港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1988 - JAN

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HARMONIZED SYSTEM TOR IMPORT JlND EXPORT DECLARATIONS...... 1

CALL FOR SUPPORT TO DB ELECTIONS .......................... 2

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONTINUES ........................ 2

FIRE SERVICES WORKSHOP FOR KOWLOON BaY .................... 3

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR a LONELY OLD LADY................. 't

YAU MA TEI TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY.......................... U

PHOTOGR.1PHS TO REFLECT FESTIVE MOOD IN SHA TIN............ 5

CLOSURE OF CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE FLYOVER................... 6

TEMPORARY URE<N CLELJIWAY IN SHEUNG WaN ................... 7

LONG VEHICLE BAN IN i^ERDEEN .............................. 7

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1988

HARMONIZED SYSTEM FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS * » » * *

HONG KONG HAS IMPLEMENTED THE HONG KONG HARMONIZED COMMODITY DESCRIPTION AND CODING SYSTEM FOR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATION PURPOSES WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY (JANUARY 1), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

"ALL IMPORT AND EXPORT SHIPMENTS TODAY OR AFTER MUST BE DECLARED ACCORDING TO THE NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM.

"AS FOR ARTICLES IMPORTED OR EXPORTED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1988, IF THEY ARE DECLARED ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 14, 1988, THE OLD CLASSIFICATION CODES SHOULD BE USED. HOWEVER, IF THEY ARE DECLARED AFTER JANUARY 14, 1988, THE NEW CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MUST BE USED," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

THE COMMODITY DESCRIPTIONS AND CODES UNDER THE NEW HONG KONG HARMONIZED SYSTEM ARE SPECIFIED IN THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONIZED SYSTEM).

"FOOD ITEMS, THE IMPORT OF WHICH IS SUBJECT TO A FLAT CHARGE OF HK$5 PER SHIPMENT ON LODGEMENT OF THE IMPORT DECLARATION, ARE SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE OF FOOD ITEMS APPENDED TO THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST.

"ALSO, HONG KONG-MADE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ITEMS SUBJECT TO THE CLOTHING TRAINING LEVY ON EXPORT, WHICH ARE SPECIFIED IN THE SCHEDULE OF CLOTHING (INCLUDING FOOTWEAR) ITEMS TO THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CLOTHING INDUSTRY) ORDINANCE, ARE APPENDED TO THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST FOR THE CONVENIENT REFERENCE OF EXPORTERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"ALL THE LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS REQUIRED DUE TO THE CHANGEOVER TO THE HONG KONG HARMONIZED SYSTEM HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED IN THE Government gazette," he added.

"DECLARANTS MUST SUBMIT ACCURATE AND COMPLETE INFORMATION, AS REQUIRED UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS, TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER THE IMPORTATION OR EXPORTATION OF GOODS."

"IF DECLARANTS HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING THE APPROPRIATE COMMODITY DESCRIPTIONS AND CODES FROM THE NEW CLASSIFICATION LIST FOR THEIR ARTICLES, THEY CAN MAKE TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES WITH THE TRADE CLASSIFJCAT1ON SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE DIRECTORY FOR TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE FOUND AT APPENDIX II OF THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM HANDBOOK," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

BOTH THE HONG KONG IMPORTS AND EXPORTS CLASSIFICATION LIST (HARMONIZED SYSTEM) AND THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM HANDBOOK ARE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT COLLECTION OFFICES.

- o

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1988

CALL FOR SUPPORT TO DB ELECTIONS ♦ ♦ ♦

CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED RESIDENTS THAT THE NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN MARCH WOULD START ON JANUARY 8 AND WOULD LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY 1.

HE URGED CIVIC-MINDED RESIDENTS TO NOMINATE ABLE CANDIDATES TO STAND FOR ELECTION IN THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY AND TO ENABLE A MORE EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

MR LAM MADE THE APPEAL AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S NEW YEAR CARNIVAL HELD AT BLAKE GARDEN AT PO HING FONG IN SHEUNG WAN THIS AFTERNOON.

HE ADDED THAT REGISTERED VOTERS WHO HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR 10 YEARS OR MORE WERE ELIGIBLE FOR NOMINATION.

HE ALSO COMMENDED THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR ITS EFFORTS IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.

MORE THAN 500 RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN THE CARNIVAL, WHICH FEATURED CHORAL SINGING, CHILDREN GAMES AND STALL GAMES.

THE EVENT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, URBAN COUNCIL, SHEUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE AND YMCA WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND A LOCAL ORGANISATION.

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GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONTINUES

♦ » »

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO CONDUCT THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IN JANUARY TO MARCH 1988.

THE SURVEY, CONDUCTED MONTHLY SINCE AUGUST 1981, COLLECTS INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT, AND THE GENERAL SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.

IN ADDITION, QUESTIONS ON HONG KONG RESIDENTS’ EXPENDITURE ABROAD? PREFERENCE ON CULTURAL PERFORMANCE, VIEWS ON TELEVISION WEATHER PROGRAMME AND AWARENESS OF FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION SERVICE; HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE ON RENT; GAS SAFETY AND ELECTRICAL ACCIDENTS IN HOUSEHOLDS WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN THE QUARTER OF JANUARY TO MARCH 1988.

SOME 5,000 HOUSEHOLDS ARE SELECTED AT RANDOM EACH MONTH FROM ALL DISTRICTS FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.

/ABOUT HALF

FRIDAYt JANUARY 1988

ABOUT HALF OF THE HOUSEHOLDS INTERVIEWED THREE MONTHS AGO BE SURVEYED AGAIN TO MEASURE MORE ACCURATELY THE CHANGES THAT OCCURRED SINCE THEN.

WILL

HAVE

AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, HAD BEEN SENT THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS TO EXPLAIN THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY AND SEEK THEIR CO-OPERATION.

OFFICERS, EACH CARRYING AN

WILL VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS

ASSISTANT CENSUS AND SURVEY IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, TO COLLECT THE REQUIRED INFORMATION.

TREATED IN CONFIDENTIALITY OR ORGANISATION OUTSIDE THE

ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE AND WILL NOT BE REVEALED TO ANY PERSON

DEPARTMENT.

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FIRE SERVICES WORKSHOP FOR KOWLOON BAY * * *

A FIRE SERVICES WORKSHOP FOR REPAIRING AND MAINTAINING FIRE ENGINES IS TO BE BUILT IN KOWLOON BAY.

OCCUPYING 4,000 SQUARE METRES ON LAM HING STREET, THE WORKSHOP WILL COMPRISE A MAIN BLOCK AND AN ANNEX BLOCK WITH A TOTAL SURFACE AREA OF ABOUT 4,000 SQUARE METRES.

TWELVE VEHICLE SERVICING BAYS, PAINT SHOPS, ELECTRICAL SHOPS, HYDRAULIC SHOPS, ANCILLARY OFFICES, A CANTEEN AND STORAGE AREAS FOR EQUIPMENT, HOSES AND UNIFORMS WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE THREE-STOREY MAIN BLOCK.

THE ANNEX BLOCK, WHICH WILL ALSO HAVE THREE STOREYS, WILL HOUSE A DUTY DORMITORY AND LIBRARY.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MARCH AND BE COMPLETED IN MAY, 1989.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON JANUARY 22.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1988

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR A LONELY OLD LADY

♦ ♦ * ♦

A 105-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, WHO HAS SPENT MORE THAN 30 YEARS LIVING ALONE IN A SQUATTER HUT, WILL CELEBRATE HER BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 3) AT THE KWAI SHING CARE SHELTER FOR THE ELDERLY WHERE SHE NOW LEADS A NEW LIFE.

MADAM CHAN SAI-MUI IS ONE OF THE OLDEST RESIDENTS OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT. HER LIVING CONDITIONS HAVE BEEN GREATLY IMPROVED AFTER KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, SPOTTED HER DURING A VISIT OF THE TSING YI AREA COMMITTEE TO MA WAN IN THE SUMMER OF 1986.

AT THAT TIME, MADAM CHAN WAS LIVING IN A SQUATTER HUT NEAR THE MA WAN TYPHOON SHELTER. SHE HAD TO BE IN A SQUATTING POSITION ALL THE TIME AND COULD ONLY WALK WITH HER HANDS.

DURING HER BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, MR COAK WILL OUTLINE THE HARDSHIPS MADAM CHAN HAS EXPERIENCED AND THE ASSISTANCE SHE HAS RECEIVED RECENTLY.

ALSO ATTENDING THE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION WILL BE PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT MADAM CHAN. THEY INCLUDE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR LAM YAU-KWONG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HELPING HAND, DR KALEI INN, AND MEMBERS OF THE KWAI TSING YIN NGAI SOCIETY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER MADAM CHAN’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION TO BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 3) AT THE KWAI SHING CARE SHELTER, GROUND FLOOR, BLOCK 8, KWAI SHING WEST ESTATE.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES MAY GO DIRECT TO THE VENUE OR TAKE THE GOVERNMENT VAN WHICH WILL LEAVE THE KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION) AT 10.15 AM.

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YAU MA TEI TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY ♦ ♦ » * *

A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY WILL BE LAUNCHED IN YAU MA TEI ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 3) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD.

/’’THE THEME

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1988

- 5 -

’’THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS TO ALERT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO THE CORRECT USE OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS,” A COMMITTEE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL START AT 2 PM AND WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY TELEVISION ARTISTES. THERE WILL ALSO BE STALL GAMES AND EXHIBITION PANELS EITHER DEPICTING THE DISTRICT’S TRAFFIC SITUATION OR SPREADING ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES.

VISITORS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO LEARN ABOUT TRAFFIC RULES THROUGH A REMOTE CONTROL DRIVING SYSTEM SET UP AT THE VENUE.

TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN ROAD SAFETY, THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE HAS PUT UP 50 SIGNBOARDS AT 28 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACK SPOTS IN THE DISTRICT. IT WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION PAMPHLETS TO PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS.

AMONG THOSE TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; YAU MA TEI DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR J. MAIN; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR ^IP WAH.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE YAU MA TEI ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 3) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

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PHOTOGRAPHS TO REFLECT FESTIVE MOOD IN SHA TIN *****

PEOPLE ARE INVITED TO SEND IN PHOTOGRAPHS FEATURING THE FESTIVE MOOD IN SHA TIN AND NINE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE AWARDED HANDSOME PRIZES.

THE FIRST FOUR WINNERS WILL EACH BE AWARDED HOTEL ACCOMMODATION, CAMERAS AND TROPHIES.

THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION IS AIMED AT REFLECTING VARIOUS LOCAL FESTIVE ACTIVITIES AND LIGHTING DECORATIONS DURING CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR AND CHINESE NEW YEAR. IT IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FESTIVE LIGHTING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, HOTEL RIVERSIDE PLAZA AND KODAK FILM COMPANY.

/THOSE WHO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1?88

THOSE WHO WANT TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS OF DECORATIONS SHOULD NOTE THAT THE LIGHTS WILL 6.30 PM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY TILL JANUARY 10, AND AND MARCH 2.

THE FESTIVE LIGHTING BE SWITCHED ON FROM BETWEEN FEBRUARY 12

ON JANUARY 2, FEBRUARY 16 TO 19 AS WELL AS MARCH 2, THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON TILL 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE SIZE OF THE ENTRIES MUST BE EITHER 12.5 CM X 17.5 CM OR 40 CM X 50 CM, AND FRAMED.

THEY SHOULD REACH THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT SIXTH FLOOR KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION ON OR BEFORE MARCH 12.

ADJUDICATION WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 19.

ENTRY FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND VARIOUS COMMUNITY HALLS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6048078.

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CLOSURE OF CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE FLYOVER ♦ ♦ ♦ t

SECTIONS OF THE FLYOVER AT CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM SUNDAY (JANUARY 3) TO FACILITATE REPAIR WORKS ON THE FLYOVER.

FROM SUNDAY TO TUESDAY (JANUARY 5) DAILY BETWEEN 1.15 AM AND 5.30 AM, THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED.

VEHICLES ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST EASTBOUND AND KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, HAMMER HILL ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD, TSEUK LUK STREET, KING FUK STREET AND KING TAI STREET.

AS FOR THOSE TRAVELLING ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WESTBOUND AND HEADING FOR PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST WESTBOUND, THEY WILL HAVE TO OPERATE VIA LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, HAMMER HILL ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD AND SAN PO KONG INTERCHANGE.

MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 1.15 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 6) TO FRIDAY (JANUARY 8), THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM KWUN TONG ROAD TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED.

VEHICLES ON KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL ALONG PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST WESTBOUND TO CONCORDE ROAD, THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM CONCORDE ROAD TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST EASTBOUND, AND KWUN TONG ROAD.

-------0 -------- /7.....................

FRIDAY, JANUARY 1, 1988

TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN SHEUNG WAN » » * » »

THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD BETWEEN JoUSE NOS. 28 AND 48 WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7AM URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON MONDA

IN SHEUNG

TO 7 PM (JANUARY

WAN DAILY 4) •

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

_____0-----

LONG VEHICLE BAN IN ABERDEEN » » *

VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES

■ JANUARY . , •

LONG WILL BE PROHIBITED STREET AND ABERDEEN MAIN

FROM ROAD

the measure will be implemented for about two months.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

STATEMENT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS........ 1

TAG MEETS PLB AND BUS OPERATORS ................................ 1

MONETARY STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED ...................... 2

MORE PARTICIPATION IN HONG KONG'S POLITICAL MAKING URGED .... 6

TUNNEL TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT FROM NEXT MONDAY.................. 7

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR TO OPEN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY......... 10

PROPOSED LAYING OF FRESH WATER SUBMARINE PIPELINE.............. 11

FRFF LUNCH TIME CONCERTS FOR WORKERS........................... 11

ROAD CLOSURES IN TSUEN WAN ..................................

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

1 -

STATEMENT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS » » » » »

"IN THE LIGHT OF DEVELOPMENTS THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PROPOSED TO THE COMMITTEE OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE THAT CERTAIN MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE SHOULD DISTANCE THEMSELVES FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S INVESTIGATIONS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.

"THE COMMITTEE OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE AT A MEETING HELD THIS MORNING VESTED ITS POWERS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE IN A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EXCHANGE, WITH MR ROBERT FELL EXERCISING THE POWERS OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE UNDER THE CONSTITUTION OF EXCHANGE.

"THE SECURITIES COMMISSION MET AT 11.15 THIS MORNING AND SUPPORTS THE ACTION TAKEN BY THE STOCK EXCHANGE COMMITTEE.

"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MET THIS MORNING AND IS SATISFIED WITH THE ACTION TAKEN.

"THE MARKET WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS AS USUAL ON MONDAY MORNING."

--------o ----------

TAC MEETS PLB AND BUS OPERATORS * » » »

MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (SATURDAY) MET SEPARATELY WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS OPERATORS AND FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS ON THE ISSUES OF SEATING CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND THE ROLE AND OPERATION OF MIDIBUS SERVICES.

THE TAC MET 48 REPRESENTATIVES FROM GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS AND 13 REPRESENTATIVES FROM RED MINIBUS ASSOCIATIONS, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE THREE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.

IN ORDER TO OBTAIN A FULL UNDERSTANDING OF THE BACKGROUND FOR PLB OPERATORS’ REQUEST FOR AN INCREASE IN SEATING CAPACITY FOR PLB’S, THE COMMITTEE LISTENED TO THEIR VIEWS ON THE MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE OPERATIONS OF GREEN MINIBUS AND RED MINIBUS SERVICES AND HOW ADDITIONAL SEATING CAPACITY WOULD RESOLVE SUCH PROBLEMS, THE BENEFITS OF ADDITIONAL SEATING CAPACITY WOULD LIKELY BRING TO PASSENGERS AND THE OPERATORS THEMSELVES, THE POSSIBLE EFFECT ON TRAFFIC OBSTRUCTION AND THE IMPLICATIONS ON FARE LEVELS.

/AT THE .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

AT THE MEETING, THE PLB REPRESENTATIVES ALSO EXPLAINED THE REASONS FOR THEIR OBJECTION TO THE INTRODUCTION OF MIDIBUS SERVICES BY FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.

IN THEIR DISCUSSION WITH THE COMMITTEE, REPRESENTATIVES FROM FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES DESCRIBED THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE USE OF MIDIBUSES AND THE SITUATIONS WHERE THE COMPANIES WOULD CONSIDER USING MIDIBUSES RATHER THAN DOUBLE DECKERS.

THEY ALSO GAVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE OPTIMUM SEATING CAPACITY FOR MIDIBUSES AND ON WHY SUCH SERVICES SHOULD BE PROVIDED BY THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES AND NOT BY OTHER OPERATORS.

THEY ALSO EXPLAINED THEIR POSITION ON THE SEATING CAPACITY FOR PLB*S AND THE LIKELY EFFECTS OF ITS INCREASE ON FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES.

THE TAC WILL CAREFULLY CONSIDER ALL THE VIEWS OBTAINED AT TODAY’S MEETING BEFORE COMING TO ANY CONCLUSIONS ON THE ISSUES INVOLVED.

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MONETARY STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED

*****

HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL SLIGHTLY IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ON THE OTHER HAND, REGISTERED AN INCREASE.

REFLECTING THE FALL IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml AND M3 DECLINED IN NOVEMBER COMPARED WITH OCTOBER.

HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 WAS LITTLE CHANGED FROM THE PRECEDING MONTH.

TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY DEPOSITS-TAKING INSTITUTIONS INCREASED FASTER IN NOVEMBER THAN IN OCTOBER.

MUCH OF THIS GROWTH WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

LOANS TO FINANCE HONG KONG’S VISIBLE TRADE SHOWED A SMALL INCREASE IN NOVEMBER WHILE OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG RECORDED A SLIGHT DECLINE.

/DEPOSITS........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

DEPOSITS

IN NOVEMBER, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEMAND DEPOSITS FELL BY 3.6 PER CENT. SAVINGS DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 7.1 PER CENT WHILE TIME DEPOSITS DROPPED BY 5.7 PER CENT.

TAKEN TOGETHER, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 0.7 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND 1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.

OVER THE YEAR ( THAT IS FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER) TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 22.6 PER CENT.

FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, AS A 11.3 PER CENT RISE IN NON-U.S. DOLLAR FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS MORE THAN OFFSET A 3.4 PER CENT DECLINE IN U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS.

OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW BY 30 PER CENT.

FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS CONTRACTED BY 20.2 PER CENT TN NOVEMBER.

ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS FELL BY 2.8 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER WHILE ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE BY 4.6 PER CENT.

DEPOSITS (ALL CURRENCIES) WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY 1.2 PER CENT.

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER, DEPOSITS WITH BANKS INCREASED BY 5.7 PER CENT WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 8.2 PER CENT.

THEIR RESPECTIVE INCREASES DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER WERE 28.8 PER CENT AND 9.6 PER CENT.

MONEY SUPPLY

REFLECTING THE FALL IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR Ml DROPPED BY 2.1 PER CENT, HONG KONG DOLLAR M2 RECORDED ZERO GROWTH AND HONG KONG DOLLAR M3 FELL BY 0.5 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER.

THESE COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 5.4 PER CENT, 0.8 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.

DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1987, HK$M1, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 33.6 PER CENT, 25.9 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

/AS THE .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988 . -

AS THE INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS OFFSET THE DECLINE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS INCREASED IN NOVEMBER, ALTHOUGH THE RATES OF INCREASE WERE SLOWER THAN IN OCTOBER.

TOTAL Ml GREW BY 0.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 6.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.

TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3, ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER, COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING INCREASES OF 3 PER CENT AND 3.5 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.

OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 38.4 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 28.7 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 26.4 PER CENT.

LOANS AND ADVANCES

TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 4.6 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND 2 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.

WHILE LOANS DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DECLINED BY 1 PER CENT, THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES GREW BY 9.1 PER CENT.

THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR THE TWO TYPES OF LOANS WERE 1.3 PER CENT AND 2.5 PER CENT IN OCTOBER.

LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG ROSE BY 1 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.9 PER CENT IN OCTOBER; OVER THE YEAR THESE LOANS GREW BY 25.2 PER CENT.

GROWTH IN OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG DECLINED BY 0.2 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 2 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 30.4 PER CENT.

LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG GREW BY 11.8 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER WHILE LOANS WHERE THE PLACE OF USE IS UNKNOWN ROSE BY 5.3 PER CENT.

NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS

THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS AND LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 154 AND 35 RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THAT OF REPORTING REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECREASED BY ONE TO 236.

/5........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

- 5 -

MONETARY STATISTICS - NOVEMBER 1987

(HKtan)

Money Supply Nov 1987 Oct 1987 (X Earlier change to Aug 1987 months November 1987) Nov 1986

Ml - HK* 64,890 66,279 ( -2.1 X) 57,619 ( 12.6 %) 48,581 ( 33.6 X)

Foreign currency 9,029 7,416 (21.8 X) 7,415 (21.8 7.) CO fj »-*■ (D <4

Total 73,919 73,694 ( 0.3 7.1 65,033 ( 13.7 X) 53,403 ( 38.4 X)

M2 - HK* 287,258 287,356 ( 0.0 7.) 276,144 ( 4.0 7.) 228.167 ( 25.9 X)

Foreign currency 357,292 349,216 ( 2.3 7.) 334,270 ( 6.9 %) 272,526 (31.1 X)

Total 644,550 636,571 ( 1.3 X) 610,415 ( 5.6 X) 500,693 ( 28.7 7.)

M3 - 321,827 323,380 ( -0.5 7.) 310,387 ( 3.7 X) 261,551 ( 23.0 X)

Foreign currency 390,992 382,139 ( 2.3 7.) 363,351 ( 7.6 X) 302, 194 ( 29.4 7.)

Total 712,819 705,519 ( 1.0 7.) 673,737 ( 5.8 7.) 563,745 ( 26.4 X)

Notes and coins in circulation 26,672 26,342 ( 1.3 X) 25.381 ( 5.1 7.) 21,549 ( 23.8 7.)

of which held by public 23,183 23,021 ( 0.7 X> 22,158 ( 4.6 7.) 18,813 ( 23.2 7.)

Deposits

Demand deposits 50,736 50,674 ( 0. 1 7.) 42,875 ( 18.3 X> 34,590 ( 46.7 7.)

Savings deposits 157,472 146,069 ( 7.8 7.) 142,313 ( 10.7 X) 120,926 ( 30.2 7.)

Time deposits with banks 403,426 407,337 ( -1.0 X) 393,612 ( 2.5 X) 319,369 ( 26.3 X)

Time deposits with dtcs 63,854 64,646 ( -1.2 X> 59,029 ( 8.2 X) 58,284 ( 9.6 X>

HK4- deposits 290,853 292,880 ( -0.7 X> 280,927 ( 3.5 7.) 237,184 ( 22.6 7.)

US£ deposits 221,357 229,173 ( -3.4 X) 222,099 ( -0.3 V.) 198,617 ( 11.4 X>

Other -foreign currency deposits 163,279 146,673 ( 11.3 X) 134,804 ( 21.1 X) 97,368 ( 67.7 X)

Al 1 deposi ts 675,488 668,726 ( 1.0 7.) 637,830 ( 5.9 7.) 533,169 ( 26.7 7.)

Foreign currency swap deposits 27,876 34,912 (-20.2 7.) 35,546 (• -21.6 7.) 28,598 ( -2.5 X)

Loans and advances

To -finance U.K.'s visible trade 43,645 43,230 ( 1.0 7.) 42,584 ( 2.5 X) 34,864 ( 25.2 7.)

To -finance merchandi si ng trade 6,585 6,721 ( -2.0 X> 5,564 ( 18.4 7.) 3,978 ( 65.5 X)

not touching H.K. Other loans -for use in H.K. 346,768 347,481 ( -0.2 X) 328,855 ( 5.4 7.) 265,894 < 30.4 7.)

Other loans -for use outside H.K. 288,636 If in CO in CJ ( 11.8 7.) 248,258 ( 16.3 7.) 160,084 ( 80.3 7.)

Other loans where the place oi 56,886’ 54,020 ( 5.3 X) 43,588 ( 30.5 X) 29,665 ( 91.8 7.)

use is not known Loans, in HK5 309,386 312,607 ( -1.0 X) 299,173 ( 3.4 7.) • 246,805 < 25.4 7.)

.Loans in foreign currencies 433.136 396,998 ( 9.1 X) 369,677 ( 17.2 7.) 247,680 ( 74.9 7.)

Total loans and advances 742,522 709,605 ( 4.6 X) 668,849 ( 11.0 X) 494,485 ( 50.2 X)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

MORE PARTICIPATION IN HONG KONG’S POLITICAL MAKING URGED

* * * * *

HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD BE MORE EXPRESSIVE ABOUT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND TAKE UP A MORE ACTIVE ROLE TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FUTURE SOCIETY.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MRS RITA FAN, MADE THIS APPEAL DURING A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION ENTITLED ’NEW CITIZENS OF THE GREAT TIMES’ HELD TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA.

SHE SAID THAT WITH THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT DUE TO BE PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY, THE PEOPLE WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH A BETTER VIEW OF THE MODE OF THE FUTURE POLITICAL STRUCTURE, THEIR EXTENT OF INVOLVEMENT IN ITS MAKING, AND THE AVAILABLE CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH THEY COULD INVOLVE.

PEOPLE SHOULD FIND TIME TO READ THE WHITE PAPER IN GREAT DEPTH TO BE FOLLOWED BY ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, SUCH AS RUN FOR ELECTIONS AND VOTE IN SUBSEQUENT ELECTIONS, MRS FAN SAID.

"ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES OF CIVIC EDUCATION, APART FROM ENHANCING PEOPLE’S POLITICAL ORIENTATIONS, IS TO DEVELOP PEOPLE’S ABILITY TO THINK INDEPENDENTLY.

"NOW THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS ABOUT COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, PEOPLE SHOULD REMAIN SOBER AND JUDGMENTAL WHILE NOT BE EASILY PRONE TO VOLATILE AND PARTIAL ASPIRATIONS ADVOCATED BY OTHERS," MRS FAN URGED.

TODAY’S EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE ’JOINT CONFERENCE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION’ . WAS ONE OF THE 23 CIVIC-EDUCATION ORIENTED COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.

FOUR IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF CIVIC EDUCATION WERE HIGHLIGHTED; THEY ARE TRACING ONE'S ROOT, LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE, MANAGING THE COMMUNITY’S AFFAIRS, AND BECOMING MORE CIVIC-MINDED.

MATERIALS DISPLAYED INCLUDED A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF LAMINATED DISPLAY PANELS, INFORMATION BROCHURES, COLOUR SLIDES, A VIDEO SHOW, AND ABOUT 200 PICTURE CARDS.

COMMUNITY GROUPS AND SCHOOLS ARE WELCOME TO BORROW THE EXHIBITS AFTER THE EXHIBITION TO FACILITATE SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION; MR PETER TAM.

- 0 -

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

- 7 -TUNNEL TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT FROM NEXT MONDAY » * « * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT ONE OF THE TWO LANES OF THE SHA TIN-BOUND TUBE OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE CONVERTED FOR KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC DURING THE EARLY MORNINGS OF THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

THIS TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT THE TUNNEL FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 4) TO JANUARY 15, EXCEPT SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS.

IT WILL BEGIN AT 6 AM AND END ABOUT 7.30 AM TO 7.45 AM, DEPENDING ON THE TRAFFIC SITUATION AT THE TUNNEL’S KOWLOON ENTRANCE.

"MOTORISTS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND DRIVE WITH CARE," A SPOKSEMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID.

"THEY SHOULD NOTE THAT VEHCILES USING THIS ADDITIONAL ’TIDAL’ LANE TOWARDS KOWLOON WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TURN LEFT ON TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AFTER LEAVING THE TUNNEL’S KOWLOON EXIT, BUT CAN ONLY PROCEED STRAIGHT TO WATERLOO ROAD," HE ADDED.

DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF THE TEST, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO TRY OUT THE OPERATION OF A NEW MERGING ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN THE TOLL PLAZA AND THE TUNNEL ENTRANCE CONTROLLED BY TEMPORARY TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THE TECHNIQUE WILL BE EVALUATED TO CHECK WHETHER IT CAN INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE TUNNEL.

"IF PROVED EFFECTIVE, THE NEW TRAFFIC CONTROL TECHNIQUE MAY BE REINTRODUCED LATER WITH PERMANENT EQUIPMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE NEW TRAFFIC LIGHTS, ERECTED AT ABOUT 80 METRES BEYOND THE TOLL BOOTHS, WILL START TO FUNCTION AS SOON AS THE TIDAL - FLOW ARRANGEMENT ENDS AT AROUND 7.30 AM AND WILL BE IN FORCE UNTIL ABOUT 9.30 AM.

THE TUNNEL CONTROL OFFICERS WILL BE ON DUTY IN THE TOLL PLAZA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

/8........

SATUSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

LION ROCK TUNNEL TIDAL FLOW EXPERIMENT

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

lion rock tunnel signal-controlled merging experiment

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

10 -

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR TO OPEN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY * * » * *

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART IN THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY ’88 TO BE HELD AT KO SHAN ROAD PARK, HUNG HOM, BETWEEN 1 PM AND 5 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE (ISHC) OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE EVENT WILL DRIVE HOME THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY THROUGH A WIDE VARIETY OF GAMES AND EXHIBITION MATERIALS.

IT WILL ALSO FEATURE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES, DISC JOCKEY SHOWS AND QUIZZES.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR HENRIETTA IP; THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF ISHC, MR HAROLD KWOK, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

A CONCERT WILL ALSO BE HELD AT KO SHAN THEATRE IN THE EVENING TO MARK THE CONCLUSION OF THE RADIO SERIES "SAFETY HINTS IN INDUSTRY" WHICH IS JOINTLY PRODUCED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO AND THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE POP SINGERS AND RADIO PERSONALITIES AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE AT 8.30 PM ON COMMERCIAL RADIO ONE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE AFTERNOON EVENT TOMORROW (SUNDAY) SHOULD ARRIVE AT KO SHAN ROAD PARK AT 12.30 PM.

THOSE COVERING THE EVENING CONCERT SHOULD ARRIVE AT KO SHAN THEATRE AT 7.30 PM.

INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.

--------o----------

/11 ........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

11 -

PROPOSED LAYING OF FRESH WATER SUBMARINE PIPELINE *****

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A CROSS-HARBOUR SUBMARINE FRESH WATER PIPELINE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT EIGHT HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED BETWEEN CHA KWO LING AND QUARRY BAY.

THE PIPELINE WILL BE USED TO TRANSFER TREATED WATER FROM PAK KONG TREATMENT WORKS IN KOWLOON TO SHAU KEI WAN SERVICE RESERVOIR ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MARCH AND BE COMPLETED BY JANUARY 1989.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY FEBRUARY 29.

MEANWHILE, AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING PIER WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 111.6 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED IN FRONT OF TIN HAU TEMPLE AT TAP MUN, SAI KUNG NORTH.

WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BY DECEMBER 30.

-----o------

FREE LUNCH TIME CONCERTS FOR WORKERS

* * * » ♦

FACTORY WORKERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO TWO LUNCH TIME CONCERTS IN THE COMING WEEKS, THANKS TO SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD.

POPULAR SINGERS AND ARTISTES WILL PERFORM AT THE CONCERTS, OFFERING THE AUDIENCE AN HOUR OF SONGS AND DANCES.

THE CONCERTS ARE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT INDUSTRIALISTS ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE.

THE FIRST CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (JANUARY 4) FROM 12.30 PM TO 1.30 PM AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND, WHICH IS CLOSE TO THE INDUSTRIAL AREA IN WONG CHUK HANG.

/the second........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 2, 1988

- 12

THE SECOND ONE WILL START AT NOON ON JANUARY 20 (WEDNESDAY) AT THE SAME VENUE. ADMISSION TO THE CONCERTS IS FREE.

’’THE CONCERTS ARE AIMED AT PROVIDING ENTERTAINMENT FOR WORKERS DURING THEIR LUNCH BREAK AND PROMOTING THEIR COMMUNITY SPIRIT,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID.

SIMILAR CONCERTS HELD LAST YEAR HAD PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AMONG WORKERS IN THE DISTRICT, HE ADDED.

--------0-----------

ROAD CLOSURES IN TSUEN WAN *****

TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC NEXT WEEK FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS.

TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN UNDERPASS, YI PEI CHUN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 4) UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

VEHICLES HEADING FOR LO WAI AND SHING MUN AREAS WILL BE DIVERTED VTA CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD AND LO WAI ROAD, WHILE THOSE HEADING FOR TSUEN WAN TOWN CENTRE WILL HAVE TO USE CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD, CHEUNG SHAN ROAD EAST AND CHEUNG SHAN ROAD WEST.

MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN TAI HO ROAD AND SAI LAU KOK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.15 AM AND 5.45 AM ON BOTH TUESDAY (JANUARY 5) AND WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 6).

THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE. AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING KMB ROUTE NO. 59S, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SAI LAU KOK ROAD.

--------0 ----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SYNAGOGUE redevelopment plan approved .................... 1

TRIPARTITE EFFORTS NEEDED TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS ........

CHILDREN TRAINED TO KNOW HONG KONG BETTER ................ 3

ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE IN YAU MA TEI ........................ 3

IVY STREET WIDENED FOR SAFE TRAFFIC ...................... 4

MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY FOR 10 5-YEAR-OLD LADY................. 5

JOB SATISFACTION REWARD FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISERS.......... 6

SILICON HARBOUR PROJECT .................................. 7

UPGRADING COURSE FOR TRAVEL AGENCY EXECUTIVES ........... 10

DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ............ 10

TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ........ 11

LEFT-TURN BAN TO CONTINUE................................ 11

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS NORTH DISTRICT FACILITIES .......... 12

WATER CUT IN TSZ WAN SHAN

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

- 1. -

SYNAGOGUE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN APPROVED * * * *

THE REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE JEWISH SYNAGOGUE AT ROBINSON ROAD, MID-LEVELS, WAS AMONG 56 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN OCTOBER, 1987.

THE PLAN INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF TWO APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL BLOCKS OF SIX AND 42 STOREYS ON THE SITE OF THE SYNAGOGUE.

ALSO APPROVED WERE TWO TRAM DEPOTS FOR THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LIMITED.

ONE OF THE DEPOTS IS A TWO-STOREY STRUCTURE LOCATED ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION NEAR WHITTY STREET, WHILE THE ONE ON THE ALDRICH BAY RECLAMATION IS A SINGLE-STOREY BUILDING.

THIRTY-THREE OF THE APPROVED PLANS WERE FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, INCLUDING FIVE APARTMENT BLOCKS OF 37 AND 38 STOREYS AT THE -TAIKOO RESERVOIR SITE IN QUARRY BAY AND FIVE APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL BLOCKS OF 36 AND 40 STOREYS AT TEXACO ROAD IN TSUEN WAN.

OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 23 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 IN KOWLOON AND 20 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

CONSENT TO START WORK WAS GIVEN ON 64 PROJECTS WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 402,015.8 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 195,353.7 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.

THE DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,236 MILLION.

DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED A TOTAL OF 38 OCCUPATION PERMITS, INCLUDING 11 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE IN KOWLOON AND 22 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THIRTY DEMOLITION ORDERS AFFECTING 91 BUILDINGS WERE ISSUED DURING THE MONTH.

THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE RECEIVED 487 COMPLAINTS ABOUT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES OR ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 768 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 79 REMOVAL ORDERS.

THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 368 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED THREE EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.

-----o-----

/2 .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

TRIPARTITE EFFORTS NEEDED TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS

* » » ♦ *

A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED FOR SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

AT THE OPENING OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY ’88 ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE (ISHC) OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AT KO SHAN ROAD PARK, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, DR HENRIETTA IP, SAID INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH HAD BECOME A MATTER OF GROWING CONCERN AMONG THE PUBLIC AT LARGE IN RECENT YEARS.

SHE SAID INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS RESULTED NOT ONLY IN LOSS OF PRODUCTION AND HEAVY COMPENSATION COSTS TO EMPLOYERS, BUT ALSO AFFECTED HEAVILY ON THE LIVELIHOOD OF THE VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

“THEREFORE, VIGOROUS EFFORTS AMONG THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES ARE ESSENTIAL IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY," SHE SAID.

IN THIS RESPECT, DR IP PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ISHC FOR HAVING ORGANISED MANY SUCCESSFUL ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST YEARS TO PROMOTE SAFETY AND HEALTH.

THESE ACTIVITIES NOT ONLY HELPED RAISE THE LOCAL INUDSTRIAL SAFETY STANDARDS BUT ALSO PROVIDED AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION CHANNEL BETWEEN EMPLOYERS, EMPLOYEES AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, SHE ADDED.

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY WAS THE ISHC CHAIRMAN, MR HAROLD KWOK, WHO TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY DAY *88 WAS AIMED AT DRIVING HOME THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MESSAGE THROUGH EXHIBITION AND ENTERTAINMENT.

HE THANKED THOSE TAKING PART IN THE EVENT FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS WHICH, HE SAID, HAD FURTHER ENHANCED THE TRIPARTITE NATURE OF THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.

THE SAFETY DAY FORMED PART OF THE 1987/88 INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PROMOTION ACTIVITIES.

IT FEATURED SOME 50 GAMES STALLS AND EXHIBITION BOOTHS, MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE PIPE AND DRUM BAND, DISC JOCKEY SHOWS AND SAFETY QUIZZES.

A CONCERT TO MARK THE CONCLUSION OF THE RADIO SERIES, SAFETY HINTS IN INDUSTRY, JOINTLY PRODUCED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO AND THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT KO SHAN THEATRE AT 8 PM THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.

--------0 ---------

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

CHILDREN TRAINED TO KNOW HONG KONG BETTER

*****

"GET TO KNOW YOUR HONG KONG BETTER" WAS THE THEME HIGHLIGHTED IN A CARNIVAL FOR YOUNG CITIZENS HELD TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI NEW WORLD CENTRE.

ORGANISED BY HONG KONG CARITAS, THE CARNIVAL WAS ONE OF 23 CIVIC EDUCATION-ORIENTED COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.

THE CARNIVAL WAS AIMED AT FOSTERING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE COMMUNITY BY THE YOUNGER GENERATION, THROUGH WHICH TO MAKE THEM MORE AWARE OF THEIR SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT, PARTICULARLY THEIR DISTRICT; HENCE TO BECOME MORE PREPARED TO EXERCISE GOOD CITIZENSHIP FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SOCIETY AS A WHOLE.

THE CARNIVAL PRESENTED A HANDFUL OF PROGRAMMES EACH OF WHICH DELIVERED THE THEME MESSAGE.

THE PROGRAMMES INCLUDED AN EXHIBITION WHICH FEATURED THE UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS OF EACH OF THE 19 DISTRICTS; AN OPERA; A MUPPET SHOW; A SLIDE SHOW; A MODEL DISPLAY; COMPUTER GAMES; AND A TELEMATCH GAME IN WHICH YOUNG VISITORS TO THE SHOW WERE MOBILISED TO DRAW A HUGE MAP OF HONG KONG AND PRODUCE REPLICAS OF THEIR DISTRICT’S EMBLEM.

THE CARNIVAL WAS PRECEEDED BY A BRIEF OPENING CEREMONY OFFICIATED BY MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MR CHAN WING-TAI; EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER, CHINESE BANK, MR J.P. LEE; MEMBER OF THE SOCIAL WORK COMMITTEE, HONG KONG CARITAS, MISS DIANA MAK; AND SOCIAL WORK SECRETARY, HONG KONG CARITAS, MISS JOYCE CHANG.

- 0 - -

ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE IN YAU MA TEI * * * *

A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WAS HELD TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR WAI KIN-BONG, SAID THE PUBLICITY DRIVE WAS TO EDUCATE AND REMIND RESIDENTS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD TRAFFIC RULES.

"CAREFULNESS ON THE ROADS ON THE PART OF THE PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS WILL HELP REDUCE THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS," HE SAID.

/according to

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1?88

ACCORDING TO POLICE STATISTICS, MORE THAN 16,000 PEOPLE WERE INJURED OR DIED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.

TO HELP PROMOTE THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES, THE COMMITTEE HAS PUT UP PUBLICITY SIGNBOARDS AT VARIOUS TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS TO DISSUADE RESIDENTS FROM JAYWALKING AND DISTRIBUTED PAMPHLETS TO MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS.

THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO SENT QUESTIONNAIRES ON ROAD TRAFFIC RULES TO SCHOOL CHILDREN TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THE RISKS IN ROAD TRAFFIC.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TODAY WERE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; YAU MA TEI DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR J. MAIN; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH.

THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN WAS SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD.

-----0-----

IVY STREET WIDENED FOR * » » * »

SAFE TRAFFIC

A SECTION OF IVY STREET BETWEEN ELM STREET AND TAI KOK TSUI ROAD HAS BEEN WIDENED TO ENABLE BETTER VEHICLE FLOW AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN TAI KOK TSUI.

THERE WAS ORIGINALLY ONLY ONE 3.3-METRE CARRIAGEWAY AND PAVEMENT ON ONLY THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THIS ROAD SECTION.

WITH THE SCHEDULED COMPLETION OF THE TAI KOK TSUI TEMPORARY MARKET ON AN ADJACENT EARTH MOUND EARLY THIS YEAR, THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE ANTICIPATED AN INCREASE IN PEDESTRIAN FLOW AND HEAVY LOADING ACTIVITIES.

IT WAS THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT A PORTION OF THE EARTH MOUND SHOULD BE REMOVED TO PROVIDE FOR AN EXTRA CARRIAGEWAY AND A PAVEMENT BORDERING THE MARKET.

THE BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $130,000 FOR REMOVING THE EARTH MOUND AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SLOPE FORMATION WORK.

THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE NEW CARRIAGEWAY AND PAVEMENT AND IS RESURFACING THE ORIGINAL CARRIAGEWAY TO ENSURE A UNIFORM ROAD SURFACE FOR THE ENTIRE SECTION.

THE PACKAGE OF WORKS IS DUE TO COMPLETE AROUND FEBRUARY TO TIE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW MARKET.

-----0------

/5........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

- 5 -

MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY FOR 105-YEAR-OLD LADY *****

AFTER MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF LONELY LIFE, MADAM CHAN SAI-MUI, ONE OF THE OLDEST RESIDENTS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT, TODAY (SUNDAY) CELEBRATED HER 105TH BIRTHDAY AT THE KWAI SHING CARE SHELTER FOR THE ELDERLY.

BORN IN MA WAN AND MARRIED TO A FISHERMAN ON THE ISLAND, MADAM CHAN LIVED IN A FISHING BOAT AND SPENT HER EARLIER YEARS CATCHING FISH.

AFTER THE DEATHS OF HER HUSBAND AND SON, SHE STOPPED FISHING AND MOVED TO LIVE IN A SQUATTER HUT NEAR MA WAN TYPHOON SHELTER.

ALTHOUGH MADAM CHAN HAD TO BE IN A SQUATTING POSITION MOST OF THE TIME AND HAD TO WALK WITH HER HANDS AS A RESULT OF HER LONG STAY IN A FISHING BOAT, SHE HAD TO TAKE CARE OF HERSELF WHILE LIVING ALONE IN THE SQUATTER HUT.

HER LIFE WAS CHANGED A YEAR AGO AFTER KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, DISCOVERED HER CONDITIONS DURING A VISIT OF THE TSING YI AREA COMMITTEE TO MA WAN.

MR COAK HOPED TO FIND A PLACE FOR HER IN A CARE SHELTER IN THE DISTRICT, AND MADAM CHAN WAS FINALLY ADMITTED TO THE HELPING HAND’S KWAI SHING CARE SHELTER FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE END OF 1986.

MADAM CHAN HAS BEEN LIVING IN THE CARE SHELTER FOR MORE THAN A YEAR AND IS HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT. ACCORDING TO THE NURSES OF THE CARE SHELTER, THE MAJOR DIFFICULTY IN TAKING CARE OF HER IS HOW TO IMPROVE HER MOBILITY.

THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HAVE VOLUNTEERED TO MAKE A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED CHAIR FOR MADAM CHAN TO RELEASE HER FROM SITTING MOST OF THE TIME ON A WHEELCHAIR AND TO FACILITATE HER TO SIT AND STAND UP ON HER OWN.

ON KNOWING THE STORY OF MADAM CHAN, KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR LAM YAU-KWONG, HELPED ORGANISE TODAY’S BIRTHDAY PARTY. MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S YIN NGAI SOCIETY AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HELPING HAND, DR KALEI INN, ALSO TOOK PART IN THE CELEBRATION.

MADAM CHAN SAID HER 105TH BIRTHDAY WAS REALLY MEMORABLE AND ALL THOSE PRESENT WISHED HER HAPPINESS.

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/6........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

JOB SATISFACTION REWARD FOR COMMUNITY ORGANISERS

*****

THE WORK IS HARD, THE HOURS ARE LONG AND THERE ARE NO FRINGE BENEFITS; BUT BEING A COMMUNITY ORGANISER PROVIDES GREAT JOB SATISFACTION BECAUSE HE OR SHE CAN SERVE THE COMMUNITY DIRECTLY.

A COMMUNITY ORGANISER IS A PART-TIME WORKER IN A DISTRICT OFFICE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION EXPLAINED.

HE ASSISTS THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN PROMOTING GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS AND IN REFLECTING TO THE GOVERNMENT THE VIEWS OF THE RESIDENTS WITH WHOM THEY COME INTO CONTACT.

A COMMUNITY ORGANISER ALSO SERVES MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, AND HELPS RESIDENTS TO RESOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS RELATING TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT WHEN REQUIRED.

THE WORKING HOURS OF COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ARE FLEXIBLE.

MOST OF THEM WORK IN THE AFTERNOONS OR EVENINGS AFTER WORK.

THEY WORK ALSO ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND GENERAL HOLIDAYS.

THEY ARE EXPECTED TO WORK A MINIMUM OF 25 HOURS A WEEK AND 100 HOURS A MONTH.

"WITH EFFECT FROM EARLY THIS YEAR, A REVISED MONTHLY HONORARIUM OF $1,900 WILL BE PAID TO COMMUNITY ORGANISERS.

"THE REVISION WILL INCREASE THE EXISTING HONORARIUM BY $300," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE MAIN SOURCE OF COMMUNITY ORGANISERS IS THOSE PUBLIC-MINDED CITIZENS WHO HAVE SOME WORKING EXPERIENCE AND WHO ARE PREPARED TO SACRIFICE SOME OF THEIR SPARE TIME FOR COMMUNITY WORK.

MOST OF THEM ARE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES, POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS AND SOCIAL WORKERS.

THE QUALIFICATIONS NORMALLY REQUIRED OF A COMMUNITY ORGANISER ARE : COMPLETION OF FORM 5 OR ABOVE; FLUENT CANTONESE AND GOOD WRITTEN CHINESE OR ENGLISH.

CANDIDATES WHO ARE AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 45 AND THOSE WHO HAVE HIGHER ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND WHO ARE ABLE TO SPEAK OTHER CHINESE DIALECTS ARE GENERALLY GIVEN PREFERENCE.

/IN RECUiT .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

1 IN RECENT YEARS, COMMUNITY ORGANISERS HAVE BEEN HEAVILY INVOLVED IN VARIOUS IMPORTANT GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS, SUCH AS THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGNS, DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND MATTERS RELATING TO DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

WORKING CLOSELY WITH STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICES, COMMUNITY ORGANISERS ARE NOT ONLY ABLE TO HAVE FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME BUT THEY ARE ALSO ABLE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHEME.

THE PRESENT STRENGTH OF COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WORKING IN THE 19 DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IS SOME 500 STRONG.

"IN VIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISCTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND THE APPROACHING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE BACK-UP SERVICE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICES.

"THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THIS CHALLENGING JOB MAY CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICES IN THEIR DISTRICT more DETAILS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

--------o--------

SILICON HARBOUR PROJECT

*****

A HIGHLY ADVANCED THREE-STOREY ELECTRONICS PLANT OF MORE THAN 29,000 SQUARE METRES AND COSTING SEVERAL HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS WILL SOON OCCUPY A SITE IN THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY ZONE OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ON THE WATERFRONT NEXT TO TOLO HARBOUR.

THE PROJECT IS CALLED "SILICON HARBOUR" AND IT PROVIDES A CLUE TO THE PRODUCTS TO BE DESIGNED, MANUFACTURED AND TESTED AT THE NEW FACILITY.

SEMICONDUCTORS WILL BE DESIGNED AND PRODUCED UTILISING COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN/COMPUTER-AIDED MANUFACTURING/COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING (CAD/CAM/CIM) TECHNOLOGIES.

BY 1990 WHEN THE BUILDING IS COMPLETED, THESE TECHNOLOGIES WILL NOT ONLY REPRESENT THE "STATE OF THE ART" IN THE HONG KONG SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY BUT WILL ALSO BE ONE GENERATION AHEAD OF SIMILAR FACILITIES NOW IN U.S. AND EUROPE.

THE EMPHASIS IS ON PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY SEMICONDUCTORS OF INCREASING COMPLEXITY AT THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE CYCLE TIME TO SERVE THE ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY.

/THE project........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

8 -

THE PROJECT WILL ALSO HELP THE LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY TO MOVE INTO THE CURRENT GENERATION OF MODERN CIRCUITRY AND PRODUCT MINIATURISATION.

THE PLANT WILL ACCOMMODATE MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS’ ASIA PACIFIC DIVISION HEADQUARTERS, REGIONAL COMPUTER CENTRE, DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING CENTRE FOR ASIC, BIPOLAR/MOS LSI SEMICONDUCTOR.

IN EXPLAINING WHY THEY NAMED THEIR LATEST PROJECT ’’SILICON HARBOUR’’, VICE-PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER OF MOTOROLA’S ASIA PACIFIC DIVISION, MR C.D. TAM SAID THE COMPANY FELT THAT THEY COULD GENERATE A PHENOMENON FOR THE HONG KONG ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY SIMILAR TO SILICON VALLEY IN CALIFORNIA.

A LOT OF PIONEERING EFFORT WAS DONE IN THE WEST COAST OF CALIFORNIA WHEN THE SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY WAS BORN MANY YEARS AGO.

FROmItHAT A MAJOR HIGH-TECH ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS DEVELOPED, GIVING BIRTH TO WHAT IS KNOWN TODAY AS THE SILICON VALLEY.

MR TAM NOTED THAT THE GLOBAL SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY HAD GROWN FROM ABOUT U.S.$14 BILLION IN 1981 TO U.S.$27 BILLION IN 1986 - AND

THAT IT WOULD EXCEED U.S.$32 BILLION IN 1987. BY 1992 IT WAS EXPECTED TO EXCEED U.S.$60 BILLION.

WITH THE AVAILABILITY OF THE HIGH TECHNOLOGY ZONE IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE DECISION TO LOCATE THE ADVANCED FACILITY IN HONG KONG WAS MADE IN 1987.

MR TAM ALSO NOTED THAT THE PROJECT FORMS PART OF MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTOR PRODUCT SECTOR’S FIVE-YEAR DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING PLAN.

’’WITHOUT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S FORESIGHT IN BUILDING THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THIS PROJECT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IN HONG KONG AND WOULD MOST CERTAINLY BE LOCATED IN ANOTHER COUNTRY, EVEN THOUGH TECHNICAL AND SKILLED PEOPLE ARE AVAILABLE AND CAN BE TRAINED HERE,” COMMENTED MR TAM. T

FOR A PROJECT AS HUGE AS THE MOTOROLA’S ’’SILICON HARBOUR”, THE CRITERIA FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A LOW-RISE MODERN BUILDING INCLUDE A VERY HIGH CEILING FOR THE GROUND FLOOR, STRONG FOUNDATIONS FOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND VERY SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR THE CLEAN ROOM - ALL WITHIN A SINGLE LARGE SITE.

THIS IS POSSIBLE AT THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WHICH ALSO PROVIDES AN AESTHETIC ENVIRONMENT.

"IN ADDITION, THE SITE IS LOCATED IN AN AREA CLOSE TO MAJOR POPULATION CENTRES SO THAT PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL PEOPLE, PLUS SKILLED WORKERS, ARE AVAILABLE," SAID MR TAM.

/according to.........

SUNDAY, JANUAKY 3, 1988

ACCORDING TO MR TAM, THE PROJECT IS A CAPITAL-INTENSIVE AND BRAIN-INTENSIVE ONE AND THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT DEPENDS VERY MUCH ON FUTURE AVAILABILITY OF ENGINEERS, TECHNICIANS, DATA PROCESSING AND PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT PEOPLE.

’’YEARS OF CLOSE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE UNIVERSITIES AND POLYTECHNICS HAVE TAUGHT US THAT SUCH CANDIDATES CAN BE GENERATED LOCALLY.

’’WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S EMPHASIS ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WE KNOW THAT ADEQUATE TECHNICAL PEOPLE WILL CONTINUE TO BE AVAILABLE,” ADDED MR TAM.

’’FURTHERMORE, GIVEN ADEQUATE TRAINING, EXPOSURE AND MOTIVATION, ENGINEERS IN HONG KONG ARE ABLE TO PERFORM FIRST-CLASS WORK."

MR TAM SAID THAT THROUGHOUT THE DESIGN AND FEASIBILITY STAGES OF THE PROJECT, THE COMPANY HAD RECEIVED SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION.

HONG KONG HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS THE LOCATION FOR MOTOROLA'S "SILICON HARBOUR" PROJECT MAINLY BECAUSE OF ITS ADVANCED INFRASTRUCTURE SUPPORT - ESPECIALLY IN AREAS SUCH AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTERS - AS WELL AS THE COMPANY’S OWN STRONG PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT TEAM WHICH HAS BEEN BUILT UP DURING THEIR 20 YEARS' OPERATION IN THE TERRITORY.

"THE COMPANY WERE ALSO IMPRESSED WITH OTHER FAVOURABLE FACTORS SUCH AS STABLE GOVERNMENT AND LOW TAX RATES," MR TAM SAID.

MOTOROLA’S NEW FACILITY IN TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WILL PROVIDE A STRATEGIC TOOL TO HELP PENETRATE THE CHINA MARKET, WHILE THE PROXIMITY OF HONG KONG TO CHINA AND THE COMMON LANGUAGE AND CULTURE ARE ALSO SEEN AS DEFINITE ADVANTAGES.

MOTOROLA, A MAJOR U.S.-BASED ELECTRONIC COMPANY, STARTED ITS OPERATION IN HONG KONG IN 1967.

DURING 1982, MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTOR INAUGURATED A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR FACILITY IN KWAI FONG TO HOUSE ITS ASIA PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS, PRODUCTION/TEST CENTRE AND ENGINEERING LABORATORIES.

A FULLY AUTOMATED INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ASSEMBLY CENTRE WHICH IS A MORE RECENT DEVELOPMENT STARTED OPERATIONS A FEW MONTHS AGO.

FOR MANY YEARS THE UNITED STATES HAS BEEN THE LEADING OVERSEAS INVESTOR IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

THE LATEST STATISTICS SHOW THAT AMERICAN INTERESTS ACCOUNT FOR 41 PER CENT OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN INDUSTRY.

AT HK$8,053 MILLION THE TOTAL VALUE OF AMERICAN INVESTMENTS AT THE END OF 1986 SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 42 PER CENT OVER 1985.

OF THIS TOTAL, 69 PER CENT WAS IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.

--------0-----------

/1O .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

- 10 -

UPGRADING COURSE FOR TRAVEL AGENCY EXECUTIVES

* * » ♦ *

AN UPGRADING COURSE ON ’EFFECTIVE SUPERVISORY MANAGEMENT SKILLS’ WILL BE OFFERED FOR TOURISM STAFF WITH SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES BETWEEN JANUARY 18 AND 30.

THE COURSE IS A JOINT EFFORT OF THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF HONG KONG.

THIS SIX-EVENING AND TWO-DAY COURSE WILL EXAMINE TOPICS ON THE CHANGING ROLE OF AN EXECUTIVE, STAFF RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING, MOTIVATION, SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP, HANDLING STAFF COMPLAINTS AS WELL AS PROBLEM SOLVING.

COURSE FEE IS $1,600.

PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE FULFILLED ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT WILL BE REPAID HALF OF THE FEE AND AWARDED AN ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS JANUARY 11.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 282.

--------o-----------

DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS * » *

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS » *

THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED TRAFFIC REARRANGEMENTS ON MIDDLE ROAD AND COMPLAINTS ABOUT VEHICLE NOISE AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON CARNARVON ROAD AT A MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).

THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE EXISTING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT THE JUNCTION OF JORDAN ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

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/11 ........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

11 -

TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ * i

MEMBERS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS MAJOR DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND DEVELOPMENT TRENDS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 5).

AT THE MEETING, THE TSUEN WAN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON THE REVIEW OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE DISTRICT.

A RECENTLY COMPLETED REPORT OF THE DB ’ S WORKING GROUP ON POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN TSUEN WAN WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR ENDORSEMENT.

THE REPORT PROPOSES TO REVIEW THE LEGISLATION REGARDING POLLUTION OFFENCES AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL MEASURES AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.

QUESTIONS ON CLEARANCE AND REHOUSING OF SQUATTERS IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE RAISED BY BOARD EMBERS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA OF THE MEETING INCLUDE REPORTS OF THE COMMITTEES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 5) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

--------0----------

LEFT-TURN BAN TO CONTINUE » » t ♦

THE EXISTING LEFT-TURN BAN ON VEHICLES FROM LAI CHI KOK ROAD EASTBOUND ON TO CHEUNG LAI STREET NORTHBOUND, WHICH HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED SINCE OCTOBER LAST YEAR FOR THE INSTALLATION OF CABLES, WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN FORCE UNTIL MARCH 31.

MOTORISTS ON LAI CHI KOK ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR CHEUNG LAI STREET NORTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO USE CHEUNG YEE STREET OR TAI NAN WEST STREET.

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/12 .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 3, 1988

12 -

.1, COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS NORTH DISTRICT FACILITIES * » » * ♦

MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 5) TO CONSIDER A NUMBER OF PROPOSED PROJECTS TO PROVIDE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SHEUNG SHUI AND FANLING SOUTH; A STANDARD COMMUNITY CENTRE IN FANLING; A COOKED FOOD CENTRE AND A REGIONAL COUNCIL COMPLEX IN SHEK WU HUI.

SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR KWAN TSOI-KWAN, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THESE PROJECTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 5) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.

-----0------

WATER CUT IN TSZ WAN SHAN » » ♦ »

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN, KOWLOON, WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 6) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL BLOCKS IN TSZ 01 AND TSZ CHING ESTATES.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

MONDAY, JANUARY it, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

HIGH LEVEL OF PROPERTY MARKET ACTIVITY IN 1987 ................ 1

REGIMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS PRESENT ROLE: COMMANDER ............ 4

TOP CUSTOMS MEN PROMOTED ..................................... **

FORESHORE AND SEABED RECLAMATIONS ............................. 5

FIRST ARTS FESTIVAL FOR KWAI TSING ............................ 6

WONG TAI SIN DB TO DISCUSS HOUSING SITE ....................... 6

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS............. 7

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET ....................... 8

WATER STORAGE FIGURE .......................................... 8

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1988

HIGH LEVEL OF PROPERTY MARKET ACTIVITY IN 1987

* t * * »

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS REGISTERED LAST YEAR DROPPED SLIGHTLY TO 54,868, A DECREASE OF 2.2 PER CENT OVER 1986, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

HOWEVER, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE CONSIDERATIONS IN THESE AGREEMENTS INCREASED BY 32.7 PER CENT FROM 141.015 BILLION IN 1986 TO $54,427 BILLION IN 1987.

DURING 1987, 94,436 ASSIGNMENTS OF FLATS WERE REGISTERED, COMPARED WITH 80,487 IN 1986, MR GLEESON SAID WHILE REPORTING ON LAND OFFICE FIGURES.

OF THESE A TOTAL OF 8,107 ASSIGNMENTS WERE COMPLETED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, COMPARED WITH 9,775 IN 1986.

THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSIGNMENT OF FLATS INCREASED BY 36.1 PER CENT FROM $45,501 BILLION TO $61,918 BILLION.

THERE WERE 968 ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS, 48.2 PER CENT MORE THAN IN 1986.

THE TOTAL VALUE OF THE CONSIDERATIONS IN ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS DROPPED DURING 1987 BY 36.3 PER CENT FROM $28,122 BILLION IN 1986 TO $17,915 BILLION.

HOWEVER, THE 1987 FIGURE WAS GREATLY IN EXCESS OF THE 1985 FIGURE OF $6,919 BILLION.

A TOTAL OF 51 BUILDING MORTGAGES AND 100,272 OTHER MORTGAGES WERE REGISTERED, COMPARED WITH 49 AND 76,004 RESPECTIVELY FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED UNDER BUILDING MORTGAGES REGISTERED DURING THE YEAR DROPPED BY 15.8 PER CENT, FROM $909 MILLION TO $765 MILLION.

/THE AMOUNT

MONDAY, JANUARY 1987

2 -

THE AMOUNT SECURED UNDER MORTGAGES OTHER THAN BUILDING MORTGAGES ROSE BY 44.9 PER CENT, FROM $33,086 BILLION TO $47,928 BILLION.

REPAYMENTS UNDER MORTGAGES OF ALL KINDS, AS EVIDENCED BY DISCHARGES AND MORTGAGEE’S RECEIPTS, ROSE BY 10.2 PER CENT, FROM $22,182 BILLION IN 1986 TO $24,436 BILLION IN 1987.

SEARCHES IN THE LAND OFFICE BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC REACHED AN ALL-TIME HIGH OF 1,463,614, UP BY 19.9 PER CENT.

DURING 1987, THE SIX NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT REGISTERED A TOTAL OF 184,562 INSTRUMENTS.

THIS WAS AGAIN AN ALL-TIME HIGH, AND INCLUDED 37,106 SALE AND PURCHASE AGREEMENTS OF FLATS, 45,100 ASSIGNMENTS OF ^ATS, 3,5 39 ASSIGNMENTS OF LOTS AND SECTIONS, 34 BUILDING MORTGAGES, 54,160 OTHER MORTGAGES AND 26,799 MORTGAGEES’ RECEIPTS, REASSIGNMENTS AND CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF CONSIDERATIONt OF $21,316 BILLION, $19,329 BILLION, $3,711 BILLION, $601 MILLION, $17,392 BILLION AND $7,818 BILLION RESPECTIVELY.

COMMENTING ON ALL OF THESE FIGURES, MR GLEESON SAID THEY REFLECTED A CONTINUING HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITY IN THE PROPERTY MARKET DURING THE YEAR.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED PROPERTY OWNERS IN HONG KONG NOW STOOD AT 1,023,635, AN INCREASE OF 116,678 OR 12.9 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURE AT THE END OF 1986 WHICH ITSELF WAS AN INCREASE OF 9.7 PER CENT OVER 1985.

THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT LAND GRANTS AND MODIFICATIONS OF GOVERNMENT LEASE CONDITIONS COMPLETED AND REGISTERED IN THE URRAN LAND OFFICE LAST YEAR INCREASED FROM 303 IN 1986 TO 338, WHILE THE TOTAL PREMIUM INVOLVED ROSE BY 57 PER CENT FROM $2.57 BILLION T> $4,034 BILLION.

/PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT

MONDAY, JANUARY U, 1987

PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT GOVERNMENT LAND TRANSACTIONS COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING:

<]) THE SALE BY PUBLIC TENDER OF A 2.224-HECTARE SITE (TUEN MUN TOWN LOT NO.246) IN AREA 5, TUEN MUN TO LEADCHOICE DEVELOPMENT LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $210 MILLION FOR NONINDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP (PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION) SCHEME ON FEBRUARY 9.

(2) THE GRANT BY PRIVATE TREATY OF A 5,956-SQUARE METRE SITE (SHAU KEI WAN INLAND LOT NO.795) AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI ON STREET, SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND HOLY CROSS PATH TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AT A PREMIUM OF $216 MILLION FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WITH AN MTR STATION COMPLEX AND GOVERNMENT ACCOMMODATION ON MARCH 31.

(3) THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF A 2,098-SQUARE METRE SITE (INLAND LOT NO.8667) AT THE JUNCTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND JUBILEE STREET TO HANG SENG BANK LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $840 MILLION FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES ON MAY 29.

(4) THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF A 5,749-SQUARE METRE SITE (INLAND LOT NO.8688) AT QUEEN’S GARDENS, OLD PEAK ROAD TO PARK FAITH INVESTMENT LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $500 MILLION FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES ON OCTOBER 26.

(5) THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF A 4,323-SQUARE METRE SITE (NEW KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO.6043) AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND HING WAH STREET TO HOWSEA LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $168 MILLION FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND HOTEL BUT INCLUDING MULTI-STOREY CARPARK) PURPOSES ON OCTOBER 26.

(6) THE SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION OF A 22,280-SQUARE METRE SITE (NEW KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO.6032) AT KOWLOON BAY TO GRAINBOW LIMITED AT A PREMIUM OF $470 MILLION FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN OR TRADE MART PURPOSES ON NOVEMBER 27.

(7) THE SALE BY PUBLIC TENDER OF A 2.09-HECTARE SITE (FANLING SHEUNG SHUI TOWN LOT NO.l) IN SHEK WU HUI TO AOKI CORPORATION AT A PREMIUM OF $230,200,000 FOR A NONINDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP (PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION) SCHEME ON NOVEMBER 28.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, SURRENDERS AND RESUMPTIONS OF LAND ROSE BY 57.6 PER CENT FROM 92 TO 145, WHILE THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION DROPPED BY 2.9 PER CENT FROM $83.7 MILLION TO $81.3 MILLION.

OF THE EIGHT NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT LAND REGISTRIES, SIX HAVE NOW BEEN TAKEN OVER BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.

IT IS INTENDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER THE

REMAINING TWO BY THE END OF 1988.

A.......

- - 0 - -

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1988

REGIMENT WILL

CONTINUE ITS PRESENT ROLF: COMMANDER

*****

THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), LT. COL. JEREMY HUTCHINS TODAY (MONDAY) ASSURED MEMBERS OF THE VOLUNTEERS THAT THE REGIMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PERFORM ITS PRESENT ROLE FOR AT LEAST THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.

LT. COL. HUTCHINS TOLD THE VOLUNTEERS AT A BRIEFING AT THE HAPPY VALLEY HEADQUARTERS THAT THE LONGER TERM FUTURE WOULD BE A MATTER FOR REVIEW IN THE EARLY 1990’S.

"THE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING INVESTMENT IN TRAINING AND MATERIALS TO ACHIEVE THIS AND CONSEQUENTLY THE REGIMENT WILL REMAIN A VALUABLE ASSET FOR SOME CONSIDERABLE TIME TO COME," HE ADDED.

-------0 ---------

TOP CUSTOMS MEN PROMOTED

*****

THREE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL SOON TAKE UP NEW APPOINTMENTS AT THE DIRECTORATE LEVEL FOLLOWING THE RETIREMENT OF TWO TOP-RANKING OFFICERS.

THE PROMOTIONS WILL MEAN THAT ONLY ONE EXPATRIATE, THE COMMISSIONER, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, WILL REMAIN IN THE DEPARTMENT. MR WILLIAMSON SAID THIS DEMONSTRATED THE PROGRESS OF THE GOVERNMENT'S LOCALISATION POLICY.

THE PRESENT ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE (INVESTIGATION), MR TONG KANG-SING, WIL). TAKE OVER FROM MR J.C. PR1SK AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER AS FROM JANUARY 26 WHEN THE LATTER GOES ON PRERETIREMENT LEAVE.

SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR KWONG HOI-LAM, WILL IN TURN REPLACE MR TONG AS ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (INVESTIGATION) ON THE SAME DATE.

THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE (HEADQUARTERS), MR WALTER NEIL, WILL ALSO RETIRE FROM THE DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE SUCCEEDED BY SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR CHOW KWOK-WOON, AS FROM MARCH 2.

MR TONG JOINED THR FORMER COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AS REVENUE OFFICER IN 1956 AND WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1985.

MR KWONG JOINED THE DEPARTMENT AS REVENUE OFFICER CLASS II TN 1955 AND REACHED THE RANK OF SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1981, WHILE MR CHOW JOINED AS REVENUE SUB-INSPECTOR IN 1960 AND ROSE TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT IN 1981.

-----0-------- /5....................

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1987

FORESHORE AND SEABED RECLAMATIONS

* * * *

MORE THAN 12,000 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT TAI PO HOI AND AP LEI CHAU WILL BE RECLAIMED TO MEET VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL AND DEVELOPMENT USES, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).

THE ANNOUNCEMENT FOLLOWED A DECISION BY THE GOVERNMENT TO OFFER THREE LEASES BY OPEN TENDER INVOLVING A RECLAMATION OF 9,093 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED IN TAI PO HOI AT AREA 27, TAI PO.

THE LEASES TO BE GRANTED ARE FOR THE USE OF A CEMENT AND AGGREGATE DEPOT OF ABOUT 4,750 SQUARE METRES; A SAND DEPOT OF 2,950 SQUARE METRES; AND A SITE FOR MARINE WORKSHOP WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 3,020 SQUARE METRES (OUT OF WHICH ABOUT 125 SQUARE METRES IS FORESHORE AND SEABED).

THE REST OF THE FORESHORE AND SEABED AFFECTED WILL BE USED AS ACCESS ROAD.

ANOTHER 3,200 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED WILL BE RECLAIMED OFF AP LEI CHAU WEST TO PROVIDE LAND FOR HANDLING AGGREGATE AND CEMENT, INCLUDING THE BATCHING OF READY MIXED CONCRETE.

THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER OF THIS PROJECT WILL BE GRANTED A SHORT TERM TENANCY OF THE SITE.

THE RECLAMATION WORK AT AP LEI CHAU WEST WILL BEGIN IN MID-1988 AND.WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN 18 MONTHS.

THE EXTENT OF BOTH RECLAMATION PROJECTS WAS DESCRIBED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE PUBLISHED LAST THURSDAY (DECEMBER 31).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN AND OVER THE AREAS OUTLINED IS AFFECTED MAY SUBMIT A CLAIM IN WRITING FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 30, 1988.

-----0------

/6........

MONDAY, JANUARY 4,

1988

FIRST ARTS FESTIVAL FOR KWAI TSING

* * * *

KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S FIRST ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY 9 AND 30.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT FIRST ARTS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, MR CHENG WING-CHUN, SAID THE FESTIVAL, WITH A BUDGET OF $400,000, WOULD INCLUDE OVER 30 PROGRAMMES.

A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED TO ATTRACT PARTICIPATION FROM PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.

THESE INCLUDE DRAMA, DANCING, CANTONESE OPERAS, MOVIES, CHINESE ORCHESTRA, PUPPET SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS ON CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DISTRICT.

THE ARTS FESTIVAL WILL OPEN ON JANUARY 9 AT THE JU CHING CHU ENGLISH COLLEGE WITH PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL BALLET, OPERA AND DANCING TROUPES AND CHILDREN’S CHOIR.

ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERNECE WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING.

NOTING THAT IT WAS THE FIRST ARTS FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT, MR COAK ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES.

THE SUCCESS OF THE FESTIVAL WOULD DEPEND’ VERY MUCH ON RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT, HE SAID.

PROGRAMME SHEETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SEVEN SUB-OFFICES. RESIDENTS MAY ALSO CALL 0-273593 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.

-------o----------

WONG TAI SIN DB TO DISCUSS HOUSING SITE

♦ » » t »

THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP A SUPPLEMENTARY HOUSING SITE IN NGAU CHI WAN STREET AT A MEETING TOMORROW /TUESDAY).

THE PROPOSED SITE IS TO FACILITATE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE HOUSING STRATEGY WHICH AIMS TO REDEVELOP ALL MARK I TO VI PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS AND FORMER GOVERNMENT LOW COST HOUSING ESTATES BY 2001. 4

/SENWR TOWN

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1987

- 7 -

SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR PAUL NG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS WHETHER TO EXTEND THE DISTRICT’S FEE REDUCTION SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY TO COVER BUS SERVICES.

AT PRESENT, FEE REDUCTION SERVICES ARE PROVIDED BY MEDICAL DOCTORS, DENTISTS, PHARMACIES, LABORATORIES, AND GREEN MINIBUSES.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE LEGAL AID SCHEME, INCLUDING ITS HISTORY, SCOPE AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A BRIEFING ON THE PROGRESS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AT CHUK YUEN WEST AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE DIAMOND HILL DEVELOPMENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT FUNG MING HALL, WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE.

-----0------

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REPORT ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS ♦ * » t ♦

THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON THE NUISANCES OF VICE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE SURVEY, SPONSORED BY THE COMMITTEE, IS AIMED AT FINDING OUT HOW VICE ESTABLISHMENTS AFFECT THE FAMILY LIFE OF THEIR NEIGHBOURS.

A TOTAL OF 634 HOUSEHOLDS WERE INTERVIEWED FROM AUGUST TO SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR BY VOLUNTARY WORKERS FROM SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE HOLDING OF AN EXHIBITION -TO PUBLICISE THE DANGER OF PASSIVE SMOKING. IT WILL BE HELD JOINTLY WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH ON FEBRUARY 6 AND 7 AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND.

/THE COMMITTEE

MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 1987

- 8 -

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO REVIEW VARIOUS COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

- 0-----------

TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO MEET * * » »

THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS BUS STOP ARRANGEMENTS ON GLOUCESTER ROAD AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

a Member will also raise a question on traffic arrangements at

THE ENTRANCE OF RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

AND IN 201

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE A HENNESSY ROAD, TUNG WAH MANSION, EIGHTH FLOOR, HONG KONG.

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WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 59.4 PER CENT OF CAl^CITY OR 348.130 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 350.421 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 59.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

/ -----0------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR DB ELECTIONS........................... 1

OCTOBER RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED................ 3

INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT REVIEWS INWARD INVESTMINT OBJECTIVES .. 6

MONG KOK SURVEY ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS RET,Ku SEP........... 7

MP’S VISIT WAN CHAI ........................................ 8

COUNCIL DELEGATION TO SEE CHIEF SECRETARY................... 9

AGENCY OPERATOR FINED FOR OVERCHARGING...................... 10

REVIEW ON DISTRICT PLANNING ON DB aGENDa ................... 10

SITE GRANTED FOR ’SILICON HARBOUR* ......................... 11

REMINDER ON BANNED AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ................. 12

DECEMBER 1987 SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL BEING CONDUCTED............................................... 1j

WORK ON TO KWn WaN GOVERNMENT COMPLEX STaRTS................ 1J

DRAFT STaNLEY OZP ON DB AGENDA.............................. 14

KEEP HONG KONG CLEaN STEERING COMMITTEE TO MEET............. 15

STUDY ON TUEN MUN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES...................... 16

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR DB ELECTIONS

*****

NOMINATION OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 1988 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 8) AND LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY 1.

DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR BOWEN LEUNG, URGED PEOPLE WHO ARE KEEN ON SERVING THE COMMUNITY TO COME FORWARD AS CANDIDATES.

SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), MR LEUNG PRAISED THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS FOR HAVING MADE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND CULTIVATING COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN THE DISTRICTS OVER THE PAST YEARS.

"THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE PROVIDED A READILY ACCESSIBLE AND EFFECTIVE CHANNEL FOR RESIDENTS TO VOICE THEIR VIEWS ON DISTRICT MATTERS AND MAJOR TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES," HE SAID.

"THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS PRESENT A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WHO ARE DEVOTED TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE PART IN THE WORK OF DISTRICT BOARDS," HE ADDED.

MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THERE WOULD BE 264 ELECTED SEATS SPREADING OUT IN THE 157 CONSTITUENCIES OF WHICH 107 WOULD HAVE TWO VACANCIES WHILE THE REMAINING 50 ARE SINGLE-SEATED.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF EACH DISTRICT HAS BEEN APPOINTED TO ACT AS THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR HIS DISTRICT. THEY WILL ACCEPT NOMINATIONS DURING THE OFFICE HOURS ON ANY WORKING DAY, EXCEPT SATURDAY, THROUGHOUT THE NOMINATION PERIOD.

ANY REGISTERED ELECTOR WHO HAS RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR THE 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF HIS NOMINATION IS ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED. HE CAN STAND FOR ELECTION IN ANY OF THE 157 CONSTITUENCIES, BUT HF. CANNOT BE NOMINATED FOR MORE THAN ONE CONSTITUENCY.

A CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO BE NOMINATED BY 10 ELECTORS, INCLUDING ONE PROPOSER AND ONE SECONDER, IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH HE SEEKS ELECTION.

HE MUST ALSO SIGNIFY HIS CONSENT TO THE NOMINATION AND MAKE A DECLARATION OF QUALIFICATION BEFORE SUBMITTING THE NOMINATION PAPER TO THE RETURNING OFFICER EITHER PERSONALLY, OR BY HIS PROPOSER OR SECONDER.

BEFORE DELIVERING HIS NOMINATION PAPER TO THE RETURNING OFFICER, THE CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO PLACE AN ELECTION DEPOSIT OF $2,000 WITH THE TREASURY WHICH WILL BE RETURNED TO THE CANDIDATE IF HE POLLS MORE THAN ONE-EIGHTH OF THE VOTES CAST, EVEN IF HF. IS NOT ELECTED.

IF THE NUMBER OF CANDIDATES DOES NOT EXCEED THE NUMBER OF VACANCIES FOR A CONSTITUENCY, SUCH CANDIDATE(S) WILL BE DECLARED AS HAVING BEEN ELECTED AND NO VOTING WILL TAKE PLACE.

/NOMINATION FORMS ....

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5$ 1988

NOMINATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES AND WITHDRAWAL OF CANDIDATURE SHOULD BE MADE ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 2, 1988.

THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED ELECTORS, CONTAINED IN THE FINAL REGISTER TO BE PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 8, IS OVER 1.6 MILLION, WITH 1,066,155 ELECTORS IN THE URBAN AREAS AND 544,843 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THIS REPRESENTS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 11 PER CENT OVER THE TOTAL REGISTERED ELECTORS AT THE START OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE IN AUGUST LAST YEAR.

ON ELECTION EXPENSES, MR LEUNG SAID THE LIMIT FOR EACH CANDIDATE WOULD BE $20,000.

CANDIDATES WILL BE GIVEN SUFFICIENT GUIDANCE TO ENSURE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE ELECTORAL PROCEDURES, INCLUDING GUIDANCE NOTES FOR CANDIDATES, COPIES OF THE ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AND RELEVANT PART OF THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS.

THEY WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO BRIEFINGS IN GROUPS BY STAFF OF THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND OTHER RELEVANT DEPARTMENTS IN FEBRUARY.

SOME ELECTORAL A RANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO ENABLE A BETTER RUNNING OF THE ELECTIONS, NOTABLY THE OMISSION OF THE IDENTITY CARD NUMBER OF THE ELECTORS ON THE COPIES OF FINAL REGISTER TO BE GIVEN TO THE CANDIDATES AND THE NEED FOR A CANDIDATE TO OBTAIN WRITTEN CONSENT OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS OF WHOM HE CLAIMS TO HAVE SUPPORT.

OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES AIMED AT REGULATING CANVASSING ACTIVITIES BEFORE AND ON POLLING DAY INCLUDE GUIDELINES ON THE DISPLAY OF POSTERS AND BANNERS, THE USE OF LOUDSPEAKERS AND THE NEED TO OBTAIN WRITTEN CONSENT OF PARENTS OR GUARDIANS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS TAKING PART IN ANY ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES.

"IN NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS BE ASKED TO TAKE PART IN SUCH ACTIVITIES," MR LEUNG STRESSED.

TO ENSURE A FREE AND UNHARASSED PASSAGE TO THE POLLING BOOTHS FOR ELECTORS, A BUFFER AREA WILL BE SET UP AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE POLLING STATIONS WITHIN WHICH NO CANVASSING ACTIVITIES IN WHATEVER FORM WILL BE ALLOWED.

THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION HAS SET UP A TELEPHONE HOTLINE, 5-270369, TO ANSWER ANY ENQUIRIES FROM CANDIDATES ABOUT THE ELECTIONS.

ON THE PUBLICITY SIDE, IN ADDITION TO POSTERS AND RADIO AND TELEVISION API’S (ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST), THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS PRODUCED A MUSIC VIDEO OF THE DISTRICT BOARD THEME SONG SUNG BY JACKY CHEUNG TO HELP PUBLICISE THE IMPORTPANT FUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS.

ACTION IS ALSO IN HAND TO PUT TOGETHER A PACKAGE OF PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES TO ENCOURAGE REGISTERED VOTERS TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 10, THE POLLING DAY. ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS WILL RECEIVE A SET OF PUBLICITY LEAFLETS CONTAINING THE PERSONAL PARTICULARS AND ELECTION PLATFORM OF EACH CANDIDATE.

/3......

- 0 - -

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

5 -

OCTOBER RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED t * * *

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN OCTOBER 1987, ESTIMATED AT $7,501 MILLION, WAS 19 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN OCTOBER 1986 WHILST THEIR VOLUME WAS 12 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THIS SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN RETAIL SALES WAS IN LINE WITH THE BUOYANT ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.

THE POSSIBLE EFFECT OF THE UPHEAVALS IN THE STOCK MARKET IN OCTOBER MAY NOT SHOW UP SO QUICKLY IN THESE SALES FIGURES.

ANALYSED BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME IN OCTOBER 1987 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 29 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME. "CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES WENT UP BY 15 PER CENT AND 12 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE AND 10 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VOLUME.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 44 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 34 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

DEPARTMENT STORES ALSO ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 38 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 31 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 17 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

HOWEVER, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS HAD A NEGLIGIBLE CHANGE IN SALES VALUE AND A DROP OF 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

ANALYSED BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED MODERATELY BY 10 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY 3 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 21 PER CENT AND 19 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME.

CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS WENT UP BY 16 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

/ANALYSED BY........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ' D PARTS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 43 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 30 F: CENT IN VOLUME.

SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS WENT UP BY 28 PER CEN ‘ 'ND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND 21 PER CENT AND 16 PER 'is RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME.

CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.

WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR OCTOBER 1987 INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.

IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, FUELS WENT UP BY 2 PER CENT WHILE FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO FELL BY 2 PER CENT.

OVER THE SAME MONTH, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME. CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES WENT DOWN BY 5 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.

ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES INCREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES FELL BY 3 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.

CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS

I ( >f!' I> BY 3 PER CENT TN SALES VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. MOTOR VEHICLES AND FARTS DROPPED BY 9 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. ’ J

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR OCTOBER 1987.

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1987 AND OCTOBER 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 OCTOBER 1987 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 AND WITH THOSE FOR OCTOBER 1986 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE OCTOBER 1987 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT $1 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE.

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).

- 5 - TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

October 1987 Retail Sales Survey Provisonal Results

TABU 1 t TOTAL RETAIL SALES

Total Retail Biles for October 1987 (Provisional figure) ■ HKI7.5O1 aillion for September 1987 (Revised Figure) a HKS7.213 alllion

Table 2 t value and volume indexes or retail sales

FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1987___________

(Monthly average of Oct. 8b - Eopt. 85 ■ 100)

I tea Index of Retail Salon September 1987 October 1987 October 1987 compared with September 1987 October 1987 compared with October 1986 Jan. - Oct. 1987 compared with

Jan. - Oct. 1986

(Rawised figures) (Provisional figures) Points % Points * Pointe

FOR ALL RETAIL FRADES Talas 129 13b ♦ 5 ♦ b ♦21 ♦19 ♦17 ♦16

Volume 11* 118 ♦ b ♦ b ♦12 ♦12 ♦10 ♦10

BY MAJOR TRAPS GROUPS

Foodstuffs, alcoholio Talus 117 115 - 2 - 2 ♦10 ♦ 10 ♦ 10 ♦10

drinks and tobacco « Volume 108 106 - 2 - 2 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦ 6 ♦ 5

Fuels Value 9b 96 4 2 ♦ 2 ♦11 ♦12 ♦ 3 ♦ 5

Volume 103 105 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦ b ♦ b ♦ 3 ♦ 3

Clothing, footwear Value 135 Ib7 ♦12 ♦ 9 ♦20 ♦15 ♦18 ♦16

and allied products Volume 118 127 ♦ 9 ♦ 8 ♦12 ♦10 ♦10 ♦10

Consumer durables Value ibO 133 - 7 - 5 ♦1b ♦12 ♦21 ♦19

Volume 119 112 - 6 - 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 ♦11 ♦10

Other consumer goods Value 13b lb8 ♦1b ♦10 ♦33 ♦29 ♦22 ♦21

Volume 116 128 ♦12 ♦10 ♦23 ♦22 ♦13 ♦13

GY SELECTED TRADES (mb note 1 below) Supermarkets Value lb7 1*5 - b • 3 ♦26 ♦23 ♦23 ♦20

Volume 135 132 - b - 3 ♦19 ♦17 ♦17 ♦ 16

Motor vehicles Value 215 195 -20 - 9 ♦60 ♦bb ♦52 ♦b3

and parts Volume 163 lb8 -15 - 9 ♦58 ♦3b ♦31 ♦30

Consumer durables Value 117 11b - «• - 3 • • ♦11 ♦ 10

other than motor vehicles and parts Volume 105 101 . b - b - 5 - 5 ♦ b ♦ b

Department stores Value 135 15b ♦19 ♦1b ♦b3 ♦>8 ♦28 ♦28

Volume 118 133 ♦16 ♦15 ♦31 ♦31 ♦19 ♦21

Notee: 1.

la order to analyse the sales of certain tradee within major trade groups, the value and voluse indexes in respect of the following selected trades are compiled I

(a) '’Supermarkets" - a trade in the "Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco” group.

(b) ."Motor vehicles and parts" - a trade in the "Consumer durables” group.

(d) "Department stores” - a trade in the "Other consumer goods” group.

Figures denoting changes are derived from the narounded index figures.

” •" denotes change of lees than 0.5.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT REVIEWS

* *

INWARD INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES * * *

THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS RECENTLY REVIEWING ITS INWARD INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVING TARGETTING OF OVERSEAS FIRMS THAT HAVE USEFUL TECHNOLOGY AND EXPLORING WAYS AND MEANS BY WHICH IT COULD HELP MANUFACTURERS TO ENTER INTO TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TRANSACTIONS■.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, AT A SEMINAR ON HONG KONG COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN 1988 ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT MOST ESTABLISHMENTS WITH AN OVERSEAS INVESTMENT INTEREST HAD SHOWN A STRONG COMMITMENT TO PRODUCT AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT AND WERE ENGAGING TN ONE OR MORE FORMS OF SUPPORTING ACTIVITY.

HE SAID THOSE INVESTMENTS SERVED NOT ONLY TO ENRICH HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES BUT THROUGH THE NETWORK OF SUB-CONTRACTING WORK HERE, ALSO TO STIMULATE LOCAL MANUFACTURERS TO UPGRADE THEIR OPERATIONS.

HE ADDED THAT THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES WAS TO STIMULATE INVESTMENT IN ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD ENABLE MANUFACTURERS TO ACHIEVE HIGHER LEVELS OF PRODUCTIVITY, IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF THEIR OUTPUT, AND STIMULATE PRODUCT INNOVATION.

"WE SEEK TO PROVIDE THAT STIMULUS BY THE PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, BY THE QUALITY PROMOTION SERVICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, AND BY PROVIDING SPECIALISED MANPOWER TRAINING AND SUITABLE LAND FOR INDUSTRIES," MR LEUNG SAID.

"THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED AT ITS RECENT MEETING A COMMITMENT OF $73 MILLION OVER 3 YEARS .FOR AN EXPANDED PROGRAMME OF PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENT SERVICES WITH TECHNOLOGY INTENSIVE FACILITIES SUCH AS A SURFACE MOUNT LABORATORY, A RADIO FREQUENCY AND A DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS LABORATORY, AND HIGH PRECISION METAL WORKING.

"APPROVAL WAS ALSO GIVEN FOR A GOVERNMENT GRANT OF $12.8 MILLION TO ADD TO A PRIVATE DONATION OF $10 MILLION BY CHEN HSONG TO ENABLE THE HONG KONG PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE LTD TO BE ESTABLISHED.

"PROPOSALS TO DEVELOP A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND TO INVESTIGATE THE REQUIREMENTS OF A TECHNOLOGY CENTRE OR SCIENCE PARK TO PROVIDE AN EFFECTIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER HAD ALSO BEEN ENDORSED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AT ITS LAST MEETING," HE SAID.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

MONG KOK SURVEY ON VICE ESTABLISHMENTS RELEASED ♦ » ♦ » ♦

MANY FLAT OWNERS AND TENANTS WERE APATHETIC AND LOOSELY ORGANISED TOWARDS TACKLING NUISANCES CAUSED BY VICE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THEIR BUILDINGS, ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN MONG KOK.

SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE SURVEY LOOKED INTO THE EFFECTS OF VICE ESTABLISHMENTS, SUCH AS ONE-WOMAN BROTHELS AND UNLICENSED MASSAGE PARLOURS, ON THEIR NEIGHBOURS.

THERE ARE MORE THAN 400 SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND SOME 600 HOUSEHOLDS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS WERE VISITED DURING THE SURVEY.

SUBMITTING THE SURVEY REPORT AT THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP, DR KWAN YUI-HUEN, SAID MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT INITIATE ANY ACTION AGAINST THESE ESTABLISHMENTS FOR FEAR OF VENGEANCE.

"THEY WERE ALSO DOUBTFUL ABOUT THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUCH ACTIONS," HE SAID.

"MORE THAN HALF OF THEM HAD NEVER DISCUSSED WITH THEIR NEIGHBOURS THE PROBL MS CAUSED BY THE VICE ESTABLISHMENTS."

’ONLY 30 PER NT OF THE RESPONDENTS HAD COMPLAINED TO MUTUAL AID C< MHITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, THE POLICE OR OTHER GOVERNMENT DFI'AR i MENTS ABOUT THE NUISANCES, BUT LESS THAN HALF FOUND THEIR ACTIONS EFFECTIVE," HE SAID.

THE SURVEY FOUND THAT MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS HAD LITTLE OR NO KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LEGISLATION GOVERNING VICE ESTABLISHMENTS.

MOST OF THEM SAID THEY WERE VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES, FIRE HAZARDS AND SECURITY SITUATION IN THEIR BUILDINGS.

THEY SAID THE INDECENT SIGNBOARDS OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS CREATED EMBARRASSMENT AND OBSTRUCTED FIRE ESCAPES. ALSO, THE BURNING OF INCENSE AND PAPER MONEY POSED SERIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES TO THE NEIGHBOURS.

"THE EMBARRASSMENT AND INCONVENIENCE WERE MORE ACUTELY FELT WHEN THEY HAD TO SHARE THE SAME CORRIDOR OR ENTRANCE WITH CLIENTS OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS," DR KWAN POINTED OUT.

HOWEVER, THE SURVEY FOUND THAT THE RESPONDENTS REGARDED AS INSIGNIFICANT THE THREAT OF CRIMES, SUCH AS INDECENT ASSAULT, RAPE, FIGHTING, BURGLARY AND ROBBERY, IN THESE BUILDINGS.

/MORE THAN

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5. 1988

- 8 -

MORE THAN HALF OF THEM BELIEVED THAT THE PRESENCE OF VICE DENS HAD ADVERSE EFFECTS ON THE NEIGHBOURS IN PARTICULAR THE YOUNG PEOPLE, SUCH AS IMPARTING A WRONG CONCEPT ABOUT SEX.

MANY RESPONDENTS INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD AVOID COMING HOME I,ATE AT NIGHT, WHILE 40 PER CENT POINTED OUT THAT FRIENDS AND RELATIVES VISITED THEM LESS FREQUENTLY.

IN VIEW OF THE SITUATION, THE WORKING GROUP URGED THE AUTHORITIES TO STEP UP CONTROL ON THE ACTIVITIES OF VICE ESTABLSIHMENTS AND THE WORDINGS OF INDECENT SIGNBOARDS.

IT SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STRENGTHEN SEX EDUCATION AND ORGANISE MORE WHOLESOME RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

FLAT OWNERS AND TENANTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHOULD ORGANISE THEMSELVES TO MORE EFFECTIVELY TACKLE THE PROBLEMS POSED BY VICE ESTABLISHMENTS.

THE SURVEY IS PART OF THE "COMMUNITY-IN-PERSPECTIVE" PROJECT WHICH IS ORGANISED TO ENHANCE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS.

MORE THAN 40 VOLUNTARY WORKERS WERE MOBILISED TO INTERVIEW 309 MEN AND 320 WOMEN ABOVE 16 YEARS OLD IN THE DISTRICT.

-------o----------

MP’S VISIT WAN CHAI * * »

CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT MR PETER BOTTOMLEY AND MRS VIRGINIA BOTTOMLEY WERE TODAY (TUESDAY) UPDATED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN WAN CHAI DURING A VISIT TO THE DISTRICT.

THE VISITORS WERE GIVEN AN INTRODUCTORY BRIEFING BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW, AND ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARMAN CHIU, UPON ARRIVAL AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

THEY THEN LEFT FOR ST PAUL’S SECONDARY SCHOOL WHERE THEY LEARNED ABOUT ITS OPERATION FROM THE HEADMISTRESS, SISTER MARGARET WONG, AND TOURED THE SCHOOL COMPLEX.

THEY PROCEEDED TO THE ROOFTOP OF HOPEWELL CENTRE TO HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE DISTRICT.

/Mr chow

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

MR CHOW TOLD THEM THAT WAN CHAI NORTH, WHICH WAS MARKED BY THE PRESENCE OF A NUMBER OF NEW OFFICE BUILDINGS, WOULD BECOME THE BUSIEST COMMERCIAL AREA IN THE DISTRICT WHILE THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE AT HARBOUR ROAD WOULD BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE YEAR.

HE ADDED THAT A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE RECLAMATION OF A FURTHER 38 HECTARES OF LAND ALONG WAN CHAI'S EXISTING SHORELINE WAS UNDERWAY.

IF GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD, THE SCHEME WOULD PROVIDE LAND FOR A ROAD LINKING THE EASTERN CORRIDOR TO CENTRAL AND FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID.

THE VISITORS LATER CALLED ON ST JAMES SETTLEMENT WHERE ITS DIRECTOR, MRS GRACE WAN, INTRODUCED THE VARIOUS FACILITIES THERE.

THEY THEN TOOK A WALK ALONG WAN CHAI ROAD AND WERE BRIEFED ON STREET MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE VICINITY.

BEFORE WINDING UP THE TOUR, THE MP’S VISITED SENIOR RESIDENTS LIVING IN THE WAN CHAI HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY AT CHUN FAI BUILDING AND MET THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR KWOK NAI-SIK.

- - 0 - -

COUNCIL DELEGATION TO SEE CHIEF SECRETARY

*****

THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY DECIDED TO SEND A DELEGATION TO SEE THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, CONCERNING THE GOVERNMENT'S DISTRICT BOARDS AS FROM MARCH NEXT YEAR.

THE DELEGATION WILL ALSO DISCUSS WITH THE CHIEF SECRETARY OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO THE ONCOMING WHITE PAPER WHICH MAY AFFECT THE URBAN COUNCIL.

THE DECISION TO HOLD AN OFFICIAL MEETING WITH SIR DAVID FORD WAS TAKEN AT THIS MORNING'S MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL. *

THE DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY THE COUNCIL'S CHAIRMAN, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, AND ITS VICE CHAIRMAN, MRS ELSIE TU, AND WILL COMPRISE SEVEN OTHER COUNCILLORS.

MR FORSGATE TOLD THIS MORNING’S MEETING THAT THE FORTHCOMING MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE AT THE INVITATION OF SIR DAVID FORD, AND FOLLOWED THE RECENT REQUEST OF THE COUNCIL TO SEE THE GOVERNOR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS.

’’SIR DAVID FORD HAS UNDERTAKEN TO CONVEY THE COUNCIL'S VIEWS TO THE GOVERNOR ON THESE IMPORTANT MATTERS,” SAID MR FORSGATE.

/10

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

10 -

AGENCY OPERATOR FINED FOR OVERCHARGING » * » * t

THE OPERATOR OF AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY WAS RECENTLY FINED $5,000 AT THE WESTERN MAGISTRACY FOR OVERCHARGING A FOREIGN DOMESTIC HELPER FOR COMMISSION AND WAS ORDERED TO REPAY HER $865.

UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE COMMISSION CHARGEABLE BY AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY TO A JOB-SEEKER ON SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENT IS NOT TO EXCEED 10 PER CENT OF HIS FIRST MONTH’S SALARY.

THE FEES CHARGEABLE BY AN AGENCY TO A JOB-SEEKER ON FIRST REGISTRATION, OR SUBSEQUENT RENEWALS, ARE LIMITED TO $3 PER REGISTRATION; AND THAT TO AN EMPLOYER ARE LIMITED TO $10 FOR EACH TYPE OF VACANCY REGISTERED ON FIRST REGISTRATION AND $5 ON RENEWAL OF SUCH REGISTRATION.

"HOWEVER, THE COMMISSION CHARGEABLE FROM AN EMPLOYER ON SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINING FOR HIM AN EMPLOYEE IS A MATTER OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE EMPLOYER AND THE AGENCY," A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

"OTHER THAN THE PRESCRIBED FEES AND COMMISSIONS, A LICENSEE IS NOT PERMITTED TO RECEIVE ANY REWARD, PAYMENT OR ADVANTAGE IN CONNECTION WITH THE PLACEMENT OF A JOB-SEEKER," HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER REMINDED OPERATORS OF EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES TO DISPLAY THE FEE SCHEDULES AND THEIR LICENCES IN THE PLACE OF BUSINESS.

THEY SHOULD ALSO SUBMIT QUARTERLY RETURNS TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND MAINTAIN FOR INSPECTION BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR REGISTERS BEARING PARTICULARS OF EVERY PERSON WHO REGISTERS WITH HIS AGENCY FOR EMPLOYMENT OR PROCUREMENT OF EMPLOYEES.

AN OPERATOR WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND A MAXIMUM FINE OF $10,000.

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REVIEW ON DISTRICT PLANNING ON DB AGENDA

* * ♦ «

THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON A REVIEW OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DISTRICT AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 7).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY HALLS AND CENTRES POLICY COMMITTEE, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON TSING YI SUBSEQUENT TO THE OPENING OF TSING TSUEN BRIDGE AND THE PROVISION OF ELDERLY SERVICES.

/THEY WILL .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

11 •

THEY WILL DISCUSS THE DEVELOPMENT OF AREA 9 (KWAI CHUNG EAST AND NORTH SUB-DISTRICTS) AND THE REORGANISATION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.

A MEMBER WILL MOVE A MOTION REQUESTING THE AUTHORITIES TO MAKE PUBLIC THE RESULTS OF CONSULTATION AND THE REPORT ON THE FEASIBILITY OF SETTING UP A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND. A BACKGROUND PAPER ON THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE ISSUE WILL BE TABLED.

OTHER TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED INCLUDE THE DEMOLITION OF MAN KIU ASSOCIATION PRIMARY SCHOOL, NOISE PROBLEM AT KWAI CHUNG ROAD, REFUSE PROBLEM IN BACKLANES, REHOUSING OF FIRE VICTIMS OF LAI KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AND IMPROVEMENT OF FIRE PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 7) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM, 10TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG.

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SITE GRANTED FOR ’SILICON HARBOUR’ * * » *

THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (HKIEC) TODAY (TUESDAY) GRANTED A SITE IN THE HIGH-TECHNOLOGY ZONE OF THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE TO MOTOROLA SEMICONDUCTORS HONG KONG LIMITED FOR ITS MOTOROLA ’SILICON HARBOUR’ PROJECT.

AT A CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY WITH MOTOROLA, THE CHAIRMAN bl-HKIEC, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, SAID THE CORPORATION HAD DECIDED |1N MID-19H7 TO SET ASIDE A ZONE OF SEVEN HECTARES IN THE THIRD AND Fl jiAL DEVELOPMENT STAGE AT THE ESTATE FOR HIGH-TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION:',.

HE SAID THE ZONE PROVIDED MAGNIFICENT INDUSTRIAL SITES Ft)R COMPANIES WISHING TO ESTABLISH OR EXPAND PRODUCTION USING THE LAUfJT TECHNOLOGIES.

“THE MOTOROLA SILICON HARBOUR PROJECT, \ MAJOR SEMI-CONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING FACILITY MAKING USE OF THE LATEST TECHNOLOGIES I’Ol: DESIGN AND PRODUCTION OF INTEGRATED CIRCUITS, IS EXACTLY THE SORT OF ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT THE HKIEC HAD IN MIND WHEN ESTABLISHING THE HIGH-* TECHNOLOGY ZONE.

/’’THE FACILITIES

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

"THE FACILITIES IS EXPECTED TO PUT HONG KONG IN THE FOREFRONT OF SEMI-CONDUCTOR MANUFACTURE IN THE REGION AND WILL BE A MOST WELCOME ADDITION TO HONG KONG’S ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, ENABLING IT TO ADOPT THE VERY LATEST CIRCUITRY AND TO MAKE FURTHER STUDIES IN MINIATURISATION."

, MEASURING ALMOST THREE HECTARES, THE SITE LEASED TO MOTOROLA tS ONE OF THE LARGEST SO FAR GRANTED BY THE CORPORATION.

- 0 -

REMINDER ON BANNED AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES * » ♦ * ♦

TRADERS AND USERS OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES HAVE BEEN REMINDED TO SURRENDER TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON OR BEFORE FRIDAY (JANUARY 8) ANY OF THE SEVEN RECENTLY-BANNED AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES STILL IN THEIR POSSESSION.

THESE BANNED PESTICIDES ARE CYHEXATIN, ALDRIN, DDT, DDT/LINDANE, DDT/NALED, DIELDRIN AND PCP/DIELDRIN.

THEY WERE STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER OF THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ORDINANCE LAST THURSDAY FOR BEING UNSUITABLE FOR LOCAL USE.

THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR CROP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, MISS VERA SO, TODAY (TUESDAY) SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD SO FAR RECEIVED 518 KILOGRAMS OF TECHNICAL GRADE DDT POWDER AND 12 LITRES OF DDT FORMULATIONS SURRENDERED VOLUNTARILY BY TRADERS.

"TRADERS AND PESTICIDE USERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN UNTIL JANUARY 8 TO CHECK THEIR STOCK AND SURRENDER THESE PESTICIDES, IF ANY, TO THE NEAREST AFD OFFICE IN THE TERRITORY FOR PROPER DISPOSAL.

"IF SO REQUIRED, THEY MAY APPLY FOR A POSSESSION PERMIT FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANT AND PESTICIDE REGULATORY UNIT TO FACILITATE THE RE-EXPORT OF THESE PESTICIDES," MISS SO SAID.

AFTER JANUARY 8, ANY PERSON WHO IS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF ANY OF THESE PESTICIDES WITHOUT A VALID PERMIT WILL BE PROSECUTED AND LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 PLUS ONE YEAR’S JAIL SENTENCE, SHE ADDED.

0 - -

/13

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

- 13 -

DECEMBER 1987 SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES, PAYROLL BEING CONDUCTED * ♦ » ♦

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 36,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS INCLUDING THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADE SECTOR (WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION; FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES) AND THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS).

QUESTIONNAIRES WERE MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS AT THE END OF DECEMBER 1987.

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, GAZETTED 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 BEING SOUGHT ON THE NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON DECEMBER 30, 1987, FROM EACH ESTABLISHMENT.

SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED FROM THE SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1987.

SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8235076.

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WORK ON TO KWA WAN GOVERNMENT COMPLEX STARTS » * * » *

PILING WORK FOR A NEW GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND DEPOT COMPLEX AT TO KWA WAN KOWLOON, FOR THE MAINTENANCE BRANCH OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED FOLLOWING THE RECENT SIGNING OF A S14-MILLION CONTRACT.

THE 5,950-SQUARE-METRE FOUNDATION WILL BE COMPLETED IN SEVEN MONTHS.

/THE SUPERSTRUCTURE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1989 UNDER A SEPARATE BUILDING CONTRACT TO BE AWARDED LATER THIS YEAR.

THE PROJECT COMPRISES TWO FIVE-STOREY BLOCKS OVER A FOUR-STOREY PODIUM.

ONE OF THE BLOCKS WILL ACCOMMODATE THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MAINTENANCE BRANCH NOW LOCATED AT SUN HUNG KAI CENTRE IN WAN CHAI, WHILE THE OTHER WILL HOUSE THE KOWLOON MILITARY DEPOT OF THE BRANCH AND WILL BE MAINLY FOR WORKSHOP AND STORAGE PURPOSES.

THE TWO BLOCKS WILL BE SERVED BY A COMMUNAL LIFT LOBBY ON EACH FLOOR.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS AND STORAGE AREAS, TOGETHER WITH CONTRACTORS’ YARDS AND CAR PARKING SPACES, WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE PODIUM LEVELS.

A TOTAL OF 25,290 SQUARE METRES OF FLOOR AREA WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT.

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DRAFT STANLEY OZP ON DB AGENDA

* * »

THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE DRAFT STANLEY OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, WHICH SETS OUT THE PROPOSED LAND USAGE IN THE AREA, AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 7).

SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, MR P. BLACK, AND TOWN PLANNER, MR D. MACHIN, WILL EXPLAIN THE DRAFT PLAN TO BOARD MEMBERS.

THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A BRIEFING BY SENIOR ARCHITECT OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MISS P. WARD, ON THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT IN MA HANG VALLEY, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE DRAFT PLAN.

ALSO AT THE MEETING, DISTRICT COMMANDER (WESTERN) OF THE POLICE FORCE, MR E.J. STEVENSON, WILL PRESENT A REPORT ON THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN THE DISTRICT.

MEMBERS WILL ASK A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE APPLICATION FOR AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRE LICENCE BY A SNOOKER CLUB, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TEMPORARY SUB-TREASURY IN THE DISTRICT, THE DEPLOYMENT OF JUNK LORRIES IN HONG KONG AND THE POLLUTION OF THE CATCHMENT AREA AT LADY CLEMENTI’S RIDE.

/OTHER ITOIS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

- 15 -

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT’S AREA COMMITTEES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 7) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, NO. 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN.

KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE TO MEET » » * * *

THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST MONTHS AND DISCUSS FORTHCOMING EVENTS AT A MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) .

MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE CAMPAIGN STRATEGIES FOR THE 1988/89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

THEY WILL ALSO HEAR PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE SCHOOL COMPETITIONS AND THE CORPORATE INVOLVEMENT IN VARIOUS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBERS, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN MTR STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK, TSUEN WAN.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 1988

- 16 -

STUDY ON TUEN MUN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

< * ’ *

MEMBERS OF THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL STUDY THE DISTRIBUTION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT IN THIS MONTH AND FEBRUARY; THE VETTING REPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARY; AND APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, 3/F, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

COMPETITIVENESS OF INDUSTRY ASSURED: GOVERNOR ............. 1

ANOTHER YEAR OF LOW NUMBER OF INSOLVENCIES ................ 2

TENANCIES SOUGHT-FOR SIX NT LOTS .......................... 3

OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN ENDORSED .... 4

NEW ADDRESS FOR FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISIONAL OFFICE .... 5

RESTRICTED ZONES IN QUARRY BaY ............................ 6

CENTRAL URBAN CLEARWAYS TO BE EXTENDED..................... 6

WENDESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988

COMPETITIVENESS OF INDUSTRY ASSURED: GOVERNOR

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO WHATEVER IT CAN TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY IS COMPETITIVE AND ITS PRODUCTS ARE IN DEMAND, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE DINNER PARTY OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, SIR DAVID SAID THAT WITH GROWING MARKET WHICH DEMANDED HIGHER QUALITY, MORE SOPHISTICATED AND MORE INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS, OUR INDUSTRY COULD ONLY MAINTAIN ITS COMPETITIVENESS BY UPGRADING ITS MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES AND ADDING VALUE TO ITS PRODUCTS.

"IN THE FACE OF THESE NEW CHALLENGES, THE GOVERNMENT HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY.

"WE WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT OUR INDUSTRIES HAVE AN EFFECTIVE INFRASTRUCTURE ON WHICH TO OPERATE," HE ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY WAS NOW AIMED AT ENCOURAGING INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND PRODUCT INNOVATION IN ORDER TO RESPOND TO THE NEW CHALLENGES.

"INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY IS ONE OF THE MAIN CONCERNS OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL.

"THE COUNCIL OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES, TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES.

"THESE SERVICES COVER ALL ASPECTS OF PRODUCTIVITY IN THE WORKPLACE," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID ALSO SAID THERE WERE OTHER AGENCIES ACTIVE IN THIS FIELD, NOTABLY IN TERTIARY EDUCATION.

HE SAID ANOTHER WAY TO INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY WAS BY PROMOTING INWARD INVESTMENT.

"IN THIS WAY WE CAN IMPORT USEFUL FOREIGN TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSFER ITS BENEFITS TO OUR OWN INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.

THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT 1987 HAD BEEN A VERY SUCCESSFUL YEAR IN THIS RESPECT, AND BOTH THE QUALITY AND THE QUANTITY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT HAD SHOWN ENCOURAGING GROWTH.

PRODUCT INNOVATION WAS ANOTHER AREA WHERE HONG KONG HAD TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN ORDER TO COMPETE EFFECTIVELY IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET.

A NUMBER OF AGENCIES WERE ALREADY ACTIVE IN THIS FIELD INCLUDING THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY AND THE SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, HE SAID.

/SIR DAVID

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988

SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG’S OVERWHELMINGLY EXPORT-ORIENTED INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT MEANT THAT IT HAD TO ALWAYS BE READY TO FACE AND MATCH COMPETITION FROM OTHERS.

"WE NOW FACE INCREASING COMPETITION FROM WHAT MIGHT BE CALLED THE "SECOND WAVE" OF ASIAN COMPETITORS - THOSE WHO CAN RELY ON RELATIVELY LOWER LAND AND LABOUR COSTS.

"WE HAVE ONE SIGNIFICANT GEOGRAPHICAL ADVANTAGE. WE ARE ADJACENT TO THE DEVELOPING INDUSTRIAL AREAS OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE," SIR DAVID SAID.

HE SAID THIS GAVE HONG KONG, AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM, AN OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE ITS LAND AND LABOUR COSTS BY MOVING SOME LABOUR-INTENSIVE PROCESSES INTO CHINA.

HE ALSO SAID HONG KONG INDUSTRY HAD GREAT STRENGTHS: ITS FLEXIBILITY, ITS RESPONSIVENESS TO MARKET DEMANDS, ITS PUNCTUAL DELIVERIES, AND, ABOVE ALL, ITS COMPETITIVENESS.

"HOW WELL WE ACTUALLY DO IN 1988 MUST STILL HOWEVER DEPEND TO A GREAT EXTENT ON FACTORS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL: THAT IS THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMIES OF OUR MAJOR OVERSEAS MARKETS, PARTICULARLY THE UNITED STATES," SIR DAVID ADDED.

SIR DAVID SAID THE EXPECTED SLOWDOWN TN THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC GROWTH MADE IT UNLIKELY THAT EXPORTS COULD CONTINUE TO GROW AT THE SAME RATE AS IN THE LAST TWO OR THREE YEARS.

HE SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, HOWEVER, REMAINED BASICALLY STRONG AND ITS INDUSTRIES WOULD MEET ANY NEW CHALLENGES AS EFFECTIVELY AS THEY HAD DONE IN THE PAST.

SIR DAVID PAID TRIBUTE TO THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION FOR ALWAYS PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE AS AN INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATION AND SAID ITS ADVICE HAD ALWAYS BEEN VALUED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

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ANOTHER YEAR OF LOW NUMBER OF INSOLVENCIES ♦ ♦ * * *

LAST YEAR WAS THE SECOND YEAR IN SUCCESSION WHICH SHOWED A DOWNWARD TREND IN THE NUMBER OF NEW INSOLVENCIES REACHING THE COURTS, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THERE WERE 222 NEW COMPULSORY COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND 298 NEW PERSONAL BANKRUPT!’IES COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING FIGURES OF 304 AND 391 DURING 198B.

/IT COULD .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988

IT COULD BE SEEN, THEREFORE, THAT NEW INSOLVENCIES DECREASED BY 25.18 PER CENT, MR GLEESON SAID.

"THIS CONTINUATION OF THE DOWNWARD TREND IN INSOLVENCIES REFLECTED THE GOOD PERFORMANCE OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS AND THE ECONOMY GENERALLY."

HE WAS NOT PREPARED TO FORECAST HOW THE OCTOBER STOCK MARKET CRASH MIGHT AFFECT THE VOLUME OF INSOLVENCIES DURING 1988 BUT SAID IT HAD NO VISIBLE EFFECT SO FAR.

BY COMPARISON THERE WAS A DECEASE OF ONLY 0.57 PER CENT IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF NEW INSOLVENCIES IN 1986 OVER 1985.

NOTABLE COMPANY FAILURES IN 1987 INCLUDED N.F.F. CO. LTD, AUSTRAVEL CO. LTD, MARIGOLD RESTAURANT LTD, UNITED STATES LINES, INC., JAN SIN MEE (HOLDINGS) LTD, JAN SIN MEE GARMENTS MANUFACTURING (1981) CO. LTD, RIGHT TIME CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD, THAT GEAR CO. LTD, AND STANDFAST' INSURANCE CO. LTD.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INSOLVENCIES BEING HANDLED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE AT THE END OF THE YEAR WAS 3,037.

OF THESE, 1,643 WERE COMPULSORY WINDINGS-UP AND 1,394 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES.

FUNDS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AT THE END OF THE YEAR TOTALLED $1,369 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF OVER 1.25 PER CENT AS AGAINST $1,352 MILLION AT THE END OF 1986.

