DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
YOUNG PEOPLE'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY PRAISED ....... 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER PUBLISHED ............... 2
NINE QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA .......................... 5
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED ............ 5
FORUM TO DISCUSS VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT .............. 7
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO HOLD OPEN DAYS ................. 7
MANPOWER SURVEY OF .ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, PUBLISHING 9
CAD/CAM EDUCATION CENTRE OPENS .......................... 1*
DRAMA COMPETITION RESULTS ANNOUNCED ..................... 10
REGIONAL SECRETARY TO OPEN ARTS FESTIVAL................. 11
HONG KONG DaNCE COMPANY TO PERFORM IN SOUTHERN........... 11
ROY.iL OBSERVATORY aIMaNAC 1988 PUBLISHED ............... 12
LANTAU TAXI FaRE CONVERSION TaBLES REaDY FOR COLLECTION .... 12
TINDERS CALLED FOR HUNG HOM BaY RECLhMmTION ............. 13
Water cut on LaNTaU isl-nd .............................. 13
PROHIBITED ZONE ON TSING YI ............................. 13
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987 z
1
YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO COMMUNITY PRAISED
*****
HONG KONG IS NOT ONLY COSMOPOLITAN, IT IS VIGOROUS, EVER-CHANGING AND VIBRANT, BUT DESPITE THE PRESSURES UPON IT, HONG KONG REMAINS A VERY STABLE COMMUNITY, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE TEN OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR FORD SAID: "I AM SURE THAT WE CAN BE THANKFUL THAT WE LIVE IN A PLACE WHERE THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE HONOURED THIS EVENING HAVE THE FREEDOM AND ENCOURAGEMENT TO FLOURISH AND SO MAKE SUCH VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY."
HE SAID THE RECIPIENTS OF THIS YEAR’S AWARDS HAD DEMONSTRATED, BY THEIR EFFORTS, HOW WILLING AND ABLE THEY WERE TO DO THEIR UTMOST TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY.
"I AM STRUCK BY THEIR DIVERSITY OF INTERESTS AND THE WIDE RANGE OF PROFESSIONS THEY REPRESENT.
"IT IS A REFLECTION OF HOW INTERNATIONAL AND SOPHISTICATED HONG KONG HAS BECOME IN RECENT YEARS THAT THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THIS COSMOPOLITAN SOCIETY OF OURS," HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE RECEIVING AWARDS HAD PROVED THEIR ABILITY AND THEIR COMMITMENT AND HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT EACH ONE OF THEM WOULD, IN THEIR OWN WAY, CONTINUE TO MAKE A MOST VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION.
HE SAID HE WAS MOST IMPRESSED WITH THE CONCEPT AND THE SPIRIT OF THE AWARD SCHEME WHICH WAS IN ITS 18TH YEAR.
"IT GIVES WELL DESERVED RECOGNITION TO OUR TALENTED YOUNG PEOPLE WHO, BY THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THEIR OWN FIELDS, HAVE SET AN EXAMPLE OF EXCELLENCE FOR ALL OTHERS TO FOLLOW," HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
2
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER PUBLISHED ♦ » ♦
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED IN OCTOBER COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
BUT THE GROWTH IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WAS SLOWER THAN THAT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. REFLECTING THIS DEVELOPMENT, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS EXPERIENCED SLOWER GROWTH DURING THE MONTH.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN OCTOBER, BUT THE RATE OF GROWTH WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THAT IN SEPTEMBER. THIS SLOWDOWN WAS MAINLY DUE TO A DECELERATION IN THE GROWTH OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG.
ON THE OTHER HAND, LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG GREW FASTER IN OCTOBER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, WHILE LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE RECOVERED SLIGHTLY IN OCTOBER AFTER A FALL IN SEPTEMBER.
SUMMARY FIGURES FOR OCTOBER 1987 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS ARE SET OUT IN A TABLE.
DEPOSITS
IN OCTOBER, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 6.6 PER CENT WHILE SAVINGS DEPOSITS DECREASED BY 4.9 PER CENT. TIME
DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 4.2 PER CENT AFTER A DECLINE OF 1.7 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. AS A RESULT, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 1.0 PER CENT IN OCTOBER AFTER INCREASES OF 1.8 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND
3.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE YEAR (I.E. FOR THE 12 MONTHS
ENDING OCTOBER), TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 24.9 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 5.6 PER CENT IN OCTOBER AFTER A DECLINE OF 0.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. THESE DEPOSITS GREW BY 6.8 PER CENT OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO OCTOBER AND BY 29.2 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR. OF THE TOTAL, DEPOSITS IN U.S. DOLLARS ROSE BY 2.2 PER CENT IN OCTOBER WHILE DEPOSITS IN OTHER FOREIGN CURRENCIES GREW BY 11.5 PER CENT. FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 0.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 0.9 PER CENT IN OCTOBER WHILE ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE BY 6.2 PER CENT.
DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 3.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED BY 8.5 PER CENT. FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER, DEPOSITS IN BOTH KINDS OF DEPOSIT-TAKING INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 6.5 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, DEPOSITS WITH BANKS GREW BY 29.5 PER CENT BUT THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 10.1 PER CENT.
/MONEY_ SUPPLY........
TUESDAY, DEChMBER 1, 198?
MONEY SUPPLY
REFLECTING A SLOWER GROWTH IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, THE RATE OF INCREASE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml SLOWED DOWN TO 5.4 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, FROM 9.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 AND M3 INCREASED BY 0.8 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER, COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 3.2 PER CENT AND 3.0 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER, HK DOLLAR Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 39.1 PER CENT, 27.6 PER CENT AND 24.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS INCREASED FASTER THAN THEIR HONG KONG DOLLAR COUNTERPARTS IN OCTOBER. TOTAL Ml GREW BY 6.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER AFTER AN INCREASE OF 6.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.
TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3, ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASED BY 3.0 PER CENT AND 3.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN OCTOBER, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 1.2 PER CENT IN BOTH AGGREGATES IN SEPTEMBER.
OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 41.5 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 29.3 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 27.1 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 2.0 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 4.9 PER CENT IN AUGUST AND 4.0 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. WHILE LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLAR INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT, THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES GREW BY 2.5 PER CENT. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR THE TWO TYPES OF LOANS WERE 3.2 PER CENT AND 4.7 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER.
LOANS TO FINANCE THE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 1.9 PER CENT IN OCTOBER AFTER A DECLINE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER; OVER THE YEAR THESE LOANS GREW BY 23.0 PER CENT.
GROWTH IN OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG SLOWED DOWN TO 2.0 PER CENT IN OCTOBER FROM 3.6 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 31.5 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG GREW BY 3.8 PER CENT IN OCTOBER, BUT LOANS WHERE THE PLACE OF USE IS UNKNOWN FELL BY 4.2 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY ONE TO 154.
THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 35, WHILE THAT OF REPORTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY ONE TO 237.
/MONETARY STATISTICS .......
4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
MONETARY STATISTICS - OCTOBER 1987
Oct 1987
Earlier months
(HK$mn)
(% change to October 1987)
Money Supply Sep 1987 Jul 1987 Oct 1986
Ml - HK$ 66.279 62,876 ( 5.4 %) 57,624 ( 15.0 %) 47,649 ( 39.1 %)
Foreign currency 7.416 6,581 ( 12.7 %) 6,277 ( 18.1 %) 4,417 ( 67.9 % I
Total 73.694 69.456 ( 6.1 %) 63,902 ( 15.3 %) 52,066 ( 41.5 %)
M2 - HK$ 287,356 285,026 ( 0.8 %) 271,329 ( 5.9 %) 225,138 ( 27.6 %)
Foreign currency 349.216 332,932 ( 4.9 %) 329,359 ( 6.0 %) 267,120 ( 3u. 7 "*)
Total 636.571 617,958 ( 3.0 %) 600,688 ( 6.0 %) 492,258 ( 29.3 % )
M3 - HK$ 323.370 319,732 ( 1.1 %) 304,773 ( 6.1 %) 258,889 ( 24.9 X)
Foreign currency 382.139 362,031 ( 5.6 %) 358,265 ( 6.7 %) 296,036 ( 29.1 %)
Total 705.509 681,763 ( 3.5 %) 663,038 ( 6.4 %) 554,925 ( 27.1 X)
Notes and coins in circulation 26,342 25,343 ( 3.9 %) 24,585 ( 7.1 %) 21,391 ( 23.1 % )
of which held by public 23,021 . 22.287 ( 3.3 %) 21,394 ( 7.6 %) 18,571 ( 24.0 %)
Deposits
Demand deposits 50,674 47.169 ( 7.4 %) 42,508 ( 19.2 %) 33,495 ( 51.3 %)
Savings deposits 146,069 148,736 ( -1.8 %) 142,462 ( 2.5 %) 118,625 ( 23.1 %)
Time deposits with banks 407,337 390.275 ( 4.4 %) 384,838 ( 5.8 %) 314,396 ( 29.6 %)
Time deposits with dtcs 64,646 59,577 ( 8.5 %) 58,028 ( 11.4 %) 58,731 ( 10.1 %}
HK$ deposits 292,880 289,980 ( 1.0 %) 276,002 ( 6.1 %) 234,410 ( 24.9 )
USS deposits 229,173 224,197 ( 2.2 %) 215,569 ( 6.3 %) 196,545 ( 16.6 %)
Other foreign currency deposits 146,673 131,579 ( 11.5 %) 136,266 ( 7.6 %) 94,294 ( 55.5 %)
All deposits 668,726 645,756 ( 3.6 %) 627,836 ( 6.5 %) 525,248 ( 27.3 %)
Foreign currency swap deposits 34,912 34,879 ( 0.1 %) 34,110 ( 2.4 %) 29,195 ( 19.6 %)
Loans and advances
To finance H.K.’s visible trade 43,230 42,429 ( 1.9 %) 42,599 ( 1.5 %) 35,151 ( 23.0 %)
To finance merchandising trade 6,721 7,908 ( -15.0 %) 6,473 ( 3.8 %) 4.609 ( 45.8 %}
not touching H.K.
Other loans for use in H.K. 347,481 340,534 ( 2.0 %) 322,870 ( 7.6 %) 264,145 ( 31.5 %)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 258,153 248,596 ( 3.8 %) 227,405 ( 13.5 %) 159,427 ( 61.9 %) %)
Other loans where the place of 54,020 56,372 ( -4.2 %) 38,130 ( 41.7 %) 30,616 ( 76.4
use is not known
Loans in HK$ 312,607 308,684 ( 1.3 %) 293,549 ( 6.5 %) 244,508 ( ( 27.9 %)
Loans in foreign currencies 396,998 387,156 ( 2.5 %) 343,929 ( 15.4 %) 249,439 59.2 %)
Total loans and advances 709,605 695,839 ( 2.0 V- 637,477 ( 11.3 %) 49,^, 947 ( 43.7 %)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
- 5 -
NINE QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA
* * * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK NINE QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER TWO BILLS IN THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE BILLS ARE THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL MOVE TWO MOTIONS, ON THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE, AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WILL MOVE ONE MOTION, ON THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED * » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES. AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 3 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3.24 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.25 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1987.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 1987 WILL
CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS -
2.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4,1985;
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986;
A. 32 PER CENT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986;
4.08 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR MAY 14, 1986 AND BEFORE AUGUST 19, 1986; AFTER
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 19, 1986 AND BEFORE JANUARY 19, 1987;
2.52 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR JANUARY 19, 1987 AND BEFORE MARCH 4, 1987 AFTER •
3.00 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR MARCH 4, 1987 AND BEFORE APRIL 9, 1987; AFTER
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR APRIL 9, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987; AFTER
3.84 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR JUNE 4, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 24, 1987; AFTER
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR JUNE 24, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 14, 1987 AFTER *
5.28 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 14, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1987;
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR OCTOBER 28, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 30, AND AFTER 1987;
3.24 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 30, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 1987,
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE: $1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON DECEMBER 2, 1987,
JANUARY 2, 1988 AND FEBRUARY 2, 1988 RESPECTIVELY,
SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON MARCH 1, 1988
WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS -
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 2, 1987 TO MARCH 1, 1988
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $2.50 PER MONTH = 7.50
ON $1,000, JANUARY 2, 1988 TO MARCH 1, 1988
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $2.50 PER MONTH = 5.00
ON $1,000, FEBRUARY 2, 1988 TO MARCH 1, 1988
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $2.50 PER MONTH =2.50
$15.00
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1,
1987
- 7 -
FORUM TO DISCUSS VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT
* * » »
A FORUM ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO EXPLORE WAYS OF PROMOTING VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT IN INDUSTRY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ABOUT 150 MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND WORKERS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE EVENT.
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JAPAN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION, MR HIRAGA TOSHIYUKI, HAS BEEN INVITED TO COME TO HONG KONG TO SHARE HIS EXPERIENCE ON SELF-REGULATORY APPROACH TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AT WORK IN JAPAN.
OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE THE CHIEF SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVISER OF THE SHELL COMPANY, MR WONG WING-HOU, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LTD, MISS ADA LEUNG.
THEY WILL SPEAK ON THE MANAGEMENT'S ROLE IN EFFECTIVE IN-PLANT VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT AND THE BENEFITS OF SUCH MOVEMENT IN THE EYES OF EMPLOYEES RESPECTIVELY.
THE FORUM WILL BE OPENED BY MR TOSHIYUKI; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE (ISHC), MR HAROLD KWOK; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, MR CHENG YIU-TONG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PUBLICITY PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTEE OF ISHC, MR K.Y. TONGSON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE
TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE
CENTRAL. IT WILL START AT 6 PM.
VICTORIA BALLROOM, VICTORIA HOTEL, - 0 -----
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO HOLD OPEN DAYS ♦ * * * ♦
THE 18 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG WILL HOLD OPEN DAYS BETWEEN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND DECEMBER 12 TO PROMOTE A GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF WHAT PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION CAN OFFER.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOLS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THAT THESE SCHOOLS OFFER NOT ONLY TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS BUT ALSO A GENERAL EDUCATION SIMILAR TO GRAMMAR SCHOOLS. THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT FURTHER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND CAREER PROSPECTS PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION CAN OFFER.
/THE OPEN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
- 8
THE OPEN DAYS WILL BE OF PARTICULAR TO PRIMARY SIX LEAVERS WHO INTEND TO EDUCATION IN THE PREVOCATIONAL STREAM.
INTEREST TO PARENTS AND CONTINUE THEIR SECONDARY
STUDENTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION AT A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL HAVE MANY OUTLETS. THEY CAN TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT IMMEDIATELY, ENTER APPROVED APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES OR PROCEED TO SENIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN PREVOCATIONAL, GRAMMAR OR TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
SECONDARY 5 GRADUATES ARE ELIGIBLE TO JOIN TECHNICIAN TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACQUIRING TECHNOLOGIST QUALIFICATIONS.
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL START OPERATING SECONDARY 6-7 COURSES FROM 1991 TO ENABLE STUDENTS OF THESE SCHOOLS TO PURSUE THEIR MATRICULATION EDUCATION IN THE SAME SCHOOL.
PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND TO BUILD 10 MORE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE 14,000 MORE PLACES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. THIS WILL BRING THE NUMBER OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS TO 28 AND THE NUMBER OF PREVOCATIONAL PLACES TO 29,000 BY 1992.
COPIES OF A PAMPHLET SETTING OUT THE OBJECTIVES, FUNCTIONS AND FACILITIES IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINSTRATION AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
THE 18 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DURING SCHOOL HOURS ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:-
DECEMBER 2 AND 3 CARITAS ST FRANCIS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, AND
CMA PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
DECEMBER 3 AND 4 CARITAS ST PAUL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL,
CARITAS ST JOSEPH PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL - TUEN MUN, MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL - SHA TIN, AND THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WOO HON FAI PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
DECEMBER 3, 4 AND 5 CCC ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, AND MARDEN FOUNDATION CARITAS PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL - CHAI WAN.
/DECEMBER 4 AND 5........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
- 9
DECEMBER 4 AND 5
DECEMBER 8 AND 9
DECEMBER 11 AND 12
CCC MADAM FUNG LEUNG KIT MEMORIAL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, CMA CHOI CHEUNG KOK PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, PO LEUNG KUK C.W. CHU PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, TWGH’S YOW KAM YUEN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, AND CARITAS ST GODFREY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
HK WEAVING MILLS ASSOCIATION CHU SHEK LUN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, AND THE HOLY CARPENTER PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
BISHOP HALL MEMORIAL PREVOCATION SCHOOL.
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MANPOWER SURVEY OF ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS, PUBLISHING * * * *
THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT ITS FIRST MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE ADVERTISING, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PUBLISHING SECTORS BETWEEN DECEMBER 8 AND 29.
THE CONVENER OF THE BOARD’S AD HOC WORKING PARTY ON ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS, MR JOHN LENAGHAN, HAS URGED EMPLOYERS TO CO-OPERATE BY PROVIDING ACCURATE INFORMATION WHICH WILL BE IMPORTANT IN FORMULATING MANPOWER TRAINING PLANS TO MEET THE INDUSTRY’S NEEDS.
QUESTIONNARIES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE ESTABLISHMENTS COVERED IN THE SURVEY. SURVEY INTERVIEWING OFFICERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES, AND TO COLLECT THEM.
INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
10 -
CAD/CAM EDUCATION CENTRE OPENS
*****
STAFF AND STUDENTS OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF CAD/CAM EDUCATION PROGRAMMES SINCE THE VTC -IBM EDUCATION CENTRE BEGAN OPERATION IN OCTOBER.
UNDER A JOINT PROJECT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND IBM WORLD TRADE CORPORATION, THE $6 MILLION EDUCATION CENTRE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AT HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE TO PROVIDE CAD/CAM PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS.
THE CENTRE WILL BE FORMALLY OPENED ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 3). THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VTC, MR K.C. CHAN, AND COMPANY REPRESENTATIVES WILL OFFICIATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
•
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10.45 AM ON THURSDAY AT THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, 702 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON. AFTER THE CEREMONY, A TOUR OF THE CENTRE WILL BE ARRANGED FOR GUESTS SO THEY CAN EXAMINE THE CAD/CAM EQUIPMENT AND PROGRAMMES.
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DRAMA COMPETITION RESULTS ANNOUNCED ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
THE RESULTS OF THE 1987 TUEN MUN FESTIVAL CHILDREN DRAMA COMPETITION WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY). SIX OUTSTANDING TEAMS WERE SELECTED FROM 13 GROUPS TAKING PART IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN SECTIONS.
IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION, AWARDS WERE GIVEN TO THE SHUN TAK FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION WU SIU HUI MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL, TAOIST CHING CHUNG PRIMARY SCHOOL, AND TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT SCHOOL.
WAI MAN KINDERGARTEN, GUIDEPOST KINDERGARTEN AND TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS KO TEK KIN MEMORIAL KINDERGARTEN WERE WINNERS IN THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION.
THE CHIEF ADJUDICATOR MISS MAY WONG SAID SHE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE COLOURFUL COSTUME AND DIVERSIFIED SUBJECTS PRESENTED BY THE KINDERGARTEN TEAMS. AS FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION, SHE THOUGHT THAT THE ACTING WAS NATURAL AND THE THEMES OF THE PLAYS WERE EDUCATIONAL.
OTHER ADJUDICATORS INCLUDED RENOWNED DRAMATISTS YUEN LAP-FUN AND FUNG CHI-KEUNG.
ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE COMPETITION WAS HELD TO PROMOTE CHILDREN DRAMA IN THE DISTRICT.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
REGIONAL SECRETARY TO OPEN ARTS FESTIVAL
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EIGHTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) EVENING.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7.30 PM IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE LUT SAU HALL, TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG. IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING LOCAL TALENTS INCLUDING THE YUEN LONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, CHINESE ORCHESTRA, A DANCE TROUPE AND A CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EIGHTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR LEE KAE-BUN, AND MR SUEN WILL BOTH GIVE A SPEECH DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE EIGHTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY TO PERFORM IN SOUTHERN *****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO AN EVENING OF CHINESE DANCES BY THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5) AT YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE, POK FU LAM.
SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE PERFORMANCE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE PROGRAMME, STARTING AT 8 PM, WILL INCLUDE THE "BOW DANCE" AND "SWORD DANCE", BOTH OF WHICH WERE CHOREGRAPHED BY THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY, SHU QIAO, AND HAD WON AWARDS IN THE DANCE COMPETITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH GALA FESTIVAL.
THE TROUPE ALSO PRESENTS A NUMBER OF UYGUR DANCES, AMONG WHICH ARE SELECTED SECTIONS OF THE NEWLY CHOREGRAPHED "THE STORY OF AFANTI".
ESTABLISHED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IN 1981, THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS TRADITIONAL CHINESE DANCE AS WELL AS INNOVATIVE DANCE DRAMAS ON CHINESE AND HONG KONG THEMES.
TICKETS FOR FREE ADMISSION ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN STANLEY, WAH FU AND AP LEI CHAU, AS WELL AS FROM THE PREMISES OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION IN AP LEI CHAU ESTATE.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-540271 OR 5-550187
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/12
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
ROYAL OBSERVATORY ALMANAC 1988 PUBLISHED
*****
A BILINGUAL ALMANAC FOR 1988 PREPARED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
CONTAINING THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE CALENDAR AND INFORMATION ON THE TIMES OF DAILY SUNRISE, SUNSET, MOONRISE, MOONSET, HIGH AND LOW TIDES ARRANGED ON A MONTH-BY-MONTH BASIS, THE BOOKLET IS A HANDY PUBLICATION FOR STUDENTS, SCIENTISTS, FISHING AND BOATING ENTHUSIASTS. DOCKYARDS AND SHIPPING COMPANIES.
THE 40-PAGE BOOKLET LISTS THE GENERAL HOLIDAYS, EQUINOXES, SOLSTICES, AND ECLIPSES OF THE YEAR AND PROVIDES THE METEOROLOGICAL (AIR TEMPERATURE, AMOUNT OF RAIN AND NUMBER OF RAINY DAYS) NORMALS OF HONG KONG AND OTHER MAJOR ASIAN CITIES.
IT IS AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AT $14 A COPY.
BUYERS OF THE ALMANAC WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF PURCHASING A COPY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S CENTENARY PUBLICATION "FROM TIME BALL TO ATOMIC CLOCK" AT A REDUCED PRICE OF $19.
THE BOOK, WHICH NORMALLY COSTS $34 A COPY, TRACES THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND ITS PROGRESS OVER 100 YEARS.
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LANTAU TAXI FARE CONVERSION TABLES READY FOR COLLECTION
*****
CONVERSION TABLES SHOWING EXISTING LANTAU TAXI FARES AND THE NEW FARE SCALE DUE TO COME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 14 WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY LANTAU TAXI OPERATORS FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
LANTAU TAXI OPERATORS MAY COLLECT THE TABLES FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION AT ROOM 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.
THESE TABLES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTER OF MUI WO DISTRICT OFFICE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED TAXI OPERATORS TO BRING ALONG THEIR TAXI REGISTRATION DOCUMENTS WHEN COLLECTING THE CONVERSION TABLES AND TO DISPLAY THE TABLES PROMINENTLY INSIDE THEIR VEHICLES UNTIL THE TAXIMETERS ARE RECALIBRATED.
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/13
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1987
TENDERS CALLED FOR HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION - PHASE II.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 2.5 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE NORTH OF PHASE I RECLAMATION, CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE EXTENSION, DEMOLITION OF THE EXISTING HUNG HOM FERRY PIER AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WALKWAY COVER ON HUNG HOM WAN STREET.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY 1989.
THE RAILWAY DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS DESIGNED THE WORKS AND WILL SUPERVISE THEIR CONSTRUCTION.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON DECEMBER 18.
- - 0 -
WATER CUT ON LANTAU ISLAND * ♦ ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES ON THE SOUTH OF LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM DUE TO SUSPENSION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE AT SHUI HAU VILLAGE, TONG FUK VILLAGE (EXCLUDING MA PO PING PRISON AND TONG FUK CENTRE), CHEUNG SHA AREA (INCLUDING ALL BUNGALOW-TYPE BUILDINGS AND CHEUNG SHA UPPER AND LOWER VILLAGES), SAN SHEK WAN VILLAGE, PUI O SAN TSUEN, LO UK TSUEN, PUI O KAU TSUEN, WO LIU TSUEN AND HAM TIN TSUEN.
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PROHIBITED ZONE ON TSING YI * ♦ » ♦ »
FROM 6 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4), THE CHEUNG ON BUS TERMINUS IN TSING YI WILL BE MADE A PROHIBITED ZONE. NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE BUS TERMINUS AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG, TEL: 5-842877?
• • • • WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
• ' • ’ CONTENTS ’ ’' ‘ PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
MOTION TO EXTEND iMMIGRATION. ORDINANCE- PROVISIONS ...... 1
COUNCILLOR EXPRESSES. DEEP. CONCERN OVER VR PROBLEM . J
GREATER RESETTLEMENT ONLY.CONTROL FOR REFUGEE PROBLEM :
HUI ............................................... 6
1.' ■*
AMENDMENT BILL AIMED TO DETER NAME-DROPPING ......... 7
AMENDMENT TO FACILITATE REDEVELOPMENT ............... 8
LEVELS OF COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES REVISED......... 9
PROGRESS ON TRANSFER OF PRISONERS ISSUE.............. 11
NORMAL RULES TO APPLY TO TATE’S CaIRN TUNNEL CLEARANCE . 12
GAMBLING LAW REVIEW AIMS AT BALANCE.................. 12
SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR OUTDOOR SCHOOL ACTIVITY ......... 13
PRE-PRIMARY FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME ’EFFECTIVE* ....... 14
ADVICE TO FISHERMEN TO STEER CLEAR OF FOREIGN WATERS ... 14
AMENDMENT BILL FOR WOMEN AND JUVINILES ORDINANCE..... 15
COMPENSATION FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS REVISED ............. 16
SCIENCE PARK/TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PROPOSAL TO BE STUDIED .. 16
SCREENING PROCEDURES BEING WORKED OUT................ 16
VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL MAKES GOOD PROGRESS...... 17
SIR DAVID: HK HAS MUCH TO OFFER ECONOMIC ZONE........... 18
THIRD QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN PUBLISHED.............................................. 19
/REPATRUTION OF.......
REPATRIATION OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE Il'S BEGINS .............. 22
STAR FERRY GRANTED NEW ROUTE, HYF FARE INCREASE APPROVED .. 22
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BEGINS ............................ 2?
VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT NEEDED TO IMPROVE SAFETY STANDARD AT
WORKPLACE .................................................. 24
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED STUDENTS................ 25
FAMILY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM RECEIVES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE................................................ 26
■ *. .4 ■■ .
ANTI-TRIAD NIGHT IN SOUTHERN ................................ 27
DISTRICT BOaRD TO DISCUSS HAWKERS RE-ORDERING ................ 28
COMMITTEE .TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS .. 28
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AWARD FOR MAC MEMBERS ............... 29
FIRING PRACTICE DAYS FOR DECEMBER ............................ 50
KWUN TONG .DB TO DISCUSS PROVIDENT FUND ISSUE................. 51
TEMPORARY "PROHIBITED -ZONES IN REPULSE BAY .................. 51
mains burst causes traffic changes ........................... 52
TEMPORaRY -CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH .................. 52
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
MOTION TO EXTEND IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE PROVISIONS » » ♦ ♦ *
THERE HAS BEEN A 54 PER CENT INCREASE IN ARRIVALS OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM THIS YEAR, AND, IN ADDITION ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA ALSO REMAINS A PROBLEM, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 3,119 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARRIVED, COMPARED WITH 2,026 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1986, HE SAID.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, 18,564 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WERE ARRESTED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER HONG KONG, AND A FURTHER 3,432 WHO HAD EVADED SECURITY FORCES AT THE BORDER WERE ARRESTED SUBSEQUENTLY. THESE FIGURES COMPARED WITH 14,028 AND 2,969 RESPECTIVELY FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
MR JEAFFRESON CITED THE FIGURES WHEN MOVING A MOTION, WHICH WAS PASSED, TO EXTEND SECTION 18(3) AND PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE FOR A FURTHER YEAR FROM DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT SECTION 18(3) WAS FIRST ENACTED IN JANUARY 1979 TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
IT REMOVED 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 THAT PERSON WAS PREVIOUSLY RESIDENT IN VIETNAM. THE SUBSECTION HAD BEEN RE-ENACTED ANNUALLY.
PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE ORDINANCE WERE ENACTED IN AUGUST 1979 TO PROVIDE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF TRAFFICKING IN UNLAWFUL IMMIGRATION, MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
“UNDER THESE PROVISIONS, ANY PERSON WHO AIDS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO ENTER HONG KONG COMMITS AN OFFENCE. OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE UP TO $5 MILLION AND IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE, WHILE THE SHIPS AND OTHER PROPERTY INVOLVED ARE LIABLE TO FORFEITURE,” HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID IT WAS UNFORTUNATELY ONLY TOO CLEAR WHY THESE PROVISIONS WERE STILL NEEDED, SAYING, “OUR VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEMS ARE STILL WITH US.”
HE SAID: “RESETTLEMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG HAS DECLINED DRASTICALLY, BY SOME 44 PER CENT COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR.
”AS A RESULT, OUR PRESENT REFUGEE POPULATION IS 14 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IT WAS WHEN I MOVED THE RETENTION OF SECTION 18(3) LAST YEAR. AND THE PROSPECTS FOR NEXT YEAR AS FAR AS RESETTLEMENT IS CONCERNED ARE NOT GOOD.”
/MR JEAFFERESON
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2f 1987
2
MR JEAFFRESON SAID NO PARTICULAR REASON HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED FOR THE INCREASED LEVEL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM CHINA THIS YEAR.
IT COULD WELL BE A COMBINATION OF THE USUAL FACTORS INCLUDING ABSOLUTELY UNFOUNDED RUMOURS CIRCULATING IN CHINA THAT AMNESTIES WOULD BE GRANTED AND THAT JOBS WERE EASILY AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, EVEN TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT IT WAS NECESSARY TO RETAIN THESE PROVISIONS IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE.
“BUT IT IS OUR BELIEF THAT NEITHER THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE NOR THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION PROBLEMS WILL BE WITH US PERMANENTLY,” HE ADDED.
LATER, IN RESPONDING TO THE SPEECHES BY THE HON RITA FAN AND THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID HE HAD FULLY TAKEN THE POINTS MADE BY THEM, AND HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT TO PURSUE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS OF REFUGEES WOULD NOT IN ANY WAY DIMINISH.
"OUR SOLUTIONS ARE, OF COURSE, RESETTLEMENT IN THE SHORT TERM, AND SCREENING AND REPATRIATION OF NEW ARRIVALS TN THE LONG TERM PROVIDED WE CAN BE SATISFIED THEY WILL NOT BE TREATED INHUMANELY ON RETURN," HE SAID.
CONCERNING MR HUI’S POINTS ABOUT EDUCATION AND WORK IN THE CLOSED CENTRES, HE SAID: "FOR MANY YEARS NOW WE HAVE IN FACT BEEN CONSIDERING WITH THE UNHCR AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONCERNED WAYS OF IMPROVING THE EDUCATION OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES’ CHILDREN IN THE CLOSED CENTRES. IMPROVEMENTS HAVE, IN OUR VIEW AT ANY RATE, BEEN INTRODUCED STEADILY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS AS FAR AS EDUCATION IN THE CAMPS IS CONCERNED.
"WHAT WE ARE NOW LOOKING AT IS A FORMAL PROPOSAL FROM THE UNHCR THAT THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE CHILDREN IN CLOSED CENTRES SHOULD BE EDUCATED IN HONG KONG SCHOOLS OUTSIDE THE CENTRES.
"ON THE FACE OF IT, THIS IS A VERY GOOD IDEA AND, TN PARTICULAR, IT MEETS THE MAJOR VALID CRITICISM OF THE CLOSED CENTRES WHICH IS THAT CHILDREN ARE BEING BROUGHT UP IN THESE CENTRES COMPLETELY DIVORCED FROM NORMAL LIFE.
"IF THESE CHILDREN CAN GO TO HONG KONG SCHOOLS THEN THEY WILL EXPERIENCE LIFE IN A HIGHLY SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY."
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THIS WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE TO THEIR ADVANTAGE, NOT ONLY AS INDIVIDUALS BUT ALSO IN TERMS OF THEIR PROSPECTS OF RESETTLEMENT.
/BUT HE
WEDNESDAY, DECIMBER 2, 1987
BUT HE WAS AFRAID THAT IT WAS NOT THAT EASY IN PRACTICAL TERMS. "WE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERING ALL THE VARIOUS ANGLES TO IT AND WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO PUT PROPOSALS TO .THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO WORK OPPORTUNITIES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT, AS HE HAD INFORMED THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON OCTOBER 10, THESE SUGGESTIONS WERE BEING CONSIDERED BY A WORKING GROUP ESTABLISHED BY THE UNHCR.
"ON THE WHOLE, OUR PREVIOUS EFFORTS ATTRACT LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO PROVIDE WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN CLOSED CENTRES HAVE NOT BEEN PARTICULARLY SUCCESSFUL, LARGELY BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION OF THE CENTRES.
"BUT REFUGEES ARE UNDERTAKING PIECE WORK RELEVANT TO A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIES ON A PAID BASIS, AND THEY ARE DOING THIS NOW. EXAMPLES OF THE SORT OF INDUSTRIES WHICH THEY ARE WORKING IN ARE TAILORING, KNITTING, ASSEMBLING TOYS, AND ASSEMBLING ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT," HE SAID.
-------0----------
COUNCILLOR EXPRESSES DEEP CONCERN OVER VR PROBLEM
*****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON RITA FAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPRESSED DEEP CONCERN OVER THE INCREASING BURDEN THAT WAS BEING IMPOSED ON HONG KONG BY THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM.
MRS FAN WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION THAT SECTION 18(3) AND PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE BE EXTENDED BY ONE YEAR TO DECEMBER 31, 1988. THE PROVISIONS IN THESE PARTS OF THE ORDINANCE WERE INTRODUCED IN 1979 TO DEAL WITH THE SITUATION CREATED BY THE ARRIVALS IN LARGE NUMBERS OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA. AT THAT TIME IT WAS HOPED THAT THE NEED FOR THESE PROVISIONS WOULD BE SHORT-LIVED.
MRS FAN SAID SHE SUPPORTED THE MOTION ALTHOUGH SHE REGRETTED ITS NECESSITY.
SHE SAID LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS WERE CONCERNED THAT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND CLOSED CAMPS WERE BECOMING A PERMANENT FEATURE IN HONG KONG, JUST AS THE TEMPORARY, EMERGENCY PROVISIONS WHICH THE MOTION SOUGHT TO EXTEND WERE BECOMING A PERMANENT PART OF HONG KONG’S IMMIGRATION LAW.
SHE NOTED THAT BETWEEN THE END OF 1979 AND THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN STEADILY DECLINING.
/THIS YEAR,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
THIS YEAR, OWING TO A 54 PER CENT INCREASE IN ARRIVALS AND A 44 PER CENT DECLINE IN RESETTLEMENT, THE NUMBER HAD, FOR THE FIRST TIME, INCREASED SHARPLY.
ON DECEMBER 1, 1987 THERE WERE 9,331 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG, AND BY THE END OF THE YEAR IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THE NUMBER WOULD PASS THE 10,000 MARK, WHICH WOULD REPRESENT AN INCREASE OF NEARLY 25 PER CENT OVER THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES REMAINING IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.
MRS FAN SAID SHE APPRECIATED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO FIND A LASTING INTERNATIONAL SOLUTION TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM, AND SHE SAID SHE UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED THAT NEGOTIATIONS WOULD TAKE TIME.
"WHAT WE CANNOT ACCEPT, HOWEVER, IS THE CLAIM BY HMG THAT 468 REFUGEES OVER THE CURRENT TWO-YEAR PERIOD (I.E. 234 REFUGEES A YEAR) REPRESENTS THE LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF REFUGEES THAT THE UK IS CAPABLE OF ABSORBING FROM HONG KONG, OR THE CLAIM THAT THIS INITIATIVE WILL ENCOURAGE OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TO INCREASE THEIR COMMITMENTS TO TAKING REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
SHE SAID SHE HAD RECEIVED SOME 60 LETTERS FROM LORDS AND MPS IN BRITAIN EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT FOR THE RECENT REQUEST MADE BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP, OF WHICH SHE IS CONVENER, THAT BRITAIN SHOULD INCREASE ITS COMMITMENT TO TAKING REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG.
AMONG THESE LETTERS, ONE WAS FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASIA COMMITTEE OF THE BRITISH REFUGEE COUNCIL, LORD ENNALS.
MRS FAN NOTED THAT THE BRITISH REFUGEE COUNCIL DESCRIBED THE ARRIVAL OF THE 468 REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG AT THE RATE OF ONLY 20 PER MONTH AS INEXPLICABLE, SINCE THE PREVIOUS INTAKE OF 40 PER MONTH WAS EASILY ABSORBED BY THE REFUGEE AGENCIES.
"THE COUNCIL REPORTS THAT INITIAL REACTION FROM OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES INDICATES THAT THEY FIND THE OFFER OF 234 PLACES IN A YEAR TO BE DERISORY SET AGAINST THEIR OWN EXISTING . 1MITMENTS; AND THAT A FIGURE OF 1,000 PLACES IN A YEAR, ORIGINALLY PROPOSED BY THE UNHCR, WOULD HAVE STIMULATED A FAR MORE POSITIVE RESPONSE," SHE NOTED.
THE COUNCIL RECOMMENDED THAT THE UK'S COMMITMENT SHOULD BE INCREASED TO INCLUDE FAMILY REUNION CASES NOT COVERED BY EXISTING CRITERIA, VULNERABLE GROUPS SUCH AS THE HANDICAPPED AND UNACCOMPANIED MINORS, AND HARD-TO-SETTLE CASES.
MRS FAN NOTED THT THESE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE VERY SIMILAR TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES HAD PUT FORWARD DURING THE PAST YEAR.
/"WE HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 5 -
"WE HAVE NOW BEEN TOLD EMPHATICALLY BY THE PRIME MINISTER THAT THE UK’S RESETTLEMENT COMMITMENTS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE FOR THE TIME BEING: IF THIS IS SO, THEN IS IT SURPRISING THAT OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES REGARD THE UK’S RESETTLEMENT OF 234 REFUGEES A YEAR FROM HONG KONG AS DERISORY?" SHE QUESTIONED.
SHE NOTED THAT CANADA HAD ALREADY ADMITTED 724 REFUGEES SO FAR THIS YEAR; AUSTRALIA 483; AND THE U.S. 321. "AND HOW CAN WE IN HONG KONG OURSELVES AVOID SEEING THE UK’S CONTRIBUTION AS DERISORY WHEN WE NOW HAVE AN AVERAGE OF 300 REFUGEES ARRIVING IN HONG KONG EVERY MONTH?" SHE ASKED.
MRS FAN RECALLED THAT AT THE 1979 GENEVA CONFERENCE, THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS HAD EMPHASISED THAT WHILE THE COUNTRIES OF INITIAL ARRIVAL WERE EXPECTED TO RESPECT FULLY THE PRINCIPLE OF FIRST ASYLUM FOR REFUGEES COMING THERE BY LAND AND SEA, THEY IN TURN EXPECTED AN ASSURANCE THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE BURDENED WITH THE RESIDUAL PROBLEMS AND THAT NO REFUGEES WOULD STAY IN THEIR COUNTRIES FOR MORE THAN A SPECIFIED PERIOD.
"IF THE INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDINGS REACHED AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE ARE STILL VALID, AND IF WE ARE STILL FULFILLING TO THE LETTER OUR OBLIGATIONS AS A PLACE OF FIRST ASYLUM, THEN WHY IS THE REST OF THE WORLD NOT PLAYING ITS PART, AND WHY IS BRITAIN, WHICH COMMITTED HONG KONG TO THESE OBLIGATIONS, NOT TAKING THE LEAD?"
SHE ADDED THAT THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP HAD REQUESTED THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO PURSUE VIGOROUSLY THROUGH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THE POSSIBILITY OF REPATRIATION OVER THE COMING FEW MONTHS AND, BY APRIL NEXT YEAR, TO ARRIVE AT SOME ASSESSMENT OF HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL AND TO ACT UPON IT.
THE AD HOC GROUP HAD ALSO REQUESTED THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO EXAMINE THE EXISTING POLICY ON GRANTING FIRST ASYLUM TO ALL BOAT PEOPLE FROM VIETNAM, SHOULD IT BECOME CLEAR BY APRIL THAT LITTLE PROGRESS CAN BE MADE WITH THE REPATRIATION PROPOSAL.
MRS FAN ADDED THAT THE AD HOC GROUP’S EXASPERATION WITH THE POLICY OF FIRST ASYLUM SPRUNG FROM THE FAILURE OF RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES, AND PARTICULARLY THE UK, TO FULFIL THEIR ROLE IN THE ARRANGEMENTS DRAWN UP AT THE GENEVA CONFERENCE.
"IT WOULD NOT HAVE ARISEN HAD HONG KONG BEEN ASSURED OF THE SPEEDY RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS OF ALL VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHO ENTER HER WATERS," SHE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
6 -
GREATER RESETTLEMENT ONLY CONTROL FOR REFUGEE PROBLEM : HUI ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, BELIEVES THAT GREATER RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS IS THE ONLY WAY OF CONTROLLING THE LOCAL VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM, UNTIL A LASTING SOLUTION CAN BE FOUND TO STOP THE OUTFLOW OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM.
SUPPORTING THE EXTENSION FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF SECTION 18(3) AND PARTS VIIA AND VI IB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), MR HUI EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE INCREASING BURDEN ON HONG KONG TAXPAYERS, IN VIEW OF THE 54 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE RATE OF ARRIVAL, THE 44 PER CENT DECLINE IN RESETTLEMENT, AND THE 16 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE POPULATION REMAINING IN CAMPS, IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1986-87, THE TOTAL COST OF CARING FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN BOTH OPEN AND CLOSED CENTRES WAS $160.1 MILLION, THE BULK OF IT - $122.7 MILLION - WAS BORNE BY THE HONG KONG TAXPAYER, HE SAID.
"IF WE ADD TO THAT THE COST OF THE EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WE ARE PROBABLY TALKING ABOUT A SUM OF MORE THAN $200 MILLION," SAID MR HUI.
STRESSING THAT CARING FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE MUST NOW BE ONE OF THE FASTEST GROWING ITEMS OF GOVERNMENT RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, MR HUI SAID THE FASTER IT GREW THE LESS THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO SPEND ON ITS MEDICAL, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS.
HE ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE INCREASING FRUSTRATION AND LACK OF MOTIVATION AMONG VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG, WITH THE DECLINING RATE OF OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT.
"ALREADY SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE CAMPS ARE REPORTING A MARKEDLY INCREASED INCIDENCE OF VIOLENCE, PARTICULARLY WITHIN THE FAMILY, AND HAVE EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE EROSION OF THE FAMILY UNIT AND A DECLINE IN PARENTAL AUTHORITY CAUSED BY THE INSTITUTIONAL NATURE OF THE CAMPS," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE BOAT PEOPLE NOW COMING WERE PREDOMINANTLY FARMERS AND FISHERMEN FROM NORTHERN VIETNAM AND WERE NOT VERY ATTRACTIVE CANDIDATES FOR RESETTLEMENT IN THE FIRST PLACE, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY HAD LOST CONFIDENCE, SELF-ESTEEM AND MOTIVATION THROUGH YEARS OF CONFINEMENT IN CLOSED CAMPS, MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN DANGER OF HAVING ON ITS HANDS REFUGEES WHO WERE INCAPABLE OF RESETTLEMENT AND WHO, WITH EVERY WASTED YEAR SPENT IN CLOSED CAMPS, WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY FRUSTRATED AND DESPERATE.
/HE REGRETTED
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 198?
HE REGRETTED THAT ONLY RECENTLY HAD HE LEARNED THAT THE GOVERMNENT AND THE UNHCR WERE CONSIDERING IMPROVING EDUCATION EOR CHILDREN IN THE CLOSED CAMPS AND THAT SUGGESTIONS MADE SOME MONTHS AGO BY THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP THAT JOB OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD BE BROUGHT INTO THE CLOSED CAMPS HAD NOT EVEN BEEN REPLIED TO.
MR HUI THOUGHT THAT JOBS PAID FOR AT SOMETHING NEAR THE MARKET RATE, COMBINED WITH VOCATIONAL TRAINING, WOULD PRODUCE CANDIDATES FOR RESETTEMENT AND THE MONEY EARNED FROM IT COULD ALSO BE PUT PARTLY TOWARDS THE COST OF RUNNING THE CAMPS.
HE SAID WHILE MANY PEOPLE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CLOSED CAMPS PUT TO AN END, THIS COULD ONLY HAPPEN WHEN THE GOVERNMENT HAD A LASTING SOLUTION THAT WOULD GUARANTEE THE REFUGEE POPULATION WOULD NOT INCREASE.
’’IN THE ABSENCE OF SUCH A SOLUTION THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS DUTY BOUND TO FULFIL ITS MORAL OBLIGATION TO HONG KONG BY SETTING AN EXAMPLE IN ARRANGING OVERSEAS RESETTLEMENT OF OUR REFUGEES,” HE SAID.
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AMENDMENT BILL AIMED TO DETER NAME-DROPPING ♦ * » *
THE MAIN PURPOSES OF THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 ARE TO MAKE "NAME-DROPPING” IN ELECTIONS AN OFFENCE AND TO PERMIT THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY TO SPECIFY THE FORM OF RETURN AND DECLARATION OF ELECTION EXPENSES.
EXPLAINING THE BILL DURING ITS SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID “NAME-DROPPING" REFERRED TO A SITUATION IN WHICH A CANDIDATE IN AN ELECTION CLAIMED TO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF ANOTHER PERSON OR ORGANISATION, WITHOUT THE PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PERSON OR ORGANISATION WHOSE NAME WAS BEING USED.
IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT MISREPRESENTATION IN THE CONTENT OF SOME CAMPAIGN MATERIALS USED IN THE LAST ELECTIONS IN MARCH 1986 HAD ATTRACTED GENERAL CRITICISM FROM THE PUBLIC, MR LIAO SAID IT WAS NOW PROPOSED THAT AN ADDITIONAL PROVISION BE INCLUDED IN THE ORDINANCE WHEREBY CANDIDATES WERE REQUIRED TO SEEK AND OBTAIN PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT BEFORE USING THE NAME OF ANY OTHER PERSON OR ORGANISATION IN THEIR ELECTION ACTIVITIES AND BY MAKING A BREACH OF THIS PROVISION AN OFFENCE.
"THE PENALTIES FOR NAME-DROPPING WERE A FINE OF $500 ON SUMMARY CONVICTION, OR A FINE OF $2,000 ON CONVICTION OF INDICTMENT, TOGETHER WITH A DISQUALIFICATION FROM BEING REGISTERED AS AN ELECTOR FOR SEVEN YEARS FROM THE DATE OF CONVICTION AS WELL AS DISQUALIFICATION FROM CANDIDATURE FOR 10 YEARS.
/’’THESE MEASURES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
8
"THESE MEASURES ARE CONSIDERED AN ADEQUATE DETERRENT," MR LIAO ADDED.
ON ELECTION EXPENSE RETURNS, MR LIAO SAID IT WAS HELD THAT CANDIDATES SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO DESCRIBE THEIR ELECTION EXPENSES MORE FULLY TO HELP ASSESSMENT AND INVESTIGATION IF NECESSARY AND THAT SERVICES IN KIND, NAMELY CONTRIBUTIONS OR DONATIONS IN THE FORM OF GOODS AND SERVICES PROVIDED FREE, SHOULD BE CLEARLY INDICATED IN THE RETURN.
HOWEVER, THE EXISTING SCHEDULE TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WAS OUT OF DATE AND COULD NOT ACHIEVE THIS PURPOSE, HE ADDED.
"IT WAS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE SCHEDULE BE DELETED AND THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY BE PERMITTED TO SPECIFY THE FORM OF RETURN AND DECLARATION OF ELECTION EXPENSES SO AS TO MAKE THE ARRANGEMENT MORE FLEXIBLE IN THE FUTURE," MR LIAO SAID.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT BOTH OF THESE AMENDMENTS, AS WELL AS OTHERS WHICH DO NOT INVOLVE AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL LEGISLATION WERE PROPOSED FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS BY AN AD HOC GROUP WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION IN THE MIDDLE OF 1986.
THE MORE IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REVIEW GROUP WERE REFERRED TO IN THE GREEN PAPER "THE REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT" AND IT WAS PROPER THAT THE SUBMISSION OF THE BILL SHOULD FOLLOW THE PUBLICATION OF THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT.
SINCE THE CYCLE FOR NEXT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WOULD BEGIN IN EARLY 1988, LEGCO MEMBERS WERE THUS REQUESTED TO CONSIDER THE BILL NOW.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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AMENDMENT TO FACILITATE REDEVELOPMENT
* * * »
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, PROPOSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO AMEND THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE TO PUT BEYOND DOUBT THE AUTHORITY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO CONTROL DEVELOPMENT WITHIN AREAS ZONED FOR COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT AND TO REGULATE USES AND BUILDING WORKS IN THOSE AREAS.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR BARNES SAID IT ALSO SERVED TO CONFIRM THE VALIDITY OF ALL PREVIOUS AREAS ZONED FOR COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT.
/"THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 9
’’THIS IS NECESSARY BECAUSE DOUBTS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN EXPRESSED AS TO THE VALIDITY OF THE ZONING OF OTHER USES (COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREA),” MR BARNES SAID.
’’THE OU(CRA) ZONING IS USED TO ENCOURAGE COORDINATED DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT OF A WHOLE AREA, OFTEN DILAPIDATED, RUN DOWN AREA.
"THE RESULTING DEVELOPMENT IS GENERALLY BETTER ENVIRONMENTALLY, AND BETTER SERVED WITH COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACES, BECAUSE IT IS PLANNED COMPREHENSIVELY AND CONSTRUCTED AS A WHOLE,” HE ADDED.
SINCE THE OU(CRA) ZONING STARTED TO BE USED IN 1976, 43 COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT AREAS HAVE BEEN SO ZONED. SIX HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED, 10 UNDER DEVELOPMENT AND 27 YET TO BE DEVELOPED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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LEVELS OF COMPENSATION FOR EMPLOYEES REVISED
*****
LEVELS OF COMPENSATION SPECIFIED UNDER VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WILL BE REVISED AND UPDATED UNDER A RESOLUTION APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PRESENT LEVELS HAD BEEN IN FORCE SINCE JANUARY 1, 1986, AND SO A FURTHER REVISION WAS NOW DUE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN INTRODUCING THE RESOLUTION.
"TO GIVE INSURERS SUFFICIENT TIME TO ADJUST THEIR RATES OF PREMIUM, IT IS PROPOSED TO BRING THE REVISED LEVELS OF COMPENSATION INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 1988," HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE EXPLAINED THAT THE LEVELS WERE CUSTOMARILY REVISED EVERY TWO YEARS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1978 WORKING PARTY WHICH REVIEWED THE THEN WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
HE SAID IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT WAGES WOULD HAVE INCREASED BY ABOUT 15.5 PER CENT BETWEEN JANUARY 1 LAST YEAR AND DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR.
/MR BRIDGE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
10
MR BRIDGE SAID: "ACCORDINGLY IT IS PROPOSED TO RAISE THE MAXIMUM AMOUNTS OF COMPENSATION FOR DEATH AND FOR PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY IN THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE ORDINANCE FROM $299,000 TO $345,000 AND FROM $341,000 TO $394,000; AND THE MINIMUM AMOUNTS FROM $100,000 TO $116,000 AND FROM $114,000 TO $132,000. COMPENSATION FOR THE NEED FOR CONSTANT ATTENTION WILL BE RAISED FROM $137,000 TO $158,000.
"A SIMILAR 15.5 PER CENT INCREASE IS PROPOSED IN SECTION 16C AND 16J IN RESPECT OF THE MAXIMUM PAYMENTS TO BE MADE BY AN EMPLOYER TOWARDS THE COSTS OF SUPPLYING AND FITTING A PROSTHESIS OR A SURGICAL APPLIANCE AND FOR ITS REPAIR OR RENEWAL. THE PRESENT AMOUNTS, $12,000 AND $37,000, WILL ACCORDINGLY BE RAISED TO $14,000 AND $43,000."
HE SAID IT WAS PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE SURCHARGE PAYABLE BY EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOYEES WHERE EMPLOYERS FAILED TO PAY COMPENSATION FOR MINOR CLAIMS UNDER SECTION 16A(10) AND 17A.
THESE SURCHARGES, WHICH WERE INTRODUCED IN 1982, WERE $100 AND $200 AND IT WAS PROPOSED TO RAISE THEM TO $200 AND $400.
"THE INTENTION OF THESE SECTIONS IS TO DISCOURAGE LATE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION AND THE INCREASE OF 100 PER CENT ON THE CURRENT SURCHARGE BRINGS THEM INTO LINE WITH INCREASES OF 100 PER CENT IN LEVELS OF COMPENSATION FOR PERMANENT INJURY OR DEATH WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE SINCE 1982," HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE MAXIMUM DAILY RATES PAYABLE BY THE EMPLOYER FOR HOSPITAL STAY AND OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT FOR AN EMPLOYEE RECEIVING MEDICAL TREATMENT ALSO REQUIRED ADJUSTMENT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT RECENT INCREASES IN THE DAILY CHARGES IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
INCREASES FROM $30 TO $40 FOR EACH DAY OF STAY IN A HOSPITAL AND FROM $15 TO $20 FOR EACH DAY OF OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT WERE PROPOSED.
HE SAID THE REVISED RATES SHOULD ENABLE AN EMPLOYEE TO RECOVER FULL MEDICAL EXPENSES FROM HIS EMPLOYER IF HE RECEIVED TREATMENT IN A GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED HOSPITAL OR TO RECEIVE A REASONABLE SUBSIDY IF HE CHOSE TO OBTAIN TREATMENT AT PRIVATE HOSPITALS OR FROM PRIVATE DOCTORS.
MR BRIDGE ALSO SAID THAT SECTION 11(5) OF THE ORDINANCE DEEMED AN EMPLOYEE’S MINIMUM EARNINGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF CALCULATING COMPENSATION TO BE $800. THIS FIGURE WAS BASED ON THE LEVEL OF SUBSISTENCE ALLOWANCE FOR A SINGLE PERSON UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME. IT WAS PROPOSED TO INCREASE THIS FIGURE TO $920 IN LINE WITH ITS CURRENT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE EQUIVALENT.
THE SECRETARY ADDED: "THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD WAS CONSULTED IN JULY AND UNANIMOUSLY ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THESE COMPENSATION RATES IN LINE WITH THE INCREASE IN WAGES. HOWEVER, THE ACTUAL FIGURES NOW PROPOSED HAVE SUBSEQUENTLY BEEN ADJUSTED IN THE LIGHT OF THE LATEST INFORMATION ON WAGE RATES.”
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
PROGRESS ON TRANSFER OF PRISONERS ISSUE * * * *
SOME PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ON THE ISSUE OF TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DESMOND LEE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID AN ORDER BY THE PRIVY COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 21, 1987 HAD EXTENDED THE UK REPATRIATION OF PRISONERS ACT 1984 TO HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 16, 1987.
"THIS EXTENSION WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR HONG KONG TO PARTICIPATE IN THOSE INTERNATIONAL AND BILATERAL ARRANGEMENTS ON THE TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS TO WHICH THE UK IS A PARTY," HE EXPLAINED.
"THE FIRST WILL BE THE COUNCIL OF EUROPEAN CONVENTION ON THE TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS. WE EXPECT THE APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION TO HONG KONG TO COME INTO FORCE IN FEBRUARY 1988," HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE OTHER COUNTRIES THAT WERE PARTY TO THE CONVENTION WERE AUSTRIA, CANADA, CYPRUS, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN, SWEDEN AND THE UNITED STATES.
HE SAID THE APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION TO HONG KONG WOULD ENABLE SENTENCED PERSONS TO BE TRANSFERRED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THESE COUNTRIES.
AS FOR THOSE HONG KONG RESIDENTS SERVING PRISON SENTENCES IN THAILAND, MR JEAFFRESON SAID UK WAS NEGOTIATING A BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH THAILAND.
"WE HAVE AGREED WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT IT SHOULD APPLY TO HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"WE CANNOT SAY YET WHEN IT WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 12
NORMAL RULES TO APPLY TO TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL
CLEARANCE
» * ♦ * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO APPLY NORMAL SQUATTER CLEARANCE RULES TO SQUATTERS AFFECTED BY THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL DEVELOPMENT PROJECT, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT AS THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL CLEARANCE WAS A SQUATTER CLEARANCE, ONLY THOSE WHO SATISFIED THE NORMAL REHOUSING CRITERION, I.E. 10 YEARS’ RESIDENCE IN HONG KONG FOR THE MAJORITY OF FAMILY MEMBERS, WOULD BE OFFERED PERMANENT REHOUSING UPON CLEARANCE.
DR LAM HAD ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD GIVE DUE CONSIDERATION TO ACCORDING TO SQUATTERS AFFECTED BY THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT THE SAME REHOUSING PRIORITY AS THAT PROPOSED FOR THOSE LIVING IN THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY.
NOTING THAT THE REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE FOR PERSONS AFFECTED BY THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL ON DECEMBER 9, MR LIAO SAID IT WOULD NOT BE PROPER FOR HIM TO PREJUDGE THE COMMITTEE’S DECISION AND HE WAS THEREFORE UNABLE AT THIS STAGE TO COMPARE THE REHOUSING CRITERIA FOR THE TWO CLEARANCES.
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GAMBLING LAW REVIEW AIMS AT BALANCE *****
THE AIM OF THE REVIEW OF THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE IS TO ACHIEVE A BALANCE BETWEEN CONTROLLING ILLEGAL GAMBLING ENTERPRISES AND ENSURING THAT SOCIAL CLUBS WHICH OPERATE WITHIN THE LAW ARE NOT PENALISED, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RICHARD LAI, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION WAS REVIEWING THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
"THIS REVIEW IS PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE QUESTION OF MAHJONG PLAYING IN ESTABLISHMENTS REGISTERED OR EXEMPTED UNDER THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE AND TO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE CEILING OF $20 FOR THE HIRE OF A SET OF MAHJONG TILES, FIRST SET IN 1977, IS STILL APPROPRIATE," HE SAID.
"THE REVIEW IS IDENTIFYING A NUMBER OF AREAS WHICH MAY REQUIRE CHANGES TO THE LAW," HE ADDED.
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/13........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR OUTDOOR SCHOOL ACTIVITY ♦ * » »
SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AND TEACHERS ARE MADE CONSTANTLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CONDUCTING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BRIDGE SAID THAT FOR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES REQUIRING CLOSE SUPERVISION, SCHOOLS WERE ADVISED TO OBSERVE TEACHER/STUDENT RATIOS APPROPRIATE TO THE NATURE OF EACH ACTIVITY, THE TYPE OF PUPIL AND THE DEGREE OF RISK INVOLVED.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR BRIDGE SAID THE RATIOS FOR CANOEING WAS ONE INSTRUCTOR TO EIGHT CANOES AND ONE TEACHER TO 30 PRIMARY OR SECONDARY STUDENTS FOR OUTDOOR EDUCATION CAMPS.
FOR SEVERELY HANDICAPPED PUPILS THE RATIO WAS INCREASED TO ONE TEACHER TO TWO PUPILS; AND FOR MALADJUSTED CHILDREN THE CORRESPONDING RATIO WAS ONE TEACHER TO 15 PUPILS.
HE ADDED THAT IN THE "LEARN-TO-SWIM” SCHEME FOR PRIMARY PUPILS AGED 10 OR ABOVE, THE RECOMMENDED RATIO WAS ONE INSTRUCTOR TO 30 PUPILS.
’’THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ADVISES SCHOOLS WHAT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO TAKE WHEN ORGANISING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES,” MR BRIDGE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS ADVICE WAS CONTAINED IN PUBLICATIONS ISSUED TO ALL SCHOOLS, WHICH INCLUDED CURRENT SYLLABUSES PRODUCED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND COMPREHENSIVE PAMPHLETS ON SAFETY, NOTABLY THAT RELATED TO PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
HE SAID THAT THIS MATERIAL WAS SUPPLEMENTED BY GENERAL SCHOOLS CIRCULARS AND UPDATED ANNUALLY, IN WHICH ADVICE WAS GIVEN ON THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN FOR SUCH OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AS SWIMMING GALAS, SCHOOL ATHLETIC MEETS, AND ORGANISED VISITS AND EXCURSIONS.
’’THE INSPECTORATE ALSO REGULARLY RUNS IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR TEACHERS.
’’THE AIM IS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE SAFETY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN IN CONDUCTING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES," MR BRIDGE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THROUGH THESE CHANNELS, SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AND TEACHERS WERE MADE CONSTANTLY AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CONDUCTING ACTIVITIES.
"THIS HELPS THEM TO AVOID UNNECESSARY RISKS AND REDUCES THE LIKELIHOOD OF ACCIDENTS," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
14
PRE-PRIMARY FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME ’EFFECTIVE’
*****
THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES HAS BEEN GENERALLY EFFECTIVE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). 1
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PAULINE NG, MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS SCHEME PROVIDED FOR FEE ASSISTANCE TO ENABLE CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES TO ATTEND DAY NURSERIES AND KINDERGARTENS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEME HAD HELPED AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 11,300 CHILDREN EACH YEAR TO ATTEND DAY NURSERIES AND A FURTHER 8,300 TO ATTEND KINDERGARTENS SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1982.
MR CHAMBERS SAID ELIGIBILITY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE AND THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE GRANTED IN EACH CASE WAS CALCULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH QUITE A COMPLICATED FORMULA.
ALTHOUGH THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE HAD RISEN FROM NEARLY $21 MILLION IN 1982/83 TO OVER $40 MILLION IN 1986/87, INCREASES IN FAMILY INCOMES AND FEES SINCE 1982 HAD RESULTED IN THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN ASSISTED FALLING BOTH IN ABSOLUTE NUMBERS AND AS A PROPORTION OF THE CAPACITY OF THE NURSERIES, HE SAID.
’’THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOW REVIEWING THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR FEE ASSISTANCE IN DAY NURSERIES TO SEE WHETHER ANY ADJUSTMENTS ARE REQUIRED. WE SHALL BE CONSULTING THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON THE RESULTS OF THIS REVIEW,” HE ADDED.
AS REGARDS THE FEE ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO THE KINDERGARTENS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WAS REVIEWING THE FEE ASSISTANCE ARRANGEMENTS IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 2.
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ADVICE TO FISHERMEN TO STEER CLEAR OF FOREIGN WATERS
» ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
HONG KONG FISHERMEN ARE ADVISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT OF THE SPECIAL ECONOMIC EXCLUSION ZONES DECLARED BY OTHER COUNTRIES TO HELP THEM AVOID STRAYING INTO FOREIGN WATERS DURING OFF-SHORE OPERATIONS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS RITA FAN, MR JACOBS SAID NOTICES WERE POSTED IN CONSPICUOUS LOCATIONS IN WHOLESALE FISH MARKETS AND FISHERIES OFFICES.
/REGULAR REMINDERS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
REGULAR REMINDERS WERE GIVEN THROUGH RADIO BROADCASTS, AT MEETINGS WITH FISHERMEN’S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND AT VARIOUS VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES, HE SAID.
"ALSO, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT OFFERS TO LOCAL FISHERMEN TRAINING IN NAVIGATION AND THE USE OF MODERN NAVIGATIONAL AIDS."
IN THE EVENT OF A HONG KONG FISHING VESSEL AND HER CREW BEING DETAINED BY FOREIGN AUTHORITIES, MR JACOBS SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NORMALLY TAKE ACTION THROUGH BRITISH DIPLOMATIC OR CONSULAR CHANNELS, FIRST TO ASCERTAIN THE FULL FACTS IN RELATION TO THE INCIDENT AND THEN TO SEEK THE RELEASE OF THE DETAINEES.
"BOTH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT LIAISE WITH DETAINEES’ FAMILIES IN HONG KONG.
"IN CASES OF HARDSHIP, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD ASSIST.
"UPON REPATRIATION THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS ABLE TO OFFER FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE THROUGH LOANS TO HELP THE FISHERMEN RESUME FISHING," HE SAID.
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AMENDMENT BILL FOR WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE ♦ » » ♦ ♦
SOME URGENT AMENDMENTS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES PROPOSED BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP WERE ENACTED IN JULY THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE WORKING GROUP WAS ESTABLISHED IN NOVEMBER 1986 TO REVIEW THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE TO DETERMINE WHETHER AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE WERE REQUIRED IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND THE PROVISIONS OF OTHER RELATED LEGISLATION, MR CHAMBERS EXPLAINED.
NOTING THAT DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS ON THE OVERALL REVIEW WERE BEING PREPARED, MR CHAMBERS HOPED TO BE ABLE TO SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN THE NEW YEAR, WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING AN AMENDMENT BILL INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BEFORE THE END OF THE CURRENT SESSION.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 16 -
COMPENSATION FOR PNEUMOCONIOSIS REVISED
*****
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A RESOLUTION TO REVISE AND UPDATE THE MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM LEVELS OF COMPENSATION SPECIFIED IN THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE FOR DEATH, TOTAL PERMANENT INCAPACITY AND CONSTANT ATTENTION, AND FOR DAILY RATES OF MEDICAL EXPENSES.
ALL THESE LEVELS WERE THE SAME AS THE EQUIVALENT LEVELS UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN INTRODUCING THE RESOLUTION.
IT WAS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THESE LEVELS BE INCREASED IN LINE WITH THE EQUIVALENT LEVELS IN THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AS PROVIDED FOR IN A RESOLUTION WHICH HE HAD MOVED EARLIER IN THE MEETING.
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SCIENCE PARK/TECHNOLOGY CENTRE PROPOSAL TO BE STUDIED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) IS EXPECTED TO SUBMIT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCIENCE PARK/TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN HONG KONG BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON K. Y. YEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON C. K. POON, MR YEUNG SAID THE IDB HAD ONLY LAST MONTH ADVISED THAT THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A SCIENCE PARK/TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN HONG KONG MERITED DETAILED CONSIDERATION.
’’ACCORDINGLY, THE COMMITTEE WILL SHORTLY INVESTIGATE TO WHAT EXTENT A SCIENCE PARK/TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WOULD BENEFIT HONG KONG, WHAT ITS OBJECTIVES SHOULD BE, WHAT MODEL WOULD BE APPROPRIATE IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCES, AND WHAT LOGISTICAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE REQUIRED.”
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SCREENING PROCEDURES BEING WORKED OUT ♦ * * * «
THE GOVERNMENT IS STILL WORKING OUT THE PROCEDURES TO BE ADOPTED FOR THE SCREENING OF NEW ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JEAFFRESON WAS MAKING A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM
THE HON RITA FAN.
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17
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 198?
VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL MAKES GOOD PROGRESS
♦ * * * »
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) HAS CONTINUED TO MAKE GOOD PROGRESS IN FULFILLING ITS FUNCTIONS OF PROVIDING TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING TO MEET THE DEVELOPING NEEDS OF HONG KONG'S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 1987, THE HON K.C. CHAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE VTC, WAS TABLING TO THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL REPORT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE NOTED THAT ON THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION FRONT, THE FIRST TWO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES PLANNED AND BUILT BY THE VTC AT SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN OPENED FOR CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR WHILE THE LATEST INSTITUTE AT CHAI WAN STARTED TO ENROL STUDENTS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THUS BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INSTITUTES TO EIGHT.
"BY SEPTEMBER 1988, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME PLACES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL BE ABOUT 11,500 AND 50,500 WHICH WILL REPRESENT AN INCREASE OF SOME 158 PER CENT AND 41 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY SINCE THE VTC WAS ESTABLISHED AND TOOK OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ESTABLISHING AND OPERATING TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
"BESIDES THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PLACES, THE INSTITUTES ARE NOW ABLE TO OFFER COURSES IN NEW AREAS OF TECHNOLOGY WHICH ARE VITAL TO HONG KONG'S FURTHER DEVELOPMENT," MR CHAN POINTED OUT.
"THE VTC ALSO HOPES TO BEGIN CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE ANNEXES TO KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND THE REPROVISIONING OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FACILITIES.
"WHEN THESE PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED IN LATE 1988 OR EARLY 1989, BOTH THE TEACHING FACILITIES AND STUDENT AMENITIES OF ALL THE OLDER PRE-VTC INSTITUTES WILL BE BROUGHT TO A LEVEL COMPARABLE TO THOSE PROVIDED FOR IN THE NEW ONES, THAT IS, TO THE LEVEL NEEDED IF THEY ARE TO OPERATE ADEQUATELY THE COURSES WHICH THEY NOW OFFER," HE CONTINUED.
TURNING TO THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FRONT, MR CHAN SAID THREE NEW TRAINING CENTRES - THE ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING, THE INSURANCE, AND THE PRECISION TOOLING - COMMENCED OPERATION TN THE YEAR 1986/87 WHILE THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE HAD RECENTLY BEGUN OFFERING COURSES.
"WHEN THE NEW SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE AND THE BANKING TRAINING CENTRE START COURSES IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAINING CENTRES ESTABLISHED BY THE VTC WILL BE 16 AND THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAINING PLACES OFFERED ANNUALLY IN THESE CENTRES WILL BE ABOUT 12,000 FULL-TIME AND 5,000 PART-TIME," HE ADDED.
AT THE REQUEST OF GOVERNMENT, THE VTC HAD ALSO STARTED TO ADMINISTER FOR THE GOVERNMENT A TRAINING SCHEME UNDER WHICH ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS ARE SENT OVERSEAS FOR TRAINING IN THE VITALLY IMPORTANT FIELD OF APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUITS.
MR CHAN HOPED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT TO THE VTC IN FUTURE TO HELP IT MEET THE EVER-CHANGING MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
------O------- /18......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 18 -
SIR DAVID: HK HAS MUCH TO OFFER ECONOMIC ZONE
♦ ♦ ♦ » »
HONG KONG HAS A GREAT DEAL TO OFFER THE SHANGHAI ECONOMIC ZONE AS A TRADING PARTNER AND AS AN INVESTOR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN SHANGHAI TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR ON ECONOMIC AND TRADE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE SHANGHAI ECONOMIC ZONE, AFTER HE HAD OPENED THE SHANGHAI OFFICE OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
HONG KONG TRADERS AND INVESTORS RECOGNISED HOW MUCH THE ZONE HAD TO OFFER, HE SAID, ADDING THAT HONG KONG WAS ALREADY A SIGNIFICANT TRADING PARTNER OF SHANGHAI, SECOND ONLY TO JAPAN.
"WE ARE THIS CITY’S LARGEST EXPORT MARKET, AND ITS SECOND LARGEST SUPPLIER.
’’THERE IS, HOWEVER, MUCH SCOPE FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THIS TRADE, AND OF HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH THE SHANGHAI ECONOMIC ZONE AS A WHOLE,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE TDC’S OFFICE IN SHANGHAI, WHICH WAS THE FIRST SUCH OFFICE IN CHINA OUTSIDE PEKING, WOULD PITCH ITS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THAT DEVELOPMENT.
ON HONG KONG’S INVESTMENT IN THE ZONE, SIR DAVID SAID IT OUTSTRIPPED ALL OTHER EXTERNAL INVESTMENT.
"IN FUJIAN ALONE, HONG KONG INTERESTS ARE REPRESENTED IN MANY HUNDREDS OF JOINT VENTURES.
"IN SHANGHAI, NANJING, NINGBO AND MANY OTHER CITIES IN THE ZONE, HONG KONG ENTREPRENEURS ARE INVESTING IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE SCOPE FOR GROWTH IN THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE SHANGHAI ECONOMIC ZONE WAS CONSIDERABLE, AND NOT MERELY IN THE AREA OF DIRECT TRADE AND INVESTMENT.
"THE SHANGHAI ECONOMIC ZONE, LIKE HONG KONG, IS PART OF THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION - THE MOST DYNAMIC AREA OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE WORLD. IT IS A REGION THAT IS ONLY AT THE BEGINNING OF REALISING ITS VAST POTENTIAL."
"ALL OF US IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION DEPEND FOR OUR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT ON STRENTHENING THE LINKS BETWEEN US - OUR TRADE, OUR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND THE PHYSICAL COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN US," HE SAID.
TURNING TO ECONOMIC AND TRADE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD SEEN PHENOMENAL GROWTH IN THE LAST DECADE.
/Hong kong
WEDNESDAY, DBS EMBER 2, 1987
- 19 -
HONG KONG WAS NOW CHINA’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND LARGEST EXPORT MARKET, ACCOUNTING FOR MORE THAN A QUARTER OF ITS GLOBAL TRADE, HE SAID. ►
IN RETURN, CHINA WAS ALSO HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND SECOND LARGEST EXPORT MARKET, HE ADDED.
’’WE ARE THE LARGEST SOURCE BY FAR OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN CHINA. AND CHINA HAS BECOME A MAJOR INVESTOR IN HONG KONG.
’’HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT AND AS A SERVICES CENTRE FOR CHINA’S TRADE WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD HAD DEVELOPED FAST, AND HAS BECOME IMMENSELY VALUABLE BOTH TO CHINA AND HONG KONG," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH GUANGDONG IN PARTICULAR, SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN THE NINE YEARS SINCE CHINA ADOPTED THE POLICY OF OPENING UP TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD, THE GROWTH IN TRADE AND ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION HAD BEEN ENORMOUSLY BENEFICIAL TO HONG KONG’S GROWTH.
"IT IS HELPING TRANSFORM THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AREA OF GUANGDONG INTO ONE OF THE MOST DYNAMIC AND FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIC AREAS OF CHINA."
HONG KONG HAD PLAYED A FULL PART IN CHINA’S MODERNISATION AND WOULD REMAIN ABLE AND WILLING TO CONTINUE PLAYING THAT PART, HE SAID.
-------0----------
THIRD QUARTER EXPORTS STATISTICS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN PUBLISHED ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SIX MOST IMPORTANT INDUSTRY GROUPS IN TERMS OF THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WERE TEXTILES, WEARING APPAREL, ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT, PLASTIC PRODUCTS, AND BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS.
TOGETHER THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 84 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF DOMESTIC MERCHANDISE EXPORTS DURING THE PERIOD.
AMONG ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, THE LARGEST INCREASES IN ABSOLUTE VALUE OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 WERE : TEXTILES (+$3,408 MILLION), WEARING APPAREL (+$2,647 MILLION), ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+$2,279 MILLION), PROFESSIONAL AND OPTICAL EQUIPMENT (+$880 MILLION), BASIC METALS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+$632 MILLION), AND MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL (+$440 MILLION).
/IN PERCENTAGE .......
WEDNESDAY, DECIXBER 2, 1987
20 -
IN PERCENTAGE TERMS, INDUSTRIES WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 WERE LEATHER AND LEATHER PRODUCTS (+97 PER CENT).MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL (+61 PER CENT), TOBACCO (+49 PER CENT),AND CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+47 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, A SLIGHT DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VALUE COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 WAS RECORDED IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY (-$20 MILLION OR -5 PER CENT).
BESIDES THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ORIGINATING FROM AGRICULTURAL, LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY PRODUCTION ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY FROM THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986 (+$3 MILLION OR +339 PER CENT).
THE INFORMATION WAS DERIVED FROM STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS ANALYSED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THIS SERIES IS DERIVED BY REGROUPING ALL SIX-DIGIT MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS UNDER THE PRESENT EXTERNAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRIES IN WHICH THESE MERCHANDISE ITEMS ARE NORMALLY PRODUCED.
TRANSACTIONS IN GOLD AND SPECIE ARE EXCLUDED.
THE CLASSIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS STRUCTURED UPON THE UNITED NATIONS INTERNATIONAL STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION OF ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES (I.S.I.C.), AS DISTINCT FROM THE UNITED NATIONS STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (S.I.T.C.) WHICH IS ADOPTED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
WHEN REFERRING TO THESE RE-CLASSIFIED FIGURES, SOME CAUTION IS NECESSARY. CERTAIN MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEMS MAY REQUIRE SEVERAL INTERMEDIATE PROCESSING STAGES FOR THEIR PRODUCTION. IN SUCH CASES, THE INDUSTRY IN WHICH AN ITEM IS FINALLY PRODUCED IS NOT REALLY THE SOLE CONTRIBUTOR TO THE EXPORT VALUE. HOWEVER, IN THIS RE-CLASSIFICATION, THE OVERALL VALUE OF THE ITEM IS WHOLLY ALLOCATED TO THAT INDUSTRY.
BESIDES, THE CLASSIFICATION OF A MERCHANDISE EXPORT ITEM TO A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY DOES NOT IMPLY THAT THE ENTIRE VALUE OF THE ITEM IS ACTUALLY PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS OF THAT INDUSTRY, SINCE SOME MAY BE SECONDARY PRODUCTS PRODUCED BY ESTABLISHMENTS CLASSIFIED UNDER OTHER INDUSTRIES.
A TABLE CONTAINING FURTHER DETAILS OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS STATISTICS FOR MERCHANDISE RE-CLASSIFIED BY INDUSTRIAL ORIGIN IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-8234832). A TABLE ON THESE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED INDUSTRIES IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THE REPORT "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE, SEPTEMBER 1987".
/Value of .......
21 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19?»7
Value of domestic exports for merchandise, reclassified by industrial origin far the third quarter of _19jj7
(HK3 *OCC)
industrial origin of the ccmmcdities exported Merchandise domestic exports
3rd qtr. 1987 ’rd qtr. 1936 Value change % change
Agricultural. Forestry and Fishing
Agricultural, livestock and 4,053 925 3.133 339
poultry production Coean and coastal fishing 107,025 96,151 10,874 11
Mining and Quarrying 2,673 2,252 421 19
Manu fac turing
346, **57 366,M2 -19,955 -5
£ QQvL 71,652 57,630 13,972 2^
-everages Tobacco Textiles (including knitting) Wearing apparel, except 321,531 12,196,077 11,814,240 216,311 8,788,512 9,167,052 105,270 3,407,565 2,647,208 UQ 39 29
footwear and knitwear Leather and leather products Footwear Weed and cork products, 218,977 320,174 222,926 110,916 • 23‘‘,u36 207,123 1C8,C61 85.738 15.803 97 3? 8
furniture and fixtures pacer and paper products, 1,166,057 866,529 299.508 35
printing and publishing Chemicals and chemical products 702,538 41,802 477,145 34,739 h> h> "J KH 0 vi cn 'O VI VI L7 20
Rubber products Plastic products Ncn-metallic mineral products Easic metals and fabricated 4,207,7=8 208,344 2,291,2^2 3,945,189 16=,83O 1,650,852 2c2,6C9 58,51^ -"2.3cc — > • tv. ru r*\
metal products 1,157,239 717,712 459.52- 61
Mr.cnir.erv, except e-ec-—a- 9.549,081 2.279,412
Electrical and electronic 11,628,4$’
products *+5,0Cl ’4, H*6 10,855 32
Transtort equipment Professional and optical 3.658,055 8:0,^09 2^
equipment Other manufacturing industries 3,610,991 2.749,179 861,812 31
Electricitv 109,372 87,967 21,^05 24
Miscellaneous items 16,587 -15
(e.g. developed photographic plates and film* antiques, and forks of art) 1^,c66 -2,521
Total 55,3^7,227 *3.012,759 12,334,463 29
individual entries of a colunn «y not add up exactly to the corresponding total due to rounding.
-------0----------
/22......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 22 -
REPATRIATION OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE Il’S BEGINS » t * ♦ ♦
THE REPATRIATION OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS BY SEA BEGAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WITH THE FIRST GROUP OF 508 LEAVING FOR GUANGXI ON THE FERRY LO SHAN THIS EVENING.
THE GROUP, COMPRISING 238 MEN, 125 WOMEN AND 145 CHILDREN, BOARDED THE LO SHAN AT THE LOK ON PAI DESALTING PLANT PIER AT 6 PM FOR THEIR 40-HOUR JOURNEY TO BEI HAI.
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR NIGEL FRENCH, SAID THE REPATRIATION PROGRAMME, CONDUCTED WITH THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, SERVED AS A DETERRENT TO THOSE CONTEMPLATING ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION TO THE TERRITORY.
’’ALL ECVII’S IN HONG KONG WHO HAVE THEIR STATUS CONFIRMED BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WILL BE SENT BACK,” MR FRENCH SAID.
ANOTHER 1,400 ECVII’S WILL BE REPATRIATED BY SEA TO GUANGXI IN THREE MORE VOYAGES, THE LAST TO LEAVE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE ABOUT 1,500 ECVII’S STILL IN THE
TERRITORY.
------0--------
STAR FERRY GRANTED NEW ROUTE, HYF FARE INCREASE APPROVED » ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED TO GRANT THE STAR FERRY COMPANY THE FRANCHISE TO OPERATE A NEW PASSENGER FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TS1M SHA TSUI AND WAN CHAI.
THE NEW SERVICE WILL OPERATE FROM KOWLOON POINT PIER TO THE WAN CHAI FERRY PIER AT A FARE OF $1 FOR ADULTS AND 50 CENTS FOR STUDENTS OR CHILDREN. THE FARE STRUCTURE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS.
IN MAKING THE DECISION, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO DIRECTED THAT THE SERVICE SHOULD START NOT LATER THAN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO APPROVED AN APPLICATION BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMAT1 FERRY COMPANY (HYF) FOR FARE INCREASES FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
/THE WEIGHTED
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 23 -
THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE RATES OF INCREASE WILL BE 4.7 PER CENT FOR CROSS-HARBOUR AND NEW TOWN SERVICES, 3.5 PER CENT FOR OUTLYING SERVICES AND THREE PER CENT FOR VEHICULAR SERVICES.
HYF’S LAST FARE INCREASE WAS IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
FOR CROSS-HARBOUR PASSENGER SERVICES, ADULT FARES WILL BE REVISED FROM $1.70 TO $1.80 AND MONTHLY TICKETS WILL COST $75 INSTEAD OF $70. FARES FOR CHILDREN AND THE TEMPORARY CENTRAL TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST HOVERFERRY SERVICE REMAIN UNCHANGED. THERE WILL BE NO FARE INCREASE FOR NEW TOWN PASSENGER SERVICES.
ON HYF’S OUTLYING ISLANDS AND TOLO HARBOUR SERVICES, THE DELUXE CLASS FARES DURING SATURDAY AFTERNOONS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $11 TO $12 FOR ADULTS AND FROM $7 TO $7.50 FOR CHILDREN. MONTHLY TICKETS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $165 TO $185.
THERE WILL BE NO FARE INCREASE FOR ALL WEEKDAY FARES AND ORDINARY CLASS FARES DURING SATURDAY AFTERNOONS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
AS FOR VEHICULAR FERRY FARES, THERE WILL BE INCREASES FROM $6 TO $6.50 FOR PRIVATE CARS OR TAXIS; $3 TO $3.50 FOR MOTORCYCLES AND $10 TO $11 FOR BUSES. THERE WILL BE NO INCREASE FOR GOODS VEHICLES FOR THE TIME BEING.
CHARGES FOR FREIGHT CARRIED ON CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES WILL INCREASE FROM $6 TO $6.50 FOR EVERY 60 KG OR 0.12 CUBIC METRE. FREIGHT CHARGES ON OTHER SERVICES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
-------0---------
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BEGINS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
A MAJOR SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE COORDINATED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND INVOLVING A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND REGIONAL EMERGENCY UNITS, WILL BE HELD FROM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO FRIDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE EXERCISE WAS TO TRAIN AND FAMILIARISE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER SUPPORTING UNITS IN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES.
"IT WILL ALSO SERVE TO TEST THE ALERTING AND COORDINATING PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES,”HE SAID.
/’’IN ADDITION,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
"IN ADDITION, IT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES TO OBSERVE THE EXERCISE IN PROGRESS," HE CONTINUED.
COMPRISING A SHORT-RANGE AND A LONG-RANGE OPERATION, THE EXERCISE WILL CENTRE ON THE EVACUATION OF SURVIVORS BY VESSELS AND HELICOPTERS.
IN THE SHORT-RANGE EXERCISE THIS AFTERNOON, A SIMULATED AIR CRASH NEAR THE NINEPIN GROUP WILL ACTIVATE A FULL-SCALE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION.
UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, PARA-RESCUERS OF THE U.S. AIR FORCE, THE MARINE POLICE AND THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL BE DESPATCHED TO THE "EMERGENCY" SCENE TO PICK UP STRANDED PASSENGERS AND CREWS.
THE LONG-RANGE EXERCISE SIMULATING THREE AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS WILL BE CARRIED OUT TOMORROW AT ABOUT 100 MILES TO THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG. THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, AND THE U.S. AIR AND NAVAL FORCES WILL BE MOBILISED TO SEARCH AND LOCATE THE SURFACE TARGETS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
TAKING PART IN THE EXERCISE ARE THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE ROYAL NAVY, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE U.S. AIR FORCE, NAVY AND COAST GUARD AND THE GUANGDONG MARINE EMERGENCY SEARCH AND RESCUE CENTRE.
- - 0 - -
VOLUNTARY MOVEMENT NEEDED TO IMPROVE SAFETY STANDARD AT WORKPLACE * * ♦ ♦ ♦
ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND FULL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS ARE THE PREREQUISITES IN RAISING THE STANDARD OF SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD INUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE, MR HAROLD KWOK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TO ACHIEVE THIS TARGET, HE ADDED, EACH ESTABLISHMENT SHOULD SET UP A SELF-REGULATORY SYSTEM AND FORMULATE AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RELATED POLICY.
MR KWOK WAS ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF A FORUM ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO EXPLORE WAYS OF PROMOTING VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT IN INDUSTRY AT THE VICTORIA HOTEL TN CENTRAL.
/HE CALLED
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 25 -
HE CALLED ON THE PARTICIPANTS TO ACTIVELY EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE IN THIS AREA.
OTHER SPEAKERS AT THE FORUM INCLUDED THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE JAPAN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ASSOCIATION, MR TOSHIYUKI HIRAGA, THE CHIEF SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVISER OF THE SHELL COMPANY, MR WONG WING-HOU, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINALS LIMITED, MISS ADA LEUNG.
MR HIRAGA SPECIALLY FLEW IN FROM JAPAN TO SHARE HIS EXPERIENCE IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AT WORK IN HIS COUNTRY THROUGH THE SELF-REGULATORY APPROACH.
HE GAVE A BRIEF ACCOUNT ON THE HISTORY, CURRENT STATUS AND THE PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN JAPAN.
MR WONG AND MISS LEUNG SPOKE RESPECTIVELY ON THE MANAGEMENT’S ROLE IN EFFECTIVE IN-PLANT VOLUNTARY SAFETY MOVEMENT AND THE BENEFITS OF SUCH MOVEMENT IN THE EYES OF EMPLOYEES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, MR CHENG YIU-TONG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH PUBLICITY PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTTEE, MR K. Y. TONGSON.
ABOUT 150 MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND WORKERS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES TOOK PART IN THE FORUM.
-------0----------
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED STUDENTS
♦ ♦ * t ♦
TEN DISABLED STUDENTS WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS, CONDUCT, LEADERSHIP AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY WERE AWARDED THE SHELL-ISLAND JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIPS AT A CEREMONY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING WHICH COMPRISED THE AWARDS RECIPIENTS AND THEIR TEACHERS AND PARENTS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES THAT THE RECIPIENTS HAD ENGAGED IN.
HE SAID THEY WERE LEADERS IN THEIR SCHOOLS AND HAD ALL SHOWN A HIGH DEGREE OF COMMITMENT AND PERSEVERANCE IN SPORTS AND MUSIC, IN SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY AND THE HANDICAPPED, IN COMMUNITY CAMPAIGNS AND AS MEMBERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB.
/MR LI .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 198?
- 26 -
MR LI ALSO PRAISED THE TEACHERS AND THE PARENTS WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE STUDENTS AND WERE SHARING THEIR PRIDE AND HAPPINESS TODAY.
THE AWARDS CAME INTO BEING BY THE DONATION OF $100,000 BY THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED TO SET UP A FUND FOR 10 SCHOLARSHIPS AS A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS IN 1981.
UNDER THIS FUND, 10 SCHOLARSHIPS AT $800 EACH WERE AWARDED TO HANDICAPPED PUPILS AS A RECOGNITION OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCHOOL WORK AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THE AIM WAS TO ENCOURAGE HANDICAPPED PUPILS TO REALISE THE IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION AND TO DEVELOP THEIR CAPABILITIES AND POTENTIALS, TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AND TO SHARE RESPONSIBILITIES, AND TO BE INTEGRATED INTO THE COMMUNITY.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS AND TROPHIES WERE PRESENTED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED, MR H.G. WEBB-PEPLOE. THE RECIPIENTS WERE NG HOI-CHUN OF THE MARGARET TRENCH RED CROSS SCHOOL, NG WAI-SZE OF JOCKEY CLUB SCHOOL, LUI HONG-FUK OF PINEHILL VILLAGE SCHOOL, LAM KWOK-WAH OF HOMANTIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL, CHAN PUI-WAH AND LUI TAT-SHING OF HONG KONG SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, CHAN OI-LING OF LIONS MORNINGHILL SCHOOL, HO WAH-CHIU AND CHEUNG WOON-YEUNG OF KWAI FONG MORNINGLIGHT SCHOOL, AND HUI WAI-LAP OF MONGKOK LUTHERAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF.
-------0---------
FAMILY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIM RECEIVES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AUTHORISED A SUM OF $45,130 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO THE FAMILY OF A TAXI DRIVER KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 22.
THE SUM, COMPRISING $3,000 BURIAL GRANT, $33,700 DEATH GRATUITY AND $8,430 INTERIM ADJUSTMENT GRANT, WAS GRANTED TO THE FAMILY OF MR CHAN TIM-CHOI WHO WAS KILLED IN A COLLISION BETWEEN A TAXI AND A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL AND THE EAST KOWLOON WAY.
AS FOR THE FOUR PEOPLE INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT, STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION IS NOW PROCESSING THE APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THREE OF THEM. THE FOURTH HAS NOT YET DECIDED WHETHER TO APPLY OR NOT.
/THE TAVA .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER.2, 1987
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES EARLY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR FAMILIES WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF THE FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF VICTORIA CENTRE, 15 WATSON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY OR BY CALLING 5-702342.
-----0----------
ANTI-TRIAD NIGHT IN SOUTHERN
♦ * * ♦ t
> A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE STAGED AT THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL IN AP LEI CHAU TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 8 PM TO SPREAD THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE TO SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS.
THE ANTI-TRIAD NIGHT IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE DISTRICT'S ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A PLAY ON THE ANTI-TRIAD THEME STAGED BY JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS AND PERFORMANCES BY TV ARTISTES AND SINGERS.
WINNERS OF THE ESSAY WRITING, SLOGAN, POSTER DESIGN, SOCCER AND TABLE TENNIS COMPETITIONS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS WILL BE PRESENTED PRIZES.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE SHOW ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. THE ORGANISER HAS ALSO MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESIDENTS TO WATCH THE SHOW THROUGH TELEVISION MONITORS SET UP IN THE OPEN SPACE NEAR THE COMMUNITY HALL.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (WESTERN), MR E.J. STEVENSON; CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR JASPER LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR KAN MAN-LEE; AND A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MADAM SO CHOW YIM-PING WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD NIGHT TO BEGIN AT 8 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL IN AP LEI CHAU.
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/28........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 28 -
DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS HAWKERS RE-ORDERING
*****
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE RE-ORDERING OF HAWKERS NEAR TAI KOK TSUI TEMPORARY MARKET AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE TEMPORARY MARKET, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF FUK TSUN STREET AND IVY STREET, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR. IT WILL HAVE 20 MARKET STALLS AND 187 MINI STALLS.
THE BOARD WILL CONSIDER THE PROPOSED OCCUPATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ON-STREET WET GOODS HAWKERS IN THE VICINITY AND THE RE-ORDERING PLAN FOR THE NEARBY ON-STREET DRY GOODS HAWKERS FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE MARKET.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE BOARD AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE AND THE SIX AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
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COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROPOSALS *****
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS SEVERAL PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENT.
THEY INCLUDE WAYS TO IMPROVE THE LIGHTING AT FAT KWONG STREET AND HAU MAN STREET IN HO MAN TIN, THE PAVEMENT AND ROAD SURFACING AT YAN FUNG STREET, AND THE POLLUTION PROBLEM AT A SITTING OUT AREA AT STATION LANE.
/AT THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 29 -
AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE NOISE NUISANCE FROM FACTORIES AND BETTER MONITORING OF ROAD WORKS IN THE DISTRICT.
I
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141, KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS AWARD FOR MAC MEMBERS
♦ * t t *
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON A PROPOSAL BY AN AREA COMMITTEE THAT SOME FORM OF AWARD SHOULD BE GIVEN TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS TAKING AN ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING SUCH PROJECTS AS THE SHA TIN DB TERM REPORT, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, THE INSTALLATION OF DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FOR VILLAGES, AND THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF A YOUTH TRAINING PROGRAMME.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REVIEW OF WORKING GROUPS' ACTIVITIES, EXPENDITURE HEADS AND TENTATIVE CEILINGS FOR 1988-89, AS WELL AS THE FINANCIAL POSITION AND PROGRESS OF DB SPONSORED ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
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/30........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 30 -
FIRING PRACTICE DAYS FOR DECEMBER
» » * »
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON SEVERAL DAYS THIS MONTH.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARB HOISTED.
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE:
DATE
DECEMBER 3
DECEMBER 4
DECEMBER 5
DECEMBER 9
DECEMBER 10
DECEMBER 12
DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 15
DECEMBER 16
DECEMBER 17
DECEMBER 18
(THURSDAY)
(FRIDAY)
(SATURDAY)
(WEDNESDAY)
(THURSDAY)
(SATURDAY) (MONDAY)
(TUESDAY)
(WEDNESDAY) (THURSDAY) (FRIDAY)
TIME
8.30 AM - 5 PM
8.30 AM - 5 PM
8.30 AM - 5 PM
8.30 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 5 PM
8.30 AM - 5 PM
8.30 AM - 5 PM
8 AM - 6 PM
8 AM - 11.59 PM
8 AM - 6 PM
8.30 AM - 5 PM
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&
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- -KWUN TONG DB TO DISCUSS PROVIDENT FUND ISSUE ♦ * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) TO DISCUSS THE ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
THE SUBJECT HAS BEEN PUT FORWARD BY THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, WHICH HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE FINANCIAL SECURITY OF RETIRED PERSONS AND THE WELFARE OF ELDERLY PEOPLE.
AN OFFICER FROM THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT, MR FEDERICK YEUNG, WILL ALSO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ON FRIDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN START AT 2.30 PM.
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING
THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG TUNG YAN STREET. THE MEETING WILL
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TEMPORARY PROHIBITED ZONES IN REPULSE BAY
*****
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4), REPULSE BAY ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 113 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH BEACH ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR DAILY PROHIBITED ZONES.
ONLY FRANCHISED BUSES, HEAVY AND MEDIUM GOODS VEHICLES AND THOSE REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE PROHIBITED ZONE.
THE RESTRICTION WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS BECAUSE OF ROAD WORKS.
MEANWHILE, BEACH ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE FOR ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 11 METRES IN LENGTH DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1987
- 52 -
MAINS BURST CAUSES TRAFFIC CHANGES
*****
OWING TO A WATER MAINS BURST AT THE JUNCTION OF CARPENTER ROAD AND TAK KU LING ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS. THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, TAK KU LING ROAD AND THE SECTION OF CARPENTER ROAD BETWEEN SOUTH WALL ROAD AND KAI TAK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. HOWEVER, VEHICULAR ACCESS TO PREMISES ALONG TAK KU LING ROAD WILL STILL BE MAINTAINED.
THE SECTION OF NGA TSIN WAI ROAD BETWEEN TAK KU LING ROAD AND KAI TAK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-WAY, WHILE KAI TAK ROAD, CURRENTLY ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES ON CARPENTER ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR LOK SIN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SOUTH WALL ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD.
TRAFFIC ON NGA TSIN WAI ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR LOK SIN ROAD, INCLUDING GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 33, WILL HAVE TO USE KAI TAK ROAD.
IN ADDITION, KMB ROUTE NOS. 2D AND 10 ON NGA TSIN WAI ROAD EASTBOUND WILL HAVE TO OPERATE VIA JUNCTION ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND CHOI HUNG ROAD.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH *****
TO FACILITATE THE HOLDING OF THE CLOSING CEREMONY FOR THE 1987 CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT "WE CARE ACTIVITIES", EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES, FROM NOON TO 3.30 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6).
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J, 1987
COiiTEMTS PAGE NO.
SOURCE OF TAINTED CHOI SUM BLOCKED AT BORDER - HYGIENE ADVISER .................................................... 1
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED 2
MORE ACTIVITY CENTRES FOR MEMTALLY HANDICAPPED PLANNED .... 6
SEWAGE SCREENING PLaNT TO HELP IMPROVE HARBOUR WATER
QUALITY .................................................. 7
THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINaR ON LANGUAGES IN EDUCATION ...... 7
PROGRESS IN URUGUAY TRaDE TALKS IMPORT/JIT: STI............. 9
REVIEW ARTICLE ON HARMONISED SYSTEM PUBLISHED .............. 10
call for support in combating triads ....................... 10
CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE SET UP ..................... 11
CaD/CAM TECHNOLOGIES EDUCATION for technician students .... 12
STRING MUSIC WEEK IN FULL SWING ............................ 13
SAI KUNG TO START CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ................. 11*
CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS ON TOMORROW ............................ 15
WORKSHOP ON CIVIC RIGHTS aND RESPONSIBILITIES .............. 16
ELDERLY HOME LIFE IN KWUN TONG ............................. 16
GYMNASTIC SHOWS FOR TUEN MUN FESTIVAL....................... 17
FREE SHUTTLE BUS FOR 'WE CARE' CARNIVAL..................... 17
SEMINaR CN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN KWUN TONG............. 18
DB TO BE BRIEFED CN LEGAL rtID SERVICES .................... 19
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO CAYMAN ISLaNDS ................ 20
REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED ................................ 20
SPECIAL TRAFFIC aRRaNGEMENTS FOR 1 CELEBRITY OLYMPICS' ..... 21
URBAN CLEARWAY, HEAVY VEHICLE BAN .......................... 22
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH ................. 22
tHUHSDAI, Ji.CJl.BbH ■>, 19c7
SOURCE OF FAINTED CHOI SUM
BLOCKED AT BORDER HYGIENE ADVISER
♦ • • » •
TH:’. S SPEf TEI) SOURCE OF THE TAINTED CHOI SUM HAS BEEN LOCATED a,’’. <o FURTHER TRUCKLOADS OF PRODUCE FROM THERE ARE BEING PERMITTED FOR SALE IN HONG KONG.
THE HYGIENE ADVISER OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, DR PONALI) PERRY, SAID THIS TODAY WHEN HE MADE A DETAILED REPORT TO THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FOOD HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE OUTBREAK OF FOOD POISONING CAUSED BY CHOI SUM.
DR PERRY PRAISED THE WORK OF HEALTH INSPECTORS AND FOOD INSPECTORS WHO HAD SPENT MANY HOURS GOING TO THE HOMES OF THF VICTIMS AND LOCATING RETAILERS LAST WEEK TO SEEK A COMMON CAUSE FOR THE FOOD POISONING, AND WHO FOUND IN THE HOME OF SOME OF VICTIMS UNUSED CHOI SUM WHICH WAS IMMEDIATELY SENT FOR ANALYSIS.
"THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST, WHO HAD BEEN ALERTED BY THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, THEN ARRANGED FOR STAFF TO WORK OVER LAST WEEKEND TO CONDUCT URGENT TESTS," SAID DR FERRY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, ALL BUT A SKELETON STAFF OF FOOD INSPECTORS FROM THF MAIN TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE CONCENTRATED AT THE MAN KAM TO BORDER CROSSING POINT TO INSPECT AND TAKE SAMPLES OF CHOI SUM FOR TESTING.
’’ALSO, USD HEALTH INSPECTORS WERE OUT IN FORCE TN SHAM SHUT PO, THE DISTRICT AFFECTED, TO CHECK ON HAWKERS* CHOI SUM SUPPLIES, AND WHERE THESE CAME FROM.
"AS A RESULT OF THIS CO-ORDINATED ACTION, THE SUSPECTED SOURCE WAS IDENTIFIED AND ABOUT 300 KG OF CHOI SUM WERE CONFISCATED AND DESTROYED.”
DR PERRY SAID THAT THE PESTICIDE CONCERNED WAS NOT REGISTERED IN HONG KONG AND THEREFORE WAS ILLEGAL TO BE USED HERE.
"CHOI SUM, OR FLOWERING CABBAGE, IS PARTICULARLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO WORMS AND IT APPEARS THAT THE PESTICIDE WAS SPRAYED ON THF VEGETABLES CONCERNED NOT LONG BEFORE THEY WERE CUT FOR MARKETING," HF. SA I D.
/••QUITE APART..........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J, 1^8?
2
"QUITE APART FROM DIE USE OF THIS PARTICULAR PESTICIDE, IT IS GOOD FARMING PRACTICE NOT TO SPRAY PESTICIDE ONTO VEGETABLES FOR AT LEAST CNF TO TWO WEEKS BEFORE CUTTING," HE SAID.
CONCERNING THE PEOPLE AFFECTED, HE SAID MOST HAD ALREADY MADE A GOOD RECOVERY AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE REMAINING FEW VICTIMS WOULD ALSO RECOVER.
DR PERRY SAID THAT THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WOULD BE ASKING BOTH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL TO HAVE STAFF AT BORDER CROSSING POINTS FULL TIME SO THAT CONTINUOUS CHECKS CAN BE MADE ON FOOD COMING INTO HONG KONG WHICH THROUGH MAN KAM TO IS AT A PRESENT RATE OF 500 LORRYLOADS A DAY.
THOUGH THE PRESENT OUTBREAK WAS THOUGHT TO BE FULLY CONTAINED, HE REITERATED THAT THE PESTICIDE WAS SOLUBLE IN WATER AND THAT VERY THOROUGH WASHING OF THE VEGETABLE BEFORE COOKING SHOULD KEEP THE RISK TO A MINIMAL LEVEL.
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PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR ESTIMATED AT $7,223 MILLION, WAS 19 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR WHILST THEIR VOLUME WAS 11 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND NINE PER CENT IN VOLUME.
THIS REFLECTED BUOYANT CONSUMER DEMAND DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, PARTICULARLY IN THE THIRD QUARTER, CONSISTENT WITH THE HIGH LEVEL OF ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE.
/ANALYSED BY
THURSDAY, DI?’ V b?
ANALYSED BY MAJOR TRADE INCREASED 3Y 13 PER CENT IN VALUE SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE THREE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME-
GROUPS. RETAIL SALLS OF FUELS AND FOUR PER CENT TN VOLUME IN
SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR. FOODSTUFFS, BY NINE PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 24 PER CENT TN VALUE AND ^5 PER CENT IN VOLUME. "CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS AND CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 22 PFR CENT AND 20 PER CENI RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE AND 15 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 'M PER CENT IN VALUE AND 48 PER CENT IN VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES ALSO ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 46 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 37 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
SUPERMARKET SALES INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS HAD AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT IN SALES VALUE, BUT WITH LITTLE CHANGE IN SALES VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, IN RESPECT OF THE MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED MODERATELY BY 10 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND SIX PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY THREE PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES BOTH INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 12 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND NINE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 43 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 29 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS WENT UP BY 27 FER CENT AND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND 19 PER CENT AND 16 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND FIVE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/WHEN COMPARED........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 198?
WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1987, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS C-v-.PARISON IS AFFECTED FY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR SEPIt-MBER 1987 DECREASED SLIGHTLY BY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE AND TWO Pt; CENT IN VOLUME.
IN TERMS OF BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME, FUELS WENT UP BY ONE PER CENT WHILE FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOHACCO REMAINED kLMOST UNCHANGED.
OVER THE SAME MONTH, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT IN VALUE AND ONE PER. CENT IN VOLUME. "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" DROPPED BY TWO PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND FOUR PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME, WHILST THE CORRESPONDING DECREASES FOR CONSUMER DURABLES WERE FOUR PER CENT AND FIVE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ANALYSED RY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY THREE PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES ROSE SLIGHTLY BY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE AND RECORDED ALMOST NO CHANGE IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS FELL BY EIGHT PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES DECREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1987 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER 1987.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST 1987 AND SEPTEMBER 1987 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF SEPTEMBER 1987 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1937 AND WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1986 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE SEPTEMBER 1987 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE. GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL NO. 5-8234941).
/Table 1 .......
5
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J, 1987
TABLE 1 l TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Salto for Saptonbar 1987 (Provisional Figure) ■ HK&7.223 nilli''n for August 1987 (Revised Figure) ■ HKI7,333 million
TABLE 2 : VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES TOR AU3UST AND SEPTBiBER 1987
(Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 ■ 100)
I tea Index of Retail Salos August 1987 Soptesber 1987 September 1987 compared with September 1987 compared with September 1986 Jan. - Sept. 87 •cmpared with Jan. - Sept. 86
August 1987
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points Points Points %
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADER Value 129 - 2 - 1 ♦21 ♦19 ♦17 ♦16
VolWM 117 114 - 3 - 2 ♦11 ♦11 ♦ 9 ♦ 9
(1) BT MAJOR TRADE 0B0UP8
Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco Value VolWM 117 109 117 108 • • • • ♦10 ♦ 4 ♦ 9 ♦ 5 ♦11 ♦ 6 ♦10 ♦ 6
Fuels Value 94 94 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦11 ♦13 ♦ 2 ♦ 3
• Volume 105 103 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 4 ♦ 4 ♦ 3 ♦ 3
» Clothing, footwear and allied products Value Voluae 130 116 155 118 ♦ 5 ♦ 2 ♦ 4 ♦ 1 ♦25 ♦15 ♦22 ♦15 ♦18 ♦10 ♦16 ♦ 9
Consumer durables Value 146 140 - 6 - 4 ♦23 ♦20 ♦21 ♦20
Voluae 124 119 - 6 - 5 ♦ 12 ♦11 ♦11 ♦11
Other coasuaer goods Value 138 154 - 3 - 2 ♦26 ♦24 ♦20 ♦20
Volume 121 116 . 4 . 4 ♦16 ♦ 15 ♦11 ♦ 12
(C) BT SELECTED TRADES (see note 1 below) Supermarkets Value 146 147 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦20 ♦16 ♦25 9 ♦20
Volume 1^6 136 • • ♦13 ♦10 ♦17 ♦16
Motor vehicles and parts Value Volume 208 159 215 165 ♦ 7 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 3 ♦8o ♦53 ♦59 ♦48 ♦51 ♦31 ♦45 ♦29
Consumer durables Value 127 117 -10 - 8 ♦ 6 ♦ 5 ♦ 12 ♦ 12
other than motor vehicles and parts Volume 114 105 - 9 - 8 • • ♦ 5 ♦ 5
Department stores Value 156 135 -21 -13 ♦43 ♦46 ♦26 ♦27
Volume 141 118 -23 -16 ♦32 ♦37 ♦ 18 ♦ 19
Notes J
la order to analyse the sales of oortaln trades within najer trade groups, the value and volume indexes in respect of the following oeleotod trades are compiled:
(a) "Supermarkets" - a trade la the ’’Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco” group.
(b) "Motor vehicles and parts" - a trade in the "Consumer durables" group.
(e) "Consumer durables other than motor vehicles and parts" - a trade in tho "Consumer durables" group.
(d) "Department stores" -a trade In the "Other consumer goods" group.
2.
3.
Figures denoting changes are derived from the unrounded index figures. "•" denotes change of less than 0.5.
-----0------ /6............
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
6
MORE ACTIVITY CENTRES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PLANNED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, DISCLOSED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FOUR DAY ACTIVITY CENTRES WITH 190 PLACES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS WERE EXPECTED TO BE IN OPERATION WITHIN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
IN ADDITION, ANOTHER 15 CENTRES WITH 1,060 PLACES ARE BEING PLANNED FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, SAID MR CHAMBERS WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF CHUN SHEK ADULT TRAINING CENTRE.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE, A TOTAL OF 1,070 DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE PLACES ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS.
TRAINING PROGRAMMES IN THE CENTRES ARE DESIGNED TO HELP THE TRAINEES TO COPE WITH THEIR DAILY LIVES MORE INDEPENDENTLY AND TO PREPARE THEM FOR WORK IN A SHELTERED WORKSHOP OR OPEN EMPLOYMENT.
SOCIAL TRAINING, BASIC LITERARY AND NUMERICAL EDUCATION, SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY AND SEX EDUCATION ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE TRAINING PROGRAMMES.
"I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT IF DISABLED PEOPLE, EVEN THE QUITE SEVERELY HANDICAPPED, CAN BE PROVIDED WITH PROPER TRAINING, THEY ARE CAPABLE OF BECOMING MORE INDEPENDENT AND SELF-RELIANT IN THEIR DAILY LIVES AS WELL AS UNDERTAKING A WIDE RANGE OF UNSKILLED OR SEMI-SKILLED WORK, EITHER IN THE COMMUNITY, OR UNDER SHELTERED WORK CONDITIONS," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED FOR ITS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ITS UNFAILING EFFORTS IN PROVIDING REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED, PATICULARLY FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
CHUN SHEK ADULT TRAINING CENTRE PROVIDES TRAINING AND CARE FOR 50 ADULTS WHO RANGE FROM LOW MODERATE TO SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THIS CENTRE IS THE FIFTH OF ITS KIND RUN BY THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
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/7........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
- 7
SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT TO HELP IMPROVE HARBOUR WATER QUALITY » t ♦ » U
A PRIMARY SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT, WHICH WILL CONTRIBUTE TO IMPROVED WATER QUALITY IN VICTORIA HARBOUR, WILL BE COMPLETED IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON, IN 1990.
THE TO KWA WAN SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT WILL PROVIDE SCREENING AND DEGRITTING FACILITIES TO THE SEWAGE PRIOR TO DISCHARGE INTO VICTORIA HARBOUR VIA A NEW MULTI-PORT SUBMARINE OUTFALL OFF TO KWA WAN RECLAMATION AREA.
"IT IS ENVISAGED THAT ON THE COMPLETION OF THE SCREENING PLANT, WHICH HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR A POPULATION OF 360,000, THE QUALITY OF COASTAL WATERS OFF TO KWA WAN WILL BE IMPROVED," THE PROJECT ENGINEER OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR K.K. YUNG, SAID.
"THE MAIN CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS INCLUDE AN INLET PUMPING STATION, SCREENING CHAMBERS, DETRITORS, PLANT HOUSES, TRANSFORMER HOUSE, ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, ANCILLARY STRUCTURES, ASSOCIATED PIPEWORKS AND ROADWORKS," HE ADDED.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN NEXT APRIL AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND THE CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 18.
PRESENTLY, THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 15 PRIMARY SEWAGE SCREENING PLANTS, WHICH WILL BE INCREASED TO 22 BY LATE 1990.
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THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGES IN EDUCATION
* * * * *
THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR FROM DECEMBER 15 TO 17 AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE OPENED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL GIVE A WELCOMING ADDRESS AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, DR VERNER BICKLEY, WILL CLOSE THE SEMINAR.
THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR IS "LANGUAGES IN EDUCATION IN A BILINGUAL OR MULTI-LINGUAL SETTING".
/THE SEMINAR
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5. 1987
8
THE SEMINAR IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO HONG KONG IN ITS PRESENT SITUATION WHEN LANGUAGE POLICIES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION ARE BEING SERIOUSLY DICUSSED BY PROFESSIONALS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
ISSUES RELATED TO LANGUAGE PLANNING IN EDUCATION, MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, LANGUAGE AS A SUBJECT, BILINGUAL DEVELOPMENT OF INDIVIDUALS, LANGUAGE AWARENESS AND THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF LANGUAGES WILL BE EXAMINED AT THE SEMINAR.
THE SEMINAR HAS ATTRACTED CONSIDERABLE INTEREST AND 300 PROFESSIONALS FROM OVERSEAS AND HONG KONG ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FUNCTION.
THEY INCLUDE SPECIALISTS IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH LINGUISTICS AND APPLIED LINGUISTICS, LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION, MANAGEMENT, EVALUATION AND CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS WILL COME FROM MORE THAN 15 COUNTRIES, INCLUDING AUSTRALIA, BRUNEI, CANADA, CHINA, FRANCE, INDIA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, MALAYSIA, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA, THAILAND, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES.
LOCAL EXPERTS FROM MORE THAN 20 INSTITUTIONS, ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS WILL ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT OVER 115 PAPERS AND WORKSHOPS WILL BE PRESENTED DURING THE THREE DAYS OF THE SEMINAR.
THE KEYNOTE SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE WORLD’S LEADING LINGUIST, PROFESSOR M.A.K. HALLIDAY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SIDNEY, AUSTRALIA; PROFESSOR JIM CUMMINS OF THE ONTARIO INSTITUTE FOR STUDIES IN EDUCATION, TORONTO, CANADA; PROFESSOR PHILIP RILEY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NANCY, FRANCE; DR RONALD CARTER OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM OF THE U.K; MR CHEW CHENG-HAI OF THE INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION, SINGAPORE; MR LIU QUO-ZHENG OF THE PEOPLE’S EDUCATION PRESS, CHINA; AND DR VERNER BICKLEY OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SEMINAR WILL PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS AND INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MEET EXPERTS IN.THE FIELD AND DISCUSS WITH THEM ISSUES IN LANGUAGES EDUCATION WHICH ARE OF SPECIAL CONCERN TO THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY AT THIS POINT OF TIME.
ENQUIRIES ON FURTHER DETAILS AND IMMEDIATE REGISTRATION, MAY BE MADE TO THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ON 3-7719418.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
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PROGRESS IN URUGUAY TRADE TALKS IMPORTANT: STI ♦ ♦ » »
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, HAS UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING PROGRESS IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
MR MACLEOD WAS STATING HONG KONG’S VIEWS ON THE WORK OF THE GATT AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF GATT MEMBERS IN GENEVA EARLIER THIS WEEK.
MR MACLEOD ALSO EMPHASISED THE NEED NOT ONLY TO IMPROVE GATT RULES, BUT ALSO TO DO ALL THAT WAS POSSIBLE TO ENCOURAGE ADHERENCE TO THE RULES.
’’THE GAP BETWEEN THE RHETORIC AND THE REALITY IS DANGEROUSLY WIDE. IT IS AS IMPORTANT TO USE THE URUGUAY ROUND TO REVIVE SOME IDEALISM, SOME WILLINGNESS TO ADHERE TO THE RULES AND TO MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK, AS TO USE IT TO IMPROVE THE RULES THEMSELVES'.
• ••
"IN THIS CONTEXT TRADE IN GOODS IS STILL AT CENTRE STAGE. AND THE ESSENTIAL TASK IS TO MAKE THE STANDSTILL AND ROLLBACK COMMITMENTS WORK, IN A RATIONAL, CONSTRUCTIVE AND UNTHREATENING MANNER."
HE WENT ON TO DEFEND GATT AGAINST SOME OF THE CRITICISMS LEVELLED AGAINST IT BY REFERRING TO TWO POINTS WHICH ILLUSTRATED THE GATT’S KEY ROLE TN THE CURRENT SITUATION.
"FIRST, MORE GATT PANELS HAD BEEN CONVENED DURING THE PAST YEAR THAN AT ANY TIME IN THE GATT’S 40-YEAR HISTORY, CLEARLY NOT SUGGESTING ANY LOSS OF FAITH IN THE ABILITY OF THE GATT TO HELP SOLVE TRADE DISPUTES.
"SECONDLY, THE VERY EXISTENCE OF THE OBVIOUS COMMITMENT OF PARTICIPANTS IN IT DEMONSTRATED THE GATT WAS STILL AN EFFECTIVE TRADE NEGOTIATIONS."
URUGUAY ROUND AND THE TO MAKE REAL PROGRESS FORUM FOR MULTILATERAL
THAT SAID, MR MACLEOD WARNED: "WE SHALL RIGHTLY BE JUDGED BY HOW WE ACT, NOT JUST BY HOW WE SPEAK."
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/1O .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
10 -
REVIEW ARTICLE ON HARMONISED SYSTEM PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE SEPTEMBER 1987 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED "THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM".
HONG KONG WILL IMPLEMENT THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM, OR HARMONISED SYSTEM FOR SHORT, FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION PURPOSES AS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR. THE HARMONISED SYSTEM WAS DEVELOPED BY THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL AND WILL BE ADOPTED BY MANY TRADING NATIONS AS FROM 1988.
THE ARTICLE DESCRIBED HONG KONG’S PLAN FOR IMPLEMENTING THE NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, ITS STRUCTURE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE EXISTING SYSTEM WHICH IS BASED ON THE UNITED NATIONS’ STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION, REVISION 2. IT ALSO DISCUSSES THE EFFECTS OF THE CHANGEOVER ON IMPORTERS, EXPORTERS AND USERS OF TRADE STATISTICS.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $28 PER COPY. PURCHASES MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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CALL FOR SUPPORT IN COMBATING TRIADS
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED TO REJECT TRIADS AND REPORT THEIR ACTIVITIES TO THE POLICE SO THAT ACTION COULD BE TAKEN TO COMBAT AND BREAK UP THE GANGS.
MAKING THE APPEAL IN THE ANTI-TRIAD NIGHT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN, THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD ALSO POINTED OUT THE EVIL NATURE OF TRIADS.
"TRIADS ARE EVIL. THEY ARE NEITHER BRAVE NOR GLAMOROUS, AND THEY ONLY PREY ON THE WEAK AND THE DEFENCELESS."
"IF PEOPLE REJECT THEM AND REPORT THEIR ACTIVITIES, THEY CANNOT SURVIVE," HE SAID.
THE ANTI-TRIAD NIGHT, HELD AT THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL ON AP LEI CHAU, WAS THE CLIMAX OF THE CAMPAIGN AND ATTRACTED A FULL HOUSE AUDIENCE.
/THE PROGRAMME .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J, 198?
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED A PLAY STAGED BY .JUNIOR POLICE CALI. MEMBERS AND PERFORMANCES BY TV ARTISTES AND SINGERS.
DURING THE FUNCTION, PRIZES WERE ALSO AWARDED TO WINNERS OF A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS, INCLUDING ESSAY WRITING, POSTER DESIGN, SLOGAN, SOCCER AND TABLE TENNIS, WHICH WERE ORGANISED AS PART OF THE CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS OF THE FUNCTION INCLUDED THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (WESTERN), MR E.J. STEVENSON; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM; SOUTHERN DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE MEMBER, MADAM SO CHOW YIM-PING; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR KAN MAN-LEE.
THE DISTRICT’S ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE WITH A SERIES OF TALKS IN SCHOOLS IN THE COMING MONTHS TO WARN STUDENTS OF THE GRAVE CONSEQUENCES OF INVOLVING IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
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CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE SET UP *****
TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AMONG RESIDENTS, A CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE HAS RECENTLY BEEN SET UP IN YUEN LONG AND WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM DECEMBER 8, A YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICES BUILDING, THE CENTRE IS EQUIPPED WITH A COLLECTION OF VIDEO TAPES, SLIDES, PHOTOGRAPHS, REPORTS, BOOKS, NEWSPAPER CUTTINGS AND DISPLAY BOARDS."
"THE SUBJECTS COVERED RANGED FROM THE HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG TO THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND CIVIC EDUCATION MATTERS IN GENERAL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THESE SUBJECTS WERE PRESENTED IN AN INTERESTING AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND MANNER.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE CENTRE IS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON CIVIC EDUCATION MATTERS IN RELATION TO THE DISTRICT’S CHARACTERISTICS. IT ALSO PROVIDES INFORMATION ON YUEN LONG’S HERITAGE AND DEVELOPMENTS.
"IN THE LONG TERM, WE HOPE THE CENTRE CAN GENERATE CIVIC EDUCATION-ORIENTATED ACTIVITIES FROM ITS USERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE."
/THE CENTRE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J, 198?
THE CENTRE IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON TUESDAYS FROM 3.30 PM TO 4.30 PM. GROUP VISITS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THURSDAY AFTERNOONS.
ADVANCE BOOKING IS REQUIRED FOR GROUP VISITS. RESIDENTS MAY CALL 0-792261 OR OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT MOST OF THE ITEMS ON DISPLAY CAN BE ON LOAN TO LOCAL SCHOOLS OR ORGANISATIONS ON A TEMPORARY BASIS.
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CAD/CAM TECHNOLOGIES EDUCATION FOR TECHNICIAN STUDENTS
» » t » *
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE VTC-IBM CAD/CAM EDUCATION CENTRE HAS CLEARLY CONTRIBUTED GREATLY TO THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF MANPOWER IN THE APPLICATION OF CAD/CAM TECHNIQUES WHICH IS URGENTLY REQUIRED BY LOCAL INDUSTRY, CHAIRMAN OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL MR K.C. CHAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CENTRE, MR CHAN SAID STUDENTS OF THE COUNCIL’S EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAVE BEEN MAKING FULL USE OF THE CENTRE’S $6 MILLION COMPUTER EQUIPMENT AND SOFTWARE IN THEIR STUDIES OF CAD/CAM (COMPUTER-AIDED DRAUGHTING/DESIGN/COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURE) APPLICATIONS.
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF SHORT COURSES ON THE CAD/CAM EQUIPMENT HAD BEEN RUN FOR LOCAL INDUSTRY, MR CHAN ADDED.
THE CENTRE, HOUSED IN HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, CAME INTO EXISTENCE IN OCTOBER AS A RESULT OF A JOINT PROJECT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE VTC AND IBM WORLD TRADE CORPORATION ON THE FOSTERING OF CAD/CAM EDUCATION OF TECHNICIAN STUDENTS.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT, IBM HELPS EQUIP THE CENTRE WITH A PACKAGE OF COMPUTER HARDWARE ON LOAN TO THE COUNCIL. THE NECESSARY APPLICATION SOFTWARE PACKAGES ARE SUPPLIED BY CADAM PACIFIC LTD.
THE CENTRE WILL DRAW ON THE EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE OF STAFF AND TALENT OF STUDENTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING. AND LEARNING MATERIALS WHICH HELP IBM IN THE MARKETING OF ITS CAD/CAM PRODUCTS IN RETURN, MR CHAN SAID.
/ELABORATING ON
THURSDAY, DEUiMBER J>, »987
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ELABORATING ON THE AIM OF THE PROJECT, TH*. rF’^TOR (HONG KONG OPERATIONS) OF IBM, MR HENRY CHOW, SAID, ’’THIS JOINT EFFORT WILL HELP NURTURE THE FUTURE GENERATIONS OF ENGINEERS FOR HONG KONG, STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING AND ENHANCE ITS ALREADY EXCELLENT REPUTATION XS A CENTRE OF HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGY.”
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE KEY TO COMPETITIVENESS WAS NOT TECHNOLOGY BUT PEOPLE RESOURCE.
"WE MUST REALISE THAT A SOUND EDUCATION AND TRAINING PROGRAMME MUST BE PUT IN PLACE, AND AT AN EARLY STAGE, BEFORE THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EVER-EVOLVING NEW TECHNOLOGIES,” HE ADDED.
AT THE CEREMONY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CADAM PACIFIC LTD., MR MICHAEL QUINN, POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJOR OBSTACLE TO IMPLEMENTING CAD/CAM/CAE (COMPUTER-AIDED ENGINEERING) IN SOUTHEAST ASIA WAS THE LACK OF TRAINED MANPOWER AND TECHNICAL KNOW-HOW.
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STRING MUSIC WEEK IN FULL SWING
♦ * * * *
STRING GROUP, THE TREMPER GOLDEN STRINGS BEGAN ITS ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN THE YOUTH (THURSDAY) MORNING BY STAGING A STUDENT
A HIGHLY-ACCLAIMED FROM WISCONSIN, AMERICA, STRING MUSIC WEEK THIS
CONCERT AT YING WAH COLLEGE.
THE STRING MUSIC WEEK IS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS.
THE "STROLLING STRINGS” APPROACH OF THE GROUP ENTHRALLED ALL THE STUDENTS WHO ATTENDED THE CONCERT. A REPERTOIRE OF BOTH SERIOUS AND LIGHT MUSIC WAS PERFORMED.
”1 HAVE NEVER MET A ’STROLLING STRINGS' GROUP BEFORE AND THEIR SUPERB TECHNIQUE AND MUSICIANSHIP ARE BOTH IMPRESSIVE AND ENTERTAINING,” SAID ONE OF THE STUDENTS.
THE GROUP ARRIVED LAST NIGHT AND WILL HAVE A TIGHT SCHEDULE IN HONG KONG. IT WILL HOLD TWO OTHER FREE STUDENT CONCERTS' AT SHUE YAN COLLEGE TOMORROW.
MEMBERS OF THE GROUP AND ITS DIRECTOR, MR STANLEY CONDUCT A WORKSHOP FOR STRING INSTRUCTORS AT THE HENRY COMMUNITY CENTRE ON SATURDAY AT 10 AM, FOLLOWED BY A CONCERT AT NEW WORLD CENTRE AT 2 PM.
NOSAL,
G.
WILL
LEONG
COMMUNITY
/ON SUNDAY,
THURSDAY, DECB13SR 3, 1?8?
14
ON SUNDAY, THE GROUP WILL GIVE A DEMONSTRATION CONCERT AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 10 AM FOR AN AUDIENCE OF 1,400 PEOPLE.
THE STRING MUSIC WEEK WILL REACH ITS CLIMAX ON THE SANE DAY WITH A GALA CONCERT AT THE AUDITORIUM OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. THE CONCERT, FEATURING JOINT PERFORMANCES OF THE GOLDEN STRINGS AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, WILL START AT 8 PM.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS FOR THE GALA CONCERT AT $5 AND $10 ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL URBT1X OUTLETS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-283257.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE GALA CONCERT AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON SUNDAY AT 8 PM.
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SAI KUNG TO START CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
» » » »
THE SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE WILL LAUNCH A CAMPAIGN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES AND TO DEVELOP THEIR SENSE OF DISTRICT BELONGING.
THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JUNE NEXT YEAR, IS ALSO AIMED AT EDUCATING RESIDENTS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
THE FIRST PROGRAMME TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A BLOOD DONATION EXERCISE TO BE HELD BETWEEN 2.30 PM AND 8.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL.
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER MR KEVIN HO, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR WILLIAM WAN AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION COMMITTEE, MRS ANITA CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
/OTHER ACTIVITIES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 198?
OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE VISITS, CARNIVALS AND A YOUTH REPORTER SCHEME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AND THE BLOOD DONATION EXERCISE TOMORROW AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL, PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG TOWN. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS ON TOMORROW
» » ♦ * *
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN, WILL OFFICIATE AT A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS FOR TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE LIGHTINGS AND DECORATIONS ARE ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR LUI CHE-WOO, AND YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 6 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN (BETWEEN REGAL MERIDIEN HOTEL AND SOUTH SEAS CENTRE), TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
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WORKSHOP ON CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
*****
A HALF-DAY WORKSHOP TO EXPLORE BETTER MEANS TO PROMOTE THE PUBLIC’S SENSE OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN HONG KONG WILL BE HELD AT NEW WORLD HOTEL ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE), THE WORKSHOP WILL INCLUDE GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND TWO PLENARY SESSIONS DURING WHICH TWO KEY-NOTE SPEECHES WILL BE DELIVERED BY DR DANIEL TSE AND MR S.L. WAN.
ABOUT 100 PARTICIPANTS REPRESENTING A WIDE SPECTRUM OF THE COMMUNITY WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL OFFICIATE AND SPEAK AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORKSHOP AT 9 AM ON THAT DAY.
A CLOSING SPEECH FOR THE EVENT WILL BE DELIVERED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF CPCE, MRS RITA FAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WORKSHOP WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5) IN THE FOUR SEASON SUITES, NEW WORLD HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI.
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ELDERLY HOME LIFE IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT ELDERLY SERVICE JOINT FUNCTION COMMITTEE WILL ORGANISE A CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLY ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5) FROM 10 AM TO 3.30 PM AT THE TELFORD GARDEN MAIN SQUARE, KOWLOON BAY.
THERE WILL BE GAMES STALLS, OPERA PERFORMANCE AND TALKS ON TOPICS SUCH AS INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP, NUTRITION AND FIRE PREVENTION.
THE COMMITTEE IS FORMED BY ALL ELDERLY SERVICE UNITS IN KWUN TONG AND THE FUNCTION IS SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "ELDERLY HOME LIFE IN KWUN TONG" PROGRAMME AT 11.30 AM AT THE TELFORD GARDEN MAIN SQUARE, KOWLOON BAY, ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5).
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
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GYMNASTIC SHOWS FOR TUEN MUN FESTIVAL
*****
TWO GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCES FEATURING FREE EXERCISE, HIGH-LOW BARS AND VAULTING HORSE DEMONSTRATION WILL BE STAGED BY ATHLETES FROM GUANGDONG, SHANGHAI AND HONG KONG OVER THE WEEKEND AS THE CLOSING OF THE 1987 TUEN MUN FESTIVAL.
ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL GYMNASTIC SUB-COMMITTEE AND HONG KONG AMATEUR GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION, THE CHINA/HONG KONG GYMNASTIC TEAMS JOINT PRESENTATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7 PM ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (DECEMBER 5 AND 6) IN THE YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AND IN THE TAI HING SPORTS CENTRE.
RESIDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE PERFORMANCES CAN OBTAIN FREE TICKETS FOR THE FIRST SHOW FROM THE YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AND THE SECOND ONE FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE. TICKETS ARE DISTRIBUTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL AT 7 PM ON DECEMBER 6 (SUNDAY) IN THE TAI HING SPORTS CENTRE.
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FREE SHUTTLE BUS FOR ’WE CARE ” CARNIVAL *****
RESIDENTS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CAN TAKE FREE SHUTTLE BUSES TO THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) TO ENJOY A DAY OF FUN IN A CARNIVAL WHICH MARKS THE CLOSING OF THE DISTRICT’S 'WE CARE’ ACTIVITIES.
BUSES WILL DEPART FROM KENNEDY TOWN AND SAI YING PUN EVERY HOUR FROM 12 NOON TO 4 PM.
AT THE CARNIVAL, THERE WILL BE BAND PERFORMANCE, EXHIBITION, RTHK CHILDREN’S SHOW, AN ALL-STAR SHOW AND GAMESTALLS, STARTING FROM 11.30 AM TO 3 PM.
THE CHAIN OF EVENTS WILL BE INTERRUPTED AT 2 PM WHEN THE CLOSING CEREMONY IS HELD. OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE A DIRECTOR OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS (T.W.G.H.), MR YU SIU-TIN; MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LIU LIT-FOR; CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (DACA), MR WU CHOR-NAM AND CHAIRMAN OF ’WE CARE’ CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR SAMMY POONE.
/MEANWHILE, A
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J, 1987
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MEANWHILE, A BUNCH OF EXCITING PROGRAMMES WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED AT THE NEARBY CHATER GARDENS FROM 1 TO 5 PM.
THESE INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION, BAND AND SINGING PERFORMANCE, ACROBATICS, MAGIC SHOW BY THE FRINGE CLUB AS WELL AS TRICK CYCLING DEMONSTRATION.
THE TWO-MONTH LONG ’WE CARE’ ACTIVITIES HAS OFFERED A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES INCLUDING FUND RAISING WALKATHON, VARIETY SHOWS, SEMINARS, CONCERTS AND A FEAST FOR THE ELDERLY. MORE THAN 20,000 PEOPLE HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES.
THE PROJECT WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, T.W.G.H. AND DACA, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND URBAN COUNCIL.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT SUNDAY’S CARNIVAL CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523002 OR 5-8523480.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CARNIVAL AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT AND CHATER GARDENS ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6). A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY FOR THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT 12 NOON AND THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE ’WE CARE’ ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD AT 2 PM, BOTH AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT. INFORMATION OFFICER, MISS VALENTINA CHAN, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION IN KWUN TONG » ♦ * » ♦
A DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SEMINAR AIMED AT ENHANCING THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6).
