FINDINGS,* HE ADDED.
------o----------
IMPORTANCE OF EFFICIENT HK PORT STRESSED * * X X *
HONG KONG HAS TO MAINTAIN A PORT WITH SUFFICIENT CAPACITY AND A HIGH LEVEL OF OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF ITS ECONOMY, THE CHINA TRADE AND THE TRADING REQUIREMENTS OF THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR JOHN YAXLEY, WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE SECOND DAY MEETING OF THE 1986 SEATRADE HONG KONG CONFERENCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN 1985 HONG KONG’S OVERALL EXTERNAL TRADE WAS WORTH HK$476 BILLION AND THE GROSS VALUE WOULD BE EVEN HIGHER IF TRANSHIPMENT WAS INCLUDED.
IN TERMS OF WEIGHT, TOTAL INWARD AND OUTWARD CARGO CARRIED BY ALL MODES OF TRANSPORT AMOUNTED TO OVER 58 MILLION TONNES. OVER 90 PER CENT OF THIS TOTAL TONNAGE WAS HANDLED AT THE PORT, REFLECTING THE DOMINANT ROLE PLAYED BY SEA TRANSPORT, MR YAXLEY SAID.
/■(OVER THE..........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
- 6
+ OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS THE CARGO THROUGHPUT AT THE PORT GREW BY AN AVERAGE OF 11 PER CENT PER ANNUM IN TONNAGE TERMS. OUR PORT FACILITIES AND THE SHIPPING SERVICES THAT COMPLEMENT THEM ARE THEREFORE OF CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE TO THE VITALITY OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN THE MAGNITUDE AND DIRECTION OF HONG KONG’S TRADE FLOWS IN RECENT YEARS AS A RESULT OF CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS AND THE OPENING UP OF CHINA HAD SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS FOR HONG KONG’S PORT FACILITIES.
+THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS REGARDING IMPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND TRANSHIPMENT PARTICULARLY FROM CHINA, HIGHLIGHTED THE NEED FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN THE MULTI-MODAL NATURE OF THE PORT INFRASTRUCTURE.
WHILE CONTAINER TERMINAL FACILITIES WERE REQUIRED FOR HANDLING CARGO TRAFFIC FROM COUNTRIES AS THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA, LIGHTERAGE AND WATERFRONT CARGO-WORKING FACILITIES WERE REQUIRED FOR THE FREQUENT ARRIVAL OF CONVENTIONAL OCEAN VESSELS FROM THE MANY NON-CONTAINERISED PORTS AS WELL AS RIVER VESSELS FROM CHINA.
HE CAUTIONED THAT SOME OF THE CHINA TRADE COULD BE LOST IF HONG KONG’S RELATIVELY MORE ADVANCED AND MORE EFFICIENT PORT FACILITIES WAS NOT A MAIN FACTOR BEHIND CHINA’S INCREASING USE OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERMEDIARY FOR DELIVERING ITS EXPORTS.
MR YAXLEY STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALWAYS SEEKING TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S PORT FACILITIES COULD MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF HONG KONG’S GROWING TRADE.
+ IT DOES SO THROUGH A PROCESS OF LONG-TERM PLANNING WHICH IDENTIFIES THE NEEDS AND FROM WHICH THE DEVELOPMENT CRITERIA. DESIGN CONFIGURATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION PLANS ARE SYSTEMATICALLY DERIVED.
+THE ACTUAL FINANCING, CONSTRUCTION AND EVENTUAL OPERATION OF THE FACILITIES IS LEFT TO PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVE. THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IS IN THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY SITES ON COMMERCIAL TERMS AND THE MONITORING OF PROGRESS TO ENSURE TIMELY COMPLETION BY THE DEVELOPER,* MR YAXLEY SAID.
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/?........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
7
MANAGEMENTS URGED TO ENFORCE NO SMOKING AREA BAN
*****
MANAGEMENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR NO SMOKING AREAS ARE URGED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST PERSONS SMOKING IN THESE AREAS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REMINDER WAS ISSUED AS PART OF THE 1986-87 ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
ALTHOUGH THE LAW HAD BEEN IN FORCE FOR THREE YEARS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, SOME STAFF ON THE GROUND, SUCH AS CINEMA OPERATORS AND EMPLOYEES OF BUS COMPANIES, MIGHT NOT BE AWARE OF THE POWERS OF ENFORCEMENT WITH WHICH THEY HAD BEEN ENTRUSTED.
A CIRCULAR LETTER HAS THEREFORE BEEN SENT BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE RECENTLY TO MANAGEMENTS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT. CINEMAS AND AUDITORIUMS AND PUBLIC LIFTS, EXPLAINING THE LEGISLATION AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO TAKE ACTION WHERE NECESSARY.
+ENFORCEMENT IS NOT DIFFICULT AND CAN BE CARRIED OUT BY OPERATIONAL STAFF,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ANYONE WHO IS SMOKING IN A NO SMOKING AREA CAN BE ASKED TO CEASE AND IF THEY REFUSE, THEN STAFF HAVE A RIGHT TO DEMAND THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND REPORT THEM TO THE POLICE,* HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT REFUSAL TO PRODUCE PROOF OF IDENTITY IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES WAS A SERIOUS OFFENCE WITH A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF S3 OO0.
+THIS IS AN UNUSUAL TYPE OF LAW,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +SUITED TO AN UNUSUAL TYPE OF OFFENCE WHICH IS ON THE ONE HAND MINOR AND YET ON THE OTHER HAND A SERIOUS NUISANCE AS WELL AS POSING A HEALTH RISK.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE MANAGEMENT STAFF OF BUILDINGS AND TRANSPORT USED BY THE GENERAL PUBLIC HELP TO STOP ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF THIS KIND.
ATTACHED TO THE CIRCULAR LETTER IS A SIMPLE FORM WHICH CAN BE USED BY STAFF TO BRING OFFENDERS TO JUSTICE.
+WE HOPE THAT THIS REMINDER WILL STOP SMOKING IN NO SMOKING AREAS,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
+BUT THERE IS STILL A NEED FOR MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC, IN DEALING WITH THOSE WHO PERSIST IN IGNORING THE HARM THEY ARE DOING TO OTHERS QUITE APART FROM THEMSELVES,* HE ADDED.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF THE SIMPLE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES AVAILABLE, BY DRAWING THE ATTENTION OF MANAGEMENT TO SUCH OFFENDERS.
VARIOUS GOVERNMENT ACTIONS AND THE PUBLICITY STEPPED UP IN THIS YEAR’S ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN AIM TO INCREASE THE PUBLIC’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE DANGERS OF SMOKING, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO BE THE CAUSE OF 3 OOO PREMATUFlE DEATHS A YEAR IN HONG KONG.
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/8......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
8
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED *****
THE MAJORITY OF FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REPORTED AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER AS COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER, ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
FOR THE SECTOR AS A WHOLE, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW IMPROVEMENT, THOUGH THE PROSPECTS OF INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES VARY.
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR REPORTED A CONTINUED UPTREND IN BUSINESS DURING THE THIRD QUARTER AND THE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE NEXT QUARTER IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE FURTHER.
THE MAJORITY OF FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORTEXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR INDICATED THAT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION HAD IMPROVED IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND EXPECT THE CONDITION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER TO BE EVEN MORE FAVOURABLE.
SIMILARLY, AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION WAS GENERALLY REPORTED BY FI RMS IN THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION, BANKS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES TRADES. THEY ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER.
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 THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCES AND EXPECTATIONS.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, ALL INDUSTRIES, IN PARTICULAR THE +FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO*, +PLASTICS+, +FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS*, +ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES* AND +ELECTRONICS+ INDUSTRIES, REPORTED AN IMPROVED BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
REGARDING THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, THE +WEARING APPAREL* INDUSTRY ON THE WHOLE EXPECTS LITTLE CHANGE WHILE THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY EXPECTS SOME DETERIORATION. ALL OTHER INDUSTRIES LOOK FORWARD TO SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
THE MAJORITY OF THE RESPONDING FIRMS IN THE +WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES* AND +RESTAURANTS+ BUSINESSES REPORTED THAT THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER HAD IMPROVED. THE HOTELS BUSINESS, AS A WHOLE, HOWEVER, EXPERIENCED LITTLE CHANGE DURING THE QUARTER. ALL THREE TRADES SHOW CONFIDENCE IN A BETTER BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
/WITH REGARD .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1?86
9
WITH REGARD TO THE +OTHER SERVICES* SECTOR, BOTH THE +BANKS* AND THE + REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES* BUSINESSES EXPERIENCED A CONTINUED UPTREND IN BUSINESS. THE +TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION* BUSINESS ALSO EXPERIENCED SOME IMPROVEMENT IN THIS RESPECT IN THE THIRD QUARTER. ALL THREE TRADES SHARED AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW ABOUT THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED BUSINESS PROBLEMS FACED BY FIRMS.
FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, HIGH MATERIAL PRICES AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG CONTINUED TO BE RATHER IMPORTANT PROBLEMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND ARE EXPECTED TO REMAIN PROMINENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
WHILE THE PROBLEMS OF PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS OVERSEAS AND UNCERTAINTIES THROUGH EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS HAD BECOME LESS EXTENSIVE, THERE WAS A GRADUALLY INCREASING NUMBER OF FIRMS REPORTING A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR AS A MAJOR PROBLEM.
AS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THERE WAS A CHARACTERISTICALLY HIGH PROPORTION OF FIRMS QUOTING PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG AS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM FOR BOTH THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTERS. THE PROBLEM OF PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS OVERSEAS ALSO REMAINED EXTENSIVE AMONG CONSTRUCTION FIRMS.
AS FOR THE +WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES* BUSINESS, PRICE COMPETITION CONTINUED TO BE THE MOST PROMINENT PROBLEM FACED IN THE THIRD QUARTER. FIRMS ALSO CONSIDERED UNCERTAINTIES THROUGH EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS AS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM. BOTH OF THESE ARE EXPECTED TO PREVAIL IN THE FOURTH QUARTER. )
RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS BUSINESSES WERE AFFECTED EXTENSIVELY BY THE CONTINUOUS PROBLEMS OF PRICE COMPETITION AND HIGH STAFF COSTS. WHILE RESTAURANTS REPORTED INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS AS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM, THIS PROBLEM WAS NOT CONSIDERED SERIOUS BY HOTELS IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
AS FOR THE +OTHER SERVICES* SECTOR, PRICE COMPETITION WAS A MAJOR PROBLEM SHARED BY THE +TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION*, +BANKS* AND +REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES* TRADES.
IN ADDITION, BANKS STARTED TO INDICATE UNCERTAINTIES THROUGH EXCHANGE RATE FLUCTUATIONS IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE +REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES* TRADE CONTINUED TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEM OF HIGH STAFF COSTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
10
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 WOULD +IMPROVE+, +REMAIN THE SAME+ OR +DETERIORATE+.
THE BALANCE OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED.
THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT, IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT IS 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 CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $3 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-423401.
------0-------
EIGHT TO SPEAK IN LEGCO ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY X X K * K
EIGHT MEMBERS WILL SPEAK IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY). THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, WILL WIND UP THE DEBATE.
DURING THF MEETING, FOUR BILLS AND ONE MOTION WILL BE INTRODUCED AND NINE QUESTIONS WILL BE ASKED. DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THREE OTHER BILLS.
IN ADDITION, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE SCOPE OF GOVERNMENT AUDIT.
MR JACOBS, IN HIS CAPACITY AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY, WILL THEN MAKE A STATEMENT ON CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE 1986-87 SECOND QUARTER.
------------------------------------------o----------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------/11..................
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1986
11
NEW ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR ON SALE *****
THE 1987 EDITION OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR, FEATURING 12 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE WEATHER AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, IS NOW ON SALE.
THE WALL CALENDAR, WHICH MAKES AN ATTRACTIVE GIFT, IS AVAILABLE AT $30 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, 134A NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
AS IN PREVIOUS ISSUES, THE BILINGUAL CALENDAR CONTAINS USEFUL METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION AND INCLUDES THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE CALENDAR AND PROVIDES INFORMATION ON TIMES OF DAILY SUNRISE, SUNSET, MOONRISE, MOONSET, HIGH AND LOW TIDES.
THOSE BUYING THE CALENDAR WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF PURCHASING A COPY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S CENTENARY PUBLICATION, ENTITLED +FROM TIME BALL TO ATOMIC CLOCK*, AT A REDUCED PRICE OF $19.
THE BOOK, WHICH NORMALLY SELLS $3* A COPY, TRACES THE HISTORY OF THF ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS OVER A CENTURY.
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURES REMOVED FROM LANES
*****
WORK BEGAN IN TSIM SHA TSUI TODAY (TUESDAY) TO CLEAR 18 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN REAR LANES BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, CAMERON ROAD AND CARNARVON ROAD.
THE OPERATION, CO-ORDINATED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, IS BEING JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, POLICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
+AMONG THE STRUCTURES TO BE CLEARED, SIX WERE USED AS SHOPS WHILE THE OTHERS INVOLVED CANOPIES AND STORAGE PLACES,* A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS, AMOUNTING TO $17 493, WERE MADE TO ALL ELIGIBLE BUSINESS OPERATORS, HE ADDED.
CLEARANCE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THURSDAY. IT HAS BREN UNDERTAKEN AS PART OF A STREET MANAGEMENT SCHEME INITIATED BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
SINCF THE SCHEME WAS IMPLEMENTED IN 1982, 43 OPERATIONS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT TO CLEAR 834 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN 72 BACK LANES.
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/12........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
12
THREE ISLAND SITES TO BE SOLD
X * * * *
THREE HONG KONG ISLAND SITES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT AN AUCTION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM.
THE FIRST LOT, AT THE JUNCTION OF TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND BRAEMAR HILL ROAD IN NORTH POINT, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE OTHER SITES, BOTH NON-1NDUSTRI AL, ARE AT 20, NAM ON STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, AND 34, NEW MARKET STREET, SHEUNG WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
0 - -
FLOOD PROTECTION FOR TIN SHU I WAI VILLAGES *****
TENDERS ARE INVITED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE FLOOD PROTECTION FACILITIES TO FOUR LOW-LYING VILLAGES NEAR TIN SHUI WAI WHERE A NEW TOWN IS TO BE BUILT.
THE VILLAGES ARE LO UK TSUEN, SIK KONG TSUEN, SIK KONG WAI AND KIU TAU WAI.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF FLOOD PROTECTION EMBANKMENTS AROUND THE VILLAGES, CHANNELS AND CULVERTS, FOUR FLOOD CONTROL PONDS, ONE PUMPING STATION FOR EACH VILLAGE, TWO BRIDGES, AND A NUMBER OF FOOTBRIDGES AND ASSOCIATED ROADS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MID-FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
— o —
/13
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
13
FOOTBRIDGE TO BE BUILT ACROSS NULLAH
*****
A 19-METRE-LONG FOOTBRIDGE IS TO BE BUILT ACROSS TAI TONG ROAD NULLAH IN YUEN LONG, ADJACENT TO THE EXISTING ROAD BRIDGE.
THE PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE OF ABOUT TWO METRES WIDE WILL PROVIDE A SEGREGATED PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FOR NEARBY RESIDENTS.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT IS REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING ROAD BRIDGE FENCING WITH VEHICLE PARAPET FENCING TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH WILL START IN JANUARY AND TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
BUS ACCIDENT ON COMMITTEE’S AGENDA * * * *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 20) TO REQUEST THAT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION INTO THE TUEN MUN DOUBLE-DECKER BUS ACCIDENT BE CARRIED OUT AND TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE PEDESTRIANS AND PASSENGERS.
COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN CHI-KWAN, WILL URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO FIND OUT THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT WHICH CLAIMED FIVE LIVES AND 58 INJURIES IN TUEN MUN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ELECT A VICE-CHAIRMAN AT THE MEETING. THE POST HAD BEEN LEFT VACANT FOLLOWING THE RESIGNATION OF A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER THREE MONTHS AGO.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO PUT FORWARD CERTAIN IMMEDIATE PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SITUATION IN HUNG HOM AND TO KWA WAN, AND WILL CALL FOR AN EARLY PROVISION OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SERVICE IN THE AREA AS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION.
AFTER THE MEETING, MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE DISABLED IN KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON RESULTS OF A SURVEY.
THE AIM OF THE SURVEY IS TO FIND OUT THE SPECIAL TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE DISABLED AND DEFICIENCY OF EXISTING TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, SO THAT A BETTER SERVICE COULD BE PROVIDED FOR THEM.
/THE SURVEY
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1?86
- 14 -
THE SURVEY ALSO CONTAINED RECOMMENDATIONS TO RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS FOR IMPROVING THE TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT PROJECT COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF SENIOR LECTURER, MR STEPHEN CHENG WUI-YAU, AND LECTURER, ALFRED LAO WAI-CHEOK.
MR CHENG WILL ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE TO PRESENT THE RESULT OF THE SURVEY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY AND THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT ABOUT 4 PM TO ANNOUNCE THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON THE TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE DISABLED IN KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT. BOTH EVENTS WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THERE WILL BE NO SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE AT THE MEETING.
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CASH AID FOR FAMILY OF ACCIDENT VICTIMS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS ALLOCATED $52 830 IN CASH GRANTS UNDER THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) SCHEME TO THE FAMILY OF THE FIVE VICTIMS IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED IN KWAI CHUNG LAST WEDNESDAY.
THE CASH AID FROM THE TAVA FUND INCLUDED DEATH GRANT, INTERIM ADJUSTMENT GRANT, BURIAL GRANTS AND INJURIES GRANTS.
IN ADDITION TO THE CASH ASSISTANCE, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE FAMILY AND RENDER COUNSELLING AND OTHER SERVICES WHEN REQUIRED.
A 46-YEAR-OLD MAN AND HIS TWO SONS DIED WHILE ANOTHER SON AND A DAUGHTER WERE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
_ _ 0---------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
15
COMMUNITY PROGRAMME FOR ELDERS ORGANISED *****
A VEGETARIAN FEAST FOR 1 000 PARTICIPANTS AND CARNIVAL ARE AMONG SOME OF THE COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT RESPECT THE ELDERS 86 COMMITTEE IN NOVEMBER.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR SIU KWONG-YU, SAID THE VEGETARIAN FEAST WILL BE HELD AT THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND THE CARNIVAL AT THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND ON NOVEMBER 30.
THE FEAST IS SPONSORED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD AND HANG SENG BANK. PART OF THE DONATIONS ARE FROM LOCAL LEADERS, HE SAID.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FEAST WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, MR BRIAN COAK, CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO TUNG-CHING, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, MR YAU HON-KEE, AND THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT RESPECT THE ELDERS 86 COMMITTEE, MR LAM YAU-KWONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT NOON TOMORROW. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 11.30 AM AT THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICE (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), 166-174, HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG. A PRESS LUNCHEON WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE AT 1 PM.
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HAYES TO OPEN CHAN’S ANCESTRAL HALL *****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE NEW CHAN’S ANCESTRAL HALL AT SAM TUNG UK RESITE VILLAGE IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE ANCESTRAL HALL IS SITUATED CLOSE TO THE VILLAGE OF SAM TUNG UK. THE VILLAGE, WHICH HAS A LONG HISTORY, WAS RESITED IN THE EARLY 198O’S TO MAKE WAY FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE CHAN’S ANCESTRAL HALL AT 12.30 PM TOMORROW AT SAM TUNG UK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
- - 0--------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
16
SOUTHERN DISTRICT TO HOLD CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY *****
A CARNIVAL ENTITLED +SOUTHERN DISTRICT - YESTERDAY, TODAY AND TOMORROW* WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23) BETWEEN 1 PM AND 6 PM AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN.
THE CARNIVAL, OFFERING STAGE PERFORMANCES, CRAFTS STALLS, EXHIBITIONS AND STALL GAMES, IS ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL. THROUGH THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES. ORGANISERS HOPED TO PROJECT THE DISTRICT AS A FAST-MOVING AND DEVELOPING COMMUNITY.
PROGRAMMES INCLUDE A LION DANCE BY THE FISHERMEN’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE, MAGIC SHOW, CANTONESE OPERA, SINGING, FOLK SONGS AND DANCES, AND BALLET AND CHILDREN’S DANCES PERFORMED BY KINDERGARTENS, SCHOOLS, RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER GROUPS.
THE CRAFTS STALLS WILL OFFER DEMONSTRATIONS BY CRAFTSMEN, PALM READING, LIVE SKETCHES, AND CHESS GAMES. THERE WILL BE A STALL DESIGN COMPETITION AND WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED HANDICRAFTS MADE DURING THE DEMONSTRATIONS.
TWO EXHIBITIONS, ON SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT AND ON THE FISHING INDUSTRY, WILL BE HELD. OLD PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ON DISPLAY, IN ADDITION.
RESIDENTS CAN ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT MODERN FISHING EQUIPMENT ON BOARD A FISHING VESSEL MOORED ALONGSIDE THE PROMENADE.
THE PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO SUIT THE INTERESTS OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES. ADMISSION IS FREE.
TICKETS FOR THE STALL GAMES ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
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CEMETERY EXTENSION SCHEME TO BE CONSIDERED * * * *
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO CONSIDER AN EXTENSION PROJECT IN WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY.
THE SCHEME INVOLVES THE PROVISION OF NEW BURIAL TERRACES ACCOMMODATING 12 000 URNS, AND ALSO WORK ON AN ACCESS ROAD, PEDESTRIAN FOOTPATHS AND PARKING FACILITIES.
/members........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON WHETHER NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN MA ON SHAN.
OTHER MATTERS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE PROHIBITION OF GOODS VEHICLES ALONG TING KOK ROAD, BRIDE’S POOL ROAD AND LUK KENG ROAD, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
-------0---------
EASTERN DB TO EXAMINE EDUCATION ISSUES
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 20). ASSESSMENT
MH ™EY W,LL ALS0 D|SCUSS PROPOSALS PUT FORW RD BY A MEMBER, MR CHENG WUI-YAU, ON SECONDARY EDUCATION.
BOARD’S STUDY TOUR OF
BY CHAI WAN FISHERMEN ANCHORAGE AND LANDING
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE DISTRICT SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA, AND A REQUEST MADE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FISHING BOAT FACILITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
T„ d/Sci nR!-r'«VoZE2 T2 C0VER THE EA$TERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AL2 •30 PM 0N THURSDAY IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S
CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886, KING’S ROAD
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
18
DB TO DISCUSS HANG HAU CLEARANCE
* * M X X
PLANS FOR THE RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE OF LAND AT HANG HAU WILL BE DISCUSSED BY SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT THEIR MEETING ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT AND THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REPORT BY THE BOARD’S REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, MR WAN YUET-KAU, AND THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION MATTERS O K H K
TWO PAPERS ON EDUCATION MATTERS WILL BE DISCUSSED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO. 2 WHICH WAS PUBLISHED RECENTLY.
THEY WILL BE BRIEFED ON CONTENTS OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION PAPER ON REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM AND WILL BE ASKED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS AND COMMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE FIRST FLOOR JSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, I.7U2O8 cIstLe ’ PE AK RO AD.
- 0--------
19
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1986
- 19 -
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRESS FOR DISCUSSION
X K X * K
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO HEAR THE PROGRESS REPORT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND EMERGENCY REPAIR PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REPORT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKING GROUP, AND A REVIEW OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD IN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT ASPECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
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RESTRICTED ZONE ON PERKINS ROAD
*****
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 21), THE SECTION OF PERKINS ROAD IN JARDINE’S LOOKOUT, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI HANG ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
------o-------
NO FLUSHING WATER * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 21) TO 10 AM THE NFXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY YFUNG UK ROAD MA TAU PA ROAD, FIJI YIU KOK STREET, WANG LUNG STREET, LUNG TAK STREET, MA KOK LANE, MA KOK STREET AND TEXACO ROAD.
------C ------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING
FURTHER SANCTIONS IMPOSED AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA......... 1
£0?.
GUTDELEIES SET ON 'VALUE FOR HONEY' STUDIES ........... 2
EXTENSION IN HMCRATION ORDINANCE PROVISIONS NEEDED .... 4
DISTRICT COURT HAY DEC IDE LEVEL OF ilAETElTANCE....... 5
BILL REMOVES 'DU'TICULTIES' IN ERES3TDTG EVIDENCE...... 6
TIGHTER TRADE DESCRIPTIONS LEGISLATION PROPOSED ....... 8
ACTION TAKEN TO STOP ' INERTIA SELLING' ............... 9
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES DEFINITIONS BEING UPDATED......... 10
E.XTRA PROVISION OF 3195.7 MILLION FOR SECOND QUARTER .... 11
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY ................ 11
PREVENTION BETTEt ‘THAN CURE STRESSED ................. 14
ANSWER LIES HI LOGICAL APPROACH ....................... 15
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL ADVOCATED ................. 16
CAT.!. FOR TOUGHER SAFETY LAN JMFGRC3ENT .............. 17
STRONGER PUBLICITY DRIVE REQUIRED ..................... 18
LONG-TERM INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN URGED ............ 19
JOINT EFFORTS 1ITIDED TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY..... 21
PARENTS URGED NOT TO SMUGGLE CHIIDRLN ................. 24
IMMIGRATION EXTENSION OF STAY PROC’IDURAS STREAIILINID .... 25
OFFMND.ERS GIVEN HELP TO CUT TRIAD LUHS ............... 25
DEPINITIOi; OF lUTIJCA FIRE1RM POSES FROBLUI........... 27
/ANTI-CHOLERA........
ANTI-CHOIERA STRATEGY CARRIED OUT REGULARLY................. 23
TEMPORARY ACCOMODATION POLICY TO CONTINUE................... 28
POLICY REVIE.. ON DOMESTIC HELPERS COMPLETED ............... 30
LINKED CONTRACTS rW G0V.2RNMENT STAFF EXPLAINED............. 30
SICK LEAVE EXTENSION UNDER STUDY............................ 31
THREE BILLS PASSED ....................................... 31
nn’ramtuTATioi; facilities? Ticiining to be reviewed......... 32
NORTH POINT SITE SOLD FOR £645 MILLION.......................... 34
TRADE SECTOR IN2PQRN2D OF IMPORT BAIT ......................... 35
SECOND QUARTER INDUSTRIAL IRODUCTION INDEX PUBLISHED......... 36
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COIklTTEB TO MELT ON TUESDAY.................... 40
WHOLESOME RECREATION ORGANISED FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS .......... 40
disabled students to get SCHOLARSHIPS ......................... 41
COMMITTED TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT .......................... 41
TAI PO HOLDING QUIZ FOR STUDENTS................................ 42
JOINT EXERCISE.................................................. 42
PROHIBITED ZONE IN WAN CHAI .................................. 42
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
1
FURTHER SANCTIONS IMPOSED AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA
*****
ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS TO BE TAKEN AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA WILL PLACE HONG KONG AMONG THOSE GOVERNMENTS WHICH ARE THE TERRITORY’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS AND WHICH HAVE STEPPED UP ECONOMIC MEASURES AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA IN PROTEST AGAINST APARTHEID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN OUTLINING THE ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS THAT WILL BE IMPOSED.
THE MEASURES WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT WHEN THE IMPORT PROHIBITION (SOUTH AFRICA) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1986 ARE GAZETTED ON FRIDAY, HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID IT HAD BEEN DECIDED THE ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS SHOULD BE IMPOSED FOLLOWING CONSIDERATION BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
+THESE INCLUDE A BAN ON THE IMPORT OF IRON AND STEEL FROM SOUTH AFRICA, AND A VOLUNTARY BAN ON NEW INVESTMENT AND BANK LOANS AND PROMOTION OF TOURISM TO SOUTH AFRICA,* HE SAID.
*THE IMPORT BAN WILL NOT APPLY TO THOSE GOODS WHICH ARE COVERED BY EXISTING CONTRACTS OR WHICH DO NOT ORIGINATE FROM SOUTH AFRICA.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD REACHED THIS DECISION AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF ALL RELEVANT FACTORS APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG, INCLUDING HONG KONG’S MORAL POSITION AGAINST APARTHEID, THE GROWING CONSENSUS INTERNATIONALLY ON SANCTIONS AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA AND SIMILAR ACTION RECENTLY TAKEN RY THE TERRITORY’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY, CANADA AND JAPAN.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT IN 1985 10.5 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS OF IRON AND STEEL CAME FROM SOUTH AFRICA. IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THE PROPORTION WAS 14 PER CENT.
OTHER SOURCES OF SUPPLY WERE READILY AVAILABLE, HE NOTED.
REFERRING TO THE VOLUNTARY BANS ON NEW DIRECT INVESTMENT IN AND BANK LOANS TO SOUTH AFRICA, HE SAID THESE WOULD TAKE THE FORM OF AN ADVISORY LETTER FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO THE MAJOR FINANCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS.
THE LETTER WOULD INFORM THEM OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO IMPOSE ADDITIONAL SANCTIONS AND ADVISE THEM TO REFRAIN FROM EXTENDING NEW LOANS TO ENTITIES OR MAKING NEW DIRECT INVESTMENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA.
/+SIMILAHLY.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
V •
- 2
♦SIMILARLY, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO ISSUE A CIRCULAR LETTER TO ALL REGISTERED TRAVEL AGENTS ADVISING THEM TO REFRAIN FROM ORGANISING TOURS AND PROMOTING TOURISM TO SOUTH AFRICA,+ HE SAID.
♦THESE MEASURES ARE NOT STATUTORY SINCE HONG KONG DOES NOT HAVE LEGISLATION TO ALLOW RESTRICTIONS IN THESE AREAS.♦
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S STANCE AGAINST APARTHEID WAS NOT NEW. VARIOUS ACTIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN PREVIOUSLY, INCLUDING THE BANNING IN AUGUST THIS YEAR OF IMPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA OF GOLD COINS MINTED THERE.
GUIDELINES SET ON
’VALUE FOR * X M X *
MONEY* STUDIES
A SET OF GUIDELINES FOR THE FUTURE CONDUCT OF VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE GUIDELINES IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, THE HON ALLEN LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD RECOMMENDED IN ITS EIGHTH REPORT ISSUED IN JANUARY THAT EARLY ACTION BE TAKEN TO RESOLVE A GREY AREA CONCERNING THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S POWERS.
THE COMMITTEE HAD NOTED THAT WHILE THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT DID HAVE A REMIT TO EXAMINE AND REPORT ON POLICY IMPLEMENTATION, THE BOUNDARIES OF THAT REMIT, PARTICULARLY IN RELATION TO VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES, HAD NOT BEEN CLEARLY DEFINED.
THE GUIDELINES WERE THEREFORE DRAWN UP AFTER CONSULTATION AND AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE COMMITTEE, THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE GUIDELINES, MR LEE SAID THAT, FIRSTLY, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, WHILE HAVING GREAT FREEDOM IN PRESENTING HIS REPORTS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WOULD NOT COMMENT ON POLICY DECISIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, SAVE FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THEIR EFFECT ON THE PUBLIC PURSE.
SECONDLY, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT MIGHT CARRY OUT AN INVESTIGATION IN THE EVENT THAT HE REASONABLY BELIEVED THAT AT THE TIME POLICY OBJECTIVES WERE SET AND DECISIONS MADE THERE MIGHT HAVE BEEN A LACK OF SUFFICIENT, RELEVANT AND RELIABLE FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA AVAILABLE.
/at Tins............
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SHOULD REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITH A VIEW TO FURTHER INQUIRY BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE.
+ AS SUCH AN INVESTIGATION MAY INVOLVE CONSIDERATION OF THE METHODS BY WHICH POLICY OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN SOUGHT, THE DIRECTOR SHOULD, IN HIS REPORT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE MATTER IN QUESTION, NOT MAKE ANY JUDGMENT ON THE ISSUE, BUT RATHER PRESENT FACTS UPON WHICH THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMITTEE MAY MAKE INQUIRY,* HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID THAT, THIRDLY, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT MIGHT CONSIDER WHETHER POLICY OBJECTIVES AND DECISIONS HAD BEEN DETERMINED AND TAKEN WITH APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY.
FOURTHLY, HE MIGHT CONSIDER WHETHER THERE WERE SATISFACTORY ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONSIDERING ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY.
MR LEE SAID THE FIFTH FEATURE WAS THAT THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT MIGHT CONSIDER WHETHER ESTABLISHED POLICY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES HAD BEEN CLEARLY SET OUT; WHETHER SUBSEQUENT DECISIONS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICY WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE APPROVED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES, AND HAD BEEN TAKEN WITH PROPER AUTHORITY AT THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL; AND WHETHER THE RESULTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF ACCORDED WITH THE APPROVED POLICY AIMS AND DECISIONS AND WERE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD BY THOSE CONCERNED.
UNDER THE SIXTH FEATURE, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT MIGHT CONSIDER WHETHER THERE WAS CONFLICT OR POTENTIAL CONFLICT BETWEEN DIFFERENT POLICY AIMS OR OBJECTIVES, OR BETWEEN THE MEANS CHOSEN TO IMPLEMENT THEM.
THE SEVENTH FEATURE WOULD ALLOW THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT TO CONSIDER HOW FAR, AND HOW EFFECTIVELY, POLICY AIMS AND' OBJECT IVES HAD BEEN TRANSLATED INTO OPERATIONAL TARGETS AND MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE.
+ FI NALLY, HE MAY ALSO BE ENTITLED TO EXERCISE THE POWERS GIVEN TO HIM UNDER SECTION 9 OF THE AUDIT ORDINANCE,* MR LEE ADDED.
SPEAKING IN HIS CAPACITY OF ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED THE VIEWS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE.
THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT CONSIDERED THAT THE BOUNDARIES OF HIS REMIT IN RELATION TO VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES WERE NOW ADEQUATELY DEFINED, HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986 •
4
EXTENSION IN IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE PROVISIONS NEEDED * X X X X
AS VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WERE STILL COMING TO HONG KONG AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA REMAINED A PROBLEM, THERE WAS A NEED TO RETAIN PROVISIONS IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN CONTROLLING THE ENTRY OF UNAUTHORISED IMMIGRANTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS MOVING A MOTION WHICH SOUGHT TO EXTEND SECTION 18 (3) AND PARTS VI I A AND VI IB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE FOR ONE YEAR UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1987. THE PROVISIONS, IF NOT EXTENDED, WERE DUE TO EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR.
MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT SECTION 18(3) OF THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN JANUARY 1979 TO REMOVE THE LIMIT OF TWO MONTHS DURING WHICH AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER MIGHT REMOVE A PERSON REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND IN HONG KONG, IF IT APPEARED TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION THAT THE PERSON WAS PREVIOUSLY RESIDENT IN VIETNAM.
PARTS VIIA AND VI IB OF THE ORDINANCE WERE ENACTED IN AUGUST 1979 TO PROVIDE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF TRAFFICKING IN UNLAWFUL IMMIGRATION.
UNDER THESE PROVISIONS, ANY PERSON WHO AIDED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO ENTER HONG KONG COMMITTED AN OFFENCE AND WERE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE UP TO $5 MILLION AND IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE, WHILE THE SHIPS AND OTHER PROPERTY INVOLVED WERE LIABLE TO FORFEITURE.
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM THIS YEAR. IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986, A TOTAL OF 1 920 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARRIVED, COMPARED WITH 952 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
+THE REFUGEES RESETTLED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS NUMBERED 3 258. THE REFUGEE POPULATION AT 8 356 AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER WAS AT ITS LOWEST FOR THIS DECADE.
+BUT THE PROSPECTS FOR NEXT YEAR AS FAR AS RESETTLEMENT IS CONCERNED ARE NOT GOOD, SO THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES ARE TELLING US,+ MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA, HF ADDED, ALSO REMAINED A PROBLEM.
FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 11 843 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER HONG KONG, AND A FURTHER 2 623 WHO HAD EVADED SECURITY FORCES AT THE BORDER WERE ARRESTED SUBSEQUENTLY. THE FIGURES FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR WERE 7 841 AND 2 331 RESPECTIVELY.
HE SAID NO PARTICULAR REASON HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR THE INCREASED LEVEL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION THIS YEAR.
+IT IS OUR RELIEF THAT NEITHER THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE NOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS WILL BE WITH US PERMANENTLY. ACCORDINGLY THE MOTION BEFORE THE COUNCIL SEEKS TO EXTEND THESE PROVISIONS AGAIN FOR ONE MORE YEAR UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1987 WHEN WE SHALL AGAIN REVIEW THE POSITION,+ HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
5
DISTRICT COURT MAY DECIDE LEVEL OF MAINTENANCE
*****
PROPOSALS CONCERNING MAINTENANCE OF A SPOUSE OR CHILDREN OF A BROKEN MARRIAGE AND OF CHILDREN BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK WERE SUPPORTED BY THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WHICH STUDIED THE DRAFT LEGISLATION, THE HON MARIA TAM TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN PARTICULAR, THE GROUP, WHICH SHE CONVENED, SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL TO GIVE THE JUDICIARY POWER TO DECIDE ON THE APPROPRIATE LEVEL OF MAINTENANCE AND THE METHOD OF PAYMENT.
THE PROPOSALS WERE CONTAINED IN THREE BILLS — THE SEPARATION AND MAINTENANCE ORDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL, AFFILIATION PROCEEDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL, AND THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL.
MISS TAM SAID THE GROUP EXAMINED THE HISTORY OF THE LIMITS IMPOSED ON MAINTENANCE AND ON THE METHOD OF PAYMENT IN THE PROVISIONS OF ALL THREE RELEVANT ORDINANCES.
IT FOUND NO VALID REASON FOR THE LEGISLATURE TO RETAIN THE POWER TO FIX AN ARBITRARY LIMIT ON AWARDS MADE BY THE DISTRICT COURT WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OF THE NEEDS OF THE PARTIES INVOLVED IN BROKEN FAMILIES AND THE ABILITY OF THE PARTIES TO PAY FOR A CHILD’S MAINTENANCE.
4 WE BELIEVE THAT THE JUDGE WHO HAS HEARD THE EVIDENCE AND SEEN THE PARTIES AND THEIR CHILD OR CHILDREN MUST BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO DEVISE A FORMULA WHEREBY THE CHILD WILL BE BEST PROTECTED, EDUCATED AND MAINTAINED,+ MISS TAM SAID.
SHE SAID MEMBERS THEREFORE DECIDED THAT THE LEGISLATURE SHOULD RELINQUISH ITS POWER TO REVISE THE LIMITS ON MAINTENANCE AND THE DISTRICT COURT SHOULD BE GIVEN THE FLEXIBILITY TO MAKE APPROPRIATE AWARDS EITHER BY LUMP SUM PAYMENTS OR BY INSTALMENTS.
UNDER THE AFFILIATION PROCEEDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL MAINTENANCE FOR AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD WOULD NO LONGER BE RESTRICTED TO $500 PER WEEK AND THE DISTRICT COURT MIGHT ALSO AWARD LUMP SUM OR PERIODICAL PAYMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE AND EDUCATION AS HE THOUGHT REASONABLE.
THE AD HOC GROUP SHARED THE VIEWS OF MANY MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION THAT THE ILLEGITIMATE CHILD WAS AN INNOCENT PARTY TO THE DISPUTE BETWEEN PARENTS, SHE SAID.
+IN MANY WAYS AN ILLEGITIMATE CHILD SUFFERS DISADVANTAGES FOR LACK OF SOCIAL STATUS AND THE CARE OF ONE OF HIS PARENTS, AND HE MUST NOT BE DEPRIVED OF JUST AND FAIR TREATMENT WHEN HE COMES BEFORE THE COURTS ASKING FOR PROTECTION OF HIS INTEREST.*
/AS TO........
WEDNESDAY, NOTOffiER 19, 1986
- 6
AS TO THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL, MISS TAM SAID THE GROUP, APART FROM SUPPORTING THE PROPOSAL ON THE LEVEL OF MAINTENANCE, ALSO AGREED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE BE ALLOWED TO INITIATE PROCEEDINGS TO APPLY FOR AN ORDER REGARDING THE CUSTODY OF THE MINOR AND FOR HIS MAINTENANCE AND WELFARE.
+THIS AMENDMENT WILL ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO COME TO THE RESCUE OF THE CHILD IF BOTH HIS PARENTS SHOULD NEGLECT THEIR PARENTAL DUTIES,+ SHE EXPLAINED.
IN SHORT, MISS TAM SAID, THE GROUP BELIEVED THE BILLS WOULD BRING CONSISTENCY TO THE PRACTICE OF THE COURTS IN DEALING WITH MATRIMONIAL DISPUTES AND THE WELFARE OF MINORS.
THEY WOULD GIVE FLEXIBILITY REQUIRED TO ALLEVIATE THE HARDSHIP EXPERIENCED BY MEMBERS OF A BROKEN FAMILY AND DO JUSTICE TO THE PROTECTION OF THE CHILD’S INTEREST WHETHER HE WAS LEGITIMATE OR NOT.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, THANKED MISS TAM AND MEMBERS OF HER AD HOC GROUP FOR THEIR SYMPATHY WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF THE BILLS AND FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF THE DETAILED PROVISIONS.
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BILL REMOVES ’DIFFICULTIES’ IN PRESENTING EVIDENCE X X X X M
IT IS LOGICAL AND SENSIBLE THAT ALL RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE LOST OR UNAVAILABLE BECAUSE OF LEGAL TECHNICALITIES SHOULD BE BEFORE A COURT, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1996, WHICH HE CALLED +AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST COMMERCIAL CRIME+.
+ DIFFI CULT IES ARE PRESENTLY BEING ENCOUNTERED IN GATHERING EVIDENCE FROM OVERSEAS JURISDICTIONS, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF FRAUDS PERPETRATED IN HONG KONG,+ MR THOMAS SAID IN EXPLAINING THAT TWO AREAS GOVERNED BY THE EVIDENCE ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 8) WERE CAUSING CONCERN.
/the first .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
THE FIRST RELATED TO THE ADMISSION INTO EVIDENCE OF THE RECORDS OF BANKS THAT WERE EITHER DEFUNCT OR IN THE PROCESS OF LIQUIDATION.
THE SECOND CONCERNED THE REQUIREMENT THAT ORIGINALS OF DOCUMENTS MUST BE ANNEXED TO DEPOSITIONS OBTAINED AS A RESULT OF A LETTER OF REQUEST TO AN OVERSEAS JURISDICTION TO OBTAIN EVIDENCE FOR THE PURPOSES OF HONG KONG PROCEEDINGS.
REFERRING TO THE USE OF BANKERS RECORDS IN LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. MR THOMAS SAID REFERENCES IN CERTAIN SECTIONS TO PROVING OF RECORDS BY WAY OF AFFIDAVIT, AFFIRMATION OR DEPOSITION APPEARED TO APPLY ONLY TO OPERATING INSTITUTIONS.
THE BILL PROPOSED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE SO AS TO ALLOW THESE SECTIONS TO OPERATE IN CONNECTION WITH CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS NOT ONLY IN RESPECT OF BANKS THAT CARRIED ON BUSINESS, BUT ALSO IN RESPECT OF DEFUNCT BANKS OR BANKS THAT WERE IN THE PROCESS OF LIQUIDATION, WHETHER IN HONG KONG OR OVERSEAS.
THE SECOND AREA OF CONCERN RELATED TO THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE ANNEXURE TO DEPOSITIONS TAKEN OVERSEAS OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS RATHER THAN COPIES. THIS REQUIREMENT WAS IN CONTRAST TO THE PROVISIONS THAT ENABLED COPIES OF +LOCAL* DOCUMENTS TO BE ADMITTED UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
+WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY, DOCUMENTS SUCH AS CHEQUES OR CREDIT ADVICES ARE NOT RETAINED AS ORIGINALS BY MANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS BUT ARE DESTROYED AFTER MICROFILMING,* MR THOMAS SAID.
VARIOUS FACTORS ARISING FROM THIS MADE THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ORIGINALS UNDER THE RELEVANT SECTION DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, TO MEET, MR THOMAS SAID.
+RECENT COURT DECISIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SUPPORT THE MODERN VIEW THAT THE FACT THAT DOCUMENTS ARE MERELY COPIES AFFECTS THE QUESTION OF THEIR CREDIBILITY, NOT THEIR ADMISSIBILITY.*
THE BILL PROPOSED TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO DISPENSE WITH THE REQUIREMENT THAT DOCUMENTS ANNEXED TO DEPOSITIONS TENDERED IN EVIDENCE UNDER THE RELEVANT SECTION MUST BE THE ORIGINALS.
THE JUDICIARY, THE LAW SOCIETY AND BAR ASSOCIATION AND INTERESTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD BEEN FULLY CONSULTED, AND THE PROPOSALS HAD THEIR SUPPORT, HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
8
TIGHTER TRADE DESCRIPTIONS LEGISLATION PROPOSED
*****
THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 RESULTS FROM
A REVIEW BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY. THE HON ERIC HO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR HO EXPLAINED THAT THE ORDINANCE,WHICH REPLACED THE MERCHANDISE MARKS ORDINANCE, WAS ENACTED IN 1989 TO UPDATE AND STRENGTHEN THE LAW RELATING TO FALSE AND MISLEADING DESCRIPTIONS OF GOODS.
HE SAID THE PRINCIPAL OBJECTS OF THE BILL WERE TO STREAMLINE PROCEDURES FOR DETENTION AND FORFEITURE OF GOODS, TO GIVE AUTHORISED OFFICERS POWERS OF ARREST AND TO PERMIT THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TO DISCLOSE INFORMATION ON SEIZED GOODS TO TRADE MARK OWNERS.
THE BILL WOULD ALSO FACILITATE THE ACCEPTANCE IN COURT OF EVIDENCE RELATING TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR IMPORTED GOODS BEARING FALSE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS.
MR HO SAID THE POWER TO DETAIN SEIZED GOODS BY LOCKING OR SEALING PREMISES WAS PROPOSED AS A REMEDY FOR THOSE INFREQUENT OCCASIONS WHEN IT WAS NOT PRACTICABLE TO MOVE THE GOODS TO GOVERNMENT STORAGE.
♦PERISHABLE GOODS UNDER REFRIGERATION, FOR EXAMPLE, WOULD RISK DETERIORATION, WHILST HEAVY OR BULKY GOODS WOULD REQUIRE SPECIAL EQUIPMENT OR TRANSPORT TO REMOVE THEM,+ HE SAID.
ON THE PROPOSAL TO GIVE POWERS OF ARREST TO AUTHORISED OFFICERS, MR HO SAID OPERATIONAL EXPERIENCE SUGGESTED THAT SUCH POWERS WERE ESSENTIAL FOR EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT.
+ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRY OFFICERS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENFORCING THE ORDINANCE DO NOT HAVE A GENERAL POWER OF ARREST, IN PRACTICE, WHEN THERE IS AN EXPECTATION THAT AN ARREST IS LIKELY, ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE FOR THEM TO OPERATE WITH THE ASSISTANCE CF THEIR CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE COLLEAGUES WHO DO HAVE A GENERAL POWER OF ARREST,+ HE SAID.
♦ALTHOUGH WORKABLE, THIS ARRANGEMENT IS WASTEFUL OF MANPOWER AND INHIBITS EFFICIENCY. THE INDUSTRY OFFICER GRADE HAS FOR MANY YEARS EXERCISED POWERS OF ARREST UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORD INANCE.
/+TH3 icmisic®.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 9
+THE EXTENSION OF SUCH POWERS TO THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT LEADING TO MORE EFFECTIVE AND COST EFFICIENT ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE.*
AS TO THE DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION PROVISION, MR HO SAID IT WAS INTENDED TO ALLOW THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TO CO-OPERATE MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH TRADE MARK OWNERS, WHO MIGHT REQUIRE THE INFORMATION TO TAKE CIVIL ACTION AGAINST INFRINGEMENTS THROUGH THE COURTS.
HE ADDED THAT THE PROVISION RELATING TO THE FORFEITURE AND DISPOSAL OF GOODS REPLACED PROCEDURES UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE THAT HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE CUMBERSOME AND TIME CONSUMING FOR ALL CONCERNED.
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ACTION TAKEN TO STOP 'INERTIA SELLING’ X X * * *
THE PRACTICE KNOWN AS + INERT IA SELLING* WOULD BE MADE ILLEGAL UNDER THE POST OFFICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON ERIC HO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO GIVE THE POSTMASTER GENERAL DISCRETION IN RELATION TO THE METHOD OF PAYMENT OF POSTAL CHARGES, AND IT WOULD UPDATE THE PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
IN ADDITION, THE BILL WOULD REMOVE THE PROHIBITION ON THE IMPORTING OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR BY POST.
MR HO DESCRIBED INERTIA SELLING AS A DECEPTIVE PRACTICE WHEREBY A PERSON, OFTEN A DIRECTORY PUBLISHING CONCERN, SENT A DOCUMENT THROUGH THE POST WHICH GAVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE RECIPIENT COMPANY OWED MONEY FOR THE INSERTION OF ITS NAME IN A TRADE DIRECTORY.
WHEN STUDIED CAREFULLY, THE DOCUMENT NORMALLY CONTAINED SMALL PRINT TO THE EFFECT THAT IT WAS ONLY ON PAYMENT BEING MADE THAT THE ENTRY WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE DIRECTORY.
THE DECEPTION WORKED BECAUSE THE EMPLOYEES CONCERNED MIGHT ERRONEOUSLY BELIEVE THIS WAS A DEBT OWED BY THEIR COMPANY AND MAKE THE PAYMENT ACCORDINGLY.
/rm no........
WEDNESDAY, TOVlSlBEB 19, 1986
- 10
MR HO SAID SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF COMPLAINTS FROM BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS COMPANIES HAD BEEN RECEIVED OVER THE YEARS.
HE SA IDs +IT IS INTENDED TO CURTAIL THIS AND SIMILAR PRACTICES BY MAKING IT AN OFFENCE TO POST ANY BILL, INVOICE OR STATEMENT OF ACCOUNT DUE FOR UNSOLICITED GOODS OR SERVICES UNLESS THE DOCUMENT HAS ON ITS FACE A CLEAR NOTICE IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE THAT IT IS NOT A BILL AND NEED NOT BE PAID.
+A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A $100 000 FINE AND IMPRISONMENT OF UP TO THREE YEARS IS PROPOSED FOR OFFENDERS.+
TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE OFFERED BY THE POST OFFICE AND TO ENHANCE ITS COMPETITIVENESS, MR HO SAID THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE POSTMASTER GENERAL BE GIVEN DISCRETION REGARDING PAYMENT OF POSTAGE, ALLOWING HIM TO OFFER CREDIT FACILITIES TO REGULAR USERS OF THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE AND TO BULK PARCEL CUSTOMERS.
HE SAID THE REVISED MAXIMUM FINES PROPOSED IN THE BILL WERE INTENDED TO RESTORF THE DETERRENT EFFECT WHICH HAD BEEN ERODED BY INFLATION SINCE THE LEVELS WERF SET IN 1926.
THE PROPOSAL REGARDING THE IMPORTATION OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR WOULD BRING THE POSTAL SYSTEM IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE, HE ADDED.
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES DEFINITIONS BEING UPDATED * * M X *
A BILL INTENDED TO UPDATE SOMEWHAT ARCHAIC PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, AS WELL AS TO ADAPT TO MODERN BUSINESS PRACTICES AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THF SECOND READING OE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 10RF, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID COMMENTS FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, IN PARTICULAR TRADERS IN DUTIABLE COMMODITIES, ON THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE BILL WHERE APPROPRIATE.
THE PROPOSALS HAD ALSO BEEN ENDORSED BY THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD, HE ADDED.
MR JACORS SAID THAT NO CHANGES IN DUTY RATES WERE PROPOSED.
THF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, LAST SUBSTANTIALLY REVISED IM 19F.0 CONCERNS TAXATION AND CONTROL OF LIQUOR, TOBACCO, HYDROCARBON OIL, METHYL ALCOHOL AND OTHER SUBSTANCES.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 11 -
EXTRA PROVISION OF $195.7 MILLION FOR SECOND QUARTER *****
A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $195.7 MILLION WAS APPROVED FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE 1986-87 FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦IT WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENT VOTES,♦ HE SAID.
TABLING A SUMMARY OF THE CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE IN THE SECOND QUARTER, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THESE INCLUDED SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $132.4 MILLION FOR GRANTS TO UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
THIS WOULD ENABLE THE INSTITUTIONS TO AWARD SALARY INCREASES TO STAFF FOLLOWING THE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE CIVIL SERVICE NON-DIRECTORATE PAY SCALES.
HE ADDED THAT APPROVED COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $151.8 MILLION DURING THE PERIOD, AND NEW COMMITMENTS OF $288.5 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED.
ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY.
-----0 - -
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER tup unw omu nnmnr f" ASSURANCE in the legislative 2 „ E° D D8E-
seT§J^L,&U¥ is *a "eTTE" ™ gS^rKnT^Ptake
/there were •••••••
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMHSl 1?, 1986
12
THERE WERE PROBLEMS OF DEFINITION, BUT FROM NEXT YEAR SERIOUS ACCIDENTS -- DEFINED BY REFERENCE TO LENGTH OF ABSENCE FROM WORK OR DEGREE OF INCAPACITY SUFFERED -- WOULD BE SEPARATELY RECORDED.
MR BRIDGE SAID THAT OVER THE PAST TWO OR THREE YEARS THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE REPORTING.OF ACCIDENTS WHICH HITHERTO WENT UNREPORTED.
THE REASONS WERE, FIRSTLY, A SIMPLIFICATION IN 1983 OF THE PROCEDURE FOR CLAIMING COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF MINOR ACCIDENTS AND, SECONDLY, THE INTRODUCTION IN 1984 OF COMPULSORY COMPENSATION INSURANCE.
+TAKING THESE FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT, THE MARKED DECLINE IN FATAL ACCIDENTS OVER THE PERIOD 1981 TO 1985 AND THE FACT THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO APPRECIABLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING PERMANENT DISABILITY PERHAPS PROVIDE, I BELIEVE, A BETTER INDICATOR OF THE REAL OVERALL TREND,+ MR BRIDGE SAID.
REFERRING TO SOME MEMBERS’ COMMENTS ON INADEQUACY OF PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS, MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS A MATTER FOR THE JUDICIARY TO DECIDE WHAT LEVEL OF FINE WAS APPROPRIATE IN A PARTICULAR CASE.
+WHILE THE AVERAGE FINE IN ALL TYPES OF PROSECUTION HAS INCREASED IN RECENT YEARS FROM $1 290 IN 1981 TO $2 871 LAST YEAR, IT REMAINS VERY LOW IN RELATION TO THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES PROVIDED FOR IN THE LAW IN 1985,+ HE SAID.
+1 APPRECIATE THAT A MAGISTRATE MUST TAKE MANY DIFFERENT FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT IN ASSESSING PENALTIES, BUT FROM MY LIMITED VIEWPOINT AS AN OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY I DO FEEL THAT THE PRESENT AVERAGE PENALTIES ARE NOT REALLY ADEQUATE TO DETER DANGEROUS PRACTICES.
+HEAVIER FINES WOULD, I BELIEVE, MAKE EMPLOYERS TAKE SAFETY MUCH MORE SERIOUSLY. UNLESS THERE IS A WILLINGNESS TO IMPOSE SUCH FINES, THERE WOULD BE LITTLE POINT IN INCREASING FURTHER THE MAXIMUM FINES ALREADY PROVIDED FOR.+
ON SUGGESTIONS THE NUMBER OF FACTORY INSPECTORS BE INCREASED, MR BRIDGE NOTED THAT THE NUMBER HAD INCREASED FROM 120 IN 1977 TO 205 NOW. THIS INCLUDED SIX POSTS CREATED SINCE OCTOBER 29.
A FURTHER THREE POSTS WERE TO BE CREATED SHORTLY AND MORE WOULD BE CREATED NEXT YEAR.
/+THE SITUATION........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 198c
13
♦THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG
DOES NOT IN FACT COMPARE UNFAVOURABLY
WITH THAT IN OTHER PLACES. THE __________ ______
SLIGHTLY BETTER IN HONG KONG THAN, FOR EXAMPLE, SINGAPORE OR THE UK, BOTH OF WHICH TAKE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY EXTREMELY SERIOUSLY,+ HE SAID. *
RATIO OF INSPECTORS TO WORKERS IS
MR BRIDGE ADDED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD PLANS IN HAND TO INCREASE THE TRAINING STAFF OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AND THIS WOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TRAINING COURSES BEING PROVIDED.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PLANNING TO INSTAL A NEW HOT LINE SPECIFICALLY TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS AND TO PROVIDE ADVICE.
THE AVAILABILITY OF THIS NEW SERVICE WOULD BE GIVEN WIDE PUBLICITY AND THIS WOULD EMPHASISE THAT THE COMPLAINANT’S IDENTITY WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL.
HE SAID HE HOPED THAT THIS HOT LINE AND, IN PARTICULAR, THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF THE SERVICE, WOULD GO SOME WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE HON HUI YIN-FAT’S CONCERN THAT EMPLOYEES MIGHT BE VICTIMISED FOR REPORTING UNSAFE PRACTICES ON THE PART OF THEIR EMPLOYERS.
MR BRIDGE SAID AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF REQUIRING PROVISION OF SAFETY DATA SHEETS BY IMPORTERS OF POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS CHEMICALS.
SUCH A MEASURE WOULD USEFULLY COMPLEMENT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSALS, NOW IN PREPARATION, TO REQUIRE THE PROPER LABELLING OF SUCH CHEMICALS IN USE IN THE WORKPLACE AND WOULD ASSIST PROPRIETORS IN COMPLYING WITH THESE REGULATIONS. HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE ALSO SAID THERE MUST BE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO FOSTER AN ATTITUDE OF MIND FAVOURABLE TO SAFE PRACTICE IN THE WORKPLACE.
WHILE ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION BY THE GOVERNMENT WAS FUNDAMENTAL, EMPLOYERS SHOULD PROVIDE A SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND ADEQUATE TRAINING IN SAFETY MATTERS FOR THEIR WORKERS.
EMPLOYEES HAD A DUTY TO CO-OPERATE WITH EMPLOYERS IN IMPLEMENTING SAFETY MEASURES SUCH AS OBSERVING NO-SMOKING SIGNS AND WEARING PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND NOT REMOVING GUARDS FROM MACHINERY, HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE AGREED WITH A PROPOSAL THAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO FORM SAFETY COMMITTEES INVOLVING BOTH MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS.
HE SAID THIS WOULD BE ONE OF THE TASKS FOR A SPECIAL PROMOTION UNIT WHICH THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WAS PLANNING TO FORM.
MR BRIDGE WELCOMED THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A SAFETY COUNCIL AND HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SOON BE IN A POSITION TO TAKE THE NEXT STEPS TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING IT.
------0-------
/14......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 14 -
PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE STRESSED
* * * M *
PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE AND THE BASIC PREVENTIVE MEASURES OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ARE ENGINEERING. ENFORCEMENT AND EDUCATION, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS LEADING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HIS CAPACITY AS CONVENER OF A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP TO PREPARE FOR THE DEBATE.
+ENGINEERING+ MEANT THE DESIGN, LAYOUT, CONSTRUCTION AND PRODUCTION PROCESS WHICH ALL HAD A BEARING ON THE CREATION OF A SAFE ENVIRONMENT, HE EXPLAINED.
♦ENFORCEMENT* MEANT NOT ONLY THE ENFORCEMENT OF SAFETY LAWS BY LABOUR INSPECTORS ON SPOT CHECKS BUT ALSO THE INTERNAL SAFETY ENFORCEMENT BY THE MANAGEMENT, HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE NUMBER OF FACTORY INSPECTORS WOULD OBVIOUSLY NEVER MATCH THE NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS OR ACCIDENTS, MR CHAN SUGGESTED THAT THERE SHOULD BE INCREASED INSPECTION ON CONSTANT OFFENDERS, WHICH WOULD PREVENT THEM FROM TURNING MINOR FAULTS INTO DISASTERS.
♦EDUCATION* MEANT THE METHODS OF TEACHING THE EMPLOYEES TO AVOID ACCIDENTS, THROUGH ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, PARTICIPATION IN SAFETY SEMINARS AND CAMPAIGNS USING THE MASS PUBLICITY MEDIA, HE ADDED.
MR CHAN ALSO PROPOSED THAT FIRST AID SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES. HE SAID THE SUCCESSFUL PILOT SCHEME OF USING MOTORCYCLES TO CARRY FIRST AID PERSONNEL TO OVERCOME TRAFFIC DELAYS SHOULD BE GIVEN FULL IMPLEMENTATION.
IN ADDITION, HE SUGGESTED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD SEEK THE COOPERATION OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE TO ORGANISE FIRST AID SEMINARS FOR EMPLOYEES.
AS FOR EMPLOYEES, HE ADVISED THEM NOT TO TAKE A PASSIVE OR FATALISTIC APPROACH TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+ ACCIDENTS CAN BE PREVENTED WITH A LITTLE MORE CARE AND FOR THOSE WHO WORK FAST MACHINES SHOULD NOT TRY TO REMOVE THE SAFEGUARDS FOR MORE PRODUCTION NOR SHOULD THEY SPEND THE WHOLE NIGHT PLAYING MAHJONG AND WORK WITH SLEEPY EYES.
+SMOKING WHILE WORKING WITH SOLVENTS AND THE LIKE IS SUICIDAL,* MR CHAN SAID.
FINALLY, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CLEARCUT DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WAS IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW UP WITH REMEDIES, SO THAT A RECURRENCE OF ACCIDENTS OF A SIMILAR NATURE COULD BE PREVENTED.
MR CHAN ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REQUIRED THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
------0------- /15.........................
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 15 -ANSWER LIES IN LOGICAL APPROACH * * M * M
THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO ENSURE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IS THROUGH TAKING A LOGICAL AND ANALYTICAL APPROACH TOWARDS THE CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, DR IP POINTED OUT THAT HAND INJURIES CONSTITUTED SOME 21 PER CENT OF ALL INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE TACKLED FROM CONCLUSIONS DRAWN FROM A STUDY ON THE SUBJECT CARRIED OUT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN 1982.
THIS RESEARCH SHOWED THAT IN 383 CASES OF SEVERE HAND INJURY, 17 PER CENT OF THE WORKERS HAD ARRIVED FROM CHINA LESS THAN TWO YEARS PREVIOUSLY AND 87 PER CENT OF THIS GROUP COULD NOT ADEQUATELY EXPRESS THEMSELVES IN CANTONESE. IN ADDITION, 58 PER CENT OF THE MACHINES INVOLVED DID NOT HAVE A SAFETY DEVlcL
REFERRING TO THE INCIDENCE OF INDUSTRIAL FIRES, DR IP SAID FIRE RELATED OFFENCES WERE A MAJOR PROBLEM WHICH MUST BE TACKLED URGENTLY.
IT SEEMED OBVIOUS THAT MALPRACTICE ABOUNDED AND LEGISLATION, PROSECUTIONS AND FINES DID NOT APPEAR TO HAVE A DETERRENT EFFECT.
SHE NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN STRONG CALLS FOR DANGEROUS CHEMICALS TO BE PROPERLY LABELLED, THEIR EFFECTS ON HUMANS CLEARLY STATED AND MEASURES IN CASE OF SPILLAGE DISTINCTLY PRESCRIBED.
ADOPTING SUCH MEASURES WOULD BRING HONG KONG IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE.
TURNING TO THE INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT RATE, DR IP SAID THE FIGURES WORRIED HER BECAUSE ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN THE DEATH RATE, THERE WAS NO CONCURRENT DROP IN THE OVERALL RATE.
♦IT SPELLS OUT TO ME QUITE CLEARLY THAT WE ARE NOT SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS,+ SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID SHE WAS CONCERNED THAT INSPECTION OF SMALL FACTORIES HAD LOW PRIORITY IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTION LIST.
/quoting........
WEDNESDAY, N<
16
»«5,°S«e'sAW 'smEV'fflEst'VM IEs’SoSlJ «l?1$ J2"t "NSm & » sc^:5.^0gfysi!5w«"’8 *“ SMAffr*
TO SEt’A^S!?,?S*VL%"&*IyT2„JE£ALTh’coSB !“?0 Moffi'™1-SECTORS l0N*L S*FETY IN B0TH THE '"DUSTRIAL AMD "ON-IHDUSTRIAI?
SAID IF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD GAVE IT^ ftliPPfi&T Tn Juc Jshment of such a council at its MEETING NEXT MONTH THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TREAT THE MATTER WITH URGENCY. ’
0
OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL ADVOCATED
# K # M M
THE GOVERNMENT WAS URGED BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL (OSHC) BY 1987.
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID PROPOSALS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OSHC WOULD BE PUT TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD NEXT MONTH AND HE HOPED THEY WOULD BE FAVOURABLY CONSIDERED.
HE SAID THE IDEA FOR SUCH A COUNCIL WAS ENDORSED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN 1984 AND A WORKING PARTY FORMED THEREAFTER RECOMMENDED IN JULY 1985 THAT THE OSHC BE ESTABLISHED AS A STATUTORY BODY BY 1987.
+1 HOPE THE ADMINISTRATION CAN STICK TO THIS TIME-TABLE,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID OSHC MEMBERS SHOULD COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
+ITS OVERALL OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE THE PROMOTION OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH, AND IT SHOULD DEVELOP A FULL RANGE OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING TRAINING AND EDUCATION, PROMOTION IN RESEARCH IN MATTERS RELATING TO OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
+IN DUE COURSE, PERHAPS ANNUAL AWARDS COULD BE GIVEN TO THOSE INDUSTRIAL FIRMS THAT CONTRIBUTED MOST TO THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MOVEMENT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR,+ HE SAID.
/m AUDITION, ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
IN ADDITION, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE SETTING UP OF AN OSHC WOULD BENEFIT SMALL FACTORIES, BECAUSE +DUE TO THE SMALL NUMBER OF WORKERS IN EACH FACTORY, THERE IS INADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF BOTH MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS, AND POOR QUALITY TOOLS AND MACHINERY.*
ON THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NON-FATAL INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS OVER THE YEARS, MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID IT MIGHT BE DUE TO THE REDUCED NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS OR TO THE REDUCED PROVISION FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES.
HE SAID THE ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATION ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS SHOULD RAISE THE STANDARD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE RELEVANT REGULATIONS WHICH INITIALLY APPLIED ONLY TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COULD AND SHOULD BE APPLIED TO OTHER INDUSTRIES WHEN THERE WAS CLEAR AND FULL JUSTIFICATION TO DO SO.
MR CHEONG-LEEN SAID FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OSHC, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MONITOR THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH TO ENSURE GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY EXPENDED, AND THAT AS THE OSHC’S ANNUAL BUDGET INCREASED, THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST CORRESPONDING SAVINGS WITHIN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
STRESSING THE NEED FOR GREATER INTERACTION IN THE DIFFERENT AREAS OF SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND SAFETY PROMOTION, MR CHEONG-LEEN URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THE DESIRABILITY OF CLOSER COORDINATION IN THE CARRYING OUT OF RESEARCH, AND IN EDUCATIONAL AND PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS AS REGARDS THE MORE IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF HOME SAFETY AND LEISURE SAFETY.
------0-------
CALL FOR TOUGHER SAFETY LAW ENFORCEMENT *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN URGED TO ENFORCE MORE VIGOROUSLY THE SAFETY LAWS IN ORDER TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
THE CALL WAS MADE BY THE HON HO SAI-CHU DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THOSE WHO BLATANTLY BREACHED SAFETY REGULATIONS, PURPOSELY DISREGARDED THE LIVES OF THEIR <MPLOYEES AND CONSTANTLY FAILED TO MEET THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS SHOULD BE DEALT WITH MORE SEVERELY, HE SAID.
/the courts, .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 18 -
THE COURTS, HE ADDED, SHOULD TAKE A MORE SERIOUS VIEW OF THOSE WHO HELD INDUSTRIAL SAFETY LAWS IN CONTEMPT.
MR HO NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS HAD SOARED FROM 45 800 IN 1981 TO 50 793 IN 1985 BUT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF FACTORY INSPECTORATE HAD REMAINED STAGNANT AT ABOUT 200 SINCE 1982.
HOWEVER, THE WORKLOAD OF FACTORY INSPECTORATE HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY DURING THE SAME PERIOD, HE SAID.
HE THEREFORE URGED GOVERNMENT TO PROVIDE THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE WITH THE NECESSARY STAFF TO ENABLE THEM TO DO THEIR JOBS PROPERLY.
MR HO SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT A FAIR PROPORTION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN CONSTRUCTION SITES, ALTHOUGH THE INDUSTRY DID PLACE GREAT EMPHASIS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION.
TO SOME EXTENT, HE SAID, THE FAULT LAY WITH EMPLOYEES WHO DID NOT USE EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THE EMPLOYER AND DISOBEYED INSTRUCTIONS IN REGARD TO SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION.
MR HO CALLED ON THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES TO LOOK INTO THIS ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRINCIPAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES OFFERED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY OFFICER COURSES WHICH HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED AND POSITIVELY SUPPORTED BY CONTRACTORS.
-------0----------
STRONGER PUBLICITY DRIVE REQUIRED * * * * *
MORE FUNDS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE, MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE PARSIMONIOUS IN ITS EXPENDITURE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WHICH WAS CONCERNED WITH HUMAN LIVES.
HE FELT THAT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGNS HAD NEVER BEEN GIVEN SUFFICIENT EMPHASIS, JUDGING FROM A CUT IN ITS PUBLICITY BUDGET FROM $1.3 MILLION IN 1983-84 TO $0.75 MILLION IN 1986-87.
/or THE.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
19
ON THE MANPOWER SITUATION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE, MR HUI SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT IMMEDIATELY ALLOCATE ADDITIONAL FUNDS SO AS TO INCREASE ITS STRENGTH TO 250.
HE SAID THAT ACCORDING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN 250 FACTORY INSPECTORS BY 1984. HOWEVER. THE NUMBER OF FACTORY INSPECTORS HAD BEEN FROZEN AT 200 SINCE 1982.
FURTHERMORE, ONLY 150 OF THEM WERE ENGAGED IN FACTORY INSPECTION WORK, HE SAID.
TURNING TO PENALTIES, MR HUI SAID HONG KONG SHOULD KEEP ABREAST OF ADVANCED COUNTRIES IN HAVING OFFENDERS BEAR THE +CRIMINAL RESPONSIBILITY*, EVEN SENTENCING THEM TO JAIL, INSTEAD OF IMPOSING A MAXIMUM FINE OF |50 000, IN APPROPRIATE CASES.
HE SAID A MINIMUM FINE SHOULD ALSO BE SET SO THAT EMPLOYERS WOULD REALISE THAT IGNORING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MIGHT LEAD TO GREATER EXPENDITURE.
MR HUI REBUTTED SUGGESTIONS THAT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF WORKERS.
HE NOTED THAT AS THERE WAS NO EXISTING LEGISLATION SAFEGUARDING WORKERS FROM UNFAIR DISMISSAL OR OFFERING THEM ANY PENSION SCHEME, WORKERS OFTEN HAD TO THINK TWICE BEFORE ACCUSING THE EMPLOYERS OF VIOLATING REGULATIONS.
+1 HOPE THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL NOT JUST STAY IN THE STAGE OF DISCUSSING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, BUT GO FURTHER TO MONITOR CLOSELY THE WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO SEE WHETHER ENOUGH EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE ENACTMENT AND ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION, AS WELL AS PUBLIC EDUCATION,* MR HUI SAID.