TOTAL DIVIDENDS DECLARED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER DURING 1987 AMOUNTED TO $173.9 MILLION IN 356 INSOLVENCIES, AS AGAINST $43.2 MILLION IN 211 INSOLVENCIES IN I986.

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TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR SIX NT LOTS » * » * »

SIX LOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE TO BE LET ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

ONE OF THE LOTS, MEASURING ABOUT 135 SQUARE METRES, IS AT TUI MIN HOI, SAI KUNG. IT IS FOR AN INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOP.

THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,800 SQUARE METRES, THE SECOND LOT IS AT KWAI CHUNG AREA 10B, NEAR TAI WO HAU ROAD.

/IT IS .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988

IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF NON-DANGEROUS AND NON-OFFENSIVE GOODS, BUT EXCLUDING CONTAINERS.

THE TENANCY IS INITIALLY FOR SIX MONTHS, RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.

THE THIRD LOT, OF ABOUT 2,385 SQUARE METRES, IS AT TURN MUN AREA 44, NEAR WU SHAN ROAD. IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE PURPOSES.

THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR, RENEWABLE AFTERWARDS ON A QUARTERLY BASIS.

THE REMAINING THREE LOTS WITH AREAS OF BETWEEN 493 AND 522 SQUARE METRES AT SHA PO, YUEN LONG, ARE FOR THE STORAGE OF GOODS, EXCEPT DERELICT MOTOR VEHICLES OR DANGEROUS GOODS.

THE TENANCIES ARE FOR ONE YEAR, RE EWABLE EVERY THREE MONTHS.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE SIX LOTS IS NOON ON JANUARY 22.

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OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME FOR KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN ENDORSED * * t » t

THE JOINT URBAN COUNC1L/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ENDORSED AN INTENSIVE OPERATIONAL PROGRAMME TO BE SUPPORTED BY MAJOR PUBLICITY EFFORTS FOR THE 19B8/B9 TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING TODAY, MEMBERS ALSO LEARNED THAT THE PUBLICITY BUDGET FOR NEXT YEAR’S CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN SET AT $2.1 MILLION, TO BE CONTRIBUTED JOINTLY BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

THE BUDGET IS MAINTAINED AT A LEVEL SIMILAR TO THAI' OF THE CURRENT YEAR SO THAT THE IMPACT OF THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE SUSTAINED.

NEXT YEAR’S CAMPAIGN WILL BE DIVIDED INTO EIGHT OPERATIONAL PHASES, NAMELY, CLEAN ENVIRONMENT; CLEAN BEACH; CLEAN ROAD; CLEAN SCHOOL; CLEAN HARBOUR; CLEAN COUNTRYSIDE; CLEAN YOUR HOME; AND CLEAN VILLAGE AND SQUATTER AREA.

EACH PHASE WILL BE SUPPORTED BY A PUBLICITY PACKAGE IN THE FORM OF TELEVISION AND RADIO API’S (ANNOUNCEMENTS IN THE PUBLIC? INTEREST), POSTERS AND OTHER PRINTED MATERIALS.

SPECIAL ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED TO TIE IN WITH THE DIFFERENT PHASES OF THE CAMPAIGN.

/IN ORDER .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988

- 5

IN ORDER TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AND SECURE SUPPORT AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, MEMBERS OF THE JOINT COUNCIL COMMITTEE AGREED THAT GREATER EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED ON COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP.

MEMBERS ALSO REVIEWED THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN AT TODAY’S MEETING.

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NEW ADDRESS FOR FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISIONAL OFFICE *****

THE DIVISIONAL OFFICE OF THE "LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION AT KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN KWAI CHUNG HAS BEEN MOVED TO THE 12TH FLOOR OF YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.

THE MOVE IS TO ENABLE STAFF MEMBERS TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH A BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE.

ENQUIRIES ON FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES CAN NOW BE MADE ON 0-779200. <

FACTORY PROPRIETORS OR WORKERS WHO WISH TO SEEK ADVICE ON SAFETY AND HEALTH MATTERS CAN CONTACT THE DIVISIONAL FACTORY INSPECTOR ON 0-779240 OR 0-779353.

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/6........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 1988

RESTRICTED ZONES IN QUARRY BAY ♦ * ♦ ♦

THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES AT FOUR LOCATIONS IN QUARRY BAY WILL BECOME PEAK HOUR (THAT IS 7 - 10 AM AND 4-7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 9).

THEY ARE:

♦ THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KORNHILL ROAD FROM ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 195 METRES EAST OF THAT JUNCTION;

♦ THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KORNHILL ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HONG ON STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 220 METRES EAST OF THAT JUNCTION;

t THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KING’S ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KORNHILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF THAT JUNCTION; AND

t HONG ON STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KORNHILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH OF THAT JUNCTION.

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KORNHILL ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 195 METRES EAST oF THAT JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY GOODS VEHICLE restricted zone.

ALL GOODS VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

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CENTRAL URBAN CLEARWAYS TO BE EXTENDED

% * t

THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAYS AT TWO LOCATIONS IN CENTRAL WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 9).

THE 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DUDDELL STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS FOR ABOUT 25 METRES.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON PEDDER STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND A POINT ABOUT 25 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED SOUTHWARDS FOR ABOUT 30 METRES EXCLUDING THE LAYBY AT THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PEDDER STREET.

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES ARE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT STUDIES ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO INVESTORS .......... 1

GOVERNOR VISITS NGAU TAU KOK CLINIC ........................... 2

CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS SIGNED 3

URBAN COUNCIL 'NOT TRYING TO MONOPOLISE THE ARTS IN HONG KONG' ........................................................ *

’CAREERS DAYS' FOR STUDENTS BEGIN ............................ 5-

DRAWING COMPETITION TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE............. 6

DB TO DISCUSS RC SUBSIDY SCHEME................................ 7

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PAVEMENT OBSTRUCTION ..................... 7

CULTURE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ............... 8

CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST ON SATURDAY .......................... 8

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL IN YAU MA TEI ......................... 9

VARIETY SHOW TO CONCLUDE MONG KOK FESTIVAL.................... 10

TSING YI BRIDGE CLOSED FOR MONITORING......................... 10

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

GOVERNMENT STUDIES ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE TO INVESTORS

*****

THE GOVERNMENT IS CURRENTLY ADDRESSING WIDER ISSUES WHICH ARE OF IMPORTANCE TO THOSE INVESTING IN STOCKS AND SHARES, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

HE SAID THIS WAS IN ADDITION TO THE WORK OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE WHOSE REPORT WOULD, HE BELIEVED, PROVIDE THE RIGHT FOUNDATION FOR A MAJOR OVERHAUL OF OUR SECURITIES LEGISLATION AND THUS ENABLE US TO BRING OUR REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND MARKET STRUCTURES FULLY UP TO THE STANDARDS NOW EXPECTED OF A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL STOCK MARKET.

MR NENDICK vfAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR "FINANCE IN PRACTICE" ORGANISED BY THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF STUDENTS IN ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT.

HE SAID THE ♦STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM HAD RECOMMENDED THAT, IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE IN OTHER MAJOR CENTRES, THERE SHOULD BE FULL DISCLOSURE OF THE BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF DIRECTORS AND SUBSTANTIAL SHAREHOLDERS OF PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES AND OF THEIR SHARE DEALINGS.

’’SUCH DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS WOULD REVEAL WHO ACTUALLY CONTROLLED A COMPANY A/ND THUS MAKE INSIDER DEALING MORE DIFFICULT,” HE SAID. i

ID THE STANDING COMMITTEE'S PROPOSALS WERE RTED BY THE SECURITIES COMMISSION AND WERE N THE FORM OF A WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.

ENCOURAGING TO FIND THAT, BASED ON COMMENTS THREE-MONTH CONSULTATION PERIOD, MAINLY FROM D THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THERE WAS A GENERAL SCLOSURE WOULD BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

MR NENDICK S CONSIDERED AND SUPA SUBSEQUENTLY SET OUT '

HE SAID IT WAS RECEIVED DURING THE PROFESSIONAL BODIES A CONSENSUS THAT MORE D

THESE COMMENTS WERE NOW BEING CAREFULLY CONSIDERED AND, APPROPRIATE, WOULD BE REFLECTED IN THE REVISED BILL, HE SAID.

WHERE

IT WAS THE GOV RNMENT’S INTENTION TO INTRODUCE IT INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL II THE CURRENT LEGISLATIVE SESSION.

AS REGARDS INSIDER DEALING ITSELF, ME NENDICK SAID THAT IN MARCH 1987, THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM ADDRESSED THE ISSUE OF INSIDER DEALING AND CONCLUDED THAT A MORE EFFECTIVE DETERRENT WAS REQUIRED, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE DIVIDED IN THEIR VIEWS AS TO THE APPROPRIATE WAY FORWARD.

HE SAID TWO POSSIBLE REVISIONS TO THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS WERE IDENTIFIED.

THE FIRST WAS TO INCREASE THE SANCTIONS UNDER THE EXISTING TRIBUNAL SYSTEM (INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF FINANCIAL PENALTIES); THE SECOND, TO MAKE INSIDER DEALING A CRIMINAL OFFENCE.

/’’BOTH OPTIONS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7. 1988

"BOTH OPTIONS HAVE THEIR MERITS AND DEMERITS, AND THE ADMINISTRATION IS IN THE PROCESS OF FINALISING ITS OWN VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT BEFORE PUTTING THEM TO THE GCTVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL," HE SAID.

IN ADDITION TO MORE DISCLOSURE, MR NENDICK SAID, ACTION WAS ALSO IN HAND TO AMEND THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE TO ALLOW THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES TO PASS ON RELEVANT INFORMATION OBTAINED IN THE COURSE OF HIS DUTIES TO OTHER REGULATORY AUTHORITIES IN HONG KONG AND TO PARALLEL REGULATORY BODIES OVERSEAS.

"THIS WILL, I AM SURE, ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF THE REGULATORY AGENCIES HERE AND OVERSEAS TO CARRY OUT THEIR FUNCTIONS AND THUS PROVIDE FURTHER SAFEGUARDS TO THE PUBLIC’S SAVINGS," HE SAID.

TURNING TO THE FALL OF THE LOCAL STOCK MARKET LAST OCTOBER, MR NENDICK SAID HE WAS GLAD TO SAY THAT FOLLOWING THE RESUMPTION OF TRADING ON THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE PROVISION OF CREDIT FACILITIES TO THE HONG KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION TO RESCUE THE FUTURES EXCHANGE, ORDERLY TRADING HAD RESUMED IN BOTH THE STOCK AND FUTURES MARKETS.

"THOUGH CLEARLY VERY MUCH AFFECTED BY THE PERFORMANCE OF FINANCIAL MARKETS WORLDWIDE, THE LOCAL MARKETS HAVE SHOWN A SURE BUT STEADY RETURN OF INVESTOR CONFIDENCE, ILLUSTRATED MOST RECENTLY BY THE FACT THAT THE EVENTS OF LAST WEEKEND WERE QUICKLY PUT INTO PROPER PERSPECTIVE AND HAD LITTLE EFFECT ON THE LEVEL OF PRICES," HE SAID.

ALL IN ALL, MR NENDICK EXPECTED 1988 TO BE AN INTERESTING YEAR AND A PRODUCTIVE ONE FOR AL1. CONCERNED WITH THE CONTINUING SUCCESS OF THE SECURITIES INDUSTRY.

"WE MUST, THOUGH, DRAW THE RIGHT LESSONS FROM THE EVENTS OF LAST YEAR AND BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL MARKETS," HE SAID.

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GOVERNOR VISITS NGAU TAU KOK CLINIC * * * *

VISITED

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) NGAU TA™KOK jSeY CLUB CLINIC TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF «ITH SERVICES OF A STANDARD OUT-PATIENT CLINIC.

THE

SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L.

LADY WILSON AND THONG.

THE

GENERAL

OUT-PATIENT

TMF GOVERNOR FIRST STOPPED AT THE

DEPARTMENT ON THE GROUND FLOOR WHERE HE WAS BRIEFEB AB°UT I J S AND HE WAS TOLD THAT ABOUT 350 PATIENTS ATTENDED THE CLINIC EACH I A .

SERVICE

/AT THE .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

- 3 -

AT THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICES CENTRE, SIE DAVID LEARNED ABOUT THi VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN, INCLUDING ANTENATAL AND POSTNATAL CARE AS WELL AS FAMILY PLANNING FOR WOMEN, IMMUNISATION AND DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING OF INFANTS AND YOUNG CHILDREN UNDER THE COMPREHENSIVE OBSERVATION SCHEME.

THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO THE GERIATRIC DAY HOSPITAL WHERE THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON HAD THE CHANCE TO SEE ELDERLY PATIENTS RECEIVING PHYSIOTHERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TREATMENT.

AT PRESENT THE DAY HOSPITAL IS TAKING CARE OF ABOUT 200 GERIATRIC PATIENTS.

AFTERWARDS, THE GOVERNOR VISITED THE PSYCHIATRIC DAY HOSPITAL WHICH HAS A SCHEDULED ACCOMMODATION FOR 40 MENTAL PATIENTS.

THE REHABILITATION SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE WORK TRAINING, INTEREST GROUPS AND TRAINING OF SOCIAL SKILLS.

BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS VISIT, SIR DAVID HELD A DISCUSSION WITH THE SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

THE NGAU TAU KOK CLINIC, LOCATED ON TING ON STREET, PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF PREVENTIVE, CURATIVE AND REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THE 250,000 RESIDENTS IN PING SHEK, KAI YIP, NGAU TAU KOK, TING ON AND KWUN TONG AREAS.

IT IS ONE OF THE 10 POLYCLINICS OPERATED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

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CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS SIGNED

* » t t ♦

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BUILD A DUAL TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY TO CONNECT THE PROPOSED YUEN LONG - TUFN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR AND THE PROPOSED AU TAU BYPASS AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD NEAR POK 01 HOSPITAL.

A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISION OF THE CARRIAGEWAY, THE YUEN LONG SOUTHERN BYPASS, WAS SIGNED TODAY (THURSDAY) BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, AND THE JOINT ENGINEERS FORMED BY BINNIE AND PARTNERS (HK), WILBUR SMITH AND ASSOCIATES AND HARRIS AND SUTHERLAND (FAR EAST).

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID Till-. THREE-KILOMETRE LONG BYPASS WOULD TAKE THE TRUNK ROAD TRAFFIC AWAY FROM YUEN LONG TOWN ON A NEW ROUTE TO THE SOUTH OF YUEN LONG.

/ITS DESIGN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

ITS DESIGN WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT POSSIBLE CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED NEW ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON (ROUTE X).

TO THE NORTH, IT WILL BE CONNECTED WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BY THE PLANNED AU TAU BYPASS.

THE BYPASS, WHICH WILL CONSIST OF CYCLE TRACKS AND FOOTPATHS, IS TO BE BUILT TO TRUNK ROAD STANDARD WITHOUT FRONTAGE ACCESS.

GRADE SEPARATED CROSSINGS AND VAN TRACKS WILL BE PROVIDED WHERE NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN LOCAL ACCESS.

GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGE FACILITIES ARE TO BE PROVIDED AT THE JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE PROPOSED AU TAU BYPASS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE AGREEMENT, THE CONSULTANTS WOULD IMMEDIATELY START WORK ON PRELIMINARY PLANNING AND DESIGN OF THE PROJECT.

THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BYPASS IS $120 MILLION.

IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT ITS CONSTRUCTION WILL START IN LATE 1989 FOR COMPLETION IN 1992.

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URBAN COUNCIL ’NOT TRYING TO MONOPOLISE THE ARTS IN HONG KONG7 *****

THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS NO INTENTION OF TRYING TO MONOPOLISE CONTROL OF THE ARTS IN HONG KONG, AN URBAN COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.

’’BROADLY THE COUNCIL’S POLICY IS TO ALLOCATE ONE THIRD OF THE YEAR TO COMMERCIAL PRESENTATIONS IN ITS VENUES,” SAID THE SPOKESMAN.

’’HOWEVER, EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT COMMERCIAL PROMOTERS CANNOT TAKE UP THIS ONE THIRD.”

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT, UNLIKE COMMERCIAL IMPRESARIOS, THE COUNCIL PROVIDED HEAVY FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR . VARIOUS LOCAL ART FORMS, SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC, THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA, AND VARIOUS LOCAL PERFORMING COMPANIES.

/TURNING TO .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

- 5

TURNING TO THE PROPOSED NEW SCALE OF FEES TO BE CHARGED FOR THE USE OF THE CITY HALL FROM JUNE 1, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: ’’THESE PROPOSALS WERE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 3 LAST YEAR SO THAT PROMOTERS WOULD HAVE AMPLE TIME TO STUDY THEM AND MAKE WHATEVER ARRANGEMENTS WERE NECESSARY.

’’ALSO, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE SIX MONTHS IN ADVANCE SO THAT REACTION COULD BE GAUGED, NOT ONLY FROM PROMOTERS BUT FROM MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.

"IF THERE IS NO INCREASE, THERE WILL BE A DEFICIT OF AN ESTIMATED $679,000 ON THE CITY HALL VENUES IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.

’’NEVERTHELESS, THE COUNCIL IS NOT SINGLE-MINDED ON THE PROPOSED NEW FEE STRUCTURE AND IT IS PRESENTLY UNDER STUDY AND WILL BE REVIEWED LATER THIS MONTH.”

CONCERNING CHARGES THAT THE CITY HALL FACILITIES ARE SUB-STANDARD, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: "THE CITY HALL IS 25 YEARS OLD AND BY HONG KONG STANDARDS IS FAR FROM A NEW BUILDING. NEVERTHELESS, OVER THE YEARS VARIOUS RENOVATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT TO KEEP IT IN USE BECAUSE OF HEAVY PUBLIC DEMAND. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROCESS.

"IN 1989 THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE WILL BE OPENED AND THIS WILL BECOME THE PRINCIPAL ARTS VENUE, TAKING THE PRESENT PRESSURE OFF THE CITY HALL."

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’CAREERS DAYS’ FOR STUDENTS BEGIN

*****

SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO VISIT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND TRAINING CENTRES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) AND TO TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF CAREERS TALKS TO BE HELD THERE IN THE FORTHCOMING 'REGIONAL CAREERS DAYS’.

THE COUNCIL AND THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICES (YEAS) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISED EIGHT 'REGIONAL CAREERS DAYS' WITH AN AIM TO PROVIDE CAREERS AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING GUIDANCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

MINI-EXHIBITIONS COVERING TOPICS ON HOW TO CHOOSE A CAREER AND JOB APPLICATION TECHNIQUES WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED AS SIDE SHOWS TO HELP THE YOUNG PROSPECTIVE JOB-SEEKERS.

/THE DEPUTY

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7t 1988

- 6 -

THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, AND CHAIRMAN OF VTC, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FIRST ’CAREERS DAY’ TO BE HELD AT THE KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX.

THE NEXT ’CAREERS DAY’ WILL BE HELD AT THE TUEN MUN TECHNICAL [NSTITUTE ON JANUARY 12, FOLLOWED BY SHA TIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ON FEBRUARY 5 AND MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ON MARCH 4.

INTERESTED PARTIES OR SCHOOLS CAN CONTACT THE YEAS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR VISIT ARRANGEMENTS TO THESE INSTITUTIONS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE REGIONAL CAREERS DAY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX, 46 TAI YIP STREET, KOWLOON, HONG KONG. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 9.15 AM.

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DRAWING COMPETITION TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE * » » *

STUDENTS IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO SHOW THEIR ARTISTIC TALENTS BY TAKING PART IN A DRAWING COMPETITION WHICH IS AIMED AT PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE DRAWING COMPETITION IS A MAJOR ACTIVITY OF THIS YEAR’S EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE POLICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND CO-ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CAMPAIGN IS THE ROAD SAFETY DAY WHICH WILL BE HELD IN VICTORIA PARK ON JANUARY 31. IT WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW, STALL GAMES, QUIZ ON ROAD SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLY, ROAD

SAFETY TOWN AND COLOURING FOR FUN.

A DECORATED BUS CARRYING THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT ON JANUARY 30. MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ROAD SAFETY PATROLS WILL ACCOMPANY THE TOUR AND DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS AT THE VARIOUS STOPS.

TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS IN ROAD SAFTEY, 41 ADVISORY SIGNBOARDS WILL BE MOUNTED AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.

PEOPLE WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN THE DRAWING COMPETITION MAY SEND IN THEIR ENTRIES TO THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES BEFORE JANUARY 21.

WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED ATTRACTIVE PRIZES ON THE ROAD SAFETY DAY.

------0 ------ /7..................

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

DB TO DISCUSS RC SUBSIDY SCHEME ♦ * * *

THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE GUIDELINES OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME AT A MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO GIVE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO LOCAL BODIES FOR THE ORGANISATION OF DISTRICT FESTIVALS AND OTHER LARGE-SCALE FESTIVE EVENTS FROM 1988/89 ONWARDS.

HOWEVER, IT IS NOT MEANT TO DUPLICATE THE ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES.

SENIOR STAFF OFFICER (LEISURE SERVICES) OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHRISTOPHER WONG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SUBSIDY SCHEME.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED BY THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR DEREK DEAR, ON THE PROPOSAL FOR THE RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE OF YAU YUE WAN VILLAGE AT HANG HAU TO MAKE WAY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE THE JUNK BAY AND SAI KUNG DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME; A PROGRESS REPORT BY THE BOARD’S REPRESENTATIVE IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR WAN YUET-KAU; PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES; AND THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.

------o--------

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PAVEMENT OBSTRUCTION

*****

THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY TRADERS OBSTRUCTING THE PAVEMENT NEAR THE CHEUNG SHA WAN TEMPORARY POULTRY WHOLESALE MARKET AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

IT WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROBLEM OF OVERGROWN WEEDS ON THE SLOPES OF THE CORNWALL STREET TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.

/THE MEETING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.15 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, 39 TONKIN STREET, SECOND FLOOR, KOWLOON.

- - 0 - -

CULTURE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS

*****

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR HOLDING CULTURAL ACTIVITIES DURING THE 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR.

IT WILL ALSO STUDY THE PROGRESS REPORTS ON VARIOUS CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS, ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, LIBRARY’S EXTENSION ACTIVITIES AND DISTRICT BOARD-SPONSORED CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3 PM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.

- - 0 - -

CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST ON SATURDAY * * * *

SOME 500 KWUN TONG CHILDREN WILL COMPETE IN THE EIGHTH KWUN

TONG CHILDREN SINGING CONTEST TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 9 (SATURDAY).

AIMED AT PROMOTING CHILDREN’S SINGING INTEREST AND DISCOVERING SINGING TALENTS IN THE DISTRICT, THE CONTEST IS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG CHILDREN CHORUS AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

/CHILDREN AGED

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

- 9 -

CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 13 WILL COMPETE IN THREE CATEGORIES - SOLO SINGING, GROUP SINGING AND CHORUS.

THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 1.30 PM AT KEI CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SHUI NING STREET.

ADMISSION IS FREE AND RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.

-------0---------

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL IN YAU MA TEI *****

THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL AND CONCERT WILL BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 10) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

IT WILL START AT 10 AM WITH A DEMONSTRATION OF DRUG SEARCHING BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT'S DOG UNIT. GAMES STALLS WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AFTER THE DEMONSTRATION.

ALSO, THERE WILL BE DISPLAYS OF ANTI-NARCOTICS MATERIALS AND WINNING ENTRIES OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIP COMPETITION.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE CARNIVAL, A POP CONCERT PRODUCED BY THE SANCITY ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND FEATURING POPULAR GROUPS RAIDAS AND FRIENDS CONNECTION AS WELL AS SINGER PRISCILLA CHAN, WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY RTHK-2 FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, WILL GIVE A SPEECH BEFORE THE CONCERT STARTS.

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR J.S. MAIN; CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR WU MAN-KEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR IP KWOK-WAI.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 10) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

-------0--------- /10.......................

THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1988

10 -

VARIETY SHOW TO CONCLUDE MONG KOK FESTIVAL

*****

A STAR-STUDDED VARIETY SHOW AT MONG KOK STADIUM ON JANUARY 17 (SUNDAY) EVENING WILL CONCLUDE THE SIX-WEEK MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL.

IT WILL FEATURE A NUMBER OF POPULAR SINGERS, BANDS AND TELEVISION ARTISTES.

THE VARIETY SHOW IS THE GRAND FINALE OF THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR THE MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL AND IT ALSO PROVIDES AN OCCASION FOR RESIDENTS TO REJOICE AT THE SUCCESS OF THE FESTIVAL.

RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SHOW.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND THE TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE, AT 85 IVY STREET, ON A FIRST-COME FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

-------0 ---------

TSING YI BRIDGE CLOSED FOR MONITORING *****

TSING YI BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 10) TO MONITOR ITS STRUCTURE.

THE CLOSING TIME WILL BE FROM 12.30 AM TO 2.30 AM, 6.30 AM TO 7.30 AM AND 3 PM TO 4 PM.

DURING THE CLOSURE, THE BRIDGE WILL BE RE-OPENED AT FIVE-MINUTE INTERVALS TO GENERAL TRAFFIC AND • IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.

-------0----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

CONTENTS PaGE NO.

198? BUSY YEAR FOR COMPANIES REGISTRY........................ 1

OCTOBER PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMINTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE......... 3

BILL EXEMPTS DISCLOSURE OF LOAN DETAILS ..................... 8

A RECORD IN NOMINATIONS OF DB CANDIDATES .................... 9

YMT RESIDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT ELECTION ..................... 10

KWAI TSING TO REMOVE HAZARDOUS SIGNS ........................ 11

THEN MUN FOOTBRIDGE TO BE IMPROVED .......................... 11

NEW SECTION FOR SHA TIN STREET .............................. 12

CFPA ACQUIRES LOGO .......................................... 12

'CAREERS DAYS' PROVIDE VALUABLE INFORMATION ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES ............................................... 13

CUSTOMS' COPYRIGHT PROTECTION WORK COMMENDED ................ 15

ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE IN COOKIES................................. 15

POSTFAX SERVICE TO ICELAND .................................. 16

FIRST KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL TO BEGIN ............ 17

HOME BEAUTIFICATION AND SAFETY EXHIBITION ................... 18

PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR ANTI-TRIAD COMPETITIONS .............. 19

CARNIVAL TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE....................... 20

TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL WORKING GROUP HOLDS SPECIAL MEETING ..... 21

REMINDER TO PAY FIRST QUARTER RATES ......................... 21

VOLUNTEERS RECRUIT JUNIOR LEADERS ........................... 22

NW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1959/60 ......................... 23

LAYING OF GAS PIPELINE AT TaI SHUI HANG...................... 24

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON AND NT............................ 2 5

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ON MONG KOK ROAD .............. 26

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WAI CHAI ................... 26

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH................... 26

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

1987 BUSY YEAR FOR COMPANIES REGISTRY

* » »

MAJOR INCREASES OF ACTIVITY IN MOST AREAS AND MINOR DECREASES IN OTHERS WERE RECORDED FOR 1987 BY THE COMPANIES REGISTRY OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.

THE COMPANIES REGISTRY FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) SHOWED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPANIES NOW REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE HAD INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT FROM 161,986 IN 1986 TO 185,588 LAST YEAR.

THE NUMBER OF NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED DURING THE YEAR HAD INCREASED DRAMATICALLY BY 58 PER CENT FROM 16,743 TO 26,380.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OVERSEAS COMPANIES WHICH HAD AN ESTABLISHED PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG UNDER PART XI OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AT THE END OF THE YEAR INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT FROM 2,238 TO 2,289.

THE NUMBER OF NEW OVERSEAS COMPANIES ESTABLISHING A PLACE OF BUSINESS IN HONG KONG UNDER PART XI DURING 1987 WAS 240, A DECREASE OF 17 PER CENT OVER THE NUMBER OF SUCH COMPANIES IN 1986.

NO SEPARATE STATISTICS ARE MAINTAINED ON HOW MANY OVERSEAS COMPANIES INCORPORATE LOCAL SUBSIDIARIES OR TAKE UP A MAJORITY SHAREHOLDING IN A HONG KONG COMPANY.

EXISTING COMPANIES INCREASED THEIR NOMINAL CAPITAL BY $48,995 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 187 PER CENT OVER THE INCREASE OF $17,079 MILLION IN 1986.

THE NOMINAL CAPITAL OF NEW COMPANIES INCORPORATED DURING THE YEAR INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT FROM $3,356 MILLION TO $4,133 MILLION.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED BY CHARGES REGISTERED ON THE ASSETS OF COMPANIES INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT FROM $56,786 MILLION TO $65,487 MILLION WHILE THE AMOUNT REPAID ON CHARGES, AS EVIDENCED BY CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION, DECREASED BY 19 PER CENT FROM $11,492 MILLION TO $9,349 MILLION.

DURING THE YEAR A TOTAI. OF 155 PROSPECTUSES OF PUBLIC COMPANIES, INCLUDING 68 TN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, WERE APPROVED AS AGAINST 106 PROSPECTUSES, INCLUDING 55 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DOCUMENTS RECEIVED FOR FILING DURING THE YEAR INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT FROM 477,912 TO 566,815.

THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR THE RESERVATION OF NEW COMPANY NAMES DURING 1987 WAS 188,360 WHICH WAS A 37 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 137,515 IN 1986.

/ON THE.........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

ON THE SUBJECT OF COMPANY NAMES GENERALLY, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, EXPRESSED DISSATISFACTION WITH THE PRESENT SYSTEM AS LAID DOWN IN THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.

"THIS ESTABLISHED A PROCEDURE WHEREBY A COMPANY NAME CAN BE RESERVED BEFORE THE COMPANY IS INCORPORATED.

"IDEALLY THIS WAS A GOOD SYSTEM BUT IN PRACTICE IT INVOLVED A DELAY OF FOUR OR FIVE WEEKS BEFORE THE NAME COULD BE REJECTED OR RESERVED," MR GLEESON SAID.

THIS WAS BECAUSE OF THE VOLUME OF APPLICATIONS AND THE NEED FOR STAFF TO CHECK EACH AND EVERY NEW NAME AGAINST THE NAMES OF THE EXISTING 185,000 REGISTERED COMPANIES AND MAKE A SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT IN EACH AND EVERY CASE TO SEE IF THE NEW NAME WAS IDENTICAL WITH AN EXISTING COMPANY NAME OR "SO NEARLY RESEMBLES THAT NAME AS TO BE CALCULATED TO DECEIVE", HE ADDED.

THE REST OF THE PROCEDURE FOR INCORPORATION OF A NEW COMPANY TOOK ABOUT TWO WEEKS, SO THE WHOLE PROCEDURE, ASSUMING EVERYTHING WAS IN ORDER, NOW TOOK ABOUT SIX WEEKS OR MORE.

THIS WAS DESPITE STAFF INCREASES, OVERTIME AND COMPUTERISATION, AND THERE WAS NOW A BACKLOG OF SOME 8,000 COMPANY NAMES APPLICATIONS.

HE SAID THIS WAS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG DOMESTICALLY AND MIGHT EVEN AFFECT HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVE POSITION INTERNATIONALLY SINCE IN OTHER COMMERCIAL CENTRES IT WAS POSSIBLE TO INCORPORATE A COMPANY IN MUCH LESS TIME, IN SOME CASES WITHIN A FEW DAYS.

MR GLEESON SAID CONTINUED STAFF INCREASES WAS NOT THE ANSWER AND HE WAS LOOKING INSTEAD AT OTHER SYSTEMS, NOTABLY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHERE A NEW NAME WAS REFUSED ONLY WHERE IT WAS IDENTICAL WITH AN EXISTING NAME.

HOWEVER, THAT SYSTEM TOO HAD ITS DISADVANTAGES AND HE HAD REFERRED THE PROBLEM TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS TAKEN BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES AGAINST COMPANIES AND THEIR DIRECTORS FOR BREACHES OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, MAINLY FOR FAILURE TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS WITH ACCOUNTS, LAST YEAR WAS 216.

ANOTHER 208 SUMMONSES WERE OUTSTANDING FROM 1986.

OF THIS TOTAL OF 424 SUMMONSES, 261 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS (COMPARED WITH 233 IN 1986) AND 85 REMAIN TO BE HEARD BY THE COURT.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINES IMPOSED FOR CONVICTIONS IN 1987 WAS $343,413, COMPARED WITH $477,923 IN 1986.

MR GLEESON SAID THE FIGURES FOR 1987 INDICATED A SIGNIFICANT EXPANSION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IN THE MAIN AREAS THAT CONCERNED HIS DEPARTMENT: LAND, COMPANIES, TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS, INSURANCE AND INSOLVENCY, DURING THE YEAR.

------0-------

/3......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

OCTOBER PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE

* * * * *

THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 25 PER CENT AND 47 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF 1987 AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATED.

HFNCE, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 34 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS.

IMPORTS INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, SO THAT THE PRICES OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT.

PRICES OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.

AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.

COMPARING OCTOBER 1987 WITH OCTOBER 1986, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT AND 35 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

HENCE, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 24 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.

IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT; RE-EXPORT PRICES ROSE BY 3 PER CENT WHILE IMPORT PRICES ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.

PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE COMP1LED.

THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM TRADE VALUES BY DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR OCTOBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE I.

AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN OCTOBER 1987 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986.

/these included........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

THESE INCLUDED METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+12 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+fi PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+7 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+7 PER CENT); RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+7 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+6 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+3 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+3 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+2 PER CENT) AS WELL AS DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+1 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WAS RECORDED IN WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-1 PER CENT).

THE PRICES OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED.

THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN OCTOBER 1987 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, INCLUDING METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+37 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS (+24 PER CENT); ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+23 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+19 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+18 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+15 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+11 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+6 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+5 PER CENT) AS WELL AS DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+4 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-14 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-2 PER CENT).

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR OCTOBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.

AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES ROSE IN OCTOBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, RANGING FROM 2 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 20 PER CENT FOR FUELS, WHICH WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE RELATIVELY LOW IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS IN OCTOBER 1986.

IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN OCTOBER 1987 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986.

SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN SUGAR, FRUIT AS WELL AS VEGETABLES.

HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS AS WELL AS RICE.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT.

THE COMMODITIES WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AS WELL AS ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.

/THE IMPORT ........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1?88

the Import volume of raw materials and semi-manufactures rose

BY 22 PER CENT IN OCTOBER 1987 COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986.

THE MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS; FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES’ WOOD, LUMPER AND CORK; RAW COTTON AS WELL AS YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.

A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS RECORDED IN IRON AND STEEL.

IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 28 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN OCTOBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986.

FOR THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN OCTOBER 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986.

THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AS WELL AS OFFICE MACHINES.

DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AS WELL AS CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY.

THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR OCTOBER 1987 AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.

AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN OCTOBER 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1986, RANGING FROM 29 PER CENT FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES TO 47 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS. HOWEVER, THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS AND FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 46 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE OCTOBER 1987 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND JANUARY 12 AT HK«2.5O PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY RE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE

INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. : 5-8234918).

/TABLE 1: .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1^88

6 -

TABLE 1: INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP.

COMMODITY GROUP COMPARING JAN-OCT 1987 WITH JAN-OCT 1986 UNIT COMPARING OCTOBER 1987 WITH OCTOBER 1986

VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %

VALUE % VALUE % VOLUME %

CLOTHING 29 8 20 26 7 18

TEXTILE FABRICS 57 6 48 33 8 24

TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD 42 5 36 5 7 -2

TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES 11 4 7 12 2 11

RADIOS OF ALL KINDS 19 3 16 -8 7 -14

ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 13 -2 16 23 * 23

FOOTWEAR 20 4 16 11 6 5

METAL MANUFACTURES 28 0 25 18 3 15

METAL ORES AND SCRAP 59 4 53 54 12 37

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 18 ♦ 18 18 -1 19

TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES 4 4 -1 10 3 6

DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 19 3 15 5 1 4

ALL COMMODITIES 29 3 25 18 2 16

NOTES FOR TABLES 1 TO 3:

* INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT

PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE CALCULATED FROM TRADE INDEXES TAKEN TO MORE DECIMAL PLACES THAN THOSE TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS". THEY MAY THEREFORE DIFFER FROM THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES TO BE COMPUTED FROM THE PUBLISHED FIGURES.

/TABLE 2.........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

TABLE 2: INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING JAN-OCT 1987 COMPARING OCTOBER 1987

WITH JAN-OCT 1986 WITH OCTOBER 1986

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % UNIT VALUE VALUE VOLUME % % %

FOODSTUFFS 11 1 10 4 2 3

CONSUMER GOODS 41 4 36 29 3 26

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 40 3 35 27 4 22

FUELS 6 1 5 54 20 28

CAPITAL GOODS 42 6 34 11 5 6

ALL COMMODITIES 37 4 32 24 4 19

TABLE 3: INCREASES IN RE -EXPORTS BY END- USE CATEGORY

COMPARING JAN-OCT 1987 WITH JAN-OCT 1986 COMPARING OCTOBER L'H, WITH OCTOBER 1986

END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %

FOODSTUFFS 13 -1 14 -11 -1 -10

CONSUMER GOODS 58 2 ‘ 55 50 2 47

RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 48 3 44 36 5 29

FUELS -2 9 -10 -36 18 -4G

CAPITAL GOODS 45 * 45 39 * 39

ALL COMMODITIES 50 2 47 39 3 35

--------o----------

/8........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

BILL EXEMPTS DISCLOSURE OF LOAN DETAILS *****

THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO EXEMPT AUTHORISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM DISCLOSING IN THEIR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS, DETAILS OF LOANS ON NORMAL COMMERCIAL TERMS TO DIRECTORS 'IND OTHER OFFICERS.

INSTEAD, THEIR ACCOUNTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONTAIN AGGREGATE FIGURES FOR ANY SUCH LOANS BUT WILL STILL HAVE TO GIVE DETAILS OF ANY LOANS IN EXCESS OF HK$10 MILLION MADE TO A DIRECTOR OR OTHER OFFICERS ON CONCESSIONARY TERMS.

DETAILS OF THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, ALL COMPANIES INCORPORATED TN HONG KONG WERE REQUIRED TO SET OUT IN THEIR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS INFORMATION CONCERNING LOANS MADE BY THE COMPANIES TO THEIR DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS.

THIS REQUIREMENT ALSO APPLIES TO BANK AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG.

"BY THE VERY NATURE OF BANKING BUSINESS, LOANS TO DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS ARE NOT UNCOMMON.

"THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD REMOVE THE REQUIREMENT UPON BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES TO INCLUDE A CUMBERSOME AMOUNT OF DETAILS IN THEIR ACCOUNTS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD NOT MEAN LESS DISCLOSURE BY BANKS OR DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.

"BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WILL INSTEAD BE REQUIRED TO KEEP A REGISTER CONTAINING FULL DETAILS OF LOANS TO DIRECTORS WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC FOR A PERIOD OF 14 DAYS BEFORE AND SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

"IN ADDITION, THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING WILL BE OBTAINING INFORMATION ON A REGULAR BASIS FROM AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS OF LOANS TO THEIR DIRECTORS AND TO RELATED COMPANIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 20.

INTERESTED PARTIES WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE AMENDMENT BILL SHOULD WRITE TO OMELCO, 8 JACKSON ROAD, HONG KONG; OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, 24TH FLOOR, ADMIRALTY CENTRE, TOWER II, 18 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG.

- 0

/?........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 9 -

A RECORD IN NOMINATIONS OF DB CANDIDATES *****

A RECORD NUMBER OF 218 NOMINATIONS WAS RECEIVED ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE 1988 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR T.H. CHAU, TODAY (FRIDAY) COMMENTED THAT THE RESPONSE WAS VERY ENCOURAGING.

THE NUMBER OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD IN THE LAST DB ELECTIONS IN 1985 WAS 82.

’’SOME OF THE CANDIDATES NOMINATED TODAY ARE INCUMBENT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, LEGCO MEMBERS, URBAN COUNCILLORS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS."

MR CHAU SAID HE WAS ALSO PLEASED TO SEE MANY NEW FACES BEING NOMINATED.

’’THIS INDICATES THE PUBLIC’S ENTHUSIASM AND EAGERNESS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.”

CANDIDATES NOMINATED INCLUDED EXECUTIVES, TEACHERS, SOCIAL WORKERS, FACTORY WORKERS, BUSINESSMEN AND HOUSEWIVES.

”1 THINK MORE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WILL BE NOMINATED IN THE COMING WEEKS,'' MR CHAU SAID.

AMONG THE NOMINATIONS RECEIVED, 138 CANDIDATES ARE VYING FOR SEATS IN THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS AND 80 FOR SEATS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

STATISTICS ALSO SHOWED THAT THE SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT HAD RECEIVED THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF 26 NOMINATIONS.

THE FOLLOWING IS A BREAKDOWN OF NOMINATIONS RECEIVED BY THE I) I STR I CTS : -

URBAN DISTRICTS

CENTRAL AND WESTERN (9) YAU MA TEI (12)

WAN (’HAI (10) MONG KOK (9 )

EASTERN (17) KOWLOON CITY (8)

SOUTHERN (7) WONG TAI SIN (22)

SHAM SHU I PO ( 26 1 KWUN TONG ( 18)

/NEW TERRITORIES........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1?88

10 -

NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS

TUEN MUN ( 20) SAI KUNG (4)

YUEN LONG ( 4 ) SHA TIN ( 17)

TSUEN WAN (3) TAI PO (3)

KWAI TSING (15) NORTH ( 14 )

ISLANDS (NIL)

--------0----------

YMT RESIDENTS URGED TO SUPPORT ELECTION t ♦ ♦ t t

YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED RESIDENTS TO NOMINATE ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES AND CAST THEIR VOTE TN THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

•'VOTERS SHOULD EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RIGHT TO ELECT THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE DISTRICT BOARD, WHICH ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON MATTERS AFFECTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE DISTRICT,” HE SAID.

MR CHENG WAS ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AT A NEIGHBOURHOOD DINNER ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI NORTH AREA COMMITTEE.

"THROUGH DB MEMBERS, RESIDENTS CAN CHANNEL THEIR VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND POLICIES THAT AFFECT THE DISTRICT, AND HELP THE GOVERNMENT TO IDENTIFY THE DISTRICT’S NEEDS," MR CHENG SAID.

HE ALSO THANKED MEMBERS OF AREA COMMITTEES FOR THEIR PARTICIPATION IN PROMOTING LOCAL WELFARE AND CHANNELLING OPINION OF RESIDENTS.

-------0----------

/11.........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

KWAI TSING TO REMOVE HAZARDOUS SIGNS

*****

THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) ENDORSED AN ACTION PLAN BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO REMOVE SIGNS, BANNERS AND BOARDS WHICH POSE A POTENTIAL HAZARD TO PEDESTRIANS AND MOTORISTS.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARK REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD OBTAIN PERMISSION OF THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE FOR PUTTING UP SIGNS AND BANNERS ON CROWN LAND.

ARRANGEMENTS ARE NOW BEING MADE TO REMOVE SIGNS, BANNERS OR BOARDS WHICH OBSTRUCT OR MAY INTERFERE WITH ANY TRAFFIC SIGN; AND THOSE ERECTED AT BUS STOPS, FLYOVERS, LAMPPOSTS, BRIDGES AND ON GUARDRAILS AT BUS TERMINI OR WITHIN 2.0 METRES OF A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING.

CANDIDATES FOR THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ARE REMINDED THAT THESE CONDITIONS ALSO APPLY TO THEIR ELECTION BANNERS AND THAT THEY SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE GUIDANCE NOTES GIVEN TO THEM ON THE DISPl.AY OF BANNERS.

ACTION WILL BE TAKEN SOON TO REMOVE ELECTION BANNERS WHICH POSE A POTENTIAL THREAT TO TRAFFIC AND OTHER HAZARDOUS SIGNS WHICH HAVE BEEN SURVEYED IN THE DISTRICT.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-4908376.

------o--------

THEN MUN FOOTBRIDGE TO BE IMPROVED * » » »

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO IMPROVE AN EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE CONNECTING AREAS 10 AND 26 IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, ACROSS TUEN MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI), BY THE PROVISION OF RAMPS AT THE TWO ENDS OF THE FOOTBRIDGE.

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND A NOTICE, BOTH IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CAN BE SEEN ON THE NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.

A COPY OF THE PLAN OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUEN MUN, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES DURING OFFICE HOURS.

ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE MARCH 8, 1988.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

12 -

NEW SECTION FOR SHA TIN STREET * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD A NEW SECTION OF PAI TAU STREET IN SHA TIN TO REPLACE A 50 METRE-LONG SECTION OF EXISTING PAI TAU STREET.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW SECTION, WHICH IS ABOUT 85 METRES LONG, WILL ENABLE THE TWO SITES ADJOINING THE EXISTING PAI TAU SlHEEf TO BE AMALGAMATED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER AND REGIONAL SERVICES HEADQUARTERS.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED ROAD WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN; AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, K.C.R. HOUSE, SHA TIN, DURING OFFICE HOURS.

ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE MARCH 8, 1988.

--------o----------

CFPA ACQUIRES LOGO * ♦ ♦

THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA) HAS NOW ACQUIRED A LOGO WHICH IS REPRESENTATIVE OF ITS FUNCTION AND JURISDICTION FOLLOWING AN OPEN LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE CFPA LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LEO LEE, SAID THE MAIN THEME OF THE WINNING LOGO DESIGN WAS A STAGE SYMBOLISING THE WORK OF THE CFPA IN THE SUPPORT AND PROMOTION OF PERFORMING ARTS IN THE TERRITORY.

”IT WILL BE ADOPTED FOR USE AS THE COUNCIL’S OFFICIAL LOGO AND WILL BE USED ON ALL FUTURE PUBLICITY POSTERS OF PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS WHO ARE IN RECEIPT OF THE COUNCIL’S SUBSIDIES.” MR LEE NOTED.

HE SAID THAT FROM A TOTAL OF 842 ENTRIES RECEIVED IN THE LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION, THREE WERE SELECTED WINNERS AND SEVEN GAINED MERITORIOUS AWARDS.

/THE NINE- MEMBER.......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

THE NINE-MEMBER PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISED HEAD OF THE SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR M.B. FARR; ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER, MR KENNETH KO; DESIGNER, MR ALAN ZIE YONGDER; Chairman of the tung wah group of hospitals, mrs teresa lau po WING-KAM; DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE; HEAD OF THE CREATIVE SUB-DIVISION, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR E.A.HACKER; CHAIRMAN OF THE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, CFPA, MR LEO T.H. LEE; EX-MEMBER OF THE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, CFPA, MR LAWRENCE H.L. FUNG; AND EX-COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.

THE PANEL OF JUDGES SELECTED THE 10 BEST DESIGNS BASED ON REPRESENTATIVENESS OF CFPA’S FUNCTIONS; ORIGINALITY; ARTISTIC APPEAL; SIMPLICITY; AND FUNCTIONAL AOAPTABILTY.

THE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION, MR CHOI CHI-KIT, WILL BE AWARDED A CASH PRIZE OF $10,000 AND A CFPA LOGO COMPETITION WINNER CERTIFICATE.

THE SECOND PRIZE WINNER, MR SOO KONG-YUEN, AND THE THIRD PRIZE WINNER, MISS YUEN MAN, WILL RE AWARDED CASH PRIZES OF $5,000 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY, TOGETHER WITH A CERTIFICATE.

SEVEN WINNERS OF THE MERITORIOUS AWARDS ARE MR CHEUNG WAI-MING, MR HO WING-CHOI, MR LEUNG CHIU, MR SZETO KIN-CHIU, MR CHANG YUM-KEUNG, MR. TAM KA-FUNG AND MR CHEUNG SHIU-MTNG WHO WILL EACH BE AWARDED A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT.

A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT CORAL ROOM, FURAMA HOTEL, AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12).

LADY WILSON WILL PRESENT PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES TO THE WINNERS.

--------0-----------

’CAREERS DAYS’ PROVIDE VALUABLE INFORMATION ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

*♦♦♦♦*

THE ABILITY AND HARD WORK OF HONG KONG PEOPLE TSW PRIMARILY ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE TERRITORY’S FLOURISHING ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENT, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

"IN TIMES OF RAPID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FULL EMPLOYMENT THERE IS AN EVEN GREATER NEED TO BETTER UTILISE THE SKILLS AND TALENTS OF OUR WORKFORCE," HE ADDED.

MR KWOK WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST OF EIGHT ’CAREERS DAYS’ JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL THIS YEAR.

/MH KWOK .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

MR KWOK SAID THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE iABOUR DEPARTMENT PLAYED A KEY ROLE IN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO OBTAIN VALUABLE INFORMATION ON CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES IN MANY TRADES AND PROFESSIONS.

AT PRESENT, THE SERVICE OPERATES THREE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN, EACH EQUIPPED WITH A REFERENCE LIBRARY AND AUDIO-VISUAL RECORDINGS OF INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.

"I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT A FOURTH CENTRE WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN SHA TIN THIS YEAR TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE CAREERS SERVICE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE FAST-GROWING PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES," MR KWOK SAID.

AS REGARDS THE 'CAREERS DAYS', MR KWOK SAID THEY WERE AIMED AT PROVIDING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON DIFFERENT TRADES AND INDUSTRIES AS WELL AS TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE AT THE VARIOUS TRAINING CENTRES AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.

THE EVENT FEATURES SPECIALIST TALKS ON EMPLOYMENT, AUDIO-VISUAL SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS.

"IT SHOULD HELP INSPIRE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE YFT UNDECIDED ON THEIR FUTURE CAREER, OR THOSE WHO HAVE SOMEHOW SET THEIR MINDS ON A LIMITED CHOICE, TO LOOK FURTHER AFIELD AND DISCOVER MORE ABOUT JOB OPPORTUNITIES WHICH MIGHT MATCH THEIR RANGE OF INTERESTS," MR KWOK ADDED.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN.

THE SCHEDULE OF THE OTHER SEVEN CAREERS DAYS THIS YEAR ARE AS FOLLOWS:

♦ TUEN MUN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE JANUARY 12

* SHA TIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FEBRUARY 5

♦ MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE MARCH 4

* KWAI CHUNG TRAINING CENTRE MARCH 22

» LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE MARCH 25

* HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE APRIL 15

CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE APRIL 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 15 -

CUSTOMS' COPYRIGHT PROTECTION WORK COMMENDED

*****

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WAS COMMENDED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN PROTECTING THE COPYRIGHT OF EDUCATIONAL VIDEO TAPES OF A U.S. COMPANY.

THE COMMENDATION CAME FROM THE NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL MEDIA (NEM), A MAJOR U.S. PRODUCER OF EDUCATIONAL VIDEO TAPES ON TRAINING PROGRAMMES RELATING TO SALES, HOTEL SERVICES, SECURITY, COOKERY, VEHICLE DRIVING AND TELEPHONE MANNERS.

AT A CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON, THE LOCAL NEM REPRESENTATIVE, MR FRANK KNIGHT, PRESENTED A PLAQUE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLAMSON, IN APPRECIATION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORTS.

ACTING ON COMPLAINT FROM NEM, ACTION WAS TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT IN 1986 AGAINST A LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR OF VIDEO TAPES. THIS RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE OF SOME GENUINE AND PIRATED FILMS OF WHICH COPYRIGHT WAS OWNED BY NEM.

IT WAS ALSO THE FIRST TIME THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD TAKEN ACTION AGAINST COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT ON EDUCATIONAL VIDEO TAPES.

--------0-----------

ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE IN COOKIES

♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦

VISITORS TO THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 10) WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WIN A NICE SURPRISE -A UNIQUE AND DELICIOUS "CHINESE FORTUNE COOKIE".

EACH OF THESE COOKIES CONTAINS A PAPER SLIP TELLING ONE’S LUCK AND CARRYING AN ANT I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE. THEY ARE SPECIALLY DESIGNED AND PRODUCED AS ONE OF THE MANY PRIZES TO BE GIVEN OUT DURING THE CARNIVAL.

"TEN DIFFERENT ANTI-DRUG MESSAGES IN CHINESE HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND INSERTED INTO THESE COOKIES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

"WE EXPECT TO GIVE AWAY ABOUT 10,000 OF THESE FORTUNE COOKIES," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

/JOINTLY ORGANISED

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1?88

- 16 -

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE YAU MA TRI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

IT WILL START WITH A DEMONSTRATION OF DRUG SEARCHING BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT'S DOG UNIT.

GAMES STALLS WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AFTER THE DEMONSTRATION, AND GAMES COUPONS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE CARNIVAL.

THERE WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYS OF ANT I-NARCOTICS MATERIALS AND WINNING ENTRIES OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIP COMPETITION.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENT, A POP CONCERT PRODUCED BY THE SANCITY ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY AND FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR GROUPS 'RAIDAS' AND 'FRIENDS CONNECTION’ AS WELL AS SINGER PRISCILLA CHAN, WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RADIO 2 FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, WILL GIVE A SPEECH BEFORE THE CONCERT STARTS.

ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR J.S. MAIN; CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU MA TRI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR WU MAN-KEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISIN'" COMMITTEE, MR IP KWOK-WAI.

--------o ---------

POSTFAX SERVICE TO ICELAND « * « » t

THE POST OFFICE HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE POSTFAX SERVICE, A JOINT POST OFFICE AND CABLE AND WIRELESS ( HK ) LTD. PUBLIC FACSIMILE SERVICE, WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE ICELAND ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11).

POSTFAX ITEMS HANDED IN AT GENERAL POST OFFICE BEFORE 6 PM WILL BE ACCORDED SAME-DAY DELIVERY IN ICELAND.

DOCUMENTS (HAND-WRITTEN OR TYPED), DRAWINGS AND DIAGRAMS UP TO A4 SIZE ARE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION.

ALL POSTFAX ITEMS ARE HANDLED WITH CARE AND CONFIDENTIALITY.

AFTER ACCEPTANCE, THEY WILL BE SCANNED, CONVERTED INTO HIGH-SPEED ELECTRONIC IMPULSES AND TRANSMITTED DIRECT TO THE RECEIVING GATEWAY IN THE DISTANT COUNTRY.

/THE CHARGES .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1?88

THE CHARGES FOR THE SERVICE TO ICELAND WILL BE

’SHORT MESSAGE’ FACILITY

$60

FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER

$85

FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME $40

CUSTOMERS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS SERVICE CAN HAND IN THEIR DOCUMENTS AT ANY ONE OF THE 30 ACCEPTANCE POST OFFICES OR THE TWO CABLE AND WIRELESS SALES OFFICES AT THE EXCHANGE SQUARE AND

POSTFAX SERVICE IS NOW OFFERING HIGH-SPEED FACSIMILE TRANSMISSION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND OVER 70 COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD.

ALL THE IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNERS OF HONG KONG ARE INCLUDED IN THE SERVICE NETWORK, SUCH AS THE U.S.A., THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CHINA, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA.

FOR SPEEDIER TRANSMISSION AND AT NO EXTRA COST, FACSIMILE MACHINE OWNERS IN HONG KONG CAN FAX THEIR MESSAGES TO THE POST OFFICE UNDER SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR ONWARD TRANSMISSION TO ADDRESSEES ABROAD WHO DO NOT HAVE THEIR OWN FACSIMILE EQUIPMENT.

FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE POSTFAX MANAGER ON 5-8471148.

- 0 - -

FIRST KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL TO BEGIN *****

THE FIRST KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) WITH A SPECTACULAR SHOW TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TELEVISION.

LOCAL CULTURAL AND ARTS ASSOCIATIONS WILL PERFORM AT THE ONE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR VARIETY SHOW. THEY INCLUDE THE KWAI TSING BALLET GROUP, CANTONESE OPERA CLUB AND THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR.

WINNERS OF SINGING AND DANCING COMPETITIONS RECENTLY HELD IN THE DISTRICT WILL ALSO GIVE PERFORMANCES.

ONE SEGMENT OF THE SHOW WILL BE A GENERAL ACCOUNT OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES THERE. CHILDREN WILL BE INVITED TO DRAW PICTURES DEPICTING SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE DISTRICT.

/POPULAR singers

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 18 -

POPULAR SINGERS AND ARTISTES WILL TAKE PART IN THE VARIOUS SEGMENTS AND PERFORM WITH KWAI TSING RESIDENTS.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN; KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING; CHAIRMAN OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL, MR CHEN WING-CHUN; AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION, MR LO YAN-SHING, WILL ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW AT THE JU CHING CHU ENGLISH COLLEGE.

RESIDENTS WISHING TO ATTEND THE VARIETY SHOW MAY OBTAIN ADMISSION TICKETS FROM THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE. LIVE BROADCAST OF THE SHOW WILL START AT 8 PM ON ATV-GOLD.

MORE THAN 30 PROGRAMMES WILL BE LAUNCHED DURING THE ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL JANUARY 30. THESE INCLUDE DRAMA, CANTONESE OPERAS, MOVIES, CHINESE ORCHESTRA CONCERT, PUPPET SHOW, AND EXHIBITIONS OF CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DISTRICT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL MAY TAKE A COACH WHICH WILL LEAVE KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION) AT 7 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

- 0-----------

HOME BEAUTIFICATION AND SAFETY EXHIBITION

*****

AN EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE A BETTER AND SAFER LIVING ENVIRONMENT WILL BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO JANUARY 17 AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

AS PART OF THE YAU MA TEI/TSIM SHA TSUI ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN, THE EXHIBITION WILL PROVIDE THE LATEST INFORMATION ON IMPROVING HOUSEHOLD ENVIRONMENT IN TERMS OF SAFETY SECURITY AND DECORATION.

MORE THAN 30 BOOTHS WILL BE SET UP BY LOCAL COMPANIES AND MANUFACTURERS TO DISPLAY SUCH PRODUCTS AS ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, FURNITURE AND CARPETS.

SOME GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION TO PUBLICISE ANT 1-BURGLARY AND FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES.

/YAU MA .........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 19 -

YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH BE FOLLOWED BY A LION DANCE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HOME BEAUTIFICATION AND SAFETY EXHIBITION AT 11 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

--------o-----------

PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR ANTI-TRIAD COMPETITIONS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A TOTAL OF 12 WINNING ENTRANTS OF THE COMPOSITION AND DRAWING COMPETITIONS HELD DURING THE RECENT ISLANDS DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE TWO COMPETITIONS WERE HELD IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR AND ENTRIES WERE SOUGHT FROM STUDENTS OF THE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.

REPRESENTATIVES OF ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOLS LIAISON COMMITTEE, ISLANDS DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE WERE ADJUDICATORS FOR THE COMPETITIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID: "THE CAMPAIGN WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE ISLANDERS TO UNDERSTAND THE BAD EFFECTS OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES ON THE COMMUNITY AND YOUNG PEOPLE, RAISING THE ALERTNESS OF SCHOOLS TO THE PENETRATION BY TRIAD MEMBERS AND SEEKING A SOLUTION FOR THE PROBLEM."

"DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, OFFICERS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SECTION WERE ALSO INVITED TO GIVE TALKS IN SCHOOLS OF THE DISTRICT ON TRIAD ACTIVITIES," HE ADDED.

ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG; AND ISLANDS DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YU YUEN-HEI; WILL OFFICIATE AT TOMORROW’S CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM AT 38 PIER ROAD, HARBOUR BUILDING, 20/F, CENTRAL AT 11.15 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

------o--------

/20.......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 20

CARNIVAL TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE » * *

A CARNIVAL TO DRIVE HOME THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 10) AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KWUN TONG.

THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG POLICE DISTRICT, SAU MAU PING POLICE DISTRICT AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC).

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN; THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (KWUN TONG), MR M.N.W. PELLY; THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (SAU MAU PING), MR LAU YUK-KUEN; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DFCC, MR MAU KEI-ON.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID THE CARNIVAL WOULD BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN.

THE PROGRAMMES OF THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE AN INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE COMPETITION, A VARIETY SHOW AND GAMES STALLS, ALL FOCUSING ON THE ANTI-TRIAD AND CRIME PREVENTION THEME.

AT A CEREMONY HELD DURING THE CARNIVAL, EIGHT PEOPLE WILL BE PRESENTED THE ”KWUN TONG GOOD RESIDENTS AWARD” FOR BRAVE ACTIONS AND OTHER EFFORTS IN COMBATTING CRIME.

WINNERS OF THE INTF.R-SCHOOL DEBATE COMPETITION AND THE KWUN TONG DFCC LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION WILL ALSO RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES.

WINNING ENTRIES IN THE LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION AND SUMMARIES OF THE BRAVE ACTIONS OF THE GOOD RESIDENTS AWARD RECIPIENTS, AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON CRIME PREVENTION WILL BE EXHIBITED AT THE VENUE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 10) AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND.

--------0----------

/21 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL WORKING GROUP HOLDS SPECIAL MEETING

* * *

THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL WILL MEET ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11) TO DISCUSS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES FOR AFFECTED COMMERCIAL OPERATORS.

THE MEETING IS SPECIALLY HELD IN RESPONSE TO THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY THE COMMERCIAL OPERATORS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE FOR THE PROJECT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, FOURTH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG.

- - 0

REMINDER TO PAY FIRST QUARTER RATES

« » »

RATEPAYERS ARE REMINDED THAT RATES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1988 MUST BE PAID BY NOON ON JANUARY 30, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

LATE PAYMENTS MAY BE SUBJECT TO A FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE AND A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT ON ACCOUNTS STILL OUTSTANDING SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.

HE SAID RATEPAYERS SHOULD HAVE BY NOW RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES.

THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES SHOULD APPLY FOR A COPY AT THE RATES SECTION OF THE TREASURY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), NINTH FLOOR, 11 ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG; THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY, FOURTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND THE KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY, MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD (CORNER OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND JUNCTION ROAD), KOWLOON.

NON-RECETPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DID NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BEFORE THE DUE DATE, HE SAID.

HE ADDED THAT RATES WERE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT WERE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.

/"HOWEVER, THERE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

22 -

"HOWEVER, THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSE OR FOR THE PARKING OF VEHICLES, UNLESS IT IS VACANT Y REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.

TO AVOID QUEUEING, RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR ONEY ORDER SENT BY POST OR BY EARLY PERSONAL ATTENDANCE AT ANY OF HE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT RATEPAYERS WHO HAD ALREADY UBMITTED A VALID DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION SHOULD MAKE PAYMENT BY POST OR IN PERSON AS STIPULATED IN THE DEMAND NOTE UNLESS THE WORDING "PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY AUTOPAY" WAS SHOWN IN THE NOTE.

IN THIS CASE, THEIR PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY DIRECT DEBIT TO THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS ON JANUARY 30, 1988.

IN THIS CONNECTION, RATEPAYERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS CONTAIN THE NECESSARY FUNDS ON THAT DATE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

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VOLUNTEERS RECRUIT JUNIOR LEADERS * » t

BOYS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 16 WITH SOUND PHYSIQUE AND GOOD MORAL '.ACTER CAN NOW APPLY TO BECOME JUNIOR LEADERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).

THE ANNUAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR THE REGIMENT’S JUNIOR LEADERS CORI’S HAS STARTED AND ABOUT 140 NEW MEMBERS WILL BE SELECTED.

THE APPLICANTS SHOULD HAVE A REASONABLE KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE AND BE WILLING TO ACCEPT DISCIPLINE AND TRAINING. THEY MUST ALSO OBTAIN CONSENT FROM THEIR PARENTS OR GUARDIANS.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE A PROGRESSIVE FOUR-YEAR TRAINING PROGRAMME WHICH IS AIMED AT DEVELOPING AND STRENTHENING THEIR CHARACTER AND SELF-RELIANCE, AND PROMOTING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY 'ESPONSIBILITY AND LEADERSHIP.

THE TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SUBJECTS SUCH AS FOOT DRILL, CAMPING, MAP READING, ORIENTEERING, FIRST AID, COMMUNICATION, MARKSMANSHIP, SWIMMING, CANOEING AND LIFE SAVING.

THE RECRUITS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED WITH UNIFORMS AND RATIONS DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD.

APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GUARD ROOM OF THE REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS AT 1 SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-761371 .

THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS JANUARY 31.

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/23........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 23 -

NEW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1959/60 *****

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT MEN ORN IN 1959 AND 1960 WOULD BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY ARDS FROM JANUARY 18 TO MARCH 5.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "MEN OF THIS AGE GROUP CAN CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.

’’THEY ARE ALSO WELCOME TO USE THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO MAKE 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, TEL. NO. 5-747070 WAN CHAI •

EAST KOWLOON • AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR KOK ROAD. TEL. NO. 3-7553679 . 77 NGAU TAU

WEST KOWLOON • CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI. TEL. NO. 3-7232424 , SECOND FLOOR,

TSUEN 1 WAN • EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET. TEL. NO. 0-4981259 GROUND FLOOR,

SHA TIN • SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, STREET. TEL. NO. 0-6059108 2-16 WANG POK

YUEN LONG • HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, ROAD. TEL. NO. 0-793291 31 HOP YICK

TUEN MUN • CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, CHI LOK FA YUEN. TEL. NO. 0-4580862 GROUND FLOOR,

SHEUNG SHUI • TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO. 0-927155 82- 84 SAN

THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.

/the spokesman .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1961 AND 1962 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 JANUARY 16.

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.

--------o ----------

LAYING OF GAS PIPELINE AT TAI SHUI HANG

» » «

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO APPROVE THE LAYING OF A GAS PIPELINE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 300 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA-BED AT TAI SHUI HANG, SHA TIN, BY THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY.

THIS IS FOR THE PURPOSE OF SUPPLYING GAS TO MA ON SHAN.

THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN MARCH AND BE COMPLETED IN JUNE.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEA-BED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE MARCH 7.

-----o-----

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 25 - »

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON AND NT *****

TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN MONG KOK AND HUNG HOM WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 11).

THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

» FROM 7.30 PM ON MONDAY TO 4 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, CHEUNG WONG ROAD IN MONG KOK WILL BE CLOSED TO FACILITATE THE DELIVERY OF A TRANSFORMER BY THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY LIMITED.

♦ TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF MA TAU WAI ROAD FLYOVER IN HUNG HOM, THE SECTION OF FAT KWONG STREET EASTBOUND BETWEEN WO CHUNG STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED DAILY FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY BETWEEN MONDAY AND SATURDAY (JANUARY 16).

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON FAT KWONG STREET EASTBOUND HEADING FOR MA TAU WAI ROAD, INCLUDING KMB ROUTES NO. 41 AND 45, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WO CHUNG STREET, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.

AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTES NO. 7B AND 8 ON THEIR JOURNEYS TO HUNG HOM FERRY AND TSTM SHA TSUI RESPECTIVELY WILL HAVE TO OPERATE VIA WO CHUNG STREET, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, WUHU STREET, DOCK STREET AND BULKELEY STREET TO REJOIN MING ON STREET.

MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 9 PM AND 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FROM JANUARY 11 TO JANUARY 18, A SHORT SECTION OF THE TSTNG YI-BOUND LANE OF THE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR REPAIR WORKS ON THE BRIDGE.

DURING THE CLOSURE, ONE-LANE TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WILL BE MAINTAINED AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR THE DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS.

IN YUEN LONG, FROM 10 AM ON JANUARY 11, NO VEHICLE ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG SECTION) WESTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT N TO TAI YUK ROAD SOUTHBOUND.

AT THE SAME TIME, FUNG NIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND INTO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.

THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.

VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD HEADING FOR TAI YUK ROAD WILL HAVE TO MAKE USE OF FUNG NIN ROAD AND KAU YUK ROAD.

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/26........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8, 1988

- 26 -

- TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ON MONG KOK ROAD

* ♦ » * »

THE BUS-ONLY LANE ON MONG KOK ROAD WESTBOUND IS SUSPENDED WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS AT IVY STREET, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES ARE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM MONG KOK ROAD WESTBOUND ON TO TONG MEI ROAD NORTHBOUND.

THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE UNTIL ROAD WORKS AT IVY STREET IS COMPLETED.

-------------------o-------- TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN WAN CHAI ♦ ♦ ♦ t

A SECTION OF CHAN TONG LANE IN WAN CHAI NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH WAN CHAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11).

THIS MEASURE WILL RE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR ROAD WORK.

AT THE SAME TIME, CHAN TONG LANE WILL BE CONVERTED INTO A CUL-DE-SAC AND VEHICLES SHOULD USE MORRISON HILL ROAD, SHARP STREET WEST FOR ACCESS.

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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH » * » »

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND THOSE WITH LABELS ISSUED BY THE JUDICIARY WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND H.M.S. TAMAR FROM 3 PM TO 9 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11).

THE CLOSURE IS NEEDED TO FACILITATE THE CEREMONIAL OPENING OF THE LEGAL YEAR 1988.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

NEW HONG KONG DIRECTOR FOR WESTERN U.S......................... 1

CYC POSTER CONFIRMED AS THE WORLD'S LARGEST ................... 2

FIGHT CRIME SHOW IN SHEUNG SHUT ............................... 2

HCME BEAUTIFICATION AND SAFETY EXHIBITION STARTS .............. 3

VARIETY SHOW FOR TAI PO ELDERLY................................ 3

TAI PO FORMATION, ROAD WORK PROJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED....... 4

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEK KIP MEI .................... *+

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN HUNG HCM ............................ 5

ROAD CLOSURE IN KWUN TONG ..................................... 5

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL EXIT ROAD........ 5

SHEUNG WAN URB.iN ............................................. 6

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1988

< - 1

NEW HONG KONG DIRECTOR FOR WESTERN U.S. » * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED A NEW DIRECTOR TO HEAD ITS WEST COAST ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1988.

THE NEW DIRECTOR, MR PETER JOHNSON, IS BASED IN SAN FRANCISCO TO LOOK AFTER HONG KONG INTERESTS IN THE WESTERN HALF OF THE UNITED STATES.

HE SUCCEEDED MR BILLY LAM WHO SET UP THE OFFICE 18 MONTHS AGO AND IS NOW RETURNING TO HONG KONG FOR ANOTHER POSTING WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

MR JOHNSON IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE PROMOTION OF A GOOD UNDERSTANDING OF HONG KONG, FOR DEALING WITH ECONOMIC AND TRADE ISSUES ON BEHALF OF THE TERRITORY, AND FOR FURTHERING HONG KONG’S PIVOTAL ROLE IN THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING PACIFIC RIM ECONOMY, AND AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA.

BORN IN ENGLAND IN 1937, MR JOHNSON GAINED AN HONOURS DEGREE IN POLITICS, PHILOSOPHY AND ECONOMICS FROM OXFORD UNIVERSITY.

HE JOINED THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1967. DURING HIS 20 YEARS IN HONG KONG HE HAS SERVED IN A NUMBER OF POSTS IN THE GOVERNMENT. HE HAS ALSO SPENT FOUR YEARS, FROM 1970-74, WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.

IN RECENT YEARS HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION; AS A DISTRICT OFFICER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GENERAL ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A LARGE DISTRICT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM 1978-82; AND HEADED THE GOVERNMENT’S WORLD-WIDE INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME FROM 1983-86.

IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO HIS PRESENT ASSIGNMENT, MR JOHNSON SPENT 18 MONTHS IN CHARGE OF TRANSPORT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT FOR THE WHOLE TERRITORY OF HONG KONG.

THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE WAS OPENED IN JULY 1986, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG WEEK IN SAN FRANCISCO, BY THE LATE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, DURING A VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES.

SINCE ITS OPENING, THE OFFICE HAS ESTABLISHED EXCELLENT RELATIONSHIPS WITH STATE GOVERNMENTS IN CALIFORNIA, WASHINGTON, OREGON, HAWAII AND COLORADO AS WELL AS MAJOR PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THESE STATES.

IT HAS ALSO ESTABLISHED HONG KONG ASSOCIATIONS IN SAN FRANCISCO, LOS ANGELES AND SEATTLE WHICH AIM AT FORGING CLOSER ECONOMIC LINKS BETWEEN THESE MAJOR U.S. CITIES .AND HONG KONG.

0--------- /2

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1988

CYC POSTER CONFIRMED AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST ♦ ♦ *

THE FEAT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) TO CONSTRUCT THE WORLD’S LARGEST POSTER FOR CHARITY HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED BY THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS.

THE GOOD NEWS CAME ON RECEIPT OF A CERTIFICATE ISSUED BY THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS TO FORMALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE CYC POSTER AS THE WORLD’S LARGEST POSTER.

IN A LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CYC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, THE DEPUTY EDITOR OF THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS, MR SHEELAGH THOMAS, OFFERED HIS CONGRATULATIONS TO "ALL INVOLVED IN THE MAGNIFICENT ACHIEVEMENT FOR BREAKING THE CURRENT RECORD".

THE 50.81 METRE BY 50.81 METRE POSTER, EQUIVALENT IN SIZE TO 12 BASKETBALL COURTS, WAS MADE UP OF 15,000 PIECES OF CARDBOARD HAND PAINTED BY CYC MEMBERS TO MARK THE CLUB’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY AT THE VICTORIA PARK SEVEN WEEKS AGO.

THE POSTER IS 25 PER CENT BIGGER THAN THE ONE LISTED IN THE CURRENT EDITION OF THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS WHICH WAS MADE BY STUDENTS OF OSAKA GAKUIN UNIVERSITY IN JAPAN IN OCTOBER 1984.

THE CYC POSTER WAS SUBSEQUENTLY CUT INTO 90,000 PIECES WHICH WERE SOLD AS CHRISTMAS CARDS TO RAISE $250,000 FOR THE ELDERLY.

THE PROCEEDS WILL BE DONATED TO ORGANISATIONS RUNNING HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY AT A CYC FUN DAY FOR THE AGED AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL TOWARDS THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.

-------0----------

FIGHT CRIME SHOW IN SHEUNG SHUI ♦ * ♦ *

HUNDREDS OF RESIDENTS IN SHEUNG SHUI ENJOYED THEMSELVES AT A VARIETY SHOW CARRYING THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE AT THE SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.

ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE SHOW WAS AIMED AT AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF CRIME PREVENTION AND REMINDING YOUNG PEOPLE NOT TO BECOME INVOLVED IN TRIAD ACTIVITIES.

PROGRAMMES OF THE VARIETY SHOW INCLUDED POPULAR SONGS BY LOCAL ARTISTES, MODERN DANCE AND DRAMA.

AMONG THE GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF NORTH DISTRICT, MR TIM MILNES; DISTRICT COMMANDER (FRONTIER) OF THE POLICE FORCE, MR G.R. LLOYD; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR TAO MAN-KWONG.

- - 0 -

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1988

- 3 -

HOME BEAUTIFICATION AND SAFETY EXHIBITION STARTS * * ♦ ♦ •

A NINE-DAY EXHIBITION ON PRODUCTS AND FACILITIES FOR A BETTER AND. SAFER LIVING ENVIRONMENT BEGINS TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA.

THE EXHIBITION IS PART OF THE YAU MA TEI/TSIM SHA TSUI ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON NEW TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES RELATED TO DAILY LIVING.

THERE ARE 33 BOOTHS DISPLAYING ELECTRICAL AND KITCHEN

APPLIANCES, FURNITURE AND CARPETS.

GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO PUT UP EXHIBITS TO PROMOTE

ANTI-BURGLARY AND FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES.

THE EXHIBITION, ALSO FEATURING A DAILY PARADE OF CARTOON CHARACTERS, IS OPEN FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM UNTIL JANUARY 17.

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VARIETY SHOW FOR TAI PO ELDERLY ♦ * ♦ ♦ *

ABOUT 800 SENIOR RESIDENTS OF TAI PO WILL BE TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE VARIETY SHOW IS PART OF THE ’’PROJECT ON THE ELDERLY SERVICES" INITIATED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD. IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE’S WORKING GROUP ON THE ELDERLY DAY AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

THE PROGRAMMES OF THE VARIETY SHOW WILL INCLUDE CHINESE OPERA AND ACROBATIC PERFORMANCES. THERE WILL ALSO BE A TEA RECEPTION FOR THE AUDIENCE.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT THROUGH THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, ITS SUB-OFFICES AND THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHOW WILL BF THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT; DISTRICT BOARD (’HAIRMAN, MR STEPHEN WONG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-P1NG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VARIETY SHOW WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE TAI PO C1VJC CENTRE AT ON PONG ROAD, TAI PO.

------o-------- A.......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1988

- 4 - ’

TAI PO FORMATION, ROAD WORK PROJECTS TO BE DISCUSSED * * » *

MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON FORMATION AND ROAD WORK PROJECTS OF THE 1987 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSALS TO RE-ARRANGE KMB ROUTE NO. 64K PLYING BETWEEN TAI PO MARKET KCR STATION AND YUEN LONG WEST, AND ROUTE NO. 65K PLYING BETWEEN THE KCR STATION AND SHEUNG TSUEN IN YUEN LONG. I

AT THE MEETING MEMBERS’ VIEWS WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE PROVISION OF A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING AT THE JUNCTION OF PO HEUNG STREET AND HEUNG SZE WUI STREET IN TAI PO MARKET.

NOTE TO EDITORS: i

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (JANUARY 11) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DB SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD.

THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.

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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEK KIP MEI ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEK KIP MEI FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12) FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIR WORKS ON WOH CHAI STREET.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, WOH CHAI STREET BETWEEN PAK TIN STREET AND NAM CHEONG STREET WILL BE CONVERTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.

VEHICLES ON NAM CHEONG STREET NORTHBOUND AND THE SECTION OF WOH CHAI STREET WESTBOUND EAST OF NAM CHEONG STREET WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRAVEL ON TO THE SECTION OF WOH CHAI STREET WESTBOUND WEST OF NAM CHEONG STREET.

THEY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NAM CHEONG STREET, PAK TIN STREET AND WOH CHAI STREET.

KMB ROUTE NO. 2D ON ITS JOURNEYS TO CHAK ON ESTATE WILL HAVE TO OPERATE VIA WOH ('HAI STREET AND NAM CHEONG STREET.

- 0

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 1988

- 5 -

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN HUNG HOM * * * *

THE WUHU VEHICULAR UNDERPASS IN HUNG HOM LEADING FROM NORTHBOUND CHATHAM ROAD NORTH TO SOUTHBOUND GILLIES AVENUE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM FROM TUESDAY (JANUARY 12) TO JANUARY 28.

THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS IN THE UNDERPASS.

MOTORISTS FROM TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI AND THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL HEADING FOR HUNG HOM AREA WILL HAVE TO USE EITHER CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHEONG WAN ROAD, ON WAN ROAD, CHEONG WAN ROAD AND GILLIES AVENUE, OR GASCOIGNE ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, PAK KUNG STREET, SHUN YUNG STREET, FAT KWONG STREET AND MA TAU WAI ROAD.

------0-------

ROAD CLOSURE TN KWUN TONG *****

KUNG LOK ROAD IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH HONG NING ROAD AND TUNG MING STREET WILL BE CONVERTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12).

THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS AND WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTHS.

MOTORISTS WISHING TO TRAVEL TO KUNG LOK ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH HONG NING ROAD.

------0--------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL EXIT ROAD * * * »

THE EXIT ROAD LEADING FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 12 AND 13) FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WORK.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES FROM THE TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NORTH POINT EXIT ROAD, GLOUCESTER ROAD AND THE FLYOVER TO CAUSEWAY BAY.

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/6........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9, 198R

SHEUNG WAN URBAN CLEARWAY * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE WESTBOUND SECTION OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST IN SHEUNG WAN BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 21 AND 38 WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12).

THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK FOR TRAM TRACK RENEWAL WORK.

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

-----0 --------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CRIME REPORTING RATE ON THE RISE: SURVEY .................... 1

SUNNY AND DRY IN DECEMBER.................................... 3

YOUTHS SHOULD PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS : FAN 6

HOTLINES ON LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL.......................... 7

ANTI-NARCOTICS CaRNIV^L IN YAU Ma TEI ....................... 8

carnival drives home fight crime message..................... 9

ELDERLY URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES........... 10

JOB BAZAAR TO ATTRACT WORKERS ............................... 11

YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA RECRUITS MEMBERS..................... 12

FIRST EMERGENCY HELPLINE IN KOWLOON CITY..................... 13

S.7D OPENS 27TH FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE....................... 13

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SAI KUNG MINIBUS ROUTES................. 14

WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN AND TSZ WaN SHAN.......... 14

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

1 •

CRIME REPORTING RATE ON THE RISE: SURVEY

♦ * * ♦ t

THE OVERALL CRIME REPORTING RATE HAD INCREASED FROM 18 PER CENT IN 1978 TO 29 PER CENT IN 1981 AND 32 PER CENT IN 1986.

THIS WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE CRIME VICTIMISATION SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY). THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IN JANUARY 1987 TO ASSESS THE LEVEL OF CRIMINAL VICTIMISATIONS IN 1986.

THE SURVEY WAS BASED ON INTERVIEWS WITH ABOUT 19,000 HOUSEHOLDS, COMPRISING A TOTAL OF 55,000 PERSONS AGED 12 AND ABOVE.

THIS SURVEY WAS THE THIRD OF ITS KIND CONDUCTED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.

THE FIRST AND SECOND SURVEYS WERE CARRIED OUT IN JANUARY 1979 AND JANUARY 1982 RESPECTIVELY. THE FINDINGS OF THE LATEST SURVEY ARE PUBLISHED IN A REPORT ENTITLED ’’CRIME AND ITS VICTIMS IN HONG KONG 1986”.

THE RESULTS OF THE SURVEY INDICATED THAT THE REPORTING RATES FOR SPECIFIC CRIMES RANGED FROM A HIGH OF 89 PER CENT FOR THEFT OF VEHICLE TO A LOW OF THREE PER CENT FOR HOUSEHOLD THEFT OTHER THAN BURGLARY.

THE REPORTING RATE FOR VIOLENT CRIMES WAS 38 PER CENT; FOR PERSONAL CRIMES OF THEFT, 39 PER CENT; AND FOR HOUSEHOLD CRIMES, 20 PER CENT.

FEMALE VICTIMS WERE MORE LIKELY THAN MALE VICTIMS TO REPORT CRIME. THERE WAS A GENERAL TENDENCY FOR THE REPORTING RATE TO INCREASE WITH THE AGE OF VICTIMS.

GENERALLY, THE REPORTING RATE TENDED TO GO UP WITH THE VALUE OF LOSSES. INJURED VICTIMS WERE MORE LIKELY TO REPORT CRIME.

FOR PERSONAL CRIMES OF THEFT, THE MOST FREQUENTLY CITED REASON FOR REPORTING CRIME WAS THAT IT WAS A PREREQUISITE TO THE REPLACEMENT OF DOCUMENTS OR THE CLAIMING OF INSURANCE.

CONCERNING THEFT OF VEHICLE AND BURGLARY, THE MAJOR REASONS THAT VICTIMS REPORTED CRIME WERE THAT THEY HOPED TO RECOVER LOSSES AND TO SEE THE OFFENDERS ARRESTED.

IN ALL THREE SURVEYS, MOST RESPONDENTS SAW NO NEED TO REPORT CRIME EITHER BECAUSE THEY HAD NOT SUFFERED SERIOUS LOSSES OR BECAUSE THE CRIME WAS MINOR.

WHEN COMPARED WITH 1981, MORE RESPONDENTS IN THE LATEST SURVEY SAID THEY WERE NOT WILLING TO TAKE TIME TO REPORT CRIME.

/additional data .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

ADDITIONAL DATA ITEMS ON THE EXTENT OF HARM INFLICTED ON THE VICTIMS; ANTI-THEFT DEVICES/MEASURES TAKEN IN LIVING QUARTER AND IN VEHICLE;AND VICTIMS’ OPINIONS ON THE TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS AND ON TRIAD INVOLVEMENT IN THE INCIDENTS WERE INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY FOR THE FIRST TIME.

THERE WERE ALSO OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST AMONG THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY:

* AN ESTIMATED 293,400 CRIMINAL VICTIMISATIONS WERE COMMITTED IN 1986, AS COMPARED WITH AN ESTIMATED 270,600 VICTIMISATIONS IN 1981 AND 132,400 VICTIMISATIONS IN 1978.

THE INCREASE WAS MAINLY ATTRIBUTED TO A RISE IN PERSONAL CRIMES OF THEFT.

♦ THE PERSONAL CRIME VICTIMISATION RATE IN 1986 WAS 40 PER 1,000 POPULATION AGED 12 AND ABOVE, COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 39 PER 1,000 IN 1981 AND OF 22 PER 1,000 IN 1978.

FOR HOUSEHOLD CRIMES, THE RATE OF VICTIMISATION IN 1986 WAS 74 PER 1,000; IN 1981, 86 PER 1,000? AND IN 1978, 47 PER

1,000.-

♦ IN 1986, CRIMES OF VIOLENCE ACCOUNTED FOR 15 PER CENT OF ALL VICTIMISATIONS. ROBBERY WAS THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF VIOLENT CRIME.

AMONG NON-VIOLENT CRIMES, PICKPOCKETING WAS THE MOST COMMON TYPE OF CRIME, ACCOUNTING FOR 31 PER CENT OF ALL VICTIMISATIONS.

♦ 54 PER CENT OF ALL VICTIMISATIONS OCCURRED TN KOWLOON, 28 PER CENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 18 PER CENT ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

* 70 PER CENT OF PERSONAL CRIMES WERE COMMITTED AGAINST PERSONS AGED BETWEEN 12 AN!) 39; THOSE AGED BETWEEN 30 AND 39 HAD THE HIGHEST VICTIMISATION RATE OF 48 PER 1,000.

FOR CRIMES OF VIOLENCE, THE AGE GROUP OF 12 TO 19 HAD THE HIGHEST VICTIMISATION RATE AND FOR CRIMES OF THEFT, THE AGE GROUP OF 30 TO 39 HAI) THE HIGHEST RATE.

* THE VICTIMISATION RATE FOR PERSONAL CRIMES FOR THE YOUNG AGE GROUP OF 12 TO 19 INCREASED MARKEDLY'OVER 1981 BUT THE RATE FOR THE AGE GROUP 20 TO 29 WAS APPRECIABLY LOWER IN 1986 THAN IN 1981.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DIRECT COMPARISON OF FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY AND STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE POLICE WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE DUE TO SUBSTANTIAL DIFFERENCES IN COVERAGE BETWEEN THE TWO SETS OF FIGURES.

/’’POLICE STATISTICS.......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

- 3 -

’’POLICE STATISTICS ARE DERIVED FROM CRIME COMPLAINTS MADE BY THE PUBLIC AND CRIMES DISCLOSED BY THE POLICE, INCLUDING THOSE AGAINST BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS AND THOSE WITHOUT SPECIFIC VICTIMS.

’’THE SURVEY’ DATA, ON THE OTHER HAND, COVER VICTIMISATIONS AGAINST HOUSEHOLDS AND VICTIMISATIONS AGAINST PERSONS AGED 12 AND OVER, INCLUDING THOSE REPORTED AND NOT REPORTED TO THE POLICE," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.

"THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE OF THE SURVEY IS TO PROVIDE THOSE INVOLVED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE WITH INFORMATION, NOT OTHERWISE AVAILABLE, ON THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF CRIME, COMPLEMENTING DATA RESOURCES ALREADY ON HAND FOR PURPOSES OF PLANNING, EVALUATION AND ANALYSIS.

"ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT USES OF THE SURVEY DATA IS THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC FRAMEWORK SURROUNDING VIOLENCE AND THEFT.

"IT PROVIDES INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR STUDYING THE PART WHICH THE VICTIM PLAYS IN CRIME, HIS ROLE IN POTENTIAL PREVENTION AND HIS CHARACTERISTICS.

"FINDINGS ON VICTIM-OFFENDER RELATIONSHIPS, THE CIRUMSTANCES OF CRIME OCCURENCE AS WELL AS OFFENDER CHARACTERISTICS ARE USEFUL IN UNDERSTANDING THE CONTEXT IN WHICH CRIME OCCURS," HE SAID.

THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH VERSIONS OF THE REPORT, WILL BE ON SALE IN VERSIONS AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRES FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).

--------0-----------

SUNNY AND DRY IN DECEMBER ♦ * ♦

DECEMBER WAS SUNNY AND DRY WITH A TOTAL RAINFALL OF ONLY 0.4 MILLIMETRE, STATISTICS FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REVEALED.

THIS WAS WELL BELOW THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF 25.3 MILLIMETRES AND

THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 60 PER CENT WAS THE FIFTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR DECEMBER. t

THERE WAS ALSO ABUNDANT SUNSHINE IN DECEMBER VITH 15 DAYS ON WHICH THE DURATION OF SUNSHINE WAS EIGHT HOURS OR MORE.

THERE WERE ABOUT 200 REPORTS OF HILL FIRES, OUT OF WHICH 106

OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 20 WHEN THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY FELL TO

23 PER CENT AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

/THE INTENSE........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

THE INTENSE WINTER MONSOON WHICH BROUGHT RECORD-BREAKING LOW TEMPERATURES TO HONG KONG AT THE END OF NOVEMBER CONTINUED TO PREVAIL FOR THE FIRST TWO DAYS IN DECEMBER WITH MINIMUM TEMPERATURES OF BELOW 10 DEGREES.

WINDS OFFSHORE REMAINED STRONG ON DECEMBER 1 BUT GRADUALLY MODERATED THE NEXT DAY.

SUNNY WEATHER ON DECEMBER 3 BROUGHT MILDER DAYTIME TEMPERATURES TO HONG KONG AND THE TEMPERATURE CONTINUED TO RISE ON DECEMBER 4.

ANOTHER SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED EARLY ON

DECEMBER 5 MARKING THE BEGINNING OF A LONG FINE SPELL.

WINDS OFFSHORE BECAME STRONG DURING THE EARLY HOURS OF DECEMBER 6. DRY AIR ASSOCIATED WITH THE MONSOON SENT THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY DOWN TO A LOW OF 29 PER CENT ON THAT DAY AND 52 HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED.

THE SURGE ALSO BROUGHT THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE ON THE NEXT DAY TO 7.8 DEGREES, WHICH WAS THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH.

AT TAI MO SHAN A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 1 DEGREE BELOW FREEZING POINT WAS RECORDED, BUT NO FROST WAS REPORTED.

FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS, SUNNY AND MILDER WEATHER PREVAILED. WINDS MODERATED AND BECAME EASTERLY DURING THE DAY ON DECEMBER 9. THIS BROUGHT SLIGHTLY MORE HUMID CONDITIONS AND PROGRESSIVELY HIGHER TEMPERATURES.

REPLENISHMENT OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON DECEMBER 11, AND TEMPERATURES FELL FROM A MAXIMUM OF 20.9 DEGREES ON THAT DAY TO A MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 12.3 DEGREES THE NEXT MORNING.

WINDS TURNED EASTERLY ON DECEMBER 13 AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY ON DECEMBER 14 WITH A TRACE OF RAINFALL DURING THE NIGHT. A WEAK SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON DECEMBER 15 AND IT WAS FINE AND SUNNY ON DECEMBER 16 AND 17.

THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY AGAIN ON DECEMBER 18. SOME LIGHT RAIN PATCHES ALSO OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 19. IN THE SAME EVENING, ANOTHER SURGE OF THE DRY WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED AND WINDS OFFSHORE FRESHENED FROM THE NORTH.

ON DECEMBER 20 THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY DROPPED TO 23 PER CENT, WHICH WAS THE LOWEST RECORDED SO FAR THIS WINTER AND 106 HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED.

THE FIRES NEAR SHAM TSENG AND AT TAI MO SHAN NECESSITATED THE CLOSURE OF THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AND THE LAM KAM ROAD FOR SEVERAL HOURS. MORE THAN 10,000 TREES WERE DESTROYED IN THE SERIOUS HILL FIRE WHICH OCCURRED IN TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK ON DECEMBER 21.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

- 5 -

AS THE MONSOON WEAKENED, WINDS MODERATED AND TURNED EASTERLY ON DECEMBER 21. THE SKY WAS CLOUDLESS MOST OF THE TIME AND THERE WAS ABUNDANT SUNSHINE FROM DECEMBER 21 TO 23.

THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY ON DECEMBER 24 WITH SOME RAIN IN THE AFTERNOON. RELATIVELY WARM WEATHER WITH LIGHT WINDS PREVAILED FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS. SOME LIGHT RAIN ALSO OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 26 AND 27.

CLOUDS BEGAN TO BREAK ON DECEMBER 28 AND THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO 25.9 DEGREES ON DECEMBER 30, WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST IN THE MONTH.

AN EASTERLY SURGE REACHED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST IN THE AFTERNOON ON THE SAME DAY AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY WITH SOME LIGHT RAIN. GUSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS SURGE BROUGHT DOWN A SCAFFOLDING IN WAN CHAI, DAMAGING EIGHT VEHICLES AND INJURING THREE PEOPLE.

WINDS REMAINED FRESH ON DECEMBER 31 AND THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY AND COOL.

DURING THE MONTH OF DECEMBER, NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.' THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS , IN EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 2 TO 4, 5 TO 10, 11 TO 13, 16 TO 17, 18 TO ’ 22 AND 24 TO 27 WHILE THE YELLOW FR1E DANGER WARNING WAS TN EFFECT ON DECEMBER 13, 18, 22 TO 24, 28 TO 30 AND 31.

SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:

WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING

WINTER STRONG NOVEMBER 30 DECEMBER 1

MONSOON MONSOON 9.15 PM 10.05 AM

WINTER STRONG DECEMBER 1 DECEMBER 2

MONSOON MONSOON 10.05 PM 9.05 AM

WINTER STRONG DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 5

MONSOON MONSOON 7.15 AM 3 PM

WINTER STRONG DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 6

MONSOON MONSOON 7.40 PM 2.05 PM

WINTER STRONG DECEMBER 30 DECEMBER 31

MONSOON MONSOON 7 PM 1 1 PM

/THE MONTH' s........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

- 6 -

THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:

SUNSHINE 191.8 HOURS.; 12.5 HOURS ABOVE NORMAL

GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION 11.99 MJ/SQ.M ; 0.25 MJ/SQ.M BELOW NORMAL

RAINFALL 0.4 MM ; 24.9 MM BELOW NORMAL

CLOUDINESS A 44 PER CENT ; 8 PER CENT LESS THAN NORMAL

RELATIVE HUMIDITY 60 PER CENT ; 9 PER CENT LOWER THAN NORMAL

MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 19.5 DEGREES ; CELSIUS 1.3 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN TEMPERATURE 16.8 DEGREES ; CELSIUS 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 14.5 DEGREES ; CELSIUS 0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

MEAN DEW POINT 8.7 DEGREES ; CELSIUS 2.7 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL

TOTAL EVAPORATION 99.7 MM ; 16.8 MM BELOW NORMAL

YOUTHS SHOULD PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS : FAN » * * ♦ ♦

LOCAL YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD SEEK TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND ACTIVELY PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE), MRS RITA FAN, SAID.

"OUR URGENT TASK IS TO HELP LOCAL PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE SITUATION OF HONG KONG WHERE WE ARE STAYING AND WHERE OUR FUTURE LIES,” SHE SAID.

MRS FAN’S REMARKS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FIRST EDITION OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED BY THE COMMITTEE.

SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE THEME OF THE NEWSLETTER WAS "CARE FOR YOUR COMMUNITY, WORK FOR YOUR COMMUNITY”.

/after actively........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

AFTER ACTIVELY PROMOTING CIVIC EDUCATION FOR TWO YEARS, WE OBSERVED THAT QUITE A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES HAD Bt N ORGANISED AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, SHE SAID.

THE NEWSLETTER WOULD SERVE AS A CHANNEL FOR THE PUBLIC TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON CIVIC EDUCATION.

IN THE NEWSLETTER, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, ALSO REMARKED THAT THE PUBLICATION WOULD HELP STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNICATION AMONG CONCERNED BODIES.

THE GOVERNMENT HAD RENDERED BOTH MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, HE SAID.

GOVERNMENT FUNDS TO THE CPCE HAD INCREASED FROM $754,000 LAST YEAR TO $1.28 MILLION THIS YEAR, HE ADDED.

THE QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER, PRINTED IN CHINESE AND ILLUSTRATED WITH TABLES AND PHOTOGRAPHS, WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS.

COPIES OF THE FIRST EDITION OF THE NEWSLETTER ARE NOW

AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.

--------0 ---------

HOTLINES ON LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL » * »

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS' SET UP THREE TELEPHONE HOTLINES AT ITS HEADQUARTERS, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE RESPECTIVELY TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES IN RELATION TO THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME.

A CNTA SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID LIVESTOCK FARMERS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THE ENQUIRY SERVICE, WHICH WILL BE MANNED BY LIAISON OFFICERS DURING THE OFFICE HOURS.

THE THREE HOTLINES ARE 3-7241771 (CNTA HEADQUARTERS); 0-792261 EXT. 186 (YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE); AND 0-6754664 (NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE).

IN ADDITION TO THE HOTLINE SERVICE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS FORMED THREE LIAISON TEAMS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN LIVESTOCK FARMERS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.

THESE TEAMS ARE BASED IN THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND CNTA HEADQUARTERS.

THEY HAVE ALREADY VISITED SOME 100 LIVESTOCK FARMS, WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF PHASE I OF THE CONTROL SCHEME, AND ABOUT 30 ORGANISATIONS OF THE TRADE TO EXPLAIN THE SCHEME.

--------o ----------

/8........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

- 8 -

ANTI-NARCOTICS CARNIVAL IN YAU MA TEI ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE BROUGHT HOME WITH THEM, AMONG TOYS AND OTHER ATTRACTIVE ITEMS, ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGES WRAPPED IN FORTUNE COOKIES FROM A CARNIVAL HELD TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

DURING THE DAY-LONG CARNIVAL ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE CROWDED AT THE 15 GAMESTALLS EAGER TO WIN THE SPECIAL PRIZE ---- CHINESE FORTUNE COOKIES.

’’ALTOGETHER, 10 DIFFERENT HARD-HITTING ANTI-DRUG SLOGANS WERE PRINTED AND INSERTED INTO 10,000 DELICIOUS COOKIES WHICH WERE SPECIALLY DESIGNED AND PRODUCED FOR THE OCCASION,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID.

’’WHILE ENJOYING THE TASTE, RECIPIENTS OF THE COOKIES WILL AT THE SAME TIME BE REMINDED THAT THEY SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

THE CARNIVAL STARTED OFF IN THE MORNING WITH A DEMONSTRATION OF DRUG SEARCHING BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S DOG UNIT. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY STALL GAMES.

WINNING ENTRIES OF THE RECENTLY COMPLETED ANTI-NARCOTICS COMIC STRIPS COMPETITION WERE DISPLAYED WHILE FOUR PROFESSIONAL CARTOONISTS WERE ON HAND TO DRAW CARICATURES OF THE CHILDREN AT THE CARNIVAL.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENT WAS A POP CONCERT WITH PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS AND GROUPS INCLUDING RAIDAS, WHO SANG THE ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME SONG THIS YEAR, PRISCILLA CHAN, FRIENDS CONNECTION, EQUATOR, CHENG KING-KAY, WONG PO-YAN AND SO MAN-LING.

THE TWO-HOUR CONCERT, PRODUCED BY THE SANCITY ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, WAS BROADCAST LIVE BY RTHK’S RADIO-2 SO THAT THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE WOULD REACH A FURTHER 40,000 LISTENERS.

SPEAKING AT THE CARNIVAL, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO STAY AWAY FROM DRUGS AND ENCOURAGED THEM TO TAKE ACTIVE PART IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TODAY’S CARNIVAL WHICH WAS SPECIALLY HELD AT A POPULAR VENUE.

CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR NG MAN-KEUNG, SAID YOUNG PEOPLE WERE MOST VULNERABLE TO DRUGS, AND THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS TO BE BACKED UP BY ANTI-NARCOTICS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS.

"THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED IN YAU MA TEI ARE MAINLY AIMED AT YOUNG PEOPLE," MR NG SAID.

/"IT WOULD........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

"IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR US TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF SPREADING THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY,

ADDED.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WIRE THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR J.S. MAIN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR IP KWOK-WAI.

--------o ----------

CARNIVAL DRIVES HOME FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE

*****

HUNDREDS OF KWUN TONG RESIDENTS HAVE AN ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL AFTERNOON AT A FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL HELD AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE FUNCTION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, KWUN TONG POLICE DISTRICT, SAU MAU PING POLICE DISTRICT AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (DFCC).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID THE CARNIVAL SYMBOLISED THE CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE COMMUNITY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.

IT ALSO REFLECTED THE SUPPORT OF THE AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS TO THE DFCC, HE SAID.

MR CHAN REPORTED THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DFCC IN THE PAST YEAR. THESE INCLUDE VISITS TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, A FIGHT CRIME SEMINAR, AN INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE COMPETITION, A LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION AND THE GOOD RESIDENTS AWARD SCHEME.

PLANS WERE ALSO IN HAND TO PUT UP SIGNBOARDS IN THE DISTRICT TO FURTHER PUBLICISE THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE, HE ADDED.

THE PROGRAMMES OF TODAY’S CARNIVAL INCLUDED THE FINAL ROUND OF THE INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE COMPETITION, A VARIETY SHOW AND STALL GAMES, ALL ON THE ANTI-TRIAD AND CRIME PREVENTION THEME.

WINNERS OF THE VARIOUS FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN COMPETITIONS ALSO RECEIVED PRIZES.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (KWUN TONG), MR M.N.W. PELLY; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (SAU MAU PING), MR LAU YUK-KUEN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DFCC, MR MAU KEI-ON.

--------0----------

/10........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

10 -

ELDERLY URGED TO TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

*****

TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT, THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON URGED SENIOR RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT TO PARTICIPATE MORE ACTIVELY IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

SPEAKING AT A VARIETY SHOW FOR THE ELDERLY HELD AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE, MR BURRETT SAID THE DISTRICT'S LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME AND THE RURAL COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT PROVIDED MANY ACTIVITIES FOR THE ELDERLY.

HE BELIEVED THAT MANY OF THE SPECTATORS OF THE VARIETY SHOW MUST HAVE PARTICIPATED IN VEGETARIAN FEASTS, THE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE ELDERLY HELD DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR OR THE CARNIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY LAST JANUARY.

MR BURRETT ADDED THAT TAI PO PEOPLE HAD ALWAYS SHOWN CONCERN FOR THE SENIOR RESIDENTS, AND A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES WERE PROVIDED BY THE EIGHT OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES AND ELDERLY CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT.

TODAY'S VARIETY SHOW WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON THE ELDERLY DAY OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. IT WAS ONE OF THE EVENTS OF THE COMMITTEE’S ELDERLY SERVICES PROJECT.

PROGRAMMES OF THE SHOW INCLUDED CHINESE OPERA AND ACROBATICS PERFORMANCES. THERE WAS ALSO A TEA GATHERING FOR THE 800 SPECTATORS.

OFFICIATING AT THE SHOW WERE THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN BURRETT; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAM PAK-PING.

APART FROM THE VARIETY SHOW, ABOUT 100 VOLUNTARY WORKERS WILL VISIT THE ELDERLY LIVING IN REMOTE VILLAGES AND OLD BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT ON JANUARY 31 TO HELP THEM CLEAN UP AND PAINT THEIR HOMES.

IT IS HOPED THAT THESE VISITS WILL HELP PROMOTE CARE FOR THE AGED AND ASSIST THE ELDERLY TO PREPARE FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

--------o-----------

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

- 11 -

JOB BAZAAR TO ATTRACT WORKERS

*****

A THREE-DAY "JOB BAZAAR" WHERE THE PUBLIC CAN FIND JOBS BEST SUITED TO THEIR INTERESTS AND POTENTIAL WILL BEGIN AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13).

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.

"THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A JOB BAZAAR IS TO PROVIDE A CONVENIENT LOCATION FOR EMPLOYERS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES TO PUBLICISE THEIR RECRUITMENT NEEDS AND TO ATTRACT JOB-SEEKERS TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

"WE HOPE THIS NEW RECRUITMENT CONCEPT WILL INSPIRE MORE HOUSEWIVES, PART-TIMERS, SELF-EMPLOYED AND ELDERLY PEOPLE TO JOIN THE WORKFORCE SO AS TO EASE THE CURRENT LABOUR SHORTAGE."

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE KEEN INTEREST SHOWN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE JOB BAZAAR WAS MOST ENCOURAGING.

ALTOGETHER 16 FIRMS REPRESENTING 13 TRADES WILL TAKE PART IN THE EVENT. THESE INCLUDE BANKING, ELECTRONICS, COMPUTER, COMMUNICATION, CAN MANUFACTURING, HOTEL, RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD AND DEPARTMENT STORE.

THE PARTICIPATING FIRMS WILL PROVIDE JOB-SEEKERS WITH AN ARRAY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION. SOME WILL ALSO CONDUCT RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES ON THE SPOT.

"IF THIS PROVES SUCCESSFUL, SIMILAR EVENTS WILL BE ORGANISED IN OTHER DISTRICTS TO MEET EMPLOYERS’ DEMANDS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 3 PM ON WEDNESDAY. THE EVENT WILL THEN BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL 9.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY, FROM 10.30 AM TO 9.30 PM ON THURSDAY AND FROM 10.30 AM TO 6.30 PM ON FRIDAY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER AT THE FOOTBRIDGE GALLERY, LEVEL 3 PM Ohl WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13).

THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD 3, NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, AT

- - O'-----------

/12 .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

- 12 -

YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA RECRUITS MEMBERS

'*»**»

THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING MEMBERS FOR THE 1988 TO 1989 TERM.

SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1978, THE ORCHESTRA HAS TAKEN PART IN CONCERTS, DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVALS AND OVERSEAS MUSIC EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES.

MAJOR FORTHCOMING EVENTS IN WHICH THE ORCHESTRA WILL TAKE AN ACTIVE PART INCLUDE THE YOUTH CHINESE MUSIC FESTIVAL, ANNUAL TRAINEES GALA, AND AN OVERSEAS TOUR IN SUMMER.

AN INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BE DRAWN UP TO EMBRACE MASTER CLASSES AND REHEARSALS CONDUCTED BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MUSICIANS.

IN THE TRAINING SCHEDULE, ALL REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY EVENINGS AND HOLIDAYS.

A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE ORCHESTRA WOULD RECRUIT ALL ITS MEMBERS EACH YEAR BY OPEN AUDITION WHICH CURRENT MEMBERS WOULD ALSO HAVE TO ATTEND.

MEMBERS WOULD BE EXPECTED TO ATTEND ALL REHEARSALS AND TRAINING SESSIONS, HE ADDED.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE UNDER 25 YEARS OLD, POSSESS ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE AND HAVE ATTAINED AT LEAST GRADE V IN THE MUSIC OFFICE’S INTERNAL ASSESSMENT OR EQUIVALENT IN ONE CHINESE MUSICAL INSTRUMENT.

QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION AT A LATER DATE.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6982973.

THE APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE. SHA TIN MUSIC CENTRE, KCR HOUSE, FOURTH FLOOR, BY JANUARY 27.

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1. •

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

13 ' -

FIRST EMERGENCY HELPLINE IN KOWLOON CITY *****

THE FIRST EMERGENCY HELPLINE IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT WILL OFFICIALLY COME INTO OPERATION AT AN INAUGURAL CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 12) AT THE JUNCTION ROAD PARK.

THE HELPLINE IS INSTALLED BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY AS A MEASURE TO PREVENT CRIME AND TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE IN REMOTE AREAS.

•

FOUR MORE EMERGENCY HELPLINES WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE

DISTRICT. a

OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY WILL BE THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WONG SIK-KONG, AND THE KOWLOON CITY POLICE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, MR P.J. DEAL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY FOR THE FIRST KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT EMERGENCY HELPLINE TO BE HELD AT 3 PM ON IUESDAY (JANUARY 12) AT THE JUNCTION ROAD PARK, KOWLOON TONG.

- - 0 - -

SWD O0ENS 27TH FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE « « « »

THE 27TH FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE" OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE NORTH DISTRICT FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE, WILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).

IT IS LOCATED AT 129-132, GROUND FLOOR, CHOI LAI HOUSE, CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI.

RESIDENTS OF THE NORTH DISTRICT, INCLUDING SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING, SHA TAU KOK AND TA KWU LING, CAN APPROACH THE CENTRE OR CALL 0-932480 OR 0-932464 FOR SERVICE.

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/14

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 1988

- 14 -

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SAI KUNG MINIBUS ROUTES ♦ ♦ * ♦ t

THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE TWO PROPOSED ROUTES ARE HANG HAU TO PING SHEK (CIRCULAR) ROUTE AND SAI KUNG TO PO LAM ROUTE.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PROPOSED SERVICE REVISION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 10 PLYING BETWEEN KWUN TONG (YAU 01 COURT) AND RENNIE’S MILL VIA SHUN LEE TSUEN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO BE HELD AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, SECOND FLOOR, SAT KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.

-----0-----

WATER CUT TN KWAI CHUNG, TSUEN WAN AND TSZ WAN SHAN *****

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13) TO 10 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN THE TWO DISTRICTS, INCLUDING SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, HA KWAI CHUNG AND THE CONTAINER TERMINALS.

ALSO FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL BE CUT OFF TO FACILITATE LEAKAGE TEST.

THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD, WAN WAH STREET AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, INCLUDING ALL BLOCKS OF TSZ MAN AND TSZ ON ESTATES, YUK WAH STREET, YUK WAH LANE, PO MING LANE, PO WAI LANE, PO TIN LANE, PO HANG LANE, KOON WAH LANE, FONG WAH LANE, TSZ WAH LANE, ON YAN HOUSE, ON KEI HOUSE, ON YEE HOUSE AND ON KA HOUSE.

-----0 ---------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PRIVATE SECTOR'S ROLE IN FACE OF PROTECTIONISM ............. 1

JUDICIAL SALARIES COMMISSION TO BE FORMED .................. 1

AG PAYS TRIBUTE TO SIR DENYS ............................... 6

HK NEEDS INVESTMENTS WHICH WILL HELP UPGRADE HK PRODUCTS: FS 8

NOVEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED ................ 10

NO CHANGE IN POLICY TO "II MOTHERS" ........................ 17

PROVISIONAL HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION ... 18

YEaR OF DRAGON STAMP FIRST DAY COVERS ON SaLE............... 19

MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME FOR TSUEN WaN ARTS FESTIVAL............ 21

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LONG-TERM CLEARANCE PROGRAMME.......... 21

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SUBSIDY SCHEME ........................ 22

NORTH DB TO HOLD SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING ..................... 22

Variety show to promote fight crime campaign ............... 23

NEW BOOKLET ON ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ........... 23

NIGHT CLOSURE OF WATERLOO ROAD ............................. 24

U-TURN BAN ON WANG CHIU ROAD ............................... 24

WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 24

MONDAY. JANUARY 11, 1988

PRIVATE SECTOR’S ROLE IN EACE OE PROTECTIONISM » * ♦ * »

THE GOVERNMENT HAS DEVOTED CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS TO FIGHTING PROTECTIONISM FOR MANY YEARS. AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ALSO HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE TO PLAY IN PUTTING ACROSS HONG KONG'S CASE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WI ISON. SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT THE GALA FASHION PRESENTATION OF THE HONG KONG FASHION WEEK WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS "AN OPPORTUNITY TO DEMONSTRATE THAT OUR PRODUCTS OFFER EXCELLENT VALUE FOR MONEY TO OUR OVERSEAS BUYERS”.

WHILE NOTING THAT HONG KONG WAS THE WORLD'S THIRD LARGEST GARMENT EXPORTER WITH CLOTHING ACCOUNTING FOR SOME 34 PER CENT OF THE TERRITORY'S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, HE POINTED OUT THAT OUR CLOTHING EXPORTS WERE EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO PROTECT I ON I ST SENTIMENT OVERSEAS.

’’THOSE WHO ADVOCATE PROTECTIONIST MEASURES SHOULD REMEMBER THAT PROTECTIONISM THE RESTRICTION OF COMPETITION IN THE MARKETPLACE-- INEVITABLY MEANS THAT CONSUMERS HAVE TO PAY HIGHER PRICES,” HE SAID.

BESIDES, HONG KONG WAS NOT JUST AN EXPORTER, BUT A MAJOR MARKET IN ITS OWN RIGHT, SIR DAVID STRESSED.

"WE ARE IN FACT THE THIRD LARGEST IMPORTER OF TEXTILES IN THE WORLD. WE WELCOME IMPORTS FROM EACH AND EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD.”

"PLACES LIKE HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE WHICH HAVE OPEN MARKETS DESERVE TO BE TREATED WELL AS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS TO BE SIMILARLY OPEN,” HE SAID, ADDING I HA I’ THESE PLACES SHOULD NOT BE PENALISED AS PART Ob AN ATTEMPT IO DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS CREATED BY SOME OTHER ECONOMIES WHICH BUILT UP MASSIVE SURPLUSES BEHIND PROTECTIVE BARRIERS.

TURNING TO THE GALA FASHION PRESENTATION, THE GOVERNOR CONGRATULATED THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR ORGANISING THE EVENT AND PAID TRIBUTE TO HONG KONG’S DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION TO Till- CONTINUING COM PET IT1VENESS OF THE TERRITORY'S GARMENT INDUSTRY.

- 0 - -

JUDICIAL SALARIES COMMISSION TO BE FORMED ♦ t * ♦ ♦

A STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIAL SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE TO BE DESCRIBED AS THE JUDICIAL SALARIES COMMISSION (J.SU.) WILL BE ESTABLISHED BY THE GOVERNOR. SAID THE CHIEF JUSTICf' SIR DENYS ROBERTS, TODAY (MONDAY).

THIS WILL BE ABLE TO ASSESS JUDICIAL SALARIES INDEPENDENTLY FROM THOSE OF THE PUBLIC’ SERVICE AS A WHOLE, SO THAT IN THE FUTURE IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT, WHEN ASSESSING THEM TIIF SPECIAL NEEDS OF A JUD IC|AL SERVICE, SIR DENYS SAID.

