DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN CONCLUDED ...................... 1
CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR ROUTE X SIGNED ................... 2
SERVICES FOR STREET SLEEPERS ............................... 3
METERED PARKING CHARGES TO GO UP ........................... 4
COUNTRY PARK PATROLS TO BE STRENGTHENED ....................
rates payment advice........................................ 5
INFANT MORTALITY HIGHLIGHTED IN JULY STATISTICS DIGEST ..... 6
CONSTRUCTION OF VILLAGE HOUSES AT JUNK BAY.................. 7
IMPROVEMENTS TO MARKET BUILDING ............................ 7
FLYING START FOR COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION SCHEME ........... 8
CUP TOURNAMENTS IN KWUN TONG ............................... 9
FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER................................... 9
LANTERN CARNIVAL FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS ................ 10
SAI KUNG DB TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ............... 11
DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS TaXI POLICY ...................... 12
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON HONG KONG ISL.-ND............ 12
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR IEC CHARITY WALK........... 13
TEMPORARY ROaD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI ......................... 14
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN CONCLUDED
*****
MORE THAN 268,000 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION DURING THE SIX-WEEK VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN WHICH ENDED YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY).
COMMENTING ON THE RESULT, REGISTRATION OFFICER, MR LAI KWAN-TAT, SAID THE INITIAL RESPONSE HAD BEEN SATISFACTORY.
"HOWEVER, THESE APPLICATIONS INCLUDE A CERTAIN NUMBER OF DUPLICATIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS IN THE CHANGE OF ADDRESSES," MR LAI SAID.
"IT WILL THEREFORE TAKE THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION SOME TIME TO PROCESS THESE APPLICATIONS AND FIND OUT EXACTLY HOW MANY NEW ELECTORS WILL BE ADDED ON TO THE ELECTORAL ROLL," HE ADDED.
NONETHELESS, HE EXPECTED THE FINAL REGISTRATION FIGURE TO BE MORE THAN 1.6 MILLION PEOPLE AS COMPARED WITH THE 1.44 MILLION ELECTORS ON THE 1986 FINAL REGISTER.
"A PROVISIONAL REGISTER WILL BE PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 6, 1987 FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND OBJECTION," MR LAI SAID.
MEANWHILE, ELIGIBLE ELECTORS CAN STILL SEND IN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AS REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN YEAR ROUND.
BUT THOSE WHO WISH TO VOTE IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR HAVE TO REGISTER BEFORE NOVEMBER 20, 1987.
OF THE 268,000 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THIS YEAR’S VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN, THE HIGHEST NUMBERS WERE FROM KWAI TSING DISTRICT (35,483), EASTERN DISTRICT (28,248) AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT (27,796).
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1,
1987
- 2 -
CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR ROUTE X SIGNED *****
A $3.8 MILLION CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR A PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY A OF ROAD LINK KNOWN AS ROUTE X BETWEEN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND WEST KOWLOON WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT WAS SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND A CONSULTANTS’ CONSORTIUM FORMED BY SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS; PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF (ASIA) LIMITED; WILBUR SMITH AND ASSOCIATES; AND CHARLES HASWELL AND PARTNERS (FAR EAST).
MR BEATON SAID THE TRUNK ROAD PROPOSAL, LINKING YUEN LONG AND URBAN KOWLOON, WOULD PROVIDE A DIRECT ROUTE THROUGH TSUEN WAN, NEAR TSING YI ISLAND, AND TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK.
HE SAID A ROAD TUNNEL, LIKELY TO BE FOUR KILOMETRES LONG (PROBABLY THE LONGEST IN THE TERRITORY) WOULD HAVE TO BE BUILT THROUGH THE HILLS UNDER THE COUNTRY PARK.
HE SAID ROUTE X WAS PLANNED AHEAD AS A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES WHEN TUEN MUN ROAD REACHED MAXIMUM CAPACITY BY THE MID-1990'S.
"IT WILL ALSO SERVE AS AN ADDITIONAL ROUTE FOR CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC TO CHINA," HE SAID.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT THE CONSULTANTS WILL HAVE TO ESTABLISH THE OPTIMAL ALIGNMENTS FOR THE TRUNK ROAD, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL RELEVANT STUDIES UNDERTAKEN OR COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE STUDY WILL PROVIDE PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING ASSESSMENTS AND A COMPARISON OF OPTIONS, INCLUDING A BROAD ORDER OF COST AND A PREFERRED SEQUENCE OF STAGE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT.
THE STUDY, WHICH WILL COMMENCE THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR, IS COMMISSIONED BY HIGHWAYS (N.T.) REGION OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
- 3 -
SERVICES FOR STREET SLEEPERS *****
THE UNITED NATIONS HAS DESIGNATED 1987 AS THE "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS" (IYSH) TO HELP IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE POOR AND TO CALL FOR INTERNATIONAL CONCERN TO SOLVE THE PROBLEMS FACING STREET SLEEPERS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN RESPONSE TO THE APPEAL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP A CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO REVIEW THE POLICY AND TO CO-ORDINATE THE PLANNING AND PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR STREET SLEEPERS, MR LAW SAID WHEN OFFICIATING AT A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH COMMITTEE FOR THE 1987 IYSH IN SHA TIN.
ON THE SERVICES RENDERED TO STREET SLEEPERS BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR LAW SAID THEY INCLUDED BOTH DIRECT AND INDIRECT SERVICES.
"FOR DIRECT SERVICES, STAFF OF OUR FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES KEEP FREQUENT CONTACTS WITH STREET SLEEPERS IN ORDER TO PERSUADE THEM TO ACCEPT OUR ASSISTANCE.
"OUTREACHING TEAMS HAVE BEEN SET UP IN OUR FOUR OPERATIONAL REGIONS TO PROVIDE COUNSELLING, CASH AND OTHER MATERIAL ASSISTANCE AS WELL AS REFERRAL FOR RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENTS, MEDICAL TREATMENT, REHABILITATION SERVICES OR EMPLOYMENT," HE SAID.
"AS A RESULT OF THE JOINT EFFORTS OF OUR FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND OUR OUTREACHING TEAMS, SOME 300 STREET SLEEPERS HAVE AGREED TO ACCEPT OUR SERVICES BETWEEN MAY AND AUGUST, WITH 119 OF THEM BEING GIVEN RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENTS OR COMPASSIONATE REHOUStNG WHILE THE REMAINING APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED," HE ADDED.
ON INDIRECT SERVICES, MR LAW SAID THE DEPARTMENT TRIED TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY GROUPS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN SERVICE PROJECTS FOR STREET SLEEPERS SO AS TO ENHANCE LOCAL PEOPLE’S UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR PROBLEMS AND TO BECOME MORE CARING TOWARDS THEM.
CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS TODAY’S EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH COMMITTEE FOR THE 1987 IYSH COULD HELP AROUSE PUBLIC ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM OF STREET SLEEPERS AND ENCOURAGE MORE COMMUNITY EFFORTS IN PROVIDING APPROPRIATE SERVICES FOR THEM, MR LAW SAID.
A....
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
- 4 -METERED PARKING CHARGES TO GO UP *****
METERED PARKING CHARGES IN ANOTHER FOUR DISTRICTS WILL GO UP FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE AFFECTED DISTRICTS ARE : YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK, HUNG HOM AND SHA TIN.
THE CHARGES WILL BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING >1 AND 50 CENTS FOR 30 MINUTES TO $2 AND $1 FOR 30 MINUTES RESPECTIVELY.
MOTORISTS SHOULD NOTE THE REVISED CHARGES WHEN 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 AND TWO-HOUR METERS FOR PRIVATE CARS, ONLY $2 COINS WILL BE ACCEPTED, WHILE FOR ONE-HOUR GOODS VEHICLE PARKING METERS, DRIVERS CAN ONLY USE $1 COINS.
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COUNTRY PARK PATROLS TO BE STRENGTHENED *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS TO STEP UP PATROL OF SOME OF THE MOST POPULAR COUNTRY PARKS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO PARK VISITORS AND TO DISCOURAGE OFFENCES AGAINST COUNTRY PARKS REGULATIONS.
THE NEW OPERATION IS A PILOT SCHEME DRAWN UP WITH THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS) TO MOBILISE ITS UNIFORMED ADULT MEMBERS IN PATROLLING POPULAR PARK AREAS, STARTING FROM THIS MONTH.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DEPARTMENT'S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K.C. IU, SAID THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE MORE PUBLIC EDUCATION AND INFORMATION TO PARK VISITORS ON THE ONE HAND AND TO HELP DISTRESSED HIKERS ON THE OTHER.
"IT WILL INITIALLY COVER THE COUNTRY PARKS AT SAI KUNG BAST, SAI KUNG WEST, PAT SIN LENG AND PLOVER COVE WHICH ARE MOST POPULAR WITH HIKERS PARTICULARLY DURING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS," HE BAID.
/FROM THIS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
5 -
FROM THIS SUNDAY, MR IU SAID, 24 CAS MEMBERS, DIVIDED IN 12 TWO-MEN TEAMS AND SUPERVISED BY TWO SENIOR MEMBERS, WILL BE DEPLOYED TO PATROL HIKING TRAILS IN THESE PARKS ON FOOT AND ON MOTORBIKE.
EQUIPPED WITH RADIO-TRANSCEIVERS AND FIRST-AID KITS, THEY WILL ASSIST COUNTRY PARK STAFF IN PROVIDING ADVICE AND INFORMATION TO PARK VISITORS AND OFFERING FIRST AID TREATMENT AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO HIKERS IN DISTRESS.
IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DUTIES, THEY WILL ALSO BE ON THE WATCH-OUT FOR ANY HILL FIRE, VANDALISM, LITTERING OR FIRE OFFENCE, AND WARN THOSE PARK VISITORS WHO FAIL TO OBSERVE THE LAW.
MR IU SAID : "THE CAS PRESENCE WILL BE A TREMENDOUS HELP TO OUR FIELD STAFF IN BETTER SERVING THE NEEDS OF PARK VISITORS AND IN PROTECTING COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES.
"THE SCHEME WILL BE REVIEWED IN EARLY 1988. IF PROVEN SUCCESSFUL, IT WILL BE MADE PERMANENT AND EXTENDED TO COVER OTHER COUNTRY PARKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY."
HE URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC VISITING THE FOUR COUNTRY PARKS COVERED BY THE SCHEMA ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE CAS PERSONNEL TO FACILITATE THEIR SMOOTH OPERATION.
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RATES PAYMENT ADVICE » * *
RATEPAYERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT THEY SHOULD BY NOW HAVE RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES FOR RATES FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER WHICH ARE DEMANDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RATING ORDINANCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE SHOULD APPLY FORTHWITH FOR A COPY AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
» (A) THE TREASURY RATES SECTION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES,
(WEST WING), 9TH FLOOR, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG;
♦ (B) THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, 4TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN
ROAD, (MARKET STREET ENTRANCE), KOWLOON; AND
» (C) THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 1ST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON.
/NON-RECEIPT OF
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 198?
6
NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY 4 PM ON OCTOBER 30, 1987 AND UNLESS SO PAID RATEPAYERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER CENT IMPOSED UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE RATING ORDINANCE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO AMOUNTS (INCLUDING THE NORMAL FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE) WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.
RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE SUBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD NOTE THAT PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY POST OR IN PERSON AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING ’PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY AUTOPAY’ IS SHOWN IN THE DEMAND NOTE IN WHICH CASE THEIR PAYMENT OF RATES WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON OCTOBER 30, 1987. IN THIS CONNECTION, RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE.
RATEPAYERS ARE ALSO ADVISED THAT THE AMOUNT PAYABLE ON OR BEFORE THE ABOVE-MENTIONED DATE IS INDICATED ON THE DEMAND NOTE BY AN ARROW-HEAD IN THE ’TOTAL AMOUNT DUE’ BOX.
RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN SECTION 30 OF THE ORDINANCE. UNDER SECTIONS 3O(1A) AND (2A) HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES (UNLESS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT).
TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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INFANT MORTALITY HIGHLIGHTED IN JULY STATISTICS DIGEST t * * * *
THE JULY 1987 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED ’’DECLINE IN INFANT MORTALITY IN HONG KONG 1957-1986”.
A STEADILY DECLINING TREND IN INFANT MORTALITY IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN OBSERVED DURING THE PAST THREE DECADES. THIS HAS BEEN MAINLY DUE TO THE EXPANSION IN THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE AND PARTICULARLY OF FAMILY HEALTH AND OBSTETRICAL SERVICES; ADVANCES IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY; AND AN IMPROVEMENT IN SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG WHICH HAVE BROUGHT ABOUT BETTER CARE FOR THE MOTHER AND THE NEWBORN BEFORE AND AFTER DELIVERY.
/THE RATE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 198?
- 7 -
THE RATE OF DECLINE IN AND THE CURRENT LEVEL OF INFANT MORTALITY ARE COMPARABLE TO THOSE EXPERIENCED BY MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
THE ARTICLE PRESENTS A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF THE TRENDS OF INFANT MORTALITY, NEONATAL MORTALITY AND POST-NEONATAL MORTALITY OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS AND OF THE SEX DIFFERENCES IN INFANT MORTALITY. REASONS FOR THE DECLINE IN INFANT MORTALITY ARE ALSO GIVEN IN THE ARTICLE.
THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $28 PER COPY. PURCHASES CAN BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
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CONSTRUCTION OF VILLAGE HOUSES AT JUNK BAY
*****
TWENTY THREE-STOREY GOVERNMENT STANDARD VILLAGE HOUSES WILL BE BUILT AT AREA 31 OF JUNK BAY TO PROVIDE BETTER LIVING STANDARDS TO PREVIOUS HANG HAU VILLAGE RESIDENTS.
OTHER FACILITIES IN THE DEVELOPMENT WILL INCLUDE A VILLAGE OFFICE BUILDING, A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, AN OPEN CARPARK, BASKETBALL COURT AND VILLAGE SQUARE.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER, 1988.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 16.
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IMPROVEMENTS TO MARKET BUILDING
* » » «
THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE HEUNG CHE STREET MARKET BUILDING IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE ENHANCED UPON COMPLETION NEXT YEAR OF IMPROVEMENT WORK.
THE WORK INCLUDES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE DRAINAGE AND LIGHTING, NEW FLOORING, AND A COVER FOR AN OPEN COMMON PASSAGEWAY FOR THE COOKED FOOD CENTRE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS BY NOON ON OCTOBER 16.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
- 8 -
FLYING START FOR COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION SCHEME
*****
THIS YEAR'S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WILL GET OFF TO A FLYING START THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 3) WITH THE LAUNCHING OF A MAMMOTH HOT-AIR BALLOON AT PAR TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY AT 10.30 AM WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM WAN. OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE GENERAL MANAGER OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, MR ROBERT CHAN, THE FIRST RUNNER-UP OF MISS HONG KONG 19P7, MISS ELIZABETH LEE, AND MRS HONG KONG 1987, MRS ALICE PONG.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, DR LEE WILL LEAD THE GUEST PARTY AND 300 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS TO PICK UP LITTER IN THE NEARBY PARK AREA.
THE SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE FOR A CLEANER AND GREENER COUNTRYSIDE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE 1987 CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME TO BE HELD AT PAK TAM CHUNG, SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 3).
TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AT 9.15 AM ON THAT DAY.
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/9........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1,
1987
- 9 -
CUP TOURNAMENTS IN KWUN TONG * » » t
A SERIES OF FOOTBALL/BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS WILL BE HELD IN VARIOUS PARTS OF KWUN TONG THIS MONTH AS A PRELUDE TO THE 1987 KWUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL.
THESE TOURNAMENTS ARE ORGANISED BY DIFFERENT AREA BRANCHES OF THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD.
A KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CUP MATCHES ARE AIMED AT PROMOTING THE TWO SPORTS AND TO SELECT OUTSTANDING TEAMS TO COMPETE IN THE INTER-BRANCH EVENTS OF THE KWUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL IN NOVEMBER.
DETAILS OF THE TOURNAMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS
DATE AND TIME
EVENT
VENUE
OCTOBER 4 (SUN) 9.30 AM
KWUN TONG INTER-FACTORY BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
OCTOBER 18 (SUN) 10 AM (PRELIMINARIES)
OCTOBER 25 (SUN) 10 AM (FINALS)
YAU TONG SZE SHAN CUP BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
PING SHEK/KAI YIP AREA CUP BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
KWUN TONG INTER-FACTORY FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
TING HONG CUP FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT
URBAN COUNCIL CHUN WAH ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL
KO CHIU ROAD ESTATE
BLOCK 2 BASKETBALL COURT
KAI YIP INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE
KOWLOON BAY RECREATION GROUND
SAU NGA ROAD PLAYGROUND NO. 3
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FESTIVAL HOLIDAY REMINDER
» » * ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL - OCTOBER 8 - IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
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
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 19$7
- 10
HOLIDAY PAY RMOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
’’WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY,” A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
”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 BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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LANTERN CARNIVAL FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS
» * * ♦ *
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVE SPIRIT ARRIVES EARLY IN KOWLOON CITY THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) AS THOUSANDS OF DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO SPEND AN ENJOYABLE EVENING OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVAL.
STARTING FROM 7 PM, A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES STAGED AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND UNTIL 10.30 PM.
WILL BE
PROGRAMMES INCLUDE SINGING, DANCING, ACROBATS CANTONESE SONGS, PALMISTRY AND LANTERN RIDDLES.
GAMESTALLS,
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION OF KING-SIZE AND LANTERNS OF A RECENT DESIGN COMPETITION.
NORMAL-SIZE
ADMISSION TO THE EVENT IS FREE AND PARTICIPANTS TO WIN PRIZES FOR VARIOUS GAMES AND LUCKY DRAW.
WILL BE ABLE
THE LANTERN CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL AND THE KWOLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.
FREE TRANSPORTATION WILL TAKE PARTICIPANTS TO AND FROM THE VENUE AT 01 MAN ESTATE, WHAMPOA ESTATE AND KEE HO PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HO MAN TIN BETWEEN 6.30 PM AND 9.30 PM.
/KOWLOON CITY
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
11
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR CHAN CHI-KWAN; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MISS CHAN YING; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, MR WU WING-KAI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
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SAI KUNG DB TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
♦ * * « »
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE 1987 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR JUNK BAY NEW TOWN AND SAI KUNG.
THE 1987 EDITION OF THE PROGRAMME IS BEING PREPARED AND CONSIDERATION HAS BEEN GIVEN TO PROJECTS THAT ARE TO BE RECOMMENDED TO START IN THE 1988/89 FINANCIAL YEAR.
THESE PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE FACILITIES TO SERVE THE ANTICIPATED NEW POPULATION IN THE JUNK BAY NEW TOWN AND THE RECLAMATION PROJECTS AND ROADWORKS IN BOTH JUNK BAY AND SAI KUNG.
THE PROJECT MANAGER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES/SOUTH DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR NG YEE-YUM, AND CHIEF TOWN PLANNER, MR STEWART LEE, WILL BE PRESENT TO BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE PROGRAMME.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE TAI MONG TSAI/TSAM CHUK WAN OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN WHICH WILL COVER ZONING PROPOSALS SUCH AS VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT AREA, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AREA, FACILITIES, COUNTRY PARK AND ROADS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REPORT BY THE BOARD’S REGIONAL COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE, MR WAN YUET-KAU, THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
- 12 -
DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY * * * *
SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARD NOTICE BOARDS FOR PUBLICISING THE DATES, VENUES AND AGENDA OF BOARD MEETINGS.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE MATTERS ON THE USAGE AND TRANSFER OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 2) AT 2 PM, IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT 39 TONKIN STREET, 2ND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND *****
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 3), THE FOLLOWING URBAN CLEARWAY ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED:
» THE SECTION OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HARBOUR VIEW STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
» THE SECTION OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HARBOUR VIEW STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
* THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE SOUTHERN {ERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE SECTION BETWEEN A POINT BOUT 15 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HARBOUR VIEW STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE RESCINDED.
A THE SECTION .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 1987
- 13 -
* THE SECTION OF KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH SAI CHFUG STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY. THIS RESTRICTION WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
♦ THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM RESTRICTED ZONE ON CANNON STREET WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A 7 AM TO 7 PM URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
-----0-----
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR IEC CHARITY WALK
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT IN CONNECTION WITH THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR (IEC) CHARITY WALK ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
THE MEASURES, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, WILL BE IN FORCE ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4).
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 4 AM AND 6 PM:
» THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND ALL ITS SLIP ROADS;
» THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF MONG LUNG STREET NORTH OF PO MAN STREET;
» THE UNNAMED SLIP ROAD BETWEEN THE SHAU KEI WAN BUS TERMINUS EXIT AND NAM ON LANE;
* NAM ON LANE;
* THE ROAD SECTION BETWEEN THE UNNAMED ROAD IN FRONT OF THE BOAT YARD AND THE SHAU KEI WAN IEC EXIT; AND
» NAM ON STREET BETWEEN ALDRICH STREET AND NAM ON LANE WILL BE CLOSED EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES.
THE OFF-STREET OPEN-AIR CARPARK ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF VICTORIA PARK WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6 PM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 3) TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY.
/CHINA MOTOR
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 198?
- 14
CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTE NO. 780 WILL" BE SUSPENDED WHILE ROUTE NOS. 2, 8, 20, AND 80 WILL BE STRENGTHENED. BUSES LEAVING THE SHAU KEI WAN BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PO MAN STREET, MONG LUNG STREET, FACTORY STREET AND ALDRICH STREET BETWEEN 6 AM AND 4 PM BEFORE RESUMING THEIR NORMAL ROUTINGS.
IN ADDITION, THE BUS STOP ON" THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 1 PM.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH UTMOST CARE IN THE VICINITY OF THE SHAU KEI WAN TERMINUS.
-------0---------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE CLOSURE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TONNOCHY ROAD BETWEEN HARBOUR ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD IN WAN CHAI, WHICH HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE JANUARY 20 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TONNOCHY ROAD FLYOVER, WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER FOUR MONTHS UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD CAN USE MARSH ROAD AND HUNG HING ROAD FOR WAN CHAI SPORTS GROUND OR HARBOUR ROAD.
- , - - O --------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JULY 1987 .... 1
GOVERNOR TOURS LANTAU INSTITUTIONS ........................ 5
REGULATIONS TO CONTROL SPECIFIED PROCESSES EFFECTIVE TODAY .. 5
COMMITTEE SUGGESTS WAITING LIST FOR INFIRMARIES ........... 6
NEW I.D. CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1963/64 .................... 8
STAMPS ON HISTORICAL CHINESE COSTUMES TO BE ISSUED ........ 9
KOWLOON WALLED CITY REZONED FOR A PARK ................... 10
THREE PRIME SITES TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION .................. 10
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY ........................ 11
VETERAN POSTMAN AWARDED IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL ........... 12
GRADUATING FIREMEN TOLD TO BE COURTEOUS .................. 13
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES IN KWUN TONG .............. 13
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR THE YOUNG ........................ 1^
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVaL AT KWAI TSING ............... 15
MID-AUTUMN CARNIVALS IN TUEN MUN ......................... 16
TEMPORARY ROhD CLOSURE IN WAN OUI ........................ 16
FIRING PRACTICE NOTICE ................................... 17
NO MAIL ON OCTOBER 8...................................... 17
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
1
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR JULY 1987 *****
THE VALUE Or TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN JULY 1987, ESTIMATED AT $6,823 MILLION, WAS 17 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JULY 1986 WHILST THEIR VOLUME WAS NINE PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH JULY 1986, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 18 PER CENT IN VOLUME. "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" WENT UP BY 17 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND EIGHT PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WERE 16 PER CENT AND NINE PER CENT.
FUELS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY EIGHT PER CENT IN VALUE AND SIX PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES; SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN SALES VALUE AND SUBSTANTIALLY IN VOLUME.
SUPERMARKET SALES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE AND
CONSIDERABLY IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS
REGISTERED CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
COMPARING THE THREE MONTHS MAY - JULY 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES SHOWED INCREASES OF 25 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
BOTH "CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS" AND "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND BY 13 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VOLUME.
SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND SIX PER CENT IN VOLUME.
FUELS WENT UP BY NINE PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF BOTH "MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" AND DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED VERY SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE AND SUBSTANTIALLY IN VOLUME.
/SUPERMARKETS EXPERIENCED
2
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
SUPERMARKETS EXPERIENCED A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN SALES VALUE AND A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1987, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED I Y SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR JULY 1987 INCREASED BY THREE PER CENT IN VALUE AND FOUR PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY FIVE PER CENT IN VALUE AND FOUR PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THOSE OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT IN BOTH.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY ONE PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
FUELS INCREASED BY ONE PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN VALUE BUT HAD AN INCREASE OF TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME.
SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS RECORDED CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
"CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS" AND SUPERMARKETS INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
DEPARTMENT STORES’ SALES HAD A NEGLIGIBLE CHANGE IN VALUE BUT A SLIGHT INCREASE IN VOLUME.
TWO TABLES AND TWO GRAPHS OF THE SURVEY WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK LATER TODAY.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JUNE 1987 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR JULY 1987.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN JUNE 1987 AND JULY 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 JULY 1987 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR JUNE 1987 AND WITH THOSE FOR JULY 1986 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE THREE MONTHS MAY TO JULY WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT, RESPECTIVELY, THE MOVEMENTS OF THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM SEPTEMBER 1985 TO JULY 1987 AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED INDEXES AND TRENDS FROM SEPTEMBER 1985 TO JUNE 1987.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE JULY 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 : .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 198?
5
tabu 1 : total mm sales
Total Retail Sales for July 19&7 (Provisional Figure) ■ HX|6 823 Million for Joao 1987 (Revised rigors) - HI|6 621 alllion
TABLE 2 t VALUE AMD VOLUME INDEXES GT RETAIL SALES ______________FOR Jm AMD JULY 1987 ________________ (Monthly average of Oct. 8* - Sept. 85 ■ 100)
Itea Index of Retail Sales June 1987 July 1987 July 1987 coopered with June 1987 July 1987 coopered with July 1986 May - July 87 coopered with May - July 86
(Revised (Provisional Points % Point!
figures) figures)
(A) FOB ALL RETAIL TRADES
Value 118 122 ♦ * * 3 ♦ 17 ♦ 17 ♦ 18 ♦ 18
Voluae 106 110 ♦ * ♦ * ♦ 10 ♦ 9 ♦ 10 ♦ 10
(B) BY MAJOR TRADE OROPPS
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 11* 115 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 9 ♦ 8 ♦ 10 ♦ 10
drinks and tobacco Voluae 106 110 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ 7 ♦ 6 ♦ 6 ♦ 6
Fuels Value 96 97 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 9 ♦ 11 ♦ 8 ♦ 9
Voluae 106 107 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 3 ♦ 3 ♦ * ♦ 3
Clothing, footwear Value 12* 12* • • ♦ 17 ♦ 16 ♦ 22 ♦ 20
end allied products Voluae 107 109 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦ 9 ♦ 9 ♦ 13 ♦ 13
Consumer durables Value 139 1*6 ♦ 7 *5 ♦ 31 ♦ 27 ♦ 27 ♦ 25
Voluae 120 125 ♦ 5 ♦ * ♦ 19 ♦ 18 ♦ 16 ♦ 16
Other cousuaer goods Value 113 117 ♦ 5 ♦ * ♦ 17 ♦ 17 ♦ 20 * 20
Voluae 99 103 ♦ * ♦ * ♦ 8 ♦ 8 ♦ 10 ♦ 11
(C) BY SELECTED TRADES •
Supe markets Value 1*1 1** ♦ 3 * 2 ♦ 27 ♦ 23 ♦ 25 ♦ 23
Voluae 132 13* ♦ 2 *2 ♦ 20 ♦ 18 ♦ 19 ♦ 18
Motor vehicles Value 172 193 ♦ 21 *12 a 6* ♦ 50 ♦ 52 ♦ *2
and parts Voluae 13* 1*8 ♦ 15 *11 ♦ *0 ♦ 37 ♦ 31 ♦ 29
Coturaaer durables Value 129 132 ♦ vs ♦ CM ♦ 21 ♦ 19 ♦ 20 ♦ 19
other than aotor Voluae 116 118 ♦ 2 *2 ♦ 12 ♦ 11 ♦ 12 ♦ 12
vehicles and parts
Department stores Value 122 123 ♦ 1 ♦ 30 ♦ 33 ♦ 33 ♦ 36
Voluae 106 •109 ♦ 3 *2 ♦ 22 ♦ 25 ♦ 2* e 28
Motes! 1. ’’Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco" includes "supsmarkets".
2. "Coosuaer durables" includes "aotor vehicles and parts".
3. "Other coasuaer goods" includes "department stores".
4. Figures denoting changes are derived from the unrounded Index figures.
5. • denotes change of lees than 0.5.
/Graph 1: •••••••
4 FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
Graph 1: Value Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Value index Valu® index
Graph 2: Volume Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Volume index | Volume index
Notes: (1) Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100
(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using the X-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U.S. Bureau of the Census.
- - 0 ---------
/5........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2,
1987
- 5
GOVERNOR TOURS LANTAU INSTITUTIONS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S WORK THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN HE VISITED SHEK PIK PRISON AND SHA TSUI DETENTION CENTRE ON LANTAU.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, THE GOVERNOR FIRST WENT TO SHEK PIK PRISON WHICH IS A MAXIMUM SECURITY INSTITUTION TO HOUSE PRISONERS SERVING LONG SENTENCES.
WHEN TOURING THE SHEK PIK PRISON WORKSHOPS, SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT ALL PRISONERS WERE ENGAGED IN VARIOUS TRADES, INCLUDING GARMENT MAKING, CARPENTRY, PRINTING, LEATHER WORK, KNITTING AND BOOK BINDING.
HE ALSO VISITED THE CONTROL ROOM, HOSPITAL AND DORMITORIES BEFORE PROCEEDING TO SHA TSUI DETENTION CENTRE.
AT SHA TSUI, SIR DAVID TOURED THE AFTERCARE SECTION, SICK BAY, KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM AND REMAND SECTION.
HE WAS ALSO BRIEFED ON THE DETENTION CENTRE PROGRAMME CARRIED OUT THERE WHICH HOLDS YOUNG MALE OFFENDERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 25.
THIS VERY SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMME PLACES EMPHASIS ON STRICT DISCIPLINE, HARD WORK AND COUNSELLING, WITH THE AIM OF TEACHING DETAINEES RESPECT FOR THE LAW WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING SUFFICIENT AND POSITIVE TRAINING.
-----0------
REGULATIONS TO CONTROL SPECIFIED PROCESSES EFFECTIVE TODAY
*****
AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATIONS RELATING TO SPECIFIED PROCESSES WERE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION TODAY (FRIDAY).
A NOTICE ANNOUNCING THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (SPECIFIED PROCESSES) REGULATIONS 1987 WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
ALSO PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE
WAS OF
THE AIR POLLUTION
CONTROL (SPECIFIED PROCESSES)(SPECIFICATION OF REQUIRED PARTICULARS AND INFORMATION) ORDER 1987 WHICH SPECIFIES THE PARTICULARS AND INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE GIVEN TO THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AUTHORITY BY THE OWNERS OF CERTAIN PREMISES USED FOR THE CONDUCT OF
SPECIFIED PROCESSES.
/SPECIFIED PROCESSES,
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 198?
6
SPECIFIED PROCESSES, 23 OF WHICH HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE, ARE PROCESSES WHICH CONSTITUTE A HIGH POLLUTION RI’’’', INCLUDING VARIOUS TYPES OF METAL, PLASTICS, CHEMICAL AND PETROCHEMICAL WORKS, POWER STATIONS AND CEMENT WORKS.
ACCORDING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT RECORDS, THERE ARE AROUND 100 PREMISES IN HONG KONG WHERE SPECIFIED PROCESSES ARE BEING CONDUCTED.
"ANYONE WHO WISHES TO CONDUCT A NEW SPECIFIED PROCESS IS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A LICENCE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT. PRESCRIBED FORMS FOR THE APPLICATION ARE CONTAINED IN THE REGULATIONS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
AN APPLICATION MUST BE PREPARED BY A QUALIFIED ENGINEER OR AN AUTHORISED PERSON AND IT SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY A PRESCRIBED FEE OF $100.
WITH A FEW EXCEPTIONS, OWNERS OF PREMISES USED FOR EXISTING SPECIFIED PROCESSES WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A LICENCE BUT WILL INSTEAD BE REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE AUTHORITY OF THEIR EXISTENCE WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
THE PARTICULARS AND INFORMATION REQUIRED TO BE NOTIFIED TO THE AUTHORITY ARE PRESCRIBED IN THE ORDER PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
"THE EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING FOR EXISTING SPECIFIED PROCESSES WILL LAPSE WITH ANY CHANGE, MODIFICATION OR RENEWAL OF THE RELEVANT PLANT. THIS APPROACH WILL ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO FURTHER CONTROL THE NOXIOUS AND OFFENSIVE EMISSIONS FROM THESE PROCESSES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ADVICE ON HOW TO OBTAIN A LICENCE OR AN EXEMPTION UNDER THESE REGULATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
-----o------
COMMITTEE SUGGESTS WAITING LIST FOR INFIRMARIES
*****
THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO MONITOR CLOSELY THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME OF INFIRMARIES.
AT A MEETING TO DISCUSS INFIRMARY CARE AND ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ELDERLY, MEMBERS EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE SHORTFALL OF INFIRMARY PLACES WHICH WOULD NOT BE REDUCED SIGNIFICANTLY UNTIL THE EARLY 1990’S.
/CHAIRMAN OF
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
- 7 -
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID AFTER THE MEETING THAT THE COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THE DIFFICULTIES OF PROVIDING NEW INFIRMARIES AND WOULD LIKE TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE INFIRMARIES.
"HOWEVER, THIS MIGHT NOT BE A VIABLE OPTION BECAUSE OF THE HIGH COST OF SETTING UP SUCH FACILITIES AND THE UNCERTAIN MARKET FOR PRIVATE INFIRMARIES," SHE SAID.
"THE COMMITTEE REQUESTED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO CONSIDER THE POSSIBILITY OF OPERATING A WAITING LIST, ESPECIALLY FOR THE INFIRMARIES COMING ON STREAM AFTER 1990," SHE ADDED.
THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTED TRANSFERRING CASES BETWEEN INFIRMARY AND CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES PREFERABLY IN THE SAME DISTRICT SO THAT THE ELDERLY CAN BE GIVEN APPROPRIATE CARE.
IN THIS CONNECTION, DURING A RECENT VISIT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE SUGGESTED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS THAT THE GROUP SHOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP A CARE AND ATTENTION HOME ON A SITE NEXT TO THEIR WONG TAI SIN INFIRMARY.
AS REGARDS ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ELDERLY, THE COMMITTEE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS RECENTLY DECIDED TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF SINGLETON UNITS FROM 1,000 PER ANNUM TO 3,000 PER ANNUM.
AS REGARDS THE ELDERLY PRIORITY SCHEME, THE COMMITTEE NOTED A SCIENTIFIC SURVEY DONE BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WHICH SHOWED THAT 86 PER CENT OF THE ELDERLY WHO BENEFITED UNDER THE SCHEME WERE LIVING HARMONIOUSLY TOGETHER WITH ANOTHER EIGHT PER CENT HAVING OCCASIONAL DISPUTES.
IT WAS NOTED THAT ACCORDING TO PRESENT ESTIMATES, THE DEMAND FOR HOMES FOR THE AGED WILL BE FULLY MET IN FIVE YEARS.
THE COMMITTEE WOULD ALSO WISH TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC TO A SCHEME WHEREBY FAMILIES ON THE WAITING LIST WITH AT LEAST ONE ELDERLY PARENT WILL HAVE THEIR HOUSING ALLOCATION ADVANCED BY ONE YEAR IF THEY MEET THE PREVAILING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA. SINCE 1982 A TOTAL OF 3,400 FAMILIES HAVE BENEFITED UNDER THIS SCHEME.
- 0----------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
8
NEW I.D. CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1963/64 *****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MEN BORN IN 1963 AND 1964 WOULD BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS FROM OCTOBER 12 TO NOVEMBER 28.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID MEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THE SEVEN-WEEK PERIOD.
"THEY ARE ALSO WELCOME TO USE THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE," HE SAID.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG • BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, TEL. NO. 5-747070 WAN CHAI •
EAST KOWLOON • AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, ROAD. TEL. NO. 3-7553679 77 NGAU TAU KOK
WEST KOWLOON • CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI. TEL. NO. 3-7232424 FLOOR,
TSUEN I WAN • EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET. TEL. NO. 0-4981259 GROUND FLOOR,
SHA TIN • SHATIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, STREET. TEL. NO. 0-6059108 2-16 WANG POK
YUEN LONG • HOP YICK CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 31 TEL. NO. 0-793291 HOP YICK ROAD.
TUEN MUN • CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, CHI LOK FA YUEN. TEL. NO. 0-4580862 GROUND FLOOR,
SHEUNG SHUI • TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO. 0-927155 84 SAN
THESE SUNDAYS AND OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM PUBLIC HOLIDAYS. DAILY, EXCEPT
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
- 9 -
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1965 AND 1966 WHO HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR THEIR NEW I.D. CARDS TO COME FORWARD WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY AS THERE IS ONLY ONE WEEK LEFT BEFORE THE CURRENT PHASE CLOSES ON OCTOBER 10.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ANYONE FOUND TO BE IN POSSESSION OF AN INVALID I.D. CARD WOULD BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
HE REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
-----0------
STAMPS ON HISTORICAL CHINESE COSTUMES TO BE ISSUED
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS FEATURING FOUR HISTORICAL CHINESE COSTUMES WILL BE ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 18, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND
$5.
THE SPECIAL STAMPS TO BE ISSUED ARE:
* 50 CENTS CASUAL DRESS WITH FRINGED HEM OF THE WEI, JIN, AND THE
NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN DYNASTIES (AD 220 - 589)
* $1.30 TWO-PIECE, HALF-ARM AND WRAP OF THE SUI, TANG AND THE
FIVE DYNASTIES (AD 581 - 960)
* $1.70 BIG-SLEEVE GRAND DRESS AND LONG SKIRT OF THE SUNG
DYNASTY (AD 960 - 1279)
* $5 MANCHU EMPRESS COSTUME (AD 1644 - 1911)
IN ADDITION, A SET OF FOUR POSTCARDS, BEING ENLARGEMENTS OF EACH STAMP, WILL BE ISSUED WITH THIS STAMP ISSUE.
THE STAMPS AND POSTCARDS, DESIGNED BY MRS SUMIKO DAVIES, WERE PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA BY THE CPE AUSTRALIA LTD.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH AND POSTCARDS AT $1 EACH WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON NOVEMBER 2. FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DAY OF ISSUE.
- - O-----------
/1O........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
10 -
KOWLOON WALLED CITY REZONED FOR A PARK
*****
THE USE OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY, WHICH IS TO BE CLEARED IN DUE COURSE, WILL BE REZONED FROM ’COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL’ TO ’OPEN SPACE’ TO ENABLE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA INTO A PARK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THIS WAS ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID MOST OF THE ’COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL’ SITES IN KOWLOON CITY WOULD ALSO BE REZONED TO ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ TO MAINTAIN THE RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER OF THE DISTRICT.
OTHER AMENDMENTS WERE MAINLY TECHNICAL ONES MADE TO REFLECT THE EXISTING AND/OR PLANNED USE.
THESE INCLUDED REVISING THE BOUNDARY OF THE PROPOSED CHUK YUEN WEST PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AND EXTENDING THE BOUNDARY OF THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN NORTHWARD TO ACCORD WITH THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BOUNDARY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DRAFT PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL;
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, CENTRAL; AND
* WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR AND 4TH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY OCTOBER 23.
- 0----------
THREE PRIME SITES TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION *****
THREE PRIME SITES FOR DIFFERENT USES ARE TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
ONE OF THE SITES, SITUATED AT OLD PEAK ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
/ACCORDING TO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
11
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE PURCHASER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 23,900 SQUARE METRES ON THE 5,818-SQUARE-METRE SITE BY DECEMBER 31, 1991.
THE SECOND SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF 4,323 SQUARE METRES, IS AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND HING WAH STREET IN WEST KOWLOON.
IT IS FOR MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN AND HOTEL.
AT LEAST 28,000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA, INCLUDING A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK FOR NOT LESS THAN 500 VEHICLES, MUST BE COMPLETED ON THE SITE WITHIN 36 MONTHS.
THE LAST SITE, OF 1,100 SQUARE METRES AT ON LOK TSUEN IN FANLING, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN USE, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.
THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 3,300 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1991.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HOTEL FURAMA ON OCTOBER 26.
-----O-----
EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY * ♦ * * t
A HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN LOK FU ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) TO REMIND THE PUBLIC THAT MANY HOME ACCIDENTS CAN BE AVOIDED IF SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN.
A COMPREHENSIVE BOOKLET ENTITLED ’A SAFE HOME IS A HAPPY HOME* WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED FREE AT THE VENUE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SHOPPING ARCADE.
CHAIRMAN OF THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE YUEN, SAID, "THIS SIMPLE AND INTERESTING DISPLAY POINTS OUT THE HIDDEN DANGERS IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT WHICH A LOT OF PEOPLE EITHER ARE UNAWARE OF, OR OFTEN OVERLOOK.”
MR YUEN ALSO REVEALED THAT IN THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THE YEAR, A TOTAL OF 94 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN VARIOUS HOME ACCIDENTS.
/’’ACCORDING TO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
12
"ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS FROM THE CORONER’S COURT, HALF OF THE DEATHS RESULTED FROM FALLING FROM HEIGHT, FROM BED, IN STAIRCASE, OR SLIPPING ON FLOOR; WHILE OTHER COMMON CAUSES INCLUDED CHOKING, BURNS AND DROWNING," HE SAID.
"CHILDREN UNDER 10 AND OLD PEOPLE OVER 60 ARE MOST ACCIDENT-PRONE, EVEN IN THE ENVIRONMENT MOST FAMILIAR AND DEAR TO THEM.
"MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF THE VICTIMS OF FATAL HOME ACCIDENTS BELONGED TO THESE TWO AGE GROUPS.
"THEREFORE WE PLACE EMPHASIS ON CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY IN THIS YEAR’S HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN," MR YUEN EXPLAINED.
"THE FIRST TV API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) ON CHILDREN’S SAFETY AT HOME WAS RELEASED IN JULY, AND THE SECOND ONE FEATURING THE ELDERLY WILL BE SCREENED IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS."
MR YUEN SAID HE HOPED WIDESPREAD PUBLICITY WOULD HELP SUSTAIN PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HOME SAFETY.
"HOWEVER, IT IS REALLY UP TO INDIVIDUALS TO TAKE HEED OF THE ADVICE AND MAINTAIN A SAFE HOME.
"TO MAKE THE HOME A SAFE ENVIRONMENT IS BUT THE FIRST STEP; WHAT IS EQUALLY IMPORTANT IS NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED," HE ADDED.
"TAKING CARE OF THE ELDERLY AT HOME WILL ALSO GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS REDUCING ACCIDENTS," HE CONCLUDED.
THE DISPLAY IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS TO BE STAGED IN HOUSING ESTATES OVER THE NEXT THREE MONTHS COVERING HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
------0-------
VETERAN POSTMAN AWARDED IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL
*****
A POSTMAN HAS BEEN AWARDED THE IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL BY THE QUEEN FOR HIS LOYAL AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE POST OFFICE.
MR NG KWOK-WAH, 60, HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE POST OFFICE FOR 37 YEARS.
MR NG JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AS A TEMPORARY MAIL COOLIE IN 1950. HE BECAME A POSTMAN CLASS III IN 1953 AND WAS PROMOTED TO POSTMAN CLASS II THE SAME YEAR.
HE WAS REGRADED AS A POSTMAN IN 1967 AND IS DUE TO RETIRE THIS MONTH.
MR NG HAS BEEN WORKING IN THE KENNEDY TOWN POST OFFICE SINCE 1980 AND IS WELL LIKED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHOM HE SERVES.
------0-------- /1J.................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
- 13 -
GRADUATING firemen told to be courteous *****
A GROUP OF NEWLY GRADUATED FIREMEN WERE TOLD TODAY (FRIDAY) TO BE COURTEOUS AND HELPFUL WHEN OFFERING SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, AND TO BE LOYAL AND BRAVE WHEN EXECUTING DUTIES.
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND, MR CHEUNG SHU-SHING, REVIEWED A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 40 FIREMEN HELD AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG.
"HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES HAS A GREAT REPUTATION THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, I AM SURE THAT ALL OF YOU HERE ON PARADE TODAY WILL MORE THAN UPHOLD THAT GOOD NAME AND THE CONFIDENCE WHICH GOES WITH IT,” MR CHEUNG SAID.
MR CHEUNG ALSO ADVISED THE GRADUATES TO BE HUMBLE AND SINCERE TO THEIR SENIOR OFFICERS WHOSE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE WHICH WAS GAINED IN THE HARD WAY WOULD CERTAINLY BE OF VALUE TO THEM.
MR CHEUNG LATER PRESENTED A SILVER AXE TO THE BEST RECRUIT, FIREMAN CHAN CHI-SHING.
-----0-----
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES IN KWUN TONG
*****
CARNIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS WILL BE STAGED FOR THE PUBLIC IN VARIOUS PARTS OF KWUN TONG NEXT WEEK TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
THE WEST NGAU.TAU KOK AREA NIGHT CUM MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION ON OCTOBER 4 (SUNDAY) WILL LAUNCH A SERIES OF CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OFFERING FUN, GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVITIES WILL REACH A CLIMAX ON OCTOBER 8 (THURSDAY) WHEN CELEBRATIONS WILL BE HELD CONCURRENTLY AT THE TOWN CENTRE, SHUN LEE, LEI YUE MUN, LAM TIN AND JORDAN VALLEY.
AMONG THEM, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND (TOWN CENTRE) WILL BE A MAJOR ATTRACTION.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD AND URBAN COUNCIL, THE LANTERN CARNIVAL IS A POPULAR ANNUAL EVENT.
/PROGRAMMES FOR
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 198?
14
PROGRAMMES FOR THE NIGHT INCLUDE FORTUNE-TELLING, LANTERN RIDDLES, LION DANCE, CHINESE ACROBATICS, POPULAR SONGS AND GAMES STALLS.
WINNING ENTRIES IN A RECENT LANTERN DESIGN COMPETITION WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED AT THE VENUE.
DETAILS DATE OF THE MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATIONS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
TIME VENUE
— — — —
OCTOBER 4 7 PM - 11 PM LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE PLAYGROUND
(SUNDAY) NO. 8
OCTOBER 8 2 PM - 10*30 PM SHUN TIN ESTATE LANDSCAPED GARDEN
(THURSDAY)
7 .30 PM - 10.30 PM HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND
7 .30 PM - 10.30 PM JORDAN VALLEY NO. 1 PLAYGROUND
8 PM - 11 PM LEI YUE MUN ROAD ESTATE PLAYGROUND
8 PM - 11 PM LAM TIN ESTATE II PLAYGROUND NO. 6
o
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR THE YOUNG
*****
CHILDREN INTERESTED IN DRAWING WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR TALENT IN A COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4).
THE DRAWING COMPETITION, ON THE THEME OF "LOVELY TSIM SHA TSUI", IS ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE TO SUPPORT THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS : A COLOURING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN THREE AND SIX AND A PAINTING CONTEST FOR THOSE BETWEEN SIX AND 12.
THREE WINNING AND 20 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES FROM EACH SECTION WILL BE SELECTED AND AWARDED PRIZES.
/THE COMPETITION
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 198?
THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM. THOSE WISHING
TO PARTICIPATE SHOULD ARRIVE EARLIER FOR REGISTRATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DRAWING COMPETITION TO START AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE (THE SECTION NEAR NEW WORLD HOTEL).
- - 0 - -
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL AT KWAI TSING
*****
RESIDENTS OF KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL TO BE HELD IN THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND ON OCTOBER 6 (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE MID-AUTUMN CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-MING, SAID THE CARNIVAL IS BEING HELD TO ENHANCE THE FESTIVE MOOD AMONG RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT AND TO PROVIDE THEM WITH ENTERTAINMENT DURING THE FESTIVAL.
THE CARNIVAL, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE OPENED AT 7.30 PM AT THE HARD-SURFACE SOCCER PITCH OF KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES, MR D.J. WEEKS; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING AND SEVERAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL OFFICIATE THE OPENING CEREMONY.
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY WILL BE A ONE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR VARIETY SHOW FEATURING SINGING AND DANCING BY POPULAR SINGERS AND THE DISTRICT’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND DANCING GROUP, DRAMAS AND GAMES. GAMES STALLS WILL ALSO BE SET UP AT THE VENUE.
ANOTHER CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT 8.30 PM AT THE CHEUNG CHING ESTATE FOOTBALL PITCH OF TSING YI NEXT THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8).
/16
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
16
MID-AUTUMN CARNIVALS IN TUEN MUN
*****
TUEN MUN DISTRICT WILL ORGANISE A NUMBER OF MID-AUTUMN CARNIVALS IN VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES FOR RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON.
THE SIU SHAN COURT MID-AUTUMN CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 7.30 PM ON THE ROOF OF SIU SHAN COURT CARPARK BUILDING.
THERE WILL BE TWO CARNIVALS ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) EVENING. THE BUTTERFLY MID-AUTUMN CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT 7 PM IN THE ESTATE CARPARK WHILE THE ON TING ESTATE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL NITE WILL BE HELD AT 7.30 PM IN ESTATE ROAD ADJOINING TING HONG HOUSE.
ON OCTOBER 8 (THURSDAY), THE DAY AFTER THE FESTIVAL, LOCAL PEOPLE CAN TAKE PART IN FOUR CARNIVALS. THE WU KING MID-AUTUMN CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 6 PM IN THE ESTATE SOCCER PITCH AND THE TAI HING MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL WILL START AT 7 PM IN THE ESTATE OPEN SPACE.
MEANWHILE, THE SAM SHING ESTATE MID-AUTUMN NITE WILL TAKE PLACE AT 7.30 PM IN THE SAM SHING STREET BASKETBALL COURT AND THE SIU HONG COURT MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL VARIETY SHOW AT 8 PM IN SIU HONG COURT OPEN SPACE.
FEATURING VARIETY SHOWS, GAMESTALLS AND LANTERN RIDDLES, THE CARNIVALS ARE MAINLY ORGANISED BY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND YIN NGAI SOCIETIES, SPONSORED BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND FUNDED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI
*****
THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF HARCOURT ROAD BETWEEN FENWICK PIER STREET AND FENWICK STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 4) TO WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 7) TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER.
DURING THE PERIOD OF CLOSURE, EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON HARCOURT ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA FENWICK PIER STREET, HARBOUR ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD.
- - 0 -
/17
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1987
- 17 -
FIRING PRACTICE NOTICE ♦ * »
THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE ON THREE DAYS IN OCTOBER AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE HAS BEEN CHANGED.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
THE NEW TIME OF THE PRACTICE IS:
DATE TIME
OCTOBER 5 (MONDAY) 8 AM - 11.59 PM
OCTOBER 6 (TUESDAY) 0.01 AM - 5 PM
OCTOBER 9 (FRIDAY ) 8 AM - 11.59 PM
- - 0 -
NO MAIL ON OCTOBER 8
THERE WILL BE NO MAIL IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY, A POST
ALL POST OFFICES WILL
8 (THURSDAY) WHICH
^fJcFspSesS^AId'tODAY (THURSDAY) .
BE CLOSED ON THAT DAY, HE ADDED.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, OCTOBER J, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPERT MEETING ON DEFENCE, PUBLIC ORDER ..................... 1
PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERING TO ..ID THE HANDICAPPED ........... 1
PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED IN WAR mGAINST LITTERING .............. 2
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN APPLICATION FORMS ................ 4
campaign to promote love and concern launched................ 5
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WORK UNDER REVIEW ......................... 6
ARTS nND CRAFT ACTIVITIES FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ... 7
EXPANSION WORKS FOR CEMETERY ................................ 8
LUNCHTIME CONCERT AT ST. JOHN'S CATHEDRAL ................... 8
MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION FOR THE ELDERLY IN NORTH DISTRICT ... 9
DRAMA COMPETITION FOR TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ...................... 9
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON .................................. 10
WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST...................................... 10 .
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1987
EXPERT MEETING ON DEFENCE, PUBLIC ORDER * * * * *
AN EXPERT MEETING ON DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER WILL BE HELD BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES ON OCTOBER 6-8 IN PEKING. THIS FOLLOWS DISCUSSION AT THE SEVENTH MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN LONDON IN JULY, WHEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION RELATING TO DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER.
THE BRITISH SIDE WILL BE LED BY MR CHRISTOPHER HUM, HEAD OF HONG KONG DEPARTMENT AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, WHO WILL BE ASSISTED BY OTHER EXPERTS FROM THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS.
-------0----------
PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERING TO AID THE
*****
HANDICAPPED
PROFESSIONAL VOLUNTEERING CAN OFFER INVALUABLE SERVICES TO ASSIST THE DISABLED TO BECOME INDEPENDENT AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KESWICK FOUNDATION REHABILITATION AIDS WORKSHOP OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR ENGINEERING AND MEDICAL VOLUNTEER SERVICES (EMV) IN SHEK KIP MEI, SHE COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR MOBILISING THE PROFESSIONALS IN THIS AREA OF SERVICE.
"AMONG THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS, THE ASSOCIATION’S TECHNICAL AIDS SERVICES TO THE DISABLED (TASD) AND COMPUTER .AIDS SERVICES FOR THE DISABLED (CASD) ARE TYPICAL DEMONSTRATIONS OF THEIR EFFORTS.
"THROUGH THE COLLABORATIVE TEAMWORK AMONG PROFESSIONALS FROM ENGINEERING, MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION FIELDS, REHABILITATION AIDS ARE DESIGNED AND FABRICATED FOR DISABLED PEOPLE WITH THE AIM OF ENHANCING THEIR INDEPENDENCE IN ALL SPHERES OF THEIR LIFE, AND THUS FACILITATING THEIR EFFORT TO BECOME CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF SOCIETY,” SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT PEOPLE WITH COMMUNICATION DIFFICULTIES COULD MAKE USE OF COMMUNICATION AIDS SUCH AS PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION BOARDS; PEOPLE WITH WALKING DIFFICULTIES COULD BE TRAINED WITH WALKING GAIT TRAINING AID; PEOPLE WITH DIFFICULTIES IN MOTOR MOVEMENT COULD MAKE USE OF MODIFIED TOY FOR GRASP TRAINING; AND PEOPLE WITH RESIDUAL VISION COULD GET ACCESS TO PRINT WITH THE AID OF A CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION MAGNIFIER.
/THE JOINT .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER J, 198?
- 2
THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND THE USERS OF THE REHABILITATION AIDS, BE THEY THE DISABLED THEMSELVES, THERAPISTS, TEACHERS, OR SOCIAL WORKERS HAD RESULTED NOT ONLY IN BETTER DESIGNS, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY HAD PROMOTED BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISABLED AND THEIR NEEDS, SHE SAID.
REFERRING TO REHABILITATION ENGINEERING SERVICES IN HONG KONG, SHE COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS PIONEERING IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROVISION OF CLIENT-ORIENTED AND LOCALLY RELEVANT REHABILITATION AID SERVICES, AND IN STIMULATING THE COMMUNITY’S AWARENESS OF REHABILITATION ENGINEERING.
SHE SAID THAT WITH THE SETTING UP OF A REHABILITATION ENGINEERING CENTRE IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC THIS YEAR, MORE DISABLED PERSONS WOULD BENEFIT AND WOULD HAVE THE CHANCE TO LEAD A HAPPY AND USEFUL LIFE THROUGH ACTIVE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE CENTRE AND THE ASSOCIATION.
MRS WONG ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE KESWICK FOUNDATION FOR THEIR COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING, REHABILITATION SERVICES, ADDING THAT WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE WORKSHOP, THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT FACILITIES WHICH RESULTED IN TREMENDOUS HINDRANCE TO PROJECTS WOULD BE SOLVED.
-------o---------
PUBLIC SUPPORT NEEDED IN
» * »
WAR AGAINST LITTERING * *
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED THE PUBLIC TO HELP SOLVE THE DISTURBING LITTER PROBLEM PREVAILING IN HONG KONG’S 2l COUNTRY PARKS BY KEEPING THEM CLEAN AND TIDY.
DR LEE SAID : "THE LITTER PROBLEM IS AN IMMENSE ONE CONSIDERING THE INCREASING NUMBER OF PARK VISITORS.
"I DO NOT WANT TO BE SEEN EXAGGERATING ITS SERIOUSNESS BUT THE LITTER STATISTICS HAS GIVEN RISE TO A JUSTIFIED CAUSE FOR CONCERN. LAST YEAR, SOME 4,000 TONNES OF LITTER WERE COLLECTED, A LOT OF WHICH WERE DISCARDED INDISCRIMINATINGLY ON THE GROUND BY VISITORS.
"AT 10 KILOGRAMMES PER CUBIC METRE, 400,000 CUBIC METRES REPRESENT A PILE OF LITTER 50 METRES BY 50 METRES AND 160 METRES HIGH, MORE THAN ENOUGH TO FILL THE EXCHANGE SQUARE.
"IT IS INDEED A MAMMOTH PROBLEM WHICH CANNOT BE SOLVED WITHOUT PUBLIC CO-OPERATION."
/DR LEE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER J, 1987
- 3 -
DR LEE MADE THE APPEAL WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THIS YEAR’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME HELD AT PAR TAM CHUNG IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PUBLIC Z^LATIONS COMMITTEE, MR WILLIAM WAN; GENERAL MANAGER OF TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED, MR ROBERT CHAN; AND DIRECTOR OF SWIRE BOTTLERS I UNITED, MR STEVE MASON, WHICH IS THE MAJOR SPONSOR OF THIS YE?R"? SCHEME.
AT THE CERBMO , DR LEE AND MR CHAN JOINTLY UNVEILED A CLEAN AND GREEN BANNER ON A HOT-AIR BALLOON AT 100 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND TO SYMBOLISE THE START A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS ORGANISED UNDER THE SCiir iE.
THE CLEAN AND EBN SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTM 1’ 1 CONJUNCTION WITH THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND TELEVISION BROADCASTS LIMITED TO PROMOTE CLEANLINESS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
DR LEE SAID : "COUNTRY PARKS ARE HONG KONG’S OWN NATURAL ASSET AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY HAS A DUTY TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF IT AND HELP PRESERVE IT FOR THE ENJOYMENT OF ALL.
"PEOPLE CAN HELP KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND TIDY SIMPLY BY MAKING USE OF THE 5,000 LITTER BINS AND STOCKADES PROVIDED IN THE PARKS OR, BETTER STILL, TAKING THEIR RUBBISH HOME."
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY, DR LEE LED THE PARTY OF GUESTS AND TV CELEBRITIES AS WELL AS 300 COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS TO COLLECT LITTER IN THE NEIGHBOURING PICNIC AREA TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.
THE CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1983 AND ATTRACTED MORE THAN 24,000 PARTICIPANTS IN THE LAST FOUR YEARS.
THIS YEAR'S SCHEME IS MADE UP OF SIX INDEPENDENT ACTIVITIES CATERING FOR DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS AND WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER. THEY INCLUDE A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, A PAINTING COMPETITION FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS, A 'TIDY MORNING WALKER GARDEN’ COMPETITION FOR MORNING WALKERS, TREE TENDING ACTIVITY FOR ORGANISED GROUPS AND SCHOOLS, LITTER COLLECTION ACTIVITIES FOR HIKING AND ROCK CLIMBING GROUPS AS WELL AS THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
PARTICIPANTS WHO COMPLETE ANY ONE OF THESE ACTIVITIES WILL RECEIVE A ’TREE STORY’ CHESS BOARD AS SOUVENIR. WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE AWARDED HANDSOME PRIZES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE ACTIVITIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT ALL COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES OR BY TELEPHONING 3-2817365 OR 0-4891362.
-------0----------
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1987
PARENTS REMINDED TO RETURN APPLICATION FORMS
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDS PARENTS WHO WANT TO APPLY FOR A PRIMARY 1 PLACE FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1988 MUST RETURN THEIR APPLICATION FROMS BEFORE OCTOBER 12 (MONDAY).
PARENTS WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN A
PARTICULAR GOVERN’ ' T OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD RETURN THEIR
COMPLETED APPLICATE ’J FORM TO THAT SCHOOL DIRECT DURING SCHOOL HOURS
BETWEEN MONDAY (OCTOBER 5) AND OCTOBER 12 (EXCLUDING OCTOBER 8, A
PUBLIC HOLIDAY AND OCTOBER 10 (SATURDAY)).
IF PARENTS DO NOT WISH TO APPLY FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE IN ANY PARTICULAR SCHOOL, THEY SHOULD RETURN THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM DURING OFFICE HOURS TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COLLECTION CENTRES FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION BY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
1. LUI KLL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE (269 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, 2/F, HONG KONG.)
2. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE (405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6/F, KOWLOON.)
3. EDUCATION DEPARTMENT KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICE (TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 8/F, 165
MA TAU WAI ROAD, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON.)
4. SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE
(KCR HOUSE, 1/F, SHA TIN STATION.)
5. TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE
(TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO)
6. TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE (TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.)
7. TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE (TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, 2/F, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.)
8. YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE (YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, G/F, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.)
9. NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, CHEUNG WAH SUB-OFFICE, PUBLIC ENQUIRIES SERVICE CENTRE (UNIT 115, CHEUNG CHUNG HOUSE, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.)
PARENTS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY COULD ONLY SUBMIT ONE APPLICATION FORM. "IF PARENTS ARE FOUND TO HAVE APPLIED TO MORE THAN ONE GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SCHOOL, THEY WILL AUTOMATICALLY FORFEIT THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING ELIGIBLE FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-------0-------- /5....................
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1987
- 5
CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE LOVE AND CONCERN LAUNCHED
*****
"LOVE AND CONCERN HELP BUILD UP A HAPPY FAMILY" HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS THE NEW THEME FOR THIS AND THE COMING YEAR’S FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION (FLE) PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE MUTUAL COMMUNICATION AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS.
THIS WAS AN'.JNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS PAULINE NG, AT THE "1987 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN" OPENING CEREMONY CUM VARIETY SHOW, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG (TV DIVISION) AT THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN, NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN.
"THE FOCUo WILL BE ON ENCOURAGING FAMILY MEMBERS TO COMMUNICATE WITH J.A H OTHER, TO EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS, SHOW THEIR LOVE AND CONCERN TO RDS EACH OTHER SO AS TO HELP BUILD UP A HAPPY FAMILY.
"IT IS IMPORTANT FOR FAMILY MEMBERS TO BE FRANK WITH HOW THEY FEEL," SHE SAID.
MRS NG POINTED OUT THAT LACK OF COMMUNICATION AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS COULD RESULT IN MISUNDERSTANDING, CLASH, OR EVEN FAMILY DISPUTES.
"FRANK EXCHANGE WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY HELP CONSOLIDATE FAMILY TIES WHEREBY PROBLEMS COULD BE SOLVED THROUGH MUTUAL EFFORTS," SHE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE RECENT FAMILY DISPUTE CASES REPORTED BY THE MEDIA, MRS NG BELIEVED THAT THESE FAMILY TRAGEDIES COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD THE FAMILIES PAID MORE ATTENTION TO THE NEED FOR COMMUNICATION, UNDERSTANDING, CARE AND MUTUAL EFFORTS TO SOLVE PROBLEMS.
"FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION CAN HELP PREVENT FAMILY TRAGEDIES AND PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE," SHE SAID.
"HOWEVER, FAMILIES WITH DEEP-ROOTED PROBLEMS, COUNSELLING BY SOCIAL WORKERS IS REQUIRED," SHE ADDED.
MRS NG NOTED THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR HAD JOINED HANDS IN PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SINCE 1979 AND HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS A LONG-TERM AND COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PROJECT AIMING TO PUBLICISE THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE, TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE, TO PROMOTE THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS, SO AS TO PREVENT FAMILY BREAKUPS AND TO HELP BUILD A GOOD FAMILY LIFE.
/A SERIES
SATURDAY, OCTOBER J, 1987
A SERIES OF PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE BEING ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AT BOTH TERRITORY-WIDE AND DISTRICT LEVELS TO ENSURE THE WIDEST SPREAD OF THE THEME OF THE CAMPAIGN.
THEY WILL BE COMPLEMENTED BY PROGRAMMES ON THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA, INCLUDING DRAMA, DISCUSSIONS AND PHONE-IN SESSIONS HOSTED BY SOCIAL WORKERS ON RADIO AND AN EIGHT-EPISODE TELEVISION DRAMA TO BE JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND RTHK. IN ADDITION, A 30-SECOND TV-API (ANNOUNCEMENT TN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) AND A NEW POSTER HAVE BEEN PRODUCED.
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INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WORK UNDER REVIEW
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS DONE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS TOWARDS PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN INDUSTRY WILL BE ABLE TO DO SO NEXT WEEK.
THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION IS TO HOLD AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REVIEW 1986/87 CUM OPEN DAY ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 6 AND 7) AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE, 13TII FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL. IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM.
THERE WILL BE ILLUSTRATIONS, CHARTS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO FILMS TO HIGHLIGHT SOME OF THE ACCIDENT PREVENTION CAMPAIGNS.
FACTORY INSPECTORS WILL ALSO BE ON HAND TO BRIEF VISITORS ON THE VARIOUS SAFETY AND HEALTH PROGRAMMES ORGANISED BY THE DIVISION SINCE OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR, MR YIP YUK-LUN, CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO VISIT THE CENTRE TO DISCUSS WITH FACTORY INSPECTORS ANY MATTERS RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY REVIEW 1986/87 CUM OPEN DAY WILL BE HELD AT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AT 3 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 5). YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
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SATURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1987
- 7
ARTS AND CRAFT ACTIVITIES FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ♦ * * * *
A CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL FEATURING ARTISTRY, PERFORMANCES AND GAMESTALLS WILL EE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) FROM 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN.
ATTRACTIONS OF THE CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL, WHICH IS A MAJOR EVENT OF THE WEEK-LONG SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL, INCLUDE A VARIETY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS STALLS. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THERE WILL BE CARICATURING, SKETCHING, MUSIC TRANSCRIPTION, EGG SHELL DECORATIONS, SILK SCREENING, MARBLE LITHOGRAPHY AND MANY OTHER FORMS OF ART CREATIONS.
CHILDREN VISITORS WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO COMPLETE A LARGE PAINTING (MEASURING 1.2 METRE X 3 METRE) DEPICTING CHILDREN’S ART ACTIVITIES.
THEY CAN ALSO DRAW THEIR IMPRESSIONS ABOUT SOUTHERN DISTRICT AND CAN WIN RICH PRIZES BY TAKING PART IN AN OPEN DRAWING COMPETITION.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A VARIETY OF GAMESTALLS AND MAGIC AND ACROBATIC SHOWS, LION-DANCES, CHINESE FOLK-DANCES AND MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCE.
A BRIEF OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL WILL PRECEDE THE CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL. OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD; ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR THOMAS WANG; CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER, MR DANIEL CHUNG; SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM; AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION CHAIRMAN, MADAM SO CHOW YIM-PING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 1.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN AND THE CHILDREN CARNIVAL THAT FOLLOWS. SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE INFORMATION OFFICER, MR ALEX LI, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE MEDIA.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1987
EXPANSION WORKS FOR CEMETERY » * t t «
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF URN BURIAL TERRACES AND LENGTHENING AN ACCESS ROAD AT THE WESTERN EXTENSION OF WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES EARTH EXCAVATION, FILLING FOR BURIAL TERRACES, EXTENDING THE EXISTING ACCESS ROAD, PROVISION OF A CARPARK AND RESTING AREA OFF THE ACCESS ROAD, ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
IT IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE APPROVED CONTRACTORS FOR PUBLIC WORKS: BUILDING, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND WATER WORKS LIST I IN GROUPS B AND C FOR ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS WILL BE PERMITTED TO TENDER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 23.
- - 0 - -
LUNCHTIME CONCERT AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL
*****
A LUNCHTIME CONCERT BY SIX INSTRUCTORS FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE HELD AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL IN CENTRAL ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 7) FROM 1.20 PM TO 1.50 PM.
THE CONCERT IS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES FOR ITS REGULAR "MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS" PROGRAMME WHICH IS AIMED AT BRINGING MUSIC TO NEW AUDIENCES.
THESE CONCERTS ARE GIVEN BY YOUTH ORCHESTRAS, BANDS AND ENSEMBLES IN SCHOOLS, FACTORIES, PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, COMMUNITY HALLS, HOSPITALS AND CONVALESCENT CENTRES AND HAVE SUCCEEDED IN ATTRACTING AN AUDIENCE OF OVER 2.5 MILLION SO FAR.
ADMISSION TO THE LUNCHTIME CONCERT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE INSTRUCTORS’ WIND ENSEMBLE WILL TREAT THE AUDIENCE TO A POPULAR REPERTOIRE INCLUDING TWO QUINTETS FOR PIANO AND WIND BY RIMSKY-KORSAKOV AND MOZART. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-283257.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 1987
MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION FOR THE ELDERLY IN NORTH DISTRICT ♦ ♦ * ♦ *
ABOUT 900 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE ENTERTAINED WITH A CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE IN A MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION TO BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG WAH CENTRAL PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) EVENING.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
"APART FROM PROVIDING MORE ENTERTAINMENT FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, THE EVENT ALSO AIMS AT AROUSING PEOPLE’S AWARENESS TO CARE FOR AND RESPECT THE ELDERLY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID.
PARTICIPANTS, ALL AGED 60 OR ABOVE, WILL ALSO BE TREATED WITH SEASONAL SPECIALTIES SUCH AS MOONCAKES AND FRUITS.
AMONG THE GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE CELEBRATION WILL BE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MID-AUTUMN CELEBRATION FOR THE ELDERLY TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 6.30 PM AT THE CHEUNG WAH CENTRAL PLAYGROUND, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
--------o----------
DRAMA COMPETITION FOR TUEN MUN FESTIVAL *****
SCHOOL CHILDREN IN TUEN MUN DISTRICT ARE BEING ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION AND KINDERGARTEN SECTION OF THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL 1987 CHILDREN DRAMA COMPETITION NEXT MONTH.
THE COMPETITION, WHICH IS AIMED AT PROMOTING DRAMA ACTIVITIES, IS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL 1987 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE FIRST ROUND OF THE CONTEST WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15 (SUNDAY) WHILE THE FINAL COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 29 (SUNDAY) IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL CULTURAL ACTIVITIES HALL.
/THE SCRIPT
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1987
- 10 -
THE SCRIPT CAN EITHER BE CREATIVE WORK OR AN ADAPTATION AND THE PERFORMANCE SHOULD BE LIMITED TO BETWEEN 15 AND 20 MINUTES.
AN ALLOWANCE OF $100 AND A PENNANT WILL BE GIVEN TO EACH PARTICIPATING TEAM. THE BEST THREE TEAMS, THE OUTSTANDING TEAM, THE BEST SCRIPT AND ADAPTED WORK, AND THE BEST ACTOR, ACTRESS AND DIRECTOR WILL EACH BE AWARDED A TROPHY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AT NO.l, TUEN HI ROAD AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 15 (THURSDAY). ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 0-4513044/5.
------0 -------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON » t »
NO VEHICLE ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT ON TO CHEUNG LAI STREET NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 5).
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO FACILITATE THE INSTALLATION OF CABLES.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI NAN WEST STREET AND CHEUNG YEE STREET.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS, THE WINSLOW STREET VEHICULAR UNDERPASS LEADING FROM WINSLOW STREET TO NORTHBOUND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AND 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING FROM OCTOBER 5 (MONDAY) TO OCTOBER 7 AND FROM OCTOBER 9 TO OCTOBER 19.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES FROM HUNG HOM HEADING FOR HO MAN TIN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WUHU STREET, MA TAU WAI ROAD AND FAT KWONG STREET, WHILE THOSE HEADING FOR KWUN TONG WILL HAVE TO USE EITHER WUHU STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD, OR CHEONG WAN ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND EAST KOWLOON WAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTES 41 AND 45 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO TSING YI ISLAND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GILLIES AVENUE, WUHU STREET, MA TAU WAI ROAD AND FAT KWONG STREET.
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WATER CUT IN KOWLOON EAST * ♦ * »
TURNED
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN OFF ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 6) FROM 10 AM TO
KOWLOON EAST WILL BE 10 PM FOR WATER MAINS
WORK.
, KAI TAK
WONG TAI AND HAMMER
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN AIRPORT, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON TONG, SAN PO KONG, LOK FU, SIN, TSZ WAN SHAN, DIAMOND HILL, WANG TAU HOM, CHUK YUEN
HILL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
FS STOPS OVER JAPAN ........................................ 1
CRIME COMMITTEE ON MTR RIMAINS LOW.......................... 1
NEW CONSTITUENCY FACILITATES PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.............................................. 3
SPORTS COMPETITIONS FOR SCHOOLS ................... 4
PROSECUTION OVER USE OF DEFECTIVE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT LIKELY 5
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AWARDS .. 6
SIGNBOARDS PULLED DOWN...................................... 7
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED TO FIGHT CRIMS......................... 7
SWIMMING GaLA IN KENNEDY TOWN .............................. 8
SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIV.JL LAUNCHED.......... 9
DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT SITE FORMATION CONTRACT AWARDED ... 10
KIOSKS AT TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX TO LET................ 10
CULTURE aND SPORTS COMMITTEE TO MEET ON MONDAY.............. 11
SPECIAL TRAFFIC <lND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVE..................................................... 11
ROAD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON BAY................................ 14
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
FS STOPS OVER JAPAN
THE FINANCIAL. SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, ARRIVED IN TOKYO TODAY (SUNDAY) FOR A TWO-DAY VISIT ON HIS WAY BACK FROM THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND CONFERENCE IN WASHINGTON.
MR JACOBS WILL MAKE USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE WORK OF JAPANESE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCE AND TRADE MATTERS AND TO ACQUAINT HIMSELF WITH THE OFFICIALS CONCERNED.
HE WILL MEET THE DEPUTY MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, MR H. KITAMURA, AND OFFICIALS FROM THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, THE MINISTRY OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND THE BANK OF JAPAN.
MR JACOBS WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 6).
- 0 - -
CRIME COMMITTED ON MTR REMAINS LOW *****
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY POLICE ARE CONFIDENT THAT CRIME ON THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY HAS BEEN KEPT AT A LOW LEVEL THROUGH EFFECTIVE DEPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS AND AN ARREST RATE THAT IN ITSELF SERVES AS A STRONG DETERRENT.
"THE OVERALL CRIME RATE IS VERY LOW, GIVEN THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC - AROUND 1.8 MILLION PASSENGERS DAILY," SAID DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR. JAMIE CLEMENTS.
IN AUGUST, WHEN THE MTR CARRIED 53.1 MILLION PASSENGERS, THE NUMBER OF CASES DEALT WITH BY MTR OFFICERS TOTALLED 218. OF THESE, 57 WERE CRIME RELATED, AND 126 OF THE OTHERS CAME UNDER THE MISCELLANEOUS CATEGORY, MANY OF THEM INVOLVING PASSENGERS WHO HAD BECOME SICK.
THERE WERE SEVEN REPORTS OF INDECENT ASSAULTS ON FEMALE PASSENGERS - AND OFFICERS MADE SEVEN ARRESTS.
"THE STATISTICS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES. WE CONSIDER THAT WE HAVE VIOLENT CRIME, INCLUDING INDECENT ASSAULT, UNDER FIRM CONTROL BECAUSE OF OUR ARREST RATE," SAID MR. CLEMENTS.
HE DESCRIBED THE SITUATION AS VERY ENCOURAGING, TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE SHEER VOLUME OF PASSENGERS. "AT PEAK HOURS, CENTRAL, TSIM SHA TSUI, MONG KOK AND KOWLOON TONG STATIONS ARE AMONG THE WORLD’S BUSIEST."
/POLICING THE
, OCTOBER 19®7
- 2
POLICING THE RAILWAY - COMPRISING 37 STATIONS AND 38.6 KILOMETRES OF TRACK - NATURALLY HAS SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS, BUT MR.
CLEMENTS SAYS MLOn OF THE DAILY ROUTINE IS THE SAME AS THAT FOR
SURFACE BEAT OFFICERS.
'ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS WE HAVE ONE POLICE CONSTABLE ASSIGNED
TO EACH STATION. THE CONSTABLE’S JOB IS TO PATROL THAT STATION AND,
WITH THE TECHNICAL RESOURCES THAT WE HAVE IN OUR CONTROL ROOM IN THE MTR’S KOWLOON BAY DEPOT, SUCH AS CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION AND RADIO FACILITIES, WE CAN GET A FAST, ACCURATE RESPONSE BY THE OFFICER SHOULD AN INCIDENT BE REPORTED," HE POINTED OUT.
"IF THE OFFICER REQUIRES SUPPORT, HELP CAN BE ON THE WAY ON THE VERY NEXT TRAIN. HE’S ALSO BACKED UP BY TRAIN PATROLS AND SUPERVISORY PATROLS AS WELL AS BY SPECIAL ’THEME SQUAD' PATROLS."
MR. CLEMENTS SAYS A SIGNIFICANT FEATURE IS THE LOW INCIDENCE OF CRIMES AGAINST THE PERSON. ONE REASON FOR THIS IS THAT A VIOLENT CRIME IS LIKELY TO BE REPORTED QUICKLY - AND DRAW A RAPID RESPONSE.
"A RAPID RESPONSE AND THE LIKELIHOOD OF A RAPID ARREST FORM A MAJOR DETERRENT TO VIOLENT CRIME."
MTR DISTRICT HAS 293 STAFF, MAINLY UNIFORM BRANCH PATROL OFFICERS WHO SERVE THERE FOR 18 MONTHS.
THE DISTRICT COMMANDER DESCRIBED MORALE AS GOOD, AND POINTED OUT THAT OFFICERS WORK IN A "CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT" AND, FOR EXAMPLE, DO NOT HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT CLIMATIC CHANGES AS DO THEIR COLLEAGUES ON THE SURFACE.
"THE REASON WE KEEP THE LENGTH OF TOUR TO 18 MONTHS IS THAT OFFICERS NEED TO GET EXPERIENCE IN THE BROADER SPHERE OF THE FORCE. THERE’S A DEGREE OF SPECIALISATION IN THE MTR DISTRICT, BUT WE DO NOT WANT OFFICERS TO BECOME RESTRICTED TO THIS FIELD."
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DISTRICT DRAWS ITS OFFICERS FROM POLICE TACTICAL UNIT. "THIS IS AN ADVANTAGE BECAUSE THESE OFFICERS HAVE HAD TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE IN CROWD CONTROL DUTIES."
CROWD CONTROL FORMS AN IMPORTANT PART OF MTR WORK AT THE MAJOR FESTIVAL, AND THE DISTRICT WILL HAVE TO COPE WITH AROUND TWO MILLION PASSENGERS AT THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL NEXT MONTH.
LOOKING AHEAD, R. CLEMENTS SAID THE EVER GROWING PASSENGER NUMBERS, AND THE LARGER CROWDS AT PEAK TIMES, MAKE THE JOB THAT MUCH HARDER, AND RESPONSE TIME CAN BE AFFECTED. HOWEVER,IT IS STILL PUT AT AN ACCEPTABLE 90 SECONDS.
THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND LINE IN 1985 PROVIDED SOME COMPLICATIONS IN POLICING, BECAUSE SOME OF THE STATIONS ARE SEVEN FLOORS DEEP, AND THE ANSWER LAY IN THE EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNICAL AIDS, SUCH AS CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS.
/APART FROM
SUNDAY> OCTOBER 4, 1987
APART FROM TRAINING DAYS, THE DISTRICT AT REGULAR INTERVALS STAGES EMERGENCY EXERCISES IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FIRE SERVICES AND THE MTR CORPORATION. ”WE SOMETIMES TAKE ACTUAL EMERGENCIES THAT OCCURRED OVERSEA AND APPLY THEM IN A LOCAL CONTEXT TO TEST OUR CO-ORDINATED RESPONSE,” SAID MR. CLEMENTS.
THE DISTRICT’S CONTROL ROOM, SITUATED NEXT TO THE MTR CONTROL ROOM, FUNCTIONS IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO A DISTRICT CONSOLE OR REGIONAL COMMAND AND CONTROL CENTRE. IN AN EMERGENCY, MR. CLEMENTS WOULD MOVE FROM HIS OFFICE IN THE ADJACENT KOWLOON EAST OPERATIONAL BASE TO THE CONTROL ROOM AND DIRECT OPERATIONS FROM THERE, USING A SEPARATE CONSOLE AND TELEVISION MONITOR.
THE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT ENABLES THE COMMANDER TO KNOW PRECISELY WHAT HIS RESOURCES ARE AND WHERE HIS OFFICERS ARE LOCATED. SPECIAL RADIO EQUIPMENT ALSO ENABLES CONTROL ROOM STAFF TO LIAISE DIRECTLY WITH SURFACE FORMATIONS.
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NEW CONSTITUENCY FACILITATES PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NGAU TAU KOK NORTH CONSTITUENCY IN KWUN TONG WOULD HELP FURTHER PROMOTE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO THE FAST GROWING AREA, THE KWUN TONG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE, SAID TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE NGAU TAU KOK WEST MID-AUTUMN CARNIVAL, MRS URE SAID FOLLOWING THE REALIGNMENT OF CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES IN NGAU TAU KOK, THERE WOULD BE FOUR CONSTITUENCIES IN THE AREA - THE NGAU TAU KOK EAST, NGAU TAU KOK WEST, PING SHEK AND KAI YIP AND THE NEWLY ADDED NGAU TAU KOK NORTH CONSTITUENCY.
’’THE NEW CONSTITUENCY COVERS UPPER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE, JORDAN VALLEY ESTATE, AMOY GARDENS, TAK BO GARDENS AND NEARBY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS,” SHE SAID.
MRS URE SAID POPULATION IN NGAU TAU KOK HAD ALREADY REACHED 200,000 AND MANY PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS IN THE AREA WERE BEING COMPLETED.
THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL CONSTITUENCY IN THE AREA IS TO FACILITATE THE PROMOTION OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND ENSURE THAT PROBLEMS IN THE AREA ARE DEALT WITH EFFECTIVELY,” MRS URE NOTED.
EARLIER, MRS URE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WEST NGAU TAU KOK AREA COMMITTEE FOR THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY BUILDING AFFAIRS AND THEIR VALUABLE ADVICE GIVEN TO THE ADMINISTRATION.
TONIGHT’S CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WEST NGAU TAU KOK AREA COMMITTEE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND ORGANISATIONS, AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
- - O - -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
SPORTS COMPETITIONS FOR SCHOOLS ♦ ♦ t ♦ *
SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN VARIOUS SPORTS COMPETITIONS TO BE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HO?’G EONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION BETWEEN NOVEMBER AND MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE 1987/88 SPORTS COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL INCLUDE CANOEING, TRAMPOLINING AND GYMNASTICS. EVENTS FOR CANOEING AND OF TRAMPOLINING WILL TAKE PLACE ON NOVEMBER 10 AND 14, AND ON DECEMBER 1 AND 2 RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE FOR GYMNASTICS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MARCH 8 AND 11 NEXT YEAR.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN THESE COMPETITIONS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRY FORMS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE OCTOBER 17.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAN ENTER THE 1987/88 GYMNASTICS COMPETITION ORGANISED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR GYMNASTIC ASSOCIATION. THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO CATEGORIES, COMPULSORY AND VOLUNTARY.
THE COMPULSORY EVENTS FOR SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL TAKE PLACE ON FEBRUARY 6 AND THOSE FOR SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 12 AND 13 NEXT YEAR.
THE VOLUNTARY EVENTS ARE OPEN TO ALL SCHOOLS FROM MARCH 8 TO 11 AT THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION LI FOOK LAM SPORTS CENTRE.
SCHOOLS MAY ENTER 10 BOYS AND 10 GIRLS IN DIVISIONS A AND B OF EACH OF THE COMPULSORY AND VOLUNTARY SECTIONS OF THE GYMNASTICS COMPETITION. CONTESTANTS MUST NOT BE OVER 14 YEARS OF AGE ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
PRIMARY SCHOOLS INTENDING TO TAKE PART IN THE GYMNASTICS COMPETITIONS ARE ADVISED TO RETURN THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF THE LEE GARDENS AT HYSAN AVENUE IN CAUSEWAY BAY BEFORE NOVEMBER 14.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
5
PROSECUTION OVER USE OF DEFECTIVE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT LIKELY
*****
FACTORY PROPRIETORS USING A PRESSURE EQUIPMENT WHICH HAS BEEN ISSUED WITH A CLOSURE ORDER BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE LIABLE TO BE PROSECUTED WITHOUT FURTHER WARNING.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FROM TIME TO TIME, CLOSURE ORDERS WERE ISSUED UNDER THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF UNSAFE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT.
HOWEVER, MANY OWNERS OF THESE EQUIPMENT FAIL TO TAKE PROMPT ACTION TO RECTIFY THE DEFICIENCIES AND CONTINUE TO USE THEM AT THEIR OWN RISK.
’’THIS PRACTICE IS NOT ONLY AN OFFENCE BUT MAY ALSO POSE SERIOUS THREATS TO HUMAN LIVES AND PROPERTIES,” HE WARNED.
ANYONE WHO OPERATES A DEFECTIVE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 UNDER THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ORDINANCE.
THE SPOKESMAN CALLED ON ALL OWNERS TO HEED THE CLOSURE ORDERS AND TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO HAVE THEIR EQUIPMENT CHECKED BY AN APPOINTED EXAMINER.
AN APPOINTED EXAMINER IS AN EXPERIENCED ENGINEER IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL, EXAMINE AND ISSUE CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS IN RESPECT OF THE EQUIPMENT WHICH HE IS AUTHORISED TO EXAMINE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY DIFFICULTY FOR OWNERS TO ENGAGE AND APPOINTED EXAMINER AS THERE ARE AT PRESENT 48 AIR RECEIVER INSPECTORS AND . 29 BOILER INSPECTORS AUTHORISED TO CARRY OUT INSPECTIONS.
A LIST OF THESE APPOINTED EXAMINERS IS AVAILABLE FROM THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 17TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-8524185.
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/6........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
6
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AWARDS
*****
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE INITIATED AND IMPLEMENTED OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH SERVICE AWARDS SCHEME.
THE SCHEME, LAUNCHED BY THE COMMONWEALTH YOUTH PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1985, IS ALSO AN ENDURING COMMEMORATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
SELECTION FOR THE BEST TWO COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO REPRESENT HONG KONG ARE BEING CO-ORDINATED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
’’THE SCHEME WAS CREATED TO RECOGNISE AND REWARD CONTRIBUTIONS MADE BY YOUNG PEOPLE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR SOCIETIES," A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"IT AIMS TO FOSTER CO-OPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCE AMONG COMMONWEALTH YOUTHS," HE SAID.
EACH YEAR, THE SCHEME OFFERS UP TO FIVE AWARDS WITH NOT MORE THAN TWO AWARDS TO COUNTRIES OF ANY ONE REGION.
THE WINNING TEAM WILL BE GIVEN A GRANT OF 1,000 POUND STERLING TO BE USED TO FURTHER THE TEAM’S WORK PLUS A MEDALLION AND CERTIFICATE TO BE GIVEN TO EACH MEMBER OF THE TEAM.
FOR PROJECTS TO BE SELECTED, THEY SHOULD BE EXAMPLES OF EFFECTIVE TEAMWORK BY SMALL GROUP OF YOUNG PEOPLE, NORMALLY NOT MORE THAN 20 PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 15 AND 24, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THESE PROJECTS SHOULD DEMONSTRATE THEIR POTENTIAL IN EFFECTIVE PLANNING, ABILITY TO EXECUTE THEIR PLANS AND CO-OPERATION AMONG MEMBERS," HE ADDED.
"PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO ACHIEVE BROAD OBJECTIVES AND RESPOND TO LOCAL NEEDS THROUGH THEIR PROJECTS, SHOWING INNOVATION AND FLEXIBILITY.
"APART FROM .THAT, THE PROJECTS SHOULD HAVE LONG-TERM EFFECTIVENESS AND PROVIDE A MODEL OR INSPIRATION TO OTHER PLACES IN THE COMMONWEALTH," HE SAID.
NOMINATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM THE CHILDREN AND YOUTH DIVISION OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES AND THEY SHOULD REACH THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 20.
TWO PROJECTS WILL BE SELECTED TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN DECEMBER AND THE AWARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN MAY, NEXT YEAR.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC INTERESTED IN THE AWARDS SCHEME MAY CONTACT THEIR DISTRICT OFFICE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.
- - O - -
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
- 7 -
SIGNBOARDS PULLED DOWN » » » »
A TOTAL OF 17 OBJECTIONABLE SIGNBOARDS OUTSIDE KAM KOON BUILDING IN WAN CHAI WAS REMOVED LAST WEEK FOLLOWING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD TO THE OWNERS’ CORPORATION OF THE BUILDING FOR THE OPERATION.
THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT AN OWNERS’ CORPORATION IN WAN CHAI HAD APPLIED FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO REMOVE OBJECTIONABLE SIGNBOARDS. A TOTAL OF $6,700 WAS ENDORSED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD FOR THE OPERATION.
SPEAKING ON THE CLEARANCE, WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM, SAID OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS IN THE DISTRICT WERE WELCOMED TO APPLY FOR FUNDS FROM THE BOARD TO REMOVE OBJECTIONABLE SIGNBOARDS FROM THEIR BUILDINGS.
SHE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THEY COULD CONSIDER TAKING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST TENANTS WHO ARE PERSISTENT IN PUTTING UP SUCH SIGNBOARDS.
THE OPERATION AT KAM KOON BUILDING WAS LAUNCHED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE POLICE.
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ACTIVITIES ORGANISED TO FIGHT CRIME « » * * «
VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE EACH YEAR TO CALL FOR RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO COMBAT CRIME, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR CHAN LAI-SANG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE 'DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE CUP’ BASKETBALL COMPETITION AT THE BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR STADIUM, MR CHAN SAID, "THESE ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO DESIGNED TO COPE WITH CHANGING NEEDS AND DIFFERENT CRIME SITUATIONS."
ACTIVITIES FOR THIS YEAR INCLUDE AN ANTI-PICKPOCKET CAMPAIGN, THE PROMOTION OF NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME AND A CRIME PREVENTION CARNIVAL.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT MONG KOK RESIDENTS HAD KEENLY PARTICIPATED IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME SINCE ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN 1985.
SO FAR, 15 BUILDINGS COMPRISING 1,595 FAMILY UNITS HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE SCHEME WHICH PROVES EFFECTIVE IN DETERRING CRIME.
/TODAY'S BASKETBALL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 198?
- 8 -
TODAY’S BASKETBALL COMPETITION WAS ALSO ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO DRIVE HOME THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE.
A TOTAL OF 24 TEAMS TOOK PART IN THE CONTEST DURING THE PAST THREE WEEKS TO VIE FOR TOP PRIZES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LAM KIN-MING; PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR LEE CHI-KWONG; URBAN COUNCILLOR, DR RONALD LEUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG YUEN-WEI.
-----0-----
SWIMMING GALA IN KENNEDY TOWN
*****
SOME 300 SPORT ENTHUSIASTS TOOK PART IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA HELD AT THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE SWIMMING GALA, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, SAID THE ANNUAL EVENT WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING SWIMMING AS A RECREATION AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND URBAN COUNCIL HAD ENDEAVOURED TO BOOST AND IMPROVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
AN INDOOR GAMES HALL INSIDE THE SHEUNG WAN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER INDOOR GAMES HALL AS WELL AS EXTENSIVE PARK ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION, WOULD COPE WITH THE POPULATION’S RECREATIONAL NEEDS AND HELP IMPROVE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT, HE SAID.
"OTHER PROJECTS SUCH AS THE SAI WO LANE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, HOLLYWOOD ROAD PARK AND LI SING STREET GARDEN ARE BEING PLANNED, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION (C&W D RSA) AND URBAN COUNCIL WOULD ORGANISE A MONTH-LONG COMMUNITY SPORTS FESTIVAL NEXT MONTH.
MR LAN ALSO PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A RELAY RACE HELD FOR SIX AREA COMMITTEES.
THE SWIMMING GALA WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, C&.W D RSA AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
ALSO ATTENDING THE FUNCTION WERE RSA CHAIRMAN, MR LEUNG SIK-WAH; DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR CHOW YIN-SUM AND SIX AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN.
_ _ _ _ 0----- /9...................
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL LAUNCHED
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL BEGAN TODAY (SUNDAY) WITH A CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL FEATURING ARTS AND CRAFTS DEMONSTRATIONS THAT ATTRACTED HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN AT THE ABERDEEN PROMENADE REST GARDEN.
THE WEEK-LONG PROGRAMME, WHICH AIMS AT PROMOTING CHILDREN’S INTEREST IN ART, WAS SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH PRECEDED THE CHILDREN CARNIVAL, THE CHAIRPERSON OF THF ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION, MADAM SO CHOW YIM-PING, SAID, "AS A MAJOR COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECT ESPECIALLY TARGETTED AT CHILDREN, WE HOPE THAT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL CAN ENHANCE CHILDREN’S INTEREST AND WIDEN THEIR KNOWLEDGE IN ART THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES."
TODAY’S CARNIVAL OFFERED A VARIETY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS STALLS FEATURING DIFFERENT FORMS OF ART CREATIONS AS WELL AS A VARIETY OF GAMES STALLS. THE STALLS WERE PUT UP BY VARIOUS ART AND SERVICES GROUPS, DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS.
THERE WERE ALSO A MAGIC AND ACROBATICS SHOW, A LION-DANCE, CHINESE FOLK DANCES AND A MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCE BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES MARCHING BAND.
A HIGHLIGHT OF THE CARNIVAL WAS AN OPEN DRAWING COMPETITION WHICH REQUIRED PARTICIPANTS TO DRAW THEIR IMPRESSIONS ABOUT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT.
THE WINNERS OF THE DRAWING COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A CONCERT BY THE CHILDREN'S CHOIRS FROM THE FOUR DISTRICTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11) IN ABERDEEN SQUARE.
THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL ALSO BE EXHIBITED ON THE SQUARE ON THAT DAY.
MEANWHILE, AN ART BOOK EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD IN THE URBAN COUNCIL POK FU LAM AND ABERDEEN PUBLIC LIBRARIES UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH. THE EXHIBITION FEATURES BOOKS ON VARIOUS PERFORMING ARTS LIKE DRAMA, DANCE AND MUSIC THAT ARE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN'S READING LEVEL.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY ARE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SIMON LORD; ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR THOMAS WANG; CULTURE AND ENTERTAINMENT MANAGER, MR DANIEL CHUNG; SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR JASPER LAM; AND SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION’S PRESIDENT, MR LEE SAI-YICK; HONORARY PRESIDENTS MR C.T, HO AND MR LIU DING.
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/10........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
- 10 -
DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT SITE FORMATION CONTRACT AWARDED
*****
WORK HAS JUST STARTED ON EXCAVATING AND REMOVING 3.5 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF SOIL AND ROCK FROM A SITE FOR DEVELOPMENT IN DIAMOND HILL FOLLOWING THE RECENT AWARD OF A CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT CONTRACT.
THE SITE, LOCATED AT PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, WILL BE USED TO DEVELOP DIAMOND HILL PARK AND FOR OTHER GOVERNMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL USES.
BESIDES FORMING DESIRABLE DEVELOPMENT LAND IN THE AREA, THE WORK WILL ALSO GENERATE GOVERNMENT REVENUE OF ABOUT $52.4 MILLION.
THE CONTRACT PERMITS THE OPERATION OF A PLANT FOR PRODUCING AND SELLING READY-MIX CONCRETE AND BITUMINOUS MATERIALS.
THE OPERATION OF A ROCK CRUSHING AND SAND WASHING PLANT FOR SELLING EXTRACTED AGGREGATE AND SAND ON THE SITE IS ALSO ALLOWED.
STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CONTROL MEASURES ARE INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT TO LIMIT DUST AND NOISE NUISANCE.
THE MEASURES WILL ALSO ENSURE THAT THE WORK DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH PUBLIC TRANQUILITY.
THE 60-MONTH CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY AND HYDRO POWER ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED.
-------0---------
KIOSKS AT TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX TO LET
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCIES OF TWO RETAIL KIOSKS ON THE PEDESTRIAN DECK AT THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL OF TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE KIOSKS, EACH WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 16 SQUARE METRES, ARE TO BE USED AS RETAILS SHOPS, BUT NOT FOR SELLING WET GOODS.
THE TENANCIES WILL BE FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE FOR ANOTHER THREE YEARS AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 30.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
11
CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TO MEET ON MONDAY
♦ » » * *
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 5) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS, FINANCIAL POSITION AND PROGRESS OF DB SPONSORED ACTIVITIES, WRITING OFF OF CAPITAL EQUIPMENT, FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN AS WELL AS THE FIVE-YEAR FORECAST AND ANNUAL ESTIMATES FOR THE BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SENT REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 5) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
------0 ------
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL * » « t ♦
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO COPE WITH FESTIVE CROWDS ON MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 7 THIS YEAR. DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
I. TRAFFIC AND PARKING ARRANGEMENT
THE PEAK AREA
t FROM 6.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 7) UNTIL 3 AM THE NEXT DAY, THE SECTION OF PEAK ROAD OUTSIDE THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT BUSES, COACHES, TAXIS, GREEN MINIBUSES AND THOSE FOR ACCESS TO PREMISES IN MOUNT AUSTIN ROAD, LUGARD AND HARLECH ROADS. ALL OTHER VEHICLES WILL BE DIRECTED TO TURN ROUND OUTSIDE THE VICTORIA GAP CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND LEAVE VIA THE PEAK ROAD SLIP ROAD OUTSIDE THE PEAK MANSIONS.
* AT THE SAME TIME, THE ACCESS ROAD WITHIN THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS CAR PARK AND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE FOR BUSES, COACHES, TAXIS AND GREEN MINIBUSES ONLY.
/#• TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
12 -
* TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN THE PEAK ROAD AND MAGAZINE GAP ROAD MAY ALSO BE IMPOSED AT ANY TIME IF NECESSARY.
* F?OM 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY UNTIL 3 AM THE NEXT MORNING, ALL METERED PARKING SPACES AND PARKING SPACES FOR PUBLIC BUSES AT THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS AND PEAK GARDEN WILL BE SUSPENDED. TO FACILITATE OPERATION OF SPECIAL BUS SERVICES, CMB VEHICLE NO. BN7283 BEARING THE COMPANY’S LOGO WILL BE PERMITTED TO PARK INSIDE THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS CAR PARK.
CAUSEWAY BAY
♦ THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 3 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY:
- GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD AND CAUSEWAY ROAD EXCEPT THE ACCESS FOR NORTHBOUND VEHICLES FROM TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER HEADING FOR GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER;
- KINGSTON STREET EAST OF CLEVELAND STREET;
- PATERSON STREET SOUTH OF KINGSTON STREET;
- EAST POINT ROAD;
- GREAT GEORGE STREET;
- SUGAR STREET;
- LOCKHART ROAD EAST OF CANNON STREET; J) .
- JAFFE ROAD EAST OF CANNON STREET;
- KAI CHIU ROAD EAST OF YUN PING ROAD; AND
- ELECTRIC ROAD BETWEEN HING FAT STREET AND YACHT STREET.
♦ AT THE SAME TIME, LAU LI STREET BETWEEN ELECTRIC ROAD AND HING FAT STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND FOR VEHICLES TO TRAVEL FROM ELECTRIC ROAD TO HING FAT STREET, WHILE CANNON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
♦ FROM 12 NOON ON WEDNESDAY UNTIL 3 AM THE NEXT DAY, ALL METERED PARKING SPACES AT HING FAT STREET CAR PARK, LOCKHART ROAD BETWEEN CANNON STREET AND PERCIVAL STREET, AND THE SECTION OF JAFFE ROAD EAST OF PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED. TAXI STANDS AT PATERSON STREET, LAU LI STREET AND NGAN MOK STREET, AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AT GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL ALSO BE CANCELLED.
A from 7.30 PM
BUNDAY, OCTOBER <+, 1987
- U -
» FROM 7.30 PM TO 11.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM LEIGHTON ROAD (EXCEPT THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN PERCIVAL STREET AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD), TIN LOK LANE, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD, TAI HANG ROAD NORTH OF LAI TAK TSUEN ROAD, TUNG LO WAN ROAD, ELECTRIC ROAD SOUTH OF WING HING STREET, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF MORRISON HILL ROAD, HENNESSY ROAD EAST OF MARSH ROAD, THE DOWNHILL CARRIAGEWAY OF TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD WEST OF FORTRESS HILL ROAD, AND CAUSEWAY ROAD.
CENTRAL
* THE SECTION OF PIER ROAD BETWEEN GILMAN STREET AND CENTRAL HARBOUR SERVICES PIER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 PM TO 12 MIDNIGHT ON WEDNESDAY.
REPULSE BAY
* BEACH ROAD AND SOUTH BAY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC, EXCEPT CMB BUSES AND LOCAL ACCESS VEHICLES, AT ANY TIME IF NECESSARY.
* ALL PARKING SPACES ALONG BEACH ROAD OPPOSITE TO HOUSE NO. 871 EXCEPT THE TAXI STAND WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 2 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 8 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
II. PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
NO PARKING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE PEAK AND CAUSEWAY BAY AREA AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO MAKE FULL USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE. DETAILS OF SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ON WEDNESDAY ARE AS FOLLOWS:
THE MTR AND PRAK TRAMS WILL RUN ALL NIGHT, WHILE TRAM SERVICES, EXCEPT THE ROUTES RUNNING FROM HAPPY VALLEY TO SHAU KEI WAN AND KENNEDY TOWN, WILL BE EXTENDED TO AROUND 2 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8).
CMB WILL OPERATE TWO SPECIAL BUS ROUTES TO THE PEAK AREA 1 15A RUNNING BETWEEN NORTH POINT FERRY AND THE PEAK FROM 7.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY; AND 15M OPERATING FROM 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 4 AM THE NEXT MORNING BETWEEN ADMIRALTY MTR STATION AND THE PEAK.
ADDITIONAL SERVICE WILL BE OPERATED ON ROUTE 15 WITH EXTENDED SERVICE TO 3 AM ON THURSDAY.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES WILL ALSO BE OPERATED ON CMB ROUTES 6, 9, 14, 61 AND 73. OPERATING HOURS OF THESE ROUTES MAY BE EXTENDED IF NECESSARY. ROUTES 2, 4, 7, 10, 70, 72, 90, 92, 95, 98 AND EXPRESS COACH ROUTE 260 WILL ALSO EXTEND THEIR SERVICES TO FINISH BETWEEN 11.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY AND 2 AM THE NEXT DAY. IN ADDITION, BUSES ON CMB ROUTE 5B, KMB ROUTE A3 AND CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTES 102, 103, 106 AND 170 WILL HAVE TO DIVERT THEIR ROUTEINGS IN ORDER TO AVOID THE CLOSED ROAD SECTIONS.
/MOREOVER, ADDITIONAL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 1987
MOREOVER, ADDITIONAL SERVICES WILL ALSO BE OPERATED ON NLB ROUTES I, JR, 3, 4, 5 AND 7 ON LANTAU ISLAND DURING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL HOLIDAY.
\S REGARDS GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, ROUTE 1 WILL RUN UNTIL 4 AM ON THURSDAY, WHILE THE SERVICES OF ROUTES 16M, 19, 20 AND 20M WILL FINISH AT 2|AM ON THURSDAY.
\DDI>rONAL SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED ON OUTLYING DISTRICT •rlvRY ROUTES. IN ORDER TO ACCOMMODATE THE INCREASE IN PASSENGER >EMAND, THEjFERRY SERVICE FROM CENTRAL TO LAMMA ISLAND WILL OPERATE FROM BLAKE <1 ER INSTEAD OF FROM CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PIER FROM 6 PM ON WEDNESDAY.
FROM V PM, SEPARATE DIRECT SAILINGS WILL BE OPERATED FOR THE CENTRAL TO SILVERMINE BAY AND PENG CHAU SERVICES. THE FORMER FERRY SERVICE WILL1 REMAIN OPERATING AT THE OUTLYING DISTRICT SERVICES PIER WHILE THE LATTER WILL DEPART FROM THE EAST BERTH OF THE CENTRAL HARBOUR SERVICES PIER.
HOWEVER, FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN WAN CHAI AND JORDAN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED AFTER 6.20 PM ON WEDNESDAY.
- - 0
ROAD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON BAY » * * *
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE ON KAI FUK ROAD T. KOWLOON BA\ , THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 6), OCTOBER 8 AND 9 .
♦ THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KAI FUK ROAD, I
♦ THE WESTBOUND LANE OF THE FLYOVER LINKING KWUN TONG ROAD AND KAI FUK ROAD, AND
♦ THE SLIP ROADS LINKING WAI YIP STREET AND KAI FUK ROAD WESTBOUND.
WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON KWUN TONG ROAD HEADING FOR THE AIRPORT TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LAI YIP STREET, HOI BUN ROAD, SHUN YIP STREET, WAI VlP STREET AND KAI CHEUNG ROAD.
MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM ON OCTOBER 7 AND 10, THE JUNCTION OF THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KAI FUK ROAD AND KAI CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON THE AIRPORT TUNNEL HEADING FOR KWUN TONG WILL HAVE TO USE KAI CHEUNG ROAD AND WAI YIP STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
attention to needs of old and YOUNG URGED .................. 1
LEGCO BEGINS NEW SESSION ON WEDNESDAY ...................... 2
IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT STRESSED ................. 3
FARMERS TOUR DEMONSTRATION LIVESTOCK WASTE FACILITIES ...... 3
MORE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY ..............................
REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1965/66 ........................... 5
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES ........... 6
MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES TO REMAIN OPEN .................. 8
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES .................................... 8
FOUR NT LOTS OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS ................ 9
YAU MA TEH ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED.............. 9
AMBULANCEMEN COMMENDED ..................................... 10
COMPETITION FOR CLEANEST BUILDING .......................... 11
KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL LATER THIS MONTH ................ 12
LANTERN CARNIVAL FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS .................. 12
VARIETY SHOW FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS ........................ 13
BOARD TO DISCUSS YOUTH NEEDS IN SAI KUNG ................... 1^
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ I1*
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
1
ATTENTION TO NEEDS OF OLD AND YOUNG URGED
*****
AN INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED AND HARDWORKING SOCIETY HAS BROUGHT WITH IT SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL PROBLEMS DEFFERENT FROM THOSE OF 40 YEARS AGO, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROBLEMS THEN CONCERNED HOMELESS CHILDREN, GIRLS BEING FORCED INTO PROSTITUTION AND ADULTS BECOMING DESTITUTE OR TAKING TO CRIME.
THE NEED NOW, AS A RESULT OF IMPROVED MEDICAL TECHNIQUES AND CHANGES IN FAMILY SYSTEM, WAS TO PAY INCREASING ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM OF THE ELDERLY.
"REHABILITATION OF THE MENTALLY ILL, AND THE INTEGRATION OF THE MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED INTO THE COMMUNITY ARE ALSO BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT PRIORITIES AS WE WORK TOWARDS A SOCIETY WHERE EVERYONE'S BASIC NEEDS ARE MET AND WE MUST ENSURE THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY TO THE FULLEST POSSIBLE EXTENT," HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH THE FINANCIALLY DESTITUTE WERE TODAY PROVIDED FOR THROUGH THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE PROBLEM OF STREET SLEEPERS WAS STILL PRESENT.
"I HOPE THAT THE EFFORTS BEING MADE BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND BY OTHERS IN THIS, THE UNITED NATIONS YEAR OF SHELTER FOR THE HOMELESS, WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS HELPING TO DEAL WITH THIS POCKET OF PUBLIC MISERY IN OUR OTHERWISE AFFLUENT SOCIETY," SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT WHILE A GREAT DEAL HAD BEEN ACHIEVED OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS, THERE WAS STILL MUCH THAT COULD AND SHOULD BE DONE IN THE FUTURE.
"WE MUST CONTINUE TO PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE NEEDS OF THE OLD AND THE YOUNG, AS WELL AS THOSE WHO BECAUSE OF HANDICAP OR DELAYED DEVELOPMENT ARE UNABLE TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES.
"WE MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP OUR EXISTING SERVICES, AND WHERE NECESSARY INTRODUCE NEW ONES," HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THE NEED TO RAISE THE QUALITY OF SERVICES BEING PROVIDED AND TO USE THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE IN THE MOST EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE WAY.
WHILE ADMITTING THAT THE NEEDS MAY APPEAR LIMITLESS IN COMPARISON WITH AVAILABLE RESOURCES, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROVIDE THE RESOURCES.
/SIR DAVID
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5t 1987
2
SIR DAVID SAID AN EFFECTIVE SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM THAT MET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE COMBINED EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, AND EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED TO THE SUCCESS OF THIS PARTNERSHIP.
"AS IN ALL PARTNERSHIP, THERE IS BOUND TQ BE SOME DISAGREEMENT AND OCCASIONAL TENSION. WE MUST MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE ALWAYS HANDLED RATIONALLY AND REASONABLY," HE SAID.
----0------
LEGCO BEGINS NEW SESSION ON WEDNESDAY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL REVIEW THE AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG WHEN HE GIVES HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF THE 1987-88 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 7).
THE PROCEEDINGS WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL BROADCAST THE MEETING LIVE ON RADIO ONE (CHINESE SERVICE) AND RADIO THREE (ENGLISH SERVICE).
AFTER THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS, THE COUNCIL WILL ADJOURN UNTIL OCTOBER 14 WHEN THE FIRST REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE SESSION WILL BE HELD.
A MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS WILL BE MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, AT A MEETING TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 4.
A NUMBER OF MEMBERS OTHER THAN OFFICIALS WILL SPEAK ON THE MOTION THAT DAY, AND ON THE FOLLOWING DAY IF NECESSARY.
OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THE MEMBERS ON NOVEMBER 11.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
IMPORTANCE OF ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT STRESSED * ♦ * » t
THE NEED FOR ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT IS A KEY ELEMENT OF THE SUPERVISORY FRAMEhURK FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, THE ACTINO FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MANAGEMENT FESTIVAL AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, MR NENDICK SAID, "THE NEW BANKING ORDINANCE, FOR INSTANCE, REQUIRES THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TO APPROVE ALL APPOINTMENTS OF DIRECTORS AND CHIEF EXECUTIVES TO DEPOSIT-TAKING ENTITIES; SIMILAR PROVISIONS EXIST IN THE INSURANCE ORDINANCE."
HE SAID IN THE COMPETITIVE AND DYNAMIC BUSINESS WORLD THAT EXISTED IN HONG KONG THE MANAGER MUST BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED WITH THE SKILLS OF THE PROFESSION.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THE MANAGER NEEDED A FAR GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ECONOMY THAN BEFORE BECAUSE INTER-RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DIFFERENT TYPES OF BUSINESS WERE GROWING.
MR NENDICK ALSO STRESSED THE VALUE OF EXPERIENCE GAINED IN EXERCISING THE LEARNT SKILLS ’ON THE JOB’." THAT IS WHY EXPERIENCE IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES WHEN JUDGING WHETHER SOMEONE IS 'FIT AND PROPER’ TO BE PART OF THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF AN INSTITUTION HANDLING THE PUBLIC’S MONEY,” HE ADDED.
-------o - - - -
FARMERS TOUR DEMONSTRATION LIVESTOCK WASTE FACILITIES
*****
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK KEEPING ASSOCIATION TODAY (MONDAY) TOURED THE DEMONSTRATION LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES AT THE TA KWU LING PIG BREEDING CENTRE AT THE INVITATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD).
THE VISIT WAS EPD’S CONTINUING DRIVE TO PROVIDE LIVESTOCK FARMERS WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROPER WAYS AND MEANS TO COMPLY WITH FUTURE CONTROL REQUIREMENTS.
REPRESENTATIVES WERE SHOWN THE DRY MUCK-OUT SYSTEM WHICH REQUIRES FRESH PIG MANURE BE REMOVED FROM THE STY WHILST THE RESIDUAL WASTEWATER IS ALLOWED TO PERCOLATE THROUGH A SOAKAWAY SYSTEM.
/DURING THE
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
DURING THE VISIT, REPRESENTATIVES SAW A COST-EFFECTIVE PACKAGE TREATMENT PLANT DESIGNED TO MEET FUTURE CONTROL REQUIREMENT FOR EFFLUENT DISCHARGE OF NOT EXCEEDING 50 MG/L BOD (BIOCHEMICAL OXYGBM DEMAND) AND 50 MG/L SUSPENDED SOLIDS. THE PACKAGE PLANT, DEVELOPED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, IS FABRICATED LOCALLY AND CAN EASILY BE MODIFIED TO CATER FOR THE NEED OF INDIVIDUAL FARMS.
REPRESENTATIVES ALSO SAW THE DEMONSTRATION TRIAL ON THE COMMISSIONING OF THE SEQUENCING BATCH REACTION SYSTEM DEVELOPED BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC. THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO UPGRADE EXISTING ON-FARM TREATMENT PLANTS FOR A TYPICAL 200 PORKER UNIT IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH FUTURE CONTROL REQUIREMENT.
REPRESENTATIVES ALSO HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE THE PIG-ON-LITTER SYSTEM DEVELOPED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
-----0------
MORE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SET UP ANOTHER TWO SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND FOUR RESIDENTIAL HOMES FOR THE AGED IN TAI PO AND THE NORTH DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, REGIONAL SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR CARLOS LEUNG, SAID TODAY. (MONDAY).
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT A MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL GATHERING ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB, EASTERN DISTRICT HONG KONG AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP WORK UNIT, NORTH DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CARE AND SERVICES FOR OLD PEOPLE IN NEED, MR LfiUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD BEEN CO-OPERATING IN DIFFERENT WAYS TO PROVIDE MORE RESOURCES TO HELP THE SENIOR CITIZENS.
"THERE IS A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY SUCH AS RESIDENTIAL HOMES, MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES, DAY CARE CENTRES, CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES, HOME HELP AND COUNSELLING SERVICES," MR LEUNG SAID.
"THE RECENT 'CONCERN VISIT BY YOUTH VOLUNTEERS TO ELDERLY SINGLE PERSONS’ ORGANISED BY OUR DEPARTMENT AIMED TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF CARE AND CONCERN FOR THE OLD PEOPLE AND I HOPE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE WILL SPARE THEIR TIME TO CARE FOR THE LONELY ELDERLY SO THAT THEY CAN ENJOY A HAPPIER AND RICHER OLD AGE.
/"IN ADDITION,
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5* 1987
- 5 -
”IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF AGED HOMES HAVE RECENTLY BEEN GIVEN FUNDS TO CREATE AN EXTRA WELFARE WORKER POST AND MORE PERSONAL CARE WORKER POSTS WILL ALSO BE GRADUALLY CREATED SO AS TO ENSURE THAT THEIR FRAIL RESIDENTS WILL RECEIVE BETTER AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE CARE," MR LEUNG ADDED.
HE COMMENDED THE WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB FOR SERVING THE COMMUNITY UNCEASINGLY, PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY AS WELL AS WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
-----0------
REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1965/66 » ♦ » t
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT REMINDED TODAY (MONDAY) MEN BORN IN 1965 AND 1966 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS WITHOUT DELAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "AS THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY, THERE ARE ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS FOR THIS GROUP OF APPLICANTS TO RENEW THEIR CARDS BEFORE THE CURRENT PHASE CLOSES ON OCTOBER 10.
"TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH, MEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW I.D. CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD EARLY.
"FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW I.D. CARD WITHIN THE PERIOD SPECIFIED IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $3,000."
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES.
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
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5t 1987
TSUEN WAN
SHA TIN
YUEN LONG
: EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.
TEL. NO. 0-4981259.
: SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET.
TEL. NO. 0-6059108.
: HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD.
TEL. NO. 0-793291.
TUEN MUN I CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN.
TEL NO. 0-4580862.
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 ®AN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.
TEL. NO. 0-927155.
THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ”IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE ISSUE OFFICES WILL BE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS. TO AVOID HAVING TO QUEUE UP AT THE ISSUE OFFICES, APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THESE OFFICES IN THE MORNINGS AND THE AFTERNOONS."
-----O------
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES » * ♦ ♦ ♦
APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED FOR OPERATING 18 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THF TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ARE IN THE
HONG KONG, KWUN TONG
SOUTHERN DISTRICT
NORTH DISTRICT, ROUTES WILL BE (OCTOBER 9).
WONG TAI SIN, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO
TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND YUEN LONG. DETAILS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE <
SAI
OF ON
OF
KUNO, THESE FRIDAY
/APPLICATION MUST
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
APPLICATION MUST BE MADE ON THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORM OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE ON REQUEST FROM THE FOLLOWING OFFICES FROM FRIDAY:
» THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 28/F, HIGH BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
» THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT KOWLOON AND N.T. REGIONAL OFFICES AT 25/F, I ARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 66 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
* THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE AT G/F, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG HONG.
* THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE AT 9/F, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
» THE KWUN TONG LICENSING OFFICE AT 5/F, KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 12 LEI YUE MUN ROAD, KOWLOON.
» THE SHA TIN LICENSING OFFICE AT 5/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN.
* ALL THE DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY REGISTERED POST TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 6, 1987. APPLICATIONS BY ANY OTHER MEANS OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
"APPLICATIONS WILL THEN BE PROCESSED AND THE NEW ROUTES ARE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED EARLY NEXT YEAR," THE SPOKEMAN SAID.
A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING NON-QOVERNMENT MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL MEET AND SELECT THE APPLICANTS ON THE BASIS OF THE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA LAID DOWN BY THE BOARD.
THESE CRITERIA INCLUDE EXPERIENCE OF THE APPLICANT IN TRANSPORT SERVICE, FINANCIAL RESOURCES, MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES, THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING.
"IF THE APPLICANT IS OR INTENDS TO ENTER INTO PARTNERSHIP WITH ONE OR MORE PERSONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF OPERATING THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPANY BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE APPLICATION BE MADE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY," HE ADDED.
-----0----- /8............
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
8
MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES TO REMAIN OPEN
*****
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AND MACAU FERRY TERMINAL (CENTRAL) WILL REMAIN OPEN CONTINUOUSLY ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
THE DEPARTMENT’S MACAU FERRY TERMINAL (SHAM SHUI PO) AND CHINA FERRY TERMINAL (CENTRAL) WILL ALSO MAINTAIN THEIR NORMAL OPENING HOURS FROM 7.30 AM TO 9.30 PM AND FROM 7 AM TO 8 PM RESPECTIVELY ON THAT DAY.
THE PUBLIC rARGO WORKING AREAS AT WAN CHAI, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN, WESTERN DISTRICT, RAMBLER CHANNEL, CHAI WAN AND SHAM SHUI PO, AND THE PUBLIC WATERFRONTS AT YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON BAY AND TUEN MUN WILL ALSO BE OPEN FOR NORMAL OPERATIONS FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM.
ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE HOLIDAY.
-----0------
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ♦ * *
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN ON OCTOBER 8, THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
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 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 ---------
/9.......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5,
1987
- 9 -
FOUR NT LOTS OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS * * « * t
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTERS A/B) TO TENDER FOR FOUR SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SITES ARE AT TUEN MUN AREA 44 (NEAR BUTTERFLY ESTATE), SHA TIN AREA 51A (TO THE NORTHEAST OF CITY ONE SHA TIN), TAI PO AREA 6 (TO THE WEST OF TAI PO HUI RAILWAY STATION) AND SHEUNG SHUI AREA 7A (NEAR LUNG SUM AVENUE IN SHEK WU HUI).
THE TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN SITES, MEASURING ABOUT 13,200 AND 11,110 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY, ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
THE TAI PO SITE, OF 15,220 SQUARE METRES, IB FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
THE SHEUNG SHUI SITE, COVERING AN AREA.OF 6,865 SQUARE METRES, IS ALSO FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) USES, BUT RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IS ONLY PERMITTED ABOVE LEVEL 3.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SAID APPLICANTS FOR THE SITES WOULD HAVE THE OPTION OF SUBMITTING 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.
•VINTAGE’ TENDERS WOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY, HE ADDED.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 30.
-------0----------
YAU MA TEI ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TO BE DEMOLISHED ♦ ♦ t * *
DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE FLATROOFS OF A BUILDING IN YAU MA TEI WILL TAKE PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER A CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THE CLOSURE ORDER WOULD BE APPLIED FOR IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON OCTOBER 14 IN RESPECT OF THE STRUCTURES WHICH ARE ADJACENT TO FLATS B AND C ON THE FIRST FLOOR AT THE JUNCTION OF 11-16 ARTHUR STREET, AND 4-6 MAN MING LANE.
/HE SAID
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
- 10
HE SAID A NOTICE WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY INFORMING OCCUPANTS OF THE APPLICATION.
HE SAID THE OCCUPIERS WERE INSTRUCTED TO HAVE THE STRUCTURES DEMOLISHED THEMSELVES A YEAR AGO, BUT THE ORDER WAS NEVER CARRIED OUT.
CLOSURE WAS REQUIRED SO THAT DEMOLITION COULD PROCEED WITHOUT ENDANGERING THE OCCUPANTS OR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
-------0---------
AMBULANCEMEN COMMENDED
» * *
THREE AMBULANCEMEN WERE TODAY (MONDAY) PRAISED FOR THEIR PERSISTENT EFFORTS TO HELP SAVE A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL WHO MIGHT HAVE DIED.
AT A CEREMONY IN CHEUNG SHA WAN AMBULANCE DEPOT, THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR PANG TAK-SUM, PRESENTED HIS COMMENDATION TO AMBULANCEMAN WONG KOON-CHI AND GAVE FAVOURABLE ENTRIES TO AMBULANCEMEN CHAN CHOR-CHEUNG AND SIU YUK-KWONG.
THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON THE MORNING OF JULY 27 WHEN A GIRL WAS REPORTEDLY TRAPPED BETWEEN THE CONVEYER BELT OF AN ESCALATER AND THE FIRST FLOOR STAIRHEAD AT A RESTAURANT IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
WHEN THE AMBULANCE CREW ARRIVED AT THE SCENE, SUPERVISOR WONG KOON-CHI IMMEDIATELY NOTICED THAT CYANOSIS APPEARED ON THE GIRL’S FACE. WONG, WITH THE HELP OF CHAN CHOR-CHEUNG AND SIU YUK-KWONG, SUPPLIED OXYGEN TO THE CHILD USING A RESUSCITATOR.
AFTER THE GIRL HAD BEEN RELEASED BY FIREMEN, WONG EXAMINED THE GIRL AND FOUND THAT HER PUPILS WERE DILATED AND HER BREATHING AND PULSE STOPPED. THE CREW MEMBERS IMMEDIATELY CARRIED OUT CARDIO-PULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) FOR THE GIRL.
THEY ADMINISTERED CPR TO THE GIRL THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY TO POK 01 HOSPITAL AND UPON ARRIVAL AT THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY WARD, AMBULANCEMAN WONG DETECTED PULSATION ON THE GIRL’S CAROTID ARTERY. WONG REPORTED THE SITUATION TO A DUTY MEDICAL OFFICER WHO, AFTER GIVING FURTHER TREATMENT, REQUESTED THAT THE GIRL BE CONVEYED TO QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL BY HELICOPTER UNDER THE CARE OF WONG AND A NURSE.
/THE GIRL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5» 1987
11
THE GIRL WAS ADMITTED TO THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL AND HER CONDITION BECAME STABLE.
A WITNESS OF THE INCIDENT LATER WROTE TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND PRAISED THE CREW MEMBERS FOR THEIR PERFORMANCE.
ACCORDING TO WONG, CO-OPERATION AMONG THE CREW MEMBERS ENABLE SMOOTH AND EFFECTIVE ADMINISTERING OF CPR.
THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR PANG TAK-SUM, COMMENDED AMBULANCE MAN WONG FOR HIS LEADERSHIP AND ALL THREE FOR THEIR COMPETENCY IN PERFORMING CPR WHICH HAD "SUCCESSFULLY RESTORED THE GIRL’S BREATHING AND HEART BEATS".
-----0 ---------
COMPETITION FOR CLEANEST BUILDING * * * *
A CLEAN BUILDING COMPETITION SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD TO DRIVE HOME THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE HAS BEEN LAUNCHED IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE.
EACH COMPRISING
OFFICE AND THE
AN INSPECTION TO
MORE THAN 10 ADJUDICATING TEAMS, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE AREA COMMITTEE, DISTRICT URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) STARTED LOOK FOR THE CLEANEST BUILDINGS IN THE AREA-
THE VISIT WOULD COVER SOME 150 BUILDINGS WHICH WILL BE ASSESSED ON THE CLEANLINESS IN COMMON AREAS SUCH AS STAIRCASE, LIGHT WELLS AND CORRIDORS.
"WE ALSO HOPE TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ CONCERN AND PARTICIPATION IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT THROUGH THE COMPETITION," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EVENT’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
TEN CLEANEST BUILDINGS WILL BE CHOSEN AND PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD LATER THIS YEAR.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
12 -
KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL LATER THIS MONTH ♦ t t
KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI RESIDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, MR CHENft WING-CHUN, SAID THE FESTIVAL WOULD HAVE 26 PROGRAMMES WITH A BUDGET OF $500,000.
A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED TO ATTRACT PARTICIPATION FROM ALL AGES AND DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY, MR CHENG SAID; ’’CHILDREN AND ELDERLY PEOPLE, THE ABLE-BODIED AND HANDICAPPED AS WELL AS STUDENTS AND WORKING ADULTS CAN ALL TAKE PART IN THE SPORTS FESTIVAL.”
THE SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED ON OCTOBER 17 AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND WITH PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL GYMNASTIC AND DANCING GROUPS, SCHOOL BANDS, AND TV AND FOOTBALL STARS.
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING TENNIS, MINI-TENNIS, SOCCER, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BADMINTON, BOWLING AND TABLE-TENNIS COMPETITIONS, ATHLETIC EVENTS, ARCHERY AND ROLLER SKATING FUN DAYS, A HANDICAPPED AND ABLE-BODIED FUN DAY AND AN ELDERLY TELEMATCH, WILL BE HELD DURING THE MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING, AND THE HONORARY PRESIDENT OF THE COMMITTEE, MR LAM KIN-MING.
MR COAK SAID THE SPORTS FESTIVAL WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH A CHANCE FOR HEALTHY EXERCISE IN THEIR LEISURE TIME.
RESIDENTS CAN OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE ACTIVITIES AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SEVEN SUB-OFFICES.
------0-------
LANTERN CARNIVAL FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS
♦ ♦ » » ♦
YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WILL SHARE FUN LANTERN CARNIVAL TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE GARDEN TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
AND ENTERTAINMENT AT A URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY
THE CARNIVAL, STARTING AT 7 PM, FEATURES PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND A LANTERN EXHIBITION.
/FOURTEEN GAMESTALLS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1987
- 13 “
FOURTEEN GAMESTALLS WILL BE SET UP AND SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE LANTERN RIDDLES, WORD PROPHECY AND FORTUNE-TELLING.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE AND THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND IS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION.
AMONG THOSE TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR KWAN LIM-HO.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL TO START AT 7 PM AND THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
-------0---------
VARIETY SHOW FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS
*****
A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE STAGED IN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND IN WAN CHAI TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING IN CELEBRATION OF THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
THE SHOW, ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE DISTRICT OFFICE, IS SPONSORED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
PROGRAMME FOR THE EVENING WILL INCLUDE DRAGON AND LION DANCES, CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS AND POP SONG SINGING.
OMELCO MEMBER MR ALLEN LEE; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW YUM-WAH WILL BE THE GUESTS OF HONOUR AT THE FUNCTION.
ADMISSION TO THE SHOW IS FREE. A LOTTERY DRAW WILL BE HELD AT THE END OF THE SHOW AND LOTTERY TICKETS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WAN CHAI.
-------0 ------- /14...................
MONDAY, OCTOBER 5,
1987
BOARD TO DISCUSS YOUTH NEEDS IN SAI KUNG
*****
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS A SURVEY ON YOUTH NEEDS IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITY AND RELATED PROBLEMS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS, AND WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE DISTRICT’S ACTIVITIES AND THE PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE LEISURE SERVICE SECTION OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * » »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 72.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 422.407 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 405.912 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 69.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CAPITAL GRANT SCHEME FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS PROPOSED ..... 1
64 RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN HAWKER WORKING PARTY
REPORT - "A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH” TO IMPROVE HAWKER
PROBLEM ............................................... 2
CALL TO RESETTLE MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES................ 4
GOVERNOR TO GIVE SUMMARY OF kDDRESS ON TV................ 5
CLOSE LIAISON VITAL TO DEVELOPMENT : LIAO................ 6
INMATES PaSS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS......................... 6
SEPTEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEING
CONDUCTED ............................................. 7
WIDENING OF FOOTPATH FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LRT RESERVE..... 8
MORE VENUES TO CASH TAXI VOUCHERS ....................... 9
COLOURING CONTEST TO BOOST CIVIC-MINDEDNESS.............. 9
TUEN MUN FOLK SCNG CONTEST .............................. 10
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVE LANTERN C^RNIVaLS..................... 11
WAN CHAI CELEBRATES MID-hUTUMN FESTIVAL.................. 12
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS .... 12
UC KEEP HONG KONG CLELtN COMMITTEE TO MEET............... 13
LRT JOINT COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS RESTRICTION ZONE.......... 14
BUSY AGENDA FOR SHA TIN HEALTH, EDUCATION nND WELFARE COMMITTEE ................................................ 14
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF NmM NING STREET .................... 15
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SH^M SHUI PO ,ND QUARRY BAY...... 15
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SH^ TIN FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL .... 16
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
CAPITAL GRANT SCHEME FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS PROPOSED
*****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A CAPITAL GRANT AND LOAN SCHEME FOR LIVESTOCK FARMERS AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MISS CHUNG SAID THE NEW SCHEME DEMONSTRATED GOVERNMENT’S SINCERITY IN ASSISTING LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST POLLUTION.
SHE SAID THE INTENTION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS TO REDUCE THE SEVERE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AROUND 50,000 TONNES PER MONTH OF LIVESTOCK WASTE ARE CURRENTLY DISCHARGED UNTREATED INTO HONG KONG’S WATERCOURSES AND COASTAL WATERS.
SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE CAPITAL GRANT AND LOAN SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
MISS CHUNG SAID THAT UNDER THE PROPOSED SCHEME, CAPITAL GRANTS WOULD BE GIVEN TO LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN CONTROLLED AREAS TO HELP THEM COMPLY WITH CONTROLS IMPOSED UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME AND THAT AGRICULTURAL LOANS WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED TO FARMERS TO COVER ALL OR PART OF THE REMAINING COSTS OF INSTALLING TREATMENT FACILITIES.
"THE SCHEME WILL ENABLE THE MAJORITY OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN CONTROLLED AREAS TO REMAIN IN BUSINESS IF THEY SO WISH. LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN BANNED AREAS WILL, AS ANNOUNCED PREVIOUSLY, BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES FOR HAVING TO CEASE BUSINESS," SHE SAID.
"IT IS PROPOSED THAT FARMERS IN CONTROLLED AREAS SHOULD HAVE THE OPTION OF CHOOSING EITHER THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CEASING BUSINESS OR A CAPITAL GRANT WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF DATE OF NOTIFICATION OF INTENDED CONTROLS FOR EACH AREA," SHE ADDED.
THE SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON A PHASED BASIS TO COINCIDE WITH THE PHASING OF THE CONTROL SCHEME. FARMERS IN AREAS NOT YET UNDER CONTROL WOULD NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE GRANTS.
"DIFFERENT LIVESTOCK FARMS MAY REQUIRE DIFFERENT TREATMENT FACILITIES. AS CAPITAL COSTS FOR TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR PIG AND POULTRY FARMS ARE DIFFERENT, IT IS PROPOSED THAT DIFFERENT SETS OF RATES, BASED ON ROUGHLY HALF THE ESTIMATED CAPITAL COST OF THE EQUIPMENT, SHOULD BE APPLIED TO DIFFERENT FARMS," MISS CHUNG SAID.
/SHE SAID
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
2
SHE SAID GRANTS WOULD BE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF "DOLLARS PER SQUARE METRE” ALTHOUGH THE UNIT RATE WOULD BE LESS FOR LARGER FARMS DUE TO ECONOMIES OF SCALE.
THE WEIGHTED AVERAGE GRANT RATES FOR PIG FARMS ARE $32.6 PER SQUARE METRE FOR FARMS PRACTISING DRY MUCK-OUT AND $211.3 PER SQUARE METRE FOR FARMS PRACTISING WET MUCK-OUT. FOR CHICKEN FARMS, THE RATES ARE $80 PER SQUARE METRE FOR FARMS PRACTISING DRY MUCK-OUT AND $176 PER SQUARE METRE FOR FARMS PRACTISING WET MUCK-OUT.
FOR EXAMPLE, THE APPROXIMATE CAPITAL GRANT FOR A 1,000-PIG FARM PRACTISING DRY MUCK-OUT IS $29,000 AND $169,000 FOR A SIMILAR SIZE FARM PRACTISING WET MUCK-OUT. THE APPROXIMATE CAPITAL GRANT FOR A 10,000-CHICKEN FARM PRACTISING DRY MUCK-OUT IS $43,000 AND $88,000 FOR A SIMILAR SIZE FARM PRACTISING WET MUCK-OUT.
MISS CHUNG SAID FARMERS IN FINANCIAL NEED COULD ALSO APPLY TO AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR LOANS UP TO AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THAT OF THE CAPITAL GRANT TO FINANCE THE REMAINING COST OF TREATMENT FACILITIES.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GRANT AND LOAN SCHEME WILL REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE OF $100.3 MILLION OVER A PERIOD OF 10 YEARS. THE TWO MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE ARE CAPITAL GRANTS AND STAFF COSTS.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, DR STUART REED, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, ANNOUNCED THAT LIVESTOCK FARMERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN SEEING THE VARIOUS METHODS OF TREATING AGRICULTURAL WASTE ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE GOVERNMENT’S EXPERIMENTAL FARMS AT TA KWU LING.
OFFICERS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE HAPPY TO GIVE PROFESSIONAL ADVICE ON ANTI-POLLUTION MATTERS TO FARMERS.
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64 RECOMMENDATIONS CONTAINED IN HAWKER WORKING PARTY REPORT -"A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH" TO IMPROVE HAWKER PROBLEM
SIXTY-FOUR RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE REPORT OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WORKING PARTY ON HAWKER AND RELATED POLICIES WHICH WAS MADE PUBLIC TODAY.
"THESE RECOMMENDATIONS COVER A WIDE FIELD AND REPRESENT A MULTI-PRONGED-APPROACH TO IMPROVE THE HAWKER PROBLEM," SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN.
/"BASICALLY THE .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
"BASICALLY THE REPORT RECOGNISES THAT HAWKING IS A FACT OF LIFE IN HONG KONG. WHILE WE MUST TRY TO REDUCE ON-STREET HAWKING AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE, WE MUST ACCEPT IT TO SOME EXTENT SO LONG AS IT DOES NOT CAUSE UNACCEPTABLE CONGESTION OR HYGIENE PROBLEMS."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT A FEW OF THE SUGGESTED IMPROVEMENTS CONTAINED IN THE REPORT HAD ALREADY BEEN PUT INTO FORCE, SUCH AS THE REINTRODUCTION OF THE EX-GRATIA PAYMENT SCHEME FOR LICENSEES OF ON-STREET AND OFF-STREET COOKED-FOOD STALLS.
BUT THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS STILL HAD TO GO TO THE COUNCIL’S MARKETS AND STREET TRADERS SELECT COMMITTEE FOR DELIBERATION AND DECISION, AND THENCE TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL.
"IN THE MEANTIME, PUBLICATION OF THE WORKING PARTY REPORT TODAY WILL NOT CHANGE THE PRESENT SITUATION OF HAWKERS," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
"ALL EXISTING POLICIES AND REGULATIONS WILL CONTINUE IN OPERATION AS BEFORE, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE ENFORCED BY THE GENERAL DUTIES TEAMS."
INTRODUCING THE REPORT, MRS ELSIE TU, CHAIRMAN OF THE HAWKER WORKING PARTY, SAID THAT THE HISTORY OF THE WHITE PAPER WENT BACK TO EARLY 1984, WHEN THE COUNCIL REALISED IT HAD TO CARRY OUT A PAINSTAKING AND IN-DEPTH STUDY OF THE HAWKER PROBLEM.
SHE SAID: "THE FACT THAT IT HAS TAKEN UNTIL NOW — 3-1/2 YEARS LATER — TO PRODUCE THE FINAL REPORT ILLUSTRATES THE DEPTH OF THE WORKING PARTY'S ENQUIRIES AND HOW, SINCE THE PARTY’S GREEN PAPER WAS ISSUED IN DECEMBER 1985, THE WORKING PARTY HAS REAPPRAISED THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THAT DOCUMENT TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE WIDE SPECTRUM OF VIEWS IT GENERATED.
"AS A RESULT IT HAS ADDED TO, ALTERED OR AMENDED THOSE ORIGINAL IDEAS IN THE LIGHT OF THE WEALTH OF THIS ADVICE AND THE VARIOUS COUNTER-PROPOSALS RECEIVED.
"IN SHORT, THE WHITE PAPER IS A VERY DIFFERENT DOCUMENT IN MANY RESPECTS FROM THE GREEN PAPER — AND A BETTER ONE."
MRS TU ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT, WHEN THE REPORT WAS BEING DRAFTED AND THE MASSIVE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS INVOLVED IN IMPROVED HAWKER CONTROL BECAME INCREASINGLY OBVIOUS, AN ADVANCE COPY OF THE RELEVANT CHAPTERS WAS SENT TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
AS A RESULT, A TOP LEVEL WORKING GROUP HAD BEEN SET UP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM OF MANPOWER FOR HAWKER CONTROL MANAGEMENT.
/THIS WAS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 198?
THIS WAS A ’’PLEASING AND BUSINESSLIKE RESPONSE” TO THE REVELATION THAT WITHIN A FEW YEARS IT COULD COST MORE THAN $500 MILLION A YEAR TO BRING THE HAWKER SITUATION UNDER CONTROL, SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT, THE WORKING PARTY HAS ACCEPTED TWO MAIN POINTS -- THE NECESSITY FOR VIABILITY OF MARKETS, AND THE NEED FOR ENFORCEMENT.
SOME COUNCIL MARKETS, IT ADMITS, ARE POORLY DESIGNED -- ALSO SOME ARE POORLY LOCATED. THE REPORT SETS DOWN NEW GUIDELINES FOR FUTURE PLANNING, DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT OF MARKETS, COMMENTING ON LOCATION, SIZE, THE IMPORTANCE OF ELIMINATING OUTSIDE COMPETITION, MARKET MANAGEMENT, THE SIZE AND DISTRIBUTION OF STALLS, THE NUMBER OF FLOORS, HEADROOM, ENTRANCES, VENTILATION AND LIGHTING. THE AIM IS THAT MARKETS SHOULD BE MADE INTO ATTRACTIVE AND VIABLE PLACES SO THAT CUSTOMERS WILL USE THEM AND STALL-HOLDERS WILL NOT LEAVE THEM TO TRADE ILLEGALLY OUTSIDE.
ON ENFORCEMENT, THE WORKING PARTY CALLS FOR GREATER POLICE PARTICIPATION IN THE CONTROL OF ILLEGAL HAWKING, BUT DEVELOPMENTS WILL HAVE TO AWAIT THE OUTCOME OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICE BRANCH'S WORKING GROUP LOOKING INTO THE WHOLE PROBLEM OF MANPOWER FOR HAWKER MANAGEMENT CONTROL.
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CALL TO RESETTLE MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES *****
THE UNITED KINGDOM PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE IN GENEVA, AMBASSADOR JOHN SANKEY, HAS URGED THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES TO CONTINUE THEIR EFFORTS TO RESETTLE THE RISING POPULATION OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG.
HE ALSO APPEALED TO OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO THEIR PART BY ACCEPTING MORE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG FOR RESETTLEMENT.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING SESSION OF UNHCR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE HELD IN GENEVA, AMBASSADOR SANKEY SAID THE UK GOVERNMENT WAS MOST GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE COUNTRIES WHO HAD HELPED WITH THE PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO HAD RESETTLED LONG-STAYERS.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT RESETTLEMENT ALONE COULD NOT BE THE ANSWER. "THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST FIND LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS WHICH WILL REMOVE THE CAUSE OF REFUGEE FLOW," HE SAID.
/HE TOLD
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 198?
HE TOLD THE CONVENTION THAT THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG AWAITING RESETTLEMENT WAS AGAIN RISING. THERE ARB NOW SOME 9,200, WHICH IS THE SECOND LARGEST GROUP OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND THE HIGHEST PROPORTION OF LONG-STAYERS.
"SIXTY PER CENT OF THESE REFUGEES HAVE BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR OVER THREE YEARS AND 12 PER CENT FOR OVER SEVEN YEARS. UNFORTUNATELY, THE SITUATION IS WORSENING; ARRIVALS THIS YEAR HAVE INCREASED BY 45 PER CENT, WHILE THE RESETTLEMENT RATE HAS DECREASED BY 48 PER CENT COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR," HE SAID.
ON UK’S RESETTLEMENT PROGRMME, AMBASSADOR SANKEY POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ALREADY SETTLED IN BRITAIN, UK WAS IN THE PROCESS OF ACCEPTING A FURTHER 468 REFUGEES WITH RELATIVES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"HONG KONG ITSELF, DESPITE SEVERE IMMIGRATION PRESSURES, HAS SINCE APRIL 1986 OFFERED OVER 250 PLACES TO LONG-STAYING REFUGEES, IN ADDITION TO THE 14,500 ABSORDED SINCE 1975," HE SAID.
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GOVERNOR TO GIVE SUMMARY OF ADDRESS ON TV
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL APPEAR ON TELEVISION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING TO GIVE A SUMMARY OF HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS DELIVERED EARLIER IN THE DAY AT THE OPENING OF THE 1987-88 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE PROGRAMME, PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE BROADCAST ON BOTH OF HONG KONG’S COMMERCIAL TELEVISION STATIONS.
FOR ENGLISH VIEWERS, SIR DAVID WILL APPEAR ON TVB PEARL AT 8 PM, AND ON ATV DIAMOND AT 8.30 PM, BOTH SLOTS AFTER THE STATIONS’NEWSCASTS.
FOR CHINESE VIEWERS, THE GOVERNOR CAN BE SEEN ON TVB JADE AT 7 PM AND ON ATV GOLD AT 6.55 PM.
- - O - -
/6
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
CLOSE LIAISON VITAL TO DEVELOPMENT : LIAO ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
CLOSE LIAISON AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR HAD RESULTED IN THE FRUITION OF AN IMPRESSIVE MODERN RESIDENTIAL »AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN TSUEN WAN, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE DEDICATION CEREMONY OF CALTEX’S RIVIERA GARDENS, MR LIAO SAID : ’’FOR TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI, WITH A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 700,000 PEOPLE, LIVING IN RELATIVELY CONGESTED CONDITIONS ALONGSIDE MAJOR INDUSTRIAL AREAS, THERE IS A NEED FOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WITH IMAGINATIVE RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL, LANDSCAPING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.”
MR LIAO SAID RIVIERA GARDENS WAS SUCH AN EXAMPLE AS THE PROJECT CONTAINED INNOVATIVE LANDSCAPING, SHOPPING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
”IT SHOWS JUST WHAT CAN BE ACHIEVED AS A RESULT OF CLOSE LIAISON BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE ADOPTION OF A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT,” HE SAID.
--------0----------
INMATES PASS PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS *****
SIXTY-THREE PRISONERS WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR SUCCESSFULLY PASSING PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
THE RECIPIENTS, AGED BETWEEN 19 TO 25, OBTAINED A TOTAL OF 40 DISTINCTIONS, SIX CREDITS AND 59 PASSES IN VARIOUS EXAMINATIONS OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF EAST ASIA, MACAU; THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE PITMAN EXAMINATIONS INSTITUTE AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATION AUTHORITY.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE, COMMENDED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR PROVIDING OFFENDERS EASY ACCESS TO APPROPRIATE EDUCATION FACILITIES DURING THEIR DETENTION.
"THE CORRECTIONAL PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG, THROUGH ITS VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, HELP PRISONERS BECOME RESPONSIBLE AND LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS IN THE COMMUNITY," MR BRIDGE SAID.
/MR BRIDGE .......
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
MR BRIDGE ALSO URGED PARENTS OF THE INMATES TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR STUDIES AFTER RELEASE SO THAT THEY COULD STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF SECURING EMPLOYMENT.
AT PRESENT, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROVIDES COMPULSORY EDUCATION FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 21 AND REMEDIAL EDUCATION FOR ADULT OFFENDERS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
THE BASIC SUBJECTS OFFERED INCLUDE CHINESE, ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS, SOCIAL STUDIES, MORAL EDUCATION AND CIVIC EDUCATION. IN ADDITION, COMMERCIAL AND TECHNICAL COURSES LEADING TO PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS IN TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES, FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICES, BOOK-KEEPING, TYPEWRITING, ACCOUNTING AND BUSINESS STATISTICS ARE ALSO CONDUCTED.
SINCE 1979, 685 PRISONERS HAVE SAT FOR VARIOUS EXAMINATIONS WITH A PASS PERCENTAGE OF ABOVE 90 PER CENT.
-----o------
SEPTEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEING CONDUCTED * » * t *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING THE SEPTEMBER 1987 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.
THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 88,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES, COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES), WITH FULL ENUMERATION IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS.)
QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS AT THE END OF LAST MONTH. REMINDERS ARE NOW BEING SENT TO ESTABLISHMENTS NOT RESPONDING TO THE INITIAL QUESTIONNAIRES.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZATTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID, ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
/INFORMATION IS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 198?
INFORMATION IS BEING SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1987 FOR EACH SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD JULY-SEPTEMBER 1987.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY CAN CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE AT 5-8235076.
- - 0 -
WIDENING OF FOOTPATH FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LRT RESERVE * * * * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO WIDEN THE FOOTPATH AT 95-97 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG, IN CONNECTION WITH REALIGNMENT OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT RESERVE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THE WORKS WOULD NOT NECESSITATE ANY PERMANENT CLOSURE OF ROADS AND FOOTPATHS.
HE SAID THE AREA OF LAND AFFECTED WOULD BE RESUMED TO FACILITATE PEDESTRIAN FLOW, AND TEMPORARY ALTERNATIVE FOOTWAYS WOULD BE MAINTAINED TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC IF THE FOOTWAYS WITHIN THE WORKS LIMIT WERE CLOSED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
ALSO, THE EXISTING WATERMAINS, GAS PIPES, TELEPHONE AND ELECTRICITY CABLES, AND OTHER SERVICE APPARATUS LYING WITHIN OR ADJACENT TO THE WORKS AREA WILL BE ALTERED OR DIVERTED.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BY NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 1.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
- 9 -
MORE VENUES TO CASH TAXI VOUCHERS
» ♦ * »
THREE MORE VENUES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR TAXI DRIVERS TO CASH TAXI VOUCHERS FROM WHEELCHAIR-BOUND PASSENGERS AS PAYMENT FOR TAXI FARES, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
’’ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THREE TAXI ASSOCIATIONS FOR TAXI DRIVERS TO CASH TAXI VOUCHERS AT THESE ASSOCIATIONS, IN ADDITION TO THE DEPARTMENT’S FOUR LICENSING OFFICES AND THE STUDENT TRAVEL OFFICE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE TAXI VOUCHER SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN APRIL THIS YEAR FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS. ITS AIM IS TO SUBSIDISE THE WHEELCHAIR-BOUND IN RIDING TAXIS - A VERY IMPORTANT MODE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR THE DISABLED.
UNDER THE SCHEME, AN ELIGIBLE PERSON IS ISSUED WITH TAXI VOUCHERS AMOUNTING TO $55 PER MONTH. THE VOUCHERS ARE VALID FOR SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. NEVERTHELESS, TAXI DRIVERS CAN CONTINUE TO CASH THE VOUCHERS DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD AFTER THE VOUCHERS EXPIRE.
TAXI DRIVERS CAN CASH THE VOUCHERS AT THE FOLLOWING TAXI ASSOCIATIONS BY SHOWING THEIR TAXI DRIVING LICENCES:
♦ HONG KONG KOWLOON TAXI AND LORRY OWNERS ASSN. LTD, 290 HENNESSY ROAD, 5/F, TAK WAH BUILDING, HONG KONG;
♦ KOWLOON TAXI OWNERS ASSN. LTD, FLAT 10, 1/F, LUCKY BUILDING, 294-312 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON; AND
» THE TAXI OPERATORS ASSN. LTD, FLAT C-l, 2/F, LOONG KAI MANSION, 23-35 MA TAU WAI ROAD, KOWLOON.
-----0------
COLOURING CONTEST TO BOOST CIVIC-MINDEDNESS
*****
STUDENTS OF TAI PO DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COLOURING COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE 1987 AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, IS AIMED AT BOOSTING CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AMONG STUDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
/STUDENTS AGED
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
10
STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 12 YEARS OLD ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONTEST.
WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS OCTOBER 9.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON 0-6586520 OR 0-6577111 EXTENSION 257.