♦SINCE WORKERS ARE THE MAINSTAY FOR CREATING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY ATTACHING IMPORTANCE TO THE SAFETY OF WORKERS MEANS VALUING THE SOLE RESOURCE OF HONG KONG — THE WORKFORCE,* HE ADDED.
-------0---------
LONG-TERM INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN URGED * * X * X
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL TO CO-ORDINATE ACTIVITIES AND TO PROMOTE POSITIVELY A LONG-TERM CAMPAIGN ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS ADVOCATED BY THE HON NGAI SHIU-KIT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, MR NGAI RECALLED THAT IN 1976 THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION HAD URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH SUCH A SAFETY COUNCIL WITH MEMBERSHIP COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR TO TACKLE THE +OVERWHELMING* NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
/♦AS BBOARDS........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER,19, 1986
- 20
+AS REGARDS THE INITIAL AND OPERATIONAL EXPENSES OF THE COUNCIL, THE LARGER PART SHOULD BE SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE SAME WAY AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL WHILE THE REMAINING PART SHOULD COME FROM A TAX LEVIED ON EACH REPORTED CASE UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND FROM FEES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
NOTING THAT SAFETY WAS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MR NGAI SAID THE COUNCIL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED WITHOUT DELAY IN ORDER TO FACILITATE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND TO KEEP UP WITH INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION AND MODERNISATION.
+WE CANNOT ALLOW ANY INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT IN WHICH 10 OR MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED OR INJURED EVER TO OCCUR AGAIN,* HE STRESSED.
MR NGAI SAID THAT TO LAUNCH A SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO MAKE EVERYONE INVOLVED IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING REALISE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CAMPAIGN AND TO GET THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN IT.
HE CONSIDERED THAT THE CAMPAIGN SHOULD BE ON GOING AND LONG TERM AS THERE WERE ALWAYS HIGHER AND DIFFERENT GOALS TO ACHIEVE.
POINTING OUT THAT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WERE THE JOINT RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT, THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE MR NGAI SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN RECENT YEARS TAKEN AN ACTIVE AND PROGRESSIVE ROLE IN ENACTING AND IMPLEMENTING LEGISLATION CONCERNING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE ENACTMENT AND AMENDMENT OF ANY RELEVANT LEGISLATION SHOULD ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRACTICAL STANDARDS AND AFTER WIDE CONSULTATION.
+ MORE IMPORTANT, THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND PENALTIES APPLICABLE TO BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE CLEARLY DEFINED, OTHERWISE IT WILL MERELY CREATE MORE FINANCIAL BURDENS ON THE ADMINISTRATION WITHOUT ACHIEVING ITS PURPOSE,* MR NGAI SAID.
ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, MR NGAI NOTED THAT ALL TRAINING COURSES AND SEMINARS AT PRESENT WERE ORGANISED ONLY FOR MID-LEVEL MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL.
HE SAID THAT HIGHER DIPLOMA OR DEGREE COURSES IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SHOULD BE ORGANISED FOR HIGH-LEVEL MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL TO IMPROVE ACADEMIC STANDARDS AND PROFESSIONAL STATUS. THIS COULD FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SAFETY MEASURES IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS IN A PROFESSIONAL WAY.
/on the ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYERS, MR NGAI SAID THEY SHOULD PROVIDE A SAFE WORK PLACE, DESIGN SAFE WORKING PROCEDURES AND EMPLOY COMPETENT AND RESPONSIBLE EMPLOYEES WHO COMPLIED WITH SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
NOTING THAT ONLY A FEW EMPLOYERS COULD REALLY ACHIEVE THESE RESPONSIBILITIES, HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN ITS LEGISLATION SO THAT EMPLOYERS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD AND FOLLOWED THEM.
ON THE ROLE OF EMPLOYEES, MR NGAI SAID IT WAS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO OBSERVE SAFETY RULES WHILE AT WORK, TO OBEY THE LAWFUL INSTRUCTIONS OF THEIR EMPLOYERS AND TO USE THE SAFETY FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR THEM.
MR NGAI SAID HE BELIEVED THAT UNLESS EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES HAD A HIGH SENSE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND MADE SERIOUS EFFORTS TO CARRY OUT THEIR OWN DUTIES, ALL PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE IN VAIN.
- - 0 - -
JOINT EFFORTS NEEDED TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY *****
THERE IS NO SIMPLE WAY TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, WHICH CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY SIMULTANEOUS EFFORTS OF VARIOUS SECTORS. THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. MR TAM MADE A NUMBER OF SUGGESTIONS NEEDED TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL.
HE SAID: ♦PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL WORK WITH SPECIAL AIMS AND REACHING THE GRASSROOT LEVEL SHOULD BE CONDUCTED FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES-
♦LEGISLATION SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED ON INDUSTRIES CONCERNED-
+THE NUMBER OF FACTORY INSPECTORS HAVE TO BE INCREASED-
♦THE FREQUENCY AND THOROUGHNESS OF FACTORY INSPECTION SHOULD BE ENHANCED- AND
♦AN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL SHOULD BE SET UP AS SOON AS POSS IBLE.+
/tfR TAM
WEDNESDAY, NOTOffiER 19, 1986
22
MR TAM SAID THAT THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS THE JOINT RESPONSIBILITY FOR EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT.
+ BUT OWING TO THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES IN HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE. THE LARGE NUMBER OF SMALL FACTORIES AND THE UNWILLINGNESS OF FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO MAKE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT, THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WOULD EASILY BE OVERLOOKED.
+THEREFORE, THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT.*
HE SAIDs +THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN THIS ASPECT, HOWEVER, IS STILL FAR FROM SATISFACTORY.*
FIRST, IN THE AREA OF PUBLICITY, HE SAID HE FELT THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE ADMINISTRATION WERE NOT TARGET-ORIENTED AND WERE UNABLE TO REACH THOSE AT THE GRASSROOT LEVEL.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER A DIRECTIONAL ADJUSTMENT IN ITS PUBLICITY WORK ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, SO AS TO MAKE UP FOR THE INADEQUACIES IN MEETING IMMEDIATELY THE REQUIREMENTS OF WORKERS AT THE GRASSROOT LEVEL.
HE PROPOSED THAT DIRECT CONTACTS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE WORKERS SHOULD BE REINFORCED. BESIDES, HE SAID A FULL-TIME ADVISORY AND COMPLAINTS UNIT ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE LONGER HOT LINE SERVICES AND FACT-TO-FACT ADVISORY SERVICE FOR EMPLOYEES.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO ENCOURAGE VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES TO SET UP A FUNDAMENTAL WORKING GROUP TO MONITOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SO AS TO CREATE A MUTUALLY REMINDING, SUPERVISING AND MONITORING EFFECT, HE SAID.
SECONDLY, MR TAM POINTED OUT THAT THE EXISTING REGULATIONS COULD NOT COVER ALL THE INDUSTRIES.
+THE EXISTING FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE DOES NOT COVER THOSE NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, BUT THE CASUALTY RATE OF THESE SO-CALLED NON-INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AMOUNTED TO 36 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL,* HE SAID.
*THE AUTHORITIES SHOULD IMMEDIATELY STUDY HOW TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES OF NON-1NDUSTRI AL UNDERTAKINGS AS WELL,* HE ADDED. ’
MR TAM ALSO CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR BEING TOO SLOW IN ITS LEGISLATION PROCESS, WHICH WAS LAGGING FAR BEHIND THE RAPID CHANGES IN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES.
/HE SAID THE ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 23 -
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REINFORCE ITS WORK IN THIS RESPECT SO AS TO SECURE MORE INFORMATION ON THE HAZARDOUS LEVEL OF DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF A PROTOTYPE NATURE.
HE SUGGESTED THAT A CENTRAL REGISTRY BE SET UP AS A FIRST w STEP TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESEARCH WORK. 7z
TURNING TO THE DRAFT REGULATIONS ON THE CONTROL OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS, MR TAM SAID THE MOST IDEAL METHOD WAS TO REQUIRE MANUFACTURERS AND IMPORTERS OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES TO LABEL IN CHINESE ON EACH CONTAINER THE COMPONENTS OF THE CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, THE CORRECT WAY TO USE IT AND THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN.
HE STRESSED THAT THIS REQUIREMENT WAS NOT OVER-DEMANDING BECAUSE SUCH REGULATIONS DID EXIST IN MOST WESTERN COUNTRIES, AND SHOULD BE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED BY THE AUTHORITIES.
THIRDLY, MR TAM TOUCHED ON ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS. HE SAID THE SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER HAD MADE THE PERFORMANCE OF FACTORY INSPECTORS FAR FROM SATISFACTORY.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT IF THE NUMBER OF FACTORY INSPECTORS WERE INCREASED, THE FREQUENCY OF INSPECTION COULD BE INCREASED ACCORDINGLY.
HE SAID INSPECTORS SHOULD CARRY OUT SOME SURPRISE CHECKS, MORE THOROUGH INSPECTIONS, AND AT THE SAME TIME, TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EDUCATE WORKERS ON SAFETY OPERATIONS.
HE RECOMMENDED THAT EACH FACTORY SHOULD ON THE AVERAGE, BE INSPECTED AT LEAST THRICE A YEAR.
POINTING OUT THAT THE PROPOSAL HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND FACTORY INSPECTORS, HE SAID THE AUTHORITIES SHOULD TAKE RAPID ACTION IN INCREASING THE NUMBER OF FACTORY INSPECTORS AS WELL AS TO ENHANCE THE THOROUGHNESS AND FREQUENCY OF INSPECTIONS.
ON REMEDIAL WORK, MR TAM SUPPORTED HEAVIER PENALTIES BE IMPOSED ON THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO VIOLATED THE LAW. HE FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT A SYSTEM OF CUMULATIVE PENALTIES BE ADOPTED SO THAT RECIDIVISTIC EMPLOYERS WOULD LEARN A DEEPER LESSON.
AS FOR EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION, MR TAM POINTED OUT THAT THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES USUALLY HAD TO WAIT A LONG TIME BEFORE RECEIVING COMPENSATION, THUS LOSING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE COMPENSATION WHICH WAS MEANT FOR URGENT NEED.
/be said he..........
4#
WEDNESDAY, NOTJMBER 19, 1986
- 24 -
HE SAID HE HOPED THAT THE AUTHORITIES WOULD ALSO CONDUCT A REVIEW IN THIS RESPECT.
ON THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL, MR TAM SAID THE SETTING UP OF SUCH A COUNCIL SHOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE EMPLOYERS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS BENEFICIAL NOT ONLY TO THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR BUT TO THE SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.
IN ADDITION, THE INSURANCE SECTOR WOULD ALSO GAIN ATTRACTIVE PROFITS DUE TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPULSORY LABOUR INSURANCE.
IF THE RATE OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WAS LOWERED, THEIR PROFIT WOULD CORRESPONDINGLY BE INCREASED, HE EXPLAINED.
+THEREFORE, THE INSURANCE SECTOR SHOULD INDEED LEND A HELPING HAND TO FINANCIALLY SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT AND THE OPERATION OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
---0---------
PARENTS URGED NOT TO SMUGGLE CHILDREN
*****
nA.1A ™E GOVERNMENT is MOST CONCERNED AT THE RESURGENCE OF THE DANGEROUS AND ILLEGAL SMUGGLING OF CHILDREN FROM CHINA THE F°R SECURITY» THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLd’tHE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE APPEALED TO PARENTS NOT TO USE THIS ILLEGAL DANGEROUS WAY TO GET THEIR CHILDREN TO HONG KONG. ’
r>rr....tTHERE IS A SAFE ANI) LEGAL ROUTE BY MEANS OF THE ONE-WAY he said when REPLyING TO a QUESTION BY DR THE HUN HU KAM-FAI.
™.D1^ AEoulLnnS?LSAID THE SECURITY FORCES ON THE BORDER WERE KEEPING A SHARP LOOKOUT TO DEAL WITH THE RESURGENCE.
m rmiT ,EEEGAL IMMIGRANT CHILDREN THEY CATCH WILL BE RETURNED TU CH I NA,+ HE SA ID.
+ANY SNAKEHEADS CAUGHT WILL BE PROSECUTED.+
PU1I nSr1Tlu?/l2URES’ MR JEAFERESON SAID THAT 60 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MONTHREN HAD BEEN ARRESTED 0N ENTRY IN THE FIRST 18 DAYS OF THIS
THIS COMPARED WITH A TOTAL OF 70 IN THE PREVIOUS SIX MONTHS: SEVEN IN MAY, FOUR IN JUNE, FOUR IN JULY, 20 IN AUGUST, 12 IN SEPTEMBER, AND 23 IN OCTOBER. ’
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/25
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
25
IMMIGRATION EXTENSION OF STAY PROCEDURES STREAMLINED X M K X X
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE LOOKING FOR WAYS OF IMPROVING THE SERVICE PROVIDED TO CHINESE TEMPORARY RESIDENTS APPLYING FOR AN EXTENSION OF STAY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THERE WAS GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM WAS A TEMPORARY ONE AND THAT NEXT YEAR THE QUEUES WOULD START TO SHORTEN.
+TO MINIMISE THE INCONVENIENCE TO THOSE APPLICANTS WHO CANNOT BE DEALT WITH ON THE SAME DAY THEY ATTEND, THE DEPARTMENT GIVES THEM AN APPOINTMENT TO RETURN ON A LATER DAY,* HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT SINCE APRIL THE DEPARTMENT HAD DEPLOYED ADDITIONAL OFFICERS TO REINFORCE THE STAFF AT THE OFFICE IN NEW RODNEY BLOCK.
THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO MANAGED TO STREAMLINE PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS, QUEUES WERE BETTER CONTROLLED, AND AIR CONDITIONING HAD BEEN IMPROVED TO MAKE THE MORE CROWDED CONDITIONS LESS UNCOMFORTABLE.
+THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HANDLED BY THE CHINESE EXTENSION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT THE NEW RODNEY BLOCK WAS 2 500 PER DAY THIS YEAR,* HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
OFFENDERS GIVEN HELP TO CUT TRIAD LINKS * * * * *
YOUNG OFFENDERS WITH TRIAD OR GANG AFFILIATIONS ARE GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY, ASSISTANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT IN ALL THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES TO HELP THEM SEVER THEIR TRIAD LINKS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+T0 THIS END, YOUNG OFFENDERS IN CUSTODY ARE GIVEN COMPULSORY EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING, WHICH SEEKS TO STRENGTHEN BOTH THEIR SENSE OF SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND THEIR VOCATIONAL SKILLS,* HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
HE STRESSED THAT UPON RELEASE, YOUNG OFFENDERS WOULD HAVE AFTER-CARE SUPERVISION, WHERE COUNSELLING, ADVICE AND JOB PLACEMENT WAS GIVEN TO HELP THEM OVERCOME PERSONAL PROBLEMS AFTER RELEASE.
/MR JEAFFRESON
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 26 -
MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT WHEN INMATES WERE ADMITTED TO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS, THEY WERE ASKED WHETHER OR NOT THEY HAD TRIAD AFFILIATIONS. THEIR CLAIMS OR ADMISSIONS WERE USED IN DECIDING WHERE TO PUT THEM IN THE INSTITUTIONS.
+AS DIFFERENT PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE DIFFERENT REASONS FOR ADMITTING OR NOT ADMITTING TO HAVING TRIAD AFFILIATIONS IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE STATISTICS DERIVED FROM THEIR ANSWERS MUST BE VIEWED WITH A CERTAIN DEGREE OF CAUTION,* HE ADDED.
ACCORDING TO A CENSUS CONDUCTED ON THE PENAL POPULATION AS A WHOLE TOWARDS THE END OF DECEMBER 1985, 777 INMATES UNDER THE AGE OF 21 CLAIMED TO HAVE TRIAD OR GANG AFFILIATIONS, SOME 65 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION OF 1 202 YOUNG INMATES AT THAT TIME.
BUT FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1986, ONLY 51 PER CENT OF THE YOUNG OFFENDERS ADMITTED INTO CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS CLAIMED TO HAVE TRIAD OR GANG AFFILIATIONS.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID HE WAS REASONABLY CONFIDENT THAT THE FIGURES FOR 1986 WERE LIKELY TO BE LOWER THAN THOSE FOR 1984 AND 1985.
HE SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE DETENTION TRAINING CENTRE PROGRAMMES WERE REFLECTIONS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MEASURES.
FOR DETENTION CENTRES, WHERE ONE YEAR OF STATUTORY SUPERVISION WAS REQUIRED, THE SUCCESS RATE WAS 94 PER CENT - AFTER ONE YEAR.
FOR TRAINING CENTRES, WHERE THREE YEARS OF STATUTORY SUPERVISION WAS REQUIRED, THE SUCCESS RATE WAS 66 PER CENT - AFTER THREE YEARS.
♦BUT, I MUST POINT OUT THAT WHETHER A YOUNG OFFENDER WHO HAS TRIAD OR GANG AFFILIATION WANTS TO SEVER SUCH LINKS MUST ULTIMATELY DEPEND ON HIS OWN DETERMINATION,* ME JEAFFRESON EMPHASISED.
+AND THE ACCEPTANCE AND HELP OFFERED BY HIS FAMILY AND THE SOCIETY AT LARGE WILL CLEARLY HAVE A CRUCIAL BEARING ON HIS DECISION.*
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED WITH REHABILITATION AND A NUMBER OF SCHEMES WERE CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION GENERALLY.
THESE INCLUDED A RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME, A PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT SCHEME AND A PARTIALLY SUSPENDED SENTENCE SCHEME.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO NOTED THAT THE PUBLIC HAD WARMLY WELCOMED THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE’S SUGGESTION FOR A TRIAD RENOUNCI AT I ON SCHEME AND DETAILS OF HOW THAT SCHEME WOULD WORK WERE CURRENTLY BEING PREPARED.
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/27 ..
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
2?
DEFINITION OF REPLICA FIREARM POSES PROBLEM * * * * *
THE PROBLEM REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE WAS TO FIND A FULLY SATISFACTORY DEFINITION OF A REPLICA FIREARM, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE AIMED AT BANNING, EXCEPT FOR EXPORT, REPLICA FIREARMS WHICH CLOSELY RESEMBLED GENUINE FIREARMS. THIS WOULD DRAMATICALLY REDUCE THEIR AVAILABILITY FOR USE IN CRIMES IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WAS CONCERNED OVER THE DIFFICULTIES THE PUBLIC MIGHT HAVE IN DECIDING WHAT WAS A REPLICA AND WHAT WAS NOT.
THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THE PROPOSALS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE USE OF FIREARMS IN CRIME AND DRAFT LEGISLATION EARLIER THIS YEAR AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHOULD BE SOUGHT ON THIS CONTROVERSIAL AND DIFFICULT MATTER, HE SAID.
+FOLLOWING THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S ADVICE, IT WAS DECIDED THAT NO FURTHER ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN ON THE CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE LEGISLATION UNTIL A TEST CASE COULD BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS USING THE EXISTING LEGISLATION,* HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON EXPLAINED THAT UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO BE IN POSSESSION OF AN IMITATION FIREARM. HOWEVER, IN THE OPINION OF THOSE INVOLVED, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO BRING ABOUT A SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION UNLESS AN IMITATION FIREARM WAS UNQUESTIONABLY BEING USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMITTING A CRIME.
+THE TEST CASE TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS WILL TACKLE THE POINT,* HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO POINTED OUT THAT +THE EXISTING LAW DOES NOTHING TO REDUCE THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH IMITATIONS FOR CRIMINALS IN HONG KONG.*
AS REGARDS THIS POINT, HE SAID THAT THE WORKING GROUP WOULD LOOK AGAIN AT THE JAPANESE SYSTEM, WHICH DISTINGUISHED IMITATION FIREARMS FROM REAL ONES BY PRESCRIBING THAT THEY SHOULD BE COLOURED WHITE OR YELLOW.
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/28
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
28 -
ANTI-CHOLERA STRATEGY CARRIED OUT REGULARLY * * * * *
MEASURE TO IMPLEMENT STRATEGY FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL CF CHOLERA ARE BEING CARRIED OUT ON A REGULAR BASIS BY THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, INCLUDING THE URBAN SERVICES AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LEE YU-TAI, HE SAID THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION HAD ADVISED THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE STRATEGY FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF CHOLERA WAS THE MAINTENANCE OF A HIGH STANDARD OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND SANITATION, AN EFFECTIVE SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM, AND THE DIAGNOSIS, ISOLATION AND TREATMENT OF CASES.
+OUR SUCCESS IN CONTAINING THE SPREAD OF CHOLERA IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS IS IN ITSELF A TESTIMONY TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THESE MEASURES,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THE CHOLERA CASES ENCOUNTERED IN HONG KONG RECENTLY WERE OF A TYPE KNOWN AS CHOLERA EL TOR WHICH DIFFERED FROM CLASSICAL CHOLERA. HE SAID THAT IN THE CHOLERA EL TOR TYPE THERE WAS THE PRESENCE OF A CARRIER STATE, WHICH MEANT THAT INDIVIDUALS MIGHT BE HARBOURING THE BACTERIA WITHOUT SHOWING ANY SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS.
+EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT DUE TO ITS ENDEMIC NATURE AND THE EXISTENCE OF A CARRIER STATE OF THE DISEASE, THE INTRODUCTION CF CHOLERA INTO A COUNTRY CANNOT BE PREVENTED BY MEASURES SUCH AS HEALTH SCREENING OF TRAVELLERS AT POINTS OF ENTRY,+ HE SAID.
♦THUS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION’S PRACTICE AND ADVICE, HONG KONG, LIKE MANY OTHER COUNTRIES, DOES NOT REQUIRE HEALTH SCREENING OF PERSONS COMING IN FROM OTHER PLACES,+ HE ADDED.
------0-------
TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION POLICY TO CONTINUE KOK#
NATURAL DISASTER VICTIMS WILL CONTINUE TO BE ALLOWED ATnI,!r,,CSMMUNITY CENTRES ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS ^.\REVIEW 0F EX,STING POLICY LAST MONTH, THE SECRETARY ADM,N,STRATI0N» THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR LIAO STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT EFFORTS WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT FAMILIES RENDERED HOMELESS BY NATURAL DISASTER WERE PERMANENTLY REHOUSED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR ELIGIBILITY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO MINIMISE ANY DISRUPTION CAUSED TO THE OPERATION OF COMMUNITY CENTRES.
/HE SAID........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
29
HE SAID THE POLICY IMPLEMENTED SINCE SEPTEMBER 1982 WHEREBY VICTIMS OF SQUATTER AREA FIRES WERE REHOUSED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD HAVE TO REMAIN UNCHANGED IN ORDER TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENT AGAINST DELIBERATE FIRES IN URBAN SQUATTER AREAS.
+FOLLOWING A REVIEW IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR UNDERTAKEN BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO CHANGE TO THE CURRENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EMERGENCY REHOUSING OF NATURAL DISASTER VICTIMS,* HE ADDED.
MR LIAO REITERATED THAT ACCOMMODATION IN HOUSING DEPARTMENT TRANSIT CENTRES WAS ALWAYS OFFERED TO VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS.
+IN THE CASE OF FIRE VICTIMS, SUCH ACCOMMODATION IS MADE AVAILABLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CURRENT POLICY, THEY ARE TO BE PERMANENTLY REHOUSED.
+EMERGENCY ACCOMMODATION IS USUALLY ALSO PROVIDED IN NEARBY COMMUNITY CENTRES ON TEMPORARY BASIS,* HE SAID.
MR LIAO SAID THAT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, THERE HAD BEEN 33 FIRES INCLUDING THREE MAJOR ONES (TWO IN DIAMOND HILL AND ONE IN SAU MAU PING) IN URBAN AREAS.
+IN THE CASE OF THE TWO DIAMOND HILL FIRES, PART OF BOTH FIRE SITES HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SCREENED FOR CLEARANCE AND MANY SQUATTERS LIVING IN THE AFFECTED AREAS WERE, IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, ELIGIBLE FOR URBAN REHOUSING.
+THEY WERE THEREFORE OFFERED ACCOMMODATION IN URBAN TRANSIT CENTRES,* HE SAID.
AS REGARDS OTHER FIRE VICTIMS, INCLUDING THOSE LIVING OUTSIDE THE CLEARANCE AREA, MR LIAO SAID THEY WERE ELIGIBLE FOR NEW TERRITORIES REHOUSING ONLY.
HE SAID AS MANY OF THIS CATEGORY OF FIRE VICTIMS HAD DECLINED TRANSIT CENTRE ACCOMMODATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SPACE IN A COMMUNITY CENTRE HAD TO BE USED FOR TEMPORARY SHELTER.
- - 0---------
/3O.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
30
POLICY REVIEW ON DOMESTIC HELPERS COMPLETED
*****
THE REVIEW OF EXISTING POLICY ON OVERSEAS DOMESTIC HELPERS HAS PROVED TO BE A MUCH MORE COMPLICATED AND CONTENTIOUS ISSUE THAN EXPECTED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN, HE SAID THE REVIEW HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND THE RESULTS PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR ADVICE.
+THAT PROVISION SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO MAKE IT OBLIGATORY FOR FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TO RETURN TO THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE TERMINATION OF EACH CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT HAS BEEN CONSIDERED IN THIS REVIEW,+ HE ADDED.
-----o-------
LINKED CONTRACTS FOR GOVERNMENT STAFF EXPLAINED * * * *
A LINKED CONTRACT FOR GOVERNMENT CONTRACT STAFF IS OFFERED ONLY WHEN IT IS JUSTIFIED BY THE STAFFING POSITION OF THE GRADE CONCERNED. FOR OVERSEAS OFFICERS, IT MUST ALSO BE ESTABLISHED THAT A LOCAL REPLACEMENT WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE DURING THE PERIOD COVERED BY THE LINKED CONTRACT, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FAI, MR JACOBS SAID THAT LINKED CONTRACTS WERE VERY RARELY OFFERED ON FIRST APPOINTMENT, AND EVEN ON RENEWAL OF CONTRACT, SUCH TERMS HAD BECOME THE EXCEPTION RATHER THAN THE RULE.
DURING THE PERIOD 1983-84 TO 1985-86, A TOTAL OF 5 135 CONTRACTS WERE RENEWED. OF THIS NUMBER, THE DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF LINKED-CONTRACT AGREEMENTS OFFERED WERE:
YEAR OVERSEAS OFFICERS LOCAL OFFICERS
NUMBER PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS AGREEMENT OFFICERS NUMBER PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LOCAL AGREEMENT OFFICERS
1983-84 111 9.1 12 4.9
1984-85 106 8.3 6 2.0
1985-86 53 4.7 17 9.4
— —
270 35
/OF THE ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
OF THE 270 OVERSEAS OFFICERS, 180 WERE POLICE OFFICERS, 26 IN THE LEGAL GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS AND JUDICIARY AND U IN THE PROFESSIONAL GRADES IN THE HOUSING AND LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS. THE REMAINING 20 WERE IN OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT THE ADVANTAGE OF LINKED CONTRACTS WAS THAT THIS FACILITATED FORWARD PLANNING AND PROVIDED AN ELEMENT OF CONTINUITY.
+IT IS DESIGNED TO MEET SERVICE NEEDS, AND, AS SUCH, THERE ARE NO APPARENT DISADVANTAGES,* HE ADDED.
------0-------
SICK LEAVE EXTENSION UNDER STUDY H X * X *
CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO THE QUESTION WHETHER THE INITIAL PERIOD OF 91 DAYS OF SICK LEAVE WITH FULL PAY FOR CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO 120 DAYS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SZETO WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WITH MORE THAN FOUR YEARS’ SERVICE WERE ENTITLED TO MORE DAYS OF SICK LEAVE THAN THE MINIMUM STIPULATED IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
CIVIL SERVANTS WITH LESS THAN FOUR YEARS’ SERVICE WERE ENTITLED TO 91 DAYS OF SICK LEAVE WITH FULL PAY, FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER 91 DAYS WITH HALF PAY.
♦COMPARED WITH THE MINIMUM OF 120 DAYS WITH TWO-THIRDS PAY, STIPULATED IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES, THE TOTAL PAY RECEIVED BY THIS GROUP OF CIVIL SERVANTS DURING THE PERIOD OF SICKNESS IS STILL FAVOURABLE,* MR JACOBS ADDED.
------0-------
THREE BILLS PASSED
* If K K K
THE SEPARATION AND MAINTENANCE ORDERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE AFFILIATION PROCEEDINGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FOUR OTHER BILLS - THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, THE POST OFFICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO NOVEMBER 26. ----------------------------0-------
/32 .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19,
1986
32
INTERPRETATION FACILITIES, MX*
TRAINING TO BE REVIEWED * *
THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION WILL SOON EMBARK ON A REVIEW OF EXISTING FACILITIES AND THE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR INTERPRETERS SO THAT INTERPRETATION TRAINING CAN BE FURTHER EXPANDED AND IMPROVED, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE, MR PATRICK LAU, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST, MR LAU SAID THE CHIEF CONFERENCE INTERPRETER, WHO WAS NOW ON ATTACHMENT OVERSEAS TO STUDY THE LATEST METHODS OF TRAINING IN INTERPRETATION, WOULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ABOVE ON HIS RETURN.
HE SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE IMMEDIATE TASKS RELATED TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE WHICH CALLED FOR THE SERVICES OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION.
+FOLLOWING THE RATIFICATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, THE DETAILS OF A NUMBER OF PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS IN ENSURING A SMOOTH TRANSITION OF THE GOVERNMENT HAVE TO BE WORKED OUT AND CONTACTS BETWEEN OFFICIALS OF HONG KONG AND CHINA HAVE INCREASED CONSIDERABLY.
+TO SERVICE HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS, VISITS AND CONFERENCES ATTENDED BY OFFICIALS FROM CHINA, IN NOVEMBER 1985 THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION ESTABLISHED THE PUTONGHUA INTERPRETERS POOL,* HE SAID.
+CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WHO HAVE GOOD PROFICIENCY IN PUTONGHUA AND SKILFUL IN INTERPRETATION AND TRANSLATION WORK WERE DRAFTED INTO THE POOL TO PERFORM PUTONGHUA INTERPRETATION,* HE ADDED.
MR LAU SAID TO COPE WITH THE GROWING DEMAND FOR QUALITY PUTONGHUA INTERPRETATION SERVICES, THE DIVISION INTENDED TO RECRUIT EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS WHO WERE PROFICIENT IN PUTONGHUA, ENGLISH AND CANTONESE, WHILE TRAINING OF SERVING MEMBERS OF THE PUTONGHUA INTERPRETERS POOL WAS INTENSIFIED.
HE ADDED THAT THE DIVISION ALSO HAD CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WHO WERE PROFICIENT IN OTHER DIALECTS INCLUDING SHANGHAI, CHIU CHOW, TOI SHAN, HAKKA, AMOY, HAINAN AND HOKLO TO SERVE CLIENT DEPARTMENTS FROM TIME TO TIME IN INTERVIEWS WITH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO DID NOT SPEAK CANTONESE.
MR LAU NOTED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN 1982 HAD MARKED A NOTABLE IMPETUS ON THE DEMAND FOR TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT.
/MR UU.........
33
MR LAU POINTED OUT THAT THE INTERPRETER (SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION) GRADE, ORIGINALLY ESTABLISHED IN 1972 TO SERVICE MEETINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HAD GROWN FROM FOUR POSTS TO 15 POSTS AND HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS DISTRICT BOARDS. ALL MAJOR GOVERNMENT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, AND PRESS CONFERENCES AS WELL.
+THE NUMBER OF MEETINGS SERVED BY OUR SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETERS HAS RISEN DRAMATICALLY FROM 283 IN 1981-82 TO 861 IN 1985-86, AND IT IS LIKELY TO REACH 1 OOO BY THE END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR,+ HE SAID.
MR LAU POINTED OUT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF MORE ADJOURNMENT DEBATES IN THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD ALSO CREATED ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON THE MANPOWER OF THE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SECTION AS MORE INTERPRETERS WERE REQUIRED TO TACKLE THE LONG DEBATES WHICH BY NOW HAD BECOME A FEATURE OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL SCENE.
+THE DEVELOPMENT OF A REPRESENTATIVE AND MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT HAS ENTAILED MORE FREQUENT CONSULTATION WITH THE PUBLIC ON MORE ISSUES,+ HE SAID.
+PAPERS AND DOCUMENTS FOR PRESENTATION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, DISTRICT BOARDS, AND OTHER BOARDS AND COMMITTEES ARE NOW PROVIDED IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
+MY STAFF ARE CONSTANTLY RACING AGAINST TIME TO TRANSLATE URGENT DOCUMENTS WHICH ARE OF WIDE PUBLIC INTEREST TO ENSURE THAT THE CHINESE VERSION CAN BE PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED CONCURRENTLY WITH THE ENGLISH VERSION WHENEVER POSSIBLE,+ HE SAID.
APART FROM PROVIDING TRANSLATION AND INTERPRETATION SERVICES, MR LAU SAID THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION ALSO PLAYED THE ROLE OF A WATCHDOG ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS COMPLIED WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE USE OF CHINESE IN ITS BUSINESS, TO ACHIEVE WIDER USE OF CHINESE OF A HIGH STANDARD WHICH SHOULD ALSO BE WELL PRESENTED AND READILY UNDERSTOOD BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
REGARDING SUGGESTIONS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A MORE ACTIVE LFAD IN PROMOTING THE USE OF CHINESE IN AREAS BEYOND OFFICIAL COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC, MR LAU SAID THESE WERE BEING CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE POLICY BRANCHES AND DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 34 -
HF SAID THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION, THE PUBLICATION IN LARGE NUMBER OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS BILINGUALLY AND CONCURRENTLY, TOGETHER WITH THE VARIOUS MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION, WERE AMPLE PROOF OF THE EARNESTNESS OF THE GOVERNMENT IN PURSUING ITS CHINESE LANGUAGE POLICY.
ON THE BILINGUAL LAWS PROJECT, MR LAU SAID IT WAS UNDER THE AMBIT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BUT HE NOTED THAT THE EXISTING NON-LAWYER MEMBERS OF THE DRAFTING TEAM IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WORKING ON THIS PROJECT WERE DRAWN FROM THE RANKS OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS.
+IT IS LIKELY THAT IT WILL TAKE QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT CAN TURN ITS ATTENTION TO PRODUCING AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXTS OF LEGISLATION ALREADY ENACTED,+ HE SAID.
+THE LAW TRANSLATION WORK OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION WILL THEREFORE CONTINUE, AND, AS THERE IS STILL A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF ORDINANCES OF PUBLIC INTEREST WHICH HAVE NOT YET BEEN TRANSLATED INTO CHINESE, THIS ASPECT OF WORK OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE FOR QUITE SOME TIME,+ HE ADDED.
- - 0
NORTH POINT SITE SOLD FOR $645 MILLION X X X X M
A NORTH POINT PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD AND BRAEMAR HILL ROAD WAS SOLD FOR $645 MILLION AT AN AUCTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
BIDDING OPENED AT $450 MILLION.
THE SITE, MEASURING 15 380 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO BOATSWAIN ENTERPRISES LIMITED.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER MUST COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 46 200 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1092.
A SITE AT 20 NAM ON STREET, SHAU KEI WAN, WAS BOUGHT BY YEE SHUN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED FOR $16.1 MILLION.
BIDDING STARTED AT $9 MILLION.
/THE 322.1 SQUARE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 35 -
THE 322.1 SQUARE METRES SITE IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE. A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 1 760 SQUARE METRES MUST BE DEVELOPED BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1989.
A SITE AT 34 NEW MARKET STREET, SHEUNG WAN, WAS SOLD TO DONBRIDGE ENTERPRISES LIMITED FOR #3.1 MILLION AFTER BIDDING OPENED AT #2 MILLION.
THE SITE IS ALSO FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE.
UNDER SALE CONDITIONS, NOT LESS THAN 220 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA MUST BE BUILT ON THE 132.9 SQUARE METRES SITE BEFORE THE END OF 1989.
THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR BOB POPE, WHO SAID AFTERWARDS* + IT WAS A VERY GOOD SALE WHICH SHOWED THE CONTINUING BUOYANCY OF THE VERY STRONG PROPERTY MARKET.*
THE CITY HALL THEATRE WAS PACKED FOR THE AUCTION WHICH LASTED FOR JUST UNDER 45 MINUTES.
-------0----------
TRADE SECTOR INFORMED OF IMPORT BAN
*****
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SENT OUT A CIRCULAR LETTER TO THE TRADE SECTOR CONCERNING THE LICENSING CONDITIONS FOR IMPORT OF PROHIBITED GOODS FROM SOUTH AFRICA.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS FOLLOWED THE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THF FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT IN ADDITION TO GOLD COINS, PRODUCTS OF IRON AND STEEL WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO BE IMPORTED FROM SOUTH AFRICA WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 21, 1986.
+A LICENCE TO IMPORT FROM SOUTH AFRICA ANY ARTICLE SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE TO THE IMPORT PROHIBITION (SOUTH AFRICA) (NO 2) REGULATIONS 1986 SHALL NOT BE ISSUED UNLESS THE DIRECTOR OF( TRADE IS SATISFIED THAT THE IMPORTATION OF THE ARTICLE IS PURSUANT TO OR IN FURTHERANCE OF A CONTRACT MADE BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF ■THESE REGULATIONS, THAT IS BEFORE NOVEMBER 21, 1986; THE ARTICLE * DID NOT ORIGINATE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA. OR IN THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE A LICENCE SHOULD BE ISSUED,* HE SAID.
THE IMPORT PROHIBITION (SOUTH AFRICA) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1986 WERE APPLICABLE TO GOODS EXPORTED FROM THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA AND TRANSHIPPED VIA HONG KONG TO OTHER DESTINATIONS.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ISSUE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXT ILFS) SECTION OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IN ROOM 1322, 18TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, OR ON TELEHPONE NOS. 3-7222508, 3-7222520 AND 3-7222521.
------0-------
/36......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
36
SECOND QUARTER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX PUBLISHED ******
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986, AT 144.3, WAS 19.7 POINTS OR 15.8 PER CENT ABOVE THAT IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1985, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THE INDEX SHOWED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 27.5 POINTS OR 23.5 PER CENT. THIS WAS PARTLY DUE TO SEASONAL EFFECTS AS THE FIRST QUARTER HAD FEWER WORKING DAYS BECAUSE OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.
MANY INDUSTRIES REPORTED AN INCREASE IN PRODUCTION OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1985, NOTABLY TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+43.0 PER CENT)j WEARING APPAREL (+25.1 PER CENT)’ PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+23.8 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (+23.1 PER CENT).
SHIP RENOVATION AND REPAIRING1, WOMEN’S AND GIRLS’ BLOUSES’ MEN’S AND BOYS’ SHIRTS AND T-SHIRTS’ KNITWEAR- MECHANICAL AND • ELECTRONIC WATCHES AND CLOCKS WERE AMONG THOSE PRODUCTS OR INDUSTRIAL SERVICES WITH A SIGNIFICANT RISE IN OUTPUT.
INDUSTRIES WITH A DECREASE IN PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1985 WERE RUBBER PRODUCTS (-20.1 PER CENT)’ TOBACCO (-16.1 PER CENT)’ AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PARTS, ACCESSORIES AND MACHINERY (-2.4 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, ALMOST ALL INDUSTRIES RECORDED A SIGNIFICANT RISE IN THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION. THE MOST MARKED INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+51.2 PER CENT), TEXTILES (+45.9 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+41.6 PER CENT). PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+40.3 PER CENT), BEVERAGES (+28.1 PER CENT) AND NON-ELECTRICAL MACHINERY (+27.2 PER CENT).
ONLY THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT DROP OF 21.0 PER CENT IN PRODUCTION OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. ACCORDING TO SOME MANUFACTURERS, THIS WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO LOWER DEMAND FROM CHINA.
/in releasing........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
- 37 -
THAT IS REMOVING
IN RELEASING THESE FIGURES, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE LEVELS AND TRENDS OF OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS TO SAY THAT THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTE& THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
TWO TABLES ON THE QUARTERLY INDEXES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986 ARE INCLUDED. ONE IS A SUMMARY TABLE FOR BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS, WHILE THE OTHER GIVES MORE DETAILED INDUSTRY BREAKDOWNS.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, SECOND QUARTER 1986+.
THE PUBLICATION IS ON SALE AT S3 A COPY AND CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS 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 DES 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 ON 3-7224504.
/Table 1 ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
38
Table I Summary table of quarterly Indexes of industrial production by broad industry group, 2nd quarter 1983 to 2nd quarter 1986
(1981 - 100)
Broad industry group Weight 1983 1984 1985 1983 1984 1985 1986
20 3Q 4Q IQ 2Q 3Q 4Q IQ 2Q 3Q ‘ 4Q IQ 2Q
1. Food, beverages and tobacco 14.8 110.9 119.0 138.5 105.0 121.5 122.6 102.9 122.8 126.6 123.6 125.6 133.6 145.1 149.7 136 J 144.4
2. Wearing apparel, except knitwear and footwear 251.3 106.0 113.8 105.0 109.8 108.8 115.6 104.3 114.1 115.9 120.7 95.3 97.1 104.6 122.8 102.5 121.5
3. Textiles (including knitting) 127.4 103.5 115.0 119.6 109.3 117.1 110.8 99.6 119.5 120.7 120.1 85.9 119.6 132.3 140.7 100.9 147.2
. Paper products and prlnt 1 ng 61.1 133.1 157.1 156.8 132.3 148.n 141.7 121.4 160.2 177.4 169.3 139.2 157.9 163.5 166.5 141.0 178.4
5. Chemical , rubber, plantic and non-aetalllc mineral products nn.o 120.8 160.3 160.5 129.5 118.3 122.6 113.2 153.0 199.9 175.1 134.6 163.9 183.0 160.5 134.8 182.8
6. Beale met al a, fabricated metal products and nonelectrical machinery 104.1 105.1 132.2 130.8 106.6 112.1 111.2 113.1 139.1 151.9 124.8 108.1 140.5 136.2 138.2 107.4 154.2
7. Electrical and electronic producta, professional equipment and optical goods 216.2 123.7 133.5 128.9 121.5 133.5 142.2 109.3 126.7 143.0 155.1 118.8 129.1 129.7 138.1 126.1 143.2
8. Miscellaneous manufacturing 1ndustriew 94.9 117.6 154.6 114.1 112.4 118.4 141.6 119.1 145.1 168.3 185.8 104.5 105.7 121.8 124.5 121.1 125.7
All manufacturing Industries iooo.n 113.9 132.0 126.0 116.0 122.5 125.4 109.1 130.5 144.5 143.7 109.5 124.6 132.1 137.9 116.8 144.3
/liable 2
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
39
Quarterly indexes nf Industrial production by industry group ___________2nd quarter 1983 to 2nd guarterl986__________
Table 2
(1981 - 100)
1983 1984 1985 1986
industry group Weight 1983 1984 1985
20 3Q 4Q 10 20 30 40 10 20 30 *0 IQ 20
l.l 1.2 Food 20.5 120.5 119.1 135.4 110.3 126.3 139.2 108.3 123.5 121.9 122.6 128.9 129.9 135.1 147.8 143.4 154.4
Beverage 9.6 98.0 109.5 107 .6 106.6 128.3 95.1 74.7 124.4 140.2 98.5 80.7 112.8 134.6 102.2 89.6 114.8
1.3 2 Tobacco 4.7 251.3 95.3 137.9 215.1 78.9 86.5 106.4 137.1 116.3 119.2 178.9 203.2 191.9 209.8 255.3 203.8 161.1
Wearing apparel, except knitwear and footwear 106 .0 113.8 105.0 109.8 108.8 115.6 104.3 114.1 115.9 120.7 95.3 97.1 104.6 122.8 102.5 121.5
3 Textiles (Including knitting) 127.4 103.5 115.0 119.6 109.3 117.1 110.8 99.6 119.5 120.7 120.1 85.9 119.6 132.3 140.7 100.9 147.2
4.1 Paper and paper products 11.9 182.5 240.2 223.8 187.7 191.0 207.6 190.9 255.7 270.9 243.4 187.6 232.4 263.2 212.1 187.8 263.5
4.2 Newspaper printing, job printing and 49.4 121.2 137.1 140.7 118.9 137.7 125.8 104.7 137.2 154.9 151.5 127.6 140.0 139.5 155.5 129.7 157.9
other printing
5.1 Chemicals and chemical products 15.1 125.3 133.2 160.5 132.2 131.0 132.7 124.8 116.3 147.9 143.6 148.5 153.9 164.5 175.1 152.1 179.6
5.2 Rubber products 3.2 134.6 150.4 122.4 121.6 140.) 173.3 108.5 141.1 158.3 193.7 99.6 144.1 116.5 129.4 87.5 115.1
5.3 5.4 Plastic products 81.1 121.1 174.0 169.7 132.0 143.3 119.3 114.0 168.0 225.0 189.1 139.0 174.0 199;6 166.0 137 .6 194 .8
Non-metal11c mineral products 10.6 108.5 97.0 102.2 108.4 109.8 117.7 91 .R 93.7 94.9 107.4 91.6 107.2 102.9 107.2 102.7 115.5
6.1 Basic metals 9.0 109.7 98.1 89.9 112.6 119.5 109.1 94.4 99.8 97.7 100.4 70.3 89.8 95.7 103.7 79.) 90.9
6.2 Fabricated metal 77.0 95.9 138.1 133.2 94.8 104.2 103.0 114.1 146.9 165.9 125.6 110.0 142.8 139.0 140.9 104.3 157.7
products, except machinery and equipment
6.3 Machinery, except electrical 18.1 141.9 124.2 140.7 154.1 142.3 147.1 118.4 125.2 119.5 133.6 118.8 155.7 144.3 144.0 134.4 170.9
7.1 Consumer electrical and electronic products 103.2 113.1 130.0 134.9 107.9 123.1 128.0 116.0 134.3 164.6 185.2 128.9 138.2 124.7 147.6 135.2 151.8
7.2 Electrical and electronic parte, accessorise and 60.3 114.3 105.0 99.8 118.5 123.1 137.0 87.5 105.8 110.8 115.9 95.6 101.6 107.7 94.4 83.0 99.2
machinery
7.3 Professional and aclentlfic 52.7 153.2 133.8 150.6 159.6 165.9 176.1 12)1.1 135.8 137.5 140.9 125.5 142.7 164.8 169.4 157 .6 176.6
equipment, photographic and optical gooda, watches and clocks
8.1 Leather products and footwear (except rubber, plaatlc and 12.2 72.8 67.9 66.4 70.8 74.5 94.4 60.7 74.3 65.2 71.3 50.3 69.8 74.5 70.8 74.2 80.9
wt^oden footwear)
8.2 Wood and cork producta, and furniture aftd fixtures (except primarily of metal) 18.5 83.1 83.7 86.9 87.5 85.4 89.7 85.1 81.8 85.0 83 .(f 87.9 83.3 83.6 92.8 86.0 94.9
8.3 Transport equlpment 27.0 98.5 133.2 113.0 95.0 98.0 117.2 III.7 118.4 155.3 147.5 109.2 112.6 118.4 111.6 150.5 161.0
8.4 Hi ace 1Laneoua manufacturing industries. 37.2 163.3 233.8 144.3 151 .0 164.1 200.5 160.6 219.2 252.9 302.3 127.2 123.7 158.8 167.3 132.7 130.1
n.e.c.
All manufacturing industries 1000.0 113.9 132.0 126.0 116.0 122.5 125.4 109.1 130.5 144.5 143.7 109.5 124.6 132.1 137.9 1)6.8 144.3
— — — - 0 — —.
/40
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
40
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO MEET ON TUESDAY * * * *
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS FIRST OPEN MEETING OF THE NEW SESSION ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
THE MEETING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER WILL START AT 2.15 PM.
TWO FURTHER MEETINGS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 26 AND 28, BOTH STARTING AT 8.30 AM.
THE MEETINGS FOLLOW THE TABLING OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT IN THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). CONTROLLING OFFICERS WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER QUESTIONS THAT MAY BE RAISED ON POINTS MADE IN THE REPORT.
- - 0 - -
WHOLESOME RECREATION ORGANISED FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS
*****
A TWO-WEEK RECREATION AND SPORTS FESTIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
CALLED THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT IT IS AIMED AT PROVIDING WHOLESOME ENTERTAINMENT AND ACTIVITIES ’ FOR THE PUBLIC.
EVENTS INCLUDE A FOLK DANCE RALLY, VARIETY SHOW, MODERN DANCE PERFORMANCE, SPORTS COMPETITIONS AND VARIOUS DEMONSTRATIONS.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL, A SHUTTLECOCK TEAM FROM CHINA WILL COMPETE AGAINST A TEAM FROM THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SHUTTLECOCK ASSOCIATION AT THE MACPHERSON INDOOR STADIUM.
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE STADIUM.
THE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT TO BE HELD AT 7 PM TOMORROW AT MACPHERSON INDOOR STADIUM, 10 YIM PO FONG STREET.
---0-----
/41
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
41
DISABLED STUDENTS TO GET SCHOLARSHIPS
*****
TEN STUDENTS WILL BE AWARDED THE 1986 SHELL-ISLAND JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DISABLED TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE SCHOLARSHIP WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1981 IS AIMED AT SELECTING 10 OUTSTANDING HANDICAPPED STUDENTS WITH OVERALL GOOD ACADEMIC RESULTS AND CONDUCT, AND WHO HAD DEMONSTRATED ENTHUSIASM IN RENDERING SERVICES TO SCHOOLS AND THE COMMUNITY.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION,MR MICHAEL LEUNG, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED, MR H.G. WEBB-PEPLOE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SCHOLARSHIP AT SHELL HOUSE, 10TH FLOOR, 24 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT 3 PM TOMORROW.
------0--------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS EDUCATION REPORT * * * *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE SECOND REPORT OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE REVIEW OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM (JSEAS) AT THE MEETING.
REPORTS ON THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT NEWSPAPER PUBLICATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND ON THE PLANNED WELFARE FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE COMMITTEE’S Y.EAR PLAN FOR AND THE SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS IN 1986-87.
THIS IS THE FIRST MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE FOLLOWING A MERGER OF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEES.
THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE IS MR LAI KWOK-HUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ON THE BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
------o--------
2.30 PM TOMORROW IN THE 14TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR
/42........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1986
42
TAI PO HOLDING QUIZ FOR STUDENTS * * * *
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DAY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TAI PO ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A QUIZ COMPETITION ON THE DISTRICT.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, THE CONTEST IS AIMED AT ENHANCING STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE OLD AND NEW TAI PO.
THE QUIZ CONSISTS OF 45 QUESTIONS ON HISTORY, RELICS, SCENIC SPOTS, HOUSING ESTATES, NEW DEVELOPMENTS AND OTHER ASPECTS.
BOOK COUPONS OF $200 TO $500 WILL BE AWARDED TO THREE PRIZE WINNERS AND 10 OUTSTANDING ENTRANTS WILL EACH RECEIVE A $100 BOOK
COUPON
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT SCHOOLS IN TAI PO AND AT DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRES.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 30.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON O-658652O.
----0-----
JOINT EXERCISE * X
A JOINT GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 20, 25 AND 26. THIS IS ONE OF A SERIES OF ROUTINE EXERCISES DESIGNED TO TEST THE USE OF GOVERNMENT, POLICE AND MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS.
THERE WILL BE NO DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE OR MILITARY UNITS ON THE GROUND DURING THE EXERCISE, AND THERE WILL BE NO INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC OR INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
- - 0 - -
PROHIBITED ZONE IN WAN CHAI XXX
NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING FOUR TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF SPRING GARDEN LANE BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND CROSS STREET FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
THE MEASURE, TO BE IMPLEMENTED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS, IS TO FACILITATE THE CONNECTION OF DRAINS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SEPTEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT .. 1
SIR DAVID DETAILS RAPID GROWTH IN TRADE WITH BELGIUM........ 4
MARITIME LAWS BEING LOCALISED — AG ......................... 5
RABBIT GOLD COIN TO COMPLETE COMMEMORATIVE SET ............. 6
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION MOVES TO KWUN TONG .............. 9
CONTRACT LET FOR ROUTE 5 TUNNEL LIGHTING ................... 10
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HANDICAPPED STUDENTS ............... 10
THREE-PRONGED CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMOKING ..................... 11
eastern district anti-narcotics fortnight .................. 12
REMINDER TO RETURN REQUISITION FORMS ....................... 13
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE VARIOUS ISSUES ............ 13
DB HIMBERS TO VISIT TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE................... 14
DB MEMBERS VISIT FIRE STATION .............................. 14
CONTRACTORS REMINDED ABOUT ILLEGAL BLASTING ................ 15
SOUTHERN MODEL CITIZENS TO RECEIVE aWARDS .................. 15
NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR OUTSTANDING ELDERLIES ............... 16
EASTERN HOLDING ROaD SAFETY DAY ON SUNDAY................... 17
SIX GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET................................. 18
FREE CONCERTS OVER THE WEEKEND ............................. 19
SHUTTLECOCK GAME OPENS ACTIVE FORTNIGHT .................... 19
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR FUNCTION AT HK STaDIUM ................. 20
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1966
1
SEPTEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT X * K * K
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) IN THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR AS A WHOLE HAD RISEN IN SEPTEMBER 1986 COMPARED WITH THAT OF SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR BUT WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW THAT OF AUGUST THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS WERE REPORTED BY THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, TEXTILES AND WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRIES. THE VOLUME OF ORDERS IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, HOWEVER, DROPED CONSIDERABLY.
COMPARED WITH AUGUST, THE TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES SHOWED AN INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS. WHILE THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS, WEARING APPAREL AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES REPORTED A DECLINE IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS.
THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR FELL IN SEPTEMBER 1986 COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. IT WAS ALSO BELOW THE LEVEL IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH MAINLY DUE TO THE DEPARTURE OF SUMMER WORKERS.
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN BOTH PAYROLL AND CAPITA EARNINGS IN SEPTEMBER 1986 OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR WERE RECORDED IN THE INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
THE SEPTEMBER 1986 PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE LATTER INDUSTRY WERE ALSO SI GN IFICIANTLY ABOVE THOSE IN AUGUST, DUE TO THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES BY SOME FIRMS.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT OVER THE PREVIOUS MONTH AS SOME FIRMS STARTED NEW PROJECTS IN SEPTEMBER. HOWEVER, EMPLOYMENT WAS STILL BELOW THAT OF THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THOSE IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
/THE LEVEL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 201 1986
2
«s suGHTF^E.LE?;eE!r,:AL?YSNTTH!!"sIS| SWff SfrS ?hTE BANKo RERISERING RELATIVELY LARGER INCREASES COMPARED WIT
EH MSPREV,0US M0NTH' H0WEVER' THERE LITTL^ cXPER|N OVERALL
I l_ I io •
PA/R0LL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ?AeTEvr^ 1986 WERE generally HIGHER LAST YEAR. IN THE CASE OF PUBLIC UTI WERE SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THOSE TO THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES.
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS IN THAN THOSE IN THE SAME MONTH LITIES, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE PRECEDING MONTH DUE
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES.
employment and per
f
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 THE MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, ALTHOUGH THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO GIVE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER 1986 IS ON SALE AT THE *2nE?^uT PLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING MO AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, AT Si.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 8-7212854. ucrMniiicni
/A. Orderson-hand in ........
4
-J - TMWY, rOVSfBSR 20, 1986
A. Orders-on-hand in manufacturing industries Orders-on-hand
Industry in terms of months for September 1986 % increase/ decrease over Aug. 86 Sep. 83
Wearing apparel Textiles Plastic products Fabricated metal products Electrical and electronic products Others All above industries 4.80 2.62 3-10 4.01 5.05 4.41 4 .j4 -2 9 3 20 -3 -22 1 23 -1 2 • * -1 4
B. Employment and earnings
Persons engaged at the end of September 1986 % increase/ decrease over Per capita earnings % increase/ aa in decrease over September 1986
Industry/Serv ices Aug. 86 fog- (HKS) Aug. 86 Sep. 83
Manufacturing -2 -1 1332 1 12 MM.
Food and drinks -1 1 4 329 5 1<»
Wearing apparel -2 -8 2 791 -2 12
Textiles -1 1 3 *»62 -1 14
Plastic products -6 6 3 306 13 23
Fabricated metal -2 -5 3 166 6 1<4
products
Electrical and -2 3 3 039 -2 7
electronic products
Others -1 ♦ <♦ ‘♦26 2 10
Construction** 2 '♦ 783 -1 6
Services • 2 6 178 2 8
Banks • 5 5 359 8
Hotels 1 -1 3 857 -1 9
Public utilities • -3 6 608 11 7
Others 1 5 7 178 -11 8
* Changes within ^0.5%
** Persons engaged cover company employees only; labour-only sub-contractors nof included. site workers employed by
Note : Unlike "orders-on-hand” and ’’per capita earnings” which are average figures, the total no. of persons engaged by the films surveyed is not meaningful information on its own because this is a panel survey and is therefore not shown.
- 0 - -
A
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
SIR DAVID DETAILS RAPID GROWTH IN *****
TRADE WITH BELGIUM
TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BELGIUM IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1986 INCREASED RAPIDLY TO OVER U.S.$280 MILLION, 23 PER CENT MORE THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE SUDDEN SURGE COMPARED WITH AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF LESS THAN ONE PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS FIVE YEARS.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS INCREASE IN TWO-WAY TRADE WAS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT A LUNCHEON RECEPTION HELD IN BRUSSELS TODAY (THURSDAY) TO ANNOUNCE THE FORMATION OF THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY THERE.
SIR DAVID SAID THE INCREASE NOT ONLY REFLECTED A RISING TREND IN BELGIUM’S TRADE WITH THE FAR EAST BUT ALSO SHOWED THAT THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WAS GOING THROUGH ANOTHER CYCLE OF EXPANSION. ECONOMIC GROWTH WAS FORECAST TO REACH 5.6 PER CENT THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 0.8 PER CENT IN 1985, HE NOTED.
+BUT PERHAPS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC FACTOR, AND THE ONE WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT INDICATOR OF THE POLITICAL MOOD - THE CONFIDENCE FACTOR - IS THE SIGNIFICANT REVIVAL IN INVESTMENT INTENTIONS,* HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO CONTINUING EXPANSION OF PRIVATE INVESTMENT, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO INVESTING IN, AND DEVELOPING THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OF HONG KONG, BUILDING ROADS, TUNNELS, BRIDGES AND WHARVES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG, BEING AN OPEN AND UNRESTRICTED MARKET FOR FOREIGN GOODS, ALSO OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTMENT AND TRADE IN SERVICES TO SERVE THE WHOLE PACIFIC REGION.
NOTING THAT BELGIAN INTERESTS HAD BEEN PRESENT IN HONG KONG’S BANKING, FINANCIAL, INSURANCE AND MANUFACTURING SECTORS FOR A CONSIDERABLE TIME, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THERE WAS AN ADDED DIMENSION: FOR THOSE WISHING TO DO BUSINESS WITH CHINA, HONG KONG HAD NOT ONLY THE EXPERTISE AND THE NECESSARY FACILITIES.
♦IT ALSO HAS THE IRREPLACEABLE ADVANTAGE OF PROXIMITY TO THIS GROWING MARKET, AND A KNOWLEDGE OF THE LANGUAGE AND COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS, MECHANISMS AND LAWS OF CHINA,* HE SAID.
ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT +IT IS THE OBJECTIVE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT THE SYSTEM - THE FAMILIAR HONG KONG SYSTEM OF LAWS, FREEDOMS, RELATIONSHIPS AND CAPITALIST ECONOMY - SHOULD CONTINUE FOR 50 YEARS AFTER 1997.+
/HE .SAID..........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
- 5 -
HE SAID THAT THE OBJECTIVE WAS BEING ASSURED BY THE PROGRESS MADE THROUGH JOINT LIAISON BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THE AGREEMENT IN THE 18 MONTHS SINCE THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS REGISTERED IN THE UNITED NATIONS.
♦THE DECISION MADE THIS APRIL THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BECOME THE 91ST CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GATT IS A SIGNIFICANT EXAMPLE OF 'HE AUTONOMY WHICH HONG KONG WILL ENJOY AFTER 1997,+ SIR DAVID POINTED OUT.
AMONG OTHER MATTERS, DISCUSSION HAD ALSO BEGUN WITH CHINA AND RELEVANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS TO SECURE THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS CONCERNING HONG KONG.
FURTHERMORE, PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INDEPENDENT SHIPPING REGISTER, AND LAND WAS NOW SOLD WITH LEASES WHICH RUN UNTIL THE YEAR 2047.
+THESE ARE SOLID ACHIEVEMENTS MADE POSSIBLE IN THE SHORT TIME SINCE THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS SIGNED BY THE GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION OF THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENTS WHICH UNDERLINES THE SPIRIT OF THE AGREEMENT,+ SIR DAVID STRESSED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO MENTIONED THE GOVERNMENT’S REVIEW NEXT YEAR ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID THE UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH HONG KONG WOULD BE GOVERNED AFTER 1997 CALLED FOR AN IMAGINATIVE APPROACH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS FUTURE STRUCTURE.
THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY HAS BEEN FORMED TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND CULTURAL LINKS. MORE THAN 70 REPRESENTATIVES OF BELGIAN BANKS AND COMPANIES WHICH HAVE LINKS WITH HONG KONG ATTENDED TODAY’S LUNCH, HOSTED BY HONG KONG’S MINISTER FOR COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WItA THE EEC, MR PETER TSAO, WHO IS BASED IN BRUSSELS.
------0 ------
MARITIME LAWS BEING LOCALISED -- AG M * * X M
THE +LOCALISATION+ OF MARITIME LAWS HAS ALREADY COMMENCED, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE INSTITUTE CF SEA TRANSPORT, MR THOMAS SAID THAT THESE LAWS INCI JDED THE SEAFARER’S BILL AND LEGISLATIONS TO IMPLEMENT THE SAFETY Ci LIFE AT SEA CONVENTION (SOLAS).
/HOWEVER, HE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
- 6
HOWEVER HE POINTED OUT THAT +THE TASK IS COMPLICATED BY THE FACT THAT SOME OF THE LAWS WHICH WE SHALL BE ’LOCALISING’ WILL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO FURTHER CHANGE AND ADDITIONS AS WE GO ALONG TO IMPLEMENT INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND PROTOCOLS.*
NOTING THAT SHIPOWNERS AND OTHERS MIGHT FEEL THAT THEY HAD A HARD ENOUGH TIME IN KEEPING UP WITH THE LAW, MR THOMAS SAID +LAW MAKERS HAVE AN EQUALLY HARD TIME IN KEEPING UP WITH THE FLOW OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS WHICH NEED TO BE IMPLEMENTED BY LOCAL LEGISLATION.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT TO MAKE IT EASIER TO DISENTANGLE OURSELVES FROM THE U.K. LEGISLATIVE REGIME, THE HONG KONG (LEGISLATIVE POWERS) ORDER 1986 WAS MADE EARLIER THIS YEAR UNDER THE HONG KONG ACT 1985.
THIS GAVE, FOR THE FIRST TIME, THE LEGISLATURE OF HONG KONG POWER TO REPEAL U.K. ENACTMENTS AND TO PASS LAWS HAVING EXTRATERRITORIAL EFFECT, THUS SAVING TIME WHEN LOCALISING AN ORDINANCE, HE ADDED.
-------o ---------
RABBIT GOLD COIN TO COMPLETE COMMEMORATIVE SET X X M * K
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE ISSUE OF THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT GOLD COIN - THE TWELFTH AND LAST COIN IN THE CURRENT SERIES OF GOLD COINS COMMEMORATING THE 12 LUNAR YEARS WHICH CORRESPOND TO THE YEARS 1976-1987.
THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE COINS COMMEMORATING THE ROYAL VISITS OF 1975 AND 1986, COMPLETES THE SET OF 14 HONG KONG COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COINS.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE LATEST ISSUE OF Si 000 GOLD COINS WILL BE IN LIMITED QUANTITIES. WORLDWIDE MINTAGE IS LIMITED TO 32 000 GOLD COINS, OF WHICH 12 000 ARE PROOF AND 20 000 ARE UNCIRCULATED.
OF THIS TOTAL, 22 000, CONSISTING OF 9 500 PROOF AND 12 500 UNCIRCULATED COINS, HAVE BEEN SET ASIDE FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM DECEMBER 1 AT ALL OFFICES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION. APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE AT 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY DECEMBER 13.
/A GOVERNS !JiT......
THURSDAY, NOVFXBER 20, 1986
7 -
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROOF VERSION OF THE COIN IS PRICED AT #3 300 WHILE THE BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED COIN COSTS 32 200. THESE ARE THE PRICES AT WHICH THE COCKEREL, THE DOG, THE PIG, THE RAT, THE OX, THE TIGER AND THE 1986 ROYAL VISIT COINS WERE SOLD.
♦THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE IS THE SAME AS THAT OF PREVIOUS YEARS IN THAT CHEQUES ON PERSONAL ACCOUNTS WILL BE ACCEPTED AS WELL AS BANKER’S CASHIER ORDERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+HOWEVER, APPLICATIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO RESIDENTS WITH A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD. IN THE EVENT OF OVER-SUBSCRIPTION A BALLOT WILL BE HELD,* HE ADDED.
STRUCK IN 22 CARAT GOLD, EACH COIN MEASURES 28.4 MM IN DIAMETER AND WEIGHS 15.976 GRAMS. EACH COIN WILL BE PACKAGED IN A PLASTIC SCREW TOP CAPSULE AND SUPPLIED WITH A PRESENTATION CASE AND SOUVENIR BOOKLET.
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THE GOLD COINS ARE HELD IN A SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT AND ARE USED TO HELP FINANCE CAREFULLY SELECTED PROJECTS.
THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TOWARDS PREVIOUS PROJECTS:
QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM 315.0 MILLION
SILVER JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE 356.9 MILLION
FLATS FOR THE ELDERLY 332.5 MILLION
GRANT TO THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE 328.5 MILLION
A SUM OF 3200 MILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED FROM THE SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT FOR THE FUNDING OF THE SHA TIN INFIRMARY. THE 700-BED INFIRMARY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1990.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED RESIDENTS TO HAND IN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS EARLY. COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH BANKER’S CASHIER ORDERS OR CROSSED CHEQUES DATED NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 13 AND MADE PAYABLE TO *HONG KONG GOVERNMENT 1987 SPECIAL COIN ACCOUNT*, MUST REACH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING BRANCHES OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION BY 12.30 PM ON THAT DAY:
1 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG
40-50 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, HONG KONG
500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG
706 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG
/82-84 NATHAN .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
- 8 -
82-84 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON
673 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK
1 YUE MAN SQUARE, KWUN TONG
455-457 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN
150 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO DISCLOSED THE WORLDWIDE MINTING FIGURES OF THE 14 GOLD ISSUES IN VIEW OF RECFNT PUBLIC INTEREST. DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
YEAR TYPE PROOF UNCIRCULATED
MINTING LIMIT COINS ISSUED MINTING LIMIT COINS ISSUED
1975 ROYAL VISIT 5 000 5 000 15 000 14 995
1976 DRAGON 10 000 7 865 20 000 14 180
1977 SNAKE 10 000 7 054 20 000 13 179
1978 HORSE 10 000 9 747 20 000 16 057
1979 GOAT 10 000 10 000 20 000 20 000
1980 MONKEY 13 000 13 000 27 000 27 000
1981 COCKEREL 22 000 17 226 33 000 22 564
1982 DOG 22 000 15 642 33 000 20 156
1983 PIG 2.2 000 8 109 33 000 11 143
1984 RAT 10 000 9 027 20 000 12 471
1985 OX 10 000 8 675 20 000 11 343
1986 TIGER 10 000 7 500* 20 000 10 500*
1986 ROYAL VISIT 12 000 9 500* 20 000 12 500*
1987 RABBIT 12 000 20 000
/*■ HONG KONG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
M HONG KONG ALLOCATIONS ONLY, SINCE OVERSEAS SALES FOR THESE COINS HAVE NOT BEEN CLOSED YET.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MINTING LIMIT FOR EACH ISSUE IS THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF COINS THAT IS ALLOWED TO BE ISSUED.
♦ THE ACTUAL NUMBER ISSUED IS THE TOTAL NUMBER SOLD IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS PLUS A SMALL NUMBER KEPT BY THE GOVERNMENT AS RESERVES WHICH ARE NOT TO BE SOLD TO THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
+ALTHOUGH THE NUMBER OF COINS ISSUED WAS BELOW THE MINTING LIMIT IN SOME OF THE PREVIOUS ISSUES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES RE-OPEN THE SALES OF ANY SUCH ISSUES,* HE ADDED.
0 - -
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION MOVES TO KWUN TONG X M K X X
THE MINI FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION MOVES TO HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KWUN TONG THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
KWUN TONG IS THE SECOND OF NINE VENUES AT WHICH THE EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED THIS WINTER.
THE EXHIBITION, OPEN FROM NOON TO 3 PM, OFFERS RESIDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE CLOSELY A FIRE ENGINE AND AN AMBULANCE AND TO LEARN ABOUT FIRE PREVENTION THROUGH PICTORIAL DISPLAYS.
*THE DISPLAY OF FIRE-FIGHTING APPLIANCES ALWAYS INTERESTS THE PUBLIC, BUT IT IS THE RULES OF FIRE PREVENTION WE WANT THEM TO OBSERVE, PARTICULARLY DURING THIS DRY SEASON WHEN FIRE RISKS ARE HIGH,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP SAID.
+BY CONTINUALLY SPELLING OUT THE DANGERS OF FIRE, IT IS HOPED THAT THE MESSAGE WILL SINK IN AND PEOPLE WILL LEARN TO TAKE EXTRA CARE TO PREVENT FIRE.*
THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN PUTS SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE DANGERS OF SMOKE, AND TEACHES PEOPLE WHAT TO DO AND WHAT NOT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF FIRE.
THIS INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN A LEAFLET, DISTRIBUTED FREE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE VENUE.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO RECEIVE A CALENDAR CARD WITH FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGES, AND GIVEAWAYS SPONSORED BY KWONG ON BANK LTD.
- - o
/10
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
10
CONTRACT LET FOR ROUTE 5 TUNNEL LIGHTING M H M X
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $22.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR LIGHTING THE ROUTE 5 TUNNELS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
AT THE ENTRANCES TO THE TUNNELS, BOOST LIGHTING WILL BE PROVIDED WITHIN THE LIGHT THRESHOLD ZONES SO THAT TUNNEL USERS WILL PROGRESSIVELY ADAPT TO THE RELATIVELY LOW ILLUMINATION LEVEL INSIDE.
A LOWER WATTAGE BOOST LIGHTING SYSTEM WAS CHOSEN AS IT SAVES ON ELECTRICITY COSTS.
INSTALLATION WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED AND WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1989.
THREE OTHER ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL CONTRACTS WILL BE AWARDED LATER THIS MONTH.
THE $452 MILLION CONTRACT FOR BUILDING THE TUNNEL, WHICH IS PART OF A ROAD NETWORK LINKING TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN, WAS AWARDED LAST MARCH. MAIN TUNNELING WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1988.
ROUTE 5 TUNNELS ARE DUE TO BECOME OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF 1939.