/’’IT IS

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

" IT IS TO BE HOPEI) THAT STEPS WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO MAKE THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION EXECUTIVE, IN THE SENSE THAT IN FUTURE ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE SENT TO THE GOVERNOR AND WILL NOT BE REFERRED TO LONDON.

’’THE J.S.C. WILL BE REMODELLED SO AS TO PROVIDE THAT THE JUDICIARY IS REPRESENTED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND TWO OTHERS, THE LEGAL PROFESSION BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE BAR AND THE LAW SOCIETY AND OUTSIDE INTERESTS BY THREE INDEPENDENT PERSONS.

’’THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION REGULATIONS, WHICH WILL GOVERN THE PERSONAL CONDITIONS OF QUALIFIED MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY, ARE UNDER REVISION BY THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT.”

THE CHIEF JUSTICE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 LEGAL YEAR HELD AT THE CITY HALL.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE SAID THAT CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE ALREADY IN SEPARATING THE JUDICIARY FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE, SO AS TO MAKE IT (’LEAR DURING THE NEXT FEW YEARS THAT THEY ARE TWO ENTIRELY SEPARATE ENTITIES AND THAT THE STANDARDS AND CONDITIONS WHICH APPLY TO ONE 1)0 NOT NECESSARILY AFFECT THE OTHER.

AT PRESENT JUSTICES OF APPEAL AND HIGH COURT JUDGES RETIRE AT 65, THOUGH THERE IS PROVISION TO EXTEND THE APPOINTMENT TO THESE OFFICES FOR SUITABLE PERSONS FOR UP TO FIVE YEARS.

HE POINTED OUT THAI’ IN FUTURE, SUCH EXTENSIONS MAY BE MORE FREELY GIVEN, SO THAI' A NUMBER OF SENIOR .JUDGES MAY BE EXPECTED TO REMAIN IN OFFICE AFTER 65, IF THEY ARE WILLING.

"IN THE DISTRICT COURT, RETIREMENT IS AT 60, WITH EXTENSIONS PERMISSIBLE TO THE AGE OF 65. THIS WILL REMAIN FOR APPOINTMENTS BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1987, A DATE TAKEN BECAUSE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR A SEPARATE JUDICIAL SERVICE HAVE TAKEN SOME TIME.

"THEREFORE, FOR APPOINTMENTS BEFORE THAT DATE, UNLESS THEY HAVE ALREADY BEEN APPROVED, RETIREMENT WILL REMAIN AT 60 WITH EXTENSIONS TO 65 BEING UNUSUAL.

"ANY APPOINTMENT TO THE DISTRICT COURT SINCE JANUARY 1, 1987, HOWEVER, WILL BE UNTIL THE AGE OF 65, WITH FURTHER EXTENSIONS BEING GRANTED UNUSUALLY THEREAFTER.

"THE NECESSARY STEPS WILL BE TAKEN IN DUE COURSE TO ALTER THE LETTERS PATENT ACCORDINGLY, EITHER BY AMENDMENTS TO THEM OR TO LOCAL LAW," HE CONTINUED.

MAGISTRATES ARE APPOINTED AT PRESENT IN A SERIES OF CONTRACTS, LASTING UNTIL 60 IN ANY EVENT, AND TO 65 IF THE MAGISTRATE SHOWS HIMSELF TO BE PHYSICALLY AND MENIALLY CAPABLE OF CARRYING OUT HIS WORK .

/HE SAID .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

HE SAID THAT IN FUTURE, IT IS HOPEI) THAT MAGISTRATES WILL ENJOY A MUCH IMPROVED SECURITY OF TENURE. AFTER AN INITIAL TRIAL PERIOD, WHICH WILL USUALLY BE THREE YEARS BUT MAY APPLY TO ALL SERVING OFFICERS, A MAGISTRATE WILL BE APPOINTED UNTIL THE AGE OF 60.

AT THIS POINT, IT WILL BE DECIDED IF HE IS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT TO BE EXTENDED, WHICH WILL USUALLY BE UNTIL 65, THOUGH IT MAY BE EXCEPTIONALLY FOR LONGER.

THIS SAME SECURITY OF TENURE WILL APPLY TO ALL THE JUDICIAL OFFICERS BELOW THE RANK OF DEPUTY REGISTRAR AND STEPS WILL BE TAKEN TO AMEND THE LAW ACCORDINGLY.

HE REVEALED THAT THE PENSIONS OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY WILL BE SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCED. MOST OF THOSE WHO ARE SERVING WILL BE AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY OF TRANSFERRING TO THE NEW TERMS, EITHER FROM THE SPECIFIED DAY, OR FROM THE TIME IN THE PAST WHEN THE MEMBER JOINED THE JUDICIARY, ON PAYMENT OF THE NECESSARY EXTRA CONTRIBUTION.

THE LEVEL OF SALARIES, Will ('ll THE CHIEF JUSTICE BELIEVES TO BE

THE MOST SENSITIVE ISSUE IN THE JUDICIARY AND ONE WHICH HAS A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE RECRUITMENT OF ITS MEMBERS, WILL BE, IN

FUTURE, ASSESSED BY THE NEW JUDICIAL SALARIES COMMISSION.

HE WENT ON TO SAY: "WE HOPE THAT, IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE, THOSE PROPOSALS WILL BE PUT TO HIE NEW COMMITTEE, WITH SUCH CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES AS ARE SEEN TO BE NECESSARY TO ACHI EVE OUR MAIN OBJECTIVE, Will ('ll IS A SEPARATE AND INDEPENDENT SERVICE."

THE CHIEF JUST ICE DISCLOSED THAT THE BULK OF THESE PROPOSALS, IN OUTLINE AS WELL AS IN MUCH DETAIL, HAVE BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE APPROPRIATE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR AN EXPRESSION OF THEIR VIEWS.

"I AM GLAD TO TELL YOU THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ENDORSED IN PRINCIPLE AND THAI' WE CAN PROCEED WITH THE NECESSARY ALTERATIONS, KNOWING THAT THEY WILL, IN DUE COURSE, BE CARRIED FULLY INTO EFFECT BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, AS WELL AS BY THOSE IN CHARGE OF HONG KONG AFFAIRS FOR THE NEXT NINE YEARS OR SO."

SIR DENYS SAID: "I SHOULD LIKE TO I’ll I NK I II A I’ THESE CHANGES TO THE PRESENT PRACTICE, WHICH ARE FAR MORE THAN MERELY ('OSMETIC, WILL PRODUCE AN ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH A HONG KONG JUDICIAL SERVICE WILL OPERATE EFFECTIVELY AND INDEPENDENTLY IN ’HIE FUTURE."

COMMENTING ON THE SUBJECT OF LOCALISATION, THE CHIEF JUSTICE SAID THAT IN THE PAST, SUCCESSFUL PRACTIT I ONERS HAVE BEEN RELUCTANT TO ABANDON THE GREATER FINANCIAL REWARDS, AND THE PERSONAL FREEDOM, OF PRIVATE PRACTICE,FOR THE BENCH. HE THOUGHT THAT THERE IS A GOOD (HANCE THAT THIS WILL CHANGE.

/"WE WERE .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

•'WK WERE ENCOURAGED, DURING 1987, BY THE FACT THAT WE WERE ABLE TO RECRUIT SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL PRACTITIONERS WITH HONG KONG BACKGROUNDS BOTH TO THE DISTRICT COURT AND TO THE MAGISTRACY AND HOPE THAT THIS WILL BE AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO OTHERS TO JOIN THOSE WHO HAVE SO IMPORTANT A PART TO PLAY IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.

"1 SHOULD NOT LIKE IT TO BE THOUGHT THAT ANY POLICY HAS BEEN ADOPTED TO LOCALISE THE JUDICIARY, EITHER ENTIRELY OR AT ANY COST.

’’ONE OF THE REASONS WHY THE COMMON LAW SYSTEM HAS PROSPERED AND SPREAD TO SO MANY COUNTRIES WITH SUCH SUCCESS IS THAT IT IS A SOPHISTICATED SYSTEM, FULL OF DIFFICULT CONCEPTS OF THOUGHT AND SUBTLETIES OF REASONING.

"IT CAN BE APPLIED SUCCESSFULLY ONLY BY JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE AND NOTHING SHOULD BE DONE TO FILL THE BENCH WITH MEN OF INADEQUATE QUALITIES OF MIND AND CHARACTER,” HE STRESSED.

REPORTING ON THE WORK OF THE COURTS IN 1987, THE CHIEF JUSTICE SAID THAT THE COURT OF APPEAL CONTINUED TO SIT IN THREE DIVISIONS, HEARING 805 APPEALS COMPARED WITH 801 APPEALS IN 1986.

THE AVERAGE PERIOD BETWEEN THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF APPEAL AND ITS HEARING HAS BEEN 38 DAYS IN CRIMINAL, 63 DAYS IN CIVIL APPEALS.

IN THE HIGH COURT, THE NUMBER OF INDICTMENTS FILED WAS 13 PER ('ENT BELOW THE FIGURE FOR 1986. BY MAINTAINING 12 CRIMINAL LISTS, FOR MOST OF THE YEAR, THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME BETWEEN THE FILING OF AN INDICTMENT AND THE FIRST DAY OR TRIAL TO AN AVERAGE OF 62 DAYS COMPARED WITH THE 1986 FIGURE OF 55 DAYS.

HE DISCLOSED THAT THE NUMBER OF MAGISTERIAL APPEALS TO THE HIGH COURT DECLINED FROM 1,330 IN 1986, TO 1,090 IN 1987. SUCH APPEALS WERE USUALLY HEARD WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF BEING ENTERED.

"HIGH COURT CIVIL WORK SHOWED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF MATTERS STARTED BY SEVEN PER ('ENT. AS ALWAYS, THE GREAT MAJORITY OF CIVIL ACTIONS NEVER REACH THE TRIAL STAGE, THERE BEING ABOUT 460 IN 1987, COMPARED WITH 532 IN 1986, THOUGH THE AVERAGE INTERVAL BETWEEN SETTING DOWN AND TRIAL WAS 59 DAYS COMPARED WITH 49 DAYS IN 1986.

”WE ARE ALSO ABLE, IF NECESSARY, TO GIVE EARLIER DATES FOR ANY URGENT MATTERS.

"IT IS LIKELY, HOWEVER, THAT THE INCREASE IN 1988 IN THE JURISDICTION OF THE DISTRICT COURT TO $120,000 WILL HAVE A BENEFICIAL EFFECT ON THESE FIGURES.

"IN THE DISTRICT COURT THE NUMBER OF CRIMINAL TRIALS DECREASED FROM 1,479 TO 1,369, AND CIVIL MATTERS DECLINED BY ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT TO 47,220.

/••THE AVERAGE.......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 5 -

’’THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR A CIVIL CASE WAS 83 DAYS AND THE PERIOD BETWEEN TRANSFER AND TRIAL OF A CRIMINAL MATTER WAS 82 DAYS, SOMEWHAT MORE THAN IS DESIRABLE.” HE SAID.

THE FAMILY DIVISION OF THE DISTRICT COURT DEALT WITH 5,747 DIVORCES, COMPARED WITH 5,339 IN 1986, AT A SPEED WHICH SEEMS TO HAVE GIVEN SATISFACTION TO THE PROFESSION AND PARTIES.

AS ALWAYS, THE BULK OF THE CRIMINAL WORK HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT IN THE MAGISTRACIES, WHERE OVER 575,139 MATTERS CAME BEFORE THEM. THERE WAS A DECLINE OF THREE PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF CHARGES, WHICH ARE THE MORE SERIOUS MATTERS, AND OF ABOUT FIVE PER CENT OVERALL.

THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME BETWEEN ENTRY OF A CASE AND ITS TRIAL IN THE MAGISTRATES COURTS WAS 49 DAYS IN 1987. THIS WAS A DETERIORATION COMPARED WITH THE 1986 FIGURE OF 38 DAYS.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE CONTINUED TO SAY: "WE HAVE APPOINTED ADDITIONAL SPECIAL MAGISTRATES, WHO ARE EMPOWERED TO DEAL WITH THE SMALLER CASES, INCLUDING CONTESTED MATTERS, THOUGH THEIR POWERS OF PUNISHMENT ARE LIMITED.

"THERE IS NOW A SPECIAL MAGISTRATE IN EACH MAGISTRACY BUILDING, CONDUCTING HIS COURT IN CANTONESE AND RELIEVING THE PERMANENT MAGISTRATES TO DEAL WITH THE MORE SERIOUS CASES.

"I HOPE THAT, WITH THEIR HELP, AND A REDUCED NEED FOR MAGISTRATES TO SIT AS DEPUTY DISTRICT JUDGES, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO BRING DOWN THE WAITING TIME IN MAGISTRATES COURTS TO BELOW 30 DAYS, WHICH IS THE PROPER AIM OF A SUMMARY COURT OF THIS NATURE.”

THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL DEALT WITH 19 PER ('ENI' LESS CASES THAN IN 1986. AS A RESULT, ITS AVERAGE WAITING TIME OF 40 DAYS WAS LONGER THAN THE PERIOD OF 30 DAYS WITHIN Will (’ll IT IS SUPPOSED TO HEAR A CLAIM.

THE SMALL (’LA I MS TRIBUNAL’S WORK REMAINED MORE OR LESS THE SAME AS IN 1986, THOUGH ITS WAITING TIME OF 66 DAYS ALSO FAILS TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT THAT A CLAIM SHALL BE HEARD WITHIN 60 DAYS.

"THE CORONERS HAVE FACED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DEATH INQUIRIES OF OVER 36 PER ('ENT, YET HAVE MANAGED TO SHORTEN SLIGHTLY THE WAITING TIME, WHI CH IS STILL HOWEVER TOO LONG AT 104 DAYS," SIR DENYS CONCLUDED.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE ALSO SAID THAT HE IS GRATEFUL TO ALL THOSE IN THE JUDICIARY FOR THEIR HARD WORK AND SUPPORT, EMPHASISING THAT A JUDGE OR MAG ISTRATE CANNOT FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE NON-LAWYERS WHO FORM 90 PER (’ENT OF THE STAFF.

HE ALSO EXPRESSED THANKS TO ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THE LEGAL YEAR OPENING CEREMONY.

/ALSO SPEAKING

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 6 -

ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, MR DENIS CHANG; AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE I,AW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, MR SIMON IP.

THE CEREMONIAL OPENING OF THE LEGAL YEAR ORGANISED BY THE JUDICIARY WAS WELL ATTENDED BY JUDGES, MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION, HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND OTHER DIGNITARIES.

IT BEGAN WITH A CHURCH SERVICE AT ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL AT 4 PM, WHICH WAS PRESIDED BY THE BISHOP OF HONG KONG, THE RT REV PETER KWONG.

THE CHIEF JUSTICE INSPECTED A GUARD OF HONOUR PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG GUARD COMPANY OF THE BRITISH FORCES AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE LATER IN THE AFTERNOON.

THE INSPECTION WAS FOLLOWED BY THE ADDRESSES HALL OF THE CITY HALL WHICH FINISHED AT ABOUT 6 PM.

- - 0 - -

AG PAYS TRIBUTE ♦ » ♦

TO SIR DENYS » *

IN THE CONCERT I

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE RETIRING CHIEF JUSTICE, STR DENYS ROBERTS, TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE CEREMONIAL OPENING OF THE 1988 LEGAL YEAR.

SIR DENYS HAD SERVED AS SOLICITOR GENERAL, ATTORNEY GENERAL, CHIEF SECRETARY AND CHIEF JUSTICE.

"NO ONE EVER COULD HAVE DONE MORE FOR THE GOOD GOVERNANCE OF THIS TERRITORY. YOU HAVE EVERY CAUSE TO LOOK BACK WITH PRIDE ON THE PHENOMENAL WAY HONG KONG HAS DEVELOPED SINCE YOU CAME HERE IN 1962," MR THOMAS SAID TO SIR DENYS.

"UNDER YOUR DISTINGUISHED LEADERSHIP, CHIEF JUSTICE, THESE LAST EIGHT YEARS, THE BENCH OF JUDGES HAS BEEN ABLE TO ATTRACT THE TALENT, LEARNING, WISDOM AND PATIENCE TO DISPOSE EFFECTIVELY OF THE LEGAL BUSINESS GENERATED BY AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL COMMUNITY.

"AND THE WAY THE JUDICIARY AS A WHOLE GETS THROUGH ITS FORMIDABLE RANGE OF CASES HAS CONTINUED YEAR BY YEAR TO EARN THE RESPECT OF THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS WHO ATTEND BEFORE IT," MR THOMAS SAID.

SPEAKING OF THE JUDGES GENERALLY MR THOMAS SAID: "BY VIRTUE OF THEIR OFFICE, THEY MUST STAND APART FROM THE POLITICS OF THE TIME AND THE ARGUMENTS IN THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE FUTURE.

/"BUT THEY

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

’’BUT THEY DO HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PROTECTING THE ESSENTIAL FEATURE OF ANY LEGAL SYSTEM - PUBLIC FAITH IN THE FAIR TRIAL OF THE DISPUTES THAT COME BEFORE THE COURTS AND IN THE IMPARTIALITY OF JUDGMENTS DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW.

"HONG KONG HAS FAITH IN THE JUDGES OF TODAY BECAUSE THOSE WHO '•AME BEFORE THEM WERE SCRUPULOUS IN THE DISCHARGE OF THEIR FUNCTIONS," IE SAID.

EARLIER TN HIS SPEECH, MR THOMAS SAID ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY THE DRAFT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS WIDELY ACCLAIMED AND WELCOMED IN LATE 1984 WAS BECAUSE OF THE DETAILED ASSURANCES IT CONTAINED ABOUT THE MAINTENANCE OF HONG KONG’S LEGAL AND JUDICIAL SYSTEMS, AND THE SPECIFIC REFERENCES IT MADE TO THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY, TO THE PART PLAYED BY THE LAWYERS AND THE LEGAL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES ENJOYED BY HONG KONG’S PEOPLE.

"AND SINCE THAT DAY, THE LEGAL PROFESSIONS HAVE BEEN DEEPLY INVOLVED IN TRYING TO HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF TRANSITION THAT ARE CRUCIAL TO THE FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS PART OF THE JOINT DECLARATION," HE SAID.

AFTER GIVING A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF SOME OF THE TASKS THEY HAD TACKLED, MR THOMAS SAID: "THIS IS ALL WORK FOR THE BENEFIT OF HONG KONG AS A WHOLE - WORK NEEDED TO ACHIEVE A SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION - AND WORK DONE - UNPAID AND OUT OF HOURS BY BUSY LAWYERS -1 OR THE SAKE OF THE COMMUNITY THEY SERVE."

HE ADDED THAT THEY WORKED NOW TO SEE THAT THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION INHERITED A SOUND AND VIGOROUS LEGAL SYSTEM.

"AND SO TOO DO THOSE IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS," HE SAID.

"WE NOW HAVE NEARLY 100 LOCAL LAWYERS IN CHAMBERS - MORE THAN EVER BEFORE - AND THEIR PROSPECTS OF PROMOTION HAVE NEVER BEEN BETTER.

"WE ARE LOCKED IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH THOSE TWIN JANITORS OF THE ADMINISTRATION, FINANCE BRANCH AND CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, SEEKING THEIR AGREEMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE MANY IDEAS THAT THE LAW OFFICERS HAVE PUT FORWARD TO RETAIN AND MOTIVATE LOCAL COUNSEL."

HE SAID HE WAS ALSO AWAITING THE REPORT OF A WORKING GROUP WHICH HE APPOINTED IN LAST OCTOBER TO STUDY THE TRAINING OF LOCAL COUNSEL IN CHAMBERS.

MR THOMAS THEN DESCRIBED SOME OF THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.

"SO THE LAWYERS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, LIKE THEIR COLLEAGUES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, ARE WORKING TODAY FOR HONG KONG’S TOMORROW," HE SAID.

- 0 - - - -

/8........

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 8 -

• IK NEEDS INVESTMENTS WHICH WILL HELP UPGRADE HK PRODUCTS: FS ♦ » * * t

AN ASPECT OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTIONS WORK IS TO LOOK IN PARTICULAR FOR INVESTMENTS WHICH TEND TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG-PRODUCED GOODS, INCREASE THE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND IMPROVE THE PRODUCTION PROCESSES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE FRENCH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, MR JACOBS SAID NEW INVESTMENTS SIMPLY TO CREATE JOBS OR BRING IN CAPITAL WERE NOT SO NEEDED SINCE HONG KONG HAD VIRTUALLY FULL EMPLOYMENT AND A LARGE AND SOPHISTICATED FINANCIAL SECTOR.

"WE ARE CONVINCED THAT ONLY THROUGH FURTHER ENHANCEMENT EFFORTS CAN HONG KONG CONTINUE TO COMPETE WITH ITS REGIONAL NEIGHBOURS IN THE FUTURE."

HE SAID ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO UPGRADE HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY WOULD BE THROUGH JOINT-VENTURES BETWEEN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS FI RMS.

TO FACILITATE JOINT-VENTURES, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT MAINTAINS A REGISTER OF LOCAL FIRMS LOOKING FOR PARTNERS AND SEEKING TO MATCH THEM WITH SUITABLE OVERSEAS COMPANIES.

DURING THE FOUR YEARS AND 10 MONTHS TO OCTOBER 1987, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ASSISTED 101 PROJECTS TO COMPLETION, AND THERE AIM- CURRENTLY ANOTHER 28 MANUFACTURING PROJECTS ALREADY COMMITTED," Ml' JACOBS SAID.

EFFORTS WERE ALSO MADE TO PROMOTE MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG.

MR JACOBS SAID: "OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, OUR FIELD STAFF IN EUROPE, JAPAN AND NORTH AMERICA HAVE BEEN BUSY PUBLICISING HONG KONG AS AN IDEAL OFFSHORE MANUFACTURING LOCATION, EXPANDING THE RANGE OF THEIR CONTACTS BY VISITS TO FAIRS AND MAIL CAMPAIGNS, AND PROVIDING WHATEVER ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE THEY COULD TO COMPANIES SHOWING SOME INTEREST IN SETTING UP A PLANT IN HONG KONG."

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ONE STOP UNIT OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS TASKED TO LOOK AFTER POTENTIAL INVESTORS VISITING HONG KONG, ORGANISING FOR THEM PROGRAMMES OF VISITS AND ARRANGING MEETINGS WITH USEFUL CONTACTS IN GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE-SECTOR ORGANISATIONS.

IT ALSO HELPED MANUFACTURERS WHO DECIDED TO EXPAND THEIR EXISTING HONG KONG OPERATIONS.

TALKING ABOUT THE BILATERAL TRADING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FRANCE AND HONG KONG, MR JACOBS SAID FRANCE WAS HONG KONG’S 11TH MAJOR TRADING PARTNER WITH TOTAL TRADE AMOUNTING TO $7.7 BILLION OVER THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1987.

ARE MUTUAL

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

THE MUTUAL TRADE, WHICH COVERED A BROAD RANGE OF PRODUCTS, HAD A HEALTHY GROWTH OF 30 PER CENT IN 1986 OVER 1985 AND JUMPED BY A FURTHER 53 PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF LAST YEAR.

AS TO INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, MR JACOBS NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD SEEN SIGNS OF INCREASING INTEREST FROM FRENCH MANUFACTURERS AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS PAYING GREATER ATTENTION TO FRANCE IN ITS PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES FOR 1987-88.

"THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION WAS IN FRANCE IN APRIL 1987 FOR TALKS WITH GOVERNMENT MINISTRIES, THE FEDERATION OF FRENCH INDUSTRIES AND LEADING BANKS, AND HE HAS RECENTLY RETURNED FROM ANOTHER VISIT, DURING WHICH HE MET WITH SEVERAL FIRMS WHO HAVE EXPRESSED SERIOUS INTEREST IN MANUFACTURING OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.

"IN 1988, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE FRENCH NATIONAL EMPLOYERS1 FEDERATION PLAN TO IMPLEMENT A COOPERATION AGREEMENT WHICH THEY HAVE NEGOTIATED OVER THE PAST YEAR.

"INITIALLY, A FRENCH EXPERT WILL CARRY OUT RESEARCH, BOTH IN FRANCE AND HONG KONG, LOOKING AT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIRECT INVESTMENT, JOINT VENTURES AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER IN MANUFACTURING. THE COSTS OF THIS MISSION WILL BE SHARED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE FEDERATION.

"ALSO, IN MARCH, THE FEDERATION WILL HOLD A MAJOR SEMINAR IN PARIS ON THE THEME OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL BE SENDING SPEAKERS TO THIS IMPORTANT OCCASION."

WHILE NOTING THAT FRENCH ENGINEERING HAD A FIRST CLASS REPUTATION, MR JACOBS DREW ATTENTION TO THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO START 131 PROJECTS WITH A TOTAL WORTH OVER $6 BILLION IN THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.

MAJOR PROJECTS WOULD INCLUDE PHASE V OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME, THE YUEN LONG - TUEN MUN EASTERN CORRIDOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT WAN CHAI, AND THE PAK KONG TREATMENT WORKS AND WATER TRANSFER FACILITIES STAGE II, HE SAID.

WHILE HONG KONG WELCOMED INVESTMENT IN ITS ECONOMY, MR JACOBS STRESSED THAT THE TERRITORY DID NOT OFFER ANY SPECIAL DEALS NOR DID IT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST OVERSEAS INVESTORS.

"WE ARE A COMPLETELY OPEN ECONOMY. OVERSEAS FIRMS COMPETE ON AN EQUAL FOOTING WITH LOCAL COMPANIES."

HE CONCLUDED BY SAYING THAT HONG KONG PROVIDED THE IDEAL SETTING FOR BUSINESS BY HAVING A SOUND LEGAL, SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL FOUNDATION AND AN ENVIRONMENT WHICH WAS CONDUCIVE TO EFFICIENCY AND FLEXIBILITY.

- 0----------

/1O........

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

10 -

NOVEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED ♦ * t

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN NOVEMBER 1987, AT $68,914 MILLION, GREW BY 30 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1986, ACCORDING TO TRADE VALUE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY).

COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1986, DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 15 PER CENT TO $17,076 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1987 WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 43 PER CENT TO $17,567 MILLION, BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER 1987 TO $34,644 MILLION, WHICH WAS 28 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1986.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 32 PER CENT TO $34,270 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1987.

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 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 (+57 PER CENT), CHINA (+56 PER CENT), FRANCE (+44 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+43 PER CENT), AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+37 PER CENT).

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S LARGEST MARKET, THE U.S., GREW BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN VALUE TERMS BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1986 AND NOVEMBER 1987, ALTHOUGH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATES FOR SOME OF THE MARKETS HAVE SLOWED DOWN IN RECENT MONTHS.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE ROSE BY 42 PER CENT, CHINA BY 38 PER CENT, THE UNITED KINGDOM BY 36 PER CENT, SINGAPORE BY 30 PER CENT, AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY BY 24 PER CENT.

ON THE OTHER HAND, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S. DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT.

IMPORTS IN THE PERIOD .JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1987 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986.

SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+54 PER CENT), CHINA (+44 PER CENT). TAIWAN (+41 PER CENT), ITALY (+39 PER CENT) AND THE U.S. (+34 PER CENT).

BETWEEN NOVEMBER 1986 AND NOVEMBER 1987, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED, ESPECIALLY THOSE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+55 PER CENT), ITALY (+37 PER CENT), CHINA (+34 PER CENT), THE U.S. (+33 PER CENT) AND SWITZERLAND (+33 PER CENT).

/RE-EXPORTS TO .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

OF GERMANY, TAIWAN, THE SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE CENT, 50 PER CENT AND

RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC UNITED KINGDOM, JAPAN AND CHINA INCREASED TERMS BY 137 PER CENT, 62 PER CENT, 59 PER

43 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED KINGDOM, TAIWAN, AUSTRALIA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 108 PER CENT, 77 PER CENT. 62 PER CENT, 59 PER CENT AND 54 PER CENT RESPECT IVELY.

TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1987 AT $679,259 MILLION, INCREASED BY 37 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986.

ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, THE \ALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 27 PER CENT TO $176,404 MILLION WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 49 PER CENT TO $163,725 MILLION.

THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 37 PER CENT TO $340,129 MILLION.

IMPORTS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS BY 36 PER CENT TO $339,130 MILLION.

ALL TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON.

A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN NOVEMBER 1987 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY FEBRUARY

1 988 .

THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE I.

10 MAJOR

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1987 WITH THE PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS RECORDED IN ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.

SAME

WERE

THE MORE

27 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS

19 PER CENT);

APPLIANCES AND

NOTABLE ONES INCLUDED CLOTH I NG (BY $12,393 MILLION OR TEXTILES (BY $1,663 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT);

MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $4,338 MILLION Oli

AS WELL AS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3,062 MILLION OR

30 PER ('ENT).

ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $77 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT); AS WELL AS TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEH I ('LES (ID $18 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).

TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES HIE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.

/THE CHANGES

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $13,884 MILLION OR 36 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $10,184 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND .RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $7,199 MILLION * OR 58 PER CENT); AS WELL AS MISCELLANEOUS MANUAFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $6,006 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $93 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT); AS WELL AS CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS (BY $69 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).

TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.

THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.

COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO NOVEMBER 1987 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1986, INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $7,662 MILLION OR 43 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $6,932 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $5,638 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT) AS WELL AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $4,884 MILLION OR 83 PER CENT).

HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD VEHICLES (BY $322 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT); AS WELL AS COFFEE, TEA, COCOA, SPICES, AND MANUFACTURES THEREOF (BY $240 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT).

TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.

DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE AVAILABLE IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.

THE NOVEMBER 1987 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY" WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AROUND JANUARY 20, 1988, 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 NOVEMBER 1987 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY FEBRUARY 1988 AT $15 PER COPY.

ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, I 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.................

MONDAY, JANUARY 11,

1988

TABLE 1: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS

MAJOR MARKET JAN-NOV 1987 JAN-NOV OVER 87 NOV 1987 NOV 87 OVER

JAN-NOV 86 NOV 86

(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)

U.S.A. 66,665 4 14 5,835 - 1

CHINA 24,918 + 56 2,608 4 38

F.R. OF GERMANY 13,238 4 37 1,283 4 24

U.K. 11,434 4 29 1,230 4 36

JAPAN 8,700 4 57 882 4 22

CANADA 5,059 4 15 422 4 19

NETHERLANDS 3,496 4 43 329 4 10

SINGAPORE 3,462 4 35 383 4 30

FRANCE 3,382 4 44 378 4 42

AUSTRALIA 3,335 4 9 367 4 11

TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-NOV OVER JAN-NOV (%) 87 86 NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) NOV 87 OVER NOV 86 (%)

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 58,703 4 27 5,051 4 8

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 27,602 4 19 2,507 4 8

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 14,442 4 48 1 ,492 4 20

/PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS,

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, 1 1

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 14,140 18 1,579 +

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 13,502 + 29 1,341 + 4

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 13,206 + 30 1,306 4- 18

TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS

MAJOR SUPPLIER JAN-NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-NOV 87 NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) NOV 87 OVER NOV 86 (%)

OVER JAN-NOV (%) 86

CHINA 105,206 + 44 10,784 + 34

JAPAN 64,589 + 27 6,072 + 25

TAIWAN 30,097 + 41 3,144 + 31

U.S.A. 28,558 + 34 2,679 + 33

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 14,985 + 54 1,581 + 55

SINGAPORE 13,024 + 31 1 , 392 + 21

U.K. 10,548 + 24 1,100 + 22

F.R. OF GERMANY 9,098 + 24 925 + 17

SWITZERLAND 6,587 + 31 748 + 33

ITALY 5,629 + 39 580 4- 37

/TABLE 4: .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 15 -

TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-NOV 87 OVER JAN-NOV 86 (%) NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) NOV 87 OVER NOV 86 (%)

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND 4,864 + 20

RELATED PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS 52,046 + 36

THEREOF ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING 31,343 + 48 3,137 + 42

ACCESSORIES TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS 23,614 + 33 2,138 + 16

AND EQUIPMENT MISCILLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES 19,522 + 58 2,074 + 54

AND SPORTING GOODS) PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES 19,235 + 45 1 , 987 + 44

AND CLOCKS 18,570 + 25 TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY 10 MAJOR MARKETS 1 , 908 + 25

MAJOR MARKET JAN-NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-NOV 87 OVER JAN-NOV 86 (%) NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) NOV 87 OVER NOV 86 (%)

CHINA 53,207 + 47 5,889 + 43

U.S.A. 29,633 + 47 2,621 + 18

TAIWAN 8,719 + 62 935 + 62

.JAPAN 8,664 + 44 1,268 + 50

/REPUBLIC OF KOREA

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 16 -

REPUBLIC OF KOREA 8,098 + 54 781 + 32

SINGAPORE 5,803 + 21 606 + 35

F.R. OF GERMANY 4,929 + 108 612 + 137

U.K. 3,880 + 77 372 + 59

MACAU 3,000 + 28 281 + 26

AUSTRALIA 2,576 + 59 285 + 39

TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION

COMMODITY DIVISION JAN-NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) JAN-NOV OVER JAN-NOV (%) 87 86 NOV 1987 (HKD MN.) NOV 87 OVER NOV 86 (X)

TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 25,629 + 43 2,573 + 21

ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 16,664 + 37 1,350 + 4

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 16,259 + 74 1,658 + 59

ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 14,234 + 66 1,611 + 72

TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 10,772 + 83 1,339 + 83

PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 7,371 + 43 732 + 34

-------o ---------

/17

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

NO CHANGE IN POLICY TO "II MOTHERS"

* * *

DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS SOME 300 SO-CALLED "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS" HAVE BEEN REPATRIATED TO CHINA AND ANY CHANGE IN POLICY TO THE PRESENT GROUP WOULD BE UNFAIR TO OTHERS IN THE SAME CATEGORY.

THIS WAS STATED TODAY (MONDAY) BY PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR LEE LAP-SUN.

MR LEE SAID HUNDREDS OF WOMEN, WHO HAD BEEN IN HONG KONG ILLEGALLY FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, HAD GIVEN BIRTH TO CHILDREN WHILE HERE.

IN 1986 ALONE 156 OF THESE "II MOTHERS" WERE REPATRIATED AND ANOTHER 144 WERE REPATRIATED LAST YEAR.

"THERE IS A LEGAL ROUTE FOR THESE WOMEN TO TAKE TO REJOIN THEIR HUSBANDS AND CHILDREN IN HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES ARE USING THIS ROUTE VIRTUALLY ENTIRELY TO ENABLE FAMILIES TO BE REUNITED IN THE TERRITORY," SAID MR LEE.

IN EARLY 1987 HUNDREDS OF CHILDREN WERE BROUGHT IN ILLEGALLY BY SNAKEHEADS EXPLOITING THE SITUATION.

HE SAID THE ANNOUNCEMENT ON APRIL 27 LAST YEAR ON CHILD ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WAS NOT AN AMNESTY BY ITSELF, BUT MERELY SIGNALLED THE END OF A MORE LIBERAL POLICY TOWARDS THE CHILDREN SMUGGLED IN FROM CHINA.

THE APRIL ANNOUNCEMENT SAID CHILDREN BORN IN CHINA BUT WHO HAD ARRIVED ILLEGALLY WERE GIVEN 24 HOURS TO REPORT TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.

AFTER VERIFICATION BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THE CHILDREN WERE ASKED TO RETURN TO CHINA AND TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY LEGALLY UNDER A ONE-WAY EXIT PERMIT.

THE WOMEN WHO SURFACED AFTER APRIL 28 WERE A DIFFERENT CATEGORY: THEY WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO ENTERED HONG KONG AND GAVE BIRTH WHILE HERE, MR LEE SAID.

"THEY WERE NOT THE TARGETS OF OUR APRIL 27 ANNOUNCEMENT," SAID MR LEE.

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY FOR THIS CATEGORY OF ADULT WOMEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN REPATRIATION, UNLESS CIRCUMSTANCES CONTAIN STRONG HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS FOR THEM TO BE ALLOWED TO STAY.

"QUEUE-JUMPING CANNOT BE CONDONED WHEN LEGAL CHANNELS EXIST, ESPECIALLY IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF WIVES MARRIED TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO COME HERE," HE ADDED.

/MR LEE .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 18 -

MR LEE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY MADE SPECIAL EXCEPTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS TO ALLOW CHILDREN BORN IN HONG KONG, BUT OUT OF WEDLOCK, TO BECOME HONG KONG RESIDENTS.

AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN REACHED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO ALLOW THE YOUNG CHILDREN TO ACCOMPANY THEIR MOTHERS BACK TO CHINA IF THE PARENTS SO WISH.

"BEING HONG KONG RESIDENTS THE CHILDREN CAN RETURN ANY TIME THEY LIKE.

"THE MOTHERS CAN ALSO APPLY FOR TWO WAY EXIT PERMITS TO VISIT THEIR HUSBANDS IN HONG KONG AND THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THEIR HUSBANDS VISITING THEM IN CHINA," SAID MR LEE.

MR LEE ADDED THAT THE TERRITORY WAS STILL FACED WITH A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.

IN 1987 ALONE MORE THAN 22,400 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED AT THE BORDER (COMPARED WITH 16,800 IN 1986 AND 12,600 IN 1985) AND SOME 4,200 PERSONS WERE ARRESTED IN 1987 AFTER THEY EVADED BORDER SECURITY (COMPARED WITH 3,800 IN 1986 AND 3,400 IN 1985).

-------O----------

PROVISIONAL HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED A PROVISIONAL HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION (PHKCAA) TO PREPARE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION AS AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY BY LATE 1989.

THE U.K. COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS (CNAA) HAS BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR VALIDATING DEGREE COURSE PROPOSALS AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO WHILST THE PHKCAA UNDERSTUDIES ITS METHODS AND PROCEDURES.

THE PHKCAA HELD IT FIRST MEETING YESTERDAY AND TODAY (JANUARY 10 - 11) UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF DR DAVID BETHEL.

THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL PROVIDES FOR FIVE OVERSEAS ACADEMICS, (THE FIFTH TO BE APPOINTED DURING 1988), FIVE HONG KONG ACADEMICS, AND FIVE LAY MEMBERS DRAWN FROM THE PROFESSIONAL, BUSINESS, BANKING AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS OF THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY.

/THE RENA INING

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 19 -

THE REMAINING MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES DR RAYMOND HO AS VICE CHAIRMAN, WHILE THE OTHER MEMBERS ARE PROFESSOR JACK SPENCE, MR FREDERICK JAMES, DR MALCOLM FRAZER, PROFESSOR DAFYDD EVANS, PROFESSOR S.W. TAM, DR CYRIL CANNON, DR S.A. REID, DR H.S. HOUSTON, MR GRAHAM CHENG, DR JAMES WONG, MRS ALICE LAM AND MR STEPHEN LAU.

THE PHKCAA HAS APPROVED PROCEDURES AND A FULL PROGRAMME FOR UNDERSTUDYING AND COLLABORATING WITH THE CNAA.

THIS WORK HAS BEEN FACILITATED IN NO SMALL WAY BY THE PARTICIPATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CNAA AS A MEMBER OF THE PHKCAA.

IT HAS BEGUN WORK ON ESTABLISHING A REGISTER OF INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL EXPERTS FROM WHICH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION (HKCAA) WILL BE ABLE TO DRAW ITS VALIDATION TEAMS, AND WILL HAVE ACCESS TO A RANGE OF SUBJECT EXPERTISE AND VALIDATING EXPERIENCE WHICH IS AVAILABLE LOCALLY.

IT HAS DISCUSSED HOW TO MONITOR THE RECURRENT ISSUES RAISED DURING COURSE VALIDATION IN HONG KONG, AND THE WAYS TO BRIEF PROFESSIONAL AND LAY VALIDATION TEAM MEMBERS ON THE HONG KONG CONTEXT AND INSTITUTIONAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE COURSES TO BE VALIDATED.

THE PHKCAA IS CONSIDERING A RANGE OF VISITS TO ESTABLISH CI.OSER CONTACTS WITH SIMILAR BODIES AROUND THE WORLD.

AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE PHKCAA, CHAIRED BY VICE-CHAIRMAN DR RAYMOND HO HAS BEEN FORMED TO ENSURE CONTINUITY IN THE WORK OF THE PHKCAA BETWEEN MEETINGS OF THE FULL COUNCIL.

THE PHKCAA IS CONFIDENT THAT, IN VIEW OF THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE CNAA, IT WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE A FAVOURABLE REPORT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN MID-1989 ON THE PROGRESS MADE TOWARDS ESTABLISHING A HONG KONG ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION BODY, WHICH WILL BE CAPABLE OF ENSURING THE CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF THE HIGHEST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF DEGREES AT HONG KONG’S NON-UNIVERSITY DEGREE AWARDING INSTITUTIONS.

------o--------

YEAR OF DRAGON STAMP FIRST DAY COVERS ON SALE » * * * *

OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS FOR STAMPS COMMEMORATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE DRAGON WILL GO ON SALE FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED.

THE COVERS ARE 50 CENTS EACH.

ADVANCE ORDERS FOR THE FIRST DAY TREATMENT OF FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM WEDNESDAY TO JANUARY 18 AT ALL POST OFFICES, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

/THE MINIMUM

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

THE MINIMUM QUANTITY PER ORDER IS FIVE.

’’CUSTOMERS WISHING TO AVOID CONGESTION ON THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF THIS ADVANCE ORDER SERVICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).

THE SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON JANUARY 27.

THE STAMPS ARE IN FOUR DENOMINATIONS -- 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70

AND $5.

A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING A SET OF THE FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED AT $8.50 EACH.

THE STAMPS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA FROM JANUARY 16 TO JANUARY 17, THE CITY PLAZA AT TA I KOO SHING ON JANUARY 24, AND AT THE PHILATELIC CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FROM JANUARY 18.

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE PHILATELIC BUREAU DATESTAMP WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $10 EACH AT DESIGNATED COUNTERS OF THE FOLLOWING OFFICES ON JANUARY 27 :

HONG KONG ISLAND

BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE

KOWLOON

AIRPORT POST OFFICE

CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE

NEW TERRITORIES

SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE TAI PO POST OFFICE SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE YUEN LONG POST OFFICE

THE SIX NEW TERRITORIES OFFICES PROVIDING THIS SERVICE ARE ADDITIONAL TO NORMAL FIRST DAY ISSUE ARRANGEMENTS.

------O-------- /21 ......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 21 -

MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL » » ♦

A MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME OF QUALITY PERFORMANCES HAS BEEN DRAWN UP FOR THE 10TH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY 23 AND FEBRUARY 27.

BOTH LOCAL AND VISITING ARTISTS WILL TAKE PART IN PERFORMANCES HELD MAINLY IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, A FOCAL POINT FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE PROGRAMME OF THE FESTIVAL WILL INCLUDE CONCERTS, DRAMA, BALLET AND EXHIBITIONS. THERE WILL BE LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS ON PAINTING, DESIGN AND HANDICRAFT WITH FREE ADMISSION FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE INTERESTED, i

PARTICIPANTS OF THE ARTS NURTURE SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO GIVE A NUMBER OF PERFORMANCES.

THE OPENING SHOW JOINTLY PRESENTED WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL FEATURE WELL-KNOWN SINGERS AND ENTERTAINMENT PERSONALITIES.

THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION. IT IS MAINLY FUNDED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS: >

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE 1OTH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL.

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BE HOSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL, MR CHEUNG CHUNG-YAN.

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LONG-TERM CLEARANCE PROGRAMME ♦ ♦ * * ♦

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER A PROPOSED LONG-TERM PROGRAMME FOR THE CLEARANCE OF REAR-LANE STRUCTURES AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE PROGRAMME WILL APPLY TO REAR-LANE STRUCTURES WHICH ENCROACH UPON CROWN LAND AND HAVE BEEN COVERED AND REGISTERED IN A SURVEY IN 1986.

/MEMBERS WILL .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROJECT TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT SHEK WU SAN TSUEN, SHEUNG SHUI.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE SITUATION REPORTS ON LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS, SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND THE VILLAGE LIGHTING PROGRAMME FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.

- - 0 - -

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SUBSIDY SCHEME

*****

THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE GUIDELINES OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S DISTRICT FESTIVALS SUBSIDY SCHEME AT A MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO STUDY THE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD

FUNDS AND THE REPORTS ON VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 10 AM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.

- - 0 - -

NORTH DB TO HOLD SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING *****

THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13) TO DISCUSS OUTSTANDING ITEMS FROM ITS PREVIOUS MEETING ON DECEMBER 18, 1987.

MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL OF ORGANISING AN AGRICULTURAL EXHIBITION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

/A REPORT

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

- 23 -

A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION AT THE MEETING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED SUPPLEMENTARY MEETING ON CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE

TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 13) AT 9.30 AM IN THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD,

FANLING.

-------0----------

VARIETY SHOW TO PROMOTE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN

» » *

A FREE VARIETY SHOW AIMED AT SPREADING THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE AMONG YUEN LONG RESIDENTS WILL BE HELD AT 7.30 PM ON JANUARY 23 AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.

A TOTAL OF 600 ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC ON A FIRST-COME-F1RST-SERVED BASIS FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.

APART FROM THE VARIETY SHOW WHICH WILL FEATURE POPULAR LOCAL SINGERS, THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY FOR WINNERS OF THE YUEN LONG GOOD CITIZEN AWARD, FIGHT CRIME POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION AND STICKER DESIGN COMPETITION.

ALL THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL UNTIL JANUARY 26.

OFFICIATING AT THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE YUEN LONG DISTRICT COMMANDER OF THE POLICE, MR T. ORSLER; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALDAN KWOK; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR LEUNG SHU1-FAT.

THE FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN VARIETY SHOW IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE.

------o-------

NEW BOOKLET ON ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT » » » * *

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT CURRENTLY HANDLES SOME 1,000 PROJECTS VALUED AT MORE THAN $26 BILLION.

IT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SOME 5,600 BUILDINGS, WHICH GENERATES OVER 200,000 ANNUAL WORKS ITEMS.

/THESE AND .......

- 24

MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 1988

THESE AND OTHER INTERESTING BITS OF INFORMATION ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT CAN BE FOUND IN A RECENTLY PUBLISHED BOOKLET.

THE BOOKLET IS ILLUSTRATED WITH COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS AND CHARTS.

IT EXPLAINS HOW THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES ARCHITECTURAL AND ASSOCIATED SERVICES TO SOME 60 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND CARRIES OUT ITS FUNCTION AS THE GOVERNMENT’S PROFESSIONAL AND TECHNICAL ADVISER ON BUILDING MATTERS.

THE BOOKLET ALSO EXPLAINS THE VARIOUS STAGES OF A PROJECT AND THE RESPECTIVE ROLES PLAYED BY ITS MANY PROFESSIONAL DISCIPLINES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.

PRICED AT $15 PER COPY, THE BOOKLET IS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE IN GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.

------0 ------

NIGHT CLOSURE OF WATERLOO ROAD ♦ * ♦ ♦ »

TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE, THE GROUND-LEVEL SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ESSEX CRESCENT AND KOWLOON TONG CLUB WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON BOUNDARY STREET HEADING FOR WATERLOO ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA CUMBERLAND ROAD, RUTLAND QUADRANT AND WATERLOO ROAD.

AS FOR THOSE TRAVELLING ON THE GROUND-LEVEL SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN ESSEX CRESCENT AND BOUNDARY STREET, THEY WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ESSEX CRESCENT AND CUMBERLAND ROAD.

-----0----------

U-TURN BAN ON WANG CHIU ROAD ♦ ♦ ♦ » ♦

NORTHBOUND VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON A SECTION OF WANG CHIU ROAD IN KOWLOON BAY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MAKE U-TURNS ON TO THE SOUTHBOUND LANE FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE AFFECTED ROAD SECTION STARTS FROM THE ENTRANCE OF KAI YIP BUS TERMINUS TO A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES NORTH OF THE ENTRANCE.

-------0----------

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 58.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 342.159 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 347.084 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 59.2 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SEPTEMBER EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS .... 1

'II MOTHERS' SHOULD FOLLOW PROPER CHANNEL ................. 6

1987 AN UNUSUALLY WARM YEAR................................ 7

MEMBERS TO ASK 11 QUESTIONS IN LEGCO ...................... 12

FC TO APPROVE FUND FOR PERMANENT RC HEADQUARTERS .......... 12

I,ADY WILSON PRESENTS PRIZES TO LOGO DESIGNERS ............ 13

GOVERNOR TO TAKE SALUTE AT CSD ANNUAL INSPECTION .......... 15

MORE OYSTER FARMERS ACCEPT GOVERNMENT OFFER................ 15

TUNNEL TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT TO BE CONTINUED ............. 17

EVALUATION REPORT ON CIVIC EDUCATION PUBLISHED ............ 18

NEW BUS SERVICES FOR TSING YI NORTH AREA .................. 19

CONTRACT ON NORTHWEST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY AWARDED........ 20

BY-CENSUS PUBLICATION ON SALE.............................. 21

WAN CHAI DB MEMBERS VISIT EPD ............................. 22

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN TO KWA WAN .................. 22

YAU MA TEI TO PUBLICISE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE................. 23

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ................... 23

livestock waste disposal consultative committee to meet 24

LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ...... 24

DB C0MHTTEE TO DISCUSS LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES........... 25

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ............. 26

TRAFFIC COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS SERVICE .................. 26

COMMIT TRIE TO DISCUSS COVERED FOOTBRIDGES ................ 27

DB TO BE BRIEFED ON KCWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE.......... 28

FIRST 'JOB BAZAAR' OPENS AT SHA TIN ....................... 28

OPEN DAY OF SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ......... 29

YOUNG MUSICIAN TO RECEIVE OVERSEAS TRAINING ............... 29

TENDERS INVITED FOR REFUSE COLLECTION POINT ............... 31

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS............................. 31

BUS LANE AND URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ................... 32

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG ................ 32

TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE IN CENTRAL ...................... 32

TUESDAY,. JANUARY 12, 1988

SEPTEMBER EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS » » * »

THERE WERE 875,300 PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN SEPTEMBER 1987, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 0.6 PER CENT IN COMPARISON WITH SEPTEMBER 1986, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, AT 647,600 IN SEPTEMBER 1987, WAS 5.3 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1986.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR, AT 209,900, WAS UP BY 9.8 PER CENT.

EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 3.4 PER CENT COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986.

A DEPARTMENTAL SPOKESMAN SAID THE STATISTICS FOR SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY IN SEPTEMBER 1987 WERE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL CONDUCTED EVERY QUARTER BY THE DEPARTMENT.

THESE SECTORS COVER 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.

THERE IS A SEPARATE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY COVERING BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.

THE OVERALL EMPLOYMENT FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 IN THESE SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS, BY COMPARISON WITH THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1986 AND JUNE 1987, ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

PERSONS ENGAGED

(EMPLOYMENT) IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE*

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT. 86 JUNE 87 SEPT. 87 SEPT. 87 ON SEPT. 86 SEPT. 87 ON JUNE 87

MANUFACTURING 869,800 895,600 875,300 + 0.6 - 2.3

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION (MANUAL WORKERS ON SITES ONLY) 69,000 70,900 71,300 + 3.4 + 0.6

/WHOLESALE AND .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS

AND HOTELS 614,900 648,700 647,600 + 5.3 - 0.2

FINANCING,

INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS

SERVICES 191,100 204,700 209,900 + 9.8 + 2.5

♦ BASED ON UNROUNDED EMPLOYMENT FIGURES.

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1987 WITH JUNE 1987, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS INFLUENCED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR; AND THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR DECREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT AND 0.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

OVER THE SAME PERIOD, EMPLOYMENT IN THE FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR; AND ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES INCREASED BY 2.5 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

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 SEPTEMBER 1986 AND JUNE 1987, ARE AS FOLLOWS:-

NUMBER OF REPORTED

VACANCIES IN PERCENTAGE CHANGE*

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT. 86 JUNE 87 SEPT. 87 SEPT. 87 ON SEPT. 86 SEPT. 87 ON JUNE 87

MANUFACTURING 32,100 42,300 53,900 + 68.0 + 27.4

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL> IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 8,5 30 14,850 25,620 +200.5 + 72.5

/financing, insurance, ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

2,930 5,940 7,610 +159.4 + 28.1

« BASED ON UNROUNDED VACANCY FIGURES.

RELATIVE TO SEPTEMBER 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 68 PER CENT, 200.5 PER CENT AND 159.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN VACANCIES REFLECTED VERY TIGHT CONDITIONS IN THE LABOUR MARKET DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987.

COMPARED WITH JUNE 1987, THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 27.4 PER CENT, 72.5 PER CENT AND 28.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SEPTEMBER 1987.

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 FOLLOWING TABLE:- TOTALS FOR EACH OF THESE SECTORS TOTAL QUARTERLY PAYROLL IN ARE % SHOWN IN CHANGE* THE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY 3RD QTR. 1986 3RD QTR. 1987 3RD 3RD QTR. 1987 ON QTR. 1986

HK$ MN HK$ MN

1ANUFACTURING 8,080 9,253 + 14.5

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 5,913 6,708 + 13.4

/financing, insurance, ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES

3,026

3,728

+ 23.2

« BASED ON UNROUNDED PAYROLL FIGURES.

COMPARED

WITH THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR AGO, PAYROLL OUTLAYS THE ABOVE THREE SECTORS INCREASED BY 14.5 PER CENT, 13.4 PER CENT 23.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987.

AND

AFTER ADJUSTMENT FOR VARIATIONS IN TOTAL MONTHLY PAYROLL OUTLAYS IN SEPTEMBER 1986 AND SEPTEMBER 1987, ARISING FROM CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT, A NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED IS OBTAINED.

TO A1IOW 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 SEPTEMBER 1986 AND GIVEN IN THE TABLES BELOW

SEPTEMBER 1987 ARE

NOMINAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED (JUNE 1980 = 100) % CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT.86 SEPT.87 SEPT.87 ON SEPT.86

MANUFACTURING 215.9 243.4 + 12.7

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 212.0 226.8 + 7.0

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 207.5 232.2 + 11.9

/REAL INDEX .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED iJUNE 1980 =100) % CHANGE

SELECTED MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY SEPT.86 SEPT.87 SEPT.87 ON SEPT.86

MANUFACTURING 131.8 140.4 CD 4

WHOLESALE AND RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 129.4 130.8 + 1.1

FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES 126.7 133.9 + 5.7

BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1986 AND SEPTEMBER 1987, INCREASES OF 12.7 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT AND 11.9 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 SAMP PERIOD THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN THE REAL INDEX OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WERE 6.5 PER CENT, 1.1 PER CENT AND 5.7 PER CENT

DETAILED BREAKDOWNS OF THE ABOVE STATISTICS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE QUARTERLY REPORT OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL STATISTICS, SEPTEMBER 1987, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $11 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, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

/6........

TUESDAY. JANUARY 12, 1988

- 6

'll MOTHERS’ SHOULD FOLLOW PROPER CHANNEL ♦ ♦ » ♦ *

THE ONE-WAY PERMIT SYSTEM IS THE LEGAL CHANNEL FOR RESIDENTS OF CHINA TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR RESIDENCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR TRE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

’’WHAT WE ARE ASKING THE ’ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS’ TO DO IS TO FOLLOW THE PROPER CHANNEL,” HE SAID.

’’LAST YEAR, 27,173 PERSONS CAME TO HONG KONG UNDER THE SCHEME, OF WHOM 9,570 (35.2 PER CENT) WERE WIVES OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS. THIS DEMONSTRATES THAT THEY ARE BEING GIVEN PRIORITY IN THE ISSUE OF THESE PERMITS.

"IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO WISH TO COME TO HONG KONG FROM CHINA FOR SETTLEMENT, MANY HAVE TRIED TO JUMP THE QUEUE BY ENTERING HONG KONG ILLEGALLY.

"THE ESTABLISHED POLICY OF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO REPATRIATE ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

"IN 1986 AND 1987 47,036 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HAD BEEN REPATRIATED. OF THESE 298 WOMEN HAD HUSBANDS AND IN MANY CASES, CHILDREN IN HONG KONG,” THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED.

AS REGARDS THE ALLEGATION THAT INSUFFICIENT TIME WAS GIVEN TO THE "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS” TO PREPARE FOR REPATRIATION, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHEN THESE WOMEN WERE RELEASED ON RECOGNIZANCE SOME 16 DAYS AGO, THEY HAD ALREADY BEEN WARNED TO MAKE PREPARATION IN CASE THEY HAD TO RETURN TO CHINA AT SHORT NOTICE.

THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT REPATRIATION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL NORMALLY BE EFFECTED AT THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY.

--------0-----------

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 7 -

1987 AN UNUSUALLY WARM YEAR

» * » » »

LAST YEAR WAS AN UNUSUALLY WARM YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 21.6 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS THE HIGHEST EVER RECORDED AND THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 23.4 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD.

THE MEAN SEA-LEVEL PRESSURE OF 1,013.8 HECTOPASCALS FOR 1987 WAS ALSO THE HIGHEST EVER RECORDED.

DESPITE THE UNUSUALLY LOW CONTRIBUTION TO THE TOTAL RAINFALL IN 1987 FROM TROPICAL CYCLONES, THE ABUNDANT RAINFALL EARLIER IN THE YEAR MORE THAN MADE UP FOR THE DEFICIT.

THE ANNUAL RAINFALL OF 2,319.3 MILLIMETRES WAS ABOUT FOUR PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF 2,224.7 MILLIMETRES.

RELATIVELY FEW TROPICAL CYCLONES AFFECTED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST IN 1987.

THERE WERE ONLY SIX TROPICAL CYCLONES IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN 1987 COMPARED TO THE AVERAGE OF 12 PER YEAR.

FIVE TROPICAL CYCLONES NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS IN HONG KONG.

LAST YEAR WAS THE FIRST YEAR IN WHICH THE STRONG WIND SIGNAL NO. 3 WAS NOT HOISTED UNTIL LATE OCTOBER SINCE THIS SIGNAL WAS INTRODUCED IN 1956.

JANUARY 1987 HAD PLENTY OF SUNSHINE AND WAS RELATIVELY WARM.

THE MONTHLY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 17.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS 1.7 DEGREES ABOVE NORMAL.

WARM CONDITIONS DURING THE MONTH WERE DIRECTLY LINKED TO THE AMPLE SUNSHINE, WHICH WAS 19 PER CENT ABOVE MEAN.

ALMOST BALMY CONDITIONS CONTINUED INTO FEBRUARY.

IN FACT, THE MONTH’S MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 18.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS THE THIRD WARMEST ON RECORD WHILE THE MEAN TEMPERATURE FOR THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR, 17.8 DEGREES CELSIUS, WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST.

MARCH 1987 WAS A MONTH OF RECORD-BREAKING WEATHER EVENTS.

/BESIDES BEING

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

8 -

BESIDES BEING THE WARMEST MARCH ON RECORD, WITH A MONTHLY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 21.3 DEGREES CELSIUS, IT WAS VERY WET WITH A TOTAL RAINFALL OF 234 MILLIMETRES, MORE THAN FOUR TIMES THE NORMAL AMOUNT.

VIOLENT THUNDERSTORMS FROM MARCH 16 TO 18 BROUGHT 194.7 MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL, THE HIGHEST RECORDED FOR ANY THREE-DAY PERIOD IN MARCH.

RAIN WAS HEAVIEST ON MARCH 17 AND BOTH THE DAILY RAINFALL OF 126.4 MILLIMETRES AND THE HOURLY RAINFALL OF 50.1 MILLIMETRES BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10 AM SET NEW RECORDS FOR MARCH.

THE TORRENTIAL DOWNPOUR RESULTED IN 116 CASES OF FLOODING AND FOUR CASES OF MINOR MUDSLIPS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

ON MARCH 18, HAIL WAS REPORTED IN SAI KUNG, SHA TIN AND THE NORTHERN PART OF KOWLOON BETWEEN 8 AM AND 8.45 AM.

APRIL CONTINUED TO BE WETTER THAN USUAL.

THE MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL OF 277.8 MILLIMETRES WAS ABOUT TWICE THE NORMAL.

SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS ON APRIL 5 AFFECTED HONG KONG AND HAIL WAS REPORTED IN SHA TIN AND LAI CHI KOK AROUND 5 PM.

PERSISTENT HEAVY RAIN ON APRIL 6 RESULTED IN 133 CASES OF FLOODING AND NINE CASES OF LANDSLIPS.

A TOTAL OF 106 HECTARES OF FARMLAND WERE INUNDATED IN YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND TAI PO.

OVER 5,000 HEADS OF LIVESTOCK WERE DROWNED.

A SIGNIFICANT SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON THE MORNING OF APRIL 12 AND FLASHES OF LIGHTNING KILLED A FISHERMAN AND STRUCK TWO OTHERS IN SAI KUNG THAT MORNING.

FREQUENT ENCOUNTERS BETWEEN THE MOISTURE-LADEN SOUTHWEST MONSOON AND COOLER AIR FROM THE NORTH MAINTAINED THE WET AND OVERCAST WEATHER IN MAY.

THE TOTAL DURATION OF SUNSHINE FOR THE MONTH WAS 102.8 HOURS, ONLY TWO-THIRDS OF THE NORMAL, AND THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL OF 460.2 MILLIMETRES WAS 54 PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL.

THUNDERSTORMS WERE PREVALENT, OCCURRING ON 12 DAYS DURING MAY.

A WATERSPOUT WAS REPORTED OFF THE WATERS OF LAI CHI KOK NEAR MEI FOO SUN CHUEN AT ABOUT 1.30 PM ON MAY 16. THIS WATERSPOUT MIGHT HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR SINKING A SIX-METRE FISHING BOAT INJURING TWO PEOPLE.

/IN KENNEDY........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

IN KENNEDY TOWN, SEVEN WOODEN HUTS WERE DESTROYED BY FIRE AFTER BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

MINOR LANDSLIPS OCCURRED IN KWAI CHUNG AND MT. NICHOLSON.

INTENSE THUNDERSTORMS AGAIN BATTERED THE TERRITORY ON MAY 22 AND 23 CAUSING 66 CASES OF FLOODING THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AND AT LEAST SIX CASES OF MINOR LANDSLIPS.

JUNE WAS DRIER THAN USUAL.

HOWEVER, AS EARLY SEASON RAIN HAD BEEN PLENTIFUL, CUMULATIVE RAINFALL FROM JANUARY TO JUNE WAS STILL”SOME 24 PER CENT ABOVE THE HALF-YEAR NORMAL.

TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS WERE HOISTED FOR THE FIRST TIME. THAT WAS DURING THE APPROACH OF TROPICAL STORM RUTH ON JUNE 18.

JULY WAS CHARACTERISED BY A SHOWERY START, A MID-MONTH DRY SPELL AND BY THE EPISODE OF TORRENTIAL RAIN BETWEEN JULY 22 AND 30 WHEN FREQUENT THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED FOR NINE CONSECUTIVE DAYS.

ACTIVE SUMMER MONSOON, ENHANCED BY STATIONARY TROUGH ACROSS SOUTH CHINA WAS THE MANIFEST CAUSE.

AT ITS CRESCENDO, FROM JULY 28 TO 30, THE MONSOON BROUGHT TO HONG KONG DAILY RAINFALL OF OVER 80 MILLIMETRES FOR THREE DAYS RUNNING, A RECORD FOR JULY.

DURING THIS PERIOD, THERE WERE 88 REPORTS OF FLOODING AND 46 REPORTS OF LANDSLIPS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

A TOTAL OF 123 HECTARES OF FARMLAND AND THREE HECTARES OF FISHPONDS WERE INUNDATED.

THE MOST SERIOUS LANDSLIP OCCURRED NEAR CHO YIU CHUEN IN KWAI CHUNG ON JULY 30, WHERE MORE THAN 1,000 RESIDENTS HAD TO BE EVACUATED.

RAINFALL FOR AUGUST WAS 57 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL WITH THE SUNSHINE DURATION THE SIXTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR THE MONTH.

ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA WAS ABNORMALLY HIGH AND THE LOCAL MEAN SEA-LEVEL PRESSURE WAS THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR AUGUST.

BETTY AND CARY NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF THE STANDBY SIGNAL NO. 1 FOP THE PERIODS AUGUST 14 TO 15, AND 19 TO 21 RESPECTIVELY.

A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE GAVE RISE TO SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS IN THE EVENING OF AUGUST 29.

/the associated .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1 ?88

10 -

THE ASSOCIATED GUSTS WERE BETWEEN 60 AND 80 KM/H, AND CAUSED THE*COLLAPSE OF SCAFFOLDINGS ON TWO CONSTRUCTION SITES IN KENNEDY TOWN AND SHAU KEI WAN.

SEPTEMBER WAS AGAIN A RELATIVELY DRY MONTH AND THE MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL OF 158.3 MILLIMETRES WAS 51 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL.

THE MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE OF 1,010.6 HPA FOR THE MONTH WAS THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR SEPTEMBER.

ONLY TYPHOON GERALD POSED A THREAT TO HONG KONG IN THE MONTH AND NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF THE STAND BY SIGNAL NO. 1 FROM SEPTEMBER 9 TO 10.

ON SEPTEMBER 21, A HEAVY DOWNPOUR CAUSED SOME MINOR FLOODING IN THE URBAN AREAS, WHILE ONLY A FEW MILLIMETRES OF RAINFALL WERE RECORDED OVER THE WESTERN PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

OCTOBER WAS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE MONTH WITH RAINFALL LESS THAN THE CLIMATOLOGICAL AVERAGE.

THE MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL OF 72.7 MILLIMETRES WAS 40 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL.

THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 24.2 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR OCTOBER.

THE ONLY TROPICAL CYCLONE THAT AFFECTED HONG KONG IN THE MONTH WAS TYPHOON LYNN AND THE STRONG WIND SIGNAL NO. 3 WAS HOISTED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE YEAR.

THE ASSOCIATED STRONG GUSTY WINDS ON OCTOBER 24 BLEW DOWN SOME BILLBOARDS AND TREES AND CAUSED A COUPLE OF INJURIES.

THE RAINFALL TREND WAS REVERSED IN NOVEMBER AND THE AMOUNT WAS ALMOST DOUBLE THE NORMAL VALUE.

THE MEAN CLOUD AMOUNT WAS THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER WHILE THE TOTAL SUNSHINE DURATION WAS THE SECOND LOWEST.

BUT NOVEMBER WILL BE MOSTLY REMEMBERED FOR THE SPELL OF EXCEPTIONALLY STRONG WINTER MONSOON AT THE END OF THE MONTH AND MANY CLIMATOLOGICAL RECORDS WERE BROKEN.

THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED AT 3 PM ON NOVEMBER 27, BEFORE THE COLD FRONT REACHED HONG KONG THE FOLLOWING DAY.

ENHANCED BY TYPHOON NINA, WHICH ENTERED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON NOVEMBER 26, THE MONSOON WINDS REACHED GALE FORCE OFFSHORE ON NOVEMBER 28, LEADING TO RECORD MEAN WINDS OF 85 KM/H AT WAGLAN ISLAND UNDER WINTER MONSOON CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG.

/A FISHING........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

A FISHING VESSEL SANK OFF WAGLAN ISLAND, A MACAU-BOUND JETFOIL WAS IMMOBILISED AND ANOTHER MACAU-BOUND BARGE AND ITS TUG BOAT WERE MISSING.

SEVEN PEDESTRIANS IN WONG TAI SIN WERE INJURED AFTER LOSING BALANCE IN THE STRONG WINDS.

THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD WERE LITTERED WITH BLOWN DOWN TREES, OVERTURNED MOTOR CYCLES AND OTHER DEBRIS AND WERE BRIEFLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

A SCAFFOLDING COLLAPSED IN TSUEN WAN.

IN VARIOUS URBAN AREAS, THE STRONG WINDS ALSO BLEW OFF SOME BILLBOARDS AND CAUSED SOME MINOR INJURIES.

A NEW NOVEMBER RECORD WAS SET WHEN TEMPERATURES FELL BY 15.6 DEGREES CELSIUS IN 24 HOURS STARTING FROM 3 AM, ON NOVEMBER 28.

BETWEEN 2 AM ON NOVEMBER 28 AND THE SAME TIME ON NOVEMBER 30, A DECREASE OF 17.4 DEGREES CELSIUS IN TEMPERATURE IN 48 HOURS ALSO SET A NEW RECORD FOR NOVEMBER.

NOVEMBER 29 AND 30 WERE EXCEPTIONALLY COLD BY NOVEMBER STANDARDS.

THE DAILY MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 9.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ON

NOVEMBER 29 EQUALLED THE LOWEST NOVEMBER RECORD SET IN 1922.

THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES ON NOVEMBER 29 AND 30 WERE BOTH 11.2 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE LOWEST ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER.

DECEMBER WAS DRIER THAN NORMAL.

ONLY 0.4 MILLIMETRE OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED DURING THE WHOLE MONTH.

THE MONTHLY MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 60 PER CENT WAS LOWER THAN THE NORMAL FIGURE OF 69 PER CENT.

ABOUT 200 CASES OF HILL FIRES WERE REPORTED IN THE MONTH, OUT OF WHICH 106 OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 20, WHEN THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY ONCE FELL TO 23 PER CENT AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

ON THAT DAY, A SERIOUS HILL FIRE AT SHAM TSENG FORCED A COMPLETE CLOSURE OF THE TUEN MUN HIGHWAY.

THE MOST SERIOUS HILL FIRE OCCURRED IN TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK ON DECEMBER 21 AND MORE THAN 10,000 TREES WERE DESTROYED.

--------o ----------

/12........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 12 -

MEMBERS TO ASK 11 QUESTIONS IN LEGCO * * *

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 11 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FOUR BILLS IN THEIR FIRST MEETING OF THE YEAR TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

OF THE FOUR BILLS, THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING, WHILE DEBATE ON THE BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE TOWN PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE RESUMED. THE LATTER TWO BILLS WILL ALSO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION ON THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE.

- 0 ----------

FC TO APPROVE FUND FOR PERMANENT RC HEADQUARTERS » » t *

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL RE ASKED TO APPROVE A LOAN OF UP TO $100 MILLION TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PERMANENT RC CHAMBERS AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BUILDING IN SHA TIN AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE RSD HEADQUARTERS ARE CURRENTLY ACCOMMODATED IN SEVERAL SEPARATE BUILDINGS IN TSIM SHA TSUI, AT LOCATIONS FAR AWAY FROM THE RC CHAMBERS.

IN ORDER TO ENHANCE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY, IT IS DESIRABLE TO HOUSE THE RSD HEADQUARTERS UNDER ONE ROOF AT A LOCATION AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE RC CHAMBERS.

A SITE IN SHA TIN NEXT TO THE SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE THE MOST SUITABLE OF A NUMBER OF LOCATIONS THAT WERE CONSIDERED.

THE SITE IS ABOUT 0.4 HECTARES IN AREA WITH GOOD TRANSPORT LINKS TO OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO APPROVE A LOAN OF $150 MILLION FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE YAU MA TEI "SIX STREETS" AREA.

/OTHER ITEMS .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AT TOMORROW'S MEETING INCLUDE:

* APPROVAL OF AN ALLOCATION OF $58.4 MILLION FOR CARRYING OUT LANDSLIP PREVENTIVE WORKS;

* APPROVAL OF SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $22.85 MILLION TO MERT THE ESTIMATED INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CONTRACTORS FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND MINOR REPAIR OF ROADS, TUNNELS, PAVEMENTS, BRIDGES AND ASSOCIATED INSTALLATIONS;

* APPROVAL OF AN INCREASE BY $7 MILLION TO $35 MILLION IN THE COMMITMENT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES FOR GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, MINOR BUILDING PROJECTS, SMALL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND AMENITIES IN THE URBAN AREAS AND RURAL NEW TERRITORIES.

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.

ONE OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE TO BE CONSIDERED IS THE CREATION OF A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY POST IN THE ECONOMIC SERVICES BRANCH TO MONITOR AND ANALYSE EFFECTIVELY HONG KONG-CHINA ECONOMIC RELATIONS AND THE ECONOMIES OF HONG KONG’S COMPETITORS IN THE EAST ASIAN REGION.

ANNUAL REVIEW FOR 1987-88 OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.

--------0-----------

LADY WILSON PRESENTS PRIZES TO LOGO DESIGNERS

*****

WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, LADY WILSON, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED CASH PRIZES TOTALLING $17,000 TO THREE WINNERS OF THE LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS (CFPA).

THE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION, MR CHOI CHI-KIT, WAS AWARDED A CASH PRIZE OF $10,000 WHILE THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZE WINNERS, MR SOO KONG-YUEN AND MISS YUEN MAN WERE AWARDED $5,000 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY. EACH ALSO RECEIVED A CERTIFICATE.

CHAIRMAN OF THE LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LEO LEE, ALSO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF MERIT TO SEVEN WINNERS OF THE MERITORIUS AWARDS. THEY ARE MR CHEUNG WAI-MI NG, MR HO WING-CHOI, MR LEUNG CHIU, MR SZETO KIN-CHIU, MR CHANG YUM-KEUNG, MR TAM KA-FUNG AND MR CHEUNG SHIU-MING.

/the main .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1?88

- 14 -

THE MAIN THEME OF THE WINNING LOGO DESIGN, CHOSEN FROM 842 ENTRIES, IS A STAGE WHICH SYMBOLISES THE WORK OF THE CFPA IN SUPPORT AND PROMOTION OF PERFORMING ARTS TN THE TERRITORY.

IT WILL BE ADOPTED FOR USE AS THE COUNCIL’S OFFICIAL LOGO AND WILL BE USED ON ALL FUTURE PUBLICITY POSTERS OF PERFORMING ARTS ORGANISATIONS WHO ARE IN RECEIPT OF THE COUNCIL’S SUBSIDIES.

IN A WELCOME ADDRESS, CHAIRMAN OF THE CFPA, MR ALEX WU, SAID THAT IN ORDER FOR THE COUNCIL TO BE ABLE TO MAKE MORE POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS IN FOSTERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG, THERE WAS A NEED FOR ITS EXISTENCE AND FUNCTIONS TO BE MORE WIDELY PUBLICISED.

"IN THIS CONNECTION, AND AS A START, THE ACQUISITION OF A WELL-DESIGNED LOGO, SUCH AS THE ONE WE HAVE SELECTED, WHICH IS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FUNCTIONS AND JURISDICTION OF THE COUNCIL, WILL PROVIDE AN EASY IDENTIFICATION AND WILL ASSIST IN FUTURE PUBLICITY," HE ADDED.

THE NINE-MEMBER PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISED HEAD OF THE SWIRE SCHOOL OF DESIGN, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR M.B. FARR; ARCHITECT AND INTERIOR DESIGNER, MR KENNETH KO; DESIGNER, MR ALAN ZIE YONGDER; CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MRS THERESA LAU PO WING-KAM; DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE; HEAD OF THE CREATIVE SUB-DIVISION, INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR E.A. HACKER; CHAIRMAN OF THE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, CFPA, MR LEO T.H. LEE; EX-MEMBER OF THE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP AND PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, CFPA, MR LAWRENCE H.L. FUNG; AND EX-COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.

- - - - 0 -----------

/15........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 15 -

GOVERNOR TO TAKE SALUTE AT CSD ANNUAL INSPECTION

* « * *

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 4 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15) AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, 47 TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY.

HE WILL ALSO PRESENT COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDALS TO NINE OFFICERS TO MARK THEIR 18 YEARS OF EXEMPLARS SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ANNUAL INSPECTION WHICH WILL START AT 4 PM. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE ARRANGED AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT OF CSD ON THE 23RD FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG AT 3 PM.

PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ADVISED TO BRING ALONG TELEPHOTO LENS AS THERE WILL BE FIXED PRESS POSITIONS.

----o-------

MORE OYSTER FARMERS ACCEPT GOVERNMENT OFFER

* * *

SIXTY-SIX OUT OF THE 92 ELIGIBLE OYSTER FARMERS IN LAU FAU SHAN AFFECTED BY THE MARINE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE FOR THE BORROW AREA IN DEEP BAY HAD ACCEPTED THE GOVERNMENT'S OFFER OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

"THE ROUTE AND MARINE BORROW AREA HAD BEEN HANDED OVER TO THE CONTRACTOR ON NOVEMBER 2, 1987, FOR COMMENCEMENT OF DREDGING WORKS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"IT WILL BE USED AS AN ACCESS CHANNEL TO TRANSPORT 12 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF DREDGED MARINE FILL FROM DEEP. BAY TO FILL THE EXISTING FISH PONDS AT TIN. SHUI WAI AS PART OF THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.

THE DEVELOPMENT WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR AN ENVISAGED POPULATION OF 140,000 PEOPLE IN THE 1990’S," HE ADDED.

/THE GOVERNMENT

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 16 -

THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE AVAILABLE $4.5 MILLION IN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TO AFFECTED OYSTER FARMERS TO HAVE THEM REMOVE THEIR OYSTERS FROM THE SEABED.

IN ADDITION, THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ACCEPTED TWO PROPOSALS BY THE OMELCO AS A RESULT OF A PETITION FROM SOME OF THE OYSTER FARMERS.

THE FIRST PROPOSAL WAS THAT WHERE A MAJOR PART OF AN OYSTER BED WAS CLEARED FOR THE MARINE TRANSPORTATION ROUTE PROJECT, RENDERINGTHE CULTIVATION OF THE REMAINING PORTION OF THE OYSTER BED OUTSIDE THE ROUTE ECONOMICALLY UNVIABLE, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONSIDER MAKING A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO THE AFFECTED OYSTER FARMERS.

THE SECOND PROPOSAL FROM THE OMELCO WAS THAT WHERE THERE WERE CLAIMS FROM FARMERS WHO HAD NOT BEEN GIVEN ANY EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE, BUT WHO WERE ABLE TO PRODUCE EVIDENCE, TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION, THAT THEY HAD BEEN GENUINELY CONDUCTING OYSTER CULTIVATION WITHIN THE PROJECT AREA, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONSIDER SUCH CLAIMS AND MAKE APPROPRIATE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS.

IN FACT, THE PROPOSED ADDITIONAL OFFER OF $1,950 PER CLAIMANT IN COMPENSATION FOR THE LOSS IN FARM EQUIPMENT WAS APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ON DECEMBER 9, 1987.

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE HAD ISSUED OFFER TO THE ELIGIBLE OYSTER FARMERS CONCERNING THESE TWO PROPOSALS.

LETTERS

AT THE REQUEST OF 16 FARMERS DURING A MEETING ON JANUARY 7, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALAN WONG, MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NEW TERRITORIES OYSTER AND CRUSTACEAN UNITED ASSOCIATION TODAY TO HEAR THEIR VIEWS.

DURING THE ONE-AND-A-HALF HOUR MEETING, MR WONG TOLD THE REPRESENTATIVES THAT THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE SIDE SCAN SONAR SURVEY, ACCOMPANIED BY DIVING CHECKS, TO BE A PRACTICABLE, FAIRLY ACCURATE AND RELIABLE METHOD TO ASSESS CLAIMS FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES AND THAT THERE WAS NO NEED TO CONDUCT ANOTHER DIVING SURVEY AFRESH AS REQUESTED BY SOME OYSTER FARMERS.

"THE RATE OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES OFFERED BY THE GOVERNMENT WAS REASONABLE AND IT HAD IN FACT BEEN INCREASED RECENTLY FROM $9.40 PER SQUARE METRE TO $10.90 PER SQUARE METRE,” MR WONG SAID.

"SINCE DECEMBER 1985, THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS HELD A SERIES OF MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TWO OYSTER FARMERS' ASSOCIATIONS TN LAU FAU SHAN AND OTHER PARTIES CONCERNED TO DISCUSS DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS," HE ADDED.

--------0-----------

/17 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 17 -

TUNNEL TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT TO BE CONTINUED » * * » ♦

THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL CONTINUE ON A REGULAR BASIS AFTER THE END OF THE TWO-WEEK TRIAL THIS FRIDAY (JANUARY 15).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT DECISION TO IMPLEMENT THE ARRANGEMENT ON A REGULAR BASIS AS A SHORT-TERM MEASURE TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE TUNNEL WAS SUPPORTED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE OMELCO TRANSPORT PANEL.

’’THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED MONDAY TO FRIDAY, STARTING FROM 6 AM AND ENDING AT 7.30 AM. AS SOON AS THE ARRANGEMENT ENDS, THE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING ARRANGEMENT WILL BEGIN TO OPERATE UNTIL TRAFFIC QUEUES ON THE SOUTHBOUND APPROACHES TO THE TUNNEL DISAPPEAR,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT WAS TESTED FOR TWO DAYS ON DECEMBER 17 AND 18 LAST YEAR DURING THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT.

’AS THE ARRANGEMENT HAD PROVED EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING THE QUEUE LENGTH AND IN POSTPONING THE FORMATION OF TRAFFIC QUEUES ON SOUTHBOUND APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL, THE DEPARTMENT DECIDED TO TEST IT AGAIN UNDER THE NORMAL TWO-WAY TOLL SITUATION,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID, .

IN THE PAST WEEK, AN EXTRA 500 TO 650 SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES PASSED THROUGH THE TUNNEL BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7.30 AM. DURING THE THREE HOURS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM, SOME 10,000 TO 10,300 SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES USING THE TUNNEL WERE RECORDED, COMPARED WITH SOME 9,300 VEHICLES ON NORMAL WEEKDAYS.

IN ADDITION, REDUCTIONS IN TRAFFIC QUEUE LENGTH AND JOURNEY TIME WERE ALSO OBSERVED. TRAFFIC QUEUES ON THE SOUTHBOUND APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL APPEARED ONLY AFTER 7.30 AM AND DIMINISHED MUCH EARLIER AT ABOUT 9.30 AM.

WITH THE USE OF SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING ARRANGEMENT, A FIVE PER CENT INCREASE IN THE CAPACITY OF THE TUNNEL SOUTHBOUND WAS RECORDED. THIS TECHNIQUE HAD ALSO REDUCED SUBSTANTIALLY MERGING ACTIVITIES, THUS FACILITATING TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE TOLL PLAZA AREA.

’’THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT AND THE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING ARRANGEMENT WILL BE REVIEWED WHEN OTHER MEASURES TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ARE INTRODUCED AT A LATER STAGE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

--------0----------

/18........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 18 -

EVALUATION REPORT ON CIVIC EDUCATION PUBLISHED

» * ♦ ♦ ♦

PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN MADE TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS IN THE SECOND REPORT ON THE EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ’’GUIDELINES ON CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS" PUBLISHED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RECENTLY.

THE REPORT PROPOSED THAT ADDITIONAL SUPPORT SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO SCHOOLS, FOR EXAMPLE IN THE FORM OF A RECURRENT GRANT, AND THAT MORE CIVIC EDUCATION MATERIALS SHOULD BE PRODUCED FOR REFERENCE AND USE BY SCHOOLS.

ALSO, MORE COURSES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS ON CIVIC EDUCATION SHOULD BE ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS, AND CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO CONDUCTING RESEARCH STUDIES ON SCHOOL CHILDREN'S CIVIC AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES.

THE PROPOSALS, IN PARTICULAR THOSE RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL SUPPORT TO SCHOOLS AND TO THE SUGGESTED RESEARCH STUDIES, HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

THE REPORT ALSO NOTED THAT IN VIEW OF THE FAVOURABLE RESPONSE OF TEACHERS TO THE CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE IN NORTH POINT, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS MAKING PREPARATIONS TO SET UP A SECOND CENTRE IN KOWLOON.

THE SECOND EVALUATION EXERCISE WAS CONDUCTED BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY LAST YEAR AMONG 403 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND 691 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, WITH A RESPONSE RATE OF 98 PER CENT.

RESULTS SHOWED THAT TEACHERS FROM 58 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDING SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND 47 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDING PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAD VISITED THE CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE.

THE SECOND EVALUATION REPORT ALSO SHOWED THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE CROSS-CURRICULAR APPROACH TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION REMAINED VERY HIGH, THAT IS 87 PER CENT AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL AND 74 PER CENT AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL.

ONLY 13 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND SIX PRIMARY SCHOOLS TAUGHT CIVIC EDUCATION AS AN INDEPENDENT SUBJECT. THE REMAINING SCHOOLS USED A COMBINATION OF METHODS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION.

THE REPORT ALSO NOTED THAT MORE SCHOOLS DISCUSSED SCHOOL POLICY TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION; SET UP CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEES AND STUDENTS' ASSOCIATIONS; AND PROMOTED CIVIC EDUCATION THROUGH SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES, CLASS PERIODS AND COMMUNITY-ORIENTED ACTIVITIES.

/THE REPORT........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1 ?88

- 19 -

THE REPORT POINTED OUT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW SCHOOL SUBJECT - GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS - TO SECONDARY 6 AND SECONDARY 4 IN 1986 AND 1987 RESPECTIVELY PROVIDED SCHOOLS YET ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE TEACHING OF CIVIC EDUCATION, IN PARTICULAR THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS. >

IT FURTHER REPORTED THAT SINCE THE FIRST EVALUATION EXERCISE LN 1986, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD TAKEN A NUMBER OF MEASURES TO FURTHER ENHANCE THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

THESE INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF IN-SERVICE TRAINING FOR MORE THAN 6,000 TEACHERS TO HELP CLARIFY MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT CIVIC EDUCATION; PRODUCTION OF TEACHING MATERIALS ON THE SUBJECT EITHER FOR DISTRIBUTION OR ON LOAN TO SCHOOLS; AND THE RECOGNITION OF THE DUTIES OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION CO-ORDINATORS IN SCHOOLS FOR PROMOTION PURPOSES. ।

------0-------

NEW BUS SERVICES FOR TSI NG YT NORTH AREA * » » » »

NEW BUS SERVICES FOR TSTNG Y1 ESTATE AND CHEUNG ON ESTATE IN TSTNG YI NORTH AREA WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE AREA, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

"A NEW BUS ROUTE NO. 4 1M, FROM TSING YI ESTAE TO TSUEN WAN MTR STATION, WILL BE INTRODUCED.

"ANOTHER NEW ROUTE NO. 4 3B WILL OPERATE FROM CHEUNG CHING ESTATE TO TSUEN WAN FERRY PIER VIA TSING TSUEN BRIDGE, LINKING UP CHEUNG HONG ESTATE, TSING YI ESTATE AND CHEUNG ON ESTATE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.

A NEW BUS ROUTE 41A FROM TSING YI ESTATE TO SHAM SHUI PO WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED FOLLOWING THE EXTENSION OF BUS ROUTE 44 BETWEEN TSING YI ESTATE AND MONG KOK KCR STATION TO CHEUNG ON ESTATE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.

AT THE SAME TIME HALF-EMPTY DESPATCHES OF ROUTE 44 BUSES WILL BE DEPLOYED TO MEET PASSENGER DEMAND FROM TSING YI ESTATE AND TSING YI GARDEN DURING PEAK HOURS.

UNDER THE BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, ROUTE 44M BETWEEN TSING YI ESTATE AND KWAI HING MTR STATION WAS EXTENDED TO CHEUNG ON ESTATE IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO SERVE THE STUDENTS STUDYING IN THE ESTATE AND TO MEET THE DEMAND ARISING FROM THE INTAKE OF PHASE I OF CHEUNG ON ESTATE.

/"PASSENGERS FROM........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1?88

’’PASSENGERS FROM TSING YI GARDEN SHOULD HAVE NO DIFFICULTIES IN BOARDING 44M BUSES BY USING THE BUS STOPS ON FUNG SHUE WO ROAD WHICH ARE WITHIN REASONABLE WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE TWO ESTATES."

REGARDING A SUGGESTION FOR PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES AT THE JUNCTION OF FUNG SHUE WO ROAD AND TSING YIP STREET, A TRAFFIC SURVEY WILL SOON BE CONDUCTED TO COLLECT MORE INFORMATION FOR EVALUATING THE POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES.

"IN THE LONGER TERM, A FOOTBRIDGE AT FUNG SHUE WO ROAD HAS BEEN PLANNED AT THE SECTION BETWEEN TSING SUM STREET AND TSING YU STREET. CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START BY THE END OF THIS YEAR."

AS FOR THE SUGGESTION TO INSTALL A ZEBRA CROSSING AT TSING LUK STREET WHICH SEPARATES TSING YI GARDEN AND TSING YI ESTATE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PRESENT VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE INSTALLATION OF A ZEBRA CROSSING THERE.

"HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT IS INVESTIGATING THE FEASIBILITY OF PROVIDING A REFUGE ISLAND TO ENHANCE PASSENGER CROSSING FACILITIES.

’’THERE IS ALSO A PLAN TO PROVIDE A FOOTBRIDGE OVER TSING LUK STREET LINKING UP TSING YI GARDEN WITH TSING YI ESTATE.

"THE BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT IN TSING YI NORTH AREA IS. BEING CLOSELY MONITORED AND IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

-----0------

CONTRACT ON NORTHWEST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY AWARDED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC NEEDS IN NORTHWEST KOWLOON IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS WILL BE IDENTIFIED IN A CONSULTANCY STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.

THE $950,000 CONTRACT FOR THE STUDY WAS SIGNED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR RICHARD SCURFIELD, AND THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MVA CONSULTANCY, MR FRED BROWN.

THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY WILL INVESTIGATE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN LAI CHI KOK, CHEUNG SHA WAN, TAI KOK TSUI AND PARTS OF MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI UP TO THE YEAR 1991.

THE CONSULTANTS WILL IDENTIFY PROBLEMS RELATING TO PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT, GOODS VEHICLE SERVICING AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ACCESS TN THESE AREAS. REMEDIAL MEASURES WILL BE PROPOSED TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR FLOW AS WELL AS ROAD SAFETY.

/the study.........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 21 -

THE STUDY HAS BEEN PROMPTED PARTLY BY THE OPENING OF STAGE III OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, AND THE NEED TO LOOK INTO THE REQUIREMENTS AND TIMING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE IV OF THE CORRIDOR.

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY WILL ALSO BE USED IN THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION TRANSPORT STUDY TO BE CONDUCTED IN APRIL THIS YEAR, WHICH WILL COVER PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AND MAJOR STRATEGIC OPTIONS UP TO THE YEAR 2001.

THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-1988.

--------o ---------

BY-CENSUS PUBLICATION ON SALE

*****

THE "HONG KONG 1986 BY-CENSUS: SOCIAL ATLAS", THE LATEST PUBLICATION IN THE SERIES OF BY-CENSUS REPORTS PREPARED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, IS NOW ON SALE AT $25 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE.

THE DEPARTMENT HAD PUBLISHED IN JULY LAST YEAR BY-CENSUS REPORTS ON THE 19 DISTRICT BOARD DISTRICTS GIVING COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE DEMOGRAPHIC, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION IN THESE AREAS.

THE SOCIAL ATLAS, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND PUBLISHED IN HONG KONG, CONTAINS 17 MAPS SHOWING THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SOME INTERESTING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION AT THE TERTIARY PLANNING UNIT LEVEL.

SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS COVERED BY THE REPORT INCLUDE POPULATION DENSITY, CHANGE IN TOTAL POPULATION, CHILDREN AGED FROM 0 TO 5, CHILDREN OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE, CHILDREN OF SECONDARY SCHOOL AGE, ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION, OLD-AGE POPULATION, PERSONS WITH TERTIARY EDUCATION, PUBLIC AND AIDED HOUSING, PRIVATE HOUSING, TEMPORARY HOUSING, OCCUPANCY OF LIVING QUARTERS, OWNER-OCCUPIED LIVING QUARTERS AND MEDIAN MONTHLY HOUSEHOLD INCOME.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY): "THE REPORT IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE QUICK VISUAL COMPARISONS OF THE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SELECTED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION."

"IT DOES NOT ATTEMPT TO GIVE DETAILED ANALYSIS AND INTERTPRETATION OF THE BY-CENSUS RESULTS WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED IN A MAIN REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED EARLY THIS YEAR."

- - 0 ----------

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

WAN CHAI DB MEMBERS VISIT EPD

» » »

WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS LEARNT MORE ABOUT POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN HONO KONO AND HOW THEY WERE BEING TACKLED BY THE GOVERNMENT DURING A VISIT TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).

ACCOMPANIED BY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALLAN CHOW, BOARD MEMBERS WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, WHO OUTLINED TO THEM THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

THE PARTY VISITED AN AIR LABORATORY WHERE THEY WERE SHOWN A TELEMETRY SYSTEM WHICH RELAYED AIR QUALITY MEASUREMENTS MADE AT FIELD STATIONS TO A COMPUTERISED CONTROL CENTRE IN THE DEPARTMENT VIA TELEPHONE LINES.

THEY WERE THEN BRIEFED BY THE WASTE CONTROL GROUP ON WATER POLLUTION CAUSED BY INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DISCHARGES.

BEFORE CONCLUDING THEIR VISIT, BOARD MEMBERS HELD A DISCUSSION WITH OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT ON THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN WAN CHAI.

------o -------

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES CLEARED IN TO KWA WAN » » * »

AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLEARANCE OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT IN TO KWA WAN THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING TO REMOVE 37 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND NINE OVERSIZED CANOPIES IN THE REAR LANES.

THE STRUCTURES AND CANOPIES WERE FOUND IN FOUR REAR LANES BOUNDED BY MOK CHEONG STREET, PAU CHUNG STREET, PAK TAI STREET, SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD.

OF THE CLEARED STRUCTURES, 10 WERE FOR DOMESTIC, 11 FOR COMMERCIAL AND 13 FOR STORAGE PURPOSES. THE REMAINING THREE WERE DESERTED.

SEVEN FAMILIES COMPRISING 16 PEOPLE WERE AFFECTED IN THE OPERATION.

TODAY’S OPERATION WAS CO-ORDINATED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THF. POLICE.

- - - - 0-------------

/23........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 23 -

YAU MA TEI TO PUBLICISE ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGE

*****

MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE (YMTDFCC) TODAY {TUESDAY) APPEALED TO BUSINESS OPERATORS TO STAND FIRM AGAINST TRIAD INTIMIDATION.

TO HELP SPREAD THE MESSAGE, 5,000 EACH PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AND LETTERS WERE PRINTED BY THE COMMITTEE FOR DISTRIBUTION TO COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT.

"THE LETTER APPEALS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO REPORT TO THE POLICE AS SOON AS THEY ARE BLACKMAILED BY TRIADS; WHILE THE LEAFLET PUBLICISES A SIMILAR MESSAGE WITH A SLOGAN OF 'TOLERANCE BREEDS VICE, REPORT TO POLICE WITHOUT DELAY'," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.

THE YMTDFCC USES THE MESSAGE TO SUPPORT THE ANTI-TRIAD THEME PROMOTED THIS YEAR BY THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, HE SAID.

THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO PRINTED 20,000 COPIES OF CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY COPYBOOKS ON FIGHT CRIME SLOGANS FOR STUDENTS AS PART OF THE PUBLICITY EFFORT TO COMBAT CRIME.

THE SLOGANS ARE WINNING ENTRIES OF A COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE LAST YEAR.

--------o ---------

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS

* » «

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (WENDESDAY) TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR HOLDING SOCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES FROM APRIL TO JUNE THIS YEAR.

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO STUDY A PROGRESS REPORT ON DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORED SOCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES HELD TN YUEN LONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF YUEN BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.

LONG DISTRICT AT 3 PM IN THE KIU GOVERNMENT

- 0-----------

/24........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 24 -

LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE TO MEET

*****

A PROPOSAL TO SET UP DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS IN PRIVATE FARMS IN RELATION TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONTROL SCHEME WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE NEXT LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14).

THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO EXPLAIN THE PROPOSAL AND TO COLLECT MEMBERS’ VIEWS.

THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE DRAFT CODE OF PRACTICE AND OTHER LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT METHODS PROPOSED BY UNOFFICIAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.

CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE, MR LEO KWAN, WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW AFTER THE MEETING.

--------o ----------

LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE ON COMMITTEE AGENDA * * ♦ * »

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14).

THE ACTING SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MISS MABEL MAK, WILL BRIEF THE COMMITTEE ON THE SERVICE.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS OF THE 1987 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN.

/OTHER ITEMS .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 25 -

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE PROGRESS REPORT OF THE TAI PO ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL WORKING GROUP AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) AT 10 AM IN THE DB SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD.

-----0------

DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LUNAR NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES t » » t *

THE RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) TO DISCUSS THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS FOR RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES UNDER THE 1987 TAI PO NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

REPORTS ON THE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES PLANNED TO BE HELD BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION, SPORTS AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) IN THE DB SECRETARIAT CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.

--------o ----------

TUESDAY. JANUARY 12, 1988

- 26 -

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER RECREATIONAL FACILITIES

» ♦ * * »

THE RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF PROJECTS TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14).

THE PROJECTS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPORTS COMPLEX AND A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IN SHEK WU HUI AND AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE IN FANLING SOUTH.

WORK ON THE PROJECTS ARE DUE TO COMMENCE WITHIN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE USAGE PATTERN OF MAJOR RECREATIONAL VENUES IN THE DISTRICT; THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY; AND A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.

--------0----------

TRAFFIC COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS BUS SERVICE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE FINDINGS OF A SURVEY ON THE PROPOSED BUS SERVICE AT KORNHILL GARDENS WILL BE RELEASED AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) AFTERNOON.

THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY A SPECIAL WORKING GROUP SET UP IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR TO COLLECT RESIDENTS' OPINIONS ON THE PROPOSED BUS SERVICE AT KORNHILL GARDENS DURING PEAK HOURS.

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO RECONSTRUCT KING'S ROAD WHICH WAS BUILT BEFORE THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

/IMPROVEMENT works .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL INCLUDE REVISION OF JUNCTION LAYOUT WITH TRAM TRACK REALIGNMENT, DUPLICATION AND ENLARGEMENT OF OVERLOADED DRAINS, WIDENING OF PAVEMENTS, INSTALLATION OF CENTRAL BARRIER TO DETER JAY-WALKING AND PLANTING TREES AND PLACING PLANTERS ALONG THE ROAD.

THE PROPOSED RECONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN EARLY 1989 AND WILL TAKE THREE YEARS TO COMPLETE.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE SAFETY PROBLEM OF THE "DEADLY STEEP SLOPE" AT CHAI WAN ROAD AND THE CONGESTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS CAUSED BY MINIBUSES STOPPING AT TAI TAK STREET.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETINT AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING'S ROAD.

- 0 -

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS COVERED FOOTBRIDGES

* » » » »

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO BUILD COVERS FOR TWO FOOTBRIDGES LEADING FROM YAU 01 ESTATE TO SIU ON COURT AND TING TAK HOUSE.

THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS IN RESPECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND THE PROGRESS REPORT OF LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.

- 0 -

/28

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 28 -

DB TO BE BRIEFED ON KOWLOON WALLED CITY CLEARANCE

* * * *

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF THE CLEARANCE OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY AT ITS MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) AFTERNOON.

THE ACTING DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION (SPECIAL DUTIES), MR ANGUS MIU, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SUBJECT.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AN APPEAL TO PROMOTE CHINESE LANGUAGE EDUCATION AND CARE AND ATTENTION FOR THE DISABLED.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.45 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.

--------o----------

FIRST ’JOB BAZAAR’ OPENS AT SHA TIN * * * *

THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A THREE-DAY ’JOB BAZAAR’ AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

IT IS AIMED AT ASSISTING EMPLOYERS TO PUBLICISE THEIR JOB OPPORTUNITIES THEREBY REDUCING THE TIME TAKEN TO FILL VACANT POSTS AND ATTRACTING MORE JOB-SEEKERS TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT.

ALTOGETHER 16 FIRMS REPRESENTING 13 TRADES AND INDUSTRIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE EVENT.

THEY WILL PROVIDE JOB-SEEKERS WITH AN ARRAY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION. SOME WILL ALSO CONDUCT RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES ON THE SPOT.

THE EVENT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FRIDAY (JANUARY 15).

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE 'JOB BAZAAR’ AT THE FOOTBRIDGE GALLERY, LEVEL 3, NEW TOWN PLAZA, AT 3 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - 0-----------

/2?........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12», 1988

- 29 -

OPEN DAY OF SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION » « * t *

THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL HOLD ITS OPEN DAY AT ITS MAIN CAMPUS AT CALDECOTT ROAD, PIPER’S HILL, KOWLOON, BETWEEN THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) AND SATURDAY (JANUARY 16).

THE OPEN DAY IS AIMED AT GIVING SCHOOL HEADS, TEACHERS AND THOSE WHO WANT TO CHOOSE TEACHING AS THEIR CAREER FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON HOW TEACHERS ARE TRAINED.

THERE WILL BE LECTURES AND EXHIBITIONS ILLUSTRATING LIFE IN THE COLLEGE AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF STUDENT TEACHERS.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR DAVID LAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OPEN DAY ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) AFTERNOON. k

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE OPEN DAY OF THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 14) AT 2.30 PM.

TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES. A COACH WILL LEAVE MIDDLE ROAD, AT THE JUNCTION OF HANKOW ROAD, NEAR THE YMCA BUILDING IN TSIM SHA TSUI AT 1.45 PM. INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

--------o ----------

YOUNG MUSICIAN TO RECEIVE OVERSEAS TRAINING

* » *

A TALENTED YOUNG STRING PLAYER FROM HONG KONG WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE INTENSIVE TRAINING IN SYMPHONIC MUSIC AT THE 1988 NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD IN INTERLOCHEN, MICHIGAN, USA, FROM JUNE 26 TO AUGUST 22.

THE NATIONAL MUSIC CAMP, NOW IN ITS 6JST SEASON, IS HELD ANNUALLY TO PROMOTE WORLD FRIENDSHIP THROUGH MUSIC.

IT SELECTS TALENTED YOUNG MUSICIANS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 18 FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD FOR EIGHT WEEKS OF INTENSIVE TRAINING.

/THE SUCCESSFUL........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE FROM HONG KONG WILL PERFORM IN THE CAMP’S WORLD YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA. TRAINING WILL INCLUDE MASTERCLASSES, WORKSHOPS, REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES WITH SOME OF THE WORLD’S GREATEST MUSICIANS.

OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS CAMP FIRES, CANOEING, SAILING AND SWIMMING WILL ALSO BE ARRANGED.

YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM HONG KONG TOOK PART IN THE CAMP IN 1982, 1983, 1984 AND 1986. THEY ALL AGREED THAT THEY HAD BENEFITTED A LOT FROM THE CAMP.

THE MUSIC OFFICE IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM INTERESTED MUSICIANS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18, WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR NOT LESS THAN THREE YEARS, HAVE A REASONABLE COMMAND OF ENGLISH, AND HAVE ATTAINED GRADE VIII (PRACTICAL) IN THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC EXAMINATION OR EQUIVALENT.

PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WITH ORCHESTRAL EXPERIENCE AND SELECTION WILL BE MADE BY OPEN AUDITION TN LATE FEBRyARY.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A FREE ROtlND TRIP PASSAGE AND THE FEES FOR THE MUSIC CAMP WILL BE MET BY THE CAMP ORGANISERS.

HE WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR HIS PERSONAL INSURANCE AND THAT FOR HIS MUSICAL INSTRUMENT, AND TO PLACE A SUM OF US$225 IN A PERSONAL ACCOUNT WITH THE CAMP TO MEET MINOR PERSONAL EXPENSES.

APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED AND RETURNED TO THE MONG KOK MUSIC CENTRE, FIRST FLOOR, CAMBRIDGE COURT, 84 WATERLOO ROAD BY JANUARY 29.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 3-7149255.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 1988

- 31 -

TENDERS INVITED FOR REFUSE COLLECTION POINT

* » ♦ » »

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT MARKET STREET IN YAU MA TEI.

MEASURING ABOUT 400 SQUARE METRES IN AREA, THE THREE-STOREY STRUCTURE WILL ALSO ACCOMMODATE TOILETS, OFFICES AND A STOREROOM.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 29.

--------0-----------

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS

» ♦ » » *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 16).

A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING.

THEY ARE:

DR8138 CM2737 DR4428 DR290

DS368 DR2832 BL6848 HK899

DR1369 DR172 DR2278 DR635

DL10 DS2228 DS1388 DR6611

DR821 DS789 DR928 AA886

DR621 DP27 DS318 DS3338

DR6188 DR809 DR2223 DR1

DS 1800 AK2919 DR383 5232

AD2223 CM1212 DR908 DS1

AE4884 DR3680 DR9929 DS2623

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.

THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 120TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.

--------0 ---------

/32 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12,

1988

- 32 -

BUS LANE AND URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION

» » »

A BUS-ONLY LANE IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TEMPORARILY LIFTED WHILE A NEW ROAD IN TSUEN WAN WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15).

IN YAU MA TEI, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 11 PM DAILY BUS-ONLY LANE ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PUBLIC SQUARE STREET BETWEEN RECLAMATION STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE LIFTED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.

ALL VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THIS ROAD SECTION.

IN TSUEN WAN, THE UNNAMED NEW ROAD OVER CHUNG HANG NULLAH BETWEEN THE ROUNDABOUT UNDERNEATH TSUEN WAN ROAD AT CHAI WAN KOK AND SHA TSUI ROAD WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.

NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

------0-------

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN KWUN TONG

*****

WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, KUNG LOK ROAD IN KWUN TONG FROM ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH HONG NING ROAD TO ITS JUNCTION WITH TUNG MING STREET IS CONVERTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.

THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTHS TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF HONG NING ROAD.

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO ENTER KUNG LOK ROAD VIA ITS NORTHERN JUNCTION WITH HONG NING ROAD.

-----0------

TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE IN CENTRAL

* * «

THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WELLINGTON STREET IN CENTRAL BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15).

THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FOR DRAINAGE WORKS.

NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

........ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1J, 1988

• *......... “ ’' " CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE'COUNCIL MEETING :

NO PROMISE OF STAY FOR II MOTHERS .................. 1

INCREASING CONTRIBUTION BY LOTTERIES FUND TO SOCIAL welfare- ........................... 3

HUI REITERATES'10 PER CENT'CUT FOR LOTTERIES FUND .. 4

SPEEDY ICAC INVESTIGATIONS A GENERAL POLICY ........ 5

204 ARTICLES CLASSIFIED OBSCENE OR INDECENT BY TRIBUNAL 5

MARINE FISH BILL METES OUT BIGGER FINE.............. 6

MOTION FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS PASSED ................ 7

PLANS TO IMPROVE FUTURES GUARANTEE ARRANGEMENTS .... 7

«••••• ...............

LOAN FACILITIES FOR POLICE OFFICERS ................ 8

• • - . .

WELFARE SERVICES FOR CHINA IMMIGRANTS .............. 9

PROBLEMS OF HCME C«RE FOR ELDERLY TAKEN CARE OF..... 10

PUBLIC SAFETY ENSURED IN ROaD EXCAVATION WORKS....... 11

NEW BOO UNIT REMOVES DANGEROUS SIGNS ............... 11

ADVISORY SERVICE FOR OVERSEAS STUDY ................ 12

RESPONSE TO GUIDELINES FAVOURABLE .................. 13

/EFFORTS TO .....

EFFORTS TO INFORM PUBLIC OF TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS ............ 14

TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 ............................ 15

; • ■

TWO BILLS PASSED ......................................... 15

LOAN APPROVED TO REDEVELOP 'SIX STREETS' .................... 16

IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS MEET 'II MOTHERS' REPRESENTATIVES ... 17

APPOINTMENTS TO LDC ANNOUNCED ................................ 18

BAZAAR OPENS UP JOB OPPORTUNITIES ............................ 19

MORE TRADE MARKS kND PATENTS REGISTERED IN 1987............... 20

M •

WORKING GROUP ON CONTaINER VEHICLE PARKING SET UP ............ 21

44. r . 4 4

GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS .................... 21

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SIGNBOARDS AND LITTERING . 22

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WAYS TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO JOIN WORK force;..;.................................................... 23

SPECIAL’TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR WALK FOR MILLIONS .......... 24

TEMPORARY’TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN ............... 25

URB/iN CLEARWAY IN WONG CHUK EkNG ESTATE...................... 25

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

NO PROMISE OF STAY FOR I 1 MOTHERS » ♦ » I t

THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NEVER GIVEN ANY INDICATION TO THE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS THAT THEY WOULD EVENTUALLY BE ALLOWED TO STAY IN HONG KONG.

AS ADULT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO HAD GIVEN BIRTH TO CHILDREN WHILE IN HONG KONG, THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES WERE NO DIFFERENT FROM MANY THE GOVERNMENT HAD REPATRIATED, HE SAID.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RICHARD LAI, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT TO ALLOW THESE WOMEN TO STAY WOULD BE GROSSLY UNFAIR TO THOSE WHO HAD BEEN REPATRIATED OVER THE YEARS.

MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT IN OCTOBER 1980, BECAUSE OF THE VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE COMING INTO HONG KONG ILLEGALLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO ADOPT A POLICY OF RETURNING ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS UNLESS THERE WERE POWERFUL HUMANITARIAN REASONS FOR DOING OTHERWISE IN INDIVIDUAL CASES

"WE WERE PARTICULARLY SYMPATHETIC ON HUMANITARIAN TERMS WHEN CONSIDERING WHETHER TO ALLOW CHILDREN WHO HAD COME TO HONG KONG ILLEGALLY TO JOIN THEIR MOTHERS HERE, WHETHER TO ALLOW THEM TO STAY, HE SAID.

BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS PRACTICE BECAME MORE AND MORE EXPLOITED BY THE SO-CALLED SNAKEHEADS, WITH INCREASINGLY LARGE NUMBERS OF CHILDREN BEING SMUGGLED IN ILLEGALLY.

"SO TO PUT A STOP TO THIS ILLEGAL AND DANGEROUS ACTIVITY, ON 27 APRIL 1987 THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED ITS DECISION TO TIGHTEN THE HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS UNDER WHICH SOME ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHILDREN WERF BEING ALLOWED TO STAY.

"BUT WE GAVE PARENTS AND ('LOSE RELATIVES 24 HOURS IN WHICH TO BRING CH ILDREN UNDER 14 WHO HAD ALREADY ARRIVED ILLEGALLY AND JOINED THEIR PARENTS HERE TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR REGISTRATION, HE SAID.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE AUTHORITIES IN CHINA ISSUE ONE-WAY PERMITS TO THESE CHILDREN AFTER

CHILDREN’S CTRCUMSTANCES.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF AIMED AT CHILDREN UNDER 14 BORN IN CHINA AND AFTER THEIR PARENTS HAD COME TO HONG KONG FOR

APRIL 27 WAS CLEARLY SMUGGLED IN ILLEGALLY SETTLEMENT.

HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS THE DEPARTMENT AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID.

HAD AGREED TO

VERIFYING THE

SURRENDERED TO

/OTHER ILLEGAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1J, 1988

OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS WERE FOUND DURING THE COURSE OF INVESTIGATION INTO THE BACKGROUND OF THE CHILDREN BROUGHT IN FOR REGISTRATION.

"VERY MUCH AS WE SYMPATHISE WITH THESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS, AGAINST THE BACKGROUND 1 HAVE DESCRIBED THEY MUST BE REPATRIATED AND RETURN TO HONG KONG, LIKE MANY IN SIMILAR CIRCUMSTANCES, LEGALLY UNDER THE-ONE WAY PERMIT SCHEME.

"BUT WE DECIDED, ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS, NOT TO DETAIN OR TO REPATRIATE THEM UNTIL THEIR CHILDREN, SOME OF WHOM HAVE BEEN BORN OUT OF WEDLOCK, WERE ALL GIVEN THE RIGHT TO STAY IN HONG KONG.

"THE II MOTHERS WERE RELEASED ON RECOGNIZANCE AND ASKED TO REPORT REGULARLY TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN ORDER TO MAKE THE REPATRIATION LESS PAINFUL, THE II MOTHERS MIGHT RETURN TO CHINA WITH THEIR CHILDREN, WHO COULD RETURN TO HONG KONG AT ANY TIME, IF THEY SO WISHED.

"AS FOR THE II MOTHERS THE SOONER THEY RETURN TO CHINA, THE SOONER THEY CAN APPLY FOR ONE-WAY EXIT PERMITS TO COME TO HONG KONG LEGALLY TO UNITE WITH THEIR FAMILIES AND OF COURSE WITH THEIR CHILDREN ALREADY HERE," HE SAID.

"WE HAVE NO REASON TO SUPPOSE THAT THEY WILL EXPERIENCE ANY PARTICULAR DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING ONE-WAY EXIT PERMITS," HE ADDED.

REPLYING TO THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEF.N ’ S QUERY ON THE LENGTH OF TIME REQUIRED TO OBTAIN A ONE-WAY EXIT PERMIT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT ACCORDING TO INFORMATION FROM PEOPLE WHO CAME TO HONG KONG ON THESE PERMITS, SOME GOT THEM IN LESS THAN ONE YEAR, OTHERS IN TWO YEARS, AND MOST OF THEM WITHIN THREE.

HE SAID THIS WAS NOT UNREASONABLE, GIVEN THAT HONG KONG WAS ALLOWING IN AS MANY AS 27,000 LEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA EVERY YEAR, AND GIVEN THAT THERE WAS A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE STILL IN CHINA WAITING TO JOIN THEIR RELATIVES IN HONG KONG.

ON THE HON DESMOND LEE’S SUGGESTION THAT THE GOVERNMENT MAKE CONTACT WITH CHINA FOR SPECIAL CONSIDERATION FOR THESE II MOTHERS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THESE PEOPLE WERE IN FACT QUEUE-JUMP I NG WHILE THEY OUGHT TO BE WAITING IN THE QUEUE IN CHINA IN ORDER TO GET ONE-WAY PERMITS.

IN REPLY TO THE HON MARTIN LEE’S QUESTION WHY THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT GRANT SPECIAL PERMISSION TO THESE MOTHERS TO STAY IN HONG KONG PURELY ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS AND STRICTLY ON A ONE-OFF BASIS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THERE WAS NO VIABLE REASON TO TREAT THEM ANY BETTER THAN ANY OTHER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS WHOM THE GOVERNMENT HAD SENT BACK TO CHINA.