SOME 400 REPRESENTATIVES FROM THESE BODIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL START AT 4 PM AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE, TELFORD GARDENS.
THEY WILL DISCUSS WAYS TO FURTHER PROMOTE COMMUNICATIONS IN AREAS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, SOCIAL SERVICES, RECREATION AND CUTLURE AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
/THE REGIONAL
THURSDAY, DECBIBSH 3, 19&7
- 19 -
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOJN, MR T.H. CHAU, AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, WILL ADDRESS THE SEMINAR BEFORE A GROUP DISCUSSION SESSION BEGINS.
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL LEUNG, WILL MAKE CLOSING REMARKS AT 7.30 PM AT THE TELFORD CHINESE RESTAURANT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR, TO BEGIN AT I PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) AT WELLINGTON COLLEGE, TELFORD GARDENS IN KOWLOON BAY.
-------o---------
DB TO BE BRIEFED ON LEGAL AID SERVICES * « * * »
SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT AT THEIR BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL INCLUDE PRECAUTIONS IN THE USE OF GAS FUEL; ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS BESETTING LAI WAN; REVISION OF ADDITIONS POLICY FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA SINGLETONS AFTER MARRIAGE.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO ASK GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE LAI CHI KOK INCINERATORS AND THE ISSUE ON THE POISONOUS VEGETABLE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM AT 2ND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
HELD AT 2 PM ON 39 TONKIN STREET,
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/2O
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO CAYMAN >.-LANDS
» * * *
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS, FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS WILL BRING TO 54 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPC'ST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG.
"SPEEDPOST ITEMS POSTED ON MONDAY TO THURSDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY WHILE THOSE POSTED ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID. HE ADDED THAT ONLY "ON DEMAND" SERVICE WOULD BE AVAILABLE.
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT IS 20KG PER ITEM AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE $75 FOR ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250G; $105 FOR ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 25OG AND 500G; AND $45 FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500G.
PICK-UP SERVICE BY THE POST OFFICE FROM CUSTOMERS’ PREMISES IS FREE.
/
’’THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IN GENERAL CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
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REGISTRATION OF DTC REVOKED ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF MERCHANT GUARANTY LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (THURSDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
- 21 -
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR 'CELEBRITY OLYMPICS'
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY AND CAUSEWAY BAY FOR THE "CELEBRITY OLYMPICS AND CONCERT" TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6).
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 1.30 PM:
» CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LINK ROAD AND STADIUM PATH WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND;
» CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD/PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS;
» CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD/ PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
» EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND; BUT VEHICLES CAN STILL ENTER THE ST PAUL’S HOSPITAL CARPARK FROM TUNG LO WAN ROAD; AND
» LINK ROAD BETWEEN CAROLINE HILL ROAD AND HAPPY VIEW TERRACE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY UPHILL; VEHICLES EXITING FROM THE UPPER’SECTION OF BROADWOOD ROAD, HAPPY VIEW TERRACE AND LEIGHTON HILL SHOULD TRAVEL DOWNHILL VIA BROADWOOD ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD.
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT FINISHES:
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
» CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LEIGHTON ROAD AND COTTON PATH WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC; AND
* LINK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR ACCESS TO OR FROM PREMISES AT LINK ROAD VIA BROADWOOD ROAD.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE WITHDRAWN ON COMPLETION OF THE EVENT AND AFTER THE MAJORITY OF ATTENDANTS HAVE DISPERSED.
LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM MATHESON STREET, RUSSELL STREET AND SHARP STREET EAST FROM FOUR HOURS BEFORE UNTIL TWO HOURS AFTER THE EVENT.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM PERCIVAL STREET SOUTHBOUND INTO LEIGHTON ROAD EASTBOUND, AND ENTER TUNG LO WAN ROAD FROM CAUSEWAY ROAD.
ALL ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN SUN WUI ROAD, STADIUM PATH AND THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD AROUND THE STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM NOON TO MIDNIGHT.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1987
URBAN CLEARWAY, HEAVY VEHICLE BAN *****
THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH YIP KAN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 43 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 5).
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING MEASURE THAT NO VEHICLE OVER FOUR TONNES GROSS IS ALLOWED TO ENTER TAI YUEN STREET IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND JOHNSTON ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS BECAUSE OF ROAD WORKS.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH
* * * «
FROM 7 AM TO 6 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4) AND SATURDAY, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TO FACILITATE THE HOLDING OF NAVY DAY AT HMS TAMAR.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STRENGTHENED SANCTIONS AGAINST INSIDER DEALING RECCilMENDED . 1
CHOI SUM ISSUE TO BE RAISED WITH SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES ....... 2
EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION LEVELS TO BE INCREASED .............. 3
TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR BRITISH NATIONALITY BY
REGISTRATION TO LAPSE .................................
APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN GAZETTED ....................... 5
FAMILY SERVICES INDISPENSABLE ............................... 6
GSP BENEFITS FOR TEXTILES 'MORE RESTRICTIVE' ................ 7
CSB TO MEET POSTAL UNION REPRESENTATIVES................... 7
financial secretary to see eastern harbour crossing
CONSTRUCTION .............................................. 8
DRILL «ND EXHIBITION TO OPEN FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN ....... 9
STREET SLEEPERS URGED TO USE SHELTER .................... 10
YUEN LONG aRTS FESTIVAL OPENS .............................. 11
CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED, ^LE-BODIED ... 11
HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN SHEUNG SHUI ...................... 12
SOCIAL DANCE GATHERING IN MONG KOK ......................... 13
MAGISTRATES SEE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ON SPOT .................. 13
MaP GUIDE ON LhND UTILISATION ........................... 1**
UPGRADING COURSE FOR JUNIOR BANKING STAFF .................. 15
TRAFFIC CHaNGES IN HUNG HOM ................................ 16
ROaDWORKS IN SHA TIN ....................................... 16
RIGHT TURN BAN IN KOWLOON BAY .............................. 17
SHEUNG WAN URBAN CLEARWAY .................................. 17
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
1
STRENGTHENED SANCTIONS AGAINST INSIDER DEALING RECOMMENDED
*****
THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL SYSTEM BE RETAINED WITH STRENGTHENED SANCTIONS AGAINST CULPABLE INSIDER DEALERS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETAR’i , MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE STRENGTHENED SANCTIONS SUGGESTED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE, IN A MAJORITY VIEW IN A REPORT SUBMITTED IN MARCH, INCLUDED THE POWER TO ORDER THE DISGORGEMENT OF PROFITS FROM INSIDER DEALING, POWER TO IMPOSE A FINANCIAL PENALTY OF UP TO THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF THE PROFITS, POWER TO DISBAR AN OFFENDER FROM THE SECURITIES MARKETS AND POWER TO PROHIBIT AN OFFENDER FROM BEING A DIRECTOR OF A COMPANY IN HONG KONG.
THE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAD BEEN CONSULTED .AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW CLOSELY EXAMINING THE VARIOUS OPTIONS OF TACKLING THE PROBLEM, HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SECRETARIES AND ADMINISTRATORS, MR JACOBS SAID THAT ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S WORK WAS ITS RECOMMENDATION ON THE INTRODUCTION OF LEGISLATION REQUIRING THE DISCLOSURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHAREHOLDINGS IN LISTED COMPANIES.
"THE STANDING COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE SECURITIES (DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS) BILL, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED AS A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION IN JUNE THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD, HE SAID, MANY USEFUL COMMENTS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES, LISTED COMPANIES AND INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS.
"THE COMMENTS ARE NOW UNDER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION AND I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS GENERAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE BILL, WHICH, IF PASSED, WILL BRING HONG KONG’S DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS MORE IN LINE WITH OTHER MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRES.
"IT IS OUR INTENTION TO PUT A FINAL DRAFT BILL TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN EARLY 1988," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAD ALSO MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON MATTERS OF A MORE TECHNICAL NATURE, INCLUDING THE REGISTRATION OF CHARGES, DISTRIBUTABLE PROFITS, PURCHASE BY A COMPANY OF ITS OWN SHARES AND THE PROCEDURE FOR THE VOLUNTARY WINDING UP IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.
/"IN ADDITION, .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1987
- 2
"IN ADDITION, THERE ARE OTHER ASPECTS OF COMPANY LAW UNDER CONSIDERATION BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE," HE SAID.
"THESE INCLUDE ISSUES SUCH AS GENERAL FIDUCIARY DUTIES OF DIRECTORS, NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS, ULTRA VIRES, THE NEW INSOLVENCY LEGISLATION IN THE UK, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO ADMINISTRATION ORDERS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE TENTH SCHEDULE TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF CONTENTS OF ANNUAL ACCOUNTS."
MR JACOBS SAID THAT COMPANY LAW, LIKE HONG KONG ITSELF, WAS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING AND IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT THAT STANDARDS WERE KEPT UP TO DATE TO MEET CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES WITHOUT IMPOSING AN UNDUE BURDEN ON COMPANY MANAGEMENT.
"THIS IS NO EASY TASK BUT I AM SURE WE CAN CONTINUE TO RELY ON THE STANDING COMMITTEE TO ASSIST US IN STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE," HE ADDED.
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CHOI SUM ISSUE TO BE RAISED WITH SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES
» ♦ » » «
THE GOVERNMENT HAS STEPPED UP EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE THF CONSUMPTION OF CONTAMINATED CHOI SUM BY VIGILANT BORDER CHECKS AND REFUSAL TO ACCEPT VEGETABLES FROM SUSPECTED AREAS.
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS CHECKING ALL VEGETABLES ENTERING HONG KONG FROM CHINA AND THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION IS REFUSING TO ACCEPT VEGETABLES FROM SUSPECTED CONTAMINATED ARES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THESE STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT CHOI SUM POISONING CASES AND ADDED THAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD STILL BE TAKEN TO THOROUGHLY WASH ALL VEGETABLES AS A NORMAL HYGIENE REQUIREMENT.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE USE OF A REGULAR MEETING BETWEEN THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE SHENZHEN ANIMALS AND PLANTS QUARANTINE AUTHORITY SCHEDULED FOR NEXT THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) IN HONG KONG TO RAISE THE ISSUE OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES WITH THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES.
THE REGULAR MEETING IS HELD TWICE ANNUALLY BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHENZHEN ON ANIMAL AND PLANT QUARANTINE MATTERS OF MUTUAL CONCERN. THE LAST REGULAR MEETING WAS HELD IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
/"THE VEGETABLE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
"THE VEGETABLE ISSUE WILL BE INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA OF THE FORTHCOMING MEETING TO WHICH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS CHANNEL OUR CONCERN OVER THIS ISSUE WILL BE FULLY REFLECTED TO THE SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT THE PUBLIC HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY IS WELL PROTECTED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, THREE LORRIES OF VEGETABLES WEIGHING SOME 670 KILOGRAMS WERE INTERCEPTED AT THE BORDER TODAY. AFTER SAMPLES WERE TAKEN BY MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH OFFICERS, THEY WERE DISPOSED OF INCINERATION.
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EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION LEVELS TO BE INCREASED
*****
THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE WILL BE INCREASED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GAZETTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THE REVISION, WHICH AVERAGED ABOUT 15.5 PER CENT, TOOK INTO ACCOUNT INCREASES IN WAGE RATES SINCE JANUARY 1986.
UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AN EMPLOYER IS LIABLE TO PAY COMPENSATION TO HIS EMPLOYEE FOR ANY INJURY OR DEATH CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS OR OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES ARISING OUT OF AND IN THE COURSE OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE STIPULATES THAT ANY PERSON WHO HAS RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR FIVE YEARS OR MORE AND IS SUFFERING FROM SILICOSIS AND ASBESTOSIS MAY CLAIM COMPENSATION FROM THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND, WHICH IS FUNDED B^ A LEVY IMPOSED ON THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES.
/THE NEW
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 19^7
THE NEW COMPENSATION RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MINIMUM MAXIMUM
FOR DEATH $116,000 $345,000
FOR PERMANENT INCAPACITY $158,000 $394,000
FOR WORKERS WHO NEED CONSTANT ATTENTION DUE TO PERMANENT TOTAL INCAPACITY $158,000
COST OF SUPPLYING AND FITTING A PROSTHESIS AND FOR ITS REPAIR OR RENEWAL $14,000
COST OF SUPPLYING AND FITTING A SURGICAL APPLIANCE AND FOR ITS REPAIR OR RENEWAL $43,000
DAILY RATE FOR HOSPITAL STAY IN $40
GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED HOSPITAL
DAILY RATE FOR OUT-PATIENT TREATMENT $20
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT OTHER SUMS OF MONEY SPECIFIED IN THE TWO ORDINANCES WOULD ALSO BE INCREASED ACCORDINGLY.
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HAS BEEN CONSULTED ON THE ISSUE.
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TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS FOR BRITISH NATIONALITY BY REGISTRATION TO LAPSE * * * ♦ *
THE TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS UNDER SECTION 8 AND SECTION 20 OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981, WHICH PRESERVE THE ENTITLEMENT OF A WIFE TO ACQUIRE BRITISH NATIONALITY BY REGISTRATION, WILL LAPSE ON DECEMBER 31, 1987, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT
REMINDED TODAY (FRIDAY).
SECTION 8 OF THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT 1981 PROVIDES FOR THE REGISTRATION AS BRITISH CITIZENS BY WOMEN WHO WERE MARRIED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1983 TO CITIZENS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND COLONIES WHO BECAME BRITISH CITIZENS ON JANUARY 1, 1983. THE WIFE HAS A RIGHT TO BE REGISTERED AS A BRITISH CITIZEN IF HER HUSBAND HAS NOT RENOUNCED HIS BRITISH CITIZENSHIP AND THE MARRIAGE SUBSISTS ON THE DATE OF APPLICATION.
/SECTION 20
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
- 5 -
SECTION 20 OF THE SAME ACT PROVIDES FOR THE REGISTRATION AS BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS BY WOMEN WHO WERE MARRIED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1983 TO CITIZENS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND COLONIES WHO BECAME BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS ON JANUARY 1, 1983. THE WIFE IS ENTITLED TO BE SO REGISTERED IF THE HUSBAND HAS NOT RENOUNCED HIS BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENSHIP AND THE MARRIAGE SUBSISTS ON THE DATE OF APPLICATION.
’’ALL ELIGIBLE PERSONS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THESE PROVISIONS MUST SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1987, AS LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT 3-7328471.
------0--------
APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN GAZETTED V ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR JARDINE’S LOOKOUT AND WONG NAI CHUNG GAP AREA, PASSED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THE DRAFT PLAN FOR THE AREA WAS GAZETTED AND EXHIBITED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION ON AUGUST 23, 1985, AND NO OBJECTIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED.
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF 207.84 HECTARES ON THE WESTERN SLOPES OF MOUNT BUTLER AND THE UPPER PART OF WONG NAI CHUNG VALLEY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN WAS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY LAND USE PATTERN AND ROAD NETWORK AS A BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THIS AREA.
THE EXISTING CHARACTER OF THE PLANNING AREA, WHICH IS LOW TO MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL FRINGED BY AN EXTENSIVE GREEN BELT, WOULD BE PRESERVED.
THE PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE KOWLOON MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, 382, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT A COST OF $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $50 EACH COLOURED PRINTED VERSION.
-------0--------- /6......................
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
- 6
FAMILY SERVICES INDISPENSABLE *****
FAMILY SERVICES ARE INDISPENSABLE IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES AS THE FAMILY IS THE BASIC COMPONENT OF THE COMMUNITY, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE AT KWUN TONG, MRS WONG NOTED THAT AS THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPED, MORE NUCLEUS FAMILIES HAD EMERGED IN HONG KONG, LIVING FAR AWAY FROM THEIR ELDERLY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS, AND THAT AT THE SAME TIME, WITH MORE WOMEN JOINING THE LABOUR FORCE.
THUS, FAMILIES NOWADAYS HAD LIMITED RESOURCES TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS AND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE FAMILY WOULD EASILY BE ERODED AND CONFLICTS APPEARED WHEN FAMILY MEMBERS NEGLECTED THEIR DUTIES AND WHEN SUPPORT AND CARE FROM THE COMMUNITY WERE INADEQUATE, SHE SAID.
HENCE, IT WAS UNDERSTANDABLE THAT FAMILY SERVICES HAD DRAWN MORE AND MORE ATTENTION FROM THE COMMUNITY AND THAT THE FAMILY FIGURED AS A BASIC UNIT IN MANY SOCIAL SERVICES, SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG SAID THAT ACCORDING TO THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT, THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING FAMILY SERVICES WAS TO HELP PRESERVE AND STRENGTHEN THE ROLE OF THE FAMILY.
"FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE IMPORTANT WELFARE FACILITIES IN HELPING TO SOLVE FAMILY PROBLEMS," SHE SAID.
"THERE ARE AT PRESENT 50 SUCH CENTRES IN HONG KONG, PROVIDING CASEWORK SERVICE, GROUP COUNSELLING AND THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES AS A WHOLE IN SOLVING PROBLEMS.
"NEVERTHELESS, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE MORE COMPREHENSIVE FAMILY SERVICES, JOINT EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE NEEDED TO EXPAND AND PROVIDE BETTER COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS CHILD CARE CENTRES, CHILDREN’S CENTRES, HOME HELP SERVICE, SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION," SHE SAID.
SHE ALSO STRESSED THAT THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES SHOULD AIM AT MEETING THE SPECIAL DISTRICT NEEDS.
MRS WONG COMMENDED THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS THIS GOAL THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A SERIES OF INNOVATIVE, PREVENTIVE AND INSTRUCTIVE SERVICES FOR SINGLE PARENTS, PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY AND THE OPERATION OF A HOSTEL FOR THE DISABLED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
ALL THESE SERVICES HAD HELPED TO LESSEN THE PRESSURE FACING FAMILIES NOWADAYS, ENABLING THE MEMBERS TO HAVE A HARMONIOUS RELATIONSHIP, SHE SAID.
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/7
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
GSP BENEFITS FOR TEXTILES ’MORE RESTRICTIVE’
* ♦ * * ♦
THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY HAS ANNOUNCED ITS GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES ARRANGEMENTS FOR 1988.
COMMENTING ON THE SCHEME, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR JOSEPH WONG, SAID THE 1988 GSP BENEFITS FOR TEXTILES WOULD BE MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN IN 1987.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE PRINCIPLE OF DIFFERENTIATION (I.E. EXCLUDING GSP BENEFITS ON A PRODUCT-BY-PRODUCT BASIS) TO THE TEXTILE SECTOR WHEREBY TEXTILE PRODUCTS FROM A BENEFICIARY COUNTRY OR TERRITORY WHICH ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 10 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXTRA-EEC IMPORTS WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM THE GSP SCHEME IN TWO YEARS’ TIME.
HE NOTED THAT FOR 30 CATEGORIES WHERE HONG KONG HAD MORE THAN 10 PER CENT OF IMPORTS INTO THE EEC OUR DUTY-FREE AMOUNTS WOULD BE HALVED IN 1988 (AND WOULD BE REMOVED COMPLETELY IN 1989).
MR WONG SAID THAT, WHILE THIS WAS UNFORTUNATE, THE PRACTICAL EFFECT OF THIS REMOVAL WOULD NOT BE SIGNIFICANT SINCE LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TRADE IN THESE 30 CATEGORIES WAS CURRENTLY ENJOYING GSP BENEFITS.
IN RESPECT OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS, MR WONG SAID THAT THE GSP BENEFITS FOR 1988 WOULD BE ESSENTIALLY THE SAME AS THE 1987 SCHEME.
DESPITE REDUCTION IN THE DUTY-FREE AMOUNTS FOR WATCH CASES FROM APPROXIMATELY $12 MILLION TO $6 MILLION, THERE IS AN OVERALL NET GAIN OF BENEFITS OF 700,000 ECU (EQUIVALENT TO HK$6.79 MILLION) COMPARED TO THE 1987 SCHEME.
IN 1986 ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THE EEC BENEFITED FROM THE GSP SCHEME. THIS TOTAL AMOUNT OF TRADE WHICH HAS SO BENEFITED WAS ROUGHLY 664 MILLION ECU OR HK$6,440 MILLION.
-------0---------
CSB TO MEET POSTAL UNION REPRESENTATIVES *****
THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH HAS AGREED TO MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNION OF POST OFFICE EMPLOYEES NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS BY THE UNION RELATING TO THE POSTMAN AND POSTAL OFFICER GRADES.
THE MEETING HAS BEEN REQUESTED BY THE UNION FOLLOWING A MEETING WITH THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POST OFFICE YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
/’•BOTH THE..........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 198?
- 8 -
’’BOTH THE SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE POST OFFICE ARE HAPPY TO CONTINUE THE ONGOING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE STAFF,” SAID THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR HUGH ARDLEY, THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
”WE ARE OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THE MEETING WITH THE UNION,” HE ADDED.
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FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO SEE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING CONSTRUCTION * * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, WILL TAKE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING OFF TO SEE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THE $3.8 BILLION EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IS A PRIVATE VENTURE BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY. TO BE COMPLETED BY FEBRUARY 1990, IT WILL LINK QUARRY BAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND CHA KWO LING IN KOWLOON BY MEANS OF AN IMMERSED TWIN-TUBE CROSSING INCORPORATING BOTH ROAD AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY LINKS.
ON HAND TO BRIEF MR JACOBS ON THE PROJECT’S LATEST DEVELOPMENT WILL BE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT GOVERNMENT ENGINEER, MR MICHAEL TURNER; DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY, MR NORMAN THOMPSON AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMPANY, MR DOUGLAS OAKERVEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S LAST LEG OF THE VISIT TO THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AT QUARRY BAY. SINCE THIS WILL INVOLVE ENTERING A SHAFT AND UNDERGROUND TUNNELS, ONLY MALE REPORTERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS SHOULD BE ASSIGNED TO COVER THE EVENT.
THOSE COVERING THE VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE KING’S ROAD ENTRANCE (OPPOSITE TONG CHONG STREET) OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY QUARRY BAY STATION AT 11.30 AM ON SATURDAY. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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/9........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
DRILL AND EXHIBITION TO OPEN FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
*****
AN EXHIBITION AND A FIRE DRILL DEMONSTRATION AT TSZ WAN SHAN PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) WILL MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE WONG TAI SIN SQUATTER AREA FIRE PREVENTION AND COMBATING OF ILLEGAL TAPPING CAMPAIGN.
THE ANNUAL CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT AROUSING SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS TO PREVENT FIRE AND STOP ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY ESPECIALLY DURING THE DRY SEASON.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN OPENING CEREMONY AND A VARIETY SHOW WITH SINGING PERFORMANCES.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREA COMMITTEE, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM; CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP, MR LI YUK-WA; ASSISTANT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHESTER KWOK; AND DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, KOWLOON CENTRAL DIVISION, OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR HAU HUNG-CHI.
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE, WILL BE HELD FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) TO JANUARY 7 NEXT YEAR.
APART FROM THE OPENING EVENT, THERE WILL BE A SLOGAN COMPETITION, A DRAWING COMPETITION, A VEGETARIAN FEAST AND TOUR, HOUSEHOLD VISITS AND A VARIETY SHOW ORGANISED DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 3.30 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) AT TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD PLAYGROUND AT TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD (OPPOSITE THE TSZ WAN SHAN POLICE STATION).
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE VENUE WILL BE CHANGED TO KEI TSZ PRIMARY SCHOOL AT SHATIN PASS GOVERNMENT LOW COST HOUSING ESTATE (ADJACENT TO THE TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD PLAYGROUND).
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/1O........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
- 10 -
STREET SLEEPERS URGED TO USE SHELTER
* » » « *
STREET SLEEPERS IN WAN CHAI WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED TO MAKE USE OF A SHELTER AT MALLORY STREET DURING A JOINT VISIT TO STREET SLEEPERS’ BLACKSPOTS BY GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES, VOLUNTARY WORKERS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
THE VISIT, INITIATED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, WAS PART OF A CONCERTED AND CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO CONTAIN THE PROBLEM OF STREET SLEEPING IN WAN CHAI, ACCORDING TO DISTRICT OFFICER MR ALLAN CHOW.
"BY PUBLICISING THE MALLORY STREET SHELTER, WE HOPE THE HOMELESS IN WAN CHAI WILL BECOME AWARE OF THE ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE TO THEM, AND MAKE FULL USE OF IT," HE SAID.
LED BY MR CHOW, THE PARTY, COMPRISING DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (EASTERN AND WAN CHAI), MR MUI KAN-KIT; CHAIRMAN OF THE STREET SLEEPERS’ SHELTER SOCIETY, MR M.J.Y. ROWSE AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS DISTRIBUTED PAMPHLETS TO STREET SLEEPERS AND INVITED THEM TO MAKE AN INSTANT VISIT TO THE SHELTER FOR A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLACE.
MAJOR STREET SLEEPERS BLACKSPOTS WERE COVERED IN THE VISIT, INCLUDING THE SECTION OF O’BRIEN ROAD ADJACENT TO SOUTHORN DEVELOPMENT, AND THE JUNCTION OF O’BRIEN ROAD AND JAFFE ROAD.
DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (EASTERN AND WAN CHAI), MR MUI KAN-KIT, SAID AT THE VISIT THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 60 TO 70 STREET SLEEPERS IN WAN CHAI, WITH THE BIGGEST CONCENTRATION AT THE PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT OUTSIDE SOUTHORN DEVELOPMENT.
THE GROUP CONCLUDED THE FUNCTION WITH A VISIT TO THE MALLORY STREET STREET SLEEPERS' SHELTER WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY MR ROWSE ON THE FACILITIES INSIDE.
THE GROUP WAS TOLD THAT THE SHELTER, RUN BY THE STREET SLEEPERS’ SHELTER SOCIETY, PROVIDED 40 PLACES FOR MEN AND 20 PLACES FOR WOMEN. IT OPENED FROM 6 PM TO 8 AM DAILY AND OFFERED BASIC NECESSITIES SUCH AS BEDS, SHOWERS AND LOCKERS FREE OF CHARGE.
SPEAKING AFTER THE VISIT, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MRS PEGGY LAM SAID SHE HOPED THE PROBLEM OF STREET SLEEPERS IN WAN CHAI WOULD BE IMPROVED AFTER THE SHELTER AT MALLORY STREET HAD BEEN MADE KNOWN TO THEM.
_ _ o-----------
/11
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL OPENS * « »
THE EIGHTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WAS OPENED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE NEWLY APPOINTED REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR SUEN SAID THE FESTIVAL WOULD ENABLE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO ENJOY A TOTAL OF 42 PROGRAMMES AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR LEE KAE-BUN; YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN AND YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN WONG.
MR LEE NOTED THAT THE CHARACTERISTIC OF THE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR WAS EMPHASIS ON PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL ARTISTS INCLUDING THE YUEN LONG CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE, CHINESE ORCHESTRA, CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND DANCE TROUPS.
HE ADDED THAT PERFORMANCES BY OTHER POPULAR TROUPES SUCH AS THE CHOR FUNG MING CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE AND POP CONCERT BY RAIDAS HAD ALSO BEEN ARRANGED.
THE FESTIVAL WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 20 AND TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT YEUN LONG TOWN HALL, HONG KONG BANK YUEN LONG BRANCH OFFICE AND YUEN LONG LUT SAU HALL.
- - 0 -
CARNIVAL TO PROMOTE INTEGRATION OF DISABLED, ABLE-BODIED * * * * *
THE DISABLED AND THE ABLE-BODIED WILL SHARE THE FUN OF A REHABILITATION CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) IN AN EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING VI DISTRICT BOARD AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE CARNIVAL, TO BEGIN AT 1 PM AT THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLU FREE OF CHARGE.
GAMESTALLS AND AN EXHIBITION WILL BE SET UP AT THE VENUE. RESIDENTS MAY ALSO WATCH PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG BAI.LET GROUP, A LION DANCE AND A SIGN LANGUAGE DEMONSTRATION.
TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SEVEN SUB-OFFICES. RESIDENTS MAY ALSO CALL 0-273593 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
/OFFICIATING AT
FRIDAY, DECOBER 4, 1987
12
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL WILL BE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRAIN COAK; DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR W.K. CHAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO TUNG-CHING.
THE CARNIVAL IS PART OF THE DISTRICT'S REHABILITATION PROGRAMME LAUNCHED IN JULY THIS YEAR TO PROMOTE UNDERSTANDING AMONG RESIDENTS TOWARDS THE HANDICAPPED AND MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE, AND TO UNDERLINE THE NEED TO INTEGRATE THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY.
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE PROGRAMME INCLUDE VISITS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS ACTIVE IN REHABILITATION, ESSAY COMPETITIONS AND A CHARITY WALK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT’S REHABILITATION CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY AT HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND, NEAR KWAI FONG MTR STATION. IT WILL BEGIN AT I PM.
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HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN SHEUNG SHUI
» * * *
A HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6) IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE IN SHEUNG SHUI.
THE EXHIBITION, TO OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM, PROVIDES USEFUL ADVICE ON HOW TO MINIMISE CHANCES OF HOME ACCIDENTS BY TAKING SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS.
THE DISPLAY IS PARTICULARLY EDUCATIONAL FOR CHILDREN WHOSE CURIOSITY MAKES THEM EASY VICTIMS OF HIDDEN DANGERS AT HOME.
DURING THE OPENING HOURS OF THE EXHIBITION, VISITORS CAN PICK UP A FREE HOME SAFETY BOOKLET.
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AS PART OF A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
SO FAR, EIGHT SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS HAVE BEEN HELD IN VARIOUS ESTATES.
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/15........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
SOCIAL DANCE GATHERING IN MONG KOK
* » *
FIVE HUNDRED MONG KOK RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A SOCIAL DANCE GATHERING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL OF QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL.
AS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL, THE FUNCTION IS ALSO AIMED AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN DANCING.
DURING THE GATHERING, TWO PAIRS OF CHAMPION DANCERS WILL DEMONSTRATE THE GRACE OF BALLROOM DANCING AND LATIN-AMERICAN DANCING.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR JACKIE CHAN, AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (MONG KOK), MR CLEMENT LEUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT SOCIAL DANCE GATHERING AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE ASSEMBLY HALL, QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL, 152 SAI YEE STREET.
-----o------
MAGISTRATES SEE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ON SPOT » » * »
ELEVEN MAGISTRATES TOURED A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN TSTM SHA TSUI TODAY (FRIDAY) TO GATHER FIRSTHAND INFORMATION ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
ACCOMPANIED BY A DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR AND A LABOUR OFFICER FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE MAGISTRATES VISITED THE SITE WHICH EMPLOYED SOME 300 WORKERS.
THEY SAW A LARGE NUMBER OF MACHINERY SUCH AS TOWER CRANES AND MATERIAL HOISTS BEING OPERATED ON THE SITE, AND THE SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES BEING ADOPTED.
THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE WORK OF THE IN-PLANT SAFETY COMMITTEE WHICH PROVIDES A GOOD COMMUNICATION CHANNEL ON THE SAFETY AND HEALTH ASPECTS BETWEEN THE MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES.
/THE VISIT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
14
THE VISIT WAS THE SECOND ARRANGED THIS YEAR BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE MAGISTRATES TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE PROBLEMS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, IN PARTICULAR THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING SECTORS.
TAKING PART IN TODAY’S VISIT WERE MR R.C. ANDREWS FROM CENTRAL MAGISTRACY; MISS BETTY KWAN AND MR O.M. HASSAN FROM WESTERN MAGISTRACY; MR V. EATON AND MR Z.E. LI FROM NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY; MR I.R. TANZER AND MR A.R. UPHAM FROM SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY; MR Y.W. YUNG FROM SAN PO KONG MAGISTRACY; MR W.J. ECCLETON FROM KWUN TONG MAGISTRACY; MR S.K. WONG FROM TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY; AND MR H.H. TAM FROM FANLING MAGISTRACY.
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MAP GUIDE ON LAND UTILISATION * * * »
A COLOURED REFERENCE MAP IN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND
SHOWING THE LAND UTILISATION HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED.
PATTERN
PRODUCED BY THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A SCALE OF ONE-TO-30,000, THE BILINGUAL MAP IDENTIFIED BY DIFFERENT COLOURS THE VARIOUS AREAS TAKEN UP BY PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS, AGRICULTURAL LAND, COUNTRY PARKS, COMMUNITY AND GOVERNMENT FACILITIES, AND A HOST OF OTHER PURPOSES.
A TOWN PLANNER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR RAYMOND WONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID: "THE PURPOSE OF THE MAP IS TO GIVE SCHOLARS, PROFESSIONALS, GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BASIC INFORMATION AND A USEFUL REFERENCE ON HOW THE SCARCE LAND RESOURCES IN ONE OF THE MOST POPULOUS AND MOST INTENSIVELY DEVELOPED PLACES IN THE WORLD IS UTILISED.”
"DURING THE PAST TWO DECADES, WITH THE ACHIEVEMENT IN TOWN PLANNING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, THE ESTABLISHED URBAN AREAS HAVE UNDERGONE TREMENDOUS AND RAPID CHANGES.
"THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT WAS EXPANDED, LARGE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING SCHEMES LAUNCHED, DOCKYARDS AND DERELICT WAREHOUSES REDEVELOPED, LARGE RECLAMATION SITES BUILT AND MAJOR TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS COMPLETED.
"ALL THESE ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN THE MAP," HE ADDED.
/MR WONG
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
MR WONG SAID: "IN VIEW OF SUCH DRAMATIC CHANGES IN THE URBAN LANDSCAPES, THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE HAD CONDUCTED OVER 100 LAND USE SURVEYS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, WHICH WERE REGULARLY UPDATED.
"SUCH LAND USE SURVEYS PROVIDE A STRONG BASIS FOR FORMULATION OF TOWN PLANS AS WELL AS USEFUL INPUTS FOR PREPARATION OF THIS LAND UTILISATION MAP."
THE MAP IS AVAILABLE AT A COST OF $15 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT THE MAP SALES COUNTERS OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, AND ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 382 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
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UPGRADING COURSE FOR JUNIOR BANKING STAFF
*****
JUNIOR BANKING STAFF ARE BEING INVITED TO ENROL IN AN UPGRADING COURSE TO BE ORGANISED BY THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.
THE COURSE ON "HONG KONG’S MONEY, FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND CAPITAL MARKETS" WILL BE CONDUCTED EVERY SATURDAY AFTERNOON STARTING FROM JANUARY 9 TILL MARCH 19 NEXT YEAR. IT WILL EXAMINE THE SOPHISTICATED ASPECTS OF THE MONEY AND CAPITAL MARKETS WITH EMPHASIS ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND PRACTICAL ILLUSTRATIONS AND EXAMPLES.
THE 10-SESSION COURSE IS SUITABLE FOR JUNIOR BANKING OFFICERS WHO WISH TO EXPAND THEIR PERSPECTIVES AND TO ENRICH THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG’S MONEY, FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND CAPITAL MARKETS.
COURSE FEE IS $240. THE COUNCIL WILL REIMBURSE HALF OF THE FEE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED 80 PER CENT OF THE CLASS MEETINGS. ALL APPLICANTS HAVE TO BE SPONSORED BY EMPLOYERS.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS DECEMBER 20. FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 255.
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/16........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1987
16
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN HUNG HOM ♦ * *
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC CHANGES IN HUNG HOM FROM NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 7) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF MA TAU WAI ROAD FLYOVER.
FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (DECEMBER 8), FAT KWONG STREET EASTBOUND BETWEEN WO CHUNG STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ALL VEHICLES ON FAT KWONG STREET EASTBOUND HEADING FOR MA TAU WAI ROAD, INCLUDING KMB ROUTE NOS.41 AND 45, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WO CHUNG STREET, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, AND WUHU STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTE NOS.7B AND 8 ON THEIR RESPECTIVE JOURNEYS TO HUNG HOM FERRY AND TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WO CHUNG STREET, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU STREET, DOCK STREET AND BULKELEY STREET TO REJOIN MING ON STREET.
MAN LOK STREET AND MAN YUE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 2 AM AND 5 AM ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 9). HOWEVER, VEHICULAR ACCESS TO PREMISES ON MAN LOK STREET AND MAN YUE STREET WILL STILL BE MAINTAINED.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON MA TAU WAI ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR FAT KWONG STREET WILL HAVE TO PROCEED ALONG MA TAU WAI ROAD SOUTHBOUND BEFORE TURNING TO WUHU STREET, DOCK STREET, BULKELEY STREET, MARSH STREET, WUHU STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD NORTHBOUND.
--------o --------
ROADWORKS IN SHA TIN » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT ACCESS ROADS IN TAI SHUI HANG, MA ON SHAN TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN THESE AREAS.
THE SCHEME FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/THE PLAN
FRIDAY, DEC124BER 1987
17 -
THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (SHA TIN), 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, 6TH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2ND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE FEBRUARY 2, 1988.
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RIGHT TURN BAN IN KOWLOON BAY * ♦ t ♦ ♦
TO ENHANCE ROAD SAFETY, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON BAY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 7).
VEHICLES ON KAI LAI ROAD EASTBOUND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT ON TO WANG CHIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA KAI LAI ROAD, KAI LOK ROAD AND WANG CHIU ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, RIGHT TURNING MOVEMENTS FROM WANG CHIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND ON TO KAI LAI ROAD WESTBOUND WILL ALSO BE BANNED. VEHICLES ON WANG CHIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KAI LAI ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KAI LOK ROAD.
- - 0 - -
SHEUNG WAN URBAN CLEARWAY » » *
STREET IN SHEUNG WAN
DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY
THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KO SHING BETWEEN QUEEN STREET AND WO FUNG STREET WILL BE 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS (DECEMBER 7). ROAD WORKS WILL BE IN PROGRESS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
COi TU TS PAGE NO,
DIRECT ELECTIONS BEFORE 1997 IS POSSIBLE ............. 1
MAJOR PROJECTS EPITOMISE BELIEF IN FUTURE: JACOBS .... 2
FINANCLAL SECRETARY VISITS EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING SITE .. 3
DIABETICS IDENTIFICATION CaRDS TO BE INTRODUCED ...... 5
BE DISCREET ON ELECTION CALL ......................... 6
IN-SERVICE TRIINING GOOD FOR TEACHERS' CAREER DEVELOPMENT . 7
VOLUNTARY hGENCIES VITAL IN PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES . 8
ELDERLY HOME LIFE IN KWUN TONG ....................... 9
COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE HEALTH «ND HYGIENE ........... 10
MARATHON SPARKS OVERSEAS INTEREST .................... 11
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ISLANDS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT ..... 12
FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR RESIDENTS .................. 13
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS .......... 13
RECREATIONAL PROJECTS TENDERS INVITED ................ 14
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN MONG KOK aND SHA TIN .............. 15
KMB ROUTE RE-NUMBERED ................................ 15
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
DIRECT ELECTIONS BEFORE 1997 IS POSSIBLE
*****
CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE NO OBJECTION TO THE INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS OR SOME ELEMENTS IN DIRECT ELECTIONS IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1997, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) ON HIS RETURN FROM A SIX-DAY VISIT TO CHINA.
HE TOLD REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT THAT CHINESE OFFICIALS CONFIRMED TO HIM THEIR VIEW ON DIRECT ELECTIONS IF THAT FITTED IN WITH WHAT WAS PROVIDED FOR IN THE BASIC LAW.
"WHAT I SAID TO THE CHINESE LEADERS ON THE WHITE PAPER AND THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT WAS THAT WE HAD NOT YET TAKEN DECISIONS ON IT. THAT WOULD BE DONE IN THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW WEEKS," HE SAID.
"THEY ALSO TOLD ME WHAT THEY WERE DOING ON THE BASIC LAW. I WAS NOT SPECIFICALLY ASKING THEM FOR THEIR VIEWS ABOUT DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG BEFORE 1997.”
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT HE HAD TOLD CHINESE LEADERS THAT WHEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TOOK DECISIONS ON DIRECT ELECTIONS AND WHEN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSIDERED THE MATTER IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THEY WOULD BE TAKING ACCOUNT OF EVERYTHING THAT WAS PUT IN THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT.
"IT’S NECESSARY TO PUT TOGETHER A COMPLETE PACKAGE BECAUSE THE GREEN PAPER DEALT WITH A'WHOLE SERIES OF ISSUES AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WANTS TO LOOK AT ALL OF THOSE AND PRODUCE THE PACKAGE WHICH WILL MAKE UP THE WHITE PAPER."
THE GOVERNOR ALSO EMPHASISED THAT IT WAS NOT TIED TO THE TIMING OF THE BASIC LAW PLENARY SESSION.
"IT’S TIED TO THE FACT THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TO BE DISCUSSED, AND THERE IS ONLY A LIMITED TIME EACH WEEK IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
"WE WILL, HOWEVER, WISH TO PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT IS COMING OUT OF THE BASIC LAW PLENARY SESSION NEXT WEEK."
IN REPLY TO OTHER QUESTIONS, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT HE WAS NOT TRYING TO REACH ANY AGREEMENT OR MAKE ANY COMPROMISE DURING THE VISIT.
HE ALSO TOLD REPORTERS THAT IT HAD BEEN A RELATIVELY SHORT TRIP IN CHINA WITH THREE DIFFERENT PLACES — CANTON, SHANGHAI AND PEKING — AND MOST OF IT HAD BEEN INVOLVED WITH ECONOMIC MATTERS, TRADE RELATIONS AND ECONOMIC LINKS.
IT HAD BEEN A VERY USEFUL OPPORTUNITY IN PEKING TO DISCUSS WITH SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS ON A RANGE OF ISSUES, INCLUDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
/"THE CHINESE
Saturday, December 5, 198?
2
"THE CHINESE SIDE GAVE ME A BRIEFING ABOUT THE PROGRESS ON THEIR SIDE IN DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW. I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT AND REACTIONS TO IT BY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"I TALKED TO THEM ABOUT THE RECENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG AND WHAT HAD HAPPENED ON OUR STOCK MARKETS AND THE ACTION WE WERE TAKING TO DEAL WITH THOSE MATTERS."
ASKED WHETHER HE WAS THINKING OF INVITING CHINESE OFFICIALS TO VISIT HONG KONG, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT CHINESE SENIOR OFFICIALS AND LEADERS DEALING WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS WOULD ALWAYS BE WELCOME TO COME TO HONG KONG.
HE BELIEVED THAT IT WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL IF THEY COULD SEE HONG KONG FOR THEMSELVES, "JUST AS IN THE SAME WAY I FIND IT HELPFUL TO HAVE DIRECT CONTACT WITH THEM IN PEKING".
THE GOVERNOR ADDED THAT HE HAD INVITED THE GOVERNOR OF GUANGDONG TO COME HERE.
"I SAID TO THE MAYOR OF SHANGHAI THAT I WILL WELCOME HIM HERE IF HE IS EVER FREE TO COME. I SAID TO SENIOR OFFICIALS IN PEKING THAT THEY TOO WILL BE WELCOME TO COME HERE IF THEY WISH TO COME.
"I HAVEN’T ARRANGED ANY PARTICULAR PLANS OR DATES. IT’S A GENERAL WELCOME."
SIR DAVID WAS MET ON HIS ARRIVAL BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG; THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN; AND VICE-DIRECTOR OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY, MR QIAO ZHONGHUAI.
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MAJOR PROJECTS EPITOMISE BELIEF IN FUTURE: JACOBS » ♦ » » ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING EPITOMISED PEOPLE’S BELIEF IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER A TOUR OF THE TUNNEL WORKS, MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG WAS STRONG DESPITE THE WEAKNESS OF THE U.S. DOLLAR.
"THE SITUATION HAS NOT CHANGED FUNDAMENTALLY SINCE I GAVE MY MID-YEAR REVIEW," HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
- 3 -
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD EXPECTED SOME SLIGHT COOLING DOWN QF WHAT WAS A SOMEWHAT OVERHEATED SITUATION IN THE ECONOMY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REITERATED THAT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WOULD NOT BE MOVED FROM ITS LINK TO THE U.S. DOLLAR.
WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE DISADVANTAGES OF PEGGING THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO A BASKET OF CURRENCIES, MR JACOBS SAID THAT IT WAS A VERY COMPLEX SUBJECT.
"YOU HAVE TO DECIDE WHAT TO PUT IN THE BASKET AND WHAT TO KEEP IN IT AND HOW TO ADJUST THE BASKET FROM TIME TO TIME.
"FLEXIBILITY IS SOMETIMES WHAT PEOPLE DON’T WANT, WHAT THEY WANT IS STABILITY AND CERTAINTY.
"YOU STILL NEED A CURRENCY OF ACCOUNT WHICH WOULD BE THE U.S. DOLLAR," HE SAID.
. ------o--------
FINANCIAL SECRETARY VISITS EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING SITE » » » « »
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (SATURDAY) VISITED THE SITE OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WORKS.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER FOR THE PROJECT, MR MICHAEL TURNER OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, MR NORMAN THOMPSON OF THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY AND MR DOUGLAS OAKERVEE OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT MANAGEMENT COMPANY.
THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, A COMBINED ROAD AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TUNNEL, IS BEING BUILT FOR THE GOVERNMENT UNDER A PRIVATE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT WITH THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY AT A COST OF HKS3.8 BILLION BY A CONSORTIUM OF CONTRACTORS COMPRISING KUMAGAI GUMI COMPANY OF JAPAN, PAUL Y CONSTRUCTION COMPANY OF HONG KONG AND LILLEY CONSTRUCTION (HONG KONG) LIMITED OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
WORK WHICH STARTED ON THE. PROJECT IN AUGUST 1986 IS DUE FOR COMPLETION IN FEBRUARY 1990. HOWEVER MR JACOBS WAS INFORMED THAT IF PRESENT PROGRESS IS MAINTAINED THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING COULD BE OPENED TO ROAD AND RAIL TRAFFIC BY OCTOBER 1989, SOME FOUR MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
/DURING HIS
SATURDAY, DBCEKBER 5, 19&7
DURING HIS VISIT TO THE SITE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS SHOWN WORK IN PROGRESS ON THE NEW LAM TIN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE, ABOVE WHICH, A DEVELOPMENT FOR 14,500 PEOPLE IS INTENDED. THE FIRST FLATS ARC EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR OCCUPANCY ABOUT THE SAME TIME AS THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING PROJECT OPENS.
MR JACOBS WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED BY PROGRESS ON THE LARGE CONCRETE TUNNEL UNITS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE FABRICATION DOCK AT CHA KWO LING QUARRY.
FIVE TUNNEL UNITS HAVE ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED AND THE NEXT FIVE UNITS WILL BE READY FOR FLOATING OUT OF THE DOCK AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
EACH UNIT WEIGHS 42,000 TONNES AND IS BEING TEMPORARILY MOORED IN JUNK BAY BEFORE BEING PLACED INTO POSITION IN THE SPECIALLY PREPARED TRENCH WHICH HAS BEEN DREDGED ACROSS THE HARBOUR BETWEEN QUARRY BAY AND CHA KWO LING. THE FIRST TUNNEL UNIT HAS ALREADY BEEN PLACED AND THE NEXT UNIT WILL BE PLACED LATER THIS MONTH.
MR JACOBS CONCLUDED HIS VISIT TO THE SITE AFTER VIEWING THE UNDERGROUND TUNNELS FOR THE NEW MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY QUARRY BAY STATION. THE 7.6M DIAMETER TUNNELS CARVED OUT OF SOLID ROCK ARE NOW BEING LINED WITH CONCRETE, AND TRACK LAYING WORK FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE BY JUNE 1988.
THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IS THE LARGEST PROJECT OF ITS KIND UNDERTAKEN IN HONG KONG, AND, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL FORM A VITAL PART OF THE TERRITORY’S TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDING MUCH NEEDED RELIEF TO THE PRESENT CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL.
WHEN THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IS COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1991 THERE WILL BE A CONTINUOUS DUAL CARRIAGEWAY HIGHWAY CONNECTING THE NORTH EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES’ TOWNS OF TAI PO AND SHA TIN TO THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG ISLAND VIA THE NEW KWUN TONG BYPASS, CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING. THE MAIN DESIGN CONSULTANT FOR THE PROJECT IS FREEMAN FOX (FAR EAST) LIMITED.
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/5.......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
- 5 -
DIABETICS IDENTIFICATION CARDS TO BE INTRODUCED
*****
A UNIFORM SERIES OF IDENTIFICATION CARDS FOR DIABETICS IN HONG KONG WILL BE INTRODUCED, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "1987 FIGHTING DIABETES CAMPAIGN".
HE NOTED THAT DIABETICS, PARTICULARLY THOSE RECEIVING REGULAR INSULIN, DID SOMETIMES EXPERIENCE EMERGENCIES AND THEREFORE IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR DOCTORS AND OTHERS WHO MIGHT HAVE TO HELP THEM TO BE AWARE OF THEIR CONDITION.
MR CHAMBERS SAID AS A DIABETIC HIMSELF, HE HAD CARRIED IN HIS WALLET A SMALL RED CARD ISSUED BY THE BRITISH DIABETIC ASSOCIATION.
"I AM SURE THAT THE NEW CARDS, ADAPTED TO HONG KONG CONDITIONS, WILL BE EQUALLY USEFUL," HE SAID.
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL LIONS CLUB DISTRICT 303 AND THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT OF THE UNITED CHRISTIAN MEDICAL SERVICE, IS AIMED AT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON THE PREVENTION OF DIABETES AND TO PROMOTE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROPER MANAGEMENT OF THE PATIENTS’ CONDITION.
MR CHAMBERS SAID DIABETES WAS NOT REALLY A DISEASE, AND WITH PROPER CONTROL, DIABETICS COULD LIVE VIRTUALLY NORMAL LIVES. "BUT IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR CONDITION AND THEIR DOCTORS’ PLAN FOR ITS CONTROL," HE SAID.
OTHER OBJECTIVES OF THE CAMPAIGN ARE TO HELP MANAGERS OF CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY TO CARE FOR DIABETICS AMONG THEIR MEMBERS, AND TO ASSIST DIABETICS TO SET UP SELF HELP GROUPS.
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR DIABETICS TO REALISE THAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE SIMILAR PROBLEMS TO THEIR OWN, AND TO BE ABLE TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES AND IDEAS," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN ALSO HIGHLIGHTS SPECIFIC NEEDS OF YOUNGER DIABETICS.
"WHILE DIABETES IN HONG KONG IS COMMONEST AMONG ELDERLY PEOPLE, THERE ARE YOUNGER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS CONDITION, AND WHOSE PROBLEMS OFTEN DIFFER FROM THOSE OF THE OLDER PATIENTS. I AM VERY GLAD THAT THEIR NEEDS ARE ALSO BEING TAKEN CARE OF THIS YEAR," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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/6
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
- 6 -
BE DISCREET ON ELECTION CALL
* * t »
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON BOTH THE VOTERS AND THE CANDIDATES TO ACT DISCREETLY IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION.
SPEAKING AT A WORKSHOP ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE, MRS FAN POINTED OUT THAT ELECTION WAS A FORM OF EXERCISING CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES THROUGH WHICH CITIZENS COULD SELECT REPRESENTATIVES TO SPEAK ON THEIR BEHALF IN INFLUENCING GOVERNMENT POLICY.
WHILE NOTING THAT PARTICIPATION IN VOTING WAS WORTH ENCOURAGING, SHE STRESSED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO APPRECIATE THE IMPLICATIONS OF CASTING A VOTE WHICH THEREFORE MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
"APART FROM HAVING A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLATFORM, BACKGROUND AND PERFORMANCE OF THE CANDIDATES, THEY SHOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER THE CANDIDATES, ONCE ELECTED, COULD LIVE UP TO THEIR PROMISE.
"AN UNFULFILED PLATFORM IS NO MORE THAN AN EMPTY MANIFESTO," SHE SAID.
AS FOR THE CANDIDATES, MRS FAN SAID THAT IN STRIVING FOR THE INTEREST OF THEIR VOTERS, THEY SHOULD ANALYSE DIFFERENT VIEWS CALMLY AND OBJECTIVELY, AND BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE AND RESPECT POLITICAL VIEWS OPPOSITE TO THEIRS.
"IT IS ONLY BY MEANS OF CREATING A HARMONIOUS ATMOSPHERE THAT HONG KONG COULD BUILD UP ITS STRENGTH TO FACE UP TO EXTERNAL CHALLENGE," SHE SAID.
"AND THE OBJECTIVE OF CIVIC EDUCATION IS TO FOSTER A SENSE OF CARE AND CONCERN FOR THE SOCIETY AMONGST CITIZENS WITH THE ULTIMATE AIM OF BUILDING UP A BETTER FUTURE," SHE ADDED.
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR BOWEN LEUNG, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THROUGH THE ACTIVE PROMOTIONAL WORK BY THE COMMITTEE, CIVIC EDUCATION HAD BECOME AN IMPORTANT FOCAL POINT OF THE SOCIETY.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT TO THE COMMITTEE, HE POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM PROVIDING MANPOWER BACK-UP, THERE HAD BEEN A MARKED BOOST TO THE COMMITTEE THIS YEAR FINANCIALLY WITH A 70 PER CENT INCREASE IN FUNDS ALLOCATION, FROM $700,000 IN 1986/87 TO $1.2 MILLION, WHICH CLEARLY INDICATED THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN FOR THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
/AT THE
SATURDAY, DEC JUBER 5, 1987
AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, MR LEUNG REPORTED THAT IN THE PAST YEAR, THE ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE MANY WORKING GROUPS FORMED UNDER THE AEGIS OF EITHER DISTRICT BOARDS OR DISTRICT OFFICES HAD PROVED TO BE WELL SUPPORTED BY THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
THE HALF-DAY WORKSHOP WAS ORGANISED TO EXPLORE BETTER MEANS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A FOLLOW-UP TO A CONFERENCE ON CIVIC EDUCATION HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR.
ABOUT 100 PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION BODIES NOMINATED BY DISTRICT BOARDS, ORGANISERS OF CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS, AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES, ATTENDED THE WORKSHOP.
DURING THE GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND PLENARY SESSIONS, THEY EXCHANGED VIEWS AND SHARED EXPERIENCE ON THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THE WAYS TO PROMOTE IT IN THE CONTEXT OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS HOW TO ENCOURAGE AND SUSTAIN COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION.
TWO KEY-NOTE SPEECHES WERE DELIVERED BY GUEST SPEAKERS DR DANIEL TSE AND MR S.L. WAN WHO RESPECTIVELY SPOKE ON THE SUBJECT OF "PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG" AND "IMPROVEMENT OF ENVIRONMENT" IN THE CONTEXT OF CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
-----0------
IN-SERVICE TRAINING GOOD FOR TEACHERS’ CAREER DEVELOPMENT *****
TEACHERS NEEDED TO DEVELOP AS PROFESSIONALS THROUGHOUT THEIR CAREERS AND ALL TEACHERS MUST AVAIL THEMSELVES OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING FROM TIME TO TIME, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y. T. LI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 IN-SERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME (INSTEP) ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AT ITS RAYSON HUANG THEATRE, MR LI SAID THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF INSTEP HAD TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT THE CHALLENGES PRESENTLY FACING TEACHERS IN THE CLASSROOM AND THE SUGGESTIONS WHICH TEACHERS HAD MADE FOR COURSES TO SUIT THEIR NEEDS.
MR LI SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS HAPPY TO GIVE INSTEP DIRECT SUPPORT, BY ENCOURAGING THE PARTICIPATION OF TEACHERS, BY DISSEMINATING INFORMATION TO THEM CONCERNING THE PROGRAMME AND BY PROVIDING HALF OR FULL-FEE REFUNDS FOR RELEVANT COURSES.
/MR LI
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
8
MR LI SAID THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, THE INSTITUTION OF THE LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (ILE), THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE DEPARTMENTAL TRAINING UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WERE ALSO HEAVILY INVOLVED IN PROVIDING IN-SERVICE TRAINING TO TEACHERS.
HE SAID THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ORGAINSED A TOTAL OF 756 SHORT COURSES FOR SOME 29,300 TEACHERS IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS LAST YEAR AND MOST OF THE COURSES WERE CURRICULUM-RELATED AND SUBJECT-BASED BUT COURSES OF A CROSS-CURRICULUM NATURE AND RELATED TO CIVIC, MORAL AND SEX EDUCATION WERE ALSO PROMINENT.
THE ILE HAD BEEN PROVIDING IN-SERVICE RETRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR EXPERIENCED TEACHERS SINCE 1982 WITH THE OBJECT OF RAISING THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS OF THE TEACHING OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, MR LI SAID.
"TO DATE SOME 2,898 PRIMARY AND 277 SECONDARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE TEACHERS HAVE ATTENDED ITS COURSES.”
’’REFRESHER TRAINING FOR TEACHERS IS ALSO CONDUCTED IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND A DEPARTMENTAL TRAINING UNIT ORGANISES STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR TEACHERS AND HEADS OF SCHOOLS,” MR LI SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE DEVELOPMENTS SUCH AS SCHOOL SPONSORING BODIES ORGANISING SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES FOR THE SCHOOLS UNDER THEIR CONTROL, AND SCHOOLS SETTING ASIDE A DAY ANNUALLY FOR TEACHERS’ SEMINARS.
”1 SHALL BE GIVING CONSIDERABLE THOUGHT AS TO HOW TO ENCOURAGE FURTHER THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL-BASED IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR TEACHERS ACTIVITIES WHICH SO APPROPRIATELY GO HAND IN HAND WITH PROPOSALS IN THE PIPELINE FOR MORE SCHOOL-BASED CURRICULUM INITIATIVES,” HE ADDED.
-----0------
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES VITAL IN PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AND $625 MILLION OF THE WELFARE BUDGET THIS FINANCIAL YEAR HAS BEEN ALLOCATED AS SUBVENTION FOR THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SHENG KUNG HUI LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE IN KWAI CHUNG, MRS WONG SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD ALWAYS BEEN IN PACE WITH SOCIAL CHANGES SO AS TO MEET THE COMMUNITY’S CHANGING DEMANDS AND GREAT IMPORTANCE HAD ALWAYS BEEN ATTACHED TO ASSESSING SOCIAL NEEDS AND DRAWING UP DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS.
/’’AS A
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
- 9 -
"AS A RESULT, VARIOUS CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATIONS AND AN INTIMATE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND THE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED," SHE SAID.
"THROUGH SUBVENTION AND VARIOUS FORMS OF DIVISION OF LABOUR, DIFFERENT WELFARE SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN CO-ORDINATION," SHE ADDED.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THIS PARTNERSHIP WAS ADVANTAGEOUS AS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD GREATER FLEXIBILITY THAN THE DEPARTMENT IN CARRYING OUT PILOT SCHEMES AND PIONEER SERVICES.
"MOREOVER, THE DIFFERENT FOCUSES OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY AGENCIES WITH VARIED BACKGROUNDS LEAD TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIFARIOUS WELFARE SERVICES WHICH ARE TAILOR-MADE FOR THIS DENSELY-POPULATED AND FAST-CHANGING METROPOLIS," SHE ADDED.
MRS WONG COMMENDED THE LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE FOR ITS NUMEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT AND FOR ITS CO-OPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE IN PROMOTING SERVICES SUCH AS THOSE FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED AND ON MENTAL REHABILITATION.
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ELDERLY HOME LIFE IN KWUN TONG
t * ♦ *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT ELDERLY SERVICE JOINT FUNCTION COMMITTEE TODAY (SATURDAY) ORGANISED A "ELDERLY HOME LIFE IN KWUN TONG" PROGRAMME AT THE TELFORD GARDEN MAIN SQUARE, KOWLOON BAY.
SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE PROGRAMME AIMED AT ENRICHING THE SENIOR CITIZENS’ GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ON HOME SAFETY AND PROMOTING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
THE COMMITTEE IS FORMED BY ALL ELDERLY SERVICE UNITS IN KWUN TONG, INCLUDING SOCIAL CENTRES AND MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HOMES AND HOSTELS FOR THE AGED AND COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECTS.
MANY LOCAL SENIOR RESIDENTS FOUND TODAY’S PROGRAMME, WHICH INCLUDED GAMES STALLS, OPERA PERFORMANCE AND TALKS ON SUCH TOPICS AS NUTRITION, HOME SAFETY AND INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP, EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING.
- - 0 - -
/1O
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
10 -
COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE HEALTH AND HYGIENE
*****
PARTICIPANTS ARE BEING INVITED FOR TWO TERRITORY-WIDE INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITIONS DESIGNED TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS AND CONCERN AMONG STUDENTS ON PERSONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES.
THE TWO COMPETITIONS, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, ARE A PAINTING COMPETITION FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND A PROJECT EXHIBITION COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
THE THEMES FOR THE PAINTING COMPETITION ARE "A CLEAN HONG KONG" AND "CLEAN AND HEALTHY FOOD", WHILE THOSE FOR THE PROJECT EXHIBITION COMPETITION ARE "WE ARE PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN" AND "BE A SMART FOOD CONSUMER".
PARTICIPANTS MAY CHOOSE ANY ONE OF THE TWO THEMES FOR ENTERING THE RESPECTIVE CONTESTS.
FOR THE PAINTING COMPETITION, THE IDEA OF THE THEME MUST BE EXPRESSED THROUGH A COLOUR PAINTING ON WHITE PAINTING PAPER OF A2 SIZE (420 MM X 594 MM). THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE KINDS OF DRAWING MATERIAL USED.
THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY EACH SCHOOL, BUT ONLY ONE ENTRY IS ALLOWED FOR EACH STUDENT.
THERE WILL BE 15 PRIZES FOR THIS COMPETITION WITH THE WINNER GETTING A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON VALUED AT $600.
ALL ENTRIES, TOGETHER WITH THE ENTRY FORMS, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH HEADS OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AT ROOM 924, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 393 CANTON ROAD, BEFORE FEBRUARY 8 NEXT YEAR.
AS REGARDS THE PROJECT EXHIBITION COMPETITION, THE THEME CHOSEN SHOULD BE ILLUSTRATED BY A DISPLAY OCCUPYING A FLOOR AREA MEASURING NOT MORE THAN 3.5 METRES BY 3.5 METRES AND THE HEIGHT OF WHICH SHOULD NOT EXCEED 2.5 METRES.
THE DISPLAY MAY INCLUDE PICTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, MODELS, SPECIMENS, REAL OBJECTS, LIFE INSECTS/ANIMALS, CHARTS, FEATURE ARTICLES, TAPE/SLIDE/VIDEO/FILM PRESENTATIONS, COMPUTERS OR ANYTHING SUITABLE AND RELEVANT WHICH ATTRACTS INTEREST.
THERE WILL ALSO BE 15 PRIZES WITH THE WINNER GETTING A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON OF $3,500.
ENTRY FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 15 NEXT YEAR.
/A SUBSIDY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1987
11
A SUBSIDY OF $250 WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL FOR THE PURCHASE OF ART MATERIALS FOR THE COMPETITION.
COMPETING SCHOOLS ARE REQUIRED TO SET UP THEIR DISPLAYS IN THEIR SCHOOLS FROM FEBRUARY 8 TO 12, DURING WHICH JUDGING WILL BE CARRIED OUT.
A JOINT EXHIBITION FOR THE TWO COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL FROM MARCH 11 TO 14. THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 11 IN THE SAME VENUE.
A BEST ARTWORK DESIGN PRIZE, IN THE FORM OF A SPECIAL TROPHY, WILL BE AWARDED TO ONE OF THE 15 PRIZE-WINNING EXHIBITIONS WITH THE BEST ARTWORK, THE JUDGING OF WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED DURING THE JOINT EXHIBITION.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE COMPETITIONS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH ON 3-7236234 OR 3-7230824.
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MARATHON SPARKS OVERSEAS INTEREST *****
THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON HAS GENERATED KEEN INTEREST AMONG OVERSEAS ATHLETES AND ENQUIRIES ARE BEING RECEIVED FROM LEADING RUNNERS AROUND THE WORLD.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT OLYMPIC-STANDARD RUNNERS WILL BE AMONG COMPETITORS IN THE RACE WHICH WILL HAVE AN ANTI-DRUG THEME.
THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (HKAAA), WILL BE HELD ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON JANUARY 24, A SUNDAY.
THE RACE DIRECTOR, MR JAMIE SCOTT, CONFIRMED THAT BRITAIN’S STEVE JONES WOULD BE IN HONG KONG TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT, JONES WON THE 1985 CHICAGO MARATHON IN A TIME OF TWO HOURS, SEVEN MINUTES AND 12 SECONDS. THIS WAS THE SECOND FASTEST MARATHON EVER.
’’CLEARLY, OVERSEAS RUNNERS ARE BEGINNING TO RECOGNISE THAT A VISIT TO THE HONG KONG MARATHON ENABLES AN ATHLETE TO COMBINE A TRIP TO ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXCITING CITIES AND TO RUN A MARATHON ON A COURSE WHICH IS CONDUCIVE TO REASONABLY FAST TIMES,” MR SCOTT ADDED.
/MR SCOTT........
SATURDAY, D8CMER 1987
MR SCOTT NOTED THAT ENQUIRIES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM OTHER OVERSEAS ATHLETES SUCH AS PETER PFITZINGER, OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO WILL BE A DEFINITE STARTER IN 1989.
THE FIRST FOUR FINISHERS AT THE RECENT OITA WHEELCHAIR MARATHON IN JAPAN HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED INTEREST IN COMPETING IN THE WHEELCHAIR CATEGORY. TWO ARE FROM CANADA, ONE FROM THE UNITED STATES AND ONE FROM AUSTRALIA.
THE 1988 RACE IS SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, NEW BALANCE ATHLETIC SHOES, WATSON’S DISTILLED WATER, DEL MONTE FRESH FRUIT AND THE INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE.
- 0 -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ISLANDS TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, FORMED IN JULY THIS YEAR, WILL HOLD ITS SECOND MEETING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 7).
THE COMMITTEE WAS SET UP TO PROMOTE TOURIST INDUSTRY IN THE DISTRICT AND TO ENABLE THE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE THROUGH THEIR REPRESENTATIVES IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF TOURISM PROJECTS.
ITS MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE AREA COMMITTEES , HONG KONG AND YAUMATEI FERRY CO. LTD, NEW LANTAU BUS CO. LTD, HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE.
AT MONDAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE SOUTH LANTAU COAST PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STUDY AND THE SETTING UP OF A WORKING GROUP ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PO LIN MONASTERY UNDER THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE HOVERFERRY SERVICES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND WATER QUALITY AT TONG FUK BEACH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 7) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
/13
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
- 13 -
FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR RESIDENTS
* * « «
RESIDENTS OF TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP IN A HEALTH WEEK STARTING FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 7).
THE HEALTH WEEK IS AN ANNUAL HEALTH PROJECT BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TWO DISTRICT OFFICES AND YAN CHAI HOSPITAL, AND SPONSORED BY THE TWO DISTRICT BOARDS.
DURING THE WEEK RESIDENTS OF THE TWO DISTRICTS CAN GO, ACCORDING TO THE PUBLICISED TIME AND VENUES, INCLUDING THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL COMMUNITY CENTRE AND CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, TO HAVE MEDICAL CHECK-UP BY STAFF OF THE HOSPITAL.
APART FROM BLOOD PRESSURE TEST AND URINE TEST, PARTICIPANTS CAN OBTAIN GENERAL HEALTH ADVICE FROM THE PROJECT.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT SOME 400 CHECK-UPS CAN BE CONDUCTED EACH DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER AN OPENING CEREMONY TO MARK THE LAUNCHING OF THE HEALTH WEEK AT 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 7) AT THE SPECIALIST CLINIC ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL AT KWAN MUN HAU STREET, TSUEN WAN.
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MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS
*****
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS IN VIOLIN, CELLO, PIPA, ZHENG AND LIU-YE-QIN.
APPLICANTS FOR THE PART-TIME INSTRUCTOR (WESTERN MUSIC) POSTS SHOULD BE GRADUATES OF EITHER THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS OR HAVE A DIPLOMA OR DFGREE IN MUSIC FROM A REGISTERED POST-SECONDARY COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY MAJORING IN THE RELEVANT INSTRUMENT OR POSSESS LRSM, OR LRAM, OR ARCM OR GRSM OR EQUIVALENT IN THE RELEVANT INSTRUMENT.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS (CHINESE MUSIC) SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED MUSICAL TRAINING IN AN ACCEPTABLE INSTITUTION OR HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP OR ACADEMY.
/REMUNERATION IS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 198?
14 -
REMUNERATION IS $125 PER TEACHING OR PERFORMING SESSION OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HOUR. THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING CLASSES AND TO PERFORM IN DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE.
NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE PUT ON A PART-TIME STAFF LIST OF THE OFFICE AND THEIR SERVICE WILL BE CALLED UPON AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.
THEY WILL NOT BE PROVIDED WITH PENSION, MEDICAL OR DENTAL BENEFITS, EDUCATION ALLOWANCES, HOUSING ALLOWANCES OR OTHER FRINGE BENEFITS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
APPLICATION FORMS (G.F. 340) ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND DIPLOMAS SHOULD REACH THE MUSIC OFFICE, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI BY DECEMBER 18.
CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT INVITED FOR AN AUDITION OR AN INTERVIEW WITHIN FOUR WEEKS FROM THE CLOSING DATE MAY ASSUME THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL. FOR ENQUIRIES, CALL 5-8235314.
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RECREATIONAL PROJECTS TENDERS INVITED
» ♦ » » »
TENDERS FOR PHASE II CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR THE TUEN MUN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO KOWLOON TSAI SPORTS GROUND ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE TUEN MUN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX PHASE I, CONSISTING OF ONE MAIN POOL, TWO PADDLING POOLS, AN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, A SPECTATOR STAND AND FOUR SQUASH COURTS, WAS COMPLETED AT A COST OF $38.7 MILLION IN 1985.
CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE II OF THE COMPLEX IN TUEN MUN AREA 16 IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED WITHIN ONE AND A HALF YEARS.
A SECONDARY POOL, TWO TEACHING POOLS, ONE TRAINING POOL, ONE DIVING POOL AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES WILL BE INCLUDED.
TENDERS FOR THE PHASE II WORKS MUST BE SUBMITTED NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 31.
/MAJOR IMPROVEMENT
SATURDAY, DECIMBER 5» 198?
- 15 -
MAJOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO KOWLOON TSAI SPORTS GROUND WILL COMPRISE A NEW ALL-WEATHER ATHLETIC TRACK AND A COVERED CONCRETE SPECTATOR STAND WITH SERVICE FACILITIES BENEATH IT, INCLUDING TOILETS, CHANGING ROOMS, FIRST AID ROOM, OFFICE AND STORE ROOM.
WORK ON THE PROJECT, LOCATED IN KOWLOON TSAI PARK, INVERNESS ROAD, WILL ALSO START NEXT FEBRUARY AND TAKE ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 18.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN MONG KOK AND SHA TIN
*****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 8), THE SECTION OF SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET SOUTH IN MONG KOK FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DUNDAS STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE SLOW LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND IN SHA TIN BETWEEN MA LIU SHUI AND PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 8 AND 9).
MEANWHILE, FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING ON DECEMBER 20, 21 AND 22, ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM USING THE FAST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN MA LIU SHUI AND PAK SHEK KOK BRIDGE.
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KMB ROUTE RE-NUMBERED » » « » »
FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 7), KMB ROUTE NO. 44B PLYING BETWEEN CHEUNG CHING IN TSING YI AND SHAM SHUI PO FERRY PIER WILL BE RE-NUMBERED AS 43D.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (SATURDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE CHANGE AIMED TO UNIFY THE NUMBERING OF BUS ROUTES OPERATING IN CHEUNG CHING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXISTING BUS ROUTE NUMBERING SYSTEM OF KMB.
"THE ROUTEING OF THE BUS ROUTE WILL NOT BE AFFECTED," HE ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BRIGADE CONTINUES TO PLAY VITAL ROLE ................... 1
LESSONS MAY BE DRAWN FROM HK'S LOW BIRTH RATE........... 1
MARINE DEPARTMENT RE-ORGANISATION ...................... 3
DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS PROMISING ........ b
'CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY' MESSAGE CONVEYED TO RESIDENTS . 6
ACTIVITIES TO STRESS IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION...... 7
KOWLOON CITY FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ...................... 8
CONCERN OVER ILLEGAL HAWKING IN SHA TIN ................ 9
YOUTH STRING MUSIC WEEK ENDS ........................... 10
FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS ... 10
UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE TO MEET .............. 11
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL TO CONCLUDE................... 12
LONGEST BRIDGE LINKS TSING YI WITH TSUEN WAN ........... 12
WATER CUT IN EAST KOWLOON AND YAU MA TEI ............... 11*
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
BRIGADE CONTINUES TO PLAY VITAL ROLE * * * *
THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE HAD SERVED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WITH GREAT DEDICATION, AND WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE BRIGADE AT THE SOUTH CHINA ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION STADIUM, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT THE BRIGADE WAS PLANNING AN EXPANSION IN THE CADET PROGRAMME AND THEIR SHA TIN DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS.
THE BRIGADE WAS FOUNDED IN HONG KONG 71 YEARS AGO TO PROVIDE FREE FIRST AID AND RELATED SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC, AND IT ALSO HAS A 24-HOUR ON CALL AMBULANCE SERVICE IN THE TERRITORY.
"MEMBERS OF THE BRIGADE PLAY A VITAL PART IN MANY PUBLIC ACTIVITIES: THEY ARE ON DUTY AT BEACHES AND SWIMMING POOLS DURING THE LONG HOT SUMMER; AND THEY PROVIDE MEDICAL SERVICES AT SPORTS-MEETINGS, WALKATHONS AND MANY OTHER EVENTS," SIR DAVID NOTED.
"THERE ARE NOW 3,400 MEMBERS OF THE BRIGADE. LAST YEAR, THEY SPENT NEARLY 140,000 HOURS PROVIDING SERVICES, VOLUNTARILY, FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN ADDITION TO THE TIME SPENT ON PARADES AND TRAINING.
"HONG KONG IS FORTUNATE TO HAVE SO MANY DEDICATED PEOPLE WILLING TO DEVOTE SO MUCH OF THEIR FREE TIME TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS DEVELOPING AND CHANGING RAPIDLY, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT WHATEVER THE CHANGES, THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE WORK FOR ST JOHN AND OTHER VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS.
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LESSONS MAY BE DRAWN FROM HK’S LOW BIRTH RATE
*****
LESSONS MIGHT BE DRAWN FROM HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE IN BEING ABLE TO KEEP THE ANNUAL BIRTH RATE DOWN WITHOUT STRICT POPULATION POLICIES, LADY WILSON SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ELEVENTH ASIAN AND OCEANIC CONGRESS OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY TODAY (SUNDAY).
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE ANNUAL BIRTH RATE OF HONG KONG WAS KEPT DOWN TO 13 IN EVERY 1,000, WHILE PARTICIPANTS OF THE CONGRESS MIGHT HAVE COME FROM COUNTRIES WITH EXTREMELY HIGH POPULATION DENSITY WHERE THE NEED FOR POPULATION CONTROL WAS THE GREATEST.
/"WE BELIEVE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
2
"WE BELIEVE IN BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION THROUGH EDUCATION AND THE PROVISION OF A WIDE CHOICE OF CONTRACEPTIVES," SHE SAID.
WITH PARTICIPANTS COMING FROM COUNTRIES WITH DIFFERENT HEALTH CARE DELIVERY SYSTEMS, DIVERSE CULTURAL AND SOCIAL BACKGROUNDS, AND VARYING HEALTH STANDARDS AND EXPECTATIONS, LADY WILSON SAID THE CONGRESS WAS THE RIGHT FORUM FOR DISCUSSIONS, EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND SHARING OF EXPERIENCE.
TURNING TO MATERNAL SERVICES, LADY WILSON NOTED THAT WITH MODERN OBSTETRIC PRACTICE, EVERY PREGNANCY WOULD BE EXPECTED TO RESULT IN THE DELIVERY OF A NORMAL AND HEALTHY BABY BY A HEALTHY MOTHER.
"THIS IS THE CASE IN PLACES LIKE HONG KONG WHERE THE PERINATAL MORTALITY RATE IS EIGHT IN EVERY 1,000, AND THE MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE IS FIVE IN EVERY 100,000,"iSHE SAID.
i
HOWEVER, THERE WERE VILLAGES IN THE ASIAN AND OCEANIC AREAS WHERE ONE OUT OF EVERY 200 MOTHERS DIED AS A RESULT OF CHILDBIRTH, AND NEWBORN BABIES DIED AS A RESULT OF NEONATAL TETANUS OR OTHER FORMS OF INFECTION.
REFERRING TO THE USE OF PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS TO IDENTIFY ABNORMAL FETUSES, LADY WILSON POINTED OUT THAT MEDICAL SCIENCE HAD PROGRESSED SO FAST THAT THE AIM OF PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS SHOULD BE TO IDENTIFY THE FETUSES THAT COULD BE GIVEN TREATMENT BEFORE BIRTH, OR TO ENSURE THAT PROPER PERINATAL MANAGEMENT COULD BE PLANNED WITH THE NEONATAL PAEDIATRICIAN BEFORE DELIVERY.
"IT IS INDEED HEARTENING TO NOTE THAT A WEALTH OF RESEARCH ON PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS IS BEING CONDUCTED IN THIS AREA," SHE SAID
"CHILDLESS COUPLES ARE ALSO ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE IMMENSE AMOUNT OF RESEARCH GOING ON, BUT HERE, TOO, ETHICS AND RELIGIOUS PHILOSOPHIES DIFFER WIDELY," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT A COMMITTEE HAD JUST BEEN ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG TO LOOK INTO THESE ISSUES.
TURNING TO THE TREATMENT OF CANCER, LADY WILSON SAID WITH GYNAECOLOGISTS LEADING THE FIELD IN EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER BY THE USE OF "PAP SMEAR", POPULATION SCREENING PROGRAMMES HAD PROVED TO BE EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE IN DECREASING THE INCIDENT, AS WELL AS THE SEVERITY, OF CANCER OF THE CERVIX.
"SUCH SCREENING PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE INSTITUTED IN ALL COMMUNITIES IF RESOURCES SO PERMIT," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON ALSO PRAISED THE OBSTETRICIANS WHO HAD SHOWN THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ROUTE OF TRANSMISSION OF HEPATITIS B WAS FROM THE PREGNANT MOTHER TO THE NEWBORN BABY, AND THAT BABIES AT RISK COULD BE IDENTIFIED BY SCREENING THE MOTHERS SO THAT THE BABIES COULD BE PROTECTED BY IMMUNIZATION IMMEDIATELY AFTER BIRTH.
FINALLY, STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN, SHE SAID: "A HEALTHY MOTHER AND WIFE IS A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE FAMILY, AND INDIRECTLY TO THE SOCIETY NOW AND IN THE GENERATIONS TO COME."
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
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MARINE DEPARTMENT RE-ORGANISATION ♦ » * t *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON NOVEMBER 25, 1987 APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A NEW TECHNICAL POLICY DIVISION IN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT FURTHER TO THE INTRODUCTION OF AN AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER FOR HONG KONG BY EARLY 1990’S IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
IN ORDER TO MEET WITH THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO APPROVED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FOUR PREVIOUS DIVISIONS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BE RE-ORGANISED INTO THREE DIVISIONS - MARINE DISTRICTS DIVISION, PORT SERVICES DIVISION, SHIPPING DIVISION - AND A PLANNING BRANCH. THE CHANGES BECAME EFFECTIVE ON DECEMBER 1, 1987.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR D.A. HALL, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT HONG KONG AT PRESENT WAS A BRITISH PORT OF REGISTRY WITH AN EXPANDING REGISTERED FLEET CURRENTLY OF SOME EIGHT MILLION GROSS REGISTERED TONS.
IN ITS ADMINISTRATION OF THIS FLEET THE MARINE DEPARTMENT RELIES ALMOST ENTIRELY ON THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR THE DETERMINATION OF SHIPPING POLICY IN RESPECT OF HONG KONG AND FOR THE FORMULATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS INCLUDING THOSE DRAWN UP BY THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION. IN ADDITION THE UK PROVIDES FOR THE TRANSLATION OF SUCH POLICY INTO NEW LEGISLATION, PROCEDURES, INSTRUCTIONS TO SURVEYORS, NOTICES TO SHIPOWNERS, STANDARDS FOR EQUIPMENT APPROVAL AND VARIOUS OTHER TECHNICAL CONTROLS AND ARRANGEMENTS.
"HONG KONG HAS VERY LITTLE SHIPPING LEGISLATION OF ITS OWN," MR HALL SAID. "AT PRESENT WE RELY LARGELY ON THE EXTENSION OF UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION TO HONG KONG THROUGH ORDERS IN COUNCIL."
HOWEVER, IN PREPARATION FOR 1997 AND IN CONFORMITY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, IT IS NECESSARY TO DEVELOP A SHIPPING REGISTER WHICH IS INDEPENDENT OF BRITISH LEGISLATION AND WHICH CAN CONTINUE TO OPERATE AFTER 1997.
TO ACHIEVE THIS, MR HALL SAID, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR HONG KONG TO DEVISE AND DEVELOP DETAILED POLICIES, STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES BASED ON THE AGREED GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF THE JOINT DECLARATION; CONSULT WITH THE LOCAL SHIPPING INDUSTRY IN RESPECT OF POLICIES; TRANSLATE THESE POLICIES, STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES INTO LEGISLATION; AND MODIFY THE PRESENT ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF LEGISLATION AND THE CONTROL OF THE REGISTERED FLEET IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS. THE NEW TECHNICAL POLICY DIVISION WILL UNDERTAKE THESE FUNCTIONS AND ALSO RATIONALISE THE POLICY REGARDING CHINA COASTAL TRAFFIC AND THE SAFETY STANDARDS OF VESSELS LICENSED IN HONG KONG.
IN ADDITION TO THE NEW TECHNICAL POLICY DIVISION, THE EXISTING FUNCTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT HAVE BEEN REORGANISED INTO THREE DIVISIONS - MARINE DISTRICTS, PORT SERVICES, SHIPPING - AND A PLANNING BRANCH.
/THE MAIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE MARINE DISTRICTS DIVISION ARE TO REGULATE LOCAL CRAFT; MANAGE MINOR PORTS, TYPHOON SHELTERS AND PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS; CONTROL DWELLING BOATS; LIAISE WITH DISTRICT BOARDS ON LOCAL MARINE MATTERS; AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD.
THE PORT SERVICES DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THE PORT AND ENSURING SAFE NAVIGATION WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS. THESE FUNCTIONS INCLUDE SHIPPING CONTROL, PORT COMMUNICATION, HARBOUR PATROL, HARBOUR CLEANSING, PREVENTING AND COMBAT OF OIL POLLUTION, HANDLING AND CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS, PROVISION OF AIDS TO NAVIGATION AND THE CONTROL AND MAINTENANCE OF MOORING BUOYS. IT WILL CO-ORDINATE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND MANAGE THE INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER FERRY TERMINALS SERVICING CHINA AND MACAU. THE DIVISION IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE PLANNED VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND FOR ITS EFFICIENT OPERATION.
THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SHIPPING DIVISION INCLUDE THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE EXISTING REGISTER (HONG KONG IS A BRITISH PORT OF REGISTRY) AND THE ENFORCEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ON VESSELS SO REGISTERED. THE DIVISION IS ALSO REPSONSIBLE FOR SAFETY STANDARDS OF LOCALLY LICENSED VESSELS AND FOR THE REGULATION OF SHIP BREAKING, SHIP REPAIR AND OPERATION OF CARGO VESSELS IN THE WATERS OF HONG KONG. THIS, INTER ALIA, INVOLVES THE SURVEY OF FOREIGN-GOING SHIPS AND LOCAL CRAFT. IT IS THE EXAMINING AUTHORITY FOR THE CERTIFICATION OF COMPETENCY OF SEAFARERS AND DEVELOPS, IMPLEMENTS AND ENFORCES LEGISLATION FOR THE RECRUITMENT AND ENGAGEMENT OF SEAFARERS. THE DIVISION IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN, PROCUREMENT AND SUPERVISION OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF GOVERNMENT CRAFT.
THE PLANNING BRANCH IS DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE TO THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MARINE AND ULTIMATELY TO THE DIRECTOR AND IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL STRATEGIC AND TECHNICAL PLANNING WITH REGARD TO PORT DEVELOPMENT AND FOR CO-ORDINATING THE PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL PAPERS FOR THE THREE PORT ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
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DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS PROMISING *****
THE INCREASINGLY ACTIVE EXPRESSION OF VIEWS BY AREA COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS ON DISTRICT MATTERS IS A NATURAL AND PROMISING DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T. H. CHAU, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE WAS ADDRESSING A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AT TELFORD GARDENS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
/ON THE .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
- 5 -
ON THE ROLE OF AREA COMMITTEES (AC’S), MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES (MAC’S) AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS (OC’S) IN THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION STRUCTURE, MR CHAU SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF BUILDING-BASED RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS - THE MAC’S AND OC’S - HAD GONE WELL BEYOND THEIR ORIGINAL SCOPE.
"NEVERTHELESS, THEY HAVE CONTINUED TO SUPPORT GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS AND HAVE KEPT UP WITH THEIR PRIMARY AIMS TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF FRIENDLINESS AMONG RESIDENTS AND TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT, SECURITY AND CLEANLINESS OF THEIR BUILDINGS," HE NOTED.
MR CHAU SAID IT HAD ALWAYS BEEN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO ASSIST THE FORMATION OF MAC’S AND OC’S, AND THAT THERE WERE RECENTLY PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS (OWNERS INCORPORATIONS) ORDINANCE.
HE SAID THE AMENDMENTS SOUGHT TO PROVIDE FOR EASIER FORMATION OF OC’S AND IMPROVE THE GUIDELINES ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND MEETING PROCEDURES.
ON THE ROLE OF AC’S, MR CHAU SAID ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE HAD BEEN REVISED IN 1981, FOLLOWING A STUDY ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AC’S AND DISTRICT BOARD WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
"ACCORDING TO ITS REVISED TERMS OF REFERENCE, AC’S ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE ADMINISTRATION ON THE WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS AND WORKERS IN THE AREA, AS WELL AS PROVIDING A FORUM FOR THE DISCUSSION OF CURRENT AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT POLICY.
"THEREFORE AC'S PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE GOVERNMENT CONSULTATION MACHINERY," HE NOTED.
MR CHAU SAID IN ADDITION TO ITS ADVISORY ROLE, AC’S WERE ALSO ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN ORGANISING COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES TO HELP INSTIL A SENSE OF DISTRICT BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
HE HOPED THAT BETTER COMMUNICATIONS COULD BE ACHIEVED AMONG DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS TO FURTHER IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ WELL-BEING.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING OF THE SEMINAR, DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL LEUNG, SAID DISTRICT BODIES HAD A DEFINITE ROLE IN REFLECTING RESIDENTS’ VIEWS AND IN FACILITATING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF GOVERNMENT POLICY.
HE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE 110 AREA COMMITTEES, OF WHICH 85 WERE IN THE URBAN AREA AND 25 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR LEUNG ADDED THAT MORE THAN 4,000 MAC’S AND 2,000 OC’S HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, SERVING SOME 70 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION.
/"I BELIEVE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
6 -
"1 BELIEVE THAT GOOD COMMUNICATION AND BETTER LINK AMONG THESE DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS WILL BRING INTO FULL PLAY THEIR RESPECTIVE FUNCTIONS," HE SAID.
ABOUT 300 REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS ATTENDED TODAY’S SEMINAR WHICH WAS HELD FOR THE THIRD YEAR TO ENHANCE COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONS AMONG LOCAL BODIES IN KWUN TONG.
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'CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY’ MESSAGE CONVEYED TO RESIDENTS
* * * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S "WE CARE" ACTIVITIES CAME TO A CLOSE THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON AMID GAIETIES AND FESTIVITIES AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, SAID THE PROJECT HAD DRIVEN HOME THE "CARE FOR THE COMMUNITY" MESSAGE THROUGH 13 COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES FOR PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS.
OTHER GUESTS PRESENT AT THE FUNCTION WERE MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LIU LIT-FOR; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR YU SIU-TIN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR VINCENT KO; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (DACA), MR WU CHOR-NAM; THE PROJECT'S CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR SAMMY POONE; AND THE 1987 MISS ASIA (HONG KONG REGION), MISS DOROTHY YAU.
THE LAST EVENT OF THE "WE CARE" ACTIVITIES WAS A FIVE-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES STAGED AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT AND CHATER GARDENS.
IN A JOINT EXHIBITION WITH ICAC AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, UNIFORMED MEMBERS OF FOUR DISCIPLINARY FORCES - THE POLICE, AND THE IMMIGRATION, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENTS - WERE ON HAND TO BRIEF VISITORS ON THEIR WORK AND SERVICES.
IN ADDITION, 700 CHILDREN TOOK PART IN A DRAWING COMPETITION HELD AT THE CHATER GARDENS. TWELVE BEST PICTURES WERE SELECTED FROM THE ENTRIES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF 100,000 COPIES OF CALENDERS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO STUDENTS LATER.
/AMONG OTHER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
- 7
AMONG OTHER ACTIVITIES WERE BAND PERFORMANCES, TRICK CYCLING DEMONSTRATIONS, CHILDREN’S MUSICAL SHOW, AN ALL-STAR SHOW, GAME STALLS, PALMISTRY GAME, SINGING PERFORMANCES, AS WELL AS MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS.
THE "WE CARE” ACTIVITIES WERE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, AND DCDA WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND URBAN COUNCIL.
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ACTIVITIES TO STRESS IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION
*****
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED TO ALERT SQUATTERS IN THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION AND THE DANGER OF ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY DURING THE DRY SEASON STARTED TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "FIRE PREVENTION AND COMBATING OF ILLEGAL TAPPING" CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREAS COMMITTEE, THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, IRS LEE LO YUK-SIM, URGED RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES.
A SLOGAN COMPETITION, A DRAWING COMPETITION, A TOUR INCLUDING VEGETARIAN LUNCH AND A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD DURING THE \MPAIGN PERIOD, FROM DECEMBER 6 TO JANUARY 7.
MEMBERS OF THE CAMPAIGN’S WORKING GROUP WILL CONDUCT HOUSEHOLD VISITS TO THE SQUATTER AREAS ON DECEMBER 13 AND JANUARY 3 RESPECTIVELY TO PUBLICISE THE ANTI-ILLEGAL TAPPING MESSAGE, MRS LEE SAID.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE SLOGAN COMPETITION AND THE DRAWING COMPETITION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE FOUR BRANCH OFFICES OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT SAN PO KONG, LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE AND CHOI WAN ESTATE.
THE ENTRY DEADLINE FOR BOTH COMPETITIONS IS DECEMBER 14.
MRS LEE SAID A TOUR IS SPECIALLY ORGANISED FOR THE ELDERLY ON DECEMBER 13. THERE WILL BE A FIRE PREVENTION SLIDE SHOW AND THE ELDERLY WILL PARTICIPATE IN A QUIZ COMPETITION BEFORE GOING ON A TOUR OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HAVING A VEGETARIAN LUNCH THERE.
THE CLOSING EVENT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 7 NEXT YEAR, SHE SAID.
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/8
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
8
KOWLOON CITY FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL
» * * t
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL AND AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG, THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
FREE TICKETS FOR GAMES STALLS AND LUCKY DRAW ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AT KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE AND HO MAN TIN SUB-OFFICE.
A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS INCLUDING 21 GAMES STALLS WITH THE THEME OF FIGHTING CRIME, SINGING, LUCKY DRAW, CRIME PREVENTION DRAMA, CHEERING TEAM, DANCING POP SONG REQUEST AND PERFORMANCES BY JUNIOR POLICE CALL ROTARY BAND.
A POLICE PATROL CAR, A MOBILE CRIME PREVENTION EXHIBITION AND A POLICE RECRUITMENT CENTRE WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED AT THE PLAYGROUND.
AT THE CEREMONY 20 LOCAL RESIDENTS AND EIGHT STUDENTS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS IN FIGHTING CRIME. THEY ARE NOMINATED BY THE POLICE, AREA COMMITTEES AND SCHOOLS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MRS ROSANNA TAM; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; i.OV.I.oON CITY DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MRS WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHENG 1 o-YICK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL AND AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
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/9........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
- 9 -
CONCERN OVER ILLEGAL HAWKING IN SHA TIN
♦ » * * ♦
ILLEGAL HAWKING IN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WILL BE A TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 8) MORNING.
DB MEMBER MR KAN CHUNG-NIN WILL ASK WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAS ANY POSITIVE MEASURE TO CURB HAWKING ON FOOTBRIDGES OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TOWNS, PARTICULARLY SHA TIN.
ANOTHER DB MEMBER MR LAU KONG-WAH WILL ASK THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WHAT ARE THE REAL PROBLEMS IN TACKLING ILLEGAL HAWKERS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND THE EFFECT OF INSTALLING RAILINGS TO DETER ILLEGAL HAWKING.
MEANWHILE, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL PRESENT AN INFORMATION PAPER ON INSTALLATING FIRE SERVICES ENQUIPMENT IN YUEN CHAU KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
A PAPER ON THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY’S PROJECT TO PROVIDE 400 KV OVERHEAD POWERLINES BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND LAI CHI KOK WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE RE-ALIGNMENT OF PAI TAU STREET FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PERMANENT REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER; NAMING OF A CHINESE-STYLE PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER SHING MUN RIVER LINKING SHA KOK ESTATE AND ITS SURROUNDING AREA WITH SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK AND NEW TOWN PLAZA; AND NAMING OF SIX BLOCKS IN KWONG YUEN ESTATE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE FOUR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS; APPLICATION FOR FUNDING A SEMINAR ON SHA TIN’S INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROSPECTS; REPORTS BY WORKING GROUPS AND ESTIMATES FOR MINOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN 1988/89.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN.
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/1O
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
10
YOUTH STRING MUSIC WEEK ENDS
» ♦ » » ♦
A DEMONSTRATION CONCERT BY THE TREMPER GOLDEN STRINGS FROM AMERICA WAS WELL RECEIVED BY AN AUDIENCE OF 1,400 AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING.
THE 29-MEMBER STRING GROUP PERFORMED RENDITIONS OF BOTH CLASSICAL AND POPULAR PIECES. THEY IMPRESSED THE AUDIENCE WITH THEIR "STROLLING STRING” TECHNIQUES, STAYING ADJACENT TO THE AUDIENCE AS THEY PERFORMED.
THE CONCERT WAS PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE YOUTH STRING MUSIC WEEK ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
THE GOLDEN STRINGS HAS COME TO HONG KONG TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STRING WEEK AND WILL LEAVE ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9.
FOUNDED IN 1972, THE GROUP WAS SET UP WITH THE AIM TO PROVIDE QUALIFIED MUSIC STUDENTS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM A VARIETY OF POPULAR MUSIC GENERALLY INACCESSIBLE TO STRING PERFORMERS.
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE THIS MORNING, THE GROUP ATTENDED A LUNCH RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WHERE THEY MET MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND STRING INSTRUCTORS FROM THE OFFICE.
THE YOUTH STRING MUSIC WEEK WILL CLOSE WITH A GALA CONCERT AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM TONIGHT AT 8 PM FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY BOTH THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE GOLDEN STRINGS.
THE YOUTH SYMPHONY WILL OPEN THE CONCERT WITH ROSSINI’S BARBER OF SEVILLE OVERTURE, FOLLOWED BY BENJAMIN BRITTEN’S SIMPLE SYMPHONY.
THE GOLDEN STRINGS WILL PLAY SHOWTIME SELECTIONS INCLUDING SUCH POPULAR PIECES AS "NEW YORK, NEW YORK", "THE GREATEST LOVE OF ALL” AND "SOMEWHERE IN TIME".
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FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS
» * * » »
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE GRAND TOWER HOTEL.
THIS IS THE FIRST EVER ILLUMINATION DISPLAY SET UP IN MONG KOK TO TIE IN WITH THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
/THE MONG
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN AND FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG; COMMITTEE’S PRESIDENT, MR HO KWONG-HUNG AND HONORARY ADVISOR, MR KONG WING-ON, WILL HOST THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS TO BE HELD AT 3 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE FUNCTION ROOM ’C’, SIXTH FLOOR, GRAND TOWER HOTEL, 627 NATHAN ROAD.
- - 0 - -
UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE TO MEET *****
THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS THE OPERATION PROGRAMME AND PUBLICITY PLAN FOR THE 1988/89 TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE COMMITTEE WILL STUDY THE PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15 AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS WHETHER TO EXTEND THE SPONSORED LITTER BIN SCHEME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER TOMORROW’S MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM NO. 2, FOURTH FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE.
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/12
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
12
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL TO CONCLUDE *****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE NINTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE FESTIVAL, A MAJOR ANNUAL EVENT IN TSUEN WAN, STARTED IN EARLY NOVEMBER. IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FEDERATION OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION.
A VISITING CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS TEAM WILL PERFORM AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN.
ANOTHER EVENT OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION SHOW BY ANOTHER VISITING CHINESE ACROBATIC AND RHYTHMIC GYMNASTIC TEAM FROM THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
IT WILL START AT 8 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 8) IN THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK GAMES HALL AT HING FONG ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG.
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LONGEST BRIDGE LINKS TS1NG YI WITH TSUEN WAN
*****
TRANSPORT LINK BETWEEN TSING YI AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE VASTLY IMPROVED FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11) WHEN A BRIDGE LINKING THE TWO DISTRICTS IS OPENED TO TRAFFIC AT 5 PM.
BUILT AT A COST OF $200 MILLION, THE BRIDGE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10).
WITH A TOTAL LENGTH OF 1,015 METRES, TSING TSUEN BRIDGE IS THE LONGEST BRIDGE IN HONG KONG. IT IS ALSO THE SECOND FIXED CROSSING TO THE FAST GROWING TSING YI ISLAND.
THE FIRST TSING YI BRIDGE, PROVIDING A ROAD LINK WITH KWAI CHUNG ACROSS SOUTHERN RAMBLER CHANNEL, WAS OPENED IN 1974.
PRELIMINARY STUDY FOR A SECOND BRIDGE ACROSS NORTHERN END OF RAMBLER CHANNEL WAS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1980.
CONSTRUCTION WORKS, CONTRACTED OUT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WHICH ALSO MONITORED THE PROGRESS OF THE PROJECT, STARTED IN 1984.
/BUILT WITH
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
BUILT WITH 150,000 TONNES OF CONCRETE AND 12,000 TONNES OF STEEL REINFORCEMENTS, TSING TSUEN BRIDGE CONSISTS OF A 160-METRE MAIN SPAN AND TWO 90-METRE SIDE SPANS OVER THE RAMBLER CHANNEL.
THE WESTERN APPROACHES INCLUDE 12 SPANS OF ELEVATED ROAD CONNECTING ON TO THE TSING YI CIRCULAR ROAD NETWORK, WHILE THE EASTERN APPROACHES, MADE UP OF FOUR SPANS, JOIN ON TO THE TEXACO ROAD ROUNDABOUT.
THE MAIN SPAN PROVIDES A VERTICAL CLEARANCE OF 20 METRES ABOVE HIGH WATER PLUS HORIZONTAL WIDTH CLEARANCE OF 120 METRES FOR THE PASSAGE OF FERRIES AND SMALL VESSELS.
THE BRIDGE’S MAIN PIERS ARE SUPPORTED ON TWO-METRE DIAMETER BORED PILES SOCKETED INTO BEDROCK ABOUT 10 METRES BELOW SEABED. ROCK ISLANDS PROTECT THE PIERS FROM ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE BY TANKERS FROM THE NORTH SIDE.
THE BRIDGE IS CAPABLE OF CARRYING TRAFFIC FLOWS OF UP TO 100,000 VEHICLES A DAY OVER ITS TWO-LANE DUAL-CARRIAGEWAYS. ITS DESIGN SPEED IS 80-KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
THE TWO-METRE WIDE PEDESTRIAN FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BRIDGE ALSO CARRY UTILITIES - SUCH AS GAS, ELECTRICITY AND TELEPHONE LINES - IN SERVICE BAYS UNDERNEATH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10). A PRESS COACH WILL LEAVE THE MURRAY BUILDING CARPARK IN GARDEN ROAD AT 9.30 AM. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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/V* .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1987
14
WATER CUT IN EAST KOWLOON AND YAU MA TEI
*****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (DECEMBER 9 AND 10) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
ON WEDNESDAY FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM , THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN NAM CHEONG STREET AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
ON THURSDAY FROM 9 AM TO MIDNIGHT, THE WATER CUT WILL AFFECT PREMISES AT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, LOK FU, JORDAN VALLEY, WANG TAU HOM, FU SHAN ESTATE, CHUK YUEN, KOWLOON TONG, FUNG WONG VILLAGE, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL, KOWLOON HOSPITAL, NGAU CHI WAN, KOWLOON CITY, MA TAU WEI, MA TAU KOK AND KAI TAK.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE AT 1-40 PORTLAND STREET, 1-18 YUNNAM LANE, 326-342 SHANGHAI STREET, 495-523 NATHAN ROAD, 2-12 AND 26-30 WATERLOO ROAD, AND 5 AND 15-17 MAN MING LANE.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT PLAYS ROLE IN RAISING TECHNICAL DESIGN STANDARDS 1
SEPTEMBER PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE........ 2
POPULATION OF 6.1M IN 1996: REPORT ........................ 7
ANNUAL BORDER REVIEW MEETING .............................. 7
BETTER SOCIAL SECURITY FOR ELDERLY ........................ 8
UC COMMITTEE ENDORSED OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR KEEP HONG KONG
CLEAN CAMPAIGN .......................................... 9
KEEP CT,EAN CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN SOUTHERN ................. 9
COMPUTER COURSE FOR SHIPBUILDING, REPAIR DESIGNERS AND
DRAUGHTSMEN ............................................. 10
1987 ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS ON SALE .................. 11
DONATION FOR PRINTING BOOKLET FOR PARENTS ................. 11
LIGHTING DISPLAY TO LAUNCH MONG KOK FESTIVAL............... 12
ANTI-TRIAD SEMINAR IN WaN CHaI...........-.................
KING'S ROAD SLIP ROAD TO OPEN TO TRAFFIC .................. 1^
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH IN CENTRAL ..... 1^
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 14
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
1
GOVERNMENT PLAYS ROLE TN RAISING TECHNICAL DESIGN STANDARDS *****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSCIOUS OF ITS ROLE IN THE PROCESS OF RAISING THE STANDARD OF AESTHETIC AND TECHNICAL DESIGN IN HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURED GOODS AND HAD TAKEN SEVERAL NEW INITIATIVES IN RECENT YEARS IN THIS RESPECT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
IT WOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE PROVISION OF DESIGN COURSES AT THE TERTIARY AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, HE STRESSED.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE 1987 "GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR HONG KONG DESIGN" AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG LIVED BY TRADE AND, TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE, MANUFACTURERS MUST PRODUCE GOODS OF INCREASINGLY HIGHER QUALITY AND BETTER DESIGN.
ON WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DONE, SIR DAVID SAID THE SEED-CORN INVESTMENT WHICH THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY IN 1985, SMALL AND
THAT THROUGH TO THE HONG MEDIUM SIZED
COMPANIES WERE NOW ABLE TO OBTAIN REASONABLY PRICED DESIGNS FOR NEW
PRODUCTS.
"EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL LAUNCHED A SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME TO HELP LOCAL ENGINEERS OBTAIN OVERSEAS TRAINING IN THE DESIGN OF ADVANCED ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY.
"AND, OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, NEW FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL SO THAT MANUFACTURERS CAN OBTAIN EXPERT ADVICE ON THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF SOPHISTICATED AUDIO/VISUAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES ALSO PROVIDED VALUABLE SUPPORT TO THE EFFORTS OF MANUFACTURERS TO UPGRADE QUALITY AND DESIGN.
THE FEDERATION DID THIS THROUGH ITS DESIGN COUNCIL, THE DESIGN AND PACKAGING CENTRE AND THROUGH THE "GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR HONG KONG DESIGN" COMPETITION, WHICH HAD BEEN HELD UNDER ITS AUSPICES ANNUALLY SINCE 1969.
"THERE IS MORE TO GOOD DESIGN THAN AN AESTHETICALLY PLEASING END-PRODUCT. DESIGN MUST TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE NEED FOR EFFICIENT AND ECONOMICAL MANUFACTURE AND THE NEED TO 'MEET THE HIGH STANDARDS REQUIRED IN THE MARKET," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THESE CONSIDERATIONS ARE WELL UNDERSTOOD IN HONG KONG," HF SAID.
CONGRATULATING THE AMPEX FERROTEC LIMITED WINNING THIS YEAR’S AWARD, SIR DAVID PRAISED IT AESTHETIC AND PRACTICAL DESIGN QUALITIES IN "ELECTRONIC STILL STORE".
ON ITS SUCCESS IN FOR HAVING COMBINED ITS PRODUCT, THE
"IT HAS ALL THE FACILITIES NEEDED TO CREATE, REARRANGE AND STORE MANY THOUSANDS OF STILL PICTURES AND GRAPHICS. IT IS AN EXTREMELY VERSATILE TOOL FOR THOSE USING GRAPHICS IN BROADCASTING AND ADVERTISING," SIR DAVID SAID.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
- 2 "
SEPTEMBER PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE * ♦ * ♦ ♦
STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED THAT THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 26 PER CENT AND 49 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. HENCE, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 36 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 34 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT THE PRICES OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
’ COMPARING SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WITH SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 24 PER CENT AND 44 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HENCE, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 33 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT; RE-EXPORT PRICES ROSE BY 3 PER CENT WHILE IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 4 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.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/AS CAN .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
3 -
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1987 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986. THESE INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+13 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+8 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+8 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+7 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+5 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+5 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+4 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+3 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+3 PER CENT) AS WELL AS DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+2 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WAS RECORDED IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-2 PER CENT). THE PRICES OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED.
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1987 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, INCLUDING METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+72 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+52 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+38 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+32 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+25 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+25 PER CENT ); CLOTHING (+21 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+18 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+16 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+16 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-9 PER CENT) AS WELL AS RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-6 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN SEPTEMBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, RANGING FROM 2 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 28 PER CENT FOR FUELS, WHICH WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE RELATIVELY LOW IMPORT PRICES OF • FUELS IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1987 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986. SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN SUGAR; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS AS WELL AS RICE. HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS REGISTERED FOR SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD.
/OVER THE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT. THE COMMODITIES WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; FOOTWEAR AS WELL AS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 31 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1987 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986. THE MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS, YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES, CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS AS WELL AS MAN-MADE FIBRES. A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR.
IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986.
FOR THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 65 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986. THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY, TEXTILE MACHINERY AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST
END-USE
CATEGORIES INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH 1986, RANGING FROM 11 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 61 PER CAPITAL GOODS. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS BY 24 PER CENT.
SEPTEMBER
CENT FOR DECREASED
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1987 ISSUE OF THE ’’HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS” AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND DECEMBER 12, 1987 AT $2.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE
■* DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, HONG KONG (TEL NO. : 5-8128802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE
INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL NO. : 5-8234918).
/table 1 .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
- 5 -
TABLE 1 : INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING JAN-SEP 1987 COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1987
WITH JAN-SEP 1986 WITH SEPTEMBER 1986
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME f*
CLOTHING 29 8 20 30 8 21
TEXTILE FABRICS 60 5 52 34 8 25
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 48 4 42 19 3 16
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 1 1 5 6 37 4 32
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 24 3 21 1 7 -6
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 12 -2 15 52 * I 52
FOOTWEAR 21 4 17 25 5 18
METAL MANUFACTURES 29 2 27 43 3 38
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 60 3 56 93 13 72 1
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 18 1 17 23 -2 25
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 3 4 -2 -4 5 -9
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 21 3 17 19 2 16
ALL COMMODITIES 30 3 26 28 3 24
/Notes for .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
- 6 -
NOTES FOR TABLES 1 TO 3 :
» INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5%
PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE CALCULATED FROM TRADE INDEXES TAKEN TO MORE DECIMAL PLACES THAN THOSE TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE ’’HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS”. THEY MAY THEREFORE DIFFER FROM THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES TO BE COMPUTED FROM THE PUBLISHED FIGURES.
TABLE 2 : INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JAN-SEP 1987 COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1987
WITH JAN-SEP 1986 WITH SEPTEMBER 1986
END-USE CATEGORY • UNIT VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
VALUE % VALUE VOLUME
% %
FOODSTUFFS 12 1 11 16 2 14
CONSUMER GOODS RAW MATERIALS AND 43 4 38 39 3 35
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 41 3 37 37 4 31
FUELS * -1 2 20 28 -6
CAPITAL GOODS 48 7 38 71 4 65
ALL COMMODITIES 39 4 34 TABLE 3 : INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS BY 40 4 END-USE CATEGORY 35
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING JAN-SEP WITH JAN-SEP UNIT 1987 1986 COMPARING WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 SEPTEMBER 1986 UNIT
VALUE % VALUE VOLUME % % VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 16 -1 18 9 -1 11
CONSUMER GOODS RAW MATERIALS AND 60 2 56 51 3 47
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 50 2 47 47 5 41
FUELS 4 8 -4 -4 27 -24
CAPITAL GOODS 46 ♦ 46 61 * 61
ALL COMMODITIES 51 2 49 48 3 44
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
- 7 -
POPULATION OF 6.IM IN 1996: REPORT ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE POPULATION OF HONG KONG IS EXPECTED TO GROW FROM 5.5 MILLION IN 1986 TO SOME 6.1 MILLION IN 1996, AND TO 6.5 MILLION IN 2001 .
THE AGE STRUCTURE OF THE POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY. THE MEDIAN AGE OF THE POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM 29 IN 1986 TO 40 BY 2006.
THE PROPORTION OF THE POPULATION UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE IS EXPECTED TO FALL FROM 23 PER CENT IN 1986 TO 17 PER CENT IN 2006, WHILE THE PROPORTION AGED 65 AND OVER IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FROM EIGHT PER CENT TO 12 PER CENT.
THE PROPORTION IN THE WORKING AGE (THOSE AGED 15 TO 64 YEARS) IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE SLIGHTLY FROM 69 PER CENT TO 71 PER CENT.
THIS AND OTHER INFORMATION IS PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ENTITLED "HONG KONG POPULATION: A 20-YEAR PROJECTION (1986 VERSION)". THE REPORT CONTAINS THE RESULTS OF POPULATION PROJECTIONS MADE BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN 1987, ON THE BASIS OF DATA COLLECTED IN THE 1986 BY-CENSUS.
APART FROM PRESENTING THE PROJECTED POPULATION BY SEX AND QUINQUENNIAL AGE FOR THE 20 YEARS FROM 1982, IT ALSO DESCRIBES THE FERTILITY, MORTALITY AND MIGRATION TRENDS IN THE 1970’S AND THE EARLY 1980’S AND THE ASSUMPTIONS ON WHICH THE PROJECTIONS ARE BASED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT MAY NOW BE PURCHASED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, HONG KONG.
------O-------
ANNUAL BORDER REVIEW MEETING ♦ ♦ » » ♦
OFFICIALS FROM GUANGDONG PROVINCE LED BY MR HUANG QUN, DIRECTOR OF THE PROVINCIAL FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE, ARE VISITING HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 6 TO 11 TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF BORDER LIAISON ARRANGEMENTS. THEY ARE HERE AT THE INVITATION OF THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR DICK CLIFT.
THE BORDER LIAISON SYSTEM PROVIDES FOR EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION AND CONTROL AT THE BORDER BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND THEIR GUANGDONG COUNTERPARTS.
THE SYSTEM WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1981. SINCE THEN REVIEWS HAVE BEEN HELD ALTERNATELY IN HONG KONG AND GUANGDONG. THE LAST TOOK PLACE IN HAINAN IN DECEMBER 1986.
WHILE HERE THE GUANGDONG DELEGATION WILL ALSO VISIT PLACES OF INTEREST.
------o------- /8..................
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
- 8 -
BETTER SOCIAL SECURITY FOR ELDERLY * ♦ * » *
SOCIAL SECURITY FOR THE ELDERLY HAS TAKEN A BIG STRIDE FORWARD THIS YEAR FOLLOWING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL OF A HIGHER RATE OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE AGED OVER 70 AND AN EXTENSION OF THE ALLOWANCE TO THOSE OVER 65, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL BUTTERFLY ESTATE SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN TUEN MUN, MISS CHUNG SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED THAT FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR, THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE AGED OVER 70 WOULD BE RAISED FROM $255 TO $320 A MONTH.
FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR, THOSE IN THE 68-69 AGE GROUP WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR AN OLD AGE ALLOWANCE OF $280 PER MONTH.
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT OVER THE YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR HAD BEEN WORKING CLOSELY IN DEVELOPING SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
’’THERE ARE NOW 88 SOCIAL CENTRES, 12 MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES AND FOUR DAY-CARE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN VARIOUS KINDS OF RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY HAS ALSO INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY. THERE ARE 1,445 HOSTEL PLACES, 3,845 HOME PLACES, 1,470 PLACES IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES AND 595 PLACES IN THE TWO HOUSING SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY," SHE SAID.
MISS CHUNG ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SET UP A CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN JULY THIS YEAR TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN EXISTING ELDERLY SERVICES AND EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THESE SERVICES.
SHE SAID THAT DURING THESE SIX MONTHS, THE COMMITTEE HAD COMPLETED A REVIEW ON THE RESIDENTIAL AND CARE AND ATTENTION SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
"IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE COMMITTEE PLANS TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN THE AREAS OF HOUSING, TRANSPORT, FINANCIAL NEEDS, COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES AND HOME HELP SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY," SHE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/9
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
UC COMMITTEE ENDORSED OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN
♦ * t »
URBAN COUNCIL’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE BUDGET OF THE 1988/89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN DETERMINED AT $4 MILLION, MEMBERS OF THE UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE LEARNED AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).
THEY ALSO ENDORSED AN EIGHT-PHASE OPERATIONAL PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WHICH WOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE FOR APROVAL.
IT WAS AGREED AT THE MEETING THAT SUBJECT TO THE ENDORSEMENT OF THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE, A MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE MOUNTED TO TIE IN WITH THE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME.
THE BUDGET FOR THE TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE MAINTAINED AT A LEVEL SIMILAR TO THIS YEAR’S $2.1 MILLION.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE SAID AFTER THE MEETING THAT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD CARRIED OUT A BLITZ OPERATION AGAINST LITTERING BY FILIPINA MAIDS IN CENTRAL LAST SUNDAY (DECEMBER 6). A TOTAL OF 37 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED.
’’THE CENTRAL DISTRICT HAS BECOME A POPULAR MEETING AREA FOR FILIPINA MAIDS DURING HOLIDAYS, AND THE DEPARTMENT HAS TO MAKE A LOT OF EFFORT IN CLEARING THE RUBBISH LEFT BEHIND,” HE SAID.
THE OPERATION WAS THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF BLITZ OPERATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
-------0----------
KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TN SOUTHERN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WAS FORESHORE EXERCISE ALONG THE
BOARD’S PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT THE KEEP LAUNCHED TODAY (MONDAY) WITH A CLEAN ABERDEEN WATERFRONT.
BY THE BOARD’S
AND MEMBERS TO
AWARENESS ON THE
THE CLEAN UP EXERCISE STARTED OFF WITH VISITS ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MADAM MA YUET-HAR, VESSELS ANCHORED ALONG THE WATERFRONT TO PROMOTE THE NEED TO FIGHT POLLUTION AND TO KEEP THE HARBOUR CLEAN
STAFF FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT THEN CONDUCTED SPECIAL CLEAN UP OPERATIONS OF THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER. VOLUNTEERS FROM COMMUNITY ALSO JOINED IN THE OPERATIONS.
URBAN SERVICES
IN THE WATERS
THE FISHING
/Meanwhile, marine .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
10 -
MEANWHILE, MARINE DEPARTMENT’S PATROL VESSELS ALSO BROADCAST THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE DURING THEIR PATROL IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER.
SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE. IT WILL RUN UNTIL FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A BLACK SPOTS CLEAN UP EXERCISE, A CLEAN BUILDING COMPETITION, A SPECIAL REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER AND A CAMPAIGN AGAINST THROWING LITTER FROM WINDOWS OF RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS.
VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, AS WELL AS DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND AREA COMMITTEES WILL TAKE PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES.
-----0------
COMPUTER COURSE FOR SHIPBUILDING, REPAIR DESIGNERS AND DRAUGHTSMEN
*****
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR A COURSE ON THE USE OF PERSONAL COMPUTER IN SHIPBUILDING, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DRAFTING.
THE COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL’S SHIPBUILDING, SHIP REPAIR AND OFFSHORE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, IS DESIGNED FOR DESIGNERS AND DRAUGHTSMEN IN THE INDUSTRY.
THE BOARD RECKONS THAT THE TRAINING ON COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING AND DESIGN WOULD GREATLY INCREASE THE INDUSTRY’S PRODUCTIVITY.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN LECTURES AND PRACTICAL HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE, AND WILL HAVE EXCLUSIVE USE OF A HIGH POWER DESK MICRO-COMPUTER WITH HIGH RESOLUTION COLOUR GRAPHIC CAPABILITY.
CLASS MEETINGS WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE MICRO CAD TRAINING CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ON FOUR SATURDAYS STARTING FROM JANUARY 23.
COURSE FEE IS $2,800. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE SPONSORED TO THE COURSE BY EMPLOYERS, AND WILL BE REIMBURSED HALF OF THE FEE IF THEY HAVE AN ATTENDANCE RECORD OF NOT LESS THAN 80 PER CENT.
CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 16.
ENQUIRIES ON THE COURSE CAN BE MADE TO SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, MR LEUNG CHEE-HUNG, ON 5-8932341 EXT. 257.
------0-------- /11 .................
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7,
1987
11 -
1987 ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS ON SALE
» « * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED THE 1987 EDITION OF THE HONG KONG ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
THIS ANNUAL PUBLICATION IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE OF OFFICIAL STATISTICS. IT BRINGS TOGETHER IN ONE VOLUME UP-TO-DATE STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS OF HONG KONG.
THE REPORT COVERS STATISTICS ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING POPULATION AND VITAL STATISTICS, LABOUR, INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES, TRANSPORT AND SERVICES, EXTERNAL TRADE, GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, PUBLIC FINANCE, MONEY AND BANKING, PRICES AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE, FOOD SUPPLIES, TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS AND TOURISM, BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE, LAW AND ORDER, AND CULTURE AND RECREATION. ALTOGETHER. THERE ARE 299 TABLES IN 20 SECTIONS, COVERING WHEREVER POSSIBLE A 10-YEAR PERIOD FROM 1977 TO 1986.
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT $95 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING G/F CONNAUGHT PLACE AND THE PUBLICATIONS SALE COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
-----0-----
DONATION FOR PRINTING BOOKLET FOR PARENTS t ♦ * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TO PRODUCE A BOOKLET GIVING POINTERS TO PARENTS ON HOW TO TEACH THEIR CHILDREN IN A POSITIVE MANNER AND TO PREVENT THEM FROM PICKING UP BAD HABITS.
THE WONG TAI SIN SIK SIK YUEN WILL DONATE $100,000 TOWARDS THE PRINTING COST OF THE BOOKLET AND A CHEQUE FOR THE AMOUNT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, AT A BRIEF CEREMONY AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CHEQUE PRESENTATION IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, LEE GARDENS, THIRD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY,AT 11.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 8).
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
-12 -
LIGHTING DISPLAY TO LAUNCH MONG KOK FESTIVAL * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND DUNDAS STREET WILL BE ILLUMINATED WITH THOUSANDS OF LIGHT BULBS TO CELEBRATE THE FIRST MONG KOK FESTIVAL AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SIX-WEEK FESTIVAL AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST-EVER CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS PUT UP IN THE DISTRICT AND WAS SPECIALLY ARRANGED TO TIE IN WITH THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
’’THE DISPLAY, COSTING MORE THAN $300,000, WAS JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS,” HE SAID.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL, THE LIGHTINGS WILL BE OFFICIALLY SWITCHED ON BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR T.H. CHAU, ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) EVENING. THE LIGHTINGS WILL STAY ON FOR TWO MONTHS.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, POINTED OUT THAT ’’HOME IN MONG KOK” WAS THE THEME FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH AIMED AT PROMOTING THE IMAGE AND PROSPERITY OF THE DISTRICT.
"IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THROUGH THE FESTIVAL, RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF DISTRICT BELONGING AND CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN THE BOARD AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WILL BE STRENGTHENED,” SHE SAID.
MRS FUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE ACTIVITIES WERE SO DESIGNED SO THAT BOTH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE OF OTHER DISTRICTS WOULD ATTAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT.
"THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHING OF THIS FESTIVAL IS THE OUTCOME OF FRUITFUL CO-OPERATION AMONG COMMUNITY BODIES, LOCAL COMMERCIAL CONCERNS, THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,” SHE STRESSED.
A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN LINED UP TO PROVIDE FREE ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION FOR RESIDENTS DURING THE FESTIVAL.
A SOCIAL DANCE GATHERING WAS HELD LAST FRIDAY TO HERALD THE APPROACH OF THE FESTIVAL.
A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION ON FISHES, BIRDS AND FLORAL PLANTS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (DECEMBER 12 AND 13) IN THE GARDENS OF THE BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL.
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED IN VIEW OF THE WELL-KNOWN BIRD TRADE IN HONG LOK STREET WHICH IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE ’BIRD STREET’, THE LARGE NUMBER OF GOLDFISH-MONGERS IN THE DISTRICT, AS WELL AS THE WHOLESALE TRADE OF CUT FLOWERS AND POT PLANTS IN FLOWER MARKET ROAD.
/A TRADE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
- 15 -
A TRADE FAIR WILL BE HELD AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND FROM DECEMBER 20 TO 26 TO PROMOTE TRADE AND INDUSTRY. BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP TO DISPLAY GOODS AND SERVICES, DEMONSTRATE THE SKILLS OF VARIOUS TRADES AND ILLUSTRATE THE LIVELIHOOD OF MONG KOK RESIDENTS.
FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE, A MARATHON RACE AND A TELEMATCH WILL BE ORGANISED TO GIVE SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS CHANCES TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS.
ALSO A PRICE CONCESSION SCHEME FOR CONSUMERS SUPPORTED BY LOCAL SHOPS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND RESTAURANTS WILL BE HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
THE FESTIVAL WILL CONCLUDE ON JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR WITH A CONCERT PERFORMED BY POPULAR SINGERS AND TELEVISION ARTISTES IN MONG KOK STADIUM.
TO PROMOTE THE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES, A PUBLICITY VAN WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO DISTRIBUTE PROGRAMME LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS.
AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE, THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN ALSO THANKED LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, BUILDING MANAGEMENT ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER COMMUNITY GROUPS FOR THEIR SUPPORT.
"THEY HAVE ORGANISED SOME 50 PRELUDE EVENTS TO HELP PROMOTE THE THEME OF THE FESTIVAL AND THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE," HE SAID.
ALSO ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE’S PRESIDENT, MR HO KWONG-HUNG, AND THE HONORARY CONSULTANT, MR KONG WING-ON.
--------0----------
ANTI-TRIAD SEMINAR IN WAN CHAI
* * * *
AN ANTI-TRIAD SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE ASIA HOTEL IN HAPPY VALLEY.
AS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN, THE SEMINAR WILL LOOK INTO METHODS TO TACKLE THE EXPANSION OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
THE SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD SQUAD, MR CHOW WING-TAT; PRINCIPAL OFFICER OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR LAM LOU; AND SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MRS REBELLA HO.
/RESIDWS ARE
4
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1987
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL START AT 4.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ANTI-TRIAD SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN ASIA HOTEL, 1A WONG TAK STREET, HAPPY VALLEY. THE SEMINAR WILL START AT 4.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
KING’S ROAD SLIP ROAD TO OPEN TO TRAFFIC ♦ * » ♦ ♦
THE NEW SLIP ROAD LEADING TO KING’S ROAD IN QUARRY BAY UNDERNEATH THE KING’S ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 9).
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH IN CENTRAL t * » ♦ ♦
EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH IN CENTRAL BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND H.M.S. TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7 PM TO 10.30 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE MEASURE IS FOR THE HOLDING OF CANDLELIGHT VIGIL BY THE AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HONG KONG SECTION.
- 0 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE » * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 63.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 371.277 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 364.992 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 62.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
CONTESTS PAGE NO.
PNG MEETS POSTAL UNIONISTS................................... 1
TAI PO ROAD WIDENING TO RELIEVE LION ROCK TUNNEL............. 1
DLO OFFERS TO HELP CONTAINER TRUCK DRIVERS................... 3
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR SETTING UP OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE PLANNING COMMITTEE ..................................................... 4
FOREIGN INVESTMENT DI MANUFACTURING DJDUSTRY CONTINUES...... •
CHINESE MAYORS IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG'S TRANSPORT SYSTEM .... 7
RECORD-BREAKING TEMPERATURES IN NOVEMBER..................... 7
ELEVEN QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA............................. 11
NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO COINCIDE WITH HARMONISED SYSTEM.......... 11
RESULTS OF PRIMARY ONE DISCRETIONARY PLACES RELEASED......... 12
VA'S PART IN PR0VIDD1G WELFARE SERVICES PRalSED ............. 13
HEARING TESTS ON WORKERS BEGIN .............................. 14
EDUCATIONAL BOOKLET FOR PARENTS ............................. 15
storm water pumping stations for tai o ...................... 1*>
INTEREST ON TAK RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED ................ 1<
DB TO DISCUSS TV GAMES EFFECTS ON CHILDREN .................. 18
CHRISTMaS EVE DISCO IN Ki/UN TONG............................ 19
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO MEET .............................. 19
LEET-TURN BAN Di WAN CHaI ................................... 20
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI
20
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
PMG MEETS POSTAL UNIONISTS
* t t ♦
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR HUGH ARDLEY, MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG POSTAL WORKERS UNION AND THE POSTAL WORKERS BRANCH OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS' ASSOCIATION THIS (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE POSTMAN AND POSTAL OFFICER GRADES.
THE MEETING WAS CONVENED AT THE REQUEST OF THE TWO UNIONS.
DURING THE MEETING, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL REITERATED HIS SYMPATHY WITH THE POSTMEN’S REQUEST FOR A LONG SERVICE INCREMENT AND SAID HE WOULD URGE THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH TO FURTHER CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL.
HE ADDED THAT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE POSTMAN GRADE WAS BEING MADE TO SEE IF THERE WAS A JUSTIFICATION FOR CREATION OF A SENIOR POSTMAN RANK ON FUNCTIONAL GROUNDS.
WHILE HE DID NOT WISH TO PRE-EMPT THE RESULT OF THE REVIEW, MR ARDLEY SAID IT WAS LIKELY THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY SOME FUNCTIONS FOR A SENIOR POSTMAN RANK.
HOWEVER, HE DID NOT THINK IT LIKELY THAT EXISTING POSTMEN FUNCTIONS COULD JUSTIFY THE PROPOSED NEW RANK, HE SAID.
AS TO THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS OF POSTAL OFFICERS, THE POST OFFICE WOULD CONTINUE TO IDENTIFY THE NEED FOR THE CREATION OF SENIOR POSTAL OFFICER POSTS, IN ADDITION TO THE NEW POSTS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN IDENTIFIED AND AGREED.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN TO COMPLETE THE STUDIES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, INCLUDING THAT ON THE PROPOSED MERGER OF THE ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT OF POSTS AND SUPERINTENDENT OF POSTS RANKS.
- 0------------
TAI PO ROAD WIDENING TO RELIEVE LION ROCK TUNNEL ♦ * ♦ * »
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) DECIDED TO WIDEN TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE AND SHA TIN TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL LANE FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC AS RELIEF FOR THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
THE DECISION FOLLOWED A POSITIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE FEASIBILITY OF WIDENING THIS SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD TO THREE LANES FOR ITS WHOLE LENGTH.
/A GOVERNMENT........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 198?
2
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AT PRESENT, THE TWO-LANE TAI PO ROAD WAS THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO THE LION ROCK TUNNEL FOR TRAFFIC BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON.
WORKS WERE UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE SOME OF THE BENDS AND PROVIDE AN EXTRA LANE FOR ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF ITS LENGTH BETWEEN THE TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE IN KOWLOON AND TAI WAI IN SHA TIN.
WIDENING THE ROAD TO THREE LANES THROUGHOUT WOULD PROVIDE EXTRA CAPACITY FOR THE TRAFFIC BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN AND THUS HELP RELIEVE THE SERIOUS CONGESTION AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
IT WOULD ALSO BRING SOME OF THE EXTRA TRAFFIC INTO KOWLOON AT A POINT OTHER THAN WATERLOO ROAD, AND THEREFORE LESSEN THE CHANCES OF A SERIOUS INCREASE IN CONGESTION THERE.
THE WIDENING OF THIS ROAD WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A PERMANENT IMPROVEMENT. IT WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1989, AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME AS ROUTE 5 CORRIDOR BETWEEN SHA TIN AND TSUEN WAN. TOGETHER, THESE TWO ROUTES WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE KWAI CHUNG/TSUEN WAN AREA.
FURTHERMORE, CONSTRUCTION WORKS WERE UNDERWAY TO IMPROVE SOME OF THE ROAD’S BENDS AND PROVIDE A CLIMBING LANE AT SELECTED SECTIONS BETWEEN THE TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE IN KOWLOON AND TAI WAI IN SHA TIN.
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF THE COST OF THE ADDITIONAL LANE IS ABOUT $70 MILLION.
AS PART OF THE PROJECT, SOME IMPROVEMENTS TO TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AT THE TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE, THE TAI WAI CONNECTION AND ALONG WATERLOO ROAD WOULD BE NECESSARY AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASED FLOW OF TRAFFIC TO KOWLOON.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONSULTANCY STUDY OF OTHER POSSIBLE MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON WOULD CONTINUE.
A REPORT ON THE CONSULTANCY STUDY, INCLUDING THE BEACON HILL TUNNEL PROPOSAL, AND ON THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.
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/3........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
DLO OFFERS TO HELP CONTAINER TRUCK DRIVERS ♦ » * * *
AN ASSURANCE THAT THERE WILL BE SUFFICIENT PARKING SPACES FOR CONTAINER TRUCKS IN THE KWAI CHUNG/TSING YI AREA WAS MADE TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR LYALL ALEXANDER WEBBER.
"I’VE HELPED THEM BEFORE TO RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEM AND I’LL DO MY BEST TO HELP THEM OUT AGAIN," HE SAID.
IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, MR ALEXANDER WEBBER HELPED THE CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNERS ASSOCIATION BY OFFERING THEM A 2.89-HECTARE SITE ADJACENT TO KWAI CHUNG ROAD ON A SIX-MONTH TENANCY FOR USE AS A CONTAINER VEHICLE PARK WITH CERTAIN STIPULATIONS.
"THE NORMAL PRACTICE IS TO LET BY TENDER BUT IN ORDER TO HELP THE ASSOCIATION RESOLVE THE PROBLEM OF PARKING FOR THEIR MEMBERS, I MADE IT AN EXCEPTION," HE SAID.
THE STIPULATIONS WERE THAT 1,540 SQUARE METRES OF THE PARKING SITE WERE TO BE RETURNED TO GOVERNMENT IN JANUARY, 1988 FOR THE CONTRUCTION OF A CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT. AND, ON THE EXPIRATION OF THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY, THE REMAINING SITE OF ABOUT 2.7 HECTARES WILL BE LET BY TENDER ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING.
THE CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION WERE FULLY AWARE OF THESE CONDITIONS WHEN THEY WERE OFFERED THE SITE, MR ALEXANDER WEBBER SAID.
IF THEY WISH TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE
CAR PARK, THEY CAN
TENDER FOR THE TENANCY LIKE ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES," HE SAID.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WILL CARRY OUT A SURVEY WITHIN THESE FEW DAYS TO CHECK ON THE ACTUAL NEED OF PARKING SPACES FOR CONTAINER TRUCKS.
IF THERE IS A DEMAND FOR ADDITIONAL SPACES NOW, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WILL PUT IN HAND ARRANGEMENTS FOR EARLY TENDERING OF SITES ALREADY RESERVED FOR CONTAINER PARKING BUT WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE IN MID-1988.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR SETTING UP OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE PLANNING COMMITTEE ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WILL COMPRISE A PROMINENT LOCAL FIGURE AS CHAIRMAN, FIVE TO SIX REPRESENTATIVES OF INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS, SIX OVERSEAS ACADEMICS, SIX LOCAL LAY MEMBERS AND ONE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICER.
TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE, A SECRETARIAT IS TO BE SET UP IMMEDIATELY WITHIN THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH.
THE OPERATING COSTS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE AND ITS SECRETARIAT ARE ESTIMATED AT $10.4 MILLION PHASED OVER THREE YEARS FROM 1987-88 TO 1989-90.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AT TOMORROW’S MEETING WITH FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS EXCEEDING $10 MILLION INCLUDE:
» TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT $212.4 MILLION IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND $45.5 MILLION TN
RECURRENT EXPENDITURE PHASED OVER THE PERIOD FROM 1987-88 TO 1989-90, FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ENHANCEMENT
PROGRAMME OF THE SEARCH AND RESCUE CAPABILITY AND THE LOCALISATION OF THE FLYING WING OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE;
» TO APPROVE A COMMITMENT OF $9,472,000 FOR 19 ADDITIONAL AMBULANCES AND A COMMITMENT OF $15,770,000 FOR 38
REPLACEMENT AMBULANCES FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT;
* TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT
$18,061,000 IN RECURRENT AND NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE PHASED OVER THREE YEARS FROM 1987-88 TO 1989-90, FOR. THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTEGRATED LAW AND ORDER STATISTICAL SYSTEM;
TO APPROVE THE ACCEPTANCE OF A CONTINGENT $509,686,000 IN RESPECT OF A PROJECT TO UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME TOWN LOT 10;
LIABILITY OF
BE DEVELOPED
AT JUNK BAY
* TO APPROVE A COMMITMENT OF $820.8 MILLION FOR A GRANT TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO BE PAID WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1988, IN THREE EQUAL ANNUAL INSTALMENTS OVER A THREE-YEAR PERIOD FROM 1988-89 TO 1990-91;
/* TO APPROVE ......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
- 5 -
♦ TO APPROVE A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $66,386,000 FOR THE LEASING OF QUARTERS FOR CIVIL SERVANTS;
♦ TO NOTE THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT
$73,320,000 OVER FOUR YEARS FROM 1987-88 TO 1990-91, FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES AT THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL;
♦ TO APPROVE THE CREATION OF A NEW CAPITAL ACCOUNT SUBHEAD “HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE COMPANY LIMITED” WITH A COMMITMENT OF $12.8 MILLION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIMITED COMPANY TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY;
» TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY $110,576,000 FOR A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS AND THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ANNEX;
♦ TO NOTE THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY ON APRIL 1, 1988, ESTIMATED AT $13,958,000 IN 1988-89 AND RISING TO $97,379,000 IN 1990-91 IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND $6.2 MILLION IN NON-RECURRENT EXPENDITURE;
* TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ESTIMATED AT $168.9 MILLION IN ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, ARISING FROM A PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE SCALE USED IN THE CALCULATION OF PAYMENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1988;
♦ TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME ON A PHASED BASIS, ESTIMATED AT $235.1 MILLION IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN 1988-89, RISING TO $792.2 MILLION IN 1991-92 ON FULL IMPLEMENTATION;
* TO APPROVE AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY $12 MILLION TO ENABLE THE REMAINING PAYMENTS FOR FIVE REPLACEMENT ROYAL NAVY PATROL CRAFT TO BE MET;
» TO APPROVE NEW COMMITMENTS OF $13.6 MILLION FOR SITE INVESTIGATION AND DESIGN OF NEW PROJECTS, AND $148,860,000 FOR FORMAL APPROVAL OF NEW PROJECTS; AND AN INCREASED COMMITMENT OF $26,482,000 FOR PROJECTS WITH FORMAL APPROVAL UNDER THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC BUILDING PROGRAMMES.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS, AS WELL AS THE RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
- - 0 - -
/6
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
- 6 -
FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY CONTINUES *******
THE ENCOURAGING TREND IN OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY LAST YEAR WAS LIKELY TO HAVE CONTINUED THIS YEAR, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K. Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF AN ASIA PRODUCTIVITY ORGANISATION SYMPOSIUM ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT, MR YEUNG SAID THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ALREADY HAD AN ADDITIONAL 116 OVERSEAS PROJECTS ON ITS RECORDS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH 76 AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
HE SAID THE PRINCIPAL AIM OF PROMOTION OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT WAS TO FACILITATE THE TRANSFER OF TWO MAIN GROUPS OF TECHNOLOGIES.
"THEY CONSIST OF THOSE WHICH OUR INDUSTRIES NEED IN ORDER TO OVERCOME THE BARRIERS TO THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH, AND THOSE THAT OUR INDUSTRIES NEED TO APPLY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A HIGHER LEVEL OF PERFORMANCE AND PRECISION.
"THE MOST OBJECTIVE MEASURE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ITS INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME LIES IN ITS ANNUAL SURVEYS 01 OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES," HE NOTED.
MR YEUNG ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT TOOK THE VIEW DIRECT INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING WAS BEST LEFT TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD FORMULATED TWO MAIN PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF INDUSTRIES ON THE BASIS OF ADVICE TENDERED BY INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC STUDIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
"THE FIRST SEEKS TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL INDUSTRIES TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THEIR EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS AND THE SECOND SEEKS TO PROMOTE AND FACILITATE OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING AND IN THOSE BUSINESSES THAT SUPPORT MANUFACTURING," MR YEUNG SAID.
--------o-----------
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
- 7 -
CHINESE MAYORS IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM * ♦ *
A DELEGATION OF MAYORS FROM CHINA VISITED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) TO GAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
THE 23-MEMBER DELEGATION, INCLUDING MAYORS AND DEPUTY MAYORS FROM 16 MAJOR CHINESE CITIES, WAS RECEIVED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RICHARD SCURFIELD.
DURING THE VISIT, THE MEMBERS WERE PRESENTED A SLIDE SHOW ON VARIOUS FACETS OF HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT SYSTEM. THEY WERE ALSO BRIEFED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS, MR TONY COOPER AND MR PANG HAU-CHUNG, ON TRANSPORT ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT AND PLANNING.
THE DELEGATION THEN TOURED THE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE CHIEF ENGINEER, MR CHAN CHIN-CHUN, ON THE OPERATION OF THE COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM.
THE MEMBERS SHOWED GREAT INTEREST AND WERE IMPRESSED BY THE TERRITORY’S MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED TRANSPORT SYSTEM.
TODAY’S VISIT IS PART OF THE DELEGATION’S ONE-WEEK STUDY TOUR TO SHARE HONG KONG’S EXPERIENCE IN CITY MANAGEMENT AND TOWN PLANNING.
------0 -------
RECORD-BREAKING TEMPERATURES IN NOVEMBER t » * » *
AN EXCEPTIONALLY INTENSE SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON BROUGHT WINDY CONDITIONS AND RECORD-BREAKING TEMPERATURES TO HONG KONG TOWARDS THE END OF NOVEMBER.
THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 7.6 DEGREES RECORDED ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 30 WAS THE LOWEST IN NOVEMBER SINCE 1922 AND THE THIRD LOWEST MINIMUM IN NOVEMBER ON RECORD.
THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES ON NOVEMBER 29 AND 30 WERE BOTH 11.2 DEGREES, WHICH SET A RECORD FOR THE LOWEST MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE FOR NOVEMBER.
THE DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 9.2 DEGREES ON NOVEMBER 29 EQUALLED THAT ON NOVEMBER 26, 1922, WHICH WAS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE FOR NOVEMBER ON RECORD.
/the last.......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 198?
8 -
THE LAST IWu DAYS LN NOVEMBER 1987 WERE ALSO THE COLDEST TWO CONSECUTIVE DAYS IN NOVEMBER ON RECORD WITH DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURES OF 9.2 AND 9.5 DEGREES RESPECTIVELY.
BETWEEN 3 AM ON NOVEMBER 28 AND THE SAME TIME THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE TEMPERATURE.DROPPED FROM 25.5 DEGREES TO 9.9 DEGREES. THIS DECREASE OF 15.6 DEGREES SET A NEW NOVEMBER RECORD FOR THE LARGEST 24-HOUR TEMPERATURE FALL AND EQUALLED THE ALL-TIME RECORD SET IN DECEMBER 1952.
THE NOVEMBER RECORD FOR THE LARGEST 48-HOUR TEMPERATURE DROP WAS ALSO BROKEN BASED ON THE TEMPERATURES AT 2 AM ON NOVEMBER 28 AND 30 .
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE TEMPERATURE FELL FROM 25.6 DEGREES TO 8.2 DEGREES, A DROP OF 17.4 DEGREES. THIS DECREASE WAS THE SECOND LARGEST 48-HOUR TEMPERATURE FALL ON RECORD.
OTHER THAN THE ABOVE, THE TOTAL DURATION OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE OF 117.5 HOURS WAS ALSO THE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER. CONSISTENT WITH THIS WAS THE ABOVE-NORMAL MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT OF 75 PER CENT, WHICH WAS THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER. IN ADDITION, THE RAINFALL AMOUNT FOR THE MONTH OF 66.6 MILLIMETRES ALMOST DOUBLED THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF 34.7 MILLIMETRES FOR NOVEMBER.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH, WITH THE NORTHEAST MONSOON I’IT'.'JSTING, THE WEATHER ON NOVEMBER 1 CONTINUED TO BE CLOUDY WITH A FEW LIGHT RAIN PATCHES.
HOWEVER, THE MONSOON WEAKENED THE NEXT DAY AND THE WEATHER BE'AME FINE. THE DAYTIME MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 28.7 DEGREES WAS i ^SEASONABLY HIGH. IT WAS ALSO THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.
THE WARM WEATHER DID NOT LAST LONG AS A COLD FRONT FROM THE NORTH CROSSED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST OVERNIGHT ON NOVEMBER 2. THE SKY TURNED CLOUDY ON NOVEMBER 3. SOME LIGHT RAIN ALSO OCCURRED THAT NIGHT. CONTINUED REPLENISHMENT OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON KEPT THE WEATHER CLOUDY WITH OCCASIONAL LIGHT RAIN FOR THE FOLLOWING WEEK.
EARLY ON NOVEMBER 12, THE MONSOON SUBSIDED AND THE WEATHER TURNED FINE DURING THE DAY. OTHER THAN A TRACE OF RAINFALL ON NOVEMBER 13 AND 14, THE FINE CONDITIONS LASTED UNTIL NOVEMBER 15 WHEN THE WINDS STRENGTHENED FROM THE EAST. FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS, THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY DURING THE NIGHT BUT FINE DURING THE DAY.
A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED FROM THE NORTH OVERNIGHT ON NOVEMBER 17 AND TEMPORARILY CLEARED THE SKY DURING THE DAY ON NOVEMBER 18. HOWEVER, THE RETURN OF MOIST EASTERLIES ON NOVEMBER 19 BROUGHT OVERCAST SKIES AND LIGHT RAIN. THESE CONDITIONS LASTED UNTIL NOVEMBER 22.
/with the........
TUESDAY, DSC EMBER 8, 1 ?8?
WITH THE EASTERLIES SUBSIDING, THE WEATHER BECAME MAINLY FINE ON NOVEMBER 23. ANOTHER SURGE OF THE NORTHEAST MONSOON BROUGHT BACK CLOUDY AND LIGHT RAIN CONDITIONS ON NOVEMBER 21. FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS, A WEAKENING OF THE MONSOON ALLOWED THE WEATHER TO TURN MAINLY FINE EXCEPT FOR A TRACE OF RAIN ON NOVEMBER 25.
BY THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 26, TYPHOON NINA HAD ENTERED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THE OUTER RAINBANDS ASSOCIATED WITH NINA BEGAN TO AFFECT HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 27 AND THE WEATHER BECAME OVERCAST WITH RAIN.
MEANWHILE, AN EXCEPTIONALLY INTENSE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE OVER NORTH CHINA ASSOCIATED WITH AN EXTENSIVE AREA OF COLD AIR WAS MOVING RAPIDLY SOUTHWARDS. IN VIEW OF THE IMPENDING SEVERITY OF THE WINTER MONSOON, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HOISTED THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL AT 3 PM ON NOVEMBER 27 AND WARNED ALL CONCERNED OF THE DETERIORATING CONDITIONS AT SEA DURING THE WEEKEND. f
THE COLD FRONT MARKING THE LEADING EDGE OF THE COLD DOME REACHED HONG KONG EARLY ON NOVEMBER 28, CAUSING THE TEMPERATURE TO ! DROP SIGNIFICANTLY.
THE TEMPERATURE FALL CONTINUED UNTIL THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 30 WHEN A MINIMUM OF 7.6 DEGREES WAS RECORDED. AT TAI MO SHAN, THE TEMPERATURE FELL TO 0.5 DEGREES BELOW ZERO THAT MORNING AND FROST WAS REPORTED. THE OVERCAST AND RAINY CONDITIONS WHICH STARTED ON NOVEMBER 27 CONTINUED UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
THIS INTENSE SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON WAS ENHANCED BY TYPHOON NINA OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND CAUSED OFFSHORE WINDS TO REACH GALE FORCE ON NOVEMBER 28.
LOCALLY, AN HOURLY MEAN WIND SPEED OF 85 KM/H AND GUSTS OF 110 KM/H WERE RECORDED AT WAGLAN ISLAND. THIS MEAN WIND SPEED IS THE HIGHEST EVER RECORDED AT WAGLAN ISLAND DURING A WINTER MONSOON IN HONG KONG.
A FISHING VESSEL OFF WAGLAN ISLAND SANK DURING THE STRONG WINDS AND HEAVY SEAS. THREE PEOPLE WERE MISSING WHILE 10 OTHERS WERE RESCUED.
WINDOWS ON BOARD A MACAU-BOUND FERRY WERE ALSO SMASHED, } FLOODING THE ENGINE ROOM AND IMMOBILISING THE FERRY.
A MACAU-BOUND BARGE, ITS Tl-G BOAT AND THE SEVEN CREW MEMBERS ON BOARD WERE REPORTED MISSING.
LOCALLY, WINDS WERE STRONG IN EXPOSED PLACES, CAUSING SEVEN PEOPLE IN WONG TAI SIN TO BE BLOWN DOWN AND INJURED.
ALONG TUEN MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TOPS OF SEVERAL LORRIES WERE BLOWN OFF AND OVER 10 MOTORCYCLES OVERTURNED. BLOWN DOWN TREES AND OTHER DEBRIS LITTERED THE TWO HIGHWAYS, CAUSING THEIR BRIEF CLOSURE AND PARALYSING THE TRAFFIC IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/IN TSUEN........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1?8?
10 -
IN TSUEN WAN, A SCAFFOLDING ALSO COLLAPSED. BILLBOARDS AND OTHER OBJECTS BLOWN OFF BY THE STRONG WINDS ALSO CAUSED SOME MINOR INJURIES IN VARIOUS URBAN AREAS.
DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 1 AND 13 WHILE THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER «, 9, 14 AND 15.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM DATE AND TIME SIGNAL HOISTING OF DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON NOVEMBER 27 3 PM NOVEMBER 30 1 PM
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON NOVEMBER 30 9.15 PM DECEMBER 1 10.05 AM
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE 117.5 HOURS ; 74.0 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 9.61 MJ/SQ.M ; 4.06 MJ/SQ.M BELOW NORMAL
RAINFALL 66.6 MM ; 31.9 MM ABOVE NORMAL
CLOUDINESS 75 PER CENT ; 23 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY 79 PER CENT ; 10 PER CENT HIGHER THAN NORMAL
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 23.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN TEMPERATURE 21.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 0.5 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 20.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 1.3 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
MEAN DEW POINT 17.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ; 2.9 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE, NORMAL
TOTAL EVAPORATION 83.7 MM ; 53.3 MM BELOW NORMAL
0
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987 »
11 -
ELEVEN QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA ♦ * » * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 11 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SEVEN BILLS IN THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE BILLS WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS ARE BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE MEDICAL
REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION
(AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987, THE NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
THE BILLS WHICH WILL GO THROUGH COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING ARE THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987.
--------o ---------
NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO COINCIDE WITH HARMONISED SYSTEM « » » »
A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED CHANGES AND NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL CATEGORY SYSTEM UNDER THE HONG KONG/U.S. BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1988 TO COINCIDE WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM (HARMONISED SYSTEM).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CHANGES INVOLVED ARE QUITE EXTENSIVE AND MANY OF THE CATEGORIES UNDER THE CURRENT HONG KONG/U.S. TEXTILES AGREEMENT ARE AFFECTED.
THE MAJOR CHANGES ARE:
- ADOPTION OF CHIEF WEIGHT CRITERION IN CLASSIFICATION OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS;
- CHANGES IN CLASSIFICATION PRACTICE WHICH INCLUDE SUITS, BOYS’ WEAR, INFANTS' WEAR, KNITTED SHIRTS/BLOUSES AND
SWEATERS, AND OUTER-.SHELL OF GARMENTS;
- METRICATION OF CONTROL UNITS.
DETAILS OF THE CHANGES ARE PROVIDED IN THE REI.EVANT NOTICE TO EXPORTERS WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE USA SECTION COUNTERS OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
AS FROM JANUARY 1988, EXPORTERS OF TEXTILES OR TEXTILE PRODUCTS TO THE USA SHOULD FOLLOW THE NEW CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES.
/THE DEPARTMENT .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
- 12 -
THE DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP A HOT-LINE ENQUIRY SERVICE FOR THE TRADE. INTERESTED PARTIES MAY CONTACT THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE CHANGES:
SUBJECT RESPONSIBLE OFFICERS TEL. NO.
SUITS, KNITTED SHIRTS/BLOUSES
AND SWEATERS MRS C.L. TANG 3-7222528
INFANTS’ WEAR, METRICATION BOYS’ WEAR AND MRS T.W.L. NG MRS K.M. TSANG 3-7222354 3-7222360
CHIEF WEIGHT OUTER-SHELL CRITERION AND MISS A.S.Y. CHAN MR T.W. NG 3-7222351 3-7222385
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RESULTS OF PRIMARY ONE DISCRETIONARY PLACES RELEASED
* * * *
RESULTS OF ALLOCATION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER 1988 UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION SYSTEM WILL BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11) BY ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ADVISED PARENTS TO GO BACK TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEY HAVE APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY ONE PLACE ON FRIDAY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM OR ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 12) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON FOR THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATION WHETHER OR NOT THEIR CHILDREN HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED BY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED.
IT WAS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 47,000 OF THE 82,000 APPLICANTS WOULD BE OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE BY THE SCHOOLS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO REGISTER WITH THE SCHOOL DURING THE SCHOOL HOURS ON DECEMBER 14 AND 15.
PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A PRIMARY ONE PLACE ARE ADVISED TO NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND ANY REQUIREMENTS BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS SUCH AS PARENT’S COPY OF THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION FORM, THE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS THAT SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE SCHOOL FOR REGISTRATION.
"REGISTRATION OF THE CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON BOTH THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/parents unable .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 198?
PARENTS UNABLE TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN WITH THE SCHOOL WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TWO-DAY PERIOD FOR PERSONAL REASONS SHOULD NOTIFY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED OR THROUGH THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE 5-724383 TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
’’FAILURE TO HEED THE ADVICE WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE OFFERED TO THEM,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A GOVERNMENT OR AN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL COULD ACCEPT CHILDREN TO FILL UP TO 65 PER CENT OF ITS PRIMARY ONE PLACES AS DISCRETIONARY PLACES.
"THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT OF PRIMARY ONE PLACES WILL BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT A LATER STAGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS SOME SCHOOLS ARE OVER-SUBSCRIBED FOR THEIR DISCRETIONARY PLACES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF CHILDREN HAD NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR APPLICATION AND PARENTS OF THESE CHILDREN WOULD BE INFORMED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TOGETHER WITH THOSE PARENTS WHO HAD NOT APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE INDIVIDUALLY BY LETTER IN MARCH 1988 TO GO TO A DISTRIBUTION COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT TO OBTAIN A COPY OF CHOICE OF SCHOOLS FORM AND A LIST OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY ALLOCATE A PRIMARY ONE PLACE TO THEIR CHILDREN WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT ACCORDING TO THE PARENTS’ CHOICE UNDER THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION SCHEME, DETAILS OF WHICH WOULD BE ANNOUNCED LATER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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VA’S PART IN PROVIDING WELFARE SERVICES PRAISED ♦ * t ♦ ♦
HONG KONG’S WELFARE SYSTEM DEPENDS TO A LARGE EXTENT ON THE EFFORTS OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS TO PROVIDE A LARGE PROPORTION OF OUR DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG STUDENT AID SOCIETY, MR CHAMBERS PAID TRIBUTE TO THE SOCIETY FOR ITS EFFORTS IN PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL CARE AND EDUCATION FOR UNDER-PRIVILEGED CHILDREN.
HE SAID THE SOCIETY HAD BEEN ABLE TO HELP A TOTAL OF NEARLY 1,700 CHILDREN SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1957.
"THE ANNUAL GOVERNMENT SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTION HAS INCREASED FROM $41,000 IN 1970 TO $6.6 MILLION AT PRESENT, WHILE THE SOCIETY HAS GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH AND HAS MADE REMARKABLE PROGRESS IN DEVELOPING ITS SERVICES," HE SAID.
/MR CHAMBERS........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1?8?
MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE CHANGING NEEDS AND THE ACHIEVEMENT OF UNIVERSAL PRIMARY AND JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION, THE TARGET GROUPS HAD BEEN EXTENDED FROM ORPHANS AND CHILDREN UNABLE TO ATTEND SCHOOL BECAUSE OF FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES TO THOSE WHO HAD UNSATISFACTORY FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS OR BEHAVIOURAL AND EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS.
"WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HOUSE SYSTEM, COLLECTIVE CARE HAS BEEN REPLACED BY INDIVIDUAL CARE, THEREBY MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR EACH CHILD TO BENEFIT FROM A MORF HOMELIKE ATMOSPHERE,” HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS IT HAD BEEN RECOGNISED THAT IT WAS DESIRABLE TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE TRADITIONAL TYPE OF VERY LARGE ORPHANAGE OR CHILDREN’S HOME TOWARDS SMALLER UNITS IN WHICH IT WAS POSSIBLE TO CREATE A SITUATION CLOSER TO THAT OF A NORMAL HOME, BY PLACING SMALL GROUPS OF CHILDREN UNDER THE CARE OF HOUSE PARENTS.
"I AM GLAD TO NOTE THAT THE SOCIETY HAS MADE CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS IN THIS AREA BY SETTING UP TlfE HOUSE SYSTEM WHICH HAS BEEN VERY EFFECTIVE.
"IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE CHILDREN TO TAKE PART IN AS MANY ACTIVITIES AS POSSIBLE OUTSIDE THE RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY, IN ORDER TO HELP THEM TO INTEGRATE INTO SOCIETY AS A WHOLE AND THIS TOO YOUR SOCIETY HAS ACHIEVED THROUGH ITS DIVERSIFIED PROGRAMMES FOR THE CHILDREN," HE SAID.
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HEARING TESTS ON WORKERS BEGIN * » ♦ ♦ • »
THE FIRST AUDIOMETRIC TESTS FOR WORKERS IN HIGH RISK INDUSTRIES BEGAN TODAY (TUESDAY) IN A TEXTILE FACTORY IN TSUEN WAN.
MORE THAN 40 WORKERS OF THE CENTRAL TEXTILE LTD TOOK PART TN THE ACUITY HEARING TESTS WHICH WERE CONDUCTED BY A VISITING TEAM COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH UNIT AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
NOISE LEVELS AT THE WORKPLACE WERE ALSO SURVEYED.
TODAY’S TESTS ARE PART OF THE YEAR-LONG CAMPAIGN ON HEARING CONSERVATION FOR WORKERS IN TEXTILES, ELECTRONICS, SH1PBUILDING/SHIPREPAIRI NG, PLASTICS, METAL AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES.
/A REPORT........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 198?
- 15 -
A REPORT ON THE FINDINGS WILL BE COMPILED BY THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY’S PROJECT TEAM WHEN TESTS OF THESE SIX NOISE-PRONE INDUSTRIES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
SEVERE CASES OF HEARING LOSS DISCOVERED IN THE COURSE OF THE FACTORY VISITS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL FOR ASSESSMENT.
THE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD ALSO JOINED THE VISIT TODAY TO PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO WORKERS WHO WERE FOUND WEARING HEARING PROTECTORS WHILE AT WORK.
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EDUCATIONAL BOOKLET FOR PARENTS * * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TO PRODUCE A BOOKLET GIVING PARENTS CONCRETE SUGGESTIONS OF BRINGING UP THEIR CHILDREN AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO KEEP IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ACCEPTING A $100,000 DONATION FROM THE WONG TAI SIN SIK SIK YUEN TOWARDS THE PRINTING COST FOR THE BOOKLET ON "HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN" AT A BRIEF CEREMONY AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, MR LI SAID IN THE PROCESS OF GROWING UP A CHILD NEEDED BOTH SCHOOL AND FAMILY EDUCATION.
CHILDREN NEEDED GOOD EDUCATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM TEACHERS. AT THE SAME TIME THEY ALSO NEEDED AFFECTION AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM PARENTS, PARTICULARLY CARE AND ASSISTANCE WHEN THEY WERE IN TROUBLE.
MR LI SAID THE BOOKLET WOULD DEAL WITH A LOT OF PROBLEMS THAT PARENTS ENCOUNTERED IN THE DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT WITH THEIR CHILDREN. THESE WOULD INCLUDE WAYS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH THEIR CHILDREN, TO COUNSEL THEM AND TO REMEDY THEIR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.
THANKING THE CHAIRMAN OF WONG TAI SIN SIK SIK YUEN, MR WONG WAN-TIN, FOR THE GENEROUS DONATION TOWARDS THE PROJECT, MR LI SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE BOOKLET WOULD BE USEFUL TO ALL PARENTS.
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/16 .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
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STORM WATER PUMPING STATIONS FOR TAI O t * * ♦ *
TWO STORM WATER PUMPING STATIONS AND ASSOCIATED OUTFALLS ARE BEING PLANNED AT TAI O ON LANTAU ISLAND FOR IMPROVING THE DRAINAGE IN THE AREA.
ONE OF THE PUMPING STATIONS WILL BE ON THE EAST END OF TAI PING STREET AND THE OTHER THE WEST END OF WING ON STREET.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER 1989.
A TOTAL OF ABOUT 0.16 HECTARE OF FORESHORE AND SEABED WILL BE EFFECTED AND THE EXTENT OF WHICH HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE VIEWED AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT'S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL; AND AT THE ISLAND DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 20TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK SHOULD BE SENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY FEBRUARY 3, 1988.
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED
*****
AN EXTRAORDINARY EDITION OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES. AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 2.04 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 3 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.17 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
/the new ......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 198?
- 17 -
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER IOMORROW•
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE DECEMBER 9, CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:
1987 WILL
3.36% 4.32% 4.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986; PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986; PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 14, 1986 AND BEFORE AUGUST 19, 1986;
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 19, 1986 AND BEFORE JANUARY 19, 1987;
2.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 19, 1987 AND BEFORE MARCH 4, 1987;
3.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MARCH 4, 1987 AND BEFORE APRIL 9, 1987;
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987;
3.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 4, 1987 AND BEFORE JUNE 24, 1987;
4.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 24, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 14, 1987;
5.28% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 14, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1987;
4.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBRER 28, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 30, 1987;
3.24% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 30, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 2, 1987, AND
3.00% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 2, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 9, 1987;
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
/EXAMPLE) .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
- 18 -
EXAMPLE: $1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON DECEMBER 9, 1987,
JANUARY 9, 1988 AND FEBRUARY 9, 1988 RESPECTIVELY,
SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON MARCH 8. 1988 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS -
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 9, 1987 TO MARCH 8, 1988 = 5.10
THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $1.70 PER MONTH
ON $1,000, JANUARY 9, 1988 TO MARCH 8, 1988 = 3.40
TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $1.70 PER MONTH
ON $1,000, FEBRUARY 9, 1988 TO MARCH 8, 1988 = 1.70
ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $1.70 PER MONTH -------
$10.20
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DB TO DISCUSS TV GAMES EFFECTS ON CHILDREN * » »
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF TV GAMES ON THE MENTAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10).
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE EMPLOYMENT OF EXPATRIATE TEACHERS FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE AT SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE FIVE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, INCLUDING THE PRIVILEGED MEDICAL TREATMENT SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY; THE PRODUCTION OF PUBLICITY LEAFLETS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT; A CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA; AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHORUS ANNUAL CONCERT CUM PARENTS GATHERING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
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/19........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
- 19 -
CHRISTMAS EVE DISCO IN KWUN TONG ♦ ♦ * * »
YOUNG PEOPLE IN KWUN TONG WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A ’CHRISTMAS EVE FEVER’ PARTY ON DECEMBER 24.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE PARTY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KAI YIP ESTATE INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE FROM 7 PM TO 11 PM.
DISCO JOCKEY MAK YUN-SAU WILL BE HOSTING THE PARTY AND THE ’RAIDAS’ BAND WILL GIVE LIVE PERFORMANCE.
ADMISSION TICKETS AT $15 PER HEAD ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-400131.
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EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO MEET
» t ♦ t »
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA (THA) AT SHING TAI ROAD IN CHAI WAN AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) AFTERNOON.
WITH AN AREA OF TWO HECTARES, THE THA WILL ACCOMMODATE SOME 2,000 PEOPLE AND MEET PART OF THE FORECAST DEMAND ARISING FROM CLEARANCES AND OTHER CATEGORIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN PARTICULAR, IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE WORK OR THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM AND THE WORKS PROGRAMME OF THE EASTERN CROSS HARBOUR MAINS AND ASSOCIATED MAINS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 1ST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
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/20........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1987
- 20 -
LEFT-TURN BAN IN WAN CHAI
*****
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM HENNESSY ROAD ON TO FENWICK STREET NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER 11 AND 12).
VEHICLES ON HENNESSY ROAD CAN TRAVEL VIA LUARD ROAD TO JOIN LOCKHART ROAD.
-----0-----
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG SHUI
* » ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11) FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES AT MAN KAM TO ROAD FROM HUNG KIU SAN TSUEN TO MAN KAM TO POLICE STATION, INCLUDING HUNG KIU SAN TSUEN, FU TEI AU ROAD, LO WU CAMP, LO WU TSUEN, TAK YUET LAU TSUEN, LIU PO TSUEN, SHA LENG SAN TSUEN, SAN UK LENG TSUEN, MUK WU TSUEN AND NGA YIU TSUEN.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
■ ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
WHITE PAPER OUT IN FEBRUARY...............*................. 1
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO GUARD AGAINST VEGETABLE CONTAMINATION............................................ 1
MTR FULLY PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES.......................... 2
FIRE PREVENTION CODE FOR BEDSPACE APARTMENTS PLANNED ... k
REVIEW OF TRAINING NEEDS FOR SECURITIES COMMODITIES STAFF....................................................... 5
NEW POSTS TO. COPE WITH INCREASED WORKLOAD ................. 6
' HOTLINE SERVICES OUTLINED.................................. 7
TRAINING FOR OFFICIALS FOR DB MEETINGS PLANNED.............. 7
CORRUPT AND TTJ.FfiAL PRACTICES BILL AMENDMENTS EXPLAINED 8
COUNCILLOR SUPPORTS ANTI-NAME DROPPING BILL................. 9
ELECTION LAW BILL AMENDMENT ............................
LDC TO BE GIVEN .FLEXIBILITY .IN CARRYING OUT REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES...................................... 12
LDC PROCEDURE SIMPLIFICATION URGED ........................ 13
ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN URBAN IMPROVEMENT STRESSED ... 15
SET UP LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION QUICKLY PLEA........ 16
. r
LDC BILL ANOTHER BILINGUAL LAW PROJECT..................... 16
/RHKJC TO
RHKJC TO RECEIVE FIXED PERCENTAGE RATE FOR LOTTERY OPERATIONS ............................................... 17
LAY ELEMENT ON MEDIChL, DENTaL BODIES...................... 19
NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES IN HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION........ 20
NO PLaNS TO CONTROL SALE OF CORROSIVE ACIDS................. 20
FIREARMS ORDINANCE REGULATES POSSESSION OF GUNS......... 21
JUBILEE SPORT CENTRE TO STRENGTHEN RELhTIONSHIP......... 21
TWO BILLS PASSED ...........................,............... 22
FUNDS APPROVED FOR SETTING UP OLI PLANNING COMMITTEE....... 23
INCREASES IN MONTHLY ALLOWANCES FOR OMELCO, DB MEMBERS APPROVED.................................................... 24
812 MILLION APPROVED TO MEET REMAINING PAYMENTS FOR PkTROL CRaFT...................................................... 25
POST OFFICE TO REVIEW POSTMEN RANKS........................ 27
TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME ON TSING YI CONTINUES TEMPORARILY 27
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN NEW TOWNS STRESSED................... 29
DB DISCUSSES DRAINAGE PROJECT TO EASE FLOODING PROBLEM ... 29
POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR X’MAS AND NEW YEAR..................... 30
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT COMMENDATIONS................... 31
HIGHLIGHTS QF.YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL......................... 31
TSUEN WAN. SPORTS FESTIV/iL CLOSES ............................ 32
RS TO SWITCH ON MONG KOK LIGHTINGS............................ 33
PRESS CONFERENCE ON STUDENT REaDING aWARD SCHEME............... 33
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
WHITE PAPER OUT IN FEBRUARY
* t ♦
THE WHITE PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL BE PUBLISHED IN EARLY FEBRUARY 1988, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN MR FORD SAID PREPARATIONS WERE WELL ADVANCED FOR THE NEXT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD ON MARCH 10, 1988.
MR FORD ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY ANNOUNCED CHANGES TO CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES SOME TIME AGO.
’’OTHER ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING THE NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS TO BE FILLED, WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN GOOD TIME BEFORE NOMINATIONS ARE OPENED EARLY NEXT MONTH,” HE ADDED.
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GOVERNMENT MOVES TO GUARD AGAINST VEGETABLE CONTAMINATION
♦ * * t t
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, HAS ASSURED THAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE TAKEN TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC AGAINST THE DANGER OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF FOOD POISONING CASES WAS CAUSED BY VEGETABLES CONTAMINATED WITH A PESTICIDE CALLED METHAMIDOPHOS.
THE IMPORT, POSSESSION AND USE OF METHAMIDOPHOS WAS NOT ALLOWED IN HONG KONG, SAID MR CHAMBERS.
FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, HE SAID, THE FOOD SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IMPLEMENTED A CONTINUOUS FOOD SAFETY SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME WHEREBY FOOD, BOTH LOCALLY PRODUCED AND IMPORTED, WAS CHECKED FOR COMPLIANCE WITH STATUTORY STANDARDS TO ENSURE THAT IT WAS SAFE AND WHOLESOME.
HE SAID: "THE FOOD SECTION HAS THEREFORE STEPPED UP ITS MONITORING WORK AT THE BORDER WITH A VIEW TO STOPPING IMPORT OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES INTO HONG KONG.
V
/"CONSIGNMENTS OF .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9» 1987
2 -
"CONSIGNMENTS OF VEGETABLES FROM THE SUSPECTED SOURCE ARE NOW DETAINED FOR EXAMINATION OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES AND ARE NOT RELEASED TO THE MARKET UNLESS THE RESULTS OF SAMPLES TAKEN ARE SATISFACTORY.
"IN ADDITION, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, THROUGH THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, HAD ASKED VEGETABLE IMPORTERS WHO WERE SUSPECTED TO HAVE IMPORTED 'CONTAMINATED VEGETABLE TO WITHHOLD SUPPLIES TEMPORARILY.
"THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANSATION IS ALSO TAKING PARALLEL ACTION BY REFUSING TO HANDLE THESE VEGETABLES AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET."
MR CHAMBERS STRESSED THAT THESE MESAURES WOULD BE CONTINUED UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT VEGETABLES IMPORTED FROM CHINA WERE SAFE.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LIAISE WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WITH A VIEW TO OBTAINING THEIR ASSISTANCE TO STOP THE SUPPLY OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES AT SOURCE.
IN ADDITION, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD STEPPED UP ENFORCEMENT ACTION IN RESPECT OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE CONTROLS AND HAD STRENGTHENED ITS ADVISORY SERVICE TO LOCAL FARMERS ON THE SAFE USE OF REGISTERED PESTICIDES, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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i
MTR FULLY PREPARED FOR EMERGENCIES
*****
THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION (MTR) IS FULLY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO EVACUATE PASSENGERS QUICKLY AND SAFELY IN EMERGENCIES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, MR LEUNG SAID THAT FROM THE PLANNING AND DESIGN STAGE OF ALL MTR STATIONS AND TRAINS, MAJOR DISASTER AND EMERGENCY SITUATIONS HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AND INCORPORATED.
MR LEUNG SAID: "THERE ARE AT PRESENT WELL ESTABLISHED STANDING INSTRUCTIONS AND PROCEDURES AGREED WITH BOTH THE FIRE SERVICES AND THE POLICE TO DEAL WITH ALL THE EMERGENCIES. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A SEPARATE EMERGENCY PLAN FOR EACH STATION.
/"FURTHERMORE, ALL
0
G
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 5 -
r>
’’FURTHERMORE, ALL SUCH PLANS AND PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN INDEPENDENTLY CHECKED AND ENDORSED BY THE CHIEF INSPECTING OFFICER OF RAILWAYS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. HE IS THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S APPOINTED AGENT ON RAILWAY SAFETY AND REPORTS DIRECT TO GOVERNMENT.”
ON EVACUATION OF PASSENGERS FROM TRAINS, HE SAID, PASSENGERS MIGHT USE A SPECIALLY DESIGNED EMERGENCY DOOR AT EITHER END OF A TRAIN. THIS DOOR COULD BE USED AS A RAMP LEADING DOWN TO THE TRACK.
IN EMERGENCIES WHEN FIRE WAS NOT PRESENT, STATION STAFF WERE SENT TO ASSIST PASSENGERS TO LEAVE THE TRAIN.
IN THE CASE OF A FIRE ON A TRAIN, THE TRAIN OPERATOR WOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO LEAD PASSENGERS OUT OF THE TRAIN TO THE NEAREST STATION.
THE SPACE BETWEEN RAILS AT TRACK LEVEL WAS FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS TO ALLOW PASSENGERS TO WALK TO THE NEXT STATION.
THERE WERE FANS AT THE END OF EACH STATION WHICH COULD EITHER BLOW OR SUCK SMOKE FROM A FIRE IN A TUNNEL THROUGH THE VENTILATION SHAFTS TO OPEN AIR AT GROUND LEVEL. THIS PREVENTED SMOKE ENTERING THE PUBLIC AREAS AT STATIONS.
HE SAID: ’’THE STATIONS ARE DESIGNED TO ALLOW EVACUATION OF ALL PASSENGERS FROM ONE LEVEL TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITHIN A MINIMUM OF 4.5 MINUTES. THIS INCLUDES EVACUATION OF A FULLY LOADED TRAIN AND OF ALL WAITING PASSENGERS AT A PLATFORM.
’’EXTRACT FANS WITHIN THE STATION CAN BE USED FOR REMOVING SMOKE, AND THE DIRECTION OF ESCALATOR RUNNING CAN BE REVERSED TO ASSIST IN EVACUATION,” HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT ALL MTR STAFF ON STATIONS AND TRAINS WERE TRAINED IN EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, AND REFRESHER TRAINING WAS REGULARLY PROVIDED.
"AT LEAST THESE EMERGENCY DRILLS ARE CARRIED OUT EACH YEAR TO PRACTISE THESE PROCEDURES, IN EACH CASE INVOLVING BOTH THE FIRE SERVICES AND THE POLICE,” MR LEUNG SAID.
- 0 - -
A
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
FIRE PREVENTION CODE FOR BEDSPACE APARTMENTS PLANNED * * » »
AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH IS NOW PREPARING A CODE OF PRACTICE IN RESPECT OF FIRE PREVENTION AND HYGIENE STANDARDS IN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN GENERAL, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WOULD ENSURE THAT ALL NEW BUILDINGS WERE EQUIPPED WITH APPROPRIATE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS, SANITARY FITTINGS, PLUMBING, DRAINAGE WORKS, LATRINES AND REFUSE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES.
’’THE BUILDING AUTHORITY WILL ISSUE AN OCCUPATION PERMIT FOR THE BUILDING CONCERNED ONLY AFTER THESE AND OTHER STANDARDS HAVE BEEN MET,” HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS MUST BE PROPERLY MAINTAINED AND CERTIFIED TO BE IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION BY A REGISTERED FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR ONCE A YEAR.
”IN ADDITION, THERE ARE PROVISIONS IN THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE TO ABATE FIRE HAZARDS.
"THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE TO ENSURE THAT ALL PERMISES MAINTAIN A REASONABLE STANDARD OF HEALTH AND HYGIENE,” HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT APARTMENTS USED AS BOARDING HOUSES, GUEST HOUSES, BEDSPACE APARTMENTS, INNS AND MOTELS WERE INSPECTED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND HEALTH INSPECTORS.
SINCE 1985, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD INSPECTED 641 SUCH APARTMENTS AND, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BEDSPACE APARTMENTS, THE DEPARTMENT WAS SATISFIED WITH THE CONDITION OF THE PREMISES AND OF THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS IN THEM, HE SAID.
"IN RESPECT OF THE 171 KNOWN BEDSPACE APARTMENTS INSPECTED, THE FIRE RISKS IN SOME WERE HIGHER THAN IN NORMAL RESIDENTIAL PREMISES.
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS GIVEN ADVICE ON FIRE PREVENTION TO THE OPERATORS. ALL EXCEPT NINE OF THEM HAVE IMPROVED THE CONDITIONS IN THEIR PREMISES.
"THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING TAKING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THOSE WHO HAVE NOT DONE SO,” HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT HEALTH INSPECTORS ALSO VISITED B: DSPACE APARTMENTS ON A QUART* LY BASIS AND OTHER APARTMENTS USED AS BOARDING HOUSES, GUEST HOUSES, INNS AND MOTELS ON AN AD HOC BASIS, USUALLY IN CONNECTION WITH COMPLAINTS.
/’•IF ANT
WEDNESDAY, DECIMBER 9, 1987
- 5 -
"IF ANY SUCH APARTMENT IS NOT UP TO THE HEALTH AND HYGIENE STANDARDS REQUIRED, THEY WOULD WARN THE OPERATOR ORALLY, OR ISSUE £M WITH A LETTER ADVISING HIM OF THE IMPROVEMENTS HE SHOULD INTRODUCE ■ WITH A NUISANCE ABATEMENT NOTICE, DEPENDING ON THE SEVERITY 01 CASE.
"FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH A WARNING, LETTERS OR NOTICES MAY LEAD TO LEGAL PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THE OPERATOR," HE SAID.
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REVIEW OF TRAINING NEEDS FOR SECURITIES COMMODITIES STAFF
t » » « ♦
AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE TRAINING NEEDS OF STAFF OF THE
OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING A ID OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING WOULD BE CONDUCT!: I), FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISL COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN HIS REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI, MR JACOBS THE REVIEW WOULD BE CARRIED OUT WHEN THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDA> OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE ON THE OPERATION AND MANAG OF THE TWO OFFICES WERE AVAILABLE.
"I DO NOT, HOWEVER, SEE THESE MEASURES AS OBVIATING THE NI FOR RECOURSE TO OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS FROM TIME TO TIME TO PROVT SPECIALIST ADVICE," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID HE BELIEVED IT WAS RIGHT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO EMPLOY OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS IF THE NEED AROSE, AND "IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO HAVE INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL SPECIALIST ADVICE IN A PARTICULAR CASE."
"IT WOULD BE EXTRAVAGANT TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN GOVERNMENT SERVICE PEOPLE WITH THE HIGHLY SPECIALISED SKILLS RL ;• D TO UNDERTAKE ONE-OFF TASKS, QUITE APART FROM THE FAC' THAT PEOPLE COULD NOT BE ACCOMMODATED WITHIN EXISTING GOVERNMENT ’A‘. SCALES," HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSC OF THE NEED TO DEVELOP AND EXPAND ITS OWN EXPERTISE IK SUPERVISION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF C>-TWO OFFICES, TRAINING PROGRAMMES, BOTH IN-HOUSE AND OVERSEAS BEEN AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ORGANISED, HE SAID.
/"EARLIER THIS
WEDNESDAYt DECEMBER 9, 1987
6 -
’’EARLIER THIS YEAR, A CERTIFICATE COURSE IN INVESTIGATIVE ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING WAS ORGANISED FOR STAFF OF THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES AND COMMODITIES TRADING,” MR JACOBS SAID.
“IN ADDITION, SENIOR STAFF OF BOTH OFFICES ATTENDED VARIOUS SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES WITH OVERSEAS REGULATORY AUTHORITIES.”
IN ORDER TO ENHANCE SKILLS WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR AN ACCOUNTANT EXPERIENCED IN AUDITING BANKS TO BE SECONDED FROM AN AUDITING FIRM TO THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
HE SAID, ”IT IS OUR INTENTION TO CONTINUE THIS PRACTICE IN SOME FORM IN THE FUTURE.”
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NEW POSTS TO COPE WITH INCREASED WORKLOAD ♦ » » » »
THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE OF THE BACKLOG OF WORK FACED BY THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, MR JACOBS SAID 21 NEW POSTS WERE BEING CREATED FOR THE OFFICE IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR TO ENABLE IT TO COPE WITH THE PRESENT WORKLOAD.
"THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE IN ITS ESTABLISHMENT OF 21 PER CENT, WHICH IS WAY ABOVE THE 2.5 PER CENT ANNUAL GROWTH RATE INTENDED FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A WHOLE,” HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THE FUTURE STAFFING REQUIREMENTS OF THE OFFICE WOULD BE REVIEWED AGAIN WHEN THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE ON ITS STRUCTURE AND OPERATION WERE AVAILABLE.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 198?
HOTLINE SERVICES OUTLINED ♦ * ♦
THERE ARE THREE SECRETARIAT BRANCHES AND 19 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS OPERATING ABOUT 50 TELEPHONE HOTLINES MOST OF WHICH ARE MANNED ROUND THE CLOCK, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DR HENRIETTA IP ON EXISTING HOTLINE SERVICES OFFERED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, MR LIAO SAID, ’’THROUGH THE HOTLINES, INFORMATION COVERING THE WEATHER, IMMIGRATION MATTERS, SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, HEALTH EDUCATION, LABOUR MATTERS, AIDS, NARCOTICS, ETC. IS PROVIDED AND ’’COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORT, CORRUPTION AND CRIME ETC. ARE RECEIVED.”
IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, MR LIAO NOTED THAT THERE WERE SIX 24-HOUR HOTLINE SERVICES DEALING WITH CHILD ABUSE, FAMILY PLANNING AND FAMILY WELFARE, CONSUMER COMPLAINTS AND INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING.
HE ADDED THAT THE TERRITORY-WIDE NETWORK OF THE 67 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTERS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION DEALT WITH MANY GENERAL ENQUIRIES DURING OFFICE HOURS, INCLUDING PROVIDING THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE HOTLINE SERVICES AVAILABLE TN BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTORS.
AS TO DR IP’S QUESTION OF WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP A CENTRAL HOTLINE WHICH WOULD DIRECT A CITIZEN TO THE APPROPRIATE HOTLINE HE WAS LOOKING FOR, MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT THE OBJECTIVE WAS ALREADY BEING MET BY CNTA'S PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE DURING OFFICE HOURS, AND BY THE TELEPHONE COMPANY’S DIRECTORY ENQUIRY SERVICE, I.E. LINE ’108’, ON A 24-HOUR BASIS.
’’FURTHERMORE, I UNDERSTAND THAT THE TELEPHONE COMPANY IS PLANNING TO EXPAND ITS ENQUIRY SERVICE. THEREFORE, PROVIDING A CENTRAL HOTLINE WILL ONLY COMPETE WITH THE EXISTING HOTLINES, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH ARE ALREADY WELL-KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC,” HE SAID.
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TRAINING FOR OFFICIALS FOR DB MEETINGS PLANNED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO ORGANISE SPECIFIC TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR OFFICIALS FROM DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ATTENDING DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS TO GAIN A BETTER APPRECIATION OF THEIR ROLE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR LIAO SAID RECENTLY THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE HAD CONDUCTED, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, A STUDY TO ASCERTAIN THE TRAINING NEEDS OF THESE OFFICERS AND THE PROPOSED TRAINING REPRESENTED PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ONGOING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
/HE ADDED
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
HE ADDED THAT TO ENSURE A BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF THE WORK OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICTS AND A POSITIVE RESPONSE OF DEPARTMENTS TO DISTRICT NEEDS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, IN MAY 1987, ISSUED A GENERAL CIRCULAR TO ALL POLICY SECRETARIES, HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND OFFICERS IN ATTENDANCE AT DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS, SETTING OUT NEW ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME.
’’DEPARTMENTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO SEND SENIOR AND EXPERIENCED OFFICERS TO ATTEND DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS TO RESPOND PROMPTLY TO THE ADVICE AND REQUESTS OF DISTRICT BOARDS,” HE SAID.
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CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES BILL AMENDMENTS EXPLAINED ♦ * » ♦
NAME-DROPPING IS NOT AN INSIGNIFICANT OFFENCE AND THERE IS SUPPORT FOR IT TO BE REGARDED AS A CRIMINAL OFFENCE, THE SCRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LIAO WAS SPEAKING IN RESPONSE TO THE HON DESMOND LEE’S COMMENT ON THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 THAT THE PENALTIES ON THOSE CONVICTED OF NAME-DROPPING WAS TOO HARSH.
"THE PENALTIES PROPOSED IN THE BILL ARE, AS POINTED OUT BY MISS MARIA TAM, REDUCED WHEN COMPARED WITH OTHER OFFENCES IN THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE SINCE THE SENTENCE OF IMPRISONMENT IS REMOVED," MR LIAO ADDED.
EXPLAINING THE NEED TO INCLUDE "NAME-DROPPING" INTO THE GREEN PAPER ON REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, MR LIAO REITERATED THAT DURING THE REVIEW ON ELECTORAL ARRANGEMENTS IN 1986, BOTH THE PUBLIC AND MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS CONSIDERED NAME-DROPPING AND ELECTION EXPENSES RETURN WERE TWO OF THE IMPORTANT ISSUES WHICH SHOULD BE BETTER REGULATED.
"IT WAS THEREFORE PROPER TO INCLUDE THESE ISSUES, TOGETHER WITH OTHER PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF ELECTIONS, IN THE GREEN PAPER SO THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD BE AWARE k)F THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THEIR VIEWS AND BE GIVEN A FURTHER OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THEM.
"IT IS ALSO APPROPRIATE THAT NO LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS MENTIONED IN THE GREEN PAPER SHOULD BE INTRODUCED BEFORE THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT WAS PUBLISHED," HE SAID.
/ON THE.........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 198?
- 9 -
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE ELECTION EXPENSES RETURNS, THE HON DESMOND LEE HAD QUERIED THE NEED FOR THE AMOUNT OF DETAIL TO BE PROVIDED BY CANDIDATES. MR LIAO CLARIFIED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO INTRODUCE A MORE FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT WHEREBY THE FORM OF ELECTION EXPENSES RETURN AND DECLARATION NEED NOT BE SPECIFIED BY LAW, BUT WOULD INSTEAD BE SPECIFIED ADMINISTRATIVELY BY THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY.
"I HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THE FORM WILL BE AS STRAIGHTFORWARD AS POSSIBLE AND THERE WILL BE CONSULTATION WITH MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL BEFORE AMENDMENTS ARE INTRODUCED," HE SAID, ADDING THAT CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIONS WOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE CHANGES BY WAY OF GUIDANCE NOTES AND BRIEFING SESSIONS.
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COUNCILLOR SUPPORTS ANTI-NAME DROPPING BILL
t » » » *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON MISS MARIA TAM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH MADE IT AN OFFENCE FOR A CANDIDATE TO USE THE NAME OF ANOTHER PERSON OR ORGANISATION IN SUPPORT OF HIS CAMPAIGN WITHOUT THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THAT PERSON OR ORGANISATION.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS TAM SAID THAT CONSIDERING THAT THE COLLECTIVE WEIGHT OF THE OPINION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS HAD GROWN WITH TIME, IT WAS ONLY REASONABLE THAT THE INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATE HOLDING HIMSELF FORWARD AS THE BETTER OR BEST CHOICE FOR THE JOB MUST BE HONEST ABOUT HIS OWN CREDENTIALS AND SHOULD NOT MAKE FALSE STATEMENTS OF FACT IN RELATION TO HIS PERSONAL CHARACTER, QUALIFICATIONS OR CONDUCT.
SHE NOTED THAT SECTION 16(1) OF THE EXISTING CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE ALREADY LEGISLATED AGAINST SUCH PRACTICES AND THE PENALTY INCLUDED A SEVEN-YEAR DISQUALIFICATION FROM THE DATE OF HIS CONVICTION TO BE REGISTERED AS AN ELECTOR OR VOTE AT ANY ELECTION.
SHE SAID THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE AMENDMENT BILL WERE IN LINE WITH THE SPIRIT OF SECTION 16 IN THAT THE CANDIDATE SHOULD BE TRUTHFUL IN PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT HIMSELF, AND THAT THE INTEGRITY OF A FAIR AND HONEST ELECTION MUST BE SAFEGUARDED.
"INDEED, IT IS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE THAT IN THE 1985 URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION, THERE WERE GENUINE CASES WHEN CANDIDATES USED THE NAMES OF WELL KNOWN PUBLIC FIGURES IN HONG KONG TO ENDORSE THEIR OWN ELECTION CAMPAIGNS WITHOUT PROPER PRIOR CONSENTS," SHE SAID.
/"THE RESULTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
10 -
"THE RESULTS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE 1986 REVIEW ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION; AND THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT BORNE OUT THE NEED TO LEGISLATE AGAINST SUCH UNDESIRABLE PRACTICES."
MISS TAM SAID MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP SET UP TO EXAMINE THE BILL, OF WHICH SHE WAS CONVENER, WERE CONCERNED THAT WHERE A CANDIDATE HAD RECEIVED THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF A SUPPORTER, WHO THEN OUT OF MALICE OR GENUINE REGRET WITHDREW HIS SUPPORT, THE CANDIDATES WOULD HAVE NO DEFENCE TO CHARGES UNDER THE BILL.
THE SAME WOULD APPLY TO CASES IN WHICH THE SUPPORTER WAS AN ORGANISATION WHOSE OFFICE-BEARERS GAVE A WRITTEN CONSENT IN THE NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION WITHOUT THE PROPER AUTHORITY OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. THE CANDIDATE WOULD AGAIN HAVE NO DEFENCE TO CHARGES UNDER THE BILL.
"WE THEREFORE INSIST THAT A DEFENCE OF "REASONABLE EXCUSE" BE WRITTEN INTO THE LAW, BUT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE LAW CANNOT BE EASILY ABUSED, WE SPECIFY THAT AN ORAL CONSENT CANNOT CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE EXCUSE," SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT THIS AMENDMENT DEALT WITH LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR DESMOND LEE’S "BANANA SKIN" THEORY IN THAT THE CANDIDATE WHO AT THE BEGINNING HAD OBTAINED THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF A DEVIOUS SUPPORTER WOULD IN FACT HAVE A GOOD DEFENCE.
SHE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AGREED WITH THE AMENDMENTS, WHICH WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY BE MOVED BY HON MRS PAULINE NG DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL.
MISS TAM ALSO NOTED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE AD HOC GROUP HAD DISCUSSED AT LENGTH WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE PROVISIONS IN LAW TO DEAL WITH SUBSEQUENT WITHDRAWALS OF CONSENT, SUCH AS WHETHER THE WITHDRAWAL SHOULD BE DONE IN WRITING AND HOW SOON SHOULD IT TAKE EFFECT.
A MAJORITY OF THE AD HOC GROUP MEMBERS BELIEVED THAT THE CANDIDATE SHOULD BE SELECTIVE IN CHOOSING HIS SUPPORTERS, AND VICE VERSA, AND THERE MUST BE REAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HIM AND THE SUPPORTER OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF GIVING PERSONAL ENDORSEMENT TO THE CANDIDATE.
"THE CANDIDATE MUST THINK THAT IT IS TO HIS ADVANTAGE TO OBTAIN SUCH ENDORSEMENT AND MUST THEREFORE TAKE THE RISK IF HIS JUDGEMENT OF CHARACTER OF THE SUPPORTER IS INCORRECT. THE SUPPORTER MUST ALSO BE CAREFUL ABOUT HIS OWN CHOICE OF CANDIDATE AND IN ANY EVENT HE CAN OBTAIN AN INJUNCTION UNDER SECTION 16(3) OF THE ORDINANCE AS A REMEDY IF HE WITHDREW HIS SUPPORT," SHE SAID.
/MISS TAM........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
MISS TAM ADDED THAT THE AD HOC GROUP DECIDED THAT THE BILL WAS NOT CONCERNED WITH RESOLVING THE DISPUTES BETWEEN INDIVIDUALS WHO BROKE A GENTLEMEN’S AGREEMENT. HENCE THE GROUP DECIDED THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY TO LEGISLATE ON THESE SIDE ISSUES FOR WHICH THERE WAS ALREADY AN ANSWER UNDER SECTION 16(3 ) .
SHE ALSO REFERRED TO THE SUGGESTION THAT THE CANDIDATE WHO WAS CONVICTED OF THE PROPOSED OFFENCE SHOULD BE DISQUALIFIED FROM STANDING FOR THE RELEVANT ELECTION ONLY, AND THAT THE DISQUALIFICATION PERIOD OF 10 YEARS WAS TOO LONG.
THE AD HOC GROUP HAD LOOKED INTO THIS MATTER AND FOUND THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, THE SAME DISQUALIFICATION PERIOD WAS IMPOSED FOR OFFENCES SUCH AS MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS CONCERNING A CANDIDATE.
"IN FACT, THE AMENDMENT UNDER CLAUSE 2 OF THIS BILL HAS REMOVED THE SENTENCE OF THREE MONTHS AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FROM ALL THESE OFFENCES," SHE NOTED.
MISS TAM NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ASSURED THE AD HOC GROUP THAT THERE HAD BEEN AMPLE CONSULTATION ON THE BILL SINCE MAY 1986.
SHE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLAIN CLEARLY TO THE CANDIDATES THEIR OBLIGATIONS, AND THE REGULATIONS THAT WOULD AFFECT THE CONDUCT OF THEIR CAMPAIGN, ESPECIALLY ON THE FORM FOR FILLING IN ELECTION EXPENSES WHICH WAS NOW WITHIN THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY’S POWER TO DEVICE. SHE HOPED THAT THESE FORMS WERE KEPT SIMPLE.
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ELECTION LAW BILL AMENDMENT
♦ » » t t
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON MRS PAULINE NG TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 TO MAKE FALSE CLAIMS OF SPONSORSHIP BY AN ELECTION CANDIDATE AN OFFENCE.
NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME EXPRESSIONS OF CONCERN THAT THE BILL MIGHT BE TOO RESTRICTIVE, MRS NG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE AMENDMENT WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING A DEFENDANT WHO IS ALLEGED TO HAVE MADE SUCH FALSE CLAIMS, WITH A DEFENCE ON THE GROUNDS OF "REASONABLE EXCUSE", SO THAT THE BILL WOULD NOT BE TOO RESTRICTIVE AND YET ACHIEVE THE PURPOSE OF EFFECTIVELY PREVENTING FALSE CLAIMS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
LDC TO BE GIVEN FLEXIBILITY IN CARRYING OUT REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES * » * » »
THE REQUIREMENT FOR PUBLICATION OF PROPOSED LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES AS SEPARATE PLANS UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE IS INTENDED FOR MAJOR COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES INVOLVING CHANGES IN EXISTING ZONINGS ON STATUTORY TOWN PLANS.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHILE WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987.
HE ADDED THAT MOST SCHEMES UNDERTAKEN BY THE CORPORATION WOULD BE OF THIS TYPE.
"HOWEVER, LDC MAY ALSO UNDERTAKE SMALL SCHEMES WHICH ACCORD WITH THE ZONINGS ON TOWN PLANS. IN SUCH CASES, THE REQUIREMENT TO PUBLISH THE SCHEME AS A SEPARATE PLAN UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE IS UNNECESSARY, AND WOULD PUT THE LDC AT A DISADVANTAGE AS COMPARED WITH OTHER DEVELOPERS.
"THIS MIGHT WELL DETER POTENTIAL JOINT VENTURE PARTNERS. I THEREFORE SUPPORT THE PROPOSAL TO AMEND CLAUSE 17 OF THE BILL,” MR BARNES SAID.
REFERRING TO THE DESIGNATION OF URBAN RENEWAL AREAS, MR BARNES SAID: "THE ADMINISTRATION ACCEPTS THAT THERE MAY BE SOME SUBSTANCE IN THE CRITICISM OF THE LIKELY EFFECT OF THE DESIGNATION AND PUBLICATION OF URAS."
"IN ANY CASE, WHILE THERE REMAINS A NEED TO RESTRICT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LDC TO THE SPECIFIC AREAS WHERE REDEVELOPMENT IS MOST NECESSARY, FORMAL DESIGNATION AND PUBLICATION OF URA’S IS NOT NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE THIS AIM.
"THE PURPOSE CAN EQUALLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH PROVISIONS IN CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL WHICH RESTRICT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LDC TO AREAS DESIGNATED EITHER GENERALLY OR IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE," MR BARNES SAID.
TURNING TO REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS INVOLVING LDC SCHEMES, MR BARNES SAID: "THE CORPORATION SHOULD BE GIVEN THE FLEXIBILITY OF OFFERING AND NEGOTIATING OPTIONS WITH TENANTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS.
"WHILE IT MAY WELL BE DESIRABLE AND POSSIBLE TO REHOUSE PERSONS IN OR NEAR THE SAME LOCALITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT THIS MAY NOT Al,WAYS BE FEASIBLE. THE TERMS OF COMPENSATION ARE ALSO A MATTER FOR NEGOTIATION BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND OWNERS AND TENANTS, AS IS THE CASE WITH ANY PRIVATE DEVELOPER.
"IN PRACTICE, THOUGH, I WOULD EXPECT THAT DURING NEGOTIATIONS THE LDC WOULD OFFER ACCOMMODATION, OR CASH, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH, DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES. THOUGH 1 WOULD NOT SEE THE CORPORATION OFFERING EQUITY PARTICIPATION IN THE SHORT TERM, THERE IS NOTHING TO PREVENT IT DOING SO IF THE CIRCUMSTANCES ARE FAVOURABLE, AND THE INITIATIVE AS TO WHAT IS OFFERED MUST REMAIN A MATTER FOR THE CORPORATION," MR BARNES SAID.
------0------- /U..................
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 13
LDC PROCEDURE SIMPLIFICATION URGED
*****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON F.K. HU SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE PROCEDURAL CONTROL FOR THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION'S DEVELOPMENT SCHEME SHOULD BE SIMPLIFIED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE SO AS TO GIVE MORE AUTONOMY AND FLEXIBILITY TO THE CORPORATION AND SHORTEN THE TIME FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
MR HU SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987.
THIS WAS ONE OF THE POINTS PUT FORWARD BY THE OMELCO LANDS AND WORKS PANEL AND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL AFTER A THOROUGH STUDY OF THE BILL. MR HU IS THE CONVENER OF BOTH THE PANEL AND THE AD HOC GROUP.
MR HU MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL FOR THE PURPOSE OF SIMPLIFYING THE PROCEDURE LEADING TO RESUMPTION OF LAND WHERE REDEVELOPMENT REQUIRED NO CHANGE IN LAND USE.
MR HU SAID THAT SUCCESS OF THE LDC DEPENDED ON THE SUPPORT AND INVOLVEMENT OF PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WHO WOULD BE GREATLY ENCOURAGED TO WORK WITH LDC IF THE TIME REQUIRED FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME COULD BE REDUCED.
HE SAID THE AD HOC GROUP ALSO FELT THAT THE CONCEPT OF DESIGNATING URBAN RENEWAL AREAS (URA) SHOULD BE ABANDONED AS THERE WOULD BE SOME PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ON THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA, THEREBY CREATING UNCERTAINTIES FOR OWNERS, TENANTS AND DEVELOPERS, AFFECTING LAND PRICES AND SALE OF PROPERTY.
HE SAID THE CONCEPT COULD CAUSE EITHER FALSE HOPE AND OVER EXPECTATION OR BAD FEELING AMONG PEOPLE DEPENDING ON THE SITE. THE AREA WOULD IN EFFECT BE FROZEN AND NO REDEVELOPMENT BY PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD BE CARRIED OUT.
IT WOULD MULTIPLY THE SLUM PROBLEM SINCE PEOPLE WERE BOUND TO BECOME SLACK IN THE PROPER MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS WITHIN AN URA. IT WOULD ALSO RESTRICT THE SCOPE OF LDC’S WORK SINCE THE BILL PRECLUDED THE LDC FROM DEALING WITH AREAS OUTSIDE THE URA.
MR HU MOVED ANOTHER COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT UNDER WHICH PART IV OF THE BILL ON THE DESIGNATION OF URBAN RENEWAL AREA WOULD BE DELETED.
ANOTHER POINT PUT FORWARD BY THE AD HOC GROUP AND ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT WAS THAT THERE SHOULD BE PROVISIONS TO ENSURE ADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR THE AFFECTED TENANTS BY WAY OF REHOUSING AND/OR CASH COMPENSATION. THE CORPORATION SHOULD OFFER SATISFACTORY OPTIONS, INCLUDING FLAT FOR FLAT, CASH COMPENSATION AND COMBINATION OF OPTIONS TO SMALL PROPERTY OWNERS.
/HOWEVER THE
WEDESDAY, DECEMBER 9t 1967
14
HOWEVER THE AD HOC GROUP UNDERSTOOD THAT ANY SUCH REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS UNDERTAKEN BY THE CORPORATION SHOULD NOT CREATE ADDITIONAL DEMAND ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
HE SAID THE AD HOC GROUP APPRECIATED THE DIFFICULTIES IN STIPULATING DETAILS OF REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS IN THE BILL AS THE CORPORATION SHOULD BE GIVEN THE FLEXIBILITY OF OFFERING AND NEGOTIATING VARIOUS ACCEPTABLE OPTIONS TO THE AFFECTED TENANTS AND SMALL PROPERTY OWNERS.
"HOWEVER, THE GROUP WOULD WELCOME THE ADMINISTRATION’S ASSURANCE AND INDICATION OF ARRANGEMENT ON REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION TO THE AFFECTED TENANTS AS WELL AS THE RANGE OF OPTIONS OPEN TO SMALL PROPERTY OWNERS INCLUDING FLATS IN EXCHANGE OR CASH OR COMBINATION OF BOTH," HE SAID.
THE AD HOC GROUP ALSO NOTED THAT THE LDC WOULD HAVE NO MORE THAN THREE MEMBERS BEING PUBLIC OFFICERS, WHO WOULD BE APPOINTED BY . THE GOVERNOR ACCORDING TO POST.
MR HU SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED WITH THE AD HOC GROUP THAT THE QUORUM OF THE CORPORATION LAID DOWN IN PARAGRAPH 9 OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM FIVE TO SIX IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THERE WILL BE AT LEAST THREE OTHER MEMBERS NOT BEING PUBLIC OFFICERS AT ANY MEETING OF THE CORPORATION.
MR HU ALSO NOTED THAT CLAUSE 18(1) (B) OF THE BILL PROVIDED THAT A PERSON AUTHORISED UNDER THE ORDINANCE MAY ENTER AND INSPECT A BUILDING OR STRUCTURE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF A REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT ON RESIDENTS, 24 HOURS AFTER NOTICE HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE OWNER OR OCCUPIER.
THE AD HOC GROUP CONSIDERED THAT THE 24-HOUR PERIOD WAS UNREASONABLY SHORT FOR THE OWNER OR OCCUPIER TO MAKE SUITABLE ARRANGEMENT. THE GOVERNMENT HAD SUBSEQUENTLY AGREED THAT THE PERIOD SHOULD BE INCREASED TO 48 HOURS.
HE SAID THE AD HOC GROUP CONSIDERED THAT THERE SHOULD BE PROVISION FOR CONTINUING OFFENCES SO THAT HEAVIER PENALTIES COULD BE IMPOSED FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES IN OBSTRUCTING AUTHORISED OFFICERS FROM ENTERING OR INSPECTING ANY BUILDING. AN AMENDMENT TO THE BILL WAS SUBSEQUENTLY MOVED ACCORDINGLY.
REFERRING TO COMMENTS BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THE CORPORATION WAS BEING GIVEN TOO MUCH POWER, MR HU SAID A CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WOULD HOWEVER INDICATE THAT THERE WERE MANY RESTRICTIONS ON WHAT THE CORPORATION COULD DO, AND MUCH POWER WAS IN FACT RESERVED FOR THE GOVERNMENT, RESTING EITHER IN THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL IN THE CASE OF RESUMPTION AND TOWN PLANNING CHANGES, OR SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS IN OTHER MATTERS.
THE GROUP IS SATISFIED THAT THERE ARE SUFFICIENT BUILT-IN CHECKS AND BALANCES, AND SOME FLEXIBILITIES SHOULD ALSO BE ALLOWED FOR THE CORPORATION TO OPERATE ON COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES, MR HU CONCLUDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 15 -
ROLE OF PRIVATE SECTOR IN URBAN IMPROVEMENT STRESSED
* * * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON EDWARD HO TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SUPPORTED THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL, STRESSING THAT THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN URBAN IMPROVEMENT IN HONG KONG.
MR HO SAID THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WOULD BE AN INDEPENDENT ORGANISATION PROVIDING A VEHICLE FOR COORDINATED EFFORTS IN URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS.
"ALTHOUGH ITS OBJECTIVES OF IMPROVING THE LIVING CONDITIONS AND THE ENVIRONMENT MAY MEAN THAT IT HAS TO OCCASIONALLY UNDERTAKE DEVELOPMENTS NOT ENTIRELY ON THE BASIS OF COMMERCIAL VIABILITY, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IT SHOULD NEVERTHELESS OPERATE ON SOUND COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES IN ORDER FOR IT TO BE VIABLE ON A CONTINUING BASIS."
ALSO, WHAT WOULD SET THE CORPORATION APART FROM PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS ON URBAN RENEWAL, WHICH TENDED TO BE UNORGANISED AND SPORADIC, WOULD BE THE INJECTION OF INITIATIVENESS, EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID.
MR HO SAID WHERE PRIVATE DEVELOPERS ALREADY OWNED A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE PROPERTIES TO BE DEVELOPED, THEY COULD COOPERATE WITH THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND MAKE USE OF ITS ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE AND ACQUIRE THE REMAINDER OF THE PROPERTIES FOR DEVELOPMENT.
BESIDES, PRIVATE-SECTOR DEVELOPERS COULD PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN THE ACQUISITION OF PROPERTIES AND IN DEVELOPMENT, IN THE FORM OF JOINT VENTURES, AND COULD PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE IN THE FINANCIAL APPRAISAL OF THE VIABILITY OF A PROJECT.
NOTING THAT THESE DEVELOPERS COULD ALSO CARRY OUT A PROJECT ON BEHALF OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WITH THE LATTER AGREEING WITH THEM THE DEVELOPMENT BRIEF, MR HO SAID THE CORPORATION WOULD MONITOR THE QUALITY OF THE DEVELOPMENT ENSURING ITS OBJECTIVES WERE MET.
ADDITIONALLY, PROFESSIONALS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR: ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, SURVEYORS, ESTATE MANAGERS, WOULD PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE IN THE PHYSICAL IMPLEMENTATION, THE MARKETING AND THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CORPORATION’S PROJECTS.
MR HO ALSO NOTED THAT THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL PROVIDED FOR A SYSTEM OF PROCEDURAL CONTROLS AIMED AT PROTECTING PUBLIC INTEREST, ESPECIALLY THOSE INDIVIDUAL OWNERS AND TENANTS WHOSE PROPERTIES WOULD BE RESUMED.
HE CONSIDERED THAT THESE CONTROLS WERE IMPORTANT, AND THAT IF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION APPLIED ITSELF PURPOSEFULLY AND ENERGETICALLY TO ITS TASKS, IT WOULD BE ABLE TO ACCOMPLISH ITS STATED OBJECTIVES AND COMPLETE ITS FIRST PROJECT IN THREE YEARS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
16 -
SET UP LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION QUICKLY PLEA
* t * * «
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) SHOULD BE FORMALLY ESTABLISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO FACILITATE URBAN RENEWAL, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN URGED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHENG WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE LDC, ONE COULD EXPECT TO SEE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STANDARDS OF HOUSING AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DILAPIDATED PART OF HONG KONG.
MR CHENG STRESSED THAT THE ESTABLISHED LDC SHOULD BE GIVEN SUFFICIENT FLEXIBILITY TO DEAL WITH REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS WHICH MUST SATISFACTORILY LOOK AFTER THE INTERESTS OF THE ORIGINAL OCCUPIERS.
”1 WOULD STRONGLY ENDORSE THE PRINCIPLE THAT INITIALLY SITES SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE LDC AT CONCESSIONARY PREMIUM FOR THE SOLE PURPOSES OF CONSTRUCTING DECANTATION ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED THAT THESE SITES ARE NOT SUBSEQUENTLY DISPOSED OF AS AN ASSET.
”IN THE EARLY STAGE, SUCH DECANTATION ACCOMMODATION IS NECESSARY TO FACILITATE SMOOTH REHOUSING FOR PURSUING EFFECTIVE URBAN RENEWAL,” HE SAID.
MR CHENG INSISTED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF RE-HOUSING SHOULD REST UPON THE LDC ALONE WITHOUT THE BURDEN BEING SHARED BY THE GOVERNMENT OR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
’’SATISFACTORY RE-HOUSING, A PREFERRED OPTION ESPECIALLY FOR OWNER-OCCUPIERS, WILL CERTAINLY ALLEVIATE THE FEARS AND CONCERNS OF PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE DISPLACED BY THE FUTURE REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.
’’PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO RE-HOUSING THE MORE NEEDY TENANTS SUCH AS THE POOR AND THE ELDERLY,” HE CONTINUED.
MR CHENG ADDED THAT HIS VIEWS WERE SHARED BY ANOTHER COUNCILLOR, THE HON MRS SELINA CHOW.
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LDC BILL ANOTHER BILINGUAL LAW PROJECT
♦ * ♦ » ♦
THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987 IS, LIKE THE FORMER WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL, A TEST RUN IN HONG KONG’S BILINGUAL LAWS PROJECT, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON PETER C. WONG, SAID THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 198?
- 17 -
HE SAID THAT AS IN THE PREVIOUS TEST RUN, ALTHOUGH THE BILL WAS DRAFTED AND GAZETTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE AND THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BILINGUAL LEGISLATION AD HOC GROUP HAD SCRUTINISED BOTH VERSIONS OF THE BILL, ONLY THE ENGLISH TEXT WAS TO BE PASSED INTO LAW AT THE MEETING.
HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW MORE TEST RUNS AND WHEN MORE EXPERIENCE IN BILINGUAL LEGISLATION WAS GAINED, IT WAS HOPED THAT A BILL IN BILINGUAL FORM COULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
COMMENTING ON THE LINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL, MR WONG SAID THAT THE CHINESE TEXT WAS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL, AS THE VOCABULARY, USE OF TECHNICAL EXPRESSIONS AND SENTENCE STRUCTURE WERE MORE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE DAILY CHINESE USAGE.
MR WONG THANKED ALL CONCERNED FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTION, ADDING THAT THE CHINESE TEXT OF THIS BILL WOULD SHORTLY BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.
STRESSING THAT LEGAL BILINGUALISM WAS NEW BUT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MR WONG URGED THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TO PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON ATTRACTING AND KEEPING SUITABLY QUALIFIED STAFF IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE JUDICIARY TO CARRY OUT NECESSARY RELATED PROJECTS.
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RHKJC TO RECEIVE FIXED PERCENTAGE RATE FOR LOTTERY OPERATIONS » * «
UNDER THE PROPOSED BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, A FIXED 7.5 PER CENT OF THE PROCEEDS AFTER EACH LOTTERY WOULD BE PAYABLE TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO COVER ITS OPERATING EXPENSES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIXED PERCENTAGE RATES, IF APPROVED, SHOULD HAVE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1986, AND THE LOTTERIES BOARD HAD ESTIMATED THAT THE LOTTERIES FUND WOULD BENEFIT FROM AN ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF $27 MILLION IN RESPECT OF THE CLUB’S 1986/87 FINANCIAL YEAR, HE ADDED.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR FORD SAID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING BETTING DUTY ORDINANCE, THE HONG KONG LOTTERIES BOARD MIGHT USE THE FACILITIES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR CONDUCTING PERMITTED LOTTERIES AND REIMBURSE THE CLUB FOR THE ACTUAL OPERATING COSTS.
/AT PRESENT,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 19&7
- 18 -
AT PRESENT, ONLY THE MARK SIX IS LICENSED.
"THE CURRENT PRACTICE IS FOR THE JOCKEY CLUB TO DEDUCT A PROVISIONAL 9.5 PER CENT OF THE PROCEEDS AFTER EACH LOTTERY TO COVER ITS OPERATING EXPENSES. AFTER ACCOUNTING FOR PRIZES AND BETTING DUTY AT 59 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, THE BALANCE OF 1.5 PER CENT OF THE PROCEEDS IS PAID INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND. AT THE END OF THE CLUB’S FINANCIAL YEAR WHEN THE ACTUAL OPERATING COSTS ARE AVAILABLE, THE CLUB IS REQUIRED TO PAY ANY SURPLUS INTO, OR RECOVER ANY DEFICIENCY, FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND,” MR FORD EXPLAINED.
"THIS ELEMENT OF UNCERTAINTY HINDERS THE ACCURATE FORWARD PLANNING OF THE FUND," HE NOTED.
THERE WERE ALSO INCREASING DIFFICULTIES TN SEPARATING LOTTERY OPERATING COSTS FROM THOSE RELATED TO HORSE-RACE BETTING AS BOTH SHARED THE SAME COMPUTER SYSTEM, HE ADDED.
"THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSES TO FIX THE PERCENTAGE OF THE PROCEEDS PAYABLE TO THE CLUB FOR ITS OPERATING EXPENSES AT 7.5 PER CENT. THIS TAKES INTO ACCOUNT THE ACTUAL AVERAGE COST OF 7.88 PER CENT OF THE PROCEEDS FOR THE 10 YEARS ENDING JUNE 1986. THE CONSEQUENTIAL SHARE FOR THE LOTTERIES FUND WILL BE 3.5 PER CENT. THIS FIGURE COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THE SHARE FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS WHICH WAS 2.42 PER CENT AND 2.96 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY."
HE SAID THAT TO PROVIDE A DEGREE OF STABILITY TO THE PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS, ANY CHANGE TO THE PERCENTAGES ALLOCATED FOR OPERATING COSTS AND TO THE FUND SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO A RESOLUTION BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. THE JOCKEY CLUB WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO REVIEW THE COST PERCENTAGE PERIODICALLY.
"WE DO NOT, HOWEVER, ENVISAGE ANY CHANGE TO THE PERCENTAGES WITHIN THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF ITS INTRODUCTION," MR FORD SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE LOTTERIES BOARD AND THE JOCKEY CLUB HAD GIVEN THEIR SUPPORT TO THE PROPOSALS. THE BOARD HAD ALSO GIVEN AN ASSURANCE THAT IT HAD NO PLANS TO INCREASE THE UNIT PRICE OF A MARK SIX ENTRY FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED
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/19........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 19 -
LAY ELEMENT ON MEDICAL, DENTAL BODIES *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED IT APPROPRIATE FOR A LAY ELEMENT TO BE INTRODUCED INTO EACH OF THE MEDICAL, DENTAL, NURSING AND MIDWIVES BOARDS AND COUNCILS, TO PROVIDE A LINK BETWEEN THE PROFESSIONS AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987, THE NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT NOW BELIEVED THAT IT WAS NO LONGER APPROPRIATE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES SHOULD BE THE EX-OFFICIO HEAD OF THE BODIES WHICH WERE OFTEN REQUIRED TO ACT IN A QUASI-JUDICIAL CAPACITY IN DISCIPLINARY ENQUIRIES INVOLVING MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL, DENTAL, NURSING AND MIDWIVES PROFESSIONS.
"MOREOVER FOR THE DIRECTOR TO RELINQUISH THE CHAIRMANSHIP WOULD ENHANCE THE SELF-REGULATING AND INDEPENDENT STATUS OF THE FOUR PROFESSIONS.
"FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH THE FOUR BODIES IT IS PROPOSED THAT INITIALLY THERE SHOULD BE ONE LAY MEMBER ON EACH BODY, PENDING A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE COMPOSITION OF EACH OF THE COUNCILS AND BOARDS," MR CHAMBERS ADDED.
HE SAID THE BILLS PROVIDED FOR THE CHAIRMEN OF THE FOUR BODIES TO BE ELECTED BY THE MEMBERS FROM AMONGST THEMSELVES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WOULD REMAIN A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL IN HIS CAPACITY AS REGISTRAR OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS, AND THAT IN THE NURSING BOARD, DENTAL COUNCIL AND MIDWIVES BOARDS WOULD BE REPLACED BY THE DIRECTOR OF NURSING SERVICES, THE CONSULTANT DENTAL SURGEON IN CHARGE OF THE GOVERNMENT DENTAL SERVICE, AND THE NURSING DIRECTOR RESPECTIVELY.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE BILLS ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE APPOINTMENT BY THE GOVERNOR OF ONE LAY MEMBER EACH OF THE COUNCILS AND BOARDS, AND, IN ADDITION, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE NURSING AND MIDWIVES BOARDS.
DEBATE ON THE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.
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/2O........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES IN HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION
♦ » » t t
NOISE ASSESSMENTS ARE CARRIED OUT AT THE PLANNING STAGE FOR ALL MAJOR HIGHWAY PROPOSALS TO MINIMISE NOISE NUISANCE GENERATED BY TRAFFIC, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
RESPONDING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EDWARD HO, MR BARNES SAID, "THE MEASURES ADOPTED TO REDUCE NOISE VARY DEPENDING ON THE NATURE OF THE PROJECT AND ITS ENVIRONMENT."
"THESE INCLUDE REALIGNMENT OR RELOCATION OF THE ROAD TO MOVE IT FURTHER AWAY FROM NOISE SENSITIVE BUILDINGS; AND THE ERECTION OF BARRIERS, SUCH AS SCREEN WALLS, CONCRETE OR PERSPEX PANELS, OR EARTH BOUNDS TO SCREEN ADJACENT BUILDINGS.
"THEY ALSO INCLUDE THE REPLANNING OF SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENT TO PROVIDE BUFFERS AGAINST THE TRAFFIC NOISE," MR BARNES SAID.
HE ADDED THAT NOISE ABATEMENT STUDIES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT ON A TOTAL OF 19 NEW TRUNK ROADS, INCLUDING THE KWUN TONG BY-PASS, ROUTE 5, TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
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NO PLANS TO CONTROL SALE OF CORROSIVE ACIDS ♦ ♦ ♦ t *
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE ANY PLANS TO CONTROL THE SALE OF CORROSIVE ACIDS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE FACT WAS THAT CORROSIVE ACIDS WERE USED EXTENSIVELY IN INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1987 SIX CASES WERE REPORTED OF THROWING A CORROSIVE FLUID WITH INTENT TO DO GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM," HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO SAID THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT FOUND THESE CASES ABHORRENT, IT DID NOT CONSIDER THAT ANY PURPOSE WOULD BE SERVED BY CONTROLLING THE SALE OF CORROSIVE ACIDS, SUCH AS HYDROCHLORIC ACID.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9. 1987
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FIREARMS ORDINANCE REGULATES POSSESSION OF GUNS ♦ * * t
THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCF REGULATES THE POSSESSION OF ANY GUN FROM WHICH ANY BULLET OR MISSILE CAN BE DISCHARGED WITH A MUZZLE ENERGY GREATER THAN TWO JOULES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI ON STANDARDS BEING USED FOR BANNING TOY GUNS WHICH ARE CAPABLE OF FIRING PROJECTILES AND INFLICTING ACTUAL INJURIES IN THE LIGHT OF A RECENT CASE WHERE A CHILD WAS INJURED BY A PLASTIC PELLET FROM A TOY GUN.
"FIRING A MISSILE FROM A TOY GUN WITH A MUZZLE ENERGY OF LESS THAN TWO JOULES WOULD NOT NORMALLY CAUSE ACTUAL INJURY TO SOMEONE HIT BY THE MISSILE.
"IN THE CASE REFERRED TO BY DR HO, THE INJURY WAS CAUSED BECAUSE, UNFORTUNATELY, THE VICTIM WAS ACCIDENTALLY HIT IN THE EYE," MR MACLEOD SAID.
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JUBILEE SPORT CENTRE TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIP ♦ t t * ♦
THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WILL SEEK TO FORMALLY STRENGTHEN ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH LOCAL AGENCIES IN THE COMING MONTHS, IN ORDER THAT THE MAXIMUM BENEFIT COULD BE DERIVED FROM ITS SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME AND ATHLETES COULD REPRESENT HONG KONG WITH DISTINCTION, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON F.K. HU SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HU, WHO IS MEMBER OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE BOARD, SAID THIS WHEN TABLING THE CENTRE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 1986 - MARCH 31, 1987 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
DURING THE PERIOD, MR HU NOTED, THE CENTRE HAD MOVED INTO AN AUTONOMOUS PHASE AS THE RESULT OF AN AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MADE POSSIBLE BY THE CLUB GRANTING $350 MILLION TO THE CENTRE TO ALLOW IT TO MEET ITS OWN EXPENSES FROM FUNDS GENERATED FROM TRIS CAPITAL SUM.
THE CENTRE HAD ALSO CONTINUED ITS COACHING SUPPORT TO 10 SPORTS WITHIN THE MAIN BODY OF ITS PROGRAMME AND PROVIDED CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT TO OTHER SPORTS AGENCIES, INCLUDING THOSE FROM THE DISABLED SECTOR.
/ADDITIONALLY, INITIATIVE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
ADDITIONALLY, INITIATIVE WAS TAKEN BY THE CENTRE IN INTENSIFYING ITS SUPPORT PROGRAMMES TO THE LEADING SENIOR AND TOP AGE-GROUP ATHLETES, BY WAY OF A ’SCHOLARSHIP’ SCHEME DESIGNED TO ASSIST COMMITTED ATHLETES TO THE NEXT STAGE OF PROGRESS, WHILE THE SPORTS MEDICINE AND SCIENCE PROGRAMMES DEVELOPED HAD ENABLED PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO BE OFFERED IN THE AREAS OF TREATMENT OF INJURY, AND MEDICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL SCREENING AND TESTING.
"AN EXTENSION OF THESE SERVICES TO INCLUDE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COUNSELLING PROGRAMME AND A NUTRITIONAL ADVICE SERVICE IS EXPECTED IN THE COMING MONTHS,” MR HU SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE CENTRE’S TRAINING HALL FOR GYMNASTICS HAD BEEN UPGRADED, PROVIDING FACILITY AS GOOD AS ANY TO BE FOUND IN HONG KONG.
"WORK IS ALSO UNDERWAY TO BRING BACK TO STANDARD FACILITIES AFFECTED BY LAND SETTLEMENT. THIS INCLUDES THE RESURFACING OF THE ATHLETICS TRACK - A PROJECT JOINTLY FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT AND THE JOCKEY CLUB," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT STANDARDS HAD BEEN IMPROVED IN ALL SPORTS IN THE CENTRE'S PROGRAMMES, MR HU SAID THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNING BODIES WOULD ENSURE THAT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE HAD A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN SPORTS PROMOTION IN FUTURE.
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TWO BILLS PASSED * * *
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987, WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FIVE OTHER BILLS: BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT)(NO.2) BILL 1987, NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, AND MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 25 -
FUNDS APPROVED FOR SETTING UP OLI PLANNING COMMITTEE ♦ » » * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG (OLI) AT ITS MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE OPERATING COSTS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE AND ITS SECRETARIAT ARE ESTIMATED AT $10.4 MILLION PHASED OVER THREE YEARS FROM 1987-88 TO 1989-90.
THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WILL COMPRISE A PROMINENT LOCAL FIGURE AS CHAIRMAN, FIVE TO SIX REPRESENTATIVES OF INSTITUTIONS FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS, SIX OVERSEAS ACADEMICS, SIX LOCAL LAY MEMBERS AND ONE SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICER.
ITS TASKS WILL BE TO ESTABLISH THE PRINCIPAL AREAS OF DEMAND AND NEED FOR OPEN EDUCATION COURSES; TO ESTABLISH THE AVAILABILITY OF CONTRIBUTORY EFFORT FROM PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS; TO ASSESS THE AVAILABILITY OF COURSE MATERIAL FROM OVERSEAS; AND TO PRODUCE A DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN, INCLUDING ADVICE ON THE FUTURE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE OLI’S OWN PROGRAMME AND THE EXTRA-MURAL AND PART-TIME COURSES RUN BY EXISTING INSTITUTIONS.
A SECRETARIAT WILL ALSO BE SET UP IMMEDIATELY WITHIN THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE.
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SET UP THE OLI PLANNING COMMITTEE WAS MADE PUBLIC ON OCTOBER 7 IN THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE 1987-88 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION, WITH AN ANNOUNCEMENT THAT OLI WOULD ADMIT ITS FIRST STUDENTS IN 1989.
THIS DECISION FOLLOWED CONSIDERATION OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION THAT THERE WAS A PRIMA FACIE CASE FOR AN OPEN EDUCATION PROGRAMME TO SUPPLEMENT COVENTIONAL EDUCATION AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO WOULD OTHERWISE BE DENIED FROM THEM.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN COMMENTED THAT ALTHOUGH SOME TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS PROVIDED EXTRA-MURAL COURSES AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SOME VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATED ADULT EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES, HONG KONG LAGGED FAR BEHIND MANY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES AND NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES.
’’THE NEED FOR AN OPEN EDUCATION PROGRAMME IS PARTICULARY GREAT IN HONG KONG WHERE MORE THAN 60 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION OVER THE AGE OF 25 HAVE RECEIVED EDUCATION ONLY UP TO PRIMARY LEVEL OR BELOW.
’’THERE IS AN ACUTE SHORTAGE OF TERTIARY PLACES AND THE REQUIREMENT FOR FLEXIBLE AND COST-EFFECTIVE MEANS OF ENHANCING THE SKILL OF WORKERS AND MANAGERS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES IS CONSTANTLY GROWING,” HE SAID.
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/24........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
INCREASES IN MONTHLY ALLOWANCES FOR OMELCO, DB MEMBERS APPROVED
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR PAYMENT OF ALLOWANCES TO MEMBERS (OTHER THAN OFFICIAL MEMBERS) OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS AND MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALSO AGREED TO INCREASE THE MONTHLY MAXIMUM ALLOWANCE FOR OMELCO MEMBERS FROM $20,000 TO $21,300 AND FOR DB MEMBERS FROM $6,000 TO $6,400, BOTH WITH RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1987.
BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF A REVIEW CONDUCTED LAST YEAR BY A WORKING PARTY WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION TO ASSESS THE PAYMENT MADE IN THE THREE TIERS OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE FOLLOWING NEW ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING THE OMELCO AND DB MEMBERS:
(A) THE CURRENT DISTINCTION BETWEEN STIPEND AND GENERAL EXPENSES ALLOWANCES ($9,000 AND $11,000 RESPECTIVELY) FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS SHOULD BE ABOLISHED AND A SINGLE ALLOWANCE ($20,000) SHOULD BE PAYABLE TO LEGCO MEMBERS AGAINST CLAIMS FOR EXPENSES INCURRED AND/OR EARNINGS FOREGONE;
(B) EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS (OTHER THAN OFFICIAL MEMBERS) SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE SAME LEVEL OF ALLOWANCE AS LEGCO MEMBERS;
(C) THE CURRENT LEVELS AND RELATIVITY OF PAYMENTS TO LEGCO MEMBERS AND DB MEMBERS ($20,000 AND $6,000 RESPECTIVELY) SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AS A BASE;
(D) IN ADDITION TO THE MEMBER’S ALLOWANCE, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF EXCO, LIKE HIS COUNTERPART IN THE LEGCO, SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE EQUAL IN AMOUNT TO THE MEMBER’S ALLOWANCE;
(E) WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT EXCO MEMBERS WHO ARE ALSO LEGCO MEMBERS SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR ONLY ONE OF THE TWO ALLOWANCES (PLUS ANY SPECIAL ALLOWANCE), INDIVIDUALS HOLDING MULTIPLE MEMBERSHIP IN TWO OR MORE INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE IN FULL THE HIGHEST OF THE MEMBER'S ALLOWANCES, ANY SPECIAL ALLOWANCE, AND TWO-THIRDS OF THE OTHER ALLOWANCES, FOR WHICH THEY ARE ELIGIBLE;
(F) THE SINGLE ALLOWANCE FOR OMELCO MEMBERS SHOULD BE DEEMED TO INCLUDE AN OFFICE RENTAL ELEMENT; AND
(G) THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FUND THE PAYMENT OF DB ALLOWANCES FOR URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS.
/ON OMELCO .......
WEDNESDAY, DECD4BER 9, 198?
- 25 -
ON OMELCO STIPEND AND ALLOWANCES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THESE ALLOWANCES WERE REVIEWED ANNUALLY WITH A VIEW TO INTRODUCING REVISED RATES, WHERE NECESSARY, AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW LEGCO SESSION.
"THE STIPEND IS REVISED WITH REFERENCE TO THE MIDDLE BAND OF THE ANNUAL PAY TREND SURVEY CONDUCTED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES. THE GENERAL EXPENSES ALLOWANCE IS REVISED WITH REFERENCE TO PRICE INDICES RELATING TO SECRETARIAL SALARIES
ENTERTAINMENT AND TRAVELLING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF ALLOWANCES HAD BEEN COMPLETED ON THE BASIS OF THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF PAYMENTS.
"THE REVIEW RECOMMENDS AN INCREASE IN THE STIPEND FROM $9,000 BY $600 TO $9,600 AND IN THE GENERAL EXPENSES ALLOWANCE FROM $11,000 BY $700 TO $11,700 PER MONTH. INCORPORATING THESE INCREASES INTO THE NEW SYSTEM OF A SINGLE ALLOWANCE FOR OMELCO MEMBERS PROVIDES A MAXIMUM MONTHLY ALLOWANCE OF $21,300.
THE REVIEW ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT THE ALLOWANCE FOR DB MEMBERS SHOULD BE ADJUSTED FROM $6,000 TO $6,400. CHAIRMEN OF THE DB’S, AS AT PRESENT, WILL CONTINUE TO RECEIVE A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE EQUAL IN AMOUNT TO THE MEMBER’S ALLOWANCE. THIS WILL ALLOW DB CHAIRMEN TO CLAIM A TOTAL OF $12,800.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT ALTHOUGH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WERE FINANCIALLY AUTONOMOUS, THE TWO COUNCILS SHOULD BE INVITED TO ACCEPT SETTING THE ALLOWANCES FOR THEIR MEMBERS AT THE AVERAGE OF THOSE FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THAT IS,AT $13,000 OR $13,800 UNDER THE REVISED RATES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD BEEN IN CONSULTATION WITH THE TWO COUNCILS ON THE MATTER.
THE ADJUSTMENTS WILL RESULT IN AN ANNUAL INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE OF $1,126,000 MADE UP OF $1,468,000 AND $2,658,000 FOR OMELCO AND DB’S RESPECTIVELY.
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$12 MILLION APPROVED TO MEET REMAINING PAYMENTS FOR PATROL CRAFT » * » * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED AN ADDITIONAL $12 MILLION TO MEET THE REMAINING PAYMENTS FOR FIVE REPLACEMENT ROYAL NAVY PATROL CRAFT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $457 MILLION TO $469 MILLION.
IN JUNE 1981, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED A COMMITMENT OF $455 MILLION TOWARDS THE COST OF HONG KONG’S 75 PER CENT CONTRIBUTION TO THE REPLACEMENT OF FIVE ROYAL NAVY PATROL CRAFT WHICH FORM THE HONG KONG SQUADRON.
/IT WAS .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9. 198?
- 26 -
IT WAS ANTICIPATED AT THE TIME THAT FURTHER COMMITMENTS WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE SINCE THE ESTIMATED FINAL COST OF THE PATROL CRAFT WAS THEN PUT AT 59.8 MILLION POUND STERLING OR $718 MILLION AT THE THEN EXCHANGE RATE OF ONE POUND STERLING TO $12, OF WHICH HONG KONG’S SHARE WOULD HAVE BEEN $538 MILLION.
DUE TO THE DELAY IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND DELIVERY OF THE CRAFT, THE ANTICIPATED CLOSING OF ACCOUNTS HAS BEEN PUT BACK FROM 1986-87 TO 1988-89.
DESPITE THE DELAYS, THE FINAL OUT-TURN EXPENDITURE, AS NOW PROJECTED BY THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (MOD), IS 58 MILLION POUND STERLING WHICH IS LOWER THAN THE 1981 FORECAST OF 59.8 MILLION POUND STERLING, LARGELY DUE TO STRINGENT CONTROL OF THE PROJECT AND THE USE OF COST SAVING MEASURES.
UP TO MARCH 31, 1987, HONG KONG’S EXPENDITURE TOWARDS ITS 75 PER CENT CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION TO THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT PATROL CRAFT WAS $453,194,196.
TO MEET FURTHER PAYMENTS IN JUNE AND SEPTEMBER 1987 AND PENDING CONFIRMATION FROM MOD OF THE FINAL OUT-TURN FIGURE, THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXERCISED HIS DELEGATED AUTHORITY TO INCREASE THE APPROVED COMMITMENT FROM $455 MILLION BY $2 MILLION TO $457 MILLION.
OF THE MOD’S PROJECTED FINAL OUT-TURN FIGURE OF 58 MILLION POUND STERLING, 1.15 MILLION POUND STERLING REMAINS TO BE PAID, 170,000 POUND STERLING IN THE REMAINDER OF THE 1987-88 FINANCIAL YEAR AND 980,000 POUND STERLING IN 1988-89.
HONG KONG’S SHARE OF THIS EXPENDITURE WILL BE 127,500 POUND STERLING IN 1987-88 AND 735,000 POUND STERLING IN 1988-89, A TOTAL OF 862,500 POUND STERLING. THIS AMOUNTS TO $12,075,000 AT AN ASSUMED EXCHANGE RATE OF HK$14 TO ONE POUND STERLING.
THE ROYAL NAVY PATROL CRAFT REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME IS A CONTRACTUAL ARRANGEMENT ENTERED INTO IN 1981 AND DOES NOT FORM PART OF THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.
"INSTEAD OF THE FIRST PATROL CRAFT BEING DELIVERED IN AUGUST 1983 AND THE LAST TN DECEMBER 1984 AS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED, THE FIRST DID NOT ARRIVE UNTIL NOVEMBER 1984 AND THE LAST UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1985.
"THE REASONS FOR THIS WERE CONSTRUCTION DELAYS AND LONGER-THAN-EXPECTED SEA-TRIALS, SINCE THESE REVEALED A NEED FOR MODIFICATIONS. DELIVERY OF CERTAIN ANCILLARY SYSTEMS ALSO TOOK LONGER-THAN-EXPECTED TIME AND SOME ARE ONLY NOW BEING FITTED," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
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/27........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 27 -
POST OFFICE TO REVIEW POSTMEN RANKS
« » » t »
THE POST OFFICE WILL CONDUCT IN-DEPTH REVIEWS OF THE POSTMEN AND VARIOUS POSTAL OFFICER RANKS AS A RESULT OF MEETINGS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN THE UNION OF HONG KONG POST OFFICE EMPLOYEES AND THE HONG KONG POSTAL WORKERS’ UNION AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE POST OFFICE.
BOTH THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HAIDER BARMA, AND THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR HUGH ARDLEY, SAID THAT THEY WELCOMED THE OPPORTUNITY OF MEETING WITH THE UNIONS AND THAT THE DISCUSSIONS AT THE MEETINGS WERE HELD IN A FRANK AND SINCERE ATMOSPHERE.
MR BARMA SAID THE MEETINGS PROVIDED A USEFUL OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND DEVELOP A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE POS<iIONS OF THE TWO SIDES. THE DISCUSSIONS CENTRED ON THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR POSTMEN AND POSTAL OFFICERS. HE ADDED THAT THE STAFF VIEWS PRESENTED AT THE MEETINGS WOULD BE FULLY CONSIDERED IN THE REVIEWS.
THE PMG WILL COMPLETE A REVIEW OF A NEW SENIOR POSTMAN RANK AND WILL ALSO CONDUCT A STUDY TO SEE WHETHER THERE IS A CASE FOR ADDITIONAL SENIOR POSTAL OFFICER POSTS BY THE END OF JANUARY.
THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH WILL MEET WITH THE UNIONS AGAIN SHOULD IT BE NECESSARY, SAID MR BARMA.
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TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME ON TSING YI CONTINUES TEMPORARILY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE
EXISTING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON TSING YI WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER THE OPENING OF THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE (TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE) ON FRIDAY DECEMBER 1 I.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT 11 AM TOMORROW BUT IT WILL NOT BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC UNTIL 5 PM ON FRIDAY.
THE EXISTING TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME, IMPLEMENTED ON TSING YI SINCE MAY 23 TO GIVE PRIORITY TO FRANCHISED BUS OPERATIONS, WILL CONTINUE FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS AFTER THE OPENING OF THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE.
/"THIS WILL
WEDNESDAYt DECEMBER 9> 198?
- 28 -
"THIS WILL ALLOW THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE TO CARRY OUT DETAILED STUDIES ON THE TRAFFIC PATTERNS RESULTING FROM THE INCREASED ROAD CAPACITY MADE AVAILABLE BY THE OPENING OF THE NEW BRIDGE," A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE OPERATIONS OF FRANCHISED BUSES CAN ALSO BE ASSESSED OVER A SETTLING DOWN PERIOD WITH BOTH THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE AND TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE OPEN."
UNDER THE EXISTING TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME, ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND GREEN MINIBUSES ARE BANNED FROM MAKING RIGHT TURNS FROM TSING YI ROAD NORTHBOUND ON TO THE SOUTH BRIDGE; FROM THE SOUTH BRIDGE ON TO TSING YI HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD NORTHBOUND; AND FROM CHUNG MEI ROAD ON TO TSING YI HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
"THE SCHEME WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF FINDINGS FROM THE STUDIES ON TRAFFIC PATTERNS, AND THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE CONSULTED AT ITS MEETING ON JANUARY 12 NEXT YEAR."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT IN ORDER TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS OF THE SOUTH BRIDGE, STRENGTHENING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON THE BRIDGE FROM MID-1988 AND A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC MEASURES WILL HAVE TO BE ENFORCED.
"STARTING FROM LATE 1988 OR EARLY 1989, TRAFFIC ON THE SOUTH BRIDGE WILL HAVE TO BE CONVERTED INTO ONE-LANE TWO-WAY OPERATIONS FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNALS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS," HE SAID.
"IN MID-1989, THE SOUTH BRIDGE WILL HAVE TO BE CLOSED COMPLETELY TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT FOUR TO SIX WEEKS."
REVIEW FINDINGS OF THE EXISTING TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME WILL BE USED TO DETERMINE WHAT MEASURES CAN BE INTRODUCED DURING THE BRIDGE STRENGTHENING PROJECT. MOTORISTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE ARRANGEMENTS IN DUE COURSE.
MEANWHILE, TOGETHER WITH THE OPENING OF TSING TSUEN ROAD (TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE ROAD) STRETCHING FROM THE ROUNDABOUT AT CHEUNG ON ESTATE IN TSING YI TO THE ROUNDABOUT UNDERNEATH TSUEN WAN ROAD AT TEXACO ROAD, THE SECTION OF ROAD TY8 FROM ROAD TY6 TO THE ROUNDABOUT AT CHEUNG ON ESTATE, THE SECTION OF ROAD TY5 FROM CHING HONG ROAD TO ROAD TY8 AT CHEUNG ON ESTATE, ROAD TY18, AND ROAD TY20 WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 5 PM ON FRIDAY.
IN ADDITION, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND VEHICLES DRIVEN BY LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM USING TSING TSUEN ROAD. THE ROAD WILL ALSO BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON WHICH NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 29 -
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN NEW TOWNS STRESSED
*****
WHILE PROVIDING A FIRM BASIS FOR THE GROWTH OF NEW COMMUNITIES IN THE NEW TOWNS, THE GOVERNMENT DEPENDS ON THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR THE PROVISION OF A VARIETY OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT INCOME-GROUP3 AS WELL AS FOR COMMERCIAL OUTLETS TO ENABLE A COMMUNITY TO THRIVE AS A SELF-CONTAINED UNIT, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A JAPANESE-OWNED DEPARTMENT STORE IN TUEN MUN, MR SUEN STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS VERY MUCH AWARE OF THE NEED TO FOSTER AN ENTRERPENEUR1AL SPIRIT IN THE NEW TOWNS.
"ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN PURSUING THE POLICY OF DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES, IT IS ONLY RECENTLY THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SEE THAT THE NEW TOWNS HAVE AS MUCH, IF NOT MORE, TO OFFER AS THE ESTABLISHED URBAN AREAS," MR SUEN SAID.
"THE CONSTRUCTION OF MODERN HOUSING OF A HIGH STANDARD TOGETHER WITH THE TIMELY PROVISION OF SCHOOLS AND SOCIAL AMENITIES IS, OF COURSE, A MAJOR PART IN THE PROCESS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW TOWNS.
"HOWEVER, LITTLE IS SO SIGNIFICANT AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RANGE OF RETAIL OUTLETS IN THE DISTRICT TO PROVIDE BOTH QUALITY GOODS AND A WIDE RANGE OF CHOICES," HE SAID.
MR SUEN CONSIDERED THE OPENING OF A BRANCH OF THE DEPARTMENT STORE IN TUEN MUN - ONE OF ITS LARGEST IN SOUTHEAST ASIA -AN AUSPICIOUS SIGN FOR THE PROSPERITY OF TUEN MUN AND A MANIFESTATION OF THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IN THE DISTRICT.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE NEW TOWN, HE SAID.
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DB DISCUSSES DRAINAGE PROJECT TO EASE FLOODING PROBLEM * * * *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO ALLEVIATE THE FLOODING PROBLEM IN THE NORTH-WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE $67 MILLION PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN THREE PHASES STARTING FROM LATE 1988. THE WORKS AREA WILL INCLUDE HUNG UK TSUEN, FIJI SHA* WAI, TAI TO TSUEN, HUNG SHUT KIU, TIN SAM, SIK KONG WAI AND TSEUNG KONG WAI.
/DISTRICT BOARD
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9t 1987
- 30 -
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER MR TAI CHIN-WAH WILL ASK WHAT APPROACH HAS BEEN TAKEN BY THE ADMINISTRATION CONCERNING THE CLEARANCE OF OYSTER BEDS IN DEEP BAY.
HE WILL ALSO ASK THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON THE POSSIBILITY OF EXTENDING LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICE TO LONG PING ESTATE, YUEN LONG.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL'S DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME; THIRD INTERIM REPORT ON THE WORK OF REGIONAL COUNCIL; PROGRESS REPORTS FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND VARIOUS OTHER COMMITTEES UNDER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
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POSTAl. ARRANGEMENTS FOR X ’ MAS AND NEW YEAR ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
Till LATEST DATE FOR POSTING CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR LOCAL DELIVERY IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"POSTINGS AFTER THIS DATE CANNOT BE GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS," HF SAID, ADVISING THAT THE PUBLIC SHOULD POST AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID \ LAST-MINI TE RUSH.
ON THE POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR Till-. CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID BUSINESS WILL BE CONDUCTED AS USUAL ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DECEMBER 24) AND NEW YEAR’S EVE (DECEMBER 31).
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED DURING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS EXCEPT ON DECEMBER 26, WHEN 42 POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
THESE 42 POST OFFICES INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/’’THERE WILL
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9» 1987
’’THERE WILL BE SPECIAL DELIVERIES OF LETTERS AND PARCELS ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20 AND ALSO ON BOXING DAY, DECEMBER 26.
"HOWEVER, NO DELIVERIES WILL BE MADE ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM INDIVIDUAL POST OFFICES OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU AT 5-231071.
- - 0 - -
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT COMMENDATIONS » » » »
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION TO 21 PEOPLE IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR BRAVE AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTION DURING THE RESCUE OF LIVES IN HONG KONG WATERS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11).
RECIPIENTS OF THE COMMENDATIONS WILL INCLUDE TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, 15 CREW MEMBERS OF FERRY COMPANIES AND FOUR OFFICERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, ONE OF WHOM WAS INVOLVED IN TWO SEPARATE INCIDENTS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE LECTURE ROOM (ROOM 1414), MARINE DEPARTMENT, 14/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG, AT 2.45 PM ON DECEMBER 11 (FRIDAY).
0 - -
HIGHLIGHTS OF YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL * ♦ ♦ ♦
A VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES ARE BEING LINED UP FOR THE EIGHTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH WAS OPENED LAST FRIDAY (DECEMBER 4).
ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11) EVENING, A POP CONCERT FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY RAIDAS, MR LAI MING, MR WAN SIU-LUN, MISS NGAI YEE-CHING AND COMPERED BY MISS YIP LAI-LING WILL BE HELD AT LUT SAU HALL. IT WILL START AT 7.30 PM.
/ON THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1987
- 32 -
ON THE SAME DAY, AN EXHIBITION OF BOOKS ON ART AND AN EXHIBITION OF YUEN LONG CHILDREN’S ARTS WILL BE HELD AT THE LOBBY AND THE EXTENSION ACTIVITIES ROOM OF YUEN LONG PUBLIC LIBRARY RESPECTIVELY. A POSTER EXHIBITION ON WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AND HIS AGE WILL BE HELD AT YUEN LONG KEI YUEN COLLEGE.
ADMISSION TO THE THREE EXHIBITIONS IS FREE.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL END ON DECEMBER 20, INCLUDE A CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE, EXHIBITION OF CHINESE PAINTINGS BY ARTISTS OF THE LING NAM SCHOOL, CHOR FUNG MING CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE’S "THE STORY OF THE PURPLE HAIRPIN” AND ’’THE ROMANCE OF THE PEAR BLOSSOM", AND PIANO RECITAL BY CHEN SU-CHING.
PROGRAMME PAMPHLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND LUT SAU HALL.
TICKETS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, HONG KONG BANK YUEN LONG BRANCH AND LUT SAU HALL.
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TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL CLOSES * ♦ »
A VISITING CHINESE NATIONAL MARTIAL ART TEAM WILL GIVE PERFORMANCES AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF MONTH-LONG NINTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR RICHARD LAI AND COMMUNITY LEADER, MR CHAN PO-FONG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND AT 8 PM.
DURING THE PAST MONTH, RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE BEEN TREATED TO SOME 40 SPORTS EVENTS HELD IN VARIOUS VENUES IN TSUEN WAN INCLUDING SPECIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY.
PARTICIPANTS OF THE SPORTS NURTURE SCHEME OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD ALSO TOOK PART IN SOME OF THE EVENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY CUM MARTIAL ART PERFORMANCE HELD AT 8 PM AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 10).
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9,
1987
RS TO SWITCH ON MONG KOK LIGHTINGS
♦ * t » *
THE LIGHTING DISPLAY IN MONG KOK WILL BE SWITCHED ON TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND TO CELEBRATE THE APPROACH OF THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR T.H. CHAU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD.
THE SIX-WEEK DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF "HOME IN MONG KOK" AMONG RESIDENTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ON THE PAVEMENT OUTSIDE HANG SENG BANK, AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD.
- 0 -
PRESS CONFERENCE ON STUDENT READING AWARD SCHEME ♦ » ♦ »
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB WILL JOINTLY HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO ANNOUNCE A READING AWARD SCHEME FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHILDREN.
THE AWARD SCHEME AIMS TO DEVELOP READING HABITS AND LANGUAGE SKILLS AND TO PROMOTE THE USE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES. IT IS ORGANISED BY THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR SO FAI-CHO, WILL CHAIR THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM AT EAST-WEST ROOM, 23RD FLOOR, MANDARIN HOTEL, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER TO, 5987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR: TRANSPORT PLANNING NO EaSY TASK .............. 1
$2.76 RTT.T.TON FOR KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE ...... 3
MORE PARKING SPACES FOR CONTAINER TRUCKS ............... 6
POLICE TO RECRUIT 2,000 MORE ........................... 6
CMB FRANCHISE EXTENDED, TOUR TRAM SERVICE REGULARISED .. 9
CS SHOWS KEEN INTEREST IN BLD'S USE OF COMPUTERS........ 9
MORE GRADUATES IN ACCOUNTANCY NEEDED ................... 10
CUSTOMS CRACKDOWN ON FaKE GOODS IMPORT INCREASED ....... 11
STUDENT READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS..... 12
SEASONAL ILLUMINATIONS LIGHT UP DISTRICT FESTIVAL ...... 13
MORE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHAM SHU I PO.......... 14
RAIDAS SINGS NEW ANTI-NaRCOTICS THEME SONG ............. 15
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GETS LOGO ......................... 15
•KITE-FLYING JOY' PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS................................................ 16
DB COMMITTEE MEETS TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATION ........ 16
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ROAD CAPACITY IN SHaM SHUT PO...... 1?
PRESS CONFERENCE ON 'GOOD MORNING MONG KOK' ............ 17
COOKING CONTEST FOR THE ELDERLY ........................ 18
CAS RECRUITS IN PASSING OUT PaRaDE ..................... 18
CONFERENCE ,\ND WORKSHOP ON GUIDANCE ................... 19
SPEEDPOST TO ISRaEL EXTENDED ........................... 20
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CAUSEWaY BAY, NORTH POINT ........... 20
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987 1
GOVERNOR: TRANSPORT PLANNING NO EASY TASK
*****
IT HAD BEEN NO EASY TASK TO KEEP THE BUILDING OF ROADS, AND WHERE NECESSARY TUNNELS AND BRIDGES, IN STEP WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS AND THE CONSEQUENT DRAMATIC INCREASES IN POPULATION AND TRAFFIC, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE, SIR DAVID SAID SOMETIMES THESE INCREASES WERE LARGER AND TOOK PLACE QUICKER THAN EXPECTED.
"THE RESULT IS CONGESTION, AS HAS BEEN THE CASE ON THE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE AND AS IS STILL THE CASE IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL," HE ADDED.
"THIS PROBLEM OF CONGESTION ON THE FIRST TSING YI BRIDGE ILLUSTRATES VIVIDLY THE IMPORTANCE, AND THE DIFFICULTY, OF COORDINATING THE PLANNING OF ROADS AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
"FACED WITH THIS SITUATION, THE GOVERNMENT PUTS A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT INTO PLANNING TRANSPORT LINKS AND A GREAT AMOUNT OF PUBLIC MONEY INTO BUILDING THEM."
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO SPEND «5 BILLION ON HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, AND IT INCLUDED THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, THE ROUTE 5 TRUNK ROAD BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN, THE TUEN MUN LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, THE REMAINING SECTIONS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER LINK AND THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
SIR DAIVD SAID: "THESE PROJECTS WILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF CONGESTION - THAT WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US SO LONG AS OUR ECONOMY GROWS AS RAPIDLY AS, HAPPILY, IT HAS RECENTLY BEEN GROWING - BUT THEY DO ILLUSTRATE THE IMPORTANCE THAT THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO KEEPING TRAFFIC AND PEOPLE MOVING."
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING YI, SIR DAVID' SAID ONE BRIDGE WAS CLEARLY NOT ENOUGH FOR AN ISLAND WITH A POPULATION OF 90,000 AND THE OPENING OF THIS SECOND BRIDGE WOULD RELIEVE PRESSURE ON THE FIRST ONE.
"THIS WILL I KNOW BE A GREAT RELIEF TO THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN TSING YI.
"IT ALSO OPENS UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS."
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT PLANNING FOR FUTURE TRANSPORT EXPANSION KEPT PACE WITH THEIR DEVELOPMENT.
/SIR DAVID
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 198?
- 2 -
SIR DAVID SAID THE BRIDGE WAS NOT ONLY THE NEWEST BRIDGE IN HONG KONG AND WAS ALSO THE LONGEST, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE A VITAL SECOND ROAD LINK BETWEEN TSING YI AND THE REST OF THE TSUEN WAN/KWAI CHUNG NEW TOWN, AND BEYOND THAT TO THE REST OF THE TERRITORY.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE BRIDGE OWED MUCH TO THE SKILL AND HARD WORK OF THE ENGINEERS WHO CONCEIVED AND DESIGNED IT, AND OF THE CONTRACTOR WHO BUILT IT AND PAID TRIBUTE TO ALL THOSE CONCERNED ON THE JOB.
SIR DAVID SAID: "A BRIDGE IS THERE TO BE USED, THIS ONE WILL SURELY BE WELL USED.
"A GOOD BRIDGE IS ALSO AN OBJECT OF BEAUTY, THIS ONE WILL SURELY BE ADMIRED."
WELCOMING THE GOVERNOR TO THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR KENNETH KWOK, SAID A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR TSING YI WAS CURRENTLY BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
HE SAID THE REVIEW WAS TO RECTIFY AND REGULARISE THE EXISTING AND FUTURE LAND USE BY FORMING ADEQUATE SEPARATIONS AND BUFFERS BETWEEN INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS AS WELL AS BY RELOCATING SOME MAJOR INDUSTRIAL INSTALLATIONS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME UTILISING TO THE FULL THE UNIQUE DEEP-SEA FRONTAGE AT WESTERN TSING YI FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG.
"THE OPENING OF THE BRIDGE WILL GIVE ADDED OPPORTUNITY FOR THIS PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT TO BE REALISED," HE ADDED.
MR KWOK SAID DEVELOPMENT AT NORTHEAST TSING YI WAS PROGRESSING RAPIDLY WITH THE PROVISION OF MORE AMENITIES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES TO SERVE THE INCREASING POPULATION IN BOTH PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING.
HAVING A CLEAR SPAN OF 160 METRES OVER THE BUSY RAMBLER CHANNEL, THE TSING TSUEN BRIDGE CARRIES A TWO-LANE DUAL-CARRIAGEWAY HIGHWAY TOGETHER WITH FOOTWAYS AND SERVICE DUCTS. ITS CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING WORKS, TAKEN THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE, COST A TOTAL OF $200 MILLION.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 3 -
$2.76 BILLION FOR KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE » * t * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED MORE THAN $2.76 BILLION FOR THE CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE, MR F.K. HU, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE, MR HU SAID THAT THIS MARKED THE CULMINATION OF 11 MONTHS OF WORK BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE AND THE BEGINNING OF THE IMPENDING CLEARANCE.
"WE CONSIDERED THAT IN VIEW OF THE UNIQUE CIRCUMf FANCES AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE WALLED CITY, SOMETHING AKIN TO THE POLICY APPLIED TO REDEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES SHOULD BE USED.” MR HU SAID.
OWNER-OCCUPIERS
MR HU SAID OWNER-OCCUPIERS SHOULD BE ASSISTED, WHERE POSSIBLE, TO RE-ESTABLISH THEIR HOME OWNERSHIP STATUS AFTER THE CLEARANCE.
"HOWEVER, GIVEN THE LOW VALUES OF WALLED CITY PROPERTIES, ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THEM ON THAT BASIS TO ACQUIRE PROPERTIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WILL INEVITABLY INVOLVE A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF MONEY WHICH MAY BE CONSIDERED OVER-GENEROUS AND THEREFORE NOT APPROPRIATE." HE SAID.
INSTEAD, HE SAID, THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THAT IT WOULD BE A REASONABLE ARRANGEMENT IF ASSISTANCE WAS BASED ON THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) PRICES WITH PRIORITY RIGHTS TO PURCHASE AN HOS FLAT TO BE GIVEN TO THOSE OWNERS WHO WERE ELIGIBLE.
MR HU SAID THAT THE RATES OF PAYMENT WOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE ASSISTANCE TO ALLOW MOST ELIGIBLE WALLED CITY RESIDENTS TO PURCHASE AN HOS FLAT, THE CALCULATIONS ARE:
QUALIFIED FLOOR AREA $ PER SQUARE METRE
UP TO 23.44 SQUARE METRES 9,670
BETWEEN 23.45 - 60 SQUARE METRES 6,930
OVER 60 SQUARE METRES 5,000
OWNERSHIP STATUS
MR HU POINTED OUT THAT THE ABSENCE OF LEASE DOCUMENTS HAD RESULTED IN PROBLEMS WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT AND VERIFICATION OF PROPERTY OWNERSHIP CLAIMS. OWNERSHIP STATUS COULD ONLY BE ESTABLISHED AND VERIFIED BY USING GUIDELINES PREPARED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL AND APPROVED BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE.
/OWNER-OCCUPIERS AND
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
OWNER-OCCUPIERS AND ABSENTEE OWNERS WOULD RECEIVE THE SAME LEVEL OF CASH COMPENSATION. THE RATES OF PAYMENT, BASED ON HOS PRICES, WOULD ALSO BE APPLIED TO ALL PREMISES, BE THEY USED AS SHOPS, FACTORIES OR HOMES.
ELIGIBILITY FOR REHOUSING
MR HU SAID THAT THOSE WHO HAD BEEN GENUINELY RESIDENTS IN THE WALLED CITY ON AND SINCE JANUARY 14, 1987, WOULD QUALIFY FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING IF BY THE END OF MARCH 1990 THEY HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG CONTINUOUSLY FOR SEVEN YEARS.
HE ADDED THAT AN ELIGIBLE TENANT MAY OPT FOR A PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING (PRH) FLAT OR OBTAIN PRIORITY STATUS TO PURCHASE AN HOS FLAT WITH HIS OWN MONEY, OR APPLY FOR AN INTEREST FREE LOAN TO PURCHASE A PRIVATE SECTOR FLAT UNDER THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME (HPLS) TO BE INTRODUCED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
AN ELIGIBLE OWNER-OCCUPIER MAY OPT FOR A PRH FLAT AND RECEIVE CASH COMPENSATION EQUAL TO THE FAIR MARKET VALUE OF HIS WALLED CITY FLAT, OR CASH COMPENSATION BASED ON THE HOS LINKED RATES PLUS PRIORITY STATUS IN PURCHASING AN HOS FLAT, OR CASH COMPENSATION BASED ON THE HOS LINKED RATES AND APPLY FOR AN INTEREST FREE LOAN TO PURCHASE A PRIVATE SECTOR FLAT UNDER THE HPLS ONCE THIS SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED.
BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS
HE SAID THAT FOR COMPENSATION PURPOSES A DISTINCTION SHOULD BE MADE BETWEEN BUSINESSES SUCH AS FOOD FACTORIES WHICH SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION, FROM THOSE ILLEGAL BUSINESSES SUCH AS VICE ESTABLISHMENT AND GAMBLING DENS WHICH WOULD NOT.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT ANY NEW OCCUPATION OF PREMISES, SUB-DIVISION OF EXISTING PREMISES; CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUILDINGS OR EXTENSIONS; TARTING OF NEW BUSINESSES AFTER JANUARY 14, 1987, WOULD NOT ATTRACT ANY COMPENSATION.
PREMISES BOUGHT AFTER JANUARY 14, 1987 WOULD ALSO BE INELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION GREATER THAN THE FAIR MARKET VALUE.
REMOVAL ALLOWANCES WOULD BE CALCULATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH STANDARD RATES AND WOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL ELIGIBLE OCCUPIERS AND BUSINESS OPERATORS TO COMPENSATE THEM FOR ANY COST OR LOSS INCURRED AS A RESULT OF THEIR REMOVAL AND ASSOCIATED COSTS.
THE INTERESTS OF THE OTHER SPECIAL GROUPS THAT THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE HAD ALSO DEVOTED MUCH ATTENTION INCLUDED:
/VOLUNTARY AGENCIES .......
THURSDAY, DECBIBER 10, 198?
- 5 -
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES
OF THE FIVE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, REPLACEMENT CENTRES HAD BEEN OFFERED T0 THOSE WHICH HAD BEEN RECEIVING GOVERNMENT SUBVENTIONS OVER THE YEARS BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT (SWD) TO CONTINUE OPERATION. THOSE WHICH WERE SELF-FINANCING WOULD NOT BE OFFERED REPLACEMENT CENTRES BUT SWD WOULD BE PREPARED TO ASSIST THEM IN OTHER WAYS.
UNREGISTERED MEDICAL AND DENTAL PRACTITIONERS
A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY MR PAO PING-WING IS WORKING UNDER TIGHT SCHEDULE TO EXAMINE POSSIBLE OPTIONS FOR DEALING WITH FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THESE PEOPLE AND IT MAY TAKE SOME TIME IN V ii-W OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED BEFORE THE GROUP CAN FINALISE CONSIDERATION AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.
COMMERCIAL WELL WATER SUPPLIERS
THE SUPPLIERS WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE WATER SUPPLY UNTIL ALL RESIDENTS IN THE WALLED CITY HAVE MOVED OUT. MEANWHILE, BOTH CNTA AND BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT HAD HELD USEFUL MEETINGS WITH THEM TO LISTEN TO THEIR VIEWS ON COMPENSATION.
SOCIAL CASES
BOTH CNTA AND SWD HAD VISITED ELDERLY PEOPLE AND OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS OF RESIDENTS IN THE WALLED CITY TO OFFER HELP.
APPEALS «
TWO SEPARATE FORUMS FOR APPEAL HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED. PERSONS DISSATISFIED WITH REHOUSING OR COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS MAY APPEAL TO:
* THE APPEALS TRIBUNAL WHICH WILL DEAL WITH ANY MATTER RELATING TO THE CLEARANCE EXCEPT MATTERS OF ASSESSMENT AND CIVIL SERVICE DISCIPLINE, OR
* THE ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD WHICH WILL DEAL WITH MATTERS OF COMPENSATION ASSESSMENT.
MR HU SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO CARRY OUT THE CLEARANCE IN THREE PHASES UP TO 1990/91. OFFER LETTERS FOR PHASE I OF THE CLEARANCE WOULD BE ISSUED LATE THIS MONTH.
HE SAID THAT AS OVER 3 000 LETTERS WERE INVOLVED, THEY WOULD HAVE TO BE ISSUED IN BATCHES FOR OPERATIONAL REASONS AND INEVITABLY SOME MIGHT THEREFORE RECEIVE THEM EARLIER THAN OTHERS.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FIRST RESIDENT IN PHASE I WILL BEGIN TO MOVE TO NEW HOMES AROUND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR IN 1988," MR HU ADDED.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
6
MORE PARKING SPACES FOR CONTAINER TRUCKS
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE WILL ARRANGE FOR THE EARLY TENDERING OF A ONE-HECTARE SITE TO MEET THE NEED FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING.
THIS WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING CONTAINER VEHICLE PARK NEXT TO THE KWAI CHUNG ROAD WHICH WILL BE RE-LET BY TENDER FOR THE SAME PURPOSE WHEN ITS PRESENT LEASE EXPIRES IN FEBRUARY, 1988.
THIS OFFER WAS MADE BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR LYALL ALEXANDER WEBBER, TO THE CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS OF THE CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNERS ASSOCIATION AT A MEETING THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
HE EXPLAINED THAT FINDINGS OF A RECENT SURVEY REVEALED THERE WAS A NEED FOR THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING SPACES IN THE AREA.
AS TO THE ASSOCIATION'S REQUEST THAT THE TWO LOTS IN TSUEN WAN, CURRENTLY USED FOR CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING, BE FURTHER EXTENDED WHEN THEIR TENANCY AGREEMENTS EXPIRE BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, MR ALEXANDER WEBBER SAID THEY WERE REQUIRED FOR A SPECIFIC PURPOSE AND THE CONCERNED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD TO BE CONSULTED BEFORE HE COULD GIVE A REPLY.
THE ASSOCIATION ALSO PRESSED FOR LANDS TO BE PROVIDED UNDER A DIRECT GRANT.
MR ALEXANDER WEBBER EXPLAINED THAT FOR LANDS TO BE GIVEN UNDER A DIRECT GRANT, THE ASSOCIATION WOULD NEED TO FULFIL CERTAIN CRITERIA. HE WOULD SUPPLY THEM WITH THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO FORMULATE A SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.
IN ATTENDANCE AT THE MEETING WERE ALSO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE TRANSPORT BRANCH AND THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
------0-------
POLICE TO RECRUIT 2,000 MORE * * *
THE POLICE WOULD RECRUIT ABOUT 2000 EXTRA OFFICERS TO EXPAND THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT OVER A PERIOD OF TIME MR RAYMON ANN1NG, COMISSIONER OF POLICE SAID YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ADDRESSING THE KWUN TONG KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, MR ANNING SAID: DETAILS WILL HAVE TO BE WORKED OUT, AND OF COURSE IT WILL BE A PHASED RECRUITMENT.
/"WE HAVE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
"WE HAVE ALREADY DONE SOME WORK ON IT, AND THERE IS MORE TO BE DONE. BUT WE HAVE AN OUTLINE OF HOW WE SHALL RECRUIT THE EXTRA PEOPLE.
IN VIEW OF THE TRAINING CAPABILITY OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, HE SAID, THE FORCE COULD NOT HAVE A HUGE INFLUX OF PEOPLE IN ANY ONE YEAR.
"SO WE SHALL PHASE THIS OVER ABOUT THREE YEARS OR SO FOR RECRUITING. OF COURSE, ONCE PEOPLE HAVE BEEN RECRUITED, THEY HAVE TO BE TAUGHT TO BE PROPER ORDINARY POLICEMEN BEFORE WE TRANSFER THEM IN OUR NORMAL WAY INTO POLICE TACTICAL UNIT DUTIES," HE SAID.
"THIS IS NORMALLY ABOUT TWO YEARS. SO THEN YOU CAN WORK ON SOMETHING LIKE A THREE YEAR PHASED PROGRAMME AFTER THAT.
"BUT WHATEVER PROGRAMME IS DECIDED FINALLY, IT WILL BE A FLEXIBLE PROGRAMME GEARED TO BE ADAPTABLE AS CHANGES OCCUR.
"THEY WILL BE RECRUITED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME. SO THEY WON’T BE RECRUITED IN FIVE YEARS TIME. IT MAY BE THAT WE SHALL START RECRUITING PERHAPS NEXT YEAR. BUT THEN WE SHALL RECRUIT GRADUALLY OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS.
"WE COULD PROBABLY RECRUIT SUFFICIENT NUMBERS TO FULFIL THE MAIN REQUIREMENT OVER ABOUT THREE YEARS.
"IT WILL PROBABLY BE A SLIGHTLY LESSER NUMBER THAN THAT, BECAUSE THERE WILL BE SOME OTHER MORE PERIPHERAL PARTS TO BE RECRUITED LATER ON.BUT THE MAIN BODY WOULD BE SOMEWHAT LESS THAN 2000, I WOULD IMAGINE .AND THAT WOULD CERTAINLY BE OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS OR SO.
ASKED IF THE POLICE WOULD GET A BIGGER BUDGET IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, MR ANNING SAID: " WHAT WE SHOULD HAVE TO HAVE IS MORE MONEY TO CATER FOR THAT EXTRA AMOUNT OF MANPOWER OF COURSE, BECAUSE THAT HAS NOT BEEN IN OUR ESTIMATE FOR THIS YEAR.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE RECRUITMENT PROGRAMME FOR THIS PARTICULAR PURPOSE HAD NOT STARTED.
TURNING TO NATURAL WASTAGE OF MANPOWER, THE COMMISSIONER SAID IT VARIED YEAR BY YEAR.
"JUST ABOUT THIS TIME, WE HAVE BROUGHT IN A RETIREMENT AGE OF 55 WHICH WILL AFFECT THE WASTAGE RATE. BUT IN ADDITION TO THAT, THERE IS THE NORMAL EXPANSION O F THE FORCE TO CATER FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
"SO WE WILL HAVE A GOOD NUMBER OF POSTS TO RECRUIT EVERY YEAR, AND CERTAIN A GOOD NUMBER FOR NEXT YEAR TO CATER FOR NORMAL EXPANSION.