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SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO HANDICAPPED STUDENTS K K K K M
A HANDICAP IS BY NO MEANS AN INSURMOUNTABLE OBSTACLE TO ACHIEVEMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LFUNG SAID TODAY (THURSDAY). ’
HF POINTED OUT THAT IN THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR MORE THAN 70 DISABLED STUDENTS WERE STUDYING AT THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND TWO POLYTECHNICS.
THEIR IMPAIRMENTS, AURAL, VISUAL OR PHYSICAL, WFRE NO BAR TO THEIR LEARNING ABILITY, MR LEUNG SAID AT THE FIFTH AWARD PRESENTATION OF THE SHELL-ISLAND JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DISABLED.
THESE STUDENTS WERE MAJORING IN A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS RANGING FROM SOCIAL WORK, LAW AND ENGINEERING TO FINE ARTS AND COMPUTERS.
/+THIS IS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
+THIS IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT A HANDICAP IS BY NO MEANS AN INSURMOUNTABLE OBSTACLE TO ACHIEVEMENT. GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, SUCH STUDENTS CAN ACHIEVE IN THE SAME WAY AS THEIR ABLE-BODIED COUNTERPARTS,* HE SAID.
MR LEUNG COMMENDED THE 10 HANDICAPPED STUDENTS WHO WERE AWARDED A SCHOLARSHIP FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOL, GOOD CONDUCT AND ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT AND FOR THEIR SERVICE TO SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY.
THE SHELL-ISLAND JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DISABLED WAS SET UP IN 1981 AS A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.
THE AIM IS TO ENCOURAGE PUPILS WITH A HANDICAP TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND TO DEVELOP THEIR CAPABILITIES AND POTENTIAL, TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITIES AND BE INTEGRATED INTO THE COMMUNITY.
- - 0 -
THREE-PRONGED CAMPAIGN AGAINST SMOKING * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING ACTIONS ARE BY NO MEANS OUT OF PROPORTION TO THE VERY SERIOUS DANGERS OF SMOKING, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY HELD AT STATUE SQUARE TO MARK HONG KONG’S THIRD SMOKE OUT DAY, MISS CHUNG SAID THIS WAS DESPITE THE FACT THAT THERE HAD BEEN SURPRISE IN SOME QUARTERS AT THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-SMOKING POLICIES.
+ OF COURSE, IF ALL SMOKERS REALISE THE DAMAGE THEY ARE CONSTANTLY INFLICTING UPON THEMSELVES (AND OTHERS AROUND THEM) AND VOLUNTARILY GIVE UP THE DEADLY HABIT, GOVERNMENT DOES NOT NEED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE,* SHE SAID.
MISS CHUNG ALSO OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S THREE-PRONGED EFFORTS IN ANT I-SMOKINGs BY LEGISLATION, EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, AND ASSISTANCE AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO SMOKERS.
SHE SAID THE SMOKE OUT DAY BELONGED TO THE THIRD CATEGORY AND WOULD SERVE AS A REMINDER THAT THERE WAS AN ALTERNATIVE TO SMOKING.
+SURVEYS DONE IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE SHOW THAT THE MAJORITY OF SMOKERS WISH THEY HAD NOT ACQUIRED THE COSTLY, UNHEALTHY, ANTI-SOCIAL AND DIRTY HABIT,* SHE SAID.
+MANY SMOKERS ARE, HOWEVER, TOO BUSY WITH THEIR DAILY LIVES TO THINK ABOUT GIVING UP THEIR HABIT.*
- - 0 -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
V -
EASTERN DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS FORTNIGHT *****
RESIDENTS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY AN ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 22), AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE BETWEEN 11 AM AND 4 PM.
IT WILL FEATURE GAMES STALLS, AN EXHIBITION DISPLAY, FILM SHOWS AND A DEMONSTRATION BY THE ANT I-NARCOTICS DOG UNIT OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT.
THE EVENT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ANT I-NARCOTICS FORTNIGHT.
SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 7, THE FORTNIGHT WILL PROVIDE A COLOURFUL PROGRAMME AIMED AT EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE, ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE.
THE SAME MESSAGE WILL BE EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND
DISSEMINATED THROUGH VARIOUS INTERESTING ACTIVITIES.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE FORTNIGHT WILL BE AN OPEN-AIR DISCO TO BE HELD AT THE FOOTBALL PITCHES IN VICTORIA PARK ON DECEMBER 7.
THE ANT I-NARCOTICS BEAT STREET DISCO WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERCIAL RADIO WITH FREE ADMISSION TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FROM 7 PM TO 10 PM.
STAFF OF NARCOTICS DIVISION WILL VISIT MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT DURING THE FORTNIGHT TO ENLIST SUPPORT IN THF FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS.
THEY WILL URGE MEMBERS WHO ARE PARENTS TO TAKF MORE CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN, ORGANISE MORE ANT I-NARCOTICS ACTIVITIES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN AT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVEL, AND TO ASK THEM TO REPORT DRUG PEDDLING ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR G.L. MORTIMER, WILL OFFICIATE AT THF OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FORTNIGHT ON SATURDAY AT 2.30 PM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
/15........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
13
REMINDER TO RETURN REQUISITION FORMS * * * *
RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED A REQUISITION FORM (FORM RIA (D)) DURING THE PAST THREE TO FOUR WEEKS ARE REMINDED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM TO THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANY RATEPAYER WHO REFUSES OR NEGLECTS TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THE FORM MAY BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF 82 000.
-------o ---------
ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE VARIOUS ISSUES *****
WILL ITS I
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT
BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE ceTLJ°n2RR2W (FRIDAY> TO DISCUSS MATTERS HELD OVER FROM
MEETING ON NOVEMBER 7.
COMMITTEE
THESE INCLUDE ERECTING A PROPOSED +WELCOME+ SIGNBOARD ICKING THE TONKIN STREET NULLAH, RELOCATION OF UN CHAU STREET TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, DEVELOPMENT OF SITTING-OUT AREAS AND THE HAWKER PROBLEM IN PE I HO STREET.
nr AT ?'15 PM ,N THE CONFERENCE ROOM
SHU P0 DISTRICT BOARD, 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KvWLUUN . ’
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING.
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/1 •••••••
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
1'1
DB MEMBERS TO VISIT TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE *****
MEMBERS OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD WILL VISIT THE TSING Yl NORTH BRIDGE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE $200 MILLION PROJECT, THE SECOND LINK TO THE ISLAND, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
THF GROUP WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY STAFF OF THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 2 PM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES (NFXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
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DB MEMBERS VISIT FIRE STATION
*****
MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD HAD A LOOK AT THE WORKS OF FIREMEN DURING A VISIT TO THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION TODAY (THURSDAY).
LED BY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, THE GROUP WAS FIRST BRIEFED BY THE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER (TSIM SHA TSUI) MR YEUNG KWONG-HUNG, ON THF OPERATION OF THE STATION.
THEY THEN WATCHED A DEMONSTRATION OF FIRE-FIGHTING APPLIANCES AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND SAW DIFFERENT FACILITIES ON BOARD A FIRE BOAT.
BEFORE ENDING THE VISIT, THE PARTY TOURED THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE TO SEE HOW THE DEPARTMENT DFALT WITH EMERGENCY CALLS.
THE VISIT WAS PART OF AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME ARRANGED BY THF DISTRICT OFFICE FOR MEMBERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVFS WITH FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
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/15
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
- 15 -
CONTRACTORS REMINDED ABOUT ILLEGAL BLASTING *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT REMINDED BUILDING CONTRACTORS TODAY (THURSDAY) OF THE LAW GOVERNING THE STORAGE AND USE OF EXPLOSIVES ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.
tYi Is FOLLOWED A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH A SUB-CONTRACTOR WAS SENTENCED TO FOUR MONTHS IMPRISONMENT BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR CARRYING OUT ILLEGAL BLASTING OPERATIONS AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN TSUEN WAN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AND FOR POSSESSING A QUANTITY OF SUBSTANCE CLASSIFIED UNDER CATEGORY I OF THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE.
AS THE ACCUSED WAS INVOLVED IN A SIMILAR CASE IN JANUARY 1985, HIS SIX-MONTH SUSPENDED SENTENCE WAS THEREFORE ACTIVATED, BRINGING TO 10 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MONTHS HF HAS TO SERVE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, NO PERSON SHOULD MANUFACTURE, STORE, CONVEY OR USE DANGEROUS GOODS WITHOUT A VALID LICENCE ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S MINES DIVISION.
ANY PERSON WHO CONTRAVENED ANY PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2S 000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS, HE ADDED.
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SOUTHERN MODEL CITIZENS TO RECEIVE AWARDS
* * * * *
FIVE MEN AND A WOMAN HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AS MODEL CITIZENS FOR OCTOBER FROM EACH OF THE SIX AREAS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT IN AN AWARD SCHEME JOINTLY ORGANISED RY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THEM AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER RB) DURING THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CARNIVAL AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN. WINNERS OF THE SEPTEMBER AWARDS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT THE SAME TIME.
MODEL CITIZENS FOR NOVEMBER ARE NOW BEING SELECTED AND NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN FOR DECEMBER AWARDS.
THE +CITIZENS OF THE MONTH+ AWARD SCHEME IS PART OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. IT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC AWARENESS AND GIVING RECOGNITION TO GOOD CITIZENS.
/THE OCTOBER .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
- 16 -
THE OCTOBER WINNERS RANGE FROM HOUSEWIVES TO CIVIL SERVANTS AND MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OR RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS WHO ALL HAVE CONTRIBUTED TIME AND EFFORT TOWARDS SERVING THE COMMUNITY.
SOME HAVE SERVED WITH THE ST JOHN’S AMBULANCE BRIGADE AND THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES. THEY HAVE SHOWN A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR AREA AND HAVE DEMONSTRATED CARE AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID CANDIDATES FOR THE AWARD MUST LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT, BE TRUSTWORTHY AND KNOW THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF A CITIZEN. THEY SHOULD ALSO HAVE COMMENDABLE RECORDS FOR THEIR SERVICES.
NOMINATIONS FOR NEXT MONTH, THE LAST MONTH IN THE SCHEME, CLOSE ON DECEMBER 18. FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND AT SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
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NOMINATIONS SOUGHT FOR OUTSTANDING ELDERLIES X X K X X
ELDERLY RESIDENTS I ARE INVITED TO STAND FOR IN THE DISTRICT.
N NORTH DISTRICT KEEN IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AN ELECTION OF THE +TEN OUTSTANDING AGED+
.?OI^LY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE n^To^TACZl*IT,ES AND THE Dl STR I CT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM J?'STR'CT BOARD, THE ELECTION IS AIMED AT ENHANCING PUBLIC AWARENESS IN THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECTING THE ELDERLY AND TO RECOGNISE THEIR EFFORTS IN COMMUNITY BUILDING
THEELECTI°N IS FOR RESIDENTS AGED FO OR ABOVE AND NOMINATIONS sH°ULD BE MADE THROUGH LOCAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OR ELDERLY CENTRES A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY ’
A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING LOCAL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND SOCIAL WORKERS WOULD BE FORMED. ---------- 15 THEIR LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION
CANDIDATES WOULD BE JUDGED ON
LIFE CIVIC-MINDEDNESS, HUMAN TOWARDS SOCIETY, HE SAID.
IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, ATTITUDE TOWARDS RELATIONSHIP AND CONTRIBUTION
WINNERS WOULD BE AWARDED DISTRICT ELDERLY FORTNIGHT IN
PRIZES AT A CEREMONY DURING THE DECEMBER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
NORTH
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER TO AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT CHOI YUEN OFFICE, CHOI YUEN ESTATE. ENQUIRIES CAN
AND NOMINATION FORMS ARE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH BE MADE ON 0-927158.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
- 17 -
EASTERN HOLDING ROAD SAFETY DAY ON SUNDAY
*****
A ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL BE HELD IN VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23) AS PART OF THE MONTH-LONG EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON PEDESTRIANS.
FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY, STARTING AT 11 AM, A MINIATURE ROAD SAFETY TOWN WILL BE SET UP AND A ROAD SAFETY BUS WILL BE ON DISPLAY. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE AN EXHIBITION AND GAMES STALLS, AND A COLOURING CONTEST WILL ALSO BE HELD.
A HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW AT WHICH POPULAR SINGERS, MAGICIANS AND ACROBATS WILL PERFORM.
BANNERS HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS TO SPREAD THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE DURING THE CAMPAIGN.
VISITS HAVE BEEN MADE TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO BRIEF CHILDREN ON ROAD SAFETY AND 55 +MODEL PEDESTRIANS* HAVE BEEN CHOSEN AT VARIOUS TRAFFIC BLACKSPOTS.
THE CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE WITH THE HELP OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE ROAD SAFETY DAY OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG’ POLICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (TRAFFIC), MR JOHN CLEMENCE ’• POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.W. ROPER’ CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG? POLICE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER (TRAFFIC), MR LAM KIN? PRESIDENT OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, MR SHE KWONG-WAH; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR YUE HUI-KWONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY IN VICTORIA PARK.
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/18
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
18
SIX GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET
X * K K
SIX SITES ARE TO BE LET ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
TWO ARE AT THE JUNCTION OF WATER STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, WESTERN RECLAMATION, AND MEASURE 1 500 SQUARE METRES. THEY ARE FOR HANDLING AGGREGATE AND CEMENT.
THE TENANCIES ARE FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
A SITE ON THE WESTERN PART OF ALDRICH BAY RECLAMATION, SHAU KEI WAN, IS FOR CAR AND LORRY PARKING. IT MEASURES 665 SQUARE METRES.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS INITIALLY, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE ONLY KOWLOON LOT TO BE OFFERED IS A 2 925-SQUARE-METRE SITF AT THE JUNCTION OF TAT CHEE AVENUE AND FA PO STREET. UNDER THE TENANCY TERMS, THE SITF IS TO BE USFD FOR STORAGE AND SALE OF POTTED PLANTS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY.
A SITE AT TAK YIP STREET, TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA, YUEN LONG, MEASURING 1 777 SQUARE METRES, CAN BE USED FOR STORING GOODS (EXCEPT DANGEROUS GOODS) AND/OR CONTAINERS, AND/OR MAINTAINING VEHICLES, AND/OR AS A SAWMILL. PAINT SPRAYING IS ALSO PERMITTED.
THE TENANCY PERIOD IS ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE EVERY THREE MONTHS.
THE LAST SITE IS FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING CAR PARK AT HING SHING ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
THE TENANCY IS FOR SIX MONTHS INITIALLY, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE 1 480-SQUARE-METRE SITE, HOWEVER, CANNOT BE USED BY LORRIES OR CONTAINER VEHICLES.
TENDERS FOR ALL SIX SITES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON DECEMBER 5.
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/19........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
- 19 -
FREE CONCERTS OVER THE WEEKEND K * X K *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BE STAGING THREE CONCERTS OVER THE WEEKEND IN TAI KOK TSUI AND KWAI CHUNG IN SUPPORT OF THE 1986 MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT.
TWO DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS - ONE ON STRINGS AND THE OTHER ON PERCUSSION - WILL BE HELD AT LIM POR YEN CENTRE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 22) AT 2.30 PM AND 3.30 PM.
A STRINGS QUARTET WILL PLAY CLASSICAL WORKS OF VARIOUS STYLES AND CULTURAL ORIGINS WHILE SHORT INTERESTING PIECES WILL BE PERFORMED BY A PERCUSSION DUO AT THE CONCERTS.
ON SUNDAY, THE MUSIC LOVERS’ CHINESE ORCHESTRA WILL BE PERFORMING AT YEUNG KING HOUSE PLAYGROUND, LAI KING ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG AT 3 PM.
BESIDES FEATURING A REPERTOIRE RANGING FROM CHINESE ORCHESTRAL MUSIC TO SOLO ITEMS, THE CONCERT WILL ALSO INCLUDE AN INTRODUCTION AND DEMONSTRATION OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
ADMISSION TO THE CONCERTS IS FREE. FOR ENQUIRIES CALL 5-458791.
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SHUTTLECOCK GAME OPENS ACTIVE FORTNIGHT
*****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT WAS LAUNCHED TONIGHT (THURSDAY) WITH A PERFORMANCE PY PLAYERS OF THE CHINESE SHUTTLECOCK TEAM.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING WAS A FRIENDSHIP MATCH BETWEEN THE CHINESE TEAM AND PLAYERS FROM THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SHUTTLECOCK ASSOCIATION, FOLLOWING AN OPENING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR CHUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACTIVELY PROVIDED RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES OVER THE YEARS TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND.
HE SAID THAT MORE FACILITIES WOULD BE COMPLETED IN MONG KOK IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS, INCLUDING A NEW INDOOR GAMES HALL AT BOUNDARY STREET, THE FA YUEN STREET URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX, AND A SITTING-OUT AREA AT THE JUNCTION OF RECLAMATION STREET AND SOY STREET.
/MR CHUI ........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
20 -
MR CHUI NOTED THAT THE RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT WAS NOT THE ONLY JOINT FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AS + THE BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL ORGANISE A LARGE NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS EVERY YEAR-*-.
MR CHUI SAID THE ACTIVITIES HELP DEVELOP PARTICIPANTS' SELFCONFIDENCE, POTENTIAL, AND ENHANCE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT AFFA IRS.
THE PROGRAMMES FOR THE FORTNIGHT INTRODUCE A WIDE VARIETY OF SPORT ACTIVITIES AND PERFORMING ARTS THAT ARE LESS POPULAR AND FAMILIAR TO RESIDENTS. THESE INCLUDE SHUTTLECOCK KICKING, FENCING, FOLK DANCING, AND THE PERFORMANCES OF MIME, DRAMA AND MODERN DANCING.
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR FUNCTION AT HK STADIUM * * * K
A SERIES OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL CHAI ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23) IN CONNECTION OF THE FEAST OF CHRIST THE KING 1986 AT THE
BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN WITH THE CELEBRATION HONG KONG STADIUM.
coam TH^MnASURES’ UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, WILL BE IN FORCE FROM 1.30 PM UNTIL CROWDS HAVE DISPERSED AFTER THE EVENT.
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LEIGHTON ROAD AND STADIUM PATH WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUNp FROM 1.30 PM TO 5.45 PM. THE SAME ROAD.SECTION WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND FROM 5.45 PM UNTIL DISPERSAL OF THE MAJORllTY OF PARTICIPANTS IN THE FEAST.
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND (COTTON PATH WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FQR VEHICLES REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES:
I ; I,
i »
I I
I
/* EASTERN HOEPITAL ......
»
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1986
21
# EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONEWAY NORTHBOUND, BUT VEHICLES WILL STILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE CAR PARK OF ST PAUL’S HOSPITAL FROM TUNG LO WAN ROAD.
# LINK ROAD BETWEEN CAROLINE HILL ROAD AND BROADWOOD ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY UPHILL FROM 1.30 PM TO 5.45 PM. VEHICLES LEAVING THE UPPER SECTION OF BROADWOOD ROAD, HAPPY VIEW TERRACE AND LEIGHTON HILL SHOULD PROCEED VIA BROADWOOD ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD. THE SAME SECTION OF LINK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS FROM 5.45 PM UNTIL CROWDS HAVE DISPERSED.
MEANWHILE, ALL PARKING SPACES AT STADIUM PATH AND THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD ROUND THE STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM NOON UNTIL AROUND 7 PM.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG ASSUMES MORE IMPCBTABT ROLE.................... 1
BILLS SEEK AUTHENTIC BILINGUAL VERSIONS 0? LAW .......... 3
MINIMUM GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN BUSINESS STRESSED..... 5
YEAR-ROUND APPLICATION j’OR REGISTRATION OP ELECTORS .... 6
SIR EDWARD S-JS WATER SUP} LIES OPERATIONS .............. 7
INDUSTRIAL WeSTKJNT TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA................... 8
ANTI-SMOKING .-XHI3ITI0N STARTS TOMORROW ................ 8
SP TTDPOST EXTSKDED TO FIVE MORE THAI CITIES ............ 9
AMENDMENT TO DRAFT POK FU LAM PLAN ...................... 10
HONG KONG ISLAND SITES TO BE AUCTIONED .................. 10
CO-OPERATION NEEDED DI EfflROVINa LiA-ACLMEKT TRAINING... 11
SEMINAR TO COLLECT VIEWS ON YOUTH POLICY ................ 12
srr.HUAR ORGANISED ON BUILDING MANAGEM-NT IN YUEN LONG... 12
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW .............. 13
CALLIGRAPHY GOES ON SHOW AT TEMPLE....................... 14
EASTERN ARTS COUNCIL'S CLUBHOUSE TO OCT.................. 15
YOUNG MUSICIAN SOUGHT -OR SYDNEY CAMP ................... 16
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE MUSIC AWARENESS ................... 17
YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE'S POT PLANTS GO ON SHOW ............. 18
ROUND WONG TAI SIN RACE J’OR SUNDAY...................... 18
OPEN DAY FOR TEACHING SPORTING SKILLS ................... 19
WEIGHT LIMIT ON CHA KSO LING ROAD ....................... 20
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN FOR ROAD WORK................ 20
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
1
HONG KONG ASSUMES MORE IMPORTANT ROLE KM I O
HONG KONG NOW HAS AN IMPORTANCE FOR THE WESTERN WORLD FAR GREATER THAN AT ANY TIME IN ITS HISTORY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID IN LONDON TODAY (FRIDAY),
♦THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO ESTABLISH A BASE IM MONO KONG IN A FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT OF LANGUAGE AND LAW FOR BUSINESS WITH CHINA AND THROUGHOUT THIS FAST DEVELOPING REGION IN WHICH LIVE ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE POPULATION OF THE WORLD,- SIR DAVID SAID IN AN ADDRESS TO THE DIPLOMATIC AND COMMONWEALTH WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF BRITAIN.
HE FOCUSSED ON THE POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE SINCE THE SIGNING IN 1084 OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, AND EXPLAINED WHY HONG KONG FACED THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE.
♦FASCINATING THOUGH ITS HISTORY HAS BEEN. IT IS ’MUTANT, NOT FOR WHAT IT HAS BEEN, BUT FOR WHAT IS HAPPENING THERE TODAY AND BECAUSE OF THE FUTURE INTO WHICH IT IS MOVING,♦ HE SAID IN DESCRIBING HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE TO THE WEST AS A WINDOW ON CHINA AND THE PACIFIC.
HE EMPHASISED THAT SHREWD BUSINESSMEN WERE BEGINNING TO PERCEIVE . THIS REGIONAL IMPORTANCE IN THE LONGER TERM.
AS EVIDENCE, HE POINTED TO OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN THE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL, THE RECENT INVESTMENTS FROM AUSTRALIA N PROPERTY AND IN NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING, AND THE OPENING OF ADDITIONAL FOREIGN BANKS.
ANOTHER INDICATION WAS THAT THE AMERICAN BUSINESS COMMUNITY NOW OUTNUMBERED THE BRITISH.
SIR DAVID SAIDT-HAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY CONTINUED TO INFORM X,. CONSISTENTLY AND REMARKABLY WELL, DESPITE THE PROBLEMS THAT Wt RE ***** BOUND TO ARISE FOR SUCH A SMALL AND CONGES I ED PLACE WITH NO COMFORTING SUPPLY OF NATURAL RESOURCES TO ACT AS A SHEET ANCHOR.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THERE WAS LITTLE DOUBT THAT THE.LINKING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE UNITED STATES DOLLAR HAD HELPED THE GROWTH OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
•
■
IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE SHOWING A YEAR ON YEAR GROWTH, IN REAL VALUE TERMS, OF 13 PER CENT. IMPORTS HAD ALSO INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT AND IMPORTS OF CANTAL GOODS AND RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL PLANT AND MACHINERY GREW BY P3 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
♦ THESE FIGURES SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. THEY DO NOT INDICATE AN ECONOMY THAT IS RUNNING DOWN BUT ONE THAT WITH FRESH INVi. ST it NT PREPARING FOR A NFW SURGE AHEAD,<- HE SAID.
/Rircmina
FRIDAY, ITC'VEMBEK 21, 1986
2
THAT BRITAIN OF
REFERRING TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, SIR DAVID SAID AND CHINA HAD BEEN WORKING TOGETHER ON THE COMPLEX TASK CONSTRUCTING THE FRAMEWORK OF INSTITUTIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS NEEDED FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
VARIOUS MATTERS, SUCH AS LAND LEASES, MEMBERSHIP OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE, AND THE FIRST AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT HAD BEEN DEALT WITH, AND THIS WAS A GOOD BEGINNING.
+THE QUESTION WHICH IS MOST OCCUPYING PUBLIC ATTENTION NOW IN HONG KONG IS, HOW THE GOVERNMENT OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION SHOULD BE FORMED AND WHAT STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN NOW TOWARDS THAT OBJECTIVE,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ATTENTION CENTRED ON A GREEN PAPER REVIEW TO BE PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT NEXT YEAR AND THE PARALLEL WORK OF DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW AS PART OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT S CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS AND RESPONSIBILITY.
SIR DAVID STRESSED HOW THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WAS GROWING. SOME 15 MILLION VISITS WERE MADE FROM HONG KONG TO CHINA EACH YEAR AND EVERY DAY COACH-LOADS OF VISITORS CAME TO THE TERRITORY FROM CANTON.
HONG KONG’S BUSINESSMEN WERE INVESTING IN INDUSTRY AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS THROUGHOUT CHINA, AND PARTICULARLY IN NEIGHBOURING GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
OVERALL SIR DAVID SAID, HONG KONG HAD TAKEN ON AN INTERNATIONAL LOOK, A CAPITAL CITY OF ASIA AND PROUD OF ITS GROWING STATURE.
IT WAS TRUE THAT SOME PEOPLE WERE LEAVING, BUT HE SAID THIS EMIGRATION SHOULD BE SEEN NOT AS A RECENT PHENOMENON BUT AS SOMETHIN□ THAT HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME.
CANADA, FOR EXAMPLE, NOW HAD A CHINESE POPULATI ON OF ABOUT 600 000 WHICH HAD BEEN BUILDING UP OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS, MAINLY FROM HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA.
ON THF OTHER HAND, UP TO 60 000 HONG KONG GRADUATES OF CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES HAD RETURNED TO THE TERRITORY, AND WERE MAKING THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO ITS PROSPERITY.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1906
3
BILLS SEEK AUTHENTIC BILINGUAL VERSIONS OF LAW
TWO BILLS WHICH Wl (♦W’AVE THE WAY FOR THE PRODUCTION OF AUTHENTIC VERSIONS OF THE»LAW IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE TWO BILLS, KNOWN AS THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986 AND THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT)(NO. ?.) BILL 1986, AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCES UNDER WHICH LEGISLATION ENACTED ill HONG KONG HAS BEEN IN ENGLISH ONLY.
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL PROVIDES FOR THE ENACTMENT OF NEW LEGISLATION IN CHINESE AS WELL AS IN ENGLISH, AND FOR THE PUBLICATION OF AUTHENTIC TEXTS IN CHINESE OF LAWS ENACTED IN ENGLISH.
+SUCH PUBLICATION WILL BE AUTHORISED BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ACTING AFTER CONSULTATION WITH A BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
NOT BILLS
THE BILL REQUIRES NEW PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION, BUT
AMENDING ORDINANCES WHICH WERE ENACTED ONLY IN ENGLISH TO BE IN BOTH LANGUAGES. THIS REQUIREMENT DID NOT APPLY IN THE CASE OF BILLS WHICH THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL DETERMINED WERE URGENT.
BUT IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT WHERE AN ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED >N
'* ONE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE ONLY UNDER THE +URGENCY+ PROVISION, A TEXT IN THE OTHER OFFICIAL LANGUAGE SHOULD BE PUBLISHED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, HE ADDED.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BIL NbUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE, IN LINE WITH VIEWS EXPRESSED BY LEGU‘-AT I/E COUNCIL MEMBERS IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE LAWS ON CHINESE HELD IN JULY.
.4.-
THE COMMITTEE SHALL CONSIST OF A CHAIRMAN AND OTHER MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR, INCLUDING A LEGAL OFFICER, A PRACTISING SOLICITOR, A PRACTISING BARRISTER AND NOT LESS THAN TWO PERSONS WITH '***'’ APPROPRI ATE LANGUAGE SKILLS WHO ARE NOT PUBLIC OFFICER^.
THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL BE GIVEN POWERS k--T0 CORRECT ERRORS IN THE NEW AUTHENTIC TEXT PUBLISHED UNDER THE ORDINANCE, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY AMEND THE EXISTING TEXT IN THE OTHER LANGUAGE, WITHOUT AFFECTING ITS LEANING TO ENSURE ITS HARMONISATION WITH THE NEW TEXT IN THE OTHER OFFICIAL LANGUAGE.
_ THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) (LO J) BILL
PROVIDES FOR THE INTERPRETATION OF LEGISLATION TO BE PUBLISHi D IN
' BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE BY VIRTUE OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES (AMENDMENT) BILL.
/TUB SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD CONTAIN A NEW CLAUSE WHICH DECLARES BOTH TEXTS TO BE EQUALLY AUTHENTIC AND PROVIDES FOR RESOLVING DIFFERENCES OF MEANING BETWEEN THE TWO TEXTS.
THE SAME NEW CLAUSE ALSO DEALS WITH ENGLISH LAW EXPRESSIONS IN AN ORDINANCE, AND CORPORATION NAMES, AND ENABLES THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL BY N&TICE IN THE GAZETTE TO SPECIFY WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS IN ONE LANGUAGE THAT ARE TO BE TREATED AS THE EQUIVALENT OF WORDS AND EXPRESSIONS IN THE OTHER.
THE BILL RETAINS, IN MODIFIED FORM, THE EXISTING PROVISION RELATING TO CHINESE WORDS IN THE ENGLISH TEXT OF THE LAWS. IT ALSO ENABLES THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH TEXTS OF PRESCRIBED FORMS TO BE PRINTED AND USED EITHER SEPARATELY OR COMBINED IN ANY MANNER.
DRAFTS OF THE TWO BILLS WERE CONTAINED IN A DISCUSSION PAPER ON THE LAWS IN CHINESE WHICH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS ISSUED FOR PUBLIC COMMENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE PROPOSALS MADE IN THE DISCUSSION PAPER DREW COMMENT FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE PUBLIC.
IN ADDITION, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SET UP AN AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE PROPOSALS, AND LATER HELD AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE SUBJECTi SEVERAL DISTRICT BOARDS ALSO DISCUSSED THE PAPER.
THE PROPOSALS IN THE PAPER WERE WELL RECEIVED, THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, AND COMMENTS HAVE BEEN CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BY THE WORKING PARTY THAT HAD BEEN FORMED BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS.
THE TWO BILLS TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR TO THE ORIGINAL DRAFTS, BUT CONTAIN A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS, TAKING ACCOUNT OF COMMENTS RECEIVED AND SUBSEQUENT DISCUSSIONS.
COMMENTS ON THE TWO BILLS MAY BE SENT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS. QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 66 QUEENSWAY, OR TO THE OMELCO OFFICF IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, NO. 8 JACKSON ROAD.
/5 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
MINIMUM GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN BUSINESS STRESSED
******
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR JOHN YAXLEY TODAY (FRIDAY) TOLD THE ASIAN ASSOCIATION OF MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS -9TH CONFERENCE IN BANGKOK THAT THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES IN THE ECONOMY WAS NORMALLY MOST EFFICIENT IF LEFT TO MARKET FORCES, AND GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION WAS KEPT TO A MINIMUM.
+IN HONG KONG WE BELIEVE THAT BUSINESS DECISIONS ARE BEST MADE BY BUSINESSMEN. PUBLIC SERVANTS SHOULD NOT MAKE BUSINESS DECISIONS FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
+BUSINESSMEN EITHER MAKE A PROFIT OR LOSS BASED ON THEIR JUDGEMENT AND DECISIONS. AS A RESULT, PEOPLR ARE HIGHLY MOTIVATED BECAUSE THEY HAVE A HIGH DEGREE OF FREEDOM AND UNRESTRICTED OPPORTUNITIES TO PURSUE THE GOAL OF INDIVIDUAL BETTERMENT AND ACCUMULATION OF WEALTH,+ MR YAXLEY SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WOULD NOT BE FAIR TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS A NON-CARING GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT DID NOT INVOLVE ITSELF IN DIRECTING OR INFLUENCING BUSINESS DECISIONS. +IT IS PRECISELY BECAUSE IT IS A CARING AND RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT THAT IT IS PURSUING ITS HANDS-OFF POLICY.+
HOWEVER, MR YAXLEY POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO BALANCE THIS PHILOSOPHY WITH THE INTERESTS OF INDIVIDUALS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AND WITH ENTERPRENEURS. +THE ECONOMY, THOUGH AUTONOMOUS IS IN NEED OF GOVERNMENT INVLOVEMENT TO MAINTAIN A FAVOURABLE ENVIRONMENT.
+BASICALLY THEREFORE WE AIM TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FACILITIES, THE NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN WHICH THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND THEREFORE INDIVIDUALS CAN PROSPER.
+AT THE SAME TIME LET ME ADD THAT THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS SOCIAL POLICIES AND PROGRAMME ACCEPTS ITS RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THOSE MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE DISADVANTAGED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN,+ HE ADDED.
MR YAXLEY STRESSED THAT HONG KONG’S SYSTEM WHICH HAD GROWN UP OVER THE YEARS AS A NATURAL RESPONSE WAS NOT STATIC, BUT EVOLVED TO MEET NEW CIRCUMSTANCES.
+FOR EXAMPLE WE ARE ACUTELY AWARE OF THE NEED TO DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMY NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF THE GOODS WE PRODUCE BUT ALSO INTO NEW NON-MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES.
+THUS THE SERVICES SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY HAS EXPANDED IN RECENT YEARS FOLLOWING THE GENERAL TREND IN DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING ECONOMIES. BUT WE HAVE FORCED NO ONE TO STOP MAKING PLASTIC FLOWERS AND BECOME A BANKER. FREE ECONOMIC FORCES HAVE DICTATED THE CHANGE.
♦HONG KONG PHILOSOPHY OF NON-INTERFERENCE IS NOT NECESSARILY UNIVERSALLY APPLICABLE. IT IS, I BELIEVE, ENTIRELY APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG CIRCUMSTANCES,* MR YAXLEY SAID.
- - 0 - -
/6 ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
6
YEAR-ROUND APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS M * K M *
PROSPECTIVE ELECTORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEND IN APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS FOR URBAN-REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AT ANY TIME DURING THE YEAR.
ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1986 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) CONTAIN AMENDMENTS TO ENABLE THE REGISTRATION OFFICER TO ACCEPT APPLICATIONS OUTSIDE THE NORMAL REGISTRATION PERIODS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT, UP UNTIL NOW, APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER FOR ANY YEAR HAD TO BE LODGED BETWEEN AUGUST 15 AND SEPTEMBER 30 IN THAT YEAR. APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION IN THE FINAL REGISTER HAD TO BE SUBMITTED DURING THE PERIOD WHEN THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER WAS PUBLISHED IN EARLY NOVEMBER AND ENDING ON NOVEMBER 20 IN THE SAME YEAR.
WHILE THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL ALLOW APPLICATIONS TO BE MADE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, THE FORMAL REGISTRATION PERIODS BETWEEN AUGUST 15 AND NOVEMBER 20 WILL BE RETAINED AS THERE MUST BE A CUT-OFF DATE TO FACILITATE THE ANNUAL COMPILATION OF THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER AND THE FINAL REGISTER.
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER NOVEMBER 20 MAY ONLY BE PROCESSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE PROVISONAL REGISTER IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
THERE IS NO MATERIAL CHANGE IN THE REGISTRATION PROCESS UNDER WHICH ALL NEW APPLICATIONS WILL STILL HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PROCESS OF PUBLIC INSPECTION TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR OBJECTIONS TO BE RAISED.
TO ENABLE PROSPECTIVE ELECTORS TO OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS MORE EASILY, AS FROM JANUARY 1987, APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, POST OFFICES, HOUSING DEPARTMENT ESTATE OFFICES, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT BRANCH OFFICES, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICES, WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ENQUIRY CENTRES, TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES, INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT COLLECTION OFFICES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
GENERALLY, PERSONS WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE AND WHO HAVE ORDINARILY RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR SEVEN YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF APPLICATION ARE ENTITLED TO BE REGISTERED AS ELECTORS. AS FOR THOSE WHO ARE HONG KONG BELONGERS AS DEFINED IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT WILL NOT RE APPLICABLE.
/applications .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
- 7 -
APPLICATIONS MAY BE^MADE EITHER IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE AND WILL BE ACKNOWLEGED IF LODGED OUTSIDE THE NORMAL REGISTRATION PERIODS BETWEEN AUGUST AND NOVEMBER. EACH QUALIFIED APPLICANT WILL RECEIVE A NOTICE OF ACCEPTANCE DURING OCTOBER AND DECEMBER INDICATING THE CONSTITUENCY AND POLLING STATION IN WHICH HE IS REGISTERED TO VOTE.
ELECTORS ARE ALSO URGED TO REPORT TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER ANY CHANGE OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS BY LETTER OR BY COMPLETING THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE APPLICATION FORM.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION BY TELEPHONE AT 5-270369 AND 5-270380.
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SIR EDWARD SEES WATER SUPPLIES OPERATIONS *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, VISITED WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN CAUSEWAY BAY TODAY (FRIDAY) AND ALSO TOURED THE DEPARTMENT’S DEPOT IN BULLOCK LANE, WAN CHAI.
MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR T.H. TOMLINSON, AND HIS DEPUTY, MR K.L. WONG, SIR EDWARD VISITED SEVERAL OF THE DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING PLANNING DESIGN AND ACCOUNTS, AND THE CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE, MEETING STAFF AND BEING BRIEFED ON HOW THE DEPARTMENT OPERATED.
MR TOMLINSON TOLD SIR EDWARD HOW THE DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISED AND OUTLINED SOME MAJOR PROJECTS, INCLUDING THE $1,750 MILLION SCHEME TO INCREASE WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA.
THERE WERE NOW MORE THAN 1.4 MILLION REGISTERED CONSUMERS - 60 PER CENT MORE THAN EIGHT YEARS AGO - AND NEW ACCOUNTS WERE BEING CREATED AT THE RATE OF ABOUT 7 600 PER MONTH, MR TOMLINSON SAID.
SIR EDWARD THEN TOURED THE BULLOCK LANE DEPOT WHERE THE DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG REGIONAL OFFICE IS LOCATED TOGETHER WITH THE MAIN WORKSHOP FOR MAINTAINING AND REPAIRING WATERWORKS PLANT.
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/8........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
8
INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT TEAM FOR AUSTRALIA
*****
TWO OFFICERS OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (FRIDAY) ON A MISSION TO AUSTRALIA TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
THE TWO ARE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR IAN HOWARD. AND PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S +ONE STOP UNIT+ MR JOSEPH YIP.
THEY WILL VISIT THE STATES OF VICTORIA AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA FROM NOVEMBER 24 TO DECEMBER 6, CALLING ON A NUMBER OF PRE-SELECTED COMPANIES TO TELL EXECUTIVES OF THE ADVANTAGES THAT HONG KONG OFFERS AS AN OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING BASE.
THEY ALSO INTEND TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH COMPANIES PRODUCING CHEMICALS AND PHARMACEUTICALS, ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL GOODS METAL AND MACHINERY PRODUCTS, PROCESSED FOODS, FURNITURE AND FIXTURES, RUBBER AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND OTHER LIGHT TO MEDIUM ENGINEERING GOODS.
IN ADDITION, THE TWO OFFICERS WILL RENEW CONTACTS WITH COMPANIES KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT AS CONSIDERING EXPANDING MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES TO HONG KONG.
BESIDES THIS, THEY WILL CALL ON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS AND BANKS TO EXPLAIN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION POLICY AND ACTIVITIES, AND TO MEET POTENTIAL INVESTING COMPANIES REFERRED BY THOSE ORGANISATIONS.
REGULAR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSIONS TO AUSTRALIA HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SINCE 1976. THIS IS THE THIRD MISSION THIS YEAR.
AUSTRALIA RANKS EIGHTH AMONG OVERSEAS HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, WITH A AND TOTAL INVESTMENTS VALUED AT ABOUT #189
COUNTRIES INVESTING IN TOTAL OF 27 ESTABLISHMENTS MILLION.
-----o----------
ANT I-SMOKING EXHIBITION STARTS TOMORROW * * * *
NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LFARN ABOUT ti-if
TOMORROW°(SATURDAY)DURING ANT,~SM0KING EXHIBITION WHICH OPENS
EFFECTSAOFRN|lrnT|lMJU5nS(icA?$IERS AND A SL,DE PRESENTATION ON THE
twoeSI?sV™eotp?sdiI£ ohfacl™; ySeeneexsh!ab!J!0N w,li be staged for
/Oi; NOflDAY.........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
■ ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 24), IT WILL MOVE TO THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING, FOR ANOTHER TWO DAYS.
AS THE TARGET AUDIENCE ARE YOUNG PEOPLE, WHO MAY BE POTENTIAL SMOKERS, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR LOCAL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO ATTEND THE EXHIBITION, A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (NORTH), MR PETER TAM, REGIONAL DIRECTOR (NT EAST) OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR CHAN TUEN-YIN, CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR ANTHONY YUEN, AND THE SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER (NT NORTH), MR CHAN KWAI-PANG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION TOMORROW AT 11 AM AT THE PODIUM OF CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI.
- - 0 - -
SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO FIVE MORE THAI CITIES
* X X K
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO FIVE MORE CITIES IN THAILAND IN ADDITION TO BANGKOK WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 24), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FIVE CITIES ARE MONTHABURI, SAMUT PRAKAN, NAKHON RATCHASIMA, CHIANG MAI AND SONGKHLA. CONTRACT AND ON-DEMAND SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE.
CUSTOMERS SEEKING FURTHER INFORMATION SHOULD CONTACT POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-2671108.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
10
AMENDMENT TO DRAFT POK FU LAM PLAN
*****
MINOR RELAXATION OF STATED HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON DEVELOPMENTS AND REDEVELOPMENTS IN POK FU LAM MIGHT BE CONSIDERED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID IT WOULD BENEFIT DEVELOPMENTS OR REDEVELOPMENTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C) ZONE ON THE DRAFT POK FU LAM OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
+CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO THE INDIVIDUAL MERITS OF DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS,* HE SAID.
THE PROVISION INTRODUCED FLEXIBILITY TO ENCOURAGE BETTER BUILDING DESIGNS RESPECTING THE NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY AND AMENITY OF THE AREA.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROVISION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY DECEMBER 4.
-------o----------
HONG KONG ISLAND SITES TO BE AUCTIONED
*****
THREE LOTS OF GOVERNMENT LAND ON HONG KONG ISLAND ARE TO BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON DECEMBER 18.
ONE, A 3 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT SHEUNG ON STREET, CHAI WAN, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 21 500 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1990.
THE OTHER TWO LOTS ARE FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AT DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
SALES CONDITIONS STATE THAT THEY CANNOT BE DEVELOPED AS GODOWNS.
THE CENTRAL SITE MEASURES 210 SQUARE METRES. THE BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO BUILD A MINIMUM OF 1 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY DECEMBER 31, 1989.
FOR THE SITE IN WESTERN THE PURCHASER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 250 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE 112-SQUARE-METRE SITE BY THE SAME DATE.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE JADE BALLROOM OF FURAMA HOTEL AT 2.30 PM.
-------o---------
/11 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
11
CO-OPERATION NEEDED IN IMPROVING MANAGEMENT TRAINING
*****
BETTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE INDUSTRY AND EDUCATION SECTORS IS NEEDED TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT TRAINING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR K.C. CHAN, SAID THIS AFTERNOON (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO OVER 80 MANAGEMENT TRAINERS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF TRAINING BOARDS AT A CONFERENCE ON CO-OPER'ATION IN MANAGEMENT TRAINING, MR CHAN SAID ALL EMPLOYERS SHOULD TAKE SERIOUSLY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MAKING THEIR MANAGEMENT TRAINING NEEDS KNOWN TO EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS. MANY CHANNELS WERE OPEN TO THEM. f
THOSE PROVIDING MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING NEEDED TO KNOW WHAT EMPLOYERS WANTED IF THEY WERE TO PREPARE PEOPLE FOR EMPLOYMENT AND THEN TO IMPROVE THEIR PERFORMANCE, HE SAID.
♦THIS IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IN HONG KONG BECAUSE A GREAT MAJORITY OF OUR FIRMS ARE SMALL AND THEREFORE NOT IN A POSITION TO ORGANISE FORMAL IN-COMPANY TRAINING FOR THEIR MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS.
+THEY HAVE TO RELY HEAVILY ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE RELEVANT PROGRAMMES TO TRAIN THEIR MANAGEMENT STAFF,+ MR CHAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT FINDINGS OF SEVERAL SURVEYS CARRIED OUT BY THE COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE ON MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY TRAINING REVEALED A CONSTANT PATTERN IN EMPLOYERS’ OPINION THAT MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY COURSES SHOULD BE IMPROVED IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY.
THE COUNCIL HAD SET UP THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG TO CARRY OUT THE FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATION AND PROMOTION OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING. ITS SUCCESS WOULD VERY MUCH DEPEND ON THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF ALL INVOLVED IN MANAGEMENT EDUCATION AND TRAINING, MR CHAN POINTED OUT.
- - o - -
/12
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
12
SEMINAR TO COLLECT VIEWS ON YOUTH POLICY
*****
MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON YOUTH POLICY NEXT MONTH.
IT IS PART OF AN EXERCISE OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH (CCY) TO COLLECT VIEWS ON THE NEED FOR A COMPREHENSIVE POLICY.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILLORS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, JOURNALISTS, BUSINESSMEN, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, WORKERS AND STUDENTS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO DISCUSS YOUTH MATTERS AT THE SEMINAR.
CCY’S CHAIRMAN AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS ROSANNA TAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MR NG SHUI-LAI. CHAIRMAN OF SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE, MR PETER LEE, AND CCY MEMBER, DR AGNES NG, WILL START THE SEMINAR BY TALKING ON THE NEEDS OF YOUTH, YOUTH POLICIES AND YOUTH SERVICES.
PARTICIPANTS WILL THEN EXCHANGE VIEWS ON VARIOUS TOPICS IN GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND IN AN OPEN FORUM.
MRS TAM SAID ABOUT 30 PLACES WOULD BE RESERVED FOR INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THOSE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 25, ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AT THE HONG KONG CARITAS ON DECEMBER 13.
RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON 3-662978 BEFORE NOVEMBER 28.
-------o----------
SEMINAR ORGANISED ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN YUEN LONG * * * *
A SEMINAR
ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE HELD IN YUEN LONG TOWN HALL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23) FOR MEMBERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS INCORPORATIONS.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT STIMULATING MORE EFFECTIVE SELF-HELP BETWEEN PROPERTY OWNERS AND TENANTS IN MANAGING THEIR BUILDINGS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH SPEAKERS FROM THE POLICE, A SOLICITOR’S FIRM, A PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMPANY AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
/Tories .......
raiDAY, NOVUIBER 21, 1986
- 13 -
TOPICS TO BE COVERED IN THE SEMINAR INCLUDE LEGAL AND CRIME PREVENTION MATTERS, THE ROLE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AND THE ROLE OF PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMPANIES.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR TAI CHIN-WAH, WILL BE THE MODERATOR. YUEN LONG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, MR LEUNG SHUI-FAT, WILL ACT AS HOSTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARF INVITED TO COVER THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY IN THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, YUEN LONG TAI YUK ROAD.
-----0----------
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW
*****
A SPECIAL CEREMONY SYMBOLISING THE UNITY OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS AND A LASER VARIETY SHOW WILL MARK THE OPENING OF THE SECOND SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT 7 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE WONG CHUK HANG HARD-SURFACED SOCCER PITCH.
RESIDENTS REPRESENTING THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREAS WILL PUT TOGETHER A SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD LOGO AND SWITCH ON THE SURROUNDING LIGHTS.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR CHAU TAK-HAY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND SWITCH ON THE LIGHTS FOR THE LASER VARIETY SHOW THAT FOLLOWS.
THE THREE-HOUR SHOW, FEATURING A SPECTACULAR LASER BEAM DISPLAY AND PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT MORE THAN 4 000 RESIDENTS. PERFORMERS AT THE SHOW INCLUDE WELL-KNOWN DISC-JOCKEYS AND SINGERS.
THE LASER BEAM DISPLAY IS A COMBINATION OF LIGHT AND SOUND. TO THE TUNE OF POPULAR MUSIC, LASER BEAMS WILL BE DIRECTED OVER THE HEADS OF SPECTATORS ON TO A SCREEN, WRITING WORDS AND CREATING VARYING THREE-DIMENSIONAL PATTERNS. THERE WILL ALSO BE SPECIAL EFFECTS CREATED BY USING DRY ICE.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
- 14 -
AS A PRELUDE TO THE SHOW, SIX DECORATED VANS WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO DISTRIBUTE PROGRAMME LEAFLETS. A CH INESE-STYLE ARCH WILL BE PUT UP AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE VENUE TO ENHANCE THE FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE.
THE LASER VARIETY SHOW WILL ONLY BE A CURTAIN-RAISER FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH WILL RUN UNTIL DECEMBER 7. THERE WILL BE 12 OTHER CULTURAL RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND INTERESTS.
MOST OF THE PROGRAMMES WILL BE HELD ON WEEKENDS SO THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN ATTEND. ADMISSION IS FREE. PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE ON 5-540271.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MRS SO CHOW YIM-PING.
NOTE TO EDITORSj
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY AT 7 PM TOMORROW AT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S HARD-SURFACED SOCCER PITCH IN WONG CHUK HANG.
-------0----------
CALLIGRAPHY GOES X X
ON SHOW AT TEMPLE
* X *
MORE THAN 100 PIECES OF ART
.. ----- ------ BY CONTEMPORARY CHINESE
AND PAINTERS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE FUNG MING HALL 01- WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO MONDAY
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ArTMnT^:2RGANIS,NG COMMITTEE AS PART OF DISTRICT FESTIVAL ACT I V(TIES.
WINNING ENTRIES IN A CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION HELD EARLIER DISPLAYED. THE COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPSi GENERAL, SECONDARY SCHOOL, AND PRIMARY SCHOOL.
/ntlZES .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS AT 3 PM TOMORROW. GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ART ACTIVITIES WORKING GROUP, MR ALBERT LI.
FOUR ARTISTS FROM THE HONG KONG CHINESE ART ASSOCIATION WluL ATTEND THE CEREMONY TO GIVE DEMONSTRATE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM TOMORROW AND 10 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING EXHIBITION AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW AT FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.
— o —
EASTERN ARTS COUNCIL'S CLUBHOUSE TO OPEN X X * X
THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL’S NEW CLUBHOUSE AT BLOCK 11 OF CHAI WAN ESTATE WILL OPEN ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23).
THE COUNCIL WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1984 WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE. ITS MEMBERS COMPRISE MAINLY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MUSICIANS, DANCERS, ARTISTS AND PEOPLE INTERESTED IN PROMOTION OF THE ARTS.
ABOUT 3200 000 WAS RAISED BY THE COUNCIL FOR SETTING UP THE CLUBHOUSE. IT CONSISTS OF CLASSROOMS INCLUDING A COMPUTER ROOM AND A DANCE HALL.
CLASSES IN MUSIC AND DANCING AS WELL AS OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE NEW PREMISES.
BEFORE THE OPENING CEREMONY, A +DISTRICT ARTS GALA+ WILL BE HELD AT THE PLAYGROUND ADJACENT TO BLOCK 11.
/THL GAM,
FRIDAY, NOVS-IBER 21, 1986
- 16 -
THE GALA, STARTING AT 2.30 PM, WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND FOLK DANCE GROUPS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A CIVIC EDUCATION PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION AND A HANDICRAFT DISPLAY.
THE GALA HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD. ADMISSION IS FREE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG. POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.W. ROPER 5 CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG? URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR MAN SA I-CHEONG 5 CHA IRMAN OF EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, MADAM CHRISTINA TING; SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER, MR YEUNG KWING-CHIU AND CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT- MR DAN IEI CHUNG
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YOUNG MUSICIAN SOUGHT FOR SYDNEY CAMP * X X * X
A TALENTED STRINGS INSTRUMENT PLAYER, PREFERABLY OF DOUBLE BASS OR VIOLA, WILL HAVE THE CHANCE OF JOINING A MUSIC CAMP IN AUSTRALIA EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS INVITING APPLICANTS TO COMPETE FOR A PLACE FOR THE PAN PACIFIC MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD AT THE NAAMAROO CONFERENCE CENTRE IN SYDNEY FROM JANUARY 12 TO 23.
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE ABLE TO EXCHANGE NOTES WITH ABOUT 150 OTHER YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM AUSTRALIA AND OTHER COUNTRIES AS WELL AS RECEIVING TRAINING FROM PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS AND INTERNATIONAL GUEST TUTORS.
HIGHLIGHT OF CAMP ACTIVITIES WILL RE THE FINAL CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE ON JANUARY 25.
MUSICIANS WHO ARE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 23 BY JANUARY 12, 1987, HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR NOT LESS THAN THRFF YEARS, SPEAK REASONABLE GOOD ENGLISH AND HAVE ATTAINED GRADE VIII (PRACTICAL) IN THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT ARE INVITED TO APPLY.
/they
ICR IDA Y, KOVEi-lBER 21, 1986
THEY WILL HAVE TO ATTEND AN AUDITION ARRANGED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE IN MID-DECEMBER.
THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL TRAVEL TO SYDNEY UNDER THE AUSPICES OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL AND FEES FOR THE CAMP, TUITION AND BOARD, WILL BE MET BY THE CAMP ORGANISER.
APPLICATION FORMS, OBTAINABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE SHA TIN MUSIC CENTRE, FOURTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, BY DECEMBER 4. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON 0-6065731.
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EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE MUSIC AWARENESS * * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE HAS ORGANISED AN EXHIBITION OF WESTERN MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL FROM TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 25) TO THURSDAY IN SUPPORT OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE EXHIBITION, OPEN FROM in AM TO 5 PM, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN MUSIC AND AT ENHANCING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF DIFFERENT INSTRUMENTS.
DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS WILL BE GIVEN BY A BRASS QUINTET, STRING QUARTET, WOODWIND TRIO AND PERCUSSION DUO.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE 28 INSTRUMENTS SUCH AS VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO, DOUBLE BASS, FLUTE, CLARINET, OBOE, TRUMPET, FRENCH ORN AND TROMBONE.
ADMISSION IS FREE. FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 3-7149255.
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/18........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
18
YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE’S POT PLANTS GO ON SHOW
X X X X X
A THREE-DAY POTTED PLANT EXHIBITION WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AS PART OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
OVER 150 ITEMS PROVIDED BY THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE WILL BE ON SHOW AT THE OPEN SPACE IN FRONT OF THE LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL.
THE YUEN YUEN INSTITUTE IS FAMOUS FOR ITS POTTED PLANT ARRANGEMENTS, AND THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME ITS PLANTS HAVE BEEN EXHIBITED IN THE URBAN AREA.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BF HELD AT 2 PM, WITH SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SYLVESTER TSE, OFFICIATING.
A NUMBER OF OTHER DISTRICT FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW.
THEY INCLUDE A SHEK KIP MEI SUB-DISTRICT DAY (1 PM - 5 PM) AT SHEK KIP MEI PLAYGROUND; LAI WAN SUB-DISTRICT DAY (2 PM -10.30 PM) AT THE OPEN SPACE IN FRONT OF THE LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL 5 AND HEALTH CARNIVAL (2.30 PM - 4 PM) AT THE NAM SHAN BASKETBALL GROUND.
A FOLK DANCE SHOW WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND 10.30 PM AT THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE. RESIDENTS WILL ALSO BE TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BETWEEN 8 PM AND 10.30 PM AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ABOVE EVENTS IN THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
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ROUND WONG TAI SIN RACF FOR SUNDAY X X X X X
ABOUT 500 RUNNERS WILL SET OFF AT 9.TO AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23) IN A NINE-KILOMETRE RUN FROM KAI TAK FAST PLAYGROUND AND ROUND THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT.
THE RACE IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE TWO-WEEK DISTRICT FESTIVAL IN WONG TAI SIN.
/c wra iAN
FRIDAY, B0VEMB1® 21, 1986
- 19 -
CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG, SAID THE RUN ON SUNDAY WOULD BE THE FIRST ROUND-THE-DI STR I CT RACE ORGANISED IN WONG TAI SIN.
IT WOULD PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE DISTRICT WHILE THEY RAN, HE SAID.
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, AND SOME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE STARTING THE RACE.
STARTING FROM THE KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND, RUNNERS WILL PASS THROUGH CHOI HUNG ROAD, FUNG MO STREET, WONG TAI SIN ROAD, SHA TIN PASS ROAD, TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, THE SUBWAY AT CHOI HUNG MTR STATION, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND FINISH AT KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE RACE AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY AT THE KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.
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OPEN DAY FOR TEACHING SPORTING SKILLS
*****
AN BE HELD TSUI.
OPEN DAY FOR SPORTS TOMORROW (SATURDAY)
ENTHUSIASTS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT WILL AT THE LIM POR YEN CENTRE IN TAI KOK
DEMONSTRATIONS WILL BE C “ a2?> !n^?PING’ SQUASH» TRAMPOL I NG BALLET, AND SOCIAL DANCING.
GIVEN IN VARIOUS SPORTS OR RECREATIONAL - ‘.’3, FENCING, AEROBICS,
SPECTATORS WILL THEN BE ABLE TO TRY OUT THEIR OWN SKILLS.
BEEN "NV?T?n TO JfM0n??»4!??N?u?MJ^U^SHUTTLEC0CK ASSOCIATION HAVE Dttn iNvtitD TO DEMONSTRATE THE ART OF SHUTTLECOCK KICKING.
OPEN DAY IS PART OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RFCRFAT1ON tun SPORTS FORTNIGHT ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD' URBAN roiiurii AND MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
/URBAN COUNCILLORS, ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 4986
- 20 -
URBAN COUNCILLORS, DR RONALD LEUNG AND MR ' KWOK-MING, AND MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR HO FEI-CHI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT SPORTS OPEN DAY TO BEGIN TOMORROW AT 1 PM AT LIM POR YEN CENTRE, 110 BEECH STREET, TAI KOK TSUI. ’
WEIGHT LIMIT ON CHA KWO LING ROAD * * * *
r-nn.. PR°M 1° AM 0N SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 23), THE SLI i TOAD LEADING rROM tASTBOUND CHA KWO LING ROAD, OPPOSITE THE D'J RY FARM FACTORY WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE FOli VEHICLES oJeR 5 5 Xe^
THF PROM 1RiTFnE7n«cD1NG 5'5 T0NNES WILL N0T BE ALLOWED TO ENTER i nc rrrurilDl ItlJ ZUNt.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN ABERDEEN FOR ROA!* WORK * X X *
A SERIES OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS Wl ABERDEEN FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER RECONSTRUCTION.
LL BE IMPLEMENTED 24) TO FACILITATE
IN ROAD
CINC °nc°ci nccnAVTREET BETWEEN CHENGYU ROAD AND TUNG
SI Ng ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC WHILF THE SECTION OF TUNG q i up ±AD,,^ETWEEN WU PAK STREET AND SAI ON STREET WiLlO RF-ROUTED Lm ™RSXuH2o\™Ks?OAD CL0SURE AND TRAFF,C RE-ROUTING WILL
/to TIE X!i......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1986
- 21 -
TO TIE IN WITH THE RE-ROUTING, THE BUS TERMINUS OF CROSSHARBOUR BUS ROUTE 107 ON THE WESTERN KERBSIDE OF TUNG SING ROAD BETWEEN WU PAK STREET AND WU NAM STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED AND MOVED TO HOUSE NO. 6-7 WU NAM STREET.
BUSES ON THIS ROUTE WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED TO CHENGTU ROAD WU NAM STREET, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, LOK YEUNG STREET, TUNG SING ROAD AND ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD EASTBOUND BEFORE RESUMING NORMAL ROUTING.
AT THE SAME TIME, CERTAIN ROAD SECTIONS IN ABERDEEN WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
THESE AREs
X THE SECTION OF CHENGTU ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH LOK YEUNG STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WU PAK STREET.
X THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE SECTION OF LOK YEUNG STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHENGTU ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
X THE SECTION OF SAI ON STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHENGTU ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
X THE SECTION OF WU PAK STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHENGTU ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
X THE SECTION OF NAM NING STREET BETWEEN ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH CHENGTU ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
X THE SECTION OF NAM NING STREET BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH CHENGTU ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED RUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE SECTION OF SAI ON STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHENGTU ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED 8Y GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SMOKING HABIT CONTINUES TO DECLINE........................... 1
YOUTH CENTRE POLICY UNDIR REVIEW ............................ 3
COMMUNITY URGED TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS ................. 4
EMPLOYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON WORKING HOURS ................... 5
ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION ................ 5
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS ........................... 6
YOUTH SOCCER TOURNAMENT BEGINS .............................. 7
SPORTS DEMONSTRATIONS GIVEN FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS .......... 8
SOUTHERN TO HOLD CARNIVAL TOMORROW .......................... 9
SRAM SHOT PO SPORTS COMPETITION TOMORROW .................... 10
YOUNG PEOPLE TO DISCUSS CIVIC ISSUES ........................ 10
GOOD RESPONSE TO SHA TIN COMPETITION -....................... 11
CANTONESE OPERA TREAT AT CITY HALL........................... 12
AD HOC GROUP ON ANIMAL WASTE CONTROL PLANNED................. 12
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN SHAM SHOT PO .......................... 13
CENTRAL, SHA TIN WATER CUTS ................................. 13
FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER ................................. 14
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
1
SMOKING HABIT CONTINUES TO DECLINE *****
RESULTS OF THE LATEST SURVEY ON THE SMOKING PATTERNS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOWED THAT THE SMOKING HABIT HAS CONTINUED TO DECLINE.
RELEASING THE FINDINGS TODAY OF THIS EXERCISE WHICH WAS CONDUCTED AS PART OF THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IN JULY THIS YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLEASED WITH THE CONTINUAL DECLINE FROM THREE-QUARTERS OF A MILLION DAILY SMOKERS TO NEARER 700 000.
♦IT SHOWED THAT THE MESSAGE OF THE DANGERS OF SMOKING WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN PROMULGATING WAS CONTINUING TO GET THROUGH.
+HOWEVER, THE DECLINE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS IS NOT AS FAST AS IT WAS IN THE PREVIOUS TWO WHEN IT WAS THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN THE FASTEST IN THE WORLD,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT HE WAS NOT SURPRISED THAT THE DECLINE WAS LESS STEEP THAN PREVIOUSLY, BECAUSE THE YEARS 1982-4 HAD SEEN A MAJOR NEW PUSH IN THE FORM OF THE INITIATION AND LEGISLATION OF AN ANTI-SMOKING POLICY, AND OF A STEEP RISE IN PRICES.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE DECLINE WOULD CONTINUE UNDER THE IMPACT OF THE 1986-7 ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN AND WITH THE IMMINENT CREATION OF THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH WHICH WOULD HAVE FULL-TIME STAFF DEVOTED TO ANTI-SMOKING EDUCATION.
A TOTAL OF 14 000 PEOPLE WERE INTERVIEWED IN THE SURVEY ON SMOKING HABITS.
+SOME OF THE MOST INTERESTING FINDINGS RELATE TO THE AGE AND SEX OF HONG KONG SMOKERS*, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS HAD BEEN HIGHLIGHTED IN RECENT INTERNATIONAL PUBLICITY ON THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG’S ANTI-SMOKING MOVEMENT THROUGH AN ARTICLE IN THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL, HONG KONG’S SMOKING PROFILE IS UNUSUAL.
FIRSTLY, VERY FEW WOMEN SMOKE. THE PERCENTAGE HAS REMAINED STABLE AT FOUR PER CENT.
THE FIGURE FOR MEN IS 31 PER CENT, NEARLY A THRID OF THE ADULT MALE POPULATION. BUT THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS AT LEAST AN ENCOURAGING DECREASE FROM 40 PER CENT IN 1982.
+AS LONG AS WOMEN ARE NOT TAKING UP THIS DANGEROUS HABIT,* HE SAID, +WE ARE UNLIKELY TO SEE THE DIFFICULTIES NOW FACING THEM IN THE WEST, WHERE WOMEN ARE BECOMING THE MAJORITY AMONGST SMOKERS BECAUSE OF SIMILAR DECLINES IN MALE SMOKING FIGURES.*
/secondly, .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
2
secondly, the age at which smoking starts is later in hong KONG THAN IN DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. *THIS HAS POSSIBLY BEEN A FACTOR IN HELPING TO KEEP OVERALL FIGURES LOW,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +AS IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT THE OLDER YOU ARE THE LESS LIKELY YOU ARE TO TAKE UP THE HABIT, AND IT IS OBVIOUSLY BETTER IF PEOPLE DO NOT START TO FEEL TEMPTED UNTIL THEY ARE MATURE ENOUGH TO RESIST IT*.
+ON THIS,* HE ADDED, +THE ANTI-SMOKING POLICY COMES TOGETHER WITH THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY’S OWN DECLARED INSISTENCE THAT ’SMOKING SHOULD BE AN ADULT CHOICE’*.
BUT ONE ASPECT OF THE LATEST SURVEY RESULTS IS WORRYING IN THIS RESPECT. +THE YOUNGEST GROUP IS THE ONLY SET AMONG THE AGE-GROUPS WHICH SHOWS AN INCREASE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE FIGURE EVEN FROM ADMITTED SMOKERS IN THE 15-19 YEAR-OLD BAND IS OVER 17 000 AND IF YOU INCLUDE PROBABLE NON-REPORTING AND THOSE UNDER 15, YOU HAVE A VERY MUCH HIGHER LEVEL OF SMOKING FOR TEENAGERS.*
THIS FIGURE INDICATED A NEW TREND THAT WAS LIKELY TO CAUSE THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH TO ADDRESS ITSELF AT ONCE TO WAYS OF REACHING TEENAGERS AND COUNTER-ACTING THEIR FEELING THAT EARLY SMOKING DEMONSTRATED EARLY MATURITY, THE SPOKESMAN SUGGESTED.
THE LATEST FIGURES STILL SHOWED THE 50-60 AGE-GROUP AS THE PEAK FOR THE HIGHEST PERCENTAGE OF SMOKERS, AND 40-50 AS THE PEAK ONE FOR QUANTITY OF CONSUMPTION, AT 17 CIGARETTES A DAY.
+WE WERE NATURALLY HOPING THAT AS THIS GENERATION GREW OLDER IT WOULD BE REPLACED BY ONE WISER OF THE RISKS OF A HABIT WHICH IS THOUGHT TO BE HONG KONG’S AS WELL AS THE WORLD’S BIGGEST KILLER, WITH LATEST GLOBAL ESTIMATES AT 2-1/2 MILLION PREVENTABLE DEATHS A YEAR.
+THERE IS SOME ENCOURAGEMENT IN THE CONTINUING EVIDENCE OF PEOPLE GIVING UP, HOWEVER,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. MORE THAN HALF OF THE EX-SMOKERS IN THE SURVEY GAVE UP BECAUSE THEY HAD COME TO APPRECIATE THE EXTENT OF THE HEALTH RISK, WHETHER THROUGH THEIR DOCTOR OR THROUGH THEIR OWN REALISATION.
+OBVIOUSLY, THE MAIN HOPE IN THE LONG RUN, IN HONG KONG AND ELSEWHERE, IS THAT THE NUMBER OF EX-SMOKERS WILL EVENTUALLY OVERWHELM THE NUMBER OF SMOKERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID. +THE MESSAGE IS CLEAR IN ITSELF. IT’S A MATTER OF GETTING IT THROUGH.*
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
- 3 -
YOUTH CENTRE POLICY UNDER REVIEW
*****
THERE HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS, BOTH IN QUALITY AND QUANTITY, SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YOUTH CENTRE POLICY MORE THAN A DECADE AGO, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY LUNG HANG YOUTH CENTRE IN SHA TIN, HE SAID: +WE ARE NOW ACTIVELY REVIEWING THE DISTRIBUTION AND PLANNING STANDARDS OF YOUTH CENTRES IN ORDER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DISTRICTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN A MORE FLEXIBLE MANNER.+
HE SAID THERE WAS MORE TO A YOUTH CENTRE THAN JUST BEING A VENUE FOR SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
+YOUTH CENTRE IS A MlNI-COMMON ITY IN WHICH YOUNG PEOPLE COME INTO CONTACT WITH THEIR PEER GROUPS AND THE SOCIETY AND AT THE SAME TIME LEARN HOW TO RELATE TO PEOPLE AND TO SOLVE PROBLEMS THROUGH GROUP EFFORTS,+ HE SAID.
+ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES OF YOUTH CENTRE OR YOUTH WORK IS TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO GAIN ACTUAL EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIALS THROUGH ORGANISED GROUP ACTIVITIES,* HE ADDED.
MR LAW NOTED THAT RATHER THAN ALLOWING YOUNG PEOPLE TO ADOPT A *SPECTATOR’S+ ROLE, GROUP WORK IN YOUTH CENTRES SERVED TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO ORGANISE THEMSELVES TO CARRY OUT PROJECTS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT THF SUCCESS OF YOUTH CENTRES ALSO RELIED ON THF CLOSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CENTRE AND MEMBER FAMILIES AS WELL AS ON THE PARTICIPATION OF THE LATTER.
+AS ACTIVITIES ARE DEVELOPED ACCORDING TO THE NEEDS AND THE WISHES OF THE MEMBERS AND HAVE TO MEET WITH CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES IN THF DISTRICT, THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION IS NECESSARY,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO YOUTH FACILITIES IN SHA TIN, HE OBSERVED THERE WERE 11 YOUTH CENTRES IN OPERATION WHILE ANOTHER SEVEN WERE UNDER PLANNING.
HF PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SALVATION ARMY FOR ITS ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
0
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
- 4 -
COMMUNITY URGED TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS
M * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, TODAY (SATURDAY) APPEALED TO THE COMMUNITY TO JOIN THE CRUSADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL, MR MORTIMER SAID THE NARCOTICS DIVISION HAD ONCE AGAIN JOINED HANDS WITH THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE TO ORGANISE A TWO-WEEK LONG PREVENTIVE AND EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT CAMPAIGN.
+THROUGH THE MANY EDUCATIONAL, RECREATIONAL AND INTERESTING ACTIVITIES, IT IS HOPED THAT THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE WILL REACH NOT ONLY THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES BUT WILL BE FURTHER PROMULGATED BY THEM TO THEIR FRIENDS AND RELATIVES,* HE SAID.
+| BELIEVED THAT THE GOAL OF A GREATER COMMUNITY AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE COULD BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE IMPACT OF DISTRICT CAMPAIGNS.
+THIS CARNIVAL WHICH MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE FORTNIGHT SHOWS US THAT LIFE HAS MEANINGFUL AND ENJOYABLE ATTRACTIONS AND THAT WE, TOGETHER WITH YOUNG PEOPLE, CAN FIGHT WHAT IS WRONG AND HELP EACH OTHER TO RE-FASHION OUR LIFE.*
THE CARNIVAL, HELD AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, INCLUDED GAMES STALLS, ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION DISPLAYS, FILM SHOWS, SLIDE PRESENTATION AND A DEMONSTRATION OF SKILLS BY THE ANIT-NARCOTICS DOG UNIT OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT.