HE ADDED THAT SOME OF THOSE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS WHO SURFACED AS A RESULT OF THE APRIL 27 EXERCISE HAD ALREADY RETURNED TO CHINA VOLUNTARILY.

------0-------- /J.................

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

INCREASING CONTRIBUTION BY LOTTERIES FUND TO SOCIAL WELFARE

* * » * *

THERE IS AN IMPRESSIVELY INCREASING CONTRIBUTION BY THE LOTTERIES FUND TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE SECTOR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, SIR DAVID SAID NO SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS HAD BEEN DELAYED THROUGH THE LACK OF CAPITAL FUNDING.

HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON HUI YIN-FAT’S CLAIM THAT THE FUND WAS NOT CONTRIBUTING ENOUGH TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE SECTOR.

SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN THE FISCAL YEAR 1986/87, THE LOTTERIES FUND HAD SPENT SOME $69 MILLION AND COMMITTED TO EXPENDITURE $123 MILLION FOR LARGELY CAPITAL PROJECTS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE SECTOR.

HE SAID THE CORRESPONDING ESTIMATES FOR 1987/88 WERE $90 MILLION FOR EXPENDITURE AND $142 MILLION ON COMMITMENTS, AND FOR 1988/89 $105 MILLION FOR EXPENDITURE AND $170 MILLION ON COMMITMENTS.

ON MR HUI’S SUGGESTION THAT THE FUND SHOULD FINANCE MORE RECURRENT COSTS, SIR DAVID SAID THE ISSUE HAD BEEN DEALT WITH BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE IN THE 1987 BUDGET DEBATE.

SIR DAVID QUOTED THE SECRETARY AS SAYING AT THAT TIME THAT THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, WHEREBY GRANTS WERE MAINLY RESTRICTED TO CAPITAL PROJECTS, HAD BEEN APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE SECREATARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE HAI) ALSO CONFIRMED THAT CONSIDERATION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO FINANCING FROM THE FUND MORE RECURRENT COSTS BUT THIS WAS FELT TO BE INAPPROPRIATE SINCE ADDITIONAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE ALMOST INVARIABLY INVOLVED A PERMANENT COMMITMENT, SIR DAVID SAID.

’’BUT THE SECRETARY HAS UNDERTAKEN TO MONITOR CAREFULLY THE FINANCES OF THE LOTTERIES FUND TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE MAINTAINED AT A LEVEL ADEQUATE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE TN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD."

AS TO THE SUGGESTION THAT THE JOCKEY CLUB ABSORB THE OPERATING COSTS OF THE LOTTERIES, SIR DAVID SAID THIS WOULD NOT BE FAIR TO THE CLUB.

"THE LOTTERIES BOARD

THE CLUB TO ENSURE THAT THE

WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR. THE ACCOUNTS OF COSTS INCURRED ARE REASONABLE," HE SAID.

IN CONCLUDING, SIR DAVID SAID THE BILL WOULD INTRODUCE A WELCOME DEGREE OF STABILITY INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND AND SHOULD PROVIDE THE LATTER WITH A MUCH HIGHER LEVEL OF INCOME.

O -

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- U -

HUI REITERATES 10 PER CENT CUT FOR LOTTERIES FUND ♦ * ♦ ♦ »

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR THE HON HUI YIN-FAT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REITERATED HIS CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE TO 10 PER CENT THE LOTTERIES FUND ALLOCATION FROM THE TOTAL PROCEEDS OF THE MARK SIX LOTTERIES.

SUPPORTING THE BETTING DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, WHICH SERVES TO GUARANTEE A MORE STABLE INCOME FOR THE LOTTERIES FUND - THE ONLY MAJOR FUNDING SOURCE FOR CAPITAL SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS, MR HUI SAID FIVE PER CENT OF THE ALLOCATION COULD BE EARMARKED FOR CAPITAL GRANTS AND THE OTHER FIVE COULD BE PUT ASIDE AS A REVOLVING FUND DESIGNATED FOR UPGRADING THE QUALITY OF WELFARE SERVICES.

MR HUI NOTED THAT SINCE 1975, 60 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL PROCEEDS FROM THE LOTTERIES HAD BEEN ALLOCATED FOR PRIZE MONEY, ALBEIT A DOWNWARD REVISION TN 1985 TO 59 PER CENT, WHILE ANOTHER LARGESSE WAS TAKEN UP BY BETTING DUTY, WHICH HAD RISEN 'FROM 25 PER CENT TN 1975 TO 30 PER CENT IN 1985.

"OF THE REMAINING 11 PER CENT, ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS OPERATING COSTS FOR LOTTERIES AND HORSE BETTING PAID TO HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB IS NOW FIXED AT 7.5 PER CENT OF THE PROCEEDS, LEAVING A SMALL FRACTION OF 3.5 PER CENT TO THE

COMBINING

THE ROYAL LOTTERIES

LOTTERIES

FUND.

"INDEED, WHAT SEEMS TO BE A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE IN SHARE FOR THE FUND, ESTIMATED AT AN ADDITIONAL $27 MILLION FOR 86/87, IS BUT A TINY CRUMB LEFT OVER FROM THE LOTTERIES CAKE CONSUMED GENEROUSLY BY THE OTHER PARTIES," MR HUI SAID.

DRAWING MEMBERS’ ATTENTION TO THE CAPITAL GRANT GIVEN TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, MR HUI POINTED OUT THAI THE $150 MILLION WAS THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT OF THE NET PROCEEDS FROM THE LOTTERIES PAID ANNUALLY INTO THE LOTTERIES FUND, WHICH AVERAGED LESS THAN $50 MILLION AND COVERED MORE THAN 80 SOCIAL WELFARE CAPITAL PROJECTS.

"OBVIOUSLY, SOCIAL WELFARE HAS BEEN DENIED THE SAME KIND OF MAGNANIMITY SHOWN TO RECREATION, ALTHOUGH BOTH SOI’I AL SERVICES ARE DESIGNED TO PROMOTE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL WELL-BEING OF OUR SOCIETY," MR HUI SAID.

EXPRESSING I) ISSATISFACTI ON WITH THE UNFAIR DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS, MR HUI SAID THE INCREASE IN BETTING DUTIES, CLAIMED TO BE NECESSARY FOR FISCAL REASONS, HAD RESUL TEI) IN A REDUCTION IN I HE SHARE FOR THE LOTTERIES FUND FROM 5.75 PER (ENT IN 1983 TO 1.5 PER CENT IN 1985.

ACCORDING TO MR HUI, ADJUSTMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE BILL, AIMED BASICALLY AT A REDUCTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, COULD BE FURTHER TRIMMED DOWN SIMPLY BY ELICITING THE LOTTERIES OPERATING COST FROM THE JOCKEY CLUB’S COMPUTERISED FACILITIES.

HE URGED, THEREFORE, THAT THE GOVERNMENT SERIOUSLY CONSIDER WHETHER OR NOT THE 10 PER (’ENI' ALLOCATION WAS A LEGITIMATE, REASONABLE (’LA IM ON THE MARK SIX LOTTERIES HELI) IN THE NAME OF THE LOTTERIES FUND. z-

------o ------- /5....................

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 5 -

SPEEDY ICAC INVESTIGATIONS A GENERAL POLICY « * *

THE GENERAL POLICY OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION IS THAT ALL INVESTIGATIONS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT SPEEDILY AND THAT EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO COMPLETE THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SIR DAVID SAID THIS IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, WHO ASKED IF LEGCO WOULD BE INFORMED AS TO WHETHER EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO CONCLUDE INVESTIGATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE FOLLOWING THE RECENT ARREST OF SEVERAL OFFICIALS OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG, IN ORDER TO KEEP TO A MINIMUM UNNECESSARY SPECULATION WHICH MIGHT BE DETRIMENTAL TO HONG KONG’S IMAGE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

SIR DAVID SAID: "THE MANNER IN WHICH INVESTIGATIONS BY THE ICAC ARE CONDUCTED IS AN OPERATIONAL MATTER FOR THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION."

IT WAS THE COMMISSIONER’S GENERAL POLICY THAT ALL INVESTIGATIONS SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT AND COMPLETED SPEEDILY.

REFERRING TO THE STOCK EXCHANGE CASE, SIR DAVID SAID: "THIS CASE WILL BE NO EXCEPTION."

-------0---------

204 ARTICLES CLASSIFIED OBSCENE OR INDECENT BY TRIBUNAL

* » » » «

AMONG THE 214 ARTICLES SUBMITTED TO THE OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES TRIBUNAL FOR CLASSIFICATION BETWEEN LAST SEPTEMBER AND JANUARY 7 THIS YEAR, 81 WERE CLASSIFIED AS OBSCENE AND 123 AS INDECENT.

THE REST WERE CONSIDERED NEITHER OBSCENE NOR INDECENT.

THESE FIGURES WERE RELEASED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER C. WONG, SIR DAVID SAID PUBLIC REACTION TO THE WORKING OF THE CONTROL OF OBSCENE AND INDECENT ARTICLES ORDINANCE, IN THE FORM OF MEDIA COMMENTS AND REPRESENTATIONS BY THE TRADE AND THE PUBLIC, WAS MONITORED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING.

HE ADDED THAT THESE COMMENTS HAD BEEN PASSED ON TO THE REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT.

-------o -------- , /6........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

MARINE FISH BILL METES OUT BIGGER FINE » t t * t

THE PURPOSE OF THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM FINE THAT MAY BE PRESCRIBED FOR OFFENCES AGAINST THE ORDINANCE, THE REGULATIONS AND THE BY-LAWS OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANIZATION, AND TO REMOVE THE OFFENCE OF BUYING FISH WHOLESALE OTHER THAN AT A WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.

SPEAKING ON THE BILL DURING ITS SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) ORDINANCE WAS INTENDED MAINLY TO PROMOTE THE ORDERLY LANDING AND WHOLESALE MARKETING OF MARINE FISH.

"TO THIS END, THE ORDINANCE PROHIBITS THE WHOLESALE OF MARINE FISH OTHER THAN AT A MARKET, AND THE LANDING OF MARINE FISH OTHER THAN AT A PLACE SPECIFIED IN THE REGULATIONS UNLESS A PERMIT TO DO SO HAS BEEN OBTAINED," HE ADDED.

MR JACOBS NOTED THAT THE ILLEGAL WHOLESALE OF MARINE FISH WAS ON THE INCREASE AND CRIMINAL ELEMENTS WERE SUSPECTED TO BE INVOLVED.

"FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES IN LINE WITH PENALTIES FOR OTHER COMPARABLE OFFENCES," HE SAID.

IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE MAXIMUM FINE BE INCREASED FROM $500 TO $5,000 IN RESPECT OF RESISTING ARREST, OR OBSTRUCTING ANY SEARCH, SEIZURE, DETENTION OR ARREST, AND FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE BY-LAWS OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANIZATION, AND FROM $1,000 TO $10,000 IN RESPECT OF THE ILLEGAL LANDING AND WHOLESALE OF MARINE FISH AND FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE REGULATIONS.

HOWEVER, THE MAXIMUM TERM OF IMPRISONMENT OF SIX MONTHS PROVIDED FOR IN THE ORDINANCE REMAINS THE SAME.

THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) ORDINANCE BY PROVIDING THAT THOSE WHO PURCHASE FISH AT AN ILLEGAL MARKET WILL NO LONGER BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE.

IT ALSO EXPANDS THE DEFINITION OF "SELL", SO AS TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO OFFER OR EXPOSE FOR WHOLESALE OR POSSESS FOR THE PURPOSE OF WHOLESALE MARINE FISH, IF THE TRANSACTION TAKES PLACE OTHER THAN AT A WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.

"THESE AMENDMENTS SHOULD ENABLE THE POLICE TO MOUNT MORE EFFECTIVE OPERATIONS AGAINST THOSE ACTUALLY INVOLVED IN THE ILLEGAL SALE OR ANY ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES."

MR JACOBS SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE MAJOR FISHERMEN'S ORGANISATIONS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- O -

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 7 -

MOTION FOR TRANSFER OF FUNDS PASSED * ♦ t *

A MOTION TO AMEND THE RESOLUTION FOR THE SETTING UP OF THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE MOTION ON THE PUBLIC FINANCE ORDINANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, PROPOSED THAT FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR CERTAIN MAJOR CAPITAL ACCOUNT ITEMS CURRENTLY BEING FUNDED FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT BE TRANSFERRED TO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND ACCOUNT.

OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD IMPLEMENT AN IMPROVED SYSTEM OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TO FACILITATE THE ONGOING PROCESS OF DETERMINING PRIORITIES IN RECURRENT AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WITHIN OVERALL FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS, HE SAID.

"AN ESSENTIAL FEATURE OF THIS SYSTEM IS THE BLOCK ALLOCATION OF FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO INDIVIDUAL POLICY AREAS SO THAT RELATIVE PRIORITIES MAY BE DETERMINED WITHIN EACH SECTOR," HE SAID.

"TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SYSTEM, IT IS NECESSARY THAT A CLEAR DISTINCTION BE MADE BETWEEN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE," HE ADDED.

ON THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROPOSED TRANSFER OF CERTAIN ITEMS FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT TO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND ACCOUNT, MR JACOBS DESCRIBED THEM AS ’NEUTRAL’.

WHILE THE CHANGE WOULD INCREASE ANNUAL EXPENDITURE UNDER THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND BY ABOUT 10 PER CENT, THIS WOULD BE OFFSET BY A CORRESPONDING REDUCTION IN THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE, HE SAID.

-------0---------

PLANS TO IMPROVE FUTURES GUARANTEE ARRANGEMENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

PLANS WERE BEING DRAWN UP TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING GUARANTEE ARRANGEMENTS OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES GUARANTEE CORPORATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR JACOBS WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG PO-YAN, WHO HAD ASKED WHETHER THE PAID-UP CAPITAL OF THE CORPORATION WOULD BE INCREASED AFTER IT FAILED TO HONOUR ITS OBLIGATIONS DURING LAST OCTOBER’S CRISTS IN THE FUTURES MARKET.

/HE SAID .......

[This page is blank in the original document]

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

WELFARE SERVICES FOR CHINA IMMIGRANTS ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA CAN MAKE USE OF THE COMPREHENSIVE NETWORK OF WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE QUESTION BY THE HON ROSANNA TAM, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT'S BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVE TOWARDS INTEGRATING NEW IMMIGRANTS INTO THE HONG KONG COMMUNITY WAS TO PROVIDE THEM WITH AN AWARENESS OF LOCAL SOCIAL CONDITIONS AND TO CREATE A GENERALLY SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT, SO AS TO DISPEL ANY SENSE OF ALIENATION.

“TO HELP THEM OVERCOME ADJUSTMENT DIFFICULTIES ARISING FROM FACTORS SUCH AS LOW ACADEMIC STANDARDS, LACK OF SKILLS, AND LANGUAGE PROBLEMS, SOCIAL WORKERS IN WELFARE CENTRES ALSO ORGANISE GROUP PROGRAMMES AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.

“IN PARTICULAR, SUCH PROGRAMMES ARE PROVIDED IN DISTRICTS WITH HIGHER THAN AVERAGE CONCENTRATIONS OF NEW IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA,” MR CHAMBERS SAID.

MR CHAMBERS ADDED THAT SOCIAL SERVICES WERE OFFERED TO ALL AND MO DISTINCTION WAS MADE BETWEEN NEW IMMIGRANTS AND LONGER-TERM RES I DENTS.

“APART FROM THE FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES AND GROUP WORK UNITS OF Illi SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, SUBVENTIONS ON A 100 PER CENT SUPPORT BASIS ARE GRANTED TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE 26 FAMILY SERVICE CENTRES TO HELP RESIDENTS AND NEW IMMIGRANTS ALIKE.

“THERE ARE ALSO 13 SUBVENTED COMMUNITY CENTRES WHICH PROVIDE SIMILAR SERVICES," HE SAID.

AS REGARDS SUBVENTED SERVICES SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED AT CHINESE IMMIGRANTS, MR CHAMBERS SAID INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL SERVICE (ISS) OFFERED MIGRATION COUNSELLING, AND PROVIDED BRIEFINGS AND FILM SHOWS DESIGNED TO HELP IMMIGRANTS UNDERSTAND COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND THE SOCIAL SERVICES AVAILABLE HERE.

“IT ALSO ORGANISES CANTONESE AND ENGLISH CLASSES AND ORIENTATION TUTORIAL GROUPS FOR CHILDREN OF THESE FAMILIES.

“THE ISS TRAVELLERS' AID SERVICE COUNTER AT HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION HELPS NEW ARRIVALS TO CONTACT THEIR FAMILIES AND RELATIVES, AND GIVES GENERAL ADVICE AND HELP,” HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE SUBVENTIONS AND LOTTERIES FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD SUGGESTED A SLIGHTLY HIGHER SUBVENTION IN 1988/89 FOR THE POST-MIGRATION SERVICE OF ISS THAN IN 1987/88.

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/1O........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

PROBLEMS OF HOME CARE FOR ELDERLY TAKEN CARE OF « » ♦ » »

SOCIAL WORKERS WILL TRY TO AMELIORATE OR RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS FACED BY PEOPLE WHO PROVIDE HOME CARE TO THE ELDERLY, 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 SOCIAL WORKERS WERE VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE BEING LOOKED AFTER AT HOME COULD CREATE CERTAIN PRESSURES AND DIFFICULTIES, SUCH AS PHYSICAL OR EMOTIONAL STRAIN, FOR MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD.

IN ASSESSING THE NEEDS OF AN ELDERLY PERSON WHO LIVED WITH THE FAMILY, A SOCIAL WORKER HAD TO STUDY ALL THE FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING ITS RESOURCES AND WHAT PROBLEMS WOULD BE MET BY MEMBERS OF THE HOUSEHOLD, SAID MR CHAMBERS.

HELP WOULD THEN BE GIVEN THE IN FORM OF MORAL SUPPORT, PROVISION OF COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES SUCH AS HOME HELP, OR SERVICES PROVIDED BY DAY CARE CENTRES, MULT I-SERVICE CENTRES OR SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, HE NOTED.

"WHERE NECESSARY, CASH ASSISTANCE CAN ALSO BE PROVIDED, IIIROUGH PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OR THE SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE SCHEME," HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS ADDED THAT WHEN THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE HOUSEHOLD PROVED TO BE INSURMOUNTABLE, THE ELDERLY PERSON WOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR PLACEMENT TN A RESIDENTIAL HOME.

"IF THOSE WHO PROVIDE HOME CARE FALL ILL, ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR THE ELDERLY PERSONS TO BE ACCOMMODATED ON A TEMPORARY BASIS IN A HOME FOR THE AGED OR IN A CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME.

"CONSIDERATION IS ALSO BEING GIVEN TO PROVIDING A 'RESPITE SERVICE’ WHEREBY TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD BE PROVIDED IN ORDER TO GIVE THOSE WHO LOOK AFTER ELDERLY RELATIVES A BREAK FROM THESE DUTIES FROM TIME TO TIME," MR CHAMBERS SAID.

HE SAID SEVERAL ACADEMIC STUDIES OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, INCLUDING RESEARCH INTO THE PROBLEMS FACED BY PEOPLE WHO PROVIDED HOME CARE, HAD BEEN PROPOSED.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

PUBLIC SAFETY ENSURED TN ROAD EXCAVATION WORKS » ♦ * *

ABOUT 1,100 ROAD EXCAVATION WORKS ARE IN PROGRESS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY AT ANY ONE TIME AND EACH TAKES AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 40 DAYS TO COMPLETE.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID: “EXTENSIONS OF TIME FOR COMPLETION OF THE WORKS ARE NORMALLY GRANTED TO THE CONTRACTOR WHERE EVENTS OCCUR WHICH DELAY THE PROGRESS OF THE WORKS, AND WHICH ARE OUTSIDE THE CONTROL OF THE CONTRACTOR.

“THE PERMITTEES ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS GIVING JUSTIFICATIONS FOR SO DOING.

“THESE INCLUDE ADDITIONAL OR EXTRA WORKS ORDERED AFTER WORKS HAVE COMMENCED, INCLEMENT WEATHER AND THE EFFECTS THEREOF, DELAYS TO WORKS BY OTHER PARTIES, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, ETC,” MR BARNES SAID.

SUCH EXPLANATIONS WERE CAREFULLY SCRUTINISED BEFORE EXTENSIONS WERE GRANTED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, WHICH RECEIVED AND PROCESSED AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 100 APPLICATIONS FOR EXCAVATION PERMITS EACH DAY.

TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY, PROPER LIGHTING, SIGNING AND GUARDING WERE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PERMITTEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH EXISTING REGULATIONS, MR BARNES ADDED.

“IN ADDITION, HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES WITH THE POLICE IN JOINT SITE INSPECTIONS OF THE STANDARD OF LIGHTING AND GUARDING ON ALL ROADWORKS. NON-COMPLIANCE WOULD RESULT IN PROSECUTION BY THE POLICE UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.”

HE WARNED THAT ORGANISATIONS UNDERTAKING EXCAVATION WORKS MIGHT BE HELD LIABLE FOR NEGLIGENCE SHOULD THEY FAIL TO TAKE THE NECESSARY PRECAUTION TO ENSURE PUBLIC SAFETY AND THEY MIGHT BE ORDERED TO PAY DAMAGES TN THE EVENT OF INJURY TO A PEDESTRIAN.

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NEW BOO UNIT REMOVES DANGEROUS SIGNS ♦ * * ♦

NEARLY 1,500 PRECARIOUSLY DANGLING SIGNS HAVE BEEN REMOVED BY A NEW UNIT - THE DANGEROUS SIGNS UNIT - SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT LAST APRIL UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR BARNES SAID THE NEW UNIT, IN ADDITION TO REMOVING ABOUT 440 ABANDONED SIGNS, HAD ALSO CAUSED THE VOLUNTARY REMOVAL OF A FURTHER 1,000 POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SIGNS OF VARIOUS SHAPES AND SIZES, SOME OF WHICH PROTRUDED INTO THE ROAD.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

ADVISORY SERVICE FOR OVERSEAS STUDY t » ♦

STUDENTS REQUIRING INFORMATION FOR STUDY OVERSEAS OR WHO DOUBT THE AUTHENTICITY OF CLAIMS MADE BY OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS CAN SEEK FREE ADVISORY SERVICE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RICHARD LAI, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 26,000 SUCH ENQUIRIES WERE RECIEVED FROM STUDENTS AND PARENTS OVER THE PAST YEAR BY THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

’’ACCORDING TO AVAILABLE STATISTICS, A TOTAL OF 36,320 HONG KONG STUDENTS WERE STUDYING IN THE FOUR MAJOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRIES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE U.S.A., CANADA AND AUSTRALIA IN THE ACADEMIC YEAR 1986/87.

’’THE NUMBERS STUDYING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE 1 1,299, THE U.S.A. 9,717, CANADA 12,974 AND AUSTRALIA 2,330.

”A TOTAL OF 10,716 STUDENT VISAS WERE ISSUED IN 1986/87 TO STUDENTS GOING TO THESE FOUR COUNTRIES; 4,254 FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM, 2,245 FOR THE U.S.A, 3,405 FOR CANADA AND 812 FOR AUSTRALIA”, HE SAID.

IN VIEW OF THE CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF STUDENTS PURSUING EDUCATIONAL COURSES ABROAD, THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION HAS A LARGE COLLECTION OF REFERENCE MATERIALS ON EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE UNITED STATES, MR BRIDGE ADDED.

’’SCHOOLS ARE REGULARLY ADVISED OF THE SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION BY CIRCULAR.

”IN ADDITION, GROUP SESSIONS AND SEMINARS ON OVERSEAS EDUCATION ARE ALSO ORGANISED THROUGH THE- NETWORK OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS,” MR BRIDGE SAID.

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/13........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1}, 1988

RESPONSE TO GUIDELINES FAVOURABLE * » ♦ t

RESPONSE FROM SCHOOLS ON THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GUIDELINES ON GUIDANCE WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS HAS BEEN GENERALLY FAVOURABLE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT WHEN THE GUIDELINES WERE ISSUED IN THE AUTUMN OF 1986, THE DEPARTMENT HAD EMPHASISED THAT THE GUIDELINES WERE SUGGESTIONS ONLY AND WOULD BE REVIEWED AFTER ONE YEAR.

’’SINCE THEN THE DEPARTMENT HAS DONE ITS BEST TO FIND OUT FROM SCHOOLS HOW THE GUIDELINES ARE WORKING IN PRACTICE,” HE SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD ISSUED A QUESTIONNAIRE AND STUDIED SCHOOLS’ STATISTICAL RECORDS ON GUIDANCE WORK .

"WHEN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICERS VISIT SCHOOLS THEY USE THE OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THE ISSUE WITH THEM,” HE ADDED.

THE PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW WAS TO ASSESS THE USEFULNESS OF THE GUIDELINES, FIND OUT HOW MUCH SCHOOLS WERE USING THEM AND BRING TO LIGHT ANY PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES WHICH SCHOOLS MIGHT HAVE ENCOUNTERED.

"THE MATERIAL FROM THE REVIEW WAS ASSEMBLED IN OCTOBER 1987,” MR BRIDGE SAID.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE RESULTS WERE BEING ANALYSED IN MORE DETAIL BY A WORKING GROUP IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

"WE HOPE TO HAVE A REPORT READY FOR ISSUE TO SCHOOLS TN MAY THIS YEAR,” HE ADDED.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

EFFORTS TO INFORM PUBLIC OF TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS

*****

BEFORE IMPLEMENTATION OF TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS, EVERY EFFORT WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT TO INFORM THE PUBLIC OF THE NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR LEUNG, REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PAULINE NG, SAID TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WERE REQUIRED FOR ROAD WORKS OR TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT.

IN PLANNING ANY TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS, ONE MAIN OBJECTIVE WAS TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PEDESTRIANS, DRIVERS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT USERS.

HE SAID THE METHOD AND EXTENT OF THE PUBLICITY WOULD VARY DEPENDING UPON THE SCALE OF THE DIVERSION, THE TIMING OF THE PROJECT, AND THE NUMBER OF ROAD USERS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED.

’’FOR A MAJOR SCHEME INVOLVING AREA-WIDE TRAFFIC AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT DIVERSIONS SUCH AS A MAJOR ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECT OR ROAD CLOSURES FOR SPECIAL EVENTS, A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AND PLANS DISTRIBUTED TO THE MEDIA (JIVING FULL DETAILS OF THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS,” HE SAID.

”IN MOST CASES, THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARDS OR THEIR TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEES WILL BE CONSULTED OR BRIEFED.

’’FOR MINOR DIVERSION SCHEMES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL ISSUE A PRESS RELEASE AND A SPOKESMAN WILL BF. AVAILABLE TO ANSWER MEDIA OR PUBLIC ENQUIRIES,” HE SAID.

“FURTHERMORE,” MR LEUNG CONTINUED, ’’TRAFFIC MEASURES INVOLVING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF A ROAD TO TRAFFIC FOR A PERIOD EXCEEDING 72 HOURS ARE REQUIRED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC CONTROL) REGULATIONS TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE, OR IN ONE ISSUE OF AT LEAST ONE ENGLISH AND ONE CHINESE NEWSPAPER.

"IN EMERGENCIES REQUIRING TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IMMEDIATELY OR AT VERY SHORT NOTICE, IT MAY NOT BE POSSIBLE TO GIVE SUFFICIENT ADVANCE NOTICE.

“IN THOSE CASES, EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO PUBLICISE THE EMERGENCY ARRANGEMENTS THROUGH THE MEDIA,” HE SAID.

MR LEUNG NOTED THAT IN ALL CASES FULL COVERAGE WAS GIVEN BY THE MEDIA SO THAT ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WAS REDUCED TO THE MINIMUM.

“ALL RADIO STATIONS HAVE DAILY AND VERY OFTEN HOURLY PROGRAMMES UPDATING THE PUBLIC ON THE LATEST TRAFFIC SITUATION AND ANY SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE HIGHLIGHTED IN THESE PROGRAMMES," HE SAID.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1^88

- 15 -

TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

A BILL WHICH PROVIDES THAT THE AUTHORISED FARES APPLICABLE TO NORMAL TRAM SERVICES SHOULD NOT APPLY TO PRIVATE HIRE AND TOUR TRAM SERVICES WAS INTRODUCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE TRAMWAY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MR LEUNG SAID THAT SINCE THE LATE 1970’S, THE HONGKONG TRAMWAYS COMPANY HAD BREN OPERATING A FEW TRAMS SPECIALLY FITTED OUT FOR PRIVATE PARTIES, AND HIRE AND TOUR SERVICES AT HIGHER RATES.

THESE WERE USUALLY OFFERED AS A GROUP SERVICE AVAILABLE TO PRIVATE PARTIES AND TOURISTS FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND SIGHTSEEING PURPOSES.

BECAUSE THE HIRING HOURS WERE MAINLY IN THE EVENINGS, THEY DID NOT AFFECT THE NORMAL TRAM SERVICES.

HE SAID IT WAS UNNECESSARY TO KEEP THE CHARGES FOR SUCH SERVICES WITHIN THE AMRIT OF CONTROLLED FARES.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED THAT THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF CARS FOR TOUR SERVICES SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT’S CONTROL AND APPROVAL, SO THAT THE TRAMS REQUIRED FOR NORMAL PASSENGER SERVICES WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

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TWO BILLS PASSED ♦ * t

TWO BILLS WERE PASSED INTO MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE BETTING DUTY PLANNING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.

LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

(AMENDMENT) BILL 19R7 AND TOWN

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/16........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 16 -

LOAN APPROVED TO REDEVELOP ’SIX STREETS’ ♦ » ♦ ♦

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A LOAN OF $150 MILLION FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND (DLF) TO THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY (HKHS) TO MEET PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME OF THE YAU MA TEI "SIX STREETS" AREA.

MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT IN SEPTEMBER 1985, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ADVISED AND THE GOVERNOR ORDERED THAT HKHS’S PROPOSAL FOR AN URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME IN THE "SIX STREETS" AREA BE APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF A $125 MILLION LOAN FROM THE DLF.

HOWEVER, DUE MAINLY TO PRICE FLUCTUATIONS SINCE 1985 AND TO THE ADDITION OF A REQUIREMENT FOR HKHS TO PROVIDE AND FUND A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, HKHS HAD APPLIED FOR A LOAN OF $150 MILLION FROM THE GOVERNMENT AS "START-UP" FINANCE IN ORDER TO MAKE THE PROJECT VIABLE. THIS IS $25 MILLION MORE THAN THE EARLIER ESTIMATE OF $125 MILLION.

THE CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME, WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN TWO PHASES, IS ESTIMATED TO BE $353 MILLION AS AT SEPTEMBER 1987.

IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT, 122 TENEMENT BUILDINGS WITHIN THE AREA, EITHER UNDER DIRECT MANAGEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT OR TO BE RESUMED, WILL BE DEMOLISHED.

THE SCHEME, WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO COMPLETE IN 1993, WILL PROVIDE 637 RENTAL FLATS AND 896 FLATS FOR SALE, SOME OF WHICH WILL BE OFFERED FOR RENT OR PURCHASE TO THE EXISTING OCCUPIERS.

IN ADDITION, 56 RENTAL FLATS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE PROVIDED.

THE SCHEME ALSO INCLUDES A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTION AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES SUCH AS A CHILD AND YOUTH CENTRE, A CENTRE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, A NURSERY, A KINDERGARTEN, AND A DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY, IN ADDITION TO A BASEMENT CARPARK AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES.

THE PLAN WAS APPROVED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD IN MAY 1987.

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/17........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 17 -

IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS MEET 'll MOTHERS’ REPRESENTATIVES

» t t « *

IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HAD A "FRANK AND HARMONIOUS" MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS" TO DISCUSS THE PROCEDURES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REPATRIATION OF THE WOMEN.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION (CONTROL AND INVESTIGATION), MR JOHN YEUNG, SAID THE REPRESENTATIVES SHOWED THEIR WILLINGNESS TO CO-OPERATE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

"THEY ALSO EXPRESSED AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION AND POLICY," HE SAID.

"WE ALSO INFORMED THEM THAT THE DEPARTMENT WILL HELP THEM AS FAR AS POSSIBLE WITH SOME OF THEIR REQUESTS FOR PRACTICAL ASSISTANCE," MR YEUNG ADDED.

SOME OF THE QUESTIONS RAISED RY THE REPRESENTATIVES INCLUDED THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR CHILDREN WHO MAY ACCOMPANY THEIR MOTHERS TO CHINA, AND THE TIME REQUIRED TO MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS BEFORE THE REPATRIATION.

"IN THE MEANTIME, WE HAVE ASKED THEM TO CONTINUE TO REPORT TO US UNDER THEIR RECOGNIZANCE CONDITIONS," HE SAID.

MR YEUNG ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCEMENT ON APRIL 27 LAST YEAR CONCERNING CHILDREN BORN IN CHINA BUT WHO HAD ARRIVED ILLEGALLY IN HONG KONG WAS NOT AN AMNESTY.

THE CHILDREN WERE GIVEN 24 HOURS TO REPORT TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT. AFTER VERIFICATION BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THEY WERE ASKED TO RETURN TO CHINA AND TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY LEGALLY UNDER A ONEWAY EXIT PERMIT.

THE MOVE SIGNALLED THE END OF A MORE LIBERAL POLICY TOWARDS THE CHILDREN SMUGGLED IN FROM CHINA, HF. SAID.

THE 65 "ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS" WHO SURFACED ON APRIL 28 WERE A DIFFERENT CATEGORY: THEY WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO ENTERED HONG KONG AND GAVE BIRTH WHILE HERE.

THE GOVERNMENT POLICY FOR THIS CATEGORY OF ADULT WOMEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN REPATRIATION, UNLESS CIRCUMSTANCES CONTAIN STRONG HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS FOR THEM TO BE ALLOWED TO STAY.

THEY HAI) BEEN ASKED TO FOLLOW THE LEGAL CHANNEL, THE ONE-WAY PERMIT SYSTEM, FOR RESIDENTS OF CHINA TO COME TO HONG KONG FOR RESIDENCE.

/AGREEMENTS HAVE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 18 -

AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN REACHED WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO ALLOW THE YOUNG CHILDREN TO ACCOMPANY THEIR MOTHERS BACK TO CHINA IF THE PARENTS SO WISH.

BEING HONG KONG RESIDENTS THE CHILDREN CAN RETURN ANY TIME THEY LIKE.

’’THE MOTHERS CAN ALSO APPLY FOR TWO-WAY EXIT PERMITS TO VISIT THEIR HUSBANDS IN HONG KONG AND THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THEIR HUSBANDS VISITING THEM IN CHINA," MR YEUNG ADDED.

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APPOINTMENTS TO LDC ANNOUNCED

*****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR HU FA-KUANG, A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, TO BE THE FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WHICH WILL BE OFFICIALLY SFT UP ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15).

ALSO ANNOUNCED ARE THE APPOINTMENTS OF I 1 MEMBERS TO THE BOARD OF THE CORPORATION, OF WHOM THREE ARE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES.

THEY ARE MR LEUNG CHUN-YING, MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG, MR JACKIE (’HAN CHAI-KEUNG, DR HENRIETTA IP MAN-HING, MR THOMAS T.T. CHEN, MR VINCENT LO HONG-SUI, MR PAO PING-WING, MR ALEXANDER S.K. AU, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON).

"THEIR APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS STARTING FROM JANUARY 15, THE DAY THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED AS THE DATE THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ORDINANCE COMES INTO OPERATION," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CORPORATION, MR ABRAHAM RAZACK, WILL ALSO BE A BOARD MEMBER.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE NEWLY-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, MR HU FA-KUANG, TOGETHER WITH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CORPORATION, MR ABRAHAM RAZACK, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE SESSION.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 19 -

BAZAAR OPENS UP JOB OPPORTUNITIES » » * » »

THE JOB-BAZAAR WHICH IS BEING HELD AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN IS A NEW CONCEPT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO HELP EMPLOYERS PUBLICISE JOB OPPORTUNITIES EFFECTIVELY.

SPEAKING AT ITS OPENING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID THE BAZAAR SERVED THREE USEFUL PURPOSES.

"IT PROVIDES AN EASY METHOD FOR JOB-SEEKERS TO FIND JOB OPPORTUNITIES; BRINGS ABOUT AN IMMEDIATE, CORDIAL AND DIRECT CONTACT BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS; AND FACILITATES A DESIRABLE CROSS-DISTRICT EMPLOYMENT MOBILITY WHICH WILL BE PARTICULARLY HELPFUL IN THE PROMOTION OF EMPLOYMENT IN THE NEW TOWNS," HE SAID.

"IN OTHER PLACES, SUCH AS JAPAN AND BRITAIN, SIMILAR KINDS OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN VERY POPULAR AND SUCCESSFUL, AND I AM HOPEFUL THAT THIS FIRST JOB-BAZAAR IN HONG KONG WILL ALSO ACHIEVE GOOD RESULTS," MR HAMMOND SAID.

"IF IT IS SUCCESSFUL, SIMILAR EVENTS WILL BE ORGANISED IN OTHER DISTRICTS TO MEET EMPLOYERS’ DEMANDS AND THUS CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF LABOUR SHORTAGE IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.

MR HAMMOND NOTED THAT THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH A TIGHT LABOUR MARKET AND THE EFFECTS THEY HAD HAI) ON THE GROWTH OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY CAUSED CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC CONCERN OVER THE PAST YEAR.

CITING STATISITICS, HE SAID THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPPED FROM 2.1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1987 TO 1.8 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE YEAR WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED AT A VERY LOW RATE OF AROUND ONE PER CENT DURING 1987.

THE NUMBER OF REPORTED VACANCIES IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TOTALLED 53,900 IN THE MANUFACTURI NG SECTOR; 25,600 IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR; AND 7,600 IN THE FINANCIAL, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR.

THESE REPRESENTED INCREASES OF 68 PER CENT, 200 PER CENT AND 159 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1986.

"ALL THESE FACTS CLEARLY INDICATE THAT THERE WAS AN EXTREMELY TIGHT LABOUR SHORTAGE THROUGHOUT 1987," MR HAMMOND SAID.

"AS A RESULT, WAYS AND MEANS OF IMPROVING THE SITUATION HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED VERY CAREFULLY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT."

/HE POINTED

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1988

- 20 -

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, APART FROM ITS NORMAL FUNCTION OF PROVIDING A DIRECT JOB PLACEMENT SERVICE TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND JOB-SEEKERS, WAS AWARE OF THE NEED TO STRENGTHEN ITS EFFORTS TO HELP EMPLOYERS PUBLICISE JOB OPPORTUNITIES EFFECTIVELY, THEREBY REDUCING THE TIME TAKEN TO FILL VACANT POSTS AS WELL AS ATTRACTING MORE JOB-SEEKERS TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT.

"IT IS WITH THESE AIMS IN MIND THAT THIS JOB-BAZAAR HAS BEEN ORGANISED,” MR HAMMOND ADDED.

SIXTEEN FIRMS REPRESENTING 13 TRADES AND INDUSTRIES TAKE PART IN THE EVENT WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FRIDAY.

TOGETHER, THEY PROVIDE JOB-SEEKERS WITH AN ARRAY OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION. SOME WILL ALSO CONDUCT RECRUITMENT ACTIVITIES ON THE SPOT.

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MORE TRADE MARKS AND PATENTS REGISTERED TN 1987 ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS OF TRADE MARKS AND RE-REGISTRATIONS OF PATENTS RECORDED IN THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT HAD INCREASED IN 1987, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

AS A RESULT OF THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW TYPE OF PART B REGISTRATION UNDER THE TRADE MARKS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1985 ON SEPTEMBER 1, 1986, THE TRADE MARKS REGISTRY CONTINUED TO SHOW A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED - 8,510 TN 1987 AS AGAINST 7,686 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

AT 3,460, THE NUMBER OF NEW TRADE MARKS REGISTERED WAS HIGHER THAN THE 1986 FIGURE OF 3,120, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRADE MARKS NOW REGISTERED TO 48,616.

IN THE PATENTS REGISTRY, THE NUMBER OF UNITED KINGDOM PATENTS RE-REGISTERED LOCALLY DURING 1987 WAS 1,020, AS AGAINST 1,010 IN 1986.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF "LIVE” OR VALID PATENTS RE-REGISTERED WAS NOW APPROXIMATELY 13,000. IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE A PRECISE FIGURE AS THIS DEPENDED ON THE "LIVES”, OR VALIDITY, OF THE PATENTS AS ORIGINALLY REGISTERED IN THE UK PATENTS OFFICE IN LONDON.

-------0---------- /21 .....................

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 21 -

WORKING GROUP ON CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING SET UP

* * * « t

THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET UP A WORKING GROUP TO TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION ON CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING REQUIREMENTS IN THE KWAI CHUNG AREA.

THE COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY THE KWAI TSI NG DISTRICT OFFICER, IS TO SUBMIT A REPORT TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

THE REPORT WILL SET OUT THE ACTION TO BE TAKEN DURING THE YEAR TO ALLEVIATE THE PRESENT SITUATION, AND WILL ASSIST IN PLANNING LONGER TERM MEASURES TO MEET PARKING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.

IN THE MEANTIME, SITES IN THE KWAI CHUNG/TSING YI AREA WILL BE BROUGHT ON STREAM DURING THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR TO COPE WITH ADDITIONAL DEMAND AND TO REPLACE SITES CURRENTLY USED ON A TEMPORARY BASIS FOR VEHICLE PARKING WHICH ARE NOW NEEDED FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT THE HONG KONG CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNERS ASSOCIATION HAD WRITTEN TO THE GOVERNMENT REGARDING THE PARKING PROBLEM. THE ASSOCIATION'S LETTER WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE WORKING GROUP.

-----0-----

GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS ♦ * » » »

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION WILL HOLD A JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR THE 1 I TH REFRESHER COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE TEACHERS AND THE THIRD REFRESHER. COURSE FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL LANGUAGE TEACHERS ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15) AFTERNOON.

THE CEREMONY WILL COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF AN END-OF-COURSE EXHIBITION OF LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING MATERIALS PRODUCED BY THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE TWO COURSES.

DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR S.W. TAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TWO CEREMONIES AT THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 21ST FLOOR, DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK, AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY.

/THE EXHIBITION ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1988

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 16) BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON, AND FROM JANUARY 1.8 TO 21 BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM DAILY.

NOTE TO EDITORS: • • i . 1

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE TWO CEREMONIES AT THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15).

- - - - O ---------

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SIGNBOARDS AND LITTERING t t * * *

THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF DIRECTORY SIGNBOARDS TN FERRY POINT AND MEASURES TO PREVENT PEDESTRIANS FROM UTTERING PLANTERS.

A PROGRESS REPORT ON MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.

NOTE TO E1DTORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WAYS TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN TO JOIN WORK FORCE * * » * ♦

THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS WAYS TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT TO JOIN THE WORK FORCE.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS OF THE 1987 DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TAI PO NEW TOWN.

A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE DEPARTMENT’S FOLLOW-UP WORK IN THE COORDINATION OF VOLUNTEERS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE ANTI-SMOKING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, THE ICAC KWONG WANG INVOLVEMENT PROGRAMME AND THE "PROJECT ON THE ELDERLY DAY".

IN THE MORNING THE COMMITTEE WILL VISIT THE ONLY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE DISTRICT, THE C.C.C. MADAM FUNG LEUNG KIT MEMORIAL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL WHICH WAS OPENED IN SEPTEMBER I,AST YEAR.

THE VISIT WAS ARRANGED TO ENHANCE MEMBERS' UNDERSTANDING ON PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION FOLLOWING A DISCUSSION ON THE SUBJECT AT THE LAST MEETING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE'S VISIT TO THE C.C.C. MADAM FUNG -LEUNG KIT MEMORIAL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 15).

THE MEETING WILL START AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD.

MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE VISIT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE CARPARK OUTSIDE THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALL AT KWONG FUK ESTATE, TAI PO, AT 10.45 AM.

- 0 -

/?^

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 1988

- 24 -

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR WALK FOR MILLIONS * * *

A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND IN CONNECTION WITH THE WALK FOR MILLIONS (HONG KONG WALK) TO BE HELD BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 17).

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, LINK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 9.30 AM, WHILE UPPER BLUE POOL ROAD SOUTH OF TAI HANG ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM AND 2 PM.

BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND NOON, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC RE-ROUTINGS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:

* EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN THE HONG KONG STADIUM AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;

» CAROLINE HILL ROAD WEST BETWEEN LEIGHTON ROAD AND THE HONG KONG STADIUM WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND WITH TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE;

» LINK ROAD BETWEEN BROADWOOD ROAD AND CAROLINE HILL ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND. TRAFFIC WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE EXCEPT BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 9.30 AM WHEN IT WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC;

» MOUNT BUTLER ROAD BETWEEN TAI HANG ROAD AND HENDERSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND WITH TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE;

* BROADWOOD ROAD BETWEEN TAI HANG ROAD AND LINK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, WITH TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE;

t TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN BROADWOOD ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND WITH TRAFFIC BEING RESTRICTED TO THE NEARSIDE LANE;

* TRAFFIC ENTERING TAI HANG ROAD FROM STUBBS ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED NORTH DOWN BLUE POOL ROAD EXCEPT FOR CMB ROUTE NO. 41 AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 24M.

THE PARKING SPACES ALONG THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE NO. 1 CARPARK OF THE HONG KONG STADIUM AND MOUNT CAMERON ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 4 PM. PARKING FACILITIES AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED.

MEANWHILE, LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED ON A NUMBER OF ROADS BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5 PM. THEY INCLUDE TAI HANG ROAD, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD SOUTHBOUND, THE STUBBS ROAD FLY-OVER SOUTHBOUND, ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD, YUE KWONG ROAD, AND YUE HONG STREET.

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/25........

WEDNESDAY, JANU' ' 13, 1988

- 25 -

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN » » » » «

TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION WORK AT THE JUNCTION OF BELCHER’S STREET AND HOLLAND STREET, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 16) FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS:

» GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 23 ON ITS JOURNEY TO KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SMITHFIELD, BELCHER’S STREET, CADOGAN STREET, CATCHICK STREET AND DAVIS STREET TO TERMINATE AT HAU WO STREET.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING TERMINUS IN HOLLAND STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.

* TWO GOODS VEHICLE METERED PARKING SPACES NOS. 3933S AND 3934A IN HAU WO STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.

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URBAN CLEARWAY IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE ♦ » »

THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE FROM IIS JUNCTION WITH NAM LONG SHAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 46 METRES NORTH OF THAT JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND THE CLOCK FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 16).

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED ....... 1

RESULTS OF QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES ................................................ 3

WHITE PAPER PROPOSALS NOT YET FINALISED, CHIEF SECRETARY ASSURES URBAN COUNCIL DELEGATION ......................... 6

CS VISITS KWAI TSING POLLUTION SITES .................... 7

ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1987 TO PARLIAMENT............ 8

NEW LICENCE FOR JET-WAY TRAVEL .......................... 9

OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES ENCOURAGED.. 9

CALL FOR PERMANENT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE.......... 10

ENTRY SCHEME FOR MACAU RESIDENTS ........................ 12

HEROIN ABUSE PROBLEM BEING CONTAINED .................... 12

CLEARANCE IN HONG NING ROAD ............................. 13

DEADLINE FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUND APPLICATIONS............ 13

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS...... 14

FIVE SITES TO BE AUCTIONED TOMORROW...................... 14

OPENING OF WAN TSUI CLINIC .............................. 15

SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ARGENTINA EXPANDED.................. 16

UPGRADING COURSE FOR TOURISM PERSONNEL .................. 16

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ................................. 17

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY TO CONTINUE......... 17

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH............... 17

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

1 -

UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS RELEASED , t t t *

BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES REMAINED STABLE AT A LOW LEVEL IN THE THREE MONTHS SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1987 COMPARED WITH THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1987, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THESE FIGURES INDICATE THAT THE LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS HAVE REMAINED TIGHT, WITH THE LOCAL WORKFORCE FULLY EMPLOYED.

THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR SEPTEMBER -NOVEMBER 1987 WAS 1.9 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 1.8 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1987 AND 2.4 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.

THE INCREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER 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 NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1987 WAS ESTIMATED AT 53,400, COMPARED WITH 50,500 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1987 AND 65,100 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1986.

THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1987 WAS 1.1 PER CENT, WHICH COMPARES WITH I PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1987. THE RATE FOR SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1986 WAS 1.2 PER CENT.

THE INCREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS THREEMONTH PERIOD AND THE DECREASE OF 0.1 PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.

THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR SEPTEMBER -NOVEMBER 1987 WAS 29,800, COMPARED WITH 27,100 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1987 AND 33,100 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER. 1986 .

CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT RECOMMENDAT1ONS 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 MORF WORK.

/COMMUTING ON ......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS, FOR EXAMPLE, PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL, VARIES FROM MONTH OT MONTH. .THEREFORE, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO /TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME

JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.

THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT, BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE LATEST MONTH, PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY.

THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST TREND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.

THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1987 WAS 1.9 PER CENT AND THE PROVISONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1 PER CENT.

THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED j FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS 'AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTER!,Y 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 DECEMBER 1987 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AROUND MARCH 20, 1988, AT $9.50 PER COPY.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 3 -

RESULTS OF QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES

* « * » »

THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987, ESTIMATED AT $6,039 MILLION, WAS 18 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS 12 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1986, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THESE RESULTS INDICATE A STRONG BUSINESS PERFORMANCE FOR THE RESTAURANT SECTOR DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF LAST YEAR, CONTINUING THE TREND IN THE FIRST TWO QUARTERS.

AS THE DATA REFER TO THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE REVEALED THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS, IF ANY, OF THE STOCK MARKET INCIDENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN OCTOBER 1987.

THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE OF TOTAL PURCHASES BY RESTAURANTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987 WAS $2,627 MILLION, WHICH WAS 20 PER CENT HIGHER IN VALUE TERM THAN IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986.

ANALYSED BY TYPE OF RESTAURANT, CHINESE RESTAURANTS RECORDED THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASE (20 PER CENT) IN THE VALUE OF TOTAL RECEIPTS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986.

THESE WERE FOLLOWED BY "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" COMPRISING HERB TEA SHOPS, CREAMERIES AND OTHER OUTLETS SELLING BEAN CURD JELLY AND SO ON (17 PER CENT), NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (15 PER CENT), FAST FOOD SHOPS (13 PER CENT) AND BARS (4 PER CENT).

IN VOLUME TERMS, THE TOTAL RECEIPTS OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS, "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES", NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS AND BARS WENT UP RY 14 PER CENT, 10 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS 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 RY 21 PER CENT.

IN VALUE TERMS, CHINESE RESTAURANTS RECORDED THE LARGEST GROWTH IN TOTAL RECEIPTS (20 PER CENT), FOLLOWED RY FAST FOOD SHOPS (14 PER CENT), NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS (13 PER CENT), BARS (12 PER CENT) AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" (12 PER CENT).

/Di volume........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 4 -

IN VOLUME TERMS, THE GROWTH IN THE TOTAL RECEIPTS RECORDED BY CHINESE RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS, NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS, BARS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" WERE 15 PER CENT, 11 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT, 7 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.

COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987 WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT TN VALUE AND 5 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

TOTAL RECEIPTS OF FAST FOOD SHOPS AND "OTHER EATING AND DRINKING PLACES" INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT AND 10 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME; THOSE OF NON-CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 9 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME; THOSE OF CHINESE RESTAURANTS BY 6 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME; AND THOSE OF BARS BY 3 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME.

TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED FIGURES FOR THE TOTAL RECEIPTS AND TOTAL PURCHASES OF THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT SECTOR FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 4 ZV ** *9

TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES 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 THIRD QUARTER OF 1987 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1987 AND FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1986.

COMPARISONS OF TOTAL RECEIPTS FOR THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF 1987 WITH THOSE FOR 1986 ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF RESTAURANT RECEIPTS AND PURCHASES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1987 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES 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 TEL. NO. 5-8234941.

/5........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

Reaulta of Quarterly Survey of Restaurant Receiptg and Purchases TABLE I : TOTAL KSTAUMV RECEIPTS AN? PURCHASES'

2nd qtr, 1987 (Revised figures?

Total restaurant receipts (in HKS Billion) 5 $32

Total purchases by restaurants (in HKI Million) 2 460

3rd qtr. 1987 (Provisional figures)

6 01?

2 52?

TABLE 2 : VALUE ANO VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RESTAURANT RECEIPTS FOR 2ND QUARTER 1997 AND 3RD QUARTER 1987

(Quarterly average of October 04 - September 85 2 100)

1 1 Index of I 1 1 3rd ! quarter 1 1987 < । * . 1997 ith

• t total 1 2nd 3rd qtr. co soared 2nd otr. 1987 I 3rd qtr. 1987 1st-3rd qtr

Type of restaurant 1 restaurant ! quarter with ! coipared with ; ccacsred »

1 । receipts 1 1987 1997 1 3rd qtr. 1985 J 1st-3rd qtr I?95

t । 1 J (Revised । (Provisiona Points • Z J Points t Z Points V 4

1 । • i Chinese restaurants ! figures) * « Value I 121 1 figures) 129 9 » 1 6 1 22 । 20 : zi 1 20

♦ 9 • • • Volute ! U3 • f 117 j 4 1 14 » 14 : 15 I 15 ।

1 ' ?*vC>iiese 'esta;*ants 1 • Value I 120 1:1 10 9 ; r • 15 • 14 13 ;

• Voluee 1 109 9 • 116 8 । 7 ’ 9 t e 1 9 • 7 • 1 7 ; 1

• Fast food shops J • • Value 1 129 । 146 17 • 1 13 : 16 । 13 I 17 • 1 1 14 ‘

1 • vol u« : 122 1 I 137 15 • 13 1 It • 1 9 • 12 t 1 11 ! 1

। Bars 1 । » t Value I 116 । 120 4 1 1 3 1 5 4 ; 13 । 12 :

1 1 i 1 • Voluee ' 105 । 106 2 : 1 1 1 1 7 1 1 » 7 ; ।

1 Other eating and drinking places ! 1 1 Value 1 125 138 13 1 10 ; 20 17 : 14 I 12 :

• । » । I Voluee ’ U3 124 11 1 10 1 11 1 10 | 6 J

1 • 1 Entire restaurant sector ! । । । Value 1 121 130 9 1 • 7 • 20 f 1 is : 19 is : t

• • 1 * 1 Voluee ! 113 । » 118 6 5 : 13 1 12 • 13 । < 13 J 1 •

Note: Figures denoting changes are derived froe unrounded figures.

--------0--------; -

/6........

THURSDAY, JANUARY Ml, 1988

- 6 -

WHITE PAPER PROPOSALS NOT YET FINALISED, CHIEF SECRETARY ASSURES URBAN COUNCIL DELEGATION »**»»»

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY ASSURED AN URBAN COUNCIL DELEGATION THAT THE COMING WHITE PAPER ON DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT YET BEEN FINALISED, AND POINTS CONCERNING THE COUNCIL’S FUTURE WERE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION.

THE DELEGATION, LED BY THE COUNCIL’S CHAIRMAN, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, AND VICE CHAIRMAN, MRS ELSIE TU, SPENT MORE THAN AN HOUR WITH SIR DAVID.

"THE DISCUSSION WAS EXTREMELY FRANK AND FRIENDLY," SAID MRS TU.

"THERE WAS NO DISAGREEMENT -- JUST DISCUSSION.

"WE PUT FORWARD ALL THE PROBLEMS WE WOULD FACE IF CHANGES WERE MADE TO THE COUNCIL’S STRUCTURE AT THIS TIME.

"THE TIMING WOULD BE VERY UNFORTUNATE IF IN FACT IMPORTANT CHANGES WERE TO BE MADE AT THIS JUNCTURE.

"WE RECEIVED SIR DAVID’S ASSURANCE THAT EVERYTHING WE SAID WOULD BE CONVEYED TO THE GOVERNOR AND TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.

"I BELIEVE HE WAS QUITE IMPRESSED WITH THE ARGUMENTS WE PUT FORWARD.

"HE ALSO ASSURED US THAT WHAT WAS SAID BY THE BRITISH MP MR GEORGE FOULKES WAS CORRECT, IN THAT THE WHITE PAPER HAI) NOT YET BEEN DECIDED AND THAT ANY PROPOSALS COULD BE CHANGED."

MR LEE CH IK-YUET SAID THAT THE COUNCIL DELEGATION HAD STRESSED THAT IF CHANGES WERE TO BE MADE TO THE STRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL, AT THE VERY LEAST ELECTED URBAN COUNCILLORS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO RETAIN THEIR SEATS ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS.

HOWEVER, IF THE WHITE PAPER WERE TO RECOMMEND THAT COUNCILLORS WISHING TO SIT ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS SHOULD STILL HAVE TO STAND FOR ELECTION, THE DELEGATION WISHED AS A LAST RESORT THAT THIS BE DEFERRED UNTIL 1991.

THE DELEGATION ALSO COMPRISED MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR STEPHEN LAU, MR WALTER SULKE, MR 1.0 KING-MAN, MRS CHOW CHEUNG WAI-PING AND MR MAN SAI-CHEONG.

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/7 .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 7 -

CS VISITS KWAI TSING POLLUTION SITES » » *

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED SEVERAL POLLUTION BLACK SPOTS IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT TO TAKE A FIRST HAND LOOK AT PROBLEMS THERE.

SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, AND TWO ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, MR ROBERT LAW AND MR PAUL HOLMES.

THE POLLUTION PROBLEMS HIGHLIGHTED DURING THE VISIT WERE MAINLY AIR AND WATER POLLUTION CAUSED BY EMISSIONS FROM INDUSTRIAL PREMISES.

AFTER ARRIVING BY HELICOPTER ON TSING YI, SIR DAVID FIRST WENT TO THE SEAFRONT FACING RAMBLER CHANNEL WHERE HE SAW UNTREATED TRADE EFFLUENTS FROM FACTORIES IN TSING YI INDUSTRIAL CENTRE BEING DISCHARGED INTO THE CHANNEL.

HE LEARNT THAT AS A RESULT OF EFFORTS BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) AND BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE FACTORIES OF THE INDUSTRIAL CENTRE WHICH REQUIRED EFFLUENT PRE-TREATMENT HAVE COMMISSIONED GOVERNMENT APPROVED ARCHITECTS AND CONSULTANTS TO DESIGN A CENTRALISED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR THE CENTRE.

THE PARTY THEN PROCEEDED TO A VANTAGE POINT AT CHEUNG CHING ESTATE WHERE THEY SAW THE PROLIFERATION OF CHIMNEYS IN TSING YI INDUSTRIAL CENTRE CAUSING AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS TO THE AREA.

SIR DAVID NOTED THAT EPD HAS SET UP TWO MONITORING STATIONS TO ASSESS THE EXTENT OF THE PROBLEMS. IT IS EXPECTED THAT ABATEMENT NOTICES WOULD BE SERVED UNDER THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE ON THE CONCERNED FACTORIES AS SOON AS THE EXTENT OF THE NECESSARY REDUCTION OF EMISSIONS IS ASCERTAINED FROM THIS MONITORING EXERCISE.

LATER THE PARTY WENT TO YIP SHING STREET IN KWAI CHUNG AND WAS MET BY KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK.

A TOTAL OF 11 FACTORIES, MOSTLY DYEING FACTOR IES, HAVE BEEN DISCHARGING TRADE fFFLUENTS VIA UNAUTHORISED DRAINAGE CONNECTIONS TO STORMWATER DRAINS ON YIP SHING STREET OR DIRECTLY TO THE SLOPE BEHIND THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.

REMEDIAL ACTION IS BEING PURSUED ACTIVELY BY A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. IN MOST CASES, THE FACTORY OWNERS HAVE BEEN ASKED TO PRE-TREAT THEIR EFFLUENTS BEFORE RECONNECTING TO THE FOUL SEWERAGE SYSTEM.

/AT YIP .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 8 -

• f G

AT YIP SHING STREET, SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED BY MR COAK ON THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, THE WORK OF WHICH WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE, MULTI-OWNED AND MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.

BEFORE WINDING UP THE VISIT, SIR DAVID WENT TO PO SING CENTRE, A RESIDENTIAL TOWER SURROUNDED BY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS WHICH IS FACING AIR POLLUTION PROBLEMS. EPD IS CONSIDERING ISSUING ABATEMENT NOTICES FOR THE CENTRE TO THE FACTORIES CAUSING THE AIR POLLUTION.

------0-------

ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1987 TO PARLIAMENT » » » » *

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAD PRESENTED THE ANNUAL REPORT ON HONG KONG 1987 TO PARLIAMENT ON JANUARY 13, 1988, AND THE REPORT HAD BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE FORM OF A WHITE PAPER IN LONDON ON THE SAME DAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

’’HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT AGREED IN 1985, DURING THE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES ON THE HONG KONG BILL, TO PRODUCE ANNUAL REPORTS ON HONG KONG AND TO LAY THEM BEFORE PARLIAMENT.

’’THE PURPOSE OF THIS SERIES OF REPORTS IS TO KEEP PARLIAMENT INFORMED OF DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THIS IS THE THIRD ANNUAL REPORT. IT CONTAINS A GENERAL SURVEY OF THE MAIN EVENTS IN HONG KONG DURING THE YEAR 1987.

"IT COVERS THE FURTHER PROGRESS MADE DURING THE YEAR IN IMPLEMENTING THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION; DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT; MATTERS CONCERNING THE PUBLIC SERVICE; THE REDRESS OF GRIEVANCES; CONTINUED LOCAL REACTIONS TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT IN THE GUANGDONG PROVINCE OF CHINA; THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY; SOCIAL AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT; VIETNAMESE REFUGEES; AND PUBLIC ORDER AND SECURITY," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

THE REPORT WILL BE TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 20, 1988.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN A FREE COPY OF THE REPORT, AVAILABLE BILINGUALLY, FROM TOMORROW FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES; THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT CONNAUGHT PLACE; AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES OFFICE AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL.

--------0----------

/9........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 9 -

NEW LICENCE FOR JET-WAY TRAVEL » ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS HAS ISSUED A NEW LICENCE TO JET-WAY TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICE (BEAU-RAY CO. LTD.) FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROVAL OF A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF THE COMPANY.

THE NEW LICENCE, WHICH WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), WILL ENABLE JET-WAY TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICE TO RESUME BUSINESS AS A TRAVEL AGENT OPERATING OUTBOUND TRAVEL SERVICES.

’’UNDER A FINANCIAL RESTRUCTURING PACKAGE, JET-WAY TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICE HAS BEEN PLACED UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT AND OWNERSHIP,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

’’THE CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF JET-WAY TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICE AND THE GRANTING OF THE NEW LICENCE WERE APPROVED UNDER SECTIONS 16 AND 18 OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE WHICH ENABLE THE REGISTRAR TO REVOKE AN EXISTING LICENCE AND ISSUE A NEW ONE WHERE APPROVAL IS GIVEN TO A CHANGE OF OWNERHSIP AND CONTROL OF A LICENSED TRAVEL AGENT,” HE ADDED.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LICENCE OF JET-WAY TRAVEL AND TOURS SERVICE WAS SUSPENDED ON NOVEMBER 26 LAST YEAR UNDER THE TRAVEL AGENTS ORDINANCE FOLLOWING AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY WHICH LED THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS TO CONCLUDE THAT THE AGENCY HAD BEEN CARRYING ON BUSINESS CONTRARY TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST.

THE ISSUING OF THE NEW LICENCE AND THE REVOCATION OF THE OLD LICENCE (NO. 350002) WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

-----0-----

OVERSEAS INVESTMENT

TN SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES ENCOURAGED * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNMENT ACTIVELY ENCOURAGES OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN THE SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES AND THERE HAS BEEN A NOTICEABLE INCREASE IN SUCH INVESTMENT IN RECENT YEARS, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y.YEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION GIVEN BY KYOWA INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD., MR YEUNG SAID HONG KONG HAD NOW BECOME MORE CAPABLE OF SUPPLYING PRECISION PARTS, COMPONENTS AND MECHANISMS FOR MANY FINISHED PRODUCTS, IN PARTICULAR OFFICE AUTOMATION EQUIPMENT, ELECTRONIC MODULES, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND MOST ENGINEERING PRODUCTS.

/•'THERE ARB.........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

10 -

"THERE ARE ALREADY QUITE A FEW NEW FACTORIES IN .THE TAI PO AND YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WHICH SPECIALISE TN PRECISION PARTS, COMPONENTS AND SPECIALISED MECHANISMS.

"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE COLLECTIVE PRESENCE OF THESE FACTORIES HELPS SIGNIFICANTLY TO STRENGTHEN AND ENRICH OUR SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES," HE STRESSED.

MR YEUNG EXPLAINED THAT AN IMPORTANT CONDITION FOR OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS TO INVEST AND TO SHARE THEIR TECHNOLOGY WITH HONG KONG WAS THAT THEY COULD GET THE SUPPORT THEY NEEDED IN ORDER TO OPERATE THEIR BUSINESS.

"THE HIGHER THE LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY INVOLVED THE MORE DEMANDING THEY WILL BE OF SUPPORT IN TERMS OF TRAINED MANPOWER, CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND LABORATORY FACILITIES.

"SO THE CURRENT THRUST OF OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IS AIMED AT PROVIDING MANUFACTURERS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS, WITH A FULLER RANGE OF INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES.

"IN THE CASE OF METAL WORKING AND MACHINE SHOP OPERATIONS, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL NOW OPERATES A PRECISION TOOLING TRAINING CENTRE TO PROVIDE HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE FOR TECHNICIANS IN PRECISION MACHINING, WHILE THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL’S METALS DIVISION IS ALSO BEING DEVELOPED AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY.

"IN THE CASE OF PLASTICS CONVERSION, THE PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE TO BE ESTABLISHED WILL PROVIDE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE LOCAL PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY," MR YEUNG SAID.

--------o ----------

CALL FOR PERMANENT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE * * » t *

THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HOPES TO CONVINCE THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD THAT A PERMANENT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE (IES) SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED LATER THIS YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.

ADDRESSING A ROTARY CLUB MEETING, MR LEUNG SAID THE PILOT IES SCHEME NOW IN PROGRESS HAD DEMONSTRATED THAT PERMANENT SERVICE WOULD BE WELCOMED BY MANUFACTURERS.

A PERMANENT SERVICE WILL ALSO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE BOTH IN MARKETING EXISTING SERVICES AND IN IDENTIFYING AREAS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY.

/"SO FAR, .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

"SO FAR, ABOUT 200 OF THE PLANNED TOTAL OF 300 FACTORIES IN THE MAJOR MANUFACTURING SECTORS HAVE BEEN VISITED BY THE THREE IES TEAMS WHO WERE GENERALLY WELCOMED BY MANUFACTURERS.

"THEY DISCOVERED THAT MOST MANUFACTURERS VISITED HAD ONLY A VERY BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THE SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR INDUSTRY AND WERE VERY INTERESTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.

"THERE HAS ALSO BEEN AN ENCOURAGING DEGREE OF WILLINGNESS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AVAILABLE SERVICES AND SOME MANUFACTURERS HAVE BEEN PREPARED TO PAY FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY.

"A SOMEWHAT LARGER NUMBER HAVE APPROACHED THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT FOR INFORMATION ON QUALITY MATTERS OR THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR TECHNICAL ADVICE.

"THERE HAS ALSO BEEN CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THE TRAINING COURSES AVAILABLE FROM THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL. THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL."

MR LEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT MANY MANUFACTURERS HAD WELCOMED THE FACTORY VISITS AS AN INDICATION THAT GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SMALLER MANUFACTURERS.

HE ADDED THAT THE FACTORY VISITS HAD ALSO PROVED USEFUL AS A MEANS OF OBTAINING MANUFACTURERS’ OPINIONS ON DIFFERENT ISSUES AND THEY HAD BEEN ABLE TO USE THOSE VISITS TO ASSESS THE LIKELY REACTION TO A NUMBER OF QUALITY PROMOTION MEASURES BEING CONSIDERED BY GOVERNMENT.

"THE PILOT SCHEME IS PLANNED TO LAST FOR SIX MONTHS AND WILL FINISH IN EARLY MARCH 1988."

MR LEUNG SAID THEY HOPED TO RUN THE PERMANENT EXTENSION SERVICE AT A MODEST LEVEL INITIALLY BUT INTENDED THAT THEIR MARKETING EFFORTS WOULD GROW IN LINE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUPPORT SERVICES AND THAT THE EXTENSION SERVICE WOULD BECOME AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT FUNCTION OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.

--------0

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 12 -

ENTRY SCHEME FOR MACAU RESIDENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

EX-CHINA RESIDENTS OF MACAU WHO ARE MARRIED TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS AND WHOSE MACAU IDENTITY CARDS WERE ISSUED IN AUGUST, SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 1980 MAY APPLY, TOGETHER WITH THEIR CHILDREN, TO JOIN THEIR SPOUSES IN HONG KONG, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

APPLICATIONS MAY BE SUBMITTED FROM FEBRUARY 2 THIS YEAR, BY THE HONG KONG SPONSORS IN PERSON TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, 61 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.

ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE ENTRY SCHEME MAY TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S INFORMATION OFFICE ON 3-7333126.

--------0 ----------

HEROIN ABUSE PROBLEM BEING CONTAINED

» t t t

HEROIN ABUSE APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CONTAINED IN HONG KONG, BUT THE INCREASING ABUSE OF CANNABIS AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, ALTHOUGH NOT YET A MAJOR PROBLEM, IS CAUSING CONCERN.

THE YEAR 1987 SAW A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN CANNABIS SEIZURES, ORIGINATING MAINLY IN THE PHILIPPINES AND SOME IN THE NEAR AND MIDDLE EAST.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED IN THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD (INCB) PUBLISHED IN VIENNA, AUSTRIA, TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE REPORT OF THE INCB, A SPECIAL AGENCY OF THE UNITED NATIONS, A1SO NOTED THAT HONG KONG CONTINUED TO COMBAT TRAFFICKERS WHO ATTEMPTED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION ON THE MAIN SHIPPING AND AIR ROUTES.

’’DRUGS ARE TRAFFICKED INTO THE TERRITORY MAINLY BY SEA AND OPIATE SUPPLIES TO HONG KONG, MAINLY HEROIN FROM SOUTHEAST ASIA, CONTINUE TO FLUCTUATE,” THE REPORT SAID.

THIS IS A REFLECTION OF ENFORCEMENT ACTION BOTH WITHIN THE TERRITORY ITSELF AND IN COUNTRIES IN THE REGION.

INTENSIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT, EDUCATION, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES, WITH COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION, HAD BEEN DEVELOPED OVER MANY YEARS AND WERE NOW CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS A COMPREHENSIVE AND WELL-INTEGRATED APPROACH TO THE DRUG PROBLEM, THE REPORT SAID.

-------0 --------

/13........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 13 -

CLEARANCE IN HONG NING ROAD » » *

SIX ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE SIDE LANE OF HONG NING ROAD TN KWUN TONG WERE CLEARED TODAY (THURSDAY).

THEY INCLUDED TWO DOMESTIC STRUCTURES, THREE COMMERCIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND A STALL.

TWO ELIGIBLE RESIDENTS WHO WERE AFFECTED IN THE CLEARANCE HAD BEEN ALLOCATED TEMPORARY HOUSING UNITS, WHILE ELIGIBLE SHOP OPERATORS HAD BEEN GRANTED EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES TOTALLING $12,000.

CO-ORDINATED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE.

-----0------

DEADLINE FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUND APPLICATIONS

* ♦ ♦

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TN KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARE REMINDED THAT ALL APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING ACTIVITIES TO TAKE PLACE BETWEEN APRIL AND JULY THIS YEAR SHOULD REACH THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT BY FEBRUARY 1.

APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO FILL IN FORM A, WHICH WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE SEVEN SUB-OFFICES AT KWAI FONG, SHEK LEI, TAT WO HAU, LAI KING, SHEK YAM, KWAI SHING AND CHEUNG CHING ESTATE.

LATE APPLICATIONS WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED IF FUNDS ARE STILL AVAILABLE AFTER CONSIDERING THE APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY I.

LOCAL ORGANISATIONS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE LIAISON OFFICERS OF THE SUB-OFFICES FOR ENQUIRIES AND FURTHER DETAILS.

--------0----------

/14........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 14 -

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROBLEMS ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS TRAFFIC AND fRANSPORI PROBLEMS BY THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTOR IN THE DISTRICI Al A

TSUEN

FACED MEETING

TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

PROGRESS REPORTS ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND WATER SUPPLY TO MA WAN WILL ALSO BE TABLED.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN

TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT AND TRANSPORT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TOMORROW THE REGIONAL COUNCIL MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM, WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING,

174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

--------0----------

FIVE SITES TO BE AUCTIONED TOMORROW ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦

THREE INDUSTRIAL AND TWO RESIDENTIAL SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE AUCTIONED BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.

THE INDUSTRIAL SITES ARE IN TUEN MUN, FANLING AND SAI KUNG.

THE TUEN MUN SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 8,124 SQUARE METRES IN AREA 40 NEAR BUTTERFLY ESTATE, IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES,INCLUDING CONCRETE AND/OR ASPHALT BATCHING.

THE FANLING SITE, LOCATED AT ON LOK TSUEN, COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,120 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAI AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, BUT NOT FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.

THE SAI KUNG SITE IS AT TUI MIN HOI AND OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 1,410 SQUARE METRES.

IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN USES, BUT NOT FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF PAINT PRODUCTS, RELATED PRODUCTS AND OTHER DANGEROUS GOODS, NOR FOR OFFENSIVE TRADE.

/the two .......

[This page is blank in the original document]

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

- 16 -

SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ARGENTINA EXPANDED » » » « »

THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ARGENTINA WILL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE MFHI’IIAND I SF ITEMS FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 18). Till? POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

AT PRESENT, THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO ARGENTINA IS RESTRICTED TO BUSINESS PAPERS AND SAMPLES.

THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS A FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING BUSINESS DOCUMENTS, SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS AND A FREE PICK-UP SERVICE IS AVAILABLE.

CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8471108.

--------o ---------

UPGRADING COURSE FOR TOURISM PERSONNEL t * *

AN UPGRADING COURSE ON 'EFFECTIVE SELLING SKILLS FOR TRAVEL AGENCY PERSONNEL’ WILL BE HELD FOR TOURISM STAFF ON FEBRUARY 1 AND 2.

THE TWO-DAY COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC) AND THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF HONG KONG.

THE COURSE WILL EXAMINE TOPICS ON THE ROLES AND DUTIES OF COUNTER SALES PERSONNEL, TELEPHONE TECHNIQUE, CUSTOMER RECEPTION, EFFECTIVE SELLING SKILLS AS WELL AS AFTER-SALES SERVICES.

PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE FULFILLED ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT WILL BE AWARDED AN ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE BY VTC.

CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS JANUARY 22.

FOR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE SECRETARY FOR THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 282.

--------o ---------

/17........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14, 1988

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * * »

THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON WONG HING-PING ON SEPTEMBER 9, 1986, SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF 12 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.

WONG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF MR LEE TAK-SUM.

- - 0 - -

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY TO CONTINUE

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON CITY FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS ON LOK SIN ROAD;

* LOK SIN ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND TUNG TS1NG ROAD, AND THE UNNAMED ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND LOK SIN ROAD ARE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

* SA PO ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND LOK SIN ROAD IS CONVERTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC, WHILE CARPENTER ROAD BETWEEN KAI TAK ROAD AND SA PO ROAD BECOMES ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.

* VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON TAK KU I,ING ROAD HEADING FOR LOK SIN ROAD, INCLUDING KMB ROUTES NO. 2D AND 10 AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 3.3, ARE DIVERTED VIA CARPENTER ROAD, SA PO ROAD AND LOK SIN ROAD.

- 0 -

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH * * » »

TO FACILITATE THE GALA OPENING OF THE 1988 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND H.M.S. TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 6 AM TO MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 17).

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL. 5-8428777

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS POSSIBLE LATER THIS YEAR s 1

GOVERNOR.................................................. 1

CONTROL NEEDED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION : COMMITTEE.............................. 2

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BILL GAZETTED ............. 5

BILL TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON ELECTED AND APPOINTED URBCO MEMBERS...............................................

CALL FOR MORE WOMEN CANDIDATES IN DB ELECTIONS.............. 5

SUSTAINED EFFORTS TO HELP STREET SLEEPERS .................. 6

HK DELEGATION TO ATTEND BUSINESS SUMMIT .................... 8

NO CHANGE TO SIZE CRITERIA FOR BANKING LICENCE APPLICATIONS 8 SWEDISH BaNK GRANTED LICENCE ............................... 9

TEACHERS NEED NEW IDEaS aND TEACHING TECHNIQUES ............ 9

SALE OF FIVE LOTS FETCHES SU? MILLION ..................... 10

TWO CHEUNG CHAU LOTS FOR TENDER ........................... 12

HOTLINE FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT BN(O) PASSPORT ................ 12

JOINT SEMINAR ON POST-SECONDARY THREE CRAFT COURSES ....... 12

TAI PO DB GROUP VISITS PREVOCATION,lL SCHOOL .............. 13

STANDARDS FOR VEHICLE SaFETY GLASS GaZETTED .............. 11*

CONSULTANCY STUDY FOR SEWAGE STRATEGY...................... 15

"HONG KONG OLD POINTINGS" ST^MP P„CK ON SALE............... 15

SHANGHAI STREET ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE CLOSURE ........... 15

FRINGE SHOW aND ORCHESTRA TO ENTERTAIN ISLANDERS .......... 16

CARNIVAL TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE .................... 17

WITHDRAWAL OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE IN YAU YaT CHUEN ........ 17

DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED................................... 18

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ^RRJ'IGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ........... 18

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN HAPPY VjlLLEY............. 19

TRAFFIC RESTRICTION IN SHaU KEI WAN ....................... 19

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS POSSIBLE

LATER THIS YEAR : GOVERNOR t * »

ARRANGEMENTS FOR HONG KONG TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION ON THE TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS WOULD COME INTO EFFECT LATER THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR/, STR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON. A

BY THEN A HONG KONG RESIDENT SERVING A SENTENCE IN A COUNTRY WHICH WAS ALSO A PARTY TO THE CONVENTION MIGHT APPLY TO COMPLETE HIS SENTENCE BACK IN THE TERRITORY, HE SAID.

SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SIR DAVID SAID THE SCHEME HAD THE ADVANTAGE THAT THOSE WHO HAD COMMITTED CRIME OVERSEAS COULD BE REHABILITATED IN AN ENVIRONMENT FAMILIAR TO THEM.

TWO OTHER NEW REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES WOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED THIS YEAR, NAMELY THE RELEASE UNDER SUPERVISION SCHEME AND THE PRE-RELEASE EMPLOYMENT SCHEME.

SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THE AIM OF THESE SCHEMES WAS TO HELP PRISONERS TO REINTEGRATE THEMSELVES SUCCESSFULLY INTO THE COMMUNITY AS LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.

"UNDER THESE SCHEMES, THE PRISONERS WILL BE RELEASED UNDER CAREFUL SUPERVISION AND GUIDANCE BEFORE COMPLETING THEIR SENTENCES," HE SAID.

"THE COMMUNITY CAN BE REASSURED THAT THOSE WHO HAVE NOT CLEARLI DEMONSTRATED THEIR SUITABILITY, OR WHO MIGHT BE A DANGER TO OTHERS, WILL NOT BE SELECTED," SIR DAVID STRESSED.

HE WAS ALSO PLEASED TO NOTE THAT MUCH MORE ATTENTION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS, IN PARTICULAR THROUGH THE PROVISION OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND EDUCATIONAL CLASSES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS IN THE TRAINING CENTRES.

"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO KNOW THAT SUCH PEOPLE HAVE PERFORMED WELL IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO LOOK INTO OTHER WAYS OF HELPING TO ENSURE THAT PRISONERS WOULD NOT REVERT TO CRIME WHEN THEY WERE RELEASED.

"BOTH THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE BENEFIT WHEN A FORMER CRIMINAL BECOMES A CONTRIBUTING AND PRODUCTIVE MEMBER OF SOCIETY," HE ADDED.

ON THE WORK OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SIR DAVID ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE OCCASIONS ON WHICH THE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED ON TO PERFORM DUTIES OUTSIDE ITS NORMAL SCOPE. AN EXAMPLE OF THIS WAS THE ROLE THAT THE DEPARTMENT PLAYED IN THE RUNNING OF THE CLOSED CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.

/THE GOVERNOR

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 2 -

THE GOVERNOR EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S SWIFT AND EFFECTIVE RESPONSE WHEN THE TERRITORY WAS SUDDENLY FACED WITH AN INFLUX OF MORE THAN 7,000 FORMER VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, WHO HAD SETTLED IN CHINA, SOME SIX MONTHS AGO.

FINALLY, SIR DAVID CONGRATULATED THE OFFICERS ON PARADE AND PRESENTED COLONIAL PRISON SERVICE MEDALS TO NINE OFFICERS AND STAFF WHO HAVE EXEMPLARILY SERVED THE DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST 1« YEARS.

-------0----------

CONTROL NEEDED FOR DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION : COMMITTEE t » t *

MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION AT A MEETING TODAY (FRIDAY) SHARED THE VIEW THAT SOME FORM OF CONTROL IS NECESSARY ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCIENTIFI (’ALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

THIS WAS REVEALED BY CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, DR C. II. LEONG, WHEN HF MET THE PRESS AFTER THE MEETING TODAY.

CONTROL COULD EITHER BE IN THE FORM OF A STATUTORY LICENSING BODY OR AN ADVISORY AND MONITORING COMMITTEE WHICH COULD MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR MAKING THE NECESSARY LAW FROM TIME TO TIME.

"THE EXACT FORM OF CONTROL WOULD NEED '1’0 RE DECIDED AT A LA I ER STAGE WHEN THERE HAS BEEN MORE DELIBERATIONS ON THE ISSUES INVOLVED," DR LEONG SAID.

SHOULD

PATIENTS

CATEGORIES

ON THE QUESTION OF WHICH CATEGORIES Or HAlir.Nift Dnuuuv or. ELIGIBLE FOR TREATMENT FOR SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION, MEMBERS FELT THAT SUCH SERVICES SHOULD, AT THE PRESENT STAGE, BE : A, V . mAi.i.v MAPP1FI) COUPLES. EXCEPT UNDER SPECIAL

WHICH

PROVIDED

ONLY

LEGALLY

MARRIED

COUPLES,

EXCEPT

UNDER

CIRCUMSTANCES.

AS FOR SURROGACY, BE COMPLETELY BANNED AND FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.

THE PRELIMINARY VIEW WAS ’THAT THAT THE DOOR SHOULD BE LEFT

IT SHOULD NOT SLIGHTLY OPEN

THE SUBJECT WOULD BE DISCUSSED IN MORE MEETING TO BE HELD IN TWO MONTHS.

DETAILS AT THE NEXT

IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT MEMBERS SHOULD PAY A FAMILIARISATION VISIT TO THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY IN-VITRO FERTILISATION CENTRE Al Till' QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

/DR C.H. LEONG .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1?88

DR C.H. LEONG TOGETHER WITH A MEMBER OE THE COMMITTEE, DR C.L. LAW, WILL HOLD A PRESS BRIEFING AT THE END OF THE MONTH TO EXPLAIN FACTS AND TECHNIQUE OF SCIENTIFICALLY ASSISTED HUMAN REPRODUCTION.

’’THE COMMITTEE HOPES TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE SUBJECT SO THAT THEIR VIEWS (’AN BE ASSESSED MORE ACCURATELY.” DR LEONG SAID.

------0--------

CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT BILL GAZETTED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS TO EMPOWER CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS WHO ARE ON AFTERCARE DUTIES TO ARREST SUPERVISEES AGAINST WHOM A RECALL ORDER HAS BEEN ISSUED.

AT PRESENT ONLY POLICE OFFICERS HAVE THIS POWER.

DETAILS OF THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (POWERS OF ARREST) BILL 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT AFTERCARE SERVICES WERE FIRST INTRODUCED IN HONG KONG IN 1953 FOR THE SUPERVISION OF INMATES RELEASED FROM TRAINING CENTRES.

LATER, THE SERVICES WERE EXTENDED TO COVER ALL INMATES DISCHARGED FROM DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES AND DETENTION CENTRES, AND TO SELECTED YOUNG PRISONERS UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE SUBJECT '1’0 SUPERVISION ORDERS BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, HE SAID.

’’PERSONS RELEASED FROM THESE PROGRAMMES ARE SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION FROM THE DATE OF RELEASE FOR A PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PERSONS RELEASED FROM TRAINING CENTRES WHOSE SUPERVISION PERIOD IS THREE YEARS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’DURING THE STATUTORY SUPERVISION PERIOD, IF A SUPERVISEE MISBEHAVES OR FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE SUPERVISION CONDITIONS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IS EMPOWERED BY LAW AUTHORISE THE RECALL OF SUCH A SUPERVISEE FOR FURTHER TREATMENT OR TRAINING.

’’UNDER THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, ’POLICE ASSISTANCE HAS TO HI-CALLED UPON TO RENDER SUPPORT IN THE RECALL OF SUPERVISEES.

/’’IN MANY............

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

• •

"IN MANY CASES, POLICE OFFICERS MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE IDENTITIES OF SUPERVISEES AND WHERE THEY FREQUENT, AND IT WILL NORMALLY TAKE THEM LONGER TO LOCATE AND APPREHEND THE SUPERVISEES,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING LEGISLATION WILL PROVIDE POWER TO AFTERCARE OFFICERS TO ARREST THE SUPERVISEES.

THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (POWERS OF ARREST) BILL 1988 IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 27, 1988.

INTERESTED PARTIES WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON SHOULD SEND THEIR VIEWS IN WRITING TO OMELCO, 8 KONG OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, CENTRAL LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.

THE AMENDMENT BILL JACKSON ROAD, HONG GOVERNMENT OFF ICES,

-------0----------

BILL TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON ELECTED AND APPOINTED URBCO MEMBERS ♦ * * » ♦

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REMOVE RESTRICTIONS ON BOTH ELECTED AND APPOINTED URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS FROM SEEKING ELECTION AS MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS (DB) IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) .

A PERSON WILL BE ALLOWED TO STAND AS A CANDIDATE AND TO BE ELECTED AS A MEMBER FOR ONE CONSTITUENCY OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND ONE CONSTITUENCY FOR AN URBAN DB UNDER THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.

"THE AMENDMENT BILL REMOVES THE REQUIREMENT FOR A MEMBER OF THE URBAN COUNCIL TO GIVE UP HIS MEMBERSHIP OF THE URBAN COUNCIL UPON ELECTION AS A MEMBER OF A DB, AND VICE VERSA," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

"THE AMENDMENT WOULD ENABLE EXISTING URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE TO SERVE ON DB’S AFTER MARCH 1989 TO SEEK ELECTION TO THE DB’S IN THEIR OWN RIGHT IN THE 1988 ELECTIONS."

THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY‘ANNOUNCED ON DECEMBER 18, 1987, THAT THE EXISTING PRACTICE, WHEREBY URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA, SHOULD CEASE IN MARCH 19R9 WHEN THE TENURE OF THE PRESENT URBAN COUNCIL EXPIRES.

/’’THAT ANNOUNCE ENT....

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 5 -

’’THAT ANNOUNCEMENT WAS MADE IN ADVANCE OF THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE 1987 REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, AND BEFORE THE OPENING OF NOMINATIONS f’OR THE DB ELECTIONS, BECAUSE IT WAS NECESSARY TO GIVE TIME FOR POTENTIAL CANDIDATES WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THE CHANGES TO CONSIDER WHETHER THEY WISH TO STAND FOR ELECTION TO A DB AND TO PLAN THEIR ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES IF THEY DO SO.

’’ANY FURTHER CHANGES TO THE CROSS-MEMBERSHIP ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE URBAN DB’S WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE WHITE PAPER,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE BILL ALSO SETS OUT CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE.

IT REQUIRES A MEMBER OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WHO HAS SECURED ELECTION TO A DB TO GIVE UP IIIS EX-OFFICIO DB SEAT WHILE RETAINING HIS ELECTED DB MEMBERSHIP.

THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT, WHEN AN EX-OFFICIO DB SEAT IS VACATED BY AN APPOINTED URBAN COUNCIL MEMBER WHO HAS SECURED ELECTION TO A DB, THAT EX-OFFICIO DB SEAT SHALL BE LEFT UNFILLED.

THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) RILL 1988 IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 27.*

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO COMMENT ON THE BILL SHOULD WRITE TO OMELCO AT 8 JACKSON ROAD OR TO THE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF SECRETARY, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL.

-------0----------

CALL FOR MORE WOMEN CANDIDATES TN DB ELECTIONS

♦ ♦ ♦

* NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON FEMALE RESIDENTS WHO ARE KEEN ON PROMOTING THE COMMUNITY’S WELL-BEING TO STAND FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN MARCH.

HE SAID REGISTERED VOTERS WHO HAD LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR 10 YEARS WERE ELIGIBLE FOR NOMINATION WHICH WOULD LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY I.

HE MADE THE APPEAL AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE OFFICE-BEARERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE NEWLY FORMED NORTH DISTRICT LADIES’ ASSOC’I ATION.

MR CHEUNG SAID IN NORTH DISTRICT THERE WAS A RATHER LOW LEVEL OF WOMEN PART ICI PAT I ON IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, YET A GOOD BEGINNING* HAD BEEN MADE.

/HE NOTED .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 151 1988

HE NOTED THAT A YIN NGA I SOCIETY, A WOMEN-BASED GRASSROOTS ORGANISATION, HAS BEEN SET UP IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SIIUI, TO HELP WOMEN MAKE FULL USE OF THEIR LEISURE AND FOSTER GOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD RELATIONS!! I P.

EFFORTS TO SET UP A YIN NGA I SOCIETY IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING, WERE BEING MADE, HE ADDED.

NOTING THAT THERE WERE 68,000 FEMALES IN NORTH DISTRICT REPRESENTING 47 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION THERE, MF? (’HEUNG CAUTIONED THAT TO NEGLECT OR STIFLE THEIR ABILITIES WOULD RENDER IMMEASURABLE LOSS TO SOCIETY.

UNDER TRADITIONAL INFLUENCE, IT WAS DIFFICULT TO FORM WOMEN ASSOCIATIONS IN THE DISTRICT WHICH WAS FORMERLY COMPOSED OF VILLAGES AND TOWNSHIPS, HE SAID.

HOWEVER, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS AND THE INFLUX OF NEW RESIDENTS, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE NOT ONLY TO FOSTER TIES BETWEEN OLD AND NEW RESIDENTS, BUT ALSO TO ENCOURAGE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF DIVERSIFIED COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS WOMEN ASSOCIATIONS, HE ADDED.

MR CHEUNG FELT THAT THE FORMATION OF THE NORTH DISTRICT LADIES’ ASSOCIATION SIGNIFIED A STEP FORWARD IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND THE PRESENCE OF ABLE WOMEN LEADERS WITHIN THE DISTRICT.

IT WOULD ALSO CONSTITUTE AN IMPETUS AND A CATALYST IN ENCOURAGING WOMEN RESIDENTS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.

- - 0 -

SUSTAINED EFFORTS TO HELP STREET SLEEPERS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

4 THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL (ONT I NUE IN THE NEW YEAR TO STEP UP SERVICES FOR THE STREET SLEEPERS IN A SYSTEMATIC MANNER, ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY Of- THE SALVATION ARMY DAY RELIEF CENTRE FOR STREET SLEEPERS IN YAU MA TEI, MR LAW SAID A PILOT SCHEME WAS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION TO SET UI’ "URBAN HOSTELS” FOR THEM. ’’THIS INVOLVES EITHER RENTING OR PURCHASING A NUMBER OF FLATS TN DISTRICTS WHERE STREET SLEEPERS CONGREGATE TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY ACCOMMODATION FOR THOSE WI TH SPECIAL NEEDS.

/"IN THIS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1?88

"IN THIS WAY, THEY WILL GRADUALLY GET USED TO LIVING OFF THE STREET AND CAN BE RESETTLED IN OTHER MORE PERMANENT HOUSING AT THE APPROPRIATE TIME,’’ HE SAID.

LOOKING BACK AT THE GOVERNMENT'S EFFORTS IN SOLVING THE STREET SLEEPERS PROBLEM IN 1987, MR LAW NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SET UP A CENTRAL COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS, TO DRAW UP POLICIES AND TO CO-ORDINATE SERVICES FOR STREET SLEEPERS.

♦ ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FRONT, FOUR OUTREACHING TEAMS WERE SET UP AND, TOGETHER WITH VOLUNTEERS AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL, HAD BEEN ESTABLISHING CONTACTS WITH THE STREET SLEEPERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHO WERE OLD AND FRAIL, IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, OF ILL HEALTH OR SUSPECTED TO BE SUFFERING FROM MENTAL ILLNESS, SO AS TO PERSUADE THEM TO ACCEPT SERIVCES.

"WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND OUTREACHING TEAM MEMBERS, OVER 200 STREET SLEEPERS HAD LEFT THE STREETS BETWEEN LAST APRIL AND DECEMBER WHILE ANOTHER 200-ODD CASES ARE BEING PROCESSED," MR LAW SAID.

"TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF SOME STREET SLEEPERS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS IN CO-OPF.RAT I ON WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SET UP TEMPORARY SHELTERS AND DAY RELIEF CENTRES TO PROVIDE THEM WITH TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE," HE SAID.

"THE SETTING UP OF THIS DAY RELIEF CENTRE IN YAU MA TEI WHERE THERE ARE SOME 300 STREET SLEEPERS WILL ENHANCE COMMUNITY CARE FOR THEM AND PROVIDE THEM WITH HAIR (’UTTING, BATHING AND OTHER PERSONAL CARE SERIVCES.

"MOREOVER, AFTER WINNING THEIR TRUST THROUGH MORE CONTACTS AT THE CENTRE, SOCIAL WORKERS (’AN HELP THEM APPLY FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, OLD AGE OR DISABILITY ALLOWANCES, RENI ALLOWANCES OR HOUSING," HE ADDED.

MR LAW SAID HE WAS HEARTENED THAT MORE AND MORE RESIDENTS WERE PART I (’1 PAT ING IN THE WORK FOR STREET SLEEPERS, SHOWING THAT HONG KONG WAS A CARING COMMUNITY.

"THE STREET SLEEPERS PROBLEM CANNOT BE SOLVED OVERNIGHT AND IT REQUIRES EXTENDED AND APPROPRIATE SUPPORTING SERVICES TO MEET THE DIFFERENT NEEDS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF STREET SLEEPERS.

"THIS DAY RELIEF CEN IRE IS ONE Ob THE MUCH-NEEDED FACILITIES," HE SAID.

HE COMMENDED THE SALVATION ARMY FOR ITS UNTIRING AND TIMELY SERVICES FOR PEOPLE IN NEED. • i

THE DAY RELIEF CENTRE, FUNDED BY THE LOTTERIES FUND AND OTHER DONATIONS. STARTED OPERATION LAST SEPTEMBER.

------o-------- /8.......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 8 -

HK DELEGATION TO ATTEND BUSINESS SUMMIT ♦ * * ♦

HONG KONG IS TO BE REPRESENTED BY A TOP-LEVEL DELEGATION AT AN EXCLUSIVE WORLD BUSINESS SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN SWITZERLAND SOON.

THE DELEGATION WILL BE LED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN.

THE CONFERENCE IS THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN DAVOS, SWITZERLAND, WHICH BRINGS TOGETHER HIGH-RANKING BUSINESS AND OTHER LEADERS. IT WILL RUN FROM JANUARY 28 TO FEBRUARY 3.

THE MEETING AIMS TO ALLOW LEADERS FROM MANY COUNTRIES TO GET TOGETHER TO SHARE INFORMATION, OPINIONS AND EXPERTISE, AND TO DISCUSS BUSINESS, TRADING AND OTHER WORLD AFFAIRS.

THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WHO WILL BE A MEMBER OF THE DELEGATION SAID HE WAS PLEASED THAT HONG KONG HAD BEEN INVITED TO TAKE PART.

THE ECONOMIST MAGAZINE HAS DESCRIBED THE DAVOS MEETING AS ’’PROBABLY THE HARDEST WORKING AND CERTAINLY ONE OF THE BEST ORGANISED” OF THE VARIOUS SIMILAR INTERNATIONAL GATHERINGS.

IN RECENT YEARS THE CONFERENCE HAS BEEN ATTENDED BY INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS MR ALDEN W. CLAUSEN, PRESIDENT OF THE WORLD BANK; MR SHR1DATH RAMPHAL, SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE COMMONWEALTH; MR CLAYTON YEUTTER, UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE; AND PRIME MINISTERS AND MINISTERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

THE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WILL BE: MR MARTIN BARROW, DIRECTOR, JARDINE MATHESON AND COMPANY; MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG, MANAGING DIRECTOR, WING TAI EXPORTERS; DR VICTOR FUNG, (’HAIRMAN, PRUDENTIAL ASIA; MR H.M.P. MILES, ('HAIRMAN, JOHN SWIRE AND SONS (HK) LTD; MR DAVID WONG, CHAIRMAN, DAH SING BANK; AND MR IAN HOWARD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.

-------0----------

NO CHANGE TO SIZE CRITERIA FOR BANKING LICENCE APPLICATIONS t * * ♦ *

THE SIZE ('RI TERI A FOR BANKING LICENCE APPLICATIONS FOR FOREIGN RANKS AND LOCALLY INCORPORATED COMPANIES ARE TO REMAIN UNCHANGED FOLLOWING THE LATEST ANNUAL REVIEW BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.

THE ASSET THRESHOLD REMAIN APPLICANTS. FOR LOCAL APPLICANTS HK$2,500 MILLION FOR TOTAL ASSE DEPOSITS FROM THE PUBLIC.

S AT US$11 BILLION FOR FOREIGN , THE SIZE CRITERIA REMAIN AT TS AND AT HKtl,75() MILLION FOR

/A GOVERNMUIT........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 9 -

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT APPLICATIONS FOR BANKING LICENCES ARE JUDGED AGAINST CERTAIN SPECIFIED CRITERIA, ONE OF WHICH IS SIZE AS MEASURED BY TOTAL ASSETS (LESS CONTRA ITEMS) FOR FOREIGN APPLICANTS, AND TOTAL ASSETS (LESS CONTRA ITEMS) AND DEPOSITS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR LOCAL APPLICANTS.

THE SIZE CRITERIA FOR BOTH FOREIGN AND LOCAL APPLICANTS ARE SUBJECT TO ANNUAL REVIEW.

"THE 1987 REVIEW HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND CONCLUDED THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO CHANGE TO THE SIZE CRITERIA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

------0 ------

SWEDISH BANK GRANTED LICENCE » ♦ » « »

A SWEDISH BANK, SKANDINAVISKA ENSK1LDA BANKEN, HAS BEEN GRANTED A BANKING LICENCE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

THIS IS THE FIRST BANKING LICENCE GRANTED THIS YEAR AND IS ALSO THE FIRST LICENCE GRANTED TO A SWEDISH BANK.

SKANDINAV1 SKA ENSK1LDA BANKEN IS THE LARGEST BANK IN SWEDEN. IT HAS HAD A PRESENCE IN HONG KONG IN THE FORM OF A REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE SINCE 198.3.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF FOREIGN BANKS IN OBTAINING HONG KONG BANKING LICENCES REFLECTED THE TERRITORY’S ROLE AS A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.

THE GRANTING OF THIS LICENCE BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG TO 156 OF WHICH 121 ARE INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

------0-------

TEACHERS NEED NEW IDEAS AND TEACHING TECHNIQUES * * * »

TEACHERS NOT ONLY NEED FIRM THEORETICAL BASES TO APPROACH THEIR WORK SYSTEMATICALLY AND EFFICIENTLY BUT ALSO PLENTY OF PRACTICE IN IMPLEMENTING NEW IDEAS AND TEACHING TECHNIQUES, DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR S.W. TAM, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).

PROF TAM WAS SPEAKING AT THE JOINT GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE II TH AND THE THIRD REFRESHER COURSE FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY TEACHERS RESPECTIVELY AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S INSTITUTE OF’ LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION (1LE).

/HE SAID .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

HE SAID THE COURSES HAD GlVfcN THE GRADUATES THE OPPORTUNITIES TO REFRESH THEMSELVES INTELLECTUALLY BY READING, BY TALKING WITH TUTORS AND PEERS, AND BY JUST BEING AWAY FROM SCHOOL ROUTINE WITH TIME AND ENERGY TO THINK SERIOUSLY ABOUT THEIR PROFESSION AND ITS PRACTICES.

WITH THE CONCLUSION OF THE PRESENT COURSES, PROF TAM SAID, 2,898 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH AND 277 LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAD PARTICIPATED IN FULL-TIME, IN-SERVICE RETRAINING AT THE ILE.

APART FROM PLAYING A ROLE AS A CENTRE FOR IN-SERVICE LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION, THE ILE CARRIED OUT RESEARCH INTO LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING, PROF TAM SAID.

"THE CURRENT PROGRAMME INCLUDES INVESTIGATIONS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTENSIVE READING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ASPECTS OF CANTONESE PRONOUNCI AT ION, THE APPLICATION OF QUESTIONING IN THE TEACHING OF READING, TEXT ELICITATION TECHNIQUES, THE EFFECTIVENESS OF 'SPLIT-CLASS’ TEACHING, SPEECH RATES AND THE STANDARD RANGE OF SPEECH RATES IN VARIETIES OF BRITISH ENGLISH, AND COMPUTER-ASSISTED LANGUAGE LEARNING," HE SAID.

LATER, PROF TAM OPENED THE END-OF-COURSE EXHIBITION OF LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING MATERI AIS PRODUCED BY THE PARTICIPANTS OF THE COURSES.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON; AND FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 18) TO THURSDAY (JANUARY 21) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM DAILY.

- - 0 - -

SALE OF FIVE LOTS FETCHES $142 MILLION *»«■*»

THE SALE OF FIVE GOVERNMENT LOTS AT A PUBLIC AUCTION BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) FETCHED A TOTAL OF $ 142 MILLION IN PREMIUM. *

THE LOTS INCLUDED TWO RESIDENTIAL AND THREE INDUSTRIAI SITE’S ALL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. • ' '

ONE OF THE RESIDENTIAL SITES IS SITUATED AT PAE SHEK WO IN SAI KUNG WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,900 SQUARE METRES.

BIDDING OPENED AT $3.5 MILLION AND WAS BOUGHT BY J & R SPARKLE HOLDINGS LTD. FOR $7.fi MILLION.

/ACCORDING TO

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE BUYER HAS TO DEVELOP AT LEAST 684 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE SITE BY JANUARY 31, 1991.

THE OTHER RESIDENTIAL SITE IS IN SHA TIN AREA 43 NEAR FO TAN, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.550 SQUARE METRES.

BIDDING STARTED AT $4 MILLION AND WAS SOLD TO FRONT STEP LIMITED FOR $10 MILLION.

A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 558 SQUARE METRES WILL HAVE TO BE DEVELOPED ON THE SITE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1991.

ONE OF THE THREE INDUSTRIAL SITES IS IN TUEN MUN AREA 40 NEAR BUTTERFLY ESTATE.

THE 8,124 SQUARE METRES SITE IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, INCLUDING CONCRETE AND/OR ASPHALT BATCHING.

BIDDING OPENED AT $15 MILLION AND WAS SOLD AT $109 MILLION TO CHU KONG SHIPPING COMPANY LIMITED, WHO IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 12,075 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1990.

THE SECOND SITE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT LOCATED AT ON LOK TSUEN IN FANLING.

1,120 SQUARE METRES,

IT IS FOR OFFENSIVE TRADES.

INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN

PURPOSES, BUT NOT FOR

BIDDING STARTED AT $6 MILLION AND WAS

INDUSTRIES LIMITED FOR $8.9 MILLION.

THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE MUST COMPLETE AT LEAST 3,360 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS SITE BY MARCH 31, 1992.

BOUGHT BY KARMAN

SUCCESSFUL BIDDER

FLOOR AREA ON THE

THE LAST INDUSTRIAL SITE IS AT TUI MIN HOI IN SAI KUNG.

IT ('OVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,4 10 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN USES, BUT NOT FOR THE MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF PAINT PRODUCTS, RELATED PRODUCTS, OTHER DANGEROUS GOODS AND OFFENSIVE TRADES.

BIDDING OPENED AT $5.5 MILLION AND WAS BOUGHT BY CONLEY INVESTMENT LIMITED FOR $6.5 MILLION.

THE BUYER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT 3,384 SQUARE METRES ON THE SITI' BEFORE MARCH 31. 1992.

LESS THAN

THE AUCTION WAS HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AND WAS CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LANI) AGENT, MR TIM MILLS.

-------O----------

/12........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

12 -

TWO CHEUNG CHAU LOTS FOR TENDER ♦ ♦ » t

TWO SITES ON CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND FOR NON-JNDUSTRIAL PURPOSES ARE BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

BOTH SITES ARE AT CHUNG HOK ROAD, MEASURING 187.3 SQUARE METRES AND 240 SQUARE METRES.

FORMS OF TENDER MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSI NG, TUEN MUN, SAT KUNG AND ISLANDS.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS FOR THE TWO SITES IS AT NOON ON FEBRUARY 12.

-------0----------

HOTLINE FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT BN(O) ♦ » »

PASSPORT

THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED THE HOTLINE FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE BRITISH PASSPORT WAS INSTALLED ON NOVEMBER 17 LAST YEAR.

336 ENQUIRIES SINCE NATIONAL (OVERSEAS)

"FROM THE CALLS RECEIVED ENQUIRIES MADE AT OUR INFORMATION BN(O) PASSPORTS ARE NOT HAVING PR< SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID

"WE WISH TO REMIND MEMBERS ENCOUNTERED DIFFICULTIES WITH HIS MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE PASSPORT OFFICE HOURS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDEI

)N THIS HOTLINE AS WELL AS FROM OFFICE, IT IS CLEAR THAT HOLDERS OF IBLEMS WHEN TRAVELLING OVERSEAS,” A TODAY (FRIDAY).

01* THE PUBLIC THAT ANYONE WHO HAS BN(O) PASSPORT OR WHO WISHES TO MAY (’ALL THE HOTLINE 3-665665 DURING

--------0----------

JOINT SEMINAR ON POST-SECONDARY THREE CRAFT COURSES ♦ ♦ # * ♦

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR K.H. CHAN TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED VOCATIONALLY-ORIENTED STUDENTS TO CHOOSE TRAINING COURSES OFFERED BY TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAI TRAINING CENTRES AFTER. COMPLETING SECONDARY THREE.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE JOINT SEMINAR ON POST-SECONDARY THREE (’RAFT COURSES, MR CHAN SAID CAREERS TEACHERS SHOULD HELP STUDENTS' (JAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING 01- THEMSELVES SO THAT THEY COULD PLAN THEIR FUTURE CORRECTLY AND PRAGMATICALLY.

/’’TO A

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 13 -

"TO A SECONDARY THREE STUDENT, CHOOSING BETWEEN SECONDARY FOUR IN A GRAMMAR SCHOOL AND OTHER FORMS OF STUDY IN A VOCATIONAL TRAINING I ।ITUTE IS AN IMPORTANT DECISION THEY WILL HAVE TO MAKE. IT IS THE DUTY OF THE TEACHERS TO GIVE THEIR STUDENTS GUIDANCE AND ASSISTANCE," MR CHAN SAID.

THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (BUILDING AND SYSTEMS), MR S.H. HSU, WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE SEMINAR, GAVE AN ACCOUNT OF THE NEW METHOD OF PLACEMENT IN THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM INTRODUCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT THIS ACADEMIC YEAR.

THE ONE-DAY SEMINAR WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

IT AIMED TO FAMILIARISE SECONDARY SCHOOL CAREERS MASTERS WITH POST-SECONDARY THREE CRAFT COURSES OFFERED BY TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES.

SOME 200 CAREERS TEACHERS PARTICIPATED IN THE SEMINAR WHICH WAS HELD AT THE KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX. THEY TOOK PART IN TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS ABOUT POST-SECONDARY THREE CRAFT COURSES IN THE MORNING SESSION AND WOULD VISIT SOME TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND TRAINING CENTRES IN THE AFTERNOON.

EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND 18 TRAINING CENTRES WILL OFFER A TOTAL OF 55 FULL-TIME VOCATIONAL TRAINING COURSES WITH SOME 6,600 I'LACIS IIHS YEAR FOR SECONDARY THREE SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO CAN APPLY FOR ADMISSION IN MARCH IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS.

- 0----------

TAI PO DR GROUP VISITS PREVOCATTONAL SCHOOL » * * t *

MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING VISITED THE C.C.C. MADAM FUNG LEUNG KIT MEMORIAL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL.

THE SCHOOL, WHICH OPENED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR, IS THE FIRST AND THE ONLY PREVOCATIONAL INSTITUTE IN THE DISTRICT.

TODAY'S VISIT, WHICH WAS ARRANGED AFTER A DISCUSSION ON PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION AT THE COMMITTEE’S LAST MEETING, WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING MEMBERS’ UNDERSTANDING ON THE SUBJECT. »

LED BY THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR MICHAEL LAI, MEMBERS WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE PRINCIPAL, MR CHAN TING-LAP.

/IN THE.........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

IN THE SCHOOL HALL THE PARTY FIRST VIEWED A SLIDE SHOW ON COURSES PROVIDED BY THE SCHOOL, THE FACILITIES AVAILABLE AND THE PROSPECTS FOR SCHOOL LEAVERS.

. AFTER THE SLIDE SHOW THE VISITORS TOURED THE SCHOOL AND WATCHED STUDENTS PERFORMING SCIENTIFIC EXPERIMENTS AND LEARNING TYPING, METALWORK, FASHION DESIGN AND CLOTHING.

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STANDARDS FOR VEHICLE SAFETY GLASS GAZETTED ♦ * » » ♦

THE SPECIFICATION OF SAFETY GLASS NOTICE 1988 SPECIFYING THE APPROVED SAFETY GLASS AND SAFETY GLAZING STANDARDS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

UNDER REGULATION 28 OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, THE GLASS OR TRANSPARENT MATERIAL USED IN ALL WINDSCREENS, WINDOWS AND PARTITIONS OF A MOTOR VEHICLE SHOULD BE SAFETY GLASS OR SAFETY GLAZING OF A TYPE APPROVED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.

THE NOTICE GAZETTED TODAY SPECIFIES THAT THE SAFETY GLASS AND Al I I X GLAZING USED SHOULD COMPLY WITH ONE OF FOLLOWING STANDARDS:

* BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION BS 857 WITH AMENDMENTS UP TO AMD 3548 DATED FEBRUARY 15, 1981;

t BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION BS 5282;

t BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION BS AU 178;

* ECONOMIC COMMISSION OF EUROPE REGULATION ECE 43; OR

♦ IS HARD SAFETY PLASTIC.

THE GLASS OR TRANSPARENT MATERIAL USED IN THE REAR CABIN WINDOW OF A MOTOR VEHICLE USED TO CARRY DANGEROUS GOODS SHOULD BE WIRED SAFETY GLASS.

THE GLASS OR TRANSPARENT MATERIAL USED IN THE REAR WINDOW IN ANY REMOVABLE CANOPY TO THE DRIVER OR PASSENGER ACCOMODATION OF A MOTOR VEHICLE MAY BE SAFETY PLASTIC.

- - 0---------

/15 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 15 -

CONSULTANCY STUDY FOR SEWAGE STRATEGY » » * * *

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO CONSIDER A STRATEGY FOR THE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF THE SEWAGE OF HONG KONG.

THE STUDY WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT FUTURE TERRITORIAL DEVELOPMENT UP TO AND BEYOND 2001.

AN AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY TOOK PLACE TODAY (FRIDAY) BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE DEPARTMENT AND WATSON HAWKSLEY ASIA.

THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $16 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

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"HONG KONG OLD PAINTINGS" STAMP PACK ON SALE * t * t *

AN ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED "HONG KONG OLD PAINTINGS" STAMP PACK WILL BE ON SALE FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 18, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE STAMP PACK, PRICED AT $19 EACH, CONTAINS TWO SETS OF PREVIOUSLY ISSUED SPECIAL STAMPS FEATURING HISTORICAL SCENES AND 19TH CENTURY PORTRAITS OF HONG KONG.

"IT IS IDEAL AS A GIFT AS WELL AS FOR PERSONAL COLLECTION," A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE PACK WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, AND POST OFFICES AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, THE PEAK, TSIM SHA TSUI, GRANVILLE ROAD AND THE AIRPORT.

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SHANGHAI STREET ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE CLOSURE * » * » ♦

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 29 FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE MADE ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT 556 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, AND ON THE FLAT ROOFS AT THE SECOND FLOOR AND FIRST FLOOR LEVELS OF 566-568 OF THE SAME STREET.

THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT 556 SHANGHAI, STREET INVOLVE A NUMBER OF SHOPS AND TEMPORARY COOKED FOOD STALLS BUILT ON A PRIVATE LAND AT THE ADDRESS.

/A SPOKESMAN

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAJI) CLOSING THE * STRUCTURES WAS NECESSARY SO THAT DEMOLITION COULD BE CARRIED OUT SAFELY.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS HAVE BEEN POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES.

HE SAID ORDERS TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES WERE ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN SEPTEMBER, 1987, BUT THEY HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH.