/•’SO YOU...........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 8
"SO YOU HAVE THREE ELEMENTS WHICH WILL INVOLVE EXTRA MANPOWER. YOU FIRSTLY HAVE THE WASTAGE REPLACEMENT, THEN YOU HAVE EXTRA NUMBER FOR EXPANSION, AND THEN IF IT IS AGREED WITH FINANCE BRANCH WE’LL HAVE EXTRA NUMBERS TO COMMENCE THE EXTRA RECRUITMENT FOR THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT."
"THE EXTRA NUMBER WOULD EVENTUALLY FIND THEIR WAY INTO AN EXPANSION OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT."
MR ANNING SAID AT THE MOMENT THE FORCE WAS LOOKING AHEAD TO AN EXPANSION OF SOME FOUR OR FIVE COMPANIES.
"BUT WE’LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE HOW THE PLAN WORK OUT," HE ADDED.
"WHEN YOU PLAN FOR A PERIOD OF YEARS SUCH AS THIS, YOU HAVE TO BEAR IN MIND THERE MIGHT BE NEW DEMANDS OF SOME SORT PLACED ON THE FORCE.
"WE NEVER KNOW WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN OVER THE NEXT YEAR, TWO YEARS. THE FORCE MUST ALWAYS BE PREPARED TO RESPOND. THEREFORE IT IS VERY SENSIBLE FOR US TO KEEP PLANS OF THIS SORT FLEXIBLE AND BE PREPARED TO REACT TO SOME FRESH DEVELOPMENTS.”
ASKED IF THE RECRUITMENT OF THE 2000 EXTRA OFFICERS WAS MEANT TO REPLACE THE GARRISON, MR ANNING SAID: "WHEN I TALKED OF THIS NUMBER OF UP TO 2000, OR UNDER 2000, THAT WAS WHAT I WAS REFERRING TO.
"THERE WILL BE NORMAL WASTAGE AND THERE WILL BE NORMAL EXPANSION ON TOP OF THAT NUMBER.
"THE NORMAL WASTAGE AND EXPANSION COULD AMOUNT UP TO SAY 1500 IN A YEAR, OR 1400 IN A YEAR. THAT COULD WELL BE THE NORMAL WITHOUT ANY EXTRA NUMBERS TO CATER FOR THE PHASED AND GRADUAL WITHDRAWAL OF THE GARRISON."
ASKED IF THE POLICE WOULD RECRUIT EQUAL SIZE OF MANPOWER AS THE PRESENT GARRISON, MR ANNING SAID:" CERTAINLY NOT. THERE IS NOT A QUESTION OF AN EQUAL SIZE OF MANPOWER BECAUSE THE BRITISH GARRISON HAS MANY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES WHICH WON’T AFFECT US.
" IT IS NOT A QUESTION OF SAYING WHATEVER THE NUMBER THE BRITISH GARRISON IS NOW THE POLICE FORCE WILL EXPAND BY. IT DOESN’T WORK THAT WAY AT ALL."
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/9........
er<
ft THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 9 -
CMB FRANCHISE EXTENDED, TOUR TRAM SERVICE REGULARISED IK ♦ t t * t
I
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A TWO-YEAR EXTENSION OF THE FRANCHISE OF THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY LIMITED (CMB), WHICH I.S DUE TO EXPIRE ON AUGUST 31, 1989, TO AUGUST 31, 1991. 11 THE DECISION WAS MADE IN THE LIGHT OF PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COMPANY’S OPERATIONS AND SERVICES IN RECENT YEARS AND ITS PRESENT SATISFACTORY PERFORMANCE OVERALL.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED THE TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH PROPOSES TO PROVIDE THAT AUTHORISED FARES FOR THE TRAMWAY SERVICE DO NOT APPLY TO HIRE AND TOUR SERVICES.
ONE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS REQUIRES THE NUMBER OF TOUR CARS TO BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, AND TOUR CARS SHOULD BE CLEARLY DESIGNATED WITH THE FARES BEING CHARGED DISPLAYED CONSPICUOUSLY.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE INTENDED TO REGULARISE THE HIRE AND TOUR SERVICES WHICH HAVE BEEN OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LIMITED.
------0--------
CS SHOWS KEEN INTEREST TN BLD’S USE OF COMPUTERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE WIDE USE OF COMPUTERS BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WAS ONE OF THE MANY FEATURES WHICH ATTRACTED THE ATTENTION OF| THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, DURING HIS VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR FORD SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE PROGRESS OF PLANNING FOR Ttf|: SETTING UP OF THE COMPUTERISED LANI) INFORMATION SYSTEM WHERE VOLUMINOUS TERRITORY-WIDE INFORMATION ON MAPS, LAND BOUNDARIES RECORDS AND LAND USE DATA WOULD EVENTUALLY BE ASSIMILATED.
HE WAS ALSO UPDATED ON THE WIDER EMPLOYMENT OF COMPUTERS IN LAfJD SURVEYING, BASIC MAPPING AND CARTOGRAPHIC WORK.
EARLIER, ON ARRIVAL AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT MURRAY BUILDING, MR FORD WAS MET BY THE DIRECTOR, MR CHAMSON CHAU, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION), MR P. C. LEUNG.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY WAS INVITED TO THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED BY MR CHAU AND OTHER SENIOR STAFF ON THE ORGANISATION AND OVERALL OPERATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
•I
‘I ft
/HE WAS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
10 -
HE WAS THEN ESCORTED TO THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT WHERE HE WAS SHOWN THE PHASED PROGRAMMING OF TOWN PLANNING FUNCTIONS FROM THE INITIAL CONCEPT OF REAL OR IMAGINARY AREAS, THROUGH THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TO FINAL FRUITION IN DEVELOPMENT.
MODELS OF URBAN RENEWAL AND THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT VIS-A-VIS LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WERE ALSO DISPLAYED IN THE DEMONSTRATION OF THE TOWN PLANNING PROCESS.
MR FORD WAS LATER ACCORDED A FULL APPRAISAL ON MATTERS EMANATING FROM THE APPLICATION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND ON ISSUES GOVERNING THE CONTROL OF BUILDINGS, INCLUDING DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS, ENFORCEMENT AND CONTROL OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS AND DANGEROUS SIGNS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
A BRIEFING BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT LAND AGENTS ON THE MULTI-FACET ASPECTS OF LAND ADMINISTRATION FOLLOWED WITH FURTHER ADVICE FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL SOLICITORS ON THE VARIED NATURE OF LEGAL IMPLICATIONS.
MR FORD CONCLUDED HIS VISIT WITH A FINAL DISCUSSION WITH SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
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MORE GRADUATES IN ACCOUNTANCY NEEDED
t » ♦ » »
THE OUTPUT OF ACCOUNTING GRADUATES FROM LOCAL EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS WOULD BE INADEQUATE TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR TRAINED STAFF IN THE FIELD IN 1987 AND 1988, ACCORDING TO A VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SURVEY.
INFORMATION COLLECTED IN SEPTEMBER 1986 REVEALED THAT EMPLOYERS OF FOUR SURVEYED SECTORS - ACCOUNTANCY FIRMS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE AND SERVICES - EXPECTED THEY WOULD NEED ABOUT 760 FRESH GRADUATES WITH ACCOUNTANCY TRAINING IN 1987.
THE COUNCIL'S ACCOUNTANCY TRAINING BOARD WHICH CONDUCTED THE SURVEY, HOWEVER, QUANTIFIED THAT THE CURRENT NUMBER OF FULL-TIME ACCOUNTING GRADUATES COMING OUT OF VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS WOULD BE LESS THAN 700.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE UNDERESTIMATION OF STAFF TURNOVER AND GROWTH RATE BY EMPLOYERS IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY IN 1984, THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE MANPOWER DEMAND FORECAST IN 1986 TOO CONSERVATIVE AND THUS DEDUCED THAT THE CURRENT SUPPLY OF MANPOWER WOULD NOT MEET THE MINIMUM DEMAND FOR NEW RECRUITS FOR THE ACCOUNTANCY SECTOR.
/THE BOARD,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
THE BOARD, THEREFORE, RECOMMENDED THAT TERTIARY EDUCATION AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS PRODUCE MORE GRADUATES IN ACCOUNTANCY.
A CHANGE OF RECRUITMENT PATTERN ALSO REFLECTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN INSUFFICIENT LOCAL TRAINED ACCOUNTING MANAGERS AND SUPERVISORS.
WITHIN A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS BEFORE THE SURVEY, ABOUT 190 PROFESSIONALS HAD BEEN RECRUITED FROM OVERSEAS TO FILL POSTS AT THESE LEVELS.
NEVERTHELESS, AN EXPLANATION GIVEN FOR THE CHANGE WAS THAT THESE OVERSEAS RECRUITS MIGHT WELL BE HONG KONG EMIGRANTS RETURNING FOR RE-EMPLOYMENT HERE.
THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT IN SEPTEMBER 1986, THERE WERE ABOUT 51,000 ACCOUNTING EMPLOYEES IN THE FOUR SURVEYED SECTORS.
EMPLOYERS FORECAST THAT THE NUMBER WOULD INCREASE TO 54,000 IN 1987 AND THEN TO 55,800 IN 1988, A GROWTH OF SIX PER CENT AND THREE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE 1986 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON ACCOUNTANCY, CONTAINING UP-TO-DATE EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS OF THE ACCOUNTING WORKFORCE, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $15.50 A COPY.
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CUSTOMS CRACKDOWN ON FAKE GOODS IMPORT INCREASED
* * * *
THE NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS ARRESTED BY CUSTOMS AT THE AIRPORT FOR IMPORT OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS HAS ALMOST TREBLED SO FAR THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE WARNED THAT TRAVELLERS WHO BRING IN COUNTERFEIT GOODS MAY BE PROSECUTED AND ARE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE OF $500,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR FIVE YEARS.
COMMENTING ON THE MARKED INCREASE IN COUNTERFEIT GOODS IMPORTS BY BOTH TOURISTS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, HE SAID UP TO THE END OF NOVEMBER, 233 INCOMING PASSENGERS HAD BEEN ARRESTED BY AIRPORT CUSTOMS THIS YEAR, WHILE ONLY 85 ARRESTS WERE MADE IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
/"THE VALUE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 12 -
"THE VALUE AND QUANTITY OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS SEIZED HAVE RESPECTIVELY INCREASED FROM $1.51 MILLION TO $5.49 MILLION AND FROM ABOUT 43,000 PIECES TO MORE THAN 174,000 PIECES. MOST OF THE SEIZURES WERE LEATHER GOODS, WEARING APPARELS AND WATCHES.
"IN NOVEMBER ALONE, AIRPORT CUSTOMS ARRESTED A TOTAL OF 33 INCOMING PASSENGERS, INCLUDING 14 LOCAL RESIDENTS, AND SEIZED 1,375 PIECES OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS WITH AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF $71,330.
"ANOTHER $602,300 WORTH OF IMPORTED COUNTERFEIT GOODS, INCLUDING WATCHES, WATCH MOVEMENTS AND PENS, WERE ALSO SEIZED BY CUSTOMS AT THE AIR CARGO TERMINAL DURING THE MONTH. TWO PERSONS WERE ARRESTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SEIZURES."
STUDENT READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS » ♦ * *
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR SO FAI-CHO, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON ALL SECONDARY 1 TO 3 STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE STUDENT READING AWARD SCHEME TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR SO SAID THE AWARD SCHEME AIMED TO DEVELOP READING HABITS, PROMOTE THE USE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES AND IMPROVE LANGUAGE SKILLS.
THE SCHEME WAS ORGANISED BY THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB.
STUDENTS JOINING THE SCHEME SHOULD READ NO LESS THAN 10 LIBRARY BOOKS INCLUDING AT LEAST THREE ENGLISH AND THREE CHINESE BOOKS BETWEEN JANUARY AND APRIL 1988 AND COMPLETE A BOOK RECORD AFTER READING EACH BOOK BEFORE WRITING AN ESSAY TYPE REPORT ON ONE OF THE BOOKS EITHER IN ENGLISH OR CHINESE NOT EXCEEDING 600 WORDS.
BOOK COUPONS RANGING FROM $1,000 TO $3,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WRITERS OF THE FIRST THREE OUTSTANDING BOOK REPORTS OF BOTH LANGUAGES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS. THE SIX TOP STUDENTS WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED WITH TROPHIES.
OTHER PRIZES WILL INCLUDE BOOK COUPONS OF $400 EACH AND CERTIFICATES OF MERIT FOR 10 HIGHLY COMMENDED ENTRIES. CERTIFICATES OF MERIT WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO ENTRANTS WHOSE BOOK REPORTS ARE OF GOOD QUALITY.
STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES TO THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE MAY 16 NEXT YEAR. ALL ENTRIES WILL BE ASSESSED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES AND AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED IN JUNE OR JULY.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 1J -
SEASONAL ILLUMINATIONS LIGHT UP DISTRICT FESTIVAL ♦ * » » »
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL, A SECTION OF NATHAN ROAD IN THE DISTRICT BEGAN TO GLITTER WHEN THOUSANDS OF LIGHT BULBS WERE TURNED ON TONIGHT (THURSDAY) BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR T.H. CHAU.
THIS WAS THE FIRST-EVER LIGHTING DISPLAY PUT UP IN MONG KOK TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCHING OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.
SPEAKING AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD, MR CHAU COMMENDED THE DISTRICT BOARD, LOCAL BODIES, COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT TO DISTRICT ACTIVITIES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MAIN PURPOSES FOR INTRODUCING THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WAS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO LEARN ABOUT AND PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HOPED THAT THROUGH DIFFERENT KINDS OF ACTIVITIES, RESIDENTS WOULD DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
’’THE THEME OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL, ’HOME IN MONG KOK’, FALLS IN LINE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF DEVELOPING CLOSER RELATIONSHIP AND A HARMONIOUS COMMUNITY IN THE DISTRICT,” HE SAID.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, COMMERCIAL CONCERNS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, THE SIX-WEEK MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL LAST UNTIL JANUARY 17.
A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN LINED UP TO PROVIDE FREE ENTERTAINMENT AND RECREATION FOR RESIDENTS DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
A LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION ON FISHES, BIRDS AND FLORAL PLANTS, WHICH ARE THE WELL-KNOWN TRADES OF THE DISTRICT, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (DECEMBER 12 AND 13) IN THE GARDENS OF THE BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL.
A TRADE FAIR WILL BE HELD AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND FROM DECEMBER 20 TO 26 TO DISPLAY GOODS AND SERVICES, AND TO DEMONSTRATE THE SKILLS OF VARIOUS TRADES.
ALSO, SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS WILL BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS IN A MARATHON RACE AND A TELEMATCH TO BE HELD ON NEXT SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) IN MONG KOK STADIUM.
IN ADDITION, CONSUMERS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY DISCOUNTS AND RECEIVE FREE GIFTS WHEN THEY PURCHASE IN SHOPS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND RESTAURANTS THAT HAVE JOINED A PRICE CONCESSION SCHEME TO COINCIDE WITH THE FESTIVAL.
/THE FESTIVAL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1?87
THE FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE WITH A CONCERT FEATURING POPULAR SINGERS AND TELEVISION ARTISTES ON JANUARY 17 AT MONG KOK STADIUM.
TO ENCOURAGE GREATER PARTICIPATION FROM THE PUBLIC, A PUBLICITY VAN WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO DISTRIBUTE PROGRAMME LEAFLETS TO RESIDENTS.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG; THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE PRESIDENT, MR HO KWONG-HUNG AND HONORARY ADVISOR, MR KONG WING-ON.
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MORE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHAM SHUI PO t * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD ONE MORE MULTI-SERVICES CENTRE AND ANOTHER SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN SHAM SHUI PO IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS TO MEET THE DEMANDS OF THE ELDERLY POPULATION THERE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SIK SIK YUEN HO CHAK SOCIAL CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY AT CHAK ON ESTATE IN SHAM SHUI PO, MR CHUI NOTED THAT THERE WERE ALREADY ONE MULTI-SERVICES CENTRE, EIGHT SOCIAL CENTRES, THREE SOCIAL CLUBS, THREE HOMES AND HOSTELS AND ONE DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, ONE HOME FOR THE AGED BLIND AND ONE TEMPORARY SHELTER FOR ELDERLY WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT.
MR CHUI SAID THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE, WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE PROGRESS OF THE COMMUNITY, DESERVED OUR CARE AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN WORKING CLOSELY WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY SERVICES FOR THEM WITHIN THE LIMITED RESOURCES.
’’NEVERTHELESS, CARE FOR THE ELDERLY THROUGH JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE COMMUNITY AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES INADEQUATE AND IT CALLS FOR THE CHILDREN TO SHOULDER THEIR RESPONSIBILITY AND CARE FOR AND RESPECT THEIR PARENTS,” HE SAID.
’’THUS, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION TOGETHER WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN PAST YEARS TO PROMPT FAMILY MEMBERS TO TAKE UP THEIR RESPONSIBILITY OF CARING FOR THE ELDERLY,” HE ADDED.
MR CHUI STRESSED THAT THE CO-OPERATION OF RESIDENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, SUCH AS THE OPERATION OF THE HO CHAK SOCIAL CLUB FOR THE ELDERLY BY SIK SIK YUEN, WAS ALSO NECESSARY IN HELPING THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE ITS SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
HE COMMENDED SIK SIK YUEN FOR ITS WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES IN THE MEDICAL, EDUCATIONAL AND WELFARE FIELDS, ESPECIALLY IN SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
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/15
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
RAIDAS SINGS NEW ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME SONG
* * * *
POPULAR LOCAL GROUP, RAIDAS, HAS PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT IN DISSEMINATING THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE THROUGH THEIR LATEST CANTONESE SONG "A DANGEROUS GAME" RECORDED IN THE NEWLY RELEASED ALBUM UNDER THE SAME TITLE.
CHOSEN AS THE 1987/88 ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME SONG, IT ATTEMPTS TO DESCRIBE THE DANGERS IN ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES WHICH CAN BE AS LETHAL AS HEROIN.
THE MESSAGE OF THE SONG IS TO ASK YOUNG PEOPLE TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS.
"THE LYRICS CLEARLY STATED THAT ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS IS A DANGEROUS GAME," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID.
"PEOPLE THEREFORE SHOULD NOT TRY DRUGS IN ANY FORM, NOT EVEN ONCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF SANCITY RECORDS LIMITED AND RECORDED IN RAIDAS’S LATEST ALBUM, "A DANGEROUS GAME" IS COMPOSED BY MR KENNETH WONG WITH LYRICS WRITTEN BY MR LIN XI.
COMPRISING MR KENNETH WONG AND MR THOMAS CHAN, RAIDAS WAS ASKED TO SING THE THEME SONG BECAUSE OF THEIR APPEAL TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
THEIR SINGING CAREER STARTED AFTER THEY SNATCHED THE FIRST RUNNER-UP TITLE IN THE 1986 ABU POPULAR SINGING CONTEST.
THE SONG HAS ALSO BEEN CHOSEN AS THE THEME SONG FOR THE ANTI-NARCOTICS STAGE PLAY "A DANGEROUS GAME" PERFORMED BY THE CHUNG YING THEATRE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS.
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EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GETS LOGO
» » * * »
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ADOPTED A LOGO FOR USE IN ITS DEPARTMENTAL LETTERHEADS, ENVELOPES AND INVITATION CARDS AS WELL AS IN NAME PLATES OF OFFICES, SCHOOLS, INSTITUTIONS AND SERVICE CENTRES OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE LOGO, IN LIGHT GREEN COLOUR, HAS A COMBINED DESIGN OF A BOOK AND A LEAF REPRESENTING LEARNING AND THE TREE OF KNOWLEDGE. IT WAS DESIGNED BY THE CREATIVE SUB-DIVISION OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
O -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
16
’KITE-FLYING JOY’ PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN RESIDENTS * * * * *
RESIDENTS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A "KITE-FLYING JOY" PROGRAMME JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MID-LEVELS (WESTERN) AREA COMMITTEE.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE THE FUN OF DESIGNING AND MAKING THEIR OWN KITES.
CLASSES WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (DECEMBER 14 AND 15) EVENING IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN SAI YING PUN. INSTRUCTORS FROM THE HONG KONG KITE-FLYING ASSOCIATION WILL TEACH THE BASIC TECHNIQUES AND MATERIAL WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE.
TO ENCOURAGE MORE RESIDENTS TO TAKE UP KITE-FLYING AS RECREATION, A KITE-FLYING FUN DAY AND A COMPETITION WILL BE HELD NEXT SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM AT THE PINEWOOD PICNIC AREA.
YOUTHS UNDER THE AGE OF 15 SHOULD JOIN THE JUNIOR SECTION AND THOSE ABOVE 15 THE OPEN SECTION.
ENROLMENT FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; ITS SUB-OFFICES IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND KENNEDY TOWN; AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523499 OR 5-8523486.
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DB COMMITTEE MEETS TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATION
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR FUND FOR HOLDING THE 10TH YUEN LONG DISTRICT DANCING COMPETITION AND WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE CONCERT IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT ON DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORED RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG. THE MEETING WILL START AT 3 PM.
0 -
/17
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9. 198?
- 17 -
HE SAID THAT AS IN THE PREVIOUS TEST RUN, ALTHOUGH THE BILL WAS DRAFTED AND GAZETTED IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE AND THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BILINGUAL LEGISLATION AD HOC GROUP HAD SCRUTINISED BOTH VERSIONS OF THE BILL, ONLY THE ENGLISH TEXT WAS TO BE PASSED INTO LAW AT THE MEETING.
HOWEVER, AFTER A FEW MORE TEST RUNS AND WHEN MORE EXPERIENCE IN BILINGUAL LEGISLATION WAS GAINED, IT WAS HOPED THAT A BILL IN BILINGUAL FORM COULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
COMMENTING ON THE LINGUISTIC ASPECTS OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL, MR WONG SAID THAT THE CHINESE TEXT WAS A GREAT IMPROVEMENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL, AS THE VOCABULARY, USE OF TECHNICAL EXPRESSIONS AND SENTENCE STRUCTURE WERE MORE IN CONFORMITY WITH THE DAILY CHINESE USAGE.
MR WONG THANKED ALL CONCERNED FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTION, ADDING THAT THE CHINESE TEXT OF THIS BILL WOULD SHORTLY BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.
STRESSING THAT LEGAL BILINGUALISM WAS NEW BUT WAS VERY IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MR WONG URGED THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TO PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON ATTRACTING AND KEEPING SUITABLY QUALIFIED STAFF IN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE JUDICIARY TO CARRY OUT NECESSARY RELATED PROJECTS.
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RHKJC TO RECEIVE FIXED PERCENTAGE RATE FOR LOTTERY OPERATIONS » » t
UNDER THE PROPOSED BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, A FIXED 7.5 PER CENT OF THE PROCEEDS AFTER EACH LOTTERY WOULD BE PAYABLE TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO COVER ITS OPERATING EXPENSES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIXED PERCENTAGE RATES, IF APPROVED, SHOULD HAVE RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1986, AND THE LOTTERIES BOARD HAD ESTIMATED THAT THE LOTTERIES FUND WOULD BENEFIT FROM AN ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF $27 MILLION IN RESPECT OF THE CLUB’S 1986/87 FINANCIAL YEAR, HE ADDED.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR FORD SAID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING BETTING DUTY ORDINANCE, THE HONG KONG LOTTERIES BOARD MIGHT USE THE FACILITIES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FOR CONDUCTING PERMITTED LOTTERIES AND REIMBURSE THE CLUB FOR THE ACTUAL OPERATING COSTS.
/AT PRESENT,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 18 -
COOKING CONTEST FOR THE ELDERLY * * *
THIRTEEN ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR COOKING SKILL IN A CHINESE FOOD COOKING CONTEST ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 12) AT THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB, SHING TAK STREET, TO KWA WAN.
THE EVENT, HELD FOR THE THIRD YEAR, 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, KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
APART FROM GIVING ELDERLY PEOPLE A CHANCE TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN COOKING, THE CONTEST IS ALSO AIMED AT IMPROVING COOPERATION AND COMMUNICATION AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.
EACH PARTICIPANT, ACCOMPANIED BY AN ASSISTANT, WILL BE REQUIRED TO COOK A POPULAR CHINESE DISH WITHIN 25 MINUTES AT A COST OF NOT MORE THAN $40.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE JUDGED BY THEIR COOKING SKILL, RECIPE DESIGN, THE TASTE OF THE FOOD, TIDINESS AND TEAM WORK.
GIFT COUPONS RANGING FROM $700 TO $250 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNING TEAMS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE PRESENTED TO FIVE OTHER OUTSTANDING TEAMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COOKING CONTEST TO BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 12) AT THE KOWLOON WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB AT 42 SHING TAK STREET, TO KWA WAN.
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CAS RECRUITS IN PASSING OUT PARADE *****
MORE THAN 140 MEN AND WOMEN RECRUITED BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND IN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 7.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 12).
THE RECRUITS HAVE COMPLETED A FULL BASIC TRAINING IN FOOTDRILL, DISCIPLINE, FIRST AID, LIGHT RESCUE, FOREST FIRE-FIGHTING, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND TYPHOON DUTIES.
/THEY HAVE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 19 -
THEY HAVE SATISFIED EXAMINERS OF THEIR WILLINGNESS TO PERFORM DUTY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND WILL BE POSTED TO VARIOUS CAS UNITS IN THE TERRITORY TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR JOHN TODD, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE AND PRESENT SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THE MOST OUTSTANDING RECRUITS.
MR TODD WILL ALSO PRESENT CIVIL DEFENCE LONG-SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS TO CAS MEMBERS AND THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATIONS TO SEVEN CAS VOLUNTEER OFFICERS FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON GUIDANCE * » » » *
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS WILL HOLD ITS THIRD CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON GUIDANCE TOMORROW AND SATURDAY (DECEMBER 11 AND 12) AT THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE THEME OF THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE WILL BE "USING TESTS IN GUIDANCE: PRINCIPLES AND APPROACHES".
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. THE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY AND EDUCATION AT THE TEACHERS COLLEGE, COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER.
THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON GUIDANCE IS AN ANNUAL FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS TO PROMOTE GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP WILL INTRODUCE TO PARTICIPANTS THE PRINCIPLES AND APPROACHES OF USING TESTS IN GUIDANCE AND THE METHOD OF INTERPRETING AND COMMUNICATING TEST RESULTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON GUIDANCE AT MARINA ROOMS, SECOND FLOOR, THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL, CAUSEWAY BAY, AT 9.15 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1987
- 20
SPEEDPOST TO ISRAEL EXTENDED ♦ * »
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ISRAEL WHICH IS PRESENTLY AVAILABLE TO THREE CITIES WILL BE EXTENDED TO 17 MORE CITIES WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE 20 CITIES IN ISRAEL TO WHICH SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL THEN BE AVAILABLE ARE: AFULA, AKKO, ASHDOD, ASHQELON, BEER SHEVA, BENE BERAQ, HADERA, HAIFA, HERZLIYYA, JERUSALEM, NAHARIYYA, NETANYA, PETAH-TIQWA, QIRYAT MOTZKIN, RAMAT GAN, RAMAT HASHARON, REHOVOT, RISHON/LEZIYYON, TEL AVIV-YAFO AND TIBERIAS.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE FROM THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS IN CAUSEWAY BAY, NORTH POINT * » ♦ ♦ ♦
TWO URBAN CLEARWAYS WILL BE DESIGNATED IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 12).
THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF YEE WO STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH JARDINE’S BAZAAR TO A POINT ABOUT 53 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
MEANWHILE, A SIX-METRE SECTION ON TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD IN NORTH POINT EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN CHIU STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
CONTBITS PAGE NO.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL PUBLISHED ................ 1
GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT...... 5
OCTOBER'S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS ..................... 4
NORMAL POSTAL SERVICE MAINTAINED ........................ 10
TEMPORARY ORDER EXEMPTS AIRPORT NOISE ................... 11
WARNING AGAINST HELPING Il'S ............................ 11
COMMISSIONER OF BANKING EXPLAINS EMPLOYMENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISERS................................................... 13
SECURITIES AMENDMENT NOTICE 1987 GAZETTED ............... 14
PRISONERS REGULATIONS GAZETTED .......................... 14
CANCER STILL NO. 1 KILLER ............................... 15
CHANGES TO TEXTILE CATEGORY SYSTEM ANNOUNCED ............ 16
KWUN TONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN PUBLISHED ................. 17
BETTER SERVICE TO WATER CONSUMERS ....................... 19
21 RECEIVE DIRECTOR OF MaRINE COMMENDATIONS ............. 20
RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CAREERS aND GUIDANCE MASTERS PluiNNED ... 21
AWARD TO PROMOTE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION ................... 22
FARES ON TWO KMB ROUTES ADJUSTED ........................ 2J
TRAFFIC OFFENCE CONVICTION RECORD CERTIFICATE FEE REVISED .. 25
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD aBUSE OPENS....... 24
SUPERST.tR TO ATTEND CYC MaSS RALLY...................... 25
TELEMATCH TO SPREAD ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.................. 26
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION AT LOK FU .................... 26
TWO-DAY BOOK FaIR IN YAU Ma TEI ......................... 27
HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION MOVES TO FANLING.................. 27
ELEVEN RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS.......... 28
EXHIBITION OF FLOWER, BIRD AND FISH ..................... 29
DTC LICENCE REVOKED ..................................... 29
TV PROGRAMME TO DISCUSS HK DOLLAR LINKAGE................ 50
LANTaU TaXI F/iRBS TO GO UP ON MCNDaY ................... 50
TEMPORARY ROaD CLOSURE IN KWAI CHUNG..................... 5*
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL PUBLISHED *****
THE COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1987, WHICH SET:-. i i \ NEW PROCEDURE FOR THE TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, WAS iUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PROPOSALS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE BILL MAY WRITE TO THE ’’LEGCO AD HOC GROUP TO RECEIVE PUBLIC CO IMENTS ON THE DRAFT COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL”, OMELCO, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, 8 JACKSON ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL LAST SIX WEEKS UNTIL JANUARY 21, 1988.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL WAS BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S ’’SELECT COMMITTEE ON PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES” UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE HON PETER C. WONG.
”1T SEEKS TO IMPLEMENT THOSE SELECT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO IMPROVE THE MANNER IN WHICH TRIALS OF SUCH CRIMES ARE CONDUCTED.
“THE LENGTH AND COMPLEXITY OF SOME COMMERCIAL CRIME CASES AND THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN THEIR TRIAL ARE A MATTER OF CONCERN AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE INITIATIVES IN THE BILL WILL LEAD TO A SAVING IM THE TIME AND EXPENSE OF COMMITTALS, AND TO A BETTER UNDERSTAND! G Or THE ISSUES BY THE JURY,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAJOR AREA FOR REFORM RECOMMENDED BY THE SELECT COMMITTFl WAS THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY PREPARATORY HEARINGS.
"THE TRIAL WILL COMMENCE WITH THE PREPARATORY HEARING BUT IT WILL TAKE PLACE BEFORE THE .JURY IS EMPANELLED SO THAT WHEN Till CASE ACTUALLY GOES BEFORE THE JURY, THE PARTIES WILL BE MORE AWARE OF WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT.
"THE PRESENTATION OF THE CASE BEFORE THE JURY SHOULD THEREFORE:
BE SHORTER,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL PROPOSES THAT XT THE PREPARATORY HEAR I WILL ORDER THE PROSECUTION TO SERVE ITS CASE STATI-MI T DOCUMENTS .
THE JUDGE
AND OTHER
THE ACCUSED WILL THEN OBJECTIONS.
HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LODGE HIS
WHEN ALL THE OBJECTIONS HAVE BEEN DETERMINED, THE JUDIN ’■ ILL ORDER THE ACCUSED TO SERVE A WRITTEN OUTLINE OF HIS DEFENCE.
/ANY ADMISSIONS .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 198?
- 2 -
ANY ADMISSIONS MADE OR AGREEMENTS REACHED AS TO FACT.-. WILL BE ADMISSIBLE AFTER THE JURY IS EMPANELLED.
THE PURPOSES OF THE PREPARATORY HEARING ARE TO IDENTIFY ISSUES MATERIAL TO THE VERDICT OF THE JURY; TO AID THE JURY’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE CASE; TO EXPEDITE THE PROCEEDINGS AND TO ASSIST THE JUDGE’S MANAGEMENT OF THE PROCEEDINGS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THIS PROCEDURE, ENCOURAGED BY THE JUDGE THROUGH THE EXERCISE OF HIS POWERS UNDER THE BILL, WILL LEAD TO MORE AGREEMENT ON FACTS AND TO A DISTILLATION OF THE ISSUES BEFORE THE CASE IS PRESENTED TO THE JURY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES THAT BEFORE THESE PROCEDURES CAN OPERATE, A DECISION WILL NEED TO BE MADE THAT THE CASE INVOLVES A COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME.
CLAUSES 3-5 OF THE BILL AND THE SCHEDULE SET OUT HOW THAT DECISION SHOULD BE MADE.
THE SCHEDULE LISTS OFFENCES WHICH MIGHT FALL WITHIN THE AMBIT OF A COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME. THE BILL GIVES THE ATTORNEY GENERAL THE DISCRETION TO DECIDE, HAVING REGARD TO THE CRITERIA INDICATED IN CLAUSE 4, WHETHER THE EVIDENCE OF THE COMMISSION OF AN OFFENCE LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE IS SUFFICIENT FOR THE ACCUSED TO BE COMMITTED FOR TRIAL, AND REVEALS A CASE OF SUCH SERIOUSNESS AND COMPLEXITY THAT IT IS APPROPRIATE FOR THE NEW PROCEDURES TO APPLY.
IF HE DECIDES THAT THE NEW PROCEDURES ARE APPROPRIATE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WILL APPLY TO THE MAGISTRATE FOR AN ORDER OF TRANSFER OF THE CASE TO THE HIGH COURT.
THE EFFECT OF THAT APPLICATION WILL BE TO REMOVE OPPORTUNITY FOR COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS IN THIS TYPE OF CASE. (COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS ARE THE PRELIMINARY APPEARANCES BEFORE MAGISTRATE TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE FOR THE ACCUSED TO BE ORDERED OR "COMMITTED" TO STAND TRIAL ON AN INDICTMENT IN THE HIGH COURT BEFORE A JUDGE AND JURY.)
ALTHOUGH THE ACCUSED WILL LOSE THE RIGHT TO A COMMITTAL, THE BILL PROVIDES AN ALTERNATIVE SAFEGUARD. DURING THE PREPARATORY HEARING THE ACCUSED WILL HAVE THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE JUDGE FOR HIS DISCHARGE ON THE GROUNDS THAT THE EVIDENCE DISCLOSED BY THE PROSECUTION IS INSUFFICIENT TO ESTABLISH A PRIMA FACIE CASE AGAINST HIM.
UNDER CLAUSE 19 EVIDENCE MAY BE GIVEN ON SUCH AN APPLICATION WITH LEAVE OF THE JUDGE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THEREFORE WHILE RIGHT TO A COMMITTAL HEARING WILL BE LOST 1 HE ACCUSED WILL STILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DISCHARGE ON THE BASIS OF INSUFFICIENCY OF EVIDENCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
CLAUSE 18 IMPOSES RESTRICTIONS ON PRESS REPORTING OF THE PREPARATORY HEARING. THEY ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE WHICH CURRENTLY APPLY TO COMMITTAL PROCEEDINGS.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 5 -GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT *****
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPLEMENT THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT WHICH IS TO LINK NORTH-EAST KOWLOON WITH SHA TIN.
THE WORKS WILL COMPRISE A 3.9 KILOMETRE-LONG TWIN TUBE TUNNEL, WITH TWO LANES IN EACH DIRECTION, RUNNING UNDER TATE’S CAIRN BETWEEN DIAMOND HILL IN KOWLOON AND SIU LEK YUEN IN SHA TIN.
IN KOWLOON, THE MAIN APPROACH ROAD WILL CONNECT THE TUNNEL TO THE KWUN TONG BYPASS AND SLIP ROADS WILL LEAD TO AND FROM LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST.
IN SHA TIN, THE MAIN APPROACH ROAD WILL CONNECT THE TUNNEL TO THE T5 TRUNK ROAD AND AN INTERCHANGE WILL ALLOW LOCAL TRAFFIC IN SHA TIN TO GAIN ACCESS TO AND FROM THE TUNNEL. THE T5 TRUNK ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS TO TO SHEK TO CONNECT WITH SHA TIN ROAD NEAR THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL.
THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND ADMINISTRATION BUILDINGS AND A BUS INTERCHANGE WILL BE LOCATED AT THE SHA TIN PORTAL OF THE TUNNEL.
PART OF THE PROJECT, INCLUDING THE TUNNEL, IS TO BE FINANCED AND OPERATED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR. CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MID-1988 AND BE COMPLETED BY 1992.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORK WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLANS AND SCHEME CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFF1CE/KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON AND THE CHOI WAN BRANCH OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, CHEUNG BOR HOUSE, CHOI WAN ESTATE, KOWLOON; THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, 6TH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES; THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAU STREET, 3RD AND 4TH FLOORS, KOWLOON DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2ND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE FEBRUARY 9, 1988.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
OCTOBER’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS
*****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN OCTOBER 1987, AT $69,984 MILLION, GREW BY 26 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986 ACCORDING TO TRADE VALUE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 18 PER CENT TO $18,188 MILLION IN OCTOBER 1987 WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 39 PER CENT TO $17,082 MILLION, BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN OCTOBER 1987 TO $35,270 MILLION, WHICH WAS 28 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER 1986. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 24 PER CENT TO $34,714 MILLION IN OCTOBER 1987.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN OCTOBER 1986 AND OCTOBER 1987. SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE (+40 PER CENT), JAPAN (+40 PER CENT), CHINA (+31 PER CENT), FRANCE (+30 PER CENT) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+26 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM SINGAPORE (+53 PER CENT), CHINA (+34 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+29 PER CENT), ITALY (+24 PER CENT) AND THE UNITED KINGDOM (+24 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, AUSTRALIA, TAIWAN, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND THE U.S. INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 90 PER CENT, 77 PER CENT, 63 PER CENT, 42 PER CENT AND 34 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1987 AT $610,345 MILLION, INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 29 PER CENT TO $159,328 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT TO $146,158 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT TO $305,485 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 37 PER CENT TO $304,860 MILLION.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS.
THE MARKETS WITH THE FASTEST GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED JAPAN (+62 PER CENT), CHINA (+58 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+48 PER CENT), FRANCE (+44 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+39 PER CENT).
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, THE U.S., GREW BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
/IMPORTS IN
FRIDAY, DECIFIBER 11, 1987
- 5 -i
IMPORTS IN JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1987 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+54 PER CENT), CHINA (+46 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+42 PER CENT), ITALY (+40 PER CENT) AND THE U.S. (+34 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 105 PER CENT, 79 PER CENT, 62 PER CENT, 62 PER CENT AND 56 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ALL TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON. A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN OCTOBER 1987 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JANUARY 1988.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS. THE MORE NOTABLE ONES INCLUDED CLOTHING (BY $12,008 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $4,413 MILLION OR 52 PF.R CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $4,162 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,995 MILLION OR 33 PER (ENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN VEGETABLES AND |'IT (BY $67 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OIIII'.R THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $24 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $13,077 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $9,256 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $6,475 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (BY $5,585 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $109 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT); AS WELL AS CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (BY $59 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS \RE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
/COMPARING JANUARY....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 198?
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 198 7 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED I- R TEXTILES (BY $7,223 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $6,314 MILLION OR 76 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (RY $4,961 MILLION OR 65 PER CENT) AND CLOTHING (BY $4,487 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER 'IL ROAD VEHICLES (BY $322 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT); AS WELL AS OFFER, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $235 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE AVAILABLE IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE OCTOBER 1987 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY" WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND DECEMBER 20, 1987, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT 5.5 PER COPY. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN OCTOBER 1987 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JANUARY 1988 AT $15 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 5-8234915).
TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
)R MARKET JAN-OCT JAN-OCT 87 OCT OCT R7
1987 OVER 1987 OVER
JAN-OCT 86 OCT 86
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
U.S.A. 60,830 + 16 7 , 122 + 9
CHINA 22,311 + 58 2,530 + 31
F.R. OF GERMANY 11,956 + 39 1 , 167 + 21
U.K. 10,204 + 28 1,203 + 26
JAPAN 7,818 + 62 977 + 40
CANADA 4,637 + 14 507 + 20
NETHERLANDS 3,167 + 48 291 + 24
SINGAPORE 3,079 + 36 361 + 40
FRANCE 3,005 + 44 342 + 30
AUSTRALIA 2,968 + 9 342 + 12
/TABLE 2: ......
FRIDAY, DECOIBER 11, 1987
TABLE 2:
DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY JAN-OCT JAN-OCT 87 OCT OCT 87
DIVISION 1987 OVER 1987 OVER
JAN-OCT 86 OCT 86
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 53,651 + 29 6, 035 + 26
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 25,095 + 20 2 ,869 + 3
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 12,950 + 52 1 ,4 70 + 29
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 12,561 + 19 1 ,592 + 18
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 12,161 + 33 1 ,407 + 5
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 11,901 + 32 1,341 + 19
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-OCT 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 87 OVER JAN-OCT 86 (%) OCT 1987 (HKD MN.) OCT 8 7 OVER OCT 86 (%)
CHINA 94,422 + 46 1 1 ,022 + 34
JAPAN 58,517 + 27 6,527 + 15
TAIWAN 26,953 + 42 2,952 + 19
U.S.A. 25,878 ♦ 34 2,917 ♦ 4
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 13,404 + 54 1 , 467 + 29
/SINGAPORE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 8 -
SINGAPORE 1 1,632 + 32 1,395 + 53
U.K. 9,448 + 24 1,077 + 24
F.R. OF GERMANY 8,173 + 25 929 + 21
SWITZERLAND 5,839 + 31 730 + 22
ITALY TABLE 4: 5,049 IMPORTS BY MAJOR + 40 COMMODITY DIVISION 557 + 24
COMMODITY JAN-OCT JAN-OCT 87 OCT OCT 87
DIVISION 1987 (HKD MN.) OVER JAN-OCT 86 (%) 1987 (HKD MN.) OVER OCT 86 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND
RELATED PRODUCTS 47,182 <■ 38 5,226 + 30
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 28,206 + 49 3, 186 + 37
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 21,475 + 35 2,358 + 13
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODIfC 1 NG APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 17,448 + 59 2 , 100 + 3 2
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 17,249 + 46 2,146 + 34
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS i 16,662 + 25 1,979 + 1 R
/TABLE 5: .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 9 -
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-OCT 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 87 OVER OCT 1987 (HKD MN.) OCT 87 OVER OCT 86 (%)
JAN-OCT (%) 86
CHINA 47,318 + 47 5,536 + 31
U.S.A. 27,012 + 50 3,020 + 34
TAIWAN 7,784 + 62 935 + 63
JAPAN 7,397 + 43 1,021 + 31
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 7,317 + 56 767 + 42
SINGAPORE 5,197 + 20 583 + 30
F.R. OF GERMANY 4,317 + 105 545 + 90
U.K. 3,508 + 79 387 + 32
MACAU 2,720 + 28 269 + 13
AUSTRALIA 2,291 + 62 294 + 77
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-OCT 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 87 OVER JAN-OCT 86 (%) OCT 1987 (HKD MN. OCT 87 OVER OCT 86 ) (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 23,056 + 46 2,4 69 + 23
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 15,315 + 4 1 1 , 465 + 9
/miscellaneous manufactured
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
— 10 - •
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 14,601 + 76 1,985 + 77
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 12,623 + 65 1,565 + 67
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 9,434 + 83 1,234 + 52
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 6,639 + 4 4 767 + 36
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NORMAL POSTAL SERVICE MAINTAINED * ♦ * *
ALL POSTAL SERVICES HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED NORMALLY TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID.
’’STAFF MEMBERS ARE WORKING HARD AND ALL MAIL IS BEING HANDLED EXPEDITIOUSLY," HE SAID.
"THE POST OFFICE IS PLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE HONG KONG POSTAL WORKERS UNION WILL NOT BE TAKING PART IN ANY INDUSTRIAL ACTION,’’ HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE POST OFFICE WOULD CONDUCT REVIEWS OF THE POSTMEN AND VARIOUS POSTAL OFFICER RANKS.
THE REVIEWS FOLLOWED MEETINGS BETWEEN UNION REPRESENTATIVES AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HAIDER BARMA, AND THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR HUGH ARDLEY, TO DISCUSS MATTERS CONCERNING THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR POSTMEN AND POSTAL OFFICERS.
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/11
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
11
TEMPORARY ORDER EXEMPTS AIRPORT NOISE ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE A TEMPORARY ORDER AS AN INTERIM MEASURE TO REGULARISE THE SITUATION REGARDING NOISE FROM AIRCRAFT M\! ’.TENANCE, CARGO HANDLING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AT NIGHT AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE (EXEMPTION FROM SECTION 13) (NO.2) ORDER, GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) TEMPORARILY EXEMPTS THESE ACTIVITIES FROM THE PROVISIONS OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, SUBJECT TO A NUMBER OF RESTRICTIONS ON THE CARRYING OUT OF NOISY ACTIVITIES. THE ORDER WILL EXPIRE ON OCTOBER 31, 1988.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT A COMPREHENSIVE CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS UNDERWAY TO EXAMINE IN DETAIL THE PROBLEM OF NOISE FROM GROUND BASED ACTIVITIES AT THE AIRPORT AND TO RECOMMEND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE CONSULTANCY DEMONSTRATED GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO FINDING A VIABLE, LONG-TERM WAY MINIMISE THE DISTURBANCE CAUSED TO NEARBY RESIDENTS.
THE
TO
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WARNING AGAINST ♦ ♦ ♦
HELPING Il’S ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, TODAY (FRIDAY) El) \ STERN WARNING TO THOSE INVOLVED IN AIDING AND ABETTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
HE REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THEY SHOULD REFRAIN FROM PROVIDING ANY HELP TO THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, EVEN IF THEY WERE RELATIVES OR FRIENDS.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR AIDING AND ABETTING CASES HAD BEEN SET AT A HIGH LEVEL.
UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, ANYONE WHO ASSISTS AN UNAUTHORISED ENTRANT TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT, TO A FINE OF $200,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR 10 YEARS; AND, ON SUMMARY CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $100,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE YEARS.
/••SNAKEHEADS WHO.........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
12
"SNAKEHEADS WHO ARE ACTUALLY INVOLVED IN THE ACT OF SMUGGLING TN OF HUMAN BEINGS DESERVE THE MOST SEVERE PUNISHMENT, FOR THEY ARE KNOWINGLY BREAKING THE LAW AND IN SO DOING OFTEN PLACING THE LIVES OF OTHERS AT RISK. PEOPLE WHO ARRANGE FOR Il'S TO BE BROUGHT TN SO THAT THEY CAN BE EXPLOITED AS "CHEAP LABOUR" ARE EQUALLY GUILTY. THEY TOO SHOULD BE SEVERELY PUNISHED.
"FRIENDS OF RELATIVES WHO KNOWINGLY PROVIDE AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WITH SHELTER FALL INTO THE SAME CATEGORY AS THOSE CRIMINALS AND OPPORTUNISTS WHO HELP ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOR GAIN TO COME OR STAY IN THE TERRITORY. THEY TOO ARE LIABLE TO SERIOUS PENALTIES UPON CONVICTION," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
TO AVOID THE RISK OF ATTRACTING THESE PENALTIES, MR JEAFFRESON STRONGLY ADVISED THE PUBLIC THAT IF THEY HAD AN II RELATIVE SEEKING HELP FROM THEM, THEY SHOULD EXPLAIN TO HIM THE CONSEQUENCE OF PUTTING HIM UP, EVEN FOR A DAY OR TWO, AND THEN TAKE HIM TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR TELEPHONE THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT 5-8933744.
THEY MAY ALSO WISH TO IMPRESS UPON HIM THAT HE IS NOT LIKELY TO BE ABLE TO HIDE FOR LONG OR WORK TO MAINTAIN HIMSELF AS HE WILL NOT HAVE AN IDENTITY CARD.
"POLICE, IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND LABOUR DEPARTMENT REGULARLY MOUNT SEPARATE AND JOINT OPERATIONS TO FLUSH OUT Il’S AND ANYONE WHO EMPLOYS AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT OF AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS NOT LEGALLY EMPLOYABLE COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT," MR JEAFFRESON STRESSED.
HE REITERATED THAT THERE WAS A LEGAL MEANS FOR PEOPLE FROM HINA TO COME TO HONG MONG FOR SETTLEMENT. THERE WERE ALSO PERFECTLY LEGAL MEANS FOR THEM TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR VISITS.
"LAST YEAR, IN ADDITION TO THE 27,036 PEOPLE WHO ARRIVED FOR SETTLEMENT ON THE ONE-WAY PERMITS SYSTEM, 65,569 ARRIVED FOR VISITS OF UP TO THREE MONTHS ON TWO-WAY EXIT PERMITS, AND 65,463 AS MEMBERS OF TOUR GROUPS FROM CHINA STAYING AROUND 10 DAYS.
"OF THOSE WHO ARRIVED FOR PERMANENT SETTLEMENT HERE UNDER THE 75-A-DAY ONE WAY PERMIT SYSTEM, VIRTUALLY ALL WERE TO JOIN CLOSE RELATIVES ALREADY IN HONG KONG : WIVES TO JOIN HUSBANDS, CHILDREN TO JOIN THEIR PARENTS," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
0
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
COMMISSIONER OF BANKING EXPLAINS EMPLOYMENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR TONY NT COLLE, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS BEING UNFAIRLY AND QUITE IMPROPERLY CRITICISED OVER. ITS EMPLOYMENT OF FINANCIAL ADVISERS TO ASSIST IT IN ITS HANDLING OF THE FUTURES MARKET’S RESCUE.
"IT WOULD HAVE BEEN QUITE IMPRUDENT OF GOVERNMENT - NO MATTER HOW EXPERT ITSELF - TO HAVE CONCLUDED THE AGREEMENTS IT DID WITH THE NUMEROUS PARTIES INVOLVED WITHOUT TAKING OUTSIDE ADVICE.
’’HAD IT DONE SO, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN OPEN TO WHOLLY JUSTIFIED CRITICISM THAT IT HAI) COMMITTED A SUBSTANTIAL VOLUME OF PUBLIC FUNDS WITHOUT A SECOND OPINION," SAID MR NICOLLE WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE "FINANCIAL WORKSHOP 87" ORGANISED BY THE ECONOMIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
MR NICOLLE SAID IN EMPLOYING A MERCHANT BANK IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE GOVERNMENT WAS FOLLOWING A PATTERN WELL-ESTABLISHED IN OTHER CENTRES.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE UK AND FRENCH GOVERNMENTS USE BANK ADVISERS TO ASSIST THEM WITH THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRIVATISATION OF PUBLIC ASSETS - DESPITE THE CONSIDERABLE EXPERTISE AVAILABLE IN THEIR TREASURIES, AND CENTRAL BANKS.
WHEN Till RANK OF ENGLAND IIAD TO RESCUE A BANK IN THE RECENT PAST, THERE WAS NO HESITATION ON ITS PART IN ITS TURNING TO AN oi I S I DE MERCHANT BANK FOR DETACHED AND PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.
"ALL THIS IS NO DIFFERENT TO A MAJOR COMMERCIAL FIRM, WITH ITS IN-HOUSE LEGAL DEPARTMENT ASKING FOR SECOND OPINION FROM OUTSIDE LAWAI RS - WHICH INVARIABLY IT DOES ON MAJOR ISSUES," HE SAID.
MR NICOLLE STRESSED THAT NONE OF THIS WAS TO SUGGEST THAT HE WAS COMPLAC ENT ABOUT THE EVER-PRESENT TASK OF KEEPING THE GOVERNMENT UP-TO-DATE WITH THE COMPLEXITIES OF TIIF MARKETS WHICH IT SUPERVISED.
"WF MUST HOWEVER AVOID CASTING UNNECESSARY SLURS ON THE DEDICATED AND HARD PRESSED STAFF WHO WORK ON SUPERVISION," HE SAID.
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/14......•
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
-INSECURITIES AMENDMENT NOTICE 1987 GAZETTED ♦ ♦ * » ♦
THE SECURITIES (SPECIFICATION OF APPROVED ASSETS, LIQUID ASSETS AND RANKING LIABILITIES) (AMENDMENT) NOTICE 1987 ("THE AMENDMENT NOTICE") WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENT NOTICE, MADE BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 65B OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, AMENDS THE SECURITIES (SPECIFICATION OF APPROVED ASSETS, LIQUID ASSETS AND RANKING LIABILITIES) NOTICE 1986 ("THE SPECIFICATION NOTICE").
IN THE LIGHT OF REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG LIMITED, THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS, THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, THE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS INTRODUCED CERTAIN AMENDMENTS TO THE SPECIFICATION NOTICE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FINANCIAL MARKET AND AMENDMENTS CONSIDERED NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE.
AS A RESULT OF THE AMENDMENTS, CERTAIN OVERSEAS SECURITIES, CERTAIN TYPES OF COMMERCIAL PAPERS, CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE’S COMPENSATION FUND ETC ARE NOW INCLUDED AS "APPROVED ASSETS" FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SPECIFICATION NOTICE.
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PRISONERS REGULATIONS GAZETTED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) REGULATIONS 1987 WHICH PROVIDE FOR REGULATING PROCEEDINGS OF THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD SCHEDULED TO BE ESTABLISHED TN MID-1988 UNDER SECTION 3 OF THE PRISIONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) ORDINANCE ARE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE REGULATIONS ALSO PRESCRIBE THE CONSIDERATIONS THAT WILL GOVERN THE DELI HERAT1ONS OF THE BOARD AND THE TYPES OF CONDITION THAT MAY BE SPECIFIED IN SUPERVISION ORDERS.
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/15........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
15 -
CANCER STILL NO. 1 KILLER » * » »
ONE IN EVERY THREE DEATHS IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN CAUSED BY CANCER, ACCORDING TO LATEST ANNUAL STATISTICS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.H. LEE TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN HE MADE THE PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY.
CANCER HAD REMAINED THE NUMBER ONE KILLER IN HONG KONG SINCE 1964 AND HAD CLAIMED MORE LIVES EVERY YEAR, HE SAID.
FROM 1964 TO 1986, THE CANCER DEATH RATE INCREASED FROM 91 TO 173 PER 100,000 POPULATION FOR MALE, AND 75 TO 117 PER 100,000 FOR FEMALE.
DR LEE NOTED THAT LUNG CANCER STILL TOPS THE LIST OF ALL CANCER DEATHS, ACCOUNTING FOR 2,348 OR 29 PER CENT OF A TOTAL OF 8,054 CANCER DEATHS IN 1986.
THIS IS FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY LIVER CANCER WHICH HAD ACCOUNTED FOR 1,054 DEATHS.
DR LEE SAID THAT IN CANCER CONTROL, THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) HAD LAID EMPHASIS ON PRIMARY PREVENTION ACTIVITIES INCLUDING CONTROL OF SMOKING, HEPATITIS B VACCINATION AND PROMOTION OF NUTRITION PROGRAMMES.
IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNMENT BEGAN STRENGTHENING ITS CONTROL ON CIGARETTE SMOKING IN THE EARLY EIGHTIES, WITH THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) ORDINANCE ENACTED IN 1982 FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF MEASURES AGAINST SMOKING.
DUE TO INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING, THE NUMBER OF SMOKERS HAD DROPPED BY 20 PER CENT IN THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
AS A RESULT OF THE COMBINED AND SUSTAINED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND PUBLIC SPIRITED INDIVIDUALS, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH WAS INAUGURATED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR.
DR LEE SAID HONG KONG'S EFFORTS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TOBACCO HAI) INDEED BEEN RECOGNISED INTERNATIONALLY AS AN EXAMPLE OF A RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT IN PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF ITS COMMUNITY.
TURNING TO HEPATITIS B WHICH IS A VERY IMPORTANT CAUSAL FACTOR FOR LIVER CANCER, DR LEE SAID THERE WERE ABOUT 160 MILLION CARRIERS OF THE VIRUS IN ASIA AND OVER 500,000 IN HONG KONG.
/TO CURB
w *■
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 16 -
TO CURB THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IMPLEMENTED A VACCINATION PROGRAMME WHICH HAD SO FAR COVERED 6,000 HIGH RISK HEALTH WORKERS AND 12,000 INFANTS BORN OF CARRIER MOTHERS.
REGARDING TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR CANCER, DR LEE REVEALED THAT THREE LINEAR ACCELERATORS WILL BE INSTALLED AND READY FOR USE IN MID-1989 AT THE NEW TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, BOOSTING THE NUMBER OF LINEAR ACCELERATORS IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS TO 11.
ON HOSPICE CARE TO CANCER PATIENTS, DR LEE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY HAD SECURED FUNDS FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (CHARITIES) LIMITED FOR A PILOT PROJECT IN NAM LONG HOSPITAL FOR TWO YEARS, STARTING ON SEPTEMBER 1.
MEANWHILE, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO STARTED A PILOT PROJECT OF VOLUNTEER HOSPITAL VISITATION PROGRAMME IN QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE SOCIOPSYCHOLOG ICAL SUPPORT FOR CANCER PATIENTS.
IN CONCLUDING HIS SPEECH, DR LEE THANKED THE OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND HARI) WORK IN THE PAST YEAR.
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CHANGES TO TEXTILE CATEGORY SYSTEM ANNOUNCED
* * * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED SOME MAJOR CHANGES TO GROUP I PRODUCTS UNDER A NEW TEXTILE AND APPAREL CATEGORY SYSTEM TO BE ADOPTED BY THE UNITED STATES AS FROM JANUARY 1, 1988.
GROUP I PRODUCTS ARE PRODUCTS OTHER THAN APPAREL (INCLUDING YARNS, FABRICS AND OTHER MADE-UP AND MISCELLANEOUS PRODUCTS) OF COTTON, WOOL OR MAN-MADE FIBRES (MMF).
THE MAJOR AREA OF CHANGES UNDER THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM ARE:
* THE CREATION OF NEW CATEGORIES UNDER THE ’2’ SERIES IN WHICH COTTON AND MMF YARNS AND FABRICS OF THE SAME TYPE ARE MERGED;
♦ THE CLASSIFICATION OF OTHER MMF YARNS: DIFFERENTIATING FILAMENT YARNS INTO TEXTURED AND NON-TEXTURED, AND STAPLE YARNS BY WEIGHT;
* THE DIFFERENTIATION OF MMF FABRICS BY THE METHOD OF WEAVING OR KNITTING RATHER THAN BY THE NATURE OF THE FIBRE;
A THE BREAKING
FRIDAYt DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 17 -
* THE BREAKING OUT OF FABRICS OF SPUN MAN-MADE FIBRES INTO SEPARATE CATEGORIES ACCORDING TO THE METHOD OF WEAVING. FABRICS OF CONTINUOUS MAN-MADE FIBRES WILL REMAIN IN THE '6' SERIES WHILE FABRICS NOT OF CONTINUOUS MAN-MADE FIBRES I.E. SPUN OR STAPLE FIBRES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ’2’ SERIES; AND
♦ THE DIFFERENTIATION OF WOVEN WOOL FABRICS BY WOOL CONTENT RATHER THAN BY TYPE OF FABRIC.
UNDER THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM, METRIC UNITS WILL BE ADOPTED IN PLACE OF THE IMPERIAL UNITS. FOLLOWING THE METRICATION OF CONTROL UNITS, YARNS AND FABRICS WILL ALSO BE CLASSIFIED UNDER THE METRIC SYSTEM.
DETAILS OF THE CHANGES ARE SET OUT IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS PUBLISHED TODAY WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM THE USA ENQUIRY COUNTERS, Trade department, 15th floor, ocean centre, tsim sha tsui. FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM COULD BE OBTAINED FROM MRS R. MOON ON 3-7222564 OR MR T. C. CHAN ON 3-7222365.
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KWUN TONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN PUBLISHED ♦ * ♦ * ♦
A NEW DRAFT PLAN FOR KWUN TONG, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 450 HECTARES, WAS PUBLISHED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) TO ESTABLISH A BROAD LAND USE ZONING AND MAJOR ROAD NETWORKS SO THAT DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE AREA CAN BE PUT UNDER STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL.
’’THE AREA BOUNDED BY NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD, PREVIOUSLY COVERED BY THE NGAU TAU KOK VILLAGE LAYOUT PLAN, HAS NOW BEEN INCORPORATED INTO THE NEW DRAFT KWUN TONG OUTLINE ZONING PLAN,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
"UPON FULL DEVELOPMENT, THE RESIDENTIAL POPULATION AND WORKER POPULATION OF KWUN TONG ARE EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT 410,000 AND 140,000 RESPECTIVELY.”
ABOUT 1.2 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN ZONED AS ’COMMERCIAL1 SITES WHICH ARE MOSTLY LOCATED IN THE SOUTH OF KWUN TONG ROAD AND LEI YUE MUN ROAD. SOME WILL BE DEVELOPED WITH THE INCORPORATION OF MULTI-STOREY CARPARKS.
/A TOTAL
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
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A TOTAL AREA OF 4.63 HECTARES, MAINLY LOCATED IN THE EXISTING ’’TOWN CENTRE” OF THE AREA, HAS BEEN ZONED FOR ’ COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTI AL ’ PURPOSES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PURPOSE OF THIS ZONING WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE ’’TOWN CENTRE” BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"THIS ZONE ALSO APPLIES TO THE DEVELOPMENT ABOVE THE PROPOSED MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY LAM TIN STATION AND THE PUBLIC INTERCHANGE ON LEI YUE MUN ROAD,” HE ADDED.
SOME 146 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN ZONED AS ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ SITES FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES AND PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS.
PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS ARE LOCATED IN THE VICINITY OF THE "TOWN CENTRE” AREA AND A RANGE OF COMMERCIAL USES ARE USUALLY PERMITTED IN THE LOWER THREE FLOORS OF THE BUILDINGS.
ABOUT 14.3 HECTARES OF LAND ALONG KUNG LOK ROAD AND YUET WAH STREET FALLS WITHIN ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B) ’ ZONE.
ANY COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THIS ZONE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WOULD REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
THE EXISTING KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA TO THE SOUTHWEST OF KWUN TONG ROAD, COMPRISING SOME 42.7 HECTARES OF LAND, HAS LARGELY BEEN ZONED FOR ’INDUSTRIAL’, AND GENERAL INDUSTRIAL USES, SERVICE TRADES AND WAREHOUSES WILL BE PERMITTED.
ABOUT 57 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN ZONED FOR VARIOUS GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL OR COMMUNITY USES, INCLUDING SUCH MAJOR EXISTING FACILITIES AS THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL, TWO DIVISIONAL POLICE STATIONS, NGAU TAU KOK MARKET COMPLEX, LAM TIN HIGH LEVEL RESERVOIR, HIU KWONG STREET INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, THE SWIMMING COMPLEX AT THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND, A FIRE STATION,BUS TERMINI, FERRY CONCOURSE, COOKED FOOD CENTRES, THE CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC AT KAI TIN ROAD AND A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS AND SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES.
LAND HAS ALSO BEEN RESERVED FOR BUILDING NEW MAJOR FACILITIES SUCH AS THREE URBAN COUNCIL MARKET COMPLEXES, A FIRE STATION AT JUNK BAY ROAD, SCHOOLS AND OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE FACILITIES.
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF SITES HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR UNDESIGNATED GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL OR COMMUNITY USES TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS.
A TOTAL OF 37.06 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN ZONED FOR ’OPEN SPACE’. IT INCLUDES THE EXISTING KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND AND THE PLAYGROUNDS AT YUET WAH STREET, HIP WO STREET, HONG NING ROAD, SAU NGA ROAD, TSUN YIP STREET AND A NUMBER OF SMALL REST GARDENS.
/ADDITIONAL SITES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 19 -
ADDITIONAL SITES AT HOI BUN ROAD, HONG NING ROAD, KUNG LOK ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD ARE RESERVED FOR OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT.
A LANDSCAPED PARK OF ABOUT 1.8 HECTARES WILL ALSO BE DEVELOPED IN THE AREA TO THE NORTH OF THE LAM TIN ESTATE PHASE III EXTENSION.
THE EXISTING CARGO HANDLING AREA ALONG HOI BUN ROAD, THE PIERS OFF THE FERRY CONCOURSE, THE BUS DEPOT AT HOW MING STREET AND THE PETROL FILLING STATIONS AT KWUN TONG ROAD AND HIU KWONG STREET ARE INCLUDED IN THE ’OTHER SPECIFIED USES’ ZONE.
ABOUT 65 HECTARES OF LAND WHICH IS UNSUITABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN ZONED AS ’GREEN BELT’ AREAS MAINLY FOUND AT THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN PERIPHERY OF THE AREA.
THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT’S TOWN PLANNING OFFICE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, LIST WING ENTRANCE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CENTRAL; AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON.
"DURING THE TWO-MONTH INSPECTION PERIOD, ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE PLAN MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD," THE BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID.
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BETTER SERVICE TO WATER CONSUMERS ♦ * ♦
A TWO-STAGE REGIONALISATION SCHEME, AIMED AT PROVIDING BETTER SERVICES TO CONSUMERS, HAS BEEN FULLY IMPLEMENTED BY THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) OF FOUR REGIONAL OFFICES TO LOOK AFTER KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL THE NEW OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT THE ARGYLE STREET DEPOT, MONG KOK AND THEIR OPENING MARKS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE PROCESS TO STREAMLINE SUPPLY, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSUMER SERVICES ON A REGIONAL RATHER THAN FUNCTIONAL BASIS.
THE FOUR OFFICES AND THE AREAS COVERED BY THEM ARE: MAINLAND SOUTH EAST REGION (WONG TAI SIN, KWUN TONG, PART OF TAT PO AND SAI KUNG); MAINLAND SOUTH WEST REGION (MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON CITY, SHAM SHUT PO, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI); MAINLAND NORTH WEST REGION (YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN); AND MAINLAND NORTH EAST REGION (NORTH NEW TERRITORIES, PART OF TAI PO AND SHA TIN).
/the first
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 20 -
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SCHEME WAS SET UP IN SEPTEMBER, 1986 WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG AND ISLANDS REGIONAL OFFICE AT THE BULLOCK LANE DEPOT, WAN CHAI.
WATER CONSUMERS ARE REQUESTED TO NOTE THE FOLLOWING TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR THE REPORT OF ANY FAULT COMPLAINTS:
* KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, TSING YI, NORTH NEW TERRITORIES AND SAI KUNG - 3-960210 (FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT) AND 3-953131 (FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM);
* YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN - 0-762626;
♦ FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI - 0-900322;
♦ TAI PO AND SHA TIN - 0-6562368;
* HONG KONG ISLAND - 5-757789 (FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT) AND 5-726311 (FROM MIDNIGHT TO 8 AM);
* SILVERMINE BAY - 5-9848257;
* TAI 0 - 5-9857337;
* CHEUNG CHAU - 5-9811324;
* LAMMA ISLAND - 5-9820348; AND
♦ PENG CHAU - 5-9830609.
THE GENERAL ENQUIRY TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR HONG KONG ISLAND AND OUTLYING ISLANDS CONSUMERS IS 5-726311 AND THE ONE FOR KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES IS 3-953131. THESE TWO TELEPHONES ARE MANNED BY WATER SUPPLIES STAFF AROUND THE CLOCK.
FOR WATER ACCOUNTS ENQUIRIES, CONSUMERS SHOULD CALL 5-8900222 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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21 RECEIVE DIRECTOR OF MARINE COMMENDATIONS t ♦ » t ♦
THE BRAVE AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTIONS OF 21 PEOPLE IN RESCUING 15 PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WATERS WERE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.
/THE RECIPIENTS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 198?
- 21
THE RECIPIENTS INCLUDED TWO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, 15 CREW MEMBERS OF FERRY COMPANIES AND FOUR POLICE CONSTABLES, ONE OF WHOM WAS INVOLVED IN TWO SEPARATE RESCUES DURING THE YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION, MR HIGGINSON CONGRATULATED THE RECIPIENTS FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS.
HE SAID THE CEREMONY WAS HELD EACH YEAR TO HONOUR THOSE PEOPLE WHO HAD ACTED ABOVE THEIR NORMAL CALL OF DUTY AND WITHOUT REGARD TO THEIR OWN SAFETY TO RESCUE PEOPLE FROM THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.
MR HIGGINSON SAID IT WAS UNFORTUNATE THAT, FROM TIME TO TIME, PEOPLE FOUND THEMSELVES IN DIFFICULTY IN AREAS OF WATER WHERE LIFE-SAVING FACILITIES WERE NOT READILY AVAILABLE.
"IT IS OUR GREAT FORTUNE THAT WE HAVE PERSONS IN OUR MIDST, PERSONS SUCH AS THOSE WHO ARE BEING HONOURED TODAY, WHO ARE WILLING TO RISK THEIR OWN LIVES TO SAVE THE LIVES OF OTHERS," HE ADDED.
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RESOURCE CENTRE FOR CAREERS AND GUIDANCE
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD SET UP CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS EARLY ADVISORY SERVICES AND REFERENCE MATERIALS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY
MASTERS PLANNED
A RESOURCE CENTRE FOR NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE FOR THE TEACHERS, THE (FRIDAY).
.'SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP GUIDANCE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS a.'.D GUIDANCE MASTERS, MR LI SAID HIS DEPARTMENT ATTACHED IMPORTANCE I'o THE STUDENT GUIDANCE AND CAREERS SERVICES. O’
MR 1.1 NOTED THAT FIVE ADDITIONAL TEACHERS WERE PROVIDED TO ALL STANDARD GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN PHASES BETWEEN 1982 AND 1986 TO IMPROVE VARIOUS SERVICES TO STUDENTS INCLUDING COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE.
TO STRENGTHEN THE WORK IN THIS DIRECTION, MR LI SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD PRODUCED A SUGGESTED GUIDE FOR PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
MR LI SAID THE GUIDE CONTAINED SUGGESTIONS ON THE ORGANISATION OF GUIDANCE WORK WITHIN A SCHOOL. AN EVALUATION ON THE GUIDE WAS BEING CARRIED OUT AND THE CONTENTS WOULD BE REVISED TO INCORPORATE CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS FROM THE TEACHING PROFESSION.
/MR LI
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 22 -
MR LI SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALSO INTRODUCED A PILOT SCHOOL SUPPORT SCHEME IN WHICH EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS WOULD PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT TO TEACHERS IN DEALING WITH PUPILS’ PROBLEMS AND STRENGTHENING GUIDANCE SERVICE IN 12 SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
HE ALSO SAID A NUMBER OF FREEIN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES FOR GUIDANCE AND CAREERS TEACHERS WERE OFFERED BY THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WHILE SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS WERE OFTEN HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT TO DEVELOP THE SKILLS AND APPROACHES TOWARDS GUIDANCE WORK.
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AWARD TO PROMOTE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION * ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE CASE STUDY GROUP OF HONG KONG IS INVITING ENTRIES FOR ’’THE CASE WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD" AIMED AT STIMULATING THE PRODUCTION OF LOCAL CASES FOR MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING. THE AWARD SCHEME IS SPONSORED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL’S MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE (MDC).
"THE USE OF CASE METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT EDUCATION IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN INCREASING AND CONSIDERABLE INTEREST HAS BEEN SHOWN IN ITS DEVELOPMENT," SENIOR ADVISOR OF MDC, MR A.N. WELSH, TOLD A SEMINAR ON CASE STUDIES TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CASE STUDY GROUP AND THE CREATION OF A STUDY DATA BANK PROMULGATE THE USE OF CASE METHOD WHICH ENCOURAGES A FLEXIBLE AND SELF-RELIANT APPROACH TO PROBLEMS, MR WELSH ADDED.
ALL CASES ACCEPTED IN THE CASE-WRITING CONTEST WILL BE KEPT IN THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED CASE CLEARING HOUSE OF HONG KONG AT MDC AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC ACCESS.
MR WELSH SAID SUBMISSIONS TO THE CONTEST SHOULD BE RELEVANT TO THE OBJECTS OF THE CASE STUDY GROUP, THAT IS, CONCERNING WITH MANAGEMENT OR BUSINESS EVENTS, AND MUST RELATE TO HONG KONG OR SOUTHEAST ASIA SITUATIONS.
CASES MAY BE DISGUISED WHERE CONFIDENTIALITY IS REQUIRED. COMPOSITES OR INVENTED CASES ARE ALSO ACCEPTABLE.
A PANEL, CHAIRED BY DR MARTHA ALBERT, LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING AND INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WILL SELECT THE FIRST THREE WRITERS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT OF THE CONTENT, PRESENTATION ANT) USEABILITY OF THE CASES.
ARIZES WILL
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 23 -
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TOP PLACE-GETTERS AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE GIVEN FOR ALL CASES ACCEPTED.
MR WELSH SAID ALL SUBMISS ION.S SHOULD REACH THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AT 17/F HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI NOT LATER THAN MARCH 31, 1988. ENTRY FORMS AND FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING HIM ON 5-8932341 EXT. 376.
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FARES ON TWO KMB ROUTES ADJUSTED ♦ * ♦ t
FARES ON TWO RECREATIONAL ROUTES OPERATED BY THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY IN SAI KUNG WILL BE ADJUSTED FROM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SECTION FARE OF $2.5 WILL BE INTRODUCED ON ROUTE NO. 93R FOR JOURNEYS FROM SAI KUNG TO PAK TAM CHUNG AND FROM SAT KUNG TO CHOI HUNG. HOWEVER, THE $4 FULL FARE FOR TRIP BETWEEN PAK TAM CHUNG AND CHOI HUNG WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
AT THE SAME TIME, FARE ON ROUTE NO. 95R PLYING BETWEEN PAK TAM CHUNG AND WONG SHEK PIER WILL BE LOWERED FROM $2.5 TO $1 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
BOTH ROUTE NOS. 93R AND 95R ARE RECREATIONAL BUS SERVICES OPERATING ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS ONLY. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FARE ADJUSTMENTS WILL BENEFIT BOTH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND COUNTRY-PARK V ISI TORS.
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TRAFFIC OFFENCE CONVICTION RECORD CERTIFICATE FEE REVISED
t ♦ ♦ ♦
THE FEE FOR THE ISSUE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE OF A RECORD OF CONVICTIONS OF OFFENCES UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $15 TO $45 STARTING FROM TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE NEW FEE ALSO APPLIES TO THE ISSUE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE OF A CERTIFICATE OF NO RECORDED CONVICTION OF SUCH OFFENCES.
AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FEE INCREASE UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ISSUED TODAY.
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/24........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
24 -
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE OPENS *****
THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE WILL START ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 14).
THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE IS AIMED AT ENABLING VARIOUS PROFESSIONS TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCE IN IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE AND IN HELPING THE CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN CO-OPERATION WITH A VOLUNTARY AGENCY, THE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, WAN CHAI.
THE PATRON OF THE CONFERENCE, LADY WILSON, WILL GIVE AN OPENING ADDRESS AFTER WELCOMING REMARKS FROM MR THOMAS MULVEY, CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A KEYNOTE SPEECH DELIVERED BY DR MARGARET A. LYNCH FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON ON THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE, "COMBATING CHILD ABUSE - A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESPONSIBILITY", AS WELL AS MESSAGES FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF PARTICIPATING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS - EDUCATION, LEGAL, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 14) AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM, FIRST FLOOR, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BE SEATED NOT LATER THAN 2.15 PM. THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
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SUPERSTAR TO ATTEND CYC MASS RALLY
*****
SUPERSTAR JACKIE CHAN WILL MAKE A GRANDIOSE ENTRY AS 'FRIEND OF CYC INTO THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY MASS RALLY AT VICTORIA PARK TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AS 1,000 CYC MEMBERS CONVERGE THERE TO PLEDGE THEIR ALLEGIANCE TO THE SPIRIT OF CYC AND TO LAUNCH A 13-EPISODE TV SERIES TO PUBLICISE THE GROUP’S ACTIVITIES.
CHAN WILL DESCEND FROM A ROPE TIED TO A HOVERING HELICOPTER ON TO THE CENTRAL LAWN OF VICTORIA PARK AMIDST CHEERING SCHOOL CHILDREN DRAWN FROM THE 19 CYC DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
HE WILL THEN JOIN THEM TO SING THE THEME SONG OF THE CYC TV SERIES WHICH WILL BE BROADCAST EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON ON TVB-JADE COMMENCING DECEMBER 13.
THE TV SERIES IS PRODUCED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND RTHK UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF SING TAO LTD TO PROMOTE THE CYC MOVEMENT AND TO ENLIST MORE STUDENTS TO JOIN THIS SCHOOL-BASED COMMUNITY SERVICE GROUP WHICH HAS BEEN PLAYING A MAJOR ROLE IN PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION AND OTHER MAJOR PUBLIC CAMPAIGNS.
THE MASS RALLY WILL ALSO FEATURE A PARADE HIGHLIGHTING THEMES OF THE 13 TV EPISODES, A BAND MARCH, A CHILDREN CHOIR AND A RELEASE OF DOVES.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI; THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SING TAO LTD, MISS AW SIAN WILL OFFICIATE AT TOMORROW’S CEREMONY WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT WILL BE BROADCAST IN THE FIRST EPISODE OF THE TV SERIES ON SUNDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CYC MASS RALLY AT THE CENTRAL LAWN OF VICTORIA PARK AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY). INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
26
TELEMATCH TO SPREAD ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE
*****
A TELEMATCH WITH THE THEME ON ROAD SAFETY WILL BE HELD IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR.
A TOTAL OF EIGHT TEAMS INCLUDING THOSE FROM THE FOUR AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE TELEMATCH AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND STARTING FROM 3 PM.
THE OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN AND ASSISTANT POLICE COMMISSIONER, MR G.W. ROPER.
THEY WILL ALSO PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND A CROSSWORD-PUZZLE ON ROAD SAFETY.
A MARCHING BAND FROM THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PERFORM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION AT LOK FU * * * *
A FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP WILL BE HELD AT THE OPEN DECK IN LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) FROM NOON TO 3 PM.
THIS IS THE THIRD IN A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS STAGED IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY. THE PURPOSE OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE CONSTANT NEED TO PREVENT FIRE OUTBREAKS IN THE WINTER MONTHS, ESPECIALLY IN THE PREVAILING DRY WEATHER.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE PANELS USING GRAPHICS AND PHOTOGRAPHS TO ILLUSTRATE THE PREVENTION OF GENERAL FIRE AND COUNTRYSIDE FIRE WITH EMPHASIS ON THIS YEAR’S THEME "FIRE LAWS PROTECT".
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON FIRE PREVENTION AND SOUVENIRS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK LTD.
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/27........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 27 -
TWO-DAY BOOK FAIR IN YAU MA TEI » » ♦ * *
MORE THAN 1,000 CHINESE AND ENGLISH BOOKS FOR STUDENTS WILL BE EXHIBITED AT A TWO-DAY BOOK FAIR STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE EXHIBITION, TO BE HELD AT THE CHINESE YMCA AT 23 WATERLOO ROAD, IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE.
"IT IS AIMED AT CULTIVATING YOUNG PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN READING AS A HEALTHY PURSUIT IN THEIR LEISURE TIME," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.
THE FAIR SHOULD OFFER A WIDE SELECTION OF EDUCATIONAL BOOKS FOR STUDENTS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS, HE ADDED.
IT WILL BE OPEN FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM TOMORROW AND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE BOOK FAIR TO BE HELD AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE CHINESE YMCA AT 23 WATERLOO ROAD.
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HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION MOVES TO FANLING *****
A HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELI) IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE IN FANLING ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE COMMON DANGERS AT HOME AND HOW ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED.
THE DISPLAY WILL G1VEF1RST-AIDTIPSONHOWTODEAL WITH EMERGENCIES SUCH AS, CHOKING, WOUNDS AND BLEEDING, AND UNCONSCIOUSNESS.
VISITORS CAN ALSO OBTAIN A FREE HOME SAFETY BOOKLET WHICH CONTAINS THESE PRACTICAL ADVICE AND INFORMATION IN DETAIL.
THE SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES STARTED IN OCTOBER AND WILL BE HELD EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 28
ELEVEN RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS
*****
ELEVEN EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL RECEIVE THE 1987 EASTERN DISTRICT GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS AT A CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) AFTERNOON AT THE NORTH POINT POLICE STATION.
THEY ARE AWARDED FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND OUTSTANDING BEHAVIOUR IN HELPING THE POLICE TO FIGHT CRIME.
PRIZES WILL ALSO BE AWARDED TO WINNERS OF THE "ANTI-TRIAD ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION" AND THE "FIGHT CRIME CARTOON DRAWING COMPETITION" ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
MEANWHILE, RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE NORTH POINT POLICE STATION WHICH WILL HOLD ITS OPEN DAY ON THE SAME DAY.
PROGRAMMES INCLUDING SINGING PERFORMANCE BY THE'RAIDAS", KARATE DEMONSTRATION, POLICE LAUNCH AND VEHICLE DISPLAY,ANTI-TRIAD PHOTO EXHIBITION AND STALL GAMES WITH A FIGHT CRIME THEME HAVE BEEN ARRANGED.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; EASTERN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR R.M.A. HARPER, AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG SAU-CHI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1987/88 EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND NORTH POINT POLICE STATION OPEN DAY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) AT THE NORTH POINT POLICE STATION, 343 JAVA ROAD. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
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/29........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 29 -
EXHIBITION OF FLOWER, BIRD AND FISH t ♦ *
A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION ON PET BIRDS, FISHES AND PLANTS WILL BE OPEN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON IN THE GARDENS OF BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL, 200 SAI YEE STREET.
THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE EXHIBITS INCLUDE PRECIOUS PET BIRDS, FINELY CARVED CAGES, CHINESE AND JAPANESE GOLDFISH, JAPANESE FANCY CARP, TROPICAL FISH, BONSAI, ORCHID AND ARRANGED FLOWER.
THERE WILL ALSO BE DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE ART OF FLOWER ARRANGEMENT.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG; DEPUTY POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MONG KOK, MR ROBIN LEUNG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXHIBITION WORKING GROUP, MR LAU TAK-KI WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL FLOWER, BIRD, FISH EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE GARDENS OF BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL, 200 SAI YEE STREET.
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DTC LICENCE REVOKED ♦ * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF FLEET FINANCE ASIA, LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
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/3O........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1987
- 50 -
TV PROGRAMME TO DISCUSS HK DOLLAR LINKAGE ♦ » * * *
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR JOSEPH YAM, WILL DISCUSS THE LINKAGE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR IN A TELEVISION INTERVIEW TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE PROGRAMME "TO THE POINT" IS PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND WILL BE SCREENED ON ATV-GOLD AT 6.50 PM.
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LANTAU TAXI FARES TO GO UP ON MONDAY
*****
LANTAU TAXI FARES WILL GO UP FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED THE PUBLIC TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE NEW FARE SCALE, A TAXI TRIP ON LANTAU WILL COST $5 INSTEAD OF $4 FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES, AND 50 CENTS FOR EVERY SUBSEQUENT 0.2 KILOMETRES INSTEAD OF 80 CENTS FOR EVERY SUBSEQUENT 0.4 KILOMETRES.
CHARGES FOR WAITING TIME WILL GO UP TO 50 CENTS FOR EVERY MINUTE FROM 80 CENTS FOR EVERY TWO MINUTES.
SURCHARGES ON BAGGAGE, ANIMAL OR BIRD WILL ALSO BE INCREASED FROM $1 TO $2 FOR. EACH ARTICLE, AND A SURCHARGE OF $1 ON RADIO-CALL SERVICE WILL BE INTRODUCED.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN KWAI CHUNG
*****
THE SLIP ROAD CONNECTING THE NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND KWAI ON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON DECEMBER 14 AND 15 (MONDAY AND TUESDAY) TO FACILITATE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO CARRY OUT THEIR INSPECTION WORKS.
NEW TERRI TORIES-BOUND VEHICLES ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD WISHING TO MAKE LEFT TURNS ON TO KWAI ON ROAD VIA THE SLIP ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE KWAI FOO ROAD AND HING FONG ROAD.
- - 0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG OFFERS EXTENSIVE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR GERMANY 1
SECOND TUBE OF JUNK BAY TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH.................. 1
RECREATIONAL TRAINING COURSES FOR PRISONERS ................. 2
CYC MEMBERS TAKE OATH ....................................... 4
DRAMA PRESENTS DRUG PERILS .................................. 5
SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE FORMED.................... 5
PLANTS, BIRDS, FISHES ON DISPLAY ............................ 6
CARNIVAL FUN FOR THE ELDERLY ................................ 7
YOUTH CHOIR TO LIVE CONCERT IN WONG CHUK HANG................ 7
ISLANDS DB TO DISCUSS TAI 0 DEVELOPMENT ..................... 8
BAND MUSIC TO ENTERTAIN LOCAL RESIDENTS ..................... 8
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN, FANLING............................. 10
LONG VEHICLE BAN, URBAN CLEARWAY IN CENTRAL ................. 10
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YAU MA TEH ............................... 11
WAN CHAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE.............................. 12
PROHIBITED ZONES IN NEW TERRITORIES.......................... 12
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
1 -
HONG KONG OFFERS EXTENSIVE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR GERMANY » » » * *
THERE ARE EXTENSIVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GERMAN BUSINESS IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY IN THE SERVICES AND CONSTRUCTION SECTORS, A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ASIAN PACIFIC CENTRE WAS TOLD IN COLOGNE EARLIER THIS WEEK.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON WAS THE MINISTER FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH THE EEC, MR STEUART WEBB-JOHNSON, WHO IN HIS SPEECH ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS AND IN PARTICULAR TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
MR WEBB-JOHNSON SAID IMPORTS FROM GERMANY INTO HONG KONG HAD GROWN BY 30 PER CENT IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR.
ON THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, HE POINTED TO THE MANY ASSURANCES GIVEN BY CHINA OF ITS INTENTION TO HONOUR THE AGREEMENT AND THE RESULTING RETURN OF CONFIDENCE TO HONG KONG’S ECONOMY.
POINTING TO HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA, MR WEBB-JOHNSON STRESSED THAT THE TERRITORY’S GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION AND LOCALLY AVAILABLE EXPERTISE IN TRADE WITH CHINA SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED BY BUSINESSES LOOKING TO ESTABLISH A BASE IN THE REGION.
THE ASIAN PACIFIC CENTRE ACTS AS A CENTRAL ORGANISATION FOR THOSE WISHING TO ACQUIRE INFORMATION AND WHO SEEK CONTACTS OR ADVICE ON THE COUNTRIES OF THE ASIAN PACIFIC-REGION. IT COMPRISES 150
MEMBERS, MAINLY MEDIUM-SIZED FIRMS.
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SECOND TUBE OF JUNK BAY TUNNEL BREAKTHROUGH * * * *
CONSTRUCTION OF THE JUNK BAY TUNNEL TODAY (SATURDAY) MOVED A FURTHER STEP CLOSER TO COMPLETION WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH OF THE SECOND TUBE OF THE TUNNEL.
OFFICIATING AT THE BREAKTHROUGH CEREMONY WAS THE PROJECT MANAGER/NEW TERRITORIES SOUTH OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR C.K. CHOW.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1990, THE 900-METRE TWIN-TUBE TUNNEL WILL PROVIDE A TWO-LANE VEHICULAR ACCESS IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FROM PHE BURGEONING JUNK BAY NEW TOWN TO KWUN TONG AS WELL AS A ROUTE FOR UTILITY SERVICES INCLUDING LARGE-DIAMETER WATER MAINS.
/ITS CONSTRUCTION .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 19$7
2
ITS CONSTRUCTION FORMS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN FOR A DESIGN POPULATION RECENTLY INCREASED BY 100,000 TO 325,000.
MAJOR POPULATION INTAKE OF THE NEW TOWN WILL COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR ON COMPLETION OF SEVERAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE BLOCKS IN THE AREA.
WORK ON THE TUNNEL STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 1986 WITH THE BREAKTHROUGH OF ITS FIRST TUBE IN LAST JULY.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS FOR THE TUNNEL COST ABOUT $135 MILLION WHILE THE ENTIRE PROJECT, COMPRISING THE PROVISION APPROACH ROADS, AN ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, A TOLL PLAZA, ASSOCIATED ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL INSTALLATIONS, WILL COST MORE THAN $500 MILLION.
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RECREATIONAL TRAINING COURSES FOR PRISONERS * * * *
THIRTY-TWO GERIATRIC PRISONERS WERE AMONG THE LATEST BATCH OF OFFENDERS WHOSE RECREATIONAL POTENTIAL WAS CULTIVATED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN AN INNOVATIVE TRAINING SCHEME FOR INMATES IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE SCHEME, KNOWN AS ADVANCED RECREATIONAL TRAINING (ART), WAS INTRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT EARLY THIS YEAR AS AN ACTIVITY PROGRAMME TO DEVELOP INMATES’ ABILITIES AND IMPROVE THEIR RECREATIONAL SKILLS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE SCHEME, EXPERTS WOULD BE INVITED TO TEACH INMATES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SKILLS AT THE INSTITUTIONS, AND THE DEPARTMENT WOULD PROVIDE NECESSARY ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF FACILITIES.
"IT IS ULTIMATELY HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, TEAM SPIRIT, SPORTSMANSHIP AS WELL AS SELF CONFIDENCE MAY BE PROMOTED, AND THEREBY FACILITATE SUCCESSFUL REHABILITATION, WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK," HE ADDED.
TWO TOP-NOTCH SPORTSMEN AND AN ARTIST - HONG KONG’S NATIONAL SOCCER COACH, MR KWOK KA-MING, HONG KONG’S NATIONAL TABLE-TENNIS COACH, MR CHENG CHUNG-YIN, AND RENOWNED LOCAL PAINTER, MR KONG KAI-MING - HELPED TO START A THREE-MONTH ART PILOT SCHEME IN MARCH WHEN THEY ACCEPTED AN INVITATION TO TEACH 77 INMATES SOCCER, TABLE-TENNIS AND PAINTING AT THE LAI KING TRAINING CENTRE, PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND SHEK PIK PRISON RESPECTIVELY.
/the response
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 198?
THE RESPONSE FROM THE INMATfiS WAS MOST ENCOURAGING AND AFTER A RECENT REVIEW, THE COURSES ARE NOW CONDUCTED ON AN ONGOING BASIS.
TWO MORE COURSES - MONOCHROME DRAWING AND TAI CHI - HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED, AND MORE SUBJECTS ARE IN THE PIPELINE FOR INMATES IN OTHER CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS. THESE INCLUDE BASKETBALL, BADMINTON AND VOLLEYBALL.
THE MONOCHROME DRAWING COURSE WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THIS THREE-MONTH BASIC PROGRAMME FOLLOWED THE PAINTING COURSE AT SHEK PIK PRISON, AND WAS ALSO CONDUCTED BY MR KONG KAI-MING, A LECTURER OF THE EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
NINETEEN PRISONERS, AGED BETWEEN 24 AND 38, PARTICIPATED IN THE DRAWING COURSE WHICH WAS HELD IN A STUD1O AT STANLEY PRISON BETWEEN AUGUST AND OCTOBER. THEIR KEEN INTEREST IN PURSUING THE SUBJECT PROMPTED THE DEPARTMENT TO CONSIDER ORGANISING A WATER COLOUR PAINTING COURSE FOR THE GRADUATES.
TAI CHI IS THE LATEST ACTIVITY INTRODUCED UNDER THE ART SCHEME. THE FOUR-MONTH COURSE IS LAUNCHED IN MID-OCTOBER AT MA HANG PRISON TO PROMOTE GERIATRIC PRISONERS’ FITNESS AND HEALTH.
THIRTY-TWO PRISONERS IN THE INSTITUTION, AGED FROM 55 TO 77, HAVE JOINED THE COURSE AND ARE PRACTISING THREE TIMES A WEEK UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF A REGISTERED TAI CHI INSTRUCTOR OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, MR KWOK KA-HUNG.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ART SCHEME IS ONE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MANY PROGRAMMES TO HELP THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO LOOK FOR NEW TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR INMATES AND MORE SUBJECTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE ART SCHEME IF THERE IS A DEMAND AND RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND.
ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, ARTS, BASKETBALL, BADMINTON AND VOLLEYBALL COURSES WILL START IN A FEW MONTHS’ TIME, AND ABOUT 40 INMATES ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE.
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/4........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
- 4 -
CYC MEMBERS TAKE OATH ft ft ft
MORE THAN 1,300 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS TODAY (SATURDAY) TOOK AN OATH TO DO THEIR UTMOST TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN A MASS RALLY AT VICTORIA PARK ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND RTHK TO LAUNCH A TV SERIES TO PROMOTE THE CYC MOVEMENT AND TO ENLIST MORE MEMBERS.
THE OATH WAS ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE PRESIDENT OF CYC.
THE TV SERIES LAUNCHING CEREMONY WAS ALSO CHARACTERISED BY THE LIGHTING OF THE CYC FIRE BY THE DRIECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE, AND THE HOISTING OF THE CYC FLAG BY THE CHAIRMAN OF SING TAO LTD, MISS AW SIAN, WHO HAS SPONSORED THE EVENT.
THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE RALLY IS A STUNT PERFORMED BY SUPERSTAR JACKIE CHAN WHO DESCENDED FROM A ROPE ATTACHED TO A HELICOPTER HOVERING 50 FEET ABOVE THE CENTRAL LAWN OF VICTORIA PARK.
HIS SPECTACULAR ARRIVAL AS ’FRIEND OF CYC’ WAS GREETED WITH CHEERS AND APPLAUSE BY SCHOOL CHILDREN WHO ALSO JOINED HIM TO SING THE CYC THEME SONG FOR THE TV SERIES.
THE RALLY WAS HELD WITH POMP AND COLOUR. THERE WAS A PARADE OF CYC MEMBERS FROM THE 19 DISTRICTS IN DASHING TRACK SUITS, A MARCH BY A NUMBER OF SCHOOL BANDS AND A MUSICAL SHOW ON THE CIVIC EDUCATION THEME BY PUPILS OF THE GCEPSA KWUN TONG PRIMARY SCHOOL AND CLASSICAL MUSIC BY CARMEL PAK U SECONDARY SCHOOL ORCHESTRA.
ADDING CHEERFULNESS TO THE OCCASION WAS A GROUP OF RTHK DANCERS WHOSE GRACEFUL MOVEMENTS BROUGHT OUT THE THEMES OF THE 13-EPISODE TV SERIES.
A RELEASE OF DOVES AND COLOURFUL BALLOONS ADDED COLOUR TO THE MASS RALLY WHICH ENDED WITH A CUTTING OF THE CYC 1OTH ANNIVERSARY CAKE BY MR LI, MISS CHEUNG, MISS AW AND SUPERSTAR JACKIE CHAN AND A GARDEN PARTY FOR THE GUESTS.
THE CYC TV SERIES WILL BE BROADCAST FOR 13 CONSECUTIVE SUNDAYS COMMENCING TOMORROW ON TVB-JADE AT 4.15 PM.
THE ACTIVITIES OF CYC WILL BE PORTRAYED THROUGH A GROUP OF CYC MEMBERS WHO ARE CAST AS MEMBERS OF AN EDITORIAL BOARD CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY TO PUBLISH A CYC WEEKLY NEWSPAPER. THERE WILL BE GUEST STARS IN EACH OF THE EPISODES.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
- 5 -
DRAMA PRESENTS DRUG PERILS * * *
MORE THAN 700 PEOPLE FROM MUTAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, YOUTH CENTRES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN TUEN MUN AND YAU MA TEI DISTRICTS WERE ENTERTAINED TO THREE PERFORMANCES OF A STAGE PLAY WITH AN ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE.
ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AS PART OF THE DISTRICTS’ CAMPAIGNS, THE PLAY, ENTITLED "A DANGEROUS GAME”, WAS PRESENTED BY THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY AT THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TUEN MUN YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) AND AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE TODAY (SATURDAY).
WITH SPONSORSHIP AND ADVICE FROM THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), "A DANGEROUS GAME” IS A PLAY FOR TEENAGERS AND THOSE WHO CARE ABOUT TEENAGERS.
"EVEN WITH A SMALL CAST AND SIMPLE SETTING, THE PLAY CARRIES A STRONG AND IMPORTANT MESSAGE WHICH WARNS THE AUDIENCE OF THE DANGERS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE,” A SPOKESMAN OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID.
THE THEME SONG FOR THE PLAY ”A DANGEROUS GAME” SUNG BY POPULAR LOCAL GROUP RAIDAS HAS ALSO BECOME THE ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME SONG FOR THIS YEAR.
"A DANGEROUS GAME" COMPOSED BY MR KENNETH WONG WITH LYRICS WRITTEN BY MR LIN XI, IS CHOSEN BY ACAN AS THIS YEAR’S ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME SONG BECAUSE IT ATTEMPTS TO DEPICT THE DANGERS OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE AND WARN YOUNG PEOPLE TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS.
THE SONG IS RECORDED IN RAIDAS’ NEWLY RELEASED ALBUM UNDER THE SAME TITLE.
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SAI KUNG CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE FORMED * ♦ ♦ t *
A 20-MEMBER COMMITTEE HAS BEEN FORMED IN SAI KUNG TO CO-ORDINATE ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.
CHAIRED BY A SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MRS ANITA CHAN, THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, SOCIAL WORKERS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VILLAGES AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
/REPRESENTATIVES FROM........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 198?
6
REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL ALSO ADVISE ON THE WORK AND ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMITTEE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WOULD BE HELD BETWEEN THIS MONTH AND NEXT JUNE TO PROMOTE THE CONCEPT OF CIVIC EDUCATION AMONG RESIDENTS.
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE VISITS TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, ATTENDING DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS, A YOUTH REPORTER SCHEME AND ACTIVITIES JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
"WE HOPE THAT BY PARTICIPATING IN THESE ACTIVITIES, RESIDENTS PARTICULARLY THE YOUNGER GENERATION WILL DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THEIR DISTRICT AND BE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"BESIDES, ON KNOWING MORE ABOUT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, RESIDENTS WILL BE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR SOCIETY AND TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS," HE SAID.
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PLANTS, BIRDS, FISHES ON DISPLAY
* » * *
MORE THAN 1,500 EXHIBITS ARE ON DISPLAY AT A TWO-DAY FISH, BIRD AND PLANT EXHIBITION WHICH OPENED THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON AT BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL.
THEY INCLUDE PRECIOUS PET BIRDS, FINELY CARVED CAGES, CHINESE AND JAPANESE GOLDFISH, FANCY CARP, TROPICAL FISH, BONSAI, ORCHID AND POTS OF CUT FLOWER.
THIS IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND 26 ORGANISATIONS, SHOPS AND INDIVIDUALS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING, CHAIRMAN OF THE EXHIBITION WORKING GROUP, MR LAU TAK-KI, POINTED OUT THAT THE PET FISH, BIRD AND PLANT TRADES WERE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT.
"THEY HAVE BECOME MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF MONG KOK BOTH FOR LOCAL PEOPLE AND FOR OVERSEAS VISITORS.
"I HOPE THE EXHIBITION NOT ONLY ALLOWS RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE TRADES BUT ALSO HELP THEM TO CULTIVATE THE WHOLESOME HOBBY OF REARING PETS AND GROWING PLANTS," HE SAID.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, AND THE DEPUTY POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MONG KOK, MR ROBIN LEUNG.
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/7........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 19677
- 7 -
CARNIVAL FUN FOR THE ELDERLY ♦ ♦ t » ♦
ABOUT 1,500 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL SHARE THE FUN IN A CARNIVAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE CHOI YUEN COVERED PLAYGROUND IN SHEUNG SHUI.
ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES, THE CARNIVAL IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF RESPECTING THE ELDERLY AS WELL AS PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT TO SENIOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
PROGRAMME FOR THE CARNIVAL INCLUDES CANTONESE OPFRA, GAMES STALLS AND TELEMATCH.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN LEUNG; POLICE DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER (FRONTIER), MR CHEUNG CHI-KEUNG AND THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER FOR TAI PO AND NORTH, MR CHOW SHUE-WING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT CARNIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT THE CHOI YUEN COVERED PLAYGROUND IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI.
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YOUTH CHOIR TO GIVE CONCERT IN WONG CHUK HANG
♦ * ♦ ♦ t
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A FREE CONCERT BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT YOUTH CHOIR TOMORROW (SUNDAY) EVENING IN THE OPEN SPACE NEAR WONG CHUK HANG CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE.
SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE CONCERT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND THE URBAN COUNCIL. IT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE WONG CHUK HANG ELDERLY RECREATION ASSOCIATION.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS AND POPULAR CHINESE SONGS.
RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CONCERT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
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/8........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
- 8 -
ISLANDS DB TO DISCUSS TAI O DEVELOPMENT * * * * *
A DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR TAI 0 ON LANTAU, WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING PUBLIC HOUSING AND RELATED INFRASTRUCTURE WHILST MAINTAINING THE CHARACTER OF THE EXISTING VILLAGE AREAS, WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 14).
BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE INVITED TO COMMENT ON ISSUES IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSAL SUCH AS PREVENTIVE MEASURES ON FLOODING, CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND CLEARANCE OF STILTED STRUCTURES, PROVISION OF FOUL SEWERS, DREDGING OF BASE SHELTER AND THE BUILDING OF A FOOTBRIDGE AND A SAMPAN ANCHORAGE.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS MATTERS CONCERNING A DB OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR NEXT YEAR AND THE PROPOSED MARICULTURE ZONE AT TAI O.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROGRESS OF SOUTH LANTAU COAST PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT STUDY, SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR DISTRICT FESTIVALS AND ALLOCATION OF DB FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 14) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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BAND MUSIC TO ENTERTAIN LOCAL RESIDENTS *****
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL HOLD WEEK OF BAND MUSIC ACTIVITIES FROM FRIDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE PUBLIC DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON.
THE YOUTH BAND WEEK, WHICH IS PART OF THE MUSIC OFFICE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PROGRAMME, WILL FEATURE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY THE SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL HAMAMATSU COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL- BAND, THE GOLD PRIZE WINNER OF THE 1986 ALL JAPAN BAND COMPETITION.
THE BAND HAS 58 MEMBERS AND PERFORMS UNDER THE BATON OF ITS DIRECTOR, EIICHI TOHYAMA.
/SINCE ITS .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1955, THE BAND HAS TAKEN PART IN MANY BAND CONTESTS AND HAS ATTAINED OUTSTANDING RESULTS. IT WON THE GOLD PRIZE IN THE CENTRAL PART OF JAPAN BAND COMPETITION IN 1983, AND AGAIN IN 1984 AND 1985.
THE YOUTH BAND WEEK WILL BEGIN WITH A STUDENT CONCERT AT WONG FUT NAM COLLEGE AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY. THE HAMAMATSU COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM JAPAN WILL PERFORM.
ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, A SPECTACULAR PROGRAMME, BAND GALORE, WILL BE STAGED AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAM SHUI PO FROM 2.30 PM. IN ADDITION TO THE GUEST BAND FROM JAPAN, THE GALORE WILL ALSO INVOLVE FIVE LOCAL SCHOOL BANDS AS WELL AS THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S SYMPHONIC BAND, THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND THE MUSIC OFFICE DISTRICT YOUTH BANDS.
A SERIES OF FOUR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS WILL BE PRESENTED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY ON DECEMBER 20. IN THE MORNING, THE ISLAND YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH CHOIR WILL DELIGHT THE PATIENTS OF THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS SANDY BAY CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL WITH WONDERFUL MUSIC.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE JAPANESE GUEST BAND AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND WILL PERFORM AT NEW TOWN PLAZA AT 2 PM WHILE THE EAST NEW TERRITORIES YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH CHOIR WILL GIVE ANOTHER CONCERT AT THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL AT 4 PM.
ON DECEMBER 21, 10 SCHOOL BANDS WILL COMPETE IN A MARCHING BAND CONTEST AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 3 PM. CASH COUPON PRIZES AMOUNTING TO $8,000 WILL BE DONATED BY TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LIMITED.
THE BAND WEEK WILL REACH ITS CLIMAX ON DECEMBER 23 WITH A CHRISTMAS BAND GALA AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 8 PM. SPECIAL STAGE EFFECTS TOGETHER WITH A NIGHT OF LIVELY MUSIC WILL MAKE THE CONCERT A MEMORABLE ONE FOR ALL THE AUDIENCE.
TICKETS FOR THE CHRISTMAS BAND GALA, PRICED AT $5 AND $10 EACH, ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-283257 AND 3-7226240.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
10 -
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG WAN, FANLING
» t *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, AND ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
ON TUESDAY THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE AT 107-147 CAINE ROAD, PO HING FONG, KUI IN FONG, TAI PING SHAN STREET BETWEEN KUI IN FONG AND LADDER STREET, BRIDGES STREET, SHING WONG STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD POLICE QUARTERS, WAH IN FONG WEST, WAH IN FONG EAST, WAH IN FONG, PO WA STREET, WING LEE STREET AND U LAM TERRACE.
ON THURSDAY THE WATER CUT WILL AFFECT THE PREMISES AT 76-130 HOLLYWOOD ROAD, LADDER STREET BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND CIRCULAR PATHWAY, CIRCULAR PATHWAY, SHING WONG STREET BETWEEN GOUGH STREET AND HOLLYWOOD ROAD, 270-276, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND TSUI ON LANE.
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN FANLING WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17) FROM 9.30 AM TO 5.30 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES ALONG SHA TAU KOK ROAD FROM TAN CHUK HANG TSUEN TO SHA TAU KOK MARKET, INCLUDING TAN CHUK HANG TSUEN, KWAI TAU LENG TSUEN, KAN TAU WAI TSUEN, LENG PEI TSUEN, HOK TAU TSUEN, TUNG SHAN HA TSUEN, TAI LONG TSUEN, WANG SHAN KEUK TSUEN, LOI TUNG TSUEN, MAN UK PIN TSUEN, SHEUNG WO HANG TSUEN, HA WO HANG TSUEN, HA MA CHEUK LENG TSUEN, SHEUNG MA CHEUK LENG TSUEN, SHEK KIU TAU TSUEN, YIM TSO HA TSUEN, SHEK CHUNG AU TSUEN, TONG TO TSUEN, SAN TSUEN, MUK MIN TAU TSUEN, HA TAM SHUI HANG TSUEN, SHEUNG TAM SHUT HANG TSUEN, KONG HA TSUEN, YIM LIU HA TSUEN AND SHA TAU KOK MARKET.
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LONG VEHICLE BAN, URBAN CLEARWAY IN CENTRAL
* * *
TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS, A LONG VEHICLE BAN AND AN URBAN CLEARWAY WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15).
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 10 METRES IN LENGth WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS FOR ABOUT 10 WEEKS:
* WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN LYNDHURST TERRACE AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
/« ABERDEEN STREET
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 198?
* ABERDEEN STREET BETWEEN HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND WELLINGTON STREET; AND
» COCHRANE STREET BETWEEN GAGE STREET AND STANLEY STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AT WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN ABERDEEN STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE SUSPENDED.
MEANWHILE, A 30-METRE STRETCH ALONG THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WELLINGTON STREET WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT FIVE WEEKS. NO VEHICLE EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YAU MA TEI
* « * » »
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YAU MA TEI FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) FOR ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS AT PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
» THE SECTION OF WING SING LANE BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND RECLAMATION STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND. AT THE SAME TIME, NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THIS ROAD SECTION DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM.
* VEHICLES ON PUBLIC SQUARE STREET EASTBOUND WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING RIGHT ON TO SHANGHAI STREET NORTHBOUND.
* KMB ROUTE NOS. 2E, 1A, 12, 30, 36B, 68 AND 68X AND GREEN
MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 31M TRAVELLING ON PUBLIC SQUARE STREET EASTBOUND AND HEADING FOR SHANGHAI STREET NORTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA RECLAMATION STREET, WING SING LANE AND SHANGHAI STREET.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1987
WAN CHAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE *****
THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION OF FLEMING ROAD IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN SEAFRONT ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM FROM TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE.
VEHICLES ON HUNG HING ROAD CAN TRAVEL VIA TONNOCHY ROAD SOUTHBOUND AND HARBOUR ROAD TO JOIN THE FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER.
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PROHIBITED ZONES IN NEW TERRITORIES *****
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15), LAM KAM ROAD AND THE YAU 01 (SOUTH) BUS TERMINUS IN TUEN MUN AREA 16 WILL BE MADE PROHIBITED ZONES OPERATING AROUND THE CLOCK.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 11 METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE BANNED FROM USING LAM KAM ROAD, WHILE IN THE YAU Of (SOUTH) BUS TERMINUS, ONLY THE ENTRY OF FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
NEW VISITOR CENTRE FOR TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK.............. 1
ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AIMED AT YOUNG AND OLD.................. 2
DB TO DISCUSS LION ROCK TUNNEL EXPERIMENT .................. 3
PUBLIC REMINDED rF FIREWORKS PROHIBITION .................... 4
NGAU CHI WAN MARKET COMPLEX ’WINS ANNUAL AWARD .............. 5
EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS HELP FIGHT CRIME.................. 6
PUBLIC SUPPORT IMPORTANT TO FIGHT CRIME...................... 7
FIGHT CRIME SHOW FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ..................... 8
TOP BRITISH MARATHON RUNNER JOINS HK RACE.................... 8
INVITATION FOR SHA TIN DANCE COMPETITION .................... 9
ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION IN TAI PO ........................... 10
GEOTECHNICAL REPORT ON CENTRAL NT OUT
11
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13,
1987
NEW VISITOR CENTRE FOR TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK * t ♦ * I
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED A $4.5 MILLION PROJECT TO CONSTRUCT ANOTHER MAJOR PUPOSE-BUILT VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE IN HONG KONG'S COUNTRY PARKS SYSTEM.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CENTRE AT TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE LAST WEDNESDAY.
IT WILL BRING TO FOUR THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PURPOSE-BUILT INFORMATION CENTRES IN POPULAR COUNTRY PARKS. THE EXISTING THREE ARE AT PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG; AT SHING MUN AND AT CLEARWATER BAY.
THE SAI KUNG CENTRE WAS COMPLETED IN 1985 WHILE THE SHING MUN CENTRE WAS OPENED JUST FIVE MONTHS AGO. THE CLEARWATER BAY CENTRE, DONATED BY THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON, WAS OPENED IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
THERE ARE TWO SMALLER VISITOR CENTRES AT ABERDEEN AND TAI MEI TUK. BOTH WERE CONVERTED FROM OLD OFFICE BUILDINGS.
ANNOUNCING THE PROJECT TODAY (SUNDAY), THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR K.C. IU, SAID THE NEW CENTRE WOULD OCCUPY A 370 SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR THE ENTRANCE ON TAI MO SHAN ROAD AND CONSTRUCTION WORK WOULD TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
WHEN OPENED IN 1989/90, THE NEW CENTRE WILL PROVIDE THE EVER GROWING NUMBER OF PARK VISITORS WITH USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT TAI MO SHAN AND NEARBY COUNTRY PARKS AND THE MANY ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES THAT WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR THEIR ENJOYMENT.
MR IU SAID THE NEW CENTRE WOULD ALSO SERVE THE PURPOSES OF PROMOTING VISITORS’ INTEREST IN AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE COUNTRYSIDE, AND EDUCATING THEM TO PROTECT THE COUNTRY PARK ESTATE FROM LITTER, FIRE AND VANDALISM.
’’THE TAI MO SHAN VISITOR CENTRE IS PART OF A FIVE-YEAR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR LOCAL COUNTRY PARKS IN WHICH MUCH EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON THE PROVISION OF VISITOR INFORMATION.
’’THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE NEW VISITOR CENTRES TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION AND VISITOR INFORMATION OUTLETS. THE TAI MO SHAN CENTRE IS THE SECOND OF THE THREE NEW CENTRES SO PLANNED, AFTER THE ONE AT SHING MUN,” MR IU ADDED.
THE $4.5 MILLION VISITOR CENTRE WILL SERVE THE TAI MO SHAN AND NEARBY TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK. BOTH PARKS ARE PARTICULARLY POPULAR WITH VISITORS IN VIEW OF THEIR CENTRAL LOCATIONS AND EASY ACCESSIBILITY. THEY ATTRACTED AN AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL OF MORE THAN 292,000 VISITORS IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS.
/MR IU .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13. 1987
2
MR IU SAID THE NEW CENTRE WAS TARGETTED TO SERVE ABOUT 1,000 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS VISITORS EACH DAY.
A FULL RANGE OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW CENTRE INCLUDING AN EXHIBITION HALL, AN AUDIO-VISUAL AND ACTIVITY ROOM, SALES/ENQUIRIES COUNTERS, AND AN OUTDOOR DISPLAY AREA. ADDITION, THE CENTRE WILL ALSO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL TALKS, SLIDE SHOWS AND GUIDED WALKS FOR SCHOOL PARTIES AND TOUR GROUPS.
THE TAI MO SHAN AND TAI LAM COUNTRY PARKS, COVERING SOME 6,770 HECTARES OF HILLY AREA, ARE AMONG THE MOST POPULAR OF THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS DEVELOPED AND MANAGED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. THEY OFFER GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR PICNICKING AND HILL WALKING.
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ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN AIMED AT YOUNG AND OLD * » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EMPHASIS OF THE CURRENT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN IS ON THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN UNDER 15 AND THE ELDERLY AGED 60 AND OVER, AS THESE TWO AGE GROUPS ARE THE MOST VULNERABLE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
ADDRESSING THE REGIONAL INSPECTION OF HONG KONG ISLAND'S ROAD SAFETY PATROL, MR SO SAID: "BOTH THE ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ARE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS AND HOPE TO FURTHER REDUCE THE CASUALTY RATES OF THESE TWO GROUPS."
THE ROAD SAFETY PATROLS CAN HELP BY ATTENDING TO THE NEEDS OF CHILDREN WHEN THEY ARE CROSSING THE ROAD AND BY ASSISTING OLD PEOPLE AS A GENERAL COURTESY WHICH ALL YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD EXTEND TO THE ELDERLY, MR SO SAID.
THE COMMISSIONER COMMENDED THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION FOR ITS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROMOTION OF ROAD SAFETY. THE MOST OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ROAD SAFETY PATROL SCHEMES, HE SAID.
"THE SCHEME, STARTED IN 1963 WITH ONLY TWO SCHOOLS AND 48 MEMBERS, NOW EMBRACES MORE THAN 12,000 PATROL MEMBERS FROM 211 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS."
ON THE ASSOCIATION’S RECENT DECISION TO EXPAND ITS ACTIVITIES TO KINDERGARTENS, MR SO SAID THIS WAS AN IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE EXTENSION OF THE ASSOCIATION’S WORK AS, AMONGST THE YOUNG, THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY COULD NEVER BE STRESSED ENOUGH.
/"THIS IS .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
- 3 -
"THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN A CITY LIKE HONG KONO WHERE POPULATION AND VEHICLE DENSITIES ARE AMONGST THE WORLD’S HIGHEST," HE SAID.
TO ACHIEVE A GREATER AWARENESS OF ROAD SAFETY AND HOW TO USE THE ROAD, MR SO CALLED ON THE PATROL MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC TO COLLECT A COPY OF THE ROAD USERS’ CODE RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
"THE CODE WILL BE OF PARTICULAR BENEFIT TO PARENTS FOR TEACHING ROAD SAFETY TO THEIR CHILDREN, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO GO CYCLING."
THE CODE, A 114-PAGE COLOURED BOOKLET, CONTAINS USEFUL INFORMATION ON TRAFFIC LEGISLATION, RULES OF BEHAVIOUR FOR PEDESTRIANS, PASSENGERS, CYCLISTS, DRIVERS AND MOTOR-CYCLISTS, AND SOME HINTS ON FIRST AID.
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DB TO DISCUSS LION ROCK TUNNEL EXPERIMENT
* * * *
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) MORNING THE TOLL-WAIVING EXPERIMENT AND PROGRESS OF OTHER MAJOR SCHEMES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
BRIEFING MEMBERS ON THE ISSUE WILL BE THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (NT), MR RICHARD MEAKIN; CHIEF ENGINEER (NT) OF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR TSOH MING; CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER (NT EAST), MR SAM CHAN AND TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MVA CONSULTANCY COMPANY.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON SHA TIN RESIDENTS’ DEMAND FOR OFF-DISTRICT BUS SERVICES, IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, KCR FEEDER BUS SERVICES IN SHA TIN AND A REQUEST FROM BELAIR GARDENS RESIDENTS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR THE ESTATE.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINAL FACILITY PLANNED IN KOWLOON TONG, APPLICATION FOR FUNDING A TWO-WEEK CYCLING SAFETY CAMPAIGN, AS WELL AS PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ROAD SAFETY AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
/UNFINISHED items........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
UNFINISHED ITEMS FROM THE LAST MEETING WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED. THEY ARE THE PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT BUSES FROM STOPPING INTERMITTENTLY AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA, EMERGENCY MEASURES FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS OCCURRING IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AREA AND THE DRAFT FOR 1988/89 DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR SHA TIN DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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PUBLIC REMINDED OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITION
* t » *
WITH THE FESTIVE SEASON FAST APPROACHING, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THEY ARE PROHIBITED FROM UNLICENSED POSSESSION OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS, FIRE-CRACKERS, PISTOL CAPS AND PARTY POPPERS.
HE SAID THAT UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO POSSESSES OR DISCHARGES ANY FIREWORK WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
’’SPOT CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S MINES DIVISION, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, ON SHOPS AND PREMISES SUSPECTED OF SELLING OR STORING SUCH GOODS,” A SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’ANY UNLICENSED DANGEROUS GOODS FOUND WILL BE SEIZED AND THE OFFENDERS PROSECUTED.”
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT AROUND THIS TIME LAST YEAR, EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS CONFISCATED MORE THAN 270 PARTY POPPERS, 2,600 ROUNDS OF RING CAPS AND 70,800 ROLLS OF PISTOL CAPS.
HE URGED THOSE IN POSSESSION OF ANY FIREWORK OR CATEGORY I DANGEROUS GOODS TO SURRENDER THEM TO THE MINES DIVISION AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KOWLOON, IMMEDIATELY.
THEY CAN ALSO RING UP THE DIVISION ON 3-7332383 OR 3-7332384 FOR SUCH GOODS TO BE COLLECTED BY EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS.
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/5........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
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NQAU CHI WAN MARKET COMPLEX WINS ANNUAL AWARD ««****
THE NGAU CHI WAN MARKET COMPLEX HAS WON THIS YEAR'S ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNUAL AWARD, A PANEL OF INDEPENDENT JUDGES HEADED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR LEI SAID THE WINNING PROJECT, COMPLETED IN DECEMBER 1986 AT A COST OF $60 MILLION, "SHOWED AN INNOVATIVE SOLUTION IN THE INTEGRATION OF COMMUNITY NEEDS, WITH UNPRETENTIOUS ARCHITECTURE AND FREE OF CLICHE."
A TOTAL OF 12 SUBMISSIONS WERE ENTERED IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION, WHICH WAS LIMITED TO PROJECTS DESIGNED AND SUPERVISED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THEY WERE SUBMITTED BY THEIR RESPECTIVE PROJECT TEAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTS.
IN EXPLAINING THE JUDGING CRITERIA, MR LEI SAID: "AS A DEPARTMENT PROVIDING ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES TO GOVERNMENT, WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC."
BUILDINGS PRODUCED MUST BE FUNCTIONAL, EFFICIENT, ECONOMICAL BOTH IN CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE.
WE ARE ALSO SUBJECTED TO WATER-TIGHT RULES AND PROCEDURES, AND ARCHITECTURAL AESTHETICS, UNFORTUNATELY, IS ONLY OUR SECONDARY OBJECTIVE," HE ADDED.
MR TONY L1EM, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE WINNING PROJECT TEAM, SAID: "ONE NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE PROJECT WAS THE GOOD PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION ACHIEVED DESPITE THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT.
"THE VIABLILITY OF THE MARKET WAS ONE MAJOR PLANNING CONSIDERATION BECAUSE ITS SUCCESS GENERATES REVENUE FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL, DISCOURAGES ILLEGAL HAWKING AND THUS CREATE A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
"WE ALSO MET THE NEED TO RESOLVE THE EXISTING UNCONTROLLED HAWKERS AND TEMPORARY MARKET GIVING RISE TO POOR HYGIENE, BLOCKING OFF FOOTPATHS, ROADS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSING," MR LIEM SAID.
THE JUDGING PANEL, WHICH INCLUDED SEVERAL NOTABLE PERSONALITIES IN ARCHITECTURE OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT, ALSO GAVE SPECIAL MENTION TO THREE OTHER SUBMISSIONS - THE QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, RESERVOIR PARK AT WONG NAI CHUNG AND RESTORATION OF FRENCH MISSION BUILDING.
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A....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
6
EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS HELP FIGHT CRIME
* * * *
THE NORTH POINT POLICE STATION WAS CROWDED WITH THOUSANDS OF EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS TODAY (SUNDAY) WHO ATTENDED THE DISTRICT'S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY CUM NORTH POINT POLICE STATION OPEN DAY.
ELEVEN LOCAL RESIDENTS WERE PRESENTED WITH GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS FOR THEIR BRAVERY IN HELPING THE POLICE TO FIGHT CRIME; PRIZES WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS OF THE ANTI-TRIAD ESSAY WRITING COMPETITION AND THE FIGHT CRIME CARTOON DRAWING COMPETITION.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG SAID THE DISTRICT'S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD ORGANISED VARIOUS TALKS, VISITS, COMPETITIONS AND SEMINARS TO DISSEMINATE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGES AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.
TO SUPPORT THE 'LIFT DISPLAY PROJECT' INITIATED BY THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU WHICH IS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF SECURITY PRECAUTIONS, MR YEUNG URGED MORE LOCAL RESIDENTS IN MULTISTOREY BUILDINGS TO JOIN THE SCHEME.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE EASTERN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR R.M.A. HARPER, SAID THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF CRIMES REPORTED PER MONTH TN 1987 WAS 391, IN WHICH ROBBERIES AND BURGLARIES SHOWED A SIGNIFICANT DECREASE AS COMPARED WITH PREVIOUS YEARS.
!l HVEVER, THE DETECTION RATE HAD SHOWN A CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT FROM 38 PER CENT IN 1985 TO 50 PER CENT IN 1987, HE ADDED.
MR HARPER SAID THE SUCCESS WAS ATTRIBUTED NOT ONLY TO THE HARD WORK AND HIGH DETECTION RATE OF THE POLICE, BUT ALSO THE COOPERATIVE AND HELPFUL RESPONSE FROM ALL LAW ABIDING RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO ADOPT CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES BOTH AT HOME AND AT WORK, ESPECIALLY NOW WHEN NEW YEAR WAS APPROACHING AND CRIMES WERE USUALLY MORE ACTIVE DURING THE SEASON.
MR HARPER POINTED OUT THAT SHOP LIFTING BY CHILDREN WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM TO WHICH SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID.
”IT USUALLY OCCURRED IN SUPERMARKETS WHERE THE DISPLAY OF SWEETS AND OTHER ITEMS ARE VERY TEMPTING; HOWEVER, THEIR STAFF ARE VIGILANT AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF BEING CAUGHT ARE MUCH MORE SERIOUS THAN MOST PEOPLE REALISE.”
’’ANOTHER SUBJECT OF CONCERN IS THE INVOLVEMENT OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT,” HE CONTINUED.
HE NOTED THAT TRIADS EXTENDED THEIR INFLUENCES IN THE COMMUNITY BY OFFERING PROTECTION, SOMETIMES EVEN IN BUSINESS COMPETITIONS.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO REPORT ANY TRIAD ACTIVITIES TO THE POLICE.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13. !987
PUBLIC SUPPORT IMPORTANT TO FIGHT CRIME
*****
PUBLIC SUPPORT IS IMPORTANT TO FIGHT CRIME AND PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE SHOULD COOPERATE TO MAINTAIN A PEACEFUL COMMUNITY, CHARIMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WONG WING-PIU, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"I HOPE TODAY’S CARNIVAL WOULD HELP AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND STRENGTHEN THE TIES BETWEEN THE POLICE AND THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
MR WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL AND "FRIENDS OF THE POLICE AWARD" PRESENTATION AT ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, KWOLOON CITY JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE CARNIVAL INCLUDED 21 GAMES STALLS WITH THE FIGHT CRIME THEME, SINGING, LUCKY DRAW, A PLAY AND AN EXHIBITION ON CRIME PREVENTION, AND PERFORMANCES BY THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL ROTARY BAND. A POLK E RECRUITMENT COUNTER WAS ALSO SET UP AT THE VENUE.
JEANWHILE, 20 LOCAL RESIDENTS AND EIGHT STUDENTS RECEIVED I!. : / : . T SOUVENIRS FOR HAVING HELPED THE POLICE IN COMBATING CRIME.
THE RECIPIENTS; AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 59, WERE NOMINATED BY THE POLICE, AREA COMMITTEES AND SCHOOLS.
OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CARNIVAL WERE A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MRS ROSANNA TAM; KOWLOoN CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; DISTRICT 1 K >iR, MR ALEX FONG; KOWLOON CITY DICTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MRS WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHEUNG WOO-YICK.
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/8 .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 587
8
FIGHT CRIME SHOW FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS *****
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A NIGHT OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHOW ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 19) AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL.
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE VARIETY SHOW WILL START AT 7.30 PM WITH A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN WHICH NINE GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS FROM THE DISTRICT IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN PROMOTING THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME.
RECIPIENTS OF THE AWARDS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL VILLAGES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
OTHER PROGRAMMES OF THE NIGHT ARE SINGING BY FAMOUS ARTISTES, ZITHER PERFORMANCE AND A DRAMA WITH AN ANTI-TRIAD THEME.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS ROSANNA TAM; SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN WILL ATTEND THE VARIETY SHOW CUM PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
TICKETS OF THE SHOW ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICES OF THE SAI KUNG AND HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEES AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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TOP BRITISH MARATHON RUNNER JOINS HK RACE
* * * *
BRITAIN’S TOP MARATHON RUNNER HUGH JONES WILL BE HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, IT WAS CONFIRMED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (HKAAA), WILL BE HELD AT THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON JANUARY 24, (SUNDAY).
HUGH JONES, THE WINNER OF THE LONDON MARATHON IN 1982, HAS A PERSONAL BEST TIME OF 2.09.24 HOURS AND HAS BEEN THE FIRST CHOICE FOR BRITAIN IN THE 1987 ATHLETIC SEASON.
"HE IS CERTAINLY THE CLASSIEST MARATHON RUNNER WE HAVE EVER BEEN ABLE TO ATTRACT," SAID RACE DIRECTOR OF THE EVENT, MR JAMIE SCOTT.
/"HUGH IS .......
SUNDAY, DBCiMBEH 13, 198?
"HUGH IS ACTUALLY USING THE EVENT AS PART OF HIS PREPARATION FOR THE OLYMPICS. HE WILL BE COMING FOR A STEADY RUN AS A PRELUDE TO COMPETING AGAIN IN LONDON NEXT APRIL AND IN THE SEOUL OLYMPICS IN SEPTEMBER,” HE ADDED.
THIS YEAR HUGH JONES WAS THIRD IN LONDON IN MAY IN 2.10.11 HOURS, FIFTH IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN ROME IN AUGUST IN 2.12.54 HOURS AND NINTH IN NOVEMBER’S NEW YORK MARATHON IN 2.14.07 HOURS.
MEANWHILE, ACAN WILL HOST A RUNNING SEMINAR ON JANUARY 22 BEFORE THE SUNDAY RACE DURING WHICH HUGH JONES WILL BE ONE OF THE SPEAKERS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KNG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, SPORTS GOODS OUTLETS OR ON WRITTEN APPLICATION TO THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON G.P.O. BOX 10368 HONG KONG.
0
INVITATION FOR SHA TIN DANCE COMPETITION * * * *
DANCING FANS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SHOW OFF THEIR SKILLS BY TAKING PART IN THE EIGHTH SHA TIN DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN MEI LAM INDOOR GAMES HALL ON JANUARY 17.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, CO-ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
COMPETITIONS WILL BE CLASSIFIED INTO FIVE GROUPS, NAMELY THAT FOR "CHILDREN" AGED FOUR TO SIX YEARS OLD; YOUTH AGED SEVEN TO 12; "OPEN" FOR AGE 13 AND ABOVE; "COUPLE” FOR AGE 18 AND ABOVE; AND "SPECIAL" FOR THE DISABLED WITH NO AGE LIMITS.
PARTICIPANTS CAN COMPETE IN DIFFERENT KINDS OF DANCES INCLUDING ORIENTAL CLASSIC, ORIENTAL FOLK, WESTERN FOLK, MODERN, SOCIAL AND JAZZ. COMPETITORS FOR THE "CHILDREN" AND "SPECIAL" GROUPS MAY CHOOSE OTHER FORMS AS THEY LIKE.
ENTRIES TO THE EVENT ARE FREE OF CHARGE AND THE DEADLINE IS JANUARY 2.
OUTSTANDING DANCERS WILL BE AWARDED AND INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON FEBRUARY 6.
ENTRY FORMS CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRE, SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION AND SHA TIN OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6989750 AND 0-6066552.
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/10 .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
10
ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION IN TAI PO
» » » »
AN EXHIBITION TO CONVEY TO TAI PO RESIDENTS THE MESSAGE THAT SMOKING IS HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH WILL OPEN AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) .
THE EXHIBITION, LASTING UNTIL DECEMBER 18, IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES HELD IN THE DISTRICT IN SUPPORT OF THE ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
IT WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE.
APART FROM DISPLAYING ANTI-SMOKING INFORMATION, THERE WILL BE A VIDEO AND A SLIDE SHOW AS WELL AS GAMES STALLS TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE.
WINNERS OF AN ESSAY COMPETITION AND A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION IN SUPPORT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL RECEIVE PRIZES DURING THE CEREMONY.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON TAI PO DISTRICT ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE TAI PO ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIDNEY CHAN, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR MICHAEL LAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO MARKET.
0 --------
/11 ........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
11 -
GEOTECHNICAL REPORT ON CENTRAL NT OUT
» * *
A NEW GEOTECHNICAL AREA STUDIES PROGRAMME (GASP) REPORT FOCUSING ON THE CENTRAL NEW TERRITORIES HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED BY THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SECOND IN A SERIES OF 12 SUCH REPORTS WHICH CONTAIN REGIONAL GEOTECHNICAL ASSESSMENTS OF ALL THE LAND IN THE TERRITORY, THE LATEST REPORT ENCOMPASSES TSING YI, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND SHA TIN.
PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER, DR E.W. BRAND, SAID THE REPORT CONTAINED A WEALTH OF FACTUAL INFORMATION, INCLUDING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, FOLD-OUT COLOUR MAPS, AND A SET OF FOUR MAPS WHICH PROVIDED AN OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONSTRAINTS ON ALL THE LAND IN THE AREA.
"THE GEOTECHNICAL AREA STUDIES PROGRAMME REPORTS WILL BE INVALUABLE TO THOSE INVOLVED WITH PLANNING, LAND DEVELOPMENT AND ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDIES.
"THEY WILL ALSO BE OF GREAT INTEREST TO TEACHERS AND ACADEMICS, BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF THE NATURAL LAND RESOURCES OF THE TERRITORY," DR BRAND SAID.
HE CONTINUED: "THE GASP STUDIES ARE BASED ON TERRAIN CLASSIFICATION TECHNIQUES WHICH USE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, FIELD RECONNAISSANCE AND EXISTING SITE INVESTIGATION RECORDS.
"THEY WILL PROVIDE A GOOD BASIS FOR ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY STUDIES OF LARGE SITES."
THE GASP REPORTS COMPLEMENT THE NEW SERIES OF 15 GEOLOGICAL MAPS AND SIX ACCOMPANYING DESCRIPTIVE MEMOIRS WHICH THE GCO IS ALSO PRODUCING.
THE GASP REPORT ON THE CENTRAL NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH CONSISTS OF A 165-PAGE VOLUME AND FOUR ACCOMPANYING MAPS, IS NOW ON SALE AT $150 PER SET FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE (GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE) AND THE MAP SALES OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT (FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD).
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1}, 1987
GOVERNOR’S ARTICLE ON HK’S FUTURE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1987
GOVERNOR’S ARTICLE ON HK’S FUTURE * * * * *
FOLLOWING IS AN ARTICLE ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WRITTEN BEFORE OCTOBER FOR THE NOVEMBER EDITION OF THE HARVARD INTERNATIONAL REVIEW, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED RECENTLY.
READERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS MAY WELL BE PUZZLED BY WHAT THEY HAVE BEEN READING RECENTLY ABOUT HONG KONG. SOME NEWSPAPER COMMENTARIES HAVE SPOKEN OF A "JITTERY CITY"; A "CRISIS OF CONFIDENCE"; AND THE "SUNSET FOR CAPITALISM" IN A "DYING COLONIAL POSSESSION". OTHERS HAVE REFERRED TO A "MASSIVE BRAIN DRAIN" AND A "DRAIN OF CAPITAL". YET IN THIS SAME PERIOD, PERCEPTIVE READERS WILL HAVE SEEN THE FINANCIAL PRESS REPORT THAT OUR ECONOMY IS BOOMING, AND THAT EXPORTS, INVESTMENT, AND OTHER KEY MARKET INDICES ARE ALL BUOYANT. VISITORS HAVE BEEN STRUCK BY A SURGE IN CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY COMPARABLE WITH THAT CURRENTLY UNDERWAY IN MANHATTAN. EXPORTS AT THE END OF JULY WERE UP BY 32 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR BEFORE, RE-EXPORTS WERE UP BY 52 PER CENT, AND THE STOCK MARKET WAS AT AN ALL TIME HIGH. WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON?
HONG KONG’S POSITION IS UNIQUE. THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ITS FUTURE ARE ALSO UNIQUE. THIS UNIQUENESS NEEDS TO BE UNDERSTOOD IF ANYONE IS TO HAVE A CLEAR PICTURE OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE TERRITORY NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.
IN 1997, HONG KONG WILL BECOME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION (SAR) OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA. IT WILL REMAIN CAPITALIST. IT WILL ADMINISTER ITSELF, EXCEPT IN THE AREAS OF FOREIGN POLICY AND DEFENCE, WHICH WILL BE CHINA’S RESPONSIBILITY JUST AS THEY ARE CURRENTLY HANDLED BY BRITAIN. FOR THIS UNIQUE AND FAR-REACHING CONCEPT, THE CHINESE HAVE COINED THE PHRASE, "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS". BY THIS THEY MEAN THAT HONG KONG’S CAPITALIST SYSTEM AND SOCIETY WILL BE MAINTAINED SEPARATELY FROM CHINA’S COMMUNIST SYSTEM, EVEN THOUGH HONG KONG WILL BE A PART OF THE SAME COUNTRY.
THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT IS UNCHARTED TERRITORY. IT HAS NEVER BEEN TRIED ELSEWHERE. ITS VERY UNIQUENESS UNDERSTANDABLY LEADS PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY THOSE NOT CLOSE TO THE SCENE, TO WONDER IF IT CAN WORK. IT IS NATURAL THAT QUESTIONS SHOULD BE ASKED ABOUT THE VIABILITY OF COMMUNISM AND CAPITALISM CO-EXISTING. BUT I BELIEVE THAT THOSE QUESTIONS CAN BE AND ARE BEING SATISFACTORILY ANSWERED.
/IN CONSIDERING
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1987
- 2
IN CONSIDERING HONG KONG’S FUTURE, IT IS USEFUL TO RECALL ITS PAST, PARTICULARLY THE ERA SINCE THE COMMUNIST PARTY CAME TO POWER IN CHINA IN 1949. DURING THIS PERIOD HONG KONG, WHICH WAS DEVASTATED AND DEPOPULATED DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR, HAS DEVELOPED INTO A THRIVING CITY OF OVER FIVE AND A HALF MILLION PEOPLE. HONG KONG’S TOTAL EXPORTS PLACE THE TERRITORY THIRTEENTH IN THE WORLD LEAGUE. OUR PER CAPITA GDP OF US$6,761 IS AMONG THE VERY HIGHEST IN ASIA, AND AHEAD OF SOME WESTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES. ALL OF THIS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF A HIGHLY UNCERTAIN POLITICAL FUTURE. UNTIL 1984 NO ONE KNEW WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN 1997, THE EXPIRATION DATE OF BRITAIN’S NINETY-NINE YEAR LEASE ON THE NEW TERRITORIES - WHICH ACCOUNT FOR 92 PERCENT OF HONG KONG’S LAND AREA, INCLUDING MUCH OF ITS POPULATION AND INDUSTRY, ITS AIRPORT, CONTAINER PORTS, POWER STATIONS AND RESERVOIRS, AND WITHOUT WHICH THE REMAINDER OF THE TERRITORY WOULD NOT BE VIABLE. INDEED, SINCE THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA HAS NEVER RECOGNISED THE VALIDITY OF THAT NINETEENTH CENTURY LEASE, THERE WAS ALSO CONCERN, ESPECIALLY DURING THE EARLY PART OF THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION IN CHINA, ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF CHANGE EVEN BEFORE 1997. THE MODERN BUSTLING INTERNATIONAL CITY OF HONG KONG WAS BUILT UP AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND OF UNCERTAINTY.
NOW THAT UNCERTAINTY HAS BEEN REMOVED. THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION SETS OUT IN CONSIDERABLE DETAIL WHAT HONG KONG’S POLITICAL FUTURE WILL BE, AS WELL AS THE POLICIES WHICH THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WILL ADOPT TOWARDS THE TERRITORY AFTER 1997. IN ESSENCE, THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDES FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN ITS WAY OF LIFE ALMOST UNCHANGED AFTER 1997. SOME CHANGES WILL OF COURSE BE NECESSARY TO REFLECT THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY AND CHINA’S ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR FOREIGN AND DEFENCE AFFAIRS. BUT CHINA HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT IT WILL BE HONG KONG’S OWN PEOPLE, NOT PEOPLE SENT FROM THE MAINLAND, WHO WILL COMPRISE THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HONG KONG SAR. THEY WILL HAVE A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY TO ADMINISTER HONG KONG ESSENTIALLY AS IT IS RUN NOW. CHINA WILL NOT THEREFORE "RUN” HONG KONG, AS THE PRESS SHORTHAND OFTEN HAS IT. NOR, OF COURSE, DOES BRITAIN "RUN’ HONG KONG TODAY.
THE JOINT DECLARATION GUARANTEES THE CONTINUATION OF HONG HONG’S PRESENT RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, ITS LEGAL SYSTEM AND ITS SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC SYSTEMS. IT STIPULATES THAT HONG KONG’S CAPITALIST SYSTEM, WITH RIGHTS OF OWNERSHIP PROTECTED BY LAW, ITS SECURITIES, FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND OTHER MARKETS, ITS OWN FREELY CONVERTIBLE CURRENCY, AND LACK OF EXCHANGE CONTROLS WILL CONTINUE. THE HONG KONG SAR WILL KEEP ITS OWN FINANCIAL AND FISCAL SYSTEMS, ITS FREE PORT, AND ITS OWN CUSTOMS TERRITORY. IT WILL HAVE ITS OWN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND ITS OWN AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS, AND WILL CONDUCT ITS OWN ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL EXTERNAL RELATIONS. HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS MUCH AS IT DOES NOW. THE FABRIC OF RELATIONSHIPS THAT MAKE HONG KONG AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING, FINANCIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL BE KEPT INTACT. ALL THESE PROVISIONS ARE GUARANTEED FOR FIFTY YEARS FROM 1997.
/FOR HONG KONG........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 19^7
FOR HONG KONO PEOPLE, THEREFORE, THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDT'J THAT THE ESSENTIALS OF THEIR LIFESTYLE WILL NOT CHANGE. INVESTORS, LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, IT GIVES REASSURANCE THAT THEIR SIGHT! WILL BE PROTECTED AND THAT PROFITS CAN BE FREELY CONVERTED OR REPATRIATED.
SO MUCH FOR WHAT THE JOINT DECLARATION SAYS. BUT WHAT MANY PEOPLE WORRY ABOUT IS WHETHER IT WILL WORK IN PRACTICE. THERE ARE GOOD GROUNDS FOR BELIEVING THAT IT WILL. WE HAVE A SUCCESSFUL RECORD OF IMPLEMENTATION EFFORTS SO FAR. BRITAIN AND CHINA HAVE HAD MORE OR LESS CONTINUOUS DISCUSSIONS ON IMPLEMENTATION SINCE THE RATIFICATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION IN MID-1985. THE MAIN FORUM FOR THESE DISCUSSIONS HAS BEEN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, CONSIST!!'<! OF FIVE OFFICIALS ON EACH SIDE (WITH TWO HONG KONG OFFICIALS AS PART OF THE BRITISH TEAM), CALLING ON EXPERT ADVICE WHEN NECESSARY. THE GROUP HAS ACHIEVED A GREAT DEAL SINCE IT STARTED ITS WORK TWO YEARS AGO. IT HAS AGREED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BECOME A SEPARA' CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) AND THAT IT SHOULD REMAIN SO AFTER 1997. HONG KONG DULY BECAME A PARTY IN ITS OWN RIGHT IN APRIL 1986, THEREBY ENDING UNCERTAINTY OVER HONG KONG’S FUTURE TRADING POSITION WHEN THE BRITISH UMBRELLA IS REMOVED (CHINA IS NOT CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF THE GATT). IT HAS AGREED ON TRAVEL AND IDENTITY DOCUMENTS FOR HONG KONO PEOPLE TO USE UP TO AND AFTER 1997. IT HAS PAVED THE WAY FOR HONG KONG TO CONCLUDE ITS OWN AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS - THE FIRST, WITH THE NETHERLANDS, HAS ALREADY BEEN SIGNED - AND TO SET UP ITS OWN SHIPPING REGISTER. THUS IN AREAS OF VITAL CONCERN TO HONG KONG - TRADE, TRAVEL, AND COMMUNICATIONS - THE JOINT DECLARATION IS ALREADY BEING IMPLEMENTED. IN OTHER AREAS TOO, NOTABLY IN THE DISCUSSIONS OVER HOW TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S STATUS IN THE MYRIAD INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS IN WHICH IT PARTICIPATES, THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS.
BOTH THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS ARE PUBLICLY AND FIRMLY COMMITTED TO MAKING A SUCCESS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION - A LEGALLY BINDING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT, REGISTERED WITH THE UNITED NATIONS, TO WHICH BOTH HAVE DEVOTED AND CONTINUE TO DEVOTE A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND EFFORT, RIGHT UP TO THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.
IT IS WORTH EXAMINING THE VESTED INTERESTS RIDING ON THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG. THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN THIS ARE OBVIOUS. PERHAPS LESS OBVIOUS TO SOME OVERSEAS OBSERVERS IS THE STRONG CHINESE INTEREST THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO PROSPER AS IT DOES NOW. HONG KONG IS CHINA’S LARGEST MARKET AND ITS SECOND LARGEST TRADING PARTNER. IT IS BY FAR CHINA’S LARGEST SOURCE OF DIRECT EXTERNAL INVESTMENT AND JOINT VENTURE INVESTMENT (IN THE SEVEN YEAR 1979-1985, 60 PER CENT OF CHINA’S EXTERNAL INVESTMENT CAME FROM HONG KONG). IT IS A VITAL OUTLET FOR CHINESE EXPORTS, AND AN IMPORTANT SERVICE CENTRE FOR CHINA AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION. THE VAST NUMBER OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TRAVELLING TO CHINA (OVER 22 MILLION BORDER CROSSINGS IN 1986, COMPARED WITH AROUND HALF A MILLION IN THE MID-1970’S), AND REMITTANCES SENT TO RELATIVES IN CHINA BY HONG KONG RESIDENTS ARE ALSO VALUABLE SOURCES OF INCOME FOR CHINA.
/CHINESE INVESTMENTS
SUNDAY, DECOffiER 1J, 1987
CHINESE INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG ARE LARGE AND GROWING. THEY HAVE OVER-TAKEN BRITISH INVESTMENTS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, AND ARE NOW EXCEEDED ONLY BY AMERICAN AND JAPANESE INVESTMENTS. CHINESE INTERESTS CONTROL FIFTEEN BANKS AND NUMEROUS OTHER COMPANIES IN HONG KONG. A CHINESE COMPANY BOUGHT A SIGNIFICANT MINORITY SHAREHOLDING IN CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS EARLIER THIS YEAR AND IS PARTICIPATING IN A CONSORTIUM THAT IS BUILDING A HK$3 BILLION SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL. ESTIMATES OF WHAT CHINA EARNS FROM HONG KONG RANGE FROM 30 TO 40 PER CENT OF CHINA’S TOTAL FOREIGN EXCHANGE RECEIPTS. THESE CONSIDERATIONS HAVE BEEN IMPORTANT TO CHINA FOR MANY YEARS AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPORTANT AS CHINA CONTINUES ITS AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPING ITS POTENTIALLY VAST ECONOMY. THEY DEPEND NOW, AS THEY WILL AFTER 1997, ON HONG KONG RETAINING A SEPARATE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL SYSTEM, NOT ON THE ABSORPTION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IN CHINA’S AS A WHOLE. THEY ARE THUS PART OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT AND PART OF ITS GUARANTEE.
THE MAJOR FREE-MARKET ECONOMIES OF THE WORLD ALL HAVE AN INTEREST IN SEEING THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE IS SECURE. AS A CENTRE OF TRADING AND COMMUNICATIONS, AN ENTREPOT FOR THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION AND AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAPITALIST COMMUNITY AND A BASE FOR MANY COMPANIES AND BANKS DOING BUSINESS IN THE REGION. THESE ARE NOT MERELY BRITISH INTERESTS, BUT WESTERN INTERESTS. THE AMERICAN STAKE IN HONG KONG, FOR EXAMPLE, IS VERY LARGE. ABOUT 14,000 AMERICANS LIVE IN HONG KONG. THE AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ESTIMATED IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR THAT THERE WERE OVER 900 AMERICAN FIRMS IN HONG KONG WITH A TOTAL INVESTMENT OF OVER US$6 BILLION. THE U.S. CONSUL-GENERAL IN HONG KONG RECENTLY DESCRIBED HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE TO THE UNITED STATES AS BASED "NOT ONLY ON COMMERCIAL TIES BUT ALSO SHARED VALUES". FROM FREE TRADE (AND NO MARKET IS FREER THAN HONG KONG’S) TO INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS, THESE ARE VALUES WHICH IT IS VERY MUCH IN THE WESTERN INTEREST TO PRESERVE.
SECOND ONLY TO THE AMERICAN BUSINESS PRESENCE IN HONG KONG COMES THE JAPANESE, WITH OVER 800 COMPANIES REPRESENTED. JAPANESE BUSINESS IS SHOWING GREAT CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG: IT HAS TRIPLED ITS DIRECT INVESTMENT SINCE 1981. HONG KONG IS NOW JAPAN’S SEVENTH LARGEST INVESTMENT MARKET IN THE WORLD. THE JAPANESE PRESENCE IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR HAS ALSO GROWN FAST. JAPAN’S VIEW OF HONG KONG WAS PERHAPS MOST NEATLY SUMMED UP IN A SPEECH BY THE JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN HE REFERRED TO THE CITY AS "THE MOST IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL METROPOLIS IN ASIA". MANY OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES HAVE SIGNIFICANT INTERESTS IN HONG KONG; THE NUMBER OF WESTERN EUROPEAN COMPANIES HERE IS LARGE AND GROWING RAPIDLY.
/FOR WESTERN
5
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1987
FOR WESTERN BUSINESSMEN, HONG KONG IS THE NATURAL PLACE TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE EAST, BOTH WITH CHINA AND WITH THE REST OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION. MANY INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES AND BANKS HAVE ’-S'lAL’f.-I SHED REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AN UNBEATABLE COMBINATION OF AN IDEAL GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION, SUPERB AF1VICES AND COMMUNICATIONS, A GOOD WORKFORCE PLUS A SUPPLY OF ?.i.- r.DUCATRD ENGLISH-SPEAKING MIDDLE MANAGERS, AND A STABLE, SAFE, AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT. THE SPECIAL ADVANTAGE OF HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY ilNA IS UNMATCHED. HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN HAVE EXPERTISE AND CONNECTIONS THAT CAN BE OF GREAT HELP TO WESTERN COMPANIES ' f?: TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE DISTANT AND UNFAMILIAR CHINESE MARKET.
>NG HAS THE BEST DEEP-WATER PORT ON THE CHINESE COAST AND THE SECOND BUSIEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD. IT ALSO HAS GOOD AND IMPROVING TRANSPORT LINKS WITH THE CHINESE HINTERLAND - BY ROAD, RAIL, AIR, SEAS AND RIVER. AND HONG KONG’S TRADITIONAL ROLE AS AN OUTLET FOR CHINESE TRADE, WHICH WAS DISRUPTED BY THE INTERNATIONAL EMBARGO AT THE TIME OF KOREAN WAR, IS NOW STRONGER THAN EVER. SEVENTY-EIGHT PER CENT OF HONG KONG'S LARGE RE-EXPORT BUSINESS COMES FROM, OR IS DESTINED FOR CHINA. THIS AMOUNTED TO TRADE BOTH WAYS WORTH US$15 BILLION IN THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1987. SOME 2,800 CHINESE VESSELS ANNUALLY USE THE PORT OF HONG KONG, NEARLY TEN TIMES THE NUMBER TEN YEARS AGO.
INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG, MATCHING THE INTERNATIONAL INTEREST IN HONG KONG, HAS BEEN HIGH SINCE THE JOINT DECLARATION. BUT WHAT OF THOSE WHO HAVE THE GREATEST INTEREST OF ALL: THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG? ARE THEY ALL LEAVING AND TAKING THEIR MONEY WITH THEM, AS SOME OF THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS HAVE ALLEGED? HARDLY. THE S AN OUTFLOW, NOT A FLIGHT, OF CAPITAL FROM HONG KONG. THIS IS NORMAL IN ANY STRONG ECONOMY: JAPAN IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF A SIMILAR BUT LARGER TREND. THE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY, WHETHER IN PLANT AND MACHINERY (1984-1986 WAS THE BEST THREE-YEAR PERIOD FOR GROWTH IN THIS AREA OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY) OR FOR MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS. HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN MAY BE BUYING INTO COMPANIES OVERSEAS, SUCH AS HUSKY OIL IN CANADA OR MARINE MIDLAND BANK IN THE UNITED STATES; BUT THEY ARE ALSO MAKING INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG, MANY OF WHICH WILL NOT PAY FOR THEMSELVES UNTIL WELL INTO THE 1990'S OR LATER. MEANWHILE, THE DEMAND AMONG ORDINARY PEOPLE TO BUY HOUSES AND APARTMENTS IS EXTREMELY STRONG, AND NEW SHARE ISSUES ARE HEAVILY OVERSUBSCRIBED. THERE IS NO SIGN THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE AFRAID TO INVEST THEIR MONEY IN HONG KONG.
IT IS WORTH REMEMBERING THAT EMIGRATION HAS BEEN A FACT OF LIFE IN HONG KONG SINCE THE LAST CENTURY. HENCE, IN LARGE PART, THE LARGE CHINESE COMMUNITIES THAT NOW EXIST IN THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, AND BRITAIN. THE LEVEL OF EMIGRATION HAS BEEN MUCH THE SAME AS IT IS NOW FOR MORE THAN TWENTY YEARS. THOSE LEAVING NOW INCLUDE SOME WHO COUNT 1997 AMONG THEIR REASONS. BUT MANY OTHERS LEAVE FOR TRADITIONAL REASONS, PRINCIPALLY TO JOIN FAMILY MEMBERS ALREADY ABROAD. OF THOSE LEAVING BECAUSE OF A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, QUITE A FEW, HAVING OBTAINED THEIR ’’INSURANCE POLICY”, HAVE ALREADY RETURNED TO HONG KONG TO LIVE AND WORK, BECAUSE THEY PREFER ITS LIFESTYLE AND THE OPPORTUNITIES PROVIDED BY ITS DYNAMIC ECONOMY. IF CONFIDENCE, BOTH POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC, IS MAINTAINED, MORE WILL RETURN.
/THERE ARE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1987
6
THERE ARE OF COURSE REAL WORRIES ABOUT THE FUTURE. THE YEAR 1997 WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE, HOWEVER, MUCH ITS IMPACT CAN BE MINIMISED BY SENSIBLE POLICIES AND GOOD CO-OPERATION AMONG ALL CONCERNED. CURRENTLY IT IS THE POLITICAL RATHER THAN THE ECONOMIC FUTURE THAT ATTRACTS THE MOST ATTENTION. HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE WATCHING CLOSELY AS THE CHINESE DRAFT THE BASIC LAW, WHICH WILL GIVE EFFECT UNDER THE CHINESE CONSTITUTION TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. A NUMBER OF HONG KONG PEOPLE PARTICIPATE IN THE DRAFTING COMMITTEE. THERE HAS BEEN MUCH PUBLIC DISCUSSION ABOUT WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE CHAPTER THAT WILL DEAL WITH THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE FUTURE SAR. MEANWHILE,THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CONDUCTING A REVIEW OF THE PRESENT POLITICAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG, WHICH HAS ALSO GIVEN RISE TO LIVELY DEBATE. MUCH OF THAT DEBATE HAS CENTERED ON THE QUESTION OF HOW THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE COMPOSED; IT CURRENTLY COMPRISES OFFICIAL, APPOINTED AND INDIRECTLY ELECTED MEMBERS. THE JOINT DECLARATION STIPULATES THAT, WHEN THE SAR IS ESTABLISHED IN 1997, ALL MEMBERS SHOULD BE ELECTED, BUT DOES NOT SPECIFY THE METHOD OF ELECTION.
THE CURRENT DEBATE ON THESE MATTERS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO CONCEAL THE FACT THAT THERE IS IN HONG KONG A STRONG CONSENSUS IN FAVOUR OF MAKINO THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS” CONCEPT WORK. NO ONE IS ADVOCATING INDEPENDENCE, AND IT IS WIDELY ACCEPTED THAT HONG KONG MUST HAVE A SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT WHICH SUITS ITS OWN SPECIAL NEEDS RATHER THAN SIMPLY COPY SOME MODEL FROM ELSEWHERE. THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD BY AND HAVE CREDIBILITY WITH THE PEOPLE. IT NEEDS TO EVOLVE FROM THE EXISTING SYSTEMS, WHICH HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL AND WHICH OPERATE IN A FASHION MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE PUBLIC THAN THE FORMAL CONSTITUTIONAL POSITION MIGHT SUGGEST. THE CHALLENGE WE FACE IN THE PRESENT REVIEW, AND THE CHINESE FACE IN DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW, IS TO DEVELOP THE PRESENT SYSTEM TO MEET CHANGING NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS AS WELL AS THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHILE MAINTAINING EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ADMINISTRATION PLUS STABILITY AND CONTINUITY OF POLICIES. BOTH PROCESSES MUST WORK TOWARDS THIS COMMON GOAL. NO ONE’S INTERESTS WILL BE SERVED IF THE BABY IS THROWN OUT WITH THE BATHWATER, AND FOR THAT REASON, I AM SURE THAT THE CHALLENGE WILL BE MET.
WE ARE THEREFORE LIVING THROUGH INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING TIMES. BUT HONG KONG IS NO STRANGER TO SUCH CHALLENGES. IT HAS A CLEARER IDEA OF ITS LONG-TERM FUTURE THAN AT ANY TIME OVER THE LAST FIFTY YEARS. IT IS FACING THE CHALLENGE IN GOOD SHAPE, WITH A STRONG ECONOMY - GROWING AT A RATE OF 9 PER CENT, AND WITH FULL EMPLOYMENT -AND A FIRM COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF CHINA AND BRITAIN TO MAINTAINING ITS STATUS AS A GREAT INTERNATIONAL CITY. NOWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD IS THERE A DOCUMENT THAT GUARANTEES THAT THE ESSENTIALS OF THE PRESENT ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND WAY OF LIFE WILL BE RETAINED UNTIL 2047. THERE IS PLENTY OF TIME FOR HONG KONG’S BUOYANT ECONOMY AND DYNAMIC SOCIETY TO CONTINUE TO GROW: IT IS FIRMLY IN THE INTERESTS OF ALL WHO HAVE A STAKE HERE THAT THEY SHOULD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JACOBS EXPLAINS ROLE OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY ................ 1
CONTINUING EFFORT NEEDED TO COMBAT CHILD ABUSE ............. 2
GOOD RESPONSE TO SEMINARS ON HARMONISED SYSTEM ............. 4-
DREDGING OFF TSING YI ISLAND PROPOSED ...................... 6
LION ROCK TUNNEL CNE-WAY TOLL TO END ....................... 7
LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS SEE OPERATION OF DISPOSAL METHODS ................................ 8
THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR CM LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ....... 9
AAB MEMBERS LOOK AT AIRPORT OPERATIONS ..................... 10
LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS WATCH FACTORY ................... 10
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TO MEET ............................ 11
OPERATION TO REMOVE ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS ................... 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
1
JACOBS EXPLAINS ROLE OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY * * * * *
THE FINANCE BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT WAS CENTRAL TO THE TERRITORY’S INTERNAL FINANCIAL STRUCTURE, HAVING THE RESPONSIBILITY NOT ONLY FOR THE COLLECTION OF REVENUE AND THE LEVYING OF TAXATION BUT ALSO THE CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS SAID AT A PO LEUNG KUK LUNCHEON TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE ROLE OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY UNDER HIS JURISDICTION, INCLUDING THE WORK OF FOUR POLICY BRANCHES: FINANCE, MONETARY AFFAIRS, ECONOMIC SERVICES AND TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CHANGED IN RESPONSE TO CHANGING DEMANDS. FINANCE BRANCH, AS THE OLDEST OF THE FOUR, SHOULD NEVERTHELESS CONTINUE AS THE STRONG CENTRAL ORGANISATION WHICH PLANNED AND CONTROLLED GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE AND WHICH ALSO RAISED THE NECESSARY REVENUE.
"IT HAS THEREFORE AN ENDURING RAISON D’ETRE," HE ADDED. "ITS ROLE AND IN PARTICULAR ITS INFLUENCE MAY CHANGE FROM TIME TO TIME, PERHAPS IN RELATION TO THE STATE OF THE PUBLIC PURSE AND PERHAPS IN RELATION TO THE PERSONALITIES CONCERNED BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE BRANCH. BUT THE BRANCH WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US," HE SAID.
ON THE RESPONSIVENESS OF FINANCE BRANCH, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE ROLE OF THE BRANCH WAS ALSO CONSTANTLY CHANGING "LIKE ALL DYNAMIC ORGANISATIONS".
"THIS IS PARTICULARLY TRUE NOW AS IT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY INVOLVED IN RATHER MORE SOPHISTICATED FORMS OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE CONTROL AND AT THE SAME TIME IT IS MOVING AWAY FROM THE MORE TRADITIONAL AND MORE NARROWLY DEFINED FORMS OF CONTROL WHICH IT HAS EXERCISED IN THE PAST."
IN ADDITION TO THE RESOURCE DIVISIONS WHICH HAD TRADITIONALLY BEEN CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ANALYSING FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPANDED ON THE AMBIT OF THE MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES WHICH HAD BEEN DEVELOPED IN THE BRANCH IN THE RECENT YEARS. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED VALUE FOR MONEY STUDIES, MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING, FINANCIAL APPRAISALS, MEDIUM RANGE FORECAST AND PRIVATISATION.
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THAT A REVENUE DIVISION HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO DEVELOP A COORDINATED APPROACH TO REVENUE AND TO TAXATION POLICY. HE ADDED THAT THIS DIVISION WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR IDENTIFYING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE ROLE OF INDIRECT TAXATION IN OUR TAXATION SYSTEM.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
CONTINUING EFFORT NEEDED TO COMBAT CHILD ABUSE * * * *
CONTINUING EFFORT IS NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE SERVICE TO FAMILIES, AS WELL AS TO IMPROVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE PROFESSIONALS WHO NEED SKILLS TO WORK WITH THE COMPLEX AND POTENTIALLY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS IN CHILD ABUSE CASES, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SHE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE IN THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, WAN CHAI.
THE CONFERENCE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE IN CO-OPERATION WITH AGAINST CHILD ABUSE. LADY WILSON IS THE CONFERENCE PATRON.
LADY WILSON NOTED THAT PEOPLE HAD BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE DISTRESSING PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE IN HONG KONG WITHIN THE LAST DECADE AND THERE WERE NOW SOCIAL WORKERS SPECIALISING IN CHILD ABUSE WORK BOTH IN THE STATUTORY AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THIS WAS A BEGINNING, BUT IT WAS NOT ENOUGH, SHE SAID, AND THE CONFERENCE WAS PART OF THE CONTINUING EFFORT TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM.
"WE KNOW FROM COUNTRIES WITH LONGER EXPERIENCE OF DEALING WITH CHILD ABUSE THAT RESPONSIBILITY FOR HANDLING THIS PROBLEM IS NOT THE SOLE PRESERVE OF ANY ONE PROFESSION OR DISCIPLINE.
"A NUMBER OF CHILD ABUSE ENQUIRIES OVERSEAS HAVE HIGHLIGHTED THE DANGERS WHICH MAY ARISE WHEN PROFESSIONALS WORK ONLY WITHIN THEIR OWN AREA OF OPERATION, LEAVING GAPS THROUGH WHICH INCIDENTS OF ABUSE CAN ESCAPE UNNOTICED, OR MISUNDERSTANDINGS OCCUR,” LADY WILSON SAID.
"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THE ROLE OF EACH AGENCY OR DISCIPLINE IS CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFECTIVE SERVICE WHEN WORKING TOGETHER," SHE ADDED.
STRESSING OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS OUR CHILDREN, SHE SAID WE COULD NOT BE COMPLACENT THOUGH CHILDREN IN HONG KONG WERE POSSIBLY MORE PRIVILEGED THAN THOSE IN MANY OTHER PARTS OF ASIA.
"CHILDREN ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS WELL AS OUR FUTURE.
"THIS BRINGS WITH IT A RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT PARENTS KNOW HOW TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN," SHE SAID.
"PEOPLE WHO ABUSE THEIR CHILDREN ARE NOT OFTEN MONSTERS OR SADISTS BUT THEY DO NEED PROFESSIONAL HELP.
"EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE TO CHILDREN MUST BE CONDEMNED AND APPROPRIATE METHODS OF DISCIPLINE LEARNED AND USED," SHE EMPHASISED.
/LADY WILSON
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
LADY WILSON BELIEVED THAT IN ADDITION TO PROFESSIONALS, OTHER PEOPLE INCLUDING REHABILITATED ABUSIVE PARENTS, FRIENDS AND RELATIVES AND THE COMMUNITY ALSO HAD THEIR ROLE TO PLAY.
SHE OBSERVED THAT IN SOME PLACES, ABUSIVE PARENTS, AFTER INVOLVEMENT IN TREATMENT PROGRAMMES, HAD FORMED SELF-HELP GROUPS OR SET UP "HOT-LINES" TO PROVIDE HELP AND ADVICE IN AN EMERGENCY.
"THESE CAN PROVIDE THE KIND OF SUPPORT OFTEN FOUND BY ALCOHOLICS AND THEIR FAMILIES IN THE ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS PROGRAMMES, WHICH HAVE BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL.
"THE ABUSIVE, OR POTENTIALLY ABUSIVE, FAMILIES ALSO NEED THE SUPPORT OF THEIR RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND THE COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
SHE HOPED THAT THE CONFERENCE WOULD GENERATE SOME GUIDANCE AND ACTION ON THIS POTENTIALLY VALUABLE NETWORK OF SUPPORT AND URGED THE PROFESSIONALS TO KEEP AN OPEN MIND IN ORDER TO HEAR AND LEARN FROM WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CONFERENCE, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DAVID LAN, SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD IN RECENT YEARS WORKED CLOSELY WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROMOTE AT SCHOOL LEVEL AN AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE.
IT WAS AT THIS LEVEL THAT MUCH COULD BE DONE IN THE EARLY DETECTION AND TREATMENT OF CASES AND IN DEVISING AND ADOPTING EFFECTIVE PREVENTIVE MEASURES, HE SAID.
"THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE IS DEALT WITHIN THE TRAINING OF OUR TEACHERS, BOTH AT THE INITIAL TRAINING AND DURING IN-SERVICE TRAINING" MR LAN SAID, ADDING THAT THE GUIDANCE OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WERE PROVIDED WITH APPROPRIATE TRAINING ON HOW TO DEAL WITH SUCH CASES IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER AGENCIES.
"ADDITIONALLY, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PROVIDES SCHOOLS WITH GUIDANCE ON THE APPROPRIATE WAYS OF HANDLING INCIDENTS OF CHILD ABUSE THROUGH THE ISSUE OF INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND PROCEDURAL GUIDES."
"BUT IN SKETCHING THE EFFORTS WE MAKE IN THESE DIRECTIONS, I AM FAR FROM WISHING TO SUGGEST THAT WE REGARD THE PROBLEM AS SOLVED," HE SAID.
"ON THE CONTRARY, WE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE VERY CONSCIOUS THAT THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE LEARNT IN THIS FIELD, PARTICULARLY AS TO WAYS IN WHICH A CO-ORDINATED AND EFFECTIVE APPROACH, BY ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, CAN BE FURTHER DEVELOPED," HE CONTINUED.
/COMMENTING ON
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 198?
COMMENTING ON THE GENERAL ACCEPTANCE THAT THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE EXISTED IN EVERY SOCIETY, MR LAN SAID IT HAD BEEN RECOGNISED THAT AN EFFECTIVE APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE MUST BE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY IN CHARACTER.
"THUS THE RESPONSE TO THE PROBLEM MUST TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ALL ITS ASPECTS: MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, LEGAL, EDUCATIONAL AND SOCIAL," HE SAID.
EARLIER, CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE CONFERENCE, MR THOMAS MULVEY SAID IN HIS WELCOMING REMARKS THAT THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE AIMED TO ENABLE PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS PROFESSIONS TO BENEFIT FROM THE SHARING OF EACH OTHER’S CONCERN AND EXPERIENCE IN THE CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM, AS WELL AS FROM THE WIDE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE OVERSEAS SPEAKERS.
WHILE HEARTENED BY THE GOOD RESPONSE FROM THE PROFESSIONALS, HE SAW THE NEED FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT.
"DESPITE THE FOCUS OF THIS CONFERENCE, WE MUST REMEMBER THAT THIS IS NOT MERELY A PROFESSIONAL ISSUE, NOR ONLY AN ISSUE FOR FAMILIES, IT INVOLVES A COMMUNITY RESPONSE.
"FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE POSITIVE SIGNS THAT THIS IS BEING RECOGNISED,” HE SAID.
HE THANKED LADY WILSON FOR HER ENCOURAGING SUPPORT AND EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THE GRANT OF $145,300 FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND AND THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE VARIOUS INDIVIDUALS, ORGANISATIONS AND COMPANIES, AS WELL AS THE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN ORGANISING THE CONFERENCE.
"WE HOPE THAT IT MAY STIMULATE FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES FOR MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CO-OPERATION IN TACKLING THIS POTENTIALLY MOST TRAGIC PROBLEM OF ABUSE," HE SAID.
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GOOD RESPONSE TO SEMINARS ON HARMONISED SYSTEM ♦ » t » »
RESPONSE TO THE FOURTEEN SEMINARS ORGANISED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON THE NEW COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM, THE HONG KONG HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM (HK HS), HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED SOME 20,000 APPLICATIONS FOR TAKING PART IN THE SEMINARS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 27 TO DECEMBER 29. ADMISSION TO THE SEMINARS IS FREE.
/"AS MORE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
- 5 -
"AS MORE APPLICATIONS ARE EXPECTED, FOUR ADDITIONAL SEMINARS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED IN EARLY JANUARY TO ACCOMMODATE THE ENTHUSIASTIC TRADERS,” HE SAID.
THE HARMONISED SYSTEM WILL REPLACE THE CURRENT COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM BASED ON THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC), FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR. THE NEW SYSTEM WILL ALSO BE ADOPTED BY MOST OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS FOR CUSTOMS TARIFF AND STATISTICAL PURPOSES.
THE SEMINARS WILL HELP IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS BETTER UNDERSTAND THE BASIC CONCEPT AND CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLES OF THE NEW SYSTEM, AND FAMILIARISE THEM WITH THE WAY TO FIND THE CORRECT COMMODITY CODES. DEMONSTRATIONS ON THE USE OF THE NEW HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM), WHICH CONTAINS THE DESCRIPTIONS AND CODES OF THE NEW SYSTEM, IN COMPLETING IMPORT/EXP0RT DECLARATIONS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN.
’’UNDER THE HK HS, THERE ARE ABOUT 5,500 EIGHT-DIGIT COMMODITY CODES TO REPRESENT PRECISELY DIFFERENT TYPES OF GOODS, WHILE IN THE CURRENT SITC-BASED SYSTEM THERE ARE ONLY 3,600 SIX-DIGIT CODES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE NEW HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST IS SYSTEMATICALLY DESIGNED, SO THAT LOOKING UP THE CORRECT HK HS CODE WILL NOT BE DIFFICULT,” HE ADDED.
THE CLASS I FI CAT I ON CLASSIFICATION OF COMMODITIES LIST OF ARTICLES, AND A TABLE CODES AND THE HK IIS ('ODES.
LIST CONTAINS, AMONG OTHERS, A
BASED ON THE HK HS, AN ALPHABETICAL
SHOWING THE CORRELATION BETWEEN THE SITC
A HANDBOOK HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO HELP USERS UNDERSTAND THE NEW SYSTEM.
IT GIVES A ( OMPREHENSIVE ACCOUNT OF THE HK HS AND THE CHANGES TO BE NOTED BY IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS WHEN SUBMITTING DECLARATIONS.
IT ALSO GIVES DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS ON THE SIX GENERAL INTERPRETATIVE RULES WHICH SERVE AS A SET OF CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLES TO ENSURE UNIFORM LEGAL INTERPRETATION.
"AS THERE WILL BE PRACTICAL EXAMPLES AND EXERCISES ON CLASSIFICATION IN THE SEMINARS, PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING ALONG THE CLASSIFICATION LIST AND HANDBOOK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
EACH SESSION WILL LAST ONE AND A HALF HOURS AND MOST OF THEM WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE. SOME SESSIONS HAVE BEEN SPECIFICALLY SET ASIDE FOR DISCUSSING THE CLASSIFICATION OF TEXTILES AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS, AND MACHINERY, MECHANICAL APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, WHILE THE OTHER SESSIONS ARE FOR COMMODITIES IN GENERAL.
/"TIME-TABLES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
- 6
"TIME-TABLES FOR THE SEMINARS AND TICKET ORDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT COLLECTION OFFICES AT STAR HOUSE, TS1M SHA TSUI, AND HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL. APPLICANTS MUST COMPLETE A TICKET ORDER FORM AND CAN OBTAIN A TICKET DIRECTLY AT THE TICKETING COUNTER THERE. BUT HURRY, THERE ARE ONLY LIMITED TICKETS LEFT FOR A FEW SESSIONS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SEMINARS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234920.
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DREDGING OFF TSING YI ISLAND PROPOSED * ♦ ♦ » t
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT AN APPROVAL TO HONG KONG OIL COMPANY LIMITED TO CARRY OUT DREDGING WORK WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 50.9 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED OFF THE EAST COAST OF TSING YI ISLAND.
THIS WILL ENABLE SHIPS AND VESSELS TO BERTH AT A PROPOSED PIER ADJOINING SECTION A, TSING YI TOWN LOT NO. 45, WHICH IS TO BE BUILT BY THE COMPANY.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE FEBRUARY 10, 1988.
IN ADDITION, WORK ON THREE PROJECTS HAVE BEEN AUTHORISED.
THESE INCLUDED DREDGING WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 29 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED TO IMPROVE THE MARINE APPROACHES TO THE FERRY TERMINAL NOW BEING DEVELOPED ON KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO. 10743 AT TSIM SHA TSUI; GRANTING A SHORT TERM TENANCY WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 45.8 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT TSENG TAU, SAI KUNG (NORTH) FOR CONSTRUCTING A WOODEN PIER TO ACCOMMODATE ROWING BOATS AND CANOES; AND GRANTING OF AN EXTENSION TO A LOT AT THE NORTHERN COAST OF TONG PO CHAU (MIDDLE ISLAND) FOR CONSTRUCTION OF 185 SQUARE METRES OF ADDITIONAL HARDSTANDING BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG YACHT CLUB.
/THE EXTENT
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
- 7
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THESE PROJECTS HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN NOTICES OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE DECEMBER 10, 1988.
THE NOTICES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RELATED PLANS FOR ALL FOUR PROJECTS CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT’S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, AND THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT OFFICES, AND IN THE CASE OF THE TONG PO CHAU PROJECT, AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG SOUTH AS WELL.
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LION ROCK TUNNEL ONE-WAY TOLL TO END * ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL END AS SCHEDULED AT 3 AM NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 21).
MOTORISTS AND TAXI PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES VIA THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO PAY $6. A NORMAL TOLL CHARGE OF $3 WILL APPLY TO ALL SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND VEHICLES USING THE TUNNEL.
THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE NOVEMBER 23 TO ASSESS WHETHER TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE TUNNEL CAN BE IMPROVED.
DURING THE PAST THREE WEEKS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS TRIED OUT DIFFERENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VEHICLE CHANNELISATION AND IN OPENING DIFFERENT NUMBER OF LANES IN ORDER TO EVALUATE THEIR VARIOUS IMPACT ON THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.
FOR THIS WEEK, ONLY TWO LANES ARE OPENED FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC AND THE BUS LANE IN THE TOLL PLAZA AREA IS NOT IN USE.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSULTANT HAVE BEEN CLOSELY MONITORING THE IMPACT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXPERIMENT, AND ASSESSMENT REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARL\ NEXT YEAR.
/meanwhile, some.........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
- 8
MEANWHILE, SOME 20 MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, SHAM SHUI PO AND KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARDS VISITED THE LION ROCK TUNNEL CONTROL ROOM THIS MORNING TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE TRAFFIC SITUATION AT THE TUNNEL.
THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE EXPERIMENT BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RICHARD MEAKIN AND CHIEF ENGINEER, MR TSOH MING, AND ON THE TAI PO ROAD WIDENING PROJECT BY THE REGIONAL HIGHWAYS ENGINEER, MR H.S. KWONG.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD DURING THE EVENING AND MORNING PEAK HOURS OF LAST FRIDAY (DECEMBER 11) AND TODAY RESPECTIVELY:
LION ROCK TUNNEL
TAI PO ROAD
SOUTHBOUND NORTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND NORTHBOUND
DECEMBER 11 (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 7,066 7,013 1,973 2,175
NORMAL WEEKDAY (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 7,274 6,995 2,358 2,085
DECEMBER 14 (7 AM - 10 AM) 8,699 6,284 3,166 2,105
NORMAL WEEKDAY 9,309 6,615 2,812 1,874
(7 AM - 10 AM)
NOTE: NO SURVEYS WERE CARRIED OUT ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 12) AND SUNDAY.
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LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS SEE OPERATION OF DISPOSAL METHODS *****
MEMBERS OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE HAD GAINED A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE VARIOUS WASTE DISPOSAL METHODS AFTER WATCHING A DEMONSTRATION AT THE TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
ORGANISED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, THE DEMONSTRATION WAS AIMED AT EXPLAINING TO LIVESTOCK BREEDERS THE OPERART1ON OF A DRY-MUCK-OUT AND TWO WET-MUCK-OUT METHODS.
/CHAIRMAN OF .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1987
- 9 -
CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, MR LEO KWAN, DESCRIBED THE DEMONSTRATION AS VERY USEFUL.
"IT HAS PROVIDED LIVESTOCK BREEDERS AN OPPORTUNITY NOT ONLY TO SEE THE ACTUAL OPERATION OF TREATMENT METHODS BUT ALSO TO DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS WITH EXPERTS.
"THE DEMONSTRATION WILL HELP LIVESTOCK BREEDERS TO DECIDE WHICH METHOD WILL SUIT THEIR FARM BEST," MR KWAN ADDED.
THE VISIT IS THE FIRST ACTIVITY ORGANISED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE SINCE ITS FORMATION EARLY THIS MONTH.
ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ' I'ARTMENT AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO ORGANISE A ?IES OF SIMILAR DEMONSTRATIONS AND SEMINARS FOR INTERESTED I IVISTOCK BREEDERS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
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THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ♦ t » »
HIE THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ( BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION
1 ; ; IE T WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (TUESDAY). IT WILL BE HELD AT
\ . I-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SEMINAR IS "LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IN A BILINGUAL OR MULTI-LINGUAL SETTING", WHICH IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT TO HONG KONG IN ITS PRESENT SITUATION WHEN LANGUAGE POLICIES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION ARE BEING SERIOUSLY DISCUSSED BY PROFESSIONALS AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
MORE THAN 300 PROFESSIONALS FROM OVERSEAS AND HONG KONG WILL
TAKE PART IN THE FUNCTION AND SOME 115 PAPERS AND WORKSHOPS WILL BE PRESENTED DURING THE THREE-DAY SEMINAR BETWEEN TOMORROW AND THURSDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 9 AM.
- 0 -
/10........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
10
AAB MEMBERS LOOK AT AIRPORT OPERATIONS
♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND TOOK A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITIES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION AND CHAIRMAN OF HE BOARD, MR TREVOR THORPE, THE MEMBERS - THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN; MR H.M.P. MILES; MR EDMUND LAU, AND MR CHUNG PUI-LAM - TOURED THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE AND CONTROL TOWER.
THEY ALSO VISITED THE NEW APPROACH CONTROL SUITE WHERE A REPLACEMENT RADAR DATA PROCESSING AND DISPLAY SYSTEM HAS BEEN INSTALLED.
FOLLOWING THE VISIT, THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD HELD ITS QUARTERLY MEETING TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF CIVIL AVIATION IN HONG KONG.
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LABOUR COMMISSIONER VISITS WATCH FACTORY ♦ » ♦ » »
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, VISITED AN ’ IC AND MECHANICAL WATCH MANUFACTURING FACTORY IN ABERDEEN ODZ ' 1ONDAY) .
ARRIVAL AT THE REMEX HOLDINGS LIMITED, HE WAS BRIEFED BY Ml NY’S MANAGING DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE), MR ROGER TSUI, AND THF DIRECTOR (WATCH DIVISION), MR PHILIP CHAN.
HE WAS THEN SHOWN AROUND VARIOUS ASSEMBLY PLANTS WHERE DIFFERENT KINDS OF WATCHES ARE PRODUCED FOR EXPORT TO THE UNITED STATES AND WESTERN EUROPE. HONG KONG IS AN IMPORTANT WORLD EXPORTER OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS WITH DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1986 VALUED AT $11 667 MILLION. ’
MR HAMMOND WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE COMPANY ATTACHED SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON EMPLOYEES’ BENEFITS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
HE DISCUSSED VARIOUS ISSUES CONCERNING LABOUR LEGISLATION, LABOUR/MANAGEMENT RELATIONS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WITH THE MANAGEMENT BEFORE CONCLUDING THE VISIT.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1987
11
WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD TO MEET » ♦ * * ♦
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL EXAMINE THE PROGRESS REPORT ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE QUESTION OF POLICE ACTION AGAINST MAHJONG-PLAYING IN FRATERNITY ASSOCIATIONS WHICH WAS RAISED AT A PREVIOUS MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE USE OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, AND THE PROPOSED WAN CHAI/TSIM SHA TSUI FERRY SERVICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2:30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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OPERATION TO REMOVE ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS ♦ * » ♦
TWENTY-FOUR ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS AT 13 BUILDINGS IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE REMOVED IN A CLEARANCE OPERATION TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE CLEARANCE IS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS CARRIED OUT UNDER THE JOINT EFFORTS OF' THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE OWNERS CORPORATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE CLEARANCE OPERATION SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 22 JORDAN ROAD (NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD).
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE » » *
TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD
AT
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM
62.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 365.217 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 360.010 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 61.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15. 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT CCMMITTED TO IMPROVING MEDICAL, HEALTH SERVICES : GOVERNOR ..................................................... 1
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUGUST -OCTOBER RELEASED ............................................. 2
HONG KONG/JAPAN CULTURAL AGREEMENT ......................... 4
NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED DRUG ABUSERS DECREASES............. 5
BILINGUALISM IS ESSENTIAL IN HONG KONG...................... 6
EXPORT OF RESTRAINED TEXTILE ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED......... 8
WORKING GROUP ON NT ORDINANCE .............................. 9
YAU MA TEI ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS REMOVED .................... 10
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY ..... 11
CONTAMINATED VEGETABLE ON DB AGENDA ........................ 11
SEMINAR ON EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ............................ 12
FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER .................................. 12
ENROLMENT FOR LAW COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS BEGINS ............ 13
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOX um ROAD OPENING ........................
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ............................. 15
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NEW TERRITORIES ......................... 15
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, IMU
GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO IMPROVING MEDICAL, HEALTH SERVICES: GOVERNOR » * * » «
THE GOVERNMENT IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO IMPROVING THE PROVISION AND STANDARD OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY DID NOT MEAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DIVESTING ITSELF OF ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THESE SERVICES, SIR DAVID SAID. "ON THE CONTRARY, THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THESE RESPONSIBILITIES TO BE EXERCISED MORE EFFECTIVELY."
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (HONG KONG BRANCH), SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SET UP THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
HE SAID THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES WERE USED EFFICIENTLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, WITH THE INCREASING COSTS OF PROVIDING MEDICAL SERVICES, THE EXISTING HOSPITAL SYSTEM HAD ALREADY BEEN STRETCHED TO ITS LIMITS TO MAINTAIN THE PRESENT LEVEL OF SERVICE.
"THE EXISTENCE OF A DUAL SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS HAD MADE EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF RESOURCES DIFFICULT.
"MEANWHILE, THERE ARE RISING EXPECTATIONS AMONG OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT THE QUALITY OF CARE THAT THEY RECEIVE," HE SAID.
TO RESOLVE THESE CONFLICTING PRESSURES, THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONCLUDED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO OVERSEE THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS, WITH A VIEW TO SETTING UP EVENTUALLY AN INDEPENDENTLY ADMINISTERED HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
SIR DAVID SAID THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD INITIALLY BE SERVICED BY A NEW HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHICH WOULD WORK THROUGH A SYSTEM OF REGIONAL COMMITTEES.
EACH REGIONAL COMMITTEE WOULD BE CHARGED WITH ENSURING THE EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF ALL GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONS. THEY WOULD ALSO ACT AS COORDINATING AND SUPERVISORY BODIES AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL, AS WELL AS A LINK BETWEEN THE INDIVIDUAL HOSPITAL MANAGEMENTS AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ITSELF.
"ALL PUBLICLY-FUNDED HOSPITALS WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY THROUGH THEIR REGIONAL COMMITTEES FOR ACHIEVING THEIR PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES," HE SAID.
/HE POINTED
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
- 2 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW ORGANISATION WOULD OFFER MANY ATTRACTIONS, SUCH AS CLEARER LINES OF COMMAND, GREATER FLEXIBILITY, INCREASED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND ENHANCED ACCOUNTABILITY.
SIR DAVID SAID THE PLAN WAS TO SET UP A PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ON APRIL 1, NEXT YEAR, AND A STATUTORY AUTHORITY BY APRIL 1989, AND TO BRING NEW FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS INTO EFFECT IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1989-90.
TURNING TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, SIR DAVID SAID FOR MANY YEARS IT HAD PLAYED A COMPLEMENTARY ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL SERVICES, MOSTLY IN THE FORM OF PRIMARY CARE.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SET UP A NEW DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO LOOK AFTER MATTERS RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICINE.
"WE SHALL BE TAKING A CLOSE LOOK IN THE NEAR FUTURE AT THE PRESENT PRIMARY CARE SYSTEM," HE SAID.
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UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER RELEASED
* » ♦ ♦
IN THE THREE MONTHS AUGUST - OCTOBER 1987, BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES REMAINED STABLE AT A LOW LEVEL, COMPAR+m WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1987, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STAT I ST H’S RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE FIGURES INDICATE THAT THE LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS HAVE REMAINED TIGHT, WITH THE LOCAL WORKFORCE FULLY EMPLOYED.
THE SEASONALLY’ ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1987 WAS 1.9 PER (ENT, COMPARED WITH 1.8 PER CENT FOR THE THBEE-MONTHS ENDING JULY 1987 AND 2.6 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
TIH INCREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTH PERIOD IS STAT 1 ST I ('ALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, WHILE THE DECREASE OF 1.3 PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STAT I ST I ('ALLY SIGN I FI ('ANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN AUGUST - OCTOBER 1987 WAS ESTIMATED AT 52,900, COMPARED WITH 49,100 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1987 AND 70,700 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCOTBER 1986.
/THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1987 WAS 1 PER CENT, WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1987. THE RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1986 WAS 1.3 PER CENT. THE DECREASE OF 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR AUGUST -OCTOBER 1987 WAS 28,100, COMPARED WITH 28,600 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1987 AND 35,400 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1986.
CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT 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 (E.G. 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 COVERING 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 SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1987 WAS 1.9 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.1 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 50,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-1NSTITUTIONAL POPULATION TN 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.
TN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UMEMPLOYMENT 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 1987 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND DECEMBER 20, 1987 AT $9.50 PER COPY.
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A ...
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
HONG KONG/JAPAN CULTURAL AGREEMENT ♦ ♦ »
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT IT HAS CONCLUDED A CULTURAL AGREEMENT WITH JAPAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT, THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE HKS2.32 MILLION TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FOR PROMOTING JAPANESE STUDIES. THE SUM WILL BE USED TO EQUIP AN AUDIO-VISUAL LIBRARY IN THE UNIVERSITY’S DEPARTMENT OF JAPANESE.
THE AGREEMENT WAS CONTAINED IN NOTES EXCHANGED BETWEEN MR MICHELANGELO PAGLIARI, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, AND MR KOICHIRO MATSUURA, THE JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN HONG KONG, AT A SIGNING CEREMONY HELD TODAY IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT WHICH WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY DR WANG GUNGWU, VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
"AT PRESENT, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC EACH RECEIVE SOME FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE JAPAN FOUNDATION WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT. BUT FUNDS FROM THIS SOURCE ARE LIMITED AND CANNOT BE IMPROVED SUBSTANTIALLY," MR PAGLIARI SAID.
"THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT HAS GENEROUSLY MADE AVAILABLE THIS FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL SUM TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. THIS REQUIRES HOWEVER h GOVERNMENT TO GOVERNMENT AGREEMENT," MR PAGLIARI EXPLAINED.
"WE GREATLY WELCOME THIS AGREEMENT WHICH PROVIDES FURTHER SUPPORT TO OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF GROWING LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN, JAPANESE LANGUAGE STUDIES ARE BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT FOR OUR STUDENTS," MR PAGLIARI ADDED.
DR WANG, THE VICE-CHANCELLOR, ON BEHALF OF THE UNIVERSITY, WELCOMED THE NEW CULTURAL AGREEMENT. IT WAS FURTHER EVIDENCE, HE SAID, OF THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN IN SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF JAPANESE STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY.
THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUDIO-VISUAL LIBRARY WOULD, HE INDICATED, GO FAR BEYOND THOSE OF TRADITIONAL LANGUAGE LABORATORIES, AND WOULD INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION AND VIEWING OF PURPOSE-MADE PROGRAMMES.
HE ADDED THAT THE UNIVERSITY REGARDED THE NEW LIBRARY, WHICH WOULD BE OPERATIONAL IN 1988, AS AN IMPORTANT FOCU.S FOR WORK BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE UNIVERSITY’S FACULTIES OF ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF JAPANESE SOCIETY AND CULTURE.
THE TEACHING DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED INCLUDED^ECONOMICS, POLITICAL SCIENCE, SOCIOLOGY, HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY AND FINE ARTS AS WELL AS JAPANESE STUDIES, HE EXPLAINED.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
- 5 -
NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED DRUG ABUSERS DECREASES
» * » * t
THE DOWNWARD TREND IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS NEWLY REPORTED TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSERS (CRDA) SINCE 1983 CONTINUED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1987.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), DR GERALD CHOA, AT THE 66TH MEETING OF THE ACAN TODAY (TUESDAY).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DR CHOA SAID THERE WERE INDICATIONS THAT MORE CANNABIS WAS COMING INTO HONG KONG.
"HENCE PUBLICITY IS BEING STEPPED UP TO WARN OF THE DANGERS OF THIS DRUG," HE SAID.
DR CHOA ALSO STRESSED THE IMPORTANT ROLE THAT PARENTS AND TEACHERS HAD TO PLAY IN KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE SAFE FROM DRUGS.
REPORTING ON THE DRUG SITUATION, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF PERSONS OF ALL AGES NEWLY REPORTED DECREASED BY 8.7 PER CENT, FROM 2,092 TO 1,911, AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1986.
THE NUMBER OF NEWLY REPORTED YOUNG PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 DURING THIS PERIOD WAS 596; THE SAME AS THAT FOR LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS PROSECUTED FOR ALL DRUG OFFENCES DROPPED BY 9.3 PER CENT FROM 9,429 TO 8,548, WHILE PROSECUTIONS OF YOUNG PEOPLE ALSO DECREASED FROM 797 TO 602, REPRESENTING A FALL OF 24.5 PER CENT.
"NEVERTHELESS, THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PROSECUTED FOR MAJOR DRUG OFFENCES HAS SLIGHTLY RISEN BY 3.2 PER CENT FROM 4,188 TO 4,320," MR MULLOY ADDED.
DURING THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1987, POLICE AND CUSTOMS OFFICERS SEIZED A TOTAL OF 394 KILOGRAMS OF ILLICIT OPIATES, MAINLY NO. 3 HEROIN.
IN ADDITION, THE COMMISSIONER NOTED THAT THE AMOUNT OF CANNABIS SEIZED DURING THIS PERIOD TOTALLED 331 KILOGRAMS. THIS WAS SIX TIMES THE QUANTITY (53 KILOGRAMS) FOUND IN 1986.
HOWEVER, THE AMOUNT OF MANDRAX TABLETS SEIZED IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1987 DECREASED CONSIDERABLY TO 40,679 TABLETS, COMPARED WITH A TOTAL OF 273,745 TABLETS LAST YEAR.
"THIS MAY BE AN INDICATOR THAT CHINA’S NEW CONTROLS ON THE MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTION OF METHAQUALONE (MANDRAX) ARE TAKING EFFECT," MR MULLOY REMARKED.
/MR MULLOY
MR MULLOY THEN TOLD THE MEETING THAT A SEMINAR ON PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION IN LATE NOVEMBER WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 350 SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, STUDENT COUNSELLORS AND CHAIRMEN AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEES.
DISCUSSIONS WERE FOCUSSED ON THE DESIRABILITY OF MAKING PREVENTIVE DRUG EDUCATION A COMPULSORY SUBJECT AND ON THE ROLE AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PARENTS/TEACHERS ASSOCIATION IN PREVENTING DRUG ABUSE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
A NEW SET OF SLIDES ON PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS AS TEACHING AIDS WERE INTRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED DURING THE SEMINAR.
"ONE NEW VENTURE IS THE SPREAD OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE TO THE SPORTS SECTORS THROUGH THE COOPERATION OF' THE ACAN AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION IN THE ORGANISATION OF THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON ON THE THEME OF ’BE AN ANTI-DRUG RUNNER’ AT THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON JANUARY 24,” MR MULLOY SAID.
THE INTERNATIONAL SPORTS EVENT WILL NOT ONLY PROVIDE A CHANCE TO APPEAL TO ATHLETES ALL OVER THE WORLD TO REMAIN DRUG-FREE BUT WILL ALSO BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO PROMOTE HEALTHY ALTERNATIVES, HE SAID.
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BILINGUALISM IS ESSENTIAL IN HONG KONG
♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
BILINGUALISM IS ESSENTIAL IN HONG KONG NOW AND AFTER CHINA HAS RESUMED SOVEREIGNTY OVER THE TERRITORY IN 1997, CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, MRS FAN SAID THE 1984 JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, WHICH ELABORATED ON THE BASIC POLICIES OF CHINA REGARDING HONG KONG, SPECIFICALLY POINTED OUT THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION MIGHT USE ENGLISH, IN ADDITION TO CHINESE, IN ORGANS OF GOVERNMENT AND IN THE COURTS.
"IN HONG KONG, WE REGARD BILINGUALISM AS A NECESSITY FOR OUR YOUNGER GENERATION TO BE COMPETENT IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH. FROM A WIDER ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL PERSPECTIVE, CHINESE IS LIKELY TO ASSUME GREATER SIGNIFICANCE WHILE ENGLISH WILL STILL BE ESSENTIAL AS AN INTERNATIONAL MEANS OF COMMUNICATION IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY," MRS FAN SAID.
/’’CHINESE IS.........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
’’CHINESE IS AT PRESENT THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN OUR PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND ENGLISH IS TAUGHT AS A SUBJECT. ”AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL, CHINESE AND ENGLISH ARE TAUGHT AS INDIVIDUAL SUBJECTS IN ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS AND CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOLS, WHILE INDIVIDUAL SCHOOL AUTHORITIES CAN DECIDE THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE OTHER SUBJECTS,” MRS FAN SAID. • • RECALLING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1984 EDUCATION COMMISSION REPORT THAT INDIVIDUAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO ADOPT CHINESE AS THE MEDIUM OF TEACHING AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES SHOULD BE GIVEN TO SCHOOLS TO AVERT ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DROP IN THE STANDARD OF ENGLISH BECAUSE OF REDUCED EXPOSURE, MRS FAN SAID THE COMMISSION HAD TAKEN SOCIAL FACTORS INTO ACCOUNT, TOGETHER WITH PEDAGOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS SUCH AS THE LANGUAGE AND SUBJECT TEXTBOOKS USED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, TIME-TABLING, THE EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT MODES OF MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ON EDUCATION ATTAINMENT, THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS FROM ANGLO-CHINESE SCHOOLS AND CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOLS, THE IMPACT OF SMALL CLASS TEACHING ON PERFORMANCE, AND THE ENGLISH VOCABULARY USED IN JUNIOR SECONDARY TEXTBOOKS.
"SCHOOLS THAT HAVE DECIDED TO CHANGE THEIR MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION WILL BEGIN TO DO SO FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR," SHE SAID.
"THE CHANGES THAT ARE TAKING PLACE IN THE HONG KONG EDUCATION SYSTEM AND IN PARTICULAR, IN THE DOMAIN OF LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING, ARE OF CONSIDERABLE SIGNIFICANCE," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT CHANGES OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE WERE UNDERWAY IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
MRS FAN SAID SHE WAS QUITE SURE THAT DELIBERATIONS WOULD BE MOST USEFUL AND PRODUCTIVE IN THE SEMINAR WITH A LARGE GATHERING OF PARTICIPANTS FROM 15 OVERSEAS COUNTRIES AND HONG KONG ON THE THEME OF "LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IN A BILINGUAL OR MULTI-LINGUAL SETTING".
EARLIER, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS THAT THE THEME OF TODAY’S SEMINAR WAS CERTAINLY AN IMPORTANT ONE AND HAD A PARTICULAR INTEREST IN HONG KONG IN BILINGUAL EDUCATION.
"I BELIEVE WE HAVE DEMONSTRATED IN RECENT YEARS BY THE INTRODUCTION OF A VARIETY OF MEASURES TO STRENGTHEN IT, INCLUDING ESTABLISHING THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (TLE), THE ORGANISER OF THIS SEMINAR," MR LI SAID.
"AMONG OTHER ACTIVITIES, THE ILE RUNS IN-SERVICE LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION COURSES FOR EXPERIENCED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH AND HAS BEGUN TO PUBLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING MATERIALS FOR USE IN SCHOOLS," HE ADDED.
/THE INSTITUTE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
- 8
THE INSTITUTE ALSO CARRIED OUT RESEARCH INTO CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING. MR LI ADDED THAT THE CURRENT RESEARCH PROGRAMME INCLUDED PROJECTS RELATING TO EXTENSIVE READING (A CO-OPERATIVE PROJECT WITH THE EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT), THE APPLICATION OF QUESTIONING TECHNIQUES IN THE TEACHING OF READING IN CHINESE, COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING, THE STANDARDISATION OF THE CANTONESE PRONUNCIATION OF CHINESE CHARACTERS COMMONLY USED IN PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND AN INVESTIGATION OF SPEECH RATES AND THE STANDARD RANGE OF SPEECH IN VARIETIES OF BRITISH ENGLISH, OF WHICH THE RESULTS WOULD BE REPORTED AT THE SEMINAR.
MR LI SAID THE SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES OF THE SEMINAR WERE TO EXAMINE ISSUES IN LANGUAGE PLANNING IN EDUCATION; TO IDENTIFY, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, FACTORS WHICH FOSTER A SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIP IN THE LEARNING AND TEACHING OF LANGUAGES AND DIALECTS IN DIFFERENT SOCIETIES; TO EXPLORE CRITERIA FOR SUCCESSFUL INDIVIDUAL BILINGUAL/BI-DIALECTAL/MULTI-LINGUAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT; TO LOOK AT ISSUES INVOLVED TN RAISING LANGUAGE AWARENESS AND IDENTIFYING GOOD TEACHING PRACTICES; TO INVESTIGATE SOME OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED IN THE EFFECTIVE USE OF LANGUAGE AS A TOOL FOR CLASSROOM USE; AND TO IDENTIFY THE CRITERIA FOR SUCCESSFUL CLASSROOM LANGUAGE LEARNING.
"THE RICHNESS OF SCHOLARSHIP AND EXPERIENCE POSSESSED BY THOSE PRESENT TODAY ASSURES US THAT THESE OBJECTIVES WILL BE REACHED," MR LI SAID.
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EXPORT OF RESTRAINED TEXTILE ARRANGEMENTS ANNOUNCED i ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PRINCIPLES OF QUOTA ALLOCATION AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXPORT OF RESTRAINED TEXTILES TO THE U.S. FOR THE 1988 TEXTILE YEAR.
UNDER THE 1988 ARRANGEMENTS, THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 63 CATEGORIES SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC LIMIT AND 82 CATEGORIES SUBJECT TO AN EXPORT AUTHORISATION SYSTEM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
COMPANIES ARE REQUESTED TO NOTE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:
♦ THE GROUP RESTRAINT LIMITS FOR GROUPS I, II AND III ARE NOW CONTROLLED IN SQUARE METRES.
♦ FOR CATEGORIES PREVIOUSLY CONTROLLED IN SQUARE FOOT, SQUARE YARD AND POUND, THEY ARE NOW CONTROLLED IN KILOGRAM AND SQUARE METRE.
A SUIT CATEGORIES
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
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* SUIT CATEGORIES AND THE NEW MADE-TO-MEASURE SUIT CATEGORY ARE NOW CONTROLLED IN NUMBER INSTEAD OF DOZEN.
* THE EXPORT AUTHORISATION QUOTA (EAQ) OF GROUPS I, II AND III ARE CONTROLLED IN SQUARE METRES.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO NOTED THAT A NEW TEXTILE AND APPAREL CATEGORY SYSTEM WILL BE ADOPTED WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY I, 1988 WHICH INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL RE-CATEGORISATION OF YARNS AND FABRICS ITEMS CURRENTLY COVERED BY THE HK/U.S. BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
"ALSO, UNDER THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM, THREE NEW CATEGORIES WILL BE ESTABLISHED FOR INFANTS’ WEAR. THEY ARE CAT. 239 FOR COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRE INFANTS’ WEAR, CAT. 439 FOR WOOL INFANTS’ WEAR AND CAT. 839 FOR SILK BLEND AND OTHER VEGETABLE FIBRE INFANTS’ WEARS."
DETAILS OF THE PRINCIPLES OF QUOTA ALLOCATION FOR CATEGORIES AFFECTED BY THE NEW TEXTILE AND APPAREL CATEGORY SYSTEM ARE SET OUT IN NOTICE TO EXPORTERS: SERIES I (U.S.A.) NO. 60/87 DATED DECEMBER 15, 1987. COPIES OF THE NOTICE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TEXTILES EXPORT CONTROLS BRANCH, NORTH AMERICA DIVISION OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AT 15/F., OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
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WORKING GROUP ON NT ORDINANCE * * » »
TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHAIRMAN OF A WORKING GROUP ON THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE, WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE BACKGROUND AND PROGRESS OF THE GROUP TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP EARLY THIS YEAR AT THE DIRECTION OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) TO LOOK INTO THE PRESENT WORKING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE AND TO PROPOSE ANY CHANGES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY TO THE ORDINANCE AND GOVERNMENT PROCEDURES IN THE LIGHT OF PRESENT SITUATION IN THE NT.
THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, REGISTRAR GENERAL AND ICAC.
MR SELBY POINTED OUT THAT THE WORKING GROUP WAS INITIATED BY THE CNTA IN VIEW OF INCREASING PROBLEMS IN TRADITIONAL NEW TERRITORIES LAND MATTERS. PROBLEMS SUCH AS THE RISING VALUE OF SPECIFIC LAND LOTS AND THE INCREASING SOPHISTICATION OF LEGAL PROCEDURES CONNECTED WITH THE TRANSFER OF TITLE TO LAND TN GENERAL HAD MADE IT NECESSARY TO LOOK INTO THE SITUATION PROMPTLY.
/"IN THE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 198?
10
"IN THE COURSE OF ITS WORK, THE GROUP HAS STUDIED EXISTING SOURCES ON CHINESE LAW AND TRADITIONAL PRACTICE, BOTH FROM RECORDS OF PREVIOUS COURT CASES IN HONG KONG AND SOUTHEAST ASIA CONCERNING CHINESE LAND MATTERS AND FROM WRITTEN AND ORAL SOURCES ON NEW TERRITORIES CHINESE TRADITIONS,” HE SAID.
"THE GROUP ALSO HOPES TO OBTAIN FEEDBACK FROM NT VILLAGERS ON HOW FAR TRADITIONAL PRACTICES ARE STILL RELEVANT AND WHETHER ANY PART OF TRADITIONAL PRACTICES ARE OUTDATED AND NEED TO BE DROPPED."
"AS A RESULT, THE WORKING GROUP HOPES TO BE ABLE TO PROPOSE TO THE GOVERNMENT REVISIONS TO THE EXISTING NT ORDINANCE AND GOVERNMENT PRACTICES, SO THAT NT VILLAGERS CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY THEIR TRADITIONAL RIGHTS AND PRACTICES WITHOUT COMING INTO CONFLICT WITH COMPLEX MODERN DAY PROCEDURES OF LAND ADMINISTRATION,” MR SELBY ADDED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON THE NEW TERRITORIES ORDINANCE, MR STEPHEN SELBY, WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE WORKING GROUP’S BACKGROUND AND PROGRESS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT II AM TN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, THRID FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
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YAU MA TEI ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS REMOVED
t i *
AN OPERATION SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WAS MOUNTED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO REMOVE 24 ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS AT 13 BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
A TOTAL OF $20,000 WAS ALLOCATED FROM DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO MEET 90 PER CENT OF THE REMOVAL COSTS.
THE CLEARANCE, CARRIED OUT UNDER THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, WAS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE A BETTER AND CLEANER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
TO HELP SPREAD THE "KEEP CLEAN” MESSAGE, A MARKET CLEANLINESS COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY TO SELECT THE CLEANEST STALLS.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION OF HOME SAFETY PRODUCTS, A CLEAN BUILDING COMPETITION AND A YEAR-END CLEAN-UP.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY
*****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FOR MAJOR SCHEMES OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS CONCERN OVER THE OCCURRENCE OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AT THE JUNCTION OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND WYLIE ROAD, AND AT POI LOI STREET AND BAKER STREET.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE MEASURES TO EASE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN HUNG HOM AND THE ISSUE OF PEDESTRIANS WEARING HEADPHONES WHEN CROSSING ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
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CONTAMINATED VEGETABLE ON DB AGENDA *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17) TO DISCUSS TIGHTER MEASURES TO CONTROL THE SALE OF CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO STUDY A PROPOSAL TO BUILD A MINIBUS TERMINAL AT THE SITE OF THE DEMOLISHED POULTRY “LAAN” AT FORBES STREET.
IN ADDITION, A MEMBER WILL SUBMIT WRITTEN QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A WHOLESALE MARKET ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION AS WELL AS THE REMOVAL OF THE FRESHWATER FISH AND VEGETABLE MARKET AT CADOGAN STREET AND TO RE-DEVELOP THE SITE INTO A PARK.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD'S MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
/12
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
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SEMINAR ON EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ♦ * * * ♦
A SEMINAR ON THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17) EVENING FOR PEOPLE LIVING OR WORKING IN NORTH DISTRICT.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE, THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT ENHANCING EMPLOYEES’ KNOWLEDGE OF LABOUR LEGISLATION AND IMPROVING LABOUR RELATIONS.
AT THE SEMINAR, LABOUR OFFICER (LABOUR RELATIONS), MR HO WING-ON WILL SPEAK ON TOPICS SUCH AS PROTECTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES ON DISMISSAL, SEVERANCE PAY, LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, END OF YEAR PAYMENT AND BONUS, AND PROVISIONS REGARDING PAID STATUTORY AND PAID ANNUAL LEAVE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 17) ]N THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE FANLING RURAL COMMITTEE, 3 LUEN FAT STREET, FANLING. THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
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FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER
♦ t *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT EITHER THE CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON DECEMBER 22, OR CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) SHOULD BE ASSIGNED AS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
/WHERE the ........
I
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY,
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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ENROLMENT FOR LAW COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS BEGINS
« » * t t
A COURSE FOCUSING ON HONG KONG LAW AND ITS PRACTICE WILL BE OFFERED TO JOURNALISTS BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL BETWEEN JANUARY 18 AND FEBRUARY 10, 1988.
THE 'LAW FOR JOURNALISTS’ COURSE, TAILORED TO THE NEEDS OF JOURNALISTS, WILL COVER TOPICS ON THE LAW OF DEFAMATION, CRIMINAL CONTEMPT OF COURT, CIVIL CONTEMPT OF COURT AS WELL AS CRIMINAL AND CIVIL PROCEDURES WHICH HAVE DIRECT AND IMMEDIATE RELEVANCE TO THE JOURNALISM PROFESSION.
LECTURER OF CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG MR HAN IF MUGHAL WILL DELIVER THE LECTURES IN ENGLISH. IN ADDITION TO THE LECTURES, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INVOLVED IN CASE STUDIES AND DISCUSSIONS.
COURSE FEE IS $900 AND WORKING JOURNALISTS WILL HAVE TO PAY $150 ONLY.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS JANUARY 6. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
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TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR NEW ROAD OPENING
♦ ♦ ♦ * *
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN HUNG HOM FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 18) IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF A NEW ROAD LINKING BAILEY STREET AND HUNG HOM WAN STREET.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW ROAD, NAMED AS HUNG HOM ROAD, VEHICLES ON MA TAU WAI ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE ABLE TO TRAVEL VIA BAILEY STREET AND HUNG HOM ROAD TO HUNG HOM AREA AND WHAMPOA GARDENS.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, MAN TAI STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, WHILE MAN SIU STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND. TRAFFIC ON TAK MAN STREET HEADING FOR MAN TAI STREET WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA MAN SIU STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS OPERATING AROUND THE CLOCK:
* BAILEY STREET BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN ON STREET AND ITS JUNCTION WITH HUNG HOM ROAD.
* HUNG HOM ROAD.
» THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF HUNG HOM WAN STREET BETWEEN HUNG HOM ROAD AND PO LOI STREET.
* THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF HUNG HOM WAN STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH HUNG HOM ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING BAILEY STREET AND HOK YUEN STREET TO THE EAST OF MA TAU WAI ROAD.
IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING TERMINUS FOR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 2 AND 6 AT TAK MAN STREET OUTSIDE HUNG HOM THEATRE WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD OFF HUNG HOM ROAD OUTSIDE THE WESTERN SIDE OF WHAMPOA GARDENS, SITE 2.
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15
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1987
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS * « *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY CITY HALL RECITAL HALL. HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL
(DECEMBER 19) AT 10 AM IN THE
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
BIDDING. THEY ARE: DP8288 DR320 AS1171 DR117 DR663 DS9828 CK8338 BK1782 AK6 DR9904 DP6609 DP9811 DR6638 DP3 DS3888 BG1 HK960 DP28 AY128 DS2888 DR9811 DS618 AS325 DR6610 DR8887 DR2 DR3OO4 DN929 DR3112 DPS SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY DR590 DR887 DR5O4 DP929 DR3887 DR8137 DR4489 BM1212 DS6999 DR8820 CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY
AFTER THE BIDDING. A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE
VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 119TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN NEW TERRITORIES * * *
A NEW GREEN MINIBUS TERMINUS ON FOOK HONG STREET IN YUEN LONG WILL BE OPEN FOR USE THIS FRIDAY (DECEMBER 18).
TO COINCIDE WITH ITS OPENING, TRAFFIC FLOW ON ADJACENT STREETS, INCLUDING FOOK TAK STREET, FOOK HONG STREET FROM FOOK TAK STREET TO SAU FU STREET, SAU FU STREET FROM FOOK HONG STREET TO TUNG LOK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY.
ONLY GREEN MINIBUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE NEW TERMINUS, WHICH WILL BE OBSERVED BY GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 36, 37, 38, 73, 74, 75 AND 76. AT THE SAME TIME, ROUTINGS OF THESE GREEN MINIBUSES WILL BE DIVERTED AND PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO NOTE THE CHANGES.
MEANWHILE, ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY, A SPEED LIMIT OF 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE SECTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD IN TUEN MUN FROM A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES WEST OF THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO BUTTERFLY BEACH TO A POINT ABOUT 400 METRES FROM THE MAIN GATE OF THE CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS REHABILITATION ENGINEERING CENTRE ............... 1
BETTER PRODUCTS TO SAFEGUARD EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS ............ 2
AIDS MONOGRAPH FOR DOCTORS AND DENTISTS ........................ 3
ANTI-LITTER DRIVE IN COUNTRY PARKS PAYS OFF .................... A
CALL FOR HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP......... 5
GOVERNOR TO VISIT WONG TAI SIN ................................. 6
MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR BORDER TOWN ...................... 7
VILLAGE IN SOUTHERN GETS CLEAN LOOK ............................ 7
SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTING IN SHA TIN........ 8
NEW YEAR MARATHON IN SHA TIN ................................... 9
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH DRUG PROBLEM ........................ 9
NORMAL TOLL FOR TUNNEL USERS FROM MONDAY....................... 10
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WO HOP SHEK ................................ 10
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 19S7
GOVERNOR OPENS REHABILITATION ENGINEERING CENTRE ♦ ♦ » » » ' THE REHABILITATION ENGINEERING CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH OTHER AGENCIES AND PROFESSIONALS IN THE REHABILITATION FIELD, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID K JAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID THE .CENTRE WOULD DO SO TO ENSURE THAT ITS PRODUCTS WERE SUITABLE FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS AND THAT THE BENEFITS OF TECHNOLOGY WERE USED TO THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE EXTENT TO ASSIST THE PROCESS OF REHABILITATION.
"IN SOME CASES STANDARD PRODUCTS TO ASSIST THE DISABLED MAY BE WIDELY AVAILABLE. BUT IT IS QUITE OFTEN THE CASE THAT CUSTOM MADE AIDS AND DEVICES ARE NEEDED TO MEET INDIVIDUAL RQU1REMENTS," HE SAID.
"IT WAS TO MEET THIS PARTICULAR NEED THAT THE IDEA OF A REHABILITATION ENGINEERING CENTRE WAS DEVELOPED," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID IT WAS NO COINCIDENCE THAT THE CENTRE WAS LOCATED IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
"FOR SOME YEARS, VOLUNTARY REHABILITATION AGENCIES, AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL DISABLED PEOPLE, HAVE APPROACHED THE POLYTECHNIC FOR HELP IN THE MANUFACTURE, DESIGN AND REPAIR OF REHABILITATION AIDS AND DEVICES.
"THEY KNOW THAT THE POLYTECHNIC, WITH ITS PARAMEDICAL DEPARTMENTS, HAS THE NECESSARY EXPERTISE, AND THE TECHNICAL FACILITIES, EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCES, TO TAKE ON THIS VERY CHALLENGING WORK," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID A GREAT DEAL OF THE CREDIT FOR THIS CENTRE SHOULD GO TO DR HARRY FANG, WHO INITIATED THE IDEA AND FOLLOWED IT UP DILIGENTLY WITH THE GOVERNMENT, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
HE SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO THANK DR FANG FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG. AS CHAIRMAN OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 1977.
"ALSO TO ASSURE HIM, AND ALL OF YOU, OF THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING THE WELL BEING OF THE DISABLED IN OUR COMMUNITY," HE STRESSED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ALSO DESERVED MUCH CREDIT FOR ITS DONATION OF $11.9 MILLION TO THE CENTRE.
"THIS ILLUSTRATES ONCE AGAIN THE CONTINUING AND IMPORTANT ROLE THAT THE CLUB PLAYS IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
AS TO THE MEANING OF THE TERM 'REHABILITATION ENGINEERING', SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS A COMPARATIVELY RECENT TERM USED TO DESCRIBE THE APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DISABLED PEOPLE DURING THEIR REHABILITATION PROCESS.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
- 2 -
BETTER PRODUCTS TO SAFEGUARD EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS
*****
THE ABILITY TO PRODUCE BETTER PRODUCTS MORE EFFICIENTLY IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE KEY TO SAFEGUARDING HONG KONG’S EXPORT. COMPETITIVENESS AND ECONOMIC PROSPERITY IN THE LONG RUN, THE
FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID AT THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JACOBS NOTED THAT PROTECTIONISM, PARTICULARLY IN THE UNITED STATES, REMAINED A THREAT, BUT HONG KONG’S STANCE WOULD REMAIN CLEAR.
"WE BELIEVE IN FREE TRADE, AND WE BELIEVE THAT THERE IS STILL PLENTY OF SCOPE FOR FURTHER LIBERALISATION OF WORLD TRADE.
"WE FEEL THAT PROTECTIONISM MEASURES WILL ALMOST INEVITABLY BREED THE KIND OF CONFRONTATION WHICH WILL NOT BE IN THE LONGER-TERM INTEREST OF ANY TRADING ECONOMY," HE SAID.
"WE LOOK FORWARD TO PROGRESS BEING ACHIEVED IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS, IN WHICH HONG KONG IS PARTICIPATING.
HONG KONG MUST CONTINUE WITH EFFORTS TO DIVERSIFY ITS MARKETS, TO UPGRADE ITS PRODUCTS AND TO ENHANCE ITS PRODUCTIVITY IN THE FACE OF PROTECTIONISM, MR JACOBS SAID.
"NEVERTHELESS, GIVEN THE VERVE AND HARD WORK OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, I REMAIN OPTIMISTIC," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S TRADE PATTERN HAD UNDERGONE SOME NOTABLE CHANGES OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
IN RESPECT OF MAJOR MARKETS FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, THE SHARES ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHINA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND JAPAN HAD INCREASED WHILE THAT OF THE UNITED STATES HAD DECLINED, HE SAID, DESPITE THE FACT THAT UNITED STATES REMAINED BY FAR THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE MARKET.
COMMENTING ON TRADE PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG, MR JACOBS SAID AFTER 20 MONTHS OR SO OF SUSTAINED BUOYANCY IN HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, SOME SLOW-DOWN WAS LIKELY.
"THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SOME SIGNS THAT THE GROWTH RATE OF OUR EXTERNAL TRADE IS SLOWING DOWN.
"THE UPHEAVALS IN THE WORLD’S FINANCIAL MARKETS IN OCTOBER COULD LEAD TO A FURTHER SLOW-DOWN," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID AN IMMEDIATE CONSEQUENCE OF THE SHARP DECLINE IN WORLD STOCK PRICES WAS AN INCREASED UNCERTAINTY OVER THE WORLD’S BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SHORT-TO-MEDIUM TERM.
/"WHILE PREDICTIONS .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 198?
- 5 -
"WHILE PREDICTIONS VARY, IT IS GENERALLY ACCEPTED THAT THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY IS LIKELY TO GROW MORE SLOWLY IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THIS WOULD HAVE A KNOCK-ON EFFECT ON OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRALISED ECONOMIES AND ON THOSE ECONOMIES WHICH EXPORTED A LARGE PART OF THEIR PRODUCTS TO THE UNITED STATES.
MR JACOBS DREW ATTENTION TO HONG KONG’S TRADING POSITION IN RELATION TO THE UNITED STATES, PARTICULARLY IN THE CONTEXT OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, AT THE SAME TIME REPEATING THAT THERE WAS NO INTENTION OF ALTERING THE RATE OR ABANDONING THE SYSTEM.
WHILE THE GROWTH RATE OF U.S. EXPORTS TO HONG KONG WAS THE HIGHEST AMONGST THE ASIAN NEWLY INDUSTRIALISED COUNTRIES (NIC’S), THAT OF U.S. IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG WAS THE LOWEST, HE SAID.
THE GROWTH RATE OF THE U.S. TRADE DEFICIT WITH HONG KONG WAS ALSO THE LOWEST AMONGST THE ASIAN NIC’S, HE ADDED.
"AS FAR AS THE UNITED STATES IS CONCERNED, WE ARE A WELL BEHAVING TRADING PARTNER."
ON THE STRONG UPSURGE IN THE TRADE WITH CHINA, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THIS TREND BEGAN SOME YEARS AGO WHEN CHINA STEPPED UP ITS MODERNISATION PROGRAMMES AND INTRODUCED ITS OPEN-DOOR ECONOMIC POLICIES. "WE WELCOME THIS DEVELOPING MARKET," HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE RE-EMERGENCE OF HONG KONG AS AN ENTREPOT WAS REMARKABLE.
"BY MAKING USE OF HONG KONG’S EFFICIENT PORT AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES TO CHANNEL HER EXTERNAL TRADE, CHINA IS AGAIN PLAYING A MAJOR PART IN THIS REGARD.
"IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, NEARLY 80 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS BY VALUE WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO CHINA, EITHER AS A SOURCE OR AS A MARKET," HE SAID.
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AIDS MONOGRAPH FOR DOCTORS AND DENTISTS * * * * *
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS PRODUCED A MONOGRAPH ON AIDS FOR REFERENCE BY DOCTORS AND DENTISTS IN HONG KONG.
DISTRIBUTION OF THE 24-PAGE MONOGRAPH BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT BEGAN LAST WEEK AND WILL EVENTUALLY REACH SOME 5,570 DOCTORS AND DENTISTS REGISTERED ON THE LOCAL LIST WITH THE BOARDS AND COUNCILS.
/ANNOUNCING THIS
WEDNESDAY, DEChHBER 16, 1987"
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF DISSEMINATING THIS MONOGRAPH TO ALL DOCTORS AND DENTISTS IN HONG KONG WAS TO ENLIST THEIR ASSISTANCE IN THE BATTLE AGAINST AIDS.
THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS HAD AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THAT THEY COULD HELP TO DISPEL MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT AIDS AND ASSIST IN THE HEALTH EDUCATION OF THE PUBLIC AND BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION OF HIGH RISK GROUPS, HE SAID.
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS WERE ALSO ONE OF THE THREE MAIN TARGET GROUPS ON THE HEALTH EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMME ON AIDS, HE NOTED.
THE PUBLICATION OF THIS SPECIAL MONOGRAPH FOR DISTRIBUTION TO DOCTORS AND DENTISTS WAS ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE ON AIDS.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS FOR HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS INCLUDE THE ORGANISING OF LECTURES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS AND PROVISION OF EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS SUCH AS PAMPHLETS, SLIDES AND VIDEOS.
THE MONOGRAPH, APART FROM PROVIDING A BRIEF REVIEW AND UP-DATED INFORMATION ON THE CURRENT STATUS OF AIDS, ALSO GIVES COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF AIDS, ITS CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS, THE ASSESSMENT OF SUSPECTED OR INFECTED HIV INDIVIDUALS, COUNSELLING SERVICE, AND METHODS OF PREVENTION, CONTROL AND TREATMENT.
DOCTORS ARE ALSO INFORMED OF THE IMPORTANCE OF NOTIFYING VOLUNTARILY CASES OF AIDS TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON A CONFIDENTIAL AND ANONYMOUS BASIS.
MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS WHO WISH TO ENQUIRE FOR AN EXTRA COPY OF THE MONOGRAPH 'INFORMATION ON AIDS FOR DOCTORS AND DENTISTS’ MAY CALL THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ON 5-721324.
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ANTI-LITTER DRIVE IN COUNTRY PARKS PAYS OFF
*****
THE VIGOROUS ANTI-LITTER DRIVE LAUNCHED TWO WEEKS AGO BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS PROVED TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE IN DETECTING LITTER OFFENCES IN COUNTRY PARKS.
UP TO LAST SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13), SUMMONSES HAVE BEEN SERVED ON 111 LITTER OFFENDERS - THREE TIMES HIGHER THAN THE BI-WEEKLY AVERAGE OF 37 IN 1986.
/THE OFFENDERS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
5 -
THE OFFENDERS ARE SCHEDULED TO APPEAR IN COURT AND WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS ON CONVICTION.
ANNOUNCING THE PROSECUTION FIGURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR S.P. LAU, SAID THE INITIAL RESULTS REFLECTED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PLAIN-CLOTHES OFFICERS IN ENFORCING THE ANTI-LITTER LAW.
"OF THE ill PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT IN THE LAST FORTNIGHT, 71 WERE INITIATED BY PLAIN-CLOTHES ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, WHO, DRESSED AS HIKERS AND ORDINARY PARK VISITORS, WERE ABLE TO CATCH THE LITTERBUGS OFF GUARD.
"THE REMAINING 40 CASES WERE THE RESULT OF STRICT ENFORCEMENT ACTION BY UNIFORMED PARK WARDENS WHO ALSO GAVE ON-THE-SPOT ADVICE ON THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF LITTER TO 37,350 VISITORS FROM 1,180 GROUPS OF VARYING SIZES,” HE SAID.
MR LAU SAID THAT DESPITE THE EFFECT OF THE RECENT COLD SPELL ON THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE COUNTRY PARKS, THE SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS STILL RECORDED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF LITTER OFFENCES, WITH 19 AND 74 CASES RESPECTIVELY.
ACCORDING TO GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION, MOST OFFENCES OCCURRED IN THE SAI KUNG AND CLEARWATER BAY COUNTRY PARKS, EACH WITH 23 CASES, FOLLOWED BY PAT SIN LENG AND ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARKS WHERE 14 AND 12 CASES WERE RECORDED RESPECTIVELY.
MR LAU SAID THE PROSECUTION DRIVE WOULD CONTINUE INITIALLY IN THE CURRENT PICNIC SEASON. "BUT THIS OPERATION MAY BE EXTENDED UNTIL WE ARE SATISFIED WITH THE SITUATION," HE WARNED.
MR LAU CALLED ON VISITORS TO ANY OF THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS TO DISPOSE LITTER IN THE BINS AND STOCKADES PROVIDED.
"A LITTLE MORE SELF-DISCIPLINE WITH DUE RESPECT FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT WILL SAVE THEM FROM PROSECUTIONS, HEAVY FINES AND, POSSIBLY, JAIL SENTENCES," HE ADDED.
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CALL FOR HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP
*****
A GOOD LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONSHIP WILL LEAD TO HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WORKERS’ LIVES, AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR YIU YAN-NANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IN THE WIDER CONTEXT, A HARMONIOUS WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES IS ESSENTIAL TO THE ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABLITY OF HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
/SPEAKING AT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
- 6
SPEAKING AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF CERTIFICATES TO MORE THAN 200 PARTICIPANTS OF SIX LABOUR RELATIONS COURSES ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIU SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALWAYS ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ENCOURAGING MORE DIALOGUE BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
"TO HELP ACHIEVE THIS, IT HAS ORGANISED, IN CONJUNCTION WITH EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ ORGANISATIONS, SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS, FORUMS AND SYMPOSIA TO PROMOTE THE BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS BY BOTH PARTIES," MR YIU SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD ORGANISED 11 LABOUR RELATIONS CERTIFICATE COURSES THIS YEAR AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO SO TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND.
BEFORE THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, SENIOR LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT, CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, MR ANDY LAI, GAVE A TALK ON EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES. --------------------------------0 ------
GOVERNOR TO VISIT WONG TAI SIN
i » » * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON WILL VISIT WONG TAI SIN TOMORROW (DECEMBER 17) TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL TOUR THE TERRITORY’S LARGEST SQUATTER AREA AT DIAMOND HILL TO SEE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT THERE. THEY WILL ALSO VISIT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE.
THEIR VISIT WILL END AT THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE WHERE THEY WILL MEET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO WONG TAI SIN ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE AT THE ENTRANCE OF KAM WAH HOUSE AT HUNG MUI AVENUE, CHOI HUNG ESTATE AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (DECEMBER 17). GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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/7........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR BORDER TOWN
» » » » »
MUCH PROGRESS WILL BE MADE IN THE PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR THE BORDER TOWNSHIP OF SHA TAU KOK IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SHA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEET, MR CHEUNG SAID A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE TO ACCOMMODATE 3,900 PEOPLE IN THE FRONTIER CLOSED AREA WOULD BE COMPLETED IN SHA TAU KOK.
TO COPE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, THERE WOULD BE AN AIR-CONDITIONED COMMUNITY HALL MANAGED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE WITH A PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE, HE SAID.
A 12-CLASSROOM CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SHA TAU KOK, WHICH COSTS $10.5 MILLION, WOULD BE OPEN NEXT SEPTEMBER, HE ADDED. EQUIPPED WITH MODERN TEACHING FACILITIES, THE SCHOOL WOULD PROVIDE A GOOD LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR PUPILS IN THF. AREA.
TURNING TO SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION, MR CHEUNG SAID A NEW SCHOOL WOULD BE COMPLETED, TWO YEARS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, IN 1989 IN NORTH DISTRICT TO MEET THE SHORTFALL IN SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.
WITH A RISING POPULATION IN THE DISTRICT, THE SHORTAGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES HAD AROUSED MUCH CONCERN FROM THE RESIDENTS, HE SAID.
TO RELIEVE THE SHORTFALL, THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAD, IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, HELD SEVERAL MEETINGS WITH THE GOVERNMENT WHICH HAD NOW DECIDED TO ADVANCE THE CONSTRUCTION 01 THE NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL, HE ADDED.
- - 0 -
VILLAGE IN SOUTHERN GETS CLEAN LOOK
* t » t »
POK FU LAM VILLAGE IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT GOT A CLEANER LOOK TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AFTER A SPECIAL OPERATION ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE CLEAN UP OPERATION COVERED A NUMBER OF BLACK SPOTS IN THE VILLAGE WHERE REFUSE AND BULKY GARBAGE WERE DUMPED.
THE GARBAGE WAS CLEARED DURING THE OPERATION THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND SOME CIVIC-MINDED VOLUNTEERS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
/MEANWHILE, THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
8 -
MEANWHILE, THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE LAUNCHED A PUBLICITY DRIVE IN THE VILLAGE TO REMIND RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE AREA CLEAN.
DURING A TOUR OF THE VILLAGE, THE CHAIRMAN, MADAM MAR YUET-HAR, AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE PUT UP POSTERS IN PROMINENT PLACES AND CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE. THEY ALSO ASSISTED THE RESIDENTS TO REMOVE PILES OF GARBAGE.
APART FROM TODAY’S EXERCISE, THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL ALSO ORGANISE CLEAN UP OPERATIONS LATER THIS WEEK IN 12 OTHER REFUSE BLACK SPOTS WHICH WERE IDENTIFIED THROUGH CONSULTATION WITH AREA COMMITTEES.
EARLIER, THE COMMITTEE HAD ORGANISED A CLEAN FORESHORE EXERCISE. OTHER KEEP CLEAN ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT INCLUDE A SPECIAL REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER, A CAMPAIGN AGAINST THROWING LITTER FROM BUILDINGS AND A "CLEAN BUILDING" COMPETITION.
---0------
SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTING IN SHA TIN
*****
FESTIVE LIGHTING DECORATIONS MADE UP OF MORE THAN 18,000 COLOURFUL LIGHT BULBS WILL BE SWITCHED ON IN SHA TIN ON . FRIDAY (DECEMBER 18) EVENING TO CELEBRATE THE COMING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR.
THE DECORATIONS WILL ENCIRCLE THE SHING MUN RIVER, LIGHTING UP THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE, BANYAN BRIDGE AND THE RIVERSIDE PROMENADES.
THE MOST PROMINENT FEATURE WILL BE A PICTURE OF TWO ANGELS ABOUT 100 METRES WIDE AND SEVEN METRES HIGH LINED UP WITH COLOURFUL LIGHT BULBS ON SAND MARTIN BRIDGE.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE SWITCHED ON BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NT), MR MICHAEL SUEN, AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE ROOF GARDEN OF SHA TIN TOWN HALL AT 6.30 PM.
THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION CHILDREN CHOIR WILL ALSO SING CHRISTMAS CAROLS DURING THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTING IN SHA TIN, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 6.30 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 18) AT THE ROOF GARDEN OF SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
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/9........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
9 -
NEW YEAR MARATHON IN SHA TIN
* * ♦
RUNNERS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE SCENIC VIEW ALONG SHING MUN RIVER WHILE COMPETING IN A MARATHON RACE IN SHA TIN ON JANUARY 3 NEXT YEAR.
TO CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR, THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, WITH THE HELP OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A MARATHON RACE FOR RUNNERS AGED OVER 14 IN THE DISTRICT.
THE RACE WILL START AT 8 AM AT THE SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND ON YUEN WO ROAD. THE ROUTE WILL BE A 11-KILOMETRE SECTION OF THE CYCLING TRACK ALONG SHING MUN RIVER.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRE, SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION OFFICE, SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND, SHA TIN OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY HALLS IN THE DISTRICT.
ENTRIES ARE FREE AND THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 22. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6989750 AND 0-6915657.
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COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS YOUTH DRUG PROBLEM
*****
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE BY YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION INCLUDE THE APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP ON CIVIC EDUCATION; THE STATUS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SOCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI BUILDING, TUEN MUN.
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/1O........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1987
10 -
NORMAL TOLL FOR TUNNEL USERS FROM MONDAY ♦ * t t *
MOTORISTS AND TAXI PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO KOWLOON VIA THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL HAVE TO PAY THE NORMAL TOLL OF $3 FROM 3 AM NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 21) WHEN THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT COMES TO AN END.
AS FOR THOSE TRAVELLING NORTHBOUND THROUGH THE TUNNEL, THEY WILL ONLY HAVE TO PAY $3 INSTEAD OF THE $6 TOLL CHARGED DURING THE FOUR-WEEK EXPERIMENT.
THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE NOVEMBER 23 TO ASSESS WHETHER TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE TUNNEL CAN BE IMPROVED.
WHEN THE EXPERIMENT ENDS AT 3 AM ON MONDAY, THE PRE-EXPERIMENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE RESUMED AT THE SAME TIME.
FOLLOWING ARE FIGURES ON THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD DURING THE EVENING AND MORNING PEAK HOURS YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) AND TODAY, RESPECTIVELY:
I, ION ROCK TUNNEL TAI PO ROAD
SOUTHBOUND NORTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND NORTHBOUND
DECEMBER 15 7,276 6,686 2,244 (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 2,132
NORMAL WEEKDAY 7,274 6,995 2,358 (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 2,085
DECEMBER 16 9,323 6,426 2,879 (7 AM - 10 AM) 2,213
NORMAL WEEKDAY 9,309 6,615 2,812 (7 AM - 10 AM) 0 TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WO HOP SHEK ♦ * ♦ ♦ 1,874
TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK, THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK
ROAD WEST OF ROAD D6 AND THE NORTH ACCESS ROAD TO WO HOP SHEK
CEMETERY IN FANL1NG HAVE BEEN CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM (WEDNESDAY). 10 AM TODAY
THE MEASURE WILL CONTINUE FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS DURING WHICH
VEHICLES HEADING FOR WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY AND WO HOP SHEK VILLAGE
WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) AND KIU TAU ROAD.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO BUILD TUNNEL QUICKLY: GOVERNOR.. 1
GOVERNOR SEES WONG TAI SIN DEVELOPMENTS..................... 2
RELOCATION OF SHELL'S INSTALLATIONS ANNOUNCED .............. 3
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS AIRPORT CUSTOMS...................... 5
RO'S FINANCIAL POSITION SOUND AND HEALTHY................... 6
RC EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES APPROVED .......................... 7
RSD ACCOUNTANT POST UPGRADED ............................... 7
NEW GOOD-QUALITY MUSHROOM INTRODUCED TO FARMERS ............ 8
ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT TO END ON MONDAY.................... 9
CLOSING CEREMONY OF CHILD ABUSE CONFERENCE................. 11
CENTRE TO OFFER COURSES FOR BANKING STAFF.................. 11
GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY DAY FOR TEACHERS .................... 12
CALL TO PAY WAGES ON TIME.................................. 13
DB TO DISCUSS SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR DISTRICT EVENTS........... 13
YMT DB TO DISCUSS LOCAL ISSUES............................. 14
ESTABLISHMENT OF HOUSING FOR ELDERLY TO BE DISCUSSED..... 15
NEW YEAR HARRIER RACE INVITES ENTRIES ..................... 15
TAI PO 'KEEP CLEAN' CAMPAI® CONCLUDES...................... 16
ROUND-UP OF AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME................. 1$
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO ISLAND OF BQNaIRE............. 17
FIVE SITES TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION .......................... 17
JAPANESE BAND TO PERFORM IN HK . .......................... 1®
RELOCATION OF YELLOW BOX MARKING ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER... 19
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN KHWLOCN CITY AND TAI PO......... 19
WAN CHAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE............................ 20
WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG.................................... 20
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
1
GOVERNMENT DETERMINED TO BUILD TUNNEL QUICKLY: GOVERNOR ***** >
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO GET ON WITH THE BUILDING OF THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL AS QUICKLY AS IT POSSIBLY CAN IN VIEW OF THE CONGESTION ALONG THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF A VISIT TO WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT, SIR DAVID SAID THE CONGESTION OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WAS BAD AT THE MOMENT AND WAS LIKELY TO GET WORSE OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
"IT CAN ONLY BE SOLVED COMPLETELY WITH THE BUILDING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL." HE STRESSED.
REFERRING TO THE VISIT, SIR DA1VD SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE WORK BEING DONE TO IMPROVE THE HOUSING CONDITIONS IN THE DISTRICT AND THE DEVELOPMENTS FROM THE MARK 1 AND I I BLOCKS TO THE NEW FORM OF PUBLIC HOUSING.
"THE STATISTICS WHICH HAS IMPRESSED ME IS THAT BY 1990, A QUARTER OF A MILLION PEOPLE IN THIS DISTRICT ALONE WOULD HAVE THEIR HOUSING IMPROVED," HE NOTED.
NOTING THAT THERE WERE MORE SQUATTERS IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT THAN IN OTHER DISTRICTS, SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD BEEN POSSIBLE TO IMPROVE THE CONDITIONS IN THOSE SQUATTER AREAS BY BUILDING PARKS AND FIRE BREAKS AND BY BRINGING IN WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES.
"THESE ARE SHORT TERM MEASURES. IN THE LONG TERM, WE'LL GET ON TOP OF THE SQUATTER PROBLEM BY THE 1990’S," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT HIS PLANS AFTER HE HAS COMPLETED TOURING THE 19 DISTRICTS, SIR DAVID SAJI) HE WOULD LIKE TO VISIT INDIVIDUAL INSTITUTIONS, FACTORY PROJECTS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BEFORE RESUMING A PROGRAMME OF VISITS TO DISTRICTS LATER ON.
ASKED ABOUT A PETITION BY SOME RESIDENTS AT LOK FU ESTATE AGAINST A DECISION TO USE A SECTION OF THE PODIUM TO ERECT A SHOW FLAT FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE BASIC PROBLEM WAS TO MATCH UP TWO DIFFERENT PROBLEMS.
"ONE IS THERE MUST BE SOMEWHERE TO SHOW WHAT SORT OF FLATS ARE GOING TO BE AVAILABLE. PEOPLE MUST BE ABLE TO SEE THE SORT OF FLAT THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO MOVE INTO," SIR DAVID SAID.
"IT HAS TO BE AT A CONVENIENT PLACE. AT THE SAME TIME, WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT THERE ARE ADEQUATE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE IN THE AREA.
"LOOKING AROUND IT DID SEEM TO ME THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE SPACE BOTH OPEN AND COVERED FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE HOUS I NG AUTHORITY WAS LOOKING VERY CAREFULLY AT THE PROBLEM.
------q----------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 2 -
GOVERNOR SEES WONG TAI SIN DEVELOPMENTS
*****
DEVELOPMENTS TO TIE IN WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL AIMED AT RELIEVING CONGESTION IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WERE AMONG THE PROJECTS THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID, AND LADY WILSON WERE BRIEFED ON DURING A VISIT TO THE WONG TAT SIN DISTRICT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SIR DAVID WAS ALSO TOLD OF DETAILS OF THE $2,000 MILLION KOWLOON CENTRAL ESTATES REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, THE TERRITORY’S MOST AMBITIOUS HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, DURING THE VISIT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU; WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH; AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WERE GIVEN A BRIEFING ON THE ROOFTOP OF KAM WAN HOUSE AT CHOI HUNG ESTATE WHERE THEY HAD A COMMANDING VIEW OF DIAMOND HILL, TAI HOM AND THE SITE OF THE SOUTHERN PORTAL OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT ABOUT 20,000 PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED IN FOUR PHASES OVER THE NEXT 18 MONTHS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE PROJECT.
REDEVELOPMENT IS ALSO GOING ON IN THE DIAMOND HILL AND THE TAI HOM AREAS. THE DIAMOND HILL NORTH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1991.
MAJOR PLANNING PROPOSALS FOR THE TAI HOM/DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECT, COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL LOTS, AND MTR STATION WHICH INCORPORATES A RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, A DISTRICT HOSPITAL, A HUGE PARK AND OTHER FACILITIES, SIR DAVID WAS TOLD.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WALKED THROUGH THE DISTRICT’S LARGEST SQUATTER AREA IN DIAMOND HILL WHICH HAS A POPULATION OF OVER 35,000 PEOPLE. THEY ALSO VISITED A SQUATTER FAMILY.
DURING THEIR TOUR OF THE VILLAGE, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON LEARNED THAT THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME HAS GREATLY IMPROVED THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN THE AREA. THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAIN DRAINAGE CHANNEL ALONG GRANDVIEW ROAD HAS SIGNIFICANTLY UPGRADED PUBLIC HYGIENE IN THESE SQUATTER VILLAGES.
HE WAS ALSO TOLD ABOUT THE REMARKABLE EFFECTS OF THE TWO LARGE FIRE BREAKS CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME WHICH EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLED TWO MAJOR SQUATTER FIRES IN TAI KOON NEW VILLAGE AND MAN KUK NEW VILLAGE IN 1986.
OTHER FACILITIES IN THE SQUATTER AREAS INCLUDE STREET LIGHTS, METERED WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS, PUBLIC TOILETS AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
/IN ADDITION.........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17» 1987
IN ADDITION, THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD HAS UNDERTAKEN MINOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS INCLUDING THE INSTALLATION OF COMMUNAL LETTER BOXES, FOOTPATH GUIDES, THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND MINOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FOOTPATH NETWORK AND THE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS.
THE PARTY ALSO PROCEEDED TO THE ROOFTOP OF WANG LOK HOUSE AT WANG TAU HOM ESTATE TO SEE THE CONTRAST BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS.
THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED ON THE "KOWLOON CENTRAL ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT" PROJECT IN WHICH ALL EXISTING MARK 1 AND II HOUSING BLOCKS WILL BE CLEARED BY 1990 AND DOMESTIC BLOCKS OF THE LATEST STANDARD WITH PROVISION OF ALL ESSENTIAL FACILITIES WILL BE BUILT.
SIR DAVID THEN WALKED THROUGH THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE WHICH IS THE LARGEST SHOPPING CENTRE IN NORTH KOWLOON. IT CONTAINS MORE THAN 130 SHOPS OF VARIOUS TRADES, 12 RESTAURANTS, WET AND DRY MARKETS AND 24 COOKED FOOD STALLS.
THE FINAL STOP OF THE VISIT WAS THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE WHERE SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON MET MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND CHAIRMEN OF AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT AT AN INFORMAL GATHERING.
-----o------
RELOCATION OF SHELL'S INSTALLATIONS ANNOUNCED
*****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE TERMS OF A SERIES OF LAND EXCHANGES INVOLVING SHELL, CHEUNG KONG (HOLDINGS) LTD., HONG KONG UNITED DOCKYARDS (HUD), AND HONG KONG ELECTRIC LTD (HEC) WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE RELOCATION OF SHELL’S OIL INSTALLATIONS FROM KWUN TONG AND AP LEI CHAU TO TSING Yl.
THE EFFECT OF THE LAND EXCHANGES WILL BE THAT:
« SHELL WILL OBTAIN A SITE OF SOME 19 HECTARES FOR A NEW OIL DEPOT AT TSING YI, USING PART OF THE EXISTING HUD SITE, TOGETHER WITH SOME ADDITIONAL RECLAMATION.
* CHEUNG KONG WILL OBTAIN A SITE OF SOME NINE HECTARES AT KWUN TONG, WHICH IT INTENDS TO DEVELOP FOR HOUSING AND ASSOCIATED COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR ABOUT 21,000 PEOPLE.
THE REMAINDER OF THE EXISTING SHELL OIL DEPOT AT KWUN TONG WILL BE USED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PART OF THE KWUN TONG BYPASS, A PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING AREA, A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, OPEN SPACE AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
/* CHEUNG KONG........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1?8?
* CHEUNG KONG WILL ALSO REDEVELOP FOR HOUSING AND ASSOCIATED COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR SOME 32,000 PEOPLE A 12.5 HECTARES SITE AT AP LEI CHAU, CONSISTING OF PART OF THE EXISTING SHELL OIL DEPOT SITE, AND PART OF THE HEC POWER STATION SITE.
THE RELOCATION AND DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE HAS MANY ADVANTAGES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
FIRSTLY, THE REMOVAL OF THE EXISTING OIL DEPOTS, WHICH ARE NO LONGER COMPATIBLE WITH PRESENT DEVELOPMENT IN KWUN TONG AND AP LEI CHAU, WILL IMPROVE THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THESE AREAS, AS WELL AS PRODUCING SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL HOUSING TO MEET HONG KONG’S LONGER-TERM REQUIREMENTS.
IN ORDER TO CARRY THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC THAT WILL BE GENERATED BY THE ADDITIONAL POPULATION IN AP LEI CHAU, A SECOND BRIDGE BETWEEN AP LEI CHAU AND ABERDEEN WILL BE BUILT.
SECONDLY, THE RELOCATION WILL ALSO YIELD AN EXCELLENT SITE FOR CONSTRUCTING MUCH NEEDED INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES IN KWUN TONG, INCLUDING A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND A PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING AREA AND LAND FOR THE KWUN TONG BYPASS, WHICH IS AN IMPORTANT ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THIRDLY, IN ADDITION TO THE SUBSTANTIAL PREMIUM INCOME THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL OBTAIN FROM THIS LAND EXCHANGE PACKAGE, THE COSTS OF RELOCATION, WHICH WOULD HAVE TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT IF THE EXISTING SHELL OIL DEPOTS IN KWUN TONG AND AP LEI CHAU WERE MOVED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS, WILL NOW BE BORNE EXTIRELY BY THE DEVELOPER.
IN REACHING ITS DECISION, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD PAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE FINDINGS OF STUDIES UNDERTAKEN BY INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED SHELL OIL TERMINAL AT TSING YI, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY CONCLUDED THAT THE PROPOSED SHELL OIL PRODUCTS TERMINAL AT TSING YI WILL HAVE MINIMAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT; AND THAT HONG KONG AS A WHOLE WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RELOCATION OF TWO LESS THAN IDEAL SITES AT KWUN TONG AND AP LEI CHAU TO A SITE WHICH IS BETTER ON ENVIRONMENTAL AND PUBLIC SAFETY GROUNDS.
THE RISK ASSESSMENT STUDY CONCLUDED THAT, IF SHELL’S OIL INSTALLATIONS ARE LOCATED ON THE WEST COAST OF TSING YI, THE RISKS TO TSING YI RESIDENTS ARE NEGLIGIBLE, BECAUSE OF THE SEPARATION DISTANCES INVOLVED AND THE NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY OF THE ISLAND, I.E. A MOUNTAIN RIDGE SEPARATING THE OIL TERMINAL FROM THE RESIDENTIAL AREA TO ITS NORTH-EAST.
A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WHICH WOULD DIRECT DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES CLEAR OF CENTRES OF POPULATION AS FAR AS IS PRACTICABLE WILL BE INTRODUCED.
/development on........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
5
DEVELOPMENT ON SITE IS LIKELY TO START EARLY IN 1988.
SHELL EXPECTS TO DE-COMMISSION AND DEMOLISH ITS OIL INSTALLATIONS IN AP LEI CHAU BY APRIL 1990, AND THOSE IN KWUN TONG BY SEPTEMBER 1991.
CHEUNG KONG EXPECTS TO COMPLETE THE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN KWUN TONG IN THE MID-1990’S AND IN AP LEI CHAU IN THE LATE 1990’S.
---0------
CHIEF SECRETARY VISITS AIRPORT CUSTOMS *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, TODAY (THURSDAY) TOOK A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT HOW CUSTOMS OFFICERS PREVENTED THE SMUGGLING OF CONTRABAND BY AIR INTO HONG KONG DURING A VISIT TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE AT THE AIRPORT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, MR FORD WAS MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR J.C. PRISK; KOWLOON REGIONAL COMMANDER, MR FREDDY LEE; AND AIRPORT COMMANDER, MR DAVID TONG.
AFTER A BRIEFING BY MR TONG ON THE WORK OF THE VARIOUS CUSTOMS DIVISIONS IN THE AIRPORT, MR FORD PROCEEDED TO THE CUSTOMS HALL WHERE INCOMING PASSENGERS AND THEIR LUGGAGE WERE PROCESSED AND EXAMINED.
MR FORD WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED BY THE USE OF MODERN EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING X-RAY MACHINES AND METAL DETECTORS, TO FACILITATE BAGGAGE AND PASSENGER EXAMINATION.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE WORK OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS ON THE APRON WHERE OFFICERS BOARDED AND SEARCHED INCOMING AEROPLANES AND ESCORTED LUGGAGE FROM AEROPLANES TO THE TERMINAL BUILDING.
BEFORE THE END OF HIS TOUR, MR FORD WAS TAKEN TO THE AIR CARGO TERMINAL TO SEE HOW CUSTOMS OFFICERS PERFORMED CARGO SELECTION AND EXAMINATION DUTIES WITH THE HELP OF COMPUTERS AND X-RAY MACHINES.
--------o - -
/6........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
6
RC’S FINANCIAL POSITION SOUND AND HEALTHY ♦ ♦ » *
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL HAS ESTIMATED A SURPLUS OF $162 MILLION FOR 1987-88, SOME $97 MILLION HIGHER THAN THE ORIGINAL FORECAST, IT WAS REVEALED AT THE COUNCIL’S FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY).
ESTIMATED REVENUE FOR 1988-89 WOULD STAND AT $1,631 MILLION WHILE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE WOULD BE IN THE REGION OF $1,253 MILLION, RESULTING IN A BUDGETED SURPLUS OF ABOUT $378 MILLION.
AND THE COUNCIL’S RESERVE WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER FROM $254 MILLION TO $416 MILLION BY MARCH 31, 1988.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE COUNCIL’S TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WOULD BE $1,099.9 MILLION WHILE TOTAL EXPENDITURE WOULD BE $937.9 MILLION.
THE COUNCIL’S MAJOR SOURCES OF INCOME HAD COME FROM RATES AND INVESTMENT OF ITS SURPLUS. THE OUTTURN FORECAST OF RATES FOR THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW WAS $940 MILLION WHILE INVESTMENT HAD YIELDED $24 MILLION. THE BALANCE OF REVENUE CAME FROM FEES AND CHARGES THE COUNCIL COLLECTED IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, THE FORECAST OF INCOME FROM RATES WOULD BE $1,168 MILLION AND INVESTMENT INCOME WOULD AMOUNT TO $39.8 MILLION, CALCULATED AT AN ASSUMED INTEREST RATE OF 4.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE AN ANNUAL GRANT OF $273.6 MILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR EACH OF THE THREE YEARS FROM 1988-89 TO 1990-91 UNDER A NEW FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT.
THE ESTIMATES WHICH WERE APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE FULL COUNCIL FOR ENDORSEMENT WHEN IT MEETS ON DECEMBER 22 (TUESDAY).
TODAY'S MEETING WAS PRESIDED OVER BY THE . COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR NATHAN MA. ■ •.- ?’J
• .. . • >• ■ ‘ r .. ...
--------0----------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 1987
- 7 -
RC EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES APPROVED
* * * *
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR THE VARIOUS REGIONAL COUNCIL SERVICES WERE APPROVED DURING ITS FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY MR NATHAN MA, WAS TOLD THAT EXPENDITURE FOR 1988-89 WOULD BE $1,253 MILLION.
ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES WOULD BE GETTING THE BIGGEST SHARE, ESTIMATED TO BE $572 MILLION OR 45.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE.
SERVICES IN THIS RESPECT INCLUDE PUBLIC CLEANSING, MANAGEMENT OF MARKETS, CONTROL OF HAWKERS AND MANAGING CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA.
SECOND ON THE LIST WAS THE PROVISION OF RECREATION AND CULTURE ACTIVITIES AT $422 MILLION, OR 33.6 PER CENT OF THE OVERALL SPENDING PLAN.
THE BUDGETED AMOUNT WOULD BE USED IN MANAGING RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES AND AMENITIES, PROMOTING AND PROVIDING RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES AND PROVIDING CULTURAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES AS WELL AS MUSEUM SERVICES.
MORE THAN $114 MILLION OR 9.1 PER CENT OF THE EXPENDITURE BUDGET, HAD BEEN ALLOTED FOR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMMES.
AS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL SUPPORT, SOME $145 MILLION OR 11.6 PER CENT HAD BEEN ASSIGNED FOR THE RUNNING OF DAY-TO-DAY COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT OPERATION.
THE ESTIMATES WOULD STILL HAVE TO BE ADOPTED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AT ITS MEETING ON DECEMBER 22 (^TUESDAY).
------0-------
RSD ACCOUNTANT POST UPGRADED » » ♦ * »
THE SENIOR TREASURY ACCOUNTANT POST IN THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT IN RECOGNITION OF THE INCREASED RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FINANCE AND SUPPLIES DIVISION.
A PROPOSAL TO THIS EFFECT WAS ENDORSED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND LATER APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON DECEMBER 9, 1987.
/PRESENTING BACKGROUND........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 198?
- 8
PRESENTING BACKGROUND INFORMATION AT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY, MR P.Y. CHOY, POINTED OUT THAT THE DIVISION HAD EXPANDED FROM 63 IN FEBRUARY 1985 TO ITS PRESENT ESTABLISHMENT OF 91, INCLUDING THE ADDITION OF TWO TREASURY ACCOUNTANTS.
"THE POST HOLDER ATTENDS BEFORE COUNCIL AND ITS SELECT COMMITTEES TO ADVISE ON ALL FINANCE AND SUPPLIES MATTERS," HE TOLD MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE.
ANOTHER PRIME RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TREASURY ACCOUNT WAS TO MAXIMISE THE RETURN ON COUNCIL INVESTMENTS AND TO MONITOR CLOSELY THE CASH FLOW POSITION AND COMMITMENTS SO AS TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF SURPLUS FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR INVESTMENTS AND THE PERIODS FOR WHICH THEY COULD BE SAFELY INVESTED.
"THE OFFICER ADMINISTERS COUNCIL’S FUNDS, ESTIMATED AT $1,100 MILLION IN REVENUE AND $938 MILLION IN OPERATING EXPENDITURE IN 1987-88."
"WITH EFFECT FROM 1988-89, THE CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF THE COUNCIL, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO BE $121 MILLION IN 1988-89," MR CHOY ADDED.
-------0 -
NEW GOOD-QUALITY MUSHROOM INTRODUCED TO FARMERS
* * * »
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) INTRODUCED TO LOCAL FARMERS A NEW VARIETY OF GOOD-QUALITY, HIGH-YIELDING MUSHROOM WHICH HAS BEEN PROVEN SUITABLE FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION AS A HEALTHY NATURAL FOOD.
THE SMALL OYSTER MUSHROOM,'A TEMPERATE STRAIN OF THE OYSTER MUSHROOM GROUP CURRENTLY CULTIVATED' IN’ DAPAN, IS FOUND TO POSSESS A HIGH CONTENT OF PROTEIN, COMPOSING OF. 'A -LARGE PROPORTION OF ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS. <
ANALYSES ALSO SHOW THAT IT IS RICH IN VITAMIN B AND UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS WHICH HELP TO REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF CHOLESTEROL. IT ALSO HAS LOW CALORIE BUT HIGH FIBRE CONTENTS.
ACCORDING TO RECENT SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS IN JAPAN, THE NEW STRAIN HAS A GOOD ANTI-TUMOR EFFECT WHEN FED TO MICE. IN THE CULTIVATION PROCESS, NO CHEMICALS ARE REQUIRED TO BE ADDED, THEREBY GUARANTEEING ITS PURE QUALITY AS A NATURAL FOOD.
/THE CULTIVATION .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 > 1987
THE CULTIVATION OF THIS NEW VARIETY OF MUSHROOM WAS DEMONSTRATED TO LOCAL FARMERS AT A TECHNICAL SEMINAR CONDUCTED AT THE TAI LUNG EXPERIMENTAL FARM BY THE DEPARTMENT’S AGRICULTURAL OFFICER (HORTICULTURE), MR K.Y. HO, WHO RECENTLY COMPLETED HIS TWO-YEAR EXPERIMENT ON THE SUBJECT.
MR HO SAID THAT THE SMALL OYSTER MUSHROOM, BEST CULTIVATED IN THE COOLER SEASON BETWEEN DECEMBER AND MARCH WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW 20 DEGREES CELSIUS, WOULD BE BEST CONSUMED AT THE YOUNG STAGE AS A SEASONAL DELICACY WITH ITS DISTINCT FLAVOUR AND TASTE.
WHEN FULLY GROWN, IT RESEMBLES THE ORDINARY OYSTER MUSHROOM AND THE PRODUCTIVITY IS REMARKABLY HIGH.
’’THE SMALL OYSTER MUSHROOM IS VERY VIGOROUS IN GROWTH AND IS ECONOMICAL TO PRODUCE WITH COTTON WASTE AS ITS GROWING MEDIUM.
"ITS CULTIVATION DEMANDS NOTHING OTHER THAN THE STANDARD MUSHROOM GROWING FACILITIES INCLUDING INSULATED MUSHROOM SHEDS, STEAM BOILER, COMPOSTING YARD, AIR-CONDITIONED STORE ROOM, WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES," HE SAID.
THE METHOD OF CULTIVATION IS SIMPLE AND IT TAKES ABOUT SIX WEEKS FOR A CROP TO REACH HARVESTING STAGE.
THE COTTON WASTE LEFT AFTER HARVEST CAN BE RECYCLED AS A GOOD COMPOST FOR VEGETABLE GROWING.
--------0----------
ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT TO END ON MONDAY * * * *
THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL COME TO AN END IN A FEW DAYS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
"FROM 3 AM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, ALL SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND VEHICLES USING THE TUNNEL WILL HAVE TO PAY THE NORMAL TOLL OF $3. AT THE SAME TIME, PRE-EXPERIMENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE RESUMED,” HE SAID.
"MOTORISTS USING THE TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND FROM MONDAY ONWARDS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND SHOULD STOP AT THE TOLL BOOTHS TO PAY THE $3 TOLL," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT EVALUATING THE IMPACT AND EFFECTIVENESS ASSESSMENT REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE NEXT YEAR.
AND THE CONSULTANT ARE OF THE EXPERIMENT. AN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLY
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
10 -
FOLLOWING ARE FIGURES ON THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND TAJ 1’0 ROAD DURING THE EVENING AND MORNING PEAK HOURS YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) AND TODAY, RESPECTIVELY:
LION ROCK TUNNEL
TAI PO ROAD
SOUTHBOUND
NORTHBOUND
SOUTHBOUND
NORTHBOUND
DECEMBER 16 (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 6,777 6,745 2,159 2,143
NORMAL WEEKDAY (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 7,274 6,995 2,358 2,085
DECEMBER 17 (7 AM - 10 AM) 9,134 6,383 2,822 2,012
NORMAL WEEKDAY (7 AM - 10 AM) 9,309 6,615 2,812 1,874
MEANWHILE, A "TIDAL-FLOW” ARRANGEMENT WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN
5.30 AM AND 7.15 AM THIS MORNING AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
PRELIMINARY OBSERVATION SHOWED THAT AT 7 AM, THE LENGTH OF THE VEHICLE QUEUE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND WAS LESS THAN HALF OF THAT ON A NORMAL DAY. THERE WERE ABOUT 110 MORE VEHICLES THAN NORMAL PASSING THROUGH THE TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7.20 AM.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NUMBER OF SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES PASSING THROUGH THE TUNNEL FROM 6.30 AM TO 7.30 AM:
6.30 AM TO 6.45 AM 383
6.45 AM TO 7 AM 692
7 AM TO 7.15 AM 1,106
7.15 AM TO 7.30 AM 895
- 0-----------
/11 ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
11 -
CLOSING CEREMONY OF CHILD ABUSE CONFERENCE * * ♦
A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TO MARK THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE CONFERENCE HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE AGAINST CHILD ABUSE TO ENABLE VARIOUS PROFESSIONS TO EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCE AND TO ACQUIRE THE LATEST SKILLS IN HANDLING THE CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS.
THE CONFERENCE RAPPORTEUR, MRS KATHERINE YOUNG FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, WILL GIVE A SUMMING UP AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, DR NELSON CHOW, WILL DELIVER A VOTE OF THANKS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE TO BE HELD AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM, FIRST FLOOR, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BE SEATED BY 2.15 PM. THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
-----0------
CENTRE TO OFFER COURSES FOR RANKING STAFF
* * t
THE BANKING TRAINING CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL START OFFERING TAILOR-MADE COURSES NEXT APRIL TO MEET THE TRAINING NEEDS OF THE BANKING SECTOR.
"A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR FOUND THAT BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES HAD RELIED HEAVILY ON OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING WHICH EMPLOYERS BELIEVED WERE MORE EFFECTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE THAN ON-THE-JOB TRAINING,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL’S BANKING TRAINING BOARD SAID.
HOWEVER, SMALL ORGANISATIONS WOULD FIND IT DIFFICULT TO •’
PROVIDE INTERNAL TRAINING FACILITIES FOR OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING, AND THE BANKING TRAINING CENTRE WOULD HAVE AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION TO FULFILL IN PROVIDING SUCH FACILITIES, HE SAID.
/THE PROVISION .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
12 -
THE PROVISION OF SKILLS ADJUSTMENT COURSES AT THE CENTRE IS ALSO ESSENTIAL TO STAFF DEVELOPMENT FOR MANY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN VIEW OF THE DIVERSIFICATION OF THEIR BUSINESS FROM CREDIT AND LOANS INTO SECURITIES TRADING, FUNDS AND ASSETS MANAGEMENT, PRIVATE BANKING AND MONEY MARKET INSTRUMENTS.
THE BOARD ALSO FOUND IN THE SURVEY THAT MARKETING AND BUSINESS PROMOTION PERSONNEL WERE BECOMING MORE IMPORTANT IN BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
HOWEVER, MOST OF THESE POSTS WERE FILLED BY RECRUITS FROM NON-FINANCIAL SECTORS WHO REQUIRED TRAINING IN BANKING PRACTICE.
ACCORDING TO THE SURVEY, THE MANPOWER OF THE WHOLE BANKING INDUSTRY HAD INCREASED FROM 48,000 TN 1984 TO 52,000, REPRESENTING A GROWTH OF NINE PER CENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORKFORCE OF THE INDUSTRY WOULD CONTINUE TO EXPECT BUT A MILD GROWTH IN THE YEARS UP TO 1991, AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF LESS THAN TWO PER CENT FOR BANKS, AND ABOUT TWO PER CENT FOR THE LICENSED AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
A REPORT ON THE SURVEY IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $29.50 A COPY.
--------0 ----------
GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY DAY FOR TEACHERS ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE HONG KONG GEOGRAPHICAL ASSOCIATION AND THE GEOGRAPHY SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE A ’’GEOGRAPHY FIELD STUDY DAY” FOR SECONDARY 4 TO SECONDARY 6 GEOGRAPHY TEACHERS NEXT MONTH.
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSIY OF HONG KONG, SHEK KONG, NEW TERRITORIES, ON JANUARY 23 (SATURDAY).
AIMED TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH FIELD STUDY TECHNIQUES IN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS, THE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED BY DR C.T. WONG OF THE RESEARCH CENTRE, MR F.Y. WONG OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, AND MR P.M. YEUNG OF S.K.H. KEI HAU SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THERE WILL BE TALKS AND FIELD STUDIES ON ’’THE ENVIRONMENT OF LAM TSUEN AND SHEK KONG”, "USING SLOPES AS A UNIT FOR AN. INTEGRATED STUDY OF SOIL”, AND”COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION”.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THE NAMES OF TEACHERS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE COURSE TO THE INSPECTOR OF THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, TUI MTN HOI, NEW TERRITORIES, AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
------o-------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 13 -
CALL TO PAY WAGES ON TIME » * »
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO PAY WAGES ON TIME.
RECENTLY AT THE NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, AN EMPLOYER WAS FINED $4,000 FOR FAILING TO PAY WAGES TO AN EMPLOYEE ON TIME UPON TERMINATION OF HIS CONTRACT.
THE CASE SHOWED THAT THE WAGE ARREARS WERE ONLY PAID AFTER A LAPSE OF TWO MONTHS CONSEQUENT TO THE CONCILIATION EFFORTS OF LABOUR OFFICERS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE WAGE PERIOD SHOULD BE ONE MONTH.
"WAGES ARE DUE AT THE END OF THE WAGE PERIOD AND MUST BE PAID AS SOON AS IS PRACTICABLE BUT IN ANY CASE NOT LATER THAN SEVEN DAYS THEREAFTER," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"SIMILARLY, WAGES AND OTHER SUMS DUE MUST BE PAID WITHIN SEVEN DAYS ON THE COMPLETION OR TERMINATION OF A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT."
ANY EMPLOYER WHO WITHOUT REASONABLE GROUNDS FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND, UPON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000.
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DB TO DISCUSS SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR DISTRICT EVENTS » » ♦
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A NEW SUBISDY SCHEME DEVISED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR FESTIVE EVENTS ORGANISED BY DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER LOCAL BODIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SCHEME, EFFECTIVE FROM 1988/89, WILL ENABLE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO RATIONALISE THE DISTRIBUTION OF ITS RESOURCES AMONG THE NINE DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. IT WILL ALSO ASSIST DISTRICT BODIES TO PROMOTE RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WITH THE COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO COMMENT ON A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STUDY INTO TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
/A REPORT .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 14 -
A REPORT ON THE DB’S RECENT STUDY TOUR TO NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA WILL BE PRESENTED AT THE MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME AND A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANLING.
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YMT DB TO DISCUSS LOCAL ISSUES * ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF ISSUES RAISED BY THE MEMBERS. AMONG THEM WILL BE THE DRAINAGE AND HAWKER PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS VARIOUS PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY LOCAL RESIDENTS THROUGH A SUGGESTION SCHEME LAUNCHED DURING THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS BY THE COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 15 -
ESTABLISHMENT OF HOUSING FOR ELDERLY TO BE DISCUSSED ♦ * » *
SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SHELTERED- HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER 12 APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT BOARD COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM AT 39 TONKIN STREET, 2ND FLOOR.
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NEW YEAR HARRIER RACE INVITES ENTRIES * * * t ♦
RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT’S NEW YEAR HARRIER RACE TO BE HELD ON JANUAR’. I NEX1 YEAR.
THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO OPEN AND STUDENT SECTIONS FOR PEOPLE OVER 16 YEARS OLD AND STUDENTS OF SECONDARY LEVEL AND ABOVE RESPECTIVETY.
THE ROUTE WILL COVER A DISTANCE OF ABOUT NINE KILOMETRES IN THE KOWLOON TONG AREA, STARTING AND FINISHING IN KOWLOON TSAI SPORIS GROUND.