THE FIVE-HOUR EVENT ATTRACTED THOUSANDS OF ENTHUSIASTIC SPECTATORS.
THE ANTI-NARCOTICS FORTNIGHT PROVIDES A PROGRAMME AIMED AT EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY, PARTICULARLY YOUNG PEOPLE, ON THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE.
THE FORTNIGHT WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 7 WITH AN OPEN-AIR DISCO +ANTI-NARCOTICS BEAT STREET*, PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE BY COMMERCIAL RADIO FROM VICTORIA PARK.
OTHER EVENTS DURING THE FORTNIGHT WILL INCLUDE VISITS TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT BY STAFF OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AND MOBILE DISPLAYS BY THE MOBILE PUBLICITY UNIT.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER MR BOWEN LEUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR LEUNG SAU-CHI.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
5
EMPLOYERS GIVEN REMINDER ON WORKING HOURS
X X * X X
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT FACTORY PROPRIETORS WHO EMPLOY WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS TO WORK OUTSIDE THEIR PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT RISK BEING PROSECUTED.
THIS FOLLOWED A RECENT COURT CASE WHICH THE PROPRIETOR OF A PRINTING FACTORY WAS Pi NED $5 OOG A MAGISTRATE FOR EMPLOYING 15 WOMEN OUTSIDF ’HF «R oPR>Or X PMPLOYMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE F.NE IMPOSED WAS “HE MAXIMUM PENALTY UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS REGULATIONS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE +PERIOD OF EMPLOYMENT* IS THE PERIOD AS ENTERED IN THE NOTICE OF PERMISSIBLE HOURS OF WORK, INCLUDING THE INTERVALS ALLOWED FOR MEALS OR REST, WITHIN WHICH WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS MAY BE EMPLOYED ON THAT DAY.
+NO CHANGE SHOULD BE MADE UNLESS PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE HAS BEEN SERVED ON THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AND ANOTHER NOTICE POSTED ON THE PREMISES 48 HOURS BEFORE THE PROPOSED CHANGE IS TO COME INTO FORCE,* HE SAID.
+SUCH CHANGE SHOULD NOT BE MADE MORE THAN ONCE IN EVERY THREE MONTHS EXCEPT WITH SPECIAL PERMISSION IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.*
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S HOTLINE — 5-8152200 — TO REPORT ANY BREACHES OF THE REGULATIONS.
ALL COMPLAINTS WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THE NAMES AND IDENTITY OF THE COMPLAINANTS WOULD NOT BE DISCLOSED IN THE COURSE OF INVESTIGATIONS.
- - 0 - -
ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION
X X X X
SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO WIN AN OVERSEAS TRIP, CASH AND BOOK PRIZES IN AN ESSAY COMPETITION ON TOPICS RELATING TO COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND STUDIES.
PRIZES IN THE ANNUAL ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION ARE OFFERED BY THE SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
/THuJ COMTETITTON
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO FOUR GROUPS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN -CLASS A FOR CANDIDATES AGED 16 AND UNDER 19 IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR CLASS B FOR THOSE BETWEEN 14 AND 16, CLASS C BETWEEN 12 AND 14 AN CLASS D FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 12.
WINNER OF CLASS A WILL BE AWARDED A HONG KONG-LONDON RETURN FLIGHT FOR TWO, 30 POUNDS STERLING IN CASH AND BOOKS WORTH 20 POUNDS.
THE BEST ESSAY WRITER OF CLASS B WILL RECEIVE REGIONAL AIR TRAVEL FOR TWO PLUS 20 POUNDS STERLING IN CASH AND BOOKS WORTH 15 POUNDS STERLING.
THERE WILL BE FOUR PRIZES FOR EACH OF THE FOUR CLASSES AWARDED BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN BRITAIN.
IN ADDITION, THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG WILL OFFER A ROUND-TRIP AIR TICKET TO KUALA LUMPUR, ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS AT COMMONWEALTH HOUSE. SIGHTSEEING EXPEDITIONS AND SPENDING MONEY TO THE BEST WRITER IN CLASS A. JUDGING WILL BE DONE BY THE BOARD OF EXAMINERS IN LONDON.
THE HONG KONG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WILL DONATE 12 PRIZES TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS OF EACH OF THE FOUR CLASSES OF THE LOCAL COMPETITION ORGANISED TO SELECT ENTRIES OF SUFFICIENT DISTINCTION FOR ENTERING THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION IN LONDON.
DETAILS OF THE INTERNATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS. ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT VIA SCHOOLS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE JANUARY 20, 1987, FOR THE PRELIMINARY ROUND OF JUDGING.
- - 0 - -
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS H * * X *
THE 16-DAY SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL OPENED TONIGHT (SATURDAY) WITH A SPECTACULAR LASER VARIETY SHOW IN WONG CHUK HANG.
OPENING THE FESTIVAL, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THE FESTIVAL NOT ONLY PROVIDED FUN FOR RESIDENTS, BUT ALSO HAD A SERIOUS PURPOSE OF DRAWING TOGETHER PEOPLE WITH DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS.
+1 KNOW THAT THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS RECENTLY INITIATED AN INTENSIVE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND THIS HAS BEEN ENTHUSIASTICALLY SUPPORTED BY THE SIX AREA COMMITTEES,* HE SAID.
/+! HAVE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
+l HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE FESTIVAL WILL BE OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE CAMPAIGN, THROUGH THE BOOST WHICH IT WILL GIVE TO COMMUNITY SPIRIT,* HE ADDED.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORDj SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
MRS SO CHOW YIM-PING.
RESIDENTS REPRESENTING THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREAS PUT TOGETHER A SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD LOGO TO SYMBOLISE THE UNITY OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS. THERE WAS ALSO A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY FOR THE LASER VARIETY SHOW THAT FOLLOWED.
MORE THAN 4 OOO RESIDENTS ATTENDED THE THREE-HOUR SHOW IN WHICH WELL-KNOWN DISC-JOCKEYS AND POPULAR SINGERS TOOK PART.
THEY WERE AMAZED AT THE VARYING PATTERNS AND SPECIAL EFFECTS CREATED BY LASER BEAMS DURING THE SHOW, WHICH WAS HELD ON A SOCCER PITCH.
THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL RUN UNTIL DECEMBER 7. THERE WILL BE 12 OTHER FREE CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES TO SPREAD THE FESTIVAL’S THEME OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND INTERESTS.
PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-540271.
-----0---------
YOUTH SOCCFR TOURNAMENT BEGINS
* M K M
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLACING MORE AND MORE EMPHASIS ON YOUTH SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING THROUGH THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR A.K. CHUI, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) WHFN SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SECOND JAL INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP YOUTH SOCCER TOURNAMENT BEING HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE.
THE TOURNAMENT PROVIDED A WELCOME OPPORTUNITY FOR TALENTED UP-AND-COMING YOUNG FOOTBALLERS FROM SINGAPORE, JAPAN AND HONG ’ KONG TO PIT THEIR SKILLS AGAINST EACH OTHER AND TO GAIN COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE, HE SAID.
/+THE INT. llWA'iT HU
SATURDAY, NOVZMBEE 22, 1?86
8 -
♦THE INTERNATIONAL EXPOSURE PROVIDED BY THIS EVENT WILL ALSO HELP TO GENERATE GREATER INTEREST AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN THIS SPORT,+ HE ADDED.
MR CHUI DESCRIBED FOOTBALL AS A POPULAR AND WELL SUPPORTED SPORT IN HONG KONG.
+WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF YOUTH FOOTBALL TRAINING SCHEMES, IT IS HOPED THAT IN THE YEARS AHEAD HONG KONG FOOTBALLERS WILL EARN A BETTER PLACE FOR THEMSELVES ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT IN 1981 THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION HAD LAUCHED A SCHEME TO PROVIDE LONG-TERM AND SYSTEMATIC TRAINING FOR YOUNG PLAYERS.
MR CHUI ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THOSE INVOLVED IN MAKING THE TOURNAMENT POSSIBLE, INCLUDING JAPAN AIR LINES, WHICH PROVIDED AIR FARES AND SPONSORED TROPHIES, THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, AND THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.
-------0---------
SPORTS DEMONSTRATIONS GIVEN FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS K K X K K
SKILLED PERFORMERS GAVE DEMONSTRATIONS OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS AT THE LIM POR YEN CENTRE TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE +SPORTS OPEN DAY+ BEGAN WITH A DEMONSTRATION OF AEROBICS BY YOUNG CHILDERN IN THE DISTRICT.
A TEAM FROM THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SHUTTLECOCK ASSOCIATION THEN SHOWED THEIR SKILL AT SHUTTLECOCK KICKING.
OTHFR DEMONSTRATIONS WERE GIVEN IN VARIOUS BALL GAMES, KARATE, FENCING, TRAMPOLINI NG, SOCIAL DANCING, AND BALLET DANCING.
THE OPEN DAY WAS ORGANISED AS PART OF ACTIVITIES IN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT.
THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO GIVE RESIDENTS THE CHANCE TO SHARE THEIR INTERESTS AND EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS AND TO ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF HEALTHY LEISURE ACTIVITIES.
/9
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
9
SOUTHERN TO HOLD CARNIVAL TOMORROW *****
RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A HOST OF ACTIVITIES WHEN A PROMENADE'rEST^ARDEN 1 PM T° 6 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN
THE PROGRAMME RANGES FROM STAGE PERFORMANCES AND CRAFTS STALLS TO EXHIBITIONS AND GAMES STALLS. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE CARNIVAL, ENTITLED +SOUTHERN DISTRICT — YESTERDAY. TODAY ™MORROW* 1S °NE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS ORGANISED FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND IS AIMED AT PROJECTING THE DISTRICT AS A FAST-MOVING AND DEVELOPING COMMUNITY. as a
EVENTS ON THE PROGRAMME INCLUDE A LION DANCE BY THE FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATION, BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE, MAGIC SHOW, CANTONESE OPERA, FOLK SONGS AND DANCES, AND BALLET AND CHILDREN'S DANCES PERFORMED BY KINDERGARTENS, SCHOOLS, RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER GROUPS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PERFORMANCE OF ENGLISH MORRIS DANCING.
TWO EXHIBITIONS, ON SOUTHERN DISTRICT'S HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT AND ON THE FISHING INDUSTRY, WILL BE HELD. RESIDENTS CAN ALSO VISIT A WELL-EQUIPPED MODERN FISHING VESSEL MOORED ALONGSIDE THE PROMENADE.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO 12 WINNERS OF THE DISTRICT’S +CITIZENS OF THE MONTH* AWARD FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER AT A CEREMONY AT 2 PM.
BEST DESIGNIAL PR,ZE WILL BE AWARDED T0 THE GAMES STALL HAVING THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CARNIVAL OPENING AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 2 PM TOMORROW AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN (OPPOSITE NO. 70 BUS TERMINUS).
------o-------
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS COMPETITION TOMORROW * * * * *
IT WILL BE A DAY OF ACTION FOR SHAM SHU I PO RESIDENTS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AS A SERIES OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE PLACE ALL OVER THE DISTRICT.
REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHAM SHU I PO TRACK AND FIELD SPORTS COMPETITION WHICH WILL START AT 11 AM.
CO-ORGANISED BY URBAN COUNCIL AND THE SHAM SHU I PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION. THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM, BOUNDARY STREET.
ANOTHER COMPETITION AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND FROM 9.30 AM TO 6 PM IS A KNOCK-OUT MINI SOCCER TOURNAMENT ORGANISED BY THE LAI CHI KOK AND UN CHAU AREA COMMITTEE.
A CARNIVAL WILL ALSO BE HELD AT 2 PM AT PO ON ROAD PLAYGROUND, WHILE A VARIETY SHOW AT MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND WILL START AT 7.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MANY EVENTS OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
- - 0 - -
YOUNG PEOPLE TO DISCUSS CIVIC ISSUES
*****
SIX GROUP OF YOUNG PEOPLE WILL AIR THEIR VIEWS ON VARIOUS ISSUES INVOLVING THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT AT A SEMINAR TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THEY ARE THE WINNING TEAMS IN A CIVIC IMPLEMENTATION SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE.
THEIR PROJECTS WERE CHOSEN FROM A TOTAL OF 17 ENTRIES WHICH TOUCHED ON TOPICS SUCH AS THE HISTORY OF OLD-STYLE CHINESE TEA HOUSES IN YAU MA TEI, THE FRUIT MARKET, PROBLEMS FACING ELDERLY PEOPLE, AND PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
/PRESENT AT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
11
ch.ir^^ttSet jE^T^r'?s5B:;TLELEBiNL^o;?b‘Tin
- YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS Fr6m PARTICIPANTS.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNING TEAMS.
THE SEMINAR WILL ALSO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE YAU MA TEI CIVIC EDUCATION FESTIVAL WHICH BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 9? C
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE I IN THE HENRY G SQUARE STREET.
NV I TED TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO START AT 2 PM TOMORROW . LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 60 PUBLIC
--------0----------
GOOD RESPONSE TO SHA TIN COMPETITION
* * H X
ABOUT 700 SECONDARY AND PRIMARY STUDENTS IN SHA TIN HAVE ENTERED THE DISTRICT’S SLOGAN AND ESSAY COMPETITION ON + STOP THROWING OBJECTS FROM HEIGHT+.
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, IS AIMED AT ALERTING RESIDENTS TO THE HARM AND DANGER CAUSED BY OBJECTS THROWN FROM HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO T2 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES AT A CEREMONY AT SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY THE SHA TIN CHILDREN CHOIR, DRAMA CLUB AND THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL, AS PART OF A VARIETY SHOW.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM, SHA TIN DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR J.F. GREENE, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR ANDREW WONG, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEE KWAN WING-WAH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZr PRESENTATION AND VARIETY SHOW TO BEGIN TOMORROW AT 11 AM AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA (NEAR THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN).
------o-------
12
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
12
CANTONESE OPERA TREAT AT CITY HALL * * * * *
MORE THAN 1 OOO CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE DURING THE SECOND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE THREE-HOUR PERFORMANCE BY THE HON FUNG CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 24) AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL. IT WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
IT IS HOPED THAT MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL ATTEND.
FREE TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, KENNEDY TOWN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, THE TAM PAK HEUNG SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AND SEVEN CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.
AMONG THOSE OFFICIATING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR KEVIN MAK- CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG- AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR VINCENT KO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL’S CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM ON MONDAY AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
AD HOC GROUP ON ANIMAL WASTE CONTROL PLANNED
*****
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER SETTING UP AN AD HOC GROUP TO STUDY THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTE AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 24).
THE GROUP, TO BE PROPOSED BY MR TAI CHIN-WAH IN RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON ANIMAL WASTE, WILL EXAMINE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CONTROL AREA; THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS TO CONTROL FARMING AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENT FOR THOSE AFFECTED.
/MEMBEHS........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
13
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND PROGRESS REPORTS ON MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AND FROM THE STREET MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, YUEN LONG.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN SHAM SHU I PO * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 25), A SECTION OF PRATAS STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHEAST BOUND TO ONE-WAY SOUTHWEST BOUND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
THE AFFECTED SECTION IS BETWEEN UN CHAU STREET AND FUK WING STREET.
MEANWHILE, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AT THIS SECTION OF PRATAS STREET WILL BE CANCELLED. TWO PLB STANDS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE SECTION OF FUK WING STREET BETWEEN CAMP STREET AND PRATAS STREET.
- - 0 - -
CENTRAL, SHA TIN WATER CUTS
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT AND SHA TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 25) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
IN CENTRAL DISTRICT, THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY CAINE ROAD, LADDER STREET, PO HING FONG, KUI IN FONG, TAI PING SHAN STREET, BRIDGES STREET, STAUNTON STREET AND ABERDEEN STREET, INCLUDING U LAM TERRACE AND HOLLYWOOD ROAD POLICE QUARTERS.
IN SHA TIN, THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES BOUNDED BY SIU LEK YUEN ROAD, LOK SHING STREET, TAK PO STREET, TAK WING STREET AND TAK KAY STREET, INCLUDING CITY ONE PHASE I AND II (BLOCK NO’S 1 - 52).
/14
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1986
- 14 -
FIRING PRACTICE IN DECEMBER K X M X *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 16 DAYS IN DECEMBER.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE»
DATE TIME
DECEMBER 1 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 2 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 3 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 4 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 5 (FRIDAY) 0.01 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 6 (SATURDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 8 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 9 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 10 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 11.59 PM
DECEMBER 11 (THURSDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 12 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 15 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 16 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 17 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 18 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
DECEMBER 19 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO_._
EUROPE’S AWARENESS OF HK GROWING — .........................
WELL BEING OF RURAL COMMUNITIES NOT OVERLOOKED................. 2
BRITISH AWARDS FOR HK LANDSCAPERS...........................
ORGANISATIONS URGED TO SUPPORT CIVIC EDUCATION .............
COURTESY CAN HELP PREVENT ROAD ACCIDENTS ...................
SAFE USE OF WELDING GEaR STRESSED...........................
THOUSANDS HAVE FUN AT CARNIVAL .............................
RUNNERS RACE AROUND WONG TAI SIN ...........................
ARTS CLUBHOUSE OPENS IN EASTERN ............................
SAI KUNG TO BEGIN CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE........................ 9
DB TO DISCUSS BUS ACCIDENT.................................... 10
CLOSURE TO CONTINUE..................-......................
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23,
EUROPE’S AWARENESS OF HK GROWING ~ CS
*****
THERE IS AN INCREASING AWARENESS IN EUROPE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG AND THE EMERGING IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG AS A CENTRE OF BUSINESS IN THE REGION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT AFTER HIS RETURN FROM EUROPE, SIR DAVID SAID THE MOST INTERESTING THING HE DID DURING THE TRIP WAS TO OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE BELGIUM-HONG KONG SOCIETY AT BRUSSELS.
THERE HE WAS ABLE TO MEET ABOUT 60 BUSINESSMEN FROM BELGIUM WHO WERE INTERESTED IN SETTING UP THEIR ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG.
+THIS WILL FURTHER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BRUSSELS, AND ALSO WILL LEAD TO INCREASING BUSINESS BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES. SO THAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT THING,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT RECENT CASES OF CHILD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, SIR DAVID SAID THAT HE WAS SURE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE BRINGING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES.
+THIS IS NOT GOOD FOR ANYONE, IT’S NOT GOOD FOR THE CHILDREN, IT’S NOT GOOD FOR THE AUTHORITIES IN CHINA OR THE AUTHORITIES HERE,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF ALLOWANCE FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, SIR DAVID SAID THAT HE GATHERED FROM PRESS REPORTS THAT MEMBERS WERE NOT SATISFIED WITH IT, AND ALSO THAT SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS HAD COMMENTED ON THE INADEQUACY OF THE ALLOWANCE AND ALSO ON THE GOVERNMENT’S SLOWNESS IN GRANTING IT.
ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REVIEW THE RATE OF ALLOWANCE, SIR DAVID SAID, +CERTAINLY, IN VIEW OF THE REQUEST, I THINK PROBABLY THE GOVERNMENT WILL OBVIOUSLY AS WE DO WITH ALL REQUESTS, LOOK AT IT AGA IN.+
ASKED WHETHER PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IN DB MEMBERS WOULD BE AFFECTED AS THEY WERE SO CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUESTION OF ALLOWANCE, SIR DAVID SAID HE DID NOT THINK SO.
+1 DON’T THINK PEOPLE’S CONFIDENCE IN THE DISTRICT BOARDS IS IN ANY WAY AFFECTED BY THIS. THIS IS SIMPLY BETWEEN THE BOARD MEMBERS AND THE GOVERNMENT. THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE DONE A VERY GOOD JOB OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS AND ARE DOING A VERY GOOD JOB,+ HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 231 19^6
2 -
SIR DAVID ADDED THAT HE DID NOT THINK THAT DB MEMBERS WERE TRYING TO PUT PRESSURE ON THE GOVERNMENT AT A TIME THE GOVERNMENT WAS REVIEWING THE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM.
WHAT THEY WERE SAYING WAS THAT THE ALLOWANCE WAS NOT ENOUGH AND THAT IN ORDER TO DO THEIR JOB PROPERLY THEY WOULD LIKE MORL MONEY AND THEY WOULD LIKE MORE MONEY TO SET UP THEIR OWN OFFICES SO THAT THEY COULD SERVE THE PEOPLE BETTER THAN THEY WERE AT THE MOMENT, SIR DAV ID SA ID.
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WELL BEING OF RURAL COMMUNITIES NOT OVERLOOKED M K * * *
THE WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES WOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FANL ING/SHEUNG SHU I NEW TOWN GATHERED MOMENTUM, NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG SAID TODAY.
IN FACT, THE GOVERNMENT HAD EMBARKED ON AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE REMOTER PARTS OF THE DISTRICT, HE SA ID.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SEVENTH NORTH DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT AS PART OF AN OVERALL EFFORT TO EXTEND ITS SERVICE TO THE FAR CORNERS IN THE RURAL AREAS, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD SET UP TWO SUB-OFFICES IN SHA TAU KOK AND TA KWU LING.
THE SHA TAU KOK OFFICE WOULD FIT IN WITH THE U2OO MILLION REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SHA TAU KOK TOWNSHIP WHICH WAS UNDERWAY WHILE THE ONE IN TA KWU LING WOULD FORM THE CORE OF THE RURAL CENTRE TO BE BUILT AT PING CHE, MR CHEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THAT BOTH OFFICES WOULD CONSIST OF A FULL RANGE OF PUBLIC ENQUIRY AND LIAISON SERVICES AND WOULD OPERATE ALONGSIDE A PURPOSE-BUILT COMMUNITY HALL TO BE MANAGED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
+THESE FACILITIES PROVIDING A FOCAL POINT FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS WOULD NO DOUBT BRING THE GOVERNMENT CLOSER TO THE COMMUNITY,* MR CHEUNG SAID.
TURNING TO THE PROVISION OF RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES FOR THE FAST GROWING NORTH DISTRICT, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT A SOPHISTICATED SPORTS COMPLEX, COMPRISING TRACK AND FIELD GROUND, FOOTBALL PITCHES AND A SPECTATOR STAND ACCOMMODATING 2 500 PEOPLE WOULD BE BUILT NEAR TIN PING ESTATE IN SHEUNG SHU I.
/WI'liK WOULD..............
BUNDAY, NOV HUBER 23, 1?86
WORK WOULD START BY 1988/89 AND THE COMPLEX, WHEN COMPLETED WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN THE DISTRICT,
HE ADDED.
TODAY’S EVENT, HELD AT THE SPORTS GROUND OF THE FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN OF TH£ NORTH DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR CHONG KAM-NING- REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, K Jiffis mJ and THE DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, NORTH, MRS AMY WONG.
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BRITISH AWARDS FOR HK LANDSCAPERS
X X X X
A CONTRACTOR AND A DESIGNER, RESPONSIBLE FOR LANDSCAPING OVER 50 000 SQUARE METRES OF TAI PO NEW TOWN, HAVE BEEN PRESENTED WITH AWARDS BY THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF LANDSCAPE INDUSTRIES AND A ,
LEADING BRITISH COMPANY, Fl SONS.
THE CONTRACTOR IS ORIENTAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES, WHO WON A PRINCIPAL AWARD, AND THE DESIGNER URBIS LIMITED, WHO RECEIVED AN AWARD IN THE INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY FOR LANDSCAPING OVERSEAS.
e
THE WORK UNDER A CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT INCLUDED LANDSCAPING ROADS, PAVED RECREATION AREAS, SITTING AREAS AND WALKWAYS.
USED IN THE PROJECT WERE 2 200 HEAVY STANDARD TREES, 72 000 SHRUBS, INCLUDING MANY FLOWERING SPECIES, 20 000 GROUND COVERS AND FLOWERING CLIMBERS UNDER ARBOURS.
THE PROJECT WAS CARRIED OUT AT TAI WO AND NAM WAN ROADS AND u THE LAM TSUEN RIVERSIDE WALKWAYS. }
IT HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL LANDSCAPE PROJECTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN HONG KONG.
THIS IS THE FIRST TIME AWARDS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR A SCHEME BASED ON PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE ALONE, BUT THE JUDGES FELT THAT THE QUALITY OF WORKMANSHIP AND THE IMPRESSIVE NATURE OF THE OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT WERE WORTHY OF APPRAISAL.
/THE AWARD-WINNING .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2J, 1986
4
THE AWARD-WINNING PROJECT IS PART OF A CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF EXTENSIVE AMENITY LANDSCAPING BEING CARRIED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACTING COMPANY’S DILIGENCE WENT WAY BEYOND THE INITIAL PLANNING. IT HAD TO CONTEND WITH EXTREME WEATHER CONDITIONS, INCLUDING A TYPHOON, AS WELL AS THEFTS AND VANDALISM.
THE FINISHED LANDSCAPE HAS MADE A CONSIDERABLE IMPACT AND IS BEING WIDELY USED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS FOR PASSIVE RECREATION.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE PROJECT WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.+
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ORGANISATIONS URGED TO SUPPORT CIVIC EDUCATION * X * X *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT TODAY (SUNDAY) URGE^ DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS TO SUPPORT THE CI V IC EDUCAT I ON
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT DAY AT THE TAI P0 PLAYGROUND, HE SAID PARTICIPATION CT ORGANISATIONS WAS REQUIRED FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE
GAMrA I GN.
MR BURRETT SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT MANY SCHOOL STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.
TEACHERS AND
HE HOPED THAT STUDENTS COULD CIVIC EDUCATION BY TAKING PART IN
HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING TODAY’S PROGRAMMES.
OF
CIVIC
THE PROGRAMMES INCLUDED STALL GAMES RELATING TO CIVIC EDUCATION, AN EXHIBITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION, CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS GYMNASTIC AND DANCING PERFORMANCES.
THE CIVIC EDUCATION SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE
DAY WAS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
tai DALnRn?rFlS.IATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG, AND CHAIRMAN Oc THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-PING.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1)36
- 5 -
COURTESY CAN HELP *
PREVENT ROAD ACCIDENTS X * * *
MOST ROAD ACCIDENTS COULD BE AVOIDED IF PEOPLE WERE MORE CAREFUL AND POLITE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG, SA ID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE SAID DRIVERS AND PEDESTRIANS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANT ROLE EACH HAD TO PLAY IN ROAD SAFETY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY IN VICTORIA PARK, MR LEUNG SAID THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF PEDESTRIANS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS ---- “
YEAR TOTALLED 2 727.
THIS WAS AN INCREASE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST
OF 238 OVER THE FIGURE FOR THE YEAR.
MANY ACCIDENTS COULD TRAFF IC RULES, HE SAID.
BE AVOIDED IF PEDESTRIANS OBSERVED
MR LEUNG SAID TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN EASTERN HAD IMPROVED GREATLY SINCE THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND THE MTR ISLAND LINE. THESE EFFECTIVELY SEPARATED THE MOVEMENT CF VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS.
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGES HAD BEEN BUILT AT BUSY LOCATIONS TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC MOVEMENT.
MR ENABLED
LEUNG URGED RESIDENTS TO USE THESE FOOTBRIDGES AS THEY THEM TO CROSS ROADS IN SAFETY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED THE POLICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (TRAFFIC), MR JOHN CLEMENCE; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.W. ROPER; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; POLICE SENIOR STAFF OFFICER (TRAFFIC), MR LAM KIN’ PRESIDENT OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION; MR SHE KWONG-WAH ; CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR YUE HUI-KWONG) AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY WORKING GROUP, MR CHENG WUI—YAU.
THE ROAD SAFETY DAY IS AMONG THE MAIN ACTIVITIES IN A MONTHLONG CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION.
A MINIATURE ROAD SAFETY TOWN HAS BEEN LAID OUT FOR THE ROAD SAFETY DAY, AND A ROAD SAFETY BUS IS ON DISPLAY. THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES A VARIETY SHOW, ACROBATIC PERFORMANCE, EXHIBITIONS, GAMES STALLS, AND A COLOURING CONTEST.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1986
- 6 -
SAFE USE OF WELDING GEAR STRESSED * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED WELDING OPERATORS TO ENSURE THAT OXY-ACETYLENE EQUIPMENT IS PROPERLY FITTED AND TO TAKE CARE TO SEE THE EQUIPMENT IS USED SAFELY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE EQUIPMENT SHOULD BE FITTED WITH A FLASHBACK ARRESTOR AT THE PRESSURE REGULATOR OUTLET TO PROTECT AGAINST BACKFIRE.
IN ADDITION, A HOSE CHECK VALVE SHOULD BE INSTALLED IN THE CUTTING TORCH OUTLET TO PREVENT BACK-FEEDING OF GAS.
+FLASHBACK IS THE MOST COMMON CAUSE OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CUTTING AND WELDING EQUIPMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
+RESULTS OF INVESTIGATIONS BY THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT INTO A NUMBER OF GAS CYLINDER EXPLOSIONS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES SHOWED THAT THE ACCIDENTS RESULTED MAINLY FROM FLAME FLASHING BACK FROM THE GAS CUTTING TORCHES WHICH WERE NOT FITTED WITH ANY SAFETY DEVICES,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED OPERATORS TO PURGE THE HOSE BEFORE LIGHTING THE TORCH AS THE HOSE MIGHT CONTAIN FLAMMABLE GAS. ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD THEY IGNITE THE TORCH BEFORE OPENING THE ACETYLENE VALVE.
OPERATORS SHOULD MADE SURE HOSES WERE PLACED IN A SAFE POSITION, AND THE CYLINDER ITSELF SHOULD BE PROPERLY POSITIONED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WITH THE ASSISTANCE CF THE HONG KONG OXYGEN AND ACETYLENE COMPANY, RECENTLY ORGANISED A SEMINAR ON SAFE OPERATION OF GAS WELDING EQUIPMENT.
EXPERTS FROM THE COMPANY AND OFFICERS FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION AND FACTORY INSPECTORATE ATTENDED.
+AMONG THE TOPICS DISCUSSED WERE THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN BY WELDERS AND MODERN SAT FT, MECHANISMS AND DEVICES FITTED IN THE LATEST EQUIPMENT,* HE SAID.
+IT WAS GENERALLY FELT THAT OWNERS SHOULD BE URGED TO BUY GOOD QUALITY EQUIPMENT MADE BY REPUTABL1 MANUFACTURERS.*
BUYING CHEAP, SUB-STANDARD EQUIPMENT MIGHT SAVE A FEW DOLLARS, BUT THE END RESULT COULD BE A SERIOUS ACCID: NT.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE PRESSURE । QU I MEN’ DIVISION IN HARBOUR BUILDING OR BY CALLING 5-H52A1 R'>.
/?........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1986
7
THOUSANDS HAVE FUN AT CARNIVAL
* * * *
THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS HAD AN AFTERNOON OF FUN, GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT AT A CARNIVAL AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE CARNIVAL WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, AND ITS PROGRAMMES WERE DESIGNED TO SUIT THE INTERESTS OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
TWO EXHIBITIONS ON SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT AND ON THE FISHING INDUSTRY WERE HELD AT THE SAME TIME TO ENRICH RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT. MANY PEOPLE ALSO LOOKED OVER A MODERN FISHING VESSEL MOORED ALONGSIDE THE PROMENADE.
OPENING THE CARNIVAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE CARNIVAL WORKING GROUP, MR LAI CHI-TONG, SAID +SOUTHERN DISTRICT----YESTERDAY, TODAY AND
TOMORROW* HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS THE CARNIVAL THEME IN SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
+WE HOPE THAT BY GETTING TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENTS, RESIDENTS WILL HAVE A STRONGER SENSE OF BELONGING AND WILL WORK MORE READILY TO MAKE SOUTHERN DISTRICT A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN,* HE SA ID.
ANOTHER ATTRACTION OF THE CARNIVAL WAS FORMED BY 18 GAME STALLS ON THE THEME OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE CARNIVAL WAS OPENED AFTER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFF ICER, MR SIMON LORD, PERFORMED AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY FOR A LION DANCE.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, W JASPER LAM? FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS SO CHOW YIM-PING, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR PAUL YOUNG, MR KEUNG YIN-MAN AND MISS YEUNG CHUI-CHUN; AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR WALTER SULKE.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR WINNERS OF THE DISTRICT’S ■•CITIZENS OF THE MONTH* AWARD WAS HELD DURING THE CARNIVAL.
TROPHIES WERE PRESENTED TO 12 WINNERS OF THE SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER AWARDS.
-----o-------
RUNNERS RACE AROUND WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE FIRST ROUND-THE-DISTRICT RACE IN WONG TAI SIN WAS HELD TODAY (SUNDAY) AS PART OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
ABOUT 500 PEOPLE RAN THROUGH THE MAJOR ROADS IN THE DISTRICT. CHEERED ON BY SPECTATORS.
/WONG TAI .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2J, 1986
8
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK, AND SOME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS STARTED THE RACE AT THE KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND, AND JOINED THE RUNNERS FOR PART OF THE WAY.
THE FASTEST RUNNER, MR WONG CHI-SAM, TOOK ONLY 29 MINUTES AND 42 SECONDS TO FINISH THE NINE KILOMETRE RACE.
THE WINNER OF THE WOMEN’S EVENT WAS MISS CHAN SAU-PING WHO COMPLETED THE RACE IN 38 MINUTES AND 59 SECONDS.
MR CHUN SIU-KEI WON THE +OVER 40+ EVENT AND FINISHED THE RACE IN 35 MINUTES AND 7 SECONDS.
ANOTHER DISTRICT FESTIVAL ACTIVITY WAS HELD AT THE MORSE PARK OPEN-AIR THEATRE TODAY WHEN ABOUT 1 000 CHILDREN GATHERED FOR A DRAWING COMPETITION. THEY DREW THEIR MOST FAVOURITE PERSON AND THEIR IDEAL LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THERE WAS A PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION FINAL. PARTICIPANTS SPOKE ON THEIR VIEWS ON PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, THE WAYS TO BUILD A GOOD WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT, AND THEIR INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP IN THE COMMUNITY.
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ARTS CLUBHOUSE OPENS IN EASTERN
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL WILL ORGANISE AND CLASSES TO PROMOTE ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WITH THE OPENING OF ITS NEW CLUBHOUSE AT BLOCK 11 OF
MORE EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT CHAI WAN ESTATE
_ at THE OPENING CEREMONY, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER
MR BOWEN LEUNG, SAID SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ARTS COUNCIL IN 1984 IT HAD CONTRIBUTED MUCH IN ORGANISING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
HE NOTED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD MADE PARTICULAR EFFORTS IN ITSMtn uci orr!L?nEN T0 DEVEL0P AN INTEREST IN ARTS AND CULTURE. IT HAD HELPED TO ORGANISE THE DISTRICT’S CHILDREN CHOIR A DANCE GROUP, AND CLASSES IN DRAWING, HANDICRAFTS AND COMPUTERS.
DANCET|uLLLANO°«Sct>^?f;rPO™."R'OU5 CL*SSR00MS INCLUDING A
/MORE CLASSES .......
SUNDAY, NOVhHBER 2J, 1986
^M?RE CLASSES IN MUSIC, DANCING AND OTHER INTEREST CATEGORIES in the new demises AND IT WAS hoped tha?
fEARBY RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN CHAI WAN COULD MAKE FULL USE OF THE NEW FACILITIES, MR LEUNG SAID ’
ruAid2IuESc°tuJC,^TING GUESTS at TODAY'S CEREMONY INCLUDED THE
D STR ICT B0ARD» MR SHUM CHOI-SANG? URBAN COUNCILLOR
MAN SAI-CHEONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL ’ MISS CHRISTINA TING; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.W. ROPER? ’ SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER, MR YEUNG KWING-CHIU? AND CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR DANIEL CHUNG.
BEFORE THE OPENING CEREMONY, A 'DISTRICT ARTS GALA’ WAS HELD AT THE ADJACENT PLAYGROUND, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN CHOIR, AND FOLK DANCE GROUPS. THERE WAS ALSO A PHOTOGRAPHIC AND ARTS AND CRAFTS DISPLAY.
THE GALA WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
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SAI KUNG TO BEGIN CIVIC EDUCATION DRIVE
*****
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC THIS FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 28) AT THE
EDUCATION CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
THE CAMPAIGN AIMS DISTRICT RESIDENTS, IN AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS
AT ENHANCING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG PARTICULAR THE YOUNGER GENERATION, AND TO OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES.
IT WILL ALSO HELP RESIDENTS TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
DISTR ICT
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN? AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MRS ANITA CHAN.
A BLOOD DONATION COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
/ORGANISED BY .......
•SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
10
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, THE CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MAY NEXT YEAR.
THE ESTIMATED COST FOR THE CAMPAIGN IS ABOUT $70 000 WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND THE BLOOD DONATION COMPETITION TO BE IELD ON FRIDAY AT 2 PM AT SAI KUNG TOWN HALL.
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DB TO DISCUSS BUS ACCIDENT * * * *
ArrirJuT !STR 'CT B0ARD WILL DISCUSS THE RECENT FATAL BUS
IN ?HEK PAI TAU R0AD AT ,TS MEETING ON TUESDAY
(NOVEMBER 25).
MEMBERS WILL ARE CARRYING OUT FUTURE.
ASK WHETHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IMPROVEMENT MEASURES TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY IN
* r-..,IHLTUEN MUN D ’STRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE SET UP A PE|ND ™ tiELP VICTIMS AND BEREAVED FAMILIES, AND SO FAR PUBLIC DONATIONS AMOUNTING TO $500 000 HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
cllEMiiT.Tnrn^EETING’ CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED WILL SUBMIT A REPORT ON THE MONITORING OF PARTICULATES IN THE VICINITY rn^rASH ^PFA^ LAG00N IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, TO
^*ER "E"BERS CONCERN AT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PFA LAGOON IN loANb TSUI, TUEN MUN.
/KIMBERS WILL........
11
IJJNDAY, NOVEMBER 2J, 1986
MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE PROBLEM OF ACCUMULATION OF PFA IN SIU LANG SHUI, AND AT A RECLAMATION SITE NEAR TAI HING ESTATz.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
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CLOSURE TO
* * *
CONTINUE
ROAD WEST AND NEW MARKET
ON TAI STREET
STREET^ Wh!cHTHASTBEENWCLOSEDNTOUTRAFFIC FOR WATER MAINS DIVERSION SINCE OCTOBER 14, WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR ANOTHER TWO MONTHS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVLMBER 24, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEFENCE COST AMONG TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION - GOVERNOR.... 1
HK PLAYERS GETTING CHANCE TO BROADEN EXPERIENCE - CS... 2
EXPORT-LED GROWTH GATHERS MOMENTUM IN THIRD QUARTER.... 2
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR OCTOBLR ....................... 6
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ................. 9
BUILDING ORGANISATIONS HELPING BETTER MANAGEMENT......... 10
1980 PRIVATE CARS FALL UNDER INSPECTION SCHEIE........... 12
REGISTRATION REVOKED .................................... 12
EMPLOYMENT SIMINARS FOR POST-SECONDARY GRADUATES ........ 13
DB MEMBUiS T.F.ARN ABOUT SERVICES FOR ELDERLY ........... 13
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL SINGING CONTEST .............. 14
SCHOOL COUNSELLING, GUIDANCE COURSE OFFERED ............. 15
TEMPORARY MARKET BLING BUILT IN TAI KOK TSUI ............ 15
CONTRACT SIGN DIG FOR MAJOR ROAD PROJECT ................ 16
CERTIFICATES FOR COURSE PARTICIPANTS .................... 16
DETAIIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL TMFRCVLWENT C .MPAIffiT ........ 17
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN ................................. 17
WATER CUTS IN THREE AREAS ............................... 18
WATHI STORAGE FIGURE
18
1
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
- 1 -
DEFENCE COST AMONG TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION - GOVERNOR
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING THAT THE DEFENCE COST AGREEMENT, VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG TO PARLIAMENT WOULD BE AMONG THE TOPICS OF HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH MINISTERS DURING HIS TRIP TO LONDON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT HE WOULD BE TALKING WITH MINISTERS IN A PRELIMINARY WAY ABOUT THE DEFENCE COST REVIEW NEXT YEAR.
+AND A PARTICULAR SUBJECT I WOULD WANT TO RAISE THIS TIME, OF COURSE, IS THE INCREASING CONCERN IN HONG KONG ABOUT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND TO ASK MINISTERS HOW THEY’RE GETTING ON WITH THEIR REVIEW OF POLICIES BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN SOME CONCERNS EXPRESSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THAT SUBJECT,* HE SAID.
ON THE ANNUAL REVIEW TO PARLIAMENT, SIR EDWARD SAID: +AS YOU KNOW, IT WAS AN UNDERTAKING THAT THERE WOULD BE AN ANNUAL . REPORT TO PARLIAMENT. SO I WANT TO HAVE A WORD WITH THEM ABOUT THAT AS WELL.*
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS EXPECTING TO HAVE A USEFUL REVIEW WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AND THE FCO MINISTER, MR TIMOTHY RENTON.
+THEY LIKE TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG AND I LIKE TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE IN LONDON ARE FULLY AWARE OF ALL THE DEVELOPMENTS HERE,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
ASKED ABOUT THE INFLUX OF CHILD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS DOING ALL IT COULD TO STOP THE ILLEGAL INFLUX.
+IT IS, I THINK, FOR PARENTS ALSO TO RECOGNISE THAT TO TRY TO BRING IN CHILDREN ILLEGALLY IS VERY DANGEROUS TO CHILDREN, AND IT IS NOT IN ANYBODY’S INTERESTS. SO WE’RE DOING ALL WE CAN TO PUT IT TO AN END,* HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y.CHUNG, AND THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.
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/2
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
2
HK PLAYERS GETTING CHANCE TO BROADEN EXPERIENCE - CS *****
THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS IS IMPORTANT TO ENABLE LOCAL PLAYERS TO BROADEN THEIR EXPERIENCE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL BOWLS CLASSIC 1986, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG’S RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS IN SWIMMING, TENNIS, TABLE TENNIS, JUDO, SHOOTING, BOWLING AND LAWN BOWLS HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING.
+FASHIONING ENTHUSIASM INTO EXCELLENCE IS NOT DONE IN A DAY, AND MANY THANKS ARE DUE TO THE GOVERNING BODIES AND COUNTLESS INDIVIDUALS WHO GIVE THEIR TIME IN COACHING, ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION,* HE SAID.
NOTING THAT MANY MORE LOCAL PLAYERS WERE TAKING PART IN LOCAL COMPETITIONS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS BEGINNING TO PAVE THE WAY FOR AN EXCITING FUTURE FOR LAWN BOWLS IN HONG KONG.
♦THE NUMBER OF LOCAL PLAYERS AND LOCAL LEAGUES AND COMPETITIONS IS INCREASING REFLECTING THE SUCCESS OF THE TRAINING SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG LAWN BOWLS ASSOCIATION AND AUGURING WELL FOR THE FUTURE OF LAWN BOWLS IN HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.
HONG KONG IS HOST FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN SUCCESSION TO THE INTERNATIONAL BOWLS CLASSIC 1986.
-------0---------
EXPORT-LED GROWTH GATHERS MOMENTUM IN THIRD QUARTER *****
GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY STRONG SINCE JULY, SO THAT ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 CONTINUED TO BE EXPORT-LED, ACCORDING TO THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1986 PUBLISHED TODAY.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 23 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985, FOLLOWING GROWTH RATES OF 1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 14 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
THE LATEST FIGURES ON ORDER BOOK POSITIONS, ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES AND ON ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION BY THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR SUGGEST THAT A CONTINUED GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS CAN BE EXPECTED.
/AGAINST THE .......
MONDAY, NOVQ1BER 24, 1986
AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF A STRONG DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE AND CONTINUED GROWTH IN DOMESTIC DEMAND IN THE THIRD QUARTER, BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE DECLINED FURTHER FROM THEIR ALREADY LOW LEVELS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR. SO THAT THE LABOUR FORCE WAS EFFECTIVELY FULLY EMPLOYED. MOREOVER, THIS HAS NOT GENERATED MUCH PRESSURE ON THE GENERAL PRICE LEVEL, AND THE RATE OF INFLATION REMAINED LOW.
DOMESTIC DEMAND, IN RESPECT OF CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT, WAS GENERALLY FIRM IN THE THIRD QUARTER. PRIVATE CONSUMPTION DEMAND SHOWED A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT, AS INDICATED BY YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF ABOUT 7 PER CENT IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS AND OF ABOUT 6 PER CENT IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS.
THE LATEST FIGURES ON RETAIL SALES ALSO INDICATE AN INCREASED DEMAND FOR SOME MAJOR CONSUMER ITEMS SUCH AS FOODSTUFFS AND CLOTHING.
AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS A REVIVAL IN INVESTMENT DEMAND. REFLECTING THIS, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS GREW BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER, AFTER HAVING RECORDED ZERO GROWTH IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND A DECLINE OF 11 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
OF PARTICULAR NOTE IS THE STRONG RECOVERY IN MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT, AS INDICATED BY A YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF ABOUT 23 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
THE REPORT ASSESSES DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 USING SUCH STATISTICS AS ARE AVAILABLE. IT ALSO UPDATES THE ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMY WHICH WAS GIVEN IN THE HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT 1986 PUBLISHED IN AUGUST.
APART FROM GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS, AND PRICES.
ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS GREW RAPIDLY IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR. THE GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS PARTICULARLY STRONG IN SUCH MARKETS AS THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND JAPAN, WHERE THE CURRENCY APPRECIATION AGAINST THE HONG KONG DOLLAR HAS BEEN RELATIVELY LARGE.
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA HAVE ALSO RECOVERED SIGNIFICANTLY. SUGGESTING THAT THE EFFECT OF CHINA’S TIGHTENING OF CONTROL SINCE APRIL 1985 OVER ITS FOREIGN EXCHANGE SPENDING MAY HAVE LARGELY BEEN ABSORBED.
IN THE THIRD QUARTER, THE ESTIMATED GROWTH RATES IN REAL TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, JAPAN, CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE 51 PER CENT, 28 PER CENT 32 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATE FOR THE UNITED STATES WAS LOWER, AT ABOUT 11 PER CENT.
A MAJOR FACTOR BEHIND THE STRONG DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE WAS THE IMPROVED DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN MOST OF THE MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS. ANOTHER CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR WAS THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, IN LINE WITH THAT OF THE U.S DOLLAR UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, AGAINST MOST MAJOR CURRENCIES, WHICH HAS HELPED TO IMPROVE THE PRICE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS.
RE-EXPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 20 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR. THUS, COMPARED WITH A DECLINE OF 6 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND AN INCREASE OF 5 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER, A STRONG RECOVERY HAS BEEN OBSERVED DURING THE RECENT MONTHS.
THIS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE, IN PART, TO CHINA'S EFFORTS IN PROMO 1 NG ITS EXPORTS, RESULTING IN AN INCREASED VOLUME OF CHINESE EXPORTS BEING CHANNELLED THROUGH HONG KONG TO OVERSEAS MARKETS.
RETAINED IMPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 17 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE THIRD QUARTER, REFLECTING A FIRM DOMESTIC DEMAND AND BUOYANT MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY. A LARGE PART OF THIS INCREASE COMPRISED RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES FOR PRODUCTION. OVERALL IMPORiS GREW BY ABOUT 18 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
THE REPORT INDICATES THAT BECAUSE THE GROWTH RATE IN VALUE TERMS OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT 24 PER CENT, WAS SLOWER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, AT 27 PER CENT, A SMALLER VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS, EQUIVALENT TO 6 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR THAN IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1985, WHEN IT WAS 8 PER CENT.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS: FIRST, DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 THE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR REMAINED STABLE AROUND THE LINKED RATE OF HK$7.80 TO US$1. HOWEVER, REFLECTING THE CONTINUED WEAKNESS OF THE U.S. DOLLAR IN THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR FELL B^ 1.5 PER CENT OVER THE PERIOD.
/{SECOND, THERE..........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
- 5 -
SECOND, THERE WAS REPORTEDLY AN INFLOW OF FUNDS INTO HONG KONG DURING THE THIRD QUARTER. UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN EASING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR INTEREST RATES, A MORE RAPID CREDIT EXPANSION, AND AN ACCELERATION IN THE GROWTH RATES OF THE MONEY SUPPLY.
THIRD, HIGHER INTEREST RATES OFFERED FOR DEPOSITS IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES AND THE STRENGTH OF SOME MAJOR CURRENCIES HAVE LED TO A LARGER INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS RELATIVE TO THE INCREASE IN OVERALL DEPOSITS.
FOURTH, IN LINE WITH THE LOWER MONEY MARKET INTEREST RATES, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSIT RATES ADMINISTERED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS WERE REDUCED FURTHER IN MID-AUGUST FROM THEIR ALREADY LOW LEVELS.
ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT INCREASED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY HAS LED TO A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION. IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1906, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE, AT 2.8 PER CENT AND 1.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WERE LOWER THAN THE RATES OF 3.0 PER CENT AND 1.9 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, AND OF 3.3 PER CENT AND 2.1 PER CENT IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
TOTAL EMPLOYMENT CONTINUED TO INCREASE. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1986, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING AND THE SERVICES SECTORS -- PARTICULARLY THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES -- INCREASED, WHILE EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES REMAINED STABLE. LARGE INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES WERE REPORTED IN MOST SECTORS DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
EARNINGS IN MOST SECTORS, IN TERMS OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY BOTH IN MONEY TERMS AND IN REAL TERMS IN THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1986, REFLECTING THE FAVOURABLE EFFECT ON LABOUR INCOMES OF THE IMPROVED ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE. CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES ALSO INCREASED IN REAL TERMS.
ON THE PROPERTY SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT INCREASED ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND LOWER INTEREST RATES HAVE HELPED TO STIMULATE THE DEMAND FOR PROPERTY. TRADING IN THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET WAS ACTIVE IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986.
PRICES AND RENTALS FOR RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LARGE FLATS, GENERALLY FIRMED UP. THE DEMAND FOR SHOPPING SPACE IN PRIME LOCATIONS HELD FIRM, WHILE THE SUPPLY OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION WAS TIGHT IN SUCH AREAS AS CENTRAL, TSIM SHA TSUI AND AND WAN CHAI.
/THE DEMAND........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
THE DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY SHOWED SOME INCREASE FOLLOWING THE REVIVAL IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY.
ON BUILDING INTENTIONS, THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA ON BUILDING PLANS WITH CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORK INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE INCREASE BEING MOST SIGNIFICANT FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY.
ON PRICES, THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE RATE OF INFLATION REMAINED LOW IN THE THIRD QUARTER, NOTWITHSTANDING SOME ACCELERATION IN THE RATE OF INCREASE IN IMPORT PRICES SINCE THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
AMONG THE FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS LOW INFLATION RATE, AGGREGATE DEMAND IN THE ECONOMY WAS NOT IMPOSING MUCH PRESSURE ON THE GENERAL PRICE LEVEL, WORLD COMMODITY PRICES REMAINED SOFT, AND IMPORT PRICES OF GOODS FROM CHINA FELL.
USING THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES AS AN INDICATOR, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), AT 2.6 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986, WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) WAS ON AVERAGE 3.3 PER CENT HIGHER IN THE THIRD QUARTER WHILE THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WAS 5.5 PER CENT HIGHER. FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS AS A WHOLE, THE CORRESPONDING YEAR-ON-YEAR RATES OF INCREASE IN THE THREE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES WERE 2.6 PER CENT, 3.3 PER CENT AND 5.0 PER CENT.
THE THIRD QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1986 IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE AT $12 A COPY.
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CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER
*****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER 1986. THE NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPI(B) (OCTOBER 84-SEPTEMBER 85 - 100) FOR OCTOBER 1986 WERE 104.8 AND 105.2 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 3.2 PER CENT AND 3.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER OCTOBER 1985.
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE NEW CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT AND THE NEW CPI(B), BY 0.4 PER CENT.
/THE 1979-80-BASED
MONDAY, N0VQ1BER 24, 1986
- 7 -
THE 1979-80-BASED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) FOR OCTOBER 1986 WERE 165.8 AND 167.7 RESPECTIVELY. COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.4 PER CENT AND CPI(B), BY 0.7 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CP I(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDFD OCTOBER 1986, AT 163.3 AND 164.5 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 2 6 PER CENT AND 3.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 1985.
PRICE MOVEMENTS DESCRIBED BELOW ARE BASED ON THE NEW CPI SERIES.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED OCTOBER 1986, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CPI(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.1 PER CENT PER MONTH, AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED NEW CPI(B), AT 0.2 PER CENT PER MONTH.
DURING OCTOBER, SCHOOL FEES, TEXTBOOK PRICES AND RETAi PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH, JEWELLERY, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES FRESH FRUIT AND LIVE POULTRY DECREASED.
THE NEW CPI(A) AND THE NEW CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE NEW CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2 000
AND S6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE NEW CPI(B) BETWEEN $6 500 AND $9 999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR OCTOBER 1986 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY-SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986 AND OCTOBER 1985, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE - 100)
NEW CPI(A) NEW CPI(B)
SECTION
FOODSTUFFS
INDEX % CHANGE % CHANGE
FOR OVER OVER
OCT. 86 SEP. 86 OCT. 85
INDEX % CHANGE % CHANGE
FOR OVER OVER
OCT. 86 SEP. 86 OCT. 85
101.7
+ 1.4
102.2 -0.7 +1.7
/HOUSING 106.6 ..........
MONDAY, NOVfcMBER 24, 1986
- 8 -
HOUSING 106.6 +0.1 +3.9 105.5 +0.1 +3.5
FUEL AND LIGHT 89.2 +0.8 -10.7 89.9 +0.9 -10.2
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 110.0 -0.1 +4.5 109.8 -0.0* + 4.4
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 109.5 +2.2 +6.6 110.7 + 2.3 +7.4
DURABLE GOODS 107.6 + 1.0 +8.6 106.8 + 1.0 +7.8
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 107.1 +0.9 +6.4 107.6 +0.9 + 6.6
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 107.2 -0.1 + 4.1 106.6 -0.0* +3.6
SERVICES 113.4 +3.2 +7.0 112.4 + 2.8 +6.8
ALL ITEMS 104.8 +0.2 + 3.2 105.2 +0.4 +3.6
X LESS THAN O.O5 PER CENT
COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 0.7 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE DECREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, FRESH FRUIT AND LIVE POULTRY, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF SALT-WATER FT' AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATinG PLACES. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT INCREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT IN NEW CP ICA) AND BY 0.9 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF KEROSENE AS WELL AS THE UPWARD FUEL COST ADJUSTMENT FOR TOWNGAS.
THE INDEX FOP CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 2.2 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 2.3 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR DURABLE GOODS INCREASED BY 1.0 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, TRAVEL GOODS AND WATCHES.
/THE INDEX ........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT IN BOTH NEW CPI(A) AND NEW CPI<P) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 3.2 PER CENT IN NEW CPI(A) AND BY 2.8 PER CENT IN NEW CP I(B) DUE TO HIGHER SCHOOL FEES, TEXTBOOK PRICES AND TENNIS COURT CHARGES.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
(FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.)
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE +CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT* FOR OCTOBER 1986, AVAILABLE AT S3 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1904, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, DUDDELL STREET, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES CAN BE MADE WITH CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 3-7216512.
--------o----------
PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW X X X X X
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD THIS YEAR’S OPEN HEARINGS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER.
ITS FIRST MEETING OF STARTING AT 2.15 PM
BEFORE THE C0MMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE THF SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE DIRETOR OF EDUCATION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, AND THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES.
FURTHER HEARINGS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 26 AND 28, BOTH OF WHICH WILL START AT 8.30 AM.
/THE TIMETABLE........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
10
THE TIMETABLE FOR TOMORROW’S HEARING IS:
2.15 PM SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
PARAGRAPHS 13-16 AND 17-28
3 PM SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE
PARAGRAPHS 53-55
3.45 PM DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
PARAGRAPHS 125-132
4.15 PM DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION AND SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES
PARAGRAPHS 35-41
4.45 PM DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY
PARAGRAPHS 67-71
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE OPEN HEARINGS SHOULD BRING WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT.
- 0----------
BUILDING ORGANISATIONS HELPING BETTER MANAGEMENT
*****
DIMLY-LIT STAIRCASES, FILTHY REAR LANES, DANGLING ELECTRICITY WIRES, BLOCKED FIRE EXITS AND PASSAGE WAYS - THESE ARE SOME OF THE UNSIGHTLY PROBLEMS SPOTTED BY THE MONG KOK BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM IN POORLY MANAGED BUILDINGS.
COMPRISING FOUR HOUSING PROFESSIONALS, THE TEAM HAS BEEN POSTED TO THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE TO ADVISE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT MATTERS.
+SINCE OUR ARRIVAL IN JULY, MEMBERS HAVE BEEN WORKING HARD TO VISIT BUILDINGS AND TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH OWNERS,+ SAID HOUSING MANAGER, MR CHONG SZE-CHIU, WHO LEADS THE TEAM.
/+WE HAVE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
11
+WE HAVE MANAGED TO PERSUADE OWNERS TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENT TO VARIOUS PROBLEM BUILDINGS, LIKE REPAIRS TO DEFECTIVE STRUCTURES, REPLACEMENT OF LEAKING SEWERS AND BROKEN WINDOW PANES, REPAINTING COMMON WALLS, RENEWAL OF LIFTS, ELECTRICITY CABLES AND FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT,+ HE SAID.
THE TEAM HAS ALSO CO-ORDINATED CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS WITH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO REMOVE LARGE QUANTITY OF RUBBISH IN REAR LANES AND THE COMMON AREAS OF BUILDINGS.
+WE ADVISE ON A WIDE RANGE OF BUILDING MATTERS, INCLUDING THE COLLECTION OF MANAGEMENT FEES, SETTING UP PROPER RECORD AND REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, MAINTENANCE OF COMMUNAL AREAS, AND EXPLAINING GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS ON SECURITY, ENVIRONMENT AND HYGIENE.
+THESE DUTIES LOOK VERY MUCH LIKE MUNDANE HOUSEHOLD CHORES BUT THEY ARE ESSENTIAL TO PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDINGS,+ MR CHONG SAID.
INITIALLY THE TEAM SELECTED 39 BUILDINGS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT AS TARGETS FOR IMPROVEMENT.
COMMON TO THESE BUILDINGS ARE PROBLEMS LIKE THE EXISTENCE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS ON ROOFTOPS AND INSIDE LANES UNLAWFUL EXTENSION AND ALTERATIONS TO PREMISES, IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TELEVISION ANTENNAE AND THE ACCUMMULATION OF RUBBISH ON CANOPIES AND IN LIGHT WELLS.
THE TEAM SEES THAT IN ORDER TO INTRODUCE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE BUILDINGS, THE INVOLVEMENT OF OWNERS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS IS MOST USEFUL AND EFFECTIVE.
LIAISON OFFICERS IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TEAM THEREFORE HAVE ALL ALONG BEEN ACTIVELY VISITING BUILDINGS TO ENCOURAGE THE FORMATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
UP TILL OCTOBER, MONG KOK HAS THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES FORMED WITH THE HELP OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 577 SUCH ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT. AND THIS YEAR, 30 MORE ARE EXPECTED TO BE FORMED.
+THE TEAM ALSO HELPS REVITALISE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN ACTIVELY FUNCTIONING PREVIOUSLY, AND TO URGE GREATER PARTICIPATION FROM ALL OWNERS,* MR CHONG SAID.
-------0---------
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
12
1980 PRIVATE CARS FALL UNDER INSPECTION SCHEME K X X K K
MOTORISTS ARE REMINDED THAT PRIVATE CARS MANUFACTURED IN 1980 WHICH REQUIRE A NEW LICENCE BY APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR MUST PASS A ROADWORTHINESS TEST PRIOR TO RENEWAL.
+UNDER THE PRIVATE CAR INSPECTION SCHEME WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 2 THIS YEAR, ALL SIX-YEAR-OLD PRIVATE CARS MUST FIRST OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS FROM A GOVERNMENT-DESIGNATED CAR TESTING CENTRE BEFORE THEIR LICENCES CAN BE RENEWED,+ A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+WITH THE APPROACH OF 1987, IT IS ONLY NATURAL THAT 1980 CARS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE INSPECTION SCHEME,+ HE ADDED.
THERE ARE 17 DESIGNATED CAR-TESTING CENTRES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR AND APPOINTMENTS FOR INSPECTION MAY BE MADE FOUR MONTHS BEFORE THE EXPIRY DATE OF THE VEHICLE LICENCE.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE CERTIFICATE OF ROADWORTHINESS FOR ANY PRIVATE CAR WHICH HAS PASSED THE TEST MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN FOUR MONTHS OF THE ISSUE DATE FOR RELICENSING A VEHICLE, OTHERWISE ITS VALIDITY WOULD LAPSE.
THE FEE FOR A CAR INSPECTION IS $160 AND A RE-CHECK FEE OF $50 IS CHARGED WHEN DEFECTS FOUND IN THE ORIGINAL INSPECTION ARE REMEDIED AND EXAMINED WITHIN 14 DAYS. IN CASES OF SPECIFIED MINOR FAULTS, THE RE-CHECK IS FREE OF CHARGE.
SHOULD A CAR OWNER DISAGREE WITH THE RESULT OF A TEST, HE CAN APPEAL TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR A FRESH, INDEPENDENT EXAMINATION.
+T0 AVOID UNNECESSARY INCONVENIENCE, CAR OWNERS SHOULD HAVE THEIR VEHICLES CHECKED AND REPAIRED BEFORE THE INSPECTION APPOINTMENT WITH CAR TESTING CENTRES,+ THE SPOKESMAN URGED.
--------o----------
REGISTRATION REVOKED * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF MANUFACTURERS’ MUTUAL FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OW*! REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE 1986.
- - o -
/U.....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
15
EMPLOYMENT SEMINARS FOR POST-SECONDARY GRADUATES
*****
JOST-SECONDARY GRADUATES SEEKING JOBS OR ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SERIES OF SEMINARS ON BANKING, COMPUTER INDUSTRY AND ENGINEERING EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE HALF-DAY SEMINARS ARE ORGANISED BY THE HIGHER EDUCATION EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WHICH PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO JOB-SEEKERS POSSESSING UNIVERSITY, POST-SECONDARY CR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
THEY WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 1 TO 3 AT THE DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICE AT HENNESSY CENTRE, SIXTH FLOOR, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE SEMINARS WILL TAKE THE FORM OF PANEL DISCUSSIONS ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREERS PROSPECTS IN RELATED FIELDS, TALKS ON JOB APPLICATION AND INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES AND A TOUR TO THE DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE IN THE SAME BUILDING.
EXPERTS IN THE TRADES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ADDRESS PARTICIPANTS ABOUT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN THEIR FIELDS.
THOSE WISHING TO TAKE PART SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-296140.
THE SERVICE ALSO SUPPLIES INFORMATION ON SALARY TRENDS, AVAILABILITY OF EMPLOYMENT VACANCIES AND JOB-HUNTING TECHNIQUES TO POST-SECONDARY GRADUATES WHEN THEY REGISTER.
DURING THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR IT HAS PLACED SOME 340 PERSONS IN EMPLOYMENT.
-----0 ----
DB MEMBERS LEARN ABOUT SERVICES FOR ELDERLY
*****
-.M^BERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES
m f™^^°?hVS,^tabout
MR KWOK KA-CHI, THE PARTY PIRST TOURED THE KWUN TMC nlv CENTRE EOR THE ELDERLY RUN DY%HE CHRISMAN ?aS™|eR$ICE utNine.
/THE CENTRE .......
MONDAY, NOVJXBER 24, 1986
THE CENTRE STARTED OPERATION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR AND PROVIDED WHOLE DAY AND PART-TIME PERSONAL AND NURSING CARE TO ELDERLY PEOPLE,
THE CENTRE CAN ACCOMMODATE 40 PEOPLE AND IS ONE OF THE THREE DAY CARE CENTRES IN HONG KONG. IT IS THE ONLY ONE OF ITS KIND IN KWUN TONG.
THE PARTY THEN VISITED THE MADAM WONG CHAN SOOK-YING MEMORIAL CARE AND ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB.
THIS INSTITUTION WAS OPENED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND PROVIDES ROUND-THE-CLOCK RESIDENTIAL CARE FOR 252 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 15 GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED AND TWO VOLUNTARY-AGENCY RUN ELDERLY SERVICES CENTRES IN KWUN TONG. THEY OPERATE A TOTAL OF 30 DIFFERENT SERVICE UNITS PROVIDING VARIOUS KINDS OF SERVICES TO ELDERLY PEOPLE.
-----0------
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL SINGING CONTEST
*****
SIX GROUPS AND 12 SOLOISTS WILL COMPETE IN THE FINAL OF THE FIRST SOUTHERN DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST ON DECEMBER 6 EVENING IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF CHAN PAK SHA SCHOOL, SHUM WAN ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG.
THE COMPETITION IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION, MUSIC OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AS ONE OF THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMMES OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO GROUP AND SOLO SECTIONS. THE FINALISTS WERE SELECTED FROM MORE THAN 330 ENTRANTS AT AN AUDITION EARLIER THIS MONTH. SOME CONTESTANTS CAME FROM COMMUNITY BODIES SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION AND THE EBENEZER SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND.
FINALISTS WILL PERFORM BOTH WESTERN AND CHINESE POPULAR AND FOLK SONGS AND THE TOP THREE PERFORMERS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND GIFT COUPONS.
THE FINAL WILL ALSO FEATURE A GUEST PERFORMANCE BY THE BAND
EQUATOR
TICKETS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS ARE OBTAINABLE FREE FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, WAH FU AND STANLEY; THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION IN LEE CHAK HOUSE, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE? THE HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION; THE ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE TIN WAN CARITAS COMMUNITY CENTRE.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
- 15 -
SCHOOL COUNSELLING, GUIDANCE COURSE OFFERED * * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL FULLY SPONSOR 24 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO ATTEND A CERTIFICATE COURSE IN SCHOOL COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG STARTING EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE COURSE AIMS TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS TO ENABLE THEM TO RENDER A MORE EFFECTIVE SERVICE IN HELPING STUDENTS WITH DIFFICULTY COPE WITH SCHOOL LIFE, IN HANDLING THEMSELVES AND THEIR INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP.
THE CERTIFICATE COURSE IN SCHOOL COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE WILL START IN JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
ALL FEES FOR PARTICIPANTS WILL BE PAID BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S MAIN OFFICE OF THE EXTRA-MURAL TOWN CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AT SHUN TAK CENTRE, WEST TOWER, NINTH FLOOR, 200 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE BEFORE SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29).
-------o ---------
TEMPORARY MARKET BEING BUILT IN TAI KOK TSUI
*****
A TEMPORARY MARKET WILL BE BUILT IN TAI KOK TSUI UNDER A $5.4 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL OCCUPY A SITE OF ABOUT 6 700 SQUARE METRES BOUNDED BY TAI KOK TSUI ROAD, FUK TSUN STREET AND IVY STREET.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE MEAT, FISH AND POULTRY STALLS, 195 MINI-STALLS AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
WORK WILL START THIS WEEK AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
-------o----------
/16........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 19og
CONTRACT SIGNING FOR MAJOR ROAD PROJECT
*****
THE SECOND CONTRACT FOR THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHE. l, A .187 MILLION CONTRACT FOR A FLYOVER AT RUMSEY STREET, wIII r SIGNED TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, WILL BE SIGNING WITH MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PAUL Y CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, M? G.C. TSO.
THE WORK INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A DUAL THREE-LANE FLYOVER FROM WEST OF GILMAN STREET TO EAST OF SUTHERLAND STREET AND ANCILLARY WORKS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, NINTH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, 68 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
CERTIFICATES FOR COURSE PARTICIPANTS
*****
MORE THAN 200 PARTICIPANTS OF THE SIX CERTIFICATE COURSES ON LABOUR RELATIONS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE RECIPIENTS HAVE COMPLETED THE FULL PROGRAMME OF THE COURSES DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF LABOUR ORDINANCES AND WAYS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND TOOLS.
ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE CRYSTAL BALLROOM OF THE HOLIDAY INN GOLDEN MILE HOTEL, KOWLOON, AT 4 PM TOMORROW.
- 0 -
MONDAY, K VEMBEP 24, 1986
- 17 -
DETAILS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN * * * * *
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE YAU MA Tt ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE ACADEMY ROOM OF HARBOUR VIEW HOLIDAY I NN.
nrc,prnEA^NG AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WAI KIN-BONG.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
------o - - - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL *****
DUE TO THE REMOVAL OF AN MTR CHILLER IN CENTRAL, RUMSEY STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 26) TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING.
DURING THE CLOSURE, AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED TO JUBILEE STREET. IN ADDITION, THE TAXI STAND ON RUMSEY STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK THE SECTION OF MORRISON STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THREE WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 27).
AS A RESULT, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED!
* MORRISON STREET BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND ITS JUNCTION WITH WING LOK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FOR LOCAL ACCESS.
* NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ON MORRISON STREET WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO WING LOK STREET.
M CLEVERLY STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND WING LOK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
o - -
/18
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1986
WATER CUTS IN THREE AREAS
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHA TIN, KWUN TONG AND YUEN LONG ,..^L X TITLED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 27) FOR MAINS WORK.
IN SHA TIN, SUPPLY WILL BE STOPPED FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE SAN CHUI ESTATE, KAK TIN TSUEN, GOLDEN LION GARDEN, TIN SAM VILLAGE, LUNG HANG ESTATE, KING TIN COURT, HIN KENG ESTATE, SHEUNG KENG HAU VILLAGE, HA KENG HAU VILLAGE, HIN TIN VILLAGE, KENG HAU ROAD AND SHATIN HEIGHT.
IN KWUN TONG, SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY KA LOK STREET, SHU I NING STREET H’P WA ctpfft. KWUN TONG ROAD AND HONG NING ROAD, INCLUDING SHUNG YAN STREET, SHUI WO STREET, MUT WAH STREET, FU YAN STREET, YAN SHUN LANE, YUE MAN SQUARE AND TUNG YAN STREET.
IN YUEN LONG, SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 9 AM AND 3 PM ON THURSDAY.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG PING HA ROAD, LAU FAU SHAN ROAD, TIN HA ROAD AND DEEP BAY ROAD, INCLUDING SIK KONG TSUEN, TSEUNG KONG WAI, LO UK TSUEN, FUNG KONG TSUEN, SAN UK TSUEN, LEI UK TSUEN, SAI SHAN TSUEN, WONG MA TUN AND HUNG SHUI KIU.