DEMOLITION WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

- 0 -

FRINGE SHOW AND ORCHESTRA TO ENTERTAIN ISLANDERS * ♦ * * ♦

THE HONG KONG FRINGE CLUB AND THE CHINESE ORCHESTRA OF THE SIC OFFICE WILL GIVE A TWO-HOUR PERFORMANCE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ' <• LS GET TOGETHER DAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

ABOUT 700 STUDENTS FROM VARIOUS ISLANDS WILL ATTEND THE SHOW WHICH IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOLS I A I SON COMMITTEE.

IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10.15 AM IN THE CARITAS COMMUNITY HALL, CAINE ROAD, CENTRAL.

ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG; ISLANDS DISTRICTS SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR KWOK WAI-CHIU; AND ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOLS LIAISON COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KING-LUN; WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOLS GET TOGETHER DAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 10.15 AM IN THE CARITAS COMMUNITY HALL, CAINE ROAD, CENTRAL.

0 - -

/17

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 17 -

CARNIVAL TO SPREAD FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE

***** \

THE ANNUAL FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT WILL BE HELD AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 17) AFTERNOON.

THE PROGRAMMES OF THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY THE POLICE MOTORCYCLE DISPLAY TEAM AND BY POLICE DOGS, TAI JI AND JUDO DEMONSTRATIONS, AND STALL GAMES.

PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE FAMILY QUIZ COMPETITION, BRAVE CITIZEN AWARD AND MODEL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CONTEST HELD IN 1987.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT COMMANDER OF THE POLICE, MR E.H. EVANS; KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING; (’HAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOI HING-SHUN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CARNIVAL, MRS NANCY LAM.

ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE TV ARTISTE, MISS LIZA WANG, AND FOOTBALL COACH, MR KWOK KA-MING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT FIGHT (’RIME i‘NI‘ XL WHICH WILL START AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 17) AT THE KWAI i lie SPORTS GROUND (NEAR KWAI FONG MTR STATION).

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WITHDRAWAL OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE IN YAU YAT CHUEN ♦ * * * »

APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 4M OPERATING BETWEEN YAU YAT CHUEN AND MONG KOK MTR STATION IN KOWLOON TO BE WITHDRAWN FROM MONDAY, JANUARY 18, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

’’THE DECISION TO WITHDRAW THE ROUTE HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT VARIOUS FACTORS, INCLUDING CONTINUOUS LOW PATRONAGE AND FINANCIAL LOSSES SUFFERED BY THE OPERATOR,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.

AFFECTED PASSENGERS CAN TAKE THE ALTERNATIVES OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 41M PLYING BETWEEN YAU YAT CHUEN AND SHEK KIP M|l MTR STATION; OR ROUTE NO. 4 OPERATING FROM YAU VAT CHUEN TO TS IM SIlA TSUI.

AT THE SAME TIME, SERVICES OF ROUTE NO. 3 RUNNING BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND TAI TUNG SUN CHUEN WILL BE STEPPED UP BY INCREASING ITS FREQUENCY TO SIX AND SEVEN MINUTES DURING PEAK HOURS.

0 - -

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 18 -

DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED ♦ t t t t

THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON TONG CHI-HUNG AND CHEUNG WAI-YEE ON JULY 6, 1983, SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON WU CHI-KEUNG ON FEBRUARY 17, 1986, SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A SENTENCE OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.

TONG AND CHEUNG WERE FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF MR TANG KWONG-WAH.

WU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF MISS NG TO-HAR.

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TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC CHANGES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN WONG TAI SIN DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON JANUARY 18 (MONDAY) AND 19.

THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD BETWEEN MING TAK STREET AND SHATIN PASS ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.

VEHICLES ON TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR SHATIN PASS ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHING TAK STREET, WHILE THOSE TRAVELLING ON SHATIN PASS ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE CHING TAK STREET AND SHEUNG TAK STREET.

AT THE SAME TIME, MOTORISTS DRIVING ALONG CHOI HUNG ROAD HEADING FOR TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA SHATIN PASS ROAD, CHING TAK STREET AND SHEUNG TAK STREET.

/19........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1988

- 19 -

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN HAPPY VALLEY ♦ » ♦

THE SECTION OF BROADWOOD ROAD BETWEEN VENTRIS ROAD AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED FROM TWO-WAY TRAFFIC TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 19).

THE RE-ROUTING WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE WATER MAIN LAYING WORK.

VEHICLES TRAVELLING ON WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD HEADING FOR LINK ROAD CAN TRAVEL VIA BLUE POOL ROAD, VENTRIS ROAD AND BROADWOOD ROAD.

-----0------

TRAFFIC RESTRICTION TN SHAU KEI WAN ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦

FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 18), NAM HONG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM ON STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 46 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY IRON 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.

NO VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777 a

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

WAGE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 198? ......................... 1

II MOTHERS ACCEPT REPATRIATION ARRANGEMENT .............. 5

NEW TYPE OF HALF-WAY HOUSE PLANNED ...................... 5

SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND 198? ALLOCATION ...... 6

HONG KONG CHALKS UP A FIRST IN UNIVERSAL EDUCATION ...... 8

HOME ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE............................... 9

ANTI-DRUG MARATHON PUTS HONG KONG IN THE LEAD ........... 10

TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT TO CONTINUE FROM NEXT MONDAY...... 11

STICKERS TO LAUNCH 'GOOD PERSONAL HABITS DRIVE1 ......... 12

PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR FIGHT CRIME COMPETITIONS ......... 12

CAT,A CONCERT TO END MONG KOK FESTIVAL .................. 13

GATHERING OF PAINTERS AND CALLIGRAPHISTS ................ 14

NEW YEAR PARTY FOR ELDERLY............................... 14

HIGHWAYS STAFF BID FAREWELL TO PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL OFFICER .. 15

CSD TAKES PART IN WALK FOR MILLIONS ..................... 15

ROCK CLIMBERS JOIN ANTI-LITTER BLITZ..................... 16

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION LUTED ........................ 16

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION ..................... 17

WATER CUT IN TUEN MON AND EAST KOWLOCN .................. 18

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

1 »

WAGE INDEXES FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 t » »

THE OVERALL NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR SEPTEMBER 1987, AT 149.4, INCREASED BY 9.7 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1986 AND BY 2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1987, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

A COMPARISON OF THE SEPTEMBER 1987 AND SEPTEMBER 1986 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 9.8 PER CENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 10.3 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 9 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 8.4 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 12.1 PER CENT.

A COMPARISON OF THE SEPTEMBER 1987 AND JUNE 1987 INDEXES SHOWS THAT THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 1.5 PERCENT; FOR THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR INCREASED BY 2.9 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.3 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.1 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 3.3 PER CENT.

THE NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1986 TO SEPTEMBER 1987 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 1.

DETAILED BREAKDOWNS FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 2.

THE OVERALL REAL WAGE INDEX, AT 107.7 IN SEPTEMBER 1987, WAS 3.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN SEPTEMBER 1986 AND 1.1 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN JUNE 1987.

FROM SEPTEMBER 1986 TO SEPTEMBER 1987, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 3.6 PER CENT; FOR THE

WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR BY 4.2 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.9 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.4 PER CENT; AND FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 5.8 PER CENT, e

COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1987 WITH JUNE 1987, THE REAL WAGE INDEX FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT; FOR THE

WHLOESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS

SECTOR BY 2 PER CENT; FOR THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR BY

• 1.4 PER CENT; FOR THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR BY 1.2 PER CENT; AND

FOR THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR BY 2.4 PER CENT.

THE REAL WAGE INDEXES FOR THE PERIOD SEPTEMBER 1986 TO SEPTEMBER 1987 FOR SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS ARE GIVEN IN TABLE 3.

/THESE nominal........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

THESE NOMINAL AND REAL WAGE INDEXES ARE DERIVED FROM THE SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONDUCTED EACH QUARTER BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

IT COVERS BOTH MANUAL AND NON-MANUAL WORKERS (EXCLUDING WORKERS AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS) IN SELECTED INDUSTRIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE WHOLESALE/RETAIL, 1MPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR, THE TRANSPORT SERVICES SECTOR, THE BUSINESS SERVICES SECTOR AND THE PERSONAL SERVICES SECTOR.

SUCH INDEXES 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 INDEXES.

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 INDEXES AND THE INDEXES OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED WHICH ARE ALSO PUBLISHED AT QUARTERLY INTERVALS.

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 INDEXES.

TOTAL PAYROLL, ON THE OTHER HAND, IS THE AMOUNT OF DIRECT CASH PAYMENTS THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE FROM EMPLOYERS.

APART FROM THESE 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 ACTURALLY 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........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1?88

THE SURVEY FINDINGS ARE PUBLISHED • IN A REPORT OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS STATISTICS VOL. I, SEPTEMBER 1987 WHICH WILL BE ON SALE SOON 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 FEBRUARY.

FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE WAGE INDEXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TELEPHONE NOS. 5-8234746 OR 5-8234747.

TABLE 1: NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS

INDEXES (MARCH 1982 = 100)

SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS SEPT. 1986 DEC. 1986 MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987 SEPT. 1987

MANUFACTURING 135.2 1 36.8 142.1 146.2 148.4

WHOLESALE/RETAIL, 1MPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 128.3 130.1 135.2 137.5 14 1.5

TRANSPORT SERVICES 156.4 157.3 164.0 166.6 170.4

BUSINESS SERVICES 14 3.7 14 3.6 148.6 152.6 155.8

PERSONAL SERVICES 1 30.0 133.1 136.7 14 1.0 145.7

ALL SECTORS ABOVE 136.2 137.7 142.9 146.5 149.4

TABLE 2: NOMINAL WAGE INDEXES MANUFACTURING SECTOR FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIES IN 1 THE

INDEXES (MARCH 1982 = 100)

INDUSTRY SEPT. 1986 DEC. 1986 MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987 SEPT. 1987

GARMENTS 126.1 । 127.0 128.3 132.2 132.5

GLOVES 144.4 145.7 149.1 152.2 154.3

/HANDBAGS .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 19^8

HANDBAGS 128.9 131.9 135.9 136.7 141.9

COTTON SPINNING/WEAVING 14 4.3 148.1 161.8 163.0 164.6

KNITTING 138.8 138-5 140.8 146.5 148.3

BLEACHING AND DYING 148.4 150.0 160.3 167.2 168.3

PRINTING 141.5 142.6 145.2 160.6 162.4

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 135.6 136.7 144.8 146.4 146.8

METAL PRODUCTS 139.3 140.8 145.6 151 .4 153.0

ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 148.2 151.5 159.2 163.0 165.6

ELECTRONICS 140.3 143.5 153.2 155.6 162.3

WATCHES AND CLOCKS 144.8 147.9 156.9 171.8 174.9

MANUFACTURING 135.2 136.8 14 2.1 146.2 148.4

TABLE 3: REAL WAGE INDEXES BY SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS

INDEXES 1 (MARCH 1982 = 100)

SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SEPT. SECTORS 1986 DEC. 1986 MAR. 1987 JUN. 1987 SEPT. 1987

MANUFACTURING 103.2 103.9 106.0 106.3 106.9

WHOLESALE/RETAIL, IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS 97.8 98.8 100.9 99.9 101 .9

TRANSPORT SERVICES 119.3 119.4 122.4 121.1 122.8

BUSINESS SERVICES 109.6 109.1 110.9 110.9 1 12.2

PERSONAL SERVICES 99.2 101.1 102.0 102.5 105.0

ALL SECTORS ABOVE 103.9 '104.5 106.6 106.5 107.7

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

II MOTHERS ACCEPT REPATRIATION ARRANGEMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS TODAY (SATURDAY) AGAIN MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ’’ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS” WHO EXPRESSED THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S ARRANGEMENT TO REPATRIATE THE WOMEN TO CHINA BY TWO GROUPS ON JANUARY 25 AND 26.

AT THE MEETING, QUESTIONS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY RAISED SUCH AS DOCUMENTATION OF CHILDREN AND REPATRIATION ARRANGEMENTS WERE ANSWERED BY MR JOHN YEUNG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONTROL AND INVESTIGATIONS).

MR YEUNG ADVISED THEM THAT HE HAD MADE ENQUIRIES ON THEIR BEHALF WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AND WAS TOLD THAT THE HUSBANDS COULD PICK UP THEIR WIVES IN SHENZHEN BEFORE RETURNING TO THEIR RESPECTIVE PLACES OF ORIGIN.

ON THE DIFFICULTIES EXPRESSED BY THE REPRESENTATIVES IN APPLYING TO COME TO HONG KONG, MR YEUNG AGREED TO REFLECT THEIR CONCERN DURING WORKING CONTACTS WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES. HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE ISSUE OF ONEWAY PERMITS WAS A MATTER FOR THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.

MEANWHILE, THE ”ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MOTHERS” ARE REQUIRED TO CONTINUE REPORTING TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TWICE WEEKLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOGNIZANCE CONDITIONS.

- 0 - -

NEW TYPE OF HALF-WAY HOUSE PLANNED ♦ t ♦ ♦ ♦

A NEW TYPE OF HALF-WAY HOUSE FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS HAS BEEN PLANNED TO PROVIDE REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR THOSE WHO NEED MORE INTENSIVE CARE AND WHO CANNOT BE ADMITTED INTO THE EXISTING HALF-WA'Y HOUSES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG’S KWONG FUK HALF WAY HOUSE, MR CHAMBERS SAID THIS NEW KIND OF HALF-WAY HOUSE WOULD BE PURPOSE BUILT AND WOULD PROVIDE RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WHO REQUIRED EITHER THE NORMAL TYPE OF CARE AND MORE EXTENSIVE CARE.

’’THIS APPROACH, WHICH IS KNOWN AS THE DISPERSAL MODEL, HAS BEEN ADOPTED BY A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES AS IT ALLOWS FOR MORE SERVICES AND STAFF TO BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE PATIENTS WHO REQUIRE THEM, AND IT ALSO PROMOTES MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AMONGST THE PATIENTS,” HE SAID.

”IT IS INTENDED THAT II PURPOSE BUILT HALF-WAY HOUSES SHOULD BE PROVIDED BY 1992/93, AND ONE OF THE FIRST TO BE COMPLETED WILL BE RUN BY THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG,” HE ADDED.

/MR CHAMBERS

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON REHABILITATION OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WAS TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE THESE PATIENTS WITH COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION SERVICES AFTER THEIR DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL.

"THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ALSO CONDUCT EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE OF MENTAL ILLNESS IN ORDER TO IMPRESS UPON HONG KONG PEOPLE THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCEPTING EX-MENTAL PATIENTS AS FULL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE HALF-WAY HOUSE WAS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THIS REHABILITATION PROCESS.

"BY PROVIDING A STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT WHICH HELPS THE PATIENT TO DEVELOP HIS SOCIAL SKILLS, WORK HABITS AND DECISION-MAKING ABILITIES, THE HALF-WAY HOUSE PROVIDES THE STEPPING STONE THAT IS REQUIRED TO ENABLE HIM TO RESUME A NORMAL LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.

AT PRESENT, ALL HALF-WAY HOUSES ARE LOCATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND THEY CATER TO THE NEEDS OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WHO ARE LIKELY TO BE ABLE TO RESUME NORMAL LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY WITHIN ONE YEAR.

--------0-----------

SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND 1987 ALLOCATION

» » ♦ »

THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND HAS RECENTLY MADE GRANTS OF MORE THAN $10 MILLION TO 47 CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR ADOLF HSU.

MR HSU IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ALLOCATION COMMITTEE RESPONSIBLE FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNOR ON ALLOCATIONS FROM THE FUND.

THE SIR ROBERT HO TUNG CHARITABLE FUND IS ONE OF THE LARGEST CHARITABLE TRUSTS IN HONG KONG.

IT WAS ESTABLISHED BY A BEGUEST OF '$500,000 BY THE LATE STR ROBERT HO TUNG ON HIS DEATH IN 1956.

THE FUND IS ADMINISTERED BY HONGKONG BANK TRUSTEE LTD.

/MR HSU .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

MR HSU SAID MAJOR GRANTS THIS YEAR INCLUDED $1,351,310 TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, OF WHICH $517,000 WAS FOR KWONG WAH HOSPITAL TO PURCHASE A HISTOPATHOLOGY TISSUE PROCESSOR AND AN ADVANCED MICROSCOPE; $600,000 FOR TUNG WAH EASTERN HOSPITAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF A CENTRIFUGAL ANALYSER; AND $234,310 FOR THE PAO SIU LOONG CARE AND ATTENTION HOME AND THE INTERNATIONAL FUNERAL PARLOUR FOR THE PURCHASE OF A HYDROEXTRACTOR AND A HEARSE VAN.

A SUM OF $1,149,500 WAS GRANTED TO OUR LADY OF MARYKNOLL HOSPITAL TO MEET THE EXPENSES OF FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS FOR THE ENTIRE HOSPITAL.

THE HONG KONG CHESHIRE HOME RECEIVED $939,000 FOR REWIRING WORKS OF ITS CHUNG HOM KUK HOME.

THE PO LEUNG KUK WAS GRANTED $789,300 FOR THE RENOVATION OF THE PUI NANG HOSTEL, THE LION’S CLUB SHELTERED WORKSHOP AND THE CENTRAL BUILDING.

THE HONG KONG TUBERCULOSIS, CHEST AND HEART DISEASES ASSOCIATION RECEIVED $690,990, OF WHICH $108,080 WAS FOR THE RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM TO PURCHASE HOSPITAL BEDS AND A CARDIAC ECG/MONITOR; AND $582,910 FOR THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL TO PURCHASE A DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM FOR ANAESTHETIC AND RESPIRATORY THERAPY EQUIPMENT, A MOBILE X-RAY MACHINE AND AN EXTRACTION SYSTEM FOR A BIOLOGICAL SAFETY CABINET.

THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND BRIGADE WAS GRANTED $633,000 FOR REDECORATION/REPAlP WORKS AT ITS MAINLAND AREA HEADQUARTERS.

A GRANT OF $610,000 WAS MADE TO THE HONG KONG BUDDHIST HOSPITAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF A MORTUARY REFRIGERATOR, AN ULTRASONIC TABLE AND AN OPERATING MICROSCOPE.

THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL WAS GRANTED $476,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF VARIOUS ITEMS OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.

A GRANT OF $452,840 WAS MADE TO THE HONG KONG RED CROSS, OF WHICH $310,000 WAS FOR THE PURCHASE OF LABORATORY EQUIPMENT FOR THE BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE; AND $142,840 FOR THE PURCHASE OF BOOKS, FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR ITS SPECIAL SCHOOLSt

THE POK OI HOSPITAL WAS GRANTED $437,100 FOR THE PURCHASE OF A MORTUARY REFRIGERATOR, SIX LIFT-RIDE CHAIRS AND VARIOUS ITEMS OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.

THE ALICE HO MIU LING NETHERSOLE HOSPITAL RECEIVED A SUM OF $359,000 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF AN INCUBATOR, AN AUTOMATIC WASHER-EXTRACTOR AND A VENTILATOR. ,

THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE AND THE DUCHESS OF KENT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL WERE EACH GRANTED $330,000 TO PURCHASE VARIOUS ITEMS OF MEDICAL EQUIPMENT.

/8 .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

- 8 -

HONG KONG CHALKS UP A FIRST IN UNIVERSAL EDUCATION

♦ » ♦ »

HONG KONG IS NOT ONLY AHEAD THE THREE OTHER MAJOR CHINESE COMMUNITIES IN THE WORLD TO PROVIDE FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION UP TO JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL BUT ALSO THE FIRST TO ACHIEVE NEAR UNIVERSAL EDUCATION UP TO SENIOR SECONDARY LEVEL, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE THREE OTHER MAJOR COMMUNITIES ARE CHINA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS ON EDUCATION FOR PUPILS OF DIFFERENT ABILITIES ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MR LI SAID THIS WAS SOMETHING HONG KONG WAS PROUD OF BUT THE ROAD TO SUCCESS HAD NOT BEEN AN EASY ONE.

PAYING TRIBUTE TO SCHOOL HEADS FOR THEIR COMMON EFFORT TO PROVIDE THE NEXT GENERATION WITH A MORE EFFECTIVE EDUCATION, TO ENRICH THEIR SCHOOL LIFE AND TO MEET THEIR PRESENT AND FUTURE, MR LI SAID THE IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL EDUCATION HAD BROUGHT MORE AND MORE PUPILS OF VARYING STANDARDS AND ABILITIES INTO THE SCHOOLS.

WITH THE REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF BOUGHT PLACE PRIVATE SCHOOLS, MR LI SAID THAT WOULD BECOME AN EVEN MORE COMMON PHENOMENON AND SUCH A SITUATION WOULD BE A GREAT CHALLENGE TO THE GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS WHICH USED TO ADMIT PUPILS OF COMPARATIVELY BETTER ACADEMIC RESULTS.

’’SCHOOLS IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS ARE OFTEN CONFRONTED WITH THE PROBLEM, AND INDEED, THE IMPORTANT TASK OF MEETING PUPILS’ INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN THEIR TEACHING OCCASIONS, EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERN AND DIFFICULTY TN HANDLING A WIDE RANGE OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS,” MR LI SAID.

IN THIS CONNECTION, MR LI CALLED ON THE SCHOOL HEADS TO TAKE IMMEDIATE CONCERN AND TO EXPLORE THE BEST WAYS TO CATER FOR PUPILS’ INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, ENHANCE PUPILS’ MOTIVATION BY TEACHING PROGRAMMES, MAXIMISE RESOURCES TO PROVIDE PUPILS WITH THE NECESSARY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

NOTING THE PRESENT EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM WAS TOO ATTAINMENT-CENTRED, WHICH REQUIRED PUPILS TO ATTAIN A UNIFORM STANDARD, MR LI URGED THE SCHOOL HEADS TO EXAMINE THE PUPIL-CENTRED APPROACH ADOPTED IN SOME DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN PARTICULAR TO THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY THEM FOR BEING TOO EXTREME IN THE PRACTICE AND THUS LOWERING GENERAL ACADEMIC STANDARDS.

MR LI TOLD SOME 300 SCHOOL HEADS 'ATTENDING TODAY’S SEMINAR THAT HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO THE OUTCOME OF THEIR DELIBERATIONS WHICH HE WAS SURE WOULD BE MOST USEFUL AND CONDUCIVE TO THE FUTURE WORK OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

--------0

/9........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

- 9 -

HOME ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE

*****

THE DEATH TOLL OF ACCIDENTS IN THE HOME ENVIRONMENT STOOD AT 130 LAST YEAR, WHICH IS A 53 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1986.

ACCORDING TO THE STATISTICS FROM THE CORONER’S COURT, HALF OF THE DEATHS WERE RESULTANT FROM FALLS, SUCH AS FALLING FROM HEIGHT, BED, STAIRCASE, OR SLIPPING ON WET FLOOR.

OTHER CAUSES INCLUDED CHOKING FROM FOOD, BURNS, AND DROWNING.

"LAST YEAR, WE WITNESSED MANY TRAGIC ACCIDENTS, SPECIALLY THOSE HAPPENING TO YOUNG CHILDREN, WHICH COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS WERE TAKEN," CHAIRMAN OF THE HOME SAFETY CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, MR GEORGE YUEN, SAID.

"BUT WE ARE GLAD TO LEARN FROM THE STATISTICS THAT FATAL HOME ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN UNDER 10 YEARS OLD HAVE BEEN DECREASING," MR YUEN SAID.

"THE FIGURE WAS 53 FOR 1983 BUT IT HAS GRADUALLY COME DOWN TO 21 LAST YEAR," HE SAID.

FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE COMMITTEE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, LAUNCHED LARGE SCALE CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE HOME SAFETY, WITH THE EMPHASIS ON SAFEGUARDING OUR CHILDREN.

"A TV API (ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST) WITH THE THEME 'NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED AT HOME’ STARTED SCREENING IN JULY WHILE A CORRESPONDING POSTER WAS MOUNTED IN GOVERNMENT DISPLAY WINDOWS, MTR AND KCR STATIONS," MR YUEN SAID.

"AN EXHIBITION FEATURING ALL THE HIDDEN DANGERS TN THE HOME AND AT THE SAME TIME ILLUSTRATING SIMPLE PREVENTIVE MEASURES, WAS FIRST HELD IN SHA TIN IN SUMMER AND LATER WENT ON TOUR AROUND 12 PUBLIC ESTATES TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE ’A SAFE HOME IS A HAPPY HOME’," HE SAID.

ON THE OTHER HAND, THE STATISTICS SHOW THAT OLD PEOPLE OF 70 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE ARE VERY VULNERABLE AND ACCIDENT-PRONE EVEN IN THE ENVIRONMENT MOST FAMILIAR TO THEM.

"FIFTY-THREE OLD CITIZENS WERE KILLED IN HOME ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR, MAINLY AS A RESULT OF FALLS OR CHOKING FROM FOOD," MR YUEN SAID.

"IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, THE CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE WITH STRONG EMPHASIS ON THE ELDERLY.

/"A NEW .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

10 -

"A NEW POSTER TARGETTED AT THE ELDERLY WILL BE PUBLICISED AI".iCSIDE EXISTING ONES ON CHILDREN.

"A SPECIAL VIDEO GIVING ADVICE ON HOME SAFETY WILL ALSO BE COMPLETED AND SHOWN TO OLD FOLKS TN COMMUNITY CENTRES," HE ADDED.

MR YUEN REVEALED THAT HOME SAFETY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MAJOR CAMPAIGNS IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.

--------o ----------

ANTI-DRUG MARATHON PUTS HONG KONG IN THE LEAD * » « * «

RACE DIRECTOR OF THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, MR JAMIE SCOTT TODAY (SATURDAY) SAID HONG KONG LEADS THE WAY BY LINKING A WORLD-RANKED MARATHON WITH THE WAR AGAINST NARCOTICS.

"PARTICIPANTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD WILL BE IN HONG KONG TO PROMOTE THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE BY COMPETING AS ’ANTI-DRUG' RUNNERS," HE SAID.

MR SCOTT ALSO DISCLOSED THAT MORE WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES WOULD COMPETE IN THE WHEELCHAIR MARATHON IN THE EVENT TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 24 (SUNDAY) AT THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.

"THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSES FROM BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ATHLETES MAKE THE WHEELCHAIR CATEGORY ONE OF THE LARGEST REPRESENTATIVE WHEELCHAIR MARATHON IN ASIA,” MR SCOTT SAID.

ALMOST 1,000 RUNNERS AS WELL AS WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES FROM AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SINGAPORE, U.S., CHINA, NEW ZEALAND, MACAU AND HONG KONG WILL VIE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.

AMONG THE WHEELCHAIR PARTICIPANTS, ONE OF THE TOP SEEDS IN THE MEN’S WHEELCHAIR CATEGORY IS MR RON LAWRENCE FROM AUSTRALIA.

COMPETING SINCE 1981, LAWRENCE HAS A PERSONAL BEST RECORD OF 2.38 HOURS WHICH IS ALMOST 10 MINUTES FASTER THAN THE HONG KONG RECORD.

IN ADDITION, JAPAN'S TTSUKO MAEDA WHO HAS BEEN COMPETING SINCE 1982 WILL ALSO TAKE PART.

HER BEST PERSONAL RECORD OF 2.42 HOURS IS 20 MINUTES INSIDE THE HONG KONG RECORD.

/"THE INCREASE

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

"THE INCREASE IN OVERSEAS PARTICIPATION IS A TREMENDOUS BOOST FOR LOCAL HANDICAPPED ATHLETES WHO ARE ONLY ABLE TO COMPETE IN HONG KONG BY REASON OF THE GOVERNMENT’S WILLINGNESS TO CLOSE THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FOR THE EVENT,” MR SCOTT SAID.

"THE INCREASED OPPORTUNITY FOR HANDICAPPED SPORTSMAN IS NOT THE ONLY PUBLIC BENEFIT ASPECT OF THE RACE BUT PARTICIPANTS ARE ALSO RAISING FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST AND PROMOTING THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE," HE ADDED.

JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION, THE EVENT IS THE 11TH IN THE SERIES.

- - 0

TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT TO CONTINUE FROM NEXT MONDAY ♦ ♦ t * ♦

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT FROM NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 18), THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON A REGULAR BASIS AS A SHORT-TERM MEASURE TO RELIEVE THE TUNNEL CONGESTION.

THE ARRANGEMENT WILL BE IN FORCE MONDAY TO FRIDAY, STARTING FROM 6 AM AND ENDING AT 7.30 AM.

AS SOON AS THE ARRANGEMENT ENDS, THE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING ARRANGEMENT WILL BEGIN TO OPERATE UNTIL TRAFFIC QUEUES ON Till SOUTHBOUND APPROACHES TO THE TUNNEL DISAPPEAR.

DURING THE TRIAL PERIOD FOR THE PAST TWO WEEKS, THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT PROVED EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING TRAFFIC QUEUE LENGTH AND IN POSTPONING THE FORMATION OF TRAFFIC QUEUES ON SOUTHROUND APPROACH ROADS TO THE TUNNEL.

THE TECHNIQUE OF USING TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO CONTROL VEHICLE MERGING ALSO FACILITATED TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE TOLL PLAZA AREA.

BOTH THE TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT AND THE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING ARRANGEMENT WILL BE REVIEWED WHEN OTHER MEASURES TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ARE INTRODUCED AT A LATER STAGE.

- 0 - -

/12

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

12 -

STICKERS TO LAUNCH 'GOOD PERSONAL HABITS DRIVE’ * * »

THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS LAUNCHING A CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF GOOD PERSONAL HABITS.

THREE SETS OF STICKERS ADVISING THE PUBLIC NOT TO SPIT, TO MAINTAIN GOOD PERSONAL TOILET HABITS AND TO KEEP TOILETS CLEAN, HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT VARIOUS PUBLIC PLACES INCLUDING PUBLIC TOILETS, RESTAURANTS, SCHOOLS, CINEMAS AND DISPLAY BOARDS AT DOMESTIC BUILDINGS.

THE "GOOD PERSONAL HABITS DRIVE" WAS LAUNCHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

"EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE HABITS CONCERNING THE USE OF TOILETS IS HIGHLY NECESSARY BECAUSE INCIDENCES OF INFECTIOUS FOOD-BORNE DISEASES SUCH AS CHOLERA AND FOOD POISONING ARE FOUND TO BE RELATED TO FOOD CONTAMINATED BY SOILED HANDS AND INSECT VECTORS CARRYING GERMS FROM DIRTY TOILETS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT SAID.

"MEANWHILE, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE REMINDED THAT SPITTING IS AN ANTI-SOCIAL HABIT AND ARE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $2,500.

COPIES OF THE STICKERS CAN BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE WHILE STOCK LASTS FROM THE HEALTH EDUCATION OFFICES AT ROOM 924, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 9/F, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON; AND AT SECOND FLOOR, 01 KWAN COURT, 28, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 5-729361.

--------o ---------

PRIZE PRESENTATION FOR FIGHT CRIME COMPETITIONS

*****

TWENTY-SIX WINNERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME SLOGAN AND COLOURING COMPETITIONS WERE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE HO MAN TIN POLICE STATION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.

ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY KOWLOON LOK SIN TONG, THE COMPETITIONS CENTRED ON THE THEME OF SHOP THEFT. ,

BOTH COMPETITIONS WERE DIVIDED INTO SENIOR AND JUNIOR SECTIONS. FIFTEEN BEST ENTRIES WERE SELECTED FOR THE SLOGAN COMPETITION AND 11 FOR THE COLOURING COMPETITION.

/THE TWO .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1?88

THE TWO WINNING SLOGANS WERE PRINTED ON 1,000 POSTERS FOR DISPLAY AT SUPERMARKETS AND SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.

IT WAS HOPED THAT THROUGH THE COMPETITIONS AND THE DISPLAY OF THE SLOGANS, THE PUBLIC WOULD BE MORE AWARE OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE OF SHOP THEFT. IF FOUND GUILTY, AN OFFENDER WOULD BE REGISTERED WITH A CRIMINAL RECORD.

OFFICIATING GUESTS AT TODAY’S PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY INCLUDED THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MRS WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN; CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHENG WOO-YICK; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, MR WONG CHUNG-MING.

--------0 ---------

GALA CONCERT TO END MONG KOK FESTIVAL

* * * *

A GALA CONCERT TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) EVENING AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM WILL MARK THE CLOSING OF THE SIX-WEEK MONG KOK FESTIVAL.

THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR PAUL LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL.

THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, BANDS AND TELEVISION ARTISTES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE MONG KOK FESTIVAL AT 7.45 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM, FLOWER MARKET ROAD.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

- 14 -

GATHERING OF PAINTERS AND CALLIGRAPHISTS *****

MORE THAN 300 LOCAL PAINTERS AND CALLIGRAPHISTS WILL SHARE EXPERIENCES AND DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS AT A GATHERING TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE MIRAMAR HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION ANNUALLY TO PROMOTE CHINESE CULTURE.

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR T.H. CHAU, AND HIS WIFE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE GATHERING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GATHERING OF PAINTERS AND CALLIGRAPHISTS WHICH WILL START AT 1 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE CONVENTION CENTRE, PENTHOUSE OF MIRAMAR HOTEL, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.

NEW YEAR PARTY FOR ELDERLY

* » ♦

ABOUT 500 OLD PEOPLE AGED OVER 85 AND ELDERLY VOLUNTEERS OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT WILL TAKE PART IN A NEW YEAR AND BIRTHDAY PARTY ON MONDAY, JANUARY 18.

THEY WILL BE TREATED TO ’’DIM SUMS” AND PERFORMANCES OF CANTONESE OPERA BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. THE WIFE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, LADY FORD, WILL PRESENT GOLD MEDALS TO THE TWO OLDEST RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT.

KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE PARTY, MR SIU KONG-YU, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT’S NEW YEAR AND BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE ELDERLY TO BE HELD AT 4 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 18) AT KWAI HING HSIN KUANG RESTAURANT (NEXT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ARRIVE AT 3.45 PM.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

- 15 -

HIGHWAYS STAFF BID FAREWELL TO PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL OFFICER

*****

STAFF OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT GAVE A PARTY LAST NIGHT TO BID FAREWELL TO PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL OFFICER, MR LEE CHE-MING, WHO WILL GO ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE TODAY (SATURDAY) AFTER HAVING SERVED THE GOVERNMENT FOR 27 YEARS.

THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, PRESENTED MR LEE WITH A SOUVENIR GIFT ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT.

IN HIS SPEECH, MR BEATON PRAISED MR LEE FOR HIS HARD WORK AND DEVOTION TO DUTY WHICH EARNED HIM THE BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL AWARD IN 1987.

MR BEATON SAID : "FOR A MAN WHO HAS BEEN PART AND PARCEL OF THE DEPARTMENT, GROWING WITH IT FROM A HUMBLE DIVISION TO ITS PRESENT SIZE AND STATUS, HE WILL BE MISSED BY HIS COLLEAGUES."

MR LEE, AGED 57, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ENGINEERING DRAFTSMAN CLASS 3 IN DECEMBER 1960. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ENGINEERING ASSISTANT CLASS 2 IN 1965, TO ENGINEERING ASSISTANT CLASS 1 IN 1971 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK 10 YEARS LATER.

CSD TAKES PART IN WALK FOR MILLIONS

* * * *

SIXTY-SIX STAFF MEMBERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND INMATES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTIONS WILL TAKI-PART IN THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S WALK FOR MILLIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE CSD TEAM WILL WALK UNDER THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) BANNER TOGETHER WITH MEMBERS OF THE ACAN VOUT VOLUNTEER GROUP TO HELP SPREAD THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE.

THE TEAM COMPRISES 17 INMATES, 29 SUPERVISEES AND 20 S'I'AI I MEMBERS FROM THE TAI LAM CENTRE FOR WOMEN, HEI LING TREATMENT CENTRI AND NEI KWU TREATMENT CENTRE.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT SOME $7,500 WILL BE RAISED FOR Till COMMUNITY CHEST.

--------o----------

/16........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

- 16 -

ROCK CLIMBERS JOIN ANTI-LITTER BLITZ * * ♦ ♦ ♦

A TEAM OF EXPERT ROCK CLIMBERS WILL MOUNT A LITTER COLLECTION EXPEDITION IN LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING IN SUPPORT OF THE CLEAN COUNTRY PARKS DRIVE LAUNCHED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

WITH THE AID OF SPECIAL ROCK CLIMBING EQUIPMENT, THEY WILL CONCENTRATE THEIR EFFORTS ON THE HILL TOP AND STEEP SLOPES OF AMAH ROCK WHERE ACCESSIBILITY IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE EXCEPT FOR VERY EXPERIENCED MOUNTAINEERS.

THE TEAM IS THE FIRST ROCK CLIMBING GROUP WHO HAS RESPONDED TO THE GOVERNMENT’S CALI. FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE CURRENT CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE LITTER COLLECTION EXPEDITION BY THE ROCK CUMBERS TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING.

TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE AFD HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 9.15 AM.

THOSE MAKING THEIR OWN TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE CARPARK AT THE JUNCTION OF HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD IN SHA TIN BY 9.50 AM.

--------o ----------

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION LIFTED

*****

THE EXISTING PEAK-HOUR (THAT IS 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON TWO SECTIONS OF RECLAMATION STREET IN MONG KOK WILL BE LIFTED FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 19).

THE TWO SECTIONS ARE THE SECTION BETWEEN PITT STREET AND NELSON STREET; AND THE SECTION BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND MONG KOK ROAD. i

--------0 ----------

/17 .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

- 17 -

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SALE BY AUCTION *****

FORTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF 4795,500 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.

THE AUCTION HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER DS1 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF 4160,000.

ANOTHER NUMBER DR1 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF 4120,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS 41,000 *EACH FOR CM2737 AND BL6848.

FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY’S AUCTION:

DR8138 $ 3,000 CM2737 $ $ 3,000 DR290 i 4,ooo

1,000 DR4428

DS368 21,000 DR2832 6,000 BL6848 1,000 HK899 60,000

DR1369 6,000 DR172 5,500 DR2278 2,000 DR6 35 8,600

DL10 38,000 DS2228 12,000 DS1388 11,000 DR6611 12,000

DR821 3,500 DS789 42,000 DR928 20,000 AA886 36,000

DR621 2,500 DP27 32,000 DS318 13,500 DS3338 18,500

DR6188 3,000 DR809 6,000 DR2223 12,000 DR1 120,000

DS1800 16,000 AK2919 6,000 DR383 21,000 5232 26,000

AD2223 15,000 CM1212 20,000 DR908 8,500 DS1 160,000

AE4884 7,500 DR3680 3,000 DR9929 6,000 DS2623 75,000

SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY

CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.

THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.

TODAY’S SALE, THE 120TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO 449,704,032.

-----0------

/18 .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 16, 1988

- 18 -

WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN AND EAST KOWLOON » » * » »

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 19) TO 8 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

THE PREMISES AFFECTED WILL BE ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM SAM SHING ESTATE TO TAI LAM CHUNG, INCLUDING DRAGON INN, KADOORIE AND CAFETERIA BEACHES, TSING YUNG STREET, TUEN MUN AREA 20, GORDON CAMP, GORDON HARD, PEROWNE CAMP, MONTE CARLO VILLA, SO KWU TAN, SO KWUN WAT VILLAGE, KA WO LANE VILLAGE, PEARL ISLAND, SIU SAU TSUEN, CASTLE PEAK VILLA, TAI LAM MARINE POLICE BASE, SIU LAM AREA AND TAI LAM CHUNG AREA.

MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON JANUARY 19 FOR MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE AREAS AFFECTED WILL BE HUNG HOM, TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON CITY, KOWLOON TONG, LOK FU, WANG TAU HOM, TUNG TAU, WONG TAI SIN, CHUK YUEN, HO MAN TIN HILL, FUNG WONG VILLAGE, SAN PO KONG, TSZ WAN SHAN, KAI TAK, KOWLOON BAY, CHOI WAN, CHOI HUNG, PING SHEK, NGAU TAU KOK AND JORDAN VALLEY.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CHANGES IN CULTURAL SCENE REFLECT GOVT’S EFFORTS : GOVERNOR 1

NOVEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPOLYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES

RELEASED • 2

SMALL BOAT OPERATORS URGED TO PIiY SAFE.................... 5

ROCK CLIMBERS CLEAN UP AMaH ROCK........................... 7

MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL A SUCCESS ...................... 8

FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN KWAI TSING ........................ 8

GATHERING OF PAINTERS ,ND CALLIGRAPHISTS .................. 9

RC DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY SCHEME ON DB AGENDa........... 10

KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN SCHOOL COMPETITIONS PRIZE PRESENTATION 11

ART LABORATORY FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN .................... 12

more labour relations courses in the pipeline.............. 12

NEW IDENTITY CnRDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1959-60 ................ 13

VOLLEYBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION 15

PILED FOUNDATION FOR UC COMPLEX

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

CHANGES IN CULTURAL SCENE REELECT GOVT’S EFFORTS : GOVERNOR * * t t *

THE CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN OUR ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL LIFE REFLECT THE GOVERNMENT'S CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE COMMUNITY'S GROWING INTEREST IN THE ARTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1988 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL AT THE CITY HALL, SIR DAVID SAID THE CULTURAL SCENE IN HONG KONG HAD CHANGED OVER THE PAST 10 OR 15 YEARS.

"IN THE EARLY .970'S THE CITY HALL WAS THE ONLY MAJOR VENUE FOR PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES.

"WHEN THE CULTURAL CENTRE AT TSIM SHA TSUI IS COMPLETED IN MID-1989, WE SHALL HAVE 21,000 THEATRE AND CONCERT HALL SEATS IN THE TERRITORY," HE SAID

STR DAVID SA1D THAT THAT WAS PROGRESS INDEED.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT DURING THIS TIME, AUDIENCES AS WELL AS THE NUMBER OF LOCAL PERFORMING COMPANIES AND ARTISTES HAD GROWN.

ON THE ROLE OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL, HE SAID SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT 16 YEARS AGO, THE FESTIVAL HAD PLAYED A CENTRAL ROLE IN STIMULATING PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE ARTS.

"EVERY YEAR THE FESTIVAL BRINGS TO HONG KONG MANY FINE PERFORMERS FROM OVERSEAS," SIR DAVID NOTED, ADDING THAT THERE HAD ALSO BEEN AN INCREASING CONTRIBUTION FROM LOCAL TALENT DURING RECENT YEARS.

SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAI, UNDER THE CAPABLE GUIDANCE OF THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, THE ARTS FESTIVAL WOULD CONTINUE TO GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.

-------0---------

/2........

.SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

NOVEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED ♦ t t * ♦

THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN NOVEMBER 1987, REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME AS IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, BUT WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THAT IN NOVEMBER 1986, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND, MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS, REFERS TO THE POSITION AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.

COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987, THE ORDERS POSITION IN NOVEMBER 1987 DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, WHILE THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE OTHER INDUSTRIES SHOWED RELATIVELY LITTLE CHANGES.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1987 WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, WHILE THAI' IN THE WEARING APPAREL, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, AND ELECTRI (’AL AND ELECTRON I (’ PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES SHOWED SOME INCREASES.

EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR SHOWED A DECREASE IN NOVEMBER 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH BOTH OCTOBER 1987 AND NOVEMBER 1986.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1987 WITH OCTOBER 1987, I'HERE WAS A SHARP REDUCTION IN EMPLOYMENT IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY WHEREAS EMPLOYMENT IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE. EMPLOYMENT IN OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED WAS STABLE.

WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1986, EMPLOYMENT DROPPED SLIGHTLY IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY BUT MUCH MORE SHARPLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.

ON THE OTHER HAND, EMPLOYMENT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS, TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES RECORDED SOME INCREASES.

IN NOVEMBER 1987, BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECREASED SLIGHTLY COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987 BUT INCREASED SUBSTANT I ALLY OVER NOVEMBER 1986.

COMPARING NOVEMBER 1987 WITH OCTOBER 1987, INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND PER (’API TA EARNINGS WERE RECORDED IN Till-: WEARING APPAREL AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, WHILE THE OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED SHOWED SOME DECREASES, WITH THE LARGEST DROP IN PAYROLL RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.

/COMPARED WITH........

UNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

- 5 -

COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1986, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN NOVEMBER 1987 INCREASED IN ALL INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, EXCEPT THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY IN WHICH A DROP IN PAYROLL WAS RECORDED.

IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL DECREASED SLIGHTLY IN NOVEMBER 1987 WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987, WHILE PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER THE SAME PERIOD.

COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1986, PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BUT THERE WAS A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT.

IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, THE OVERALL LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN NOVEMBER 1987 WAS ABOUT THE SAME AS IN OCTOBER 1987, BUT PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE LOWER MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE SIGNIFICANT DECREASES REPORTED BY PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANIES.

COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1986, EMPLOYMENT IN THE SERVICES SECTORS SHOWED A SLIGHT INCREASE. PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE APPRECIABLY HIGHER, WITH HOTELS RECORDING THE LARGEST INCREASES.

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.

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 QU I Ch ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.

THE SURVEY REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 1987 IS NOW ON SALE AT $1.50 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCIIAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234820.

/Table ..........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

TABLE 1: ORDERS-ON-HAND TN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

INDUSTRY ORDERS-ON-HAND

FOR NOV. 1987 INCREASE OCT. 87 OVER NOV. 86

- (MONTHS) (%) (%)

ALL INDUSTRIES 4.34 ♦ -2

WEARING APPAREL 4.87 ♦ 2

TEXTILES 2.85 ♦ -10

PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.66 -7 -22

FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC 4.32 1 3

PRODUCTS 4.99 - 1 2

OTHERS 4.19 TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS INDUSTRY/ PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE ♦ -4

SERVICES END OF NOVEMBER 1987 PER CAPITA EARNINGS

INCREASE OVER INCREASE OVER

OCT. 87 NOV. 86 IN NOV. 87 OCT. 87 NOV. 86

(%) (%) (HK$) (%) (%)

MANUFACTURING -1 -3 3,774 -1 12

FOOD AND DRINKS ♦ 2 4,308 -4 9

WEARING APPAREL ♦ -7 ' 3,360 2 10

TEXTILES ♦ I 3,728 -2 8

PLASTIC PRODUCTS FABRICATED METAL -12 -17 3,486 -3 13

PRODUCTS 2 3 3,705 3 1 7

/ELECTRICAL AND .......

.• ‘ • ♦

• - . . . ♦ 5 - I.* SUNDAY, JANUARY 17. 1988

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS » -1 3,547 -2 15

OTHERS -3 4,925 1 1

# CONSTRUCTION -1 1 5,507 1 12

SERVICES ♦ x. ■ 2 6,277 -3 10

BANKS 1 4 5,921 1 9

HOTELS 1 • J*’* 4,066 -1 17

PUBLIC UTILITIES * -1 • 6,287 -8 7

OTHERS 1 7 ' •* 7,312 1 12

* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%

# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.

NOTE: UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND" AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS" WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE FIRMS SURVEYED IS NOT MEANINGFUL INFORMATION ON ITS OWN (BECAUSE THIS IS A PANEL SURVEY) AND IS THEREFORE NOT SHOWN.

--------0 --------

SMALL BOAT OPERATORS URGED TO PLAY SAFE

» t *

OWNERS AND MASTERS OF SMALL BOATS USED FOR PLEASURE PURPOSES ARE URGED TO PAY DUE REGARDS TO ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND TO EXERCISE EXTREME CARE DURING OPERATIONS.

THE CALL CAME IN THE WAKE OF SEVERAL ACCIDENTS RECENTLY INVOLVING THESE SMALL BOATS.

IN ONE ACCIDENT IN JUNE LAST YEAR, A 21-YEAR-OLD MAN, WHO WAS FISHING WITH HIS FRIENDS, DISAPPEARED WHEN THEIR BOAT SANK OFF YUNG SHU WAN IN LAMMA ISLAND.

/MARINE DEPARTMENT'S

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1?88

- 6 -

MARINE DEPARTMENT’S ACTING SENIOR MARINE OFFICER (EAST REGION), MR T.M. KWOK, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT SOME OF THESE ACCIDENTS WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED HAD PEOPLE BEEN MORE CAREFUL AND OBSERVED ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT OWNERS AND MASTERS OF SMALL BOATS SHOULD BE WELL AWARE OF THE LIMITATIONS OF THEIR BOATS, BOTH TN TERMS OF CAPACITY AND CAPABILITY.

"THESE SMALL BOATS, LIKE ANY OTHER VESSELS LICENSED, SHOULD NOT CARRY MORE PERSONS THAN PERMITTED," SAID MR KWOK.

"AND THOSE ON BOARD SHOULD WEAR LIFE JACKETS AT ALL TIMES."

MR KWOK NOTED THAT ALL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR A VESSEL, SUCH AS THE NUMBER OF PERSONS PERMITTED ON BOARD AND LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES, AND SO ON, WERE CLEARLY STATED IN ITS LICENCE.

"THESE REQUIREMENTS MUST BE OBSERVED," HE STRESSED.

MR KWOK ALSO URGED OWNERS AND MASTERS TO ALWAYS BEAR IN MIND THE LIMITATIONS IN CAPABILITY OF SMALL BOATS.

"PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE OVER-CONFIDENT AND TAKE THESE BOATS TOO FAR FROM COAST OR TOO CLOSE TO SHIPPING LANES AS ANY WAVES OR WASH CREATED BY A PASSING VESSEL COULD MEAN ’HUGE WAVES’ TO THESE SMALL BOATS AND MAY CAUSE A CAPSIZE," HE SAID.

LIKEWISE, BECAUSE THESE BOATS ARE SO SMALL IN SIZE, ANY SUDDEN MOVEMENTS OR SHIFTING OF WEIGHT ON BOARD WOULD CAUSE A HEAVY LIST OF THE BOATS.

"SO IF YOU HAVE TO MOVE, DO IT VERY CAREFULLY AND MAKE SURE OTHERS ON BOARD KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING," MR KWOK SAID, ADDING THAT GOOD SEAMANSHIP WAS VERY IMPORTANT IN THE MANOEUVRING OF SMALL BOATS.

"NEVER GO OUT IN BAI) WEATHER. ALWAYS REMEMBER: PLAY SAFE AND PRESERVE LIFE," HE ADVISED.

MR KWOK ALSO REMINDED OWNERS AND MASTERS THAT SMALL BOATS, LIKE ALL VESSELS, HAVE TO BE LICENSED UNDER SECTION 26 OF THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE, CAP. 313.

"ANYONE CONTRAVENING THE PROVISION OF THE ORDINANCE WOULD BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION AND SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 AND AN IMPRISONMENT OF 12 MONTHS," WARNED MR KWOK.

-------O---------

/7........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

ROCK CLIMBERS CLEAN UP AMAH ROCK *****

A TEAM OF EIGHT EXPERIENCED ROCK CLIMBERS TODAY (SUNDAY) VOLUNTEERED THEIR SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF THE DRIVE CURRENTLY MOUNTED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO CLEAN UP LITTER BLACK SPOTS AND REMOTE HIKING ROUTES IN HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS.

THE ROCK CLIMBERS FROM THE NGOK FUNG ROCK CLIMBING SOCIETY SPENT THE WHOLE MORNING COLLECTING LITTER ON THE HILL TOP AND STEEP SLOPES OF AMAH ROCK IN LION ROCK COUNTRY PARK.

WITH THE AID OF SPECIAL ROCK CLIMBING EQUIPMENT, THEY CONCENTRATED THEIR EFFORTS ON PICKING UP LITTER TRAPPED IN ROCK CRACKS AND BELOW THE CLIFF WHERE ACCESSIBILITY IS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE EXCEPT FOR THE VERY EXPERIENCED MOUNTAINEERS.

THEY WERE THE LATEST PARTICIPANTS IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CLEAN AND GREEN SCHEME WHICH HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 7,400 VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING 1,600 HIKERS FROM 41 GROUPS, TO TAKE PART IN LITTER COLLECTION ACTIVITIES SINCE ITS LAUNCH LAST OCTOBER.

THE DEPARTMENT’S COUNTRY PARKS PROTECTION OFFICER, MR C.W. LAI, SAID HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE TURNOUT WHICH REFLECTED A GROWING PUBLIC CONCERN FOR THE COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT.

"DESPITE THE SUPPORT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE CIVIC-MINDED COMMUNITY, THERE ARE UNFORTUNATELY STILL PEOPLE WHO CHOOSE TO IGNORE THE ANTI-LITTER LAW FOR SELFISH REASONS.

"THEY WILL BE PENALISED UNDER A STERN PROSECUTION DRIVE CARRIED OUT BY UNIFORMED PARK WARDENS AND PLAINCLOTHED ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT," HE SAID.

SINCE THE START OF THE PROSECUTION DRIVtF. SIX WEEKS AGO, MR LAI SAID, SUMMONSES HAD BEEN SERVED ON A TOTAL OF 409 LITTER OFFENDERS.

THIS IS ALMOST FOUR TIMES THE SIX-WEEKLY AVERAGE OF 110 IN 1986 .

OF THESE, 255 WERE INITIATED BY PLAINCLOTHED ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WHILE THE REMAINING 154 BY UNIFORMED PARK WARDENS.

MOST OFFENCES WERE COMMITTED IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK WITH 93 CASES, FOLLOWED BY PAT SIN LENG, ('LEAR WATER BAY AND PLOVER COVE COUNTRY PARKS WITH 58, 48 AND 47 CASES RESPECTIVELY.

IN ADDITION, PARK WARDENS ALSO GAVE ADVICE ON THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF LITTER TO 102,900 VISITORS FROM 4,168 GROUPS.

MR LAI SAID STRINGENT ENFORCEMENT ACTION WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL HIS DEPARTMENT WAS SATISFIED WITH THE SITUATION.

HE WARNED THAT LITTER OFFENDERS WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

- 8 -

MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL A SUCCESS * » ♦ t *

THE FIRST MONG KOK DISTRICT FESTIVAL WAS AN IMMENSE SUCCESS WITH 330,000 RESIDENTS HAVING TAKEN PART IN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED DURING THE SIX-WEEK FESTIVAL.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL THIS (SUNDAY) EVENING, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR PAUL LEUNG, SAID: "THE LARGE TURNOUT OF PARTICIPANTS INDICATED THAT THE FESTIVAL WAS POPULAR AND WELL SUPPORTED BY THE RESIDENTS."

HE NOTED THAT THE SUCCESS WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN THE DISTRICT.

WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF THE FIRST FESTIVAL AS A GOOD FOUNDATION, HE HOPED THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE LOCAL COMMUNITY WOULD CONTINUE TO ORGANISE SIMILAR FUNCTIONS FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS IN FUTURE.

MORE THAN 5,000 PEOPLE TONIGHT PACKED THE MONG KOK STADIUM WHERE A STAR-STUDDED GALA CONCERT WAS HELD TO CONCLUDE THE FESTIVAL.

WINNERS IN A SHOW WINDOW DISPLAY CONTEST ORGANISED FOR THE FESTIVAL RECEIVED PRIZES DURING THE CLOSING CEREMONY.

- - 0 - -

FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL IN KWAI TSI NG ♦ * * ♦

THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CARNIVAL WAS HELD TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE KWAI ('HUNG SPORTS GROUND TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGES OF HOME SAFETY, FIGHTING AGAINST JUVENILE CRIMEAN!) COMBATTING TRIAD ELEMENTS AMONG RESIDENTS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL, CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOI HING-SHUN, SAID THE CARNIVAL WAS THE YEAR-END ROUND-UP OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HELD IN 1987/88.

PRIZES WERE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THREE CONTESTS HELD LAST YEAR.

A MOTHER, HER SON AND DAUGHTER OF A WONG FAMILY WON THE FAMILY QUIZ COMPETITION.

/THE BRAVE .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

- 9 -

THE BRAVE CITIZENS OE THE DISTRICT ARE A HOUSEWIFE, MISS HO YIN-LING, AND AN ESTATE WATCHMAN, MR WONG YUK-MING.

THE MODEL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH BUILDING CONTEST AWARD BELONGS TO THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OF BLOCK 14 OF KWAI SHING ESTATE.

THE WINNERS WERE AWARDED PRIZES BY KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT COMMANDER OF THE POLICE, MR E.H. EVANS; TV ARTISTE, MISS LIZA WANG, AND FOOTBALL STAR, MR KWOK KA-MING.

PROGRAMMES OF THE CARV1VAL INCLUDED POLICE MOTORCYCLYING, TAI CHI AND JUDO DEMONSTRATIONS AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES BY POLICE DOGS.

RESIDENTS ALSO TOOK PART IN THE 30 STALL GAMES SET UP AT THE VENUE.

OTHER GUESTS OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CARNIVAL WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO TUNG-CHING, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CARNIVAL, MRS NANCY LAM.

------o-------

GATHERING OF PAINTERS AND CALL I GRAPH I STS

*****

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR T.H. CHAU, AND HIS WIFE TODAY (SUNDAY) OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A GATHERING OF MORE THAN 300 LOCAL PAINTERS AND CALL I GRAPH I STS AT A KOWLOON HOTEL.

ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, THE GATHERING PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PAINTERS AND CALLIGRAPHI STS TO SHARE EXPERIENCE AND DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILLS.

SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR CHAU SAID THE ASSOCIATION HAD BEEN PLAYING A LEADING ROLE IN PROMOTING CHINESE CULTURE BY ORGANISING LARGE SCALE EXHIBITIONS AND COMPETITIONS ON PAINTINGS, CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND POETRY.

HE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR ENHANCING CULTURAL LIFE THROUGH VARIOUS CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING CLASSES.

THE ASSOCIATION HAS ORGANISED TRAINING CLASSES AND INTEREST GROUPS AT ITS ACTIVITY CENTRE AT SALISBURY ROAD ON CALLIGRAPHY, STAMPER PRODUCTION, MANDARIN OPERA; AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES AND CULTURAL GATHERINGS.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAII, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR YANG TZE-KIANG.

-------0 -

/10........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

10 -

RC DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY SCHEME ON DB AGENDA ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S NEW SUBSIDY SCHEME FOR DISTRICT-BASED FESTIVE EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND OTHER LOCAL BODIES AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 19).

THE SCHEME HAS BEEN DISCUSSED AT A RECENT MEETING OF THE BOARD’S FINANCE COMMITTEE, WHICH RESOLVED THAT IT SHOULD BE FURTHER DISCUSSED AT THE MAIN BOARD MEETING DURING WHICH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WOULD EXPLAIN THE DETAILED TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO MEMBERS.

ALSO, VARIOUS MEMBERS WILL ASK A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS AT THE MEETING.

MR WONG HONG-CHUNG WILL ENQUIRE IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD IMPROVE THE STAFFING SITUATION OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT OR SET UP A CENTRALISED INFORMATION SERVICES CENTRE TO FACILITATE THE WORK OF DB MEMBERS. HE ALSO WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION’S REVIEW ON THE STRUCTURE AND CONSTITUTION OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.

MR JUSTEIN WONG WILL ASK ABOUT DESILTING WORK AT SHING MUN RIVER THIS YEAR, WHILE MR WONG HONG-CHUNG WILL ENQUIRE IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER CHANNELLING PROCESSED WASTE WATER FROM THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT TO THE UPSTREAM OF SHING MUN RIVER TO IMPROVE RIVER WATER FLOW.

MR LAU YUK-TONG WILL ASK ABOUT THE CRITERIA FOR THE PROVISION OF POST OFFICES AND POST BOXES IN NEWLY DEVELOPED AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS TO POSTAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES IN THE SHA KOK AREA.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DRAFT TERM REPORT OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, APPLICATION FOR FUNDS, PROGRESS REPORTS BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN AND ON DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MATTERS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 19) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

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/11

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN SCHOOL COMPETITIONS PRIZE PRESENTATION t « » » ♦

WINNERS OF TWO SCHOOL COMPETITIONS ORGANISED SINCE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR IN CONNECTION WITH THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL BE PRESENTED PRIZES TOMORROW (MONDAY).

THE TWO COMPETITIONS WERE THE SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION AND THE THEME SONG SINGING CONTEST. EACH COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND.SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS.

THEY WERE ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, TO INSTIL A SPIRIT OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AMONG STUDENTS IN KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.

TOMORROW'S PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL START AT 4.30 PM AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL. THE GRAND FINAL OF THE SONG CONTEST WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CEREMONY.

CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT UC/RC KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR TONG KAM-BIU, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF THE SONG CONTEST.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR SO FAI-CHO, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS. THEY WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF THE SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN SCHOOL COMPETITIONS TO BE HELI) AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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/12........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

12 -

ART LABORATORY FOR PRE-SCIIOOL CHILDREN » * » »

A UNIQUE "ART LABORATORY" FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE SET UP AT EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL NEXT SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).

YOUNGSTERS AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SEVEN ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PARI IN THE "EXPERIMENTS" AND TRY THEIR HANDS AT THE VARIOUS FORMS OF ART INCLUDING WOODWORK, PAPER-CUTTING, HANDICRAFT AND MASK-PAINTING.

THEY CAN EXPRESS THEIR CREATIVE ABILITY AND ARTISTIC TALENT WITH THE USE OF PRIMITIVE MATERIALS SUCH AS CLAY, PAPER, FLOUR AND CRAYON.

THE "PAINT AND PLAY" DAY WILL BE HELD FROM 12 NOON TO 4 PM AND IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CHUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE, THE SALVATION ARMY AND THE PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS ASSOCIATION.

THE "PAINT AND PLAY" ACTIVITIES, AIMED AT HELPING THE YOUNG ONES TO LEARN THROUGH PLAY, WAS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT MORE THAN 1,000 CHILDREN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS SAID.

IN THE COURSE OF CREATION, THEY WOULD LEARN TO MAKE DECISIONS, uiGANISE THEIR WORK AND SOLVE PROBLEMS ON THEIR OWN, SHE ADDED.

PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO ACCOMPANY THEIR CHILDREN THROUGHOUT THE ACTIVITIES BUT THEY SHOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THEIR CREATIVITY.

DETAILS OF THE FUNCTION CAN BE OBTAINED ON 5-8523487.

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MORE LABOUR RELATIONS COURSES IN THE PIPELINE

*****

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF CERTIFICATE COURSES ON LABOUR RELATIONS FOR EMPLOYERS, MANAGEMENT STAFF, TRADE UNION OFFICIALS AND INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEES BETWEEN MARCH AND AUGUST THIS YEAR.

THIS FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUOUS EFFORT BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROMOTE HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) SAID THE COURSES WERE AIMED AT PROVIDING PARTICIPANTS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF LABOUR LEGISLATION AND WAYS TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND TOOLS.

/THE COVER

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

THEY COVER A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, EMPLOYERS* COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, MATERNITY PROTECTION ORDINANCE, WORK OF THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, CONTRACTS FOR EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE HONG KONG, AND ROLES OF THE GOVERNMENT, UNIONS AND EMPLOYERS’ ORGANISATIONS TN LABOUR RELATIONS.

ALTOGETHER 10 SUCH COURSES WILL BE ORGANISED, EACH COMPRISING EIGHT TWO-AND-A-HALF-HOUR SESSIONS.

PARTICIPANTS MAY ENROL FOR THE FULL COURSE OR CHOOSE TO ATTEND ONE OR MORE SESSIONS.

’’CERTIFICATES WILL ONLY BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE FULL COURSE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE FEES FOR A FULL COURSE IS $180 AND THAT FOR EACH SELECTED SESSION IS $30.

ALL COURSES WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5 PM AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS AT HARBOUR BUILDING, 14TH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

THE FIRST SESSION WILL START ON MARCH 1.

ENROLMENT FOR COURSES BETWEEN MARCH AND MAY SHOULD BE MADE .I bORE JANUARY 31, AND THAT FOR THE COURSES BETWEEN MAY AND AUGUST BE FORI* MARCH 31.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PROMOTION UNIT, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING.

ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-8523511.

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NEW IDENTITY CARDS FOR MEN BORN IN 1959-60 ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

MEN BORN IN 1959 AND 1960 ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS FROM JANUARY 18 3’0 MARCH 5. THEY SHOULD CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES DURING THIS PERIOD.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "THESE NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY, EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.”

ANTICIPATING THAT THE ISSUE OFFICES WILL BE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS, HE ADVISED APPLICANTS TO GO TN THE MORNINGS AND THE AFTERNOONS TO AVOID HAVING TO QUEUE UP.

/APPLICANTS MAY .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 • 1988

1*4

APPLICANTS MAY ALSO USE THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR \N APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE.

THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE

AS FOLLOWS:

HONG KONG ; BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI. TEL. NO. : 5-747070

EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA, SECOND FLOOR, 7 7 NGAU 1 AU KOK ROAD. TEL. NO. ! 3-7553679

WEST KOWLOON • CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, YAU MA TEI. TEL. NO. : 3-7232424

TSEUN WAN : EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET. TEL. NO. : 0-4981259

SHA TIN : SHA TIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET. TEL. NO. : 0-6059108

YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD. TEL. NO. 0-793291

TUF.N MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN. TEL. NO. 0-4580862

SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAT LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI. TEL. NO. : 0-927155

THE SPOKESMAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR

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/15........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 17, 1988

- 15 -

VOLLEYBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION *****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE A VOLLEYBALL DEVELOPMENT SCHEME BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND MAY THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE A SYSTEMATIC TRAINING TO SECONDARY STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THIS BALLGAME AND TO PREPARE THEM TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS IN THE FUTURE.

THE SCHEME WILL BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED FOR NOMINATIONS OF BOY AND GIRL STUDENTS FROM SCHOOLS OF JUNIOR AND SENIOR AGE GROUP (UNDER 16 YEARS OLD AND UNDER 18 YEARS OLD RESPECTIVELY) FOR THE STAGE ONE SELECTION TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 27.

HE SAID TEACHERS WERE REQUESTED TO CONSIDER NOMINEES’ AGILITY, BASIC SKILLS IN VOLLEYBALL AND MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIRED.

PARTICIPANTS ACHIEVING GOOD STANDARD IN STAGE ONE OF THE TRAINIING WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND THE STAGE TWO SELECTION ON APRIL 2.

SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT ENTRIES TO THE PRINCIPAL I'l. loR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE । IJIRUARY 15.

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PILED FOUNDATION FOR UC COMPLEX *****

AN URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX IS TO BE BUILT AT QUEEN’S ROAD WEST NEAR HILL ROAD TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT.

WORK ON PILED FOUNDATION HAS JUST COMMENCED FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A S3.8-MTLLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THE PILING WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.

WITH A TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA OF a'bOUT 5,000 SQUARE METRES, THE EIGHT-STOREY COMPLEX WILL HOUSE MARKET STALLS, COOKED FOOD STALLS, A LIBRARY AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL.

CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE COMPLEX IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LAB ENDORSES EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION SCHEME ................... 1

SEMINAR CW THE ELDERLY......................................... 1

MEETING OF JIG SUB-GROUP ...................................... 2

WORKING GROUP ON CONTAINER PARKING MEETS ...................... 3

MARINE WATER QUALITY REPORT CW SALE ........................... 3

TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW ................. 4

STUDENTS' ENTHUSIASM IN KEEPING HK CLEAN PRAISE* .............. 5

NEW YEAR PARTY FOR KWAI TSING ELDERLY.......................... 6

CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION IN NORTH DISTRICT ................... 7

SINGING CONTEST FOR YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS ...................... 7

FLOWER SHOW DRAWING COMPETITION ............................... 8

PUTONGHUA COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS .............................. 8

NORTH POINT TO GET TWO NEW LEISURE FACILITIES.................. 9

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHhM SHUI PO AND SAI KUNG................... 9

WATER STORAGE FIGURE.......................................... 1®

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

LAB ENDORSES EMPLOYEES1 COMPENSATION SCHEME ♦ ♦ t t ♦

THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO ESTABLISH AN EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME.

UNDER THE PROPOSED SCHEME, PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE TO INJURED WORKERS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION FOR VARIOUS REASONS, SUCH AS FAILURE ON THE PART OF EMPLOYERS TO TAKE OUT INSURANCE AND PAY COMPENSATION, AND THE INSURERS BECOMING INSOLVENT.

THE BOARD DISCUSSED VARIOUS MEANS OF FINANCING THE SCHEME. IT AGREED THAT A COMMITTEE SHOULD BE SET UP TO LOOK AFTER THE OVERALL ADMINISTRATION OF THE SCHEME AND TO DEFINE PROCEDURES FOR PAYMENTS AND CLAIMS VERIFICATION.

IT ALSO SUGGESTED THAT EVERY EFFORT SHOULD BE MADE TO STEP UP ENFORCEMENT OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION CONCERNING COMPULSORY EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION AND EXPRESSED HOPES THAT HEAVIER PENALTIES WOULD BE IMPOSED ON OFFENDERS.

ALSO CONSIDERED AT TODAY’S MEETING WAS A PROGRESS REPORT ON LABOUR LEGISLATION.

------0-------

SEMINAR ON THE ELDERLY t ♦ *

SOME 350 SENIOR WORKERS FROM THE ELDERLY SERVICE UNITS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL TAKE PART IN A SEMINAR ON THE ELDERLY IN HONG KONG BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 20).

THE 10-DAY SEMINAR IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED (SAGE) AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR IS ’’THE ELDERLY - WE CARE” AND SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE DISTINGUISHED PROFESSIONALS FROM THE MEDICAL, ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL WORK FIELDS.

’’THE SEMINAR IS ORGANISED WITH A VIEW TO ENABLING PARTICIPANTS TO UNDERSTAND THE POLICY AND PROVISION OF ELDERLY SERVICE IN HONG KONG AND TO IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEMS IN SERVICE DELIVERY SO AS TO DEVELOP THE SKILL AND TECHNIQUE IN THESE ASPECTS,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID.

"IT WILL ALSO SERVE TO PROMOTE THE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH THROUGH THE SHARING AND EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE," HE ADDED.

/THE PROGRAMME

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES SPEECHES ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY AND OPEN FORUMS TO BE HELD IN THE MORNINGS SPANNING FROM JANUARY 20 TO 30.

AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BF. HELD ON WEDNESDAY AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM IN THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING.

MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS DR CHIU HJN-KWONG, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING, WHILE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF SAGE, MR HOWARD YOUNG, WILL DELIVER THE WELCOMING REMARKS AND THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR ON THE ELDERLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

IT WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 20) AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, I 5 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.

YOU ARE ALSO WELCOME TO COVER THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MORNINGS STARTING AT 9.I5 AM AT THE SAME VENUE BETWEEN JANUARY 20 AND 30 (EXCLUDING SUNDAY. JANUARY 24).

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MEETING OF J LG SUB-GROUP

* » *

THE NEXT MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUPS SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS WILL BE HELD FROM JANUARY 25 TO 27 IN HONG KONG.

THE BRITISH TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR. F. BURROWS WHO WILL BE ASSISTED BY TWO OTHER MEMBERS. MR NORMAN CHAN AND MISS SHELAGH BROOKS.

OTHER EXPERTS FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL ATTEND AS NECESSARY.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

- 5 -

WORKING GROUP ON CONTAINER PARKING MEETS * t I ♦ ♦

A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER HELD ITS FIRST MEETING TODAY (MONDAY) 'I’O LOOK INTO 'HIE IMMEDIATE PARKING NEEDS OF THE CONTAINER TRUCK I NG INDUSTRY IN THE CONTAINER PORT AREA. '

THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER HAD AGREED THAT THE EXISTING SHORT-TERM TENANCY OF THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER VEHICLE PARKING SITE OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNER ASSOCIATION SHOULD BE EXTENDED FOR THREE MONTHS SO AS TO GIVE THE GOVERNMENT SUFFICIENT TIME TO CONSIDER THE ASSOCIATION’S PROPOSALS ON PARKING NEEDS.

THE EXTENSION WILL COMMENCE ON THE EXPIRATION

OF THE

PRESENT

TENANCY IN LATE EBRUARY THIS YEAR.

HOWEVER, AS ORIGINALLY AGREED IN THE SHORT-TERM TENANCY CONDITIONS, A SMALL AREA OF ABOUT 1,540 SQUARE METRES OUT OF THE 26,900-SQUARE-METRE SITE MUST BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT NEXT MONTH FOR USE AS A CONCRETE BATCHING PLANT IN CONNECTION WITH THE NEARBY CONTAINER. TERMINAL WORKS.

TO MEET IMMEDIATE NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT, A I 2.900-SQUARE-METRE SITE WILL BE OFFERED BY OPEN TENDER ON JANUARY 20 THIS YEAR FOR CONTAINER TRACTOR AND TRAILER PARKING ONLY.

AT TODAY’S MEETING, THE WORKING GROUP EXAMINED AVAILABLE GOVERNMENT DATA ON THE CONTAINER TRADE AND ASSESSED THE HONG KONG CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNER ASSOCIATION’S SUBMISSION.

THE WORKING GROUP WILL CONTACT THE ASSOCIATION TO CLARIFY CERTAIN POINTS AND SEEK FURTHER DATA BEFORE ITS NEXT MEETING.

-----------------0------- MARINE WATER QUALITY REPORT ON SALE ♦ ♦ * ♦

A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT ON THE MARINE WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG, PUBLISHED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S (EPD) WATER POLICY GROUP, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SALE.

THE I09-PAGE REPORT, COMPILED IN ENGLISH, CONSISTS OF CHARTS, DIAGRAMS AND PICTURES.

IT GIVES A REVIEW ON THE EXISTING QUALITY OF COASTAL WATERS IN HONG KONG. IT ALSO DESCRIBES POLLUTION TRENDS, IDENTIFIES POLLUTION SOURCES AND PREDICTS FUTURE TRENDS.

/AN EPD

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

AN KPD SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAI’ AT PRESENT, THE DEPARTMENT’S MARINE WATER QUALITY MONITORING .PROGRAMME COVERS 13 TYPHOONS SHELTERS AS WELL AS 77 MONITORING STATIONS AND 19 BOTTOM SEDIMENT SAMPLING STATIONS AT .STRATEGIC LOCATIONS IN HONG KONG’S TERRITORIAL WATERS.

AT EACH OE THE MONITORING STATIONS, A RANGE OF WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS ARE MEASURED TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OF ESSENTIAL WATER QUALITY INFORMATION.

THE MONITORING STATIONS CAN BE FOUND IN AREAS SUCH AS PORT SHELTER, VICTORIA HARBOUR, TOLO HARBOUR, JUNK BAY, NORTHWESTERN WATERS AND DEEP BAY.

THE MARINE WATER QUALITY REPORT CONTAINS USEFUL INFORMATION FOR SCIENTISTS, ENGINEERS AND TOWN PLANNERS WHOSE WORK IS RELATED TO MARINE WATER QUALITY. IT CAN ALSO SERVE AS A REFERENCE FOR STUDENTS IN HIGHER FORMS AND IS SUITABLE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE AN INTEREST IN WATER POLLUTION PROBLEMS.

THE REPORT, AT $30 PER COPY, IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING IN CENTRAL.

----O------

TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 'TOMORROW ♦ It

THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE ISSUES OF SEATING CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND THE OPERATION OF Ml DI BUSES BY FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.

, MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THESE ISSUES BY THE REPRESENTATIVES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS AND FRANCHISED BUS OPERA I ORB AT THE HEARING ON JANUARY 2.

ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS THE FIVE YEAR FORWARD PLAN

(1987/88-1991/92) OF THE NEW LANTAU BUS COMPANY.

THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN ROOM B, FIRST FLOOR. LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, JACKSON ROAD, CENTRAL, AT 2.30 PM.

- - 0 -

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

- 5 -

STUDENTS’ ENTHUSIASM IN KEEPING HK CLEAN PRAISED » * * »

STUDENTS WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED TN THE 1987-88 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN SCHOOL COMPETITIONS WERE PRAISED FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL.

OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY, CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG, URGED THE STUDENTS TO CONTINUE TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE OF "PITCHING IN TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN".

"THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST EVER SINCE ITS LAUNCHING 15 YEARS AGO. NEW APPROACHES ARE BEING ADOPTED TO KEEP ALIVE THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE.

"THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SENSE OF COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS ONE OF THE CAMPAIGN’S MAJOR GOALS," MR CHEUNG SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, THE SCHOOL COMPETITIONS HAD BEEN ORGANISED AS INTEGRAL PARTS OF THE PROMOTION EXERCISE TO FOSTER THE SPIRIT OF ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AMONG STUDENTS.

TWO SCHOOL COMPETITIONS HAD BEEN ORGANISED SINCE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, NAMELY, THE SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION AND THE THEME SONG SINGING CONTEST. EACH COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS.

THE RESPONSE TO THE SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION WAS ENCOURAGING, WITH A TOTAL OF 2,800 ENTRIES.

AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR SO FAI-CHO, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS, AWARDED TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS TO LT YUEN-MEI OF NING PO NO. 2 COLLEGE AND SHUM CHUN-KWOK OF ST. PETER’S CHURCH SCHOOL, WHO WON THE FIRST PRIZE IN THE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTIONS RESPECTIVELY.

IN ADDITION TO THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES, THERE WERE 17 MERIT PRIZES IN EACH SECTION. ALL THE WINNING SLOGANS WERE DISPLAYED AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL TODAY.

MEANWHILE, THE GRAND FINAL OF THE SONG CONTEST WAS HELD TODAY PRIOR TO THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE TWO COMPETITIONS.

THERE WERE ALTOGETHER 71 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 55 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WITH MORE THAN 5,000 STUDENTS TAKING PART IN THE DISTRICT SELECTION CONTESTS. WINNING TEAMS FROM EACH DISTRICT WERE INVITED TO COMPETE IN THE GRAND FINAL.

/THE PANEL

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

6 -

THE PANEL OF JUDGES FOR THE GRAND FINAL COMPRISED URBAN COUNCILLORS, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG AND MRS CHOW CHEUNG WAI-PING J REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR TANG PUI-TAT; SENIOR INSPECTOR (MUSIC) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN SAI-HO; AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CAMPAEGN ADVERTISING AGENCY, TSE, NEEDHAM AND STANDARD ADVERTISING LIMITED, MISS CHRISTINE PONG.

THE CHAMPION IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION WAS ST. CATHARINE’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION WAS CHAN SHUI KI PRIMARY SCHOOL (PM).

MR CARLOS CHEUNG AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR TONG KAM-BIU, PRESENTED TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS TO WINNERS OF THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES AND ALSO THE SIX MERIT PRIZES FOR EACH SECTION OF THE SONG CONTEST.

THE SCHOOL COMPETITIONS, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WERE PART OF THE SERIES OF STUDENTS’ ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

-------0---------

NEW YEAR PARTY FOR KWAI TSI NG ELDERLY ♦ * * » ♦

SENIOR RESIDENTS OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT HAD A MEMORABLE DA 1 TODAY (MONDAY) AT A NEW YEAR AND BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR THE ELDERLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD.

ABOUT 500 RESIDENTS, COMPRISING OF' PEOPLE AGED OVER 85 AND ELDERLY VOLUNTEERS OF THE DISTRICT, WERE TREATED TO A ’’DIM SUM RECEPTION AND CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE AT A RESTAURANT. THEY WERE EACH GIVEN A SCARF DONATED BY LOCAL PEOPLE.

WIFE OF THE CHIEF SECRETARY, LADY FORD, ALSO ATTENDED THE GATHERING AND PRESENTED GOLD MEDALS TO THE TWO OLDEST RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT - MADAM CHAN SAI-MUI, AGED I05 OF THE KWAI SHING (ARE SHELTER, AND MADAM WONG SHUI, AGED 103 AND LIVING WITH HER FAMILY AT LAI KING ESTATE.

LADY FORD, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK, AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TALKED TO THE OLD PEOPLE TO SHOW THEIR CONCERN AND TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR DAILY LIFE.

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/7 .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

CLEAN VILLAGE COMPETITION IN NORTH DISTRICT . ♦ * *

A TWO-WEEK VILLAGE CLEAN UP COMPETITION BEGINS TODAY (MONDAY) IN THE NORTH DISTRICT IN SUPPORT OE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT ENHANCING VILLAGERS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE.

A TEAM OF ADJUDICATORS COMPRISING RURAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL INSPECT EIGHT VILLAGES TO ASSESS THE CONDITIONS OF LANES, NULLAHS, PUBLIC PLACES AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.

THE EIGHT VILLAGES NOMINATED BY THE RURAL COMMITTEES TO TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION ARE HO SHF.UNG HEUNG AND HANG HAU IN SHEUNG SHUT, KWAN TEI AND TSUNG HIM TONG IN FANL1NG, TAI LONG AND SHAN TSUI IN SHA TAU KOK, AND CHOW TIN AND TONG FONG IN TA KWU LING.

THE FOUR WINNING VILLAGES WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES AT A CEREMONY ON FEBRUARY 6 AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL.

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SINGING CONTEST FOR YAU MA TEI

*****

RES1DENTS

YAU MA TEI RESIDENTS WITH A FLAIR IN SINGING ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A CONTEST JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.

THE SINGING CONTEST IS AIMED AT PROMOTING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN MUSIC AND DISCOVERING SINGING TALENTS IN THE DISTRICT.

DIVIDED INTO CLASSICAL AND POPULAR SONG SECTIONS, PRELIMINARY ROUND OF THE CONTEST WILL BE HELI) ON FEBRUARY 27 THE FINAL ROUND ON MARCH 12 AT THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA COMMUNITY CENTRE.

THE AND

TEI

BOTH SOLOISTS AND GROUPS ARE WELCOME TO COMPETE IN THE CONTEST AND THE THREE BEST PARTICIPANTS OR TEAMS OF EACH SECTION WILL RECEIVE CASH COUPONS OF $800, $500 AND $300 RESPECT 1VELY.

ENTRY FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE AT 490 NATHAN ROAD AND THE YAU MA TEI MUSIC CENTRE AT 138 AUSTIN ROAD, THIRD FLOOR. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRY IS JANUARY 30.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-323791 AND 3-322716.

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/8........

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

- 8 -

FLOWER SHOW DRAWING COMPETITION ♦ * ♦ ♦

TO PROMOTE INTEREST IN LIFE DRAWING AND IN THE APPRECIATION OF THE BEAUTIFUL FORM OF A WIDE RANGE OF FLOWERS AND FLORAL DISPLAYS, A DRAWING COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW 1988 AT VICTORIA PARK ON MARCH 5.

THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG FLOWER SHOW 1988 ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

THERE WILL BE TWO CATEGORIES FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THE COMPETITION AND THE THEME WILL BE ’’THE FLOWER SHOW 1988". PARTICIPANTS MAY DRAW FROM LIFE ANY EXHIBIT IN THE FLOWER SHOW ON MARCH 5 BETWEEN 9 AM AND 10 AM.

EACH PARTICIPANT WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SHEET OF A3 SIZE (297 MM X 420 MM) DRAWING PAPER, BUT HE WILL HAVE TO BRING ALONG HIS OWN DRAWING TOOLS SUCH AS DRAWING BOARD, PENCILS, BRUSHES, WATER COLOUR AND CRAYONS.

CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION WILL BE AWARDED TO 100 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES AND THE BEST 10 WILL EACH BE FURTHER AWARDED WITH A BOOK COUPON OF $100.

SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT ENTRY FORMS TO THE FLOWER SHOW ORGANISER BEFORE JANUARY 30. ’’FREE ADMISSION" LABELS FOR THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ISSUED AT A LATER DATE.

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PUTONGHUA COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS ♦ ♦ * *

JOURNALISTS ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR A COURSE ON PUTONGHUA TO BE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG.

CLASSES FOR THE "PUTONGHUA FOR JOURNALISTS" COURSE WILL MEET ON EVERY MONDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY MORNING BETWEEN FEBRUARY 22 AND MARCH 25, 1988.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENROLMENT IS FEBRUARY 9. FURTHER ENQUIRIES ON THE COURSE CAN BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TRAINING BOARD ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

- 9 -

NORTH POINT TO GET TWO NEW LEISURE FACILITIES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL START WORK THIS YEAR ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PUBLIC RECREATION GROUNDS FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL IN NORTH POINT.

THE DEPARTMENT SIGNED A CONTRACT THIS WEEK FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN 8,000-SQUARE-METRE RECREATION GROUND AT THE JUNCTION OF YEE KING ROAD AND CLOUD VIEW ROAD.

IT WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, A BASKETBALL COURT, A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA, A 300-METRE-LONG JOGGING TRACK, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS.

WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL START ON JANUARY 25 AND BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 24.

MEANWHILE, TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN OPEN SPACE AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD.

OCCUPYING ABOUT 3,900 SQUARE METRES, THE OPEN SPACE WILL CONSIST OF TWO BASKETABLL-CUM-VOLLEYBALL COURTS, ONE FREE KICK AREA, ONE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA COMPLETE WITH PLAY EQUIPMENT, PAVILIONS, FLOWER BEDS, ARBOURS, BENCHES, TURFING, PLANTING AREAS AND BOUNDARY FENCING.

WORK ON THIS PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN JUNE AND TAKE ABOUT ONE YEAR TO COMPLETE.

TENDERS FOR THE BRAEMAR HILL ROAD OPEN SPACE MUST BE SUBMITTED NOT LATER THAN NOON ON FEBRUARY 5.

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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHAM SHU I PO AND SAT KUNG ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR TRAFFIC CHANGES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAM SHU1 PO AND SAI KUNG FROM THURSDAY (JANUARY 21).

IN SHAM SHUT PO, THE NORTHERN SECTION OF YUET LUN STREET ADJACENT TO LAI CHI KOK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY.

MEANWHILE, SEE CHEUNG STREET IN SAI KUNG TOWN WILL BE MADE A PROHIBITED ZONE. NO VEHICLES, EXCEPT THOSE f’OR LOCAL ACCESS, WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE ROAD AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.

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/1O........

MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 1988

10 -

i *

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * ♦

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 57.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 336.514 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 343.012 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 58.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOOD PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT DECLARATION... 1

APPOINTMENT OF NEW AG ANNOUNCED ....................... 4

MATHEWS APPOINTED aS AG ...............................

EXPERT MEETING ON RETURN OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS ........ 5

TAC ACCEPTS NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY'S FIVE YEAR PLAN.... 6

TWO-TO-CNE Ratio. SOON FOR DRIVING CONTAINER TRACTORS.. 7

SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES INCREASED IN 198? .... 8

MEMBERS TO ASK EIGHT QUESTIONS IN LEGCO ............... 11

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER WIDENING OF SHA TaU KOK ROAD..... 12

HA REORGANISATION ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ................. 12

DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SEX EDUCATION ................. 13

CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN COLOURING COMPETITION ............... 13

'SPORTS AND HEALTH' CARNIVAL IN SAI YING PUN ......... 14

QUICK GUIDES ON EMPLOYMENT LAW ....................... 12*

SLOGAN AND BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION ............... 15

CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR NEW BORDER CONTROL FACILITIES .. 15

'NO ENTRY' FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES .................... 16

WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG AND KOWLOON CITY

TUESDAY. JANUARY 19, 1988

GOOD PROGRESS <N IMPLEMENTATION OF JOINT DECLARATION

* ♦ ♦ t

GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION SINCE IT CAME INTO FORCE ON MAY 27, 1985, AND ACHIEVEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE IN A WIDE RANGE OF IMPORTANT SUBJECTS, THE SECRETARY FOR GENERAL DUTIES, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST, MR WIGGHAM SAID: ’’THE GOOD PROGRESS WE HAVE MADE HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE OF CAREFUL PREPARATION BY BOTH SIDES, AND BECAUSE OF CLOSE CONSULTATION AND CO-OPERATION SINCE THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.'

MR WIGGHAM NOTED THAT AN EXTENSIVE EXERCISE OF EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND CONSULTATION BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS WAS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND A SMOOTH TRANSFER IN 1997.

’’CONSULTATION CAN BE SEEN AS A SIGN OF CONFIDENCE IN AND A COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, AND IS MANIFESTLY THE BEST WAY TO ACHIEVE A SMOOTH TRANSITION, AND HENCE THE MAINTENANCE OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY," HE SAID.

"I AM AWARE THAT THIS CONSULTATION CAN BE MISUNDERSTOOD: SOME HAVE CRITICISED THE PROCESS AS RENDERING THE CURRENT HONG KONG ADMINISTRATION IMPOTENT IN THE CONDUCT OF OUR OWN AFFAIRS; OTHERS HAVE REPRESENTED IT AS UNWARRANTED INTERFERENCE BY CHINA IN WHAT IS HONG KONG BUSINESS.

"SUCH CRITICS SHOULD ASK THEMSELVES WHETHER THEY WOULD PREFER THE TWO SIDES NOT TO TALK TO EACH OTHER AT ALL.

"I SUGGEST SUCH A COURSE WOULD NOT BE IN ANYONE’S INTEREST."

MR WIGGHAM POINTED OUT THAT THE I’WO SIDES HAD COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF IMPORTANT SUBJECTS THROUGH A VARIETY OF CHANNELS, TN PARTICULAR THE JOIN’! LIAISON GROUP (J LG) , AND THOSE MEETINGS HELD UNDER ITS UMBRELLA; AND THE LAND COMMISSION Will ('ll MEETS TN HONG KONG.

"SOME ACHIEVEMENTS RECORDED IN THESE VARIOUS MEETINGS MAY NOT BE ALWAYS AS EYE CATCHING AS OTHERS, AND ARE SOMETIMES OVERSHADOWED BY OTHER APPARENTLY MORE NEWSWORTHY ITEMS.

"THIS IS PERHAPS BECAUSE MANY OF THE ISSUES ARE SOMEWHAT SPECIALISED: THE MAN IN THE STREET MAY BE FORGIVEN FOR NOT ALWAYS APPRECIATING THEIR IMPORTANCE."

MR WIGGHAM CITED TWO EXAMPLES TO SllOW HOW THE J LG OPERATES AND HOW IN PRACTICE THE TWO SIDES WORK TOGETHER TO RESOLVE PROBLEMS WHICH CAN OFTEN INVOLVE SENSITIVE POINTS OF PRINCIPLE.

/THE FIRST .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

- 2

THE FIRST EXAMPLE WAS A SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S FUTURE TRADING POSITION IN THE WORLD, RETAINING ITS OWN QUOTAS AND SIGNALLING TO THE WORLD COMMUNITY THAT IT WOULD REMAIN A TRADING ENTITY OPERATING SEPARATELY FROM ANY OTHER REGIME.

’’NEEDLESS TO SAY, THE SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION WAS NOT EASY,” SAID MR WIGGHAM.

”A GREAT MANY DETAILED QUESTIONS WERE ASKED, A GREAT MANY ANSWERS WERE GIVEN, AND LARGE AMOUNTS OF INFORMATION EXCHANGED, BOTH ORALLY AND IN WRITING.

’’THE DISCUSSIONS WERE MARKED THROUGHOUT BY MUTUAL CO-OPERATION, FOSTERED BY A GENUINE WILL ON BOTH SIDES TO ACHIEVE THE SAME OBJECTIVE, THAT IS TO SAY THE SOLUTION BEST SUI TED TO PRESERVING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY.”

THE RESULT WAS THE ENHANCEMENT OF HONG KONG’S STATUS IN THE GATT - AS A FULL CONTRACTING PARTY, NO LONGER SPEAKING AS A MEMBER OF THE UK DELEGATION; NOR, AFTER I 997, SPEAKING AS A MEMBER OF THE CHINESE DELEGATION, BUT WITH OUR OWN VOICE, SAID MR WIGGHAM.

"AN ISSUE WHICH WAS BOTH COMPLICATED AND SENSITIVE WAS THUS RESOLVED TO THE SATISFACTION OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED, THROUGH CONSTRUCT IVE CONSULTATION,” HE SAID.

ANOTHER EXAMPLE WAS THE CONTINUED INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS TO HONG KONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO).

APPLICATION OF THE AFTER 199 7 AND HONG OF THE INTERNATIONAL

"THE CASE OF THE ILO IS ANOTHER GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW BOTH SIDES, IN RECOGNITION OF HONG KONG’S PRACTICAL NEEDS, HAVE BEEN ABLE TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO WHAT AT FIRST SEEMED INSURMOUNTABLE I)IFFICULTIES.

’’THE RESULT OF LONG AND PAT I ENT CONSULTATION IS THAT Till' 48 INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS Will (Ml CURRENTLY APPLY TO HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY. EVEN THOUGH THEY’ DO NOT APPLY TO CH I NA AS A WHOLE. ”

MR WIGGHAM SAID HE HAD QUOTED TWO OF MANY EXAMPLES TO ILLUSTRATE THE SPIRIT IN WHICH CONSULTATION TOOK PLACE.

"THE PROCESS WAS (AND IS) NOT A CON EICON TA TI ON AL NEGOTIATION.

”IT INVOLVES A JOINT EFFORT TO ACHIEVE A MUTUAL GOAL IN WAVS AS ACCEPTABLE AS POSSIBLE TO BOTH SIDES."

TURN I NG TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP,, MR WIGGHAM SAID: "HIE LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS RECORDED BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES IN THE JLG IS GROWING STEADILY LONGER.

/"THE GROUP .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1% 1988

"THE GROUP HAS SO FAR MET ON EIGHT OCCASIONS, THREE TIMES EACH YEAR STNCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, BY ROTATION IN LONDON, PEKING AND HONG KONG.

"THIS MEANS THAT WITH THE NINTH MEETING HERE IN HONG KONG IN MARCH, WE SHALL HAVE COMPLETED THREE CYCLES OF MEETINGS."

INCREASINGLY, HE SAID, DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WERE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN TEAMS OF EXPERTS FROM BOTH SIDES ON AN AD HOC BASIS, AND AGREEMENTS REACHED BETWEEN EXPERTS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED IN THE PLENARY OF THE JLG.

IN ADDITION TO THESE AD HOC MEETINGS, A STANDING GROUP OF EXPERTS HAD ALSO BEEN FORMED TO DEAL WITH INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS (IRO), WHICH HAD ALREADY DEALT SUCCESSFULLY WITH HONG KONG’S FUTURE PARTICIPATION IN A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT AND THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PAC IFIC.

"THROUGH THE AGREEMENTS REACHED IN THE IRO SUB-GROUP, WE ARE GRADUALLY BUILDING UP A NETWORK OF INTERNAT IONAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH ARE TO BE PRESERVED AND WHICH WILL ENSURE THAI', AFTER 1997, HONG KONG WILL REMAIN AN INTERNATIONAL CENTRE, DIFFERENT IN MANY RESPECTS FROM Till REST OF CHINA, WITH I IS OWN SEPARATE SYSTEMS AS PART OF THE PROMISED ’HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY’," SAID MR WIGGIIAM.

MEANWHILE, THE J LG ALSO REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE COMPLEX SUBJECT OF TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAVEL AND IDENTITY DOCUMENTATION TO BE USED BEFORE AND AFTER 1997, CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES RELATED TO THE LOCAL ISAT I ON OF LEGISLATION, A NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER, AND THE PRINCIPLES AND PROCEDURES FOR SEPARATED HONG KONG AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS.

THE JLG HAD ALSO BEGUN TO DISCUSS A NUMBER OF DIFFICULT AND SENSITIVE SUBJECTS SUCH AS DEFENCE AND PUBLIC ORDER.

FINALLY, ON THE LAND COMMISSION, MR WIGGIIAM SAIT) BOTH SIDES HAI) REACHED AGREEMENT ON A WIDE RANGE OF VERY COMPLEX LAND ISSUES, INCLUDING THE ISSUE OF NEW LEASES AND THE EXTENSION OF NEW TERRITORIES LEASES TO THE YEAR 2017, AS WELL AS ON THE SHARING OF PREMIUM INCOME FROM LAND TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

4 -

APPOINTMENT OF NEW AG ANNOUNCED

* ♦ ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, WILL BE LEAVING THE SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN MAY 198R ON COMPLETION OF HIS CURRENT CONTRACT.

MR THOMAS WAS APPOINTED AS ATTORNEY GENERAL IN MAY 1983.

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAS APPROVED THE PROMOTION OF MR JEREMY MATHEWS TO SUCCEED MR THOMAS.

MR MATHEWS IS 46 YEARS OF AGE. FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF ABOUT THREE YEARS’ PRIVATE PRACTICE IN LONDON, HE JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN FEBRUARY 1968 AS A CROWN COUNSEL.

DURING HIS CAREER IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, MR MATHEWS SERVED MAINLY IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION UNTIL HE WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY CROWN SOLICITOR IN FEBRUARY 198).

MR MATHEWS WAS APPOINTED LAW OFFICER, CROWN SOLICITOR, ON APRIL 2, 1982. HE HAS ACTED AS ATTORNEY GENERAL ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS.

MR MATHEWS IS MARRIED AND HAS TWO DAUGHTERS.

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MATHEWS APPOINTED AS AG ♦ ♦ I ♦ *

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS HAS BEEN PLEASED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF MR JEREMY MATHEWS, AT PRESENT THE CROWN SOLICITOR, AS ATTORNEY GENERAL OF HONG KONG TO SUCCEED MR MICHAEL THOMAS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

COMMENTING ON HIS APPOINTMENT, MR MATHEWS SAID: "I AM GREATLY HONOURED TO BE ASKED TO TAKE OVER AS THE ATTORNEY GENERAL. IT IS AN EXCITING JOB WHICH CARR IES WITH IT VERY HEAVY RESPONSIBILITIES AND I LOOK FORWARD TO THE CHALLENGE.

”1 AM VERY FORTUNATE TO BE WORKING IN A DEPARTMENT THAT HAS A LONG AND DISTINGUISHED HISTORY AND I ALSO HAVE HIE IMMENSE BENEFIT OF WORKING WITH LAWYERS OF A VERY HIGH CALIBRH.”

HE SAID ONE OF HIS PRIORITIES ON TAKING OVER AS ATTORNEY GENERAL WOULD BE TO CONTINUE DEVELOPING THE DEPARTMENT’S POL ICY OF LOCAL I SATION.

/PAYING TRIBUTE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

- 5

PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR THOMAS, MR MATHEWS SAID: "MR THOMAS HAS MADE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAW IN HONG KONG. I WILL BE SORRY TO SEE HIM LEAVE."

FOLLOWING IS A SHORT BIOGRAPHY OF MR MATHEWS:

MR MATHEWS IS 46 YEARS OF AGE. HE QUALIFIED AS A SOLICITOR IN LONDON IN 1963 AND STARTED HIS LEGAL CAREER IN LONDON WHERE HE WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS. HE THEN WENT TO AUSTRALIA AND WORKED FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS A DEPUTY REGISTRAR IN THE HIGH COURT OF AUSTRALIA IN SYDNEY FROM 1966 TO 67. HE JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN FEBRUARY 1968 AS A CROWN COUNSEL.

IN HIS 20 YEARS WITH THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, MR MATHEWS HAS SERVED MAINLY IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION UNTIL HE WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY CROWN SOLICITOR IN FEBRUARY 1981.

HE WAS APPOINTED A LAW OFFICER ON APRIL 2, 1982, SERVING AS THE CROWN SOLICITOR. AS HEAD OF THE CIVIL DIVISION WHICH PROVIDES LEGAL ADVICE TO ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, MR MATHEWS WAS HEAVILY INVOLVED IN ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON LEGAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE SINO-BRITISH NEGOTIATIONS ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN THE PERIOD LEADING UP TO THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.

MR MATHEWS IS MARRIED AND HAS TWO DAUGHTERS.

HE IS A MEMBER OF A NUMBER OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND IS CURRENTLY SERVING AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING SOCIETY, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE ST. JAMES' SETTLEMENT, AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND OF THE DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL.

EXPERT MEETING ON RETURN OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS » » t * »

AN EXPERT MEETING WILL BE HELD BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND THE BRITISH SIDES ON JANUARY 20 AND 21 IN PEKING TO EXCHANGE VIEWS CONCERNING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE RETURN OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

THE BRITISH TEAM IS LED BY THE ' ACTING SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR FRANK STOCK, Q.C., WHO WILL BE ASSISTED BY OTHER EXPERTS FROM THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

TAC ACCEPTS NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY'S FIVE YEAR PLAN * * » * *

THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) TODAY (TUESDAY) ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE FIVE YEAR PLAN OF THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY (NLB) FOR 1987-88 TO 1991-92.

THE COMMITTEE CONCLUDED THAT THE BUS COMPANY’S PLAN WAS GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE.

IN RESPECT OF THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE PROPOSALS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THREE NEW BUS SERVICES ARE: ROUTE NO. 6 (TAI O - TUNG CHUNG), WHICH WAS INTRODUCED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR; ROUTE NO. 9 (MUI WO FERRY PIER - MUI WO OLD TOWN) AND ROUTE NO. 10 (KEUNG SHAN - SHA LO WAN) WHICH ARE DUE TO START IN APRIL 1990.

NLB ALSO AGREED TO CONSIDER AND INCLUDE IN ITS 1988-89 TO 1992-93 PLAN THE POTENTIAL TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS FOR TWO MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ON LANTAU: THE BUDDHA STATUE PROJECT AT NGONG PING AND THE FEASIBILITY STUDY ON DEVELOPING NEW RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON SOUTH LANTAU.

THE COMPANY PROPOSED TO PURCHASE 29 REPLACEMENT BUSES INCLUDING 27 SINGLE-DECKERS AND TWO DOUBLE-DECKERS AT A TOTAL COST OF $9.7 MILLION DURING THE COMING FIVE YEARS.

TO IMPROVE ITS DEPOT AND MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS, NLB ACQUIRED BY SHORT-TERM TENANCY A SITE AT MUI WO FOR DEVELOPMENT INTO A BUS DEPOT. THE COMPANY PROPOSED TO DEVELOP THIS SITE BY PHASES INTO A CENTRAL MAINTENANCE DEPOT IN 1987-88 AND 1988-89 AT A TOTAL COST OF $1.1 MILLION.

THE TAC ALSO ENDORSED THE PATRONAGE AND FINANCIAL FORECASTS MADE BY THE COMPANY.

THE COMMITTEE REACHED NO CONCLUSIONS ON THE ISSUES OF SEATING CAPACITY FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND THE OPERATION OF COACH SERVICES BY FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES, BECAUSE A NUMBER OF MEMBERS WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND TODAY’S MEETING AND FURTHER INFORMATION WAS REQUIRED.

IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED TO FURTHER EXAMINE THESE COMPLEX ISSUES WHICH COULD THEN BE FURTHER CONSIDERED AT A FULL COMMITTEE MEETING SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONTH.

/?.........

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, I9R8

IWO-TO-ONE RATIO SOON FOR DR 1VI NG CONTAINER TRACTORS ♦ t t

I HE RATIO OF TWO ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVERS TO ONE CONTAINER TRACTOR WILL BE ACHIEVED BY AUGUST THIS YEAR AT THE END OF THE GRACE PERIOD FOR GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS TO DRIVF CONTAINER TRACTORS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

" i'll IS RATIO, ENDORSED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE OMELCO TRANSPORT PANEL, IS CONSIDERED ADEQUATE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONTAINER TRADE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED A 101 AL 01* 1,707 ARTICULATED VEIIK’LE DR I VI NG TESTS, WITH AN AVERAGE PASSING RATE OF 4 0 PEI.’ CENT.

AS AT THE END OF DECEMBER LAST YEAR, THERE WERE 7,303 DRIVERS HOLDING A VALID ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVING LICENCE, WHILE THE NUMBER OF LICENSED CONTAINER TRACTORS WAS ABOUT 1,290. THE FIGURES REPRESENTED A RATIO OF 1.7 DRIVERS TO ONE TRACTOR.

"IT IS ESTIMATED THAT UNTIL AUGUST THIS YEAR. A FURTHER 3,810 DRIVERS WILL BE ABLE TO GET THEIR ART ICULATID VEHICLE DRIVING LICENCES, EITHER THROUGH EXEMPTION OR BY PASSING THF DRIVING TFST " THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT WI TH I HI OPENING OF THE TEMPORARY DRIVING TEST CENTRE IN TAI Po INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN EARLY DECEMBER, THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO CONDUCT MORE DRIVING TESTS AND THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR ARTICULATED VEIIK’LE DRIVING TESTS HAS BEEN CUT SHORT RY HALF TO LESS THAN FIVE MONTHS.

MOREOVER. THF DEPARTMENT CONTINUES TO ARRANGE FASTER DRIVING TESTS FOR THOSE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AS ARTICULATED VEHICLE DRIVERS " HE ADDED.

A THREE-YEAR GRACE PERIOD WAS ORIGINALLY PROVIDED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS TO ALLOW HOLDERS OF "ALL GOODS VEHICLES" DRIVING LICENCES ISSUED BEFORE AUGUST 25. 1984, TO DRIVE ARTICULATED VEHICLES UP TO AUGUST 24 LAST YEAR.

HOWEVER, AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE ADDITIONAL TIME REQUIRED BY THE CONTAINER TRADE TO TRAIN MORE DRIVERS TO COPE WITH AN UNFORESEEN AND RAPID RISE IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER TRACTORS, THE GOVERNOR AGREED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR TO EXTEND THE GRACE PERIOD FOR 12 MONTHS.

MEANWHILE, I’HE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR ANTHONY COOPER, MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THF * CONTAINER TRACTOR OWNER ASSOCIATION THIS AFTERNOON To HEAR THEIR VIEWS ON MATTERS RELATING TO ARTICULATED VEIIK’LE DRIVING LICENCES.

AT THE MEETING, THERE WAS A WIDE RANGING AND USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS. REPRESENTATIVES OF THF ASSOCIATION EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE APPROACH I NG EXPIRY DATE OF 'THE GRACE PEI. I OU. WHILE MR COOPER REMINDED 'THEM THAT THE GRACE PERIOD WOULD EXPIRE ON AUGUST 24, 1988. AS SCHEDULED.

------0-------- /8.................

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 198$,

SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES INCREASED TN 1987 ♦ ♦ » » »

THE YEAR 1987 SAW A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT NEW INITIATIVES FOR SUPPORTING LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, ACCORDING TO A REVIEW PRESENTED TO THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD (IDB) TODAY (TUESDAY).

ON THE ADVICE OF THE BOARD, A SERIES OF PROPOSALS FOR STRENGTHENING THE LEVEL OF INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED AND ENDORSED FOR ACTION.

INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT

DURING THE YEAR, INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT WAS MAINLY CONCERNED WITH THE SUPPLY OF INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR INDUSTRIES WITH SPECIAL Accommodation requirements, such as special height and floor loading REQUIREMENTS.

SALES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND AT THE TAI PO AND YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WILL AMOUNT TO 18 HECTARES IN 1987-88, COMPARED WITH 11 HECTARES IN BOTH 1985-86 AND 1986-87. A TOTAL OF 55 HECTARES OF LAND REMAINS TO BE SOLD ON THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.

AS THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (HKIEC) FORECASTS SALES OF MORE THAN 10 HECTARES A YEAR IN THE MEDIUM TERM, THE IDB ENDORSED IN PRINCIPLE PROPOSALS FOR PLANNING A THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, WITH PROJECTED OCCUPATION RY THE END OF 1992.

HONG KONG’S TEXTILES FINISHING INDUSTRY IS MAINLY LOCATED IM THE OLDER INDUSTRIAL AREAS, AND THE 1987 TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY ON THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES IDENTIFIED INADEQUATE SUPPLIES OF WATER AND WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES AS A SERIOUS CONSTRAINT ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THIS VITAL SUPPORTING INDUSTRY.

THE HKIEC FINISHING INDUSTRY WILL ALSO BE BORNE

MANPOWER TRAINING

HAS AGREED TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FROM THE FOR THESE SITES, AND THE NEEDS OF THIS INDUSTRY IN MIND WHEN PLANNING THE THIRD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS WAS ALSO MADE IN 1987 IN THE AREA OF MANPOWER TRAINING.

THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AGREED TO INTRODUCE IN THE 1988-91 TR1ENNIUM A MORE MODULAR ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING CURRICULUM AND TO PRODUCE MORE GRADUATES FAMILIAR WITH COMPUTER AND MICROPROCESSOR TECHNIQUES.

/THE VOCATIONAL........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

- 9 -

THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ( VTC) INTRODUCED AN APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (ASIC) DESIGN ENGINEERS TRAINING SCHEME TO ENCOURAGE THE WIDER ADOPTION OF ASH' IN HONG KONG.

THE VTC’ 8 MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE HAS DECIDED TO INTRODUCE AN EXPERIMENTAL SUPERVISORY DEVELOPMENT COURSE FOR BUSINESS OWNERS AND MANAGERS.

THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (IIKPC) DESIGNED A ONE-YEAR PART-TIME EVENING COURSE ON PLASTICS MOULD AND DIE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE, FOR TECHNOLOGISTS AND HIGHER TECHNICIANS IN THE PLASTICS CONVERSION AND TOOLING INDUSTRIES.

DEV E LO PM E N T A I. SUPPORT

DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT HAS CONCENTRATED ON ENCOURAGING PRODUCTIVITY GROWTH, QUALITY IMPROVEMENT, DESIGN INNOVATION AND THE ABSORPTION OF USEFUL TECHNOLOGIES BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS.

THE MA I N ORGAN I SA I’ I ON FOR PRODUCT I V I TV ENHANCEMENT IS THE HONG KONG PRODUCT IV ITY COUNCIL.

SERVICES

IN ADDITION ’1’0 IMPLEMENTING AN EXISTING PROGRAMME OF EXPANSION (1986-87 TO 1988-89) INVOLVING THE PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION AND METALS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES, A FURTHER THREE-YEAR EXPANSION PROGRAMME WITH A ('OST OF $73 MILLION WAS DEVELOPED IN 1987 WHICH WILL AUGMENT 'THE COUNC IL’S EX I ST I NG MANUFACTURING -WI DE SERVICES WITH SERVICES AND FACILITIES AIMED MORE DIRECTLY AT TUI- ELECTRONICS AND METALS INDUSTRIES.

THE IDB ALSO ENDORSED A PROPOSAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPECIAL PURPOSE BUILDING FOR THE IIKPC TO HR I NG ALL OF ITS ACTIVITIES IN ONE BUILDING AND TO ACCOMMODATE ITS PLANNED EXPANSION. CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN 15188-89 AND BF COMPLETED IN 1990-9 I .

ARISING FROM THE 1985-86 TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY OI THE PLASTICS CONVERSION INDUSTRY, A CAPITAL SUBVENTION OF $12.8 MILLION TO HELP TOWARDS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A PLASTICS TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT. THE CENTRE IS EXPECTED TO BF FORMED EARLY THIS YEAR AND TO BECOME SELI FINANCI NG OVER A PERIOD OF EIGHT YEARS.

AS REGARDS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SERVICES, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU RECEIVED I,318 ENQUIRIES IN 1987, COMPARED WITH 520 ENQUIRIES IN 1986.

THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY STANDARDS IN MASS AND NEW STANDARDS IN LENGTH, FORCE, TO COMPLEMENT THF ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONIC STANDARDS WHICH IT ALREADY HOLDS.

DEVELOPED ADDIT1ONAI

PRESSURE, VOLUME AND TEMPERATURE AND MASS

/IT IS........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

IT IS INTENDED TO INTRODUCE THESE STANDARDS IN 1988-89, PARTLY TO SUPPORT THE IMPLEMENTATION OP THE NEW WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE AND PARTLY TO MEET NEW DEMAND.

THE NUMBER OF CALIBRATIONS IN 1987-88 IS EXPECTED TO RISE TO ABOUT 300, FROM 236 IN 1986-87. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 360 CALIBRATIONS WlLL BE MADE IN 1988-89.

NINE LABORATORIES WERE ACCREDITED IN 1987 UNDER THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME IN RESPECT OF TESTING ASSOCIATED WITH MANUFACTURING.

ON THE ADVICE OF THE I DB , THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW CONSIDERING THE MERITS OF A LONG-TERM QUALITY STRATEGY FOR A SUSTAINED TERRITORY-WIDE QUALITY DRIVE TO PERSUADE MANUFACTURERS TO INTRODUCE QUALITY ASSURANCE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.

THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY LTD (HKD1C) BEGAN OPERATION IN APRIL 1986 WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF A $8 MILLION GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION TO COVER ITS FIRST THREE YEARS OF OPERATION AND WITH THE OPTION OF A $1.2-MILLION INTEREST-FREE LOAN IN ITS FOURTH YEAR.

IT IS INTENDED THAT THE COMPANY WILL ACHIEVE FINANCIAL SELF-SUFFICIENCY BY THE END OF THIS PERIOD AND THE PROSPECTS OF ACHIEVING THIS AIM ARE GOOD.

CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO GIVEN IN 1987 TO THE NEED FOR A TECHNOLOGY CENTRE OR SCIENCE PARK. THE PURPOSE OF SUCH A FACILITY WOULD BE TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION UNDER ONE ROOF FOR COMPANIES ENGAGED IN INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCT AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT, MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES AND VENTURE CAPITAL OPERATIONS, AND THEREBY TO FACILITATE THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF

INDUSTRIAL IDEAS.

THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT COMMITTEE OF THE IDB IS EXAMINING IN DETAIL THE ROLE OF A FACILITY OF THIS KIND IN HONG KONG AND ITS CONCLUSIONS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE BOARD IN MID-1988.

OVERSEAS INVESTMENT

IN 1987, BOTH THE QUANTITY AND THE QUALITY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT WAS ENCOURAGING. THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S LATEST SURVEY IDENTIFIED 541 ESTABLISHMENTS CONTAINING OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AT THE ENI) OF MARCH 1987, COMPARED WITH 509 ESTABLISHMENTS A YEAR EARLIER.

INVESTMENT IS CONTINUING '1’0 FLOW IN AND THE DEPARTMENT WAS DEALING WITH A FURTHER 56 PROMISING OR COMMITTED PROJECTS AT THE END OF NOVEMBER 1987.

/IN TERMS .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1% 19^8

IN TERMS OF QUALITY, THE COMMITTED AND COMPLETED INVESTMENTS ARE NEARLY ALL, USING TECHNOLOGIES AND PROCESSES NEW TO HONG KONG, SUCH AS THE PRODUCTION OF SURFACE MOUNTED DEVICES, MINI-SWITCHES, AND TELEPHONE DIALLING INTEGRATED CIRCUITS.