--------0----------
TUEN MUN FOLK SONG CONTEST ♦ ♦ ♦
PROMISING SINGERS FROM ALL OVER THE TERRITORY WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR TALENT IN THE TUEN MUN FOLK SONGS CONTEST ON NOVEMBER 15 (SUNDAY) AS PART OF THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL 1987.
THE COMPETITION, TO BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK OPEN THEATRE, AIMS AT PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR MUSIC LOVERS TO DISPLAY THEIR SINGING SKILL AND FOR THEM TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH EACH OTHER.
ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL 1987 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE CONTEST INVITES RESIDENTS AGED 14 OR ABOVE TO TAKE PART IN THE SOLO OR CHORUS SECTIONS OF THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH SONGS CATEGORIES. HOWEVER, EACH COMPETING CHORUS SHOULD NOT COMPRISE MORE THAN EIGHT MEMBERS.
A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING CELEBRITIES FROM THE MUSIC INDUSTRY WILL SELECT A NUMBER OF OUTSTANDING PERFORMERS FROM EACH SECTION.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE ON 2/F., GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. THEY SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY OCTOBER 20 (TUESDAY). AUDITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE FROM OCTOBER 27 TO 31 IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 0-4513044/5.
- 0---------
/11
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
11 MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVALS * » » * ♦
RESIDENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN AND SAI YING PUN WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATIONS ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) EVENING AT LANTERN CARNIVALS NEAR WHERE THEY LIVE.
THE ’KENNEDY TOWN AND MOUNT DAVIS MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERN CARNIVAL’ WILL BE HELD AT 7 PM IN THE FORBES STREET TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND IN KENNEDY TOWN.
THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF HANDICRAFTED LANTERNS AND CHILDREN MAY BRING ALONG THEIR OWN LANTERNS TO THE CARNIVAL.
APART FROM SINGING PERFORMANCE, MAGIC SHOW AND ACROBATICS, THE PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES FOLK ART SUCH AS PALMISTRY AND LANTERN RIDDLES.
THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, KENNEDY TOWN AND MOUNT DAVIS AREA COMMITTEE AND VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, AND SPONSORED BY URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE 'SAI YING PUN MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVAL’ JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI YING PUN AREA COMMITTEE AND WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, WILL ALSO START AT 7 PM THAT EVENING IN THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK IN EASTERN STREET.
THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE CANTONESE OPERA, IN ADDITION TO LANTERN RIDDLES, PALMISTRY AND STALL GAMES.
BOTH FUNCTIONS ARE BEING ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ’WE CARE’ ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT AMONG PARTICIPANTS.
FREE GAMES TICKETS FOR KENNEDY TOWN'S LANTERN CARNIVAL ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. FOR THE SAI YING PUN’S CARNIVAL, ADMISSION IS FREE.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE, AND SOME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ATTEND BOTH FUNCTIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE KENNEDY TOWN AND MOUNT DAVIS AND THE SAI YING PUN MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVALS WILL- BE HELD AT 7 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) AT THE FORBES STREET TEMPORARY PLAYGROUND AND THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK RESPECTIVELY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS.
-----o-----
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
- 12 -
WAN CHAI CELEBRATES MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL *****
WAN CHAI RESIDENTS WERE TONIGHT (TUESDAY) TREATED TO AN EVENING OF SONGS AND DANCES AT THE DISTRICT’S MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL VARIETY SHOW AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WHICH FEATURED DRAGON AND LION DANCES, AND CANTONESE OPERATIC AND POP SONGS.
THE FUNCTION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION (WCDACRSA) AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE CULTURE AND RECREATION COMMITTEE UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD, WAS AIMED AT CULTIVATING A SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG RESIDENTS.
SPEAKING AT THE SHOW, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW, PRAISED THE WCDACRSA FOR ORGANISING VARIOUS SORTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE IN WAN CHAI WHICH HAD PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR, AND WHICH HAD GONE A LONG WAY TOWARDS HELPING COMMUNITY BUILDING WORK IN THE DISTRICT.
MR CHOW SAID HE WAS HAPPY TO LEARN THAT WORK WOULD SOON START ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW CLUB HOUSE FOR THE ASSOCIATION ON A SITE RECENTLY GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE FACILITY, LOCATED UNDER THE TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER, WOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH OFFICE AND TRAINING FACILITIES, HE SAID.
GUESTS AT THE VARIETY SHOW INCLUDE OMELCO MEMBER MR ALLEN LEE; CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE FUNCTION, MR CHOW YUM-WAH; PRESIDENT OF THE WCDACRSA, MR HO PAK-TAO AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
-----0------
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS ♦ » » ♦ ♦
A LANTERN CARNIVAL ORGANISED FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8), THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
THE CARNIVAL, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE MORSE PARK OPEN-AIR THEATRE.
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN SINGERS AND LANTERN RIDDLES.
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL CHENG; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MISS CECILIA YEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE ARTS COUNCIL, MR FUNG KWONG-CHUNG; AND WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CARNIVAL.
/OTHER OFFICIATING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE THE PRESIDENT OF THE ARTS COUNCIL, MR WONG FOOK-YU, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR ALBERT LI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8) AT 8 PM AT THE MORSE PARK OPEN-AIR THEATRE.
- - 0 -
UC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE TO MEET *****
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO REVIEW THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES AND TO DISCUSS FORTHCOMING EVENTS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL HEAR THE PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE YOUTH RALLY ON OCTOBER 11, THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE IN MID-NOVEMBER, AND THE TWO SCHOOL COMPETITIONS TO BE ORGANISED FROM OCTOBER TO DECEMBER THIS YEAR TO SUPPORT THE ’CLEAN SCHOOL’ PHASE OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM NO. 2, 4/F., URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE.
/14
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987 •
14
LRT JOINT COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS RESTRICTION ZONE ♦ ♦ * * ♦
MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICE WILL MEET ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 9) TO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF LRT RESTRICTION ZONE IN YAU 01 ESTATE, TUEN MUN.
THE RESTRICTION ZONE WILL STRETCH FROM THE ENTRANCE OF 01 FAI CAR PARK TO THE SOUTHERN EXIT OF YAU 01 ESTATE. ITS PURPOSE IS TO SEPARATE LRT VEHICLES FROM OTHER VEHICLES FOR SAFETY REASON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 9) AT 10.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
-------0---------
BUSY AGENDA FOR SHA TIN HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE LEVEL OF EDUCATIONAL AND SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT SERVICES AS WELL AS CLEANLINESS OF GRASS BELTS WILL BE TOPICS OF DISCUSSION AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
DB MEMBER MR LAU KONG-WAH WILL ASK ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE TOWARDS TUTORIAL SERVICES OFFERED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES; VANDALISM IN PLAYGROUNDS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND WAYS TO MEET THE SHORTFALL IN SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STANDARD OF SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT SERVICES AND ON THE GOVERNMENT’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO DEVELOP SUCH SERVICES IN VIEW OF THE ANNUAL INCREASE IN SHA TIN’S POPULATION.
THE STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS OF GRASS BELTS AS WELL AS THE MANAGEMENT OF AFFORESTATION AND LANDSCAPING IN THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER, MISS CHAN BO-LING; COMMUNITY PHYSICIAN/NEW TERRITORIES (EAST), DR LAM KWONG-HUEN; DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR LEE KA-YIN, AND DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR LAU TAK-SIU; WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER THE QUESTIONS.
/OTHER ITIHS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6f 198?
- 15 -
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS BY THE WORKING GROUPS, APPLICATION FOR FUNDS AND PROGRESS OF DB SPONSORED ACTIVITIES.
I i
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
-----0------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF NAM NING STREET » * * ♦ *
THE SOUTHERN ARM OF NAM NING STREET IN ABERDEEN BETWEEN FUNG TIN STREET AND CHENGTU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND 10.30 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 8),FOR THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN CENTRE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE NORTHERN ARM OF NAM NING STREET.
-------0---------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO AND QUARRY BAY ♦ » ♦ * ♦
FROM CHEONG FRIDAY
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO MAKE U-TURN MOVEMENT NORTHBOUND NAM CHEONG STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO TO SOUTHBOUND NAM STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI PO ROAD FROM 10 AM ON
(OCTOBER 9).
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT ENTERING HONG ON STREET IN QUARRY BAY.
BUSES ARE BANNED FROM
--------o-----------
/16........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1987
- 16 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHA TIN FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL * * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHA TIN FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.
FROM 3 PN ON OCTOBER 7 TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, GOLDEN HILL KOAD LEADING TO KOWLOON RESERVOIR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
MEANWHILE, NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 61M WILL BE STRENGTHENED ON OCTOBER 7 AND 8. THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE SERVICE FROM TAI WAI TO KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION WILL BE EXTENDED FROM 11.50 PM ON OCTOBER 7 TO 3 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, WHILE ADDITIONAL JOURNEYS FROM LEK YUEN/WO CHE TO KOWLOON TONG MTR STATION WILL BE OPERATED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 3 AM ON OCTOBER 8.
ALSO, ADDITIONAL JOURNEYS FROM LEK YUEN/WO CHE TO MONG KOK MTR STATION WILL BE PROVIDED BETWEEN 4.30 AM AND 5.30 AM ON OCTOBER 8.
AS FOR THE OVERNIGHT SERVICE OF NT GMB ROUTE 65K (SIU LEK YUEN TO MONG KOK MTR STATION), THE SERVICE WILL BE STEPPED UP FROM 4.30 AM TO 5.30 AM ON OCTOBER 8.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER POST-RETIREMENT JOB APPLICATIONS ...... 1
FIRST BATCH OF YOUDE FUND AWARDS NEXT YEaR................... 2
INVESTORS' RIGHTS ASSURED ................................... 3
JIG SUB-GROUP MEETING ....................................... U
BILINGUAL STATUS TO CONTINUE ................................
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY .............................. 5
AIDS VIDEOS TO BE SCREENED .................................. 9
ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE.......... 9
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN OPEN STORAGE SITE.............. 10
LANTERN CaRNKVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS...................... 11
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS ON FRIDAY.......... 12
TRAFFIC itRRANGEMENTS Mi HONG KONG ISLAND.................... 12
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER POST-RETIREMENT JOB APPLICATIONS
*****
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER AND ADVISE ON ALL APPLICATIONS FROM SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS FOR POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT.
SIR ROGER LOBO HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND MR JUSTICE GARCIA AND DR VICTOR FUNG HAVE BEEN APPOINTED MEMBERS. THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE IS ALSO A MEMBER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON THE PRINCIPLES AND THE CRITERIA TO BE ADOPTED IN DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS FROM SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS FOR POST-RETIREMENT EMPLOYMENT.
"APPLICATIONS FROM DIRECTORATE OFFICERS, BRANCH SECRETARIES AND ABOVE WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH WOULD CONSIDER AND ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT WOULD ALSO CONSIDER AND ADVISE ON OTHER APPLICATIONS WHICH MIGHT BE REFERRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE BASIC PRINCIPLE TO BE ADOPTED IN CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION WAS THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO IMPROPRIETY IN THE PROPOSED APPOINTMENT.
IN THIS RESPECT, ACCOUNT SHOULD BE TAKEN OF:
» WHETHER THE OFFICER HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN POLICY FORMULATION OR DECISION, THE EFFECTS OF WHICH COULD HAVE BENEFITED THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER;
« WHETHER THE EMPLOYER MIGHT GAIN AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OVER HIS COMPETITORS BECAUSE OF THE OFFICER’S PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, AND
* THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION OF THE OFFICER TAKING UP THE EMPLOYMENT IN QUESTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A STANDARD APPLICATION FORM WOULD BE INTRODUCED WHICH WOULD BE DESIGNED TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYMENT SO AS TO FACILITATE CONSIDERATION OF THE APPLICATION AGAINST THE BASIC PRINCIPLES.
/AS REGARDS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7» 1987 - 2 -
AS REGARDS APPLICATIONS FROM DIRECTORATE OFFICERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN FORWARDING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, THE OFFICER’S DEPARTMENT OR BRANCH SHOULD PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK OF DISCLOSURE OF COMMERCIALLY SENSITIVE INFORMATION AND WHETHER THE OFFICER WAS IN A POSITION TO EXERCISE UNFAIR INFLUENCE WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT IN FAVOUR OF THE PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER.
’’DECISIONS BY APPROVING AUTHORITIES AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE COULD INCLUDE UNQUALIFIED APPROVAL OR THE IMPOSITION OF A WAITING PERIOD.
’’NON-COMPLIANCE COULD RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF AN OFFICER’S PENSION UNDER THE PENSION BENEFITS ORDINANCE,’’ HE SAID.
-------0-------
FIRST BATCH OF YOUDE FUND AWARDS NEXT YFAR
*****
THE FIRST BATCH OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS OF THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND WILL BE GRANTED EARLY NEXT YEAR AND THE FUND’S COUNCIL HAS BEGUN VETTING APPLICATIONS, A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE FUND, MR PETER POON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL RECENTLY ANNOUNCED A PACKAGE OF SCHOOL PRIZES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS TO BE AWARDED IN THE ACADAMIC YEAR 1987-88.
’’THE SELECTION COMMITTEE MET SEVERAL TIMES RECENTLY TO INTERVIEW NOMINEES FOR THE AWARDS. I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT LADY YOUDE HAS KINDLY AGREED TO PRESENT THE AWARDS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 27,” HE SAID.
MR POON WAS SPEAKING AT A CHEQUE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE ANTE CHAMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, WHERE HE RECEIVED A DONATION OF $25,000 FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, MR ALASTAIR SCOTT.
MR POON NOTED THAT THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND NOW HAS AN ACCUMULATED CAPITAL AND INCOME OF ABOUT $85.7 MILLION.
’’THE BOARD STILL LOOK FORWARD TO RECEIVING MORE CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT ANY DISTRICT OFFICES OR TREASURY, AS WELL AS ANY BRANCHES OF THE HONG KONG BANK, THE HANG SENG BANK AND THE HANG LUNG BANK,” HE ADDED.
-------0 -------- ft
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 3 -
INVESTORS’ RIGHTS ASSURED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS, THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION GIVES REASSURANCE THAT THEIR RIGHTS WILL BE PROTECTED, AND THAT THEIR PROFITS CAN BE FREELY CONVERTED INTO OTHER CURRENCIES, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR TONY EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR IN ADELAIDE AS PART OF HIS INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION VISIT TO AUSTRALIA, MR EASON TOLD HIS AUDIENCE THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WILL KEEP ITS OWN FINANCIAL AND FISCAL SYSTEM, ITS FREE PORT AND BE A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD ACHIEVED A GREAT DEAL IN AREAS OF VITAL CONCERN TO HONG KONG SINCE IT STARTED ITS WORK TWO YEARS AGO TO IMPLEMENT THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"IT HAS AGREED, FOR INSTANCE, THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BECOME A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE AND THAT IT SHOULD REMAIN SO AFTER 1997.
"HONG KONG DULY BECAME A CONTRACTING PARTY IN ITS OWN RIGHT IN APRIL 1986, THEREBY ENDING UNCERTAINTY OVER HONG KONG’S FUTURE TRADING POSITION."
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR EASON SAID MANUFACTURING WILL CLEARLY REMAIN ONE OF THE PRINCIPAL CONTRIBUTORS TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
HE STRESSED THAT MANUFACTURERS NEED TO CONTINUE TO MOVE UPMARKET AND INTO MORE SOPHISTICATED AND TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED OPERATIONS IN ORDER TO MEET THE PRESSURES OF INCREASING COMPETITION FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES, RISES IN PRODUCTION AND LABOUR COSTS IN HONG KONG AND PROTECTIONISM IN OVERSEAS MARKETS.
"IT IS REASONABLE TO PREDICT THAT TEXTILES AND GARMENTS WILL REMAIN AN IMPORTANT INDUSTRY FOR US FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE," HE SAID.
"AMONG OTHER INDUSTRIES, DESPITE SOME CURRENT PROBLEMS, ELECTRONICS WILL CONTINUE TO BE AMONG THE FASTER GROWING. THERE WILL BE CONTINUING DIVERSIFICATION AND UPGRADING OF PRODUCT RANGE AND INCREASING USE OF AUTOMATIC AND OTHER ADVANCED EQUIPMENT."
AUSTRALIA RANKS 10TH IN THE LEAGUE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG. THERE ARF. 23 INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS INVOLVING AUSTRALIAN INTEREST WITH A TOTAL INVESTMENT OF U.S. $24 MILLION.
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A....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 4 -
JLG SUB-GROUP MEETING * » ♦ ♦
AT THIS MEETING OF THE STANDING SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS (IRO) OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD ON HOW AFTER 1997 HONG KONG SHOULD CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION ACTIVITIES AND INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS SHOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997. IDENTICAL VIEWS WERE REACHED.
EXPERTS ON BOTH SIDES ALSO DISCUSSED THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION AFTER 1997 IN ACTIVITIES OF THE SUBSIDIARY BODIES OF THE UNFAO IN THE ASIAN-PACIFIC REGION. ON THIS, IDENTICAL VIEWS WERE ALSO REACHED.
INITIAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WAS HELD ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION IN THE WESTERN PACIFIC REGION.
EXPERTS ON BOTH SIDES ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PROGRESS MADE AT THIS MEETING AND WILL REPORT THE RESULTS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE SUB-GROUP WILL BE HELD IN LATE JANUARY OR EARLY FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
-------0---------
BILINGUAL STATUS TO CONTINUE ♦ * * ♦
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR CANICE MAK, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE BILINGUAL STATUS IN HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE ALTERED WITH THE POLITICAL CHANGES IN FUTURE.
’’BOTH THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES WOULD STILL BE USED EXTENSIVELY AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE OF EQUAL IMPORTANCE,” MR MAK TOLD 49 NEWLY RECRUITED CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WHO HAVE COMPLETED BASIC TRAINING COURSES.
HE ADVISED THE CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS TO KEEP THEMSELVES ABREAST OF NEW DEVELOPMENTS TO COPE WITH HONG KONG’S EVER-CHANGING SOCIETY.
THE COURSES COVER TRAINING IN TRANSLATION, INTERPRETATION TECHNIQUES, PRACTICAL CHINESE AND TRANSLATION OF SPECIFIED SUBJECTS, INCLUDING LEGAL AND FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS.
-------o--------- /5........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 5 -
GRADING OF BEACH WATER QUALITY * » » » *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE LATEST BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY GRADES FOR ALL BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY EPD IN ITS ROUTINE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMME. THE E.COLI DATA USED FOR GRADING ARE BASED ON THE MEDIAN VALUES OF THE MOST RECENT FIVE RESULTS, OBTAINED OVER A TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTH PERIOD ACCORDING TO THE USUAL SAMPLING FREQUENCY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR EPD SAID THE GRADES FOR SOME BEACHES MAY FLUCTUATE. THIS REPRESENTS A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF THE BEACHES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BRING MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE SWIMMING AREAS. NEVERTHELESS THE GRADES GIVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACHES AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST OF THE BEACH WATER QUALITY IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOW:
"A" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E.COLI COUNT IS BETWEEN 0-99 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD.
"B" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E.COLI COUNT IS BETWEEN 100-999 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE.
"C" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E.COLI COUNT IS 1,000 OR MORE PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR.
HE SAID THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS IS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION IS ACCEPTABLE. NORMALLY, A RECOMMENDATION ON CLOSURE WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "C" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY. SIMILARLY A RECOMMENDATION TO REOPEN A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "B" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
/THE GRADES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198?
6
THE GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY AND TWO WEEKS AGO ARE LISTED BELOW:
BEACHES
BEACH LAST GRADING PRESENT GRADING
AS AT SEPT. 24 AS AT OCT.
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY A A
CHUNG HOM KOK B B
DEEP WATER BAY A A
HAIRPIN A A
MIDDLE BAY B B
REPULSE BAY B B
SHEK 0 A B
SOUTH BAY A A
ST. STEPHEN’S A A
TURTLE COVE B B
STANLEY MAIN B B
ROCKY BAY, SHEK 0 B C
TO TEI WAN* A A
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER A A
CHEUNG SHA LOWER B A
DISCOVERY BAY* A A
HUNG SHING YEH A A
7
/KWUN yam wan
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 19$7
KWUN YAM WAN
TONG FUK
LO SO SHING
PUT O
SILVERMINE BAY
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU
TUNG O«
♦ NON-GAZETTED BEACHES
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
A
B
A
B
C
A
A
A
A
A
A
C
A
A
CAMPERS
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH
HAP MUN BAY
KIU TSUI
PAK SHA CHAU
SILVERSTRAND
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN)
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
A
A
B
A
A
A
A
B
A
ANGLERS’
APPROACH
CASAM
GEMINI
C
C
B
A
C
C
B
A
/HOI MEI WAN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
8
HOI MEI WAN B
LIDO B
TING KAU B
TUNG WAN, MA WAN A
B
B
B
A
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
OLD CAFETERIA C C
NEW CAFETERIA C B
CASTLE PEAK C C
KADOORIE BEACH B B
BUTTERFLY B B
"'•CC'
COMMENTING ON THE CHANGED GRADING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID CHEUNG SHA LOWER, TONG FUK, PUI O, CHANGED FROM "B" TO "A". THE WATER QUALITY OF THESE THREE BEACHES ON LANTAU ISLAND IS BORDERLINE BETWEEN "A" AND "B" GRADES. THEY ARE SUBJECT TO VERY SLIGHT POLLUTION FROM LOCAL SOURCES. OCCASIONAL FLUCTUATION BETWEEN THESE TWO GRADES WILL THEREFORE OCCUR.
NEW CAFETERIA CHANGED FROM "C" TO "B". THE PREVIOUS "C" GRADE WAS DUE TO THE INCREASED INFLUENCE OF THE DISCHARGE FROM TUEN MUN NULLAH UNDER THE TIDAL AND WIND CONDITIONS PREVAILING DURING THE MEASUREMENT PERIOD. THE NORMAL GRADING FOR THIS BEACH HAS BEEN "B" IN THIS BATHING SEASON.
SHEK 0 CHANGED FROM "A” TO "B" . THIS BEACH IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO A SLIGHT POLLUTION FROM THE NEARBY CONTAMINATED STORMWATER DRAINS. THE WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACH IS ON THE BORDERLINE BETWEEN "A" AND "B", AND OCCASIONAL FLUCTUATION BETWEEN THESE TWO GRADES IS NORMAL.
ROCKY BAY CHANGED FROM "B" TO "C". THIS BEACH IS POLLUTED BY A DRAIN AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE BEACH WHICH RECEIVES DOMESTIC SEWAGE FROM THE NEARBY SHEK O VILLAGE. THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACH HAS SIGNIFICANTLY DETERIORATED IN RECENT YEARS. THE CHANGE FROM "B" TO "C” IS CONSIDERED TO BE WITHIN NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF THE BEACH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR PAUL HOLMES, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, AT 3-7211044.
- - 0 - -
/9
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 9 -
AIDS VIDEOS TO BE SCREENED
«»*«.»
AN OPEN-AIR VIDEO RELAY ON A RECENTLY PRODUCED TV PROGRAMME ON AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) WILL BE HELD JOINTLY BY INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 9) EVENING AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE.
A CAPACIOUS VIDEO WALL WILL BE ASSEMBLED ON BOARD THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT MOBILE STREET THEATRE, TELECASTING THREE EPISODES OF FIVE-MINUTE FILM CLIPS ON AIDS ALMOST NON-STOP FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS.
PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE THREE EPISODES COVER MAJOR AREAS OF PUBLIC CONCERN FOR AIDS, INCLUDING AIDS - THE VIRUS; MODES OF TRANSMISSION; AND PREVENTION.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, MR WILFRED TSUI; SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH.DEPARTMENT, DR PATRICK LI; MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER OF MHD, DR NGAN CHUNG MING; HEAD OF THE EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION SECTION OF RTHK, MRS LINA LO; AND CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER OF ISD, MR GEORGE YUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 6.30 PM AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE OUTSIDE THE NEW WORLD CENTRE. ISD OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----0-----
ENCOURAGING RESPONSE TO KEEP HONG KONG CLKAJr PaimvA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE WERE TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT INVITATION LETTERS HAD BEEN SENT TO DISTRICT BOARDS AND PRIVATE CORPORATIONS, SEEKING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE IN MID-NOVEMBER AND THE INITIAL RESPONSE WAS ENCOURAGING.
THE AIM OF THE PARADE IS TO OFFICIALLY KICK OFF THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT DISTRICT LEVEL. THE EVENT WILL ALSO HELP TO ENOOURAGE PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS TO PARTICIPATE AS SUPPORT TO THE CAMPAIGN.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
10 -
IT IS EXPECTED THAT ABOUT 30 TO 35 VEHICLES WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE WHICH WILL RUN FROM TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND TO THE EDINBURGH PLACE. ALL THE VEHICLES WILL BE DECORATED WITH CLEAN HONG KONG MESSAGES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT/CORPORATE IDENTITIES.
CEREMONIES, HIGHLIGHTED BY MARCHING BAND PERFORMANCES, SALUTE-TAKING, FLAG-RAISING CEREMONIES AND PRIZE PRESENTATION TO THE BEST-DECORATED VEHICLES WILL BE HELD AT BOTH THE MEETING AND THE ENDING POINTS OF THE PARADE ROUTE.
PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING PART IN THE PARADE CAN RING UP THE PARADE WORKING GROUP AT 5-8428842 OR 5-8428843 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND ENQUIRIES.
MEANWHILE, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ALSO HEARD THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDENS THIS SUMMER HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING.
WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, A TOTAL OF 640 STUDENTS FROM 32 SECONDARY SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THIS YEAR’S AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME. UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF USD STAFF, THEY WERE ASSIGNED TO WORK FOR A TOTAL OF 19 WORKING DAYS AT FIVE BEACHES.
APART FROM LITTER-PICKING, THEY ALSO ADVISED BEACH-GOERS TO REFRAIN FROM LITTERING AND TO MAKE USE OF LITTER BINS FOR DISPOSING OF REFUSE.
ACCORDING TO USD STAFF, THE WARDENS WERE ZEALOUS AND HARD WORKING. THEY POSED NO PROBLEM IN CO-OPERATION, AND MOST OF THEM COULD FULFIL WORK ASSIGNMENTS SUCCESSFULLY.
IT WAS DECIDED BY THE COMMITTEE THAT THE AUXILIARY LITTER WARDEN SCHEME WOULD CONTINUE IN THE SAME FORMAT NEXT YEAR.
-----o-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TSUEN WAN OPEN STORAGE SITE
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF AN OPEN STORAGE SITE AT TSUEN WAN.
MEASURING ABOUT 5,560 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS LOCATED NEAR TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR NINE MONTHS AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
/THE SITE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7» 198?
11
THE SITE IS SPECIFIED FOR OPEN STORAGE USE, BUT CONTAINERS AND
DANGEROUS GOODS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO BE STORED ON THE LAND.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON '..• TOBER 23.
-----o------
LANTERN CARIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS * * * » »
A LANTERN CARNIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND.
PROGRAMMES FOR THE NIGHT INCLUDE LION DANCE, SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCE, ACROBATIC AND MAGIC SHOWS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMESTALLS FOR LANTERN RIDDLES, FORTUNE-TELLING AND CHINESE CHESS.
THE CARNIVAL IS AN ANNUAL EVENT SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KAIFONG ASSOCIATION, THE MONG KOK CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND THE DISTRICT CLANSMEN AND COUNTRYMEN ASSOCIATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW WILL BE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS BRENDA FUNG; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR CHAN KWOK-MING AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR WONG YUEN-WET.
'.OTE TO EDITORS:
YOU AKE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THL LANTERN . ARNIVAL AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND AT SAI YEE STREET.
-----0------
/12
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 12
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETS ON FRIDAY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 9) TO DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO CARRY OUT IMPROVEMENTS IN FOUR RESUMED PRIVATE STREETS IN TO KWA WAN.
THE FOUR STREETS -- MING LUN STREET, CHUN SHUN STREET, HING YIN STREET AND HING YAN STREET -- WERE RESUMED UNDER THE 1986/87 PROGRAMME.
THE PROPOSALS INCLUDE THE PROVISIONS OF BENCHES, TABLES WITH CHESS BOARDS AND OTHER PLAY FACILITIES FOR THE ELDERLY AND CHILDREN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROVISIONS OF CHANGING ROOMS AND SHOWER FACILITIES AT THE HO MAN TIN SERVICE RESERVOIR PLAYFROUND, REPAIRING OR REPLACEMENT OF A FOOTBRIDGE AT YAN FUNG STREET IN VALLEY ROAD ESTATE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING AT 2.15 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 9) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
-----o-----
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND
*****
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (PLB) RESTRICTED ZONE ON POK FU LAM ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED TO A 40-METRE STRETCH ALONG THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SASSOON ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH POK FU LAM ROAD FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 10).
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS THERE.
MEANWHILE, THE EXISTING PLB RESTRICTED ZONE ON JAVA ROAD IN NORTH POINT BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HEALTHY STREET EAST AND A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED.
AT THE SAME TIME, TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK IN UPPER STATION STREET IN SHEUNG WAN, THE EXISTING BAN THAT ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 4.6 METRES IN LENGTH ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF TAI PING SHAN STREET BETWEEN TUNG STREET AND UPPER STATION STREET WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER SIX WEEKS, WHILE SQUARE STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7i 198?
SUPPLEMENT
POLICY ADDRESS BY
THE GOVERNOR TO
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
coNTarrs
PAGE NO
GOVERNOR OUTLINES PL.NS IN FIRST POLICY SDRESS............. 1 MAKING HK BETTER, MORE PROSPEROUS HOME FOR hLL.............. 5 DETERMINED EFFORT TO IMPLEMENT TERMS OF JOINT DECLARATION .. 7 GATEWAY ROLE RIMAINS IMPORTANT............................ 9 SOUND ECONOMIC GROWTH, BUT DANGER SIGNS .JIEAD............ 10 PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENT IN U.S. DANGER.................... 11 NEED TO RIMAIN PRUDENT ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.............. 13 INCREASING PRIORITY FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF URBaN AREAS...... 15 LOOKING .JIEAD TO BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM.......... 17 POPULATION /JDE^UATELY HOUSED BY 2001 .................... 19 SPECIAL TEiiM TO PRODUCE •METRQPL.JI’ .................... 20 DETERMINED EFFORT TO FIGHT POLLUTION ON xULL FRONTS....... 21 MORE SCHOOLS PLANNED TO TACKLE TRAVEL PROBLEM ............ 22 LENGTH OF DEGREE COURSES BEING STUDIED.................... 24 PLANS TO SET UP OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE................... 25 NEW ORGANISATIONS STRUCTURE TO OVERSEE MEDICS SERVICES ... 26 HIGHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, SPECIAL NEEDS SLOWANCE PROPOSER . 28
ROYS FOUNDATION FOR MENTALLY HANDICSPED ANNOUNCED........... 30 REASONS WHY IMPORT OF LABOUR HAS TO BE RESISTED............. 31 TENDERS FOR C.JBLE TV TO BE CALLED NEXT YES ................ 32 STRONGER EMPILJSIS ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS............... 33 BN(O) PASSPORT A VSID TRAVEL DOCUMENT............................................................................................ 34 FULL COMPUTERISATION OF IMMIGRATION POINTS BY 1989........... 35 HEARTENING EVIDENCE THAT CRIME IS DECLINING.................. 36 NSW LAW BEING DRAFTED TO CONFISCATE DRUGS MONEY.............. 37 INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION NEEDED TO SOLVE VR PROBLEM........ 38 GOVERNMENT CHSGES EVOLUTIONARY, NOT REVOLUTIONARY ........... 4* CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW RESPONSIBILITIES OF BRANCH SECRET,JRIES 41 INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY TO PROBE GRIEV/J4CES PROPOSED.......... 43 OBJECTIVE IS QUALITY OF LIFE1 FOR ,JL .............................................. 44 ho takes up legco seat ........................................ 44
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
GOVERNOR OUTLINES PLANS IN FIRST POLICY ADDRESS
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE FUTURE WITH AN APPROACH GEARED TO MAKING HONG KONG’S SOCIETY EVEN MORE COHESIVE AND ECONOMICALLY EFFECTIVE.
IN HIS FIRST POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT HE COMMITTED HIMSELF AND THE GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOPING HONG KONG "AS A SOCIETY WHICH COMBINES A STRONG, EXPANDING AND COMPETITIVE ECONOMY WITH CONCERN FOR THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ALL ITS INHABITANTS".
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG NEEDED TO CONSOLIDATE THE GAINS OF THE PAST AND TO BUILD ON THEM TO ACHIEVE THE IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO SEE.
"THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL IS CONSTANTLY TO LOOK AHEAD, AND FACE UP TO, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE AND TO MAKE SENSIBLE PLANS TO DEAL WITH THEM," HE ADDED.
IN HIS 83-PAGE SPEECH, THE GOVERNOR BEGAN BY REVIEWING HONG KONG’S RELATIONS WITH CHINA, WHICH HE SAID WERE CONTINUING TO DEVELOP IN EVERY FIELD.
THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF THE RELATIONSHIP WAS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND THERE SHOULD BE NO DOUBT ABOUT THE DETERMINATION OF BOTH SIDE TO IMPLEMENT THIS FULLY. HE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND LAND COMMISSION WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY EFFECTIVE AND POSITIVE ROLES IN THIS.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC LINKS WITH CHINA CONTINUED TO GROW. CHINA REMAINED HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, AND WE WERE NOW THE BIGGEST SINGLE MARKET FOR CHINESE EXPORTS.
THE GOVERNOR THEN REVIEWED LOCAL DEVELOPMENTS AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.
THE HEALTHY ECONOMY, ON PRESENT FORECASTS, WOULD HAVE GROWN BY ALMOST 25 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN 1986 AND 1987.
AVERAGE WAGES HAD RISEN BY MORE THAN 12 PER CENT IN THE PAST YEAR, AND UNEMPLOYMENT WAS ALMOST NON-EXISTENT.
/SIR DAVID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
2 -
STR DAVID SAID IT ALSO MEANT THAT THE PUBLIC FINANCES HAD BEEN DOING WELL. THE BUDGET SURPLUS WOULD BE BIGGER THAN PREVIOUSLY EXPECTED, EVEN THOUGH WE ARE SPENDING MORE THAN EVER BEFORE ON PUBLIC SERVICES AND PROGRAMMES.
HONG KONG MUST ALSO MAINTAIN THE COMPETITIVENESS OF ITS OWN EXPORTS AND GUARD AGAINST INFLATION AND PROTECTIONISM. SIR DAVID SAID THAT DURING HIS COMING VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, HE WOULD STRESS AGAIN.THE DAMAGE THAT PROTECTIONISM COULD DO TO THE WORLD
ECONOMY.
PROSPERITY BROUGHT WITH IT AN UNDERSTANDABLE DEMAND FOR A BETTER STANDARD OF LIVING. MUCH HAD BEEN DONE IN TERMS OF QUANTITY, AND NOW IT WAS TIME TO LOOK TO QUALITY, SAID SIR DAVID.
THUS THERE WERE DEMANDS FOR BETTER HOUSING, BETTER EDUCATION, BETTER HEALTH CARE, BETTER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, AND A BETTER ENVIRONMENT.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THE NEED FOR PRUDENCE EVEN THOUGH HONG KONG WAS NOW BETTER OFF THAN AT ANY TIME IN ITS HISTORY.
IN TIMES LIKE THE PRESENT, WHEN THE ECONOMY IS BOOMING, MONEY MUST BE SET ASIDE TO HELP MAINTAIN SERVICES IN TIMES WHICH WERE NOT SO GOOD, HE POINTED OUT.
IT WAS WORTH REMEMBERING THAT HONG KONG’S RESERVES HAD TO BE USED TO KEEP UP PREVIOUS LEVELS OF SPENDING DURING THE DEFICIT YEARS OF 1982 TO 1985.
WITHIN THIS PRUDENT FRAMEWORK, THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS WERE AMBITIOUS ACROSS THE WHOLE FIELD OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE.
SIR DAVID THEN DESCRIBED THE SPENDING THAT THE HEALTHY STATE
OF PUBLIC FINANCE WOULD ALLOW.
IN EDUCATION, MORE PLACES WOULD BE PROVIDED IN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS AND IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
/THE NUMBER .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7t 19$7
THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKING HIGHER EDUCATION WOULD INCREASE BY THREE-QUARTERS OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS. A NEW UNIVERSITY WOULD BE BUILT, OPENING IN 1991. THERE WOULD ALSO BE A NEW OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE.
MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS WOULD TAKE PLACE IN MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WITH HOSPITALS TO BE PLACED UNDER A NEW HOSPITAL AUTHORITY. BESIDES PROVIDING A BETTER SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT, THE AUTHORITY WOULD ALSO LEAD TO AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES.
OVER THE NEXT DECADE, THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS WOULD INCREASE BY 50 PER CENT.
A HIGH LEVEL OF BUILDING WOULD CONTINUE UNDER THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, SAID SIR DAVID, BUT MORE EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED ON HOME OWNERSHIP. HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW CHAIRMAN TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WHO WOULD NOT BE AN OFFICIAL.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT AN INCREASINGLY PROSPEROUS AND STABLE SOCIETY COULD ALSO BE A MORE CARING SOCIETY. HELP HAD TO BE GIVEN TO THE POOR AND THE NEEDY, AND PROVISION MADE FOR THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED.
STARTING NEXT YEAR, THERE WOULD BE INCREASED ALLOWANCES FOR THOSE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND THOSE RECEIVING THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE.
THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE OVER 70 WOULD BE INCREASED AND THE ALLOWANCE WOULD BE EXTENDED IN STAGES TO THOSE OVER 65.
FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED ALLOWANCES WOULD BE DOUBLED.
WHO REQUIRE CONSTANT ATTENTION,
THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME, PROVIDED BY EMPLOYERS, WOULD ALSO BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE WORKERS RETIRING BECAUSE OF OLD AGE OR ILL HEALTH.
/SIR DAVID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7i 1987
4
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED NOT TO SET UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND OR TO MAKE PRIVATE FUNDS COMPULSORY. THE ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF A COMPULSORY SCHEME WOULD BE FAR REACHING AND IT WAS BY NO MEANS CERTAIN THAT A CPF WOULD PROVIDE A SUFFICIENT LEVEL OF SECURITY TO THOSE MOST TN NEED. BUT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF PRIVATE RETIREMENT SCHEME AND PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD SAFEGUARD PARTICIPANTS TN THEM.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THAT THE FOUNDATIONS FOR FUTURE PROSPERITY MUST CONTINUE TO BE LAID. LARGE SUMS HAD ALREADY BEEN SPENT ON ROADS, RAILWAYS, WATER SUPPLIES, PORT AND THE AIRPORT, AND THIS PROGRAMME WOULD CONTINUE.
FIVE BILLION DOLLARS WOULD BE SPENT ON ROADS ALONE OVER THE
NEXT FIVE YEARS.
POLLUTION WOULD BE TACKLED WITH DETERMINATION, AND OVER THE NEXT DECADE AS MUCH AS $10 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON IMPROVING WATER QUALITY IN THE HARBOUR AND AROUND THE COAST.
TURNING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT THE SURVEY OFFICE HAD RECEIVED OVER 130,000 SUBMISSIONS.
HE SAID THAT HE WOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO PRE-JUDGE THE CONTENTS OF THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT BUT CONFIRMED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF ALL THE VIEWS RECORDED IN IT AS WELL AS OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS, INCLUDING THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT ANY CHANGES WHICH MIGHT BE INTRODUCED DID NOT DISRUPT THE STEADY PROGRESS HONG KONG HAD BEEN MAKING NOR THE STABILITY WHICH WAS SO IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO ANNOUNCED THE SETTING UP OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY SIR ROGER LOBO, TO VET APPLICATIONS FROM RETIRING DIRECTORATE LEVEL OFFICERS WISHING TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE ALSO SAID AN INTERNATIONAL FIRM OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS WAS BEING ENGAGED TO HELP REVIEW THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN BRANCH SECRETARIES AND TO EXAMINE THE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATIVE ROLES OF SECRETARIES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS. HE ADDED THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT WAS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
/SIR DAVID .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 5 -
SIR DAVID FURTHER SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY - THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS - TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF MALADMINISTRATION. THE DETAILS OF THE COMMISSIONER’S TERMS OF APPOINTMENT, HIS JURISDICTION, ACCESS TO HIM BY COMPLAINANTS AND HIS INVESTIGATORY POWERS WOULD BE PUBLISHED AS A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
TO BETTER CO-ORDINATE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SIR DAVID ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF A COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO SEEK OUT AND DEVELOP NEW SCIENTIFIC IDEAS OF RELEVANCE TO HONG KONG AND TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ON HOW THEY MIGHT BE BEST APPLIED.
HE SAID A SCHEME WAS BEING WORKED OUT TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO RENOUNCE TRIAD MEMBERSHIP. HE ADDED THAT A NEW COMPUTERISED CRIMINAL INFORMATION SYSTEM WOULD BE IN OPERATION NEXT YEAR TO IMPROVE THE ABILITY TO COMBAT TRIAD ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SERIOUS CRIMES.
ON MEASURES AGAINST TRAVEL AGENTS WHICH SUDDENLY CEASED BUSINESS OR DEFAULTED ON THEIR OBLIGATIONS, SIR DAVID SAID THERE NOW SEEMED TO BE A GENERAL CONSENSUS THAT THE BEST WAY FORWARD WAS FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY TO REGULATE ITSELF, AND THAT IT SHOULD ADOPT SOUND AND PRUDENT PRACTICES IN ORDER TO PROTECT ITS OWN INTEGRITY AS WELL AS THE INTERESTS OF ITS CUSTOMERS.
ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INTRODUCE LEGISLATION DURING THE CURRENT SESSION TO IMPOSE ON BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES A GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK; TO INTRODUCE CUSTODIAL SENTENCES FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES; AND TO CONTROL DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES USED IN INDUSTRY.
-------0 --------
MAKING HK A BETTER, MORE PROSPEROUS HOME FOR ALL ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE FIRM RESOLVE OF THE GOVERNMENT THROUGHOUT THE COMING YEAR IS TO PRESS ON WITH THE TASK OF MAKING HONG KONG A BETTER AND MORE PROSPEROUS HOME FOR ALL OUR PEOPLE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY). ’
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION SIR DAVID SAID TO ACHIEVE THIS THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE SEEKING THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND OF ALL THOSE CONCERNED WITH PUBLIC AFFAIRS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/"I HOPE .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 19^7
"I HOPE THAT WHAT I HAVE TO SAY WILL DEMONSTRATE THAT WE HAVE PRACTICAL AND FORWARD LOOKING PLANS AND THAT, WITH YOUR HELP, THEY ARE WITHIN OUR POWERS TO ACCOMPLISH," HE NOTED.
SIR DAVID SAID SINCE HE FIRST CAME TO HONG KONG MORE THAN 25 YEARS AGO, THE TERRITORY HAD DEVELOPED ENORMOUSLY, BOTH MATERIALLY AND IN THE COHESIVENESS AND STABILITY OF ITS SOCIETY.
"THE SENSE OF BELONGING TO HONG KONG IS MUCH STRONGER THAN WHEN I FIRST CAME HERE. THERE ARE FEW OTHER PLACES IN THE WORLD WHICH HAVE MADE SUCH RAPID AND COMPREHENSIVE PROGRESS IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.
"THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED IS A TRIBUTE TO THE FLEXIBILITY AND ADAPTABILITY OF OUR ECONOMY AND TO THE ENERGY AND RESOURCEFULNESS OF OUR PEOPLE."
HOWEVER, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT MUCH REMAINED TO BE DONE. "WE NEED TO CONSOLIDATE THE GAINS OF THE PAST AND TO BUILD ON THEM TO ACHIEVE THE IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE WOULD ALL LIKE TO SEE.
"THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL IS CONSTANTLY TO LOOK AHEAD, AND FACE UP TO, THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL NEEDS AND CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE AND TO MAKE SENSIBLE PLANS TO DEAL WITH THEM. THIS WE INTEND TO DO. "
SIR DAVID PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LATE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, "TO HIS ACHIEVEMENTS IN GUIDING HONG KONG THROUGH AN ANXIOUS PERIOD IN ITS HISTORY".
"THE BEST TRIBUTE - AND WHAT HE HIMSELF WOULD HAVE WISHED - IS TO PRESS ON WITH THE TASK OF MAKING HONG KONG A BETTER AND MORE PROSPEROUS HOME FOR ALL OUR PEOPLE."
TURNING TO THE COUNCIL’S BUSINESS, SIR DAVID SAID THE PAST YEAR WAS THE BUSIEST SESSION EVER.
"THE COMING YEAR PROMISES, IF ANYTHING, TO BE EVEN BUSIER," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT ONE OF THE MOST IMPRESSIVE THINGS ABOUT HONG KONG WAS THE TIME AND ENERGY THAT PEOPLE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND ELSEWHERE, DEVOTED TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
"SO, DESPITE A HEAVY WORK LOAD, I AM CONFIDENT THAT ALL THE MEASURES BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL WILL BE EXAMINED CAREFULLY, CRITICALLY AND FAIRLY.
"NO DOUBT WE WILL HAVE VIGOROUS DEBATES ON MANY ISSUES; THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE IF WE ARE TO GET THINGS RIGHT," HE SAID.
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/7
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 7 -
DETERMINED EFFORT TO IMPLEMENT TERMS OF JOINT DECLARATION
*****
HONG KONG AND CHINA ARE DETERMINED TO IMPLEMENT FULLY THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION.
HE SAID THIS WAS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF HONG KONG'S RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA AND THIS WAS CONTINUING TO MAKE GOOD PROGRESS.
SIR DAVID SAID LINKS WITH CHINA HAD CONTINUED TO GROW AND DEVELOP IN EVERY FIELD. "THEY HAVE BECOME AN INCREASINGLY SIGNIFICANT FACTOR IN OUR DAY-TO-DAY LIVES."
SUCH LINKS, HE ADDED, WERE IMPORTANT BOTH FOR THE PRESENT AND THE FUTURE.
"IN ADDITION TO THE MANY PERSONAL CONTACTS BETWEEN PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND PEOPLE IN THE MAINLAND, WE HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF OFFICIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CHANNELS FOR EXCHANGES OF IDEAS ON MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST.
"THESE CHANNELS HAVE FUNCTIONED WELL. THEY HAVE HELPED IN DEVELOPING THE SORT OF MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT IN SOLVING PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AS THEY ARISE," SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HIS RECENT VISIT TO PEKING HAD BEEN USEFUL AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLAIN "SOME OF OUR CONCERNS TO SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS DEALING WITH HONG KONG AFFAIRS AND TO LEARN ABOUT THEIRS".
"I AM SURE THAT THIS SORT OF DIALOGUE HELPS TO PROMOTE A RELATIONSHIP OF CO-OPERATION AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING WHICH WILL BENEFIT BOTH SIDES," HE ADDED.
"I LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING THIS DIALOGUE, AND HOPE TO MAKE A FURTHER VISIT TO PEKING BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, SIR DAVID SAID IT HAD CONTINUED TO RECORD SOLID ACHIEVEMENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR.
FOLLOWING CONSULTATION IN THE GROUP, THE GOVERNMENT WERE ABLE TO START TO ISSUE PERMANENT HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS AND A NEW TYPE OF CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY; TO ISSUE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS; TO SIGN HONG KONG’S FIRST AIR SERVICE AGREEMENT; TO GET ADMITTED AS A MEMBER OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL; AND TO IMPLEMENT A NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
HE SAID THE STANDING SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, SET UP BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, ALSO CONTINUED TO MAKE STEADY PROGRESS.
/"AS A
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198?
8
"AS A RESULT OF WORK IN THE GROUP AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED IN PRINCIPLE ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN THE INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS UNION, THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION, THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT, AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THE LAND COMMISSION HAD CONTINUED TO PRODUCE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO A NUMBER OF PRACTICAL PROBLEMS. IT REACHED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE ON LEGISLATIVE MEANS TO EXTEND THE VAST MAJORITY OF LAND LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO THE YEAR 2047 WITHOUT REQUIRING PAYMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL PREMIUM.
SIR DAVID SAID THE EXISTING CONTACTS BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE TEAMS WOULD BE STRENGTHENED TO GIVE FURTHER IMPETUS TO THEIR WORK WHEN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ESTABLISHED ITS PRINCIPAL BASE IN HONG KONG FROM JULY 1 NEXT YEAR AS PROVIDED FOR IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT BOTH THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND THE LAND COMMISSION WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN EFFECTIVE AND POSITIVE ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION." HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE BASIC LAW DRAFTING COMMITTEE AND ITS VARIOUS SUB-GROUPS HAD MADE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS.
"NATURALLY, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE BEEN WATCHING WITH GREAT INTEREST THE DRAFTING PROCESS OF THE DOCUMENT WHICH WILL FORM THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AND WHICH WILL ALSO INFLUENCE THE EVOLUTION OF OUR OWN SYSTEMS BEFORE THEN.
"MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE PROCESS.
HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN THE
"THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW, DUE TO BE PUBLISHED EARLY NEXT YEAR, WILL BE ANOTHER KEY BUILDING BLOCK IN THE CREATION OF A CLEAR STRUCTURE FOR OUR FUTURE," HE ADDED.
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/9
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
GATEWAY ROLE REMAINS IMPORTANT » » * »
HONG KONG PLAYS A VITAL ROLE AS A GATEWAY BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLDK THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REVIEWING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA.
HE SAID CHINA HAD REMAINED "OUR LARGEST TRADING PARTNER".
"IN TURN, WE ARE NOW THE BIGGEST SINGLE MARKET FOR CHINESE EXPORTS, QUITE APART FROM THE LARGE AMOUNT OF CHINESE GOODS WHICH ARE TRANSSHIPPED TO OTHER MARKETS THROUGH HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID TOTAL VISIBLE TRADE BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 52 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR.
"THIS IS REMARKABLE BY ANY STANDARDS," HE SAID.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR A VERY HIGH PROPORTION OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN CHINA. SIR DAVID NOTED THAT BETWEEN 1979 AND 1985, SOME TWO-THIRDS OF ALL PLEDGED EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN CHINA CAME FROM HONG KONG.
"THE PROCESS IS TWO WAY, CHINESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG CONTINUES TO GROW, AS DO THE FINANCIAL LINKS BETWEEN US," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT WAS THE INCREASING AMOUNT OF MANUFACTURING PROCESSING NOW BEING SUB-CONTRACTED BY HONG KONG BUSINESSES TO CHINA, PARTICULARLY TO THE PEARL RIVER DELTA REGION.
"IT HAS BEEN ESTIMATED THAT UP TO ONE MILLION CHINESE WORKERS ARE NOW EMPLOYED IN THIS WAY. ALL THESE TRENDS WORK TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH OUR ECONOMIES," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID TRAVEL BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA ALSO CONTINUED TO GROW. HONG KONG PEOPLE MADE ALMOST 12 MILLION VISITS TO CHINA IN 1986; AND 280,000 CHINESE VISITORS CAME TO HONG KONG FOR BUSINESS, PLEASURE AND FAMILY REASONS.
IN ADDITION, HONG KONG PLAYED A VITAL ROLE AS A GATEWAY BETWEEN CHINA AND THE REST OF THE WORLD WITH 670,000 OVERSEAS VISITORS TO CHINA TRAVELLING THROUGH HONG KONG LAST YEAR, SIR DAVID SAID.
HE ALSO SAID TRAVEL BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES HAD RECENTLY BEEN MADE EASIER BY BETTER FACILITIES AT THE BORDER AND SIMPLIFIED IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES. "FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS ARE BEING PLANNED," HE ADDED.
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/1O........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
10
SOUND ECONOMIC GROWTH, BUT DANGER SIGNS AHEAD *****
THE GROWTH RATE OF HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT IN 1987 IS EXPECTED TO REACH 12 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THIS WOULD BE EVEN BETTER THAN THE HIGH FIGURE OF 11 PER CENT ACHIEVED LAST YEAR AND WOULD BE A VER5 ENCOURAGING RESULT," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THERE WERE SOME DANGER SIGNS TO WHICH HONG KONG MUST BE ALERT, AND ONE OF THESE WAS INFLATION.
HE DESCRIBED A SOUND AND HEALTHY ECONOMY AS THE ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION ON WHICH ALL OUR OTHER ENDEAVOURS AND ACHIEVEMENTS MUST BE BASED.
SO FAR THIS YEAR THE ECONOMY HAD DONE BETTER THAN EXPECTED: IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAD RISEN BY 27 PER CENT AND RE-EXPORTS BY 49 PER CENT. DOMESTIC DEMAND WAS STRONG IN TERMS BOTH OF CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT, AND THE PROPERTY MARKET HAD BEEN ACTIVE.
"PARTICULARLY WELCOME HAS BEEN THE CONTINUING GROWTH OF INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY -- AN ESSENTIAL PREREQUISITE FOR EXPANDING OUR INDUSTRY AND INCREASING ITS EFFICIENCY," HE SAID.
INTERNALLY, THE BUOYANCY OF THE ECONOMY HAD LED TO A SHARP TIGHTENING OF THE LABOUR MARKET; UNEMPLOYMENT HAD FALLEN TO A RECORD LOW OF 1.8 PER CENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT TO 1 PER CENT.
"IN THE 12 MONTHS ENDING MARCH 1987, EARNINGS OF WORKERS IN MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE EMPLOYMENT ROSE BY AN AVERAGE OF 12 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS (OR 7 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS). THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THE RATE OF INCREASE HAS ACCELERATED OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS. OUR WORKERS ARE THUS SHARING IN THE GENERAL PROSPERITY.”
REFERRING TO DANGER SIGNS, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE DEPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WAS NOW BEING FELT IN HIGHER IMPORT PRICES, ALTHOUGH RELATIVELY WEAK WORLD COMMODITY PRICES, AND THE HIGH PROPORTION OF OUR IMPORTS WHICH CAME FROM COUNTRIES WHOSE CURRENCIES’-. HAD ALSO BEEN DEPRECIATING, HAD SO FAR CUSHIONED THIS EFFECT.
"IN ADDITION, RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH, AND THE RELATIVE SHORTAGE OF LABOUR WHICH NATURALLY FOLLOWS FROM IT, WILL TEND TO PUSH UP PRICES AND DAMPEN OUR CURRENTLY STRONG EXPORT COMPETITIVENESS," HE SAID.
"AS OF NOW, THE SITUATION IS NOT SERIOUS; BUT IT WILL NEED TO BE WATCHED."
/LOOKING AHEAD,
WEDNESDAT, OCTOBER ?, 1987
11
LOOKING AHEAD, SIR DAVID SAID HE REMAINED CONFIDENT THAT THE LONGER TERM OUTLOOK FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS GOOD.
"NEVERTHELESS,'WE HAVE TO REALISE THAT ITS PERFORMANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY EXTERNAL FORCES OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL. WE REMAIN VULNERABLE, NOT ONLY TO THREATS OF PROTECTION IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS, BUT ALSO TO SWINGS IN DEMAND AND IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN THOSE MARKETS."
HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS VERY FLEXIBLE, AND THE TERRITORY COULD RIDE OUT STORMS BETTER THAN MOST. "BUT IF THE STORMS DO COME WE MUST BE PREPARED TO REACT TO THEM QUICKLY," HE ADDED.
--------0 ---------
PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENT IN U.S. A DANGER
*****
IN LOOKING AT RECENT EXCELLENT TRADING RESULTS HONG KONG MUST ALSO BE AWARE OF THE DANGER POSED BY PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENT IN THE UNITED STATES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS HAD PRODUCED VERSIONS OF A TRADE BILL WHICH CONTAINED A NUMBER OF PROTECTIONIST PROVISIONS, AND AN EVEN MORE DIRECT THREAT WAS POSED BY PENDING TEXTILES LEGISLATION.
SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WERE TAKING EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO IMPRESS UPON THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION, AND ON CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS, THE DANGERS INHERENT IN PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION, WHICH IN THE LONG RUN WOULD SEVERELY DAMAGE THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEM.
THESE IMPORTANT MATTERS WOULD BE HIGH ON HIS AGENDA WHEN HE WENT TO WASHINGTON HIMSELF IN TWO WEEKS' TIME, THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
EXPLAINING THE CONCERNS THAT LAY BEHIND THE GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT THINKING ON TRADE ISSUES AND ITS STRATEGY FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG HAD TO FOLLOW CAREFULLY DEVELOPMENTS IN ITS OVERSEAS MARKETS AND ALSO TO MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE LONG-TERM COMPETITIVENESS OF MAJOR EXPORT INDUSTRIES.
THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN ROLE TN TRADE WAS TO DO ITS UTMOST TO FOSTER A FREE AND OPEN TRADING SYSTEM, AND TO ENSURE MAXIMUM ACCESS FOR MANUFACTURERS TO OVERSEAS MARKETS.
/"THESE OBJECTIVES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
12
"THESE OBJECTIVES THE GOVERNMENT PURSUES, BOTH THROUGH BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH GOVERNMENTS IN OUR MAJOR MARKETS, AND MULTILATERALLY TAKING: PART IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE ORGANISATIONS, PARTICULARLY THE GATT. MUCH VALUABLE ASSISTANCE IN SELLING HONG KONG PRODUCTS IS GIVEN BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL: I SHOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THEIR EFFORTS."
AS A FULL MEMBER OF THE GATT, HONG KONG WAS PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS NOW UNDERWAY IN GENEVA, AND SOME PROGRESS HAD ALREADY BEEN ACHIEVED.
"THERE IS A GROWING IDENTITY OF VIEWS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE NEED FOR IMPROVED PROCEDURES TO SETTLE TRADE DISPUTES."
TURNING TO INDUSTRY, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONSIDER THE NEED HOW BEST TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES TO BECOME INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE.
HE NOTED THAT THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ALL PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THIS EFFORT.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD FOR MANY YEARS PUT A HIGH PRIORITY ON PROVIDING AN ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR INDUSTRY, IN PARTICULAR IN ENSURING THAT SUFFICIENT SUPPLIES OF ENERGY, WATER AND INDUSTRIAL LAND WERE MADE AVAILABLE.
"MORE RECENTLY WE HAVE BEGUN TO PLACE INCREASING EMPHASIS ON PROVIDING SUPPORT SERVICES SPECIFICALLY TO ASSIST INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY," HE SAID.
RECENT EXAMPLES WERE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, THE LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME, AND THE DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY.
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF NEW INITIATIVES WERE BEING TAKEN TO ASSIST INDUSTRY AS A RESULT OF THE VALUABLE WORK OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, SIR DAVID SAID.
"THESE RESULT FROM CAREFUL AND DETAILED STUDIES OF THE NEEDS OF PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES WHICH CANNOT BE FILLED BY THE INDUSTRY ITSELF. PROPOSALS ARE NOW BEING WORKED OUT FOR A PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE BASED IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC; AND A SCHEME HAS BEGUN TO HELP ENGINEERS TO OBTAIN TRAINING OVERSEAS TN NEW ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES.
"THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAVE BEEN GIVEN FUNDS TO RESEARCH POSSIBLE INDUSTRIAL APPLICATIONS FOR THE LATEST ELECTRONIC AND COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES.
/"A PILOT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER ?, 198?
"A PILOT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE HAS ALSO BEEN SET UP TO ENCOURAGE SMALL MANUFACTURERS TO USE THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT FACILITIES AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL."
THE GOVERNOR SAID A KEY ROLE IN ENHANCING PRODUCTIVITY HAD BEEN PLAYED BY THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, AND PLANS WERE AT AN ADVANCED STAGE TO CENTRALISE THE COUNCIL’S SERVICES IN A NEW BUILDING IN KOWLOON TONG IN 1990, AND TO EXPAND SUBSTANTIALLY ITS SERVICES FOR THE METAL WORKING AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES.
THE COUNCIL WOULD ALSO BE ACTIVE IN PROMOTING NEW PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, AND WAS CURRENTLY ASSESSING WHAT MORE NEEDED TO BE DONE FOR THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
ALL THIS SERVED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT A GREAT DEAL WAS BEING DONE TO HELP INDUSTRY MEET THE GROWING CHALLENGE OF COMPETITION IN OVERSEAS MARKETS.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID AS OUR INDUSTRY, ECONOMY AND SOCIETY BECAME MORE COMPLEX AND SOPHISTICATED, MORE ATTENTION WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID TO THE PART THE MODERN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COULD PLAY IN FURTHERING DEVELOPMENT.
"TO ENSURE THAT WE GET THE BEST ADVICE IN THIS AREA, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO APPOINT A COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. ITS TASK WILL BE TO SEEK OUT AND DEVELOP NEW SCIENTIFIC IDEAS OF RELEVANCE TO HONG KONG AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON HOW BEST THEY MIGHT BE APPLIED," HE SAID.
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NEED TO REMAIN PRUDENT ON PUBLIC EXPENDITURE
* t » »
EVEN THOUGH PUBLIC FINANCES ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, GIVEN THE TERRITORY’S EXCELLENT ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE, THE GOVERNMENT MUST REMAIN PRUDENT.
"IF WE ALLOW PUBLIC SPENDING TO GROW TOO FAST NOW WHEN THE ECONOMY IS DOING WELL, IT WILL BE HARD TO REIN IT BACK IN LESS BUOYANT TIMES," THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT THEREFORE REMAINS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO MANAGE THE PUBLIC FINANCES WITH CARE AND WITH CLOSE ATTENTION TO LONGER TERM TRENDS IN THE ECONOMY," HE SAID.
/NEVERTHELESS, THERE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
NEVERTHELESS, THERE WAS SOME SCOPE FOR EXPANDING PUBLIC SERVICES AND RESPONDING TO NEW NEEDS. "THESE WILL BE WITHIN THE CONSTRAINT THAT WE SHALL TRY TO LIMIT THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE TO NOT MORE THAN 2.5 PER CENT IN ANY ONE YEAR."
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THAT THE LOW TAX PHILOSOPHY WOULD CONTINUE, AND COMMENTED THAT IN MANAGING THE PUBLIC FINANCES THE GOVERNMENT TRIED ESSENTIALLY TO ACT LIKE A PRUDENT HOUSEKEEPER.
"IT IS QUITE RIGHTLY AN ARTICLE OF FAITH THAT WE SHOULD SEEK TO RAISE REVENUE IN WAYS THAT ARE EFFICIENT AND WHICH DO NOT ACT AS A BRAKE ON THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY BY BLUNTING THE INCENTIVES TO EFFORT, ENTERPRISE, INVESTMENT AND INNOVATION ON WHICH ECONOMIC GROWTH ESSENTIALLY DEPENDS.
"HONG KONG HAS LEARNED BY EXPERIENCE THAT RELATIVELY MODEST LEVELS OF TAXATION, WHICH ARE CAPABLE OF BEING COLLECTED, PRODUCE MORE REVENUE IN THE LONG RUN THAN HIGHER AND MORE ONEROUS RATES SINCE THEY GIVE ENCOURAGEMENT TO ECONOMIC EXPANSION."
ON THE SPENDING SIDE, THE GOVERNMENT AIMED TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC SPENDING DID NOT EXCEED A REASONABLE AND PRUDENT SHARE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND THAT ITS GROWTH SHOULD, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, NOT EXCEED THE GROWTH OF THE GDP.
"THIS MEANS THAT, IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP OUR PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES IN DIFFICULT YEARS, IT IS NECESSARY IN THE GOOD YEARS OF RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH TO RUN SURPLUSES AND TO PUT MONEY ASIDE.
"THIS LESSON WAS BROUGHT HOME SHARPLY DURING THE DEFICIT YEARS FROM 1982 TO 1985, WHEN WE HAD TO CALL ON OUR RESERVES TO MAINTAIN THE EXISTING LEVEL OF SERVICES."
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THAT A "RESOURCE ALLOCATION SYSTEM" WAS BEING INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG-TERM FINANCIAL PLANNING.
"OUR PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS SUFFER FROM NOT BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE US WITH A MEANS OF MONITORING PERFORMANCE AGAINST DEMAND AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, NOT ENABLING US TO RESPOND MORE FLEXIBLY TO CHANGING ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTS," HE SAID.
"THE NEW SYSTEM WILL IMPROVE FORECASTING METHODS SO THAT WE CAN PREDICT MORE ACCURATELY THE SIZE OF OUR FINANCIAL CAKE IN FUTURE YEARS AND THEN HAVE THE ABILITY TO PLAN RATIONALLY HOW IT SHOULD BE SHARED OUT BETWEEN COMPETING GOVERNMENT SERVICES.
"WHEN IT IS OPERATING FULLY, THIS NEW SYSTEM SHOULD ENABLE US TO PLAN AND MONITOR MORE EFFICIENTLY THE USE OF RESOURCES ACROSS THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITIES; TO ALLOCATE RESOURCES IN A MORE FLEXIBLE WAY; TO ASSESS HOW EFFECTIVELY THEY ARE BEING USED; AND THEN TO MAKE BETTER DECISIONS ON THE DIFFICULT CHOICES BETWEEN COMPETING PRIORITIES."
/TURNING TO........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7t 1987
TURNING TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN THIS LAY IN STRENGTHENING THE LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK IN WHICH THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES OPERATED.
"IT MUST BE OUR TASK TO ENSURE, PARTICULARLY WHEN THE MARKETPLACE IS FLOURISHING, THAT IT WARRANTS THE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE OF THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE IN IT," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT IN JUNE THE GOVERNMENT HAD PUBLISHED A DRAFT BILL ON DISCLOSURE OF SHAREHOLDINGS. THE BILL’S MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO REQUIRE DISCLOSURE OF ANY SUBSTANTIAL SHARE HOLDINGS IN LISTED COMPANIES, AND MAKE IT MORE DIFFICULT FOR THE CONTROL OF COMPANIES TO BE OBTAINED BY STEALTH.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO SEEKING TO STRENGTHEN THE PRESENT LEGISLATION AGAINST INSIDER DEALING.
"THE OBJECTIVE IN ALL THESE MATTERS IS TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG HAS THE BENEFITS OF BOTH A FREE MARKET AND A FAIR MARKET," HE SAID.
------0-------
INCREASING PRIORITY FOR REDEVELOPMENT OF URBAN AREAS
*****
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE OLDER URBAN AREAS AND THE EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD RECEIVE INCREASING PRIORITY FROM NOW ON, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE ALSO PREDICTED THAT MORE "PRIVATE INVOLVEMENT" MIGHT BE NEEDED IN DEVELOPING PARTS OF THE ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE IN VIEW OF THE VERY LARGE RESOURCES REQUIRED.
REVIEWING THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS, SIR DAVID SAID THE NEW TOWNS PROGRAMME HAD MADE "IMPRESSIVE ACHIEVEMENT" OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS.
"A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE WAS PASSED THIS YEAR WHEN THE TOTAL POPULATION OF ALL THE NEW TOWNS REACHED TWO MILLION. AS A DIRECT CONSEQUENCE OF THE NEW TOWNS PROGRAMME THE POPULATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS TREBLED SINCE THE PROGRAMME STARTED IN 1972," HE ADDED.
/IT WOULD
16
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198?
IT WOULD CONTINUE INTO THE NINETIES, WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE EXISTING NEW TOWNS AND WITH FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS AT MA ON SHAN, JUNK BAY AND TtN SHUI WAI.
"FROM NOW, HOWEVER, REDEVELOPMENT IN THE URBAN AREAS WILL BECOME AN INCREASING PRIORITY. THE NEW LAND REQUIRED FOR THIS WILL HAVE TO COME FROM HARBOUR RECLAMATIONS," HE ADDED.
HE SAID A GREATER PROPORTION OF THE RESOURCES FOR CAPITAL INVESTMENT SHOULD GO TOWARDS EXPANDING THE ESSENTIAL ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID THE PORT HANDLED A RECORD 14,000 OCEAN-GOING VESSELS AND 82,000 RIVER TRADE VESSELS LAST YEAR AND THE NUMBERS OF BOTH HAD BEEN STEADILY GROWING IN RECENT YEARS.
SIR DAVID SAID THE NUMBER OF CONTAINERS HANDLED HAD ALSO INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT IN THREE YEARS AND EXPANSION WAS EXPECTED TO GROW IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS BY AN AVERAGE OF AT LEAST NINE PER CENT A YEAR.
"WE NOW POSSESS THE SECOND LARGEST CONTAINER PORT IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF THROUGHPUT AND MAY SOON BECOME THE LARGEST.
"PORT EXPANSION MUST THEREFORE BE OUR FIRST PRIORITY IN MAINTAINING THE GROWTH OF OUR TRADE AND ECONOMY," HE STRESSED.
WHEN TERMINALS 6 AND 7 AT KWAI CHUNG HAD BEEN COMPLETED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO DECIDE WHERE IN THE GENERAL HARBOUR AREA FURTHER DEVELOPMENT SHOULD TAKE PLACE.
TURNING TO THE AIRPORT, SIR DAVID SAID KAI TAK HAD LIMITED POTENTIAL FOR EXPANSION AND MUST EVENTUALLY REACH ITS ULTIMATE CAPACITY.
"EVEN BEFORE THAT POINT IS REACHED WE MUST TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ON KOWLOON OF AN AIRPORT AT KAI TAK DEVELOPED TO FULL CAPACITY," HE SAID.
IN LOOKING AT POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE SITES, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE BEST SITES FOR A NEW AIRPORT WERE IN THE WEST OF THE TERRITORY, WHERE NEW ROADS AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURE COULD BE BUILT TO SERVE BOTH PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENTS, AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE A NEW WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
"WE ARE NOW COMMISSIONING A JOINT PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STUDY TO ADVISE ON THE BEST AND MOST ECONOMIC SOLUTION TO THESE TWO CRITICAL PROBLEMS,” HE SAW.
/SIR DAVID
t WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7. 1987
- 17 -
SIR DAVID SAID THE STUDY WOULD DRAW ON AND PUT TOGETHER ALL THE WORK WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN DONE ON HARBOUR, AIRPORT AND ROAD DEVELOPMENT.
WHEN THE STUDY WAS COMPLETED BY THE LATE SUMMER OR 1989, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE IN A POSITION TO TAKE SOME FUNDAMENTAL DECISIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
SIR DAVID SAID CLEARLY THE RESOURCES FOR THESE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD BE VERY LARGE.
"AT THE SAME TIME WE SHALL HAVE TO MEET CONTINUING DEMANDS ON PUBLIC FUNDS FOR HOUSING AND URBAN RENEWAL AND FOR OTHER SUBSTANTIAL PROJECTS, SUCH AS NEW HOSPITALS.
"IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO SEEK MORE PRIVATE INVOLVEMENT THAN PREVIOUSLY IN DEVELOPING SUITABLE PARTS OF OUR ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE," HE ADDED.
HE SAID ALL OF THIS MEANT THAT THE CONTROL AND CO-ORDINATION OF THE MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WOULD BECOME EVEN MORE IMPORTANT.
"WE ARE LOOKING URGENTLY AT THE FORM OF GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THIS TASK," HE ADDED.
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LOOKING AHEAD TO BETTER PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO SPEND $5 BILLION ON HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). )
IN RECENT DECADES, HE SAID, A GREAT DEAL OF THOUGHT, PLANNING AND INVESTMENT HAD BEEN PUT INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S TRANSPORT NETWORK.
"WE NOW HAVE A PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM WHICH, IN TERMS OF VARIETY AND FLEXIBILITY, MIGHT WELL BE THE ENVY OF MANY OTHER LARGE CITIES," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GROWTH IN THE DEMAND FOR TRANSPORT NEVER CEASED.
"FOR INSTANCE, BETWEEN 1982 AND 1986, THE TOTAL DAILY DISTANCE TRAVELLED BY ALL VEHICLES IN THE TERRITORY INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT FROM JUST OVER 14.5 MILLION KILOMETRES TO JUST UNDER 16.5 MILLION KILOMETRES.
/"THIS HAPPENED
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7> 1987
- 18 -
’’THIS HAPPENED DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES WAS CONSTANT OVER THE PERIOD AND THE NUMBER OF PRIVATE CARS DECLINED SIGNIFICANTLY. THE REASON WAS THAT THE NUMBER OF GOODS VEHICLES INCREASED BY OVER 30 \ PER CENT AND THE DISTANCE THEY TRAVELLED BY ALMOST 60 PER CENT,” $IR DAVID SAID.
BETWEEN 1982 AND 1986, HE ADDED, THE AVERAGE DAILY NUMBER OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT ROSE BY 16 PER CENT TO 9.5 MILLION.
SIR DAVID SAID CONTINUED LONG-TERM PLANNING FOR NEW TRANSPORT FACILITITES AND THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY RESOURCES TO BUILD THEM WAS ESSENTIAL.
’’FOR THIS REASON, THE GOVERNMENT COMMISSIONED A SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY AT THE END OF LAST YEAR. IT WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR AND WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE PERIOD UP TO 2001," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SEEK PUBLIC VIEWS ON ITS RECOMMENDATIONS BEFORE MAJOR DECISIONS WERE TAKEN.
TURNING TO MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS THAT WERE IN HAND OR BEING PLANNED, SIR DAVID SAID THESE INCLUDED THE FINAL STAGES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, THE TUNNEL TO JUNK BAY AND THE NEW ROUTE 5 FROM SHA TIN TO TSUEN WAN.
HE SAID WHEN THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION WAS LINKED WITH THE FUTURE KWUN TONG BYPASS AND THE PROPOSED TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL BETWEEN SHA TIN AND DIAMOND HILL, IT WOULD PROVIDE A NEW TRUNK ROUTE BETWEEN THE NORTH EAST NEW TERRITORIES AND HONG KONG ISLAND.
PLANS WERE ALSO BEING DRAWN UP FOR ROUTE X, WHICH WOULD LINK THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES WITH THE URBAN AREA.
"WITHOUT COUNTING ROUTE X WE ARE PLANNING TO SPEND $5 BILLION ON HIGHWAY CONSTRUCTION OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THE NEW LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WHICH WOULD OPEN TN AUGUST NEXT YEAR WOULD RE FOLLOWED BY FURTHER EXTENSIONS TO PROVIDE THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES WITH A MODERN PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM SUFFICIENT TO MEET DEMAND UNTIL WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
HE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY TEAM WAS NOW LOOKING AT THE VIABILITY OF PROVIDING A FIXED RAIL LINK BETWEEN THE MAIN URBAN AREA AND THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES.
THE DECISIONS TO BE TAKEN INCLUDED WHETHER TO START IT TN YUEN LONG OR TUEN MUN AND WHERE ITS DESTINATION SHOULD BE IN THE URBAN AREA. SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HOPED TO MAKE A DECISION ON THIS BEFORE THE END OF 19«R.
/THE GOVERNOR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7» 1987
- 19 -
THE GOVERNOR ALSO OUTLINED IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE TO EASE THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE AND GOODS TO AND FROM CHINA.
HE SAID ROAD CROSSING FACILITIES WOULD SOON BE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED BY THE LOK MA CHAU CROSSING AND THIS WOULD LINK DIRECTLY INTO THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.
WHEN THE SECOND SPAN OF THE BRIDGE WAS COMPLETED IN 1989, HE SAID THERE WOULD THEN BE A TOTAL CAPACITY AT ALL BORDER CROSSINGS OF ABOUT 50,000 VEHICLES PER DAY, COMPARED WITH SOME S', 000 AT PRESENT.
FOR SEA PASSENGERS, HE ADDED, THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN CANTON ROAD IN MID-1988 WOULD HAVE SUFFICIENT CAPACITY TO MEET DEMAND INTO THE NEXT CENTURY.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID CONDITIONS FOR CROSS BORDER RAIL PASSENGERS WERE IMPROVED SIGNIFICANTLY WHEN THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING AT LO WU WAS OPENED EARLY THIS YEAR.
"A FURTHER EXTENSION IS NOW BEING PLANNED TO COPE WITH ANTICIPATED FUTURE GROWTH IN TRAFFIC. IT SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FOUR YEARS’ TIME," SIR DAVID SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE PLANNED EXPANSION OF THE KCRC FREIGHT YARD IN HUNG HOM BAY WOULD MUCH IMPROVE THE INCREASING VOLUME OF FREIGHT COMING FROM CHINA BY RAIL.
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I
POPULATION ADEQUATELY HOUSED BY 2001 t t « « «
THE WHOLE OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION IS EXPECTED TO BE ADEQUATELY HOUSED BY 2001, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID HOUSING WAS ANOTHER KEY PART OF THE SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE, AND THE TARGET SET TN 1972 OF HOUSING 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE HAD NOW BEEN EXCEEDED.
"BUT WE STILL HAVE SOME WAY TO GO BEFORE WE ACHIEVE OUR AIM OF PROVIDING ADEQUATE HOUSING FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY AT AFFORDABLE PRICES.
/"WE MUST
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7t 1987
f - 20 -
"WE MUST ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE FACT THAT THE PATTERN OF DEMAND FOR HOUSING IS CHANGING. MORE AND MORE PEOPLE WANT TO OWN THEIR OWN HOMES OR LOOK FOR BETTER QUALITY HOUSING,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THESE ASPIRATIONS WERE RECOGNISED IN THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY WHICH WAS TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
HE SAID THE STRATEGY AIMED TO PROVIDE INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOME PURCHASE, AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL RENTAL ACCOMMODATION AND A COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE OLDER RENTAL ESTATES.
"IT SETS THE TARGET OF PROVIDING HOMES FOR AN ADDITIONAL ONE MILLION FAMILIES FROM THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS COMBINED BY 2001. ON PRESENT ESTIMATES THAT WOULD ENABLE THE WHOLE OF OUR POPULATION TO BE ADEQUATELY HOUSED BY THAT DATE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
I
He SAID IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR THE AMOUNT OF HOUSING AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE RATHER THAN RENTAL WOULD INCREASE FROM 18 PER CENT TO 27 PER CENT IN TWO YEARS’ TIME.
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN TAKING A DETAILED LOOK AT THE ORGANISATION OF THE HOUSING PROGRAMME TO MEET NEW AND FUTURE NEEDS, HE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S TERMS OF REFERENCE WOULD BE EXPANDED TO ENABLE IT TO MONITOR AND DIRECT AN OVERALL HOUSING PROGRAMME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE ALSO SAID FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE AUTHORITY WOULD ALSO BE REVISED TO GIVE IT MORE FLEXIBILITY AND THAT A NEW CHAIRMAN WOULD BE APPOINTED WHO WOULD NOT BE AN OFFICIAL.
’’THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION WILL BE PUT TO THIS COUNCIL IN TIME FOR THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR,” SIR DAVID ADDED.
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SPECIAL TEAM TO PRODUCE ’METROPLAN’ * » » * ♦
A SPECIAL TEAM IS BEING SET UP UNDER THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH TO PRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE MASTER PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT OF THE WHOLE MErTROPOLITAN AREA, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TlHIS METROPLAN, HE SAID, WOULD PROVIDE THE BASTS FOR MORE DETAILED DISTRICT PLANNING AND FOR ’INDIVIDUAL URBAN RENEWAL AND REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES.
/EMPHASISING THE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 21
EMPHASISING THE NEED FOR URBAN RENEWAL, SIR DAVID SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS SINCE THE MID-SEVENTIES HAD TENDED TO SHOW UP THE RELATIVELY POOR ENVIRONMENT OF SOME OF THE OLDER PARTS OF THE URBAN AREA.
"WE NOW NEED TO PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON IMPROVING THE HEAVILY POPULATED AREAS AROUND THE HARBOUR, WHERE SOME 3.5 MILLION PEOPLE LIVE AND WHICH ALSO PROVIDE MANY OF THE CENTRES OF EMPLOYMENT."
HE SAID THE RECLAMATION NOW BEING PLANNED AT HUNG HOM, WESTERN KOWLOON, CENTRAL DISTRICT AND KENNEDY TOWN WOULD PROVIDE A REAL OPPORTUNITY TO PLAN A RESTRUCTURING OF THE HARBOUR AREA SO AS TO REDUCE SOME OF THE PRESENT EXCESSIVE BUILDING DENSITY.
HE SAID A KEY ROLE IN URBAN REDEVELOPMENT WOULD BE PLAYED BY THE PROPOSED LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
HE SAID HE HOPED THE CORPORATION WOULD MAKE A REAL AND POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
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DETERMINED EFFORT TO FIGHT POLLUTION ON ALL FRONTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO WORK OUT A SENSIBLE AND CO-ORDINATED PROGRAMME TO DEAL WITH POLLUTION IN ALL ITS VARIOUS MANIFESTATIONS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"PANIC MEASURES ARE NOT NEEDED. BUT WE NEED TO TAKE SOME CLEAR DECISIONS EVEN IF, AT FIRST SIGHT, SOME OF THEM APPEAR TO BE RELATIVELY COSTLY," HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE PROGRESS MADE IN COMBATTING POLLUTION, SIR DAVID SAID THE STAFFING OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN INCREASED BY MORE THAN FOUR TIMES IN THE PAST TWO YEARS AND ITS EXPENDITURE HAD GROWN FROM JUST OVER $20 MILLION IN 1985-86 TO ALMOST $83 MILLION THIS YEAR.
DURING THIS TIME, HE SAID IT HAD CONCENTRATED PARTICULARLY ON DEALING WITH WATER AND AIR POLLUTION AND WITH THE DISPOSAL OF SOLID WASTE.
/SIR DAVID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT PARTICULAR ATTENTION WAS NOW BEING GIVEN TO CONTROLLING THE DISCHARGE OF UNTREATED, SOMETIMES TOXIC, WASTES FROM FACTORIES AND TO CHECKING THE UNCONTROLLED DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE.
FOR MANY YEARS,’HE ADDED, LIVESTOCK WASTE HAD BEEN A CAUSE OF SERIOUS WATER POLLUTION AND THE BILL SEEKING TO IMPLEMENT A 10-YEAR LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME WOULD HAVE SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON MANY OF THE WATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR DEALING WITH SOLID WASTE INVOLVED THE DEVELOPMENT OF LARGE CAPACITY LANDFILL SITES IN REMOTE AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHICH WERE LINKED TO TRANSFER STATIONS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TOWNS.
"ONCE THEY ARE FULLY OPERATING, WE WILL THEN BE IN A POSITION TO CLOSE DOWN THE MUNICIPAL INCINERATORS, WHICH CAUSE A GREAT DEAL OF AIR POLLUTION AND WHICH HAVE PROVOKED MUCH PUBLIC COMPLAINT," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID ANOTHER PROBLEM WHICH NEEDED TO BE TACKLED WITH GREATER URGENCY WAS SEWAGE DISPOSAL. HE SAID SCHEMES WERE BEING PREPARED FOR AREAS WHERE SEWAGE PROBLEMS WERE MOST ACUTE. THESE INCLUDED EAST KOWLOON, THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND THE TOLO HARBOUR CATCHMENT AREA.
"THIS PROGRAMME WILL CALL FOR SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT OF AS MUCH AS $10 BILLION OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
"THIS INVESTMENT IS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO HAVE THE FACILITIES WE NEED FOR THE EFFICIENT DISPERSAL AND TREATMENT OF SEWAGE, BOTH TO SAFEGUARD THE QUALITY OF OUR COASTAL WATERS AND TO PROVIDE INDUSTRY WITH MEANS FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF LIQUID WASTE," HE ADDED.
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MORE SCHOOLS PLANNED TO TACKLE TRAVEL PROBLEM
* » » » *
TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF CHILDREN HAVING TO TRAVEL CONSIDERABLE DISTANCES TO ATTEND SECONDARY SCHOOLS MORE SCHOOLS WILL BE BUILT, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO THE CHANGING DISTRIBUTION AND DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION OF THE POPULATION, ESPECIALLY WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS.
/"THIS HAS,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 198?
- 23 -
"THIS HAS, AT TIMES, CREATED IMBALANCES BETWEEN THE NUMBERS OF PUPILS AND SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN DIFFERENT AREAS,' HE SAID.
SOME 10 NEW SECONDARY AND PREVOCATTONAL SCHOOLS WOULD BE COMPLETED IN TIME FOR THE START OF THE SEPTEMBER 988 TERM AND AN ADDITIONAL 70 BY 1993, HE SAID.
"MOST OF THEM WILL BE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, PARTICULARLY IN TUEN MUN AND SHA TIN.
"IN ADDITION, SOME EXISTING SCHOOLS WILL BE MOVED FROM SUBSTANDARD PREMISES IN THE URBAN AREAS TO NEW BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,” HE ADDED.
ON EDUCATION IN GENERAL, SIR DAVID SAID THE COST OF EDUCATION TO THE PUBLIC PURSE WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW AND EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED ON FURTHER IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
WITH EDUCATION TAKING UP 18 PER CENT OF THE BUDGET, HE SAID, "WE HAVE 100 PER CENT PROVISION OF FREE PLACES UP TO FORM 3 (THAT IS TO THE AGE OF 15) AND PLAN TO PROVIDE ENOUGH PLACES IN SENIOR SECONDARY FORMS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTIONS TO MEET THE EXPECTED DEMAND."
NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAD AMBITIOUS PLANS FOR GROWTH IN THE TERTIARY SECTOR, SIR DAVID SAID SUCH RAPID GROWTH HAD MEANT THAT IN RECENT YEARS THE EMPHASIS HAD BEEN ON PROVIDING AS MANY PLACES AS POSSIBLE.
"EVEN SO, THE STANDARDS ACHIEVED IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED. INCREASINGLY IN THE FUTURE WE SHOULD PLACE THE EMPHASIS ON FURTHER IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF OUR EDUCATION," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE LANGUAGE ISSUE, SIR DAVID SAID ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EDUCATION COMMISSION, THE GOVERNMENT WAS INTRODUCING A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO ENCOURAGE THE GREATER USE OF’ CHINESE IN THE CLASSROOM.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT A HIGH STANDARD OF ENGLISH HAD TO BE MAINTAINED AS HONG KONG’S CONTINUING PROSPERITY DEPENDED ON ITS REMAINING AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE.
"FOR THIS REASON WE HAVE STARTED A PILOT SCHEME TO PROVIDE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKING TEACHERS FROM OVERSEAS AND HAVE ORGANISED LANGUAGE COURSES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ENGLISH."
ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, SIR DAVID SAID WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEWEST AND LARGEST TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN CHAI WAN LAST MONTH, THE NUMBER OF FULL-TIME PLACES FOR CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN COURSES HAD BEEN INCREASED FROM UNDER 4,000 IN 1982 TO OVER 10,500 NOW.
/’’PART-TIME PLACES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 24 -
’’PART-TIME PLACES HAVE ALSO INCREASED OVER THE SAME ABOUT 50 PER CENT TO A TOTAL OF OVER 46,500.
PERIOD BY
”BY 1989 THE ANNUAL NUMBER GRADUATING FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL REACH 22,000. THIS IS IMPRESSIVE BY ANY STANDARDS,” HE NOTED.
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LENGTH OF DEGREE COURSES BEING STUDIED * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS BEGUN A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE STRUCTURE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION TN MARCH THIS YEAR AND AMONG OTHER THINGS IT WILL LOOK INTO THE LENGTH OF DEGREE COURSES AT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NOTING THAT THE ISSUE HAD BEEN LOOKED AT A NUMBER OF TIMES TN THE PAST BUT HAD STILL TO BE RESOLVED, STR DAVID SAID HE HOPED THAT THIS WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESOLVE THIS HISTORICAL PROBLEM IN A CONSTRUCTIVE WAY.
HE SAID THE COMMISSION WAS CONSIDERING A WIDE RANGE OF OPTIONS AND WOULD CONSULT WIDELY BEFORE IT MADE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS.
’’THERE WILL BE A FURTHER PERIOD OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF THE REPORT BEFORE A FINAL DECISION IS TAKEN ON WHAT CHANGES, IF ANY, ARE NEEDED,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO RESEARCH IN TERTIARY INSTITUTES, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THAT GOOD RESEARCH CONTRIBUTED TO THE INTELLECTUAL LIVELINESS OF THE INSTITUTIONS THEMSELVES AND THAT IT ALSO PROVIDED THE SKILLS FOR THE INDUSTRIAL INNOVATION ON WHICH THE ECONOMY WOULD INCREASINGLY DEPEND.
"WE SHALL BE INCREASING THE FUNDS MADE AVAILABLE TO OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR RESEARCH OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS BY ALMOST THREE TIMES TO A TOTAL OF $120 MILLION,” HE SAID.
ON THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROJECT HAD BEEN GIVEN A MAJOR BOOST BY A GENEROUS DONATION OF $1.5 BILLION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THIS SUM WOULD MEET MOST OF THE CAPITAL COST OF BUILDING THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS IN SAI KUNG.
/FOLLOWING A
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL PLENARY SESSION OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE LAST MONTH, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS NOW HOPED TO APPOINT THE VICE CHANCELLOR BY THE END OF THIS YEAR; TO ESTABLISH THE NEW UNIVERSITY’S COUNCIL IN APRIL NEXT YEAR; AND TO ACCEPT THE FIRST STUDENTS IN 1991, WHICH WOULD BE WELL AHEAD OF THE ORIGINAL PLANNED DATE OF 1994.
ON HIGHER EDUCATION IN GENERAL, SIR DAVID SAID OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS NOW PROVIDED MORE THAN 34,000 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES, WITH OVER 18,000 STUDENTS ON DEGREE COURSES.
"BY THE MID-1990'S WE SHOULD BE PROVIDING A TOTAL OF ABOUT 55,000 FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT PLACES IN HIGHER EDUCATION. THIS WILL MEAN THAT OVER 10 PER CENT OF THE 17 TO 20 AGE GROUP WILL BE STARTING ON FIRST DEGREE COURSES IN HONG KONG COMPARED WITH ONLY FIVE PER CENT PER CENT NOW.
"AND WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT MORE THAN 25,000 HONG KONG STUDENTS ARE NOW ESTIMATED TO BE STUDYING AT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS."
IN ADDITION TO A WIDE RANGE OF DEGREE COURSES AT THE UNIVERSITIES, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WERE BUILDING ON THE SUCCESSFUL INTRODUCTION OF VOCATIONALLY-ORIENTED DEGREE COURSES AT THE POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE TO HELP MEET HONG KONG’S NEEDS FOR SPECIALIST MANPOWER.
"OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, A LAW DEPARTMENT WILL BE ESTABLISHED AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND SPEECH THERAPISTS WILL BE TRAINED AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
"PROPOSALS ARE ALSO UNDER DISCUSSION FOR SETTING UP AN ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY," HE ADDED.
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PLANS TO SET UP OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SET UP A PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID THE INSTITUTE WOULD OFFER DEGREE AND SUB-DEGREE COURSES AND SHOULD ADMIT ITS FIRST STUDENTS IN 1989.
HE SAID THE PROVISION OF THE INSTITUTE, WHICH WOULD BE HONG KONG'S SIXTH DEGREE-AWARDING INSTITUTION, WOULD CONSIDERABLY INCREASE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
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"IN OUR PLANS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE SHOULD PROVIDE. OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PREVIOUSLY BENEFITED FROM HIGHER EDUCATION, AND TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONE SO, BUT WHO NEED TO UPDATE AND RENEW THEIR SKILLS,” HE SAID.
TAKING THE OPEN LEARNING INSTITUTE TOGETHER, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION OVER THE NEXT DECADE HAD AMOUNTED TO A DOUBLING OF DEGREE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM.
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT THE PROPORTION OF YOUNGSTERS WHO WOULD BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THE BENEFIT OF TERTIARY EDUCATION WOULD STILL REMAIN COMPARATIVELY SMALL BY WORLD STANDARDS.
"IF HONG KONG IS TO CONTINUE TO PRODUCE HIGHLY QUALIFIED PEOPLE FOR ALL SECTORS OF OUR ECONOMY, WE SHOULD LOOK AHEAD NOW TO FURTHER EXPANSION IN THIS AREA," HE SAID.
TURNING TO ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AWARDS FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION.
"THE NEW COUNCIL WILL ASSESS AND VALIDATE DEGREE COURSE PROPOSALS FROM THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, REPLACING THE OVERSEAS BODY WHICH PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED THIS TASK," HE SAID.
STR DAVID SAID THAT THE NECESSARY ENABLING LEGISLATION WOULD RE INTRODUCED DURING 1988.
"THE COUNCIL’S MEMBERSHIP AND PROCEDURES WILL BE DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT DEGREES AWARDED BY THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE WILL CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN THEIR PRESENT HIGH STANDARD AND TO ENJOY INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION," HE ADDED.
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NEW ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE TO OVERSEE MEDICAL SERVICES
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED IN PRINCIPLE TO SET UP A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, WITH REGIONAL COMMITTEES, TO OVERSEE THE DELIVERY )F MEDICAL SERVICES IN ALL GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITALS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
.
THE NEW AUTHORITY WILL BE SUPPORTED BY A HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AS ITS EXECUTIVE ARM.
/IN ADDITION,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198?
27
IN ADDITION, A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BE CREATED WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT TO PObuS ON THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PREVENTIVE MEDICAL CARE.
"THIS MEANS A COMPLETELY NEW ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR OL'R HOSPITALS. IT WILL PROVIDE A CLEARER LINE OF RESPONSIBILITY; ENHANCED FLEXIBILITY TO MEET SPECIAL NEEDS, AND MORE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN DECISION MAKING AND EVALUATION," HE SAID.
" A PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE FORMED IN APRIL 1988 TO OVERSEE THE LEGISLATIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE STEPS NECESSARY FOR ITS FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT."
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN ITS DECISION AFTER CAREFULLY CONSIDERING THE CONSULTANTS' REPORT ON THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS, AND THE PUBLIC REACTION TO IT.
"THIS IMPORTANT NEW INITIATIVE DEMONSTRATES THE GOVERNMENT'S FIRM DETERMINATION AND COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES," HE SAID.
"WE INTEND TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUBSIDISED MEDICAL SERVICES TO ONE AND ALL. TO DO THIS WE NEED TO HAVE AN ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE WHICH WILL BE MORE EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND RESPONSIVE."
AN EARLY TASK FOR THE NEW AUTHORITY WOULD BE TO LOOK INTO WAYS IN WHICH A SET OF COMMON TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE COULD BE ESTABLISHED FOR ALL STAFF WORKING UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SAID SIR DAVID. IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, FURTHER CONSULTATIONS ON THESE MATTERS WOULD BE HELD WITH STAFF AND WITH THE SUBVERTED ORGAN1STA1ONS AFFECTED.
SIR DAVID ACKNOWLEDGED THAT GREAT STRIDES HAD BEEN MADE IN DEVELOPING HEALTH SERVICES AND SOCIAL PROGRAMMES, AND THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY HAD ALWAYS BEEN TO USE THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE MOST EFFECTIVELY THE HEALTH OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
GREAT EMPHASIS HAD BEEN PLACED ON PREVENTIVE- MEDICAL CARE, AND MUCH HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN THE PROVISION OF CURATIVE MEDICAL TREATMENT.
MORE HOSPITALS WERE BEING BUILT, FOR EXAMPLE THE 1,600 BED HOSPITAL IN TUEN MUN AND THE PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL IN EASTERN DISTRICT, WHICH WOULD HAVE 2,000 BEDS.
NEVERTHELESS, SAID SIR DAVID, MUCH REMAINED TO BE DONE, AND HE HAD SEEN FOR HIMSELF HOW SOME HOSPITALS SUFFER FROM OVERCROWDING. PLANS WERE IN HAND TO DEAL WITH THIS PROBLEM, AND THE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS WOULD INCREASE BY 50 PER CENT IN THE COMING DECADE.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
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HIGHER PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE PROPOSED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO INCREASE BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT THE BASIC RATES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE, STARTING FROM APRIL 1, 1988, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FOLLOWING AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO DECIDED TO MAKE, FROM JANUARY 1, A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, SIR DAVID SAID.
"THESE WILL INCLUDE INCREASING THE LEVEL OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TO LARGER FAMILIES; THE PROVISION OF A HIGH LEVEL OF ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT FOR SUCH FAMILIES; AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A MEAL ALLOWANCE FOR CHILDREN ATTENDING FULL-DAY SCHOOL," HE SAID.
”A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT WILL BENEFIT ABLE-BODIED RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WHO ARE IN REGULAR EMPLOYMENT BUT WHOSE WAGES ARE LOW.
"AS FROM JANUARY NEXT YEAR ONLY A PART OF THEIR WAGES WILL BE OFFSET AGAINST THEIR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE ALLOWANCE, RATHER THAN ALL THEIR WAGES AS AT PRESENT. THIS IS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO REMAIN IN WORK."
SIR DAVID SAID WELL-DESIGNED SOCIAL SECURITY AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES CONTRIBUTED TO A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS SOCIETY.
"OUR SAFETY NET, THOUGH RELATIVELY MODEST BY THE STANDARDS OF MOST ADVANCED COUNTRIES, IS BETTER THAN IN MOST COMPARABLE COUNTRIES IN THIS REGION. BUT IT NEEDS TO BE KEPT CONSTANTLY UNDER REVIEW," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECURITY OF RETIRED PERSONS AND THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY GENERALLY WAS A MATTER ON WHICH COUNCIL MEMBERS HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN, PARTICULARLY IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE DESIRABILITY OF SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, SIR DAVID WENT ON.
HE NOTED THAT THE PROPORTION OF OLD PEOPLE IN THE POPULATION WOULD INCREASE, AND MANY PEOPLE WERE CONCERNED THAT TRADITIONAL FAMILY TIES, ON WHICH THE ELDERLY UNTIL NOW LARGELY DEPENDED FOR SUPPORT, WERE BEING ERODED.
"IT HAS BEEN ARGUED THAT COMPULSORY PROVIDENT FUNDS WOULD GO SOME WAY TOWARDS MEETING THESE CONCERNS. THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED THESE ARGUMENTS CAREFULLY. WE HAVE ALSO CONSIDERED THE CONTRARY ARGUMENT: THAT COMPULSORY FUNDS, PARTICULARLY A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND, WOULD BENEFIT LEAST THOSE WHOSE NEED IS GREATEST, THAT IS THOSE WHO HAVE NOT HELD STEADY JOBS OR WHOSE PAY HAS BEEN LOW.
/"THERE IS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198?
- 29 -
"THERE IS A FURTHER ARGUMENT THAT COMPULSORY FUNDS COULD ALSO HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT, POSSIBLY A SERIOUSLY ADVERSE EFFECT, ON OUR ECONOMY.
"WE HAVE THEREFORE DECIDED THAT IT WOULD NOT BE RIGHT TO SET UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND OR TO MAKE PRIVATE FUNDS COMPULSORY. WE HAVE INSTEAD GIVEN CAREFUL THOUGHT TO OTHER WAYS IN WHICH RETIRED PEOPLE, AND ELDERLY PEOPLE GENERALLY, CAN BE HELPED.
"IN PARTICULAR, WE HAVE LOOKED AT WAYS OF INTRODUCING SUPERVISION OF PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUNDS; IMPROVING SOCIAL SECURITY; AND EXTENDING AND CHANGING THE CHARACTER OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME."
SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE ALREADY A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF PROVIDENT FUNDS AND OTHER RETIREMENT SCHEMES, ALL WITHOUT OFFICIAL SUPERVISION OR REGULATION.
THE RECENT INSOLVENCY OF SEVERAL OF THESE FUNDS HAD PROMPTED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXAMINE THE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THEY OPERATED IN RELATION TO PRACTICE ELSEWHERE, AND IT WAS CLEAR THAT PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS SUFFERED FROM SOME POTENTIALLY SERIOUS SHORTCOMINGS.
"WE HAVE THEREFORE DECIDED THAT A PROPER REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR SUCH FUNDS SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT ASSETS WHICH ARE HELD FOR THE FUTURE BENEFIT OF EMPLOYEES, INCLUDING THEIR OWN SAVINGS, ARE GIVEN AN ADEQUATE MEASURE OF PROTECTION."
A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT SETTING OUT THE PROPOSED REGULATORY FRAMEWORK WOULD BE PUBLISHED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
ON SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISION FOR THE ELDERLY, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO EXTEND THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE IN STAGES SO THAT, INSTEAD OF ONLY APPLYING TO THOSE OVER 70, IT WOULD, BY 1991, APPLY TO ALL THOSE OVER 65.
IN ADDITION, IT WAS INTENDED TO INTRODUCE FROM APRIL 1, 1988, A HIGHER RATE OF ALLOWANCE FOR THOSE OVER 70.
IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED TO DOUBLE THE NORMAL RATE OF DISABILITY ALLOWANCE FOR SEVERELY DISABLED PERSONS WHO DID NOT LIVE IN A GOVERNMENT OR SUBVENTED INSTITUTION, BUT NEVERTHELESS REQUIRED CONSTANT ATTENDANCE FROM ANOTHER PERSON.
"TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE LIKELY INCREASE OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT IN THE RATES OF PAYMENT OF SOCIAL SECURITY IN APRIL 1988, THE NEW RATES OF OLD AGE ALLOWANCES WILL AMOUNT TO ABOUT >280 PER MONTH FOR THOSE AGED 65-69, $320 FOR THOSE OVER 70, AND $1,120 FOR THE SEVERELY DISABLED WHO REQUIRE CONSTANT ATTENDANCE," HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID ........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 198?
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID IT WAS PLANNED TO EXTEND AND CHANGE THE CHARACTER OF THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME, AND IT WOULD NOW BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE WORKERS RETIRING BECAUSE OF OLD AGE OR ILL HEALTH.
ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES GENERALLY, THE GOVERNOR SPOKE OF PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE PHYSICAL NEEDS OF THE FRAIL AND THE INFIRM, QUITE APART FROM FINANCIAL NEEDS.
THE SHORTAGE OF PLACES IN CARE-AND-ATTENTTON HOMES RUN BY THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED WELFARE AGENCIES HAD LED TO THE MUSHROOMING OF PRIVATE NURSING HOMES IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, AND THE STANDARDS OF SERVICE IN THESE COULD VARY GREATLY.
"THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOW ASSESSING THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY COMPLY WITH THE CODE OF PRACTICE ISSUED LAST YEAR, AND WILL THEN DECIDE WHETHER LEGISLATION IS REQUIRED TO BRING THESE HOMES UNDER CLOSER CONTROL.
"MEANWHILE, WE ARE CONTINUING WITH OUR PROGRAMME TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES. THERE ARE NOW 12 SUCH HOMES PROVIDING JUST UNDER 1,500 PLACES. BY 1991-92 WE EXPECT THESE FIGURES TO RISE TO 28 HOMES WITH NEARLY 5,000 PLACES."
-----0------
ROYAL FOUNDATION FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ANNOUNCED ******
A PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH A QUEEN ELIZABETH FOUNDATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FOUNDATION WOULD BE SET UP WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE QUEEN, SAID SIR DAVID WHEN DESCRIBING THE PARTICULAR ATTENTION THAT WOULD BE PAID TO SERVICES FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE DISABLED AND THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE FOUNDATION WOULD BE FUNDED JOINTLY FROM THE SALE OF ROYAL VISIT GOLD COINS, FROM GENERAL REVENUE AND FROM CONTRIBUTIONS BY OTHER DONORS.
"THE FOUNDATION WILL COMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROGRAMME IN THIS AREA. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO IMPROVE THE CARE, ATTENTION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO INCREASE AND IMPROVE THE FACILITIES FOR CHILD ASSESSMENT AND FOR THE EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF DISABLED AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.
"MORE WILL BE DONE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL PLACES AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND THE DISABLED."
------0 ------- /}1 ..................
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 31 -
REASONS WHY IMPORT OF LABOUR HAS TO BE RESISTED
*****
SOME OF THE REASONS WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS RESISTED CALLS FOR A RELAXATION OF IMMIGRATION RULES TO PERMIT THE LARGE-SCALE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR WERE STATED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH LABOUR SHORTAGES IN BOOM CONDITIONS HAD RECENTLY BEEN THE SUBJECT OF WIDE PUBLIC DISCUSSION, AND WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE.
"WE HAVE LONG FOLLOWED THE POLICY OF ALLOWING WAGES AND OTHER INCOMES TO BE DECIDED GENERALLY BY THE FORCES OF THE MARKETPLACE. THIS HAS, OVER THE YEARS, ENABLED US TO ENSURE THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE EXPORT INDUSTRIES ON WHICH OUR ECONOMY, AS WELL AS THE STANDARD OF LIVING OF OUR WORKFORCE, DEPENDS SO HEAVILY.
"IT HAS ALSO GIVEN US THE LOW LEVELS OF UNEMPLOYMENT WHICH MUST BE WIDELY ENVIED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
"THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS COIN IS THAT, WHEN OUR ECONOMY IS BOOMING AND EXPORTS ARE DOING WELL, THERE IS A TIGHT LABOUR MARKET, WITH DEMAND FOR LABOUR EXCEEDING SUPPLY. IN THESE CONDITIONS THE LOGIC OF OUR SYSTEM MEANS THAT COMPETITION FOR LABOUR BIDS UP WAGES.
"IN THIS WAY, IN TIMES OF PROSPERITY, OUR WORKERS GET THEIR FAIR AND DESERVED SHARE OF THE BIGGER OVERALL CAKE.
"ANOTHER CONSEQUENCE IS THAT INDUSTRIALISTS INVEST IN NEW LABOUR SAVING MACHINERY. THIS TENDS TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY AND HELPS UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF OUR PRODUCTS."
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S TARGET IN DEALING WITH CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT HAD BEEN TO ACHIEVE CONDITIONS BROADLY EQUIVALENT TO THE BEST PREVAILING IN NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES WHOSE STAGE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL AND CULTURAL BACKGROUND WAS SIMILAR TO OUR OWN.
"IN PURSUIT OF THIS OBJECTIVE THE GOVERNMENT HAS ENACTED 142 ITEMS OF LABOUR LEGISLATION OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS. BUT WE ARE NOT COMPLACENT. RAPID ECONOMIC GROWTH QUITE RIGHTLY GIVES RISE TO INCREASING SOCIAL EXPECTATIONS. SO WE MUST CONTINUE TO IMPROVE OUR STANDARDS."
THE GOVERNOR OBSERVED THAT A HIGH LEVEL OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY HAD UNFORTUNATELY ALSO BROUGHT WITH IT AN INCREASE IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, IN SPITE OF ALL THE EFFORTS THAT HAD BEEN MADE BY EMPLOYERS, WORKERS AND THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION THIS SESSION TO IMPOSE ON BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES A GENERAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK; TO INTRODUCE CUSTODIAL SENTENCES FOR SERIOUS OFFENCES; AND TO CONTROL DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES USED IN INDUSTRY," HE ADDED.
- 0---------
/32........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
52
TENDERS FOR CABLE TV TO BE CALLED NEXT YEAR
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WoflLD BE IN A POSITION TO INVITE TENDERS FOR A CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE IN THE SECOND HALF OF NEXT YEAR, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LELGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID A CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK COULD BE USED FOR A WIDE RANGE OF TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES IN ADDITION TO THE TRANSMISSION OF TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.
"THE POSSIBILITY OF ITS INTRODUCTION HAS THEREFORE RAISED THE MORE FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION OF WHETHER HONG KONG’S COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS CAN ADEQUATELY BE MET IN THE NEXT DECADES BY THE EXISTING SINGLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK, OR WHETHER A SECOND NETWORK SHOULD BE ALLOWED," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE ADMITTED THAT THIS WAS A HIGHLY COMPLEX AND TECHNICAL ISSUE. "FOR THE SAKE OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS A CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS WE MUST GET THE ANSWER RIGHT," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD THEREFORE DECIDED TO COMMISSION OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS TO STUDY AND REPORT ON THE TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF INTRODUCING A SECOND DOMESTIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK.
"THE CONSULTANTS ARE DUE TO REPORT BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. THEREAFTER, WE EXPECT TO BE IN A POSITION TO INVITE TENDERS FOR CABLE TELEVISION IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1988," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED DECISIONS ON A NUMBER OF THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM THE REPORT OF THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD LAST YEAR AND SINCE THEN, CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THEM.
HE SAID A BROADCASTING AUTHORITY, WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR WIRELESS TELEVISION, WAS ESTABLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 1.
ITS MEMBERS HAD BEEN DRAWN FROM DIVERSE SECTIONS OF THE COMMUNITY AND SHOULD BE GENUINELY REPRESENTATIVE OF ITS INTERESTS.
"BY DRAWING UP CODES OF PRACTICE THE AUTHORITY WILL HELP TO ENSURE THAT TELEVISION PROGRAMMES PROVIDED IN FUTURE WILL REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE TASTES AND STANDARDS OF THEIR AUDIENCES," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THE AUTHORITY’S REGULATORY FUNCTIONS WOULD LATER BE EXTENDED TO COVER RADIO BROADCASTING AND CABLE TELEVISION.
ON RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO BRING LEGISLATION BEFORE THE COUNCIL NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS.
"IN THE MEANTIME THE NEW FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS REQUIRED BY THE CHANGED STATUS OF RTHK ARE BEING EXAMINED AND DEVELOPED," HE ADDED.
-----o-------- /33......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 53 -
STRONGER EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS
*****
HONG KONG IS NOW TAKING ITS RIGHTFUL PLACE AS AN IMPORTANT CULTURAL CENTRE IN THE REGION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN THIS AREA, HE SAID, WAS TO PROMOTE APPRECIATION, AND PARTICIPATION IN, OF CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES.
"THIS POLICY EMPHASISES THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL TALENT AND LOCAL PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING COMPANIES AS WELL AS THE PROVISION OF SUITABLE FACILITIES IN WHICH THEY CAN PERFORM," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION IN SUCH FACILITIES. WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE AT TSIM SHA TSUI IN MID-1989, HONG KONG WOULD HAVE AS MANY AS 21,000 THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL SEATS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, WITHOUT COUNTING THE HONG KONG COLISEUM AND THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM WHICH WERE SOMETIMES USED FOR SUCH PERFORMANCES.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG MUST CONTINUE TO DEVELOP LOCAL TALENT TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THE FACILITIES AND TO ATTRACT WIDER AUDIENCES.
HE SAID THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS WOULD SOON BE PRODUCING MORE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMERS AND TEACHERS TO MAKE THEIR OWN CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS.
"WHILE DEVELOPING OUR OWN TALENT WE MUST NOT FORGET THE NEED TO ATTRACT TO HONG KONG THE HIGHEST QUALITY PERFORMERS FROM OVERSEAS," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THIS HAD ALREADY BEEN HAPPENING ON AN INCREASING SCALE IN RECENT YEARS, ADDING THAT THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL HAD BECOME FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS A SIGNIFICANT EVENT IN THE INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL CALENDAR.
TURNING TO SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND VOLUNTARY SPORTS BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS HAD ALL PLAYED ACTIVE AND IMPORTANT ROLES IN PROMOTING AND DEVELOPING SUCH ACTIVITIES, BOTH FOR MASS PARTICIPATION AND FOR THE PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE.
HE SAID THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT AND THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS PLANNED TO PROVIDE OVER $37 MILLION THIS YEAR TO FUND A VARIETY OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID HONG KONG NOW HAD A "REMARKABLE" RANGE OF SPORTS FACILITIES, INCLUDING 19 FULL-SIZE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES WITH AN ADDITIONAL FOUR UNDER CONSTRUCTION; 27 MULTI-PURPOSE GAMES HALLS WITH AS MANY AS 26 MORE UNDER CONSTRUCTION; AND THE COLISEUM AND THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM FOR LARGE-SCALE INDOOR SPORTING AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS.
HE ADDED THAT THE 21 COUNTRY PARKS IN THE TERRITORY, COVERING AS MUCH AS 40 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S LAND MASS, RECEIVED NEARLY 10 MILLION VISITORS IN 1986-87.
------ 0 - - - - /3* ..............
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- -BN(O) PASSPORT A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT » » ♦ * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE SAW EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE USING THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORT WOULD BE ABLE TO TRAVEL AS WIDELY AND EASILY AS THEY DID NOW ON BDTC PASSPORTS.
SIR DAVID TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE FACT THAT NOT EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD HAD ISSUED A STATEMENT ON THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF THE BN(O) PASSPORT WAS NOT SIGNIFICANT.
ONE WOULD NOT EXPECT THEM TO DO SO, HE SAID, NOTING THAT THE BN(O) PASSPORT WAS A BRITISH PASSPORT ISSUED UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
"AS WITH ANY PASSPORT IT IS ASSUMED THAT OTHER COUNTRIES WILL ACCEPT IT AS A VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
"IN THE RARE EVENT THAT THEY DO NOT DO SO, IT IS FOR THEM TO MAKE THIS CLEAR," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT NO GOVERNMENT HAD SAID THAT IT WOULD NOT ACCEPT FOR ENTRY TO ITS TERRITORY TRAVELLERS HOLDING THE BN(O) PASSPORT.
"THE GREAT MAJORITY OF THE COUNTRIES TO WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE TRAVEL MOST OFTEN HAVE PUBLICLY STATED THAT THEY WILL TREAT THE BN(O) PASSPORT IN THE SAME WAY AS THEY DO BDTC PASSPORTS; AND THIS INCLUDES THE CONTINUATION OF VISA FREE ARRANGEMENTS WHERE THESE EXIST," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT THE BN(O) STATUS AND THE PASSPORT THAT WENT WITH IT WERE INTRODUCED ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR.
"THOSE WHO ARE ENTITLED TO USE THIS FORM OF PASSPORT WILL CONTINUE TO BE ABLE TO USE IT AFTER 1997, WHEREAS THE HONG KONG BDTC PASSPORT WILL NOT BE VALID AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.
"PROVISION WAS MADE FOR THE NEW PASSPORT IN THE EXCHANGE OF MEMORANDA ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOINT DECLARATION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ADDED THAT ITS INTRODUCTION FOLLOWED SOME NINE MONTHS OF INTENSIVE DIPLOMATIC ACTIVITY BY THE BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS TO EXPLAIN THE NEW STATUS TO OTHER GOVERNMENTS.
"DESPITE ALL THAT HAS BEEN SAID ON THE SUBJECT TO THE CONTRARY, THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN ENCOURAGING," HE SAID.
-------0----------
/35........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
35 -
FULL COMPUTERISATION OF IMMIGRATION POINTS BY 1989
» ♦ ♦ » *
TRAVELLERS WITH HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS WILL BE ABLE TO PASS THROUGH ALL OF HONG KONG’S IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS WITHOUT HAVING TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE CARDS BY MID-1989, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE ATTRIBUTED THIS TO THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER SYSTEMS AT THE IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS THE FIRST OF WHICH WERE INSTALLED AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND THE SHAM SHUI PO PIER IN MAY THIS YEAR.
’’THE SYSTEM HAS NOW BEEN EXTENDED TO COVER THE LO WU AND HUNG HOM CONTROL POINTS; AND IT WILL SOON BE INTRODUCED ALSO AT THE MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK CROSSINGS,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID ADDED THAT KAI TAK AIRPORT AND THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN CANTON ROAD WOULD BE COVERED IN MID-1988; AND, FINALLY, LOK MA CHAU IN MID-1989.
TURNING TO MEASURES AGAINST TRAVEL AGENTS WHICH SUDDENLY CEASED BUSINESS OR DEFAULTED ON THEIR OBLIGATIONS, SIR DAVID SAID THE PROBLEM WAS NOT UNIQUE TO HONG KONG.
"ALTHOUGH WE DO HAVE LEGISLATION COVERING TRAVEL AGENTS IT IS BECOMING CLEAR THAT, WITHOUT THE DEPLOYMENT OF DISPROPORTIONATE RESOURCES, THIS ALONE CANNOT PROVIDE AN ADEQUATE SAFEGUARD AGAINST INEFFICIENT AND FRAUDULENT OPERATORS."
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THERE NOW SEEMS TO BE A GENERAL CONSENSUS THAT THE BEST WAY FORWARD WAS FOR THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY TO REGULATE ITSELF AND THAT IT SHOULD ADOPT SOUND AND PRUDENT PRACTICES IN ORDER TO PROTECT ITS OWN INTEGRITY AS WELL AS THE INTERESTS OF ITS CUSTOMERS.
"THE GOVERNMENT ARE LIAISING CLOSELY WITH THE INDUSTRY IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS OBJECTIVE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE NOTED.
ON TOURISM, SIR DAVID SAID THE NUMBER OF TOURISTS VISITING HONG KONG WOULD SOON REACH FOUR MILLION A YEAR, COMPARED WITH ONE MILLION IN THE MID-1970’S.
HE NOTED THAT OVER THE YEARS, THE TOURIST INDUSTRY HAD MADE A VERY SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMY, RELYING MOSTLY ON ITS OWN RESOURCES AND WITHOUT GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE.
"EVEN THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION IS LARGELY FINANCED FROM THE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION," HE SAID.
0-------- /36
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 56 -
HEARTENING EVIDENCE THAT CRIME IS DECLINING
*****
CRIME IS BEING CONTAINED AND THERE IS HEARTENING EVIDENCE THAT IT IS EVEN DECLINING, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE HAVE HAD A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF SUCCESS AND I WOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE EFFICIENCY AND DEDICATION OF OUR POLICE FORCE WHICH DOES MUCH TO ENSURE THAT ORDINARY CITIZENS CAN GO ABOUT THEIR AFFAIRS IN SOCIETY," HE SAID.
COPING WITH CRIME WAS A NEVER-ENDING TASK IN ANY LARGE AND CROWDED METROPOLIS, SAID SIR DAVID, AND IN HONG KONG VERY CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE OVER THE YEARS TO COMBAT IT.
HE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT WAS AN AREA OF GREAT CONCERN TO THE PEOPLE, AND COMMENTED THAT IN CONTAINING CRIME "HONG KONG APPEARS TO BE DOING BETTER THAN MANY OTHER LARGE CITIES, ALTHOUGH THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT".
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE TRIAD PROBLEM WAS AN AREA OF PARTICULAR CONCERN, AND POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE PAST YEAR THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE HAD CONTINUED TO GIVE THIS A HIGH PRIORITY. A NUMBER OF MEASURES HAD BEEN ADOPTED TO COUNTER IT.
"ONE IMPORTANT MOVE HAS BEEN TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION FOR TRIAL WITNESSES THROUGH THE USE OF ONE-WAY VIEWERS.
"IN ADDITION, STRICTER PENALTIES HAVE ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED FOR THOSE FOUND GUILTY OF BELONGING TO ILLEGAL SOCIETIES, AND LEGISLATION IS BEING PREPARED TO TIGHTEN THE LAWS GOVERNING ILLEGAL GAMBLING, DRUG ABUSE AND THE NUISANCES ASSOCIATED WITH PROSTITUTION.
"A SCHEME IS ALSO BEING WORKED OUT TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO RENOUNCE TRIAD MEMBERSHIP. NEXT YEAR A NEW COMPUTERISED CRIMINAL INFORMATION SYSTEM WILL BE IN OPERATION TO IMPROVE OUR ABILITY TO COMBAT TRIAD ACTIVITIES AND OTHER SERIOUS CRIMES."
SIR DAVID SAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION NEEDED TO BE PAID TO THE RISING TREND OF CRIMES COMMITTED BY YOUNG OFFENDERS. STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE AND REFINE SENTENCING POLICY FOR SUCH OFFENDERS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR CHANCES OF REHABILITATION.
"METHODS ARE BEING WORKED OUT TO INVOLVE SCHOOLS MORE CLOSELY IN THIS PROBLEM, FOR INSTANCE THROUGH THE USE OF SPECIALLY COMPILED TEACHING MATERIALS. DISTRICT BOARDS AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES ARE ALSO PAYING GREATER ATTENTION TO JUVENILE CRIME ON A LOCAL BASIS," HE SAID.
/TURNING to
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
- 57 -
TURNING TO COMMERCIAL CRIME, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE RECENT CONCLUSION OF THE LONGEST AND MOST COMPLEX COURT CASE IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY HAD FOCUSSED RENEWED PUBLIC ATTENTION ON THIS PROBLEM, WHICH WAS ONE ON WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN WORKING FOR SOME TIME.
"A DRAFT BILL HAS.-NOW BEEN PREPARED WHICH WILL IMPLEMENT, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME WHICH AIM TO IMPROVE THE PREPARATORY STAGE AND THE SUBSEQUENT CONDUCT OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL TRIALS," HE SAID.
"THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL BE SOUGHT ON THESE PROPOSALS."
DEALING WITH CORRUPTION, SIR DAVID SAID THE FIGHT AGAINST THIS HAD CONTINUED WITH SOME SIGNIFICANT SUCCESSES. "REPORTS OF CORRUPTION RECEIVED BY THE ICAC NOW APPEAR TO BE DECLINING, PARTICULARLY IN RESPECT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE," HE SAID. "ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE HAS BEEN SOME INCREASE IN PROSECUTIONS FOR CORRUPTION AND RELATED OFFENCES AND IN THE NUMBER OF CONVICTIONS RECORDED."
-----0------
NEW LAW BEING DRAFTED TO CONFISCATE DRUGS MONEY * * t * *
NEW LEGISLATION IS BEING DRAFTED TO GIVE POWER TO THE COURTS TO CONFISCATE THE PROCEEDS OF DRUG TRAFFICKING, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE LEGISLATION WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION, HE ADDED WHILE SPEAKING ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE.
ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING WAS BEING PURSUED VIGOROUSLY, BOTH IN RELATION TO PROSECUTIONS AND TO THE SEIZURE OF DRUGS, HE SAID.
"WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO STRIKE MORE EFFECTIVELY AT THE FINANCIAL ROOTS OF THE ILLICIT DRUG TRADE," HE POINTED OUT.
SIR DAVID DESCRIBED DRUG ABUSE AS A PROBLEM WHICH HAD CAUSED MUCH TROUBLE OVER THE YEARS, AND THE LINKED MENACES OF DRUG ADDICTION AND OF DRUG TRAFFICKING HAD NOW REACHED GLOBAL PROPORTIONS.
HE SAID HONG KONG WAS TACKLING THESE LINKED MENACES VIGOROUSLY, AND ITS METHODS AND SUCCESS HAD RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.
/"HONG KONG
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7t 1987
- 38 -
’’HONG KONG IS PLAYING A LEADING ROLE WITHIN THE REGION IN HELPING TO CO-ORDINATE INTERNATIONAL ACTION AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING,” SIR DAVID SAID.
"IT IS PARTICULARLY PLEASING TO NOTE THAT OUR CLOSE LIAISON WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES IN THIS FIELD HAS SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED THE ILLEGAL IMPORT OF MANDRAX.”
SIR DAVID SAID THE LOCAL PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE WAS BEING CONTAINED, PARTICULARLY AS REGARDS HEROIN. ”WE ARE ALSO DEALING WITH THE RISING PROBLEM OF THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES,” HE ADDED.
- - 0 ----------
\J INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION NEEDED TO SOLVE VR PROBLEM
» » ♦ ♦ ♦
A LONG-TERM SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY A CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT BY A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NOTING THAT SUCH A LONG-TERM SOLUTION WOULD DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM AT ITS SOURCE, SIR DAVID SAID: ”1 AM AFRAID THAT IT WILL REQUIRE A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND PATIENT DIPLOMACY BEFORE WE CAN EXPECT TO ACHIEVE RESULTS.”
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM BORE A HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTINUING EXODUS OF PEOPLE WHICH AFFECTED NOT JUST HONG KONG BUT ALSO ALL THE COUNTRIES OF SOUTHEAST ASIA.
THE PROBLEM CERTAINLY COULD NOT BE SOLVED BY HONG KONG ALONE, AND IT ALSO REQUIRED THE CO-OPERATION OF THE VIETNAMESE AUTHORITIES.
”SO FAR THE GOVERNMENT OF VIETNAM HAS SAID NO MORE THAN IT IS PREPARED TO CONSIDER REPATRIATION ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS. EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THIS IS A VERY RESTRICTIVE DEFINITION,” SIR DAVID SAID.
BUT HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, WOULD CONTINUE TO SEEK A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WHICH HAD BEEN PRESENT FOR FAR TOO LONG.
SIR DAVID SAID COPING WITH THE REFUGEE INFLOW WAS UNDERSTANDABLY A MATTER OF GREAT PUBLIC CONCERN.
/’’THE NUMBER
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
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"THE NUMflEH OF REFUGEES ARRIVING FROM VIETNAM SO FAR THIS YEAR HAS INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986. THE NUMBER LEAVING FOR RESETTLEMENT HAS DECLINED BY 47 PER CENT. THOSE STATISTICS TELL THEIR OWN STORIES. IT IS A MOST UNSATISFACTORY SITUATION."
THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG, WITH THE CONTINUING HELP OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, WOULD CONTINUE TO PRESS RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TO TAKE MORE REFUGEES FROM THE TERRITORY. BOTH THE UK AND THE UNHCR HAD BEEN SEEKING MORE PLACES ON HONG KONG’S BEHALF, HE NOTED.
"BUT RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES HAVE BECOME VERY SELECTIVE IN CHOOSING WHOM THEY WILL ACCEPT," SIR DAVID SAID, "MOST NOW INSIST THAT THOSE THEY TAKE SHOULD HAVE CLOSE FAMILY CONNECTIONS WITH VIETNAMESE ALREADY SETTLED IN THEIR COUNTRIES. THIS MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO RESETTLE MANY OF OUR REFUGEES.
"WE HAVE A PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN THAT AN INCREASING NUMBER OF THE ARRIVALS ARE ETHNIC VIETNAMESE FROM NORTH VIETNAM WHO HAVE NO CONNECTIONS IN COUNTRIES OF RESETTLEMENT. MANY PEOPLE IN OUR CAMPS HAVE WAITED FOR YEARS IN THE HOPE OF BEING RESETTLED: 3,500 REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM HAVE BEEN HERE FOR MORE THAN FIVE YEARS."
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM WHICH REQUIRED CONSTANT ATTENTION, THE GOVERNOR SAID, AND HE NOTED A SUDDEN INCREASE WAS SPARKED IN JUNE BY BASELESS RUMOURS OF AN AMNESTY.
"OUR SECURITY FORCES ONCE AGAIN ENSURED THAT NEARLY ALL OF THE ARRIVALS WERE CAUGHT ON ENTRY AND RETURNED FORTHWITH. THEY DESERVE OUR CONGRATULATIONS AND THANKS FOR THEIR PROFESSIONALISM AND UNREMITTING EFFORTS.
"WE BENEFITTED TOO FROM GOOD CO-OPERATION WITH THE GUANGDONG AND SHENZHEN AUTHORITIES WHO PLAYED A LARGE PART IN STOPPING THE FLOW."
SIR DAVID EMPHASISED ANEW THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
"TO THE FAMILIAR PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION HAS, IN RECENT MONTHS, BEEN ADDED' THAT OF FORMER VIETNAMESE REFUGEES SETTLED IN CHINA WHO HAVE TRIED TO ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY," HE SAID.
"WHILE THEY ARE WITH US THESE PEOPLE ARE A STRAIN ON OUR RESOURCES IN THE SAME WAY AS REFUGEES. BUT THEY ARE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, NOT REFUGEES, AND.MUST BE TREATED AS SUCH."
♦ I
WITH THE EFFECTIVE AND WELCOME CO-OPERATION OF THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, S1*EFs HAD BEEN TAKEN TO CONTAIN THE FLOW, AND THE EXERCISE OF RETURNING THESE PEOPLE TO CHINA WAS PROCEEDING SMOOTHLY.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7,
1987
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GOVERNMENT CHANGES EVOLUTIONARY, NOT REVOLUTIONARY *****
THE PROCESS OF CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN EVOLUTIONARY, NOT REVOLUTIONARY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY)•
"WE HAVE TAKEN CARE AT EACH STEP TO REFLECT AND CONSULT BEFORE DECIDING ON THE NEXT ONE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSTANT CONCERN WAS TO ACT IN THE OVERALL INTERESTS OF HONG KONG. ’’THIS MEANS, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, MAINTAINING A FRAMEWORK OF SOUND ADMINISTRATION WHICH IS STABLE AND RELIABLE AND YET REMAINS RESPONSIVE TO THEtCHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID ANOTHER ROUND OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON DEVELOPING VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAD JUST BEEN COMPLETED AND IMPORTANT DECISIONS WOULD NEED TO BE TAKEN OVER THE NEXT THREE OR FOUR MONTHS ON WHAT CHANGES IT WOULD BE RIGHT TO MAKE IN 1988.
"IN REACHING THOSE DECISIONS, THE GOVERNMENT ARE COMMITTED TO TAKING FULL ACCOUNT OF ALL THE VIEWS RECORDED IN THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT.
"WE WILL, NATURALLY, ALSO GIVE FULL REGARD TO OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS, INCLUDING THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT ANY CHANGES WHICH MIGHT BE INTRODUCED DO NOT DISRUPT THE STEADY PROGRESS WE HAVE BEEN MAKINO, NOR THE STABILITY WHICH IS SO IMPORTANT TO OUR COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE MORE THAN 130,000 SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED BY THE SURVEY OFFICE WAS EVIDENCE OF THE INTEREST WHICH THE ISSUES IN THE GREEN PAPER, AND IN PARTICULAR THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING SOME ELEMENT OF DIRECT'ELECTIONS TO THIS COUNCIL, HAD AROUSED AMONGST MANY IN THE COMMUNITY.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW RESPONSIBILITIES OF BRANCH SECRETARIES ♦ ♦ * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS ENGAGING AN INTERNATIONAL FIRM OF MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS TO REVIEW THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF BRANCH SECRETARIES AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH DEPARTMENT HEADS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT THE SAME TIME, SIR DAVID ANNOUNCED THAT AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY SIR ROGER LOBO WOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO VET APPLICATIONS FROM DIRECTORATE LEVEL OFFICERS WHO WISHED TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR UPON RETIREMENT.
EXPLAINING THE NEED FOR THE REVIEW, SIR DAVID SAID THE PRESENT TOP MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1973. "SINCE THEN HONG KONG HAS DEVELOPED SOCIALLY, ECONOMICALLY AND POLITICALLY; AND THE DEMANDS MADE ON THAT STRUCTURE HAVE INCREASED CONSIDERABLY," HE ADDED.
"THE TIME HAS NOW COME TO TAKE ANOTHER LOOK AT OUR TOP MANAGEMENT ORGANISATION TO ENSURE THAT IT IS FULLY EQUIPPED TO RESPOND EFFECTIVELY, NOT ONLY TO THE DEMANDS OF HONG KONG TODAY, BUT ALSO TO THE FURTHER CHANGES THAT WILL INEVITABLY TAKE PLACE IN THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CONSULTANTS WOULD HELP REVIEW THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN BRANCH SECRETARIES, AND EXAMINE THE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATIVE ROLES OF SECRETARIES AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CONSULTANTS' REPORT WAS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
NOTING RECENT PUBLIC CONCERN THAT CONFLICTS OF INTEREST MIGHT ARISE WHEN SOME SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS TOOK UP EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR UPON RETIREMENT, SIR DAVID DISCLOSED THAT AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO VET APPLICATIONS FROM DIRECTORATE LEVEL OFFICERS WHO WISHED TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR AFTER RETIREMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID SIR ROGER LOBO WOULD CHAIR THE COMMITTEE AND ITS MEMBERS WOULD INCLUDE A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, A HIGH COURT JUDGE AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CONTINUANCE OF SOUND ADMINISTRATION WOULD DEPEND GREATLY ON THE MAINTENANCE OF A DEDICATED AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE.
HE SAID HE HAD SEEN THE VERY HIGH QUALITIES OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND HE WAS CONVINCED THAT IT WAS FULLY CAPABLE OF MEETING WHATEVER CHALLENGES THAT MIGHT LIE AHEAD.
/SIR DAVID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7t 1987
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SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S BASIC POLICY ON THE LOCALISATION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE REMAINED UNCHANGED AND OVERSEAS RECRUITMENT OCCURRED ONLY WHEN SUITABLE LOCAL CANDIDATES WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
’’THE FACT THAT LOCAL OFFICERS NOW FILL 70 PER CENT OF SENIOR PROFESSIONAL POSTS, AND 53 PER CENT OF DIRECTORATE POSTS, IS A RESULT OF THE CONSISTENT IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT POLICY OVER THE LAST FEW DECADES,” HE ADDED.
BUT STR DAVID NOTED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS OFFICERS HOLDING SENIOR PROFESSIONAL AND DIRECTORATE POSITIONS HAD REMAINED MORE OR LESS CONSTANT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS AT AROUND THE THOUSAND MARK, OWING TO THE INCREASE IN THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
’’ALSO WORTH NOTING IS THE STATISTIC THAT SOME 90 PER CENT OF APPLICATIONS FROM OVERSEAS OFFICERS FOR RENEWAL OF CONTRACTS ARE APPROVED.
“ALL THIS IS EVIDENCE OF THE FACT THAT OVERSEAS OFFICERS CONTINUE TO MAKE A SUBSTANTIAL CONTRIBUTION TO OUR SOCIETY.
"IN A MODERN AND COSMOPOLITAN SOCIETY SUCH AS HONG KONG, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE ROOM IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR SUITABLE TALENT FROM OVERSEAS," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE ALSO SAID INCREASED ATTENTION WAS BEING PAID TO MAKING SURE THAT A SUFFICIENT NUMBER OF TRAINED AND EXPERIENCED OFFICERS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN FUTURE YEARS TO FILL SENIOR MANAGERIAL AND DIRECTORATE POSITIONS THROUGHOUT THE SERVICE.
"OFFICERS WITH POTENTIAL TO FILL POSTS IN THE HIGHER RANKS ARE BEING IDENTIFIED AND THEIR TALENTS ARE BEING DEVELOPED THROUGH EXTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND ATTACHMENTS, BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER AND QUALITY OF APPLICATIONS FOR VACANCIES IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, ADDING THAT THERE WERE MORE THAN 3,000 HIGH QUALITY APPLICATIONS FOR 35 POSTS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES.
"THIS IS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN OF X HIGH LEVEL OF INTEREST AMONGST YOUNG PEOPLE IN PURSUING A CAREER OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
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INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY TO PROBE GRIEVANCES PROPOSED
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THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO SET UP AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS OF MALADMINISTRATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE AUTHORITY WILL BE CALLED THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS. SIR DAVID SAID DETAILED PROPOSALS WERE NOW BEING DRAWN UP FOR SETTING IT UP.
HE SAID THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT AND THAT HE SHOULD HAVE POWERS TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING MALADMINISTRATION ON THE PART OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND STATUTORY POWERS TO CALL FOR GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS.
HOWEVER, SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THERE WOULD BE SOME NECESSARY EXCLUSIONS FROM THE COMMISSIONER'S JURISDICTION, "FOR EXAMPLE IN THE FIELDS OF DEFENCE AND OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND OBLIGATIONS, AS WELL AS MATTERS OF A JUDICIAL NATURE."
HE ADDED THAT DETAILS OF THE COMMISSIONER’S TERMS OF APPOINTMENT, HIS JURISDICTION, ACCESS TO HIM BY COMPLAINANTS AND HIS INVESTIGATORY POWERS WOULD BE PUBLISHED AS A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION BEFORE ITS INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"THIS WILL PERMIT PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE DETAILS, WHICH WERE ONLY OUTLINED IN THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ISSUED IN 1986," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO STUDYING EXISTING PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH STATUTORY APPEALS TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO IMPROVE YET FURTHER THE SYSTEM FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES.
"THE AIM IS TO TRY TO STREAMLINE AND RATIONALISE THESE PROCEDURES, SO THAT APPEALS CAN BE HANDLED MORE THOROUGHLY AND SWIFTLY," HE SAID, ADDING THAT STEPS WOULD BE TAKEN TO BRING NECESSARY LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE COMING SESSION.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 1987
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OBJECTIVE IS ’QUALITY OF LIFE’ FOR ALL
*****
WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SEEKING IS THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AS A SOCIETY WHICH COMBINES A STRONG, EXPANDING AND COMPETITIVE ECONOMY WITH CONCERN F(JR THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF ALL ITS INHABITANTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE SUMMED UP HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
“THIS IS THE OBJECTIVE TO WHICH I COMMIT MYSELF AND THE GOVERNMENT. WITH YOUR HELP I AM SURE THAT WE CAN, AND WILL, MAKE STEADY PROGRESS TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS GOAL,” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE HOPED HIS ADDRESS WOULD COMMEND ITSELF TO COUNCILLORS AS A PROGRAMME WHICH WAS BOTH AMBITIOUS AND CAPABLE OF ACHIEVEMENT.
"THE AIM IS TO BE FORWARD LOOKING: TO BUILD ON THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST AND TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THE NEEDS AND DEMANDS OF THE FUTURE,” HE NOTED.
SIR DAVID SAID HE ANTICIPATED LIVELY DEBATE ON MANY TOPICS DURING THE COMING SESSION AND WAS CONFIDENT THAT WHERE THERE WERE DIFFERENCES OF VIEW, THEY WOULD BE ARGUED WITH CARE AND IN THE REALISATION THAT WE ALL HAD A COMMON OBJECTIVE: TO FURTHER THE WELL BEING OF THE WHOLE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG.
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HO TAKES UP LEGCO SEAT ♦ » ♦
A NEW MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR EDWARD HO SING-TIN, TOOK THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH AT THE START OF THE 1987-88 SESSION THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR HO REPLACES MRS. L. CHEN WHO RETIRED FROM THE COUNCIL AT THE END OF THE LAST SESSION.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
FUTURE IN OUR HANDS — GOVERNOR............................ 1
UPSURGE OF INVESTMENT PROVES A POINT - TSaO............... 2
IMPROVED BENEFITS FOR ELDERLY ............................ 4
JULY PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE......... 5
FOURTEENTH DISTRICT VISIT FOR GOVERNOR .................. 10
NEW RO.xD TO BE BUILT AT ABERDEEN WATERFRONT ............ 10
BOOK-MARK DESIGNS ON CIVIC EDUCATION .................... 11
DFCC TO PROMOTE aNTI-TRIAD MESSAGE....................... 12
SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE OPENS ENQUIRY COUNTER IN MA ON SHaN 12
RECORD APPLICATIONS FOR TOLO HARBOUR SWIM ............... 13
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES.......... 14
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT FOR SAI KUNG........ 15
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS CW THE PEAK................. 15
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
1
FUTURE IN OUR HANDS — GOVERNOR *****
NOW THE FRAMEWORK FOR OUR FUTURE IS IN PLACE, IT IS- UP TO US ALL TO MAKE SURE IT WORKS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY MARKING THE OPENING OF THE REGIONAL MEETING OF THE ASIA PACIFIC COUNCIL OF THE AMERICAN CHAMBERS (?F COMMERCE, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE JOINT DECLARATION SEEKS TO ENSURE THAT, WHEN HONG KONG BECOMES A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA ON JULY 1, 1997, ALL THOSE FACTORS WHICH HAVE MADE HONG KONG’S SUCCESS POSSIBLE WILL CONTINUE.
"THESE INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, CONTINUITY OF THE FREE ENTERPRISE CAPITALIST ECONOMY; CONTINUITY OF HONG KONG’S STATUS AS A SEPARATE CUSTOMS TERRITORY; CONTINUITY OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM; FREE CONVERTIBILITY OF THE HONG KONG CURRENCY WITHOUT EXCHANGE CONTROLS; AND GUARANTEES OF PERSONAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS."
SIR DAVID SAID QUESTIONS WERE, OF COURSE, STILL ASKED ABOUT HOW ALL THESE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD WORK OUT IN PRACTICE.
"BUT THE IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE FUTURE IS NOW IN PLACE. IT IS NOW UP TO US ALL TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WORKS," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT GOOD PROGRESS WASALREADY BEING MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, CITING HONG KONG’S STATUS AS A SEPARATE CONTRACTING PARTY TO THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE AS WELL AS ITS MEMBERSHIP OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL.
TURNING TO TRADE, THE GOVERNOR STRESSED: "WE IN HONG KONG ARE FIRM BELIEVERS IN FREE TRADE."
HE SAID DURING HIS VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES LATER THIS MONTH HE WOULD MEET ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS, CONGRESSMEN AND BUSINESS LEADERS.
"ONE OF THE MESSAGES THAT I SHALL TRY TO GET ACROSS IS THE OPENNESS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND THE SCOPE FOR EXPANSION IN OUR BILATERAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC TIES," HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S CLOSE ECONOMIC TIES WITH THE U.S., SIR DAVID SAID: "LAST YEAR THE U.S. WAS OUR LARGEST OVERSEAS MARKET AND OUR FOURTH MOST IMPORTANT SUPPLIER.
"IT WAS THE SINGLE LARGEST SOURCE OF OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG."
/HE NOTED
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 198?
HE NOTED THAT AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN WERE VERY ACTIVE IN OUR SERVICES SECTOR, ADDING THAT U.S. BANKS, FOR EXAMPLE, CONSTITUTED THE SECOND LARGEST GROUP OF FOREIGN BANKS IN HONG KONG.
"DESPITE ITS SMALL SIZE, HONG KONG IS A VALUABLE MARKET FOR U.S. EXPORTS," SIR DAVID SAID.
"IN 1986 WE IMPORTED ABOUT U.S.$3 BILLION WORTH OF U.S. GOODS."
THIS MEANT THAT EVERY PERSON IN HONG KONG BOUGHT ABOUT U.S.$521 WORTH OF U.S. GOODS LAST YEAR, WHILE IN THE EEC THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE WAS U.S.4157 AND IN JAPAN IT WAS U.S.$189, HE NOTED.
"IT MAY ALSO SURPRISE SOME OF YOU TO KNOW THAT HONG KONG IS THE SECOND LARGEST ASIAN INVESTOR IN THE U.S.," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
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UPSURGE OF INVESTMENT PROVES A POINT - TSAO
»*»*■«
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, REITERATED THAT ALL INDICATIONS IN HONG KONG POINTED TO A SMOOTH TRANSITION TO 1997 AND EVERY LIKELIHOOD THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO FUNCTION AS IT WAS DOING NOW.
"THIS CONFIDENCE IS MIRRORED IN THE MASSIVE UPSURGE OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION," MR TSAO SAID WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE HONG KONG BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF THE MID-WEST IN CHICAGO ON WEDNESDAY (CHICAGO TIME).
NOTING THAT MUCH OF THIS INVESTMENT WILL NOT BEAR FRUIT TO INVESTORS UNTIL WELL BEYOND 1997, MR TSAO SAID IT WAS NOTEWORTHY THAT A VERY CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF IT CAME FROM CHINA.
"IF THIS ALL-ROUND CONFIDENCE PROVES TO BE MISPLACED IT MEANS THAT AN AWFUL LOT OF HITHERTO-WISE INVESTORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD HAVE GOT IT WRONG," HE SAID.
HE DREW THE ATTENTION OF HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN IN THE UNITED STATES TO THE FACT THAT SOME MEDIA REPORTS MIGHT HAVE PRESENTED A DISTORTED PICTURE ABOUT HONG KONG.
/"HONG KONG’S
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
5. -
"HONG KONG’S IMPRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT HAS NOT BEEN WITHOUT ITS DETRACTOR.' . ITS ENVIABLE SUCCESS MAKES FOR A GOOD STORY BUT POOR NEWS. JOURNALISTS SEEM THEREFORE TO BE OBLIGED TO ’KNOCK’ ITS SUCCESS BY DREAMING UP DRAMATIC ’NEWS ITEMS’, MOST OF WHICH ARE DERIVED FROM THE SO-CALLED 1997 SYNDROME," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON ALLEGATIONS THAT ’HONG KONG IS SUFFERING FROM INCREASING BRAIN DRAIN’ AND ’HONG KONG FACES MASS EMIGRATION’, MR TSAO ADMITTED THAT IT IS A FACT THAT SOME ARE EMIGRATING, BUT NOTED THAT A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER HAVE’RETURNED.
"WE ARE ALSO FORTUNATE IN THAT OUR ECONOMY AND STRATEGIC POSITION ALLOWS US TO OFFSET ANY LOCAL LOSS WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF ’OVERSEAS BRAINS’, MANY OF WHOM ARE AMERICAN," HE SAID.
ON THE COMMENT THAT HONG KONG IS FACING A HEAVY CAPITAL OUTFLOW, MR TSAO REMARKED THAT IT WAS A COMMON FEATURE OF ANY STRONG ECONOMY TO DIVERSIFY ITS INVESTMENTS.
"OUR OUTFLOW HAS BEEN MORE THAN BALANCED BY A MARKED INCREASE OF FOREIGN CAPITAL COMING INTO HONG KONG. THE BULK OF HONG KONG’S OUTWARD INVESTMENT HAS BEEN TO CHINA.
"IT DEFIES LOGIC TO SAY THAT MONEY IS LEAVING HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE IMMINENCE OF 1997, WHEN THE BULK OF THAT MONEY IS GOING TO CHINA. MONEY IS NOT RUNNING AWAY FOR FEAR OF CHINA. MONEY IS RUNNING INTO CHINA," HE SAID.
REFERRING TO CLAIMS BY SOME CYNICS THAT HONG KONG IS ADMINISTERED BY A ’LAME-DUCK’ ADMINISTRATION CONSTANTLY LOOKING OVER ITS SHOULDER TOWARDS ITS FUTURE MASTER, CHINA, MR TSAO ASSURED HIS AUDIENCE CATEGORICALLY THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO RUNNING HONG KONG UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997 IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ITS PEOPLE. I
"GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED ITSELF TO MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL INVESTMENTS IN THE FORM OF PORT EXPANSION, A NEW UNIVERSITY, ROAD AND RAIL IMPROVEMENTS AND POSSIBLY A NEW AIRPORT. ALL OF THESE INVESTMENTS REPRESENT A COMMITMENT WHICH GOES WELL BEYOND 1997," MR TSAO SAID.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8,
1987
- 4 -IMPROVED BENEFITS FOR ELDERLY *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED A PACKAGE OF SOCIAL WELFARE BENEFITS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF THE ELDERLY WHO NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. ■
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ELABORATE ON VARIOUS SOCIAL WELFARE AND RELATED SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE PROPOSALS IS TO LOWER THE MINIMUM AGE ELIGIBLE FOR THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE FROM 70 TO 65 IN STAGES AND TO RAISE THE RATE OF ALLOWANCE PAID TO THOSE WHO ARE OVER 70.
"SECONDLY, WE PROPOSE THAT A HIGHER RATE OF DISABILITY ALLOWANCE SHOULD BE PAID TO PEOPLE WHO NEED TO BE LOOKED AFTER BY SOMEONE ELSE ON A FULL-TIME BASIS. THERE ARE ALSO A NUMBER OF FAIRLY MODEST IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME WHICH WILL HELP RECIPIENTS OF SOCIAL SECURITY GENERALLY, RATHER THAN THE ELDERLY AS SUCH," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, IT IS PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE MEASURES TO PROTECT THE ASSETS OF PROVIDENT FUNDS FOR THE BENEFIT OF EMPLOYEES, AND TO EXTEND THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME TO COVER THOSE WHO HAVE RETIRED BECAUSE OF AGE OR ILL HEALTH. AT PRESENT, THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME ONLY COVERS WORKERS WHO ARE DISMISSED.
MR CHAMBERS REITERATED THAT THE DECISION NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND OR TO MAKE INDIVIDUAL PROVIDENT FUNDS COMPULSORY WAS MADE ON THE GROUND THAT EITHER OF THESE MEASURES COULD HAVE SERIOUS ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE ECONOMY.
"IN ANY CASE, MANY OF THOSE WHOSE NEEDS ARE GREATEST WOULD BENEFIT LEAST, BECAUSE THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO BUILD UP A SUBSTANTIAL SUM IN A PROVIDENT FUND.
"MOREOVER, A PROVIDENT FUND NEEDS A LENGTHY PERIOD IN WHICH TO BUILD UP TO A LEVEL WHERE BENEFITS TO INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS ARE WORTHWHILE," HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT NO-ONE WHO HAS ALREADY RETIRED WOULD BENEFIT, AND EVEN IF A FUND WAS SET UP TOMORROW, IT WOULD NOT PROVIDE MUCH HELP TO THOSE WHO ARE AT PRESENT OVER 45.
"WE BELIEVE THE PROPOSED PACKAGE OF MEASURES WILL IMPROVE THE LOT OF THE ELDERLY; SOME OF THE MEASURES WILL HAVE AN IMMEDIATE EFFECT AND OTHERS WILL HELP IN THE LONGER TERM," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
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JULY PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE *****
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 27 PER CENT AND 49 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1987 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATE.
HENCE, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 37 PER CENT IN 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 1 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 JULY 1987 WITH JULY 1986, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT AND 52 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HENCE, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 38 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 33 PER CENT.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT; RE-EXPORT PRICES ROSE BY 2 PER CENT WHILE IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 3 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDICES ARE COMPILED.
THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JULY 1987 WITH THE 12 MONTHS ENDING JULY 1986, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 42 PER CENT, GIVING AN INCREASE OF 30 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.
THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 29 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT. IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 5 PER CENT.
/THE CHANGES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 198?
6
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR JULY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JULY 1987 COMPARED WITH JULY 1986.
THESE INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+11 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+8 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+8 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+8 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+5 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+5 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+5 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+4 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+3 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+2 PER CENT) AS WELL AS ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+1 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WAS RECORDED IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-1 PER CENT).
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN JULY 1987 COMPARED WITH JULY 1986, INCLUDING METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+85 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+46 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+40 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+29 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+24 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+22 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+22 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+18 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+10 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+9 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-4 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JULY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN JULY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1986, RANGING FROM 2 PER CENT FOR BOTH FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS TO 24 PER CENT FOR FUELS, WHICH WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE RELATIVELY LOW IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS IN JULY 1986.
IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JULY 1987 COMPARED WITH JULY 1986.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR; SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD AS WELL AS RICE.
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES; LIVE POULTRY AS WELL AS VEGETABLES.
/OVER THE .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 198?
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 32 PER OENT. THE COMMODITIES WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDE HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; FOOTWEAR; TOBACCO MANUFACTURES; RADIO, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS AS WELL AS PASSENGER MOTOR CARS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 32 PER CENT IN JULY 1987 COMPARED WITH JULY 1986. THE MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; MAN-MADE FIBRES; RAW COTTON AS WELL AS SPECIAL TEXTILE FABRICS FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN JULY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1986.
FOR THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 57 PER CENT IN JULY 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1986.
THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT, TEXTILE MACHINERY AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES.
A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR JULY 1987 AS COMPARED WITH JULY 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN JULY 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1986, RANGING FROM 23 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 62 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 13 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE JULY 1987 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND OCTOBER 12, 1987 AT HK$ 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. : 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDICES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. : 5-8234918) .
/TABLE 1:
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
- 8
TABLE 1: INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP.
COMMODITY GROUP COMPARING JAN-JUL 1987 WITH JAN-JUL 1986 UNIT COMPARING JULY 1987 WITH JULY 1986
VALUE % UNIT VALUE VOLUME
VALUE % VALUE VOLUME
% % % %
CLOTHING 29 8 19 40 8 29
TEXTILE FABRICS 69 5 61 50 8 40
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 54 4 48 53 5 46
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 8 5 3 4 8 -4
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 32 1 30 16 5 10
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 5 -3 8 11 1 9
FOOTWEAR 19 3 15 29 4 24
METAL MANUFACTURES 28 1 26 21 2 18
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 46 ♦ 46 104 1 1 85
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 18 1 16 20 -1 22
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 4 4 ♦ 7 5 2
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 25 4 20 25 3 22
ALL COMMODITIES 32 3 27 33 3 28
NOTES FOR TABLES 1 TO 3:
♦ INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0 .5 PER CENT
PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE CALCULATED FROM TRADE INDICES 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.........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
9 -
TABLE 2: INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING JAN-JUL 1987 WITH JAN-JUL 1986 UNIT COMPARING JULY 1987 WITH JULY 1986 UNIT
VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 12 1 10 13 2 12
CONSUMER GOODS 44 4 38 35 2 33
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 43 3 39 37 3 32
FUELS -4 -8 5 43 24 15
CAPITAL GOODS 44 8 34 62 4 57
ALL COMMODITIES 39 4 34 38 3 33
TABLE 3: INCREASES IN RE :-exports BY END- USE CATEGORY
COMPARING JAN-JUL 1987 WITH JAN-JUL 1986 COMPARING JULY 1987 WITH JULY 1986
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 18 -1 19 21 -2 23
CONSUMER GOODS 64 2 61 60 1 57
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 49 2 46 52 4 47
FUELS 11 3 7 8 24 -13
CAPITAL GOODS 41 » 41 59 -2 62
ALL COMMODITIES 52 1 49 54 2 52
-------0---------
/1O.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
10 -
FOURTEENTH DISTRICT VISIT FOR GOVERNOR » » * * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL TOUR SHAM SHUI PO TOMORROW (FRIDAY), HlSf 14TH VISIT TO THE DISTRICTS. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHENG PO HONG.
THEY WILL ARRIVE AT PEI HO STREET AT 2.40 PM TO LOOK AT HAWKER PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT. SIR DAVID WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR T.K. CHOY, ON THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SHAM SHUI PO MARKET.
THE GOVERNOR WILL THEN WALK ACROSS TO NAM CHEONG STREET TO LOOK AT THE NEWLY COMPLETED AMENITY AREA AND TO VISIT PIECE-GOODS SHOPS ALONG KI LUNG STREET.
THE PARTY WILL THEN VISIT HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL CENTRE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND A PORCELAIN FACTORY IN THE BUILDING.
THE NEXT STOP WILL BE AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET WHERE SIR DAVID WILL HAVE A LOOK AT THE WHOLESALE OPERATION.
A TEA RECEPTION WILL BE HELD AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE WHERE SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WILL MEET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE VISIT. REPORTERS WISHING TO USE TRANSPORT PROVIDED SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 1.30 PM SHARP.
------0-------
NEW ROAD TO BE BUILT AT ABERDEEN WATERFRONT » * ♦ * t
A $1.4 MILLION CONTRACT FOR BUILDING A NEW ROAD AND CAR PARKING FACILITIES AT THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT PUBLIC LANDING AREA HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
THE WORK INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A 7.6-METRE WIDE, TWO-LANE CONCRETE CARRIAGEWAY, A FOOTWAY AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS NEAR THE WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
/A TOTAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 198?
A TOTAL OF 13 METERED PARKING SPACES AND A LOADING AND UNLOADING AREA FOR GOODS VEHICLES AND COACHES WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
CONSTRUCTION WORK STARTED LAST WEEK AND WILL TAKE NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
0 - -
BOOK-MARK DESIGNS ON CIVIC EDUCATION
*****
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS OF TAI PO DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO SHOW THEIR ARTISTIC TALENT IN A BOOK-MARK DESIGN COMPETITION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT.
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, IS AIMED AT ENHANCING CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AMONG LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN.
DESIGNS WITH THE THEME "CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY, WORK FOR YOUR COMMUNITY AND BE A GOOD TAI PO CITIZEN" SHOULD BE SKETCHED ON 19CM X 29.5 CM DRAWING PAPER.
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO WINNERS AND THEIR WORKS WILL BE CONSIDERED AS THE DESIGN FOR PRODUCING BOOK-MARKS PROMOTING THE CAMPAIGN IN TAI PO.
ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ROOM 233 OF THE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT NO. 1 TING KOK ROAD.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS OCTOBER 16. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6586520 OR 0-6577111 EXTENSION 257.
- - 0 -
/12
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
- 12 -
DFCC TO PROMOTE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE » * * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) WILL ORGANISE A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS AND A SEMINAR TO PROMOTE THE ’ANTI-TRIAD’ MESSAGE.
’THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT ENHANCING YOUNG PEOPLE'S VIGILANCE AGAINST TRIADS SO THAT THEY WILL NOT FALL PREY TO BAD ELEMENTS EASILY,’ THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG CHUNG-YING, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
THOSE STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART AND THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES WITH THE ’ANTI-TRIAD’ MESSAGE TO THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DFCC SECRETARY AT 11/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, BY OCTOBER 26. EACH PARTICIPANT MAY SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE ENTRY.
ADJUDICATION WILL START IN LATE OCTOBER AND WINNERS OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES IN EARLY NOVEMBER.
THE COMMITTEE WILL PRODUCE A POSTER FROM THE WINNING ENTRIES WITH THE POLICE ANTI-TRIAD HOTLINE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ALL SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
A SEMINAR WILL ALSO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON NOVEMBER 21 AT HONG KONG CARITAS IN CAINE ROAD.
POLICE FROM THE ANTI-TRIAD SECTION, CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVE, AN OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKER AND A RESIDENT WHO HAD BEEN VICTIMISED BY TRIADS WILL SPEAK ON THE OCCASION.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES CAN BF. MADE ON 5-8523478.
-------0----------
SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE OPENS ENQUIRY COUNTER IN MA ON SHAN *****
TO FACILITATE COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE FAST DEVELOPING MA ON SHAN AREA, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL OPEN AN ENQUIRY COUNTER WITH PROVISION OF STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT ITS MA ON SHAN SUB-OFFICE IN HENG ON ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE.
’’OPENING HOURS OF THE COUNTER WILL BE 8.45 AM TO 5.15 PM BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY AND 9 AM TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAY,” SAID A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN TODAY (THURSDAY).
/’’STATUTORY DECLARATION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 198?
"STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED EVERY TUESDAY MORNING."
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OTHER FACILITIES AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE MA ON SHAN SUB-OFFICE, SUCH AS THE COMMUNITY HALL, WOULD BE OPENED FOR PUBLIC USE NEXT MONTH.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SERVICES CAN BE MADE AT 0-6425025 STARTING TOMORROW.
-----0------
RECORD APPLICATIONS FOR TOLO HARBOUR SWIM
« » » » »
THE NUMBER OF SWIMMERS WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR THE 20TH CROSS TOLO HARBOUR RACE IN TAI PO ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11) MORNING HAS SET A RECORD.
AT THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS ON SEPTEMBER 20, MORE THAN 2,500 APPLICATION FORMS WERE RECEIVED, EXCEEDING LAST YEAR’S RETURNS BY 700.
APPLICANTS INCLUDE SOME 2,000 MEN AND 500 WOMEN, WITH THE YOUNGEST ENTRANT BEING 12 YEARS OLD AND THE OLDEST 84.
THE RACE IS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND A BREWERY.
IT WILL START AT 10.30 AM AT SHA LAN BEACH IN SHUEN WAN AND WILL FINISH AT THE TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE, COVERING A DISTANCE OF 2,400 METRES.
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE STARTING CEREMONY.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE WATER SPORTS CENTRE AT 12.10 PM.
ENTRANTS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY HAVE TO REPORT TO THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE AT THE FUNG SHUI SQUARE OF TIN HAU TEMPLE ON TING KOK ROAD BY 8.30 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE HARBOUR RACE IN TAI PO ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11). A COACH TAKING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE STARTING POINT AT SHA LAN WILL LEAVE THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION'S LI FOOK LAM INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE AT 2 ON CHEUNG ROAD, TAI PO AT 9.30 AM. THOSE TRAVELLING ON THEIR OWN SHOULD GATHER AT A PIER NEAR THE ROUNDABOUT OF SAM MUN TSAI ROAD (I.E. NEAR THE LUEN YICK SEAFOOD HOUSE) IN THE LUEN YICK FISHERMEN VILLAGE BY 10 AM. INFORMATION OFFICER, PATRICK WONG, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
------o-------- M........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES TO STRENGTHEN SERVICES * ♦ ♦ t ♦
APPLICATIONS WILL BE INVITED FOR OPERATING 18 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ARE IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF HONG KONG, KWUN TONG, WONG TAI SIN, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, SAI KUNG, NORTH DISTRICT, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND YUEN LONG.
DETAILS OF THESE ROUTES WILL BE PUBLISHED IN TOMORROW’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
APPLICATION MUST BE MADE ON THE APPROPRIATE APPLICATION FORM OBTAINABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY):
♦ THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 28/F, HIGH BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
♦ THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT KOWLOON AND N.T. REGIONAL OFFICES AT 25/F, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
♦ THE HONG KONG LICENSING OFFICE AT G/F, 2 MURRAY ROAD, HONG KONG.
* THE KOWLOON LICENSING OFFICE AT 9/F, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON.
» THE KWUN TONG LICENSING OFFICE AT 5/F, KOWLOON EAST GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 12 LET YUE MUN ROAD, KOWLOON.
♦ THE SHA TIN LICENSING OFFICE AT 5/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN.
* ALL THE DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY REGISTERED POST TO REACH THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 6,1987. APPLICATIONS BY ANY OTHER MEANS OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
’’APPLICATIONS WILL THEN BE PROCESSED AND THE NEW ROUTES ARE EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED EARLY NEXT YEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0------
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1987
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT FOR SAI KUNG
*****
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE DRAFT 1988-89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE SAI KUNG TOWN DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE V ENGINEERING WORKS (PHASE I) AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE NEAR PO LAM ESTATE (PHASE 3) IN JUNK BAY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE ROAD SAFETY AT MAN NIN STREET NEAR SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AND THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY NEAR NAM WAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON THE PEAK
*****
IN CONNECTION WITH THE MATILDA HOSPITAL SEDAN CHAIR RACE TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 10) ON THE PEAK, THE SECTION OF MOUNT KELLETT ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 22 WILL BE TEMPORARILY ROUTED ONE-WAY IN CLOCKWISE DIRECTION, FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THAT DAY.
THE JARDINES CORNER BRIDGE CONNECTING MOUNT KELLETT ROAD AND PLUNKETT’S ROAD WILL BE OPENED FOR SEDEN CHAIR RACE TRAFFIC ONLY BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 11 AM.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVERHAUL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES ANNOUNCED ...... 1
DURABLE SOLUTION CN BOAT PEOPLE REQUIRED ............... 5
AUGUST EXTERN.JL TRADE STATISTICS PUBLISHED ............ 6
DECISION NEXT YEAR CM NEW SHaM SHUI PO MARKET .......... 14
GOVERNOR TOURS BUSTLING SHAM SHUI PO.................... 15
ZONING PLaN BOUNDARIES AMENDED ......................... 16
INCREASED GOVT HOUSING COMMITMENT IN LONG TERM HOUSING
STRATEGY .JTO HOUSING AUTHORITY RE-ORGANISATION....... 17
AIDS VIDEOS SCREENED kT PROMENADE....................... 18
TRADE ORDER ON MOBILE RaDIO PHONES ..................... 19
SITES MUST HAVE S.J’ETY OFFICERS ....................... 20
TECHNICAL INSTITUTES INVITE APPLICATION FOR SHORT COURSES .. 20
STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO T.JCE PaRT IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT .. 21
NT FENCING COMPETITION ON SUNDAY........................ 22
ABERDEEN, HUNG HOM TRAFFIC CH/JIGES .................... 22
CHILDREN'S CHOIRS TO PERFORM ........................... 23
INVITATION FOR SEMINAR CW ELDERLY WELFARE............... 24
HOME S.1FETY EXHIBITION IN WONG Tai SIN ................ 24
EASTERN COMMUNITY SURVEY COMPLETED ..................... 25
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SHELLEY STREET .................... 25
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
OVERHAUL OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES ANNOUNCED * « » » *
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID THAT GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SET UP A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS AIMED AT MAXIMISING DEVOLUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY, INCREASING FLEXIBILITY IN THE USE OF HOSPITAL RESOURCES, AND ENHANCING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION, WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING THE DELIVERY OF HOSPITAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
A SEPARATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WILL BE SET UP TO HANDLE ALL ASPECTS OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE AND GENERAL PUBLIC HEALTH WHICH NOW FALL WITHIN THE AMBIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, MR CHAMBERS TOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WAS MADE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE CONSULTANTS COMMISSIONED TO REVIEW THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
"THE LONG TERM OBJECTIVE OF SETTING UP A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS TO ESTABLISH AN INDEPENDENT!,Y ADMINISTERED HOSPITAL SYSTEM. IT WILL OVERSEE THE MEDICAL SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.
"THE AUTHORITY, BEING A STATUTORY BODY, WILL HAVE ITS MEMBERSHIP, TERMS OF REFERENCE AND STATUS DEFINED BY LEGISLATION. IT WILL BE SERVICED BY A HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
A PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL BE SET UP ON APRIL 1, 1988 TO PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE FORMATION OF A STATUTORY AUTHORITY.
HE NOTED THAT THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WILL BE CHAIRED BY A NON-CIVIL SERVANT TO ENHANCE ITS INDEPENDENT STATUS. "ABOUT 20 MEMBERS FROM THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, THE BUSINESS SECTOR, THE UNIVERSITIES, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND OTHER RELATED ORGANISATIONS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
"THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL DIRECT AND OVERSEE THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS THROUGH A SYSTEM OF REGIONAL COMMITTEES WHICH WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THE EFFICIENT MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS IN THEIR REGIONS," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
THE TERRITORY WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FIVE HOSPITAL REGIONS, NAMELY HONG KONG, KOWLOON EAST, KOWLOON WEST, NEW TERRITORIES EAST AND NEW TERRITORIES WEST. EACH REGION WILL BE SERVED BY A REGIONAL COMMITTEE TO BE FORMED UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY LEGISLATION.
/Lumbers of
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
2
MEMBERS OF THE REGIONAL COMMITTEES WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY; THEY WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE AUTHORITY, HOSPITALS IN THE REGION, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH. EACH COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY A NON-CIVIL SERVANT APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
"THE REGIONAL COMMITTEES WILL ACT AS CO-ORDINATING AND SUPERVISORY BODIES AT THE REGIONAL LEVEL AND A LINK BETWEEN THE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENTS AND THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY. IN EACH REGION, A LARGE ACUTE GENERAL HOSPITAL WOULD BE MADE THE BASE OF THE REGIONAL COMMITTEE.
"ONE SIGNIFICANT POINT IS THAT SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WILL HAVE DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS," MR CHAMBERS REMARKED.
HE STATED THAT COMPARABLE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WILL BE EQUAL IN STATUS AND FUNDED IN THE SAME WAY. "DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE DISCUSSED WITH THE BOARDS OF DIRECTORS OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS," HE SAID.
ON FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE AMOUNT WOULD BE DECIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE AUTHORITY’S PROPOSED ACTIVITIES FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR, ITS PAST PERFORMANCE, THE AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES, ITS OTHER INCOME, THE PREVAILING ECONOMIC SITUATION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS.
"DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INCLUDED IN A MEMORANDUM OF ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS TO BE DRAWN UP AND AGREED BETWEEN THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND GOVERNMENT. THEY WILL INCLUDE MEASURES TO PROVIDE THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WITH INCENTIVES TO BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE IN THE PROVISION OF HOSPITAL SERVICES," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS THE LONG-TERM OBJECTIVE FOR THE AUTHORITY TJ BE INDEPENDENT OF GOVERNMENT AND TO EMPLOY ITS OWN STAFF ON ITS OWN TERMS OF SERVICE.
"INITIALLY HOWEVER THE STAFF OF THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WILL REMAIN CIVIL SERVANTS. DIFFERENT TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST FOR THE TIME BEING FOR STAFF WORKING IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS," HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS ADDED THAT THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD BE CHARGED WITH THE TASK OF DEVISING NEW TERMS OF SERVICE, AS WELL AS CONSIDERING THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM A MIXED STAFF SITUATION. "THE STAFF WILL CERTAINLY BE CONSULTED," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
/TO CONCLUDE.........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
5
TO CONCLUDE, MR CHAMBERS REITERATED THREE POINTS: FIRST, THE REORGANISATION AIMS TO MAXIMISE DEVOLUTION OF RESPONSIBILITY; SECOND, UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, SUBVERTED HOSPITALS WOULD HAVE DIRECT PARTICIPATION AND; LASTLY, SO FAR AS THE STAFF IS CONCERNED THERE WILL BE EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION BEFORE ANY CHANGES IN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ARE INTRODUCED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ANNEX A - OVERALL ORGANISATION STRUCTURE FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES
ANNEX B - MAJOR TASKS OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY
ANNEX C - MAIN FUNCTIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
ANNEX A WILL BE SENT BY THE FACSIMILE NETWORK LATER.
ANNEX B
MAJOR TASKS OF HOSPITAL AUTHORITY
(A) TO DETERMINE, IN LINE WITH THE OBJECTIVES SET BY GOVERNMENT, THE RANGE OF MEDICAL SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED IN HOSPIATLS;
(B) TO KEEP UNDER REVIEW THE STATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF HOSPITAL SERVICES AND TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON THEIR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT;
(C) TO INDENTIFY PROBLEMS IN THE SYSTEM, TO ANALYSE THE CAUSES AND CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS AND THE EFFECT OF SUCH PROBLEMS, AND TO PRODUCE SOLUTIONS;
(D) TO DETERMINE OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE EFFICIENT DELIVERY OF SEVICES, WHICH WOULD INCLUDE SETTING QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE TARGETS, AND ESTABLISHING PERFORMANCE MEASURES TO MONITOR ACHIEVEMENTS AND EVALUATE PERFORMANCE;
(E) TO CO-ORDINATE THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL PLANS AND FORECASTS FOR HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNMENT;
/(F) TO CO-ORDINATE,
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9» 1987
(F) TO CO-ORDINATE, THROUGH REGIONAL COMMITTEES, THE ALLOCATION TO INDIVIDUAL HOSPITALS OF FUNDS VOTED BY THE LEGISLATURE;
(G) TO SET THE LEVEL OF FEES AND CHARGES IN HOSPITALS; AND
(H) TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH MATTERS GENERALLY.
ANNEX C
MAIN FUNCTIONS OF DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
(A) TO ACT AS THE HEALTH AUTHORITY IN HONG KONG; ITS
FUNCTIONS WOULD INCLUDE PREVENTIVE HEALTH & OTHER HEALTH RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDING HEALTH EDUCATION, THE
CONTROL OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND THE PROVISION OF A SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM THROUGH THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES, ETC;
(B) TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON ALL HEALTH RELATED MATTERS;
(C) TO LIAISE ON HEALTH MATTERS WITH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE REGIONAL COMMITTEES;
(D) TO ACT AS THE STATUTORY AUTHORITY IN IMPLEMENTING HEALTH LEGISLATION;
(E) TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DEVELOPING AND PLANNING HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS TRAINING HEALTH PERSONNEL; AND
(F) TO MAINTAIN LIAISON WITH INTERNATIONAL HEALTH BODIES SUCH AS THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
-----0------
/5........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9,
1987
5 -
DURABLE SOLUTION ON BOAT PEOPLE REQUIRED
*****
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST NOW LOOK URGENTLY FOR AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF TACKLING THE CONTINUING ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG OF ECONOMIC MIGRANTS FROM VIETNAM, MANY OF WHOM ARE NOT CONSIDERED BY RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES. AS GENUINE REFUGEES. •
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR NIGEL FRENCH, AT THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES ANNUAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING IN GENEVA.
MR FRENCH SAID HONG KONG STRONGLY FAVOURED ORDERLY DEPARTURES FROM VIETNAM UNDER THE EXISTING SCHEME.
"FOR AS LONG AS THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES ARE UNWILLING TO RESETTLE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ARRIVING IN PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM, IT BECOMES EVEN MORE IMPORTANT THAT WE LOOK FOR OTHER DURABLE SOLUTIONS," HE SAID.
MR FRENCH POINTED OUT THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD ANNOUNCED EARLIER THIS YEAR A FURTHER PROGRAMME FOR RESETTLING SOME 470 MORE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG ON THE BASIS OF RELAXED FAMILY REUNION CRITERIA.
HE SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT THIS FURTHER INITIATIVE COMBINED WITH HONG KONG’S OFFER OF FURTHER LOCAL RESETTLEMENT PLUS ITS PROVISION OF A RESCUE AT SEA RESETTLEMENT OFFER TRANSIT CENTRE IN HONG KONG WOULD ENCOURAGE OTHER COUNTRIES TO MAINTAIN OR EVEN INCREASE THEIR RESETTLEMENT OFFTAKE FROM HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THE RESPONSES SO FAR HAD BEEN DISAPPOINTING AND, INDEED, THE GENERAL TREND OF DWINDLING RESETTLEMENT PLACES CONTINUED.
"WE CONTINUE TO FIND THAT MANY WE HAVE WILLINGLY ACCEPTED AS REFUGEES ARE LATER DETERMINED BY MOST RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES NOT TO BE RESETTLEABLE BECAUSE THEY DO NOT MEET THESE COUNTRIES’ CRITERIA," HE ADDED.
MR FRENCH SAID THAT SO FAR IN 1987, MORE THAN 2,800 NEW ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG CAME FROM VIETNAM, REPRESENTING A 48 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, OF EVEN GREATER CONCERN WAS THE RATE OF RESETTLEMENT OFFTAKE WHICH HAD DECLINED DRAMATICALLY IN 1987.
"UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER ONLY SOME 1,756 REFUGEES HAD BEEN PERMANENTLY RESETTLED OVERSEAS OR IN HONG KONG AS COMPARED WITH 3,258 IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR; THAT IS A DROP OF NEARLY 50 PER CENT," HE SAID.
/NOTING THAT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9> 1987
6
NOTING THAT THERE WERE NO PROSPECTS OF A REDUCTION IN HONG KONG’S REFUGEE POPULATION EITHER THROUGH A SLOW-DOWN IN ARRIVALS OR IN ANY INCREASE IN RESETTLEMENT OFFTAKE, MR FRENCH SAID THIS SITUATION WAS GIVING RISE TO CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC DISQUIET AND A GROWING SENSE OF FRUSTRATION IN HONG KONG.
MR FRENCH SAID HONG KONG HAD ADHERED, AND CONTINUED TO ADHERE SCRUPULOUSLY, TO THE AGREEMENT REACHED AT THE 1979 GENEVA CONFERENCE AND HAD NEVER TURNED A VIETNAMESE BOAT AWAY FROM HONG KONG.
"WE HAVE OFFERED AID TO ALL THOSE WHO WANTED TO LAND IN HONG KONG AND HAVE RESETTLED IN HONG KONG MORE THAN 14,500 INDO-CHINESE REFUGEES AND DISPLACED PERSONS SINCE 1975, INCLUDING NEARLY 100 MORE THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
MR FRENCH SAID IT WAS AN HONOURABLE RECORD AND HONG KONG WAS JUSTLY PROUD OF IT. "BUT IF WE ARE TO CONVINCE PUBLIC OPINION IN HONG KONG THAT THIS CONTINUES TO BE THE RIGHT COURSE FOR US TO FOLLOW, WE NEED FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY A CONCRETE DEMONSTRATION OF THEIR CONCERN ABOUT THIS PROBLEM," HE SAID.
-----0------
AUGUST EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS PUBLISHED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN AUGUST 1987, AT $66,639 MILLION, GREW BY 36 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1986, ACCORDING TO THE AUGUST TRADE VALUE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 25 PER CENT TO $18,556 MILLION IN AUGUST 1987 WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 52 PER CENT TO $16,149 MILLION, BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1987 TO $34,706 MILLION, WHICH WAS 36 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN AUGUST 1986.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 36 PER CENT TO $31,933 MILLION IN AUGUST 1987.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO ALL MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN AUGUST 1986 AND AUGUST 1987. SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE (+58 PER CENT), JAPAN (+55 PER CENT), CHINA (+50 PER CENT), THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+33 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (+30 PER CENT).
/ON THE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9t 1987
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM SINGAPORE (+59 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+49 PER CENT), CHINA (+43 PER CENT), ITALY (+40 PER CENT) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+38 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 139 PER CENT, 92 PER CENT, 79 PER CENT, 71 PER CENT AND 67 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO AUGUST 1987, AT $473,255 MILLION, INCREASED BY 39 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT TO $123,296 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 52 PER CENT TO $112,574 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 40 PER CENT TO $235,871 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 39 PER CENT TO $237,384 MILLION.
COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST OF 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 (+68 PER CENT), CHINA (+64 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+53 PER CENT), FRANCE (+46 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+40 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, THE U.S.A., GREW BY 17 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
IMPORTS IN JANUARY TO AUGUST 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 (+61 PER CENT), CHINA (+48 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+46 PER CENT), ITALY (+43 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (+36 PER CENT).
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND TAIWAN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 107 PER CENT, 102 PER CENT, 61 PER CENT, 60 PER CENT AND 60 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 ANALYSTS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST 1987 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY NOVEMBER 1987.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
/COMPARING JANUARY
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 198?
8
COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 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 INCLUDE CLOTHING (BY $9,352 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $3,757 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS .MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $3,661 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2,792 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $5S MILLION OR 34 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $30 MILLION OR 29 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 AUGUST 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $10,445 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $7,487 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $5,347 MILLION OR 67 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (BY $4,906 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $83 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT); AS WELL AS CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (BY $78 MILLION OR SIX 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 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JANUARY TO AUGUST 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $6,084 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, INCLUDING MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $4,618 MILLION OR 77 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $4,030 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT); AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3,724 MILLION OR 63 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $332 MILLION OR 57 PER CENT); AS WELL AS COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $139 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT).
/TABLE 6
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 198?
- 9 -
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE AVAILABLE TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS. THE AUGUST 1987 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONd TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY" WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND OCTOBER 20, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5.50 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN AUGUST 1987 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY NOVEMBER 1987 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
MAJOR MARKET JAN-AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG 87 OVER JAN-AUG 86 (%) AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) AUG 87 OVER AUG 86 (%)
U.S.A. 46,798 4 17 7,160 + 15
CHINA 17,284 + 64 2,413 + 50
F.R. OF GERMANY 9,477 4 40 1,458 4 33
U.K. 7,883 + 28 1,207 + 23
JAPAN 6,882 4 68 948 4 55
CANADA 3,649 + 14 566 4 12
NETHERLANDS 2,572 4 53 375 + 25
SINGAPORE 2,339 + 34 344 + 30
FRANCE 2,332 + 46 372 + 58
AUSTRALIA 2,287 4 9 363 + 10
/TABLE 2»
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
- 10 -
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG 87 OVER JAN-AUG 86 (X) AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) AUG 87 OVER AUG 86 (X)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 41,581 + 29 6,654 + 30
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 19,303 + 23 3,033 + 14
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 10,155 59 1,348 + 39
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 9,541 + 19 1,419 + 19
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 9,457 + 42 1,299 + 12
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF » 9,257 + 33 1,298 ♦ 21
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG OVER JAN-AUG (%) 87 86 AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) AUG 87 OVER AUG 86 (%)
CHINA 72,766 4- 48 10,381 + 43
JAPAN 45,912 + 29 5,586 + 22
TAIWAN 21,154 + 46 3,032 + 49
U.S.A. 19,804 •• + 36 2,629 + 32
/REPUBLIC OF KOREA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9» 1987
Sf- - 11 «. I
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 10,607 + 61 1,279 + 38
SINGAPORE 9,102 4- 31 1,354 + 59
U.K. 7,541 + 26 1,032 + 27
F.R. OF GERMANY 6,427 4- 26 871 + 19
SWITZERLAND 4,436 + 32 503 + 22
ITALY 4,024 + 43 659 + 40
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY COMMODITY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-AUG JAN-AUG 87 AUG AUG 87
DIVISION 1987 OVER 1987 OVER
(HKD MN.) JAN-AUG (%) 86 (HKD MN.) AUG 86 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 37,055 + 39 4,812 + 40
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 22,035 + 51 • 3,023 + 40
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 16,761 ♦ 41 2,502 + 28
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 13,319 + 67 1,775 + 45
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 13,014 + 47 1,986 + 46
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 12,843 + 25 •- 1,564 + 20
/TABLE 5:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 198?
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET JAN-AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-AUG 87 OVER JAN-AUG 86 (%) AUG 1987 (HKD MN.) AUG 87 OVER AUG 86 (%)
CHINA 36,500 + 49 5,139 + 54
U.S.A. 20,858 + 55 2,930 + 28
TAIWAN 6,010 + 60 837 + 71
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 5,836 + 60 755 + 67
JAPAN 5,467 + 43 766 + 53
SINGAPORE 4,080 + 20 559 + 16
F.R. OF GERMANY 3,206 + 107 565 + 139
U.K. 2,678 + 102 483 + 79
MACAU 2,179 + 29 278 + 45
AUSTRALIA 1,722 + 61 279 + 92
/TABLE 6
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 198?
13 -
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
COMMODITY JAN-AUG JAN-AUG 87 AUG AUG 87
DIVISION 1987 OVER 1987 OVER
JAN-AUG 86 AUG 86
(HKD MN.) (X) (HKD MN. ) (X)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 18,192 + 50 2,447 + 51
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 12,147 + 50 1,566 + 5
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 10,641 + 77 1,908 + 69
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 9,626 + 63 1,400 + 71
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 6,988 + 93 1 , 128 + 98
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5,263 + 50 637 + 27
-----0-----
/14
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
14
DECISION NEXT •‘VeAR ON NEW SHAM SHUI PO MARKET ♦ ♦ » * ♦
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS LIKELY TO DECIDE EARLY NEXT YEAR ON THE * TYPE OF MARKET BUIJLDING WHICH WILL REPLACE THE 81-YEAR-OLD ONE AT PEI HO STREET, SHAM dllUI PO, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF A VISIT TO THE DISTRICT, SIR DAVID SAID THERE HAD BEEN SOME DISCUSSIONS IN THE COUNCIL ON THE TYPE OF FACILITIES WHICH THE NEW MARKET BUILDING WOULD PROVIDE.
THE PROBLEM INVOLVED WAS WHETHER IT SHOULD JUST BE A MARKET, OR WHETHER IT SHOULD HAVE SOME OTHER FACILITIES, AND THAT WAS CONNECTED WITH THE QUESTION OF THE SIZE OF THE MARKETING AREA, HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE SUGGESTIONS THAT THERE SHOULD BE A LARGER AREA FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL STALL TO MAKE IT MORE ATTRACTIVE TO HAWKERS.
”1 HOPE THE URBAN COUNCIL WOULD MAKE A DECISION EARLY NEXT YEAR AND THEN IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO GET ON WITH BUILDING A NEW MARKET AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,” HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THE POLICE SHOULD STEP UP THEIR SUPPORT TO THE URBAN COUNCIL IN DEALING WITH THE HAWKING PROBLEM, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WERE TWO ELEMENTS IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM.
’’ONE IS THE GENERAL POLICY WHICH THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD JUST HAD A WORKING GROUP ON, AND THAT HAS REPORTED ITS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AN IMPROVEMENT OF HAWKING POLICY.
’’THE SECOND SIDE IS ENFORCEMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS A WORKING GROUP ON THAT TO SAY HOW ENFORCEMENT COULD BE IMPROVED.”
NOTING THAT THE TWO REALLY HAD TO GO HAND-IN-HAND, SIR DAVID SAID ’’YOU COULD ONLY HAVE EFFECTIVE ENFORCEMENT IF YOU HAVE ALSO GOT A POLICY WHICH DEALS WITH THE QUESTION OF PROVIDING NEW MARKETS AND PROVIDING A VIABLE SORT OF MARKET IN WHICH THE HAWKERS CAN OPERATE.”
SIR DAVID ADDED HOWEVER THAT THERE WAS ALSO THE PROBLEM FOR I HE POLICE ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES THEY SHOULD PUT INTO THE PROBLEM.
"AND WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU TAKE POLICE RESOURCES AWAY FROM OTHER ATTEMPTS TO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF CRIME. SO THIS IS A QUESTION FOR THE POLICE OF WHERE SHOULD THEY BEST DEPLOY THEIR RESOURCES.
"THAT’S WHY THERE IS A WORKING PARTY LOOKING PRECISELY AT THAT QUESTION,” HE NOTED.
/REFERRING TO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9» 1987
- 15 -
REFERRING TO HIS VISIT TO SMALL FACTORIES AT THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG DEPENDED VERY LARGELY ON SMALL FACTORIES, AS ABOUT HALF OF THE PEOPLE WHO WORKED IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY WORKED IN FACTORIES OF LESS THAN 50 PEOPLE.
"AND THIS PROVIDES HONG KONG WITH THE FLEXIBILITY WHICH MAKES US SO SUCCESSFUL IN OUR EXPORT.
"AS I SAID IN MY LEGCO SPEECH, IT IS SUCCESS IN EXPORT AND SUCCESS IN THE ECONOMY WHICH ENABLES US TO DO OTHER THINGS WE WOULD LIKE TO DO TO IMPROVE OUR COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
-----0------
GOVERNOR TOURS BUSTLING SHAM SHUI PO
*****
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON SPENT AN AFTERNOON IN SHAM SHUI PO TODAY (FRIDAY ) TO SEE VARIOUS TRADING AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
ACCOMPANIED BY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR STEPHEN CHENG PO-HONG, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON WALKED ALONG PEI HO STREET TO HAVE A LOOK AT SHAM SHUI PO MARKET AND THE HAWKER SITUATION IN THE AREA.
THEY WERE BRIEFED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR T.K. CHOY, ON THE PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF SHAM SHUI PO MARKET, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE HAWKERS WITH A PERMANENT TRADING PLACE.
THE PARTY THEN WALKED ACROSS THE NAM CHEONG STREET AMENITY AREA, WHICH WAS REDEVELOPED AFTER CLEARANCE OF THE NULLAH DECKING.
THE NULLAH DECKING, OCCUPIED BY 221 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FOR ABOUT 25 YEARS, WAS CLEARED IN JULY LAST YEAR FOR REDEVELOPMENT.
THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED ALONG KI LUNG STREET WHERE PIECEGOODS SHOPS ARE CONCENTRATED. SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON VISITED ONE OF THE SHOPS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRADE BEFORE DEPARTING FOR THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL CENTRE IN LAI CHI KOK.
AT THE CENTRE, THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY OF THE BUILDING, MR KWONG CHUN, BRIEFED THE GOVERNOR ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE CENTRE. THE PARTY LATER ,VISITED A PORCELAIN FACTORY AND AN ELECTRONIC WATCH FACTORY IN THE BUILDING.
/SIR DAVID
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
16 -
SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON THEN VISITED CHEUNG SHA WAN VEGETABLE WHOLESALE MARKET AT LAI CHI KOK ROAD. THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR K.S. YIP, BRIEFED THEM ON MARKET OPERATIONS.
AT THE END OF THE TOUR, SIR DAVID AND LADY WILSON ATTENDED A TEA PARTY IN CHEUNG SHA WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE AND MET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN, AND OTHER LOCAL PERSONALITIES.
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ZONING PLAN BOUNDARIES AMENDED » « » »
AMENDMENTS TO DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS FOR SHEK KIP MEI, YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK AND CHEUNG SHA WAN WERE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
A BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID A MAJOR AMENDMENT COMMON TO ALL FOUR PLANS WAS THE ADJUSTMENT OF PLAN BOUNDARIES TO ACCORD WITH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BOUNDARIES.
ONE AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT SHEK KIP MEI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IS THE REZONING OF YAU YAT TSUEN AREA FROM 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)' TO 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HEIGHT OF ANY NEW BUILDING(S), AND ANY ADDITION, ALTERATION AND/OR MODIFICATION TO EXISTING BUILDING(S) IN THE AREA SHOULD NOT EXCEED 10.67 METRES AND THERE WAS A MAXIMUM SITE COVERAGE OF 55 PER CENT.
MINOR RELAXATION OF THE RESTRICTIONS MAY BE CONSIDERED UPON INDIVIDUAL MERITS OF THE DEVELOPMENT/REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
"THESE CONTROLS ARE INTENDED TO MAINTAIN THE CHARACTER OF THE \REA AS A LOW RISE 'GARDEN SUBURB’ WHERE FEW NON-RESIDENTIAL USES WILL BE ALLOWED," HE SAID.
THE NEXT MAJOR AMENDMENT INVOLVES REZONING OF TWO 'RESIDENTIAL iGROUP B)’ SITES AT TAT CHEE AVENUE ALONG THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY LINE TO ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY' USES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE SPECIAL PURPOSE BUILDING.
IN EXCHANGE, TWO 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY' SITES IMMEDIATELY TO THE NORTH OF YAU YAT TSUEN HAVE BEEN REZONED TO 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)’.
/THE MAJOR
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9» 1987
- 17 -
THE MAJOR AMENDMENT TO THE OTHER THREE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLANS IS REZONING OF SITES WEST OF NATHAN ROAD FROM ’COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL’ AND ’RESIDENTIAL’ TO ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’.
ALSO, SITES ALONG JORDAN ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD ARE EITHER REZONED OR RETAINED AS ’COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL’.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT A WIDE VARIETY OF COMMERCIAL USES ARE PERMITTED AS OF RIGHT IN THE LOWER THREE FLOORS, INCLUDING THE BASEMENT OF BUILDINGS ZONED ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’.
HE SAID COMMERCIAL USES ON ANY OTHER FLOORS IN THESE BUILDINGS WOULD REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
A NUMBER OF MINOR AMENDMENTS TO THE FOUR DRAFT PLANS WERE ALSO ANNOUNCED, DETAILS OF WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS MAY SUBMIT HIS WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY OCTOBER 30 FOR SHEK KIP MEI AND CHEUNG SHA WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLANS, AND DECEMBER 9 FOR THE YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK OUTLINE ZONING PLANS.
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INCREASED GOVT HOUSING COMMITMENT IN LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY RE-ORGANISATION « * * * »
THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY AND THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY NOT ONLY AFFIRM THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TOWARDS HOUSING BUT ALSO SHOW ITS INTENTION TO INCREASE THIS COMMITMENT, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR THOMAS CHAN, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND LUNCHEON MEETING, MR CHAN SAID THE NEW HOUSING STRATEGY WOULD PROVIDE MORE OPTIONS FOR THOSE IN NEED OF HOUSING IN THE FORM OF THE HOME PURCHASE LOAN SCHEME (HPLS) AND THE PRODUCTION OF MORE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) AND PRIVAIE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) FLATS.
IN ADDITION TO THIS, HE SAID, THE LIVING CONDITIONS OI MORE THAN 100 000 FAMILIES WOULD BE IMPROVED BY EXTENDING TIIF EXIS'l TNG REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.
"FURTHERMORE, UNDER THE,NEW STRATEGY, THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO SATISFY ALL HOUSING DEMANDS BY THE YEAR 2001," HE ADDED.
/MR CHAN
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9t 1987
- 18
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE MAJOR OBJECTIVE OF THE RE-ORGANISATION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS TO MORE EFFECTIVELY CARRY OUT THE NEW HOUSING STRATEGY.
’’SPEAKING FROM THIS POINT ALONE, THE RE-ORGANISATION IS ALREADY A CONFIRMATION OF THE INCREASED COMMITMENT, ” HE ADDED.
THE REVAMPED HOUSING AUTHORITY WHICH WOULD HAVE GREATER INDEPENDENCE, HE SAID, WOULD NOT BE COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
CHANGES IN MAJOR POLICIES WOULD STILL HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL BEFORE THEY COULD BE IMPLEMENTED, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE LAND TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND SUBSIDISE THE AUTHORITY FINANCIALLY UNTIL IT WAS ABLE TO BECOME SELF-INDEPENDENT.
”IN FUTURE, IF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FACED ANY FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, THE GOVERNMENT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY CONTINUE TO PROVIDE SUBSIDIES SO THAT THE TARGET OF PROVIDING ADEQUATE HOUSING FOR ALL FAMILIES CAN BE ACHIEVED,” MR CHAN ADDED.
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AIDS VIDEOS SCREENED AT PROMENADE
♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦
AN OPENING CEREMONY FOR A VIDEO RELAY OF THREE RECENTLY PRODUCED TELEVISION PROGRAMMES ON THE DISEASE AIDS WAS HELD AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI PROMENADE THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING. THE THREE SEGMENTS WERE THEN SHOWN CONTINUOUSLY TO THE PUBLIC.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE SCREENING SESSION LASTED TWO AND A HALF HOURS.
A VIDEO WALL WAS ASSEMBLED ON THE ISD MOBILE STREET THEATRE, AND THE THREE EPISODES WERE PLAYED VIRTUALLY NON-STOP TO VIEWERS ON THE PROMENADE.
THE FIVE-MINUTS PROGRAMMES WERE PRODUCED BY RTHK, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF ISD, TO EDUCATE PEOPLE ABOUT AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME).
THE EPISODES CENTRED ON MAJOR AREAS OF PUBLIC CONCERN ABOUT AIDS, INCLUDING THE VIRUS ITSELF, MODES OF TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION.
/THE FIRST
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 198?
- 19 -
THE FIRST EPISODE HAD ALREADY APPEARED ON TELEVISION, BUT THE OTHER TWO WERE BEING SCREENED FOR THE FIRST TIME.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, ISD CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER, MR GEORGE YUEN, SAID, "THE PURPOSE OF FILMING THE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES IS TO STIMULATE CONCERN AND AWARENESS ABOUT THE DISEASE."
AIDS HAD EMERGED AS A WORLD-WIDE MENACE, AND IT WOULD BE HERE TO STAY UNTIL A MEDICALLY PROVEN VACCINE COULD BE FOUND. MR YUEN COMMENTED THAT TO DATE THE BEST WAY TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE THROUGH THE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.
"THOUGH HONG KONG HAS BEEN FORTUNATE SO FAR IN THAT THE NUMBER OF INFECTED PERSONS IS STILL INSIGNIFICANT WHEN COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES, THERE IS, NEVERTHELESS, AN URGENT NEED TO SPREAD EDUCATIONAL MESSAGES, SO THAT PEOPLE CAN HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISEASE AND BE LESS VULNERABLE. IGNORANCE CAN KILL," HE SAID.
ON THE PUBLICITY FRONT, THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO PRODUCED VARIOUS KINDS OF SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS, SUCH AS POSTERS, INFORMATION LEAFLETS, CINEMA AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS, AND TV ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST, AS PART OF AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO COMBAT AIDS.
OPEN-AIR SCREENINGS WILL BE HELD AT SHATIN CITY PLAZA AND AT EDINBURGH PLACE ON OCTOBER 10 AND 12 RESPECTIVELY.
GUESTS ATTENDING THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, MR WILFRED TSUI; SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR PATRICK LI; AND SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER, DR NGAN CHUNG MING.
- - 0 ---------
TRADE ORDER ON MOBILE RADIO PHONES » « * * »
A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS (AMENDMENT OF SCHEDULE) ORDER 1987, WHICH WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), WOULD COME INTO OPERATION ON OCTOBER 19,1987.
THE EFFECT OF THE ORDER IS TO REMOVE MOBILE RADIO TELEPHONES WITH SPECIFIED TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS FROM IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSING REQUIREMENT UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (STRATEGIC COMMODITIES) REGULATIONS, CHAPTER 60, OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INFORMING THE TRADE, BY CIRCULAR LETTER, OF DETAILS OF THE ORDER. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXTILES) SECTION, TRADE DEPARTMENT, OCEAN CENTRE, 13TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON (TELEPHONE NUMBERS 3-7222437, 3-7222520 OR 3-7222521).
------o-------- /2O.................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9,
1987
- 20 -
SITES MUST HAVE SAFETY OFFICERS *****
THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE COMPULSORY EMPLOYMENT OF SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WILL BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION ON DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (SAFETY OFFICERS AND SAFETY SUPERVISORS) REGULATIONS 1986, A PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR OR A SPECIALIST CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO EMPLOY ONE REGISTERED SAFETY OFFICER FULL-TIME IF HE EMPLOYS 200 OR MORE PEOPLE ON A CONSTUCTION SITE OR SITES, AND TO EMPLOY ONE SAFETY SUPERVISOR ON EACH CONSTRUCTION SITE ON WHICH HE EMPLOYS 20 OR MORE WORKERS.
A PROPRIETOR WHO FAILS TO EMPLOY A SAFETY OFFICER IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $20,000.
MEANWHILE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN 290 APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS SAFETY OFFICERS IN THE PAST 10 MONTHS.
OF THE TOTAL, 192 APPLICATIONS WERE APPROVED AND 12 WERE REFUSED. THE REST ARE BEING PROCESSED.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN CALLED ON THOSE WHO INTEND TO REGISTER WITH THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR AS SAFETY OFFICERS TO OBTAIN APPLICATION FORMS FROM ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OR TO TELEPHONE 5-8524064 FOR ENQUIRIES.
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TECHNICAL INSTITUTES INVITE APPLICATION FOR SHORT COURSES
*****
THE EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ARE NOW INVITING WORKING PEOPLE WHO INTEND TO UPDATE THEIR SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE TO APPLY FOR ENTRY INTO 117 SHORT COURSES.
THESE SHORT COURSES SCHEDULED IN THE 1987/88 ACADEMIC YEAR COVER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS IN THE AREAS OF HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM STUDIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY, TEXTILE INDUSTRIES, MARINE ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, DESIGN, COMPUTING STUDIES AND MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING.
/THE COURSES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
21
THE COURSES WILL BE OFFERED AT THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONO, HAKINO WONG, LEE WAI LEE, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND THE NEWLY OPENED CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
MOST OF THE COURSES WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR TO MARCH NEXT YEAR AND THE DURATION OF THE COURSES VARIES FROM EIGHT TO 60 HOURS.
CLASSES WILL NORMALLY BE HELD IN THE EVENING FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M. WITH A FEW CONDUCTED DURING DAYTIME.
DETAILS OF THESE COURSES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN TOMORROW’S (SATURDAY) NEWSPAPERS. APPLICATION FORMS AND GUIDE TO APPLICANTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
CLOSING DATE OF APPLICATION IS OCTOBER 24 (SATURDAY),1987.
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STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S EFFORT IN ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO CARE FOR SOCIETY AND TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT HAS LED TO A GREAT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS TAKING PART IN SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF "RED CROSS SPIRIT" TEACHING KITS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS, MR LI SAID PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE ALSO PAYING MUCH ATTENTION TO MORAL AND CIVIC EDUCATION.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG RED CROSS HAD SPARED NO EFFORT IN FOSTERING CIVIC AWARENESS AND THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE, WITH THE RESULT THAT THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CADET UNITS AND JUNIOR LINKS HAD CONTINUED TO GROW.
"YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE RECEIVED TRAINING IN FIRST-AID, NURSING, PARADE AND LEADERSHIP CAN PUT WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNT INTO PRACTICE AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY," MR LI SAID.
"THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES THEY CAN ALSO BUILD UP THEIR OWN SENSE OF VALUES, LEARN HOW TO COMMUNICATE AND LIVE WITH OTHERS, AND OBTAIN SOCIAL EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM. THIS HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE LARGELY AS A RESULT OF THE EFFORTS OF THE HONG KONG RED CROSS . "
PRAISING THE INTERNATIONAL RED CROSS FOR ITS WORK IN PROMOTING THE CONCEPTS OF MUTUAL RESPECT, EQUALITY, SOLIDARITY, SERVICE AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION, MR LI SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THE SUCCESS OF OUR SOCIETY WOULD DEPEND VERY MUCH ON GOOD HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS, MUTUAL RESPECT AND CO-OPERATION.
SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD ALREADY RECEIVED TEACHING KITS TWO YEARS AGO AND THEY HAD PROVED TO BE POPULAR AMONG ALL SCHOOLS.
- 0
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
NT FENCING COMPETITION ON SUNDAY
*****
THE SECOND NEW TERRITORIES FENCING COMPETITION , WHICH HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 30 COMPETITORS, WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11) IN THE TUEN MUN YAN 01 TONG SPORTS CENTRE.
THERE WILL BE A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING, AS WELL AS A PRESENTATION OF PENNANTS.
ATTENDING THE OPENING WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAU WONG-FAT; ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G. H. COX; DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR JIMMY CHOW; CHAIRMAN OF YAN 01 TONG, MR WONG SHUE; PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR FENCING ASSOCIATION, MR POON YIP-KIU; AND SOCIAL WORK OFFICER OF THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE TUEN MUN GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE, MR YAU CHUN-SHAN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND NEW TERRITORIES FENCING COMPETITION IN THE TUEN MUN YAN 01 TONG SPORTS CENTRE AT 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11).
- - 0 - -
ABERDEEN, HUNG HOM TRAFFIC CHANGES
*****
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12), VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT FROM TUNG SING ROAD INTO LOK YEUNG STREET IN ABERDEEN, WHILE WESTBOUND VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD INTO CHENGTU ROAD.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING TO ABERDEEN CENTRE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND CHENGTU ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, LOK YEUNG STREET BETWEEN TUNG SING ROAD AND CHENGTU ROAD, AND TUNG SING ROAD BETWEEN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND LOK YEUNG STREET, WILL BE DESIGNATED DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES, ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
/THESE MEASURES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
- 25 -
THESE MEASURES WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
MEANWHILE, IN KOWLOON, THE LEFT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM ON WAN ROAD IN HUNG HOM TO CHEONG WAN ROAD FLYOVER NORTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 12) TO THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION.
MOTORISTS ON CHEONG WAN ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HEADING FOR GILLIES AVENUE ARE ADVISED TO USE CHEONG WAN ROAD, HONG TAI PATH, HONG CHONG ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU UNDERPASS AND GILLIES AVENUE.
VEHICLES AT THE KOWLOON KCR STATION PODIUM LEVEL HEADING FOR GILLIES AVENUE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHEONG WAN ROAD WESTBOUND, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU UNDERPASS AND GILLIES AVENUE.
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CHILDREN’S CHOIRS TO PERFORM * ♦ * t
CHILDREN’S CHOIRS FROM THREE DISTRICTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL GIVE A JOINT CONCERT IN ABERDEEN SQUARE ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11) AS ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL.
THE THREE CHOIRS - FROM SOUTHERN, EASTERN, AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS - WILL EACH PERFORM A SELECTION OF SONGS OF THEIR OWN CHOICE.
THE EASTERN DISTIRCT CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL PERFORM POPULAR FOLK MUSIC NUMBERS AND JEWISH FOLK SONGS. THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL ENTERTAIN THE AUDIENCE WITH A SELECTION OF CHILDREN’S SONGS WHILE THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL SING CHINESE AND EUROPFAN FOLK SONGS.
THE JOINT CONCERT WILL START AT 2.30 PM AT THE OPEN SPACE IN ABERDEEN SQUARE. ADMISSION IS FREE.
BEFORE THE CONCERT BEGINS, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TO AWARD PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A RECENT DRAWING COMPETITION HELD AT LAST SUNDAY’S CHILDREN CARNIVAL - ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 2,000 CHILDREN.
FROM A TOTAL OF OVER 300 ENTRIES, THREE WINNING AND 10 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES HAVE BEEN SELECTED FROM THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS.
THE WINNING ENTRIES, WHICH DEPICT THE YOUNG ARTISTS’ IMPRESSIONS OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT, WILL BE EXHIBITED IN THE SQUARE.
THE WEEK-LONG SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN ARTS CARNIVAL HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE MUSIC OFFICE TO PROMOTE CHILDREN’S INTEREST IN ART. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD.
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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
- 24
INVITATION FOR SEMINAR ON ELDERLY WELFARE
*****
COMMUNITY-MINDED RESIDENTS OF 16 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON ELDERLY WELFARE TO BE HELD IN THE LECTURE ROOM OF THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AT 2 PM ON OCTOBER 18 (SUNDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY UNDER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR SESSIONS: THREE-GENERATION RELATIONSHIPS; DIET FOR THE ELDERLY; MEDICAL CARE FOR THE ELDERLY; AND RELATIONSHIP AMONG THE ELDERLY.
A TOTAL OF 150 APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST SERVE BASIS. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES AFTER ATTENDING THE SEMINAR.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN. ENTRIES ARE FREE.
SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM AND DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MRS LESLIE HUNG; WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
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HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
RESIDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ARE INVITED TO VISIT A HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 11) IT WILL BE HELD ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE CHUK YUEN SHOPPING ARCADE.
THE EXHIBITION, STAGED BY THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AS PART OF A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS AT A DIFFERENT HOUSING ESTATE EVERY SUNDAY, WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.
THE EXHIBITION ILLUSTRATES POTENTIAL DANGERS IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT AND SHOWS HOW CARE SHOULD BE TAKEN WITH ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, DRUGS, SHARP OBJECTS, WINDOWS AND BALCONIES.
THE SIMPLE ADVICE IS TO TAKE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES, SUPERVISE YOUNG CHILDREN AT HOME AND PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THE ELDERLY WHO ARE EQUALLY ACCIDENT-PRONE.
HOME SAFETY BOOKLETS CONTAINING USEFUL HINTS ON HOME SAFETY AND ADVICE ON FIRST-AID WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE.
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/25........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1987
- 25 -
EASTERN COMMUNITY SURVEY COMPLETED * * * *
AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH COMPANY, COMMISSIONED BY THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO STUDY THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, HAS COMPLETED ITS SURVEY.
DETAILS AND FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR ERIC LI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE LONG RANGE PLANNING (SURVEY) WORKING GROUP, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (HK) LTD, MR RAYMOND LIANG, WILL SPEAK AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3.30 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SHELLEY STREET « « » * »
SHELLEY STREET IN CENTRAL, BETWEEN ELGIN STREET AND STAUNTON STREET, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12) FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS FOR TRENCH WORK.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA OLD BAILEY STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PARKING METERS ON THAT SECTION OF SHELLEY STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPERT MEETING ON JUDICIARY ................................ 1
STUDENTS SHOULD APPLY EARLY FOR UK STUDY ................... 1
KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN YOUTH RALLY ON SUNDAY.................. 2
HEALTH SERVICES EXHIBITION ................................. 3
WATER SUPPLY FOR MA 04 SHAN DEVELOPMENT .................... 4
TRANSPORT MATTERS ON DB AGENDA ............................. 4
APPLICATION SOUGHT FOR WALK FOR THOUGHT .................... 5
CELEBRITY OLYMPICS CUM CONCERT PRESS CONFERENCE ............ 5
SHAM SHUT PO TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE......................... 6
URBAN CLEARWAY IN FANLING .................................. 6
SHAM SHUI PO WATER CUT ..................................... 6
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 19«7
1
EXPERT MEETING ON JUDICIARY ♦ ♦ ♦ *
AN EXPERT MEETING ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE JUDICIARY WILL BE HELD BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE SIDES ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 13 AND 14) INHONG KONG.
THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR HAIDER BARMA, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH TEAM ARE: MR COLLIN PERRIOR, ACTING REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT; MR KEITH SHIPLEY, DEPUTY SECRETARY, OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY; AND MR NORMAN CHAN, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, GENERAL DUTIES BRANCH.
------0-------
STUDENTS SHOULD APPLY EARLY FOR UK STUDY ♦ ♦ ♦ » »
STUDENTS WISHING TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS IN BRITAIN NEXT YEAR ARE ADVISED TO ACT EARLY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO A BRITISH UNIVERSITY SHOULD BE MADE ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE THROUGH THE UNIVERSITIES CENTRAL COUNCIL ON ADMISSIONS (UCCA) IN BRITAIN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 530 OF THE LEE GARDENS AT 33-37 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITIES SHOULD REACH THE UCCA BEFORE OCTOBER 15 THIS YEAR. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO OTHER UNIVERSITIES IS DECEMBER 15.
STUDENTS INTENDING TO TAKE COURSES LEADING TO A FIRST DEGREE OR A DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION TN THE AUTUMN OF 1988 AT POLYTECHNICS AND THE COLLEGES OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN BRITAIN SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THE POLYTECHNICS CENTRAL ADMISSIONS SYSTEM (PCAS) BEFORE DECEMBER 15.
APPLICATION FOR ENTRY TO THESE INSTITUTIONS FOR COURSES OTHER THAN THOSE LEADING TO THE FIRST DEGREE AND DIPLOMA OF HIGHER EDUCATION SHOULD BE MADE THROUGH THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1 AND JUNE 22 NEXT YEAR.
AS IT IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO ARRANGE INDUSTRIAL SPONSORSHIPS IN BRITAIN, CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR THE FULLTIME RATHER THAN THE SANDWICH COURSES OFFERED BY THESE INSTITUTIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT CANDIDATES WISHING TO OBTAIN DETAILED INFORMATION AND ADVISORY SERVICE ON ADMISSION TO VARIOUS BRITISH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ARE WELCOME TO APPROACH THE OVERS ? ' S STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DURING OFFICE HOURS.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1987
KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN YOUTH RALLY ON SUNDAY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL JOIN HANDS WITH 1,000 YOUTHS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN ’PITCHING IN’ AT THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT A YOUTH RALLY IN VICTORIA PARK.
THE YOUTH RALLY, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, AIMS TO AROUSE SOCIAL CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN KEEPING THE TERRITORY CLEAN.
THE YOUTHS WILL PARTICIPATE IN A SERIES OF ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITION.
BEFORE THE START OF THE YOUTH ACTIVITIES, THERE WILL BE A PARADE TO BE PERFORMED BY ALL PARTICIPATING YOUTH GROUPS. IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN OPENING CEREMONY.
OTHER PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE A TWO-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT SHOW BY POPULAR SINGERS AND PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FUNCTION WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 3 PM TO 6 PM IN VICTORIA PARK. THE GOVERNOR WILL ARRIVE AT 5 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WISHING TO COVER:
(I) THE OPENING CEREMONY SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE
STAGE AT FOOTBALL PITCH NO. 2 AT 2.30 PM.
(II) THE GOVERNOR’S ARRIVAL SHOULD ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE KIOSK OF VICTORIA PARK AT 4.30 PM.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST AT BOTH POINTS.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1987
- 3 -
HEALTH SERVICES EXHIBITION * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A HEALTH EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL NEXT FRIDAY (OCTOBER 16).
THE EXHIBITION, TITLED THE USE OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, AIMS TO PROMOTE THE PROPER USE OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE TERRITORY.
SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR NGAN CHUNG-MING, SAID THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE UNIT, ALSO AIMS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY LIFESTYLES AND GETTING THE PUBLIC TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THROUGH THE EXHIBITION, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL LEARN HOW TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THE EXISTING MEDICAL FACILITIES.
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING) OF THE DEPARTMENT, DR LEE SHIU-HUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 11 AM AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY, SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE THE GENERAL CONCEPT ABOUT HEALTH, THE AWARENESS OF DISEASES, AND THE MEDICAL, HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE EXHIBITION DISPLAYS ON THE WORK OF DOCTORS AND NURSES AND THE AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO WATCH TWO SLIDE SHOWS ON AIDS AND ON NURSING CARE.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXHIBITION INCLUDE VIDEO SHOWS AND TAPE LISTENING PROGRAMMES ON THE PROPER USE OF MEDICAL, AIDS AND CHILD FIRST AID.
PAMPHLETS AND BOOKLETS ON THE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE, TEST FOR FITNESS, SOCIAL HYGIENE SERVICE, CHEST CLINIC SERVICE AND ORGAN DONATION WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
FAMILIES WHO VISIT THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN SOUVENIRS OF BOOKMARKS, CALENDARS AND KEY HOLDERS.
DURING THE OPENING CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR WINNERS OF A POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION "GETTING TO KNOW THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT”.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 5.30 PM DAILY BETWEEN OCTOBER 16 AND 21.
- 0 -
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1987
4
WATER SUPPLY FOR MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT
* « * » »
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR LAYING 4,200 METRES OF WATER MAINS IN MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE WATER MAINS, WHICH RANGE IN DIAMETER FROM 150 MILLIMETRES TO 1,200 MILLIMETRES, WILL FORM PART OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM OF MA ON SHAN. IT WILL IMPROVE BOTH THE FRESH AND FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS IN THE DISTRICT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE APPROXIMATELY 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS OCTOBER 30.
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TRANSPORT MATTERS ON DB AGENDA
» » t ♦ »
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12) TO DISCUSS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON TAXI POLICY REVIEW, AND THE MONITORING MECHANISM FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.
ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW, SENIOR TRANSPORT OFFICER (KOWLOON EAST), MISS MARY WONG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DOCUMENT AND DR. CONRAD LAM OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO HEAR MEMBERS’ VIEWS.
THE DISCUSSION ON THE MTRC IS RAISED BY MEMBER DANIEL TSOI WHO PROPOSED THAT THE MTR SHOULD SET UP A MONITORING COMMITTEE COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ONLY, AND THAT DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE ANY PROPOSALS OF FARE INCREASE AND IMPLEMENTATION DATES ARE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR ENDORSEMENT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS FROM CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS AND REPORT FROM CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 12) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1987
- 5 -
APPLICATION SOUGHT FOR WALK FOR THOUGHT
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE IN NORTH DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A ’WALK FOR THOUGHT’ TO BE HELD ON OCTOBER 25 (SUNDAY).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ICAC, THE WALK IS PART OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN CARRIED OUT IN THE DISTRICT.
APART FROM ENRICHING YOUNG PEOPLE’S KNOWLEDGE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT, THE WALK ALSO AIMS AT ENCOURAGING THEM TO THINK INDEPENDENTLY THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND OBSERVATION, SO THAT THEY WILL BECOME MORE AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RIGHTS AND DUTIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
THE WALK IS OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE AGED 18 TO 25 WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT. THE ROUTE WILL COVER SHEK WU HUI, KWU TUNG MARKET, LIU MAN SHEK TONG IN SHEUNG SHUI AND ON LOK TSUEN, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE IN FANLING.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENROLEMENT IS LIMITED TO 80. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 0-922665.
0 -------
CELEBRITY OLYMPICS CUM CONCERT PRESS CONFERENCE
*****
'CELEBRITY OLYMPICS CUM CONCERT’ IS THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL FUND-RAISING EVENT.
THE FUNCTION WILL BE COORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
A PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE EVENT WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 13 (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT BALLROOM I, VICTORIA HOTEL.
ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE INCLUDE: LADY AKERS-JONES, CHIEF COMMISSIONER, H.K.G.G.A; DR STANLEY HO, CHAIRMAN OF GENERAL FUND-RAISING COMMITTEE, H.K.G.G.A; MRS SALLY LEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF ORGANISING COMMITTEE, CELEBRITY OLYMPICS AND CONCERT; MRS LYDIA WU, DEPUTY CHIEF COMMISSIONER, H.K.G.G.A; MR SIMON LUN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING; MR CHEUNG MAN-SUN, RTHK REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CELEBRITY OLYMPICS AND CONCERT ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT
0-------- /6......................
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10, 1987
- 6
SHAM SHUf PO TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE » » » » »
THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM CHING CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND TO TAI PO ROAD WESTBOUND IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 30 MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT AND 5 AM FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 13) TO FRIDAY (OCTOBER 16) FOR ROAD WORK.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI PO ROAD EASTBOUND, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND, NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHBOUND, ROUNDABOUT, NAM CHEONG STREET NORTHBOUND, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WESTBOUND AND TAI PO ROAD WESTBOUND.
-----0-----
URBAN CLEARWAY IN FANLING ♦ » * » *
THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LOK YIP ROAD (ROAD L8) JUNCTION WITH JOCKEY CLUB ROAD TO ROAD 2612 IN ON LOK TSUEN, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 13).
FROM ITS
FANLING, 10 AM ON
NO VEHICLE EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----0------
SHAM SHUI PO WATER CUT t » i ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES WILL BE TURNED OFF ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 13) FROM 11 FOLLOWING DAY FOR A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
IN SHAM SHUI PO
PM TO 6 AM THE
PO ROAD, STREET,
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NAM CHEONG STREET, TAI POPLAR STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, INCLUDING UN CHAU FUK WING STREET, FUK WAH STREET, SHEK KIP MEI STREET, WONG CHUK STREET
AND MAPLE STREET.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR JOINS YOUTHS Hi CLEAN HK RALLY...................... 1
SHA TIN CHOSEN FOR FIRST INFIRMARY........................... 2
MORE PROGRAMMES IN YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL................... 3
SPORTS FESTIVAL EVENTS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS................. 4
FENCING A WORTHY SPORT....................................... 4
OPEN SPACE FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS .......................... 5
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW ...................... 6
OPERA PERFORMANCE AT CITY HALL TOMORROW...................... 6
CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM DRAWS BIG CROWD...................... 7
YUEN LONG WATER CUT.......................................... 7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11,
1987
- 1 -
GOVERNOR JOINS YOUTHS IN CLEAN HK RALLY * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (SUNDAY) JOINED HANDS WITH 1,000 YOUTHS IN ’PITCHING IN’ AT THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN IN A YOUTH RALLY AT VICTORIA PARK.
APART FROM PLANTING A TREE, SIR DAVID JOINED A YOUTH GROUP IN PAINTING A LITTER BOX. HE THEN TOURED THE PARK AND SAW HOW OTHER YOUTHS PARTICIPATED IN THE RALLY.
THE YOUTHS’ PARTICIPATION WAS TWO-FOLD - EITHER TAKING PART IN A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES OR COMPETITIONS. THE ACTIVITIES WERE DESIGNED ROUND THE ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT THEME, INCLUDING MAKING OF SIGNS/LOGOS; REFURBISHING BENCHES/ARBOURS; PAINTING OF LITTER CONTAINERS; AND REFURBISHING OF RAILINGS.
THE FIVE COMPETITIONS WERE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION; KHKC LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION; MODEL DESIGN COMPETITION; KHKC THEME SONG CONTEST AND TURNING LITTER INTO ORNAMENTAL/DECORATIVE ITEMS COMPETITION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/ REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, POINTED OUT THAT THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, WHICH IS THE BIGGEST AND MOST IMPORTANT SINCE THE FIRST ONE 15 YEARS AGO, WAS PIONEERING COMPLETELY NEW APPROACHES.
"PREVIOUS CAMPAIGNS WERE ALL INITIATED, ORGANISED AND RUN ENTIRELY BY GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL. THIS YEAR, FOR THE FIRST TIME, OUR STEERING COMMITTEE HAS PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS SITTING ON IT WHO ARE GIVING THEIR TIME AND HELPING IN MANY WAYS IN OUR EFFORTS NOT ONLY TO CLEAN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO TO HELP EDUCATE ALL OF US INTO A PITCHING-IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN FRAME OF MIND," HE SAID.
MR SULKE ADDED THAT APART FROM THE ARMED FORCES, COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS WERE PITCHING IN FOR THE FIRST TIME.
"AND THAT IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE KEEPING THE CITY CLEAN IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST PHYSICALLY PICKING UP RUBBISH. IT IS A MATTER OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT, A MATTER OF ACQUIRING A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY, A MATTER OF SOCIAL AND MORAL RESPONSIBILITY," HE EMPHASISED.
MR SULKE THEN JOINED OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS TO OFFICIATE AT A BALLOON-RELEASING CEREMONY TO SIGNIFY THE OPENING OF THE YOUTH RALLY.
THE OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDED URBAN COUNCILLORS MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, MRS CHOW CHEUNG WAI-PING AND REGIONAL COUNCILLORS MR TANG PUI-TAT AND DR TANG SIU-TONG.
BEFORE THE OPENING CEREMONY THERE WAS A PARADE PERFORMED BY ALL PARTICIPATING YOUTHS, WHO CAME FROM A TOTAL OF 18 YOUTH ORGANISATIONS. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, TOOK THE SALUTE.
/OTHER PROGRAMMES
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 198?
- 2 -
OTHER PROGRAMMES OF THE DAY INCLUDED A TWO-HOUR ENTERTAINMENT SHOW BY POPULAR SINGERS AND PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND.
THE YOUTH RALLY FORMS PART OF THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO SECURE PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT AND ENHANCE THEIR AWARENESS TO THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN MESSAGES.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE END OF THE RALLY, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE A CAMPAIGN LIKE THIS.
"ALL OF US WANT TO SEE THAT IT IS A PLACE WHERE IT IS PLEASANT TO LIVE. I’M VERY IMPRESSED BY THE WAY THIS CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN ORGANISED. I HOPE THAT EVERYBODY WILL KEEP ON WITH THE PROGRAMME OF KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN," HE SAID.
PRAISING THE ENTHUSIASM OF THE PARTICIPANTS, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS VERY PLEASANT TO SEE SO MANY ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING PART IN A CAMPAIGN OF THIS SORT.
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SHA TIN CHOSEN FOR FIRST INFIRMARY
* * * *
SHA TIN IS TO BE THE LOCATION OF THE FIRST-EVER GOVERNMENT INFIRMARY TO BE BUILT IN THE TERRITORY.
TENDERS FOR BUILDING THE 700-BED SHA TIN CONVALESCENT AND INFIRMARY HOSPITAL ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE HOSPITAL WILL ALLEVIATE THE SHORTAGE OF INFIRMARY BEDS AND REDUCE THE OCCUPATION OF ACUTE BEDS BY CONVALESCENT AND INFIRM PATIENTS IN DISTRICT AND REGIONAL HOSPITALS.
SITUATED AT MA ON SHAN ROAD NEAR THE PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL, THE INFIRMARY WILL BE A 10-STOREY BUILDING WITH A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 31,000 SQUARE METRES.
THE GROUND, PODIUM AND FIRST FLOORS WILL HOUSE VARIOUS ADMINISTRATIVE, ENGINEERING AND OTHER SPECIFIC FACILITIES.
DIFFERENT WARDS WILL BE LOCATED ON THE ’ H’ SHAPED TOWER OVER THE PODIUM, WITH THE PSYCHIATRIC WARDS ON THE SECOND FLOOR AND THE RADIOTHERAPY/GENERAL INFIRMARY WARDS ON THE THIRD FLOOR.
OTHER GENERAL INFIRMARY WARDS WILL OCCUPY THE FOURTH TO EIGHTH FLOORS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON DECEMBER 6.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11,
1987
- 3 -
MORE PROGRAMMES IN YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL *****
YUEN LONG RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A TOTAL OF 42 EVENTS, THE MOST EVER ORGANISED DURING THE YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN DECEMBER 4 AND 20, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 8TH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR LEE KAE-BUN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
"EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL ARTISTS," HE SAID. "THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL DANCE TROUPES, CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE, CHINESE ORCHESTRA AND CHILDREN’S CHOIR, AND THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE A SPECTACULAR VARIETY SHOW FEATURING LOCAL TALENT," MR LEE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT A FEATURE OF THE FESTIVAL WOULD BE THAT PERFORMANCES WOULD BE GIVEN THROUGHOUT YUEN LONG, INCLUDING SEVERAL REMOTE RURAL AREAS, SO THAT ALL RESIDENTS COULD SHARE IN THE ENTERTAINMENT.
THE ARTS FESIVAL IS A JOINT PRESENTATION BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE, THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. IT WAS RESCHEDULED TO DECEMBER TO AVOID CLASHING WITH DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION ACTIVITIES IN EARLY 1988. PREVIOUSLY, YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVALS WERE USUALLY HELD DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR.
MR LEE NOTED THAT TOWN DECORATIONS WOULD BE SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE FESTIVAL TO COINCIDE WITH CHRISTMAS. AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, MORE THAN HALF OF THE PROGRAMMES WOULD BE FREE.
DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME AND POSTAL BOOKING FORMS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND LUT SAU HALL LATER THIS MONTH.
THE FIRST YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WAS ORGANISED IN 1981 AND SINCE THEN IT HAS BECOME THE LARGEST ANNUAL CULTURAL EVENT IN THE DISTRICT, AIMED AT PROMOTING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ APPRECIATION OF FINE ARTS AND THE PERFORMING ARTS.
- - 0 - -
A
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1987
SPORTS FESTIVAL EVENTS OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS
*****
PEOPLE WHO LIVE-; WORK OR STUDY IN KWUN TONG ARE BEING INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A VARIETY OF SPORT AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES PRESENTED BY THE KWUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL ’87 NEXT MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING LOCAL INTEREST IN SPORT ACTIVITIES AND TO INSTIL A SENSE OF DISTRICT BELONGING AND IDENTITY AMONG RESIDENTS.
"THE FESTIVAL WILL RUN FROM NOVEMBER 8 TO 22 AND THE PROGRAMME IS SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF ALL AGES AND DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ACTIVITIES DURING THE TWO-WEEK FESTIVAL INCLUDE TRACK AND FIELD, BALL GAMES AND DEMONSTRATIONS, A ROLLER-SKATING FUN DAY, AN INTER-FACTORY TELEMATCH DAY, A GAMES DAY FOR CHILDREN, A SPORTS CAMP AND A ROUND-THE-DISTRICT RACE.
"IN ADDITION, A FUN DAY FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ABLE-BODIED AS WELL AS A GAMES DAY FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE STAGED," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS AND DETAILS OF THESE ACTIVITIES CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE FOLLOWING ORGANISING BODIES:
KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE (3-416315) AND ITS SUB-OFFICES;
KWUN TONG RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE,
URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (3-436123);
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD (3-418014); AND
KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION (3-435856).
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FENCING A WORTHY SPORT * * *
FENCING, WHICH HAS A LONG HISTORY, HELPS TO DEVELOP A VERSATILE MIND AND QUICK RESPONSE, AND IS A SPORT SUITABLE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ACTING TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SECOND NEW TERRITORIES FENCING COMPETITION, MR YAU SAID THAT BECAUSE OF THE HARD WORK OF THE TUEN MUN FENCING ASSOCIATION, WHICH ALSO PROVIDED TRAINING CLASSES AND NURTURING OF FENCERS, NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS NOW HAD A WIDER CHOICE OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES. THE STANDARD OF FENCING IN TUEN MUN HAD BECOME RELATIVELY HIGH.
/HE ALSO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 111 1987
- 5 -
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE FIRST NEW TERRITORIES FENCING COMPETITION HELD LAST YEAR WAS WELL RECEIVED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THIS YEAR, THE COMPETITION FEATURES NINE MEN’S FOIL TEAMS WITH MORE THAN 30 PARTICIPANTS FROM DIFFERENT DISTRICTS.
THE COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE FENCING ASSOCIATION, YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AND INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE, CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE TUEN MUN GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE, AND SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WERE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G. H. COX; DISTRICT LEISURE MANAGER, MR JIMMY CHOW; CHAIRMAN OF YAN 01 TONG, MR WONG SHUE; PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONO AMATEUR FENCING ASSOCIATION, MR POON YIP-KUN; AND SOCIAL WORK OFFICER OF THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE TUEN MUN GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK SERVICE, MR YAU CHUN-SHAN.
-----0------
OPEN SPACE FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS
*****
LOCAL OPEN SPACE IS TO BE CREATED AT ON HING ROAD, YUEN LONG, TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA.
THE OPEN SPACE, MEASURING ABOUT 5,900 SQUARE METRES, WILL COMPRISE A SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER PITCH, SITTING-OUT AREA AND STORE/METER ROOM.
LANDSCAPING WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT. THE DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 30.
- - 0 - -
/6
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 1987
- 6 -
NORTH DB TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW
*****
MEMBERS OF THE .NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 13) TO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBER, DR STEPHEN TANG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DOCUMENT WHICH COVERS THE ROLE, SIZE, QUALITY OF SERVICE AS WELL AS FARE POLICY AND GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF THE TAXI TRADE.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE SHORT AND LONG-TERM MEASURES TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF SHORTAGE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES AND THE PROVISION OF A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE NOISE POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE SHEK WU HUI MORNING WHOLESALE MARKET; IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NOISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY TRAINS AND THE DISTRICT BOARD STUDY TOUR TO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 13) AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION SERVICE WILL BE AVAILABLE.
------0-------
OPERA PERFORMANCE AT CITY HALL TOMORROW
*****
HUNDREDS OF YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO ENJOY AND APPRECIATE THE ART OF CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE CONCERT HALL OF CITY HALL.
THE EVENT IS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH AIMS AT PROVIDING A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS DURING THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE A LARGE-SCALE VARIETY SHOW, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY FORTNIGHT AND A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
/OFFICIATING AT
7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 198?
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE OPERA PERFORMANCE TOMORROW WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH.
------------ j,
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CANTONESE OPERA SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 7 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE CONCERT HALL. INFORMATION OFFICER, MISS BRENDA CHAN, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-------o---------
CROSS TOLO HARBOUR SWIM DRAWS BIG CROWD
*****
THE 20TH CROSS TOLO HARBOUR RACE HELD IN TAI PO THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING ATTRACTED A RECORD NUMBER OF 1,742 SWIMMERS, EXCEEDING LAST YEAR’S BY ABOUT 400.
THE SWIMMERS INCLUDED 1,392 MEN AND 350 WOMEN, WITH THE YOUNGEST BEING 12 YEARS OLD AND THE OLDEST 84.
THEY SWAM FROM SHA LAN BEACH IN SHUEN WAN TO THE TAI MEI TUK WATER SPORTS CENTRE, COVERING A DISTANCE OF 2,400 METRES.
THE RACE WAS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND A BREWERY.
TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT, OFFICIATED AT THE STARTING CEREMONY AT 10.30 AM.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS AT THE WATER SPORTS CENTRE.
TROPHIES WERE AWARDED TO THE FIRST 10 WINNERS IN THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S GROUPS WHILE ABOUT 1,600 SWIMMERS WHO COMPLETED THE FULL COURSE WITHIN 90 MINUTES RECEIVED COMMEMORATIVE CERTIFICATES.
THE CHAMPION IN THE MEN’S GROUP WAS MR YIP HOR-MAN WHILE MISS CHAN TAN-FUNG WON THE FIRST PRIZE IN THE WOMEN’S GROUP.
------0-------
YUEN LONG WATER CUT
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE TURNED OFF ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 14) FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FROM THE 28-1/2 TO 30 MILESTONE, INCLUDING SAN TIN WAI, SHEUNG SAN WAI, SHEUNG CHUK YUEN, SANG CHEONG MUK YUEN, WO SHANG WAI, MO PUN YUEN, WAI TSAI AND NGAU TAM MEI ROAD.
------o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS FOR JUNE....... 1
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES COMMENDED ............................ 6
LAB DISCUSSES LABOUR LEGISLATION IMPROVEMENTS.................... 7
ENTRY SCHEME FOR MACAU RESIDENTS ................................ 7
HIGHER INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES...................... 8
ANOTHER DRY MONTH IN SEPTEMBER ................................. 10
COURTHOUSE TO BE BUILT AT SaI WhN HO............................ 12
SENSE OF BELONGING STRONG .MONG EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS . 13
CHARITY WALK TO PROMOTE INTEGRATION .......................... 14
MEMBERS BRIEFED ON SaI KUNG CLINIC FACILITIES .................. 14
TUEN MUN SURVEY ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION...................... 15
RELOCATION OF THa IN MA ON SHaN................................. 16
RETIRING Marine ASSISTANT DIRECTOR COMMENDED ................... 16
TEMPORARY TRaFFIC ARRANGEMENTS rtT LaM TIN...................... 17
TUEN MUN WATER CUT.............................................. 18
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
18
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
1
EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS FOR JUNE
» » » » »
THERE WERE 895,600 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN .JUNE 1987, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 1.1 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH JUNE 1986, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 648,700 IN JUNE 1987, WAS 6.2 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1986.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 204,700, WAS UP BY 8.1 PER CENT.
EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 10.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH JUNE 1986.
A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN JUNE 1987 WERE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT. THESE SECTORS COVER IHE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORI AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SER\ICES SECTOR. THERE IS A SEPARATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY COVERING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR JUNE 1987 IN THESE SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, BY COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR JUNE 1986 AND MARCH 1987, ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
PERSONS ENGAGED (EMPLOYMENT) IN • PERCENTAGE CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 86 MAR. 87 JUN. 87 JUN. 87 ON JUN. 86 JUN. 87 ON MAR. 87
MANUFACTURING 886,100 864,900 895,600 ♦ 1.1 4- 3.5
BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY) 64,000 71,800 70,900 4-10.8 - 1.3
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 610,800 620,000 648,700 4 6.2 4-4.6
/FINANCING, .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
2 -
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES
189,300 197,200 204,700
+ 8.1
3.8
* BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.
COMPARING JUNE 1987 WITH MARCH 1987, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.5 PER CENT, 4.6 PER CENT AND 3.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES DECREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT. THIS DECREASE IS PARTLY SEASONAL AND PARTLY DUE TO CHANGES IN STAGE OF WORK IN SOME SITES.
THE SURVEY ALSO PROVIDES VACANCY STATISTICS FOR THESE SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS, OTHER THAN FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION. THE OVERALL FIGURES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR JUNE 1986 AND MARCH 1987, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NUMBER OF REPORTED
VACANCIES IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 86 MAR. 87 JUN. 87 JUN. 87 ON JUN. 86 JUN. 87 ON MAR. 87
MANUFACTURING 22,840 47,790 42,300 + 85.2 - 11.5
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 7,070 16,000 14,850 +109.9 - 7.2
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 2,550 5,280 5,940 + 132.5 + 12.5
♦ BASED ON UNROUNDED VACANCY FIGURES.
/RELATIVE TO ......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
RELATIVE TO JUNE 1986, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR INCREASED BY 85.2 PER CENT, 109.9 PER CENT AND 132.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES DECREASED BY 11.5 PER CENT AND 7.2 PER CENT FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; AND THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, RESPECTIVELY. THIS DECREASE IS A REGULAR SEASONAL PHENOMENON, AS PART OF VACANCIES ARE FILLED BY SUMMER WORKERS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES INCREASED BY 12.5 PER CENT FOR THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.
ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE SURVEY ARE STATISTICS ON MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR. QUARTERLY TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS ARE SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN % CHANGE*
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE 2ND QTR. 2ND QTR. 2ND QTR. 1987 ON
ECONOMY 1986 1987 2ND QTR. 1986
MANUFACTURING HK$ MN 7,733 HK$ MN 8,815 + 14.0
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 5,754 6,701 + 16.5
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 2,996 3,622 + 20.9
» BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL FIGURES.
/COMPARED WITH
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 14.0 PER CENT, 16.5 PER CENT AND 20.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987.
AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN JUNE 1986 AND JUNE 1987, ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED. TO ALLOW FOR THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES, THE NOMINAL INDEX IS DEFLATED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) TO GIVE THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED. THESE TWO INDICES FOR JUNE 1986 AND JUNE 1987 ARE GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELOW:
NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (JUNE 1980 = 100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 86 JUN. 87 JUN. 87 ON JUN. 86
MANUFACTURING 208.5 236.6 + 13.5
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 209.5 231.2 + 10.4
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 210.8 237.8 + 12.8
/REAL INDEX
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED '(JUNE 1980 =100) % CHANGE
SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY JUN. 86 JUN. 87 JUN. 87 ON JUN. 86
MANUFACTURING 128.2 137.6 ♦ 7.3
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 128.8 134.4 ♦ 4.3
FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 129.6 138.3 + 6.7
BETWEEN JUNE 1986 AND JUNE 1987, INCREASES OF 13.5 PER CENT, 10.4 PER CENT AND 12.8 PER CENT WERE REGISTERED IN THE NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WERE 7.3 PER CENT, 4.3 PER CENT AND 6.7 PER CENT.
DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, JUNE 1987, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT HKtll PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AND AT THE SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
6
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES COMMENDED
*****
FOR THE PAST 37 YEARS MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES (AMS) HAVE MADE A CONSISTENTLY SELFLESS AND UNSTINTING CONTRIBUTION TO THE WELFARE OF OUR COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TONIGHT (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE AMS OFFICERS MESS DINNER, SIR DAVID SAID THE AMS PERFORMED A VITAL ROLE IN THE MEDICAL CIVIL DEFENCE IN HONG KONG AND SUCH CONTRIBUTIONS WERE GREATLY APPRECIATED.
"IT IS ALSO REASSURING FOR THE COMMUNITY TO KNOW THAT 6,000 DEDICATED MEN AND WOMEN STAND READY TO AUGMENT MEDICAL AND AMBULANCE SERVICES IN TIMES OF NEED," SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE SERVICES HAD BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN LIFE GUARD, FIRST AID AND AMBULANCE DUTIES. BESIDES, THEY HAD ALSO ASSISTED IN REFUGEE AND METHADONE CLINIC ASSIGNMENTS.
"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE AMS WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE YEARS AHEAD. I AM SURE TOO THAT YOU WILL MEET YOUR CHALLENGES WITH THE SAME DEVOTION, EFFICIENCY AND CHEERFULNESS AS YOU HAVE DEMONSTRATED IN THE PAST," SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID ALSO CONGRATULATED AMS MEMBERS ON THEIR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY IN THE PAST YEAR AND THANKED THEM ALL FOR WHAT THEY HAD DONE.
MEANWHILE, IN HIS WELCOMING ADDRESS, THE COMMISSIONER OF AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID IT IS BOTH PRIVILEGE AND HONOUR TO HAVE SIR DAVID AT THE MESS DINNER FOR THE FIRST TIME.
DR THONG SAID IT IS A VERY SPECIAL OCCASION FOR AMS OFFICERS TO MEET THE GOVERNOR IN PERSON IN RELAXED AND CONGENIAL SURROUNDINGS.
"ON BEHALF OF THE AMS, I SHOULD LIKE TO THANK SIR DAVID MOST WARMLY FOR HIS DEEP PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE AMS AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO MANY MORE YEARS OF HIS GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT," HE SAID.
SPEAKING ON THE AMS, DR THONG SAID SINCE ITS INCEPTION 37 YEARS AGO, THE SERVICES HAD PROGRESSED AND DEVELOPED FROM LESS THAN 2,000 VOLUNTEERS IN 1950 INTO THE PRESENT MEDICAL CIVIL DEFENCE FORCE OF NEARLY 6,000 TRAINED MEMBERS.
DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD ENDING APRIL, 1987, THE MEMBERS HAD SPENT 108,896 MAN-HOURS IN PROVIDING FIRST-AID COVERAGE AT PUBLIC FUNCTIONS AND COUNTRY PARKS.
ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND SUNDAYS, 23,232 MAN-HOURS WERE SPENT ON MANNING AMBULANCES AND A FURTHER 5,008 MAN-HOURS WERE SPENT BY AMS MEMBERS WHO WERE DRIVERS OF AMBULANCES.
SOME 160 MEMBERS AND GUESTS ATTENDED TONIGHT’S DINNER.
- - 0
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
LAB DISCUSSES LABOUR LEGISLATION IMPROVEMENTS ♦ * ♦ * ♦
THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MET TODAY (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS SEVERAL ISSUES RELATING TO LABOUR MATTERS AND LEGISLATION.
MEMBERS FIRST LOOKED INTO THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION AND AGREED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF ADVANCE PAYMENT WHICH CAN BE MADE TO A PNEUMOCONIOTIC PERSON OR HIS DEPENDANTS FROM $1,000 TO $20,000.
THE BOARD ALSO ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEE FOR EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES FROM $400 TO $600 UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS AND THAT THE FEE WOULD BE REVIEWED EVERY TWO YEARS IN FUTURE.
IN ADDITION, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE MAXIMUM FEE WHICH COULD BE CHARGED BY AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY FROM A JOB SEEKER ON FIRST REGISTRATION AND SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION SHOULD BE INCREASED FROM $3 TO $5. THE FIRST REGISTRATION FEE TO BE CHARGED FROM AN EMPLOYER WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $10 TO $35 AND THAT FOR SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION FROM $5 TO $20.
MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS TO AMEND THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS ORDINANCE TO BRING IT UP TO DATE AND CLOSER IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS AND PRACTICE.
THE BOARD FURTHER SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO THE EFFECT THAT WHEN THERE IS A WRITTEN CONTRACT, THE EMPLOYER MUST PROVIDE A COPY OF THE CONTRACT TO THE EMPLOYEE SO AS TO AVOID DISPUTES WHICH MIGHT ARISE OUT OF MISUNDERSTANDING AND UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THEIR TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
THE BOARD ALSO NOTED A REPORT ON HONG KONG’S PARTICIPATION IN THE 73RD SESSION Ob' THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONFERENCE IN GENEVA IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
------0-------
ENTRY SCHEME FOR MACAU RESIDENTS * t ♦ * $
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU WHO ARE MARRIED TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND WHOSE MACAU IDENTITY CARDS WERE ISSUED IN MAY, JUNE AND JULY 1980 MAY APPLY (TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHILDREN) TO JOIN THEIR HUSBANDS IN HONG KONG.
EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU WHO ARE MARRIED TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND WHOSE MACAU IDENTITY CARDS WERE ISSUED BETWEEN JANUARY AND JULY 1980 MAY ALSO APPLY (TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHILDREN) TO JOIN THEIR WIVES IN HONG KONG.
/APPLICATIONS CAN
MONDAY, OCTOBER I2t 198?
- 8
APPLICATIONS CAN BE SUBMITTED FROM TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, BY THE HONG KONG SPONSORS IN PERSON TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, 61 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
ANYONE WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THIS ENTRY SCHEME MAY TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE AT 3-7333126.
-------o ---------
HIGHER INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED TODAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES. AS FROM OCTOBER 14, 1987, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF
INTEREST WILL BE 5.28 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 4.32 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.44 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 OCTOBER 14, 1987.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE OCTOBER 14, 1987 WILL
CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS!-
4.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 22, 1985 AND BEFORE JUNE 27, 1985;
3.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 17, 1985;
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;
2.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985;
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 198?
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986;
4.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986;
4.08% 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 1987 ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED AND BEFORE APRIL 9, 1987; ON OR AFTER MARCH 4,
3.36% PER 1987 ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED AND BEFORE JUNE 4, 1987; ON OR AFTER APRIL 9,
3.84% PER 1987 ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED AND BEFORE JUNE 24, 1987; ON OR AFTER JUNE 4,
4.32% PER 1987 ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED AND BEFORE OCTOBER 14, 1987, ON OR AFTER JUNE 24,
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 CETRTIFICATES PURCHASED ON OCTOBER 14, 1987,
NOVEMBER 14, 1987 AND DECEMBER 14, 1987 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JANUARY 13, 1988
WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS -
ON $1,000, OCTOBER 14, 1987 TO JANUARY 13, 1988 THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.40 PER MONTH = 13.20
ON $1,000, NOVEMBER 14, 1987 TO JANUARY 13, 1988 TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $4.40 PER MONTH = 8,80
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 14, 1987 TO JANUARY
13, 1988 ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $4.40 PER
MONTH ~ 4,40
$26.40
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12,
1987
10 -
ANOTHER DRY MONTH IN SEPTEMBER
*****
FOLLOWING A DRY AUGUST, THE TOTAL RAINFALL IN SEPTEMBER WAS AGAIN BELOW NORMAL. -THE RAINFALL AMOUNT OF 158.3 MILLIMETRES REPRESENTED ONLY 49 PER CENT OF THE NORMAL SEPTEMBER AMOUNT OF 320.4 MILLIMETRES. HOWEVER, THE CUMULATIVE RAINFALL OF 2,179.6 MILLIMETRES SINCE JANUARY 1 IS STILL SEVEN PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL.
THE LOW RAINFALL AMOUNT LAST MONTH MAY BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE SCARCITY OF TROPICAL CYCLONES AFFECTING THE SOUTH CHINA COAST. ONLY TYPHOON GERALD POSED A THREAT TO HONG KONG DURING THE MONTH AND NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF THE STAND-BY SINGAL NO. 1.
SINCE 1956, WHEN THE TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL NO. 3 WAS INTRODUCED, THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR IN WHICH NO SUCH SIGNAL HAS BEEN HOISTED, UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE FEWER THAN NORMAL TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST RESULTED IN HONG KONG’S HIGH MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE OF 1,010.6 HPA FOR 'HIE MONTH, THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR SEPTEMBER.
ON SEPTEMBER 1, A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE BROUGHT SOME ISOLATED SHOWERS TO HONG KONG. SHOWERS CONTINUED TO AFFECT THE TERRITORY ON SEPTEMBER 2 AND 3. ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS ALSO OCCURRED ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 3.
THE WEATHER REMAINED GENERALLY CLOUDY BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 4 AND 7, BUT NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED EXCEPT A TRACE DURING THE EARLY MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 7.
THE WEATHER BECAME FINE ON SEPTEMBER 8 WHILE TYPHOON GERALD WAS APPROACHING FROM THE EAST. ON SEPTEMBER 9 GERALD ENTERED THE BASHI CHANNEL AND POSED A THREAT TO HONG KONG. THE STAND-BY SINGAL NO. 1 WAS HOISTED AT NOON. A MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 32.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED THAT DAY, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH. ON SEPTEMBER 10, WINDS OFFSHORE BEGAN TO FRESHEN FROM THE NORTH AND REACHED A MAXIMUM SPEED OF 47 KM/H AT WAGLAN ISLAND BY THE AFTERNOON. GUSTS OF OVER 65 KM/H WERE ALSO RECORDED.
ON SEPTEMBER 10, GERALD TOOK ON A MORE NORTHWESTERLY TRACK AND WAS NO LONGER THREATENING HONG KONG. THE STAND-BY SIGNAL NO. 1 WAS LOWERED AT 11 AM. ALTHOUGH THE SKY REMAINED CLOUDY, NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 12 WHEN ISOLATED SHOWERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE REMNANTS OF GERALD FELL OVER HONG KONG.
/BETWEEN SEPTEMBER
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
11
BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 13 AND 24, MODERATE EASTERLY WINDS PREVAILED OVER HONG KONG BUT THEY WERE OCCASIONALLY FRESH OFFSHORE. THE WEATHER THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD WAS GENERALLY CLOUDY WITH INTERMITTENT SHOWERS. SOME OF THESE SHOWERS WERE QUITE INTENSE BUT ISOLATED. FOR EXAMPLE, SHORTLY BEFORE MIDNIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 21, A HEAVY DOWNPOUR BROUGHT OVER 50 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY BUT ONLY A FEW MILLIMETRES WERE RECORDED OVER THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE HEAVY RAINFALL CAUSED SOME MINOR FLOODING IN THE URBAN AREAS.
ON SEPTEMBER 25, A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FORMED OVER CENTRAL CHINA AND BEGAN TO MOVE SOUTHWARDS. THIS TROUGH BECAME A COLD FRONT LATER IN THE DAY AND REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST THAT NIGHT. SHOWERS AND THUNDERSTORMS ON SEPTEMBER 25 HERALDED THE PASSAGE OF THIS COLD FRONT THROUGH HONG KONG. THE TEMPERATURE ALSO DROPPED TO 21.7 DEGREES CELSIUS ON THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 26, WHICH IS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED SO FAR THIS AUTUMN.
NORTHERLY WINDS, CLOUDY SKIES AND SOME RAIN KEPT THE TEMPERATURES DOWN ON SEPTEMBER 26. WITH THE WINDS TURNING TO EASTERLY ON SEPTEMBER 27, TEMPERATURES GRADUALLY CLIMBED TO NEAR-NORMAL VALUES DURING THE REMAINING FOUR DAYS OF THE MONTH. THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY THROUGHOUT THIS PERIOD WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN.
A TOTAL OF SEVEN TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC DURING SEPTEMBER.
DURING THE MONTH, NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2, 3, 6, 18, 21, 22, 24 AND 25.
THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WAS AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
TYPHOON GERALD 1 SEPTEMBER 9, 12 NOON SEPTEMBER 10, 11 AM
THE MONTH SUNSHINE ’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE: 153.1 HOURS ; 35.4 HOURS BELOW
NORMAL
GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 14.04 MJ/SQUARE METRE ; 2.78 MJ/SQUARE METRE BELOW NORMAL
RAINFALL 158.3 MM ; 162.1 MM BELOW
NORMAL
/CLOUDINESS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 121 1987
12
CLOUDINESS
RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 29.2
MEAN TEMPERATURE 27.3
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 25.7
MEAN DEW POINT 23.2
TOTAL EVAPORATION
70 PER CENT ; 8 PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
79 PER CENT ; NORMAL
DEGREES CELSIUS ; 1.3 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
DEGREES CELSIUS ; 0.2 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
DEGREES CELSIUS ; 0.5 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
DEGREES CELSIUS ; NORMAL
122.3 MM ; 34.8 MM BELOW NORMAL
-----0-----
COURTHOUSE TO BE BUILT AT SAI WAN HO *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A 16-STOREY EASTERN MAGISTRACY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING ON THE SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION.
THE MAGISTRACY WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF EIGHT COURTROOMS, INCLUDING TWO DISTRICT COURTS, A JUVENILE COURT AND A SMALL CLAIMS COURT.
ELEVEN FLOORS OF THE BUILDING WILL BE USED AS GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND CAR PARK.
THERE WILL BE A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF ABOUT 26,000 SQUARE METRES.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN APRIL, 1990.
CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON OCTOBER 30
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
SENSE OF BELONGING STRONG AMONG EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS
*****
ACCORDING TO A SURVEY ON THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY CONDUCTED IN EASTERN DISTRICT BY AN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH COMPANY, THERE IS A STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE RESIDENTS.
ANNOUNCING THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), THE SURVEY’S WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, SAID THAT THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE SURVEY WAS TO ASSESS COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES CURRENTLY PROMOTED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND TO IDENTIFY NEW TARGETS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF RESIDENTS’ LIVELIHOOD.
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES (HK) LTD., MR RAYMOND LIANG, SAID THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS LIKED TO LIVE IN THE DISTRICT, BUT FELT THE DISTRICT NEEDED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS AND MORE LEISURE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, THERE IS A LOW LEVEL OF AWARENESS IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, AS A RESULT, THE PERCENTAGE OF PARTICIPATION IS POOR,” MR LIANG SAID.
"THE FINDINGS INDICATE THAT THERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT KINDS OF INTEREST GROUPS, NAMELY YOUNGER AGE GROUP AND OLDER AGE GROUP.
"THE YOUNGER AGE GROUP WANTS THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE SPORTS, RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, WHILE THE OLDER AGE GROUP ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT CRIME PREVENTION AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
"THE SURVEY SHOWS A NEED ON THE PART OF THE DISTRICT BOARD TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION TO RESIDENTS ABOUT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND WHETHER THE BOARD CAN HELP TO PROVIDE LEISURE AND RECREATION FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS," MR LIANG CONCLUDED.
RESPONDING TO THE SURVEY FINDINGS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE EDB, MR ERIC LI, URGED LOCAL RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD IN NOVEMBER AND TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR.
REFERRING TO PROBLEMS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL, TRAFFIC, MEDICAL SERVICES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, MR LI SAID THAT THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALREADY MONITORED THE SITUATIONS CLOSELY AND REFLECTED RESIDENTS’ VIEWS TO THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
"THE COMING COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING WILL DISCUSS THE SURVEY REPORT AND FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED FOR CONSIDERATIONS," MR LI SAID.
- 0---------
/1U........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
14 -
CHARITY WALK TO PROMOTE INTEGRATION
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A CHARITY WALK ON NOVEMBER 22 TO PROMOTE INTEGRATION BETWEEN THE DISABLED AND THE ABLE-BODIED AND TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LOW-INCOME SINGLE-PARENT FAMILIES OF THE DISTRICT.
THE CHARITY WALK, TO BE HELD AT THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK, IS OPEN TO ABLE-BODIED, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND MENTALLY RETARDED PEOPLE.
RESIDENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE CHARITY WALK OR SPONSOR OTHER PARTICIPANTS.
SOUVENIRS WILL BE PRESENTED TO INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE SECURED A SPONSORSHIP OF OVER $1,000 AND ORGANISATIONS WHICH RAISE MORE THAN $5,000.
SPONSORSHIP FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SEVEN SUB-OFFICES, AND THE OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AT LEVEL 4, TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER.
THE CHARITY WALK IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE DISTRICT’S REHABILITATIVE SERVICES PROMOTING PROGRAMME ORGANISED BETWEEN JULY AND DECEMBER THIS YEAR.
OTHER ACTIVITIES, ALL CENTRING ROUND THE INTEGRATION CONCEPT, INCLUDE ESSAY COMPETITION, CARNIVAL, EXHIBITION AND VISITS TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR THE DISABLED.
RESIDENTS MAY CALL 0-273593 FOR FURTHER DETAILS OF THE CHARITY WALK AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
-----o-----
MEMBERS BRIEFED ON SAI KUNG CLINIC FACILITIES
*****
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL BE BRIEFED ON FACILITIES OF THE SAI KUNG MONA FONG CLINIC TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, NEW TERRITORIES (EAST), WILL GIVE A PRESENTATION ON THE CLINIC.
SITUATED AT MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN, THE CLINIC IS A FOUR-STOREY BUILDING WHICH IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE OPERATION IN EARLY 1988.
/OTHER ITEMS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12t 1987
- 15 -
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND REPORTS ON ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
-----0-----
TUEN MUN SURVEY ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
t * * » »
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE CARRIED OUT A SURVEY IN JULY TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH LOCAL RESIDENTS KNOW ABOUT THE OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN 1981.
THE SURVEY COVERS SUCH AREAS AS THE RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, DISTRICT BOARD ELECTOR REGISTRATION RATE AND ELECTIONS, RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE ABILITY OF THE DISTRICT BOARD TO SOLVE LOCAL PROBLEMS AS WELL AS URGENT PROBLEMS IN TUEN MUN.
ACTING TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, WILL MEET MEMBERS OF THE PRESS IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE CONSULTANTS OF THE SURVEY, MR CHEUNG KWOK-HING OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND MR CHAN TUN-LEONG OF THE SALVATION ARMY BUTTERFLY YOUTH CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BRIEFING SESSION ON THE SURVEY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
16
RELOCATION OF THA IN MA ON SHAN
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) MORNING TO DISCUSS A PLAN TO RELOCATE THE PROPOSED TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA NEAR TAI SHUI HANG (AREA 82) TO A SITE ADJACENT TO HENG ON AND YIU ON ESTATES (AREA 92) IN MA ON SHAN.
IN THE JUNE MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE, MEMBERS AGREED TO THE ORIGINALLY PROPOSED SITE. HOWEVER, LATER DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS CAME TO LIGHT THAT AREA 82 SHOULD BETTER BE USED FOR PURPOSES OTHER THAN FOR THA AND AREA 92 WAS PROPOSED AS REPLACEMENT.
MEANWHILE, DB MEMBER, MR CHOY KAN-PUI, WILL ASK ABOUT GOVERNMENT MEASURES TO SOLVE THE FLUSHING PROBLEM IN VILLAGE HOUSES.
ANOTHER MEMBER, MR LAU KONG-WAH, WILL ASK IF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE MEASURES TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING ELECTRICITY DEMAND IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AND ABOUT CHANGES IN COMPLAINT CHANNELS RESULTING FROM THE RESTRUCTURING OF THE HOUSING BRANCH AND HOUSING AUTHORITY.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE NOTES OF MEETINGS OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING WORKING GROUP AND CONCERN OF TEMPORARY HOUSING GROUP, PROPOSED MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND APPLICATION FOR FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
- 0 - -
RETIRING MARINE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR COMMENDED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, PRESENTED A RETIREMENT GIFT TO THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR P.J. WU, ON BEHALF OF THE STAFF OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AT A CEREMONY THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE BRIEF BUT WELL-ATTENDED CEREMONY MARKED THE RETIREMENT OF MR WU AFTER 26 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
/SPEAKING AT
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 198?
- 17 -
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION, MR HIGGINSON PRAISED MR WU FOR HIS LONG AND LOYAL SERVICE AND THANKED HIM FOR HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION AND DEDICATION TO THE DEPARTMENT.
"MR WU’S IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, AND INDEED IN CHINA, WILL BE SORELY MISSED," MR HIGGINSON SAID. "HE HAS GIVEN OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT."
MR WU JOINED THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IN 1961 AS MARINE OFFICER -THE FIRST EVER LOCAL MARINE OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT. AFTER A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS HE BECAME ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN 1980. IN 1979, MR WU PLAYED A VITAL ROLE DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE INFLUX FOR WHICH HE RECEIVED THE GOVERNOR’S COMMENDATION.
MR WU IS AT PRESENT ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT LAM TIN
*****
FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY), THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS LAYING WORKS:
* THE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC LANE OF KAI TIN ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH PING TIN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED;
» LEUNG TIN LANE WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND;
» ALL LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM KAI TIN ROAD;
» VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON KAI TIN ROAD WESTBOUND EAST OF PING TIN STREET TOWARDS JUNK BAY ROAD AND KAI TIN ROAD WEST OF TAK TIN STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PING TIN STREET, LEUNG TIN LANE AND TAK TIN STREET;
» KMB ROUTES 15, 15A, 15B AND 15X ON THE JOURNEYS TO LAM TIN (NORTH) BUS TERMINUS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KAI TIN ROAD, PING TIN STREET, LEUNG TIN LANE AND TAK TIN STREET;
» KMB ROUTE 16 ON THE JOURNEYS TO TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PING TIN STREET, LEUNG TIN LANE, TAK TIN STREET AND KAI TIN ROAD.
THESE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
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/18........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 12, 1987
- 18 -
TUEN MUN WATER CUT * * * * ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) FROM 10 PM TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE AT TAI LAM CHUNG ROAD, INCLUDING THE SEAMEN’S AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOLS, TAI LAM FIRE STATION, TAI LAM CHUNG, WONG UK, TAI LAM CHUNG TSUEN AND TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.
- - 0 --------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE » » »
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 71.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 416.637 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 400.562 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 68.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
•----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1J, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW CHIEF JUSTICE APPOINTED ................................ 1
SENIOR STAFF MOVEMENTS ..................................... 1
EIGHT BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA ................................ 3
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER LIMITED COMPENSATION SCHEME .. 3
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES M.1KE ROADS ShFER .............. 5
WORLD STANDARDS DAY......................................... 6
NEW HAUL ROaD PLANNED FOR FILL LORRIES ..................... 7
HOSPITAL FIRE HYDRANTS BEING IMPROVED ...................... 8
TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SURVEY FINDINGS ........... 8
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HOLD AGM AND SEMINAR ..................... 10
KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL TO KICK OFF ON SATURDAY.......... 11
COMMITTEE TO REVIEW TAXI POLICY............................. 11
CONFERENCE ON YOUTH ACTIVITIES ............................. 12
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED ................................... 13
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WONG TAI SIN...................... 13
PROHIBITED ZONE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.......... 13
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES .................................... 1^
WATER CUT IN THE MID-LEVELS ................................ 1^
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1987
1
NEW CHIEF JUSTICE APPOINTED ♦ * ♦ t t
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN HAS BEEN PLEASED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF MR JUSTICE YANG TI-LIANG, PRESENTLY JUSTICE OF APPEAL, AS CHIEF JUSTICE OF HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM MARCH 15, 1988 ON THE RETIREMENT OF SIR DENYS ROBERTS.
A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF MR JUSTICE YANG FOLLOWS:
MR JUSTICE YANG TI-LIANG
AGED 58. MR JUSTICE YANG HAS SERVED IN THE JUDICIARY FOR THE PAST 31 YEARS. HE WAS FIRST APPOINTED AS A MAGISTRATE IN HONG KONG IN JULY 1956, AND BECAME SENIOR MAGISTRATE IN APRIL 1963. HE WAS APPOINTED DISTRICT JUDGE IN APRIL 1968, PUISNE JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT IN MARCH 1975, JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT IN FEBRUARY 1976, AND JUSTICE OF APPEAL IN MAY 1980.
-------0----------
SENIOR STAFF MOVEMENTS ♦ t » » »
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THE FOLLOWING SENIOR STAFF MOVEMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS:
MR MICHAEL SUEN, THE PRESENT DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, WILL SUCCEED DR JAMES HAYES AS REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) WHEN DR HAYES RETIRES NEXT MONTH.
MR HAIDER BARMA, THE PRESENT DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (APPOINTMENTS), WILL SUCCEED MR MICHAEL SUEN AS DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES.
THE ABOVE POSTINGS WILL TAKE PLACE IN NOVEMBER.
MR ROBERT HOLMES, DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES WILL RETIRE ON DECEMBER 6, 1987.
MR JOHN MARCH, THE PRESENT DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, WILL SUCCEED MR HOLMES AS DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES.
MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, WILL BECOME DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES.
/BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1J, 198?
2
BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON
THESE OFFICERS FOLLOW:
MR MICHAEL SUEN MING-YEUNG, JP
AGED 43. MR SUEN JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1966. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING PERIODS AS AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER AND DISTRICT OFFICER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AS AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN THE FORMER RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT, AND AS A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY IN THE FORMER ENVIRONMENT BRANCH. MORE RECENTLY HE HAS ALSO SERVED AS DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT (1981-3), DIRECTOR, CITY SERVICES IN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (1983-5), DEPUTY DIRECTOR, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (1985-6) AND BECAME DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES IN JUNE 1986. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
MR HAIDER BARMA, JP
AGED 43. MR BARMA JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE IN 1966. HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES INCLUDING PERIODS AS AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER AND DISTRICT OFFICER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, AS A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FIRST IN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH AND LATER IN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH. MORE RECENTLY HE HAS ALSO SERVED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR IN THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT (1979-81), DEPUTY SECRETARY (ADMINISTRATION) AND DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES) IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (1981-3), DEPUTY DIRECTOR, HOUSING DEPARTMENT (1984-6) AND BECAME DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE (APPOINTMENTS) IN FEBRUARY 1986. HE WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl ON OCTOBER 1, 1987.
MR ROBERT HOLMES, Q.F.S.M., C.P.M., JP
AGED 56. MR HOLMES JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A STATION OFFICER IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN AUGUST 1957. HE WAS PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES TN APRIL 1984. ON HIS RETIREMENT, MR HOLMES WILL HAVE COMPLETED 30 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR JOHN MARCH, Q.F.S.M., C.P.M., JP
AGED 52. MR MARCH JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE AS A STATION OFFICER IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN MAY 1962. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN MARCH 1981 AND TO DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES IN APRIL 1984. MR MARCH HAS ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES ON MANY PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
MR LAM CHEK-YUEN, C.P.M.
AGED 49. MR LAM JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN MARCH 1958 AND WAS PROMOTED TO HIS PRESENT RANK OF CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN MARCH 1986. HE HAS ACTED AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES ON PREVIOUS OCCASIONS.
-------0--------- /?...................
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1987
- 5 -
EIGHT BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA *****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK 12 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER EIGHT BILLS IN THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
FIVE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE : EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (MEMBERS) BILL 1987; INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1987; SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1986-87) BILL 1987; DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; AND ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1987.
DEBATE ON THREE OTHER BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND THEY WILL BE PUT UP FOR THIRD READING. THESE BILLS ARE: WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) BILL 1987; AND BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES)BILL 1986.
-------0----------
FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER LIMITED COMPENSATION SCHEME ♦ ♦ » » »
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A LIMITED COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR CERTAIN PENSIONABLE OFFICERS IN THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE TOTAL IMPLICATIONS, TO BE PHASED OVER THE PERIOD BETWEEN 1987-88 TO 1996-97, ARE ESTIMATED AT $100 MILLION AT CURRENT PRICES’ WHILE THE COST OF ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IS ESTIMATED AT $3,735,000.
THE SCHEME, WHICH APPLIES TO PENSIONABLE OFFICERS APPOINTED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1985, IS PRIMARILY DESIGNED TO COMPENSATE PENSIONABLE OFFICERS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO RETIRE OR WHO ARE SUPERSEDED FOR PROMOTION TO FACILITATE LOCALISATION BETWEEN NOW AND 1997.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR COMPENSATION TO BE PAYABLE WHERE AN OFFICER IS REQUIRED TO RETIRE IN OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR EXAMPLE, AS A RESULT OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OR IN THE INTERESTS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
/OTHER ITEMS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1987
OTHER ITEMS ON TOMORROW’S AGENDA WILL INCLUDE:
* AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY $2 MILLION TO MEET THE COST OF PROVIDING PHASE X OF A MICROWAVE RADIO TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK FOR THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE;
♦ A COMMITMENT OF $105 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEVEN REPLACEMENT DIVISIONAL PATROL LAUNCHES FOR THE MARINE POLICE;
* A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $5 MILLION TO MEET ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE AS A RESULT OF AN ADJUSTMENT OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE RATES OF PAY WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1987 ;
* A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $3.5 MILLION TO MEET ANTICIPATED EXPENDITURE IN THE HIRING OF SERVICES AND PROFESSIONAL FEES IN THE JUDICIARY FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR;
* A CONTINGENT LIABILITY OF $429,778,000 IN RESPECT OF A PROJECT TO BE DEVELOPED UNDER THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME AT FANLING SHEUNG SHUI TOWN LOT 1;
* A COMMITMENT OF $2,897,000 TO ASSIST THE HONG KONG PROCURATOR OF THE HONG KONG ENGLISH ASSISTANCY OF THE JESUIT ORDER TOWARDS THE COST OF THE BUILDING AND EQUIPPING AN EXTENSION TO THE KOWLOON WAH YAN COLLEGE;
* AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT RY $3,440,000 TO MEET THE INCREASE COST OF PHASE III OF THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL EXTENSION PROGRAMME;
* A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION TOTALLING $318,183,000 FOR THE EARLY REPAYMENT OF FOUR OUTSTANDING ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK LOANS;
* A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $17,541,000 FOR THE PAYMENT OF STANDARD ALLOWANCES IN THE POST OFFICE;
* CREATION OF TWO NEW RECURRENT ACCOUNT SUBHEADS : "SUBSCRIPTION TO THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL" AND "COMMONWEALTH LEGAL ADVISORY SERVICE"; AND
* VARIOUS CAPITAL GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE APPROVED UNDER DELEGATED POWERS, RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
-------O-------- /5........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1987
- 5 -
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES MAKE ROADS SAFER * * t * t
THE SUCCESS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES APPLIED TO MAKE THE OPTIMUM USE OF AVAILABLE ROAD SPACE FOR THE SAFE AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENTS OF PEOPLE AND GOODS DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON THE CO-OPERATION F ROAD USERS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, SAID THIS VENI NG (TUESDAY). |
SPEAKING TO THE LIONS CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR SO EMPHASISED THAT PUBLIC CONSULTATION IS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE PROCESS OF DRAWING UP NEW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES.
•’THUS DISTRICT TRAFFIC ENGINEERS, WHEN DESIGNING SUCH MEASURES, DO NOT ONLY MONITOR CLOSELY THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON THE GROUND, BUT ISO CONSULT WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT •MMITTEE AND AREA COMMITTEES TO EXPLAIN MATTERS TO THE PUBLIC AND TO ' I ' BLIC VIEWS AND REACTION TO THE PROPOSALS MADE.”
GENERALLY, THE COMMISSIONER SAID, THE MANY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT ’i S’ >1 INTRODUCED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS HAD ACHIEVED THEIR PURPOSE RIIJVING TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND MAKING ROADS SAFER.
"I HOPE WITH THE EXPERTISE 1 HAVE GOT IN MY ADV !<’»■ AND CO-OPERATION GIVEN BY THE PUBLIC, WE ? PPI V TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES MORE EFFECTIVELY •UH ROADS SAFER AND SMOOTHER I’O TRAVEL ON,” MR SO
DEPARTMENT AND THE SHALL BE ABLE TO IN FUTURE TO MAKE ADDED.
OUTLINING THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES COMMONLY USED IN HONG KONG, IF SO SAID THAT WORKS ARE NOW IN HAND TO EXTEND FURTHER TH! COMPUTERISED AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL (ATC) SYSTEM TO WONG TAI SIN AND h N TONG IN LAST KOWLOON AND THE NORTHERN SHORE OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
NOTING THAT THE ATC SYSTEM HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO OTHER AREAS SINCE IT WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN WEST KOWLOON IN 1976, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT THE USE OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND COMPUTERISED AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL MEASURES IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY COMMONPLACE AS AN EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TOOL.
"THE USE OF COMPUTERS ALLOWS GOOD CO-ORDINATION OF LINKED TRAFFIC SIGNALS. THIS HAS RESULTED IN SMOOTH PROGRESSION OF TRAFFIC ALONG THE MAIN ROADS THEREBY REDUCING DELAYS.”
"THE COMPUTER CAN STORE MANY SIGNAL PLANS AND ADJUST THE CYCLE TIME OF EACH SIGNAL TO SUIT VARYING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS THROUGHOUT THE DAY AND ON AN AREA-WIDE BASIS. IT CAN ALSO ACCORD PRIORITY TO EMERGENCY VEHICLES ALONG CERTAIN MAJOR ROUTES,” MR SO SAID.
MR SO SAID OTHER TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES APPLIED INCLUDE THE IMPOSITION OF STOPPING RESTRICTIONS, SEGREGATION OF VEHICLE AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC, LIMITING ON-STREET PARKING, INTRODUCTION OF BUS PRIORITY LANES AND USE OF THE ONE-WAY STREET SYSTEM.
/HOWEVER, MR SO
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13» 1987
HOWEVER, MR SO CAU11ONED THAT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES ARE NOT A PANACEA TO ALL TRAFFIC WOES.
’’THEY CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO SOLVE CONGESTION ON MAJOR ROAD NETWORKS AS A RESULT OF INADEQUATE CAPACITY BROUGHT ABOUT BY INCREASED TRAFFIC GENERATED BY MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS,” HE SAID.
CITING THE CURE NT PEAK HOUR CONGESTION ON THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AS AN EXAMPLE, MR SO SAID THAT IN SUCH CASES, MORE ROADS WOULD NEED TO BE BUILT AND THAT IS WHY THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IS PLANNED TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL.
’’BUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES CAN PROVIDE RELIEF EVEN IN SUCH A SITUATION TO CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF ROAD USERS. THE BUS LANE ARRANGEMENT ON THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD IS AN EXAMPLE OF HOW SUCH A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURE PROVIDES IMPROVEMENTS TO THE JOURNEY TIME OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT USERS,” THE COMMISSIONER SAID.
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WORLD STANDARDS DAY * * *
HONG KONG AND MANY OTHER COUNTRIES WILL BE REMEMBERING THOSE IN THE TRADING STANDARDS FIELD WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED THEMSELVES TO MAKE LIFE BETTER AROUND THE WORLD ON TOMORROW’S WORLD STANDARDS DAY.
HONG KONG IS A CORRESPONDENT MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR STANDARDISATION (ISO) - A SPECIALISED INTERNATIONAL AGENCY WHICH DEVELOPS WORLDWIDE STANDARDS TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
EVERY YEAR ON OCTOBER 14 WORLD STANDARDS DAY IS CELEBRATED BY MANY COUNTRIES INTERESTED IN PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARDISATION AND RELATED ACTIVITIES WITH A VIEW TO FACILITATING INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE OF GOODS AND SERVICES, AND ENHANCING CO-OPERATION IN INTELLECTUAL, SCIENTIFIC, TECHNOLOGICAL AND ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES.
"TO PROMOTE STANDARDISATION AND TO BETTER INFORM THE LOCAL INDUSTRY OF OVERSEAS PRODUCT STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL JOINTLY ORGANISE WITH THE INSTITUTE OF TRADING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION (ITSA) OF UK A SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION ON UK PRODUCT STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ^AID TODAY (TUESDAY).
/THE EVENT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13t 1987
THE EVENT W1 ’ I ’’ \HE PI ACE NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20) AT THE HOLIDAY INN HARBOUR VIEW,
PARTICULAR EHPHASI* WOULD BE GIVEN TOYS AND NIGHTWEAR, THE .SPOKESMAN SAID.
TO ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS,
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.
HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IS EXPORT-ORIENTED AND OUR MANUFACTURERS PRODUCE GOODS WHICH COMPLY WITH STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS OF OUR OVERSEAS MAR E’ .
ISO STANDARDS, JE NATIONAL STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS ON PRODUCT REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCED BY HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS MARKETS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE LIBRARY OF THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE BUREAU COLLECTS AND DISSEMINATES INFORMATION ON CHANGES IN PRODUCT STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED BY HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS TO LOCAL MANUFACTURERS AND TESTING HOUSES, AND PROVIDES A TECHNICAL ENQUIRY SERVICE.
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NEW HAUL ROAD PLANNED FOR FILL LORRIES * t ♦ » ♦
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS PROPOSING TO BUILD A NEW HAUL ROAD TO FACILITATE REMOVAL OF FILL MATERIAL FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR AND YUEN LONG WEST LINK.
THE AREA TO THE EAST OF THE EXISTING TAI TONG BORROW AREA IN YUEN LONG HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS SUITABLE FOR EXTRACTION OF FILL MATERIAL AND THE NEW ROAD WILL HELP AVOID FURTHER CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC FLOW ON THE EXISTING HAUL ROAD TO THE BORROW AREA.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS PROPOSED BUILDING THE NEW HAUL ROAD ALONG TAI SHU HA ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI TONG ROAD NEAR FRASER VILLAGE TO THE TAI TONG EAST BORROW AREA.
THE EXISTING SUB-STANDARD NULLAH BUND ROAD, TAI SHU HA ROAD WEST, WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED AND WIDENED TO AT LEAST SIX-METRES WITH FOOTPATHS, DRAINS AND UTILITY SERVICES. AT THE END OF THE NULLAH BUND ROAD, THE TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE EXTENDED UPHILL TO THE FUTURE BORROW AREA.
/THE PROPOSED
TUESDAYt OCTOBER 13, 1987
THE PROPOSED ROUTE HAS BEEN CHOSEN WITH A VIEW TO MINIMISING DISTURBANCE TO RESIDENTS AND INVOLVING MINIMUM LAND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START IN MID-1988 AND BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1989.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BEFORE DECEMBER 8.
- - 0 - -
HOSPITAL FIRE HYDRANTS BEING IMPROVED *****
A $957,000 CONTRACT FOR IMPROVING FIRE HYDRANTS AT PRINCESS MARGARET AND KWAI CHUNG HOSPITALS HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE WORK INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF TWO UNDERGROUND FIRE SERVICES TANKS, EACH WITH A CAPACITY OF 115,000 LITRES, AND A PUMP ROOM WHICH WILL MEASURE ABOUT 40 SQUARE METRES.
WORK WILL START LATER THIS WEEK AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
- - O - -
TUEN MUN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SURVEY FINDINGS
*****
ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS IN AN OPINION SURVEY CARRIED OUT BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE POSSESSED A GENERAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, THE ACTING TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
HOWEVER, THEY HAD SOME SLIGHT CONFUSION AND MISUNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE FREQUENCY OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND PART OF THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, HE SAID.
/ANNOUNCING DETAILS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1J, 1987
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SURVEY ON TUEN MUN RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR YAU SAID THE SURVEY SOUGHT TO FIND OUT RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR CONSTITUENCY AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND THE STRUCTURE AND WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD. IT ALSO SOUGHT TO ASCERTAIN THEIR VIEWS ON WHETHER THE DISTRICT BOARD WAS ABLE TO SOLVE DISTRICT PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS TO DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN VOTER REGISTRATION AND DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, A SOCIAL WORKER AND SEVERAL POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS BEGAN THE SURVEY IN JULY. A REPORT WAS RECENTLY COMPLETED AND WILL BE TABLED AT THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD MEETING.
FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN THE FORM OF RANDOM STREET INTERVIEWS BETWEEN JULY 27 AND AUGUST 7. AS A RESULT, 898 QUESTIONNAIRES WERE COMPLETED.
"ALTHOUGH THERE WERE RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS IN MOST OF THE RESPONDENTS’ AREAS, ONLY 30 PER CENT OF THEM PARTICIPATED IN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THESE ORGANISATIONS AND ONLY 20 PER CENT PARTICIPATED IN ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD," MR YAU SAID.
"ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE INTERVIEWEES WERE REGISTERED ELECTORS AND 80 PER CENT OF THEM VOTED IN THE LAST DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS," HE CONTINUED.
WHEN ASKED WHETHER THE DISTRICT BOARD WAS AN EFFECTIVE BODY IN SOLVING LOCAL PROBLEMS, 75 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS THOUGHT THAT THERE HAD BEEN IMPROVEMENTS TO LOCAL PROBLEMS AFTER THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
AS FOR URGENT PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT, TRANSPORT AND EDUCATION WERE THE TWO PROBLEMS MOST MENTIONED.
TALKING ABOUT THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT, MR YAU SAID THAT PUBLICITY ON DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, NAMES OF CONSTITUENCIES, FUNCTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY DISTRICT BOARD SHOULD BE STEPPED UP. CIVIC EDUCATION SHOULD ALSO BE STRENGTHENED TO ENCOURAGE VOTER REGISTRATION.
/1O........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 198i
- 10 -
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS HOLD AGM AND SEMINAR ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SCHOOL PRINCIPALS. ' LIAISON COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ITS SECOND TERM ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) FOLLOWED BY A SEMINAR ON "THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND PROSPECTS OF THE WELL-EDUCATED PEOPLE".
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT 10.45 AM IN THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN. GUEST SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR DANIEL TSE; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, MR MARTIN LEE AND MR ANDREW WONG.
THERE WILL BE AN OPEN DISCUSSION LED BY DR WALTER WOU, MODERATOR OF THE SEMINAR.
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ LIAISON COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN 1985 WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF PROVIDING A FORUM FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO MEET, DISCUSS AND EXCHANGE VIEWS ON MATTERS OF COMMON CONCERN; TO PLAN AND IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES TO STRENGTHEN RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND PARENTS.
IT IS ALSO A LOCAL CONSULTATIVE BODY DEALING WITH MATTERS REGARDING SCHOOLS, STUDENTS AND YOUTHS.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO CO-ORDINATES AND ASSISTS IN THE PROMOTION OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
WITH MORE THAN 200 SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT, KOWLOON CITY HAS THE HIGHEST CONCENTRATION OF SCHOOLS AMONG THE 19 ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY. ABOUT 90 SCHOOLS HAVE JOINED THE COMMITTEE.
MR LOI TING-SHIIN AND MR KO CHOK-KAI HAVE BEEN SELECTED CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN IN THE SECOND TERM OF THE COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SCHOOL PRINCIPALS’ LIAISON COMMITTEE SEMINAR TO BE HELD AT 10.45 AM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN.
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/11
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1987
11 -
KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL TO KICK OFF ON SATURDAY
KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICT RESIDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL ’87 AT 3 PM THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17.) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY MASS GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCE, AEROBIC AND ORIENTAL DANCE, AND A FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN TEAMS COMPRISING FILM STARS AND CELEBRITIES.
RESIDENTS MAY OBTAIN PROGRAMME LEAFLETS OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL AT THE VENUE.
ACTIVITIES OF THE FESTIVAL WHICH TAKE PLACE BETWEEN SATURDAY AND MID-NOVEMBER INCLUDE TENNIS, TABLE-TENNIS, MINI-TENNIS, FOOTBALL, BASKETBALL, VOLLEY BALL, BADMINTON, SOCCER AND BOWLING COMPETITIONS, ATHLETICS EVENTS, ARCHERY AND ROLLER SKATING FUN DAYS, A HANDICAPPED AND ABLE-BODIED FUN DAY, AND AN ELDERLY TELEMATCH.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE / REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES; KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, MR CHENG WING-CHUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT 3 PM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND (NEAR KWAI FONG MTR STATION).
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COMMITTEE TO REVIEW TAXI POLICY *****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC DIVERSION AT LAM TEI ROUNDABOUT AND TSING LUN ROAD, PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AT TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE AND THE SETTING UP OF AN ADDITIONAL BUS STOP AT SHAN KING ESTATE.
/THEY WILL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 198?
12
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S REPORT AND THE DRAFT 1988-89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 3/F., TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD.
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CONFERENCE ON YOUTH ACTIVITIES
*****
THE YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROMOTION COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH WILL HOLD A ONE-DAY CONFERENCE THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) TO COLLATE VIEWS ON LOCAL YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
THE CONFERENCE, TO BE HELD FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM IN THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL, AIMS AT PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH ORGANISERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE IS "FUNCTION AND OBJECTIVES OF YOUTH ACTIVITIES AND ITS TREND IN THE 1990S".
ABOUT 180 PEOPLE, INCLUDING STUDENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, DISTRICT BOARDS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND YOUTH BODIES ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE CONFERENCE.
IT WILL OPEN WITH A WELCOMING SPEECH BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH, MRS ROSANNA TAM, AND AN ADDRESS BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR BOWEN LEUNG.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SLIDE SHOW AND TWO SHORT TALKS GIVEN BY CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MR LEE JARK-PUI AND PRESIDENT OF HONG KONG STUDENT UNION, MR MAK TUNG-WING. DELEGATES WILL THEN BE DIVIDED INTO SMALL GROUPS FOR THE DISCUSSION SESSIONS.
PRESENTATION OF GROUP REPORTS WILL START AT 3 PM.
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/13........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1987
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED
» » * » «
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON MAK FOON-THAN AND YIP YU-LUN ON MAY 17, 1984 AND JUNE 27, 1986 RESPECTIVELY SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO SENTENCES OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
MAK WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF JALIL HI BIN IBRAHIM. YIP WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHAN YUK-YING AND TSE KAU-FAT.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WONG TAI SIN
» » » « »
THE SECTION OF SHATIN PASS ROAD BETWEEN FUNG TAK ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 16) FOR THE CLOSURE OF DANGEROUS STRUCTURES AT CHUK YUEN UNITED VILLAGE.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 37M WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUNG FUNG STREET, SHATIN PASS ROAD, AND UPPER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE ACCESS ROAD.
- - 0 - -
PROHIBITED ZONE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ♦ * * t t
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 16), CONCORDE ROAD EASTBOUND FROM A POINT APPROXIMATELY 61 METRES TO THE WEST OF THE ENTRANCE TO THE AIRPORT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE FOR VEHICLES WITH AN OVERALL HEIGHT IN EXCESS OF 4 METRES.
ALL SUCH VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE ABOVE PROHIBITED ZONE.
- - 0 -
/14
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 1987
14
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
*****
THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD LEADING FROM WONG TAI SIN ROAD TO WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 18 BETWEEN 6 AM AND 6 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 15) FOR THE WONG TAI SIN FESTIVAL.
IN ADDITION, THE CLOSURE OF THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LINKING FENWICK PIER STREET AND HARCOURT ROAD IN WAN CHAI, WHICH HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE JULY THIS YEAR FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION, WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER SIX WEEKS.
MOTORISTS ON WESTBOUND HARBOUR ROAD HEADING FOR GLOUCESTER ROAD SHOULD CONTINUE TO USE FENWICK STREET.
MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF EASTBOUND KING’S ROAD IN QUARRY BAY BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH KORNHILL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY FROM ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 16) AND THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON KING’S ROAD HEADING FOR SHAU KEI WAN AND FURTHER EAST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KORNHILL ROAD.
-----o------
WATER CUT IN THE MID-LEVELS
*****
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN THE MID-LEVELS HAS BEEN SUSPENDED FROM 11 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) DUE TO A FAULT IN THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM.
THE SUSPENSION AFFECTS ALL PREMISES IN THE MID-LEVELS, INCLUDING MAGAZINE GAP ROAD, MACDONNELL ROAD, GARDEN ROAD, BOWEN ROAD, CAINE ROAD, KOTEWALL ROAD, LYTTELTON ROAD, ROBINSON ROAD AND SEYMOUR ROAD.
REPAIR WORK IS NOW IN PROGRESS AND NORMAL SUPPLY IS EXPECTED TO BE RESUMED ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 16) AT 5 PM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEAC.OASFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
e CONTENTS PAGE NO*
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
EARLY ACTION VITAL TO COMBAT POLLUTION ................. 1
LEGCO GROUP SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ............... 3
LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME DESERVES SUPPORT .......... 6
CLOSE CONTACT WITH FARMERS ON WASTE DISPOSAL BILL URGED . 8
ADEQUATE RESOURCES NECESSARY FOR FNVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 10
COMBINED EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT . 12
STEPS TO ALLEVIATE LABOUR SHORTAGE OUTLINED ................ 13
SUFFICIENT TIME TO MAKE CHANGES ............................ 15
• •••••••»* • * • <•
SURVEY REPORT TO EXCLUDE REPORTED ’FALSIFIED' SUBMISSIONS 15
OVERBUYING FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS PROSECUTED ............ 16
STEPS TO ENSURE HOME SAFETY OUTLINED........................ 16
CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM OUTLINED ............................... 17
REASONS FOR NOT’PAYING FULL TAXI PREMIA EXPLAINED........... 18
ways sought to-simplify taxi voucher scheme................. 18
LIABILITY OF' AIRCONDITIONER OWNERS EXPLAINED............... 19
ACTIONS AGAINST’ DRIPPING AIR- CONDITIONERS ................ 21
VEHICLE THEFT’ CASES DECLINE- ..... . ..................... 22
COUNTERFEITING’SYNDICATES'NEUTRALISED ...................... 23
RESTRICTION ON NCN-SCH
LED FLIGHTS ....................
HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PLAY GREATER -ROLE -IN THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY ........................................... 23
/Parole board's
parole board's views considered before prosecution....... 27
NEW PAROLE SCHEME WELCOMED ............................... 28
PAROLE BILL WILL NOT SOFTEN ;JJTI-CRIME jlPPROaCH........... 30
SCHEMES FOR PRISONERS MaJOR STEPS EORWaRD .................. 32
AMENIMENT TO BILL SUPPORTED ................................ 33
RIGHTS OF VILLAGE HOUSE OWNERS PROTECTED .................. 34
EQUAL DEAL FOR INDIGENOUS .iND NON-INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS .. 35
DEFINITION OF UQUaLIFIED ENGINEER" NEEDS FURTHER CONSIDERATION ............................................ 37
•UNOFFICIAL' TITLE TO BE DELETED ........................... 37
TAX RELIEF MEASURES PROPOSED .............................. 38
SUPPLEMENTARY FUND SOUGHT ..................... .......... 40
TRAFFIC AMENDMENT BILL WIDENS LIABILITY .................... 41
REMOVAL OF DENTISTS' REGISTRATION jJOULY.................... 42
THREE BILLS PASSED ......................................... 43
PRIVATE INVESTMENT EQUALLY IMPORT.iNT, GOVERNOR ................ 44
FURTHER STEP AHEAD FOR CULTURAL CENTRE......................... 44
HONG KONG'S ENTREPOT STATUS ASSURED ............................ 46
BOAT PEOPLE: HK'S PLIGHT EXPLAINED ............................. 48
SCHEME'S FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ACCEPTED ........................ M
SURVEY ON LIVESTOCK FAJMS TOMORROW ............................. 50
UNEMPLOYMENT ,iND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JUNE -AUGUST...................................................... 50
PROMOTION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES RECOGNISED .................... 52
IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN ENGLISH LANGUAGE, CHAU ................... 53
STREET SLEEPERS IN WAN CHAI CLEARED ........................... 55
DTC LICENCE REVOKED------------------------------------------ 55
MONG KOK CLEaNS UP REaR LANES ................................ 56
YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOaRD -TO MEET ............................ 56
SAI KUNG DISTRICT YOUTH RALLY .................................. 57
DB TO REVIEW BUILDING TEAM PROGRESS ........................... 57
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS IMPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS..................... 58
CAR PARKING AREA TO LET ........................................ 58
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
EARLY ACTION VITAL * *
TO COMBAT POLLUTION t » ♦
AGRICULTURAL WASTE FROM PIGS AND CHICKENS IS PERHAPS THE BIGGEST SINGLE POLLUTION PROBLEM THAT HONG KONG FACES, AND IT IS VITAL THAT EARLY STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO DEAL WITH IT, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS EARLY ACTION WOULD BE NECESSARY IF HONG KONG WAS TO PREVENT ITS WATERS FROM BECOMING AND REMAINING UNACCEPTABLY POLLUTED. "TOLO HARBOUR IS ALREADY DYING,” HE SAID.
MR CHAMBERS DESCRIBED THE BILL AS HIGHLY TECHNICAL AND CONTROVERSIAL, AND HE SAID HE APPRECIATED THE GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND EFFORT WHICH MEMBERS HAD DEVOTED TO ITS EXAMINATION.
"I WAS ALSO VERY PLEASED TO HEAR THE MEMBERS WHO HAVE SPOKEN THIS AFTERNOON, WITH ONE EXCEPTION, VOICE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE AGRICULTURAL WASTE CONTROL SCHEME," HE ADDED.
HE SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL THAT MEMBERS HAD AGREED THAT THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CONTROL SCHEME SHOULD START ON JUNE 24, 1988.
REFERRING TO CONCERN EXPRESSED BY SEVERAL MEMBERS ABOUT THE TIME TAKEN TO SET UP EXPERIMENTAL FARM PROJECTS ON THE VARIOUS METHODS OF DEALING WITH ANIMAL WASTE, MR CHAMBERS SAID HE WOULD BE THE FIRST TO A GREE THAT THE PROJECTS AT TA KWU LING TOOK LONGER TO ESTABLISH THAN WOULD HAVE BEEN WISHED.
MR CHAMBERS NOTED THERE HAD BEEN A GREAT DEAL OF DISCUSSION ON THE 50:50 STANDARD WHICH THE DRAFT REGULATIONS REQUIRED WHEN THE WET MUCK-OUT METHOD WAS USED, AND WHICH THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT BELIEVED WAS NECESSARY IF SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS WERE TO BE ACHIEVED.
"WE HAVE AGREED TO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS ON THIS WITH THE AD HOC GROUP BEFORE THE REGULATIONS ARE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL," HE SAID.
FOR FARMERS WHO INTENDED TO GIVE UP KEEPING LIVESTOCK UNDER
THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD APPROVED A SCHEME PAYING SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED RATES OF
COMPENSATION.
FOR THOSE WHO WISHED TO CONTINUE, GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL LAST WEEK APPROVED A GRANT
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE SCHEME COVERING HALF
THE CAPITAL COST OF INSTALLING TREATMENT FACILITIES; FARMERS WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN LOANS TO COVER ALL OR PART OF THE REMAINING COST FROM FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
DEPARTMENT.
/’•THE ESTIMATED
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 2 -
"THE ESTIMATED COST FOR TAXPAYERS OF THESE SCHEMES IS ABOUT $255 MILLION, AND I THINK NO ONE CAN ACCUSE THE GOVERNMENT OF BEING UNGENEROUS IN ITS TREATMENT OF THOSE .AFFECTED BY THE NEW PROPOSALS.”
MR CHAMBERS NOTED THE HON PETER C. WONG HAD ASKED WHETHER A FARMER WHO HAD RECEIVED A LOAN AND THEN FOUND THAT HE COULD NOT ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED STANDARD, WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION.
’’THIS QUESTION CAN BE DISCUSSED, BUT T SHOULD POINT OUT THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL APPROVED THE GRANT SCHEME ON THE BASIS OF AN ONCE-FOR-ALL OPTION TO TAKE EITHER A GRANT OR COMPENSATION,” HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON CONCERN THAT THE CONTROL AUTHORITY WAS GIVEN THE POWER TO SEIZE LIVESTOCK SUSPECTED OF BEING KEPT IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE Bil l , MR CHAMBERS SAID: ’’THIS POWER IS NECESSARY AS A DETERRENT TO PREVENT BLATANT DISREGARD OF THE CONTROLS AND TO DETER REPEATED OFFENDERS.
"IT WILL, HOWEVER, BE USED WITH CAUTION AND ONLY IN CASES OF VERA SERIOUS POLLUTION WHICH HAVE TO BE STOPPED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,” HF ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID FARMERS WHOSE LIVESTOCK WAS SEIZED, BUT WHO WERE SUBSEQUENTLY NOT CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE UNDER THE BILL, WOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY TO THE DISTRICT COURT OR HIGH COURT FOR COMPENSATION FOR ANY LOSS ARISING OUT OF THE SEIZURE.
MR CHAMBERS SAID HE WOULD ALSO BE MOVING A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO THE BILL TO BRING FORWARD MUI WO BEACH AND ANGLER’S BEACH INTO THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CONTROL PROGRAMME.
"THESE TWO POPULAR BEACHES HAVE BOTH BEEN DECLARED NOT SUITABLE FOR SWIMMING AS A RESULT OF SERIOUS POLLUTION DUE LARGELY TO ANIMAL WASTE, AND IT IS DESIRABLE THAT EARLY ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THEIR CONDITION," HF SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS NOT THE ADMINISTRATION’S INTENTION TO DRIVE LIVESTOCK-KEEPERS OUT OF BUSINESS, PROVIDED THEY OBSERVED REASONABLE STANDARDS OF POLLUTION CONTROL. HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT IN THE ClRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE OR VCCEPTABLE TO BAN LIVESTOCK FARMING COMPLETELY THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, EVEN IF THIS MIGHT PROVE A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE TO THE PRESENT PROPOSALS.
HE ALSO SAID STAFF OF HIS BRANCH AND OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD MET WITH THE FARMERS’ REPRESENTATIVES ON 15 OCCASIONS DURING THE PREPARATION OF 'I'll IS LEGISLATION AND Till’ DISCUSSIONS WOULD CONTINUE.
"IN ADD I'1’1 ON BOTH Till ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE AGRICULTURE \\P FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE FARMERS WITH TECHNICAL \D\HI- TO HELP THEM MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS .
"WE SHALL ALSO HAVE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE AD HOC GROUP AND I SHARE MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG’S CONFIDENCE THAT WE SHALL BE ABLE TO FIND SATISFACTORY SOLUTIONS TO THE OUTSTANDING PROBLEMS RELATED TO THIS BILL AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION,” HE SAID.
------o------- .....................
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
LEGCO GROUP SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
*****
THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987’ IS IN FULL SUPPORT OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT OUR ENVIRONMENT SHOULD BE PROTECTED AND AGREES THAT THOSE FARMERS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE LIVESTOCK FARMING IN CONTROL AREAS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SO, PROVIDED THAT THEY MEET THE EFFLUENT CONTROL STANDARD, CONVENER OF THE GROUP, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR CHEUNG SAID THE GROUP ALSO FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER GRANTING EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO FARMERS WHO COULD NOT COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS AND ASSISTING THEM TO RE-ESTABLISH IN ANOTHER BUSINESS.
HE SAID THE GROUP HAD HELD A TOTAL OF EIGHT MEETINGS, INCLUDING TWO MEETINGS WITH THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK KEEPING ASSOCIATIONS AND FIVE MEETINGS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION. A VISIT TO THE DEMONSTRATION FARM AT TA KWU LING WAS ALSO CONDUCTED ON AUGUST 24.
MR CHEUNG SAID HE HAD ALSO MET PRIVATELY WITH THE FARMERS’ REPRESENTATIVES ON FOUR OCCASIONS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS.
"GENERALLY SPEAKING, I AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPRESSED BY THE EFFORTS OF THE FARMERS TO KEEP A COOL HEAD IN UNDERSTANDING AND DISCUSSING THE VARIOUS PROBLEMS IN THE PROCESS OF NEGOTIATION," HE NOTED.
"DURING THE COURSE OF EXAMINING THE BILL, IT BECOMES EVIDENT TO THE AD HOC GROUP THAT THE ADMINISTRATION IS (A) DETERMINED TO DEAL WITH THE WATER POLLUTION PROBLEM IN THE TERRITORY, AND (B) SINCERE IN PROVIDING A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO FARMERS TO CONTINUE LIVESTOCK FARMING IN CONTROL AREAS," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG SAID THAT THE GROUP WAS GLAD THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD, ON THE ADVICE OF THE GROUP AND THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AGREED TO INCREASE THE RATES OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES BY 30 PER CENT AND TO INTRODUCE A GRANT AND LOAN SCHEME TOTALLING ABOUT $130 MILLION OVER 10 YEARS TO PROVIDE FARMERS WITH FUNDS TO INSTALL TREATMENT FACILITIES TO MEET THE NEW CONTROL STANDARD.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GROUP ALSO FELT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION’S ENTHUSIASM IN PUSHING FOR PASSAGE OF THE BILL HAD NOT BEEN MATCHED BY ITS EFFORTS IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO FACILITATE MEMBERS’ EXAMINATION OF THE BILL.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
HE SAID WHEN THE GROUP ASKED FOR A WRITTEN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY IT WAS NECESSARY TO SET A RELATIVELY HIGH EFFLUENT CONTROL STANDARD OF BOD 55 MG/L : SS MG/L AND HOW IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT 70 PER CENT OF THE FARMERS IN THE TERRITORY WOULD USE THE DRY MUCK-OUT WASTE TREATMENT METHOD, WHICH WAS MUCH CHEAPER THAN THE WET MUCK-OUT METHOD, THE RESPONSE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION WAS VERY SLOW.
"ONE WOULD HAVE THOUGHT SUCH KIND OF BASIC GROUND WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED LONG BEFORE PRESENTING THE PROPOSED CONTROL SCHEME TO THE EXECUTIVE AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS," MR CHEUNG SAID.
"BUT THE FACT IS, DESPITE REPEATED REQUESTS MADE AT MEETINGS, THE ADMINISTRATION DID NOT PROVIDE THE AD HOC GROUP WITH THE RELEVANT PAPERS UNTIL LATE AUGUST.
"AFTER STUDYING THE PAPERS, THE AD HOC GROUP IS STILL NOT TOTALLY CONVINCED THAT SUCH A STRINGENT EFFLUENT CONTROL STANDARD IS NECESSARY.”
AS FOR THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT, HE SAID THE GROUP HAD URGED THE ADMINISTRATION AS EARLY AS IN APRIL TO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE PAPER TO CONTROL POLLUTION CAUSED BY ANIMAL WASTE, TO SET UP DEMONSTRATION FARMS URGENTLY SO THAT THE FARMERS COULD BE SHOWN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE HOW THEY COULD COMPLY WITH THE CONTROL STANDARD.
"IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT OUR ADVICE HAD NOT BEEN FOLLOWED UP EXPEDITIOUSLY AND IT WAS NOT UNTIL AUGUST THAT WORK ON THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT WAS COMMENCED. THIS RESULTS IN THE EMBARRASSSING SITUATION THAT UNTIL TODAY, TWO OF THE THREE PROJECTS ARE NOT YET FULLY OPERATIONAL."
COMMENTING ON THE PUBLIC RELATIONS ASPECT OF THE BILL, MR CHEUNG SAID DESPITE THE FACT THAT A CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE FARMERS, IT WAS OBVIOUS, AT LEAST IN THE EYES OF THE PUBLIC, THAT THE COMMUNICATION WAS NOT VERY EFFECTIVE.
HE SAID THE FARMERS HAD ALL ALONG BEEN OBJECTING TO THE CONTROL STANDARD OF 50:50. FIRST, THEY DOUBTED WHETHER SUCH A HIGH STANDARD WAS NECESSARY; SECOND, THEY DID NOT THINK IT WAS FEASIBLE; AND THIRD, THEY BELIEVED IT WOULD BE VERY COSTLY.
"I MUST SAY THE ADMINISTRATION HAS TAKEN MUCH TOO LONG TO PROVIDE SATISFACTORY EXPLANATIONS TO THE FARMERS BECAUSE TO DATE THE RESULT OF THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT IS STILL ONLY A POSSIBILITY.
"THE FLOW OF INFORMATION FROM THE ADMINSTRATION TO THE FARMERS IS ALSO VERY SLOW. FOR EXAMPLE, IT HAS TAKEN A LONG TIME FOR THE CHINESE TRANSLATION OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE AND THE MANUAL TO BE MADE AVAILABLE."
/ON THE.........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
5 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, MR CHEUNG SAID HE HAD DETECTED A GREAT DEAL OF MISTRUST IN THE FARMERS TOWARDS THE ADMINISTRATION.
HE SAID NO DOU^T THE OFFICIALS CONCERNED MUST HAVE EXPLAINED TO THE FARMERS THE DETAILS OF THE BILL.
"IT IS THEREFORE INCREDIBLE THAT, TO QUOTE JUST TWO EXAMPLES, AS RECENT AS OCTOBER 5 WHEN WE MET THE FARMERS, THEY STILL HAD THE IMPRESSION THAT THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL INCLUDED THE DISPUTED 50:50 STANDARD AND THAT THESE WOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE EFFECT WHEN THE BILL IS PASSED TODAY.