SHA KONG WAI, NGAU HOM, SAN HING TSUEN, LAU FAU SHAN, FUK LO TSUEN. HANG HAU TSUEN AND SHA KONG MIU WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
- 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 63.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 373.596 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 429.030 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 73.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAC RECONSIDERS KMB EIVE-YEAR PLAN.......................... 1
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER ...................... 3
FUNB3 SOUGHT FOR NEW MOBILISING SYSTEM ..................... 5
DEBATE ON GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS RESUMES ....................... 7
PAC HEARINGS TO CONTINUE TOMORROW .......................... 7
IMPORTANCE OF LABOUR-MANAGK.EIJT RELATIONS STRESSED......... 8
NO AGREEMENT IN HK-CANADA TALKS ............................ 10
SYSTEM OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS NEEDED ....................... 10
$187 MILLION CONTRACT SIGHED FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION....... 11
YAU MA TEI PLANS ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP..................... 12
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS TO BE AUCTIONED ........................ 13
SOUTHERN DB TO TAKE UP HONORARIUM ISSUE..................... 14
FURTHER TALKS ON SEMI-CONDUCTORS AFTER CHRISTMAS ........... 14
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR SAI KUNG ATHLETIC MEET .................. 15
MUSIC TRAEJEES TO GIVE CONCERT ............................. 16
AWARDS FOR BOOKMARK DESIGN WINNERS ......................... 16
OPEN DAY AT TRAINING INSTITUTE.............................. 17
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR OPENING OF NT CE1CULAR ROAD SECTION .... 17
NEW PARKING METERS FOR HANG TAU HOM......................... 19
RESTRICTED ZONE IN KWAI CHUNG............................... 19
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
1
TAC RECONSIDERS KMB FIVE-YEAR PLAN
*****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (TUESDAY) RECONSIDERED THE LATEST DRAFT FIVE-YEAR PLAN OF THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY IN THE LIGHT OF FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING THE COMPANY’S PROPOSED BUS PURCHASE PROGRAMME AND DEPOT REQUIREMENT.
THE COMPANY’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN, COVERING THE PERIOD FROM 1987 TO 1991, WAS EXAMINED BY TAC MEMBERS AT THEIR LAST MEETING ON OCTOBER 28. MEMBERS AT THAT TIME REQUESTED FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE PLAN.
AT TODAY’S MEETING. TAC MEMBERS NOTED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSAL TO AGREE KMB’S PLAN IN PRINCIPLE. THEY WELCOMED A REDUCTION BY THE DEPARTMENT IN KMB’S PROJECTED FLEET REQUIREMENT IN LINE WITH MODIFICATIONS TO KMB’S ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO REFLECT THE PHASED WITHDRAWAL OF LOCAL KMB BUS SERVICES FROM THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT AREA.
OTHER MODIFICATIONS WOULD ENSURE THAT ANY NEW ROUTES WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING A CO-ORDINATED NETWORK OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES.
AS REGARDS KMB’S DEPOT EXPANSION PROGRAMME, THE TAC AGREED WITH THE ASSESSMENT OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT THAT THERE WAS DEFINITELY SCOPE TO TRIM THE RATE OF EXPENDITURE ON DEPOTS IN THE LATER YEARS OF THE PLAN, BUT APPRECIATED THE URGENT NEED TO PROCEED WITH THE PROJECTS AT KOWLOON BAY AND TSI NG Yl AS PROPOSED BY KMB.
IT WAS THE VIEW OF THE DEPARTMENT THAT THE SCOPE AND TIMING OF THE FURTHER DEPOTS PROPOSED BY KMB WOULD REQUIRE ADDITIONAL STUDY, PARTICULARLY IN THE LIGHT OF THE PROPOSED MODIFICATION TO KMB’S PROPOSED FLEET REQUIREMENT AND THE AVAILABILITY AND CAPACITY OF ACCEPTABLE TERMINI FOR OVERNIGHT PARKING.
IN THIS REGARD, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WOULD HOLD FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH KMB IN THE CONTEXT OF THE COMPANY’S PREPARATION EARLY IN 1987 OF THE NEXT EDITION OF THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN.
A SUB-COMMITTEE WAS FORMED WITH DR STEPHEN TANG, MR STEPHEN CHENG, DR C.K. LEUNG AND MR FAN SAI-YEE TO STUDY IN DETAIL THE FLEET EXPANSION REQUIREMENTS AND THE IMPLICATION OF THE SCHEME OF CONTROL. THEY WILL REPORT WITHIN THREE MONTHS TO THE TAC ON THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT AND THE TAC MAY DELIBERATE
PROGRAMME IS SUBJECTED TO YEARLY REVIEWS FURTHER ON THE ISSUE IN A YEAR’S TIME.
/MEMBERS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
2
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THE PROGRESS AND CERTAIN CHANGES WHICH HAD BEEN MADE TO THE PROPOSED MANDATORY OFF-STREET TRAINING FOR LEARNER MOTORCYCLE RIDERS.
THE AIM OF THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE TO ENSURE THAT ALL LEARNER RIDERS HAD BEEN TAUGHT BASIC HANDLING SKILLS BEFORE RIDING ON THE ROADS IN ORDER TO BRING ABOUT AN IMPROVEMENT IN MOTORCYCLE DRIVING STANDARDS AND A REDUCTION IN ACCIDENTS INVOLVING LEARNER RIDERS.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE TENDER FOR THE OFF-STREET TRAINING CENTRE IN SHA TIN. WHICH WAS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE THE TRAINING FACILITIES TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING CENTRE AT WONG CHUK HANG, WAS AWARDED TO THE HONG KONG SCHOOL OF MOTORING IN APRIL THIS YEAR AND THE CENTRE SHOULD OPEN AT THE BEGINNING OF 1987.
IT WAS PROPOSED THAT AN APPLICANT FOR A LEARNER’S LICENCE SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE A CERTIFICATE CONFIRMING THAT HE HAD COMPLETED A COURSE IN OFF-STREET TRAINING.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HARNAM GREWAL, ALSO BRIEFED MEMBERS OF THE BUS ACCIDENT IN TUEN MUN ON NOVEMBER 5 IN WHICH FIVE PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND OVER 60 WERE INJURED.
MR GREWAL SUMMARISED THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT MEASURES IN PROMOTING BUS SAFETY AND THE FOLLOW-UP ACTION WHICH HAD BEEN TAKEN SINCE THE ACCIDENT.
HE SAID THAT AS FAR AS WELFARE ASSISTANCE WAS CONCERNED, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD CONTACTED THE VICTIMS, WHETHER AT HOME OR IN HOSPITAL, AND THEIR FAMILIES.
UNDER THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SCHEME, 31 APPLICATIONS HAD SO FAR BEEN RECEIVED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. OF THESE, 29 HAD RECEIVED PAYMENTS TOTALLING OVER $75 000 AND THE OTHER TWO WERE BEING PROCESSED.
IN ADDITION, THERE WERE 17 CASES IN WHICH ASSISTANCE WAS BEING PROVIDED UNDER CHARITABLE TRUSTS AND FUNDS. THIS AMOUNTED TO OVER $17 000.
MR GREWAL SAID THE POLICE INVESTIGATION WAS CONTINUING AND ON ITS COMPLETION A REPORT WOULD BE PREPARED AND SUBMITTED TO THE CORONER WHO WOULD DECIDE WHETHER AN INQUEST SHOULD BE HELD.
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/3 ...
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
3
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER * * * * *
THE STRONG GROWTH IN EXTERNAL TRADE CONTINUED IN OCTOBER 1986. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN OCTOBER 1986, AT *15 359 MILLION, GREW BY 37.6 PER CENT OR *4 195 MILLION COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1985, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 45.7 PER CENT OR S3 858 MILLION TO S12 292 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-PORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT S27 651 MILLION, WAS 41.1 PER CENT OR S8 053 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER 1985. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 40.3 PER CENT OR *8 040 MILLION OVER OCTOBER 1985 TO REACH $28 006 MILLION.
AS THE GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS FASTER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, A SMALLER VISIBLE TRADE GAP (THAT IS. THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS) OF 1.3 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN OCTOBER 1986, COMPARED WITH 1.8 PER CENT IN OCTOBER 1985.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1986 WAS *221 390 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $123 746 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $97 644 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1985, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $28 202 MILLION OR 14.6 PER CENT, OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $17 639 MILLION OR 16.6 PER CENT, AND OF RE-EXPORTS BY $10 563 MILLION OR 12.1 PER CENT.
OVER THIS PERIOD. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $33 519 MILLION OR 17.7 PER CENT, TO $222 442 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW AT A FASTER RATE THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE GAP OF 0.5 PER CENT WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1986, COMPARED WITH A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS EQUIVALENT TO 2.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF 1985.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT
SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAVE EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH IN RECENT MONTHS. APART FROM THE IMPROVED DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN MOST OF THE MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS, THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, IN LINE WITH THAT OF THE U.S. DOLLAR UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, AGAINST MOST OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES IN THE EARLIER PART OF THE YEAR WAS A MAJOR CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR.
/HK ZvDDED ••••••«
TUESDAY, NOVaiBER 25, 1986
HE ADDED THAT THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO INCREASE SHARPLY IN OCTOBER. THIS REFLECTED, IN PART, CHINA’S EFFORTS IN PROMOTING ITS EXPORTS, RESULTING IN MORE CHINESE GOODS BEING CHANELLED THROUGH HONG KONG TO OVERSEAS MARKETS. THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 1986:
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $15 359 MILLION RE-EXPORTS : $12 292 MILLION TOTAL EXPORTS : $27 651 MILLION IMPORTS : $28 006 MILLION TRADE BALANCE : $355 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS AUG 86 TO OCT 86 HK$ MN. AUG 85 TO OCT 85 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 44 102 34 048 78 150 74 948 3 202 34 123 25 527 59 650 57 291 2 359 9 979 29.2 8 521 33.4 18 500 31.0 17 657 30.8 843
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR OCT 1986 HK$ MN. OCT 1985 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 15 359 (55.5%) 12 292 27 651 28 006 -355 11 164 (57.0%) 8 434 19 598 19 966 -368 4 195 37.6 3 858 45.7 8 053 41.1 8 040 40.3 13
LAST MONTH OCT 1986 HK$ MN. SEPT 1986 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 15 359 (55.5%) 12 292 27 651 28 006 -355 13 944 (55.6%) 11 126 25 070 23 448 1 622 1 415 10.1 1 166 10.5 2 581 10.3 4 558 19.4 -1 977
/CALENDAR.......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
5
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-OCT 1986 HK$ MN. JAN-OCT 1985 HKS MN. INCREASE
HKI MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 123 746 (55.9%) 106 107 (54.9%) 17 639 16.6
RE-EXPORTS 97 644 87 081 10 563 12.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 221 390 193 188 28 202 14.6
IMPORTS 222 442 188 923 33 519 17.7
TRADE BALANCE LAST 12 MONTHS -1 052 NOV 85 TO OCT 86 4 265 NOV 84 TO OCT 85 -5 317 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HKS MN. HK> MN. *
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 147 521 129 681 17 840 13.8
RE-EXPORTS 115 833 104 108 11 725 11.3
TOTAL EXPORTS 263 354 233 789 29 565 12.6
IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE 264 938 -1 584 229 601 4 188 35 337 -5 772 15.4
-------o---------
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR NEW MOBILISING SYSTEM
*****
THF FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE AN ALLOCATION OF ®95 313 OOO FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SECOND GENERATION MOBILISING SYSTEM (SGMS) WITH INTEGRATED COMPUTER FACILITIES AND ENHANCED RADIO COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE FIRST GENERATION MOBILISING SYSTEM (FGMS) WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1979. WHILE THE EXISTING SYSTEM HAS THE CAPACITY TO MEET CURRENT AND ANTICIPATED COMMUNICATION NEEDS OF THE FIRE AND AMBULANCE SERVICES UP TO ABOUT 1990, IT CANNOT BE FURTHER EXPANDED TO MEET ANTICIPATED NEEDS BEYOND THEN.
/OTHER ITlillS ..............
TUESDAY, ITOTOIBER 25, 1986
6 -
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION ARE:
* GRANT OF 15113.21 MILLION TO THE MEDICAL SCHOOL OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1987-88j
X COMMITMENTS TOTALLING 1529.21 MILLION FOR THE PURCHASE OF REPLACEMENT AND ADDITIONAL MEDICAL EQUIPMENT BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT;
* APPROVAL OF COMMITMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL REWIRING IN THE NURSES’ QUARTERS OF KWONG WAH HOSPITAL AND IMPROVEMENT OF X-RAY SERVICES AT THE HOSPITAL;
X SLOPE REPAIR WORK AT THE ALICE HO MIU LING NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL ;
X A NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENT OF $6 MILLION FOR AN INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME FOR TRAINING ENGINEERS IN THE DESIGN OF SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS?
X APPROVAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL AND REPLACEMENT FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT:
X ACCEPTANCE OF THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROVISION OF A FIXED, GROUND-BASED, RADIO DIRECTION FINDING SYSTEM FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS i
X REVISION OF THE RATE OF HONORARIUM PAID TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION.
X APPROVAL FOR RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO REPLACE THREE CAMERAS WITH ACCESSORIES USED WITH THE MOBILE PRODUCTION UNIT AND REPLACEMENT OF THREE VIDEO TAPE RECORDERS;
X THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF COMPUTERISATION OF RECORDS IN THE ICAC’S OPERATIONS REGISTRY AND INTELLIGENCE UNIT; AND
X THE APPROVAL OF A CAPITAL GRANT OF 1513 531 OOO FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION TO BUILD, FURNISH AND EQUIP A LONG-STAY CARE HOME IN TUEN MUN FOR CHRONIC MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
0--------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
- 1 -
DEBATE ON GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS RESUMES *****
NINE OFFICIALS WILL BE SPEAKING WHEN DEBATE ON THE MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS RESUMES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHICH WILL BE PRESIDED OVER BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, IN HIS CAPACITY AS DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, WILL START THE DEBATE AND WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON. THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO) THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS . THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE) THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES) THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, MR HARNAM GREWAL, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR STEUART WEBB-JOHNSON, AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS.
-------0---------
PAC HEARINGS TO CONTINUE TOMORROW * * * *
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE ITS OPEN HEARINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT 8.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AND THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES.
ANOTHER HEARINGS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 28.
THE TIMETABLE FOR TOMORROW’S HEARINGS I Si
8.30 AM SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, PARAGRAPHS 48-52.
8.45 AM SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION AND DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, PARAGRAPHS 61-66.
9.30 AM DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, PARAGRAPHS 75-77.
/10 AM DEPUTY...........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
8
10 AM DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, PARAGRAPHS 90-93.
10.45 AM DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND REGISTRAR GENERAL, PARAGRAPHS 107-112.
11.15 AM DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, PARAGRAPHS 136-145 AND 146-151.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE OPEN HEARINGS SHOULD BRING WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR REFERENCE.
------0-------
IMPORTANCE OF LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS STRESSED
*****
THERE WAS A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WORK STOPPAGES AND LOSS OF WORKING DAYS THIS YEAR, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO MORE THAN 200 PARTICIPANTS OF SIX LABOUR RELATIONS COURSES ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR CHEN NOTED THAT NINE WORK STOPPAGES, RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF SOME 4 900 WORKING DAYS, WERE REPORTED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
+THESE COMPARED WITH THREE WORK STOPPAGES AND 1 160 WORKING DAYS LOST IN THE WHOLE OF LAST YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR CHEN POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASE RESULTED MAINLY FROM TRADE DISPUTES IN TWO LARGE COMPANIES.
IN ONE COMPANY WORK STOPPED FOR ONLY TWO DAYS, BUT THE NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS LOST AMOUNTED TO OVER 2 600. IN THE OTHER CASE, THE COMPANY STOPPED WORK FOR 11 DAYS WITH 1 870 WORKING DAYS LOST.
+AS THESE ARE ONLY ISOLATED CASES, THEY SHOULD NOT BE INTERPRETED AS A DETERIORATION IN LABOUR RELATIONS IN HONG KONG,+ MR CHEN SAID.
/DURING TSE........
TUESDAY, NOVJMBER 25, 1986
DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW, THE DEPARTMENT HANDLED 166 TRADE DISPUTES AS AGAINST 155 IN 1985. THE MAJORITY OF DISPUTES INVOLVED THE CONSTRUCTION, CATERING AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
DESPITE THE INCREASE, MR CHEN SAID THAT LABOUR RELATIONS IN HONG KONG COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH MOST OTHER INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
+ALTHOUGH LATEST STATISTICS ON OTHER COUNTRIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, THE 1984 FIGURES SHOWED THAT THE NUMBER OF DAYS LOST FOR EVERY 10 000 WORKING DAYS IN THAT YEAR WAS 0.04 IN HONG KONG AS COMPARED WITH 0.19 IN JAPAN, 2.4 IN THE UNITED STATES AND 31.92 IN THE UNITED KINGDOM,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEN ALSO SPOKE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS WHICH, HE FELT, +WILL NOT ONLY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WORK LIFE AND LEAD TO HIGH PRODUCTIVITY, BUT WILL ALSO ENHANCE, IN THE WIDER CONTEXT, HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY*.
HE STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS IN HONG KONG THROUGH THE ORGANISING OF MORE COURSES ON LABOUR RELATIONS.
+IN ADDITION, WE SHALL ALSO BE ORGANISING SYMPOSIA, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS FOR SENIOR MANAGEMENTS AND TRADE UNION OFFICIALS,* HE ADDED.
THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED SIX CERTIFICATE COURSES ON LABOUR RELATIONS GEARED FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT STAFF, TRADE UNION OFFICIALS AND INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES. THESE COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE THE PARTICIPANTS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF LABOUR LEGISLATION AND WAYS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND TOOLS.
ALTOGETHER, 360 PEOPLE TOOK PART IN THE COURSES AND 211 WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE FULL PROGRAMME WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
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/10........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
10
NO AGREEMENT IN HK-CANADA TALKS * * * * *
THE FOURTH ROUND OF TALKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA ON A NEW TEXTILES AGREEMENT ENDED IN VANCOUVER YESTERDAY (MONDAY) WlTHOUT^AGREEMENT, A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
A FURTHER ROUND OF TALKS WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG IN MID-JANUARY WITH A VIEW TO ^SOLVING THE DIFFERENCES WH|CH STILL REMAIN, PARTICULARLY OVER GROWTH RATES. THE EXISTING AGREEMENT EXPIRES ON DECEMBER 31, 1986.
ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO AVOID DISRUPTION TO TRADE FOLLOWING EXPIRY OF THE AGREEMENT. AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE^SHORTLY, AFTER DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.
---o - -
SYSTEM OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS NEEDED
*****
THERE IS A NEED FOR A SYSTEM OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS IN HONG KONG AS THE POPULATION IS AGING AND SOCIAL VALUES AND FAMILY STRUCTURE ARE CHANGING.
THIS WAS THE VIEW REACHED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT ITS MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND SCHEME.
HOWEVER, THE COMMITTEE FELT THAT EVEN WITH A RETIREMENT BENEFITS SCHEME, THE PRESENT SOCIAL SECURITY SAFETY NET IN THE FORM OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE MUST BE MAINTAINED.
IT WAS ALSO OF THE VIEW THAT THESE RETIREMENT BENEFITS COULD BE PROVIDED BY COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUNDS RATHER THAN ONE CENTRAL FUND RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT OR A CENTRAL BODY.
IT NOTED THAT THESE PROVIDENT FUNDS COULD BE RUN BY A NUMBER OF APPROVED BODIES AND BE REGULATED BY LEGISLATION.
MINIMUM LEVELS OF CONTRIBUTION AND UNIFORM STANDARDS SHOULD BE SET TO ENSURE FULL TRANSFERABILITY.
THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTED THAT TO ENSURE THAT THE LARGEST NUMBER OF PEOPLE COULD BENEFIT, THESE PROVIDENT FUNDS SHOULD ALSO COVER THE SELF-EMPLOYED AND THE SMALL UNDERTAKINGS.
IT HOPED TO BE INVOLVED IN WORKING OUT THE TECHNICAL DETAILS SHOULD THE GOVERNMENT FIND ITS PROPOSAL ACCEPTABLE.
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/11 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
-ii-
tis? million contract signed for flyover construction *****
A TRAFFIC BOTTLENECK IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE REMOVED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER AT RUMSEY STREET, PART OF THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHEME TO PROVIDE A FREE-FLOW THROUGH ROUTE IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
A $187 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE FLYOVER, THE SECOND OF FOUR TO BE AWARDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SCHEME, WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF PAUL Y CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, MR G.C. TSO.
THE SCHEME IS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD IN A 1984 STUDY INTO TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS IN THE MID-LEVELS AND CENTRAL.
THE THREE-YEAR CONTRACT COVERS CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER FROM WEST OF GILMAN STREET TO EAST OF SUTHERLAND STREET, SOME GROUND-LEVEL ROADS ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND WEST, AND A FEEDER ROAD SYSTEM ON WESTERN RECLAMATION IN THE VICINITY OF QUEEN STREET NORTH.
OTHER WORKS INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS WEST OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL. TOGETHER WITH FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AT MORRISON STREET AND TUNG HING LANE.
A HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE RUMSEY STREET FLYOVER WOULD BE ABOUT ONE KILOMETRE LONG AND WOULD PROVIDE GRADE SEPARATION BETWEEN GILMAN STREET AND SUTHERLAND STREET.
+THIS SECTION OF THE CONNAUGHT ROAD CORRIDOR REPRESENTS A BOTTLENECK IN THAT ADDITIONAL ROAD SPACE CANNOT BE PROVIDED EITHER TO THE NORTH, BECAUSE OF THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL, OR TO THE SOUTH BECAUSE OF DENSE URBAN DEVELOPMENT,+ HE ADDED.
THE FLYOVER WOULD THEREFORE BE BUILT TO DUAL, THREE-LANE STANDARD TO PROVIDE FOR FUTURE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY.
IT WILL BE BUILT WITH A STUB END AT EACH END TO ENABLE FUTURE CONNECTIONS TO A PROPOSED WATERFRONT ROAD AND A CONTINUATION OF ROUTE 7 WHICH WILL RUN FROM WAN CHAI TO ABERDEEN.
THE FLYOVER HAS ALSO BEEN DESIGNED TO BE COMPATIBLE WITH THE APPROACH ROADS OF A POSSIBLE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING TO THE WEST.
LOCAL RE-ROUTING OF TRAFFIC WILL BE NECESSARY DURING CONSTRUCTION. A PHASED SEQUENCE OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT HAS BEEN FORMULATED AND MEASURES WILL RE TAKEN TO KEEP INCONVENIENCE TO A MINIMUM.
THE FIRST CONTRACT IN CONNECTION WITH THE UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD SCHEME WAS AWARDED IN SEPTEMBER. IT WAS FOR THE $197 MILLION HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER-PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS PROJECT.
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/12
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
12
YAU MA TEI PLANS ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN-UP
X K * * X
A LARGE-SCALE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WILL BE LAUNCHED IN YAU MA TEI DISTRICT NEXT MONTH.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE CAMPAIGN AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WAI KIN-BONG, SAID THE CAMPAIGN WILL IMPROVE THE DISTRICT’S LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ INVOLVEMENT IN ACHIEVING THIS.
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD IN THE HONG KONG COLISEUM ON DECEMBER 16 TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN. THIS WILL BE BOTH ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL, AND AIM AT SPREADING THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGE.
OTHER ACTIVITIES PLANNED INCLUDE A CLEANSING DAY, A CLEANLINESS COMPETITION FOR VARIOUS MARKET STALLS IN THE DISTRICT, AND A YEAREND CLEAN UP TO PUBLICISE THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF BULKY REFUSE.
BESIDES CLEANLINESS, THE PUBLICITY DRIVE WILL ALSO FOCUS ON SAFETY IN THE HOME AND ON IMPROVING THE DISTRICT’S APPEARANCE.
VARIOUS MANUFACTURING COMPANIES HAVE BEEN INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A +BETTER AND SAFER LIVING ENVIRONMENT+ EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT NEW WORLD PLAZA EARLY NEXT YEAR.
A VIDEO FILM ON HOME SAFETY AND ALSO OUTLINING SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT WILL BE SHOWN AT THE EXHIBITION.
+TO ENHANCE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT, A SEMINAR WILL BE CONDUCTED WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS SPEAKING ON RELATED SUBJECTS.+ MR WAI SAID.
IN ADDITION, AN OPERATION TO CLEAR OBSOLETES AND ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS WILL BE MOUNTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, THE DISTRICT’S FIVE AREA COMMITTEES WILL BE MOBILISED TO CONDUCT AREA INSPECTIONS TO IDENTIFY PROBLEM SPOTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES.
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AS
OFFICER, MR AN ON-GOING
AUGUSTINE CHENG, DESCRIBED
— .... ... ---PROCESS. ITS SUCCESS
DEPENDED NOT ONLY ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROMOTION AND ENFORCEMENT BUT
ALSO — ----------------- —------------
OUT.
ON THE INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION OF RESIDENTS
HE POINTED
HE URGED RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES AND TO SHOW RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP IN MAINTAINING A SAFE AND CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
-------0--------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
13
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS TO BE AUCTIONED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
THIRTY-SIX THEY AREt SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING.
AJ668 DK278 CL7988 DK600
AK98OO AK8787 DK500 AJ110
DK1000 DK1932 DJ9O12 DK2663
DK1961 DK328 DK7228 AY111
DJ7773 DK10 BM278 DK318
DK88 DJ8328 XX1882 DK877
DK786 BY902 BB8787 1736
AY120 DK80 DK1698 DK983
DK149 CT110 DK3188 DK108
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 109TH ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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/14.......... *
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
14
SOUTHERN DB TO TAKE UP HONORARIUM ISSUE * * * * *
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR RAYMOND KWOK, WILL ASK ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S PERCEPTION OF THE STATUS OF DISTRICT BOARDS AND HONORARIA FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AT A BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 27).
ELECTED MEMBER, MISS YEUNG CHUI-CHUN, WILL PROPOSE THE FORMATION OF AN AD HOC GROUP ON THE POLITICAL SYSTEM TO PREPARE FOR THE 1987 REVIEW ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S NO 2 REPORT WHICH WAS ISSUED IN AUGUST.
THEY WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S TAXI POLICY INCLUDING THE ROLE OF TAXIS IN THE TRANSPORT SYSTEM, THE SIZE OF THE FLEET, THE METHOD OF ISSUING LICENCES, THE FARE POLICY AND CLASSIFICATION OF TAXIS AND THE QUALITY AND GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF TAXI SERVICES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS OF THE MEETINGS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS.-
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, NO. 7-11, NAM NING STREET, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
------o--------
FURTHER TALKS ON SEMI-CONDUCTORS AFTER CHRISTMAS * * X *
THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN ON THE LATTER’S EXPORTS OF SEMI-CONDUCTORS WAS THE SUBJECT OF A ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS LAST WEEK AT A MEETING UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) IN GENEVA.
DELEGATIONS TAKING PART IN THE CONSULTATION WITH THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN WERE THE EEC, THE NORDIC COUNTRIES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, SWITZERLAND, BRAZIL, KOREA, SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA AND HONG KONG.
/QUESTIONS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
QUESTIONS REGARDING THE OVERALL EJECTS OF THE AGREEMENT WERE PUT BY THE DELEGATIONS PRESENT AT THE CONSULTATIONS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN. FURTHER INFORMATION FROM JAPAN ON THE MONITORING ARRANGEMENT ON EXPORTS TO THIRD MARKETS WAS ALSO SOUGHT.
NO CONCLUSION HAS BEEN REACHED DURING THE MEETING. ANOTHER ROUND OF CONSULTATION MAY BE HELD SOME TIME AFTER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
COMMENTING ON THE TALKS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID: +THE INITIAL ROUND OF CONSULTATION HAD BEEN USEFUL.
+THE NUMBER OF DELEGATIONS PRESENT AND PARTICIPATING ACTIVELY IS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN OF GENERAL OPPOSITION IN GATT TO THE ARRANGEMENT.+
0
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR SAI KUNG ATHLETIC MEET
K * K X #
SPORTS-MINDED SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET NEXT MONTH.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND SAI KUNG SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE ATHLETIC MEET WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 14 AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE MEN’S DIVISION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS AND WOMEN INTO TWO, ACCORDING TO AGE. EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE LIMITED TO NO MORE THAN THREE EVENTS. THREE PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED IN EACH EVENT.
THE MEETING WILL START AT 9 AM AND END AT ABOUT 5 PM.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SAI KUNG OFFICE), SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, AND THE SAI KUNG SPORTS ASSOCIATION, 16 PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SAI KUNG OFFICE) AT 3-2814149.
0--------
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
16
MUSIC TRAINEES TO GIVE CONCERT
*****
A STUDENTS’ CONCERT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL BE HELD AT LUT SAU HALL IN YUEN LONG ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30), STARTING AT 3 PM.
THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY THE MUSIC OFFICE’S NEW TERRITORIES YOUTH STRINGS AND NEW TERRITORIES YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AS WELL AS BY THE YUEN LONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR (JUNIOR GROUP).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI KUEN, WILL ATTEND AND PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO PERFORMING TRAINEES.
THE CONCERT, INVOLVING MORE THAN 200 TRAINEES, IS AMONG ACTIVITIES REGULARLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO GIVE ITS TRAINEES THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC.
AT THE SAME TIME, PARENTS AND TEACHERS CAN DETERMINE FOR THEMSELVES THE GENERAL STANDARD ATTAINED BY THE TRAINEES.
FREE ADMISSION COUPONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING MUSIC CENTRES:
* TSUEN WAN MUSIC CENTRE, CHEUNG YIU BUILDING, 167-173 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
* YUEN LONG MUSIC CENTRE, 55 SHAU FU STREET, THIRD FLOOR, YUEN LONG.
* SHA TIN MUSIC CENTRE, KCR HOUSE, FOURTH FLOOR, SHA TIN.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM 0-750465.
------0-------
AWARDS FOR BOOKMARK DESIGN WINNERS
*****
„„„ ’’’SAFETY IN KITE FLYING+ BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION PRIZE WILL BE HELD 0N THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 27) AT A^nTrJHE KAI TAK AIRP0RT CONFERENCE ROOM, ROOM 548, FIFTH FLOOR, AIR PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING.
THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION SA?™E?^ ™E ri'TH rLUR 0F THE education departIeXt AND THE INFORMATION SchVICES DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
Mem*Y2rnnrErINV,TED T0 COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
VES SH0ULD ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE HONGKONG nON?nConNI«R AT THE DEPARTURE LEVEL, FIRST FLOOR, KAI TAK AIRPORT, or IU.jU AM.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
- 17 -
OPEN DAY AT TRAINING INSTITUTE * * * * *
THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING AN OPEN DAY ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29) TO ALLOW THE PUBLIC TO LEARN ABOUT THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AND ITS STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
tup institute AT A7 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD IN STANLEY, WILL BE DECLARED OPEN BY THE CONFERENCE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, DR HO KAM-FAI.
FEATURED WILL BE THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK ON THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS AND THE INSTITUTE’S VARIOUS TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
VISITORS MAY TOUR THE INSTITUTE’S MANY FACILITIES INCLUDING MOCK CELLS, AN INDOOR FIRING RANGE, A MUSEUM, A LIBRARY, A TRAINING COURT, A TRAINING NURSING WARD, A GYMNASIUM AND CLASSROOMS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPEN DAY FROM 9.45 AM TO 4 PM. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD GATHER AT 32 Ol KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, BY 8.45 AM.
------0-------
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR OPENING OF NT CIRCULAR ROAD SECTION
*****
A SERIES OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 2 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 28), FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IN SHEUNG SHU I.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL INCLUDE DESIGNATION OF RESTRICTED ZONES AND TRAFFIC REROUTINGS.
/the section,
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
- 18 -
THE SECTION. FROM A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES EAST OF SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT TO APOINT ABOUT 200 METRES EAST OF KAM TSIN VILLAGE HO TUNG SCHOOL, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE. NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE CARRIAGEWAYS ON THIS SECTION. THE ROAD SECTION WILL ALSO BE MADE A PROHIBITED ZONE FOR LEARNER DRIVERS.
THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THIS SECTION WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 80 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WHILE THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
IN ADDITION, THE SECTION OF THE CIRCULAR ROAD, FROM A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES EAST OF SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT TO A POINT ABOUT 300 METRES WEST OF THE ROUNDABOUT, WILL BE MADE A PROHIBITED ZONE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES. NO PLB WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
ON TRAFFIC REROUTINGS, THE SECTION OF FAN KAM ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND ROAD SR 10 WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC FROM FAN KAM ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THIS SECTION OF FAN KAM ROAD FOR ACCESS TO SHEUNG SHUI.
ROAD SR 10 FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH FAN KAM ROAD WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. AT THE SAME TIME, THE TEMPORARY ONE-WAY EASTBOUND SIDE ROAD BETWEEN ROAD SR 10 AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED.
TRAFFIC FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD FOR ACCESS TO SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE DIVERTED TO ROAD SR 10 AND THE SECTION OF FAN KAM ROAD BETWEEN ROAD SR 10 AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT.
ROAD SR 9 WILL BE CLOSED OFF AT TSUNG PAK LONG AND WILL BECOME A CUL-DE-SAC EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS. TRAFFIC HEADING FOR YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE SLIP ROADS OF THE CIRCULAR ROAD SECTION BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND KAM TSIN VILLAGE HO TUNG SCHOOL.
KMB ROUTE 76K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND YUEN LONG WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED TO THE SLIP ROADS AND THE EXISTING BUS STOP AT TSUNG PAK LONG WILL BE SUSPENDED.
MEANWHILE, ROAD SR 10 FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH FAN KAM ROAD TO THE SECTION OF ROAD SR 9 AT TSUNG PAK LONG WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
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/19
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1986
19
NEW PARKING METERS FOR WANG TAU HOM
*****
FIFTEEN NEW PARKING METERS IN TSI NG ON STREET IN WANG TAU HOM WILL BECOME OPERATIONAL FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 28) TO REGULATE THE UTILISATION OF PARKING SPACES.
THESE METERS ARE FOR TWO HOURS AND FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN MEDIUM AND HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES, BUSES, MOTOR-CYCLES AND BICYCLES.
PARKING FEES WILL BE Si FOR 30 MINUTES.
RESTRICTED ZONE IN KWAI CHUNG * * * *
A SECTION OF THE NEW CONTAINER PORT ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY STARTING FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 28).
THE AFFECTED SECTION RUNS FROM THE ROUNDABOUT OUTSIDE THE MARINERS’ CLUB TO THE ROUNDABOUT 620 METRES TO THE SOUTH.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUI'JCIL MEETING :
BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO BE ESTABLISHED ................ 1
■♦■REASONED ANALYSIS* BEFORE POLITICAL CHANGES .......... 5
NO SYSTEMATIC TRIAD INFILTRATION OF SCHOOLS ............. 10
STEPS TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT OUTLINED ........... 13
HEALTHIER FUNDING SEEN FOR WELFARE SERVICES ............. 15
PROVIDENT FUND HaS WIDE IMPLICATIONS .................... 17
STEPS PLANNED TO TACKLE ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS .......... 20
HONG KONG WELL SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM ........ 23
ACTION TAKEN TO DEFEND TRi.DE INTERESTS ................. 25
RISING EXPORTS GIVE ECONOMY HEALTHY BOOST ............... 27
DECISIONS MADE ON BRB REPORT ............................... 51
REMUNERATION OF DB MEMBERS BEING REVIEWED................... 33
YAN CHAI CLOSER TO DISTRICT HOSPITAL STATUS ................ 33
OPENING OF NEW CLUB HOUSE .................................. 3^
TRAFFIC CHANGES AT PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS ............... 35
TSUEN WrN ROAD SECTIONS TO CLOSE
35
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
1
BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO BE ESTABLISHED X M K H K
A BILL WILL BE PUT BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SO THAT A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY CAN BE SET UP IN 1987, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ANNOUNCING THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD’S REPORT IN THE COUNCIL, MR THOMAS SAID THE BRB’S PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY RECEIVED WARM SUPPORT FROM EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
+THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS THAT THERE IS CONSIDERABLE MERIT IN ALLOWING GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN CONTROL OVER THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY.
+THE GOVERNMENT, THEREFORE, SUPPORTS THE CREATION OF A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR TV, RADIO AND CABLE TV,+ HE SAID.
THE AUTHORITY’S FUNCTIONS WILL INCLUDE ADMINISTERING THE BROADCASTING REGIME AS LAID DOWN IN THE ORDINANCE, SECURING COMPLIANCE WITH THE PRESCRIBED STANDARDS FOR ADVERTISING AND PROGRAMME CONTENTS, AND ENSURING THE TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF BROADCASTS.
MR THOMAS SAID THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE MADE UP LARGELY FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND WOULD BE SERVICED BY THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED TOO THE IDEA OF A TRIBUNAL TO RECEIVE COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC AND TO RESOLVE DISPUTES WITHIN THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY.
BUT IT CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD BE ADMINISTRATIVELY MORE APPROPRIATE TO SET THIS UP WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY RATHER THAN AS A FREE-STANDING FORUM.
ON THE FUTURE OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, MR THOMAS SAID THERE WAS MUCH SUPPORT IN THE COUNCIL AND FROM THE PUBLIC FOR THE CONCEPT OF GREATER INDEPENDENCE FOR RTHK ALTHOUGH VIEWS WERE MIXED ON HOW THIS INDEPENDENCE COULD BE ACHIEVED.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS UNABLE TO ACCEPT THE IDEAS THAT HAVE BEEN CANVASSED TO MAKE RTHK FINANCIALLY VIABLE IN ITS OWN RIGHT.
+THERE WAS LITTLE SUPPORT FOR THE BOARD’S PROPOSAL TO GIVE RTHK A MONOPOLY OVER PRIME TIME ON THE COMMERCIAL TV STATIONS.
/+NOR WOULD .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
2
+ NOR WOULD IT BE RIGHT TO MAKE SUCCESSFUL LICENSEES PAY FOR RTHK OUT OF HYPOTHECATED ROYALTIES,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE THAT RTHK SHOULD IN FUTURE BE ANSWERABLE TO AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BOARD OF GOVERNORS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
+SO THAT THE BOARD WILL REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND TO ENSURE ITS INDEPENDENCE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNORS SHOULD BE DRAWN FROM THE COMMUNITY WITH THE ADDITION OF A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE ADMINI STRATION.+ MR THOMAS SAID.
THE STATUTORY FUNCTIONS OF THE BOARD WOULD BE TO IMPLEMENT THE BROAD POLICY OBJECTIVES OF RTHK THAT WOULD BE LAID DOWN IN THE ORDINANCE.
THESE WOULD EMPHASISE THE DUTY TO INFORM AND EDUCATE THE PUBLIC, AND WIDELY TO DISSEMINATE NEWS AND CURRENT AFFAIRS.
HE SAID +RTHK MUST CONTINUE TO BE AND BE SEEN TO BE A BALANCED AND OBJECTIVE PUBLIC BROADCASTER.
♦THE FUNDING OF RTHK WILL CONTINUE TO COME FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE, AND ITS STAFF WILL REMAIN WITHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, SUBJECT ONLY TO THE CASH LIMITS SET BY GOVERNMENT YEAR BY YEAR, THE BOARD WILL BE FREE TO PURSUE THE POLICY I HAVE DESCRIBED, AND WILL MAKE A REPORT EACH YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
RTHK WOULD IN DUE COURSE BE GIVEN INCREASED ACCESS TO THE TELEVISION CHANNELS, ESPECIALLY PRIME TIME.
ARRANGEMENTS THAT WOULD BE INCORPORATED IN THE NEW TELEVISION LICENCES ON OFFER WOULD GIVE RTHK AN INCREASE IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS THAT MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THEIR PROGRAMMES WITHIN DEFINED ACCESS TO PRIME TIME.
ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING ON TV AND RADIO, MR THOMAS SAID THAT AFTER CONSIDERING ALL THE ARGUMENTS CAREFULLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE CASE FOR A TOTAL BAN ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP ON TV AND RADIO.
THIS BAN WOULD HOWEVER, BE INTRODUCED BY A PHASED PROGRAMME SO AS TO LESSON ITS IMPACT ON THE TV AND RADIO STATIONS. THERE WOULD BE THREE PHASES.
/+AT FIRST.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 5 -
+AT FIRST, THERE WILL BE STRICTER CONTROLS ON TOBACCO ADVERTISMENTS BEING SHOWN ON TV THROUGH REVISIONS TO THE ADVERTISING CODE OF PRACTICE. THESE WILL BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
+THE SECOND PHASE WILL BE INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER 1988 WHEN NEW LICENCES ARE ISSUED TO THE TV STATIONS. THERE WILL BE A BAN ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 4.30 PM AND 10.30 PM. THIS WILL EXTEND BY FOUR HOURS A DAY THE TIME WITHIN WHICH TOBACCO ADVERTISING WILL BE PROHIBITED.
+SIMILAR RESTRICTIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR RADIO SERVICES FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW LICENCE PERIOD IN AUGUST 1989.
+THE THIRD AND FINAL PHASE WILL BE THE IMPOSITION OF A TOTAL BAfi ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP ON TELEVISION AND RADIO IN DECEMBER 1990.
+IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE EXAMINING WAYS OF RESTRICTING TOBACCO ADVERTISING IN OTHER FORMS.*
REFERRING TO THE RENEWAL OF EXISTING TELEVISION LICENCES, MR THOMAS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED THAT WHEN THE EXISTING TV LICENCES EXPIRED IN DECEMBER 1988, THE PRESENT LICENSEES WOULD BE OFFERED A NEW LICENCE FOR A 12-YEAR PERIOD TO THE YEAR 2000 ON REVISED CONDITIONS AND SUBJECT TO A MID-TERM REVIEW IN 1994.
+THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS V INVITING COMPETITIVE TENDERS FROM PROSPECTIVE LICENSEES RULE OU I THAT ALTERNATIVE WHICH THE BRB FAVOURED,* HE SAID.
+THE FACT IS THAT THE LAND, TRANSMISSION EQUIPMENT AND HARDWARE PRESENTLY EMPLOYED ON TV BROADCASTING IS OWNED BY THE EXISTING LICENSEES. IT IS UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT OUTSIDERS TO BE INTERESTED IN MAKING THE MASSIVE INVESTMENT TO ACQUIRE AND EQUIP TRANSMISSION FACILITIES ON THE NECESSARY SCALE GIVEN THE POTENTIAL REVENUE FROM A RELATIVELY SMALL MARKET.
+THE PERIOD OF
PROPOSED RENEWAL PERIOD EIGHT YEARS RECOMMENDED
OF 12 YEARS IS LONGER THAN THE BY THE BRB.
+BUT IT WILL GIVE THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY THE CONFIDENCE TO PLAN AHEAD AND TO MAKE THE NECESSARY INVESTMENT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF TELEVISION SO THAT THE INDUSTRY CAN FACE UP TO THE DRASTIC AND RAPID POLITICAL CHANGES IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
+AT THE SAME TIME A MID-TERM REVIEW WILL ENABLE THE LICENCE CONDITIONS TO BE AMENDED WHERE NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE, AND TO GUARD AGAINST ABUSE OF A 12-YEAR LICENCE PERIOD.*
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986'
4
ON THE CORPORATE STRUCTURE OF THE BROADCASTING LICENSEES, MR THOMAS SAID THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY OPPOSED THE BRB’S PROPOSAL THAT LEGISLATIVE CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT IN FUTURE, BROADCASTING COMPANIES SHOULD BE SOLELY CONCERNED WITH THE BUSINESS OF BROADCASTING AND SHOULD NOT BE ASSOCIATED WITH OTHER COMPANIES ACTIVE IN RELATED FIELDS. THE PROPOSAL HAD RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL SERVICE AND OTHER GRASS ROOT ORGANISATIONS.
r T HAS BEEN POINTED OUT THAT THE LEGISLATIVE CHANGES PROPOSED V.IL T BE SUFFICIENT TO ELIMINATE THE SCOPE FOR UNFAIR PRACTICES THROUGH ABUSE OF CORPORATE LINKS. THE GOVERNMENT IS ANYHOW RELUCTANT TO BE THOUGHT TO BE PENALISING COMMERCIAL SUCCESS,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE STRUCTURE, OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF TV LICENSEES SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE GOVERNED BY EXISTING POLICIES AND THE SPIRIT OF EXISTING LEGISLATION.
BUT IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PUT BEFORE LEGCO A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE ORDINANCE TO GIVE THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY A RIGHT OF ACCESS TO THE BOOKS AND ACCOUNTS OF THE RELATED COMPANIES OF TV LICENSEES.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT THIS WILL ENABLE THE FUTURE BROADCASTING Mlfri. I TY TO MONITOR THE PRACTICES OF COMMERCIAL LICENSEES THROUGH A CROSS CHECKING OF THE ACCOUNTS OF THE LICENSEE AND ITS RELATED COMPANIES,* HE SAID.
F RTHERMORE, WHEN THE NEW TV LICENCES WERE ON OFFER, THE GOVE I ■ -'NT PROPOSED THAT ROYALTIES PAYABLE BY THE TV STATIONS
7 CHANGED FROM A SYSTEM BASED ON NET PROFIT TO ONE BASED ON GROSS RECEIPT, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE BRB.
+SINCE TV STATIONS USE AIR WAVES WHICH ARE COMMUNITY FACILITIES, IT IS RIGHT THAT THEY SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY FOR THEIR USE IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER A PROFIT IS MADE,* HE SAID.
+HOWEVER, THE NEW SYSTEM WILL BE SO DESIGNED THAT THE ROYALTY TO BE COLLECTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WILL APPROXIMATELY BE AT THE CURRENT LEVEL.*
DEALING WITH CABLE TELEVISION, MR THOMAS NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY ANNOUNCED IN JULY ITS ACCEPTANCE IN PRINCIPLE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF CABLE TV SERVICES IN HONG KONG. AN INVITATION CALLING FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST TO DEVELOP A CABLE SERVICE HAD RESULTED IN THE RECEIPT OF EIGHT SUBMISSIONS BEFORE THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
/♦THESE SUBMISSIONS........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMbER 26, 1986
- 5 -
♦THESE SUBMISSIONS RANGE FROM VERY DETAILED AND COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSALS TO PROVIDE A FULL CABLE TV NETWORK FOR THE WHOLE TERRITORY TO SIMPLE REQUESTS TO PROVIDE A LIMITED SERVICE IN A PARTICULAR AREA,* HE SAID.
♦ALL THESE ARE CURRENTLY BEING STUDIED BY THE GOVERNMENT. WORk IS ALSO IN HAND TO FORMULATE POLICIES FOR CABLE TV WHICH WILL NEED TO BE SPELLED OUT IN LEGISLATIONS AND IN LICENCE COM''TIONS. IT IS OUR INTENTION TO INVITE FORMAL TENDERS FOR CADLE J LICENCES SOME TIME NEXT YEAR.+
IN CONCLUSION, MR THOMAS SAID THERE REMAINED A NUMBER OF OTHER MORE DETAILED RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE BRB REPORT WHICH WOULD BE EXAMINED SHORTLY BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. SOME MIGHT BE BETTER LEFT FOR THE FUTURE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY TO CONSIDER.
HE SAID MUCH VALUABLE ADVICE WAS OBTAINED FROM THE PAINSTAKING WORK OF THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR JUSTICE POWER AND THE FUTURE AUDIENCE OF TELEVISION AND RADIO WOULD OWE THEM A GREAT DEAL.
-----0------
♦REASONED ANALYSIS* BEFORE POLITICAL CHANGES
*****
HE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, REITERATED IN Hl- ..LATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT NOW WAS NOT THE TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO COMMENT ON THE DIRECTION OF FUTURE CONSTITUTIONAL AND RELATED CHANGES.
THESE WERE MATTERS FOR THE 1987 REVIEW, HE SAID ON BEHALF OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY IN HIS OPENING SPEECH AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
THANKING MEMBERS FOR THEIR VIEWS, MR THOMAS SAID THERE WERE GOOD REASONS FOR THE ABOVE ATTITUDE.
HE SAID: +FIRST, THERE IS THE SPEED AND THE DISTANCE WE HAVE TRAVELLED IN THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND PARTICULARLY IN THE LAST YEAR; SECOND, THERE IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED AND THE NEED TO FIND THE RIGHT SOLUTIONS TO THEM; AND THIRD, PUBLIC DISCUSSION AND PUBLIC OPINION HAVE CLEARLY NOT YET REACHED A POSITION WHERE ACCEPTABLE COMMON GROUND IS EASILY PERCEIVED.
/+IF THERE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
+ IF THERE IS A AND FOR THE SAKE OF
COMMON VIEW IT IS THIS: BE CAREFUL, BE GRADUAL HONG KONG, GET IT RIGHT.+
MR THOMAS SAID THAT NOW WAS THE TIME FOR THOUGHT, FOR OPINIONS TO BE EXPRESSED AND ANALYSED AND THEREAFTER FOR PROPOSALS TO BE DEVELOPED.
+MFMBERS’ SPEECHES ARE PART OF THIS PROCESS AND THEMSELVES FORM PART OF THE MATERIAL AND THE BACKGROUND FOR THE DRAFTING OF THE GREEN PAPER TO BE PUBLISHED IN APRIL OR MAY NEXT YEAR,* MR THOMAS CONTINUED.
+BUT I CANNOT STRESS STRONGLY ENOUGH THE IMPORTANCE AT THIS TIME, OF REASONED, CONSIDERED ANALYSIS, NOT MERELY OF THE SINGLE ISSUE OF DIRECT ELECTIONS BUT OF THE OBJECTIVES, THE MECHANISMS, AND THE IMPLICATIONS, OF ANY PARTICULAR COURSE OF ACTION.*
MR THOMAS NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN MORE WIDE-RANGING DEBATES. TORE ADJOURNMENT DEBATES, MORE QUESTIONS — AND MORE PROBING QUESTIONS -- IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 296 QUESTIONS OF TOPICAL CONCERN WERE A'l .? . ■ D BY OFFICIAL MEMBERS, AND 68 BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW.
*AND WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, IT IS LEGISLATION AND THE CONTINUING IMPROVEMENT OF THE LAW IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC NEEDS THAT LIES AT THE VERY HEART OF OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT,* MR THOMAS SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID ABOUT 100 BILLS WERE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
TURNING TO LOCALISATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR THOMAS SAID FOR A LONG TIME TO COME THERE WOULD BE A PLACE FOR BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS OFFICERS.
HE SAIDs +OUR LONG ESTABLISHED POLICY IS TO GIVE PREFERENCE TO LOCAL CANDIDATES ON RECRUITMENT WHEN THEY ARE AVAILABLE AND TO RECRUIT OVERSEAS OFFICERS TO FILL AN INTERIM SHORTAGE IN FIELDS WHERE LOCAL EXPERTISE IS NOT AVAILABLE.
+AT THE SAME TIME, STEPS HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE LOCAL SUPPLY OF TRAINED STAFF AND TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS TO LOCAL OFFICERS TO ENABLE THEM TO ACQUIRE QUALIFICATIONS IN PARTICULAR DISCIPLINES.
+THE EXPANSION OF OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION PROVISION IN RECENT YEARS HAS ALSO GREATLY IMPROVED THE PROSPECTS OF RECRUITING QUALIFIED LOCAL CANDIDATES TO FILL CIVIL SERVICE VACANCIES.*
/MR THOMAS NOTED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 7 -
MR THOMAS NOTED THAT FIVE YEARS AGO, THERE WERE SOME 300 LOCAL OFFICERS OCCUPYING DIRECTORATE POSTS, BUT NOW THERE WERE 500.
AT THE SENIOR PROFESSIONAL LEVEL, THE NUMBER OF LOCAL OFFICERS HAD INCREASED FROM 750 TO 1 150 DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
MR THOMAS SAID WHILE THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE CONTRIBUTION OF CONTRACT OFFICERS, THEY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPLY FOR TRANSFER TO THE PERMANENT ESTABLISHMENT, IF THEY WANTED A PERMANENT CAREER IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
'TH! ADMINISTRATION THEREFORE INTENDS TO CONTINUE WITH ITS . AND CAREFUL POLICY OF LOCALISATION WHILE SAFEGUARDING THE QUALITY OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND ITS ABILITY TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC SERVICE HONG KONG NEEDS,* HE SAID.
+T0 PUT THIS IN PERSPECTIVE ONLY 97 OVERSEAS OFFICERS OUT OF 1 460 (THAT IS ONLY ONE IN 15) WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR A FRESH CONTRACT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL.+
COMMENTING ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAW WHICH SAFEGUARD FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, INCLUDING FREEDOM OF THE PRESS, MR THOMAS POINTED OUT THAT IN HONG KONG GREATER IMPORTANCE WAS ATTACHED TO THE LAW IN THIS FIELD.
♦THE COMMON LAW HAS AN ESSENTIAL PART TO PLAY NOT ONLY IN SAFEGUARDING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, BUT ALSO IN ENSURING THAT VICTIMS OF THE ABUSE OF FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION ARE PROTECTED AND THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE ARE NOT THREATENED BY STIRRING UP ALARM OR VIOLENCE AMONG ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
+THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT AMONG OUR ORDINANCES, ON THIS TOPICS AS ON SOME OTHERS, ONE CAN FIND PROVISIONS WHICH WERE INTRODUCED TO MEET SOME TRANSIENT PROBLEM AND WHICH NO LONGER HAVE A PART TO PLAY IN THE MODERN PROSPEROUS AND STABLE COMMUNITY WHICH HONG KONG HAS BECOME,* HE CONTINUED.
TURNING TO THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS CONSOLIDATION ORDINANCE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THAT IT WAS ENACTED IN 1951, TO REPLACE EMERGENCY LEGISLATION WHICH PRECEDED IT, AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF POLITICAL UPHEAVAL IN CHINA.
+IT WAS A TIME WHEN THERE WAS MUCH CONCERN THAT THE SECURITY OF THE TERRITORY MIGHT BE DAMAGED BY SEDITIOUS OR SUBVERSIVE MATERIAL PUBLISHED LOCALLY. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE HAVE ONLY VERY RARELY BEEN USED AND FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, NOT AT ALL. SOME OF THEM OVERLAP WITH OTHER PROVISIONS OF THE CRIMINAL LAW ANYWAY,* HE ADDED.
/MR THOMAS ALSO .......
WEDNESDAY, N0VM4BER 26, 1986
- 8 -
MR THOMAS ALSO NOTED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION AND INFORMATION SERVICES HAD INDICATED THAT HE WAS REVIEWING THE ORDINANCE, INCLUDING THE PROVISIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF PUBLICATIONS, WITH THOSE POINTS IN MIND. THAT REVIEW WAS NOW WELL ADVANCED AND MEMBERS COULD EXPECT TO SEE A BILL IN THE PRESENT SESSION.
ON THE ISSUE OF WHETHER SERIOUS CRIMES WERE ADEQUATELY PUNISHED IN THE COURTS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RECOGNISED THAT THERE WAS IN THE COMMUNITY MUCH CONCERN ABOUT THE INCIDENCE OF RAPE, ROBBERY AND THEFT. HE POINTED OUT THAT THE OFFENCE OF RAPE LED TO 27 CONVICTIONS IN 1985 IN THE HIGH COURT.
+FOUR OFFENDERS WERE SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT, TWO GOT 15 YEARS, ONE GOT 14 YEARS, FOUR GOT SEVEN YEARS, FOUR GOT SIX YEARS AND EIGHT OTHERS GOT FOUR YEARS OR MORE. FOUR YEARS WAS THE LOWEST SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT HANDED DOWN. YOUNG OFFENDERS WERE SENT EITHER TO A TRAINING CENTRE OR TO A DETENTION CENTRE,+ HE SAID.
THESE FIGURES, WHICH BORE OUT THE AVERAGE OF NINE YEARS PUT FORWARD EARLIER, MIGHT WELL INDICATE TO MEMBERS THAT THE SENTENCES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS WERE SUFFICIENT TO DETER, HE ADDED.
MR THOMAS ALSO REFERRED TO ROBBERY OFFENCES. HE NOTED THAT OF THOSE CONVICTED IN THE HIGH COURT, FOUR OFFENDERS RECEIVED 20-YEAR SENTENCES, 13 OFFENDERS RECEIVED SENTENCES BETWEEN 14 AND 19 YEARS, AND A FURTHER 51 OFFENDERS RECEIVED TERMS BETWEEN 10 YEARS AND 14 YEARS.
HALF OF ALL THE OFFENDERS CONVICTED IN THE HIGH COURT RECEIVED SENTENCES OF EIGHT YEARS OR MORE.
HE SAID: +SENTENCES PASSED IN THE DISTRICT COURTS WERE INEVITABLY LESS SEVERE BECAUSE THEY DEALT WITH OFFENCES WHICH LACK THE AGGRAVATING FEATURES. EVEN SO APPROXIMATELY ONE HALF OF ALL OFFENDERS CONVICTED OF ROBBERY WERE SENTENCED TO BETWEEN THREE AND SIX YEARS, WHILE SOME 14 PER CENT OF OFFENDERS RECEIVED SENTENCES OF SIX OR SEVEN YEARS IMPRISONMENT WHICH IS THE HIGHEST THAT THE DISTRICT COURT CAN IMPOSE,*
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL STRESSED THAT ROBBERY COVERED MANY FORMS OF CRIMINAL CONDUCT, RANGING FROM A GANG OF ARMED VILLAINS BURSTING INTO A JEWELLERY SHOP TO THE CASE OF A SIMPLE SNATCH BY AN UNARMED YOUTH.
GIVEN THE BREADTH OF THE ClRCUMSTANCES IN EACH INDIVIDUAL CASE, AND THE FACT THAT THE FIGURES QUOTED EARLIER INCLUDED JUVENILES AND FIRST OFFENDERS, THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT OFFENDERS WERE APPROPRIATELY PUNISHED.
/MR THOMAS SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 9 -
MR THOMAS SAID THE LEVEL OF VIOLENT CRIME HAD CONTINUED ITS DOWNWARD TREND IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1986.
IN PARTICULAR THE NUMBER OF ROBBERIES REPORTED DECREASED BY NEARLY 18 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD OF LAST YEAR. ON THE FACE OF IT THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR MEMBERS TO BE UNDULY CONCERNED.
ON MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES, MR THOMAS SAID THE GOVERNMENT VIEWED IT AS A MEASURE OF LAST RESORT IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, TO BE KEPT IN RESERVE IN CASE THERE WAS A SURGE OF SERIOUS CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.
+MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES HAVE NOT FOUND FAVOUR COMMON LAW JURISDICTIONS,* HE NOTED.
IN OTHER
HE ADDED: +THE FLEXIBILITY THAT HAS BEEN CAREFULLY BUILT INTO SENTENCING POLICY IN HONG KONG ALLOWS THE COURTS TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED FOR CONDIGN AND DETERRENT PUNISHMENT REFLECTING THE GRAVITY OF THE OFFENCE, ON THE ONE HAND, AND THE ClRCUMSTANCES OF THE OFFENDER AND THE COMMUNITY’S INTEREST IN HIS REHABILITATION, ON THE OTHER.
♦THIS BALANCE CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY ALLOWING OUR COURTS A DISCRETION TO DO JUSTICE IN EACH CASE AND BY MAKING AVAILABLE TO THEM A VARIETY OF SENTENCING OPTIONS,*
HE SAID THE PRACTICE OF THE COURT OF APPEAL IN LAYING DOWN GUIDELINES FOR APPROPRIATE SENTENCING DID MUCH TO ENSURE THAT THE LEVELS OF SENTENCING WERE MAINTAINED.
+IF A PARTICULAR SENTENCE IS THOUGHT TO BE MANIFESTLY INADEQUATE IN THE LIGHT OF THOSE GUIDELINES OR THE NORMS OF SENTENCING, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY APPLY TO THE COURT OF APPEAL FOR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE,* HE SAID.
+FOR ALL THESE REASONS THE GOVERNMENT FEELS IT WOULD BE A RETROGRADE STEP TO INTRODUCE MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCES FOR THE OFFENCES UNDER CONSIDERATION.*
MR THOMAS CONCLUDED BY POINTING OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS AT PRESENT EXAMINING THE SELECT COMMITTEE’S REPORT ON COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES WITH A VIEW TO ITS EARLY IMPLEMENTATION, AND THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION HAD 11 SUB-COMMITTEES REVIEWING AREAS OF THE LAW WHERE THERE WAS A CASE FOR CHANGE.
+MY CHAMBERS HAS ALSO SET UP A HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE ACTIVELY PURSUING THE OBJECTIVE OF INCREASED LOCALISATION SO THAT WE CAN MEET THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG IN THE YEARS AHEAD,* HE ADDED.
0
/1O
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
10 -
NO SYSTEMATIC TRIAD INFILTRATION OF SCHOOLS * * * * *
THE PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS FROM RECENT INTERVIEWS WITH HEADMASTERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS SHOW THAT TRIADS ARE NOT TARGETTING SCHOOLS FOR SYSTEMATIC INFILTRATION. RATHER, THEY PREY ON CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE AND ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THEM OUTSIDE THE SCHOOLS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR JEAFFRESON STRESSED THAT HE WAS MOST CONCERNED ABOUT OTHER GANG AND BULLYING ACTIVITIES IN SCHOOLS.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE INCIDENCE OF JUVENILES INVOLVED IN CRIME HAD INCREASED MORE THAN FOURFOLD SINCE 1975.
+THE REASONS FOR THIS INCREASE ARE NO DOUBT MANIFOLD AND MANY WILL BE SOCIAL,* HE SAID.
+BUT ONE CERTAINLY SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO OUR SYSTEM OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION, THAT SOME ACADEMICALLY POOR STUDENTS WHO CANNOT KEEP UP WITH HONG KONG’S HIGH STANDARDS, TURN TO THIS TYPE OF ACTIVITY TO GAIN SOME SORT OF PERVERTED RESPECT FROM THEIR COLLEAGUES.
+PRECISELY WHAT WE CAN DO TO COUNTER THIS TREND IS STILL BEING CONSIDERED BY THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.*
REFERRING TO REHABILITATION, MR JEAFFRESON SAID DISCUSSIONS WOULD BE HELD WITH LEGCO MEMBERS ON THE SCHEMES OF RELEASING PRISONERS UNDER SUPERVISION, PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT AND PARTIALLY SUSPENDED SENTENCE.
HE ALSO SAID DETAILS OF A TRIAD RENUNICATION SCHEME, WHICH THE PUBLIC STRONGLY SUPPORTED, WERE BEING WORKED OUT.
TURNING TO THE POLICE FORCE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID BOTH MORALE AND DEDICATION WERE EXCELLENT. HE SAID THE FORCE WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE LOCALISATION POLICY DESIGNED TO RESULT IN THERE BEING MORE LOCAL THAN EXPATRIATE OFFICERS IN THE GAZETTED OFFICER RANKS BY THE YEAR 2000.
+IN PRACTICE SOMETHING VERY CLOSE TO THIS OBJECT WAS GOING TO BE ACHIEVED ANYWAY AND VERY FEW OFFICERS’ CAREERS WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS POLICY,* HE SAID.
+THE EFFICIENCY OF THE FORCE WILL NOT BE UNDERMINED.*
/11R JEAFFRESON.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
11
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE REPORT OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE FOR 1986 WOULD BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY. IT WOULD SHOW THE EXTENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO TACKLE CRIME OVER A BROAD FRONT, AS WELL AS A WELCOME DECREASE IN OVERALL CRIME IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED TO SAME PERIOD IN 1985.
♦WITH THE DEDICATION OF THE POLICE FORCE AND THE SUPPORT OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL, I AM SURE THAT THIS TREND WILL BE CONTINUED INTO 1987 AND WELL BEYOND,+ HE ADDED.
IN RESPONSE TO CONCERNS RAISED ABOUT ADOLESCENT INVOLVEMENT 'IN DRUG OFFENCES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE THRUST OF THE RECENTLY IMPROVED PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS WAS DIRECTED AT YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN FACT THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PERSONS UNDER 21 PROSECUTED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1986 FOR DRUG OFFENCES WAS ABOUT 12 PER CENT LESS THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1985 WHILE THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE NEWLY REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE WAS DOWN 24 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD.
THE SITUATION WAS ENCOURAGING, AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN, WHICH HAD BEEN GIVEN HIGH PRIORITY FOR 1987-88 AS IN PAST YEARS.
ON IMPROVEMENT OF IMMIGRATION SERVICES, MR JEAFFRESON REPORTED THAT GOOD PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE ON THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TRAVEL RECORD AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM.
THE SYSTEM, WHICH INVOLVED THE USE OF COMPUTERS, WOULD SPEED UP IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES AT CONTROL POINTS AND QUEUES IN FRONT OF THE IMMIGRATION COUNTERS SHOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY SHORTENED.
BASED ON PRESENT PROGRESS, HE SAID IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO INTRODUCE THE SYSTEM AT VARIOUS CONTROL POINTS, IN FOUR PHASES, BETWEEN MAY 1987 AND JULY 1988.
AS FOR SETTING UP A TRAINING SCHOOL FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING ERSKINE CAMP IN SAI KUNG INTO A RESIDENTIAL TRAINING SCHOOL WAS BEING CONSIDERED.
DEALING WITH THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE SITUATION, MR JEAFFRESON SAID: +WE ARE ONLY TOO WELL AWARE OF THE CONTRADICTION BETWEEN OUR POLICY ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND OUR VERY NECESSARY POLICY (GIVEN OUR ACUTE POPULATION PRESSURES) TOWARDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.
/+THE PRINCIPLES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
12
+THE PRINCIPLES THAT GOVERN OUR SOCIETY ARE HUMANITARIAN, AND UNTIL SUCH TIMES AS WE CAN BE SATISFIED ABOUT THE TREATMENT OF ANY WHO ARE SENT BACK TO VIETNAM, WE MUST CONTINUE TO GRANT THEM ASYLUM HERE.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD BROADENED THE FAMILY REUNION CRITERIA WHICH RESULTED IN 423 REFUGEES LEAVING HONG KONG FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM SO FAR THIS YEAR.
OTHER COUNTRIES HAD ALSO RESPONDED NOBLY BY TAKING MORE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG WHILE THE MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES (THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA AND CANADA) HAD EITHER MAINTAINED OR INCREASED THEIR REGULAR RELATIVELY HIGH MONTHLY OFF-TAKE FROM THE TERRITORY.
+WITHOUT THE BRITISH INITIATIVE, RESETTLEMENT FROM HONG KONG THIS YEAR WOULD HAVE BEEN VERY MUCH LOWER AND ABOVE ALL, ITS CONSEQUENCES HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANT FOR HONG KONG.
+AT 8 165 ON NOVEMBER 21 OUR REFUGEE POPULATION WAS AT ITS LOWEST SINCE 1979, AND 1 280 LESS THAN IT WAS AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR,* MR JEAFFRESON NOTED.
IT WAS TRUE THAT THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN ARRIVALS THIS YEAR. AT THE END OF OCTOBER, 1 900 REFUGEES HAD ARRIVED COMPARED WITH 950 DURING THE SAME PERIOD IN 1985.
HE SAID THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS NATURALLY CONCERNED BY THE COINCIDENCE OF THIS DOUBLING IN THE NUMBER OF ARRIVALS FOLLOWING THE BRITISH INITIATIVE IN TAKING MORE REFUGEES PLUS THE NOBLE RESPONSE OF THE OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES.
+AS FAR AS WE CAN TELL FROM QUESTIONING THESE ARRIVALS, THEY WERE NOT SPECIFICALLY LURED INTO COMING TO HONG KONG BY THE INCREASE IN RESETTLEMENT IN 1986, AND IN PRACTICE THIS INCREASE HAS NOT BEEN THAT DRAMATIC ANYWAY.
+RATHER, THEY CAME HERE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS OF WHICH BY FAR THE MAIN ONE IS THE HOPE OF A BETTER ECONOMIC LIFE IN ANY OF THE MAIN RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES.
+THEY ARE IN EFFECT ECONOMIC MIGRANTS PREPARED TO CHANCE THEIR ARMS ON WHETHER OR NOT THEY WILL BE RESETTLED,+ HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO BEEN PRESSING FOR AN APPROACH TO THE VIETNAMESE WITH A VIEW TO OPENING UP DISCUSSIONS ON MEANS OF RETURNING THOSE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES.
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THAT RESETTLEMENT COULD NO LONGER BE THE SOLE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND THE ISSUE NEEDED TO BE EXPLORED IN CONSULTATION WITH OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES INCLUDING THE UNHCR.
+MEANWHILE, WE HAVE PASSED ON THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED HERE BY HONOURABLE MEMBERS IN THIS DEBATE TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT,* MR JEAFFRESON ADDED.
-------0
/15........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 15 -
STEPS TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT OUTLINED *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN TAKING A THREE-PRONGED APPROACH IN ASSISTING LANDLORDS AND TENANTS TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR LIAO SAID THE APPROACH INVOLVED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT AND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE, AND ASSISTANCE TO MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS.
HE SAID ALL DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT ARISING FROM NEW, NONINDUSTRIAL LEASES GRANTED SINCE FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WERE REQUIRED TO CONTAIN SOME STANDARD PROVISIONS CONDUCIVE TO THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS.
+THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING WORKED OUT BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL IN CONSULTATION WITH THE LAW SOCIETY,+ HE ADDED.
HE STRESSED THAT A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY WOULD BE PROVIDED IN DRAFTING AN INDIVIDUAL DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A PARTICULAR DEVELOPMENT.
ON OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, MR LIAO SAID WORK WAS IN HAND TO AMEND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATION) ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE A-CLEARER MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH SUCH CORPORATIONS COULD OPERATE MORE EFFICIENTLY.
+THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WILL MAKE THE FORMATION OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS EASIER, LAY DOWN RULES AND PROCEDURES TO BE OBSERVED BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, SET OUT IN CLEARER TERMS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL OWNERS AND THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION BY TENANTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDING,* HE SAID.
THESE PROPOSALS WOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS FOR COMMENTS IN EARLY 1987.
MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF HAD ALWAYS BEEN GIVING RESIDENTS ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
+AS A RESULT OF THESE EFFORTS, THERE HAS BEEN AN ANNUAL INCREASE OF AN AVERAGE OF 200 OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AND 60 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN PRIVATE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS,+ HE SAID.
/IN ADDITION, ........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1?86
14
IN ADDITION, FOUR SPECIAL TEAMS, HEADED BY A HOUSING MANAGER, HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED IN EASTERN, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl TO DEAL WITH BUILDING MANAGEMENT MATTERS.
+THEIR MAIN TASK IS TO ADVISE AND ASSIST RESIDENTS AND MANAGEMENT BODIES IN DEALING WITH BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS,* HE SAID.
THE FOUR TEAMS HAD SO FAR PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO 135 BUILDINGS.
+SUBJECT TO AVAILABLE RESOURCES, IT IS INTENDED TO EXTEND THIS SCHEME IN THE COMING YEARS TO OTHER DISTRICTS,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO SECURITY ASPECTS, MR LIAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DRAWING UP PROPOSALS TO REGULATE THE WHOLE SECURITY INDUSTRY. +THIS WILL BE AN IMPORTANT.STEP IN ENSURING THAT PROPER STANDARDS ARE ACHIEVED AND ARE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
ON THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, HE SAID 28 500 FAMILIES HAD SO FAR FORMED ABOUT 2 800 NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH UNITS.
ANOTHER 15 000 FAMILIES WERE EXPECTED TO BE INVOLVED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS THE THIRD PHASE OF THE SCHEME WAS IMPLEMENTED.
REFERRING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR LIAO SAID A NEW PUBLIC WORKS ITEM FOR +IMPROVEMENTS TO URBAN FRINGE AND RURAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES* WOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HOPED TO ESTABLISH A NEW RECURRENT SUBHEAD FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, SOME OF WHICH HAD FALLEN INTO DISREPAIR OVER THE YEARS.