THERE WAS ALSO A GREATER DEGREE OF INVESTMENT IN THE SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES, IN PARTICULAR THOSE WHICH PRODUCE PRECISION PARTS AND COMPONENTS - PRODUCTS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION.

GREATER ATTENTION WAS ALSO GIVEN LN 1987 TO THE MARKETING OF ALL THE INDUSTRIAL, SUPPORT SERVICES, PARTICULARLY TO SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED MANUFACTURERS, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG AND HAVE IN THE PAST BEEN LESS WILLING TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE THAN THE LARGER MANUFACTURERS.

ON THE ADVICE OF THE IDB, A PILOT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE (IKS) WAS LAUNCHED LAST SEPTEMBER TO DETERMINE THE NEED FOR A PERMANENT SERVICE AND TO IDENTIFY THE RESOURCES REQUIRED TO MOUNT SUCH A SERVICE.

-----0---------

MEMBERS TO ASK EIGHT QUESTIONS IN LEGCO » » * ♦ *

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK EIGHT QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SIX BILLS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

OF THE SIX BILLS, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING, WHILE DERATE WILL BE RESUMED ON THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987, NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987.

THE LATTER FIVE BILLS WILL ALSO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

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/ia

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

12 -

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER WIDENING OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONSIDER THE WIDENING AND RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING CROSS BORDER TRAFFIC AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

THE SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD INVOLVED IS FROM PING CHE ROAD TO SHA TAU KOK.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON TWO ALTERNATIVE SITES FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AT TSUN FU STREET TN SHEK WU HUI, SHEUNG SHUT.

THE PROPOSAL FOR THE EARLY INTRODUCTION OF AN EXPRESS BUS ROUTE 76X PLYING BETWEEN TIN PING ESTATE IN SHEUNG SHUI AND CHEUNG SHA WAN IN KOWLOON WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DEMOLITION OF A TEMPORARY VEHICULAR BRIDGE SPANNING OVER THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY LINE AND THE FANLING BY-PASS, AND THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF RAILINGS ALONG THE SECTION OF A FOOTPATH BETWEEN A SUBWAY ENTRANCE NEAR SAM YUK KINDERGARTEN AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND THE ENTRANCE TO SHEUNG SHUI VILLAGE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 2 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANL1NG.

-------0----------

HA REORGANISATION ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE REORGANISATION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE VARIOUS WORKING GROUPS OF THE COMMITTEE.

THE REVISED PUBLICITY PROGRAMME AND BUDGET FOR THE 1988 DB ELECTIONS WILL BE TABLED.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD'S SOCIAL SERVICES AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION COMMITTEE AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN MTR STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

- 0 - -

/15

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

- U -

DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SEX EDUCATION * » » »

PROMOTION OF SEX EDUCATION AT SCHOOLS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 21).

MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON OTHER ISSUES RELATING TO EDUCATION, INCLUDING THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY OF STUDENTS, THE EXPATRIATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS’ PILOT SCHEME AND CIVIC EDUCATION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING AND SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING AT 2.30 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 21) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

-------o---------

CLEAN IIK CAMPAIGN COLOURING COMPETITION » » »

SCHOOL CHILDREN OF THE TURN MUN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A COLOURING COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.

DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY AND KINDERGARTEN SECTIONS, THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT ENHANCING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE AND THE BEACHES CLEAN AS WELL AS URGING THEM TO MAKE USE OF THE LITTER BIN.

A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND ARTISTS WILL SELECT FOUR WINNERS AND 10 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES FROM EACH SECTION.

ENTRY FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND EACH PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A CLEAN HONG KONG CALENDAR POSTER.

ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO ANY OF THE ABOVE OFFICES BY FEBRUARY 13 (SATURDA'Y) AND A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 5.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

’SPORTS AND HEALTH’ CARNIVAL IN SAI YING PUN * * * *

A CARNIVAL AIMED AT PROMOTING SPORTS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHINESS AMONG RESIDENTS WILL BE STAGED AT THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK IN SAI YING PUN ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) AFTERNOON.

THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING ROPE SKIPPING AND GOAL SHOOTING COMPETITIONS, AS WELL AS DEMONSTRATIONS OF TRICK CYCLING AND TECHNIQUES IN THE SHUTTLECOCK GAME.

RESIDENTS CAN ALSO TAKE PART IN A FITNESS TEST AND A QUIZ ON "SPORTS AND HEALTH".

THE CARNIVAL WILL START AT 2 PM. IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, CARITAS, YWCA, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TRUE LIGHT COLLEGE.

FREE ADMISSION COUPONS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523002.

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QUICK GUIDES ON EMPLOYMENT LAW

* * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT RECENTLY PUBLISHED A SET OF FOUR PAMPHLETS TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND BETTER SOME OF THE MAIN PROVISIONS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

THE ORDINANCE APPLIES TO ALL MANUAL WORKERS IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND TO NON-MANUAL WORKERS EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 A MONTH.

THE PAMPHLETS, IN CHINESE ONLY, COVER MATERNITY PROTECTION, STATUTORY HOLIDAYS WITH PAY, END-OF-YEAR PAYMENT AND SICKNESS ALLOWANCE.

EACH PAMPHLET CONTAINS SIMPLE ILLUSTRATIONS AS WELL AS USEFUL EXPLANATIONS OF THE RIGHTS AND ENTITLEMENTS OF WORKERS.

THE FOUR PAMPHLETS ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT'S LABOUR RELATIONS DIVISION.

/15........

TUESDAY, .1 'RY 19, 1988

SLOGAN AND BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION * t * ♦ *

A SLOGAN AND BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION ON THE THEME OF "CONSUMERS' RIGHT TO KNOW" IS NOW OPEN TO ALL SECONDARY AND SENIOR PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO PROMOTE THE AWARENESS OF THE RIGHT OF CONSUMERS.

ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB (CYC) SECTION, THE COMPETITION WILL CONSIST OF THREE DIVISIONS: THE SENIOR SECONDARY FOR SECONDARY 4 TO 7 STUDENTS, THE JUNIOR SECONDARY FOR SECONDARY 1 TO 3 STUDENTS, AND THE SENIOR PRIMARY FOR PRIMARY 5 AND 6 STUDENTS.

THE DESIGN OF THE BOOKMARK SHOULD BE ORIGINAL AND SHOULD EFFECTIVELY PROMOTE CONSUMER AWARENESS OF THE RIGHT TO KNOW, WHILE THE SLOGAN ON THE BOOKMARK SHOULD KEEP TO THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION.

IT CAN EITHER BE IN BLACK AND WHITE OR IN COLOUR AND SHOULD BE DRAWN ON ONE SIDE OF A PIECE OF PAPER MEASURING 6.5 CM BY 19.5 CM. ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S CYC SECTION BEFORE FEBRUARY 29.

THE BEST THREE ENTRIES FOR EACH DIVISION WILL BE AWARDED BOOK AMI) STATIONERY PRIZES EACH WORTH $300 TO $500 AND TROPHIES. TN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE 10 MERITORIOUS PRIZES IN EACH DIVISION.

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CONTRACTS AWARDED FOR NEW BORDER CONTROL FACILITIES * » » ♦ »

SERVICES, CONTROL

ELECTRICAI FACILITIES

AND AT

WORK ON THE FIRE INSTALLATIONS FOR BORDER COMMENCED FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF THREE CON I RAI IS AMOUNTING MILLION BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

THAN $12.3

AIR-CONDITIONING

LOK MA

CHAU TO

HAS MORE

THE PROCESSING OF VISITORS AND CARGOES BETWEEN CHINA WILL BE SPEEDED UP BY THE END OF THIS YEAR WITH OF THE NEW BORDER CONTROL FACILITIES.

IIONG KONG AND THE COMPLETION

THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A MAIN TERMINAL BUILDING, TWO (’ARGO EXAMINATION BUILDINGS, AN ANIMAL INSPECTION STATION, A WEIGH-BRIDGE, A HELICOPTER PAD AND A POLICE POST.

THE TERMINAL BUILDING WILL HAVE A GROSS FLOOR 4,000 SQUARE METRES TO ACCOMMODATE THE REQUIREMENTS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND

AREA OF ABOUT OF THE CUSTOMS THE POLICE.

/IN THE ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 1988

- 16 -

IN THE TWO SEPARATE INCOMING AND OUTGOING CARGO EXAMINATION BUILDINGS, THERE WILL BE 18 COUNTERS EOR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AND 14 FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.

THE ANIMAL INSPECTION STATION WILL BE STAFFED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDINGS IS WELL IN PROGRESS UNDER A $58.9-MILLION CONTRACT.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LOK MA CHAU CROSSING WILL BE ENHANCED WITH THE COMPLETION OF A NEW BRIDGE ACROSS SHENZHEN RIVER AND A NEW TRUNK ROAD JOINING THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, BOTH EXPECTED TO OPEN BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

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’NO ENTRY’ FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES

* » t » ♦

TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN HUNG HOM AND SHA TAU KOK WILL BE MADE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 22).

IN HUNG HOM, NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER HUNG II"M ROAD FROM THE SECTION OF HOK YUEN STREET EAST BETWEEN MAN LOK STREET AND HUNG HOM ROAD.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE ON THE SECTION OF HOK YUEN STREET EAST OF MA TAU WAI ROAD WILL BE LIFTED.

IN SHA TAU KOK, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF ROAD L4 SOUTH OF ROAD LI AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.

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WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG AND KOWLOON CITY *****

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 21) FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK .

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT LEI MUK SHU ESTATE, SHEK YAM ESTATE, SHEK LEI ESTATE AND WO YI HOP ROAD. '

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 11 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 22) TO 6 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.

THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CARPENTER ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD, NGA TS1N WAI ROAD, GRAMPIAN ROAD, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST AND NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, INCLUDING FUK LO TSUN ROAD, LION ROCK ROAD AND HAU WONG ROAD.

_ _ 0 -----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :

ALLOWANCES IN NT LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL URGED ........... 1

DEFINITION OF "ESTABLISHED VILLAGE" QUERIED .............. 3

REDEFINE ESTABLISHED VILLAGE : CHEUNG .................... 5

BILL GIVES RENT CONCESSION TO 'T'SOS' AND 'T'ONGS' ....... 6

BILL TO EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE OF LOAN DETAILS TO DIRECTORS................................................ 7

FOUR MEDICAL BILLS SUPPORTED ............................. 8

BILLS LE/lD TO REVIEW OF MEDICaL BODIES' COMPOSITION .... 10

FIVE BILLS PaSSED ....................................... 10

PHONE POLL ON DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ...................... 10

SHOPTHEFTS A TARGET FOR FIGHT CRIME DRIVE................ 11

VACATION OF aRGYLE STREET RECEPTION CENTRE BY SEPTEMBER 12

WEEKLY CHECKS FIND ESCALATORS SAFE ...................... 13

SCREENING TESTS ENSURE SaFE BLOOD TRANSFUSION ........... 13

WAYS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC BEFORE TATE'S C«IRN TUNNEL COMPLETES .............................................. 14

81 JOIN EXPAT ENGLISH L.JJGU..GE TEACHER SCHEME.......... 16

WAGE CEILING DISCUSSION IN MaRCH ........................ 18

GOVERNOR CONCERNED ABOUT GROWING VR PROBLEM ................ 19

HOWE MEETS MARTIN LEE....................................... 20

TALKS ON NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT ....................... 20

EXPERT MEETING ON LOCALISATION OF CIVIL AVIATION LEGISLATION .............................................. 21

COMPREHENSIVE ELDERLY POLICY NEEDED ........................ 21

DB TO DISCUSS NOISE REDUCTION IN TRAM DEPOT................. 22

TWO NEW TERRITORIES SITES TO LET ........................... 23

TRaFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT ................... 23

RESTRICTED ZONES IN WaN CHAI ............................... 24

TEMPOR.1RY RESTRICTED ZONE IN CAUSEWAY BaY.................. 24

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHa TAU KOK ............................. 24

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

ALLOWANCES IN NT LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL URGED

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT, IN PASSING THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987, SHOULD MAKE RENT CONCESSION TO VOLUNTARY, SPORTS OR NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATIONS IN ORDER THAT THEY CAN CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE MUCH-NEEDED RECREATIONAL AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS WITHOUT THE FEAR OF HAVING TO CONTEND WITH RISING COSTS, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON F.K. HU, URGED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR HU, CONVENOR OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL, WAS SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE AIM OF THIS BILL IS TO IMPLEMENT PARAGRAPH 2 OF ANNEX III OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, SO THAT OVER 30,000 LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEW KOWLOON MAY BE AUTOMATICALLY EXTENDED FOR A PERIOD EXPIRING NOT LATER THAN JUNE 30, 2047 WITHOUT PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL PREMIUM.

INSTEAD AN ANNUAL RENT EQUIVALENT TO THREE PER CENT OF THE CURRENT RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY WILL BE CHARGED.

WHILE SUPPORTING THE BILL, MR HU NEVERTHELESS NOTED THAT THE BILL PROVIDED NO RENT CONCESSION IN REGARD TO SOME 40 RECREATIONAL AREAS CURRENTLY HELD BY CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS SUCH AS THE BOY SCOUTS ASSOCIATION, Y.M.C.A, AND THE OUTWARD BOUND SCHOOL.

AT PRESENT, THESE BODIES ONLY HAVE TO PAY THE GOVERNMENT A NOMINAL FEE AS RENT FOR THE USE OF THE LAND.

"1 AM CONCERNED THAT IF A THREE PER CENT TAX WAS TO BE CHARGED ACCORDING TO THE RATEABLE VA1.UE, MANY OF THE ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD TO PAY.

"OR THEY MAY HAVE TO SHIFT THE BURDEN TO THEIR USERS, THAT IS THE GENERAL PUBLIC, BY RAISING THE LEVEL OF FEES.

"IN BOTH CASES, IT IS THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHO WILL SUFFER ONE WAY OR ANOTHER,"MR HU SAID.

HE WENT ON TO POINT OUT THAT A SECOND AREA OF CONCERN RAISED IN THE COURSE OF THE AD HOC GROUP’S DELIBERATIONS WAS THE DEFINITION OF "ESTABLISHED VILLAGE".

UNDER THE BILL, RENTS FOR CERTAIN LAND HELD BY DESCENDANTS FROM PRE-1898 VILLAGES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AFTER THE LEASES INVOLVED ARE EXTENDED. THESE PRE-1898 VILLAGES, TOTALLING AROUND 600 TODAY, ARE DEFINED ACCORDING TO A 1905 SURVEY.

SOME AD HOC GROUP MEMBERS WERE CONCERNED THAT SOME VILLAGES MIGHT HAVE BEEN MISSED OUT FROM THE SURVEY, AND THE BILL WOULD THEN BE UNFAIR TO THE VILLAGERS.

/THEY WANTED

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

THEY WANTED TO ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE DEFINITION SO THAT RESIDENTS OF OMITTED VILLAGES, IF THERE WERE ANY, COULD ALSO CLAIM THE RENT CONBSSION.

THE AD HOC GROUP WAS THEREFORE GLAD TO HEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD LOOK INTO THE MATTER TO ENSURE THAT ALL CLAIMS TO PRE-1898 STATUS WOULD BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND EVIDENCE OUTSIDE OF THE BLOCK CROWN LEASES WOULD BE GIVEN ITS PROPER WEIGHT.

”1 BELIEVE THIS IS SUFFICIENT ASSURANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT TO COVER ANY POSSIBILITY IN THIS REGARD, WITHOUT CAUSING FURTHER DELAY TO THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL,” MR HU SAID.

ANOTHER CONCERN RAISED WAS THE APPLICATION OF RENT CONCESSION TO PROPERTY HELD BY 'T'SOS* AND ’T'ONGS’, WHICH ARE ANCIENT CHINESE INSTITUTIONS OF ANCESTRAL LAND-HOLDING, WHEREBY LAND DERIVED FROM ANCESTOR WAS ENJOYED BY MALE DESCENDANTS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION, HE SAID.

THE AD HOC GROUP NOTED THAT ONLY IN THE CASE OF ’T'SOS’ IS THE LAND CONCERNED DEFINITELY HELD BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.

’’THE QUESTION REGARDING THE 'T'ONG' IS MORE COMPLICATED: IT IS AN ASSOCIATION OF PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER FOR A ’PARTICULAR PURPOSE WHETHER RELIGIOUS, COMMERCIAL OR PHILANTHROPIC.

"VERY OFTEN ITS MEMBERS INCLUDE BOTH INDIGENOUS AND NON-INDIGENOUS VILLAGES. THE MEMBERSHIP IS ALSO SUBJECT TO CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME.”

FURTHERMORE, SOME ORGANISATIONS USING THE NAME OF ’T’ONGS' ARE IN FACT 'T'SOS' IN NATURE WITH LANDS DONATED BY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS FOR BENEFICIARIES WHO ARE ALSO INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.

”IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO CLARIFY THE ELIGIBILITY OF THESE ’T’SOS* AND 'T'ONGS' FOR RENT CONCESSION PURPOSES; OTHERWISE IT WILL CREATE UNEASINESS AMONG THE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS,” MR HU SAID.

HE WAS PLEASED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SUBSEQUENTLY AGREED THAT RENT CONCESSION WOULD BE EXTENDED TO ALL 1T* SOS 1 AND ’T’ONGS’, IN WHICH ALL THE MEMBERS WERE INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS AND THAT THE BILL WOULD BE MODIFIED ACCORDINGLY TO MAKE PROVISION FOR THIS.

MR HU WENT ON TO POINT OUT THAT YET ANOTHER AREA OF CONCERN, AS EXPRESSED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND SOME PROPERTY OWNERS, WAS ABOUT THE EXTENSION OF THE VALIDITY OF DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANTS (DMC'S) ALONG WITH THE EXTENSION OF NEW TERRITORIES LEASES.

/Under the .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

UNDER THE TERMS OF SOME DMC’S, THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY APPOINTED BY THE FIRST OWNER BECOMES THE MANAGER OF THE PROPERTY FOR THE LIFE OF THE LEASE, AND THERE ARE OBVIOUS REASONS WHY OWNERS DO NOT WANT TO

BE BOUND BY THESE TERMS FOR ANOTHER 50 YEARS.

THE ADMINISTRATION EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THIS BILL DMC’S WOULD SURVIVE FOR THE FULL PERIOD OF THE EXTENSION, OTHERWISE A VERY

SERIOUS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WOULD DEVELOP. OWNERS WHO FIND

THE DMC UNFAIR OR OPPRESSIVE COULD HOWEVER TAKE UP THE ISSUE SEPARATELY.

THE AD HOC GROUP UNDERSTOOD THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS SET UP A SUB-COMMITTEE, UNDER THE EXISTING STANDING COMMITTEE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT, TO IDENTIFY WAYS TO RECTIFY THE UNFAIR PROVISIONS OF EXISTING DMC’S.

MR HU HOPED THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD SOON SPELL OUT WHAT AVENUES WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO PROPERTY OWNERS WHO WANT TO PROTECT THEIR RIGHTS UNDER THE EXTENDED DMC'S.

FINALLY, MR HU AGREED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION THAT THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987 SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED ANY FURTHER, AS IT WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

"FOR EXAMPLE, THE PROBLEMS OF THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES IN TAI PO AND YUEN LONG HAVE BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE AD HOC GROUP -THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT INVESTORS, INCLUDING SOME LARGE MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANIES, ARE BECOMING MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR FUTURE LEASES CONDITIONS.

"WITH THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL, I HOPE ALL SUCH ANXIETIES WILL BE ELIMINATED, MAKING NO SMALL CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUTURE PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG," HE CONCLUDED.

- - 0 - -

DEFINITION OF "ESTABLISHED VILLAGE" QUERIED * t * * *

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON LAU WONG-FAT, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THERE WERE DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN THE DEFINITION OF "ESTABLISHED VILLAGE" UNDER THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987 AND THE ORIGIN MEANING OF THE TERM AS USED IN THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LAU SAID THE DISCREPANCIES MIGHT SERIOUSLY AFFECT THE INTEREST OF INDIGENEOUS VILLAGERS WHO WERE UNABLE TO POSSESS LAND TO THE TIME WHEN THE GOVERNMENT GRANTED THE BLOCK LEASE.

/IN VIEW

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

IN VIEW OF THIS, THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAD PUT FORTH ITS VIEWS TO THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP STUDYING THE BILL, AND REQUESTED THAT THE DEFINITION BE AMENDED.

HOWEVER, NO SATISFACTORY RESOLUTION HAD SO FAR BEEN MADE BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT INSISTED THAT THE LAND SURVEY ON WHICH THE BLOCK LEASE WAS BASED WAS EXTENSIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE ENOUGH TO INCLUDE ALL THE ESTABLISHED VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

"IT IS NECESSARY FOR ME TO POINT OUT THAT THE BLOCK LEASE IS ONLY A UNILATERAL LEASEHOLD AGREEMENT MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT BY WHICH ALL RESUMED PRIVATE LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS LEASED TO THEIR ORIGINAL OWNERS," HE SAID.

HE SAID THE BLOCK LEASE WAS ONLY ONE OF THE DOCUMENTS THAT MIGHT BE USED AS EVIDENCE TO PROVE THE STATUS OF AN ESTABLISHED VILLAGE AND SHOULD NOT BE REGARDED AS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF THESE VILLAGES, NOR COULD IT BE TAKEN AS THE ONLY EVIDENCE FOR VALIDATING THE STATUS OF AN ESTABLISHED VILLAGE.

HE SAID HE WAS AWARE OF THE FACT THAT THE BILL WOULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS ON OTHER RELATED ISSUES AND THAT THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL SHOULD NOT BE DELAYED ANY FURTHER.

"HOWEVER, I HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION TO AMEND THE DEFINITION OF ’ESTABLISHED VILLAGE' IN THE NEAR FUTURE," HE SAID, ADDING THAT IT WAS ON THIS UNDERSTANDING THAT HE SUPPORTED THE DILL.

MR LAU ALSO EXPLAINED WHY LAND HELD BY INDIGENEOUS VILLAGERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE ALLOWED TO ENJOY RENT CONCESSION AFTER I 997 .

THE MAJOR REASON WAS THAT THE FORM OF OWNERSHIP OF LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES DIFFERED GREATLY FROM THAT TO THE SOUTH OF BOUNDARY STREET.

BEFORE THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS LEASED TO BRITAIN IN 1898, ALL PRIVATE LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS HELD AS FREEHOLD ESTATE WITH NO EXPIRY DATE ON THEIR TENURE.

AFTER THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS LEASED TO BRITAIN IN 1898, THE TENURE OF THESE LEASES WOULD EXPIRE BEFORE JUNE 30, 1997.

SINCE THE SOVEREIGNTY OVER THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD REVERT TO CHINA IN 1997, THE TENURE OF PRIVATE LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SHOULD BE REINSTATED TO THE PRE-1898 CONDITIONS AS WELL.

IN ORDER TO RESOLVE THIS PROBLEM, THE CHINESE AND THE BRITISH GOVERNMENTS AGREED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT LAND HELD BY A PERSON WHO WAS A RESIDENT OF AN ESTABLISHED VILLAGE IN HONG KONG IN 1898 OR A LAWFUL SUCCESSOR OF THAT PERSON IN THE MALE LINE SHOULD BE EXEMPT FROM THE PAYMENT OF THE ANNUAL RENT.

/HR LAU .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 5

MR LAU SATO HE HOPED THIS CLARIFICATION WOULD REMOVE THE MISUNDERSTANDING AMONG SOME PEOPLE THAT THE JNDIGENEOUS VILLAGERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE ENJOYING SPECIAL PRIVILEGES.

HE ALSO SAID THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO ENABLE, THROUGH LEGISLATION, THE EXTENSION OF ALL NEW TERRITORIES LAND LEASES EXPIRING BEFORE 1997 FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF 50 YEARS TO 2047 WITHOUT HAVING EACH OF THE LEASES TO BE RENEWED INDIVI DUALLY.

THIS WOULD SAVE THE COMPLICATED PROCEDURES AND ALSO PUBLIC EXPENSES WHICH WOULD OTHERWISE BE NECESSARY FOR THE RENEWAL OF IHESE LEASES.

------0-------

REDEFINE ESTABLISHED VILLAGE : CHEUNG * * * * *

LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON (WEDNESDAY) CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ’’ESTABLISHED VILLAGE” AS USED IN THE (EXTENSION) BILL 1987.

(’HEUNG YAN-LUNG, TODAY AMEND THE DEFINITION OF NEW TERR I TOR IES LEASES

SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG SAID HE STRONGLY FELT THAT THE BILL SHOULD NOT BE PASSED BEFORE AN AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON THE DEFINITION OF THE TERM.

"NEVERTHELESS, IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT RESUMPTION OF THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL HAS BEEN DELAYED FOR A LONG TIME AND FURTHER DELAY MIGHT HOLD UP THE ADMINISTRATION’S ACTION IN PROCESSING NEW TERRITORIES LEASES FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES, WE HAVE RELUCTANTLY AGREED TO SUPPORT RESUMPTION OF SECOND READING ON CONDITION THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE OUR REQUEST, AND TAKE ALL NECESSARY ACTION TO REVIEW AND AMEND THE DEFINITION OF 'ESTABLISHED VILLAGE’ ,’’ HE SAID.

THE BILL GAVE LEGISLATIVE EFFECT TO THE LAND ANNEX OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JO INI* DECLARATION WHICH PROVIDED THAI’ ALL LEASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A FEW, WOULD BE EXTENDED AUTOMATICALLY FOR 5(1 YEARS AFTER 1997 ON PAYMENT OF AN ANNUAL RENT EQUIVALENT TO THREE PER (’ENT OF THE RATEABLE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY.

THE LAND ANNEX FURTHER STIPULATED THAT THERE WOULD BE RENT CONCESSION FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF LAND HELD BY "INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS" - A TERM WHICH WAS DEFINED IN THE BILL AS PERSONS WHO WERE IN 1898 RESIDENTS OF AN ESTABLISHED VILLAGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OR WERE DES('ENDEI) THROUGH THE MALE LINE FROM SUCH PERSONS.

/THE MEANING

- 6

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1?88

THE MEANING OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGER THUS RESTED HEAVILY ON THE MEANING OF ’’ESTABLISHED VILLAGE”, WHICH THE BILL DEFINED AS A VILLAGE ESTABLISHED UNDER A BLOCK LEASE GRANTED BY, OR ON BEHALF OF, THE GOVERNOR.

THIS CREATED MUCH CONCERN AMONG SOME NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS

WHO POINTED OUT THAT NEITHER HAD THE JOINT DECLARATION MADE REFERENCE

TO THE BLOCK CROWN LEASE, NOR HAD THE GOVERNMENT IN

RECOGNISED INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES ON THE

THE PAST

BASIS OF

THE BLOCK CROWN LEASE, MR CHEUNG NOTED.

"BY MAKING THE BLOCK CROWN LEASE THE ONLY EVIDENCE OF THE STATUS OF PRE-1898 VILLAGES, THE BILL LEAVES NO OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE VILLAGERS WHO WISH TO ESTABLISH THEIR INDIGENOUS STATUS ON EVIDENCE OTHER THAN THE BLOCK CROWN LEASE," HE ADDED.

TURNING TO ANOTHER POINT IN THE BILL, MR CHEUNG POINTED OUT THAT A GREAT NUMBER OF PROPERTY TN THE NEW TERRITORIES HELD BY ’T’SOS* AND ’T’ONGS’, SHOULD, IN THE SPIRIT OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, BE ELIGIBLE FOR RENT CONCESSION AFTER 1997, BUT WHICH DTD NOT SEEM TO HAVE COME UNDER THE LETTERS OF THE RILL.

"WE HAVE CAREFULLY EXAMINED THE CASE FOR ’T’SOS’ AND ’T’ONGS’ AND WE ARE GLAD THAT AFTER. LENGTHY DISCUSSIONS, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED THAT THE BILL SHOULD BE AMENDED," HE SAID.

MR CHEUNG' SUBSEQUENTLY MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT STATING THAT RENT CONCESSIONS WOULD RE APPLICABLE TO ’T’SOS’ AND ’T’ONGS’ WHOSE MEMBERS WERE ENTIRELY INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.

HOWEVER, THE SAME PRIVILEGE WOULD NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THOSE ’T’SOS’ AND ’T’ONGS’ WHOSE MEMBERSHIP DID NOT CONSIST ENTIRELY OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.

-------0---------

BILL GIVES RENT CONCESSION TO ’T’SOS’ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

AND ’T’ONGS’

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SUPPORTED A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987 TO INCLUDE Till- EXTENSION OF THE RENT CONCESSION PROVIDED FOR IN THE S I NO-BR I T I Sil JOINT DECLARATION TO A 'T'SO' OR 'T’ONG'.

MR BARNES SAID IN THE DEBATE OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE 'T'SO' OR 'T’ONG' IN QUESTION MUST BE RECOGNISED AS SUCH UNDER CHINESE CUSTOM, ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF WHICH WERE ON JUNE 30, 1984, INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS.

/ON THE ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

ON THE QUESTION OF RECREATIONAL LEASES, MR BARNES SAID: "THESE LEASES ARE SPECIAL PURPOSES LEASES WHICH WILL NOT BE EXTENDED BY THE BILL."

"EACH LEASE GRANTED FOK A SPECIAL PURPOSE WILL BE EXAMINED BEFORE A DECISION IS TAKEN ON EXTENSION, HAVING REGARD TO EXISTING POLICY.

"THE QUESTION OF PREMIUM AND RENT WILL BE ADDRESSED IN THE CONTEXT OF EXAMINING THE EXTENSION OF THESE LEASES," MR BARNES SAID.

HE ADDED THAT THE ISSUE OF "OPPRESSIVE DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT", A PROBLEM COMMON TO BUILDINGS IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, CANNOT BE APPROPRIATELY ADDRESSED BY THIS BILL AND IT WAS BEING TACKLED SEPARATELY BY THE GOVERNMENT.

-------0 - - - -

BILL TO EXEMPT FROM DISCLOSURE OF LOAN DETAILS TO DIRECTORS * * * *

THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MOVED TO AMEND THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT OF BANKING CONFIDENTIALITY AND THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.

SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, MR JACOBS SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL WAS TO AMEND SECTION 161B OF THE ORDINANCE IN ORDER TO EXEMPT AUTHORISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO DISCLOSE IN THEIR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS DETAILS OF LOANS ON NORMAL COMMERCIAL TERMS TO INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS.

INSTEAD, SUCH DETAILS WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FOR 14 DAYS PRIOR TO AN INSTITUTION’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND FOR SEVEN DAYS THEREAFTER, HE ADDED.

MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE REQUIRED EVERY COMPANY INCORPORATED IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING SUCII AUTHORISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AS BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, TO SET OUT IN ITS ANNUAL ACCOUNTS DETAILED INFORMATION CONCERNING LOANS MADE BY THE COMPANY TO ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS, OR TO ANY COMPANY CONTROLLED BY ANY OF ITS DIRECTORS.

"THE BANKING COMMUNITY HAS EXPRESSED SERIOUS CONCERN THAT THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT INVOLVES THE INCLUSION OF CUMBERSOME AND EXCESSIVE DETAIL IN THEIR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS.

"FURTHERMORE, PUBLICATION COULD CONSTITUTE A BREACH OF THE DUTY OF CONFIDENTIALITY OWED BY A BANK TO ITS CUSTOMER," HE SAID.

/HE ADDED .......

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

8 -

HE ADDED THAT SOME MEMBERS OF THE BANKING COMMUNITY WERE ALSO CONCERNED THAT FOREIGN BANKS OPERATING IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE NOT SUBJECT TO SUCH STRICT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS, HAD AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OVER LOCAL INSTITUTIONS.

MR JACOBS SAID THAT AFTER REVIEWING THE MATTER AND SEEKING THE ADVICE OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM, THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THE IMPORTANCE OF BANKING CONFIDENTIALITY, BUT CONSIDERED THAT IN GENERAL THE PRINCIPLE OF DISCLOSURE OF DETAILED INFORMATION TO THE PUBLIC SHOULD APPLY TO BANKS AS IT DID TO OTHER COMPANIES.

ON THE PROPOSED EXEMPTION, MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THE AUTHORISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS WOULD NOT HAVE TO DISCLOSE DETAILS OF SUCH LOANS IN THEIR ANNUAL ACCOUNTS, THEY HAD TO GIVE THE AGGREGATE FIGURES OF THE LOANS IN THEM.

THE EXEMPTION DID NOT APPLY TO LOANS OR GUARANTEES IN EXCESS OF HK$10 MILLION WHERE THAT LOAN OR GUARANTEE IS MADE OR GIVEN ON CONCESSIONARY TERMS, HE ADDED.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

--------0 ---------

FOUR MEDICAL BILLS SUPPORTED

* t I t *

FOUR MEDICAL BILLS, WHICH PROPOSE AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPLE ORDINANCES TO RELINQUISH THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES OF THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL, THE DENTAL COUNCIL, THE NURSES BOARD AND THE MIDWIVES BOARD OF HONG KONG, WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WELCOMED BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

THE FOUR BILLS ARE THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987; THE NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987; AND THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.

SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILLS, DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG SAID HIS COLLEAGUES OF THE MEDICAL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCY WHICH INCLUDE DOCTORS, DENTISTS, NURSES AND MIDWIVES, WERE PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE BILLS WOULD MAKE PROVISIONS FOR THOSE PROFESSIONAL STATUTORY MEDICAL BODIES TO CARRY OUT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES OF REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINE OF THEIR MEMBERS WITH MORE INDEPENDENCE UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF AN ELECTED CHAIRMAN.

DR CHIU SAID THE BILLS WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT A LAY MEMBER TO THE COUNCIL, OR SIMILAR STATUTORY BODIES.

/HE BAID: ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 9

HE SAID: "ONCE THESE PROVISIONS ARE IMPLEMENTED, WE EXPECT THE LAY MEMBERS TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE MEDICAL MEMBERS AND TO PRESENT THEIR VIEWS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF A LAYMAN SO AS TO ENABLE THE BOARDS AND COUNCILS TO ADOPT A MORE OBJECTIVE ATTITUDE IN THE PROCESS OF CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES."

NOTING THAT THE MEDICAL PROFESSION WOULD AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE BILLS BE THE ONLY PROFESSION SO FAR TO HAVE LAY MEMBERS, SERVING ON THEIR BOARDS AND COUNCILS, DR CHIU PROPOSED. THAT THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDER CONSULTING THE OTHER PROFESSIONAL BODIES REGARDING THE QUESTION OF INTRODUCING LAY MEMBERS INTO THEIR BOARDS AND COUNCILS.

"THE INTRODUCTION OF LAY MEMBERS WILL SERVE TO ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE ARE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT," HE ADDED.

ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILLS, COUNCILLOR DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IT WAS A RIGHT STEP TO REDUCE GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN REGULATING THE MEDICAL PROFESSION.

HOWEVER, SHE NOTED THAT VARIOUS GOVERNING BODIES OF PROFESSIONS, SUCH AS THE LEGAL, ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING PROFESSIONS, WERE COMPOSED OF MEMBERS ELECTED AMONG THEIR FELLOWS WHEREAS THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE MEDICAL COUNCIL WERE ALL APPOINTED.

SHE URGED THAT THE MEDICAL PROFESSION BE GIVEN THE AUTONOMY TO LOOK AFTER THEIR OWN AFFAIRS.

SHARING THE SAME VIEW, COUNCILLOR THE HON EDWARD HO STATED THAT ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONS IN HONG KONG SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THEIR OWN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND CONDUCT.

"THESE PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS, THROUGH CONSTANT CONTACTS WITH THE TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, ALLIED PROFESSIONAL BODIES BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY, AND THEIR OWN MEMBERS, ARE IN THE BEST POSITION TO UNDERSTAND HOW PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS CAN BE ATTAINED AND HOW THEY SHOULD BE SET TO FULFILL THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY; AND HOW PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT SHOULD BE REGULATED," MR HO SAID.

NOTING WITH GRATIFICATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ACTIVELY PURSUING THE INTRODUCTION OF PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCES FOR THE ARCHITECTURAL, ENGINEERING, SURVEYING AND PLANNING PROFESSIONS, MR HO SAID THE MATTER SHOULD BE TREATED WITH URGENCY AS THE REGISTRATION OF THE FOUR PROFESSIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUILDING INDUSTRY WAS NOT GOVERNED BY STATUTE EXCEPT WHEN SPECIFICALLY REQUIRED FOR UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.

-------0----------

/1O........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

10 -

BILLS LEAD TO REVIEW OF MEDICAL BODIES’ COMPOSITION

» « » » t

THE INTENTION OF INTRODUCTION OF THE FOUR BILLS RELATED TO THE MEDICAL PROFESSION WAS TO CARRY OUT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE COMPOSITION OF THE FOUR RESPECTIVE COUNCILS AND BOARDS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR CHAMBERS WAS WINDING UP THE DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING ON THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL, THE NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND THE MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987.

MR CHAMBERS SAID THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REGISTRATION AND DISCIPLINE OF PROFESSIONS OTHER THAN THESE FOUR TO WHICH MEMBERS HAD REFERRED DIFFERED IN VARYING DEGREES.

IT WAS AGREED THAT THERE WAS THE NEED TO SAFEGUARD BOTH PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE, MR CHAMBERS ADDED.

------0-------

FIVE BILLS PASSED * * ♦

FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

THEY ARE THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, DENTISTS REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1987, NURSES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987, MIDWIVES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 AND NEW TERRITORIES LEASES (EXTENSION) BILL 1987.

------0--------

PHONE POLL ON DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF PUBLIC OPINION ON THE INTRODUCTION OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME IS BEING MADE BY MEANS OF A TELEPHONE POLL CONDUCTED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON EDWARD S.T. HO, SIR DAVID SAID: "IF THE GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO TAKE THE MATTER FURTHER, WIDER CONSULTATION WILL ALSO HE NECESSARY.

/"DISTRICT BOARDS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

’’DISTRICT BOARDS MAY BE CONSULTED TOGETHER WITH GROUPS WITH A

PARTICULAR INTEREST.

’’THESE WOULD INCLUDE INDUSTRIAL GROUPS, THOSE CONCERNED WITH TRAVEL AND TRANSPORT, INCLUDING THE AIRLINES, SPORT AND LEISURE.

”1 HAVE NO DOUBT THERE WOULD BE WIDE-SPREAD PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE MATTER ALSO,” HE SAID.

SIR DAVID NOTED THAT BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO GIVE ADEQUATE NOTICE, IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT ANY CHANGE COULD BE INTRODUCED BEFORE 1989.

’’BUT I WOULD LIKE TO STRESS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PRECONCEIVED VIEWS ON THIS SUBJECT,” HE ADDED.

-------0---------

SHOPTHEFTS A TARGET FOR FIGHT CRIME DRIVE ♦ * ♦ * *

PART OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE’S CAMPAIGN THIS YEAR WOULD CONCENTRATE ON PUBLICITY AGAINST SHOPTHEFT SO AS TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SUCH CASES, PARTICULARLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN NEW TOWNS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS ROSANNA TAM, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN THE PAST THREE YEARS A TOTAL OF 9,038 JUVENILE OFFENDERS HAD BEEN ARRESTED BY THE POLICE TN THE POLICE DIVISIONS WHICH INCLUDED NEW TOWNS.

OF THESE, 1,056 OR 45 PER CENT OF THE OFFENDERS WERE ARRESTED FOR SHOPTHEFT.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, 1,509 JUVENILE OFFENDERS WERE ARRESTED FOR OTHER TYPES OF THEFT; 601 FOR ROBBERY; 509 FOR BURGLARY; 495 FOR WOUNDING AND SERIOUS ASSAULT; AND 285 FOR CRIMINAL DAMAGE.

’’THE REMAINING OFFENDERS WERE ARRESTED FOR BLACKMAIL, UNLAWFUL SOCIETY OFFENCES, OFFENCES AGAINST PUBLIC ORDER AND OTHER CRIMES,” HE ADDED.

HE SAID THE POLICE WOULD CONTINUE TO PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE PROBLEM OF SHOPTHEFT IN LARGE DEPARTMENT STORES, SHOPPING PLAZAS AND SUPERMARKETS.

”1N THIS CONNECTION THEY WILL CONTINUE TO LIAISE WITH OWNERS AND ARCHITECTS WITH A VIEW TO MAKING THESE PREMISES LESS VULNERABLE TO SHOPTHEFT.

/"THE POLICE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 12 -

"THE POLICE WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO PAY REGULAR VISITS TO SCHOOLS WITH THE AIM OF URGING YOUNG PEOPLE NOT TO BECOME INVOLVED IN CRIME OF ANY KIND," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.

IN ADDITION, A SCHEME OF RENUNCIATION OF TRIAD MEMBERSHIP WHICH WAS AIMED LARGELY AT YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD BE AMONG OTHER MEASURES THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE PLANNED TO INTRODUCE THIS YEAR, HE SAID.

MATERIALS FOR USE IN SCHOOLS TO WARN AGAINST THE DANGER OF BEING INVOLVED WITH TRIADS WOULD BE PREPARED, MR JEAFFRESON ADDED.

NOTING THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S ANTI-CRIME MEASURES DID NOT TEND TO FOCUS ON CERTAIN GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS, MR JEAFFRESON HOWEVER SAID MEASURES TO COMBAT CRIME BY YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD HAVE MORE EFFECT IN THE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHERE THERE WAS A PROPORTIONATELY YOUNGER POPULATION.

- - 0----------

VACATION OF ARGYLE STREET RECEPTION CENTRE BY SEPTEMBER » * » » »

THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ABLE TO VACATE THE ARGYLE STREET RECEPTION CENTRE SITE NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, WHO HAD ASKED ABOUT THE TARGET DATE OF VACATION OF THE SITE UPON WHICH A START ON THE ARGYLE STREET OPHTHALMIC CENTRE PROJECT WOULD DEPEND, AND THE POSSIBLE PROBLEMS IN ACHIEVING THIS TARGET.

MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE ARGYLE STREET RECEPTION CENTRE WAS TO BE REPROVISIONED IN PART OF THE KAI TAK TRANSIT CENTRE.

"THE DATE FOR VACATING THE RECEPTION CENTRE IS DEPENDENT ON THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK NECESSARY TO REFURBISH ACCOMMODATION FOR IT IN THE KAI TAK TRANSIT CENTRE.

"I AM ADVISED THAT THIS WORK WILL BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST 1988.

"WE DO NOT FORESEE ANY PROBLEMS IN ACHIEVING THIS TARGET DATE," HE ADDED.

- - 0------------

WEDNESDAY, .JANUARY 20, 1988

- V -WEEKLY CHECKS FIND ESCALATORS SAFE ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦

ALL REGISTERED ESCALATORS OF THE TYPE INVOLVED IN A RECENT ACCIDENT AT THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION ARE BEING CHECKED WEEKLY BY lill ESCALATOR CONTRACTOR AND FOUND TO BE IN SAFE WORKING CONDITION.

THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM PROFESSOR THE HON C.K. POON IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR BARNES SAID THE ACCIDENT, WHICH RESULTED IN INJURIES TO SEVEN PEOPLE, WAS CAUSED BY SOMEONE WHO PRESSED THE STOP BUTTON OF THE ESCALATOR.

THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED AND THE ESCALATOR ROLLED BACKWARDS UNDER THE WEIGHT OF THE PASSENGERS.

’’THE INJURIES OCCURRED BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH THE ESCALATOR WAS DESCENDING SLOWLY AND STOPPED AFTER REVERSING ABOUT 10 STEPS, THE PERSONS ON THE LOWER STEPS WERE CARRIED BACK INTO ONCOMING PASSENGERS.

“THE INVESTIGATION INTO WHY AND HOW THE BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED IS CONTINUING AND MAY LAST SEVERAL WEEKS MORE.

”IN THE MEANTIME, ALL ESCALATORS OF THE SAME MODEL HAVE BEEN CHECKED BY THE REGISTERED ESCALATOR CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTAINING THEM, WHO IS THE SOLE SUPPLIER OF THIS MODEL, AND HAVE FOUND THEM TO BE IN SAFE WORKING ORDER.

”HE WILL CONTINUE WEEKLY INSPECTIONS ON BRAKES OF ALL THESE INSTALLATIONS PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE INVESTIGATION," MR BARNES ADDED.

-------0----------

SCREENING TESTS ENSURE SAFE BLOOD TRANSFUSION ♦ ♦ t * ♦

EVERY UNIT OF BLOOD RECEIVED BY THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE IS SUBJECT TO BLOOD SCREENING TESTS AND ALL LOCALLY PRODUCED BLOOD PRODUCTS ARE MADE FROM BLOOD WHICH HAS BEEN SCREENED, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CHIU HIN-KWONG, MR CHAMBERS SAID THESE TESTS WERE CARRIED OUT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS WERE SAFE FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRANSFUSION.

’’THE BLOOD SCREENING TESTS CURRENTLY IN USE IDENTIFY THE PRESENCE OF HEPATITIS B, SYPHILIS AND ANTI BODIES TO THE AIDS VIRUS,’ HE SAID.

/MR CHAMBERS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 201 1988

MR CHAMBERS ALSO SAID THESE SCREENING TESTS WERE CARRIED OUT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION, THE ■ AGUE OF RED CROSS SOCIETIES AND THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.

“IMPORTED BLOOD PRODUCTS ARE REQUIRED TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS BEFORE THEY CAN BF SOLD IN HONG KONG.

“SUCH REGISTRATION IS CONDITIONAL UPON SIMILAR TYPES OF SCREENING AND ASSURANCES OF QUALITY CONTROL RY THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES TN THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN OF THE PRODUCT," MR CHAMBERS ADDED.

-------0----------

WAYS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC BEFORE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL COMPLETES ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

ROAD PROJECTS COSTING MORE THAN $3 BILLTON AND PLANS TO INCREASE THE CAPCITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES ARE IN HAND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW AND COMMUTER MOVEMENTS BETWEEN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON BEFORE THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL COMPLETION, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MARIA TAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, MR LEUNG SAID THE POPULATION OF THE MAJOR NEW TOWNS IN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES WAS ESTIMATED TO INCREASE FROM THE PRESENT LEVEL OF 689,000 TO 856,000 WHEN THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL OPENED IN LATE 1991.

THE NUMBER OF VEHICULAR TRIPS IN THE CORRIDOR IN THE PEAK PERIODS WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY 37 PER CENT IN 1991 OVER PRESENT LEVELS.

A NUMBER OF ROAD PROJECTS WERE LN HAND TO MEET THE EXPECTED GROWTH, MR LEUNG SAID.

THE LINK ROAD CONNECTING MA ON SHAN AND NAI CHUNG ROAD, TO BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST THIS YEAR, WOULD ENABLE TRAFFIC TO BY-PASS LION ROCK TUNNEL AND RE-ROUTE THROUGH SAI KUNG TO KOWLOON VIA HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND CLEARWATER BAY ROAD.

THE COMPLETION OF ROUTE 5 FROM SHA TIN TO ’«SUEN WAN AND THE WIDENING OF TAI PO ROAD TO THREE LANES BY THE END OF 1989 WOULD RELIEVE SUBSTANTIALLY TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE CORRIDOR, HE SAID.

IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF VEHICLES IN THE

CORRIDOR WOULD USE ROUTE 5 FOR TRIPS TO TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.

/THE ADDITIONAL

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

~ 15 -

THE ADDITIONAL LANE ON TAI PO ROAD WOULD PROVIDE AN EXTRA CAPACITY FOR 1,500 VEHICLES PER HOUR AND SHOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC.

°THE COMPLETION OF ROAD T6 ACROSS THE SHING MUN RIVER LINKING TOLO HIGHWAY WITH MA ON SHAN ROAD IN 1990 WOULD PROVIDE A SHORTER ROUTE BEFORE THE OPENING OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL FROM TOLO HIGHWAY TO KOWLOON VIA THE MA ON SHAN - NAI CHUNG LINK ROAD.

MR LEUNG SAID THAT APART FROM THESE HIGHWAY PROJECTS, A CONSULTANCY STUDY WAS BEING CARRIED OUT TO CONSIDER SHORT TERM TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES.

"THE FIRST PART OF THE STUDY HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND ESTABLISHED THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE TIDAL FLOW SCHEME AND THE USE OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.

"THESE HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED ON WEEKDAYS SINCE MTD-JANUARY AND HAVE RESULTED IN AN 11 PER CENT INCREASE IN TUNNEL CAPACITY IN THE MORNING PEAK HOURS."

THE SECOND AND FINAL PART OF THE STUDY INCLUDING OTHER IMPROVEMENT MEASURES WOULD BE COMPLETED IN APRIL.

MR LEUNG POINT OUT THAT A KEY TO THE SUCCESS OF ALL THESE MEASURES WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT.

"TO THIS END, THE ’BUS ONLY’ LANE ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED VIA HUNG MUI KUK ROAD TO CHE KUNG MIU ROAD IN MAY THIS YEAR.

"THIS WILL FURTHER REDUCE THE JOURNEY TIMES OF KOWLOON BOUND BUSES IN THE PEAK HOURS."

TURNING TO THE DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, MR LEUNG SAID THAT AT PRESENT ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGER TRIPS BETWEEN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON WERE BY THE MAJOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES, NAMELY BUSES AND THE RAILWAY.

DAILY DEMAND FOR RAIL AND BUS SERVICES WAS ESTIMATED TO INCREASE BY 20 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY BETWEEN NOW AND THE END OF 1991.

IN ANTICIPATION OF THE RAPID GROWTH IN PASSENGER DEMAND, THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION HAI) ORDERED 25 ADDITIONAL SETS OF THREE-CAR UNITS. TEN OF THESE WERE ALREADY IN SERVICE AND THE REST BEFORE THE END OF AUGUST.

TOGETHER WITH MODIFICATIONS TO THE SEATING CAPACITY LAYOUT OF EXISTING TRAINS, A 75 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE SEATING CAPACITY WOULD BE ACHIEVED.

/THE CORPORATION

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 16 -

THE CORPORATION HAD DECIDED TO EXPAND FURTHER THE CAPACITY OF THE RAILWAY BY ORDERING EIGHT ADDITIONAL SETS OF SIX-CAR UNITS FOR INTRODUCTION IN 1990 AND 1991. ON PRESENT FORECAST, THIS SHOULD CATER FOR PASSENGER DEMAND UP TO 1992.

AS REGARDS BUSES, MR LEUNG SAID, THERE WERE AT PRESENT 31 ROUTES OPERATING BETWEEN NORTHEAST NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON.

THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY'S FIVE YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN HAD PROVIDED FOR AN ADDITIONAL 12 ROUTES BY 1991 TO COPE WITH PROJECTED DEMAND.

"THE PLAN IS REVISED ANNUALLY IN THE LIGHT OF CHANGING NEEDS IN CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS."

MR LEUNG SAID THAT WITH THESE IMPROVEMENTS AND FULL COOPERATION FROM THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC, HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE CORRIDOR WOULD BE REDUCED TO A. TOLERABLE LEVEL BEFORE THE OPENING OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL IN 1991.

-------o----------

81 JOIN EXPAT ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER SCHEME

» » » * *

A TOTAL OF 81 EXPATRIATE TEACHERS WILL BE WORKING IN 41 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH ARE PARTICIPATING IN THE TWO-YEAR LONG EXPATRIATE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS’ PILOT SCHEME BY NEXT MONTH, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, MR BRIDGE SAID THE SCHEME WAS STARTED IN AUGUST LAST YEAR AND'WAS BEING RUN BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL.

ON THE RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF THE EXPATRIATE TEACHERS, MR BRIDGE SAID: "A TOTAL OF 81 POSTS WERE ORIGINALLY CHOSEN TO TAKE PART IN THIS SCHEME.

/"IN THE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 17 -

"IN THE FIRST RECRUITMENT EXERCISE, WHICH WAS COMPLETED IN MID-1987, 59 APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED TEACHERS WERE ENGAGED.

"THEY HAD A BRIEFING IN LONDON AND A TWO-WEEK INDUCTION COURSE IN HONG KONG BEFORE STARTING TO TEACH IN OUR SCHOOLS IN SEPTEMBER 1987.

"SINCE THEN ANOTHER 23 TEACHERS HAVE BEEN RECRUITED. THEY ARE NOW GOING THROUGH AN INDUCTION COURSE AND WILL START TEACHING IN FEBRUARY," HE ADDED.

HE DISCLOSED THAT ONE OF THE ORIGINAL 59 TEACHERS HAD RESIGNED FOR PERSONAL REASONS.

AS TO THE EVALUATION OF THE SCHEME, MR BRIDGE SAID IT WAS TO BE DONE BY PROCEDURES DESIGNED BY THE BRITISH COUNCIL IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.

"THESE TESTING PROCEDURES ARE AMONG THE MOST RIGOROUS USED IN ANY LANGUAGE TEACHING SCHEME ANYWHERE."

"THEY ARE BEING USED, FIRST TO MEASURE THE LANGUAGE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE PUPILS TAUGHT BY THE EXPATRIATE TEACHERS, SECONDLY, TO ASSESS THE EFFECT OF THE SCHEME IN INCREASING MOTIVATION AND INTEREST AMONG THE PUPILS, AND THIRDLY, TO ASSESS THE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE EXPATRIATE TEACHERS TO THE GENERAL LIFE OF THE SCHOOL,” HE ADDED.

COMMENTING ON DIFFICULTIES WITH THE FIVE-MONTH-OLD SCHEME, MR BRIDGE SAID: "DESPITE SOME RATHER SENSATIONAL REPORTS IN THE PRESS, THERE HAVE IN FACT BEEN FEWER DIFFICULTIES WITH THE SCHEME THAN MIGHT HAVE BEEN EXPECTED.

"IN A FEW SCHOOLS THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS OF CLASS CONTROL, BUT SUCH PROBLEMS ARE ENCOUNTERED BY LOCAL TEACHERS ALSO, AND DISCUSSIONS ARE HELD WITH THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED TO FIND WAYS TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.

"ADAPTATION TO THE TEACHING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN EASIER FOR SOME TEACHERS THAN FOR OTHERS, BUT PROBLEMS ARE DISCUSSED AND THE TEACHERS ARE GIVEN PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT IN A VARIETY OF WAYS."

/COMMENTING ON

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

COMMENTING ON THE VARIOUS MEANS OF SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO THE TEACHERS, MR BRIDGE SAID A BRITISH COUNCIL TEAM VISITED EACH SCHOOL IN THE SCHEME ONCE A MONTH AND TALKED WITH THE PRINCIPAL, THE PANEL CHAIRMEN AND THE TEACHERS AND THE COUNCIL HAD SOMEONE AVAILABLE EVERY EVENING SO THAT TEACHERS COULD DISCUSS ANY PROBLEMS.

"THE COUNCIL ALSO ORGANISES PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT GROUPS TN WHICH FIVE OR SIX TEACHERS GET TOGETHER TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS AND IDEAS FOR NEW TEACHING METHODS.

"THERE ARE WORKSHOPS FOR THE TEACHERS AND UP TO TWO WEEKS OF CONFERENCE DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.

"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE BRITISH COUNCIL ALSO ORGANISE JOINT SEMINARS FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND PANEL CHAIRMEN.

"IN GENERAL THESE TEACHERS HAVE BEEN WARMLY WELCOMED BY THEIR LOCAL COLLEAGUES AND ARE DOING THEIR BEST TO FIT THEMSELVES INTO THEIR NEW SCHOOLS AS SMOOTHLY AS POSSIBLE. SO FAR THE SCHEME SEEMS TO ME TO BE GOING VERY WELL." MR BRIDGE ADDED.

- - 0 - -

WAGE CEILING DISCUSSION IN MARCH

*****

THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD WILL DISCUSS WHETHER TO EXTEND THE EXISTING EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO NON-MANUAL LABOUR EARNING MORE THAN $11,500 PER MONTH IN MARCH, SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG, MR BRIDGE SAID THAT THE PRESENT RULE, WHICH WAS REVIEWED AND UPDATED ANNUALLY, EXTENDED THE PROTECTION OF THE ORDINANCE TO ALL MANUAL WORKERS AND TO ALL OTHER EMPLOYEES EXCEPT THE HIGHEST PAID TWO PER CENT.

"THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE IS TO PROTECT LOWER PAID EMPLOYEES," MR BRIDGE SAID.

"THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD HAS MANY TIMES DISCUSSED PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE COVERAGE OF THE ORDINANCE TO THE COMPARATIVELY SMALL GROUP OF HIGHER PAID EMPLOYEES NOW EXCLUDED.

"IN RECENT YEARS THE BOARD'S CONSENSUS HAS BEEN IN FAVOUR OF KEEPING THE PRESENT RULE, BUT IT PLANS TO DISCUSS THE SUBJECT AGAIN IN MARCH," HE ADDED.

/19

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 19 -

GOVERNOR CONCERNED ABOUT GROWING VR PROBLEM * » ♦ »

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE GROWING VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM FACING HONG KONG.

"INCREASED ARRIVALS OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS AND DWINDLING RESETTLEMENT PROSPECTS HAVE RESULTED IN HONG KONG’S REFUGEE POPULATION RISING SIGNIFICANTLY IN 1987 FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1979,” HE SAID.

SIR DAVID, WHO WAS VISITING CLOSED CENTRES AT CHI MA WAN AND HEI LING CHAU, NOTED WITH CONCERN THE PROBLEM OF OVERCROWDING IN THESE CENTRES, PARTICULARLY IN HEI LING CHAU.

HE WAS BRIEFED ON MEASURES BEING TAKEN IN THE SHORT AND LONG TERM TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM, INCLUDING THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A FOURTH CLOSED CENTRE.

MEANWHILE, HE PRAISED THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND ALL OTHER AGENCIES INVOLVED FOR THEIR EFFORTS TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF THE OVERCROWDING AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG WAS GRATEFUL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY FOR ITS CONTINUING ASSISTANCE WITH THE MAINTENANCE AND RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES IN HONG KONG THROUGH THE GOOD OFFICES OF THE UNHCR AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IT SUPPORTS.

"I URGE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AT THE SAME TIME TO INCREASE THEIR EFFORTS TO FIND A LASTING SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AS A WHOLE THROUGH THE CREATION OF ACCEPTABLE CONDITIONS FOR THE RETURN TO VIETNAM OF THOSE WHO LEAVE FOR ECONOMIC AND NOT POLITICAL REASONS," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID WAS ACCOMPANIED DURING HIS VISIT BY LADY WILSON, COMMISSIONER FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR NIGEL FRENCH.

-------0----------

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

HOWE MEETS MARTIN LEE

* * * * *

THE FOLLOWING WAS ISSUED BY THE BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE AFTER A MEETING BETWEEN THE FOREIGN SECRETARY, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, AND MR MARTIN LEE ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON (LONDON TIME):

MR LEE MADE A PRESENTATION INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS

OF HIS CASE

IN 1988. THE

IN FAVOUR OF

SECRETARY

,__________ AND BAD

DOCUMENTS DISTRIBUTED BY MR LEE. THE RECORD CLEARLY SHOWED BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD NEVER ENTERED INTO A COMMITMENT TO DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1988. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WHITE 1984 (PARAGRAPH 25) CONSIDERED THE QUESTION OF AND GAVE AN UNDERTAKING TO REVIEW

REJECTED

THE

ALLEGATIONS

OF BROKEN

PROMISES

OF FAITH

THAT

THE STATE IN THE

THE HAND HONG

DIRECTION SITUATION

INTRODUCE PAPER OF ELECTIONS

(PARAGRAPH 46(H)). THIS REVIEW IS NOW IN PAPER WILL SHORTLY BE PUBLISHED BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE SAID HE RESPECTED MR LEE’S VIEWS BUT DID NOT SUPPORT MR LEE’S CLAIM THAT THEY WERE

AND A FURTHER KONG GOVERNMENT.

1987 WHITE THE

THE EVIDENCE

OVERWHELMINGLY

SUPPORTED IN HONG KONG. THE BRITISH AND FIRMLY COMMITTED TO THE PROGRESSIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.

HONG KONG EVOLUTION

GOVERNMENTS REMAIN OF REPRESENTATIVE

HE GAVE MR LEE THE OPPORTUNITY

TO PRODUCE

"PROMISES” WHICH HE ALLEGED WERE BROKEN. MR LEE DID

EVIDENCE OF THE NOT DO SO.

MR LEE HAD EARLIER PAID A SHORT CALL ON LORD GLENARTHUR.

--------0 ---------

TALKS ON NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT ♦ » »

A FOURTH ROUND OF TALKS ON A NEW DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 22). THE TALKS ARE EXPECTED TO LAST FOR A FEW DAYS.

THE HONG KONG TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, AND THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT TEAM BY MR BRIAN COUSINS, ASSISTANT UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE (GENERAL FINANCE) AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE.

--------0-----------

/21.........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 21 -

EXPERT MEETING ON LOCALISATION OF CIVIL AVIATION LEGISLATION * * « * *

AN EXPERT MEETING WILL BE HELD IN PEKING BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH SIDES ON JANUARY 22 AND 23 TO DISCUSS DETAILS OF THE LOCALISATION OF CIVIL AVIATION LEGISLATION.

THE BRITISH TEAM, LED BY MR DAVID LITTLE, PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL (SPECIAL DUTIES) OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, WILL LEAVE FOR THE CHINESE CAPITAL TOMORROW (THURSDAY).

THE EXPERT MEETING FOLLOWS AN AGREEMENT AT THE EIGHTH MEETING OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IN NOVEMBER 1987 THAT DETAILS OF THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION WOULD BE DISCUSSED AT EXPERT LEVEL BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.

------o--------

COMPREHENSIVE ELDERLY POLICY NEEDED ♦ « «

MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, DR CHIU HlN-KWONG, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO FORMULATE A COMPREHENSIVE AND LONG-TERM POLICY ON ELDERLY SERVICE.

DR CHIU MADE THE APPEAL WHEN HE OPENED THE "SEMINAR ON THE ELDERLY" JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING THIS MORNING.

"THE CALL IS MADE IN THE HOPE THAT THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED WILL FACE UP TO THE PROBLEM OF ELDERLY IN HONG KONG AND TO CONSOLIDATE OUR EXISTING FRAGMENTED AND PIECE-MEAL SERVICE PROVISIONS AND PLANNING SO THAT A COMPREHENSIVE AND SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME PLAN CAN BE WORKED OUT," HE SAID.

DR CHIU CONCEDED THAT ELDERLY SERVICE HAD MADE SOME DEVELOPMENT IN THE PAST DECADE AND THE NECESSARY AREAS WERE MORI' OR LESS COVERED, SUCH AS SOCIAL SECURITY, OLD AGE ALLOWANCE, RESIDENTIAL CARE, SOCIAL CENTRES, HOME HELP, COMMUNITY NURSING, MEDICAL CARE, GERIATRIC BEDS, MEALS, LAUNDRY SERVICE AND EVEN LIMITED OUTREACHING SERVICE.

"REGRETTABLY DUE TO THE CONSTRAINT OF RESOURCES, THE EMPHASIS OF ELDERLY SERVICE IS STILL ON QUANTITY RATHER THAN QUALITY," HE SAID.

FURTHERMORE, HE SAID THAT WHILE THE ELDERLY MIGHT NOT LACK MATERIALISTIC SUPPORT, VERY LITTLE HAD BEEN DONE ABOUT THEIR MENTAL WELL-BEING, FOR WHICH HE FELT THAT THE SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY HAD BEEN PROVIDING ONLY LIMITED HELP.

/HE REGRETTED

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

HE REGRETTED TO SEE THAT SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WERE STILL NOT FULLY SUBVENTED, ADDING THAT HE HOPED MORE ATTENTION COULD BE DEVOTED TO THIS ASPECT OF SERVICE WHEN THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IMPROVED.

HE ALSO HOPED THAT THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON ELDERLY SERVICE SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST JULY WOULD LOOK INTO THE MENTAL WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY AS WELL AS THEIR MATERIALISTIC NEEDS.

THE SEMINAR, WITH "THE ELDERLY - WE CARE" AS ITS THEME, IS TO LAST 10 DAYS UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.

MORE THAN 350 PARTICIPANTS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL BE EXCHANGING THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE IN THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF ELDERLY SERVICE - POLICY, PLANNING, PROVISION, PROBLEMS IN SERVICE DELIVERY, SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES.

- - 0 - -

DB TO DISCUSS NOISE REDUCTION IN TRAM DEPOT * » *

THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS NOISE MEASURES FOR THE TRAM DEPOT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW AFTERNOON.

PROTECTION (THURSDAY)

THE DEPOT RELOCATION WORKING GROUP WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES IN RESPONSE TO THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY BOARD MEMBERS AT A MEETING IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS AN APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A RAINSHELTER IN A POPULAR SPOT FOR MORNING WALKERS AT THE TOP OF PO LUEN PATH IN BRAEMAR HILL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

_ Y0U ARE INVITED To COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.

/23

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

- 23 -

TWO NEW TERRITORIES SITES TO LET

« » » «

TWO PARKING SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE TO BE LET BY TENDER ON SHORT-TERM TENANCIES BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE FIRST SITE AT FO TAN IN SHA TIN, MEASURING ABOUT 1,360

SQUARE METRES, IS FOR A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK FOR PRIVATE CARS,

LIGHT VANS, LORRIES AND TAXIS.

THE OTHER SITE AT TSING YI AREA 16 NEAR SAI TSO WAN, COVERING

AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.29 HECTARES, IS FOR A FEE PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK

FOR CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.

BOTH SITES WILL HAVE A TENANCY OF THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

TENDERS FOR THE SITES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FEBRUARY 5.

---0------

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT

* » » »

THE PROHIBITED ZONE ON POTTINGER STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL FOR ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING SEVEN METRES IN LENGTH WILL BE RESCINDED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23).

THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF GILMAN STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VdEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CONVERTED TO A 7 AM TO 7 PM URBAN CLEARWAY.

ALSO, THE EXISTING LEFT-TURNING BAN FOR ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, FROM CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND ON TO GILMAN STREET WILL BE LIFTED.

MEANWHILE, FROM MONDAY (JANUARY 25), CMB ROUTE NOS. 11, 25 AND 75 WILL OPERATE VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, POTTINGER STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO JOIN QUEENSWAY FOR JOURNEYS LEAVING THE CENTRAL BUS STATION.

CMB ROUTE NOS. 3A, 4, 7 AND 37, UPON DEPARTURE FROM THE CENTRAL BUS STATION, WILL OPERATE VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND POTTINGER STREET TO JOIN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.

-------o----------

/24........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20, 1988

RESTRICTED ZONES IN WAN CHAI ♦ ♦ *

THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ANTON STREET IN WAN CHAI WILL BE DESIGNATED AS PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23):

» THE EASTERN SIDE OF ANTON STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HENNESSY ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND

* THE WESTERN SIDE OF ANTON STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HENNESSY ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT FIVE METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

------0--------

TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONE IN CAUSEWAY BAY ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦

THE EASTBOUND SECTION OF HENNESSY ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 499 AND 507 WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23).

THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR ROAD WORKS.

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

------0-------

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHA TAU KOK t ♦ *

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 22), THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHA TAU KOK FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS:

♦ THE SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD (SHEK CHUNG AU) BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH ROAD LI AND ROAD L4 WILL BE CLOSED. TRAFFIC ON SHA TAU KOK ROAD (SHEK CHUNG AU) WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD LI AND ROAD L4.

♦ THE SECTION OF SHUN LUNG STREET BETWEEN SHA TAU KOK ROAD (SHEK CHUNG AU) AND SHA TAU KOK FIRE STATION WILL BE CLOSED. VEHICLES HEADING FOR THE SECTION OF SHUN LUNG STREET SOUTH OF SHA TAU KOK FIRE STATION WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL VIA THE SECTION OF SHA TAU KOK ROAD (SHEK CHUNG AU) EAST OF ROAD L4, SHUN ON STREET AND SHUN HING STREET.

* THE BUS TERMINUS AT SHUN LUNG STREET WILL BE RELOCATED TO ROAD LI EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD L4.

KMB ROUTE NO. 78K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND SHA TAU KOK WILL HAVE TO OPERATE VIA SHA TAU KOK ROAD (SHEK CHUNG AU) AND ROAD LI.

------o--------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CS TALKS ABOUT 'METROPLAN' FOR URBAN AREAS .................... 1

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE INTERESTING AND USEFUL : CS .............. 2

CHINESE VICE MINISTER CALLS ON GOVERNOR ....................... 3

DISABLED PEOPLE CAN BECOME SELF-SUPPORTING: LADY WILSON ... 3

WITNESS FOR HONG KONG LOOKS TO FUTURE ......................... 4

JOINT ANTI-ILLEGaL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED .............. 5

MORE HOSPITAL BEDS PLANNED FOR NEXT DEC.iDE.................... 6

MAXIMISE EXISTING SERVICES TO HELP THOSE MOST IN NEED...... 8

WORK OF CUSTOMS MANIFOLD ..................................... 10

TENDERS INVITED FOR UHBhN TaXI LICENCES ...................... 11

EXHIBITION ON DB ACHIEVEMENTS ................................ 12

COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON LIVESTOCK WaSTE CONTROL SCHEME . 13

building management seminar .nd exhibition ................... 13

DANCE CONTEST BEGINS ON SATURDAY ............................. 14

EXHIBITION OF CHRISTMaS PHOTOGRaPHS .......................... 15

BOOKLET FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS UPDATED ........................... 16

MUSIC OFFICE «NNU.J. TRAINEES' GaLA ........................ 16

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES OPEN DAY ......................... 17

PHaSE II HUNG HCM BAY RECLAMATION WORK TO START SOON ......... 18

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN TAI PO F..CE DEMOLITION ................ 19

NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS...... 19

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR HK INTERNATIONAL MaRaTHON 20

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARR.NGEMENTS IN SHEUNG W.N .ND CENTRaL .. 21

RIGHT-TURN BhN .ND RESTRICTED ZONE............................ 22

WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI .ND KWUN TONG......................... 22

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

CS TALKS ABOUT ’METROPLAN’ FOR URBAN AREAS *****

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO TAKE A HARD AND COMPREHENSIVE LOOK AT THE METROPOLITAN AREA AND THEN WORK OUT WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO RESTRUCTURE IT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THIS NEW "METROPLAN" WAS TO HELP BRING ABOUT A BETTER ORGANISED, MORE EFFICIENT AND GENERALLY MORE DESIRABLE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK, HE SAID.

IT WOULD INDICATE NEW DIRECTIONS AND FORMS OF DEVELOPMENT OR REDEVELOPMENT FOR THE 1990’S AND BEYOND, COVERING THE COMBINED URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON, NEW KOWLOON, TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG.

SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT A PO LEUNG KUK LUNCHEON MEETING, DURING WHICH HE DISCUSSED THE PLAN THE GOVERNMENT HAD IN MIND TO TACKLE PROBLEMS THAT AROSE AS A RESULT OF THE "UNCOORDINATED" DEVELOPMENT IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA.

HE NOTED THAT THE FIRST STEP WAS TO DEFINE THE BROAD GOALS OF THE PLAN BY SETTING STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENT, DENSITY AND AMENITY TO BE ACHIEVED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE URBAN AREAS.

"THEN WE MUST TRANSLATE THESE GOALS INTO ACTION BY PLANNING HOW WE CAN BEST IMPROVE AND DEVELOP THE POLICY AND THE MACHINERY NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THESE PLANS.

"FINALLY, WE MUST DEVISE PROGRAMMES OF WORK AND INVESTMENT NECESSARY FOR EACH AREA AND A GENERAL ORDER OF PRIORITY FOR THESE," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO HAVE THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES OF BOTH THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF PRIVATE PROPERTIES AND OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF ITS OLDER ESTATES GUIDED BY METROPLAN AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.

HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE PROCESS WOULD BE DIFFICULT AND LONG, "AND MUCH OF WHAT WE PLAN IN THE METROPLAN CANNOT TAKE PLACE UNTIL THE END OF THE NINETIES AND IN THE EARLY PARTS OF THE NEXT CENTURY."

"AND IT WILL INVOLVE NEW POLICIES OR AT LEAST EXTENSIONS OF OLD ONES."

SIR DAVID SAID: "THE METROPLAN IS A MATTER OF CONCERN TO ALL AND BEARING IN MIND THE HUGE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS AND EFFORTS REQUIRED, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD HAVE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN WHAT IT IS SEEKING TO ACHIEVE."

/HE SAID .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

- 2

HE SAID THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WOULD BE PUBLISHING A STATEMENT OF THE AIMS AND ASSUMPTIONS OF THE METROPLAN AND WOULD SEEK PUBLIC COMMENT ON IT, ADDING THAT AT EACH STAGE AND IN EACH DISTRICT AFFECTED, PUBLIC COMMENT WOULD BE SOUGHT.

"NO PLANNING IS EVER PERFECT NOR IS IT EVER COMPLETE, AND EVEN AFTER A MAJOR EXERCISE OF THIS KIND, IT WOULD BE WRONG TO IMAGINE THAT WE WILL HAVE A PERFECT BLUEPRINT WHICH CANNOT BE CHANGED.

"BUT WE WILL HAVE A BASIC PLAN ON WHICH TO STRUCTURE THE REDEVELOPMENT AND NEW INVESTMENT WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S METROPOLITAN AREAS WILL REMAIN IN THE FOREFRONT OF MODERN CITIES IN THE 21ST CENTURY," SIR DAVID SAID.

-------0--------

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE INTERESTING AND USEFUL : CS ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦

THE DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS WAS DESCRIBED AS "INTERESTING AND USEFUL" BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD.

SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ADDRESSING THE PO LEUNG KUK LUNCHEON TODAY (THURSDAY), SIR DAVID SAID THE DEBATE DEMONSTRATED THE INTEREST THAT PARLIAMENT TAKES IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT MANY MEMBEPS OF PARLIAMENT HAVE BEEN COMING TO HONG KONG AND LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE TERRITORY. THE DEBATE INDICATED A VERY REAL UNDERSTANDING MEMBERS HAVE ON THE MANY PROBLEMS OF HONG KONG.

ASKED WHETHER THE DECISIONS IN THE WHITE PAPER COULD BE TAKEN AS PROMISES OF THE GOVERNMENT TO THE HONG KONG PEOPLE, HE SAID THAT WHITE PAPERS SET OUT FIRM POLICIES.

"WHEN THE WHITE PAPER IS PUBLISHED, IT WILL OUTLINE OUR POLICIES FOR THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG".

REPLYING TO ANOTHER QUESTION, SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT NOTHING THAT WAS WRITTEN IN THE 1984 WHITE PAPER HAD BEEN NEGATED BY THE 1987 REVIEW.

"PROMISES WHICH WE MADE IN THAT WHITE PAPER HAD BEEN KEPT IN THE 1987 REVIEW," HE ADDED.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

CHINESE VICE MINISTER CALLS ON GOVERNOR

*****

THE VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, MR QIAN QICHEN, PAID A COURTESY CALL ON THE GOVERNOR THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.

MR QIAN IS PASSING THROUGH HONG KONG ON HIS WAY BACK TO PEKING AFTER A VISIT TO AUSTRALIA.

-------0 ---------

DISABLED PEOPLE CAN BECOME SELF-SUPPORTING: LADY WILSON *****

SEVERELY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE CAN BECOME SELF-SUPPORTING WHEN BACKED BY THE COMMUNITY^ THE GOVERNOR'S WIFE, LADY WILSON, SAID THIS WHEN SHE OPENED THE KAI YIP WORKSHOP OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF HANDICAPPED YOUTH TODAY (THURSDAY).

IN HER SPEECH, LADY WILSON NOTED THAT THE FEDERATION HAD RUN UNDER ITS UMBRELLA SELF-SUPPORTING PROJECTS INCLUDING THE ANNE HOSTEL FOR SINGLE HANDICAPPED YOUTHS, A WATCH FACTORY IN LAM TIN, A BRADBURY BATHING SHED AND A DISABLED DRIVERS’ SCHOOL.

"THESE PROJECTS ARE ALL FUNDED BY PRIVATE DONATIONS, FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES, AND CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS.

"THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SUBVERTED THE OFFICE AND SOCIAL CENTRE IN 1978 AT LAM TIN ESTATE, AND THIS TOO GAVE MUCH IMPETUS FOR EXPANSION," SHE SAID.

NOTING THAT THE NEWLY OPENED KAI YIP WORKSHOP REPLACED THE ONE IN LAM TIN WHICH HAD PROVIDED A LIVING WAGE FOR MORE THAN 100 SEVERELY DISABLED YOUNG ADULTS SINCE IT WAS OPENED IN 1980, LADY WILSON SAID THE GENEROUS DONATION OF A SPECIALLY ADAPTED VAN BY THE MASONIC BENEVOLENCE FUND HAD SOLVED THE PROBLEM OF TRANSPORTING WORKERS LIVING IN LAM TIN ESTATE TO THEIR NEW WORKING PLACE,

QUOTING THE REHABILITATION INTERNATIONAL CHARTER WHICH SAID "EMPLOYMENT IS CENTRAL TO THE DIGNITY AND INDEPENDENCE OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES", LADY WILSON POINTED OUT THAT THE KAI YIP WORKSHOP WAS HELPING WITH THIS AIM AND SHE HOPED THAT OTHERS WOULD FOLLOW.

- 0-----------

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

WITNESS FOR HONG KONG LOOKS TO FUTURE

*****

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AFFAIRS OFFICE IN YORK, MR JOSHUA LAW, YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY) OUTLINED THE MANY J’OfTIVE STEPS BEING TAKEN TOWARDS A SMOOTH TRANSFER TO CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997.

HE WAS SPEAKING AS A "WITNESS FOR HONG KONG" BEFORE A DISTINGUISHED GATHERING OF ATTORNEYS AT A MEETING OF THE NEW YORK COUNTY LAWYERS ASSOCIATION.

MR LAW SAID THAT AMONG THE MANY AGREEMENTS ALREADY REACHED IN IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WERE MEMBERSHIP OF GATT, TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION, MEMBERSHIP OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL AND CONTINUED APPLICATION OF RELEVENT INTERNATIONAL LABOUR CONVENTIONS.

IN DETAILING HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROGRESS, MR LAW TOLD OF ITS PROBABLE EMERGENCE THIS YEAR AS THE WORLD’S NO. 1 CONTAINER PORT, ITS GROWING IMPORTANCE AS A MARKET FOR U.S. EXPORTS AND THE TREMENDOUS, CONTINUING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG BY U.S. COMPANIES.

THE COMPLETION OF THE BULK OF THE LAND COMMISSION’S POLICY WORK WAS ALSO CITED BY MR LAW AS AN INDICATION OF HOW THE CHINESE, BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS WERE WORKING TOWARDS SECURING HONG KONG’S FUTURE IN THE INTERESTS OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN - AND DO BUSINESS WITH - THE TERRITORY.

"THE VALUES, RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS SO CHERISHED BY AMERICANS ARE EQUALLY VALUED BY US AND OUR PREPARATIONS FOR THE FUTURE INCLUDE MAKING PROVISIONS FOR THEIR FUTURE MAINTENANCE," HE SAID.

MR LAW POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE AGREEMENT, HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO ADMINISTER ITSELF, PASS ITS OWN LEGISLATION AND EXERCISE INDEPENDENT JUDICIAL POWER.

HE CONCLUDED: "WITH THE APPROACH OF 1997, THERE IS A STRONG MOTIVE FOR ALL CONCERNED TO WORK FOR FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT.

"THIS IS MANIFESTLY IN THE INTEREST OF A MODERNISING CHINA, WITH A REPUTATION TO DEFEND. IT IS EQUALLY IN THE INTEREST OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. IT IS ABOVE ALL IN THE INTEREST OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK IN HONG KONG."

-------0----------

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21,

1988

- 5 -

JOINT ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION MOUNTED

* i » * *

A JOINT TERRITORY-WIDE ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION WAS MOUNTED BY THE POLICE, AND THE LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS THIS WEEK AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO HAVE EVADED ARREST.

THIS HAS RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF 103 PEOPLE, 36 OF THEM WERE SUSPECTED TO BE EVADERS AND SIX OTHERS WERE BELIEVED TO BE AIDERS AND ABETTERS.

SIXTY-ONE OF THE ARRESTED PERSONS WERE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT IN THE BORDER. THEY HAVE BEEN SENT TO SAN UK LING FOR REPATRIATION.

OTHER HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. THOSE FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WILL BE REPATRIATED.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN REITERATED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

"OUR LATEST OPERATION SHOULD DRIVE HOME THE POINT THAT THERE WILL BE NO CHANGE TO THIS POLICY. ANYONE FOOLISH ENOUGH TO BELIEVE OTHERWISE IS ONLY CHEATING HIMSELF," HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT APART FROM CONTINUOUS CHECKS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, THERE WAS NO LET-UP IN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION EFFORTS AT THE BORDER.

"A HIGH STATE OF VIGILANCE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MAINTAINED BY THE POLICE AND THE SECURITY FORCES BOTH AT THE LAND AND SEA BORDERS," HE SAID.

DURING THE JOINT OPERATION, WHICH BEGAN AT 5 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 19) MORNING AND ENDED THIS MORNING, POLICE STEPPED UP THEIR IDENTIFICATION SPOT CHECKS IN PUBLIC PLACES AND CARRIED OUT CHECKS AT SUSPICIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 33,301 PEOPLE, 4,113 VEHICLES AND 961 VESSELS WERE STOPPED FOR IDENTIFICATION CHECKS.

A TOTAL OF 29 PERSONS WERE PROSECUTED FOR FAILING TO PRODUCE PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY, AND A FURTHER 233 WERE WARNED IN RESPECT OF THIS OFFENCE, WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $1,000.

ANOTHER SEVEN PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY POSSESSING IDENTITY CARDS WHICH DO NOT BELONG TO THEM.

ON THE LABOUR FRONT, INSPECTORS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT VISITED 6,942 ESTABLISHMENTS TO WEED OUT ANY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO MAY BE WORKING, AND TO CHECK THAT EMPLOYERS FULFIL THEIR LEGAL OBLIGATION OF KEEPING PROPER RECORDS OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.

/A TOTAL .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

A TOTAL OF EIGHT PERSONS IN SIX ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND WITHOUT PROPER PROOF OF IDENTITY AND HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.

ANOTHER 27 ESTABLISHMENTS WERE FOUND TO BE KEEPING EITHER NO RECORD OR IMPROPER RECORDS OF EMPLOYEES.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THEY COULD BE FINED UP TO $50,000 AND JAILED FOR UP TO A YEAR IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE EMPLOYING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.

-------o ---------

MORE HOSPITAL BEDS PLANNED FOR NEXT DECADE

*****

ANOTHER 12,660 PUBLIC HOSPITAL BEDS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE END OF 1996 WITH THE COMPLETION OF 37 PROJECTS CURRENTLY IN THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MDAC) CHAIRED BY DR CHIU HIN-KWONG.

THE 37 PROJECTS INCLUDE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION II, PAMELA YOUDE HOSPITAL, UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL EXTENSION, RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM REDEVELOPMENT, NETHERSOLE (TAI PO) Hospital and north district hospital.

AT PRESENT, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOSPITAL BEDS IS ABOUT 25,000, OF WHICH 90 PER CENT ARE IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR - 14 GOVERNMENT AND 20 SUBVENTED HOSPITALS.

AT A MEETING TODAY, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT THE HOSPITAL BED PROVISION RATIO WILL INCREASE STEADILY FROM 4.5 BEDS PER THOUSAND POPULATION IN 1987 TO 6.1 IN 1996.

COMPARING THE CURRENT PROJECTION OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR BEDS WITH THE PREVIOUS PROJECTION, THE MEETING ALSO NOTED THAT THE ESTIMATED DEMAND HAD BEEN REDUCED BY ABOUT 3,000 BEDS.

THIS IS ATTRIBUTED MAINLY TO A REVISED POPULATION PROJECTION, BASED ON THE 1986 BY-CENSUS, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE INCREASE IN POPULATION OVER THE COMING DECADE WILL BE LESS MARKED THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT.

IN VIEW OF THE PLANNED PROVISION AND REQUIREMENT ON HOSPITAL BEDS, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE WILL BE A TERRITORY-WIDE SHORTFALL OF 70 BEDS BY 1996.

/THE MDAC

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

7 -

THE MDAC HAVE ASKED THE ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE MORE INFORMATION TO ILLUSTRATE THE BASIS IN WORKING OUT THE REQUIREMENT OF HOSPITAL BEDS.

ANOTHER ITEM DISCUSSED AT TODAY’S MEETING WAS THE SUPPLY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN THE NEXT DECADE.

MEMBERS WERE INFORMED THAT THE THREE-YEAR PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA COURSE IN PHYSIOTHERAPY RUN BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IS THE MAIN SOURCE OF SUPPLY OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS. THE PRESENT INTAKE IS 80 PER YEAR WITH AN OVERALL DROP OUT RATE OF ABOUT 10 PER CENT.

THE MDAC, HAVING REGARD TO THE SMALL SHORTFALL OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS, SUGGESTED THAT THE INTAKE OF STUDENTS IN THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC BE INCREASED FROM 80 TO 90 PER YEAR.

IT IS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 95 PER CENT OF THE GRADUATES WILL JOIN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOSPITAL EACH YEAR.

AT THE END OF 1987, THE TOTAL STRENGTH OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN THE GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED AND PRIVATE SECTOR WAS ABOUT 415. THE REQUIREMENT FOR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN HONG KONG IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO 715 BY 1996.

TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS, THE MEETING WAS INFORMED THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AT THE END OF 1987 WAS ABOUT 240.

THE COMMITTEE ENDORSED THAT THE SCHEME ON DOMICILIARY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICE, WHICH WAS STARTED AS A PILOT SCHEME IN 1983, SHOULD BE FORMALLY RECOGNISED AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY SERVICES AND BE INCORPORATED INTO THE REGULAR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY DELIVERY SYSTEM IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND REHABILITATION CENTRES.

THE DOMICILIARY OCCUPATION SERVICE AIMS TO GIVE ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY HANDICAPPED AND MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS WHO FACE ADAPTIONAL PROBLEMS IN THEIR NORMAL DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES AT HOME OR AT WORK AFTER DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL.

-------o----------

/8........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

MAXIMISE EXISTING SERVICES TO HELP THOSE MOST IN NEED *****

IT IS VITAL FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TO ENSURE THAT THE EXISTING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM BENEFITS FOR THOSE MOST IN NEED BY INCREASED COMMITMENT TO THE INDEPENDENCE AND DIGNITY OF THE AGED, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ROSE GOODSTADT, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

ADDRESSING THE SEMINAR ON THE ELDERLY JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED, SHE SAID THIS APPROACH WAS NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE FACT THAT SIGNIFICANT GAPS STILL REMAINED IN THE NETWORK OF SERVICES FOR HONG KONG’S OLD PEOPLE DESPITE A DRAMATIC SURGE IN THE FUNDS ALLOCATED FOR THEIR WELFARE OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

REVIEWING THE BACKGROUND AND STRUCTURE OF THE CURRENT PROGRAMME TO ENSURE THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG’S 670,000 RESIDENTS AGED 60 AND OVER, SHE NOTED THAT THE TOTAL PUBLIC ASSISTANCE GRANTED TO THE ELDERLY HAD RISEN FROM AN ANNUAL $275 MILLION IN 1983-84 TO $467 MILLION PROJECTED FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, WHILE THE FUNDS ALLOCATED TO OLD AGE ALLOWANCE HAD SOARED FROM $508 MILLION TO $1,030 MILLION PROJECTED FOR 1988-89.

OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, SHE ADDED, GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION TO THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR FOR ELDERLY SERVICES HAD RISEN BY 200 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 75 PER CENT FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES AND 86 PER CENT FOR FAMILY SERVICES.

"THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY HAS LED TO INCREASED LEVELS OF BENEFIT THAT WILL COME INTO EFFECT NEXT APRIL FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND FOR BOTH THE OLD AGE AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES.

"AS A RESULT, THE TYPICAL OLD PERSON WITHOUT ANY INCOME WILL RECEIVE FROM GOVERNMENT SOURCES $1,304 A MONTH INCLUDING RENT.

"IN ADDITION, MORE OLD PEOPLE WILL ENJOY BIGGER BENEFITS AS THE QUALIFYING AGE FOR THR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE IS REDUCED FROM 70 TO 65 OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS," MRS GOODSTADT SAID.

AS FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROVISION OF FACILITIES, SHE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE LAST SEVEN YEARS, NO LESS THAN 66 DAY CENTRES, 35 RESIDENTIAL CENTRES AND 32 HOME HELP TEAMS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED.

NEVERTHELESS, SHE WARNED AGAINST COMPLACENCY.

"BY CURRENT PLANNING STANDARDS, WE ARE SHORT OF 66 SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, AS WELL AS 1,500 PLACES IN CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES.

/"AS SOCIAL

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

"AS SOCIAL WORKERS, WE CANNOT ACCEPT A SITUATION IN WHICH THERE IS A LONG WAITING LIST FOR SERVICES, ESPECIALLY IN THE CASE OF THE ELDERLY, WITH THEIR LIMITED LIFE EXPECTANCY," SHE SAID.

TO COPE WITH SHORTFALLS IN THE PROVISION OF SERVICES, MRS GOODSTADT MADE A PLEA FOR THE SOCIAL WORK PROFESSION TO ADOPT A STRATEGY OF ENSURING THAT PRESENT FACILITIES WERE MANAGED WITH GREATER CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY.

"IN THIS WAY, THE CONTRIBUTION FROM CURRENT SERVICES TO THE WELFARE OF THE ELDERLY WOULD BE MAXIMISED," SHE SAID.

"IN PARTICULAR, SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE TO LOOK BEYOND THE PROVISION OF ADEQUATE LIVING CONDITIONS FOR THE ELDERLY INDIVIDUAL TO THE CREATION OF AN ENVIRONMENT - PARTICULARLY IN RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS - WHERE RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY PERSON’S INDIVIDUALITY AND INDEPENDENCE TAKE A VERY HIGH PRIORITY.

"MORE STRESS ON PERSONAL CHOICE PRESERVATION OF i THE INDIVIDUAL’S LIFE STYLE ARE VITAL.

"IN THIS WAY, WE DO A GREAT DEAL TO GUARANTEE THAT OLD PEOPLE -AND THE SOCIAL WORKERS WHO SERVE THEM - RETAIN A CONVICTION THAT THE OLD PERSON’S DECLINING YEARS STILL HAVE PURPOSE AND ARE NOT SIMPLY A BURDEN," MRS GOODSTADT ADDED.

SHE STRESSED THAT IT WAS ALSO VITAL FOR SOCIAL WORKERS TO MAKE A CONCERTED EFFORT TO IDENTIFY THE MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS AMONG THE ELDERLY - SUCH AS THE RECENTLY-BEREAVED, THOSE WITHOUT FAMILY OR ISOLATED, THE BEDRIDDEN AND DEPRESSED.

MRS GOODSTADT CALLED FOR VIGOROUS MEASURES TO SEE THAT SOCIAL WORKERS ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE THESE GROUPS TO TAKE THE FULLEST ADVANTAGE OF ALL SOURCES OF HELP AND SUPPORT FOR THE ELDERLY.

"SOCIAL WORKERS HAVE TO ENSURE THAT ALL OUR ELDERLY ENJOYED THE BASIC SERVICES OF FOOD, SHELTER AND MEDICAL CARE; FREEDOM TO MAINTAIN THEIR INDIVIDUALITY AND TO MANAGE THEIR OWN LIVES; TOGETHER WITH THE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT FROM OUTSIDE TO FEEL THAT LIFE IS WORTH LIVING," SHE SAID.

-------0----------

/1O........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

WORK OF CUSTOMS MANIFOLD * * * *

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES THE FIRST, AND OFTEN ONLY, BARRIER AGAINST THE SMUGGLING OF NARCOTICS, ARMS AND AMMUNITION, ENDANGERED SPECIES, COUNTERFEIT GOODS AND OTHER COMMODITIES WHOSE IMPORT AND EXPORT ARE PROHIBITED OR CONTROLLED FOR REASONS OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY OR ARISING FROM INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS.

THIS WAS STATED BY THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR P.L. WONG, TODAY (THURSDAY) AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN’S CLUB OF HONG KONG.

EXPLAINING THE WORK OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR WONG SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALSO ENFORCED CONTROLS ON THE IMPORT, EXPORT, MANUFACTURE, SALE AND STORAGE OF ALL DUTIABLE COMMODITIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.

"TOTAL REVENUE DERIVED FROM DUTIES ON HYDROCARBON OILS, LIQUOR, METHYL ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND COSMETICS AMOUNTED TO $3.6 BILLION IN 1987," HE SAID.

MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS MADE UP OF BOTH DISCIPLINED CUSTOMS OFFICERS AND CIVILIAN TRADE CONTROLS OFFICERS, AND A SUBSTANTIAL PERCENTAGE OF THE FORMER WAS DEPLOYED ON ANTI-NARCOTICS DUTIES.

"SUCH DUTIES INCLUDE SHIP RUMMAGING, CARGO EXAMINATION, MARINE STRIKE AND SEARCH, PASSENGER PROCESSING AT ALL ENTRY POINTS AND INVESTIGATION INTO THE ACTIVITIES OF SUSPECTED OR KNOWN DRUG TRAFFICKERS, RESULTED IN THE SEIZURE LAST YEAR OF 270 KILOGRAMS OF DRUGS VALUED AT $100 MILLION.

"THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR PROTECTING THE COPYRIGHT OF LITERARY, DRAMATIC AND MUSICAL WORKS UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE," HE ADDED.

"INVESTIGATIONS ARE ALSO CARRIED OUT INTO FALSE AND MISLEADING DESCRIPTIONS OF COMMERCIAL GOODS UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE, AND INFRINGEMENTS OF INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COPYRIGHT UNDER THE COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE.

"AS A RESULT OF SUCH ACTIONS, $56.1 MILLION WORTH OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS WERE SEIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR."

IN ENFORCING TRADE CONTROLS, MR WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S OBJECTIVES WERE TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO OVERSEAS MARKETS, TO CONTROL THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF PROHIBITED GOODS AND TO FULFIL THE TERRITORY’S INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS.

/"OUR TRADE .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

”OUR TRADE CONTROLS OFFICERS INSPECT FACTORIES AND CONSIGNMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN AND IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENCES, VERIFY TRADE DECLARATIONS AND MAINFESTS, CONDUCT INDUSTRIAL SURVEYS AND INVESTIGATE TRADE COMPLAINTS.

"WE ALSO REGULATE SUPPLIES OF ESSENTIAL FOOD (RICE, FROZEN MEAT AND FROZEN POULTRY) TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO UNDUE STOCKHOLDING, SPECULATION OR PROFITEERING AT THE WHOLESALE LEVEL.

"INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT ON REGISTERED GODOWNS AND COLD STORAGE FACILITIES EITHER AT RANDOM OR ON A PROGRAMMED BASIS.”

MR WONG REITERATED THAT THE ENFORCEMENT ACTION TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL, WHICH LED TO THE SEIZURE OF $183 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS AND PROSECUTION OF 5,921 PERSONS AND FIRMS FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES LAST YEAR.

-------0---------

TENDERS INVITED FOR URBAN TAXI LICENCES t ♦ ♦ ♦

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR 168 URBAN TAXI LICENCES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).

TENDER FORMS FOR THE NEW LICENCES WILL BE AVAILABLE TOMORROW FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, ROOMS 906-909, HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, CENTRAL; OR FROM THE SECTION’S KOWLOON OFFICE ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, MONG KOK.

TENDERERS MUST DEPOSIT $25,000 WITH THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES FOR EACH URBAN TAXI LICENCE THEY SEEK. ONE TENDER FORM MAY BE SUBMITTED FOR ANY NUMBER OF TAXI LICENCES NOT EXCEEDING 168.

A PUBLIC BALLOT MAY BE HELD TO DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS WHICH OFFER THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM.

COMPLETED TENDER FORMS, TOGETHER WITH ORIGINAL DEPOSIT RECEIPTS, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE IN SEALED ENVELOPES ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD. THEY SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1988.

/THE SPOKESMAN .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

12 -

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL DECIDED IN JULY, 1986, THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES WHICH MIGHT BE REGISTERED AND LICENSED AS URBAN TAXIS WOULD REMAIN AT 14,400 UNTIL JULY, 1988, AND THIS NUMBER WOULD BE REVIEWED EVERY TWO YEARS.

SINCE THEN, THE ISSUE OF NEW LICENCES FOR URBAN TAXIS HAVE BEEN RESTRICTED TO 200 PER YEAR. THIS MEASURE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JULY, 1988.

THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENCES ALLOCATED BY THE END OF LAST YEAR WAS 14,132 INSTEAD OF 14,200 BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF SIX SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS TO PAY THE PREMIUM FOR A TOTAL OF 68 LICENCES IN THE TENDER EXERCISE IN JULY LAST YEAR. THESE 68 UNALLOCATED LICENCES HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE CURRENT TENDER EXERCISE.

-------0--------

EXHIBITION ON DB ACHIEVEMENTS

* » »

AN EXHIBITION FEATURING THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CURRENT TERM OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD IS BEING HELD AT THE CHOI WAN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE. IT WILL BE MOVED TO VARIOUS OTHER VENUES IN THE DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

THE EXHIBITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9 AM TO 9.30 PM. THE DATES AND VENUES OF THE EXHIBITION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

DATE VENUE

JANUARY 19 TO 23 CHOI WAN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE

JANUARY 24 TO 30 WONG TAI SIN SHOPPING CENTRE

JANUARY 31 TO FEBRUARY 4 TSZ WAN SHAN (EAST) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE

FEBRUARY 5 TO 6 CHUK YUEN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE

ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO PUBLICISE THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

OTHER PUBLICITY EFFORTS TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN THE ELECTIONS INCLUDE THE PRODUCTION OF A BOOKLET ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, A NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT, PUBLIC FORUMS FOR THE CANDIDATES, AND THE MOUNTING OF BANNERS, POSTERS, AND BUNTINGS AT VANTAGE POINTS IN THE DISTRICT.

- - 0 -

/13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

1 COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON »

LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME * * * *

MEMBERS OF THE COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL LEARN ABOUT THE PROGRESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WASTE DISPOSAL (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1987 AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).

THE ORDINANCE GIVES EFFECT TO A 10-YEAR PROGRAMME FOR THE CONTROL OF DISPOSAL AND STORAGE OF LIVESTOCK WASTE.

THE SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL GROUP, MR LAM YANG-CHUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE SUBJECT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD'S COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.

-----0------

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION

*****

FOUR SPEAKERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AT A SEMINAR ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23) AFTERNOON AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE CLUB IN CAUSEWAY BAY.

THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS, CO-ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND HONG YIP SERVICE COMPANY LTD, AND SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.

THE SPEAKERS ARE THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MRS SUSAN MAK: CHIEF BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR II.W. CHEUNG; GENERAL MANAGER OF HONG YIP SERVICE COMPANY LTD, MR MOK CHI-HUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION, MR LEE ON.

IT WILL COVER SUCH TOPICS AS THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT; UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS; PROFESS 1ONALISATION OF BUILDINGMANAGEMENT; AND THE PARTICIPATION OF OWNERS AND TENANTS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT.

/MEANWHILE, AN

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

- 1*t

MEANWHILE, AN EXHIBITION ON "CREATING A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT" WILL BE HELD AT THE SAME VENUE.

IT WILL FOCUS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT; JOINT EFFORTS OF OWNERS AND TENANTS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT; THE WORK OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COORDINATING TEAM; AND THE STRUCTURE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS.

THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LTD, MR LAW KING-WAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23) ON THE 2M FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE CLUB, CAUSEWAY BAY.

-------0 ---------

DANCE CONTEST BEGINS ON SATURDAY *****

A TOTAL OF 107 DANCING TEAMS WILL COMPETE IN THE 17TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST TO BE HELD FROM JANUARY 23 (SATURDAY) TO JANUARY 28 IN KWUN TONG.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, THE ANNUAL EVENT IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG ROTARY CLUB.

THE CONTEST IS DIVIDED INTO CHILDREN, YOUTH AND OPEN SECTIONS AND PARTICIPANTS CAN PERFORM A DANCE OF THEIR CHOICE, BE IT CLASSICAL, MODERN, ORIENTAL OR WESTERN.

WINNING TEAMS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AT THE CITY HALL IN APRIL.

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONTEST WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AT 8 PM AT THE NINO PO NO. 2 COLLEGE IN SHUN TIN ESTATE, KWUN TONG. IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE CHINESE DANCE COMPETITION IN THE OPEN SECTION.

/OFFICIATING GUESTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR POON CHI-FAI; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU; AND PRESIDENT OF THE KWUN TONG ROTARY CLUB, MR LEE HO-LAP.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 17TH OPEN DANCE CONTEST OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23) AT THE NING PO NO. 2 COLLEGE IN SHUN TIN ESTATE, KWUN TONG.

-------0----------

EXHIBITION OF CHRISTMAS PHOTOGRAPHS

*****

AN EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS FEATURING CHRISTMAS IN HONG KONG WILL BE HELD ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF SHUN TAK CENTRE FOR THREE DAYS STARTING FROM SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).

ON DISPLAY WILL BE THE WINNING ENTRIES OF A TERRITORY-WIDE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND SHUN TAK CENTRE.

THE COMPETITION, AIMING TO PROMOTE AND ENHANCE THE STANDARD OF PHOTOGRAPHY, HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 370 ENTRIES.

THE WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS WERE SELECTED BY AN ADJUDICATION PANEL OF RENOWNED PHOTOGRAPHERS.

THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM. THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS ELIZABETH TSE, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS DURING THE CEREMONY.

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/16........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21,

- 16 -

BOOKLET FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS UPDATED * * * *

COPIES OF THE SECOND EDITION OF A BOOKLET FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS ARE BEING DISTRIBUTED TO NEWCOMERS TO HONG KONG VIA THE QUEENSWAY BRANCH OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE.

THE BOOKLET WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION (CPCE) TO PROVIDE NEW IMMIGRANTS WITH SOME BASIC INFORMATION ON HONG KONG TO HELP THEM ADAPT TO THE NEW ENVIRONMENT.

"AS THE BOOKLET HAS PROVEN HELPFUL TO THE RECENT ARRIVALS, THE COMMITTEE UPDATED THE INFORMATION AND PRINTED A SECOND EDITION OF 50,000 COPIES FOR DISTRIBUTION," A SPOKESMAN FOR CPCE’S PUBLICITY SUBCOMMITTEE SAID.

AMONG THE WIDE-RANGING TOPICS COVERED BY THE 17-PAGE PUBLICATION ARE HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND MEDICAL SERVICES. A TELEPHONE MEMORANDUM HAS ALSO BEEN REVISED AND INCORPORATED TO FACILITATE ENQUIRIES.

THE PUBLICATION OF THE BOOKLET FOR NEW IMMIGRANTS IS PART OF THIS YEAR’S CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ADMINISTERED BY CPCE.

THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CAMPAIGN ARE TO PROMOTE RESIDENTS’ CIVIC AWARENESS AND PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

MUSIC OFFICE ANNUAL TRAINEES’ GALA

*****

MORE THAN 1,000 YOUNG MUSICIANS WILL GIVE A SPECTACULAR CONCERT AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) AT 3 PM.

THE ANNUAL TRAINEES’ GALA IS ONE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO FOR ITS TRAINEES TO PERFORM BEFORE THEIR FRIENDS IN PUBLIC.

OF THE MAJOR MUSICAL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY PARENTS, TEACHERS AND

A MUSIC OFFICE WOULD BE PROUD OF THE WATCHED THEM PERFORM

SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT PARENTS ACHIEVEMENTS OF THESE YOUNGSTERS WHEN THEY ON STAGE, AND PARTICULARLY BEFORE A LARGE

AUDIENCE.

FINALE OF THE GALA WILL BE A COMBINED PERFORMANCE BY ORCHESTRA COMPRISING PLAYERS OF STRING, WIND AND INSTRUMENTS AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE’S

THE GRAND A 1,000-MEMBER CHINESE MUSICAL

CHOIR.

/THE CHIEF

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

- 17 -

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AND LADY FORD WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY DURING WHICH OUTSTANDING TRAINEES, AND ORCHESTRAL, CHOIR AND BAND MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF MERIT OR AWARDS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE PAST YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE ANNUAL TRAINEES’ GALA TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) AT 3 PM.

STAFF OF THE MUSIC OFFICE INFORMATION UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

------0--------

INDUSTRIAL TRA1NI1NG CENTRES OPEN DAY

* * » *

THE KWAI CHUNG TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL HOLD AN OPEN DAY ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23).

STUDENTS, PARENTS AND EMPLOYERS ARE INVITED TO VISIT THE EIGHT INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES IN THE COMPLEX FOR THE AUTOMOBILE, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS, GAS, JEWELLERY, MACHINE SHOP AND METAL WORKING, AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES AND THE WELDING AND RELATED TRADES.

ABOUT 40 FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES OF DIFFERENT DURATION ARE BEING OFFERED AT THE CENTRES FOR THE TRAINING OF 4,200 OPERATIVES, CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS EACH YEAR.

THE COMPLEX AT NO. 13-19 SAN KWAI STREET, KWAI CHUNG, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON SATURDAY FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM.

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/18

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

- 18 -

PHASE II HUNG HOM BAY RECLAMATION WORK TO START SOON

*****

WORK WILL START SOON ON PHASE IT OF THE RECLAMATION AT HUNG HOM BAY TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 23 HECTARES OF LAND VARIOUS PURPOSES.

PART OF THE LAND PRODUCED WILL BE USED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION TO EXPAND ITS FREIGHT YARD WHICH IS NEEDED TO COPE WITH THE RAPIDLY INCREASING FREIGHT TRAFFIC BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA.

THE RECLAMATION WILL ALSO PROVIDE LAND FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS, AS WELL AS ESSENTIAL SECTIONS OF THE FUTURE ROAD NETWORK DESIGNED TO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN TO KWA WAN AND HUNG HOM.

IN ADDITION, THE OPPORTUNITY WILL BE TAKEN TO REDRESS SHORTFALLS IN OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT/1NSTITUTION/COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN THE AREA. THESE FACILITIES CONSTITUTE AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF HUNG HOM BAY.

IN THE SHORTER TERM, THE RECLAMATION WILL SERVE AS A MUCH-NEEDED DUMPING GROUND. THIS WILL MEAN A LESS COSTLY AND MORE CONVENIENT TRIP FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SPOIL IN THE URBAN AREA WITHOUT THE NEED TO DIVERT DUMPING TO MA ON SHAN.

AT PRESENT, WORK ON THE FIRST PHASE, WHICH INVOLVES 20.5 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED NEAR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TERMINAL BUILDING, IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY.

THE WORK STARTED IN JULY 1986 AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.

IN CONNECTION WITH PHASE II OF THE RECLAMATION, THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PASSENGER FERRY PIERS AND THE FIRST SECTION OF THE SEAWALL AT HUNG HOM BAY.

THE FERRY PIERS WILL BE BUILT AT THE NEW WATERFRONT ADJACENT TO WHAMPOA TERMINAL TO REPLACE THE EXISTING FERRY PIERS AT HUNG HOM, WHICH WILL BE DEMOLISHED BY MID-1990 TO ALLOW RECLAMATION WORK THERE.

THE 300-METRE SEAWALL AND THE* SUBSEQUENT RECLAMATION BIC .ID WILL PROVIDE SPACE FOR BUILDING A CONCOURSE AND THE ASSOCIATED ROADS TO THE NEW FERRY PIERS.

CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH AND WILL TAKE TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT.

DEADLINE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 5.

- - 0------------

/19........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

- 19 -

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN TAI PO FACE DEMOLITION * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY IN SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 14 FOR CLOSURE ORDERS TO BE MADE ON ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE MAIN ROOF OF NOS. 1-27 TAI MING LANE, TAI PO.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID CLOSING THE STRUCTURES WAS NECESSARY SO THAT DEMOLITION COULD BE CARRIED OUT SAFELY.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS HAVE BEEN POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY (THURSDAY).

ORDERS TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES WERE ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN FEBRUARY 1985, BUT THEY HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

DEMOLITION WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED, HE SAID.

--------0----------

NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

*****

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) TO FACILITATE THE LAUNCHING OF THE 1988 NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM. THEY ARE THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT; AND THE SLIP ROAD AT PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE THAT CONNECTS TO THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.

BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL ALSO BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC:

* THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FANLING BY-PASS (TAI PO ROAD FANLING SECTION) BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT.

* THE SLIP ROAD AT SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT THAT CONNECTS TO THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF FANLING BY-PASS.

* THE SHEUNG SHUI-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ROAD D3 BETWEEN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT.

/X- ROAD D5

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

- 20 -

* ROAD D5 BETWEEN KAI LENG INTERCHANGE AND THE ROUNDABOUT NEAR FANLING KCR STATION.

* PIK FUNG ROAD BETWEEN JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND ROAD D5.

IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IN FORCE:

* TRAFFIC IN YUEN LONG HEADING FOR SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD SR6, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, ROAD SR9, ROAD SR10, FAN KAM ROAD AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM.

* BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM, VEHICLES FROM SHEUNG SHUI HEADING FOR TAI PO AND KOWLOON WILL HAVE TO USE SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT, ROAD D4, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ROAD D3 TO REJOIN FANLING BY-PASS AT KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT.

THEY CAN ALSO TRAVEL ALONG SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT, ROAD D4, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD.

* BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM, TRAFFIC ON FANLING BY-PASS HEADING FOR SHEUNG SHUI WILL HAVE TO PROCEED ONWARDS AND MAKE TURNS AT SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT INSTEAD OF KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT.

AT THE SAME TIME, ACCESS TO FAN LENG WAI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.

♦ KMB ROUTE NO. 78K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND SHA TAU KOK WILL HAVE TO OPERATE VIA SAN FUNG AVENUE, HEUNG CHING ROAD, ROAD D4, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM.

-------o---------

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR HK INTERNATIONAL MARATHON ♦ * * * *

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) FOR THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON.

THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT AND 3 PM:

* THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND ALL ITS SLIPROADS;

* THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF MONG LUNG STREET NORTH OF PO MAN STREET; AND

A TUNG HEI ROAD

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1?88

♦ TUNG HEI ROAD.

IN ADDITION, CMB ROUTE NO. 780 WILL BE SUSPENDED WHOLE DAY BUT THE FREQUENCIES OF ROUTE NOS. 20, 21 AND 80 WILL BE INCREASED.

MEANWHILE, THE BUS STOP ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 1 PM.

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE IN THE AREA NEAR THE SHAU KEI WAN BUS TERMINUS. ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED AWAY.

-------0 ---------

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHEUNG WAN AND CENTRAL ♦ » » ♦ ♦

THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KO SHING STREET IN SHEUNG WAN BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 16 AND 66 WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23).

THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FOR ROAD WORKS. NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING TEMPORARY 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KO SHING STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 5 AND 43 WILL BE LIFTED.

MEANWHILE, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH IN CENTRAL BETWEEN QUEEN’S PIER AND H.M.S. TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).

THIS MEASURE IS REQUIRED FOR HOLDING THE ’’PAINT AND PLAY DAY’ .

-------O----------

/22

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1988

RIGHT-TURN BAN AND RESTRICTED ZONE * * » *

FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23), NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM HIP WO STREET SOUTHBOUND ON TO WAN HON STREET IN KWUN TONG.

THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA YUET WAH STREET, HIP WO STREET NORTHBOUND AND WAN HON STREET.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD WESTBOUND (YUEN LONG SECTION) WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARD FOR ABOUT 90 METRES FROM HOUSE NO. 204 TO HOUSE NO. 236.

WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS.

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WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI AND KWUN TONG

* » » »

SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 23) FROM NOON TO 5 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

THE AREAS AFFECTED WILL BE JORDAN ROAD, GASCOIGNE ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, YIM PO FONG STREET, ARGYLE STREET, SAI YEE STREET, BOUNDARY STREET AND PREMISES ALONG THE SEAFRONT OF YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICTS.

IN ADDITION, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES TN KWUN TONG WILL BE CUT OFF ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 26) FROM 9.30 AM TO 8 PM FOR MAINTENANCE WORK ON WATER MAINS.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT KWUN TONG, NGAU TAU KOK, KOWLOON BAY, NGAU CHI WAN, SAU MAU PING, SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA AND THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES - NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, SHUN LEE, SHUN TIN, SHUN CHI, SHUN ON, WO LOK, LAM TIN, KWUN TONG (LEI YUE MUN ROAD), CHOI WAN AND SAU MAU PING.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

CONTENTS PaGE NO.

FRUITFUL YEAR FOR CIVIL SERVICE ........................... 1

IMPORTANCE OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORK EMPHASISED ............. 2

GOOD YEAR FOR PORT THROUGHPUT ............................. 3

FEWER SOCIAL SECURITY APPEaLS RECEIVED .................... 4

BILL TO IMPROVE DB OPERATION .............................. 5

CHANGES PROPOSED TO SOCIAL WORK TRAINING FUND COMMITTEE .... 7

TENDERS INVITED FOR IVORY TUSKS AND ANIMAL SKINS .......... 8

RECLAMATION PROJECT AT TAI KOK TSUI AUTHORISED............. 9

PROPOSED ROADWORKS FOR MUI WO DEVELOPMENT ................ 10

TWELVE VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES DESIGNATED ............ 10

GOVERNMENT STAFF AWARDED ISM ............................. 11

HISTORICAL BUILDING IN NT TO BE RESTORED................. 12

KORNHILL BUS SERVICE PLAN SHELVED....................... 13

HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION IN SHEUNG SHUT ................... 14

TSUEK WAN ARTS FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW .................. 15

NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS ON SUNDAY ............... 16

PROJECT TO INTRODUCE SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG ........ 17

DEATH OF FORMER GOVERNMENT ENGINEER....................... 18

STAMPS ON TREES TO BE ISSUED IN JUNE...................... 19

FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION AT TAI PO CENTRE............... 19

WORLD MARATHON RUNNERS IN ANTI-DRUG RACE ON SUNDAY ....... 20

HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS REMINDER ................................................. 21

YAU MA TEI LOTS TO BE RESUMED FOR RECREATIONAL USE........ 22

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN MONG KOK FACE DEMOLITION ........... 22

ROAD CLOSURES AND LEFT-TURN BAN .......................... 23

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN CENTRAL ........................ 23

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN KWUN TONG................... 24

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

FRUITFUL YEAR FOR CIVIL SERVICE

*****

THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT 1987 HAD BEEN AN EVENTFUL AND FRUITFUL YEAR FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.