THE EVENT IS HELD ANNUALLY TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF A GOOD YEAR.
PROMOTE SPORTSMANSHIP AND TO
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE KOWLOON CITY POLICE DISTRICT.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST SIX WINNERS OF EACH SECTION AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THOSE WHO CAN COMPLETE THE RACE.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY OBTAINABLE FROM THE KOWLOON CITY ROAD AND ITS HUNG HOM SUB-OFFICE SUB-OFFICE AT HO MAN TIN ESTATE.
IS DECEMBER 23. ENTRY FORMS ARE DISTRICT OFFICE IN KAU PUI LUNG IN BULKERLEY STREET AND HO MAN TIN
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/16........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 16 -
TAI PO ’KEEP CLEAN’ CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES t * *
THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN TAI PO WILL CLOSE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WITH AN ALL-STAR SHOW AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE.
TOMORROW’S PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS AND A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE WINNING TEAMS OF A CLEAN BUILDING COMPETITION IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SHOW CUM CLOSING CEREMONY IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE •WORKING GROUP FOR THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KNG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS WINDY KWOK, AND OTHER LOCAL LEADERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN TAI PO AT 8 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE AT ON PONG ROAD, TAI PO.
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ROUND-UP OF AUXILIARY * * ♦
LITTER WARDEN SCHEME ♦ *
THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 1987 AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME WILL BF. HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME IS ONE OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECTS ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE TN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS, MORE THAN 600 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS VOLUNTEERED TO JOIN THE SCHEME TO HELP CLEAN UP BEACHES AND ADVISE BEACH-GOERS TO DISPOSE OF THEIR REFUSE PROPERLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION THE 1987 AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME TO BE HELD AT 4 (FRIDAY) AT THE CHAN SHUE KUI COMMUNITY HALL, 210 JAVA POINT. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
CEREMONY OF PM TOMORROW ROAD, NORTH
- 0-----------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 17 -
SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDS TO ISLAND OF BONAIRE
» » » » «
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES WHICH IS AT PRESENT AVAILABLE TO CURACAO AND ST MAARTEN WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE ISLAND OF BONAIRE FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
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FIVE SITES TO BE » * »
SOLD BY AUCTION * *
THREE INDUSTRIAL AND TWO RESIDENTIAL SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE TO BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON JANUARY 15.
THE INDUSTRIAL SITES ARE AT TUEN MUN, FANLING AND SAI KUNG.
THE TUEN MUN SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 8,050 SQUARE METRES IN AREA 40 NEAR BUTTERFLY ESTATE, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, INCLUDING CONCRETE AND/OR ASPHALT BATCHING.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 12 ,075 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1990.
THE FANLING SITE, LOCATED AT ON LOK TSUEN, COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,120 SQUARE METRES FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 3,360 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY MARCH 31, 1992.
THE SAI KUNG SITE IS AT TUI MIN HOI AND OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 1,410 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN USES, BUT NOT FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF PAINT PRODUCTS, RELATED PRODUCTS AND OTHER DANGEROUS GOODS AND OFFENSIVE TRADES.
/A GROSS .......
Thursday, December 17, 1987
- 18 -
A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 3,384 SQUARE METRES SHOULD ALSO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1992.
ONE OF THE RESIDENTIAL SITES IS SITUATED AT PAK SHEK WO IN SAI KUNG.
THE BUYER HAS TO DEVELOP AT LEAST 684 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS
FLOOR AREA ON THE 1,9OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE BY JANUARY 31, 1991.
THE OTHER RESIDENTIAL SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF 1,550 SQUARE
METRES, IS IN SHA TIN AREA 43 NEAR FO TAN.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A MINIMUM OF 558 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA SHOULD BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1991.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 PM.
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JAPANESE BAND TO PERFORM IN HK * » *
THE SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL HAMAMATSU COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM JAPAN, A GUEST PERFORMER FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE’S "YOUTH BAND WEEK", ARRIVED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE BAND WEEK WILL BEGIN TOMORROW AS PART OF THE MUSIC OFFICE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, PROVIDING BAND MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE PUBLIC DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON.
THE 58-MEMBER JAPANESE BAND WILL GIVE A STUDENT CONCERT AT WONG FUT NAM COLLEGE TOMORROW AT 10 AM.
THE BAND, WHICH WON THE GOLD PRIZE IN LAST YEAR’S ALL-JAPAN BAND COMPETITION, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY MR EIICHI TOUYAMA.
ON SATURDAY, THE BAND WILL PERFORM AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAM SHUI PO. THE "BANDS GALORE", BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM, WILL ALSO FEATURE EIGHT OTHER LOCAL BANDS.
THE CLIMAX OF THE BAND WEEK WILL BE THE CHRISTMAS BAND GALA TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 8 PM NEXT WEDNESDAY. IT WILL FEATURE BOTH THE JAPANESE BAND AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS FOR THE BAND GALA, AT $5 AND $10 EACH, ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-283257 AND 3-7226240.
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/19........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 19 -
RELOCATION OF YELLOW BOX MARKING * * * * *
ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON CANAL ROAD FLYOVER NORTHBOUND ARE URGED TO NOTE THAT THE EXISTING YELLOW BOX MARKING ON THE FLYOVER WILL BE RELOCATED SOUTHWARDS FROM ABOUT 6 AM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, TO EASE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM MORRISON HILL ROAD TO CENTRAL AND NORTH POINT.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE NEW YELLOW BOX MARKING WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE FLYOVER’S UPRAMP WHERE IT IS WID1 ENOUGH FOR TWO-LANE TRAFFIC FROM MORRISON HILL ROAD TO CENTRAL AND NORTH POINT OR KOWLOON.
"THE MOVE WILL ENABLE VEHICLES HEADING FOR CENTRAL AND NORTH POINT TO BYPASS TRAFFIC WATTING TO JOIN THE OUTER KOWLOON-BOUND LANES. THUS, TRAFFIC FOR CENTRAL AND NORTH POINT WILL NO LONGER BE OBSTRUCTED BY KOWLOON-BOUND VEHICLES," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
THIS MEASURE WILL ALSO PROVIDE MORE ROAD SPACE ON THE FLYOVER FOR THE UPRAMP TRAFFIC WAITING TO MERGE INTO THE OUTERMOST KOWLOON-BOUND LANE," HF ADDED.
TO TIE IN WITH THE MOVE, THE ROAD MARKING WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT FROM 8 AM ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, TO EARLY MONDAY MORNING. AS PART OF THE CARRIAGEWAY ON THE FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED DURING ROAD WORK, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
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TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON CITY AND TAI PO
*****
TO FACILITATE THE HOLDING OF "LUNG SUING NIGHT" ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, NGA TSIN LONG ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM NOON TO MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20).
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING VILLAGE ACCESS ROAD TO KAU LUNG HAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM DECEMBER 19 TO 30 TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF BAILEY BRIDGE AT KIU TAU IN TAI PO.
DURING THE CLOSURE, A TEMPORARY PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY WILL BE PROVIDED.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1987
- 20 -
WAN CHAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * *
THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF FLEMING ROAD IN SEAFRONT‘'ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM FROM SATURDAY (DEC EMBER (DECEMBER 22) FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
WAN CHAI BETWEEN TO TRAFFIC DAILY 19) TO TUESDAY
VEHICLES ON FLEMING ROAD HEADING FOR WAN CHAI FERRY PIER WILL •BE DIVERTED VIA HARBOUR ROAD WESTBOUND, FENWICK STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND, MARSH ROAD, HUNG HING ROAD AND SEAR RON I ROAD.
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WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) FROM 8 PM TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES AT TAI LIN PAI ROAD, SING STREET, KUNG YIP STREET, KWAI SAU ROAD, KWAI FAT ROAD, KWAI ROAD,' KWAI HING ESTATE, KWAI CHUNG CENTRE, KWAI HING /’-ARDEN, HING MTR STATION, WO TONG TSUI STREET, KWONG EAI CIRCUIT, KWONG LANE, YIU WING LANE, YIU WING STREET, HANG PING STREET, STREET, KIN CHUEN STREET, KWAJ CHUNG FACTORY ESTATE, TAI WO HAU AND BLOCKS 1 TO 42 OF KWAI CHUNG ESTATE.
WAH WING KWAI
FAT HONG ROAD
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
..... FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
CONTEXTS PAGE NO.
EXPO' 86 SURPLUS. FUNDS VEHICLE DONATI® ..................... 1
CHANGES TO DB COMPOSITION ANNOUNCED.......................... 2
CHILD ABUSE - A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESPONSIBILITY............ 3
CALL TO AVOID FESTIVAL C®GESTION ............................ 5
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR CHRISTMAS, NEV/ YEAR .. 6
BUILDING REGULATIONS AMENDED TO IMPROVE PLANNING STANDARDS .. 9
: t i __ ___
AMENDMENTS TO THREE DRAFT PLANS ANNOUNCED ................... 10
NT SITES OFFERED FOR LETTERS A/B HOLDERS..................... 11
ACCESS ROADS TQ FANLING SOUTH TO BE BUILT ................... 11
BILL TO' DETER ILLEGAL MARINE FISH WHOLESALING .............. 12
MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE UPDATED ............................... 14
APPOINTMENT TO JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSI® ANNOUNCED.......... 14
GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1988 PUBLISHED.......................... 15
MORE BCVII'S REPATRIATED TO CHINa............................ 16
CHRISTMAS A TIME FOR GIVING.................................. 17
YOUTHS SHOULD HELP BUILD OUR TOMORROW........................ 18
SECOND PHASE OF MACAU VISITORS SCHEME ....................... 18
SPECIAL STaMP ISSUE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED ..................... 19
ROUND-UP OF 1987 AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME.............. 20
FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS LIGHT UP SHA TIN ...................... 21
/BOARD MEMBERS .......
CONTENTS PAG? NO.
BOARD MEMBERS BRING CHRISTMAS JOY ............................ 22
SOUTHERN DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE TO OPEN .........................22
FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHO.; FOR SAI KUNG ......................... 23
NEW KWONG FUK BRIDGE TO OPEN ................................... 24
SPORTS CARNIVAL ROUNDS UP SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL .... 25
LIGHTINGS PUT UP IN KOWLOON CITY ............................. 25
FESTIVE PROGRAMMES FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN ..................... 26
CERTIFICATES FOR SUMMER WORKERS ................................ 27
SP BEDPOST TO INDIA TO BE EXTENDED ............................. 28
HOME SAFETY EXHIBIT!® IN Tai PO ................................ 28
TUNNEL USERS TO PAY S3 FROM MONDAY.............................. 29
ROAD IN SHAU KEI WAN TO BE CLOSED .............................. 30
* • • • • ■ ■ • *
SAI WAN HO TO RENNIE' S MILL FERRY FARES REVISED ............... 31
• • • • • • . .
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN KOWLOON ................................ 31
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ON LANTAU................................ 32
• • . « • ..... . • . V •> -. •
.... • •• • • • .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
1
EXPO'86 SURPLUS FUNDS VEHICLE DONATION *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, ON BEHALF OF THE SPONSORS OF THE HONG KONG EXPO’86 VANCOUVER, DONATED FOUR REHAB-VEHICLES AND SIX "BUGGIES" TO FIVE SUBVERTED WELFARE ORGANISATIONS SERVING THE HANDICAPPED.
THE VEHICLES BOUGHT WITH SAVINGS OF ABOUT $635,000 FROM THE EXPO’86 VANCOUVER PROJECT, WERE DONATED TO LOK HANG WORKSHOP OF CARITAS HONG KONG; KWONG FUK WORKSHOP OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED; PAK TIN CHILDREN’S CENTRE OF MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND LUNG HANG SPECIAL PRE-SCHOOL OF THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG. THE SIX BUGGIES WERE DONATED TO THE CARITAS LOK HING CHILD CARE CENTRE.
FOUR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN REPRESENTING THEIR ORGANISATIONS RECEIVED THE VEHICLE KEYS FROM MR FORD AT A CEREMONY HELD TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ST. FRANCIS PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL, CARITAS, CAINE ROAD.
ADDRESSING THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, WHO WAS ALSO THE COMMISSIONER OF THE HONG KONG PAVILION AT EXPO’86, SAID THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE OF THE EXPO’86 DECIDED THAT IT WOULD BE MOST APPROPRIATE TO USE THE SURPLUS TO HELP THE HANDICAPPED SOLVE THEIR TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.
"THEY LOOKED AT THE THEME OF EXPO’86 - TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION - AND DECIDED TO USE THE MONEY FOR PROVIDING TRANSPORT FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND DISABLED WHO ENCOUNTER MANY PROBLEMS IN GETTING FROM PLACE TO PLACE," HE SAID.
MASTER WONG BING-YIU, A DISABLED CHILD WHO REPRESENTS THE RECIPIENT ORGANISATIONS, THANKED THE SPONSORS OF THE EXPO’86 FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION.
HE SAID THAT WITH THESE REHAB-VEHICLES, THE HANDICAPPED CHILDREN WOULD HAVE MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
THE EXPO’86 WAS SPONSORED BY CABLE & WIRELESS PLC, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS LTD, HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION, HUTCHISON WHAMPOA LTD, SING TAO NEWSPAPER LTD, THE HONG KONG & SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, THE SWIRE GROUP, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
2
CHANGES TO DB COMPOSITION ANNOUNCED ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED CERTAIN CHANGES TO THF COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT BOARDS FOR THE NEW TERM STARTING IN APRIL 1988.
THERE WILL BE A SMALL INCREASE IN THF TOT'i, NUMBER OF SEATS ON THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE OVERALL NUMBER OF ELECTED SEATS WILL BE INCREASED BY 27 (FROM 237 TO 264) AND THAT OF APPOINTED SEATS BY NINE (FROM 132 TO 141) .
ANNOUNCING THESE CHANGES AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID THEY REFLECTED THE MAINTENANCE OF THE GENERAL POLICY OF PROVIDING ONE ELECTED SEAT FOR A POPULATION OF 25,000 AND TWO SEATS WHERE THE POPULATION WAS 35 000 OR MORE.
THE ESTABLISHED RATIO OF APPOINTED AND ELECTED MEMBERS WOULD ALSO BE MAINTAINED AT APPROXIMATELY 1:2.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO DECIDED THAT THE EXISTING PRACTICE WHEREBY URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS, SHOULD CEASE IN MARCH 1989 WHEN THE TENURE OF THE PRESENT URBAN COUNCIL EXPIRES.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO REPEAL THE PRESENT LEGISLATION WHICH REQUIRES AN URBAN COUNCILLOR TO RESIGN FROM THE COUNCIL UPON ELECTION TO A DISTRICT BOARD; OR A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER TO RESIGN FROM HIS BOARD UPON ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT TO THE URBAN COUNCIL.
EXISTING LEGISLATION ALREADY PERMITS A PERSON TO SERVE AS A MEMBER BOTH OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND OF A DISTRICT BOARD IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA.
MR LIAO EXPLAINED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENT WOULD ENABLE EXISTING URBAN COUNCILLORS WHO WISHED TO REMAIN ON DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA AFTER MARCH 1989 TO SEEK ELECTION TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE 1988 ELECTIONS.
NOMINATIONS FOR THE NEXT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE RECEIVED FROM JANUARY 8 TO FEBRUARY 1, 1988. THE ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 10.
MR LIAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN ASKED BY SOME PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO GIVE A CLEAR INDICATION OF ITS INTENTION ON CERTAIN MATTERS WHICH WOULD AFFECT THEIR DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO STAND FOR ELECTION.
/IT HAD .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 198?
IT HAD THEREFORE DECIDED TO ANNOUNCE THESE ARRANGEMENTS IN ADVANCE OF THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAP!-' AND BEFORE THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS OPEN IN JANUARY.
THIS WILL GIVE TIME FOR POTENTIAL CANDIDATES AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES TO CONSIDER WHETHER THEY WISH ELECTION FOR A DISTRICT BOARD, AND TO PLAN THEIR ACTIVITIES IF THEY DO SO.
WHO MIGHT BE TO STAND FOR ELECTIONEERING
DETAILS OF THE NUMBER OF SEATS WILL BE GAZETTED ON DECEMBER 1987. THE GAZETTE NOTICE WILL LIST INCREASES IN ELECTED SEATS DISTRICTS AND INCREASES IN APPOINTED SEATS IN SEVEN DISTRICTS.
24,
10
OF
MR HAO SAID THE GENERAL POLICY OF RELATING THE NUMBER OF SEATS TO POPULATION HAD BEEN APPLIED FLEXIBLY TO A FEW 1 JJC1
AND TO SOME DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, TAKE INTO ACCOUNT
THEIR PARTICULAR GEOGRAPHICAL, HISTORICAL AND SOCIAL CHARACTERIS 11Cb.
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CHILD ABUSE - A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESPONSIBILITY
DEALING RESPONSIBILITY,
WITH CHILD
THE SECRETARY
ABUSE FOR
IS HEALTH
A AND
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
WELFARE, MR JOHN
CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
CEREMONY OF
THE
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY
CONFERENC^oi^Hmi'ABUSE^HI1 "POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS ALL HAD THEIR ROLES TO PLAY IN HANDLING AND PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE.
IT WAS THROUGH THE CLOSE L1AIS1ON AND CO-OPERATION OF THESE GROUPS THAT REAL ADVANCES WERE MADE, HE SAID.
THE FIVE-DAY CONFERENCE HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL IN CO-OPERATION WITH AGAINST CHILD ABUSE.
BY THE SERVICE
TN
’’THAT IS WHY THIS CONFERENCE WHICH HAS SUCCEEDED TGQRTHFR SOCIAL WORKERS, CHILD CARE AGENCIES, LAW AUTHORITIES, MEDICAL PERSONNEL, AND EDUCATORS IS SO VALUABLE.
BRINGING
ENFORCEMENT
”TT HAS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMPLEX PROBLEMS'J/mS liSS TO BE EXPLORE KROM MANY <HFF=
AND FOR A VARIETY OF ISSUES TO BE ADDRESSED IN A COORDINATED AY,
MR CHAMBERS SAID.
/ON THE .......
FRIDAY, DEE EMBER 18, 1?87
ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CONFERENCE, HE SATD THAT IT HAS SUCCEEDED TN BRINGING ABOUT GREATER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE OF THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONALS AND AGENCIES, AND A GREATER ABILITY COMBINE THEIR SKILLS IN THE INTERESTS OF ABUSED CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
HE BELIEVED THAT CO-OPERATION AND THE STRENGTHENING OF LINKS WOULD GREATLY HELP THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD ABUSE AND THE DISCUSSIONS WHICH HAD TAKEN PLACE THIS WEEK WOULD PROVE TO BE AN IMPORTANT STEP IN COMBATTING THE PROBLEM.
NOTING THAT THE CONFERENCE HAD BEEN MAINLY CONCERNED WITH THE QUESTIONS OF HOW TO DEAL WITH CHILD ABUSE WHEN IT HAD OCCURRED, IDENTIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF CHILD ABUSE, THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN SUCH CASES, THE ROLE OF CASE CONFERENCE AND COURT ACTION, MR CHAMBERS EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTION.
’’PREVENTION IS ALWAYS BETTER THAN CURE, PARTICULARLY IN SITUATIONS WHERE NO COMPLETE CURE IS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE HAS BEEN CAUSED,” HE SAID.
’’HONG KONG IS NOT AN EASY PLACE IN WHICH TO BRING UP CHILDREN,' HE ADDED.
’’THE INTENSIVELY COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT, THE VERY HIGH POPULATION DENSITIES AND THE ABSENCE OF SAFE PLACES FOR CHILDREN TO PLAY OUTSIDE THE CRAMPED FAMILY HOME ALL CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS, WHILE THE FACT THAT IN MANY FAMILIES BOTH PARENTS FEEL OBLIGED TO WORK IN ORDER TO BRING HOME SUFFICIENT INCOME MAKES IT DIFFICULT TO GIVE CHILDREN THE CONSTANT CARE AND ATTENTION THEY NEED.
’’THIS MAKES IT VERY IMPORTANT THAT AS MUCH HELP AND GUIDANCE AS POSSIBLE SHOULD BE GIVEN TO PARENTS ON THE BRINGING UP OF THEIR CHILDREN,” HE SAID.
IN THE AREA OF SUPPORTING SERVICES, MR CHAMBERS SAID THERE WERE EXTENSIVE PROGRAMMES OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION, MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVIES, CHILD CARE CENTRES, CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS, AND A WIDE VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
’’BUT IN THE LAST ANALYSIS, THERE IS A LIMIT TO WHAT PROFESSIONALS CAN DO, BOTH IN THE PREVENTIVE AND CURATIVE FIELDS, AND A GREAT DEAL MUST DEPEND ON THE FAMILIES THEMSELVES,” HE SAID.
THEREFORE, HE SAID, IT WAS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE SUPPORTING SERVICES SO THAT THEY COULD BE AS COMPREHENSIVE AS POSSIBLE, AND TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE AND ADVICE THROUGH EDUCATIONAL AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES.
/tfR CHAMBERS.......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
MR CHAMBERS ALSO TRACED THE DEVELOPMENT OF AWARENESS OF THE CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND MENTIONED THAT AT PRESENT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE WAS UNDER WAY.
HE CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE VARIOUS WORKING ROUPS, THE SPEAKERS AND ALL THOSE CONCERNED FOR THEIR SUCCESS IN STAGING THE CONFERENCE.
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CALL TO AVOID FESTIVAL CONGESTION ♦ ♦ t » ♦
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL LEUNG, TODAY (FRIDAY) APPEALED TO RESIDENTS TO MAKE GOOD USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND TO AVOID CONGESTION DURING THE COMING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FESTIVE LIGHTINGS AND ACTIVITIES, MR LEUNG URGED RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH OLD PEOPLE AND YOUNG CHILDREN, TO EXERCISE CARE IN CONGESTED AREAS.
’’PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT MOST PEOPLE PREFER TO VIEW THE LIGHTINGS ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND THAT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST HAS BY FAR THE BIGGEST CROWDS,” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT MOST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR A LONG TIME, HE CALLED ON PEOPLE TO ENJOY THEM MORE LEISURELY ON OTHER DAYS .
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE CENTRES OF ATTRACTION IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL, THERE ARE ALSO CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND NUMEROUS PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES IN OTHER DISTRICTS.
’’LOCAL RESIDENTS MAY THEREFORE ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS OR PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMMES IN THEIR OWN DISTRICTS WITHOUT TOO MUCH TRAVELLING,” HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG SAID CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND DECORATIONS WERE PUT UP IN TSIM SHA TSUI, MONG KOK, CENTRAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, EASTERN, SHA TIN ND TSUEN WAN WITH SPONSORSHIP BY LEADING COMMERCIAL AND REAL ESTATE FIRMS AND ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS DISTRICT BOARDS.
"THEY PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN PHOTOGRAPHY TO CAPTURE THE WORLD-RENOWNED NIGHT SCENES OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
/he added .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 198?
6
HE ADDED THAT ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES INCLUDING VARIETY SHOWS, MAJOR CARNIVALS AND SOCIAL DANCES ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE ALSO EXPECTED TO ATTRACT A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER (KOWLOON), MR CHOY HONG-LEUNG, ANNOUNCED THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WOULD BE EXTENDED DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD.
"MOST PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING THE MTR, KCR TRAM, PEAK TRAM AND FERRY SERVICES, WILL BE RUNNING EITHER OVERNIGHT OR WELL INTO THE EARLY MORNING OF DECEMBER 25 AND JANUARY 1," MR CHOY SAID.
HE ADDED THAT BUS SERVICES OPERATING IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI AREAS AS WELL AS FEEDER BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES FOR MTR AND c R STATIONS WILL ALSO EXTEND THEIR OPERATING HOURS TO OVER MIDNIGHT.
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS SUCH AS PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT SCHEMES AND ROAD CLOSURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED. THE POLICE WILL ANNOUNCE DETAILS EARLY NEXT WEEK.
------0-------
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR » * * * »
SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED THROUGHOUT THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS TN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE FESTIVE CROWDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND TO ALLOW THEMSELVES PLENTY OF TRAVEL TIME.
MOST PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING THE MTR, KCR, TRAM, PEAK TRAM AND FERRY SERVICES, WILL BE RUNNING EITHER OVERNIGHT OR
WELL INTO THE EARLY MORNINGS OF DECEMBER 25 AND JANUARY 1.
BUS SERVICES OPERATING IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI AREAS AS ELL AS FEEDER BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES FOR MTR AND KCR STATIONS
WILL ALSO EXTEND THEIR OPERATING HOURS TO AFTER MIDNIGHT. IN ADDITION,
BUS ROUTES TO CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO AVOID THE CLOSED ROADS.
/THE DETAILS .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1^8?
7
THE DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
CHRISTMAS EVE
THE MTR, THE STAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND 1OWLOON POINT, AND TRAM SERVICES (EXCEPT THOSE ROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY ,OOP) WILL RUN ALL NIGHT.
ALSO OPERATING OVERNIGHT ARE KMB ROUTES NO. 5, 6, 80M, 82M AND «5K AS WELL AS GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 37M IN KOWLOON AND NO. 6IM IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. MOST OF THESE ROUTES EITHER LINK TSIM SHA TSUI WITH OTHER PARTS OF KOWLOON OR THE KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION WITH SHA TIN.
KCR SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1 AM WHILE PEAK TRAMS WILL RUN UNTIL 1.30 AM.
MEANWHILE, MANY BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WILL FINISH LATER THAN USUAL.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM CENTRAL OF CMB ROUTES NO. 4, 70 AND 90 WILL BE 1 AM, WHILE FOR ROUTES NO. 2, 7, 10, • 3, 72, 92 AND 97, THEIR LAST BUS WILL LEAVE CENTRAL, WESTERN DISTRICT OR CAUSEWAY BAY AT 2 AM, 2.30 AM, 1.50 AM, 1.15 AM, 1.30 AM, MIDNIGHT AND 12.48 AM RESPECTIVELY.
i KOWLOON, KMB ROUTES NO. 3C, 31M, 36M, 37M, 39M, 43M, 44M,
: >4, 60M AND 88K WILL RUN ON FOR ANOTHER 30 MINUTES AFTER THE NORMAL DULLS; NO. 68M FO. ANOTHER 45 MINUTES; NO. 1, 1A, 9, 14, 28 AND
1 iOR ANOTHER HOUR AND NO. 5C AND 26 FOR ANOTHER ONE-AND-A-HALF HOURS.
AMONG TI • ROUTES TO TSIM SHA TSUI, THE LAST KMB BUS ON ROUTES NO. 1, 1A AND 9 WILL DEPART STAR FERRY AROUND 1.30 AM WHILE THAT ON ROUTE NO. 5C AT 1.50 AM.
THE LAST DEPARTURES FROM TSIM SHA TSUI FOR ROUTES NO. 28 AND 26 WILL BE AT 1.20 AM AND 2.10 AM RESPECTIVELY.
FOR ROUTES NO. 3C AND 14, THE LAST BUS LEAVING JORDAN ROAD WILL BE 1 AM AND 1.30 AM RESPECTIVELY.
AT THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION, THE LAST BUS ON ROUTE NO. 39M ILL DEPART AT 12.30 AM; NO. 60M AND 68M AT 1 AM AND NO. 59M AND 66M AT AROUND 1.15 AM.
THE LAST DEPARTURE OF ROUTES NO. 31M, 36M AND 43M FROM KWAI FONG MTR STATION WILL BE AROUND 12.40 AM.
AT THE KWAI HING MTR STATION, ROUTES NO. 37M AND 44M WILL OPERATE UNTIL 12.30 AM AND 12.50 AM RESPECTIVELY.
/AS FOR .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1?87
8 -
AS FOR GREEN MINIBUSES, ROUTES NO. 19 AND 20 ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL OPERATE UP TO 12.40 AM; NO. 33M UP TO 1 AM AND NO. 1 UP TO 4 AM.
IN KOWLOON, ROUTES NO. 18, 19 AND 20 WILL FINISH AT 1 AM; NO. 3, 8, 11M AND 30M AT 1.30 AM; NO. 6 AND 31M AT 2 AM AND NO. 7, 16, 33M AND 34M AT 3 AM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 67K WILL STOP RUNNING AT MIDNIGHT WHILE NO. 66 K AND 85 WILL FINISH AT 12.30 AM. OUTES NO. 20K, 22K, 60K AND 65K WILL CEASE OPERATING AROUND 1.30 AM AND NO. 80, 82, 83, 86 AND 96M AT 2 AM.
CHRISTMAS DAY
THE MTR AND THE STAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT WILL OPERATE UP TO 1 AM. FOR THE KCR, SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED UNTIL 1 AM ON BOTH CHRISTMAS DAY AND THE FOLLOWING DAY.
KMB SERVICES ON ROUTES NO. 6 AND 5 WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED WITH THE LAST BUS DEPARTING TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.15 AM AND 2 AM RESPECTIVELY.
THE OPERATING HOURS OF HONG KONG GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 19 AND 20 WILL AGAIN BE EXTENDED TO 12.40 AM. KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 18, 19 AND 20 WILL OPERATE UNTIL 1 AM; NO. 11M AND 30M UNTIL 1.30 AM; NO. 31M UNTIL 2 AM AND NO. 7, 16 AND 34M UNTIL 3 AM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 20K, 22K, 65K, >. AND 67K WILL ALSO FINISH LATE AS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
NEW YEAR EVE
AS ON CHRISTMAS DAY, THE MTR, THE KCR, THE STAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT, AND THE HYF PASSENGER/VEHTCULAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD WILL CLOSE FOR THE DAY AROUND 1 AM.
WHILE PEAK TRAMS WILL OPERATE UP TO 1.30 AM, TRAM SERVICES (EXCEPT THOSE ROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP) WILL CARRY ON UNTIL 2 AM.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TEN CMB ROUTES NO. 2, 4, 7, 10, 23, 70, 72, 90, 92 AND 97 WILL FINISH LATER AS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
IN KOWLOON, KMB WILL EXTEND SERVICES ON EIGHT ROUTES - NO. 1A, 5, 5C, 6, 80M, 82M, 85K AND 88K. FOR THE TSIM SHA TSUI ROUTES, THE LAST DEPARTURES FROM STAR FERRY FOR ROUTES NO. 1A, 5C AND 6 IS AROUND 1.30 AM AND NO. 6 AROUND 2 AM.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXTENSION OF GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES IN THE TERRITORY ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL TO THOSE ON CHRISTMAS EVE, EXCEPT THAT ROUTE NO. 33M IN KOWLOON WILL NOT BE RUNNING ANY EXTRA SERVICES.
/9........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18,
1987
- 9 -
BUILDING REGULATIONS AMENDED TO IMPROVE PLANNING STANDARDS ♦ * * * *
BUILDING DESIGNERS WILL ENJOY GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE DESIGN OF BUILDINGS WHEN AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATIONS COME INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 8 NEXT YEAR. %
IN FUTURE, BUILDINGS PLANNED FOR; SITES WITH A FRONTAGE OF LESS THAN 8.5 METRES NEED NOT BE CONFINED TO A DEPTH OF LESS THAN THREE TIMES THEIR WIDTH WHICH WAS INTENDED ORIGINALLY TO ENSURE ADEQUATE VENTILATION AND NATURAL LIGHTING.
"THE DELETION OF THIS REGULATION HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE WITH MODERN BUILDING DESIGN AND THE PREVALENCE OF AIR-CONDITIONING INSTALLATIONS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE MINIMUM CEILING HEIGHT FOR EVERY TYPE OF BUILDING HAS BEEN STANDARDISED TO 2.5 METRES WITH THE REMOVAL OF CERTAIN REFERENCES TO DETACHED AND SEMI-DETACHED BUILDINGS.
UNDER THE AMENDED REGULATIONS, PROTECTIVE BARRIERS WILL NEED TO BE PROVIDED ALONG THE OUTER EDGE OF ALL BALCONIES AND VERANDAHS ABOVE GROUND. ALSO, ALL OPENINGS ON EXTERNAL WALLS ABOVE GROUND, SUCH AS FULL-HEIGHT WINDOWS OR INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MACHINERY ACCESS DOORS, SHOULD BE PROTECTED BY BARRIERS.
THESE PROTECTIVE BARRIERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE BUILT TO A SPECIFIED HEIGHT AND TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF PERSONS OR OBJECTS FALLING OR SLIPPING THROUGH GAPS IN BETWEEN.
TO CATER FOR MODERN TALL VEHICLES, THE CLEARANCE ABOVE GROUND LEVEL FOR BUILDINGS HAS, IN SPECIFIC CIRCUMSTANCES, BEEN INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT 5.0 METRES TO 5.5 METRES.
ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
DETAILS OF THE AMENDED REGULATIONS ARE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
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/10 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
10 -
AMENDMENTS TO THREE DRAFT PLANS ANNOUNCED » * * * »
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AMENDMENTS TO THREE DRAFT PLANS FOR HO MAN TIN, MA TAU KOK, AND WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU AREAS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS WERE THE ADJUSTMENTS OF THE PLAN BOUNDARIES -TO ACCORD WITH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BOUNDARIES.
THEY COMPRISE OF:
♦ EXCISING THE AREA BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, BOUNDARY STREET , AND LOMEND ROAD FROM THE HO MAN TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND
INCLUDING IT IN THE MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLANS;
* EXCISING THE SMALL AREA WEST OF LOK MAN SUN CHUEN AND EAST OF HO MAN TIN HIGH LEVEL SERVICE RESERVOIRS FROM THE MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND INCLUDING IT IN THE HO MAN TIN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN; AND
* EXCISING THE AREA BOUNDED BY GRAMPIAN ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST, CARPENTER ROAD, LOK SIN ROAD, TUNG TSING ROAD, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD AND DUMBARTON ROAD FROM THE WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN AND INCLUDING IT IN THE MA TAU KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT ZONINGS OF THESE AREAS REMAIN UNCHANGED AS PREVIOUSLY SHOWN ON THE PLANS.
A NUMBER OF OTHER MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE THREE DRAFT PLANS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE, DETAILS OF WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE AMENDMENT PLANS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON; AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, WEST WING ENTRANCE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT PLANS MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BEFORE JANUARY 8, 1988.
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/11 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
NT SITES OFFERED FOR LETTERS A/B HOLDERS t ♦ * ♦ t
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A/B) TO TENDER FOR THREE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITES ARE AT TUEN MUN AREA 16 (NEAR YAU 01 ESTATE), SHA TIN AREA 51A (TO THE NORTHEAST OF CITY ONE SHA TIN) AND SHEUNG SHUI AREA 7A (NEAR LUNG SUM AVENUE IN SHEK WU HUI).
THE TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN SITES, MEASURING ABOUT 10,410 AND 11,120 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY, ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
THE SHEUNG SHUI SITE WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,998 SQUARE METRES IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES, BUT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IS ONLY ALLOWED ABOVE LEVEL 3.
APPLICANTS FOR THE SITES CAN SUBMIT EITHER A ’’VINTAGE” TENDER OR A ’’MONETISED LETTER B” TENDER CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO A LIST OF CURRENCY VALUES PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON SEPTEMBER 25, 1987.
VINTAGE” TENDERS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON JANUARY 15
ACCESS ROADS TO FANLING SOUTH TO BE BUILT ♦ ♦ * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO IMPLEMENT ROADWORKS TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FANLING SOUTH AREA.
THE PROPOSED WORKS ARE PART OF A CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN.
AT FANLING AREA 45, THE ROADWORKS ALSO INCLUDE THE SERVICING WORKS OF THE PROPOSED WAH MING ESTATE.
A SECTION OF LOCAL ROAD L100, INTERNAL ACCESS ROADS, FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS AND A BUS TERMINUS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED.
TWO PEDESTRIANS BRIDGES WILL BE BUILT TO SERVE THE PROPOSED BUS TERMINUS AND TO REPLACE AN EXISTING TEMPORARY BRIDGE THAT HAS TO BE DEMOLISHED.
/AT THE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1?87
- 12
AT THE WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE AREA, THE ROADWORKS INVOLVE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF PART OF THE EXISTING ROAD SYSTEM’AT THE WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE, EXTENSION OF A DISTRICT DISTRIBUTOR ROAD D6 TO THE INTERCHANGE, CAR AND LORRY ’PARKS, PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST SUBWAYS, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS, STREET FURNITURE AND ASSOCIATED STORMWATER AND FOUL DRAINAGE WORKS.
THEY ALSO INVOLVE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF AN EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE AT WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE.
PERMANENT ALTERNATIVE ACCESS FOR THE TWO AREAS AFFECTED WILL BE PROVIDED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ACCESS THAT HAS TO BE CLOSED.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, TEMPORARY ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED SO THAT ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE MINIMISED.
NOTICES CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
PLANS SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY; AND AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (NORTH) AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD SEND HIS WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1988.
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BILL TO DETER ILLEGAL MARINE FISH WHOLESALING
PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO DETER THE ILLEGAL WHOLESALE TRADING OF MARINE FISH IN HONG KONG WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE MARINE FISH (MARKET ING)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF FISHERMEN AND CONSUMERS, SEEKS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINES BY 10 TIMES FOR SUCH ILLEGAL MARKETING ACTIVITIES AND TO MAKE PROVISIONS FOR MORE STRINGENT CONTROL OVER THE LANDING AND TRANSPORTATION OF MARINE FISH.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR CHRISTOPHER LEE, SAID THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BILL AND THE REGULATIONS MADE THEREUNDER WERE AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE ORDERLY AND EFFICIENT WHOLESALE MARKETING OF MARINE FISH IN THE TERRITORY.
/THE EXISTING .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 198?
13
THE EXISTING MARINE FISH (MARKETING) ORDINANCE REQUIRES THAT ALL MARINE FISH SHOULD BE LANDED AT A MARKET OF THE FISH MARKET ORGANIZATION (FMO) OR AT OTHER SPECIFIED PLACES AND THAT NO MARINE FISH MAY BE BOUGHT OR SOLD WHOLESALE OTHER THAN AT A MARKET.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY OF THE OFFENCE, UPON CONVICTION, IS $1,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
DR LEE SAID: "IN RECENT YEARS, THE ILLEGAL WHOLESALE TRADE OF MARINE FISH OUTSIDE THE FMO MARKETS HAS INCREASED. BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1985 AND NOVEMBER 1987, THERE HAVE BEEN 238 SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS, WITH AN AVERAGE FINE OF $440 EACH CASE.
"THE LOW FINES ARE INSUFFICIENT TO ACT AS A DETERRENT TO THE ILLEGAL MARKETING ACTIVITIES. AS THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT SOME OFFENCES WERE RELATED TO ORGANISED TRIAD ACTIVITIES, IT IS PROPOSED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE THAT THE EXISTING LEVEL OF $1,000 SHOULD BE INCREASED TO $10,000 WITH THE IMPRISONMENT SENTENCE REMAINING UNCHANGED."
ACCORDINGLY, THE MAXIMUM FINE IN RESPECT OF RESISTING OR OBSTRUCTING ANY SEARCH, SEIZURE, DETENTION OR ARREST WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $500 TO $5,000.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO DECRIMINALISE THE ACT OF PURCHASING FISH AT AN ILLEGAL MARKET AND TO EXPAND THE DEFINITION OF ’SELL’ TO INCLUDE ’OFFER OR EXPOSE FOR SALE, OR POSSESS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SALE’ SO AS TO ENABLE MORE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT WORK TO BE TAKEN.
DR LEE SAID THAT ACCORDING TO EXISTING LAW, THE MARKETING OF MARINE FISH COULD ONLY LEGALLY BE DONE THROUGH THE FMO BUT LANDING OF MARINE FISH COULD BE DONE REASONABLY FREELY EXCEPT IN THE URBAN AREAS.
"IN PRACTICE, THIS LOOPHOLE HAS ENCOURAGED LANDING AND IMMEDIATE MARKETING, OFTEN THOUGHT TO BE TRIAD-ORGANISED, IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
"TO OVERCOME THIS, WE PROPOSE THAT THE PROVISION REGULATING THE LANDING OF MARINE FISH SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED BY AMENDING THE EXISTING REGULATIONS TO THE EFFECT THAT MARINE FISH MAY BE LANDED FROM A VESSEL, WITHOUT A PERMIT, ONLY AT A FMO MARKET," HE SAID.
FOR SIMILAR REASONS, DR LEE SAID, IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED TO PROVIDE CONTROL OVER THE TRANSPORTATION OF MARINE FISH BY SEA AND TO STREAMLINE CONTROL OVER THE TRANSPORT OF FISH ON LAND BY PROHIBITING TRANSPORTATION OF FISH IN QUANTITIES GREATER THAN 60 KILOGRAMS, EXCEPT WITH A PERMIT.
THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS, WHEN INTRODUCED, SHOULD GO SOME WAYS TOWARDS THE REDUCTION OF ILLEGAL WHOLESALE MARKETING OF MARINE FISH. BY DETERRING EXPLOITATION, IT SHOULD BE OF BENEFIT TO FISHERMEN, FISH DEALERS AND CONSUMERS ALIKE, HE ADDED.
MAJOR FISH MERCHANTS AND FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS HAVE BEEN CONSULTED. THEY GENERALLY SUPPORT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS.
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/14.......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 14 -
MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE UPDATED * * *
THE MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE (REPLACEMENT OF FOURTH SCHEDULE) ORDER 1987, GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) REPLACES THE EXISTING SCHEDULE AND PROVIDES THE NECESSARY UPDATING RESULTING FROM CERTAIN ORGANISATIONAL CHANGES OF DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND CHANGES IN STAFF DUTIES E.G. THE SETTING UP OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES AND HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENTS.
PUBLIC OFFICERS SPECIFIED IN THE FOURTH SCHEDULE ARE EMPOWERED (UNDER SECTION 8A OF CAP. 227) TO SERVE ON A PERSON WHO IS SUSPECTED OF HAVING COMMITTED AN OFFENCE SPECIFIED IN THAT SCHEDULE A NOTICE REQUIRING HIM TO APPEAR BEFORE A MAGISTRATE.
THE PROSECUTION PROCEDURES UNDER THIS SECTION ARE SIMPLE; THE TIME REQUIRED FOR A DEFENDANT TO APPEAR BEFORE A MAGISTRATE IS ABOUT TWO TO THREE WEEKS.
THE OFFENCES INVOLVED ARE OF A MINOR NATURE, SUCH AS OBSTRUCTION TO SCAVENGING OPERATION, LITTERING, SPITTING, FOULING OF STREET BY DOG FAECES OR URINE, LIGHTING OR USING FIRE WITHIN A COUNTRY PARK WHEN PROHIBITED FROM DOING SO, AND MARINE LITTERING.
A MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS WAS ESSENTIALLY AN UPDATING EXERCISE.
-----0------
APPOINTMENT TO JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION ANNOUNCED
♦ ♦ » ♦
GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ANDREW LI KWOK-NANG, J.P., AS A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSSION. MR LI WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT ON DECEMBER 20, 1987.
MR LI IS A BARRISTER IN PRIVATE PRACTICE. HE HAS WIDE COMMUNITY INTERESTS AND IS CURRENTLY THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW OF THE INLAND REVENUE.
HE IS ALSO MEMBER OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AND THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM.
/15........
I
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1988 PUBLISHED * * ♦ * *
*
**
TODAY
THE GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1988 WERE FRIDAY). THIJY ARE: EVERY SUNDAY THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JANUARY LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR PUBLISHED IN FRIDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY THE GAZETTE I < JANUARY 1 FEBRUARY 17 FEBRUARY 18
THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19
GOOD FRIDAY FRIDAY APRIL 1
THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY SATURDAY APRIL 2
EASTER MONDAY AND CHING MING MONDAY APRIL 4
FESTIVAL ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY APPOINTED BY TUESDAY APRIL 5
THE GOVERNOR UNDER SECTION 6(2) OF THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE SATURDAY JUNE 11
QUEEN THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S MONDAY JUNE 13
BIRTHDAY TURN NG FESTIVAL SATURDAY JUNE 18
THE SATURDAY PRECEDING THE LAST SATURDAY AUGUST 27
MONDAY IN AUGUST LIBERATION DAY, BEING THE LAST MONDAY AUGUST 29
MONDAY IN AUGUST THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MONDAY SEPTEMBER 26
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS MONDAY DECEMBER 26
DAY THE SECOND WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS TUESDAY DECEMBER 27
DAY
/« AS EASTER
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 198?
* AS EASTER MONDAY AND CHIhlO MINO FESTIVAL BOTH FALL ON APRIL 4, 1988, THE GOVERNOR HAS, UNDER THE PROVISION OF SECTION 6(2) OF THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE, APPOINTED APRIL 5, 1988, TO BE
OBSERVED AS'AN ADDITIONAL GENERAL HOLIDAY.
«» IN A YEAR IN WHICH CHRISTMAS DAY IS A SUNDAY, THE SECOND WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THE 1988 GENERAL HOLIDAYS IS RE-PUBLISHED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION AS IT WAS DRAWN TO THE ADMINISTRATION’S ATTENTION THAT CHRISTMAS DAY WHICH FALLS ON A SUNDAY WAS GAZETTED UNNECESSARILY LAST APRIL SINCE EVERY SUNDAY IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY UNDER THE HOLIDAYS ORDINANCE.
■ MORE ECVII’S REPATRIATED TO CHINA « » «
THE FOURTH AND THE LAST GROUP OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL . .-..GRANTS FROM GUANGXI TO BE REPATRIATED BY SEA WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TONIGHT (FRIDAY) BY THE FERRY "DO SHAN".
7’IE GROUP COMPRISING 119 MEN, 50 WOMEN AND 53 CHILDREN WILL l.EAVE FOR BEI HAI AT ABOUT 6.30 PM.
SINCE REPATRIATION BY SEA STARTED EARLY THIS MONTH, A TOTAL OF 1,534 ECVII’S HAVE ALREADY BEEN REPATRIATED TO GUANGXI IN THREE VOYAGES.
THE REMAINING 233 ECVII’S WILL BE RETURNED TO CHINA ONCE THEIR IDENTITIES HAVE BEEN VERIFIED.
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/17 .......
I
FRIDAY, D
ft
•CEMBER 18, 1987
CHRISTMAS A TIME FOR GIVING
*****
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR TONY REYNALDS, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON PEOPLE TO TURN THEIR THOUGHTS TO GIVING AT CHRISTMAS TIME.
SPEAKING AT A JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR THE ABERDEEN
REHABILITATION CENTRE AND THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT, MR REYNALDS SAID GIVING BROUGHT PEOPLE CLOSER TOGETHER. "WHETHER IT IS TANGIBLE GIFTS THAT ARE BEING GIVEN, OR COMMODITIES SUCH AS FRIENDSHIP, LOVE OR UNDERSTANDING, TO GIVE AND TO SHARE IN THE JOY OF OTHERS, AT THE SAME TIME AS SO MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING THE SAME THING, WILL MAKE US FEEL AN INTEGRAL PART OF OUR COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT BEING PART OF THE COMMUNITY, AND NOT JUST SOMEONE LIVING IN IT AND OBSERVING LIFE FROM THE SIDELINES, WAS PART OF THE SPIRIT OF NORMALISATION AND WAS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR A MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSON.
"NORMALISATION MEANS THAT MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE MUST BE ABLE TO LIVE IN A WAY AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE LIFE STYLE OF THEIR NON-HANDICAPPED PEERS AND THAT ACHIEVING THIS GOAL REQUIRES COMMUNITY SUPPORT," HE SAID.
"EVERYONE CAN HELP, WHETHER IT IS BY INVITING HANDICAPPED PERSONS TO PARTICIPATE IN SOCIAL GATHERINGS; BY ENCOURAGING YOUR CHILDREN TO INVOLVE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR GAMES OR PARTIES; BY CONSIDERING WHETHER YOUR COMPANY COULD OFFER EMPLOYMENT TO A MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSON; BY SIMPLY EXTENDING THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP; OR ABOVE ALL, BY UNDERSTANDING THAT MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ALL HAVE VIEWS AND OPINION, AND WOULD LIKE TO BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THESE TO US," HE ADDED.
HE EXTENDED SPECIAL THANKS TO MEMBERS OF ROUND TABLE NO. 3 (VICTORIA) FOR PRESENTING A GENEROUS GIFT TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE TWO HOMES. J
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/IB........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 18 -
I YOUTHS SHOULD HELP BUILD OUR TOMORROW »*•»**
YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE AN OBLIGATION TOWARDS THE SOCIETY AND SHOULD HELP BUILD HONG KONG’S FUTURE, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, I
MRS ROSANNA TAM, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MRS TAM WAS THE GUEST OF HONOUR AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME IN HO MAN TIN.
ADDRESSING THE RESIDENTS, MRS TAM SAID THAT ALTHOUGH NOWADAYS YOUNG PEOPLE HAD BETTER EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND MATERIAL LIVING, THEY WERE ALSO FACED WITH MORE PRESSURE AND TEMPTATIONS.
"THEY WILL FEEL LONELY AND HELPLESS WHEN ENCOUNTERED SETBACKS EITHER ACADEMICALLY OR EMOTIONALLY,” SHE SAID.
"HOWEVER, THESE PROBLEMS CAN BE OVERCOME WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE SOCIETY AND THE FAMILY," SHE ADDED.
SHE OBSERVED THAT A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES - BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL - WAS BEING OFFERED TO YOUNG PEOPLE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THESE WERE SUPPLEMENTED BY SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, SUCH AS CASEWORK AND GROUP COUNSELLING, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK AND OUTREACHING SOCIAL WORK SERVICES, MRS TAM SAID.
SHE ALSO ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS OF THE GIRLS’ HOME TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE AND TURN A NEW LEAF IN THEIR LIVES. WITH THE CARE AND CONCERN OF THEIR FAMILIES AND THE SOCIETY, THEY SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEEK A BETTER TOMORROW.
-----o-----
SECOND PHASE OF MACAU VISITORS SCHEME *****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE SECOND PHASE OF THE MACAU VISITORS SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM JANUARY 1 TO ALLOW EX-CHINA RESIDENTS IN MACAU WHO HAVE LIVED IN MACAU FOR FIVE YEARS SINCE JANUARY 14, 1979 TO VISIT HONG KONG.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM RESIDENTS OF MACAU WHOSE MACAU IDENTITY CARDS WERE ISSUED AFTER JANUARY 14, 1979 AND WHO CAN SHOW THAT THEY HAVE BEEN LIVING IN MACAU FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AT THE DATE OF APPLICATION.
/AS FROM .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1?87
- 19 -
AS FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), LOCAL SPONSORS MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM ANY PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OR FROM IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS OR ANY IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICE.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS FOR VISITS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED i ROM JANUARY 1 BY MAIL TO THE MACAU VISIT PERMIT OFFICE, NEW RODNEY SLOCK, SECOND FLOOR, 99 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "ALL VISITORS IJST RETURN TO MACAU AT THE END OF THEIR VISITS AND EXTENSIONS OF STAY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.
"ANY VISITOR WHO DELIBERATELY OVERSTAY WILL NOT NORMALLY BE ELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER VISITS."
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE VISIT SCHEME MAY TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT'S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 7333126.
-------------------0------- SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED *****
TH POST OFFICE TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED ITS SPECIAL STAMP ;SUE RiKIRAMME FOR THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR.
THS FIRST SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BE THE "LUNAR NEW YEAR OF T.! DRAGON" TO BE ISSUED ON JANUARY 27. SOUVENIR SHEETS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WOULD BE PART OF THE SECOND LUNAR NEW YEAR SERIES OF STAMPS WHICH COMMENCED IN 1987 WITH THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT.
A SET OF ELECTRONIC POSTAGE LABELS ON THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON WILL BE ISSUED ON MARCH 23. OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL NOT BE ISSUED, BUT A HANDBACK SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PRIVATE FIRST DAY COVERS. »
ON APRIL 20, A SET OF FOUR STAMPS DEPICTING BIRDS FOUND IN HONG KONG WILL BE ISSUED TOGETHER WITH A SET OF POSTCARDS SHOWING AN ENLARGEMENT OF THE STAMP DESIGNS.
THE FOURTH SET OF STAMPS, FEATURING TWO CONTEMPORARY PAINTINGS AND TWO CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURES BY HONG KONG ARTISTS, WILL BE ISSUED ON JUNE 16.
MORE DETAILS OF THESE STAMP ISSUES WILL BE ANNOUNCED NEARER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE, AND THE STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.
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/2O .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
> - 20 -
ROUND-UP OF 1987 AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME ♦ » * * ♦
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE WINNING TEAMS OF THE 1987 AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME AT A CEREMONY HELD AT CHAN SHUE KUI COMMUNITY HALL.
MORE THAN 600 VOLUNTEER STUDENTS FROM 32 SECONDARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED INfTHE EIGHTH AUXILIARY JITTER WARDEN SCHEME THIS SUMMER. THE FORM 5 AND 6 STUDENTS PATROLLED FIVE URBAN BEACHES ON ATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
’’UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE STAFF OF THE UflBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS HELPED CLEAN UP BEACHES AND ADVISED BEACH-GOERS THE PROPER WAYS TO DISPOSE OF REFUSE,” A SPOKESMAN FOR USD SAID.
I
”TO AROUSE THE PARTICIPANTS’ INTEREST AND ENTHUSIASM, A COMPETITION WAS HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR AMONG THE "\RT ICI PATING LITTER WARDEN TEAMS," HE ADDED.
J MARKS WERE AWARDED TO OR DEDUCTED FROM THE TEAMS ACCORDING TO THE ATTENDANCE RECORDS, PUNCTUALITY, ATTIRE, ATTITUDE OF WORK AND HIMBER OF BAGS AND REFUSE COLLECTED AND NUMBER OF ADVICE GIVEN TO BEACH-GOERS.
AT TODAY’S CER MONY, MR SULKE PRAISED THE AUXILIARY LITTER ?KDE\S FOR THEIR I . • WORK AND PRESENTED THE FIRST PRIZE TO THE CMA 'RE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOL.
THr. SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES WENT TO THE LUTHERAN SCHOOL AND .;t. FRANCIS XAVIER’S COLLEGE RESPECTIVELY.
HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL WON THE FOURTH PRIZE. THERE WERE ALSO FIVE MERIT PRIZES.
PRIOR TO THF PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN THEME SONG CONTEST FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN, EASTERN, SOUTHERN AND WAN CHAI DISTRICTS WAS HELD.
ABOUT 1,400 STUDENTS FROM THE FOUR DISTRICTS COMPETED IN THE CONTEST TODAY AND WINNING TEAMS FROM EACH DISTRICT WERE CHOSEN. THEY WOULD COMPETE WITH OTHER DISTRICT CHAMPIONS AT THE GRAND FINAL OF THE SONG CONTEST TO BE HELD AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON JANUARY 18.
THE SONG CONTEST IS ONE OF THE TWO SCHOOL COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR WITH THE AIM OF INSTILLING A SPIRIT OF WIDE PARTICIPATION IN THE STUDENTS IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN. IT IS DIVIDED INTO THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS.
THE FIRST PRIZE WINNER WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY AND A $3,000 BOOK COUPON. THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES WILL CONSIST OF A TROPHY AND A $2,000 BOOK COUPON AND A TROPHY AND A $1*000 BOOK COUPON RESPECTIVELY. THERE WILL ALSO BE SIX MERIT PRIZES.
------0-------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
FESTIVE ILLUMINATIONS LIGHT UP SHA TIN ♦ * » ♦ »
•
FESTIVE LIGHTINGS IN SHA TIN MADE UP OF MORE THAN 18,000 LIGHT BULBS WERE SWITCHED ON THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NT), MR MICHAEL SUEN, WHILE THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION CHILDREN CHOIR SANG CHRISTMAS CAROLS.
SPEAKING AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT THE ROOF GARDEN OF THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL, MR SUEN PRAISED THE DISTRICT BOARD, RURAL COMMITTEE, DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS FOR PROMOTING AND PARTICIPATING IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT.
"THE SETTING UP OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DECORATIONS IS A RESULT OF THEIR PARTICIPATION," HE SAID.
"THEY HAVE ALSO KEPT CLOSE IN TOUCH WITH THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN REFLECTING RESIDENTS’ VIEWS SO THAT PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT MAY BE RESOLVED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBILITY."
•
MR SUEN NOTED THAT YEARS AGO WHEN HE WORKED IN SHA TIN THERE WERE ONLY 40,000 TO 50,000 PEOPLE, BUT THE POPULATION HAD NOW RISEN TO MORE THAN 400,000.
"IT IS NOW A BALANCED TOWNSHIP WITH GOOD INTERNAL TRANSPORT NETWORK AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES," HE ADDED.
THE FESTIVE LIGHTING DECORATIONS IN SHA TIN ARE SET UP ALONG SHING MUN RIVER, LIGHTING UP THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE, BANYAN BRIDGE AND RIVERSIDE PROMENADES.
THE MOST PROMINENT FEATURE IS A PICTURE OF TWO ANGELS ABOUT 100 METRES WIDE AND SEVEN METRES HIGH LINED UP WITH COLOURFUL LIGHT BULBS ON SANI) MARTIN BRIDGE.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE 20 SETS OF BUNTING WITH COLOURFUL LIGHTS PUT UI' ON YUEN WO ROAD AND 14 SETS ON TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.
THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS WILL BE SWITCHED ON EVERY EVENING FROM 5.30 I'M TO MIDNIGHT UNTIL JANUARY 10 NEXT YEAR. ON CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE AND NEW YEAR’S DAY, THE LIGHTINGS WILL BE ON UNTIL 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS WILL THEN BE REARRANGED FOR THE CHINESE NEW YEAR PERIOD WHEN THEY WILL BE SWITCHED ON UNTIL MARCH 3.
THE FESTIVE LIGHTING DECORATIONS IN SHA TIN ARE FUNDED WITH $250,000 FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD. THEY ARE ALSO SPONSORED BY COMMERCIAL ESTBLISHMENTS.
MEANWHILE, A PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE. DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS MARCH 12.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRE AND COMMUNITY HALLS IN THE DISTRICT. ENQUIRIES ('AN BE MADE ON 0-6048078 EXT. 331.
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/22........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 22 -
BOARD MEMBERS BRING CHRISTMAS JOY *****
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TODAY (FRIDAY) ACTED AS SANTA CLAUS AND BROUGHT THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS TO ABOUT 500 ELDERLY PEOPLE AND UNDERPRIVILEGED PEOPLE DURING A GOODWILL VISIT IN THE DISTRICT.
LED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG; AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH; MEMBERS VISITED TWO HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND A WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE AND DISTRIBUTED GIFTS TO THEIR MEMBERS.
THEY FIRST VISITED THE CHI LIN HOME FOR THE AGED WHERE THEY WERE ENTERTAINED WITH CHINESE OPERA SONGS PERFORMED BY SOME OF THE ELDERLY.
MEMBERS THEN WENT TO HO HING SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AND SHARED THE JOY OF A GAME WITH THE SENIOR CITIZENS THERE.
THE LAST STOP WAS THE LUNG ON DAY ACTIVITY CENTRE WHERE MEMBERS LEARNT THAT THE CENTRE PROVIDED DAY CARE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO ENABLE THEM TO BE MORE INDEPENDENT IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.
CHRISTMAS CAROLS WERE SUNG AND THE PEOPLE IN THE CENTRE WERE IN HIGH SPIRITS WHEN MEMBERS DISTRIBUTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO THEM.
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE TO OPEN
*****
THE AP LEI CHAU SUB-OFFICE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT A CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H.CHAU.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 AM IN THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL, WHICH IS LOCATED ON THE PODIUM OF THE CARPARK BLOCK NO. 2 OF LEI TUNG ESTATE IN AP LEI CHAU.
IT WILL START WITH A LION DANCE AND PERFORMANCE BY THE CORPS OF DRUMS OF THE FIRST BATTALION OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS. MR CHAU WILL UNVEIL A PLAQUE AT THE HALL TO MARK THE OCCASION.
/the southern........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 198?
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD; SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS WILL ATTEND THE OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AP LEI CHAU SUB-OFFICE AND THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL, LEI TUNG ESTATE, AP LEI CHAU.
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I FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHOW FOR SAI KUNG * ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE SAT KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD ioRROW (SATURDAY) AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL.
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE AR1ETY SHOW WILL FEATURE SINGING, ZITHER PERFORMANCE AND A DRAMA WITH AN ANTI-TRIAD THEME.
I
A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL ALSO BE HELD AND NINE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE PRESENTED WITH GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS ROSANNA TAM; SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE VARIETY SHOW AND PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHOW AND PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 7.30 PM AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL, PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG TOWN.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
24
NEW KWONG FUK BRIDGE TO OPEN » ♦ ♦
THE NEW* KWONG FUK BRIDGE ACROSS LAM TSUEN RIVER IN TAI PO ’ WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) MORNING.
THE RECENTLY COMPLETED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLIST BRIDGE WAS .NAMED AFTER tI" ADJACeIt OLD KWONG FUK BRIDGE WHICH WAS DEMOLISHED LAST YEAR.
THE OLD BRIDGE, BUILT IN 1896 AND SUBSEQUENTLY REPAIRED WIDENED IN 1957, HAD TO BE CLOSED DUE TO STRUCTURAL DEFECTS AND ha^to make way for the .implementation ^ngZ?|rmTAIsc^1eCEN1RAL
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME - A RATIONALISING THE TRAFFIC PATTERN IN THE DISIRICI.
AIMED
AND ALSO AREA
AT
BUILT BY THE NEW
THF NEW KWONG FUK BRIDGE WAS
ORTH EA8T DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT
TERRITORIES DEPARTMENT
AT A COST OF $2.37 MILLION.
TO COMMFMORATE THE OLD BRIDGE, THE NEW ONE WAS CONSTRUCTED CHINESE ST™" AND THE GRANITE BALUSTRADE OF THE OLD BBIDOB -AS PART OF THE BUILDING MATERIAL FOR AN OPEN SPACE AT ONE END
WAS
1 OF
IN
USED
THE
NEW BRIDGE./
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY, THERE WILL BE )N DANCES. A COOKTAIL RECEPTION WILL BE HELD ,bbon-cutting ceremony.
DRAGON AFTER
AND
THE
ON
tmr OPENING CEREMONY IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP
•i iip nPl \ INC CEREMONY FOR KWONG FUK BRIDGE FORMED UNDER THE DISTRICT PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, THE TAI PO RUBALCOMNITTBE.
THE SAI KUNG UORTH RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE TSAT YEUK RURAL COMMITTEE.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WIL!
BE THE ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT
OFF1CFR Miss'WINDY KWOK; THE PROJECT MANAGER (NEW TERRIORIES eIst? MR TOM armour; the district board chairman, mr stephen CHAIRMAN OF THF TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, MR HO YUNG-SANG; THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-PING; AND THE TSAT YEUK RURAL COMMITTEE, MR MAK LAM.
CHAIRMAN CHAIRMAN
NORTH WONG;
OF OF
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO TAI PO AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES
COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY (DECEMBER 20). THE BRIDGE
OF THE BRIDGE
IS OUTSIDE
IN
THE
BUILDING AT 1 TING KOK ROAD.
- 0
/25 ..v
F
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 25 -
SPORTS CARNIVAL ROUNDS UP SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL
* » » * »
A SPORTS CARNIVAL WILL CONCLUDE THE 1987 SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) AT THE SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS GROUND, HING WAH STREET.
IT WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR A.K. CHUI; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR FRANKIE LUI; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG; AND DB CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG PO-HONG.
PROGRAMMES OF THE CARNIVAL INCLUDE A FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN MEI CHING FOOTBALL TEAM AND THE TEAM FORMED BY TV ARTISTES AND MOVIE STARS; SINGING; BAND PERFORMANCES; MODEL HELICOPTER AEROBATICS; DRAGON AND LION DANCES; JUDO AND TAEKWENDO DEMONSTRATION; BICYCLE SKILL DEMONSTRATION AND A TELEMATCH AMONG 10 AREAS IN SHAM SHUI PO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY CUM SPORTS CARNIVAL OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) AT SHAM SHUI PO SPORTS GROUND, HING WAH STREET.
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LIGHTINGS PUT UP IN KOWLOON CITY
* * » * »
THE LUNG SHING AREA OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT WILL BE BRIGHTLY ILLUMINATED AFTER LIGHTING DECORATIONS COMPRISING MORE THAN 10,000 LIGHT BULBS ARE SWITCHED ON AT A CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) EVENING.
THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WILL MARK THE OPENING OF THE "LUNG SHING NIGHT”, WHICH WILL BE HELD OUTSIDE THE URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX AT NGA TS1N LONG ROAD.
THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS, THE FIRST-EVER BEING PUT UP IN THE AREA, ARE TN THE DESIGN OF A DRAGON AND A CASTLE WALL. COSTING ABOUT $200,000, THE LIGHTINGS WILL BE SWITCHED ON DURING CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR AND LUNAR NEW YEAR.
/JOINTLY ORGANISED........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1?8?
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LUNG SHING AREA COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SPONSORED BY KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG, THE "LUNG SHING NIGHT" IS AIMED AT INSTILLING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE VARIETY SHOW INCLUDES A LION DANCE, SINGING, DANCING AND MAGIC SHOW.
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG CHAIRMAN, MR WONG CHUNG-MING; AND LUNG SHING AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LAU TAK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "LUNG SHING NIGHT" OPENING CERENOMY AT 7.30 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) OUTSIDE THE URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX, NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
- - 0 -
FESTIVE PROGRAMMES FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN
*****
A NUMBER OF ENTERTAINING PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR RESIDENTS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT TO CELEBRATE THE FORTHCOMING FESTIVE SEASON.
THE FIRST IN THE SERIES IS A CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN TO WHICH THEY CAN DRAW THEIR OWN CHRISTMAS CARDS AND BE TREATED TO AN AFTERNOON OF FUN AND GAMES.
THE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) FROM 2.30 PM UNTIL 4.30 PM Al THE FORBES STREET TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND IN KENNEDY
MEANWHILE, SANTA CLAUS WILL BE ON HAND TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH CHILDREN AT A DINNER PARTY, ENTITLED THE "MERRY CHRISTMAS GATHERING" TO BE HELD NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 21) AT 7.30 PM AT THE HONG KONG CARITAS IN CAINE ROAD.
PROGRAMMES OF THE PARTY WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES, GAMES FOR CHILDREN AND A FAMILY PHOTO COMPETITION. RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO
BRING ALONG THEIR CHILDREN OR ACCOMPANY ELDERLY FAMILY TAKE PART.
MEMBERS
/THESE ACTIVITIES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1?87
- 27 -
THESE ACTIVITIES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE KENNEDY TOWN AND MOUNT DAVIS AND CHUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEES, AS WELL AS SOME WCAL ORGANISATIONS.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A CHRISTMAS EVE’S BALL FOR YOUTHS ORGANISED BY THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AT A RESTAURANT IN SHUN TAK CENTRE AND A NEW YEAR DAY’S CARNIVAL JOINTLY ORGANISED BY SHEUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE, URBAN COUNCIL AND YMCA AT THE BLAKE GARDEN IN PO HING FONG.
ENQUIRIES ON THESE PROGRAMMES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523002, 5-220031 OR 5-8170196.
--------0----------
CERTIFICATES FOR SUMMER WORKERS * t * » »
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO 171 STUDENTS WHO TOOK PART IN 1 .If- ’ > MMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME DURING THE LAST SUMMER VACATION AT ' < ..R M( Y TO BE HELD AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, AT 9.45 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR LUCAS CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS ANNUALLY SINCE 1974 WITH AN AIM OF PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORKING SIDE OF LIFE AND THUS BRINGING A PURPOSEFUL DIRECTION TO THEIR STUDIES AND CAREER AMBITIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AT 9.45 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
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/28 ......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 28 -
SPEEDPOST TO INDIA TO BE EXTENDED » * *
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO FOUR MORE CITIES IN P'DJA STARTING FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 21), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY). t
THEY ARE COIMBATORE, IMPHAL, NAGPUR AND VISAKHAPATNAM.
’’THE EXPANSION WILL BRING TO 20 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CITIES IN INDIA TO WHICH THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE,” A SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OTHER 16 CITIES ARE AHMEDABAD, BANGALORE, BOMBAY, CALCUTTA, COCHIN, DELHI, GUWAHATI, HYDERABAD, INDORE, JAIPUR, KANPUR, MADRAS, PUNE, VADODARA, AGARTALA AND SILCHAR, WITH THE LAST TWO HAVING BEEN ADDED ON DECEMBER 1.
’’THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR i AWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
----0------
HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN TAI PO ♦ * ♦
A HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 20) FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM AT THE KWONG FUK ESTATE SHOPPING ARCADE IN TAI PO.
ORGANISED BY THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, THE EXHIBITION WILL GIVE SIMPLE ADVICE ON ACCIDENT PRECAUTIONS AND FIRST-AID PROCEDURES.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE A FREE HOME SAFETY BOOKLET.
SIMILAR EXHIBITIONS HAVE BEEN HELD IN 10 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES SINCE OCTOBER, AND THE NEXT ONE WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 27 AT FU SHIN ESTATE, TAI PO.
- - 0 - -
/29........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18,
1987
• I
- 29 -
TUNNEL USERS TO PAY $3 FROM MONDAY » t ♦ ♦ !
FROM 3 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 21), ALL SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO PAY THE NORMAL TOLL OF $3 FOR USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT WHICH HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT AT THE TUNNEL SINCE NOVEMBER 23 WILL COME TO AN END AT 3 AM ON MONDAY.
"AT THE SAME TIME, PRE-EXPERIMENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE RESUMED. MOTORISTS USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND FROM MONDAY ONWARDS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND SHOULD STOP AT THE TOLL BOOTHS TO PAY THE TUNNEL TOLL OF $3," HE ADDED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND TAI PO ROAD DURING THE EVENING AND MORNING PEAK HOURS YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) AND TODAY, RESPECTIVELY:
LION ROCK TUNNEL TAI PO ROAD
SOUTHBOUND NORTHBOUND SOUTHBOUND NORTHBOUND
DECEMBER 17 (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 7,222 6,927 1,657 2,052
NORMAL WEEKDAY (4.30 PM - 7 PM) 7,274 6,995 2,358 2,085
DECEMBER 18 (7 AM - 10 AM) 9,294 6,407 2,760 2,205
NORMAL WEEKDAY 9,309 6,615 2,812 1,874
(7 AM - 10 AM)
MEANWHILE, A "TIDAL-FLOW" ARRANGEMENT WAS CARRIED OUT AT THE TUNNEL FOR THE SECOND TIME. BASED ON YESTERDAY'S EXPERIENCE, THE ARRANGEMENT STARTED LATER TODAY AT 6.15 AM AND ENDED AROUND
7.45 AM.
BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7.30 AM, AN EXTRA 640 VEHICLES PASSED THROUGH THE TUNNEL IN THE SOUTHBOUND DIRECTION. THE QUEUE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD DID NOT APPEAR UNTIL 7.40 AM.
HOWEVER, TOWARDS THE END OF THE TIDAL FLOW ARRANGEMENT, TRAFFIC CONGESTION WAS OBSERVED ON THE ROADS LEADING TO THE NORTHBOUND APPROACH TO THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
/FOLLOWING ARE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 30 -
!
FOLLOWING ARE THE NUMBER OF SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES PASSING
THROUGH THE TUNNEL BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 7.45 AM:
6.30 AM TO 6.45 AM 385 6.45 AM TO 7 AM • 672 7 AM TO 7.15 AM 1,126 7.15 AM TO 7.30 AM 1,090
7.30 AM TO 7.45 AM 792
--------0-----------
ROAD IN SHAU KEI WAN TO BE CLOSED t ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CLOSE AND CHANGE THE USE OF PORTIONS OF AN UNNAMED ROAD FROM SHING ON STREET TO THE SHAU KEI WAN WEST SERVICE RESERVOIR TO MAKE WAY FOR THE SITE- FORMATION WORKS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS (WEST) PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
AN ALTERNATIVE VEHICULAR ACCESS AND A PEDESTRIAN STAIRCASE WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE USE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS BEFORE THE CLOSURE AND CHANGE OF USE OF THE AFFECTED PORTIONS OF THE UNNAMED ROAD.
SITE FORMATION WORKS FOR THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WILL COMMENCE AFTER PHASE 1 CLEARANCE OF THE SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS (WEST) VILLAGES IN LATE 1988.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN ON THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFTCE/HONG KONG EAST, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG; AND AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 347 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, HONG KONG DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE WORKS SHOULD SEND HIS WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE FEBRUARY 16, 1988.
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/31 ........
I
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 31 -
SAI WAN HO TO RENNIE'S MILL FERRY FARES REVISED * ♦ » *
THE MAXIMUM FARES FOR THE LICENSED FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN SAI WAN HO AND RENNIE’S MILL WILL BE REVISED FROM JANUARY 1.
THE MAXIMUM ADULT SINGLE JOURNEY FARE WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2.50 TO $3.00 WHILE THE MAXIMUM FARE FOR STUDENTS, CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OLD AND ADULT AGED 70 OR ABOVE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. AT $1.50 PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
THE FREIGHT CHARGE WILL ALSO RISE FROM $2.50 TO $3.00 PER PICUL OR 0.11 CUBIC METRE.
-----0------
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN KOWLOON
*****
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 21), THE ACCESS LANE BETWEEN KAI TAK REFUGEE CAMP AND KAI YIP ESTATE WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ZONE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE U-SHAPED SECTION OF CHEUNG FAT STREET ABOUT 50 METRES FROM ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH UN CHAU STREET WILL 1 DESIGNATED A TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
NO VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
THE EXISTING TEMPORARY 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES IMPLEMENTED ON THE SAME ROAD SECTION WILL BE RESCINDED.
MEANWHILE, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD EASTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 178 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD EASTBOUND FROM A POINT ABOUT 140 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH BUTTERFLY VALLEY ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 178 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE RESCINDED.
--------0----------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1987
- 32 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ON LANTAU » * » » «
CHI MA WAN ROAD BETWEEN HAM TIN AND SHAP LONG ON LANTAU ISLAND 7ILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC IN SECTIONS FOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORK FROM 1ONDAY (DECEMBER 21).
THE IMPROVEMENT WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES ALONG CHI MA WAN ROAD. AT EACH STAGE, A SECTION OF THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY ROUND THE CLOCK FOR THREE TO FOUR WEEKS.
THE WHOLE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
--------o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENT FOR INVESTMENTS .... 1
LION ROCK TUNNEL ONE-WAY TOLL TO £3STD ON MONDAY............ 2
SERVICES OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE STRENGTHENED .......... 6
MORE CHILD CARE AND ELDERLY SERVICES IN EASTERN............. 7
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CONTESTS WINNERS NaMED ................... 7
SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME GOOD FOR STUDENTS............. 8
JAPANESE BAND ENTHRALLS MUSIC LOVERS ....................... 9
ANNUAL STAMP PaCK ON SALE .................................. 10
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS Sale by auction ........................ 10
METERED PARKING CHARGES TO GO UP ........................... 11
WAN CHAI LAUNCHES CHARITY DRIVE............................. 12
YAU Ma TEI TO HOLD SINGING CONTEST ......................... 12
SPORTS DAY FOR CHILDREN IN WAN CHAI ........................ 13
TRADE FAIR IN MONG KOK...................................... 13
RECREATION CAMP FOR YAU TONG RESIDENTS ..................... 14
EASTBOUND LJIE OF CLELR WATER BAY ROaD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
15
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENT FOR INVESTMENTS » » * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SEEKS TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH IS CONDUCIVE TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT BY INVESTING HEAVILY IN MANPOWER ’.RAINING AND IN THE TERRITORY’S PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY OF THE MOTOROLA ASIA PACIFIC SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCTS DIVISION.
MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT INVESTED IN MANPOWER TRAINING THROUGH ITS EDUCATION PROGRAMMES AND IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE THROUGH AN AMBITIOUS PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
"WE AIM TO ENSURE THAT OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SEEKING A SUITABLE OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING BASE IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION, WILL SEE HONG KONG AS A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN FIND ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR THEIR OPERATIONS," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT MOTOROLA HAD DEMONSTRATED ITS DEEP COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG BY SUCCESSIVE INVESTMENTS AND ADOPTION OF HIGH TECHNOLOGY. THE COMPANY’S CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY, WAS ALSO SHARED BY OTHER MANUFACTURERS FROM THE UNITED STATES.
"FOR MANY YEARS THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN THE LEADING OVERSEAS INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. THE LATEST STATISTICS REVEAL THAT AMERICAN INTERESTS ACCOUNT FOR 41 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRY.
"AT OVER EIGHT BILLION DOLLARS, THE TOTAL VALUE OF AMERICAN INVESTMENTS AT THE END OF 1986 SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 42 PER CENT OVER 1985. OF THE TOTAL, 69 PER CENT WAS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY," MR JACOBS SAID.
"THESE ARE VERY ENCOURAGING FIGURES AND WE HOPE THAT MORE MANUFACTURERS WILL BE ATTRACTED TO HONG KONG BY THE EVIDENT SUCCESS OF PIONEERS LIKE MOTOROLA,” HE ADDED.
DURING THE CEREMONY, MR JACOBS ALSO ANNOUNCED A NEW MOTOROLA PROJECT KNOWN AS THE "SILICON HARBOUR" WHICH HE SAID "UNDOUBTEDLY WILL BE A MAJOR MILESTONE FOR HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY."
/A 29,000 .......
f
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1% 198?
- 2 -
A 2A 000 SQUARE METRE SITE AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE HAD BEEN GRANTED TO MOTOROLA FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN INTEGRATED SEMICONDUCTOR DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, WITH DESIGN AND MANFACTURING UTILISING THE LATEST COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN, COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURING AND COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES, HE SAID.
THE TOTAL INVESTMENT WOULD BE OVER SEVERAL HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS AND THE FACILITY, SCHEDULED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY 1991, WOULD EVENTUALLY EMPLOY 1,200 PEOPLE OF WHOM NEARLY 60 PER CENT WOULD BE ENGINEERING OR PROFESSIONAL STAFF, MR JACOBS NOTED.
- - 0 ---------
LION ROCK TUNNEL ONE-WAY TOLL TO END ON MONDAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL COME TO AN END AT 3 AM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21.
THE $6 DOUBLE TOLL CHARGED TO MOTORISTS AND TAXI PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO THE NEW TERRITORIES VIA THE TUNNEL WILL NO LONGER APPLY FROM THEN ON. THE TOLL WILL REVERT TO THE NORMAL $3 FOR ALL SOUTHBOUND AND NORTHBOUND VEHICLES USING THE TUNNEL.
AT THE SAME TIME, PRE-EXPERIMENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE RESUMED. MOTORISTS TRAVELLING TO KOWLOON VIA THE TUNNEL SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND SHOULD STOP AT THE TOLL BOOTHS TO PAY THE $3 TUNNEL TOLL.
DURING THE FOUR-WEEK EXPERIMENT, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS TRIED OUT FOUR DIFFERENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN VEHICLE CHANNELISATION AND IN OPENING DIFFERENT NUMBER OF LANES IN ORDER TO ASSESS THEIR VARIOUS IMPACT ON THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSULTANT ARE STILL ANALYSING FINDINGS OF THE EXPERIMENT AND AN ASSESSMENT REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR.
/One-way Toll
5 - SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
One-way Toll Experiment at the Lion Rock Tunnel (November 23 to December 21)
Number of Vehicles Using the Lion Rock Tunnel and. Tai Po Road During morning and evening peak hours
I’»a ? afluoIHMM
% 4t iff '4. A tiji C
Nov er 23 (? fl 10 am) Lion Rock Tunnel Southbound Northbound - j 9 209 5 408 Tai Po Southbound w • 2 724 Road 'A# Northbound t 2 123
November 23
(4. pm - 7 pm) 7 353 6 2J1 1 901 2 292
Nov er 24 -
(7 - 10 am) .9 308 6 172 2 497 2 211
Ni r 24 i--.i - 7 pm) 7 332 • 6 663 2 220 1 905
liov-f r 25 ('/ an- - TO am ) 9 591 6 356 2 562 2 301
Nov^ her 25 (4.5j pm -7pm) 6 610 £ 7 041 1 976 2 287
Nov*'. r 26
( 0 am) 9 358 6 632 2 568 2 047
No 26 (^- ■' - 7 pm) 7 352 6 882 2 282 2 212
November 27 •
(7 am - 10 am) 9 376 6.596 2 686 2 257
November 27
(4.30 pm - 7 pm) 7 25U 7 055 2 019 1 740
/
November 28 ♦ (12 pm - 2 pm) 5 565 5 567 1 *»93 1 732
November 28 *
(5 pm - 7 pm) 5 358 4 965 1 842 1 756
November 30 (7 am - 10 am) 8 770 5 864 2 777 1 763
November 30 (4.30 pm - 7 pm) 7 357 7 024 1 822 2 080
* Traffic count on November 28 (Saturday) was taken two hours before and after the race meeting in Sha Tin. No survey was carried out on November 29 (Sunday)
t o /December 1 .......
4
SATURDAY, DEC BRIBER 19f 1987
Lion Rock Tunnel Tai Po Road
tfy J- X Southbound JI orthbound % •fc 'L A# Southbound Northbound
December 1 ( am - 10 am) 8 640 6 075 2 701 2 079
D< cember 1 ( 30 pm - 7 pm) 7 521 6 505 1 972 2 266
mber 2 am - 10 am) 8 866 6 185 2 817 2 132
mber 2 30 pm - 7 pm) 6 869 6 886 2 010 2 550
'ember 3 l am - 10 am) 8.886 6 286 2 762 2 219
•nber 3 '0 pm - 7 pm) ‘7 124 6 605 2 229 2 086
roer 4 in - 10 am) 9 115 6 594 2 659 2 226
,'inber 4 -30 pm - 7 pm) 7 005 6 575 2 447 2 259
•fner 5 * <m - 2 pm) 6 152 5 857 1 604 1 871
•v. - 7 pm) 6 4J1 5 ^56 2 146 1 976
Dec* ' ber .7 (7 am - 10 am) 9 035 6 148 2 868 1 955
December 7 (4.30 pm - 7 pm) 7 166 6 924 2 178 2 064
December 8 (7 am - 10 am) 9 258 6 580 2 788 2 203
December 8 (4.30 pm - 7 pm) 7 041 6 759 2 258 2 096
•ember 9 C/ am - 10 am) 9 187 6 656 2 844 2 161
December 9 (4.30 pm - 7 pm) 6 977 7 551 2 181 2 254
December 10 (7 am - 10 am) 9 085 6 442 2 898 2 045
December 10 (4.30 pm - 7 pm) 6 951 6 597 2 077 2 264
* Traffic count on December 5 (Saturday) was taken two hours before and after the race meeting in Sha Tin. No survey was carried out on December 6 (Sunday).
-r fl i 0. ( > ) > 3 J fa fa 'h 'Wi jlH . # +
^9 ( -5)] B) X -, S Jz * December 11 ••••••«
5
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
December 11 (7 am - 10 am) Lion W Southbound & f-j 9 041 Rock Tunnel i Northbound 4tfj 6 617 Tai Po * Southbound 2 861 Road Northbound 2 112
D cumber 11 (4.30 pm - 7 pm) 7 066 7 013 1973 2 175
D ber 14 (. i - 10 am) 8 699 6 284 3166 2 105
Dec >ber 14 (4. 0 pm - 7 pm) 7 037 7 055 2 099 2 240
December 15 (7 nm - 10 am) 9 242 6 387 2 910 2 177
Dec nber 15 (4 ) pm - 7 pm) 7 276 6 686 2 244 2 1J2
Dor nr 16 (7 \m - 10 am) 9 523 9 6 426 2 879 2 213
December 16 (4,30 pm - 7 pm) 6 777 6 745 2 159 2 143
December 17 (7 am - 10 am) 9 15* J5 6 383 2 822 2 012
Dec mber 17 (4-30 pm - 7 pm) 7 222 • 6 927 *• 1 657 2 052
December 18 (7 am - 10 am) 9' 294 6 407 2 760 2 205
December 18 7 181 6 954 2 131 2 254
(4.30 pm - 7 pm)
Notes No survey was carried out on December 12 (Saturday) and 13»
-+ > fl -t a (\ Hfl A )£. -r > 9 4 vX. '
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
SERVICES OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE STRENGTHENED * » * t «
SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC ARE FURTHER STRENGTHENED WITH THE OPENING OF ITS AP LEI CHAU SUB-OFFICE ^ND LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL IN LEI TUNG ESTATE ON AP LEI CHAU TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T. H. CHAU, SAID: ” THE COMMUNITY HALL SUB-OFFICE WILL PLAY A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN COMMUNITY BUILDING ONLY TN LEI TUNG ESTATE, BUT IN THE WHOLE OF THE SOUTH SECTOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT.”
FOR AND NOT
OF
THE SOUTH SECTOR OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE’S SERVICE NETWORK COVERS THE FAST DEVELOPING AP LEI CHAU AND WONG CHUK HANG, WHICH IS A BUILT-UP INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREA.
THE LATEST MAJOR • DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SECTOR ARE LEI TUNG i STATE AND AN ADJACENT HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATE ON AP LEI CHAU, WHICH ALTOGETHER WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR 37,000 PEOPLE WHEN FULLY COMPLETED IN MID-1988.
LOCATED RIGHT AT THE CENTRE OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS, THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL OFFERS A MULTI-PURPOSE VENUE FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES. IT CAN SERVE AS AN INDOOR GAMES HALL FOR BADMINTON, TABLE TENNIS AND OTHER GAMES.
THE HALL CAN ALSO BE READILY TURNED INTO A THEATRE WITH MODERN STACI-: FACILITIES INCLUDING LIGHTING AND PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM.
OUTSIDE THE HALL IS A PLEASANT TERRACE WHICH IS WELL SUITED FOR GATHERINGS, CARNIVALS, AND SMALL CONCERTS.
BOOKING OF THE WIDE-RANGING FACILITIES CAN BE MADE AT THE AP LEI CHAU SUB-OFFICE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
TO MARK THE GRAND OPENING, MR CHAU UNVEILED A PLAQUE AT THE CENTRE. THIS WAS PRECEDED BY A LION DANCE AND PERFORMANCE BY THE CORPS OF DRUMS OF THE FIRST BATTALION OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING WERE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD; MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD; GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
-------O---------
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 19, 1987
MORE CHILD CARE AND ELDERLY SERVICES IN EASTERN * * * * *
'MORE CHILD CARE AND ELDERLY SERVICES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT PEW YEARS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES), MR ALFRED CHUI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY)t
SPEAKING AT THE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS HOSTED BY WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB EASTERN DISTRICT NURSERY, MR CHUI NOTED THAT THERE WERE 33 SUBVERTED CRECHES AND NURSERIES IN THE DISTRICT PROVIDING MORE THAN 3,700 PLACES.
"IN ADDITION, THERE ARE 20 PRIVATELY-RUN FULL-DAY AND HALF-DAY NURSERIES PROVIDING AN ADDITIONAL 2,535 PLACES," HE SAID.
SIX MORE GOVERNMENT SUBVERTED RURSERIES WOULD COME IRTO
OPERATION IN THE NEXT THREE YEARS, MR CHUI ADDED.
ON ELDERLY SERVICES, HE SAID THAT OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEAR, THE DISTRICT WOULD BE ADDITONALLY PROVIDED WITH ONE MULTI-SERVICES CENTRE, THREE SOCIAL CENTRES AND ONE DAY-CARE CENTRE.
THE PRESENT PROVISION INCLUDES ONE MULTI-SERVICES CENTRE, FOUR SOCIAL CENTRES, HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AND HOME HELP TEAM.
HE COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SERVICES FOR THESE TWO CLIENT GROUPS.
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CONTESTS WINNERS NAMED
*****
WINNERS OF TWO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CONTESTS ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED.
THE "KNOW YOUR HARMFUL CHEMICALS" CONTEST, WHICH WAS RUN IN COLLABORATION WITH WEN WEI PO, ATTRACTED OVER 3,000 ENTRIES FROM READERS - THE MAJORITY OF WHOM WERE FACTORY AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.
THE OTHER CONTEST IN THE FORM OF A RADIO SERIES, "SAFETY HINTS IN INDUSTRY", WAS JOINTLY PRODUCED WITH COMMERCIAL RADIO. SINCE THE PROGRAMME WENT ON AIR IN MID-OCTOBER, MORE THAN 2,000 LISTENERS HAD WRITTEN IN TO ANSWER QUESTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
A LUCKY DRAW WAS HELD AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE RECENTLY TO PICK THE WINNERS. THE GRAND PRIZE IN THE NEWSPAPER QUIZ WILL GO TO MR YU WAN WHO WILL BE GRANTED A $5,000 TRAVEL VOUCHER TO CHINA.
/THE FIRST
SATURDAY, DEC BIBER 19, 1987
8
THE FIRST THREE PRIZES IN THE RADIO CONTEST WILL BE AWARDED TO MR TSE CHUNG, MS MAK PO-LING AND MR WU KAM-KWAN. THEY WILL RECEIVE A CASH PRIZE OF $4,000, $2,500 AND $t,500 RESPECTIVELY.
TROPHIES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO THE THREE COMPANIES WITH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF WORKERS TAKING PART IN THE RADIO SERIES. THEY INCLUDE SHUI ON CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AND LIK KEUNG MANUFACTURI NG COMPANY.
THE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD AT THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK, HUNG HOM, ON JANUARY 3 NEXT YEAR.
O
SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME GOOD FOR STUDENTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT STARTED PROVIDING SUBVENTION TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS TO SUPPORT THE SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME THIS SUMMER (1987). THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR LUCAS CHAN, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SCHEME, MR CHAN SAID THE SUBVENTION ENABLED AN HONORARIUM TO BE PAID TO STUDENTS WORKING IN HOSPITALS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES UNDER THE SCHEME.
NOTING THAT 171 STUDENTS TOOK PART IN THE SCHEME LAST SUMMER, MR CHAN SAID THE PROJECT WOULD HELP STUDENTS TO REALISE THEIR POTENTIAL AND GAIN A DEEPER INSIGHT AND CONFIDENCE IN MAKING A SOUND CAREER CHOICE AFTER LEAVING SCHOOL.
THE SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME WAS SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE IT PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO APPRECIATE THE TRUE MEANING OF WORK, MR CHAN SAID.
MR CHAN ADVISED STUDENTS TO GIVE CAREFUL CONSIDERATION IN SELECTING A CAREER WHICH WOULD HAVE AN IMPACT ON THEIR PROSPECTS, LIFE STYLE, THEIR FAMILY AND EVEN THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
-----O------
/9........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
- 9 -
JAPANESE BAND ENTHRALLS MUSIC LOVERS
*****
THE SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL HAMAMATSU COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM JAPAN GAVE AN ENTHRALLING PERFORMANCE AT A BAND MUSIC GALORE AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND IN SHAM SHU I PO THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
MUSIC LOVERS CROWDED THE PLAYGROUND TO ENJOY THE GOOD MUSIC.
THE GALORE, WHICH ALSO FEATURED EIGHT LOCAL BANDS, WAS PART OF THE PROGRAMME OF THE MUSIC OFFICE'S "YOUTH BAND WEEK" WHICH BEGAN YESTERDAY.
THE EIGHT LOCAL BANDS WERE THE BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL BAND, BUDDHIST WONG FUNG LING COLLEGE BAND, TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS CHEN ZAO MEN COLLEGE BAND AND WONG FUT NAM COLLEGE BAND, HO FUNG COLLEGE BAND, HONG KONG CHILDREN’S SYMPHONIC BAND, HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND MUSIC OFFICE DISTRICT YOUTH BANDS.
CHAIRMAN OF THE SHAM SHUi PO DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHENG PO-HONG, OFFICIATED AT THE EVENT AND PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO PARTICIPATING BANDS.
THE "YOUTH BAND WEEK" WILL CONTINUE TOMORROW WITH FOUR CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AT THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, THE SANDY BAY CONVA1.ESCENT HOSPITAL OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, AND NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN.
ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, THERE WILL BE A MUSIC EXCHANGE BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE VISITING JAPANESE BAND AND LOCAL BANDS AT BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL AT 10 AM.
A MARCHING BAND CONTEST, INVOLVING AS MANY AS 10 LOCAL SCHOOL BANDS, WILL BE STAGED AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT 3 PM ON THE SAME DAY. CASH COUPON PRIZES AMOUNTING TO $8,000 WILL BE DONATED BY TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LIMITED.
THE MUSIC WEEK WILL ENI) ON WEDNESDAY WITH A CHRISTMAS BAND GALA AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM AT .8 PM. A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS FOR THE GALA, AT $5 AND $10 EACH, ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL URTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-283257 AND 3-722G240.
-------o----------
/10........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987 •
10
ANNUAL STAMP PACK ON SALE » ♦ * * t
THE 1987 ANNUAL STAMP PACK WILL BE PLACED ON SALE ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE STAMP PACK, PRICED AT $40 EACH, CONTAINS A SET OF ALL THE SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUED IN THE YEAR. THEY ARE THE ’’LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE RABBIT”, ’’HISTORICAL SCENES OF HONG KONG”, ’’HONG KONG MEDICAL CENTENARY” AND ’’HISTORICAL CHINESE COSTUMES”.
IT IS IDEAL AS A GIFT AS WELL AS FOR PERSONAL COLLECTION,” A SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE PACK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS IN THE GNERAL POST OFFICE, AND THE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, PEAK, TSIM SHA TSUI, GERANVILLE ROAD AND AIRPORT POST OFFICES.
--------0----------
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION » ♦ ♦ ♦ *
FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $639,000 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER AK6 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $100,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER DP8 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $62,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS DP9811, DR9811, DR3004, DR3112, DR590, DR3887, DR8137, DS6999 EACH FOR $1,000.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:
$ $ $ $
DP8288 11,000 DR320 2,000 ASI 171 3,500 DR590 1,000
DR117 3,000 DR663 16,000 DS9828 6,000 DR887 5,000
CK8338 12,000 BK1782 3,500 AK6 100,000 DR504 2,000
DR9904 W/D DP6609 2,000 DP9811 1,000 DP929 13,000
DR6638 3,000 DP3 60,000 DS3888 34,000 DR3887 1,000
BG1 45,000 HK960 41,000 DP28 30,000 DR8137 1,000
AY128 34,000 DS2888 20,000 DR9811 1,000 DR4489 2,000
DS618 10,000 AS326 5,000 DR6610 2,000 BM1212 33,000
DR8887 8,000 DR2 50,000 DR3004 1,000 DS6999 1,000
DN929 11,000 DR3112 1,000 DP8 62,000 DR8820 2,000
ONE NON-SPECIAL REGISTRATION MARK DR9904 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE AUCTION. A DEPOSIT OF $1,000 WAS FORFEITED TO THE TOTAL.
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY'S SALE, THE 119TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $48,908,532.
-----0------
METERED PARKING CHARGES TO GO UP ♦ ♦ ♦ »
METERED PARKING CHARGES IN SAN PO KONG WILL GO UP FROM MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE CHARGES WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING $1 AND 50 CENTS FOR 30 MINUTES TO $2 AND $1 FOR 30 MINUTES.
MOTORISTS SHOULD NOTE THE REVISED CHARGES BEFORE FEEDING THE METERS. THE CONVERTED METERS MAY BE DISTINGUISHED BY THE YELLOW INSTRUCTION PLATE ON THE METERS INDICATING THE METER TYPE AND THE APPROPRIATE COIN TO BE USED.
FOR HALF-HOUR METERS FOR PRIVATE CARS, ONLY $2 COINS WILL BE ACCEPTED, WHILE FOR THE ONE-HOUR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING METERS, DRIVERS CAN ONLY USE $1 COINS.
IN ADDITION, METERED PARKING CHARGES IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL ALSO BE INCREASED FROM DECEMBER 28.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
WAN CHAI LAUNCHES CHARITY DRIVE
* * *
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN AND PLANT FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 11 AM AT THE JUNCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW; CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHIU WAI-SHING; CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S CLEAN AND PLANT FOR CHARITY COMMITTEE, MRS RADHE CHELLARAM; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM. TV ARTISTE, MR IVAN HO, WILL BE THE SPECIAL GUEST.
THEY WILL TAKE PART IN A CLEAN-UP OPERATION AFTER THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CLEAN AND PLANT FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 11 AM AT THE JUNCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
------0--------
YAU MA TEI TO HOLD SINGING CONTEST ♦ ♦ * * *
A SINGING CONTEST ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE.
SEVENTEEN FINALISTS, SELECTED FROM SOME 120 CONTESTANTS, WILL VIE FOR THE TOP PRIZES IN OVERALL PERFORMANCE AND IN PRESENTATION.
’’THE EVENT IS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROVIDE HEALTHY RECREATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.
ANOTHER MAJOR ACTIVITY IS A LARGE-SCALE ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SINGING CONTEST WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; YAU MA TEI DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR J. MAIN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR JOHN WU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SINGING CONTEST TO START AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE.
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/13........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
- 13 -
SPORTS DAY FOR CHILDREN IN WAN CHAI
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A SPORTS DAY FOR CHILDREN IN WAN CHAI WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE FOOTBALL PITCH AT MORETON TERRACE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE EVENT WILL FEATURE GAME STALLS, MAGIC SHOW, BAND PERFORMANCES AND LUCKY DRAWS.
IT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL; THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION; AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FUNCTION WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR DOMINIC CHAN; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN LIU; SPONSOR OF THE EVENT AND FILM STAR MR KARL MA KA AND EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, MISS MARIA HO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SPORTS DAY FOR CHILDREN IN WAN CHAT IN THE FOOTBALL PITCH AT MORETON TERRACE, CAUSEWAY BAY AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
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TRADE FAIR IN MONG KOK
♦ * * ♦ ♦
A TRADE FAIR WILL BE HELD AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN MONG KOK, FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO DECEMBER 26 TO PROMOTE TRADE AND INDUSTRY IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FAIR IS PART OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS TO INSTIL A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
IT WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM NOON TO 10 PM.
BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP TO DISPLAY GOODS AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES, AUTOMOBILE COMPANIES, BANKS, FOOD MANUFACTURERS, HAIR SALONS AND COMMUNITY BODIES. EXPERTS FROM VARIOUS TRADES WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SPECIAL SKILLS.
ALSO, RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE IN MONG KOK IN A PHOTOGRAPH EXHIBITION AND A VIDEO SHOW.
/FURTHERMORE, CHRISTMAS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1987
FURTHERMORE, CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS WILL BE SET UP AT THE VENUE OF THE FAIR AND SANTA CLAUS WILL BE PRESENT TO DISTRIBUTE FREE GIFTS AND TOYS TO CHILDREN.
TO ADD INTEREST TO THE EVENT, RESIDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE IN TWO PUZZLES TO WIN ATTRACTIVE PRIZES.
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI; AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (KOWLOON), MR TOMMY CHOY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE.INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL TRADE FAIR TO BE HELD AT 12.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND, SAI YEE STREET.
- - 0 -
RECREATION CAMP FOR YAU TONG RESIDENTS
*****
YAU TONG RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A DAY OF ACTION AND FUN AT A RECREATION AND SPORTS CAMP NEXT SUNDAY (DECEMBER 27).
ORGANISED BY THE YAU TONG BRANCH OF THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, THE DAY CAMP WILL BE HELD AT THE PO LEUNG KUK PAK TAM CHUNG HOLIDAY CAMP.
PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE FOOTBALL AND TABLE-TENNIS COMPETITIONS, TUG-OF-WAR AND A VISIT TO THE SHEUNG YIU FOLK MUSEUM.
COUPONS AT $25 PER HEAD ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE’S YAU TONG SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, BLOCK 24, YAU TONG ESTATE.
- 0 - -
/15
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19. 1987
- 15 -
EASTBOUND LANE OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD CLOSED TO TRAFFIC
♦ * * ♦ »
THE CLOSURE OF THE EASTBOUND UPHILL LANE OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AT ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD DUE TO A WATER MAIN BURST YESTERDAY (DECEMBER 18), WILL CONTINUE FOR ANOTHER THREE DAYS UNTIL ABOUT 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 22) FOR EMERGENCY REPAIR WORK.
THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS ARE IN FORCE DURING THE CLOSURE:
t MOTORISTS HEADING FOR CHOI WAN ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, TURN LEFT AT FUNG SHING STREET; AND THEN TURN LEFT INTO CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
» VEHICLES AND KOWLOON tREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 16 HEADING FOR NGAU CHI WAN AREA WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD; TURN LEFT AT THE EASTERN JUNCTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WITH NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD INTO CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD; AND TURN RIGHT INTO JAT’S INCLINE NEAR GOOD HOPE SCHOOL.
» MOTORISTS LEAVING NGAU CHI WAN STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE JUNCTION OF JAT’S INCLINE AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
MEANWHILE, NT GMB ROUTE NO. 1 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD ON ITS JOURNEYS TO SAI KUNG.
-----0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED 1
TENDERS INVITED TO PRE)-QUALIFY.............................. 5
REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS FOR CENTRAL, YUEN LONG.............. 5
TENDERS FOR RECREATION PROJECTS INVITED...................... 6
ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT TO END TOMORROW ..................... 6
WAN CHAI RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITY ........................... 7
GOVT DETERMINED IN ANTI-TRIAD DRIVE.......................... 8
TRADE FAIR OPENS IN MDNG KOK................................. 8
MORE COURSES ON SAFETY AWARENESS............................. 9
FESTIVE LIGHTINGS BRIGHTEN UP LUNG SHING AREA................ 10
HK STUDENTS EXCEL IN INTERNATIONAL ESSaY CONTEST ............ 10
SHA TIN SLOGAN COMPETITION TO CLOSE SOON .................... 12
GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY QUARTERLY REPORT PUBLISHED.......... 12
FESTIVE LIGHTS TO GLOW IN TSUEN WAN.......................... 13
DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY GUIDELINES ON DB n.GEND«. ......... 13
MASTERCLASS BY RENOWED SAXOPHONIST .......................... 14
FINALS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST....... 15
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONES IN NORTH POINT ................... 15
RESTRICTED ZONES IN FaNLING ................................. 16
RESTRICTED ZONES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST ...................... 16
EARLY 'WELFARE PAYMENT....................................... 17
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
1
OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES* RELEASED ♦ * ♦ » ♦
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR DROPPED SLIGHTLY WHEN COMPARED WITH THAT OF THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BUT WAS AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN OCTOBER 1986, ACCORDING*TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND, MEASURED IN TERMS OF NUMBER OF MONTHS, REFERS TO THE POSITION AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1987 WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, WHILE THAT IN THE WEARING APPAREL, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES SHOWED SOME INCREASES.
WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, THE ORDERS POSITION IN OCTOBER 1987 DROPPED IN MOST INDUSTRIES, OF WHICH THE tPLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY RECORDED THE LARGEST DROP. ON THE OTHER HAND, AN IMPROVED ORDERS POSITION WAS RECORDED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SHOWED A DECREASE IN OCTOBER 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 AND WITH OCTOBER 1986.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1987 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, EMPLOYMENT IN THE PLASTIC' PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DROPPED CONSIDERABLY WHILE THAT IN THE OTHER INDUSTRIES SHOWED LITTLE OR NO CHANGE.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, EMPLOYMENT DECREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY, AND PARTICULARLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS. TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES INCREASED SLIGHTLY.
IN OCTOBER 1987, BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 AND WITH OCTOBER 1986.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1987 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, INCREASES IN PAYROLL WERE RECORDED IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, WEARING APPAREL AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES WHILST DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. THE LATTER INDUSTRIES ALSO RECORDED A SLIGHT DROP IN PER (’API TA EARNINGS OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
/COMPARING THE........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
2
COMPARING THE PAYROLL IN OCTOBER 1987 WITH THAT IN OCTOBER 1986, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN MOST INDUSTRIES SURVEYED EXCEPT THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. THE FORMER SHOWED NO CHANGE WHILE THE LATTER RECORDED A DROP. AS FOR PER CAPITA EARNINGS, ALL INDUSTRIES SURVEYED RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES OVER OCTOBER 1986.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER 1987 REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN SEPTEMBER 1987. HOWEVER, THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, THE OVERALL LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER 1987 WAS UNCHANGED OVER SEPTEMBER 1987 BUT PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS DECREASED. COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, EMPLOYMENT SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE ’ WHILE PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES. '
AMONG THE VARIOUS SERVICES SECTORS, THE PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES REPORTED MODERATE DECREASES IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, WHEREAS BANKS AND HOTELS REPORTED LIGHT INCREASES OR NO CHANGE. COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, HOTELS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 AND 2 BELOW.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES TN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
AS THE SAMPLE WAS NOT DRAWN ON A RANDOM BASIS, THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT THE MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE INDICATED BY THE SURVEY MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE. NEVERTHELESS, THESE RESULTS ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 1987 IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.50 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234820.
/TABLE 1 : ......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1?8?
•TABLE I : ORDERS-ON-HANI) IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY ORDERS-ON-HAND
INCREASE OVER
FOR OCT. 87 SEP. 87 OCT. 86
(MONTHS1 (%) (%)
ALL INDUSTRIES 4.35 -1 »
WEARING APPAREL 4.86 -1 2
TEXTILES 2.84 -1 -8
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.87 -11 -5
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.29 4 3
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.02 -1 3
OTHERS 4.21 -1 -3
TABLE 2 : EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/ SERVICES PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF OCT. 1987 PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INCREASE OVER INCREASE OVER
SEP. 87 OCT. 86 IN OCT. 87 SEP. 87 OCT. 86
(%) (%) (HK$) (%) (%)
MANUFACTURING -1 -3 3,802 2 1 1
FOOD AND DRINKS 1 2 4,471 t 1 1
WEARING APPAREL * -7 3.281 2 7
TEXTILES -1 1 3.811 -1 6
/PLASTIC PRODUCTS........
SUNDAY, D0CEMB® 20, 198?
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -5 -15 3,592 -1 12
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS « 1 3,613 -1 12*
ELECTRICAL AND » ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS ♦ 3,619 4 15
OTHERS ♦ -3 4,942 2 9
CONSTRUCTION # ♦ 5 5,476 ♦ 18
SERVICES * 2 6,491 -2 9
BANKS 4 5,889 * 9
HOTELS t -1 4,087 1 19
PUBLIC UTILITIES ♦ -1 6,868 -4 7
OTHERS 1 7 7,243 -2 9
♦ CHANGES WITHIN + /- 0.5% •
# PERSONS ENGAGED EMPLOYED BY LABOUR COVER -ONLY COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED. WORKERS
NOTE : UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND” AND ’PER CAPITA EARNINGS” WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE FIRMS SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.
SUNDAY. DECEMBER 20. 1987
- 5 -
"tenders invited TO PRE-QUAbIFY ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PREQUALIFICATTON OF TENDERERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF COMPUTERISED VEHICLE INSPECTION SYSTEMS AT KOWLOON BAY VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE VEHICLE TESTING AND INSPECTING EQUIPMENT FOR 10 LANES; THE ASSOCIATED COMPUTER FACILITIES FOR CONTROL AND OPERATION OF INSPECTING EQUIPMENT, LANE PROCESSING AND APPOINTMENT BOOKING; AND MISCELLANEOUS ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS.
TENDERS WILL BE INVITED NEXT APRIL.
DETAILS FOR THE PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED TN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
COPIES OF A BRIEF SPECIFICATION OF THE WORKS AND DRAWINGS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CONTRACT OFFICE OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE EIGHTH FLOOR OF 98, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY. HONG KONG.
PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FEBRUARY 12, 1988.
------0-------
REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS FOR CENTRAL. YUEN LONG ♦ ♦ ♦
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT THE JUNCTION OF BRIDGES AND SHING WONG STREETS IN CENTRAL.
THE NEW REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE A SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE ON AN AREA OF ABOUT 54 SQUARE METRES.
ITS EXTERNAL WALL WILL BE FINISHED WITH GLAZED MOSAIC TILES AND FIVE PLANTERS WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE ROOF TO BEAUTIFY THE STRUCTURE.
WORK WILL START NEXT MARCH AND TAKES 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 8.
MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT PING SHUN STREET, YUEN LONG, HAS JUST STARTED FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF AN $826,000 CONTRACT BY THE DEPARTMENT.
LOCATING ON A 133-SQUARE-METRE SITE, A SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE, TOGETHER WITH AN OFFICE AND A TOILET, WILL BE BUILT.
THE PROJECT, INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF FIRE SERVICES, VENTILATION AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS. WILL BE COMPLETED IN FIVE MONTHS.
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/6......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
- 6 -
TENDERS FOR RECREATION PROJECTS INVITED * ♦ ♦
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE IN CHAI WAN.
' THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SINGLE-STOREY BLOCKS TO HOUSE A CANTEEN AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES, WILL INVOLVE THE PROVISION OF A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATION FACILITIES.
IN ADDITION, TENNIS COURTS, SQUASH COURTS, A RACQUET COURT, A FIVES COURT, AN ARCHERY RANGE AND CHANGING ROOMS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MARCH AND COMPLETE IN JUNE 1989. IT WILL BE MANAGED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. #
TENDERS FOR THIS CONTRACT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 29.
• THE OPEN SPACE FOR CHAI WAN WILL BE SITUATED AT SHEUNG ON STREET, WHERE A PARK OF ABOUT 3,000 SQUARE METRES ENCOMPASSING TWO MINI-SOCCER PITCHES, SITTING-OUT AREAS AND A SWITCH ROOM WILL BE BUILT.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO TAKE PLACE BETWEEN MARCH AND OCTOBER NEXT YEAR. WHEN COMPLETED, THE OPEN SPACE WILL BE MANAGED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
TENDERS FOR THE OPEN SPACE MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON
JANUARY 8.
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ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT TO END TOMORROW * * ♦
THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ENTERS ITS FINAL DAY TODAY (SUNDAY).
MOTORISTS AND TAXI PASSENGERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE NORMAL TOLL OF $3 FOR EACH WAY AND THE PRE-EXPERIMENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE RESUMED AT 3 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
IN THE PAST FOUR WEEKS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSULTANT HAVE KEPT A CLOSE WATCH OVER THE IMPACT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXPERIMENT.
/A DIFFERENT .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198?
A DIFFERENT TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT WAS TRIED OUT DURING EACH OF THE FOUR WEEKS OF THE EXPERIMENT, EACH INVOLVING A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT MERGING ARRANGEMENT.
FINDINGS OF THE EXPERIMENT ARE STILL BEING ANALYSED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSULTANT. AN ASSESSMENT REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSULTANT WILL CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES ON OTHER POSSIBLE MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON.
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WAN CHAI RAISES FUNDS FOR CHARITY ♦ * * *
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND TV STAR MR IVAN HO TODAY (SUNDAY) JOINED FORCES TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST AT THE WAN CHAI CLEAN AND PLANT FOR CHARITY CAMPAIGN.
ARMED WITH BROOMS AND DUSTBINS, GUESTS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY XRRIED OUT A SYMBOLIC CLEAN UP AT THE JUNCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD AND i‘ /CFVA1 STREET IN CAUSEWAY BAY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW, SAID THE EVENT SERVED TO HEIGHTEN PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, IN ADDITION TO RAISING FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
HE THANKED MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORS OF THE CAMPAIGN FOR THEIR SUPPORT, AND URGED THEM TO GIVE THE SAME ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT TO THE WAN CHAI TEAM IN THE FORTHCOMING "HONG KONG WALK FOR MILLIONS".
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY TODAY WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHIU WAI-SHING; CHAIRMAN OF THE CLEAN AND PLANT FOR CHARITY COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST, MRS RADHE CHELLARAM; AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM.
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/8........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
8
GOVT DETERMINED IN ANTI-TRIAD DRIVE . * * * Al TRIAD SOCIETIES WERE NOT GLAMOUROUS BUT AN EVIL THE COMMUNITY COULD WELL BE WITHOUT, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
’’THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED IN ITS DRIVE AGAINST TRIADS AND FTS EFFORTS WILL BE RELENTLESS,” HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CRIME PREVENTION CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AT MORSE PARK, MR HYDES ADVISED THE MORE VULNERABLE YOUNG AGAINST JOINING TRIAD SOCIETIES.
”IF YOU JOIN, IT WILL ONLY BE A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE YOU WILL BE ADMITTED TO ONE OF MY DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTIONS AND YOUR FUTURE WILL BE JEOPARDISED,” HE SAID.
HE CALLED ON PARENTS AND SCHOOLS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN SUPERVISING AND GUIDING YOUNG PEOPLE.
MR HYDES ALSO PRAISED THE EFFORTS MADE BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IN ORGANISING THE CARNIVAL TO BRING HOME TO RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THE YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE.
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TRADE FAIR OPENS IN MONG KOK ♦ * * *
A SEVEN-DAY TRADE FAIR WAS OPENED TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND AS PART OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
GOODS AND SERVICES WERE DISPLAYED AND EXPERTS OF VARIOUS TRADES DEMONSTRATED THEIR SKILLS AT THE FAIR.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE FAIR, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG, SAID THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WITH THE THEME OF ’’HOME IN MONG KOK”, WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT AND PROMOTING TRADE ACTIVITIES.
SHE NOTED THAT THE HOLDING OF A TRADE FAIR WAS A RATHER NOVEL CONCEPT IN THE DISTRICT.
/’’AMONG OTHER..........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198?
9
’’AMONG OTHER THINGS, THERE ARE DISPLAYS ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF CLOTHING, FOOD, HOUSING AND TRANSPORT IN THE DISTRICT DEPICTING THE VIBRANT DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMERCIAL SECTOR,” SHE SAID.
THE FAIR WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM NOON TO 10 PM.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING WERE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHOW CHUN-FAI, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (KOWLOON), MR TOMMY CHOY.
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MORE COURSES ON SAFETY AWARENESS ♦ ♦ ♦ »
NEW COURSES ARE BEING OFFERED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO 'RIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF SAFETY AWARENESS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
ACCORDING TO A TRAINING PROGRAMME RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE, 195 BASIC AND ADVANCED COURSES WILL BE ORGANISED IN THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR.
THESE COURSES, LASTING FROM HALF A DAY TO FIVE DAYS, COVER INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION, CONSTRUCTION SAFETY AWARENESS, WORK AFETY IN CONFINED SPACES, AND HAZARDS AND SAFETY CONTROL IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
OTHER COURSES FOR FOREMEN, TECHNICIANS AND WORKERS INCLUDE i ECTRICAL SAFETY, MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDLING, SAFE USE OF ABRASIVE HEELS, El.ECTRICITY, SLINGING, MACHINERY AND POWER PRESS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THE CENTRE ALSO ORGANISED SPECIALIST TRAINING COURSES FOR SUPERVISORY STAFF FROM INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT.
THESE COVER HEARING CONSERVATION, ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION, LABELLING AND SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS, USE AND CONTROL OF ASBESTOS, AND WORK SAFETY IN COMPRESSED AIR (TUNNELLING) AND IN CAISSON.
”ALL COURSES ARE OFFERED FREE AND ARE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE SUBJECTS ARE UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW BY THE CENTRE AND ADDITIONAL CLASSES WILL BE ORGANISED FOR COURSES WHICH ARE OVER-SUBSCRIBED.”
PROSPECTUS AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CENTRE ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL AND ENROLMENT SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH EMPLOYERS.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
10 -
FESTIVE LIGHTINGS BRIGHTEN UP LUNG SHING AREA
♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LUNG SHING AREA OF KOWLOON CITY BRIGHTENED UP TONIGHT (SUNDAY) WHEN MORE THAN 10,000 LIGHT BULBS LINING THE MAIN STREETS WERE SWITCHED ON AT THE OPENING OF THE ’’LUNG SHING NIGHT” VARIETY SHOW.
OFFICIATING AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WERE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY CHAIRMAN, MR WONG CHUNG-MING; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG; AND LUNG SHING AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR LAU TAK.
A LARGE LIGHTING DESIGN FEATURING A DRAGON AND A CASTLE WALL HAS BEEN PUT UP OUTSIDE THE URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX AT NGA TSIN LONG ROAD. THE LIGHTS WILL BE TURNED ON DURING CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR AND LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS, COSTING ABOUT $200,000, WILL ENHANCE THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE LUNG SHING AREA, FORMERLY KNOWN AS KOWLOON CITY AND SAI TAU AREA, WAS RENAMED AFTER THE CLEARANCE OF SAI TAU VILLAGE LAST YEAR.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE VARIETY SHOW THIS EVENING INCLUDED A LION DANCE, A MAGIC SHOW, AND SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES.
THE LIGHTING DECORATIONS AND THE VARIETY SHOW WERE JOINTLY I'RESENTBD BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, LUNG SHING AREA < MMITTEE, AND, THE SPONSOR, THE KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
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HK STUDENTS EXCEL IN INTERNATIONAL ESSAY CONTEST
* * » » t
A SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENT HAS WON THE FOURTH PRIZE AND A TRIP TO KUALA LUMPUR WITH HER ENTRY IN AN INTERNATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN LONDON.
SHE IS IRENE YOUNG BICK-KWAN OF ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE WHO TOOK PART IN CLASS A OF THE COMPETITION FOR CANDIDATES AGED 16 TO 19 EARLY THIS YEAR.
SHE WAS AWARDED A CASH OF 15 POUND STERLING AND BOOKS WORTH 10 POUND STERLING BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN LONDON. IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY WOULD PRESENT HER A ROUND-TRIP TICKET TO KUALA LUMPUR WITH TWO NIGHTS’ ACCOMMODATION AT THE COMMONWEALTH HOUSE THERE, PLUS THE COST OF SIGHTSEEING AND HK$500 POCKET MONEY.
/TWO STUDENTS........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198?
TWO STUDENTS OF SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE, ANNE CHUNG SZE-MAN AND KATHERINE SZE, WERE BOTH HIGHLY COMMENDED WHILE CHIU CHIN-CHUNG OF ST. PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE WAS COMMENDED FOR THEIR ESSAYS IN THE SAME GROUP.
IN CLASS C OF THE COMPETITION FOR CANDIDATES AGED 12 TO 14, AMY NG OF DIOCESAN GIRLS SCHOOL AND TONI ZEN OF ST. MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE WERE BOTH HIGHLY COMMENDED, AND TWO OTHER GIRLS OF DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL, GRACE NGAI AND MONIQUE TANG, WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR ENTRIES.
BRIAN LAM OF DIOCESAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS ESSAY IN CLASS D FOR CANDIDATES UNDER THE AGE OF 12.
THE INTERNATIONAL ESSAY COMPETITION IS HELD ANNUALLY BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY TO ENCOURAGE COMMONWEALTH STUDIES.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO HAVE A FLAIR FOR ESSAY WRITING ARE NOW INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE 1987/88 ESSAY COMPETITION. ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE JANUARY 20 NEXT YEAR FOR THE PRELIMINARY ROUND OF JUDGING.
THE CONTEST IS OPEN TO FOUR GROUPS OF SCHOOL CHILDREN, NAMELY CLASS A FOR CANDIDATES AGED BETWEEN 16 AND UNDER 19 ON DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR, CLASS B FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 16, CLASS C BETWEEN 12 AND 14, AND CLASS D FOR THOSE UNDER THE AGE OF 12.
THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN LONDON WILL AWARD FOUR PRIZES FOR EACH OF THE FOUR CLASSES OF THE COMPETITION. THE WINNER OF CLASS A WILL BE AWARDED A RETURN FLIGHT FOR TWO FROM HONG KONG TO BRITAIN AND THE BEST ESSAY WRITER OF CLASS B WILL RECEIVE A PRIZE OF REGIONAL AIR TRAVEL FOR TWO. OTHER AWARDS INCLUDE CASH AND BOOK PRIZES RANGING FROM 10 POUND STERLING TO 50 POUND STERLING AND FROM 5 POUND STERLING TO 20 POUND STERLING RESPECTIVELY.
A SPECIAL PRIZE MAY BE AWARDED IN EACH CLASS TO A CANDIDATE WHO IS PHYSICALLY OR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
IN ADDITION, AN ATTRACTIVE PACKAGE OF PRIZES INCLUDING A ROUNDTRIP AIRFARE TO KUALA LUMPUR, ACCOMMODATION FOR TWO NIGHTS IN A HOTEL IN KUALA LUMPUR, SIGHTSEEING EXPEDITIONS AND HK$500 SPENDING MONEY WILL AGAIN BE OFFERED BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG FOR A PRIZE-WINNER TN CLASS A OF THE LOCAL ROUND OF COMPETITION.
THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WILL CONTINUE TO SPONSOR NEXT YEAR’S LOCAL ROUND OF COMPETITION WITH MORE ATTRACTIVE PRIZES. THE CHAMBER HAS INCREASED THE NUMBER OF PRIZES TO INCLUDE TEN CONSOLATION PRIZES AT HK$100 EACH TO BE AWARDED TO ENTRANTS TO ANY OF THE FOUR CLASSES WHOSE WORK IS COMMENDED BY THE LOCAL EXAMINERS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
SHA TIN SLOGAN COMPETITION TO CLOSE SOON * ♦ » » »
A SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED WRITERS WITH A CREATIVE MIND TO SUBMIT ENTRIES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION SLOGAN COMPETITION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
"THE COMPETITION, WHICH IS OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE AGED 15 OR ABOVE WHO EITHER LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN SHA TIN, WILL CLOSE ON DECEMBER 31," HE SAID.
THE SLOGAN, AIMED AT CALLING ON SOME 85,300 REGISTERED VOTERS IN SHA TIN TO VOTE IN THE DB ELECTION ON MARCH 10 NEXT YEAR, MUST BE IN CHINESE AND PREFERABLY NOT EXCEED 16 CHARACTERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE WOULD NOT BE ANY LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY A PARTICIPANT. HOWEVER, THE ENTRY MUST BE AN ORIGINAL WORK OF THE PARTICIPANT OR HE WOULD BE DISQUALIFIED.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE ALSO RESERVED THE RIGtlT TO USE ANY ENTRY IN ITS ORIGINAL OR AMENDED FORM FOR ANY OCCASION WITHOUT OBTAINING CONSENT FROM OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT FOR THE WRITER, HE ADDED.
THE ENTRY, TOGETHER WITH THE PARTICIPANT’S NAME, IDENTITY CARD NUMBER, ADDRESS, CONTACT PHONE NUMBER, NAME AND ADDRESS OF SCHOOL OR WORKING PLACE SHOULD BE SENT TO THE JUDGEMENT PANEL OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
WRITER OF THE BEST SLOGAN WILL BE AWARDED A CASSETTE-RECORDER.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED ON 0-6048078.
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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY QUARTERLY * * t *
REPORT PUBLISHED
THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1987, CONTAINING STATISTICS ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOR THE QUARTER, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED.
IT ALSO CONTAINS DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR FORCE, INCLUDING THEIR AGE AND SEX STRUCTURE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, ACTIVITY STATUS, OCCUPATION, INDUSTRY, HOURS WORKED PER WEEK, MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT EARNINGS AS WELL AS REASON FOR UNEMPLOYMENT AND DURATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE UNEMPLOYED.
COPIES OF THE REPORT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING.
- 0----------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
- 13 -
FESTIVE LIGHTS TO GLOW IN TSUEN WAN
* * * » *
DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON BY PEOPLE IN TSUEN WAN FOR CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR WILL START TO GLOW TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND ON EVERY EVENING UNTIL JANUARY 3.
A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY WILL BE OFFICIATED BY MRS RITA S.F. SUEN, WIFE OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ON THE PODIUM OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT TAI HO ROAD AT 6 PM TOMORROW.
THE MAIN ATTRACTION OF THE LIGHTING WILL BE PLACED AT THE ROUNDABOUT OPPOSITE THE TOWN HALL. APART FROM ENHANCING THE CHRISTMAS ATMOSPHERE, THE DESIGN OF THE DECORATION SHOWS FIGURES OF GOD OF FORTUNE AND A DRAGON, THE ZODIAC SIGN FOR THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR.
LIGHTS WILL ALSO BE FOUND ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN THE HUB OF THE DISTRICT IN THE VICINITY OF THE MTR STATION AND AT TAI HO ROAD AND SHA TSUI ROAD.
ALSO SPONSORED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, A CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL FEATURING SINGING, CHINESE OPERA AND GAME-STALLS WILL BE HELD ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND FROM 6 PM.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 6 PM ON THE PODIUM OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 21).
DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY GUIDELINES ON DB AGENDA * * * *
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S GUIDELINES ON A NEW SUBSIDY SCHEME TO SPONSOR DISTRICT FESTIVALS WILL BE A TOPIC OF DISCUSSION AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 22).
UNDER THE NEW SUBSIDY SCHEME, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL NOT BE DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE ORGANISATION OF DISTRICT FESTIVALS BUT WILL CONTRIBUTE IN THE FORM OF CASH SUBSIDY.
/FOR THE .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 198?
- 14 -
FOR THE YEAR 1988/89, SHA TIN IS SUBJECT TO A SPENDING LIMIT OF $800,000.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSED FUNDING ARRANGEMENT FOR PROJECTS ON FESTIVE CELEBRATION, ENTRUSTING WORK OF DB WORKING GROUPS TO OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS, APPLICATION FOR FUNDS AND CREATION OF SUBHEADS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 22) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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MASTERCLASS BY RENOWNED SAXOPHONIST » » » »
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT A MASTERCLASS BY AN INTERNATIONALLY FAMOUS SAXOPHONIST, MR DANIEL DEFFAYET, ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 24) FROM 10 AM TO NOON AT THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE.
MR DEFFAYET, REGARDED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST SAXOPHONIST, IS ACTIVE AS A CONCERT PERFORMER AND RECORDING ARTIST.
HE HAS ALSO CONDUCTED SAXOPHONE SEMINARS AND MASTERCLASSES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
HE IS PRESENTLY PROFESSOR OF SAXOPHONE AT THE PARIS NATIONAL CONSERVATORY, A POSITION HE HAS HELD SINCE 1968.
AT THE MASTERCLASS, MR DEFFAYET WILL SPEAK ON VARIOUS METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF PLAYING SAXOPHONE. SEVERAL STUDENTS WILL ALSO GIVE DEMONSTRATIONS.
ADMISSION TO THE MASTERCLASS IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. RESERVATIONS AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7226240 AND 5-8235321.
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/15........
SUNDAY. DECEMBER 20, 1987
- 15 -
FINALS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST
******
THE FINALS OF THE SIXTH CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SINGING CONTEST WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 4 AT 7.30 PM AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
THE CONTEST, AIMED AT PROMOTING INTEREST IN SINGING AND DISCOVERING SINGING TALENTS IN THE DISTRICT, IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN).
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE CONTEST COMPRISES THREE CATEGORIES --CLASSICAL MUSIC (SOLO SINGING), POP MUSIC (SOLO SINGING) AND POP MUSIC (GROUP SINGING).
THE FINALS WILL FEATURE GUEST PERFORMANCES BY A LOCAL POP GROUP, RAIDAS.
FREE ADMISSION COUPONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE”. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-283257 AND 5-8523002.
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TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONES IN NORTH POINT *****
TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF JAVA ROAD IN NORTH POINT WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23):
* FROM A POINT ABOUT 97.5 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KAM HONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 77 METRES EAST OF THE SAME
JUNCTION: AND
♦ FROM A POINT ABOUT 23 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN
CHIU STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES EAST OF THE SAME
JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PEAK HOUR (I.E. 7-10 AM AND 4-7 PM)
DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE AND THE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KAM HONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 77 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
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/16........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
. - 16 -
RESTRICTED ZONES IN FANLING ♦ » » t
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23), LOK YIP ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH TAI PO ROAD AND ROAD 2612 IN ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ALL VEHICLES, IMPLEMENTED ON TAI PO ROAD (ROAD DI) NORTHBOUND FROM A POINT ABOUT 130 METRES SOUTH OF FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME ROUNDABOUT, WILL BE RESCINDED.
ALSO, THE 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ALL VEHICLES ON ROAD L8 NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND ROAD 2612 TN ON LOK TSUEN WILL BE RESCINDED.
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RESTRICTED ZONES IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST
*****
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23), TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM DAILY:
THEY ARE :
* SCIENCE MUSEUM SQUARE BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* SCIENCE MUSEUM SQUARE BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 69 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 86 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1987
- 17 -
EARLY WELFARE PAYMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOKS MAY RECEIVE EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, DECEMBER 25 TO 27.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THEY MAY CASH THEIR COUPONS FROM DECEMBER 22 TO 24 RESPECTIVELY OR AFTER AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH C & W EXTENDED TO 2006 . . . 1
LEAFLET ON SAFE WAYS TO PREPARE VEGETABLES PRODUCED ....... 1
ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY LACKS SKILLED CRAFTSMEN: REPORT ........ 2
PUBLIC URGED TO STEP UP FIRE PREVENTION .................... 3
SEMINAR ON EFFECTS OF HARMONISED SYSTEM .................... U
ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY ....... 5
EASTERN SURVEY ON YOUTHS’ LEISURE.......................... 6
AWARDS FOR CAREERS QUIZ WINNERS...........................ii 7
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN WAN CHAI FACE DEMOLITION ..........i.i 7
PRIVATE LOT TO BE RESUMED FOR OPEN SPACE.................... 8
TAC TO MEET TOMORROW ..............................*.................. 9
'WELCOME' SIGNBOARDS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ................. 9
HK'S FIRST FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW .................. 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
♦ * * ♦ *
C & W EXTENDED TO 2006
THE EXISTING TECHNICAL SERVICES AGREEMENT (TSA) UNDER WHICH THE CABLE AND WIRELESS (HK) LTD (CWHK) PROVIDES THE GOVERNMENT WITH ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AT COST HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2006.
THE NEW AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BETWEEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CWHK, MR GREG CREW, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
I
THE NEW TSA WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1988 AND REMAIN IN FORCE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, 2006 TO COINCIDE WITH THE EXPIRY OF CWHK*S LICENCE TO OPERATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES FROM HONG KONG.
UNDER THE NEW TSA, THE COMPANY WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE SAME ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TO THE GOVERNMENT AT COST AS IT DOES AT PRESENT.
A
HOWEVER, SOME CHANGES TO THE PROCEDURAL AND FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO STREAMLINE THE WORKING OF THE AGREEMENT.
THE EXISTING TSA BECAME EFFECTIVE ON JANUARY 1, 1963 AND WILL EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31, 1987.
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LEAFLET ON SAFE WAYS TO PREPARE VEGETABLES PRODUCED ♦ » ♦ » »
THE RECENT INCIDENTS OF
FOOD POISONING BY CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES, THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH (MSB) HAS PRODUCED A LEAFLET PROVIDING GUIDANCE ON HOW TO AVOID CONSUMING VEGETABLES TAINTED WITH AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDE.
IN VIEW
OF
THE PUBLIC CONCERN OVER
FOOD POISONING
BY
COPIES OF THE LEAFLETS WILL BE AVAILABLE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES THURSDAY (DECEMBER 24).
MEANWHILE, BEGINNING TOMORROW (TUESDAY), "5-8916443", MAINTAINED BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION PROVIDE A RECORDED MESSAGE ON VEGETABLE HYGIENE.
FREE OF CHARGE AT
ADMINISTRATION FROM
A 24-HOUR HOTLINE, UNIT OF MSB, WILL
/THE TWO-MINUTE .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
THE TWO-MINUTE CANTONESE MESSAGE WILE GIVE ADVICE ON THE PROPER WAYS TO CLEAN VEGETABLES.
THEY ARE:-
A) WASH VEGETABLES THOROUGHLY WITH WATER,
B) SOAK THEM IN WATER FOR SOME TIME,
C) BLANCH THEM IN BOILING WATER FOR A WHILE AND DRAIN THE WATER,
D) COOK THEM THOROUGHLY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH ANY QUERIES THEIR QUESTIONS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER AFTER MESSAGE.
ARE WELCOME TO LEAVE HEARING THE RECORDED
THEIR QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED INDIVIDUALLY BY STAFF OF THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
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ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY LACKS SKILLED CRAFTSMEN: REPORT » » » * »
STEPPING UP TRAINING EFFORTS AND IMPROVING THE EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS FOR CRAFTSMEN WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF MANPOWER SHORTAGE FACED BY THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY.
THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL MADE THESE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE LIGHT OF FINDINGS OF A SURVEY WHICH REVEALED THAT THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY HAD EXPERIENCED GREAT DIFFICULTY IN RECRUITING CRAFTSMEN TRAINEES AND THE NECESSARY SKILLED PERSONNEL TO FILL SOME 1,100 VACANCIES AT CRAFTSMEN LEVEL.