"ALTHOUGH THE AD HOC GROUP HAS REASSURED THE FARMERS THAT THE CONTROL STANDARD HAS YET TO BE FINALISED, THAT IT WOULD ONLY BECOME LAW BY WAY OF SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TO BE MADE AFTER THE BILL IS PASSED, AND THAT THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WILL NOT COME INTO EFFECT BEFORE 24 JUNE 1988, SUCH MISUNDERSTANDING HAS ALREADY CAUSED STRONG REACTIONS FROM THE FARMERS OVER THE PAST WEEKS.
"I TRUST THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL LEARN ITS LESSON AND IMPROVE UPON ITS COMMUNICATION WITH THE FARMERS IN ORDER TO REGAIN THEIR TRUST,” MR CHEUNG ADDED.
"I AM SURE A LOT OF PREPARATION IS NEEDED IN THE MONTHS AHEAD BEFORE THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL TAKE EFFECT. I CAN ALSO SEE THAT A LOT OF TECHNICAL PROBLEMS WILL ARISE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONTROL MEASURES.
"LIFE WILL BE MUCH EASIER FOR ALL CONCERNED IF THE ADMINISTRATION SEES TO IT THAT AN EFFECTIVE DIALOGUE IS MAINTAINED WITH THE FARMERS," HE SAID.
LOOKING AHEAD, MR CHEUNG SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT THE LEGCO IN-HOUSE MEETING HAD AGREED TO ALLOW THE AD HOC GP-OUP TO CONTINUE TO EXAMINE THE REGULATIONS.
"IT IS THE GROUP’S VIEW THAT UNLESS THE ADMINISTRATION CAN DEMONSTRATE THE TECHNICAL FEASIBILITY AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THE 50:50 STANDARD, IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO REQUIRE THE FARMERS TO COMPLY WITH IT," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED TO DISCUSS THE REGULATIONS WITH THE GROUP BEFORE THEY WERE FINALISED.
MR CHEUNG ALSO CALLED ON THE FARMERS TO CONTINUE THEIR DISCUSSION WITH THE AD HOC GROUP AND THE ADMINISTRATION AND SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PARTIES CONCERNED, A SATISFACTORY CONTROL STANDARD WOULD BE ARRIVED AT.
/AS FOR
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
6
AS FOR THE BILL ITSELF, HE SAID THE GROUP GENERALLY FOUND IT ACCEPTABLE EXCEPT FOR A FEW POINTS WHICH WOULD BE DEALT WITH BY COMMITTE STAGE AMENDMENTS.
THESE AMENDMENTS WERE:
(A) PUTTING BACK THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE TO JUNE 24, 1986,
I .E. ONE YEAR AFTER THE FIRST READING OF THE BILL;
(B) PROVIDING A COMPENSATION CLAUSE FOR WRONGFUL SEIZURE OF LIVESTOCK; AND
(C) ALLOWING SEVEN CLEAR DAYS ADVANCE NOTICE TO BE GIVEN TO THE FARMER BEFORE GOVERNMENT APPLIED FOR A SEIZURE WARRANT SO THAT HE COULD PREPARE HIS CASE TO BE HEARD BEFORE THE COURT.
"ALL THESE WILL FURTHER SAFEGUARD THE INTEREST OF THE FARMERS," HE SAID.
------o-------
LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME DESERVES SUPPORT < t * * t »
THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 PROVIDES THE NECESSARY LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S 10-YEAR LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME, THE HON PETER C. WONG, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT IS AN EXPENSIVE PROJECT, BUT NEVERTHELESS, ONE THAT DESERVES OUR SUPPORT," HE SAID.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT ANIMAL WASTE PRODUCED BY LIVESTOCK FARMING WAS A MAJOR SOURCE OF WATER POLLUTION, PARTICULARLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHERE IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT 70 PER CENT OF ALL STREAM POLLUTION HAD ITS ORIGINS IN ANIMAL WASTE.
IT WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ORGANIC POLLUTION ENTERING OUR COASTAL WATERS, POSING A SERIOUS THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH, HE SAID.
MR WONG WELCOMED THE PROPOSALS AS CONTAINED IN THE BILL WHICH WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE PROHIBITION OF LIVESTOCK FARMS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND THE NEW TOWNS.
"ALSO PROVIDED ARE CONTROLS GOVERNING THE COLLECTION, STORAGE, TREATMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE IN THE CONTROL AREAS.
/"SUCH MEASURES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 7
"SUCH MEASURES IF SUITABLY ENFORCED SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT FROM ONE OF THE MAJOR SOURCES OF POLLUTION."
, HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT FOR THESE MEASURES TO SUCCEED IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE LIVESTOCK KEEPERS WHO WERE LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY THE CONTROL PROGRAMME.
MR WONG SAID IT WAS IN THIS VITAL ASPECT THAT HE BELIEVED THE ADMINISTRATION HAD LEFT MUCH ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT.
HE SAID REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LIVESTOCK KEEPERS HAD MADE STRONG REPRESENTATIONS TO THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP ON THE CONTROL STANDARD OF 50 BOD: 50 SS.
"THEY HAVE TWO DOUBTS: (A) WHETHER IT IS A PRACTICABLE STANDARD, AND (B) WHETHER IT IS ECONOMICALLY VIABLE."
MR WONG SAID THESE DOUBTS WERE CENTRAL TO THEIR OBJECTION TO THE CONTROL PROGRAMME, ALTHOUGH THEY SUPPORTED THE PRINCIPLE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
"IN MY VIEW, THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD HAVE DEMONSTRATED THE TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF THIS STANDARD TO THE LIVESTOCK KEEPERS LONG BEFORE THE BILL WAS GAZETTED.
"AFTER ALL, THESE PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR SOME FOUR YEARS," HE ADDED.
MR WONG SAID WHAT HAD TRANSPIRED WAS PERHAPS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF BUREAUCRATIC LACK OF FORESIGHT OR PROCRASTINATION.
HE SAID TRE DEMONSTRATION FARM AT TA KWU LING WAS ONLY SET UP AFTER REPEATED REQUESTS BY THE AD HOC GROUP AND THE MOST FRUSTRATING Fact was that two of the three projects were not yet in fuLl OPERATION.
"NEEDLESS TO SAY, I FULLY APPRECIATE THE LIVESTOCK KEEPERS’ APPREHENSION, I.E. WHETHER OR NOT THE 50:50 STANDARD CAN ACTUALLY BE ACHIEVED.
"EVEN IF IT CAN BE DONE, WHETHER THE NECESSARY COST IN ACHIEVING IT WOULD BE SO PROHIBITIVE AS TO DRIVE THEM OUT OF BUSINESS."
MR WONG SAID THESE WERE THE QUESTIONS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD NfcED TO ANSWER IN THE FORTHCOMING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE AD HOC GROUP IN FINALISING THE REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED STANDARD AND OTHER MATTERS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT'S DECISION TO PROVIDE GRANTS AND LOANS TO LIVESTOCK KEEPERS TO HELP THEM COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONTROL PROGRAMME WAS A TIMELY MOVE WHICH MIGHT DEFUSE SOME OF THE TENSION THAT WAS BUILDING UP.
./HOWEVER, HE..........
WEEKESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
8
HOWEVER, HE SAID THERE WAS ONE PERTINENT QUESTION WHICH NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED.
"WHAT IF A FARMER SETS UP TREATMENT FACILITIES POSSIBLY WITH GRANTS AND LOANS AND THE ASSISTANCE OF THE AUTHORITIES BUT SUBSEQUENTLY FINDS THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE THE REQUIRED STANDARD FOR REASONS BEYOND HIS CONTROL?
"IF HE IS FORCED TO WIND UP HIS BUSINESS THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN, WILL HE BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES? IF NOT, IS IT FAIR?"
MR WONG SAID THIS PROBLEM HIGHLIGHTED THE FACT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE AD HOC GROUP HAD A GREAT DEAL TO DO IN THE WEEKS AND MONTHS TO COME BEFORE THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL TOOK EFFECT.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN ENACTING LEGISLATION TO IMPLEMENT OUR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL PROGRAMME, COMPULSION MUST BE TEMPERED WITH COMPASSION.
"THE PRICE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MAY BE HIGH, BUT GOVERNMENT WOULD BE WELL ADVISED TO PAY A FAIR AND EQUITABLE PRICE TO THOSE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION AS WELL AS FOR THE SALUTORY MEASURES PROPOSED,” HE SAID.
-----0------
CLOSE CONTACT WITH FARMERS ON WASTE DISPOSAL BILL URGED *****
IN DRAFTING THE WASTE DISPOSAL (LIVESTOCK WASTE) REGULATIONS 1987, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED SHOULD MAINTAIN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE FARMERS AND CONSULT THEIR VIEWS, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON LAU WONG-FAT, URGED IN LEGCO TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR LAU SAID COMMUNICATION WOULD ENABLE THE AUTHORITIES TO IDENTIFY THE FARMERS’ DIFFICULTIES AND NEEDS AND THEREBY REACH A PRACTICABLE SOLUTION ACCEPTABLE TO BOTH THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE FARMERS.
HE STRESSED THAT THE AUTHORITIES HAD TO PROCEED WITH GREAT CAUTION WHEN DRAWING UP THE REGULATIONS IN ORDER TO AVOID THINGS COMING TO A DEADLOCK OR A CONFRONTATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FARMERS.
/"IN PRINCIPLE,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
9 -
"IN PRINCIPLE, I SUPPORT THE SPIRIT OF THE PROPOSED BILL. HOWEVER, THE CRUX OF THE PROBLEM LIES IN HOW TO DEVISE A SCHEME WHICH CAN IMPROVE OUR ENVIRONMENT WHILE GIVING ADEQUATE SAFEGUARD TO THE INTERESTS OF THE FARMERS," MR LAU SAID.
WHILE ACKNWOLEDGING THAT AGRICULTURAL WASTES HAD BEEN CAUSING SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, MR LAU NEVERTHELESS FELT THAT LIVESTOCK FARMERS SHOULD NOT SOLELY BE BLAMED FOR CAUSING THE PRESENT ENVIRONMENTAL CHAOS. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO BEAR PART OF THE BLAME, HE ADDED.
HE RECALLED THAT IN 1967, THREATENED WITH A SUSPENSION IN THE SUPPLY OF IMPORTED FOODSTUFF, THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT TO PEOPLE DEVELOPING THE FARMING INDUSTRY.
"IT IS REGRETTABLE THAT ALL ALONG THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE AND LONG-TERM POLICY TO PROTECT AND DEVELOP OUR FARMING INDUSTRY. IT ALSO FAILS TO DISCHARGE ITS RESPONSIBILITY OF GIVING FARMERS GUIDANCE ON TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT, TRANSFER MODERN PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO THEM AND PROVIDE THEM WITH ADVANCED EQUIPMENT TO COPE WITH THE MODERNISATION OF THE INDUSTRY.
NOTING THAT THE BILL HAD CAUSED GREAT DISSATISFACTION AMONG FARMERS, HE BELIEVED THIS WAS PARTLY DUE TO PROBLEMS ARISING FROM CERTAIN PARTS OF THE LEGISLATION, PARTICULARLY THOSE DEALING WITH THE TECHNICAL ENFORCEMENT ASPECTS. HOWEVER, THE MOST IMPORTANT CAUSE WAS THAT LIVESTOCK FARMERS WERE GREATLY WORRIED AND PERTURBED ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THEIR TRADE.
"PRIOR TO DRAWING UP THE DRAFT LEGISLATION, THE GOVERNMENT PLACED EMPHASIS ONLY ON IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION SITUATION WITHOUT GIVING DUE CONSIDERATION TO SAFEGUARDING THE LIVELIHOOD OF FARMERS," MR LAU POINTED OUT.
HE NOTED THAT THE FARMERS HAD BEEN ESCALATING THEIR ACTION FIRST THEY REQUESTED TO MEET LEGCO MEMBERS. THEN THEY HELD A MASS RALLY AND FINALLY ORGANISED A SIT-IN PETITION. HE BELIEVED THE FARMERS WOULD NOT HAVE RESORTED TO SUCH STRONG ACTION HAD THEIR PROBLEM BEEN LESS SERIOUS.
ALTHOUGH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD APPROVED A GRANT AND LOAN SCHEME TO HELP THEM, MR LAU SAID THE FARMERS’ WORRIES ABOUT THE NEW CONTROLS WERE HARDLY DISPELLED.
MR LAU SAID FROM HIS FREQUENT CONTACT WITH LIVESTOCK FARMERS, HE KNEW THAT THEY WERE IN FACT VERY WILLING TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
"HOWEVER, THEY CONSIDER THE DRAFT WASTE DISPOSAL (LIVESTOCK WASTE) REGULATIONS 1987, ESPECIALLY THOSE PARTS CONCERNING TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS AND EFFLUENT STANDARD, TOO STRINGENT.
/THEY ALSO
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
10
"THEY ALSO FEEL THAT IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO COMPLY WITH CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS BECAUSE THE COST INVOLVED IN REARING LIVESTOCK WILL RISE TO SUCH A HIGH LEVEL THAT THE FARMERS WILL PROBABLY RUN INTO LOSSES AND BE FORCED OUT OF BUSINESS.
"JUDGING FROM THE AVERAGE EDUCATION STANDARD AMONG OUR FARMERS, IT CAN BE SAID THAT FARMING IS THEIR ONLY MEANS OF MAKING A LIVING, SO I AM OF THE OPINION THAT THEIR WORRIES ARE FULLY UNDERSTANDABLE," MR LAU SAID.
"I BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE SOME 200,000 PEOPLE ENGAGED IN THE LIVESTOCK KEEPING INDUSTRY BE IN THE PREDICAMENT OF LOSING THEIR EMPLOYMENT, FOR SUCH A CRISIS WILL LEAD TO A SERIES OF SOCIAL PROBLEMS WHICH MAY INDIRECTLY UNDERMINE THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," HE CONTINUED.
MR LAU SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL OF SETTING UP A COMMITTEE ON THE ISSUE. FURTHERMORE, HE URGED THAT A SPECIAL DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT, OR THAT AN AD HOC GROUP BE SET UP BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO GIVE GUIDANCE TO FARMERS ON TECHNICAL MATTERS AND TO HELP THEM RESOLVE ANY DIFFICULTIES WHICH MIGHT ARISE FROM THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW LEGISLATION.
"ABOVE ALL, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SET UP A COMPENSATION COMMITTEE, THE MEMBERSHIP OF WHICH SHOULD PREFERABLY INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES OF LIVESTOCK FARMERS, TO REVIEW AND REVISE THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND RELATED COMPENSATION PAYMENT ON A REGULAR BASIS," HE URGED.
-----0------
ADEQUATE RESOURCES NECESSARY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
*****
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CANNOT BE ACHIEVED BY MEANS OF LEGISLATIVE CONTROL ALONE AND ADEQUATE POWER AND RESOURCES MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE RESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT SO AS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES.
THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM TODAY WOULD NOT HAVE BECOME SO ACUTE IF THE GOVERNMENT HAD EARLIER ATTACHED ENOUGH IMPORTANCE TO IT.
/IT IS
WEDNESDAY,
OCTOBER 1^7 1^87
IT IS INDEED TOO LATE TO MAKE ANY REMEDY NOW. NEVERTHELESS IT IS HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, WHEN CONCEIVING AND FORMULATING AMT POLICY, WOULD LOOK INTO ALL ASPECTS dF THE PROBLEM WITH AN INSIGHT SO AS TO AVOID BEING PLACED UNDER THE PRESSURE CAUSED BY LATE REMEDIES/’ Mft TAM SAID.
• I
MR TAM SAID IN PRINCIPLE HE AGREED THE BILL WAS A POSITIVE STEP TOWARDS CONTAINING OR ALLEVIATING POLLUTION.
HE SUPPORTED THE SPIRIT OF THE BILL AND HOPED THAT THE PROPOSED CONTROL MEASURES WOULD IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
NEVERTHLESS, MR TAM FELT THE SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS AND OTHER DETAILS REGARDING CONTROL MEASURES WfcRE OPEN TO QUESTION.
"SO FAR NO AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE FARMERS ON THE METHODS TO BE USED TO CONTROL OR REDUCE THE LEVEL OF POLLUTION.
"NOTWITHSTANDING THAT THE PILOT SCHEME RUN BY THE AUTHORITIES HAS NOT YET BEEN COMPLETED, THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY ^REJECTED THE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY THE FARMERS," MR TAM SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT WHEN INTRODUCING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES, THE AUTHORITIES SHOULD CONSIDER THEIR IMPACT ON OPERATORS.
t
MR TAM FELT A PREFERABLE APPROACH WOULD BE TO WORK OUT A PROGRAMME AND MODULATED SCHEME BASED ON A FINANCIALLY FEASIBLE CONTROL STANDARD.
TN SUMMING UP, MR TAM SAID HE HOPED THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD FURTHER DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH FARMERS WITH A VIEW TO ARRIVING AT A SOLUTION WHICH WAS BOTH EQUITABLE AND REALISTIC.
"I ALSO HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT MERELY TREAT THIS MATTER AS AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION PROBLEM, BUT WOULD CONSIDER ITS EFFECT ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FARMING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AT THE SAME TIME.
MR TAM MADE A NUMBER OF OBSERVATIONS WHEN TAKING PART IN EXAMINING THE BILL. MR TAM FELT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT SUFFICIENTLY PREPARED WHEN IT INTRODUCED THE BILL.
HE SAID IT WAS ONLY VERY RECENTLY, OR AFTER THE BILL WAS SUBMITTED TO THE COUNCIL AND WHEN THE FARMERS RAISED STRONG OBJECTIONS THAT, THE GOVERNMENT INVITED THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO LAUNCH THE PILOT SCHEME.
RELEVANT TESTS ARE STILL UNDERWAY TODAY WHEN THE BILL IS UNDERGOING ITS SECOND AND THIRD READINGS.
/FURTHERMORE, THE.........
J
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1?8?
12 -
"FURTHERMORE, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD NOT EMPLOYED SYSTEMATIC METHODS TO FIND OUT BY MEANS OF SURVEYS AND SITE VIC" THE ACTUAL NUMBER OF FARMERS WHO ARE ABLE OR WILLING TO ADOPT THE MUCK-OUT WASTE TREATMENT METHOD," HE SAID.
MR TAM NOTED /hAT ALL THESE HAD WEAKENED THEIR CONFIDENCE THE JUDGEMENT AND PROPOSALS OF THE GOVERNMENT, AND CONTRIBUTED L OF THE EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS OF THE MATTER BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS.
HE WAS WORRIED THAT IF THE ADMINISTRATION PASSED THE BILL IN HURRY AND SIMPLY BY ADHERING TO THEORIES AND PRINCIPLES, THE ■ WOULD BE DISAPPOINTING.
MR TAM ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO BE HELD P RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SITUATION TODAY.
HE SAID ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION WAS IN FACT A LONG-S. ISSUE. PROPOSED MEASURES WERE SUGGESTED BUT NOT IMPLEMENTED. YET PROBLEM MIGHT HAVE WORSENED AND THE ENVIRONMENT HAD ALRI DETERIORATED AFTER A LAPSE OF MORE THAN 10 YEARS.
/
HE REITERATED THAT IF THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN VARIO MEASURES TN TIME TO CONTAIN THE PROBLEM STEP BY STEP, HONG WOULD NOT HAVE PLUNGED INTO A SITUATION SO TENSE AS TODAY’S.
----0------
COMBINED EFFORTS REQUIRED FOR WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
EFFORTS PROFESSOR
MEETING
ANY IMPROVEMENT IN WATER QUALITY REQUIRES THE COMBINED OF THE GOVERNMENT, LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS, THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG, SAID AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON PROFESSOR POON SAID BRING UNDER CONTROL
THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL IT REPRESENTED ONE IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD THE DISPOSAL OF LIVESTOCK WASTE.
HOWEVER, HE
ADDED THAT WHILE WE WERE DRAFTING REGULATIONS 10 CONTROL INDUSTRIAL AND LIVESTOCK EFFLUENTS, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENSURE THAT DOMESTIC SEWAGE COULD ALSO BE EFFECTIVELY INTERCEPTED.
GOVERNOR’S ADDRES S
AS MUCH AS $10 OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL.
HE SAID HE WAS VERY GLAD TO LEARN FROM THE LAST WEDNESDAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD INVEST BILLION OVER THE NEXT DECADE TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM
/"INDEED I
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
"INDEED I WOULD URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO ATTEND TO THIS WITH THE GREATEST URGENCY," HE SAID.
"IF INDUSTRIALISTS AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS MAKE THE EFFORT TO OBSERVE THE APPROPRIATE REGULATIONS AND REFRAIN FROM POLLUTING THE WATERS, IT IS THEN ONLY TO BE EXPECTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO ESTABLISH FUNCTIONAL SYSTEMS TO INTERCEPT DOMESTIC SEWAGE TO AS MUCH AS 99 PER CENT EFFICIENCY."
-------0 ---------
STEPS TO ALLEVIATE LABOUR SHORTAGE OUTLINED *****
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT SUSTAINED PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH, COUPLED WITH FLEXIBILITY OF ADJUSTMENT IN THE LABOUR MARKET, PROVIDES THE ONLY REAL AND LASTING SOLUTION TO THE CURRENT LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN, MR YEUNG SAID IN THE FIVE YEARS 1982-83 TO 1986-87, THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMITTED ABOUT $7.2 MILLION AND SPENT ABOUT $4 MILLION TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDIES OF MAJOR INDUSTRIES WHICH SEEK TO INVESTIGATE THE DETERMINANTS OF AND CONSTRAINTS UPON THE GROWTH OF MAJOR INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH.
"WHERE PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH HAS BEEN CONSTRAINED BY TECHNOLOGICAL BARRIERS, THE GOVERNMENT MAY COMMISSION SPECIFIC RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING OUR INDUSTRIES WITH TECHNOLOGY THAT WOULD HELP THEM TO INCREASE THE QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THEIR OUTPUT.
"A LITTLE OVER $5 MILLION HAS BEEN SPENT ON THESE PROJECTS OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS.”
MR YEUNG SAID HKPC IS THE PRINCIPAL PUBLIC SECTOR AGENCY FOR PROVIDING PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES.
"OVER THE FIVE YEARS 1982-83 TO 1986-87, EXPENDITURE BY THE HKPC TOTALLED $246 MILLION, RISING FROM $33 MILLION IN 1982-83 TO $77 MILLION IN 1986-87."
MR YEUNG SAID WHILE THE INCREASE IN THE HKPC’S EXPENDITURE REFLECTS CONSIDERABLE EXPANSION IN ITS ACTIVITIES, EVEN GREATER EFFORT WILL BE MADE IN THE FUTURE TO ENCOURAGE PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN MANUFACTURING.
/"THIS EFFORT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
14
"THIS EFFORT IS REFLECTED , FIRST, BY AN AMBITIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME RECENTLY ENDORSED BY THE IDB INCLUDING PROPOSALS TO HOUSE THE HKPC IN A PURPOSE-BUILT CENTRE IN KOWLOON TONG BY 1990 AND TO FUND THE HKPC WITH ADDITIONAL CAPITAL AND RECURRENT GRANTS, TOTALLING $72 MILLION OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, TOWARDS THE COST OF DEVELOPING AND PROVIDING A WIDER RANGE OF PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES.
"SEPARATELY, DETAILED PROPOSALS ARE BEING FORMULATED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRE BASED IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY."
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER MAIN INITIATIVE IN ENCOURAGING PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH IN MANUFACTURING LIES IN THE VIGOROUS MARKETING OF THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HKPC, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
"THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY LAUNCHED A PILOT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE AND WILL REVIEW ITS OPERATIONS IN DUE COURSE, WITH A VIEW TO DETERMINING WHETHER THERE IS A PERMANENT NEED TO MAINTAIN SUCH A SERVICE."
/
MR YEUNG ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT IS MAINTAINING A DIALOGUE WITH THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES TO CONSIDER WHAT MEASURES MIGHT BE INTRODUCED TO HELP ALLEVIATE THE CURRENT LABOUR SHORTAGE.
"THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CARRYING OUT A SPECIAL SURVEY WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFYING WHETHER THERE ARE ANY SPECIFIC GROUPS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE TENDED TO STAY OUT OF THE LABOUR MARKET AND, IF SO, WHAT MIGHT INDUCE THEM TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT.
"THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ARE DISCUSSING WITH THE FEDERATION OF IIONG KONG INDUSTRIES THE POSSIBILITY OF INDUSTRY ESTABLISHING ADDITIONAL DAY CARI-FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN, AS A MEANS OF ATTRACTING MORE HOUSEWIVES TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT."
HE SAID OTHER MEASURES ARE ALSO BEING EXAMINED TO SEE WHETHER GREATER USE CAN BE MADE OF THE EXISTING WORK FORCE.
"ON THE ADVICE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE GOVERNMENT II SEEKING TO AMEND THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS TO PERMIT GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE CALCULATION OF THE AMOUNT OF OVERTIME WORK WHICH CAN BE UNDERTAKEN BY WOMEN UNDER THESE REGULATIONS.
"IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE PRESENT OVERTIME PROVISION SHOULD BF RELAXED TO HELP EMPLOYERS MAKE FULLER USE OF THE EXISTING OVERTIME QUOTA."
MR YEUNG NOTED THAT LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM IS NOT ONE WHICH LENDS ITSELF TO A QUICK FIX.
"IN THE SHORT TERM THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM LIES
IN THE
EFFEC1ENCY OF THE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM IN THE LABOUR MARKET, AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE VARIOUS SHORT TERM MEASURES WOULD HELP THE PROCESS OF ADJUSTMENT TO BECOME MORE EFFICIENT."
/15........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
SUFFICIENT TIME TO MAKE CHANGES
* » ♦ » ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONFIDENT THAT IF DECISIONS WERE TAKEN TO ADOPT ANY OF THE OPTIONS INCLUDED IN THE GREEN PAPER WHICH INVOLVE CHANGES TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SUCH DECISIONS COULD BE IMPLEMENTED BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEXT SESSION.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM ABOUT WHETHER THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT TIM:: TO IMPLEMENT ANY CHANGES TO THE EXISTING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR THE 1988 ELECTIONS.
-------0----------
SURVEY REPORT TO EXCLUDE REPORTED ’FALSIFIED’ SUBMISSIONS
» ♦ » * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON DAVID FORD TODAY (WEDNESDAY) POINTED OUT THAT ANY SUBMISSION REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN FALSIFIED WOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, MR FORD NOTED THAT UP TO YESTERDAY, THE SURVEY OFFICE HAD RECEIVED 101 REPORTS FROM INDIVIDUALS THAT SUBMISSIONS WHICH PURPORTED TO HAVE COME FROM THEM HAD IN FACT BEEN SENT WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE. AND THE OFFICE RECEIVED 72 FURTHER REPORTS OF A SIMILAR NATURE THIS MORNING.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT SINCE FALSIFIED REPORTS WOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT, "THE ACCURACY AND CREDIBILITY OF THE REPORT WILL NOT THEREFORE BE AFFECTED".
MR FORD ADDED THAT AS THOSE SUBMISSIONS WOULD BE EXCLUDED FROM THE REPORT, IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR HIM TO DISCLOSE THEIR NATURE OR THEIR CONTENTS.
0 -
/16
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 16 -
OVERSTAYING FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS PROSECUTED ♦ » ♦ » »
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT FROM JANUARY 1985 TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, 281 FILIPINO DOMESTIC HELPERS HAD BEE]. PROSECUTED FOR OVERSTAYING IN HONG KONG, ADDING THAT THEY WERE ALL CONVICTED OF THE OFFENCE.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT, AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ISSUED GUIDANCE NOTES TO FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THEY WERE PERMITTED TO TAKE UP DOMES!’ -WORK IN HONG KONG.
THESE CONDITIONS INCLUDED THOSE RELATING TO THE LENGTH OF TI1' THEY WERE PERMITTED TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG.
"IN THE NOTE IT IS CLEARLY STATED THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE IN LAW FOR THEM TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG LONGER THAN THE PERIOD STIPULATED.
"IN RESPECT OF CONTRACTS THAT ARE TERMINATED BEFORE THEY ARE COMPLETED, UNDER THE TERMS OF THE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, BOTH THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE ARE REQUIRED TO INFORM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY OF THE TERMINATION," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
AS REGARDS THE DETECTION OF OVERSTAYING, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED ANY SUSPICIONS THAT HELPER HAD OVERSTAYED AND VISITED PLACES WHERE IT THOUGHT OVERSTAYING FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPERS MIGHT BE WORKING.
-------0----------
STEPS TO ENSURE HOME SAFETY OUTLINED *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL STEP UP FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES TO EDUCATE PARENTS ABOUT THE DANGERS OF LEAVING CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR CHAMBERS SAID THAT IN THE LIGHT OF PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE RECENT TRAGEDY AT SAU MAU PING, THE WORKING GROUP ON THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES ORDINANCE HAD RECENTLY RECONSIDERED THE NEED FOR LEGISLATION.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT MAINTAINED THAT LEGISLATION IN THIS AREA WOULD BE NEITHER PRACTICAL NOR ENFORCTBLE, HE SAID.
/IN CONNECTION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
- 17 -
IN CONNECTION WITH FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, MR CHAMBERS SAID A SPECIAL POSTER HAD BEEN PRODUCED TO PUBLICISE MEASURES WHICH SHOULD BE TAKEN TO ENSURE SAFETY AT HOME.
"FAMILIES WHO 'HAVE DIFFICULTY IN TAKING CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE USE OF FACILITIES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES AND TO APPROACH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR FINANCIAL AND OTHER ASSISTANCE.
"AT PRESENT THERE ARE OVER 28,000 PLACES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES, AND AN ADDITIONAL 1,600 PLACES ARE PLANNED FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
"HOME HELP SERVICE IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR FAMILIES IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, AND THIS TOO WILL BE STEADILY EXPANDED," HE SAID.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE ALSO BEING MADE WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR NEIGHBOURS TO HELP IN PROVIDING TEMPORARY CARE FOR CHILDREN ON A MUTUAL AID BASIS, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
-----O-------
CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM OUTLINED
*****
A TOTAL OF 725 NEW CHILD ABUSE CASES INVOLVING 884 CHILDREN HAVE BEEN HANDLED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, MR CHAMBERS SAID AS AT THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 403 ACTIVE CHILD ABUSE CASES INVOLVING 454 CHILDREN.
HE NOTED THAT ACCORDING TO POLICE RECORDS, AN AVERAGE OF 40 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED EACH YEAR IN CONNECTION WITH CHILD ABUSE CASES DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS. THERE WERE 40 CASES IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, HE ADDED.
"PARENTS WHO HAVE ABUSED THEIR CHILDREN ARE PROVIDED WITH COUNSELLING BY SOCIAL WORKERS, WHO MAY REFER THEM FOR TREATMENT BY CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND PSYCHIATRISTS IF NECESSARY," SAID MR CHAMBERS.
"IN ADDITION, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES ON PARENTHOOD AND SUPPORTIVE GROUPS ARE ORGANISED TO ENHANCE PARENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL IN BRINGING UP THEIR CHILDREN," HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT IN HANDLING CHILD ABUSE CASES, SOCIAL WORKERS TRIED GO GET DOWN TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM AND TO HELP THE FAMILY AS A WHOLE TO PREVENT FURTHER ABUSE.
o -
/18
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBfc* ><,
mr
- 18 -
REASONS FOR NOT PAYING FULL TAXI PREMIA EXPLAINED t » » » »
IT IS DIFFICULT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ASCERTAIN THE REASONS FOR. SOME SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS IN A RECENT TAXI LICENCE TENDER EXERCIS2 NOT TO SETTLE PAYMENT OF THE FULL PREMIA AS THE DECISION WAS MADE BY THE TENDERERS THEMSELVES, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HO?' MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON CONRAD LAI I, MR LEUNG SAID THAT ONE POSSIBLE REASON COULD BE THE DECLINE IN MARKET PRICE OF TAXI LICENCES SOON AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS OF THE LAST TENDER EXERCISE.
"ANOTHER REASON COULD BE THE PRELIMINARY VIEWS EXPRESSED BY SOME DISTRICT BOARDS IN RECENT MONTHS ON A TAXI POLICY CONSULT/ 7! V-j PAPER FROM A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH TOUCHED UPON METHODS TO MINIMISE SPECULATION IN THE ISSUE OF TAXI LICENCES, INCLUDING THE POSSIBILITY OF RESTRICTING THEIR TRANSFERS.
"IT WOULD APPEAR THAT SOME PEOPLE SAW THESE VIEWS AS A CONSTRAINT ON THE MARKET VALUE OF TAXI LICENCES," MR LEUNG SAID.
IN THE RECENT TAXI TENDER EXERCISE FOR 100 LICENCES WHICH CLOSED ON JULY 17 THIS YEAR, 394 TENDERS FOR 513 LICENCES WERE RECEIVED. ACCEPTED TENDERS FOR THE 100 LICENCES RANGED FROM $596,000 TO $608,700 FOR EACH LICENCE.
HOWEVER, AFTER THE RESULTS OF THE EXERCISE WERE NOTIFIED TO TENDERERS ON AUGUST 28, SIX SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS FOR 68 LICENCES DID NOT SETTLE PAYMENT OF FULL PREMIA WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF 14 DAYS, MR LEUNG SAID.
--------0----------
WAYS SOUGHT TO SIMPLIFY TAXI VOUCHER SCHEME ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING AT WAYS TO SIMPLIFY THE PILOT TAXI VOUCHER SCHEME FOR THE DISABLED TO ENCOURAGE MORE TAXI DRIVERS TO TAKE PART, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG, MR BRIDGE SAID IF THESE PROVED IMPRACTICABLE, OTHER WAYS OF ENCOURAGING THE INTEGRATION OF THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED INTO SOCIETY WOULD BE CONSIDERED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PILOT TAXI VOUCHER SCHEME IS ONE OF A NUMBER OF IDEAS BEING EXPLORED TO HELP THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED INTEGRATE BETTER INTO THE COMMUNITY.
/’’ITS PURPOSE.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 19 -
’’ITS PURPOSE IS TO SEE WHETHER THE PROVISION OF A TAXI TRIP EACH WEEK FOR SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES WILL HELP SOCIAL INTEGRATION AND, IF SO, WHETHER A VOUCHER SCHEME WOULD BE PRACTICABLE BOTH FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE DISABLED PERSON AND OF THE TAXI DRIVER,” HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE PILOT SCHEME WAS STARTED ON APRIL 1 AND WOULD LAST UNTIL MARCH 31 NEXT YEAR.
’’THE PILOT SCHEME APPLIES TO PEOPLE 15 AND OVER WHO ARE WHEEL-CHAIR BOUND, WHOSE FAMILY INCOME IS BELOW THE MEDIAN LEVEL FOR HONG KONG AND WHO DO NOT OWN A TAX EXEMPT CAR,” HE SAID.
OF A TOTAL OF ABOUT 1,000 WHEEL-CHAIR BOUND PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, 245 HAD SUCCESSFULLY APPLIED TO JOIN THE SCHEME.
HOWEVER, MR BRIDGE SAID, PRELIMINARY INDICATIONS HAD SHOWN THAT THE TAXI TRADE WAS FINDING THE SCHEME SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT TO OPERATE.
”IN MOST COUNTRIES WHERE SIMILAR SCHEMES HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL TAXIS ARE OWNED AND OPERATED BY LARGE COMPANIES, BUT IN HONG KONG MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF TAXIS ARE OPERATED BY OWNER DRIVERS,” HE EXPLAINED.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE ALREADY SPECIAL TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS TO HELP THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED GET TO AND FROM THEIR PLACES OF WORK.
-----0------
LIABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONER OWNERS EXPLAINED ♦ ♦ * ♦ t
A PERSON DROPPING OR ALLOWING AN AIR-CONDITIONER TO FALL TO THE DANGER OR INJURY OF ANY PERSON IN OR NEAR A PUBLIC PLACE COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE AND IMPRISONMENT UNDER SECTION 4B OF THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPRF.Y, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION BY THE HON POON CHI-FAI.
HE SAID IF THIS OCCURRED DURING THE COURSE OF REPAIR OR DECORATION OF THE BUILDING, THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR ON THE SITE AND THE CONTRACTOR CARRYING OUT THE REPAIR OR DECORATION ALSO COMMITTED AN OFFENCE.
/HOWEVER, THE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
20 -
’’HOWEVER, THE CONTRACTOR WOULD NOT BE CONVICTED IF HE COULD PROVE THAT HE COULD NOT REASONABLY HAVE PREVENTED THE AIR-CONDITIONER FROM FALLING OR THAT HE HAD TAKEN REASONABLE MEASURES TO PREVENT SUCH AN OCCURRENCE.”
MR ASPREY SAID IT MIGHT NOT ALWAYS BE AN EASY MATTER TO DEFINE WHO WAS LIABLE UNDER THE FIRST PART OF SECTION 4B DESPITE THE ABSOLUTE NATURE OF THE OFFENCE.
NO DIFFICULTY AROSE WHERE A PERSON COULD BE IDENTIFIED AS HAVING DROPPED AN AIR-CONDITIONER, BUT IT WOULD NOT ALWAYS BE SO SIMPLE TO IDENTIFY, AND PROVE THAT A PERSON HAD ALLOWED AN AIR-CONDITIONER TO FALL, ESPECIALLY TN THE NOT UNCOMMON SITUATION WHEREBY PREMISES WERE LET AND SUB-LET.
IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO ESTABLISH WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE, UNDER THE TERMS OF THE LEASE OR SUB-LEASE, TO MAINTAIN THE PART OF THE BUILDING WHICH FAILED (IF THAT WAS THE CASE) AND WHETHER THERE WAS ANY SPECIFIC PROVISION FOR MAINTENANCE OF FIXTURES INSTALLED BY TENANTS, MR ASPREY SAID.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE WAS THE MOST RELEVANT PROVISION ON CRIMINAL LIABILITY OTHER OFFENCES COULD BE APPLICABLE DEPENDING ON HOW THE AIR-CONDITIONER CAME TO FALL OR BE DROPPED FROM A BUILDING.
"IT IS CONCEIVABLE THAT A PERSON WHO DROPPED AN AIR-CONDITIONER FROM A BUILDING COULD BF GUILTY OF MURDER OR ATTEMPTED MURDER, IF THE REQUISITE INTENT COULD BE PROVED.
"IN LESS EXTREME CASES, MANSLAUGHTER, INFLICTING GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM OR THE VARIOUS LEVELS OF ASSAULT COULD BE RELEVANT,” HE SAID.
AS REGARD STATUTORY PROVISIONS RELATING TO CIVIL LIABILITY, IN SUCH CASES THE OCCUPIER’S LIABILITY ORDINANCE WAS RELEVANT, MR ASPREY SAID.
’’UNDER THIS ORDINANCE, THE OCCUPIER OF PREMISES OWES A COMMON DUTY OF CARE SUCH AS TO ENSURE THAT VISITORS WILL BE REASONABLY SAFE IN USING THE PREMISES FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY WERE INVITED OR PERMITTED BY THE OCCUPIER TO BE THERE.
"SO, WHERE AN AIR-CONDITIONER FALLS FROM HIS PREMISES, AND INJURES A VISITOR IN CIRCUMSTANCES RESULTING IN A BREACH OF THE COMMON DUTY OF CARE, THE OCCUPIER COULD BE HELD LIABLE.
’’THE LANDLORD COULD ALSO BE HELD LIABLE IF HE HAS A CONTRACTUAL RESPONSIBILITY TO MAINTAIN THE AIR-CONDITIONER AND HAS FAILED TO DO THIS, AS A RESULT OF WHICH FAILURE THE AIR-CONDITIONER DROPS OR FALLS FROM HIS PREMISES, THEREBY CAUSING INJURY OR DAMAGE,” HE SAID.
/MR ASPREY .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
21 -
MR ASPREY SAID AN OCCUPIER OR LANDLORD MIGHT ALSO BE LIABLE FOR NEGLIGENCE UNDER COMMON LAW FOR INJURY TO PASSERS-BY, OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY CAUSED BY A FALLING AIR-CONDITIONER AS \ RESULT OF THE AIR-CONDITIONER NOT BEING PROPERLY MAINTAINED OR. SECURED.
"HOWEVER, IF THE DAMAGE OR INJURY WAS CAUSED BY THE DEFECTIVE FITTING OF THE AIR-CONDITIONER, THE PERSON WHO CARRIED OUT THE FITTING MIGHT BE LIABLE," HE SAID.
"PROVIDED THAT THE OCCUPIER OR LANDLORD HAD ACTED REASONABLY IN ENTRUSTING THE WORK TO \N INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR AND HAD TAKEN STEPS TO SATISFY HIMSELF THAT THE CONTRACTOR WAS COMPETENT AND THAT THE WORK HAD BEEN PROPERLY DONE, THE OCCUPIER OR LANDLORD WOULD NOT BE LIABLE.”
-------0 - - - -
ACTIONS AGAINST DRIPPING AIR CONDITIONERS * » « » «
A TOTAL OF 6,732 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING CONDITIONERS WERE RECEIVED BETWEEN APRIL 1, 1983 AND
1987, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DRIPPING AIR
SEPTEMBER 30,
JOHN CHAMBERS,
POON CHI-FAI ON IN THE PAST FIVE TAKEN ON MOST OF
NUISANCE NOTICES
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON THE NUMBER OF SUCH NUISANCE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED YEARS, MR CHAMBERS SAID REMEDIAL ACTION J*AS THESE CASES AFTER VERBAL WARNINGS WERE GIVEN OR
ISSUED.
OF THESE CASES, TWO OF THEM HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED, RESULTING IN ONE OFFENDER BEING FINED $200 AND THE OTHER $250, HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
/22........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
22
VEHICLE THEFT CASES DECLINE
* » t *
WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC, POLICE EFFORTS IN COMBATING VEHICLE THEFT ARE HAVING SOME SUCCESS, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES REPORTED MISSING EACH YEAR HAD BEEN DECLINING STEADILY FROM 5,353 IN 1982 TO 2,607 IN 1985 AND 2,407 IN 1986.
BASED ON THE FIRST NINE MONTHS, THE FIGURE FOR THIS YEAR SHOULD BE AROUND 2,270, HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT THE NUMBER OF MISSING VEHICLES SUBSEQUENTLY CLASSIFIED AS "THEFT OF VEHICLES" HAD ALSO DECLINED STEADILY FROM 1,532 IN 1982 TO 589 IN 1985 AND 421 IN 1986.
THIS CLASSIFICATION WAS DIFFERENT TO THE OFFENCE OF TEMPORARILY TAKING SOMEONE ELSE’S VEHICLE WITHOUT PERMISSION BUT WITH NO INTENTION TO KEEP IT, WHICH WAS CLASSIFIED IN LAW AS "TAKING A CONVEYANCE WITHOUT AUTHORITY", HE SAID.
NOTING THAT MANY VEHICLES WERE TAKEN BECAUSE OF CARELESSNESS ON THE PART OF THE OWNER, MR JEAFFRESON SAID VARIOUS MEASURES HAD BEEN TAKEN TO COMBAT THE CRIME.
"BY MEANS OF PUBLICITY, POLICE CRIME PREVENTION SEMINARS AND DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGNS, THE PUBLIC ARE BEING CONSTANTLY URGED TO LOCK UP THEIR VEHICLES PROPERLY AND TO TAKE THE IGNITION KEYS AWAY WITH THEM," HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE POLICE WERE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR MISSING VEHICLES AND PAID SPECIAL ATTENTION TO VEHICLES PARKED IN REMOTE OR UNUSUAL PLACES.
"THEY MAKE FREQUENT CHECKS ON BACK STREET GARAGES, VEHICLE REPAIR SHOPS AND SPARE PARTS OUTLETS FOR MISSING VEHICLES AND STOLEN VEHICLE .PARTS," HE SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO SAID THAT THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU WAS IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH LOCAL MOTOR VEHICLE DISTRIBUTORS.
"IN RECENT YEARS, MANUFACTURERS HAVE ADDED TO THE SECURITY OF PRIVATE CARS AND OTHER VEHICLES BY, FOR EXAMPLE, IMPROVING IGNITION AND LOCKING SYSTEMS," HE ADDED.
-------0----------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 25 -
COUNTERFEITING SYNDICATES NEUTRALISED
*****
THE SPECIAL DIVISION OF THE COMMERCIAL CRIME BUREAU RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUPPRESSION OF COUNTERFEIT BANKNOTES AND OTHER SECURE DOCUMENTS HAD SUCCESSFULLY NEUTRALISED A NUMBER OF WELL ORGANISED SYNDICATES LAST YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HELMUT SOHMEN ON MEASURES TAKEN TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF COUNTERFEIT BANKNOTES, IN BOTH HONG KONG AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES, MR JACOBS SAID FIVE PERSONS WERE CONVICTED FOR CONSPIRACY TO MANUFACTURE HK$1,000 BANKNOTES AND WERE SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT EACH IN JULY THIS YEAR.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE SPECIAL DIVISION WAS CONTINUING TO CONDUCT ENQUIRIES OF BOTH OVERT AND COVERT NATURE INTO THE COUNTERFEIT SYNDICATES NEUTRALISED LAST YEAR.
-----0-------
RESTRICTION ON NON-SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
*****
AT
NON-SCHEDULED PASSENGER FLIGHTS ARE USUALLY NOT PERMITTED KAI TAK AIRPORT BETWEEN 12.30 PM AND 4.30 PM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DAVID LI, MR JACOBS SAID THIS RESTRICTION WAS REVIEWED LAST JANUARY AND IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT NO CHANGE SHOULD BE MADE AT THIS STAGE.
- 0----------
HOUSING AUTHORITY TO PLAY GREATER ROLE IN THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL HAVE AN EVEN GREATER ROLE TO YEARS AHEAD ONCE THE GOVERNMENT’S NEW LONG-TERM HOUSING
PLAY IN STRATEGY
THE
IS
IMPLEMENTED.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR JOHN TODD IN THE CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW THE 1986-87 HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT TABLED AT THE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
CHAPTER OF
LEGISLATIVE
REVIEWING THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AUTHORITY AND ITS EXECUTIVE adm TUT? MOUSING DEPARTMENT. IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, POINTED OUT THAT CONSIDERABLE AND SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS WAS ACHIEVED ON
A NUMBER OF ISSUES.
/THESE INCLUDED
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
24
THESE INCLUDED THE CONCLUSION OF THE REVIEW OF TWO IMPORTANT ISSUES -HOUSING SUBSIDY TO PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS AND THE DOMESTIC RENT POLICY.
IN ORDER TO KEEP TENANTS INFORMED OF THE CHANGES IN HOUSING SUBSIDY AND RENT POLICY AS WELL AS OTHER MATTERS THAT AFFECTED THEM, THE AUTHORITY LAUNCHED THE PUBLICATION OF A QUARTERLY NEWSPAPER IN NOVEMBER 1986.
COPIES OF THE PAPER WERE DELIVERED TO EACH OF THE 530 000 FAMILIES IN 119 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND 60 TEMPORARY HOUSING AND COTTAGE AREAS AS ANOTHER MAJOR EFFORT BY THE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH IMPROVED CHANNELS FOR COMMUNICATION WITH ITS TENANTS.
DURING THE YEAR, THE AUTHORITY BECAME A MAJOR PARTICIPANT IN THE CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY. A SPECIAL COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED TO ADVISE ON REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS.
OTHER ASPECTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING COVERED BY MR TODD’S REVIEW ARE:
CONSTRUCTION
THE AUTHORITY COMPLETED 41 477 FLATS DURING THE YEAR DESPITE THE FACT THAT SOME MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL BUILDING INDUSTRY FACED PROBLEMS IN RESPECT OF FINANCE, SKILLED LABOUR AND MANAGERIAL STAFF.
NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENTS IN JUNK BAY AND MA ON SHAN CONTINUED TO MAKE GOOD PROGRESS.
WORK ALSO STARTED DURING THE YEAR TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE MORE NEW ESTATES IN FANLING, LAM TIN AND KWAI CHUNG. AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME CONSTRUCTION WERE CONTINUING AT VARIOUS STAGES IN OTHER AREAS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
THE AUTHORITY’S REDEVELOPMENI PROGRAMME CONTINUED IN EIGHT MARK I AND II ESTATES AS 28 MORE BLOCKS WERE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR MODERN HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS.
THE PROGRAMME HAS BEEN ACCELERATED SINCE 1983 AND, IN VIEW OF THE GOOD PROGRESS OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, IT IS HOPED THAT REDEVELOPMENT CAN BE COMPLETED BY THE MIDDLE OF 19DU - SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS WAS ALSO MADE IN REHOUSING THE FAMILIES LIVING IN THE 26 OLI) BLOCKS COVERED BY THE EXTENDED REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (ERP).
/WORK BEGAN
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 25 -
WORK BEGAN DURING THE YEAR ON FIVE SUPPLEMENTARY SITES TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 4 990 FLATS TO REHOUSE OTHER FAMILIES AFFECTED BY THE PROGRAMME.
AT THE SAME TIME, CONSIDERABLE EFFORT WAS MADE TO SECURE FURTHER SUPPLEMENTARY SITES TO ENSURE THAT THE AUTHORITY’S COMMITMENT TO REPLACE ALL THE OLD FLATS LOST UNDER THE ERP WAS ACHIEVED.
HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME
A TOTAL OF 13 658 FLATS IN SIX HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) AND TWO PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME (PSPS) PROJECTS WERE OFFERED FOR SALE IN THREE SALES EXERCISES DURING THE YEAR.
RESPONSE TO THE SALES WAS OVERWHELMING AND THE SALES EXERCISE LAUNCHED IN MAY 1986 IN RESPECT OF 5 898 HOS AND PSPS FLATS ATTRACTED NEARLY 90 000 APPLICATIONS - A RECORD NUMBER SINCE THE HOS WAS INTRODUCED IN 1976, INDICATING THAT THESE FLATS ARE INCREASINGLY POPULAR WITH BOTH PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS AND ELIGIBLE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
IN RESPONSE TO A DEMAND FOR LARGER FLATS BY POTENTIAL HOME-BUYERS, THE AUTHORITY DURING THE YEAR INTRODUCED A NEW CRUCIFORM DESIGN IN WHICH 60 PER CENT OF THE FLATS HAVE THREE BEDROOMS.
ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING
WITH THE SUSTAINED HIGH LEVEL OF PRODUCTION OF RENTAL FLATS, AUTHORITY WAS ABLE TO MEET ITS PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION COMMITMENT DURING THE YEAR BY ALLOCATING 37 558 FLATS.
AS PART OF ITS PROGRAMME TO MEET SOCIAL NEEDS, THE AUTHORITY PLANS TO PROVIDE SHELTERED HOUSING WITH WARDEN SERVICE FOR THE ABLE-BODIED ELDERLY AGED 60 OR ABOVE. ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR ABOUT 140 ELDERLY IN NEW ESTATES WITH MORE THAN 3 000 FLATS.
OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, 16 SHELTERED HOUSING PROJECTS WILL BE COMING ON STREAM, AND THE FIRST IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN HENG ON ESTATE, MA ON SHAN, THIS YEAR.
COMMERCIAL PREMISES
THE AUTHORITY IS AWARE OF THE CHANGE IN THE MODE OF SHOPPING ON THE PART OF ITS TENANTS, AND IS MEETING IT WITH A MORE INNOVATIVE APPROACH, BOTH IN DESIGN AND IN THE MARKETING OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN ESTATES.
A FLEXIBLE MARKETING APPROACH ADOPTED DURING THE YEAR IN LETTING COMMERCIAL PREMISES HAS PROVED SUCCESSFUL.
/UNDER THIS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1^, 198?
- 26 -
UNDER THIS NEW MARKETING STRATEGY, A LETTING-BY-NEGOTIATION SYSTEM SUPPLEMENTS THE DEPARTMENT’S TRADITIONAL TENDER METHOD TO ACHIEVE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH NEW COMMERCIAL TENANTS.
TEMPORARY HOUSING
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT CONTINUED DURING THE YEAR TO ACQUIRE MORE LAND TO BOOST THE TEMPORARY HOUSING SUPPLY. AS A RESULT, NINE NEW TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS FOR 10 003 PEOPLE WERE COMPLETED AND DEVELOPMENT OF 23 NEW AREAS WITH 30 409 PERSON SPACES WAS UNDERWAY DURING THE YEAR.
DURING THE YEAR, INSTALLATION OF INDIVIDUAL WATER METERS IN THE OLDER TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WAS COMPLETED, RESULTING IN AN ANNUAL SAVING OF ABOUT $15 MILLION.
SQUATTER CONTROL AND IMPROVEMENT
DURING THE YEAR, THE AUTHORITY MADE THE 1984-85 SQUATTER OCCUPANCY SURVEY AN ADDITIONAL CRITERION FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING. SQUATTERS NOT REGISTERED IN THE SURVEY ARE ELIGIBLE ONLY FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING.
THE ADDITIONAL CRITERION WILL HELP TO PREVENT QUEUE-JUMPING FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING BY PEOPLE TRYING TO MOVE TO AREAS SOON TO BE CLEARED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
IN THE YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENTS DIVISION SPENT MORE THAN $17 MILLION ON 11 NEW COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN LARGER SQUATTER SETTLEMENTS FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOME 23 000 SQUATTERS.
A PROGRAMME HAD ALSO BEEN FORMULATED TO INSTALL 600 PUBLIC LIGHTS IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS IN 40 SQUATTER AREAS WHERE NO COMPREHENSIVE IMPROVEMENTS ARE PLANNED.
CLEARANCE
THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT A NUMBER OF MAJOR DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS, INCLUDING HOUSING ESTATES, SCHOOLS, PARKS, DRAINAGE SCHEMES AND ROADS.
AS A RESULT Ob' THESE AND OTHER CLEARANCES, 37 056 PEOPLE WERE REHOUSED - 20 614 IN PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING AND 16 442 IN TEMPORARY HOUSING.
NOTABLE AMONG THE MAJOR CLEARANCES WAS THE ONE CARRIED OUT ON A 52.9 HECTARE SITE IN TAJ PO TO MAKE WAY FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, HOS AND PSPS PROJECTS, GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AS WELL AS PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
/THE PUBLIC .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 27 -
THE PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP PROJECTS WILL PROVIDE MODERN HOMES FOR MORE THAN 20 000 PEOPLE.
ANOTHER MAJOR CLEARANCE WHICH BEGAN DURING THE YEAR INVOLVED SIX VILLAGES IN SHAU KEI WAN EAST AND THE REHOUSING OF NEARLY 11 000 PEOPLE IN PERMANENT PUBLIC AND TEMPORARY HOUSING.
THE VILLAGES ARE BEING CLEARED TO MAKE WAY FOR A LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WITH 5 500 FLATS FOR 23 000 PEOPLE.
-----0------
PAROLE BOARD’S VIEWS CONSIDERED BEFORE PROSECUTION » ♦ t » ♦
IN EXERCISING HIS DISCRETION WHETHER OR NOT TO INSTITUTE A PROSECUTION OVER BREACH OF A SUPERVISION ORDER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, ASSURED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) BILL 1987, MR JEAFFRESON HAD NOTED CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT IN THE CASE OF \ BREACH OF A SUPERVISION ORDER, THERE MIGHT BE A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BETWEEN THE FINDINGS OF THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD AND THE DECISION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WITH REGARD TO PROSECUTION.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO REFERRED TO THREE POINTS ON WHICH THE HON HO KAM-FAI HAD ASKED FOR CLARIFICATION OR FURTHER ASSURANCES.
AS TO WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE WOULD BE APPOINTED TO LOOK AFTER OFFENDERS RELEASED ON PAROLE, HE SAID THEY WOULD BE AFTERCARE OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AS INDEED WAS THE CASE WITH YOUNG PRISONERS RELEASED ON SUPERVISION AT PRESENT. THESE AFTERCARE WORKERS WERE PROFESSIONALLY TRAINED, HE ADDED.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO SAID THE PROVISION FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO REVOKE A SUPERVISION ORDER UNDER CLAUSE 14(3) HAD BEEN INCLUDED AS AN EMERGENCY PREVENTIVE MECHANISM FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC.
"IF HE HAS GOOD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE PRISONER RELEASED UNDER SUPERVISION IS ABOUT TO POSE A THREAT TO THE PUBLIC, IT WOULD BE ESSENTIAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO BE ABLE TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION TO RETURN THIS PRISONER TO CONFINEMENT," HE SAID.
/THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 28 -
THE BILL HAD PROTECTIVE CLAUSES, MR JEAFFRESON WENT ON. FOR EXAMPLE, UNDER CLAUSE 15(2) THE COMMISSIONER WOULD HAVE TO REPORT THE FACT THAT HE HAD REVOKED THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION ORDER TO THE SUPERVISION BOARD AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, AND HE WOULD HAVE TO INFORM THE RE-IMPRISONED PRISONER OF THE REASONS WHY HE HAD REVOKED IT.
THEN THE PRISONER HIMSELF, UNDER CLAUSE 16(1) HAD THE RIGHT TO APPLY TO THE GOVERNOR, THROUGH THE BOARD, FOR A REVIEW OF THE COMMISSIONER’S DECISION.
REFERRING TO THE COMMENT THAT SOME MEMBERS FOUND IT UNDULY HARSH TO REQUIRE AN OFFENDER TO FORFEIT HIS EARNED REMISSION WHEN HE OPTED FOR RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME, MR JEAFFRESON SAID HE HAD CONSIDERABLE SYMPATHY WITH THAT VIEW.
"THE QUESTION OF THIS LOSING OF REMISSION, UPON OPTING FOR RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME, WILL BE ONE OF THE POINTS THAT WE WILL VERY CAREFULLY RE-EXAMINE WHEN WE COME TO REVIEW THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME IN THREE YEARS’ TIME," HE SAID.
-------0----------
NEW PAROLE SCHEME WELCOMED t * » » *
THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION AND PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT SCHFMES FOR PRISONERS PROVIDED FOR IN THE PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) BILL 1987 WOULD BE WELCOMED AS A STEP FORWARD IN THE REHABILITATION OF PRISONERS, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID IN 1HE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN HIS CAPACITY AS CONVENER OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL, MR WONG SAID THE TWO SCHEMES COULD BE REGARDED AS A FIRST ATTEMPT TO IMPLEMENT THE CONCEPT OF PAROLE IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID IN 1972 A GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY HAD STUDIED CAREFULLY A PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A SYSTEM OF PAROLE IN HONG KONG. HOWEVER, THE SYSTEM WAS NOT PURSUED AT THE TIME, LARGELY BECAUSE OE INADEQUATE AFTERCARE SERVICES AND FACILITIES.
"WE HAVE SINCE THEN GAINED CONSIDERABLY MORE EXPERIENCE IN THE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS," HE NOTED.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT TH!: PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF A PAROLE SYSTEM WAS TO HELP OFFENDERS TO REFORM AND FACILITATE THEIR RETURN TO SOCIETY.
/He said
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 29 -
HE SAID PAROLE WOULD ONLY BE GRANTED TO PRISONERS WHO HAD A CHANCE OF REHABILITATION AND WHO WERE GENUINELY WILLING TO DISSOCIATE THEMSELVES FROM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES.
"THERE IS NO REDUCTION IN THE LENGTH OF SENTENCE TO BE SERVED BY A PRISONER UNDER EITHER OF THE TWO SCHEMES," HE NOTED, ADDING THAT THE ONLY DIFFERENCE WAS THAT THE PRISONER WOULD BE GRANTED A PERIOD OF PARTIAL LIBERTY SO THAT HE COULD ADJUST GRADUALLY TO COMMUNITY LIFE.
MR WONG SAID MEMBERS OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP SUPPORTED THE BROAD PRINCIPLES OF THE TWO PROPOSED SCHEMES. HOWEVER, THEY FELT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD MONITOR CAREFULLY THREE AREAS UPON IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEMES.
THE FIRST AREA CONCERNED THE DIFFERENT BUT RELATED ROLES PLAYED BY THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL IN REGARD TO THE HANDLING OF MINOR BREACHES OF SUPERVISION ORDERS.
HE SAID GIVEN THAT ANY BREACH OF CONDITIONS OF A SUPERVISION ORDER WAS IN EFFECT A CRIMINAL OFFENCE, AND THAT THE DECISION TO PROSECUTE WAS VESTED IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MEMBERS ANTICIPATED A POSSIBLE SOURCE OF CONFLICT BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL.
"ALTHOUGH THE BOARD RECOMMENDS AGAINST THE REVOCATION OF A SUPERVISION ORDER AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT ALL RELEVANT CIRCUMSTANCES, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MAY STILL DECIDE TO GO AHEAD WITH A PROSECUTION," HE NOTED.
"THIS COULD LEAD TO CONTRADICTIONS BECAUSE ONCE A RELEASED PRISONER IS CONVICTED OF AN OFFENCE AND SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT, HIS SUPERVISION ORDER WILL AUTOMATICALLY BE REVOKED," HE ADDED.
THEREFORE, GOOD CO-ORDINATION SHOULD BE MAINTAINED BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO AVOID POTENTIAL DIFFICULTIES ARISING FROM MINOR BREACHES OF SUPERVISION ORDERS, HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE SECOND AREA OF CONCERN RELATED TO THE POWER OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO REVOKE A SUPERVISION ORDER.
HE SAID THERE SHOULD BE A CLEAR DELIMITATION OF THE COMMISSIONER’S POWER SO THAT HE WOULD NOT BE ACCUSED OF ABUSING HIS POWER.
THE THIRD AREA WAS THE LENGTH OF THE SUPERVISION PERIOD, MR WONG SAID.
"PRISONERS WHO OPT FOR THE PROPOSED RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME WILL LOSE ALL REMISSION EARNED BY VIRTUE OF THE IMPRISONMENT SERVED BEFORE JOINING THE SCHEME," HE SAID.
/MR WONG .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 30 -
MR WONG SAID MEMBERS RECOGNISED THAT da. BE STRUCK BETWEEN THE INCENTIVES FOR PRI-nLoc ™ THE SCHEME AND THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT HAVTMr tL™ TAKE SOFTENING OF HONG KONG’S EFFORTS IN PReJeOTInS <5“ '
WOULD HAVE ADVANTAGE CONSTRUED AS
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A PRISONER
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----------------- offenders after a perie™tiveness of
COULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE
SCHEMES IN REFORMING
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THE
THE TWO
SO THAT OUTCOME
- - 0 - -
PAROLE BILL
WILL NOT SOFTEN ANTI-CRIME » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
APPROACH
THE PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) BILL 1987 SHOULD NOT BE PERCEIVED AS AN ATTEMPT TO SOFTEN THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINED APPROACH TO COMBAT CRIMES., ESPECIALLY THE VIOLENT AND SERIOUS ONES, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, DR HO SAID THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE BILL WAS TO RELEASE AN OFFENDER BEFORE HE HAD FULLY SERVED HIS SENTENCE. THE OFFENDER WAS THEN PLACED UNDER SUPERVISION, AND WAS GIVEN REGULAR COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE UP TO THE FULL LENGTH OF HIS SENTENCE.
"AS A MATTER OF FACT, THE LENGTH OF THE SENTENCE IS BY NO MEANS REDUCED, BUT THE OFFENDER IS ONLY GIVEN AN OPTION AS TO HOW HE WANTS TO SERVE HIS SENTENCE," HE SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, AN OFFENDER WHO CONTRAVENES THE CONDITIONS OF HIS SUPERVISION ORDER IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS.
"AN OFFENDER WHO IS CONVICTED OF A NEW OFFENCE DURING HIS SUPERVISION PERIOD AND SENTENCED TO IMPRISONMENT WILL ALSO FACE THE PROSPECT OF HAVING HIS SUPERVISION ORDER REVOKED," HE ADDED.
DR HO SAID THAT THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE BILL WAS IN LINE WITH THE COMMUNITY’S SENTIMENTS TO REHABILITATE OFFENDERS ALONGSIDE PUNITIVE MEASURES FOR THEIR WRONGDOINGS.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 31 -
HE SAID HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL WERE ADEQUATE TO SERVE THE INTERESTS OF BOTH THE OFFENDERS AND THE SOCIETY, AND THAT THE OFFENDERS MIGHT BE REIMPRISONED UNDER DIFFERENT CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO POINT OUT THAT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL WOULD BE APPLIED JUDICIOUSLY TO ONLY THOSE OFFENDERS WHO WERE MOST LIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM IT, THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL WAS VESTED WITH THE POWER TO PRESCRIBE IN THE REGULATIONS THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD AND TO SPECIFY IN THE TWO SCHEDULES TO THE REGULATIONS PROCEDURES AND CONDITIONS GOVERNING THE MAKING OF A SUPERVISION ORDER.
NOTING THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE RELEASE SCHEME PROVIDED FOR IN THE BILL RELIED HEAVILY ON THE QUALITY OF AFTERCARE SERVICES, DR HO SAID HE WAS GLAD TO NOTE THAT THE COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE CAPABILITIES OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS HAD BEEN CONSIDERABLY ENHANCED IN RECENT YEARS AS A RESULT OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES UNIT AND THE COMMISSIONING OF TWO INTENSIFIED IN-SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMMES WITH THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY FOR ITS OFFICERS.
NEVERTHELESS, DR HO RAISED THREE POINTS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO CLARIFY AND TO GIVE FURTHER ASSURANCES.
FIRSTLY, CLAUSE 10 OF THE BILL PROVIDED THAT SUPERVISION OF A RELEASED OFFENDER WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY SUCH PERSONS AS SPECIFIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES.
"IN PRACTICE, WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE WILL BE APPOINTED .TO LOOK AFTER THE OFFENDERS? WILL THE APPOINTEES BE PERSONS OTHER THAN OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT? IF SO, WHAT QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE REQUIRED OF THE APPOINTEES AND HOW CAN THEY BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ASSIGNED DUTIES?" DR HO ASKED.
SECONDLY, CLAUSE 14(3) PROVIDED FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO REVOKE A SUPERVISION ORDER, IF IT APPEARED TO HIM THAT PUBLIC INTEREST REQUIRED AN OFFENDER TO BE REIMPRISONED IMMEDIATELY.
DR HO THEN ASKED: "WILL THIS LEAD TO POSSIBLE ABUSES OF POWER? UNDER WHAT CONDITIONS WILL THIS CONCEPT OF 'PUBLIC INTEREST’ BE INVOKED? HOW DOES THIS PROVISION RECONCILE WITH THE INTERESTS OF THE OFFENDER AS AN INDIVIDUAL?"
THIRDLY, DR HO SAID SOME LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS HAD FOUND IT UNDULY HARSH TO REQUIRE AN OFFENDER TO FORFEIT HIS EARNED REMISSION WHEN HE OPTED FOR THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME.
HE SAID: "IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SCHEME FAIRER AND MORE ATTRACTIVE TO OFFENDERS, THEY PROPOSED THAT THE EARNED REMISSION BE DEDUCTED FROM THE SUPERVISION PERIOD."
"THIS PROPOSAL COULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE SCHEME IS REVIEWED AFTER A PERIOD OF OPERATION FOR THREE YEARS," HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 32 -
SCHEMES FOR PRISONERS MAJOR STEPS FORWARD *****
THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME AND THE PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT SCHEME FOR PRISONERS ARE MAJOR STEPS TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATIVE SYSTEM FOR OFFENDERS, THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN SAID THESE WERE THE VIEWS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS AND AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE HE FULLY ENDORED THEIR VIEWS.
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE FELT THAT THE SCHEMES PROVIDED AN ADJUSTMENT PROCESS TO HELP PRISONERS WHO HAD BEEN KEPT AWAY FROM THE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT FOR SOME TIME TO RE-INTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY.
"AS LONG AS THE SCREENING PROCESS IS DONE CAUTIOUSLY, THE SCHEMES PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR REHABILITATION AND A STIMULANT TO STRENGTHEN PRISONERS’ WILL TO LEAD A NEW LIFE AND TO STRIVE FOR IT."
HE SAID SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEMES DEPENDED ON THREE FACTORS:
(1) INTENSIVE AND APPROPRIATE ASSESSMENT MUST BE MADE BY THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION BOARD ON EVERY APPLICATION. THE GUIDELINES AND RULES FOR THE SCHEMES MUST BE CAREFULLY LAID DOWN. THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PRISONER UNDER REVIEW SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN GREAT DETAIL.
(2) SUPPORT FROM GOVERNMENT: APART FROM THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS MUST AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE SUPPORT. ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF RESOURCES IS ESSENT.IAL FOR THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEMES.
(3) SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC: BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE SCHEMES WILL BE SEVERELY RESTRICTED IF THEY DO NOT RECEIVE ACCEPTANCE AND SUPPORT FROM THE PUBLIC. THE FACT THAT PRISONERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE AN EMPLOYMENT ARRANGEMENT BEFORE THAY WOULD BE GRANTED EARLY RELEASE MAKES IT NECESSARY TO HAVE EMPLOYERS SUPPORTING THE SCHEMES BY OFFERING JOBS.
MR CHAN ALSO CONVEYED THE SOCIETY’S READINESS TO CONTRIBUTE ITS ASSISTANCE TO THE SCHEMES.
--------0----------
/33........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 33 -
AMENDMENT TO BILL SUPPORTED
* * * » *
A PROPOSAL BY THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE NT) BILL THAT THE BILL BE AMENDED TO REMOVE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS AND OTHER PERSONS WAS SUPPORTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING ON THE RESUMPTION OF THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR ASPREY SAID HE HAD COME TO THE VIEW THAT A DISTINCTION IN THE TREATMENT OF DIFFERENT CLASSES OF PEOPLE UNDER THIS BILL WOULD BE UNDESIRABLE.
"IT IS NOT JUSTIFIED ON GROUNDS OF SAFETY OR PUBLIC HEALTH," HE SAID.
THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL, IN PARTICULAR THE STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS FOR EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, AND THE PROVISION FOR SEPARATE CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION FOR BUILDING WORKS, SITE FORMATION WORKS AND DRAINAGE WORKS, WOULD ADEQUATELY SAFEGUARD THE SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH STANDARDS OF VILLAGE HOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ONLY SOME 10 PER CENT OF SUCH HOUSES WERE BUILT BY PERSONS OTHER THAN INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, MR ASPREY SAID.
HE SAID THE EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE WOULD REMAIN LIMITED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"VERY FEW HOUSES WHICH MIGHT QUALIFY FOR THE EXEMPTION ARE IN FACT BUILT ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN KOWLOON, AND AT PRESENT THERE IS LITTLE PUBLIC DEMAND OR NEED TO EXTEND THE EXEMPTION OUTSIDE THE NEW TERRITORIES," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, IN REPLY TO MR CHENG’S POINT, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS NOW EXAMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF ALLOWING EXEMPTIONS FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS FOR SPECIFIED MINOR BUILDING WORKS, INCLUDING SMALL HOUSES, THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"IF PROPOSALS ON THESE LINES ARE EVENTUALLY INCLUDED IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, SEPARATE LEGISLATION TO LIMIT THE APPLICATION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL NO LONGER BE NECESSARY," HE SAID.
SPEAKING DURING THE BILL’S COMMITTEE STAGE, MR ASPREY SAID IN CLAUSE 2 THE DEFINITION OF "BUILDING WORKS" EXCLUDED "SITE FORMATION WORKS, DRAINAGE WORKS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALLS OR RETAINING WALLS".
"HOWEVER, ON FURTHER EXAMINATION, THE EXCLUSION OF RETAINING WALLS FROM THE DEFINITION OF ’BUILDING WORKS’ IS UNNECESSARY AND CONFUSING," HE SAID.
/"RETAINING WALLS
WECNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
"RETAINING WALLS ARE PART OF SITE FORMATION WORKS, AND IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN THE INTENTION THAT THEY MIGHT IN APPROPRIATE CASES BE EXEMPTED TOGETHER WITH OTHER SITE FORMATION WORKS.
"I THEREFORE PROPOSE THAT REFERENCE TO ’RETAINING WALLS’ IN THE DEFINITION OF ’BUILDING WORKS’ BE DELETED," MR ASPREY SAID.
HE SAID CLAUSE 5 AT PRESENT SAID THAT THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS MIGHT ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN SPECIFIED BUILDING WORKS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
"THE USE OF WORD ’MAY’ IMPLIES SOME DISCRETION BY THE DIRECTOR WHICH, SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE, IS NOT THE INTENTION.
"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 5 WILL MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE DIRECTOR SHALL ISSUE A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION WHERE THE BUILDING WORKS COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE," MR ASPREY SAID.
-----0------
RIGHTS OF VILLAGE HOUSE OWNERS PROTECTED » * * * »
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN, THE HON LAU WONG-FAT, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMED A MOVE BY THE AUTHORITIES TO MAKE APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES) BILL 1986 SO THAT INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE TREATED EQUALLY AND THE RIGHTS OF PROPERTY OWNERS WOULD CONTINUE 10 BE PROTECTED.
MR LAU WAS SPEAKING AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL.
ON BEHALF OF THE OWNERS OF VILLAGE HOUSES AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU THANKED THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL FOR ITS EFFORTS TO BRING A SATISFACTORY SOLUTION TO THE MATTER.
EXPLAINING THE ISSUE JN DETAIL, HE SAID VILLAGE HOUSES (I.E. SMALL HOUSES) HAD ALWAYS BEEN EXEMPTED BUILDINGS FOR WHICH THE OWNERS DID NOT NEED TO SUBMIT CONSTRUCTION PLANS.
/However, with
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1U, 198?
- 35 -
HOWEVER, WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN RECENT YEARS, THE LIVING STANDARD OF NT VILLAGERS HAD BEEN CONSIDERABLY AND THE KUK SAW A NEED TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS. IT THEREFORE PROPOSED TO THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE THE PERMITTED HEIGHT OF SMALL HOUSES FROM 25 FEET TO FEET IN ORDER TO GIVE RESIDENTS BETTER VENTILATION AND A BETT LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
THE ADMINISTRATION FOUND THE PROPOSAL REASONABLE AND FELT THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO AMEND THE REGULATION CONCERNING EXEMPTIONS FROM PROVISIONS OF THE EXISITNG BUILDINGS ORDINANCE. THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDED TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS " PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE STRUCTURE OF SUCH BUILDINGS A TECHNICALITIES OF THE FOUNDATION WORKS.
HOWEVER, WHEN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE N? TERRITORIES) BILL 1986 WAS GAZETTED, THE KUK FOUND A LARGE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE SPIRIT OF THE BILL AND THE ORIGINAL INTENTION. THIS WAS BECAUSE THE BILL MADE A CLEAR DISTINCTION BETWEEN THE RIGHTS OF INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, LAU NOTED.
NON-INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS HAD TO SUBMIT CONSTRUCTION PLANS WHEN THEY REBUILT THEIR HOUSES. MOREOVER, IN SUCH CASES, RECONSTRUCTION AREA HAD TO BE REDUCED CONSIDERABLY AND THERE MIG-EVEN BE HOUSES WHICH COULD NOT BE REBUILT WHEN TOPOGRAPHIC FACTORS PREVENTED THEM FROM MEETING LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, HE ADDED.
MR LAU SAID THE KUK CONSIDERED THAT SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WERE NEITHER FAIR NOR REASONABLE TO NON-INDIGENOUS PROPERTY OWNERS.
HE ALSO SAID EARNEST EXAMINATION OF THE CASE AND DISCUSSIONS BY THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP AND THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED BROUGHT ABOUT APPROPRIATE AMENDMENTS TO THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE BILL.
-------o ---------
EQUAL DEAL FOR INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS *****
THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED THAT THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES) BILL 1986 SHOULD BE REMOVED.
MR CHENG, CONVENOR OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL, SAID ORIGINALLY CLAUSE 5(A) OF THE BILL, WHICH PROPOSED TO RESTRICT EXEMPTION TO ONLY BUILDINGS BUILT BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, HAD RAISED A NUMBER OF PRACTICAL PROBLEMS.
/AFTER THOROUGH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 56 -
AFTER THOROUGH DISCUSSIONS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MEMBERS FELT THAT SUCH RESTRICTION WAS "NEITHER REALISTIC NOR PRACTICAL".
"NOT REALISTIC BECAUSE UNDER EXISTING REGULATIONS, SMALL HOUSES ARE EXEMPTED FROM BUILDINGS ORDINANCE PROCEDURES WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE BUILT OR OWNED BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.
"THE PROPOSAL IN THE BILL TO RESTRICT THE EXEMPTION TO INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS ONLY WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE MARKET VALUE, SALE AND MORTGAGE OF SMALLL HOUSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES," MR CHENG SAID.
EXPLAINING WHY THE RESTRICTION WAS NOT PRACTICAL, HE SAID OWNERS OF MANY SMALL HOUSES WHO WERE NON-INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS WOULD FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE, TO REBUILD THEIR HOUSES ON SITE BECAUSE OF MANY REQUIRMENTS WHICH HAD TO BE COMPLIED WITH IF THE EXEMPTION CEASED TO BE APPLICABLE.
MR CHENG SAID THE AD HOC GROUP WAS PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, ON RECONSIDERATION, AGREED THAT AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO CLAUSE 5(A) TO REMOVE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.
WITH THE AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE, HE SAID THE BILL WOULD EMERGE AS "A VERY MUCH IMPROVED AND MUCH MORE PRACTICAL PIECE OF LEGISLATION".
MOREOVER, MR CHENG FELT THERE MIGHT BE GOOD REASONS TO ALLOW CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM THE BUILDING ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS FOR SMALL BUILDING WORKS WHICH WOULD INCLUDE SMALL HOUSES OUTSIDE THE NFW TERRITORIES.
HE THEREFORE HOPED THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD IN DUE COURSE REVIEW THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND CONSIDER EXTENDING THE EXEMPTION APPROPRIATELY.
MR CHENG EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL, WHICH WAS \N IMPROVEMENT OVER THE EXISTING BUILDINGS ORDINANCE NOW BEING REPEALED, RAISED THE HEIGHT OF SMALL HOUSES FROM 7.62 METRES TO 8.23 METRES TO FACILITATE Till' CONSTRUCTION OF THREE-STOREY HOUSES WITH REASONABLE CEILING HEIGHT AND VENTILATION.
TIIF HILL ALSO PROVIDED CERTAINTY OF EXEMPTION TO VARIOUS CLASSES OF BUILDINGS AND BUILDING WORKS BY INTRODUCING THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF EXEMPTION FREE OF CHARGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, CONDITIONS RELATING TO SAFETY AND HEALTH MIGHT BE IMPOSED ON THE CERTIFICATES, THUS ENSURING THE SAFETY AND HYGIENE OF SMALL HOUSES AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT.
EXEMPTION FOR SITE FORMATION AND DRAINAGE WORK MIGHT ALSO BE GIVEN, BUT BY SEPARATE CERTIFICATES, HE ADDED.
-------0--------- /J7..................
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 193
- 37 -
DEFINITION OF "QUALIFIED ENGINEER" NEEDS FURTHER CONS 11
* » * * *
THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN MOVED A RESOLUTION AT THE LEG]SI COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO EXTEND THE PERIOD DURING THE COUNCIL MIGHT MAKE AMENDMENTS TO THE AIR POLLUTION CO? (Specified processes) regulations 1987 until November 4, isav.
THE RESOLUTION WAS MOVED UNDER SECTION
34 OF THE
INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
MR CHENG SAID IN THE COURSE OF SCRUTINISING THE REG!
IT HAD EMERGED THAT THE DEFINITIONS OF "AUTHORISED PERSON "QUALIFIED ENGINEER" NEEDED FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
THE THREE-WEEK EXTENSION WOULD ALLOW TIME FOR THE I !■ COUNCIL TO MAKE NECESSARY AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS ON OR THE LEGCO SITTING ON NOVEMBER 4, 1987, HE EXPLAINED.
MR CHENG SAID HE HAD ALREADY MET WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE F AND WELFARE AND LANDS AND WORKS BRANCHES IN ORDER TO FIND A TO THE DIFFICULTIES.
"I BELIEVE THAT GOVERNMENT'S RESPONSE WILL BE POSIT! I ENABLING IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE TO THE DEFINITIONS WITHIN THE THREE WEEKS," HE SAID.
"IN THE MEANTIME IT IS RIGHT IN PRINCIPLE THAT LEG ISLA" COUNCIL’S POWER TO MAKE THE NECESSARY AMENDMENTS SHOULD BE PRESERVED HE ADDED.
-------0 ---------
•UNOFFICIAL’ TITLE TO BE DELETED » » * * »
THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (MEMBERS) BILL SEEKS TO DELETE THE TITLE "UNOFFICIAL" FROM HONG KONG ORDIN' WHEREVER IT APPEARS AND TO REPLACE IT BY REFERENCES TO MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, HQN DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR FORD CORRESPONDING AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS WERE AGREED BY RESOl.UTIOE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE MEETING ON JULY 14 THIS YEAR.
MR FORD RECALLED THAT WHEN THE LATE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, ADDRESSED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1986/ SESSION, HE ANNOUNCED THE DECISION TO DISCONTINUE THE "UNOFFICIAL" AND ALSO TO RENAME UMELCO (THE OFFICE OF THE UNOFFTCIA1. MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS) TO OMELCO OFFICE OF THE MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS).
/THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 38 -
THE BILL WOULD THEREFORE COMPLETE THE PROCESS OF MOV L G THE TITLE OF "UNOFFICIAL" TO THE HISTORY BOOKS.
"THIS IS A STEP WHICH I KNOW MEMBERS WILL WELCOME SINCE THE NEW FORM EMPHASISES THAT WE ARE ALL, WHETHER OFFICIALS OTHERWISE,MEMBERS TOGETHER OF THE SAME COUNCIL," MR FORD ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
TAX RELIEF MEASURES PROPOSED
*****
THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 19fr7 SEEKS TO EXCLUDE FROM LIABILITY TO HONG KONG SALARIES TAX ANY INCOME THAI’ A PERSON DERIVES FROM SERVICES RENDERED OUTSIDE HONG KONG, FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR JACOBS SAID THE BIi WAS APPLICABLE "ONLY IF THE INCOME IS LIABLE TO A TAX SIM IL,Vi TO HONG KONG SALARIES TAX IN THE TERRITORY WHERE HE RENDERED THE SERVICES AND IT CAN BE ESTABLISHED THAT TAX HAS BEEN PAID THERE IN RESPECT OF THAT INCOME."
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL DID NOT GO AS FAR AS HIS 1987 88 BUDGET SPEECH, IN WHICH HE PROPOSED THAT THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE BE AMENDED TO PROVIDE FOR THE AUTOMATIC GRANTING OF TIME APPORTIONMENT WHERE, IN A YEAR OF ASSESSMENT, AN EMPLOYEE RENDER!'.. SERVICES OUTSIDE HONG KONG FOR PERIOD MORE THAN 60 DAYS IN TOTAL.
MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD THREE REASONS FOR INTRODUCING THE APPORTIONMENT AMENDMENT. FIRSTLY, HE SAID ASSESSMENT TO SALARIES TAX OF EMPLOYEES WHO RENDERED SERVICES BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE HONG KONG HAD BECOME A GROWING AREA OF DISPUTE BETWEEN THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AND TAXPAYERS. THIS UNCERTAINTY IN THE LAW NEEDED TO BE ADDRESSED, HE ADDED.
"SECONDLY, I WANTED TO PROVIDE A MEASURE OF RELIEF IN DOUBLE TAXATION CASES, GIVEN THAT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF DOUBLE TAXATION BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO COMPLETE," MR JACOBS SAID.
AND LASTLY, HE SAID HE WANTED TO LIMIT THE COST TO THE REVENUE OF HIS PROPOSAL TO BETWEEN 25 AND 35 MILLION DOLLARS.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
- 39 -
he said it Became clear that a distinction should continue
BE DRAWN BETWEEN HONG KONG AND NON-HONG KONG EMPLOYMENTS, AS THOSE TERMS WERE PRESENTLY UNDERSTOOD, AND THAT WITHOUT THIS DISTINCTION THE AMBIT OF THE PROPOSAL MIGHT BE TOO BROAD, COULD BE EXPLOITED WOULD COST THE REVENUE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE THAN ANTICIPATED.
HE SAID ANOTHER IMPORTANT FACTOR WAS THAT AFTER HE HAD DELIVERED HIS BUDGET SPEECH, THE HIGH COURT HANDED DOWN JUDGMENT IN A TAX CASE CONCERNING A CLAIM FOR TIME APPORTIONMENT. "THIS WAS THE NOV.' WELL-KNOWN GOEPFERT DECISION," HE ADDED.
"IN REACHING ITS DECISION, THE COURT GAVE VALUABLE GUIDANCE TO WHAT DETERMINED IN A PARTICULAR CASE WHETHER TIME APPORTIONIN'”IT WOULD BE ALLOWED UNDER THE EXISTING LAW."
"SIGNIFICANTLY, AFTER REFERRING TO MATTERS WHICH WERE RELEVAN , THE COURT CONCLUDED THAT THE PLACE WHERE SERVICES WERE RENDERED WAS NOT ONE TO BE CONSIDERED AND SHOULD BE IGNORED," HE SAID.
IN THE LIGHT OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS, MR JACOBS SAID HE WITHDREW HIS ORIGINAL PROPOSAL FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND CONSULTATION.
HE SAID ARISING OUT OF THE GOEPFERT DECISION, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE HAD BEEN ABLE TO DRAW UP SIMPLE GUIDELINES IN PRACTICE NOTES FOR DETERMINING WHETHER TIME APPORTIONMENT SHOULD GRANTED.
THE COMMISSIONER COULD NOW GIVE SECTION 8 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE AN INTERPRETATION WHICH WOULD MEAN THAT, PRACTICALLY ALL CASES, A TAXPAYER WOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM LIABILITY TO PAY HONG KONG SALARIES TAX ON THAT PART OF HIS INCOME DERIVED FROM SERVICES PERFORMED OUTSIDE HONG KONG WHERE -
* THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT WAS NEGOTIATED, AND ENTERED INTO, AND IS ENFORCEABLE OUTSIDE HONG KONG; AND
» THE EMPLOYER IS RESIDENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG; AND
» THE EMPLOYEE’S REMUNERATION IS PAID TO HIM OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
FOLLOWING THE JUDGEMENT AND THE INTERPRETATION NOW PLACED UPON SECTION 8 BY THE COMMISSIONER, MR JACOBS SAID SALARIES TAXPAYERS WOULD BE DIVIDED INTO TWO DISTINCT CATEGORIES.
"FIRST, TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE A HONG KONG SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT, AND WHO ARE TAXABLE ON ALL INCOME FROM THAT EMPLOYMENT WHETHER THEY RENDER SERVICES IN OR OUTSIDE HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"SECOND, TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE A SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND WHO ARE ONLY TAXABLE ON INCOME DERIVED FROM SERVICES RENDERED IN HONG KONG."
/MR JACOBS .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14 f 198?
40
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT BOTH CATEGORIES WERE EXEMPTED FROM CHARGE UNDER SECTION 8(1A)(B) AND (IB) IF THEY VISITED HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN 60 DAYS IN A YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
HE SAID THE GOEPFERT CASE HAD HELPED CLARIFY THE POSITION OF THE SECOND CATEGORY 0# TAXPAYERS, WHO OFTEN WOULD BE EMPLOYEES OF MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANIES WORKING IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT TAXPAYERS WHO HAD A HONG KONG SOURCE OF EMPLOYMENT AND WHO WERE LIABLE TO DOUBLE TAXATION AS A RESULT OF THEIR RENDERING SERVICES OUTSIDE HONG KONG WOULD NOT BENEFIT FROM THE GUIDELINES ARISING OUT OF THE GOEPFERT CASE.
’’THUS IN THE ABSENCE OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE LAW, RELIEF FROM DOUBLE TAXATION WOULD NOT BE AVAILABLE," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL WOULD APPLY IN RELATION TO THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT COMMENCING APRIL 1, 1987 AND ALL SUBSEQUENT YEARS OF ASSESSMENT.
WHILE NOTING THAT THE RATIONALE INHERENT IN HIS ORIGINAL PROPOSAL REMAINED UNALTERED, MR JACOBS SAID THE PRESENT BILL REPRESENTED A WISER SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
HE THANKED MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS WHO TOGETHER WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ACCOUNTANTS PROFESSION, TAX CONSULTANTS,'LAWYERS AND CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE HAD GIVEN THE ADMINISTRATION WELL-CONSIDERED AND PATIENT ADVICE DURING THE CONSULTATION PERIOD.
"WHERE TAX IS IN DISPUTE WE CANNOT PLEASE EVERYONE ALL OF THE TIME. BUT I BELIEVE THAT THIS BILL PRESENTS THE MOST SATISFACTORY, EQUITABLE AND CERTAIN WAY FORWARD," HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0---------
SUPPLEMENTARY FUND SOUGHT » * * * »
( EXPENDITURE CHARGED TO 57 HEADS WAS IN EXCESS BY $2,413.8 MILLION OF THE SUM APPROPRIATED FOR THOSE HEADS IN 1986-87, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1986-87) BILL 1987, MR JACOBS SAID THIS WAS BECAUSE SUFFICIENT OFFSETTING ITEMS COULD NOT BE FOUND WITHIN THE HEADS CONCERNED.
/THE EXCESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
41
THE EXCESS WAS LARGELY ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE TWO SALARY REVISIONS IN 1986 FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS, AND FOR THE PAYMENT OF PERSONNEL RELATED ALLOWANCES.
OTHER MAJOR CONTRIBUTING FACTORS INCLUDED THE PAYMENT TO THE MASS TRANSIT FUND TO ENABLE THE PROCEEDS OF A DEBT REPAYMENT BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION TO BE SET ASIDE TOWARDS AN EQUITY INJECTION FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION IN 1987-88; AND THE REORGANISATION OF THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
THE BILL SOUGHT TO GIVE FINAL LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY FOR THIS AMOUNT OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION ALREADY APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER POWERS DELEGATED BY IT, MR JACOBS SAID.
MR JACOBS ALSO SAID THAT ACTUAL REVENUE IN 1986-87 AMOUNTED TO $43,869.6 MILLION AND TOTAL EXPENDITURE $39,927.7 MILLION, MAKING A FINAL SURPLUS OF $3,941.9 MILLION.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
TRAFFIC AMENDMENT BILL WIDENS LIABILITY
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
A BILL AIMED AT WIDENING THE LIABILITY FOR THE OFFENCE FROM THE REGls?EREDAOWNER TO ANYONE WHO PERMITS AN UNLICENSED PERSON TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WAS MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE MICHAEL LEUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
(AMENDMENT)
MnvTMr tmf SECOND READING OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (NO. 2) B^LG19H8?, MR LEUNG^ID THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE THE OFFENCE OF ALLOWING A PERSON WITHOUT A. R Q LICENCE TO DRIVE A VEHICLE WAS LIMITED TO THE REGISTERED OWNER
THE
VEHICLE.
IT DID NOT COVER THE SITUATION WHERE SOMEONE OTHER THAN REGISTERED OWNER ALLOWED AN UNLICENSED THIRD PARTY TO DRIVE VEHICLE.
THE THE
"IN SUCH THIS IS CLEARLY SAID.
CASES, NO ONE CAN BE CHARGED WITH THE UNSATISFACTORY ON TRAFFIC SAFETY GROUNDS,
OFFENCE " MR
AND LEUNG
THE BILL CERTIFICATES BY
ALSO SOUGHT TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE THE POLICE GIVING RECORDS OF CONVICTIONS OF
ISSUE OF
OFFENCES
UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
/SECTION 75(5)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 141 198?
- 42 -
SECTION 75(5) OF THE ORDINANCE EMPOWERS THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, UPON PAYMENT OF A FEE, TO ISSUE TO THE HOLDER OF A DRIVING LICENCE A RECORD OF ALL CONVICTIONS IN RESPECT OF THAT PERSON.
MR LEUNG SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THIS PROVISION DID NOT COVER THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE IF THE APPLICANT HAD NOT COMMITTED ANY OFFENCE UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION, THE BILL AMENDED THIS SECTION TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ALSO TO ISSUE CERTIFICATES SHOWING THAT A PERSON HAD A RECORD OF NO CONVICTION OF OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0 ----------
REMOVAL OF DENTISTS’ REGISTRATION ANOMALY ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 SEEKS TO AMEND THREE PROVISIONS ON REGISTRATION IN THE DENTAL SERVICES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID THE BILL WOULD PROVIDE FOR DENTISTS HOLDING COMMONWEALTH QUALIFICATIONS RECOGNISED BY THE DENTAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG TO BE REGISTERED ON THE SAME BASIS AS THOSE WHOSE QUALIFICATIONS ARE RECOGNISED BY THE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM.
"AT PRESENT, DENTISTS HOLDING COMMONWEALTH QUALIFICATIONS WHICH ARE NOT RECOGNISED BY THE GENERAL DENTAL COUNCIL OF THE UNITED KINGDOM CANNOT BE REGISTERED FOR PRACTICE IN HONG KONG WITHOUT FIRST SATISFYING THE DENTAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG AS TO THEIR FITNESS IN TERMS OF ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS, AND THIS NORMALLY INVOLVES THEIR HAVING TO PASS A QUALIFYING EXAMINATION," HE SAID.
/’’THE DH4TAL
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
"THE DENTAL COUNCIL TAKES THE VIEW THAT PERSONS HOLDING SUCH QUALIFICATIONS SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH SUCH CUMBERSOME PROCEDURES," HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED THAT PERSONS IN THE FULL-TIME SERVICE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FOR THE PURPOSE OF TEACHING OR PERFORMING HOSPITAL WORK IN THE FACULTY OF DENTISTRY OF THE UNIVERSITY WOULD BE DEEMED TO BE REGISTERED AND WOULD HENCE BE EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION.
"THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO PERFORM DENTAL TREATMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF TEACHING IN THE FACULTY," MR CHAMBERS ADDED.
HE SAID THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED THAT DENTISTS REGISTERED BY PASSING THE DENTAL COUNCIL’S EXAMINATION SHOULD ALSO BE ELIGIBLE FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE DENTAL COUNCIL AND THE PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED THAT IN THE ABSENCE OF THE CHAIRMAN DURING COUNCIL MEETINGS, ANY MEMBER PRESENT AT THE MEETING SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR ELECTION AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
THREE BILLS PASSED t t t
THREE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE: WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; PRISONERS (RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION) BILL 1987; AND BUILDINGS ORDINANCE (APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES) BILL 1986.
MEANWHILE, FIVE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE: EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS (MEMBERS) BILL 1987; INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1987; SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1986-87) BILL 1987; DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; AND ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1987. DEBATE ON THE FIVE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.
A MOTION SEEKING TO EXTEND UNTIL NOVEMBER 4, 1987, THE PERIOD FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO AMEND REGULATION ON AIR POLLUTION CONTROL WAS APPROVED.
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/44
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
PRIVATE INVESTMENT EQUALLY IMPORTANT, GOVERNOR ♦ * * * *
GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TRANSPORT AND SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE MUST BE MATCHED BY PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTMENT IN OTHER AREAS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY’S PRODUCTION PLANT AT TAI PO, SIR DAVID SAID, "THE CONSTRUCTION OF THIS PLANT IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE NECESSARY PRIVATE SECTOR INITIATIVE."
"AS HONG KONG CONTINUES TO PROSPER, THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC UTILITY SERVICES INCREASES. IN PARTICULAR, THE GOVERNMENT’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS LED TO A MASSIVE EXPANSION THERE IN THE OPERATION OF ALL UTILITY COMPANIES," SIR DAVID ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT THE DECISION TO BUILD THE PLANT WAS TAKEN BY THE COMPANY IN 1984 DURING A PERIOD OF UNCERTAINTY OVER HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
HE SAID: "THE INVESTMENT OF HK$860 MILLION WAS A SIGN OF THE COMPANY’S CONFIDENCE IN, AND COMMITMENT TO, THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG."
"THIS CONFIDENCE AND COMMITMENT HAVE PROVED TO BE WELL JUSTIFIED."
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS OF THE NEW TOWNS IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES WOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY SUPPLY OF TOWNGAS, WITH THE COMMISSIONING OF THE PLANT AND ITS LINK BY PIPELINE TO FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI.
HE ADDED THAT THE SERVICE WOULD SOON BE EXTENDED TO YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN.
-------O --------
FURTHER STEP AHEAD FOR CULTURAL CENTRE
*****
THE COMPLETION OF PHASE 2 OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE WILL TAKE HONG KONG A STEP FURTHER IN ESTABLISHING ITS POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR PERFORMING ARTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
"THE COMPLETION OF THIS PHASE OF DEVELOPMENT WILL PROVIDE HONG KONG WITH A WORLD-CLASS FACILITY CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING THE TOP LEVEL PRODUCTIONS AND PERFORMANCES," SAID MR FORD AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF PHASE 2 OF THE PROJECT.
/NOTING THAT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- *+5 -
NOTING THAT THE LAST DECADE HAD SEEN A GROWING INTEREST IN THE PERFORMING ARTS, HE SAID: " IN PARALELL WITH THIS GROWTH HAS BEEN THE COMPLETION OF OTHER MAJOR VENUES SUCH AS THE HONG KONG COLISEUM, THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS AND THE TOWN HALLS IN SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN."
HE ALSO PRAISED THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR THE CONTRIBUTION IT HAD MADE TO HONG KONG’S PROGRESS IN THE CULTURAL FIELD.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, INCLUDING THE SPACE MUSEUM AND MUSEUM OF ART, WILL BE A LOCAL LANDMARK OF DISTINCTION, A SIGNIFICANT AND EXCITING AMENITY AND A MEETING PLACE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS VISITORS,"SAID MR FORD.
WHILE NOTING THE SENSE OF ACHIEVEMNET SIGNIFIED BY TODAY’S CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE, SAID HE WAS EAGERLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE GRAND OPENING IN LATE 1989.
HE SAID THE SPACE MUSEUM WAS THE FIRST PHASE OF THE COMPLEX; THE AUDITORIA, RESTAURANTS AND ADMINISTRATION BUILDING FORMED PHASE II.
WHEN COMPLETED THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE WOULD ALSO HOUSE THE NEW MUSEUM OF ART WHICH WOULD COME TO FRUITION IN 1990, THUS PROVIDING A HOME FOR THE ARTS ON "THIS PROMINENT HARBOUR FRONT SITE".
"THE AUDITORIA BUILDING WILL BE A FOCAL POINT FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: BOTH FROM THE WORLD OVER AND BY LOCAL TALENTS," MR FORSGATE SAID. "THE CONCERT HALL, GRAND THEATRE AND STUDIO THEATRE WILL ADD NEW HORIZONS TO THE ARTS SCENE IN HONG KONG, AND INDEED TO THE WHOLE OF SOUTHEAST ASIA."
THE SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR OF KUMAGAI GUMI COMPANY LIMITED, MR MOTOO OTSUKA, WHOSE COMPANY IS THE CONTRACTOR OF THE PROJECT, SAID IT WAS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT THE PROJECT, UNLIKE SO MANY OTHER NOTABLE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AROUND THE WORLD, WAS RUNNING ON SCHEDULE AND WOULD BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.
"WE ARE DELIGHTED TO HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE, A COMPLEX WHICH IS BOUND TO HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON HONG KONG’S CULTURAL STATUS," MR OTSUKA SAID.
THE AUDITORIA BUILDING WILL INCLUDE A 2,200-SEAT CONCERT HALL, A 1,800-SEAT GRAND THEATRE AND A STUDIO THEATRE WITH VARIABLE SEATING CONFIGURATIONS FOR 300 TO 500 PEOPLE AND FOUR DIFFERENT STAGE FORMATS.
THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING WILL CONTAIN AN ARTS LIBRARY, A MARRIAGE REGISTRY AND OFFICES.
/THE SECOND
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
- 46 -
THE SECOND PHASE INCLUDES A RESTAURANT BLOCK WITH TWO RESTAURANTS.
THE MUSEUM OF ART WILL BE DEVELOPED AS PHASE 3 AND A GARDEN AS PHASE 4.
THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTING PHASES 1 - 3 IS
$679.4 MILLION.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE CEREMONY, MR FORD SAID THE CENTRE WOULD "HERALD A NEW ERA OF CULTURAL ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG". "I THINK WE CAN ALL BE VERY JUSTLY PROUD OF THIS BUILDING WHICH WE TOPPED OUT THIS MORNING," MR FORD SAID.
HE SAID INTEREST IN THE CULTURAL FIELD AND THE PERFORMING ARTS WAS INCREASING ALL THE TIME.
"THE SUCCESS OF THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IS THERE FOR EVERYBODY TO SEE.
"I SEE NO REASON WHY THIS SHOULD NOT CONTINUE TO INCREASE. IT WILL NEED VERY GOOD ORGANISATION. IT WILL NEED VERY GOOD PROMOTION, BUT I KNOW THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL ARE FOCUSING ON THIS SUBJECT AND I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT IT WILL BE A SUCCESSFUL VENUE," MR FORD SAID.
-------0---------
HONG KONG’S ENTREPOT STATUS ASSURED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT HONG KONG’S ENTREPOT STATUS APPEARED ASSURED AND ITS FURTHER DEVELOPMENT GUARANTEED.
ADDRESSING A SYMPOSIUM ON DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA HELD AT ERASMUS UNIVERSITY OF ROTTERDAM, MR TSAO SAID THAT IN RECENT YEARS HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT, PARTICULARLY OF CHINA TRADE HAD EXPANDED DRAMATICALLY.
"INDEED, THE GROWTH RATE IN VALUE TERMS OF RE-EXPORTS HAS OUTPACED THE GROWTH RATE FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, WITH RE-EXPORTS ACCOUNTING FOR ALMOST HALF OF OUR TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987.
/"THE TOTAL .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 198?
U7
’’THE TOTAL VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS IN 1986 WAS US$15.7 BILLION. IN THIS CONTEXT, CHINA IS INVOLVED IN NEARLY 80 PER CENT OF OUR RE-EXPORTS, EITHER AS A MARKET OR AS A SOURCE OF SUPPLY,” MR TSAO SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ENTREPOT TRADE TOGETHER WITH THE FACT THAT CHINA, AFTER THE UNITED STATES, WAS THE SECOND LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND THE LARGEST SUPPLIER OF HONG KONG’S IMPORTS, HAD RESULTED IN CHINA BECOMING HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER.
ON THE INDUSTRIAL SCENE, MR TSAO TOLD THE SYMPOSIUM THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN ACTIVELY PARTICIPATING IN CHINA’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN RECENT YEARS THROUGH JOINT VENTURES, CO-OPERATIVE PRODUCTION AND PROCESSING AND ASSEMBLING AGREEMENTS.
’’SINCE CHINA ADOPTED ITS OPEN DOOR POLICY IN 1979, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT DIRECT INVESTMENT IN CHINA BY HONG KONG COMPANIES HAS AMOUNTED TO US$6 BILLION, REPRESENTING 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA. A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF THIS INVESTMENT HAS BEEN CHANNELLED INTO CHINA’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
’’HONG KONG INDUSTRIALISTS, CURRENTLY UNDERTAKING MANUFACTURING PROCESSES IN CHINA, ARE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR UP TO ONE! MILLION CHINESE WORKERS,” MR TSAO NOTED.
OUTLINING VARIOUS FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STABILITY UNDER THE JOINT DECLARATION, MR TSAO SAID HE WAS ENCOURAGED BY THE CURRENT BURGEONING FOREIGN CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, PARTICULARLY FROM CHINA, WHICH WAS ESTIMATED TO HAVE INVESTED ON HONG KONG OVER US$5 BILLION DURING THE LAST FEW YEARS.
’’JAPAN, AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND HAVE ALSO JOINED BRITAIN, THE NETHERLANDS AND AMERICA AND OTHER INVESTORS OF LONG-STANDING, AS SHAREHOLDERS IN OUR EXPANDING ECONOMY.
”1 BELIEVE THAT ALL THE INGREDIENTS EXIST FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S ENTREPOT STATUS IN THE CONTEXT OF DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA, ” MR TSAO SAID.
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/48
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 48
BOAT PEOPLE: HE’S PLIGHT EXPLAINED *****
THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAS BEEN URGED TO LOOK URGENTLY FOR AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF TACKLING THE CONTINUING ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG OF ECONOMIC MIGRANTS FROM VIETNAM, MANY OF WHOM ARE NOT CONSIDERED BY RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AS GENUINE REFUGEES.
THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR NIGEL FRENCH, DURING THE 38TH SESSION OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES HELD IN GENEVA BETWEEN OCTOBER 5 AND 12.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING, MR FRENCH SAID HONG KONG’S PLIGHT CONCERNING THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WAS SPELLED OUT AT THE SESSION, AND THE RESPONSE WAS ENCOURAGING.
"IN MY STATEMENT AND IN VARIOUS OFFICIAL AND UNOFFICIAL DISCUSSIONS I DREW ATTENTION TO THE SIGNIFICANT INCREASE THIS YEAR AND LAST IN ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG FROM VIETNAM AS WELL AS THE DRAMATIC DECLINE IN RESETTLEMENT OFF-TAKE IN 1987,” MR FRENCH SAID.
"I SAID THE RESULTANT INCREASE IN THE REFUGEE POPULATION WAS GIVING RISE TO CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC DISQUIET AND A GROWING SENSE OF FRUSTRATION IN HONG KONG.
"I URGED THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY TO LOOK URGENTLY FOR AN EFFECTIVE METHOD OF TACKLING THE CONTINUING ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG OF ECONOMIC MIGRANTS FROM VIETNAM, MANY OF WHOM ARE NOT CONSIDERED BY RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES AS GENUINE REFUGEES.
"THE RESPONSE TO MY STATEMENT WAS ENCOURAGING. THE UNHCR AND DELEGATES FROM THE MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES WERE AWARE OF OUR SITUATION, BUT IN SOME CASES NOT FULLY AWARE OF THE STRENGTH OF FEELING IN HONG KONG ABOUT IT. THEY HOPED HOWEVER THAT HONG KONG WOULD NOT TAKE ANY PRECIPITATE ACTION."
MR FRENCH SAID DELEGATES FROM OTHER PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM IN THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN REGION INFORMALLY EXPRESSED CONSIDERABLE SYMPATHY AND SUPPORT FOR HIS STATEMENT. HE ADDED THAT THEY AGREED IN PARTICULAR THAT METHODS SHOULD URGENTLY BE SOUGHT FOR TACKLING THE OUTFLOW OF ECONOMIC MIGRANTS FROM VIETNAM, WHICH WAS A PROBLEM FACING ALL PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM, NOT JUST HONG KONG.
"OBVIOUSLY IMMEDIATE SOLUTIONS CANNOT BE EXPECTED TO EMERGE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL GATHERING OF THIS SORT. HOWEVER THE PROBLEMS STILL BEING POSED BY VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, AND SOUTH-EAST ASIAN REGION GENERALLY, ARE THE SUBJECT OF MUCH THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION AT AN INCREASINGLY INTERNATIONAL LEVEL AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT SOLUTIONS WILL IN DUE COURSE EMERGE," MR FRENCH SAID.
-----0----- A9.............
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- *+9 -
SCHEME’S FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ACCEPTED *****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ACCEPTED THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS FOR IMPLEMENTING A SCHEME PRIMARILY DESIGNED TO COMPENSATE PENSIONABLE OFFICERS WHO ARE REQUIRED TO RETIRE OR WHO ARE SUPERSEDED FOR PROMOTION TO FACILITATE LOCALISATION BETWEEN NOW AND 1997.
THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, PHASED OVER THE PERIOD BETWEEN 1987-88 TO 1996-97, ARE ESTIMATED AT $100 MILLION AT CURRENT PRICES.
THE COST OF IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IS ESTIMATED AT $3.7 MILLION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE SCHEME WOULD APPLY TO PENSIONABLE OFFICERS APPOINTED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1985, THE FIRST DAY OF THE MONTH FOLLOWING THE INITIALLING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"ANY PERSON JOINING THE SERVICE AFTER THIS DATE SHOULD BE FULLY AWARE OF ANY CONSTRAINTS ON HIS FUTURE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ABOUT 100 OFFICERS, MAINLY IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AND THE POLICE, WOULD BE AFFECTED AND BE ELIGIBLE UNDER THE SCHEME.
THE PRINCIPAL COMPENSATION PROVIDED FOR ELIGIBLE OFFICERS UNDER THIS SCHEME IS A LUMP SUM CALCULATED BY MULTIPLYING THE OFFICER’S ANNUAL SALARY BY A FACTOR ACTUARIALLY APPROPRIATE TO HIS AGE AND SERVICE. IN ADDITION, IN THE CASE OF OFFICERS BELOW THE AGE OF 55, THERE IS SOME ADDITION TO THE VALUE OF THEIR PENSION BENEFITS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT A CEILING WAS PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE SCHEME AS IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT WITHOUT A CEILING THE COMPENSATION PAYABLE COULD BE EXCESSIVE.
A LIMIT HAS THEREFORE BEEN IMPOSED OF THE ANNUAL VALUE OF SALARY AT MASTER PAY SCALE POINT 48 MULTIPLIED BY THE MAXIMUM COMPENSATION FACTOR OF 4.76. AT CURRENT LEVELS THIS PROVIDES FOR MAXIMUM COMPENSATION OF ABOUT $1.5 MILLION. HOWEVER, MOST PAYMENTS WOULD BE BELOW THIS LEVEL.
"THE COMPENSATION CEILING WILL BE ADJUSTED AUTOMATICALLY IN LINE WITH FUTURE SALARY INCREASES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0----------
/5O........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 50 -
SURVEY ON LIVESTOCK FARMS TOMORROW » * * » *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT A SURVEY WILL START TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO TAKE STOCK OF EXISTING LIVESTOCK FARMS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING PRELIMINARY ELIGIBILITY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
"WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CONTROLS, FARMERS IN PROHIBITION AREAS AND THOSE IN CONTROL AREAS WHO ARE UNABLE TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES," HE SAID.
"FARMS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS. IN OTHER WORDS, FARMS ESTABLISHED AFTER THE SURVEY WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE," HE ADDED.
ALL LIVESTOCK FARMS IN HONG KONG WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY, EXCEPT STRUCTURES WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN SCREENED FOR CLEARANCE BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
THE SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE SURVEY IS PART OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME, WHICH HAS BEEN GIVEN LEGISLATIVE EFFECT BY THE PASSAGE OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
-------0----------
UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JUNE - AUGUST
*****
IN THE THREE MONTHS JUNE - AUGUST 1987, BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES REMAINED STABLE AT A LOW LEVEL, COMPARED WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1987, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) 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 AJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1987 WAS 1.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1.9 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1987 AND THREE PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
/THE DECREASE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 51 -
THE DECREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT. WHILE THE DECREASE OF 1.2 PERCENTAGE POINTS BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN JUNE - AUGUST 1987 WAS ESTIMATED AT 50,500, WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1987; AND THAT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1986 WAS 81,700.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1987 WAS ONE PER CENT WHICH COMPARES WITH 1.1 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1987. THE RATE FOR JUNE - AUGUST 1986 WAS 1.5 PER CENT .
THE DECREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, WHILE THE DECREASE OF 0.5 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR JUNE -AUGUST 1987 WAS 27,400, COMPARED WITH 29,600 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING MAY 1987 AND 39,900 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 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 UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, SEASONALLY ADJUSTED, FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1987 WAS 1.8 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS ONE PER CENT.
/THE UNB1PLOYMENT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 52 -
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-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED. IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
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.
--------o----------
PROMOTION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES RECOGNISED
*****
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROMOTING THE WIDER USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS ALREADY BEEN RECOGNISED IN HONG KONG Bl THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR A.G. EASON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 7TH HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR, MR EASON SAID THE BOARD HAD RECENTLY ENDORSED PROPOSALS AIMED AT PROVIDING FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
"THESE PROPOSALS WERE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY LABORATORY, AND A RADIO FREQUENCY AND DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS LABORATORY, AND FORM PART OF A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO EXPAND THE SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL," HE ADDED.
"IN ADDITION TO A SCHEME TO TRAIN ELECTRONIC ENGINEERS IN APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT DESIGN, THE SUPPLY OF ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS FROM THE POLYTECHNICS WILL ALSO BE INCREASED IN THE 1988-1991 TRIENNIUM."
HE POINTED OUT THAT RECENT OVERSEAS INVESTMENTS HAD BROUGHT WITH THEM NEW APPLICATIONS OF ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING A SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATED MANUFACTURE OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS.
/"A TECHNO-ECONOMIC
WEDNESDAY. OCTOBER 14. 198?
- 53 -
4
"A TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY ON THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WILL BE UNDERTAKEN NEXT YEAR, WHICH SHOULD INDICATE WHETHER ADDITIONAL SUPPORT IS NECESSARY AND, IF SO, WHAT KIND.”
MR EASON SAID THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WAS A SUCCESSFUL INDUSTRY AT PRESENT PRECISELY BECAUSE OF ITS READINESS IN THE PAST TO ADAPT TO TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE AND TO INVEST IN NEW MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT.
’’THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE INDUSTRY FROM ITS EARLY DAYS, IN TERMS OF GROWTH, DIVERSIFICATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS, HAS BEEN MORE SPECTACULAR THAN IN ANY OF HONG KONG’S OTHER MAJOR INDUSTRIES.
"IT IS, AFTER TEXTILES AND CLOTHING, HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST EXPORT EARNER, ACCOUNTING FOR ALMOST 22 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE TERRITORY’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND PROVIDING JOBS FOR NEARLY 90,000 WORKERS."
-----0------
IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN ENGLISH LANGUAGE, CHAU
*****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS THE MEDIUM WAS THE LANGUAGE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE WHICH WAS THE LIFE-BLOOD OF THE TERRITORY’S PROPSERITY.
"ENGLISH IS ALSO THE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE IN THE FIELDS OF BANKING, FINANCE, INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY AND TOURISM; AND ONE OF THE REASONS WHY, IN SPITE OF OUR LACK OF NATURAL RESOURCES, HONG KONG HAS BECOME SUCH A SUCCESSFUL INTERNATIONAL CENTRE HAS BEEN OUR ABILITY TO PRODUCE A POOL OF EDUCATED PEOPLE POSSESSING A RELATIVELY HIGH STANDARD OF ENGLISH," MR CHAU SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESIDENTIAL INSTALLATION DINNER OF THE SOROPTIMIST CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR CHAU SAID: "I USE THE WORD ’RELATIVELY’ BECAUSE THE RELATIVE EASE WITH WHICH FOREIGNERS CAN COMMUNICATE WITH HONG KONG COMPANIES AND PEOPLE IS SURELY A FACTOR WHICH HAS GIVEN US AN EDGE OVER SOME OF OUR CLOSEST COMPETITORS IN THE REGION."
MR CHAU SAID AN ASSET WHICH GAVE HONG KONG TRADE NEGOTIATORS A DISTINCT ADVANTATE OVER MANY OTHER THIRD WORLD EXPORTERS WAS PRECISELY THE FACILITY IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 19&7
HE SAID THAT WHILE HE WAS EMPHASISING THE IMPORTANCE OF ENGLISH, HE WAS NOT DOWNGRADING THE IMPORTANCE OF CHINESE OR TO PROMOTE THE USE OF ENGLISH AT THE EXPENSE OF CHINESE.
"IN A COMMUNITY WHERE 99 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION ARE CHINESE AND WHERE OUR ALREADY IMPORTANT LINKS WITH CHINA ARE BECOMING MORE SIGNIFICANT EVERY DAY AS WE APPROACH 1997, THE PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE OF HAVING A HIGH STANDARD OF CHINESE IS SELF-EVIDENT AND FULLY RECOGNISED.
"IT CAN BE EXPECTED THAT, WITH THE GROWING IMPORTANCE OF CHINESE AS A LANGUAGE OF GOVERNMENT AND THE COURTS AND WITH THE INCREASING USE OF THE MOTHER-TONGUE AS A MEDIUM OF TEACHING IN OUR SCHOOLS, THE STANDARD OF CHINESE IS BOUND TO KEEP ON IMPROVING," SAID MR CHAU. ,
BEYOND THE CHINESE-SPEAKING WORLD OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE AREA COMMITTEES, THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND THE GRASSROOTS GENERALLY, TO WHICH I HAVE BECOME SO ACCUSTOMED, ENGLISH IS STILL THE LANGUAGE OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE," HE ADDED.
"THE DANGER FOR HONG KONG IS THAT AS WE MOVE TOWARDS BECOMING A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION UNDER CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY AND AS MORE SCHOOLS, WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S ENCOURAGEMENT, SWITCH OVER TO USING THE MOTHER-TONGUE IN TEACHING, THERE MIGHT DEVELOP A TENDANCY FOR IT TO BECOME LESS AND LESS FASHIONABLE TO USE ENGLISH OR EVEN TO LEARN IT,"MR CHAU SAID.
"THAT WOULD BE A MISTAKE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU STRESSED THAT HONG KONG’S CONTINUING PROSPERITY DEPENDS ON ITS REMAINING AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE AND THAT MEANS HAVING A HIGH STANDARD OF ENGLISH.
MR CHAU PRAISED THE SOROPTIMIST CLUB OF HONG KONG FOR FULFILLING ITS OBJECTIVES IN INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND FOR CONTRIBUTING TO CHARITABLE ORGNISATIONS.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 55 -
STREET SLEEPERS IN WAN CHAI CLEARED * * * *
ABOUT 20 TO 30 STREET SLEEPERS IN THE O’BRIEN ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN WAN CHAI WERE CLEARED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL OPERATION CO-ORDINATED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE.
"THE STREET SLEEPERS HAVE BEEN CAUSING ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE IN THE AREA FOR A LONG TIME AS THEY ACCUMULATED PILES OF JUNKS, CAMP BEDS AND UTENSILS UNDER A COVERED WALKWAY ADJACENT TO A CONSTRUCTION SITE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.
"DESPITE WEEKLY TIDY-UP EXERCISE CONDUCTED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE STREET SLEEPERS CONTINUED TO SQUAT THERE AND IMPEDED PEDESTRIAN FLOW AROUND THE MTR STATION ENTRANCE AT RUSH HOURS.
"THE SITUATION HAS BECOME SO MUCH OF AN EYESORE THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE RECEIVED A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FROM RESIDENTS AND THE DEVELOPERS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TODAY’S OPERATION WAS CO-ORDINATED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE POLICE.
DURING THE OPERATION, THE STREET SLEEPERS WERE ADVISED TO LEAVE THE AREA AND THE PILES OF JUNKS LEFT BEHIND WERE REMOVED BY URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF.
AFTER THE CLEARANCE, THE COVERED WALKWAY WAS FENCED OFF SO THAT IT COULD NOT BE USED AS TEMPORARY SHELTER BY STREET SLEEPERS IN THE FUTURE.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO MONITOR THE SITUATION CLOSELY AND INITIATE CLEAN-UP ACTION, IF NECESSARY, TO ENSURE THAT THE PRECINCT WILL NOT BE RE-OCCUPIED BY STREET SLEEPERS.
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DTC LICENCE REVOKED ♦ ♦ ♦
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF LIPKLAND FINANCE (HK) LTD AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
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/%.....
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 56 -
MONG KOK CLEANS UP REAR LANES * * » ♦
A CLEARANCE OPERATION WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT THE REAR LANES OF 159-185 AND 296-328 SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET IN MONG KOK.
FIVE STRUCTURES USED FOR DOMESTIC AND STORAGE PURPOSES AS WELL AS FIVE CANOPIES WERE PULLED DOWN. THREE PERSONS WERE AFFECTED.
THIS WAS THE FIRST IN A SERIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES BEING LAUNCHED IN THE DISTRICT.
FIVE MORE OPERATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED IN THE FOLLOWING MONTHS TO RID REAR LANES OF ILLEGAL EXTENSIONS AND STRUCTURES.
TODAY’S CLEARANCE WAS CO-ORDINATED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, AND JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE HOUSING, LANDS, POLICE AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.
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YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD TO MEET ’ » * ♦ * »
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSED PLAN OF INSTALLING OVERHEAD POWER LINES FROM YUEN LONG TO LAI CHI KOK.
THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED PROJECT IS TO MEET THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE OF ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION IN THE 1990’S.
ELECTED MEMBER, MR TAI CHIN-WAH, WILL ASK ABOUT THE EDUCATIONAL POLICY TOWARDS VILLAGE SCHOOLS; HOW THE RECENT DISCOVERY OF GEOLOGICAL DEFECTS HAS AFFECTED THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG AND WHETHER THE PROVISION OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN LONG PING ESTATE WILL BE JEOPARDISED OR DELAYED BECAUSE OF THE SHORTFALL IN POPULATION.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO STUDY PROGRESS REPORTS FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE NINE COMMITTEES UNDER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD.
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING 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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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 1987
- 57 -
SAI KUNG DISTRICT YOUTH RALLY ♦ » » t
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT YOUTH RALLY IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE AIMS OF THE RALLY ARE TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE OF "KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN" AND TO AROUSE THE INTEREST OF LOCAL YOUTHS IN ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE CAMPAIGN’S ACTIVITIES.
THE RALLY IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 14 AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
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DB TO REVIEW BUILDING TEAM PROGRESS
» » ♦ »
THE PROGRESS OF WORK OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM WILL BE REVIEWED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AT A MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE TEAM HAS CONDUCTED DETAILED SURVEYS ON 27 BUILDINGS IDENTIFIED WITH MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS, AND PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO MANAGEMENT BODIES TO HELP UPGRADE LIVING CONDITIONS OF RESIDENTS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE BOARD AS WELL AS PROGRESS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND VARIOUS COMMITTEES FORMED UNDER THE BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
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/58........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14,
1987
- 58 -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS * * ♦ ♦ ♦
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS 20 APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
THESE INCLUDE THE ANNUAL NEW YEAR HARRIER ROAD RACE 1988, VISIT TO THE ELDERLY BY VOLUNTEERS, DISTRICT ATHELETIC MEET AND THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OUTSTANDING GUIDES AND GUIDE UNITS AWARD SCHEME.
AT THE MEETING, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE APPLICATIONS WHICH AMOUNT TO ABOUT $170,000.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
- - 0 --------
CAR
PARKING AREA TO LET ♦ » *
AT TUEN MUN ROAD, SHAM TSENG, IS TO
A CAR PARKING AREA ___ _
ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
BE LET
IS FOR
UNDER THE TENANCY TERM, THE 510-SQUARE-METRE SITE PARKING MOTOR VEHICLES, BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
THE TENANCY AFTERWARDS.
IS INITIALLY FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY
TENDERS FOR BY NOON ON OCTOBER
THE FEE-PAYING CAR PARKING SITE MUST BE SUBMITTED 23.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR'S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO U.S................... 1
SYMPOSIUM FOR SENIOR PERSONNEL IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY .... 2
SIT LABORATORY TO BE SET UP SOON ........................ 2
VISIT TO HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY........................... 3
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT .............. 4
CS SEES EDUCATION OFFICERS AT WORK....................... 4
EXHIBITION TO BOOST CIVIC AWARENESS ...........*......... 5
$8.5 MILLION POULTRY MARKET TO BE OPINED ................ 6
YAU MA TEI TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW................. 6
LAI CHI KOK PARK TO BE BUILT ............................ 7
NEW AMBULANCE DEPOT IN WONG TAI SIN ..................... 7
KWUN TONG ACHIEVEMENTS LISTED IN DB REPORT .............. 8
HEALTH EXHIBITION IN SHA TIN ............................ 9
DOG UNIT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ........... 9
TWO UPGRADING COURSES FOR BANKING PERSONNEL ............. 10
CARTOON TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION ...................... 11
TELEMATCH FOR THE ELDERLY ............................... 11
NEW SITTING-OUT -iREA AT HOI NING STREET ................ 12
ENTRY SOUGHT FOR KITE MAKING COMPETITION ................ 12
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND ................ 13
ACCESS TO SHEUNG SHUI THA TO OPEN ....................... 14
TEMPORARY ROiJ) CLOSURE IN TSUEN WhN .................... 14
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
GOVERNOR’S FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO U.S. t » * * »
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, IS TO MAKE HIS FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES TO PROMOTE BILATERAL TRADE AND ECONOMIC RELATIONS.
HIS EIGHT-DAY VISIT BEGINNING THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) WILL TAKE HIM TO WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK FOR MEETINGS WITH U.S. ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS AND CONGRESSMEN.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF SIR DAVID’S VISIT IS TO UNDERLINE THE IMPORTANCE THAT HONG KONG ATTACHES TO ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE U.S. AND TO ACHIEVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING IN THE U.S. OF RECENT DEVELOPMENTS AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS IN HONG KONG. HE WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO VOICE HONG KONG’S CONCERN OVER THREATS AND DANGERS INHERENT IN AMERICAN PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION AND WILL DISCUSS WITH AMERICAN OFFICIALS THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM.
ACCOMPANYING THE GOVERNOR ON THIS AMERICAN VISIT WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, AND SIR DAVID’S PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR RICHARD HOARE.
SIR DAVID IS SCHEDULED TO MEET SENIOR U.S. OFFICIALS INCLUDING THE ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE, MR JOHN WHITEHEAD; THE ACTING SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, MR BRUCE SMART; AND U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, MR CLAYTON YEUTTER.
THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO MEET A NUMBER OF CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN OF HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, CONGRESSMAN DAN ROSTENKOWSK1; CHAIRMAN OF TRADE SUBCOMMITTEE OF HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, CONGRESSMAN SAM GIBBONS; CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, SENATOR LLOYD BENTSEN; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SUBCOMMITTEE OF HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, CONGRESSMAN ROMANO MAZZOLI.
SIR DAVID WILL ALSO MEET BUSINESS LEADERS, JOURNALISTS AND THE EDITORIAL BOARDS OF MAJOR NATIONAL NEWSPAPERS INCLUDING THE WASHINGTON POST, NEW YORK TIMES AND WALL STREET JOURNAL.
WHILE IN WASHINGTON, HE WILL ADDRESS THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB. HIS SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS IN NEW YORK WILL INCLUDE LUNCHEON SPEECHES AT THE FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION, AND AT A FUNCTION CO-SPONSORED BY THE ASIA SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
2 -
SYMPOSIUM FOR SENIOR PERSONNEL IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY t » » ♦ ♦
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SYMPOSIUM ON LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON OCTOBER 30.
THE ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM WILL FEATURE TALKS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS AND WORKSHOPS AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE SYMPOSIUM IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND OFFICIALS OF TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS OF THE INDUSTRY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ENLIGHTENED MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AND TO DISCUSS WAYS ON IMPROVING LABOUR RELATIONS.
GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE THE PERMANENT SUPERVISOR OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION, MR HO SAI-CHU; GENERAL MANAGER OF THE SHUT ON BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD., MR LAWRENCE CHOI; DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION, MR POON TO-CHUEN; CENTRE MANAGER OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, MR P.C. CHAU; AND CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR T.S. CHOW.
TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE PROSPECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TN THE EYES OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR AND A TRADE UNION LEADER, HOW TO FACE THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, AND COMMON LABOUR DISPUTES AND THEIR PREVENTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
PARTICIPATION FEES FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT STAFF AND OTHER INDIVIDUALS WILL BE $280 EACH AND THOSE FOR OFFICIALS OF TRADE UNIONS, EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER NON-PROFIT MAKING ASSOCIATIONS ARE $150 EACH.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED TN THE SYMPOSIUM MAY CONTACT THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT 5-8523505.
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SMT LABORATORY TO BE SET UP SOON ♦ t ♦ ♦ »
A RECOMMENDATION BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL TO SET UP A SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY (SMT) LABORATORY TO ASSIST LOCAL MANUFACTURERS IN LEARNING, EVALUATING AND APPLYING THE TECHNOLOGY HAS RECENTLY BEEN ENDORSED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND WILL SOON BE IMPLEMENTED.
THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A RECEPTION OF CIM SYSTEMS LTD, A HONG KONG-BASED COMPANY RECENTLY APPOINTED CONSULTANTS TO START UP A SMT ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURING OPERATION IN SINGAPORE.
/MR LEUNG
THURSDAY, tCTtBER 1987
- 3 -
MR LEUNG SAID A RECENT SMT STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND CONDUCTED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL HAD SHOWN THAT THE APPLICATION OF SMT TO ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN, EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES WAS INCREASING RAPIDLY.
’’MARKET ANALYSTS FORECAST THAT BY 1990, 50 PER CENT OF ALL PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS USED IN ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS WORLDWIDE WOULD HAVE FEATURED SOME SURFACE-MOUNTED DEVICES, AND HONG KONG IS ALSO ADOPTING THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY QUICKLY IN ORDER TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.
’’THE SMT STUDY ALSO SHOWED THAT 18 MAJOR MANUFACTURERS ARE ALREADY USING SMT IN SOME FORM, AND THAT 32 OTHERS ARE LIKELY TO DO SO,” HE ADDED.
HE STRESSED THAT HONG KONG HAD ALL THE EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT FACILITIES AND WAS AN IDEAL PLACE FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES WISHING TO SET UP MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
”A NUMBER OF LOCAL AND MULTINATIONAL COMPANIES, MANY WITH AMERICAN PARENTS, ARE ALREADY ENGAGED IN MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG USING THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY.”
THE ADVANTAGES OF SMT INCLUDE PRODUCT MINIATURISATION, PORTABILITY, ADDED FEATURES AND FUNCTIONS, IMPROVED ELECTRICAL PERFORMANCE AT HIGH FREQUENCIES, RESISTANCE TO SHOCK/V1 BRAT ION AND COST REDUCTION.
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VISIT TO HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY t » ♦ *
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY VISITED A PRIVATE AND A SUBVENTED CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME TODAY (THURSDAY) TO LOOK AT THE SERVICES PROVIDED FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE PARTY FIRST WENT TO THE HONG KONG NURSING HOME WHICH IS A PRIVATE HOME IN KOWLOON TONG PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 106 BEDS TO THE ELDERLY.
THE PARTY LATER PROCEEDED TO THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB MADAM WONG CHAN SOOK YING MEMORIAL CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME FOR THE AGED.
THIS SUBVENTED HOME IN KWUN TONG PROVIDES NURSING CARE FOR 154 FRAIL ELDERLY PEOPLE, AND MEAL AND ACCOMMODATION FOR ANOTHER 98 OLD PEOPLE. IT ALSO PROVIDES TRANSIT ACCOMMODATION AND FACILITIES FOR THE AGED BLIND.
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MISS ELAINE CHUNG, SAID THE VISIT WOULD ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEES TO MEET THE OPERATORS OF HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, AND TO ACQUIRE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED.
A
o -
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT 1988-89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT SUBMITTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
DURING THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR 1987-88.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME TO BE CARRIED OUT AT KWAI CHUNG SOUTH AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD PROPOSED BY THE TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROPOSAL ARE TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD TO CATER FOR THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH IN TRAFFIC IN THE MID-1990’S AND TO PROVIDE APPROPRIATE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD TO SERVICE TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE CONTAINER PORT.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE FOOTBRIDGE AT THE JUNCTION OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND PEI HO STREET AND TEMPORARY RESITING OF LICENSED HAWKERS IN CHEUNG FAT STREET, FAT CHEUNG STREET AND WING LUNG STREET TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE STARTED AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD, AT 39 TONKIN STREET, 2ND FLOOR, KOWLOON.
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CS SEES EDUCATION OFFICERS AT WORK ♦ * » *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TOOK A LOOK AT THE WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DURING HIS VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS.
FOLLOWING A GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI; AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR DAVID LAN, MR FORD WAS GIVEN A PRESENTATION ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK.
MR FORD SHOWED SPECIAL INTEREST IN THE SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME AND THE WORK OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WHICH IS TASKED TO PROMOTE THE STANDARD OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE TEACHING.
/THE CHIEF
THURSDAY, SCT0BER 15, 1987
- 5 -
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO TOURED THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION DURING WHICH HE SAW TEAMS OF TEACHERS WORKING WITH THE DEPARTMENT STAFF TO DEVELOP CURRICULAR MATERIALS FOR SCHOOL USE AT VARIOUS LEVELS.
MR FORD CONCLUDED HIS VISIT WITH A ROUND-UP SESSION WITH THE DIRECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
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EXHIBITION TO BOOST CIVIC AWARENESS ♦ ♦ » ♦ *
A ONE-WEEK EXHIBITION FEATURING CIVIC RIGHTS OF RESIDENTS WILL BE MOUNTED IN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY MONG KOK STATION CONCOURSE STARTING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE EXHIBITION COMPRISES 22 DISPLAY BOARDS IN WHICH WELL-KNOWN HOUSEHOLD FIGURES ARE ETCHED IN CARICATURE TO EXPLAIN VARIOUS CIVIC RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO VOTE AND BE ELECTED, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, PUBLICATION, RELIGION AND ASSEMBLY, AS WELL AS THE RIGHT TO OBTAIN LEGAL AID.
THE EXHIBITS ARE ON LOAN FROM THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS.
THE FUNCTION IS PART OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS FOCUSED PRIMARILY ON STUDENTS WHO WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND TO DEVELOP A KEEN SENSE OF CIVIC AWARENESS.
APART FROM THE EXHIBITION, A SERIES OF OTHER ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING A QUIZ, ESSAY COMPETITION, DRAWING COMPETITION AND SEMINAR ARE BEING ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LOCAL SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
6
$8.5 MILLION POULTRY MARKET TO BE OPENED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL OPEN A NEW TEMPORARY WHOLESALE POULTRY MARKET AT WESTERN RECLAMATION TOMORROW (FRDIAY).
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW MARKET WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR VINCENT KO.
THE NEW MARKET, BUILT AT A COST OF $8.5 MILLION ON A 9,500 SQUARE-METRE SITE, WILL REPLACE THE KENNEDY TOWN POULTRY MARKET AT FORBES STREET WHICH HAS CAUSED SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE AREA.
THE OPENING OF THE NEW MARKET MARKS THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST STEP OF AN AMBITIOUS LONG-TERM PLAN DRAWN UP BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO REPROVISION THE POULTRY MARKET AS WELL AS OTHER WHOLESALE FOOD MARKETS ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE NEW TEMPORARY WHOLESALE POULTRY MARKET AT WESTERN RECLAMATION NEAR THE NORTHERN END OF WESTERN STREET. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11. AM.
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YAU MA TEI TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW
*****
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
AT THE MEETING, A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE 27 TARGET BUILDINGS IDENTIFIED BY THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR IMPROVEMENT ACTION WILL BE TABLED WHILE MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE INCLUSION OF ANOTHER FOUR BUILDINGS TO THE TARGET LIST.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE DISTRICT BOARD BUDGET AND A REVIEW ON THE GUIDELINES FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 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.
_ - 0 - - - -
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
- 7 -
LAI CHI KOK PARK TO BE BUILT ♦ * » ♦
A PARK IS TO BE BUILT AT LAI CHI KOK TO PROVIDE ANOTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE PARK WILL BE LOCATED AT LAI CHI KOK BAY AND STAGE I WILL COVER AN AREA OF ABOUT 3.15 HECTARES.
TENDERS FOR PHASE I OF STAGE I WORKS ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE AREA COVERED BY THIS PHASE OF THE WORK IS ABOUT 26,500 SQUARE METRES.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A SPECTATOR STAND FOR ABOUT 400 PEOPLE, TWO MINI-SOCCER PITCHES, SIX TENNIS COURTS, PAVILIONS, A PEI-LAU, ARBOURS AND FLOWER BEDS, AND SERVICES BUILDINGS WITH TOILETS, OFFICE, A BOOKING OFFICE AND A KIOSK.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRACTICAL GARDEN TRAINING GROUND AND WORKSHOP FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL.
A NURSERY FOR THE DISTRICT WITH FACILITIES SUCH AS A GREEN HOUSE, PROPAGATION HOUSE AND POTTING SHED WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON OCTOBER 30.
-------o---------
NEW AMBULANCE DEPOT IN WONG TAI SIN *****
PILING WORK HAS JUST BEGUN FOR AN AMBULANCE DEPOT’ AND TWO HOUSING BLOCKS FOR FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL IN WONG TAI SIN FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $4.4 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
BOTH THE DEPOT AND THE QUARTERS WILL BE LOCATED AT FUNG TAK ROAD, NEXT TO THE EXISTING WONG TAI SIN FIRE STATION.
THE DEPOT WILL BE A FOUR-STOREY STRUCTURE TO BE BUILT ON TOP OF A SINGLE-STOREY PODIUM.
WHEN COMPLETED IN MID-1989, IT WILL HAVE FOUR BAYS FOR EIGHT AMBULANCES.
THE TWO 25-STOREY HOUSING BLOCKS WILL PROVIDE, ON COMPLETION IN MID-1990, 288 FLATS FOR RANK AND FILE MARRIED STAFF.
/CAR PARKING .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
8
CAR PARKING SPACES, TOGETHER WITH SITTING-OUT AND CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
PILING WORK FOR THE DEPOT AND HOUSING BLOCKS WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
BUILDING OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURES WILL THEN BEGIN UNDER A SEPARATE CONTRACT.
------0-------
KWUN TONG ACHIEVEMENTS LISTED IN DB REPORT * ♦ * * ♦
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS PUBLISHED ITS ANNUAL REPORT WHICH SETS OUT THE VARIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS AND NUMEROUS ACTIVITIES OF THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR.
IN THE FOREWORD, BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI, SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW ENTERING A CRUCIAL PERIOD OF POLITICAL REVIEW, AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, ACTING AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC, WOULD CONTINUE TO STRIVE FOR THE WELL-BEING OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.
REVIEWING THE WORK OF THE BOARD DURING THE PAST FINANCIAL YEAR, MR LAM SAID ALL 34 MEMBERS HAD WORKED HARD FOR THE WELFARE OF RESIDENTS.
’’THE COMPLETION OF VARIOUS MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION, THE PROVISION OF DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS THE INTRODUCTION OF PREFERENTIAL MEDICAL AND TRANSPORT SCHEMES FOR THE ELDERLY, WERE FACETS OF THE HARD WORK DONE BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, ’ MR LAM SAID.
THE 24-PAGE REPORT INCLUDES CHAPTERS ON THE FULL BOARD, ITS SIX STANDING COMMITTEES AND FOUR WORKING GROUPS, AS WELL AS AN APPENDIX ON THE MEMBERSHIP AND STRUCTURE OF THE BOARD.
COPIES OF THE REPORT WILL BE SENT TO LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
THE REPORT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FREE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
- 0 -
/9
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
- 9 -
HEALTH EXHIBITION IN SHA TIN t ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A HEALTH EXHIBITION, ENTITLED ’’THE USE OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES” WILL BE HELD AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY, SHA TIN TOWN HALL, BEGINNING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
DEPUTY DIRECTOR (HEALTH SERVICES & PLANNING) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR LEE SHIU-HUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH BEGINS AT 11 AM.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AIMS AT PROMOTING THE PROPER USE OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SERVICES IN THE TERRITORY.
THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE GENERAL CONCEPT ABOUT HEALTH, THE AWARENESS ON DISEASES, AND THE MEDICAL, HEALTH AND REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
------0-------
DOG UNIT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A DOG UNIT WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17).
KNOWN AS THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DOG UNIT, IT WILL BE SET UP AS A TRIAL SCHEME TO FORM PART OF SECURITY SERVICES IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE UNIT AT STANLEY PRISON FOOTBALL FIELD ON SATURDAY.
THE GUEST OF HONOUR WILL BE LIEUTENANT COLONEL PAUL JEPSON OF THE HONG KONG DEFENCE ANIMAL SUPPORT UNIT, RAVC (ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS). HE WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO CSD STAFF WHO HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY TRAINED AS QUALIFIED DOG HANDLERS.
/SIX ALSATIANS,
THURSDAYt OCTOBER 151 1987
SIX ALSATIANS, KINDLY DONATED BY THE ARMY TO THE DEPARTMENT, WILL ALSO BE FORMALLY HANDED OVER DURING THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURATION OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DOG UNIT WHICH WILL RE HELD AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) AT STANLEY PRISON FOOTBALL FIELD.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT SHOULD GATHER AT THE PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT OF THE CSD AT 23RD FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT 10 AM ON THAT DAY.
- - 0 - -
TWO UPGRADING COURSES FOR BANKING PERSONNEL ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
BANKING PERSONNEL ARE INVITED TO ENROL IN TWO UPGRADING COURSES TO BE HELD BY THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INSTITUTE OF BANKERS IN HONG KONG.
"TRADE FINANCING" IS SUITABLE FOR SENIOR CLERICAL BILL STAFF WHO ARE DEALING WITH THE OPENING, DOCUMENT CHECKING AND SANCTIONING PAYMENTS RELATED TO IMPORT/EXPORT FINANCING.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 3 TO DECEMBER 29, 1987 AND COURSE FEE IS $450.
THE OTHER COURSE, A FOUR-SESSION COURSE ON "TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENT IN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS" WILL BE CONDUCTED IN M1D-NOVEMBER.
IT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE JUNIOR OFFICERS WITH BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE FINANCIAL MARKET INSTRUMENTS IN ORDER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THEIR CLIENTS. THE COURSE FEE IS $200.
THE COUNCIL WILL REIMBURSE HALF OF THE COURSE FEE TO QUALIFIED PARTICIPANTS WHO ARE ABLE TO ATTEND 80 PER CENT OF THE CLASS MEETINGS. ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE SPONSORED BY EMPLOYERS.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT THE SECRETARY OF THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD AT 5-8932341 EXT. 255.
/11
- - O -
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
CARTOON TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION
* * » *
STUDENTS OF TAI PO DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR CREATIVE TALENT IN A CARTOON SKETCHING COMPETITION TO ENHANCE THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN IN THE DISTRICT.
ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CONTEST IS AIMED AT ENHANCING CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AMONG LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN.
CARTOONS PROMOTING THE THEME "CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY, WORK FOR YOUR COMMUNITY AND BE A GOOD TAI PO CITIZEN" SHOULD BE SKETCHED ON 30CM X 38CM DRAWING PAPER.
WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ROOM 233 OF THE TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT NO. 1, TING KOK ROAD.
DEADLINES FOR ENTRIES IS ON OCTOBER 23 AND FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON 0-6577111 EXTENSION 257 OR 0-6586520.
------0-------
TELEMATCH FOR THE ELDERLY
*****
MORE THAN 200 SENIOR RESIDENTS FROM SEVEN SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND AGED CLUBS WILL COMPETE IN THE TELEMATCH FUN DAY FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE TO KWA WAN INDOOR GAMES HALL ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) MORNING.
PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE FOUR TELEMATCH GAMES AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT AND HEALTHY EXERCISE TO ELDERLY PEOPLE AS WELL AS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO COOPERATE AND COMMUNICATE AMONG THEMSELVES THROUGH COMPETITION.
IT 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, URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TELEMATCH FUN DAY AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) AT THE TO KWA WAN INDOOR GAMES HALL, CHEUNG NING STREET, TO KWA WAN.
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/12.......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
12 -
NEW SITTING-OUT AREA AT HOI NING STREET * * * * »
RESIDENTS IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL HAVE A NEW PLACE FOR LEISURE ACTIVITIES WHEN THE SITTING-OUT AREA AT HOI NING STREET OPENS FOR PUBLIC USE ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17).
LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF HOT NING STREET WITH SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, THE SITTTNG-OUT AREA WAS FUNDED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF ITS ON-GOING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF THE DISTRICT.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE HOI NING SITTING-OUT AREA, A RIBBONCUTTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY.
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MRS BETTY YUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 11 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) AT THE JUNCTION OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND HOI NING STREET.
------0--------
ENTRY SOUGHT FOR KITE MAKING COMPETITION
*****
KITE LOVERS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO ENTER \ KITE MAKING COMPETITION CUM CARNIVAL TO BE HELD IN TUNG CHUNG ON LANTAU NEXT MONTH.
THE COMPETITION IS ONE OF THE PROGRAMMES OF THE 1987 ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL -- THE FIRST TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT AND SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 29.
CO-ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG KITE ASSOCIATION, THE COMPETITION AIMS AT ENHANCING INTEREST IN KITE MAKING AND KITE FLYING AMONG THE ISLANDERS.
IT IS OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE AGED BELOW 70 WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK TN THE DISTRICT.
/FOR THE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
- 1? -
FOR THE KITE MAKING COMPETITION, THE THEME OF THE DESIGNS SHOULD FEATURE THE SCENERY OR VARIOUS PROJECTS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT. * 'TA
TWO KITE FLYING COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE CARNIVAL ON NOVEMBER 22. ENTRANTS TO THE FIRST COMPETITION ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE THEIR OWN KITES AND MARKS WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE DESIGN AS WELL AS THE FLIGHT CAPABILITY OF THE KITES.
FOR THE SECOND KITE FLYING COMPETITION. ENTRANTS CAN FORM INTO GROUPS AND THEY ARE REQUIRED TO MANOEUVRE KITES SUPPLIED BY THE ORGANISER.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IN NOVEMBER 6. ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-8524311.
-------o----------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND
*****
SEVERAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17).
IN CHAI WAN, THE WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CHAI WAN ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH A KUNG NGAM ROAD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH ALDRICH STREET, AND A 13-METRE STRETCH ALONG THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF NGOI MAN STREET SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BE MADE DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
IN ADDITION, A 20-METRE STRETCH ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST IN SHEUNG WAN WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN STREET WILL ALSO BE MADE A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
IN WAN CHAI, THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF LOCKHART ROAD FROM HOUSE NO. 32 TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ARSENAL STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLE EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
MEANWHILE, NO VEHICLE OVER 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD BETWEEN ITS TWO JUNCTIONS WITH YUE KWONG ROAD IN ABERDEEN.
- - 0 -
/1U
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1987
ACCESS TO SHEUNG SHUT THA TO OPEN
*****
. A SPECIAL ACCESS FACILITATING AN EXTENSION OF THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE TO THE' SHEUNG SHUI TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC DEMAND, THE ACCESS WAS CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND WITH FUNDS FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR TANG KWOK-YUNG AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, NORTH, MR JOHN LEUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE SHEUNG SHUI TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA NEAR THE SHEUNG SHUI KCR STATION AT 10.30 AM.
- 0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN TSUEN WAN
*****
SHA TSUI ROAD NEAR THE CHUNG HANG NULLAH IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 45 MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT TO 4 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 17) FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON NORTHBOUND SHA TSUI ROAD HEADING FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI HO ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
VEHICLES ON SOUTHBOUND SHA TSUI ROAD HEADING FOR KOWLOON AND
TSUEN WAN CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
IMPORTANCE OF U.S.-HK LINK TO BE STRESSED .................. 1
GROUPS TO BOOST LIAISON WITH LIVESTOCK FARMERS ............. 2
ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS NEAR LEGCO REVIEWED ....... 3
JUNE WAGE INDICES PUBLISHED ................................ U
$8.5 MILLION TEMPORARY MARKET OPENS IN WESTERN ............. 9
INFECTIOUS DISEASES UNDER CONTROL .......................... 10
PRAISE FOR VALUABLE WORK OF CAS ............................ 11
ENRICHING HONG KONG'S ARTISTIC AMBIENCE: LUO ............... 12
EASY TRAVEL SCHEME PHASE THREE TO STaRT IN NOVEMBER......... 13
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ON SALE TOMORROW ...................... 14
PLAN TO IMPROVE LaM KaM ROnD PROPOSED ...................... 15
EXTENSION TO TaP MUN PIER PROPOSED ......................... 16
YOUNGSTERS TO SERVE THE ELDERLY............................. 16
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN WESTERN TO BE DEMOLISHED .............. 17
CENTRE SCOUTS DEMONSTRATE MUSIC TALENTS .................... 18
SHEUNG SHUI RESIDENTS GET MINIBUS ACCESS ................... 18
SEMINAR ON DISTRICT BOkRD .................................. 19
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS ........... 19
HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN TUEN MUN ......................... 20
MONG KOK CHILDREN TO FNTERTaIN RESIDENTS ................... 21
IMPROVING KWAI TSENG'S ENVIRONMENT.......................... 21
PHOTOGRAPHERS INVITED TO JOIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CONTEST .... 22
TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ... 22
TAI WAI URBAN CLEARWAY ..................................... 25
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BOUNDARY STREET ....................... 25
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
1
IMPORTANCE OF U.S.-HK LINK TO BE STRESSED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THE REASON HE WAS GOING TO THE UNITED STATES WAS TO UNDERLINE THE IMPORTANCE HONG KONG ATTACHED TO ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES.
"I WANT TO EXPLAIN TO THE PEOPLE IN WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK THE DANGERS OF PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENT, PARTICULARLY FOR A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHICH DEPENDS ON FOREIGN TRADE, AND WHICH IS THE GREATEST EXAMPLE IN THE WORLD, PRECISELY THE SORT OF FREE TRADE SYSTEM WHICH MOST PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES WANT TO SEE PRACTISED ELSEWHERE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE. HE SAID HE WOULD ALSO TAKE HONG KONG’S PLIGHT CONCERNING THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO THE UNITED STATES.
"I’LL BE ALSO MENTIONING THE QUESTION OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, SAYING THAT FOR US IT’S A CONTINUING PROBLEM, AND WE NEED CONTINUING HELP FROM THE UNITED STATES IN TRYING TO TACKLE IT."
DURING HIS EIGHT-DAY VISIT, SIR DAVID WILL BE SEEING THE U.S. ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE, MR JOHN WHITEHEAD, AND OTHER SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE AND THE ACTING SECRETARY OF COMMERCE. THE SECRETARY OF STATE, MR GEORGE SHULTZ, WOULD BE OUT OF WASHINGTON AT THE TIME OF HIS VISIT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WOULD ALSO BE SEEING A LARGE NUMBER OF SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN, AND TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A NUMBER OF PUBLIC SPEECHES AND APPEARANCES ON THE MEDIA.