"IT SAW THE CONCLUSION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW PENSION SCHEME AND A NUMBER OF OTHER LONG-STANDING ISSUES. THIS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION, AND I AM MOST GRATEFUL TO YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT," SAID MR GREWAL WHEN SPEAKING AT A COCKTAIL RECEPTION HE HOSTED FOR LEADERS OF CIVIL SERVICE ASSOCIATIONS.

MR GREWAL SAID HE WAS CONSCIOUS THAT A NUMBER OF MAJOR ISSUES OF DEEP CONCERN TO THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A WHOLE REMAINED ON THE AGENDA.

"I WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE YOU THAT THESE WILL CONTINUE TO BE DEALT WITH FAIRLY AND SENSIBLY BY THE ADMINISTRATION, HAVING DUE REGARD TO THE ASPIRATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND THE OVERALL PUBLIC INTEREST," HE SAID.

MR GREWAL EMPHASISED THAT IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A SOPHISTICATED AND EFFICIENT CIVIL SERVICE IN VIEW OF THE INCREASE IN THE COMPLEXITY OF THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT AND EVER RISING PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS.

"I AM CONFIDENT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS WILL CONTINUE TO MEET THE MANY CHALLENGES THAT LIE AHEAD IN THEIR USUAL COMPETENT, LOYAL AND STEADFAST MANNER," MR GREWAL SAID.

ABOUT 350 GUESTS REPRESENTING CIVIL SERVICE UNIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ATTENDED THE RECEPTION.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 2 -

IMPORTANCE OF SEWAGE DISPOSAL WORK EMPHASISED *****

WARNING THAT "IF WE MISUSE THE VALUABLE ASSET OF THE NATURAL WATERS SURROUNDING HONG KONG, IT WOULD PAY US BACK IN KIND,” THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, TODAY (FRIDAY) TOLD MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON NORTH OF THE ACTION BEING TAKEN BY HIS DEPARTMENT TO SAFEGUARD WHAT HE REFERRED TO AS "PROBABLY HONG KONG’S MOST IMPORTANT NATURAL ASSET : THE SEA AROUND US."

HE SAID THE WORK WAS AIMED AT FIRSTLY GETTING THE SEWAGE AND INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS INTO THE FOUL SEWERS AND SECONDLY MAKING SURE THAT THE CONTENTS OF THESE SEWERS WERE DISPOSED OF IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SATISFACTORY MANNER.

SHORT-TERM ACTION WAS BEING TAKEN BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DETPARTMENT (EPD) AND THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE TO REDIRECT SOME INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS FROM THE SURFACE WATER DRAINS INTO THE SEWERS AND THIS WAS MEETING WITH SOME SUCCESS, HE SAID.

ALSO, A CLAMP-DOWN WAS PLANNED TO IMPROVE THE PERFORMANCE OF PACKAGE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANTS THAT HAD BEEN PROVIDED FOR INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENTS BUT WHICH WERE NOT SUFFICIENTLY WELL OPERATED OR MAINTAINED.

IN THIS CONNECTION, THE EPD HAD PROPOSED THAT THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND BE DECLARED AS THE NEXT WATER CONTROL ZONE. IF THIS WERE AGREED, IMPLEMENTATION WOULD BE FOR DOMESTIC SEWAGE DISCHARGES ONLY, BECAUSE A PREVIOUS UNDERTAKING HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE OMELCO NOT TO DECLARE ANY FURTHER ZONES, PENDING A REVIEW OF ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE IN THE TOLO CONTROL ZONE, IN ORDER TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF PRESSURE FROM INDUSTRIALISTS.

"THE ACTION AIMED AT IMPROVING THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM AS A WHOLE IN THE LONGER TERM IS BASED ON THE PREPARATION OF SEWERAGE MASTER PLANS FOR BOTH THE OLD URBAN AREAS AND FOR UNSEWERED AREAS", DR REED SAID.

"WE STARTED WORK ON THE SEWERAGE MASTER PLAN FOR EAST KOWLOON IN JANUARY LAST YEAR AND WE HOPE TO START ON A MASTER PLAN FOR THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR, AND OTHERS ARE IN THE PIPELINE.

"THIS WORK IS AIMED AT GETTING ALL OUR SEWAGE AND WASTEWATERS INTO THE BIG PIPES, THE PROBLEM IS THEN, HOW TO GET RID OF IT. IT IS OVER 17 YEARS SINCE WE CARRIED OUT A REVIEW OF THE BEST WAY TO DISPOSE OF OUR LIQUID WASTES AND WORK STARTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS WEEK TO DO JUST THIS."

/DR REED .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 19^8

3 -

DR REED ALSO POINTED TO THE HUGE COSTS INVOLVED IN PROVIDING FOR COST-EFFICIENT AND ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF LIQUID WASTES. HE CITED SHANGHAI, WHICH WAS SPENDING HK$ 15 BILLION TO DEAL WITH PART OF ITS SEWAGE PROBLEM, AND TAIPEI, WHICH WAS SPENDING HK$ 20 BILLION.

"IF WE ARE GOING TO PROVIDE THE SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED TO ENSURE THE CONTINUING VIABILITY OF OUR EFFLUENT-PRODUCING INDUSTRIES, AND TO AVOID CREATING HEALTH HAZARDS AS A RESULT OF SEWAGE POLLUTION, MORE EMPHASIS WILL HAVE TO BE PLACED ON INVESTMENT IN SEWERAGE INFRASTRUCTURE. THIS WOULD INEVITABLY MEAN SOME ADJUSTMENT OF SPENDING PRIORITIES," HE SAID.

DR REED POINTED TO THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IN THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE 1987/88 SESSION OF LEGCO, THAT J10 BILLION WOULD BE NEEDED OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO DEAL WITH JUST A PART OF HONG KONG’S SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE PROBLEM, AS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN THAT THERE WOULD BE CONCRETE ACTION IN THIS AREA.

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GOOD YEAR FOR PORT THROUGHPUT *****

THE PORT OF HONG KONG HAS CONTINUED TO ENJOY AN UNPRECEDENTED GROWTH IN THROUGHPUT, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.

"IN 1987, TOTAL CARGO THROUGHPUT WAS 70 MILLION TONNES, AN INCREASE OF 13 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, AND TOTAL CONTAINER THROUGHPUT WAS UP BY OVER 24 PER CENT," HE SAID.

MR HIGGINSON WAS SPEAKING AT THE 2ND ASIAN FREIGHT INDUSTRY AWARDS PRESENTATION DINNER HELD AT THE HONGKONG HOTEL.

"OUR ECONOMY IS GOOD AND PROSPECTS ARE ENCOURAGING," HE ADDED.

THOUGH THE PORT IN GENERAL COULD COPE WITH THESE GROWTH RATES, MR HIGGINSON ADMITTED THAT THERE WAS PRESSURE ON THE CONTAINER PORT.

IN THAT RESPECT, THE FIRST BERTH OF THE THREE-BERTH TERMINAL 6 WOULD OPEN TN MID-1988 AND THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS FOR A FURTHER THREEBERTH TERMINAL 7 WOULD BE AWARDED BY APRIL THIS YEAR.

"TERMINALS 6 AND 7 TOGETHER WILL DOUBLE THE CAPACITY AT KWAI CHUNG," HE SAID.

/IN THE .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988 '

IN THE LONGER TERM, MR HIGGINSON SAID THERE WAS THE NEED TO DEVELOP A STRATEGY FOR BOTH THE PORT AND A POSSIBLE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT.

"THE NEW PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY WILL SHORTLY COMMENCE AND, WHEN COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1989, IT WILL PROVIDE A SOLID BASE FROM WHICH HONG KONG WILL PROCEED WITH CONFIDENCE INTO THE FUTURE," HE SAID.

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FEWER SOCIAL SECURITY APPEALS RECEIVED

*****

THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IN HONG KONG IS WORKING MORE SMOOTHLY THAN EVER AS REFLECTED BY THE DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF CLIENTS WHO FELT DISSATISFIED ABOUT THE BENEFITS AND APPEALED TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY APPEAL BOARD LAST YEAR.

IN ITS ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1986-87, THE BOARD NOTED THAT IT RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 92 APPEALS, A DECREASE OF 40 APPEALS OR 30.3 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING YEAR.

OF THESE 92 APPEALS, FOUR WERE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES, 86 SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE CASES AND THREE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE CASES.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, 89 APPEALS WERE HEARD, INCLUDING 44 BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR. OF THESE, THE BOARD CONFIRMED THfi DECISIONS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN 53 CASES AND VARIED ITS DECISION IN 36 CASES.

IN THE PROCESSING OF APPEALS WHICH INVOLVED MEDICAL OPINION SUCH AS APPEALS OVER ELIGIBILITY FOR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE, THE BOARD WAS ASSISTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN ARRANGING MEDICAL BOARDS FOR RE-ASSESSMENT. DURING THE YEAR, 79 DISABILITY ALLOWANCE CASES AND ONE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE CASE WERE REFERRED TO SUCH BOARDS.

AS FOR THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED, IT DECREASED BY 23 PER CENT FROM 198 TO 152. OF THESE, 85 WERE SETTLED BY THE STAFF OF THE BOARD, FIVE WERE REFERRED TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICES AND 62 EVENTUALLY BECAME APPEALS.

APART FROM COMPLAINTS, THE BOARD ALSO RECEIVED A LARGE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SOCIAL SECURITY SERVICE AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THESE ENQUIRIES WERE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE ANSWERED BY THE STAFF OF THE BOARD OR REFERRED TO THE RELEVANT OFFICES.

/PUBLICITY OF .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

5 -

PUBLICITY OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD CONTINUED TO BE AN ON-GOING EXERCISE. POSTERS ABOUT THE APPEAL MACHINERY WERE DISPLAYED AT THE RECEPTION AREA OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION AND EACH OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS. EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS WERE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THESE OFFICES AS WELL AS AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THfi SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE OFFICE OF THE BOARD.

IN ADDITION, WHENEVER A PERSON WAS NOTIFIED IN WRITING OF THE RESULT OF HIS APPLICATION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, HE WAS ALSO INFORMED OF HIS RIGHT TO APPEAL TO THE BOARD IF HE WAS NOT SATISFIED WITH THE DECISION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

ON RECEIVING THE REPORT, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THE INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION MADE BY THE BOARD, ESPECIALLY THE CHAIRMAN, MR CHIU CHUN-BONG, WHO HAD CONCLUDED HIS FIVE-YEAR SERVICE WITH THE BOARD AT THE END OF 1986/87.

THE INCUMBENT CHAIRMAN IS MR VINCENT LIANG WAN-SANG AND THE MEMBERS ARE MRS IRENE LEE TANG YEE-LIN, MR WU MAN-KEUNG, SISTER MARGARET WONG KAM-LIN, MR LAM HOI-HAM AND MRS KATHLEEN FU LAU KIN-YUE.

APPEALS CAN BE MADE AT THE OFFICE OF THE BOARD AT THE SEVENTH FLOOR, PACIFIC HOUSE, 20-20B QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL; OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 14TH FLOOR, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY; OR THE DEPARTMENT’S TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE SECTION AT 15 WATSON ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, VICTORIA CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY;- OR AT ANY OF THE 32 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS.

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BILL TO IMPROVE DB OPERATION

* » » »

THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, AIMED AT IMPROVING THE OPERATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE AMENDMENT BILL STIPULATES THAT THE OFFICE OF A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER WOULD BE DECLARED VACANT IF HE FAILS, WITHOUT THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE BOARD, TO ATTEND ANY MEETING OF THE BOARD FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE MONTHS EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF PROLONGED ILLNESS.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PRESENT DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE DOES NOT SPECIFY WHEN A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SHOULD OBTAIN THE APPROVAL OF HIS BOARD FOR ABSENCE FROM DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS LASTING SIX MONTHS OR MORE. HE CAN THEREFORE SEEK SUCH APPROVAL RETROSPECTlVELY AFTER HE HAS BEEN ABSENT FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.

/ABSENCE OF .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988 .

- 6 -

ABSENCE OF THIS NATURE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE BOARD, HE SAID.

"IN VIEW OF THIS, THE AMENDMENT BILL STIPULATES THAT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MUST OBTAIN THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF SUCH ABSENCE," HE NOTED.

IN THE CASE OF PROLONGED ILLNESS, RETROSPECTIVE APPROVAL COULD BE SOUGHT WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD AFTER RECOVERY FROM THE ILLNESS, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

TO FACILITATE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW MEASURE, THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO GIVE A CLEAR DEFINITION OF A DISTRICT BOARD MEETING.

"UNDER THE BILL, A DISTRICT BOARD MEETING REFERS ONLY TO A MEETING OF THE BOARD ITSELF AND DOES NOT INCLUDE A MEETING OF ANY COMMITTEE SET UP BY THE BOARD," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

APART FROM THESE TWO MAIN CHANGES, THE BILL ALSO AMENDS THE DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE DISTRICT OFFICER TO PRESIDE AT ANY MEETING OF A DISTRICT BOARD AT WHICH A NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD IS TO BE ELECTED.

THE PRESENT ORDINANCE ENABLES THE DISTRICT OFFICER TO PRESIDE ONLY AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW TERM OF A DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THE BOARD CHAIRMAN. IT DOES NOT CATER FOR SITUATIONS WHEN THE OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN IS VACATED AND A NEW OR TEMPORARY CHAIRMAN HAS TO BE ELECTED DURING THE TERM OF A DISTRICT BOARD.

MEMBERS OF THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS HAD BEEN CONSULTED ON THE MAIN AMENDMENTS DURING THE REVIEW OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME IN EARLY 1987.

THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 27.

- 0 - -

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 7 -

CHANGES PROPOSED TO SOCIAL WORK TRAINING FUND COMMITTEE ♦ ♦ * » ♦

THE COMPOSITION OF THE SOCIAL WORK TRAINING FUND COMMITTEE WILL BE CHANGED UNDER AN AMENDMENT BILL PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

AT PRESENT THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN; THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES OR HIS NOMINEE; THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION OR HIS NOMINEE; AND SUCH OTHER MEMBERS NOT EXCEEDING THREE AS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT WHEN THE ORDINANCE WAS FIRST ENACTED IN 1961, THERE WAS A MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER GRADE IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND THE APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE WAS INTENDED TO ADVISE ON THE TRAINING OF THIS GRADE.

’’HOWEVER, AS THE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER GRADE .HAS BEEN INTEGRATED INTO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL WORK OFFICER GRADE, THERE IS NO LONGER A NEED FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO BE REPRESENTED ON THIS COMMITTEE,” HE SAID.

THE SOCIAL WORK TRAINING FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 THEREFORE PROPOSED THAT THE COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE BE AMENDED BY REMOVING THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES OR HIS NOMINEE FROM ITS MEMBERSHIP.

TO REFLECT THE REDUCED COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE QUORUM REQUIRED FOR THE TRANSACTION OF BUSINESS BY THE COMMITTEE BE CHANGED FROM FOUR MEMBERS TO THREE MEMBERS.

ANOTHER AMENDMENT IS TO CHANGE THE TIME SCHEDULE FOR TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT AND THE AUDITED STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS OF THE SOCIAL WORK TRAINING FUND FROM SEPTEMBER 30 TO DECEMBER 31.

’’PAST EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT THE AUDITED ACCOUNTS AND THE REPORT USUALLY BECAME AVAILABLE ONLY BY MID-JULY WHEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD ALREADY GONE INTO RECESS AND WOULD NOT RESUME UNTIL OCTOBER,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ARE SUPPORTED BY THE COMMITTEE AND

THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.

THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS FIRST AND SECONft READINGS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 3, 1988.

REPRESENTATIONS ON THE BILL CAN BE SENT TO THE OFFICE OF MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, 8 JACKSON ROAD, HONG KONG OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

- - 0-----------

/8........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

8 -

TENDERS INVITED FOR IVORY TUSKS AND ANIMAL SKINS ♦ ♦ * ♦

THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR A COLLECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES PARTS AND DERIVATIVES CONFISCATED FROM ILLEGAL IMPORTERS ' OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS AS A RESULT OF STRINGENT ENFORCEMENT ACTION UNDER THE HONG KONG CONSERVATION LAW.

A NOTICE ON THE TENDER, WHICH CLOSES AT NOON ON FEBRUARY 26, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE COLLECTION, VALUED APPROXIMATELY AT $1.5 MILLION, COMPRISES 638 PIECES OF IVORY TUSKS, NINE PIECES OF LYNX SKINS, SIX PIECES OF WILD CAT SKIN PLATES, 96 PIECES OF OTTER SKINS, 18 PIECES OF RED DEER ANTLERS, 250 PIECES OF ALLIGATOR/CROCODILE SKINS, 1,208 PIECES OF MONITOR LIZARD SKINS AND 246 PIECES OF PYTHON SKINS.

ALSO INCLUDED IN THE COLLECTION ARE 239.2 KG OF IVORY CUT PIECES, 81.2 KG OF IVORY SCRAPS AND 2.9 KG OF WILD AMERICAN GINSENG.

THE MAIN BULK OF THE IVORY TUSKS AND CROCODILE SKINS ARE AT PRESENT BEING KEPT IN THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WHILE THE REMAINDER ARE IN THE CUSTODY OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

ALL THESE ITEMS ARE SPECIMENS LISTED UNDER APPENDIX II OF THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA (CITES), FOR WHICH TRADE FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES MAY BE ALLOWED, SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONTROL.

FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS WILL LEAD TO PROSECUTION AND MANDATORY FORFEITURE OF THE SPECIMENS.

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE TENDER, THE SENIOR CONSERVATION OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR M.K. CHEUNG, SAID THE AIM OF THE SALE WAS TO PUT ALL SEIZED SPECIMENS TO USES WHICH WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE SPIRIT OF INTERNATIONAL CONSERVATION.

THE TENDER, MR CHEUNG EMPHASISED, WAS IN ACCORDANCE WITH CITES GUIDELINES AND WAS ENDORSED BY HONG KONG’S ENDANGERED SPECIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE.

THE PROCEEDS OF THE SALE WILL GO TO GOVERNMENT REVENUE.

"THE SALE, WHICH IS CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, IS OPEN TO ANY INTERESTED TENDERER WHO IS REQUIRED TO BID FOR THESE ITEMS IN LOTS AS STIPULATED IN THE TENDER SCHEDULE.

"THEY ARE GIVEN FIVE WEEKS TO SUBMIT THEIR TENDERS UNDER THE COVER OF AN ENVELOPE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD.

/"THE SUCCESSFUL .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 9 -

"THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS MUST APPLY FOR AND OBTAIN THE APPROPRIATE POSSESSION LICENSES, OR REGISTRATION IN THE CASE OF IVORY TUSKS, BEFORE THEY TAKE DELIVERY OF THE GOODS," HE SAID,

IN THE INTERIM PERIOD, MR CHEUNG WENT ON, ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE FOR INTERESTED TENDERERS TO VIEW THE ITEMS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE ON THE PRODUCTION OF THEIR TENDER DOCUMENTS AND IDENTITY CARDS.

APPOINTMENTS FOR VIEWING OF THE ITEMS KEPT IN THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 5-700271, EXT. 150.

THE AFD TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR VIEWING APPOINTMENTS IS 3-7332123.

ALL TENDERS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THE PRESCRIBED TENDER FORM AND MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE NOON ON FEBRUARY 26. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

FURTHER DETAILS OF THE TENDER CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PROCUREMENT DIVISION OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, 12, OIL STREET, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG, IN WRITING OR BY TELEPHONING 5-700271, EXT. 134.

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RECLAMATION PROJECT AT TAI KOK TSUI AUTHORISED

. * « t *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM ABOUT 1,020 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED OFF LOK KWAN STREET (ADJOINING KIL 10,756) AT TAI KOK TSUI FOR THE YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED TO INSTALL A SYNCROLIFT TO FACILITATE THE LIFTING OF VESSELS INTO THE SHIPYARD ON THE LOT.

THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF

Authorisation published in the government gazette today (Friday).

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 A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS BEFORE JANUARY 12, 1989.

THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT'S SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, TUNG PING BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, KOWLOON; AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE (TAI KOK TSUI SUB-OFFICE), TAI CHUNG LAU, COSMOPOLITAN ESTATE, GROUND FLOOR, 85-87 IVY STREET, TAI KOK TSUI.

0 -

/1O

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1998

PROPOSED ROADWORKS FOR MUI WO DEVELOPMENT

*****

THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT TWO ROADS AS A CONTINUATION OF THE ROAD SYSTEM IN THE CHUNG HAU AREA OF MUI WO TO SERVE BOTH VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC.

THE PROJECTS WILL INCLUDE ANCILLARY WORKS SUCH AS FOOTBRIDGES, FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS, CARPARKS, LOADING/UNLOADING AREA, TAXI STAND, BUS STOP AND AMENITY AREAS.

CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.

DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL ARE PUBLISHED AS A NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND NOTICES IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ARE BEING POSTED ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.

A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG; AND THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN MARCH 22, 1988.

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TWELVE VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES DESIGNATED * * * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, EMPOWERED BY SECTION 88(2) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, CHAPTER 374, HAS DESIGNATED 12 VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRES FOR THE INSPECTION OF VEHICLES.

DETAILS OF THESE CENTRES, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), ARE AS FOLLOWS:

* VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, SO RON PO, HONG KONG.

* VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, LONG YUET STREET, TO KWA WAN.

/• VEHICLE EXAMINATION

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

» VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, HONG KONG AIRPORT.

» VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

* VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, CHEUNG YIP STREET, KOWLOON BAY.

» VEHICLE EXAMINATION CENTRE, WO YIP HOP ROAD, SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.

* POLICE VEHICLE POUND, SHEUNG SHING STREET, HO MAN TIN.

» POLICE VEHICLE POUND, JAVA ROAD, NORTH POINT.

» POLICE VEHICLE POUND, KWAI SHING CIRCUIT, NEW TERRITORIES.

» GOVERNMENT VEHICLE SERV1SING DEPOT, MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.

♦ POLICE DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS, CHEUNG SHA, LAUTAU ISLAND.

* ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT VEHICLE EMISSION TESTING CENTRE, SHEUNG LOK STREET, HO MAN TIN.

THE VEHICLE EMISSION TESTING CENTRE IN SHEUNG LOK STREET IS A NEW CENTRE OPERATED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT FOR THE INSPECTION OF VEHICLES SUSPECTED OF EMITTING EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF SMOKE.

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GOVERNMENT STAFF AWARDED ISM t t t

A POSTMAN, MR CHEUNG YEE-FAI, AND AN OFFICE ASSISTANT OF THE TREASURY, MR CHEUNG YUK-LAU, HAVE BEEN AWARDED IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDALS BY THE QUERN ON THEIR RETIREMENT FOR THEIR LOYAL AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.

MR CHEUNG YEE-FAI, AGED 60, JOINED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AS A MOTOR DRIVER IN 1950 AND WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE POST OFFICE A MONTH LATER. HE WAS REGRADED TO POSTMAN IN 1979.

MR CHEUNG YUK-LAU, AGED 62, JOINED THE RESETTLEMENT DEPARTMENT (NOW HOUSING DEPARTMENT) AS A LABOURER IN 1957. HE WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE TREASURY AS A MESSENGER IN 1963. THE POST WAS LATER REGRADED AS OFFICE ASSISTANT IN 1976.

DURING THEIR MORE THAN 30 YEARS OF SERVICE, BOTH MR CHEUNG YUK-LAU AND MR CHEUNG YEE-FAI HAD IMPRESSED THEIR SUPERIOR OFFICERS AND COLLEAGUES AS BEING DEDICATED AND LOYAL. THEY WERE ALWAYS READY TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO OTHER COLLEAGUES.

- - 0 -

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 12 -

HISTORICAL BUILDING IN NT TO BE RESTORED ♦ » » ♦

WORK IS NOW IN HAND TO RESTORE "TAI FU TAI", OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE MANDARIN’S RESIDENCE, TO ITS FORMER SPLENDOUR, THANKS TO A $2.5 MILLION DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.

BUILT IN 1865 AND LOCATED AT SAN TIN, YUEN LONG, THE BUILDING WAS GAZETTED AS AN HISTORICAL BUILDING UNDER THE PROTECTION OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE ON JULY 10, 1987. IT HAS LONG BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT HISTORICAL BUILDING IN THE TERRITORY.

THE ARCHITECTURAL DECORATION IS ELABORATE AND OF SUPERB QUALITY. BOTH THE FACADE AND THE INTERNAL WALLS ARE ORNAMENTED WITH MURALS AND TERRA-COTTA MOULDINGS, AND SOME FINE STAINED GLASS REMAINS IN THE WINDOWS AND ABOVE THE ARCHED DOORWAYS.

EXQUISITE CERAMIC DECORATIONS ON THE ROOF RIDGE OF THE FRONT HALL WERE MANUFACTURED AT SHEK WAN, GUANGDONG.

TWO HONORIFIC BOARDS, THE ONLY ONES OF THEIR KIND IN THE TERRITORY, WERE BESTOWED ON THE PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS OF MAN CIIUNG-LUEN IN 1875 BY THE QING EMPEROR.

EXQUISITELY CARVED AND INSCRIBED WITH BOTH CHINESE AND MANCHU CHARACTERS, THE BOARDS HAVE BEEN TEMPORARILY REMOVED FROM THEIR POSITION ABOVE THE MAIN DOOR FOR CONSERVATION TREATMENT.

WITH THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF THE MANAGERS OF MAN WAH CHEUNG TONG, THIS UNIQUE, PRIVATELY-OWNED HOUSE WAS DECLARED AN HISTORICAL BUILDING AFTER SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE OWNERS WHOSE REDEVELOPMENT RIGHTS OVER THE PREMISES HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER SITE.

A CONTRACT FOR THE RESTORATION PROJECT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO YAN LEE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE WORK WILL BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS’ TIME.

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/15 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 1? -

KORNHILL BUS SERVICE PLAN SHELVED * * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY TO SHELVE ITS PROPOSED EXTENSION OF TWO BUS SERVICES TO KORNHILL.

THIS FOLLOWS AN OPINION SURVEY OF KORNHILL RESIDENTS WHICH SHOWED THAT THEY WERE OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED EXTENSION.

IN ITS 1986-88 ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY HAD PLANNED TO EXTEND ITS ROUTES 82A FROM CHAI WAN AND 722 FROM CENTRAL BEYOND THEIR PRESENT QUARRY BAY TERMINUS TO KORNHILL.

UP TO NOW, KORNHILL HAS BEEN SERVED ONLY BY THREE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES. HOWEVER, A QUESTIONNAIRE SURVEY' CONDUCTED LAST MONTH SHOWED THAT MOST KORNHILL RESIDENTS WERE OPPOSED TO THE PROPOSED BUS SERVICES.

THE SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED BY A WORKING GROUP FORMED BY' THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE. OF THE 6,648 QUESTIONNAIRES DELIVERED, 4,612 RESIDENTS RESPONDED; OF THESE 87.6 PER CENT FAVOURED RETENTION OF THE STATUS QUO AND SAW NO NEED FOR BUS SERVICES TO KORNHILL.

ONLY 1.7 PER CENT FAVOURED BUS SERVICES TERMINATING IN HONG SUING STREET, WHILST ANOTHER 2.3 PER CENT OPTED FOR THROUGH BUS SERVICES VIA HONG ON STREET AND HONG YUE STREET.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY' (FRIDAY) THAT IN THE LIGHT OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS, THE DEPARTMENT HAD ADVISED THAT THE PLAN FOR KORNHILL BUS SERVICES SHOULD BE SHELVED INDEFINITELY.

THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CLOSELY MONITOR THE. DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT AT KORNHILL, AND WOULD CONTINUE 'TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT WOULD BE PROVIDED FOR THE BENEFIT OF RESIDENTS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.

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/14........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 14 -

HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION IN SHEUNG SHUI » * * * ♦

A TWO-DAY HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION FEATURING MORE THAN 300 FLORAL ITEMS WILL START TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL IN SHEUNG SHUI.

THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION WITH THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD.

THE EXHIBITS WILL BE DIVIDED INTO SIX CATEGORIES - BONSAI, ORCHIDS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, POT FLOWER, MINIATURE POT PLANTS AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENT.

THEY ARE ALL WORKS BY STUDENTS AND TUTORS FROM A HORTICULTURE CLASS ORGANISED BY THE ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AND MRS HILDA CHEUNG, WIFE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 3 PM TO 6 PM TOMORROW, AND FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24). ADMISSION IS FREE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 3 PM IN THE RECITAL HALL OF THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL, LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEUNG SHUI.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE MONTH-LONG 10TH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING WITH A VARIETY SHOW AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

THE SHOW, PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND ARTISTES.

THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM.

EARLIER TN THE AFTERNOON, A JOINT EXHIBITION OF WORKS OF ART BY LOCAL YOUNG ARTISTS AND CHILDREN FROM KAGOSHIMA OF JAPAN WILL BE HELD AT THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AFTER A BRIEF CEREMONY.

THE LO AL ARTISTS ARE PARTICIPANTS OF THE ART NURTURE SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.

OFFICIATING AT THE EXHIBITION’S OPENING WILL BE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU; TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN; CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHAN LAU-FONG; AND PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG KAGOSHIMA SOCIETY, MR F. MATSUMOTO.

THE FESTIVAL, LASTING FROM TOMORROW TO FEBRUARY 27, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION COORDINATING ASSOCIATION.

LT WILL FEATURE SOME 60 INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL AND OVERSEAS ARTISTS. MAJOR FUNDING OF THE FESTIVAL COMES FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION Or NING CEREMONY AND THE GRAND OPENING OF THE H10TH TSUEN WAN ARTS FF IVAL TO BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 4 PM AND 8 PM RESPECTIVELY.

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/16 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 16 -

NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS ON SUNDAY ♦ * * ♦ ♦

THE NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) ORGANISED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST WILL START OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM THE COMPOUND OF A DISTRICT OFFICE.

IT WILL COVER A NEW ROUTE SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES AND EVEN THE ELDERLY.

THE CHARITY WALK WILL START AT 10 AM FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO HELP FOSTER A SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY AMONG PARTICIPANTS.

THE 10-KILOMETRE ROUTE WILL COVER THE SECTION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD BETWEEN FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI, THEN VIA PAK SHEK AU AND RETURN TO THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD IS OPEN TO PEDESTRIANS, WHO WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FANLING/SHBUNG SHUI NEW TOWN AS WELL AS THE BEAUTIFUL SCENERY ALONG THE ROAD.

THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, TO BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KICK-OFF CEREMONY.

THE PIPES AND DRUMS OF THE 28 SQUADRON GURKHA TRANSPORT REGIMENT WILL BE AT THE SCENE TO GIVE A PERFORMANCE.

SPONSOR FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE COMMUNITY CHEST OFFICE AT 905 WORLD TRADE CENTRE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.

o o

THEY CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED ON SUNDAY FROM THE ENQUIRY

SET UP BY THE COMMUNITY

CHEST AT THE STARTING POINT,

WHICH

COUNTER

EASILY

ACCESSIBLE BY TRAIN OR BY BUS ROUTE NOS. 70, 70X AND 77K.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE STARTING CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS TO BE HELD AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) IN THE COMPOUND OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22,

1988

PROJECT TO INTRODUCE SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG

t » * » *

KWUN TONG RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROVISION AND AVAILABILITY OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THEIR DISTRICT.

A PROJECT, ENTITLED "SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG", WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID THE PROJECT AIMS TO IDENTIFY THE COMMUNITY’S NEEDS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AND SUGGEST WAYS TO MEETING THE DEMAND.

"IT ALSO INTENDS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE AVAILABILITY AND PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT,” HE ADDED.

TO ACHIEVE THE ABOVE OBJECTIVES, A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN DRAWN UP BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WHICH COMPRISES MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATIONS.

A MOBILE EXHIBITION ON SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE FIRST HELD AT THE TELFORD GARDENS PODIUM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) MORNING.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MISS MONA LO; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, MR LEE WAH-MING.

THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.

IN THE EVENING, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOVED TO THE TELFORD GARDENS SHOPPING MALL WHERE IT WILL BE HELD UNTIL TUESDAY (JANUARY 26). FROM WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 27), THE EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED AT THE KWUN TONG MTR STATION UNTIL FEBRUARY 5.

ON JANUARY 31, A FULL-DAY SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIELDS OF SOCIAL WELFARE, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH AS WELL AS LABOUR WILL BE INVITED TO EXCHANGE VIEWS CONCERNING THE NEEDS AND PROVISION OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES.

IN ADDITION, 2,500 COPIES OF A .HANDBOOK INTRODUCING THE VARIOUS SOCIAL SERVICES AVAILABLE IN KWUN TONG WILL BE PRODUCED. ALSO, 20,000 LEAFLETS CONTAINING VITAL STATISTICS AND USEFUL INFORMATION ON KWUN TONG WILL BE PRINTED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO LOCAL RESIDENTS.

/THE KWUN ......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 18 -

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $60,000 FOR THE WHOLE PROJECT.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG" EXHIBITION AT 11.30 AM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) AT THE TELFORD GARDENS PODIUM, KOWLOON BAY.

DEATH OF FORMER GOVERNMENT ENGINEER

» » * *

MR STANLEY BARDEN, WHO RETIRED FROM THE GOVERNMENT AS A PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN 1984, DIED IN ENGLAND EARLIER THIS WEEK. HE WAS 63.

MR BARDEN WAS IN HOSPITAL FOR A SHORT TIME AT HIS HOMETOWN AT SHREWSBURY, SHROPSHIRE, BEFORE HE PASSED AWAY. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE AND TWO DAUGHTERS.

MR BARDEN FIRST CAME TO THE FAR EAST IN 1951 AS AN ENGINEER WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN SINGAPORE, AFTER SERVICE WITH THE ROYAL AIR FORCE.

HE JOINED THE HONG KONG PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN 1959 WORKING IN THE ROADS OFFICE AND WAS ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE TO SPECIALISE IN TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT PLANNING. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF ENGINEER IN 1969 AT WHICH TIME HE HEADED THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SURVEY UNIT OF THE THEN ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.

IN THE EARLY 1970’S MR BARDEN WAS CLOSELY INVOLVED WITH THE PLANNING OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SYSTEM, AND TN 1974 HE WAS APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF MASS TRANSIT STUDIES.

HE WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEER IN 1978 AND IN 1981 WAS AWARDED THE ISO IN RECOGNITION OF HIS LONG AND OUTSTANDING SERVICE. ♦

MR BARDEN WAS A FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS AND WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE UNION CHURCH.

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/19 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 19 -

STAMPS ON TREES TO BE ISSUED IN JUNE

* * * » »

A SET OF STAMPS FEATURING FOUR TREES COMMONLY KONG WILL BE ISSUED ON JUNE 16 TO REPLACE THE SET MODERN PAINTINGS AND SCULPTURES ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED THAT DATE, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).

FOUND IN HONG ON HONG KONG’S FOR RELEASE ON

"THE LATTER SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUE HAS TO BE DEFERRED DUE TO UNFORESEEN DESIGN PROBLEMS," A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID

THE HONG KONG TREES STAMP ISSUE WILL BE IN FOUR DENOMINATIONS — 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5.

"IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER SET OF FOUR STAMP: THE CENTENARY OF THE PEAK TRAMWAY TO BE RELEASED ON AUGUST

"THE STAMP ISSUE PROGRAMME FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE BE RELEASED LATER, AND MORE DETAILS OF EACH SPECIAL STAMPS BE ANNOUNCED NEARER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE,” HE ADDED.

FEATURING 4 .

YEAR WILL ISSUE WILL J .

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FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION AT TAI PO CENTRE

» * * *

A FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT TAI PO CENTRE FROM NOON TO 3 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).

THIS IS THE SIXTH IN A SERIES OF EIGHT EXHIBITIONS ORGANISED BY THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP.

BE STAGED IN DENSELY

THE WINTER MONTHS TO DRY SEASON AND THE

THE EXHIBITIONS HAVE BEEN SCHEDULED TO POPULATED AREAS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY DURING REMIND THE PUBLIC OF THE HIGH FIRE RISK IN THE

IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION.

THEY WILL ELABORATE ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S^ FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN, ’’FIRE LAWS PROTECT".

THERE WILL BE DISPLAY PANELS ADVISING THE PUBLIC ON WAYS TO PREVENT FIRES IN GENERAL AND COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IN PARTICULAR.

VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE INFORMATION LEAFLETS ON FIRE PREVENTION AND SOUVENIRS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK.

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/?0 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

WORLD MARATHON RUNNERS IN ANTI-DRUG RACE ON SUNDAY

*****

WORLD OLYMPIC STANDARD MARATHON RUNNERS WILL JOIN HONG KONG RUNNERS TO VIE FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24).

ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE RACE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (HKAAA), AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (FRIDAY), THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, SAID THAT "BE AN ANTI-DRUG RUNNER" HAD BEEN CHOSEN AS THE THEME FOR THIS YEAR’S MARATHON WHICH WILL BE HELD ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.

MR MULLOY SAID THE EVENT WAS OF SPECIAL SIGNIFICANCE TO HIM BECAUSE IT HAD FORGED ANOTHER LINK WITH HONG KONG’S ANTI-NARCOTICS PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORK AND THE SPORTS SECTOR.

"WE ARE GLAD TO SEE THAT TJIE SPORTS WORLD IS INCREASINGLY AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND TAKES AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMOTING THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE," HE SAID.

HE HOPED THAT THROUGH THE ORGANISATION OF THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON, HONG KONG NOT ONLY HAD LED THE WAY BY LINKING A WORLD-RANKING RACE WITH THE WAR AGAINST NARCOTICS BUT ALSO SHOWED THE WORLD HONG KONG’S FIRM DETERMINATION TO SUPPRESS THE DRUG PROBLEM.

"WE WILL DEMONSTRATE TO THE WORLD THE REAL SPIRIT OF COMPETITION -- AIM TO WIN BY YOUR OWN ABILITIES AND DO NOT CHEAT BY USING ARTIFICIAL DRUG AID," HE ADDED.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HKAAA, MR WILLIAM KO, WHO ALSO SPOKE AT THE CONFERENCE, DISCLOSED THAT 982 ENTRANTS FROM 20 COUNTRIES AND AREAS WOULD BE PARTICIPATING IN THE RACE.

WORLD CLASS MARATHON RUNNERS, INCLUDING STEVE JONES AND HUGH JONES FROM BRITAIN, KEVIN RYAN FROM NEW ZEALAND AND DOUG KURTIS FROM THE USA HAD CONFIRMED THEIR PARTICIPATION.

MR KO SAID THE WHEELCHAIR ATHLETE CATEGORY HAD BEEN EXPANDED TO INCLUDE COMPETITORS FROM SIX COUNTR1ES, MAKING IT ASIA’S LARGEST WHEELCHAIR MARATHON OUTSIDE OF JAPAN.

"THEIR COURAGE WILL HELP HONG KONG’S DISABLED IN 'GOING THE DISTANCE AGAINST ALL ODDS’," HE ADDED.

BESIDES PROMOTING THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE BY BECOMING "ANTI-DRUG RUNNERS", COMPETITORS WILL.ALSO RAISE MONEY FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST BASED ON THEIR PERFORMANCE IN THE EVENT.

/TWO SECTIONS .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 21

TWO SECTIONS OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE OPENED TO PUBLIC ON SUNDAY MORNING.

SPECTATORS CAN ENTER THE PEDESTRIANISED SECTIONS FROM II I NG FAT STREET DOWN-RAMP IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 6 AM AND FROM LAM ON STREET UP-RAMP IN SHAU KEI WAN FROM 7 AM.

HOWEVER, SPECTATORS ARE REMINDED THAT THEY WILL BE STRICTLY CONFINED TO THE PEDESTRIANISED SECTIONS AND WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO MOVE FREELY ON THE CARRIAGEWAY.

THE EVENT, THE ELEVENTH IN THE SERIES, IS SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC, NEW BALANCE, DEL MONTE, WATSON’S DISTILLED WATER AND INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE.

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HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS REMINDER * * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS AND BUS PASSENGERS THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 24) FOR THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON.

THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT AND 3 PM:

* THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND ALL ITS SLIPROADS;

* THE NORTHBOUND SECTION OF MONG LUNG STREET NORTH OF PO MAN STREET; AND

* TUNG HEI ROAD.

IN ADDITION, CMB ROUTE NO. 780 WILL BE SUSPENDED WHOLE DAY BUT FREQUENCIES OF ROUTE NOS. 20, 21 AND 80 WILL BE INCREASED.

MEANWHILE, THE BUS STOP ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF VICTORIA PARK ROAD ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 1 PM.

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/22........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

YAU MA TEI LOTS TO BE RESUMED FOR RECREATIONAL USE ♦ * * *

THREE PRIVATE LOTS AT 570 AND 574, CANTON ROAD AND 57, BATTERY STREET, YAU MA TEI, ARE TO BE RESUMED FOR CREATING A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE TO EASE THE SHORTAGE OF THESE RECREATIONAL AREAS IN THE DISTRICT.

COMPRISING A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA AND A REST GARDEN, THE OPEN SPACE WILL OCCUPY THE LOTS AS WELL AS FIVE OTHER ADJOINING SITES ALREADY UNDER THE POSSESSION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT.

WORK ON CREATING THE OPEN SPACE WILL START AT THE END OF THIS YEAR FOR COMPLETION IN LATE 1989.

A NOTICE FOR RESUMING THE PRIVATE LOTS HAS BEEN POSTED ON THE SITES AND RESUMPTION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MID-APRlL.

OWNERS AND TENANTS OF THE PRIVATE LOTS WILL BE ENTITLED TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR THE LOSS OF THEIR INTEREST UNDER THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE.

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN MONG KOK FACE DEMOLITION ♦ ♦ t

ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON ROOFS A AND B OF NOS. 438 AND 440, PORTLAND STREET IN MONG KOK ARE TO BE DEMOLISHED.

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF HONG KONG ON MARCH 22 TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURES.

NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDER WERE POSTED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).

A BUILDING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID CLOSING THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES PRIOR TO DEMOLITION WAS TN THE INTERESTS OF THE OCCUPANTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.

ORDERS TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES WERE ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON JANUARY 29, 1985, BUT THEY HAD NOT BEEN

COMPLIED WITH, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HE SAID DEMOLITION WORK WOULD BE CARRIED OUT AS SOON AS THE CLOSURE ORDERS WERE OBTAINED.

/?3........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

- 2? -

ROAD CLOSURES AND LEFT-TURN BAN * * * * *

TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FLYOVER, THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TSUEN WAN ROAD NEAR THE ROUNDABOUT AT TEXACO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM ON JANUARY 25 (MONDAY), 26 AND 27.

DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL HAVE TO USE THE ROUNDABOUT AT TEXACO ROAD.

IN HUNG HOM, YAN FUNG STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 25) FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.

VEHICLES ON CHATHAM ROAD NORTH HEADING FOR YAN FUNG STREET, INCLUDING KMB ROUTES NO. 41 AND 45 AND CROSS HARBOUR ROUTE NO. 109, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PAK KUNG STREET, SHUN YUNG STREET AND FAT KWONG STREET.

IN ADDITION, TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM, NO VEHICLE ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT ON TO MA MIU ROAD NORTHBOUND FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY.

THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. VEHICLES ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR MA MIU ROAD OR ON NING ROAD WILL HAVE TO USE KIK YEUNG ROAD.

- - 0 -

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN CENTRAL

* * *

TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORK, HOLLYWOOD ROAD IN CENTRAL BETWEEN ABERDEEN STREET AND GRAHAM STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 9 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 25) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.

VEHICLES ON HOLLYWOOD ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ABERDEEN STREET, WHILE VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND CAINE ROAD HEADING FOR HOLLYWOOD ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA OLD BAILEY STREET.

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/24 .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22, 1988

URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION IN KWUN TONG

*****

A 55-METRE STRETCH OF THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF AN UNNAMED ROAD WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI YIP STREET NORTHBOUND IN KWUN TONG WILL BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 25).

NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

- O

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ................ 1

PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES PAMPHLET PUBLISHED ....... J

INCREASING IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO FAMILY WELFaRE SERVICES ... 4

CO-OPERATION IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT STRESSED ................ 5

MONTH-LONG ARTS FESTIVAL IN TSUEN WaN OPENS ................. 6

CSD TEAM TO RUN IN MARiTHON ................................. 7

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR WALK FOR MILLIONS ....................... 7

JOCKEY CLUB 'PITCH IN' TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN .............. 8

DTC REGISTRATION TRANSFERRED ................................ 9

KWaI TSING DISTRICT TO REMOVE ILLEG,lL BANNERS .............. 9

PAINTING COMPETITION ON HEALTH ISSUES ....................... 10

DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT ............... 11

SIX-DAY DaNCE CONTEST BEGINS ................................ 11

PREMISES BEING LET FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES .............. 12

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

» * * » *

THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS TO FACILITATE INDUSTRIAL GROWTH THROUGH BOTH INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT SERVICES, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE KWAI TSING INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE DEVELOPMENT EXHIBITION THIS MORNING, MR YEUNG SAID INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT WAS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN ENVIRONMENT WITHIN WHICH THE LOCAL INDUSTRIES COULD OPERATE EFFICIENTLY.

• WITH REGARD TO DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE INDUSTRIES WERE ENCOURAGED TO GROW THROUGH THEIR INVESTMENT IN HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY, BETTER QUALITY AND GREATER PRODUCT INNOVATION.

"A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG DESIGN AND INNOVATION COMPANY, ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING SUPPORT SERVICES IN THESE AREAS," HE NOTED.

MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN 1987 IN STRENGTHENING EXISTING SERVICES WHILE MORE WOULD BE DONE IN 1988 TO INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BOTH INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT FOR THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

HE ADDED THAT THE INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE BEING LAUNCHED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WAS AN EFFORT TO MARKET SUPPORT SERVICES TO MANUFACTURERS THROUGH DIRECT CONTACT.

"THE SUPPORT SERVICES WE HAVE BEEN MARKETING INCLUDE THE CONSULTANCY, TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND INFORMATION SERVICES AVAILABLE FROM THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL; THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT; THE MANPOWER TRAINING SERVICES AVAILABLE FROM THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY; AND THE DESIGN SERVICES FROM THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY.

"MANY OF THE MANUFACTURERS WE HAVE VISITED WERE VERY INTERESTED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AVAILABLE SUPPORT SERVICES, AND HAVE FOUND THAT THEY WERE RELEVANT TO THEIR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.

"BY INCREASING MANUFACTURERS’ AWARENESS OF WHAT IS AVAILABLE, THE SCHEME SHOULD RESULT IN THESE SERVICES BEING MORE WIDELY USED, THOUGH THE ULTIMATE DECISION TO INVEST IN SUCH SERVICES MUST BE TAKEN BY THE MANUFACTURERS THEMSELVES."

/MR YEUNG .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, ^8

MR YEUNG BELIEVED THE FACTORY VISITS HAD DEMONSTRATED THAT A PERMANENT INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION SERVICE WOULD BE WELCOMED BY MANUFACTURERS AND WOULD PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE BOTH IN MARKETING EXISTING SERVICES AND IN IDENTIFYING AREAS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S SUPPORT FOR INDUSTRY.

THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI DISTRICT CONTAINS NEARLY ONE-SIXTH OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG AND EMPLOYS A SIMILAR PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL MANUFACTURING WORKFORCE.

MORE THAN 130 FACTORIES AND FIRMS SET UP STALLS AND DISPLAY THEIR PRODUCTS AT THE KWAI TSING INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE DEVELOPMENT EXHIBITION HELD AT THE OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL HALL. THE EXHIBITION WILL LAST UNTIL JANUARY 26.

THE PRODUCTS INCLUDE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES, LEATHER GOODS, TOYS AND GIFTS, JEWELLERY, ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS, SPORTS GOODS, HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS AND FURNITURE.

FIVE STALLS ARE MANNED BY THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF INDUSTRIES, HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION TO PUBLICISE THEIR WORK.

THE EXHIBITION ALSO FEATURES DISPLAYS ON THE WORK OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE AND GOOD LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS AS WELL AS A SLIDE SHOW INTRODUCING THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

OUT OF A BUDGET OF ABOUT $180,000 FOR THE EXHIBITION, FUNDS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED TO PRODUCE 3,000 BROCHURES FOR DISTRIBUTION TO ORGANISATIONS AND FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE EXHIBITION AND TO OTHER BUSINESSMEN IN THE DISTRICT.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK; KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN COAK; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE EXHIBITION, MR JAMES TIEN.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

- 3 -PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES PAMPHLET PUBLISHED *****

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAVE STEPPED UP A JOINT CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE GREATER AWARENESS AMONG TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF THE SPREAD AND PREVENTION OF AIDS, HEPATITIS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES.

A PAMPHLET ON THE "PREVENTION OF BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES IN SCHOOLS" WAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY THE TWO DEPARTMENTS FOR ISSUE TO SCHOOLS.

THE PAMPHLET CONTAINS COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON VARIOUS MEDICAL ASPECTS OF AIDS AND HEPATITIS B AS WELL AS SUGGESTIONS ON THE TEACHING OF THIS TOPIC IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM.

ON THE TEACHING OF AIDS AND OTHER BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES, THE PAMPHLET SUGGESTED THAT THE TOPIC COULD BE TAUGHT THROUGH THE SUBJECTS OF ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, SOCIAL STUDIES, HUMAN BIOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES IN THE FORMAL CURRICULA.

TO HEIGHTEN STUDENTS’ AWARENESS, THE PAMPHLET SAID THIS COULD BE DONE THROUGH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES OR SPECIALLY-ARRANGED PROGRAMMES ON SEX EDUCATION OR MORAL EDUCATION IN THE INFORMAL CURRICULA FOR STUDENTS AT ALL LEVELS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A VARIETY OF RESOURCES AND AUDIO-VISUAL MATERIALS ON AIDS AND HEPATITIS WAS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SEX EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

IN ADDITION, A TELEVISION PROGRAMME ON AIDS WAS BEING PRODUCED BY THE EDUCATION TELEVISION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR BROADCASTING THIS SUMMER, HE SAID.

TO ASSIST TEACHERS IN PLANNING LEARNING ACTIVITIES ON AIDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS PREPARING A TEACHING KIT WHICH WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS LATER THIS YEAR.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

INCREASING IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES * » » *

EXPENDITURE ON FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR ACCOUNTS FOR MORE THAN 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON DIRECT WELFARE SERVICES, REFLECTING THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND FAMILY WELFARE SERVICES, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

OFFICIATING AT THE EXHIBITION ON FAMILY COMMUNICATION MOUNTED BY THE HONG KONG CATHOLIC MARRIAGE ADVISORY COUNCIL AT NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI, MR LAW SAID THAT MANY FAMILY PROBLEMS COULD BE AVOIDED WITH HARMONY AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS.

HE NOTED THAT OF THE SOME 33,000 FAMILY CASES HANDLED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HALF OF THEM CONCERNED FAMILY RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS.

"AT THE SAME TIME, MOST OF THE PROBLEM YOUTHS COME FROM PROBLEM FAMILIES, HENCE THE NEED FOR ACTIVELY PROMOTING FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION," HE SAID.

MR LAW STRESSED THAT "COMMUNICATION" WAS VERY IMPORTANT BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS, BECAUSE OF THE IMPLICATIONS ON INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP IN OUR CONTACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE.

"WE SHOULD TRY TO ACQUIRE AN EFFECTIVE AND GOOD COMMUNICATION METHOD, TO BE FRANK WITH OUR FAMILY MEMBERS AND PUT OUR HEADS TOGETHER IN TRYING TO SOLVE PROBLEMS," HE SAID.

"IN THIS WAY, WE CAN SHARE EACH OTHER’S FEELINGS AND THIS WILL HELP REMOVE ANY COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN OR GENERATION GAP.

"EVERYBODY WILL BE ABLE TO FEEL THAT HE IS AN IMPORTANT MEMBER OF THE FAMILY AND THE CONTENTMENT AND HAPPINESS THAT COME FROM THIS WARM AND HARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONSHIP WILL FAR SURPASS ANY MATERIALISTIC ENJOYMENT," HE ADDED.

MR LAW COMMENDED THE AGENCY FOR ORGANISING THE EXHIBITION WHICH WOULD HELP TO ACHIEVE THIS.

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/5........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

- 5 -

CO-OPERATION IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT STRESSED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t

THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, TODAY (SATURDAY) URGED PROPERTY OWNERS AND TENANTS IN THE DISTRICT TO CO-OPERATE FULLY IN MANAGING THEIR PREMISES.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A ’’BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION”, MR YEUNG SAID EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT NOT ONLY REDUCED THE COST OF MAINTENANCE AND PROLONGED THE LIFE SPAN OF THE BUILDING, BUT ALSO HELPED TN CREATING A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT.

’’OWING TO NEGLIGENCE IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN THE PASTj SOME UNSATISFACTORY SITUATIONS INVOLVING SUCH THINGS AS OBSTRUCTION OF THE FIRE ESCAPE, DEFECTS IN FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT, ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND UNHYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT OCCURRED,” HR SAID.

MR YEUNG SAID THAT EFFECTIVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT REQUIRED CO-OPERATION BETWEEN OWNERS AND TENANTS, AND THIS WAS MOSTLY DONE THROUGH OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, AND SOMETIMES THROUGH MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, WHERE INCORPORATIONS HAD NOT YET ESTABLISHED.

“WHICHEVER RESIDENT ASSOCIATION IS TO TAKE CHARGE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDING, IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR IT TO GAIN THE SUPPORT OF BOTH OWNERS AND TENANTS.

“MOREOVER, MANAGEMENT STAFF AND THE MANAGEMENT COMPANY ITSELF SHOULD BE MORE RESPONSIVE AND MUST HAVE A SOUND KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR WORK,” MR YEUNG SAID.

THE “BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION” IS ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATIONS AND IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND HONG YIP SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED. IT IS SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.

SPEAKERS IN THE SEMINAR INCLUDED ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MRS SUSAN MAK; CHIEF BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR H.W. CHEUNG; GENERAL MANAGER OF HONG YIP SERVICE COMPANY LIMITED, MR MOK CHI-HUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AFFAIRS ASSOCIATION, MR LEE ON.

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/6........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 19R8

- 6 -MONTH-LONG ARTS FESTIVAL IN TSUEN WAN OPENS *****

THE TENTH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING WITH A STAGE SHOW FEATURING WELL-KNOWN SINGERS AND PERFORMERS TOGETHER WITH BUDDING YOUNG LOCAL ARTISTES.

THE SHOW, PRESENTED IN ASSOCIATION WITH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WAS HELD IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. BEFORE THE PERFORMANCES BEGAN, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE FESTIVAL OPENING.

PERFORMANCES BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDED AN OPERETTA BY PARTICIPANTS IN THE ART NURTURE SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AND ALSO DANCE AND DRAMA STAGED BY THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.

THE PROGRAMME WILL BE TELEVISED ON THE JADE CHANNEL OF TVB AT 10.20 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

DURING THE FESTIVAL, LASTING UNTIL FEBRUARY 27, AROUND 6(1 INDOOR AND OUTDOOR PROGRAMMES WILL BE GIVEN, THE MAJORITY OF THEM IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA, ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS, VARIETY SHOWS AND DRAMA AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES BY MEMBERS OF TIIF TSUEN WAN ART NURTURE SCHEME.

A VISITING CANADIAN BALLET TROUPE WILL GIVE TWO PERFORMANCES, ON FEBRUARY 26 AND 27.

THERE WILL ALSO BE EXHIBITIONS AND DISPLAYS ON VARIOUS ARTS SUBJECTS IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF THE TOWN HALL.

A SERIES OF FREE LECTURE/DEMONSTRATIONS WILL BE ARRANGED SO THAT ARTS ENTHUSIASTS CAN SHARE EXPERIENCES WITH LEADING ARTISTS. OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ALSO ATTEND.

THE TENTH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.

-----0------

/7........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

C8D TEAM TO RUN IN MARATHON *****

FOURTEEN STAFF MEMBERS OF THE CORRECTIONAI. SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THREE INMATES FROM ITS TREATMENT CENTRES WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THE 1988 HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING.

THE INTERNATIONAL MARATHON IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS. THE AIM OF THE EVENT IS TO PROMOTE RUNNING AS A HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY IN CONTRAST TO THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE.

THE THREE INMATES WHO WILL TAKE PART IN THE MARATHON TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT OF THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE ARE FROM THE HEI LING TREATMENT CENTRE AND THE NEI KWU TREATMENT CENTRE.

-------0 ---------

TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR WALK FOR MILLIONS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS TO WATCH OUT FOR SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1988 NORTH DISTRICT WALK FOR MILLIONS.

THE ARRANGEMENTS WILL INCLUDE A SERIES OF ROAD CLOSURES AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS IN SHEUNG SHUI AND FANLING AREAS.

THE ROAD CLOSURES WILL START AT EITHER 8 AM OR 10 AM AND WILL END AT 5 PM. AFFECTED ROADS INCLUDE SECTIONS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD, THE FANLING BY-PASS, ROAD D3, ROAD D5 AND PIK FUNG ROAD, AND THE SLIP ROADS AT PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT.

IN ADDITION, TRAFFIC IN YUEN LONG HEADING FOR SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD SR6, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, ROAD SR9, ROAD SR10, FAN KAM ROAD AND SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM.

AS FOR THOSE FROM SHEUNG SHUI HEADING FOR TAI PO AND KOWLOON, THEY WILL HAVE TO USE THE SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT, ROAD D4, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ROAD D3 TO REJOIN FANLING BY-PASS AT KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM.

/THEY CAN .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

- 8 -

THEY CAN ALSO TRAVEL ALONG SHEUNG SHUT ROUNDABOUT, ROAD D4, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD.

ALSO FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM, TRAFFIC ON FANLING BY-PASS HEADING FOR SHEUNG SHUI WILL HAVE TO PROCEED ONWARDS AND MAKE TURNS AT SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT INSTEAD OF KAI LENG ROUNDABOUT. AT THE SAME TIME, ACCESS TO FAN LENG WAI WILL BE DIVERTED VIA JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.

FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM, KMB ROUTE NO. 78K PLYING BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI AND SHA TAU KOK WILL HAVE TO OPERATE VIA SAN FUNG AVENUE, HEUNG CHING ROAD, ROAD D4, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND FANLING PLAYGROUND ROAD IN BOTH DIRECTIONS. ।

---------0 -----------

JOCKEY CLUB ’PITCH IN’ TO KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN » * » « *

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, WILL JOIN HANDS WITH STAFF OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN A CLEANSING OPERATION TO BE HELD AT AN OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE IN KOWLOON.

THE OPERATION, TO BE LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BETTING OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR WARREN WILSON, WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN THE Area SURROUNDING THE HANKOW OFF-COURSE betting centre.

THE OPERATION, ONE OF THE MANY ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO "PITCH IN" DURING THIS YEAR'S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, AIMS AT REMINDING THE PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY PUNTERS AND SHOP OPERATORS, TO KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPERATION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW AT THE HANKOW OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE, 39-41 HANKOW ROAD, TS1M SHA TSUI. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.

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/9........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

DTC REGISTRATION TRANSFERRED * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT HE HAS GRANTED UNDER SECTION 42 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE A TRANSFER OF THE REGISTRATION AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY FROM AMRO (FINANCE AND SECURITIES) LIMITED TO AMRO FINANCE AND SECURITIES (ASIA) LIMITED.

THE TRANSFER HAS BEEN EFFECTED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON JANUARY 23, 1988.

- - 0 - -

KWAI TSING DISTRICT TO REMOVE ILLEGAL BANNERS

» » * ♦

ACTIONS TO REMOVE ILLEGALLY ERECTED SIGNBOARDS AND BANNERS, PARTICULARLY THOSE THAT ARE POTENTIAL HAZARDS TO TRAFFIC, WILL BE TAKEN ON JANUARY 29 (FRIDAY).

THE OPERATION FOLLOWS A DECISION BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY ENDORSED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.

SIGNBOARDS OR BANNERS MOUNTED ON ROAD DIVIDERS, BRIDGES AND FLYOVERS, AND ON GUARDRAILS WITHIN 20 METRES OF A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING, WILL BE REMOVED. THIS WILL ALSO INCLUDE BANNERS DISPLAYED BY DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES IN THESE PLACES.

RESIDENTS ARE ADVISED TO RECOVER THEIR SIGNBOARDS AND BANNERS OR THEY WILL BE REMOVED AND DESTROYED.

ANYONE WHO HAS DOUBTS SHOULD CONTACT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, THE AUTHORITY FOR THE ERECTION OF SIGNS ON CROWN LAND, OR THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE OR SUB-OFFICES.

- 0 -

/1O

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

PAINTING COMPETITION ON/HEALTH ISSUES *****

PARTICIPANTS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE TERRITORY-WIDE INTER-PRIMARY SCHOOL PAINTING COMPETITION DESIGNED TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS AND CONCERN AMONG STUDENTS ON PERSONAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES.

THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.

THE THEMES OF THE PAINTING COMPETITION ARE ”A CLEAN HONG KONG” AND ’’CLEAN AND HEALTHY FOOD”. PARTICIPANTS MAY CHOOSE ANY ONE THEME FOR ENTERING THE CONTEST.

THE IDEA OF THE THEME MUST BE EXPRESSED THROUGH A COLOUR PAINTING ON WHITE PAINTING PAPER OF A2 SIZE (420 MM X 594 MM).

THERE IS NO RESTRICTION ON THE KINDS OF DRAWING MATERIAL USED OR ON THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY EACH SCHOOL, BUT ONLY ONE ENTRY IS ALLOWED FOR EACH STUDENT.

THERE WILL BE 15 PRIZES FOR THIS COMPETITION WITH THE WINNER GETTING A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON VALUED AT $600.

ALL ENTRIES, TOGETHER WITH THE ENTRY FORMS, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH HEADS OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AT ROOM 924, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 393 CANTON ROAD BEFORE FEBRUARY 8 THIS YEAR.

AN EXHIBITION OF THE PRIZE-WINNING PAINTINGS WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL FROM MARCH 11 TO 14. THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 11 AT THE SAME VENUE.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE COMPETITION MAY BE MADE TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH ON 3-7236234 OR 3-7230824.

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/11 ........

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT

• * » * » *

THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT WILL BE HELD NEXT SATURDAY (JANUARY 30) AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL.

THIS WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT SUCH A LARGE-SCALE DANCE PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN HELD IN THE DISTRICT, AND ABOUT 250 DANCERS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM CHINESE, WESTERN AND CHILDREN’S DANCES.

THE DANCERS ARE EITHER ENTHUSIASTS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS OR STUDENTS FROM THE DISTRICT’S KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AS WELL AS FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS.

SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT IS ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP WHICH ATMS AT FOSTERING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST AND SKILLS IN DANCING.

IT ALSO HELPS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCE IN DANCING.

THE DANCE PERFORMANCE WILL START AT 7.30 PM AND TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.

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SIX-DAY DANCE CONTEST BEGINS * * * *

A SIX-DAY DANCE CONTEST FEATURING A VARIETY OF DANCES OPENED TONIGHT (SATURDAY) WITH COMPETITIONS IN THE CHINESE DANCE SECTION.

THE CONTEST, IN ITS I7TH YEAR, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, CO-ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, AND SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG ROTARY CLUB.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE NING PO NO. 2 COLLEGE, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID DANCING WAS NOT ONLY AN ART BUT ALSO A PASTIME THAT WOULD PROVIDE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT FOR AN INDIVIDUAL.

MR CHAN COMMENDED THE LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, PARTICULARLY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT CULTURE AND RECREATION PROMOTION ASSOCIATION, FOR SUCCESSFULLY STAGING THE EVENT.

/"THE DISTRICT-BASED

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

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’’THE DISTR LCT-BASED ASSOCIATION SHOULD TAKE PRIDE IN ITS EFFORTS IN PRESENTING A TERRITORY-WIDE CONTEST FOR. 17 CONSECUTIVE YEARS," HE NOTED.

THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 107 TEAMS HAVE JOINED THE CONTEST WHICH IS DIVIDED INTO CHILDREN, YOUTH AND OPEN SECTIONS TO CATER FOR DIFFERENT AGES AND INTERESTS.

ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR POON CHI-FAI; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU; AND PRESIDENT OF THE KWUN TONG ROTARY CLUB, MR LEE HO-LAP.

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PREMISES BEING LET FOR NON-1NDUSTR1AL PURPOSES ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED RY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT FOR THE LETTING OF GROUND FLOOR PREMISES ON HONG KONG ISLAND ON A SHORT-TERM LEASE.

LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR AND COCKLOFTS AT 11 KI LING LANE, THE 73-SQUARE-METRE PREMISES ARE STIPULATED TO BE USED ONLY FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.

THE TENANCY TERM IS FOR AN INITIAL PERIOD OF ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE BY AGREEMENT QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.

TENDERS CLOSE AT NOON ON FEBRUARY 12.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 23, 1988

- 13 -TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON * * *

OWING TO THE COMPLETION OF ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG FAT STREET WITH UN CHAU STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO, TRAFFIC ON THE U-SHAPED SECTION OF CHEUNG FAT STREET OFF UN CHAU STREET WILL BE CONVERTED TO OPERATE IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 26).

VEHICLES ON UN CHAU STREET HEADING FOR UN CHAU STREET ESTATE VIA CHEUNG FAT STREET WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT AT THE SOUTHERN JUNCTION OF UN CHAU STREET WITH CHEUNG FAT STREET.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE U-SHAPED SECTION OF CHEUNG FAT STREET FROM ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH UN CHAU STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A PEAK-HOUR (7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.

NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAY FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

IN YAU MA TEI, THE SECTION OF TAK SHING STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH COX'S ROAD TO HOUSE NO. 2A WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY. THE MEASURE AIMS AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SEVENTY-FIVE BUILDING PL.-JJS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER........ 1

RUNNERS FROM CHINA WIN THE MaRATHON ...................... 2

CS PAYS TRIBUTE TO YOUNG MUSICIANS ....................... 3

ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE IN FISHING PORTS ........... 4

YEAR OF DRAGON SPECLiL STAMPS TO BE ISSUED ............... 5

BEAUTY QUEEN TO GIVE OUT LUCKY NUMBER PLATE............... 6

PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO CLEAN SURROUNDING AREAS .......... 7

'PaINT AND PLAY' FOR 1,000 CHILDREN ...................... 8

DB SEMINAR ON SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT ........................ 8

NCMINATIONS INVITED FOR SOCIAL SERVICES aWARDS .......... 10

RETRAINING COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ........... 11

RESIDENTS TO LEaRN MORE „B0UT SOCLJu SERVICES ........... 12

CONTRACTORS REMINDED TO FENCE OFF OPENINGS .............. 12

TRAFFIC CHaNCES IN KOWLOON CITY ........................ 13

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

SEVENTY-FIVE BUILDING *

PLANS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER » * » I

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED 75 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PLANS APPROVED FOR THE 11-MONTH PERIOD OF THE YEAR TO 614.

APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENCE DEVELOPMENTS AGAIN TOPPED THE LIST WITH A TOTAL OF 41 PLANS. THE SECOND HIGHEST WENT TO FACTORY/WORKSHOP/INDUSTRIAL AND GODOWN DEVELOPMENTS WITH A TOTAL OF 16 PLANS. THESE INCLUDED TWO FACTORIES AT THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 2.3 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 IN KOWLOON AND 40 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 60 PROJECTS. THE FLOOR AREA OF THESE PROJECTS TOTALLED 444,673.6 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 321,396.9 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTTC USES.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS >1,072 MILLION.

ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 45 OCCUPATION PERMITS, OF WHICH 13 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 10 IN KOWLOON AND 22 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 40 DEMOLITION ORDERS AFFECTING 83 BUILDINGS.

DURING THE MONTH, THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 486 COMPLAINTS REGARDING ILLEGAL BUILDINGS AND ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 617 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 83 REMOVAL ORDERS.

THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION INSPECTED 414 BUILDINGS AND OBTAINED FOUR EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

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RUNNERS FROM CHINA WIN THE MARATHON *****

DISTANCE RUNNER CAI SHANG-YAN FROM CHINA WITH A PERSONAL TIME OF 2.23.07 WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE OPEN MEN DIVISION OF THIS YEAR’S HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON HELD ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE 1ST RUNNER-UP OF THE OPEN MEN DIVISION WAS HUGH JONES (ENGLAND) WITH A PERSONAL TIME OF 2.23.55 AND THE 2ND RUNNER-UP KEVIN RYAN (NEW ZEALAND) WITH 2.24.52.

THIS YEAR'S HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL MARATHON WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION.

LI XIN-XIA AND XIAO HONG-YAN, BOTH FROM CHINA, BECAME THE WINNER AND 1ST RUNNER-UP OF THE OPEN WOMEN DIVISION WITH PERSONAL TIMES OF 2.41.31 AND 2.42.36 RESPECTIVELY.

THE HONG KONG RUNNER VERONICA THRESH WAS THE 2ND RUNNER-UP WITH A PERSONAL TIME OF 3.14.14.

SINGAPOREAN ATHLETES DEREK YZELMAN, LAI PAK-LOK AND TANG SEE-CHONG TOPPED THE (.1ST OF THE WHEELCHAIR MEN DIVISION WITH PERSONAL TIMES OF 2.48.34, 2.50.25 AND 2.55.29 RESPECTIVELY.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE WHEELCHAIR WOMEN DIVISION WENT TO ONE OF THE TOP SEEDS OF THIS DIVISION, MAEDA ITSUKO FROM JAPAN, WITH A PERSONAL TIME OF 3.36.39. THE 1ST AND 2ND RUNNERS-UP WERE PATRICIA HILL (NEW ZEALAND) AND CHAN KAM-TIN (HONG KONG) WITH THE PERSONAL TIMES OF 3.38.36 AND 3.50.24 RESPECTIVELY.

THE RACE RECEIVED AN OVERWHELMING RESPONSE FROM BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS RUNNERS WITH A TOTAL OF 970 COMPETITORS FROM 19 COUNTRIES AND AREAS. THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

COMPETITORS WERE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE FOUR. LAPS OF A SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND SIIAU KEI WAN COVERING A DISTANCE Ob 42.195 KILOMETRES WHICH IS THE STANDARD LENGTH OF THE MODERN MARATHON.

BESIDES PROMOTING AN ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE BY BECOMING "ANTI-DRUG RUNNERS", COMPETITORS ALSO RAISED MONEY FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST BASED ON THEIR PERFORMANCE.

THE EVENT, THE ELEVENTH IN THE SERIES, WAS SPONSORED BY CATHAY PACIFIC, NEW BALANCE, DEL MONTE, WATSON’S DISTILLED WATER AND INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

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CS PAYS TRIBUTE TO YOUNG MUSICIANS * * « » »

THE MUSIC OFFICE PRESENTED A CONCERT BY MORE THAN 1,000 YOUNG MUSICIANS AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE ANNUAL TRAINEES’ GALA IS ONE OF THE MAJOR ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO PROVIDE ITS TRAINEES WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM IN PUBLIC.

THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AND LADY FORD OFFICIATED AT THE GALA AND PRESENTED AWARDS TO THE OFFICE’S OUTSTANDING TRAINEES, ORCHESTRAL, CHOIR AND BAND MEMBERS IN RECOGNITION OF 1HEIR ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE PAST YEAR.

ADDRESSING A CAPACITY AUDIENCE, SIR DAVID SAID : i AM

DELIGHTED TO BE HERE THIS AFTERNOON ON THIS VERY SPECIAL OCCASION SPECIAL TO THE YOUNG TRAINEES BECAUSE ON THIS OCCASION THEIR

ACHIEVEMENTS ARE GIVEN DUE RECOGNITION; AND SPECIAL TO THE MUSIC OFFICE BECAUSE THE CONCERT IS THE GRAND FINALE TO A SERIES OF MUSIC EVENTS HELD TO CELEBRATE ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY."

SIR DAVID SAID SOME PEOPLE REGARDED LEARNINi- MUSIC AS A PRODUCTIVE USE OF THEIR FREE TIME AND BETTER THAN SITT1 NG PASSIVELY WATCHING TELEVISION.

PROGRESS ALSO APPRECIATION OF A VITAL FACTOR

"LEARNING TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT AND TO MAKE HELPS A PERSON TO ACQUIRE A SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND THE VALUE OF HARD WORK. THIS SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT IS IN DEVELOPING THE CHARACTER OF ANY CHILD," HE SAID.

"THROUGH REGULAR PRACTICE, A PERSON ALSO bEAJ1^ SELF-DISCIPLINE AND THEREBY HOW TO APPLY SELF-MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN OTHER SPHERES OF’ ACTIVITIES. PRACTISING ALSO ENHANCES ONE S POWERS OF CONCENTRATION."

REFERRING TO MUSIC AS AN UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE, SIR DAVID SAID "THE ABILITY TO PLAY AN INSTRUMENT ALSO HELPS ONE TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH SIMILAR INTERSTS, BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.

"IT ALSO TEACHES HOW TO CO-OPERATE WITH OTHERS WHILE PLAYING IN ENSEMBLES AND ORCHESTRAS.

"THE ABILITY TO PLAY MUSIC AND TO APPRECIATE MUSIC ( ON I RI BUIES• TO THE BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF A PERSON. IT IS ALSO A LIFE-LONG SOURCE OF PLEASURE AND ENRICHMENT OF LEISURE TIME."

EARLIER, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MISS LOLLY CHIU, SAID HIE CONCERT MARKED YET ANOTHER MEANINGFUL YEAR OF THE WORK OF THE MUS I ( OFFICE.

/SHE SAID

SUNDAY, JANUARY ?A, 1988

SHE SAID : "IN THE PAST YEAR, WE HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY IN CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OFFICE’S TENTH ANNIVERSARY. IN ADDITION TO THE USUAL ACTIVITIES IN RUNNING INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR OVER 4,000 TRAINEES AND ORGANISING COMMUNITY CONCERTS, WE HAD THE CHINESE MUSIC WEEK IN NOVEMBER, STRING MUSIC WEEK IN DECEMBER, A BAND WEEK AROUND CHRISTMAS AND THE YOUNG MUSICIANS’ DEBUT WAS A DELIGHTFUL SUCCESS.

"WE WERE ALSO VERY ACTIVE IN OUR MUSIC EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES. OUR YOUTH SYMPHONY ORHESTRA COMPLETED A TOUR OF THE UNITED KINGDOM IN AUGUST, AND WE ALSO RECEIVED HERE GREAT MUSICIANS AND GROUPS FROM CHINA, JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES."

MISS CHIU GAVE A VOTE OF THANKS TO THE TEACHERS AND PARENTS FOR THEIR ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT.

THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR A.K. CHUI. AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CLIVE OXLEY, ALSO ATTENDED THE GALA.

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ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE IN FISHING PORTS

* » » » ♦

A SPECIAL INOCULATION DRIVE WILL BE MOUNTED IN THE NEXT THREE WEEKS FOR FISHERMEN WHO WANT TO GET THEIR DOOS IMMUNISED AGAINST RABIES.

ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT FOR THE SIXTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR SINCE 1983, THE DRIVE IS SPECIALLY TIMED TO SUIT THE CONVENIENCE OF FISHERMEN AS MOST OF THEM WILL BE BACK FROM THEIR FISHING TRIPS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

IT WILL TAKE THE FORM OF BOAT-TO-BOAT VISITS AND WILL LAST FOR NINE WORKING DAYS BETWEEN TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND FEBRUARY 10, FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM DAILY.

THE DEPARTMENT'S MOBILE INOCULATION TEAMS WILL FIRST VISIT THE FISHING PORTS OF ABERDEEN AND SHAU KEI WAN ON JANUARY 25 AND 26. THEY WILL THEN VISIT CHEUNG CHAU ON FEBRUARY 2 AND 3 AND SHAM MUN TSAI ON FEBRUARY 4 AND 5 RESPECTIVELY.

THE TEAMS WILL CALL ON TAI MEI TUK ON FEBRUARY 8, CASTLE PEAK BAY AND SAI KUNG ON FEBRUARY 8 AND 9, AND FINALLY SHA TAU KOK ON FEBRUARY 9 AND 10.

/THE DEPARTMENT'S

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

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THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER, DR NORMAN CHENG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE DRIVE IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS IN PREVENTING THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE DEADLY DISEASE INTO HONG KONG.

"DOGS ON BOARD FISHING VESSELS ARE VULNERABLE TO RABIES BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THEIR BEING IN CONTACT WITH OTHER ANIMALS OUTSIDE HONG KONG.

”IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THEY ARE INOCULATED AGAINST THE DISEASE EVERY THREE YEARS TO KEEP UP THEIR IMMUNITY,” DR CHENG SAID.

HE URGED THE FISHERMEN TO MAKE USE OF THE SPECIAL SERVICE TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AND LICENSED.

’’THE LAW REQUIRES ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS’ OLD TO BE LICENSED AND INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RENDER THE OWNER LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT,” DR CHENG SAID.

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YEAR OF DRAGON SPECIAL STAMPS TO BE ISSUED ♦ » ♦ * »

A SET OF FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS FEATURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE DRAGON AND A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING THE STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 27), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).

THE STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 50 CENTS, $1.30, $1.70 AND $5, WHILE THE SOUVENIR SHEET IS AT $8.5 EACH.

AS ALL POST OFFICES ARE EXPECTED TO BE CROWDED WITH CUSTOMERS ON THAT DAY, ADDITIONAL COUNTERS WILL BE SET UP AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, AND POST OFFICES AT BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HENNESSY ROAD, KING’S ROAD, MORRISON HILL, QUEEN’S ROAD AND SHEUNG WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

ADDITIONAL COUNTERS WILL ALSO BE SET UP AT POST OFFICES IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. THEY ARE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, GILLIES AVENUE, KOWLOON CENTRAL, KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, TSIM SHA TSUI AND TSUEN WING STREET.

EXTRA STAFF WOULD BE ON DUTY AT MOST POST OFFICES ON THAT DAY BUT QUEUES WERE NEVERTHELESS EXPECTED TO FORM, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.

’’THE PUBLIC ARE REQUESTED TO SHOW TOLERANCE AND, IF POSSIBLE, TO TRANSACT THEIR NORMAL POSTAL BUSINESS ON OTHER WORKING DAYS,” HE ADDED.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

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BEAUTY QUEEN TO GIVE OUT LUCKY NUMBER PLATE

*****

MISS HONG KONG, MISS PAULINE YEUNG, WILL BE THE HONORARY AUCTIONEER FOR A VERY SPECIAL CAR NUMBER - 8 - AT A VEHICLE NUMBER AUCTION SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 13 (SATURDAY).

THE AUCTION OF "LUCKY" VEHICLE NUMBERS, SPECIALLY ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF TVB, THE DEPARTMENT HAS SECURED THE AGREEMENT OF MISS YEUNG TO BE THE HONORARY AUCTIONEER FOR THE REGISTRATION NUMBER "8", CONSIDERED BY HONG KONG PEOPLE IN GENERAL AS A LUCKY NUMBER MEANING "PROSPERITY".

PUTTING THIS SPECIAL AUSPICIOUS NUMBER FOR AUCTION NEAR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT EXPECTED THAT BIDDING WILL BE BRISK FROM THE FIRST CALL.

APART FROM THE NUMBER "8", ANOTHER 18 SPECIALLY SELECTED "LUCKY" NUMBERS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO TO THE LOTTERIES FUND WHICH IS USED FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES.

MISS YEUNG WILL PRESENT THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER FOR NUMBER "8” WITH THE NUMBER PLATE BEARING THE SPECIAL NUMBER.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, WILL PRESENT A SOUVENIR TO MISS YEUNG IN APPRECIATION OF HER PARTICIPATION IN THE CHARITABLE CAUSE.

THIS WILL BE THE 121ST AUCTION HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973. THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY RAISED DURING THE PAST 120 AUCTIONS IS NEARLY #50 MILLION, WITH THE REGISTRATION NUMBER "3" FETCHING THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $1,030,000.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

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PRIVATE SECTOR URGED TO CLEAN SURROUNDING AREAS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED TO SUPPORT THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BY ’’ADOPTING” THE SURROUNDING PUBLIC PLACES OF THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS IN KEEPING THEM CLEAN.

THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, AT A CLEANSING OPERATION CARRIED OUT AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB’S HANKOW OFF-COURSE BETTING CENTRE.

MR SULKE EXPLAINED THAT BY ’’ADOPTING” THE SURROUNDING PUBLIC PLACES, IT MEANT THAT A CORPORATION OR AN ORGANISATION WOULD TAKE UP BOTH THE PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL RESPONSIBLITY FOR CLEANSING THESE AREAS.

TODAY’S OPERATION WAS LED BY MR SULKE AND THE DIRECTOR OF RETTING OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR WARREN WILSON. THEY JOINED HANDS WITH OTHER STAFF OF THE JOCKEY CLUB TO CLEAN UP THE SURROUNDING AREAS OF THE CENTRE.

”IT IS GOOD TO SEE THE ENTHUSIASM AND INVOLVEMENT OF THE JOCKEY CLUB IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, AND I HOPE THAT TODAY’S OPERATION WILL ENCOURAGE PUNTERS, HOWEVER UNLUCKY THEY MAY BE, TO THROW THEIR LOSING TICKETS INTO THE BIN AND NOT TO LITTER THE SURROUNDINGS OF THE BETTING CENTRES,” MR SULKE SAID.

’’WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE IN THIS YEAR’S CAMPAIGN IS TO HAVE A FAR GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF COMMERCIAL FIRMS, TO MOTIVATE THEM TO KEEP THE SURROUNDINGS OF THEIR PREMISES AND SHOPS CLEAN, AND TODAY THE JOCKEY CLUB IS GIVING AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE AS TO HOW THIS CAN BE DONE,” HE ADDED.

MR SULKE ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO THANK A NUMBER OF CORPORATIONS WHICH HAD ALREADY RESPONDED FAVOURABLY TO HIS APPEAL BY ORGANISING VARIOUS ’’PITCH IN” ACTIVITIES TN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

THESE CORPORATIONS WERE FROM THE OIL INDUSTRY, SUPERMARKET AND RETAIL BUSINESSES, PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATIONS, AND SO ON.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

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’PAINT AND PLAY’ FOR 1,000 CHILDREN *****

IT WAS A BUSTLING SCENE AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN THE SQUARE WAS TURNED INTO AN ART FAIR FOR SOME 1,000 YOUNG ARTISTS.

TAKING PART IN THE INSPIRING "PAINT AND PLAY" ACTIVITY DAY WERE CHILDREN AGED BELOW SEVEN WHO FULLY DEMONSTRATED THEIR CREATIVITY AND ARTISTIC TALENT BY USING PRIMITIVE MATERIAL SUCH AS CLAY, FLOUR, SAND AND WATER, WOOD, PAPER AND EVEN SCRAP IN THEIR WORK.

THE EVENT WAS INTENDED TO GIVE CHILDREN A CHANCE TO MAKE DECISIONS, ORGANISE THEIR WORK AND SOLVE PROBLEMS ON THEIR OWN.

THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES, PARENTS WOULD ALSO UNDERSTAND BETTER WHAT COULD BE DONE TO HELP CHILDREN DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL.

THE FUNCTION WAS OPENED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, AND VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MRS ELSIE TU.

MR LAM ALSO TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL UPON THE PARENTS TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 10, SO AS TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

THE "PAINT AND PLAY” ACTIVITY DAY WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CHUNG WAN AREA COMMITTEE, PRE-SCHOOL PLAYGROUPS ASSOCIATION AND THE SALVATION ARMY WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT ASSOCIATION FOR CULTURE AND ARTS.

DB SEMINAR ON SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT *****

THE POPULATION OF SHA TIN WAS ESTIMATED TO UE ABOUT 426,000 AS AT MARCH LAST YEAR, COMPRISING A PUBLIC HOUSING POPULATION OF 286,000 AND PRIVATE HOUSING POPULATION OF 140,000.

THIS WAS REVEALED AT A SEMINAR RECENTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT FOR DB MEMBERS TO HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE 1987 EDITION OF THE SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

/ACCORDING TO .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

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ACCORDING TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, KWONG YUEN ESTATE, YIU ON ESTATE AND PHASE 111 OF BIN KENG ESTATE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION WOULD HAVE A COMBINED CAPACITY FOR 46,700 RESIDENTS UPON COMPLETION.

NEW HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES UNDER CONSTRUCTION TN SHA TIN WERE HONG LAM COURT, KAM HAY COURT AND ONE NEAR YIU ON ESTATE. WHEN FULLY COMPLETED, THEY COULD ACCOMMODATE UP TO 25,200 PEOPLE.

TO IMPROVE THE PROVISION OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT, EIGHT SCHOOLS WOULD BE AVAILABLE UNDER STAGES V AND VI OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME.

OF THESE SCHOOLS, ONE HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED AND ANOTHER ONE NEARING COMPLETION. FIVE OTHERS WERE PLACED UNDER ADVANCED PROGRAMME, BRINGING THE COMPLETION DATE TO 1989, WHILE THE REMAINING ONE WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY 1990.

TWO MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED TO SHA TIN BY 1991 UNDER THE REPROVISTON I NG PROGRAMME.

ON THE TRANSPORT SIDE, PLANNING AND DESIGN WORK FOR THE ROAD NETWORK LINKING SHA TIN AND TOLO HIGHWAY TO THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL WAS UNDERWAY. THE ROADS WERE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1991 TO MATCH THE PLANNED COMPLETION DATE OF THE TUNNEL.

THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SHA TIN END OF ROUTE 5 LINKING SHA TIN TO TSUEN WAN STARTED IN JUNE LAST YEAR AND WAS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1989.

THE LINK ROAD FROM MA ON SHAN TO NAI CHUNG NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR. IT WOULD PROVIDE A DIRECT ROAD CONNECTION TO SAI KUNG.

THE IMPROVEMENTS TO TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE KOWLOON RESERVOIR WAS IN PROGRESS AND WAS DUE FOR COMPLETION BY THE END OF THE YEAR. THERE WAS HOWEVER A POSSIBILITY THAT THE PROJECT WOULD BE EXTENDED TO WIDEN THE SECTION BETWEEN TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE AND TAI WAI VIADUCT FOR THREE-LANE TRAFFIC.

ON THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL FACILITIES, THE SHA TIN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE SAID THAT CONSTRUCTION OF THE CENTRAL PARK HAD BEEN UPSET BY CONTRACTUAL PROBLEMS WHICH HAD CAUSED NUMEROUS DELAYS. IT WAS HOPED THAT THE PARK WOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.

WORKS ON A LOCAL OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO THE CULTURAL COMPLEX IN TOWN CENTRE WAS NEARING COMPLETION, AND WORKS HAD BEEN COMMENCED ON ANOTHER ONE NEAR HOTEL RIVERSIDE PLAZA. RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR AREAS NEAR CITY ONE, PAI TAU AND YUEN CHAU KOK WOULD START EARLY THIS YEAR.

/THE INDOOR ........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

THE INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE IN YUEN WO ROAD WAS NEARING CONP: ETION. SIMILAR PROJECTS AT HENG ON ESTATE AND HIN KENG ESTATE HAD BEEN COMPLETED RECENTLY AND FACILITIES WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR USE EARLY THIS YEAR.

AT THE SEMINAR, MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHOWED MUCH INTEREST IN TIL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND SOMF RELATED ISSUES WOULD BE FURTHER DISCUSSED AT THE RESPECTIVE COMMITTEES NEXT MONTH.

- 0 -

NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR SOCIAL SERVICES AWARDS ♦ « » »

LOCAL RESIDENTS, SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, RESIDENTS ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO NOMINATE CANDIDATES FOR THE DISTRICT’S SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME.

ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE THIRD YEAR, THE SCHEME WILL BE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE WORK AND CONTRIBUTION OF THE NOMINEES IN VOLUNTARY COMMUNITY SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.

"WE HOPE THAT BY GIVING DUE RECOGNITION TO THOSE WHO HAVE RENDERED COMMENDABLE SERVICES, MORE PEOPLE WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID.

A NEW DIVISION, THE GROUP DIVISION, HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE AWARD SCHEME THIS YEAR. OTHER DIVISIONS REMAIN THE STUDENTS DIVISION WHICH IS SUB-DIVIDED INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL, SECONDARY AND POST SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS; AND THE OPEN DIVISION WHICH COMPRISES THE WORKING PEOPLE AND NON-WORKING PEOPLE SECTIONS.

THE NOMINEES MUST EITHER LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT. NOMINEES FOR THE NON-WORKING PEOPLE SECTION CAN BE HOUSEWIVES OR RETIRED PERSONS.

THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN VOLUNTARY SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY, DISABLED, YOUTH OR CHILDREN, OR HAVE PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS, NON-PROFIT MAKING WELFARE BODIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, AND SO ON.

FOR THE GROUP DIVISION, NOMINATIONS CAN BE MADE FOR GROUPS OF TWO OF MORE PERSONS WHO WORKED TOGETHER IN RENDERING SUCH SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY.

/"THE DEADLINE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

"THE DEADLINE FOR NOMINATIONS WILL BE APRIL 15. NOMINATION FORMS HAVE BEEN SENT TO VARIOUS LOCAL BODIES AND ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"AN ADJUDICATING PANEL APPOINTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL EXAMINE ALL NOMINATIONS AND SELECT THE FINALISTS FOR INTERVIEWS IN MAY. THE FIRST THREE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS AND SOUVENIRS WHILE ALL FINALISTS WILL GET A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION AND SOUVENIRS," HE ADDED.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT DETAILS OF THE AWARD SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.

-------0---------

RETRAINING COURSE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS

» » » » »

TO HELP SERVING PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS FAMILIARISE WITH MODERN METHODS AND APPROACHES IN CLASS TEACHING, NEW CONCEPTS OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND THE USE OF RESOURCES, THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL AGAIN ORGANISE FOUR RETRAINING COURSES IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.

THE EIGHT-WEEK RETRAINING COURSES WILL EMPHASISE MAINLY ON THE PRACTICAL ASPECTS, HELPING TEACHERS TO IMPLEMENT THE ACTIVITY APPROACH AND DEVELOPING MODERN METHODS IN PROGRAMMED LEARNING,' TEAM TEACHING, REMEDIAL TEACHING AND MIXED ABILITY GROUPING.

THE FREE COURSES WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHETHER OR NOT THEY ARE ADOPTING ACTIVITY APPROACH IN THEIR CLASS TEACHING.

THE PROGRAMME WILL CONSIST OF WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS AND TUTORIALS. THERE WILL BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARTICIPANTS TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED IN CLASSROOM SITUATIONS, TO CONSTRUCT AND DESIGN TEACHING AIDS AND TO VISIT VARIOUS TEACHING CENTRES AND SCHOOLS WHICH ADOPT AND PRACTISE THE ACTIVITY APPROACH.

SCHOOL HEADS ARE REQUESTED TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSES TO THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD BEFORE MARCH 14.

-------0----------

/12........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 24, 1988

12 -

RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SOCIAL SERVICES

*****

A PROJECT AIMING TO INTRODUCE TO KWUN TONG RESIDENTS THE PROVISION AND AVAILABILITY OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THEIR DISTRICT STARTED TODAY (SUNDAY) WITH AN EXHIBITION AT TELFORD GARDENS PODIUM.

FOUR MAIN AREAS IN SOCIAL SERVICES - SOCIAL WELFARE, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, AND LABOUR - ARE FEATURED IN THE MOBILE EXHIBITION, WHICH IS A MAJOR PART OF THE "SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG" PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION, KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, SAID THE PROJECT WAS INFORMATIVE AND SERVED A GOOD PURPOSE OF IDENTIFYING COMMUNITY NEEDS.

HE SAID THE 680,000 POPULATION IN KWUN TONG WERE BEING PROVIDED WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES, WHICH WERE UNDER REGULAR REVIEW TO COPE WITH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD UNTIL FEBRUARY 5 AT THREE LOCATIONS - AT THE TELFORD GARDENS PODIUM TODAY, AT THE TELFORD GARDENS SHOPPING MALL ON JANUARY 25 AND 26, AND AT THE KWUN TONG MTR STATION FROM JANUARY 27 TO FEBRUARY 5.

OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE A SEMINAR ON JANUARY 31 AND THE PRODUCTION OF 20,000 LEAFLETS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS.

-----0------

CONTRACTORS REMINDED TO FENCE OFF OPENINGS

* * * *

A CONTRACTOR WAS RECENTLY FINED $30,000 AT THE SOUTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY FOR FAILING TO PROVIDE SUITABLE GUARDRAILS AT FLOOR EDGES AND TO ENCLOSE THE HOISTWAY OF A HOIST AT A CONSTRUCTION SITE IN FERRY STREET.

THIS FOLLOWED AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH A WORKER FELL TO HIS DEATH FROM THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION AT THE SITE.

IN PASSING SENTENCE, THE MAGISTRATE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE DEFENDANT HAD NO PREVIOUS CONVICTION RECORD, A DETERRENT FINE HAD TO BE IMPOSED TO BRING THE ATTENTION OF OTHER CONTRACTORS TO THE SAFETY LEGISLATION.

/UNDER THE .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2*4, 1988

UNDER THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, FLOOR EDGES, BALCONIES, LIFT SHAFT OPENINGS AND OTHER DANGEROUS PLACES FROM WHICH A PERSON IS LIABLE TO FALL, MUST BE SECURELY FENCED OFF.

IN ADDITION, THE HOISTWAY OF EVERY HOIST SHALL, AT ALL POINTS AT WHICH ACCESS TO THE HOISTWAY IS PROVIDED, OR AT WHICH PERSONS ARE LIABLE TO BE STRUCK BY ANY MOVING PART OF THE HOIST, BE EFFICIENTLY PROTECTED BY A SUBSTANTIAL ENCLOSURE.

THE REGULATIONS ALSO SPECIFY CERTAIN PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF WORKERS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.

ANY EMPLOYER WHO CONTRAVENES THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE PROVISION OF GUARDRAILS AND THE OPERATION OF HOISTS IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND $30,000 RESPECTIVELY.

ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE REGULATIONS MAY BE MADE TO ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.

-------0----------

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY * * * * *

TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS, A SHORT SECTION OF NAM KOK ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH CARPENTER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 27 I FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.

VEHICLES ON NAM KOK ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PASS THROUGH THE JUNCTION FOR TURNING RIGHT ON TO CARPENTER ROAD.

IN ADDITION, THE SECTION OF NAM KOK ROAD TO THE NORTH OF NGA TSIN WAI ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO A TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC WITH ENTRANCE AND EXIT AT NGA TSIN WAI ROAD ONLY.

-------O----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CONSTRUCTION OF HK'S FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT MUSEUM STARTS NEXT MONTH .................................................... 1

NEED TO ASSIST FINISHING, PRINTING, DYEING INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTED ................................................... 2

SWAC ENDORSES VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION FOR PRIVATE ELDERLY HOMES.......................................................... 2

COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS FACTORY ........................ 3

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR DECEMBER PUBLISHED ................. 4

STUDY ON EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME ............................... 6

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER S1.3 MILLION FUND APPLICATIONS .......... 7

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER OLD BUILDINGS STUDY ..................... 7

ANTI-CULT WORKING GROUP MEETS ................................. 8

WATER STORAGE FIGURE .......................................... 8

CAUSEWAY BAY TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE............................ 8

ROAD CLOSURE IN TAI PO ........................................ 8

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1988

CONSTRUCTION OF HK’S FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT MUSEUM STARTS NEXT MONTH ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t «

WORK WILL START NEXT MONTH ON THE PURPOSE-BUILT MUSEUM OF ART IN HONG ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, SAID

CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF TODAY (MONDAY).

MR LEI'S ANNOUNCEMENT CAME AFTER HE SIGNED THE MAIN CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL COST A TOTAL OF $176 MILLION AND TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS T COMPLET1

LOCATED NEX" r* ‘ THE SPACE MUSEUM AND THE CULTURAL CENTRE, TLE MUSEUM OF ART IS TL1 THIRD AND FINAL PHASF TN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURAL CENTRE. IT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING MUSBUM LOCATED AT TLF HIGH BL<*CK OF THE CITY HALL WHEN IT IS COMPLETED IN JANUARY 1990.

MR LEI SAID "THE BASIC AIM OF THE DESIGN WAS TO ACHIEVE A DISTINGUISHED BUILDING THAT WOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE TALL RECTANGULAR BULDINGS SO TYPICAL OF HONG KONG."

THE MUSEUM CONSISTS OF FIVE STOREYS AND A ONE-LEVEL BASEMENT.

IT HAS A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 17,000 SQUARE METRES, DIVIDED INTO THREE ELEMENTS OF LARGELY WINDOWLESS GALLERIES ABOVE A PODIUM. THE THREE ELEMENTS ARE SEPARATED BY TWO ATRIUM SPACES THAT DIVIDE THE BUILDING FROM PODIUM TO ROOF.

THE CENTRAL ELEMENT OF THE BUILDING CONTAINS THE ORIENTATION AND HISTORICAL PICTURES GALLERIES. THE WEST BLOCK CONTAINS THE HONG KONG CONTEMPORARY ART GALLERY AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE/CURATOR!CAL OFFICES. THE EAST BLOCK CONTAINS THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITION, THE CHINESE ANTIQUITIES GALLERIES AND CHINESE FINE ART GALLERIES.

THERE IS A TOTA1 OF SIX GALLERIES WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 5,000 SQUARE METRES.

THE MAIN PL.4 .IC ENTRANCE IS PLACED AT PODIUM LEVEL WITH A GRAND STAIR AND AN ESCALATOR TAKING VISITORS UP FROM GROUND LEVEL.

ESCALATORS WILL FURTHER LINK UP THE ENTRANCE WITH THE VARIOUS UPPER GALLERIES. LOUNGES AROUND ESCALATORS ALLOW THE VISITORS 10 ENJOY MAGNIFICENT VIEWS ACROSS THE HARBOUR.

SEPARATE ENTRANCES ARE ALLOWED AT GROUND LEVEL FOR STAFF AND HANDICAPPED VISITORS. THIS PODIUM ALSO HOUSES THE MUSEUM SHOP AND ORIENTATION ROOMS FOR LARGE GROUPS AND SCHOOLS.

THE SPACE MUSEUM WAS THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT WHILE THE AUDITORIA, RESTAURANTS AND ADMINISTRATION BUILDING FORMED PHASE II.

THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF CONSTRUCTING PHASE 1 - III ABOUT $680 MILLION. THE PROJECT IS FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT AND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1988

NEED TO ASSIST FINISHING, PRINTING, DYEING INDUSTRY HIGHLIGHTED ♦ ♦ » t ♦ • ‘

A RECENT TECHNO-ECONOMIC STUDY HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER MEASURES TO ASSIST THE FINISHING, PRINTING AND DYEING INDUSTRY TO IMPROVE BOTH THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF ITS OUTPUT, SO THAT IT MAY BETTER SUPPORT THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRIES IN THEIR RESPONSE TO EXTERNAL DEMAND.

THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY) AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF CONCORDIA PAPER LIMITED IN THE YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

AS THAT SUPPORTING INDUSTRY NEEDED AN AMPLE SUPPLY OF WATER, MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD THEREFORE DISCUSSED WITH THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION WAYS OF INCREASING THE WATER SUPPLY TO YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

"THIS ENABLES SITES TO BE GRANTED TO FURTHER LARGE WATER USING INDUSTRIES WHICH COULD SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTE TO EITHER BROADENING HONG KONG'S INDUSTRIAL BASE OR LEAD TO IMPROVEMENTS IN EXISTING TECHNOLOGY LEVELS AND QUALITY STANDARDS.

"WE ALSO RECOGNISE THE NEED TO MAINTAIN ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS AND ARE STUDYING HOW TO EXPAND THE EFFLUENT TREATMENT WORKS WHICH RECEIVE THE LIQUID WASTE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.

"IF ALL GOES AS PLANNED, IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE FOP THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION TO GRANT A NUMBER OF SITES TO FURTHER HEAVY WATER USERS LATER THIS YEAR."

MR YEUNG ALSO STRESSED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD NOT ONLY FACILITATE THE CONTINUED GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXPORTING INDUSTRIES, BUT SHOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE MANY SUPPORTING INDUSTRIES WHICH PROVIDED ESSENTIAL COMPONENTS OR TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO SUCH EXPORTERS WERE NOT NEGLECTED.

------0-------

SWAC ENDORSES VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION FOR PRIVATE ELDERLY HOMES ♦ ♦ * *

THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS ENDORSED THE VIEW THAT A VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION SYSTEM SHOULD BE INTRODUCED FOR PRIVATE ELDERLY HOMES WHICH ARE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SUCH HOMES.

IT ALSO AGREED THAT FOR THIS PURPOSE, AN INSPECTION UNIT SHOULD BE SET UP IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THAT THE ASSOCIATION OF PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE INVOLVED.

/AT ITS

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1986

- 5 -

AT ITS MEETING TODAY (MONDAY), THE COMMITTEE DISCUSSED THE FINDINGS OF A REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT INTO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY WHICH WAS INTRODUCTED IN OCTOBER 1986.

WHILE THE ROLE PLAYED BY PRIVATE HOMES IN THE PROVISIONS FOR THE ELDERLY WAS APPRECIATED, THE COMMITTEE FULLY RECOGNISED THAT THE WELL-BEING OF THE ELDERLY SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF.

IT SAW LEGISLATIVE CONTROL AS THE ULTIMATE AIM, WITH 1992 AS THE TARGET DATE.

TO GIVE THE OPERATORS INCENTIVES TO COMPLY WITH THE CODE, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO OPTIONS SUCH AB FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, BUYING PLACES, TRAINING FOR IN-SERVICE STAFF OF REGISTERED HOMES, REFERRAL OF CASES, AND AS A LONGER TERM MEASURE, GRANTING OF LAND AT REDUCED PREMIUM FOR BUILDING ELDERLY HOME.

ON SPACE REQUIREMENT, SOME MEMBERS WERE FOR RETAINING THE PRESENT SPECIFICATION OF 9.6 SQUARE METRES WHILE SOME WANTED SOME SORT OF REDUCTION.

AS FOR FIRE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, THE COMMITTEE FELT THAT THE CURRENT STANDARDS SHOULD BE MAINTAINED.

ANOTHER TOPIC DISCUSSED AT THE MEETING WAS THE SETTING UP OF A HOSTEL FOR DISCHARGEES FROM REFORMATORY SCHOOLS IN CHEUNG HONG ESTATE ON TSING YI AND MEMBERS UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED THE SETTING UP OF SUCH A FACILITY THERE.

------0-------

COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS FACTORY

* * *

THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED A GARMENT MANUFACTURING FACTORY AT QUARRY BAY TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LOCAL INDUSTRIAL AND LABOUR SCENE.

MR HAMMOND TOURED VARIOUS PARTS OF THE DESMOND GARMENT MANUFACTURING, AND ALSO DISCUSSED A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING LABOUR SHORTAGE, STAFF WELFARE AND LABOUR LEGISLATION WITH THE MANAGEMENT.

HE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE COMPANY’S MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR P.D. MEHTA, AND THE FACTORY’S MANAGER, MR TONG WING-YIN.

DESMOND GARMENT MANUFACTURING PRODUCES MAINLY SHIRTS AND GOWNS FOR THE MARKET1 TN NORTHERN EUROPE.

A....

MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 4 -

CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR DECEMBER PUBLISHED *****

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR DECEMBER 1987. THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCTOBER 84/SEPTEMBER 86 = 100) FOR DECEMBER 1987 WERE BOTH 113.0, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 7.5 PER CENT AND 7.0 PER CENT RESPECTTVYL OVER DECEMBER 1986. COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1987 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT AND THE CPI(B), BY 1.1 PER CENT.

THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE WHOLE OF 19c7. AT 109.4 AND 109.5 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 6.5 PER CENT AND 5.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN IN 1986.

DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED DECEMBER 1987, SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 1.0 PER CENT PER MONTH, AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(B), AT 0.£ PER CENT PER MONTH.

THE SHARP INCREASE IN THE PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES DURING DECEMBER CONTRIBUTED SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE UPSURGE IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B), MAINLY BECAUSE OF REDUCED SUPPLY AS A RESULT OF THE COLD WEATHER IN EARLY DECEMBER. THIS REDUCED SUPPLY WAS, HOWEVER, ONLV TEMPORARY. PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES TENDED TO EASE TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.

THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, 0F,,,’/^DAN HOUSEHOLDS TN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 19P4/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.

CHANGES TN THE INDEXES FOR DECEMBER 1987 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1987 AND DECEMBER 1986, ARE GIVEN BELOW.

(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)

CPI(A) CPI(B)

INDEX % CHANGE % CHANGE INDEX % CHANGE % CHANGE

FOR OVER OVER FOR OVER OVER

SECTION DEC.87 NOV.87 DEC.86 DEC.87 NOV.87 DEC.86

—————— ———————— ———————— — — — — — — — —

FOODSTUFFS 110.8 + 2.4 + 9.6 111.2 + 2.2 + 9.3

HOUSING 111.3 + 0.1 + 2.8 108.6 + 0.1 +2.2

/FUEL AND

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1988

- 5 -

FUEL AND

LIGHT 92.4 -0.1 + 4.5 92.9 -0.2 + 4.4

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 117.2 + 0.1 + 6.2 117.8 + 0.1 + 6.8

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 120.4 + 2.1 + 8.0 122.3 + 2.1 + 8.2

DURABLE GOODS 113.2 -0.2 + 4.6 112.5 -0.1 + 4.7

MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 119.7 + 1.0 + 8.0 119.4 + 0.8 + 8.2

TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 117.1 + 0.0* + 9.2 116.1 + 0.1 + 8.9

SERVICES 121.3 + 0.3 + 6.7 120.8 + 0.5 + 7.1

ALL ITEMS 113.0 + 1.3 + 7.5 113.0 + 1.1 + 7.0

♦ LESS THAN 0.05 PER CENT

COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1987, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 2.4 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 2.2 PER CENT IN CPI(B). THIS WAS MAINLY DUR TO INCREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND SALT-WATER FISH AND IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.

THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY 2.1 PER CENT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF OUTER CLOTHING.

THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 1.0 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.8 PER CENT IN CP1(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY AND MEDICINES.

THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 0.3 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.5 PER CENT IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR PACKAGE TOURS AND ADMISSION TO NIGHT CLUBS AND DISCOTHEQUES AROUND THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER SECTIONS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.

(FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.)

/More details .......

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1988

MARR DRTATI S ARE GIVEN TN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT FOR D«Z>T WC1 IS AVAILABLE AT .3.50 PER COPY PROM THS GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND

SnAUOhI PLACE, KONO KONC; OR FROM THE CENSUS ANO STATLSTICB DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN ^HAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MTSATON BUILDING. 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS. ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES MAY BE MADE TO THE CONSUMER

PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS 6-8235089.

AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT

DECEMBER 1987, UP BY

0.7

PER

THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 116.6 IN -----------

PFNT OVFR NOVEMBER 1987 AND UP BY 7.8 PER CENT OVER DECEMBER 1986. THE ™ NOVEMBER IBBf a PYPKNnTTlJRR PATTERN OF THE 10 PER CENT

HANO SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF THE 10 .

OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT $10,000-24,999 DURING THE 1984/85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. FURTHER REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE HANG SENG CPI REPORT BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF HANG SENG BANK LIMITED.

A MONTH DETAILS ISSUED

- 0 -

STUDY ON EFFLUENT EXPORT SCHEME * ♦ * ♦ »

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY AND ECONOMIC VIABILITY OF EXPORTING IN PART OR IN ITS ENTIRETY THE TREATED EFFLUENT FROM THE SHA TIN AND THE TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO THE KAI TAK NULLAH.

THE PROJECT IS ONE OF THE MEASURES AIMED AT IMPROVING THE WATER QUALITY OF TOuO HARBOUR.

AN AGREEMENT SIGNING CEREMONY TOOK PLACE TODAY (MONDAY) BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF EPD AND BALFOUR INTERNATIONAL(ASIA)/CHARLES HASWELL PARTNERS (FAR EAST).

THE STUDY, AT A COST OF $2.5 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

-------O----------

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1988

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER $1.3 MILLION FUND APPLICATIONS

*****

THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 27) MORNING TO CONSIDER 85 APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, WHICH WILL AMOUNT TO SOME $1.34 MILLION IN TOTAL.

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S DISTRICT FESTIVAL SUBSIDY SCHEME TO BE ENFORCED IN 1988-89.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, THE COMMITTEE’S FINANCIAL POSITION AND PROGRESS OF DISTRICT BOARD SPONSORED ACTIVITIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT </.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 27) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.

------0--------

COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER OLD BUILDINGS STUDY

* * * *

THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER A PROPOSAL TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON THE PROBLEMS OF OLD BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

A WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP UNDER THE COMMITTEE LAST YEAR TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEMS OF OLD BUILDINGS AND HOW THEY AFFECT THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENT, WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENDING REDEVELOPMENT TO THE GOVERNMENT.

THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE REVISED GUIDELINES ON THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR CARRYING OUT MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

DISCUSSIONS WILL FOCUS ON THE GUIDELINES REGULATING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR IMPROVING THE CONDITION OF EXTERNAL WALLS OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS, SUCH AS REMOVING EYESORES OR HAZARDOUS OBJECTS.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE TRAFFIC SITUATION AFTER THE OPENING OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR STAGE III; MEASURES TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN FLOW AT ARGYLE STREET; AND THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF VARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.

-------0--------- /8......................

MONDAY, JANUARY 25, 1988

- 8 -

ANTI-CULT WORKING GROUP MEETS * * * * *

THE WORKING GROUP ON ANTI-HERETICAL ACTIVITIES OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PUBLICATION OF A PAMPHLET FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC.

IT WILL ALSO SELECT ITEMS FOR ITS "DATA BANK", AND CONSIDER THE PROPOSAL TO RENAME ITSELF AS "WORKING GROUP ON RELIGIOUS CULT ACTIVITIES”.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON ANTI-HERETICAL ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, WAN CHAI.

------0-------

WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *

STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 56.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 331.230 MILLION CUBIC METRES.

THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 338.792 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 67.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.

------0 ------

CAUSEWAY BAY TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE

*****

JARDINE’S BAZAAR IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM DAILY FROM JANUARY 28 (THURSDAY) TO FEBRUARY 11 FOR DRAINAGE WORK.

DURING THE CLOSURE, AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PENNINGTON STREET AND YEE WO STREET.

------0--------

ROAD CLOSURE IN TAI PO

* * *

TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOTBRIDGE, THE SECTION OF ON CHEE ROAD IN TAT PO BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH ON CHEUNG ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO TAI PO CENTRAL BUS TERMINUS WILL BE CLOSED FROM 2 AM TO 5 AM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 28).

------o--------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

CS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF CHINA LINKS, CONTINUITY IN HK ... 1

NOMINATIONS FOR DB ELECTIONS CLOSE NEXT WEEK............... 4

AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH SWITZERLAND ............ 5

MEMBERS TO ASK EIGHT QUESTIONS IN LEGCO.................... 6

FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER BLOCK GRANTS ................ 7

DECEMBER PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED .............. 8

NEW CHARITABLE FUND SET UP................................ 11

ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED.............................. 12

HONG KONG CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY ........... 16

M & H STAFF GIVEN REASSURANCE ON STATUS .................. 16

YOUTHS INVITED TO JOIN aCAN VOLUNTEER GROUP .............. 17

EDUCATION BOaRD MEMBERS VISIT KINDERGARTEN ............... 18

TWO ADDITIONAL RICE IMPORTERS TO BE SELECTED.............. 19

VARIETY SHOW TO CONCLUDE FIGHT CRIME PROGRAMME............ 20

COMMITTEE TO REVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORK........ 20

BOOKLET ON HOUSING POLICY PUBLISHED ...................... 21

NEW YEAR POSTERS TO PROMOTE DB ELECTIONS.................. 22

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN ....... 22

RECREATION GROUND TO SERVE ABERDEEN RESIDENTS ............ 23

FOUR-DAY'OPERATION TO CLEAR BACK LANE STRUCTURES.......... 24

33-HOUR CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MjJKLiRET ROAD FLYOVER........ 24

TEMPORARY-TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT ........... 25

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

CS STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF CHINA LINKS, CONTINUITY IN HK

* » * * »

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF STRONG, MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WAS HIGHLIGHTED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, WHO NOTED THAT ’’TIMES HAVE CHANGED DRAMATICALLY SINCE THE SIXTIES AND SEVENTIES,” WHEN LINKS WERE FEW.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH LINKS WAS COMPARABLE IN IMPORTANCE TO THE JOINT DECLARATION, SIR DAVID SAID IN A SPEECH TO THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ON THE SUBJECT OF "HONG KONG IN TRANSITION.”

THE JOINT DECLARATION HERALDED A MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE--THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997--BUT, HE SAID, THE BULK OF THE DOCUMENT WAS ABOUT CONTINUITY—’’CONTINUING OUR PRESENT INSTITUTIONS AND WAY OF LIFE."

"THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION REFLECT THE IMPORTANCE TO CHINA AS WELL AS TO HONG KONG THAT THE SEPARATENESS OF THE TWO SHOULD BE MAINTAINED," HE EMPHASISED.