ON HOUSING MATTERS, MR LIAO SAID THE PROJECTED FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY MUST BE VIEWED IN THE CONTEXT OF A VERY SIZEABLE OUTSTANDING LOAN FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND WHICH HAD YET TO BE REPAID OVER THE LONG PERIOD OF TIME INVOLVED AND THE ON-GOING PROVISION OF FREE LAND BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR BUILDING RENTAL ESTATES.
+FINANCI AL SELF-SUFFICIENCY OF THE AUTHORITY MUST NOT THEREFORE BE TAKEN TO MEAN THAT THE AUTHORITY IS ABLE TO MEET THE ENTIRE COST OF IMPLEMENTING THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME FROM ITS OWN RESOURCES,* HE SAID.
+GOVERNMENT WILL IN FACT CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE SUBSTANTIALLY TOWARDS THE PROGRAMME AFTER THE AUTHORITY BECOMES FINANCIALLY SELF-SUFFICIENT.*
/DEALING WITH .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1?86
- 15
mo . .?nALING WITH THE SUBJECT OF ARTS, RECREATION AND SPORTS, MR LIAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE EXAMINING THE QUESTION OF SPONSORSHIP AND TAKING ADVICE FROM THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT AND THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.
r,^11 PROMOTING SPORTS, RECREATION AND THE UTILISATION OF FACILITIES, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE COUNCIL FOR R^REAT,0N AND SP0RT» THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHARED A COMMON AIM TO CO-OPERATE AND CO-ORDINATE ACTIVITIES AND POLICIES.
anncn PARTIES WOULD KEEP AN OPEN MIND ON POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS,
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HEALTHIER FUNDING SEEN FOR WELFARE SERVICES X X X X *
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT WITH THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE FINANCIAL SITUATION, HE WAS HOPEFUL THAT MORE RESOURCES COULD BE ALLOCATED IN 1987-88 BOTH TO IMPROVE EXISTING WELFARE SERVICES AND TO DEVELOP NEW ONES.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING ADDRESS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT IN ADDITION S6 MILLION PER ANNUM WOULD BE AVAILABLE THIS YEAR AND THE NEXT TWO YEARS, FROM THE SURPLUSES ACCUMULATED BY THE AGENCIES, SPECIFICALLY FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE QUALITY OF WELFARE SERVICES.
+AS A START, PROVISION FOR 10 ADDITIONAL SOCIAL WORKERS HAS JUST BEEN APPROVED TO REDUCE THE CASELOAD OF FAMILY CASE-WORKERS IN THE SURVENTED AGENCIES,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO REPORT THAT GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE RECENT WORKING GROUP ON THIS SUBJECT.
ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WAS THAT THE MANNING RATIO FOR SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD BE IMPROVED. THE WORKING GROUP ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE EXISTING MONITORING SYSTEM SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE BETTER CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE SERVICE FOR STUDENTS.
/•♦•SUBJECT TO..........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 16 -
♦SUBJECT TO THE NECESSARY RESOURCES BEING AVAILABLE, I MOPE THAT WE SHALL SEE SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN THIS AREA IN THE NEAR FUTURE,* HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS NOT TRUE THAT THE ALLEGED RELUCTANCE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO ENFORCE THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE OLD AGE HOMES DERIVED FROM ANY TACIT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE HOMES WITH THE OBJECT OF AVOIDING THE ADDITIONAL COST INVOLVED IN PROVIDING MORE SUBVERTED HOMES IF THE PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS WERE FORCED TO CLOSE.
+ON THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, WE HAVE DECIDED TO GIVE THE PRIVATE HOMES AN OPPORTUNITY OF COMPLYING WITH THE CODE, BEFORE WE DECIDE WHETHER ANY FURTHER ACTION NEEDS TO BE TAKEN.
+THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW WILL BE CONDUCTED IN A YEAR’S TIME,* HE SAID.
ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE HAD RECENTLY ISSUED DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS TO AMEND THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ORDINANCE TO FACILITATE PROSECUTIONS FOR OFFENCES UNDER THAT ORDINANCE.
REFERRING TO A SUGGESTION THAT A CENTRAL STATUTORY BODY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO CO-ORDINATE THE MANY BOARDS AND COUNCILS WHICH EXISTED TO REGULATE THE VARIOUS MEDICAL AND PARAMEDICAL PROFESSIONS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE BOARDS AND COUNCILS SECTION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ALREADY EXISTED TO SERVICE THESE BODIES WHICH WERE THEMSELVES STATUTORY.
♦HOWEVER IT MAY BE THAT THE PRESENT MACHINERY FOR DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS AND PROSECUTING OFFENDERS NEEDS SOME STRENGTHENING AND I WILL CERTAINLY CONSIDER THIS WITH THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE POLLUTION PROBLEM, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE OBSERVATION THAT HONG KONG WAS A DECADE BEHIND IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION RECOGNISED THE FACT THAT YEARS OF RELATIVE NEGLECT HAD LEFT A BACKLOG OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
♦NOW IS THE TIME TO ACT, AND THERE ARE ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE IN GENERAL ARE BECOMING MUCH MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SURROUNDINGS AND ARE MUCH READIER TO COMPLAIN ABOUT POLLUTION AMD OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS,+ HE SAID.
/He noted .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVJMBER 26, 1986
- 17 -
HE NOTED THAT A GOOD DEAL OF PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE RECENTLY ^.^TABLISHMENT 0F WHAT should prove to Je a much mor^ EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT; THE MAKING OF THE □n^J^yi2NSoNECESSARY T0 IMpLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THE WATER AC*mcI1BocC0NTR0L 0RDINANCE? THE APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE OF A PACKAGE ncALnWITH THE QUESTION OF AGRICULTURAL WASTES; AND THE INITIATION OF CONCRETE MEASURES TO CLEAN UP THE SHING MUN RIVER AND THE TUEN MUN NULLAH HAVE ALL OCCURRED IN THE PAST YEAR
+DURING THE RILL , WHICH HAS IMPORTANT SET OF DAY,+ HE SAID.
NEXT FEW MONTHS THE LONG-AWAITED NOISE CONTROL PROVED EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO DRAFT, AND AN AIR POLLUTION REGULATIONS SHOULD SEE THE LIGHT OF
------o ------
PROVIDENT FUND HAS WIDE IMPLICATIONS * * * * *
nr ™E SECRETARY F0R EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE Wednesday) that the implications of setting up jJOfEBERTAKENOLIGHTLyFUND WERE FAR~REACHING AND A DECISION COULD tuc i cr^e!<l™JN IHE RESUmED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS IN T?moiLvG™L£T VE c°UNCIL, MR BRIDGE SA I Ds +WE MUST REGARD NOT RllTPA^n0TnHTMF,knlcM^*? °e THE ,ND,VIDUAL EMPLOYEE TO CONTRIBUTE BUT ALSO TO THE POTENTIAL EFFECTS UPON THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE.+ dccm r?DPui?$r n0TED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION’S REVIEW PAPER HAD F0R CONSULTATION TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF ADVISORY SrVTSrurXPERTISE WAS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO DIFFERENT ASrcCTS Or THE ISSUE.
TA -rur'LJHE^IGHT 0F THAT ADVICE, consideration will be TO THE NEED FOR FURTHER CONSULTATION,* HE SAID.
GIVEN
"LASSURED MEMBERS THAT THEIR VIEWS WOULD BE SOUGHT BEFORE A DECISION WAS TAKEN ON THE ISSUE.
. rnrMn ?«1DGE P0INTED OUT THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT WAS AFRESH L00K AT THE ’SSUE, IT WAS CERTAINLY NOT DOING SO THE FIRST TIME.
TAKING FOR
/+THE GOVERNMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 18 -
+THE GOVERNMENT HAS LOOKED INTO THIS PROPOSAL ON TWO PREVIOUS OCCASIONS, IN 1966 AND 1977. ON BOTH OCCASIONS, THE BALANCE OF THE ARGUMENTS WAS FOUND TO BE AGAINST GOING AHEAD WITH SUCH A SCHEME,* HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF LABOUR POLICY HAD BEEN GUIDED BY THE VERY CLEAR PRECEPT LAID DOWN BY THE FORMER GOVERNOR IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE COUNCIL IN 1976.
THE OBJECTIVE WHICH HAD BEEN PURSUED SINCE THEN HAD BEEN TO ACHIEVE A FRAMEWORK OF LEGISLATION GOVERNING SAFETY, HEALTH AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT AT LEAST BROADLY EQUIVALENT TO THE BEST IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES WHOSE STAGE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND WERE SIMILAR TO THAT OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
IN PURSUIT OF THIS OBJECTIVE, MORE THAN 150 ITEMS OF LABOUR LEGISLATION HAD BEEN INTRODUCED OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MR BRIDGE SAID SOME 265 OF THE 320 PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE NOW TEACHING COMPUTER STUDIES COURSES IN FORM 4 AND 5, USING EQUIPMENT WHICH WAS CENTRALLY PURCHASED AND MAINTAINED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND MORE SCHOOLS WOULD TAKE PART NEXT YEAR.
THERE WERE ALSO PLANS IN HAND TO INTRODUCE COMPUTER LITERACY COURSES IN FORMS 1 TO 3, THE AIM BEING TO ENSURE THAT ALL STUDENTS HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH COMPUTERS DURING THEIR PERIOD OF COMPULSORY EDUCATION.
THE OPENING OF THE FIRST COMPUTER EDUCATION CENTRE IN KOWLOON NEXT MONTH WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO GAUGE MORE ACCURATELY THE LONG-TERM DEMAND FOR IN-SERVICE COMPUTER COURSES FOR TEACHERS.
MR BRIDGE STRESSED THAT THE QUESTION OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WAS NOT BEING OVERLOOKED AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS INDEED MAKING USE OF THE EXPERTISE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE TEACHING PROFESSION.
HE SAID: +AT PRESENT, SOME 75 SCHOOL HEADS AND 250 TEACHERS ARE SERVING ON THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND ITS VARIOUS SUBJECT COMMITTEES WHILE ANOTHER 290 TEACHERS ARE ASSISTING IN THE CLOSELY RELATED TASK OF TEXTBOOK REVIEWING.
+IN ADDITION, UP TO 18 TEACHERS FROM GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS ARE SECONDED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT EACH YEAR AS FULL-TIME MEMBERS OF THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT TEAMS.
/+! DO, .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVBMBER 26, 1986
19
AT -rue ' "EVER™ELESS« agree that we need to take a fresh look AJ ™E MACHINERY for curriculum development in the light of recent AND IMPENDING CHANGES TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM. THIS IS A SUBJECT ™'™™E ^(’CATION COMMISSION WILL BE CONSIDERING IN THE COURSE Ur NEXT YEAR.+
PROBLEMS CONCERNING DISCIPLINE, MR BRIDGE SAID THE EDUCATION riH?ArrrNT A PGS,TIVE APPROACH, INVOLVING COUNSELLING AND
GUipANCE. THE QUESTION OF CURRICULUM AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS ySeSBnou S™DIED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN THE NEXT PHASE OF ITS WORK, HE ADDED.
,ir , .rnuM!RRloGJ?J^E SH0RTAGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN SOME NEW TOWNS, MR BRIDGE SAID: +IN PLANNING THE SCHOOL BUILDING
WE HAVE T0 L00K MANY YEARS AHEAD AND IT HAS PROVED ^RE^LDIEE'CULT T0 ESTIMATE THE POPULATION AND AGE STRUCTURE ACCURATELY SO FAR IN ADVANCE.
-Dr>1iD+ni1VnnIm MUCH W0RK HAS BEEN D0NE 0N TH,S BY THE WORKING
GP°UP °N POPULATION DISTRIBUTION AND A COMPUTER MODEL HAS NOW BEEN 'VVELOPED BY THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH WHICH SHOULD BE A GREAT HElP TO US IN PLANNING THE LOCATION OF NEW SCHOOLS AND OF SCHOOLS REf’ROV I SI ONED FROM AREAS OF SURPLUS SUPPLY. +
x nr^.nR.,.DGE ALS0 SA1D THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO RESEARCH AT INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
FOR THE CURRENT TRIENNIUM, FUNDS TOTALLING SOME $45 MILLION WEPE SPECIFICALLY RESERVED FOR RESEARCH IN THE FIVE SUCH INSTITUTIONS.
,.n. ere °NF 1 RME D THAT THE ASSESSMENT OF COURSES AT LINGNAN
J- ' r ^JNDaSH E yAN c0LLEGE WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE REMIT OF THE ™™nu0™.-C?UNCI L F0R ACADEMIC AWARDS AS A LONGER TERM OBJECTIVE, THOUGH THE IMMEDIATE TASK OF THE PROPOSED COUNCIL MUST BE THE VALIDATION OF DEGREE PROGRAMME PROPOSALS FROM THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE.
MR BRIDGE NOTED THAT THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR ACADEMIC AWARDS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED.
_ *'JS REM,T ,s T0 CONSIDER IN DETAIL HOW FULL LOCAL VALIDATION ^.2E^EES AWARDED BY NON-UNIVERSITY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG MIGHT BEST BE ARRANGED AND MANAGED,* HE SAID.
+THE FIRST FULL MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE IS SCHEDULED FOR THE END OF DECEMBER AND IT IS EXPECTED TO PUT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT BY END OF JUNE NEXT YEAR.*
ON THE THIRD UNIVERSITY, MR BRIDGE SAID PLANNING FOR THIS WOULD NOT AFFECT THE F I EXISTING TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, FOR WHICH SUBSTANTIAL EXPANSION IN THE NEXT DECADE HAD BEEN PLANNED.
,,,, BY T,HE MID-1990’S, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PLACES THE INSTITUTIONS PROVIDED WOULD INCREASE FROM THE PRESENT 34 OOO TO AROUND 50 000.
MR BRIDGE THANKED MEMBERS FOR THEIR HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS AND SAID THAT THESE WOULD BE STUDIED BY GOVERNMENT VERY CAREFULLY.
- - 0 - -
/?O
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
20
STEPS PLANNED TO TACKLE ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS *****
MEASURES TO DEAL WITH THE FORMIDABLE PROBLEM OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS COULD BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR BARNES SAID WITH THE HEAVY WORKLOAD OF APPROVING BUILDING PLANS AND DEALING WITH DANGEROUS BUILDINGS AND RELATED MATTERS THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM WERE LIMITED AND PRIORITIES TO CONTROL MUST BE SET REALISTICALLY.
+ IT IS PROPOSED THAT PROMPT ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN ON HIGH PRIORITY CASES,+ HE ADDED.
THESE INCLUDED CASES WHERE THERE WAS DANGER TO THE PUBLIC, LARGE STRUCTURES WHICH CONTRAVENED BOTH THE BUILDING ORDINANCE AND LEASE CONDITIONS, AND CASES RECOMMENDED FOR REMOVAL BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND SUBSEQUENTLY ENDORSED BY AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL COMMITTEE ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE.
+ ALL OTHER LOW PRIORITY CASES WILL BE DEFERRED UNTIL RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO DEAL WITH THEM UNLESS THE PRIORITIES ARE CHANGED,+ HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES WOULD BE STREAMLINED AND IT WAS PROPOSED THAT DEMOLITION TEAMS BE ESTABLISHED.
THESE WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO DEMOLISH UNAUTHORISED BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR JUST COMPLETED.
LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WOULD BE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THIS AND OTHER MINOR PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM.
DISTRICT BOARDS, HE ADDED, WOULD BE CONSULTED SHORTLY ON THESE PROPOSALS AND IT WAS HOPED TO INTRODUCE THEM NEXT YEAR.
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE LISTING OF CONTRACTORS AND THE AWARDING OF TENDERS, MR BARNES SAID HE WAS NOW EXAMINING IN DETAIL THE POSITION OF THE LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WITH THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION TO SEE WHETHER THERE WERE ANY GENUINE INEQUITIES IN THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AS JUDGED FROM THE GOVERNMENT CONTRACTORS LIST THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A DECLINING LOCAL INDUSTRY.
/THE NUMBER
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 21
THE NUMBER OF LISTED LOCAL CONTRACTORS WAS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN IN 1983.
+ON THE LIST OF CONTRACTORS FOR GROUP C,+ HE ADDED, ♦WHERE BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS COMPETE FOR CONTRACTS FROM ®15 MILLION OR OVER, THE NUMBER OF LOCAL CONTRACTORS HAS REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME SINCE 1983.+
HE SAID THE PROPORTION OF WORK DONE BY OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS WAS NOT CONTINUING TO INCREASE. +THE LATEST FIGURES SHOW AN OVERALL DECREASE.+
MR BARNES SAID THAT WHATEVER ASSISTANCE OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS MIGHT RECEIVE FROM THEIR OWN COUNTRIES, ALL TENDERS WERE COMPARED WITH GOVERNMENT’S ESTIMATES AND IF THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCES AND THE CONTRACTOR COULD NOT JUSTIFY HIS LOW RATES, GOVERNMENT MIGHT REFUSE TO ACCEPT THE TENDER.
FOLLOWING EARLIER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION, HE SAID, CHECKS ON FINANCIAL STATUS, MANAGERIAL, PLANT AND TECHNICAL RESOURCES, INITIAL PROBATIONARY STATUS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS FOR OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS HAD ALL BEEN BROUGHT INTO LINE WITH THOSE FOR LOCAL CONTRACTORS.
MR BARNES SAID OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS EMPLOYED LOCAL LABOUR AND IN MANY CASES LOCAL PROFESSIONALS AND OTHER STAFF FOR THEIR PROJECTS AND ALSO LOCAL SUB-CONTRACTORS.
♦THE IMMIGRATION POLICY APPLIED TO OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS IS THE SAME AS FOR OTHER OVERSEAS BUSINESSES IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE TIME TAKEN TO APPROVE BUILDING PLANS, MR BARNES SAID THE PREPARATION OF PLANS AND SUBSEQUENT CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEM WERE GUIDED BY STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO SUCH MATTERS AS MEANS OF ESCAPE, SAFETY AND BUILDING MATERIALS, AND ONCE APPROVED THESE PLANS BECAME THE BASIS OF ALL SUBSEQUENT CONTROL.
THE BUILDING MUST BE CONSTRUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEM? IT SHOULD NOT BE ALTERED UNLESS IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROVED AMENDMENT, AGAIN PREPARED BY A QUALIFIED PERSON; ILLEGAL ALTERATIONS WERE ALTERATIONS NOT COVERED BY APPROVED AMENDMENT.
+1 BELIEVE I WOULD BE JUSTIFIED IN SAYING THAT OVER THE YEARS THF GOVERNMENT MACHINERY HAS COPED WELL WITH CONSTRUCTION, BUT HAS FOR VARIOUS REASONS BEEN RATHER LESS SUCCESSFUL IN DEALING WITH MATTERS SUBSEQUENTLY,* HE SAID.
/TH1; HAD..........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1?86
- 22 -
THIS HAD BEEN PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO DEAL WITH BOTH FUNCTIONS CONCURRENTLY, BUT IT MIGHT WELL BE THAT A MORE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGE WAS NECESSARY AND THAT SEPARATE LEGISLATION TO DEAL WITH MINOR ALTERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED TO USE AND OCCUPATION OF BUILDINGS WAS NECESSARY.
TO PROCESS BUILDING PLANS IN RESPECT OF RELATIVELY MINOR WORKS, HE SAID OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS THE WHOLE TREND OF CHANGE WITHIN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE HAD BEEN TOWARDS SIMPLIFICATION OF PROCEDURES, AND A VERY WIDE RANGE OF MINOR WORKS WERE ACTUALLY EXEMPTED FROM BUILDINGS ORDINANCE PROCEDURES.
MR BARNES THEN EXPLAINED THAT MODIFICATION PREMIA REPRESENTED THE ESTIMATED VALUE BETWEEN THE LAND BEFORE AND AFTER THE CONDITIONS HAD BEEN MODIFIED AND CLEARLY THE AFTER VALUE INCLUDED AN ELEMENT OF THE DEVELOPER’S EXPECTED PROFIT.
HE SAID IN PRACTICE OVER THE YEARS THERE HAD BEEN A STEADY FLOW OF DEVELOPERS’ APPEALS AGAINST MODIFICATION FEES.
+SOME APPEALS ARE SUCCESSFUL, SOME NOT, BUT ALL ARE CONSIDERED PROPERLY AND MOST HAVE RESULTED IN MODIFICATIONS AND REDEVELOPMENT PROCEEDING AT A PROFIT TO THE LESSEE + HE ADDED. ’
TURNING TO NEW TOWNS, MR BARNES SAID THESE HAVE, BY AND LARGE, BEEN +EXTRAORDINARILY SUCCESSFUL VENTURE+.
HE SAID EXTERNAL FACTORS SUCH AS CONTINUED STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH AND FIRST RATE UTILITIES PROVISION HAD CLEARLY HELPED ENORMOUSLY, BUT HE THOUGHT THAT THE SYSTEM OF MULT I-DI SC IPLINE TEAMS, BALANCED DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRAMMES OF WORK ADOPTED BY GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO PROVED THEIR WORTH.
THE ADVICE OF THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARDS, HE ADDED, HAD HELPED GUIDE THE ADMINISTRATION TO MAKE THE MINOR ADJUSTMENTS IM PROGRAMMING AND PRIORITIES WHICH MADE SO MUCH DIFFERENCE TO EVERYDAY LIFE.
+l BELIEVE THAT THE PRESENT BALANCE BETWEEN CENTRAL PLANNING AND LOCAL CONSULTATION, PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING IS ABOUT RIGHT AND I DOUBT IF OTHER COORDINATING MACHINERY WOULD DO MUCH BETTER,+ HE SAID.
ON URBAN RENEWAL MR BARNES SAID COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE COVERED IN THE LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, AND THE CORPORATION’S RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REHOUSING WOULD ALSO BE MADE CLEAR.
/+! AM .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 25 -
+l AM SURE THAT THESE PROVISIONS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF CLOSE SCRUTINY BY THIS COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE PARKING PROBLEM AT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL, MR BARNES SAID THAT CONTAINER PORT ROAD WAS NOW BEING REALIGNED AND WOULD PROVIDE A TWO-LANE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WITH AN ADDITIONAL QUEUEING LANE FOR CONTAINER TRUCKS.
THE FIRST STAGE WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1987 AND THE ROAD WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1990.
ABOUT THIS TIME ALSO, HE ADDED, PARKING SPACE FOR 200 TO 250 CONTAINER VEHICLES +WILL BECOME AVAILABLE AT KWAI CHUNG CREEK RECLAMATION WHICH IS BEING FORMED TOGETHER WITH TERMINAL 6*.
MR BARNES SAID THAT THESE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES WOULD HELP, BUT THERE WOULD NEVER BE PLENTY OF SPACE AT KWAI CHUNG.
- - o
HONG KONG WELL SERVED BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM
*****
THF SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON HARNAM GREWAL, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE HAD NEVER BEEN TOTALLY FREE COMPETITION IN THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES IN HONG KONG AND THAT THE PHILOSOPHY REMAINED THAT THE OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM SHOULD BE BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR OR PUBLIC CORPORATIONS WORKING ON COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES, WITH GOVERNMENT PROVIDING A STATUTORY FRAMEWORK, REGULATION AND DEGREE OF COORDINATION BETWEEN THE DIFFERENT MODES.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING ADDRESS, MR GREWAL SAID THE SYSTEM HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL AND HAD +ENABLED US TO MAINTAIN A RANGE OF SERVICES WHICH COMBINES CHOICE AND EFFICIENCY AT REASONABLE FARE LEVELS TO A GREATER EXTENT THAN IN ANY OTHER LARGE CITIES IN THE WORLD*.
TURNING TO POINTS RAISED EARLIER THAT THERE WAS AN OVER-RELIANCE ON RAILWAYS, MR GREWAL POINTED OUT THAT IN DEVELOPING THE TRANSPORT NETWORK GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BOTH THE SHORT-TERM DEMANDS OF THE PUBLIC, FOR WHOM REASONABLE FARES AND CONVENIENCE WERE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS, AND THE LONGER TERM OBJECTIVE OF DEVELOPING A BALANCED SYSTEM THAT WAS GOING TO PROVIDE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE AND EFFICIENT SERVICES OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS.
/+AT THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
24 -
+ AT THE LATEST COUNT THE MTR AND KCR WERE CARRYING 1.9 MILLION PASSENGERS EACH DAY ON AVERAGE, OR 21 PER CENT OF TOTAL PASSENGER BOARDINGS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
♦IT IS DIFFICULT TO IMAGINE THIS NUMBER OF PASSENGERS, MOST OF THEM TRAVELLING IN THE RELATIVELY CONGESTED URBAN AREA, BEING CARRIED BY OTHER MEANS WITHOUT SERIOUS DETERIORATION IN TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON OUR ROADS,+ HE SAID.
MR GREWAL POINTED OUT THAT HE ANTICIPATED SOME FURTHER EXTENSIONS OF THE RAIL NETWORK IN YEARS TO COME, +ONCE POPULATIONS IN CERTAIN DEVELOPING AREAS PASS THE THRESHOLD THAT MAKES THE HEAVY INVESTMENT INVOLVED WORTHWHILE*.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, BUSES REMAINED, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE, THE MOST HEAVILY PATRONISED FORM OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG.
ON THE POLICY OF COORDINATING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, MR GREWAL SAID IT WAS AIMED AT PREVENTING WASTEFUL COMPETITION BETWEEN MODES, A RETURN TO THE PREVIOUS LEVELS OF ROAD CONGESTION IN THE URBAN RAIL CORRIDORS AND UPWARD PRESSURE ON BUS FARES WHICH WOULD RESULT FROM UNNECESSARY FLEET EXPANSION INCOMMENSURATE WITH OVERALL DEMAND.
TURNING TO THE CALL BY MEMBERS FOR AN ADEQUATE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM TO LINK NEW TOWNS WITH THE OLD ESTABLISHED URBAN AREAS, MR GREWAL SAID THIS WAS FULLY RECOGNISED AND THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY WOULD LOOK AT HONG KONG’S OVERALL TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS INTO THE MID-199O’S AND BEYOND TO THE END OF THE CENTURY.
IN ADDITION, HE CONFIRMED THAT THE KCRC AND MTRC WERE AT PRESENT CONDUCTING SEPARATE STUDIES INTO THE FEASIBILITY AND VIABILITY OF AN EXTERNAL RAIL LINK TO THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES. THESE STUDIES WERE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
HE SAID THAT THE DECISION TO PROCEED TO THE CONSTRUCTION STAGE WOULD ULTIMATELY DEPEND ON THE ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE LINE, AND THAT THIS WOULD IN TURN DEPEND ON SUCH CONSIDERATIONS AS CAPITAL COSTS, THE SPEED OF POPULATION BUILD-UP IN THE WESTERN AND NORTH-WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, AND THE AVAILABILITY OF OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORT.
+EVEN IF A DECISION TO GO AHEAD IS MADE I WOULD NOT EXPECT A LINE TO THE NORTH-WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES TO BE OPERATING MUCH BEFORE THE EARLY TO MID-1990’S.
+ IN THE MEANTIME BUS SERVICES CONNECTING THE REGION INTO TSUEN WAN AND KOWLOON ARE CONTINUALLY BEING IMPROVED,* HE ADDED.
/ON THE........
WEDNESDAY, NOVJXBER 26, 1986
25
ON THE SUGGESTION THAT THE PROJECTED POPULATION IN JUNK BAY BE PROVIDED WITH A LINK INTO THE MAIN RAIL NETWORK, MR GREWAL SAID THAT ALTHOUGH IT HAD SOME OBVIOUS ATTRACTIONS, HE AGREED WITH THE VIEW THAT +WE SHOULD NOT RUSH INTO THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN EXPENSIVE FIXED TRACK TO JUNK BAY IN ORDER TO SERVE JUST ONE POPULATION CENTRE AT THE END OF THE TRACK*.
HE ADDED THAT SUCH A SYSTEM WOULD BE EXAMINED IN THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY.
AS TO A CALL FOR A GOOD ROAD NETWORK. MR GREWAL SAID GOVERNMENT FULLY RECOGNISED ITS IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND POINTED OUT THAT IN RECENT YEARS, APPROXIMATELY 11.6 BILLION HAD BEEN SPENT ON NEW ROADS ANNUALLY.
+THIS REPRESENTS BETWEEN 30 AND 40 PER CENT OF OUR PUBLIC WORKS BUDGET AND ALTHOUGH THIS IS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL SUM IT IS STILL NOT ENOUGH TO BUILD ALL THE ROADS WE WOULD LIKE.*
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAID THAT THERE WERE MANY OTHER PRESSING CALLS ON THE PUBLIC PURSE.
THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY, HE ADDED, HAD A PART TO PLAY, AS THE INTENTION WAS THAT THE STUDY TEAM SHOULD DEVELOP APPRAISAL TECHNIQUES WHICH WOULD HELP IN MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS WHICH MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT MONEY AVAILABLE FOR HIGHWAYS WAS SPENT WHERE IT WOULD BE OF MOST BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY.
--------0 ---------
ACTION TAKEN TO DEFEND TRADE INTERESTS * X X X X
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY ALERT TO THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE THREAT OF THE GROWTH OF PROTECTIONISM IN THE UNITED STATES AND WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COUNTER PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES AND TO DEFEND HONG KONG’S TRADING INTERESTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON STEUART WEBB-JOHNSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, MR WEBB-JOHNSON SAID HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO USE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN ITS OPEN MARKET POLICY AND FAIR TRADE PRACTICES.
IT WOULD ALSO COM I NUE TO ENCOURAGE THOSE WHO WERE WORRIED ABOUT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THEIR MARKETS TO SELL MORE TO HONG KONG AND THROUGH HONG KONG TO OTHER GROWING MARKETS IN THE REGION.
t
/+IN THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1?86
- 26 -
+ IN THE MULTILATERAL TRADE FIELD, WE HAVE EXPANDED O'JR REPRESENTATION IM GENEVA AND PLAYED AN ACTIVE PART AS A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY IN THE PREPARATORY PROCESSES -/ADI NG TO THE LAUNCHING OF THE URUGUAY ROUND UNDER THE GATT,* HE SAID.
THE U.S., WE HAVE ESTABLISHED A NEW OFFICE IN SAN ISCO AND STRENGTHENED OUR REPRESENTATION IN WASHINGTON. 'ITRACTS OF THE LOBBYISTS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AND WE HAVE '■/■I/.Y EMPLOYED CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW OUR PUBLIC RELATIONS EFFORTS*.
-JRNING TO INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT, MR WEBB-JOHNSON SAID THE
■/■R KENT’S INDUSTRIAL POLICIES HAD BEEN COMPREHENSIVELY ;//D THIS YEAR BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND BY
. P-0 PANEL AND HAD GENERALLY BEEN ENDORSED.
+WITHIN THE WELL-ACCEPTED POLICY OF NOT FRUSTRATING MARKET
' AND LEAVING INVESTMENT AND OTHER BUSINESS DECISIONS TO /GSMEN, AMD WITHIN OUR RESOURCES, GOVERNMENT WILL
■ IE TO IMPROVE ITS VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL
' PROGRAMMES? TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE OUR CAPITAL
■RESTRUCTURE AND TO EXPAND THE EXISTING RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL
/"PORT FACILITIES AND TECHNICAL BACK-UP SERVICES PROVIDED BY
!NDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.*
MOREOVER, THE APPROPRIATENESS OF INDUSTRIAL POLICIES WAS . • r,EVIEWED IN TWO OTHER WAYS, HE SAID.
FIRSTLY, WE ARE ENGAGED IN A PROGRAMME OF CONSULTANCY
.< 'Es OF THE MAIN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WHICH ARE DESIGNED DENTIFY THE FACTORS WHICH FOSTER OR CONSTRAIN THEIR GROWTH
■D DETERMINE WHAT MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE.*
* SECONDLY, A REVIEW IS BEING UNDERTAKEN AS TO THE LEVFL PPORT AND INCENTIVES OFFERED TO INDUSTRIALISTS BY OUR COMPETITORS IN THE REGION.*
ON INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION, MR WEBB-JOHNSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT SOUGHT TO PURSUE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION VIGOROUSLY.
ALTHOUGH JUDGMENTS OF EFFECTIVENESS WERE DIFFICULT TO SUBSTANTIATE, IT WAS BELIEVED THAT THE AIM WAS LARGELY BEING ACHIEVED WITHIN THE RESTRAINTS OF PRESENT RESOURCES.
I
HE NOTED THAT OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG HAD GROWN SUBSTANTIALLY IN RECENT YEARS RESULTING IN AN IMPRESSIVE RANGE OF NEW PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES BEING INTRODUCED AND THE INDUSTRIAL BASE BEING WIDENED
/REFERRING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVhMBEH 26, 1986
REFERRING TO THE SUGGESTION THAT INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR WEBB-JOHNSON POINTED OUT THAT THE COUNCIL’S ROLE WAS TRADE PROMOTION AND THAT IT COULD NOT TAKE ON INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION WITHOUT SPECIALIST STAFF AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.
THERE WERE ADDITIONAL REASONS FOR PLACING THE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS WORK WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
+FIRSTLY, THIS VIEW WAS REACHED BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON DIVERSIFICATION AFTER VERY THOROUGH EXAMINATION AND ENDORSED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AS RECENTLY AS LAST MONTH,* HE SAID.
+SECONDLY, INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION WORK IS DIFFERENT IN MANY RESPECTS FROM TRADE PROMOTION WORK. EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THE APPLICATION OF ENGINEERING, FINANCIAL AND OTHER SKILLS IS REQUIRED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM POTENTIAL INVESTORS AND TO PERSUADE THEM TO CONSIDER HONG KONG.
♦THIRDLY, THERE ARE BENEFITS IN RETAINING HONG KONG’S SPOKESMEN IN THIS FIELD WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WHICH PROVIDES THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT AND TECHNICAL BACK-UP SERVICES IN HONG KONG.*
REFERRING TO A CALL FOR GREATER CO-ORDINATION OF THE WORK OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND STATUTORY BODIES IN TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR WEBB-JOHNSON SAID THIS CO-ORDINATION WAS ENSURED BY THESE BODIES HAVING A DEGREE OF COMMON MEMBERSHIP AND BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY BEING A MEMBER OF, OR REPRESENTED ON, THEM ALL.
------0 ------
RISING EXPORTS GIVE ECONOMY HEALTHY BOOST X X X * X
THAN APPEARED LIKELY EARLY IN THE YEAR.
+WE HAVE WITNESSED SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH RATES FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS AS WELL AS FOR RE-EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER,* HE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE v,NC1L DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS.
/>1R JACOBS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 28 -
MR JACOBS POINTED TO A WELCOME SIGN OF MARKET DIVERSIFICATION, STATING THAT THERE HAD BEEN HIGHER GROWTH RATES FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN AND MAIN EUROPEAN MARKETS THAN TO THE UNITED STATES IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986.
HE ALSO SAID HE WAS HEARTENED BY RECENT STATISTICS SHOWING A RECOVERY IN INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL GOODS, PARTICULARLY IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
IN ADDITION, THERE HAD BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN BUILDING CONSENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AND SOME SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN RELATION TO INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY.
ON MATTERS RAISED IN THE DEBATE, HE SAID THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE TO SHOWEITHER THAT EXISTING LAND POLICIES WERE INSUFFICIENTLY FLEXIBLE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF MOST INDUSTRIALISTS OR THAT LAND OR ACCOMMODATION COSTS WERE ACTING AS A DISINCENTIVE TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.
AS FAR AS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO INDUSTRY WAS CONCERNED, HE DID NOT SEE THE NEED FOR A SPECIALISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION.
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER IN HONG KONG, MR JACOBS NOTED A PROPOSAL THAT INSTEAD OF TAXING PROFITS, REVENUE SHOULD BE COLLECTED BY THE IMPOSITION OF INITIAL REGISTRATION FEES AND ANNUAL TONNAGE DUES ON EACH SHIP REGISTERED IN HONG KONG. THIS WAS A DIFFICULT SUBJECT, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, A STEERING GROUP WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL SIDES OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY WOULD SHORTLY BE SET UP TO DEVELOP DETAILED PROPOSALS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REGISTER. THIS WOULD BE AN APPROPRIATE FORUM TO REVIEW FULLY THE SUBJECT OF TAXES, FEES AND CHARGES.
ON A SUGGESTION THAT THE TIME HAD COME FOR THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH TO CONSIDER GIVING FURTHER SUPPORT TO THE TOURIST INDUSTRY, MR JACOBS SAID THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF MINIMUM GOVERNMENT REGULATION CONSISTENT WITH HONG KONG’S OVERALL INTERESTS APPLIED TO THE TOURIST INDUSTRY, JUST AS MUCH AS TO ANY OTHER INDUSTRY.
+WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BE PROUD OF OUR TOURIST INDUSTRY AND OF THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IT MAKES TO THE ECONOMY, AND I AM SURE WE CAN LOOK TO IT TO CONTINUE TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO DEMANDS MADE ON THE AIRPORT, MR JACOBS SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT KAI TAK WOULD BE ABLE TO COPE WITH TRAFFIC FOR A CONSIDERABLY LONGER PERIOD THAN JUST A FURTHER FIVE YEARS.
BUT HE EMPHASISED THAT NEEDS IN RELATION TO AIRPORT CAPACITY WERE RE-EXAMINED PERIODICALLY.
/ON ISSUES .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 29 -
ON ISSUES CONCERNING ELECTRICITY, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT CONSULTANTS EMPLOYED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1981 HAD FOUND THAT THE TWO POWER COMPANIES WERE OPERATING EFFICIENTLY, CONFORMING TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS IN ALL RESPECTS.
TO CREATE A BODY SUCH AS AN ENERGY COUNCIL WOULD ONLY DUPLICATE THE EXISTING, WELL TRIED AND EFFECTIVE MONITORING SYSTEMS. IN REAL TERMS HONG KONG WAS TODAY PAYING LESS FOR ITS ELECTRICITY THAN THREE YEARS AGO, HE ADDED.
DEALING WITH PUBLIC FINANCE AND MONETARY MATTERS, MR JACOBS NOTED SUGGESTIONS REGARDING TAX RATES AND FINANCIAL INCENTIVES, AND SAID THESE WERE SUBJECTS THAT HE WOULD BE CONSIDERING IN THE RUN-UP TO THE BUDGET.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM WOULD BE MAINTAINED. +NO SYSTEM IS ENTIRELY FLAWLESS, BUT THIS ONE WORKS WELL,+ HE SAID.
ON A SUGGESTION THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SHOULD USE MORE OF ITS OWN RESOURCES TO PROVIDE PUBLIC HOUSING, THEREBY RELEASING MORE GOVERNMENT REVENUE FOR WELFARE AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, MR JACOBS SAID:
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S SHARE OF THE CAPITAL COST OF NEW RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING, THAT IS TO SAY, THE SHARE THAT THE AUTHORITY PROVIDES, HAS INCREASED STEADILY IN RECENT YEARS FROM 22 PER CENT IN 1981-82 TO 43 PER CENT IN 1986-87 AND IS PROJECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER TO 59 PER CENT BY 1987-88.+
TURNING TO FINANCIAL SERVICES GENERALLY, MR JACOBS SAID BRINGING TOGETHER POLICY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BANKING AND SECURITIES UNDER THE ROOF OF THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH WAS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION, GIVEN THE GROWING INTEGRATION OF BANKING AND SECURITIES BUSINESSES.
WHETHER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS SHOULD BE FURTHER DEVELOPED BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SINGLE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ADVISORY THINK-TANK WAS HIGHLY DEBATABLE.
HE SAID: +IT MUST BE ACCEPTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST ALWAYS DO A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF ITS THINKING OF POLICY ISSUES IN PRIVATE, PARTICULARLY IF THE ISSUES ARE MARKET SENSITIVE. FOR THE MOMENT I THINK WE HAVE THE RIGHT STRUCTURE TO ENSURE PROPER DEVELOPMENT OF IDEAS AND CO-ORDINATION OF POLICIES, AND TO SUPERIMPOSE YET ANOTHER BODY WOULD NOT IN MY VIEW REALLY HELP.+
THE WHOLE SUBJECT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, BANKING AND SUPERVISION WAS INA STATE OF RAPID CHANGE AND CHANGE BROUGHT WITH IT PROBLEMS, IF NOT DANGERS, AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD HAD TO INTERVENE IN THE BANKING SECTOR TO PROTECT DEPOSITORS AND THE INTERGRITY OF THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM.
/HE ACCEPTED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVIUBER 26, 1986
HE ACCEPTED THAT ANY OVER-REGULATION MIGHT AFFECT HONG KONG’S ATTRACTIVENESS AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, BUT POINTED OUT THAT ADDITIONAL REGULATION WAS OFTEN THE RESPONSE TO ABUSE.
+LET THOSE IN THE MARKETPLACE REALISE THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY A GOOD REPUTATION BASED ON PROBITY IS A MOST VALUABLE ASSET,+ HE SAID.
AS TO THE QUESTION OF SPECIAL TREATMENT IN RELATION TO THE CAPITAL ADEQUACY RATIO REQUIREMENTS FOR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ENGAGING MAINLY IN OFFSHORE BUSINESSES, HE SAID THERE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CONSULTATION WITH THOSE INVOLVED. IN ANY EVENT, THE REQUIREMENT WOULD NOT COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL SOME TIME IN 1988.
REFERRING TO SUPERVISORY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MONEY LENDERS, MR JACOBS SAID THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE WAS NOT DESIGNED FOR LENDERS OPERATING IN TODAY’S SOPHISTICATED FINANCIAL MARKETS.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN CARRYING OUT A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE ORDINANCE AND A LARGE NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS WERE ENVISAGED. SOME OF THESE WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF EXCLUDING SOPHISTICATED LENDING ACTIVITIES FROM SOME OR ALL OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
CONCLUDING HIS SPEECH, MR JACOBS SAID THE FAR-REACHING NATURE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM PLANS AND PROGRAMMES DEMONSTRATED BEYOND ANY QUESTION ITS DETERMINATION TO GOVERN FULLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
HE SAID: +WE WILL PROVIDE THE FRAMEWORK NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE ECONOMY TO GROW. THAT GROWTH WILL IN ITS TURN ALLOW US TO IMPROVE OUR SERVICES TO THE SICK, THE ELDERLY, THE POOR AND THE DISABLED.
+WE WILL BE ABLE TO BUILD NEW AND IMPROVED EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AND CONTINUE WITH OUR HOUSING PROGRAMME, WHICH IN MANY WAYS STANDS COMPARISON WITH ANY IN THE WORLD.+
-------o ---------
/31
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
31
DECISIONS MADE ON BRB REPORT
*****
DECISIONS WHICH WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOLLOWING THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DELIBERATION OF THE PACKAGE OF SOME 100 RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD.
THE MAJOR POLICIES WHICH ARE TO FORM THE BACKBONE OF NEW GOVERNMENT STRATEGIES ON THE ORGANISATION AND REGULATION OF BROADCASTING FOR DECADES TO COME INVOLVE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WITH RESPONSIBILITY OVER TELEVISION, RADIO AND CABLE TV 5 LICENCE EXTENSION FOR A 12-YEAR TERM FOR THE EXISTING TWO TELEVISION LICENSEES’ AND THE RETENTION OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WITHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE BUT AS AN EXECUTIVE ARM OF A BOARD OF GOVERNORS.
DECISIONS ON OTHER MORE CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSALS BY THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD (BRB) INCLUDE FURTHER RESTRICTIONS TO BE PLACED ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP ON TELEVISION AND RADIO; THE REJECTION OF THE BRB’S RECOMMENDATION CONCERNING THE CORPORATE STRUCTURE OF THE BROADCASTING LICENSEES? AND THE NEW METHOD OF PAYMENT OF ROYALTIES TO BE BASED ON TURNOVER.
EXPLAINING THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE DECISIONS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR JAMES SO, POINTED OUT THAT THEY WERE MADE AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE PUBLIC AND PROFESSIONALS IN THE FIELD DURING THE EXTENDED CONSULTATION PERIOD WHICH ENDED IN FEBRUARY.
+EVERY SINGLE DECISION WAS TAKEN WITH THE LONG-TERM NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY IN MIND. IT IS ALSO VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP A PERSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY WHEN FORMULATING THESE POLICIES WHICH WILL SERVE THE PUBLIC FOR THE YEARS AHEAD,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL’S DECISIONS ON THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD ARE SUMMARISED THUSi
* THE EXISTING PATTERN OF TWO TELEVISION LICENCES EACH OPERATING ONE CHINESE AND ONE ENGLISH LANGUAGE SERVICE SHOULD CONTINUE.
* TO ENABLE MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL TO BE EXERCISED OVER THE ACTIVITIES OF THE BROADCASTING LICENSEES AND TO ALLOW FOR GREATER PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN THE REGULATION OF THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY, A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY WILL BE CREATED WITH RESPONSIBILITY OVER TELEVISION, RADIO AND CABLE TELEVISION.
ITS FUNCTIONS WILL INCLUDE ADMINISTERING THE PROVISIONS OF THE FUTURE BROADCASTING ORDINANCE AND SECURING PROPER STANDARDS OF BROADCASTING WITH REGARD TO PROGRAMME CONTENT AND TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF BROADCASTS.
AHE AUTHORITY.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 32 -
THE AUTHORITY WILL CONSIST OF NINE NON-OFFICIALS AND THREE OFFICIALS ALL OF WHOM WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE TELEVISION ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY WILL ACT AS THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE AUTHORITY.
A COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE WILL BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE AUTHORITY TO RESOLVE DISPUTES IN THE BROADCASTING INDUSTRY.
* THE EXISTING TELEVISION LICENCES, WHICH ARE DUE TO EXPIRE IN DECEMBER 1988, WILL BE RENEWED FOR A 12-YEAR PERIOD SUBJECT TO A MID-TERM REVIEW IN 1994.
ADDITIONAL REGULATORY MEASURES WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE NEW LICENSEES WHICH INCLUDE A REQUIREMENT FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE, PAYMENT OF ROYALTIES BASED ON TURNOVER, SUBMISSION OF AUDITED ACCOUNTS TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AND IMPOSITION OF HEAVIER FINANCIAL PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE REGULATIONS OF THE FUTURE BROADCASTING ORDINANCE.
PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL ALSO BE CONDUCTED IN FUTURE BEFORE TELEVISION LICENCES ARE GRANTED, RENEWED OR REVIEWED.
X RTHK WILL REMAIN WITHIN THE PUBLIC SERVICE AS AN EXECUTIVE ARM OF A BOARD OF GOVERNORS TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE BOARD WILL CONSIST OF EIGHT NON-OFFICIALS AND ONE OFFICIAL, AND WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY LEGISLATION.
ITS FUNCTIONS WILL BE TO DECIDE AND IMPLEMENT THE BROAD POLICIES AND OBJECTIVES OF RTHK, AND TO MAINTAIN THE EDITORIAL INTEGRITY OF RTHK SUCH THAT IT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE, AND BE SEEN TO BE, A BALANCE AND OBJECTIVE PUBLIC BROADCASTER.
RTHK WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE PUBLIC FUNDING BUT WILL BE FREE TO ACCEPT SPONSORSHIP AND DONATION. IT WILL BE GIVEN AN INCREASED PRESENCE ON TELEVISION BOTH IN TERMS OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOURS MADE AVAILABLE FOR RTHK PROGRAMMES AND ITS ACCESS TO PRIME TIME HOURS.
X FURTHER RESTRICTION WILL BE PLACED ON TOBACCO ADVERTISING AND SPONSORSHIP ON TELEVISION AND RADIO. THE BROADCASTING OF TOBACCO ADVERTISEMENTS ON TELEVISION AND RADIO WILL BE TOTALLY BANNED IN 1990.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD REPORT CONCERNING RADIO POLICY, TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS, PROGRAMME CONTENT, FREQUENCY AND LENGTH OF ADVERTISING BREAKS AND CENSORSHIP STANDARDS WHICH HAVE STILL TO BE CONSIDERED. THESE WILL BE EXAMINED IN DUE COURSE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL OR THE FUTURE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY.
-------0--------
/33........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
REMUNERATION OF DB MEMBERS BEING REVIEWED *****
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW REVIEWING THE REMUNERATION OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE RESULTS WOULD BE KNOWN SHORTLY.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY FOR YAN CHAI HOSPITAL’S FOURTH PHASE EXPANSION PROGRAMME, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MISS LYDIA DUNN, CONCERNING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS’ REMUNERATION.
ASKED WHETHER THE ARGUMENTS IN THE LETTER WERE SOUND, HE SA I Ds +1 THINK THEY NEED LOOKING AT VERY CAREFULLY. AND I THINK WE NEED TO LOOK AT THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE REMUNERATIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS.*
HE SAID THERE WAS A NEED TO GET THESE RELATIONSHIPS RIGHT, BEARING IN MIND THE DIFFERENT RESPONSIBILITIES OF THESE THREE TIERS OF GOVERNMENT.
ASKED ABOUT THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD REPORT, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WOULD BE A STATEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE AFTERNOON.
- - 0 -
YAN CHAI CLOSER TO DISTRICT HOSPITAL STATUS *****
THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WILL BECOME A FULLY SIZED DISTRICT HOSPITAL WITH 700 BEDS AND A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SUPPORTING FACILITIES ON COMPLETION OF THE HOSPITAL’S FINAL PHASE OF EXTENSION IN 1990.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE HOSPITAL’S PHASE FOUR EXTENSION PROJECT THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, SIR DAVID SAID, YAN CHAI HAD LIVED UP TO THE DEMAND FROM THE GROWING POPULATION IN THE WEST NEW TERRITORIES REGION WHICH HAD INCREASED FIVEFOLD BETWEEN 1962 AND 1986.
*THE LAYING OF THIS FOUNDATION STONE MARKS AN IMPORTANT OCCASION IN YAN CHAI’S EXPANSION PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED IN 1977,+ HE STRESSED.
/.‘JR DAVID
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- & -
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO PR°y'DING LOW-COST MPnirAl SERVICES TO THOSE IN NEED EVER SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, fit I HAD DIVERSIFIED ITS SERVICES INTO EDUCATION, CHILD CARE AND SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AND ALSO EXPANDED ITS MEDICAL SERVICES. . .. . thfsf PROJECTS REQUIRE HUGE INPUT OF RESOURCES,* HE SAID. .PHASE k OF THIS E?PmiONP«ijlcT FOR YAH CHAI HOSPITAL ALONE, FOR EXAMPLE, COSTS OVER #250 MILLION..
mat I MP THAT THE PRESENT AND PAST DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HAD s^TalxITn? ?^?™T?Howi?"iiR%«irsiTTrwy“'T$YkACE iha5ep^pSK’I!Kou8ly
TO THE CHARITY DRIVES.*
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS FORTUNATE TO HAVE A HOST OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
+the SPIRIT OF THOSE WHO HAVE A LITTLE MORE TO GIVE CARING FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THOSE IN NEED IS TO BE ENCOURAGED,* HE ADDED.
- - o----------
OPENING OF NEW CLUB HOUSE
*****
DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR KEVIN MAK WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW CLUB HOUSE OF THE SHAM SHU I PO COUNCIL FOR PROMOTION OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 4.30 PM AT THE FAT STREET, SHAM SHU I PO, KOWLOON (AT THE BACK COMMUNITY CENTRE).
CLUB HOUSE AT MAN OF CHEUNG SHA WAN
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------o -------
Z55
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1986
- 35 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES AT PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS *****
nr™E W0NG TAI SIN PUBL|C TRANSPORT TERMINUS WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29).
N° VEHICLE OTHER THAN GREEN MINIBUSES AND TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE TERMINUS.
OF CHING
A TAXI STAND WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE TERMINUS NEAR THE JUNCTION .LG TAK STREET AND SHEUNG TAK STREET.
- - o - -
TSUEN WAN ROAD SECTIONS TO CLOSE
*****
TWO
12.30 AM
..sE-'™
KVA I cSuN^RJIHANS"?14SE«‘Y BETWEEN CARRIAGEWAY BFTWFFN tfyaca ™^NDAB0UT AND THE KOWLOON BOUND ROUNDABOUT: EXAC° R0AD RO,JNBABOUT AND KWAI TSI NG ROAD
*OAD S CT"?LET°?Hk ROAD^ T?rFAF^c“™LLtSEE T° K"AI CWJNG
OF TSUEN WAN ROAD WILL BEDIVFRTFn%o\JY*rA°ok?2N B0UND CARR'AGEWAY AND KWAI CHUNG ROAD. DIVERTED TO TEXACO ROAD, CASTLE PEAK ROAD
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER
CONTENTS
ST.T, VIEWS ON TOBACCO .J)S GIVEN PULL CONSIDERATION.......
EDUCATION PROMINENT IN TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING...........
SIGNIFICANT YE.AR FOR EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT - SIR DhVID .... IMPROVED PROPERTY MARKET BENEFITS SPREAD THROUGHOUT .......
IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM W HaSISSD.............
VOLUNTEERS CaN HELP THE ELDERLY............................
GOVERNOR TO INSPECT PaRADE ................................
SEVEN PRODUCTS EXCLUDED FROM EEC GSP ......................
PAC HEARINGS TO CONCLUDE TOMORROW .........................
NINE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN WAN CHAI................
S21 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SITE FORMATION, ROAD WORKS........
RO’S 1987 hIMJUC GOSS ON S.^LE ............................
MONTHLY RETAIL &xLES INDEX REBASED ........................
NORTH DB MEMBERS SEE KCRC OPERATIONS ......................
WINNING MESSAGES OF SAFETY IN KITE FLYING..................
STORAGE SITE ON PENG CiUU TO LET ..........................
MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY .........
FORUM TO BE HELD ON EDUCATION REPORT ......................
REFERENCE INDEX ON CIVIC EDUCATION PUBLISHED ..............
EXHIBITION PORTRaYS FAMILY’S PROGRESS .....................
EASTERN DISTRICT W.LLK ON SUNDAY ..................-.......
SEMINAR ON OPERATIC SONGS .................................
PRIZE-GIVING FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS .........................
TRAFFIC ARIVlNGENJNTS FOR CHARITY WxLK.....................
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL, ADMIRALTY .....................
27, 1986 PjvGE NO.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
1
ALL VIEWS ON TOBACCO ADS GIVEN FULL CONSIDERATION *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DECISION TO PHASE OUT TOBACCO ADVERTISING ON TV AND RADIO OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS WAS TAKEN AFTER FULL CONSIDERATION OF THE ADVICE OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE, AS WELL AS THE VIEWS OF THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT A GRADUATION CEREMONY AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
IN RESPONSE TO A SUGGESTION THAT THE DECISIONS ON THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD REPORT HAD IGNORED THE VIEWS OF THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO LISTEN NOT ONLY TO THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY BUT ALSO TO THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND TO THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
-----o------
EDUCATION PROMINENT IN TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING
*****
EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMMES OF ALL KINDS AND AT ALL LEVELS WILL ACCOUNT FOR SOME 18 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING. 1;.„.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE INSTITUTE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT, HE SAID IT WAS NO SURPRISE THAT EDUCATION OCCUPIED A PROMINENT POSITION IN TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG THAT HAD NOTHING BUT ITS HUMAN RESOURCES.
OUTLINING HONG KONG’S MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN ITS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OVER THE LAST 15 YEARS, HE MENTIONED THE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS TWO REPORTS AND GOVERNMENT ACTIONS TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT THEM.
SIR DAVID SAID THE COMMISSION IN ITS FIRST REPORT RECOMMENDED THAT SUBSIDISED SENIOR SECONDARY PLACES SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SOME 85 PER CENT OF THE AGE GROUP AND THAT PLACES SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR A FURTHER 10 PER CENT ON FULL-TIME CRAFT COURSES IN THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS TOTALLY ACCEPTED THESE RECOMMENDATIONS AND THE TARGETS WILL BE ACHIEVED BY 1991.♦
/ON THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2?, 1986
2 -
ON THE CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION OF THE STRUCTURE OF THE SIXTH-FORM COURSE RAISED IN THE COMMISSION’S NO. 2 REPORT PUBLISHED RECENTLY, SIR DAVID SAID FAR-REACHING RECOMMENDATIONS HAD GIVEN RISE TO FURTHER DEBATE AND +IT WILL BE THE SPRING OF NEXT YEAR BEFORE A DECISION IS TAKEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION NOW UNDER WAY+.
HE NOTED THAT THE COMMISSION IN ITS NO. 2 REPORT POINTED IN PARTICULAR TO THE NEED FOR A SYSTEM OF OPEN EDUCATION AT THE POST-SECONDARY LEVEL.
+TO MEET THIS OBJECTIVE, THE COMMISSION HAS PROPOSED A PROGRAMME WHICH WOULD ENCOMPASS THE FULL RANGE OF POST-SECONDARY STUDIES, IDEALLY WITH MINIMAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS, LEADING TO A RANGE OF EXIT QUALIFICATIONS, FROM CERTIFICATES TO SECOND DEGREES.
V
+THE REACTION TO THIS PROPOSAL SO FAR, FROM THE PUBLIC AND FROM EDUCATIONALISTS, HAS BEEN GENERALLY GOOD.*
AS WITH ALL OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE COMMISSION’S REPORT, NO DECISIONS WOULD BE TAKEN UNTIL THE RESULTS OF THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION WERE AVAILABLE, HE SAID.
+THIS IS AN EXCITING CONCEPT AND ONE WHICH WOULD PROVIDE A NEW DIMENSION OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY,* HE ADDED.
I
SIGNIFICANT YEAR FOR EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT - SIR DAVID K X M M M
THE YEAR 1986 HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY SIGNIFICANT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF DEGREE COURSES AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND BAPTIST COLLEGE, THE SETTING UP OF A PLANNING COMMITTEE TO ESTABLISH THE THIRD UNIVERSITY AND OF ANOTHER PLANNING COMMITTEE TO LOOK AT HOW BEST HONG KONG CAN ARRANGE ITS OWN VALIDATION SYSTEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TODAY (THURSDAY).
THESE DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID, LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR THE FURTHER EXPANSION OF HIGHER EDUCATION OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
/+BY TB'.B................
THURSDAY, NOViXBER 27, 1986
- 3
+ BY THE MID-199O’S, HONG KONG WILL HAVE SIX DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTIONS, PROVIDING DEGREE PLACES FOR SOME 32 OOO OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.
+WE SHALL HAVE OUR OWN VALIDATION SYSTEM WHICH WILL ENSURE THE HIGH STANDARD AND INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION OF OUR DEGREE COURSES.*
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD A HIERARCHY OF COMMITTEES TO ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN THE COMMUNITY WERE PROPERLY ADDRESSED. THESE INCLUDED THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, AND THE RECENTLY FORMED CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE.
+MEMBERS OF THESE COMMITTEES, COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND REPRESENT A WIDE VARIETY OF INTERESTS AND STRONG LINKS EXIST BETWEEN THEM AND THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS.*
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS ONLY THREE YEARS SINCE THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC BEGAN ITS DEGREE PROGRAMMES YET IT HAS STARTED TO PROVIDE MASTERS DEGREE PROGRAMMES THIS YEAR.
+THE INTRODUCTION OF POST-GRADUATE STUDIES IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC MARKS A FURTHER IMPORTANT STEP IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS INSTITUTION AND WILL ASSIST IT IN ACHIEVING ITS TARGET OF HAVING 30 PER CENT OF ITS FULL TIME STUDENTS IN DEGREE PROGRAMMES BY THE START OF THE NEXT DECADE,* HE ADDED.
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IMPROVED PROPERTY MARKET BENEFITS SPREAD THROUGHOUT * * * M M
THE PROPERTY MARKET HAS IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE LAST YEAR FUELLED AND SUSTAINED BY THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY AND BY LOW AND STABLE INTEREST RATES, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS AND THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS, HE SAID THE BENEFITS OF THESE TRENDS HAD SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. FROM THE FAMILY BUYING A ROOF OVER THEIR HEAD TO LARGE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
/+0F PARTICULAR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
4
+0F PARTICULAR NOTE, BECAUSE ON IT WILL DEPEND MUCH OF THE FUTURE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY, HAS BEEN THE INCREASED SUPPLY, AND STRENGHTENING DEMAND, FOR INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY, THE HIGHER LEVEL OF RETAINED IMPORTS FOR CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY, AND THE INCREASE, IN REAL TERMS, IN THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK BEING UNDERTAKEN.
♦TAKEN TOGETHER, THESE TRENDS INDICATE THE INCREASING ACTIVITY IN THE AREAS THAT ARE ESSENTIAL TO SUSTAIN AND EXPAND THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG IN THE LONG TERM,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD BECOME ONE OF THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY.
HE NOTED THAT PRODUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, INCLUDING HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS, WOULD AMOUNT TO OVER 196 OOO HOUSEHOLD UNITS WHILE PRIVATE SECTOR PRODUCTION WOULD AMOUNT TO OVER 100 000.
♦IN OTHER WORDS, TAKING THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR TOGETHER WE WILL HAVE PRODUCED HOUSING FOR ONE MILLION PEOPLE, IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.+
HOWEVER, HE ADDED, DESPITE THIS IMPRESSIVE FIGURE, POPULATION GROWTH, A DECLINE IN FAMILY SIZE, THE NEED TO REDEVELOP AGAIN AND OUTMODED PROPERTY, SEEMED TO INDICATE THAT THERE WOULD BE A NEED TO SUSTAIN THIS RATE OF PRODUCTION WELL INTO THE FUTURE.
ON URBAN REDEVELOPMENT, SIR DAVID SAID ONE OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES TO IT HAD BEEN THE ASSEMBLY OF SITES, HAMPERED BY THE MULTIPLICITY OF OWNERS WHO COULD NOT BE BROUGHT TOGETHER TO WORK OUT A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.
IN THIS RESPECT, HE SAID, THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO NEGOTIATE WITH OWNERS, TO MAKE OFFERS FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF THEIR PROPERTY AND TO HOLD THE PROPERTY UNTIL SUCH TIME AS A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME WAS READY TO PROCEED.
♦RESUMPTION WILL HAVE TO BE USED TO PREVENT SCHEMES FROM FOUNDERING BECAUSE ONE OR TWO OWNERS, FOR WHATEVER REASON, ARE UNABLE TO COOPERATE, BUT BEFORE RESUMPTION TAKES PLACE, A PANEL OF ASSESSORS WILL ENSURE THAT THE OFFERS TO THE OWNERS ARE FAIR AND REASONABLE.
♦THE PANEL WILL TAKE AND NOT BASE ITS JUDGEMENT USE,+ HE SAID.
NTO ACCOUNT ALL THE CIRCUMSTANCES, ON A SIMPLE VALUATION BASED ON EXISTING
/IN REDEVELOPING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
5 -
IN REDEVELOPING RUN-DOWN URBAN AREAS, HE SAID AN OWNER’S RIGHT TO CONTINUE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT HE HAD ALWAYS LIVED IN WHERE HE HAD HIS FAMILY, HIS FRIENDS AND HIS ESTABLISHED SOCIAL TIES MUST BE RESPECTED.
Dri A^YOEFFR 0F REDEVELOPMENT MUST THEREFORE TAKE THE OWNER’S REASONABLE ASPIRATIONS INTO ACCOUNT AND +WE MUST TRY TO INCLUDE IF THE OWNER SO WISHES, REPROVISIONING OF HIS OLD FLAT WITH A NEW ONE+.
+EVEN SO, EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN THAT IF SCHOOLS, TRANSPORT TODMOVEE+ HECADDEDES ARE PR0VIDED’ H0NG K0NG FAMILIES ARE PREPARED
0
IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM EMPHASISED * K M * M
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, TODAY (THURSDAY) REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT LOOKING FOR A NEANS OF PRIVATISING THE HOSPITAL SERVICES IN COMMISSIONING THE CONSULTANCY REPORT ON THE FUTURE OF SUCH SERVICES.
HE STRESSED THAT THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM WAS AND WOULD REMAIN A HEAVILY SUBSIDISED OPERATION ALTHOUGH THE CONSULTANTS HAD MADE SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR ADJUSTING THE BALANCE BETWEEN THE PROPORTION £ C°STS MET BY FEES PAID BY PATIENTS AND THAT PAID BY THE TAXPAYER THROUGH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT BUDGET AND SUBVENTIONS.
♦WE HAVE TO RECOGNISE THAT THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHO COULD NOT AFFORD HOSPITAL SERVICES OPERATED ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS, AND THAT IT IS FOR THESE PEOPLE THAT THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM PRIMARILY EXISTS.+ MR CHAMBERS SAID AT THE 18TH ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY.
ON THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE SETTING UP OF A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE ADMINISTRATION RECOGNISED THAT THE PROPOSAL CLEARLY HAD MAJOR IMPLICATIONS FOR ALMOST EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRESENT DUAL SYSTEM, AND IT WAS THEREFORE NOT SURPRISING THAT MANY QUESTIONS, DOUBTS AND RESERVATIONS HAD BEEN RAISED BY PARTIES CONCERNED.
/SEVEN SUBMISSIONS
THURSDAY, NOVhMBER 27, 1986
6
SEVEN SUBMISSIONS FROM BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE GIVING THEIR COMMENTS ON THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT.
+WHILE GENERALLY ACCEPTING THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE UPGRADING OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND THE EMPLOYMENT TERMS OF THEIR STAFF WOULD ENABLE THE HOSPITAL TO FUNCTION WITH GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY AND ALLEVIATE THEIR PRESENT STAFF RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROBLEMS, THE DIRECTORS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT POINTS WHICH NEED TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE FUTURE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
+MOST OF THE BOARDS FELT THAT THEY SHOULD MAINTAIN OWNERSHIP CF THEIR HOSPITALS AND THE RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN THEIR MANAGEMENT. THEY ALSO FELT THAT IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO UPHOLD THE TRADITIONS, CHARACTER, SPIRIT AND PRINCIPLES OF THE SUBVENTED HOSPITALS. I AGREE THAT THESE ARE VALID POINTS AND NEED TO BE ANSWERED,+ MR CHAMBERS SAID.
TURNING TO ANOTHER MAJOR AREA OF CONCERN — THE FUTURE OF THE STAFF WORKING IN THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS — MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE FULL CONSULTATION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE bEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT STAFF BEFORE FINALISING ANY DECISIONS.
A TOTAL OF 26 STAFF ASSOCIATIONS IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAVE SENT IN THEIR COMMENTS TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE. WHILE ACCEPTING THAT IMPROVEMENTS WERE NEEDED TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM, THE MAJORITY OF THEM DID NOT AGREE THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SHOULD BE OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE.
+SOME OF THEM POINT OUT THAT MANY OF THE SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS COULD BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE EXISTING STRUCTURE. SOME CAST DOUBTS ON WHETHER AN INTEGRATED STRUCTURE IS THE ANSWER TO THE PRESENT PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY WITH THE HUGE COSTS AND UNCERTAINTY INVOLVED.
+UNDERLYING ALL THESE COMMENTS WAS, OF COURSE, THE FEAR THAT THE CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE EXISTING STAFF WOULD BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED CHANGES,+ HE SAID.
REASSURING THE STAFF THAT NO PROPOSALS HAD YET BEEN MADE ABOUT THE LEVEL OF BENEFITS UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT CONSULTANTS PROPOSED THAT AN INDEPENDENT STAFF ADVISORY COMMISSION SHOULD BE SET UP TO WORK OUT AGREED TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL AUTHORITY STAFF, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
/+GIVhM THE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
♦GIVEN THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM — SOMETHING LIKE 25 OOO STAFF ARE INVOLVED — IT IS UNLIKELY THAT AN IMMEDIATE DISESTABLISHMENT CF THE STAFF OF THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WOULD BE PRACTICABLE AND IT IS MUCH MORE LIKELY THAT A PHASED CHANGEOVER, WITH STAFF BEING OFFERED VARIOUS OPTIONS, WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED.+
REITERATING THE EMPHASIS TO BE PLACED ON STAFF CONSULTATION BEFORE ANY FINAL DECISIONS ARE TAKEN, MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT: +IF THE NEW ORGANISATION IS TO BE SUCCESSFUL, IT WILL BE MOST IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT MORALE IS HIGH AND THAT STAFF AND MANAGEMENT WORK TOGETHER TO GET THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS.*
--------o----------
VOLUNTEERS CAN HELP THE ELDERLY
X X X X X
VOLUNTARY SERVICE TO PROVIDE CARE IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE URGENTLY PROMOTED, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED, MRS CHAN SAID THAT VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICE WERE COMPLEMENTARY.
+WHEN NEW PROBLEMS EMERGE IN SOCIETY AND THE GOVERNMENT IS UNABLE TO REACT IMMEDIATELY OR MAP OUT CONTINGENCY MEASURES BECAUSE OF TIME AND FISCAL CONSTRAINTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS CAN PROVIDE SERVICES FOR PEOPLE IN DISTRESS QUICKLY AND FLEXIBLY,* SHE SAID.
+IN ADDITION, VOLUNTEER SERVICE CAN HELP IDENTIFY THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY AND PROVIDE THE NECESSARY IMPETUS FOR GOVERNMENT ACTION,* SHE SAID.
VOLUNTEERS COULD ALSO FIND IT EASIER TO ESTABLISH A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH THOSE THEY WERE TRYING TO HELP.
+FOR EXAMPLE, PLACING CHILDREN IN FOSTER HOMES IS BETTER THAN PUTTING THEM IN RECEPTION CENTRES,* SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT THE VALUE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE NEGLECTED.
/+INTERVENTION AND .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
8
♦INTERVENTION AND HANDLING BY THE PROFESSIONALS ARE REQUIRED IN THE CASE OF SERIOUS PROBLEMS,+ SHE SAID.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT VOLUNTARY SERVICE COULD BE IN THE FORM OF +SELF-HELP+ GROUPS. MEMBERS OF THESE GROUPS WOULD CO-OPERATE AND HELP EACH OTHER TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS BY THEMSELVES RATHER THAN WAITING PASSIVELY FOR ASSISTANCE.
♦THERE SHOULD BE MUTUAL SUPPORT AMONG THE ELDERLY WHO, SHOULD THEIR HEALTH CONDITIONS PERMIT, CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SOCIETY AND HELP OTHERS,+ SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID ATTEMPTS SHOULD BE MADE TO MOTIVATE INDIVIDUALS TO BECOME VOLUNTEERS.
VOLUNTARY SERVICE COULD BE GIVEN THROUGH SOME FORM OF ORGANISATION, SUCH AS TEAMS OR GROUPS, WHOSE MEMBERS WOULD SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGE EACH OTHER WHILE THE ORGANISATION SET A RECOGNISED SERVICE TARGET AND OBJECTIVE.
TO REINFORCE THE DEDICATION OF THE MEMBERS, THERE SHOULD BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM TO LEARN, TO EXERCISE THEIR PERSONAL ABILITY AND EXPERIENCE SO THAT THEY COULD HAVE A SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT, MRS CHAN SAID.
IN CARING FOR THE ELDERLY, SHE SAID THE COMMUNITY HAD A ROLE TO PLAY SINCE THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT HOPE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SERVICES ALONE.
SHE PRAISED THE 700 VOLUNTEERS OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED FOR THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THIS RESPECT, PARTICULARLY THE ELDERLY VOLUNTEERS.
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GOVERNOR TO INSPECT PARADE * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL INSPECT THE SILVER JUBILEE PARADE OF THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION SERVICE ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29) AT THE AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN KOWLOON BAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. A PRESS COACH FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT WILL BE LEAVING FROM THE CGO CARPARK BY 8.45 AM ON SATURDAY.