ON HIS WAY BACK TO HONG KONG AFTER HIS U.S. VISIT, SIR DAVID WOULD BE MAKING A STOPOVER IN LONDON.
"I SHALL BE STOPPING OFF IN LONDON AND ATTENDING THE LONDON DINNER OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND I’LL BE TAKING THE CHANCE FOR ANOTHER OF MY REGULAR MEETINGS WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, AND WITH OTHER FOREIGN OFFICE MINISTERS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS," HE SAID.
SEEING OFF SIR DAVID AT THE AIRPORT WERE LADY WILSON, HIS SON ANDREW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN, AND THE DEPUTY U.S. CONSUL GENERAL, MR ARTHUR KOBLER.
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/a
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16,
1987
- 2
GROUPS TO BOOST LIAISON WITH LIVESTOCK FARMERS
*****
WITH THE GAZETTING OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1987 TODAY (FRIDAY), THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TWO NEW GROUPS WOULD BE SET UP TO STRENGTHEN LIAISON WITH LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND TO OVERSEE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
THE FIRST GROUP WILL BE CALLED THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE. SINCE SEPTEMBER 1986, OFFICERS OF THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAVE HELD 15 MEETINGS WITH THE JOINT COMMITTEE OF AGRICULTURAL AND LIVESTOCK KEEPING ASSOCIATION WHICH IN TURN CONSISTS OF 14 AGRICULTURAL AND RELATED ORGANISATIONS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT VERY USEFUL AND FRANK VIEWS WERE EXCHANGED AT THESE MEETINGS.
HOWEVER, IT IS NOW DESIRABLE TO FORMALISE THE GOVERNMENT’S CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE LIVESTOCK FARMERS.
THE NEW GROUP WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR LEO KWAN, WHO IS TO BE APPOINTED TO A NEW SENIOR POST IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ESTABLISHED TO CO-ORDINATE ALL THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTIVITIES CONCERNED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME. MEMBERS OF THE GROUP WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE FARMERS’ REPRESENTATIVES. A GOVERNMENT INFORMATION OFFICER WILL ALSO SIT ON THE GROUP.
THE SECOND GROUP WILL BE A "TASK FORCE", ALSO HEADED BY MR LEO KWAN. ITS PURPOSE IS TO OVERSEE AND CO-ORDINATE THE EFFORTS OF THE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WILL BE MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE WAS ONLY AN ENABLING PIECE OF LEGISLATION AND THE DRAFT REGULATIONS WHICH CONTAINED DETAILS OF FUTURE CONTROLS HAD NOT BEEN FINALISED.
HE STRESSED THAT THE LIVESTOCK FARMERS AFFECTED BY THE NEW CONTROL MEASURES WOULD BE FULLY CONSULTED BEFORE THE REGULATIONS WERE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL. THERE WOULD ALSO BE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS WITH THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP.
ON AN ASSOCIATED ISSUE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CLARIFIED THAT THE PURPOSE OF A SURVEY OF LIVESTOCK FARMS WHICH COMMENCED YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) WAS TO TAKE STOCK OF THE SIZE OF EXISTING LIVESTOCK FARMS SO AS TO ESTABLISH ELIGIBILITY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES UNDER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.
/IT HAS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
IT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED THAT LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN BANNED AREAS AND THOSE IN CONTROLLED AREAS WILL BE PAID EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES FOR CEASING BUSINESS WHEN THE CONTROLS COME INTO FORCE. "IT IS THEREFORE VERY MUCH IN THE INTEREST OF THE LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO CO-OPERATE FULLY WITH THE OFFICERS DOING THE SURVEY", SAID THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1987 WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON 14 OCTOBER, THE EARLIEST IMPLEMENTATION DATE FOR THE PHASE I CONTROLS WOULD BE JUNE 24, 1988.
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ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS NEAR LEGCO REVIEWED
*****
IN THE LIGHT OF THE DEMONSTRATION BY LIVESTOCK FARMERS OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 14), THE GOVERNMENT HAS REVIEWED ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC MEETINGS IN THE VICINITY OF THE BUILDING. I
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE LAW, ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS ORGANISED FOR THE PURPOSE OF EXPRESSING VIEWS ON MATTERS OF INTEREST TO THE PUBLIC, OR A SECTION OF IT, MUST BE NOTIFIED IN WRITING TO A POLICE STATION AT LEAST SEVEN WORKING DAYS IN ADVANCE.
"IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY, THE POLICE HAVE THE POWERS TO PROHIBIT A POTENTIALLY UNRULY MEETING WHICH IS NOTIFIED AND TO DEAL WITH DISTURBANCES OR POSSIBLE BREACHES OF PEACE AT MEETINGS ALREADY UNDERWAY," HE SAID.
"PUBLIC MEETINGS ORGANISED EXCLUSIVELY FOR SOCIAL, RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL, ACADEMIC, BUSINESS, COMMERCIAL, EDUCATIONAL, RELIGIOUS OR CHARITABLE PURPOSES DO NOT HAVE TO BE NOTIFIED. ALSO EXEMPTED ARE PUBLIC MEETINGS OF UP TO 30 PEOPLE, MEETINGS HELD IN PRIVATE PREMISES WHERE UP TO 200 ARE ABLE OR EXPECTED TO ATTEND, AND MEETINGS IN EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION FROM NOW ON IS THAT, IN GENERAL, PUBLIC MEETINGS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE VICINITY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING:
« THAT THE POLICE ARE NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE,
* THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE IS NOT TOO LARGE,
A THAT THE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
* THAT THE PUBLIC MEETING TAKES PLACE IN A SUITABLE OPEN AREA, FOR EXAMPLE EDINBURGH PLACE OR CHATER GARDEN, AND
ONLY SMALL NUMBERS OF REPRESENTATIVES MAY GO TO THE
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING TO DELIVER PETITION LETTERS, AND
» THAT IT IS HELD IN A SAFE AND ORDERLY MANNER WITHOUT EXCESSIVE INCONVENIENCE TO OTHERS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN A FREE SOCIETY, THE RIGHT OF CITIZENS TO EXPRESS PUBLICLY THEIR VIEWS ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST CARRIED WITH IT THE CORRESPONDING RESPONSIBILITY TO DO SO WITHOUT TRESPASSING ON THE EQUAL RIGHT OF OTHERS NOT TO BE INCONVENIENCED OR DISRUPTED.
LEAFLETS, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, SETTING OUT PROCEDURES FOR NOTIFYING THE POLICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND FROM GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRES.
- - 0 ----------
JUNE WAGE INDICES PUBLISHED
*****
THE OVERALL NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR JUNE 1987, AT 146.5, INCREASED BY 9.3 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1986 AND BY 2.5 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1987, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE JUNE 1987 AND JUNE 1986 INDICES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 9.3 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 9.6 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 7.9 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 9.2 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 8.3 PER CENT.
A COMPARISON OF THE JUNE 1987 AND MARCH 1987 INDICES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 2.9 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR INCREASED BY 1.7 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.6 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.7 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.1 PER CENT.
THE NOMINAL WAGE INDICES FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1986 TO JUNE 1987 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1. DETAILED BREAKDOWNS FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.
/THE OVERALL
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 198?
5
THE OVERALL REAL WAGE INDEX, AT 106.5 IN JUNE 1987, WAS 3.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN JUNE 1986 AND 0.1 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT IN MARCH 1987.
FROM JUNE 1986 TO JUNE 1987, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.5 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 3.6 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.0 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.2 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.4 PER CENT.
COMPARING JUNE 1987 WITH MARCH 1987, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT; AND FOR TRE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 0.5 PER CENT. FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR AND DECREASED BY ONE PER CENT; AND FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.1 PER CENT; WHILE THAT FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR REMAINED UNCHANGED.
THE REAL WAGE INDICES FOR THE PERIOD JUNE 1986 TO JUNE 1987 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 3.
THESE NOMINAL AND REAL WAGE INDICES ARE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONDUCTED EACH QUARTER BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, COVERING BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKfeRS (EXCLUDING WORKERS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS) IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR, THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR.
SUCH INDICES MEASURE CHANGES IN WAGE RATES BY HOLDING THE STRUCTURAL PATTERN OF THE LABOUR FORCE WITH RESPECT TO INDUSTRY, OCCUPATION, SEX AND MODE OF PAYMENT THE SAME AS THAT OF MARCH 1982, WHICH IS THE BASE PERIOD OF THE WAGE INDICES.
WHILE THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX MEASURES CHANGES IN WAGE RATES IN MONEY TERMS, THE REAL WAGE INDEX, WHICH IS OBTAINED BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), MEASURES CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE WAGES RECEIVED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT DREW ATTENTION TO THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE WAGE INDICES AND THE INDICES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WHICH ARE ALSO PUBLISHED AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS.
/HE POINTED
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 198?
6
HE POINTED OUT THAT WHILE WAGE RATES PROVIDE A MEASURE OF THE UNIT PRICE OF LABOUR, PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS A MEASURE OF PER CAPITA EARNINGS.
WAGE RATES REPRESENT THE AMOUNT OF REMUNERATION FOR NORMAL HOURS OF WORK, AND ARE DEFINED TO INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AND SALARIES, COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE, MEAL BENEFITS, COMMISSION AND TIPS, GOOD ATTENDANCE BONUS AND NIGHT SHIFT ALLOWANCE.
IN ADDITION, YEAR-END BONUS AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES THAT ARE PAID LESS FREQUENTLY THAN MONTHLY, ARE CONVERTED TO AN EQUIVALENT MONTHLY RATE WHEN COMPILING THE WAGE RATE INDICES.
TOTAL PAYROLL, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FROM EMPLOYERS. APART FROM THE ABOVE MENTIONED CASH RECEIPTS, IT ALSO INCLUDES OVERTIME PAY AND OTHER NON-GUARANTEED AND IRREGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
HENCE, STATISTICS ON PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED TEND TO BE SENSITIVE TO CHANGES IN THE NUMBER OF HOURS ACTUALLY WORKED, THE TIMING OF THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND BACK-PAY, AND THE COMPOSITION OF THE LABOUR FORCE.
AS A RESULT, MOVEMENTS IN WAGE RATES DO NOT NECESSARILY CONFORM WITH THOSE IN PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED.
THE SURVEY FINDINGS ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATISTICS VOL. I, JUNE 1987 WHICH WILL BE ON SALE SHORTLY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.
THE VOL. II ISSUE OF THE REPORT CONTAINING DETAILED OCCUPATIONAL STATISTICS, SUCH AS WAGE RATES, NUMBER OF NORMAL HOURS OF WORK AND NUMBER OF STANDARD WORKING DAYS IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN EARLY NOVEMBER 1987.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE WAGE INDICES, PLEASE CONTACT THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234746 OR 5-8234747.
/TABLE 1
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
- 7 -
TABLE 1 : NOMINAL WAGE INDICES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMlt SECTORS INDICES (MARCH 1982 = 100)
JUN. 1986 SEPT. 1986 DEC. 1986 MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987
MANUFACTURING 133.7 135.2 136.8 142.1 146.2
WHOLESALE/RETAILt IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 125.4 128.3 130.1 135.2 137.5
TRANSPORT SERVICES 154.4 156.4 157.3 164.0 166.6
BUSINESS SERVICES 139.8 143.7 143.6 148.6 152.6
PERSONAL SERVICES 130.2 130.0 133.1 136.7 141.0
ALL SECTORS ABOVE < 134.0 136.2 137.7 142.9 146.5
TABLE 2 : NOMINAL WAGE INDICES FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR
INDUSTRY INDICES (MARCH 1982 = 100)
JUN. SEPT. DEC. MAR. JUN.
1986 1986 1986 1987 1987
GARMENTS 125.7 126.1 127.0 128.3 132.2
GLOVES 142.0 144.4 145.7 149.1 152.2
HANDBAGS 125.8 128.9 131.9 135.9 136.7
COTTON SPINNING/WEAVING 139.8 144.3 148.1 161.8 163.0
KNITTING 137.4 138.8 138.5 140.8 146.5
BLEACHING AND DYEING 144.9 148.4 150.0 160.3 167.2
/PRINTING
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
8
PRINTING 139.9 141.5 142.6 145.2 160.6
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 134.1 135.6 136.7 144.8 146.4
metXl products 137.2 139.3 140.8 145.6 151.4
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 145.7 148.2 151.5 159.2 163.0
ELECTRONICS 137.2 140.3 143.5 153.2 155.6
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 145.0 144.8 147.9 156.9 171.8
MANUFACTURING 133.7 135.2 136.8 142.1 146.2
TABLE 3 : REAL WAGE INDICES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS INDICES (MARCH 1982 = 100)
JUN. 1986 SEPT. 1986 DEC. 1986 MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987
MANUFACTURING 102.7 103.2 103.9 106.0 106.3
WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 96.4 97.8 98.8 100.9 99.9
TRANSPORT SERVICES 118.7 119.3 119.4 122.4 121.1
BUSINESS SERVICES 107.5 109.6 109.1 110.9 110.9
PERSONAL SERVICES 100.1 99.2 101.1 102.0 102.5
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 103.0 103.9 104.5 106.6 106.5
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
- 9 -
$8.5 MILLION TEMPORARY MARKET OPENS IN WESTERN
*****
A NEW TEMPORARY MARKET IN THE WESTERN RECLAMATION FOR THE WHOLESALE OF LIVE POULTRY TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY WAS OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY). »
THE NEW MARKET, BUILT ON A 9,500 SQUARE-METRE SITE AT A COST OF $8.5 MILLION, REPLACES THE EXISTING 60-YEAR-OLD WHOLESALE MARKET IN KENNEDY TOWN.
MRS CHAN SAID, “THE WHOLESALE MARKET FACILITIES IN KENNEDY TOWN WERE PROVIDED BY THE TRADERS THEMSELVES. BECAUSE OF THE STEADY INCREASE IN THE DEMAND FOR LIVE POULTRY, THE BASIC FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THAT MARKET BECAME TOTALLY INSUFFICIENT TO COPE WITH DEMAND.
“THE MARKET WAS GROSSLY OVERCROWDED, VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CLEAN PROPERLY AND CAUSED REAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.”
SHE NOTED THAT IN HONG KONG, A HIGH PREMIUM WAS PLACED ON FRESH POULTRY BY THE CONSUMER. “NEARLY 65 PER CENT OF THE POULTRY MARKETED IS SOLD AS LIVE BIRDS. THIS DEMAND HAS CREATED A NEED FOR NEW AND IMPROVED MARKETS FOR THE WHOLESALING OF LIVE POULTRY,” MRS CHAN SAID.
“TO KEEP PACE WITH THE RAPID GROWTH OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN WESTERN AND TO RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF A GROWING COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN TO REMOVE AND REPROVIDE THE MARKET.”
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR VINCENT KO, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON POULTRY DEALERS GUILD, MR YEUNG KAI-SHING, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CHICKEN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, MR CHAN KWOK-WAI.
IN HER ADDRESS, MRS CHAN NOTED THAT CONSTRUCTION HAD COMMENCED ON A $380 MILLION WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEX ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
“ON THE COMPLETION OF THE WESTERN WHOLESALE MARKET COMPLEX, CURRENTLY PLANNED FOR ABOUT 1992, IT CAN BE EXPECTED THAT THERE WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN POULTRY MARKETING FACILITIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AS WELL AS THOSE FOR FRESHWATER FISH, VEGETABLES, FRUIT AND EGGS,” SHE SAID.
THE NEW TEMPORARY WHOLESALE POULTRY MARKET PROVIDES FOR 14 STALLS, HARBOUR FRONTAGE AND 34 LORRY PARKING SPACES. OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE A MINI-BANK, THREE TRADE OFFICES AND GENERAL AMENITIES.
WITH BETTER AND IMPROVED FACILITIES, THE NEW MARKET WILL HANDLE ABOUT 12 MILLION BIRDS A YEAR, REPRESENTING ABOUT 17 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL CONSUMPTION OF THE TERRITORY,
-------0-------- /1O......................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
10 -
INFECTIOUS DISEASES UNDER CONTROL *****
INFECTIOUS DISEASES ARE NO LONGER A SERIOUS THREAT TO THE HEALTH OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (HEALTIi SERVICES AND PLANNING) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR S.H. LEE, WHEN HE OPENED A HEALTH EXHIBITION HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
DR LEE RECALLED THAT AFTER THE WAR HONG KONG FACED HEALTH PROBLEMS CAUSED BY INFECTIOUS DISEASES INCLUDING MEASLES, DIPHTHERIA, POLIOMYELITIS AND TUBERCULOSIS.
"BUT PEOPLE GRADUALLY CAME TO KNOW ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF IMMUNISATION AND UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE," HE SAID.
"AND TODAY THE MAJORITY OF THE INFECTIOUS DISEASES HAVE BEEN PUT UNDER CONTROL.
"INFECTIOUS DISEASES ARE NO LONGER A SERIOUS THREAT AND THIS IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE HARD WORK AND EFFORTS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION AND THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PEOPLE," HE ADDED.
IN HONG 'KONG, THE LEADING CAUSES OF DEATH ARE CANCER, HEART DISEASES AND CEREBROVASCULAR DISEASES, WHICH ARE CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH PEOPLE’S LIFESTYLE AND EATING HABITS.
"THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY LIFE-STYLES AND ALSO TO REMIND PEOPLE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IN MAINTAINING PERSONAL HYGIENE TO PREVENT DISEASES," DR LEE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION, TITLED "THE USE OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES", ALSO AIMS AT PROMOTING THE PROPER USE OF MEDICINE AND MEDICAL SERVICES.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION CAN LEARN ABOUT THE VARIOUS MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THERE ARE DISPLAYS SHOWING THE WORK OF DOCTORS AND NURSES AND THE AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE.
VISITORS CAN ALSO SEE TWO SLIDE SHOWS ON AIDS AND NURSING CARE.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EXHIBITION INCLUDE VIDEO SHOWS AND TAPE LISTENING PROGRAMMES ON THE PROPER USE OF MEDICINE, ON AIDS AND ON CHILD FIRST AID.
/PEOPLE WHO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 19^7
11
PEOPLE WHO VISIT THE EXHIBITION ARE GIVEN SOUVENIRS SUCH AS BOOKMARKS, CALENDARS AND KEY HOLDERS.
THE EXHIBITION IS A MAJOR EVENT OF THE DEPARTMENT’S HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME FOR 1987-88.
IT WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 5.30 PM DAILY BETWEEN OCTOBER 16 AND 21 AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
----0----
PRAISE FOR VALUABLE WORK OF CAS
* t t t t
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, TODAY (FRIDAY) PRAISED THE CIVIL AID SERVICES FOR GIVING VALUABLE ASSISTANCE TO THE PEOPLE OF
HONG KONG OVER THE PAST YEAR, MAINTAINING ITS TRADITION OF LOYALTY
AND SERVICE.
SPEAKING AT THE CIVIL AID SERVICES’ ANNUAL DINNER, MR FORD
SAID WHENEVER THERE WAS A NEED FOR A FLEXIBLE AND EFFECTIVE
ORGANISATION, THE CAS HAD ALWAYS BEEN READY AND WILLING TO HELP.
’’MOST COMMENDABLE OF ALL WAS YOUR RAPID AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE IN SETTING UP THE GREEN ISLAND AND TUEN MUN RECEPTION CENTRES AT THE TIME WHEN THOUSANDS OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FLOODED INTO HONG KONG IN JULY AND AUGUST OF THIS YEAR,” HE SAID.
"IT WAS YET ANOTHER DEMONSTRATION OF THE VALUE OF THE HIGH LEVEL OF YOUR TRAINING AND EFFICIENCY,"
MR FORD THANKED THE CIVIL AID SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
IN HIS SPEECH THE CAS COMMISSIONER, SIR ROGER LOBO, SAID THE CAS WOULD SHORTLY BE RECRUITING ITS FIRST LADY CADETS INTO THE CADET CORPS. *
"THIS IS A NEW PROJECT AND THE FIRST UNIT WILL BE SET UP ON HONG KONG ISLAND WITH A LADY OFFICER, FEMALE SUPERVISORS, BUT THE TRAINING WILL BE BASICALLY THE SAME AS FOR MALE YOUTHS," HE SAID.
"A REVIEW OF THE FEMALE CADET UNITS WILL BE HELD NEXT YEAR, AND IF THE FINDINGS ARE FAVOURABLE, AS I BELIEVE THEY OUGHT TO BE, WE SHALL THEN EXPAND THE FEMALE SIDE OF THE CADET CORPS TO KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES."
/SIR ROGER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
- 12
SIR ROGER ALSO SAID THE CAS TAI TAN CENTRE IN NORTH SAI KUNG WOULD BE COMPLETED BY MAY NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR YOUTHS AND ADULTS, AND THE HONG KONG RESCUE TRAINING CENTRE WOULD BE RELOCATED FROM HAWTHORN ROAD TO MORETON TERRACE BEFORE LONG.
THE COMMISSIONER NOTED THAT 1986 AND 1987 HAD BEEN BUSY YEARS. MORE THAN 160 FULL TIME COURSES AND 100 PART-TIME COURSES WERE HELD FOR OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
"THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S MANY WALKS-FOR-A-MILLION; THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION’S PROMOTIONS TO OVERSEAS VISITORS; DISTRICT BOARDS’ FUNCTIONS TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS IN THEIR DISTRICTS; GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS TO BRING HOME TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ASPECTS OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES - HAVE ALSO FEATURED IN OUR SCHEDULE OF DUTIES, AND SOME 10,000 VOLUNTEERS ASSISTED IN THESE DUTIES," HE SAID.
-----0------
ENRICHING HONG KONG’S ARTISTIC AMBIENCE: LIAO
*****
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS HAVE DONE A GREAT DEAL IN PROVIDING ARTS AND CULTURAL FACILITIES FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "TEN YEARS OF HONG KONG PAINTING" EXHIBITION TO MARK THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE AND THE CELEBRATION OF THE FIRST 10 YEARS OF THE PAO SUI LOONG GALLERIES, MR LIAO SAID IT WAS MOST APPROPRIATE TO STAGE AN EXHIBITION WHICH SURVEYED THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG PAINTINGS IN THE LAST DECADE.
MR LIAO SAID : "WE ARE PARTICULARLY GRATEFUL TO MANY PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTENT ON CREATING A CULTURAL LIFE FOR HONG KONG.
"THE ARTS CENTRE HAS ALSO PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN ASSISTING LOCAL ARTISTS IN THEIR PURSUIT OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE. MANY LEADING LOCAL ARTISTS HAD THEIR FIRST EXPERIENCE AT THE ARTS CENTRE."
HE ADDED THAT NOWADAYS, PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ENJOYED A RICH CULTURAL LIFE WHICH EMBRACED THE ARTS AND TRADITIONS OF BOTH THE EAST AND WEST. THOUSANDS OF EVENTS RANGING FROM ART EXHIBITIONS, TRADITIONAL CHINESE OPERA TO BALLET PERFORMANCE, THEATRE AND ORCHESTRAL MUSIC, WERE HELD THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
DURING THE LAST DECADE, THE ARTS CENTRE PRESENTED MORE THAN 10,000 PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS AND 750 ARTS EXHIBITIONS.
O
/13
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
EASY TRAVEL SCHEME PHASE THREE TO START IN NOVEMBER
*****
THE SERVICE OF THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME (ETS) WILL BE EXTENDED TO MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS FROM NOVEMBER 1 (SUNDAY).
THIS IS THE THIRD PHASE OF THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME WHICH ENABLES TRAVELLERS USING THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS (HKIC) AT THESE TWO CONTROL POINTS TO BE EXEMPTED FROM FILLING IN ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARDS.
HOLDERS OF HKIC BEARING THE ’»»»’ SYMBOL WILL BE FURTHER BENEFITED FROM THE SCHEME BY BEING EXEMPTED FROM PRODUCING A HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT FOR IMMIGRATION EXAMINATION AT THESE TWO CONTROL POINTS FOR JOURNEYS TO CHINA.
THE SIMPLIFICATION IN PROCEDURES IS THE RESULT OF THE GRADUAL COMPUTERISATION OF HONG KONG IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS WHICH HAS BEEN SCHEDULED TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN FOUR PHASES AS FROM MAY 1, 1987.
ACCORDING TO PLAN, THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SHA TIN-MEI SHA, THE NEW HONG KONG-CHINA TERMINALIN TSIM SHA TSUI AND THE NEW LOK MA CHAU TERMINAL AT A LATER STAGE.
AT PRESENT THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME TO CHINA IS ONLY OPERATIONAL AT THE LO WU AND HUNG HOM CONTROL POINTS. IT IS, HOWEVER, NOT AVAILABLE AT THE TAI KOK TSUI PIER AND THE HONG KONG-CHINA FERRY TERMINAL IN CENTRAL AS THESE ARE ONLY TEMPORARY IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS WHICH WILL NOT BE COMPUTERISED.
THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME TO MACAU AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL AND THE SHAM SHUI PO PIER HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE MAY 1.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "ALL CHILDREN AGED BELOW 18 AND SOME ADULT TRAVELLERS WILL STILL NEED TO TRAVEL ON HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS OR OTHER VALID TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WHEN TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CHINA AND MACAU. THESE ADULT PERSONS INCLUDE THOSE WHOSE HKICS ’»»«’ HAVE BEEN PERFORATED, DEFACED, LOST OF THOSE WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM OBTAINING HKIC.
HE ADDED,"DRIVERS ON VEHICLES AND AUTHORISED PERSONNEL WHO ARE ISSUED WITH DOCUMENTS BEARING VALID ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PASSING THROUGH THE MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK CONTROL POINTS WILL NEED TO PRODUCE SUCH DOCUMENTS FOR EXAMINATION."
HE REITERATED THAT TRAVELLERS WHO DO NOT PRODUCE HKICS WHEN TRAVELLING THROUGH COMPUTERISED CONTROL POINTS SHOULD PRODUCE COMPLETED ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARDS.
HE ALSO REQUESTED PARENTS TO FILL IN ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARDS ON BEHALF OF THEIR MINORS WHO ARE NOT ISSUED WITH HKICS SO AS TO FACILITATE THEIR TRAVEL THROUGH THESE CONTROL POINTS.
-------0----------
/1L-...........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
14
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW ON SALE TOMORROW » » » »
ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 1986 - AN ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, WILL GO ON SALE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE ENGLISH VERSION OF THE 225-PAGE REVIEW, TOGETHER WITH CHARTS, DIAGRAMS AND PICTURES, GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE MANY AND VARIED ACTIVITIES BEING CARRIED OUT BY A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID PREVIOUS REVIEWS HAVE PROVED POPULAR AND HAVE SOLD OUT SOON AFTER PUBLICATION.
HE SAID THE REVIEW IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE SOMETHING FOR THE MAN AND WOMAN IN THE STREET WHO HAVE A GENERAL INTEREST IN THE ENVIRONMENT AND HOW THE ENVIRONMENT AFFECTS THEM, AS WELL AS SOMETHING FOR THE SPECIALIST.
TO CATER FOR THOSE WITH A GENERAL CONCERN FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ONE CHAPTER IS DEVOTED TO EXPLAINING, IN NON-TECHNICAL TERMS, THE OVERALL PROGRAMME THAT HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY FROM THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION.
IN ADDITION TO THE CHAPTER FOR THE GENERALIST, THERE ARE CHAPTERS COVERING ASPECTS OF AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT, WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT, NOISE CONTROL, WASTE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND ASSESSMENT WHICH WILL BE OF INTEREST TO THOSE INVOLVED IN THE SCIENTIFIC, ENGINEERING AND PLANNING SIDE OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE REVIEW IS NOW UNDER PREPARATION AND IS EXPECTED TO BE READY LATER THIS YEAR.
THE REVIEW WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CENTRAL. THE PRICE IS $17 PER COPY.
-----0------
/15........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
- 15 -
PLAN TO IMPROVE LAM KAM ROAD PROPOSED *****
GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPLEMENT STAGE II OF A SCHEME TO IMPROVE SECTIONS OF LAM KAM ROAD TO ENHANCE BOTH VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY.
THIS STAGE OF THE WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES, THE FIRST OF WHICH WILL BE IMPROVEMENTS TO SECTIONS BETWEEN THE LAM KAM ROAD INTERCHANGE AND CHAI KEK, AND BETWEEN PAK NGAU SHEK AND KADOORIE FARM.
THE WORK WILL COMPRISE REALIGNING AND WIDENING THE CARRIAGEWAY TO 7.3 METRES WITH THE PROVISION OF A CLIMBING LANE BETWEEN PAK NGAU SHEK AND KADOORIE FARM.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE PROVISION OF TWO-METRE WIDE FOOTPATHS, PEDESTRIAN REFUGES AND LAY-BYS, CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROAD BRIDGE OVER LAM TSUEN RIVER TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE, AND CONSTRUCTION OF ASSOCIATED SLOPE WORKS, DRAINAGE AND LANDSCAPING WORKS.
ALL EXISTING ACCESS POINTS TO AND FROM THE ROAD WILL BE MAINTAINED. DUE TO THE STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF THE ROAD, THE IMPROVEMENT WORK WILL BE PLANNED TO MAINTAIN TWO-WAY TRAFFIC DURING CONSTRUCTION, EXCEPT FOR ALTERNATIVE ONE-WAY WORKING AT LIMITED SECTIONS OF THE ROAD.
A NOTICE ON THE PROPOSED WORK WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE WORK MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT BEFORE DECEMBER 15.
LAM KAM ROAD IS AN IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG. WITH THE OPENING OF THE TOLO HIGHWAY IN SEPTEMBER 1985, THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES USING THE ROAD AS A THROUGH ROUTE TO AND FROM THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES.
AS THE EXISTING ROAD IS SUB-STANDARD, IT IS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE IT FOR THE SAKE OF SAFETY.
STAGE I OF THE IMPROVEMENT WORK WAS COMPLETED LAST YEAR WHEN SECTIONS BETWEEN CHAI KEK AND PAK NGAU SHEK AND BETWEEN KADOORIE FARM AND NAM SHEUNG TIN WERE IMPROVED. STAGE II WILL COVER THE REMAINING SECTIONS OF THE ROAD.
---0------
/16........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
EXTE'.SION TO TAP MUN PIER PROPOSE? * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING TO BUILD AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING PIER IN FRONT OF THE TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAP MUN, SAI KUNG NORTH.
THE WORK, AIMED AT PROVIDING ADDITIONAL BERTHING FACILITIES FOR FISHERMEN GOING TO THE TEMPLE, IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED NEXT MARCH.
*AN AREA OF ABOUT 111.6 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED TO BE AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
• * ! X - • * ? ' *
ANY WRITTEN OBJECTION SHOULD BE SENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE DECEMBER 15.
THE NOTICE AND A 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 IN CENTRAL, AND AT TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF TAI PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING IN TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET.
- - 0 - -
YOUNGSTERS TO SERVE THE ELDERLY
*****
•’» •
A SOCIAL SERVICE SCHEME WHICH INVOLVES YOUNG PEOPLE VISITING THE ELDERLY WHO ARE LIVING ALONE AND ACCOMPANYING THEM TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WILL BE HELD FROM LATE OCTOBER TO EARLY DECEMBER.
THE SCHEME IS ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE WITH ASSISTANCE FROM SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN EASTERN DISTRICT, AND SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND EAST.
THE AIM OF THE SCHEME IS TO SUPPORT THE UNITED NATIONS THEME OF 'YEAR OF THE HOMELESS’ BY ENCOURAGING AND TRAINING YOUNG PEOPLE TO RENDER CARE AND ATTENTION TO LONELY ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT; AND TO ESCORT THEM TO TAKE PART IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES NEXT MONTH.
/THE SCHEME
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 19^7
THE SCHEME IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS, THE FIRST PART BEING A TRAINING COURSE FOR PEOPLE OVER 16 YEARS OLD AND THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS LIMITED TO 100.
DURING THE TRAINING, YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE BRIEFED ABOUT EASTERN DISTRICT AND THE THEME OF ’THE YEAR OF THE HOMELESS’; THEY WILL ALSO LEARN ABOUT THE LIVELIHOOD AND THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY DURING THE COURSE WHICH WILL BE HELD EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT BETWEEN OCTOBER 23 AND NOVEMBER 13.
THE SECOND PART OF THE SCHEME WILL BE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN WHICH THE YOUNGSTERS WILL VISIT 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING ALONE IN THE DISTRICT AND IN ADDITION TO ESCORTING THEM TO VARIOUS FUNCTIONS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL THEY WILL ALSO HELP THEM DURING THE EYE CARE CAMPAIGN FOR THE ELDERLY IN MID-NOVEMBER.
YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THIS MEANINGFUL PROJECT CAN STILL JOIN THE TEAM BY APPLYING AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, THE YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OFFICE (EASTERN) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND VARIOUS YOUTH SERVICES CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS OCTOBER 20.
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN WESTERN TO BE DEMOLISHED J t. » » t t *
AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING IN WESTERN DISTRICT IS FACING DEMOLITION.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO FIRST APPLY FOR AN ORDER IN THE DISTRICT COURT, HONG KONG, ON DECEMBER 16 TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURE AT 28 CATCHICK STREET.
A NOTICE TO THIS EFFECT WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A BUILDING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID CLOSING THE STRUCTURE PRIOR TO DEMOLITION WAS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE OCCUPANTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
HE SAID ITS CLOSURE HAD BEEN ORDERED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AS LONG AGO AS JUNE, 1982, BUT THE WORK HAD NEVER BEEN CARRIED OUT.
HE SAID IT WOULD BE DEMOLISHED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER WAS MADE.
-------o--------- /18........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
- 18 -
CENTRE SCOUTS DEMONSTRATE MUSIC TALENTS *****
A GROUP OF TRAINING CENTRE INMATES WHO FORM THE HONG KONG ISLAND 221ST SCOUT GROUP BAND TONIGHT (FRIDAY) DEMONSTRATED THEIk MUSICAL TALENT AND CO-OPERATION IN AN IMPRESSIVE "BEATING RETREAT' PERFORMANCE TO CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST ANNIVERSARY.
OFFICIATING AT THE "BEATING RETREAT" AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT STANLEY WAS THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE 221ST GROUP SCOUT COUNCIL, MR HUI CHUNG-SHING, POINTED OUT AT THE CEREMONY THAT SCOUTING ACTIVITIES WOULD HELP YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND BUILD UP CHARACTER.
"THE COUNCIL PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO THE SCOUT MEMBERS, HELPING THEM LEARN SELF-CONFIDENCE, SELF-DISCIPLINE AND SELF-MANAGEMENT, AND TO EXPLORE SCOUTING SPIRIT THROUGH SCOUT TRAINING," MR HUI ADDED.
THE SCOUT BAND OF THE 221ST SCOUT GROUP HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 60,ALL AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 20. IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, THE BAND TOOK PART IN VARIOUS SCOUTING ACTIVITIES INCLUDING THE GRAND JUBILEE JAMBOREE AND THE OPENING OF THE TAI TAM CAMP SITE FOR SCOUTS AND HAD ALSO BEEN INVITED TO PERFORM AT NUMEROUS SOCIAL FUNCTIONS AND CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS.
• -------------------o--------
SHEUNG SHUI RESIDENTS GET MINIBUS ACCESS
*****
TRANSPORT FACILITIES AT THE SHEUNG SHUI TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA (THA) WAS FURTHER IMPROVED WITH THE OPENING OF A VAN TRACK TODAY (FRIDAY), THANKS TO THE CONCERTED EFFORT AND CO-OPERATION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.
THE TRACK, LOCATED NEXT TO THE SHEUNG SHUI THA, WILL BE OPEN TO GREEN MINIBUSES SERVING THE AREA, OPERATING FROM 6 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
ABOUT 7,000 RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY THE ELDERLY WOULD BENEFIT AS THEIR WALKING DISTANCE TO BOARD PUBLIC TRANSPORT WOULD BE LARGELY REDUCED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT SAID.
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD ALLOCATED $25,000 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE 675-METRE-LONG FIVE-METRE-WIDE VAN TRACK WHICH IS ALSO ONE OF THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TODAY WERE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, MR TANG KWOK-YUNG AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, NORTH, MR JOHN LEUNG.
------0-------- /19.................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
19
SEMINAR ON DISTRICT BOARD
*****
A SEMINAR ON ’THE PAST AND FUTURE OF DISTRICT BOARDS’ WILL BE ORGANISED FOR 27 PARTICIPANTS IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT GOOD CITIZEN TRAINING SCHEME TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE IN HO MAN TIN.
GUEST SPEAKERS WILL BE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG CHI-KEUNG AND CURRENT AFFAIRS MODERATOR, MR CHAN YUK-CHEUNG.
THE TRAINING SCHEME HAS ATTRACTED 27 TEACHERS, STUDENTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT TO TAKE PART.
ACTIVITIES IN THE SCHEME INCLUDE SEMINARS, VISITS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND ATTENDING DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME ARE TO ENHANCE PARTICIPANTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO PROMOTE CIVIC' EDUCATION IN THEIR RESPECTIVE LIVING, WORKING AND SERVICE ENVIRONMENTS.
ANOTHER AIM IS THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, CIVIC EDUCATION AND TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE GAINED THROUGH THE SCHEME WITH FRIENDS, COLLEAGUES AND RELATIVES.
THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD,
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR AT 4 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN.
-------o----------
FREE OUTDOOR CONCERTS FOR * * *
KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS * *
KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS WILL CONCERTS PERFORMED BY LOCAL YOUNG NEXT THREE SUNDAYS.
BE TREATED TO AND TALENTED
THREE FREE OUTDOOR
MUSICIANS OVER THE
THE FOLK MUSIC SOLOIST AND
PERFORMERS ARE WINNERS OF A RECENTLY HFLD FROM THE COMMUNITY’ SINGING* COMPETITION GROUP PERFORMANCES IN POP MUSIC.
’KOWLOON CITY THERE WILL BE
/THE FIRST........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
- 20 -
THE FIRST CONCERT WILL BE HELD THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 18) OUTSIDE THE 01 MAN ESTATE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, FROM 2.30 PM TO 4 PM. THE OTHER TWO CONCERTS WILL BE HELD AT THE WUHU STREET PLAYGROUND AND THE MA TAU WAI ROAD PLAYGROUND ON THE FOLLOWING TWO SUNDAYS.
THE SINGING COMPETITION AND OUTDOOR CONCERTS ARE SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, URBAN COUNCIL, MUSIC OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE CONCERTS.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE SCHEDULE OF THE OUTDOOR CONCERTS:
DATE TIME VENUE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 2.30 PM - 4 PM 01 MAN ESTATE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 2.30 PM - 4 PM WUHU STREET PLAYGROUND
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1 2.30 PM - 4 PM MA TAU WAI ROAD PLAYGROUND
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONCERTS.
-----0------
HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IN TUEN MUN ♦ » * ♦
A HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN TUEN MUN THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 18).
FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM, RESIDENTS OF THE SHAN KING ESTATE AND VISITORS TO THE ADJACENT SHOPPING ARCADE ARE WELCOME TO VIEW A SET OF DISPLAYS WHICH CONTAIN SIMPLE AND PRACTICAL ADVICE ON HOW TO AVOID COMMON ACCIDENTS IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT.
THE EXHIBITION IS ESPECIALLY EDUCATIONAL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN WHOSE CURIOSITY AND LACK OF SAFETY KNOWLEDGE OFTEN RESULT IN ACCIDENTS OR EVEN DEATHS. THE DISPLAY ALSO WARNS AGAINST CARELESSNESS OF ADULTS AND CHILDREN ALIKE.
FOR THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MORE DETAILS ON HOW TO MAINTAIN A SAFE HOME ENVIRONMENT, FREE COPIES OF A BOOKLET ENTITLED ‘A SAFE HOME IS A HAPPY HOME* WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE EXHIBITION VENUE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE SHAN KING SHOPPING ARCADE.
THE HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AS PART OF A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
------0-------- /21..................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
- 21 -
MONO KOK CHILDREN TO ENTERTAIN RESIDENTS
*****
THE MONG KOK CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL HOST A NIGHT OF FREE ENTERTAINMENT FOR MUSIC LOVERS OF THE DISTRICT AT ITS ANNUAL CONCERT TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE CHAN HING SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE, 45 FUK TSUEN STREET.
MORE THAN 120 MEMBERS, AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 16, WILL PERFORM PERCUSSION ENSEMBLES, CHORUS SINGING, FOLK DANCING, SONG AND PLAY.
THE CHOIR WAS SET UP IN 1975 AND HAS WON MUCH PRAISE FROM CRITICS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS PRESENTED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT CULTURAL RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION, AND JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL AND MONG KOK KAIFONG ASSOCIATION, f
-------o----------
IMPROVING KWAI TSING’S ENVIRONMENT
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PIONEERS PROJECT WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 18) AT THE LAI KING HILL ROAD PLAYGROUND.
WITH A BUDGET OF $150,000, THE PROJECT AIMS AT ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG PEOPLE, TO HELP IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE HYGIENIC CONDITIONS OF THEIR DISTRICT.
MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) WILL ALSO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT BY JOINING THE PIONEERS’ ACTIVITIES ON SUNDAY.
KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING; DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHOY SHU-KAI AND CHAIRMAN OF THE PROJECT, MR CHOW SUM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, PIONEERS OF THE SEVEN SUB-DISTRICTS WILL EACH BE GIVEN A TORCH WHICH SYMBOLISES THE INCEPTION OF THE PROJECT THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PIONEERS PROJECT TO BE HELD AT 11.30 AM ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 18) AT THE LAI KING HILL ROAD PLAYGROUND (NEAR LAI KING MTR STATION/BLOCK 2 OF LAI KING ESTATE).
------o ------ /22...................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16,
1987
22 -
PHOTOGRAPHERS INVITED TO JOIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CONTEST
* » » *
ENTRIES ARE BEING SOUGHT FOR A PHOTO COMPETITION WHICH IS PART OF THE 1987 ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL SCHEDULED TO START NEXT MONTH.
THE COMPETITION, CO-ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND CHEUNG CHAU PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB, IS SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, TAMRON (HK) LTD AND PHOTOGRAPHY PUBLISHERS.
THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION IS TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT AND SO ENTRIES SHOULD FEATURE THE SCENERY, HISTORIC MONUMENTS, CONSTRUCTIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT AS WELL AS THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE ISLANDERS.
THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO ALL RESIDENTS IN HONG KONG AND THERE IS NO LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES BY A PHOTOGRAPHER. THE ENTRIES ARE RESTRICTED TO 254 MM X 203 MM COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND THEY NEED NOT BE FRAMED.
AN EXHIBITION OF THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE HELD AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT MUI WO ON NOVEMBER 29.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS OCTOBER 30. ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-8524311.
-------0---------
TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM SUNDAY (OCTOBER 18) FOR THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
ROAD CLOSURE:
» BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM ON OCTOBER 18, 25, 31, NOVEMBER 1 AND 8, THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD FROM WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT TO ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO PRIVATE CARS (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES), EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES, HEARSES, FRANCHISED BUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TAXIS AND COACHES CARRYING PASSENGERS.
»
» BETWEEN 4 AM AND 7 AM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE SAME SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES.
A BETWEEN 4 AM
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 198?
- 25 -
» BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD BEYOND ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
» BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM ALSO ON THE SAME DAYS, KIU TAU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES), EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES.
» BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE SLIP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION FROM NORTHBOUND NT TRUNK ROAD LEADING TO WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC, EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES.
* ALSO BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND VEHICLES REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FANLING KCR STATION FORECOURT WILL BE CLOSED AT ITS ACCESS FROM ROAD D5 TO ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
» THE LO WAI ROAD SECTION BETWEEN LO WAI BUS TERMINUS AND YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM ON OCTOBER 25, 30, 31 AND NOVEMBER 1, 8. DURING THE CLOSURE, THE LO WAI END TERMINATING POINT FOR NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 81 AND 81M WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE LO WAI BUS TERMINUS.
* THE OLD ACCESS ROAD TO TSUEN WAN CEMETERY FROM TEXACO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN IS NOW CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE. THE NEW ACCESS TO THE CEMETERY IS VIA WING SHUN STREET IN KWAI CHUNG. WING SHUN STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI HEI STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON OCTOBER 18, 25, 30, 31 AND NOVEMBER 1, 8.
* MEANWHILE, A ROAD CLOSURE MEASURE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE POLICE AT THE JUNCTION OF WING SHUN STREET, KWAI HEI STREET AND KWAI YUE STREET. GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THE MTR AND GET OFF AT KWAI FONG STATION.
/PUBLIC TRANSPORT .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
24 -
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES:
» FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM AND FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM ON OCTOBER 18, 25,
31 AND NOVEMBER 1,8, TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE STRENGTHENED AND OPERATE AT FANLING AT A FIVE-MINUTE INTERVAL. TRAIN SERVICES WILL OPERATE AT ABOUT EIGHT-MINUTE INTERVALS FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THE SAME DAYS.
» ON THE SAME DAYS, A SPECIAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70R, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND WO HOP SHEK AT ABOUT THREE-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE FARE WILL BE $1.20 FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
» ANOTHER SPECIAL BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70S, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND WO HOP SHEK VIA TOLO HIGHWAY ON OCTOBER 25, 31 AND NOVEMBER 1. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE WILL OPERATE AT ABOUT SIX-MINUTE INTERVALS AT A FARE OF $4.50.
♦ MEANWHILE, KMB ROUTES NO. 70, 70K, 70X, 73 AND 73A WILL ALSO BE STRENGTHENED.
» GRAVE-SWEEPERS WISHING TO GO TO SANDY RIDGE CAN TAKE THE REGULAR BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 73K, PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND SAN UK LING OR THE TRAIN SERVICE TO LO WU.
1
* PLBS, TAXIS AND COACHES CARRYING PASSENGERS WILL ONLY BE ALLOWED TO SET DOWN PASSENGERS AT DESIGNATED LOCATIONS AND WAITING WILL NOT BE PERMITTED.
CAR PARK FACILITIES AND PRIVATE MODE OF TRANSPORT:
GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GO TO THE CEMETERIES AS THERE WILL BE NO PARKING FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE VICINITY OF WO HOP SHEK. PARKING SPACES IN SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING (IN ON LOK TSUEN) AND AROUND TSUEN WAN CEMETERY ARE EXTREMELY LIMITED.
PRIVATE CARS, PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES AND PRIVATE COACHES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO SET DOWN OR PICK UP PASSENGERS ON TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) WITHIN ONE KILOMETRE OF EITHER SIDE OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD. ALSO, THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS ON TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) WITHIN 300 METRES OF EITHER SIDE OF KIU TAU ROAD.
ADVICE TO MOTORISTS AND GRAVE-SWEEPERS:
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM THE SOUTH AND WISHING TO VISIT WO HOP SHEK ARE ADVISED TO USE TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) AT HONG LOK YUEN. GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE PEDESTRIAN ROUTE FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF FANLING KCR STATION AND TO USE THE FOOTPATH ALONGSIDE THE SECTION OF NT TRUNK ROAD, ROAD D6 AND ROAD L100.
-------o -------- /25..................
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1987
25
TAI WAI URBAN CLEARWAY *****
THE SECTION OF CHIK CHUEN STREET IN TAI WAI BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHING HO ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM IX1I.Y URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 19).
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP 'R PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF BOUNDARY STREET
*****
THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET NORTH AND NATHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 19) FOR ROAD WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ON BOUNDARY STREET OR ( HEUNG SHA WAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET Nol'TH SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND, PLAYING I II IB ROAD, TUNG CHOI STREET, BOUNDARY STREET SOUTHBOUND AND SAI \|.,UNG CHOI STREET NORTH SOUTHBOUND.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHILD ABUSE CONFERENCE ORG,1NISED................................. 1
DANGEROUS GOODS MUST BE DECLARED BEFORE AIR TRjiNSPORTaTION . 2
REMINDER ON LAWS GOVERNING OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ................... J
ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL ON DB aGENDA.......................... 4
HOTLINE CM CHOLERa PREVENTION .................................... 4
FIRST KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL LAUNCHED ........................ 5
STANLEY PRISON DOG UNIT INSTALLED ................................ 6
ORIENTAL DANCE CLASSES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS.................... 7
TWO WEEKS TO GO FOR COMPUTER COMPETITION ......................... 7
ISLANDS DISTRICT TO HOLD SAND-SCAPING COMPETITION ................ 8
ABERDEEN REFUSE COLLECTION POINT BEING REDEVELOPED ............... 8
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAYING WaTER MAINS ........................... 9
HUNG HCM UNDERPASS CLOSED AT NIGHT ............................. 9
TEMPORARY BUS SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS IN TAI WAI ................... 10
RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHaM SHUI PO ................................. 10
LEFT-TURN BAN IN HUNG HCM ...................................... 10
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
1 CHILD ABUSE CONFERENCE ORGANISED » » * « »
THE FIRST-EVER MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CONFERENCE ON CHILD ABUSE IN HQNG KONG WILL BE HELD IN DECEMBER TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE BETWEEN VARIOUS PROFESSIONS IN THE IDENTIFICATION OF SUCH ABUSE AND IN HELPING CHILDREN AND THEIR FAMILIES.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CO-OPERATION WITH AGAINST CHILD ABUSE. LADY WILSON WILL BE THE PATRON.
REGISTRATION FORMS, TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF POSTERS PUBLICISING THE EVENT, HAVE BEEN SENT TO INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS.
A TOTAL OF 200 PLACES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO PARTICIPANTS WHO WILL COME FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE, MEDICAL, TEACHING, LEGAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT FIELDS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE CONFERENCE SAID: "THE HANDLING OF CHILD ABUSE CASES IS BOTH COMPLEX AND TIME CONSUMING, CALLING FOR MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CO-OPERATION."
A NUMBER OF DISCIPLINES INCLUDING SOCIAL WORKERS, DOCTORS, NURSES, TEACHERS, CHILD CARE WORKERS, LAWYERS, PSYCHOLOGISTS AND POLICE OFFICERS, WERE USUALLY INVOLVED, HE SAID, t
"IN ORDER TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE SERVICES, THEY MUST BE ABLE TO ACQUIRE PRACTICAL AND UP-TO-DATE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS.
"IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO DEVELOP AN INTEGRATED APPROACH TOWARDS THE PREVENTION OF THE PROBLEM," HE ADDED.
"THE FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE AIMS AT ENABLING PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT DISCIPLINES TO ACQUIRE NEW KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN THE AREA OF IDENTIFICATION, MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION OF CHILD ABUSE.
"IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR VARIOUS PROFESSIONALS TO SHARE THEIR INSIGHT INTO DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED IN THE AREA OF CHILD ABUSE, THUS ENHANCING UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THEM IN DEALING WITH SUCH CASES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CONFERENCE, WITH "COMBATING CHILD ABUSE - A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY RESPONSIBILITY" AS ITS THEME, WILL BE HELD BETWEEN DECEMBER 14 AND 18 AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
THE PROGRAMME CONSISTS OF PLENARY SESSIONS, WORKSHOPS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS. DISTINGUISHED LOCAL AND OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS HAVE BEEN INVITED TO SPEAK ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE CHILD ABUSE PROBLEM.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONFERENCE CAN BE MADE TO THE CONFERENCE SECRETARIAT ON 5-282124, EXT. 38.
-----0-----
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
- 2
DANGEROUS GOODS MUST BE DECLARED BEFORE AIR TRANSPORTATION
*****
TRANSPORTATION OF UNDECLARED DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR IS ILLEGAL AND OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WARNED TODAY (SATURDAY).
UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR) (SAFETY) REGULATIONS 1985, ALL DANGEROUS GOODS MUST BE PROPERLY CLASSIFIED, PACKED, MARKED, LABELLED AND DOCUMENTED BEFORE THEY ARE OFFERED FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION.
ANY PERSON FOUND BREACHING THESE REGULATIONS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $250,000 AND/OR IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS.
IN APRIL THIS YEAR, A LOCAL COMPANY WAS STOPPED BY THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINAL LIMITED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AIRLIFT 1,800 KG OF FLAMMABLE LIQUID UNDER THE GUISE OF UNRESTRICTED ITEMS. THE COMPANY WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CHARGED AND FINED $50,000 FOR THE OFFENCE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT DUE TO THE LARGE FLUCTUATIONS IN TEMPERATURE AND PRESSURE AND THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL VIBRATION EXPERIENCED IN AIR TRAVEL, A LOT OF "SAFE GOODS" ON THE GROUND COULD BECOME EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS IN THE AIR.
WHILE SOME DANGEROUS GOODS ARE COMPLETELY FORBIDDEN FOR AIR CARRIAGE, OTHERS ARE PERMITTED FOR CONVEYANCE BY AUTHORISED AIRLINES PROVIDED ALL NECESSARY INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWED.
ACCORDING TO CLASSIFICATIONS BY THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION, DANGEROUS GOODS IN GENERAL REFER TO SUCH ITEMS AS EXPLOSIVES, CORROSIVES, GASES, FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS AND SOLIDS, OXIDISING, TOXIC AND INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES, RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS, AND A VARIETY OF SUBSTANCES WHICH MIGHT AFFECT THE FLIGHT NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEMS OR CAUSE DISCOMFORT TO AIR PASSENGERS.
SHIPPERS SHOULD APPROACH LOCAL AIR CARGO AGENTS FOR INFORMATION CONCERNING THE RESTRICTIONS ON DANGEROUS GOODS. THEY CAN ALSO WRITE TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS OFFICE OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AT ROOM 259, APRON SERVICES COMPLEX, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, OR CONTACT THE SEFETY OFFICER AT 3-7698460.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
- 5 -REMINDER ON LAWS GOVERNING OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS REMINDED EMPLOYERS TO OBSERVE THE CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG ORDINANCE WHEN EMPLOYING MANUAL WORKERS TO WORK OVERSEAS.
THIS FOLLOWED A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH THE OWNER OF A COMPANY WAS FINED $4,000 BY A CENTRAL MAGISTRATE FOR INDUCING A WORKER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WHICH DID NOT COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
HE WAS ALSO FINED $3,000 FOR OPERATING AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WITHOUT A LICENCE OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION.
UNDER THE CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG ORDINANCE, EVERY CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OF MANUAL WORKERS OUTSIDE HONG KONG MUST BE IN WRITING AND SIGNED BY THE WORKER AND THE EMPLOYER OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE BEFORE THE DEPARTURE OF THE WORKER FROM HONG KONG.
THE CONTRACT MUST CONTAIN ALL THE PARTICULARS DEFINING THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF BOTH PARTIES AND MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR FOR ATTESTATION BEFORE THE WORKER’S DEPARTURE.
ANY EMPLOYER WHO INDUCES A WORKER TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE ORDINANCE IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000.
AS REGARDS THE OPERATION OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY, THE OPERATOR MUST OBTAIN A LICENCE OR A CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT AGENCY REGULATIONS.
SEPARATE LICENCES ARE REQUIRED FOR AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WHICH SEEKS TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT FOR PERSONS WITHIN AND OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
OPERATORS WHO FAIL TO DO SO COMMIT AN OFFENCE AND ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000.
ENQUIRIES ON OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT AND THE OPERATION OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES MAY BE MADE TO THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, CENTRAL, OR ON 5-8523535 AND 5-8523537.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
- 4 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL ON DB AGENDA t t t t »
ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE 1987 ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 19). t
BOARD MEMBERS’ WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE ON THE PROGRESS OF THE FIRST ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 29.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING SUCH AS POLLUTION IMPROVEMENT ON MUI WO SILVERMINE BAY BEACH AND THE ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES AND CANOPIES ON NEW BUILDINGS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE 1987/88 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND THE 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 (OCTOBER 19) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, 14/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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HOTLINE ON CHOLERA PREVENTION t » t t
TO BETTER EQUIP THE PUBLIC WITH KNOWLEDGE ON CHOLERA PREVENTION, A 24-HOUR CANTONESE HOTLINE IS OPERATED BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
THE NUMBER IS 5-8916443.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE UNIT SAID THE HOTLINE CARRIED A RECORDED MESSAGE ON THE VARIOUS PRECAUTIONS AGAINST CHOLERA. THERE IS ALSO A 30-SECOND INTERVAL AFTER THE TAPE DURING WHICH THE PUBLIC MAY LEAVE THEIR ENQUIRIES AND CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER.
"THE STAFF OF THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT WILL TRY THEIR BEST TO ANSWER THESE ENQUIRIES INDIVIDUALLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HOTLINE SERVICE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
- 5 -
FIRST KWAI.TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL LAUNCHED
* * * * ♦
THE FIRST KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SATURDAY) AND RESIDENTS WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN MORE THAN 30 PROGRAMMES DURING THE COMING MONTH.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THIS WAS THE FIRST SPORTS FESTIVAL IN KWAI TSING, PEOPLE OF THE DISTRICT HAD '‘RGANLSED VARIOUS SPORTING EVENTS IN THE PAST AND WERE THEREFORE EXPERIENCED IN PROMOTING SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
I
WITH THE EFFORTS OF THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE IN ORGANISING THE EVENT OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THE ACTIVITIES WOULD SURELY BRING TO RESIDENTS THE CHANCE OF HEALTHY EXERCISES AND A ;i:nse of belonging, he added.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE PERFORMANCES BY SCHOOL BANDS, A MASS GYMNASTIC PERFORMANCE, AEROBIC AND ORIENTAL DANCE, AND A FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN FILM STARS AND OTHER CELEBRITIES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFH ER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, MR CHENG WING-CHUN.
MR CHENG URGED RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE SPORTS FESTIVAL AS TALENT SPOTTED IN THE ACTIVITIES MIGHT REPRESENT THE DISTRICT IN FUTURE TERRITORY-WIDE EVENTS.
THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT HOARD, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES AND DIFFERENT SECTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THE SPORTS FESTIVAL HAS A BUDGET OF $600,000, HALF OF WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE OTHER HALF SPONSORED BY PRIVATE COMPANIES AND LOCAL PEOPLE.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT 200,000 RESIDENTS WILL TAKE PART IN THE ACTIVITIES, WHICH INCLUDE SPECIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE DISABLED AND THE HANDICAPPED AS WELL AS SPORTS AND ATHLETICS COMPETITIONS.
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/6........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
6
STANLEY PRISON DOO UNIT INSTALLED
* * « * *
PRISON DOG SERVICE IS WELL RECOGNISED AS AN EFFECTIVE AND FLEXIBLE MEANS TO STRENGTHEN SECURITY IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS IN MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, SAID DURING AN INAUGURATION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S DOG UNIT AT STANLEY TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DOG UNIT IS A TRIAL SCHEME AS PART OF THE SECURITY SERVICES IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS. IT WILL INITIALLY SERVE STANLEY PRISON AND THE RESULT WILL BE REVIEWED AFTER A YEAR.
MR CHAN SAID DOGS’ DETERRENCE VALUE ON PERIMETER PATROL, DETECTION AND INTERCEPTION ABILITIES ARE WELL RENOWNED. THEY ARE PARTICULARLY USEFUL IN ASSISTING THE ESCORT OF VIOLENT PRISONERS AND DETECTION OF CONTRABANDS.
"ALTHOUGH THIS DOG UNIT IS TO BE PUT ON A TRIAL RUN FOR ONE YEAR AT STANLEY PRISON, I AM CONFIDENT THAT, WITH PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS, THE UNIT WILL BE ABLE TO SECURE A FIRM GROUND FOR ITSELF," MR CHAN SAID.
HE THANKED ALL THE PARTIES WHICH HAVE HELPED THE DEPARTMENT IN FORMING THE UNIT, ESPECIALLY THE BRITISH ARMY, THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
THE INAUGURATION OF THE DOG UNIT ALSO MARKED THE GRADUATION OF CSD STAFF WHO HAVE BEEN SPECIALLY TRAINED TO BE QUALIFIED DOG HANDLERS.
THE GRADUATES RECEIVED CERTIFICATES FROM THE GUEST OF HONOUR, LIEUTENANT COLONEL PAUL JEPSON OF THE HONG KONG DEFENCE ANIMAL SUPPORT UNIT, ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS.
SIX ALSATIANS, DONATED BY THE ARMY TO THE CSD, WERE ALSO FORMALLY HANDED OVER ON THE OCCASION.
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/7........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
- 7 -
ORIENTAL DANCE CLASSES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS
*****
KWUN TONG RESIDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ORIENTAL DANCE WILL NOW HAVE A CHANCE TO RECEIVE FORMAL TRAINING IN THE ART.
TWO HALF-YEARLY COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
RESIDENTS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 30 ARE WELCOME TO APPLY FOR EITHER THE ELEMENTARY COURSE FOR BEGINNERS OR THE INTERMEDIATE COURSE FOR PEOPLE WITH SOME BASIC TRAINING IN THE ART.
THE CLASSES WILL BE HELD EVERY FRIDAY EVENING STARTING NOVEMBER 6 AT THE HIU KWONG STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL.
A FEE OF $180 WILL BE CHARGED AND CERTIFICATES WILL BE AWARDED ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, ROOM 311, KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET. FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED ON 3-416315 EXT. 411.
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TWO WEEKS TO GO FOR COMPUTER COMPETITION
*****
PARTICIPANTS OF A ROAD SAFETY COMPUTER PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN MARVELLOUS PRIZES LIKE PERSONAL COMPUTER SETS, AIR-TICKETS AND GOLD INGOTS.
THE COMPETITION IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON ROAD SAFETY.
IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS, JUNIOR (BELOW 18) AND SENIOR (18 OR ABOVE).
THE THEME OF THE PROGRAMME DESIGN SHOULD BE RELATED TO ROAD SAFETY, INCLUDING PEDESTRIANS; DRIVERS; PASSENGERS OR CYCLISTS.
ALL ENTRIES SUBMITTED MUST BE WRITTEN IN PROPER PROGRAMME LANGUAGE, WITH PROGRAMME FLOWCHARTS AND DOCUMENTATION WRITTEN IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE AND ACCOMPANIED BY A FLOPPY DISK APPLICABLE TO EITHER EPSON PERSONAL COMPUTER OR APPLE HE COMPUTER.
THE ROAD USERS’ CODE NOW AVAILABLE AT GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE WILL PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH INFORMATION ON ROAD SAFETY. t
ENTRY FORM IS NOW AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 30. FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CALL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES ON 5-8428851.
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/8........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1987
f - 8 -
ISLANDS DISTRICT TO HOLD SAND-SCAPING COMPETITION
ENTRIES TO TWO SAND-SCAPING COMPETITIONS WHICH WILL BE HELD DURING THE 1987 ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL NEXT MONTH ARE BEING SOUGHT AND THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT SUCH COMPETITIONS WILL TAKE PLACE AT BEACHES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FIRST COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT TUNG WAN IN CHEUNG CHAU ON NOVEMBER 15 WHILE THE SECOND ONE WILL BE HELD AT SILVERMINE BAY IN MUI WO TWO WEEKS LATER.
CO-ORGANISHD BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE GROUPS AND COMMUNITY WORKS SERVICE SECTION OF THE CHEUNG CHAU CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE AND THE MUI WO SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE COMPETITIONS ARE OPEN TO ALL SO THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY AND SHARE THE FUN AT THE BEACHES.
CANDIDATES SHOULD FORM THEMSELVES INTO TEAMS OF TWO TO SIX AND THEIR WORKS SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPRESS THE THEME OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL - ISLANDS, MY HOME.
BOTH COMPETITIONS WILL START AT 10.30 AM AND FINISH WITHIN ONE-AND-A-HALF HOURS. EACH TEAM WILL BE ALLOTTED AN AREA OF 3M X 5M AND SIMPLE TOOLS LIKE A SPADE AND A BUCKET WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 10. ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-8524311.
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ABERDEEN REFUSE COLLECTION POINT BEING REDEVELOPED
» « * * »
A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IS BEING REDEVELOPED AT TSUNG MAN STREET, ABERDEEN.
IT WILL BE A SINGLE-STOREY STRUCTURE WITH MEZZANINE FLOOR, EQUIPPED WITH AN ELECTRICALLY OPERATED ROLLER SHUTTER AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE AND A METAL DOOR AT THE BACK ENTRANCE.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE A TOILET, SWITCH AND STORE ROOMS ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND AN OFFICE ON THE MEZZANINE FLOOR, WITH A CONCRETE STAIRCASE LEADING TO THE BACK ENTRANCE.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A $158,000 CONTRACT FOR INSTALLING A »CARBON FILTRATION VENTILATION SYSTEM AND AN ENGINE EXHAUST EXTRACTION SYSTEM.
THE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED IN EIGHT MONTHS.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17,
1987
TENDERS INVITED FOR LAYING WATER MAINS
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS TO LAY ABOUT 2,300 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS IN STANLEY AND REPULSE BAY TO IMPROVE THE AREA’S WATfeR SUPPLY.
THE MAINS, OF 150 MILLIMETRES TO 450 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER, WILL BE USED TO IMPROVE THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM TO COPE WITH INCREASING DEMAND FROM TAI LAM, STANLEY, CHUNG HOM KOK AND REPULSE BAY.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 6.
HUNG HOM UNDERPASS CLOSED AT NIGHT
*****
WINSLOW STREET VEHICULAR UNDERPASS LEADING FROM WINSLOW STREET TO NORTHBOUND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH WILL CONINUE TO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM DAILY FROM WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 21) TO NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) FOR REPAIR WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS IN HUNG HOM HEADING FOR HO MAN TIN CAN USE WUHU STREET, MA TAU WAI ROAD AND FAT KWONG STREET.
MEANWHILE, VEHICLES HEADING FOR KWUN TONG CAN TRAVEL VIA *VJJU STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD; OR CHEONG WAN ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND EAST KOWLOON BAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTE NOS. 41 AND 45 ON TH®Ir2Mfl^0URRB.LST TO TSING YI ISLAND WILL CONTINUE TO DIVERT VIA GILLIES AVENUE, WUHU STREET, MA TAU WAI ROAD AND FAT KWONG STREET.
/10
10
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17t 1987
TEMPORARY BUS SERVICE ARRANGEMENTS IN TAI WAI * t * * *
THE BUS STOP ON TAI PO ROAD KOWLOON BOUND AT TAI WAI OPPOSITE MEI LAM ESTATE FOR KMB ROUTE NOS. 48A, 72, 72A, 80K, 81, 85, 86 AND 88K WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20) FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR FOR ROAD WORK ON TAI PO ROAD.
• TO AVOID CONGESTION, KMB ROUTE NOS. 72A, 80K AND 88K WILL BE RE-ROUTED ON THEIR TAI WAI BOUND JOURNEYS VIA TAI PO ROAD, SHING CHUEN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD, TAI WAI ROAD AND CHIK FAI STREET BEFORE JOINING THEIR NORMAL ROUTING.
MEANWHILE, KMB ROUTE NO. 85 WILL BE RE-ROUTED ON ITS KOWLOON BOUND JOURNEYS TO TRAVEL VIA TAI PO ROAD, SHING CHUEN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD AND TAI WAI ROAD BEFORE JOINING ITS NORMAL ROUTING.
AT THE SAME TIME, TEMPORARY BUS STOPS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
» TAI PO ROAD (KOWLOON BOUND) EAST OF SHING HO ROAD FOR ROUTE NOS. 72, 81, 86;
» CHIK CHUEN STREET WEST OF SHING HO ROAD FOR ROUTE NO. 48A;
» TAI WAI ROAD NORTHBOUND NORTH OF CHIK FAI STREET FOR ROUTE NO. 85.
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RESTRICTED ZONE IN SHAM SHUI PO
» * I » *
THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (7 - 10 AM AND 4-7 PM) DAILY
RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF MEI LAI ROAD IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT 33 METRES NORTHBOUND BEYOND ITS JUNCTION WITH NASSAU STREET FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
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LEFT-TURN BAN IN HUNG HOM
THE LEFT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM ON WAN ROAD IN HUNG HOM TO CHEONG WAN ROAD FLYOVER NORTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20) TO FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23) FOR FLYOVER CONSTRUCTION.
MOTORISTS ON CHEONG WAN ROAD EASTBOUND OUTSIDE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HEADING FOR GILLIES AVENUE ARE ADVISED TO USE CHEONG WAN ROAD, HONG TAI PATH, HONG CHONG ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU UNDERPASS AND GILLIES AVENUE.
MEANWHILE, VEHICLES AT THE KOWLOON KCR STATION PODIUM LEVEL HEADING FOR GILLIES AVENUE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHEONG WAN ROAD WESTBOUND, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU UNDERPASS ND GILLIES AVENUE. »
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNBAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK ISLAND HOTEL PHOJSOT APPROVED BY B.0.0.............. 1
TIGHTER CONTROL CN CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL ............ 2
LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IMPROVED.......................... 3
PROJECT LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE KWAI TSDJG'S ENVIRONMENT.. 5
MORE VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS RECEIVED.......... 5
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SHA TIN TRANSPORT PROGRAMME....... 6
SUBSIDISED TRAINING COURSE FOR TOURISM PERSONNEL .....
PASSAGEWAY TO WONG T«I SIN TEMPLE CLEARED ............. 7
RESITE HOUSES TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO ................... 8
SEMINAR FOR ART AND DESIGN TEACHERS ................... 9
EXTENSION TO SIR ELLIS KADOORIE SCHOOL
9
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
- 1 -
HK ISLAND HOTEL PROJECT APPROVED BY B.O.O.
*****
A TWO-BLOCK HOTEL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SWIRE PROPERTIES SALES LIMITED AT SUPREME COURT ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND IS AMONG 39 PLANS APPROVED BY THE.BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN AUGUST.
ONE BLOCK WILL BE 55 STOREYS AND HAVE 444 ROOMS, WHILE THE OTHER WILL BE 60 STOREYS AND HAVE 572 ROOMS.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 24 ARE FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND APARTMENT/RESIDENCE DEVELOPMENTS, INCLUDING 28-STOREY BLOCKS AT 466, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST/1-2, CHEUNG KAN LANE, AND 103, ROBINSON ROAD.
THE TALLEST COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT IS A 37-STOREY COMMERCIAL BLOCK OVER A BASEMENT AT 197-209, 213 AND 221, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST/42-50, SPRING GARDEN LANE/4-10, SHAN PIN LANE/2-15, TIK LUNG LANE, IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
APPROVAL WAS ALSO GIVEN FOR A TWO-STOREY BUS DEPOT BUILDING AT THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION’S TUEN MUN DEPOT FOR THE TUEN MUN - YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
FOUR FACTORY BUILDINGS WERE PASSED, INCLUDING ONE AT THE RAPIDLY-EXPANDING YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
OF THE 39 APPROVALS, 15 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 11 IN KOWLOON.
CONSENT TO START WORK ON 35 PROJECTS WAS GIVEN, WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF MORE THAN 295,000 SQUARE METRES. THEY INCLUDED HOTEL/COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS ON QUEENSWAY AND 67-76, GLOUCESTER ROAD.
THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN AUGUST WAS $742.8 MILLION, BRINGING THE SUM FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THE YEAR TO $6,174 BILLION.
THE NUMBER OF OCCUPATION PERMITS ISSUED WAS 37, INCLUDING SEVEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR IN KOWLOON AND 26 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A TOTAL OF 44 DEMOLITION ORDERS AFFECTING 113 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED DURING THE MONTH. THEY INCLUDED THE YOUNG WOMEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION BUILDING IN MACDONNELL ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 452 COMPLAINTS, CARRIED OUT 1,109 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 226 ORDERS, OF WHICH ONE THIRD RELATED TO ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES. A TOTAL OF 177 ORDERS WERE VOLUNTARILY COMPLIED WITH DURING THE MONTH, 94 OF WHICH RELATED TO ILLEGAL ROOFTOP STRUCTURES.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 341 BUILDINGS, OBTAINING 20 CLOSURE ORDERS, OF WHICH EIGHT WERE EMERGENCY CLOSURES.
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/2......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
2
TIGHTER CONTROL ON CHEMICAL WASTE DISPOSAL
*****
MEASURES ARE BEING DRAWN UP TO STRENGTHEN CONTROLS ON THE DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTES, ACCORDING TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL OFFICER (LIQUID AND SOLID WASTE), DR MICHAEL CHIU.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A PHOTOGRAPHY AND POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE ROTARACT CLUB OF VICTORIA TODAY (SUNDAY), DR. CHIU SAID LOCAL COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY PRODUCED SOME 40,000 TONNES OF CHEMICAL WASTE A YEAR.
DR. CHIU SAID THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO PRESCRIBE CHEMICAL WASTES FOR TIGHTER CONTROL UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL ORDINANCE AND DRAFTING OF THE NECESSARY REGULATIONS HAS REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE.
THE PROPOSED CONTROLS WOULD REQUIRE THE WASTE PRODUCERS TO NOTIFY THE AUTHORITY PRIOR TO DISPOSAL. A TRIP TICKET SYSTEM WOULD BE INTRODUCED AND ANYONE INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION, COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL OF THESE WASTES WOULD NEED TO INFORM THE AUTHORITY OF THEIR ACTIONS VIA FULL DOCUMENTATION.
THE ORDINANCE WOULD ALSO EMPOWER THE AUTHORITY TO ISSUE LICENCES FOR SPECIFIC WASTE DISPOSAL PRACTICES IN RESPECT OF PARTICULAR LAND AREAS IN HONG KONG.
DR. CHIU SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTENDED TO DEVELOP A MULTI-FUNCTIONAL CHEMICAL WASTE TREATMENT PLANT WHICH WOULD INCLUDE TREATMENT PROCESSES FOR INORGANIC AQUEOUS WASTES, HIGH TEMPERATURE INCINERATION OF ORGANIC WASTES, AND OILY WASTE RECOVERY. THE PLANT WOULD BE DESIGNED, BUILT, MANAGED AND OPERATED BY AN INTERNATIONALLY EXPERIENCED WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTOR.
A CO-DISPOSAL PROJECT (THE DISPOSAL OF MUNICIPAL WASTE AND CHEMICAL WASTES IN A CONTROLLED MANNER) WAS INTENDED TO BE DEVELOPED AT THE JUNK BAY LANDFILL SITE.
IN ORDER TO CARRY OUT THE CO-DISPOSAL OPERATION PROPERLY, DR. CHIU SAID IT IS ESSENTIAL TO SET UP THE NECESSARY CONTROL MEASURES AND DEVELOP SUITABLE GUIDELINES AND PROCEDURES.
AN INVESTIGATION WAS CARRIED OUT JOINTLY BY ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND A SPECIALIST CONSULTANT, INCLUDING LABORATORY, PILOT SCALE AND FULL SCALE TRIALS OF THE CO-DISPOSAL OF A VARIETY OF CHEMICAL WASTES. WHEN COMPLETED IN 1988, THE INVESTIGATION WOULD PROVIDE DATA ESSENTIAL FOR THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF CO-DISPOSAL FACILITIES, AND IN PARTICULAR RECOMMEND MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE LOADING RATES (I.E. AMOUNT OF DIFFICULT MATERIAL WHICH WOULD BE SAFELY DISPOSED) FOR CERTAIN SPECIFIC TYPES OF WASTES.
DR. CHIU URGED THE PUBLIC TO HAVE GREATER AWARENESS ON POLLUTION CONTROL.
"POLLUTION CONTROL IS NOT THE TASK FOR THE GOVERNMENT ALONE, WE NEED THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC FROM ALL SECTORS."
- 0
/3
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
- 3 -
LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IMPROVED *****
THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE HAS BEEN IN OPERATION FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS AND NO MAJOR DEFECTS HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED.
ORIGINALLY, IT PROVIDED ONLY FOR EMPLOYEES WHOSE EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS ARE TERMINATED FOR REASONS OTHER THAN SUMMARY DISMISSAL, REDUNDANCY OR RESIGNATION.
UNDER THE PRESENT SCHEME, AN EMPLOYEE MUST SATISFY A MINIMUM QUALIFYING YEARS OF SERVICE BEFORE HE IS ENTITLED TO A LONG SERVICE PAYMENT. THE REQUIRED NUMBER OF YEARS OF SERVICE IS RELATED TO THE EMPLOYEE’S AGE AS FOLLOWS:
AGE YEAR OF SERVICE REQUIRED
LESS THAN 41 10
41 9
42 8
43 7
44 6
NOT LESS THAN 45 5
A LONG SERVICE PAYMENT WILL AMOUNT TO TWO-THIRDS OF A MONTH’S WAGES FOR EACH YEAR OF SERVICE, UP TO A MAXIMUM LIMIT OF 12 MONTHS’ WAGES. I
FOR DAILY-RATED OR PIECE-RATED EMPLOYEES, THE AMOUNT WILL BE CALCULATED AT THE RATE OF 18 DAYS OF WAGES FOR EVERY YEAR OF SERVICE. IT WILL BE REDUCED PROPORTIONALLY IN THE CASE OF YOUNGER EMPLOYEES AS FOLLOWS:
AGE
NOT LESS THAN 40 YEARS
36 YEARS OR MORE BUT LESS THAN 40 YEARS
LESS THAN 36 YEARS
AMOUNT OF LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PAYABLE
100 PER CENT
75 PER CENT
50 PER CENT
/SINCE THE........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, lyo?
SINCE THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS WILL INCUR RETROSPECTIVE LIABILITIES ON EMPLOYERS, A CUT-OFF DATE FOR RECKONABLE SERVICE HAS BEEN INITIALLY FIXED AT JANUARY 1, 1980. BUT IT WILL RETROGRESS AT THE RATE OF ONE YEAR PER YEAR UNTIL IT COMES TO REST BY 1989 AT JANUARY 1, 1977. THIS CAN BE ILLUSTRATED IN THE FOLLOWING TABLE:
NO. OF EFFECTIVE
YEAR RECKONABLE TO YEARS RECKONABLE
1986 1980 6
1987 1979 8
1988 1978 10
1989 1977 12
1990 1977 13
1991 1977 14
ETC.
t
IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED SO FAR AND FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES REPRESENTED ON THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO THE SCHEME.
THE CHANGES WILL ENABLE WORKERS AGED 65 OR OVER WITH NOT LESS THAN 10 YEARS SERVICE TO RECEIVE THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT UPON VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION.
AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAS THE NECESSARY QUALIFYING YEARS OF SERVICE AND WHO HAS BEEN CERTIFIED TO BE MEDICALLY UNFIT FOR HIS PRESENT EMPLOYMENT WILL ALSO RECEIVE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT UPON RESIGNATION.
IN ADDITION, SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IF A QUALIFIED EMPLOYEE DIES IN SERVICE.
AS THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED IN HIS POLICY SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SCHEME HAS THREE MAJOR ADVANTAGES FROM A WORKER’S POINT OF VIEW: HE DOES NOT HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO IT; HIS SERVICE BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHEME IS COUNTED TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, SO THAT HIS PAYMENT DOES NOT DEPEND ON GRADUALLY ACCUMLATING MONEY IN A FUND; AND, MOST IMPORTANTLY, HIS PAYMENT IS BASED ON HIS FINAL SALARY AND IS NOT THEREFORE VULNERABLE TO EROSION BY INFLATION.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO LOOK AT HOW THE SCHEMf CAN GRADUALLY BE IMPROVED IN FUTURE.
--------o----------
/5........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
PROJECT LAUNCHED TO IMPROVE KWAI TSING’S ENVIRONMENT
*****
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PIONEERS PROJECT WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SUNDAY) WHEN THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, PRESENTED TORCHES TO REPRESENTATIVES OF SEVEN SUB-DISTRICTS TAKING PART IN THE PROJECT TO SIGNIFY THE BEGINNING OF CONCERTED EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMEMT.
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD ALLOCATED $150,000 TO CARRY OUT VARIOUS PROJECTS AND TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF CLEAN ENVIRONMENT AND FOOD HYGIENE.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY IN THE LAI KING HILL ROAD PLAYGROUND, MR COAK AND THE DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR CHOY SHU-KAI, PLEDGED FULL SUPPORT TO THE DISTRICT BOARD’S EFFORTS IN IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT.
A GROUP OF ABOUT 100 PIONEERS, MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AND ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) THEN HELPED CLEAN UP THE PLAYGROUND AND NEARBY AREAS. A MOUNTAIN RESCUE TEAM OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES ALSO SHOWED THEIR SUPPORT BY TAKING PART IN A LITTER-PICKING EXERCISE AT A NEARBY SLOPE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROJECT, MR CHOW SUM, SAID THAT RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT FOR THE PROJECT WOULD BE VITAL TO ITS SUCCESS.
A FOUR-DAY EXHIBITION WOULD BE HELD AT KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL FROM OCTOBER 26 TO PUBLICISE FOOD HYGIENE AND METHODS OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, HE ADDED.
CONTRACTORS WILL ALSO BE EMPLOYED TO CLEAR LITTERED SLOPES AT SHEK YAM ROAD, LEI PUI STREET, ON CHIT STREET, YIP SHING STREET AND WING YIP STREET, AND IN KWAI SHING ESTATE, TAI WO HAU ESTATE AND KWAI CHUNG ESTATE.
- - 0 - -
MORE VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
******
ABOUT 50,000 ADDITIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVIDION SINCE THE CLOSE OF THE CAMPAIGN LAST MONTH, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED THIS YEAR TO 317,000.
"THESE APPLICATIONS, IF FOUND VALID, WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER TO BE PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 6,” REGISTRATION OFFICER, MR LAI KWAN-TAT, SAID.
/MEANWHILE, MR
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
6
MEANWHILE, MR LAI REMINDED ELIGIBLE ELECTORS THAT THEY COULD STILL SEND IN THEIR APPLICATION FORMS TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION AS REGISTRATION WAS NOW OPEN YEAR ROUND.
"BUT THOSE WHO WISH TO VOTE IN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NEXT YEAR HAVE TO REGISTER ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 20, 1987," HE ADDED.
LATE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BETWEEN NOW AND NOVEMBER 20 WILL BE PROCESSED FOR INCLUSION IN THE 1987 FINAL REGISTER TO BE PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 8, 1988.
VOTER REGISTRATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI AND ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
--------0 ----------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SHA TIN TRANSPORT PROGRAMME
*»»»»*
THE DRAFT 1988/89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SHA TIN DISTRICT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20).
THE PAPER IS AIMED AT BRIEFING AND CONSULTING MEMBERS ON THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR FRANCHISED BUS AND FERRY COMPANIES TO PREPARE FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMMES AND BUS AND FERRY ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES FOR 1987/88 AND 1988/89.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO REVIEW MEASURES TO SPEED UP TOLL COLLECTION AT LION ROCK TUNNEL FOR KMB BUSES AND THE BUS LANE SCHEME ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD.
MEANWHILE, THE COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE 1987/88 BUS SHELTER PROVISION PROGRAMME, SAFETY ASPECT OF HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES USING THE APPROACH ROADS TO LION ROCK TUNNEL AND PROPOSED EXTENSION OF NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 65K TO WONG NAI TAU.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP ON ROAD SAFETY, PROGRESS REPORT FROM TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, TEMPORARY BUS ROUTE DIVERSION AND BUS STOP ARRANGEMENT IN TAI WAI AS WELL AS PUBLIC HOUSING POPULATION IN SHA TIN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE COMMITTEE MEETING, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 20) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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/7
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
- 7 -
SUBSIDISED TRAINING COURSE FOR TOURISM PERSONNEL *****
A COURSE ON "EFFECTIVE SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT TRAVEL AGENCY EXECUTIVES" WILL BE OFFERED FOR TOURISM SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY FROM NOVEMBER 2 TO 14.
SKILLS FOR STAFF WITH
IT IS A SUBSIDISED TRAINING PROGRAMME JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL
OF HONG KONG.
AIMING AT UPGRADING THE STANDARD OF SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT SKILLS OF TRAVEL AGENCY EXECUTIVES, THE COURSE COVERS TOPICS ON THE CHANGING ROLE OF AN EXECUTIVE IN TRAVEL INDUSTRY, STAFF RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING, MOTIVATION, SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP, HANDLING STAFF COMPLAINTS, PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS AND SO ON.
THE SIX-EVENING AND TWO-DAY COURSE ENABLES PARTICIPANTS TO TAKE PART IN FILM ANALYSIS, DISCUSSIONS, GROUP PROJECTS AND CASE STUDIES.
COURSE FEE IS t1,600. VTC WILL REIMBURSE HALF OF THE FEE TO TRAINEES WHO HAVE ATTENDED 80 PER CENT OF THE CLASS MEETINGS. ALL APPLICANTS HAVE TO BE SPONSORED BY EMPLOYERS.
CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS OCTOBER 27, 1987. FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES, CONTACT SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD AT 5-8932341 EXT. 282.
--------0--------
PASSAGEWAY TO WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE CLEARED
*****
THE CONGESTED PASSAGEWAY OUTSIDE THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE WILL BE CLEARED OF THE CLUSTERING HAWKER STALLS AFTER AN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE OPERATION ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 21).
THE CLEARANCE OPERATION IS A JOINT EFFORT OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN VIEW OF THE FIRE RISK AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCE CAUSED BY UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES AND HAWKER STALLS.
DURING THE OPERATION, THE WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE WILL HAVE LIMITED ADMITTANCE AS THE MAIN GATE WILL BE CLOSED. WORSHIPPERS TO THE TEMPLE ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR THE NOTICE ABOUT THE ENTRANCE ARRANGEMENTS POSTED UP BY THE TEMPLE’S MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, SIK SIK YUEN.
/A SPOKESMAN........
)
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
8
A SPOKESMAN OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THAT 107 UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN THE VICINITY WILL BE DEMOLISHED. OUT OF THE 93 STALLS AFFECTED, 84 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS GRANTED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES AMOUNTING TO $540,000 TO THE ELIGIBLE STALL HOLDERS. HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS WERE ALSO MADE FOR THOSE ELIGIBLE.
TO TIE IN WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE, SIK SIK YUEN WILL ALSO CLEAR UNAUTHORISED STALLS WITHIN THE TEMPLE BOUNDARY ON THE SAME DAY.
EARLIER, A LOT DRAWING WAS HELD IN AUGUST AMONG THE UNAUTHORISED STALL HOLDERS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE THEIR BUSINESS BY RENTING A STALL MANAGED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS IN THE TEMPLE PREMISES.
THE ARRANGEMENT WAS MADE FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE CLEARANCE WORKING GROUP AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP WHICH PLANNED TO BUILD A PERMANENT STRUCTURE TO REHOUSE ITS AUTHORISED STALLS.
THERE WILL BE 201 STALLS IN THE STRUCTURE, AND THE TUNG WAH GROUP WILL ALLOCATE 70 STALLS TO THE UNAUTHORISED STALL HOLDERS OF WHICH 40 ARE GOODS STALLS AND 14 FORTUNE-TELLING STALLS.
THE 201 STALLS MANAGED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP WILL MOVE TEMPORARILY TO A PLAYGROUND NEAR THE TEMPLE UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE PERMANENT STRUCTURE.
-----o------
RESITE HOUSES TO BE BUILT IN TAI PO
*****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $15.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR BUILDING 42 THREE-STOREY VILLAGE RESITE HOUSES AT KAM SHEK SUN TSUEN, TAI PO.
THEY ARE THE THIRD AND FINAL STAGE OF A DEVELOPMENT CARRIED OUT BY THE AUTHORITIES IN THE AREA TO HOUSE RESIDENTS AFFECTED BY CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES NEAR TAI PO MARKET RAILWAY STATION.
IN THE FIRST AND SECOND STAGES, A TOTAL OF 52 UNITS WERE BUILT IN 1983 AND 1985.
WORK ON THIS FINAL STAGE IS EXPECTED TO START SHORTLY AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER, 1988.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO AWARDED A $495,000 CONTRACT FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION WORK ON THE RESITE HOUSES.
-----o-------
/9 .......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1987
- 9 -
SEMINAR FOR ART AND DESIGN TEACHERS *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR ON ART ROOM SAFETY FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ART TEACHERS AND FOUR IDENTICAL WORKSHOPS ON THE USE OF ELECTRIC POTTERY KILNS FOR ART AND DESIGN TEACHERS.
THE SEMINAR ON ART ROOM SAFETY WILL BE HELD AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON NOVEMBER 7 (SATURDAY).
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DISCUSS VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE TOPIC WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON FIRE HAZARD, ART MATERIALS CONTAINING POISONOUS CHEMICALS, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND SHARP TOOLS.
SCHOOL HEADS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE FOUR HALF-DAY WORKSHOPS ON THE USE OF AN ELECTRIC POTTERY KILN WILL ALSO BE HELD AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE AT PAK FUK ROAD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 14 AND DECEMBER 5.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE OCTOBER 24.
IT AIMS TO ACQUAINT ART AND DESIGN TEACHERS WITH THE OPERATION OF THE KILN PARTICULARLY ON SAFETY MEASURES.
-----0-----
EXTENSION TO SIR ELLIS KADOORIE SCHOOL
*****
FACILITIES IN THE SIR ELLIS KADOORIE (SOO KUN POO) SCHOOL WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVED UNDER AN EXTENSION AND ALTERATION WORKS PROGRAMME DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING THE FACILITIES AND THESE MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOVEMBER 6 THIS YEAR.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL STOREY ON TOP OF THE EXISTING SINGLE-STOREY LABORATORY AND A THREE-STOREY EXTENSION BUILDING. THE NEW BUILDINGS WILL HOUSE A GENERAL SCIENCE LABORATORY, GENERAL PURPOSE ROOM, THREE SPECIAL CLASSROOMS AND TWO REMEDIAL TEACHING ROOMS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT-OPERATED SECONDARY CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL, SIR ELLIS KADOORIE (SOO KUN POO) SCHOOL IS LOCATED AT CAUSEWAY BAY, CLOSE TO THE HONG KONG STADIUM.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVT SUPPORTS C&W/TELCO MERGER................................. 1
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR SEES SEMICONDUCTORS PRODUCTION....... 2
CALL TO OBSERVE SAFETY AT WORK...............................
THEN MUN DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED POWERLINE...................... 3
WAN CHAI DB TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW ..................... 4
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMflTTEE MEETS ............................ 5
CHILDREN'S DENTAL CLINIC AND CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE FOR SHA TIN ......................................................
RECLAMATION WORK PROPOSED aT AP LEI CHAU ...................... 8
KOWLOCN EAST WATER CUT ......................................
WATER FIGURE................................................... 4
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1987
1 GOVT SUPPORTS C&W/TELCO MERGER ♦ ♦ » * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, AS MINORITY SHAREHOLDER OF CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LTD. (C&W(HK)), HAS AGREED WITH CABLE AND WIRELESS PLC, (C&W PLC) TO SUPPORT A MERGER OF C&W(HK) AND THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY LIMITED (TELCO) ON THE TERMS SET OUT IN THE PRESS ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE BOARDS OF C&W PLC. AND TELCO TODAY (MONDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IN RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSALS OF C&W PLC TO RE-ORGANISE ITS INTERESTS IN HONG KONG THROUGH A MERGER OF C&W(HK) AND TELCO, THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH HOLDS A 20 PER CENT SHAREHOLDING IN C&W(HK) AS AN EXCHANGE FUND INVESTMENT, HAS APPOINTED BARING BROTHERS ASIA LIMITED (BARINGS) TO ADVISE ON THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSALS ON ITS SHAREHOLDING IN C&W(HK).
IN ACCORDANCE WITH BARINGS ADVICE AND RECOMMENDATIONS, THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO SUPPORT THE MERGER.
IN SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED MERGER, THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT IT REPRESENTS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR IT TO EXCHANGE ITS INVESTMENT IN A PRIVATE COMPANY, C&W(HK), FOR A MARKETABLE INVESTMENT IN A LISTED COMPANY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, "IT IS INTENDED THAT, FOLLOWING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE MERGER AND SUBJECT TO MARKET CONDITIONS, THE GOVERNMENT WILL TOGETHER WITH A SUBSIDIARY OF C&W PLC OFFER FOR SALE TO THE PUBLIC APPROXIMATELY 11 PER CENT OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF THE NEW COMPANY EARLY NEXT YEAR, WITH EACH PARTY SELLING AN EQUAL NUMBER OF SHARES."
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO APPOINT BARINGS IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER FOR SALE. AS A RESULT, THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD APPROXIMATELY 5.5 PER CENT OF THE NEW COMPANY WHICH IT INTENDS TO RETAIN FOR AT LEAST 12 MONTHS THEREAFTER.
"THE INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF SHARES IN THE NEW COMPANY IS IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT POLICY IN RESPECT OF THE EQUITY INVESTMENTS OF THE EXCHANGE FUND AS STATED BY THE THEN FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN 1986 IN CONCLUDING THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE EXISTING CONTROLS EXERCISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OVER THE OPERATION OF TELCO AND CWHK WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY EITHER THE PROPOSED RE-ORGANISATION OR THE DISPOSAL OF GOVERNMENT’S SHAREHOLDING IN CWHK.
"THE SEPARATION FROM TELCO OF ITS SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATED COMPANY WILL FACILITATE THE GOVERNMENT’S MONITORING OF THOSE EXCLUSIVE SERVICES OF TELCO SUBJECT TO THE SCHEME OF CONTROL," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO APPOINT TWO DIRECTORS TO THE BOARDS OF CWHK AND TELCO RESPECTIVELY.
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/2........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1987
2
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR SEES ♦ ♦ *
SEMICONDUCTORS PRODUCTION ♦ ♦
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, THIS AFTERNOON TOOK A LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ELETRONICS DURING HIS VISIT TO THE MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LTD
(MONDAY) INDUSTRY IN KWAI
CHUNG.
FOLLOWING A GENERAL DISCUSSION WITH THE VICE PRESIDENT GENERAL MANAGER OF THE COMPANY’S ASIA-PACIFIC DIVISION, MR C.D. AND OTHER SENIOR PERSONNEL, MR HAMMOND WAS TAKEN ON A TOUR OF PLANT WHICH DEVELOPS NOT ONLY NEW APPLICATION-ORIENTED IC BUT PROVIDES QUICK RESPONSE AND INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO CUSTOMERS
AND TAM,
THE ALSO
NEW
PRODUCT NEEDS.
HE ALSO VISITED THE SPECIALISED COURSES FOR VARIOUS BASIS.
TRAINING CENTRE WHICH ORGANISES
LEVELS OF EMPLOYEES ON A REGULAR
LEARN THAT THE COMPANY HAD TAKEN A SAFETY. AN IN-PLANT SAFETY COMMITTEE LEVELS HAS BEEN DISCUSS MATTERS
MR HAMMOND WAS PLEASED TO POSITIVE LEAD TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVE FROM VARIOUS SECTIONS AND SET UP IN THE FACTORY AND MEETS FAIRLY FREQUENTLY TO CONCERNING SAFETY AND HEALTH.
MR HAMMOD CONCLUDED HIS VISIT WITH A ROUND-UP SESSION WITH THE MANAGEMENT. «
-----0------
CALL TO OBSERVE SAFETY AT WORK ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS CAN BE PREVENTED IF WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS ARE WILLING TO OBSERVE BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE, MR KWOK NOTED THAT 593 INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE REPORTED IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH 736 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING MACHINERY IN THE INDUSTRY ALSO DROPPED - FROM 237 IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR TO 173 IN THE SAME PERIOD OF THIS YEAR.
HOWEVER, THE NUMBER OF MINOR ACCIDENTS, SUCH AS STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECT AND HANDLING WITHOUT MACHINERY, REGISTERED AN INCREASE.
/•'OUR INFORMATION.......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 198?
"OUR INFORMATION SHOWS THAT MANY OF THESE ACCIDENTS COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS WERE TAKEN BY BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES," MR KOWK SAID.
"IT IS ESSENTIAL THEREFORE FOR EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO CONTINUE • TO TAKE NECESSARY SAFETY STEPS AND OBSERVE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS SO AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS," HE ADDED.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR K.Y. TONGSON.
HE SAID THE SUB-COMMITTEE WAS PLANNING A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK IN THE COMING MONTHS.
THESE INCLUDE THE PUBLICATION OF A GUIDE BOOK WITH CARTOON ILLUSTRATIONS DEPICTING SAFETY REGULATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS, A PAMPHLET ON THE SAFE USE OF CHEMICALS FOR WORKERS IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, AND A SEMINAR FOR WORKERS.
TODAY’S SEMINAR, THE THIRD ORGANISED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE, WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 140 MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL IN THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY AND FEATURED A FILM SHOW AND GROUP DISCUSSION.
0---------
TUEN MUN DB TO DISCUSS PROPOSED POWERLINE *****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED’S PROPOSAL TO RUN AN OVERHEAD POWERLINE FROM YUEN LONG TO LAI CHI KOK.
AS PART OF THE EXPANSION OF THE ELECTRICITY NETWORK IN THE 1990’S, THE COMPANY IS PLANNING TO INSTALL A HIGH-VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE TO CONNECT THE EXISTING SUB-STATIONS AT YUEN LONG AND LAI CHI KOK, THUS AFFECTING PART OF TUEN MUN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE SURVEY ON TUEN MUN RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION; CURRENT SITUATION OF DISPLAY BOARDS AND PUBLICITY ITEMS IN TUEN MUN; POLICY, STRATEGY AND PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT; AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE OPEN CHANNEL AT TAI LAM CHUNG.
AN APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THE 1987 TUEN MUN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND ERECTION OF IRON RAILINGS IN THE MIDDLE OF HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
/REPORTS OF .......
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1987
REPORTS OF THE JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LRT SERVICE, DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND RESPECTIVE DB COMMITTEES WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 3/F, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
--------0-----------
WAN CHAI DB TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW
*****
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR R.G. SOURFIELD, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DOCUMENT AND HEAR MEMBERS’ VIEWS ON THE ISSUE.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH AND THE POLICE WILL REPLY TO A WRITTEN QUESTION ABOUT POLICE ACTION AGAINST MAHJONG-PLAYING IN FRATERNITY ASSOCIATIONS.
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN, AND REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR T.H. CHAU, WILL ALSO ATTEND THE MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE DISBURSMENT OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AT TUNG WAH MANSION, 8TH FLOOR, 210 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI..
/5........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1987
- 5 -
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS ♦ * * * *
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE APPLICATIONS BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND THE’STAR FERRY COMPANY FOR A FRANCHISE TO OPERATE A FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND WAN CHAI.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE UPDATED ON THE CONSULTATIONS WITH DISTRICT BOARDS CONCERNING TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TRAMWAY ORDINANCE.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING) AT 2.30 PM.
-----0-----
CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC AND CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE FOR SHA TIN *****
GOVERNMENT IS TO BUILD A SCHOOL CHILDREN’S DENTAL CLINIC AND CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE AT NGAN SHING STREET, SHA TIN.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE A DENTAL CLINIC FOR GOVERNMENT SERVANTS.
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE DENTAL TREATMENT CUBICLES, X-RAY AND DARK ROOMS, PLASTER AND SURGICAL UNITS, OFFICES, ASSESSMENT ROOMS AND PUBLIC AREAS.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE PREMISES WILL BE NAMED AFTER LADY YOUDE, WIFE OF FORMER GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING WHICH IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 6.
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/6.........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 19, 1987
- 6 -
*
RECLAMATION WORK PROPOSED AT AP LEI CHAU
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO GRANT BY TENDER ON SHORT-TERM TENANCY A SITE TO BE RECLAIMED AT THE FORESHORE AND SEABED AT AP LEI CHAU WEST.
A
UNDER THE TENANCY TERMS, THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE WITHIN 18 MONTHS RECLAMATION OF 3,200 SQUARE METRES OF LAND FOR HANDLING AGGREGATE AND CEMENT, INCLUDING BATCHING READY MIXED CONCRETE.
THE SITE WILL EVENTUALLY BE USED FOR HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS AS SPECIFIED IN THE AP LEI CHAU SOUTH AND ABERDEEN CHANNEL OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND THE ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
THE TENANCY WOULD BE GRANTED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN fHE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY DECEMBER 15.
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KOWLOON EAST WATER CUT ♦ * * * »
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON EAST WILL BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 22) FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE AT KWUN TONG, SAU MAU PING, LAM TIN, NGAU TAU KOK, CHOI WAN ESTATE, FUNG SHING STREET, NGAU CHI WAN STREET, CHEUNG YIP STREET, LAM CHAK STREET, KAI HING STREET AND CHA KWO LING ROAD.
-----0------
WATER FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 69.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 409.820 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 395.650 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 67.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
--------0 ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR STARTS BUSY PROGRAMME IN USA ....................... 1
MARKET MUST BE ORDERLY, SAYS FS ............................. 2
ONE-WAY TOLL FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL ........................... 5
TAC CONSIDERS NEW FERRY SERVICE.............................. 3
OYSTER FARMERS ACCEPT GOVERNMENT OFFER ...................... 4
SEVEN QUESTIONS CW LEGCO AGENDA ............................. 5
STEPS TO PROMOTE QUALITY ASSURANCE URGED .................... 5
HOME CARE NEEDED FOR THE ELDERLY............................. 6
AUGUST ORDERS-ON-HAND EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED .................................................... 7
QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES RELEASED.......................... -....................... 11
DB TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY .................................. 14
NORTH DB ON AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND STUDY TOUR .............. 14
YUEN LONG RECREATION, SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETS ............... 1?
SEMINAR FOR SENIOR PERSONNEL IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.... 16
EASTERN SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ..................... 16
BACK LANE CLEARED IN SHAM SHUI PO........................... 17
BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS ...... 17
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL TO BE EXTENDED .................... 18
MURAL HELPS BEAUTIFY YAU MA TEI ENVIRONMENT ................ 19
RECLAMATION AT TAI PO HOI PROPOSED ......................... 19
INVITATIONS FOR SHA TIN ATHLETIC MEET ...................... 20
STORAGE SITE TO LET BY TENDER .............................. 20
POST SERVICE TO CANADA DELAYED ............................. 21
FRESH WATER CUT............................................. 21
WONG TAI SIN TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE........................ 22
WAN CHAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ............................ 22
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
GOVERNOR STARTS BUSY PROGRAMME IN USA *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD A FULL DAY OF MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH CONGRESS AND THE ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING THE ACTING SECRETARY OF STATE AND THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, ON MONDAY (U.S. TIME) IN WASHINGTON, DC.
IT WAS THE FIRST OF A FIVE-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES FOR THE GOVERNOR, WHO WILL SPEND THREE DAYS IN WASHINGTON AND TWO IN NEW YORK.
AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT, SIR DAVID HAD A WIDE-RANGING DISCUSSION WITH MR JOHN WHITEHEAD, WHO IS ACTING AS SECRETARY OF STATE IN THE ABSENCE OF MR GEORGE SHULTZ. HE BRIEFED MR WHITEHEAD ON GENERAL POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG, EMPHASISING THE STRENGTH OF THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMY AND EXPLAINING THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS GOING WELL.
SIR DAVID ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER POSSIBLE PROTECTIONIST IMPLICATIONS IN THE TRADE LEGISLATION PENDING IN THE U.S. CONGRESS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF A FREE TRADE ECONOMY AND THAT UNITED STATES EXPORTS TO THE TERRITORY HAD RECENTLY BEEN DOING VERY WELL; THEY WERE UP 27 PER CENT THIS YEAR AS OPPOSED TO FOUR PER CENT FOR THE EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC REGION IN GENERAL. •
MR WHITEHEAD AND SIR DAVID ALSO DISCUSSED THE ISSUE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES. THE GOVERNOR EXPLAINED THE CONTINUING AND GROWING NATURE OF THE PROBLEM AND EMPHASISED THE IMPORTANCE BOTH OF CONTINUING RESETTLEMENT AND OF FINDING A LONG TERM SOLUTION.
IN THE AFTERNOON SIR DAVID HAD A MEETING WITH THREE OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT’S TOP CHINA POLICY EXPERTS, WITH WHOM HE HAD A DISCUSSION ON RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN CHINA.
FOLLOWING THAT MEETING, SIR DAVID WENT ON TO SEE THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE, MR CLAYTON YEUTTER.
SIR DAVID AND AMBASSADOR YEUTTER DISCUSSED A RANGE OF ISSUES OF MUTUAL INTEREST, INCLUDING TRADE AND TEXTILE LEGISLATION AND THE NEW GATT ROUND OF MULTI-LATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
SIR DAVID WOUND UP THE DAY WITH A DINNER AT THE CAPITOL, HOSTED BY SENATOR SPARK MATSUNAGA, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE.
0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
2
MARKET MUST BE ORDERLY, SAYS FS *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE DECISION BY THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE TO SUSPEND TRADING WAS EXPLAINABLE AS WHAT HAD BEEN HAPPENING ON THE WORLD MARKETS MEANT "THERE IS THE DANGER THAT TODAY WE FACE A MARKET WHICH IS NOT AS ORDERLY AS WE WOULD HAVE LIKED."
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THIS MORNING’S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING, MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REMAIN IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE TO SEE HOW QUICKLY THE MARKET COULD BE OPENED IN AN ORDERLY MANNER.
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE DECISION TO SUSPEND THE MARKET WOULD NOT HAVE A LONG-TERM EFFECT ON HONG KONG AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT A MARKET MUST BE AN ORDERLY MARKET IF IT WAS TO SERVE THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC, AND "AT THE MOMENT THERE IS AN ENORMOUS BACKLOG OF TRANSACTIONS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT."
"I’M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THIS BACKLOG OF SETTLEMENT. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED FOR SOME TIME. AS YOU REMEMBER, THE STOCK EXCHANGE IS ON THE POINT OF ENGAGING SOMEONE TO LOOK INTO BETTER SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS SAID THAT THE MARKET IN HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED VERY RAPIDLY AND HAD "SO MUCH EXCITEMENT OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS THAT THE BACKLOG HAS BUILT UP."
HE ADDED THAT THIS BACKLOG HAD TO BE CLEARED AS IT WOULD BE TN THE INTEREST OF THE INVESTING PUBLIC.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT WHAT HAD BEEN HAPPENING ON THE WORLD MARKETS HAD ADDED TO THIS BACKLOG, AND "IT IS FELT THAT FIVE DAYS MAY BE NEEDED TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG OF SETTLEMENTS."
"I THINK IT’S BETTER TO HAVE THIS SUSPENSION, SO THAT WE CAN GET SOME ORDER BACK TO THE MARKET," HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THE SUSPENSION WAS TOO LONG, MR JACOBS SAID IT WAS REALLY FOR THE STOCK EXCHANGE TO DECIDE. "IT DOES SEEM RATHER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, BUT AS I HAVE SAID WE WILL REMAIN TN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE," HE ADDED.
- 0
/3
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 5 -
ONE-WAY TOLL FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL » ♦ ♦ * *
ON THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO CONDUCT A ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND NO TOLL EXPERIMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, BEGINNING ON NOVEMBER 23 AND LASTING FOUR WEEKS.
IN MAKING THE DECISION TODAY (TUESDAY), THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ALSO DECIDED THAT THE TOLL FOR THE NORTHBOUND JOURNEY SHOULD BE $6 ONE-WAY FOR THE DURATION OF THE EXPERIMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DECISION TO CARRY OUT THE EXPERIMENT WAS MADE TO ASSESS WHETHER TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL COULD BE IMPROVED.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED, HOWEVER, THAT SHOULD DIFFICULTIES ARISE, THROUGH CONGESTION, THE EXPERIMENT WOULD BE DISCONTINUED.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION OF LIFTING TOLLS ALTOGETHER AND THAT THE CHARGING OF TOLLS FOR TUNNELS FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PURPOSES WAS AN ESTABLISHED POLICY AND WOULD CONTINUE.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ACCELERATE THE COMPLETION OF THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT INTO THE OPTIONS FOR RELIEVING LION ROCK TUNNEL CONGESTION, INCLUDING THE USE OF THE OLD RAILWAY TUNNEL BENEATH BEACON HILL, AND SUBMIT IT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
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TAC CONSIDERS NEW FERRY SERVICE ♦ » * * »
(HYF)
APPLICATIONS BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FRANCHISE TO
FERRY COMPANY
AND THE STAR FERRY COMPANY FOR A FRANCHISE TO OPERATE A PASSENGER SERVICE BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND WAN CHAI WAS DISCUSSE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY).
TUT? lass moss HARBOUR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES STUDY IDENTIFIED THE NEED FOR A FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND WAN CHAI AND RECOMMENDED THAT IT SHOULD REPLACE HYF’S bOSS-MAKING . bbwem jSrdan road and wan chai, the study predicted that the new SERVICE WOULD CARRY ABOUT 12,400 PASSENGERS PER WEEKDAY BY 1
IN CONSIDERING THE APPLICATIONS BY THE TWO FERRY OPERATORS THF OPERATION OF THE SERVICE, THE MEMBERS HAD LOOKED INTO JUSTIFICATION FOR THE FERRY SERVICE; THE LEVEL °F SERVICE PRIDED THE TWO COMPANIES; THEIR TRANSPORT RESOURCES; FINANCIAL IMPLICATIO AND OTHER RELEVANT FACTORS. THEIR RECOMMENDATION WILL BE SUBMIT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
FOR
THE
BY
/THE TAC
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- -
THE TAC ENDORSED THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE TRAMWAY ORDINANCE TO ALLOW FOR THE CONTINUATION OF PRIVATE-HIRE AND TOUR SERVICES CURRENTLY OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS.
THE MEMBERS ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT A PROVISION BE MADE FOR THE NUMBER OF TOUR CARS TO BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, AND FOR TOUR CARS TO BE CLEARLY DESIGNATED AS SUCH AND TO DISPLAY THE FARE BEING CHARGED CONSPICUOUSLY SO AS NOT TO CONFUSE THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
THE TAC ALSO CONSIDERED A VERBAL REPORT ON THE CONSULTATIONS WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS REGRADING THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
--------0----------
OYSTER FARMERS ACCEPT GOVERNMENT OFFER
*****
MORE THAN HALF OF THE OYSTER FARMERS IN LAU FAU SHAN AFFECTED BY THE MARINE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE FOR THE BORROW AREA IN DEEP BAY HAVE ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT'S OFFER OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES AND THE REMAINING FARMERS HAVE TWO WEEKS TO REMOVE THE OYSTERS ON THE ROUTE, A YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE LAND FORMATION CONTRACT FOR THE TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WOULD BE SIGNED ON OCTOBER 26 (MONDAY) AND WORK FOR THE BORROW AREA WILL COMMENCE ON NOVEMBER 2, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"SINCE JUNE, REMINDERS WERE MADE TO THE OYSTER FARMERS TO REMOVE THEIR OYSTERS AS DREDGING WORK WILL START ON SCHEDULE NEXT MONTH," HE SAID.
TO FACILITATE THE CLAIMS OF OYSTER FARMERS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE, TWO SIDE SCAN SONAR SURVEYS WERE CARRIED OUT IN JANUARY LAST YEAR AND JULY THIS YEAR TO ASCERTAIN THE EXTENT OF THE ACTIVE CULTIVATION OF OYSTER BEDS.
"THE SIDE SCAN SONAR METHOD WAS CONSIDERED A PRACTICABLE AND ACCURATE WAY TO ASCERTAIN THE AREA OF OYSTER BEDS THAT WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE WORKS BY DETECTING OBJECTS IN THE SEABED POSITIVELY IDENTIFIABLE WITH OYSTER FARMING ACTIVITY," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE FACT THAT MORE THAN HALF OF THE OYSTER FARMERS HAVE ALREADY COLLECTED THE EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES SHOWED THAT THE RESULTS OF THE TWO SURVEYS WERE ACCURATE," HE ADDED.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 5 -SEVEN QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA * * * ♦
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK SEVEN QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER THREE BILLS IN THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ONE OF THE BILLS IS THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987. IT WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THE OTHER BILLS ARE THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1986-87) BILL 1987 AND DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, ON WHICH DEBATE IS DUE TO RESUME PRIOR TO THIRD READINGS.
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STEPS TO PROMOTE QUALITY ASSURANCE URGED ♦ t * ♦
THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD HAD AGREED EARLIER THIS MONTH THAT PLANS SHOULD BE DRAWN UP FOR THE PROMOTION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR A.G. EASON SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING A SEMINAR ON UNITED KINGDOM STANDARDS AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS, MR EASON SAID AS A FIRST STEP, A SURVEY OF EXISTING QUALITY SERVICES, INCLUDING TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES, WILL BE CARRIED OUT.
"WE WILL ALSO BE LOOKING AT THE FEASIBILITY OF DEVELOPING OUR QUALITY CERTIFICATION ARRANGEMENTS, BUILDING ON THE VALUABLE EXPERIENCE OF THE EXISTING Q-MARK SCHEME.
"THE TIME IS NOW RIPE FOR FURTHER EFFORTS TO PROMOTE QUALITY ASSURANCE," HE STRESSED.
MR EASON CONTINUED: "THE GOVERNMENT HAS BUILT UP A RANGE OF SERVICES AND FACILITIES TO SUPPORT MANUFACTURERS’ EFFORTS IN THIS REGARD, WHICH INCLUDE THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY, THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME AND THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU."
HE EXPLAINED THAT FOR MAXIMUM EFFECT, THE QUALITY ASSURANCE CONCEPT SHOULD APPLY TO EVERY STAGE OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS, FROM DESIGN TO PRODUCTION, TESTING AND MARKETING.
"IN THE FIELD OF QUALITY ASSURANCE, PRODUCT STANDARDS PROVIDE THE YARDSTICK BY WHICH THE SAFETY AND QUALITY OF GOODS IS MEASURED."
/HE POINTED
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 6 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT PRODUCTS ARE SAFE AND OF GOOD QUALITY NATURALLY LIES WITH MANUFACTURERS, THOUGH THE GOVERNMENT ALSO HAS A SUPPORTING ROLE TO PLAY.
"ONE OF THE WAVs IT HELPS IS BY PROVIDING INFORMATION ON OVERSEAS STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS.
"THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU HAS SINCE 1984 BUILT UP AN EXTENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE REFERENCE LIBRARY OF NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PRODUCT STANDARDS APPLYING IN HONG KONG’S MAIN MARKETS AND PUBLICISED CHANGES IN OVERSEAS STANDARDS AND PROVIDED A TECHNICAL ENQUIRY SERVICE TO EXPLAIN PARTICULAR FEATURES OF OVERSEAS REQUIREMENTS," MR EASON SAID.
TODAY’S SEMINAR, AS WELL AS AN EXHIBITION, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE UK INSTITUTE OF TRADING STANDARDS ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS WITH UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION TO ENABLE THEM TO MEET THE UK STANDARDS REQUIREMENTS APPLYING TO SEVERAL OF HK’S MAJOR PRODUCT CATEGORIES, INCLUDING TOYS AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS.
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HOME CARE NEEDED FOR THE ELDERLY
*****
THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IS "CARE IN THE HOME", UNDER WHICH FAMILIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO LOOK AFTER THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS SO THAT THEY CAN STAY IN A FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A DINNER RECEPTION FOR THE ELDERLY IN WONG TAI SIN SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD THERE, MR LAW SAID THIS PHILOSOPHY NEEDED THE BACKING OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES SUCH AS SOCIAL CENTRES, DAY CARE CENTRES AND MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AS WELL AS HOME HELP, COMMUNITY NURSING AND MEAL DELIVERY SERVICES.
"THERE ARE 13 SUCH SERVICE UNITS IN WONG TAI SIN TO HELP FAMILIES THERE TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS AND TO RENDER NECESSARY ASSISTANCE AND CARE FOR ELDERLY SINGLETONS IN THE DISTRICT," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THROUGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, RESIDENTS WERE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO RESPECT OUR SENIOR CITIZENS SO AS TO HELP THEM TO RETAIN SELF-DIGNITY, KEEP UP THEIR SOCIAL CONTACTS AND ENJOY A MEANINGFUL LIFE.
/"RECENTLY, MANY
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
’’RECENTLY, MANY YOUNG VOLUNTEERS HAD BEEN MOBILISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PAY REGULAR VISITS TO ELDERLY SINGLETONS AND THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD BE PROMOTED BECAUSE ONLY A CARING COMMUNITY CAN PROVIDE ADEQUATE CARE IN THE HOME FOR THE OLD PEOPLE,” HE SAID.
"WHILE THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROVIDING VARIOUS SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY TO MEET DEMANDS STEP BY STEP, COMMUNITY EDUCATION SHOULD BE PROMOTED TO DRAW PUBLIC ATTENTION TO PROVIDING CARE IN THE HOME FOR THE ELDERLY,” HE ADDED.
MR LAW COMMENDED THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY FOR PROMOTING CARE AND CONCERN FOR THE OLD PEOPLE.
-----0------
AUGUST ORDERS-ON-HAND
EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED
*****
IN AUGUST 1987, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED SLIGHTLY COMPARED WITH JULY 1987 BUT THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE OVER AUGUST 1986, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) 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 AUGUST 1987 WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY DROPPED SLIGHTLY WHILE THAT IN MOST OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED INCREASED MODERATELY.
COMPARING AUGUST 1987 WITH JULY 1987, ORDERS DECREASED IN MOST INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY. PARTLY OFFSETTING THESE DECREASES WAS AN INCREASE IN ORDERS RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SHOWED SOME DECREASE IN AUGUST 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1987 AND AUGUST 1986.
MOST OF THE INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, IN PARTICULAR THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, RECORDED SOME DECREASES IN EMPLOYMENT COMPARED WITH JULY 1987, AS MANY OF THE SUMMER WORKERS RECRUITED IN THE PRECEDING TWO MONTHS BEGAN TO LEAVE THE INDUSTRIES.
/COMPARED WITH
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 8 -
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1986, EMPLOYMENT IN THE WEARING APPAREL, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DECREASED, WHILE THAT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES INCREASED. EMPLOYMENT IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME AS IN AUGUST 1986.
PAYROLL IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN AUGUST 1987 DECREASED SLIGHTLY COMPARED WITH JULY 1987 BUT INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER AUGUST 1986. CONCURRENTLY, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER JULY 1987 AND AUGUST 1986.
COMPARING AUGUST 1987 WITH JULY 1987, PAYROLL IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DECREASED, WHILE THAT IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES INCREASED AS SOME OF THE FACTORIES ISSUED BONUSES. PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED IN MOST INDUSTRIES SURVEYED EXCEPT THE FOOD AND DRINKS INDUSTRY, WITH PARTICULARLY LARGE INCREASES RECORDED IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARING AUGUST 1987 WITH AUGUST 1986, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN ALL INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, ESPECIALLY THE TEXTILES, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WAS ALSO RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN AUGUST 1987 ALL INCREASED WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH JULY 1987 AND AUGUST 1986. A PARTICULARLY SHARP INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS RECORDED BETWEEN AUGUST 1986 AND AUGUST 1987.
IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN AUGUST 1987 ALL REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN JULY 1987 BUT INCREASED MODERATELY OVER AUGUST 1986.
AMONG THE VARIOUS SERVICES SECTORS, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED IN BANKS BUT DECREASED IN PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1987. COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1986, SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN BANKS AND HOTELS, WHILE A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT WAS RECORDED IN BANKS.
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 IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICES SECTORS, CHOSEN BY REFERENCE TO THEIR EMPLOYMENT SIZES IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
f ... /AS THE............................
1
1
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
■(
- 9 -
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 AUGUST 1987 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19/F, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-8234820.
TABLE 1: ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY ORDERS-ON- -HAND
FOR AUG. 1987 INCREASE JUL. 87 OVER AUG. 86
(MONTHS) (X) (X)
ALL INDUSTRIES 4.41 -2 1
WEARING APPAREL 4.94 -1 2
TEXTILES 2.91 2 4
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 3.29 -1 t
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.02 -10 -1
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 5.05 -1 2
OTHERS 4.26 -1 -2
/TABLE 2:
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 198?
10
TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/ PERSONS ENGAGED AT SERVICES END OF AUG. 1987 THE PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INCREASE OVER JUL. 87 AUG. 86 IN AUG. 87 INCREASE OVER JUL. 87 AUG. 86
(X) (X) (HK$) (X) (X)
MANUFACTURING -4 -3 3,762 3 14
FOOD AND DRINKS * 1 4,347 -4 4
WEARING APPAREL -2 -7 3,344 2 12
TEXTILES -1 2 4,158 8 19
PLASTIC PRODUCTS - 12 -12 3,502 14 21
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -2 -1 3,570 1 15
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -6 * 3,455 2 12
OTHERS -2 -2 4,802 * 11
# CONSTRUCTION 1 10 5,274 1 11 *
SERVICES t 3 6,465 9
BANKS 1 5 6,081 3 13
HOTELS * ♦ 3,968 » 15
PUBLIC UTILITIES * 6,302 -8 6
OTHERS 1 7 7,919 8 7
» CHANGES WITHIN +/ -0.5% •
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY : COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED. WORKERS
NOTE: UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND ’’PER CAPITA EARNINGS WHICH AVERAGE FIGURES, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY FIRMS SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN ARE THE OWN •
-------0----------
/11........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
11
QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES RELEASED « » * » »
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987, ESTIMATED AT 45,625 MILLION, WAS 21 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS 15 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OT TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987 WAS $2,455 MILLION, WHICH WAS 24 PER CENT HIGHER IN VALUE TERM THAN IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986.
ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, CHINESE RESTAURANTS RECORDED THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE, (23 PER CENT) IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986, FOLLOWED BY NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (17 PER CENT) AND OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES - (COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OTHER OUTLETS SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY ETC.) (15 PER CENT), FAST FOOD SHOPS (12 PER CENT) AND BARS (12 PER CENT).
IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS, NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS, BARS AND OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES WENT UP BY 18 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT, 8 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS ROSE BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME; AND THE TOTAL VALUE OF PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT.
IN VALUE TERMS, CHINESE RESTAURANTS RECORDED THE LARGEST GROWTH IN TOTAL RECEIPTS (20 PER CENT), FOLLOWED BY BARS (16 PER CENT), FAST FOOD SHOPS (15 PER CENT), NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (12 PER CENT) AND OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES (10 PER CENT).
IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS AGAIN SHOWED THE LARGEST INCREASE, AT 15 PER CENT. THE GROWTH, IN VOLUME TERMS, RECORDED BY FAST FOOD SHOPS, BARS, NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES WERE 11 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT, 6 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/COMPARING THE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
12
COMPARING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TOTAL RECEIPTS OF OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME; THOSE OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME; AND THOSE OF FAST FOOD SHOPS BY 1 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. HOWEVER, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF BARS DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME; AND THOSE OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987 .
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDICES OF TOTAL RECEIPTS BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100. ALSO TABULATED ARE COMPARISONS OF THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 AND FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1986. COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 WITH THOSE FOR 1986 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234941.
/Table 1
- 13 * TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
TABLE I I TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES
4 1st qtr. 1907 2nd qtr. 1907
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures)
Total restaurant rociiptl (in HKI lillion) 5 596 5 625
Total purchases by restaurants (in HKt ail lion! 2 463 2 455
TABLE 2 : VALUE ANO VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 1ST QUARTER 1987 AND 2ND QUARTER 1987
(Quarterly average of October 84 - Septeober 85 = 100)
I 1 Index of » 1 1st ( quarter 5 1987 4 1 1 2nd ’ quarter 5 1987 । । ■ 1 L. I t ( 1987 Hst-2nd qtr. 19d7’« el th ( coepared with 1 1986 'lst-2nd qtr. 19861 4 — |
’ Type of restaurant 1 total • restaurant 1 receipts । 2nd qtr. 1987 1 2nd qtr.
coepared with 1 coepared
1st qtr. 1987 1 2nd qtr. 1
1 ( (Revised ((Provisional1 Points I ( Points X J Points X 1
5 Chinese restaurants । t । ( Value « • figures) 5 124 (figures) < ! 121 । 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 • । • । -3 -2 : 23 । : ( 1 t 1 1 23 (20 20 ! । •
' Voluee : 118 ! IB « -4 -4 ' 17 18 (15 15 1
• Non-Chinese restaurants । » । । ! Value : 106 1 । 1 : H9 » t 1 1 1 । । 13 12 1 17 ! 1 17 (12 12 1
I ! Voluee : 98 । । J (08 1 1 • t I 9 9 : 10 11 I 6 6 (
1 ! Fast food shops ! । S Value 1 126 । • t : 128 ! ! । 1 1 ! 2 1 ! 14 1 : । 1 t • 12 (16 15 1
i • ■ 1 Voluee 1 120 I : 121 ■ ■ t । l I 1 10 9 I 12 11 1
1 Bars 1 । । । ! Value • 122 । » 1 1 116 ( 1 I 1 « -6 -5 I 13 12 1 16 16 1
1 1 1 1 Voluee : 111 1 : 104 1 ! -7 -618 । • । । 8 ! 10 10 1
j । (Other eating and drinking places I 1 ! Value 1 111 । 1 125 । • • ! • t i4 13 1 16 15 (10 10 i
« । 1 1 Voluee _1 1 104 । । ’ 113 L_ _ ! • • 1. 9 9 17 1 - 6 13 3 1 4 •
4 1 1 Entire restaurant sector 1 J Value 1 121 ! ! 121 1 1 1 1 : 21 1 1 21 1 18 ’ 18 (
1 « « I 1 Voluee 1 114 J ! 113 ! 1 -1 -1 1 15 1 1 15 1 13 13 1
1 1 1 ' 1 1 ! (
Note: Figures denoting changes are derived froe unrounded figures.
0 - -
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
DB TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY * ♦ » * ♦
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 22) TO DISCUSS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS WAYS TO EXPEDITE THE PROVISION OF A CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE AND A MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY INSIDE THE SHEUNG WAN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO STUDY REPORTS FROM ITS FIVE COMMITTEES ON ENVIRONMENT AND WORKS, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES, FINANCE, AND PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA ARE REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND AREA COMMITTEES AS WELL AS A REPORT ON THE DISTRICT’S "WE CARE" ACTIVITIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM
THE CONFERENCE ROOM ROAD, CENTRAL.
ON
THE 14TH FLOOR IN
ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 22) AT
HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER
-------0---------
NORTH DB ON AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND STUDY TOUR ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
A DELEGATION OF 14 NORTH DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES COMPRISING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS WILL LEAVE FOR AUCKLAND TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING TO BEGIN A 12-DAY STUDY TOUR OF NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA.
LED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG, AND ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, THE DELEGATION WILL STUDY GOVERNMENTAL ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY CITY PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT AS WELL AS TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS.
IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND’S LARGEST CITY, THE GROUP WILL VISIT HE REGIONAL AUTHORITY FOR BRIEFINGS ON HOUSING, TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL STRATEGY. MEMBERS WILL ALSO VlSlT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE GROUP WILL THEN FLY TO AUSTRALIA AND VISIT MAJOR CITIES INCLUDING SYDNEY, MELBOURNE, CANBERRA AND BRISBANE.
/IN BRISBANE,
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 198?
- 15 -
IN BRISBANE, THE GROUP WILL CALL ON THE CITY COUNCIL AND INSPECT THE QE II JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AND THE SLEEMAN SPORTS COMPLEX IN BRISBANE.
WHILE IN MELBOURNE THEY WILL SEE THE OPERATION OF THE LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM THERE AND VISIT THE HEALESVILLE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.
IN CANBERRA, THE GROUP MEMBERS WILL VISIT THE AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT AND ALSO CALL ON THE CANBERRA COLLEGE OF ADVANCED EDUCATION.
THE SYDNEY CITY COUNCIL AND THE NEW SOUTH WALES HOUSING COMMISSION ARE AMONG THE BODIES THAT WILL BE VISITED IN AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER CITY.
TO FURTHER BROADEN MEMBERS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THE URBAN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDED IN MAJOR AUSTRALIAN CITIES, THE ITINERARY ALSO INCLUDES BRIEFINGS ON THE OPERATION OF THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME.
THE GROUP WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 1.
-----0------
YUEN LONG RECREATION, SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETS
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR HOLDING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FROM JANUARY TO MARCH NEXT YEAR.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS REPORT ON THE 1987 YUEN LONG DISTRICT SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
-----0------
/16........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 16 -
SEMINAR FOR SENIOR PERSONNEL IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A SEMINAR FOR SENIOR PERSONNEL AND CONTRACTORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY THIS FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30).
THE ONE-DAY EVENT WILL ENABLE EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND OFFICIALS OF TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS OF THE INDUSTRY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ENLIGHTENED MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AND TO EXPLORE WAYS OF IMPROVING LABOUR RELATIONS.
GUEST SPEAKERS INCLUDE THE PERMANENT SUPERVISOR OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION, MR HO SAI-CHU; GENERAL MANAGER OF THE SHUI ON BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD, MR LAWRENCE CHOI; DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION, MR POON TO-CHUEN; CENTRE MANAGER OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, MR P.C. CHAU; AND CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR T.S. CHOW.
THEY WILL SPEAK ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG; LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN THE EYES OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR AND A TRADE UNION LEADER; HOW TO FACE THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY; AND COMMON LABOUR DISPUTES AND THEIR PREVENTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
ENROLMENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEMINAR ARE STILL OPEN. THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED MAY CONTACT THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT 5-8523505.
-----o------
EASTERN SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT
*****
TO ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AMONG OWNERS AND RESIDENTS IN EASTERN, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISED A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ON OCTOBER 22 (THURSDAY).
THE SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, MR HO WAI-FONG, AND THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF CHESTERTON PETTY LTD, MR RONNIE SHING, WILL SPEAK ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT RESPECTIVELY.
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, WHERE THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 22).
-------O---------
/17........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20,
1987
- 17 -
BACK LANE CLEARED IN SHAM SHUI PO
*****
ABOUT 50 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE BACK LANES BETWEEN KOWLOON ROAD AND CAMP STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO WERE PULLED DOWN TODAY (TUESDAY) FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD SURFACE AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
ABOUT 40 AFFECTED FAMILIES COMPRISING 94 PEOPLE HAD BEEN OFFERED REHOUSING IN URBAN PUBLIC HOUSING, URBAN TEMPORARY HOUSING, OR NEW TERRITORIES TEMPORARY HOUSING.
OTHER PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE INCLUDE A SINGLETON WHO HAD OPTED FOR CASH ALLOWANCE, THREE FAMILIES WHO HAD ARRANGED TO STAY AT A TRANSIT CENTRE, AND TWO FAMILIES WHO HAD WITHDRAWN FROM COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS.
A SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY’S CLEARANCE WAS THE FIRST ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE IN THE DISTRICT THIS YEAR.
THE CLEARANCE WAS COORDINATED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WHILE THE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AFTER THE SITE WAS CLEARED.
-------0---------
BUILDING MANAGEMENT COURSE FOR KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS
*****
THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A THREE-DAY BUILDING MANAGEMENT TRAINING COURSE FOR ABOUT 60 OFFICE-BEARERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND STAFF EMPLOYED BY MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE FIRST SESSION OF THE COURSE WAS HELD LAST (MONDAY) EVENING AND THE NEXT TWO SESSIONS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND FRIDAY EVENINGS.
THE TRAINING COURSE IS AIMED AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ INVOLVEMENT IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT, KNOWLEDGE ABOUT COMMON PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND WAYS TO TACKLE THEM.
OFFICIALS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ICAC AND THE POLICE HAVE BEEN INVITED TO GIVE TALKS.
THEY INCLUDE BUILDING MANAGEMENT IMPROVEMENT TECHNIQUES WITH SPECIAL EMPHASES ON BUILDING CLEANLNESS, ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE, CRIME PREVENTION AND HOUSEHOLD SECURITY, FIRE PREVENTION, PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE, BUILDING RENOVATION, ACCOUNTING MATTERS AND LEGAL ASPECTS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
/THERE WILL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 19^7
THERE WILL ALSO BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES AND VIEWS ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND GUEST SPEAKERS WILL GIVE ADVICE ON HOW TO SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES AT THE END OF THE TRAINING COURSE ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23) EVENING.
- - 0 - -
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL TO BE EXTENDED * * * *
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL IS TO BE EXTENDED TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR EXPANDING VARIOUS TYPES OF MEDICAL SERVICES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF A SEVEN-STOREY EXTENSION ON TOP OF THE EXISTING FIVE-STOREY BLOCK B AND A NEW 13-STOREY CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BLOCK NEXT TO BLOCK B, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 18,270 SQUARE METRES OF ADDITIONAL FLOOR AREA.
CONVERSION AND ALTERATION WORKS ON SOME EXISTING FACILITIES ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT.
AMONG THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED IN THE EXTENSION WILL BE TWO MEDICAL WARDS, TWO CHILDREN’S WARD, A SECOND-CLASS FEMALE WARD, A SPECIAL CARE PAEDIATRIC WARD AND A CUSTODIAL WARD.
THESE WARDS WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 232 BEDS TO HELP RELIEVE THE CURRENT ACUTE REQUIREMENTS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A NEW CLINICAL PATHOLOGY UNIT, AN INTENSIVE THERAPY UNIT, A CARDIAC CARE UNIT, AN ELECTRODIAGNOSTIC UNIT, A RENAL UNIT, A POST-BASIC NURSING EDUCATION CENTRE, OFFICES, CONFERENCE AND SEMINAR ROOMS AND AN EXPANDED MEDICAL STAFF LIBRARY.
OTHER WORKS COMPRISE AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING MORTUARY AND INSTALLATION OF TWO ADDITIONAL LIFTS TO BLOCK B.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT BY NOVEMBER 6.
/19
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
19
MURAL HELPS BEAUTIFY YAU MA TEI ENVIRONMENT * » » t t
A FENCE WALL OUTSIDE THE SHEK
MA TDT -------- LUNG STREET FRUIT MARKET
MA TEI WAS RECENTLY REPAINTED TO HELP IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
IN YAU
It!? PR0JECT was ENDORSED BY THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE mDi/QA(MnI>.!?ISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS AND WAS SPONSORED BY THE SHUI ON SEAGULL CLUB.
IT INVOLVED THE PAINTING OF A LARGE MURAL BY AND 30 VOLUNTEERS. THE MURAL MEASURES THREE METRES
COMMITTEE MEMBERS BY 40 METRES.
BES1DES BEAUTIFYING THE AREA, THE MURAL, DEPICTING VARIOUS "IT" THE kNv,rON„e»t.- a
A ’KEEP CLEAN" MESSAGE, TO REMIND RESIDENTS OF THE OF CLEANLINESS, WAS ALSO PAINTED ON THE WALL.
IMPORTANCE
THIS YRAR» THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE HAS EMBARKED ON 11 MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WHICH INCLUDE REPLENISHMENT OF PLANTER BOXES, CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS AND BEAUTIFICATION WORKS VARIOUS LOCATIONS.
AT
-------o ---------
RECLAMATION AT TAI PO HOI PROPOSED * ♦ * t »
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 9,093 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI PO HOI TO FORM LAND FOR DIFFERENT USES.
THE FORMED LAND WILL BE LEASED BY OPEN TENDER FOR USE AS A CEMENT/AGGREGATE DEPOT, A SAND DEPOT AND A SITE FOR A MARINE WORKSHOP.
THE AREA AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION NEAR TING KOK ROAD AND SAM MUN TSAI ROAD IN TAI PO AREA 27 IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED JN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT TN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE DECEMBER 15.
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/20........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 20 -
INVITATIONS FOR SHA TIN ATHLETIC MEET * 9 4 * ♦ $ ♦ *
SPORTSMEN WHO EITHER LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN SHA TIN WILL BE ABLE TO SHOW OFF THEIR ATHLETIC SKILLS AT THE 12TH SHA TIN DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL COUNCIL AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE MEET IS AIMED AT PROMOTING SPORTSMANSHIP AND SELECTING OUTSTANDING ATHLETES TO REPRESENT SHA TIN IN THE COMING 3RD NEW TERRITORIES INTERDISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET.
COMPETITIONS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN'S AND WOMEN’S DIVISIONS AND SUB-DIVIDED ACCORDING TO AGE. EVENTS WILL INCLUDE RUNNING RACES, RELAYS, HURDLES, HIGH JUMP, LONG JUMP, TRIPLE JUMP, SHOT PUT, AND JAVELIN AND DISCUS THROWING.
COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND IN YUEN WO ROAD ON NOVEMBER 22. PARTICIPANTS UNDER 18 YEARS OLD MUST HAVE THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.
ENTRY IS FREE. APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRE, SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S SHA TIN OFFICE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6989750 AND 0-6915657.
-------0---------
STORAGE SITE TO LET BY TENDER ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A STORAGE SITE AT SHA TIN IS TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE SITE, NEXT TO SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, MEASURES ABOUT 7,700 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR STORAGE OF GOODS (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS).
THE TENANCY IS INITIALLY FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 6.
-------0----------
/21
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 21 -
POST SERVICE TO CANADA DELAYED 4 * » » »
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT DUE INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN THE CANADIAN POSTAL ADMINISTRATION, THERE BE SOME DELAY IN THE DELIVERY OF SPEEDPOST, LETTER AND PARCEL FROM HONG KONG. “ aiw fakvbl
TO WOULD MAIL
SUR TRrTATnEn^IvENT SP0KESMAN SAID THAT AIRMAIL FROM CANADA WAS ALSO □ UDJI1UI 1U DULjAi •
TO ucB*nn™0ULD BE INF0RMED As S00N AS THE SITUATION RETURNED
IO NORMAL, HE ADDED.
-----0------
FRESH WATER CUT t t »
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23) FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT TAI CHUNG HAU VILLAGE, MA NAM WUT VILLAGE, PAK KONG VILLAGE, TSUI HANG VILLAGE, CHE KENG TUK VILLAGE AND TA HO TUN VILLAGE.
ALSO, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23) FROM 9 PM TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY SO THAT WATER MAINS WORK CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, A SECTION OF COX’S ROAD BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD AND TAK SHING STREET, AND 1-5, 11, TAK SHING STREET.
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/22
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1987
- 22 -
, Wong tai sin temporary night closure
/ ♦ » t » »
THE SECTION OF TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD BETWEEN MING TAK STREET AND SHATIN PASS ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5.15 AM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23) FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION.
DURING TRE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC ON TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR SHATIN PASS ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHING TAK STREET.
VEHICLES ON SHATIN PASS ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHING TAK STREET AND MING TAK STREET.
-----0-----
WAN CHAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ♦ » * » »
THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACH ROAD LEADING FROM THE WESTBOUND GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM DAILY FROM FRIDAY TO NEXT FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30) FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK. ' UK KUAD
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GLOUCESTER ROAD SERVICE ROAD, STEWART ROAD, LOCKHART ROAD, MARSH ROAD FLYOVER HUNG HING ROAD, TONNOCHY ROAD TO JOIN THE TUNNEL TRAFFIC ON GLOUCESTER ROAD EASTBOUND.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
GENERAL COMMITTEE HAS POWER TO SUSPEND TRADING............ 1
DAYA BAY REPORT AVAILABLE SOON............................ 2
HARWELL REPORT NEAR COMPLETION ........................... 3
DISCUSSIONS ON FORM 6 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS.............. J
SOCIAL WORKERS TOLD TO TAKE GREATER CARE.................. 4
MORE FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES ESTABLISHED .................. 5
NIGHT-TIME WORK AVOIDS DISRUPTION TO MTR.................. 6
ACTION ON INCOMPATIBLE LAND USE PROBLEMS.................. 6
PREVENTIVE MEASURES PLANNED AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS ....... 7
TWO BILLS PASSED ......................................... 8
GOVERNOR MEETS CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS ........................ 9
FS: RISK AND RETURN INSEPARABLE ELEMENTS.................... 10
STABLE AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE VITAL ................... 11
LADY WILSON VISITS CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE ................. 12
MORE CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES ............................. 1J
CAMPAIGN AGAINST COUNTRYSIDE FIRES ......................... 14
SHA TIN DB FUNDS OPEN TO APPLICATION ....................... 15
THEN MUN COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CONTAINER CLASSROOMS.......... 16
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT ................. 16
CARNIVAL FOR MONG KOK RESIDENTS ............................ 17
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG, CHAI WAN ..................... 17
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL................... 18
SALT WATER CUT...................o.......................... 18
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21,
1987
GENERAL COMMITTEE HAS POWER TO SUSPEND TRADING
*****
THE GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE HAS THE POWER TO SUSPEND TRADING IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TRADING RULES OF THE EXCHANGE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARTIN LEE, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN INFORMED IN ADVANCE OF THE PROPOSED ACTION, WHICH IT REGARDED AS A SENSIBLE RESPONSE TO THE SITUATION.
MR JACOBS SAID: "THE DECISION TO SUSPEND TRADING WAS LARGELY DETERMINED BY THE CONSIDERABLE BACKLOG OF OUTSTANDING TRANSACTIONS WHICH REQUIRE TO BE SETTLED.
"THIS BACKLOG RESULTED FROM THE RECENT VERY HIGH LEVEL OF TURNOVER IN THE MARKET.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT BOOKS ARE PROPERLY SQUARED BEFORE TRADING IS RESUMED PARTICULARLY AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF HIGHLY VOLATILE WORLD MARKETS.
"THE EXCHANGE CONSIDERS THAT IT WILL TAKE FOUR DAYS TO CLEAR THE BACKLOG."
HE ADDED THAT A SECONDARY BENEFIT OF THE SUSPENSION WAS THAT IT ALLOWED TIME FOR THE INITIAL OVER-REACTION TO EVENTS TO SUBSIDE.
MR JACOBS SAID THE QUESTION OF INTERVENTION BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECRUITIES DID NOT ARISE BECAUSE THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE TOOK THE INITIATIVE OF SUSPENDING TRADING UNDER ITS OWN RULES.
"I THINK IT IS PREFERABLE FOR SELF REGULATORY BODIES SUCH AS THE EXCHANGE TO MAKE USE OF THEIR OWN POWERS WHERE THESE ARE AVAILABLE INSTEAD OF RESORTING TO GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION,” HE SAID.
"THIS IS IN LINE WITH OUR GENERAL PHILOSOPHY TOWARDS THE FINANCIAL MARKETS IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21,
1987
- 2 -
DAYA BAY REPORT AVAILABLE SOON
* » * *
A REPORT ON THE NON-COMPLIANCE PROBLEM CONNECTED WITH THE FIRST LAYER OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION SHOULD BE AVAILABLE WITHIN THE NEXT 10 DAYS OR SO, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THE GOVERNMENT WILL THEN MAKE A COPY AVAILABLE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON THE DAYA BAY POWER PLANT,” HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN, MR JACOBS SAID THAT UPON LEARNING OF THE PROBLEM, THE GOVERNMENT IMMEDIATELY REQUESTED THE HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD TO PROVIDE A FULL REPORT ON BOTH THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE DEVIATION AND THE REMEDIAL ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT YET RECEIVED THIS REPORT AND I AM THEREFORE UNABLE TO INFORM MEMBERS THIS AFTERNOON OF THE OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM, OR, INDEED, THE STEPS THAT THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY HAS TAKEN, OR PLANS TO TAKE, TO STRENGTHEN THE QUALITY CONTROL PROCEDURES ON SITE TO AVOID SIMILAR OCCURRENCES IN THE FUTURE,” HE SAID.
CONCERNING STEPS BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT REMEDIAL MEASURES WERE SATISFACTORY AND WOULD NOT IMPAIR THE SAFETY AND INTEGRITY OF THE PLANT, MR JACOBS SAID THAT PROPOSALS HAD ALREADY BEEN MADE AND WERE CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED BY THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY.
THE BOARD OF THE HONG KONG NUCLEAR INVESTMENT COMPANY LTD WOULD BE KEPT FULLY INFORMED AND WOULD BE CONSULTED, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE PROPOSED SOLUTION HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE CHINESE NATIONAL NUCLEAR SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, WHO HAD INDICATED NO OBJECTION TO ITS ADOPTION.
“FULL DETAILS OF THE REMEDIAL MEASURES ARE EXPECTED TO BE COVERED IN THE REPORT NOW AWAITED,” HE SAID.
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/3
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1987
- 3 -
HARWELL REPORT NEAR COMPLETION ♦ ♦ t »
THE CONTINGENCY PLAN REPORT BEING COMPILED FOR THE GOVERNMENT BY THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY AT HARWELL IS NEARING COMPLETION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN, MR JACOBS SAID: "THE REPORT WILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE GUIDANCE ON THE PRODUCTION OF AN APPROPRIATE CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR HONG KONG CAPABLE OF RESPONDING EFFECTIVELY TO ANY RADIOLOGICAL EMERGENCY SITUATION THAT MIGHT ARISE FROM AN ACCIDENT AT THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER STATION."
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT THE REPORT WAS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
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DISCUSSIONS ON FORM 6 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS I ♦ * » *
THE QUESTION OF UNDER-ENROLMENT IN FORM 6 IS CLOSELY RELATED TO THE MORE FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE OF WHAT THE AIM OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION SHOULD BE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DESMOND LEE, MR BRIDGE SAID THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S VIEW IN ITS SECOND REPORT WAS THAT SIXTH FORM EDUCATION SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO THOSE AIMING FOR UNIVERSITY ENTRANCE.
"PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE REPORT ALSO GENERALLY SUPPORT THIS VIEW," HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE SAID: "THUS WHATEVER DECISION IS FINALLY TAKEN ON OTHER ASPECTS OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION, IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT SCHOOLS MUST REVIEW THEIR ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS TO BRING THEM MORE IN LINE WITH THE BROADER OBJECTIVES OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION."
HE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE RELEVANT SCHOOL COUNCILS TO WORK OUT SUITABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE AIM WAS FULFILLED.
ON THE PROVISION OF SIXTH FORM PLACES, MR BRIDGE SAID: ”TH® PRESENT POLICY FOR THE PROVISION OF SIXTH FORM PLACES DERIVES FROM THE 1978 WHITE PAPER "THE DEVELOPMENT OF SENIOR SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION". OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE SUBSIDISED FORM 6 PLACES FOR UP TO ONE THIRD OF STUDENTS ENTERING SUBSIDISED FORM 4 PLACES TWO YEARS PREVIOUSLY."
/HE ADDED .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 198?
HE ADDED THAT THE POLICY HAD BEEN REVIEWED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND WAS ENDORSED BY THE COMMISSION IN ITS SECOND REPORT.
THE REPORT ALSO COMMENTED ON THE UNDER UTILISATION OF FORM 8 AND FORM 7 PLACES AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SHOULD REINFORCE ITS EFFORTS TO SEE THAT PUBLIC SECTOR FORM 6 PLACES WERE FILLED WHERE CANDIDATES OF SUITABLE ACADEMIC STANDING WERE AVAILABLE.
THE AVERAGE SIXTH FORM PROVISION RATE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR IN 1984, 1985 AND 1986 WAS 32.2 PER CENT OF THE EQIVALENT FORM 4 PLACES. THE AVERAGE TAKE UP RATE WAS 87.8 PER CENT. FOR FORM 7 PLACES THE AVERAGE TAKE UP RATE WAS 81.2 PER CENT.
"THE REASON FOR THE SLIGHTLY LOWER TAKE UP RATE FOR FORM 7 PLACES IS THAT SOME STUDENTS ACCEPT PLACES IN THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OR THE POLYTECHNICS, OR GO ABROAD FOR FURTHER STUDIES OR TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT AFTER COMPLETING FORM 6." MR BRIDGE SAID.
HE SAID WHEN DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS INSPECTED AND VISITED SCHOOLS THEY CONSTANTLY ADVISED THEM TO MAKE FULL USE OF ALL THEIR FORM 6 AND 7 PLACES AND DISCUSSED WITH THEM THE REASONS FOR THEIR FAILURE TO DO SO.
MR BRIDGE SAID: "IT SEEMS THAT ONE PROBLEM THAT HAS COME TO LIGHT IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SCHOOLS IS OVER HOW SCHOOLS SHOULD DECIDE WHICH STUDENTS ARE SUITABLE FOR SIXTH FORM EDUCATION.
"WHILE MOST SCHOOLS ARE WILLING TO ACCEPT H LEVEL STUDENTS WITH THE MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, IT SEEMS THAT SOME TEND TO REQUIRE A LEVEL STUDENTS TO HAVE RATHER BETTER THAN THE MINIMUM ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS. APPARENTLY, THIS IS BECAUSE SCHOOLS CONSIDER A LEVELS TO BE MORE COMPETITIVE."
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SOCIAL WORKERS TOLD TO TAKE GREATER CARE
*****
SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REMINDED TO TAKE GREATER CARE IN HANDLING CASES WITH POTENTIAL RISKS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD SHORTLY ISSUE A MORE DETAILED GUIDANCE NOTE ON PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES WHICH SHOULD HELP TO AVOID STRESS AND TENSION ON THE PART OF CLIENTS.
/"IN EXTREME
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 198?
- 5 -
"IN EXTREME CASES, THE POLICE MAY BE ASKED TO ESCORT SOCIAL WORKERS ON THEIR DUTY VISITS," HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID SOCIAL WORKERS OPERATED IN TEAMS IN DISTRICT FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES. THE MORE EXPERIENCED SOCIAL WORKERS. IN EACH CENTRE ACTED AS TEAM LEADERS AND HANDLED THE MORE COMPLICATED CASES.
"IF NECESSARY, OTHER EXPERTS SUCH AS PSYCHOLOGISTS CAN BE BROUGHT IN AND CASES CAN ALSO BE REFERRED TO OFFICERS AT THE REGIONAL OR HEADQUARTERS LEVEL. THIS IS CONSIDERED TO BE A MUCH BETTER ARRANGEMENT, IN TERMS OF MORE EFFECTIVE USE OF STAFF TIME, THAN THE SETTING UP OF A SPECIAL TEAM TO HANDLE COMPLICATED FAMILY CASES," HE SAID.