THE BOARD ATTRIBUTED THE MANPOWER SHORTAGE TO THE HIGH WASTAGE OF CRAFTSMEN WHO HAD LEFT FOR BUILDING WORKS IN CHINA OR FOR JOBS IN SERVICING SECTORS WHICH OFFERED HIGHER SALARIES AND BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS.
IN ADDITION, THE PROVISION OF MORE SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES FOR FORM 3 STUDENTS HAD REDUCED THE POOL OF SUPPLY OF CRAFTSMEN TRAINEES. THE BOARD ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN AT THE RELUCTANCE OF
YOUNGSTERS TO JOIN INDUSTRY.
/THE SURVEY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
- 3 -
THE SURVEY CONDUCTED IN MARCH THIS YEAR SHOWED THAT THE DROP IN THE NUMBER OF CRAFTSMEN HAD BROUGHT THE INDUSTRY’S TOTAL MANPOWER DOWN FROM 58,000 IN 1985 TO 57,000 IN 1987.
WITH THE STRONG DEMAND FOR ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS IN OVERSEAS MARKET AND THE REVIVAL OF LOCAL BUILDING ACTIVITIES, THE BOARD EXPECTED THAT THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY WOULD GROW AT A STEADY PACE IN THE COMING YEARS.
THERE WOULD BE A STRONG DEMAND FOR PROPERLY TRAINED TECHNICAL MANPOWER AT ALL LEVELS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED COMPLEXITY AND SOPHISTICATION OF BUILDING SERVICES PROJECTS, AND THE STRINGENT SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS BEING ENFORCED IN THE INDUSTRY, THE BOARD OBSERVED.
IT, THEREFORE, RECOMMENDED THAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD TRAIN AT LEAST AN ADDITIONAL 260 TECHNOLOGISTS, 530 TECHNICIANS AND 1,400 CRAFTSMEN ANNUALLY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
THE REPORT ON THE SURVEY IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $16.50 A COPY.
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PUBLIC URGED TO STEP UP FIRE PREVENTION *****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY (MONDAY) ADVISED TO EXERCISE EXTRA CARE TO PREVENT FIRE IN VIEW OF YESTERDAY’S RECORD DAILY TOTAL OF 226 FIRE CALLS.
A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT OF THESE, 106 WERE VEGETATION FIRES.
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ALSO CALLED ON RESIDENTS TO TAKE SPECIAL CARE IN HANDLING FIRES WHEN THEY VISIT THE COUNTRY PARKS IN THE COMING HOLIDAY PERIOD.
BOTH DEPARTMENTS CITED THE EXCEPTIONALLY DRY WEATHER AS THE MAIN REASON FOR THE GREAT NUMBER OF FIRES. HOWEVER, SOME CARELESS CITIZENS, INCLUDING MANY PICNICKERS, SHOULD ALSO BE BLAMED.
THE RECENT DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS HAD RENDERED THE COUNTRYSIDE EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO FIRES AND A SINGLE SPARK MIGHT CAUSE IMMEASURABLE DAMAGE TO PARK PLANTATIONS, AFD’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR S.P. LAU, SAID.
HE REVEALED THAT OVER THE WEEKEND, CARELESSNESS BY SOME PICNICKERS HAD CAUSED 11 FIRES IN VARIOUS COUNTRY PARKS, DAMAGING MORE THAN 6,500 TREES AND 184 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND.
/"THIS HAS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 198?
- 4 -
"THIS HAS BROUGHT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FIRES IN COUNTRY PARKS DURING THE CURRENT FIRE SEASON TO 106, WITH A DAMAGE TOLL OF MORE THAN 21,000 TREES AND 512 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND.
"VIRTUALLY ALL OF THEM COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF BASIC PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES HAVE BEEN OBSERVED," MR LAU SAID.
THESE MEASURES ARE:
* EXTINGUISH MATCHES AND CIGARETTE ENDS PROPERLY;
* LIGHT FIRES ONLY AT DESIGNATED BARBECUE PITS, OR BETTER STILL, BRING PRE-COOKED FOOD; AND
* REPORT ANY FIRE OUTBREAK TO THE NEAREST COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE OR CALL 999.
MR LAU SAID: "TO KEEP THE FIRE DAMAGE TO A MINIMUM, THE DEPARTMENT IS STEPPING UP PREVENTIVE MEASURES WHICH INCLUDE MORE FREQUENT PATROLS BY PARK WARDENS AND CIVIL AID SERVICES MEMBERS, AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF MORE AFD AND CAS PERSONNEL ON STANDBY DUTIES DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
"IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF WATER TANKS HAVE BEEN BUILT AT STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS WITH LARGE PLANTATIONS TO FACILITATE FIRE FIGHTING OPERATION IN THE EVENT OF A FIRE."
HE SAID THAT THE ONUS OF PREVENTING FIRE OUTBREAKS RESTED WITH THE PUBLIC.
"I WOULD, THEREFORE, APPEAL TO THEM TO BE MORE CAREFUL, MORE THOUGHTFUL AND MORE CIVIC-MINDED SO THAT EVERYONE CAN ENJOY A FIRE-FREE FESTIVE SEASON," HE ADDED.
MR LAU ADDED THAT ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES IN COUNTRY PARKS IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT.
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SEMINAR ON EFFECTS OF HARMONISED SYSTEM » » ♦ »
A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TO EXPLAIN TO THE TRADING SECTOR THE EFFECTS OF THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM (THE HARMONISED SYSTEM OR HS) WAS OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE, AT CITY HALL CONCERT HALL THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO EXPLAIN THE KEY CHANGES ARISING FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARMONISED SYSTEM FROM JANUARY 1, 1988 AND TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE TRADING SECTOR TO RAISE QUESTIONS.
/THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 198?
- 5
THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR SEMINAR INCLUDED BRIEFING SESSIONS FOR VARIOUS MARKETS EACH GIVEN BY AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND HIS OFFICERS.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HARMONISED SYSTEM WILL BRING ABOUT RE-CATEGORISATION OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS UNDER HONG KONG’S BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENTS WITH ITS TRADING PARTNERS.
ALSO, WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW SYSTEM. APPLICANTS FOR EXPORT LICENCE (TEXTILES) FORM 4 AND EXPORT AUTHORISATION WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER HONG KONG HS CODES IN PLACE OF STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) CODES, WHILE APPLICANTS FOR CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN (FORM A) WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER HS CODES IN PLACE OF CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL NOMENCLATURE (CCCN) CODES.
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ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
*****
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY WILL BE HELD AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL BETWEEN DECEMBER 29 AND 31 (TUESDAY TO THURSDAY).
THE THREE-DAY PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION AND QUIZZES ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MEASURES APPLICABLE TO MAJOR LOCAL INDUSTRIES SUCH AS TEXTILES, CLOTHING, PLASTICS, ELECTRONICS AND METAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ATTENDING THESE ACTIVITIES MAY ALSO RECEIVE FREE TESTS ON LUNG FUNCTION AND BLOOD PRESSURE.
ACTIVITIES OF THE "PROMOTION SCHEME ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY" ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SCHEME AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, DR ALEXANDER LAI, TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE SCHEME, ENTERING ITS THIRD YEAR, HAD BEEN VERY WELL RECEIVED BY BOTH THE EMPLOYERS AND FACTORY WORKERS.
"WE HAVE STARTED THE SCHEME BECAUSE MANY RESIDENTS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT, BEING AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE, ARE FACTORY WORKERS.
"THERE IS A GENUINE NEED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION ON OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES AND SAFETY MEASURES SO AS TO AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS TOWARDS PREVENTION," HE SAID.
/HR LAI........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
- 6
MR LAI POINTED OUT THAT THE AIM OF THE SCHEME WAS TO MAKE THE PUBLIC AWARE THAT MOST INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS COULD BE AVOIDED IF THE EMPLOYERS WOULD PROVIDE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES, WHILE THE WORKERS WOULD IN TURN COMPLY WITH SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
’’MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE HOPE THEY WOULD APPRECIATE HOW SIMPLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES COULD BENEFIT THEIR PRODUCTIVITY AND CAREERS IN THE LONG TERM," HE STRESSED.
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EASTERN SURVEY ON YOUTHS’ LEISURE
*****
A SURVEY ON YOUTHS’ LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND CULTURAL PARTICIPATION HAS CURRENTLY BEEN CONDUCTED BY THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE CENTRE OF HONG KONG STUDIES OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG IN THE DISTRICT.
THE PROJECT WAS AIMED AT FINDING OUT THE BASIC PATTERN OF YOUTHS’ LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND THEIR EXPECTATION OF THESE ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS RELATED FACILITIES.
OTHER SOCIAL ELEMENTS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND FAMILY FACTORS WHICH AFFECT THE PATTERN OF ACTIVITIES PARTICIPATED BY YOUTH WILL ALSO BE EXPLORED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SURVEY WORKING GROUP, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, HOPES THAT THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WOULD PROVIDE USEFUL BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL IN PLANNING FUTURE COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
SOME 500 YOUNG RESIDENTS, AGED BETWEEN 12 TO 25, WILL BE SELECTED BY RANDOM SAMPLING TO ANSWER SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES LATER THIS MONTH.
THE FINDINGS WILL BE RELEASED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CARITAS YOUTH AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE SECTION.
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/7........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
AWARDS FOR CAREERS QUIZ WINNERS ♦ » »
THE SIXTH CAREERS QUIZ ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED.
THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 110,000 FORM 3 TO FORM 5 STUDENTS FROM 248 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE EVENT, COMPARED WITH 100,000 STUDENTS FROM 214 SCHOOLS LAST YEAR.
THE QUIZ, SPONSORED BY SHUN HING ELECTRONIC TRADING COMPANY, WAS AIMED AT MAKING STUDENTS AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CAREER SELECTION AS WELL AS ENCOURAGING THEM TO UNDERTAKE RESEARCH IN CAREERS AND FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23) AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, AND THE ASSISTANT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SHUN HING ELECTRONIC TRADING COMPANY, MR K.L. TONG, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HEU) AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, AT 3.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23).
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN WAN CHAI FACE DEMOLITION
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 25 FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE MADE ON A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN WAN CHAI BEFORE DEMOLISHING THEM.
THE CLOSURE WILL APPLY TO THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLATS A, B, C AND D ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF 233-243 LOCKHART ROAD.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE ORDERS WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (MONDAY).
/A SPOKESMAN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
- 8
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID THE OWNERS HAD BEEN TOLD ON AUGUST 3, 1985 TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES THEMSELVES UNDER THE
BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, BUT HAD NOT DONE SO.
"CLOSING THE STRUCTURE IS NECESSARY SO THAT DEMOLITION CAN BE ARRIED OUT WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WOULD TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED.
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PRIVATE LOT TO BE RESUMED FOR OPEN SPACE
* « « «
A PRIVATE LOT IN WAN CHAI ON HONG KONG ISLAND IS TO BE RESUMED FOR A PUBLIC OPEN SPACF PROJECT.
THE PROPERTY, WITH AN AREA OF 70.2 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT 7 TRIANGLE STREET.
IT IS WITHIN A SITE NOW OCCUPIED BY NOS. 1-25 TAI WO STREET (ODD NUMBERS) AND NOS. 4-7 TRIANGLE STREET, WHICH WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE FOR A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND SITTING OUT AREA ACCORDING TO THE WAN CHAI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE OTHER PROPERTIES ON THE SITE HAVE BEEN OWNED AND MANAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START IN LATE 1988 FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1989.
THE RESUMPTION NOTICE HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND POSTED ON THE PROPERTY WHICH WILL REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT ON THE EXPIRY OF THREE MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF POSTING.
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/9........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
- 9 -
TAC TO MEET TOMORROW
* * » t »
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO EXAMINE THE NUMBER AND SEATING CAPACITY OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS A REVIEW OF THE ROLE AND OPERATION OF Ml DIBUSES. ,
IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON A FINAL REPORT OF THE TAC SUB-COMMITTEE TO REVIEW KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN ROOM B, FIRST FLOOR, LEGISLATIVE OUNCIL BUILDING, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL, AT 2.30 PM.
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'WELCOME' SIGNBOARDS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA » » » « »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI TRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF "WELCOME" SIGNBOARDS IN ■>E DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER A DOCUMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLEARANCES IN THE DISTRICT IN 1988-89, AND THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
A WRITTEN QUESTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AT STUBBS ROAD WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD'S NV IRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 8TH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.
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/1O........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
10 -
HE’S FIRST FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW * * ♦ * ♦
A LARGE-SCALE, INNOVATIVE JOINT EXHIBITION OF FLOWERS, BIRDS, INSECTS AND FISH WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG FOR THE FIRST TIME BETWEEN WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23) AND DECEMBER 27 AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE FIRST NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW IS AN EVOLUTION OF AN ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW STAGED IN NORTH DISTRICT FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS.
WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHOW ON WEDNESDAY.
SHE WILL ALSO PRESENT AN OVERALL CHAMPION TROPHY TO THE BEST EXHIBIT IN THE FLOWER SECTION.
COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD FOR FIVE CATEGORIES OF FLOWERS AND PLANTS ON DISPLAY; NAMELY, POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, BONSAI TYPE PLANTS AND ORCHIDS.
OTHER EXHIBITS WILL BE PROVIDED BY INDIVIDUAL FLOWER EXPERTS AND FLORAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID ASSOCIATION.
PARROTS FROM SOUTH AMERICA AND OTHER COLORFUL SPECIES OF TROPICAL FOREST BIRDS, AS WELL AS A GREAT VARIETY OF GOLDFISH WILL BE THE MAIN ATTRACTION PROVIDED BY THE OCEAN PARK.
SOME 60 PAINTINGS AND 30 WOODEN SCULPTURES OF BIRDS WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.
THE INSECT SECTION WILL FEATURE A NUMBER OF HARMFUL AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS, BEE HIVES AND A PRIVATE COLLECTION OF LIZARDS.
THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF FRINGE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS PHOTO COMPETITION, BEE SHOWS AND TALKS ON BIRD WATCHING, IKEBANA, DRY FLOWER AND ORCHID CULTIVATION. VISITORS WILL ALSO BE TREATED TO A POP CONCERT, CHINESE FOLK DANCE AND FILIPINO MUSIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE FIRST NORTH DISTRICT (1987) FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW BY LADY WILSON AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND AT 10.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23).
TRANSPORT FOR THE PRESS WILL BE PROVIDED. TWO GOVERNMENT VEHICLES WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 9 AM.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1987
11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE » » ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 61.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 358.963 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 356.313 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 60.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST STEPS TAKEN TO REDUCE AGE OF MAJORITY ................... 1
TAC ACCEPTS REPORT ON KMB'S FIVE-YEAR PLAN .................... 2
COMMITTEE CN SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION meets ......................................................... 3
RC SURPLUS BUDGET ADOPTED ..................................... 4
RC POLICY CW COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP SPELT OUT ................. 5
LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE AVAILABLE ................. 6
WARNING ON ILLEGAL ANIMAL, PLANT IMPORT ....................... 7
ENROIMENT BEGINS FOR TOURISM COURSE ........................... 8
POSTER DESIGNS INVITED FOR COURTESY CAMPAIGN ................. 9
WORK ON HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION PHASE II SOON ................ 9
SALT WATER INTAKE PIPELINE FOR CHAI WAN ...................... 10
BUS ROUTE ON TUFF MUN COMMITTEE AGENDA ....................... 10
OB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND APPLICATIONS .................... 11
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS TO SING CAROLS........................... 11
STAMPS FOR YEAR OF DRAGON .................................... 12
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ...................................... 12
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN................ 13
DTC LICENCE REVOKED .......................................... 13
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
FIRST STEPS TAKEN TO REDUCE AGE OF MAJORITY
* « » »
THE FIRST STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN IN IMPLEMENTING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION'S REPORT ON 'YOUNG PERSONS - EFFECTS OF AGE IN CIVIL LAW", A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE MAJORITY OF THE REPORT’S PROPOSALS HAD BEEN APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND PREPARATIONS WERE BEING MADE FOR AMENDING LEGISLATION TO BE DRAFTED TO IMPLEMENT THE CHANGES.
THE EFFECT OF ADOPTING THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS WILL BE IN GENERAL TO REDUCE THE AGE OF MAJORITY FROM 21 TO 18.
ONCE THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSALS ARE IMPLEMENTED, A PERSON WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A VALID WILL AT THE AGE OF 18 INSTEAD OF 21. HE WILL ALSO BE FULLY LIABLE AT LAW FOR CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO ONCE HE BECOMES 18.
CONTRACTS (SUBJECT TO CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS) CANNOT BE ENFORCED AGAINST A MINOR. THE REDUCTION OF THE AGE OF MAJORITY FROM 21 TO 18 WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THOSE OVER 18 TO ENTER INTO BINDING CONTRACTS.
OTHER EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED REDUCTION IN THE AGE OF MAJORITY INCLUDE THE FACT THAT CUSTODY AND WARDSHIP ORDERS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO BE MADE IN RESPECT OF PERSONS WHO HAVE ATTAINED 18 YEARS OF AGE.
IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO LOWER FROM 21 TO 18 THE AGE AT WHICH A PERSON MAY BECOME A COMPANY DIRECTOR.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT INTEND TO ADOPT THE COMMISSION’S VIEW ON THREE MATTERS.
IN ITS REPORT, PUBLISHED IN APRIL 1986, THE COMMISSION FAVOURED REDUCING FROM 21 TO 18 THE AGE AT WHICH A PERSON MAY MARRY WITHOUT PARENTAL CONSENT.
FOLLOWING EXTENSIVE PUBLIC CONSULTATION, THE GOVERNMENT WAS SATISFIED THAT SUCH A CHANGE WOULD BE CONTRARY TO THE MAJORITY VIEW AND DECIDED TO LEAVE THE EXISTING RESTRICTION UNALTERED.
ON THE MAXIMUM AGE AT WHICH A PERSON MAY BF. ADOPTED, THE COMMISSION’S REPORT FAVOURED RETAINING THE AGE OF 21 YEARS. THE GOVERNMENT NOW PROPOSES TO REDUCE THAT AGE TO 18 YEARS IN LINE WITH THE GENERAL TENOR OF THE PACKAGE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL GRANT FULL LEGAL CAPACITY TO A PERSON AT 18 RATHER THAN THE PRESENT AGE OF 21.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ADOPTION WAS APPROPRIATE ONLY IN RESPECT OF MINORS AND IE THE AGE OF MAJORITY WAS NOW TO BE REDUCED TO 18 IN MOST CIRCUMSTANCES, IT WOULD BE ANOMALOUS NOT TO DO THE SAME IN RESPECT OF THE AGE OF ADOPTION.
/ONE OTHER
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198?
ONE OTHER AREA WHERE THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT ADOPTED THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S APPROACH CONCERNED TRUSTEES AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES.
CONTRARY TO THE COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL THAT THE AGE RESTRICTIONS ON THE APPOINTMENT OF SOLE TRUSTEES AND PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE REDUCED TO 18 YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERS THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO CHANGE TO THE EXISTING LAW.
EXPLAINING THIS VIEW, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN PERSUADED BY THE POINT MADE BY ONE MEMBER OF THE COMMISSION THAT A DISTINCTION COULD BE DRAWN BETWEEN A CAPACITY TO DEAL WITH ONE’S OWN PROPERTY OR ESTATE AND BEING PERMITTED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROPERTY OR ESTATE OF OTHERS, PARTICULARLY WHERE THE INTERESTS OF OTHER YOUNG PERSONS WERE CONCERNED.
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TAC ACCEPTS REPORT ON KMB’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN
t * » t t
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE FINAL REPORT BY ITS SUB-COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE IVE-VEAR PLAN (1987 -1991) OF THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB) AT ,\ MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE SUB-COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN NOVEMBER 1986 TO STUDY THE IoRMULATtON AND ASSESSMENT OF KMB’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN WITH PARTICULAR Ri.cARD Tn ITS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (RDP), FLEET REQUIREMENT, DEPOT PROGRAMME, OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, AND PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME; AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO TAC REGARDING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE PLAN.
ON APRIL 21 THIS YEAR, TAC ENDORSED THE SUB-COMMITTEE’S FIRST REPORT WHICH COVERED THE RDP, BUS ACQUISITION AND DEPOT PROGRAMME.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE HAD HELD 10 MEETINGS BEFORE SUBMITTING TO TAC THE FINAL REPORT, WHICH COVERED KMB’S OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME.
THE SUB-COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT KMB’S PREPARATION OF ITS FIVE-YEAR PLAN WAS GENERALLY TN ORDER BUT FOUND THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF SOME BUS ROUTES WERE NOT ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY.
IT RECOMMENDED THAT THE MONITORING OF ROUTING ARRANGEMENTS COULD BE IMPROVED WITH THE ADVICE OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
/IN RESPECT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198?
IN RESPECT OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME, TAC NOTED THE VIEWS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, FINANCIAL MONITORING UNIT AND KMB WHICH WERE FULLY DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.
THE COMMITTEE THEREFORE CONCLUDED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE OBSERVATIONS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE TO AIM AT ENCOURAGING BUS COMPANY IMPROVEMENTS IN OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF INVESTMENTS, AND AVOID UNJUSTIFIED EXCESSIVE EXPANSION OF CAPITAL ASSETS.
THE THOROUGH STUDY MADE BY THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON KMB’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN HAD GREATLY ASSISTED TAC IN SEEKING FURTHER IMPROVEMENT TO FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES.
TAC ALSO NOTED THE EXISTING POLICY ON THE NUMBER AND SEATING CAPACITY OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES (PLB) AND THE ROLE AND OPERATION OF MIDIBUS SERVICES.
TN THEIR REVIEW, THE COMMITTEE HAD LOOKED INTO VARIOUS FACTORS INCLUDING POLICY CONSIDERATIONS, IMPACT ON OTHER OPERATORS, AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.
BECAUSE OF THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED, IT CONSIDERED THAT ALL VIEWS MUST BE TAKEN INTO FULL ACCOUNT.
ACCORDINGLY, MEETINGS WITH PLB OPERATORS AND OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES WILL BE ARRANGED SHORTLY AND COMMENTS MADE BY ALL WILL BE ( Ah'I FULLY EXAMINED BEFORE A FINAL RECOMMENDATION IS MADE.
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COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION MEETS
* » » » »
THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION HELD ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE COMPOSITION AND SCHEDULE OF WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.
MEMBERS CONCLUDED THAT THE EXISTING MEMBERSHIP WAS ADEQUATE FOR THE PURPOSE.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO AGREED THAT SHOULD THE NEED ARISE IN FUTURE, SUB-COMMITTEES COULD BE SET UP ENLISTING HELP FROM OTHER EXPERTS IN THE RELEVANT AREAS.
THE COMMITTEE AGREED THAT IT WILL INITIALLY EXAMINE THE NEED FOR LICENSING THE PROVISION OF SERVICES IN SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION TO ENSURE QUALITY OF SERVICE PROVIDED, AND TO DISCUSS THE CONTROVERSIAL SUBJECT OF SURROGACY.
/WHILE THESE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
WHILE THESE TWO TOPICS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE NEXT MEETING ON JANUARY 15, 1988, SUBSEQUENT MEETINGS, TO BE HELD MONTHLY, WILL EXAMINE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION, IN-VITRO FERTILISATION, EGG DONATION, EMBRYO DONATION, EMBRYO RESEARCH AND OTHER ISSUES AS THEY ARISE.
MEANWHILE, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO MAKE KNOWN TO THE COMMITTEE, THROUGH THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THEIR VIEWS ON THE ISSUES TO BE EXAMINED.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT MORE EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO DISSEMINATE INFORMATION ON THE TECHNIQUES INVOLVED IN SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION TO ENHANCE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THE ISSUE.
THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY DR LEUNG CHI-HUNG, WAS RECENTLY SET UP TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE SOCIAL, MORAL, ETHICAL AND LEGAL ISSUES ARISING FROM LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRODUCTIVE TECHNOLOGY DESIGNED TO HELP INFERTILE WOMEN TO HAVE BABIES.
MEMBERS INCLUDE MR CHRISTOPHER CHAN, SOLICITOR; MR JIMSON CHAN, SOCIAL WORKER; DR FANNY CHEUNG, LECTURER IN PSYCHOLOGY; DR CONRAD LAM, LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER; MRS PEGGY LAM, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION; DR LAW CHI-L1M, GYNAECOLOGIST; AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH.
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RC SURPLUS BUDGET ADOPTED ♦ ♦ » ♦
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1988-89 WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) ADOPTED AT ITS FULL COUNCIL MEETING.
PRESIDED OVER BY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE MEETING WAS TOLD THAT ESTIMATED REVENUE FOR 1988-89 WOULD STAND AT $1,631 MILLION WHILE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE WOULD BE IN THE REGION OF $1,253 MILLION, RESULTING TN A BUDGETED SURPLUS OF ABOUT $378 MILLION.
AND THE COUNCIL’S RESERVE WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE FURTHER FROM $254 MILLION TO $416 MILLION RY MARCH 31, 1988 AND TO $794 MILLION BY MARCH 31, 1989.
THE BUDGETED REVENUE FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR WOULD COME MAINLY FROM RATES AT ABOUT $1,168 MILLION.
THERE WOULD ALSO BE A GRANT OF $273.6 MILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT UNDER A NEW FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE COUNCIL AND THE GOVERNMENT.
/THE BALANCE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
- 5 -
THE BALANCE OF REVENUE WOULD COME FROM INTEREST OR BANK DEPOSITS, FEES AND CHARGES THE COUNCIL COLLECTED IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.
EXPENDITURE WOULD MAINLY BE COVERED BY FOUR AREAS. FIRST OF ALL, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES WOULD BE GETTING THE BIGGEST SHARE, ESTIMATED TO BE $572 MILLION OR 45.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE.
SERVICES IN THIS RESPECT INCLUDE PUBLIC CLEANSING, MANAGEMENT OF MARKETS, CONTROL OF HAWKERS AND MANAGING CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA.
SECOND ON THE LIST WAS THE PROVISION OF RECREATION AND CULTURE ACTIVITIES AT $422 MILLION, OR 33.6 PER CENT OF THE OVERALL SPENDING PLAN.
THE BUDGETED AMOUNT WOULD BE USED IN MANAGING RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES AND AMENITIES, PROMOTING AND PROVIDING RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES AND PROVIDING CULTURAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES AS WELL AS MUSEUM SERVICES.
ABOUT $114 MILLION OR 9.1 PER CENT OF THE EXPENDITURE BUDGET, HAD BEEN ALLOTED FOR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMMES.
AS FOR ADMINISTRATION AND GENERAL SUPPORT, SOME $145 MILLION OR 11.6 PER CENT HAD BEEN ASSIGNED FOR THE RUNNING OF DAY-TO-DAY COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT OPERATION.
DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS WERE ALSO INFORMED THAT THE COUNCIL HAD ESTIMATED A SURPLUS OF $162 MILLION FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, SOME $97 MILLION HIGHER THAN THE ORIGINAL FORECAST.
BY THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR, THE COUNCIL’S TOTAL REVENUE WOULD BE $1,099.9 MILLION WHILE TOTAL EXPENDITURE WOULD BE $937.9 MILLION.
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RC POLICY ON COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP SPELT OUT *****
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S POLICY ON THE ACCEPTANCE SPONSORSHIP FOR ITS PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES WAS 1ODAY OUT AND ADOPTED AT THE COUNCIL’S MONTHLY OPEN MEETING.
OF COMMERCIAL (TUESDAY) SPELT
FIRST AND FOREMOST, SPONSORSHIP WOULD ONLY BE ACCEPTED THE COUNCIL’S IMAGE AS A PUBLIC BODY OF INTEGRITY WAS NOT IN ANY JEOPARDISED BECAUSE OF THE SPONSORSHIP.
WHEN WAY
IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY, SPONSORSHIP BY COMPANIES WHOSE PRODUCTS INCLUDED TOBACCO PRODUCTS WAS NOT ALLOWED, MEMBERS NOTED.
/IT WAS .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
- 6 -
IT WAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE BACKGROUND, GENERAL REPUTATION AND RESPECTABILITY OF THE DONOR OR SPONSOR SHOULD BE CAREFULLY EXAMINED BEFORE ACCEPTING SPONSORSHIP PROPOSALS.
SPONSORSHIP WITH COMMERCIAL OR ADVERTISING CONNOTATIONS WAS ACCEPTABLE PROVIDED IT WAS IN GOOD TASTE, JUDGED ACCORDING TO THE SOCIAL NORMS WHEN PREVAILING.
IN CASE OF DONATION IN KIND, SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF SOUVENIRS AND PRIZES FOR A FUN FAIR BY A TOYS MANUFACTURER, THE COUNCIL RETAINED THE RIGHT TO REMOVE, RESITE OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF THE GIFT.
THESE WERE THE MAJOR PRINCIPLES OF POLICY WHEN THE COUNCIL CONSIDERED A SPONSORSHIP IN CASH OR IN KIND BY COMMERCIAL FIRMS, ORGANISATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS, WHICH MET PART OR THE ENTIRE BUDGET OF CERTAIN EXPENDITURE ITEMS OF AN EVENT, SUCH AS THE PRINTING OF POSTER OR PAYMENT FOR A FIREWORKS DISPLAY.
4
THE POLICY WOULD BE MADE KNOWN TO POTENTIAL SPONSORS AND TO ORGANISATIONS WHO SOUGHT COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP FOR ACTIVITIES JOINTLY PRESENTED WITH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
TODAY’S MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY COUNCIL (’HAIRMAN, MR (’HEUNG YAN-LUNG.
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LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE AVAILABLE
» ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN TOLO HARBOUR AND TOLO CHANNEL AREA (AREA NUMBER 11), TIU YUE WAN (ANGLER’S BEACH) AND ENVIRONS (AREA NUMBER 11A), AND MUI WO ENVIRONS (AREA NUMBER 11B).
THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED FREE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE FARMERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO ADOPT THE ’’DRY MUCK-OUT” METHOD IN DISPOSING OF LIVESTOCK WASTES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) SAID THAT ’’DRY MUCK-OUT” WAS ONE OF THE PRACTICES AVAILABLE TO LOCAL FARMERS AND WAS THE METHOD APPROPRIATE FOR MOST FARMS BECAUSE IT WAS SIMPLE AND CHEAP TO OPERATE.
IT INVOLVES THE REMOVAL OF THE MANURE SOLIDS WHICH ARE THEN PLACED IN BINS. THIS IS FOLLOWED BY HOSING DOWN THE LIVESTOCK SHEDS WITH THE WASTEWATER FLOWING TO A SOAKAWAY.
/the WASTE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR. UNDER THIS ORDINANCE, A LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE ABOVE-MENTIONED AREAS AS FROM JUNE 24 NEXT YEAR, AND IN OTHER AREAS AT A LATER DATE, SUBJECT TO THE PASSING OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION.
TO ASSIST FARMERS IN PREPARING FOR AND COMPLYING WITH THE CONTROL SCHEME, EPD WILL PROVIDE TECHNICAL ADVICE ON THE MOST APPROPRIATE WASTE MANAGEMENT METHODS TO INDIVIDUAL FARMS.
THE EPD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE ORDINANCE, LIVESTOCK KEEPING WOULD BE PROHIBITED ENTIRELY IN URBAN AREAS AND IN PARTS OF THE NEW TOWNS AS FROM JUNE 24 NEXT YEAR.
LIVESTOCK FARMERS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THE COLLECTION SERVICE ARE REQUESTED TO DRY MUCK-OUT THE LIVESTOCK WASTES AND PLACE THEM IN COVERED PLASTIC BINS. THE BINS SHOULD BE DELIVERED TO DESIGNATED COLLECTION POINTS WHERE THE WASTES SHOULD BE TRANSFERRED INTO THE LIVESTOCK WASTE BINS PROVIDED BY EPD.
ENQUIRIES ON THE COLLECTION SERVICE OFFICER, MR WAI CHO-ON, ON 0-902234.
CAN
BE DIRECTED TO EPD
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WARNING ON ILLEGAL ANIMAL, PLANT IMPORT
*****
ANY TRIPS
AND
THE PUBLIC WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) ADVISED NOT TO BRING BACK ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS OR PLANTS ON THEIR RETURN FROM ABROAD UNLESS THEY HAVE PRIOR PERMISSION FROM THE AGRICULTURE
FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR DOING SO.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER, MR M.K. SAID: "DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD, CONTROL MEASURES AT ALL POINTS WILL BE STEPPED UP TO CHECK ON TRAVELLERS WHO MAY THE LAW BY ILLEGALLY BRINGING IN ANY SUCH SPECIES INCLUDING STUFFED SPECIMENS AS WELL AS PARTS OR DERIVATIVES.
CHEUNG,
IMMIGRATION
CONTRAVENE
LIVE AND
"WE TAKE SUCH OFFENCES SERIOUSLY AND OFFENDERS PROSECUTIONS, HEAVY FINES AND FORFEITURE OF THE SPECIMENS.
WILL FACE
SO FAR THIS YEAR, MR CHEUNG SAID, THERE WERE SOME 380 CASES IN BREACH OF THE IMPORTATION RESTRICTIONS UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE, INVOLVING LIVE AND STUFFED SPECIMENS AND THEIR DERIVATIVES. THERE WERE 400 CASES IN 198b AND 300 CASES IN 1985.
"AMONG THE CASES IN RECENT MONTHS, SOME INVOLVED SUCH HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES AS GIANT SALAMANDERS, PANGOLINS AND OWLS.
/THE REMAINDER
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1$87
THE REMAINDER OF THE CASES INVOLVED EAGLES, PARROTS AND STUFFED SPECIMENS OF SEA TURTLES AND CROCODILES," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG REITERATED THAT THE IMPORT, EXPORT AND POSSESSION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES ARE STRICTLY RESTRICTED AND LICENCES MUST BE APPLIED FOR AND OBTAINED IN ADVANCE FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. <
VIOLATION OF THE LAW MAY RESULT IN A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT FOR A Repeated offence, in addition, the specimen intercepted will be CONFISCATED, MR CHEUNG WARNED.
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ENROLMENT BEGINS FOR TOURISM COURSE * * * * *
TOURISM STAFF ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR A COURSE ON MARKETING SKILLS TO BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF HONG KONG.
"THE COURSE ON EFFECTIVE MARKETING SKILLS" WILL COVER TOPICS ON MARKETING CONCEPT OVERVIEW, RESEARCH, PLANNING AND COMMUNICATION, PROFESSIONAL SELLING, PRICING AND DISTRIBUTION AS WELL AS SALES MANAGEMENT.
THE COURSE WILL BE CONDUCTED ON JANUARY 14 AND 15 AND COURSE FEE IS $800.
PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE ATTENDED 80 PER CENT OF THE CLASS MEETINGS WILL BE REIMBURSED HALF OF THE FEE AND AWARDED AN ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE BY VTC UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS JANUARY 5. FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 282.
- 0 -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
- 9 -
POSTER DESIGNS INVITED FOR COURTESY CAMPAIGN * ♦ ♦ * ♦
RESIDENTS OF NORTH DISTRICT WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THEIR TALENTS AND HELP PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION BY JOINING A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION FOR A COURTESY CAMPAIGN.
ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT STEERING COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, THE COURTESY CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT AROUSING RESIDENTS’ ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO BE CONSIDERATE AND COURTEOUS, AND TO OBSERVE RULES WHEN USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND ESCALATORS.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED AT THE SHEUNG SHUI AND FANLING RAILWAY STATIONS IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
A PUBLICITY TEAM OF ABOUT 50 PEOPLE FROM SCHOOLS AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS WILL BE FORMED TO GIVE GUIDANCE AND ADVICE AT THE TWO STATIONS.
ENTRIES TO THE POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION SHOULD INCLUDE A SLOGAN WRITTEN IN CHINESE TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF COURTESY. THREE BEST ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED AND AWARDED PRIZES.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS DECEMBER 31, 1987.
ENQUIRIES ON THE COMPETITION CAN BE MADE ON 0-901358.
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WORK ON HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION PHASE II SOON
♦ ♦ ♦ *
WORK TO RECLAIM 26.5 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT HUNG HOM BAY FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES WILL COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR AFTER THE HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION - PHASE II WAS APPROVED, WITH MODIFICATION, BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.
RECLAMATION WILL START NEXT MARCH OR APRIL TO PROVIDE 23.2 HECTARES OF LANI) FOR COMMERCIAL/RES1 DENT I AL DEVELOPMENT; GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES; OPEN SPACE AND REPROVISIONING OF THE EXISTING HUNG HOM FERRY PIERS AND FERRY CONCOURSE.
THE BALANCE OF 3.3 HECTARES WILL BE USED FOR SEAWALL AND PIER FOUNDATION.
THE WORK, WHICH WILL BE LET BY TENDER SHORTLY AND SUPERVISED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT FIVE YEARS TO COMPLETE.
/THE EXTENT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
10 -
THE EXTENT OE THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED MAY SEND A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE DECEMBER 17, 1988.
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SALT WATER INTAKE PIPELINE FOR CHAT WAN ♦ t *
SALT WATER INTAKE PIPELINE MEASURING ABOUT 150 METRES WILL BE LAID IN CHAI WAN TO ENSURE A CONTINUOUS AND SATISFACTORY SUPPLY OF FLUSHING WATER TO THE AREA.
THE INTAKE PIPELINE, MEASURING ABOUT 900 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER, WILL BE INSTALLED UNDERWATER FROM THE EXISTING CHAI WAN SALT WATER PUMPING STATION TO A NEW SEAWALL TO BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER SEPARATE SITE FORMATION CONTRACT AT SIU CHAI WAN.
WITH THE LAYING OF THE SALT WATER INTAKE PIPELINE, THE OPERATION OF THE EXISTING SALT WATER PUMPING STATION WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE SITE FORMATION WORK.
THE LAYING WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. THE DEADLINE IS NOON ON JANUARY 8, NEXT YEAR.
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BUS ROUTE ON TUEN MUN COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO RE-ROUTE BUS NO. 67M FROM SIU HONG COURT TO WALDORF GARDEN VTA TUEN MUN ROAD.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE TRAFFIC PROBLEM IN PRIME VIEW GARDEN; SAFETY PROBLEM OF WONG CHU ROAD BRIDGE; TRAFFIC FACILITIES AT THE SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD NEAR TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA, AND NIGHT-TIME PARKING SPACES FOR COACHES AND LORRIES IN TUEN MUN.
/THE REPORT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 198?
11
THE REPORT OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND REPORT ON TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN AREAS 9 AND 12 (INDUSTRIAL AREAS) WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO.l TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS FUND APPLICATIONS * * *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE HANDICAPPED BY A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD’S
COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE,
SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
------o -------
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS TO SING CAROLS * ♦ » ♦
SENIOR RESIDENTS AND THE DISABLED IN KWUN TONG WILL BE ENTERTAINED BY CHRISTMAS CAROLS SUNG BY MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD DURING A GOODWILL VISIT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS WILL VISIT FOUR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS, NAMELY, PO LEUNG KUK LOK WAH SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG - KWUN TONG SHELTERED WORKSHOP, HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE SHUN LEE HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, AND THE SALVATION ARMY YAU TONG HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY.
/THEY WILL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
- 12
THEY WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS
TO RESIDENTS OF
THESE INSTITUTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN ROOM 105, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE IN TUNG YAN STREET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2 PM. INFORMATION OFFICER, MISS IRENE LAU, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
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STAMPS FOR YEAR OF DRAGON
* * *
STAMPS COMMEMORATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE DRAGON WILL BE RELEASED ON JANUARY 27, 1988, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY
(TUESDAY).
THIS IS THE SECOND SERIES OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES WHICH COMMENCED IN 1987 WITH THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT.
THE ISSUE COMPRISES FOUR DENOMINATIONS (THAT IS 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5) AND THE DESIGN FEATURES VARIOUS POSTURES OF THE DRAGON IN AN EMBROIDERY STYLE.
A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING A SET OF THE FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED AT $8.50 EACH.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR KAN TAI-KEUNG AND WERE PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA BY CPE AUSTRALIA LTD.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH WILL BE PLACED ON SALE ON JANUARY 13, 1988. FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE.
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HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ♦ » * *
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25), BUT WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 26.
THE EIGHT CLINICS WHICH WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
------O------- /13......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS LN KENNEDY TOWN * ♦ * ♦
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KENNEDY TOWN FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 25) FOR ROAD WORK§.
KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SAI CHEUNG STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, AND THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HOLLAND STREET WILL BE MADE DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES ROIIND THE CLOCK.
MEANWHILE, SAT CHEUNG STREET, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BELCHER’S STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 7 AND 15, AND THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BELCHER’S STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 14 AND 16, WILL BECOME 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES. SAI CHEUNG STREET WILL ALSO BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
REGARDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, BUS TERMINAL FOR CMB ROUTE NO. 77 WILL BE RESITED TO SAI CHEUNG STREET. CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTES NO. 105 AND 113 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO SANDS STREET WILL TRAVEL VIA SAI CHEUNG STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA TO REJOIN SANDS STREET.
THE PARKING METERS ON SAI CHEUNG STREET AND HOLLAND STREET WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE TN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FROM THE SAME TIME:
♦ HOLLAND STREET WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A CUL-DE-SAC;
* ACCESS TO HOLLAND STREET WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED FROM KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA; AND
* GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 23 BOUND FOR HOLLAND STREET WILL TRAVEI VIA BELCHER’S STREET EASTBOUND, SAI CHEUNG STREET AND KENNETH TOWN PRAYA WESTBOUND.
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DTC LICENCE REVOKED * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE REGISTRATION OF STEPHIL FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE. .*
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NO CHANGE IN HK-US DOLLAR LINK : SIR DAVID ................ 1
GOVERNOR VISITS FACTORIES ................................. 2
NOVEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES PUBLISHED ................. J
SURVEY EST.iBLISHES NEED TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED 6
STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL ........... 9
GUANGDONG DELEGATION VISITS EPD ........................... 9
CONTINGENCY TEXTILE LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED 10
LADY WILSON OPENS FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW ......... 12
annual Careers ^uiz sustains popularity.................... 13
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN MONG KOK TO BE DEMOLISHED............. 14
OUTFALL PIPELINE FOR REDHILL WaTER TREATMENT WORKS ........ 14
DB MEMBERS BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER .......................... 15
GALA CONCERT CLOSES BAND WEEK ............................. 15
CAS CADET CORPS TO HOLD aNNUaL CAMP ....................... 16
ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIPS COMPETITION RESULTS ........... 16
NORTH POINT TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY ...................... 17
TENANCY SOUGHT FOR TUEN MUN SITE .......................... 17
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR CHRISTMAS .......... 18
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON CLEAR WATER BAY RO,lD........ 19
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
1
NO CHANGE IN HK-US DOLLAR LINK : SIR DAVID
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF CHANGING THE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR.
SIR DAVID WAS ASKED WHETHER THE DOLLAR WOULD BE RE-VALUED IN VIEW OF INCREASING CRITICISMS THAT THE ’’UNDER-VALUED” HONG KONG DOLLAR WAS AFFECTING INTERNATIONAL TRADE AS INDICATED IN A REPORT BY THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD).
”IF YOU LOOK AT THE OECD REPORT, YOU WILL SEE THAT IT TENDS TO LUMP THE FOUR ASIAN DRAGONS AND MAKES IT APPEAR THAT THEY WERE ALL BUILDING UP MASSIVE TRADE SURPLUSES.
"IF YOU LOOK AT THE DETAILS YOU WILL SEE THAT THIS IS INACCURATE.
“IT’S TRUE OF TAIWAN AND SOUTH KOREA. IT IS NOT TRUE OF HONG KONG AND IT IS ONLY TRUE TO A SMALL EXTENT OF SINGAPORE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING TWO FACTORIES IN KWAI CHUNG.
"IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT THOSE WHO LOOK AT THESE FIGURES AND MAKE POLITICAL DECISIONS SHOULD SEE HOW DIFFERENT HONG KONG IS FROM THE REST.
”WE ARE NOT BUILDING UP MASSIVE TRADING SURPLUSES. WE ARE ROUGHLY IN BALANCE,” SIR DAVID ADDED.
’’THERE IS THEREFORE NOT A GOOD ARGUMENT FROM A PROTECTIONIST POINT OF VIEW OF TAKING ACTION AGAINST HONG KONG BY FORCING US TO UP-VALUE OUR CURRENCY.
"INDEED, THAT SORT OF PRESSURE, LIKE ANY SORT OF PROTECTIONIST PRESSURE, ON HONG KONG IS DISCRIMINATING AGAINST THOSE WHO OPERATE AN OPEN MARKET SYSTEM,” SIR DAVID SAID.
THE GOVERNOR OBSERVED THAT AMERICAN EXPORTS TO HONG KONG HAD INCREASED VERY RAPIDLY BY JUST UNDER 30 PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
"AND THAT COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE IN THEIR EXPORTS TO THE EAST ASIAN PACIFIC REGION AS A WHOLE OF ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT.
"SO YOU CAN SEE AMERICAN EXPORTS TO HONG KONG ARE DOING VERY WELL, AND WE WELCOME THAT." STR DAVID SAID.
/’•THAT’S EXACTLY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
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"THAT’S EXACTLY THE SORT OF THING WE HOPE AMERICA WILL DO: INCREASE EXPORTS TO HERE WHERE WE RUN A FREE TRADING SYSTEM," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES WERE VERY IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 42 PER CENT OF BOTH EMPLOYMENT AND DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS INTERESTED TO LEARN THAT DESIGN TECHNOLOGY BY COMPUTER HAD IMPROVED ENORMOUSLY.
HE NOTED THAT THE APPLICATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN THE INDUSTRY SHOULD BE THE DIRECTION IN WHICH HONG KONG MUST GO IN ORDER TO KEEP AHEAD OF THE MARKET AND STAY AHEAD OF QUOTA RESTRICTIONS ON OUR EXPORTS.
"IN GENERAL TERMS, OBVIOUSLY IT’S NOT YET CLEAR WHAT THE ECONOMIC FUTURE NEXT YEAR IS GOING TO BE LIKE. IT’LL DEPEND VERY MUCH ON THE ECONOMY IN THE STATES," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR SOME HARDER GOING FOR COUNTRIES AND PLACES LIKE HONG KONG, AND BE PREPARED TO RE-ADAPT AS NECESSARY," HE ADDED.
"THAT’S WHY THE SPEED OF RE-ADAPTATION, THINGS LIKE COMPUTER DESIGNING, IS SO IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG.
"IF THERE ARE PROBLEMS, THEN WE ADAPT QUICKLY. WE’RE FLEXIBLE AND WE TAKE WHATEVER OPPORTUNITIES THERE ARE FOR MAINTAINING OUR EXPORTS," SIR DAVID SAID.
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GOVERNOR VISITS FACTORIES ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) VISITED A TEXTILES FACTORY IN TSUEN WAN AND A KNITWEAR FACTORY IN KWAI CHUNG TO SEE FOR HIMSELF THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD; AND THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG; SIR DAVID TOOK A HELICOPTER TRIP TO KWAI CHUNG.
SIR DAVID FIRST WENT TO VISIT CENTRAL TEXTILES (HK) LIMITED IN TSUEN WAN WHICH PRODUCES COTTON YARNS, WOVEN FABRICS AND KNITTED FABRICS.
/RECEIVED BY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1987
RECEIVED BY THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF CENTRAL TEXTILES, MR ALEX WOO, SIR DAVID WAS TAKEN TO SEE THE FACTORY’S SPINNING AND WEAVING OPERATIONS.
HE NEXT VISITED FANG BROTHERS KNITTING LIMITED IN KWAI CHUNG WHERE THEY MET THE COMPANY’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR KENNETH FANG.
SIR DAVID TOURED THE KNITWEAR FACTORY AND WAS SHOWN THE DEMONSTRATION OF COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURE FACILITIES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF KNITWEARS.
NOVEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES PUBLISHED » * » » «
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1987. THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCTOBER 84/SEPTEMBER 85 = 100) FOR NOVEMBER 1987 WERE 111.6 AND 111.8 RESPECTIVELY, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 6.2 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER NOVEMBER 1986.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE CPI(A) SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE AND THE CPI(B) INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1987, AT 108.7 AND 108.9 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 5.2 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1986.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 1987, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.5 PER CENT PER MONTH.
DURING NOVEMBER, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT, CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR AND CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES INCREASED. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND LIVE POULTRY DECREASED.
THE CPI(A) AND THE 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 CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
/CHANGES IN
WEDNESDAY, DECHIBER 25, 198?
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1987 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987 AND NOVEMBER 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
SECTION INDEX FOR NOV.87 CPI(A) % CHANGE OVER OCT.87 % CHANGE OVER NOV.86 INDEX FOR NOV.87 CPI(B) % CHANGE OVER OCT.87 % CHANGE OVER NOV.86
FOODSTUFFS 108.1 -0.5 + 6.7 108.8 -0.4 + 6.9
HOUSING 111.2 + 0.1 + 4.1 108.5 +0.1 + 2.7
FUEL AND LIGHT 92.4 -0.2 + 3.6 93.0 -0.2 + 3.5
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 117.1 + 0.2 + 6.1 117.6 + 0.3 + 6.7
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 117.8 + 3.5 + 6.8 119.7 + 3.5 + 7.3
DURABLE GOODS 113.5 + 0.3 + 4.8 112.6 + 0.3 + 4.9
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 118.5 + 0.5 + 6.2 118.4 + 0.6 + 6.6
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 117.0 +0.0* + 9.1 116.0 + 0.1 + 8.9
SERVICES 120.9 + 0.2 + 6.5 120.3 +0.3 + 6.8
ALL ITEMS 111.6 + 0.0* + 6.2 111.8 + 0.2 + 6.0
* LESS THAN 0.05 PER CENT
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO DECREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND LIVE POULTRY, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH FRUIT AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES.
/THE EFFECT
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 198?
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THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 3.5 PER CENT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.6 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF MEDICINES, JEWELLERY, TOILET REQUISITES AND COSMETICS.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE 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 NOVEMBER 1987, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.5 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAT TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; OR THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES MAY BE MADE TO THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 115.8 IN NOVEMBER 1987, UP BY 0.7 PER CENT OVER OCTOBER 1987 AND UP BY 6.8 PER CENT OVER NOVEMBER 1986. THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT HK$10,000-24,999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
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SURVEY ESTABLISHES NEED TO IMPROVE EMPLOYMENT FOR DISABLED ♦ * *
A MAJOR SURVEY ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED IN HONG KONG HAS ESTABLISHED THAT THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT SITUATION OF THIS GROUP NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED FURTHER.
THE SURVEY ALSO FOUND THAT AVAILABILITY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES, VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SPECIAL AIDS; ENVIRONMENT AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISABLED, HAVE AFFECTED THEIR EMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY ARE CONTAINED IN A REPORT WHICH HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE (RDCC) AND RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TERRITORY-WIDE SURVEY - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG - WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN AUGUST AND OCTOBER 1986 BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EMPLOYMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE RDCC, USING 3,415 DISABLED AS SAMPLE.
FIVE DISABILITY GROUPS, THE DEAF, BLIND, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND EX-MENTALLY ILL, WERE INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY.
RELEASING THE REPORT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EMPLOYMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE RDCC, MR LEE MAN-BAN, SAID THE DISABLED SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED WHERE THEIR DISABILITIES PERMITTED, TO TAKE UP JOBS AND ACHIEVE REHABILITATION AND INTEGRATION THROUGH WORK.
’’EFFORTS SHOULD BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED IN OPEN AND SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT.
’’MORE ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THEM TO INCREASE THEIR EMPLOYABILITY AND HELP THEM SUSTAIN EMPLOYMENT,” MR LEE SAID.
AMONG THE RESPONDENTS OF THE SURVEY, 35.7 PER CENT WERE IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT, (THE MAJORITY OF THEM, ABOUT 92 PER CENT WERE EMPLOYEES) AND 7.5 PER CENT WERE IN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS.
THE REST OF THE SAMPLE COMPRISED UNEMPLOYED JOB-SEEKERS (9.9 PER CENT), UNEMPLOYED NON-JOB SEEKERS (22.1 PER CENT), STUDENTS (10.4 PER CENT), HOME-MAKERS (10.4 PER CENT) AND THE RETIRED (4 PER CENT).
OF THOSE EMPLOYED DISABLED, 89.4 PER CENT OF THEM WERE EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE SECTORS AS PRODUCTION, SERVICE OR CLERICAL WORKERS.
VERY FEW OF THE DISABLED EMPLOYEES WERE ENGAGED IN PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE WORK AND NEARLY ONE-THIRD OF THEM APPEARED NOT SATISFIED AND EXPRESSED AN INTENTION TO CHANGE JOBS, THE REPORT NOTED.
/F1R LEE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1987
MR LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN DIFFICULTIES FACING DISABLED WORKERS, AS REVEALED IN THE SURVEY, APPEARED TO BE PROBLEMS IN COPING WITH THE JOB AND TRANSPORTATION.
AMONG THE UNEMPLOYED JOB-SEEKERS, 49.2 PER CENT HAD BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR LESS THAN ONE YEAR. THIS GROUP COMPRISED QUITE A HIGH PROPORTION OF GRADUATES FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS, PARTICULARLY SPECIAL SCHOOLS FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
AS REGARDS THOSE WHO HAD BEEN UNEMPLOYED FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR, THE MAIN REASONS WERE ATTRIBUTED TO THEIR EMPLOYABILITY, OR UNEMPLOYABILITY, SUCH AS DISABILITY PROBLEMS (36.1 PER CENT), LACK OF SKILLS (26.6 PER CENT), AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS SUCH AS A LACK OF SUITABLE VACANCIES (36.7 PER CENT) AND DISCRIMINATION BY EMPLOYERS (31.1 PER CENT).
SOME 69 PER CENT OF THE UNEMPLOYED DISABLED RESPONDENTS WERE NOT SEEKING JOBS.
THE REASONS THEY GAVE FOR THIS INCLUDED PERSONAL FACTORS SUCH AS DISABILITY PROBLEMS (58.5 PER CENT) AND RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS (36.4 PER CENT).
SOME BELIEVED THAT THERE WERE NO SUITABLE VACANCIES (18.7 PER CENT), THAT THEY LACKED SKILLS (16.6 PER CENT), AND SOME HAD TRANSPORT DIFFICULTIES (16 PER CENT).
THE REPORT ALSO REVEALED THAT 93.8 PER CENT OF THE SHELTERED WORKSHOP WORKERS EARNED LESS THAN $500.
IT CAME AS NO SURPRISE, THEREFORE, THAT ONLY 30.9 PER CENT OF ini': WORKERS WERE SATISFIED WITH THEIR INCOME.
HOWEVER, SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT AS AN ALTERNATIVE OR TRANSITION TO OPEN EMPLOYMENT WAS THE WISH TO SOME 25.3 PER CENT OF THE UNEMPLOYED DISABLED, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO WERE DISCOURAGED TO LOOK FOR JOBS IN THE OPEN LABOUR MARKET.
OTHER MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE REPORT INCLUDED THE IMPORTANCE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SPECIAL AIDS FOR THE DISABLED.
IT WAS REVEALED THAT AMONG THE DISABLED WHO HAD RECEIVED VOCATIONAL TRAINING, 54.3 PER CENT WERE EMPLOYED.
THE CORRESPONDING PERCENTAGE FOR THOSE WITHOUT VOCATIONAL TRAINING WAS 32.2 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, THE SURVEY FOUND THAT 80 PER CENT OF THE DISABLED RESPONDENTS HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING.
SPECIAL AIDS WERE FOUND TO BE ANOTHER FACTOR HAVING A BEARING ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED. THE AWARENESS OF THE RESPONDENTS ON THEIR NEEDS FOR SPECIAL AIDS, HOWEVER, WAS FOUND TO BE VERY LOW.
/IN THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1987
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IN THE LIGHT OF THE FINDINGS, THE REPORT HAS MADE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES, EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL TRAINING, SPECIAL AIDS AND OTHER SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED. THEY ARE:-
A) THE INTRODUCTION OF INCENTIVE SCHEMES FOR EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOY MORE DISABLED PERSONS; AND SELF-EMPLOYMENT SCHEMES FOR THE DISABLED WHEREBY ASSISTANCE IS PROVIDED IN THE FORM OF LOANS, PREMISES OR TRAINING.
B) SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES SHOULD BE INCREASED AND THE WORKSHOPS SHOULD BE MADE MORE PRODUCTION ORIENTED. INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE MORE JOB ORDERS TO THE WORKSHOPS.
C) MORE RESOURCES SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE DISABLED STUDENTS WITH EDUCATION AND BASIC TRAINING TO PREPARE THEM FOR FUTURE EMPLOYMENT.
D) MORE PART-TIME, IN-SERVICE AND ADULT EDUCATION COURSES SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO ENABLE THEM TO ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS.
E) WIDER PUBLICITY ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND SERVICES ON SPECIAL AIDS FOR THE DISABLED SHOULD BE LAUNCHED, FOR BOTH THE DISABLED THEMSELVES AND THE EMPLOYERS. INFORMATION ON THE VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS/AGENCIES PROVIDING SPECIAL AIDS SHOULD BE COMPILED BY A
COORDINATING BODY FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL PARTIES CONCERNED AND THE PUBLIC.
F) VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE SUCH AS COUNSELLING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HELP SHOULD BE PROVIDED BY PROFESSIONALS IN REHABILITATION CENTRES, SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, ET CETERA AND BY FAMILY MEMBERS IN ORDER TO HELP SUSTAIN THE EMPLOYMENT OF THOSE ALREADY EMPLOYED.
G) CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE IMPROVEMENT OF THE OVERALL TRANSPORT SYSTEM TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED.
MR LEE SAID THE RECOMMENDATIONS WERE BEING CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AFTER THAT THEY WOULD BE FOLLOWED UP BY THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE.
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/9........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
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STATEMENT ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL
AT THIS MORNING’S EXTRAORDINARY MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE URBAN COUNCIL, MEMBERS DECIDED TO UNANIMOUSLY OPPOSE THE PROPOSED CHANGE TO THE COMPOSITION OF DISTRICT BOARDS BY WHICH URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS WOULD CEASE TO BE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS FROM THE END OF MARCH 1989.
MEMBERS FURTHER UNANIMOUSLY DECIDED THAT AN APPROACH BE MADE THROUGH THE CHIEF SECRETARY FOR AN URGENT MEETING WITH HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR TO DISCUSS THIS AND OTHER PROPOSALS TO BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHICH WILL AFFECT THE PRESENT POSITION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL VIS-A-VIS THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
COUNCILLORS WERE EMPHATIC THAT THEY BELIEVED THEY SERVED A VALUABLE PURPOSE FROM A DISTRICT POINT OF VIEW BY BEING MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
COUNCILLORS HAVE SERVED ON DISTRICT^, BOARDS SINCE THEIR INCEPTION AND ARE LOATH TO SEE THIS LINK BROKEN BY A STROKE OF THE LEGISLATIVE PEN.
IF, HOWEVER UNWELCOME IT IS, A CHANGE MUST BE MADE, AT THE VERY LEAST WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE 15 ELECTED URBAN COUNCILLORS SHOULD MOST DEFINITELY RETAIN THEIR SEATS ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
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GUANGDONG DELEGATION VISITS EPD
* * *
THE HEAD OF THE GUANGDONG ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BUREAU, MR QIANG BINGHUAN, AND SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM GUANGZHOU AND SHENZHEN CONCLUDED A WEEK-LONG VISIT TO HONG KONG TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DURING THEIR STAY, THEY DISCUSSED MATTERS OF MUTUAL CONCERN AND CONSIDERED AREAS FOR FUTURE COLLABORATION WITH STAFF OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
THE SIX-MEMBER DELEGATION ALSO VISITED THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY, THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL DEMONSTRATION PLANT AT TA KWU LING AND THE MAI PO MARSHES CONSERVATION AREA.
"SINCE WE LAST MET IN MAY 1986, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY IMPORTANT NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION BOTH IN GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG", OBSERVED MR QIANG BEFORE LEAVING FOR GUANGZHOU.
DURING MEETINGS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES, THERE WERE REPORTS ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN GUANGZHOU, SHENZHEN AND HONG KONG AND ON THE WORK OF THE SOUTH CHINA ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE INSTITUTE .
/THEY ALSO
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1987
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THEY ALSO CONSIDERED VARIOUS ASPECTS OF SEWAGE AND SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL, AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL MANGEMENT OF RURAL INDUSTRIES.
NOTING THE CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF DEVELOPMENT IN PROGRESS AND PLANNED AROUND DEEP BAY AND MIRS BAY, THE TWO SIDES AGREED THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL THAT ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT IN THESE TWO AREAS SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE AGGREGATE EFFECTS OF ALL RELEVANT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
"WE HAVE MADE GOOD PROGRESS IN OUR DISCUSSIONS TOWARDS CLOSER COLLABORATION WITH OUR COUNTERPARTS IN NEIGHBOURING GUANGDONG AND SHENZHEN", THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, COMMENTED AFTER A MEETING.
IN ADDITION TO A CONTINUING EXCHANGE OF ENVIRONMENTAL DATA, SPECIFIC AREAS FOR COLLABORATION DISCUSSED INCLUDED A REPEAT OF THE WORKSHOP ON AIR POLLUTION WHICH WAS HELD IN GUANGZHOU TWO YEARS AGO.
THE WORKSHOP, IN WHICH ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION STAFF FROM BEIJING, SHANGHAI, GUANGZHOU AND HONG KONG PARTICIPATED, HAD BEEN A SUCCESS.
THE TOPIC FOR THE NEXT WORKSHOP WOULD BE ” URBAN SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE DISPOSAL" AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT SIMILAR WORKSHOPS WOULD BE HELD ANNUALLY.
IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED THAT STAFF FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICE IN SHENZHEN WOULD VISIT HONG KONG NEXT YEAR TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES OF OPERATING MOBILE AIR POLLUTION MONITORING FACILITIES.
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CONTINGENCY TEXTILE LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS
TO BE INTRODUCED * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL ADOPT CONTINGENCY LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE NEW TEXTILE AND APPAREL CATEGORY SYSTEM AS FROM JANUARY 1, 1988, AS A RESULT OF THE PARTIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM BY THE UNITED STATES.
AS THE DEPARTMENT UNDERSTANDS THAT THE U.S. GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY FOR ADOPTION OF THE HARMONISED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM (HARMONISED SYSTEM) BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1988, SOME OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS UNDER THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM WILL NOT BE IMPLEMENTED. THEY INCLUDE
/I) NEW ARRANGEMENTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1?8?
11
I) NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUITS;
II) NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR INFANTS’ WEAR (EXCEPT COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRE INFANTS’ SETS);
III) NEW CATEGORY 611; AND
IV) THE CHIEF WEIGHT CRITERION AND THE OUTER-SHELL CONCEPT FOR CLASSIFICATION PURPOSES.
IN ADDITION, THE U.S. WILL NOT IMPLEMENT THE METRIC SYSTEM UNTIL THE HARMONISED SYSTEM IS ADOPTED.
HOWEVER, HONG KONG WILL IMPLEMENT THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM IN FULL AS FROM JANUARY 1, 1988, UNDER AN AGREEMENT REACHED WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, AND CONTINGENCY LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS ARE THEREFORE TO BE ADOPTED IN RESPECT OF THOSE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PARTIAL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW CATEGORY SYSTEM BY THE U.S.
DETAILS OF THE CONTINGENCY ARRANGEMENTS ARE SET OUT IN THE NOTICE TO EXPORTERS SERIES 1 (USA) NO. 62/87 WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE U.S.A. COUNTERS OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, ON 15TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
INTERESTED PARTIES MAY ALSO CONTACT THE FOLLOWING OFFICERS FOR FURTHER DETAILS ON THE CONTINGENCY LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS:
GROUP II COTTON GARMENT QUOTA CATEGORIES MR K.W. TSANG MR Y.S. MAK 3-7222355 3-7222358
GROUP II MMF GARMENT QUOTA CATEGORIES MR H.F. CHAN 3-7222356
GROUP II WOOL GARMENT, QUOTA CATEGORIES GROUP II EA QUOTA CATEGORIES MR C.K. LI 3-7222346
GROUP I CATEGORIES MR T.C. CHAN 3-7222365
GROUP III AND SWEATERS CATEGORIES AND NON-APPAREL OF SILK BLEND AND/OR OTHER VEGETABLE FIBRE MR S.K. LI 3-7222578
QUOTA WINDOW ARRANGEMENT AND NON-RESTRAINED ITEMS MR W.H. NG 3-7222366
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/12
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
LADY WILSON OPENS
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO SEE INSECT AND FISH SHOW AFTER
FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW ♦ * * ♦ »
FLOCKED TO THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND THE FIRST NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, ITS OPENING BY WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY
WILSON.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FLOWER SECTION INCLUDED SOME NEW SPECIES OF ROSES FROM SHEKOU, CHINA; FRESH FLOWERS FLOWM IN FROM HOLLAND, AUSTRALIA, THAILAND AND SINGAPORE; CHINESE BONSAI AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS IMBUED WITH CHRISTMAS JOY AND DECORATED WITH FISH AND BIRDS.
i
FLOWERS AND PLANTS ON DISPLAY WERE DIVIDED INTO FIVE CATEGORIES, NAMELY POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, BONSAI TYPE PLANTS AND ORCHIDS.
IN THE ADJOINING FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE, VISITORS WERE ATTRACTED BY COLOURFUL SPECIES OF FISH AND TROPICAL FOREST BIRDS PROVIDED BY THE OCEAN PARK.
OF GREAT EDUCATIONAL VALUE WERE THE ILLUSTRATED SPECIMENS AND LIVING EXAMPLES OF COMMON AGRICULTURAL INSECTS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE PROVIDED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THE SHOW IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5.30 PM FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO SATURDAY (DECEMBER 26); AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 27).
THE ADMISSION FEE IS $3 FOR ADULTS AND $1 FOR CHILDREN.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, OCEAN PARK, FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE, KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID ASSOCIATION, WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE HONG KONG, SIX FLORAL ORGANISATIONS AND A WILDLIFE ARTIST.
-----0------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
ANNUAL CAREERS QUIZ SUSTAINS POPULARITY
*****
THE ANNUAL CAREERS QUIZ ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ATTRACTED MORE THAN 110,000 PARTICIPANTS FROM 248 SECONDARY SCHOOLS THIS YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE REFLECTED THE SUSTAINED POPULARITY OF THE EVENT AMONG SCHOOLS AND STUDENTS.
THE QUIZ AIMS TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS AMONG PARTICIPATING OF STUDENTS THE VARIOUS CAREERS.
"IT ALSO ENCOURAGES THEM TO COLLECT USEFUL INFORMATION AND PLAN CAREFULLY FOR THEIR FUTURE CAREERS," HE SAID.
MR HAMMOND THANKED SHUN HING ELECTRONIC TRADING COMPANY FOR SPONSORING THE PRIZES AND THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY FOR MARKING THE ANSWER SHEETS.
THE THREE STUDENTS WHO SCORED THE HIGHEST MARKS WERE FUNG CH1-KEUNG OF CHIU LUT SAU MEMORIAL SECONDARY SCHOOL, MOK CHUNG-WAI OF NG WAH COLLEGE AND LOK CHUN-KEUNG OF SALESIAN ENGLISH SCHOOL. EACH RECEIVED A PORTABLE STEREO COMPONENT SYSTEM.
THE THREE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MARKS - THE CHEUNG SHA WAN CATHOLIC SECONDARY SCHOOL, BELILIOS PUBLIC SCHOOL AND MARYMOUNT SECONDARY SCHOOL - WERE PRESENTED WITH TROPHIES.
IN ADDITION, 100 STUDENTS WHO SCORED HIGH MARKS WERE EACH AWARDED A SOLAR-POWERED ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR WHILE ANOTHER 640 STUDENTS WERE EACH GIVEN A PEN-STAND FOR SCORING THE HIGHEST MARKS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FORM.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WAS MR K. L. TONG, ASSISTANT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SHUN HING ELECTRONIC TRADING COMPANY.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
14
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN MONG KOK TO BE DEMOLISHED ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 197-209 SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, KOWLOON, SO THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED.
THIS FOLLOWS THE OWNER’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JULY LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE STRUCTURE’S DEMOLITION.
THE STRUCTURE IS ON THE ROOF OVER FLAT B, 14TH FLOOR OF THE BUILDING.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 12, 1988, WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
-----0----------
Il OUTFALL PIPELINE FOR REDHILL WATER TREATMENT WORKS ♦ * » ♦
A SUBMARINE OUTFALL PIPELINE MEASURING ABOUT 200 METRES WILL BE BUILT ALONG THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED OF TAI TAM BAY FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE FROM THE REDHILL WATER TREATMENT WORKS.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE FEBRUARY 17. NEXT YEAR.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
- 15 -
DB MEMBERS BRING CHRISTMAS CHEER
» » » »
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD SANG CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND DISTRIBUTED GIFTS TO THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED PEOPLE AT FOUR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE, AND STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ALSO JOINED THE GOODWILL VISITS. TWO MEMBERS OF THE PARTY WERE DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUS.
THE FOUR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS VISITED WERE THE PO LEUNG KUK LOK WAH SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG - KWUN TONG SHELTERED WORKSHOP, HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICES SHUN LEE HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY, AND THE SALVATION ARMY YAU TONG HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY.
-------o--------
GALA CONCERT CLOSES BAND WEEK
» » »
A CHRISTMAS BAND GALA WAS HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) TO MARK THE CLOSE OF THE MUSIC OFFICE’S "YOUTH BAND WEEK".
THE CONCERT STARTED WITH A MASS BAND PERFORMANCE OF A POPULAR TUNE, "FANFARE", FOLLOWED BY THE "DANCING HERO" JOINTLY PLAYED BY THE SHIZUOKA PREFECTURAL HAMAMATSU COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL BAND FROM JAPAN AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND.
THE CONCERT ALSO FEATURED MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCES BY THE JAPANESE BAND AND THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S MARCHING BAND CONTEST. TO GET THE AUDIENCE INTO THE FESTIVE SPIRIT, CHRISTMAS MUSIC WAS ALSO PERFORMED.
MEANWHILE, THE JAPANESE BAND ATTENDED A LUNCH RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AT THE JOCKEY CLUB IN HAPPY VALLEY THIS AFTERNOON.
IN A WELCOMING ADDRESS, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MISS LOLLY CHIU, SAID THE HAMAMATSU HIGH SCHOOL BAND’S PERFORMANCES IN HONG KONG WERE REMARKABLE. SHE BELIEVED THIS KIND OF INTERNATIONAL MUSIC EXCHANGE WOULD HELP TO IMPROVE UNDERSTANDING AND WOULD BENEFIT YOUNG MUSICIANS OF BOTH JAPAN AND HONG KONG.
THE JAPANESE BAND WILL LEAVE TOMORROW.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
16 -
CAS CADET CORPS TO HOLD ANNUAL CAMP
* * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) CADET CORPS WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL CAMP AT THE YMCA WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE FROM DECEMBER 27 TO 30.
THERE WILL BE 888 CADETS, OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS FROM 26 UNITS OF THE CADET CORPS PARTICIPATING IN THE CAMP, WHICH IS AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE CAMPERS’ CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES.
"THE THEME OF THE CAMP IS ’SIDE BY SIDE TAKE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY SERVICE) HAND IN HAND ADVANCE TO 20TH YEAR’," A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE OBJECT OF THE CAMP IS TO PROVIDE ALL PARTICIPANTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP, SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY, ORGANISING ABILITY, CO-OPERATION AND PERSONAL TALENTS THROUGH PLANNING, ORGANISING AND EXECUTING THE INTENSIVE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES; AND TO PROMOTE GOOD COMRADESHIP AMONG THEMSELVES BY MIXING THEM WELL FOR GAMES, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND COMPETITIONS.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR LAW CHI-KIN, AND THE CADET COMMANDANT, MR LAU SHIU-NIN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CAMP’S OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 27) EVENING.
THEY WILL ALSO PRESENT THE BEST CADET AWARD TO THE 10 OUTSTANDING CADETS.
-------0 ---------
ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIPS COMPETITION RESULTS
*****
A COMIC STRIP OF FOUR DRAWINGS SIMPLY AND CLEARLY DEPICTING THE PERILS OF DRUG ABUSE SUBMITTED BY MR CHUNG WAI-KEUNG HAS WON THE FRIST PRIZE IN THE SENIOR SECTION OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIPS COMPETITION.
IN THE JUNIOR SECTION, A FULL COLOUR ENTRY WITH A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOUR AND SOPHISTICATED SKILL, HAS MADE MISS YUAN WAI-LING THE CHAMPION.
THE WINNER OF THE SENIOR SECTION WILL RECEIVE A $1,000 GIFT COUPON AND ONE YEAR’S FREE SUBSCRIPTION OF THE BREAKTHROUGH MAGAZINE, WHILE THE WINNER OF THE JUNIOR SECTION WILL BE AWARDED A $700 GIFT COUPON AND ONE YEAR’S FREE SUBSCRIPTION OF THE BREAKTHROUGH JUNIOR MAGAZINE.
/MR TSE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1987
- 17 -
MR TSE PO-YU AND MR LEUNG CHUNG-TONG WON THE SECOND AND THE THIRD PRIZES OF THE SENIOR SECTION, AND WILL RECEIVE GIFT COUPONS OF $700 AND $300 RESPECTIVELY.
THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP OF THE JUNIOR SECTION, MR LEUNG KIN-BONG AND MR YIU CHI-WAI, WILL BE AWARDED GIFT COUPONS OF $500 AND $300 RESPECTIVELY.
THE ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIPS COMPETITION WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE ACTIVITIES DEPARTMENT OF "BREAKTHROUGH", AND THE BREAKTHROUGH JUNIOR MAGAZINE.
IT HAD GENERATED MUCH INTEREST AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND HAD ATTRACTED AN OVERWHELMING SUPPORT OF MORE THAN 800 ENTRIES.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE EXHIBITED DURING THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL ON JANUARY 10 (SUNDAY).
-------0----------
NORTH POINT TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON FORT STREET IN NORTH POINT BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG HONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL REMAIN IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER SIX WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 26) FOR ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----o-----
TENANCY SOUGHT FOR TUEN MUN SITE ♦ t ♦ t
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A SITE IN TUEN MUN TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCYFOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.
MEASURING ABOUT 3,000 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS LOCATED AT TUEN MUN AREA 44 NEAR WU SHAN ROAD.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 8.
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/18........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1987
- 18 -
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR CHRISTMAS * » * ♦ *
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WILL BE STEPPED UP DURING CHRISTMAS, WITH SOME SERVICES EXTENDED TO RUN OVERNIGHT OR WELL INTO THE EARLY MORNING OF DECEMBER 25 TO COPE WITH THE FESTIVE CROWDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES AND TO ALLOW THEMSELVES PLENTY OF TRAVELLING TIME.
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE MTR, THE STAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT, AND TRAM SERVICES (EXCEPT THOSE ROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP) WILL RUN ALL NIGHT.
ALSO OPERATING OVERNIGHT ARE KMB ROUTES NO. 5, 6, 80M, 82M AND 85K AS WELL AS GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 37M IN KOWLOON AND NO. 6 IM IN THE-NEW TERRITORIES.
MOST OF THESE ROUTES EITHER LINK TSIM SHA TSUI WITH OTHER PARTS OF KOWLOON OR THE KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION WITH SHA TIN.
KCR SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1 AM WHILE PEAK TRAMS WILL RUN UNTIL 1.30 AM.
MEANWHILE, MANY BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WILL FINISH LATER THAN USUAL.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM CENTRAL OF CMB ROUTES NO. 4, 70 AND 90 WILL BE 1 AM. FOR ROUTES NO. 2, 7, 10, 23, 72, 92 AND 97, THEIR LAST BUS WILL LEAVE CENTRAL, WESTERN DISTRICT OR CAUSEWAY BAY AT 2 AM, 2.30 AM, 1.50 AM, 1.15 AM, 1.30 AM, MIDNIGHT AND 12.48 AM RESPECTIVELY.
IN KOWLOON, KMB ROUTES NO. 1, 1A, 3C, 5C, 9, 14, 26, 28, 3IM, 36M, 37M, 39M, 43M, 44M, 59M, 60M, 66M, 68M, AND 88K WILL ALSO EXTEND THEIR SERVICES TO AFTER MIDNIGHT.
AMONG THE ROUTES TO TSIM SHA TSUI, THE LAST KMB BUS ON ROUTES NO. 1, 1A AND 9 WILL DEPART STAR FERRY AT AROUND 1.30 AM WHILE THAT ON ROUTE NO. 5C, AT 1.50 AM.
THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM TSIM SHA TSUI OF ROUTES NO. 28 AND 26 WILL BE AT 1.20 AM AND 2.10 AM RESPECTIVELY. FOR ROUTES NO. 3C AND 14, THE LAST BUS LEAVING JORDAN ROAD WILL BE 1 AM AND 1.30 AM RESPECTIVELY.
AT THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION, THE LAST BUS ON ROUTE NO. 39M WILL DEPART AT 12.30 AM; NO. 60M AND 68M AT 1 AM; AND NO. 59M AND 66M AT AROUND 1.15 AM.
/THE LAST .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2}, 198?
- 19 -
THE LAST DEPARTURE OF ROUTES NO. 31M, 36M AND 43M FROM KWAI FONG MTR STATION WILL BE AROUND 12.40 AM. AT THE KWAI HING MTR STATION, ROUTES NO. 37M AND 44M WILL OPERATE UNTIL 12.30 AM AND 12.50 AM RESPECTIVELY.
AS FOR GREEN MINIBUSES, ROUTES NO. 19 AND 20 ON HONG KONG
ISLAND WILL OPERATE UP TO 12.40 AM; NO. 33M UP TO 1 AM; AND NO. 1 UP
TO 4 AM.
IN KOWLOON, ROUTES NO. 18, 19 AND 20 WILL FINISH AT 1 AM;
NO. 3, 8, 11M AND 30M AT 1.30 AM; NO. 6 AND 31M AT 2 AM; AND NO. 7,
16, 33M AND 34M AT 3 AM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 67K WILL STOP RUNNING AT MIDNIGHT, WHILE NO. 66K AND 85 WILL FINISH AT 12.30 AM. ROUTES NO. 20K, 22K, 60K AND 65K WILL CEASE OPERATING AROUND 1.30 AM, AND NO. 80, 82, 83, 86 AND 96M AT 2 AM.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY, THE MTR AND THE STAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT WILL OPERATE UP TO 1 AM. FOR THE KCR, SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED UNTIL 1 AM ON BOTH CHRISTMAS DAY AND DECEMBER 26.
KMB SERVICES ON ROUTES NO. 5 AND 6 WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED WITH THE LAST BUS DEPARTING TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.15 AM AND 2 AM RESPECTIVELY.
THE OPERATING HOURS OF HONG KONG GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 19 AND 20 WILL AGAIN BE EXTENDED TO 12.40 AM. KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 18, 19 AND 20 WILL OPERATE UNTIL 1 AM; NO. 11M AND 30M UNTIL 1.30 AM; NO. 31M UNTIL 2 AM; AND NO. 7, 16 AND 34M UNTIL 3 AM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 20K, 22K, 65K, 66K AND 67K WILL ALSO FINISH LATE AS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
------0-------
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD t ♦ ♦ ♦ »
CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN THE ENTRANCE AND THE EXIT OF PING SHEK BUS TERMINUS WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 25).
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS. NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED.............. 1
TSIU HANG SPECIAL AREA DESIGNATED ........................... 4
NE.i ROADS TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN ........................... 5
STREETS IN SAI .(AN HO TO BE MODIFIED ....................... 6
BANKING COMMISSIONER ISSUES ADVISORY LETTER ................. 7
FUNDING SCHEME TO INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS ...................... 8
U.S. HIKERS TO HTTP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN-UP .................... 9
TUEN MUN DB TO EXAMINE VILLAGE PROBLEMS ..................... 10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE CONTINUED TO GROW SUBSTANTIALLY IN NOVEMBER 1987, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER, THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS SLOWED DOWN FURTHER, WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS INCREASED.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER 1987 WAS $17,077 MILLION, 14.8 PER CENT OR $2,207 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1986, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 43.1 PER CENT OR $5,292 MILLION TO $17,567 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT $34,644 MILLION, WAS 27.6 PER CENT OR $7,499 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1986.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 31.6 PER CENT OR $8,224 MILLION OVER NOVEMBER 1986 TO $34,270 MILLION.
AS THE. VALUE OF IMPORTS IN NOVEMBER 1987 GREW AT A FASTER RATE THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS IN NOVEMBER 1987 WAS REDUCED TO $374 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.I PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
THE SURPLUS RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1986 WAS $1,099 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THAT MONTH.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS $340,129 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $176,404 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $163,725 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $91,594 MILLION OR 36.9 PER CENT, THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $37,788 MILLION OR 27.3 PER CENT, AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY $53,806 MILLION OR 49 PER CENT.
OVER THIS PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $90,643 MILLION OR 36.5 PER CENT, TO $339,130 Ml LI JON.
/a small
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
2
A SMALL CUMULATIVE VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $999 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. THIS COMPARED WITH A VIRTUALLY BALANCED VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, ALTHOUGH STILL SIGNIFICANT IN NOVEMBER, HAD SLOWED DOWN GRADUALLY IN RECENT MONTHS.
THIS SLOW-DOWN PARTLY REFLECTED THE HIGH BASE OF COMPARISON IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, BUT WOULD ALSO HAVE BEEN EXPECTED AFTER NEARLY 20 MONTHS OF BUOYANT DOMESTIC EXPORT PERFORMANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONTINUED RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE FLOURISHING ENTREPOT TRADE WITH CHINA, IN ITS POSITION BOTH AS A SOURCE AND AS A MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS.
HE ADDED THAT THE SUSTAINED GROWTH IN IMPORTS WAS PARTLY A REFLECTION OF THE HIGH LEVEL OF DOMESTIC DEMAND, BUT ALSO SUGGESTED THAT EXPORT PERFORMANCE WAS LIKELY TO REMAIN SATISFACTORY IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO, ALTHOUGH THE SITUATION BEYOND THAT WAS MORE UNCERTAIN.
/TRADE FIGURES .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
3
TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER, 1987
The Census and Statistics Department has released the following provisional merchandise trade figures for November:-
MERCHANDISE: Domestic Exports : $17,077 million
Re-exports $17,567 million
Total Exports $34,644 million
Imports $34,270 million
Trade balance $374 million
(in surplus]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
Latest 3 months
Domestic Exports Re-exports Total Exports Imports Trade balance
Sep 87 to Sep 86 to Increase
Nov 87 Nov 86
HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. HK$ Mn. %
53,108 44,173 8,935 20.2
51,150 35,693 15,457 43.3
104,258 79,866 24,392 30.5
101,746 77,499 24,247 31.3
2,512 2,367 145
Same month last year November 1987 HK$ Mn. November 1986 HK$ Mn. Increase
HK$ Mn. %
Domestic Exports 17,077 14,870 2,207 14.8
(% of Total Exports) (49.3%) (54.8%)
Re-exports 17,567 12,275 5,292 43.1
Total Exports 34,644 27,145 7,499 27.6
Imports 34,270 26,046 8,224 31.6
Trade balance 374 1,099 -725
Last month November 1987 HK$ Mn. October 1987 HK$ Mn. Increase
HK$ Mn. %
Domestic Exports 17,077 18,188 -1,111 -6.1
(% of Total Exports) (49.3%) (51.6%)
Re-exports 17,567 17,082 485 2.8
Total Exports 34,644 34,270 35,270 -626 -1.8
Imports 34,710 -440 -1.3
Trade balance 374 560 -186
Calendar year to-date Jan-Nov 1987 HK3 Mn. Jan-Nov 1986 HK$ Mn. Increase
HK$ Mn. %
Domestic Exports 176,404 138,616 37,788 27.3
(% of Total Exports) (51.9%) (55.8%)
Re-exports 163,725 109,919 53,806 49.0
Total Exports 340,129 248,535 91,594 36.9
Imports 339,130 248,487 90,643 36.5
Trade balance 999 48 951
Last 12 months Dec 86 to Nov 87 HK$ Mn. Dec 85 to Nov 86 HKJ Mn. Increase
HKJ Mn. %
Domestic Exports 191,772 150,941 40.831 27.1
Re-exports 176,352 119,384 56,968 47.7
Total Exports 368,124 270,325 97.799 38.2
Imports 366,598 270,667 95,931 35.4
Trade balance 1,526 -342 1,868
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/4.......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
- 4 -
TSIU HANG SPECIAL AREA DESIGNATED
♦ ♦ ♦ »
TWO STRIPS OF LAND AT TSIU HANG, JOINED BY MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK IN THE NORTHERN PART OF PAK SHA WAN PENINSULA, HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED A SPECIAL AREA FOR THEIR EDUCATIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC VALUE.
THE DESIGNATION, MADE UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SPECIAL AREA COVERS 24 HECTARES OF GOVERNMENT LAND. ITS WESTERN PART COMPRISES MAINLY THE FORMER SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT FARM WHILE ITS EASTERN PORTION IS AN EIGHT-HECTARE SITE OF NATURAL WOODLAND AND GRASSLAND OF HIGH LANDSCAPE VALUE.
IT IS LOCATED NEAR THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE RUN BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE SENIOR DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (COUNTRYSIDE) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR F. Y. WONG, SAID THAT IN VIEW OF ITS HIGH SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL VALUE, THE AREA WILL BE DEVELOPED AS THE FIRST COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE IN THE TERRITORY.
’’THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE CENTRE WILL BE A GOOD COLLECTION OF LOCAL AND EXOTIC FRUIT PLANTS, ORNAMENTAL AND TIMBER-PRODUCING TREES AND PLANTS OF MEDICINAL AND BOTANICAL VALUE WHICH HAVE GROWN IN THE AREA FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS.
’’OTHER ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE DISPLAYS OF LOCAL ROCKS AND MINERALS, INSECTS, BIRDS AND LOCAL WILDLIFE, AND EXHIBITS ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND RURAL HERITAGE,” HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THERE WERE ALSO PLANS TO BUILD A VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE IN THIS AREA AND TO PROVIDE A VARIETY OF PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING GUIDED TRAILS AND OUTDOOR DISPLAYS, TO ENHANCE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPORTANCE OF NATURE CONSERVATION.
HE SAID THE COUNTRYSIDE CENTRE WOULD INITIALLY BE OPENED TO SCHOOL PARTIES EARLY NEXT YEAR. WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED BY 1993, IT WOULD PROVIDE AN OUTDOOR EDUCATION AREA FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
THE DESIGNATION OF THE TSIU HANG SPECIAL AREA WAS ENDORSED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD. THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD ALSO PLEDGED ITS FULL SUPPORT.
.--------------------------o---------------------------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
5
NEW ROADS TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO CONSTRUCT SEVERAL NEW ROADS IN HEUNG FAN LIU, KUK LIU AND PAK TIN IN SHA TIN TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ROADS FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN THESE AREAS.
THE SCHEME FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SCHEME WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SINGLE TWO-LANE LOOP ROAD WITH FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES TO THE NORTH-WEST OF EXISTING MEI TIN ROAD.
A SECTION OF THE EXISTING PIK TIN STREET WILL BE WIDENED TO A SINGLE TWO-LANE ROAD WITH A TURNING AREA FOR VEHICLES, INCLUDING FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES AND A CYCLE TRACK ON THE NORTH SIDE.
ANOTHER SECTION OF THE SAME STREET ALONG THE NORTH BANK OF SHING MUN RIVER WILL BE MODIFIED TO BECOME AN EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS WITH A TURNING AREA AT THE END.
A SINGLE TWO-LANE ROAD BRIDGE WITH A FOOTPATH AND A CYCLE TRACK ON ONE SIDE WILL BE BUILT ACROSS SHING MUN RIVER.
THE EXISTING CARPARK AND ACCESS ROAD FOR HEUNG FAN LIU VILLAGE WILL BE MODIFIED.
A COMBINED FOOTPATH AND EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN HEUNG FAN LIU.
APART FROM THESE, THERE WILL BE NEW FOOTPATHS AND CYCLE TRACKS.
TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS, A SECTION OF EXISTING PIK TIN STREET NEAR MEI TIN ROAD JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED.
THE EXISTING CARPARK AND ACCESS ROAD FOR HEUNG FAN LIU VILLAGE WILL BE MODIFIED.
A SECTION OF THE EXISTING PIK TIN STREET ALONG THE NORTH BANK OF SHING MUN RIVER WILL BE CHANGED INTO AN EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS WITH A TURNING AREA AT THE END.
A JECTION OF PIK TIN STREET BETWEEN THE PROPOSED BRIDGE ACROSS SHING MUN RIVER AND THE TURNING AREA FOR THE WIDENED SECTION OF PIK TIN STREET, WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. FOOTPATHS WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
/PERMANENT ALTERNATIVE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
6
PROVIDED AND FOOTPATHS WILL BE MINIMISED.
PERMANENT ALTERNATIVE ROADS AND FOOTWAYS WILL BE DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE BE MAINTAINED SO THAT INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WILL
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ANY PERSON WHO HAS OBJECTIONS TO THE SCHEME SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE FEBRUARY 22 NEXT YEAR.
-----0-----
STREETS IN SAI WAN HO TO BE MODIFIED ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CLOSE PART OF HOI NING STREET IN SAI WAN HO FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS IN CONNECTION WITH THE SITE FORMATION WORKS OF THE SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS (WEST) PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
FOR THE SAME PURPOSE, THE WIDTH OF SAI WAN HO STREET BETWEEN HOI NING STREET AND HOLY CROSS PATH WILL BE PERMANENTLY WIDENED.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
SITE FORMATION WORKS FOR THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHICH WILL START IN LATE 1988 LASTING UNTIL MID-1992 WILL GENERATE ABOUT ONE MILLION CUBIC METRES OF EXCAVATED MATERIAL TO BE DISPOSED OF.
FOR THIS PURPOSE AN OVERHEAD CONVEYOR SYSTEM ALONG THE FULL LENGTH OF HOI NING STREET WILL BE CONSTRUCTED FOR CONVEYING THE MATERIAL TO THE BARGE LOADING AREA AT ALDRICH BAY.
THE CONVEYOR SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE FULLY ENCLOSED AND PADDED TO REDUCE DUST AND NOISE NUISANCE TO NEARBY RESIDENTS, WILL SPAN ACROSS SAI WAN HO STREET AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AT A HEIGHT OF 5.IM AND 6.IM RESPECTIVELY TO ALLOW FOR THE MOVEMENT OF DOUBLE-DECKER BUSES AND TRAMS UNDERNEATH.
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO PROPERTIES IN AND TRAFFIC ALONG HOI NING STREET WILL BE MAINTAINED BUT THE WIDTH OF HOI NING STREET WILL BE REDUCED TO A MINIMUM WIDTH OF 3.5M AND THERE WILL BE A 24-HOUR VEHICLE NO STOPPING RESTRICTION.
/THE SECTION ........
THURSDAY, DB3EMBER 24, 198?
THE SECTION OF SAI WAN HO STREET BETWEEN HOI NING STREET AND HOLY CROSS PATH WILL BE PERMANENTLY WIDENED FROM ITS PRESENT WIDTH OF 3M TO 7.3M TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE AREA.
AT THE END OF THE SITE FORMATION WORKS, THE CONVEYOR SYSTEM WILL BE DISMANTLED AND THE AFFECTED PORTION OF HOI NING STREET WILL BE REINSTATED.
THE PLAN ON THE PROPOSED MODIFICATIONS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/ HONG KONG EAST, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG; AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT SHAU KEI WAN SUB-OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, 347 SHAU KEI WAN ROAD,HONG KONG DURING OFFICE HOURS.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONO KONG BEFORE FEBRUARY 22 NEXT YEAR.
BANKING COMMISSIONER ISSUES ADVISORY LETTER * « * * »
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING, MR TONY NICOLLE, HAS ISSUED AN ADVISORY LETTER URGING BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (DTC’S) THAT THE CURRENT MARKET SPOT RATE SHOULD BE USED TO LIQUIDATE THE MATURING FOREIGN-EXCHANGE CONTRACTS AND FOR CALCULATING THE NEW FORWARD RATE.
IN A LETTER SENT TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND THE HONG KONG DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ASSOCIATION, MR NICOLLE SAID THAT HIS OFFICE WAS AWARE THAT BANKS AND DTC’S HAD ON OCCASION BEEN UNDER PRESSURE FROM COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS TO ROLL OVER MATURING FORWARD CONTRACTS ON THE BASIS OF PREVIOUS, RATHER THAN CURRENT, RATES.
"THERE HAVE BEEN EXAMPLES, TOO, OF HONG KONG BANKS AND DTC’S EXPERIENCING PRESSURE FROM PARENT BANKS OVERSEAS TO ROLL ON FORWARDS AT NON-CURRENT RATES.
"I WOULD STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT, WHEN EXTENDING THE MATURITY OF ANY FORWARD CONTRACT, THE CURRENT MARKET SPOT RATE SHOULD BE USED TO LIQUIDATE THE MATURING CONTRACT AND AS THE BASE FROM WHICH TO CALCULATE THE NEW FORWARD RATE.
"FAILURE TO USE THE CURRENT SPOT RATE MAY RESULT IN A BANK OR DTC EFFECTIVELY COLLABORATING IN THE CONCEALMENT OF A PROFIT OR LOSS," SAID MR NICOLLE IN HIS LETTER.
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/8........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
- 8 -
FUNDING SCHEME TO INCLUDE SCHOLARSHIPS » » »
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE JOINT FUNDING SCHEME FOR HONG KONG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE A SCHOLARSHIP ELEMENT FOR MERITORIOUS STUDENTS WITH EFFECT FROM THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR OF 1988/89.
THE EXISTING SCHEME WHICH PROVIDES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY STUDENTS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED, WITH THE TOTAL OF 4 MILLION POUND STERLING PER YEAR BEING SHARED EQUALLY BY THE HONG KONG AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS.
THE NEW SCHOLARSHIP ELEMENT IS INTENDED TO BENEFIT STUDENTS OF OUTSTANDING ABILITY AND LEADERSHIP QUALITY.
FUNDS AVAILABLE WILL BE APPROXIMATELY $3.5 MILLION, HALF OF WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
PART OF THE REMAINDER WILL COME FROM THE SIR SHIU-KIN TANG BEQUEST AND PART FROM THE EXISTING FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS SCHEME.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS NEW INITIATIVE IN SUPPORTING HONG KONG STUDENTS AT BRITISH UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS "ILLUSTRATES THE CONTINUING BRITISH COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG AND THE DETERMINATION OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO ATTRACT HONG KONG’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST TO FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM".
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PREPARATIONS ARE IN HAND TO APPOINT A SELECTION COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG-BASED ACADEMICS AND BUSINESSMEN, TO IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD OF THESE SCHOLARSHIPS AND TO SET UP A SECRETARIAT TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME.
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD, PROBABLY AROUND THE END OF FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, TO ANNOUNCE FULL DETAILS OF THE SCHOLARSHIPS AND INVITE APPLICATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/9........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
- 9 -
U.S. HIKERS TO HELP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN-UP
*****
A GROUP OF 20 EXPERIENCED HIKERS FROM SIERRA CLUB - A 440,OOO-MEMBER COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION ORGANISATION IN THE UNITED STATES - HAS PLEDGED FULL SUPPORT TO THE CLEAN COUNTRY PARKS DRIVE CURRENTLY MOUNTED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THEY WILL JOIN MEMBERS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD LED BY ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, TO PICK UP LITTER IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 26) MORNING.
THEY WILL ALSO CALL ON SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY AT THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE FOR AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION.
THE GROUP IS THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL HIKING PARTY WHO HAS COME TO HONG KONG SPECIFICALLY FOR A VISIT TO LOCAL COUNTRY PARKS AND THE LANTAU AND MACLEHOSE TRAILS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE LITTER COLLECTION EXPEDITION WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 26).
TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE AFD HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AT 9 AM.
THOSE MAKING THEIR OWN TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE IN PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG BY 9.50 AM.
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/10 .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1987
-* 10 -
TUEN MUN DB TO EXAMINE VILLAGE PROBLEMS ♦ * » ♦
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS PROBLEMS CONCERNING TIN FU TSAI VILLAGE CREATED BY THE ALIGNMENT OF THE OVERHEAD POWERLINE AT A MEETING ON DECEMBER 28 (MONDAY).
FOLLOWING A SITE VISIT AND CONSULTATIONS RECENTLY WITH THE VILLAGERS BY BOARD MEMBERS, IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT THE BOARD WOULD SUGGEST AN ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENT TO THE GOVERMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED AND WOULD URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO HELP IMPROVE THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE VILLAGERS.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING INCLUDE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF LAND ALLOCATION FOR TUEN MUN CLOSED CENTRE; PROPOSED DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO UPSTREAM OF HUNG SHUI KIU RIVER; EXISTING ROADS LEGISLATION AFFECTING THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINS AND FOOTBRIDGES IN VARIOUS AREAS; AND RE-SURFACING OF A TENNIS COURT ADJACENT TO TUEN MUN CLINIC.
MEANWHILE, A GUIDE TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME, LAYOUT PLANS FOR AREAS 9 AND 12 (INDUSTRIAL AREAS) STAGE II REPORT ON TRAFFIC PROBLEMS, REVISED LAYOUT PLAN FOR AREA 14 (SOUTH OF ON TING ESTATE), REPORTS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE BOARD’S RESPECTIVE COMMITTEES WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AT 9.30 AM ON DECEMBER 28 (MONDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMPUTER STUDIES SCHEME FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS................. 1
NEW DISTRICT POLICE HEADQUARTERS FOR TSUEN WAN ................ 2
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION AT CHOI WAN ........................ 2
HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN TAI ................................. 5
ANTI-TRIAD VARIETY SHOW IN SHA TIN............................. 3
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN PLANT NURSERY................
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WAN CHAI ..................... *
ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI ..................................
LEFT-TURN BAN IN YUEN LONG ..............................-
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1987
COMPUTER STUDIES SCHEME FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
♦ » ♦ *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE NOT YET JOINED THE COMPUTER STUDIES SCHEME TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHEME IN THE 1988-89 SCHOOL YEAR.
THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO GIVE STUDENTS A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE FUNCTIONS OF THE MICRO-COMPUTER AND ITS APPLICATION IN THE MODERN WORLD.
A TOTAL OF 294 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR HAVE JOINED THE SCHEME.
THE COMPUTER STUDIES SYLLABUS CATERS FOR A TWO-YEAR STUDY AT SECONDARIES 4 AND 5 WITH A RECOMMENDED TIME-ALLOCATION OF FOUR PERIODS PER WEEK.
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SYLLABUS IS TO DEVELOP PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS AND AN AWARENESS OF DATA PROCESSING CONCEPTS AND PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH A WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF THIS RAPIDLY GROWING FORM OF TECHNOLOGY.
IN ADDITION, THE SYLLABUS IDENTIFIES THEORETICAL STUDIES COMPLEMENTED BY PRACTICAL WORK WHICH SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED REGULARLY OVER THE TWO-YEAR PERIOD TO DEVELOP 'HANDS-ON* EXPERIENCE WITH MICRO-COMPUTERS.
A GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY OF UP TO $25,000 WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL FOR FURNISHING AND CONVERTING A ROOM INTO A COMPUTER CLASSROOM.
THE CONVERSION WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF THE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT.
PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WOULD ALSO BE GIVEN 11 MICRO-COMPUTERS WITH VDUS’S, 12 DISC DRIVES AND TWO PRINTERS WITH INTERFACES, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
THE EQUIPMENT WOULD BE DELIVERED TO THE SCHOOLS IN OCTOBER NEXT YEAR.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1987
2
NEW DISTRICT POLICE HEADQUARTERS FOR TSUEN WAN
* ♦ ♦
SITE FORMATION WORK HAS STARTED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TSUEN WAN DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION AT TSUEN KING CIRCUIT, FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $5 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 10 MONTHS INCLUDES SITE CLEARANCE, DEMOLITION AND EXCAVATION, SITE FORMATION AND CAISSON RETAINING WALL CONSTRUCTION.
ROCK SLOPE STABILISATION AND SURFACE WATER DRAINAGE WORKS ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
THE NEW DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR THE TAI WO HAU MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
IT WILL HAVE TWO BLOCKS WITH A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 10,500 SQUARE METRES.
THE 17-STOREY HIGH BLOCK WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR OFFICES, PUBLIC REPORTING FACILITIES, BARRACKS, A CANTEEN AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES, WHILE THE ADJOINING THREE-STOREY BLOCK WILL HOUSE A COVERED COMPOUND FOR PARADE PURPOSES, CELLS AND OFFICES.
WORK ON BUILDING THE SUPERSTRUCTURE WILL BE LET AND CARRIED OUT UNDER A SEPARATE CONTRACT IN EARLY 1989.
-------0----------
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION AT CHOI WAN *****
THE FOURTH IN A SERIES OF EIGHT EXHIBITIONS ON FIRE PREVENTION ORGANISED BY THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP WILL BE HELD AT THE EXHIBITION CENTRE OF CHOI WAN ESTATE ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 27).
THE EXHIBITION WILL START AT NOON AND LAST UNTIL 3 PM.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE PANELS WITH GRAPHICS ILLUSTRATING BOTH GENERAL FIRE AND COUNTRYSIDE FIRE EMPHASIS ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S FIRE PREVENTION LAWS PROTECT’.
AND PHOTOGRAPHS PREVENTION WITH CAMPAIGN, ’FIRE
THESE EIGHT EXHIBITIONS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED TO BE STAGED IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY DURING THE WINTER MONTHS.
THE AIM IS TO REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK DURING THE DRY SEASON AND THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE INFORMATION BOOKLETS ON FIRE PREVENTION AND SOUVENIRS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK.
-------0--------- /3.....................
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25,
1987
- 3 -
HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN TAI PO
*****
THE LAST IN A SERIES OF 12 EXHIBITIONS ON HOME SAFETY WILL BE HELD AT THE FU SHIN ESTATE IN TAI PO ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 27).
STAGED BY THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, THE SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS IS AIMED AT HEIGHTENING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF HOME SAFETY AND AT THE SAME TIME OFFERING USEFUL ADVICE ON ACCIDENT PREVENTION.
THE SIMPLE PICTORIAL ILLUSTRATIONS ARE MOST EDUCATIONAL FOR CHILDREN WHO COULD LEARN HOW TO AVOID FALLING VICTIM TO THE COMMON HIDDEN DANGERS AT HOME, SUCH AS WATER, ELECTRIC APPLIANCES, SHARP OBJECTS, POISONOUS CHEMICALS, SCALDING LIQUIDS AND UNGRILLED WINDOWS OR BALCONIES.
THE EXHIBITION IS EQUALLY BENEFICIAL FOR ADULTS WHO WISH TO ACQUAINT THEMSELVES WITH PRACTICAL FIRST-AID METHODS TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES, SUCH AS CHOKING, WOUNDS AND BLEEDING, AND UNCONSCIOUSNESS.
DURING THE EXHIBITION HOURS FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM, VISITORS CAN OBTAIN A FREE BOOKLET ENTITLED ’A SAFE HOME IS A HAPPY HOME’.
-------o---------
ANTI-TRIAD VARIETY SHOW IN SHA TIN
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL STAGE A VARIETY SHOW WITH AN ANTI-TRIAD THEME ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 27) TO CAUTION THE PUBLIC AGAINST TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
IT WILL BE HELD NEAR THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN IN NEW TOWN PLAZA.
SCHEDULED TO START AT 2 PM, THE SHOW WILL FEATURE SINGING, DANCING, DRAMA, GAGS, MAGIC SHOWS, VIOLIN RECITAL AND BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE.
WINNERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE PRESENTED PRIZES AT A CEREMONY.
OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT WILL BE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM; DB MEMBER, MR ANDREW WONG; AND DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR JOHN GREENE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY MUSIC FOUNTAIN IN NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN.
------0 -------
TIN DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD (DECEMBER 27) NEAR THE
A.......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1987
- 4 -
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN PLANT NURSERY *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE FORMATION OF A LARGE PLANT NURSERY AT TSUEN WAN AREA 21 NEAR TSUEN KING CIRCUIT FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2.27 HECTARES, A LARGE PART OF THE SITE WILL BE USED AS PLANT NURSERY GROUND WITH AN AUTOMATIC IRRIGATION SYSTEM.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A GREEN HOUSE, A SHED FOR SOIL MIXING AND STORAGE, TWO SHADE HOUSES, A SMALL OFFICE/STORE BUILDING WITH AN OFFICE, A REST ROOM, CHANGING ROOM AND TOILET.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND COMPLETE IN JUNE 1989.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 15.
------0-------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WAN CHAI
*****
HARBOUR DRIVE IN WAN CHAI NEAR SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A CUL-DE-SAC FROM 11 PM TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY BETWEEN MONDAY (DECEMBER 28) EVENING AND THURSDAY (DECEMBER 31) MORNING.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE GAS MAIN LAYING WORK.
-----0-------
ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI
* * *
THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF JOHNSTON ROAD BETWEEN LEE TUNG STREET AND O’BRIEN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 28) FOR UNLOADING OF A HEAVY MACHINE.
VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUARD ROAD, HENNESSY ROAD, FLEMING ROAD TO REJOIN JOHNSTON ROAD.
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/5........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1987
- 5 -
LEFT-TURN BAN IN YUEN LONG » » »
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM TAI YUK ROAD NORTHBOUND ON TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD WESTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 28).
THIS IS NECESSARY TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG.
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON TAI YUK ROAD HEADING FOR TUEN MUN WILL HAVE TO USE KAU YUK ROAD, FUNG NIN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION).
- - O -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COUNTRYSIDE CLEaN-UP WINS INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT ............... 1
CHEQUE PAYMENT FOR LICENCE FEES ENCOURAGED..................... 2
ADVANCED COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION .......................... 2
FUN FAIR, CONCERT TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ................ 3
THOUSANDS VISITED FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW.............. 4
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS' PERFORMANCE............................. 4
RECLAMATIONS aT KWAI CHUNG, TELEGRAPH BAY...................... 5
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR MUSIC OFFICE DRAWING CONTEST............. 6
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON .................................... 7
WATER CUT UI TUEN MUN, NGAU TaU KOK.......................... 8
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1987
COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN-UP WINS INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT * * * *
A GROUP OF HIKERS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING TODAY (SATURDAY) LENT ITS SUPPORT TO THE VIGOROUS DRIVE MOUNTED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO RID HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS OF LITTER.
THE 20-MEMBER GROUP FROM THE SIERRA CLUB OF CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES, CURRENTLY IN HONG KONG FOR A VISIT TO LOCAL COUNTRY PARKS AND THE LONG-DISTANCE HIKING TRAILS, TOOK TIME OFF FROM ITS BUSY SCHEDULE TO TAKE PART IN A LITTER COLLECTION EXPEDITION IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
THEY JOINED MEMBERS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD LED BY ITS PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, IN PICKING UP LITTER AT A POPULAR PICNIC SITE AT PAK TAM CHUNG.
TODAY’S EXPEDITION WAS AMONG A SERIES OF LITTER RAIDS BY VOLUNTARY HIKING AND MOUNTAINEERING GROUPS TO CLEAN UP REMOTE HIKING ROUTES AND PARK AREAS AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME.
SINCE THE LAUNCH OF THE SCHEME IN EARLY OCTOBER, MORE THAN 6,200 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 1,500 HIKERS FROM 40 LOCAL HIKING GROUPS,. HAVE TAKEN PART IN LITTER COLLECTION ACTIVITIES.
THE HIKERS FROM SIERRA CLUB ARE THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL PARTICIPANTS.
THE 1987 SCHEME ALSO FEATURES FIVE OTHER ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS. THEY INCLUDE A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, A PAINTING COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, A ’TIDY MORNING WALKER GARDENS’ COMPETITION FOR MORNING WALKERS, AND TREE TENDING ACTIVITY FOR ORGANISED GROUPS AND SCHOOL PARTIES.
SO FAR, IT HAS ATTRACTED 9,500 PARTICIPANTS, A NEW RECORD OVER LAST YEAR’S ATTENDANCE OF 7,484.
IN VIEW OF THE OVERWHELMING PUBLIC RESPONSE, THE ORGANISERS HAVE DECIDED TO EXTEND THE SCHEME BY TWO MONTHS TO LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY 28 NEXT YEAR.
EARLIER IN THE MORNING, THE VISITING SIERRA CLUB HIKERS TOURED THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE AND MET WITH SENIOR OFFICIALS OF COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY FOR AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON NATURE CONSERVATION AND COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION.
ESTABLISHED IN 1892, SIERRA CLUB IS ONE OF THE LARGEST COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION ORGANISATIONS IN THE WORLD, WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 440,000.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26,
1987
2
CHEQUE PAYMENT FOR LICENCE FEES ENCOURAGED * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TODAY (SATURDAY) TO MAKE THEIR PAYMENTS OF VEHICLE AND LICENCE FEES TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES BY CHEQUES OR CASHIER’S ORDERS TO HELP SPEED UP THE DEPARTMENT’S OPERATION.
"IN VIEW OF THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS HANDLED DAILY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FOUR LICENSING OFFICES, IT WILL BE ADVISABLE FOR THE PUBLIC TO PAY BY CHEQUES OR CASHIER’S ORDERS FOR SECURITY REASONS," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS WILL ALSO BE IN THEIR OWN INTEREST AS APPLICANTS WILL NOT HAVE TO CARRY A LARGE AMOUNT OF CASH WHEN MAKING PAYMENTS."
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ALL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LICENSING OFFICES ACCEPTED PAYMENT BY CHEQUES OR CASHIER’S ORDERS.
CHEQUE OR CASHIER’S ORDER PAYMENTS CAN ALSO BE MADE BY POST AS MANY OF THE SERVICES ACCEPTED POSTAL APPLICATIONS.
THESE SERVICES INCLUDE THE RENEWAL OF DRIVING LICENCES, LEARNER’S DRIVING LICENCES AND VEHICLE LICENCES; THE ISSUE OF INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS; AND THE TRANSFERENCE OF VEHICLE OWNERSHIP.
"BY USING CHEQUES OR CASHIER’S ORDERS, THE PUBLIC CAN SEND IN APPLICATIONS BY POST TO SAVE TIME AND EFFORT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HOWEVER, HE REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ONLY PERSONAL CHEQUE ISSUED BY THE APPLICANT HIMSELF WILL BE ACCEPTED.
------------------o ------ ADVANCED COURSE OF TEACHER EDUCATION * t *
THE FOUR COLLEGES OF EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL AGAIN CONDUCT A NUMBER OF ADVANCED COURSES OF TEACHER EDUCATION (ACTE) IN THE 1988-89 ACADEMIC YEAR FOR TRAINED TEACHERS.
THE ACTE IS INTENDED TO EQUIP NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS OF CULTURAL, PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS TO TEACH THESE SUBJECTS UP TO SECONDARIES 4 AND 5 LEVEL.
THE COURSE WILL COMPRISE STUDIES IN EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY, COMPLEMENTARY STUDIES AND LANGUAGE SKILLS WHICH ALL STUDENTS MUST FOLLOW.
/IN ADDITION.........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 198?
IN ADDITION, EACH STUDENT WILL STUDY IN DEPTH, ON AN ELECTIVE BASIS, ONE AREA OF SUBJECT SPECIALISATION.
PRACTICAL TEACHING IN SCHOOLS WILL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE COURSE.
FOR TECHNICAL TEACHERS, THE PRACTICAL TEACHING ELEMENT WILL BE REPLACED BY A PERIOD OF ATTACHMENT TO INDUSTRY OR TO COMMERCIAL FIRMS.
THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL OFFER COURSES ON ART AND DESIGN AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION (MALE); THE NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL RUN HOME ECOMONICS (HOME MANAGEMENT, DRESS AND DESIGN); SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE WILL OPERATE PHYSICAL EDUCATION (FEMALE) AND MUSIC; WHILE THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL CONDUCT COMMERCE, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY COURSES.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE CHAIRMAN, JOINT SELECTION BOARD, FURTHER EDUCATION DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT LEE GARDENS BEFORE JANUARY 12.
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FUN FAIR, CONCERT TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY * * » »
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD IS TO ORGANISE AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY '88 ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 3) TO PUBLICISE SAFETY AT WORK.
THE EVENT, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT KO SHAN ROAD PARK IN HUNG HOM, COMPRISES A CARNIVAL IN THE AFTERNOON AND A CONCERT IN THE
THIS FOLLOWS THE SUCCESS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WEEK HELD IN MARCH THIS YEAR AS PART OF THE 1986/87 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROMOTIONAL PROGRAMME.
MORE THAN 40 ORGANISATIONS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE CARNIVAL WHICH WILL TAKE THE FORM OF FUN FAIR BOOTHS FEATURING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND EXHIBITION STANDS.
OTHER ACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE, DISC JOCKEY SHOW AND QUIZZES.
/LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1?87
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR HENRIETTA IP, HAS BEEN INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 5 PM.
THE CONCERT, TO BE STAGED IN KO SHAN THEATRE BETWEEN 8 PM AND 10 PM, IS PRODUCED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO TO MARK THE CONCLUSION OF THE RADIO SERIES "SAFETY HINTS IN INDUSTRY”.
FEATURING POP SINGERS AND RADIO PERSONALITIES, THE PROGRAMME WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON COMMERCIAL RADIO ONE.
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THOUSANDS VISITED FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW
* ♦ ♦ ♦
MORE THAN 20,000 PEOPLE HAVE VISITED THE FIRST NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND SINCE IT OPENED ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 23).
"THE LARGE-SCALE EXHIBITION IS STAGED IN HONG KONG FOR THE FIRST TIME, PROVIDING LOCAL PEOPLE WITH AN INEXPENSIVE FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE SHOW IS ALSO OF GREAT EDUCATIONAL VALUE," HE SAID.
"FLOWER AND NATURE LOVERS ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE FIVE-DAY SHOW WHICH WILL END TOMORROW AT 6 PM," HE ADDED.
---------0-----------
DANCE CONTEST WINNERS’ *
PERFORMANCE
DANCE LOVERS WILL BE TREATED TO A PERFORMANCE BY WINNERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT DANCING COMPETITON AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON JANUARY 9 (SATURDAY) AT 2.30 PM.
NINE OUTSTANDING AMATEUR DANCE TROUPES WILL PERFORM ORIENTAL DANCE, WESTERN FOLK DANCE AND MODERN DANCE.
/THE COMPETITION
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 198?
THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S RECREATION AND SPORT, AND CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATIONS WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE.
• 4
VOUCHERS FOR FREE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS FROM THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES; THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE; AND THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE ON THE TOP FLOOR OF CENTRAL MARKET.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-416405.
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RECLAMATIONS AT KWAI CHUNG, TELEGRAPH BAY * * * * *
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE RECLAMATION OF A BACK UP AREA BEHIND KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 6 AND RECLAMATION AT TELEGRAPH BAY.
THE WORK AT KWAI CHUNG WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 700 METRES OF PITCHED SLOPE SEAWALL, 400 METRES OF STORMWATER DRAINS, AND RECLAMATION OF ABOUT 10 HECTARES OF LAND BEHIND THE PROPOSED PITCHED SLOPE SEAWALL.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1990, THE LAND FORMED WILL BE USED FOR CONTAINER TERMINAL RELATED AND BACK UP USES, PROVISION OF TRANSPORT LINKS TO AND FROM THE EXPANDED CONTAINER PORT AS WELL AS A TRANSPORT RESERVE FOR THE FUTURE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY.
THE CONTRACT FOR TELEGRAPH BAY CALLS FOR RAISING THE FORMATION LEVEL OF THE EXISTING 20 HECTARES OF RECLAIMED LAND TO ABOUT 5.5 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL.
THE LAND FORMED WILL BE USED FOR RESIDENTIAL AND DISTRICT OPEN SPACE PURPOSES. THE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE NEXT MARCH AND WILL TAKE TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
TENDERS FOR THE WORKS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JANUARY 8.
--------o ----------
/6........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1987
6
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR MUSIC OFFICE DRAWING CONTEST ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A TOTAL OF 88 YOUNGSTERS TOOK PART IN A DRAWING COMPETITION ORGANISED RECENTLY BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
THERE WERE THREE CATEGORIES FOR THE COMPETITION, NAMELY PRIMARY GROUP (SIX TO 11 YEARS OLD), SECONDARY GROUP (12 TO 18 YEARS OLD) AND OPEN GROUP.
THE THEMES OF THE COMPETITION WERE "MUSIC OFFICE AND I", "MUSIC CAMP AND I" AND "MUSIC OFFICE IN THE COMMUNITY".
THE FOUR JUDGES WERE MRS DORIS HO, FORMER MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR; MR AGAY NG, SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT; MR SIMON CHAK, INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT; AND MR PHILIP WONG, ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LTD.
TEN-YEAR OLD TWINS, KWOK MAY-KEE AND KWOK AN-KEE, WERE TIED FIRST IN THE PRIMARY GROUP SECTION WHILE CHAN YING-CHONG WAS AWARDED THE THIRD PRIZE.
KAN NIM-CHT CAME FIRST IN THE SECONDARY GROUP WHILE MAK YUEN-YEE TOOK THE SECOND PLACE. LEE BIK-KAY WAS THE SECOND RUNNER-UP.
LIANG LAI-YEE WITH HER DRAWING "MUSIC OFFICE AND I" WON THE FIRST PRIZE IN THE OPEN GROUP AS WELL AS THE OVERALL CHAMPIONSHIP. NSAN HING-TONG AND LUK KA-YAN WERE THE FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP OF THE OPEN GROUP RESPECTIVELY.
ONE OF THE ADJUDICATORS, MRS HO SAID: "THE EMPHASIS IS NOT ON THE DRAWING TECHNIQUES. INSTEAD, THESE YOUNG PEOPLE’S DRAWINGS CONCENTRATE ON THEIR FEELINGS ABOUT MUSIC AND DISPLAY MUCH IMAGINATION AND MOVEMENT."
COMMENTING ON THE ENTRY OF THE OVERALL CHAMPION LIANG LAI-YEE, MRS HO SAID: "SHE HAS IDENTIFIED HERSELF WITH MANY ACTIVITIES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, REVEALING HER DEDICATION AND CONFIDENCE IN TAKING PART IN THESE ACTIVITIES."
--------o ----------
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1987
- 7 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON ♦ » t t ♦
TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS ON CHEONG WAN ROAD FLYOVER IN HUNG HOM, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM ON WAN ROAD ON TO CHEONG WAN ROAD FLYOVER NORTHBOUND DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND. 6 AM FROM TUESDAY (DECEMBER 29) TO THURSDAY (DECEMBER 31).
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON THE SECTION OF CHEONG WAN ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HEADING FOR GILLIES AVENUE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HONG TAI PATH, HONG CHONG ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU UNDERPASS AND GILLIES AVENUE. . »
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES AT THE KCR KOWLOON STATION WISHING ACCESS TO GILLIES AVENUE WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA CHEONG WAN ROAD WESTBOUND, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND WUHU UNDERPASS.
MEANWHILE. FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY, THE EXISTING 10 AM TO 9 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON MODY ROAD SOUTHBOUND OUTSIDE HOLIDAY INN HARBOUR VIEW HOTEL WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS FOR ABOUT SIX METRES TO THE LOADING AND UNLOADING BAY.
ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM STOPPING WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
IN SHAM SHUI PO, THE JUNCTION OF THE EASTERN END OF LUNG PING ROAD SOUTHBOUND WITH LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY.
THE MEASURE TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS AT THE JUNCTION OF LUNG PING ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL LAST FOR ABOUT 16 DAYS.
VEHICLES ON LUNG PING ROAD HEADING FOR LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUNG PING ROAD, THE FLYOVER, NAM CHEONG STREET, THE ROUNDABOUT AT THE JUNCTION OF NAM CHEONG STREET AND CORNWALL STREET, NAM CHEONG STREET, TAT WOH PING ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
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/8........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1987
8
WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN, NGAU TAU KOK * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 28) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE WHOLE TUEN MUN AREA FROM FU TEI TO SAM SHING ESTATE, INCULDING SIU HONG COURT, TAI HING ESTATE, SHAN KING ESTATE, SAN FAT ESTATE, ON TING ESTATE, YAU 01 ESTATE, SIU ON COURT, BUTTERFLY ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, SIU SHAN COURT, MELODY GARDENS, CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, PRIME VIEW GARDENS, AREAS 4B, 4C, 9, 10, 12, 19, 26, 36, 37A, 37B AND 44, PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
MEANWHILE, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO BLOCKS 8 TO 14 OF LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
THE HK/US DOLLAR LINK: FACT SHEET ......................... 1
IMPROVEMENTS TO PA SCHEME EFFECTIVE IN NEW YEAR............ 3
HYF FARE RTSFS TO TAKE EFFECT ON NEW YEAR’S DAY............ 5
DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STARTED . 6
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER................................. 7
CONTRACTS FOR THREE RECREATION PROJECTS AWARDED............ 8
LEARNING PACKAGE ON LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.................... 3
APPLICATION FOR DB FUNDS INVITED........................... 10
COMPETITIONS TO SPREAD KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE.................. 10
LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY ON DB AGENDA................ 11
YOUNG MUSICIANS’ DEBUT..................................... 12
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN TAI PO, YAU MA TEI.......... 12
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
1
THE HK/US DOLLAR LINK: EACT SHEET
t * » * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT LINKED THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE U.S. DOLLAR AT THE RATE OF 7.80:1 IN OCTOBER 1983 AND IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO MAINTAIN THE LINK AT THIS RATE.
THE HK$/US$ LINK:
- HAS BEEN A VITAL FACTOR IN MAINTAINING DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG
- HAS NOT RESULTED IN HONG KONG BUILDING UP A GLOBAL SURPLUS ON VISIBLE TRADE
- HAS NOT CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE DETERIORATION OF THE U.S. TRADE BALANCE.
WHY THE LINK IS NEEDED
THE LINK WAS ESTABLISHED AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG WAS SUFFERING FROM ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES AND POLITICAL UNCERTAINTIES ARISING FROM THE SINO-BR1TISH NEGOTIATIONS ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE, IN ORDER TO :
- SUPPORT THE HK$ WHICH WAS DECLINING FAST, INCLUDING A 15 PER CENT FALL AGAINST THE US$ IN TWO DAYS
- CONTROL INFLATION, WHICH WAS RUNNING AT 10 PER CENT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE LINK WAS ESTABLISHED AND THREATENING TO ACCELERATE
- PROMOTE CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND FUTURE.
THE LINK HAS WORKED WELL. IT HAS PROVIDED EXCHANGE RATE STABILITY, A MECHANISM FOR MONETARY CONTROL AND A STABLE AND PREDICTABLE FINANCIAL ENVIRONMENT. IT HAS KEPT INFLATION IN CHECK. CONFIDENCE IN THE HK$ AND IN HK$ ASSETS HAS BEEN RESTORED.
IN THE RUN-UP TO THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY TO CHINA IN 1997, THERE ARE BOUND TO BE PERIODS OF POLITICAL OR ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY BRINGING THE EXCHANGE RATE UNDER SERIOUS PRESSURE.
BREAKING OR ALTERING THE LINK EVEN ONCE WOULD ENCOURAGE SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY WHICH COULD BE GRAVELY DAMAGING TO HONG KONG AND TO ITS LOCAL AND FOREIGN INVESTORS.
TOTAL U.S. INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS WORTH SOME US$6 BILLION; AND THE UNITED STATES IS ALSO THE LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING SECTOR.
/IMPACT ON
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
- 2
IMPACT ON HONG KONG’S GLOBAL TRADING INTERESTS
HONG KONG DOES NOT MAINTAIN THE LINK TO GAIN A COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OR TO BUILD UP TRADE SURPLUSES.
WHEN THE US$ WAS STRONG IN 1984 AND 1985, HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS SUFFERED, ITS DOMESTIC EXPORTS FELL AND THERE WAS NO GROWTH IN THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE. BUT THE LINK WAS NOT CHANGED.
HONG KONG HAS THUS TAKEN THE ROUGH WITH THE SMOOTH. OVERALL,
THE HK$ HAS ACTUALLY APPRECIATED SLIGHTLY SINCE OCTOBER 1983.
EVEN OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS, WHEN THE VALUE OF THE HK$ HAS
BEEN DECLINING WITH THE USS, HONG KONG HAS NOT HAD A SURPLUS ON ITS GLOBAL VISIBLE TRADE.
ITS GLOBAL VISIBLE TRADE WAS IN ROUGH BALANCE IN 1986 AND THE SAME IS EXPECTED IN 1987.
HONG KONG/U.S. TRADE RELATIONSHIP
HONG KONG RUNS A BILATERAL TRADE SURPLUS WITH THE UNITED STATES. BUT THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE CASE. IT IS NOT ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE HK$/US$ LINK AND CERTAINLY NOT TO ANY RESTRICTIONS ON U.S. EXPORTS TO HONG KONG.
UNLIKE MANY OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION, HONG KONG'S MARKETS ARE COMPLETELY OPEN. IT HAS NO TARIFF BARRIERS.
IN ADDITION:
- HONG KONG'S PER CAPITA IMPORTS OF U.S. GOODS ARE EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH: WORTH US$520 A YEAR COMPARED WITH US$258 FOR TAIWAN, US$138 FOR KOREA, US$189 FOR JAPAN AND US$157 FOR THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1987, U.S. EXPORTS TO HONG KONG ROSE 29 PER CENT, FASTER THAN ITS EXPORTS TO ITS OTHER MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS IN THE REGION, WHILE HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES ROSE BY ONLY 14 PER CENT
- THE U.S. TRADE DEFICIT WITH HONG KONG HAS SO FAR GROWN BY LESS THAN 10 PER CENT IN 1987 COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF UP TO 63 PER CENT IN ITS DEFICITS WITH OTHER MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS
- HONG KONG CONTRIBUTED US$25.6 MILLION OR LESS THAN 1 PER CENT TO THE INCREASE IN THE U.S. TRADE DEFICIT IN 1986. IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, HONG KONG'S SHARE OF THE U.S. DEFICIT HAS REMAINED FLAT AFTER HAVING FALLEN STEADILY SINCE 1982.
/CONCLUSION .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
- 3 -
CONCLUSION
THE HK$/US$ LINK:
- HAS CONTRIBUTED ENORMOUSLY TO THE BUILDING OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG
- IS A VITAL FACTOR IN THE LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE OF THE VALUE OF THE HK$ AND OF HK$ ASSETS -- AN ISSUE IN WHICH THE UNITED STATES HAS A MAJOR ECONOMIC STAKE
- IS THEREFORE NOT ONLY IN THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG BUT TO ALL OF THOSE, INCLUDING THE U.S. BUSINESS COMMUNITY, WITH AN INTEREST IN ITS CONTINUING STABILITY AND PROSPERITY.
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IMPROVEMENTS TO PA SCHEME EFFECTIVE IN NEW YEAR ♦ » ♦ * *
A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WILL COME INTO EFFECT IN THE NEW YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
STARTING FROM JANUARY 1, 1988, A NEW SLIDING SCALE OF BASIC RATES WILL BE INTRODUCED WHICH WOULD BETTER REFLECT THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF HOUSEHOLDS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND PROVIDE MORE HELP TO LARGE FAMILIES.
THE REVISED SCALE AS COMPARED WITH THE CURRENT ONE IS AS FOLLOWS:
FAMILY SIZE CURRENT SCALE ($) NEW SCALE ($)
SINGLE PERSON 510 510
FAMILY:
1ST MEMBER 370 380 (+10)
2ND MEMBER 370 380 (+10)
3RD MEMBER 370 370
4TH MEMBER 315 370 (+55)
5TH MEMBER 315 360 (+45)
6TH MEMBER 315 360 (+45)
7TH AND EACH
ADDITIONAL MEMBER 245 360 (+115)
/SIMULTANEOUSLY, A
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
SIMULTANEOUSLY, A THIRD RATE OE LONG-TERM SUPPLEMENT OF $1,935 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FAMILIES COMPRISING FIVE OR MORE MEMBERS.
A LONG TERM SUPPLEMENT IS PAYABLE TO A FAMILY OR A SINGLE PERSON WHO HAS BEEN RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR MORE THAN 12 MONTHS FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF DURABLE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS AND SIMILAR EXPENDITURE.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE TWO RATES, ONE OF $1,290 FOR A FAMILY REGARDLESS OF SIZE AND ANOTHER OF $645 FOR A SINGLE PERSON.
"THE NEW THIRD RATE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED IN RECOGNITION THAT THE LARGER FAMILIES NEED TO ACQUIRE AND REPLACE MORE HOUSEHOLD ITEMS THAN THE AVERAGE SIZED FAMILY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT INVOLVES THE DISREGARDED INCOME PROVISION.
TO ENCOURAGE SELF-HELP, CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF PERSONS WHO ARE EARNING BUT CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO SEEK FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT, FOR EXAMPLE, THE DISABLED, ELDERLY, SINGLE PARENTS, CAN HAVE A PORTION OF THEIR INCOME DISREGARDED FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
STARTING FROM JANUARY 1, THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF DISREGARDED INCOME WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE CURRENT LEVEL OF $255 TO $385 PER MONTH.
FOR THE SAME REASON, THE DISREGARDED INCOME PROVISION WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO ABLE-BODIED PERSONS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND IN REGULAR EMPLOYMENT AND THE MAXIMUM LEVEL WILL ALSO BE $385.
"THIS WILL ENABLE A MEMBER OF A FAMILY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO BE NO WORSE-OFF EMPLOYED THAN WHEN UNEMPLOYED, BY MAKING ALLOWANCES FOR THE ADDITIONAL EXPENSES ASSOCIATED WITH GOING TO WORK, SUCH AS THE PURCHASE OF SUITABLE CLOTHING AND MEALS TAKEN AWAY FROM HOME," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE SAME BASIS, CHILDREN OF FAMILIES ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ATTENDING FULL-DAY SCHOOL AND TAKING MEALS AWAY FROM HOME WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A MEAL ALLOWANCE OF $80 PER MONTH.
AT PRESENT, A PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENT IS ALLOWED A CERTAIN LEVEL OF ASSETS CLASSIFIED INTO THREE CATEGORIES, NAMELY CASH AND READILY REALISABLE ASSETS; REAL PROPERTY NOT OCCUPIED BY THE RECIPIENT; AND VALUABLE POSSESSIONS.
AS THE LINE BETWEEN "CASH AND READILY REALISABLE ASSETS" AND "VALUABLE POSSESSIONS" IS RATHER BLURRED, THEY WILL BE CONSOLIDATED INTO A SINGLE CATEGORY.
/UNDER THE .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
5
UNDER THE CATEGORY OF "CASH, SAVINGS, INVESTMENTS, READILY REALISABLE ASSETS AND VALUABLE POSSESSIONS", THE RATE FOR A SINGLE PERSON LIVING ON HIS OWN WILL BE $12,900 AND $8,600 FOR A PERSON IN THE FAMILY.
FOR REAL PROPERTY, IT WILL BE $6,450 FOR A SINGLE PERSON LIVING ON HIS OWN AND $4,300 FOR A PERSON IN THE FAMILY.
IN CONNECTION WITH UNOCCUPIED PROPERTY, AT PRESENT A PERSON IS DISQUALIFIED FROM PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IF HE OWNS BUT FAILS TO OCCUPY PROPERTY WITH A CAPITAL VALUE OF $6,450.
IN FUTURE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WILL HAVE THE DISCRETION TO DISREGARD THE VALUE OF ANY PROPERTY TEMPORARILY NOT OCCUPIED BY THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS IN SPECIAL CASES, FOR EXAMPLE, IN A DIVORCE OR BATTERED WIFE CASE WHERE ONE SPOUSE HAS MOVED OUT OF THE FAMILY'S HOUSE.
IT WILL ALSO BE WITHIN THE DIRECTOR’S DISCRETION TO GRANT PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO A YOUNG PERSON AGED 15 TO 17 IN HIS OWN RIGHT IF HE HAS STRONG JUSTIFICATION FOR LIVING AWAY FROM HOME, SUCH AS THE CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT REQUIRING HIM TO LIVE AT HIS PLACE OF WORK.
THE LEVEL OF MONTHLY INCOME FOR DETERMINING GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT WILL ALSO BE REVISED FROM $315 TO $370.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE RECENTLY APPROVED THE ALLOCATION OF $25.7 MILLION FOR IMPLEMENTING THESE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.