- 0----------
/9........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
_ 9 _
SEVEN
PRODUCTS EXCLUDED FROM EEC GSP KOO
SEVEN HONG KONG PRODUCTS WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY’S GENERALISED SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES (GSP) FOR 1987, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR S.S. TAM, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE PRODUCTS ARE PROTECTIVE GLOVES, IMITATION JEWELLERY, PORTABLE ELECTRIC LAMPS, QUARTZ WATCHES, DOLLS, OTHER TOYS, AND EQUIPMENT FOR PARLOUR, TABLE AND FUNFAIR GAMES.
HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF THESE PRODUCTS TO THE EEC AMOUNTED TO $2 971 MILLION OR 13.7 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPORTS TO THE EEC IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986.
THE DECISION WAS MADE AT A MEETING OF THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HELD ON NOVEMBER 24-25.
FOUR PRODUCTS FROM SOUTH THE PRIVILEGED TREATMENT.
KOREA WILL ALSO BE EXCLUDED FROM
MR TAM SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE EXCLUSION OF THE SEVEN PRODUCTS WOULD REDUCE HONG KONG’S BENEFITS UNDER THE EEC GSP IT WAS UNLIKELY TO AFFECT TO ANY SIGNIFICANT EXTENT HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO EXPORT THESE PRODUCTS TO THE EEC OR TO COMPETE WITH OTHER SUPPLIERS.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE THE QUOTAS OF DUTY-FREE GOODS ALLOWED FOR THE SEVEN PRODUCTS UNDER THE EXISTING GSP ARE VERY SMALL AND THE ADDITIONAL DUTY PAYABLE OF $9 MILLION FOR THESE PRODUCTS DUE TO EXCLUSION AMOUNTS TO ONLY 0.2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EEC IMPORTS OF THESE PRODUCTS FROM HONG KONG IN 1985,+ HE SAID.
+IT IS ALSO UNDERSTOOD THAT THE EXCLUSION WOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS IN BENEFITS FOR OTHER PRODUCTS. AS FULL DETAILS OF THE 1987 EEC GSP SCHEME ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE, AN OVERALL ASSESSMENT ON THE EFFECT OF THE ENTIRE 1987 SCHEME ON HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THE EEC IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE,+ HE ADDED.
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/10........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
10
PAC HEARINGS TO CONCLUDE TOMORROW
*****
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL CONCLUDE ITS OPEN HEARINGS FOR THIS YEAR IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
APPEARING BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS RAISED IN THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, CONTRACTORS REPRESENTATIVES, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY AND THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE.
THE TIMETABLE FOR TOMORROW’S HEARINGS I Si
8.30 AM SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, PARAGRAPHS 56-60.
9 AM CONTRACTORS REPRESENTATIVES, PARAGRAPHS 146-151.
9.30 AM SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, PARAGRAPHS 113-124.
10.15 AM COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, PARAGRAPHS 5 AND 7, AND 101-106.
10.45 AM COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, PARAGRAPHS 78-86.
11.30 AM COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES AND SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, PARAGRAPHS 87-89.
12.30 PM COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, PARAGRAPHS 8-11.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE OPEN HEARINGS OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE SHOULD BRING ALONG A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR REFERENCE.
-----0------
NNNN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
11
NINE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN WAN CHAI *****
NINE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE REAR LANE OF TIN LOK LANE IN WAN CHAI WERE REMOVED IN A CLEARANCE OPERATION THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
ONE OF THE STRUCTURES WAS USED FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSE AND EIGHT FOR STORAGE.
ONE PERSON WHO WAS AFFECTED WAS RE-HOUSED IN PUBLIC HOUSING.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE, TODAY’S OPERATION WAS THE SECOND CARRIED OUT THIS YEAR TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
EARLIER THIS WEEK, A SIMILAR CLEARANCE OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT AT THE SIDE LANE OF SING WOO ROAD AND YUK SAU STREET IN HAPPY VALLEY.
A TOTAL OF 12 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, SIX OF THEM DOMESTIC STRUCTURES, WERE DEMOLISHED.
TWELVE PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED IN THE OPERATION. OF THESE, 11 WERE RE-HOUSED IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND ONE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
0 - -
$21 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SITE FORMATION, ROAD WORKS *****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $21 MILLION CONTRACT FOR SITE FORMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A ROAD NETWORK AS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING NEW TOWN.
THE SITE FORMATION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT SHEK WU HUI TO THE WEST OF FANLING WAI.
THE PROJECT, ESSENTIAL FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN PARK AND NEARBY RESIDENTIAL AREAS, INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROADS, CAR PARKS, FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS AND DRAINAGE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND LAST ABOUT 18 MONTHS.
- - o -
/12
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
12
RO’S 1987 ALMANAC GOES ON SALE * * * *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S 1987 ALMANAC, WHICH CONTAINS USEFUL ASTRONOMICAL AND METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION, IS NOW ON SALE.
THE BILINGUAL BOOKLET CONTAINS THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE CALENDAR AND TIMES OF DAILY SUNRISE, SUNSET, MOONRISE, MOONSET, HIGH AND LOW TIDES, AND OTHER ASTRONOMICAL INFORMATION.
CLIMATOLOGICAL INFORMATION ON HONG KONG FOR EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR IS TABULATED AND WEATHER CONDITIONS IN MORE THAN 20 MAJOR CITIES ARE DESCRIBED.
INFORMATION RELATING TO THE OBSERVATORY’S FULLY METRIC PUBLIC WEATHER SERVICES IS ALSO INCLUDED.
THE BOOKLET CAN BE BOUGHT FOR $12 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS, 134A NATHAN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
ALSO ON SALE, AT $30 A COPY, IS THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S 1987 CALENDAR. THE CALENDAR HAS 12 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS ON THE WEATHER AND THE ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG.
THOSE WHO BUY THE ALMANAC OR THE CALENDAR WILL HAVE THE OPTION CF PURCHASING A COPY OF THE OBSERVATORY’S CENTENARY PUBLICATION, ■»FROM TIME BALL TO ATOMIC CLOCK+, AT A REDUCED PRICE OF $19.
THE PUBLICATION, WHICH COSTS $34 WHEN PURCHASED SEPARATELY, TRACES THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS.
------0-------
MONTHLY RETAIL SALES INDEX REBASED
*****
iMnrvADrn^riLA?EVIEW ARTICLE, ENTITLED +THE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES -LNBEX REBASED 0N 1984-85+ IS INCLUDED IN THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
io«/, SALES INDEX SERIES» BASED 0N THE PERIOD OCTOBER
rco^D™<-MTPLEMBER 1985’ WAS PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ^ARTMENT SEPTEMBER 1986, REPLACING THE OLD SERIES WHICH WAS
1980 AND INTRODUCED IN 1982. THE ARTICLE GIVES AN OUTLINE OF THE FEATURES OF THE REBASING.
ocDAcckS2..?0NTAINED IN THE ARTICLE IS AN INTRODUCTION OF THE REBASED QUARTERLY INDEX OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS.
„THE H0NG K0NG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS ON SALE AT $28 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST ^E,GE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
0 - - - -
/13........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
13
NORTH DE MEMBERS SEE KCRC OPERATIONS
*****
SIXTEEN MEMBERS OF AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS TRAFFIC
DA n WAV ....— T0DAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE KOWLOON-CANTON
^JLatLF9RP0RAT,0N to gain a better understanding of its
Or ER AT IONS.
adc ™ visit wAS PART 0F A programme under which board members
TRANSPORT AGENCIESTHEMSELVES Wl™ THE W°RK °F VARI0US TRaff’C AND
MO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, S the members first visited the control centre AT THE KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM.
THEY THEN BOARDED A SPECIAL TRAIN FOR THE WHERE THE ENGINEER DIRECTOR, MR CLEMENT CHIU. TRAIN MAINTENANCE.
HO TUNG LAU WORKSHOP BRIEFED THEM ON
THE MEMBERS LATER WENT TO KCR HEAD OFFICE IN SHA TIN WHERE THEY WERE MET BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR PETER QUICK.
AFTER A SLIDE SHOW WAS HELD, MR QUICK BRIEFED MEMBERS ON THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CORPORATION.
0 -
WINNING MESSAGES OF SAFETY IN KITE FLYING *****
TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE THAT KITE FLYING WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF AN AIRPORT IS HAZARDOUS TO AIR TRAFFIC AND AGAINST THE LAW, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT JOINTLY ORGANISED A +SAFETY IN KITE FLYING+ BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION.
THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE COMPETITION WAS HELD TODAY (THURSDAY) AT THE KAI TAK AIRPORT CONFERENCE ROOM.
THE COMPETITION WAS OPEN TO SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND COMPRISED TWO DIVISIONS - THE JUNIOR DIVISION FOR FORMS 1 TO 3 PUPILS AND A SENIOR DIVISION FOR THOSE IN FORMS 4 TO 6.
THE DESIGN HAD TO ILLUSTRATE OR PROMOTE SAFETY AND REMIND THE PUBLIC, PARTICULARLY SCHOOL CHILDREN, THAT KITE FLYING IS PROHIBITED OVER MANY AREAS IN THE TERRITORY SINCE SUCH ACTIVITY IS PROHIBITED WITHIN FIVE KILOMETRES OF SHEK KONG OR KAI TAK.
/A SPOKESMAN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
14
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISER SAID THAT RESPONSE FROM SCHOOLS WAS MOST ENCOURAGING. ALTOGETHER 69 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART WITH 1 284 ENTRIES IN THE JUNIOR DIVISION AND 454 ENTRIES IN THE SENIOR.
HIGH STANDARD3 T0 ™E ADJUDICAT0RS» ALL ENTRIES WERE OF A VERY
DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MRS RUBY LAU, WELCOMED THE WINNERS TO THE CEREMONY AND THANKED ALL PARTI ClPATING SCHOOLS FOR THEIR SUPPORT.
AIR TRAFFIC GENERAL MANAGER, MR MICHAEL PANG, AND PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER, MR PETER AlLeN, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS.
AETER IHE CEREMONY, THEY WERE INVITED TO TOUR THE CONTROL TOWER AT THE AIRPORT.
STORAGE SITE ON PENG CHAU TO LET * * * * *
A PENG CHAU SITE FOR STORING DANGEROUS GOODS IS RFINfi OFFFRrn ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT
IT IS AT TAI LEI ISLAND AND MEASURES 150 SQUARE METRES.
f™E TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR INITIALLY, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON DECEMBER 12.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
- 15 -
MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY *****
A HUNDRED STUDENTS FROM 17 SCHOOLS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR CREATIVITY IN A CIVIC EDUCATION MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29).
THE COMPETITION, HELD FROM 10 AM OUTSIDE THE KELLETT BAY PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT SITE, IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AS A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITY FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THERE WILL BE 11 TEAMS COMPETING IN THE PRIMARY SECTION AND NINE TEAMS IN THE SECONDARY SECTION. EACH TEAM WILL CONSIST OF FIVE MEMBERS LED BY A TEACHER ADVISER.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO DRAW ON THE THEME OF CIVIC EDUCATION ON THE HOARDINGS USING PAINTS, BRUSHES AND TOOLS PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS. THEY WILL BE JUDGED ON THEIR CREATIVENESS, EXPRESSION OF THEME, SKILL AND THE USE OF COLOUR.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION IS TO STIMULATE CREATIVITY AND TO ENCOURAGE MORE THOUGHTS ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
ADJUDICATION WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM AND A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 5 PM AT THE WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL, WAH FU ESTATE. PRIZES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF VARIOUS CIVIC EDUCATION COMPETITIONS HELD EARLIER IN POK FU LAM AND WAH FU.
ADJUDICATORS INCLUDE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS OLIVIA NIP, MR CHEUNG KING-KWONG OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND MR LEUNG YAT-SUN FROM THE ADVERTISING SECTOR.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS ARE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MRS SO CHOW YIM-PING, URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR JOSEPH CHAN, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR RAYMOND KWOK, MR MAN HON-MING, MR MIU WAH-CHUN, MR KAN MAN-LEE, AND THE WAH FU AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LEE BING-WAH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION
ON SATURDAY. ADJUDICATION WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM AT THE COMPETITION VENUE — THE HOARDINGS OF THE KELLETT BAY HOUSING PROJECT SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF WAH FU ROAD AND SHEK PAI WAN ROAD. THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 5 PM AT THE WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL.
-----0-----
/16........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
- 16 -
FORUM TO BE HELD ON EDUCATION REPORT KOK*
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE +EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT NO 2+ AT AN OPEN FORUM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE COUNCIL OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SCHOOL HEADS AND ASSISTED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE SECRETARY OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, MR ANDREW WELLS, WILL GIVE A GENERAL INTRODUCTION OF THE REPORT AT THE FORUM WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM.
OTHER GUESTS INVITED TO TALK ON THE +SIXTH FORM EDUCAT ION+ INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENTRE FOR EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, DR JACK CHAN, AND A SENIOR LECTURER THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, JR PETER TAM.
THE FORUM ALSO INCLUDES A SESSION ON +TEACHER PREPARATION*. SPEAKERS INCLUDE A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR S.C. CHENG, AND A LECTURER OF THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR K.M. CHENG.
THE FORUM WILL END ABOUT 5 PM AFTER A GROUP DISCUSSION SESSION.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUM. ADMIUSION IS FREE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM AT 3 PM TOMORROW AT THE AUDITORIUM ON THE NINTH FLOOR, BLOCK D OF THE CARITAS HOUSE, 2 CAINE ROAD, CENTRAL.
------o--------
REFERENCE INDEX ON CIVIC EDUCATION PUBLISHED
X X * X X
AN INDEX OF REFERENCE MATERIALS ON CIVIC EDUCATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN MONG KOK TO STUDY THE TOPIC.
THE INDEX IS INTENDED TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ CIVIC AWARENESS AND TO ASSIST COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN ARRANGING PROJECTS ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
/The index........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
THE INDEX LISTS OUT REFERENCE BOOKS AND READING MATERIALS ON THE CONCEPTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION, CIVIC DUTIES AND RIGHTS, POLITICAL CONCEPTS, THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND MORAL EDUCATION. IT ALSO CONTAINS AN INDEX OF NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS AND AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS.
SOME 400 COPIES OF THE INDEX, PUBLISHED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF A DISTRICT-WIDE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN MONG KOK.
REFERENCE MATERIALS ARE KEPT IN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE ON LOAN FREE OF CHARGE.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE SERVICE CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 3-802251.
--------0----------
EXHIBITION PORTRAYS FAMILY’S PROGRESS
*****
A THREE-DAY EXHIBITION FOCUSSING ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMERCIAL CENTRE.
THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE DRAWINGS DEPICTING THE STORY OF A CHAN FAMILY THAT LIVES IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT. VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CITIZEN AS THEY FOLLOW THE EXPERIENCES OF THE CHAN FAMILY.
THE EXHIBITION IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMERCIAL CENTRE. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MISS CECELIA YEUNG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR ALBERT LI.
/the exhibition
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
- 18 -
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 2.30 PM TO 5 PM TOMORROW AND FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 29 AND 30).
ON
INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO VISITORS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE FIRST FLOOR LOBBY OF WONG TAI SIN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, CHING TAK STREET, WONG TAI SIN.
-----0------
EASTERN DISTRICT WALK ON SUNDAY K * X * X
ABOUT 200 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING PART IN A THREE-HOUR DISTRICT WALK WHICH WILL START OFF AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30) FROM THE NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL.
THE +EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION WALK+ IS AIMED AT ENHANCING CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG YOUTHS THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION.
THE WALK IS DIVIDED INTO FIVE ROUTES TO ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO LEARN THE CHARACTER I STICS OF DIFFERENT AREAS OF THE DISTRICT. THEY COVER +THE DEVELOPED AREAS OF CAUSEWAY BAY AND NORTH POINT*; +QUARRY BAY TODAY*’ +CHANGING FACE OF SHAU KEI WAN*I +FUTURE OF CHAI WAN* AND +GOVERNMENT FACILITIES IN EASTERN DISTRICT*.
EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE REQUIRED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RELATING TO THEIR ROUTES AND A GROUP DISCUSSION WILL BE HELD AFTER THAT TO ANALYSE WHAT HAD BEEN OBSERVED.
THE WALK IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION WORKING GROUP AND THE FOK SING OFFICE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE EASTERN-WAN CHAI DISTRICT GROUP AND COMMUNITY SERVICES CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE.
/ANY PERSON .......
THURSDAY, N0VU4BER 27, 1986
- 19 -
ANY PERSON AGED 17 TO 25 WHO WISH TO JOIN THE DISTRICT WALK SHOULD APPLY BY TELEPHONING 5-606262.
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG, AND THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ICAC FOK SING OFFICE, MR ANTONIO CHU, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO START THE WALK.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY AT NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, 888 KING’S ROAD.
-----o -------
SEMINAR ON OPERATIC SONGS
X X X X X
A SEMINAR ON +THE VALUE OF EXISTENCE OF CHINESE PROVINCIAL OPERATIC SONGS+ ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29) AT 2.45 PM AT RTHK BROADCASTING
HOUSE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT STUDIO 2 OF RTHK BROADCASTING HOUSE.
-----o--------
PRIZE-GIVING FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
X X X X
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE 11TH HONG KONG SPECIAL OLYMPICS ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEET AT THE WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND AT MIDDAY TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
----o------
/20........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1986
20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHARITY WALK KO#
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN PAT SIN RANGE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30) TO ENABLE THE +WALK FOR A MILLION* TO BE HELD.
THESE WILL INCLUDE ROAD CLOSURE AND SUSPENSION OF CAR PARKS.
“ROM 10 AM TO NOON, HOK TAU ROAD AND LAU SHU I HEUNG ROAD, SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HOK TAU ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM, THE CAR PARK ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF BRIDE’S POOL ROAD, OPPOSITE THE PAT SIN RANGE NATURE TRAIL? AND THE CAR PARK ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF BRIDE’S POOL ROAD AT THE COUNTRY PARK WARDEN POST WILL BE SUSPENDED.
-------0---------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CENTRAL, ADMIRALTY
*****
win ncDIJ?S REACE N0RTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR n.E CEOSED T0 TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 29)
TO 9 pM THE NEXT DAY IN CONNECTION WITH THE ROUND TABLE NO. 4’S
CHARITY FUND RAISING EVENT.
24-H0UR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF DRAKE STREET IN ADMIRALTY FROM A POINT ABOUT 80 ^EJRE^ WEST 0F ITS JUNCTION WITH RODNEY STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL ALSO BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY.
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TELl'5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA ..................................... 1
JOINT LIAISON GROUP COMMUNIQUE ............................
USEFUL DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON - GOVERNOR ................... 5
HK TEAM FOR GUANGDONG BORDER LIAISON MEETING .............. 7
IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRLiL TRAINING STRESSED ................ 8
CIVIC EDUCATION aWhRENESS INCREASING ...................... 9
REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTS SUPPORTED ...................... 1°
MAJOR STRIDES MADE IN LEPROSY CONTROL...................... 12
BILL PROPOSES INSURERS TO MAINTAIN HK BUSINESS ACCOUNTS ... 1U
AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS REVISED ....................... 16
TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO DEFINITION OF +FOOD+ PROPOSED ...... 17
NEW FISH CULTURE ZONE DESIGNATED .......................... 18
FORSGmTE RE-APPOINTED KCRC CHAIRMAN ....................... 19
PREMISES SET ASIDE FOR WELF»lR£ PROJECTS .................. 19
ELDERLY TO SHOW DANCING SKILLS ............................ 20
FLYOVER ACROSS WATERLOO RCmD PLANNED ...................... 21
FOUR SPECIAL ST.iMPS TO BE ISSUED ......................... 21
/SPEEDPCST SERVICE
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO INDIA EXTENDED .......................... 22
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BEGINS NEXT WEEK .................. 23
TUEN MUN TA CHIU BEGINS TOMORROW ............................ 2?
SOUTHERN RESIDENTS TO TEST ENDURANCE.......................... 24
1 OOO TO JOIN FOLK DANCE RALLY ............................... 2?
CARNIVaL TO CLOSE DISTRICT FESTIVAL .......................... 25
DISTRICT FESTIVAL CLOSES. TOMORROW ........................... 27
MONTH-LONG TUEN MUN. MINI-OLYMPICS END ....................... 27
ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION FOR TSUEN W,iN ....................... 28
CARNIVAL ORGANISED FOR ELDERLY ............................... 29
MAINS LAYING TO IMPROVE CENTRAL WATER SUPPLY ................. 29
CHOIR TO ENTERTAIN ISLaNDERS ................................. 30
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WESTERN ......................... 30
FLYOVER CLOSED, CAR PARK SUSPENDED ........................... 31
FRESH, SALT WATER CUTS ....................................... 32
*
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
1
EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA * H X
AT THE FOURTH MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AGREEMENT WAS REACHED BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SIDES ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTINUED USE OF HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY AFTER JUNE 30. 1997. IN CONFIRMATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS EXCHANGED MEMORANDA IN PEKING ON NOVEMBER 27, THE TEXTS OF WHICH ARE AS FOLLOWSi
BRITISH MEMORANDUM
THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAVE THE HONOUR TO REFER TO THE DISCUSSIONS IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY AND RELATED MATTERS AND THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT CF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG. THE EMBASSY ALSO REFER TO THE EXCHANGE CF MEMORANDA BETWEEN THE EMBASSY AND THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DATED APRIL 11, 1986.
TO ENSURE THAT HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY WILL NOT EXPERIENCE DIFFICULTY WHEN TRAVELLING ABROAD IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY BEFORE AND AFTER 1997, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY WITH A TEN-YEAR VALIDITY DURING THE PERIOD EXTENDING FROM JULY 1, 1987 TO JUNE 33, 1997 INCLUSIVE. IT IS THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THAT SUCH CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY MAY CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 UNTIL THEIR DUE EXPIRY DATES. IT IS FURTHER THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT THAT ANY REFERENCE TO + HONG KONG+ IN CERTIFICATES CF IDENTITY ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BEFORE JULY 1, 1997 WILL, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, BE TAKEN TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION+ OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
TO ENSURE THAT A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY IS ACCEPTABLE FOR THE PURPOSE OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL BEFORE AND AFTER 1997, THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT WILL BE ADDED TO CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY WHOSE HOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AND HOLD PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS STATING THAT RIGHTi
+THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY HAS HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD NUMBER (XYZ) WHICH STATES THAT the Bolder has the right of abode in hong kong.+
/the united .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
2
THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA SHALL AUTHORISE THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW, PASSPORTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO ALL CHINESE NATIONALS WHO HOLD PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS CF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO ALL OTHER PERSONS LAWFULLY RESIDING IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
TO ENABLE CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY ISSUED BETWEEN JULY 1, 1987 AND JUNE 30, 1997 INCLUSIVE TO BE SUITABLE FOR USE AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT WILL MODIFY THE PRESENT CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY BY INTRODUCING THE CHANGES DESCRIBED IN THE ANNEX.
THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL, WHEN NECESSARY, STATE TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF THIRD COUNTRIES THAT HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES CF IDENTITY CARRYING THE ENDORSEMENT REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH 3 ABOVE WILL BE ENTITLED TO RETURN TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, AND THAT ANY REFERENCE IN SUCH CERTIFICATES TO + HONG KONG+ WILL BE TAKEN, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION+.
ANNEX
THE PRESENT HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY WILL BE MODIFIED BYs
(1) FRONT COVER: REMOVING THE CREST AT CENTRE AND LEAVING THE SPACE BLANK,
(2) PAGE ONE: REMOVING THE CREST BELOW THE WORDS +CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY* AND LEAVING THE SPACE BLANK,
(3) PAGE THREE: REPLACING +COUNTRIES* BY +PARTS OF THE WORLD* IN THE FIRST SENTENCE AND DELETING THE WORDS +EXCEPT CHINA MACAO*,
(4) PAGE FOUR AND PAGES SIX TO FORTY-FOUR: REPLACING THE OVERPRINTING OF THE CREST BY ANOTHER SECURITY DESIGN,
(5) PAGE FOUR: ADDING THE FOLLOWING ENDORSEMENT: +THE HOLDER OF THIS CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY HAS HONG KONG PERMANENT IDENTITY CARD NUMBER (XYZ) WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG+,
/(6) INSIDE BACK
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 3
(6) INSIDE BACK COVER*
(A) DELETING NOTE 3 WHICH STATES THAT THE HOLDER IS NOT ENTITLED TO BRITISH CONSULAR PROTECTION, AND
(B) DELETING THE WORDS +OR TO THE NEAREST BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION OR CONSULATE+ FROM THE SECOND SENTENCE OF NOTE 5 (TO BE RENUMBERED AS NOTE 4) WHICH REFERS TO WHAT THE HOLDER SHOULD DO IF HE LOSES HIS CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY (SEE NOTE BELOW), AND
(7) REMOVING ALL OTHER COLONIAL INSIGNIA SUCH AS CRESTS WHICH APPEAR ON THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION OFFICERS’ STAMPS.
NOTE* HOLDER OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY DO NOT REQUIRE THIS INSTRUCTION AS THEY INVARIABLY KNOW THAT THEY NEED TO CONTACT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN HONG KONG AND IT DOES NOT MATTER WHETHER THEY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT THROUGH THE BRITISH CONSULATE OR, AS IS MORE USUALLY THE CASE, THROUGH THEIR RELATIVES IN HONG KONG.
CHINESE MEMORANDUM (TRANSLATION)
THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ACKNOWLEGES RECEIPT OF THE MEMORANDUM DATED NOVEMBER 27, 1986 CF THE EMBASSY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA CONCERNING HONG KONG CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY AND RELATED MATTERS AND, WITH REFERENCE TO THE RELEVANT DISCUSSIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, HAS THE HONOUR TO ELABORATE THE POSITION AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE RELEVANT QUESTIONS RAISED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM AS FOLLOWS:
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX 1 TO THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL ALLOW CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY (MODIFIED AS DESCRIBED IN THE ANNEX TO THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM AND ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT BETWEEN JULY 1, 1987 AND JUNE 30, 1997 INCLUSIVE WITH THE NORMAL TEN-YEAR VALIDITY) TO CONTINUE TO BE USED AFTER JUNE 30, 1997 UNTIL THEIR DUE EXPIRY DATES.
THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL AGREE THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MAY ADD AN ENDORSEMENT TO CERTIFICATES CF IDENTITY ISSUED BETWEEN JULY 1, 1987 AND JUNE 30, 1997 INCLUSIVE, TO SHOW THE HOLDER’S RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG WHERE THE HOLDER HAS THAT RIGHT.
/IN ACCORDANCE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOREGOING, ANY REFERENCE TO +HONG KONG+ IN CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY ISSUED BETWEEN JULY 1, 1987 AND JUNE 30, 1997 INCLUSIVE WILL, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, BE TAKEN TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION+. FOR THIS, THE GOVERNMENT CF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA EXPRESSES ITS UNDERSTANDING.
THE CENTRAL PEOPLE’S GOVERNMENT SHALL AUTHORISE THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW, PASSPORTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA TO ALL CHINESE NATIONALS WHO HOLD PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC CF CHINA TO ALL OTHER PERSONS LAWFULLY RESIDING IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
TO FACILITATE TRAVELLING ABROAD BY HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL, WHEN NECESSARY, STATE TO THE GOVERNMENTS OF THIRD COUNTRIES THAT HOLDERS OF CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY CARRYING THE ENDORSEMENT AS SET OUT IN PARAGRAPH 3 OF THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM WILL BE ENTITLED TO RETURN TO THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER JUNE 30, 1997, AND THAT ANY REFERENCE THEM TO +HONG KONG+ WILL, ON AND AFTER JULY 1, 1997, BE TAKEN TO MEAN THE +HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION+ OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA.
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JOINT LIAISON GROUP COMMUNIQUE
*****
r,rJ^E S*NO—BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS FIFTH MEETING IN PEKING FROM NOVEMBER 25 TO 28, 1986. THE MEETING DEALT WITH A FULL AGENDA. POSITIVE RESULTS WERE ACHIEVED.
THE GREAT ,MP0RTANCE TO HONG KONG OF MAINTAINING A STABLE AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE THERE THE GROUP HELD A THOROUGH-GOING DISCUSSION ON THE NEW PENSION SCHEME, AND REACHED FULL AGREEMENT. "tNblUN
THE GROUP HELD A FURTHER DETAILED EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON COOr)SpRnrPF^SPECTS 0F THE R,GHT 0F AB0DE ENDORSEMENT AND MADE
/ON THE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 5 -
ON THE BASIS OF WORK DONE BY THE SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, THE GROUP REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE MEANS FOR HONG KONG, AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION, TO MAINTAIN ITS ASSOCIATE MEMBER STATUS IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION AND ON THE APPROACH TO BE ADOPTED TOWARDS THE CONTINUED APPLICATION OF MARITIME, CONVENTIONS RELEVANT TO HONG KONG.
THE GROUP ALSO REACHED AGREEMENT ON HOW TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WOULD CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN AN APPROPRIATE CAPACITY IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION, EXERCISING THE SAME AUTONOMY IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AS AT PRESENT.
THE GROUP ALSO HAD A USEFUL EXCHANGE ON THE ROLE OF HONG KONG IN THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL.
THE GROUP EXPRESSED ITS APPRECIATION FOR THE HARD WORK DONE BY EXPERTS ON BOTH SIDES BEFORE AND DURING THE SESSION.
THE GROUP DECIDED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FROM MARCH 17 TO 20, 1987.
------0-------
USEFUL DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON - GOVERNOR
* * K *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HE HAD A USEFUL SERIES OF DISCUSSIONS WITH MINISTERS IN LONDON ON SUCH SUBJECTS AS THE 1987 POLITICAL REVIEW, VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, DEFENCE COSTS, AND THE ANNUAL REPORT TO PARLIAMENT.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM A FOUR-DAY VISIT TO LONDON, SIR EDWARD SAID HE HAD A FULL REVIEW WITH MINISTERS OF WHAT HAD BEEN GOING ON IN HONG KONG.
WE AGREED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY TO HAVE THIS REGULAR SERIES OF CONSULTATION SO THAT LONDON COULD BE UP TO DATE WITH THE THINKING IN HONG KONG AND HONG KONG COULD BE UP TO DATE WITH THE THINKING IN LONDON, HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF DEFENCE COSTS AND VIETNAMESE REFUGEES THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WENT TO THE DEFENCE MINISTRY AND ALSO HAD A TALK WITH THE MINISTER OF STATE AT THE HOME OFFICE, MR DAVID WADDINGTON.
/SIR EDWARD .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
SIR EDWARD SAID HE EMPHASISED AGAIN TO MINISTERS, ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE ISSUE, THE IMPORTANCE WHICH HONG KONG ATTACHED TO A STEADY RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG SO AS TO BRING THE NUMBERS DOWN.
+THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS STILL REVIEWING ITS POLICY. BUT I WAS ASSURED THAT THEY ARE COMMITTED TO DOING WHAT THEY CAN TO HELP US OVERCOME THE DIFFICULTIES WE HAVE,+ HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER BRITAIN WAS CONSIDERING TAKING IN MORE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID: +THAT’S WHAT THEY’RE LOOKING AT NOW. I WAS QUITE CLEAR IN MY TALKS WITH THEM THAT WE DO ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO A CONTINUING OFFTAKE IN NUMBERS.+
HE ADDED THAT THE QUESTION OF REPATRIATION HAD BEEN RAISED. THE VIEW WAS THAT REPATRIATION MIGHT BE A LONG-TERM SOLUTION. BUT THERE WERE DIFFICULTIES, AND IN THE SHORT-TERM, RESETTLEMENT SEEMED TO BE THE ONLY PRACTICAL WAY TO GO.
+ AND THAT IS WHY I EMPHASISED TO MINISTERS THE IMPORTANCE OF A REGULAR OFFTAKE,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THERE WAS ANY INDICATION THAT BRITAIN WOULD TAKE IN MORE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID MINISTERS HAD TOLD HIM THAT THE UK WOULD BE WORKING WITH THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO SEE WHAT MORE FUNDAMENTAL SOLUTIONS MIGHT BE FOUND.
ON DEFENCE COSTS, SIR EDWARD SAID THE TALKS WERE MAINLY PRELIMINARY BECAUSE THE NEGOTIATIONS WOULD NOT START UNTIL THE SPRING. + BUT WE WOULD TRY TO COMPLETE THEM BY THE END OF 1987,+ HE SAID.
THE TALKS WOULD OF COURSE TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY CHANGES WHICH MIGHT BE MADE IN THE GARRISON BETWEEN 1987 AND 1997. BUT NO DECISIONS HAD BEEN TAKEN ON THAT AS YET, HE ADDED.
ON NEXT YEAR’S POLITICAL REVIEW, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HAD EXPLAINED TO MINISTERS THAT THERE WAS OBVIOUSLY A WIDE RANGE OF OPINIONS STILL BEING EXPRESSED IN HONG KONG.
EVERYONE AGREED THAT IT WOULD BE PREMATURE TO DRAW CONCLUSIONS AT THIS STAGE AS TO WHAT CHANGES MIGHT BE MADE IN 1988.
ASKED WHETHER HE HAD CONSULTED MINISTERS ON THE QUESTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THEY HAD A LONG DISCUSSION ON THE STATE OF OPINION ON THAT SUBJECT AND HE HAD DESCRIBED TO MINISTERS THE VARYING VIEWS WHICH WERE BEING EXPRESSED IN HONG KONG.
/+AS I .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
+ AS I SAID, IT IS TOO EARLY TO COME TO A CONCLUSION ON THIS,+ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG TO PARLIAMENT, HF SAID THE REPORT WOULD COVER THE CALENDAR YEAR THIS TIME AND WOULD APPEAR IN EARLY 1987.
+OF COURSE WE WOULD PUT INTO IT ALL THOSE ELEMENTS OF MOST INTEREST TO MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT,+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR WAS MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, AND THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.
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HK TEAM FOR GUANGDONG BORDER LIAISON MEETING X * * * M
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT, AT THE INVITATION OF THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES, THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD, AND A DELEGATION OF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, WILL VISIT GUANGDONG FROM DECEMBER 3 TO 6.
THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP IS TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF BORDER LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS. ANNUAL REVIEWS HAVE BEEN HELD SINCE THE SYSTEM OF BORDER LIAISON WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1981. THE LAST MEETING TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER 1985.
THE BORDER LIAISON SYSTEM PROVIDES FOR EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND CONTACT AT THE BORDER BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND THEIR GUANGDONG COUNTERPARTS.
IN ADDITION TO ATTENDING THE REVIEW MEETING, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL VISIT PLACES OF INTEREST IN GUANGDONG.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
8
IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING STRESSED * * * * *
WHILE CONTINUOUS INVESTMENT IN MODERN PRODUCTION PLANT AND EQUIPMENT IS ESSENTIAL, IT IS JUST AS IMPORTANT THAT THOSE WHO USE IT ARE TRAINED TO USE IT PROPERLY, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND WEST, MR YEUNG SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT EXERCISED AN INFLUENCE ON THOSE ORGANISATIONS WHICH PROVIDED TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS REPRESENTED ON THE COUNCILS OF THE TWO POLYTECHNICS, THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND ON MANY OF THE COMMITTEES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
+CONVERSELY, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER AND NOT A FEW PROMINENT SCIENTISTS AND TECHNOLOGISTS FROM THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS ARE MEMBERS OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES, WHICH ARE SERVICED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID.
+TO ENSURE A SUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF TRAINED MANPOWER, THE VTC CARRIES OUT BIENNUAL SURVEYS OF EACH INDUSTRY TO ASCERTAIN CURRENT EMPLOYMENT LEVELS, AND TO FORECAST THEIR REQUIREMENTS AT EACH LEVEL OF SKILL OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
+AS THE SURVEY IS USED PRIMARILY TO GUIDE THE VTC ON THE QUANTUM AND TYPE OF TRAINING ITS TECHNICAL INSTITUTES SHOULD BE PROVIDING AT OPERATIVE, CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS, THE INFORMATION REGARDING THE QUALITY OF TRAINING REQUIRED BY MANUFACTURERS AT TECHNOLOGIST LEVEL IS NOT SUFFICIENTLY COMPREHENSIVE.*
MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD WAS INCREASINGLY FOCUSSING ITS ATTENTION ON WHETHER TECHNOLOGISTS TRAINED BY THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS MET THE EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF EMPLOYERS ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING.
+AS A RESULT, THE RELEVANCE AND USEFULNESS OF MANPOWER TRAINING AT TECHNOLOGIST LEVEL ARE BEGINNING TO FEATURE PROMINENTLY IN THE INDUSTRY-BY-INDUSTRY, TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDIES COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ADVICE OF THE IDB,+ HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN SURPASSED BY ITS REGIONAL COMPETITORS IN THE APPLICATION OF TWO TYPES OF RAPIDLY EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY - THE USE OF APPLICATIONS SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS (ASIC) AND THE APPLICATION OF SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY (SMT).
+NEVERTHELESS, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS, ON THE STRONG ADVICE OF THE IDB, CONCEIVED AN EXPERIMENTAL SCHEME WHICH IS DESIGNED TO ACQUIRE ASIC TECHNOLOGY,* HE SAID.
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/9 ......
FRIDAY, NOVBtt^r ,:o, i9ofc
9 -
+THE SCHEME WOULD PROVIDE PRACTISING ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY AND THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO BE TRAINED ABROAD IN THE DESIGN OF ASIC, MAINLY AT THE TECHNOLOGICAL CENTRES CF THE WORLD’S LEADING SEMICONDUCTOR MULTINATIONALS.
♦IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SKILLS THEY ACQUIRE WOULD HELP INTRODUCE A MEASURE OF PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT AND INNOVATION.+
HE ADDED THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR THE SCHEME TO START IN 1987-88.
APART FROM MANPOWER TRAINING, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HELPED MANUFACTURERS TO ACHIEVE HIGHER LEVELS OF PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY THROUGH A RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
♦TO ENRICH HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INVESTMENT PROMOTION EFFORT ALSO TRIES TO ATTRACT TO HONG KONG OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS WHO MAKE PRODUCTS OR USE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES THAT ARE NEW TO THE TERRITORY.+
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CIVIC EDUCATION AWARENESS INCREASING *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION IN ORDER TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION TO FURTHER CEMENT THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
WITH RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF HONG KONG, PEOPLE WERE BECOMING MORE CONSCIOUS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CIVIC EDUCATION, HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AT THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL, MR HO SAID THAT APART FROM ISSUING THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S GUIDELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAD TAKEN ON THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION OUTSIDE SCHOOLS.
A COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION HAD BEEN SET UP TO CENTRALISE THIS PROMOTION WORK AND A TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON CIVIC EDUCATION HAD ALSO STARTED IN ALL DISTRICTS, HE SAID.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
10
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE WAS MAINLY TO STUDY, DISCUSS AND MAKE PROPOSALS ON THE OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF CIVIC EDUCATION. BESIDES, IT ALSO HELPED TO COORDINATE AND LIAISE WITH VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN PROMOTING GOOD CITIZENSHIP.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO AIMED AT ENCOURAGING ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY TO ACTIVELY PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND TO PARTICIPATE IN ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES, HE SAID.
FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, THE COMMITTEE RECEIVED $750 000 FROM GOVERNMENT FOR THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND FOR SUBSIDISING VARIOUS COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEMES.
MR HO NOTED THAT THE SCOPE OF CIVIC EDUCATION WAS VERY WIDE, EDUCATING PEOPLE TO BE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES ON THE ONE HAND, AND STRENGTHENING THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE TERRITORY ON THE OTHER.
+l BELIEVE THAT THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR IS ONLY A BEGINNING. THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO WORK VIGOROUSLY TO RAISE PEOPLE’S CIVIC AWARENESS,* HE SAID.
SINCE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN JULY, IT HAD RECEIVED FUNDS OF ABOUT $60 000 FROM THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD.
+l HOPE THAT ALL RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES AND ACT ACCORDING TO THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN SLOGAN — CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. WORK FOR YOUR COMMUNITY.* MR HO SAID.
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REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTS SUPPORTED
KOO
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) HE SUPPORTED THE REGISTRATION OF ARCHITECTS.
SPEAKING AT AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON MODERN BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA, MR BARNES SAID THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS HAD PROPOSED THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION THAT WOULD GIVE STATUTORY RECOGNITION TO THE STATUS OF ARCHITECTS AND THE NEED FOR APPROPRIATE PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE FOR THEM TO PRACTISE AS ARCHITECTS.
/+I FULLY........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
11
+ l FULLY SUPPORT THE CONCEPT OF REGISTRATION. IT IS TOTALLY CONSISTENT WITH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF SELF-REGULATION,+ HE SAID.
+IF STANDARDS WERE LEGALLY ESTABLISHED AND WERE CONTROLLED AT A HIGH LEVEL BY PROFESSIONAL BODIES, THEN THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO SPEND PUBLIC MONEY ON NON-PRODUCTIVE REGULATORY POLICING WOULD BE REDUCED.+
HOWEVER, HE SAID IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING STANDARDS WAS NOT EASY.
QUALIFYING STANDARDS NEEDED CONSTANT MONITORING, AND DISCIPLINING OF PROFESSIONALS WHO HAD FALLEN SHORT OF STANDARDS MUST BE EFFECTIVELY DONE AND, FOR THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PUBLIC, BE SEEN TO BE DONE.
STATUTORY REGISTRATION WAS ALSO A COMMON AIM OF THE ARCHITECTS’ PROFESSIONAL COLLEAGUES IN OTHER DISCIPLINES SUCH AS ENGINEERING, SURVEYING AND TOWN PLANNING, MR BARNES NOTED.
+AS SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IT IS MY AIM TO ENSURE THAT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE CONSISTENCY OF STANDARDS, QUALIFICATION AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES, FEES AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ASPECTS OF REGISTRATION BE ACHIEVED FOR ALL DISCIPLINES,* HE SAID.
+ l SAY CONSISTENCY, NOT IDENTITY, BUT EVEN THIS IS NOT AN EASY TASK, AND I FORESEE THE NEED FOR CONTINUAL COMMUNICATION AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND THE PROFESSIONAL BODIES TO ACHIEVE THIS.
+ l AM ALSO KEEN TO MAKE SURE THAT A +CLOSED SHOP* SYSTEM IS AVOIDED.*
PROFESSIONALS OF WHATEVER BACKGROUND, PROVIDED THEY HAD HAD PROVEN EQUIVALENT TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE, SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR REGISTRATION, HE SAID.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID AN ISSUE WHICH CONCERNED HIM WAS THAT THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE COVERED THE CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS, BUT DID NOT DEAL WITH THE INTERVENING PERIOD.
HONG KONG HAD A MASSIVE BUILDING STOCK IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, MUCH OF IT DEVELOPED TO MAXIMUM POTENTIAL, THEREBY REMOVING ANY INCENTIVE FOR RE-DEVELOPMENT.
IT WAS NOT THEREFORE LIKELY TO BE REPLACED FOR A VERY LONG TIME, BUT UNFORTUNATELY WITH MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP MAINTENANCE WAS OFTEN NOT CARRIED OUT PROPERLY, HE SAID.
/APART FROM
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
12 -
APART FROM THE UNDESIRABLE ENVIRONMENT CREATED BY LACK OF MAINTENANCE IT COULD LEAD TO PREMATURE STRUCTURAL DETERIORATION.
NEW LEGISLATION MIGHT BE REQUIRED TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION BY REQUIRING REGULAR MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATION OF SATISFACTORY CONDITION FOR OLDER BUILDINGS, NOT UNLIKE THE SYSTEM RECENTLY INTRODUCED FOR MOTOR VEHICLES.
+THIS IS AN AREA GOVERNMENT WILL BE LOOKING AT CLOSELY,+ HE SAID.
+l UNDERSTAND COUNTRIES SUCH AS SINGAPORE AND AUSTRALIA HAVE LAWS ON MAINTENANCE OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
+THESE MAY PROVIDE US WITH A USEFUL LEAD,+ HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID A MAJOR INNOVATION IN IMPROVING THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG WHICH WAS OF DIRECT INTEREST TO ARCHITECTS WAS THE SETTING UP OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
THE CORPORATION WOULD ENABLE MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE AND ACCELERATED RE-DEVELOPMENT OF OLDER URBAN AREAS WITH MORE COMPREHENSIVELY PLANNED AND BETTER CONSTRUCTED RENEWAL SCHEMES.
+THESE SCHEMES WILL REQUIRE ALL THE INGENUITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS OF THE ARCHITECTURAL PROFESSION TO OPTIMISE THE POTENTIAL OF EACH SITE AND TO PRODUCE BUILDINGS OF QUALITY OF WHICH HONG KONG AND CHINA CAN BE PROUD AS WE MOVE INTO THE 21ST CENTURY,+ MR BARNES SAID.
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MAJOR STRIDES MADE IN LEPROSY CONTROL
*****
MAJOR STRIDES HAVE BEEN MADE IN HONG KONG DURING THE PAST TWO DECADES IN THE CONTROL OF SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND LEPROSY, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SA ID TODAY (FR(DAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ASIAN DERMATOLOGICAL CONGRESS, DR THONG SAID THAT THERE WERE 78 NEW CASES IN 1976 COMPARED WITH 217 CASES IN 1965, A DECREASE OF TWO-THIRDS IN THE NUMBER OF INCIDENCES OR A DROP IN THE INCIDENCE RATE FROM 6.1 PER 100 000 TO 1.8 PER 100 000.
/THE SUCCESSFUL
FRIDAY, hOVQIBER 28, 1986
THE SUCCESSFUL CONTROL OF LEPROSY, WHICH WAS ONCE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANY MEDICAL AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS, RESULTED IN THE CLOSURE OF THE LEPROSARIUM IN 1976, HE SAID.
+BY 1985 THERE WERE ONLY 32 NEW CASES WITH AN EVEN LOWER INCIDENCE RATE OF 0.6 PER 100 000 POPULATION,+ HE ADDED.
DR THONG POINTED OUT THAT MULTI-DRUG THERAPY ON LEPROSY WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG IN 1977, WELL BEFORE THE RECOMMENDATION CF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, HAD PRODUCED PROMISING
RESULTS.
IN 1985, THE SOCIAL HYGIENE SERVICES, WHICH OPERATED CLINICS FOR SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES AND LEPROSY, HAD A TOTAL OF 116 000 ATTENDANCES.
ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF DERMATOLOGICAL SERVICES, DR THONG SAID ADDITIONAL CLINIC AND HOSPITAL FACILITIES WERE INCLUDED IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD UNDERGONE CONSIDERABLE EXPANSION AND DEVELOPMENT IN MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES DURING THE PAST DECADE.
A WIDE RANGE OF TREATMENT AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED THROUGH A NETWORK OF HOSPITALS, CLINICS AND MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRES, HE ADDED.
THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS IN THE TERRITORY HAD INCREASED FROM 18 561 IN 1975 TO 24 638 IN 1985 WHILE THE NUMBER OF CLINICS HAD INCREASED FROM 49 TO 64 DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
TODAY’S CONGRESS, WHICH WAS ATTENDED BY ABOUT 160 DELEGATES FROM 14 ASIAN COUNTRIES, ALSO MARKED THE INAUGURATION OF THE ASIAN DERMATOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION.
DR THONG CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR WISDOM AND HARD WORK IN BRINGING ABOUT ITb ESTABLISHMENT.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION ARE TO ENCOURAGE THE ADVANCEMENT OF DERMATOLOGY AND PROMOTE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION^ AMONG MEMBER COUNTRIES.
DR THONG SAID HE FELT THE ASSOCIATION WOULD PLAY *LL IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE BY PROVIDING A USEFUL FORUM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND THE LATEST ADVANCEMENT IN DERMATOLOGY AMONG DERMATOLOGISTS IN ASIA.
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/14........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
14
BILL PROPOSES INSURERS TO MAINTAIN HK BUSINESS ACCOUNTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO AMEND EXISTING LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE INSURERS CARRYING ON LONG TERM BUSINESS TO MAINTAIN ACCOUNTS IN RESPECT OF THEIR HONG KONG BUSINESS ONLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SAID THAT UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, INSURERS CARRYING ON LONG TERM BUSINESS IN HONG KONG ARE REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH A SEPARATE FUND FOR SUCH BUSINESS, ON A WORLDWIDE BASIS, AND MAINTAIN ACCOUNTS FOR IDENTIFYING THE ASSETS AND LIABILITIES OF THAT FUND.
+THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1986, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, SERVES TO EMPOWER THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO AUTHORISE AN OVERSEAS INSURER WHICH IS UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THAT SECTION TO MAINTAIN ACCOUNTS IDENTIFYING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ATTRIBUTABLE TO ITS LONG TERM BUSINESS CARRIED ON IN HONG KONG ONLY,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT HAD BEEN DRAWN UP AFTER CAREFUL DELIBERATION.
HE SAID THE MOST EFFECTIVE PROTECTION WOULD BE REQUIRING THE INSURER’S ASSETS REPRESENTING THE INSURER’S LIABILITIES TO THE POLICY HOLDERS TO BE LOCATED IN HONG KONG SO THAT, IN THE EVENT OF THE INSURER BEING WOUND UP, THE LIQUIDATOR COULD SECURE THESE ASSETS TO MEET THE INSURER’S LIABILITIES TO THE POLICY HOLDERS.
+DURING THE DELIBERATIONS LEADING TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE INSURANCE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN 1983, SUCH LOCALISATION OF ASSETS WAS HOWEVER CONSIDERED TO BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH HONG KONG’S OPEN ECONOMY AND FREE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT, AND NOT, GIVEN THE RELATIVE IMMATURITY OF HONG KONG’S CAPITAL MARKETS, IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE ORDINANCE, THEREFORE, HAS ADOPTED THE APPROACH OF A QUALIFIED PROTECTION IN THE FORM OF SECTION 22, WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY AN ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENT,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS QUALIFIED PROTECTION DEPENDED ON THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY’S VIGILANCE IN MONITORING THE FINANCIAL CONDITION OF AN INSURER AND THE Wl’DE DISCRETIONARY POWERS GIVEN TO HIM UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
+FOR INSTANCE, WHERE THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY HAS CAUSE FOR CONCERN OVER THE STABILITY OF A PARTICULAR INSURER, HE CAN EXERCISE HIS POWERS TO COMPEL THE INSURER CONCERNED TO MAINTAIN ASSETS IN HONG KONG SUFFICIENT TO MEET ITS DOMESTIC LIABILITIES AND TO HAVE THOSE ASSETS HELD ON THE INSURER’S BEHALF BY A TRUSTEE APPROVED BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY,* HE SAID.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 15 -
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT CERTAIN FOREIGN INSURERS WHOSE MAIN BUSINESS WAS OUTSIDE HONG KONG COULD NOT COMPLY WITH THE SECTION 22 REQUIREMENT BECAUSE OF THE LAW OF THEIR RESPECTIVE COUNTRIES OF INCORPORATION.
♦FULL COMPLIANCE WOULD ENTAIL EXTENSIVE CHANGES IN OR EVEN A TOTAL RESTRUCTURING OF THEIR ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS WHICH, IF DEEMED POSSIBLE, WOULD BE AN EXPENSIVE EXERCISE,* HE SAID.
♦THESE INSURERS, WHICH ARE WELL-ESTABLISHED AND OF HIGH INTERNATIONAL STANDING, MIGHT BE FORCED TO WITHDRAW FROM HONG KONG IF THEY HAVE TO ADOPT THEIR WORLDWIDE ACCOUNTING SYSTEM IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THE HONG KONG LEGISLATION,* HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD NOT ERODE THE EXTENT OF PROTECTION FOR HONG KONG POLICY HOLDERS.
HE SAID ACCOUNTS IDENTIFYING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE LONG TERM BUSINESS IN HONG KONG WOULD EQUALLY FACILITATE THE SECURING OF THE NECESSARY ASSETS BY THE INSURANCE AUTHORITY TO MEET THE INSURER’S HONG KONG LIABILITIES WHEN REQUIRED.
+WHILE THE PROPOSAL WOULD NOT PROVIDE IMPROVED PROTECTION FOR THOSE HONG KONG POLICY HOLDERS OF THE OVERSEAS INSURERS CONCERNED, PROTECTION WOULD HOWEVER BE ENHANCED GENERALLY THROUGH IMPROVED DIALOGUE WITH SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES OF THE RESPECTIVE COMPANIES’ COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN,* HE ADDED.
THE PROPOSAL HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE INSURANCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE LIFE INSURANCE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 10, 1986.
COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH AT ADMIRALTY CENTRE, HARCOURT ROAD, AND THE OMELCO OFFICE AT JACKSON ROAD.
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/16........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
16
AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS REVISED KOO
AMENDMENTS TO AN ORDER GOVERNING HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF AIRCRAFT USING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCTIONS) (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1986 WHICH EXTENDS THE PRESCRIBED AREAS, REDUCES THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED HEIGHT OF BUILDINGS IN SOME AREAS, AND INCREASES IT IN OTHER AREAS.
THE NEW ORDER WILL COME INTO OPERATION NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 1).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCTIONS) ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1957 TO PROVIDE FOR RESTRICTIONS ON BUILDING HEIGHTS REQUIRED FOR AIRCRAFT SAFETY.
THE ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED IN 1966 AND 1967 AND IN 1982. IT WAS CONSOLIDATED INTO THE HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCTIONS) (CONSOLIDATION) ORDER.
THE HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS PRESCRIBED HAVE BEEN BROADLY BASED ON INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO) STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, BUT ALSO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION TOPOGRAPHY AND EXISTING BUILDINGS. REVISIONS HAVE BEEN MADE FROM TIME TO TIME AS NECESSARY TO MEET CHANGING SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.
IN 1982, THE ICAO GUIDANCE MATERIAL ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLIGHT PROCEDURES WAS EXTENSIVELY REVISED.
+THIS, COUPLED WITH A NUMBER OF OTHER FACTORS SUCH AS THE NEED TO DETERMINE HEIGHT LIMITS FOR NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND AND THE NEED TO BRING INTO EFFECT RESTRICTIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF NEW RADIO-NAVIGATIONAL AIDS, INITIATED AN OVERALL REVIEW OF AIRPORT HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
+ ANY BUILDING WHICH EXISTED, OR PLANS FOR WHICH HAD BEEN APPROVED BEFORE DECEMBER 1, WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY EXEMPTED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE AMENDMENTS WILL MEAN THAT NEW LIMITS ARE MORE STRINGENT FOR PARTS OF SAI WAN HO, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHA KWO LING. WHEN NEW DEVELOPMENT OR RE-DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE IN THESE AREAS, THE CAPACITY WILL OBVIOUSLY BE REDUCED.
HOWEVER, IN SOME OTHER AREAS INCLUDING CHAI WAN, SIU SAI WAN AND LEI YUE MUN THE REVISED LIMITS WILL MEAN A RELAXATION AND GREATER DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE POSSIBLE.
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/17........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
17
TECHNICAL AMENDMENT TO DEFINITION OF +FOOD+ PROPOSED
*****
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1986 WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO BRING IN A PROPOSED TECHNICAL ALTERNATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEFINITION OF +FOOD+.
EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSED TECHNICAL AMENDMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SAID SECTION 2(B) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1986, WHICH PROVIDES CONTROL ON THE MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF BOTTLED WATER SOLD AS +MINERAL WATER+, WAS ENACTED IN MAY 1986 AND WILL COME INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 1987.
IT AMENDS THE DEFINITION OF +FOOD+ IN SECTION 2(1) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE BY MEANS OF A TEXTUAL ALTERATION.
+HOWEVER,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +SECTION 2(A) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1986, WHICH BANS THE IMPORT, MANUFACTURE AND SALE OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO PRODUCTS, WAS ENACTED TWO WEEKS AGO AND HAS ALREADY COME INTO OPERATION.+
+THIS HAS INSERTED A NEW DEFINITION OF +FOOD+ IN SECTION 2(1) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, AND THE TEXT OF THE NEW DEFINITION IS SUCH THAT IT RENDERS THE TEXTUAL ALTERATION MENTIONED ABOVE INAPPROPRIATE.*
+IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO AMEND SECTION 2(B) OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1986 TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEW DEFINITION OF +FOOD+ IN SECTION 2(1) OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AND FOR THE AMENDMENT TO BE MADE BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1987,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THIS WAS SIMPLY A TECHNICAL AMENDMENT WHICH DOES NOT CHANGE IN ANY WAY THE SUBSTANCE OF THE LEGISLATION RELATING TO THE CONTROL OF MINERAL WATER.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 3, 1986.
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/18........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 18 -
NEW FISH CULTURE ZONE DESIGNATED
*****
A NEW FISH CULTURE ZONE HAS BEEN DESIGNATED UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE AND SEVEN EXISTING ZONES HAVE BEEN REVISED.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW ZONE, COVERING 15 HECTARES AT YIM TIN TSAI (EAST), SHUEN WAN HOI, TAI PO, BRINGS TO 28 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ZONES ESTABLISHED FOR FISH CULTURE SINCE THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1982.
THE SEVEN REVISED ZONES ARE KAT 0, TAP MUN, KAU LAU WAN, SHAM WAN, LEUNG SHUEN WAN, TAI TAU CHAU AND CHEUNG SHA WAN. THE REVISION HAS RESULTED IN THEIR TOTAL AREA INCREASING FROM 28.2 HECTARES TO 37.5 HECTARES.
THE AGRICULTURE AND Fl SHIES DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES), DR CHRISTOPHER LEE, SAID THE NEW ZONE AT YIM TIN TSAI (EAST) WAS DESIGNATED PRIMARILY TO ACCOMMODATE MAR ICULTURI STS FROM YUNG SHUE AU FISH CULTURE ZONE WHO WERE AFFECTED BY A FISH KILL IN THE AREA LAST DECEMBER.
+OVER THE YEARS, REQUESTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM MAR ICULTURI STS TO EXPAND SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR ZONES. THE REVISION SHOULD BE ABLE TO CATER FOR UP TO 200 APPLICANTS ALREADY WAIT-LISTED FOR THESE ZONES,+ HE SAID.
DR LEE SAID THE DECISION TO DESIGNATE A NEW ZONE AND TO REVISE THE BOUNDARIES OF SEVEN ZONES WAS MADE AFTER CONSULTATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS.
HE SAID THAT FOUR CATEGORIES OF MAR ICULTURI STS WISHING TO APPLY FOR LICENCES TO PRACTISE MARINE FISH CULTURE IN THE NEW ZONE AT YIM TIN TSAI (EAST) WOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY CONSIDERATION. THEY AREi
* LICENSEES IN YUNG SHUE AU FISH CULTURE ZONE WHO PREVIOUSLY PRACTISED IN YIM TIN TSAI (EAST) BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE IN 1982;
* OTHER LICENSEES IN YUNG SHUE AU FISH CULTURE ZONE?
* LICENSEES FROM OTHER ZONES WHO PREVIOUSLY PRACTISED IN YIM TIN TSAI (EAST) BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE ; AND
* LICENSEES FROM OTHER ZONES WHO PREVIOUSLY PRACTISED ELSEWHERE IN TOLO HARBOUR BEFORE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE.
/ENQUIRIES ABOUT
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
19 -
ENQUIRIES ABOUT APPLICATION PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FISHERIES REGULATORY SECTION ON 3-7332186.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF MARICULTURI STS IN THE TAI PO AREA, A REGISTRATION CENTRE WILL BE SET UP AT THE FMO TAI PO WHOLESALE FISH MARKET AT YIM TIN TSAI, TAI PO, ON DECEMBER 3 AND 4, FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM TO PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES TO PRACTISE
THE NEW ZONE.
IN
------0-------
FORSGATE RE-APPOINTED KCRC CHAIRMAN * * * * *
A GAZETTE NOTICE TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF MR H.M.G. FORSGATE AS CHAIRMAN, AND OF MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN AND MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AS MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
THE RE-APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM DECEMBER 24, 1986.
THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CORPORATION ARE MR J.A. RICHARDSON, MR DAVID LI MR SAMUEL WONG PING-WAI, MR LAU WONG-FAT, THE SECRETARY TOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE CORPORATION.
------0-------
PREMISES SET ASIDE FOR WELFARE PROJECTS *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS RESERVED NINE PREMISES FOR WELFARE AGENCIES TO SET UP NURSERIES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
THE PREMISES WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN EIGHT NEW OR RE-DEVELOPED HOUSING ESTATES IN TUEN MUN, SHA TIN, TAI PO, TSUEN WAN, HUNG HOM, KWUN TONG AND IN A PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN CHAI WAN.
SIX WILL BECOME NURSERIES WHILE THE OTHER THREE WILL BE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
/THE SOCIAL ..........
I
1
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
20 -
THE SOCIAL CENTRES MEASURE ABOUT 170 SQUARE METRES AND THE NURSERIES RANGE FROM 234 TO 675 SQUARE METRES.
A LIST OF THE PREMISES HAS BEEN SENT TO WELFARE AGENCIES SO THAT THEY MAY APPLY TO OPERATE IN THEM. APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT BY DECEMBER 31.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED WELFARE AGENCIES THAT A SUCCESSFUL APPLICATION TO PROVIDE A PARTICULAR SERVICE DID NOT AUTOMATICALLY IMPLY THAT RECURRENT SUBVENTIONS OR A CAPITAL GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND WOULD BE FORTHCOMING.
+APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE MADE SEPARATELY AFTER THAY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE OUTCOME OF THE ALLOCATION.
+EACH CASE WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS,* HE SAID.
------0-------
ELDERLY TO. SHOW DANCING SKILLS KUO#
MORE THAN 300 ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL TAKE TO THE FLOOR WHEN THE HONG KONG DANCE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IS HELD AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
THE PARTICIPANTS, ALL AGED OVER 60, COME FROM SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HOMES FOR THE AGED, KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS AND ORGANISATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. THEY HAVE FORMED 35 TEAMS TO PERFORM CHINESE, FOLK, MODERN AND AEROBIC DANCES.
THE FESTIVAL WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO ENJOYING TRYING OUT THEIR SKILLS AT DANCING.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE BEST TEAMS.
THE FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LOK SIN TONG. IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ’KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, HOLY CARPENTER CHURCH MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE EVENT WILL BE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, REV PETER CHOW? CHAIRMAN OF LOK SIN TONG, MR LAU TAK; AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR NG KAI-KIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE HONG KONG DANCE FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY TO BEGIN AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE AT 1 PM ON SUNDAY.
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/21
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
21
FLYOVER ACROSS WATERLOO ROAD PLANNED *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD A FLYOVER ACROSS WATERLOO ROAD FROM YORK ROAD TO HEREFORD ROAD IN A PROJECT THAT WILL INCREASE TRAFFIC FLOW.
CONSTRUCTION IS DUE TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE FLYOVER WILL BE ABOUT 149 METRES LONG AND 6.71 METRES WIDE.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTION OF A MlNI-ROUNDABOUT AT THE JUNCTION OF HEREFORD ROAD AND RENFREW ROAD, RECONSTRUCT I ON OF YORK ROAD, HEREFORD ROAD AND A SECTION OF RUTLAND QUADRANT, AS WELL AS ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.
OBJECTIONS TO THE WORKS SHOULD BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY JANUARY 27.
- o-----------
FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS TO BE ISSUED
*****
pnoTDt?rw?FiF2eR. AL STAMPS FEATURING 19TH CENTURY HONG KONG PORTRAITS WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON DECEMBER 9.
THREE OF THE FOUR PORTRAITS DEPICTED IN THE STAMPS ARE HELD
ANDTSSASsHSl'<?"HK™tESR^R;?IoNA"D ™E F°TOTH 'S HELD BY ™E H0NGI<0NS
THE NEW STAMPS, IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30. tl 70 AND $5, WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT LEVEL 3 OF NEW TOWN PLAZA TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND SUNDAY.
IN SHA TIN
FROM DECEMBER 2 (TUESDAY), TWO OTHER DISPLAYS WILL THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL AND AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.
BE HELD AT POST OFFICE
ON SALE ON
°FFIE,AL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WILL GO ON SALE ON DECEMBER 2. ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST DAY TREATMENT OF THE COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM DECEMBER 2 TO DECEMBER 5 AT ALL POST OFFICES. THE MINIMUM QUANTITY PER ORDER IS FIVE.
/A POST .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
22
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ADVISED CUSTOMERS WHO WISH TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY TO MAKE USE OF THE ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, ON DECEMBER 9 FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU DATESTAMP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT S1O EACH AT DESIGNATED COUNTERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, TSIM SHA TSUI AND KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICES.
-------0 ---------
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO INDIA EXTENDED * * K * K
SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO INDIA WHICH IS PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TO B0MBAY’ CALCUTTA AND MADRAS WILL BE EXTENDED TO TEN ANNOUNCED TODAY? M°NDAY (DECEMBER A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN
THIS WILL BRING TO 14 THE NUMBER OF CITIES IN INDIA INrLiinFn IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG? HE SAID. INCLUDED ikinnDJHEi.l2r-C,T,ES ARE AHMEDABAD, BANGALORE, COCHIN, GUWAHATI INDORE, HYDERABAD, JAIPUR, KANPUR, PUNE AND VADODARA. ’
adc oc£BcI2c£R™RE2UIRING M0RE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE « aodeT services representatives
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/25........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 2? -
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BEGINS NEXT WEEK K M * X X
A LONG-RANGE SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE INVOLVING THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS THE ROYAL AIR FORCE AND ROYAL NAVY WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 2 TO 4.
THE OTHER DEPARTMENTS TAKING PART WILL INCLUDE THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
THE U.S. NAVY AND THE U.S. AIR FORCE WILL ALSO BE INVOLVED.
THE EXERCISE WILL PROVIDE CONTINUATION TRAINING AND FAMILIARISATION IN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES FOR AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STAFF OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, FOR AIRCREWS AND FOR STAFF OF THOSE EMERGENCY UNITS LIKELY TO BE INVOLVED IN SUCH OPERATIONS.
IT WILL ALSO SERVE TO TEST ALERTING PROCEDURES, CO-ORDINATION AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES.
THE EXERCISE WILL START WITH A SIMULATED INCIDENT INVOLVING AN AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
------o-------
TUEN MUN TA CHIU BEGINS TOMORROW
X X X X X
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TEN YEAR TA CHIU IN TUEN MUN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM IN THE TUEN MUN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TUEN CHI WAI VILLAGE ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN CHUNG YEE TONG TA CHIU COMMITTEE, THE TRADITIONAL TA CHIU ACTIVITY IS HELD EVERY 10 YEARS TO GIVE THANKS TO THE GODS AND TO PRAY FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR THE VILLAGERS.
ON SUNDAY, THERE WILL BE A LION AND DRAGON PARADE, WITH ABOUT 1 500 PARTICIPANTS. THE PARADE WILL COVER 12 VILLAGES IN TUEN MUN, AND WILL START FROM THE TUEN MUN PRIMARY SCHOOL AT 10 AM.
/CHINESE OPERA
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 24 -
CHINESE OPERA PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED NEXT MONTH TO ENTERTAIN VILLAGERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHUNG YEE TONG TEN YEAR TA CHIU OPENING CEREMONY AT 4 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE TUEN MUN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TUEN CHI WAI VILLAGE (OPPOSITE THE MUI FAT MONASTERY) IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD. THOSE WISHING TO USE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 2.30 PM AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER.
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SOUTHERN RESIDENTS TO TEST ENDURANCE
*****
MORE THAN
300 RESIDENTS WILL
AND DETERMINATION IN A LONG'D!STANCESRUNHALONQHONECOF SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S MOST SCENIC ROUTES ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
™E NINE-KILOMETRE RACE IN STANLEY HAS BEEN ORGANISED AS PART OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE RACE IS OPEN TO SOUTHERN RESIDENTS AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 45. THERE WILL BE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS.
RUNNERS WILL SET OFF FROM STANLEY SPORTS GROUND AT 10 AM. THE ROUTE WILL TAKE THEM ALONG STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD AND WONG MA KOK ROAD AND PAST STANLEY FORT. BEFORE RETURNING TO THE STARTING POINT.
FIRST A,D SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT CHECKPOINTS ALONG THE ROUTE•
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 10 RUNNERS HOME IN EACH SECTION. ALL THOSE WHO FINISH THE RACE WILL RECEIVE A SOUVENIR.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD; DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MR CHAN YAU-YUE, MR KEITH LAM, MR PAUL YOUNG, MR KO TAM-KAN, MR MIU WAH-CHUN, MR CHU YIU-WAH; AND STANLEY AND SHEK 0 AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LAW KWEI-CHUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL LONG DISTANCE RUN WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY AT THE STANLEY SPORTS GROUND, STANLEY NEW STREET.
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/25........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 25 -
1 000 TO JOIN FOLK DANCE RALLY
*****
A FOLK DANCE RALLY PROVIDING FREE ENTERTAINMENT FOR MORE THAN 1 000 DANCE ENTHUSIASTS IN MONG KOK DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AT MONG KOK STADIUM ON SUNDAY. IT WILL START AT 5 PM.
FIFTY INSTRUCTORS AND DANCERS FROM THE BUDLET FOLK DANCE CLUB WILL LEAD PARTICIPANTS IN VARIOUS WESTERN FOLK DANCES.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE EVENT WILL MARK THE CLOSING OF THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A DEMONSTRATION BY A MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM.
AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, SPECIAL AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO FOUR PEOPLE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS AND RECREATION IN THE DISTRICT.
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION, MR LAM KIN-MING; AND URBAN COUNCILLORS MR RONALD LEUNG AND MR CHAN KWOK-MING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT TO START AT 5 PM ON SUNDAY AT MONG KOK STADIUM.
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CARNIVAL TO CLOSE DISTRICT FESTIVAL
*****
AN EIGHT-HOUR CARNIVAL IN KENNEDY TOWN ON SUNDAY (November m ^.^CLUDE THE M0NTH-L°NG SECOND CEnITl mWE^RNSHtR^T^ rtSI I V AL.
STARTING AT 2 PM, A WIDE RANGE OF ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES WILL BE STAGED AT THE SAI NING STREET PLAYGROUND UNTIL 10 PM.
/ACTIVITIES INCLUDE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 26 -
DZDZ
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE DRAGON AND LION DANCES, ORIENTAL FOLK DANCE, SONGS BY POPULAR SINGERS, TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFT PERFORMANCES, MAGIC AND ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES, BICYCLE SKILL DEMONSTRATION, MARTIAL ART PERFORMANCE, COMPUTER GAMES, LUCKY DRAW AND STALL GAMES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE EXHIBITIONS ON WINNING ENTRIES OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL’S PHOTOGRAPHY, CALLIGRAPHY AND CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITIONS, AS WELL AS A DISPLAY OF VALUABLE HISTORICAL PICTURES OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT.
THREE FAMOUS PALMISTS WILL ALSO GIVE FREE READINGS AFTER 6.30 PM. THERE WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, WILL DOT THE EYES OF A DRAGON AND FOUR LIONS AT AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL.
TO ALLOW MORE RESIDENTS TO JOIN IN THE FUN, THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE HAS ARRANGED A FREE SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE TO PICK UP RESIDENTS FROM THREE DIFFERENT POINTS TO THE KENNEDY TOWN TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND.