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MORE FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES ESTABLISHED
* * * *
THERE IS NO REAL EVIDENCE THAT THE SITUATION RELATING TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES IN THE NEW TOWNS IS ANY WORSE THAN IN OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON LIU LIT-FOR, MR CHAMBERS SAID A STUDY INTO THE SOURCE OF PRESSURE CONFRONTING NEW TOWN FAMILIES COULD BE USEFUL, BUT HE THOUGHT THAT WOULD BE MORE APPROPRIATELY A SUBJECT FOR ACADEMIC RESEARCH.
"IN MY VIEW A MORE EFFECTIVE WAY OF DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM IS TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE SUFFICIENT FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES, IN THE CORRECT LOCATIONS TO DEAL WITH THE SORT OF CASES WHICH MAY LEAD TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE," HE SAID.
THERE WERE NOW 50 SUCH CENTRES, OF WHICH 14 WERE IN THE NEW TOWNS.
"THREE ADDITIONAL CENTRES WILL BE OPENED IN TUEN MUN, SHA TIN AND THE NORTH DISTRICT DURING 1988," HE ADDED.
MR CHAMBERS SAID THERE WAS ALSO A NEED TO REDUCE THE AVERAGE CASELOAD OF CASEWORKERS IN THOSE CENTRES, WHICH WAS AT PRESENT ABOUT 96 PER WORKER.
"THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES PROVIDED THIS FINANCIAL YEAR HAVE ENABLED THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO RECRUIT A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF ADDITIONAL STAFF WHICH SHOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF REDUCING THE AVERAGE CASELOAD TO A MORE ACCEPTABLE LEVEL," HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21,
1987
- 6 -
NIGHT-TIME WORK AVOIDS DISRUPTION TO MTR * » t * ♦
NIGHT-TIME UNDERGROUND BLASTING AT QUARRY BAY FOR THE EXCAVATION OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING IS PERMITTED IN ORDER TO AVOID DISRUPTION TO THE, OPERATIONS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’OTHERWISE, FOR SAFETY REASONS, THE MTR QUARRY BAY STATION WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED, AND TRAINS IN THE VICINITY STOPPED, WHEN BLASTING WAS IN PROGRESS," MR ASPREY SAID IN RESPONSE TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
MR CHEUNG HAD ASKED ABOUT NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES TAKEN TO REDUCE THE NOISE GENERATED AT NIGHT BY TUNNEL CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.
MR ASPREY ADDED THAT IN KWUN TONG, ERECTION OF HEAVY FALSEWORK FOR CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE MTR VIADUCT WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AT NIGHT TO AVOID THE SEVERE DISRUPTIONS TO ROAD TRAFFIC ON THE KWUN TONG AND LEI YUE MUN ROADS WHICH WOULD OCCUR IF THE WORK WAS CARRIED OUT IN DAY-TIME.
HOWEVER, PERMITS WERE ONLY ISSUED UNDER THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (PERMITTED WORK) REGULATIONS WHERE NOISE LEVELS AFFECTING RESIDENTS IN THE VICINITY OF THE WORKS COULD BE KEPT DOWN TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS, AND CONDITIONS WERE IMPOSED TO ENSURE THAT THIS WAS ACHIEVED, HE SAID.
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ACTION ON INCOMPATIBLE LAND USE PROBLEMS ♦ » ♦ ♦
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING INTO WAYS TO IMPROVE PLANNING CONTROLS ON REDEVELOPMENT TO AVOID THE PROBLEMS OF INCOMPATIBLE LAND USES.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY THE HON RICHARD LAI ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION IN A RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON A PIECE OF LAND WHICH HAS BEEN REZONED FROM INDUSTRIAL USE, MR ASPREY SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN SOME AREAS THAT RESULTED FROM THE JUXTAPOSITION OF INDUSTRIAL AND RESIDENTIAL USES.
MOST OF THE PROBLEMS OF INCOMPATIBILITY HAD RESULTED FROM CHANGES IN LAND USE, SPECIFICALLY FROM THE REDEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIAL LOTS FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES. THE TSUEN TAK GARDEN DEVELOPMENT, REFERRED TO BY MR LAI, WAS A CASE IN POINT, HE SAID.
/’’THE AREA
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1987
7
"THE AREA WAS ORIGINALLY ZONED FOR INDUSTRY, BUT WAS REZONED IN 1981 AS RESIDENTIAL. REDEVELOPMENT HAS, HOWEVER, BEEN PIECEMEAL, WITH THE RESULT THAT NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CO-EXISTS WITH OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS. THIS HAS GIVEN RISE TO COMPLAINTS BY THE TSUEN TAK GARDEN RESIDENTS OF BOTH NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION.
"IN THE LONGER TERM, REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SURROUNDING AREA IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXISTING LAND-USE ZONING SHOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEMS. IN THE INTERIM, ALL COMPLAINTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CAUSED BY THE EXISTING FACTORIES HAVE BEEN AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE INVESTIGATED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT, AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION TAKEN WHERE APPROPRIATE," MR ASPREY ADDED.
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PREVENTIVE MEASURES PLANNED AGAINST PNEUMOCONIOSIS
*****
THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WOULD RESULT IN LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CONDITIONS OF THOSE WORKING IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRYING INDUSTRIES, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT IT WOULD ENABLE THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD TO UNDERTAKE PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST THE DISEASE.
THE BOARD, ESTABLISHED IN 1980 UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE, WAS EMPOWERED TO PAY COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS OF THE DISEASE OR THEIR DEPENDANTS, OUT OF A FUND FINANCED BY A LEVY ON CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND ON QUARRY PRODUCTS.
"BUT IT IS NOT AT PRESENT AUTHORISED TO USE ITS FUNDS ON MEASURES TO PREVENT PNEUMOCONIOSIS, SUCH AS RESEARCH INTO THE CAUSES OF THE DISEASE AND MEASURES TO PROTECT WORKERS WHO ARE AT RISK," MR BRIDGE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SUCH MEASURES COULD USEFULLY INCLUDE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY AIMED AT THOSE ENGAGED IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRYING INDUSTRIES.
WHILE IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT EXPENDITURE ON PREVENTION WOULD NOT EXCEED $1 MILLION, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT THERE WERE SAFEGUARDS AGAINST IMPRUDENT EXPENDITURE.
/"THE CONSTRUCTION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1987
8
’’THE CONSTRUCTION AND QUARRY INDUSTRIES ARE REPRESENTED ON THE BOARD WHICH MUST SUBMIT ITS PROGRAMME AND ESTIMATES TO THE GOVERNOR ANNUALLY,” HE SAID.
TO ENHANCE THESE SAFEGUARDS, THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE GOVERNOR TO REQUIRE THE BOARD TO MODIFY AND RESUBMIT ITS PROGRAMME AND ESTIMATES IF DEEMED NECESSARY.
MR BRIDGE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE BILL PERMITTED THE BOARD TO WRITE OFF UNCOLLECTABLE DEBTS, ADDING THAT THE BOARD CURRENTLY HAD NO STATUTORY POWER TO WRITE OFF THESE DEBTS WHICH HAD BEEN ACCUMULATING IN THE FUND ACCOUNTS.
’’THIS FOLLOWS NORMAL ACCOUNTING PRACTICE IN CASES WHERE ALL PROCEDURES TO COLLECT DEBTS THROUGH LEGAL AND OTHER MEANS HAVE PROVED UNSUCCESSFUL.
"WHEN CONTRACTORS ARE DECLARED BANKRUPT, OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF WINDING UP, THE BOARD IS RANKED AS AN UNSECURED CREDITOR,” MR BRIDGE SAID.
HE SAID THAT TOTAL REVENUE ACCRUING TO THE BOARD DURING THE SIX YEARS SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 1162 MILLION, OF WHICH ONLY ABOUT $600,000, OR 0.37 PER CENT, WAS CONSIDERED UNCOLLECTABLE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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TWO BILLS PASSED * t t
TWO BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1986-87) BILL 1987 AND THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
MEANWHILE, THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/9........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21,
1987
- 9 -
GOVERNOR MEETS CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS
*****
THE GOVERNOR., SIR DAVID WILSON, WAS MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY, U.S. TIME) WITH SOME OF THE MOST POWERFUL MEMBERS OF THE U.S. CONGRESS, AS WELL AS SEVERAL WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS.
IN A BUSY DAY ON CAPITOL HILL, HE WAS MEETING LEADERS OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING THOSE WHO ARE INFLUENTIAL ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES, AMONG THEM REFUGEES AND TRADE LEGISLATION,
SIR DAVID DISCUSSED REFUGEE PROBLEMS WITH CONGRESSMAN ROMANO MAZZOLI IN THE MORNING, AND IN THE AFTERNOON WAS DUE TO MEET SENATOR ALAN SIMPSON. THE TWO WERE LAST YEAR THE CO-SPONSORS OF THE SIMPSON-MAZZOLI BILL, WHICH BECAME THE IMMIGRATION REFORM ACT OF 1986. ONE OF ITS PROVISIONS RAISED HONG KONG’S IMMIGRATION QUOTA TO THE UNITED STATES FROM 600 TO 5,000.
IN HIS MEETING WITH CONGRESSMAN MAZZOLI, SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD A TWO-TRACK APPROACH TO SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF ITS VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, WITH RE-SETTLEMENT AS AN OBJECTIVE IN THE SHORT TERM, AND IN THE LONGER TERM REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM UNDER ACCEPTABLE CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO MEETING SEVERAL INFLUENTIAL MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, WHICH IS PRIMARILY RESPONSIBLE FOR DECIDING WHICH BILLS WILL ADVANCE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS AND WHICH WILL BE PUT ON HOLD.
SIR DAVID MET CONGRESSMAN BILL FRENZEL, A KEY REPUBLICAN MEMBER OF THE TRADE SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE. HE EMPHASISED TO CONGRESSMAN FRENZEL THAT HONG KONG WAS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF A FREE TRADER, AND THAT U.S. EXPORTS TO THE TERRITORY HAD UNDERGONE A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE RECENTLY, POINTING OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS A MAJOR MARKET FOR U.S. GOODS, INCLUDING TEXTILE FABRICS.
ALSO AT THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SIR DAVID MET CONGRESSMAN TOM FOLEY, WHO AS MAJORITY LEADER IS SECOND ONLY TO THE SPEAKER IN THE HOUSE LEADERSHIP, GIVING HIM A KEY ROLE IN THE PROGRESS OF ALL LEGISLATION. SIR DAVID AND CONGRESSMAN FOLEY DISCUSSED TRADE LEGISLATION, AND NOTED THAT THE RECENT RECORD DROPS ON STOCK EXCHANGES WORLD-WIDE DEMONSTRATED THE GROWING LEVEL OF INTERDEPENDENCE OF THE WORLD TRADING SYSTEMS.
AT THE WHITE HOUSE LUNCH, SIR DAVID WAS SCHEDULED TO MEET PRESIDENT REAGAN’S ASSISTANT FOR LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS, WILL BALL, AND THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR COMMUNICATIONS AND PLANNING, THOMAS GRIESCOM.
IN THE AFTERNOON, SIR DAVID WAS TO MEET CONGRESSMAN DAN ROSTENKOWSKI, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE, AND CONGRESSMAN SAM GIBBONS, WHO CHAIRS ITS TRADE SUBCOMMITTEE.
AT THE SENATE, HE WAS DUE TO MEET SENATOR LLOYD BENTSEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, AND SENATOR BOB PACKWOOD, FORMERLY CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE AND NOW RANKING REPUBLICAN MEMBER.
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/1O........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1987
10
FS: RISK AND RETURN INSEPARABLE ELEMENTS » * t t »
t THE DECISION BY THE BOARD OF THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE TO SUSPEND TRADING SHOULD' ENABLE THE PROPER SETTLEMENT OF OUTSTANDING TRANSACTIONS AND ’’LIKE EVERYONE ELSE I LOOK FORWARD TO AN ORDERLY OPENING OF THE MARKET,” THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MONEY ’87 HONG KONG EXHIBITION, MR JACOBS SAID IT WAS AXIOMATIC THAT ALL WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE MARKET MUST NOT FORGET THAT RISK AND RETURN WERE INSEPARABLE ELEMENTS IN ANY INVESTMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT STOCK MARKETS AROUND THE WORLD HAD SUFFERED SHARP FALLS THIS WEEK, AND THE PLUNGE IN HONG KONG MIRRORED SIMILAR ADJUSTMENTS ELSEWHERE.
IT HAD TO BE REMEMBERED THAT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR THE HANG SENG INDEX HAD RISEN BY SOME 50 PER CENT AND A CORRECTION HAD BEEN EXPECTED FOR SOME TIME.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT GIVEN THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG'S ECONOMY THE STOCK MARKET REMAINED SOUND.
MR JACOBS SAID INVESTORS SHOULD KNOW THEIR OBJECTIVES AND UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF THEIR INVESTMENTS BEFORE MAKING INVESTMENT DECISIONS. THE INFORMED INVESTOR WAS A GOOD INVESTOR.
"THAT IS WHY THIS EXHIBITION IS TIMELY AND USEFUL IN PROVIDING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WITH A FIRST-CLASS OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE AND CONSIDER FOR THEMSELVES THE MANY AND VARIED PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ON THE INVESTMENT MARKET, THEIR NATURE AND PROSPECTS," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT FINANCIAL INVESTMENT WAS BECOMING MORE COMPLEX AND SOPHISTICATED, AND TO HELP THE INVESTING PUBLIC THERE HAD BEEN A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPANIES PROVIDING INVESTMENT ADVICE AND SERVICES.
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG AS AN EFFICIENT AND WELL REGULATED MARKET-PLACE THAT COMMANDED INVESTORS’ CONFIDENCE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG ON THE POSSIBILITY OF AN EARLY RE-OPENING OF THE MARKET.
"IF THINGS LOOK RIGHT FOR AN EARLIER OPENING, AND THAT’S OBVIOUSLY A POSSIBILITY, BUT I WOULDN’T WANT TO PREDICT ANYTHING AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME," HE SAID.
/MR JACOBS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 198?
MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG FACED A QUITE EXTRAORDINARY SITUATION AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS WEEK, WHICH HAD COME ON TOP OF A LONG SUSTAINED BULL RUN, AND THERE HAD BEEN A GREAT BACKLOG OF SETTLEMENTS.
•' "A CLOSURE OR SUSPENSION WAS NEEDED, PARTICULARLY TO GET RID OF THAT BACKLOG OF SETTLEMENT," HE SAID.
"HAD TRADING COMMENCED AND HAD THE SITUATION GOT CONSIDERABLY WORSE, THAT WOULD NOT HAVE SERVED THE INVESTORS OF THE MARKET AND IT WOULD NOT HAVE SERVED THIS COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
ASKED IF THE STOCK EXCHANGE HAD THE LEGAL AUTHORITY TO CLOSE I HE MARKET, MR JACOBS SAID THE SUSPENSION OF TRADING WAS SOMETHING HICH WAS WITHIN THE POWER OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER HONG KONG BANKS SHOULD LOWER THE INTEREST RATE IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT SITUATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE HAD NOT YET DISCUSSED THE INTEREST RATE LEVEL WITH THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS.
- - 0 - -
STABLE AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE VITAL
*****
THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE MAINTENANCE OF A STABLE, EFFICIENT AND WELL-MOTIVATED CIVIL SERVICE WILL BE A KEY ELEMENT IN THE CONTINUING PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 1987 CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW AT A CRUCIAL STAGE IN ITS CONSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
"MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, WE REQUIRE HIGH CALIBRE, DEDICATED AND ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TO JOIN THE RANKS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THAT IN A WORLD WHERE UNEMPLOYMENT, PARTICULARLY YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT, REMAINED A SERIOUS PROBLEM, WE WERE INDEED FORTUNATE IN HONG KONG.
"WE HAVE NOT ACHIEVED OUR ENVIABLE POSITION BY CHANCE AND SOME OF THE CREDIT AT LEAST MUST GO TO THE CIVIL SERVICE WHOSE MEMBERS WORK QUIETLY AND EFFICIENTLY AT MEETING THE NEEDS OF AN INCREASINGLY WELL EDUCATED AND SOPHISTICATED COMMUNITY," SHE SAID.
/Mrs chan
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 198?
- 12
MRS CHAN SAID THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE CONSISTED OF SOME 60 DEPARTMENTS EMPLOYING NEARLY 180,000 PEOPLE OR ABOUT 6.8 PER CENT OF THE EMPLOYED PERSONS OF HONG KONG.
IN THE PAST DECADE, SHE SAID, THE SIZE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE HAD GROWN BY MORE THAN 65 PER CENT AND THERE WAS NOW A WIDE RANGING AND REWARDING ARRAY OF WORK AVAILABLE TO MEET THE INTERESTS AND TRAINING OF GRADUATES AT ALL LEVELS.
THE CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION, LASTING FOR THREE DAYS UNTIL FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23), IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S APPOINTMENTS SERVICE AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
ABOUT 20 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION BY SETTING UP COUNTERS WHERE OFFICERS FROM THESE DEPARTMENTS WILL ANSWER ENQUIRIES AND PROVIDE INFORMATION RELATING TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
-------0----------
LADY WILSON VISITS CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE
*****
LADY WILSON VISITED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CHILD ASSESSMENT CENTRE IN ARRAN STREET, KOWLOON, THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO SEE FOR HERSELF THE SPECIAL SERVICES PROVIDED THERE.
SHE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE REGIONAL DIRECTOR (KOWLOON), DR LAWRENCE LAI, AND THE CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN-IN-CHARGE, DR LILIAN KO.
BEFORE TOURING THE CENTRE, LADY WILSON WAS BRIEFED ON THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES AT A SLIDE PRESENTATION.
THE CENTRE IS HOUSED IN A TWO-STOREY BUILDING COMPRISING TWO CLINICS - THE CHILD ASSESSMENT CLINIC AND THE HEARING AID CLINIC.
THE CHILD ASSESSMENT CLINIC WAS SET UP IN 1977 UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON, WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISABLED CHILDREN BY DETECTING AND STUDYING THEIR PROBLEMS AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE AGE AND DETERMINING THE BEST WAYS TO HELP THEM.
THE HEARING AID CLINIC, WHILE BEING A PART OF THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY STRUCTURE FOR CHILD ASSESSMENT, ALSO PROVIDES HEARING ASSESSMENT AND AID TO ADULTS WITH PARTIAL HEARING IMPAIRMENT.
/LADY WILSON
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 19$7
- 15 -
LADY WILSON WAS TOLD THAT LAST YEAR, 1,146 CHILDREN WERE REFERRED TO THE ASSESSMENT CLINIC BY DOCTORS OR PSYCHOLOGISTS, COMPARED WITH 197 CHILDREN IN 1978 WHEN THE CLINIC BEGAN OPERATION.
« INITIALLY, CASES ARE SCREENED BY AN ASSESSMENT TEAM COMPRISING A DOCTOR, A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND A MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER. HOWEVER, CASES REQUIRING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT OR TREATMENT, NAMELY SPEECH THERAPY, OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY, PHYSIOTHERAPY, VISUAL AND HEARING ASSISTANCE, WILL BE REFERRED TO STAFF OF THE RESPECTIVE DISCIPLINES STATIONED IN THE CENTRE.
AFTER ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT, THE MAJORITY OF THE CHILREN WILL BE RECOMMENDED TO AN APPROPRIATE SPECIAL SCHOOL ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY.
LADY WILSON ALSO TOURED THE AUDIOMETRY ROOM DESIGNED FOR ASSESSING CHILDREN WITH HEARING PROBLEMS, THE OBSERVATION ROOM AND THE TOY LIBRARY.
THE TOY LIBRARY, WHICH FORMS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE SERVICE, IS INTENDED TO HELP THE MAXIMUM DEVELOPMENT OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIFIC PROBLEMS THROUGH THE PROVISION OF THERAPEUTIC, EDUCATIONAL AND STIMULATING TOYS.
BEFORE ENDING HER VISIT, LADY WILSON WAS BRIEFED ON THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME OF THE CHILD ASSESSMENT SERVICE.
PLANNING IS UNDERWAY TO BUILD SIX MORE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
-----0------
MORE CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANNED TO PROVIDIAN JDDITIONAL 3,500gCARE-
AND-ATTENTION PLACES FOR THE ELDERLY
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS
ELIZABETH WONG,
SAID TODAY
(WEDNESDAY).
HO SHIN HOSTEL FOR
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE
IN TAI PO, MRS WONG SAID TO SPEED UP THE PROVISION, ™K THE ELDERLY IN NEWLY CONSTRUCTED PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WOULD
THE ELDERLY HOSTELS FOR
INCLUDE
CARE-AND-ATTENTION UNITS.
/"IN ADDITION,
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 198?
"IN ADDITION, A PROPORTION OF BEDS IN ORDINARY HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE SET ASIDE AS CARE-AND-ATTENTION PLACES, COMPLETE WITH SERVICES OF DOCTORS AND NURSES, SO THAT THE HOSTEL RESIDENTS CAN RECEIVE PROPER CARE WHEN THEIR HEALTH CONDITIONS DETERIORATE WITHOUT HAVING TO BE TRANSFERRED TO CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOMES OR INFIRMARIES," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG SAID THAT APART FROM SERVICES RENDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, PRIVATE ELDERLY HOMES ALSO HAD A ROLE TO PLAY IN THE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY.
SHE SAID THAT THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THESE HOMES HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED FOR A YEAR NOW AND THAT A REVIEW WAS CURRENTLY BEING CONDUCTED BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER THERE WOULD BE A NEED FOR LEGISLATIVE CONTROL.
"THE REVIEW REPORT WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE RELEVANT ADVISORY COMMITTEES FOR DISCUSSION AT THE END OF NOVEMBER FOR THE FORMULATION OF FUTURE POLICY," SHE SAID.
MRS WONG REITERATED THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF GOVERNMENT POLICY FOR THE ELDERLY WAS TO ENABLE THEM TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING CASH BENEFITS, MEDICAL SERVICES, HOUSING COMMUNITY SUPPORT, RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND TRANSPORT.
"HOWEVER, THERE ARE ALSO SOME ELDERLY WHO NEED RESIDENTIAL CARE AND IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, IMPROVED RESIDENTIAL CARE, HOME HELP SERVICE AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY HAVE BEEN ACCORDED PRIORITY," SHE SAID.
MEANWHILE, MRS WONG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SET UP A CENTRAL COMMITTEE TO CO-ORDINATE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING MORE AND BETTER SERVICES.
THE HO SHIN HOSTEL IS OPERATED BY THE SIK SIR YUEN AND HAS 152 PLACES .
------0 ------
CAMPAIGN AGAINST COUNTRYSIDE FIRES
* * * *
A MAJOR PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 23) BY THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IN THE COMING DRY SEASON.
DETAILS OF THE PUBLICITY DRIVE WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT 11 AM ON THE SAME DAY AT SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK.
/PRESIDING AT
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 198?
- 15 -
PRESIDING AT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR K.C. IU; THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (PROMOTIONS) OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR GEORGE YUEN; AND THE DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR JAMES HO.
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A FIRE FIGHTING
DEMPOSTRATION INCLUDING
WATER BOMBING BY A RHKAAF HELICOPTER.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE. TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 10 AM.
AS PUBLIC VEHICULAR ACCESS IS RESTRICTED INSIDE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK, ANY MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE OR TELEVISION CREW WISHING TO ARRANGE FOR THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD CONTACT THE AFD INFORMATION UNIT ON 3-7332176 BEFORE 5 PM ON THURSDAY FOR THE NECESSARY PERMITS.
-----0------
SHA TIN DB FUNDS OPEN TO APPLICATION ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD IS NOW INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FROM NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS FOR PROMOTING COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS AS WELL AS CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE EVENTS MUST BE NON-PROFIT MAKING, AND AIMED AT FOSTERING COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG SHA TIN RESIDENTS.
ORGANISATIONS OTHER THAN THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND THE WORKING GROUPS OF THE FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MAY SUBMIT A MAXIMUM OF THREE APPLICATIONS UNDER A PARTICULAR EXPENDITURE HEAD, BUT SHOULD INDICATE THEIR PRIORITIES.
COPIES OF THE FINANCIAL RULES, FUNDING PROCEDURES AND APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. APPLICATIONS MUST REACH THE DB SECRETARIAT BY DECEMBER 12. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT MR LI ON 0-6048078, EXT. 451.
-------O---------
/16........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1987
- 16 -
TUEN MUN COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CONTAINER CLASSROOMS
*****
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE USE OF CONTAINERS AS CLASSROOMS BY A SECONDARY SCHOOL.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO LOOK INTO YOUTH PROBLEMS IN BUTTERFLY BAY AREA, RE-ADOPTION OF UNI-SESSIONS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, PROVISION OF TEMPORARY SPECIAL SCHOOL PLACES FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FROM THE YWCA PAK KOK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 3/F, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
-------0---------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS * *
TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS A DRAFT CONSULTATION PAPER ON THE 1988-89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT.
OFFICERS FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO INTRODUCE THE PAPER AND HEAR VIEWS EXPRESSED BY MEMBERS.
THE PAPER INCLUDES THE FRANCHISES BUS AND FERRY COMPANIES* FIVE-YEAR PLANS ON ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME; REQUIREMENTS, PURCHASING AND SCRAPPING PROGRAMME; DEPOT REQUIREMENTS AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS; AND FINANCIAL FORECAST AND FARE LEVEL ESTIMATES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROPOSALS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC MEASURES IN HO MAN TIN NORTH AREA, RE-ROUTING BUS ROUTE NO 85 VIA HUNG HOM AREA AND VIEWS ON THE BUS SERVICE IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
-----0------
/17
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 1987
- 17 -
CARNIVAL FOR MONO KOK RESIDENTS
*****
...... o.£^NIVA^ WILL BK HELD FOR RESIDENTS OF SYCAMORE AREA IN KOK ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24) IN WILLOW STREET PLAYGROUND.
THERE WILL BE LION DANCE, GAME STALLS AND A VARIETY FEATURING SINGING AND ACROBATICS.
MONO
SHOW
THE PLAYGROUNDMFORKCHILDRENFTOTPLAYLASTIC ELEPHANT WILL BE SET UP IN
PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO WIN PRIZES IN A LUCKY DRAW
THE EVENT IS PROVIDE RECREATION
ORGANISED BY THE SYCAMORE AREA F0R FAMILIES. IT IS ALSO AIMED RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT ACTIVITIES.
COMMITTEE TO AT ENHANCING
OFFICE, STREET.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT MONG KOK 15/ PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE
DISTRICT
85 IVY
THE CARNIVAL IS SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD.
-------0---------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG, CHAI
» » * * *
THE EXISTING LEFT-TURN FROM MA WANG ROAD ROAD, YUEN LONG, WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM ON FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE SYSTEM.
WAN
ON TO CASTLE PEAK SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24)
LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT
TRAFFIC ON MA WANG ROAD HEADING FOR YUEN LONG TOWN IS ADVISED TO USE SHUI PIN WAI ROAD.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY, TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN CHAI WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY. THEY ARE:
♦ THE SECTION OF WAN TSUI ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN
TSUI LANE TO A POINT ABOUT 72 METRES EAST OF THE SAME
JUNCTION, AND
» THE SECTION OF WAN TSUI LANE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN
TSUI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT SEVEN METRES NORTH OF THE SAME
JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLE OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
- - 0 - -
/18
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21,
1987
- 18 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL
« ♦ » ♦ *
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN RUMSEY STREET AND MAN WA LANE WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
THE RESTRICTION WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS WITHIN THE CLEARWAY.
MEANWHILE, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM ON THE SAME DAY. THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS IMPLEMENTED TO FACILITATE THE HOLDING OF THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ’’ADVENTURE SHIP” BY THE ADVENTURE SHIP LIMITED.
-------0---------
SALT WATER CUT t * * » ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24) FROM 9 AM TO 9 PM TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT JORDAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, YIM PO FONG STREET, ARGYLE STREET, SAI YEE STREET AND BOUNDARY STREET.
-------0---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
BUOYANT ECONOMY IS PROOF FREE TRADE WORKS - SIR DaVID.... 1
GOVERNOR TAKES HK MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON ..................... J
GOVERNOR IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN HK.............. 4
HAMBROS BANK ENGAGED AS GOVERNMENT’S ADVISER ................ 5
BRIEFING FOR HOSPITALS ON AUTHORITY SYSTEM................... 5
LDC SET TO FACILITATE URBAN RENEWAL.......................... 6
BEACH WATER QUALITY GRADING RELEASED ........................ 9
HK STUDENTS WIN HIGH HONOURS IN UK.......................... 13
YAU TONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES DEMOLISHED...................... 13
FREE CHECK-UP FOR DIABETES, HYPERTENSION ................... 14
CARE FOR ELDERLY CAMPAIGN .................................. 14
RESPONSE TO MINIBUS SELECTION ENCOURAGING .................. 15
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN YUEM LONG .... 15
KOWLOON CITY HOLDING SEMINAR ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS............ 16
VISIT TO DRUG ADDICT REHABILITATION CENTRE.................. 16
WAN CHAI SEMINAR ON RELIGIOUS CULTS......................... 17
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN ........................... 18
QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL MORTUaRY TO BE EXPANDED ................ 18
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS RECEIVE LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA ......... 19
FACTORY INSPECTORATE MOVES OFFICE .......................... 20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL............... 20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR CHaRITY WALK.................. 24
TAI WAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE.............................. 25
NOWL MAIL TO CANADA RESUMED ................................ 25
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
BUOYANT ECONOMY IS PROOF FREE TRADE WORKS - SIR DAVID
*****
HONG KONG TODAY EXUDES AN ECONOMIC CONFIDENCE THAT IS ALMOST TANGIBLE, AND THE BUOYANT ECONOMY ITSELF IS PROOF THAT A FREE TRADE POLICY WORKS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN WASHINGTON ON WEDNESDAY (U.S. TIME).
"WE SHARE COMMON CAUSE WITH THE UNITED STATES IN TRYING TO GET THE FREE TRADE MESSAGE ACROSS TO OTHERS," HE SAID IN AN ADDRESS TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IN THE U.S. CAPITAL.
THE GOVERNOR EMPHASISED THE STRENGTH OF TIES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE U.S.
HE SAID: "THIS COUNTRY IS OF IMMENSE IMPORTANCE TO US, THE UNITED STATES ALSO HAS SUBSTANTIAL INTERESTS IN HONG KONG. AND HONG KONG IS, I BELIEVE, IMPORTANT TO THE UNITED STATES BOTH IN ITSELF AND FOR THE ROLE IT PLAYS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FAST-GROWING ASIA-PACIFIC REGION."
IN HIS WIDE-RANGING ADDRESS, ENTITLED "HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS ASIA’S INTERNATIONAL CITY", SIR DAVID SPOKE ABOUT U.S. INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY, THE SOLID PROGRESS MADE SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
ON TRADE, HE REITERATED HONG KONG’S STRONG COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE, AND STRESSED THAT THERE WERE NO RESTRICTIONS OR OBSTACLES TO PREVENT AMERICANS OR ANY OTHERS SELLING THEIR PRODUCTS IN THE TERRITORY.
HE POINTED TO THE STRONG SURGE OF INTEREST THAT AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN HAD SHOWN IN RECENT YEARS AND EXPLAINED: "AS WELL AS BEING A GOOD MARKET IN ITS OWN RIGHT, HONG KONG IS IDEALLY PLACED FOR DOING BUSINESS WITH THE REST OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, AND IS BY FAR THE BEST GATEWAY FOR PENETRATING THE CHINA MARKET. MANY U.S. FIRMS HAVE LOCATED THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG..."
THE UNITED STATES, HE SAID, WAS HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, TAKING ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF ITS DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AND THE SECOND LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AFTER CHINA.
"YOU ARE OUR FOURTH LARGEST SUPPLIER. WE, DESPITE A POPULATION OF ONLY FIVE-AND-HALF-MILLION, ARE YOUR SEVENTEENTH LARGEST MARKET -AHEAD OF MANY COUNTRIES WITH MUCH LARGER POPULATIONS," HE SAID.
IN 1986 EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD IN HONG KONG BOUGHT THE EQUIVALENT OF US$521 IN AMERICAN GOODS. WHAT WAS MORE, EXPORTS TO HONG KONG IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WERE UP BY AN IMPRESSIVE AMOUNT.
/SIR DAVID
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 198?
2
SIR DAVID THEN WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, WHICH SET OUT CLEARLY THAT HONG KONG AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA WOULD REMAIN A DISTINCT ENTITY, WITH ITS OWN CAPITALIST ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEM, ITS OWN LAWS AND LEGAL SYSTEM, AND ITS OWN GOVERNMENT, CONSISTING OF LOCAL PEOPLE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE SOLID ACHIEVEMENTS MADE SINCE THEN BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD BEEN PARALLELED BY AN ECONOMIC RESURGENCE.
DESCRIBING ECONOMIC CONFIDENCE AS BEING ALMOST TANGIBLE, HE WENT ON : "IT IS CERTAINLY VISIBLE TO ANY VISITOR, IN THE SHAPE OF MASSIVE CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY ALL OVER THE TERRITORY. DOZENS OF HIGH-RISE OFFICE BLOCKS AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES ARE TAKING SHAPE, INCLUDING WHAT WILL BE THE TALLEST BUILDING IN ASIA."
HE ALSO REFERRED TO MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS SUCH AS THE INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, THE SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, AND OTHER MAJOR ROAD AND TUNNEL PROJECTS, AS WELL AS A NEW CONTAINER PORT TERMINAL AND POSSIBLE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW AIRPORT.
"THESE ARE VERY BIG INVESTMENTS, REFLECTING LONG-TERM THINKING, WAY BEYOND 1997, BY HONG KONG AND FOREIGN INVESTORS. IT IS THEY, NOT THE GOVERNMENT, WHO FUND MOST OF THIS ACTIVITY."
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS EXPECTED TO GROW BY OVER 12 PER CENT THIS YEAR, FOLLOWING GROWTH OF 11 PER CENT IN 1986. "PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANT, IN THE THREE YEARS FROM 1984 TO 1986, OVERALL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON PLANT AND MACHINERY IN HONG KONG GREW AT AN AVERAGE OF NINE PER CENT PER ANNUM, THE BEST THREE-YEAR RECORD IN OUR HISTORY."
IN ADDITION, THE NUMBER OF FOREIGN COMPANIES OPERATING IN THE TERRITORY WAS INCREASING.
SIR DAVID TOLD THE PRESS CLUB THAT THESE FACTS AND FIGURES WOULD GIVE SOME FEEL FOR THE LEVEL OF BUSINESS CONFIDENCE IN THE TERRITORY, CONTRARY TO THE IMPRESSION OF DECLINE GIVEN BY SOME COMMENTATORS.
HE ALSO POINTED TO THE STRONG CULTURAL AND PERSONAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE U.S. AND NOTED THAT EMIGRATION FROM THE TERRITORY WAS NOT NEW, AS WAS EVIDENCED BY THE CHINATOWNS OF NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE.
THERE WAS ALSO AN OUTFLOW OF CAPITAL, HE SAID, BUT THIS WAS NOT UNUSUAL GIVEN THE STRONG ECONOMY. "HONG KONG HAS PRODUCED SOME VERY RICH MEN AND SOME VERY LARGE COMPANIES, AND IT IS NATURAL THEY SHOULD LOOK FOR OVERSEAS ASSETS. THIS IS NOT DISINVESTMENT, BUT SENSIBLE DIVERSIFICATION," HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT IN THIS CONNECTION IT WAS WORTH NOTING THAT A GOOD DEAL OF THE CAPITAL LEAVING HONG KONG WAS GOING INTO CHINA. HE WENT ON TO DESCRIBE THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG TO CHINA’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SAYING THAT CHINESE INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY WAS HUGE AND GROWING FAST.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT THERE WAS EVERY SIGN THAT HONG KONG’S UNIQUE ROLE WOULD CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN.
"WE ARE CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR WAYS TO ENHANCE OUR USEFULNESS TO THE COUNTRIES OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION - AS A FINANCIAL CENTRE, AN ENTREPOT, A COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE - AND TO THE COUNTRIES OF THE WEST WHO COME TO HONG KONG TO DO BUSINESS WITH THEM,” HE SAID.
-----0 ---------
GOVERNOR TAKES HK MESSAGE TO WASHINGTON
*****
AMERICAN LEGISLATORS AND THE ADMINSTRATION HAVE BEEN TOLD THIS WEEK THAT HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNITED STATES IS VERY IMPORTANT, BOTH POLITICALLY AND ECONOMICALLY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN WASHINGTON, DC ON WEDNESDAY (U.S. TIME).
SPEAKING AT A NEWS CONFERENCE NEAR THE END OF A THREE-DAY VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES CAPITAL, SIR DAVID SAID THAT HE HAD BEEN EMPHASISING HONG KONG’S FREE TRADE POLICIES IN HIS MEETINGS WITH SENATORS AND CONGRESSMEN, AT THE WHITE HOUSE AND AT VARIOUS U.S. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"THE PARTICULAR POINT WHICH I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO MAKE WITH EVERYBODY I HAVE SEEN IS THAT HONG KONG IS THE SHINING EXAMPLE IN THE WORLD, TOGETHER WITH SINGAPORE, OF A FREE TRADE SYSTEM ACTUALLY AT WORK," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WE’RE DOING EXACTLY THE SORT OF THINGS WHICH THE UNITED STATES ADMINISTRATION WOULD LIKE TO SEE OTHER COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES DOING," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID ALSO SAID HE HOPED THAT IN THE EFFORTS WHICH THE UNITED STATES WAS MAKING TO REDUCE TARIFF AND OTHER BARRIERS, HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE INADVERTANTLY AFFECTED.
HE SAID: "IT WOULD BE A TRAGEDY. IT WOULD BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE FOR U.S. POLICIES IF THE TERRITORY WHICH IS PRACTISING FREE TRADE WERE IN ANY WAY PENALISED IN AN EFFORT TO GET OTHER PEOPLE TO ACT MORE LIKE WE ACTUALLY DO."
/SIR DAVID
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 198?
SIR DAVID ALSO TRIED TO GET ACROSS THE MESSAGE THAT HONG KONG WAS A VERY GOOD MARKET FOR US GOODS, POINTING OUT THAT LAST YEAR HONG KONG BOUGHT MORE THAN HK$4,000 WORTH OF U.S. GOODS PER CAPITA, FAR MORE THAN JAPAN, EUROPE OR MOST FAR EASTERN COUNTRIES.
"I HOPE THAT I HAD SOME SUCCESS IN REMINDING PEOPLE OF THE NATURE OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND ITS BEING TOTALLY OPEN," HE NOTED.
SIR DAVID ALSO DISCUSSED WITH U.S. OFFICIALS THE ISSUE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, TAKING A TWO-TRACK APPROACH. HE POINTED OUT THAT RESETTLEMENT WAS NEEDED IN THE SHORT TERM, BUT IN THE LONGER TERM REPATRIATION UNDER ACCEPTABLE CIRCUMSTANCES MIGHT BE NECESSARY.
EARLIER ON WEDNESDAY MORNING (U.S. TIME), SIR DAVID MET THE NEWLY INSTALLED SECRETARY OF COMMERCE, MR BILL VERITY. DURING THE MEETING, SIR DAVID EMPHASISED HONG KONG'S FREE TRADE POSITION AND THE ABSENCE OF ANY TARIFFS OR OTHER TRADE BARRIERS IN HONG KONG.
SIR DAVID SAID MR VERITY WAS VERY SUPPORTIVE OF HONG KONG’S FREE TRADE STANCE.
FROM THE COMMERCE DEPARTMENT, SIR DAVID WENT TO MEET THE EDITORIAL BOARD OF THE WASHINGTON POST, THEN ON TO GIVE A LUNCHEON ADDRESS AT THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB, THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS PLATFORM FROM WHICH A VISITOR TO THE UNITED STATES CAN ADDRESS THE MEDIA.
THERE, SIR DAVID SPOKE BEFORE SOME 200 REPRESENTATIVES OF THE UNITED STATES AND INTERNATIONAL MEDIA ON THE SUBJECT OF "HONG KONG’S FUTURE AS ASIA’S INTERNATIONAL CITY". HE ALSO ANSWERED A RANGE OF QUESTIONS AFTER HIS ADDRESS.
IN THE AFTERNOON, SIR DAVID GAVE AN INTERVIEW TO THE BISNET NETWORK, THE TELEVISION SERVICE OF THE U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
-----------------------0------- GOVERNOR IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN HK *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, IS KEEPING IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING THE APPOINTMENT OF HAMBROS TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS RELATING TO THE FUTURES EXCHANGE.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED IN NEW YORK ON THURSDAY (U.S. TIME) IN RESPONSE TO THE SITUATION REGARDING THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE FUTURES EXCHANGE/ SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE HAD DECIDED TO RE-OPEN THE EXCHANGE ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26).
HE HOPED THAT, DESPITE THE SHOCKS THAT THE HONG KONG MARKETS, LIKE THOSE IN THE REST OF THE WORLD, HAVE SUFFERED IN THE PAST FEW DAYS, AN ORDERLY PATTERN OF TRADING WOULD QUICKLY BE RESUMED.
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/5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
- 5 -
HAMBROS BANK ENGAGED AS
GOVERNMENT’S ADVISER
* * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING THAT IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HONG KONG’S FUTURES MARKET TO HONG KONG AND THE COMPLEXITY OF THE ISSUES INVOLVED, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD ENGAGED THE HAMBROS BANK LTD, ONE OF THE LEADING LONDON MERCHANT BANKS, TO ACT AS THEIR ADVISER IN THIS MATTER.
-------0---------
BRIEFING FOR HOSPITALS ON AUTHORITY SYSTEM *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING THE MANAGEMENTS OF SUBVENTED HOSPITALS TO A BRIEFING LATER THIS MONTH TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH INDIVIDUAL SUBVENTED HOSPITALS TO DISCUSS HOW THEY WILL OPERATE UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY SYSTEM.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, AFTER A VISIT TO BUDDHIST HOSPITAL TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF BUDDHIST HOSPITAL, MR CHOW KWAN-LING, WHO ACCOMPANIED MR CHAMBERS DURING THE VISIT, EXPRESSED AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE WITH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY CONCEPT.
HE SAID BUDDHIST HOSPITAL WOULD BE PREPARED TO PARICIPATE IN THE NEW SYSTEM AND HE WELCOMED THE CHANCE FOR FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
COMMENTING ON RECENT CRITICISMS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT HAVE ANNOUNCED THE SETTING UP OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY BEFORE THE DETAILS WERE WORKED OUT, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE DECISION WAS MADE IN PRINCIPLE ONLY, AND IT WAS MADE HAVING REGARD TO THE OVERSEAS CONSULTANTS REPORT, THE VIEWS RECEIVED DURING PUBLIC CONSULTATION, AND THE NEED TO BRING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF HOSPITAL SERVICE DELIVERY.
’’CONSULTATIONS CONDUCTED FROM MARCH TO AUGUST LAST YEAR REVEALED THAT THERE WAS A GENERAL SUPPORT AMONG DISTRICT BOARDS, PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS FOR THE FORMATION OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY PROVIDED THAT GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT RELINQUISH ITS RESPONSIBILITY FOK FINANCING MEDICAL SERVICES.
/’’THE SUCCESS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
"THE SUCCESS OF THIS MAJOR REFORM DEPENDS A LOT ON THE UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, INCLUDING MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS, SUBVERTED ORGANISATIONS AND STAFF. IT IS THEREFORE IMPERATIVE FOR US TO CONSULT THEM BEFORE ANY DETAILED ARRANGEMENT IS INTRODUCED," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
MR CHAMBERS SAID IT WAS ABSOLUTELY UNJUSTIFIED TO SUGGEST THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS TRYING TO "HIVE OFF" ONE OF THE MOST ESSENTIAL SOCIAL SERVICES BY USING THE AUTHORITY AS A BUFFER TO AVOID PUBLIC SCRUTINY.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT RELINQUISH ITS RESPONSIBILITY IN FUNDING AND FORMULATING POLICY FOR MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE. MOREOVER, THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE MORE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PUBLIC BECAUSE OF THE ELEMENT OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AT BOTH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND REGIONAL COMMITTEE LEVELS," HF. SAID.
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS REGARDING BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUAL PATIENTS UNDER THE PROPOSED CHANGES, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE OVERCROWDING PROBLEM SHOULD BE REDUCED AS A RESULT OF A MORE EVEN UTILISATION OF HOSPITAL BEDS AMONG HOSPITALS.
"PATIENTS WILL THEREFORE BE ABLE TO ENJOY A BETTER ENVIRONMENT WHEN THEY ARE HOSPTIALISED, AND THE PATIENTS WILL RECEIVE CARE OF A HIGHER QUALITY BECAUSE THE SYSTEM IS ALSO AIMED AT INDUCING HIGHER STAFF MORALE.
"IN ADDITION, PATIENTS’ NEEDS WOULD BE MET MORE FULLY BECAUSE A HIGHER DEGREE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION WILL RESULT IN GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY," MR CHAMBERS SAID.
HE PRAISED THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFF OF BUDDHIST HOSPITAL FOR THEIR DEDICATION TN SERVING THE PUBLIC AND SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE HOSPTIAL’S OCCUPANCY RATE HAD IMPROVED IN RECENT MONTHS.
-------0---------
LDC SET TO FACILITATE URBAN RENEWAL * * * *
THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATUTORY LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS AN INDICATION OF GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF URBAN DECAY AS SHOWN IN THE POOR AND DETERIORATING CONDITION OF BUILDINGS IN SOME AREAS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR MARTIN LEWIS, TODAY (THURSDAY) IN AN ADDRESS TO THE CONFERENCE ON OPPORTUNITIES IN PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT.
/MR LEWIS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 198?
MR LEWIS SAID THE CORPORATION WOULD HAVE A VII AL ROLE TO PLAY IN URBAN RENEWAL NOTWITHSTANDING THE EXTENT OF PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT IN RECENT YEARS, AND THE EFFORTS OF THE HOUSING SOCIETY UNDER ITS URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, AND URBAN RENEWAL PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN DIRECTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID THE LDC HAD BEEN GIVEN WIDE-RANGING POWERS TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVES, FOREMOST OF WHICH WAS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF HOUSING AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG BY UNDERTAKING, ENCOURAGING, PROMOTING AND FACILITATING URBAN RENEWAL.
THE REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS UNDER THE LDC BILL, WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEEK, CONSISTS OF TWO MAIN STAGES, MR LEWIS NOTED.
HE SAID: "THE FIRST MAIN STAGE CONSISTS OF THE CORPORATION DRAWING UP PROPOSALS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC SITES, EITHER ON ITS OWN OR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRIVATE DEVELOPERS.
"WHEN THE CORPORATION HAS DRAWN UP A SPECIFIC REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME, IT WILL APPLY FOR APPROVAL OF ITS DEVELOPMENT PLAN BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD. IF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD APPROVES THE PLAN, IT WILL BE PUBLISHED AS A DRAFT PLAN UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE, AND IT WILL THEN GO THROUGH THE SAME PROCEDURES AS ANY OTHER DRAFT TOWN PLAN, INCLUDING GAZETTING TO GIVE THE PUBLIC A RIGHT OF OBJECTION, AND WITH PROVISION FOR ANY OBJECTIONS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL BEFORE A PLAN CAN BE APPROVED, WITH OR WITHOUT AMENDMENT.
"THE SECOND MAIN STAGE CONCERNS RESUMPTION. ONCE A PLAN HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE LDC WILL BE REQUIRED TO MAKE OFFERS TO ACQUIRE ALL REMAINING LAND IN THE AREA NOT ALREADY IN ITS OWNERSHIP WITHIN 12 MONTHS, AND TO OFFER REHOUSING TO THE DOMESTIC RESIDENTS. HAVING DONE SO, IT MAY REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO RESUME ANY LAND WHICH IT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO ACQUIRE."
MR LEWIS STRESSED THAT THIS REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS WAS TO PERMIT THE PROCESS OF SITE ASSEMBLY TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME LIMIT, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ENSURING THAT OWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF PROPERTY WITHIN A REDEVELOPMENT AREA WERE ACCORDED FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT.
HE SAID: "WHILE URBAN RENEWAL IS THE PURPOSE OF THE LEGISLATION, THE GOVERNMENT MUST ALSO ENSURE THAT THE INTERESTS OF PROPERTY OWNERS AND RESIDENTS ARE PROTECTED. THE GOVERNMENT HAS THUS DESIGNED A PROCEDURE WHICH MUST BE COMPLIED WITH BEFORE REDEVELOPMENT CAN TAKE PLACE.
/"FIRSTLY, BEFORE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
’’FIRSTLY, BEFORE A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME WAS APPROVED, THE CORPORATION WOULD HAVE TO SUBMIT NOT ONLY ITS DEVELOPMENT PLAN WHICH WOULD BE PUBLISHED FOR POSSIBLE PUBLIC OBJECTION; IT MUST ALSO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE SCHEME, INCLUDING ITS PLANS FOR ACQUIRING ON THE OPEN MARKET THE PRIVATE PROPERTY INVOLVED, AND FOR COMPENSATING AND REHOUSING THE TENANTS AND RESIDENTS WHOM Ri DEVELOPMENT MAY DISPLACE. ONLY IF SATISFIED ON ALL THESE MATTERS WOULD THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVE A SCHEME.
’’SECONDLY, FOLLOWING APPROVAL OF A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME, THE CORPORATION MUST WITHIN 12 MONTHS MAKE OFFERS TO ACQUIRE ALL THE PRIVATE PROPERTY AFFECTED. ONLY IF SATISFIED THAT IT HAS DONE SO, AND THAT IT HAS OFFERED A FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE FOR THE PROPERTY WOULD THE GOVERNMENT BE PREPARED TO RECOMMEND THAT PROPERTY BE RESUMED. THE GOVERNMENT MAY FOR THIS PURPOSE APPOINT AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSOR TO ADVISE WHETHER THE OFFFRS MADE BY THE CORPORATION WERE FAIR AND REASONABLE.
’’THIRDLY, WHEN PROPERTY IS RESUMED, OWNERS WILL ULTIMATELY HAVE RESOURCE TO THE LAND TRIBUNAL TO DETERMINE THE OPEN MARKET VALUE OF THEIR PROPERTY IF THEY ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE OFFER MADE,” HE ADDED.
MR LEWIS ALSO SAID THAT JOINT VENTURES WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD BE THE RULE RATHER THAN THE EXCEPTION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES.
’’CO-OPERATION, RATHER THAN COMPETITION, IS ENVISAGED. FOR SPECIFIED REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES, THERE IS CONSIDERABLE SCOPE FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE CORPORATION AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND EACH HAS MUCH TO OFFER THE OTHER IN A JOINT VENTURE DEVELOPMENT.
’’MANY PRIVATE DEVELOPERS HAVE BUILT UP SUBSTANTIAL PROPERTY OWNINGS WITHIN THE AREAS WHICH THE LDC WILL WISH TO REDEVELOP; JOINT VENTURES IN SUCH CASES WILL MAKE THE CORPORATIONS’S JOB OF SITE ASSEMBLY MUCH EASIER AND QUICKER.
’’THE LDC WILL NEED TO OBTAIN FINANCE FOR ITS REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES - IT ONLY HAS A $100 MILLION LOAN AT PRESENT, THOUGH IT HAS POWER TO BORROW, AND HERE AGAIN PRIVATE DEVELOPERS WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST,” MR LEWIS SAID.
--------0----------
/9........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
- 9 -
BEACH WATER QUALITY GRADING RELEASED » » » t i
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE LATEST BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY GRADES FOR ALL .BATHING BEACHES IN HONG KONG.
THIS IS THE LAST ANNOUNCEMENT MADE ON BEACH WATER QUALITY GRADINGS THIS YEAR AS THE BATHING SEASON COMES TO AN END BY LATE OCTOBER.
THE GRADING IS BASED ON THE E.COLI DATA OBTAINED BY EPD IN ITS ROUTINE BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMME. THE E.COLI DATA USED FOR GRADING ARE BASED ON THE MEDIAN VALUES OF THE MOST RECENT FIVE RESULTS, OBTAINED OVER A TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTH PERIOD ACCORDING TO THE USUAL SAMPLING FREQUENCY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR EPD SAID THE GRADES FOR SOME BEACHES MIGHT FLUCTUATE. THIS REPRESENTED A NATURAL FLUCTUATION IN THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF THE BEACHES, AS RAIN AND TIDES BROUGHT MORE OR LESS POLLUTION TO THE SWIMMING AREAS.
NEVERTHELESS THE GRADES GAVE A GOOD GENERAL PICTURE OF THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF THE BEACHES AND FORM THE BEST AVAILABLE FORECAST OF THE BEACH WATER QUALITY IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, HE SAID.
THE SYSTEM FOR GRADING BEACH WATER QUALITY IS AS FOLLOW:
"A” GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E.COLI COUNT IS BETWEEN 0-99 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS GOOD.
"B" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E.COLI COUNT IS BETWEEN 100-999 PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS ACCEPTABLE.
"C" GRADE INDICATES THE MEDIAN E.COLI COUNT IS 1000 OR MORE PER 100 MILLILITRES, AND THE WATER QUALITY IS POOR.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE DECISION TO CLOSE A BEACH TO SWIMMERS WAS BASED ON A JUDGEMENT OF WHAT DEGREE OF POLLUTION WAS ACCEPTABLE.
NORMALLY, A RECOMMENDATION ON CLOSURE WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN OR REGIONAL COUNCIL IF A "C" GRADING OCCURRED REPEATEDLY. SIMILARLY A RECOMMENDATION TO REOPEN A CLOSED BEACH WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF A "B" GRADE OR BETTER WERE CONSISTENTLY OBTAINED. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.
/THE GRADES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
10
THB GRADES ON THE BACTERIAL WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES IN HONG KONG AS AT TODAY (THURSDAY) AND TWO WEEKS AGO ARE LISTED BELOW:
' BEACH
LAST GRADING
PRESENT GRADING
AS AT OCT. 7
AS AT OCT. 22
HONG KONG SOUTH
BIG WAVE BAY
CHUNG HOM KOK DEEP WATER BAY HAIRPIN MIDDLE BAY REPULSE BAY SHEK O SOUTH BAY ST. STEPHEN’S TURTLE COVE STANLEY MAIN ROCKY BAY, SHEK O TO TEI WAN*
B A A
B B
B A A
B B
C A
A A A
B B
B A A B B B A
ISLANDS DISTRICT
CHEUNG SHA UPPER
CHEUNG SHA LOWER
DISCOVERY BAY*
HUNG SHING YEH
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
/KWUN YAM WAN .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
11
KWUN YAM WAN A A
TONG FUK A A
LO Sb SHING A A
PUI 0 A A
SILVERMINE BAY C C
TUNG WAN, CHEUNG CHAU A A
TUNG O» A A
* NON-GAZETTED BEACHES
SAI KUNG DISTRICT
CAMPERS A A
CLEAR WATER BAY 1ST BEACH B B
CLEAR WATER BAY 2ND BEACH A A
HAP MUN BAY A A
KIU TSUI A A
PAK SHA CHAU A A
SILVERSTRAND B B
TRIO (HEBE HAVEN) A A
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
ANGLERS’ C C
APPROACH C C
CASAM B B
GEMINI A A
/HOI MEI WAN
12 -
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
Ml
HOI MEI WAN
LIDO
TING KAU
TUNG WAN, MA WAN
TUEN MUN DISTRICT
B
B
B
A
B
A
OLD CAFETERIA
NEW CAFETERIA
CASTLE PEAK
KADOORIE BEACH
BUTTERFLY
C
B
C
B
B
C
B
C
B
B
COMMENTING ON THE CHANGE IN GRADING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ROCKY BAY, WHICH WAS CHANGED FROM "C" TO "B", WAS POLLUTED BY A DRAIN AT THE SOUTHERN END OF THE BEACH WHICH RECEIVED DOMESTIC SEWAGE FROM THE NEARBY SHEK O VILLAGE. THE CHANGE FROM ”C” TO ”B” OR VICE VERSA WAS CONSIDERED TO BE WITHIN NORMAL RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF THE BACTERIAL QUALITY OF THE BEACH, HE SAID.
ON CHUNG HOM KOK WHICH WAS CHANGED FROM ”B” TO "A", THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS BEACH HAD BEEN SPORADICALLY AFFECTED BY A STREAM RUNNING INTO THE BEACH. ALTHOUGH THE NORMAL GRADING FOR THE BEACH HAD BEEN "B" IN THIS SWIMMING SEASON, THE RANGE OF FLUCTUATION OF ITS WATER QUALITY WAS FROM "A” TO "C".
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AN ANNUAL REVIEW ON THE WATER QUALITY OF VARIOUS BATHING BEACHES IN THE BATHING SEASON OF 1987 WOULD BE PREPARED BY EPD BY THE END OF THIS YEAR. THE REPORT WOULD ALSO GIVE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE ACCEPTABILITY OF VARIOUS BEACHES FOR SWIMMING PURPOSES IN THE BATHING SEASON OF 1988, HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO MR PAUL HOLMES, PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER (WATER POLICY) OF EPD, ON 3-7211044.
-----0------
/13
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
HK STUDENTS WIN HIGH HONOURS IN UK * * * * *
FIVE STUDENTS FROM THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAVE WON HIGH HONOURS IN THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES (LCC & I) EXAMINATIONS CONDUCTED LAST YEAR.
IN THE LCC & I’S WORLD AGGREGATE EXAMINATION RESULTS RELEASED RECENTLY, TWO STUDENTS FROM THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MS HUNG PANG-CHING AND MISS CHAN SIU-LO, WERE PLACED TOP AND SECOND RESPECTIVELY IN THE INTERMEDIATE STRUCTURE OF COMMERCE EXAMINATION FOR SUMMER 1986.
ON REGIONAL GRADING BASIS, THE FIRST PLACE OF THE HONG KONG CENTRE’S SCORE LIST IN THE INTERMEDIATE BUSINESS ARITHMETIC EXAMINATION FOR SUMMER 1986 WENT TO MR LAI CHI-KIN FROM THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND AFTER HIM IN SECOND PLACE IN THE SAME EXAMINATION WAS MISS FONG LAI-NGO FROM THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
ANOTHER STUDENT, MISS YUNG MEI-YUNG OF MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ALSO TOPPED THE HONG KONG CENTRE LIST IN THE INTERMEDIATE BUSINESS STATISTICS EXAMINATION FOR SPRING 1986.
THEY WILL BE AWARDED MEDALLIONS AND CERTIFICATES NEXT TUESDAY FOR THEIR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN A CEREMONY TO BE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.
-------0--------
YAU TONG ILLEGAL STRUCTURES DEMOLISHED
*****
TEN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE SIDE AND REAR LANES OF NO. 2 SHUNG SHUN STREET, YAU TONG WERE CLEARED TODAY (THURSDAY) AS PART OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.
IT WAS INITIATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.
ALL OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE FOR COMMERCIAL AND STORAGE PURPOSES AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TOTALLING $44,640 WERE GRANTED -TO ELIGIBLE SHOP OPERATORS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE.
----------0-------------- /1<F...................................
I
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
14
#• FREE CHECK-UP FOR DIABETES, HYPERTENSION *****
A FREE CHECK-UP FOR DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS OF WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24) AND SUNDAY (OCTOBER 25).
TWELVE BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN EACH OF THE SUB-DISTRICTS OF WONG TAI SIN FROM 10 AM TO 12.30 PM AND FROM 1.30 PM TO 4.30 PM.
THE SERVICE IS ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY HEALTH PROMOTION ASSOCIATION AND THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD.
A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID INFORMATION LEAFLETS ABOUT DIABETES AND HYPERTENSION WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE BOOTHS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TEST FOR DIABETES ARE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY A URINE SPECIMEN, HE SAID.
LOCATIONS OF THE BOOTHS ARE: WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, HOUSING DEPARTMENT CONFERENCE ROOM AT UPPER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE, HO LAP COLLEGE, TZE WAN SHAN (EAST) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSZ WAN SHAN (SOUTH) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHUK YUEN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, KAM WAH HOUSE IN CHOI HUNG ESTATE, NGAU CHI WAN RURAL’ COMMITTEE, CHOI WAN ESTATE PHASE II B COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, MU KUANG PRIMARY SCHOOL, LOK FU CENTRE G1, BLOCK 14 TUNG TAU ESTATE (OPEN ON OCTOBER 24 ONLY), AND PO YAN CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL (OPEN ON OCTOBER 25 ONLY).
-----0---------
CARE FOR ELDERLY CAMPAIGN ♦ * * »
SENIOR RESIDENTS IN WAN CHAI DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO A SERIES OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES DURING THE ’CARE FOR THE ELDERLY’ CAMPAIGN HELD FROM THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH TO JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE CAMPAIGN, AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE COMMUNITY TO RESPECT AND SHOW CONCERN TO THE ELDERLY, WILL FEATURE PROGRAMMES SUCH AS CANTONESE OPERA, LUNCHTIME OPERATIC SONG CONCERTS, VISITS TO HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY AND FEAST.
RESIDENTS AGED 65 OR ABOVE ARE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART AND SHOULD FIRST REGISTER AT THE HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL ON THOMSON ROAD FROM 9 AM TO 3 PM THIS SUNDAY (OCTOBER 25).
THE PROJECT IS ORGANISED BY WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S CARE FOR THE ELDERLY CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.
0
/15
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
15
RESPONSE TO MINIBUS SELECTION ENCOURAGING
» ♦ » » »
ABOUT 450 APPLICATION FORMS FOR RUNNING 18 NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE TERRITORY HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED SINCE OCTOBER 9, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
NOTING THAT THE RESPONSE HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING, THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED INTERESTED PARTIES THAT THE APPLICATION WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 6.
A SELECTION BOARD COMPRISING NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL SELECT THE APPLICANTS ACCORDING TO THE CRITERIA LAID DOWN BY THE BOARD.
"THESE CRITERIA INCLUDE EXPERIENCE OF THE APPLICANT IN TRANSPORT SERVICE; FINANCIAL RESOURCES; MANAGEMENT RIGHT OVER THE VEHICLES; THE MAINTENANCE RECORD OF THE VEHICLES AS WELL AS THE QUALITY OF HIS VEHICLES TO BE DEPLOYED INCLUDING THE AVAILABILITY OF AIR-CONDITIONING," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IF THE APPLICANT WANTED TO PARTNER ONE OR MORE PERSONS IN OPERATING THE GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED THAT A COMPANY BE FORMED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE APPLICATION BE MADE IN THE NAME OF THE COMPANY, HE NOTED.
--------0 ---------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN YUEN LONG * * » » »
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR YUEN
AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL THE 1988-89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT LONG.
NEW BUS ROUTES;
TRANSIT NETWORK;
ON PROPOSED
LIGHT RAIL
SOUGHT
FEEDER BUS SERVICES LINKING THE
DEVELOPMENT OF GREEN MINIBUS AND THE PRESENT TRANSPORI
MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL BE
FACILITIES
IN
THE DISTRICT.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS A POLICY REVIEW SUBMITTED BY THE REVIEW TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT
SUB-COMMITTEE UNDER
ON THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
IN TAI
COVER THE MEETING AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES
-----0----------
/16........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
16 -
KOWLOON CITY HOLDING SEMINAR ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS *****
A SEMINAR ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT GOOD CITIZEN TRAINING SCHEME WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24) AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, HO MAN TIN.
AN OMELCO MEMBER, DR DANIEL TSE, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR MR PAO PING-WING WILL TALK ON THE "HOW THE PUBLIC CAN PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS".
THIS IS THE SECOND SEMINAR ORGANISED FOR 27 PARTICIPANTS IN THE GOOD CITIZEN TRAINING SCHEME.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE VISITS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, AND ATTENDING DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.
THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN SUB-COMMITTEE, MR FONG PUI-SHEUNG, WILL PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO THE PARTICIPANTS AFTER THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, CHUNG HAU STREET, HO MAN TIN.
-------0 ---------
VISIT TO DRUG ADDICT REHABILITATION CENTRE
» » « « »
MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT’S MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS WILL VISIT A DRUG ADDICT REHABILITATION CENTRE ON DAWN ISLAND IN SAI KUNG TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE VISIT IS TO ENHANCE MEMBERS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE SERVICES AND FACILITIES OF THE CENTRE AND TO PROMOTE THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE IN THE DISTRICT.
/THE VISIT .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
- 17 -
THE VISIT IS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE. OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE SEMINARS, NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, CITIZEN AWARD SCHEME, AND A VARIETY SHOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISIT TO THE DRUG Ai/ REHABILITATION CENTRE ON DAWN ISLAND TOMORROW (FRIDAY). TRANS WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT SEA FRONT OUTSIDE SAN SHUI RESTAURANT, SAI KUNG TOWN, AT 10 AM SHARP.
-------0---------
WAN CHAI SEMINAR ON RELIGIOUS CULTS
*****
RESIDENTS OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO ATTEI ; / SEMINAR ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24) ON THE ACTIVITIES OF RELIGIOUS CU.V 3 IN WAN CHAI.
THE SEMINAR IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS AND A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF SUCH ACTIVITIES.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CONCERN FOR ACTIVITIES WORKING GROUP, THE SEMINAR WILL START AT 10 AM AT i' CONFERENCE ROOM, ROOM 103, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDIMC HENNESSY ROAD.
SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILL ’ MR LEE YU-TAI; DR STEPHEN LAU OF LINGNAN COLLEGE; MRS MARY J DIRECTOR OF BAPTIST 01 KWAN SOCIAL SERVICES; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF BOARD’S CONCERN FOR YOUTH ACTIVITIES WORKING GROUP, MR STEPHEN WONG.
PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO WATCH A TV DRAMA ABOUT A YOUTH WHO IS ASSOCIATED WITH NON-TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS SECTS.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-742281.
NOTE TO EDITORS: '
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON RELIGIOUS CULTS IN CHAI STARTING AT 10 AM THIS SATURDAY (OCTOBER 24) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM, ROOM 103, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING, HENNESSr ROAD.
-----0----------
/18........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22,
1987
. - 18 -
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN » » t »
ABOUT 300 YOUNGSTERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS ON NOVEMBER 1 (SUNDAY).
PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO DEPICT THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE GARDENS AND WINNERS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THE ’88 INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION’ TO BE HELD IN JAPAN NEXT MARCH.
CHILDREN LIVING OR STUDYING IN THE DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ENROL ON OR BEFORE NEXT MONDAY (OCTOBER 26). THERE WILL BE TWO SECTIONS. THE JUNIOR SECTION IS CATERED FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN FOUR AND NINE YEARS WHILE THE SENIOR SECTION IS FOR CHILDREN BETWEEN 10 AND 15 YEARS.
WINNERS, FIRST AND SECOND RUNNERS-UP OF EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS AS WELL AS TROPHIES.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, MID-LEVELS (CENTRAL) AREA COMMITTEE, DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND Y.W.C.A. AND IS SPONSORED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND PENTEL (HONG KONG) LTD.
ENROLMENT FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, G/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD OR ITS SUB-OFFICES IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, AND KENNEDY TOWN. ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE COMPETITION CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523499 OR 5-8523489.
------0--------
QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL MORTUARY TO BE EXPANDED * * * * *
THE MORTUARY AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL WILL BE EXPANDED AND IMPROVED UNDER A WORKS CONTRACT, TENDERS FOR WHICH ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR WILSON LEE, SAID THE CONTRACT, WHICH CONSTITUTED PART OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS, STAGE III, WOULD INVOLVE MAINLY INTERNAL REFURBISHMENT AND SERVICES UPGRADING OF THE EXISTING MORTUARY AND THE ADDITION OF A THREE-STOREY PLANT ROOM EXTENSION.
THE CONTRACT WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY OCTOBER 1988.
/THE DEADLINE........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 198?
- 19 -
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON NOVEMBER 6.
THE HOSPITAL IS UNDERGOING A MAJOR EXTENSION PROGRAMME WHICH BEGAN IN 1982.
IN APRIL THIS YEAR, A $389 MILLION EXTENSION TO THE HOSPITAL WAS TOPPED OUT. ON COMPLETION OF THE STAGE II OF THE PROGRAMME IN MID-1989, 844 BEDS WILL BE ADDED TO THE HOSPITAL, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER TO OVER 2,100.
-----0 ---------
IMMIGRATION OFFICERS RECEIVE LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA *****
A TOTAL OF 29 IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WERE AWARDED THE LONG SERVICE INSIGNIA BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR LAURENCE LEUNG, AT THE IMMIGRATION HEADQUARTERS TODAY (THURSDAY).
FIRST CLASPS, SIGNIFYING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE, WERE PRESENTED TO PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER, LAM YAN-KWONG AND SEVEN OTHER OFFICERS.
ANOTHER 21 OFFICERS, INCLUDING ONE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER, FOUR CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, 15 SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND ONE ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER, RECEIVED THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL.
AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR LEUNG SAID THE AWARD OF THE HONG KONG DISCIPLINED SERVICES MEDAL WAS TO HONOUR THOSE WHO HAD RENDERED LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE AS MEMBERS OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE IN HONG KONG. HE ALSO CONGRATULATED ALL RECIPIENTS AND THANKED THEM FOR THEIR LOYALTY AND DEDICATION TO THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE.
-------0 - -
/20
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22,
1987
20 -
FACTORY INSPECTORATE MOVES OFFICE
*****
THE DIVISIONAL OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION IN KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN, HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE 9TH FLOOR OF TO KWA WAN MARKET AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 165 MA TAU WAI ROAD KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES ON BUILDING AND ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION CAN BE MADE ON TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7607258.
CONTRACTORS OR WORKERS WHO WISH TO SEEK ADVICE ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN REGARD OF SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE CAN CONTACT THE DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR ON 3-7607559.
-----o------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND FOR THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 31 (SATURDAY) THIS YEAR.
CHAI WAN AREA
THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 1. THE SAME ARRANGEMENTS MAY ALSO BE IMPLEMENTED ON OCTOBER 24, 25, NOVEMBER 7 AND 8 DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
ROAD CLOSURES
THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC:
» CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EAST OF LIN SHING ROAD EXCEPT FOR ACCESS;
* THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE GARDEN OF REMEMBRANCE AND CREMATORIUM FROM CAPE COLLINSON ROAD EXCEPT HEARSES AND VEHICLES CARRYING PASSENGERS TO SERVICES AT THE CREMATORIUM;
» THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO CHAI WAN CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY; AND,
* CAPE COLLINSON ROAD AND LIN SHING ROAD MAY BE CLOSED
DEPENDING ON THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
/RE-ROUTING
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
- 21 -
•1 RE-ROUTING
THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL RE-ROUTED:
» CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND FROM LIN SHING ROAD TO SHEK O ROAD;
» LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM WAN TSUI ROAD TO CAPE COLLINSON ROAD; AND
» THE EASTERN SECTION OF WAN TSUI ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY FROM CHAI WAN ROAD TO FEI TSUI ROAD.
PARKING
BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9 PM ON OCTOBER 24, 25, 31, NOVEMBER 1, 7 AND 8, NO PARKING WILL BE PERMITTED ALONG CAPE COLLINSON ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD, WAH HA STREET AND SHEK O ROAD BETWEEN CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE AND TAI TAM ROAD.
BUS SERVICES
SPECIAL SERVICES
ON OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 1, ROUTE NO. 89 FROM SHAU KEI WAN BUS TERMINUS TO CHAI WAN CEMETERY (CIRCULAR) VIA CHAI WAN MTR STATION WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF FIVE TO TEN MINUTES. ,
BUS STOP «
FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE FIRST BUS STOP ON WAN TSUI ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHAI WAN ROAD (NEAR WAN TSUI ESTATE) WILL BE SUSPENDED EXCEPT FOR ROUTE NO. 89 BUSES. A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED ON CHAI WAN ROAD EAST OF HONG man Street for all eastbound buses of the affected routes.
BUS RE-ROUTING
ALSO FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE FOLLOWING BUS DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:
CMB ROUTES NO. 80, 82, 83, 84, 780 AND CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE NO. 106, WHICH NORMALLY TRAVEL IN AN ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION ON WAN TSUI ROAD ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO CHAI WAN, WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE ALONG CHAI WAN ROAD OMITTING WAN TSUI ROAD.
/CMB ROUTES
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
- 22 -
CMB ROUTES NO. 81 AND 8IM, AFTER LEAVING THEIR TERMINAL POINTS AT HINO WAH ESTATE, WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE WESTERN SECTION (INSTEAD OF EASTERN SECTION) OF WAN TSUI ROAD BETWEEN FEI TSUI ROAD AND CHAI WAN ROAD ONTO CHAI WAN ROAD.
CMB ROUTES NO. 81 AND 81M ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO HINO WAH ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHAI WAN ROAD AND THE WESTERN SECTION OF WAN TSUI ROAD.
GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES WILL BE DIVERTED:
t ROUTE NO. 16M ON ITS JOURNEYS TO THE CHAI WAN MTR STATION WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO OPERATE ALONG TAI TAM ROAD AND CHAI WAN ROAD OMITTING SHEK O ROAD, CAPE COLLINSON ROAD, LIN SHINO ROAD AND WAN TSUI ROAD.
♦ ROUTE NO. 18M ON ITS JOURNEYS TO THE CHAI WAN MTR STATION WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA CAPE COLLINSON ROAD, SHEK O ROAD, TAI TAM ROAD AND CHAI WAN ROAD OMITTING LIN SHING ROAD AND WAN TSUI ROAD.
POK FU I.AM AREA
RE-ROUTING
FROM 7 AN TO t PM ON OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER I, CONSORT RISE WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM VICTORIA ROAD TO BISNEY ROAD.
SPECIAL BUS SERVICES
ON OCTOBER 31, ROUTE NO. ST FROM CENTRAL (EXCHANGE SQUARE) TO CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY (CIRCULAR) WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 5.52 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES.
ABERDEEN AREA
RQAD CLOSURE
FROM 7 AM TO 7 EM ON OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER lw THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO TOAFFIC:
* PEEL RISE IN 'TOE VICINITY OF ABERDEEN CHZNESE CiMTW; AN®
% 'TOE SLIP ROAD FROM SHER FAI WAN ROAD LEADING TO)
CHINESE CEMETERY.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
25
PEAK AREA
THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 1:
ROAD CLOSURE
MT. AUSTIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT VEHICLES FOR ACCESS TO PREMISES ON THIS ROAD.
RE-ROUTING
THE SECTION OF PEAK ROAD OUTSIDE THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS CAR PARK AND THE ACCESS ROAD WITHIN THE CAR PARK WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION.
PARKING
♦ ALL PARKING SPACES AT PEAK GARDEN WILL BE SUSPENDED;
♦ ALL PARKING FACILITIES EXCEPT THE DESIGNATED SPACES FOR
FRANCHISED OMNIBUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES AND TAXIS AT THE
UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS WILL BE SUSPENDED; AND
* ALL METERED PARKING SPACES IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE
UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS WILL BE SUSPENDED.
SPECIAL SERVICES
♦ ROUTE NO. 15B BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND THE PEAK WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 8 AM AND 7.40 PM ON OCTOBER 31 AT A FREQUENCY OF 20 MINUTES.
♦ ROUTE NO. 15 M BETWEEN ADMIRALTY MTR STATION (EAST) AND THE PEAK WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 8 AM AND 7.12 PM AT A PEAK FREQUENCY OF 12 MINUTES.
HAPPY VALLEY AREA
BUS STOP
FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM ON OCTOBER 31 AND NOVEMBER 1, THE BUS STOP ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD OPPOSITE THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB MAIN ENTRANCE WILL BE RESTTED TO QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WEST OF WONG NAT CHUNG ROAD.
TRAM STOP
MEANWHILE, THE TRAM STOP ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD OPPOSITE THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WILL BE RESITED NORTHWARDS FOR ABOUT 30 METRES.
-------0 -------- /2^....................
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
- 24 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR CHARITY WALK
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 25) FOR THE YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN JOINT DISTRICTS COMMUNITY CHEST WALK.
THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT THE TIME SPECIFIED BELOW:
* TAI YUK ROAD SOUTH OF KAU YUK ROAD; MA TIN ROAD BETWEEN TAI YUK ROAD AND UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD TO MA TIN TSUEN; AND THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD BETWEEN MA TIN ROAD AND MA TIN TSUEN WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 10.30 AM.
» THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD BETWEEN MA TIN TSUEN AND TAI TONG (KIU HING ROAD) WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 12 NOON.
* TAI LAM CHUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 11.30 AM AND 5 PM EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES.
FROM 8.45 AM TO 10.30 AM, GREEN MINIBUS NO. 39 WILL ONLY OPERATE BETWEEN KUNG OM AND LUNG TIN TSUEN ALONG THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD. A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED AT LUNG TIN TSUEN.
IN ADDITION, FROM 8.45 AM TO 12 NOON, KMB ROUTE NO. 56 WILL ONLY OPERATE BETWEEN YUEN LONG (WEST) AND TAI TONG ROUNDABOUT (OUTSIDE LUEN KWONG SCHOOL). A TEMPORARY TERMINUS WILL BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE LUEN KWONG SCHOOL.
ALL PARKING SPACES OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 12 NOON, WHILE THOSE ON TAI YUK ROAD SOUTH OF KAU YUK ROAD, AND ON MA TIN ROAD BETWEEN TAI YUK ROAD AND UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD TO MA TIN TSUEN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8.45 AM TO 10.30 AM.
TWO SPECIAL BUS SERVICES WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 12.15 PM AND 3.15 PM AT A FREQUENCY OF 10 TO 12 MINUTES.
ROUTE 52S WILL RUN FROM TAI LAM CHUNG TO TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE WHILE ROUTE 50S WILL RUN FROM TAI LAM CHUNG TO YUEN LONG. THEIR FARES WILL BE $2.5 AND $3.5 RESPECTIVELY.
-------0----------
/25........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
TAI WAI TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE » t t »
LOWER SHING MUN ROAD IN TAI WAI BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI PO ROAD AND FU SHAN CREMATORIUM WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7 AM TO 4 PM DAILY ON OCTOBER 25, 31, NOVEMBER 1 AND 8 FOR THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
DURING THESE PERIODS, NO VEHICLE EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES, HEARSES, AND NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 64K WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THIS SECTION OF LOWER SHING MUN ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO STOP ON TAI PO ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH LOWER SHING MUN ROAD. VISITORS TO FU SHAN CREMATORIUM ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
- - 0 - -
NORMAL MAIL TO CANADA RESUMED * * » *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT MAIL SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CANADA HAVE RETURNED TO NORMAL AS THE INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN THE CANADIAN POSTAL ADMINISTRATION HAS ENDED.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 198?
(SUPPLEMENT)
THE GOVERNOR AT NATIONAL
PRESS CLUB, WASHINGTON:
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
1
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ANSWERED A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS FOLLOWING HIS ADDRESS TO THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB IN WASHINGTON ON WEDNESDAY (U.S. TIME).
THE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WAS CHAIRED BY THE CLUB PRESIDENT, MR ANDY MOLLISON, CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT FOR COX NEWSPAPERS.
A TRANSCRIPT OF THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOLLOWS:
MR MOLLISON: THE FIRST COUPLE OF QUESTIONS THAT WE’VE GOT CONCERN WHAT LED TO HONG KONG’S DECISION TO CLOSE ITS EXCHANGE FOR THE WEEK, AND THIS QUESTIONER SUGGESTS THAT THE CLOSING COULD LEAD TO A PANIC WHEN THE MARKET REOPENS. AND ANOTHER QUESTIONER WANTS TO KNOW, ’’WOULD YOU KNOW WHEN THE HONG KONG EXCHANGE WOULD REOPEN?”
SIR DAVID: THE FIRST THING I’D LIKE TO SAY IS THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE IS PRIVATELY MANAGED. LIKE MANY THINGS IN HONG KONG,IT IS NOT UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTROL. THE DECISION TO CLOSE THE MARKET WAS TAKEN BY THE COUNCIL OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE, AND IT’S TOTALLY WITHIN ITS POWER TO DO IT.
IT HAS SAID, AT THE MOMENT, THAT THE MARKET WILL REMAIN CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK. THE REASON FOR CLOSE IS THAT THEY GOT OVERWHELMED WITH PAPERWORK, WHICH WAS GOING IN TWO DIRECTIONS. LAST WEEK’S PAPERWORK WAS A MASSIVE BULL MARKET. MONDAY WAS A MASSIVE BEAR MARKET.
THE EXCHANGE IN HONG KONG, IN ITS PRESENT FORM, THAT IS, A UNIFIED EXCHANGE, MADE UP OUT OF FOUR PREVIOUS EXCHANGES, HAS ONLY BEEN GOING IN ITS PRESENT FORM FOR A YEAR. IT HAS CLEARLY BEEN HAVING TROUBLE WITH SOME OF ITS PAPERWORK ON SETTLEMENT. THAT IS OBVIOUSLY SOMETHING WHICH IS GOING TO HAVE TO BE REMEDIED. I KNOW THAT THAT IS SOMETHING WHICH THE STOCK EXCHANGE HAS ALREADY BEEN LOOKING INTO.
I CANNOT PREDICT ON BEHALF OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE PRECISELY WHEN IT WILL REOPEN, BECAUSE THAT’S ENTIRELY WITHIN THEIR HANDS. I KNOW THAT THEIR COMMITTEE IS MEETING TOMORROW, AND I KNOW ALSO THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OF HONG KONG IS KEEPING IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE EXCHANGE ABOUT ITS PLANS.
MR MOLLISON: DURING THIS TRIP YOU HAVE BEEN MEETING WITH CONGRESSIONAL MEMBERS INVOLVED IN THE HOUSE-SENATE TRADE BILL CONFERENCE. THAT NARROWS THE FIELD TO 197. DO YOU SENSE FROM THESE MEETINGS THAT THESE MEMBERS OF CONGRESS UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A HONG KONG WHICH IS FREE OF UNFAIR TRADE BARRIERS, AND OTHER COUNTRIES SUCH AS JAPAN, WHO DENY MARKET ACCESS TO FOREIGN GOODS?
STR DAVID: I’VE BEEN MEETING A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON THE HILL AND MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION, AND WE’VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THESE ISSUES, AMONGST OTHERS.
/I CALLED .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
2 -
I CALLED THIS MORNING ON THE NEW SECRETARY OF COMMERCE AND I WAS INTERESTED TO SEE THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE HAS AS ITS SEAL THE LOWER PART OF A LIGHTHOUSE, AND AS I POINTED OUT TO THE SECRETARY, THAI' LIGHTHOUSE IS HONG KONG, SHINING AS A BEACON FOR FREE TRADE, TOGETHER WITH SINGAPORE AND THE FAR EAST.
I DO BELIEVE THAT HONG KONG’S POSITION AS THE CLASSIC EXAMPLE, TOGETHER WITH SINGAPORE, OF A GENUINE FREE TRADING SOCIETY, IS WIDELY UNDERSTOOD BY THOSE WHO FOLLOW THESE MATTERS CLOSELY.
OUR CONCERN, IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG, WHERE WE ARE ACTUALLY DOING ALL THOSE THINGS WHICH THE UNITED STATES WOULD WANT A LOT OF OTHER MARKETS TO DO, IS THAT IN THE WASH OF ATTEMPTS TO OPEN UP OTHER MARKETS, WE, A FREE TRADING SOCIETY, MIGHT INADVERTENTLY SUFFER. I THINK THAT IS — THOSE PROBLEMS ARE WELL UNDERSTOOD BY THOSE WHO KNOW THE DETAIL OF THE SUBJECT. I WOULD LIKE TO HOPE THAT THE MESSAGE WILL GET ACROSS WIDELY IN THE COMMUNITY AS WELL.
MR MOLLISON: DID YOU DISCUSS EXCHANGE RATES WITH U.S. OFFICIALS? IF SO, WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME? DO YOU ENVISION A MORE IMPORTANT ROLE FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, IN INTERNATIONAL FINANCE?
SIR DAVID: THE QUESTION OF EXCHANGE RATES AND THE PEGGING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE U.S. DOLLAR CAME UP IN THE MEETINGS OF THE IMF WHEN MR BAKER (U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY) REFERRRED TO IT PUBLICLY IN A SPEECH, AND THAT SUBJECT HAS BEEN TOUCHED ON DURING MY MEETINGS. I’VE EXPLAINED THAT WE PEGGED IN 1983, WHEN WE WERE SUFFERING A VERY SHARP ECONOMIC DOWNTURN, POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE, AND OUR CURRENCY WAS GOING WILD.
FOLLOWING THAT PEGGING, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WENT UP WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR. SO WE TOOK ALL THOSE DISADVANTAGES. WE DID NOT PEG IN ORDER TO GET ANY FOREIGN TRADE ADVANTAGE. WE HAVE COME DOWN WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR AND, TO AN EXTENT, BY THAT TOKEN, WE HAVE GAINED SOME BENEFIT. BUT, WE HAVE NOT BUILT UP ANY TRADE SURPLUS AS A RESULT. BEING A TOTALLY FREE AND OPEN MARKET, IT BALANCES ITSELF OUT. INDEED, THIS YEAR WE EXPECT TO HAVE A SLIGHT DEFICIT ON OUR OVERALL FOREIGN TRADE.
I’VE EXPLAINED THAT, GIVEN THESE REASONS, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE STABILITY OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, WE DID NOT INTEND TO MOVE FROM OUR PRESENT PEGGING.
THE SECOND PART OF THE QUESTION, MR CHAIRMAN, DO WE EXPECT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR ITSELF TO PLAY A LARGER ROLE IN FOREIGN TRADE, NO, I WOULDN’T HAVE THOUGHT SO, AND WE PEGGED TO THE U.S. DOLLAR BECAUSE THAT IS OUR MAIN TRADING CURRENCY, AS IT IS FOR MANY OTHER PEOPLE.
/MR MOLLISONS .......
V THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
- 3 -
MR MOLLISON: YOU HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THE RESETTLEMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG. ARE YOU OR WILL YOU BE HOLDING DISCUSSIONS THAT COULD LEAD TO REPATRIATION, PERHAPS WITH EITHER AMERICAN OR BRITISH INVOLVEMENT?
SIR DAVID: VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND THAT PROBLEM IS, INDEED, ONE OF THE TOPICS THAT I’VE BEEN DISCUSSING. IT IS A GROWING PROBLEM FOR US IN HONG KONG. WITHOUT CONTINUING THE BARRAGE OF STATISTICS, LET ME JUST SAY THAT THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG FROM VIETNAM THIS YEAR WAS UP BY OVER 50 PER CENT ON LAST YEAR. THE NUMBER OF RESETTLEMENT PLACES AVAILABLE WAS DOWN BY JUST UNDER 50 PER CENT. THOSE TWO STATISTICS, I THINK, WILL GIVE YOU SOME FLAVOUR OF THE PROBLEM.
BUT I MUST ADD ONE OTHER STATISTIC, AND THAT IS WE FACE CONSTANT PRESSURE OF IMMIGRATION FROM THE MAINLAND OF CHINA, FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE CLOSE CONNECTIONS WITH HONG KONG, AND WE HAVE TO TURN THEM BACK. WE TURN THEM BACK AT A RATE, AT THE MOMENT, OF SOME 70 A DAY. I HOPE THAT GIVES SOME FLAVOUR OF THE POLITICAL PROBLEM THAT WE FACE, WITH DIMINISHING RESETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITIES AROUND THE WORLD.
WE ARE LOOKING, IN HONG KONG, AS I’M SURE OTHER PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM ARE, FOR TWO PARTS TO A SOLUTION. ONE IS CONTINUING RESETTLEMENT, A CONTINUATION OF THAT ENORMOUS GENEROSITY WHICH THE UNITED STATES, ABOVE ALL, HAS SHOWN. THE UNITED STATES HAS SETTLED SOME 63,000 VIETNAMESE FROM HONG KONG. WE ARE LOOKING FOR THE SECOND PART OF THIS, AND THAT IS A LONG-TIME SOLUTION. HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF PEOPLE WHO ARB NOW, MANY OF THEM, NOT POLITICAL REFUGEES, BUT PEOPLE WHO ARE MOVING FOR ECONOMIC REASONS?
SOME 70 PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE WE HAVE ARRIVING AT THE MOMENT COME FROM NORTH VIETNAM AND ARE ETHNIC VIETNAMESE. THEY DO NOT QUALIFY UNDER THE UNITED STATES RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THIS CONTINUING PROBLEM? IS IT NOT POSSIBLE, OVER TIME, AND WITH ADEQUATE SAFEGUARDS, TO WORK OUT AN ARRANGEMENT BY WHICH THOSE PEOPLE ARE SENT BACK TO VIETNAM IN THE SAME WAY AS EQUIVALENT PEOPLE WOULD BE SENT BACK TO THEIR OTHER PLACES OF ORIGIN?
SO, I HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING THIS PROBLEM HERE, AS WE HAVE DISCUSSED IT ELSEWHERE, LIKE IN LONDON, AND AS A NUMBER OF THE COUNTRIES INVOLVED EITHER IN RESETTLEMENT OR AS PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM, HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING IT OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS.
MR MOLLISON: WE HAVE SEVERAL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, AND ONE OF THEM HERE IS, "THE SINO-BRITISH ACCORD PROVIDES THAT THE INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COVENANTS WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY TO HONG KONG AFTER 1997. HOW? WILL CHINA RATIFY THESE TREATIES? WILL HONG KONG RESIDENTS BE ABLE TO CHALLENGE LAWS BEFORE THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE?"
/SIR DAVID: ........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
SIR DAVID: THOSE COVENANTS ARE, INDEED, WRITTEN INTO THE JOINT DECLARATION, THAT THE PROVISIONS SHOULD CONTINUE IN THE WAY THAT THEY ARE APPLIED TO HONG KONG AT THE MOMENT.
I CAN’T ANSWER WHETHER CHINA WILL RATIFY THOSE, BUT THE PROVISIONS REMAIN AS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER CHINA DOES RATIFY OR NOT. IT MEANS THAT WITHIN THE HONG KONG LEGAL SYSTEM THAT THERE IS PROVISION FOR THOSE SORT OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS.
MR MOLLISON: HONG KONG HAS A NEW RESTRICTIVE PRESS LAW THAT HAS BEEN CONDEMNED IN MANY QUARTERS. ARE THERE ANY PLANS TO REPEAL IT?
SIR DAVID: THE FIRST ANSWER, MR CHAIRMAN, IS NO, SIR, WE DO NOT HAVE A NEW, RESTRICTIVE PRESS LAW. WE HAVE REVISED A PREVIOUS RESTRICTIVE PRESS LAW WHICH HAS BEEN ON THE BOOKS FOR A VERY LONG TIME. WE HAVE TAKEN OUT SIX OF THE RESTRICTIVE PROVISIONS. WE HAVE LEFT IN ONE. AND THAT IS A PROVISION WHICH IS CALLED THE "FALSE NEWS PROVISION".
WE HAVE SAID THAT WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE APPLICATION OF THAT LAW. WE WILL DO SO.
I AM BOUND TO SAY THAT IN THE PAST I HAVE SEEN NO IMPACT ON THE FREEDOM OF THE HONG KONG PRESS. DURING THIS YEAR SINCE THAT NEW ORDINANCE WAS PASSED I HAVE SEEN NO IMPACT ON FREEDOM OR THE ACTIVITY OF THE HONG KONG PRESS. I DON’T EXPECT TO SEE ANY.
MR MOLLISON: WILL THERE BE DIRECT ELECTIONS IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS, IF CHINA OBJECTS?
SIR DAVID: I LIKE THAT "SIMPLE” QUESTION, SIR.
(LAUGHTER)
SIR DAVID: THAT IS A MATTER OF ENORMOUS DEBATE IN HONG KONG AT THE MOMENT. JUST TO FILL IN SOME OF THE BACKGROUND, FIRST OF ALL, AS I MENTIONED WHEN I WAS SPEAKING, THE JOINT DECLARATION LAYS DOWN THAT THE HONG KONG LEGISLATURE, AFTER 1997, WILL BE ELECTED. IT DOESN’T LAY DOWN HOW IT WILL BE ELECTED. NOW THAT MEANS THAT IT WILL HAVE TO CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY FROM THE PRESENT SITUATION, WHERE PART OF IT IS INDIRECTLY ELECTED, BUT PART OF IT IS STILL APPOINTED BY MYSELF, THAT’S APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
A SECOND PIECE OF BACKGROUND: WE HAVE BEEN CONDUCTING THIS YEAR A REVIEW OF THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, IN WHICH ONE OF THE ISSUES, AND THE ONE WHICH HAS ATTRACTED MOST ATTENTION, IS SHOULD THERE BE A DIRECTLY ELECTED ELEMENT TO THE LEGISLATURE? IF SO, WHEN SHOULD THAT HAPPEN?
/THE SURVEY .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 198?
- 5 -
THE SURVEY OFFICE, WHICH WAS COLLECTING OPINIONS ON THIS, CLOSED AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER. THE REPORT IS BEING PREPARED NOW. IT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC ON THE FOURTH OF NOVEMBER. I EXPECT TO SEE IT SHORTLY BEFORE THAT, BUT PRECISELY THE SAME REPORT AS I RECEIVE WILL BE MADE PUBLIC IN THE LEGISLATURE.
I CAN’T, THEREFORE, AT THE MOMENT, GUESS OR ESTIMATE WHAT THAT SURVEY WILL SHOW. BUT I THINK IT’S CLEAR ALREADY THAT THERE IS GREAT INTEREST IN THE SUBECT OF A DIRECTLY ELECTED ELEMENT TO THE LEGISLATURE. IT IS CLEAR, IN GENERAL, THAT THE COMMUNITY HAS DIVIDED VIEWS ABOUT WHEN THAT SHOULD BE FIRST BROUGHT IN.
WHAT IS NOT CLEAR, AND WHAT IS CLEARLY, WHAT IS OBVIOUSLY AN IMPORTANT POLITICAL FACTOR FOR US, IS JUST HOW DO THOSE VIEWS BREAK DOWN. WE WILL ONLY KNOW THAT AND WE WILL, THEREFORE, ONLY KNOW THE PARAMETERS WITHIN WHICH WE MUST TAKE OUR DECISIONS, WHEN WE GET THE SURVEY OFFICE REPORT LATER THIS MONTH, AND WHEN IT’S MADE PUBLIC, EARLY NEXT MONTH.
MR MOLLISON: DOES THAT MEAN THAT YOU'RE TAKING THE VIEWS OF THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA INTO ACCOUNT?
SIR DAVID: THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IS, AT THE MOMENT, DRAFTING THE BASIC LAW. THE BASIC LAW IS THE DOCUMENT WHICH WILL ESTABLISH THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997. IT WILL, PRESUMABLY, LAY DOWN SOMETHING ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH THE LEGISLATURE IS TO BE COMPOSED. WE DON’T KNOW PRECISELY YET HOW IT WILL DO THAT. WE SHOULD GET AN INDICATION WHEN THE FIRST DRAFT OF THAT BASIC LAW COMES OUT EARLY NEXT YEAR.
WE, IN HONG KONG, IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, HAVE SAID THAT WE WILL TAKE FULL ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE REVIEW EXERCISE WHICH WE’RE NOW CARRYING OUT, WHEN WE TAKE DECISIONS ON THE QUESTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS, AND WHEN WE WRITE THOSE DECISIONS INTO A WHITE PAPER WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED PROBABLY IN THE EARLY PART OF FEBRUARY, NEXT YEAR.
MR MOLLISON: WHEN YOU’RE TALKING ABOUT THE LONG-TERM AGREEMENT, TWO PEOPLE HAVE RAISED FUTURE POSSIBILITIES. ONE OF THEM IS, "ARE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FRIGHTENED WHEN THEY SEE A CRACKDOWN BY THE CHINESE IN TIBET? DO THEY SEE PARALLELS THERE?" AND THE OTHER ONE IS, "WHAT GOOD DO YOUR GUARANTEES DO YOU IF THERE’S ANOTHER RED GUARD REVOLUTION OR THE EQUIVALENT, DURING THE PERIOD OF THE ACCORD?"
SIR DAVID: ON THE FIRST QUESTION, I THINK THAT PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WOULD SEE HONG KONG AS BEING VERY DIFFERENT, INDEED, FROM TIBET. HONG KONG HAS THE PROVISIONS FOR THE FUTURE LAID DOWN IN VERY GREAT DETAIL TN THE JOINT DECLARATION. THAT’S ONE KEY FACTOR.
/SECONDLY, AN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
SECONDLY, AN IMPORTANT FACTOR, I THINK, IS THAT THERE’S NOBODY IN HONG KONG WHO IS PRESSING FOR INDEPENDENCE OF HONG KONG IN THE WAY THAT, IF I UNDERSTAND THE NEWSPAPER REPORTS RIGHT, THAT SOME PEOPLE IN LHASA HAVE BEEN DOING. SO, PEOPLE IN HONG KONG, I THINK, WOULD SEE A VERY GREAT DISTINCTION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND TIBET.
THE SECOND QUESTION, WHICH IS REALLY "WHAT HAPPENS IF THE POLITICAL SCENE IN PEKING CHANGES?" I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT THE LEADERSHIP IN PEKING IS FULLY COMMITTED TO THAT JOINT DECLARATION. THEY’VE PUT AN IMMENSE AMOUNT OF EFFORT BEHIND IT, A GREAT DEAL OF DEVOTION OF DIPLOMATIC EFFORT AND POLITICAL EFFORT, TO A SOLUTION FOR THE HISTORICAL PROBLEM WHICH IS QUITE UNIQUE, AND I HAVE NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT THEY WANT TO SEE IT CARRIED OUT AS IT IS LAID DOWN IN THAT DECLARATION.
THE ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH THAT’S DONE CAN, OF COURSE, BE AFFECTED, TO SOME EXTENT, BY POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN CHINA. BUT EVERY TIME THERE IS SOME SHIFT IN PEKING, LIKE THE DISGRACE OF HU YAOBANG EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP IS AT GREAT PAINS TO EXPLAIN THAT THERE IS NO CHANGE AND THAT NO CHANGE IS INTENDED TO THE POLICY ON HONG KONG, AND I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THAT.
MR MOLLISON: DOES THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN TRAVEL AMONG THE CHINESE ON TAIWAN AND THE CHINESE ON THE MAINLAND HAVE ANY IMPACT AT ALL ON HONG KONG?
SIR DAVID: YES, SIR. HOTEL TRADE IS GOING TO DO VERY WELL.
(LAUGHTER.)
SIR DAVID: THERE’S BOUND TO BE A GREAT DEAL OF TRAFFIC COMING THROUGH HONG KONG. THERE IS ALREADY A GOOD DEAL OF TRADE THAT GOES THROUGH HONG KONG, AND I WOULD EXPECT THAT TO CONTINUE. BUT THOSE ARE THE ONLY TWO IMPACTS THAT I THINK IT’LL HAVE.
MR MOLLISON: WHAT CONCESSIONS MIGHT HONG KONG BE WILLING TO MAKE TO PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENT IN THE UNITED STATES?
(LAUGHTER.)
SIR DAVID: THAT’S AN EXTRAORDINARY QUESTION, SIR.
(LAUGHTER.)
SIR DAVID: WE ARE NOT IN A POSITION TO MAKE CONCESSIONS OR OTHERWISE. WE RUN A FREE TRADING SYSTEM. WE SET UP NO BARRIERS; WE ARE NOT INTENDING TO SET UP ANY BARRIERS. SO THERE ARE NO CONCESSIONS IN THAT WAY.
/BUT BEHIND
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 221 198?
BUT BEHIND ALL THAT THERE IS AN IMPORTANT POINT. WE DO FULLY UNDERSTAND, IN A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG, THE ENORMOUS DIFFICULTIES FOR THE UNITED STATES IN THE FOREIGN TRADE DEFICIT. WE WOULD LIKE HONG KONG TO BE A BETTER, LARGER, MARKET FOR U.S. GOODS.
I MENTIONED, WHEN I WAS SPEAKING, THE INCREASE THAT THERE’S BEEN THIS YEAR. IT IS A VERY IMPRESSIVE INCREASE. WE THINK THAT IT COULD BE A MUCH BIGGER MARKET THAN THAT. LET ME JUST TAKE ONE EXAMPLE. IT’S NOT GENERALLY REALISED THAT IN THE FIELD OF TEXTILES HONG KONG IS NOT JUST AN EXPORTER OF TEXTILES; WE ARE ACTUALLY THE THIRD LARGEST IMPORTER IN THE WORLD OF TEXTILES. BUT OF THAT MARKET, THE UNITED STATES, AT THE MOMENT, HAS LESS THAN ONE PER CENT. IT USED TO HAVE OVER TWO PER CENT.
OTHER TEXTILE PRODUCERS IN THE SAME SORT OF FIELD, THAT IS, HIGH COST, HIGH QUALITY GOODS, LIKE ITALY AND GERMANY, HAVE DONE VERY WELL RECENTLY IN HONG KONG. WE BELIEVE THAT U.S. TEXTILE INTERESTS COULD DO WELL IN HONG KONG. WE HAVE COMMITTED GOVERNMENT MONEY TO A STUDY OF HOW THAT MIGHT BE DONE. WE ARE COOPERATING WITH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE IN RUNNING SEMINARS TO ENCOURAGE THAT SORT OF EXPORT. SO IN THAT SENSE, FIRST, WE ARE CONSCIOUS OF THE ENORMOUS PROBLEMS FOR THE UNITED STATES OF THE TRADE DEFICIT, AND SECONDLY, WE WOULD LIKE TO DO WHATEVER WE CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT HONG KONG’S OPEN MARKET IS FULLY UTILISED BY THE UNITED STATES.
MR MOLLISON: IT HAS BEEN SAID RECENTLY THAT MANUFACTURERS WOULD BE LIKELY TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997, BUT THAT THE MONEY INTERESTS, BANKERS AND INVESTORS, ET CETERA, WOULD MOVE OUT. DO YOU AGREE?
SIR DAVID: IT’S DIFFICULT TO ANSWER FOR THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THEY, OBVIOUSLY, HAVE TO TAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS.
IF YOU LOOK AT THE TREND AT THE MOMENT, THE ANSWER MUST BE NO, THAT IS NOT THE TREND AT ALL. THERE IS A LARGE GROWTH IN THE BANKING SECTOR AT THE MOMENT, AND THE GENERAL FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR IN HONG KONG. HONG KONG IS BECOMING A KEY PART IN THAT GLOBAL FINANCIAL MARKET, SOME OF THE EFFECTS OF WHICH WE’VE SEEN OVER THE LAST FEW DAYS.
SO, I WOULD NOT EXPECT FINANCIAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG TO MOVE OUT. THE TREND AT THE MOMENT IS EXACTLY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. ’
MR MOLLISON: WILL THE PRC’S ONLY CHILD POLICY BE EXTENDED TO HONG KONG?
(LAUGHTER.)
SIR DAVID: NO, SIR. THAT, ODDLY ENOUGH, IS ACTUALLY LAID DOWN IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.
/>!R MOLLISON: ......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 1987
8 -
MR MOLLISON: ODDLY ENOUGH, I UNDERSTOOD NEITHER THE QUESTION NOR THE ANSWER.
(LAUGHTER.)
MR MOLLISON: I’M SURE IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO SPECIALISTS IN THE FIELD.
WHEN YOU HAD A REQUEST — OR HAVE YOU REQUESTED THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE ITS QUOTA FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES?
SIR DAVID: MR CHAIRMAN, MAY I JUST VERY BRIEFLY ENLIGHTEN YOU ON THE ONE CHILD POLICY? CHINA IS TRYING TO RESTRICT ITS POPULATION GROWTH AND IT HAS, THEREFORE, HAD A POLICY OF TRYING TO LIMIT TO ONE CHILD PER FAMILY. IT IS NOT UNIVERSAL OR TOTAL, BUT THAT’S A SORT OF SIMPLIFIED VERSION OF THE POLICY.
DURING THE NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE CONCERNED PRECISELY THE POINT THE QUESTIONER PUT, "WOULD THAT POLICY APPLY TO HONG KONG?" IT IS, THEREFORE, WRITTEN INTO THE AGREEMENT THAT FREEDOM TO RAISE THE SORT OF FAMILY, THE SIZE OF FAMILY, YOU WANT, WILL BE PRESERVED.
ON THE SECOND QUESTION, MR CHAIRMAN, I HAVE BEEN SPEAKING ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE ISSUE AND I HAVE BEEN ASKING THAT THE
RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME IN THE UNITED STATES SHOULD CONTINUE AT THE
HIGH LEVEL THAT IT WAS FORMERLY, AND I HAVE ASKED THAT THE UNITED
STATES ADMINISTRATION SHOULD LOOK AT WAYS IN WHICH THE NUMBERS NOW
BEING TAKEN FROM HONG KONG MIGHT BE INCREASED.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR EXPLAINS IMPORTANCE OF HK TO CHINA .................. 1
FORD: PACKAGE OF MEASURES BEING PREPARED...................... 3
GOVERNMENT DEALING WITH STOCK EXCHANGE PROBLEM: FS............ k
TELEVISION TALK HELD IN MACAU ................................ 5
BUILDING HEIGHT IN TWO NT AREAS RELAXED ...................... 5
ELDERLY SERVICES ACCORDED PRIORITY ........................... 8
NINE YAU MA TEI PROPERTIES TO BE RESUMED ..................... 9
AIRPORT SURFACE DETECTION EQUIPMENT COMMISSIONED ............. 10
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED ................ 10
AMENDMENTS TO CONVEYANCING LAW PROPOSED ...................... 13
A LITTLE CARE HELPS PROTECT HILLSIDES FROM FIRES.............. 14-
KWUN TONG HOLDING ANTI-CRIME SEMINAR ......................... 15
RADIO SERIES, QUIZ TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY .............. 16
PRESS CONFERENCE ON EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ................ 17
TV SERIES TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY ............................. V
SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO NETHERLANDS ANTILLES ................... 18
JOCKEY CLUB SUPPORTS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN DRIVE............... 19
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE DEMOLITION ........................... 19
TWO BOOKS ON MANAGEMENT PUBLISHED ............................ 20
one mail delivery on chung yeung festival .................... 20
NT LOT FOR USE AS PETROL FILLING STATION ..................... 21
KITE FLYING FUN DAY IN SaI KUNG .............................. 21
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
1
GOVERNOR EXPLAINS IMPORTANCE OF HK TO CHINA » * » » »
HONG KONG’S IMPORTANCE TO CHINA IS NOW GREATER THAN EVER, GIVEN THE ENORMOUS EFFORTS THAT CHINA IS MAKING TO REALISE ITS VAST ECONOMIC POTENTIAL, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN NEW YORK ON THURSDAY (U.S. TIME).
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID HONG KONG RANKED AS CHINA’S LARGEST SINGLE MARKET, AND WAS CHINA’S LARGEST SOURCE BY FAR OF EXTERNAL INVESTMENT — SUPPLYING AT LEAST 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ACCORDING TO THE LATEST CHINESE FIGURES.
SIR DAVID MADE THESE POINTS IN AN ADDRESS TO THE FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION, IN WHICH HE DESCRIBED HOW CHINA WOULD BENEFIT From the maintenance op prosperity and stability in hong kong.
TO SUGGEST THAT CHINA WOULD DELIBERATELY PUT THE MANIFOLD BENEFITS AT RISK MADE NO SENSE, SIR DAVID SAID, REFERRING TO "GLOOMY VIEWS" OF THE FUTURE SOMETIMES EXPRESSED IN THE MEDIA.
AT THE OUTSET OF HIS SPEECH ENTITLED "HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND WHY IT MATTERS", THE GOVERNOR SAID THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE HAD FAR WIDER IMPLICATIONS BEYOND THE TERRITORY ITSELF.
BESIDES CHINA’S ECONOMIC MODERNISATION AND OPENING TO THE WEST, IT ALSO AFFECTED THE INTERESTS OF ALL THOSE COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION FOR WHICH HONG KONG WAS A CENTRE OF TRADE, FINANCE, TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATIONS.
"IT AFFECTS THE PROSPERITY, AND TO THAT EXTENT ALSO THE STABILITY, OF A DYNAMIC AREA OF THE WORLD THAT IS OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE FOR THE UNITED STATES," HE EXPLAINED.
"I WOULD ARGUE THAT IT SHOULD THEREFORE BE SEEN AS AN IMPORTANT AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY INTEREST."
SIR DAVID OUTLINED THE MAJOR POINTS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH CHINA AND BRITAIN HAD SIGNED IN 1984 AFTER TWO YEARS OF NEGOTIATIONS, AND UNDER WHICH SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG WILL PASS TO CHINA FROM JULY 1997.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS A LEGALLY BINDING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT REGISTERED BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS AT THE UNITED NATIONS.
SPECIFIC ASSURANCES WERE GIVEN THAT AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA, HONG KONG WOULD CARRY ON ESSENTIALLY AS IT DID TODAY.
"THE JOINT DECLARATION CONTAINS MANY MORE PROVISIONS OF THIS SORT, ALL BOILING DOWN TO ONE ESSENTIAL POINT — THAT HONG KONG AFTER 1997 WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AS AN INTERNATIONAL, CAPITALIST CITY, SEPARATE FROM THE SOCIALIST SYSTEM OF THE CHINESE MAINLAND," HE SAID.
/Hong kong .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 19^7
HONG KONG WOULD THEREFORE NOT BE SWALLOWED UP BY CHINA IN 1997, AND INSTEAD WOULD BE A PART OF CHINA, BUT DISTINCT, UNDER CHINA’S IMAGINATIVE CONCEPT OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS".
SIR DAVID SAID GLOOMY VIEWS EXPRESSED IN PRESS COMMENTARIES WERE SURELY NOT JUSTIFIED, AND POINTED TO CHINA’S COMMITMENT TO IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
CHINA HAD DEVOTEti CONSIDERABLE TIME, EFFORT AND NUMEROUS OFFICIALS TO THE CONTINUOUS NEGOTIATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS NOW UNDERWAY — FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP — AS PART OF THE IMPLEMENTATION.
IN THE VITAL FIELDS OF TRADE, TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATION, THE JOINT DECLARATION’S PROVISIONS WERE ALREADY BEING IMPLEMENTED, HE EMPHASISED. "AND A GOOD START HAS BEEN MADE IN DEALING WITH THE HUNDREDS OF INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS IN WHICH HONG KONG PARTICIPATES NOW AND WILL WISH TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE AFTER 1997."
SIR DAVID ALSO REFERRED TO THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY AND STRESSED THAT MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS EITHER UNDERWAY OR PLANNED REPRESENTED A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT STRETCHING BEYOND 1997.
HE MENTIONED LARGE PRIVATE SECTOR UNDERTAKINGS, AND SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO "PUTTING ITS MONEY WHERE ITS CONFIDENCE IS WITH MANY LARGE ROAD, TUNNEL AND NEW TOWN PROJECTS".
REFERRING TO POLITICAL REFORM, SIR DAVID TOLD HIS AUDIENCE THAT THIS WAS ANOTHER ASPECT THAT SOME OF THE WORLD’S PRESS APPEARED to Have misunderstood.
HE EXPLAINED THAT FOR SOME YEARS HONG KONG HAD BEEN DEVELOPING A MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, TO SATISFY THE CHANGING ASPIRATIONS OF A BETTER EDUCATED AND EVER MORE SOPHISTICATED AND COSMOPOLITAN POPULATION.
THAT PROCESS WAS CONTINUING, AND WHILE THERE HAD BEEN SOME LIVELY DEBATE, NO-ONE,WAS CALLING FOR RADICAL DEVIATION FROM THE FUNDAMENTAL POLICIES THAT HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL, HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG WAS SET FAIR TO BUILD ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PAST, AND BOTH WEST AND EAST HAD A STAKE IN ITS SUCCESS.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
- 3 -
FORD: PACKAGE OF MEASURES BEING PREPARED * » » * *
A PACKAGE OF MEASURES WHICH WILL ENABLE THE ORDERLY OPENING OF THE MARKETS ON MONDAY IS BEING WORKED OUT, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MR DAVID FORD; SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE SAID IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT FOR EVERYBODY TO REMEMBER THAT THE UNDERLINING ECONOMY IN HONG KONG WAS STRONG, AND THAT PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE ABILITY OF HONG KONti TO SEE THROUGH THE FUTURE.
"THOSE PEOPLE IN THE PAST WHO HAD CONFIDENCE ON HONG KONG HAVE NEVER HAD REASON TO DOUBT THAT, NOR I DO THINK THEY WILL HAVE ANY REASON TO DOUBT THAT WE WILL ESTABLISH ORDERLY MARKETS IN THE COURSE OF NEXT WEEK," HE SAID.
MR FORD WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS TOGETHER WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, THIS MORNING WHEN THEY WERE ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE STOCK MARKET.
MR JACOBS SAID THE WHOLE SITUATION WAS VERY FLUID AND PEOPLE WERE WORKING TOGETHER TRYING TO FIND A COMMON SOLUTION.
"THE SITUATION HAS BEEN THAT I HAVE BEEN HAVING A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH THE PLAYERS IN THE MARKETS, MY OWN ADVISERS IN THE ADMINISTRATION, AND INDEED THOSE MEMBERS OF HAMBROS WHO ARE IN HONG KONG," MR JACOBS SAID.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HAMBROS TEAM WERE ON THEIR WAY TO HONG KONG, AND FURTHER MEETINGS WOULD BE HELD WITH THEM WHEN THEY ARRIVED.
MR JACOBS SAID IN THE COURSE OF THE DISCUSSIONS HE HAD HAD OVER THE LAST 24 HOURS, HE HAD SEEN A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF FLEXIBILITY AND GOOD WILL.
"OBVIOUSLY, AT THE BEGINNING, PEOPLE HAD TAKEN CERTAIN POSITIONS, BUT IN THE COURSE OF DISCUSSIONS WE’VE BEEN HAVING PEOPLE HAVE GRADUALLY BEGUN TO SEE EACH OTHER’S POINTS OF VIEW," HE SAID.
"SO AT THE MOMENT, WE ARE AT A VERY FLUID STATE. WHAT IS GRADUALLY EMERGING IS A CONSIDERABLE RECOGNITION OF NEED TO THINK ABOUT THE SOLUTION THAT IS TO THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG AND TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL THE PLAYERS IN THE MARKET," HE ADDED.
ASKED HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE FOR THE HAMBROS BANK TO COME UP WITH A PROPOSAL, MR JACOBS SAID: "PROPOSALS ARE GRADUALLY EMERGING THROUGHOUT THE DAY. I CAN’T REALLY PUT OUT A FIXED TIME ON THIS, BUT WE HAVEN’T GOT MUCH TIME, AND THE BEAUTY OF THIS IS THAT ! TIME IS VERY LIMITED, AND I WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING PUT TOGETHER EITHER LATER TODAY OR TOMORROW. WE HAVE TO SEE SOME SORT OF FRAMEWORK OF THIS BY THE WEEKEND."
/ON WHETHER
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 198?
4 - J .
ON WHETHER OR NOT THE EXCHANGE FUNDS WOULD BE USED, MR JACOBS SAID he would rather not comment on that point, but adding that there WERE STATUTORY LIMITS ON HOW THE FUNDS COULD BE USED.
tN RESPONSE to A QUESTION, MR JACOBS CONFIRMED THAT A PROPOSAL WAS SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE, DR KIM CHAM.
' ■ ;• I 111. Apr. it. . - • . . , '• • 2.
"OBVIOUSLYJ those proposals are In the melting POT," he SAID.
-----0------
GOVfeRNMENT DEALING WITH STOCK EXCHANGE PROBLEM: FS
*****
* » <
THE GOVERNMENT IS DEALING WITH THE PROBLEMS WITH RESPECT TO THE STOCK EXCHANGES IN THE iNTERfeSTS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE’S FIRST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION CONCERT, MR JACOBS SAID HONG KONG HAD WITNESSED AN EXTRAORDINARY WEEK ON THE WORLD’S STOCK EXCHANGES.
"LIKE OTHERS WE IN HONG KONG HAD PROBLEMS, AND WE ARE DEALING WITH .THEM IN THE INTERESTS OF OUR COMMUNITY. I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT WE SHALL SUCCEED," HE SAID.
"THE ECONOMY IS SOUND AND THE COMMUNITY SHOULD HAVE CONFIDENCE IN ITSELF," HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS SAID THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE WOULD TAKE STOCK OF THE LESSONS LEARNT IN THE PAST WEEK TO Work together to safeguard and enhance hong kong’s position as an INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
***
----• o ---------
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
- 5 -
TELEVISION TALK HELD IN MACAU » * » »
EXPERTS FROM THE HONG KONG AND MACAU GOVERNMENTS MET IN MACAU TODAY (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS MACAU TELEVISION’S EXPANSION PLANS.
THE HONG KONG SIDE WAS REPRESENTED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR MICHAEL WU, AND THE CHIEF ENGINEER, HONG KONG POST OFFICE, MR TONY WONG.
"THE DISCUSSIONS CENTRED MAINLY ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF MACAU TELEVISION’S PLANS, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF THE SIGNAL STRENGTH TO BE EMPLOYED FOR TELEVISION TRANSMISSIONS FROM MACAU." MR WU SAID ON HIS RETURN FROM MACAU.
THE TWO SIDES ALSO EXCHANGED INFORMATION REGARDING PROGRAMME AND ADVERTISING STANDARDS APPLIED TO TELEVISION BROADCASTING IN THE TWO TERRITORIES.
MR WU SAID THE MEETING HAD BEEN VERY USEFUL IN ENABLING THE TWO GOVERNMENTS TO UNDERSTAND BETTER EACH OTHER’S POSITION AND SHOULD PROVIDE THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WITH THE NECESSARY INFORMATION TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF MACAU TELEVISION’S PLANS ON HONG KONG.
A REPORT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE MEETING WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY AT ITS NEXT MEETING ON OCTOBER 26, HE ADDED.
-----o------
BUILDING HEIGHT IN TWO NT AREAS RELAXED
♦ * » * *
BUILDINGS AT LUEN WO HUI, FANLING AND SHEK WU HUI, SHEUNG SHUI CAN NOW BE CONSTRUCTED MUCH HIGHER FOLLOWING THE RELAXATION OF HEIGHT CONTROL IN THESE AREAS.
THE RELAXATION, AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE AMALGAMATION OF SITES FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE ftEDEVELOPMENT, IS ONE OF THE ITEMS INCLUDED IN THE NEW DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
A BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID EXISTING BUILDINGS IN THE "HUIS" WERE SUBJECT TO A HEIGHT RESTRICTION OF 20 METRES (ABOUT SIX STOREYS). .
HOWEVER, NEW BUILDINGS TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON SITES OF 340 SQUARE METRES OR MORE WERE NOW PERMITTED TO A MAXIMUM .HEIGHT OF 81 METRES (ABOUT 25 STOREYS).
/BESIDES, THE ........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1?87
6
BESIDES, THE DEVELOPMENTS ARE GOVERNED BY A MAXIMUM DOMESTIC PLOT RATIO OF FIVE AND A MAXIMUM NON-DOMESTIC PLOT RATIO OF 9.5.
"THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE IMPOSED IN LINE WITH THE PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE NEW TOWN," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE NEW TOWN IS AIMED AT PROVIDING A BALANCED AND REASONABLY SELF-CONTAINED DEVELOPMENT FOR A POPULATION OF 280,000.
THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IS TO ESTABLISH A BROAD LAND USE ZONING AND MAJOR ROAD FRAMEWORK FOR THE NEW TOWN TO INDICATE THE BROAD PRINCIPLES OF DEVELOPMENT, PROVIDE GUIDANCE FOR MORE DETAILED PLANNING, AND PUT FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT UNDER STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL.
THE PLANNED AREA COVERS ABOUT 773 HECTARES OF RELATIVELY FLAT LAND BOUNDED BY THE INDUS AND MA WAT RIVERS TO THE NORTH AND EAST, BIRDS HILL, WO HOP SHEK AND FANLING GOLF COURSE TO THE SOUTH AND WEST.
A NUMBER OF EXISTING TRADITIONAL VILLAGES SUCH AS SHEUNG SHUI TSUEN AND FAN LENG WAI, AND SOME RECENTLY COMPLETED PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
A TOTAL AREA OF 92.1 HECTARES HAS BEEN ZONED "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)". IT INCLUDES EXISTING AND PROPOSED PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES SUCH AS CHEUNG WAH AND TIN PING ESTATES, HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME DEVELOPMENTS SUCH AS CHOI PO AND YUK PO COURTS AND HIGH DENSITY PRIVATE HOUSING SCHEMES IN AREAS TO THE NORTH OF SO KWUN PO, NEAR FANLING RAILWAY STATION, TO THE NORTH OF LUEN WO HUI, AND TO THE WEST OF WO HOP SHEK TSUEN.
WITHIN THIS ZONE, A RANGE OF COMMERCIAL USES ARE ALWAYS PERMITTED IN THE LOWER THREE FLOORS OF THE BUILDINGS.
ABOUT 4.5 HECTARES OF LAND NEAR KAI LENG FALLS WITHIN THE "RESIDENTIAL (GROUP B)" ZONE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE SITES WERE BASICALLY INTENDED FOR RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, BUT SUITABLE COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY USES MIGHT BE PROVIDED SUBJECT TO PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
"’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP C)’ SITES FOR LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ARE MAINLY FOUND IN AREAS NEAR TIN PING ESTATE AND KAI LENG. THE AREA OF THE ZONE MEASURES 26 HECTARES."
"TO ENSURE THAT DEVELOPMENT IS IN CHARACTER WITH THE NEARBY TRADITIONAL VILLAGES AND ATTRACTIVE COUNTRYSIDE AREAS, AND THAT THE LOCAL ROAD AND OTHER INFRASTRUCTURAL FACILITIES WILL NOT BE OVERLOADED, RESTRICTIONS ON HEIGHT, PLOT RATIO AND SITE COVERAGE OF BUILDINGS WITHIN THIS ZONE ARE IMPOSED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE RECOGNISED
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1p87
TEN RECOGNISED TRADITIONAL VILLAGES AND THEIR FUTURE EXPANSION AREAS, AMOUNTING TO SOME 79 HECTARES, HAVE BEEN ZONED "VILLAGE TYPE DEVELOPMENT". APART FROM VILLAGE HOUSING, A SELECTIVE RANGE OF COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY USES ARE PERMITTED WITHIN THIS ZONE.
TO CATER FOR THE EMPLOYMENT NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWN, ABOUT 65.9 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN ZONED "INDUSTRIAL". IT COVERS THE EXISTING INDUSTRIAL AREA OF ON LOK TSUEN AND PLANNED INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN THE SOUTH-EASTERN, SOUTH-WESTERN AND NORTH-WESTERN PARTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
BUILDINGS WITHIN THIS ZONE ARE RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM HEIGHT OF 25 METRES AND A MAXIMUM PLOT RATIO OF FIVE AS REQUIRED BY THE PLANNED INFRASTRUCTURE.
ABOUT 111 HECTARES OF LAND HAS BEEN ZONED FOR VARIOUS GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL OR COMMUNITY USES. IT INCLUDES SUCH MAJOR EXISTING FACILITIES AS THE INDOOR SWIMMING COMPLEX NEAR FAN LENG WAI, POLICE CADET SCHOOL AND FANLING HOSPITAL AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
LAND HAS ALSO BEEN RESERVED FOR BUILDING NEW MAJOR FACILITIES SUCH AS AN INTEGRATED SPORT AND SWIMMING COMPLEX TO THE NORTH-EAST OF SHEK WU HUI, GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LAW COURTS AND CULTURAL COMPLEX NEAR CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT HOSPITAL NEAR CHOI YUEN ESTATE.
APART FROM A TOWN PARK NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEAR SO KWUN PO VILLAGE, A NUMBER OF DISTRICT OPEN SPACES WILL BE PROVIDED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TOWN. THE TOWN PARK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1991.
SITES FOR BUILDING A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT, BUS DEPOT, FLOOD BALANCING RESERVOIR AND PETROL FILLING STATIONS ARE INCLUDED IN THE "OTHER SPECIFIED USES" ZONE. OF PARTICULAR NOTE IS A SITE ADJACENT T SHEUNG SHUI RAILWAY STATION WHICH IS INTENDED TO BE DEVELOPED INTO A MAJOR TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AND CAR PARK WITH COMMERCIAL USES INCLUDING SHOPS AND OFFICES ABOVE.
ABOUT 180 HECTARES OF LAND, WHICH ARE EITHER UNSUITABLE OR NOT REQUIRED FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE PLANNED AREA, HAS BEEN ZONED AS A "GREEN BELT". SOME OF THESE AREAS ARE FUNG SHUI PLACES AND PERIPHERAL HILLS WITH AN ATTRACTIVE LANDSCAPE WHICH ARE WORTH CONSERVING.
WRITTEN OBJECTIONS TO THE DRAFT PLAN MUST BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY DECEMBER 22.
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/8........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
- 8 -
ELDERLY SERVICES ACCORDED PRIORITY * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL ACCORD PRIORITY TO THE PROVISION AND STRENGTHENING OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MRS WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF THE OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT RESPECT FOR THE AGED ASSOCIATION.
MRS WONG SAID THAT TO COPE WITH THE VARIOUS NEEDS OF THE INCREASING ELDERLY POPULATION, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO EXPAND SERVICES FOR THE OLD PEOPLE SO AS TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THEIR OWN HOMES.
"VARIOUS SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST FAMILIES WHICH ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS OR DIFFICULTIES IN LOOKING AFTER THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS. RESIDENTIAL CARE WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED WHENEVER NECESSARY," MRS WONG SAID.
ON FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE ELDERLY, MRS WONG NOTED THAT OLD PEOPLE MADE UP ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE SOME 63,000 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES AND THAT OVER 230,000 PEOPLE AGED ABOVE 70 WERE RECEIVING THE OLD AGE ALLOWANCE (OAA).
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECENTLY PROPOSED A PACKAGE OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE BENEFITS FOR THE ELDERLY TO MEET THEIR NEEDS AND THAT THE NUMBER OF BENEFICIARIES WILL GREATLY INCREASE.
"APART FROM PROPOSING TO INCREASE THE OAA RATE, IT IS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE ELIGIBILITY AGE FOR THIS ALLOWANCE BE LOWERED FROM 70 TO 65 IN STAGES. IN ADDITION, THE RATE OF DISABILITY ALLOWANCE IS TO BE DOUBLED FOR PEOPLE OVER 60 WHO LIVE IN THEIR OWN HOMES AND WHO REQUIRE CONSTANT CARE,” SHE SAID.
MRS WONG SAID THAT OTHER SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY INCLUDED HOUSING, MEDICAL, HOME CARE, RESIDENTIAL CARE AND OTHER AUXILIARY SERVICES, WHICH WOULD BE EXPANDED AND IMPROVED WHEN REQUIRED.
MRS WONG COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION IN SERVING THE ELDERLY SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1981.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
9 -
NINE YAU MA TEI PROPERTIES TO BE RESUMED ♦ * * * *
NINE PRIVATE PROPERTIES AT THE YAU MA TEI SIX STREETS WILL REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT UNDER AN URBAN REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.
A NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND POSTED ON THE PROPERTIES CONCERNED.
THE NINE PROPERTIES AFFECTED ARE 41 AND 45 CHEUNG SHUI STREET, 37 AND 59 PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND 649, 653, 662, 688 AND 692 CANTON ROAD.
THEY ARE PART OF THE 122 FIVE-STOREY BUILDINGS INVOLVED IN A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME TO BE CARRIED OUT IN TWO PHASES BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY, AND WILL REVERT TO THE GOVERNMENT ON JANUARY 23, 1988.
THE REST OF THE PROPERTIES HAVE COME UNDER GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT SINCE 1980.
PHASE I REDEVELOPMENT WILL BEGIN UPON REVERSION OF THE NINE PROPERTIE’S. FIVE OF THEM ARE WITHIN THE LIMIT OF PHASE I AND THE OCCUPIERS WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THESE PREMISES BEFORE THE REVERSION DATE.
OCCUPIERS OF THE OTHER FOUR PROPERTIES WITHIN THE LIMIT OF PHASE II WILL BE ALLOWED TO STAY AT THE PREMISES UNTIL THE COMMENCEMENT OF PHASE II WORK IN 1990. HOWEVER, THEY WILL BECOME THE GOVERNMENT’S TENANTS AND WILL HAVE TO PAY RENT TO THE GOVERNMENT WITH EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF REVERSION.
OWNERS OF THE NINE AFFECTED PROPERTIES WILL BE ENTITLED TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR THE LOSS OF THEIR INTERESTS WHILE TENANTS OF THE PROPERTIES IN PHASE I WILL ALSO BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION IF THEY CAN SUBSTANTIATE THEIR CLAIMS.
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF COMMERCIAL TENANTS, GENUINE OCCUPIERS AFFECTED BY THE SCHEME WILL BE REHOUSED BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY AND THE TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION OFFERED WILL DEPEND ON THE ELIGIBILITY OF THE OCCUPANT.
- - 0 - -
/1O
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
- 10 -
AIRPORT SURFACE DETECTION EQUIPMENT COMMISSIONED *****
. NEW AIRFIELD SURFACE DETECTION EQUIPMENT CAPABLE OF DETECTING AIRCRAFT, AND VEHICLES ON THE AIRFIELD AND SHIP MOVEMENTS AROUND THE RUNWAY PROMONTORY HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
SITUATED ON TOP OF A 40-METRE HIGH TOWER AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, THE EQUIPMENT’S RADAR HEAD CAN IDENTIFY TARGETS AS SMALL AS A VEHICLE WITHIN A SIX KILOMETRE RANGE. INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION, SHAPE AND SIZE OF THE TARGET OBJECTS IS AUTOMATICALLY RELAYED TO THE CONTROL TOWER AND DISPLAYED ON A RADAR SCREEN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW EQUIPMENT WOULD HELP TO REDUCE THE WORKLOAD OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS WHO PREVIOUSLY HAD TO RELY ON VISUAL SURVEILLANCE OF THE AIRFIELD AND THE HARBOUR.
"THE CONTINUOUS FLOW OF RADAR INFORMATION WILL ASSIST IN THE PREVENTION OF COLLISION BETWEEN AIRCRAFT AND VEHICLES, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT AND IN POOR VISIBILITY," HE SAID.
AS SHIPS UNDER THE FLIGHT PATH TO THE RUNWAY MAY POSE HEIGHT OBSTRUCTIONS TO ARRIVING AND DEPARTING AIRCRAFT, IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE DETECTION EQUIPMENT TO ALSO MONITOR SHIPPING MOVEMENTS.
THE DETECTION EQUIPMENT WILL ALSO PROVIDE DATA FOR THE VESSEL TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM NOW BEING INTRODUCED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT. THE NEW SYSTEM WILL DISPLAY SHIPPING MOVEMENTS WITHIN VICTORIA HARBOUR AND UP TO LEI YUE MUN GAP.
--------o - - - -
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED
*****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 WERE BOTH 110.8, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 5.9 PER CENT AND 5.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER SEPTEMBER 1986, ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1987 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BY 0.4 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND AVERAGE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 1987, AT 107.6 AND 107.8 RESPECTIVELY, WERE BOTH 4.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 1986.
/DURING THE ...*
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 1987
11
DURING THE THR^E-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 1987, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BOTH INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.3 PER CENT PER MONTH.
DURING SEPTEMBER, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT, RENTS FOR SOME PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS AND CHARGES FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES INCREASED. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES DECREASED.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (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 CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN #2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDICES FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDICES, AS COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1987 AND SEPTEMBER 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
SECTION CPI(A) CPI(B)
INDEX FOR SEP.87 % CHANGE OVER AUG.87 % CHANGE OVER SEP.86 INDEX FOR SEP.87 % CHANGE OVER AUG.87 % CHANGE OVER SEP.86
FOODSTUFFS 108.1 + 0.1 + 5.3 108.6 + 0.3 + 5.6
HOUSING 111.1 + 1.0 + 4.3 108.4 + 0.4 + 2.9
FUEL AND LIGHT 92.6 + 0.0» + 4.6 93.2 -0.1 + 4.6
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 116.9 + 0.1 + 6.2 117.3 + 0.1 + 6.9
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 113.2 + 0.4 + 5.6 114.9 + 0.5 + 6.1
DURABLE GOODS 112.7 + 0.2 + 5.8 111.9 + 0.4 + 5.8
/Miscellaneous goods
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
12 -
MISCELLANEOUS + 10.9 117.7 + 0.7 + 10.4
GOODS 117.7 + 0.2
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 116.3 + 0.4 + 8.4 115.1 + 0.3 + 8.0
SERVICES 116.8 + 0.5 + 6.3 116.6 + 0.4 + 6.6
ALL ITEMS 110.8 + 0.3 + 5.9 110.8 + 0.4 + 5.7
* LE SS THAN 0 .05 PER CENT
COMPARED BY 0.1 PER CENT CONSUMER PRICE AVERAGE RETAIL AVERAGE CHARGE WITH \UGU8T 1987, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND BY 0.3 PER INDEX (B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE INCREASE PRICES OF FRESH FRUIT AND LIVE POULTRY AND FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING INCREASED CENT IN IN THE IN THE PLACES,
WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASE IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 1.0 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) DUE TO HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A ESTATES.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF MEN’S OUTERCLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 0.2 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND BY 0.7 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF COSMETICS AND TOYS.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) AND BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND HOUSEHOLD SERVICES.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDICES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR SEPTEMBER 1987, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.5 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19/F., WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WANCHAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE ' INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
/FOR ENQUIRIES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
- 13 -
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDICES, PLEASE TELEPHONE THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8235089.
THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WAS 114.2 IN SEPTEMBER 1987, UP BY 1.0 PER CENT OVER AUGUST 1987 AND UP BY 6.9 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1986. THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT HKtlO.OOO - 24,999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LTD.
-----0------
AMENDMENTS TO CONVEYANCING LAW PROPOSED
*****
AMENDMENTS INTENDED TO CLARIFY AND IMPROVE FURTHER THE LAW RELATING TO CONVEYANCING AND REAL PROPERTY ARE CONTAINED IN A BILL THAT WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE AMENDMENTS, WHICH ARE TECHNICAL IN NATURE, ARE CONTAINED IN THE CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.
THEY ARE AIMED AT REFINING THE CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED IN 1984.
THE ORDINANCE UPDATED AND CONSOLIDATED THE LAW CONCERNING CONVEYANCING AND REAL PROPERTY, AND EXPERIENCE SINCE ITS ENACTMENT HAS POINTED TO CERTAIN AREAS WHERE ITS PROVISIONS CAN BE FURTHER IMPROVED.
"THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED ARE NOT SUBSTANTIAL OR RADICAL," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SAID.
ONE OF THE MAIN CHANGES CONCERNS THE LENGTH OF TIME FOR WHICH A VENDOR OF LAND HAS TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE, SUCH AS THE CROWN LEASE AND OTHER ITEMS, TO PROVE HIS TITLE TO THE PROPERTY.
AT PRESENT A VENDOR USUALLY HAS TO PRODUCE DOCUMENTS FOR A PERIOD OF 25 YEARS, AND IT IS NOW PROPOSED TO REDUCE THIS TO 15 YEARS.
THE AMENDMENT BILL HAS BEEN DRAWN UP FOLLOWING THE DELIBERATIONS BY A RECONSTITUTED CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY LAW WORKING GROUP. THE WORKING GROUP HAD ORIGINALLY RECOMMENDED THE PROVISIONS IN THE 1984 ORDINANCE.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
-----0------
/14........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
14
A LITTLE CARE HELPS PROTECT HILLSIDES FROM FIRES * * * * *
PEOPLE SHOULD REMEMBER THAT IT TOOK ONLY A LITTLE CARE TO HELP PROTECT THE COUNTRYSIDE FROM FIRES, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR K.C. IU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
OVER THE YEARS APATHY ON THE PART OF IRRESPONSIBLE CITIZENS HAD GIVEN RISE TO MANY NEEDLESS HILL FIRES, HE POINTED OUT.
ALTHOUGH HUMID WEATHER CONDITIONS HAD MADE THE COUNTRYSIDE LESS VULNERABLE TO FIRE LAST YEAR, THERE WERE STILL 281 FIRES REPORTED IN OR NEAR COUNTRY PARKS, DAMAGING OVER 80,000 TREES AND 1,300 HECTARES OF VEGETATION, MR IU SAID.
"THIS CLEARLY REFLECTS THE PREVAILING APATHY OF MANY PEOPLE TOWARDS THEIR COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT AND THEIR FAILURE TO EXERCISE COMMON SENSE IN CONSERVING THE NATURAL ASSET," HE SAID.
"WE ARE DISTURBED TO FIND THAT DESPITE HUMID WEATHER THE NUMBER OF FIRES REMAINED AT A FAIRLY HIGH LEVEL LAST YEAR.
"SHOULD THE TREND CONTINUE IN A DRY YEAR LIKE 1985-86, WHEN 306 FIRES SWEPT 6,300 HECTARES TO DESTROY OVER HALF A MILLION TREES, THE DAMAGE WOULD BE DISASTROUS.”
MR IU WAS SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT THE SHING MUN COUNTRY PARK TO LAUNCH THIS YEAR’S COUNTRYSIDE FIRE PREVENTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CONFERENCE WERE THE DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR JAMES HO, AND THE CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICER (PROMOTIONS) OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR GEORGE YUEN.
UNLIKE MANY OVERSEAS PLACES, COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IN HONG KONG ARE NOT STARTED BY NATURAL CAUSES BUT ARE A RESULT OF HUMAN NEGLIGENCE, MR IU SAID.
"A LIGHTED CIGARETTE BUTT CARELESSLY THROWN, A BARBECUE FIRE LEFT UNATTENDED OR A STACK OF HAY ACCIDENTALLY SET ON FIRE BY BURNING JOSS PAPERS WOULD EASILY CAUSE INESTIMABLE LOSS,” HE SAID.
"I APPEAL TO THE GOOD SENSE OF ALL WHO INTEND TO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE THIS SEASON. DO TAKE EXTRA CARE AND USE ONLY PERMITTED AREAS TO LIGHT BARBECUE FIRES. WORSHIPPERS AT GRAVES SHOULD ENSURE THEY LIGHT JOSS PAPERS ONLY IN METAL CONTAINERS AND DO NOT LEAVE BURNING JOSS STICKS UNATTENDED.”
MR IU SAID THAT SHOULD PUBLICITY AND ADVICE FAIL TO PREVENT THE OUTBREAKS OF HILL FIRES, ENFORCEMENT AND PROSECUTION ACTION WOULD BE STEPPED UP.
/HE POINTED .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1$8?
- 15 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WAS PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF $5,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.
MR IU SAID THAT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AND CIVIL AID SERVICES, HAD OVER THE YEARS, DEVELOPED AN EFFICIENT SYSTEM TO DEAL WITH COUNTRYSIDE FIRES.
"HOWEVER, THE DETECTION AND . REPORTING SYSTEM, TRAINED FIRE FIGHTERS, AND MODERN FIRE FIGHTING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT WILL ALL BE RENDERED INEFFECTIVE IF THE NUMBER OF FIRE OUTBREAKS REMAINS AT A HIGH LEVEL," HE SAID.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WAS FOLLOWED BY A FIRE FIGHTING DEMONSTRATION BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FIRE CREW, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF RHKAAF HELICOPTER WHICH CARRIED OUT WATER BOMBING.
-----0------
KWUN TONG HOLDING ANTI-CRIME SEMINAR
*****
A SEMINAR ON WAYS OF IMPROVING COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, AREA COMMITTEES AND THE POLICE IN PREVENTING CRIME WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 25).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSUI PING ROAD, FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM.
THE SEMINAR, WITH "ANTI-TRIAD" AS ITS THEME, HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE LOCAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AS PART OF ITS CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF ANTI-CRIME MEASURES.
A DFCC MEMBER, MR MA YAT-CHEUNG, WILL SPEAK ON THE PROBLEM OF JUVENILE INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES. MR LO WAI-CHUNG, A POLICE SENIOR INSPECTOR, WILL TALK ABOUT TRIAD INFLUENCE AND MEASURES TAKEN BY THE POLICE TO COMBAT THE PROBLEM.
THE TALKS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSIONS TO EXPLORE THE CAUSE AND EFFECT OF TRIAD INFLUENCE AND WAYS TO DEAL WITH IT.
/THERE WILL
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
16
THERE WILL BE AN OPENING CEREMONY AT KWUN TONG DFCC, MR MAU KEI-ON, AND THE KWUN OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE, WILL OFFICIATE.
WHICH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TONG ASSISTANT DISTRICT
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR’S OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY AT 2 PM AT THE ’('.'UN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUI PING ROAD.
-----0-----
RADIO SERIES, QUIZ 1’0 PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A NEW RADIO SERIES AND A QUIZ CONTEST ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
FORMING PART OF THIS YEAR’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CAMPAIGN PROGRAMME, THE RADIO SERIES, ENTITLED "SAFETY HINTS IN INDUSTRY" WILL BE AIRED ON COMMERCIAL RAIO I AT 5.20 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY FOR EIGHT WEEKS.
IT WILL FEATURE A SYMBOLIC CHARACTER, "CAPTAIN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY", WHO READILY GIVES ADVICE TO WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN THEIR WORKPLACES.
THIS INCLUDE THE HANDLING OF CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES, FIRE PRECAUTIONS, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, EYE PROTECTION AND THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN CONSTRUCTION SITES.
THE AUDIENCE WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME BY ANSWERING QUESTIONS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. WINNERS WILL RECEIVE PRIZES AND TICKETS TO AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN HUNG HOM IN JANUARY.
ALSO ON MONDAY, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN A "KNOW YOUR HARMFUL CHEMICALS" QUIZ CONTEST-IN CONJUNCTION WITH WEN WEI PO.
THE AIM OF ORGANISING THE QUIZ IS TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS OF THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR WORKERS, TOWARDS THE SAFE HANDLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES.
THE QUIZ WILL BE PUBLISHED ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY UNTIL DECEMBER 11, AND READERS WILL BE INVITED TO SEND IN ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WHICH WILL BE CENTERED ON THE THEME OF CLASSIFICATIONS AND LABELLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE COMMONLY USED IN INDUSTRY.
WINNERS OF THE CONTEST WILL BE AWARDED TRAVEL VOUCHERS TO CHINA INCLUDING ONE TO SHANGHAI AND HANGZHOU AT A PRICE OF $5,000.
PRIZES FOR THE RADIO SERIES ARE DONATED BY THE GOLDEN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT LIMITED AND THOSE FOR THE QUIZ CONTEST ARE SPONSORED BY FEOSO OIL LIMITED.
------0-------- /1? .......
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
- 17 -
PRESS CONFERENCE ON EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ft ft ft ft ft
THE FIRST EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15 AND 28 TO PROVIDE A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES IN THE DISTRICT.
ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE; THE FESTIVAL IS ALSO SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) AT 4 PM ON 2M FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR ERIC LI AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, WILL ATTEND THE CONFERENCE. THEY WILL ALSO SPEAK ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF EASTERN DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) AT 4 PM IN THE AMBASSOR SUITE, 2M FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY•
- - 0 - -
TV SERIES TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY ft ft ft ft ft
PARENTS WITH YOUNG CHILDREN ARE INVITED TO WATCH THE FIRST OF A THREE-PART TV SERIES FEATURING HOME SAFETY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
THE EPISODE, WHICH WILL BE SCREENED ON TVB-JADE AT 9.60 PM TOMORROW, SHOWS HOW AN INNOCENT YOUNG GIRL FELL TO HER DEATH THROUGH AN UNGRILLED OPEN WINDOW. THE PROGRAMME WILL BE REPEATED ON ATV-GOLD AT 7.58 PM NEXT SATURDAY.
THE TV SERIES, JOINTLY PRODUCED BY RTHK AND INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL FEATURE THREE AUTHENTIC STORIES IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS TO PROMOTE SAFETY IN HOME.
"A LARGE PART OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS THAT HAPPENED IN- HOME RESULTED FROM FALLS," MR GEORGE YUEN, CHAIRMAN OF HOME SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE SAID.
/"FALLS FROM
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 198?
18 -
"FALLS FROM WINDOWS OR BALCONIES CAN BE DEADLY, AND ONE SHOULD NEVER TAKE CHANCES - THERE MAY NOT BE A SECOND TIME," HE SAID.
"WHILST SOME PEOPLE REALIZE THAT THERE ARE POTENTIAL DANGERS IN,THE HOME, THERE ARE OTHERS WHO TEND TO TAKE THE ATTITUDE THAT TRAGEDIES MAY NEVER HAPPEN TO THEM," MR YUEN NOTED.
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT PUBLICITY EFFORTS MUST BE STEPPED UP TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC," HE ADDED.
MR YUEN SAID A MOBILE EXHIBITION ON HOME SAFETY IS BEING HELD EVERY SUNDAY. THE NEXT ONE WILL BE HELD ON OCTOBER 25 AT THE CHEUNG CHING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM. FREE COPIES OF A HOME SAFETY BOOKLET WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
-----0-----
SPEEDPOST EXTENDED TO NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
*****
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO NETHERLANDS ANTILLES IN SOUTH AMERICA FROM MONDAY (OCTOBER 26), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS WILL BRING TO 51 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID.
SPEEDPOST ITEMS WOULD BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO CURACAO AND ST MAARTON N.A. SIDE IN NETHERLANDS ANTILLES, HE SAID.
"ITEMS POSTED ON MONDAY TO FRIDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY WHILE THOSE POSTED ON SATURDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING," HE SAID, ADDING THAT ONLY ’ON DEMAND’ SERVICE WAS AVAILABLE.
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT LIMIT IS 20 KG AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250 G $70
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 250 G AND 500 G $95
EACH SUBSEQUENT 500 G $35
KILOPAK $120
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO NETHERLANDS ANTILLES AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IN GENERAL CAN CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.
- O -
/19
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
- 19 -
JOCKEY CLUB SUPPORTS KEEP MONO KONG CLEAN DRIVE
♦ * » « *
^E2»2N^L COUNCILL&R. MR TANG PUI-TAT, WILL JOIN HANDS WITH STAFF OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN A CLEANSING OPERATION AT ONE OF THE OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES.
, THE OPERATION, TO BE LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BETTING, ROYAL Hong Kong jockey club, mr warren wilson, will be carried out at the SURROUNDING AREA OF THE TAI PO PLAZA OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE.
THE OPERATION IS ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE private sector in support of this year’s keep hong kong clean CAMPAIGN AND IS AIMED AT REMINDING THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY PUNTERS. AND SHOP OWNERS THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
Note to editors:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FUNCTION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11 AM TOMORROW. A VAN (RC4634) WILL DEPART AT 10 AM FROM THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----o------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE DEMOLITION
* ♦ » i i
„THE ByiLD1N0 AUTHORITY is to apply in tsuen WAN DISTRICT COURT
HoCuMBER 17 FOR PERMISSION TO CLOSE A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN SHAM SHUt PO PRIOR TO DEMOLISHING THEM.
.TRE CL0SURB WILB APPLY TO THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE FLAT
S?0FS ADJACENT TO FLATS B, C, E, F AND G ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF 37-39
TONKIN STREET AND FLATS A, B, D, F AND G ON THE FOURTH Ft non rU
253-263, SHUN NING ROAD AND THE SIDE YARD ADJOINING SHOP 4 ON THF
GROUND FLOOR OF 253-263> SHUN NING ROAD.
THE AUTHORITY INTENDS TO CLOSE THEM SO THAT THEIR CAN TAKE PLACE SAFELY.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR THE CLOSURE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).
DEMOLITION
ORDER WAS
ORDERS TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES WERE ISSUED TO OCCUPIERS SE™BE,! 1986 *»■> EA3T JANUARY,
BUT
-------o----------
/20
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
20 -
TWO BOOKS ON MANAGEMENT PUBLISHED * * * * *
THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAS PRODUCED TWO PUBLICATIONS ON MANAGEMENT TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WHICH ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE IN CENTRAL.
THE "DIRECTORY OF MANAGEMENT TEACHERS AND TRAINERS IN HONG KONG" IS A 600-PAGE BOOK PROVIDING VALUABLE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MANAGERS AND THOSE WHO ARE ENGAGED IN MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT, TEACHING AND TRAINING.
IT IS CONSISTED OF FIVE PARTS, FEATURING PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND AND SPECIALISMS OF MANAGEMENT TEACHERS, TRAINERS AND CONSULTANTS IN HONG KONG; DETAILS OF THEIR MANAGEMENT RESEARCH PROJECTS; AN INDEX OF EMPLOYING ORGANISATIONS; A LIST OF SUBJECT AREAS FOR TEACHING, CONSULTANCY AND RESEARCH INTERESTS; AND A SUBJECT INDEX TO RESEARCH PROJECTS.
THE PUBLICATION OF THE DIRECTORY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, IS A JOINT EFFORT OF THE CENTRE AND THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS AND COLLEGES, CONSULTANCY AND TRAINING FIRMS AND COMPANIES WITH THEIR OWN TRAINING STAFF.
THE SECOND PUBLICATION RELEASED BY THE CENTRE IS A CASE REPORT ENTITLED "THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT OF COMPANY ALPHA".
IT DESCRIBES THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ONE SMALL INDUSTRIAL COMPANY.
IT ALSO CONTAINS SMALL APPENDICES WHICH PROVIDE USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO CARRY OUT A PROGRAMME IN THEIR COMPANY.
THE DIRECTORY IS SOLD AT $67.5 A COPY AND THE REPORT $7.5 A COPY.
------o ------
ONE MAIL DELIVERY ON CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL
* * * *
THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL HOLIDAY WHICH FALLS ON OCTOBER 31, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
FORTY-TWO POST OFFICES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON Hong kong island, kowloon central and tsim sha tsui post offices In KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WING STREET, SHA TtN CENTRAL AND TAI PO OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON THAT DAY.