AT THE ENI) OF NOVEMBER, 1987, THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 63,079 CASES INVOLVING ABOUT 96,600 PERSONS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
"PAYMENTS TO AFFECTED CASES WILL BE ADJUSTED AUTOMATICALLY SO THAT THEY CAN RECEIVE THEIR FIRST ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS ON THEIR ORIGINAL PAY RATES SPREADING BETWEEN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY 1988," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
--------0 ---------
HYF FARE RISES TO TAKE EFFECT ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
* » * » *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FARES FOR FERRY SERVICES OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMA1 I FERRY COMPANY WILL BE INCREASED FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
FOR CROSS-HARBOUR PASSENGER SERVICES, ADULT FARES WILL BE REVISED FROM $1.70 TO $1.80, AND MONTHLY TICKETS WILL COS 1 $75 I NS I LAD OF $70.
/FARES FOR
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
- 6 -
* FARES FOR CHILDREN AND THE TEMPORARY CENTRAL TO TSIM SHA TSUI EAST HOVERFERRY SERVICE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED. THERE WILL BE NO FARE INCREASE FOR NEW TOWN PASSENGER SERVICES.
ON HYF’S OUTLYING ISLANDS AND TOLO HARBOUR SERVICES, THE DELUXE CLASS FARES DURING SATURDAY AFTERNOONS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $11 TO $12 FOR ADULTS, AND FROM $7 TO $7.50 FOR CHILDREN. MONTHLY TICKETS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $165 TO $185. ’
THERE WILL BE NO FARE INCREASE FOR ALL WEEKDAY AND ORDINARY CLASS SERVICES DURING SATURDAY AFTERNOONS, SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
AS FOR VEHICULAR FERRY FARES, THERE WILL BE INCREASES FROM $6 TO $6.50 FOR PRIVATE CARS AND TAXIS, $3 TO $3.50 FOR MOTORCYCLES, AND $10 TO $11 FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND BUSES. THERE WILL BE NO INCREASE FOR GOODS VEHICLES FOR THE TIME BEING.
CHARGES FOR FREIGHT CARRIED ON CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES WILL INCREASE FROM $6 TO $6.50 FOR EVERY 60 KILOGRAMS OR 0.12 CUBIC METRE. FREIGHT CHARGES ON OTHER SERVICES WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.
-------0----------
DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL STARTED » ♦ » ♦ *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED TO CONDUCT THE DECEMBER 1987 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN RESPECT OF THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1987.
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET IN HONG KONG.
THIS ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS SOME 36,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS) AND SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES) AND THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING, ELECTRICITY AND GAS). t
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON DECEMBER 30 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH ESTABLISHMENT.
/SOME 10,000 .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
- 7 -
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE SELECTED EROM THE SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1987.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8235076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THIS DEPARTMENT DURING OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1987, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8234770.
--------0----------
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ♦ ♦ ♦
EMPLOYERS ARE REMINDED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1) IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY.
THEY MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE SAID.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DA'i AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
/WHERE EARNINGS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
8
WHERE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
-------o----------
CONTRACTS FOR THREE RECREATION PROJECTS AWARDED
» * * »
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED THREE CONTRACTS, WORTH MORE THAN $9.5 MILLION, FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO LOCAL OPEN SPACES.
ONE OF THE CONTRACTS, WORTH $1.8 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE SQUASH COURTS AT KAI TAK EAST INDOOR GAMES HALL IN LUK HOP STREET, SAN PO KONG.
CONSTRUCTION STARTS THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED NEXT AUGUST.
THE WORK INVOLVES BUILDING A SINGLE-STOREY EXTENSION OF ABOUT 280 SQUARE METRES TO THE EXISTING GAMES HALL.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED, BESIDES THE THREE SQUASH COURTS, WILL INCLUDE A STORE ROOM, MANAGEMENT OFFICE, METER ROOM AND LOCKF.R SPACE.
THE EXISTING GAMES HALL, MANAGED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, HAS A MULTI-PURPOSE ARENA WHICH CAN BE USED FOR PLAYING BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON AND TABLE-TENNIS.
THE TWO LOCAL OPEN SPACES ARE TO BE BUILT IN YUEN LONG AND PENG CHAU FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
WORK WILL COMMENCE SHORTLY AND BE COMPLETED NEXT SEPTEMBER FOR BOTH PROJECTS.
THE ONE IN YUEN LONG, MEASURING ABOUT 5,900 SQUARE METERS, WILL BE LOCATED AT ON HING ROAD.
COSTING $3.65 MILLION, THE ON HING ROAD OPEN SPACE WILL COMPRISE A SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER PITCH, SITTING-OUT AREA AND STORE/METER ROOM. LANDSCAPING WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
/THE OTHER
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
- 9 -
t
THE OTHER OPEN SPACE WILL BE BUILT ON A 5,000 SQUARE METER SITE IN PENG CHAU TOWN CENTRE AT A COST OF $4.12 MILLION.
IT WILL PROVIDE BOTH ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING BASKETBALL AND VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A CHINESE PAVILION, A ROLLER SKATING RINK AND A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA.
HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
-------0---------
LEARNING PACKAGE ON LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
* * ♦
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CIVIC EDUCATION STANDING COMMITTEE HAS RECENTLY PRODUCED A LEARNING PACKAGE ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR LOAN TO SCHOOLS.
THE MATERIALS, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AIM TO INTRODUCE THE HISTORY AND THE FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL.
THEY ARE NOW ON DISPLAY FOR PREVIEW AT THE CIVIC EDUCATION JTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT. *
TflE PACKAGE CONSISTS OF A SET OF 74 COLOUR SLIDES, A 'MMENTARY ON AN AUDIO CASSETTE TAPE, A SCRIPT, A BOOKLET ENTITLED "THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL : BEHIND THE SCENES" AND AN INFORMATION SHEET ON "HONG KONG : THE FACTS OMELCO".
A VIDEO TAPE OF IDENTICAL CONTENTS HAS ALSO BEEN PRODUCED. ♦
SCHOOLS WISHING TO BORROW THE LEARNING PACKAGE ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE AUDIO VISUAL RESOURCES LIBRARY, VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 228, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
DUPLICATION OF THE MATERIALS CAN BE MADE AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT, 181 CANTON ROAD, FIRST '•’LOOR, TSIM SHA TSUI.
- - 0 --------
/10........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
f
APPLICATION FOR DB FUNDS INVITED t t * ♦ 1
LbcAL Organisations in the central and western district are BEING INCITED TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS FOR THE 1988-1989 FINANCIAL YEAR.
"TO INVITE APPLICATION WELL IN ADVANCE। WILL ENABLE THESE ORGANISATIONS TO PLAN THEIR PROJECTS MORE EFFECTIVELY AND CAN ENSURE THAT A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE FUNDED," A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THESE PROJECTS SHOULD BE HELD BETWEEN APRIL AND SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR AND SHOULD BENEFIT THE RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT AND ENHANCE THEIR COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO PROJECTS SHOWING INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY OR PROVIDING NEEDY SERVICE TO THE DISTRICT.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE VETTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE.
INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT AT 11TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, BEFORE FEBRUARY 25, 1988.
F0R ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MISS MARIA LAU AT 5-8523478.
-------------------------0-------- b
* COMPETITIONS TO SPREAD KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE
* i » ♦ ♦
A BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION AND A SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION HAVE BEEN LAUNCHED AS PART OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
STUDENTS OF THE DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS.
THE TWO COMPETITIONS, WITH THE THEME OF "A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT FOR THE ISLANDS", ARE CO-ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE TO DRIVE HOME THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE AMONG THE STUDENTS.
THE WINNING ENTRY OF THE BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED TO THE ISLANDERS, WHILE THOSE OF THE SLOGAN WRITING COMPETITION WILL BE PRINTED ON PLAGUES WHICH WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE SCENIC SPOTS AND COUNTRY PARKS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMPETITIONS ARE DIVIDED INTO THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS SECTIONS.
/THE DEADLINE .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27t 1987
11
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS JANUARY 11, 1988. *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID: ’’APART FROM THE TWO COMPETITIONS, OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE CURRENT ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ARE IN THE PIPELINE.
J
’’THOSE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A CLEANING FOR CHARITY DAY, A DWELLING BOAT CLEANING COMPETITION AND A BANNER PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN.”
-----0------
LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC STUDY ON DB AGENDA ♦ » »
MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 29) TO DISCUSS FINDINGS OF A STUDY OF THE MAJOR SCHEMES TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
BRIEFING MEMBERS ON THE STUDY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT (NT), MR RICHARD MEAKIN; CHIEF ENGINEER (NT) OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR TSOH MING; CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER (NT EAST), MR SAM CHAN; AND SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR K.S. HUNJAN.
AT THE MEETING MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE ”TAI PO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 1987” AND THE LAND USE, POPULATION ESTIMATES AND PROVISIONS OF SERVICES AND AMENITIES IN AREA 6 WHICH IS NEAR TO THE TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DISTRICT HOSPITAL IN TAI PO, REGIONAL COUNCIL’S DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME, INCREASE IN HIRING CHARGES OF REGIONAL COUNCIL’S CIVIC CENTRES AND A JOINT PROJECT OF THE PROMOTION AND PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE ON THE ’’STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO IN 1990’S”.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 29) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG ,FUK ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
-------°--------- • /12........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1987
12 -
YOUNG MUSICIANS’ DEBUT
* ♦ ♦ » » »
x •» t r v r-
A CONCERT BY SOME 200 YOUNG MUSICIANS, ALL UNDER 14 YEARS OLD, WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE TOMORROW (MONDAY) NIGHT TO CELEBRATE THE MUSIC OFFICE’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY.
THE "YOUNG MUSICIANS’ DEBUT” WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM. IT WILL FEATURE WIND, STRING AND CHINESE MUSIC, WITH SOLO, ENSEMBLE AS WELL AS ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES.
POPULAR PIECES SUCH AS “SEND ME A ROSE”, ’’THE TIGER GNASHES HIS TEETH” AND THE THEME SONG FROM ’’CARMEN” WILL BE PLAYED.
WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY WILSON, WILL ATTEND THE CONCERT WHICH WILL START OFF WITH A LION DANCE.
-----0------
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN TAI PO, YAU MA TEI
♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN TAI PO AND YAU MA TEI WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30).
• IN TAI PO, THE SECTION OF ON PO ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 250 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM WAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 350 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY OPERATING AROUND THE CLOCK.
IN YAU MA TEI, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON JORDAN ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN SHANGHAI STREET AND PARKES STREET WILL BE CUT SHORT TO OPERATE DURING PEAK HOURS (THAT IS 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) ONLY.
WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DECLARATION OF SYNAGOGUE AS MONUMENT WITHDRAWN ............. 1
NO AIDS IN NOVJMBER......................................... 2
HARMONISED SYSTEM TAKES EFFECT FRCM JANUARY 1 .............. 6
GOVERNOR TO VISIT TSUEN WAN ................................ 6
REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1961-62 ........................... 7
FUND APPLICATIONS ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ...................... 9
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PEDESTRIAN BLACK SPOTS ................. 9
NEW EDITION OF "N«MES OF BUILDINGS" ON SALE................. 10
24TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL ................................ 10
WORK ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD FLYOVERS STARTS..................... 11
KENNEDY TOWN RESTRICTED ZONE LIFTED ........................ 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
DECLARATION OF SYNAGOGUE AS MONUMENT WITHDRAWN ,
*****
THE ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY DECIDED ON DECEMBER 24 TO WITHDRAW THE DECLARATION OF THE OHEL LEAH SYNAGOGUE AT ROBINSON ROAD AS A PROPOSED MONUMENT.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR GUS CHUI, SAID THE DECISION WAS MADE ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG AND DEVELOPERS OF THE SITE HAD UNDERTAKEN TO RECONSTRUCT THE SYNAGOGUE TO ITS AUTHENTIC DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS, PRESERVING THE ARTIFACTS AND USING AS MUCH OF THE ORIGINAL MATERIAL AS POSSIBLE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRESERVATION OBJECTIVES.
MR CHUI ADDED THAT THE ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY, WHO IS THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, HAD DECIDED TO WITHDRAW THE DECLARATION AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE FACTS AND ARGUMENTS PRESENTED AND TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FOLLOWING FACTOR:
♦ THE RELATIVE HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SYNAGOGUE;
* THE NEED TO PRESERVE A SYMBOL OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG;
* THE STABILITY AND FUNCTIONAL ADEQUACY OF THE EXISTING BUILDING;
* THE WISHES AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY ITSELF;
* THE RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF RE-DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE;
« THE POTENTIAL GEOTECHNICAL DANGERS AND MAINTENANCE COSTS; AND
* THE GOVERNMENT’S LIABILITY FOR COMPENSATION FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE.
THE OHEL LEAH SYNAGOGUE, LOCATED AT 70 ROBINSON ROAD, WAS BUILT IN 1902 ON LAND DONATED BY THE LATE SIR JACOB SASSOON.
THE ONLY JEWISH SYNAGOGUE IN HONG KONG, IT SYMBOLISES THE PRESENCE OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY AND IS THE LAST TANGIBLE REMINDER OF THE 19TH CENTURY SINO-JUDAIO TRADE CONNECTIONS.
THE SITE ON WHICH THE SYNAGOGUE STANDS IS HELD UNDER AN UNRESTRICTED LEASE OF 999 YEARS FROM 1859; AND THE TITLE IS VESTED IN THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG.
-------0----------
/2........
2
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
NO AIDS IN NOVEMBER
♦ I *
THERE WAS NO NEW AIDS CASE OR CARRIER REPORTED IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).
IN NOVEMBER, 3,335 PEOPLE WERE TESTED BY THE VIRUS UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY AND ALL OF THEM SHOWED NEGATIVE RESULT.
UP TO NOW, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PEOPLE INFECTED BY THE AIDS VIRUS REMAINS AT 106 WITH NINE OF THEM CONFIRMED TO BE AIDS CASES.
OF THE NINE AIDS PATIENTS ONLY ONE IS STILL ALIVE AND UNDER TREATMENT.
SINCE THE DEPARTMENT STARTED ITS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME ON AIDS TWO YEARS AGO AS ONE OF ITS MEASURES TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE IN HONG KONG, A TOTAL OF 74,062 PEOPLE HAVE BEEN TESTED FOR THE AIDS VIRUS.
THE PROGRAMME COVERS HIGH RISK GROUPS INCLUDING HAEMOPHILIACS, INTRAVENOUS DRUG ABUSERS AND SEXUALLY PROMISCUOUS PERSONS.
MEANWHILE, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE ALSO CARRIED OUT TEST FOR THE AIDS ANTIBODY ON 13,621 BLOOD DONORS IN NOVEMBER, AND NONE OF THEM WAS POSITIVE.
THE RED CROSS HAS STARTED A MASS SCREENING PROGRAMME ON ALL DONATED BLOOD SINCE AUGUST 1985 AND UP TO LAST MONTH, 337,897 UNITS OF BLOOD WERE TESTED WITH FIVE SHOWING POSITIVE RESULT.
APART FROM THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR INTENSIFIED ITS EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ON AIDS TO CURB THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE IN HONG KONG.
BEGINNING THIS WEEK, A NEW API (ANNOUNCEMENT TN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) FOR HIGH RISK GROUPS IS BEING SHOWN ON ALL TELEVISION STATIONS AS PART OF THE NEW PUBLICITY PACKAGE FOR THE CAMPAIGN.
THE MESSAGE OF THE SHORT FILM IS ’’AVOID CASUAL SEX".
IN THE MEANTIME, A PARENT’S GUIDEBOOK ON AIDS IS BEING PRODUCED FOR DISTRIBUTION THROUGH SCHOOLS, WELFARE AGENCIES AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
A PICTURE BOOK WILL ALSO BE PUBLISHED TO EDUCATE THE LESS LITERATE PEOPLE ON THE PREVENTION OF THE DISEASE.
FOR THE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, A SYMPOSIUM ON AIDS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 31 AT THE SHERATON HOTEL.
THE SYMPOSIUM, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND HELD IN HONG KONG, WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
TWO WELL-KNOWN WORLD AUTHORITIES ON AIDS - DR JAY LEVY AND DR PAUL VOLBERDING - WILL BE THE MAIN SPEAKERS AT THE SYMPOSIUM.
THE EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL DOCTORS AT A FEE OF $100. THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED SHOULD CONTACT THE TRAINING SECTION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, EIGHTH FLOOR, SUNNING PLAZA, HYSAN AVENUE OR CALL TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-8900534.
/AIDS Virus
MONDAY, DECQ1BER 28,.198?
- 5 -
AIDS Virus (HIV) Ar.tibocy TestL*1-?
Medical i-. Eealth Department
Virus Unit
April 85 - Oct 87 Nov 87 Tot al
• . • No. No. No. • No. No. Ifo. :
tested’ +ve tested +ve tested +ve
r*7**>x&.
Referrals from Govt. : 3 707 22 364 0 4 071 22
hospitals and clinics • . . .
Referrals from private ■ 1 376 24 45 . 0 1 421 24
practitioners and • • •
subvented hospitals ,
Attendances at social 63 290 ■ 9 2 836 0 66 126 9
hygiene clinics
Haemophiliacs , 263 51 8 0 276* 51
r< drug abusersu 1 596 0 61 0 1 657 0
Referrals from •
Family Planning Associat Ion 116 •0 1. 0 117 0
Health' care personnel 374 0 20 0 ■ 394 0
Total *uv'44- 70 727 ■ 1C6 3.335 0 74 062 1C6
♦ This indicates the number of specimens and. not persons as tests are repeated, for certain individuals. ‘ t
,-s^ ft v; »?£
April 85 - Oct 97'
Hong Xong Red Cross Blood Transufsion Service ’
• No.
.tested
324 276
No. +ve
5
Nov 87 Total
No. No. No. No.
tested +ve tested +7g
13 621 0 337 897 5
/41HD Report •••••..
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
Apr 8p - Oct 87
gor 87 Total
1.
s,
* referral
;ent hospitals/clinics 22
practitioners w ' 24
nee at social hygiene clinicswbtyj 9 iliacs£^££
106
0 22
0 24
0 9
•0 51
d 106
/Analysis of .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
5
Analysis of /JDS c
eo in >Ion.-7 Konff
as of
24.11.87
as of
29.11.87
*’otal no. of cases
9
2
• 8'
Risk factor
.sexually acquired. 4^ untaotm
2
2
4. Sex <^7'1 cale ^9
8
1
8
1
9 •
. 5. Ag«
' • • Adult fijU
9
6. Nationality '
Chinese jjQ.-
l.’on-Chinese 1$
4
5
- - 0 -
9
/6
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
6
HARMONISED SYSTEM TAKES EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1
* * * *
THE NEW HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONISED SYSTEM) WILL TAKE EFFECT AS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR IN SYNCHRONISATION WITH MOST OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.
IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LAST THURSDAY (DECEMBER 24), IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS WERE REMINDED THAT DECLARATIONS FOR SHIPMENTS MADE ON OR AFTER THAT DATE MUST BE COMPLETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEW CLASSIFICATION.
THE HARMONISED SYSTEM (HS) HAS BEEN DESIGNED BY THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL (CCC) TO SERVE AS A MULTI-PURPOSE CLASSIFICATION SUITABLE FOR USE BY CUSTOMS AND STATISTICAL AUTHORITIES, CARRIERS AS WELL AS THOSE CONCERNED WITH INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
IT HARMONISES THE WIDELY ADOPTED CCC NOMENCLATURE, THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) AND OTHER MAJOR NOMENCLATURES CURRENTLY IN USE FOR CUSTOMS TARIFFS, TRADE STATISTICS COMPILATION AND TRANSPORTATION PURPOSES.
THE WORLD-WIDE ADOPTION OF THE HS WILL REDUCE THE COST INVOLVED IN RE-CLASSIFYING AND RE-DESCRIBING GOODS UNDER VARIOUS CLASSIFICATIONS WHEN THEY ARE TRANSPORTED FROM ONE COUNTRY TO ANOTHER, AND WILL FACILITATE INTERNATIONAL TRADE STATISTICS COMPARISON AND TRADE NEGOTIATION AMONG COUNTRIES USING THE SYSTEM.
AN HS HANDBOOK AND THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST ARE AVAILABLE ■ OR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE i HPARTMENT COLLECTION OFFICES, AND CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION.
A NUMBER OF SEMINARS HAVE ALSO BEEN ORGANISED TO HELP IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS TO UNDERSTAND THE HS AND THE USE OF THE PUBLICATIONS.
FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING COMMODITY DESCRIPTION MAY BE OBTAINED BY PHONE ON 5-8235085.
-----o------
GOVERNOR TO VISIT TSUEN WAN
« » » »
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON WILL VISIT TSUEN WAN ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30) AFTERNOON TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
IN TSUEN WAN BY HELICOPTER AT 2.30 PM. THE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT FROM THE THE TOWN CENTRE AND BE BRIEFED ON VARIOUS
THEY WILL ARRIVE GOVERNOR WILL FIRST TAKE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING IN
DEVELOPMENTS.
/THE VISIT
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
- 7 -
THE VISIT WILL COVER THE SAM TUNG UK RESITE VILLAGE, YAN CHAI HOSPITAL, AND THE WORK PROGRESS OF ROUTE 5.
THEY WILL ALSO VISIT THE FOUR SEASONS BUILDING, WHICH HAS BEEN MANAGED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY SINCE 1959, AND BE BRIEFED ON THE URBAN RENEWAL PROGRAMME IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEMOLITION OF THE BUILDING SHORTLY.
THE LAST STOP OF THE VISIT WILL BE THE NEWLY-OPENED SAM TUNG UK FOLK MUSEUM WHERE THEY WILL ATTEND A TEA RECEPTION AND MEET LOCAL PERSONALITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARB INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO TSUEN WAN ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 30).
GOVERNMENT VANS TAKING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO TSUEN WAN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER IN TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.16 PM. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-------o ---------
REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1961-62
* * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1961 AND 1962 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE JANUARY 17 NEXT YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "THERE ARE ONLY THREE MORE WEEKS FOR THIS GROUP OF MEN TO RENEW THEIR CARDS BEFORE THIS PHASE CLOSES ON JANUARY 16.”
"TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, MEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY," HE SAID.
"FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000."
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO RENEW THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
/THEY MAY
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 198?
- 8 -
THEY MAY MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG: BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
TEL. NO.: 5-747070
EAST KOWLOON: AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
TEL. NO.: 3-7553679
WEST KOWLOON: CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI.
TEL. NO.: 3-7232424
TSUEN WAN: EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR,
29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.
TEL. NO.: 0-4981259
SHA TIN: SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK
STREET.
TEL. NO.: 0-6059108
YUEN LONG: HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK
ROAD.
TEL. NO.: 0-793291
TUEN MUN: CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI
LOK FA YUEN.
TEL. NO.: 0-4580862
SHEUNG SHUI: TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG
AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.
TEL. NO.: 0-927155
THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
"AS THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE LIKELY TO BE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO IN THE MORNINGS AND THE AFTERNOONS TO AVOID THE QUEUES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
--------0 ---------
/9........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
FUND APPLICATIONS ON COMMITTEE AGENDA * » ♦ *
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION OF. PAMPHLETS ON CIVIC EDUCATION, A VISIT TO THE HOUSING UNITS FOR THE ELDERLY IN WAN CHAI, A SEMINAR FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS, A BUILDING MANAGEMENT CAMP, AND A ’’CARE FOR THE OLD” DAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PEDESTRIAN BLACK SPOTS * * * » ♦
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO STUDY THE ”1986 ACTION PROGRAMME REVIEW ON PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS” IN THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE VARIOUS REMEDIAL MEASURES RECOMMENDED AND WORKS IN PROGRESS FOR IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.
AT THE MEETING, A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE WILL REQUEST THE AUTHORITIES TO CONSIDER CONSTRUCTING A FERRY PIER IN TIN SHUI WAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
/1O
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
10 -
NEW EDITION OF ’’NAMES OF BUILDINGS” ON SALE ♦ * * ♦ *
THE NEW EDITION OF THE ’’NAMES OF BUILDINGS” COMPILED BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT IS NOW ON SALE AT $75 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THE BOOK CONTAINS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF BUILDING NAMES WITH THE OFFICIAL ADDRESSES AND, WHERE APPROPRIATE, THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE NAMES.
IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS WITH AN INDEX OF CHINESE NAMES PRECEDING EACH PART. PART ONE COMPRISES BUILDING NAMES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON AND PART TWO THOSE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES INCLUDING THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
"THE NUMBER OF BUILDING NAMES RECORDED HAS NOW REACHED NEARLY 9,900 AND THE BOOK SHOULD CONTINUE TO PROVE POPULAR NOT ONLY WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS BUT ALSO WITH CERTAIN BUSINESSES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
HE ADDED THAT WHILE THERE WAS NO LEGISLATION CONTROLLING THE USE OF BUILDING NAMES, THE BOOK SHOULD ASSIST AN OWNER OR DEVELOPER TO AVOID DUPLICATION WHEN CHOOSING A NAME FOR HIS BUILDING.
------0--------
24TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL ♦ ♦ * * *
THE 24TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD FROM JANUARY 5 TO 18.
A TOTAL OF 3,861 PUPILS FROM 253 SCHOOLS HAVE ENTERED FESTIVAL.
EDUCATION
FOR THE
AMONG THE 378 TEAMS ENTERED, 160 ARE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
201 FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 17 FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
FOUR DANCE ITEMS ARE INCLUDED IN THE FESTIVAL. THEY ARE WESTERN FOLK DANCE, CHINESE DANCE, ORIENTAL DANCE AND CREATIVE DANCE.
THE OVERALL CHALLENGE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE ATTAINED THE HIGHEST AGGREGATE SCORE IN THE FESTIVAL.
SCHOOLS WINNING THE HONOURS OR HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARDS IN THE FESTIVAL WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE WINNERS PERFORMANCES AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL FROM APRIL 1 TO 3 AT TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON APRIL 8 AND AT CITY HALL CONCERT HALL FROM APRIL 12 TO 17.
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11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1987
WORK ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD FLYOVERS STARTS
*****
WORK ON CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-LANE FLYOVER ALONG KWAI CHUNG ROAD OVER THE KWAI ON ROAD AND KWAI FOO ROAD JUNCTIONS STARTED TODAY (MONDAY) FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $110 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE WIDENING OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGES CROSSING KWAI CHUNG ROAD AT KWAI FONG ESTATE AND KWAI HING MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
TO FURTHER IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN THE AREA, A NEW FOOTBRIDGE WILL BE BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF HING FONG AND KWAI ON ROADS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THESE IMPROVEMENTS WERE TO EASE TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND TO PROMOTE SAFETY FOR ROAD USERS AND PEDESTRIANS ALIKE.
ALSO INCLUDED IS THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL BOX CULVERT TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE KWAI CHUNG NULLAH RUNNING UNDER KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
THE PROJECT WILL TAKE ABOUT 42 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, ALL POSSIBLE MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO MINIMISE THE INCONVENIENCE TO ROAD USERS AND A MINIMUM OF TWO LANES ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE MAINTAINED IN EACH DIRECTION.”
------0-------
KENNEDY TOWN RESTRICTED ZONE LIFTED
*****
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON SAI CHEUNG STREET IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 31).
THE RESTRICTED ZONE IS ON THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SAI CHEUNG STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH BELCHER'S STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
MEANWHILE, THE METERED PARKING SPACES ON SAI CHEUNG STREET WILL BE REINSTATED.
------0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG'S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 60.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 353.416 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 353.355 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 60.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JUNE NOMINAL SALARY INDICES RELEASED ........................ 1
CHANGES TO CLOSED CENTRE POLICY NOT CONSIDERED .............. TO
TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT xT LION ROCK TUNNEL FROM MONDAY....... 11
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE BUILDING MANAGEMENT........ 12
BANNER PRESENTATION TO LAUNCH KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN .......... 12
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION........................ 1J
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR REC RELATIONAL FACILITIES............. 14
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE ...................................... 14
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
JUNE NOMINAL SALARY INDICES RELEASED
* * * *
(•
THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A), MEASURING CHANGES IN AVERAGE SALARY LEVELS FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES, INCREASED BY 7.7 PER CENT OVER JUNE 1986 TO 146.6 IN JUNE 1987.
THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), WHICH MEASURES THE
CHANGES TN AVERAGE SALARY LEVELS ONLY FOR THOSE MANAGERIAL AND
PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO REMAIN IN THE SAME JOB AND IN THE SAME
COMPANY IN 1986 AND 1987 WAS 163.1 IN JUNE 1987, REPRESENTING AN
INCREASE OF 12.9 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1986.
THESE WERE THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES - EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THESE SALARY INDICES USED JUNE 1983 AS THE BASE PERIOD.
THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) IS USUALLY HIGHER THAN IN THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) BECAUSE THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) INCLUDES THE SALARIES OF NEWLY RECRUITED OR PROMOTED EMPLOYEES, WHO TEND TO BE PAID COMPARATIVELY LOWER SALARIES THAN THOSE IN THE SAME RANK.
THE DIFFERENCE RECORDED IN THIS YEAR WAS MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN IN THE PAST BECAUSE A HIGHER LEVEL OF STAFF TURNOVER HAD OCCURRED IN 1987.
COMPARING JUNE 1986 WITH JUNE 1987, THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) FOR THE MANUFACTURING-ELECTRICITY, GAS AND STEAM SECTOR INCREASED BY 7.4 PER CENT; FOR THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES SECTOR BY 4.6 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES SECTOR BY 12.3 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT,STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR BY 2.7 PER CENT; AND FOR THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE SECTOR BY 10.1 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR THE MANUFACTURING-ELECTRICITY, GAS AND STEAM SECTOR INCREASED BY 13.8 PER CENT; FOR THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES SECTOR BY 11.5 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES SECTOR BY 14.6 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR BY 9.6 PER CENT; AND FOR THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE SECTOR BY 13.7 PER CENT.
/BETWEEN JUNE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
- 2
BETWEEN JUNE 1986 AND JUNE 1987, THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A)
FOR LARGE COMPANIES INCREASED BY 8.9 PER CENT AND THAT FOR MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES BY 7.4 PER CENT. AS REGARDS THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B), THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 13 PER CENT AND 12.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
DEFINITIONS OF LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES ARE SHOWN IN THE FOOTNOTE TO TABLE 1 BELOW.
THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) AND NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR JUNE 1987 FOR THE MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ANALYSED BY SIZE OF COMPANY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1 AND TABLE 2 BELOW.
MEANWHILE, THE OVERALL REAL SALARY INDEX (A) STOOD AT 115.2 TN JUNE 1987, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 1.1 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1986. THE OVERALL REAL SALARY INDEX (B), ON THE OTHER HAND, STOOD AT 128.2 IN JUNE 1987, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 6 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1986.
COMPARING JUNE 1987 WITH JUNE 1986, THE REAL SALARY INDEX (A) FOR THE MANUFACTURING-ELECTRICITY, GAS AND STEAM SECTOR INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT; FOR THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES SECTOR DECREASED BY 1.8 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES SECTOR INCREASED BY 5.4 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR DECREASED BY 3.6 PER CENT; AND FOR THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.3 PER CENT.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE REAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR THE MANUFACTURING-ELECTRICITY, GAS AND STEAM SECTOR INCREASED BY 6.8 PER CENT; FOR THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES SECTOR BY 4.7 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES SECTOR BY 7.6 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR BY 2.9 PER CENT; AND FOR THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE SECTOR BY 6.7 PER CENT.
BETWEEN JUNE 1986 AND JUNE 1987, THE REAL SALARY INDEX (A) FOR LARGE COMPANIES INCREASED BY 2.2 PER CENT AND THAT FOR MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES BY 1 PER CENT WHILE THE REAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES INCREASED BY 6.1 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE REAL SALARY INDEX (A) AND REAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR JUNE 1987 FOR THE MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR ANALYSED BY SIZE OF COMPANY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3 AND TABLE 4 BELOW.
/AMONG THE........
TUESDAY, DECfXBER 29, 198?
AMONG THE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES COVERED IN THE SURVEY, IT WAS FOUND THAT 58 PER CENT OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO PROFIT-SHARING BONUS. MOREOVER, 32 PER CENT WERE ENTITLED TO HOUSING BENEFITS OF SOME KIND AND 69 PER CENT TO PROVIDENT-RETIREMENT FUND OR PENSION. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT 80 PER CENT OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO GUARANTEED YEAR-END BONUS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES - EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) SINCE 1984 TO MEASURE CHANGES IN SALARY RATES FOR THE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES.
EMPLOYEES OCCUPYING TOP POSITIONS IN MANAGEMENT ARE STILL NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING DATA FOR THEM. LOWER LEVEL EMPLOYEES ARE ALREADY COVERED IN THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEES BENEFITS AND THEREFORE ARE ALSO EXCLUDED.
IN THE SURVEY, ONLY EMPLOYEES WORKING IN COMMON OCCUPATIONS OF MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS IN THE MANUFACTURING-ELECTRICITY, GAS AND STEAM SECTOR; BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES SECTOR; WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES SECTOR; TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SECTOR; AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE SECTOR ARE COVERED.
BOTH LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE STAFF EMPLOYED IN LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES ARE COVERED IN THE SURVEY.
A SAMPLE OF 202 COMPANIES WAS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY. ALL THE LARGE COMPANIES IN THE ABOVE FIVE ECONOMIC SECTORS WERE ENUMERATED IN FULL WHEREAS RANDOM SAMPLES OF MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES WERE SELECTED FROM EACH ECONOMIC SECTOR.
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, A NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) AND A NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) WERE COMPILED.
THESE SALARY INDICES ARE DESIGNED TO MEASURE CHANGES IN SALARY RATES BY HOLDING THE OCCUPATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURES THE SAME AS THAT IN JUNE 1983, WHICH IS TAKEN AS THE BASE PERIOD OF THE INDICES.
THE SALARY INDEX (A) IS COMPILED BY CHAINING THE CHANGES IN AVERAGE SALARY LEVELS OF MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES BETWEEN JUNE 1986 AND JUNE 1987 WITH THE RELATED INDEX FOR JUNE 1986. IT IS A COMPREHENSIVE MEASURE OF CHANGES IN SALARY LEVELS AND IT TAKES INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN SALARY LEVEL RESULTING FROM MOVEMENTS ACROSS COMPANIES AND IN AND OUT OF OCCUPATIONS IN ADDITION TO CHANGE IN SALARIES FOR THOSE WHO REMAIN IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND THE SAME COMPANY IN BOTH 1986 AND 1987.
/ON THE .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE SALARY INDEX (B) MEASURES THE CHANGES IN SALARY LEVELS ONLY FOR THOSE WHO REMAIN IN THE SAME OCCUPATION AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN BOTH YEARS. IT THEREFORE ACCOUNTS ONLY FOR CHANGES DUE TO A GENERAL INCREMENT, MERITORIOUS INCREASE AND GAIN IN SENIORITY AND SHOULD BE USEFUL TO PERSONNEL MANAGERS IN MAKING SALARY ADJUSTMENTS.
WHILE THE NOMINAL SALARY INDICES MEASURE THE CHANGES IN SALARY RATES IN MONEY TERMS, THE REAL SALARY INDICES, WHICH ARE OBTAINED BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL SALARY INDICES BY THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, MEASURE THE CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED.
APART FROM BASIC SALARIES, THE SALARY RATE IS DEFINED TO INCLUDE ALSO COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, GUARANTEED YEAR-END BONUS, COMMISSION AND TIPS AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
OTHER ITEMS WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE TOTAL PAY PACKAGE OF EMPLOYEES AT THIS LEVEL SUCH AS PROFIT-SHARING BONUS AND HOUSING ALLOWANCE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF WAGE RATE.
HOWEVER, STATISTICS ON FRINGE BENEFITS ARE SEPARATELY COMPILED. THEY ARE EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGES OF EMPLOYEES INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY ENTITLED TO THEM.
DETAILS OF THE SALARY MOVEMENT, AVERAGE SALARY RATE FOR MAJOR OCCUPATIONS AND STATISTICS ON EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENT TO VARIOUS FRINGE BENEFITS, TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGY, ARE PUBLISHED IN A "REPORT OF SALARY AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES - EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT)".
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE AVAILABLE AT $15 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SALARY INDICES CAN BE MADE AT THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234746 OR 5-8234747.
/T®ble 1 .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
- 5 -
June Indices for Managerial, Professional Employees
Table 1 : Nominal Salary Index (A) analysed by major economic sector
______________by size of company for June 1987_______________
(June 1983 - 100)
Selected major economic sector Indices •
Large companies Medium-sized companies All companies
Manufacturing/electrlclcy, gas 4 stean 145.0 144.3 144.4
(+8.9) (+7.0) (+7.4)
Building & construction and related 122.3 140.0 137.9
trades (+6.1) (+4.5) (+4.6)
Wholesale/retail and import/export 145.9 161.6 158.9
trades (+11.6) (+12.4) (+12.3)
Transport, storage and communication 140.4 128.5 134.4
(+4.8) (+0.5) (+2.7)
Financial institutions and insurance 153.0 155.7 155.1
(+12.3) (+9.4) (+10.1)
All sectors above 142.6 147.7 146.6
(+8.9) (+7.4) (+7.7)
* All indices are rounded to one decimal place.
Figures in brackets are percentage changes for June 1987 over June 1986 and are calculated from indices rounded to one decimal place.
/Table 1 (cont’d)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 198?
- 6
Table 1 (coat’d)
Note : Large and medium-sized companies are defined as below :
No. of persons engaged
Selected major economic sectors Large companies Medium-sized companies
Manufacturing/electricity, gas & steam 2 000 200 - 1 999
Building & construction and related trades 500 50 - 499
Wholesale/retail and import/export trades > 500 100 - 499
Transport, storage and communication 500 100 - 499
Financial institutions and insurance (excluding holding and investment companies) 1 000 100 - 999
Holding and investment companies 500 20 - 499
/Table 2
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
7
Table 2 : Nominal Salary Index (B) analysed by major economic sector __________________________by size of company for June 1987________.______
(June 1983 - 100)
Selected major economic sector indices • •
Large companies Medium-sized companies All companies
Manufacturing/electrlcity, gaa 4 steam 162.3 159.6 160.2
(+12.9) (+14.0) (+13.8)
Building & construction and related 157.6 156.8 156.9
trades (+12.3) (+11.4) (+11.5)
Wholesale/retail and Import/export 160.8 174.5 172.1
trades (+12.8) (+15.0) (+14.6)
Transport, storage and communication 157.9 148.9 153.5
• (+10.5) (+8.6) (+9.6)
Financial institutions and insurance 168.5 171.2 170.6
(+15.6) (+13.0) • (+13.7)
All sectors above 161.9 163.5 163+1
(+13.0) (+12.9) (+12.9)
* All indices are rounded to one decimal place.
Figures In brackets are percentage changes for June 1987 over June 1986 and are calculated from indices rounded to one decimal place.
/Table 3
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2% 198?
- 8 -
Table 3 $ Real Salary Index (A) analysed by major economic sector __________________________by size of company for June 1987_____________
(June 1983 - 100)
Indices *
Selected major economic sector •i Large companies Medium-sized companies All companies
Manufacturing/electrlclty, gas & steam 113.9 113.4 113.5
(+2.2) (+0.5) (+0.9)
Building & construction and related 96.1 109.9 108.3
trades (-0.3) (-2.0) (-1.8)
Wholesale/retail and import/export 114.6 127.0 124.8
trades (+4.8) (+5.5) (+5.4)
Transport, storage and communication 110.3 101.0 105.6
(-1.6) (-5.7) (-3.6)
Financial institutions and Insurance 120.2 122.3 121.8
(+5.4) (+2.7) f (+3.3)
All sectors above 112.0 116.1 115.2
(+2.2) (+1.0) (+1.1)
* All indices are rounded co one decimal place.
Figures in brackets are percentage changes for June 1987 over June 1986 and are calculated from indices rounded to one decimal place.
/Table 4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
- 9 -
Table U : Real Salary Index (B) analysed by major economic sector _________________________by size of company for June 1987_____________
(June 1983 - 100)
Selected major economic sector Indices •
Large companies Medium-sized companies All companies
Manufacturing/electricity, gas & steam 127.5 125.4 125.8
(+6.0) (+7.0) (+6.8)
Building & construction and related 123.8 123.2 123.2
trades (+5.4) (+4.7) (+4.7)
Wholesale/retail and import/export 126.3 137.1 135.2
trades (+5.9) (+8.0) (+7.6)
Transport, storage and communication 124.0 117.0 120.6
(+3.7) (+1.9) (+2.9)
Financial institutions and Insurance 132.4 134.5 134.0
(+8.5) (+6.1) 9 (+6.7)
All sectors above 127.2 128.4 128.2
(+6.1) (+6.0) (+6.0)
* All indices are rounded to one decimal place.
Figures in brackets are percentage changes for June 1987 over June 1986 and are calculated from indices rounded to one decimal place.
- 0----------
/1O........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
CHANGES TO CLOSED CENTRE POLICY NOT CONSIDERED
*****
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR NIGEL FRENCH, TODAY (TUESDAY) CATEGORICALLY DENIED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING CHANGING ITS CLOSED CENTRE POLICY SO AS TO ALLOW REFUGEES WHO HAD BEEN STAYING IN THE CLOSED CENTRES FOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS TO BE TRANSFERRED TO THE OPEN CENTRES.
MR FRENCH WAS RESPONDING TO REPORTS IN THE MEDIA YESTERDAY AND
TODAY.
A RECOMMENDATION TO THIS EFFECT IS CONTAINED IN THE OXFAM REPORT "VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG: THE WAY AHEAD" PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 22.
"THIS REPORT HAS BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT AND IS BEING CONSIDERED AS A WHOLE, BUT THE SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATION ON RELAXATION OF THE CLOSED CENTRE POLICY IS UNACCEPTABLE," MR FRENCH SAID.
THE CLOSED CENTRES WERE INTRODUCED IN JULY 1982 AS A HUMANE APPROACH TO DETER MORE REFUGEES FROM COMING TO HONG KONG IN VIEW OF CONTINUING ARRIVALS AND DIMINISHING RESETTLEMENT PROSPECTS.
"THE SITUATION HAS REGRETTABLY NOT CHANGED MATERIALLY SINCE THEN AND THE MAINTENANCE OF THE CLOSED CAMP POLICY IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY AS A DETERRENT TO MORE ARRIVALS," MR FRENCH ADDED.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 9,529 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TN HONG KONG, 6,565 OF WHOM ARE IN THE CLOSED CENTRES. THIS POPULATION FIGURE IS 18 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT OF 8,039 AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR.
"BECAUSE OF THIS INCREASE IN THE REFUGEE POPULATION, IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO START SEARCHING FOR POSSIBLE SITES FOR A FOURTH CLOSED CENTRE IN ORDER TO RELIEVE THE OVERCROWDING IN THE CLOSED CENTRES,” MR FRENCH SAID.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO LOOKING FOR A SITE TO RELOCATE THE OPEN CENTRE AT KAI TAK WHICH IS REQUIRED TO BE SURRENDERED IN EARLY 1989 TO MAKE WAY FOR WORKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL PROJECT."
"THIS NEW CAMP SITE IS INTENDED ONLY FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE OPEN CENTRE REFUGEES FROM KAI TAK," HE ADDED.
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/11
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
- 11
TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT AT LION
» » * *
ROCK TUNNEL FROM MONDAY *
THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL SUCCESSFULLY TESTED ON DECEMBER 17 AND 18 WILL BE GIVEN AN EXTENDED TRIAL FOR TWO WEEKS FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 4).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT WILL BEGIN AT 6 AM AND WILL END AT ABOUT 7.30 AM TO 7.45 AM, DEPENDING ON THE TRAFFIC SITUATION AT THE KOWLOON ENTRANCE TO THE TUNNEL.
THE ARRANGEMENT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN JANUARY 4 AND 15, EXCEPT ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT, ONE OF THE TWO LANES IN THE NORTHBOUND TUBE OF THE TUNNEL WILL BE CONVERTED FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC, GIVING A TOTAL OF THREE LANES FOR VEHICLES TRAVELLING TO KOWLOON.
HOWEVER, AFTER LEAVING THE KOWLOON EXIT, VEHICLES USING THE ADDITIONAL "TIDAL" LANE CAN ONLY PROCEED STRAIGHT TO WATERLOO ROAD AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT ON TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
"MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH CARE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, MOTORISTS AT THE SHA TIN ENTRANCE HEADING FOR THE FAST LANE OF THE TUNNEL FROM NEXT MONDAY SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR A NEWLY ERECTED TRAFFIC LIGHT AFTER PASSING THE TOLL BOOTHS.
"THE NEW TRAFFIC LIGHT WILL BE ERECTED AT ABOUT 80 METRES BEYOND THE TOLL BOOTHS. IT IS USED TO REGULATE THE MERGING OF VEHICLES ON TO THE FAST LANE TO SEE IF THE TUNNEL’S THROUGHPUT CAPACITY CAN BE INCREASED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AN ASSESSMENT ON THE TWO-WEEK TRIAL WILL BE MADE BY THE CONSULTANT AND THE DEPARTMENT TO DECIDE WHETHER SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED ON A LONG-TERM BASIS.
THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT WAS CONDUCTED IN THE EARLY MORNINGS OF DECEMBER 17 AND 18. ON THOSE TWO DAYS, A REDUCTION IN QUEUE LENGTH AND A POSTPONEMENT IN THE FORMATION OF TRAFFIC QUEUES ON THE SOUTHBOUND APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL WERE OBSERVED.
ON THE FIRST DAY, SOME 410 MORE SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLED THROUGH THE TUNNEL BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7.20 AM, AND ON THE SECOND DAY, AN ADDITIONAL 640 VEHICLES PASSED THROUGH THE TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7.30 AM.
- - O------------
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
- 12 -
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE BUILDING MANAGEMENT * * * * '
THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM (IBMCT) OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF A SERIES OF EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE MANAGEMENT CONCEPT AMONG OWNERS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
AN ORGANISING COMMITTEE COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE IBMCT, THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVES OF RELATED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAS BEEN FORMED TO ORGANISE THE PROGRAMMES.
SPEAKING AT TOMORROW’S PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KWOK-WAH; ASSISTANT DIVISION OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR TSUI KWOK-KEI; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MS BETTY CHEUNG; AND HOUSING MANAGER, MR LEE KANG-SUM.
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE INSTITUTE OF HOUSING (HONG KONG BRANCH), THE CO-ORGANISER OF THE PROGRAMMES, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
THE IBMCT, SET UP IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, IS THE FIRST GOVERNMENT ATTEMPT TO ASSIST OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS OF MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS AND TO GIVE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE TO HELP OWNERS OF FACTORIES SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT TO BE HELD AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG.
- - 0 -----------
BANNER PRESENTATION TO LAUNCH KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN
*****
EIGHT TEAMS OF JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WILL ATTEND A BANNER PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO LAUNCH THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE CEREMONY, CO-ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SECTION, WILL BE HELD AT CHEUNG CHAU POLICE STATION AT 10 AM.
/ISLANDS DISTRICT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 198?
ISLANDS DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MIKE HARRIS; CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR FUNG PAK-TAI; AND ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YIU KAI-HANG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BANNER PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD AT CHEUNG CHAU POLICE STATION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 10 AM.
- - 0 - -
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION *****
A "NEW CITIZENS OF THE GREAT TIMES" EXHIBITION ELABORATING ON FOUR IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION, WILL BE HELD AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN FROM DECEMBER 31 TO JANUARY 2 (THURSDAY TO SATURDAY).
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE "JOINT CONFERENCE ON THE ROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION" AND FINANCED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE).
THE FOUR ASPECTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION COVERED ARE TRACING ONE’S DOTS, LAYING THE FOUNDATION, MANAGING PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND PROMOTING CIVIC-MINDEDNESS.
EXHIBITION MATERIALS WILL INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF ■AMINATED DISPLAY PANELS, INFORMATION BROCHURES, SLIDES, VIDEO TAPE AND ABOUT 200 PICTURE CARDS.
THESE MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON LOAN TO COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SCHOOLS FOR STAGING THEIR OWN EXHIBITIONS. THE ORGANISER HAS ALSO ’REPARED A SET OF QUESTIONS TO GO WITH THE SLIDE AND VIDEO PRESENTATIONS TO FACILITATE IN-DEPTH DISCUSSIONS.
THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 2. CPCE CHAIRMAN, IRS RITA FAN, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUEST.
,.OTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE NEW CITIZENS OF THE GREAT TIMES" EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT 3 PM ON ANUARY 2 (SATURDAY) AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN.
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/14
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1987
14
LAND TO BE RESUMED FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
*****
SEVENTEEN PRIVATE LOTS INVOLVING 17,966.8 SQUARE METRES OF LAND ON CHEUNG CHAU AND IN TUEN MUN ARE TO BE RESUMED TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
TWO OF THE LOTS, COMPRISING 4,108.6 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND AND 40.5 SQUARE METRES OF BUILDING LAND, ARE AT KWUN YAM WAN, CHEUNG CHAU.
THEY WILL BE USED FOR CONSTRUCTING AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FROM NEW DEVELOPMENTS NOW TAKING SHAPE ON THE ISLAND.
CONTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 24 MONTHS.
THE REMAINING 15 LOTS WITH A TOTAL OF ABOUT 13,807.8 SQUARE METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND ARE NEAR SHAN KING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN.
THE LAND WILL BE REQUIRED FOR BUILDING A THREE-HECTARE BOTANICAL GARDEN FOR RESIDENTS AND WORKERS IN THE AREA.
THE GARDEN WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
RESUMPTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT NEXT MARCH TO ALLOW COMMENCEMENT OF WORK.
-------o ---------
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICE * * *
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 1) WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THE EIGHT CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM.
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TIME SPENT ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS IMPORTANT : GOVERNOR........... 1
SIR DAVID SEES FIRST GENERATION NEW TOWN ................... 1
NEW MEASURES TO REGULATE TRAVEL INDUSTRY APPROVED .......... 3
MEMBERSHIP OF OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE PLANNING COMMITTEE
ANNOUNCED ................................................ 6
SEVEN AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES TO BE DE-REGISTERED ......... 15
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE..... 16
STI TO LEAD DELEGATION FOR BALI TRADE MEET ................ 17
REPORT ON TOY INDUSTRY PUBLISHED .......................... 17
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT... 20
PROGRAMME FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED ......... 21
CLEANLINESS BENEFITS BOTH ISLANDERS AND VISITORS........... 22
500 RUNNERS IN NEW YEAR HARRIER RACE....................... 23
TSING YI CLINIC TO START EVENING SERVICES ................. 23
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1988 ................................ 24
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR FOUR SITES ........................... 24
RESTRICTED ZONES IN CENTRAL, SHEUNG WAN ................... 25
ETC REGISTRATION REVOKED ................................. 26
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE IN NORTH POINT .................. 26
RESTRICTED ZONE IN WAN CHAI ............................... 26
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
TIME SPENT ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS IMPORTANT : GOVERNOR * ♦ ♦ * ♦
IT IS IMPORTANT FOR HONG KONG THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE PREPARED TO SPEND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER TOURING TSUEN WAN, THE LAST OF HIS VISITS TO THE 19 DISTRICTS, SIR DAVID SAID THE GRASSROOT ORGANISATIONS — THE DISTRICT BOARDS, AREA AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES — IN WHICH THESE PEOPLE WERE SERVING WERE CRUCIAL PARTS OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
’’AND HAVING MET THE PEOPLE INVOLVED, I WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO THEM HOW MUCH I APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK THAT THEY DO ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
SPEAKING ABOUT TODAY’S VISIT, SIR DAVID SAID: "AS FOR TSUEN WAN, IT SHOULD NOT BE THE LAST DISTRICT I VISIT THIS YEAR BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN AT THE FOREFRONT OF DEVELOPMENT AS A NEW TOWN IN DEVELOPING THE SYSTEM OF ADVISORY COMMITTEES AT A DISTRICT LEVEL.”
THE GOVERNOR ALSO NOTED THAT THE STANDARDS OF PUBLIC HOUSING HAD IMPROVED.
"IF ONE LOOKS AT THE EARLIER STAGES OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND THEN AT THE SORT OF PUBLIC HOUSING THAT’S GOING UP AT THE MOMENT, ONE CAN SEE HOW OUR STANDARDS ARE RISING EVERY YEAR,” HE SAID.
"IF ONE LOOKS AT THE RESITE VILLAGES AS I HAVE SEEN THIS AFTERNOON, AGAIN ONE CAN SEE HOW THE STANDARDS BEING PROVIDED ARE IMPROVING ALL THE TIME. AND IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT," SIR DAVID ADDED.
--------0----------
SIR DAVID SEES FIRST GENERATION NEW TOWN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, LEARNT ABOUT THE LATEST
PROGRESS OF THE ROUTE 5 PROJECT AND MANY OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN TSUEN WAN DURING A VISIT TO THE DISTRICT THIS
(WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
IN A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO PLACES OF INTEREST, SIR DAVID
ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON, WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMMES AND MET THE PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY IN THIS FIRST GENERATION NEW TOWN WHICH WAS FIRST DEVELOPED SOME 30 YEARS AGO.
/THE GOVERNOR, ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
2
THE GOVERNOR, ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN; STARTED THE TOUR WITH AN INTRODUCTORY BIRD’S EYE VIEW BRIEFING OF THE DISTRICT FROM THE ROOFTOP OF A 34-STOREY RESIDENTIAL TOWER BLOCK ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
FROM THE ROOFTOP OVERLOOKING THE WATERFRONT, THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, DR CHOI YU-LEUK, EXPLAINED TO THE GOVERNOR THE RECLAMATION IN PROGRESS. HE POINTED OUT THAT WHEN COMPLETED IT WILL INCLUDE SOME 12 HECTARES OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL USES.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT THE NEWLY RECLAIMED LAND AT THE WATERFRONT AND THE PROPOSED SHING MUN VALLEY DEVELOPMENT PLAN WITH ITS 25 HECTARES OF LAND FOR A RECREATIONAL AREA TO THE NORTHEAST OF THE TOWN CENTRE WILL HELP TO ALLEVIATE THE SHORTFALL OF LAND FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES IN TSUEN WAN.
THE NEXT STOP WAS THE SAM TUNG UK RESITE VILLAGE AT CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD WHERE SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON VISITED A FAMILY.
THE VILLAGE IS AMONG ONE OF THE 20 RESITE VILLAGES IN TSUEN WAN WHERE THE ORIGINAL COMMUNITY WAS RESITED TO THEIR PRESENT SITES AS A RESULT OF THE SERIES OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE TOWN OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES.
TODAY, MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE LIVE IN THESE RESITE VILLAGES.
THE PARTY THEN WENT ON TO SEE THE WORKS OF THE ROUTE 5 ROAD PROJECT IN PROGRESS WHICH WILL LINK TRAFFIC BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
THIS HIGHWAY, THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD, WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1989 FURTHER ENHANCING ROAD LINKS WITH THE REST OF THE TERRITORY.
THEY CONTINUED THE TOUR BY CALLING AT THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL WHERE THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXPLAINED TO THE VISITORS THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME OF THE 175-BED HOSPITAL.
SIR DAVID LEARNT THAT THE EXPANSION PROJECT OF THIS GOVERNMENT ASSISTED GENERAL HOSPITAL WILL INCLUDE A NEW CLINICAL BLOCK, A NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL AND FACILITIES TO HANDLE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY CASES. ON COMPLETION IN 1990 THE HOSPITAL WILL HAVE ITS NUMBER OF BEDS INCREASED TO 700.
DURING A BRIEF TOUR IN THE TOWN CENTRE, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON VISITED THE FOUR SEASONS BUILDING, AN ESTATE MANAGED BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY SINCE 1959.
THE GOVERNOR CALLED ON A HOUSEHOLD AND WAS TOLD THAT THE BUILDING WILL BE DEMOLISHED SHORTLY.
/the people.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
THE PEOPLE WILL BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE REHOUSED IN THE
CLAGUE GARDEN ESTATE, A NEW HOUSING ESTATE TO BE BUILT BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY IN THE VICINITY OF THE TRANSPORT COMPLEX AT THE WATERFRONT.
THE MODERN HOUSING PROJECT WILL HOUSE OVER 6,000 PEOPLE.
THE SITE OF THE VACATED BUILDING WILL THEN BE USED FOR TOWN DEVELOPMENT AND URBAN RENEWAL PURPOSES IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE.
LATER, THE PARTY PROCEEDED TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO HAVE A LOOK AT THE CHUNG HANG NULLAH.
SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE WORKS IN PROGRESS TO CLEAN UP THE EFFLUENT DISCHARGED FROM FACTORIES NEXT TO THE NULLAH.
THEY THEN VISITED THE NEWLY-OPENED SAM TUNG UK FOLK MUSEUM NEXT TO THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION.
THE MUSEUM IS THE LARGEST AMONG THE MUSEUMS OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
IT IS REFURBISHED FROM THE PRESERVED STRUCTURES OF THE ORIGINAL WALLED SAM TUNG UK VILLAGE ESTABLISHED ON THAT VERY SITE.
RESIDENTS OF THE VILLAGE, AN HAKKA ONE WITH A HISTORY DATING BACK SOME 200 YEARS, WERE RESITED IN 1979 AND 1980 TO THE SAM TUNG UK RESITE VILLAGE TO MAKE WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT OF THE MTR.
THE VISITORS WERE SHOWN THE VARIOUS EXHIBITS DEPICTING THE WAY OF LIFE OF THE VILLAGERS IN THE PAST.
BEFORE CONCLUDING THE VISIT, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON ATTENDED A TEA RECEPTION HELD AT THE MUSEUM WHERE THEY MET TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE CHAIRMEN OF AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL PERSONALITIES.
- - 0 - -
NEW MEASURES TO REGULATE TRAVEL INDUSTRY APPROVED
* t t »
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO ENABLE THE OUTBOUND TRAVEL INDUSTRY TO REGULATE ITSELF AND TO IMPROVE CONSUMER PROTECTION.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THERE WERE TWO KEY ELEMENTS IN THE NEW MEASURES.
"FIRSTLY, ALL TRAVEL AGENTS WILL BE REQUIRED IN FUTURE TO BECOME MEMBERS OF THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL (TIC) THROUGH JOINING ONE OF ITS CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS.
/"SECONDLY, THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
"SECONDLY, THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL WILL SET UP A NEW COMPENSATION FUND. THIS WILL REPLACE THE TRAVEL AGENTS’ RESERVE FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE," SHE SAID.
♦-
MRS CHAN SAID THAT UNIVERSAL MEMBERSHIP OF TIC WOULD HELP TO IMPROVE PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINE AND STANDARDS AMONGST TRAVEL AGENTS, PROMOTE GREATER COHESIVENESS WITHIN THE INDUSTRY AND ENSURE THE VIABILITY OF THE NEW COMPENSATION FUND.
"IT WILL ALSO ENABLE THE INDUSTRY TO ACCEPT INTO ITS RANKS ONLY THOSE BONA-FIDE OPERATORS WHO ARE WILLING TO COMPLY WITH A CODE OF PRACTICE TO BE ADOPTED BY TIC," SHE SAID.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, TRAVEL AGENTS CAN JOIN THE CONSTITUENT ASSOCIATIONS OF THE TIC AS "ORDINARY" OR "ASSOCIATE" MEMBERS.
AN ORDINARY MEMBER HAS TO BE A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY WITH A MINIMUM PAID-UP CAPITAL OF $300,000 FOR ITS MAIN LOCATION AND $150,000 EXTRA CAPITAL FOR EACH BRANCH OFFICE.
AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER MAY BE A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, PARTNERSHIP OR PROPRIETORSHIP WITH A MINIMUM CAPITAL OF $50,000.
IN ADDITION TO HANDLING HOTEL ACCOMODATION AND TICKETING SALES, ASSOCIATE MEMBERS COULD ALSO ACT AS RETAILERS FOR THE SALE OF PACKAGE TOURS, THOUGH THEY WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO ORGANISE PACKAGE TOUR TRAVEL ON THEIR OWN.
ALL TRAVEL AGENTS MUST HAVE PREMISES USED SOLELY FOR CONDUCTING TRAVEL BUSINESS.
"THE AVAILABILITY OF ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP WILL ENABLE SMALL OPERATORS TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS UNDER THE NEW SCHEME,” MRS CHAN EXPLAINED.
TO ENSURE THAT INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL AGENTS ARE TREATED FAIRLY, ANY APPLICANT WHOSE APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP IS REJECTED MAY APPEAL TO AN INDEPENDENT APPEAL BOARD UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE TIC.
SHOULD THE BOARD FIND IN FAVOUR OF THE APPLICANT, THE ASSOCIATION CONCERNED WILL BE OBLIGED TO ACCEPT THE APPLICANT AS A MEMBER.
IF THE BOARD REJECTS THE APPEAL, THE APPLICANT CAN STILL APPLY TO THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS FOR A LICENCE. IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE REGISTRAR MAY GRANT A LICENCE TO SUCH AN APPLICANT AND REQUIRE THE TIC TO ACCEPT THE APPLICANT AS A MEMBER.
THE TIC COMPENSATION FUND WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY A ONE PER CENT LEVY ON THE SALE OF ALL GROUP PACKAGE TOURS. THE CONTRIBUTION WILL, THEREFORE, VARY ACCORDING TO THE VOLUME OF AN AGENT’S BUSINESS "URNOVER.
/THE COMPENSATION .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1987
- 5 -
THE COMPENSATION FUND WILL BE ADMINISTERED AND MANAGED BY A BOARD OF TRUSTEES. IN ADDITION TO REPRESENTATIVES OF TIC AND THE GOVERNMENT, THE TRUSTEES WILL INCLUDE A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS.
IN FUTURE, CUSTOMERS OF TRAVEL AGENTS WHICH DEFAULT WILL RECEIVE COMPENSATION OF 70 PER CENT. FULL COMPENSATION WILL NOT BE MADE BECAUSE IT IS CONSIDERED THAT CONSUMERS SHOULD ACCEPT SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CHOICE OF A TRAVEL AGENT.
TIC HAS ALSO AGREED TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE TRAVEL AGENTS’ RESERVE FUND TO COMPENSATE AUSTRAVEL AND P.C. TRAVEL SERVICE CLIENTS. THE RESERVE FUND WILL BE WOUND UP AFTER THE SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS OUTSTANDING FROM PREVIOUS DEFAULTS.
THE REQUIREMENT TO JOIN TIC WILL BE MADE A CONDITION OF THE TRAVEL AGENT’S LICENCE AND THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE WILL BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR THIS.
TRAVEL AGENTS WHO HAVE NOT YET JOINED TIC WILL BE GIVEN SEVERAL MONTHS IN WHICH TO APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP AND TO RE-ARRANGE THEIR BUSINESS MATTERS IF NECESSARY.
’ THE NEW LICENSING CONDITION WILL BE APPLIED FROM ABOUT MID-1988 ONWARDS BY WHICH TIME THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL. THE ACTUAL DATE WILL BE NOTIFIED LATER.
AFTER THE SPECIFIED DATE, ALL TRAVEL AGENTS WHO ORGANISE GROUP PACKAGE TOURS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTRIBUTE THE ONE PER CENT LEVY TO THE TIC COMPENSATION FUND.
IN THE INTERIM, TIC HAS AGREED THAT SHOULD ANY TRAVEL AGENT DEFAULT DURING THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD, THE CLAIMS OF CUSTOMERS WOULD BE MET BY THE NEW COMPENSATION FUND WHEN IT IS ESTABLISHED. THE GOVERNMENT AND TIC WILL ACT VIGILANTLY TO PREVENT THE OCCURRENCE OF ANY SUCH DEFAULTS.
TO IMPLEMENT THE VARIOUS ARRANGEMENTS, TIC WILL REVISE THEIR CONSTITUTION AND THE REVISED CONSTITUTION WILL HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT BEFORE IT IS ADOPTED.
THE CONSTITUTION WILL STIPULATE THAT CERTAIN PROVISIONS WHICH ARE CENTRAL TO THE SCHEME OF SELF-REGULATION, SUCH AS THE MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS, CANNOT BE REVISED WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNMENT.
- - 0 -
/6........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 6 -
MEMBERSHIP OF OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE PLANNING COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE OF HONG KONG (OLl) WHICH WILL BE ESTABLISHED WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1988.
MR CHENG HON-KWAN HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE.
A TOTAL OF 16 LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ACADEMICS, LAY MEMBERS AND Government representatives have been appointed to serve initially on THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR ONE YEAR.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR ANDREW WELLS, SAID THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WOULD BEGIN WORK SHORTLY WITH A VIEW TO MEETING THE PROVISIONAL TARGET DATE FOR FIRST STUDENT ADMISSIONS INTO THE OLI IN 1989.
“THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE REQUIRE IT TO PRODUCE A DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION PLAN, COVERING THE ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK, LEGISLATION, ACADEMIC PROFILE, FINANCING, SITING AND STAFFING OF THE OLI AND TO RECOMMEND FOR APPOINTMENT THE OLI’S FIRST CHIEF EXECUTIVE," MR WELLS SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SET UP THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE OLI WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 7.
"THE INTENTION IS THAT THE OLI WILL OFFER DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES AND WILL ADMIT ITS FIRST STUDENTS IN 1989.
"IT WILL BE HONG KONG’S SIXTH DEGREE AWARDING INSTITUTION AND WILL CONSIDERABLY INCREASE LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR POST-SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
"IT WILL FUNCTION AS A CONSORTIUM OF PARTICIPATING INSTITUTIONS, AS RECOMMENDED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IN ITS REPORT NO. 2, PUBLISHED IN SEPTEMBER 1986," MR WELLS EXPLAINED.
THE CHAIRMAN DESIGNATE, MR CHENG HON-KWAN, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, HAS A WIDE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRAINING NEEDS OF INDUSTRY AS WELL AS CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY.
HE IS DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC COUNCIL AND ALSO DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
/MEMBERS OP
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER JO, 198?
7
MEMBERS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL FIVE INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG FUNDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE. THEY ARE DIRECTOR OF PART-TIME DEGREE STUDIES, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR L.M. NG; HEAD OF THE DIVISION OF CONTINUING EDUCATION, HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, DR C.C. WAN; LEGCO MEMBER AND ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (ACADEMIC SERVICES AND CONTINUING EDUCATION), HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MRS RITA FAN; DIRECTOR OF CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, DR DAVID JOHNS AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
MR WELLS EMPHASISED THAT THE TRAINING AND RE-TRAINING FUNCTION OF THE OLI MADE THE APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES OF COMMERCE AND OTHER SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY EQUALLY IMPORTANT.
WITH THIS IN MIND, FIVE LOCAL LAY MEMBERS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE PLANNING COMMITTEE. THEY ARE: AN EXPERIENCED ENGINEER AND A MEMBER OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CARLOS CHEUNG HON-KAU; AN INDUSTRIALIST WITH EXPERIENCE ON OTHER COMMITTEES CONCERNED WITH TECHNICAL EDUCATION, MISS LILY CHIANG; DIRECTOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY PRESS AND FORMER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR TSIM TAK-LUNG; AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR SAMUEL P.W. WONG, WHO RUNS A FIRM OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND HAS LONG BEEN INTERESTED IN OPEN EDUCATION; AND A WELL-KNOWN ECONOMIST, ACADEMIC AND JOURNALIST, MR LEO GOODSTADT.
FOUR APPOINTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO REPRESENT THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION IN POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION AND TO RAISE THE STATUS OF THE OLI OVERSEAS.
THESE ARE DEAN OF THE OPEN UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA, DR IAN MUGRIDGE; PRINCIPAL OF THE OPEN COLLEGE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF EAST ASIA IN MACAU, PROFESSOR DON SWIFT; SPECIAL COMMISSIONER OF THE COMMONWEALTH TERTIARY EDUCATION COMMISSION IN AUSTRALIA, MR RICHARD JOHNSON AND PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR (DEGREEE STUDIES) OF THE UK OPEN UNIVERSITY (UKOU), PROFESSOR DAVID MURRAY.
PROFESSOR MURRAY'S APPOINTMENT IS AS AN EX-OFFICIO REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UKOU, REFLECTING THE MAJOR ROLE WHICH THAT INSTITUTION PLAYS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPEN EDUCATION WORLD-WIDE. THE OTHER OVERSEAS ACADEMICS WILL SERVE IN THEIR PERSONAL CAPACITIES.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE REPRESENTED ON THE PLANNING COMMITTEE BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE; AND A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WHO WILL ACT AS SECRETARY.
MR WELLS POINTED OUT THAT IN CARRYING OUT ITS TASK, THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WOULD FOLLOW A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF GUIDELINES APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
"THESE COVER IN GREATER DETAIL THAN THE TERMS OF REFERENCE THE TASKS WHICH THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WILL HAVE TO ACHIEVE," HE SAID.
/8........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
8
Planning Committee for the Open Learning Institute of Hong Kong
Annex A
Terms of reference
Having regard to the Government’s intention that an Open Learning Institute be established, with a provisional target date for first Student admissions of 1989, the Planning Committee is invited -
(1) as a matter of priority, to recommend . for appointment the first chief executive of the Institute and other key staff necessary for its establishment and to report on the costs of their recruitment to allow the target date for first student admissions to be met;
(2) to produce a detailed implementation plan, including in particular advice on -
(a) the administrative framework for the operation and regulation of the Institute;
(b) the legislation required for the Institute;
(c) the academic profile and development plans of the Institute;
(d) the recruitment of staff for the Institute and the fixing of staff salary scales and conditions o f se rvice ;
(e) the financing of the Institute’s programmes;
(f) the site or sites required for the Institute and its major resource and-administrative centre; and
(gj a strategy for staff training.
(3) in producing the plan, to take into account -
(a) the availability of contributory effort within the participating institutions;
(bj the immediate availability of material from both local and overseas sources; and
(cj the potential educational uses of any developments in cable television;
(4) to advise, in consultation with the UPGC, on the future relationship between the Institute’s own programme and the extra-mural or part-time courses of other institutions;
(5) to conduct such surveys as may be required to assess areas of demand and need for open education programmes; and
(6) to advise on any other relevant matters.
/Annex B .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 198?
9
Annex B
Guidelines for the Planning Committee (PC) for the Open Learning Institute of Mong Kong~fOLI)
A. Post-secondary open education : demand and need
(1) The PC should not attempt a comprehensive survey of demand before beginning its task. It might, however, conduct specialized surveys in particular areas, perhaps through a curriculum planning sub-committee. The PC should note that in the first instance, resources should be mainly concentrated on the provision of first degree or sub-degree courses.
B. Scope of programme
(2) The programme of the OLI should cover the full range of post-secondary studies, starting at a level relating to school leaving qualifications and extending to second degree level.
(3) The Government should have to approve the OLI • s proposals for the ratio of degree to sub-degree places at regular intervals and be informed of student number projections for different courses. A more restrictive system, of fixing targets for student numbers and seeking funding approval for individual courses would not be appropriate.
(4) The OLI should emphasize (through counselling, financial incentives and its system of awarding transcripts and qualifications) the completion of meaningful units of study - such as a module, a set of modules or a complete course.
(S) The programme should allow students to proceed, as far as practicable, at their own pace, in the acquisition of qualifications.
C. Distance learning
(6) The OLI's programme should be based on the distance learning approach, but the importance of face-to-face teaching, especially during students' initial experience at the Institute, should also be recognized.
D. The concept of "openness'*
(7) The OLI should cater for students with a range of academic qualifications at entry, including those with little or no such qualifications. This should be possible given the proper use of foundation courses.
(8) Any filter as a means of pre-selection adopted by the 0L( should be an interim measure only and should only be adopted on administrative, as opposed to educational ground s.
/E. Consortium.........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 10 -
E. Consortium approach and alternatives
(9) The OLI should be regarded as a consortium of participating institutions (see further guideline (16) below).
(10) Students should enrol in the OLI itself, not in a participating institution.
(11) Awards to students should be in the name of the OLI.
(12) The OLI should have legal status equivalent to that of existing UPGC-funded institutions and the PC should advise on appropriate legislation.
(13) The administration of the OLI should be as small and compact as is compatible with efficiency.
(14) The programmes offered by the OLI should in no wav adversely affect the part-time, extra-mural, open or distance learning courses now being offered by the (JPGC-funded institutions or by the Vocational Training Council.
(15) The PC and later the OLI should negotiate with participating institutions mutually satisfactory
arrangements for the employment of tutors and other part-time academic staff and, where appropriate, of other resources.
F. Organisation of the OLI
(16) ’’Membership” or ’’participation” in the OLI should be understood to be at two levels. The first level would be the operational level - preparation of course material and providing tutors for OLI students. Institutions participating in this way should be termed OLI contributors. Contributors would not be confined to the (JPGC-funded institutions, but would include any local or overseas body commissioned by the OLI for a specific purpose. The second level of participation
would be formal membership, i.e. the holding of a seat or seats on the OLI Council. Such participation should be termed ’’formal membership”. ”Pa rt ic ipa t i ng institution”, unless otherwise specified, should be understood to mean ’’formal member”.
(17) All institutions of post-secondary and education which are funded through the (JPGC invited by the PC to participate as formal the OLI.
tert iary should be members of
(18) All potential formal members of the OLI should be asked by the PC to subscribe to the aims and objectives of the OLI set out in paragraph VI I (. S. 4 2 of ECR 2 as a pre-condition of inclusion in the Council. That is, they should accept a commitment tu the aims of the OLI
/and the .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- - 11 -
and the obligation to share plans with the OLI before starting any independent initiatives which might compete with the OLPs programme.
(19) Subject to guideline (18) above, the UPGC-funded institutions should be entitled to formal membership of the OLI, without a commitment to a specific level of active participation at the operational level.
(20) The OLPs governing legislation should allow both ad personam and ex officio representatives of institutions not within the remit of the UPGC to sit on the OLPs Council.
(21) The PC should consider a suitable role for the voluntary agencies in the operation of the OLI, particularly in the provision of foundation courses.
(22) The OLI should have the functions and responsibilities set out in paragraph VIII.5.44 of ECR 2.* *
Specifically -
"(a) to set priorities and to plan the development of the comprehensive post-secondary programme;
(b) to commission [OLI contributors] to operate component courses through tutorial support;
(c) to approve the use of distance learning material and negotiate with originating institutions for its use and development;
(d) to commission, where appropriate, the local development of course material [see also Gu ide Iine 54] ;
(e) to appoint external examiners to validate course work and examination results;
(f) to organise the necessary supporting services
• (access to libraries, laboratories, computers, study centres etc.) through its own centre and, when appropriate, at participating institutions or their study centres;
(g) to operate a student counselling service to advise students on their study programmes;
(h) to consider students’ standing for the purposes of credit transfers and recognition of advanced standing; and
(i) to confer degrees and other qualifications on students [see also Guideline 11].”
/(23) The OLI ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 12 -
(23) The OLI should be governed by a Council, comprising representatives from the participating institutions, lay members and overseas academics, an academic board and an executive body of administrative staff headed by a chief executive.
(24) The OLI’s academic board should largely be comprised of its own full-time staff.
(25) the PC should consider weighting the Council of the OLI in favour of non-academic members. A maximum of 25% academic members could be considered.
(26) The OLI’s programmes should be subject to accreditation by the proposed Hong Kong Council for Academic
Accreditation (HKCAA), or whichever other validating body in future is responsible for certifying academic standards.
(27) In discussing with a future HKCAA- the procedures to be followed in the accreditation of OLI courses, the PC should seek to obtain agreement to the use of
accreditation procedures which take into account the existing internal validation systems of participating institutions, particularly in a case where a course offered by the OLI is wholly or nearly wholly provided by one of those institutions.
G. Course delivery
(28) The OLI should have a major administrative centre, with adequate study rooms, libraries and laboratories.
(29) The PC, in conjunction with the Administration, should urgently explore the possibility of using Tower II, Argyle Centre for this purpose, possibly on a shared basis initially with other educational institutions.
(30) The possibility of regional study centres should also be pursued.
(31) The PC should negotiate with the Broadcasting Authority and the Secretary for Administrative Services and Information concerning accessibility to cable television for the OLI.
(32) Delivery of OLI courses should be by as great a variety of methods as possible, including audio and video cassettes, telephone tutoring, seminars, day schools and, in some cases, computers and laboratories.
/H• Subjects to ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 13 -
H. Subjects to be offered and course material
(33) The PC should consider the possibility of three basic schools for the OLI, viz. commercial and social sciences, arts and humanities and mathematics, science and technology.
(34) The OLI’s programme should start on the basis of using the best material available from the existing operators, whether in Hong Kong or overseas.
(35) The PC should consider at an early stage the possibility of translation of courses into Chinese or the development of specific riew courses in Chinese.
(36) The PC should investigate appropriate sources of course material for sub-degree work, including the UK Open Tech, the UK Open College, the Open College of British Columbia and the Canadian College of the Air.
(37) For courses purchased from overseas, the OLI should prefer less parochial material which does not require significant alteration for the local market.
(38) Staff of participating institutions who are commissioned to produce materials for the OLI should not retain copyright.
(39) Co-ordination and the avoidance of unnecessary
duplication of courses should be the joint
responsibility of the OLI and the participating institutions.
I. Course structure and the credit unit system
(40) OLI courses should be structured on a credit unit system, consistent with the certification by attainment approach. The system should provide for accumulation of credit units as well as credit transfer. •
(41) The PC should consider the suitability of the course structure for the OLI recommended in paragraph VIII.5.56 of ECR 2.
•
(42) The OLI should aim to develop courses at sub-degree, as well as first and second degree level.
J. Financing of the OLI
C43) Subject to guidelines 47 and 48 below, the OLI should be as far as possible seif-finaneing, but in any case students should meet at least the direct costs of producing and delivering courses.
/(44) Upon ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 14 -
(44) Upon establishment of the OLI, the Government should meet the cost of accommodation, equipment, essential administration and core staff, etc*, to the extent that this cannot be met through student fees.
(45) The Government should meet the cost of setting up the OLI. The Planning Committee should submit detailed estimates of these costs at an early date.
(46) The PC should consider, in consultation with the UPGC and the Administration, how any Government funding of the OLI other than setting up costs should be carried out, given the differences in situation between the OH and the existing UPGC-funded institutions.
(47) The OLI should set its own fees, in x consultation with the Government.
(48) The PC should consider, in consultation with the Administration, the possibility of a student financing scheme to assist students in appropriate cases.
K. Staff training
(49) In planning a strategy for the training of tutors and of senior academic staff, the PC should pursue contacts already made by the Administration with the Croucher Foundation and the UK International Extension College,* in addition to other available sources.
L. Planning Committee for the OLI
(SO) The PC should aim at the first intake of the students in 1989, even though this might entail the OLI’S programme commencing on a relatively small scale.
(SI) The PC should make a comprehensive report to the Government on its progress in implementing its terms of reference, in the light of these guidelines, in sufficient time to allow the target date in guideline (SO) to be met.
-----0------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 15 -
SEVEN AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES TO BE DE-REGISTERED
» » » *
SEVEN AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES WHICH ARE CONSIDERED NOT SUITABLE FOR LOCAL USE, WILL BE DE-REGISTERED WITH EFFECT FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES INVOLVED IN THE DE-REGISTRATION EXERCISE, CONDUCTED UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ORDINANCE, ARE CYHEXATIN, ALDRIN, DDT, DDT/LINDANE, DDT/NALED, DIELDRIN AND PCP/DIELDRIN.
SENIOR CROP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MISS VERA SO, SAID RECENT TOXICOLOGICAL STUDIES SHOWED THAT CYHEXATIN IS TERATOGENIC TO LABORATORY ANIMALS AND AS A RESULT, THE MANUFACTURER REQUSTED FOR THE VOLUNTARY CANCELLATION OF ITS REGISTRATION.
’’ALDRIN, DDT AND DIELDRIN ARE CONSIDERED TOO PERSISTENT AND THEIR USE MAY BE HARMFUL TO THE ENVIRONMENT.
’’FURTHERMORE, THEIR AGRICULTURAL USES HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY LESS PERSISTENT AND LESS TOXIC ALTERNATIVES.
’’HENCE, THESE PESTICIDES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED MIXTURES ARE DE-REGISTERED,” MISS SO SAID.
DESPITE THE FACT THAT THESE PESTICIDES HAVE HITHERTO BEEN ON THE REGISTER, SHE SAID, NOT ALL OF THEM ARE ON SALE LOCALLY.
’’CYHEXATIN HAS NEVER BEEN SUPPLIED FOR LOCAL USE WHILE ALDRIN, DDT/LINDANE, DDT/NALED AND PCP/DIELDRIN MIXTURES HAVE NOT BEEN ON RETAIL SALE FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
’’ONLY LIMITED QUANTITIES OF DDT ARE ON RETAIL SALE AT A FEW PESTICIDE SHOPS,” MISS SO SAID.
ALL LICENSED PESTICIDE IMPORTERS, SUPPLIERS AND RETAILERS HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE CANCELLATION.
THEY MAY APPLY FOR A POSSESSION PERMIT TO FACILITATE THE RE-EXPORT OF THESE PESTICIDES.
SHE SAID HER DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE FARMERS AND PESTICIDE USERS A PERIOD OF TIME UP TO JANUARY 8, 1988 TO SURRENDER THESE PESTICIDES, IF ANY, TO THE NEAREST AFD OFFICE IN THE TERRITORY FOR PROPER DISPOSAL.
"THEREAFTER, ANY PERSON WHO IS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF ANY OF THESE PESTICIDES WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT, WILL BE PROSECUTED,” MISS SO SAID, ADDING THAT SUCH AN OFFENCE IS PUNISHABLE BY A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE DE-REGISTRATION AND THE PROCEDURE FOR APPLYING FOR A POSSESSION PERMIT CAN BE MADE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANT AND PESTICIDE REGULATORY UNIT ON 3-7332163 OR 3-7332180.
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/16........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 16 -
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE AS MOST OF THE SERVICES WILL BE STEPPED UP AND OPERATE LATER THAN USUAL.
THE MTR, THE KCR, THE STAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT, AND THE HYF PASSENGER/VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD WILL CLOSE FOR THE DAY AROUND 1 AM.
WHILE PEAK TRAMS WILL OPERATE UP TO 1.30 AM, TRAM SERVICES (EXCEPT THOSE ROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP) WILL CARRY ON UNTIL 2 AM.
IN ADDITION, MANY BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WILL FINISH LATER THAN USUAL.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM CENTRAL OF CMB ROUTES NO. 4, 70 AND 90 WILL BE 1 AM; WHILE FOR ROUTES NO. 2, 7, 10, 23, 72, 92 AND 97, THEIR LAST BUS WILL LEAVE CENTRAL, WESTERN DISTRICT OR CAUSEWAY BAY AT 2 AM, 2.30 AM, 1.50 AM, 1.15 AM, 1.30 AM, MIDNIGHT AND 12.48 AM RESPECTIVELY.
IN KOWLOON, KMB WILL EXTEND SERVICES ON EIGHT ROUTES - NO. 1A, 5, 5C, 6, 80M, 82M, 85K AND 88K. FOR THE TSIM SHA TSUI ROUTES, THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM STAR FERRY FOR ROUTES NO. 1A, 5C AND 6 IS AROUND 1.30 AM AND NO. 5 AROUND 2 AM.
AS FOR GREEN MINIBUSES, ROUTES NO. 19 AND 20 ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL OPERATE UP TO 12.40 AM; NO. 33M UP TO 1 AM; AND NO. 1 UP TO 4 AM.
IN KOWLOON, ROUTE NO. 37M WILL RUN OVERNIGHT. ROUTES NO. 18, 19 AND 20 WILL FINISH AT 1 AM; NO. 3, 8, 1 IM AND 30M AT 1.30 AM; NO.6 AND 31M AT 2 AM; AND NO. 7, 16 AND 34M AT 3 AM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ROUTE NO. 61M WILL OPERATE ALL NIGHT.
ROUTE NO. 67K WILL STOP RUNNING AT MIDNIGHT WHILE NO. 66K AND 85 WILL FINISH AT 12.30 AM.
ROUTES NO. 20K, 22K, 60K AND 65K WILL CEASE OPERATING AROUND 1.30 AM AND NO. 80, 82, 83, 86 AND 96M AT 2 AM.
MEANWHILE, AS A RESULT OF SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, MANY BUS ROUTES PLYING THROUGH THESE TWO DISTRICTS WILL HAVE TO BE DIVERTED.
THE AFFECTED SERVICES INCLUDE CMB ROUTES NO. 5, 5A, 5B, 10, 10A, 10B, 20, 21, 22, 23A, 26, 40M, 81M AND 781, CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE NO. 103, AS WELL AS KMB ROUTES NO. Al, A2, 1, 1A, IK, 2, 2C, 2K, 3, 3C, 3E, 5, 5C, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 13, 26, 28, 70 AND 81.
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/17........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 17 -
STI TO LEAD DELEGATION FOR BALI TRADE MEET
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WILL LEAD A DELEGATION TO AN ASIAN-PACIFIC TRADE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN BALT, INDONESIA ON JANUARY 8-10.
THE PURPOSE OF THE CONFERENCE IS TO EXPLORE THOROUGHLY, WITH THE HELP OF A DRAFT REPORT FROM A STUDY GROUP, THE POSSIBLE SCOPE AND CONTENTS OF EARLY AGREEMENTS THAT MIGHT BE REACHED IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS BY THE END OF 1988.
THE CONFERENCE, THE FOURTH IN THE SERIES AFTER MEETINGS IN HOBART, SEOUL AND TOKYO, WILL BE HOSTED BY THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT.
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY TRADE MINISTERS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, DR CLAYTON YEUTTER; AND THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY’S COMMISSIONER FOR EXTERNAL RELATIONS, MR WILLY DE CLERCQ; AND THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE GATT, MR ARTHUR DUNKEL.
MR MACLEOD WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE, AND DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER.
MR SZE AND MR MILLER WILL STOP OVER IN SINGAPORE TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE URUGUAY ROUND WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS.
--------o----------
REPORT ON TOY INDUSTRY PUBLISHED ♦ * * *
ALTHOUGH HONG KONG TOY MANUFACTURERS WILL CONTINUE KEEN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION, THE TERRITORY IS EXPECTED TO THE LEAD AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST TOY EXPORTER, ACCORDING TO A THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ON THE LOCAL TOY INDUSTRY.
TO FACE MAINTAIN STUDY BY
THE STUDY EXAMINES THE DEVELOPMENT, STRUCTURE, PRODUCTION, PRODUCT MARKETING, PROBLEMS AND FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THE TOY INDUSTRY.
THE MAIN AIMS ARE TO GIVE AN INDICATION OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TO SUGGEST LIKELY FUTURE TRENDS.
THE STUDY REPORT, WHICH HAS JUST BEEN PUBLISHED, SHOWS THAT HONG KONG’S TOY INDUSTRY HAS GROWN RAPIDLY OVER THE LAST THREE DECADES AND IS NOW THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER OF TOYS.
IN 1986, THE TOY INDUSTRY EXPORTED HK$11,157 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS AND WAS HONG KONG’S FOURTH LARGEST EXPORT EARNER.
/THERE WERE ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 19$7
- 18 -
THERE WERE 2,264 ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF TOYS IN SEPTEMBER 1986, ACCOUNTING FOR 4.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG.
IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, TOYS RANKED AS HONG KONG’S THIRD MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, EMPLOYING 56,164 PERSONS AND ACCOUNTING FOR 6.5 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS ARE RENOWNED FOR THEIR FLEXIBILITY AND ABILITY TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO THE EVER-CHANGING MARKET TRENDS AND TO MEET DIFFERENT CUSTOMERS’ SPECIFICATIONS EVEN FOR SMALL ORDERS.
MAJOR INTERNAL FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE INDUSTRY’S GROWTH INCLUDE A FAVOURABLE INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSISTENT COMMITMENT TO FREE ENTERPRISE AND FREE TRADE, GOOD SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES, SIMPLE IMPORT/EXPORT PROCEDURES, A RELIABLE AND SKILLED WORKFORCE AND THE AVAILABILITY OF CHEAPER LAND AND LABOUR IN CHINA.
BUT THE STUDY ALSO IDENTIFIES A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS FACING THE INDUSTRY. THESE INCLUDE LABOUR SHORTAGE, GROWING INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMPETITION, WEAKNESS IN MARKET RESEARCH, PRODUCT DESIGN AND MARKETING AS WELL AS INSUFFICIENT AWARENESS OF THE HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS OF IMPORTING COUNTRIES.
TO COPE WITH THE PROBLEMS, THE REPORT SAID: ’’LOCAL MANUFACTURERS HAVE SOUGHT TO REDUCE PRODUCTION COSTS BY MOVING LABOUR INTENSIVE OPERATIONS TO CHINA OR BY INSTALLING MORE AUTOMATIC MACHINERY AND TO IMPROVE DESIGN AND QUALITY BY STRENGTHENING PRODUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES.”
’’THEY ALSO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN MAJOR OVERSEAS EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS NOT ONLY TO WIN ORDERS BUT ALSO TO IDENTIFY PRODUCT TRENDS AND MARKET RESPONSES TO THEIR PRODUCTS.”
ON SUPPORT FACILITIES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT TECHNICAL SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, DESIGN SUPPORT FROM THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY, PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND PROMOTIONAL SUPPORT FROM THE HONG KONG TOYS COUNCIL.
THERE ARE ALSO PLANS TO SET UP A PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION, TECHNICAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO INDUSTRIES USING PLASTICS AS PART OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
LOOKING AHEAD TO THE FUTURE TREND OF THE TOY INDUSTRY, THE REPORT SAID THE CHARACTERISTICS ARE UNLIKELY TO CHANGE DRAMATICALLY.
THE INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO COMPRISE PREDOMINANTLY SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED ENTERPRISES.
/THE manufacturing .......
I
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 198?
19 -
THE MANUFACTURING PROCESSES ARE LIKELY TO REMAIN LABOUR-INTENSIVE AND LARGE-SCALE AUTOMATION IS UNLIKELY BECAUSE OF THE COMPLICATED PROCESSES INVOLVED IN PRODUCING AND ASSEMBLING THE VARIOUS TOY PARTS AND THE EVER-CHANGING PRODUCT TRENDS. ’
IT IS BELIEVED THAT MORE AND MORE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT WORK WILL BE SHIFTED TO HONG KONG IN VIEW OF THE HIGH PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT COSTS IN THE UNITED STATES AND WESTERN EUROPE AND THE PROVEN SKILL AND EFFICIENCY OF LOCAL ENGINEERS AND TECHNICIANS IN HANDLING SUCH PROJECTS AT A MUCH LOWER COST.
THE GENERAL MARKET TRENDS FOR THE CURRENT AND COMING YEARS IDENTIFIED BY THE REPORT ARE AS FOLLOWS:
- BASIC OR STAPLE ITEMS SUCH AS FASHION DOLLS, PRE-SCHOOL TOYS, GAMES, RADIO-CONTROLLED VEHICLES, PLUSH TOYS AND TRAINS WILL BE THE PRIMARY PROFIT-MAKERS.
* - ELECTRONIC OR MICRO-CHIP APPLICATIONS WILL CONTINUE TO BE
DEVELOPED, WITH A FOCUS ON INTERACTIVE AND EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT VALUE.
- MORE EMPHASIS WILL BE GIVEN TO PRODUCT QUALITY, AS WELL AS TO PRODUCTS WITH HIGHER PROFIT MARGINS.
- BASIC TOY LINES WILL BE USED AS A BASE FOR STEADY OR CONSISTENT SALES DURING THE YEAR AND WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY HIGH-TECH PROMOTIONAL ITEMS.
THE STUDY ALSO FINDS THAT TOY MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG ARE CONFIDENT ABOUT THE INDUSTRY’S FUTURE BUSINESS.
OF THE 62 FACTORIES COVERED IN THE SURVEY, 52 PER CENT SAID THEY HAD MADE NEW INVESTMENTS IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. ALSO, NONE OF THE MANUFACTURERS INTERVIEWED EXPECTED BUSINESS TO BE POOR FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THE STUDY IS BASED MAINLY ON FINDINGS OBTAINED FROM DESK RESEARCH, A SURVEY ON THE LOCAL TOY INDUSTRY CONDUCTED IN DECEMBER 1986, AND A MARKET RESEARCH CONDUCTED BY SRI INTERNATIONAL IN THE United states and western Europe in march-may 1987.
IT IS THE THIRD OF A SERIES OF STUDIES ON SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG UNDERTAKEN BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
/20 .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
I - 20 -
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT * » » * t THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND DISTRICT BOARD WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE FOUR TRAINING COURSES AND A SEMINAR FOR MEMBERS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND FACTORY OWNERS TO PROMOTE ‘MANAGEMENT CONCEPTS AMONG THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE TRAINING COURSES, MR CHAN KWOK-WAH, SAID A BUDGET OF $76,000 WAS ALLOCATED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD FOR ORGANISING THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME.
THE FOUR TRAINING COURSES, TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 12, 15, 22
AND 29, WILL COVER TOPICS INCLUDING DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT AND FINANCE CONTROL, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, FIRE PREVENTION AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THE SEMINAR, IN THE FORM OF PANEL DISCUSSION, WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 6 FOR FACTORY OWNERS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND SHARE THEIR {EXPERIENCE IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL SEND APPLICATION FORMS TO OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND FACTORY OWNERS.
ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN THE PROGRAMME MAY ALSO OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE ASSISTANT DIVISION OFFICER OF FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR TSUI KWOK-KEI; ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MISS BETTY CHEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF INSTITUTE OF HOUSING (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR PETER YIP; AND HOUSING MANAGER OF THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM (IBMCT), MR LEE KANG-SUM.
MR LEE SAID HIS TEAM WOULD COMPILE THE FIRST HANDBOOK ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG BASED ON EXPERIENCE GAINED SINCE THE SET UP OF IBMCT IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.
ABOUT 3,000 COPIES WILL BE PRINTED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND FACTORY OWNERS.
I THE CONTENT OF THE HANDBOOK WILL INCLUDE BASIC CONCEPT OF
INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT, COMMON PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED, PREVENTIVE MEASURES AND ACTIONS THAT SHOULD BE TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.
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/21 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 21
PROGRAMME FOR REGIONAL COUNCIL FESTIVAL ANNOUNCED
*****
A SPECTACULAR VARIETY SHOW TO BE STAGED AT THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL FOLLOWED BY FRINGE ATTRACTIONS SPREAD THROUGHOUT THE NEARBY TOWN PARK WILL MARK THE GRAND OPENING IN EARLY NOVEMBER OF REGCO 88, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S FIRST-EVER FESTIVAL.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S RECREATION AND CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE, DR RICHARD HO, SAID THAT THE MONTH-LONG EXTRAVAGANZA WILL ENTERTAIN AND INVOLVE PEOPLE IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, NO MATTER WHAT THEIR AGE.
"IT WILL BE A FESTIVAL FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY AND WILL COVER ALL NINE DISTRICTS IN ONE FORM OR THE OTHER, EITHER CULTURAL OR RECREATIONAL," HE SAID.
DR HO SAID THAT INTERNATIONAL AS WELL AS LOCAL ARTISTES WOULD BE INVITED TO PROVIDE A WIDE-RANGE OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES THAT WOULD BE STAGED IN THE RC’S SIX CIVIC CENTRES AND TOWN HALLS.
FOR THE MORE ACTIVE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, HE ADDED, THE REGCO OLYMPIAD, INVOLVING TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS, AN INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, CYCLING COMPETITION AND GYMNASTICS DISPLAYS WOULD ALSO BE HELD.
AN INTERESTING FEATURE OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE INCLUSION OF THE POPULAR ANNUAL SAND SCULPTURE COMPETITION WHICH HAS BEEN UPGRADED INTO AN INTERNATIONAL EVENT.
WHILE DETAILS ARE STILL BEING FINALISED, A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS TEAMS WILL BE INVITED TO COMPETE AGAINST LOCAL FINALISTS WHO HAVE TAKEN PART IN PRELIMINARY EVENTS HELD AT DISTRICT LEVEL EARLIER.
DR HO SAID THAT ENTERTAINING DISTRICT FAIRS WILL ALSO BE HELD IN EACH DISTRICT PROVIDING FUN AND GAMES FOR EVERYONE.
"THERE WILL BE GAMES STALLS, BARGAIN STALLS AND A MOUTH-WATERING VARIETY OF FOOD STALLS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY.
"I’M SURE THESE FAIRS WILL PROVE VERY POPULAR WITH THE YOUNG AND OLD," HE ADDED.
DR HO SAID THAT AS PART OF THE GRAND FINALE FOR THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FESTIVAL, A BREATH-TAKING FIREWORKS DISPLAY WOULD BE STAGED OVER THE SKIES OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
"WE ARE STILL SEEKING SPONSORS FOR THIS SPECTACULAR AND WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT THIS IS THE MOST FITTING WAY TO BRING THE CURTAINS DOWN ON THE MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME OF FUN AND GAMES THAT HAS BROUGHT SO MUCH ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA," HE SAID.
/"MANY OF........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, I>o/
22
"MANY OF YOU WILL REMEMBER THAT SOME THREE YEARS AGO THERE WAS A SUPERB FIREWORKS DISPLAY AT SHA TIN, WHICH PROVED TO BE AN IDEAL VENUE FOR THIS SPECTACULAR EVENT.
"IT IS OUR HOPE THAT ONE OF OUR LARGE BUSINESSES WILL BE FORTHCOMING WITH AN OFFER OF SPONSORSHIP FOR A FIREWORK DISPLAY OF SIMILAR PROPORTION TO MARK THE GRAND FINALE OF THIS FIRST REGIONAL COUNCIL FESTIVAL."
--------o ----------
CLEANLINESS BENEFITS BOTH ISLANDERS AND VISITORS
* * * » *
KEEPING THE ISLANDS DISTRICT CLEAN AND TIDY WOULD PROVIDE A GOOD LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE ISLANDERS AS WELL AS A BETTER RECREATIONAL AREA FOR VISITORS, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN, MR YIU KAI-HANG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR YIU WAS SPEAKING AT A BANNER PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO KICK OFF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTRICT.
"TO LAUNCH THE CAMPAIGN ON THE DAY BEFORE NEW YEAR’S EVE IS TIMELY AS EVERYONE WOULD WISH TO HAVE A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT AS THEY WELCOME THE NEW YEAR," HE SAID.
MORE THAN 80 JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS FROM THE EIGHT REGIONS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ATTENDED THE CEREMONY WHICH WAS HELD AT THE CHEUNG CHAU POLICE STATION THIS MORNING.
THEY RECEIVED BANNERS WITH THE SLOGAN "CLEANING THE ISLANDS FOR A BETTER LIVING" FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MIKE HARRIS, AND WERE REQUESTED TO POST THEM UP IN THEIR RESPECTIVE REGIONS TO SPREAD THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE.
CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR FUNG PAK-TAI, PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO MR HARRIS AND THE JPC REPRESENTATIVE AT THE END OF THE CEREMONY.
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/23........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30,
1987
- 23 -
500 RUNNERS IN NEW YEAR HARRIER RACE
*****
MORE THAN 500 RUNNERS WILL BE COMPETING IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT’S 1988 NEW YEAR HARRIER RACE WHICH STARTS FROM KOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND AT 9 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 1).
THE RACE IS DIVIDED INTO STUDENTS AND OPEN SECTIONS.
IT WILL START AND FINISH IN KOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND, COVERING A DISTANCE OF ABOUT NINE KILOMETRES IN KOWLOON TONG AREA.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING SPORTSMANSHIP AND RUNNING SKILLS OF ATHLETES AND TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF A GOOD YEAR.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS COUNCIL, URBAN COUNCIL, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, KOWLOON CITY POLICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST SIX WINNERS OF EACH SECTION AND CERTIFICATES WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO THOSE WHO CAN COMPLETE THR RACE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT’S NEW YEAR HARRIER RACE TO BE HELD AT 9 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 1) IN KOWLOON TSAI PARK SPORTS GROUND, INVERNESS ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
-----o-----
TSING YI CLINIC TO START EVENING SERVICES
*****
THE TSING YI CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WEST REGION WILL START PROVIDING EVENING SERVICES FROM NEXT MONTH, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
BEGINNING NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 4), THERE WILL BE A TWO-DOCTOR SESSION AT THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC IN THE EVENING.
THE OPENING HOURS OF THE EVENING CLINIC WILL BE FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS BETWEEN 6 PM AND 10 PM EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE TSING YI CLINIC, WHICH PROVIDES GENERAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICE, FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES AND COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE DURING DAY TIME, IS LOCATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF CHEUNG HONG COMMERCIAL CENTRE, CHEONG HONG ESTATE, TSING YI ISLAND.
/24.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 24 -
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1988
* » ♦
COPIES OF THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1988 MAY BE COLLECTED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FROM THE GIS NEWSROOM AT 6 PM.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HONOURS LIST WILL BE MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOURS GMT ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 31).
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (DECEMBER 31), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION.
THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (DECEMBER 31) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS, OR FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THEIR CAREERS, OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
- 0 -
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR FOUR SITES
» » «
FOUR COMMERCIAL SITES ARE TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE FIRST SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2,675 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR A COMMERCIAL GARDEN AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 28,000 SQUARE METRES, THE SECOND SITE IS LOCATED ON THE CHEUNG SHA WAN RECLAMATION, KOWLOON.
IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES, INCLUDING THE STORAGE AND REPAIR OF CONTAINERS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR 12 MONTHS, RENEWABLE AFTERWARDS ON A MONTHLY BASIS. HOWEVER, ABOUT 1,120 SQUARE METRES OF THE SITE WILL HAVE TO BE SURRENDERED TO THE DEPARTMENT BY OCTOBER 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE THIRD SITE, AT TSING YI AREA 16 (NEAR SAI TSO WAN), MEASURES ABOUT 2.34 HECTARES AND IS FOR A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR THE PARKING OF CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS AND/OR FOR THE STORAGE OF CONTAINERS.
/THE TENANCY ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 198?
- 25 -
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS INITIALLY, RENEWABLE EVERY THREE MONTHS.
THE LAST SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,725 SQUARE METRES, IS SITUATED AT SHA TIN AREA 46, NEAR MA LING PATH.
IT IS FOR A PLANT NURSERY AND/OR A COMMERCIAL GARDEN, INCLUDING GROWING, STORAGE AND SALE OF PLANTS, FLOWERS AND OTHER ANCILLARY GARDEN PRODUCTS.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE FOUR SITES IS NOON ON JANUARY 15.
-----o-----
RESTRICTED ZONES IN CENTRAL, SHEUNG WAN *****
TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN CENTRAL WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 2).
THEY ARE A 45-METRE STRETCH ALONG THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF ICE HOUSE STREET NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHATER ROAD AND A 50-METRE SECTION OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CHATER ROAD EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ICE HOUSE STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KO SHING STREET IN SHEUNG WAN BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 5 AND 43 WILL ALSO BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FOR ROAD WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
IN ADDITION, A 45-METRE ROAD SECTION ON POTTINGER STREET NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (THAT IS 7 - 10 AM AND 4-7 PM) RESTRICTED ZONE FOR GOODS VEHICLES ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CHATER ROAD IN CENTRAL BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ICE HOUSE STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED.
0
/26
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
- 26 -
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED * ♦ ♦
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF NATIONAL WESTMINSTER (HONG KONG) LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
-----0----------
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE IN NORTH POINT
« * »
JAVA ROAD IN NORTH POINT FROM A POINT ABOUT 23 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN CHIU STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE AROUND THE CLOCK FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 2).
THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (THAT IS 7 TO 10 AM AND 4 TO 7 PM) RESTRICTED ZONE AND THE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 23 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN CHIU STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED ALSO FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
-----o------
RESTRICTED ZONE IN WAN CHAI ♦ » »
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 2), THE SECTION OF RUSSELL STREET BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND CANAL ROAD EAST WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN - SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG' KONG TEL 5-233191 '
• -’.r -ry-
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1987
EMBARGOED NWS ITEM:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF NEWSPAPERS, news agencies aND BROADCaSTING STATIONS:
The following announcement the , Queen’s New Year Honours list will be made in London at 0001 hours GMT on Thursday, December 31* *’
Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Thursday, December }1)> but nd news agency or overseas radio transmission the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.
The news may be broadcast from 6 am onwards tomorrow (Thursday, December J1) over the local radio and television stations.
On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews, or for information related to their careers, or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have
been publicly announced
HONOURS
KBE - Knight Commander, Order cf the British Empire
Knight Bachelor
CBE - Commander, Cx'der of the British Ehipire
OBE - Officer, Order of the British Empire
ISO - Companion,. Imperial Service Order
MBE - Member, Order of the British Empire
BEM - British Empire Medal
QPM - Queen * s Police Medal
CPM - Colonial Police Medal
Badge f'f Honour
New Year Honours 1988
K.B.E.
The Honourable David Robert Ford, LVO, OBE, JP
Mr Ford joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1972. He has since held a number of posts including Director of Information Services, Secretary for Housing and Secretary for the Civil Service. He was appointed as Chief Secretary on February 12, 1987.
KNIGHT BACHELOR
The Honourable Mr Justice Yang Ti-liang
Mr Justice Yang joined the Judiciary as a magistrate in 1956. He has been a Justice of Appeal since May 1980. He will succeed Sir Denys Roberts as Chief Justice on March 15, 1988.
C.B.E.
The Honourable Mr Justice Frank Addison
Mr Justice Addison had served in the overseas Judiciary since 1954. He was appointed as Crown Counsel in Hong Kong in 1964. He had been a Judge of the High Court since 1978 before retiring from the Bench recently.
The Honourable Graham Barnes, JP
Mr Barnes entered the Hong Kong Civil Service as a Cadet Officer in 1958. He has held a wide range of posts and made -an important contribution to land management and development in Hong Kong. He is now the Secretary for Lands and Works.
/Cont’d
2
The Honourable Allen Peng-fei Lee, OBE, JP
Mr Lee has been a Member of the Legislative Council
since September 1978. He is also a Member of the Executive Council. Besides his contribution to the two Councils, Mr Lee has considerable public service to his credit.
Mr Charles Wilfrid Newton, JP
Mr Newton is the Chairman and Managing Director of the
Mass Transit Railway Corporation. He has made many contributions to the community and serves on a number of committees.
O.B.E.
Mr Chan Sui-kau, JP
Mr Chan is the Executive Chairman
of the Yangtze
Kiang Garment Manufacturing Company Limited. He has rendered invaluable services to the Government in connection with the textile industry.
Mr Leonard Chiu Kung-phoo, JP
Mr Chiu has been associated with the St. John Council
for Hong Kong and St. John Ambulance Brigade since 1968. He is also very active in other community services.
Mr Raymond Chow Ting-hsing
Mr Chow is the Chairman of Golden Harvest Group.
has helped to improve the standard of Cantonese films and to obtain international recognition of films produced in Hong Kong.
/Cont1 d
5
The Honourable Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, JP
Mrs Fan has made a significant contribution to the Legislative Council on which she has served as a member since 1983. She also serves on numerous committees and panels.
Mr Kenneth Kwok Wai-kai, JP
Mr Kwok joined the Government as an Engineer in 1960. He has been closely involved in the physical development of the Territory. He was promoted to the post of Director of Territory Development in 1986.
The Honourable Yeung Po-Kwan, CPM, JP
Mr Yeung is an educationist in Hong Kong. He has made a significant contribution in the field of education and in the Legislative Council on which he has served since 1983.
I.S.O.
Mr Tyebjee Hatam Barma, JP
Mr Barma joined the Hong Kong Civil Service in 1967.
He has held a wide range of posts in Government. He is now the Commissioner of Hong Kong Export Credit Insurance Corporation.
Dr Sylvia Chan Chui Sai-hun, JP
Dr Chui joined the Government in 1955 as a Medical and Health Officer. She was promoted to the rank of Senior Assistant Director in 1982. She is now Regional Director of Hong Kong Region.
/Coni’d • ••
4
Mr Robert Holmes, QFSM, CPM
Mr Department in 1957.
Holmes joined the He became Director of
Hong Kong Fire Services Fire Services in 1984.
Mr Patrick Sham Pak, JP
Mr Sham entered the Civil Service in 1958. He is now the Director of Royal Observatory, a post which he has held since 1984.
M.B.E.
Lady Jane Akers-Jones
Lady Akers-Jones has been associated for many years with the Girl Guides Movement. She was appointed Chief Commissioner of the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association in 1983, a post which she still holds. Lady Akers-Jones is also closely involved in other community services.
Lt. Cdr. Harold John Ernest Brickwood
Lt. Cdr. Brickwood has been the Commanding Officer of the Hong Kong Sea Cadets Corps since 1978. He has been actively involved in promoting youth activities and rugby football in Hong Kong.
Mr Fong King-wah
Mr Fong joined the Civil Service in 1959. He was appointed as Chief Chinese Language Officer in 1976. He has made a significant contribution to the development of the Government translation and interpretation services.
/Cont * d
5
Mr John Michael Howard
Mr Howard joined the Government in completing nine years of Crown Service Overseas. He was Principal Industry Officer in 1980.
1956 after promoted to
Mrs Chin-hwa Keller-Lim
Mrs Keller-Lim has served the Government since 1956 when she was appointed a Court Interpreter. She was appointed as one of the first Special Magistrates in 1982.
Mr Lee Wing-tat
Mr has held the post of
Lee entered Government Service 33 years ago. Controller of Government Supplies since 1983.
He
Mr Wong Chun-wah
Mr Wong joined the Civil Service in 1953. He has held a wide range of posts in the Executive Grade. He was promoted to Principal Executive Officer in 1984.
Mr Yip Kwok-hung
Mr Yip joined the Immigration Department in 1965 after spending nine years with Her Majesty’s Forces. He has made a significant contribution to the development of the Immigration Service.
M.B.E. (Military Division)
Squadron Leader Royston Webb BROOKS, AE
Sqn. Ldr. Brooks joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force in 1971 as a pilot. He was appointed Squadron Leader in 1985. Sqn. Ldr. Brooks has participated in many notable marine search and rescue operations.
/Cont*d
»
6
B.E.M.
Mr Chan Wai-chan
Mr Chan has served the Hong Kong Government for 32 years. He is a Senior Clerical Officer in the Registrar General’s Department.
Mr Colin Green
Mr Green joined the Fire Services Department in 1964. He is a Training Officer (Physical Education).
Mr Hung Ngok-hung
Mr Hung joined the Civil Service in 1961. He is a Senior Customs Officer in the Customs and Excise Department.
Mr Kwan Kong
Mr Kwan has served in the Civil Aid Services for 28 years. He is a Group Supervisor for Hong Kong West District.
Mr Kwok Sui-tong
Mr Kwok has served the Hong Kong Government since 1958. He is a Clerical Officer I in the Education Department.
Mr Lau Shiu-nin
Mr Lau has been with the Government Secretariat since he began his clerical career in 1962. He is the Officer-in-charge of the Secretariat Central Copying Office.
Mr Leung Park-ming
Mr Leung joined the Correctional Services as a Warder in 1957 and was promoted to Assistant Officer I in 1973.
/Cont’d • • •
7
Mr Lui Pui-ping
Mr Lui a Driving Instructor in
has served the Government for 33 years, the Government Land Transport Agency.
He is
Mrs Ganith Bux Ng
Mrs Ng joined the Civil Service in 1955. She is now the Senior Personal Secretary to the Postmaster General.
Miss Lucy Tang
Miss Tang has been involved with the St. John Ambulance Brigade since 1947. She is an Area Superintendent.
Mr Ting Chu-kan
Mr Ting has served the Auxiliary Medical Services for over 36 years. He is a Senior Supervisor.
Mr Tse Sik-kee
Mr Tse joined the Correctional Services as a Warder in 1960 and was promoted to Assistant Officer I in 1973.
Mr Wan Chat-tong
Mr Wan entered the Civil Service 37 years ago. He is an Overseer in the Urban Services Department.
Mr Woo Man-kai
Mr Woo has served the Auxiliary Medical Services for more than 15 years. He is a Liaison Officer Class I.
/Cont * d
8
B.E.M. (Military Division)
Mr Tam Wing-chu
Mr Tam joined the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) in 1962. He is now a Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant.
Q-P.M.
Mr Hui Ki-on, CPM
Mr Hui joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1963. He is an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
C.P.M.
Mr Keith Braithwaite
Mr Braithwaite joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1967. He is a Senior Superintendent.
Mr Chan Ming-chit
Mr Chan has served in the Royal Hong Kong Force for over 28 years. He is a Station Sergeant.
Police
Mr Cheng Koon-kwan
Mr Cheng joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force in 1956. He is a Superintendent (Auxiliary).
Mr Chu Kwok-wai
Mr Chu has served in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force since 1949. He is a Station Sergeant.
/Coat’d
7
Mr Lui Pui-ping
Mr Lui has served the Government for 33 years. He is a Driving Instructor in the Government Land Transport Agency.
Mrs Ganith Bux Ng
Mrs Ng joined the Civil Service in 1955. She is now the Senior Personal Secretary to the Postmaster General.
Miss Lucy Tang
Miss Tang has been involved with the St. John Ambulance Brigade since 1947. She is an Area Superintendent.
Mr Ting Chu-kan
Mr Ting has served the Auxiliary Medical Services for over 36 years. He is a Senior Supervisor.
Mr Tse Sik-kee
Mr Tse joined the Correctional Services as a Warder in 1960 and was promoted to Assistant Officer I in 1973.
Mr Wan Chat-tong
Mr Wan entered the Civil Service 37 years ago. He is an Overseer in the Urban Services Department.
Mr Woo Man-kai
Mr Woo has served the Auxiliary Medical Services for more than 15 years. He is a Liaison Officer Class I.
/Cont’d
8
B.E.M. (Military Division)
Mr Tam Wing-chu
Mr Tam joined the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) in 1962. He is now a Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant.
Q.P.M.
Mr Hui Ki-on. CPM
Mr Hui joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1963. He is an Assistant Commissioner of Police.
C.P.M.
Mr Keith Braithwaite
Mr Braithwaite joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1967. He is a Senior Superintendent.
Mr Chan Ming-chit
Mr Chan has served in the Royal Hong Kong Force for over 28 years. He is a Station Sergeant.
Police
Mr Cheng Koon-kwan
Mr Cheng joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force in 1956. He is a Superintendent (Auxiliary).
Mr Chu Kwok-wai
Mr Chu has served in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force since 1949. He is a Station Sergeant.
/Cont’d
9
Mr John Christie Dunn
Mr Dunn joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1958. He is a Chief Superintendent.
Mr Gerald Nigel Frith
Mr Frith joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1961, having served in the Police Force of Rhodesia. He is a Senior Superintendent.
Mr Lam Cho-kin
Mr
Force for 25 years.
Lam has served in the Royal He is a Station Sergeant.
Hong Kong Police
Mr Gregory Lam Kwai-bun
1967. He is a Superintendent.
Mr Lam joined the Royal Hong Kong
Police Force in
Mr Li Shu-fung
since 1957.
He
Mr Li has is a Chief
been with the Inspector.
Royal Hong Kong Police
Force
Mr Lo Kei
34 years.
Mr Lo has served in the Royal He is a Station Sergeant.
Kong Police
Force
for
/Cont’d
10
Mr Rab Nawaz
Mr Nawaz is a Chief Inspector in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force. He joined in 1952.
Mr Terence Orsler
Mr Orsler joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1959. He is a Chief Superintendent.
Mr Edward Joseph Stevenson
Mr Stevenson served in the British Army and the Northern Rhodesia Police before joining the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1965. He is a Chief Superintendent.
Mr James Henry Walker
Mr Walker has served the Royal Hong Kong Police Force for 21 years. He is a Senior Superintendent.
Mr David Michael Wright
Mr Wright joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force in 1966. He is a Senior Superintendent (Auxiliary).
Mr Wu Shiu-cheuk
Mr Wu has served the Royal Hong Kong Police Force for 30 years. He is a Senior Superintendent.
/Cont’d
11
Mr Lai Yun-shan
Senior Divisional Officer.
Mr Lai joined the Fire Services in 1965. He is a
Mr Lam Pak-kit
Mr Lam has been with the Fire Services Department for
30 years. He is a Principal Fireman.
Mr Leung Chi
Principal Fireman.
Mr Leung joined the Fire Services in 1960. He is a
Mr Ng Kit
Mr Ng has served in the Fire Services for 32 years.
He is an Assistant Divisional Officer.
BADGE OF HONOUR
Mr Chan Sze-bun
Mr Chan is active in community affairs and has been
involved in organising and promoting sports activities in the Sha Tin District.
Mr Cheng Sing-yip
Mr Cheng is the principal of a secondary school. He
has been involved in various educational activities around Sham Shui Po District.
/Cont*d
12
Mr Cheng Wui-yau, Stephen
Mr Cheng serves on a number of public bodies
including the Transport Advisory Committee, and the Eastern District Board. He has also been active in various community activities.
Mr Chung Wai-ping
Mr Chung has been actively involved in recreational and sports activities in Tsuen Wan District for over 10 years.
Mr Fu Yuen-ping
Mr Fu
has made a significant contribution to
the
rural community in Tsuen Wan. He serves on various committees in the district.
Mr Ho Kwong-hung
Mr Ho has served the Mong Kok community for over years. He is the chairman of the Sycamore Area Committee.
Mr Hsu Chung-chi
Mr Hsu has participated widely in community affairs
in Wan Chai. He is the Chairman of Wan Chai West Area Committee.
Mr Law Kwei-chung
Mr Law has a long record of community service in the
Stanley District. He is the Chairman of the Ma Hang ’B’ Village Mutual Aid Committee.
/Cont * d
13
Mr Lo Yuk-ting
Mr Lo has been actively involved in local community work in the Yau Ma Tei District for many years. He is particularly involved in youth activities.
Mr Ng Kwok-poon
Mr widely in community
Ng is a school headmaster. He has affairs in the Tuen Mun District.
participated
Mr Wan Ho-kan
Mr Wan has been involved in community affairs in the Sham Shui Po District for nearly 20 years. He id also a prominent figure in Cheung Chau.
Mr Wan Sek-luen
Mr Wan has contributed significantly to the promotion of environmental awareness in Hong Kong. He has been a member of the Environmental Pollution Advisory Committee since 1981.
Mr Wong Wai-kwan
Mr Wong has been actively involved in community affairs for many years. He is the Chairman of the Cheung Chau Area Committee and an elected member of the Islands District Board.
/Cont ’ d
14
Ms Yeung Kam-chun
Ms Yeung involved in the promotion also a member of the Kwun
is a school headmistress, of youth activities in Kwun Tong District Board.
She has been
Tong. She is
Mr Yue Hui-kwong
Mr Yue has participated widely m the Causeway Bay area since 1970’s. He is an Eastern District Board.
in community affairs elected member of the
NEW YEAR HONOURS 1988
BRITISH FORCES
Military Division
The following members of the British Forces who are serving or having served in the Hong Kong Command are recipients of awards in the Queen’s New Year Honours List:
M.B.E.
Lieutenant J.A. Stockwin
Royal Navy Reserve
Warrant Officer II E.W. Miles
Queen’s Gurkha Engineers
B.E.M
Staff Sergeant P.J. Blackhurst
Royal Army Ordnance Corps
Staff Sergeant A.M. Godfrey
Women’s Royal Army Corps
Colour Sergeant R. Taylor
1st Coldstream Guards
Sergeant Khagendra Rai
10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles
Sergeant Lam Bee Cheuk
Composite Signals Organisation Station
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J1, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SENSE OF COMMUNITY HET .PS HK FACE CHALLENGES : SIR DAVID ... 1
NEW DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES NAMED .......................... 1
COMMENCEMENT OF RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME............... 2
TA KWU LING RABIES INFECTED AREA RESCINDED .................... 3
INCREASES IN PERSONAL ALLOWANCES FOR LEGAL AID.............
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS .............. 4
SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED EXTENDED ............................ 5
FIRING PRACTICE DAYS........................................... 6
WORLD CLASS RUNNERS IN HK INTERNATIONAL MARATHON .............. 7
TAI PO LOT FOR FILLING STATION ................................ 8
CARNIVAL TO MARK AREA DAY IN TSUEN WAN ........................ 8
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN CaUSEWAY BAY......................... 9
MAIL SERVICES TO ITALY NORMAL.................................. 9
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1987
SENSE OF COMMUNITY HELPS HK FACE CHALLENGES : SIR DAVID ♦ * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON:
’’DURING MY FIRST EIGHT MONTHS AS GOVERNOR I HAVE BEEN STRUCK BY THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY THAT NOW EXISTS IN HONG KONG. PEOPLE CARE MORE ABOUT HONG KONG AND WANT TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TO IT. THIS IS CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED BY THE TIME PEOPLE ARE PREPARED TO SPEND ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS, WHETHER IN WORKING ON THE MANY ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTARY BODIES THAT CONTRIBUTE SO MUCH TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE TERRITORY OR DISCUSSING OUR FUTURE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT.
’’ECONOMICALLY, 1987 WAS AN EVENTFUL YEAR. WE HAVE ENJOYED SIGNIFICANT ECONOMIC GROWTH LARGELY AS A RESULT OF OUR BUOYANT EXPORTS. OUR STOCK MARKET SAW BOTH DRAMATIC RISES AND, LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD, DRAMATIC FALLS. FOR THE FUTURE, THE FUNDAMENTALS OF OUR ECONOMY REMAIN SOUND. BUT WE DEPEND ON INTERNATIONAL MARKETS. IF THE WORLD ECONOMY FALTERS, WE MUST BE QUICK TO ADJUST AND READY TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES. WITH OUR SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WE WILL BE ABLE SUCCESSFULLY TO FACE THESE, AND ANY OTHER, CHALLENGES IN THE COMING YEAR.
”1 TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO WISH ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR IN 1988.”
- - 0----------
NEW DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES NAMED ♦ * ♦ » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT DIRECTOR Ob WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, WILL RETIRE FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY). ‘ •
MR WONG KWOK-LAI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, WILL SUCCEED MR TOMLINSON.
MR CHAN YAN-KEE, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, WILL BECOME DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES.
/BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J1, 1987
2
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON THESE OFFICERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
MR TOM TOMLINSON, O.B.E., J.P.
AGED 59. MR TOMLINSON JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A CIVIL ENGINEER IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN DECEMBER 1954. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IN FEBRUARY 1982. ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR TOMLINSON WILL HAVE COMPLETED 33 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR WONG KWOK-LAI, J.P.
AGED 52. MR WONG JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASISTANT ENGINEER IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1960. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IN AUGUST 1978 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IN FEBRUARY 1982. MR WONG HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES ON MANY PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
MR CHAN YAN-KEE, J.P.
AGED 45. MR CHAN JOINED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1965 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES IN FEBRUARY 1984.
-------0 ---------
COMMENCEMENT OF RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED JULY 1, 1988,
COMMENCEMENT DAY OF THE PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER ORDINANCE 1987.
TO BE THE
SUPERVISION)
UNDER SECTION 6 OF THE ORDINANCE, A PRISONER MAY APPLY WITHIN SIX MONTHS BEFORE HE IS ELIGIBLE FOR RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION.
ACCORDINGLY, PRISONERS ELIGIBLE TO BE RELEASED UNDER THE NEW SCHEME BY JULY 1, 1988, CAN SUBMIT APPLICATIONS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1988.
-------0---------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER J1, 1987
- 5 -
SIXTEEN PEOPLE WERE INJURED IN THE CHAIN COLLISION INVOLVING FIVE VEHICLES ON CHAI WAN ROAD.
THREE OTHER APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE ARE STILL BEING PROCESSED WHILE THE REMAINING FIVE WERE NOT ELIGIBLE.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF THE FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN CAUSING THE ACCIDENT.
ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF VICTORIA CENTRE, 15 WATSON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY OR BY CALLING 5-702342.
-------0---------
SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED EXTENDED
* * * *
TWO BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION WILL EXTEND THEIR SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED FROM SATURDAY, JANUARY 2.
THE TWO OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT NGAU TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, ON WAH STREET, AND AT TSUEN WAN EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, TEXACO ROAD.
UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT, THE TWO OFFICES WILL PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF FREE SERVICES TO THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, MENTALLY RETARDED AND EX-MENTALLY ILL PERSONS SEEKING OPEN EMPLOYMENT.
THE NGAU TAU KOK OFFICE WILL SERVE DISABLED PERSONS IN THE MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON CITY, YAU MA TEI, WONG TAI SIN, KWUN TONG AND SAI KUNG DISTRICTS. AND THE TSUEN WAN OFFICE WILL LOOK AFTER THE DISABLED IN THE TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG, TAI PO, SHA TIN AND NORTH DISTRICTS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7554835 AND 0-4988444.
/6........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1987
- 6 -
FIRING PRACTICE DAYS ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE HZ L TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK
RANGE ON 20 DAYS DURING THE MONTH OF JANUARY.
THE PUBLIC HOISTED. IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE
THE DATES AND TIMES OF THE PRACTICE ARE:
DATE TIME
JANUARY 4 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 5 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 7 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 8 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 9 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 11 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 12 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 14 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 15 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 16 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 18 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 19 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 25 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 26 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 9 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 28 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 29 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
-------0 --------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1987
WORLD CLASS RUNNERS IN HR INTERNATIONAL MARATHON * » ♦ ♦
WORLD CLASS MARATHON RUNNERS KEVIN RYAN FROM NEW ZEALAND AND DOUG KURTIS FROM THE U.S.A. WILL BE HERE TO VIE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON.
JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (HKAAA), THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON JANUARY 24 (SUNDAY).
KEVIN RYAN STARTED RUNNING MARATHONS IN 1977 AND HAS SINCE GAINED HIS REPUTATION BY WINNING A SERIES OF INTERNATIONAL RACES.
"BEING THE WINNER OF MARATHON RACES IN MELBOURNE (1975), AUCKLAND AND TORONTO (1981), AND HONOLULU (1983), KEVIN RYAN HAS ALSO TOPPED THE HONOUR LIST IN THE SINGAPORE MARATHON HELD IN DECEMBER 1987," RACE DIRECTOR, MR JAMIE SCOTT, SAID.
"HE HAS A PERSONAL BEST TIME OF 2.11.43," HE ADDED.
DOUG KURTIS, ANOTHER COMPETITIVE MARATHON RUNNER TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S EVENT, HAS RUN 59 SUCH RACES SINCE 1980.
DOUG KURTIS HAS A PERSONAL BEST TIME OF 2.13.34.
IN RACES HELD IN 1987, HE CAME SECOND IN HONG KONG IN JANUARY, THIRD IN THE PHILIPPINES IN FEBRUARY, FIRST IN THE STATES IN MARCH, SECOND TN CANADA IN APRIL, FOURTH IN ARGENTINA IN JULY, EIGHTH IN BRAZIL IN SEPTEMBER AND SECOND IN THAILAND IN NOVEMBER.
MEANWHILE, THE ACAN WILL HOST A SEMINAR FOR RUNNERS ON JANUARY 22 (FRIDAY) BEFORE THE SUNDAY RACE AND BOTH DOUG KURTIS AND KEVIN RYAN WILL BE AMONG THE SPEAKERS.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE MARATHON ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, 23RD FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES; THE HKAAA; AND SPORTS GOODS OUTLETS. THEY CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, G.P.O. BOX 10368, HONG KONG.
THE MARATHON IS SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC, NEW BALANCE, WATSON’S DISTILLED WATER, DEL MONTE AND INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE.
- - 0 - -
/8
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1987
8
TAI PO LOT FOR FILLING STATION
* » « *
AN 870-SQUARE-METRE LOT IN TAI PO IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT,
THE LOT, AT TAI PO AREA 2 NEAR TING KOK ROAD, IS FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION, BUT EXCLUDING ANY LUBRICATION OR SERVICING FACILITIES.
TENDER DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSI NG, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JANUARY 29.
------o-------
CARNIVAL TO MARK AREA DAY IN TSUEN WAN * * t
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE FOUR AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (TOMORROW) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
THE TSUEN WAN AREA DAY CARNIVAL WILL START AT 2.30 PM AND WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW, TELEMATCHES AND STALL GAMES.
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE FUN AND TO TAKE PART IN GAMES DESIGNED TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG PARTICIPANTS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TSUEN WAN AREA DAY CARNIVAL AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
-------0----------
/9........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1987
WORLD CLASS RUNNERS IN HK INTERNATIONAL MARATHON « » * * *
WORLD CLASS MARATHON RUNNERS KEVIN RYAN FROM NEW ZEALAND AND DOUG KURTIS FROM THE U.S.A. WILL BE HERE TO VIE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON.
JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (HKAAA), THE EVENT WILL BE HELD AT THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR ON JANUARY 24 (SUNDAY).
KEVIN RYAN STARTED RUNNING MARATHONS IN 1977 AND HAS SINCE GAINED HIS REPUTATION BY WINNING A SERIES OF INTERNATIONAL RACES.
"BEING THE WINNER OF MARATHON RACES IN MELBOURNE (1975), AUCKLAND AND TORONTO (1981), AND HONOLULU (1983), KEVIN RYAN HAS ALSO TOPPED THE HONOUR LIST IN THE SINGAPORE MARATHON HELD IN DECEMBER 1987," RACE DIRECTOR, MR JAMIE SCOTT, SAID. • *
"HE HAS A PERSONAL BEST TIME OF 2.11.43," HE ADDED.
DOUG KURTIS, ANOTHER COMPETITIVE MARATHON RUNNER TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S EVENT, HAS RUN 59 SUCH RACES SINCE 1980.
DOUG KURTIS HAS A PERSONAL BEST TIME OF 2.13.34.
IN RACES HELD IN 1987, HE CAME SECOND IN HONG KONG IN JANUARY, THIRD IN THE PHILIPPINES IN FEBRUARY, FIRST IN THE STATES IN MARCH, SECOND IN CANADA IN APRIL, FOURTH IN ARGENTINA IN JULY, EIGHTH IN BRAZIL IN SEPTEMBER AND SECOND IN THAILAND IN NOVEMBER.
MEANWHILE, THE ACAN WILL HOST A SEMINAR FOR RUNNERS ON JANUARY 2Z (FRIDAY) BEFORE THE SUNDAY RACE AND BOTH DOUG KURTIS AND KEVIN RYAN WILL BE AMONG THE SPEAKERS.
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE MARATHON ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, 23RD FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES; THE HKAAA; AND SPORTS GOODS OUTLETS. THEY CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED BY WRITING TO THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, G.P.O. BOX 10368, HONG KONG.
THE MARATHON IS- SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC, NEW BALANCE, WATSON'S DISTILLED WATER, DEL MONTE AND" INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1987
- 8 -
TAI PO LOT FOR FILLING STATION
* « * »
AN 870-SQUARE-METRE LOT IN TAI PO IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE LOT, AT TAI PO AREA 2 NEAR TING KOK ROAD, IS FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION, BUT EXCLUDING ANY LUBRICATION OR SERVICING FACILITIES.
TENDER DOCUMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
» BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO*, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSI NG, TUEN MUN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JANUARY 29.
------o-------
CARNIVAL TO MARK AREA DAY IN TSUEN WAN
* t *
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE FOUR AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (TOMORROW) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
THE TSUEN WAN AREA DAY CARNIVAL WILL START AT 2.30 PM AND WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW, TELEMATCHES AND STALL GAMES.
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO JOIN IN THE FUN AND TO TAKE PART IN GAMES DESIGNED TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG PARTICIPANTS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TSUEN WAN AREA DAY CARNIVAL AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
-------0-------- /9.....................
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31,
1987
- 9 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN CAUSEWAY BAY
* * * *
TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN CAUSEWAY BAY ARE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC UNTIL 5 PM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 5).
THEY ARE HINO FAT STREET BETWEEN CAUSEWAY ROAD AND LAU LI STREET; AND LAU SIN STREET BETWEEN HING FAT STREET AND ELECTRIC ROAD.
THESE ROADS ARE CLOSED FOR THE SAFETY OF ROAD USERS FOLLOWING A FIRE IN A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION OVER TIN HAU MTR STATION ON DECEMBER 28.
-------o---------
MAIL SERVICES TO ITALY NORMAL » » »
THE POST OFFICE HAS ADVISED THAT THE STRIKE OF AIRLINE STAFF AT ITALIAN AIRPORTS HAS ENDED.
THE SPEEDPOST AND AIRMAIL SERVICES ARE NOW BACK TO NORMAL.
- - 0 - -