BUSES WILL LEAVE FROM WORLDWIDE HOUSE IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, THE NORTHERN SECTION OF CENTRE STREET AT SAI YING PUN AND KWAN YICK BUILDING (PHASE 1) AT 430 CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, KENNEDY TOWN BEGINNING 1 PM.
THE SERVICE WILL RUN UNTIL 9.15 PM IN THE EVENING AT 30 MINUTES TO ONE HOUR INTERVALS.
FREE TICKETS FOR STALL GAMES AND LUCKY DRAW ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE. ENQUIRY CAN BE MADE ON 5-8170196.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE KENNEDY TOWN TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND, SAI NING STREET.
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/27........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
27
DISTRICT FESTIVAL CLOSES TOMORROW * * * * *
THE TWO-WEEK WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ’86 WILL CLOSE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING WITH A VARIETY SHOW AT THE TSZ WAN SHAN CENTRAL PLAYGROUND.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H.
CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO BEGIN THE SHOW AT 7.45 PM.
PERFORMERS WILL INCLUDE ROMAN TAM, THERESA CHEUNG, ROWENA CORTES, ANNABELLE LUI, CHEUNG WAI-KIN AND THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN S CHOIR.
THE VARIETY SHOW HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
A ONE-HOUR TELEVISION PROGRAMME ON THE VARIETY SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST BY TVB AT 8.30 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DI STR I CT FEST IVAL CLOSING VARIETY SHOW TO BEGIN AT 7.45 PM TOMORROW AT THE TSZ WAN SHAN CENTRAL PLAYGROUND IN WAI WAH STREET, TSZ WAN SHAN.
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MONTH-LONG TUEN MUN MlNI-OLYMPICS END H * X * *
THE MONTH-LONG TUEN MUN MlNI-OLYMPICS, FEATURING MINI-SOCCER, TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON, WILL END THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30) FOLLOWING INTENSIVE MATCHES AMONG TEAMS COMPRISING RESIDENTS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, VILLAGES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FINALS OF THE MINI-SOCCER COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND NEAR SAN FAT ESTATE. A DEMONSTRATION MATCH BETWEEN THE WINNING TEAM AND THE HONG KONG LADIES’ SOCCER TEAM WILL FOLLOW.
THERE WILL BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION AND CLOSING CEREMONY AT ABOUT 11 AM. OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE MEMBER 0Fr THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S TUEN MUN DISTRICT COMMITTEE, MR SIT HO-YIN, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TUEN MUN, MR RAYMOND FAN, SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER FOR NEW TERRITORIES WEST, MR HUI CHEE-CHUNG, AND POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, MISS CHAN LAI-TING.
/'THE COMMUNITY ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 28 -
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING SPORTS PROGRAMMES IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, TUEN MUN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION AND CLOSING CEREMONY AT 11 AM AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND IN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WILL ROAD-
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ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION FOR TSUEN WAN * * X K X
ANTI SMOKING EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO GIVE AN INSIGHT ON THE EFFECTS OF SMOKING TO HeSKS? THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM IN THE ?NALTsSENT!ANP^nLSDECAELMBEARD5? C°MMUNITY CENTRE AT 60 TAI HO ROAD THE YoSngIr^GE^rSt.O? ?NET^eJHWANM+ANSYCHeJeVWhIcH iJs™MpSeJ6 BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TSUEN WAN STRICT SfHCE.
STAFF FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO GIVE HEALTH ADVICE, WHILE ENTRIES OF AN ANTI-SMOKING POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION W|Ll ALSO BE DISPLAYED. rusftR
NOTE TO EDITORSi
AT 2 ^UPMRTOMoX!owD T° C°VER ™E 0PEN,NG CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION
Ml C. • JLJ ri’! IvrlUnnUW,
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/29........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
29
CARNIVAL ORGANISED FOR ELDERLY
*****
KV.AI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 30) AT 11 AM.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT RESPECT THE ELDERS 86 COMMITTEE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM KWAI CHING AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT TO BE HELD IN THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND, KWAI CHUNG.
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MAINS LAYING TO IMPROVE CENTRAL WATER SUPPLY *****
WATER MAINS WILL BE LAID IN CENTRAL DISTRICT TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY TO THE GARDEN ROAD PUMPING STATION AND SERVICE RESERVOIR TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND.
ABOUT 800 METRES OF 1 OOO-MILLIMETRE DIAMETER FRESH WATER AND 100 METRES OF SALT WATER MAINS WILL BE LAID ALONG HARCOURT ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE, THE NORTH-WESTERN BOUNDARY OF MURRAY BUILDING, CAR PARKING SPACES BENEATH COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER, THE BOTANICAL GARDENS AND UP TO THE PUMPING STATION.
ONE SECTION OF FRESH WATER MAINS WILL CROSS UNDERNEATH QUEENSWAY AND TO AVOID DISTURBANCE TO TRAFFIC WILL BE INSTALLED BY PIPE-JACKING TECHNIQUES.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT FEBRUARY AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/30........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
30
CHOIR TO ENTERTAIN ISLANDERS
K X K X X
THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL PRESENT A 75-MINUTE CONCERT FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOLS LIAISON COMMITTEE’S GET TOGETHER DAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM IN THE CARITAS COMMUNITY HALL IN CAINE ROAD, CENTRAL. ABOUT 1 000 STUDENTS FROM VARIOUS ISLANDS WILL ATTEND.
ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL WU, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONCERT OF THE ISLANDS SCHOOLS GET TOGETHER DAY TO BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW IN THE CARITAS COMMUNITY HALL, CAINE ROAD, CENTRAL.
- 0 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WESTERN X X X X X
TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK AT THE JUNCTION OF BELCHER’S STREET AND SANDS STREET, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMNETS WILL BE IN FORCE IN WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 1), FOR ABOUT 10 WEEKS. THEY ARE:
* BELCHER’S STREET BETWEEN SANDS STREET AND HOLLAND STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A PEAK-HOUR ( 7-10 AM AND 4-7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY. NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE ZONE FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
* NO VEHICLE EXCEEDING 10 METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF SANDS STREET SOUTH OF BELCHER’S STREET.
* SANDS STREET BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA AND BELCHER’S STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. VEHICLES ON THIS SECTION OF SANDS STREET WILL BE BANNED FROM PASSING THROUGH THE JUNCTION OF SNADS STREET AND BELCHER’S
STREET
X THE METERED PARKING SPACES IN HOLLAND STREET, AND THREE GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES IN HAU WO STREET WITH METER NO. 3933S AND 3934A AND B WILL BE SUSPENDED.
A THE BUS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
- 31
* THE BUS TERMINI OF CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES 105 AND 113 WILL BE RESITED FROM SANDS STREET TO HOLLAND STREET. ON THEIR KOWLOON-BOUND JOURNEYS, THEY WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA HOLLAND STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA BEFORE REJOINING QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.
* CMB ROUTE 77 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA HOLLAND STREET, KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND BELCHER’S STREET ON JOURNEYS TO ABERDEEN.
X THE TERMINUS OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 23 WILL BE RESITED FROM HOLLAND STREET TO HAU WO STREET.
ON JOURNEY TO KENNEDY TOWN, MINIBUSES ON THIS ROUTE WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA POKFIELD ROAD, SMITHFIELD, BELCHER’S STREET, CADOGAN STREET, CATCHICK STREET, DAVIS ROAD AND HAU WO STREET.
ON JOURNEYS TO POK FU LAM, MINIBUSES WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA HAU WO STREET, SMITHFIELD AND POKFIELD ROAD.
IN ADDITION, NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ON SANDS STREET SOUTH OF BELCHER’S STREET WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO WESTBOUND BELCHER’S STREET. THIS MEASURE, HOWEVER, WILL BE IN FORCE FOR SIX WEEKS ONLY.
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FLYOVER CLOSED, CAR PARK SUSPENDED UKOK
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 1) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINTENANCE WORK.
THE FLYOVER WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 10 PM ON DECEMBER 2 TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
MOTORISTS ON WESTBOUND GASCOIGNE ROAD HEADING FOR NORTHBOUND FERRY STREET SHOULD USE THE GROUND LEVEL ROADS VIA GASCOIGNE ROAD, KANSU STREET AND FERRY STREET.
FROM 10 AM ON DECEMBER 1 TO 5 PM ON DECEMBER 5, THE PAK SHA WAN CAR PARK IN SAI KUNG WILL BE SUSPENDED TO ENABLE RESURFACING WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
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/32........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1986
32
FRESH, SALT WATER CUTS * * *
FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLIES TO SOME PREMISES IN TAI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 1) TO 3 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM WONG Yl AU TO TA I PO KAU, INCLUDING WONG Yl AU, MEI WOON SAN TSUEN, YIN TZE LANE, STRAFFORD HOUSE, TAI PO KAU, TAI PO KAU SAN WAI, LOOKOUT LANE AND ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HE'S ATTRACTION REFLECTED IN IMMIGRATION WORKLOAD........... 1
PROPER ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE EMPHASISED ............. 2
GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR PEKING ON MONDAY....................... 3
TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS COMPATIBLE WITH NEW TOWN GROWTH......... 4
ROLE OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PRAISED ...................... 4
$85 OOO PAID FOR CAR NO. DK88............................... 5
EXPERTS TO DISCUSS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ....................... 6
FESTIVAL ENDS ON SUCCESSFUL NOTE............................ 7
STUDENTS’ MURALS HELP CIVIC EDUCATION ...................... 8
STUDENTS TO FOCUS ON COMMERCE .............................. 9
FOOTBRIDGES TO BE BUILT ACROSS WATERLOO ROAD................ 10
SHA TIN RESIDENTS LEARN ABOUT LEADERSHIP ................... 11
T1TTPATTS OF FUND DISTRIBUTION FOR VTCTE4S ................. 11
MARATHON TO BE HELD IN SHAM SHUT PO ........................ 12
ISLANDS STUDENTS ENTERTAINED AT CONCffiT.................... 13
SHAM SHUI PO TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR CABLE LAYING................ 13
CLOSURE OF HARBOUR VIEW STREET ............................. 13
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
1
HK’S ATTRACTION REFLECTED IN * * * * *
IMMIGRATION WORKLOAD
PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND TO
HONG KONG’S ATTRACTION AS A GOOD ------ _ ADC
DO BUSINESS AND THE INCREASING PROSPERITY OF LOCAL PEOPLE, ARE REFLECTED" I fl THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S WORKLOAD, THE GOVERNOR SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SERVICE’S SILVER JUBILEE PARADE, SIR EDWARD SAID THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED NEARLY 1.3 MILLION APPLICATIONS FOR VISAS AND EXTENSIONS OF STAY AND ISSUED MORE THAN 870 000 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS IN 1985.
HE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE WAY IN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED TO A VERY RAPID INCREASE IN BUSINESS WITH A CHEERFUL ACCEPTANCE OF A GREATER CASELOAD, AND NO LOSS OF EFFICIENCY OR COURTESY.
OUTLINING THE HISTORY OF THE HONG KONG IMMIGRATION SERVICE, SIR EDWARD EXPLAINED THAT A FORM OF IMMIGRATION CONTROL WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG IN 1923.
+BUT IT WAS ONLY IN THE EARLY 195O’S, IN THE FACE OF A SUSTAINED FLOW OF IMMIGRANTS INTO HONG KONG, THAT A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF CONTROLS WAS ESTABLISHED, WITH THE AIM OF LIMITING THE INFLUX OF NEW POPULATION TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS,+ HE SAID.
AS THE PROBLEMS OF ENFORCING IMMIGRATION CONTROLS BECAME MORE COMPLEX, IT WAS DECIDED THAT A SEPARATE IMMIGRATION SERVICE, WITHIN A NEW IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO TAKE OVER THE WORK FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WAS FORMED.
THE DEPARTMENT CAME INTO BEING ON AUGUST 4, 1961, WITH A STRENGTH OF 201 MEN AND WOMEN, OF WHOM 73 WERE MEMBERS OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE.
+FROM THIS SMALL BEGINNING, THE DEPARTMENT HAS GROWN INTO A MODERN AND EFFICIENT ORGANISATION WITH A STAFF OF ALMOST 5 □□□, OF WHOM ABOUT HALF ARE MEMBERS OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
+IT HAS ALSO TAKEN ON WORK BEYOND IMMIGRATION CONTROL, FOR EXAMPLE THE ISSUING OF IDENTITY CARDS AND THE REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, MARRIAGES AND DEATHS.*
HOWEVER, HONG KONG HAD CHANGED ITS IMMIGRATION CONTROL PROCEDURES CONSIDERABLY SINCE 1961.
+THE AIM HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO ALLOW VISA-FREE ENTRY FOR AS MANY TOURISTS AND BUSINESS VISITORS AS POSSIBLE,* BUT SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THE TASK WAS FAR FROM EASY.
/aij p.nnaiATioN.......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
2
AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER WAS EXPECTED TO ASSESS WITHIN A MATTER OF SECONDS WHETHER OR NOT THE TRAVELLER IN FRONT OF HIM WAS COMING TO HONG KONG FOR THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH HE CLAIMED? WHETHER HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT WAS GENUINE OR FORGED; AND WHETHER HE WAS A LAW ABIDING TRAVELLER.
SIR EDWARD SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S SUCCESS AT IDENTIFYING WHO SHOULD PASS AND WHO SHOULD NOT, WHILE MAINTAINING A COURTEOUS AND EXPEDITIOUS SERVICE FOR TRAVELLERS WHO NOW NUMBERED 40 MILLION A YEAR, HAD BROUGHT IT WELL DESERVED CREDIT.
TURNING TO FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT A NEW AND MUCH NEEDED IMMIGRATION TERMINAL WOULD COME INTO OPERATION ■AT LO WU NEXT JANUARY; ANOTHER NEW CONTROL POINT WOULD BE READY ,FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AT LOK MA CHAU IN 1988; AND A TERMINAL FOR VESSELS PLYING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WAS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
+THESE NEW FACILITIES WILL BE COMPLEMENTED BY A NEW CONTROL SYSTEM USING COMPUTERS, TO BE INTRODUCED IN PHASES FROM NEXT MAY. IT WILL EVENTUALLY COVER ALL IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS,+ HE ADDED.
SIR EDWARD STRESSED THAT THE DEPARTMENT FACED A BUSY AND CHALLENGING FUTURE.
+1 AM CONFIDENT THAT YOU WILL MEET THAT CHALLENGE WITH THE SAME PROFESSIONALISM, DETERMINATION AND INITIATIVE THAT YOU HAVE SHOWN SINCE 1961,+ HE ADDED.
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PROPER ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE EMPHASISED
*****
A PROPER ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO GROW, DEVELOP AND MATURE MUST BE MAINTAINED AS THE FUTURE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY LARGELY FALLS ON THEIR SHOULDERS. THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS SELECTION AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY 1986, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG, WITH ITS MIXTURE OF RACES AND BUBBLING VIVACITY, OFFERED PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR TALENTS AND POTENTIAL.
/+WE HAVE ......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
+WE HAVE TO BUILD, AND GO ON BUILDING, THIS GREAT CITY OF OURS. HONG KONG HAS NO PLACE FOR THE FAINT-HEARTED AND THE UNCOMMITTED,* HE SAID.
SIR DAVID COMPLIMENTED EACH AWARD RECIPIENT FOR PURSUING THEIR GOALS AND DREAMS THROUGH DETERMINATION, PERSEVERANCE, GOOD FAITH AND A SPIRIT OF VENTURE.
HE ADDED THAT IN THE PROCESS THEY HAD BUILT UP SELF-CONFIDENCE AND INSPIRED THE SAME AMONG THOSE AROUND THEM IN THE SEARCH FOR EXCELLENCE.
SIR DAVID PRAISED THE LATEST PROJECT OF THE TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS ASSOCIATION’S RECOMMENDING BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS AS A FINE EXAMPLE OF HOW TOGETHER THESE ELITES COULD CREATE AN IMPACT AND PROMOTE GOOD READING HABITS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE TO COUNTERACT THE DISTRACTIONS AND TEMPTATIONS OF A BEWILDERING SOCIETY.
♦CONFIDENCE AND COMMITMENT ARE OUR WATCHWORDS AND AS THE TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS ASSOCIATION GROWS IN STRENGTH IT WILL SERVE AS A LEADING LIGHT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,* SIR DAVID SAID.
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GOVERNOR LEAVING FOR PEKING ON MONDAY H K X X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE WILL LEAVE FOR PEKING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 1) AS GUESTS-OF-HONOUR OF A HIGH-LEVEL ECONOMIC AND TRADE MISSION OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
WHILE IN PEKING, SIR EDWARD WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF TDC’S PEKING OFFICE ON DECEMBER 2 AND THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCT EXHIBITION ON DECEMBER 3. THEY WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 5).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE WILL TAKE FLIGHT CA1O2, ETD 12.10 PM. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THEIR DEPARTURE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM BY 11.20 AM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
4
TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS COMPATIBLE WITH NEW TOWN GROWTH
*****
AS THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS INCREASES, GREAT EMPHASIS IS BEING PLACED ON OBSERVING TRADITIONAL CUSTOMS AND RITES, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT THROUGH VARIOUS RELIGIOUS RITES, PEOPLE WERE MORE APPRECIATIVE OF THE BEAUTY OF FOLK ARTS AND HAD A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF ITS HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND TRADITIONAL VALUES.
MR SELBY WAS SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR
THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE
TA CHIU CEREMONY ORGANISED BY THE CHUNG YEE TONG TA CHIU COMMITTEE
IN TUEN MUN. DR HAYES WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND DUE TO INDISPOSITION.
MR SELBY SAID IN TUEN MUN SEVERAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS WERE BEING CARRIED OUT TO SERVICE A MODERN AND SELF-SUFFICIENT NEW TOWN.
A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES WOULD COME ON STREAM WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW TOWN HALL, PHASE TWO OF THE TOWN PARK, AN INDOOR GAMES CENTRE, THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, AS WELL AS THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT WHICH WOULD START OPERATION IN 1988.
ACCOMPANIED BY CHAIRMAN OF THE TA CHIU COMMITTEE, MR TANG TUNG-CHIU, MR SELBY PERFORMED A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY AND THE EYE-DOTTING OF A DRAGON.
THE TRADITIONAL TA CHIU ACTIVITY, HELD ONCE EVERY TEN YEARS TO APPEASE THE GODS AND TO PRAY FOR PEACE AND PROSPERITY FOR THE VILLAGERS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A GRAND-SCALE LION AND DRAGON DANCE PARADE, IN 12 VILLAGES IN TUEN MUN TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
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ROLE OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PRAISED
*****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FORMS AN EFFECTIVE ARM OF THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS ENDEAVOUR TO FIGHT CRIME, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CENTRAL AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE, DR HO KAM-FAI, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPEN DAY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, DR HO SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORTS TO CONSTANTLY REVIEW ITS STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMMES TO INCLUDE THE LATEST TECHNIQUES IN REHABILITATING OFFENDERS.
3ATRUDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
♦INCREASING EMPHASIS IS PLACED ON REHABILITATION AND ON PREPARING OFFENDERS FOR THEIR RETURN TO THE COMMUNITY,* DR HO SAID.
+THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS STRIVING TO ATTAIN THIS GOAL THROUGH OCCUPATIONAL AND MORAL TRAINING WITHIN A DISCIPLINED SETTING,* HE ADDED, NOTING THAT THE OPEN DAY PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO SEE HOW THE DEPARTMENT ACHIEVED ITS OBJECTIVES.
THE OPEN DAY ENABLES THE DEPARTMENT TO SHOW THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TRAINING AND CORRECTIONAL WORK UNDERTAKEN BY ITS STAFF IN ADMINISTERING VARIOUS PROGRAMMES IN DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS.
THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE WAS FOUNDED IN 1968, AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPING THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
EXPANDED IN 1983, IT PROVIDES INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR SIMULATED AND SITUATIONAL TRAINING, INCLUDING COURT PROCEDURES, HOME NURSING, COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS.
NEW RECRUITS ATTEND A COMPREHENSIVE SIX-MONTH COURSE WHICH COVERS ELEMENTS FROM PSYCHOLOGY, CRIMINOLOGY, SOCIAL WORK TO FOOT-DRILL, WEAPONRY, RIOT CONTROL TECHNIQUES AND SELF-DEFENCE.
ADVANCED TRAINING AND SPECIALIST COURSES ARE ALSO CONDUCTED FROM TIME TO TIME TO PROMOTE SENIOR OFFICERS’ PROFESSIONALISM AND KEEP THEM ABREAST OF CORRECTIONAL TRENDS.
$85 000 PAID FOR CAR NO. DK88 KOK
TH|RTY-SIX SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR $671 000 THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY.
NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY WHICH WILL GO INTO
THE AUCTION HELD AT RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL SAWTHE REGISTRATION NUMBER DK88 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $85 000.
ANOTHER NUMBER DK600 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $70 000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1 000 FOR DK 1961.
/oniiji ;:ieoial.........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
$
OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS SOLD WERE:
S $
AJ668 33 000 DK328 48 000 BB8787 16 000
AK9800 4 000 DK10 50 000 DK1698 10 000
DK1OOO 12 000 DJ8328 10 000 DK3188 6 000
DJ7773 2 000 BY902 7 000 A JI 10 16 000
DK786 10 000 DK80 65 000 DK2663 7 000
AY12O 11 000 CT110 12 000 AY111 21 000
DK149 6 000 CL7988 3 000 DK318 17 000
DK278 8 000 DK500 25 000 DK877 16 000
AK8787 11 000 DJ9O12 2 000 1736 25 000
DK1932 3 000 DK7228 5 000 DK983 11 000
RM278 9 000 XX1882 16 000 DK108 18 000
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 1O9TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO S4O 438 832.
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EXPERTS TO DISCUSS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
*****
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION (CISAP) WILL HOLD A FORUM ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 2).
THE TOPIC TO BE DISCUSSED I Si IN WHAT WAY MAY INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BE OF BENEFIT TO ME?
/the regional .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
- 7 -
THE REGIONAL ADVISER ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH OF
THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION, MR WENYI FU, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THERE WILL BE MORE THAN 180 PARTICIPANTS. THEY WILL INCLUDE EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND WORKERS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS FACTORY INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE FORUM WILL GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY TO FOSTER SAFETY AWARENESS IN INDUSTRY.
THE CISAP WAS SET UP IN 1978 WITH AN INTENTION THAT IT SHOULD EVOLVE INTO A STATUTORY BODY WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROMOTING OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
IT COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF MAJOR EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND WORKERS’ UNIONS, ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS, AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
IT HAS BEEN ACTIVE IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE FORUM WILL BEGIN IN THE BALLROOM OF VICTORIA HOTEL, CONNAUGHT ROAD, AT 6 PM ON TUESDAY. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.
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FESTIVAL ENDS ON SUCCESSFUL NOTE
* * * *
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ’86 WAS BROUGHT TO A SUCCESSFUL CLOSE THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING WITH A VARIETY SHOW ATTENDED BY 3 000 PEOPLE.
SPEAKING BEFORE THE SHOW BEGAN, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, PRAISED THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR ITS HARD WORK IN MAKING THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL A SUCCESS.
THE FESTIVAL WAS THE LARGEST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITY EVER STAGED IN THE DISTRICT.
/MR CHAU .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
- 8 -
MR CHAU ALSO PRAISED THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT GIVEN BY ORGANISATIONS AND AREA COMMITTEES. HE URGED RESIDENTS TO MAINTAIN THE HEIGHTENED COMMUNITY SPIRIT THAT THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL HAD GENERATED.
THE AUDIENCE ENJOYED PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS ROMAN TAM, THERESA CHEUNG, ROWENA CORTES, ANNABELLE LUI AND CHEUNG WAI-KIN. IN ADDITION, THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR SANG THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL THEME SONG.
A ONE-HOUR PROGRAMME ON THE VARIETY SHOW WILL BE SHOWN ON TVB AT 8.30 PM TOMORROW FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WHO COULD NOT ATTEND.
AS PART OF THE CLOSING ACTIVITIES, A FREE COMMUNITY MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL TOMORROW, BEGINNING AT 8 PM. THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY CHINESE MUSIC INSTRUCTORS FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE.
GUESTS AT THE CONCERT WILL INCLUDE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NICHOLAS YEK ; CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG • PRES I DENT OF THE COMMITTEE, MR LAM SUI-LUNG. AND VICE-PRESIDENT, MR MA WING-FUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL COMMUNITY MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS CONCERT TO BE HELD AT 8 PM TOMORROW AT LOK SIN TONG WONG CHUNG MING SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 161, LOK SIN ROAD, SAN PO KONG.
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STUDENTS’ MURALS HELP CIVIC EDUCATION *****
ONE HUNDRED STUDENTS FROM 17 SCHOOLS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TODAY (SATURDAY) DEMONSTRATED THEIR CREATIVITY AND ARTISTIC SKILLS IN A MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE COMPETITION WAS HELD OUTSIDE THE KELLETT BAY PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT SITE, AT THE JUNCTION OF WAH FU ROAD AND SHEK PAI WAN ROAD, AS PART OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
/eleven teams.......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
ELEVEN TEAMS IN THE PRIMARY SECTION AND NINE TEAMS IN THE SECONDARY SECTION USED BOLD COLOURS TO PRESENT DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE THEME OF CIVIC EDUCATION ON THE HOARDINGS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL’S MURAL PAINTING COMPETITION WORKING GROUP MR JOSEPH CHAN, SAID THE AIM WAS TO STIMULATE CREATIVITY, ENCOURAGE TEAM WORK AND INSTIL THE CORRECT CONCEPT OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
HE SAID THE PAINTED HOARDINGS WOULD REMAIN AT THE HOUSING SITE DURING CONSTRUCTION BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT AND REMINDING RESIDENTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
ASSISTANT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS OLIVIA NIP, NOTED THAT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WAS HELD IN CONNECTION WITH THE DISTRICT’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. THE WIDE-RANGING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED SHOULD BE ABLE TO SPREAD THE CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGE TO EVERY CORNER OF THE DISTRICT.
PRIZES WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE VARIOUS CIVIC EDUCATION COMPETITIONS HELD EARLIER IN THE POK FU LAM AND WAH FU AREAS.
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STUDENTS TO FOCUS ON COMMERCE ¥■ M H
SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE ANNUAL COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS PROJECT COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE SOCIETY IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
AIMED AT AROUSING THE INTEREST OF STUDENTS IN BUSINESS ACTIVITIES, THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION IS +COMMERCE AND CIVIC EDUCATION*.
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO FORM 4 AND 5 STUDENTS WHO ARE TAKING ONE OR MORE OF THE COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS AND FORM 6 AND 7 STUDENTS TAKING PRINCIPLES OF ACCOUNTS AND/OR BUSINESS STUDIES.
ENTRIES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SEVEN GROUPS WITH TITLES RELATED TO DIFFERENT BUSINESS ACTIVITIES. THE TITLES WERE CHOSEN TO REFLECT PART OF THE CONTENTS OF THE COMMERCE SYLLABUS AS WELL AS THE RECOMMENDATION IN THE +GUI DELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS*.
/ENTRIES........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
- W -
ENTRIES MAY BE PRESENTED IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH AND IN THE FORM OF ESSAYS, MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHS, DRAWINGS, SLIDES AND SOUND TAPES OR A COMBINATION OF THESE METHODS.
PRIZES IN CASH AND CERTIFICATES OF MERIT WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST ENTRY IN EACH GROUP.
ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 523, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, BY MARCH 16. COMPLETED PROJECTS SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT NOT LATER THAN MAY 1.
FOOTBRIDGES TO BE BUILT ACROSS WATERLOO ROAD
K * * * *
COVERED 34-METRE FOOTBRIDGES ROAD, AT DERBY ROAD AND AT DURHAM PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS.
WILL BE BUILT OVER WATERLOO ROAD, TO PROVIDE GRADE-SEPARATED
THE FOOTBRIDGE AT DERBY ROAD WILL HAVE SPECIALLY DESIGNED RAMPS TO ASSIST PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS. STAIRCASES ARE TO BE BUILT AT THE DURHAM ROAD FOOTBRIDGE.
WHEN THE FOOTBRIDGES ARE IN USE, THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS ON WATERLOO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTIONS WITH LANCASHIRE ROAD AND DURHAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. THIS WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
A DAMAGED SECTION OF LANCASHIRE ROAD BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND OXFORD ROAD WILL ALSO BE RECONSTRUCTED.
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING THE FOOTBRIDGES. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY AND TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
11
SHA TIN RESIDENTS LEARN ABOUT LEADERSHIP
* X X KK
A SEVEN-DAY DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS SCHEME HELD AT THE WU KAI SHA CAMP WILL CLOSE WITH A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE SCHEME WAS ORGANISED BY THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS WORKING GROUP UNDER THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD. THE AIM WAS TO FOSTER AN AWARENESS OF POLITICAL KNOWLEDGE AMONG SHA TIN RESIDENTS.
+A LARGE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS AND OFFICE-BEARERS FROM THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY SHOW INTEREST AND PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMP EVERY YEAR,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID.
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS GAVE TALKS ON TOPICS THAT INCLUDED THE DISTRICT BOARD ORGANISATION AND ITS FUNCTION, HONG KONG’S POLITICAL STRUCTURE, CIVIC RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITIES AND THE ROLE OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN SHA TIN.
THE 70 PARTICIPANTS WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY. SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LEO KWAN WING-WAH, WILL OFFICIATE.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS SCHEME CLOSING CEREMONY AT 3 PM AT WU KAI SHA CAMP. A COACH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE KCRC GOVERNMENT CAR PARK. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE THERE 2 PM.
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DETAILS OF FUND DISTRIBUTION FOR VICTIMS
*****
THE FUND-RAISING GROUP FOR THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS OF THE FUR FACTORY ACCIDENT IN KWAI CHUNG WILL MEET THE MEDIA AT 11 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 1) TO ANNOUNCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE REMAINING Si MILLION DONATION.
ABOUT S42O 000 FROM THE FUND HAD SO FAR BEEN PAID TO VICTIMS OR THEIR FAMILIES THROUGH THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
/TIIE EIGHT-MEMBER
SATURDAY, HCVIMSR 29, 1986
- 12 -
THE EIGHT-MEMBER FUND RAISING GROUP, WITH THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER AS ADVISER, WAS SET UP UNDER THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OF THE EXPLOSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICE (NEXT TO THE KWAI HING MTR STATION), 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
MARATHON TO BE HELD X * X
IN SHAM SHUI PO X X
A ROUND-THE-DI STR I CT MARATHON WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING IN SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT TO START OFF THE NAM SHAN AND YAU YAT TSUEN SUB-DISTRICT DAY.
IT WILL START AT 8 AM FROM NAM SHAN ESTATE BASKETBALL GROUND TO YAU YAT TSUEN AND BACK VIA TAI HANG SAI ESTATE, TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE, AND TAT CHEE AVENUE.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A TUG-OF-WAR TOURNAMENT AFTER THE MARATHON.
THE SUB-DISTRICT DAY IS ONE OF THE 52 PROGRAMMES OF THE 1986 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL. OTHER EVENTS TO BE HELD TOMORROW INCLUDE THE SHAM SHUI PO CROSS-COUNTRY RALLY AT THE KAM SHAN 1 COUNTRY PARK . THE NAM CHEONG EAST CARNIVAL AT MAPLE STREET ‘'PLAYGROUND- A CANTONESE OPERA SHOW AT THE LAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL } 'THE SO UK VARIETY SHOW AT PAK HOP SQUARE .AN INTER-SCHOOL CHESS COMPETITION AT SHAM SHUI PO KAI FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION PRIMARY (SCHOOL- AND A MINI SOCCER TOURNAMENT AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1986
13
ISLANDS STUDENTS ENTERTAINED AT CONCERT * * *
ABOUT 1 OOO STUDENTS FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WERE THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON ENTERTAINED AT A CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR IN CENTRAL.
THE CONCERT WAS ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOLS LIAISON COMMITTEE WITH THE AIM OF ENHANCING CULTURE AMONG STUDENTS OF RURAL ISLANDS.
ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MICHAEL WU, SAID EFFORTS BY THE SCHOOLS LIAISON COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AMONG SCHOOLS WERE COMMENDABLE. HE ALSO PRAISED SCHOOL HEADMASTERS FOR IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.
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SHAM SHIH PO TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR CABLE LAYING * * * *
THE SECTION OF CHEUNG LAI STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO BETWEEN CHEUNG YEE STREET AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD WILL BE REROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TOWARDS LAI CHI KOK ROAD FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THE MEASURE IS FOR CABLE LAYING WORK IN THE AREA AND WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
MOTORISTS ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD HEADING FOR THE CHEUNG SHUN STREET INDUSTRIAL AREA SHOULD USE CHEUNG MOU STREET OR TAI NAN WEST STREET INSTEAD OF CHEUNG LAI STREET.
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CLOSURE OF HARBOUR VIEW STREET
*****
TO ALLOW ENGINEERING WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT AT A FOOTBRIDGE, THE SECTION OF HARBOUR VIEW STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT PLACE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON DECEMBER 2 (TUESDAY), ?, 4 AND 5.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER }0, 1986
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPOSALS ON DB MEMBER ALLOWANCE TO GO TO F.C. - CS.... 1
DEDICATION OF ST. JOHN BRIGADE MEMBERS LAUDED.............. 1
MORE YOUTH CENTRES SET UP IN NEW TOWNS..................... 2
REGISTRATION OF SAFETY OFFICERS BEGINS .................... 3
TRADITION ^ND TECHNOLOGY TEAM UP IN SHn TIN ............... 5
APPLICATION FOR RABBIT COINS STARTS TOMORROW .............. 8
QUARTERLY FOCUSSES ON PROPER DRIVING BEHAVIOUR ............ 8
MUSIC FINDS WIDER AUDIENCE IN NT ........................ 9
AWARDS FUR THREE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS .................. 10
VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT PRAISED ........................ 12
GIVE WAY AT ’WIG-WAG* SIGNAL, MOTORISTS TOLD.............. 12
CLAMPDOWN ON ILLEGAL BILLS POSTING ....................... 1?
LONG-DISTaNCE RUN HELD IN STANLEY .....................
FOLK DaNCE Rally CLOSES SPURTS FORTNIGHT................. I1*
CARNIVAL CLOSES MONTH-LONG DISTRICT FESTIVE .............. 15
LANGUAGE SEMINARS FOR SCHOOL HEJiDS ...................... 16
DB MEMBERS TO MEET SCHOuL PRINCIPALS...................... 16
FREE FILM SHOW FOR NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS............... 17
WONG TAI SIN MINIBUS SERVICE EXTENDED..................... 17
RESTRICTED ZONES IN HOK YUEN STREET ...................... 17
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1986
1
PROPOSALS ON DB MEMBER ALLOWANCE TO GO TO F.C. - CS
* * X * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PUTTING PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE ADJUSTMENT OF ALLOWANCE FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE ANNUAL PARADE OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE AT SOUTH CHINA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION STADIUM, SIR DAVID HOWEVER NOTED THAT IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE TO TALK ABOUT THE PROPOSALS IN DETAIL UNTIL THEY HAD GONE TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
ASKED WHETHER THE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE INCREASED TO $5 000 PER MONTH. SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING INTO ALL ASPECTS OF THE ISSUE AS WELL AS THE REPRESENTATIONS THAT HAD BEEN MADE IN THE PAST.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WOULD BE SATISFIED WITH THE NEW RATE AND THAT +WE CAN GET THIS PAST DISAGREEMENT BEHIND US AND MOVE FORWARD+.
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DEDICATION OF ST. JOHN BRIGADE MEMBERS LAUDED
X X X X X
HONG KONG IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MANY DEDICATED MEN, WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE WHO ARE PREPARED TO DEVOTE THEIR FREE TIME TOWARDS SERVING THE COMMUNITY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL PARADE OF BRIGADE, SIR DAVID SAID* PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS AND DEDICATION ARE GRATEFULLY ser^ces IlSvik? byTSJhJ™ 4ll "h0 H4ve benefitted froh the
HE NOTED THAT SINCE THE LAST ANNUAL PARADE. HAD PERFORMED OVER 139 000 HOURS OF PUBLIC DUTY.
ITS MEMBERS
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE ORDER OF ST AND DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY INTERNATIONALLY.
JOHN HAD A LONG SERVICE
+IN HONG KONG, SINCE THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1916, IT HAS BEEN PROVIDING FIRST AID SERVICES AT CEREMONIAL, SPORTING AND OTHER PUBLIC OCCASIONS, ON TOP OF ITS 24 HOURS AMBULANCE SERVICE WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO ALL BY A SINGLE TELEPHONE CALL.+ HE SAID.
/BESIDES DIRIOT........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER JO, 1986
BESIDES DIRECT SERVICES, THE AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION, WHICH IS THE TEACHING ARM OF ST JOHN, ORGANISED COURSES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC IN FIRST AID, HOME NURSING, HYGIENE AND OTHER RELATED SUBJECTS.
LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 13 000 PARTICIPANTS ENROLLED IN THESE COURSES.
THE SKILLS THESE PARTICIPANTS ACQUIRED NOT ONLY BENEFIT THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO THOSE AROUND THEM WHO MAY OCCASIONALLY NEED THEIR CARE,+ SIR DAVID SAID.
AS TO THE FUTURE, HE SAID, IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO LEARN THAT THE BRIGADE WAS PLANNING AN EXPANSION IN THE CADET PROGRAMME AS WELL AS IN THE ADULT DIVISIONS WHICH HAD TWO ADDITIONS IN WONG TAI SIN AND KOWLOON CITY LAST YEAR.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS SURE THAT UNDER ABLE LEADERSHIP AND THE SUPPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF ST JOHN COUNCIL, THE BRIGADE WOULD BE WELL ABLE TO RESPOND WITH ITS USUAL ENTHUSIASM AND INGENUITY TO THE CHALLENGES THAT LAY AHEAD.
------0-------
MORE YOUTH CENTRES SET UP IN NEW TOWNS K * If K X
SIX NEW SUBVENTED CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES WILL BE OPEN IN THE NEW TOWNS BY THE END OF 1986-87 TO COPE WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY^. wtLtAKt,
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH CHUN SHEK CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IN SHA TIN SHE SAID THERE WOULD BE 164 YOUTH CENTRES AND 151 CHILDREN’S ’ CENTRES OPERATING BY THE END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN ^VENUNC Y0UNG PEOPLE FROM GOING ASTRAY WHEN CONFRONTED WITH VARIOUS PRESSURES AND TEMPTATIONS IN HONG KONG’S HIGHLY COMPETITIVE SOCIETY, SHE SAID,
+THROUGH ACTIVITIES CAN HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO SOCIETY, TO DEVELOP THEIR SHE SAID.
AND COUNSELLING, YOUTH SOCIAL WORKERS UNDERSTAND THEMSELVES AND THEIR ROLE IN POTENTIAL AND TO ACQUIRE POSITIVE VALUES
>
/+IW ADDITION
SUNDAY, N0VM1BER JC, 1986
+ IN ADDITION TO UNDERSTANDING THE YOUNG PEOPLE, SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD ALSO UNDERSTAND THE INFLUENCES EXERTED ON YOUNG PEOPLE BY THE ENVIRONMENT, THE FAMILY, THE SCHOOL AND THE SOCIETY AT LARGE.
+THROUGH THIS UNDERSTANDING AND WITH THEIR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS, THEY CAN HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO HAVE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT,*
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH HAD A LONG HISTORY OF PROVIDING SERVICES IN SHA TIN, AND THE CHUN SHEK CENTRE WAS ITS SECOND CHILDREN’S AND YOUTH CENTRE IN THE DISTRICT.
FITTING OUT OF THE NEW CENTRE HAD BEEN ASSISTED BY AN ALLOCATION OF SOME S800 OOO FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.
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REGISTRATION OF SAFETY OFFICERS BEGINS
*****
THE PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE REGISTRATION OF SAFETY OFFICERS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A SAFETY OFFICERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) REGULATIONS 1986 COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE REST OF THE REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE COMPULSORY EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION A YEAR LATER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW LEGISLATION CURRENTLY APPLIES TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ONLY.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THOSE WHO INTEND TO REGISTER WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AS SAFETY OFFICERS TO OBTAIN AN APPLICATION FORM FROM ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OR TO TELEPHONE 5-8524064 IF FURTHER INFORMATION IS REQUIRED.
TO QUALIFY FOR REGISTRATION AS A SAFETY OFFICER, A PERSON MUST POSSESS EITHER:
* A DEGREE OR DIPLOMA IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE, ENGINEERING OR RELATED DISCIPLINE WITH AT LEAST ONE YEAR'S RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD? OR
* A CERTIFICATE IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OR OCCUPATIONAL HYGIENE WITH AT LEAST TWO YEARS’ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE? OR
A A CERTIFICATE .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER JO, 19?>6
* A CERTIFICATE IN CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE OF NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS.
HOWEVER, A PERSON WHO HAS BEEN EMPLOYED AS A SAFETY OFFICER IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE MAKING OF THESE REGULATIONS AND IS CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO BE FIT AND PROPER BY REASON OF HIS EDUCATION, TRAINING, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILL IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MAY ALSO BE REGISTERED.
THIS WILL BE IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE ANY OF THE QUALIFICATIONS NORMALLY REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION.
+IF THERE IS ANY DOUBT, THE CASE MAY BE REFERRED TO A SAFETY OFFICERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE APPOINTED SHORTLY FOR STUDY AND ADVICE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+IN THE EVENT THAT AN APPLICANT FEELS AGGRIEVED BY THE DECISION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO REFUSE HIS REGISTRATION, HE MAY APPEAL TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER.+
HE NOTED THAT THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. ITS MEMBERS WILL INCLUDE ONE REPRESENTATIVE EACH FROM THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, EMPLOYEES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, SAFETY OFFICERS, INSTITUTIONS PROVIDING TRAINING FOR SAFETY, AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL BE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON THE QUALIFICATIONS AND SUITABILITY OF A PERSON FOR REGISTRATION AS A SAFETY OFFICER AND ON THE CANCELLATION OR SUSPENSION OF REGISTRATION.
+PLANS ARE NOW WELL IN HAND TO APPOINT SUCH A COMMITTEE AND ONCE ITS MEMBERSHIP IS FINALISED, AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) REGULATIONS 1986 WERE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER.
UNDER THE REGULATIONS, A PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR OR A SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO EMPLOY ONE REGISTERED SAFETY OFFICER FULL-TIME IF HE EMPLOYS 200 OR MORE POEPLE ON A CONSTRUCTION SITE OR SITES, AND TO EMPLOY ONE SAFETY SUPERVISOR ON EACH CONSTRUCTION SITE ON WHICH HE EMPLOYS 20 OR MORE WORKERS.
A PROPRIETOR WHO FAILS TO EMPLOY A SAFETY OFFICER IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $20 000.
IF HE FAILS TO EMPLOY A SAFETY SUPERVISOR OR CONTRAVENES ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS, HE IS LIABLE TO A FI NE OF «10 000.
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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1986
5
TRADITION AND TECHNOLOGY TEAM UP IN SHA TIN X * H K *
CHINESE GARDENS REFLECTING THOUSANDS OF YEARS OF CULTURE WILL BE WATERED AT DEAD OF NIGHT BY COMPUTER-CONTROLLED SPRINKLERS USING STATE-OF-THE-ART TECHNOLOGY IN SHA TIN’S NEW TOWN PARK.
THE BLEND OF OLD AND NEW WILL BE A FEATURE OF THE $57 MILLION PARK NOW TAKING SHAPE ON THE NORTH BANK OF THE SHING MUN RIVER.
THE WESTERN HALF OF THE PARK IS TO BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC NEXT MARCH TO HOLD ITS FIRST FUNCTION - THE HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW.
THE FOUR-DAY SHOW, BEING ORGANISED BY THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS, HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 14 TO 17.
LANDSCAPING WORK FOR THE PARK OF MORE THAN EIGHT HECTARES HAS STARTED FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $3.85 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A CONTRACT FOR UNDERTAKING THE REMAINDER OF THE BUILDING WORK WOULD BE LET SHORTLY AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1987.
ON COMPLETION IT WILL BE VERY MUCH A PARK FOR THE PEOPLE AND IS EXPECTED TO HOLD UP TO 25 000 VISITORS DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. VIRTUALLY ON THE DOORSTEP OF 500 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN THE NEW TOWN AREA AND WITH THE MAIN URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ONLY MINUTES AWAY BY MTR AND KCR, IT IS DESTINED TO BE A BIG ATTRACTION AT WEEKENDS.
THE MAN IN CHARGE OF THE PROJECT, TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AGRICULTURAL OFFICER, MR ADRIAN FROST, SAID: +WE ALREADY KNOW THAT PARTIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FROM THE URBAN AREAS TO VISIT THE NEWLY-OPENED PARK IN TSUEN WAN. WE EXPECT EVEN MORE PEOPLE TO VISIT SHA TIN’S PARK BECAUSE IT WILL BE SO MUCH MORE ACCESSIBLE.*
IT WILL HAVE ATTRACTIONS FOR YOUNG AND OLD, A BLEND OF FORMALITY AND FUN, TRANQUILITY AND SHEER HIGH SPIRITS.
IT WILL INCORPORATE AN ABERDEEN-BUILT JUNK THAT WILL NEVER SAIL ANYWHERE, A SECTION OF THE +GREAT WALL OF CHINA*, TWO FORTS, WATERFALLS AND A BRIGHT YELLOW PLASTIC +BANDSTAND+ IMPORTED FROM THE U.S. AND ALREADY SOMETHING OF A LANDMARK ALONG THE BANKS OF THE RIVER.
+IT WILL BE VERY MUCH A PLACE FOR EXPLORING, WITH ONE AREA LEADING INTO ANOTHER WITH THE THEME AND EMPHASIS QUITE DIFFERENT IN EACH SECTION,* MR FROST SAID.
A THE PARK........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER ?O, 1986
- 6 -
+THE PARK IS DIVIDED INTO SIX AREAS. THE FIRST AREA, AT THE WEST END, INCLUDES A HILL WITH A WATERFALL AND A STREAM RUNNING THROUGH A MINIATURE RAVINE. IN STYLE IT’S VERY MUCH LIKE A SOOCHOW GARDEN.+
BESIDES PROVIDING THE SETTING FOR THE WATERFALL, AND HOUSING THE PUMP WHICH WILL RECIRCULATE THE WATER IN THE STREAM, THE HILL WILL ACT AS NATURAL SOUNDPROOFING, CUTTING OFF TRAFFIC NOISE FROM NEARBY ROADS.
PATHS WILL LEAD INTO THE NEXT SECTION, A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA. +THIS WON’T CONTAIN THE NORMAL SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS, FOUND IN MOST PLAY AREAS,+ MR FROST SAID.
+INSTEAD THERE WILL BE BIG, MASSIVE STRONG STRUCTURES SUCH AS A FORT, A WALL AND A SHIP, BUILT MAINLY OF OLD SLEEPERS FROM THE KCR LINES AND JUST INVITING CHILDREN TO CLIMB ALL OVER THEM.+
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPEN PLAY AREA WHERE CHILDREN CAN RUN AROUND AND LET OFF STEAM, THROW FRISBEES OR ENGAGE IN OTHER UNORGANISED SPORTS.
AFTER FUN COMES FORMALITY FOR THE PATHS FROM THE PLAY AREA LEAD INTO A RIGIDLY LAID OUT GARDEN OF HERB BEDS AND FRUIT TREES.
♦THIS GARDEN WILL BE VERY FORMAL, VERY RIGID BESIDES BEING A PLEASANT PLACE TO WALK IT WILL ALSO HAVE GREAT EDUCATIONAL VALUE BECAUSE OF THE VARIETY OF HERBS AND TREES GROWING THERE,+ HE SAID.
NEXT TO IT WILL BE ANOTHER GARDEN TO BE KNOWN AS THE BIRD GARDEN. +IT’S NOT INTENDED AS AN AVIARY, BUT THERE WILL BE BIRDS ON THE POOL IN THE CENTRE,+ HE ADDED.
THE CENTRAL AREA OF THE PARK IS ALREADY THE MOST VISIBLE. IT CAN EASILY BE SEEN FROM THE OPPOSITE RIVER BANK BECAUSE OF THE BRIGHT YELLOW POLYESTER BANDSTAND ROOF AND COVERED WALKWAY WHICH WAS ERECTED RECENTLY.
THE TENSILE ROOF, DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND TYPHOONS, HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY AN AMERICAN FIRM. IT IS THE CENTRE-POINT OF A BIG PAVED COURTYARD AND AMPHITHEATRE DESIGNED FOR OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES.
THIS OPEN PLAZA IS CONNECTED BY STAIRS TO THE CULTURAL COMPLEX WHICH ADJOINS THE PARK, AND ALSO LEADS DIRECTLY INTO THE TOWN CENTRE BUILDINGS.
/THERE WILL .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1986
THERE WILL ALSO BE A SMALL GARDEN, JUST OFF THE OPEN PLAZA, FOR COUPLES TO HAVE THEIR WEDDING PICTURES TAKEN AFTER BEING MARRIED IN THE NEARBY REGISTRY OFFICE.
NEXT TO THE CENTRAL AREA IS AN ENCLOSED CHINESE GARDEN, WITH WALLED SECTIONS LEADING ONE INTO THE OTHER.
♦PEOPLE WILL MOVE THROUGH THIS SITE AS THOUGH MOVING THROUGH A SERIES OF ROOMS,+ MR FROST SAID.
ADJOINING THIS WILL BE ANOTHER CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA WITH A CHINESE FORT, WHAT MR FROST DESCRIBES AS +A SORT OF DISNEYLAND VERSION OF THE GREAT WALL,+ AND A SHIP.
♦THIS DOESN’T JUST LOOK LIKE A SHIP. IT IS A CHINESE JUNK. THE ONLY DIFFERENCE FROM A WORKING JUNK IS THAT THIS HAS A BIG HOLE IN THE STERN SO CHILDREN CAN GO INSIDE.
♦IT IS SET IN CONCRETE AND WHEN THE AREA IS READY SCRAMBLING NETS WILL BE ERECTED SO CHILDREN CAN CLIMB ABOUT. THERE WILL BE A SANDPIT AND POOL AT THE BOW OF THE SHIP.+
THE FINAL AREA WILL BE ANOTHER ENCLOSED GARDEN WHICH IS DESCRIBED AS +CHINESE IN STYLE.+
♦IT WILL DRAW IMAGES FROM CHINESE GARDENS WITHOUT ATTEMPTING TO COPY ONE. IT WILL INCORPORATE A LOT OF WATER AND A LOT OF ROCKS. IT WILL BE A MODERN GARDEN IN A CHINESE PATTERN,+ MR FROST EXPLAINED.
RUNNING ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE PARK ON THE WATERSIDE IS A PROMENADE. ON A LEVEL LOWER THAN THE PARK THIS WILL NO DOUBT BECOME A FAVOURITE OF EARLY-MORNING JOGGERS AND EVENING STROLLERS.
BUILT OUT OVER THE RIVER AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS WILL BE CANTILEVERED TERRACES, SOME OF WHICH WILL HOUSE CAFES AND REFRESHMENT KIOSKS.
THE PARK WILL BE VISUALLY IMPRESSIVE. NO LESS IMPRESSIVE, BUT OUT OF SIGHT OF THE PUBLIC, WILL BE THE CONTROL ROOM. OPERATED BY COMPUTER THIS WILL ENABLE ALL THE GARDENS TO BE WATERED AT NIGHT WHEN THE PARK IS DESERTED.
SHA TIN’S SHOPPING CENTRE HAS ALREADY MADE IT A WEEKEND MAGNET FOR MANY PEOPLE FROM OTHER AREAS. WITH THE OPENING OF THE PARK THE NEW TOWN WILL BECOME AN EVEN MORE ATTRACTIVE DESTINATION FOR PEOPLE SEEKING A DAY OUT.
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/8........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1986.
8
APPLICATION FOR RABBIT COINS STARTS TOMORROW
*****
GOLD COIN LOVERS HAVE THE CHANCE TO ADD A RARE AND PRECIOUS ITEM TO THEIR COLLECTION.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE GOLD COIN ISSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO MARK THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT CAN BE MADE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL DECEMBER 13.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH SAID: +WE ANTICIPATE KEEN INTEREST IN THE RABBIT COIN AS IT IS THE 12TH AND LAST COIN IN THE LUNAR YEAR SERIES.
+TOGETHER WITH COINS COMMEMORATING THE ROYAL VISITS IN 1975 AND 19R6, IT COMPLETES THE SET OF 14 HONG KONG COMMEMORATIVE GOLD COINS.+
THE Si 000 GOLD COIN IS ISSUED IN LIMITED QUANTITIES WITH A TOTAL OF 32 000 MINTED FOR WORLDWIDE SALE.
OF THIS TOTAL, HONG KONG RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN ALLOTED 22 000 COINS, OF WHICH 9 500 ARE PROOF AND 12 500 UNCIRCULATED.
+THE PROOF COIN IS SOLD AT S3 300 AND THE UNCIRCULATED VERSION AT S2 200,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL BRANCHES OF HONGKONG BANK AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
APPLICATIONS ARE RESTRICTED TO RESIDENTS WITH A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD, AND IN THE EVENT OF OVER-SUBSCRIPTION, A BALLOT WILL BE HELD.
- - 0 -
QUARTERLY FOCUSSES ON PROPER DRIVING BEHAVIOUR
*****
THE FOURTH ISSUE OF THE BILINGUAL ROAD SAFETY QUARTERLY WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL TO PROMOTE SAFETY AMONG ROAD USERS.
THE MAIN ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE — +STICK TO THE RULES FOR SAFE EXPRESSWAY DRIVING+ — ADVISES MOTORISTS ON THE PROPER WAY OF APPROACHING AN EXPRESSWAY FROM A SLIP ROAD! THE CORRECT DRIVING BEHAVIOUR AFTER ENTERING THE MAIN TRAFFIC STREAM; HOW TO CHANGE LANES! AND THE WAY TO LEAVE AN EXPRESSWAY.
/IT H1PHASISES
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER JO, 1986
IT EMPHASISES THAT AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEED OF AN EXPRESSWAY, IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN ENTERING A SLIP ROAD WHICH IS DESIGNED FOR LOWER SPEED.
+MANY DRIVERS’ SENSE OF SPEED IS IMPAIRED AFTER A LONG PERIOD AT HIGH SPEED. SEVENTY KMPH MAY SEEM MORE LIKE 50 KMPH, SO BEWARE OF THIS EFFECT, AND MAKE SURE YOU BRAKE WITH CARE,* THE ARTICLE SAID.
OTHER ARTICLES IN THE ISSUE INCLUDE + TIPS FOR ROUNDABOUTS*, +DIFFERENT TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES*, AND +USING GEARS AS A VALUABLE AID TO VEHICLE CONTROL*.
A CASE STUDY OF AN ACTUAL ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED AT A CHAI WAN ROUNDABOUT IS EXAMINED. THE ACCIDENT INVOLVED A TAXI AND A PRIVATE CAR, ANALYSIS REVEALED THAT HAD THE TAXI DRIVER OBSERVED THE GIVE-WAY SIGN, THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED.
THE ISSUE ALSO LISTS SOME COMMON PARKING OFFENCES, FOR INSTANCE, PARKING IN AN UNAUTHORISED PLACE! PARKING ON A PAVEMENT, PEDESTRIAN WAY, CENTRAL RESERVATION, ROADSIDE VERGE, HARD SHOULDER OR TRAFFIC ISLAND! AND PARKING IN A METERED PARKING SPACE WHEN THE METER DOES NOT INDICATE THAT A PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE.
COPIES OF THE ISSUE CAN RE OBTAINED FREE FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT LICENSING OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES, THE ROAD SAFETY SECTION OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, AND THE MARKETING SECTION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
- 0 -
MUSIC FINDS WIDER AUDIENCE IN NT * X X X X
NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGER PEOPLE, HAVE SHOWN AN INCREASING INTEREST IN MUSIC IN RECENT YEARS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI KUEN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR TAI WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MUSIC OFFICE STUDENTS’ CONCERT (NT REGION) HELD AT THE LUT SAU HALL IN YUEN LONG.
+MORE AND MORE OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE COME TO REALISE THAT LEARNING TO MASTER A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MEANS NOT ONLY MANY HOURS OF HARD WORK BUT ALSO A LIFETIME OF ENJOYMENT + HE SAID.
/NOT1U3 THAT
SUNDAY, NOVNMFER ’p;- ”1
NOTING THAT THERE WAS A STEADY IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS AS WELL AS A GROWTH IN AUDIENCE NUMBERS, MR TAI SAID THESE HAD COME ABOUT BECAUSE OF THE EFFORTS OF MANY PARTIES WORKING IN HARMONY WITH ONE ANOTHER: Di STRICT BOARDS, REGIONAL COUNCIL, MUSIC OFFICE, SCHOOLS, TEACHERS, AND PARENTS WHOSE ENCOURAGEMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN’S EFFORTS WAS INVALUABLE.
EARLIER, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MRS DORIS HO DESCRIBED THE CONCERT AS A HAPPY OCCASION FOR ALL MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AS THEY HAD THE CHANCE TO PERFORM BEFORE THEIR PARENTS, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, AND TEACHERS. THEY COULD RIGHTLY FEEL PROUD OF THEIR PROGRESS.
+THEY WILL VALUE THE EXPERIENCE OF PERFORMING WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THEIR STUDIES AS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINEES,* SHE ADDED.
MRS HO THANKED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MUSIC TEACHERS AND PARENTS FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT ON WHICH, SHE SAID, MUCH OF THE SUCCESS OF THE INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME DEPENDED.
THE MUSIC OFFICE’S NEW TERRITORIES YOUTH STRINGS , THE NEW TERRITORIES YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND THE YUEN LONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR PERFORMED AT THE CONCERT.
- - 0 -
AWARDS FOR THREE ARCHITECTURAL PROJECTS * * X * X
THREE PROJECTS OF ARCHITECTURAL MERIT HAVE RECENTLY BEEN SELECTED WINNERS IN THE ANNUAL AWARDS SCHEME HELD BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
A TOTAL OF 13 PROJECTS ENTERED THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION, THE FIRST OF WHICH WAS HELD IN 1983.
THE CRITERIA FOR ENTRY ARE THAT THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT, CONSTRUCTED AND COMPLETED WITHIN THE LAST FIVE YEARS AND HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY WON AN AWARD IN THE COMPETITION.
/THE JUDGING
SUNDAY, NOVJMBER JO, 1986
11
THE JUDGING PANEL, CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, COMPRISED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERALD FORSGATE, A CONSULTANT ARCHITECT, MR JAMES KINOSHITA, AND A SENIOR LECTURER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR PATRICK LAU.
THE DESIGNS ON THE CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE (URBAN) RANGE AT CASTLE PEAK, THE HONG KONG RAILWAY MUSEUM IN TAI PO AND THE REPULSE BAY BEACH PLAYGROUND AND REST GARDEN HAVE BEEN SELEC1ED FOR THE AWARDS.
A MOCK-UP OF AN URBAN AREA FOR TRAINING SECURITY PERSONNEL, THE CLOSE QUARTER BATTLE (URBAN) RANGE, IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST, MOST ADVANCED AND WELL-EQUIPPFD.
THE PANEL SAID THE PROJECT WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE OF ITS SPECIAL NATURE AND THE CONSIDERABLE TECHNICAL CONTENT WHICH HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATED INTO A REALISTIC SIMULATION OF THE LOCAL URBAN ENVIRONMENT.
THE RAILWAY MUSEUM HAS BEEN CONVERTED FROM THE OLD TAI PO MARKET STATION, BUILT IN 1013.
THE PANEL’S COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT WAS »A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT COMBINING THE PRESERVATION OF AN HISTORIC BUILDING WITH NEW ELEMENTS TO SHOW RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT IM HONG KONG.* ' THE THIRD AWARD DESIGN WAS A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND REST I GARDEN AT REPULSE BAY BEACH, THE DESIGN CONCEPT OF WHICH WAS +MARRIAGE WITH NATURE*.
THE PANEL SAID THE PROJECT WAS CHOSEN DUE TO THE + GOOD SPATIAL ORGANISATION ACHIEVING A SUCCESSFUL SOLUTION IN HARMONY WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.*
THE PANEL ALSO MADE SPECIAL MENTION OF THE RESTORATION OF MAN MO TEMPLE AT TAI PO.
IT FELT THIS WAS A WORTHY SCHEME PRESERVING THE HERITAGE OF HONG KONG, AND THE RESTORATION WORK WAS CARRIED OUT EMPLOYING TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AND MATERIALS WHEREVER POSSIBLE WHILE USING MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO MINIMISE LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS.
WINNERS OF THE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THEIR CERTIFICATES AT THE DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL DINNER ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 5).
------O---------
/12........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1036
12
VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT PRAISED * * * * *
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IS A TRIPARTITE MATTER IN WHICH SUCCESS DEPENDS ON CONCERTED EFFORTS BY EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
WEAKENING OF ANY ONE LINK WOULD SPELL FAILURE, HE SAID WHEN PRFSENTING PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A FORKLIFT TRUCK DRIVING COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINAL LIMITED (HACTL).
MR YIP PRAISED THE COMPANY FOR ITS GOOD RECORD IN OPERATING FORKLIFT TRUCKS.
+THIS CAN ONLY BE THE RESULT OF CONSTANT SUPERVISION ON THE PART of THE MANAGEMENT PLUS A GENERAL SAFETY AWARENESS AMONG ITS EMPLOYEES,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT AS A PIONEER IN THE VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT, HACTL ORGANISED AN ANNUAL SAFETY WEEK PROGRAMME FOR ITS EMPLOYEES.
SUCH ACTIVITIES WOULD GIVE IMPETUS TO THE VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT, HE ADDED.
GIVE WAY AT ’WIG-WAG’ SIGNAL, MOTORISTS TOLD
*****
MOTORISTS DRIVING ON COTTON TREE DRIVE SHOULD STOP THEIR CARS AND GIVE WAY TO FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES COMING OUT FROM THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION WHEN RED LIGHTS OF A ’WIG-WAG’ TRAFFIC SYSTEM OUTSIDE THE STATION ARE ON.
FIRE APPLIANCES AND AMBULANCES, IN RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY CALLS IN CENTRAL, USUALLY HAVE TO CROSS COTTON TREE DRIVE AND PASS THE GOVERNMENT CARPARK BEFORE ENTERING GARDEN ROAD, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES SAID.
+IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT MOTORISTS DRIVING ON THAT BUSY ROAD OBSERVE THE ’WIG-WAG’ SIGNAL AND GIVE WAY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES,* HE SAID.
THE SYSTEM, INSTALLED OUTSIDE MANY FIRE STATIONS, CONSISTS OF AN ALARM BELL AND TWO RED LIGHTS. THE RED LIGHTS FLASH ALTERNATELY AND THE ALARM BELL SOUNDS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, UOVDIBER JO, 1986
U
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN CASES WHERE MOTORISTS DID NOT OBEY THE SIGNAL AND WENT AGAINST IT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT NON-COMPLIANCE COULD RESULT IN PROSECUTION AND A MAXIMUM FINE OF #5 OOO AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON CONVICTION UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC CONTROL) REGULATIONS. AND, THREE POINTS WILL ALSO BE DEDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS) ORDINANCE.
-------o -
CLAMPDOWN ON ILLEGAL BILLS POSTING
*****
STAFF OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS SERVED MORE THAN
50 SUMMONSES ON PEOPLE CAUGHT STICKING POSTERS AND HANDBILLS
ON WALLS OF BANK OFFICES DURING A TWO-DAY BLITZ WHICH ENDED TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
A SPOKESMAN OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (USD) SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS DETERMINED TO PUT AN END TO THIS ADVERTISING MALPRACTICE.
+THE PROBLEM WAS RAISED BY THE JOINT URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, WHOSE MEMBERS WERE ANGERED BY THE UNSIGHTLINESS CAUSED BY THE FLY-POSTERS. DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS THE SITUATION IS EVEN WORSE,+ HE SAID.
DURING RECENT WEEKENDS, USD STAFF HAD ADVISED FLY-POSTERS TO REFRAIN FROM THIS PRACTICE. WARNING LETTERS HAD ALSO BEEN ISSUED IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS TO MANY COMPANIES INVOLVED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REMIND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT PUTTING UP POSTERS OR ANY SIMILAR FORM OF PUBLICITY MATERIAL ON WALLS OF PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT PERMISSION IS A LFGAL OFFENCE AND LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $2 000 FINE.
--------------------' Q-------------------------
/14........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1986
14
LONG-DISTANCE RUN HELD IN STANLEY *****
MORE THAN 300 MEN AND WOMEN TOOK PART IN A LONG-DISTANCE RUN IN STANLEY THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
THE NINE-KIOLMETRE RACE WAS OPEN TO PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 45, AND WAS AIMED AT FOSTERING COMMUNITY SPIRIT DURING THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
PARTICIPANTS STARTED OFF FROM STANLEY SPORTS GROUND AT 10 AM, THEN RAN ALONG STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD AND WONG MA KOK ROAD AND INTO STANLEY FORT, BEFORE RETURNING TO THE STARTING POINT.
PRIZES WERE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 10 RUNNERS IN BOTH THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS, AND ALL PARTICIPANTS WHO FINISHED THE RACE RECEIVED A SOUVENIR.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WORKING GROUP, MR CHAN YAU-YUE, THANKED THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS FOR OPENING STANLEY FORT FOR THE OCCASION, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR THE RUNNERS TO TAKE A SCENIC ROUTE ALONG STANLEY BAY.
+THE COMMITTEE ORGANISED THE RACE HOPING TO PROMOTE LONGDISTANCE RUNNING, WHICH IS GOOD TRAINING FOR BOTH PHYSICAL STRENGTH AND DETERMINATION,* MR CHAN ADDED.
-------o----------
FOLK DANCE RALLY CLOSES SPORTS FORTNIGHT
*****
MORE THAN 1 000 MONG KOK RESIDENTS WERE TREATED TO AN ENTERTAINING FOLK DANCE RALLY TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM TO MARK THE END OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS FORTNIGHT.
LAUNCHED ON NOVEMBER 16, THE FORTNIGHT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, SAID THE VARIED PROGRAMME ORGANISED DURING THE FORTNIGHT PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES THROUGH WHICH THEIR COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND SENSE OF IDENTITY WITH THE DISTRICT WERE STRENGTHENED.
/ACTIVITIES INCLUDED
SUNBAT, N6VEMBER 30, 1986
- 15 -
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED DEMONSTRATIONS BY A CHINESE SHUTTLECOCK TEAM, A MINI-SOCCER COMPETITION. A TABLE-TENNIS INVITATION COMPETITION, A VARIETY SHOW WITH MIME, A SPORTS OPEN DAY, A MODERN DANCE SHOW AND AN ATHELETIC MEET.
MR CHOW SAID HE HOPED THAT MORE LOCAL BODIES WOULD BE STIMULATED AND BECOME INVOLVED IN THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AFTER THE FORTNIGHT.
AT TODAY’S CLOSING CEREMONY, SPECIAL AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO FOUR RESIDENTS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO SPORTS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
EARLIER, PARTICIPANTS WATCHED A MOTOR-CYCLE DISPLAY AND CELEBRITY RELAY RACES AMONG REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISTRICT’S SIX AREA COMMITTEES, VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.
-----0-----
CARNIVAL CLOSES MONTH-LONG DISTRICT FESTIVAL * * * * *
THOUSANDS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS HAD A DAY OF FUN AND GAMES AT A CARNIVAL AT THE KENNEDY TOWN TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE EIGHT-HOUR CARNIVAL CONCLUDED THE MONTH-LONG SECOND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
ADDRESSING THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND CARNIVAL, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO SEE THE COORDINATION AMONG LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, INDIVIDUALS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ORGANISING THE FESTIVAL.
HE SAID THE FESTIVAL HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS. +IT IS ESTIMATED THAT MORE THAN 100 000 RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN ENTERTAINED FROM NEARLY 40 FESTIVAL EVENTS. SINCE THE POPULATION OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT IS ONLY ABOUT 250 000, THE FIGURE IS REALLY ENCOURAGING.+
A WIDE RANGE OF PROGRAMME HAD BEEN ARRANGED FOR DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT. HE NOTED THAT SOME OF THE PROGRAMMES WERE ON THE THEME OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION.
ABOUT $750 000 HAD BEEN SPENT TO STAGE THE FESTIVAL, OF WHICH $200 000 CAME FROM DISTRICT BOARD ALLOCATION AND THE REST FROM DONATIONS.
THE CARNIVAL WAS OPENED AFTER MR LAM DOTTED THE EYES OF A DRAGON AND FOUR LIONS.
------o-------
/16......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1986
16
LANGUAGE SEMINARS FOR SCHOOL HEADS * * * * *
TWO SEMINARS FOR SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS WILL BE HELD BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILE) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY.
THE SEMINARS WILL ALLOW SCHOOL HEADS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE PROMOTION OF CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHING, THE ENQUIRY APPROACH TO LEARNING AND TEACHING, PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY TEACHERS USING THE COMMUNICATIVE APPROACH, PUTONGHUA TEACHERS TRAINING IN THE ILE AND EXAMPLES OF TEACHING DESIGNS.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS ON JANUARY 21 AND 22 ARE ADVISED THAT APPLICATIONS WlLL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS FOR 100 PLACES IN EACH GROUP.
APPLICATIONS FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE ILE AT PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 21ST FLOOR, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, BY DECEMBER 22.
- - 0 - -
DB MEMBERS TO MEET SCHOOL PRINCIPALS *****
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL MEET PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS, PARTICULARLY COMING CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
MAJOR EVENTS, INCUDING THE NINTH TSUEN WAN ART FESTIVAL AND A FIGHT CRIME DRIVE, WILL BE LAUNCHED IN JANUARY.
DURING THE MEETING, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL EXPLAIN THE OBJECTIVES OF THE ART FESTIVAL, AND ALSO OUTLINE FIGHT CRIME ACTIVITIES.
THE WORK OF THE TSUEN WAN STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AND JOINT EFFORTS TO STUDY YOUTH PROBLEMS WILL BE DISCUSSED.
THE MEETING WITH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB AT HILLTOP ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WITH SCHOOL PRINCIPALS.
A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL TAKE THE MEDIA TO THE VENUE. REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE CARPARK ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE FOU WAH CENTRE, 210 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN AT 2 PM TOMORROW.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1986
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FREE FILM SHOW FOR NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS *****
ABOUT 800 RESIDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT WERE TREATED TO A FREE MOVIE SHOW AT THE FANLING THEATRE TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE SHOW WAS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR RESIDENTS.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN THE COMING MONTHS INCLUDE DRAWING COMPETITIONS, SPORTS CARNIVAL, VARIETY SHOWS AND GAMES-STALL CARRYING THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE.
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WONG TAI SIN MINIBUS SERVICE EXTENDED * * * *
A NEW GREEN MINIBUS CIRCULAR ROUTE NO. 53M, PLYING BETWEEN TIN MA COURT IN WONG TAI SIN AND LOK FU MTR STATION, WILL BEGIN OPERATION ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 2).
THE SERVICE WILL RUN AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS FROM 7 AM TO 11 PM DAILY. THE FARE WILL BE Si FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
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RESTRICTED ZONES IN HOK YUEN STREET * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 2), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE OF HOK YUEN STREET IN HUNG HOM BETWEEN CHUN TIN STREET AND MAN LOK STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
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