THE NAMES OF THE OTHER POST OFFICES WHICH WILL BE OPEN ON THAT DAY CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ANY POST OFFICE OR FROM THE OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU ON 5-231071.
___-0---- /21
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 1987
21 -
NT LOT FOR USE AS PETROL FILLING STATION *****
A 937.9 SQUARE METRE LOT IN FANLING IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY'TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE LOT, LOCATED IN AREA 26, TAI PO ROAD, IS SPECIFIED FOR USE AS A PETROL FILLING STATION, EXCLUDING ANY LUBRICATING OR SERVICING FACILITIES.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 20.
-------0 --------
KITE FLYING FUN DAY IN SAI KUNG *****
MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE IN AN ANTI-NARCOTICS KtTE FLYING FUN DAY ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AT TAI AU MUN, SAI KUNG, ON SUNDAY (OCTOBER 25).
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS KITE DESIGN COMPETITOR AT 11 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE FOUR-HOUR EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY AT TAI AU MUN, SAI KUNG.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 198?
CONTENTS TAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED ............ 1
HK OFFERS INCREASING SCOPE FOR U.S. — SIR DAVID ............. 4
THREE SITES FOR AUCTION ON MONDAY ........................... 6
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER...................................
SEMINAR ON RADIATION PROTECTION ............................. 8
CORREBTICKAL SERVICES ST.xEF TO WALK FOR CHARITY............. 8
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR AMBULANCE DEPOT WORK.................... 9
SPECIAL MEETING ON BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT .................... 9
NEW BUS ROUTES PROPOSED FOR TOEN MUN RESIDENTS .............. 10
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMDLiR.................................. 10
COMMUNITY T, FADER DEVELOPMENT SCHEME CLOSES ................ 11
SERVICES INSTALLATIONS FOR CHAI WAN INDOOR GaMES HaLL........ 11
CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY FORTNIGHT STARTS TOMORROW ............... 12
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO nND TUEN MUN ........... 13
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE aT ADMIRALTY.......................... 13
SALT WATER CUT IN CENTRAL, WESTERN .......................... 14
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
- 1 -
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED * » » * *
THE STRONG GROWTH IN EXTERNAL TRADE CONTINUED IN SEPTEMBER 1987. ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE. VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1987 WAS $17,843 MILLION, 28.0 PER CENT OR $3,899 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1986, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 48.3 PER CENT OR $5,376 MILLION TO $16,502 MILLION.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $34,345 MILLION, WAS 37.0 PER CENT OR $9,275 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1986. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 39.7 PER CENT OR $9,318 MILLION OVER SEPTEMBER 1986 TO $32,766 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1987 WAS GREATER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $1,579 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 4.8 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED FOR THE MONTH. THIS SURPLUS IS LARGELY SEASONAL, REFLECTING THE TIMING OF EXPORT SHIPMENTS TO MEET THE WINTER SEASON IN HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS MARKETS. IT COMPARES WITH A SURPLUS OF $1,622 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 6.9 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER 1986.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1987 WAS $270,215 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $141,139 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $129,076 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $76,476 MILLION OR 39.5 PER CENT, THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $32,753 MILLION OR 30.2 PER CENT, AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY $43,723 MILLION OR 51.2 PER CENT.
OVER THIS PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $75,713 MILLION OR 38.9 PER CENT, TO $270,150 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS WAS ROUGHLY THE SAME AS THAT OF IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT WAS VIRTUALLY IN BALANCE, WITH A VERY SMALL SURPLUS OF $65 MILLION.
THIS COMPARES WITH A DEFICIT OF $698 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.4 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1986.
/COMMSNTBG ON
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1?87
- 2 -
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE STRONG GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAD BEEN SUSTAINED FOR 19 MONTHS. THIS WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE STRONG DEMAND FOR HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN OVERSEAS MARKETS, BROUGHT ABOUT BY THEIR SUSTAINED DEMAND FOR IMPORTS AND BY THE INCREASED COMPETITIVENESS OF OUR PRODUCTS DUE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO EXCHANGE RATE MOVEMENTS. ON THE SUPPLY SIDE, IT REFLECTED THE FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY OF THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN COPING WITH THE STRONG DEMAND.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE EVEN MORE 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 STRONG GROWTH IN IMPORTS WAS PARTLY A REFLECTION OF THE BUOYANT DOMESTIC DEMAND, BUT ALSO SUGGESTED THAT EXPORT PERFORMANCE WAS LIKELY TO REMAIN GOOD FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1987.
TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER, 1987
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER:-MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $17,843 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS : $16,502 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS : $34,345 MILLION
IMPORTS : $32,766 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE : $ 1,579 MILLION (IN SURPLUS]
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS JUL 87 TO SEPT 87 HK$ MN. JUL 86 TO SEPT 86 HK$ MN. INCREASE
HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 55,347 43,013 12,334 28.7
RE-EXPORTS 48,949 32,319 16,630 51.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 104,296 75,332 28,964 38.4
IMPORTS 97,998 71,103 26,895 37.8
TRADE BALANCE 6,298 4,229 2,069
/SAME MONTH.......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
SEPT SEPT INCREASE
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1987 1986
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 17,843 13^944 3,899 28.0
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (52.0%)( 55.6%)
RE-EXPORTS 16,502 11,126 5,376 48.3 9
TOTAL EXPORTS 34,345 25,070 9,275 37.0
IMPORTS 32,766 23,448 9,318 39.7
TRADE BALANCE 1,579 1,622 -43
SEPT AUGUST INCREASE
LAST MONTH 1987 1987
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 17,843 18,557 -714 -3.8
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (52.0%) (53.5%)
RE-EXPORTS 16,502 16,149 353 2.2
TOTAL EXPORTS 54,345 34,706 -361 -1.0
IMPORTS 32,766 31,933 833 2.6
TRADE BALANCE 1,579 2,773 -1,194
JAN-SEPT JAN-SEPT INCREASE
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE 1987 1986
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 141,139 108,386 32,753 30.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (52.2%) (55.9%)
RE-EXPORTS 129,076 85,353 43,723 51.2
TOTAL EXPORTS • 270,215 193,739 76,476 39.5
IMPORTS 270,150 194,437 75,713 38.9
TRADE BALANCE 65 -698 763
/LAST 12 .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1^87
LAST 12 MONTHS OCT 86 TO SEPT 87 HK$ MN. OCT 85 TO SEPT 86 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 186,736 143,326 43,410 30.3
RE-EXPORTS 166,270 111,975 54,295 48.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 353,006 255,301 97,705 38.3
IMPORTS 351,668 256,899 94,769 36.9
TRADE BALANCE 1,338 -1,598 2,936
- 0-
HK OFFERS INCREASING SCOPE FOR U.S. -- SIR DAVID
*****
AS HONG KONG BECOMES A MORE AFFLUENT SOCIETY THERE IS INCREASING SCOPE FOR AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN TO ENLARGE THEIR MARKET IN THE TERRITORY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN NEW YORK ON FRIDAY (U.S. TIME).
SPEAKING TO THE ASIA SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, SIR DAVID DESCRIBED HONG KONG AS HAVING A FOURFOLD ATTRACTION FOR FOREIGN BUSINESSMEN.
THIS WAS AS A MARKET IN ITS OWN RIGHT, AS A PLACE TO MANUFACTURE, AS A GATEWAY TO THE POTENTIALLY VAST ECONOMY OF CHINA, AND AS A BASE FROM WHICH TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
IN HIS ADDRESS ENTITLED "HONG KONG: INVESTING IN THE FUTURE", SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG CONSUMER HAD A HEALTHY APPETITE FOR IMPORTED GOODS. PER CAPITA GDP WAS ALREADY ONE OF THE VERY HIGHEST IN ASIA AT NEARLY U.S.$7,ODD — HIGHER THAN IN SOME WESTERN COUNTRIES.
"THESE FACTORS, TOGETHER WITH THE STABLE EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN THE U.S. AND THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, GIVE THE AMERICAN BUSINESSMAN SCOPE TO ENLARGE HIS MARKET IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"AND THERE ARE NO BARRIERS BETWEEN THE EXPORTER AND THE HONG KONG MARKET. NO MARKET IN THE WORLD IS FREER THAN HONG KONG’S."
/SIR DAVID
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
- 5 -
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM THE U.S. IN 1986 WERE WORTH U.S.$3 BILLION, AND THIS YEAR THEY HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY ON LAST YEAR.
AS A PLACE TO MANUFACTURE, HONG KONG COULD OFFER EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICE FACILITIES, HE WENT ON, AND OVERSEAS INVESTMENT WAS INCREASING RAPIDLY.
”WE MUST BE ONE OF THE EASIEST PLACES IN THE WORLD IN WHICH TO SET UP SHOP,” HE SAID. ”WE HAVE A SKILLED AND DILIGENT WORKFORCE, A GOVERNMENT THAT BELIEVES THAT BUSINESS KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR BUSINESS, AND LO* TAX RATES.”
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT AMERICAN COMPANIES HAD LONG RECOGNISED THE TERRITORY’S ADVANTAGES, AND THE U.S. HAD MORE INVESTMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR THAN ANY OTHER COUNTRY, ACCOUNTING FOR OVER ONE-THIRD OF ALL OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT.
’’THE U.S. STAKE IN OUR INDUSTRY IS GROWING FAST, WITH MORE THAN TWICE AS MUCH COMMITTED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987 AS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1986,” HE SAID.
FOR THE BUSINESSMAN LOOKING TO CHINA, SIR DAVID DESCRIBED HONG KONG AS A GATEWAY THAT WAS SECOND TO NONE, AND POINTED TO THE PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORT TRADE WITH CHINA IN RECENT YEARS.
’’NEARLY 80 PER CENT OF OUR TOTAL RE-EXPORT BUSINESS, SOME U.S.$15 BILLION WORTH OF GOODS IN THE 12 MONTHS TO THE END OF JUNE, IS NOW ACCOUNTED FOR BY TRADE COMING OR GOING TO CHINA,” HE SAID. ’’THIS DOES NOT, OF COURSE, INCLUDE THE GOODS THAT ARE TRANSHIPPED THROUGH HONG KONG, OR OTHER OFFSHORE TRADE FLOWS.”
AS WELL AS THE IMPORTANT PHYSICAL COMMUNICATIONS LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, SIR DAVID POINTED TO THE PERSONAL CONNECTIONS THAT WERE ALSO SO IMPORTANT. ’’HONG KONG BUSINESSMEN HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE, EXPERTISE AND LANGUAGE SKILLS THAT CAN MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE TO WESTERN BUSINESSMEN GRAPPLING WITH THE PROBLEMS OF PENETRATING THE DISTANT AND UNFAMILIAR CHINA MARKET,” HE EXPLAINED.
AS FOR DOING BUSINESS WITH THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG WAS ADMIRABLY SUITED AS A LOCATION FOR THE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS, AND, IN THIS CONNECTION, HE NOTED THAT MANY U.S. COMPANIES HAD HAD A BASE IN THE TERRITORY FOR YEARS.
HONG KONG’S ECONOMY HAD STAGED A TURNAROUND SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION TN 1984, SIR DAVID SAID, AND HE EXPLAINED HOW VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE DOCUMENT WERE REASSURING FOR BUSINESSMEN, SAYING THAT AFTER 1997, AS A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA, ’’HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO DO BUSINESS JUST AS IT DOES TODAY.”
/he referred........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 198?
6
HE REFERRED TO THE WORK THAT WAS GOING ON TO IMPLEMENT THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND WHAT HAD BEEN ACHIEVED SO FAR IN •RESPECT OF TRADE, TRAVEL AND COMMUNICATIONS.
"ALL OF THESE ACHIEVEMENTS IN TRADE, TRAVEL, AND COMMUNICATIONS ARE OF COURSE VITAL TO UNDERPIN ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES OF THE JOINT DECLARATION -- THAT HONG KONG SHOULD MAINTAIN ITS INTERNATIONAL LINKS AND ITS OWN IDENTITY. THEY ARE IMPORTANT TO THE BUSINESSMAN CONSIDERING HIS FUTURE DEALINGS WITH CHINA."
SIR DAIVD CONCLUDED BY SAYING: "A GOOD DEAL REMAINS TO BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WORK OUT IN PRACTICE. BUT THE RECORD SINCE 1984 SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. THE AGREEMENT IS BEING IMPLEMENTED FAITHFULLY.
"MEANWHILE THE FOUNDATIONS FOR CONTINUING PROSPERITY IN THE NEXT CENTURY ARE BEING LAID - STRONG LONG TERM INVESTMENT BY FOREIGN AS WELL AS LOCAL BUSINESS, AND AMBITIOUS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS BY PRIVATE INTERESTS AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT.
"I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT THOSE INVESTING IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE WILL BE WELL REWARDED. IF ONE BELIEVES IN THE CONTINUING IMPORTANCE AND DYNAMISM OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, AND IN THE POTENTIAL OF CHINA, THEN ONE MUST BELIEVE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG."
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THREE SITES FOR AUCTION ON MONDAY ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THREE PRIME SITES FOR DIFFERENT USES ARE TO BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT THE FURAMA HOTEL ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26).
ONE OF THE SITES, SITUATED AT OLD PEAK ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND WITH AN AREA OF 5,818-SQUARE-METRES, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
ANOTHER SITE, COVERING AN AREA OF 4,323 SQUARE METRES, IS AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND HING WAH STREET IN WEST KOWLOON.
IT IS FOR MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN AND HOTEL.
/THE THIRD
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
THE THIRD SITE, OF FANLING, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL TRADES.
1,100 SQUARE METRES AT AND/OR GODOWN USE, BUT NOT
ON LOK TSUEN, FOR OFFENSIVE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUCTION WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE JADE BALLROOM, FURAMA HOTEL.
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STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER
* * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL WHICH FALLS ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31) IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 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 MEAL AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHETHER 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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/8........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24,
1987
- 8 -
SEMINAR ON RADIATION PROTECTION
* * * »
. THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S RADIATION HEALTH UNIT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE TWO SEMINARS ON RADIATION PROTECTION FOR PHYSICS TEACHERS NEXT MONTH (NOVEMBER).
THE SEMINARS WILL FEATURE THE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATIONS, THE CHARACTERISTICS OF RADIOACTIVE SOURCES USED IN SCHOOLS, THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING AND USING THESE SOURCES AND THE STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS.
A PHYSICIST FROM THE RADIATION HEALTH UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR C.B. POON, WILL SPEAK ON THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION PROTECTION IN SECONDARY SCHOOL. THERE WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION ON "WIPE TEST” FOR SEALED RADIOACTIVE SOURCES.
THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON NOVEMBER 21 AND 28.
SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO SEND TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT NOMINATIONS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE NOVEMBER 4 AND PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO RADIOACTIVE SOURCE CUSTODIANS WHO ARE NON-PHYSICS GRADUATES.
--------o ----------
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES STAFF TO WALK FOR CHARITY
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CHARITY WALK ORGANISED BY THE SOCIETY FOR THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING AT THE PEAK.
THE CHARITY WALK IS PART OF THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE SOCIETY’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY.
FIFTY-ONE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN THE WALK, FOR WHICH *22,181 HAS BEEN PLEDGED ALREADY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE PEAK PARK AT 10 AM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
--------o-----------
/9........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
9
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR tit
AMBULANCE DEPOT WORK i i
A $7 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN AMBULANCE DEPOT IN TSUEN WAN HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPOT WILL BE BUILT ON A 1,920-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT WAI TSUEN ROAD, BEHIND LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN.
IT WILL BE A STANDARD AMBULANCE DEPOT WITH A FOUR-STOREY BUILDING AND DRILL YARD.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE OFFICES, A FOUR-BAY APPLIANCES ROOM, COMMUNICATIONS ROOM, MEDICAL AND LINEN STORE, WORKSHOP, BARRACK AND DINING ACCOMMODATION, AN EXERCISE ROOM AND STORES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN ONE YEAR.
- - 0 ---------
SPECIAL MEETING ON BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT t t t t t
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) TO DISCUSS THE KMB ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TAI PO IN 1988/89.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE TRAFFIC SITUATION AT TAI PO MARKET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD.
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/10......-
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
10 -
NEW BUS ROUTES PROPOSED FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS * * ♦ » »
• THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON MONDAY (OCTOBER 26) TO DISCUSS TWO NEW BUS ROUTES PROPOSED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION.
THEY ARE BUS ROUTES 62A AND 63A, RUNNING BETWEEN LEUNG TIN AND CASTLE PEAK BAY, AND LEUNG TIN AND YUEN LONG RESPECTIVELY.
OTHER MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION INCLUDE PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS AT TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE, SETTING UP OF AN ADDITIONAL BUS STOP AT SHAN KING ESTATE, AND ERECTION OF IRON RAILINGS IN THE MIDDLE OF HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD.
THE DRAFT 1988-89 PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TUEN MUN DISTRICT WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON 3/F, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO 1, TUEN HI ROAD.
--------o ----------
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
*****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN DISTRICT WILL HOLD A SEMINAR ON HOW TO SOLVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27).
ADDRESSING THE SEMINAR WILL BE MR ALEXANDER CHANG, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG DEED OF MUTUAL CONVENANTS AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION. HIS TALK WILL FOCUS ON THE APPLICATION OF DEEDS OF MUTUAL CONVENANTS.
THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE ON WESTERN STREET.
-----o------
/11 ........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
- 11 -
COMMUNITY LEADER DEVELOPMENT SCHEME CLOSES t * « * *
MORE THAN 60 CIVIC-MINDED RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE SIX-DAY DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS SCHEME AT WU KAI SHA TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE SCHEME WAS ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS UNDER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
IT FEATURED LECTURES, SEMINARS, MOCK DB MEETINGS AND CAMPS ON SUCH TOPICS AS HONG KONG’S POLITICAL STRUCTURE, FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN, GRASSROOT ORGANISATIONS, CIVIC RIGHTS AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS. SPEAKERS INCLUDED ACADEMICS, COUNCILLORS AND GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES.
SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, DR FANNY CHEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AT 3 PM TOMORROW IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COVER THE CLOSING
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO
CEREMONY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS SCHEME IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP, SHA TIN, AT TOMORROW (SUNDAY). A COACH TAKING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE VENUE WILL LEAVE THE CARPARK NEAR THE TAXI STAND AT THE GROUND LEVEL, KCR
HOUSE, SHA TIN, AT 2 PM SHARP.
--------o ---------
SERVICES INSTALLATIONS FOR CHAI WAN INDOOR GAMES HALL »**»*»
FOUR CONTRACTS ON SERVICES INSTALLATIONS FOR THE GAMES HALL IN CHAI WAN HAVE BEEN AWARDED BY THE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
FIRST INDOOR ARCHITECTURAL
THE CONTRACTS, WORTH A TOTAL OF MILLION FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS, AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS, $830,000 FOR PREVENTION INSTALLATIONS.
$3.21 MILLION, INCLUDED $1.29 $967,000 FOR AIR-CONDITIONING LIFTS AND $123,000 FOR FIRE
/WORK ON
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
- 12 -
WORK ON THE CONTRACTS HAVE BEGUN AND THEIR COMPLETION DATE IS EXPECTED TO COINCIDE WITH THAT OF THE INDOOR GAMES HALL ITSELF IN SEPTEMBER 1988.
THE $21.1 MILLION SPORTS COMPLEX WILL COMPRISE THREE BASKETBALL COURTS TO BE BUILT ON TOP OF AN EXISTING CARPARK BETWEEN YEE SHING STREET AND YEE FUNG STREET.
ADJACENT TO THE CARPARK WILL BE A THREE-STOREY ANNEX BUILDING WHICH WILL HOUSE THREE SQUASH COURTS, A LIGHT REFRESHMENT RESTAURANT, DANCING, FITNESS TRAINING AND CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS.
THE ANNEX WILL BE LINKED TO THE CARPARK ON THE THIRD FLOOR.
-----0 -----
CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY FORTNIGHT STARTS TOMORROW
*****
A ’CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY FORTNIGHT’ ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION TO SUPPORT THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
TO MARK THE OPENING, DIFFERENT FORMS OF CALLIGRAPHY BY PROMINENT CALLIGRAPHISTS AND CHOSEN PIECES SUBMITTED BY RESIDENTS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT AN EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE ASSOCIATION’S ACTIVITY CENTRE AT 33 SALISBURY ROAD.
RELATED BOOKS WILL ALSO BE EXHIBITED WHILE SOME CALLIGRAPHISTS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILL AT THE EXHIBITION.
SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, THE EXHIBITION WILL LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 7.
OTHER ACTIVITIES DURING THE FORTNIGHT INCLUDE TALKS AND DEMONSTRATIONS BY CALLIGRAPHISTS AND A CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY FORTNIGHT WHICH WILL START. AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE ASSOCIATION’S ACTIVITY CENTRE AT 33 SALISBURY ROAD.
---0------
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
- 13 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO AND TUEN MUN
*****
TAI NAN STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO, BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 16 METRES NORTHWEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH POPLAR STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTHEAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27).
NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE LEFT-TURN MOVEMENTS FROM THE THREE ACCESS ROADS IN TUEN MUN NEAR THE TSING LUN ROAD/CASTLE PEAK ROAD JUNCTION LEADING TO TSZ TIN TSUEN, SAN HING TSUEN AND TUEN TSZ WAI ONTO TSING LUN ROAD WILL BE BANNED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR WORKS ON THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT PROJECT.
MOTORISTS HEADING FOR YUEN LONG ARE ADVISED TO ROUTE THROUGH SIU HONG COURT.
---.0------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE AT ADMIRALTY
*****
THE GROUND LEVEL OF COTTON TREE DRIVE BETWEEN DRAKE STREET AND QUEENSWAY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM DAILY FROM NEXT TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) TO OCTOBER 30 FOR THE REMOVEAL OF A TEMPORARY FOOTBRIDGE.
THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DRAKE STREET BETWEEN TAMAR STREET AND THE GROUND LEVEL OF COTTON TREE DRIVE WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND HARCOURT ROAD HEADING FOR QUEENSWAY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER, THE SLIP ROAD SOUTH OF THE ST JOHN’S BUILDING AND GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER TO JOIN QUEENSWAY.
MEANWHILE, VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON TAMAR STREET HEADING FOR CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE COTTON TREE DRIVE FLYOVER, THE SLIP ROAD SOUTH OF THE ST JOHN’S BUILDING AND GARDEN ROAD TO JOIN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
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/14........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24,
1987
- 14 -
z
SALT WATER CUT IN CENTRAL, WESTERN ♦ * » » ♦
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) TO FACILITATE WATER MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT SANDS STREET, HOK SZE TERRACE, POK FU LAM ROAD, BONHAM ROAD, CAINE ROAD, GLENEALY, WYNDHAM STREET, PEDDER STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND THE SEAFRONT.
SOME PREMISES IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD MAY EXPERIENCE WEAK WATER PRESSURE.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
(SUPPLEMENT)
THE GOVERNOR AT A JOINT MEETING OF THE ASIA SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NErt YORK
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987 - 1 -
PRESS CONFERENCE « « *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, MET MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AT A NEWS CONFERENCE AFTER ADDRESSING THE JOINT MEETING OF THE ASIA SOCIETY, AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK IN NEW YORK ON FRIDAY (U.S. TIME).
A TRANSCRIPT OF THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOLLOWS: .•* • * ’
SIR DAVID: THE IDEA OF THIS SESSION IS THAT WE JUST WRAP UP ON THE VISIT. I’VE JUST BEEN UNWRAPPING ON NEW YORK JUST THERE. A REW COMMENTS FIRST, IF I MAY. THE NEW YORK PART OF THE VISIT HAS BEEN ESSENTIALLY TO DEAL WITH AND TO MEET PEOPLE IN THE LEARNED INSTITUTIONS, LIKE THE FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION, THE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS AND TODAY’S MEETING WITH THE ASIA SOCIETY AND THE NEW HONG KONG ASSOCIATION. THAT’S WHAT NEW YORK IS PARTICULARLY GOOD FOR; AND ALSO A CHANCE TO MEET, BUT MORE SOCIALLY, OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE IN A PROMINENT POSITION IN NEW YORK. WITH THIS VISIT TO NEW YORK, AND WITH TODAY, MY WEEK’S VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, COMES TO AN END. ALTHOUGH, IF I HAD BEEN PLANNING AHEAD AND KNOWN WHAT WAS GOING TO BE HAPPENING DURING THIS WEEK, IN WALL STREET AND VARIOUS PARTS OF THE WORLD, I WOULDN’T HAVE CHOSEN THIS WEEK. NEVERTHELESS, I DO THINK THE VISIT HAS BEEN VERY VALUABLE. IT’S BEEN A TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITY TO MEET SIGNIFICANT PEOPLE BOTH IN WASHINGTON AND HERE IN NEW YORK, TO EXPLAIN TO THEM THAT THE UNITED STATES IS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO US IN HONG KONG, BOTH IN THE POLITICAL SPHERE AND ECONOMICALLY. AND TO GET ACROSS TO THEM SOME OF OUR OWN CONCERNS, PARTICULARLY PERHAPS IN WASHINGTON ON THE HILL, TO EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF HONG KONG AND ITS ECONOMY, THE FACT THAT IT IS THE SUPREME EXAMPLE IN THE WORLD, TOGETHER WITH SINGAPORE, OF A FREE TRADING SOCIETY. AND TO TRY TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF THOSE FACTS AMONGST PROMINENT PEOPLE IN POLITICAL LIFE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. SO, EVEN THOUGH THIS MIGHT NOT BE THE IDEAL WEEK, I THINK IT’S BEEN A VISIT WHICH HAS BEEN WELL WORTHWHILE. IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS THAT I CAN ANSWER, I SHOULD BE HAPPY TO TRY TO DO SO.
QUESTIONER: I GOT A STATEMENT ABOUT THE HONG KONG STOCK MARKET AND I GOT A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS. THE FIRST ONE IS, WHY DOES THE
■ GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG NEED TO ENGAGE A CONSULTANT TO STUDY THE
FUTURES MARKET. AND WHAT IS THE TERM OF REFERENCE OF MR HAMBROS?
SIR DAVID: HAMBROS IS THE NAME OF THE MERCHANT BANK. THE
QUESTIONS RELATED TO THE FUTURES MARKET ARE VERY COMPLEX ONES AND THE
GOVERNMENT THEREFORE THOUGHT IT RIGHT TO GET SPECIALIST ADVICE. HAMBROS IS A FAMOUS MERCHANT BANK. SO IF THERE ARE ANY PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE FUTURES MARKET, THE GOVERNMENT THOUGHT IT RIGHT THAT IS SHOULD HAVE SPECIALIST ADVICE ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THEM. THE PRECISE TERMS OF REFERENCE I DO NOT HAVE AT MY FINGERTIPS. YOUR PEOPLE IN HONG KONG CAN ASK THAT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
QUESTIONER: OK. ON THE SECOND QUESTION, THERE’S A RUMOUR IN fitONG KONG SAYING THAT THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT INTEND TO USE THE EXCHANGE FUNDS TO SAVE THE FUTURES MARKET. IS THAT TRUE?
/SIR DAVID: ........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 198?
2
SIR DAVID: WHAT’S GOING ON AT THE MOMENT, IS DISCUSSIONS EETEEN ALL THOSE DIFFERENT PARTIES INVOLVED IN THE FUTURES EXCHANGE AND THAT IS ALSO INVOLVING HAMBROS ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT. THE OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT WHEN THE MARKETS OPEN ON MONDAY THERE WILL BE AN ORDERLY OPENING OF THE MARKETS. BEYOND THAT, ON THE DETAILS OF WHAT IS BEING DISCUSSED, IT’S NOT REALLY SENSIBLE FOR ME TO TRY TO COMMENT FROM NEW YORK. I’M SURE YOU’LL UNDERSTAND THAT THESE THINGS ARE GOING ON IN DETAIL IN HONG KONG. HONG KONG IS 12 HOURS AHEAD OF US, SO BY THE TIME I COMMENT ON ANYTHING FROM HERE, I’M ALREADY BEHIND WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG. _
QUESTIONER: I HAVE A QUESTION REGARDING THE TRADE BILL, THE PROTECTIONIST PENDING IN THE CONGRESS. HONG KONG WAS NAMED AS ONE OF THE REGIONS THAT EXPORT GOODS, VERY LOW PRICE GOODS, INTO THE UNITED STATES AND HONG KONG ALWAYS HAS A TRADE SURPLUS IN TRADING WITH THE U.S. AS REGARDS TO ONE OF THE PROVISIONS IN CONGRESS, IS THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS THE SANCTION AGAINST ANY COUNTRY THAT ENJOYS SURPLUS AND YET WITH A LOWER LEVEL UNIONISATION AND WITH AN ABSENCE OF MINIMUM WAGES AND HONG KONG FALLS INTO THAT CATEGORY. I WOULD LIKE TO ASK SIR DAVID HOW YOU WOULD DEFEND HONG KONG IN LIGHT OF THIS KIND OF PROVISIONS.
SIR DAVID: THE POINTS THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ARE FIRST OF ALL, IT’S NOT THAT HONG KONG IS AGAINST A TRADE BILL AS SUCH. NATURALLY, IT IS ENTIRELY WITHIN THE RIGHT OF THE U.S. GOVERNMENT TO HAVE A TRADE BILL. THEY HAVE VERY REAL PROBLEMS WITH THEIR DEFICIT. THEY HAVE VERY UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERNS ABOUT CERTAIN OF THEIR TRADING PARTNERS WHICH BUILD UP A HUGE ADVANTAGE IN TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES BEHIND PROTECTIONIST BARRIERS. THE POINT THAT WE TRY TO GET ACROSS IS THAT ALTHOUGH WE HAVE A SURPLUS WITH THE UNITED STATES, THAT IS DONE WITHOUT ANY BARRIERS WHATSOEVER. THE UNITED STATES IS FREE TO EXPORT AS MUCH AND WHATEVER SORT OF THINGS IT WANTS TO HONG KONG. THE SECOND POINT WHICH I THINK IS IMPORTANT, AND I'VE BEEN TRYING TO MAKE IN WASHINGTON AND HERE, IS THAT THERE IS POTENTIAL FOR THE GROWTH OF U.S. EXPORTS TO HONG KONG. I MENTIONED AT LUNCHTIME THE FIGURE OF 27 PER CENT INCREASE IN U.S. EXPORTS TO HONG KONG THIS YEAR. OUR OWN FIGURES, FOR WHAT IT’S WORTH, ARE 36 PER CENT, EVEN GREATER. THAT COMPARES WITH INCREASES OF U.S. EXPORTS TO EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC, AS A WHOLE OF FOUR PER CENT. NOW, OUR SURPLUS WITH THE UNITED STATES HAS NOT BEEN INCREASING SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THIS YEAR, IT’S INCREASED A VERY SMALL AMOUNT, NOT SIGNIFICANTLY. THE SURPLUS OF SOME OTHER PLACES, PARTICULARLY SOUTH KOREA AND TAIWAN, HAVE BEEN INCREASED VERY SIGNIFICANTLY INDEED, BY SOME 1.7 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS AND 2.6 BILLION U.S. DOLLARS. SO WE ARE TRYING TO EXPLAIN TO RESPONSIBLE PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES. FIRST OF ALL, HONG KONG IS A GREAT MARKET FOR THEM; SECONDLY, OUR EXPORTS OR THE GAP WITH HONG KONG IS NOT INCREASING SIGNIFICANTLY; AND THIRDLY, AND VERY IMPROTANTLY, WE ARE A FREE TRADE ECONOMY IN PRECISELY THE WAY UNITED STATES WOULD WANT OTHER PLACES TO BE. NOW, COMING BACK TO YOUR QUESTION ABOUT THE TRADE BILL ITSELF, WHAT MATTERS THEN IS THAT IF THERE IS A TRADE BILL, IT SHOULD NOT BE LOOSELY WORDED IN A WAY THAT MIGHT PENALISE FREE TRADING ECONOMIES LIKE OURSELVES WHEN THE REAL OBJECTIVE MAY WELL BE TO DEAL WITH TRADING ECONOMIES THAT HAVE MASSIVE TARIFF BARRIERS.
/question (inaudible) .r......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
< QUESTION (INAUDIBLE). r
SIR DAVID: I DISCUSSED THAT BOTH WITH PEOPLE ON THE HILL AND ALSO WITH MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND I EXPLAINED THAT FOR HONG KONG THIS IS A GROWING PROBLEM; THE NUMBERS YOU MAY WELL BE FAMILIAR WITH. BUT THE CRUCIAL ONES, FOR HONG KONG, ARE THAT ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM THIS YEAR HAVE GONE UP BY MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OVER LAST YEAR AND RE-SETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FROM HONG KONG HAVE GONE DOWN BY JUST UNDER 50 PER CENT, AND THAT IN ITSELF SHOWS THE PROBLEM. WHAT I’VE BEEN SAYING IS THAT ONE NEEDS TO LOOK AT THE SOLUTION IN TWO PARTS. ONE IS CONTINUING RE-SETTLEMENT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOW IN HONG KONG AND SIMILAR PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM. IT IS ESSENTIAL IF FIRST ASYLUM IS TO BE GIVEN, THAT THERE SHOULD ALSO BE RE-SETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITY, THAT’S TO DEAL WITH IMMEDIATE AND PRESENT PROBLEM. BUT CLEARLY WE HAVE A LONG TERM AND A FUTURE PROBLEM, AND THAT IS THE DIFFICULTY THAT ARISES FROM THE FACT THAT MOST OF THESE PEOPLE NOW ARRIVING ARE LEAVING VIETNEM, PROBABLY FOR ECONOMIC REASONS, RATHER THAN REASONS OF POLITICAL PERSECUTION, AND THAT’S THE REASON WHY IT’S SO DIFFICULT TO RE-SETTLE THEM. THE UNITED STATES, FOR INSTANCE, SAYS THAT MOST OF THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG DON’T QUALIFY UNDER THEIR PROGRAM. SO I’VE ALSO SAID WE NEED TO BE LOOKING TO A LONGER TERM SOLUTION WHEREBY IT’S POSSIBLE TO SENT BACK TO VIETNEM, IN THE SAME WAY AS YOU WOULD TO ANY OTHER PLACES, THOSE WHO HAVE LEFT BY ILLEGAL MEANS IN ORDER TO SEEK ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE. TO DO THAT, FIRST OF ALL YOU HAVE TO GET THE AGREEMENT OF THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT AND SECONDLY, YOU HAVE TO MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE ARE BEING SENT BACK IN CONDITIONS WHICH ARE ACCEPTABLE. SO FAR, THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ADAMANT IN NOT ACCEPTING PEOPLE BACK EXCEPT ON WHAT THEY CALL A CASE BY CASE BASIS WHICH HAS AMOUNTED TO SIX PEOPLE UP TO NOW. SO THERE IS A REAL NEED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, THOSE INVOLVED IN THE REFUGEE PROBLEM, BOTH PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM AND COUNTRIES OF RE-SETTLEMENT TO GET TOGETHER AND TRY TO WORK OUT WAYS OF ACHIEVING A LONG TERM SOLUTION.
QUESTION (INAUDIBLE).
SIR DAVID: THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO ARE IN THOSE CLOSED CAMPS WOULD MAKE NO IMPACT OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE ON THE LABOR SHORTAGE. THE SIGNAL GIVEN TO VIETNAM IF ONE OPENED THOSE CLOSED CAMPS COULD HAVE A VERY SERIOUS EFFECT. IT COULD BE SEEN FALSELY AS A SIGNAL THAT HONG KONG WAS ACCEPTING FOR RE-SETTLEMENT IN HONG KONG, ANYBODY WHO CAME FROM VIETNAM. YOU MAY REMEMBER THAT IN JULY THIS YEAR, THERE WAS A RUMOUR GOING THROUGH CERTAIN FARMS IN SOUTHERN CHINA WHERE VIETNAMESE HAD BEEN SETTLED, THAT HONG KONG WAS OPENING UP TO PEOPLE FROM VIETNAM AND THAT AMERICA WAS INCREASING ITS RE-SETTLEMENT PROGRAM. THE RESULT WAS, OVER THE SPACE OF TWO-AND-A-HALF WEEKS, WE SUDDENLY HAD OVER 7,000 PEOPLE WHO ARRIVED IN SMALL BOATS. YOU CAN IMAGINE THE SORT OF EFFECT THERE MIGHT BE IF WE GAVE THE WRONG SIGNAL BY OPENING UP OUR CLOSED CAMPS. IT FOLLOWS FROM THAT THAT THERE IS NO INTENTION TO DO SO.
/QUESTIONER: .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
QUESTIONER: WITH THE CLOSING OF THE MARKETS, AND GIVEN THAT YOURS WAS THE ONLY MAJOR MARKET TO CLOSE THIS WEEK, IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF DAMAGE TO HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS, AS YOU SAY, THE PARAGON OF FREE TRADING SOCIETY?
SIR DAVID: FIRST POINT I’D LIKE TO MAKE IS THAT THE OPENING OR CLOSING OF THE MARKETS IS A DECISION FOR THE MARKETS THEMSELVES, IT’S NOT A GOVERNMENT DECISION. IT’S ENTIRELY WITHIN THEIR POWER TO OPEN OR CLOSE AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO POWER TO ORDER THEM TO DO ONE THING OR THE OTHER. THEY ARE AUTONOMOUS ON THAT. SECOND POINT IS THAT THE PROBLEMS EARLIER THIS WEEK, AND ODDLY ENOUGH, THE BULL MARKET THE WEEK BEFORE, SHOWED VERY CLEAR WEAKNESSES IN OUR SYSTEM. THERE’S NO DOUBT AT ALL THAT THE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES ARE NOT AS EFFICIENT AS A MARKET IN HONG KONG OUGHT TO HAVE. THEY CLEARLY WILL HAVE TO BE IMPROVED. I KNOW THE STOCK MARKET ALREADY HAD THIS IN MIND, AND INDEED, THEY’VE JUST APPOINTED SOMEBODY TO ADVISE THEM ON DOING THAT. THAT’S ONE THING THAT MUST BE IMPROVED. OTHER POINT: NOBODY CAN REALLY BE COMFORTABLE WITH MARKETS WHICH REMAIN CLOSED FOR A SUBSTANTIAL PERIOD OF TIME. SO IT IS A GOOD THING THAT THE MARKETS ARE GOING TO BE RE-OPENED ON MONDAY. I TRUST THAT THERE WILL NOT BE DAMAGE TO THE HONG KONG MARKET AND ITS REPUTATION IN PARTICULAR. PEOPLE ROUND THE WORLD ARE GOING TO BE LOOKING IN A DIFFERENT WAY NEXT WEEK AT THE WHOLE STOCK MARKET SYSTEM, FROM THE WAY THEY WERE LOOKING AT IT LAST WEEK.
QUESTION (INAUDIBLE).
SIR DAVID: FIRST, ON THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, I DON’T THINK IT WILL HAVE AN EFFECT. THIS IS WHERE THE PEGGING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE U.S. DOLLAR IS VERY HELPFUL; THAT GIVES US STABILITY TO THE EXCHANGE SYSTEM, WHICH IS HELPFUL FOR HONG KONG AND HELPFUL FOR BUSINESSMEN. SECOND ONE, THE BANKING SYSTEM, NO I DON’T HAVE WORRIES ABOUT THAT. WE WENT, AS YOU KNOW, THROUGH A PERIOD OF CONSIDERABLE CRISIS IN OUR BANKING SYSTEM OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND AS A RESULT OF THAT, THE SUPERVISORY TECHNIQUES HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED. WE SHOULD BENEFIT FROM THE LESSONS OF THAT LAST PROBLEM. IT’S ACTUALLY A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE, I THINK, OF THE WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG CAN AND DOES BENEFIT WHEN THINGS GO WRONG. WHEN THE BANKING SYSTEM GOT INTO TROUBLE, IT SHOWED OUR WEAKNESSES AND THE WEAKNESSES ARE NOW BEING CORRCTED. IF RECENT EVENTS SHOW THAT THERE ARE WEAKNESSES IN OUR MARKET SYSTEM, THEN THOSE WEAKNESSES, TOO, MUST BE CORRECTED. I HOPE WE WILL BENEFIT AS A RESULT.
QUESTIONER: WHAT HAVE YOU ACHIEVED IN TALKING WITH THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE REFUGEE PROBLEM AND WHAT WAS THEIR REACTION? (PART OF QUESTION ON PROTECTIONISM INAUDIBLE.)
/SIR DAVIDs ........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 19$7
SIR DAVID: ON PROTECTIONISM, I’M SURE YOU KNOW THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION IS VERY SUPPORTIVE INDEED OF A PLACE LIKE HONG KONG WHICH IS FREE TRADING. WE ARE THE EXAMPLE OF WHAT THEY WANT OTHER PEOPLE TO DO. SO I FOUND AN EXTREMELY GOOD REACTION FROM THE ADMINISTRATION. FROM MEMBERS OF CONGRESS, I FOUND A REAL UNDERSTANDING OF AND SYMPATHY FOR HONG KONG AND FOR THE EXAMPLE THAT HONG KONG SHOWS OF HOW A FREE MARKET CAN OPERATE AND OPERATE VERY SUCCESSFULLY. I HAVE TO SAY THOUGH, THAT THE PROBLEM OF PROTECTIONISM IN GENERAL IN THE UNITED STATES IS STILL THERE. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT IT IS A BIG POLITICAL ISSUE WITH A GOOD DEAL OF POLITICAL PRESSURE BEHIND IT. ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, I WAS EXPLAINING THE PROBLEM AS SEEN FROM HONG KONG TO THE ADMINISTRATION AND CERTAIN PEOPLE IN CONGRESS AND GOT A VERY SYMPATHETIC AND UNDERSTANDING HEARING.
QUESTION (INAUDIBLE).
SIR DAVID: I WASN’T ASKING FOR PROMISES ON ANYTHING, I WAS OUTLINING THE SITUATION AS WE SEE IT AND I GOT EXACTLY THE SORT OF RESPONSE THAT I WAS LOOKING FOR.
QUESTIONER: ONE LAST QUESTION. (LAUGHTER). I’M SORRY. HAS HONG KONG EXPERIENCED ANY PRESSURE FROM THE U.S. MARKET TO DEVALUATE HONG KONG DOLLARS VERSUS U.S. DOLLARS? IN ORDER TO DEAL WITH THIS SURPLUS.
SIR DAVID: IT’S THE OTHER WAY ROUND. THERE IS NOT PRESSURE, BUT THERE HAS BEEN A SUGGESTION THAT HONG KONG SHOULD UP ITS RELATIONSHIP. IT CAME IN A SPEECH MADE BY MR BAKER (U.S. TREASURY SECRETARY) IN THE IMF MEETING AND THAT HAS BEEN REFERRED TO AGAIN DURING THE COURSE OF MY DISCUSSIONS. I POINTED OUT THAT WHEN WE PEGGED TO THE U.S. DOLLAR IN 1983, WE DID IT AT A TIME OF GREAT UNCERTAINTY ABOUT THE FUTURE POLITICALLY AND CONSIDERABLE TURMOIL ECONOMICALLY, PARTICULARLY IN THE MONEY MARKETS. WE DIDN’T PEG TO GET ANY TRADING ADVANTAGE. INDEED, IN THE PERIOD IMMEDIATELY AFTER WE PEGGED, WE WENT UP WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR, SO WE WERE LOSING TRADING ADVANTAGE. SINCE THEN WE’VE COME DOWN WITH THE U.S. DOLLAR. BUT AS I WAS ANSWERING AN EARLIER QUESTION, WE HAVE NOT WIDENED OUR TRADE GAP AS A RESULT, WHEREAS SOME OTHER PLACES WHICH HAVE CHANGED THEIR EXCHANGE RATE HAVE ACTUALLY WIDENED THE TRADE GAP WITH THE UNITED STATES. SO, I EXPLAINED THAT FIRST OF ALL WE DIDN’T PEG FOR TRADING ADVANTAGE, SECONDLY, WE BELIEVE THE PEG IS IMPORTANT TO US FOR STABILITY AND THEREFORE, THIRDLY, WE DID NOT INTEND TO CHANGE THE PEG. SOMEBODY ELSE HAD ONE OTHER LAST QUESTION.
QUESTIONER: ...ASIDE FROM THE EVIDENCE OF ECONOMIC SELF-INTEREST, FOR EXAMPLE IF CHINA WERE TO GO ON ANOTHER IDEOLOGICAL ROLLER COASTER, SOME OTHER CULTURAL REVOLUTION, WHAT EFFECT WOULD THAT HAVE ON THEIR WEIGHING OF THE ECONOMIC INTEREST ... TO PERHAPS CHANGE THINGS IN ADVANCE OF THE FIFTY YEAR TERM?
/SIR DAVID: ........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
6
SIR DAVID: FOR A LAST QUESTION, THAT’S A MARVELOUSLY BROAD ONE. (LAUGHTER). LET ME JUST LIST A FEW OF THEM WITHOUT GOING INTO IT IN A SORT OF LONG LECTURE. FIRST OF ALL IS THE EXISTENCE OF THE TREATY ARRANGEMENT ITSELF, THE JOINT DECLARATION. THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS, AND EVEN IF AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT IS LEGALLY BINDING, REGISTERED IN THE UNITED NATIONS, THEY SAY WHAT’S IT WORTH? IS IT WORTH MORE THAN THE PAPER IT’S WRITTEN ON? I HAPPEN TO BELIEVE THAT IT’S WORTH A LOT. THERE ARE EXAMPLE IN HISTORY OF PEOPLE BREAKING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS. BUT COUNTRIES DO IT VERY RELUCTANTLY INDEED. IT IS OF ENORMOUS DAMAGE TO THEIR REPUTATION. CHINA HAS A REMARKABLY GOOD REPUTATION FOR KEEPING INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS. I DON’T KNOW ANY CASE IN WHICH CHINA, SINCE 1949, HAS BROKEN AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT. SO 1 ATTACH A GOOD DEAL OF WEIGHT TO THAT. SECONDLY, I WOULD ATTACH A GREAT DEAL OF WEIGHT TO THE VALUE TO CHINA OF HONG KONG, A SUCCESSFUL HONG KONG. IT’S VALUABLE IN TWO WAYS, ONE IS IN A TRADING SENSE. A GOOD DEAL OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE IS EARNED THROUGH HONG KONG. HONG KONG CAN PROVIDE A GOOD DEAL OF SUPPORT FOR THE PROCESS OF MODERNISATION OF CHINA, CAPITAL INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT SKILLS, THE ACCESS TO A WESTERN WORLD WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE BE HARDER TO ATTAIN. AND THIRDLY, THE EXAMPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION COULD BE SEEN AS A POSSIBLE MODEL FOR TAIWAN, AND THAT TOO IS OF IMPORTANCE TO THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP. RE-UNIFICATION OF CHINA IS A CONCEPT TO WHICH THEY ATTACH A GREAT DEAL OF IMPORTANCE. NOW THAT’S JUST SELECTING A FEW THINGS OUT OF WHAT WOULD OTHERWISE BE AN HOUR LONG LECTURE. BUT I THINK THERE ARE VERY GOOD REASONS FOR CONFIDENCE IN THE FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT.
QUESTIONER: ONE LAST QUESTION. (LAUGHTER).
SIR DAVID: THE THIRD LAST QUESTION OF THE DAY.
QUESTIONER: WE TALK ABOUT THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG, SOMETIMES PEOPLE USE THE EXAMPLE OF THE TREATMENT OF (TIBET?) CHINA MAKES AS A WORRISOME EXAMPLE. COULD YOU ELABORATE ON THAT?
SIR DAVID: I’M SORRY, I HAVE TO PUT YOU RIGHT ON THE BACKGROUND, IF I MAY. FIRST OF ALL, THE AGREEMENT IS BETWEEN BRITAIN AND CHINA, IT’S NOT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA. SECONDLY, THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT IS AN INTERNATIONAL TREATY, A LEGALLY BINDING INTERNATIONAL TREATY REGISTERED AT THE UNITED NATIONS. THERE IS NOTHING OF THAT SORT RELATING TO THAT. LASTLY, I WOULD SAY TIBET IS VERY DIFFERENT INDEED FROM HONG KONG, FIRST OF ALL, WE HAVE THIS INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT IN GREAT DETAIL ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, AND I’VE JUST SAID WHY I THINK IT WILL BE FULFILLED; AND SECONDLY, THERE IS NOBODY IN HONG KONG, THAT I KNOW OF, WHO IS ARGUING FOR THE INDEPENDENCE OF HONG KONG IN THE WAY THAT, IF NEWSPAPER REPORTERS ARE RIGHT, THERE HAVE BEEN PEOPLE IN LHASA FOR THE INDEPENDENCE OF TIBET.
QUESTIONER: SIR DAVID, ARE YOU GOING TO DISTANCE YOUR OFFICIAL SOOTHSAYER NOW? (LAUGHTER).
SIR DAVID: OR PROMOTE HIM UPWARDS, WHICH IS THE OTHER WAY OF MAKING SURE THAT SOMEBODY WHO’S DONE THE WRONG THING DOESN’T DO IT AGAIN. (LAUGHTER). SADLY, I DON’T HAVE AN OFFICIAL SOOTHSAYER.
-----0------
/7........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
- 7 -
QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, Sift DAVID WILSON, ANSWERED A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS FOLLOWING HIS ADDRESS TO THE JOINT MEETING OF THE ASIA SOCIETY, AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK IN NEW YORK ON FRIDAY (U.S. TIME).
THE QUESTION AND ANSWER SESSION WAS CHAIRED BY THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AFFAIRS, NEW YORK, MR WILLIAM DORWARD.
A TRANSCRIPT OF THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOLLOWS:
MR DORWARD: THE QUESTIONER HAS ASKED IF THE GOVERNOR CAN ELABORATE ON THE MATTER OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG. HE’S MENTIONED CHINESE AND AMERICAN INVESTMENT, WOULD HE SPEAK ABOUT BRITISH INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG?
SIR DAVID: THE LARGE INVESTORS IN HONG KONG ARE FIRST OF ALL, THE UNITED STATES, THEN JAPAN, THIRD CHINA ITSELF. AND THEN AFTER THAT COME SOME OF THE WEST EUROPEANS, WEST GERMANY IN PARTICULAR. BRITAIN HAS SUBSTANTIAL OLD INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, THERE IS NEW BITISH INVESTMENT GOING IN. I WISH, QUITE FRANKLY, THAT THERE WAS MORE BRITISH INVESTMENT GOING IN. I TELL BRITISH INVESTORS, NOT ONLY WOULD THAT BE NICE FOR HONG KONG, BUT IT WOULD BE EXTREMELY GOOD FOR THEIR BANK BALANCES.
MR DORWARD: MR ROSEN, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE WHO COULDN’T HEAR IN THE BACK OF THE ROOM, BRINGS BLUSHES TO OUR CHEEKS BY HIS PRAISE FOR THE QUALITY OF THE BRITISH CIVIL SERVANTS WHO HAVE SERVED HONG KONG OVER THE YEARS. AND AS FOR THEIR SUCCESSORS WILL THEY BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE STANDARD OF TRADITIONS.
SIR DAVID: THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, COULD WE HAVE IT IN WRITING. WE HAVE SOME VERY GOOD LOCAL OFFICIALS INDEED; SOME OF THEM ARE ACTUALLY SITTING IN THIS ROOM, there are two points that NEED to be emphasised, one is that THE ARRANGEMENT FOR THE FUTURE IS HONG KONG PEOPLE THEMSELVES INVOLVED IN THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG, SO THE PEOPLE THAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT ARE HONG KONG PEOPLE. WE HAVE LONG HAD IN OUR CIVIL SERVICE A VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WHO ARE LOCAL PEOPLE FROM HONG KONG. THEY ARE OF VERY HIGH QUALITY. IF ANYBODY IN THIS ROOM HAS BEEN DOING BUSINESS WITH HONG KONG, THEY WILL COME ACROSS THOSE PEOPLE AND WILL KNOW THAT QUALITY IS THERE. COMING UP IN THE 40’S AGE GROUP ARE SOME EXCELLENT PEOPLE IN WHOM I WOULD HAVE GREAT CONFIDENCE IF I WAS A BUSINESSMAN THINKING OF DOING BUSINESS WITH THEM IN THE FUTURE. ONE OTHER INTERESTING POINT, JUST TO MENTION, ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, WE RECRUIT ANNUALLY FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE WHICH IS THE SENIOR RANKS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. THIS YEAR WE WERE LOOKING FOR JUST OVER 30 PLACES, AND WE HAD OVER 3,000 APPLICATIONS. WE HAD A HUGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE OF VERY HIGH QUALITY APPLYING FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE BRANCH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. ALL OF THOSE PEOPLE KNOWING THAT THEIR PERIOD OF SERVICE WAS GOING TO BE MORE AFTER 1997 THAN BEFORE 1997. I FIND THAT VERY ENCOURAGING.
/(QUESTION - INAUDIBLE)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 1987
8
(QUESTION - INAUDIBLE)
SIR DAVID! 1 THINK PROBABLY EVERYBODY HEARD THAT. (LAUGHTER). IF YOU CAN TELL ME WHAT THE IMPACT ON THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY WILL BE OF THE CLOSURE OR TIJE COLLAPSE ON WALL STREET, THEN I WILL TRY TO ANSWER THAT ONE. WE DON’T YET KNOW, OF COURSE, WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN TO OUR STOCK MARKETS WHEN THEY REOPEN ON MONDAY. AS EVERYBODY IN THE ROOM KNOWS, THEY’RE CLOSED AT THE MOMENT, THEY’RE DUE TO RE-OPEN ON MONDAY. ON MONDAY OF THIS WEEK, OUR MARKET WENT DOWN BY SOME 11 PER CENT. NOW THAT OF COURSE, IS NOT MUCH COMPARED WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD. WE DON’T KNOW, THOUGH, WHAT THE IMPACT WILL BE ON THE FOLLOWING MONDAY. THERE ARE TWO POINTS THOUGH THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE, SINCE I CAN’T GAZE INTO THAT PARTICULAR CRYSTAL BALL. ONE IS THAT WHAT HAS HAPPENED THIS WEEK HAS SHOWN SURELY, BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE COULD DO, THAT ALL OF OUR MARKETS ARE GLOBALLY INTERLINKED. THIS CONCEPT OF THE GLOBAL MARKET WHICH SLIPS SO' EASILY OFF THE TONGUE IS A REALITY AND WE SAW HOW WHAT HAPPENED IN ONE MARKET TRIGGERED OFF SIMILAR EVENTS IN OTHER MARKETS AROUND A 24 HOUR CLOCK. THAT’S ONE POINT. WE ARE NOT ISOLATED FROM THE REST OF THE WORLD, WE ARE AFFECTED VERY DIRECTLY BY WHAT HAPPENS HERE AND IN LONDON AND IN TOKYO. THE SECOND POINT IS THAT HONG KONG HAS A REMARKABLE ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK. WE ARE AN ELASTIC SOCIETY. WE HAVE HAD TROUBLES WITH OUR STOCK MARKET BEFORE. WE ACTUALLY HAVE ALSO HAD TROUBLES WITH OUR BANKING SECTOR. EACH TIME WE HAVE HIT PROBLEMS WE HAVE, FIRST OF ALL, BOUNCED BACK, AND SECONDLY, FOUND WAYS TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE BEEN REVEALED IN THE PROCESS OF SLIDING DOWNWARDS. SO, ON THE LONGER TERM, I HAVE COMPLETE CONFIDENCE IN THE HONG KONG MARKET, BECAUSE UNDERLYING EVERYTHING IS THE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY ITSELF. SOME OF THE STATISTICS WHICH I WAS JUST GIVING YOU. *
MR DORWARD: SO THAT’S AN UPBEAT NOTE ON WHICH TO FINISH, IF THAT’S ALRIGHT WITH YOU AND I WILL AT THIS STAGE, CALL ON MR SESTO VECCHI, THE SECRETARY OF THE.HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK TO OFFER A VOTE OF THANKS TO THE GOVERNOR.
MR VECCHI: IT GIVES ME A GREAT DEAL OF PLEASURE ON BEHALF OF ALL OF US TO BE ABLE TO EXTEND A VOTE OF THANKS TO OUR SPEAKER. WE WISH TO THANK YOU, SIR DAVID, FOR SHARING WITH US YOUR INSIGHTS ON HONG KONG TODAY, YOUR VISION OF HONG KONG TOMORROW AND BEYOND. YOU ARE CERTAINLY AN ARTICULATE AND ENTHUSIASTIC EXPONENT OF THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG TO THE UNITED STATES AND TO THE UNITED STATES BUSINESS COMMUNITY. I HOPE YOU’LL ALL JOIN WITH ME IN EXTENDING A ROUND OF APPLAUSE IN THANKS FOR SIR DAVID WILSON. (APPLAUSE).
--------0 ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STOCK AND FUTURES MARKETS TO REOPEN ON MONDAY ............... 1
FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME POPULAR ............................ 2
SERVICES MUST MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS .......■.................. 3
COMMUNICATION HELPS IMPROVE KWUN TONG LAW AND ORDER .........
NEW LSP PROPOSALS CHANGE CHARACTER OF SCHEME................. 5
SHORTAGE OF SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR CRAFTSMEN EXPECTED ...... 7
DB TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC MEASURES AT LION ROCK TUNNEL........... 8
DB FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON TUESDAY ..................... 8
FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR ELDERLY IN TA KWU LING ............ 9
KITE FLYING FUN DAY DRAWS LARGE CROWD ...................... 9
ANTI-TRIAD ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS IN SOUTHERN ................ 10
VICTORIA PARK LIGHTED UP FOR EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL....... » 1»
5 *
NEW SIGNS AT NT TAXI BOUNDARY................................ 11
TRAINING COURSES FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS .................. 12
TINDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS ........... 12
PERMITS AVAILABLE FOR DISPOSAL OF COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC WASTES 13
RECLAMATION PROJECT AT ABERDEEN AUTHORISED .................. 14
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1987
STOCK AND FUTURES MARKETS TO REOPEN ON MONDAY
*****
BOTH THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WILL BE RE-OPENED AT 11 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY), THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TONIGHT.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR JACOBS SAID THAT AS PART OF THE RE-OPENING OF TRADING IN HANG SENG INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS, A SUPPORT FACILITY IN THE FORM OF COMMITTED DRAWING FACILITIES OF UP TO *2 BILLION HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE HONG KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION LTD.
"THIS WILL ENABLE THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION TO FINANCE THE SETTLEMENT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS TO MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE IN RESPECT OF EXISTING AND NEW HANG SENG INDEX CONTRACTS, TO THE EXTENT THAT MEMBERS’ OBLIGATION TO THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION IN RESPECT OF INDEX CONTRACTS ARE DELAYED OR NOT MET,” HE SAID.
ONE FACILITY, OF UP TO $1 BILLION, WILL BE PROVIDED BY A NUMBER OF LEADING BROKERS IN THE FUTURES MARKET, AND BY SHAREHOLDERS OF THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION WHICH INCLUDE HONG KONG AND INTERNATIONAL BANKS AS WELL AS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMODITIES CLEARING HOUSE.
THE SECOND FACILITY, ALSO OF UP TO 11 BILLION, WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT FROM THE EXCHANGE FUND.
"THE GOVERNMENT FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED ON A LAST-IN FIRST-OUT BASIS," MR JACOBS STRESSED.
HE ADDED THAT THESE FACILITIES WILL BE REPAID THROUGH A TRANSACTION LEVY ON THE FUTURES EXCHANGE AND A NEW LEVY ON STOCK EXCHANGE DEALINGS, AND FROM DELAYED PAYMENTS BY AND RECOVERIES FROM DEFAULTING MEMBERS OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE.
"REPAYMENT WILL BE OVER A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS, AND INTEREST WILL BE CHARGED AT MARKET RATES," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO INTERVENE WAS BASED ON TWO PREMISES.
"THE FIRST IS THAT THE OBLIGATIONS OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE SHOULD BE MET AND THAT CONTRACTS FREELY ENTERED INTO SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT.
"THE CONSEQUENCES ON HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE NOT MEETING ITS OBLIGATIONS WOULD BE EXTREMELY GRAVE," HE SAID.
THE SECOND PREMISE, MR JACOBS SAID, WAS THAT THE STOCK EXCHANGE SHOULD BE PROTECTED FROM UNDUE SELLING PRESSURES CAUSED BY LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURES EXCHANGE, WITH WHICH THERE ARE VERY CLOSE LINKS THROUGH THE HEDGING ON THE FUTURES EXCHANGE OF PHYSICAL HOLDINGS OF SHARES ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE.
/THE FINANCIAL
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25» 1987
- 2 -
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THIS SITUATION HAD BEEN FORCED ON THE GOVERNMENT AS A RESULT OF THE SHARP DOWNTURN IN WORLD EQUITY MARKETS.
"AS SOON AS IT WAS APPARENT THAT THERE WAS A SERIOUS PROBLEM, THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTED EXPERT OUTSIDE ADVISERS, HAMBROS BANK, AND THESE MEASURES HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED WITH THEIR ASSISTANCE," HE SAID.
"THESE PROPOSALS HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION.
"A NUMBER OF MAJOR LOCAL INVESTORS HAVE ALSO EXPRESSED THEIR SATISFACTION WITH THE PROPOSALS AND PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT," HE ADDED.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THESE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN PUT TOGETHER IN A VERY SHORT TIME AND REFLECTED THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF ALL INVOLVED.
"WE ARE ALL DETERMINED TO RE-OPEN THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE FUTURES EXCHANGE FOR THE RESUMPTION OF ORDERLY BUSINESS TOMORROW," HE STRESSED.
MR JACOBS ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT DR KIM CHAM AND DR RONALD LI HAD TODAY RESIGNED AS CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMAN RESPECTIVELY OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE LTD, BUT WOULD REMAIN AS DIRECTORS.
"MR WILFRID NEWTON, CHAIRMAN OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION, HAS BEEN APPOINTED CHAIRMAN BY THE BOARD.
"DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RE-OPENING OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WILL BE ANNOUNCED," HE ADDED.
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FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME POPULAR ♦ * ♦ ♦
MORE THAN 15,000 PEOPLE HAVE SOUGHT ASSISTANCE DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR FROM THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY, A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
AMONG THEM, 1,360 PEOPLE WERE GIVEN FREE CONSULTATIONS WITH DUTY LAWYERS UNDER THE SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/THE SCHEME,
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1987
THE SCHEME, FIRST IMPLEMENTED IN NOVEMBER 1978, PROVIDES FREE LEGAL ADVICE TO PEOPLE WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO CONSULT SOLICITORS OR BARRISTERS.
"THE MAJORITY OF THE CASES DEALT WITH MONETARY AND COMMERCIAL DEALINGS, MATRIMONIAL AFFAIRS, TENANCY MATTERS, COMPENSATION CLAIMS AND CRIMINAL CASES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID ANYONE WISHING TO SEE THE DUTY LAWYERS UNDER THE SCHEME COULD APPROACH ANY OF CNTA’S 67 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES LOCATED THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"AFTER AN INTERVIEW, STAFF OF THE CENTRES WILL IDENTIFY THE NEEDS OF THE APPLICANTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WILL THEN BE MADE FOR THEM TO SEE THE DUTY LAWYERS ATTENDING THE EIGHT EVENING BUREAUS SITUATED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICES IN WAN CHAI, EASTERN, MONG KOK, WONG TAI SIN, YAU MA TEI, KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN," HE ADDED.
AN APPOINTMENT COULD USUALLY BE ARRANGED WITHIN 10 DAYS AT AN EVENING BUREAU OF THE APPLICANT’S CHOICE, HE NOTED.
FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS, 13TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 3-692255.
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SERVICES MUST MEET COMMUNITY NEEDS
*****
THE AIM OF PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY SERVICES WAS NOT PERSONAL HONOUR BUT TO IMPROVE RESIDENTS’ LIVELIHOOD AND PROMOTE A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE COMMUNITY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MRS FAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY LEADERS SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON PROMOTION OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS. THE CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE COMMUNITY HALL OF THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP, SHA TIN.
"WE MUST UNDERSTAND THE REAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, WHICH VARY FROM TIME TO TIME, TO ENSURE THAT OUR SERVICES ARE REALLY WHAT THEY WANT," SHE SAID.
/TO COPE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 198?
4
TO COPE WITH WORK PRESSURE AND DIFFICULTIES, A COMMUNITY LEADER MUST HAVE A MATURE CHARACTER AND MAINTAIN GOOD RELATIONS WITH OTHER PEOPLE, SHE ADDED.
SHA TIN’S DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, NOTED THAT THE FAST DEVELOPING NEW TOWN OF SHA TIN WAS IN NEED OF MORE COMMUNITY LEADERS TO WORK WITH LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN BUILDING A GOOD COMMUNITY.
"THIS SCHEME, WHICH WAS ESTABLISED IN 1982, HAS TRAINED MANY COMMUNITY LEADERS WHO LATER CONTRIBUTED IN FURTHER DEVELOPING THE SCHEME," HE SAID.
"I AM SURE THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE SCHEME WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DEVELOPMENTS OF SHA TIN AND THE WORKING OF VARIOUS LOCAL AND GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, AND THAT THEY WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED WHEN DEALING WITH PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE."
MORE THAN 60 PARTICIPANTS OF DEVELOPMENTS OF COMMUNITY LEADERS SCHEME RECEIVED CERTIFICATES ON COMPLETION OF THE SIX-DAY PROGRAMME. THEY WERE MOSTLY OFFICE BEARERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS AND YIN NGAI SOCIETIES IN THE DISTRICT.
-----0-----
COMMUNICATION HELPS IMPROVE KWUN TONG LAW AND ORDER *****
THE CLOSE CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC), AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL RESIDENTS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE IMPROVING LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT, KWUN TONG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS ROSANNA URE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MRS URE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE TO COLLECT LOCAL VIEWS ON WAYS TO HELP PREVENT YOUNG PEOPLE FROM BEING INFLUENCED BY TRIAD ELEMENTS.
MRS URE SAID TODAY’S SEMINAR WAS CLOSELY RELATED TO THE LIVELIHOOD OF KWUN TONG RESIDENTS, OF WHICH THE MAJORITY WERE YOUNG PEOPLE.
SHE URGED PARTICIPANTS TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON POSSIBLE WAYS TO PREVENT AND COMBAT TRIAD CRIME.
"VIEWS COLLECTED AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE PUT FORWARD BY THE DFCC TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED," SHE SAID.
/ALSO SPEAKING
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1987
- 5 -
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTIVITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DFCC, MR LAM KIN-KWOK NOTED THAT TODAY’S SEMINAR WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMMITTEE’S ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR.
HE THANKED LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION, ESPECIALLY STUDENTS, AS THEIR PRESENCE WOULD PROVIDE VALUABLE INPUT TO THE DISCUSSION OF JUVENILE TRIAD CRIME.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE KWUN TONG DFCC MEMBER, MR MA YAT-CHEUNG AND SENIOR INSPECTOR OF THE KWUN TONG POLICE DIVISION, MR LO WAI-CHUNG, GAVE TALKS ON 'JUVENILE INVOLVEMENT IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES’ AND 'TRIAD INFLUENCE AND WAYS TO COMBAT THE CRIME’ RESPECTIVELY.
THE TALKS WERE FOLLOWED BY A GROUP DISCUSSION ON VARIOUS TOPICS CENTERING ON THE THEME OF 'ANTI-TRIAD ACTIVITIES’.
-------o---------
NEW LSP PROPOSALS CHANGE CHARACTER OF SCHEME * * * »
THE PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS TO COVER WORKERS WHO RETIRE BECAUSE OF OLD AGE AND ILL HEALTH WILL CHANGE THE CHARACTER OF THE SCHEME SIGNIFICANTLY.
TILL NOW THE SCHEME HAS PROVIDED ONLY FOR EMPLOYEES BEING DISMISSED.
THE NEW PROPOSALS, WHICH WILL BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION, WILL ENABLE SOME WORKERS TO RECEIVE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT UPON VOLUNTARY RESIGNATION.
THEY INCLUDE WORKERS AGED 66 OR ABOVE WITH NOT LESS THAN 10 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE SAME EMPLOYER AND THOSE WITH THE NECESSARY QUALIFYING YEARS OF SERVICE WHO HAVE BEEN CERTIFIED TO BE MEDICALLY UNFIT FOR THEIR PRESENT EMPLOYMENT BY A DOCTOR IN A GOVERNMENT OR GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED HOSPITAL.
FAMILY MEMBERS OF A DECEASED EMPLOYEE WHO WAS QUALIFIED FOR LONG SERVICE PAYMENT WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM IT IN FUTURE.
"THE REASON FOR SETTING THE QUALIFYING AGE AT 65 IS BECAUSE NOWADAYS MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE WORKING UNTIL THIS AGE AS A RESULT OF IMPROVED HEALTH AND MEDICAL SERVICES AND LONGER LIFE EXPECTANCY," A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
/"AND THE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 2J, 198?
6
"AND THE TEN YEARS LENGTH OF SERVICE QUALIFICATION ALSO FALLS IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE IN MOST PRIVATE PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES.”
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE IMPROVED LONG SERVICE PAYMENT SCHEME WOULD NOT ONLY PROVIDE RETIREMENT BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION FOR DISMISSAL FOR WORKERS, MORE IMPORTANTLY IT WOULD REMAIN A NON-CONTRIBUTORY SCHEME AS FAR AS EMPLOYEES WERE CONCERNED.
HE REITERATED THAT FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SCHEME WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE FUTURE.
LOOKING BACK ON THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE LONG SERVICE PAYMENT PROVISIONS HAD BEEN GENERALLY OBSERVED BY EMPLOYERS.
SINCE THE SCHEME CAME INTO BEING IN JANUARY LAST YEAR, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RECEIVED SOME 710 COMPLAINTS FROM WORKERS CONCERNING LONG SERVICE PAYMENT, REPRESENTING 2.3 PER CENT OF ALL THE DISPUTE CASES RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE SAME PERIOD.
AS A RESULT OF CONCILIATION EFFORTS BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE, 404 CASES WERE SETTLED WITH A TOTAL OF |3.3 MILLION PAID OUT TO WORKERS.
ANOTHER 11 CASES WERE SETTLED BY PRIVATE ARRANGEMENT AFTER THE DEPARTMENT’S INITIAL CONCILIATION AND THE REST WERE REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR ADJUDICATION.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REVEALED THAT OF THE DISMISSAL CASES, 136 RELATED TO OLD AGE AND 46 TO PROLONGED ILLNESS OF WORKERS.
"FROM OUR EXPERIENCE IN HANDLING THESE CASES, EMPLOYERS TENDED TO DISMISS THEIR WORKERS FOR DIFFERENT REASONS, BUT VERY FEW DID IT JUST FOR THE ONE REASON THAT THE WORKERS WERE GETTING OLD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WORKERS WHO ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE REASONS FOR THEIR DISMISSAL CAN ALWAYS SEEK HELP FROM THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE AND EMPLOYERS WILL HAVE TO PAY THEM LONG SERVICE PAYMENT IF THE REASONS FOR DISMISSALS ARE NOT JUSTIFIED," HE ADDED.
-----o-----
/7........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25,
1987
- 7 -
SHORTAGE OF SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR CRAFTSMEN EXPECTED *****
FOLLOWING THE RECOVERY OF SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG, THE SHIPBUILDING, SHIP REPAIR AND OFFSHORE ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL FORECAST THAT THERE WOULD BE A SHORTAGE OF SKILLED CRAFTSMEN IN THE INDUSTRY FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
IN FACT THE SHORTAGE HAS ALREADY BEEN FELT IN THE GROUPS OF HIGHLY SKILLED SHIPWRIGHT AND CARPENTER, THE BOARD STATED IN A RECENTLY RELEASED MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT.
IT ADDED THAT THE SHORTAGE WOULD BE MORE ACUTE AS MANY OF THESE SKILLED WORKERS WOULD SOON RETIRE AND FEW REPLACEMENTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE BECAUSE YOUNG PEOPLE DID NOT FIND THE INDUSTRY ATTRACTIVE TO JOIN.
THE SURVEY CONDUCTED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR REVEALED THAT IN THE LAST TWO YEARS MANY SKILLED CRAFTSMEN HAD LEFT FOR JOBS OUTSIDE THE INDUSTRY DUE TO THE DOWNTURN OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, THUS CAUSING THE NUMBER OF TECHNICAL WORKFORCE OF THE SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR INDUSTRY TO DECLINE FROM 7,800 IN 1984 TO 6,900 IN 1986.
NEVERTHELESS, THE BOARD NOTED THAT THE RECOVERY OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY AT THE BEGINNING OF 1987 HAD LED TO MORE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP REPAIR ACTIVITIES WHICH IN TURN WOULD INCREASE THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED SHIPBUILDING AND REPAIR MANPOWER FOR THE YEARS TO COME.
BASED ON THESE OBSERVATIONS, THE BOARD CONCLUDED IN THE SURVEY REPORT THAT THE DROP OF MANPOWER IN THE INDUSTRY WOULD BE LEVELLING OFF AND WOULD REMAIN STEADY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
IT ALSO RECOMMENTED THAT EMPLOYERS SHOULD TRAIN 14 TECHNOLOGISTS, 24 TECHNICIANS AND 200 CRAFTSMEN A YEAR TO MEET THE FUTURE MANPOWER DEMAND SO AS TO MAINTAIN THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE INDUSTRY.
CONTAINING DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE MANPOWER STRUCTURE OF THE INDUSTRY AND FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY, THE 1986 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP REPAIR INDUSTRY IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT $13 A COPY.
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/8........
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25,
1987
8
DB TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC MEASURES AT LION ROCK TUNNEL
*****
THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) TO DI§CUSS THE NEW MEASURES FOR IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK ON TATES’ CAIRN TUNNEL.
MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE INCREASE IN THE HIRING CHARGES OF REGIONAL COUNCIL CIVIC CENTRES AND A PROJECT BEING ORGANISED BY THE BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE FOR THE ELDERLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD.
---0------
DB FINANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET ON TUESDAY *****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) TO CONTINUE DISCUSSIONS ON DB WORKING GROUPS ENTRUSTING WORK TO OUTSIDE BODIES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER WHETHER IT SHOULD FORMULATE RULES TO GOVERN THE SELECTION OF ORGANISATIONS TO UNDERTAKE PROJECTS JOINTLY WITH THE WORKING GROUPS OF THE BOARD.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING-OUT AREA IN WONG NAI TAU INSTEAD OF AT SHA TIN WAI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F., KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
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/9.......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1987
- 9 -
FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR ELDERLY IN TA KWU LING « « « » *
ABOUT 150 ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN TA KWU LING IN NORTH DISTRICT TODAY (SUNDAY) RECEIVED FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UPS DURING A HEALTH DAY HELD AT THE TA KWU LING RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON ELDERLY ACTIVITIES WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT WAS AIMED AT AROUSING AWARENESS AMONG THE ELDERLY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH.
AT TODAY’S FUNCTION, MEMBERS OF THE ST JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE WERE DEPLOYED TO PROVIDE BLOOD PRESSURE AND URINE TESTS AS WELL AS WEIGHT MEASURING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
SIMILAR HEALTH DAYS HAD BEEN ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS IN FANLINQ, SHEUNG SHUI AND SHA TAU KOK EARLIER THIS MONTH.
-----o-----
KITE FLYING FUN DAY DRAWS LARGE CROWD » » * » »
MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE WHO TOOK PART IN THE HEALTHY OUTDOOR ACTIVITY OF KITE FLYING TODAY (SUNDAY) NOT ONLY TOOK HOME HAPPY MEMORIES OF THE FUN DAY BUT ALSO THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE.
THE KITE FLYING FUN DAY, ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WAS HELD AT TAI AU MUN, SAI KUNG, A FAVOURITE SPOT FOR THIS ACTIVITY.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, URGED YOUNG PEOPLE NEVER TO GET INVOLVED IN DRUGS BUT TO TAKE ACTIVE PART IN HEALTHY SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES.
MRS ALLCOCK LATER PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF A KITE DESIGN COMPETITION WHICH WAS HELD IN CONJUCTION WITH THE FUN DAY.
THROUGHOUT THE FOUR-HOUR EVENT, KITES WITH THE WINNING DESIGN WERE FLYING HIGH IN THE SKY AND COULD BE SEEN MILES AWAY.
f
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/10
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1987
10 -
, ANTI-TRIAD ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS IN SOUTHERN » » » « *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC) WILL ORGANISE A SOCCER TROUNAMENT AND A TABLE TENNIS CONTEST TO DRIVE HOME THE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE AMONG YOUTHS IN THE DISTRICT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THE AIM OF THE COMPETITIONS WAS TO ENCOURAGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE IN HEALTHY AND MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES.
THE ANTI-TRIAD SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15 AT WONG CHUK HANG HARD-SURFACED SOCCER PITCH. STUDENTS AND YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 25 ARE BEING INVITED TO FORM TEAMS TO TAKE PART IN THE SCHOOL SESSION AND THE OPEN SESSION RESPECTIVELY. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS OCTOBER 30.
THE ANTI-TRIAD TABLE TENNIS CONTEST WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 29 AT THE LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL AND IS OPEN TO ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 13. HOWEVER, PROSPECTIVE CONTESTANTS ARE ADVISED TO HAND IN THEIR ENTRY FORMS EARLY AS THE COMPETITION IS LIMITED TO 40 PEOPLE ONLY.
ENTRY FORMS FOR BOTH COMPETITIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, AS WELL AS LOCAL YOUTH CENTRES AND SCHOOLS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-540271.
IN ADDITION TO SPORT EVENTS, THE SOUTHERN DFCC WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF ANTI-TRIAD TALKS IN LOCAL SCHOOLS AND AN ANTI-TRIAD NIGHT AT LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL IN DECEMBER.
VICTORIA PARK LIGHTED UP FOR EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL « » » » »
SPECTACULAR FESTIVE LIGHTINGS IN VICTORIA PARK WILL BE SWITCHED ON FROM TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) UNTIL NOVEMBER 28 TO CELEBRATE THE FIRST EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE LIGHTING DISPLAY, MEASURING ABOUT 11 METRES HIGH AND 14.5 METRES LONG, DEPICTS THE SKYLINE OF EASTERN DISTRICT IN THREE DIFFERENT LAYERS.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE TURNED ON DAILY FROM 6 PM TO 11 PM BETWEEN OCTOBER 27 AND NOVEMBER 28 WHEN THE FESTIVAL WILL COME TO AND END. THE DISPLAY IS SPONSORED BY THE SUN HUNG KAI REAL ESTATE AGENCY LTD.
/A SWITCHING-CW
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1?87
A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 5.30 PM ON TU■ (OCTOBER 27) OUTSIDE THE SQUASH COURT (NEAR THE HING FAT STREE ENTRANCE) IN VICTORIA PARK.
EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; DISTRICT CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING CC:. CHAIRMAN, MR ERIC LI; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MRS ELEANOR LING AND FIRST RUNNER-UP OF MISS HONG KONG 1987, MISS ELIZABETH LEE, WILL ATTEND THE CEREMONY.
MEANWHILE, MORE THAN 10,000 FREE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL SINCERITY CARDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT 5. 0 ON TUESDAY (OCTOBER 27) OUTSIDE THE SQUASH COURT IN VICTORIA PARK.
0
NEW SIGNS AT NT TAXI BOUNDARY « « * *
NEW SIGNS SHOWING A GREEN TAXI AND A RED PROHIBITORY STRIP A BEING ERECTED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING NEW TERRITORIES PROHIBITION SIGNS PUT UP AT THE BOUNDARY OF THE PERMITTED OPERa AREA FOR NT TAXIS.
THE NEW SIGN, STIPULATED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, INDICATES THE END OF NT TAXI OPERATING AREA. ALL NT TAXIS ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OPERATE IN THE AREA BEYOND THAT SIGN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT NOTED THA”' THE ERECTION OF NEW SIGNS WILL NOT BRING ANY CHANGE TO THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS OF NT TAXI OPERATIONS.
"IN OTHER WORDS, NT TAXIS WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESTRICTED ”0 OPERATE ONLY WITHIN THEIR PERMITTED OPERATING AREA," HE SAID.
THE SIGN REPLACEMENT PROGRAMME IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT Ti !.'V MONTHS.
Z12.......
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1987
- 12 -
TRAINING COURSES FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS
*****
KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND TWO 12-WEEK PART-TIME TRAINING COURSES STARTING IN MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE TRAINING WILL BE OFFERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS EITHER 12-WEEK PART-TIME DAY RELEASE OR EVENING COURSES FOR THE TEACHERS (CHINES^).
THE DAY RELEASE COURSE WILL BE OPERATED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE. THE EVENING COURSE WILL BE RUN BY THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
TEACHERS INTENDING TO TAKE PART IN THE COURSES ARE ADVISED THAT A FURTHER SIX-MONTH POST-COURSE SUPERVISED TEACHING WILL BE REQUIRED OF ALL TRAINEES IN ADDITION TO THE 12-WEEK COURSES.
TRAINEES WILL BE AWARDED THE STATUS OF "QUALIFIED ASSISTANT KINDERGARTEN TEACHER" UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF BOTH THE COURSES AND THE SUPERVISED TEACHING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
AN APPLICANT FOR THE COURSE SHOULD BE CURRENTLY A FULL-TIME PERMITTED OR REGISTERED KINDERGARTEN TEACHER WHO IS PROFESSIONALLY UNTRAINED AND HAS A MINIMUM OF TWO YEARS’ TEACHING EXPERIENCE IN A REGISTERED KINDERGARTEN BY SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT LEE GARDENS, THIRD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, ITS KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, AND THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE, 9TH FLOOR, ARGYLE CENTRE, PHASE ONE, 688 NATHAN ROAD, MONGKOK.
COMPLETED FORMS FOR THE COURSES SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE JOINT SELECTION BOARD, C/O GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE, BEFORE NOVEMBER 21.
------0-------
TENDERS INVITED FOR TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT WORKS *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR WORKS IN CONNECTION WITH THE TAI PO ROAD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT COVERING THE SECTION FROM HO TUNG LAU TO THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE WORKS INVOLVE MAINLY THE REALIGNMENT OF ABOUT 840 METRES OF TAI PO ROAD AND ITS WIDENING FROM TWO LANES TO THREE, STABILISATION OF THE ADJACENT RAILWAY SLOPE AND PROVISION ' OF LANDSCAPING.
/THEY ARE
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25t 1987
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND REDUCE THE RISK OF ACCIDENTS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND TAKE 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. IT WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, WHICH DESIGNED THE PROGRAMME.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 13.
-------0----------
PERMITS AVAILABLE FOR DISPOSAL OF COMMERCIAL, DOMESTIC WASTES *****
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM PRIVATE OPERATORS FOR PERMITS TO DISPOSE OF COMMERCIAL AND DOMESTIC SOLID WASTES AT THE KENNEDY TOWN AND LAI CHI KOK INCINERATION PLANTS NEXT YEAR.
FORMS FOR PERMITS TO DISPOSE OF COMMERCIAL SOLID WASTES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KENNEDY TOWN AND LAI CHI KOK INCINERATION PLANTS OR BY MAIL FROM THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 98 CAROLINE HILL ROAD, HONG KONG.
FORMS FOR PERMITS TO DISPOSE OF DOMESTIC SOLID WASTES ARE OBTAINABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
CERTAIN WASTES WHICH MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE INCINERATION PLANTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. THESE INCLUDE EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES, SAWDUST, CORROSIVE WASTES, POISONOUS SUBSTANCES, SUBSTANCES GIVING OFF INFLAMMABLE VAPOURS, SUBSTANCES RENDERED DANGEROUS BY INTERACTION WITH WATER, HIGHLY COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, COMPRESSED GASES, ROTTEN FRUIT AND VEGETABLES, CHEMICALS, CONSTRUCTION SITE MATERIALS, AND RADIOACTIVE WASTES.
THE NEW PERMITS WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 1. CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS NOVEMBER 13.
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25,
1987
14 RECLAMATION PROJECT AT ABERDEEN AUTHORISED * ♦ ♦ »
THE GOVERNOR HAS AUTHORISED THE RECLAMATION OF 3,350 SQUARE METRES WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 8,500 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI SHUE WAN, ABERDEEN, FOR DEVELOPING A CRAFT VILLAGE BY OCEAN PARK LIMITED.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE AFFECTED BY THE PROJECT MAY SUBMIT WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE OCTOBER 22, 1988.
THE NOTICE AND ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, 7-11, NAM NING STREET, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, HONG KONG.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR MEETS FOREIGN SECRETARY ................................ 1
GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON STOCK MARKET ............................... 1
FS COMMENTS CW STOCK MARKET ..................................... 1
FS: MARKETS WORKING IN ORDERLY MANNER ........................... 2
BANKING CHIEF CALLS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH ................... 3
THREE LOTS SOLD FOR S6?6.7 MILLION .............................. 3
S82O-MILLION TIN SHUI WAI CONTRACT SIGNED ....................... 4
EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 15 ................. 5
CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL MEETS .............................. 6
TIN SUM FIRE STATION OPENED ..................................... 7
SEMINAR ON RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES ........................... 7
KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE TO MEET.................. 8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN CENTRAL .................................. 8
ROAD TEMPORARILY CLOSED ......................................... 8
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ............................................ 8
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1987
GOVERNOR MEETS FOREIGN SECRETARY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAD A MEETING WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE ON MONDAY (LONDON TIME). AMONG THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED WERE THE STATE OF THE HONG KONG STOCK MARKET,THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM AND THE PROGRESS OF WORK IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
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GOVERNOR COMMENTS ON STOCK MARKET
*****
IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FOR A COMMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, ON THE STATE OF THE STOCK MARKET, THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON ON MONDAY (LONDON TIME).
"THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN KEEPING IN CLOSE AND CONSTANT TOUCH, OVER THE WEEKEND AND TODAY (MONDAY), WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG. HE HAS NOTED THE ORDERLY RESUMPTION OF TRADING ON THE HONG KONG STOCK MARKET TODAY AND THE FALL IN THE MARKET WHICH WAS NOT UNEXPECTED FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS ELSEWHERE WHEN HONG KONG MARKETS REMAINED CLOSED. HE BELIEVES THAT, DESPITE TODAY’S DEVELOPMENTS, THE HONG KONG ECONOMY REMAINS BASICALLY STRONG AND IS CONFIDENT IN HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK FROM ITS PRESENT DIFFICULTIES."
FS COMMENTS ON STOCK MARKET *****
FOLLOWING IS A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, THIS (MONDAY) EVENING:
"WE HAVE NOW SEEN THE FIRST DAY OF TRADING SINCE THE SUSPENSION LAST TUESDAY AND AS I HAD MENTIONED YESTERDAY, WE NEED TO SEE TWO OR MORE DAYS OF TRADING IN ORDER TO SEE HOW THINGS ARE GOING. SO I DON’T BELIEVE IT WOULD BE RIGHT TO DRAW FIRM CONCLUSIONS FROM THE CLOSING LEVEL ON THE STOCK MARKET TODAY. LET US POSTPONE OUR JUDGEMENT UNTIL WE HAVE SEEN A FEW MORE DAYS OF TRADING.
/’’WHAT HAS
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1987
- 2
"WHAT HAS HAPPENED TODAY HAS UNDOUBTEDLY BEEN AFFECTED BY THE FALLS IN OTHER INTERNATIONAL MARKETS, NOTABLY TOKYO, WHICH WENT DOWN BY SOME 1,000 POINTS. WE HAD EXPECTED OUR MARKET TO CLOSE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER AND IT HAS INDEED FALLEN BY ABOUT 1,100 POINTS. DESPITE THE HIGH TURNOVER, THE MARKET OPERATED IN AN ORDERLY MANNER. THIS IS WHAT WE WANT TO SEE AND WHAT THE SUPPORT PACKAGE HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE.
"AS TO THE ECONOMY IN GENERAL, TODAY WE HAVE ALSO SEEN A VERY SUCCESSFUL LAND SALE AUCTION WHICH FETCHED A TOTAL OF $676.7 MILLION. THE RETURNS ARE MUCH HIGHER THAN THE PRICES ESTIMATED BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND I WISH TO EMPHASIZE THAT THIS IS YET ANOTHER CLEAR INDICATION THAT OUR ECONOMY REMAINS PERFECTLY SOUND."
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FS: MARKETS WORKING IN ORDERLY MANNER *****
THE STOCK MARKETS HAVE BEEN WORKING IN AN ORDERLY MANNER IN THE MORNING TRADING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT WE SET OUT TO ACHIEVE," HE ADDED.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS WHO ASKED HIM ABOUT THE MORNING TRADING, MR JACOBS SAID HE HAD BEEN WATCHING THE MARKETS VERY CLOSELY, AND THEY SEEMED TO BE WORKING QUITE WELL.
"WHAT WE WANTED WAS THE MARKETS TO BE WORKING IN AN ORDERLY AND NORMAL MANNER. OBVIOUSLY THERE WERE VERY SHARP FALLS TO BEGIN WITH, THAT WE EXPECTED. A BIT OF BUYING INTEREST HAS MANIFESTED ITSELF. IT’S BEGINNING TO PICK UP," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT THE TWO SYSTEMS WERE REACTING WITH EACH OTHER NORMALLY. HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT IT WAS STILL EARLY IN THE DAY AND HE WOULD CONTINUE TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH ON THE MARKETS THIS AFTERNOON, TOMORROW, AND FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26,
1987
BANKING CHIEF CALLS FOR CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH * * * * *
THE BANKING COMMISSIONER, MR TONY NICOLLE, SAID THIS (MONDAY) MORNING THAT HE HOPED THAT BANKS AND OTHER DEPOSIT-TAKERS WOULD BE TAKING A SYMPATHETIC AND CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH TOWARDS BORROWERS WITH FACILITIES USED TO FINANCE SECURITIES HOLDINGS.
CREDIT JUDGEMENTS ABOUT PARTICULAR FACILITIES WERE FOR BANKS, AND FOR THEM ALONE, TO MAKE, BUT THE COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT ENFORCED DISPOSAL OF SECURITIES BY BANK CUSTOMERS TO MEET MARGIN REQUIREMENTS WOULD EXACERBATE THE PRESSURES ON THE MARKETS.
IT WOULD THEREFORE BE HELPFUL TO MARKETS IF BANKS WERE ABLE, WHERE POSSIBLE, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE OVERALL CREDITWORTHINESS OF THEIR CUSTOMERS WHEN CONSIDERING COMPLIANCE WITH THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF BORROWING FACILITIES.
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THREE LOTS SOLD FOR $676.7 MILLION » ♦ * * *
A PRIME PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE AT OLD PEAK ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND WAS SOLD FOR $500 MILLION AT AN AUCTION TODAY (MONDAY).
BIDDING OPENED AT $360 MILLION.
THE SITE, WHICH MEASURES 5,818 SQUARE METRES, WAS SOLD TO PARK FAITH INVESTMENT LIMITED. UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE PURCHASER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 23,900 SQUARE METRES BY DECEMBER 31, 1991.
TWO OTHER SITES WERE ALSO SOLD AT THE AUCTION.
THE ONE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND HING WAH STREET IN WEST KOWLOON WAS BOUGHT BY HOWSEA LIMITED FOR $168 MILLION.
BIDDING STARTED AT $90 MILLION.
THE 4,323-SQUARE-METRB SITE IS FOR A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN AND HOTEL.
AT LEAST 28,000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA, INCLUDING A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK FOR NOT LESS THAN 500 VEHICLES, MUST BE COMPLETED ON THE SITE WITHIN 36 MONTHS.
/the other
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1?6?
4
THE OTHER SITE, LOCATED AT ON LOK TSUEN, FANLING, WAS SOLD TO EASTERN SKY DEVELOPMENT LIMITED FOR S8.7 MILLION. FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN USE, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.
BIDDING OPENED AT $8 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO SALE CONDITIONS, THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 3,300 SQUARE METRES BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1991.
TODAY’S AUCTION TOOK PLACE AT THE HOTEL FURAMA AND WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR N.P. BURLEY, OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
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S820-MILLION TIN SHUI WAI CONTRACT SIGNED
» » » * *
THE DEVELOPMENT OF TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN IN THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (MONDAY) TOOK BIG A STEP FORWARD WITH THE AWARD OF A S820-MILLION CONTRACT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR FORMATION OF LAND IN THE AREA.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED THIS MORNING BY THE DIRECTOR OF TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT, MR W.K. KWOK, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF A JOINT VENTURE COMPANY COMPRISING CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION ENGINEERING CORPORATION AND A WEST GERMAN CONTRACTOR, BILFINGER, BERGER BAUAKTIENGESELLSCHAFT.
UNDER THE CONTRACT, ABOUT 240 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED AND MAIN DRAINAGE CONSTRUCTED TO ENABLE THE INITIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN TO BEGIN. THE NEW TOWN WILL HOUSE 140,000 PEOPLE IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATES AND IN PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS.
INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT IS A PROVISION FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO AUTHORISE THE JOINT VENTURE COMPANY TO COMPLETE THE FORMATION OF THE ENTIRE TIN SHUI WAI LANDHOLDING OF SOME 488 HECTARES AT A TOTAL CONTRACT PRICE OF JUST UNDER $1 BILLION.
WORK WILL START ON NOVEMBER 2 AND TAKE ABOUT 37 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. IT WILL INVOLVE THE EXTRACTION OF UP TO 20 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF SAND FROM A MARINE BORROW AREA LOCATED IN URMSTON ROAD TO THE NORTH OF LUNG KWU CHAU.
THE FILL MATERAL WILL THEN BE TRANSPORTED BY SEA TO A REHANDLING BASIN OFF LAU FAU SHAN FROM WHERE IT WILL BE PUMPED ON TO SHORE AND DEPOSITED WITHIN THE TIN SHUI WAI LANDHOLDING TO FORM THE LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT.
THE WORK WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE GOVERNMENT APPOINTED CONSULTANTS, BINNIE AND PARTNERS (HONG KONG).
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26,
1987
- 5 -
EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 15 » « » t t
THE TWO-WEEK EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WHICH INCLUDES SPECIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, WILL START ON NOVEMBER 15.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) AT A PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ERIC LI, EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG.
MR LI, WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, SAID THE $1.3 MILLION FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE MORE THAN 30 LARGE-SCALE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES.
ORGANISED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FESTIVAL IS ALSO BEING SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE THEME, MR LI SAID, IS PARTICIPATION IN THE DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENT.
DURING THE PLANNING STAGE, THE ORGANISERS TRIED TO THINK OF AN OUTSTANDING DEVELOPMENT PROJECT WITH A UNIQUE CHARACTER REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DISTRICT, HE SAID.
"EVENTUALLY WE REALISED THAT THE DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTIC OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT IS, PERHAPS, NOT A SINGLE OUTSTANDING PROJECT BUT THE ASTONISHING PACE OF OVERALL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSEQUENTIAL DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT IN LIFE STYLE."
HE ATTRIBUTED THE IMPROVEMENTS TO TREMENDOUS EFFORTS BY THE GOVERNMENT, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, PRIVATE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL . SECTORS AND RESIDENTS.
"CIVIC-MINDED RESIDENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAVE HELPED TO BUILD A COMMUNITY SPIRIT OF MUTUAL CARE AND RESPONSIBILITY," MR LI SAID.
MR LI SAID THE ORGANISERS HOPEQ EVERY RESIDENT, IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, FINANCIAL MEANS, TYPE OF INTERESTS AND TIME CONSTRAINTS, COULD PARTICIPATE IN AND ENJOY THE FESTIVAL.
THERE WILL BE A LIGHTING SWITCH-ON CEREMONY AT VICTORIA PARK TOMORROW (OCTOBER 27), FOLLOWED BY A TRAM TOUR ON NOVEMBER 1 AT THE SHARP STREET TRAM DEPOT.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED AT VICTORIA PARK ON NOVEMBER 15 WITH A SPECTACULAR VIDEO "WALL" PRESENTATION. THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI ON NOVEMBER 28.
/EARLIER,
MR YEUNG
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1987
6
EARLIER, MR YEUNG SAID EASTERN DISTRICT HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MAIN RESIDENTIAL/COMMERCIAL CENTRES IN HONG KONG WITH INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN NORTH POINT, QUARRY BAY AND CHAI WAN.
"ABOUT 65 PER CENT THE POPULATION - ESTIMATED AT MORE THAN 500,000 - LIVE IN PRIVATE HOUSING, 25 PER CENT IN PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING/HOME OWNERSHIP AND ) > PER CENT IN OTHER TYPES OF HOUSING SUCH AS TEMPORARY STRUCTUR HE SAID.
IN RECENT YEARS, HE SAID, THE DISTRICT HAS SEEN MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS IN ITS TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE, NOTABLY THE PHASED OPENING OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
MR LEUNG SAID TEE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL FURTHER ENHANCE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
AFTER OUTLINING THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, MR YEUNG SAID THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS AIMED AT MAKING RESIDENTS FEEL THEY ALL HAVE A PART IN THE DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENT.
A LEAFLET ON THE DETAILED PROGRAMME OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL IS AVAILABLE AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-630181.
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CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL MEETS
* » * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, TODAY (MONDAY) OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING OF A CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL REGIONAL MEETING BEING HELD IN HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT TO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION OF THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION (ESCAP) COUNTRIES AT THE MEETING THAT IT IS IMPORTANT FOR VARIOUS CUSTOMS SERVICES TO CO-OPERATE IN THE EXHANGE OF THE NECESSARY INFORMATION.
THE TWO-DAY CCC MEETING WILL MAKE FINAL EVALUATION ON A TRIAL PROJECT AIMED AT IMPROVING THE EXCHANGE OF NARCOTICS INTELLIGENCE WITHIN THE REGION.
ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM 15 COUNTRIES AND THE INTERPOL, THE MEETING WILL REVIEW THE VARIOUS MEASURES IMPLEMENTED UNDER THE PROJECT AND TO DECIDE WHETHER THE PROJECT SHOULD BE CONTINUED.
HONG KONG HAS BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL SINCE JUNE THIS YEAR.
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1987
- 7 -
TIN SUM FIRE STATION OPENED *****
TIN SUM FIRE STATION AND TIN SUM AMBULANCE DEPOT, THE SECOND FIRE STATION AND AMBULANCE DEPOT IN SHA TIN, WERE OPENED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT WITH THE RAPID DEVELOPMENTS IN TIN SUM, THE NEED FOR A FIRE STATION AND AN AMBULANCE DEPOT IN THE AREA TO MEET THE TARGET ATTENDANCE TIME WAS OBVIOUS.
"SINCE THE STATION AND DEPOT WERE PUT IN COMMISSION IN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE FORMER HAS RESPONDED TO 265 FIRE CALLS, 221 SPECIAL SERVICE CALLS, AND THE LATTER 5,384 AMBULANCE CASES," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG RECALLED THAT SHA TIN HAD BEEN ONE OF THE SPARSELY POPULATED AREAS IN THE EARLY FIFTIES.
"FROM MY MEMORY, THERE WAS ONLY A SMALL SINGLE-STOREY FIRE STATION AT FIRST STREET WHICH HOUSED ONE LANDROVER APPLIANCE AND A CREW OF FIVE MEN.
"IN KEEPING PACE WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS, IN THE MID SEVENTIES, THAT STATION WAS REPLACED BY A TWO-BAY STATION AT LEK YUEN ESTATE AND IN THE EIGHTIES, A DIVISIONAL STATION AT YUEN WO ROAD WAS PUT IN COMMISSION."
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SEMINAR ON RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES
* * * »
A SEMINAR ON EMPLOYEES’ RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES, WILL BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION ON NOVEMBER 6 (FRIDAY).
IT WILL PROVIDE PARTICIPANTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF RETIREMENT SCHEMES AND WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPLEMENT THEM.
THE HALF-DAY SEMINAR WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ASSOCIATION’S HEADQUARTERS IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, WILL FEATURE TALKS BY A NUMBER OF EXPERTS ON PROVIDENT FUND.
THOSE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT MAY CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION ON 5-456166 EXT. 45 BEFORE FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30).
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/8........
MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1987
8 -
KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE TO MEET
*****
THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO REVIEW THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST MONTHS AND TO DISCUSS FORTHCOMING EVENTS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL HEAR PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15, 1987, THE ’CLEAN SCHOOL' PHASE ACTIVITIES, AND THE INVOLVEMENT OF BRITISH FORCES IN KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES. THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE STRATEGIES FOR 1988/89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 10 AM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 2/F., TSUEN WAN MTR STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK, N.T.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN CENTRAL * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28) ON BELCHER’S STREET WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURn’ WEST IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE TRAFFIC FLOW THERE.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING LEFT INTO QUEEN’S ROAD
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ROAD TEMPORARILY CLOSED
*****
CHEUNG WONG ROAD IN MONG KOK WILL 7.30 PM TO 11.30 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER TRANSFORMER BY THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER
BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 29) FOR THE DELIVERY OF A COMPANY.
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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
at 68. 1 stood
CUB.C cS. "ILLr°"
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT BY DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR ........................ 1
STATEMENT BY FINANCIAL SECRETARY ........................... 2
NCNA DIRECTOR CALLS ON DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR .............. 2
TWO MORE AIDS CASES ........................................ 3
NINE QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA ............................. 4
$20 MILLION SOUGHT FOR NOISE ABATEMENT ..................... 4
REGIONAL CUSTOMS MEETING CONCLUDES ......................... 5
CHIEF SECRETARY TO OFFICIATE AT PARADE...................... 6
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED 7
INTEREST Of TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED ............... 7
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN TO KWA WaN CLEARED ................... 9
WAN CHAI STAGES ANTI-SMOKING COMPETITION ................... 10
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN WAN CHAI CLEARED ..................... 10
YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL INVITES POSTAL ORDERS .............. 11
COMMITTEE TO HEAR ABOUT SERVICES FOR STREET SLEEPERS........ 11
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO MEET TODAY........... 12
TWO MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR TUEN MUN .................... 12
NEW FIRE STATION FOR AP LEI CHAU ........................... 13
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN YUEN LCNG .................. 13
ROAD CLOSURES IN HUNG HOM .................................. 13
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
1
STATEMENT BY DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR ♦ * * * ♦
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS MADE BY THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MR DAVID FORD, THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING:
’’I’VE COME FROM A MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AT WHICH MEMBERS HAVE ASKED ME TO SAY THAT THEY’VE EXPRESSED THEIR TOTAL SUPPORT FOR THE FUTURES FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG AND FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG GENERALLY. THEY’VE GIVEN THEIR WHOLE HEARTED SUPPORT TO THE MEASURES WHICH WE’RE PROPOSING TODAY.
’’EVERYTHING THAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO SAVE HONG KONG WILL bE DONE BY GOVERNMENT.
”WE HAVE NEWS THAT THERE WILL BE LARGE SCALE INVESTMENT IN THE MARKET TODAY FROM BIG INVESTORS. WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT WHAT WE HAVE PROPOSED IS RIGHT FOR HONG KONG AND RIGHT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE.”
ELABORATING ON MR FORD’S STATEMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID:
”1 WOULD LIKE TO ECHO WHAT THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR HAS JUST SAID. WE HAVE THE UTMOST SUPPORT FROM THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
"THERE ARE LARGE BUYERS IN THE MARKET TODAY.
"WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF GIVING HONG KONG AWAY. WE WILL DO EVERYTHING THAT IS NEEDED, AND I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT WE WILL WIN."
"THERE WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE SOME PEOPLE WHO WILL FAIL, SOME INDIVIDUAL BROKERS WHO WILL FAIL, BUT OUR TASK TODAY IS TO KEEP OUK MARKETS FUNCTIONING. CERTAINLY SOME INDIVIDUALS MAY SUFFER, BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, OUR MARKETS WILL BE INTACT AND THAT’S WHAT THIS WHOLE OPERATION IS DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE.
"THIS IS THE MOMENT FOR THE COMMUNITY TO ITSELF. ’’
TAKE PART AND SAVE
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
- 2 -
STATEMENT BY FINANCIAL SECRETARY *****
THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT WAS ISSUED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS:
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE HAS BEEN ARRANGED, TO BE PROVIDED BY THE BANK OF CHINA, THE TWO HONG KONG NOTE-ISSUING BANKS, AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
THIS WILL TAKE THE FORM OF TWO FURTHER FACILITIES TOGETHER TOTALLING IIK$2 BILLION. ONE FACILITY OF $1 BILLION WILL BE PROVIDED EQUALLY BY THE BANK OF CHINA, THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK AND THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.
THE SECOND FACILITY OF HKJ1 BILLION WILL BE PROVIDED BY THF HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FROM THE EXCHANGE FUND.
THESE TWO FACILITIES WILL BE USED TO SUPPLEMENT, IF REQUIRED, THE PACKAGE ALREADY ARRANGED AND WILL BE DRAWN AND REPAID ON A LAST IN - LAST OUT BASIS.
ALTHOUGH THE EXISTING PACKAGE HAS COVERED THE IMPACT OF YESTERDAY’S UPRECEDENTED FALL IN THE HANG SENG INDEX, AND A BALANCE REMAINS, PRUDENCE DICTATES THAT A SUBSTANTIAL OPERATIONAL MARGIN SHOULD BE PUT IN PLACE, AND TO ENSURE THE CONTINUING FUNCTION OF THE MARKETS IN THE FACE OF VOLATILE WORLD CONDITIONS.
THE NEW CHAIRMAN AND MANAGEMENT OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WILL ALSO BE IMPLEMENTATING TODAY VIGOROUS MEASURES DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN AND IMPROVE REGULATION OF THE MARKET.
IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS HAS ANNOUNCED A FURTHER REDUCTION OF 1 PER CENT IN INTEREST RATE.
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NCNA DIRECTOR CALLS ON DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR *****
THE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY, MR XU JIATUN, CALLED ON THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, MR DAVID FORD, TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY MR ZHANG XUEYAO, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE BANK OF CHINA, AND BY MR JI SHAOXIANG, HEAD OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF THE NCNA.
MR FORD BRIEFED MR XU ON THE SITUATION IN THE HONG KONG STOCK AND FUTURES EXCHANGES AND EXPRESSED WARM THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT OF PRC FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE BANK OF CHINA TO THE SECOND SUPPORT FACILITY FOR THE HONG 'KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION.
0 -
/3
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
- 5 -
TWO MORE AIDS CASES
*****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED TWO MORE CONFIRMED AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) CASES, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES IN HONG KONG TO EIGHT.
OF THE EIGHT AIDS PATIENTS, SEVEN HAD DIED AND ONE IS STILL ALIVE.
THE EIGHT CASES ARE ALL ADULTS - SEVEN MALES AND ONE FEMALE -AND HALF OF THEM ARE CHINESE.
REGARDING THE RISK FACTORS OF THE EIGHT PATIENTS, SIX OF THEM WERE SEXUALLY ACQUIRED AND TWO WERE UNKNOWN.
ANNOUNCING THE LATEST MONTHLY STATISTICS ON THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID FOUR MORE PERSONS WERE FOUND TO BE INFECTED BY THE DEADLY VIRUS IN SEPTEMBER.
TO DATE, 104 PERSONS WERE REPORTED TO BE INFECTED BY THE VIRUS IN HONG KONG. THESE INCLUDE THE EIGHT CONFIRMED AIDS PATIENTS AND 50 HAEMOPHILIACS.
DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER, A TOTAL OF 3,647 PERSONS WERE TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODIES AND FOUR OF THEM WERE FOUND TO BE POSITIVE. AMONG THE FOUR POSITIVE PERSONS, TWO WERE REFERRED BY GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, ONE BY PRIVATE PRACTITIONER AND ONE WAS A HAEMOPHILIAC.
UNDER THE AIDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME, GROUPS WHO ARE AT RISK OF BEING INFECTED ARE TESTED FOR THE INFECTION. THEY INCLUDE SEXUALLY PROMISCUOUS PERSONS, MULTI-TRANSFUSED PATIENTS AND INTRAVENOUS AND DRUG ABUSERS.
SINCE APRIL 1985, A TOTAL OF 67,256 PERSONS WERE TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODIES BY THE VIRUS UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE HAS ALSO CARRIED OUT A MASS SCREENING PROGRAMME FOR ALL BLOOD DONORS SINCE AUGUST 1985. UP TO NOW, A TOTAL OF 310,106 DONATED BLOOD UNITS HAVE BEEN TESTED AND FIVE WERE FOUND TO BE INFECTED BY THE AIDS VIRUS.
LAST MONTH, 14,678 UNITS OF BLOOD WERE TESTED AND NONE WAS FOUND TO BE POSITIVE.
MEANWHILE, THE AIDS COUNSELLING CLINIC CONTINUES TO RECEIVE CALLS FROM PEOPLE WHO FEAR THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE CONTRACTED THE DISEASE.
IN SEPTEMBER, 1,909 CALLS WERE RECEIVED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CALLS RECEIVED SO FAR TO 17,289 SINCE THE COUNSELLING CLINIC WAS INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER 1985.
- - 0 - -
A
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27,
1987
NINE QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA *****
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK NINE QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SIX BILLS IN THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THREE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THEY ARE: FISHERIES PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; AND LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987.
DEBATE ON THREE OTHER BILLS WILL BE RESUMED AND THEY WILL BE PUT UP FOR THIRD READING. THESE BILLS ARE: BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; AND ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987.
IN THE MEETING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL ALSO PRESENT A REPORT OF CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987-88.
----0------
$20 MILLION SOUGHT FOR NOISE ABATEMENT
« * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE A NEW COMMITMENT OF $20,380,000 FOR IMPLEMENTING NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES IN 13 AIDED SCHOOLS IN PHASE TWO OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMME.
THE PROGRAMME IS TO DEAL WITH SCHOOLS AFFECTED BY AIRCRAFT NOISE. A TOTAL OF 38 SCHOOLS REQUIRING NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES WERE IDENTIFIED TO BE LOCATED WITHIN THE NOISE EXPOSURE FORECAST CONTOUR.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS ESTIMATED AT >1,140,000 FOR CAPITAL WORKS AND $609,000 IN ANNUALLY RECURRENT EXPENDITURE TO EXTEND THE PROVISION OF AIR-CONDITIONERS TO THE STAFF ROOMS OF THE 38 SCHOOLS.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL TAKE A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS TO COMPLETE DUE TO THE LARGE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS INVOLVED IN THE FIRST STAGE OF THE PROGRAMME.
/OTHER ITEMS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
OTHER ITEMS THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE ARE:
» A $2.5 MILLION COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE THE INTERPOL BUREAU OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE WITH A RADIO TELEPRINTER SYSTEM;
« COMMITMENTS TOTALLING $37,450,000 FOR THE PURCHASE FOR THE POLICE OF REPLACEMENT LARGE MOTORCYCLES, SPECIALIST DUTIES MEDIUM VANS (SOME WITH AIR-CONDITIONING) AND THREE-TONNE COVERED LORRIES;
« THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE AUTHORITY DELEGATED TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO MAKE ALLOCATIONS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND; AND
» A COMMITMENT OF $2.5 MILLION TO PERMIT THE ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO CONDUCT A SYSTEM DESIGN STUDY FOR A SERIES OF LINKED, COMPUTER-BASED, FINANCIAL MODELS TO ASSIST IN THE PLANNING OF A FINANCIAL STRATEGY FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN EDUCATION.
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REGIONAL CUSTOMS MEETING CONCLUDES ♦ » » » »
THE FINAL EVALUATION MEETING OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL’S ESCAP REGION ACTION PLAN TRIAL PROJECT CONCLUDED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE MEETING WAS HELD IN THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU HEADQUARTERS AND WAS ATTENDED BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM 15 ESCAP REGION COUNTRIES AND THE INTERPOL. PARTICIPANTS IN THE MEETING CONSIDERED UNANIMOUSLY THAT THE TRIAL HAD BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL AND THAT THE ACTION PLAN SHOULD BE CONTINUED.
THE ESCAP REGION ACTION PLAN COVERS SUCH AREAS AS EXCHANGE OF INTELLIGENCE BETWEEN MEMBER COUNTRIES, ESTABLISHING CONTACT OFFICERS IN EACH COUNTRY, PROFILING OF DRUG TRAFFICKERS, POOLING OF INFORMATION, TRAINING OF CUSTOMS OFFICERS, CO-OPERATION IN GENERAL AMONG CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL LIAISON OFFICE.
/THE ASSISTANT
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 198?
6
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS, MR K.S. TONG, SAID THAT THE MEETING AGREED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL LIAISON OFFICE IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 1, 1987 AND TO A SERIES OF TRAINING SEMINARS TO BE CONVENED IN THE REGION IN 1988 AND 1989 FOR MEMBER COUNTRIES.
THESE WOULD COVER SUCH SUBJECTS AS SEARCH OF AIRCRAFT, VEHICLES AND SHIPS, PROFILING OF SMUGGLERS, INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS, INVESTIGATION TECHNIQUES AND CO-OPERATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THE REGIONAL LIAISON OFFICE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE PRIMARILY FOR THE COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENCE AMONG MEMBER COUNTRIES.
THE CONCERTED EFFORTS AND ENHANCED CO-OPERATION OF MEMBER COUNTRIES WILL STRIKE HARD AT THE DRUG TRAFFICKERS, MR TONG SAID.
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CHIEF SECRETARY TO OFFICIATE AT PARADE
*****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, MR DAVID FORD, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE ON NOVEMBER 15, MEMBERS OF THE JOINT URBAN/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WERE TOLD AT TODAY’S (TUESDAY) MEETING.
THEY ALSO HEARD THAT 28 ORGANISATIONS, 14 FROM DISTRICT BOARDS AND 14 FROM PRIVATE CORPORATIONS, WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE PARADE. ALL THE VEHICLES WILL BE DECORATED WITH KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGES TOGETHER WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT/CORPORATE IDENTITIES.
THE PARADE, WHICH WILL LAUNCH THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT DISTRICT LEVEL, AND ALSO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS TO PARTICIPATE IN SUPPORT OF IT, WILL SET OUT FROM THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND AND END AT EDINBURGH PLACE.
AT THE STARTING POINT, THERE WILL BE A DRAGON DANCE, PRECEDED BY AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY. UPON ARRIVAL IN CENTRAL, THE PARADE WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED BY MARCHING BANDS, BALLOON FLYING AND THE PRESENTATION OF PRIZES TO THE BEST-DECORATED VEHICLES. THIS WILL ALL TAKE PLACE AT EDINBURGH PLACE.
A FEATURE OF THE DAY WILL BE A ONE-HOUR TV VARIETY SHOW CENTRING ROUND THE PARADE AND RELAYING KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGES. PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, IT WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE FROM 12 NOON TO 1 PM.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
- 7 -
EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTS EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED *****
A WEEK-LONG EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED WILL BEGIN AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI, ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 29).
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, FEDERATION OF HONG KONG GARMENT MANUFACTURERS, HONG KONG WOOLLEN AND SYNTHETIC KNITTING MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG GARMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO LTD.
THROUGH THE USE OF PICTURES AND AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATIONS, THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE VARIOUS SERVICES THAT THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES FOR THE DISABLED.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A DISPLAY OF MODERN TECHNICAL AIDS AND DEMONSTRATIONS OF THEIR USE BY DISABLED WORKERS.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE EVENT WILL GIVE THE PUBLIC, IN PARTICULAR EMPLOYERS, A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORKING ABILITY OF DISABLED PEOPLE," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, MR CHAN SUI-KAU.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 11 AM AND 7 PM DAILY UNTIL NOVEMBER 4.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 29).
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INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED *****
THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED ON OCTOBER 26, 1987 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 OCTOBER 28, 1987, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE, OF INTEREST WILL BE 4.32 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 5.28 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.36 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
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
8 -
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 OCTOBER 28, 1987.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1987 WILL
CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:-
3.60% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 27, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 17, 1985;
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;
2.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985;
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986;
4.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986;
4.08% 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; AND
5.28% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 14, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, 1987,
/BUT ALWAYS
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1?87
- 9 -
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE: 11,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON OCTOBER 28, 1987,
NOVEMBER 28, 1987 AND DECEMBER 28, 1987 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JANUARY 29, 1988
WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS -
ON $1,000, OCTOBER 28, 1987 TO JANUARY 29, 1988 THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.60 PER MONTH = 10.80
ON $1,000, NOVEMBER 28, 1987 TO JANUARY 29, 1988 TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.60 PER MONTH = 7.20
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 28, 1987 TO JANUARY 29, 1988 ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $3.60 PER MONTH = 3.60
$21.60
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ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN TO KWA WAN CLEARED
*****
A TOTAL OF 28 ILLEGAL THE REAR LANES IN TO KWA WAN AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT
STRUCTURES AND 15 OVERSIZED CANOPIES AT WERE PULLED DOWN TODAY (TUESDAY) DURING CLEARANCE OPERATION.
THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND CANOPIES WERE SITUATED IN BOUNDED BY LOK SHAN ROAD, KOWLOON CITY ROAD, CHI KIANG STREET KWA WAN ROAD.
AN AREA
AND TO
AMONG THE CLEARED STRUCTURES, 24 WERE STORAGE PURPOSES AND THE REMAINING FOUR WERE FAMILIES, COMPRISING 13 PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED.
FOR COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC UNITS.
THE CLEARANCE WAS PART OF AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME TO IMPOVE
AND SIX
THE
DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENT.
TODAY’S OPERATION WAS CO-ORDINATED BY DISTRICT OFFICE AND JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES
THE KOWLOON CITY BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND THE
POLICE.
-----o-----
/1O........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
10
WAN CHAI STAGES ANTI-SMOKING COMPETITION *****
AN ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN HENNESSY CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY, FROM TODAY (TUESDAY) TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE THAT SMOJHNG IS HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH, r
THE DISPLAY, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP, WILL RUN UNTIL THURSDAY.
SPEAKING AT THE EXHIBITION'S OPENING, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARMAN CHIU, SAID THE EVENT WOULD ENABLE CITIZENS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMOKING AND HEALTH AND CONSEQUENTLY HELP THEM TO FORM A WISER OPINION OF THE HABIT.
THE CEREMONY WAS ALSO ATTENDED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORDING GROUP, MR NORMAN LO, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM.
BESIDES THE DISPLAY, THE WORKING GROUP LAST WEEK STAGED AN ANTI-SMOKING PAINTING DAY AND A SLOGAN COMPETITION.
WITH THE HELP OF ARTISTS FROM A DESIGN INSTITUTE, A GROUP OF YOUNG RESIDENTS PAINTED THE HOARDINGS OF A CONSTRUCTION SITE AT A BUSY JUNCTION.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THIS ACTIVITY, YOUNG PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THE HAZARDS OF CIGARETTE SMOKING AND WILL NOT TAKE UP THE HABIT WHEN THEY GROW UP," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ANTI-SMOKING WORKING GROUP SAID.
WINNERS OF THE SLOGAN COMPETITION RECEIVED THEIR PRIZES AT TODAY’S CEREMONY.
------o ------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN WAN CHAI CLEARED » » » ♦
ABOUT 22 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT THE REAR LANE OF SPRING GARDEN LANE IN WAN CHAI WERE DEMOLISHED TODAY (TUESDAY) IN A CLEARANCE OPERATION.
THE CLEARANCE, WHICH INVOLVED A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INCLUDING URBAN SERVICES, HOUSING, BUILDINGS AND LANDS, URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND THE POLICE, WAS CO-ORDINATED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THAT ONLY ONE FAMILY WAS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE AND RE-HOUSING ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE.
HE NOTED THAT THE OPERATION WOULD BE THE FIRST OF SIX ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE OPERATIONS TO TAKE PLACE IN 1987-88.
"THE CLEARANCE WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF THE PLACE," HE SAID.
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/11.........
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
- 11 -
YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL INVITES POSTAL ORDERS
» ♦ * t *
• POSTAL ORDERS FOR PROGRAMMES OF THE 8TH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL ARE BEING INVfTED UNTIL NOVEMBER 6.
A TOTAL OF 42 PROGRAMMES WILL BE HELD DURING THE FESTIVAL AT VARIOUS VENUES IN YUEN LONG BETWEEN DECEMBER 4 AND 20 THIS YEAR.
THEY INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA, FILM SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS, MUSICAL DRAMA, POP CONCERT, DANCING, PIANO RECITAL, AND HI-FI LASER SHOW.
DETAILED PROGRAMME LISTS AND POSTAL BOOKING FORMS ARE .NOW AVAILABLE AT THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND LUT SAU HALL. COUNTER BOOKING WILL START FROM NOVEMBER 20.
THE 8TH YUEN LING ARTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE, THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
------0 - -
COMMITTEE TO HEAR ABOUT SERVICES FOR STREET SLEEPERS
*****
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE INFORMED OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED FOR STREET SLEEPERS BY A DAY RELIEF CENTRE AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 29).
RUN BY A VOLUNTARY AGENCY, THE CENTRE HAS BEEN IN OPERATION SINCE LAST MONTH.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AN INFORMATION PAPER ON A PROJECT FOR THE "OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH” SCHEME AND APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES.
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 ON THURSDAY (OCTOBER 29) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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/12
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 1987
12 -
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO MEET TODAY * ♦ * ♦ »
THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TODAY (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE SEVENTH STREET MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE 1987-88 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY URBAN WORKS SECTION, THE QUEEN’S ROAD EAST PARK PROJECT AND VARIOUS APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TODAY (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
-----o------
TWO MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR TUEN MUN
* * ♦ *
TWO MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL OF 48 CLASSROOMS WILL BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE NEW TOWN.
SITUATED ON A 10,000-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR BUTTERFLY ESTATE, EACH SCHOOL WILL HAVE 24 CLASSROOMS, 12 SPECIAL ROOMS, AN ASSEMBLY HALL AND A COVERED PLAYGROUND.
OTHER ANCILARY FACILITIES INCLUDE STAFF QUARTERS, BASKETBALL COURTS, CAR PARKS AND PLANT POTS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN 16 MONTHS’ TIME.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 6.
--------o------------
/13
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27,
1987
13
NEW FIRE STATION FOR AP LEI CHAU
*****
A NEW SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION WILL BE BUILT ON AP LEI CHAU TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE WHICH WAS CONSTRUCTED 11 YEARS AGO.
THE STANDARD SUB-DIVISIONAL FIRE STATION WILL BE BUILT ON A 1,700-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD.
IT WILL CONSIST A FOUR-STOREY STATION BUILDING AND A DRILL YARD.
THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE OFFICES, A FOUR-BAY APPLIANCES ROOM, COMMUNICATION ROOM, STATION GENERAL STORE, HOSE STORE AND EQUIPMENT STORE.
BARRACKS AND DINING ACCOMMODATION, EXERCISE ROOMS AND STORE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1989.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT UNTIL NOVEMBER 13.
------0-------
FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN YUEN LONG
*****
A SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT WILL BE MADE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON TAI SHU HA NULLAH-BUND ROAD IN YUEN LONG DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL.
THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TAI KEI LENG TO TAI SHU HA WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND, FROM 7 AM TO 10 PM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31).
AT THE SAME TIME, NT GREEN MINIBUS SERVICE ROUTE NO. 73 WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD ON ITS JOURNEY TO YUEN LONG TOWN.
-----o-------
ROAD CLOSURES IN HUNG HOM * * *
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF MA TAU WAI ROAD FLYOVER IN HUNG HOM, MAN LOK STREET AND MAN YUE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10.30 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30) TO 6 AM THE NEXT MORNING.
DURING THE CLOSURE, SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON MA TAU WAI ROAD HEADING FOR FAT KWONG STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WUHU STREET, DOCK STREET, BULKELEY STREET, MARSH STREET, WUHU STREET, MA TAU WAI ROAD NORTHBOUND AND FAT KWONG STREET.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
----:---=--i.r. --:--—--------f—-------------------------
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES .....BEACONSFIELD. HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.; 5-8428777
......... WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1987 •**"”**...• • • a •
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
• • • . . •
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MSETDXx : ’ ,.y
BILL GIVES CLEAR AUTHORITY FOR IMPOSING LEVIES ............ 1
EXAMINATION OF EXCHANGE STRUCTURE WILL BE CARRIED OUT .... 2
MEMBERS SUPPORT MEASURES TO STABILISE MARKETS ...»......... J
•• ..............
BANKING AMENDMENT BILL SUPPORTED .......................... 4
LDC TO IMPROVE URBaN HOUSING, ENVIRONMENT ................. 5
MEASURES TO PREVENT PNEUMOCONIOSIS WELCOMED ............... 6
BILL IMPROVES CONVEYANCING, PROPERTY LAW .................. 7
HIGHER FINES FOR FISHERIES DEFENCES PROPOSED .............. 9
FUND USED TO SAFEGUARD CURRENCY'S EXCHANGE VALUE .......... 10
MINIMAL BUILDING DELAY ARISING FROM LABOUR SHORTaGE ....... 10
ENOUGH LAND TO MEET PUBLIC HOUSING REQUIREMENTS............ 11
COURSES ASSIST STUDENTS IN USE OF CHINESE IN LAW........... 12
POLICY CW OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES EXPLAINS® ............ 15
AUTHORITY WILL HELP RESOLVE HOSPITAL PROBLEMS ............. 14
FIGURES GIVEN ON CRIMES COMMITTED BY IMMIGRANTS............ 15
WARNINGS PRINTED ON SACHETS ............................... 15
/SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION .......
SUPPLEJ-IENTaRY provision approved .......................... 16
FOUR BILLS PASSED ........................................... 16
PEOPLE, ECONOMY HAVE PROVEN RESILIENCY — SIR DAVID.......... 17
EXCHANGES ORDINANCE TO TAKE EFFECT FROM TOMORROW.............. 19
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE AT SEA ............................ 20
EASTERN DISTRICT BOjiRD TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW....... 20
FOUR GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET BY TINDER ...................... 21
DTC'S REGISTRATION REVOKED ................................... 22
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REDUCED ................. 22
NEW CEMETERY-AND COLUMBARIUM ON STREAM ....................... 24
TIMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI •.......................... 24
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
1
BILL GIVES CLEAR AUTHORITY FOR IMPOSING LEVIES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN THE CURRENT RESCUE OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE WAS TO ENSURE THAT THE HONG KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION REMAINED SOLVENT SO THAT IT COULD CONTINUE TO UNDERWRITE GUARANTEES IN RESPECT OF CONTRACTS IN THE HANG SENG INDEX FUTURES MARKET, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EXCHANGES (SPECIAL LEVY) BILL 1987, MR JACOBS SAID TWO FACILITIES WERE EXTENDED TO THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION ON OCTOBER 26.
THE FIRST FACILITY, TOTALLING $1 BILLION, WAS PROVIDED BY THE FULL MEMBERS AND MARKET MEMBERS OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE, SOME BROKING FIRMS AND THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION.
THE SECOND FACILITY, ALSO OF $1 BILLION, WAS PROVIDED EV THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE EXCHANGE FUND.
BECAUSE OF THE SITUATION PREVAILING WHEN THE STOCK MARKET REOPENED ON OCTOBER 26, TWO FURTHER, SIMILAR, FACILITIES WERE EXTENDED TO THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION, MR JACOBS SAID.
THESE INCLUDED AN ADDITIONAL $1 BILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE EXCHANGE FUND, AND A TOTAL OF $1 BILLION FROM THE HONGKONG BANK, THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, AND THE BANK OF CHINA.
WHILE THE FIRST TWO FACILITIES CARRIED INTEREST AT A RATE EQUAL TO THE PRIME LENDING RATE, THE OTHER TWO CARRIED INTEREST AT AN ANNUAL RATE OF 7.5 PER CENT.
MR JACOBS SAID THE INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL OF THE FACILITIES WERE REPAYABLE OUT OF THREE SOURCES.
THESE WERE:
♦ A LEVY OF $30 PER TRANSACTION, BUYING OR SELLING, IN RESPECT OF TRADING DONE IN THE STOCK INDEX MARKET OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE;
» AN ADDITIONAL LEVY OF 0.03 PER CENT PAYABLE ON TRANSACTIONS, BUYING OR SELLING, IN THE STOCK EXCHANGE; AND
♦ NET AMOUNTS RECEIVED IN RECOVERY FROM MEMBERS OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE WHO HAVE DEFAULTED IN RESPECT OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION.
"THE LEGISLATION REGULATING THE FUTURES EXCHANGE AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE MAKES PROVISION FOR VARIOUS FEES AND CHARGES TO BE IMPOSED, BUT THESE MUST RELATE TO IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LEGISLATION," HE SAID.
/"THE EXCHANGES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 198?
2 -
"THE EXCHANGES ALSO HAVE RULE-MAKING POWERS, UNDER WHICH THEY ALREADY CHARGE L'EVIES.
"BUT THERE IS ‘SOME DOUBT WHETHER THESE PROVISIONS PROVIDE CLEAR AUTHORITY FOR THE IMPOSITION OF THE NEW LEVIES.
"HAVING REGARD TO THE VERY LARGE AMOUNTS OF THE FACILITIES, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE LEGALITY OF THESE ADDITIONAL LEVIES SHOULD BE FREE FROM DOUBT.
"TO MEET THIS OBJECTIVE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT LEGISLATION BE ENACTED THAT WILL PROVIDE CLEAR AND UNAMBIGUOUS AUTHORITY FOR THE IMPOSITION OF THE LEVIES."
MR JACOBS SAID THE BILL SOUGHT TO IMPOSE ON THE FUTURES EXCHANGE AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE THE DUTY TO PAY THE LEVIES.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT THE EXCHANGES WOULD, IN TURN, IMPOSE THESE LEVIES ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS BY RULES TO BE MADE BY THEM AND APPROVED BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION LATER TODAY.
"WE INTEND THAT THE ADDITIONAL LEVIES SHOULD BE PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF CONTRACTS AND TRANSACTIONS ENTERED INTO FROM TOMORROW, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987 TO ENABLE EARLY REPAYMENT OF THE FACILITIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," MR JACOBS SAID.
-----0---------
EXAMINATION OF EXCHANGE STRUCTURE WILL BE CARRIED OUT
* » » * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO EXAMINE CRITICALLY THE EXISTING STRUCTURE OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND TO PROCURE ALL CHANGES THAT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ASSURE THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT THE MARKET INSTITUTIONS ARE PROPERLY MANAGED AND PROPERLY ADMINISTERED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE EXCHANGES (SPECIAL LEVY) BILL 1987, MR JACOBS SAID ALTHOUGH HE COULD NOT MAKE ANY DETAILED PROPOSALS AS TO HOW THIS EXAMINATION WOULD BE CARRIED OUT, HE HOPED IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO ANNOUNCE THEM IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
HE THANKED THOSE MEMBERS WHO HAD SPOKEN IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL AND SAID THAT HE HAD NO DOUBT WHAT HAD BEEN DONE HAD INDEED RESTORED STABILITY.
/"OUR TASK
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 198?
"OUR TASK AFTER THE MARKETS WERE CLOSED WAS TO GET THEM OPEN AND GET THEM FUNCTIONING AGAIN IN A NORMAL AND ORDERLY MANNER AND THAT IS WHAT THE PACKAGE WAS ALL ABOUT."
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL SERVICES TO THE ECONOMY, MR JACOBS SAID HE AGREED THAT WAS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY "MANY OF US" HAD BEEN WORKING OVERNIGHT, VIRTUALLY EVERY HOUR OF THE DAY, ON THE MEASURES THAT WERE DRAWN UP.
"THE PUBLIC PURSE WOULD NOT BE OUT OF POCKET EVEN THOUGH THE COST OF ADMINISTRATION FALLS ON GENERAL REVENUE BECAUSE WE WILL BE ENJOYING SOME INTERESTS ON THE SUPPORT FACILITIES THAT HAVE BEEN GIVEN," HE ADDED.
-----0------
MEMBERS SUPPORT MEASURES TO STABILISE MARKETS
*****
THE GREAT MAJORITY OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT FOR THE MEASURES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON SUNDAY AND TUESDAY, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MAKING A STATEMENT AS THE ACTING SENIOR MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, MR WONG SAID THE MEASURES TAKEN WERE DESIGNED TO ENABLE THE FUTURES MARKET TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE.
"THE EVIDENCE OF TODAY AND YESTERDAY SUGGESTS THAT THE STEPS TAKEN ARE CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS STABILISING BOTH THE FUTURES MARKET AND THE STOCK MARKET," HE SAID.
"WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT CALM WILL BE RESTORED TO THE MARKET-PLACE AND HONG KONO WILL COME OUT OF THIS CRISIS IN GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD HEART."
HOWEVER, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE DIFFICULTIES OF THE PAST 10 DAYS INDICATED THAT THERE MIGHT BE PROBLEMS WITH THE OPERATION AND REGULATION OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL MARKETS.
HE SAID ONLY A FULL AND SYSTEMATIC INVESTIGATION INTO THE CAUSES OF THE DIFFICULTIES WOULD REVEAL WHAT THOSE PROBLEMS WERE.
MEMBERS THEREFORE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO INITIATE SUCH AN INVESTIGATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND TO TAKE WHATEVER MEASURES WERE NECESSARY TO IMPROVE THE REGULATION OF THE MARKETS, MR WONG SAID.
MR WONG ADDED THAT HE PERSONALLY WOULD LIKE TO PUT ON RECORD HIS DEEP APPRECIATION REGARDING ALL THOSE WHO HAD TO PUT TOGETHER , THE EXTREMELY COMPLEX PACKAGES IN SUCH A SHORT TIME.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
4
BANKING AMENDMENT BILL SUPPORTED
*****
IN THE DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG, IT IS VITAL THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ACT QUICKLY TO AMEND ANOMALIES IN THE LAW, AND CONSULT FULLY AND OPENLY WITH PROFESSIONALS IN THE RELEVANT FIELD IN CONSIDERING ANY AMENDMENTS, THE HON DAVID LI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR LI SAID THE BILL WAS GAZETTED ON JUNE 26 THIS YEAR AND COMMENTS WERE REQUESTED FROM INTERESTED PARTIES.
HE SAID, AMONG OTHERS,’ THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS HAD MADE A NUMBER OF POINTS.
"SOME POINTS HAVE BEEN ADOPTED, OTHER QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED, AND THE RESULT IS AN AMENDMENT BILL SPEEDILY IN PLACE, AND SATISFACTORY TO THOSE WHOM THE BILL WILL AFFECT THE MOST."
COMMENTING ON THE MAIN POINTS OF THE BILL, MR LI SAID THE AMENDED DEFINITION OF "DEPOSIT" IN CLAUSE 2 WAS A WELCOME RELIEF TO DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WHICH HAD FOUND THAT THE PRESENT DEFINITION IMPEDED THEIR ACCESS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CAPITAL MARKETS.
"IN ADDITION, EASING RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFERS OF DEPOSIT-TAKING LICENCES SHOULD BE VIEWED AS A MEASURE TO ASSIST CORPORATE RESTRUCTURES, AND NOT TO OPEN THE DOOR TO MANY NEW TRANSFER REQUESTS."
MR LI SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT SECTION 69 OF THE EXISTING ORDINANCE WAS AMENDED BY CLAUSE 14 OF THE BILL AND THE AMENDMENT WOULD LEAD TO A MORE REALISTIC REPORTING REQUIREMENT.
"IN FUTURE, ONLY REDUCTIONS OF CAPITAL WILL NEED PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE SUPERVISORY AUTHORITIES."
MR LI SAID THAT AS THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF A LOCAL BANK, HE NOTED WITH RELIEF THAT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMMISSIONER’S PRIOR APPROVAL APPLIED ONLY TO THOSE CHIEF EXECUTIVES APPOINTED AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.
"FINALLY, IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT IN CLAUSE 28, EXEMPTIONS FROM THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE SHOULD NOT IN ANY WAY BE SEEN AS AN INCURSION BY THE FINANCIAL SECTOR INTO THE DOMAIN OF THE JOCKEY CLUB OR OF THE FUTURES EXCHANGE."
MR LI ADDED THAT HE BELIEVED THIS WAS AN UNCONTROVERSIAL BILL WHICH ENJOYED THE SUPPORT OF THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, THANKED MR LI FOR HIS SUPPORT OF THE BILL.
HE SAID HE SHARED THE VIEW OF MR LI THAT THE AMENDMENT BILL,
IF PASSED, WOULD IMPROVE THE WORKING OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE. .
"ARISING FROM THE COMMENTS OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF
BANKS, I SHALL BE MOVING AN AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 20 OF THE BILL DURING
COMMITTEE STAGE," MR JACOBS ADDED.
------0------- /5...................
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
5 -
LDC TO IMPROVE URBAN HOUSING, ENVIRONMENT * « * * * r»
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION IS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF HOUSING AND OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN URBAN AREAS BY UNDERTAKING AND ENCOURAGING REDEVELOPMENT IN AREAS MOST IN NEED OF RENEWAL.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR ASPREY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH REDEVELOPMENT HAD ACCOUNTED FOR MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF THE NEW RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACCOMMODATION IN RECENT YEARS, THERE REMAINED MANY AREAS WHICH WERE BADLY IN NEED OF RENEWAL - AREAS OF OLD, POORLY MAINTAINED BUILDINGS AND HIGH POPULATION DENSITIES, INADEQUATELY PROVIDED WITH OPEN SPACE AND OTHER FACILITIES.
"THE MAJOR OBSTACLE TO PRIVATE REDEVELOPMENT OF THESE AREAS IS THE DIFFICULTY OF SITE ASSEMBLY.
"IT IS THIS OBSTACLE WHICH THE PRESENT BILL IS DESIGNED TO OVERCOME BY THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A STATUTORY BODY DEDICATED TO URBAN RENEWAL, AND WITH THE POWERS TO PREPARE AND IMPLEMENT URBAN REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES, INCLUDING THE POWERS TO ACQUIRE, PLAN, DEVELOP AND MANAGE PROPERTY EITHER ON ITS t)WN OR IN ASSOCIATION WITH OTHERS," MR ASPREY SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE BILL PROVIDED FOR PROCEDURES WHICH HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE PROCESS OF SITE ASSEMBLY COULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME, AND THAT AT THE SAME TIME OWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF PROPERTY WITHIN A PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SCHEME WERE ACCORDED FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT.
MR ASPREY ADDED THAT WITHIN URBAN RENEWAL AREAS TO BE DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE CORPORATION WOULD DRAW UP SCHEMES FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC SITES.
HE SAID: "WHERE REDEVELOPMENT CAN BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT RECOURSE TO RESUMPTION OF PRIVATE LAND, THE CORPORATION MAY DO SO IN THE SAME WAY AS ANY OTHER PRIVATE DEVELOPER.
"WHERE THE CORPORATION CONSIDERS THAT RESUMPTION MAY BE NECESSARY, IT MUST PREPARE A PLAN OF THE SCHEME, AND SET OUT HOW IT PROPOSES TO IMPLEMENT THE SCHEME, INCLUDING ITS PLANS FOR ACQUIRING ON THE OPEN MARKET THE PRIVATE PROPERTY INVOLVED, AND FOR COMPENSATION AND REHOUSING THE TENANTS AND RESIDENTS WHOM REDEVELOPMENT MAY DISPLACE."
/THE BILL
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 6 -
I
THE BILL ALSO STIPULATES THAT ALL LDC PLANS MUST BE FIRST APPROVED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BEFORE THEY CAN BE PUBLISHED AS DRAFT PLANS UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING ORDINANCE WHEN PERSONS AFFECTED WILL BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO OBJECT TO IT.
ANY OBJECTIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL PRIOR TO THE APPROVAL OF A PLAN.
AFTER APPROVAL, THE CORPORATION WILL.HAVE TO MAKE OFFERS TO ACQUIRE ALL REMAINING PROPERTY IN THE AREA NOT ALREADY IN ITS OWNERSHIP.
THE CORPORATION SHALL REQUEST THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE PLANS’ APPROVAL BY THE BOARD, TO RECOMMEND THE RESUMPTION OF ANY LAND WHICH IT HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO ACQUIRE.
THE SECRETARY WILL RECOMMEND RESUMPTION ONLY IF SATISFIED THAT THE CORPORATION HAS TAKEN ALL REASONABLE STEPS TO ACQUIRE THE PROPERTY, AND THAT IT HAS OFFERED A FAIR AND REASONABLE PRICE.
AN INDEPENDENT ASSESSOR MAY BE APPOINTED TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE OFFERS MADE BY THE CORPORATION WERE FAIR AND REASONABLE.
WHERE PROPERTY WAS RESUMED, THE OWNERS WOULD HAVE RECOURSE TO THE LAND TRIBUNAL TO DETERMINE THE OPEN MARKET VALUE OF THEIR Property if they are not satisfied with the offer made by government.
-------0 ---------
MEASURES TO PREVENT PNEUMOCONIOSIS WELCOMED
*****
THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WHICH SOUGHT TO ENABLE THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD TO USF ITS FUNDS FOR MEASURES TO PREVENT PNEUMOCONIOSIS, WOULD BE HFARTILY ™E C0MMUNITY’ 0R THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG SAID TODaJ ( Wr.iJNEoDAY ) «
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL IN THE DR CHIU SAID A SUM OF UP TO $1 MILLION EACH YEAR USED FOR PREVENTIVE MEASURES SUCH AS EDUCATIONAL AND OTHER PROGRAMMES.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WOULD INITIALLY BE
PUBLICITY, RESEARCH
HE ADDED THAT IF THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES WERE FOUND TO BF FRUITFUL, THE BOARD SHOULD EXERCISE ITS DISCRETION TO ALLOCATE A AM°UNT F°R TH0SR ACTIVITIES SO AS TO BRING ABOUT BETTER
/DR CHIU
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 7
DR CHIU ALSO NOTED THAT THE BILL WAS INTRODUCED AS A RESULT OF A PROPOSAL HE MADE IN THE COUNCIL LAST YEAR TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE BOARD’S ACTIVITIES.TO INCLUDE MEASURES TO PREVENT PNEUMOCONIOSIS.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON HO SAI-CHU, WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION FUND BOARD, SAID PNEUMOCONIOSIS MUST BE PREVENTED BEFORE IT WAS TOO LATE.
HE SAID MORE WORK SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
"MERELY PAYING OUT COMPENSATION TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY FALLEN VICTIM TO THE DISEASE, WILL NOT, IN THE LONG RUN, HELP TO KEEP THE DISEASE UNDER CONTROL," HE NOTED.
ON THE PROPOSED LIMIT OF THE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE OF $1 MILLION FOR PREVENTIVE WORK, MR HO SAID SOME FORM OF CONTROL ON EXPENDITURE WAS NEEDED AS THE INDUSTRY MIGHT FEEL CONCERNED THAT THE HIGHER EXPENDITURE WOULD EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AN INCREASE IN THE LEVY.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT EXPENDITURE SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED BECAUSE OF ANY CONSTRAINTS IN THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.
MR HO THEREFORE HOPED THAT THE BOARD WOULD MAKE PERIODIC REVIEWS OF THE CEILING ON ANNUAL EXPENDITURE IN THE LIGHT OF REQUIREMENTS.
WINDING UP THE DEBATE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE THANKED DR CHIU AND MR HO FOR THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE BILL AND ASSURED THEM THAT THEIR VIEWS ABOUT THE LIMITATIONS ON EXPENDITURE ON RESEARCH WOULD BE PASSED ON TO THE BOARD.
------o ------
BILL IMPROVES CONVEYANCING, PROPERTY LAW
♦ » ♦ » *
EXPERIENCE SHOWS THERE IS SCOPE FOR IMPROVING THE LAW RELATING TO CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR THOMAS SAID THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 1984.
HE SAID THAT MAJOR PIECE OF LAW REFORM PROVED TO BE A USEFUL MEASURE BUT AS WAS EXPECTED AT THE TIME OF ITS ENACTMENT, "EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT THERE IS SCOPE FOR EXPANSION, IMPROVEMENT AND REFINEMENT OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE."
/EXPLAINING SOME
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 8
EXPLAINING SOME OF THE MORE IMPORTANT CHANGES PROPOSED, HE SAID THE BILL WAS HIGHLY TECHNICAL.
"FIRST, IN ORDER TO PROVE TITLE TO THE LAND BEING SOLD, A VENDOR IS USUALLY REQUIRED TO PRODUCE THE CROWN LEASE AND ALL OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FOR A PERIOD OF 25 YEARS BEFORE THE CONTRACT FOR SALE.
"CLAUSE 5(A) REDUCES THIS PERIOD TO 15 YEARS BECAUSE THE LONGER PERIOD CAUSES PRACTICAL PROBLEMS AND IT IS THOUGHT THAT PURCHASERS WILL BE NO WORSE OFF AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGE," HE SAID.
IN PRACTICE, IT HAD BEEN FOUND DIFFICULT TO PRODUCE AN ORIGINAL POWER OF ATTORNEY WHERE THE POWER WAS GIVEN SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME BEFORE THE CONVEYANCING TRANSACTION. CLAUSE 5 AMENDED THE LAW SO THAT, UNLESS THE CONTRARY INTENTION WAS EXPRESSED, THE VENDOR WAS ONLY OBLIGED TO PRODUCE THE ORIGINAL POWER OF ATTORNEY WHERE IT WAS EXECUTED LESS THAN 15 YEARS BEFORE THE CONTRACT OF SALE.
CLAUSE 12 DEALT WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF COVENANTS, MR THOMAS SAID. IN PRACTICE, THIS PROBLEM AROSE MOSTLY IN RESPECT OF COVENANTS BETWEEN FLAT-OWNERS IN MULTI-STOREY DWELLINGS.
"THIS IS A COMPLEX AREA OF THE LAW. EXISTING PROVISIONS DO NOT SEEM TO HAVE CAUSED ANY PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES. BUT DOUBTS HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED AS TO THEIR EFFICACY IN SOME SITUATIONS," MR THOMAS SAID.
"SO THE PROVISIONS HAVE BEEN RECAST TO CLARIFY THE LAW."
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, THE OPPORTUNITY HAD BEEN TAKEN TO DEAL WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF COVENANTS BETWEEN THE OWNERS OF PIECES OF LAND WITHIN A DEVELOPMENT SCHEME.
THESE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES WERE A COMPARATIVELY RECENT MEANS OF PROVIDING HOME-OWNERSHIP IN HONG KONG.
ON THE BACKGROUND TO THE BILL, MR THOMAS SAID A WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL HAD CONSULTED WIDELY AND HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE COMMENTS OF ASSOCIATIONS AND INDIVIDUAL LAWYERS.
"I AM FORTIFIED IN MY BELIEF THAT THE BILL IS A USEFUL MEASURE BY THE SATISFACTION AND SUPPORT THAT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO IT BY THE LAW SOCIETY.
"THEIR MEMBERS ARE PARTICULARLY FAMILIAR WITH THE VARIETY OF INTERESTS AFFECTED BY CONVEYANCING TRANSACTIONS," HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- 0----------
/9.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 9 -
HIGHER FINES FOR FISHERIES OFFENCES PROPOSED
*****
UNDER THE FISHERIES PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE MAXIMUM FINE THAT MIGHT BE PRESCRIBED FOR CONTRAVENTION OF RELEVANT REGULATIONS WOULD BE INCREASED FROM $5,000 TO $10,000, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE BILL WOULD ALSO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE FISHERIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE, HE SAID.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR JACOBS SAID THE FISHERIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE WAS INTENDED TO PROMOTE THE CONSERVATION OF FISH, TO REGULATE FISHING PRACTICES AND TO PREVENT ACTIVITIES DETRIMENTAL TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY.
"ITS REGULATIONS PROHIBIT THE USE OR POSSESSION OF ANY EXPLOSIVE OR TOXIC SUBSTANCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF FISHING AND SPECIFY PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION.
"THE REGULATIONS FURTHER PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON IN CHARGE OF A VESSEL INVOLVED IN SUCH AN OFFENCE IS ALSO LIABLE TO SPECIFIED PENALTIES," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED IN THE ORDINANCE HAD REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR THE PAST 25 YEARS AND IT HAD BECOME CLEAR THAT THEY NO LONGER SERVED AS AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENT.
THE BILL THEREFORE PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE FROM $5,000 TO $10,000. THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES FOR THE USE OF ANY EXPLOSIVE OR TOXIC SUBSTANCE IN FISHING OR FOR BEING IN CHARGE OF A VESSEL INVOLVED IN SUCH AN OFFENCE SHOULD BE $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, HE SAID.
THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE FISHERIES PROTECTION ORDINANCE BY PROVIDING THAT CERTAIN POWERS IN RELATION TO THE PROOF OF CONTRAVENTION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS BE VESTED IN AUTHORISED OFFICERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR JACOBS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
---0------
/10........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
10 -
FUND USED TO SAFEGUARD CURRENCY’S EXCHANGE VALUE
*****
THE EXCHANGE FUND WAS USED TO SAFEGUARD THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE CURRENCY OF HONG KONG FROM THE UNACCEPTABLE ADVERSE EFFECT DUE TO THE UNSTABLE SECURITIES MARKETS OVER THE LAST WEEK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY)i
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID: "SECTION 3(1) OF THE EXCHANGE FUND ORDINANCE SPECIFIES THAT THE FUND SHALL BE USED FOR SUCH PURPOSES AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY THINKS FIT AFFECTING, EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE CURRENCY OF HONG KONG AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES INCIDENTAL THERETO."
MR JACOBS SAID AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND CONTROLLER OF THE EXCHANGE FUND, AND HAVING CONSIDERED ALL RELEVANT FACTORS, HE HAD FORMED THE OPINION THAT THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT HONG KONG FACED OVER THE (.AST WEEK IN RELATION TO ITS SECURITIES MARKETS, WERE SUCH THAT ANY PROLONGED DISORDER IN THESE MARKETS WOULD HAVE HAD AN UNACCEPTABLE ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE CURRENCY.
"ON THIS BASIS, AND WITH THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, I DECIDED TO USE THE EXCHANGE FUND TO EXTEND THE SUPPORT FACILITIES TO THE HONG KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION, WITH A VIEW TO ENSURING THE CONTINUED AND NORMAL OPERATIONS OF BOTH THE FUTURES EXCHANGE AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE," HE SAID.
-------o---------
MINIMAL BUILDING DELAY ARISING FROM LABOUR SHORTAGE *****
ON THE BASIS OF CURRENT PUBLIC WORKS AND PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS, THERE IS ONLY A MINIMAL DELAY IN THE COMPLETION OF WORKS CONTRACTS RESULTING FROM SHORTAGES IN THE SUPPLY OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN.
MR ASPREY SAID THAT SO FAR AS DELAY WAS CONCERNED, OF THE OVER 100 BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTS BEING CARRIED OUT AT PRESENT FOR GOVERNMENT WORKS DEPARTMENTS AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, 62 PER CENT WERE ON OR AHEAD OF TIME, 17 PER CENT WERE DELAYED BY LESS THAN A MONTH, 15 PER CENT WERE DELAYED FROM ONE TO THREE MONTHS, AND SIX PER CENT WERE DELAYED MORE THAN THREE MONTHS.
/HE EXPLAINED:
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 198?
HE EXPLAINED: "DELAYS IN CONTRACTS MAY BE CAUSED BY MANY FACTORS, INCLUDING POOR ORGANISATION, UNREALISTIC PROGRAMMING, INCLEMENT WEATHER, UNFORESEEN GROUND CONDITIONS, SHORTAGE OF MATERIALS, INDUSTRIAL ACTION AND CASH FLOW PROBLEMS, AS WELL AS BY A SHORTAGE OF LABOUR.
"AND EVEN AT TIMES WHEN THERE IS NO GENERAL SHORTAGE OF LABOUR, IT IS NOT UNCOMMON THAT CONTRACTORS, FOR OTHER REASONS, EMPLOY INSUFFICIENT LABOUR TO KEEP UP TO PROGRAMME ON INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS.
"IT IS, THEREFORE, NOT POSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY ACCURATELY THE EFFECT OF A GENERAL SHORTAGE OF LABOUR IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY ON CONTRACT DELAYS."
MR ASPREY ADDED THAT THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLETING CONTRACTS ON TIME LAY WITH THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES WHICH HAD CONTRACTED TO CARRY OUT THE WORK TO SPECIFIED STANDARDS WITHIN SET PERIODS. BUT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD DO ALL IT COULD TO ASSIST THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY.
"FOR EXAMPLE, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS EXPLORING, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION, POSSIBLE MODIFICATIONS TO DESIGN WHICH MAY REDUCE THE LABOUR CONTENT DURING CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS," HE SAID.
"THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF SIMILAR MEASURES FOR GOVERNMENT BUILDING PROJECTS."
HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS SCOPE FOR CONTRACTORS TO MAKE MORE EFFICIENT USE OF LABOUR.
-----0------
ENOUGH LAND TO MEET PUBLIC HOUSING REQUIREMENTS
*****
THE SMALL PROJECTED SHORTFALL IN LAND FOR PUBLIC SECTOR HOUSING BETWEEN 1992 AND 1996 COULD BE REDRESSED BY REZONING AND BY BRINGING FORWARD SITE FORMATION PROJECTS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON ALISTAIR ASPREY, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"FOR EXAMPLE, OUR FORECASTS SHOW A LIKELY SURPLUS OF LAND AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL USE IN THE NEXT 10 YEARS. SOME OF THIS LAND CAN, IF NECESSARY, BE REZONED FOR HOUSING," MR ASPREY SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EDWARD HO.
/"THE TIMING
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
12 -
THE TIMING OF THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN HAS RECENTLY BEEN REVIEWED, AND IT IS NOW INTENDED TO BRING FORWARD A START ON FURTHER RECLAMATION WORK TO NEXT YEAR.
THIS WILL INCREASE THE OVERALL SUPPLY OF LAND, INCLUDING THE SUPPLY OF LAND FOR HOUSING, IN THE EARLY 1990’3."
MR ASPREY ADDED: "LOOKING SLIGHTLY MAJOR HARBOUR RECLAMATIONS AT GREEN ISLAND WHICH DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDIES ARE NOW
FURTHER AHEAD, PROPOSED
MAKE SUBSTANTIAL ADDITIONAL AREAS OF LAND LATE 1990’S."
AND BEING
WEST KOWLOON
AVAILABLE
CONDUCTED
IN THE
, FOR SHOULD
MID TO
HE SAID RENTAL HOUSING
THE TOTAL PROJECTED LAND REQUIREMENTS FOR HOS AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME IN THE 10 YEARS UP TO 1996 WAS 280 HECTARES, WHICH INCLUDED A CENT SAFETY MARGIN.
PUBLIC PROJECTS 15 PER
- - 0----------
COURSES ASSIST STUDENTS IN USE OF CHINESE IN LAW
*****
STEPS BEING TAKEN TO TRAIN FUTURE LAW GRADUATES SO THAT THEY WOULD BE PROFICIENT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE WERE OUTLINED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR THOMAS TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT STEPS HAD RECENTLY BEEN TAKEN BY TWO EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TO PROVIDE COURSES DESIGNED TO ASSIST LAW STUDENTS TO BECOME PROFICIENT IN THE USE OF CHINESE.
HE WAS RESPONDING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN WHO ASKED WHAT MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN TO TRAIN A NEW BREED OF LEGALLY QUALIFIED PERSONS PROFICIENT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE TO MEET HONG KONG’S FUTURE REQUIREMENTS.
MR THOMAS REPLIED: "FIRST, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THROUGH ITS FACULTY OF LAW, HAS INTRODUCED THIS ACADEMIC YEAR A NEW COURSE ON 'THE USE OF CHINESE IN LAW’ IN ITS LL.B CURRICULUM, WITH A VIEW TO ENABLING FUTURE LAW GRADUATES TO COMPREHEND THE CHINESE VERSIONS OF LEGISLATION AND TO GIVE ADVICE TO CLIENTS AND DRAFT SIMPLE LEGAL DOCUMENTS IN CHINESE.
/"SECONDLY, THE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 198?
- 1? -
"SECONDLY, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, IN OFFERING AN UNDERGRADUATE LAW DEGREE PROGRAMME IN 1988, HAS PLANS TO TEACH SOME LAW 'SUBJECTS IN CHINESE BY INTRODUCING ’CHINESE FOR LAWYERS’ MODULES IN THE PROGRAMME."
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION IN HIS CHAMBERS WAS ASSISTING THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WHERE IT COULD IN TRAINING FUTURE LAW GRADUATES BOTH BY PROVIDING LECTURERS AND BY ADVISING ON PLANNING THE CURRICULA.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BILINGUAL LAWS PROJECT WHICH IS AIMED AT PROVIDING TEXTS IN CHINESE FOR ALL PRINTED LAWS. THIS PROJECT INVOLVES SETTING CHINESE EQUIVALENTS FOR LEGAL TERMS AND EXPRESSIONS USED IN LEGISLATION.
MR THOMAS ADDED THAT THE DIVISION WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAINING COUNSEL IN THE NECESSARY SKILLS TO DRAFT LAWS IN CHINESE AND FOR THE PREPARATION OF AUTHENTIC CHINESE TEXTS.
-------o---------
POLICY ON OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES EXPLAINED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRES IS BASICALLY ONE OF RESTRICTING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ILLEGAL BETTING BY ALLOWING CONTROLLED OUTLETS FOR PERMITTED BETTING ACTIVITIES, THE HON DAVID FORD TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY, IN HIS CAPACITY AS CHIEF SECRETARY, TO A QUESTION BY THE HON DESMOND LEE, MR FORD SAID THE OBJECTIVE WAS TO DIVERT UNLAWFUL BETTING INTO LAWFUL CHANNELS BY ENSURING THAT THERE WOULD BE SUFFICIENT CONTROLLED OPPORTUNITIES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO WOULD BET.
HE STRESSED THAT THERE WERE ESTABLISHED CRITERIA FOR GRANTING PERMISSION TO THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TO SET UP AN OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE. THEY WERE AS FOLLOWS:
* THAT THERE WAS NO POLICE OBJECTION ON OPERATIONAL GROUNDS, SUCH AS SECURITY, ACCESSIBILITY, OBSTRUCTION, NUISANCE, ETC J
* AN ASSESSMENT BY THE APPROPRIATE DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC LIVING IN THE VICINITY, ESPECIALLY ON WHETHER THERE WAS GOING TO BE STRONG OBJECTION FROM THEM;
/* THAT SUCH
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
14 -
, ♦ THAT SUCH CENTRES SHOULD PREFERABLY BE LOCATED IN PURPOSE-BUILT BUILDINGS, COMMERCIAL PREMISES, MTR STATION COMPLEXES OR, IN THE CASE OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AT THE ESTATE COMMERCIAL CENTRES; WHEREVER PRACTICABLE, THE CENTRES SHOULD NOT BE LOCATED IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY OF ANY EXISTING SCHOOLS OR YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S CENTRE; AND
* AN ASSESSMENT BY THE POLICE WHICH INDICATED THE EXISTENCE OF ILLEGAL BETTING ACTIVITIES OR A POTENTIAL FOR ILLEGAL BETTING ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE VICINITY, THEREBY ILLUSTRATING A NEED FOR A LAWFUL OUTLET IN THE AREA CONCERNED.
UNDER THE CRITERIA, MR FORD SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD ASSESS THE VIEWS OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC LIVING IN THE VICINITY.
"THERE ARE NO FORMAL PROCEDURES AS TO HOW SUCH ASSESSMENTS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY EACH CASE WILL HAVE TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE LOCALITY CONCERNED."
MR FORD ADDED: "THE GENERAL PRACTICE, HOWEVER, IS FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF TO CANVASS VIEWS FROM A CROSS-SECTION OF THE LOCAL LEADERS AND RESIDENTS."
-------0----------
AUTHORITY WILL HELP RESOLVE HOSPITAL PROBLEMS * » » ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVES THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WILL HELP TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS CONCERNING EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES AND MANAGEMENT OF LARGE HOSPITALS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR CHAMBERS SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF CONCERNS ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS.
"IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT A NEW ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE UNDER A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS BEING PROPOSED," HE SAID.
"FEATURES OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM WHICH ARE NOT CONDUCIVE TO THE MOST EFFECTIVE USE OF RESOURCES INCLUDE THE EXISTENCE OF TWO HOSPITAL SECTORS (GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED) WITH DIFFERENT TERMS OF SERVICE FOR STAFF; THE IMBALANCE IN THE USAGE OF BEDS AND THE UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES BETWEEN THE TWO SECTORS," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, IN THE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, THERE WAS A LACK OF FLEXIBILITY IN DEPLOYING MANPOWER AND OTHER RESOURCES BECAUSE OF CIVIL SERVICE WIDE IMPLICATIONS.
------0-------
/15
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 15 -
FIGURES GIVEN ON CRIMES COMMITTED BY IMMIGRANTS
*****
IN 1986, A TOTAL OF 501 IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WERE FOUND TO HAVE COMMITTED A CRIME WITHIN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF ARRIVAL; THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE FIGURE IN 1985 WAS 502, AND IN 1984 IT WAS 320, HE SAID. IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR IT WAS 381.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE NUMBERS OF LEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WHO WERE FOUND TO HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES WITHIN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG WERE ONLY 39 IN 1984, 87 IN 1985, 61 IN 1986 AND 48 IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1987.
"THEY WERE THUS A VERY SMALL PROPORTION OF THE 102,000 LEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA DURING THAT PERIOD," HE ADDED.
HE SAID THE NUMBERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA FOUND TO HAVE COMMITTED CRIMES (OTHER THAN IMMIGRATION OFFENCES) WITHIN THEIR FIRST YEAR OF ARRIVAL WERE 281 IN 1984, 415 IN 1985, 440 IN 1986 AND 333 TN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1987.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID: "THESE FIGURES ARE DIFFICULT TO INTERPRET BECAUSE WE CANNOT KNOW THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MANAGE TO EVADE ARREST AT THE BORDER.
"BUT THEY ARE HIGH WHEN COMPARED WITH THE NUMBER OF EVADERS FROM CHINA WHO WERE EVENTUALLY DISCOVERED IN HONG KONG AND REPATRIATED: 3,090 IN 1984, 3,394 iN 1985, 3,707 IN 1986, 3,003 IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1987."
-------0----------
WARNINGS PRINTED ON SACHETS *****
MANUFACTURERS ARE ASKED TO PRINT, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, A WARNING ON SACHETS OF DESICCANTS TO THE EFFECT THAT THE SACHETS ARE NOT EDIBLE, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW WONG, MR CHAMBERS ADDED THAT HE HAD BEEN TOLD BY THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES THAT THIS REQUIREMENT WAS COMPLIED WITH TO THE BEST OF HIS KNOWLEDGE.
MR CHAMBERS POINTED OUT THAT THE DESICCANTS NORMALLY FOUND IN PREPACKAGED SNACK FOODS WERE PACKED INSIDE STRONG, WATER-RESISTANT FIBROUS PAPER WHICH COULD NOT EASILY BE BROKEN OR TORN APART BY CHILDREN.
------o------- /16 .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
16 -
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED ♦ * ♦
A SUMMARY OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1987-88 WAS TABLED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR JACOBS SAID: "SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $78.6 MILLION WAS APPROVED. IT WAS FULLY OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME HEAD OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY THE DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS VOTES.
"APPROVED NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS WERE INCREASED BY $828.2 MILLION DURING THE PERIOD, AND NEW NON-RECURRENT COMMITMENTS OF $191.5 MILLION WERE ALSO APPROVED."
HE ADDED THAT ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY. THE LATTER HAD BEEN REPORTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(8)(A)OF THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.
--------0-----------
FOUR BILLS PASSED ♦ ♦ *
FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE THE EXCHANGES (SPECIAL LEVY) BILL 1987, THE BANKING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1987.
MEANWHILE, THE FISHERIES PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE CONVEYANCING AND PROPERTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BILL 1987 WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. DEBATE ON THE BILLS WAS ADJOURNED.
- 0
/17........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 17 -
PEOPLE,
ECONOMY HAVE PROVEN RESILIENCY — SIR DAVID
*****
THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMY HAVE PROVEN TIME AND AGAIN TO BE STRONG, RESILIENT AND FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO ABSORB SHOCKS, TO ADJUST TO THEM AND TO EMERGE EVEN STRONGER, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID IN LONDON ON TUESDAY (UK TIME).
"EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT HONG KONG HAS THE ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK, AND ALSO A CAPACITY TO LEARN FROM MISTAKES," HE SAID AT A DINNER GIVEN BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
"THERE ARE GOOD GROUNDS FOR CONFIDENCE THAT OUR PRAGMATIC STYLE OF DOING THINGS WILL ENABLE US TO DEAL WITH OUR PRESENT DIFFICULTIES AND WITH FUTURE ONES WHEN AND IF THEY ARISE."
SIR DAVID MADE THESE COMMENTS AS HE DESCRIBED HOW HONG KONG HAI), OVER THE YEARS, OVERCOME MANY PROBLEMS AND TEMPORARY SETBACKS TO EMERGE AS THE WORLD’S 13TH LARGEST TRADING ECONOMY TODAY.
HONG KONG WAS A DYNAMIC PLACE WHOSE ECONOMY HAD ALWAYS BEEN EXTERNALLY ORIENTED TO A VERY HIGH DEGREE, HE SAID. IT WAS VULNERABLE TO CHANGES BEYOND ITS CONTROL, AND MANY OF THE PROBLEMS IT HAD TODAY HAI) A GLOBAL DIMENSION.
SIR DAVID REFERRED TO HOW THE ECONOMY HAD BEEN HIT DURING THE SHARP WORLD RECESSION IN THE MID-1970’S, AND ADDED: "EVEN TODAY, OUR STOCK AND FUTURES TRADING MARKETS ARE ALSO SUFFERING FROM THE UPHEAVALS WHICH ARE TAKING PLACE ALL OVER THE WORLD."
AT SUCH TIMES IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THE UNDEERLYING STRENGTHS AND ABILITIES OF HONG KONG AND ITS ECONOMY.
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP OUR PROBLEMS — HOWEVER MUCH THEY ARE A SOURCE OF CONCERN -- IN PERSPECTIVE. THE HANG SENG INDEX NOW STANDS AT 2,396. THIS IS 20 PER CENT HIGHER THAN WHEN MY PREDECESSOR SPOKE TO THIS DINNER JUST OVER A YEAR AGO," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT CERTAINLY RECENT EVENTS HAD SHOWN UP WEAKNESSES IN HONG KONG’S MARKET SYSTEM, SAYING: "WE SHALL NEED TO DRAW THE RIGHT LESSONS FROM THESE AND MAKE THE NECESSARY CHANGES. I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN DO THIS AS WE HAVE RECENTLY DONE IN OUR BANKING SECTOR."
IN HIS SPEECH, SIR DAVID ALSO SAID IT WAS RIGHT AT THIS POINT TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE TERRITORY’S PEOPLE. THEY WERE RENOWNED FOR THEIR HARD WORK, SELF DISCTPLINE,FLEX I BILTTY AND UNRELENTING PURSUIT, OF SUCCESS.
/"IT IS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 18 -
"IT IS GOOD TO SEE THAT WITH OUR OPEN MARKET ECONOMY, THE WORKFORCE HAS BEEN APPROPRIATELY REWARDED, BY HIGH EMPLOYMENT AND RISING REAL WAGES,” HE SAID.
"OUR POPULATION, NOW SOME FIVE AND A HALF MILLION, IS INCREASINGLY WELL EDUCATED AND ENJOYS A STEADILY IMPROVING STANDARD OF LIVING," HE WENT ON.
THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE, HE SAID, WAS TO CREATE THE NECESSARY ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN WHICH BUSINESS AND INITIATIVE COULD FLOURISH.
IN DESCRIBING HONG KONG'S RISE AS A WORLD TRADER, SIR DAVID ALSO EMPHASISED ITS RE-EMERGENCE AS AN ENTREPOT FOR CHINA.
"OUR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA HAVE SHOWN AN AVERAGE GROWTH OF NEARLY 100 PER CENT A YEAR FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS," HE SAID.
"THAT REMARKABLE FIGURE OF SUSTAINED GROWTH SHOWS JUST HOW MUCH HONG KONG IS RE-ESTABLISHING ITS POSITION AS THE GATEWAY TO CHINA."
REFERRING TO STRONG ECONOMIC GROWTH, SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED THAT SINCE 1984 INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY HAD GROWN BY 15 PER CENT A YEAR IN REAL TERMS AND INVESTMENT IN PROPERTY WAS BEING MAINTAINED AT A HIGH LEVEL. THIS YEAR ALONE, TRADE WAS UP 39 PER CENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM WERE BEING BUILT AND FUNDED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"MANY OF THESE INVESTMENTS ONLY OFFER A SIGNIFICANT RETURN OVER THE LONGER TERM, WHICH CLEARLY REFLECTS CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY — AND IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID REFERRED TO GROWING INVESTMENT FROM OVERSEAS. "IN 1986 OUR INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT FROM OVERSEAS INCREASED BY MORE THAN 70 PER (’ENT OVER 1985," HE SAID.
HE ALSO OUTLINED THE GOVERNMENT’S FIRM COMMITMENT TO INVESTING IN THE FUTURE, REFERRING IN PARTICULAR TO THE THIRD UNIVERSITY AND EXPANSION OF THE CONTAINER PORT AS WELL AS TO HOUSING, TRANSPORT AND MEDICAL AND WELFARE SERVICES PROJECTS.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOOD PROGRESS MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION ILLUSTRATED THE RESOLVE OF BOTH THE BRITISH 'AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE SURE THAT THE FUTURE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WOULD RETAIN AFTER 1997 THE VITAL INGREDIENTS WHICH HAD MADE THE TERRITORY SO SUCCESSFUL.
/CONCLUDING HIS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 19 -
CONCLUDING HIS SPEECH WITH AN APPEAL TO BUSINESSMEN TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVEST IN HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THE TERRITORY’S ABILITY TO ADJUST TO CHANGE WAS A GREAT STRENGTH.
"IF LIVING IN HOfcG KONG IS SOMETIMES LIKE LIVING IN A VAST BUILDING SITE; IF IT SOMETIMES SEEMS THAT THE ROADS ARE PERMANENTLY UNDER REPAIR; THAT'S THE PRICE WE HAVE TO PAY. FAR BETTER THAT THAN THE PEACE AND QUIET OF A STAGNANT ECONOMY."
-----o-----
EXCHANGES ORDINANCE TO TAKE
* « » t
EFFECT FROM TOMORROW *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED LATE THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON THAT THE EXCHANGES (SPECIAL LEVY) ORDINANCE 1987 WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON OCTOBER 29, 1987. THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE IS TO IMPOSE A SPECIAL LEVY ON ALL TRANSACTIONS ON THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG.
THE RELEVANT BILL PASSED ALL THREE READINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
THE SPECIAL LEVY AMOUNTS TO $30 FOR EACH SALE OR PURCHASE OF STOCK INDEX FUTURES CONTRACT, PAYABLE THROUGH THE CLEARING HOUSE TO THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION OF THE TRANSACTION.
ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG, THE SPECIAL LEVY WILL BE 0.03 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF A PURCHASE OR SALE OF SECURITIES RECORDED BY THE EXCHANGE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHILE THE OBLIGATION TO PAY THE LEVY WOULD BE PLACED BY THE LAW ON THE RESPECTIVE EXCHANGES THE ACTUAL COST WOULD BE PAID BY THE BUYERS AND SELLERS WHO WOULD PAY THE SPECIAL LEVY AT THE TIME OF SETTLING THE PAYMENT OF THE TRANSACTION. IN BOTH CASES, THE SPECIAL LEVY WOULD BE IN ADDITION TO THE LEVIES Al,READY IMPOSED BY THOSE EXCHANGES FOR DIFFERENT PURPOSES, AND WOULD BE KEPT SEPARATE FROM THOSE LEVIES.
THE EXCHANGES WOULD BE MAKING RULES REQUIRING BROKERS TO COLLECT THE SPECIAL LEVY, AND TO PAY IT TO THEM, AND THE EXCHANGES WOULD IN TURN BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE SPECIAL LEVY ON A MONTHLY BASIS TO THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES, TRUSTEE OF THESE MONIES.
THE DIRECTOR WOULD HOLD AND DISBURSE THE MONEY SO COLLECTED TO LENDERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AGREEMENTS DRAWN UP TO PROVIDE BACK-UP CREDIT FACILITIES TO THE GUARANTEE CORPORATION TO ENABLE IT TO FINANCE THE SETTLEMENT OF ITS OBLIGATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID IT WAS INTENDED AT AN APPROPRIATE TIME, WHEN THE INTEREST AND PRINCIPAL OF THE LOANS HAD BEEN REPAID TO 'THE LENDERS OF THE SUPPORT FACILITY, TO REVIEW THE NEED FOR THE SPECIAL LEVY.
-------o----------
/2O .......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28,
1987
- 20 -
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE AT SEA
» » * * *
A MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE WILL BE HELD SOME 50 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTH OF HONG KONG BETWEEN 8 AM AND ABOUT 5 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE EXERCISE IS DESIGNED TO TEST ALL SEARCH AND RESCUE PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATIONS.
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL CO-ORDINATE THE EXERCISE WHICH WILL INVOLVE A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THE ROYAL NAVY AND THE ROYAL AIR FORCE WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE.
THERE WILL BE SOME MOVEMENT OF PERSONNEL ON THE GROUND BUT IT IS EXPECTED THAT INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE MINIMAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS BRIEFING ABOUT THE MARITIME SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE WILL BE HELD AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S EXAMINATION HALL, THIRD FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL AT 4 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE BRIEFING WILL BE CHAIRED BY SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (SPECIAL DUTIES) MR IAN DALE, MARINE OFFICER, MR PATRICK PRITCHARD, AND MARINE OFFICER, MR C.K. YEUNG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
-------0 ---------
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TO DISCUSS TAXI POLICY REVIEW
*****
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE TAXI POLICY REVIEW AT A MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSAL TO OVERLAY A SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WITH MODIFIED ASPHALTIC SURFACING TO REDUCE THE NOISE LEVEL FROM VEHICLES ALONG THE CORRIDOR.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) AND WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO COMPLETE. A NOISE LEVEL SURVEY WILL BE CONDUCTED TO ASSESS THE DIFFERENT NOISE LEVELS BEFORE AND AFTER THE LAYING OF THE MODIFIED ASPHALTIC SURFACING.
/TWO PROGRESS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28t 1987
21 -
TWO PROGRESS REPORTS ON SHAU KEI WAN FOOTHILLS (EAST) SQUATTER CLEARANCE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
- 0 ---------
FOUR GOVERNMENT SITES TO LET BY TENDER » ♦ » »
FOUR GOVERNMENT SITES, TWO ON LANTAU ISLAND AND TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, ARE BEING LET BY SHORT TERM TENANCIES BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE LANTAU ISLAND SITES, BOTH SITUATED AT MUI WO, ARE FOR FEE PAYING PUBLIC CARPARKS.
ONE MEASURES ABOUT 1,660 SQUARE METRES, WHILE THE OTHER IS ABOUT 2,668 SQUARE METRES.
THEIR TENANCIES ARE FOR THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
ONE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SITES IS LOCATED IN LUNG MUN ROAD, TUEN MUN, FOR STORAGE PURPOSE. HALF OF ITS AREA OF 19,500 SQUARE METRES CAN BE PROVIDED WITH A COVER FOR THE PURPOSE.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE AND A HALF YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE OTHER SITE AT CHAP WAI KON STREET, SHA TIN, IS EARMARKED FOR STORAGE OF GOODS, EXCLUDING CONTAINERS.
THE INITIAL TENANCY FOR THE 4,860-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR THE FOUR SITES IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 13.
O--------
/22.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 1987
- 22 -
DTC’S REGISTRATION REVOKED » « » » «
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF AGIFEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON OCTOBER 27, 1987 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
-----0------
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REDUCED » « » » »
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED A DECREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES, ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AS FROM OCTOBER 30 THIS YEAR, THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 3.24 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 4.32 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.27 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 OCTOBER 30 THIS YEAR.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE OCTOBER 30 THIS YEAR WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:-
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 17, 1985 AND BEFORE JULY 23, 1985;
2.76% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 23, 1985 AND BEFORE SEPTEMBER 4, 1985;
3.36% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 4, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1986;
4.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1986 AND BEFORE MAY 14, 1986;
A.o8%.......
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 198?
- 23 -
4.08% 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; AND
4.32% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 28, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 30, 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 OCTOBER 30, 1987,
NOVEMBER 30, 1987 AND DECEMBER 30, 1987 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON JANUARY 29, 1988
WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS -
ON $1,000, OCTOBER 30, 1987 TO JANUARY 29, 1988 THREE COMPLETE MONTHS AT $2.70 PER MONTH = 8.10
ON $1,000, NOVEMBER 30, 1987 TO JANUARY 29, 1988 TWO COMPLETE MONTHS AT $2.70 PER MONTH = 5-40
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 30, 1987 TO JANUARY 29, 1988 ONE COMPLETE MONTH AT $2.70 PER MONTH = 2.70
$16.20
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/2k........
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 198?
2*t
NEW J*..»y«RY AND COLUMBARIUM ON STREAM * * * *
A NEW CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY AND A COLUMBARIUM WILL BE BUILT NEXT YEAR TO MEET FUTURE DEMANDS, SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TSUEN WAN COLUMBARIUM, MR LIAO SAID THE NEW CEMETERY WOULD BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1989. THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COLUMBARIUM, WHICH FORMED AN EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING COLUMBARIUM IN CAPE COLLINSON CEMETERY, WOULD COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR.
MR LIAO ALSO PRAISED MR YUEN TAT-CHO, FORMER CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES, FOR HIS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN THE PAST 25 YEARS.
BUILT AT A COST OF $27 MILLION, THE 10-STOREY TSUEN WAN COLUMBARIUM IS MANAGED BY THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES. IT PROVIDES 1,925 FAMILY NICHES AND 26,606 ORDINARY NICHES.
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN WAN CHAI » * t » »
ST FRANCIS STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 4 PM ON FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30) TO 7 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 4) TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIRING WORKS.
-------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR GIVES REASSURANCE ON ORDERLY MARKET OPERATIONS ... 1
TRADE FIGURES SHOW ECONOMY HAS UNDERLYING STRENGTH ............ 5
FREE TRADE A CORNERSTONE OF SUCCESS ........................... 4
HARMONIZED SYSTEM FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION STARTS IN JANUARY .................................................... 5
EXHIBITION ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED OPENS ............ 6
CARE AND CONCERN IMPORTANT TO PRISONERS' REHABILITATION ... 8
SCHOOL VAN OWNERS REMINDED OF NEW RULES ....................... 9
BRIEFING FOR GHUK YUEN UNITED VILLAGE PROPERTY OWNERS...... 10
GRAVE SWEEPERS WARNED OF FIRE RISKS .............. ........ 10
WORSHIPPERS GIVEN FIRE SAFETY ADVICE ......................... 11
COMPETITION ON LIGHTING UP SHING MUN RIVER ................... 12
CONCERT TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY SPIRIT........................... 15
NIGHT OF FUN, EDUCATION FOR YOUNG ............................ 15
VARIETY SHOW FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS ........................ 14
COMPETITION CENTRES ON ROAD SAFETY........................... 1*+
FISHERMEN READY FOR STUDY TOUR ............................... 15
SPORTS FESTIVAL FOR TSUEN WaN RESIDENTS ..................... 15
TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL .. 16
NEW STAMPS DEPICT HISTORICAL COSTUMES ...................... 19
SERVICE INSTALLATIONS FOR NT REGIONAL POLICE HQ............... 20
SITE FORMATION WORK IN SHEUNG SHUI ........................... 21
STRIKE IN ITALY DELAYS AIRMAIL ............................... 21
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND .................. 22
ROAD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN ..................................... 22
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
GOVERNOR GIVES REASSURANCE ON ORDERLY MARKET OPERATIONS * t t * i
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, HAS REASSURED THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT THE PACKAGE OF MEASURES WHICH HAS BEEN PUT IN PLACE WOULD ENABLE ORDERLY MARKETING TO CONTINUE.
"NOBODY SHOULD BE IN ANY DOUBT ABOUT THE ESSENTIAL DYNAMISM OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY. WE HAVE BEEN DOING VERY WELL. WE HAVE SUFFERED BECAUSE WE HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE REST OF THE WORLD," HE SAID.
SPEAKING ON HIS RETURN THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING FROM A 10-DAY VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES AND LONDON, HE SAID A CRISIS OF THIS SORT INEVITABLY SHOWED UP WEAKNESSES IN THE SYSTEM.
"WE’VE BEEN NO EXCEPTION TO THAT. WHAT WE MUST DO IS TO LEARN FROM THOSE WEAKNESSES, PUT THEM RIGHT AND EMERGE AT THE END OF IT STRONGER THAN WHEN WE WENT INTO IT AT THE BEGINNING," HE ADDED.
ASKED HOW CONFIDENCE COULD BE RESTORED IN THE HONG LONG STOCK EXCHANGE IF A COMPANY IN WHICH THE CHAIRMAN HAS AN INTEREST, HAS BEEN SUED BY THE FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORTATION, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT CONFIDENCE IN STOCK MARKETS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD HAD INEVITABLY BEEN AFFECTED BY WHAT WAS HAPPENING OVER THE PAST 10 DAYS.
"1 DON’T THINK IT’S VERY USEFUL TO LOOK AT THIS IN TERMS OF PERSONALITIES. WHAT WE MUST DO IS TO LOOK AT IT IN TERMS OF STRUCTURES, AND IF THERE ARE FAILURES OF THE STRUCTURES, IF THERE ARE FAILURES IN THE SYSTEM, THEN WE MUST EXAMINE THOSE RATIONALLY AND OBJECTIVELY AND PUT THEM RIGHT.
LET US REMEMBER, AFTER ALL, THAT SOME OF OUR STRUCTURES DATE BACK TO ABOUT 14 YEARS AND IT’S NOT VERY SURPRISING THAT SOME OF THEM NEED TO BE BROUGHT UP-TO-DATE," HE SAID.
WHEN ASKED IF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT GAVE ANY INSTRUCTIONS AS TO WAYS OF SOLVING HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL CRISIS, THE GOVERNOR SAID HE HAD DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM WITH THE FOREIGN SECRETARY AND WITH OTHER MINISTERS SUCH AS LORD GLENARTHUR.
"THEY DID NOT GIVE ME ANY INSTRUCTIONS. ON MATTERS LIKE THIS, FINANCIAL MATTERS, HONG KONG LOOKS AFTER ITS OWN AFFAIRS.
"BUT I THINK IT WAS USEFUL TO BE ABLE TO DISCUSS WITH THEM WHAT WAS HAPPENING, ALSO TO BE ABLE TO TALK IN LONDON TO A VERY LARGE AUDIENCE AT THE DINNER GIVEN BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, TO BE ABLE TO SAY TO THEM SOME OF THE UNDERLYING FACTORS WHICH ARE THE REALITIES OF HONG KONG, AND WHICH ONE NEEDS TO LOOK AT OVER AND BEYOND THE IMMEDIATE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN AFFECTING US OVER THE LAST 10 DAYS."
/SIR DAVID
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 198?
2
SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT HE HAD COMPLETE CONFIDENCE IN WHAT WAS BEING DONE IN HONG KONG, AND THAT WAS THE REASON WHY HE DECIDED NOT TO CUT SHORT HIS AMERICAN VISIT TO RETURN TO HONG KONG.
HE WAS IN CONSTANT CONTACT WITH HONG KONG WHILE HE WAS AWAY AND GAVE FULL SUPPORT TO EVERYTHING THE ADMINISTRATION WAS DOING.
”1 ALSO THOUGHT THAT IT WAS RIGHT, PARTICULARLY AT A TIME WHEN THERE WERE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT WAS GOING ON IN HONG KONG, TO MAINTAIN A PROGRAMME IN WHICH I WAS MEETING A LARGE NUMBER OF VERY INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE TO BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN TO THEM PERSONALLY SOME OF THE UNDERLYING TRUTHS ABOUT HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE DID NOT THINK THE APPOINTMENT OF MR ROBERT FELL AND MR PHILIP THORPE TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE WOULD BE REGARDED BY THE REST OF THE WORLD AS STRONG GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THE HONG KONG MARKET.
HE WAS OF THE OPINION THAT THE APPOINTMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN
MADE RECENTLY WOULD GREATLY HELP IN CONFIDENCE BOTH IN HONG KONG AND
OVERSEAS.
WHEN ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT HAVE BEEN TOO FAR REMOVED FROM THE FINANCIAL SCENE AND HAD NOT REACTED QUICKLY ENOUGH TO THE FINANCIAL CRISIS, SIR DAVID DID NOT SHARE THIS VIEW.
”1 THINK CERTAIN DECISIONS HAVE TO BE TAKEN INITIALLY MARKETS. THEY HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO DO IT AND THEY DID.
BY THE
’’WHEN THERE WAS A NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO PUT IN BACK-UP MEASURES, WHICH CLEARLY BECAME NECESSARY, THE GOVERNMENT TOOK ACTION AND IT TOOK ACTION TOGETHER WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
”SO IT WAS A CO-OPERATIVE MOVE AND IT HAS CLEARLY BEEN AN EFFECTIVE MOVE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
ON HIS AMERICAN TRIP, THE GOVERNOR SAID HF WAS STRUCK BY THE AMOUNT OF TIME PEOPLE WERE PREPARED TO DEVOTE TO LISTENING TO WHAT HE HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE ESSENTIAL DYNAMISM OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY AND ABOUT HONG KONG’S ROLE AS A FREELY TRADING SOCIETY.
”1 THINK LT WAS VERY USEFUL TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THOSE POINTS, PARTICULARLY AT A TIME WHEN THERE’S SO MUCH UNCERTAINTY IN THE STOCK MARKETS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD,” HE SAID.
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/J........
A h ri
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987 l - 3 -s
TRADE FIGURES SHOW ECONOMY HAS UNDERLYING STRENGTH
*****
THE 37 PER CENT GROWTH IN REAL TERMS IN HONG KONG’S EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF 1987 OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR ILLUSTRATES THAT, DESPITE RECENT UPHEAVALS IN THE FINANCIAL MARKETS, THERE IS CONSIDERABLE UNDERLYING STRENGTH IN OUR ECONOMY, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1987 HONG KONG INDUSTRY TRADE FAIR, MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS EXPECTED THAT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WOULD ACHIEVE A REAL GROWTH RATE OF 12 PER CENT FOR THE YEAR.
HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT MANUFACTURERS HAD FULLY REALISED THE IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING MORE TO STRENGTHEN THEIR COMPETITIVENESS.
"IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1987, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS GREW BY 25 PER CENT AND IMPORTS OF MACHINERY FOR USE IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR BY 20 PER CENT,” HE SAID.
ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PART, MR MACLEOD SAID IT WAS ALSO PLAYING AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMPLEMENTING THE EFFORT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN IMPROVING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF INDUSTRY.
"THE WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES BEING PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MAINLY THROUGH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, HAVE ALREADY BENEFITTED MANY MANUFACTURERS," HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY LAUNCHED A SIX-MONTH INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE PILOT SCHEME, WHICH ENTAILED FACTORY VISITS BY ITS STAFF, TO ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THESE SUPPORT SERVICES.
"IT IS HOPED THAT NOT ONLY WILL THE MANUFACTURERS LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THESE SERVICES CAN BENEFIT THEIR OPERATIONS, BUT ALSO THEY WILL PROVIDE US WITH FEEDBACK ON HOW WE CAN IMPROVE OUR SUPPORT TO THE INDUSTRY.
"A REVIEW WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT THE END OF THE PILOT SCHEME With a view to establishing the need and the scope for a permanent SCHEME," HE SAID.
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I I
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
FREE TRADE A CORNERSTONE OF SUCCESS *****
PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION WILL ONLY SERVE TO AFFECT SERIOUSLY AND ADVERSELY THE CLIMATE OF WORLD TRADE AND SLOW DOWN ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE PACIFIC RIM, THE DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AFFAIRS FOR THE WESTERN UNITED STATES, MR BILLY LAM, TOLD DELEGATES AT A MAJOR TWO-DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN LOS ANGELES EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THE CONFERENCE, HOSTED BY THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR, MR GEORGE DEUKMEJIAN, FOCUSSED ON THE PACIFIC RIM.
ECHOING MR DEUKMEJIAN'S CALL FOR VIGOROUS OPPOSITION TO PROTECTIONISM, MR LAM ENDORSED THE CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR’S ACTION IN INFORMING CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS OF THE DANGERS OF PROTECTIONISM.
ADDRESSING THE MULTILATERAL GATHERING OF BUSINESS LEADERS, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EDUCATORS FROM 14 PACIFIC RIM ECONOMIES, MR LAM, WHO LED THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, VOICED PARTICULAR CONCERN OVER THE TEXTILE AND APPAREL TRADE ACT RECENTLY PASSED BY THE CONGRESS AND THE DANGER THAT THIS WOULD LEAD TO THE ENACTMENT OF PROTECTIONIST LEGISLATION.
"AS A TRUE BELIEVER AND PRACTITIONER OF FREE AND FAIR TRADE, WE CALL FOR STRONG RESISTANCE TO PROTECTIONISM" MR LAM SAID. "AT THE SAME TIME WE ALSO STRONGLY URGE THE LIBERALISATION OF ALL EXISTING TARIFF AND NON-TARIFF BARRIERS."
RECOGNISING THE SENSITIVITY IN THE UNITED STATES OVER TRADE SURPLUSES, MR LAM POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG’S IMPORTS ARE AS LARGE AS ITS EXPORTS.
"INDEED, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF 1985, WE HAVE EXPERIENCED A DEFICIT IN VISIBLE TRADE SINCE 1947. THIS DEFICIT HAS BEEN BALANCED THROUGH OUR RE-EARNINGS IN SERVICES, TOURISM AND OVERSEAS INVESTMENT," HE SAID.
"OUR FREE TRADE POLICY HAS BECOME THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR ECONOMIC SUCCESS AND AUGURS WELL FOR THE PRINCIPLES OF OPEN MARKETS AND FREE COMPETITION," HE EMPHASISED.
TWO-THIRDS OF CALIFORNIA’S INTERNATIONAL TRADE IS WITH THE PACIFIC REGION WHILE HONG KONG ITSELF IS CALIFORNIA’S SIXTH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER.
CALIFORNIA, BEING THE LARGEST STATE IN THE UNITED STATES, HAS SENT 45 OUT OF A TOTAL OF 435 CONGRESSMEN TO CAPITOL HILL AND MOST OF THE CALIFORNIA DELEGATION HAS RECENTLY VOTED AGAINST THE TEXTILE BILL.
/MR DEUKMEJIAN
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29* 1987
- 5 -
MR DEUKMEJIAN SAID HE HAD INVITED HONG KONG AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES FROM THROUGHOUT THE PACIFIC REGION TO CALIFORNIA "TO JOIN US IN PROMOTING THE EXPANSION OF TRADE, INVESTMENT AND OTHER VITAL EXCHANGES."
MR LAM ALSO TOLD THE MEETING THAT AS A RESULT OF SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, THE TERRITORY IS EXPECTING A 12 PER CENT GROWTH IN 1987 AND WILL EVOLVE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CITY IN THE PACIFIC REGION IN THE 21ST CENTURY.
THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ALSO INCLUDED THE PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICE IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR HOB ASHWORTH, AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIVE IN LOS ANGELES, MR PETER LEUNG.
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HARMONIZED SYSTEM FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION STARTS IN JANUARY * » ♦ » ♦
HONG KONG WILL IMPLEMENT THE HONG KONG HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION PURPOSES AS FROM JANUARY 1, 1988.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM IS A COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM DEVELOPED BY THE CUSTOMS CO-OPERATION COUNCIL, AND WILL REPLACE THE STANDARD INTERNATIONAL TRADE CLASSIFICATION (SITC) SYSTEM CURRENTLY IN USE.
ACCORDING TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, DR RICHARD BUTLER, MANY OF HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS, INCLUDING THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND JAPAN PLAN TO ADOPT THE IIS FOR CUSTOMS TARIFF AND STATISTICAL PURPOSES.
THE USA IS STILL AWAITING APPROVAL BY CONGRESS, BUT IT IS LIKELY TO IMPLEMENT THE NEW SYSTEM IN 1988, HE SAID.
"BY ADOPTING THE HS IN SYNCHRONISATION WITH OUR MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS, HONG KONG WILL SHARE A CUSTOMS TERMINOLOGY WITH THEM AND COMMUNICATION WITH OVERSEAS BUYERS AND SELLERS WILL BE FACILITATED," HE SAID.
/IMPORTERS AND
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 198?
6
IMPORTERS AND .EXPORTERS ARE REQUIRED TO DECLARE THEIR IMPORT AND EXPORT SHIPMENTS ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1988 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE'NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM. THE DESCRIPTIONS AND CODES OF THE NEW SYSTEM ARE SPECIFIED IN THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONIZED SYSTEM), WHICH IS NOW ON SALE.
TO HELP USERS TO UNDERSTAND THE NEW SYSTEM, A HARMONIZED SYSTEM HANDBOOK HAS BEEN PREPARED AND IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE. THE HANDBOOK DESCRIBES METHODS OF LOCATING THE CORRECT DESCRIPTIONS AND CODES UNDER THE HONG KONG HS AND CONTAINS MANY EXAMPLES AND EXERCISES.
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR WALTER NEIL, URGED IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE HONG KONG HS SO THAT THEY CAN SUBMIT ACCURATE AND COMPLETE DECLARATIONS WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER SHIPMENT, AS REQUIRED BY LAW.
HE ALSO ADVISED THEM TO NOTE RELATED AMENDMENTS TO THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS.
TO ASSIST IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS IN UNDERSTANDING BETTER HOW TO USE THE NEW SYSTEM, A NUMBER OF SEMINARS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED, THE FIRST OF WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON NOVEMBER 27.
THE DETAILED TIMETABLE AND TICKET ORDER FORMS FOR THE SEMINARS WILL BE MAILED TO ALL IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS RECORDED ON THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT’S REGISTER. THEY CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM Till CUSTOMS AND EXCISE COLLECTION OFFICES OR THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
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EXHIBITION ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISABLED OPENS
*****
HUMAN RESOURCES WILL BE WASTED IF THE ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED ARE OVERLOOKED, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR RON BRIDGE, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO WHEN HONG KONG IS ENJOYING FULL EMPLOYMENT AND ITS INDUSTRIES ARE FACING LABOUR SHORTAGES, HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SECOND "EMF’LOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED" EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA.
/HE SAID
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29t 1987
7 -
HE SAID A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT RECENTLY SHOWED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE EMPLOYERS CONSIDERED THE DISABLED WORKERS THE^ EMPLOYED ’’WERE PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES SATISFACTORILY AND WERE OBEDIENT, CO-OPERATIVE, STABLE AND LOYAL”.
"IN FACT, MOST DISABLED PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME SKILLS AND ABILITIES TO OFFER AS ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE WITHOUT THE NEED OF ANY SPECIAL HELP WHILE MANY OTHERS HAVE AS MUCH TO OFFER GIVEN THE PROPER VOCATIONAL TRAINING OR THE USE OF PROPER AIDS,” HE STRESSED.
"I HOPE THIS WILL BRING HOME THE MESSAGE ’DEVOTED AND DILLIGENT, THE DISABLED ARE AS COMPETENT’ TO OTHER EMPLOYERS IN HONG KONG. "
HE ALSO REMINDED EMPLOYERS WHO HAD PURCHASED AIDS AND MADE ADAPTATION TO THEIR PREMISES OR MACHINERY FOR THE PURPOSE OF EMPLOYING THE DISABLED THAT THEY COULD APPLY FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO THE EMPLOYAID FUND WHICH IS FUNDED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND ADMINISTERED BY THE EMPLOYAID SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, MR CHAN SUI-KAU.
MR CHAN SAID THAT APART FROM PROVIDING TRAINING FOR THE WORKERS, THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND ITS TWO TRAINING CENTRES ALSO PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN TAPPING THE WORKING POTENTIAL OF THE DISABLED AND MADE GOOD USE OF THEM.
”AS FAR AS I KNOW, MANY CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS HAVE EMPLOYED DISABLED WORKERS IN VARIOUS POSTS,” HE SAID.
’’WHEN THEY ARE PLACED IN SUITABLE POSTS, THE DISABLED CAN BE AS EFFICIENT AS THE ABLE-BODIED.”
MR CHAN ESTIMATED THAT THEY WERE OVER 40,000 JOB VACANCIES IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY WHICH HE SAID ’’DEPENDS MUCH ON THE DILIGENCE AND HIGH EFFICIENCY OF HONG KONG WORKERS”.
HE CALLED UPON EMPLOYERS IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY AS WELL AS IN OTHER INDUSTRIES TO TAKE ON MORE DISABLED WORKERS SO AS TO SOLVE THEIR MANPOWER PROBLEMS.
HE ALSO INVITED THOSE DISABLED WORKERS WHO STILL POSSESS WORKING ABILITIES TO JOIN THE LABOUR FORCE.
THE WEEK-LONG EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG GARMENT MANUFACTURERS, THE HONG KONG WOOLEN AND SYNTHETIC KNITTING MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD, THE HONG KONG GARMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, AIMS AT ENCOURAGING EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOY DISABLED PEOPLE WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
/USING AUDIO
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
- 8
USING AUDIO VISUAL PRESENTATIONS AND STATIC DISPLAYS, THE EXHIBITION INTRODUCES VARIOUS SERVICES WHICH THE DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE PROVIDES FOR DISABLED WORKERS AS WELL AS SOME OF THE POSTS WHICH ARE HELD BY THE DISABLED IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY.
THERE IS ALSO A DISPLAY OF MODERN TECHNICAL AIDS AND DEMONSTRATION OF THE USE BY DISABLED WORKERS.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 11 AM AND 7 PM DAILY UNTIL NOVEMBER 4.
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CARE AND CONCERN IMPORTANT TO PRISONERS’ REHABILITATION
* * * » »
CARE AND CONCERN ARE IMPORTANT TO PRISONERS’ BEHAVIOUR IN PRISON AND THEIR CHANCES OF BEING SUCCESSFULLY REHABILITATED, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, SAID AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE PRISONERS’ FRIEND ASSOCIATION AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HEADQUARTERS TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR CHAN SAID TO BE A SUCCESSFUL PRISON VISITOR WAS NO EASY TASK AS THE RELATIONSHIP WITH PRISONERS MUST BE BUILT ON MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE.
HE ADDED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PFA HAD NOT ONLY FULFILLED THEIR ROLE OVER THE PAST YEARS BUT HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN PROMOTING THE PFA'S OBJECTIVES.
"VISITS FROM MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION SQUARELY MEET THE NEED OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT SO FORTUNATE AS TO HAVE FRIENDS OR RELATIVES VISITING THEM," SAID MR CHAN.
"APART FROM PROVIDING THE PRISONERS WITH A LINK TO THE SOCIETY, SUCH VISITS ALSO ASSIST THEM IN ASSUMING A POSITIVE AND REALISTIC VIEW OF THEIR INCARCERATION," HE ADDED.
THE PFA WAS SET UP IN 1980, WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING LINKS AND FRIENDSHIP FOR PRISONERS. ITS OBJECTIVE IS TO HELP PRISONERS FEEL THAT THEY ARE NOT SOCIALLY REJECTED AND THE OUTSIDE WORLD STILL CARES ABOUT THEM. THE ASSOCIATION HAS SOME 20 MEMBERS WHO VISIT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS FREQUENTLY.
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/9........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
- 9 -SCHOOL VAN OWNERS REMINDED OF NEW RULES ♦ ♦ * * t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED OWNERS OF SCHOOL PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES THAT FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1) THEIR VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO CARRY A CONTINUOUS, HORIZONTAL YELLOW STRIPE WHICH GOES ROUND THE VEHICLE BODY AS WELL AS TO DISPLAY A ’’CHILDREN” SIGN ON THE REAR.
THE NEW REQUIREMENTS ARE STIPULATED IN THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1987 WHICH WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JULY 24.
"THE NEW REQUIREMENTS WILL ENABLE OTHER ROAD USERS, IN PARTICULAR MOTORISTS, TO IDENTIFY SHCOOL BUSES MORE EASILY AND PROMPT THEM TO EXERCISE EXTRA CAUTION IN VIEW OF THE LIKELY PRESENCE OF YOUNG CHILDREN IN THE VICINITY OF THESE VEHICLES,” A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, SCHOOL PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES ARE ALREADY REQUIRED BY LAW TO CARRY ON BOTH THE NEAR AND OFF SIDES OF THEIR BODIES THE WORDS "SCHOOL PRIVATE LIGHT BUS" IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE. THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE WORKING MUST BE AT LEAST 150 MM TN HEIGHT AND MUST APPEAR ON A YELLOW BACKGROUND.
HOWEVER, THERE IS NO MARKING OR SIGN TO ENABLE THESE BUSES TO BE IDENTIFIED FROM THE FRONT OR REAR.
"THIS UNDESIRABLE SITUATION IS RECTIFIED BY THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS WHICH STATE THAT THE YELLOW BACKGROUND SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO FORM A CONTINUOUS, HORIZONTAL BANK OF A UNIFORM WIDTH OF NOT LESS THAN 200 MM ALL ROUND THE VEHICLE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
REGARDING THE "CHILDREN" SIGN TO BE DISPLAYED ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DESIGN, COLOUR, AND DIMENSIONS OF THE SIGN ARE SPECIFIED IN THE THIRTEENTH SCHEDULE TO THE REGULATIONS.
"THIS WARNING SIGN SHOULD BE SHOWN AGAINST THE YELLOW STRIPE ON THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. IT MUST NOT BE PLACED ON THE REAR WINDSCREEN AS THIS MAY INTERFERE WITH THE DRIVER’S VISION THROUGH THE REAR MIRROR," HE STRESSED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE NEW REQUIREMENTS CAN BE MADE ON 5-200933.
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/1O........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
- 10 -
BRIEFING FOR CHUK YUEN UNITED VILLAGE PROPERTY OWNERS * * ♦ ♦ t
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A MEETING WITH VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES AND AFFECTED PROPERTY OWNERS CONCERNING DANGEROUS STRUCTURES IN CHUK YUEN UNITED VILLAGE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10 AM.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE, THE POLICE, DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL AGAIN EXPLAIN THE GOVERNMENT’S POSITION ON THE ISSUE.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS' MR CHAN KAM-MAN, MR LI YUK-WA, AND MR LIU KOON-SING.
AN OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT ON OCTOBER 16 IN CHUK YUEN UNITED VILLAGE TO IMPLEMENT CLOSURE ORDERS ISSUED BY A COURT ON AUGUST 14. SOME RESIDENTS REFUSED TO LEAVE THEIR PREMISES.
SUBSEQUENTLY, NINE OF THE 17 STRUCTURES WERE CLOSED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 4/F, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.
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GRAVE SWEEPERS WARNED OF FIRE RISKS t * ♦ ♦ ♦
PEOPLE VISITING THE GRAVES OF THEIR ANCESTORS DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD ARE REMINDED TO BE CAREFUL IN BURNING JOSS STICKS AND PAPER TRIBUTES SO THAT THEY DO NOT CAUSE FIRES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE NUMBER OF FIRES CAUSED BY THE BURNING OF JOSS STICKS AND PAPER TRIBUTES WAS ALWAYS HIGHER IN THE GRAVE-SWEEPING PERIODS OF APRIL AND OCTOBER THAN IN THE REST OF THE YEAR.
APRIL ALONE SAW 22 OUT OF 102 SUCH FIRES IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. LAST YEAR, 62 SUCH CASES OCCURRED IN APRIL AND 84 OCCURRED IN OCTOBER OUT OF A TOTAL OF 283 CASES.
/"WORSHIPPERS MUST
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
"WORSHIPPERS MUST NOT LEAVE BURNING TRIBUTES UNATTENDED AND
THESE SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE EXTINGUISHED," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED PEOPLE TO EXERCISE EXTRA CARE IN PREVENTING FIRES AS THE DRY AND WINDY SEASON IS ALREADY PREVAILING.
THERE WERE 14,883 CALLS OF FIRES IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH 14,011 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1986, HE SAID.
- - 0 -
WORSHIPPERS GIVEN FIRE SAFETY ADVICE
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE EXTRA CARE WHEN BURNING MATERIALS WHEN THEY VISIT THEIR ANCESTORS’ GRAVES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL PERIOD.
IN VIEW OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK, ANY CARELESS HANDLING OF ITEMS USED IN WORSHIPPING COULD EASILY SPARK A COUNTRYSIDE BLAZE.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER, MR S.P. LAU, SAID THE RECENT SCARCITY OF RAINFALL AND DECREASING HUMIDITY MADE THE COUNTRYSIDE VERY VULNERABLE TO FIRES.
"DURING LAST WEEKEND ALONE, A TOTAL OF 10 FIRES BROKE OUT IN OR NEAR COUNTRY PARKS, DAMAGING 38 HECTARES OF PLANTATION AND 5,400 TREES," HE SAID.
"AT CHUNG YEUNG LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 36 FIRES WERE REPORTED, RESULTING IN 5,600 TREES AND 155 HECTARES OF PLANTATION BEING DAMAGED," MR LAU SAID.
HE SAID ALL THESE FIRES WERE CAUSED BY NEGLIGENCE WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF PEOPLE HAD OBSERVED A FEW SIMPLE RULES, SUCH AS:
» BURN WORSHIPPING ITEMS ONLY IN METAL CONTAINERS;
* DO NOT LEAVE LIGHTED CANDLES, JOSS STICKS AND PAPERS UNATTENDED;
» MAKE SURE ALL WORSHIPPING ITEMS ARE EXTINGUISHED BEFORE
LEAVING THE GRAVE SITES.
/MR LAU
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 291 1987
MR LAU ALSO REMINDED PICNICKERS AND COUNTRY PARK VISITORS TO LIGHT FIRES ONLY AT DESIGNATED BARBECUE SITES.
’’ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES INSIDE COUNTRY PARKS MAY LEAD TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE UP TO $2,000 MAY BE IMPOSED FOR CAUSING A FIRE IN THE COUNTRYSIDE,” HE POINTED OUT.
- - 0 - -
COMPETITION ON LIGHTING UP SHING MUN RIVER ♦ ♦ » ♦
PEOPLE WHO HAVE BRIGHT IDEAS ABOUT HOW TO LIGHT UP SHA TIN’S SHING MUN RIVER FOR CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR AND LUNAR NEW YEAR ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COMPETITION.
UNDER A FESTIVE LIGHTING DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S FESTIVE LIGHTING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE WINNING DESIGNER WILL BE AWARDED A SOUVENIR WORTH $1,500 WHILE FIVE RUNNERS-UP WILL EACH BE AWARDED SOUVENIRS WORTH $300.
THE FOCUS OF THE DECORATION SHOULD BE THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE, BANYAN BRIDGE AND PROMENADES ALONG THE RIVER. THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE AND BANYAN BRIDGE WILL BE CENTRES OF ATTENTION DURING CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR RESPECTIVELY.
THE BRIDGES, WHICH ARE ABOUT 200 METRES LONG AND 30 METRES WIDE, ACCOMMODATE THREE LANES OF TRAFFIC. A MAXIMUM OF 5,000 LIGHT BULBS MAY BE USED TO DECORATE ONE BRIDGE, BUT THERE IS NO LIMITATION ON THE NUMBER OF BULBS ALONG THE RIVERSIDE PROMENADES. DESIGNERS MAY ALSO MAKE USE OF THE LIGHTING STANDS, RAILINGS AND BRIDGE ARCHES IN THEIR DESIGNS.
AS THE WINNING ENTRY WILL BE SENT DIRECTLY TO CONTRACTORS, ALL ENTRIES MUST PROVIDE DETAILED MEASUREMENTS OF THE DEG IGN.
SKETCHES MUST NOT BE SMALLER THAN 21 CM X 29.5 CM (A4>, WITH THE DESIGNER’S NAME, ID CARD NUMBER, ADDRESS AND CONTACT PHONE NUMBER ON THE BACK. 1
ENTRIES SHOULD REACH THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER NOT LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4. THE WINNERS LIST WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE SHA TIN DISTRICT STAR NEWSPAPER LATER.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 0-6048078, EXT. 331.
♦
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
- 13 -
CONCERT TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY SPIRIT ♦ » * ♦ *
A ’’CIVIC CONCERT SPECTACULAR”, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE STUDENT UNION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (HKU), WILL BE STAGED AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, AT THE UNIVERSITY’S LOKE YEW HALL.
PROGRAMMES INCLUDE CHORAL AND SOLO SINGING, BRASS BAND AND STRING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCES BY HKU AND VARIOUS SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CONCERT IS AIMED AT FOSTERING STUDENTS’ COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND PARTICIPATION, AND TO PROMOTE SERIOUS MUSIC.
THE FUNCTION IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE MID-LEVELS WESTERN AREA COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) IN SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT’S ”WE CARE” ACTIVITIES.
FREE TICKETS FOR THE CONCERT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON G/F, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL; ITS SUB-OFFICES IN CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND KENNEDY TOWN; WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WESTERN STREET AND HKU*S STUDENT UNION.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523486 OR 5-8523499.
-----0------
NIGHT OF FUN, EDUCATION FOR YOUNG ♦ ♦ ♦ t t
TEENAGERS IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE ABLE TO APPRECIATE DANCING AS WELL AS MESSAGES ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AT A FUNCTION TO BE HELD TN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31) NIGHT.
THE EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED TO SUPPORT THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE PRESENT TO TELL PARTICIPANTS ABOUT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION WITH A VIEW TO FOSTERING THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
”BY BLENDING ENTERTAINMENT AND CIVIC MESSAGES, THE FUNCTION WILL PROVIDE A MEANINGFUL AND HEALTHY PURSUIT FOR THE YOUNG,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS, AT $10 EACH, ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 490 NATHAN ROAD.
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/14 .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
14 VARIETY SHOW FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
ABOUT 10,000 YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO AN ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL VARIETY SHOW AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE EVENT, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE TWO-HOUR SHOW WILL CENTRE ON THE FESTIVAL’S THEME OF KNOWING THE DISTRICT AND PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
OFFICIATING AT THE SHOW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY
SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE BROWN GATE ENTRANCE OF THE COLISEUM AT 7.30 PM.
-------0----------
COMPETITION CENTRES ON ROAD SAFETY ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
A QUIZ CROSSWORD PUZZLE COMPETITION ON ROAD SAFETY IS AMONG THE MANY ACTIVITIES UNDERWAY IN TSUEN WAN TO REINFORCE THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE COMPETITION IS CENTRED ON DRAWING ROAD USERS’ ATTENTION TO SAFETY ASPECTS.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 15. WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS.
MEANWHILE, THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN HAS ALREADY APPROACHED SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT SEEKING PARTICIPATION IN A POSTER-DESIGN AND COLOURING COMPETITION.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE A TELE-MATCH GAMES DAY IN MID-DECEMBER. ON THAT DAY, THERE WILL BE ROAD SAFETY DISPLAYS, BAND PERFORMANCES AND PRESENTATION OF PRIZES TO WINNERS IN THE SERIES OF COMPETITIONS.
- 0-----------
/15........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
- 15 -
FISHERMEN READY FOR STUDY TOUR * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) PRESENTED A BANNER TO A DELEGATION OF NINE CHAMPION FISHERMEN AND FISHERMEN’S LEADERS WHO WILL LEAVE ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) FOR AUSTRALIA ON A 1 O-DAY STUDY TOUR.
ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION, THE STUDY TOUR IS THE SIXTH TO' BE UNDERTAKEN SINCE 1981. SINGAPORE, SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN, GUANGZHOU, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND NORWAY WERE VISITED EARLIER.
DR LEE SAID THE TOURS PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR FISHERMEN TO VISIT OTHER COUNTRIES TO SEE THEIR MODERN FISHING TECHNOLOGY AND MARKETING SYSTEMS AND TO SHARE EXPERIENCES WITH OTHER FISHERMEN.
"I HOPE THEY WILL MAKE USE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN UP-TO-DATE FISHING KNOWLEDGE AND TO SHARE THE EXPERIENCE WITH THEIR FELLOW FISHERMEN WHEN THEY RETURN,” DR LEE SAID.
THE DELEGATION WILL VISIT THE QUEENSLAND FISH MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY, FISH MARKETS IN BRISBANE AND SYDNEY, FISHING EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS IN CAIRNS AND SYDNEY AND A MARITIME COLLEGE IN LAUNCESTON, TASMANIA.
-----o------
SPORTS FESTIVAL FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS * * * ♦
SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS AND TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS WILL BE A SERIES OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES DURING THE MONTH-LONG NINTH SPORTS FESTIVAL WHICH STARTS ON NOVEMBER 7.
TREATED TSUEN
TO WAN
VISITING TEAMS DURING THE FESTIVAL.
FROM CHINA WILL GIVE A NUMBER
OF PERFORMANCES
EVENTS RANGING FROM FOOTBALL TO GO-KART RACING VARIOUS VENUES THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT UNTIL EARLY EVENTS WILL BE FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY.
WILL BE HELD IN DECEMBER. SOME
PARTICIPANTS OF THE SPORTS NURTURE SCHEME TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO TAKE PART.
ORGANISED
BY
THE
/THE FESTIVAL,
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
- 16 -
THE FESTIVAL, A MAJOR ANNUAL ACTIVITY IN TSUEN WAN, 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.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NINTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL IN THE MAXIM’S RESTAURANT, AT LUK YEUNG SUN CHUEN, TSUEN WAN MTR STATION AT NOON TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
0
TRAFFIC, TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL ♦ » * f *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BF IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE CHUNG YEUNG H-STIVAL.
SHAM SHUT PO
WING MING STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31) AND SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1).
VEHICLES HEADING FOR THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY WILL HAVE TO USE CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEE KUK WEST STREET AND KING LAM STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, ON-STREET PARKING SPACES TN YU CHAU WEST STREET, KING LAM STREET, WING HONG STREET, YEE KUK WEST STREET AND TAI NAN WEST STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
WONG TAI SIN
AS CONGESTION IS EXPECTED AT THE JUNCTION OF HAMMER HILL ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, DRIVERS HEADING FOR THE HAMMER HILL CEMETERY ARE ADVISED TO USE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE INTERCHANGE AND PO LONG VILLAGE ROAD. NO PARKING SPACES WILL BE PROVIDED ON PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND HAMMER HILL ROAD.
/YUEN LONG .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
- 17 -
YUEN LONG
THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD FROM TAI KEI LENG TO TAI SHU HA WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND, WHILE THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND BETWEEN 7 AM AND 10 PM ON SATURDAY.
AS A RESULT, NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 73 ON ITS JOURNEY TO YUEN LONG TOWN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD.
WO HOP SHEK
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN WO HOP SHEK WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 4 AM AND 8 PM ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND NOVEMBER 8:
* THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD FROM WO HOP SHEK MINI-ROUNDABOUT TO ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO PRIVATE CARS (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES), EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES, HEARSES, FRANCHISED BUSES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TAXIS AND COACHES CARRYING PASSENGERS. THE SAME ROAD SECTION WILL BF. CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES BETWEEN 4 AM AND 7 AM ON THE SAME DAYS.
* THE SECTION OF WO HOP SHEK ROAD BEYOND ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D6 WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
» K1U TAU ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC (INCLUDING VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING HEARSES), EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES.
IN ADDITION, BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, THE SLIP ROAD AT WO HOP SHEK CONNECTION FROM NORTHBOUND NT TRUNK ROAD LEADING TO WO HOP SHEK M1NI-ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC, EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND FRANCHISED BUSES.
ALSO BETWEEN 7 AM AND 6 PM ON THE SAME DAYS, FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES, EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND VEHICLES FOR LOCAL ACCESS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE FANLING KCR STATION FORECOURT WILL BE CLOSED AT ITS ACCESS FROM ROAD D5 TO ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, GREEN MINIBUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES.
TSUEN WAN
1 .0 WAI ROAD BETWEEN LO WAI BUS TERMINUS AND YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 4 PM FROM FRIDAY (OCTOBER 30) TO SUNDAY AND ON NOVEMBER 8. DURING THE CLOSURE, THE 1.0 WAI END TERMINATING POINT FOR NT GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES NO. 81 AND 8 IM WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE LO WAI BUS TERMINUS.
/IN ADDITION,
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2% 1987
- 18 -
IN ADDITION, THE OLD ACCESS ROAD TO TSUEN WAN CEMETERY FROM TEXACO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN IS NOW CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TSING YI NORTH BRIDGE, AND THE NEW ACCESS TO THE CEMETERY IS VIA WING SHUN STREET IN KWAI CHUNG. HOWEVER, WING SHUN STREET AT ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI HEI STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND HEARSES DAILY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM FROM FRIDAY TO SUNDAY AND ON NOVEMBER 8.
MEANWHILE, A ROAD CLOSURE MEASURE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY POLICE AT THE JUNCTION OF WING SHUN STREET, KWAI HEI STREET AND KWAI YUE STREET. GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THE MTR AND ALIGHT AT KWAI FONG STATION.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES
» FROM 7 AM TO 9 AM AND FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM ON SATURDAY, SUNDAY AND NOVEMBER 8. TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE STRENGTHENED AND OPERATE AT FANLING AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS. TRAIN SERVICES WILL OPERATE AT ABOUT EIGHT-MINUTE INTERVALS FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THE SAME DAYS.
♦ ON THE SAME DAYS, A SPECIAL SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70R, WILL OPERATE BETWEEN FANLING KCR STATION AND WO HOP SHEK AT ABOUT THREE-MINUTE INTERVALS. THE FARE WILL BE $1.20 FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY.
♦ ANOTHER SPECIAL BUS SERVICE, ROUTE 70S, WILL OPERATE
BETWEEN JORDAN ROAD FERRY BUS TERMINUS AND WO HOP SHEK VIA TOLO HIGHWAY ON BOTH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE WILL OPERATE AT ABOUT SIX-MINUTE INTERVALS AT A FARE OF $4.50.
♦ MEANWHILE, KMB ROUTES NO. 70, 70K, 70X, 73 AND 73A WILL ALSO BE STRENGTHENED.
♦ GRAVE-SWEEPERS WISHING TO GO TO SANDY RIDGE CAN TAKE THE REGULAR BUS SERVICES, ROUTE 73K, PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUT AND SAN UK LING OR THE TRAIN SERVICE TO LO WU.
ADVICE TO MOTORISTS AND GRAVE-SWEEPERS
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING FROM THE SOUTH AND WISHING TO VISIT WO HOP SHEK ARE ADVISED TO USE TAI WO SERVICE ROAD (WEST) AT HONG LOK YUEN. GRAVE-SWEEPERS ARE ADVISED TO FOLLOW THE PEDESTRIAN ROUTE FROM THE SOUTH SIDE OF FANLING KCR STATION AND TO USE THE FOOTPATH ALONGSIDE THE SECTION OF NT TRUNK ROAD, ROAD 1)6 AND ROAD L100.
-------O---------
/19........
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29,
1987
- 19 -
NEW STAMPS DEPICT HISTORICAL COSTUMES
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS FEATURING FOUR HISTORICAL CHINESE COSTUMES WILL BE ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 18, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND
$5.
THE SPECIAL STAMPS TO BE ISSUED ARE:
* 50 CENTS CASUAL DRESS WITH FRINGED HEM OF THE WEI, JIN, AND THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN DYNASTIES (AD 220-589)
» $1.30 TWO-PIECE, HALF-ARM AND WRAP OF THE SUI, TANG
AND THE FIVE DYNASTIES (AD 581-960)
* $1.70 BIG-SLEEVE GRAND DRESS AND LONG SKIRT OF THE
SUNG DYNASTY (AD 960-1279)
» $5 MANCHU EMPRESS COSTUME (AD 1644-1911)
IN ADDITION, A SET OF FOUR POSTCARDS, BEING ENLARGEMENTS OF EACH STAMP, WILL BE ISSUED WITH THIS STAMP ISSUE.
THE STAMPS AND POSTCARDS, DESIGNED BY MRS SUMIKO DAVIES, WERE PRINTED IN AUSTRALIA BY THE CPE AUSTRALIA LTD.
THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FROM OCTOBER 31 AND AT LEVEL 4 ROTUNDA OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA FROM OCTOBER 31 TO NOVEMBER 1.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 CENTS EACH AND POSTCARDS AT $1 EACH WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON NOVEMBER 2.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR FIRST DAY TREATMENT OF FIRST DAY COVERS AND POSTCARDS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM NOVEMBER 2 TO 13 AT ALL POST OFFICES.
THE MINIMUM QUANTITY PER ORDER IS FIVE FIRST DAY COVERS AND/OR POSTCARDS. CUSTOMERS WISHING TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THIS ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE.
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS AND SETS OF POSTCARDS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF THE STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU DATESTAMP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES ON NOVEMBER 18:
/HONG KONG ISLAND .......
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2$( 1987
- 20 -
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE, CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE.
GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE, PEAK POST OFFICE.
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE, GRANVILLE ROAD POST CENTRAL POST OFFICE, CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE, TSIM OFFICE.
OFFICE, KOWLOON SHA TSUI POST
THE
THE "SERVICED" FIRST "SERVICED" POSTCARDS AT
DAY COVERS WILL BE SOLD AT $13.50 PER SET.
910 EACH AND
- '---0 -------
SERVICE INSTALLATIONS FOR NT REGIONAL POLICE HQ *****
CONTRACTS WORTH 929 MILLION FOR BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS FOR A 14-STOREY NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL POLICE HEADQUARTERS NOW BEING BUILT IN TAI PO HAVE BEEN AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE FOUR CONTRACTS INCLUDE 913.78 MILLION FOR AIR-CONDITIONING $7.26 MILLION FOR THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION, $4.38 MILLION FOP. LIFTS AND 93.69 MILLION FOR THE FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATION.
WORK ON THE INSTALLATIONS WILL START IN NOVEMBER AND IS EXPECTED TO BE FINISHED IN MAY, 1989, COINCIDING WITH COMPLETION OF THE HEADQUARTERS BUILDING.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE HEADQUARTERS BEGAN TWO MONTHS AGO. IT IS SITUATED ON A 7,700-SQUARE-METRE SITE NEAR SUN HING GARDEN PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME DEVELOPMENT.
THE HEADQUARTERS WILL INCLUDE A COMPOUND, A PARADE/INSPECTION AREA AND A RANGE OF SINGLE-STOREY ANCILLARY BUILDINGS. THE MAIN BUILDING WILL HAVE OFFICES; INTERVIEW, CONFERENCE AND REPORT ROOMS; CONTROL/COMMUNICATION CENTRES; COMPUTER ROOMS; DORMITORIES; AND LOCKER AND REST ROOMS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN INDOOR SHOOTING RANGE AND A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL WHICH CAN BE TURNED INTO A GYMNASIUM OR AN ASSEMBLY HALL.
THE SINGLE-STOREY ANCILLARY BUILDINGS WILL BE USED AS WORKSHOPS AND FOR STORAGE.
A TOTAL OF 25,670 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE BUILDINGS.
------0------- /21 ...................
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
21 -
SITE FORMATION WORK IN SHEUNG SHU1 » * t *
A NEW VILLAGE-TYPE DEVELOPMENT AREA, OF ABOUT 1.5 HECTARES, IS TO BE FORMED IN SHEUNG SHUI.
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION TO THE NORTH OF SHEUNG SHUI TSUEN.
THE WORKS ALSO COMPRISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 600-METRE LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROAD BETWEEN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND A RECENTLY COMPLETED NEW ROAD, CARPARKS AND ACCESS ROADS.
A FLOOD STORAGE POND, STORMWATER DRAINS AND A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION WILL ALSO BE BUILT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN TN JANUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN 18 MONTHS.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IN NOON ON
NOVEMBER 20.
-------0----------
STRIKE IN ITALY DELAYS AIRMAIL
t ♦ ♦ »
OWING TO A STRIKE BY AIRLINE SPEEDPOST AND AIRMAIL SERVICES TO ITALY SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
STAFF AT ITALIAN AIRPORTS, ARE AFFECTED, A POST OFFICE
SPEEDPOST AND AIRMAIL ITEMS SENT TO AND FROM ITALY ARE THEREFORE SUBJECT TO DELAY, HE SAJD.
THE PUBLIC WILL BE FURTHER ADVISED AS SOON AS THE SITUATION RETURNS TO NORMAL, HE ADDED.
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/22
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 1987
22 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (OCTOBER 31), TWO 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS WILL BE REVISED TO 24 HOURS DAILY. THEY ARE :
♦ THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KING’S ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION
WITH TAI KOO SHING RAOD TO A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES WEST OF
THE SAME JUNCTION, AND
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD FROM ITS
JUNCTION WITH TAI KOO SHING ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES
EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
THE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO FACILITATE SLOPE WORKS.
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BF ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES FOR GOODS OR PASSENGERS.
TO FACILITATE THE OPENING OF THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THE SAME DAY.
-----0------
ROAD CLOSURE IN TUEN MUN ♦ * ♦
TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS, THE SECTION OF ROAD 16A BETWEEN ROAD 16E AND ROAD 16F IN AREA 16, TUEN MUN, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD 16E, ROAD 16C AND ROAD 16F.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1987
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL PUBLISHED . 1
AG CALLS FOR GREATER VIGILANCE ........................... 3
YOUDE FUND COUNCIL ANNOUNCES AWARDS SCHEME............... 6
TIN SHUI WAI SITE FORMATION STARTS MONDAY................. 8
PHASE III OF EASY TRAVEL SCHEME BEGINS .................. 10
REPRIEVE FOR YUNG SHUE AU MARICULTURISTS ................ 10
NEW LAWS ON LIFTS AND ESCALATORS EFFECTIVE FROM NOVEMBER .. 11
AMENDMENTS TO TUEN MUN ZONING PLAN ANNOUNCED ............ 12
GOOD LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS STRESSED ............... 13
CAMPAIGN AIMS aT REDUCING ACCIDENTS IN HOME.............. 14
CIVIC EDUCATION BOOST FOR YOUNG CITIZENS ................ 15
VARIETY SHOW PROMOTES COMMUNITY INTEREST ................ 16
VARIED PROGRAMME FOR TUEN MUN FESTIVAL................... 17
MOBILE EXHIBITION ON TRAMS .............................. 17
SEMINAR TO EXPLAIN CODE OF PRACTICE FOR GOODS VEHICLES .... 18
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN ........................ 19
CSD CENTRAL REGISTER CAN ASSIST PRIVATE SECTOR .......... 19
FOUR SITES FOR SALE BY AUCTION .......................... 20
ROAD WORKS ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.................... 21
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1987
COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL PUBLISHED ♦ » * * ♦
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS BILL 1987 IN THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL FOR FURTHER PUBLIC DISCUSSION BEFORE ITS INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
, THE CONSULTATION PERIOD WILL LAST FOR TWO MONTHS, UNTIL DECEMBER 31.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE BILL MAY WRITE TO THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY’S OFFICE, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE BILL WAS DRAWN UP IN THE LIGHT OF THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, ’’REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES”, PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT ON AUGUST 20 LAST YEAR.
THE DOCUMENT INVITED PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE ADEQUACY OF THE EXISTING SYSTEMS FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES AND ON THE OPTIONS SET OUT IN THE DOCUMENT FOR IMPROVING THOSE SYSTEMS.
"A CLEAR MAJORITY OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED FAVOURED THE INTRODUCTION OF AN INDEPENDENT AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS ALLEGING MALADMINISTRATION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, SEEKS TO ESTABLISH A COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS, WHOSE FUNCTION WOULD BE TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINTS ABOUT ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS REACHED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS LISTED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE BILL.
”IT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE, FOR THE ORDINARY CITIZEN, SOME MEANS WHEREBY A PERSON INDEPENDENT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE CAN INVESTIGATE, AND REPORT ON, GRIEVANCES ARISING FROM ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS, ACTS, RECOMMENDATIONS OR OMISSIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER IS DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT AND STRENGTHEN THE EXISTING CHANNELS FOR THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES BUT NOT TO REPLACE THEM,” HE ADDED.
THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSIONER WILL BE FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS, THOUGH HE MAY BE RE-APPOINTED. HIS REMUNERATION AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, WHICH ARE TO BE EQUATED WITH THOSE OF A HIGH COURT JUDGE, ARE TO BE SPECIFIED BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE DUTY OF THE COMMISSIONER WILL BE TO CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS INTO ACTIONS RELATING TO MATTERS OF ADMINISTRATION, TAKEN BY ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT SPECIFIED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE.
/THE BILL
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1987
2
THE BILL PROPOSES THAT THE COMMISSIONER MAY START AN INVESTIGATION INTO ANY MATTER WITHIN HIS JURISDICTION ON A COMPLAINT REFERRED 1'0 HIM BY A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
"THE REASON WHY COMPLAINTS ARE REQUIRED TO GO THROUGH A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS THAT OMELCO IS ALREADY WIDELY RECOGNISED AS THE PR INI’I PAL CHANNEL FOR COMPLAINTS AGAINST MALADMINISTRATION, AS WELL AS OTHER TYPES OF REPRESENTATIONS AND APPEALS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT IS THUS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE THAT THIS SHOULD CONTINUE AND THAT OMELCO SHOULD SORT OUT, FROM THE MANY REPRESENTATIONS AND APPEALS RECEIVED, THOSE COMPLAINTS ALLEGING MALADMINISTRATION WHICH WOULD BE PASSED ON TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE COMMISSIONER," HE ADDED.
THIS WOULD PREVENT THE COMMISSIONER BEING INUNDATED WITH COMPLAINTS WHICH FALL OUTSIDE HIS TERMS OF REFERENCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL STIPULATES THE METHOD OF MAKING A COMPLAINT AND THE CONDITIONS TO BE SATISFIED BY COMPLAINANTS.
IT ALSO SPECIFIES THOSE COMPLAINTS WHICH [’HE COMMISSIONER MAY, IN HIS DISCRETION, DECIDE NOT TO INVESTIGATE AND THOSE WHICH HE SHAI L NOT INVESTIGATE.
"FOR EXAMPLE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID, "THE COMMISSIONER IS PREVENTED FROM LOOKING INTO COMPLAINTS WHERE THE COMPLAINANT HAS A RIGHT TO APPEAL UNDER ANY ORDINANCE, OR A REMEDY THROUGH THE COURTS, UNLESS HE IS SATISFIED THAT IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE IT IS NOT REASONABLE TO EXPECT THE COMPLAINANT TO EXERCISE THAT RIGHT OR PURSUE THAT REMEDY."
‘THERE IS ALSO PROPOSED PROVISION REQUIRING THE COMMISSIONER TO INFORM A COMPLAINANT, AND THE MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY WHOM THE COMPLAINT WAS REFERRED, OF HIS DECISION NOT TO INVESTIGATE AND GIVE REASONS," HE SAID.
UNDER THE BILL, THE COMMISSIONER, WITH VERY LIMITED EXCEPTIONS, IS EMPOWERED TO REQUIRE INFORMATION AND DOCUMENTS TO BE PRODUCED TO HIM. A PERSON WHO IS PROHIBITED BY ANY LAW FROM DISCLOSING ANY INEORMATI ON MUST NEVERTHELESS MAKE DISCLOSURE TO THE COMMISSIONER. ANOTHER PROPOSED CLAUSE DEPRIVES THE GOVERNMENT OF THE RIGHT TO WITHHOLD DOCUMENTS FROM THE COMM ISSI ONER ON GENFRAI PUBLIC' INTEREST GROUNDS.
"THIS GIVES THE COMMISSIONER A VERY BROAD RIGHT OF ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT FILES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ON REPORTING
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
ON REPORTING PROCEDURES, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE COMMISSIONER MUST REPORT HIS OPINION TO THE HEAD OE DEPARTMENT CONCERNED, WITH HIS RECOMMENDATIONS, IE HE CONSIDERS THAT THERE IS EVIDENCE OF MALADMINISTRATION.
THE REPORT MAY SUBSEQUENTLY BE SENT TO THE GOVERNOR IF NOT ACTED UPON. IT WOULD THEN BE UP TO THE GOVERNOR TO TAKE ACTION IN WHATEVER MANNER HE SEES FIT, BEARING IN MIND THAT THE COMMISSIONER CAN, IF NO ACTION IS FORTHCOMING, PUBLICISE HIS FINDINGS.
THE COMPLAINANT, AND THE MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHO REFERRED THE COMPLAINT, MUSI BE TOLD OF THE RESULT OF ANY INVESTIGATION AND OF THE COMMISSIONER’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
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AG CALLS FOR GREATER VIGILANCE * * * « «
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, HAS WELCOMED MOVES BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION TO REPORT EVIDENCE OF BUSINESS FRAUD AT AN EARLY STAGE.
SPEAKING AT THE SOCIETY’S ANNUAL DINNER TONIGHT (FRIDAY), MR THOMAS SAID ACCOUNTANTS HAD A ROLE TO PLAY IN PROMOTING THE FINANCIAL HEALTH OF HONG KONG.
"ETERNAL VIGILANCE IS NOT JUST THE PRICE OF FREEDOM, IT IS THE PRICE THAT HAS TO BE PAID FOR A FREE MARKET.
"A FREE MARKET IS NOT A FREE-FOR-ALL. THE PLAYERS IN THE MARKET HAVE TO PLAY ACCORDING TO THE RULES,” HE SAID.
THE GREATER THE VIGILANCE OF THOSE ABLE TO BLOW THE WHISTLE ON THE FINANCIAL CON-MAN OR THE CORRUPT DIRECTOR OR THE INSIDER DEALER, THE MORE LIKELY THEY WERE TO KEEP TO THE RULES, HE SAID.
"HOWEVER MANY TRAINED POLICE INVESTIGATORS THERE ARE, OR LAWYERS SPECIALISING IN THE FIELD OF COMMERCIAL CRIME - AND I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT GOVERNMENT HAS FAR MORE IN THE WAY OF RESOURCES AND ACQUIRED SKILLS THAN IT HAD SEVEN YEARS AGO - THEY ACTUALLY SPEND A LOT OF THEIR TIME (AND NOW I SHALL ENJOY MIXING MY METAPHORS) RUMMAGING ABOUT AN EMPTY CUPBOARD AMONG THE SKELETONS LONG AFTER THE BIRD HAS FLOWN LEAVING A MOUNTAIN OF DEBT - AND THE INVESTOR li'LDINO THE BABY - WITHOUT ANY BATHWATER," HE SAID.
/'•WHAT IS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
’’WHAT IS NEEDED IS MORE SUCCESS IN STOPPING FINANCIAL HANKY-PANKY IN ITS TRACKS AND CLEAR THINKING FELLOW DIRECTORS, COURAGEOUS ASSOCIATES, ASTUTE BANKERS AND ROBUST PROFESSIONAL ADVISERS WHO ARE PREPARED TO DO SOMETHING WHEN THEIR SUSPICIONS ARE FIRST AROUSED.”
THE POLICE TENDED ONLY TO BECOME INVOLVED WHEN THERE HAD BEEN A TOTAL DEBACLE, SUCH AS INSOLVENCY ON A MASSIVE SCALE, HE SAID. THAT WAS FAR TOO LATE TO PREVENT HEAVY LOSSES TO INNOCENT VICTIMS, LARGE AND SMALL. HE COMMENTED: ”IF ONLY IRREGULARITIES WERE CHECKED SOON AFTER THE LOANS WERE DISHONESTLY MADE, OR THE BOOKS HAD BEEN FALSELY WRITTEN UP, OR THE SECURITIES HAD BEEN DOUBLY PLEDGED.”
MR THOMAS SAID HE KNEW THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SOCIETY TO ENCOURAGE ACCOUNTANTS TO REPORT EVIDENCE OF FRAUD AT AN EARLY STAGE.
THIS FOLLOWED THE FIRST OF 57 RECOMMENDATIONS MADE LAST Y£AR BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE ON COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS WITH THE SOCIETY AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES WAYS TO FACILITATE THE REPORTING BY ACCOUNTANTS OF SUSPECTED FRAUD.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID HE WAS GLAD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE AND THAT GUIDELINES WOULD SHORTLY BE ISSUED BY THE SOCIETY TO ITS MEMBERS.
"AT FIRST THIS WILL CONCENTRATE ON THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING SECTOR WHERE GOVERNMENT IS MUCH INVOLVED. I HOPE IT WILL NOT BE TOO LONG BEFORE THE PRACTICES THAT EMERGE CAN BE EXTENDED INTO OTHER AREAS OF BUSINESS LIFE,” HE SAID.
MR THOMAS SAID THE INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION OF HONG KONG LAY WITH THOSE ENGAGED IN BUSINESS LIFE.
”1 PAY TRIBUTE TO THIS SOCIETY FOR THE WAY IN WHICH THEY HAVE RECOGNISED THAT SIMPLE TRUTH AND HAVE RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE OF RAISING THE STANDARDS OF THEIR MEMBERS AND THEIR CLIENTS.
”THE RIGHT OF AN HONOURABLE PROFESSION TO ENJOY THEIR INDEPENDENCE RESTS UPON THE QUALITY OF THE SERVICES THEY HAVE TO OFFER TO THE COMMUNITY,” HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE TOPIC OF LIMITED LIABILITY, MR THOMAS SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THE SOCIETY WOULD BE MAKING FURTHER SUBMISSIONS TO HIM ON THE SUBJECT.
BUT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WARNED THEM NOT TO EXPECT TOO MUCH. "THE JUSTIFICATION FOR STATUTORY PROTECTION FOR WELL-PAID PROFESSIONAL MEN IS ONE THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL FIND DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND,” HE SAID.
/MR THOMAS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
5 -
MR THOMAS ALSO POINTED OUT THAT WHERE STATUTORY LIMITATION OF LIABILITY HAD BEEN REASONABLY SUCCESSFUL, NOTABLY IN THE FIELDS OF CIVIL AVIATION AND MERCHANT SHIPPING, IT HAD FOLLOWED A GREAT DEAL OF WORK AT INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES LEADING TO INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND LEGISLATION IN EACH OF THE SIGNATORY STATES.
"SO YOUR PLEAS ON THIS TOPIC NEED TO BE ADDRESSED TO THE LAWMAKERS IN ALL THOSE COMMUNITIES WHERE YOU PRACTICE AND MAY BE SUED," HE SAID
ON THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIME CASES, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SAID PROCEDURAL REFORMS WERE BADLY NEEDED IF BUSINESS FRAUDS WERE GOING TO CONTINUE TO BE TREATED AS CRIMES TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE CRIMINAL COURTS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THEY WERE VASTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE OLD FELONIES OF MURDER, RAPE, AND ROBBERY FOR WHICH THE RULES WERE ORIGINALLY DEVELOPED.
NEARLY EVERYTHING TO BE DISCUSSED WAS IN THE FORM OF DOCUMENTS, SOMETIMES TENS OF THOUSANDS OF THEM, AND A GREAT DEAL OF TIME AND MONEY COULD BE WASTED IN PROVING THEM WHEN THEY SPOKE FOR THEMSELVES.
A BILL TO MAKE THE MODEST REFORMS RECOMMENDED IN 1986 BY A SELECT COMMITTEE ON COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES HAD BEEN PROMISED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLIER THIS MONTH.
COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES WERE ALSO DIFFICULT TO BRING TO TRIAL FOR OTHER REASONS.
THE MULTINATIONAL FEATURES OF BUSINESS LIFE OFTEN MADE IT DIFFICULT TO SHOW THAT ANY PARTICULAR COURT HAD JURISDICTION TO TRY AN OFFENCE WHERE DIFFERENT ACTS TOOK PLACE IN DIFFERENT PLACES. AND JUST AS MONEY TRAVELLED EASILY, SO COULD WITNESSES AND THOSE ACCUSED OF CRIME.
"MY COUNSEL AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES SPEND A LOT OF TIME AND EFFORT IN EXTRADITION PROCEEDINGS SEEKING THE RETURN FROM ABROAD OF THOSE WANTED IN HONG KONG TO ANSWER CRIMINAL CHARGES," MR THOMAS SAID.
"IN 1987 ALONE, WE HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN EXTRADITION PROCEEDINGS IN UK, USA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE NETHERLANDS, FRANCE, MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE."
HE SAID COMMERCIAL FRAUDS WERE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER CRIMES.
"THEY ARE FIRST OF ALL HARD TO DETECT, EVEN BY THE MOST ASTUTE AUDITOR OR INVESTIGATOR. THE VICTIM OF THE CRIME IS NEVER THERE TO SHOUT ’STOP THIEF’ OR ’RAPE’ AND RUSH OFF TO THE POLICEMAN, POINTING A FINGER.
/"THE ONE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 50, 1987
6
STOCKHOLDER
LOST HIS
DONE," HE
"THE ONE WHO HAS LOST OUT IS A SHAREHOLDER OR THE IN A UNIT TRUST OR A PENSION FUND, OR A DEPOSITOR WHO HAS MONEY IN GOOD FAITH AND HAS NO IDEA WHAT THE BORROWER HAS
SAlb.
SECOND, COMMERCIAL CRIME DID NOT LOOK LIKE CRIME. "THERE ARE NO CORPSES OR POOLS OF BLOOD ON THE FLOOR FOR THE CLEANER TO FIND. THE CRIMINAL SHIFTS A MILLION DOLLARS FROM A TRUST ACCOUNT TO A SHELL COMPANY, AND GIVES HIS BOOKKEEPER AN INVOICE NUMBER. NO ONE KNOWS AT THAT MOMENT THAT A SERIOUS THEFT HAS BEEN COMMITTED,” MR THOMAS SAID.
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YOUDE FUND COUNCIL ANNOUNCES AWARDS SCHEME
t * ♦ * »
THE SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) AN OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP AWARDS SCHEME FOR 1988-89.
IT ALSO ANNOUNCED THE RESULTS OF ITS SELECTION OF LOCAL STUDENTS AT SENIOR SECONDARY, UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE LEVEL FOR THE AWARD OF PRIZES, SCHOLARSHIPS AND FELLOWSHIPS FOR 1987-88.
THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, SAID THE OVERSEAS SCHEME WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE EDUCATION OF HONG KONG’S BEST STUDENTS IN THE FINEST UNIVERSITIES OVERSEAS.
"WE EXPECT OUR SCHOLARS AND FELLOWS TO HAVE A STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND TO BE FULLY COMMITTED TO ITS FUTURE WELL-BEING WHEN THEY RETURN FROM THEIR STUDIES ABROAD. WE ALSO WOULD LIKE THEM TO ACT AS GOODWILL AMBASSADORS PROMOTING THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
THESE WILL BE FULL-COST AWARDS COVERING TUITION FEES, PERSONAL LIVING EXPENSES AND A RETURN AIR PASSAGE.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS WILL BE FOR STUDIES LEADING TO A FIRST DEGREE AND THE FELLOWSHIPS FOR A POSTGRADUATE DEGREE WHETHER BY RESEACH OR COURSEWORK OR BOTH. THEY WILL COVER THE ENTIRE DURATION OF THE COURSE OF STUDY AND WILL BE TENABLE AT ANY RECOGNISED TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL OR ACADEMIC INSTITUTION OUTSIDE HONG KONG.
MR CHEONG SAID THE COUNCIL WOULD HAVE TO BE CAREFUL IN ITS EXPENDITURE AS OVERSEAS EDUCATION WAS INVARIABLY EXPENSIVE AND THE COUNCIL COULD ONLY USE THE INCOME OF THE FUND.
/"BEARING THIS
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
"BEARING THIS IN MIND, WE HAVE DECIDED TO OFFER ABOUT FOUR TO SIX SCHOLARSHIPS OR FELLOWSHIPS IN 1988-89. WE HOPF. THAT THE FUND’S INCOME WILL INCREASE SO THAT WE MAY HAVE A LARGER NUMBER OF AWARDS IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS," MR CHEONG ADDED.
ALL ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO APPLY. APPLICATION FORMS AND OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE SIR EDWARD YpUDE MEMORIAL FUND COUNCIL SECRETARIAT: (M/F, LOW BLOCK, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, HONG KONG) AND SHOULD BE RETURNED BY NOVEMBER 30, 1987.
SELECTION COMMITTEES CONSISTING OF COUNCIL MEMBERS AND PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WILL MEE1 SHOR'I-LISTED APPLICANTS IN ABOUT JANUARY OR FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR. IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE RESULTS OF THE AWARDS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.
AS REGARDS THE LOCAL SCHEME, MR CHEONG SAID THERE WERE 19 FELLOWSHIPS, 60 SCHOLARSHIPS AND 466 PRIZES FOR 1987-88. THE 1OTAL VALUE OF THE AWARDS AMOUNTS TO NEARLY $2 MILLION.
MR CHEONG SAID THE LOCAL AWARDS SCHEME WAS A FIRST STEP WHICH THE COUNCIL TOOK FOR PROMOTING THE EDUCATION AND LEARNING OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND ENCOURAGING RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
IN PARTICULAR, PRIZES FOR SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO ATTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF LEARNING AND TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THE SELECTION COMMITTEES HAD FOUND THE STANDARD OF THE STUDENTS TO BE VERY HIGH.
"THOSE AWARDED THE FELLOWSHIPS AND SCHOLARSHIPS REPRESENT A BROAD SPECTRUM OF THE ACADEMIC DISCIPLINES OFFERED AT THE LOCAL TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS," HE SAID.
"OVERALL, THE COUNCIL IS CONFIDENT THAT THOSE SELECTED HAVE THE POTENTIAL OF MAKING SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ADVANCEMENT OF THE TERRITORY AND THE ENHANCEMENT OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE," HE ADDED.
THE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO RECIPIENTS BY LADY YOUDE IN FEBRUARY, 1988 AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALE.
/DETAILS OF
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
DETAILS OF THE CATEGORIES OF AWARDS ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
» SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL PRIZES FOR FORM 5 STUDENTS AND STUDENTS FROM EITHER FORM 6 OR 7. STUDENTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED ON THE BASIS OF GOOD ACADEMIC RESULTS AND PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN THEIR SCHOOL OR IN THE COMMUNITY. THE PRIZE VALUE IS $400.
* SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR FINAL YEAR DIPLOMA AND UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONO POLYTECHNIC, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE. THE COUNCIL HAS CHOSEN STUDENTS WHO HAVE NOT ONLY EXCELLED ACADEMICALLY, BUT HAVE ALSO CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE LIFE OF THE STUDENT BODY IN THEIR INSTITUTION OR TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG. THE SCHOLARSHIP VALUE IS $10,000.
* SIR EDWARD YOUDE MEMORIAL FELLOWSHIPS FOR POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS STUDYING FOR THEIR HIGHER DEGREE BY RESEARCH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC; THESE ARE THE THREE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WHICH OFFER POST-GRADUATE DEGREES AT PRESENT. THE COUNCIL HAS CHOSEN STUDENTS IN RECOGNITION OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND TO ENCOURAGE RESEARCH OF STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG. THE FELLOWSHIP VALUE IS $25,000 EACH YEAR.
- - - - O --------
TIN SHUI WAI SITE FORMATION STARTS MONDAY *****
SITE FORMATION WORK ON THE TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN YUEN LONG WOULD START ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) TO PROVIDE HOMES FOR AN ENVISAGED POPULATION OF ABOUT 140,000 PEOPLE IN THE 1990’S, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
AT THE SAME TIME DREDGING OF THE BORROW AREA IN DEEP BAY WOULD BE CARRIED OUT TO OBTAIN SAND FOR FILLING PONDS AT THE SITE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE MARINE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE LINKING THE BORROW AREA AND THE SITE WAS AN IMPORTANT LINK TO THIS MAJOR PROJECT WHICH CANNOT BE DELAYED BECAUSE OF THE ENORMOUS ECONOMIC AND CONTRACTUAL COMMITMENTS INVOLVED, HE SAID.
/AS THE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 198?
A3 THE MARINE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE WOULD AFFECT. OYSTER CULTIVATION IN THE AREA, THE GOVERNMENT TOOK MEASURES, INCLUDING MAKING AVAILABLE MORE THAN $4 MILLION IN EX-GRA'ilA ALL ■ , J!S, > 0
HAVE FARMERS REMOVE THEIR OYSTERS FROM THE SEABED SO THAT YORK WOULD COMMENCE ON SCHEDULE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"SO FAR, 49 OUT OF 90 FARMERS HAVE COLLECTED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, AN OFFER OF >140,000 WAS MADE TO THE YUE WO POND WHICH HAD HELPED DEVELOP OYSTER CULTIVATION IN THE AREA."
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT SINCE DECEMBER 1985, THE DISTRICT OFFICE BEGAN A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF LAu FU SHAN OYSTER INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION, THE NEW TERRITORIES OYSTER AND CRUSTACEAN UNITED ASSOCIATION AND OTHER CONCERNED BODIES TO DISCUSS COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS.
"AS EARLY AS FEBRUARY 1986, THE FIRST COMPENSATION OFFER WAS MADE TO THE FARMERS AND THEN AGAIN IN LATE AUGUST AND EARLY OCTOBER 1987," HE SAID.
"THE RATE OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WAS ALSO INCREASED BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT," HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT CARRIED OUT A FREEZING SURVEY IN JANUARY 1986 AT A TIME WHEN THE OYSTERS WERE READY FOR HARVESTIf' PREPARATION FOR THE DEMAND DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH HE THERE WAS AN ABUNDANCE OF OYSTERS IN THE SEABED TO MERIT ACCU ASSESSMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THE SIDE SCAN SONAR, WHICH IS INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED AS ACCURATE AND PRACTICABLE METHOD OF IDENTIFYING THE PATTERN AND DISTRIBUTION OF SUBMARINE OBJECTS, WAS USED TO CARRY OUT THE SURE , HE SAID.
"A SIMILAR SURVEY AND ANOTHER USING DIVERS WERE CARRIED OUT N JULY THIS YEAR IN THE PRESENCE OF INVITED OYSTER FARMERS/ HE ADDED
"TOTAL OYSTER PRODUCTION HAS BEEN STEADILY ON DECLINE
OVER THE PAST YEARS. EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO IDENTIFY AND COMPENSATE ACTIVE OYSTER FARMERS WITHIN THE MARINE DREDGING AREA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/1O........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3Of 198?
- 10 -
PHASE III OF EASY TRAVEL SCHEME BEGINS ♦ » * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT PHASE III OF THE EASY TRAVEL SCHEME WILL COMMENCE ON SUNDAY WHEN THE COMPUTERISATION OF THE IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS AT MAN KAM i’O AND SHA TAU KOK BECOMES OPERATIONAL.
A TOTAL OF FOUR COMPUTERS, WHICH ARE LINKED WITH 40 SMALL TERMINALS AT THE KIOSKS AND IMMIGRATION COUNTERS AT MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK, HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, PROVIDING A MODERNISED STEM TO FURTHER FACILITATE HONG KONG RESIDENTS TRAVELLING TO AND FROM CHINA.
’’STARTING FROM SUNDAY, PASSENGERS USING THEIR HONG IDENTITY CARDS (HKIC) AT MAN KAM TO AND SHA TAU KOK WILL NOT BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE CARDS. HOLDERS OF HKIC BEARING SYMBOL WILL FURTHER BENEFIT FROM BEING EXEMPTED FROM PRODUCING A HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMIT FOR JOURNEYS TO AND FROM CHINA VIA THESE TWO CONTROL POINTS.
"HOWEVER, DRIVERS AND AUTHORISED PERSONNEL WHO ARE IN POSSESSION OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS BEARING VALID ENDORSEMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PASSING THROUGH THESE TWO CONTROL POINTS WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE SUCH DOCUMENTS", A SPOKESMAN FROM THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE REMINDED THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC THAT ALL CHILDREN PG BELOW 18 AND THOSE ADULT TRAVELLERS WHOSE HKIC’S HAVE BEEN PERFOI? AT> , DEFACED, LOST OR THOSE WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM OBTAINING HKIC SF HJ TRAVEL ON HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS OR OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS PASSING THROUGH ANY OF THE COMPUTERISED CONTROL POINTS.
"TO FACILITATE THEIR TRAVEL THROUGH CONTROL POINTS, PARE' ARE ADVISED TO COMPLETE ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE CARDS ON BEHALF OF THEN? CHILDREN WHO DO NOT HAVE HKIC’S BEFORE PRESENTING THEMSELVES FOR IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE", HE ADDED.
------0-------
REPRIEVE FOR YUNG SHUE AU MARICULTURISTS ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦
MARICULTURISTS WHO HAD MOVED OUT OF THEIR ALLOCATED Sj ;IS IN THE YUNG SHUE AU FISH CULTURE ZONE FOLLOWING A MAJOR FISH KILL IN THE AREA IN JULY WERE TODAY (FRIDAY) GIVEN A TEMPORARY REPRIEVE FROM PROSECUTION FOR CONTRAVENING THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES) OF THE AGRICULTURE AMD FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR CHRISTOPHER LEE, SAID THE DECISION WA: i> AFTER A MEETING HELD THIS MORNING BETWEEN OMELCO AND SENIOR STA.
THE DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS OF THE CITY AND
ADMINISTRATION AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT.
/DR Lt/E
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
11 -
DR LEE SAID THAT IN VIEW OF THE PREDICAMENT OF THE AFFECTED CULTURISTS, THE DEPARTMENT WAS PREPARED TO WITH-HOLD PROSECUTION ACTION AND TO COMPLETE EFFORTS TO FIND ADDITIONAL FISH'CUL': UJ ' AREAS.
"WE ARE CURRENTLY IN THE PROCESS OF CONSULTING VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED. A DECISION WILL BE EXPECTED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR," HE SAID.
IN LATE JULY, 31 OF THE 100 OPERATORS IN YUNG SHUE AU FISH CULTURE ZONE MOVED TO YIM TIN TSAI EAST, SHAM WAN AND SAI KUNG AFTER A MAJOR FISH KILL IN THE AREA ATTRIBUTED TO RED TIDE WHICH CAUSED OXYGEN DEPLETION IN THE WATER. THEIR MOVE WAS A BREACH OF THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE.
DR LEE SAID: "WB SYMPATHISE WITH THE AFFECTED CULTURISTS IN THEIR HEAVY LOSSES.
"IN VIEW OF THE SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE CASE, THE DEPARTMENT IS MAKING IT AN EXCEPTION TO ALLOW THOSE MARICULTURISTS MORE TIME TO STAY WHERE THEY ARE PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE SEARCH FOR ADDITIONAL CULTURE AREAS."
-------0--------
NEW LAWS
ON LIFTS AND ESCALATORS EFFECTIVE FROM NOVEMBER
*****
HWNRRq AND MANAGERS OF LIFTS, ESCALATORS AND rnwurvciRQ will BE REQUIRED TO FULFIL CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS AMENDMENTS TO THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE COME EFFECT ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1.
OWNERS
PASSENGER
WHEN INTO
LOG
UNDER THE AMENDMENTS, THEY WILL BE T0 MAINTENANCE
AND ESCALATORS ARE PROPERLY MAINTAINED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY AGREED S 8
CONTRACTORS ON THE FORMAT OF THE LOG BOOK AND ON VARiOUS .1
"OWNERS OF SUCH INSTALLATIONS AND MANAGERS OF BUILDINGS WHO ARE IN SI? AS TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES SHOULD CONI • ; *
REGISTERED CONTRACTORS. THE AMENDMENTS ARE AIMED AT ENHANCING SAFETY IN THE USE OF SUCH INSTALLATIONS, HE SAID.
/FEES RANGING
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 198?
THE ISSUE . PAYMENTS HONG KONG
MECHANICAL
FEES RANGING FROM 1120 TO <240 WILL BE CHARGED FOR OR ENDORSEMENT OF THE VARIOUS PERMITS AND CE aOATES SHOULD BE MADE BY CROSSED CHEQUES, PAYADLL' TO TH® GOVERNMENT, AND SENT TO THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND SERVICES TOGETHER WITH THE CERTIFICATES.
"ALTERNATIVELY, OWNERS AND BUILDING MANAGERS CAN ARRANGE WITH THEIR CONTRACTORS ON THE MOST SUITABLE PAYMENT METHOD,' THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THAN THE
SERVICE LIFTS AND DUMB WAITERS OR SMALL GOODS LIFTS INSTALLED IN SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, OTHER FACTORIES OR INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, WILL ALSO BE COVERED BY
AMENDMENTS.
OWNERS AND MANAGERS OF SUCH SERVICE LIFTS ARE REQUESTED TO NOTIFY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES THE LOCATION AND OTHER DETAILS OF THESE INSTALLATIONS, WHICH WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE EXAMINED ANNUALLY.
OTHER AMENDMENTS SPECIFY THE REQUIREMENT TO REPORT ACCIDENTS TO THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES; THAT ONLY REGISTERED CONTRACTORS MAY CARRY OUT LIFT OR ESCALATOR WORKS AND THAT ANY UNAUTHORISED INTERFERENCE OR MISUSE OF LIFTS OR ESCALATORS WILL BE AN OFFENCE SUBJECT TO A FINE AND IMPRISONMENT.
------ 0 ----------
AMENDMENTS TO TUEN MUN ZONING PLAN ANNOUNCED » * * » »
THE ALIGNMENT OF THE STAGE II OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN TUEN MUN HAS BEEN SLIGHTLY REVISED TO PROVIDE FOR A PROPOSED LRT TERMINUS AT SAM SHING ESTATE AND A DIRECT LINK FROM SIU HONG COURT TO THE SOUTH OF FU TEI.
THE REVISION IS ONE OF THE THREE AMENDMENTS MADE TO THE DRAFT TUEN MUN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, WHICH WERE PUBLISHED TN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE OTHER AMENDMENT INVOLVES THE REZONING OF THREE SITES TO THE EAST OF BUTTERFLY ESTATE FROM ’OPEN SPACE’, ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ AND INDUSTRIAL’ TO ’RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’.
/THE CHANGES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 198?
THE CHANGES WILL PROVIDE LAND FOR BUILDING 3,900 PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR ABOUT 14,000 PEOPLE AND A LOCAL OPEN SPACE OF 10,000 SQUARE METRES.
< AN ’INDUSTRIAL’ SITE LYING TO THE NORTH OF THE RESIDENTIAL AREA HAS BEEN REZONED TO 'GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ AND RESERVED FOR A NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMUNITY CENTRE, AN ELECTRICITY SUB-STATION AND LOCAL OPEN SPACE.
ANOTHER 'INDUSTRIAL' SITE AT THE WESTERN WATERFRONT OF CASTLE PEAK BAY HAS ALSO BEEN REZONED TO ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ TO ALLOW EXTENSION OF A VEGETABLE AND FISH WHOLESALE MARKET NEARBY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID: "WITH THE REZONING OF ABOUT 5.8 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR 'RESIDENTIAL' AND ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY’ USES, THE PROJECTED INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT CAPACITY IN TUEN MUN WILL STILL BE ADEQUATE IN MEETING THE PROJECTED LOCAL DEMAND FOR JOBS UP TO 1995/96."
THE THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE PLAN INVOLVES THE GENERAL LAYOUT REVISION IN AN AREA TO THE NORTH OF SAM SHING ESTATE.
A NEW 'RESIDENTIAL (GROUP A)’ SITE THERE HAS BEEN RESERVED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECT WiTH 4,200 UNITS FOR ABOUT 15,000 PEOPLE.
THE ADJOINING ’GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUN1TY’ AND 'OPEN SPACE’ SITES WILL ACCOMMODATE TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND A SOCCER PITCH.
ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENTS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD BY NOVEMBER 20.
-----0------
GOOD LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS STRESSED *****
ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TASKS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT MAINTAIN GOOD LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS IN HONG KONG, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
IS TO DEPUTY
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SYMPOSIUM ON LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, HE SAID GOOD LABOUR MANAGEMENT RELATIONS COULD RAISE PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVE EMPLOYEES’ QUALITY OF LIFE.
/"FURTHERMORE, IT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
14
"FURTHERMORE, IT COULD STRENGTHEN HONG KONG’S SOCIAL STABILITY AND ECONOMY," HE ADDED.
THE ONE-DAY SYMPOSIUM, THE FOURTH OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WAS ATTENDED BY 60 SENIOR PERSONNEL AND CONTRACTORS. IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL AND OFFICIALS OF THE TRADE UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS' ASSOCIATIONS OF THE INDUSTRY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ENLIGHTENED MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE AND TO DISCUSS WAYS ON IMPROVING LABOUR RELATIONS.
GUEST SPEAKERS ADDRESSING THE EVENT WERE MR HO SAI-CHU, PERMANENT SUPERVISOR OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION; MR LAWRENCE CHOI, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE SHUI ON BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD; MR POON TO-CHUEN, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION; MR P.C. CHAU, CENTRE MANAGER OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND MR T.S. CHOW, CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THEY SPOKE ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING THE PROSPECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG, LABOUR RELATIONS IN THE CONTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN THE EYES OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR AND A TRADE UNION LEADER, HOW TO FACE THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, AND COMMON LABOUR DISPUTES AND THEIR PREVENTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
-----0------
CAMPAIGN AIMS AT REDUCING ACCIDENTS IN HOME *****
THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTAL DEATHS IN THE HOME HAS RISEN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE YUEN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
STATISTICS FROM THE CORONER’S COUNT SHOWED THE NUMBER OF DEATHS SO FAR THIS YEAR STOOD AT 104, EXCEEDING LAST YEAR’S TOTAL BY 19.
"THEREFORE, IT IS THE COMMITTEE’S CONCERN TO CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS IN THE PROMOTION OF HOME SAFETY, UTILISING EVERY POSSIBLE CHANNEL," MR YUEN SAID.
"IN TOMORROW’S (SATURDAY’S) EPISODE OF THE ’PUBLIC EDUCATION’ PROGRAMME AT 9.50 PM ON TVB JADE, THE TRAGIC STORY OF HOW CHILDREN WERE BURNT TO DEATH AS A RESULT OF BEING LOCKED UP AT HOME, WILL SURELY MAKE PARENTS THINK TWICE ABOUT LEAVING THEIR CHILDREN UNATTENDED," HE ADDED.
/THE PROGRAMME,
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
- 15 -
THE PROGRAMME, JOINTLY PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE REPEATED ON ATV GOLD ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 7) AT 7.58 PM.
MR YUEN ALSO NOTED THAT THE FIFTH HOME SAFETY EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN WAH FU ESTATE IN POK FU LAM THIS SUNDAY.
THIS IS PART OF A SERIES OF MOBILE EXHIBITIONS TO TAKE THE HOME SAFETY MESSAGES DIRECTLY TO VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES.
SO FAR, THE EXHIBITIONS HAVE COVERED THE WONG TAI SIN AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS.
THE AIM IS TO DRAW THE PUBLIC’S ATTENTION TO THE INHERENT DANGERS IN A HOME ENVIRONMENT, AND TO OFFER USEFUL ADVICE ON HOW COMMON ACCIDENTS CAN BE PREVENTED IF SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN.
THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM AND FREE COPIES OF THE HOME SAFETY BOOKLET ARE AVAILABLE FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN KEEPING USEFUL REFERENCE MATERIAL IN THEIR HOMES.
-----0------
CIVIC EDUCATION BOOST FOR YOUNG CITIZENS
*****
YOUNG CITIZENS IN SHA TIN, TAI PO AND NORTH DISTRICT WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR CIVIC OBLIGATIONS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES AND COMPETITIONS SUBVERTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
ORGANISED BY THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SOCIAL SERVICES-HONG KONG, THE "CIVIC EDUCATION DRILL FOR YOUNG CITIZEN" WAS ONE OF THIS YEAR’S 23 SUBSIDISED COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECTS.
THE PROJECT WILL GET UNDERWAY AT SHA TIN CITY PLAZA TOMORROW (SATURDAY). GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MRS RITA FAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS, MR CHEUNG CHI-YUEN. A CRAYON DRAWING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AFTER THE CEREMONY.
ALL ACTIVITIES ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG TEENAGERS. THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE A QUIZ, EXHIBITIONS, BOOKMARK COMPETITION, LYRIC WRITING COMPETITION AND A YOUNG CITIZEN’S TRAINING CAMP.
/A TEOJAGE........
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
- 16 -
A TEENAGE CARTOON CHARACTER WILL HELP TO CONVEY MESSAGES ON THE INDIVIDUAL’S RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY.
THE PROJECT ORGANISER WILL ALSO BE VISITING PRIMARY SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE THREE DISTRICTS, PRESENTING SLIDES VIDEO SHOWS ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
AND AND
-----0------
VARIETY SHOW PROMOTES COMMUNITY INTEREST ♦ * ♦ * *
A VARIETY SHOW TO PROMOTE DISTRICT IDENTITY AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AMONG YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WAS HELD THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING AT THE HONG KONG COLISEUM.
THE EVENT WAS ONE OF THE MANY EVENTS LISTED FOR THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD.
SPEAKING AT THE SHOW’S OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THE FESTIVAL WOULD FOSTER RESIDENTS’ INVOLVEMENT IN PROMOTING A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY.
TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE, HE NOTED THAT RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS CIVIC ACTIVITIES WERE BEING ORGANISED DURING THE TWO-MONTH FESTIVAL.
"THESE ACTIVITIES NOT ONLY BROADEN RESIDENTS’ OUTLOOK IN LIFE, BUT ALSO ENCOURAGE THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY LIFE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU PAID TRIBUTE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL, AREA COMMITTEES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR THEIR CONCERTED EFFORTS IN ORGANISING VARIED FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES FOR ALL PEOPLE.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR YIP WAH, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JOt 198?
- 17 -
VARIED PROGRAMME FOR TUEN MUN FESTIVAL » ♦ ♦ *
THE 1987 TUEN MUN FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 6, WILL COMPRISE A VARIED PROGRAMME OF VARIETY SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS, POP CONCERTS, DRAMA PERFORMANCES, INTERNATIONAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS, A BEACH CARNIVAL, FILM SHOWS, GYMMNASTIC PERFORMANCES AND’OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OPENING PERFORMANCE, JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND HONG KONG TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD, WILL NOT ONLY RAISE FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST BUT ALSO PROVIDE AN ENTERTAINING EVENING FOR RESIDENTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR KINGSLEY- SIT, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE ONE-MONTH FESTIVAL.
ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL ALSO BE ACTING TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDWARD YAU; EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF HK-TVB, MR PHILIP KAM; ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER, MR NG YU; AND A NUMBER OF SINGERS AND ARTISTS TAKING PART IN THE VARIETY SHOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE 1987 TUEN MUN FESTIVAL AT 3 PM ON NOVEMBER 2 (MONDAY) IN LONGCHAMP, 3RD FLOOR, REGAL MERIDIEN HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
f
------0-------- r
MOBILE EXHIBITION ON TRAMS
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL TRAM PARADE CUM EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM THIS SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1) AT THE TRAM DEPOT IN SHARP STREET EAST.
ft
THE EXHIBITS, MOUNTED ON TWO CLASSIC TRAMS, FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EASTERN DISTRICT AND CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
THE TRAM WILL PLY BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND SHAU KEI WAN IN THE AFTERNOONS ON NOVEMBER 7, 8 AND 14.
ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO SEE THE TRAM AND THE EXHIBITS.
/OFFICIATING AT
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 198?
OFFICIATING AT A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH THE PARADE WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ERIC Li; THE CHAIRMAN OF EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION WORKING GROUP, MR PAUL YIN; THE CHAIRMAN OF EASTERN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE, MRS CHOW SUN FONG-CHUNG; THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHNNY CHAN; 1CAC REPRESENTATIVE OF FOK SING OFFICE, MR PETER HUNG; MANAGER OF HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LTD, MR JOHN CAREY AND CUSTOMER SERVICES MANAGER OF HONG KONG TELEPHONE CO, MISS LINDA FUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL TRAM PARADE CUM EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1) AT THE TRAM DEPOT IN SHARP STREET EAST.
- - 0 - -
SEMINAR TO EXPLAIN CODE OF PRACTICE FOR GOODS VEHICLES * * * * *
OFFICIALS FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND TRAFFIC PQLICE WILL EXPLAIN THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR LOADING OF VEHICLES IN A SEMINAR ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7.
THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, AIMS AT IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY OF GOODS VEHICLE LOADING.
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR AN EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND DISCUSSION ON THE CODE OF PRACTICE AMONG TRANSPORT EXPERTS, REPRESENTATIVES OF TRUCK OPERATORS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
ROAD FREIGHT PERSONNEL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR, TO BE HELD AT THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE AT 17/F, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
ADMISSION IS FREE. RESERVATIONS, AND ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SEMINAR, CAN BE MADE TO MR NELSON WONG ON 5-8932341, EXT. 254.
---0-----
/19
0, I
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30, 1987
DRAWING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN ♦ t » »
SOME 300 YOUNGSTERS WILL BE TAKING PART IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION AT THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1) MORNING.
THE COMPETITION, AIMED AT STIMULATING CHILDREN’S INTEREST IN ART, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, MID-LEVELS (CENTRAL) AREA COMMITTEE, DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN)(D A CA) AND Y.W.C.A. AND SPONSORED BY DISTRICT BOARD AND PENTEL (HONG KONG) LTD.
WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE SELECTED AT 11.30 AM AND ADJUDICATORS WILL INCLUDE RENOWNED ARTIST, MR HSU TAT-CHIH AND SECRETARY OF DACA, MRS ALICE KO.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE WILL PRESENT BOOK COUPONS AND TROPHIES TO THE WINNERS AT A CEREMONY HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN DRAWING COMPETITION STARTING AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 1) IN THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE GARDENS AT 10.30 AM AND A PRIZE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 12 NOON. INFORMATION OFFICER, MISS VALENTINA CHAN WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- 0 -
CSD CENTRAL REGISTER CAN ASSIST PRIVATE SECTOR ♦ » * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTER OF AROUND 300,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG TO SERVE MAINLY AS THE SAMPLING FRAME FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S SURVEYS ON BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS.
MANY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO MAKE USE OF THE REGISTER FOR PUBLICITY, SURVEY AND RESEARCH WORK.
/THE PRIVATE
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 198?
- 20 -
THE PRIVATE SECTOR CAN ALSO BENEFIT FROM THE REGISTER BY MAKING USE OF NON-CONFIDENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS RECORDED IN IT FOR MARKET RESEARCH, STATISTICAL SURVEY, BUSINESS AND PRODUCT PROMOTION PURPOSES.
IN THIS CONNECTION, APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE TO THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SUPPLY OF A PHOTOCOPY OR A MAGNETIC TAPE OF THE LISTING OF NON-CONFIDENTIAL PARTICULARS SUCH AS THE NAME, THE ADDRESS, THE MAJOR TYPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY AND THE EMPLOYMENT SIZE CLASS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
A CHARGE WILL BE LEVIED FOR THIS SERVICE, AND THE RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
» $2.50 PER PHOTOCOPY, AND
* A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $340 FOR A JOB REQUIRING UP TO 20 CRU’S (COMPUTER RESOURCES UNIT) PLUS $17 FOR EACH CRU IN EXCESS OF 20 CRU’S IF THE INFORMATION IS REQUIRED ON MAGNETIC TAPES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE APPLICANT.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234760.
-----0------
FOUR SITES FOR SALE BY AUCTION » ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A RESIDENTIAL AND THREE INDUSTRIAL SITES ARE TO BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON NOVEMBER 27.
THE INDUSTRIAL SITES ARE AT KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, SHA TIN AND FANLING.
THE KOWLOON BAY SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 22,280 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL/GODOWN OR TRADE MART PURPOSES.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 70,000 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1992.
THE SHA TIN SITE, LOCATED AT YUEN CHAU KOK, COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,582 SQUARE METRES FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.
/THE PURCHASES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER JO, 1987
21 -
THE PURCHASER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 13,746 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BY NOVEMBER 30, 1991.
THE FANLINO SITE IS AT ON LOK TSUEN AND OCCUPIES AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,563 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS ALSO FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.
A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF AT LEAST 7,689 SQUARE METRES MUST BE COMPLETED ON THE SITE BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1991.
THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE IS SITUATED AT THE TOWN CENTRE OF TUEN MUN, NEAR THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME CHI LOK FA YUEN.
UNDER THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE BUYER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 38,530 SQUARE METRES ON THE 19,460-SQUARE-METRE SITE BY DECEMBER 31, 1991.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 PM.
-----0------
ROAD WORKS ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR
*****
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2), THE SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR OUTSIDE CITY GARDEN WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
IN ANTICIPATION OF THE DISRUPTION THAT MAY BE CAUSED BY THE PARTIAL ROAD CLOSURE TO GENERAL TRAFFIC, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH PATIENCE AND CARE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 198?
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HONG KONG HAS RECORD OF RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY............. 1
CENTRAL REFERRAL SYSTEM FOR DISABLED CHILDREN .................. 2
CAREERS EXHIBITION MOVES TO SHA TIN ............................ 4
VARTED PROCRATKE FOR EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ................. 5
CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMED FOR YOUNG CITIZENS................... 6
CENTRAL, WESTERN SPORT FESTIVAL TO BEGIN ....................... 7
SAI KUNG FESTIVAL FOR ELDERLY BEGINS TOMORROW................... 7
SRAM SHUT PO DB STUDY TOUR OFF TO LONDON ....................... 8
TELE-MATCH FUN DAY FOR K./UN TONG WORKERS ...................... 9
HELPLINES TN CT AT. TED IN KWAI TSING .......................
MA ON SHAN SUB-OFFICE OPENS ON MONDAY.......................... 10
PRESS CONFERENCE ON KnUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL ................. 10
SUPPLEMENTARY HOVERFERRY SAILINGS FOR OUTLYING ISLANDS....... 11
GOVERNMENT PROPERTY TO LET .................................... 11
THREE PROJECTS TO IMPROVE FRESH, SALT WATER SUPPLY............. 12
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1987
- 1 -
HONG KONG HAS RECORD OF RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY *****
HONG KONG’S SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE IN THE UNITED STATES, BILL DORWARD, ON WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 28) SAID THAT HONG KONG HAS SUCCESSFULLY ADAPTED TO DRAMATICALLY CHANGING AND OFTEN VERY ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES THROUGHOUT ITS 150 YEARS OF EXISTENCE.
SPEAKING BEFORE A FULL-HOUSE MEETING OF THE COMMONWEALTH CLUB IN SAN FRANCISCO, MR DORWARD SAID THAT HONG KONG HAS MADE A VIRTUE OF ADVERSITY THROUGHOUT ITS HISTORY, WHETHER THE PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN POLITICAL, ECONOMIC OR SOCIAL, TO BECOME ONE OF THE MOST REMARKABLY SUCCESSFUL ECONOMIC ENTITIES IN TEE WORLD.
HE TRACED THE MANY PROBLEMS, MAINLY CAUSED BY EXTERNAL INFLUENCES, THAT HONG KONG HAS HAD TO SURVIVE, INCLUDING THE INFLUX OF REFUGEES, THE WATER SHORTAGES, THE TURBULENT MONTHS OF 1967, WORLD RECESSION AND MORE RECENTLY THE PROTECTIONIST PRESSURES /ROM THE WEST.
YET DESPITE THESE PROVOCATIONS HONG KONG HAS CONTINUED O feUILD ON ITS TRADITIONAL ENTREPOT ROLE FOR WHICH IT WAS CREATED AND TRADE WITH CHINA HAS BEEN NO EXCEPTION.
"HONG KONG BECAME A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE INTERFACE BETWEEN CHINA AND ITS BURGEONING CONTACTS WITH THE TRADING WORLD," MP, DORWARD SAID.
"TODAY, HONG KONG HAS JUST REPLACED JAPAN AS CHINA’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER. AT LEAST 60 PER CENT OF THE EXTERNAL INVESTMENT IN CHINA COMES FROM HONG KONG. A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF CHINA’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE, PERHAPS AS MUCH AS ONE THIRD, IS EARNED IN AND THROUGH HONG KONG," MR DORWARD ACKNOWLEDGED.
HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG’S ENTREPOT TRADE NOW STANDS AT US$15 BILLION PER YEAR AND SINCE 1978 HONG KONG’S RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA HAVE GROWN AT AN AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE JUST SHORT OF 100 PER CENT.
TURNING TO RECENT MEDIA REPORTS OF A BRAIN DRAIN AND A CAPITAL OUTFLOW FROM HONG KONG, MR DORWARD POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE MIGHT BE AN OUTFLOW, THERE IS ALSO A BIG INFLOW.
"TENS OF THOUSANDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE GO ABROAD FOR THEIR HIGHER EDUCATION. THIS IS SCARCELY A NEW PHENOMENON. OTHERS ARE GOING TO ESTABLISH RESIDENCE ABROAD, OBTAIN A NEW NATIONALITY AND THEN IN MANY CASES TO RETURN WITH, AS IT WERE, THEIR 'INSURANCE POLICY’ IN THE SHAPE OF A PASSPORT.
"IT IS ALSO A FACT THAT NET IMMIGRATION IN THE LAST FEW YEARS HAS TENDED TO BE BELOW THE AVERAGE FOR EARLIER YEARS," MR DORWARD SAID.
ON THE SUBJECT OF FUNDS GOING ABROAD FOR INVESTMENT, MR DORWARD SUGGESTED THAT THIS IS THE NORMAL COURSE OF EVENTS IN A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY.
/"THE REAL........
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 198?
2
"THE REAL POINT IS THAT THERE IS NO LACK OF INVESTMENT FUNDS IN HONO KONG ITSELF. INDEED, INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY HAS BEEN AT RECORD LEVELS IN THE LAST THREE YEARS, THERE ARE MASSIVE PRIVATE SECTOR CAPITAL PROJECTS, WITH PAY BACK PERIODS STRETCHING WELL BEYOND 1997, AND THE BANKS ARE VERY LIQUID."
HE ADDED THAT THEtlE HAS BEEN VERY HEAVY HONG KONG INVESTMENT IN CHINA: "THAT IS SCARCELY THE ACTION OF A BUSINESS COMMUNITY WHICH IS FRIGHTENED BY THE FUTURE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY."
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE, MR DORWARD SAID THAT THE LONG SERIES OF VICISSITUDES WHICH HAVE BEEN THE LOT OF HONG KONG SINCE, AND EVEN BEFORE, IT WAS FOUNDED GIVE A GOOD IDEA AS TO WHY THOSE WHO KNOW HONG KONG MAINTAIN A STUBBORN CONFIDENCE THAT ITS PROVEN RECORD OF RESILIENCE AND ADAPTABILITY WILL ENABLE IT TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER FOR MANY YEARS TO COME.
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CENTRAL REFERRAL SYSTEM FOR DISABLED CHILDREN « * * » »
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE COMPUTERISING APPLICATIONS FOR PLACES IN PRE-SCHOOL SERVICES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN. THE COMPUTER WILL ALSO KEEP A RECORD OF VACANCIES IN THESE SERVICES.
THE COMPUTERISATION IS AIMED AT ACHTEVING A BETTER UTILISATION OF THE AVAILABLE FACILITIES AND OBTAINING A MORE ACCURATE PICTURE OF THE DEMAND AND SUPPLY SITUATION.
THIS CO-ORDINATED REFERRAL SYSTEM FOR DISABLED PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN (CRS), THE ESTABLISHMENT OF WHICH HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON PRE-SCHOOL CARE, EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF DISABLED CHILDREN, WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2.
INTRODUCING THE SYSTEM, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (YOUTH AND REHABILITATION), MR TONY REYNALDS, SAID ONE OF ITS MAIN FUNCTIONS WAS TO MAINTAIN AND DISSEMINATE TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CONCERNED INFORMATION ON THE LEVEL OF OCCUPANCY AND THE WAITING LISTS OF CENTRES FOR PRE-SCHOOL DISABLED CHILDREN.
THEY INCLUDE THE SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES FOR THE MORE SEVERELY DISABLED CHILDREN; CHILD CARE CENTRES WITH INTEGRATED PROGRAMMES WHERE THOSE AGED TWO TO SIX, WITH MINOR DISABILITIES, ARE INTEGRATED WITH NORMAL CHILDREN AND THE EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRES FOR CHILDREN UNDER TWO.
/at present, .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 198?
AT PRESENT, REFERRALS ARE MADE DIRECTLY TO THE CENTRES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, INCLUDING MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS, FAMILY CAS8 WORKERS, DOCTORS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES. THESE CENTRES ALSO ACCEPt APPLICATIONS FROM PARENTS. AT THE SAME TIME, MANY OF THEM KEEP THElft OWN WAITING LISTS WHICH MAY CONTAIN THE NAME OF THE SAME CHILD.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN A LACK OF FLEXIBILITY IN TRANSFERRING A CASE WHERE THERE IS NO VACANCY OR WHEN THERE IS A CHANGE IN THS CIRCUMSTANCES BEACUSE THE REFERRING SOURCE IS NOT IN POSSESSION OF AN OVERALL PICTURE OF THE VACANCY SITUATION.
IT ALSO MEANS THAT THE REFERRING SOURCE OR PARENTS LOOKING FOR PLACEMENT NEED TO CONTACT A LARGE NUMBER OF CENTRES AND AGENCIES.
"THE EXACT DEMAND IS DIFFICULT TO ASSESS BECAUSE A CHILD MAY BE PUT ON THE WAITING LISTS OF SEVERAL CENTRES," MR REYNALDS SAID.
THESE PROBLEMS HOPEFULLY WOULD BE OVERCOME WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CO-ORDINATED REFERRAL SYSTEM, HE ADDED.
"ADDITIONALLY, THE CRS CAN ENSURE THAT THE HIGH PRIORITY AND THE MORE DIFFICULT CASES CAN BE DEALT WITH MORE EFFICIENTLY AS THERE IS A COMPLETE RECORD OF THE REQUIREMENTS OF A CHILL. AS A RESULT, HE CAN BE PLACED IN THE CENTRE THAT BEST SUITS HIS NEEDS.
"IT WILL ALSO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION AND CONTINUITY FROM ONE TYPE OF SERVICE TO ANOTHER AT THE APPROPRIATE AGE OR STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT AS A CHILD GROWS AND MAKES PROGRESS," HE SAID.
ALL THE SOURCES OF REFERRALS AND AGENCIES CONCERNED HAVE BEEN ASKED TO FEED THE INFORMATION ON THE CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THEIR CENTRES AND THOSE BEING WAIT-LISTED TO THE CRS.
THE CHILDREN WILL THEN BE WAIT-LISTED ACCORDING TO CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER AND THEIR PREFERENCE OF LOCATION OF CENTRES WHICH ARE GROUPED INTO FIVE REGIONS - HONG KONG ISLAND, EAST KOWLOON, WEST KOWLOON, BAST NEW TERRITORIES AND WEST NEW TERRITORIES.
WHEN VACANCIES BECOME AVAILABLE, APPROPRIATE CANDIDATES WILL BE SELETED FROM THE CRS ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF WAIT-LISTING AND REFERRED TO THE CENTRE FOR SERVICE.
THOSE WHO REQUIRE ENROLMENT IN PREPARATORY CLASSES IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND INTEGRATED PROGRAMMES IN KINDERGARTENS WILL BE REFERRED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE SERVICES.
MR REYNALDS APPEALED TO PARENTS WHO REQUIRE PLACEMENT FOR THEIR DISABLED CHILDREN TO CONTACT THE NEAREST SWD FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT 455 EARLY EDUCATION AND TRAINING CENTRE PLACES, 660 SPECIAL CHILD CARE CENTRE PLACES AND 544 INTEGRATED CHILD CARE CENTRE PLACES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 560, 732 AND 150 PLACES RESPECTIVELY WITHIN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1987
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CAREERS EXHIBITION MOVES TO SHA TIN ♦ « * ♦
THE ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION WHICH AIMS AT OIVINO YOUNG PEOPLE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE WIDE RANGE OF CAREERS AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, WILL BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SHA TIN THIS YEAR.
THE EVENT HAS BEEN HELD IN THE CITY HALL FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS ATTRACTING AN AVERAGE OF 100,000 VISITORS ANNUALLY.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE PURPOSE OF CHOOSING A NEW VENUE WAS TO ATTRACT MORE VISITORS FROM THE FAST DEVELOPING NEW TOWNS, AND TO GIVE THE EVENT A FRESH LOOK.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 6) AT SHATIN TOWN HALL.
THIS YEAR, 22 EXHIBITORS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE PART IN THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9.30 AM TO 6.30 PM DAILY UNTIL NOVEMBER 16.
"AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE EXHIBITORS WILL USE GRAPHS, PHOTOGRAPHS, MODELS AND OTHER AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS TO ILLUSTRATE THE NATURE OF THE JOB, ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, PROMOTIONAL PROSPECTS AND OTHER RELATED INFORMATION IN ITS OWN SPHERE OF WORK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INFORMATION PAMPHLETS WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED FREE TO VISITORS.
AS PART OF THE EXHIBITION PROGRAMME, CAREER TALKS AND VIDEO SHOWS ON TRAINING AND CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES WILL BE ORGANISED BY DIFFERENT TRADE AND PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS FOR FORM 3 TO 7 STUDENTS.
A SERIES OF LIVE SHOWS FEATURING WORK DEMONSTRATION WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE OPEN SPACE BETWEEN SHATIN TOWN HALL AND THE NEW TOWN PLAZA.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31,
1987
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VARIED PROGRAMME FOR EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL
*****
THE TWO-WEEK EASTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL FEATURE MORE THAN 30 CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND TWO SPECIAL PROGRAMMES FOR THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED, WILL BEGIN ON NOVEMBER 15. *
THE MAIN THEME OF THE FESTIVAL IS "PARTICIPATE IN YOUR DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENT".
IN ORDER TO HIGHLIGHT THIS THEME, THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE FESTIVAL HAS OBTAINED SPONSORSHIP OF AROUND 1500,000 FROM SEVERAL COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS TO PRODUCE A VIDEO FILM ON THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF EASTERN DISTRICT.
THE VIDEO FILM, DISPLAYED ON A HUGE "VIDEO WALL", WILL BE PRESENTED AT A NUMBER OF VENUES DURING THE FESTIVAL.
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE HOPES THAT ALL RESIDENTS OF EASTERN, IRRESPECTIVE OF AGE, FINANCIAL MEANS, TYPE OF INTERESTS AND TIME CONSTRAINTS, WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FESTIVAL.
SOME OF THE MAJOR EVENTS ARE LISTED BELOW
» AN OPENING CEREMONY AT VICTORIA PARK ON NOVEMBER 15, INVOLVING A SPECTACULAR VIDEO WALL DISPLAY AND A CARNIVAL.
* FESTIVAL CONCERT AT CITY HALL ON NOVEMBER 16 FEATURING WELL-KNOWN CLASSICAL PERFORMERS.
* CHINESE DANCE NIGHT AT THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE ON NOVEMBER 17.
* ELITE DANCING PERFORMANCE AT SHUE YAN COLLEGE ON NOVEMBER 21J SHUTTLE BUS SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED AT TIN HAU MTR STATION AND CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
» SPORTS AND ARTS GALA AT VICTORIA PARK ON NOVEMBER 22.
» CLOSING CEREMONY AT QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON NOVEMBER 28, FEATURING POP STARS.
EVENTS ARE LISTED IN A PROGRAMME LEAFLET WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE (RECREATION, AMENTIES AND SPORTS), EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AND EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS. TICKETS FOR THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL NOVEMBER 16.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31,
1987
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CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMED FOR YOUNG CITIZENS *****
MORE AND MORE COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS ARE ALERT TO TRE IMPORTANCE OF CONSOLIDATING CIVIC EDUCATION AND THIS IS A POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN BUILDING A BETTER COMMUNITY.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, MADE THIS OBSERVATION AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A "CIVIC EDUCATION FOR YOUNG CITIZEN" PROJECT HELD AT THE SHA TIN CITY PLAZA TODAY (SATURDAY).
IT FORMED ONE OF 23 PROJECTS ORGANISED UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF THE COMMITTEE’S COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SUB-COMMITTEE.
THE PROJECT ORGANISER, MR LAU KWOK-KUEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH SOCIAL SERVICES - HONG KONG, SAID THE PROJECT WAS AIMED AT INSTILLING A SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AMONG TEENAGERS.
MRS FAN SAID THAT INCULCATION AS SUCH SHOULD GO BEYOND THE MEANS OF SHEER AWARENESS, ENCOURAGING YOUNSTERS TO PUT INTO PRACTICE WHAT THEY HAD LEARNT ABOUT CIVIC EDCUATION.
THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF *500,000 HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE FINANCING OF CIVIC EDUCATION-ORIENTED PROGRAMMES, IN WHICH THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION SCHEME CONSTITUTES A PART OF THIS GOVERNMENT ATTEMPT TO BOOST CIVIC TRAINING IN THE TERRITORY.
IN ORDER THAT CIVIC EDUCATION RELATED MESSAGES CAN BE DRIVEN HOME TO INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS, THE COMMITTEE WILL BE PRODUCING TWO NEW TELEVISION ANNOUNCEMENTS IN PUBLIC INTEREST (API).
IN ADDITION, THREE EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION EPISODES, PRODUCED IN CONJUNCTION WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE SCREENED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, A CIVIC EDUCATION NEWSLETTER WILL BE PRODUCED. THE PUBLICATION IS TO BE ISSUED ON A QUARTERLY BASIS, CARRYING UPDATES ON RELATED ACTIVITIES AND REPORTING THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE QUARTERLY PROVIDES A PLATFORM WHEREBY PEOPLE CAN AIR AND EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
MEANWHILE, PREPARATIONS ARE IN HAND FOR A ONE-DAY SEMINAR ON CIVIC EDUCATION SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER. INTERESTED PARTIES WILL BE MEETING TO DISCUSS WAYS BY WHICH THE LEVEL OF CIVIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION CAN BE ENHANCED.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1987
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CENTRAL, WESTERN SPORT FESTIVAL TO BEGIN t t * t t
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT SPORT FESTIVAL WILL GET UNDERWAY WITH TWO HOURS OF ENTERTAINING PROGRAMMES ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
A NUMBER OF EVENTS, INCLUDING A LION DANCE, TAI-CHI DEMONSTRATIONS, DANCING GAMES FOR FAMILIES AND CELEBRITIES AND A "TREASURE HUNT", WILL BE HELD FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM.
EARLIER IN THE DAY, THERE WILL BE A WALKATHON ON THE CENTRAL ELEVATED WALKWAY.
THE THREE-WEEK FESTIVAL IS AIMED AT PROMOTING A HEALTHIER MODE OF LIVING BY ENCOURAGING RESIDENTS TO TAKE UP RECREATION AND SPORT.
ACTIVITIES ORGANISED INCLUDE AN EXPEDITION FOR THE ELDERLY, A "DANCING AT SEA" CRUISE FOR YOUTH, RECREATION CAMP FOR AREA COMMITTEES, A WALKATHON ON THE PEAK, BASKETBALL AND FOOTBALL COMPETITIONS, AN ATHLETICS MEET, AND ORIENTEERING.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORT ASSOCIATION. THE DISTRICT BOARD AND WESTERN DISTRICT JUNIOR POLICE CALL ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE HAVE GRANTED MORE THAN $110,000 TO SPONSOR THE EVENT.
ENROLMENT FORMS FOR VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE AND KENNEDY TOWN OR AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THE TOP FLOOR, CENTRAL MARKET.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-416405.
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SAI KUNG FESTIVAL FOR ELDERLY BEGINS TOMORROW
« » » » *
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR’S SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR THE EDLERLY WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AND CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
THE FESTIVAL, ONE OF THE LARGEST ANNUAL EVENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AIMS AT AROUSING RESIDENTS’ CONCERN AND RESPECT TOWARDS ELDERLY PEOPLE.
/IT ALSO .......
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 198?
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IT ALSO AIMS AT ENCOURAGING SENIOR RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND DEVELOP A SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES SUCH AS VISITS, TOURS, PICNICS, CONCERTS, FILM SHOWS, AND SPORTS COMPETITIONS. IN ADDITION, MEDICAL CHECK-UPS WILL BE GIVEN.
ON NOVEMBER 21, FOUR TEAMS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN A "GATE BALL" COMPETITION WHICH IS A NEW TYPE OF BALL GAME FOR THE AGED AND IS INCLUDED IN THE FESTIVAL’S ACTIVITIES FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL IS A "THOUSAND-YEAR-FEAST" AND CLOSING CEREMONY IN WHICH MORE THAN 1,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY IS ORGANISED BY A PREPARATORY COMMITTEE WHICH COMPRISES DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE COST OF THE FESTIVAL IS AROUND $150,000 WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL LEADERS.
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SHAM SHUI PO DB STUDY
t t t
TOUR OFF TO LONDON * *
A STUDY TOUR ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL LEAVE FOR LONDON TONIGHT (SATURDAY) FOR A 10-DAY VISIT SPONSORED BY THE UK GOVERNMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARY, MR ALBERT CHAN, THE GROUP WILL LOOK AT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CENTRAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, URBAN DEVELOPMENT, AND HOUSING STRATEGY IN ENGLAND.
THEY WILL ALSO VISIT PARLIAMENT, THE CENTRAL OFFICE OF INFORMATION, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON, AND THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE.
THE GROUP, LED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK, COMPOSED OF SEVEN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AN AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, TWO GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AND A SECRETARY TO THE GROUP LEADER.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1987
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TELE-MATCH FUN DAY FOR KWUN TONG WORKERS * * » * t
PEOPLE WORKING IN KWUN TONG ARE BEING INVITED TO TEAM UP FOR THE.INTER-FACTORY TELE-MATCH FUN DAY TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 15.
ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRIAL AREA BRANCH OF THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, THE FUN DAY WILL BE ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE KWUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL ’87.
THE EVENT IS BEING ORGANISED TO PROVIDE HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR WORKERS AS WELL AS TO STRENGTHEN TIES AMONG LOCAL INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
"THE FUN DAY, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE NEWLY COMPLETED KOWLOON BAY RECREATION GROUND, WILL FEATURE FIVE ACTION-PACKED GAMES," A KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EACH TEAM SHOULD CONSIST OF AT LEAST 16 PEOPLE, BUT NO MORE THAN 24, AND EACH TEAM SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST TWO WOMEN PARTICIPANTS IN EACH EVENT," HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM ROOM 301 OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE IN TUNG YAN STREET (TEL. : 3-416315, EXT.431).
DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS NOVEMBER 10.
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HELPLINES INSTALLED IN KWAI TSING » * «
KWAI TSING DISTRICT’S FIRST TWO EMERGENCY TELEPHONE HELPLINES HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, ENABLING RESIDENTS TO CALL "999” OR A NEARBY POLICE STATION IN AN EMERGENCY.
ONE HELPLINE IS NEAR THE FOOTBALL PITCH OF TSING YI EAST SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE OTHER IS AT THE JUNCTION OF KUNG YIP STREET AND WAH SING STREET IN CENTRAL KWAI CHUNG.
EACH HELPLINE IS EQUIPPED WITH A RED BUTTON CONNECTED TO THE "999" SYSTEM AND A GREEN BUTTON CONNECTED TO THE POLICE STATION. IN AN EMERGENCY, A RESIDENT WOULD PRESS THE BUTTON REQUIRED AND SPEAK TO THE POLICE OFFICER ANSWERING THE CALL.
THREE MORE HELPLINES WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1?8?
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MA ON SHAN SUB-OFFICE OPENS ON MONDAY t ♦ * • .
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE MA ON SHAN SUB-OFFICE IN HENG ON ESTATE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2).
THE SUB-OFFICE, COMPRISING A PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRE AND AN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, WILL BE A BOOST TO COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE FAST DEVELOPING MA ON SHAN AREA, THE POPULATION OF WHICH WILL GROW TO 200,000 BY 1995.
STAFF AT THE SUB-OFFICE WILL ANSWER PUBLIC ENQUIRIES, RECEIVE COMPLAINTS AND DISPATCH INFORMATION CONCERNING THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY. STATUTORY DECLARATION SERVICES WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED AND RESIDENTS CAN USE THE VARIOUS FACILITIES IN THE COMMUNITY HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE MA ON SHAN SUB-OFFICE IN HENG ON ESTATE WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2).
A COACH WILL TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE OFFICE AND WILL DEPART AT 10.15 AM SHARP FROM THE KCR HOUSE CARPARK ON GROUND LEVEL NEAR THE TAXI STAND, SHA TIN KCR STATION.
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PRESS CONFERENCE ON KWUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL ♦ t * *
THE KWUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL *87, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, URBAN COUNCIL, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG SPORTS PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 8 AND 22.
DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE REGAL MERIDIEN AIRPORT HOTEL AT 3.30 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2).
ATTENDING WILL BE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR RONNIE WONG; AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE KWUN TONG SPORTS FESTIVAL '87 PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE LOTUS ROOM OF REGAL MERIDIEN AIRPORT HOTEL AT 3.30 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 2). PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CONFERENCE WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CHINESE.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1987
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SUPPLEMENTARY HOVERFERRY SAILINGS FOR OUTLYING ISLANDS t » * * ♦
THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY WILL INTRODUCE SUPPLEMENTARY HOVERFERRY SAILINGS ON ITS TWO OUTLYING DISTRICT SERVICES FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FROM MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2.
THESE HOVERFERRY SAILINGS WILL BE OPERATED DURING OFF-PEAK PERIODS FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS EXCEPT PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, WITH FIVE TRIPS FOR THE CENTRAL TO CHEUNG CHAU SERVICE AND FOUR TRIPS FOR THE CENTRAL TO MUI WO VIA PENG CHAU SERVICE IN EACH DIRECTION.
SINGLE JOURNEY FARE WILL BE $11 WITH NO CONCESSION TO CHILDREN AND HOLDERS OF MONTHLY TICKET OR STUDENT TRAVEL CARD.
THE HOVERFERRY SAILINGS WILL CALL AT THE GOVERNMENT EAST PIER AT PIER ROAD IN CENTRAL.
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GOVERNMENT PROPERTY TO LET ♦ » » t »
A GOVERNMENT PROPERTY FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USES IN A BUILDING AT 356A, RECLAMATION STREET, YAU MA TEI, IS TO BE LET BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.
IT IS AT THE LEFT AND REAR PORTIONS OF THE GROUND FLOOR AND TWO PORTIONS OF THE COCKLOFT OF THE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING, AND MEASURES 65.8 SQUARE METRES.
UNDER THE TENANCY AGREEMENT, THE PROPERTY IS NOT PERMITTED TO BE USED AS A GODOWN.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON NOVEMBER 27.
TENDERS FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE PROPERTY WILL BE OPENED FOR VIEWING FROM 10.30 AM TO NOON ON NOVEMBER 6 AND 13.
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SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1987
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THREE PROJECTS TO IMPROVE FRESH, SALT WATER SUPPLY
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MAINLAY1NG WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN YUEN LONG TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN THE DEVELOPING AREA, e
A TRUCK MAIN WITH A DIAMETER OF 600 MILLIMETRES AND OTHER DISTRIBUTION MAINS WILL BE LAID FROM SAN TIN SAN WAI TO MAI PO IN YUEN LONG TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FROM EXISTING VILLAGES AND RECENT DEVELOPMENTS THERE.
WORK ON LAYING THE 2,500 METRES OF WATER MAINS WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY AND TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
IN OTHER PROJECTS, TWO SERVICE RESERVOIRS WILL ALSO BE BUILT ON CHEUNG CHAU AND IN WAN CHAI.
WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHEUNG CHAU FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR, WITH A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 3,000 CUBIC METRES, WILL BEGIN IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN MAY, 1989.
THE WAN CHAI SALT WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR, WITH A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 6.4 MILLION LITRES, WILL BE BUILT NEAR BOWEN DRIVE TO FORM PART OF THE FLUSHING SYSTEM IN THE DISTRICT.
WORK WILL START IN FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE THREE PROJECTS BY NOVEMBER 20.
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