HE SAID THAT "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" REPRESENTED AN IMPORTANT POLITICAL REALITY. MAINTAINING A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY FOR HONG KONG WAS CRUCIAL TO THE CONTINUING PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG AND CRUCIAL IN ENSURING THAT HONG KONG COULD PLAY ITS PART IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWING PROSPERITY OF THE MAINLAND.

"THE NEED FOR CONTINUITY HAS BEEN IN THE FOREFRONT OF OUR MINDS SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE JOINT DECLARATION THREE YEARS AGO," SIR DAVID SAID.

"IT IS OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD. CONTINUITY MEANS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN ESSENTIALLY THE SAME WAY AS IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST.

"IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE SHOULD BE NO CHANGE; INDEED CHANGE IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE LEGISLATURE IS WRITTEN INTO THE JOINT DECLARATION ITSELF. BUT IT DOES MEAN A CONTINUITY OF THE ESSENTIALS OF OUR WAY OF LIFE AND OF THE WAY IN WHICH WE CONDUCT OUR OWN AFFAIRS."

SIR DAVID SAID OPINION POLLS WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE ISSUES THAT REALLY CONCERNED THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE HAD NOT CHANGED MUCH OVER THE PAST FIVE OR EVEN 10 YEARS. THESE WERE THE ECONOMY, SECURITY, SOCIAL SERVICES—HOUSING, MEDICAL CARE, EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE--AND TRAFFIC.

HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THESE WERE THE ISSUES THAT MOST PEOPLE CARED ABOUT, WORRIED ABOUT, AND LOOKED TO THE GOVERNMENT TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT. AND IN THESE AREAS HONG KONG COULD LOOK BACK WITH SOME SATISFACTION.

/THE ECONOMY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

THE ECONOMY IN 1987 HAD RECORDED ITS SECOND SUCCESSIVE YEAR OF DOUBLE DIGIT GROWTH AND ALTHOUGH SOME SLOWDOWN WAS EXPECTED THIS YEAR MOST PEOPLE WERE QUIETLY CONFIDENT THAT 1988 WOULD BE QUITE A GOOD YEAR.

"THIS ENCOURAGING ECONOMIC POSITION UNDERPINS GOVERNMENT PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE," HE SAID.

"WE MADE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN 1987 AND HAVE ANNOUNCED FORWARD LOOKING PLANS WHICH WILL ENSURE THAT PROGRESS IS MAINTAINED."

SIR DAVID SAID THAT, LOOKING BEYOND 1988, HE BELIEVED THAT THESE SAME CONCERNS AND THE GOVERNMENT’S ABILITY TO MEET THEM WOULD CONTINUE TO PROVIDE THE BACKGROUND AGAINST WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD ASSESS THEIR OWN SITUATION, DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, AND AFTER 1997.

IN EXPANDING ON THE HONG KONG-CHINA RELATIONSHIP, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT THOUGH HONG KONG WAS INDISPUTABLY A CHINESE CITY, THE INDISPENSABLE FOUNDATION FOR ITS PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY HAD BEEN THE RULE OF LAW, BASED ON THE BRITISH COMMON LAW SYSTEM.

"THIS HAS GIVEN EVERYONE IN HONG KONG A REASONABLE DEGREE OF CERTAINTY IN THEIR RELATIONS WITH THOSE IN AUTHORITY, AND A CREDIBLE GUARANTEE THAT THEIR RIGHT TO LIFE, LIBERTY AND ENJOYMENT OF THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOURS WILL NOT BE ARBITRARILY WITHDRAWN," HE SAID.

THE RULE OF LAW WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE OF BRITISH ADMINISTRATION. FURTHERMORE, ITS SURVIVAL AFTER 1997 WAS SET OUT CLEARLY IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE MAIN THEME OF WHICH WAS THE PRESERVATION OF' THOSE AREAS OF LEGAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ORGANISATION THAT DISTINGUISHED HONG KONG FROM CHINA.

STR DAVID OBSERVED THAT ANOTHER ESSENTIAL FACT OF LIFE FOR HONG KONG HAD LONG BREN ITS GEOGRAPHICAL AND POLITICAL POSITION IN RELATION TO CHINA.

THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE FACT OF THE 1997 LEASE, HAD MEANT THAT THERE HAD ALWAYS BEEN A LIMIT TO CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

"IT HAS MEANT, FOR INSTANCE, THAT TO MOVE TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE HAS NEVER BEEN AN OPTION FOR HONG KONG. THAT IS A VERY IMPORTANT LIMITATION; IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN WELL UNDERSTOOD BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG."

BUT HE SAID AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED BY GEOGRAPHICAL AND POLITICAL POSITION HAD NOT INVOLVED ANY SERIOUS RESTRICTIONS ON FREEDOM IN HONG KONG.

/"WE HAVE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 3 -

"WK HAVE UNDERSTOOD THAT INDEPENDENCE IS NOT AN OPTION BUT WE HAVE BEEN FREE TO DEVELOP OUR OWN SOCIETY AND ADMINISTER IT AS OUR OWN,” HE STRESSED.

DESCRIBING HOW HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA WAS NOW MUCH CLOSER THAN IT WAS, SAY, 10 YEARS AGO, SIR DAVID POINTED TO THE ENORMOUS GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF BUSINESS, INCLUDING A FIFTY-FOLD INCREASE IN TRAVELLERS CROSSING THE BORDER.

HE REFERRED TO "A VAST INCREASE IN TRADE, SO THAT WE ARE NOW EACH OTHER’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, ACCOUNTING FOR 25 PER CENT OF EACH OTHER’S TOTAL INTERNATIONAL TRADE. A MASSIVE GROWTH OF INVESTMENT, BY HONG KONG IN CHINA, AND BY CHINA IN HONG KONG."

SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION PROVIDED FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO BE AUTONOMOUS IN ALL THE AREAS WHERE IT WAS NOW AUTONOMOUS,

"IN SOME IMPORTANT AREAS, INDEED, THE DEGREE OF AUTONOMY IS TO BE EVEN GREATER THAN IT WAS IN THE PAST," HE NOTED. "IT WOULD BE PERVERSE IF, IN THE PERIOD BETWEEN 1984 AND 1997 WE WERE TO COMPROMISE THAT AUTONOMY."

HE ADDED: "THE JOINT DECLARATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE NOW CONSULT THE CHINESE ON MATTERS OF ADMINISTRATION WHERE PREVIOUSLY HONG KONG WAS AUTONOMOUS. IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT CHINESE INTERESTS ARE NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN HONG KONG INTERESTS IN THE DETERMINATION OF POLICY."

THE ISSUES ON WHICH CHINA WAS CONSULTED WERE THOSE THAT CONCERNED THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THOSE AREAS WHICH WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY IN 1997.

THIS WAS DONE IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH, AS ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE MADE CLEAR, PLAYED NO PART IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG AND HAD NO SUPERVISORY ROLE OVER THE ADMINISTRATION.

SIR DAVID ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP INVOLVED A DIALOGUE OF EQUALS, STATING THAT "THE BRITISH TEAM HAS ALWAYS BASED ITS POSITION FIRMLY ON THE NEEDS AND INTERESTS OF HONG KONG AND HAS ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO SATISFY THEM."

"NEITHER THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP NOR OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA GENERALLY HAS RESULTED IN ANY LESSENING OF THE DEGREE OF AUTONOMY WHICH HONG KONG HAS ENJOYED FOR MANY YEARS."

DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, THE CHIEF SECRETARY EMPHASISED, THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD CONTINUE, AS PART OF ITS DUTY, TO PROVIDE THE FRAMEWORK AND SUPPORT FOR THE ECONOMY WHICH GAVE REAL AND TANGIBLE EXPRESSION TO THE FREEDOMS WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE ENJOYED, AND WHOSE CONTINUANCE WAS PROVIDED FOR IN THE JOINT DECLARATION.

/"THE VERY

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

"THE VERY REAL ACHIEVEMENTS MADE IN THIS AREA ARE FREQUENTLY OVERLOOKED. THESE ISSUES HAVE MUCH LESS MEDIA APPEAL THAN POLITICAL DISPUTES, BUT MUCH MORE BEARING ON THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION," HE SAID.

HE POINTED TO THE STEPS THAT HAD BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT VARIOUS FREEDOMS — FOR EXAMPLE IN ECONOMIC MATTERS, IN EDUCATION AND IN TRAVEL — WERE MAINTAINED.

SIR DAVID CONCLUDED BY SAYING HE HAD SOUGHT TO SHOW THAT THERE WAS MUCH MORE TO THE TRANSITION PERIOD THAN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, IMPORTANT THOUGH THAT ISSUE CERTAINLY WAS, AND HE EMPHASISED AGAIN THAT THE ADMINISTRATION TOOK SERIOUSLY ITS DUTY TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP HONG KONG.

--------0----------

NOMINATIONS FOR DB ELECTIONS CLOSE NEXT WEEK

*****

NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES FOR THE 1988 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL CLOSE MONDAY (FEBRUARY 1) AND SO FAR 416 CANDIDATES HAVE ALREADY SENT IN THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).

MR LIAO REMINDED CIVIC-MINDED PEOPLE WHO WISH TO STAND FOR THE ELECTIONS TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS EARLY AS THERE WAS ONLY FOUR MORE WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THE NOMINATION PERIOD.

"I HOPE TO SEE MORE PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE TO STAND FOR THE ELECTIONS," HE SAID.

"OUR INITIAL ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THOSE WHO HAVE REGISTERED AS CANDIDATES SO FAR COME FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY.

"ABOUT HALF OF THEM ARE EXECUTIVES AND BUSINESSMEN. THE OTHER HALF RANGES FROM PROFESSIONALS, SOCIAL WORKERS, EDUCATIONISTS TO FACTORY WORKERS, TECHNICIANS AND HOUSEWIVES."

MR LIAO NOTED THAT OVER THE PAST YEARS, THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS HAD MADE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO IMPROVING THE GENERAL LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND CULTIVATING COMMUNITY SPIRIT IN THE DISTRICTS.

"THEY HAVE PROVED TO BE EFFECTIVE CHANNELS IN REFLECTING TO THE GOVERNMENT THE VIEWS OF RESIDENTS ON DISTRICT MATTERS AS WELL AS MAJOR TERRITORY-WIDE ISSUES.

/"I HAVE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

5 -

"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT PEOPLE WHO ARE DEVOTED TO SERVING THE \ COMMUNITY WILL NOT MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN THE WORK OE ' THE DISTRICT BOARDS," HE SAID.

TO DATE, THE MOST HOTLY CONTESTED SEATS ARE IN THE YUEN LONG TOWN WEST CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH SEVEN CANDIDATES ARE VYING FOR TWO PLACES.

NOMINATIONS WILL FORMALLY CLOSE AT 5.15 PM ON FEBRUARY 1.

PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS EARLY SO THAT THEIR NOMINATION CAN BE PROCESSED AND VALIDATED BEFORE THE NOMINATION PERIOD CLOSES. THEY ARE ALSO REMINDED TO PROVIDE COMPLETE AND ACCURATE INFORMATION IN THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS SO AS TO FACILITATE THE VALIDATION.

ALL REGISTERED ELECTORS WHO HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR 10 YEARS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE DATE OF THEIR NOMINATION ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CANDIDATURE AND CAN STAND IN ANY OF THE 157 CONSTITUENCIES.

A CANDIDATE WILL NEED TO BE NOMINATED BY 10 ELECTORS, INCLUDING A PROPOSER AND A SECONDER, IN THE CONSTITUENCY IN WHICH HE SEEKS ELECTION. NOMINATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE 19 DISTRICT OFFICES.

-------o----------

Alli SERVICES AGREEMENT SIGNED WITH SWITZERLAND

*****

AN AIR SERVICES AGREEMENT (ASA) BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG AND THE SWISS FEDERAL COUNCIL WAS SIGNED IN HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG UNDER THE AUTHORISATION OF THE UK GOVERNMENT AND MINISTER DR ERNST AEBI, HEAD OF THE AIR TRANSPoRT AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DIVISION OF THE FEDERAL OFFICE FOR CIVIL AVIATION, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE SWISS FEDERAL COUNCIL.

THE SIGNING OF THE ASA FOLLOWS DISCUSSION WHICH BEGAN DURING THE SECOND HALF OF 1986 BETWEEN UK AND SWISS DELEGATIONS AT WHICH PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT WAS REACHED ON THE TEXT. HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVES WERE INCLUDED IN THE UK DELEGAION AT THOSE TALKS.

/FOLLOWING THE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

6 -

FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE HONG KONG/NETHERLANDS ASA IN THE HAGUE ON SEPTEMBER 17, 1986, AND ITS ENTRY INTO FORCE ON JUNE 26, 1987, THE HONG KONG/SWITZERLAND ASA IS THE SECOND IN A SERIES INTENDED TO PROVIDE SEPARATE HONG KONG ASA’S DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BR1TISH JOINT DECLARATION IN MIND. THIS ASA IS THE FIRST TO BE SIGNED IN HONG KONG.

WHEN THE ASA COMES INTO FORCE, PROBABLY IN LATE 1989, IT WILL PROVIDE FOR SCHEDULED SERVICES BY THE DESIGNATED AIRLINES OF THE TWO SIDES. UNTIL THEN, SERVICES BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWITZERLAND BY THE AIRLINES OF EITHER SIDE WILL CONTINUE TO BE OPERATED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE UK/SWITZERLAND ASA.

-------0----------

MEMBERS TO ASK EIGHT QUESTIONS IN LEGCO * * * * *

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ASK A TOTAL OF EIGHT QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER FOUR BILLS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).

OF THE FOUR BILLS, THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, AND THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (POWERS OF ARREST) BILL 1988 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING, WHILE DEBATE ON THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL BE RESUMED.

THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WILL ALSO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING.

- 0 - -

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 7 -

FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER BLOCK GRANTS

*****

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL .WILL BE ASKED TO ACCEPT THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF BLOCK GRANTS TOTALLING $6,584.4 MILLION TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND EARMARKED GRANTS OF $265.1 MILLION FOR RECURRENT GRANTS TO THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE FOR THE 1988-91 TRIENNIUM.

RECOMMENDED BY THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC), THE PROPOSED BLOCK GRANTS INCLUDE INDICATED GRANTS OF $19.2 MILLION FOR TRE INTRODUCTION OF A DEGREE COURSE IN SPEECH THERAPY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, $416 MILLION FOR THE MEDICAL FACULTY AND $62.1 MILLION FOR THE PART-TIME DEGREE PROGRAMME AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

THE EARMARKED GRANT FOR RESEARCH WILL BE DISBURSED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS BY THE UPGC ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF ITS RESEARCH SUB-COMMITTEE IN RESPONSE TO COMPETITIVE BIDS FROM THE INSTITUTIONS.

OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED AT TOMORROW’S MEETING INCLUDE:

* APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $18.7 MILLION TO MEET EXPENDITURE IN CONNECTION WITH THE LEGAL AID SCHEME;

* APPROVAL OF AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT FROM $6,456,000 BY $9,195,000 TO $15,651,000 TO ASSIST THE KOCHOW AND LUICHOW RESIDENTS (HONG KONG) ASSOCIATION LTD. TOWARDS BUILDING AND EQUIPPING A 24-CLASSROOM AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SAU MAU PING;

* APPROVAL OF THE PAYMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FEES REASONABLY INCURRED BY OWNERS WHO VOLUNTARILY SURRENDER THEIR LAND TO THE GOVERNMENT IN ADVANCE OF RESUMPTION OF THE LAND;

* SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR THE POST OFFICE INCLUDING $42.1 MILLION FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF MAILS AND $72.5 MILLION FOR DUES TO OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS;

* APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $3.3 MILLION TO MEET EXPENDITURE ON DIESEL AND LUBRICATING OIL FOR THE PUMPING STATIONS OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT; AND

* APPROVAL OF A SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION OF $29 MILLION TO MEET ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ON QUARTERING FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE.

MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 8 -

DECEMBER PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED ♦ » » » *

HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE GREW STRONGLY IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, AT RATES GENERALLY FASTER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN DECEMBER 1987 WAS $18,850 MILLION, 22.7 PER CENT OR $3,482 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN DECEMBER 1986, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 50.9 PER CENT OR $6,428 MILLION TO $19,055 MILLION.

THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS AT $37,905 MILLION, WAS 35.4 PER CENT OR $9,910 MILLION TN DECEMBER 1986. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 41.3 $11,351 MILLION OVER DECEMBER 1986 TO $38,818 MILLION.

RE-EXPORTS), HIGHER THAN PER CENT OR

AS THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN DECEMBER 1987 WAS HIGHER THAN THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE BALANCE IN DECEMBER 1987 RECORDED A DEFICIT OF $913 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 2.4 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.

THIS DIFFERS FROM THE SITUATION IN DECEMBER 1986, WHEN A SURPLUS OF $528 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.9 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THAT MONTH, WAS RECORDED.

PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR 1987 AS A WHOLE WAS $378,034 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $195,254 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $182,780 MILLION.

COMPARED WITH 1986, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $101,504 MILLION OR 36.7 PER CENT, THAT OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $41,270 MILLION OR 26.8 PER CENT, AND THAT OF RE-EXPORTS BY $60,234 MILLION OR 49.2 PER CENT. OVER THIS PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $101,993 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT, TO $377,948 MILLION.

WITH A SURPLUS OF ONLY $86 MILLION, THE VISIBLE TRADE ACCOUNT FOR 1987 AS A WHOLE WAS VIRTUALLY IN BALANCE. THIS COMPARES WITH A SMALL SURPLUS OF $575 MILLION IN 1986, EQUIVALENT TO 0.2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THAT YEAR.

COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE BUOYANCY OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1987 WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SUSTAINED DEMAND FOR IMPORTS IN HONG KONG'S OVERSEAS MARKETS AND TO THE CONTINUED COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG'S PRODUCTS.

/THE STRONG .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 9 -

THE STRONG GROWTH TN IMPORTS WAS MAINLY DUR TO THE FLOURISHING RE-EXPORT TRADE, BUT ALSO REFLECTED THE HIGH LEVEL OF DOMESTIC DEMAND IN 1987, HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN CAUTIONED AGAINST READING TOO MUCH INTO A SINGLE MONTH’S FIGURES. NEVERTHELESS, THE FASTER GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN DECEMBER 1987, COUPLED WITH THE SUSTAINED GROWTH IN IMPORTS, SUGGESTED THAT EXPORT PERFORMANCE WAS LIKELY TO REMAIN SATISFACTORY IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS, ALTHOUGH THE SITUATION BEYOND THAT WAS MORE UNCERTAIN.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER 1987.

TRADE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER, 1987

THE CENSUS AND STATISTIC ,’S DEPARTMENT HAS RELEASED THE

FOLLOWING PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR DECEMBER

MERC HAN I) ISE: DOM EST IC EX PORTS $18,850 MILLION

RE-EXPORTS $19,055 MILLION

TOTAL EXPORTS $37,905 MILLION

IMPORTS $38,818 MILLION

TRADE BALANCE $ 913 MILLION (IN DEFICIT]

COMPARATIVE FIGURES

OCT 87 OCT 8G INCREASE

TO TO

LATEST 3 MONTHS DEC 87 DEC 86

||K$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 54,115 45,597 8,518 18.7

RE-EXPORTS 53,704 37,194 16,510 44.4

TOTAL EXPORTS 107,819 82,791 25,028

IMPORTS 107,798 81,518 26,280 32.2

TRADE BALANCE 21 1,273 -1,252

/SAME MONTH........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

10 -

SAME MONTH LAST YEAR DECEMBER 1987 HK$ MN. DECEMBER 1986 HK$ MN. INCREASE

HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 18,850 (49.7%)( 15,368 54.9%) 3,482 22.7

RE-EXPORTS 19,055 12,627 6,428 50.9

TOTAL EXPORTS 37,905 27,995 9,910 35.4

IMPORTS 38,818 27,467 11,351 41.3

TRADE BALANCE -913 528 -1,441

LAST MONTH DECEMBER 1987 HK$ MN. NOVEMBER 1987 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS. (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 18,850 (49.7%) 17,077 (49.3%) 1,773 10.4

RE-EXPORTS 19,055 17,567 1,488 8.5

TOTAL EXPORTS 37,905 34,644 3,261 9.4

IMPORTS 38,818 34,270 4,548 13.3

TRADE BALANCE • -913 374 -1,287

LAST 12 MONTHS JAN-DEC 1987 HK$ MN. JAN-DEC 1986 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %

DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 195,254 (51.6%) 153,984 (55.7%) 41,270 26.8

RE-EXPORTS 182,780 122,546 60,234 49.2

TOTAL EXPORTS 378,034 276,530 101,504 36.7

IMPORTS 377,948 275,955 101,993 37.0

TRADE BALANCE 86 575 -489

-----o------

/11

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

NEW CHARITABLE FUND SET UP * » »

A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 28) TO MARK THE INAUGURATION OF A NEW CHARITABLE FUND.

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS‘^IZ*!^TH WONG, WI DDMRMTKn WITH A DONATION OF $2 MILLION FROM MRS MARIA LEE TSENG cSlU-JwAN AND MRS KATIE YANG LEUNG YIN-FONG FOR THE SETTING UP OF THE "KWAN FONG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION - KWAN FONG TRUST FUND FOR THE NEEDY".

GRANTS FROM THE FUND WILL BE FOR PROVIDING RELIEF TO DISTRESS CASES WHERE NO ADEQUATE ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FROM OTHER SOURCES.

THF FUND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE INCORPORATED ON THE ADVICE OF AN ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH WILL ADVISE ON THE CATEGORIES OF GRANTS, THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND OPERATIONAL DETAILS.

THF ADVISORY COMMITTEE COMPRISES MRS LEE AND MRS YANG AS CO-CHAIRMEN AnJ fOIIR OTHER MEMBERS - MRS PEGGY LAM, MRS FUNG LAU SHUN-KWUN A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE "KWAN FONG CHARITABLE FOUNDATION - KWAN FONG TRUST FUND FOR THE NEEin _ nr iiri n AT THF SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM, 22ND FLoSr, WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, HONG KONG, AT 3 PM ON

THURSDAY (JANUARY 28).

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/12........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 12 -

ONE MORE AIDS CASE CONFIRMED

* * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) CONFIRMED ONE MORE CASE OF AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME).

THE PATIENT, A NON-CHINESE MAN, DIED LAST WEEK. HE WAS A NEW ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG AND HAD SEXUALLY ACQUIRED THE DISEASE.

THE MAN WAS THE NINTH PERSON TO DIE IN HONG KONG FROM AIDS.

ANOTHER PERSON IS STILL UNDER TREATMENT.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT THE FIRST AIDS CASE IN THE TERRITORY WAS REPORTED IN FEBRUARY 1985 AND TWO MORE CASES WERE CONFIRMED THAT YEAR.

OF THOSE THREE PATIENTS, TWO WERE CHINESE AND ONE WAS NON-CHINESE, AND ALL DIED BEFORE THE YEAR ENDED.

NO VICTIMS WERE CLAIMED BY THE DISEASE IN 1986, BUT IN 1987 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF AIDS CASES ROSE BY SIX. ONE OF THE CASES WAS A FEMALE, FOR THE FIRST TIME.

FIVE OF THE PATIENTS DIED WITHIN THE YEAR.

SINCE 1985, THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN OPERATING A SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME ON AIDS TO MONITOR THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE IN HONG KONG.

UNDER THIS PROGRAMME, CERTAIN HIGH RISK GROUPS ARE TESTED FOR THE HIV ANTIBODY. THESE INCLUDE HAEMOPHILIACS, INTRAVENOUS DRUG ADDICTS AND SEXUALLY PROMISCUOUS PEOPLE.

ACCORDING TO THE LATEST AIDS STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, UP TO THE END DECEMBER 1987, A TOTAL OF 76,976 PERSONS WERE TESTED FOR THE AIDS VIRUS AND 106 (EXCLUDING THE 10TH PATIENT) OF THEM SHOWED A POSITIVE RESULT.

DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE SCREENED 349,287 UNITS OF DONATED BLOOD WITH FIVE UNITS SHOWING A POSITIVE RESULT.

NO NEW CARRIER WAS DETECTED LAST MONTH.

THIS MEANS THAT FOR TWO CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, NO ONE IN HONG KONG WAS FOUND TO BE INFECTED BY THE AIDS VIRUS.

THE NUMBERS OF PERSONS TESTED BY THE VIRUS UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER WERE 3,335 AND 2,914 RESPECTIVELY.

/Table 1 .......

1} TUESDAY, JANUAdf 26 # 19§S

Tabl0 1 AIDS Virus (HIV) Antibody Testing

t’edical 1 Stealth tebarimeni

April 85 - Nov 87 Deo 6? Total

Do# • tested Ho# +ve Ro# tested 1I04 +V& No. tested No. +ve

4£4afc&

Referrals from Govt* 4 071 22 22j 0 4 298 22

hospitals and clinics

Referrals from private 1 421 24 37 0 i 458 24

jtaotitloners and

sucvented hospitals •

MHVjlWfrtAfe Attendances at social 66 126 9 2 517 0 68 643 9

hygiene clinics

Haemoohiiiacs i 276 51 5 . 0 281* 51

&WM

SV. dreg ebusers. r -i L •£» .f"- i’. | {A“ /u' i & 1 657 0 < 104 0 1 761 0

* 1 fJ - 1 b 117 0 4 b 121 0

ja'nz.ly Sia'-img Associe .tion •

iealta care personnel 394 0 20 0 414 0

• —

To-;a: && 74 062 166 2 914 0 It 976‘ 106

* This Indicates the number of specimens and riot persons as tests are .reseated for certain individuals# .

lit t i *> At< <’*) M+ <'$' & * * t

April 85 - Nov 87 Deo 87 Total

No. No. No. No. No. No.

tested +ve tested +ve tested +ve

Hora - ec. ros.* 337 897 5 11390 0 349 287 5

TrfiUlsv5s2.cn • •

/Table 2

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

‘ * - 14

Table 2 Report on HIV surveillance

~----"" Analysis of ulV Infected Persons

Apr 83 - Nov 67 Deo 67

1. Source of referral^^7^^ 1 ■,

• 1 ' ■ 1 *

. Coverrunent ho epi t al o/c 11 nioe Jalil'S/ It 22 * 0

Private practitioners;£u&i££- .24* . .. ?•’ 0

Attendance at social hygiene olinicsjt^tff 9 ' 0

EaemophiliaoeA^^ ’ 51 • ' 0

106 ’• * 0

Total

106

2o Nationality/?]^

Chinese

Nc^-Chinese 3| j* 'h ’?)

76 0

30 0

106 0

106

3. Sex

I-.aln ,?

Female

Ago "4“

Adult A A.

Children

Risk factor tt 1-5 *T-

Homoooxual/Bi eexual < Tx^'-'q

tr_ a_________J.'-1- J

Heterosexual f’

Transfusion -ip] vr

Z?«.-2ophili£c -S

Cnk-e-,- y ti 3

103 0 103

3 0 3

■ '■ ■ — — 1 — ■

106 0 106

83 0 83

23 0 23

—- - - ■

106 0 106

37 0 37

6 0 6

3 0 3

51 0 51

9 0 9

— ■■■ ■ ■

106 0 106

/Table 5 .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 15 -

Table ? Ana)y9j8 of AIDS car.en in Hong Kong

1. 'T’otol no. of cases

2. Total no. of deathsJ/J^Gll

J. Risk factor

sexually acquired ‘ji Jt^=] unknown

4. Sex *1 S-J =ale % famals

5, a* 4^

Adult *’X

S.■ 26.1f88 ? v: ;' «•■■■ 6 . ’ . 9

7 8

2 ‘ 2

—

■■

9 io

8 9

1 1

—.

9 io

4 4

: 5 6

■

9 10

-------0----------

/16........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 16 -

HONG KONG CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY

*****

THE INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMS DAY WAS CELEBRATED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG TODAY (TUESDAY), AS IT HAD BEEN CELEBRATED BY MEMBERS OF THE CUSTOMS COOPERATION COUNCIL (CCC) AROUND THE WORLD TO PROMOTE THE IMAGE OF CUSTOMS SERVICES AND MAKE THEIR OBLIGATIONS AND ROLE BETTER KNOWN.

AT A RECEPTION FOR THE OCCASION THIS EVENING, THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR PATRICK WILLIAMSON, SAID HONG KONG NOT ONLY BECAME A CCC MEMBER LAST YEAR, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AN INDEPENDENT MEMBER AFTER 1997 IN THE NAME OF "HONG KONG, CHINA”.

THE CCC IS A GROUPING OF MORE THAN 100 CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS, INSTRUMENTAL IN THE PROMOTION OF COOPERATION, HARMONY AND UNIFORMITY AND THE CIRCULATION OF INFORMATION AMONG VARIOUS CUSTOMS SERVICES.

IT ALSO DRAWS UP DRAFT AGREEMENTS TO SIMPLIFY AND STANDARDISE CUSTOMS WORK, AS WELL AS SETTLING CUSTOMS DISPUTES.

AS PART OF ITS CONTRIBUTION AS MEMBER TO THE CCC, HONG KONG HAS RECENTLY ESTABLISHED A REGIONAL LIAISON OFFICE FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION AND INTELLIGENCE BETWEEN CCC MEMBERS. IT IS THE FIRST TN THE WORLD AND IS SEEN BY MANY AS A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IN THE BATTLE AGAINST THE DRUG TRADE.

MR WILLIAMSON ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT ENJOYED CLOSE INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION WITH OTHER CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATIONS WORLD-WIDE AND WAS HELD TN HIGH REGARD BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.

------0-------

M & H STAFF GIVEN REASSURANCE ON STATUS *****

THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR ADOLF HSU, TODAY (TUESDAY) REASSURED STAFF OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT THAT WITH THE SETTING UP OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THEY COULD RETAIN THEIR CIVIL SERVICE STATUS IF THEY SO WISHED.

IF THEY OPTED TO REMAIN IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, INSTEAD OF JOINING THE FUTURE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, THEY COULD KEEP ALL THE BENEFITS ENJOYED BY CIVIL SERVANTS, HE SAID.

MR HSU POINTED OUT THAT SUCH ASSURANCES HAD BEEN GIVEN TO STAFF DURING MEETINGS WITH THEM THROUGH DEPARTMENTAL AND GRADE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES AND SEPARATE MEETINGS BETWEEN THE LEAGUE OF STAFF UNIONS AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

/He explained, ........

TUESDAY, JANUARY ?.(>, 1988

- 17 -

HE EXPLAINED, HOWEVER, THAT WHILE HE COULD GIVE THESE ASSURANCES AGAIN, THEIR ACTUAL IMPLICATIONS, FOR EXAMPLE, WHETHER EXISTING CIVIL SERVANTS COULD BE PROMOTED TO SENIOR POSTS IN NEW HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HOSPITALS AND IF SO, WHETHER THEY COULD STILL REMAIN CIVIL SERVANTS, WERE HIGHLY COMPLEX ESTABLISHMENT-MATTERS.

DETAILS WERE BEING WORKED OUT, TO OFFER TO STAFF FOR FURTHER CONSULTATION.

MR HSU CLARIFIED THAT THERE WAS NO NECESSITY FOR SUCH QUESTIONS TO BE TOTALLY RESOLVED BY APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, BECAUSE THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WHICH WAS TO BE SET UP AT THAT TIME WOULD ONLY BE A PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE FORMATION OF A STATUTORY AUTHORITY IN 1989.

ITS MAIN TASKS WOULD BE TO WORK OUT THE DRAFT LEGISLATION WHICH WOULD DETERMINE THE POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY; FINANCIAL AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WOULD SET DOWN THE AUTHORITY’S RELATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE LATTER’S COMMITMENT TO FINANCE THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES; AS WELL AS A PACKAGE OF NEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS WHICH WOULD BE OFFERED TO NEW STAFF.

THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WOULD NOT MAKE ANY UNILATERAL DECISION BECAUSE ITS RECOMMENDATION WOULD BE PUT TO THE STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNMENT FCR APPROVAL.

"SO EVEN AFTER THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS ESTABLISHED, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, BEFORE IT CAN PRODUCE THE NEW TERMS, NOTHING WILL REALLY CHANGE AS FAR AS STAFFING MATTERS ARE CONCERNED," HE SAID,

MR HSU URGED STAFF TO REMAIN CALM AND PATIENT. "THE CURRENT CONSULTATION IS NOT A ONE-OFF EXERCISE. FURTHER CONSULTATION WILL BE CONDUCTED AFTER MORE DETAILED PROPOSALS ARE WORKED OUT HAVING REGARD TO THE VIEWS EXPRESSED," HF. SAID.

--------0----------

YOUTHS INVITED TO JOIN ACAN VOLUNTEER GROUP

*****

ENTHUSIASTIC AND RESOURCEFUL YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 28 ARE BEING INVITED TO JOIN IN AND HELP FIGHT THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.

LAUNCHING THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE FOR THE YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) TODAY (TUESAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID THE GROUP'S FUNCTION WAS TO ASSIST TN IMPLEMENTING PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROJECTS ORGANISED BY ACAN.

/SINCE ITS .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 18 -

SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1981, THE VOLUNTEER GROUP HAS STRENUOUSLY FULFILLED THE OBJECTIVES IN TRAINING AND ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO TAKE MORE ACTIVE AND DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN THE ANTINARCOTICS FRONT.

"THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN ACAN’S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ACTIVITIES AND SELF-INITIATED PROJECTS, MEMBERS OF THE GROUP CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TOWARDS A WORTHY SOCIAL CAUSE IN SPREADING THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"THE GROUP IS NOW LOOKING FOR SUITABLE, MUCH MOTIVATED PEOPLE WITH A MINIMUM EDUCATION STANDARD OF FORM 5," HE ADDED.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND SUB-OFFICES; THE OFFICES OF THE AGENCY FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE ON THE GROND FLOOR OF 10 SAI YUEN LANE, SAI YING PUN, HONG KONG OR AT ROOM 409 OF TUNG PING BUILDING, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, MONG KOK, KOWLOON; OR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION ON THE 23RD FLOOR OF QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.

COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION BY FEBRUARY 20.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT THE DIVISION ON 5-8622762.

--------0 ---------

EDUCATION BOARD MEMBERS VISIT KINDERGARTEN t * * * *

THE CHAIRMAN AND SIX MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED THE NORTH POINT METHODIST CHURCH KINDERGARTEN TO TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT THE PROVISION OF KINDERGARTEN SERVICES BY NON-PROFIT-MAK ING BODIES.

THE PARTY COMPRISED MRS RITA FAN, MR CHAN YING-LUN, MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, MR ERIC LI, PROFESSOR BRIAN COOKE, MR TAM MAN-KWAN AND MR TIMOTHY HA.

ACCOMPANYING THE MEMBERS ON THE VISIT WAS THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS), MR S.W. WONG.

THE PARTY WAS BRIEFED BY THE HEADMISTRESS, MRS ANGELA LUK CHIU KWAN-HUNG. ON HOW HER KINDERGARTEN HAD ADOPTED THE THEMATIC ACTIVITY APPROACH, A MODERN PRE-PRIMARY TEACHING METHOD BY WHICH KINDERGARTEN ACTIVITIES WFRE DESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY TO ENCOURAGE PUPILS TO LEARN RY DOING, PARTICIPATING AND INTERACTING.

/THE VISITORS .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 19 -

THE VISITORS NOTED THAT THIS METHOD OF TEACHING HAD PROVED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL BECAUSE THROUGH THESE I.EARNING OPPORTUNITIES, THE CHILDREN’S IMAGINATION COULD BE STIMULATED AND THEY HAD GOOD INITIATION IN LEARNING.

THE KINDERGARTEN, ESTABLISHED 24 YEARS AGO, HAS EXCELLENT FACILITIES INCLUDING COVERED AND OUTDOOR PLAYGROUNDS, MUSIC, HOME ECONOMICS ROOMS AND CLASSROOMS. IT ACCOMMODATES 488 PUPILS ATTENDING B1SESSIONAL CLASSES.

-------0----------

TWO ADDITIONAL RICE IMPORTERS TO BE SELECTED t * * t »

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IS TO HOLD A BALLOT IN PUBLIC IN THE CITY HALL ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 28) TO ALLOW TWO MORE FIRMS TO IMPORT RICE INTO HONG KONG.

A SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT, ON THE ADVICE OF THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SOUGHT TO REGISTER TWO ADDITIONAL RICE IMPORTERS AND ALLOCATE EACH WITH NINE UNITS.

"THE BASIC OBJECTIVE OF THE MOVE IS TO EXPAND THE SCOPE FOR COMPETITION IN THE RICE TRADE,” HE SAID.

"WHILE THE NUMBER OF UNITS INVOLVED IN THE PRESENT REGISTRATION IS SMALL, IT IS BELIEVED THAT THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF IMPORTERS SHOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE CONSUMERS IN THE LONG RUN.

"AS THE NUMBER OF QUALIFIED APPLICANTS EXCEEDED TWO, SELECTION HAS TO BE DECIDED BY A BALLOT."

THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MRS PAMELA CHAN, WILL MAKE THE DRAW. A TOTAL OF 33 APPLICANTS, WITH ALL THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BECOME RICE IMPORTERS, WILL TAKE PART.

HITHERTO, 982 UNITS, EACH REPRESENTING 90 TONNES OF RICE PER. QUARTER, ARE ALLOCATED To 44 RICE IMPORTERS.

THE PRESENT EVENT WILL BRING THE NUMBER OF UNITS ALLOCATED TO 1,000, AND THE NUMBER OF RICE IMPORTERS TO 46.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT II AM ON THURSDAY IN THE CITY HALL’S RECITAL HALL, EIGHTH FLOOR, HIGH BLOCK.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 20 -

VARIETY SHOW TO CONCLUDE EIGHT CRIME PROGRAMME ♦ * ♦ ♦ *

A VARIETY SHOW AIMED AT DRIVING HOME THE ’’FIGHT CRIME” MESSAGE WILL BE HELD AT THE CARITAS COMMUNITY HALL IN CAINE ROAD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31).

THE SHOW, FEATURING DRAMA, SINGING AND DANCING, IS THE FINAL EVENT ON THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE. IT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.

IN PAST MONTHS, THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED A NUMBER OF MEANINGFUL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES INCLUDING A SEMINAR ON TRIAD ACTIVITIES, A POSTER COMPETITION, AN ESSAY COMPETITION AND A ’’FIGHT CRIME’’ SCHOLARSHIP.

IT ALSO PAID FOR "CRIME PREVENTION” DISPLAY BOARDS TO RE PLACED IN LIFTS.

THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR WONG CHUNG-YING, SAID THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES DREW A GOOD RESPONSE FROM RESIDENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHOW” TO BEGIN AT 8 PM ON SUNDAY AT THE CARITAS COMMUNITY HALL, CAINE ROAD.

-------0---------

COMMITTEE TO REVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORK ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 28) TO REVIEW THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES IN 1987-88.

A TOTAL OF $800,000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE COMMITTEE TO CARRY OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.

THESE INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS AT VALLEY ROAD, CHUN MAN COURT, GILLIES AVENUE AND HUNG HOM FERRY CONCOURSE;THE PROVISION OF STREET LIGHTING; THE INSTALLATION OF FOUR DISTRICT DIRECTION BOARDS; AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLEARANCE AND TIDY-UP EX ERI?ISES.

/OTHER ITEMS........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26. 1988

- 21

OTHER ITEMS TO BE DISCUSSED ARE THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR THE FOOTPATH IMPROVEMENT WORK AT MODEL VILLAGE AND THE BEAUTIFICATION SCHEME AT WATERLOO ROAD HILL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 28) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.

--------0----------

BOOKLET ON HOUSING POLICY PUBLISHED

*****

THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD'S WORKING GROUP ON HOUSING HAS RECENTLY PUBLISHED A BOOKLET INTRODUCING THE EXISTING PUBLIC HOUSING POLICIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID THE BOOKLET WAS PRODUCED TO FACILITATE MEMBERS OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THEIR DAILY CONTACTS WITH PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS.

BASED ON INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE 28-PAGE BOOKLET, WRITTEN IN CHINESE, COVERS THE DEPARTMENT’S POLICIES ON MATTERS SUCH AS SQUATTERS, TEMPORARY HOUSING, COTTAGE AREAS, THE LONG-TERM HOUSING STRATEGY, REDEVELOPMENT, ALLOCATION, RENT POLICY AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT.

IT ALSO INCLUDES AN ORGANISATION CHART OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND A LIST OF ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF ITS 35 OFFICES IN KWUN TONG.

"THE BOOKLET WILL PROVIDE USEFUL INFORMATION TO HELP MEMBERS OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS DEAL WITH RESIDENTS’ ENQUIRIES CONCERNING EXISTING HOUSING POLICIES AND MEASURES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT AS THESE POLICIES MAY BE CHANGED FROM TIME TO TIME, THE BOOKLET CAN ONLY SERVE AS A HANDY REFERENCE WITH NO LEGAL EFFECT.

COPIES OF THE BOOKLET HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, AND OTHER DISTRICT BOARDS.

---O---------

/22........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

NEW YEAR POSTERS TO PROMOTE DB ELECTIONS

*****

NEW YEAR POSTERS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE 1988 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN PRINTED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY RESIDENTS ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

CARRYING A PICTURE OF THE THREE TRADITIONAL CHINESE LUCKY STARS AND A CHINESE COUPLET PROMOTING THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, THE POSTERS WILL ALSO HELPjBRING OUT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR ATMOSPHERE.

THE POSTERS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE OFFICES OF THE SAT KUNG AND HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEES, THE RENNIE’S MILL SERVICE CENTRE AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE.

A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID IT IS HOPED THAT THE PUBLICITY EXERCISE WILL HELP ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS AND CAST THEIR VOTES AT THE ELECTIONS TN MARCH.

OTHER PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES PREPARED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE INCLUDE GOODWILL VISITS, THE MOUNTING OF PUBLICITY SIGNBOARDS AND OPEN FORUMS FOR CANDIDATES.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WILL BE ORGANISED FOR LEADERS OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS WHO WILL IN TURN HELP PROMOTE THE "SUPPORT DB ELECTIONS” MESSAGE AMONG RESIDENTS.

ALSO, LEAFLETS WITH CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS AND DETAILS OF THE ELECTIONS WILL BE SENT TO ALL REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT.

- - 0 -

BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN

*****

A SEMINAR TO PROMOTE GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE HELD AT THE LECTURE ROOM OF THE EXCHANGE CLUB ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF CONNAUGHT GARDENS ON CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 29).

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL DISTRICT AND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN DISTRICT, THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE LAST OF SEVEN PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.

/THE THREE

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 19^8

25 -

THE THREE SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM. MR LEE CHI-SHING; A LEGAL PROFESSIONAL, MR ANDREW P.C. LAM; AND A SENIOR HEALTH INSPECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CENTRAL DISTRICT OFFICE), MR CHAN CHI-KUEN.

IT WILL COVER TOPICS INCLUDING THE CHOICE OF MANAGEMENT COMPANIES, THE PRIVILEGES AND RIGHTS OF OWNERS AND TENANTS AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.

RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8523462.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO RE HELD AT 8 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 29) AT THE LECTURE ROOM OF THE EXCHANGE CLUB ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF CONNAUGHT CARDENS, 153-157 CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, HONG KONG.

-------0----------

RECREATION GROUND TO SERVE ABERDEEN RESIDENTS ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL RE AVAILABLE TO ABERDEEN RESIDENTS WHEN A RECREATION GROUND IS COMPLETED AT THE WATERFRON1 NEXT YEAR.

MEASURING ABOUT 9,500 SQUARE METRES, THE RECREATION GROUND WILL CONSIST OF A BASKETBALL COURT, CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, OBSERVATION TOWER, PAVILIONS, FOUNTAIN AND POOLS.

THE PROJECT ALSO INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A KIOSK, TOILETS, PLANT ROOMS, PLANTERS AND SITTING OUT AREAS.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN APRIL AND TAKE ABOUT A YEAR IO COMPLETE.

THE ARCH I TEC’TURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING I ENDERS WHICH SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FEBRUARY 26.

/2'+...........

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

FOUR-DAY OPERATION TO CLEAR

* » » »

BACK LANE STRUCTURES

TWENTY-THREE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN THE BACK LANES TEI WILL BE CLEARED IN A FOUR-DAY OPERATION STAR I INI, TODAY

OF YAU MA

(TUESDAY).

THESE STRUCTURES, LOCATED IN WATERLOO ROAD, NOS. 831-83 IL (’ANTON WATERLOO ROAD, HAMILTON STREET, STREET, WERE BEING USED FOR STORAGE

THE BACK LANES OF ROAD AND TN THE ARFA SHANGHAI STREET AND

BUSINESS AND DOMESTIC

NOS. IM-IS BOUNDED BY RECLAMATION PURPOSES.

EX-GRAT I A PAYMENT OF ABOUT ELIGIBLE BUSINESS OPERATORS, WHILE 12 PERSONS WERE OFFERED REHOUSING.

$50,000 HAD BEEN GRANTED TO ALL FOUR AFFECTED FAMILIES COMPRISING

INITIATED BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WAS CO-ORDINATED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFK’R CARRIED OUT BY THE POLICE AND THE HOUSING, BUILDINGS AND

THE OPERATION

AND JOINTLY

LANDS, AND

URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENTS.

-----0-----

33-HOUR CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER

*****

THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED CONTINUOUSLY FOR 33 HOURS FROM SATURDAY (JANUARY 30) NIGHT TO FACILITATE RECONSTRUCTION WORK, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).

THE CLOSURE WILL START AT 9 PM ON SATURDAY AND WILL END AT 6 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 1).

AS CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND DURING THE PERIOD OF CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID USING THESE TWO ROAD SECTIONS BY DIVERTING TO OTHER ALTERNATE ROUTES.

"IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE FLYOVER CONTINUOUSLY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT CONCRETE TO BE PLACED IN A PARTICULARLY COMPLEX SECTION OF THE NEW PRINCESS MARGARET R<>AD FLYOVER HAS SUFFICIENT TIME TO GAIN STRENGTH, AND Till FORMS A PROPER JOINT BETWEEN THE NEW CONCRETE AND A COMPLETED SECTION OF THE NEW FLYOVER," SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING AND SUPERVISING THE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT.

"THE CLOSURE WILL AVOID DAMAGE TO THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED JOINT WHICH WILI OTHERWISE BE DAMAGED BY THE TRAFFIC-INDUCED VIBRATION OF THE ALREADY COMPLETED SECTION," HF. ADDED.

/DURING THE .......

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1988

- 25 -

DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GROUND-LEVEL WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.

AT THE SAME TIME, TWO BUS STOPS LOCATED AT HOUSE NO. 98 AND HOUSE NO. 108 TO 110 OF WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE CANCELLED TEMPORARILY.

THESE TWO BUS STOPS ARE CURRENTLY SERVED RESPECTIVELY BY KMB ROUTE NOS. 3, 7, 10, 70, 72B, 72K, 208 AND 887, AND KMB ROUTE NO. 7B, CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE NOS. 103, 113 AND 170.

------O ------

TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TN NORTH POINT

» * ♦ ♦ ♦

THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 29) FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS:

♦ NORTH VIEW STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND FORT STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC;

♦ CHEUNG HONG STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND FORT STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY;

♦ CHEUNG HONG STREET BETWEEN FORT STREET AND KIN WAH STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND;

♦ KIN WAH STREET BETWEEN CHEUNG HONG STREET AND NORTH VIEW STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND; AND

♦ NORTH VIEW STREET BETWEEN KIN WAH STREET FROM FORT STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.

AT THE SAME TIME, THREE ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED AS DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES ROUND THE CLOCK. THEY ARE:

♦ THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CHEUNG HONG STREET AND ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 76 METRES SOUTH OF THAT JUNCTION;

» THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CHEUNG HONG STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND FORT STREET; AND

* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF FORT STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEUNG HONG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THAT JUNCTION.

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.

THE ABOVE MEASURES ARE NEEDED TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.

-------O---------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :

PROVISION FOR DUAL MEMBERSHIP OF URBCO, DB............... 1

BILL SEEKS TO ENHANCE OPERATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS ...... 2

LIMITED POWER OF ARREST PROPOSED FOR CSD OFFICERS ....... 3

MARINE FISH BILL WORTHY OF SUPPORT....................... 3

UNIVERSITY PLANNING COMMITTEE’S DESIGN OBJECTIVES EXPLAINED ............................................... 5

MEASURES TO IMPROVE SECURITY AT COMMUNITY CENTRES ....... 6

FUNDS SOUGHT FOR COUNSELLING CENTRE..................... 6

BETTER RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR AIDED SECTOR MASTERS .... 7

BRITAIN TAKES NOTE CA xjUGJESTIOTIS ON REFUGEES.......... 8

FULL INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON ASSESSING RATEABLE VALUES ... 9

SECURITY MEASURES AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OUTLINED ... 9

REVIEW UNDERTAKEN ON TSING YI INSTALLATIONS............. 11

ONE BILL PASSED ........................................ 11

EXCO ENDORSES MEASURES TO RELIEVE TUNNEL CONGESTION..... 12

DEFENCE COSTS aGREPKN? 1AIJ-L .ADJOURNED................... 13

IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE OFFERED FOR MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF..... 13

MEETING TO DISCUSS WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY.......... 14

WAN CHAI CARE FOR ELDERLY CAMPAIGN CLOSES.................. 15

KWUN TONG SITE TO LET ..................................... 15

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FLYOVER OPENING................... 16

TEMPORARY BUS DIVERSION IN SHAM SHUT PO.................... 16

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEUID SHUI ............................ 1?

BUS-ONLY LANE AND URBAN CLEARWAY........................... 18

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

PROVISION FOR DUAL MEMBERSHIP OF URBCO, DB * * * * *

THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 SEEKS TO ENABLE A PERSON TO SERVE BOTH AS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND AS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF A DISTRICT BOARD IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA BY REMOVING A RESTRICTION CONTAINED IN THE EXISTING LAW, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE IMPORTANCE OF ENSURING THAT THERE WOULD CONTINUE TO BE STRONG WORKING LINKS BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS.

"THE RESTRICTION OF DUAL MEMBERSHIP TO WITHIN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA REFLECTS, AND IS A LOGICAL EXTENSION OF, THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS PERMITTING DUAL MEMBERSHIP BETWEEN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID SAID THE BILL ALSO MADE CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW TO CLARIFY THE POSITION OF AN URBAN COUNCILLOR WHO WAS ELECTED AS A MEMBER OF AN URBAN DISTRICT BOARD.

"HE WILL SIT ON THE DISTRICT BOARD AS AN ELECTED MEMBER, BUT HIS EX-OFFICIO SEAT ON THE SAME OR ANOTHER DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE LEFT VACANT," HE SAID.

SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL STEMMED FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL THAT THE EXISTING PRACTICE, WHEREBY URBAN COUNCILLORS WERE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS, SHOULD CEASE IN MARCH 1989 WHEN THE TENURE OF THE PRESENT URBAN COUNCIL WOULD EXPIRE.

THE PROPOSAL WAS ANNOUNCED PUBLICLY ABOUT SIX WEEKS AGO, BEFORE THE OPENING OF NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN MARCH THIS YEAR.

IT WAS NECESSARY TO MAKE THAT ANNOUNCEMENT SO THAT POTENTIAL CANDIDATES WHO MIGHT BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL COULD CONSIDER WHETHER TO STAND FOR ELECTION TO A DISTRICT BOARD, AND TO PLAN THEIR ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES IF THEY DID SO, SIR DAVID SAID.

"IF THE BILL IS PASSED, SUCH A CANDIDATE WILL BE ABLE, IF ELECTED, TO SERVE AS AN ELECTED MEMBER OF A DISTRICT BOARD, WHILE RETAINING HIS MEMBERSHIP OF THE URBAN COUNCIL."

NOTING THAT THE PROPOSAL TO DISCONTINUE URBAN COUNCILLORS’ EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP OF THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS RAISED THE QUESTION OF WHAT ALTERNATIVE LINKS WOULD BE PROVIDED BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS, SIR DAVID SAID THE WORKING LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO BODIES WOULD BE DEALT WITH IN A WHITE PAPER.

HE ADDED THAT THE BILL WAS A SELF-CONTAINED MEASURE WHICH DID NOT PREJUDGE THE CONTENTS OF THE WHITE PAPER IN ANY MATERIAL WAY.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

------0-------- /2....................

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

2 -

BILL SEEKS TO ENHANCE OPERATION OF DISTRICT BOARDS

♦ * * ♦ *

A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND TO PROVIDE A CLEAR DEFINITION FOR A DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, NOTED THAT THE PRESENT DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE ALREADY STIPULATED THAT THE OFFICE OF A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER SHOULD BECOME VACANT IF HE FAILED THROUGHOUT A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS TO ATTEND ANY MEETING OF THE BOARD UNLESS SUCH FAILURE WAS DUE TO SOME REASONS APPROVED BY THE BOARD.

THE ORDINANCE DID NOT, HOWEVER, REQUIRE THE MEMBER TO SEEK AND OBTAIN THE APPROVAL OF THE BOARD BEFORE THE COMMENCEMENT OF SUCH ABSENCE.

HE COULD THUS DO SO RETROSPECTIVELY AFTER HE HAD BEEN ABSENT FROM BOARD MEETINGS FOR SIX CONSECUTIVE MONTHS, MR LIAO SAID, NOTING THAT ABSENCE OF THIS NATURE COULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE OPERATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.

"IN VIEW OF THIS, THE BILL AMENDS THE ORDINANCE TO REQUIRE A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER TO OBTAIN THE APPROVAL OF HIS BOARD PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF HIS ABSENCE EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF PROLONGED ILLNESS," MR LIAO SAID.

THE BILL WOULD ALSO AMENDED THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO APPLY THE SAME PROVISIONS TO A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER WHO WAS A MEMBER BY VIRTUE OF HIS BEING A RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, HE ADDED.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE ABOVE AMENDMENTS, IT WAS NECESSARY TO DEFINE THE MEANING OF A DISTRICT BOARD MEETING. THUS THE BILL STIPULATED THAT SUCH A MEETING SHOULD REFER ONLY TO A MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD ITSELF, HE EXPLAINED.

MR LIAO SAID THE BILL WOULD ALSO AMEND THE DISTRICT BOARDS ORDINANCE TO ENABLE THE DISTRICT OFFICER TO PRESIDE AT ANY MEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING A NEW BOARD CHAIRMAN.

"THE PRESENT ORDINANCE ALREADY EMPOWERS THE DISTRICT OFFICER TO PRESIDE AT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW TERM OF A DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING THE CHAIRMAN," HE SAID.

•'HOWEVER, THIS PROVISION DOES NOT CATER FOR SITUATIONS WHEN THE OFFICE OF THE CHAIRMAN IS VACATED AND A TEMPORARY OR NEW CHAIRMAN HAS TO BE ELECTED DURING THE TERM OF A DISTRICT BOARD."

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

- - 0 -

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

LIMITED POWER OF ARREST PROPOSED FOR CSD OFFICERS

*****

THE PURPOSE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (POWERS OF ARREST) BILL 1988 IS TO EMPOWER CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS ON AFTERCARE DUTIES TO ARREST SUPERVISED PERSONS WHO ARE THE SUBJECT OF RECALL ORDERS AND ARE UNLAWFULLY AT LARGE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

EXPLAINING THE BILL DURING ITS SECOND READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR JEAFFRESON SAID: "ALL INMATES DISCHARGED FROM DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRES AND DETENTION CENTRES AND SELECTED YOUNG PRISONERS RELEASED FROM PRISONS UNDER 25 YEARS OF AGE ARE SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION FOR A PERIOD OF ONE YEAR.

"INMATES DISCHARGED FROM TRAINING CENTRES ARE SUBJECT TO SUPERVISION FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.

"DURING THE STATUTORY SUPERVISION PERIOD, IF A SUPERVISEE MISBEHAVES OR FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE SUPERVISION CONDITIONS, THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES IS EMPOWERED BY LAW TO ISSUE AN ORDER AUTHORISING THE RECALL OF THE SUPERVISED PERSON FOR FURTHER TREATMENT OR TRAINING," HE ADDED.

MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT UNDER THE PRESENT SITUATION, CSD OFFICERS ON AFTERCARE DUTIES HAD TO CALL ON THE HELP OF THE POLICE AS THEY HAD NO POWER OF ARREST AND WERE UNABLE TO EXECUTE RECALL ORDERS ON THEIR OWN.

"THIS ARRANGEMENT IS UNSATISFACTORY. POLICE OFFICERS MAY NOT ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE TO SPEND MANY HOURS WAITING FOR A SUPERVISED PERSON TO TURN UP AND THEY MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR WITH THE IDENTITIES OF THE SUPERVISED PERSONS AND WHERE THEY FREQUENT," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL WOULD FACILITATE THE EXECUTION OF RECALL ORDERS.

DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.

------0-------

MARINE FISH BILL WORTHY OF SUPPORT

* * »

THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 IS WORTH SUPPORTING BECAUSE ONE OF ITS MAIN PURPOSES IS TO COUNTER ILLEGAL WHOLESALING OF MARINE FISH, THEREBY DETERRING CRIMINAL AND TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN THE FISH MARKETING BUSINESS, THE HON ANDREW WONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHICH OPERATED AS A NON-PROFITING-MAKING CONCERN.

/THE SURPLUS........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

THE SURPLUS EARNINGS OF THIS ORGANISATION WERE SPENT ON PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF THE FISHING POPULATION IN EDUCATION, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES, AND ON GRANTING LOANS TO FISHERMEN FOR PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES, SUCH AS MODERNISING THEIR VESSELS AND INSTALLING NAVIGATIONAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT TO BOOST FISHING CAPABILITIES.

HOWEVER, ILLEGAL WHOLESALING OF MARINE FISH, OFTEN MASTERMINDED BY CRIMINAL OR TRIAD ELEMENTS, AND GONE ON FOR MANY YEARS AND HAD BECOME WORSE RECENTLY.

FISH SOLD ILLEGALLY OUTSIDE THE STIPULATED PLACES WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 40,000 TONNES LAST YEAR AT MEDIUM TO HIGH PRICES, RESULTING IN A LOSS OF REVENUE OF ABOUT $24 MILLION TO THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION, MR WONG SAID.

THE RESULT WAS THAT FUNDS AVAILABLE TO THE ORGANISATION FOR PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL, HEALTH AND WELFARE SERVICES AND FOR MAKING LOANS WERE THUS CONSIDERABLY REDUCED AND THE FISHERMEN WERE VICTIMS OF SUCH ILLICIT TRADING.

"IN ADDITION, THE GENERAL CONSUMERS OF SEAFOOD HAVE TO PAY FOR INFLATED AND MARKED-UP PRICES, DUE TO PROFITEERING ON THE PART OF THE SYNDICATES." .

MR WONG SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT STEP UP PUBLICITY TO EDUCATE FISHERMEN ABOUT THE UNDESIRABLE IMPLICATIONS ARISING FROM WHOLESALE MARKETING OF THEIR CATCHES OUTSIDE THE DESIGNATED FISH MARKETS AND FROM THEIR COLLUSION WITH CRIMINAL OR TRIAD ELEMENTS FOR APPARENT, SHORT-TERM ADVANTAGES.

"SECONDLY, APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR LOANS BY FISHERMEN FOR PRODUCTION REASONS SHOULD BE FURTHER SIMPLIFIED AND REPAYMENT TERMS SHOULD BE MADE EASIER, SO AS TO ENCOURAGE THE FISHERMEN TO DIVERT THEIR RELIANCE AWAY FROM THE SYNDICATES FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE," HE SAID.

MR WONG HOPED THAT THE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES AND FURTHER MANAGEMENT OF THE EXISTING WHOLESALE FISH MARKETS WOULD BE STREAMLINED IN A BID TO ELIMINATE ALL POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITIES AND LOOPHOLES FOR SYNDICATED MALPRACTICES.

HE ALSO HOPED THAT THE JUDICIARY WOULD UNDERSTAND THE BACKGROUND OF THE BILL AND WOULD TAKE THE MAXIMUM FINES FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES UNDER THE ORDINANCE INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN IMPOSING FINES ON CONVICTED OFFENDERS.

FINALLY, MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT THE VIEWS PRESENTED BY HIM ON THE SUBJECT HAD IN FACT BEEN PUT TO HIM BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI WHO WAS ABSENT FROM THE MEETING TODAY DUE TO ILLNESS; AND THAT HE AGREED WITH THESE VIEWS.

WINDING UP THE DEBATE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID HE WOULD ASK THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE DIRECTOR OF MARKETING, TO ARRANGE APPROPRIATE PUBLICITY AND TO REVIEW THE PRECEDURES UNDER THE FISH MARKETING ORDINANCE IN THE LIGHT OF MR WONG’S SUGGESTIONS.

-----0------

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 5 -

UNIVERSITY PLANNING COMMITTEE’S DESIGN OBJECTIVES EXPLAINED

» * * * *

IN SELECTING A DESIGN FOR THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, THE PLANNING COMMITTEE’S MAIN AIM WAS TO PRODUCE THE BEST POSSIBLE UNIVERSITY FOR HONG KONG’S NEEDS WITH THE SITE AND OTHER RESOURCES AVAILABLE, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON CONRAD LAM, MR BRIDGE SAID THE CRITERIA WERE EXPLAINED IN DETAIL IN THE 50-ODD PAGES OF THE PLANNING BRIEF.

"THE BRIEF ALSO DESCRIBED THE STRUCTURE, SIZE AND DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY, TO WHICH THE DESIGN MUST CONFORM," HE POINTED OUT.

"IT SAID THE AIM WAS ’TO CREATE A TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENT BY THE INTEGRATION OF BUILDINGS AND THE LANDSCAPE.’

"ARCHITECTS WERE ALSO REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH THE COMPETITION REQUIREMENTS AND TO SATISFY THE COMMITTEE THAT THEY HAD SUFFICIENT RESOURCES AND EXPERIENCE TO UNDERTAKE THE PROJECT."

MR BRIDGE SAID THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION WOULD BE SELECTED AS THE PROJECT ARCHITECT.

"IN THIS CONTEXT I MUST CLEAR UP A WIDESPREAD MISUNDERSTANDING THAT THE PLANNING COMMITTEE "OVER-RULED" THE ASSESSMENT PANEL. THIS IS NOT SO," HE SAID..

"THE ASSESSMENT PANEL DECIDED THE WINNER OF THE COMPETITION AND THEIR DECISION WAS FINAL. THE DECISION ON THE PROJECT DESIGN WAS A SEPARATE ISSUE AND WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE."

MR BRIDGE SAID THE ASSESSMENT PANEL HAD DRAWN ATTENTION TO THE HIGH STANDARD OF ALL SIX SHORT-LISTED DESIGNS AND HAD ADVISED THAT ALL SIX MET THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE BRIEF.

"BEFORE DECIDING ON THE PROJECT DESIGN THE PLANNING COMMITTEE STUDIED ALL SIX DESIGNS VERY CAREFULLY AND REACHED THEIR DECISION UNANIMOUSLY IN A SECRET BALLOT," HE SAID.

"THEIR DECISION WAS TAKEN PROPERLY AND IN GOOD FAITH, IN WHAT THEY FELT WERE THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE UNIVERSITY.

"THEY SELECTED THE DESIGN WHICH THEY FELT WAS MOST LIKELY TO ACHIEVE THEIR AIMS AND PRODUCE A UNIVERSITY WHICH WOULD BEST MEET HONG KONG’S NEEDS."

-----0------

/6........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

MEASURES TO IMPROVE SECURITY AT COMMUNITY CENTRES

*****

THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS LOOKING INTO MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE SECURITY OF COMMUNITY CENTRES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ADVICE HAD BEEN SOUGHT FROM THE POLICE, HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HUI YIN-FAT CONCERNING THE OCCURRENCE OF BURGLARIES AT COMMUNITY CENTRES AND ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES.

MR LIAO SAID PROPOSED MEASURES INCLUDED THE INSTALLATION OF METAL ROLLER SHUTTERS, ANTI-BURGLAR BARS AND SLIDING METAL GATES.

WORK ON THESE MEASURES WOULD PROCEED ONCE FUNDS WERE MADE AVAILABLE.

THERE WERE 27 GOVERNMENT COMMUNITY CENTRES AND ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES WHICH HAD REPORTED BURGLARIES IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.

“AMONG THEM, NINE CASES INVOLVED NO LOSS OF MONEY OR PROPERTY, AND THE REST WERE MAINLY MINOR OFFENCES INVOLVING SMALL SUMS OF MONEY OR PROPERTIES OF LITTLE VALUE," HE SAID.

MR LIAO SAID THAT WITH ONE EXCEPTION ALL COMMUNITY CENTRES AND ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES WERE PROVIDED WITH WATCHMEN OR CARETAKERS TO PATROL THE PREMISES AT NIGHT.

THE ONLY EXCEPTION WAS THE LOK WAH ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR FOUR OUT OF THE 10 REPORTED BURGLARY CASES IN 1987.

"THE CARETAKER POST WAS DELETED BY MISTAKE WHEN THE CENTRE WAS TRANSFERRED TO CNTA FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, AND THIS IS BEING RECTIFIED," MR LIAO EXPLAINED.

------0-------

FUNDS SOUGHT FOR COUNSELLING CENTRE *****

THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE (HKCS) IS SEEKING A GRANT FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND TO SET UP AS A PILOT PROJECT A COUNSELLING CENTRE FOR ABUSERS OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP SUCH A PILOT PROJECT WAS ENDORSED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS LAST SEPTEMBER.

/’’SUBJECT TO

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

"SUBJECT TO THE GRANT BEING OBTAINED, HKCS SHOULD BE ABLE TO START OPERATING THE CENTRE, WHICH WILL BE IN ITS EXISTING PREMISES IN TS1M SHA TSUI, IN MARCH THIS YEAR," MR JEAFFRESON SAID.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE OBJECT IN ESTABLISHING THE CENTRE WAS TO PROVIDE A FOCAL POINT WHERE PEOPLE WHO HAD ABUSED OR WHO WERE AT RISK OF ABUSING PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS COULD OBTAIN INFORMATION, COUNSELLING, MEDICAL TREATMENT, REHABILITATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES.

MR JEAFFRESON FURTHER EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CENTRE WOULD INCLUDE: PROVIDING INFORMATION AND ADVICE ON PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES; PROVIDING INFORMATION ON EXISTING COMMUNITY SERVICES; COUNSELLING AND EARLY MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT; REFERRALS TO OTHER ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING REFERRALS FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT WHERE APPROPRIATE; AND PROVIDING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH AN ALTERNATIVE TO PEER PRESSURE TO TAKE DRUGS.

"THE PILOT PROJECT WILL LAST FOR THREE YEARS AND WILL BE EVALUATED AT 18-MONTH INTERVALS.

"THE NEED FOR MORE SUCH CENTRES WILL BE ASSESSED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THIS THREE-YEAR PROJECT," HE ADDED.

-----0------

BETTER RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR AIDED SECTOR MASTERS * * * *

CERTIFICATED MASTERS AND MISTRESSES WILL RECEIVE MUCH BETTER RETIREMENT BENEFITS UNDER CHANGES MADE IN 1980 TO THE RULES OF THE TWO STATUTORY PROVIDENT FUNDS FOR AIDED SECTOR SCHOOL TEACHERS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

HE STATED THIS WHEN EXPLAINING THAT THERE HAD BEEN A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT IN THE BENEFITS ENJOYED BY CERTIFICATED MASTERS AND MISTRESSES SINCE 1976, WHEN A SPECIAL COMMISSION MADE ITS REPORT.

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, MR BRIDGE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NEVER ACCEPTED THAT FRINGE BENEFITS IN THE AIDED SECTOR SHOULD BE IDENTICAL WITH THOSE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS.

"THE GREAT MAJORITY OF TEACHERS ARE IN THE AIDED SECTOR AND IT DOES NOT SEEM SENSIBLE THAT THEIR BENEFITS SHOULD BE GOVERNED BY THOSE OF THE SMALL MINORITY WHO ARE CIVIL SERVANTS," MR BRIDGE SAID. "TO DO SO WOULD BE INFLEXIBLE AND EXPENSIVE."

"AT PRESENT, THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS AND OUR EXISTING SYSTEM IS FLEXIBLE AND GIVES THE TAXPAYER GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY," HE ADDED.

/HR BRIDGE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

MR BRIDGE EXPLAINED THAT THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON CERTIFICATED MASTERS, IN ITS REPORT PUBLISHED IN 1976, NOTED THAT FRINGE BENEFITS FOR THE AIDED SECTOR WERE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.

IN THIS CONTEXT, TWO SPECIFIC RECOMMENDATIONS WERE MADE BY THE COMMISSION: THAT AIDED SECTOR SCHOOL TEACHERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE OUT A HOME PURCHASE LOAN FROM THE AIDED OR GRANT SCHOOLS PROVIDENT FUNDS; AND THAT AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS SHOULD BE COVERED BY THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE.

’’THE FIRST RECOMMENDATION WAS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE OF THE EFFECT THAT IT WOULD HAVE HAD ON THE PROVIDENT FUNDS,” HE SAID.

’’THE TOTAL RESOURCES OF THE FUNDS WOULD NOT HAVE PERMITTED ALL CONTRIBUTORS TO RECEIVE WORTHWHILE LOANS AND THE LOANS WOULD HAVE REDUCED THE CAPITAL GAINS AND RECURRENT EARNINGS OF THE TWO FUNDS.

"THE SECOND RECOMMENDATION WAS NOT IMPLEMENTED BECAUSE THERE WAS NO APPARENT DEMAND FOR IT FROM TEACHERS."

MR BRIDGE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO CONSIDER FURTHER IMPROVING BENEFITS FOR THE AIDED SECTOR SHOULD THERE BE A SHORTAGE OF TEACHERS IN THE FUTURE.

- - 0 -

BRITAIN TAKES NOTE OF SUGGESTIONS ON REFUGEES *****

THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN JANUARY LAST YEAR ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE ISSUE WAS REPORTED IN FULL TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WHICH HAS TAKEN NOTE OF ALL SUGGESTIONS FOR FURTHER INITIATIVES ON THE SUBJECT MADE BY MEMBERS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT IN THE COURSE OF ITS DIPLOMATIC DEALINGS WITH ALL THE RELEVANT GOVERNMENTS, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS TAKING EVERY APPROPRIATE OPPORTUNITY TO EMPHASISE THE NEED TO WORK FOR A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.

THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE WAS HELD ON JANUARY 7 LAST YEAR. MR CHEONG-LEEN HAD SUGGESTED THAT THE UK GOVERNMENT SHOULD SEEK THE GOOD OFFICES OF THE SOVIET GOVERNMENT TO LIAISE WITH THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT REGARDING EARLY REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG.

TODAY HE ASKED WHETHER THIS SUGGESTION HAD BEEN PUT TO THE UK GOVERNMENT FOR CONSIDERATION AND WHAT FOLLOW-UP ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN.

-------o--------- /9........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27,

1988

- 9 -

FULL INSTRUCTIONS GIVEN ON ASSESSING RATEABLE VALUES

* * « »

THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED COMPREHENSIVE INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF WHICH EXPLAIN THE PRINCIPLES OF ASSESSING RATEABLE VALUES, THE PROCEDURAL STEPS, AND THE RESPONSIBILITY AND AUTHORITY OF THE STAFF INVOLVED IN THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG, MR JACOBS SAID VALUATIONS PREPARED BY JUNIOR STAFF WERE APPROVED BY SENIOR OFFICERS.

HE ALSO SAID SPOT CHECKS WERE CARRIED OUT BY SENIOR PROFESSIONAL AND DIRECTORATE STAFF TO ENSURE THAT THE INSTRUCTIONS WERE FOLLOWED AND THE ASSESSMENTS WERE CORRECT.

"OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS (JANUARY 1985 - DECEMBER 1987), THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED 30,195 OBJECTIONS TO NEW AND EXISTING ASSESSMENTS, MOST OF WHICH HAVE NOW BEEN PROCESSED," HE SAID.

"AS A RESULT OF THESE OBJECTIONS, THE RATEABLE VALUES OF 7,026 PREMISES WERE REDUCED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION AND A FURTHER FOUR BY THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOLLOWING APPEALS."

-------0---------

SECURITY MEASURES AT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES OUTLINED

*****

THE SECURITY SITUATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAS ALWAYS BEEN BETTER THAN THAT IN PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

MR LIAO SAID POLICE CRIME STATISTICS SHOWED THAT THE CRIME RATE IN 1976 WAS 79 CASES PER 10,000 PERSONS IN HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES AND 139 CASES PER 10,000 PERSONS FOR HONG KONG OVERALL.

/IN 1985, ........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 10

IN 1985, THE CRIME RATE IN HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES DROPPED TO 68 CASES PER 10,000 PERSONS WHILE THE OVERALL HONG KONG CRIME RATE ROSE TO 160 CASES PER 10,000 PERSONS.

OVER 45 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S POPULATION WAS ACCOMMODATED IN PUBLIC HOUSING BUT ONLY 15.7 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED CRIME CASES IN THE TERRITORY IN 1986 TOOK PLACE IN HOUSING AUTHORITY RENTAL ESTATES.

MR LIAO WAS REPLYING TO THE HON SELINA CHOW, WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD CONDUCTED ANY STUDY INTO THE ADEQUACY OF THE DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT OF RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP HOUSING ESTATES AND WHETHER IMPROVEMENTS TO SECURITY WOULD BE MADE.

MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WERE DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES DRAWN UP BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN CONSULTATION WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE POLICE.

FURTHERMORE, FEEDBACK ON BUILDING DESIGN WAS ALSO COLLECTED FROM TENANTS BY ESTATE MANAGEMENT STAFF FOR INCORPORATION INTO NEW DESIGNS WHICH INCLUDED THE INSTALLATION OF STRONGER DOORS AND METAL GATES, HE SAID.

"FOR THE OLDER ESTATES, EXISTING SECURITY FACILITIES HAVE BEEN UPGRADED BY IMPROVEMENTS TO LIGHTING, ANTI-BURGLAR BARS AND STRONGER PADLOCKS TO ALL SERVICE ROOMS. BLOCKS ARE REGULARLY PATROLLED BY UNIFORMED ESTATE CARETAKERS.

"AS TO HOME OWNERSHIP BLOCKS, ENTRANCE DOORS ARE MONITORED BY CLOSE-CIRCUIT TELEVISION AND ARE OPERATED BY A SECURITY DOOR-PHONE SYSTEM. THE BLOCKS ARE MANNED AND PATROLLED BY SECURITY GUARDS," MR LIAO EXPLAINED.

HE ADDED THAT HOUSING MANAGEMENT STAFF MAINTAINED CLOSE CONTACT WITH RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS. SEMINARS ON SECURITY MEASURES WERE ORGANISED REGULARLY AND CRIME PREVENTION INFORMATION WAS GIVEN IN ESTATE NEWSLETTERS.

TENANTS WERE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO FORM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEMES TO MAKE PATROLS AND TO KEEP LIFT LOBBIES AND COMMON AREAS UNDER WATCH AT NIGHT, HE SAID.

MR LIAO EMPHASISED THAT TENANTS’ AWARENESS WAS THE KEY TO CRIME PREVENTION AS POLICE STATISTICS HAD INDICATED THAT A LOT OF CRIME CASES INVOLVED OCCUPANTS WHO DID NOT TAKE REASONABLE MEASURES TO SECURE THEIR HOMES.

-------0---------

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

REVIEW UNDERTAKEN ON TSING YI INSTALLATIONS *****

FUTURE APPLICATIONS FOR POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS ON TSING YI ISLAND WILL NOT BE PROCESSED UNTIL THE RESULTS OF A REVIEW ON SUCH INSTALLATIONS ARE KNOWN AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN A VIEW ON THESE, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, REITERATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RICHARD LAI, MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF TSING YI ISLAND, FOR BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES, WAS BASED UPON A PARTICULAR STRATEGY.

THIS STRATEGY PLACED THE TOWN CENTRE AND ALL THE RESIDENTIAL SITES IN THE NORTH-EAST OF THE ISLAND, NEAREST TO TSUEN WAN, AND THE INDUSTRIAL SITES IN THE SOUTH AND THE WEST; AND THEY WERE WELL SEPARATED BY THE INTERVENING LAND FEATURES.

"THE SITING OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF TSING YI IS NOT INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE RESIDENTIAL USES ON THE EAST, AND THESE COMPETING DEMANDS ARE RECONCILABLE AS LONG AS WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THE PHI’S DO NOT POSE ANY SIGNIFICANT DANGER TO THE INHABITANTS," MR BARNES SAID.

"THE GOVERNMENT IS UNDERTAKING AN UPDATING OF THE REVIEW ON PHI’S ON TSING YI, TO LOOK AT WHERE WE NOW STAND AND TO ADDRESS SPECIFICALLY THE QUESTION OF THE SO-CALLED ’CUMULATIVE EFFECTS’ ON TRAFFIC AND SO ON."

MR BARNES ALSO SAID THE POPULATION CURRENTLY PLANNED FOR TSING YI WAS 191,000, AND THERE WERE NOW NEARLY 100,000 PEOPLE LIVING ON THE ISLAND.

"THE FUTURE GROWTH IN POPULATION WILL ALL TAKE PLACE IN NORTH-EASTERN TSING YI AND THERE IS NO RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT OF ANY SORT PROPOSED IN THE WESTERN OR SOUTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND,” HE ADDED.

-----o------

ONE BILL PASSED * * * *

THE MARINE FISH (MARKETING) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1987 WAS PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

DEBATE ON THEM (AMENDMENT) BILL

THREE OTHER BILLS WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND WAS ADJOURNED. THESE WERE THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS 1988, DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND CORRECTIONAL DEPARTMENT (POWERS OF ARREST) BILL 1988.

SERVICES

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/12........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 12

EXCO ENDORSES MEASURES TO RELIEVE TUNNEL CONGESTION

*****

THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS ENDORSED MEASURES TAKEN BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO RELIEVE CONGESTION AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL DELIBERATED ON THE RESULTS OF STUDIES ON THREE SCHEMES TO RESOLVE THE CONGESTION PROBLEM, INCLUDING THE INCREASE IN THE CAPACITY OF TAI PO ROAD, THE CONVERSION OF BEACON HILL TUNNEL FOR ROAD TRAFFIC AND THE INTRODUCTION OF ONE-WAY TOLL AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WAS BRIEFED ON THE EXPECTED RELIEF IT WOULD BRING TO THE LION ROCK TUNNEL BY THE EARLIER DECISION TO WIDEN TAI PO ROAD AND ON THE IMPROVEMENT THE CURRENT TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT AT THE TUNNEL HAD ALREADY ACHIEVED.

THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO WIDEN TAI PO ROAD IN ORDER TO PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL LANE FOR KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON. ON COMPLETION IN 1989, THIS WOULD PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL CAPACITY OF 1,500 VEHICLES PER HOUR TO TAI PO ROAD.

AS A RESULT OF THIS EXTRA CAPACITY, IT IS HOPED MUCH OF THE CONGESTION IN THE MORNING PEAK FROM SHA TIN WOULD BE RELIEVED UNTIL THE OPENING OF THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL BY THE END OF 1991.

THE DECISION TO WIDEN TAI PO ROAD HAD ALSO LARGELY REMOVED THE NEED FOR CONVERSION OF THE BEACON HILL TUNNEL FOR ROAD TRAFFIC.

THE CONVERSION, WHICH COULD COST UP TO $125 MILLION, WAS FOUND TO BE TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE, BUT THE SAFETY PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE PRESENCE OF A HIGH PRESSURE GAS MAIN COULD NOT BE RESOLVED. IT WAS THEREFORE DECIDED THAT THE SCHEME WOULD NOT BE PURSUED FURTHER.

BETWEEN NOVEMBER 23 AND DECEMBER 21 LAST YEAR, A ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT WAS CONDUCTED AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.

RESULTS OF THE EXPERIMENT SHOWED THAT NEITHER THE LIFTING OF TOLLS NOR THE VARIATIONS IN VEHICLE MERGING ARRANGEMENTS HAD ANY EFFECT ON TUNNEL CAPACITY. EXCO HAD THEREFORE ARRIVED THAT THE ONE-WAY TOLL SYSTEM SHOULD NOT BE ADOPTED.

HOWEVER, A TIDAL-FLOW ARRANGEMENT, TESTED FOR TWO DAYS DURING THE FOURTH WEEK OF THE ONE-WAY TOLL EXPERIMENT, HAD PROVED EFFECTIVE IN REDUCING QUEUE LENGTH AND IN POSTPONING THE FORMATION OF TRAFFIC QUEUES ON SOUTHBOUND APPROACH ROADS OF THE TUNNEL.

/THE ARRANGEMENT

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 15 -

THE ARRANGEMENT WAS TRIED OUT THE SECOND TIME EARLIER THIS MONTH TOGETHER WITH THE SIGNAL-CONTROLLED MERGING TECHNIQUE.

IT WAS AGAIN PROVED EFFECTIVE IN INCREASING THE SOUTHBOUND CAPACITY OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AND HAS THEREFORE BEEN IMPLEMENTED ON A REGULAR BASIS DURING WEEKDAYS AS A SHORT-TERM MEASURE TO EASE TUNNEL CONGESTION.

THE CONSULTANTS ARE STILL STUDYING OTHER POSSIBLE MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS BETWEEN SHA TIN AND KOWLOON, AND A FINAL REPORT WILL BE COMPLETED IN APRIL THIS YEAR.

------------------o-------- DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT TALKS ADJOURNED * ♦ » » ♦

THE HONG KONG AND MINISTRY OF DEFENCE TEAMS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADJOURNED THEIR NEGOTIATIONS ON THE RENEWAL OF THE DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT.

THE TWO SIDES WILL NOW REPORT TO THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS ON THE PROGRESS MADE AND THE POSITION REACHED.

THE TWO SIDES EXPECT TO MEET AGAIN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

-----0---------

IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE OFFERED

* » »

FOR MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF * *

THE GOVERNMENT HAS OFFERED A PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENTS FOR MODEL SCALE 1 CIVIL SERVANTS TO MAKE UP FOR THE SHORTFALL IDENTIFIED BY THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY.

THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, AFTER MEETING THE STAFF SIDE OF THE MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.

"THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL YESTERDAY ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ON THE WAY IN WHICH THE GENERAL RESULTS OF THE PAY LEVEL SURVEY SHOULD BE REFLECTED IN THE TOTAL PAY PACKAGE OF MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF," HE SAID.

/THE PACKAGE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

THE PACKAGE INCLUDES AN UPWARD PAY ADJUSTMENT OF THREE PER CENT, RETROSPECTIVE FROM APRIL 1 LAST YEAR, TOGETHER WITH AN UPWARD EXTENSION OF THE MODEL SCALE 1 PAY SCALE.

ALSO, AS PART OF THE IMPROVEMENT PACKAGE, ALL MODEL SCALE 1 STAFF WILL HAVE THEIR CONDITIONED HOURS OF WORK REDUCED BY THREE HOURS TO 45 HOURS NET PER WEEK AS FROM A CURRENT DATE.

ALTHOUGH THE OFFER IS SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR GREWAL CONSIDERED IT TO BE FAIR AND REASONABLE AND THEREFORE COMMENDED IT TO THE STAFF SIDE.

- - 0 - -

MEETING TO DISCUSS WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY * * * t »

THE WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 29).

THE STUDY, COMMISSIONED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IN DECEMBER 1986 AND UNDERTAKEN BY TWO CONSULTANT COMPANIES, IS AIMED AT FINDING AN EFFECTIVE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM THAT WILL MEET TRAFFIC DEMANDS IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT UNTIL 1996.

REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONSULTANT COMPANIES AND THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND ENGINEERS OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S CONSULTANT MANAGEMENT SECTION WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE STUDY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 29) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.

- - 0 - -

/15

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 15 -

WAN CHAI CARE FOR ELDERLY CAMPAIGN CLOSES *****

MORE THAN 500 ELDERLY AGED OVER 75 IN WAN CHAI WERE TREATED TO A BANQUET AND PERFORMANCES BY CANTONESE OPERA STARS THIS EVENING (WEDNESDAY).

THE EVENT MARKED THE END OF A TWO-MONTH "CARE FOR THE OLD CAMPAIGN" IN THE DISTRICT, DURING WHICH MORE THAN 1,700 PEOPLE HAD PARTICIPATED IN ACTIVITIES INCLUDING AN OPERA EVENING, VISITS TO ELDERLY HOMES, AND A "DIM SUM" LUNCH AND CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS PERFORMANCE.

THE CAMPAIGN WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE WITH THE SUPPORT OF COMMERCIAL AND DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS.

SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, DISTRICT OFFICER MR ALLAN CHOW SAID THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH HAD BEEN HELD ANNUALLY SINCE 1969, WAS ONE OF THE "OLDEST" COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS IN HONG KONG.

HE PRAISED THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND SPONSORSHIP.

"THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY WE HAVE TODAY ARE THE RESULTS OF THE HARD WORK OF THE ELDERLY AND THE CAMPAIGN IS JUST A GESTURE TO SHOW OUR RESPECT FOR THEM," MR CHOW SAID.

TURNING TO THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, MR CHOW CALLED ON THOSE WHO ARE EAGER TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY TO STAND FOR ELECTIONS AND URGED REGISTERED ELECTORS TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 10.

ALSO PRESENT AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN, MR HSU CHUNG-CHI; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN; AND WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM.

-----o------

KWUN TONG SITE TO LET

* * *

A SITE IN KWUN TONG IS TO BE LET BY TENDER ON SHORT TERM TENANCY BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE SITE AT TSUI PING ROAD, MEASURING ABOUT 730 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR A NURSERY FOR THE GROWING, STORAGE AND SELLING OF POTTED PLANTS AND/OR STORAGE OF UNLICENSED NEW MOTOR VEHICLES.

THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.

TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON ON FEBRUARY 12.

-------0----------

/16........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 16

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR FLYOVER OPENING ♦ * » ♦ *

THE FENWICK PIER STREET FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI AND THE EXTENSION OF LUNG KING STREET WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 30).

VEHICLES FROM WAN CHAI NORTH HEADING FOR CENTRAL CAN TRAVEL VIA HARBOUR ROAD, FENWICK PIER STREET AND THE FLYOVER TO JOIN HARCOURT ROAD.

•

AT THE SAME TIME, FENWICK PIER STREET FLYOVER AND FENWICK PIER STREET BETWEEN HARCOURT ROAD AND FENWICK STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS DAILY RESTRICTED ZONES ROUND THE CLOCK, WHILE LUNG KING STREET WILL BE MADE A PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

-----0-----

TEMPORARY BUS DIVERSION IN SHAM SHUI PO

*****

WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, KMB ROUTE NOS. 2F AND 86A ON WOH CHAI STREET EASTBOUND IN SHAM SHUI PO HEADING FOR NAM CHEONG STREET NORTHBOUND ARE DIVERTED VIA PAK TIN STREET, BERWICK STREET AND NAM CHEONG STREET. *

THE MEASURE, WHICH WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK, IS TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIR WORKS CARRIED OUT BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT AT THE JUNCTION OF WOH CHAI STREET AND NAM CHEONG STREET.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING BUS STOP FOR THESE TWO BUS ROUTES AT WOH CHAI STREET OUTSIDE BLOCK 29 OF SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE HAS BEEN SUSPENDED. A TEMPORARY BUS STOP IS PROVIDED AT BERWICK STREET OPPOSITE HOUSE NO. 65.

-----0------

/17........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 17 -

TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SHEUNG SHUI *****

A NEW GREEN MINIBUS AND TAXI TERMINUS ON ROAD D5 OUTSIDE THE SHEUNG SHUI KCR STATION WILL BE OPENED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

A NUMBER OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES CURRENTLY TERMINATING AT SAN FAT STREET AND SAN SHING AVENUE IN SHEK WU HUI WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE NEW TERMINUS.

MEANWHILE, NINE GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES SERVING SHEUNG SHUI, FANLING AND SHA TAU KOK AREAS WILL BE RENUMBERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EXISTING NUMBERING SYSTEM OF GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.

THE AFFECTED ROUTES INCLUDE NOS. 11, 12K, 16, 17, 18S, 19, 50, 51 AND 55 WHICH WILL BE RENUMBERED RESPECTIVELY AS 53K, 54K, 57K, 58K, 58S, 59K, 50K, 51K AND 55K.

IN ADDITION, A TAXI STAND WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE NEW TERMINUS TO CATER FOR THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR BOARDING AND ALIGHTING FACILITIES FOR TAXIS.

TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW GREEN MINIBUS AND TAXI TERMINUS, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN SHEUNG SHUI WILL BE MADE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY:

* ROAD D5 BETWEEN LUNG SUM AVENUE AND THE OFFSIDE LANE ADJACENT TO THE TAXI STAND;

* THE OFFSIDE LANE ADJACENT TO THE TAXI STAND ADJOINING ROAD D5;

* ROAD D5 BETWEEN ROAD L5 AND THE BUS BAY AT THE KERBSIDE LANE ADJACENT TO THE AMENITY AREA; AND

* ROAD L5 WESTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD D5 TO A POINT 25 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ROAD L5 FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SAN FUNG AVENUE TO A POINT 25 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.

IN ADDITION, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER ROAD D5 SOUTH OF LUNG SUM AVENUE (ROAD D7) AT ANY TIME OF THE DAY.

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/18........

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1988

- 18

* BUS-ONLY LANE AND URBAN CLEARWAY

» t * *

FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 29), THE OFFSIDE LANE OF WESTBOUND ROAD L5 IN SHEUNG SHUI FROM A POINT 40 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SAN FUNG AVENUE TO A POINT 100 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE A BUS-ONLY LANE OPERATING ROUND THE CLOCK.

AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE OFFSIDE LANE OF SAN FUNG AVENUE SOUTHBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LUNG SUM AVENUE TO A POINT 25 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

IN FANLING, THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM -7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF WO FUNG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LUEN SHING STREET TO A POINT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED AT THE SAME TIME.

----O----------

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FIRST AIDS SYMPOSIUM BEING HELD ON SUNDAY................ 1

SEVEN NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR EASTERN NT................. 2

GOVERNOR LOOKS OVER AIRPORT OPERATIONS .................... 2

PROMOTIONS FOR THREE SENIOR FIRE OFFICERS ................. 4

CSD CENTRAL REGISTER CAN ASSIST PRIVATE SECTOR ............ 5

UK COMPUTER COPYRIGHT LAW EXTENDED TO HONG KONG ........... 5

STAR FERRY FARE RISE APPROVED.............................. 6

TWO MORE COMPANIES TO JOIN RICE IMPORTING TRADE............ 7

GUIDE BOOKS ON PRESSURE EQUIPMENT PUBLISHED ............... 7

ARTICLE ON REVISION OF HK DOLLAR EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEXES ..........................-....................... 8

TUEN MUN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN DRAWS TO CLOSE ........... 9

LAI-SEE PACKETS TO PUBLICISE DB ELECTIONS ................ 10

ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION IN MONG KOK ...................... 10

SOCIAL SERVICES SEMINAR IN KWUN TONG...................... 11

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS .................. 12

SAI KUNG DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT...................... 12

WATER CUTS IN SHA TIN, EAST KOWLOON ...................... 1?

WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG AND TUEN MUN.................... 1?

RESTRICTED ZONE IN NORTH POINT ........................... 14

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

FIRST AIDS SYMPOSIUM BEING HELD ON SUNDAY

*****

THE FIRST SYMPOSIUM ON AIDS (ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME) FOR DOCTORS TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) AFTERNOON.

THE SYMPOSIUM IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (UCSF), THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

IT WILL BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM AT THE SHERATON HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.

SPEAKERS AT THE SYMPOSIUM WILL INCLUDE TWO WORLD AUTHORITIES ON AIDS - DR J. LEVY AND DR PAUL VOLBERDING.

TWO OFFICERS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO SPEAK. THEY ARE THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DR S.H. LEE, AND A CONSULTANT, DR E.K. YEOH.

ABOUT 300 DOCTORS, HEALTH PERSONNEL AND SCIENTISTS WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE SYMPOSIUM.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PRESS BRIEFING BY THE MAIN SPEAKERS AT THE AIDS SYMPOSIUM WILL BE GIVEN ON SUNDAY AT THE TENG ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, SHERATON HOTEL.

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE BRIEFING, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 6 PM.

PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO ATTEND THE BRIEFING ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE REGISTRATION DESK OF THE SYMPOSIUM OUTSIDE THE SILVER BALLROOM, THIRD FLOOR, SHERATON HOTEL, NOT LATER THAN 5.45 PM TO COLLECT PRESS BADGES.

--------0----------

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

SEVEN NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR EASTERN NT

* ♦ ♦ ♦ »

THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF FUNDS BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, SEVEN NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD BE BUILT IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES TO HELP REDUCE THE SHORTFALL OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES.

THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR DOMINIC S.W. WONG, SAID THREE SCHOOL PROJECTS WOULD COMMENCE SHORTLY AND WOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1990.

’’ANOTHER FOUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FOR COMPLETION IN 1991 SUBJECT TO THEIR NEED BEING CONFIRMED BY A DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF REGIONAL DEMAND AND SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE SITES.

’’THE ASSESSMENT WILL ALSO HELP TO DETERMINE WHETHER MORE NEW SCHOOLS WOULD NEED TO BE BUILT IN THE REGION.

HE SAID THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES WOULD HELP TO ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE ON EXISTING SCHOOL PREMISES.

"IT WILL ALSO ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE ON CHILDREN WHO WILL OTHERWISE NEED TO SPEND CONSIDERABLE TIME IN TRAVELLING TO SCHOOLS OUTSIDE THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES, AND REDUCE THE BURDEN ON THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM BETWEEN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON. ’’

THE CAPITAL COST OF SEVEN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF STANDARD DESIGN IS ESTIMATED AT $119 MILLION AT CURRENT PRICES, WHILE THE ANNUALLY RECURRENT COST OF PROVIDING THESE SCHOOLS IS ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $72 MILLION.

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GOVERNOR LOOKS OVER AIRPORT OPERATIONS

* ♦ ♦

THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST AIRPORTS.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, AND THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER, MR RICHARD SIEGEL, THE GOVERNOR FIRST TOURED THE ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES IMMIGRATION PROCESSING AREAS.

THE AIRPORT HANDLED 12.6 MILLION PASSENGERS IN 1987, A 20 PER

CENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

/SIR DAVID .......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

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SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON A $270-MILLION EXTENSION PROJECT NOW UNDERWAY TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPACIOUS CHECK-IN, IMMIGRATION AND BAGGAGE HANDLING FACILITIES AT THE PASSENGER TERMINAL.

”IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR HONG KONG AS A MAJOR TRADING TERRITORY AND A MAJOR TOURIST CENTRE TO HAVE A REALLY GOOD AIRPORT THAT CAN HANDLE THE EVER-INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WISH TO USE IT,” HE 8AID.

WHEN COMPLETED LATER THIS YEAR, THE EXTENSION WILL EXPAND THE THROUGHPUT OF THE TERMINAL FROM 3,400 PASSENGERS PER HOUR TO 5,400.

THE GOVERNOR LEARNED THAT COMPUTERISATION OF IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS YEAR.

THIS WILL SPEED UP THE PROCESSING OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS, WHO ACCOUNT FOR ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF AIRPORT PASSENGER TRAFFIC.

THE GOVERNOR THEN TOURED THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE AND AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER, WHERE HE SAW HOW AIR MOVEMENTS IN HONG KONG AIRSPACE ARE DIRECTED AND CONTROLLED.

HONG KONG, BEING AT THE HUB OF AIR TRAFFIC IN THE REGION, HANDLED 73,000 MOVEMENTS IN 1987, COMPARED TO 64,800 THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

SIR DAVID ENDED HIS VISIT BY TOURING THE HONG KONG AIR CARGO TERMINAL, THE WORLD’S LARGEST SINGLE CONSOLIDATED CARGO TERMINAL.

THE CARGO TERMINAL HANDLED 600,000 TONNES OF FREIGHT LAST YEAR, MORE THAN ALL 16 TERMINALS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT, AND RANKED SIXTH IN THE WORLD IN TERMS OF CARGO VOLUME THROUGHPUT. A FIVE PER CENT GROWTH IS EXPECTED THIS YEAR.

THE GOVERNOR ALSO WATCHED OPERATIONS AT THE CARGO TERMINAL AND WAS BRIEFED ON PLANS FOR FUTURE EXPANSION.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

PROMOTIONS FOR THREE SENIOR FIRE OFFICERS

* * * *

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) ANNOUNCED THE PROMOTIONS OF THREE SENIOR LOCAL FRIE OFFICERS TO THE RANK OF DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER.

THE PROMOTIONS OF SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER JAMES HO KWOK-CHUEN AND SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER CHOW WING-CHEONG HAVE BEEN BACK-DATED TO DECEMBER LAST YEAR WHILE THAT OF SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER LAI YUN-SHAN WILL TAKE EFFECT IN MARCH.

IN A SHORT CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, PRESENTED CONGRATULATORY LETTERS TO THE OFFICERS INFORMING THEM THEIR PROMOTIONS.

MR HO, AGED 51, JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES AS A FIRE OFFICER III IN 1958 AND THROUGH A SERIES OF PROMOTIONS ROSE TO THE RANK OF SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1982. HIS LATEST POSTING WAS ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES COMMAND.

HE IS MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN.

MR CHOW, AGED 50, JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1960 AND THROUGH A NUMBER OF PROMOTIONS BECAME SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1982. HIS LATEST POSTING WAS ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU.

MR CHOW, WHO WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN 1984, IS MARRIED WITH TWO CHILDREN.

MR LAI, AGED 43, JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES AS A FIRE OFFICER III IN 1965 AND ROSE TO THE RANK OF SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1984. HE WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE THIS YEAR.

AT PRESENT ON A SENIOR STAFF TRAINING COURSE, MR LAI IS MARRIED WITH ONE DAUGHTER.

THE DIRECTOR, IN HIS CONGRATULATORY LETTERS, PRAISED THE OFFICERS FOR THEIR EXCELLENT SERVICES AND THEIR INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN FIRE-FIGHTING, FIRE PROTECTION AND ADMINISTRATION.

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/5........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

5 -

CSD CENTRAL REGISTER CAN ASSIST PRIVATE SECTOR « » » *

A COMPREHENSIVE AND UP-TO-DATE COMPUTERISED CENTRAL REGISTER OF AROUND 300,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN HONG KONG KEPT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT CAN BE OF USE TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).

THE REGISTER SERVES 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 SECTOR CAN BENEFIT FROM IT BY MAKING USE OF NON-CONFIDENTIAL ESTABLISHMENT PARTICULARS RECORDED IN IT FOR MARKET RESEARCH, STATISTICAL SURVEY, AND BUSINESS AND PRODUCT PROMOTION PURPOSES.

PRIVATE FIRMS MAY APPLY 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.

THE CHARGES FOR THIS SERVICE 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 FROM THE CENTRAL REGISTER SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234760.

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UK COMPUTER COPYRIGHT LAW EXTENDED TO HONG KONG ♦ * ♦ » *

COPYRIGHT PROTECTION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE WILL BE FURTHER TIGHTENED UP FOLLOWING THE EXTENSION OF THE UK COPYRIGHT (COMPUTER SOFTWARE) AMENDMENT ACT 1985 TO HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM FEBRUARY 1 (MONDAY).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (THURSDAY), A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE MOVE WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT COMPUTER PROGRAMMES ARE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT IN HONG KONG.

/THE SPOKESMAN........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE EXTENSION OF THE UK ACT TO HONG KONG IS ONLY AN INTERIM MEASURE PENDING THE ENACTMENT OF PERMANENT LOCAL LEGISLATION.

THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IS NOW CONSIDERING HONG KONG’S FUTURE NEEDS IN RESPECT OF COPYRIGHT LAW, INCLUDING THE APPLICATION OF COPYING TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE.

THE EXTENSION OF THE UK COPYRIGHT ACT TO HONG KONG WAS EFFECTED BY A UK ORDER IN COUNCIL MADE ON DECEMBER 18. THE ORDER WAS LAID BEFORE PARLIAMENT ON JANUARY 8 AND WILL COME INTO FORCE ON MONDAY.

THE ORDER IN COUNCIL WILL BE GAZETTED SHORTLY.

- 0 - -

STAR FERRY FARE RISE APPROVED *****

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN APPLICATION BY THE STAR FERRY COMPANY FOR SMALL FARE INCREASES FROM APRIL 1.

THE STAR FERRY’S LAST FARE REVISION WAS IN MARCH 1983.

FOR THE EDINBURGH PLACE TO KOWLOON POINT SERVICE, FIRST CLASS FARES WILL INCREASE BY 10 CENTS: FROM 70 CENTS TO 80 CENTS FOR ADULTS; AND FROM 40 CENTS TO 50 CENTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS.

SECOND CLASS FARES FOR ADULTS AND CHILDREN WILL ALSO GO UP BY 10 CENTS, FROM 50 CENTS TO 60 CENTS.

AS FOR THE EDINBURGH PLACE TO HUNG HOM SERVICE WHICH IS A LONGER ROUTE, ADULT FARES WILL INCREASE FROM 70 CENTS TO 90 CENTS. FARES FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS WILL GO UP FROM 40 CENTS TO 50 CENTS.

THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL EXAMINED THE STAR FERRY’S EXISTING FINANCIAL POSITION AND APPROVED INCREASES TO OVERCOME THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION AND RISING OPERATING COSTS.

- 0 - -

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

- 7 -

TWO MORE COMPANIES TO JOIN RICE IMPORTING TRADE

♦ » ♦ ♦ ♦

TWO ADDITIONAL RICE IMPORTERS WERE SELECTED BY BALLOT HELD IN PUBLIC AT THE CITY HALL THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.

THIS HAS BROUGHT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF LICENSED RICE IMPORTERS TO 46.

THE TWO ARE WING SHUN RICE CO. LTD. AND LUEN YICK. THEY WERE AMONG THE 33 APPLICANTS TAKING PART IN THE BALLOT WHICH WAS WITNESSED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR TONY MILLER; CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, MRS PAMELA CHAN; AND MEMBERS OF THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

GUIDE BOOKS ON PRESSURE EQUIPMENT PUBLISHED * * *

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED FACTORY OWNERS OF THE LAW GOVERNING THE SAFE OPERATION OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE EQUIPMENT.

TO HELP THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THE LAW BETTER, THE DEPARTMENT’S PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION HAS JUST PUBLISHED THREE GUIDE BOOKS ON STEAM RECEIVERS, FIRE-TUBE BOILERS AND AIR RECEIVERS.

"THEY EXPLAIN NOT ONLY THE STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS IN HONG KONG BUT ALSO DESCRIBE ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL DETAILS REGARDING CONSTRUCTION, CORRECT OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF SUCH EQUIPMENT," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.

"OWNERS AND OTHER USERS SHOULD FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THESE PUBLICATIONS AS THE SAFETY OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT IN OPERATION DEPENDS ULTIMATELY ON A THOROUGH UNDERSTANDING OF THE EQUIPMENT, REGULAR INSPECTIONS AND PERIODIC MAINTENANCE AND, ABOVE ALL, A CONSCIOUS REALISATION AMONG ALL CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY."

THE GUIDE BOOKS CAN BE OBTAINED FREE FROM THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION AT ROOM 1706, HARBOUR . BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8524185.

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/8........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

ARTICLE ON REVISION OF HK DOLLAR * * *

EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEXES i t

THE NOVEMBER 1987 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON THE "REVISION OF THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEXES (EERI) FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLAR".

A CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE EERI WAS CONDUCTED IN EARLY 1987 IN VIEW OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN RECENT YEARS IN HONG KONG’S TRADE PATTERN AND OF LINKING THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE U.S. DOLLAR SINCE OCTOBER 17, 1983.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOWING THIS REVIEW WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ADOPTED, AFTEn CONSULTATION WITHIN AND OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT, FOR IMPROVING THE METHOD OF COMPILING THE EERI. A NEW SERIES OF EERI WAS INTRODUCED AT THE END OF LAST YEAR.

THE ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE RECENT REVIEW WHICH HAS COVERED THE MAJOR ASPECTS OF THE EERI FORMULA, NAMELY THE WEIGHTING SCHEME, THE TYPE OF INDEX, THE METHOD OF AVERAGING MOVEMENTS OF EXCHANGE RATES, THE BASE DATES AND THE BASKET OF CURRENCIES FOR COMPARISON WITH THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.

THE ARTICLE ALSO DISCUSSES IN DETAIL THE THREE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NEW SERIES OF EERI OVER THE OLD SERIES, NAMELY: (I) UPDATING THE BASE DATE FROM DECEMBER 18, 1971, TO OCTOBER 24 TO 28, 1983; (II) UPDATING THE TRADE WEIGHTS USED TO BE THAT BASED ON THE TRADE PATTERN OF 1981 TO A NEW SET BASED ON THE AVERAGE TRADE PATTERNS OF 1984 TO 1986; AND (III) THE USE OF GEOMETRIC AVERAGING TO REPLACE ARITHMETIC AVERAGING IN THE FORMULA FOR COMPILING THE EERI.

MOREOVER, AS SOME USERS MAY HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN UNDERSTANDING AND INTERPRETING THE NEW INDEX DUE TO THE TECHNICAL NATURE OF THE CHANGES INTRODUCED, A SECTION IS DEVOTED TO DISPELLING SOME COMMON FALLACIES ABOUT THE NEW EERI.

THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $28 PER COPY. PURCHASES MAY BE MADE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE; OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.

FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE TRADE ANALYSIS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON 5-8234914.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

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TUEN MUN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN DRAWS TO CLOSE *****

THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN WILL CLOSE ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 30), MARKING THE COMPLETION OF A SERIES OF ANTI-DRUG EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES THAT HAVE BEEN HELD DURING THE PAST SEVEN MONTHS.

MORE THAN 6,000 YOUTHS HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE CAMPAIGN’S WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES, ALL OF WHICH HAVE HAD AN ANTI-NARCOTICS THEME.

THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A FILM SHOW, SEMINARS, VISITS TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, ADVENTURE TRIPS, ROCK CLIMBING CLASS, WALL-PAINTING, STREET DRAMA AND PUBLICATION OF A NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT.

IN ADDITION, A MOBILE EXHIBITION VISITED SCHOOLS AND SHOPPING ARCADES, ATTRACTING 14,000 STUDENTS AND RESIDENTS.

THE CAMPAIGN WAS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS.

IT COST $120,000 TO MOUNT, AND AIMED AT GATHERING INFORMATION ON DRUG ABUSE AND FOSTERING RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUGS.

THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN THE YAN 01 TOWN SQUARE AT 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY. IT WILL FEATURE A SCHOOL BAND PERFORMANCE, WALL-PAINTING AND STREET DRAMA.

GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR FREDERICK TONG; TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.H. COX; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR SIT HO-YIN.

NOTE TO EDITORS;

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY IN THE YAN 01 TOWN SQUARE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 11 AM.

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/1O........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

LAI-SEE PACKETS TO PUBLICISE DB ELECTIONS

*****

LAI-SEE PACKETS CARRYING THE MESSAGE "A VOTE IS A VOICE, SUPPORT DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS" ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN NORTH DISTRICT ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

PREPARED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, THE PACKETS SERVE A DUAL PURPOSE OF BEING AN USEFUL ITEM FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR AND REMINDING REGISTERED VOTERS TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 10, POLLING DAY.

THE PACKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT JOCKEY CLUB ROAD; THE COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICE IN CHOI YUEN ESTATE, SHEUNG SHUI; AND THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES LOCATED AT SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEUNG SHUI AND IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.

MEANWHILE, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR MATTHEW CHEUNG, CALLED ON LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO ARE DEVOTED TO SERVING THE COMMUNITY TO STAND FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

HE URGED PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES TO SUBMIT THEIR NOMINATION PAPERS BEFORE 5.15 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 1).

"SO FAR 22 CANDIDATES AGED BETWEEN 24 AND 79 FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE HAVE BEEN NOMINATED IN THE DISTRICT," MR CHEUNG SAID.

DURING LAST YEAR’S REVIEW ON DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES, NORTH DISTRICT HAD BOTH ITS NUMBERS OF SEATS AND CONSTITUENCIES INCREASED BY THREE. AS A RESULT, THE CANDIDATES ARE CONTESTING 11 SEATS IN NINE CONSTITUENCIES.

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ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION IN MONG KOK * * *

A LARGE-SCALE ANTI-SMOKING EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT MACPHERSON PLAYGROUND IN MONG KOK ON FEBRUARY 6 AND 7 (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY).

THE EVENT, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH AND THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD. IT WILL FOCUS ON THE HEALTH HAZARDS CAUSED BY PASSIVE SMOKING.

THE COMPREHENSIVE EXHIBITION WILL PROVIDE USEFUL AND UPDATED INFORMATION ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SMOKING AND CERTAIN DISEASES.

/THERE WILL ......

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

THERE WILL BE MORE THAN 50 DISPLAY BOARDS, A NUMBER OF MODELS, A VIDEO SHOW, AND A WIDE SELECTION OF PAMPHLETS AND BOOKLETS CONTAINING FACTS AND STATISTICS ON THE DANGERS OF SMbKING.

FREE ADMISSION TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, AND ITS TAI KOK TSUI BRANCH OFFICE, 85 IVY STREET.

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SOCIAL SERVICES SEMINAR IN KWUN TONG

* * *

A FULL-DAY SEMINAR AIMING AT IDENTIFYING THE DEMANDS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG AND SUGGESTING WAYS TO MEET THESE DEMANDS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31).

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM.

GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE FIELDS OF SOCIAL WELFARE, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH AS WELL AS LABOUR WILL GIVE TALKS ON SIX TOPICS: THE HOSPtTAL AUTHORITY, INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, WELFARE FOR THE ELDERLY, SOCIAL WORK IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND COUNSELLING FOR PRIMARY PUPILS.

THE TALKS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSIONS FOR PARTICIPANTS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON VARIOUS TOPICS.

SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR WILFRED TSUI; OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CONSULTANT, DR S.Y. CHAN; A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, MR LEUNG CHI-HING; SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (REHABILITATION AND ELDERLY), KWUN TONG, MRS DOROTHY WOO; CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN; AND ASSISTANT INSPECTOR (STUDENT GUIDANCE CENTRE) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS HUI POON WAI-HING.

THE SEMINAR IS PART OF THE "SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG” PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE “SOCIAL SERVICES IN KWUN TONG” SEMINAR WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM AT THE KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE, 5 TSUI PING ROAD.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS *****

THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS THE PROGRESS OF PROJECTS UNDER THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, INCLUDING EMERGENCY PROJECTS AND REPAIRS TO VILLAGE LIGHTING.

OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA ARE REPORTS ON THE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AND FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE’S STREET MANAGEMENT WORKING GROUP.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, TAI KIU GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.

- - 0 -

SAI KUNG DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT *****

THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 30) AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL.

ABOU1 250 DANCERS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM CHINESE, WESTERN AND CHILDREN’S DANCES.

THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS BETTY CHING, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE EVENT WHICH IS ORGANISED BY A 14-MEMBER WORKING GROUP AND SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 30) AT 7.30 PM AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL.

/13

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

- 13 -

WATER CUTS IN SHA TIN, EAST KOWLOON t ♦ » *

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHA TIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 1) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.

THE AREA AFFECTED TAKES IN SHING WAN ROAD, SHING CHUEN ROAD, TSUEN NAM ROAD, TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD AND SHING HING STREET.

IN ADDITION, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN EAST KOWLOON WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON MONDAY FOR MAINS WORK.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE, 7-169 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD, 53-59 KWUN TONG ROAD, CHOI HUNG ESTATE, PING SHEK ESTATE, CHOI SHEK LANE AND SAN PO KONG.

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. WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG AND TUEN MUN ♦ » * ♦

FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 30) TO 7 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.

THE AREA IS BOUNDED BY CASTLE PEAK ROAD, CHEUNG WING ROAD, KWOK SHUI ROAD, LEI MUK ROAD, CHUN PIN STREET, TA CHUEN PING STREET AND WO YI HOP ROAD, ft

ALSO FOR WATER MAINS WORK, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 1) TO 8 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.

THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT TSING CHUNG PIT YUEN, TSING CHUNG KOON ROAD, CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL NURSES AND STAFF QUARTERS, KONG SHAN TSUEN, SIU HANG TSUEN, PO TONG HA TSUEN AND CASTLE PEAK POULTRY BREEDING CENTRE.

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/14........

THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1988

RESTRICTED ZONE IN NORTH POINT

* * *

THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF JAVA ROAD IN NORTH POINT FROM A POINT ABOUT 23 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN CHIU STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES WEST OF THAT JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.

THE MEASURE WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 30).

NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.

AS FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.

AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON JAVA ROAD FROM A POINT 23 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN CHIU STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES WEST OF THAT JUNCTION WILL BE LIFTED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REPATRIATION OF PRISONERS ACT EFFECTIVE ON FEBRUARY 1 ..... 1

21 PASS MEDICAL EXAMINATION ............................... 1

FENWICK PIER STREET FLYOVER OPENS TOMORROW ................ 2

FORUMS ON WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY .................. 2

REVISED BOUNDARIES FOR TWO FISH CULTURE ZONES ............. 3

TWO-DAY CONFERENCE FOR YOUTH LEADERS ......................

33-HOUR CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER ......... 5

TUEN MUN DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CARNIVAL ............... 5

VOLUNTEERS TO VISIT ELDERLY IN KOWLOON CITY ............... 6

CLOSING CEREMONY OF SEMINAR FOR THE ELDERLY ............... 7

SEMINAR ON HARMONIZED SYSTEM .............................. 8

ENROIMENT FOR FULL-TIME COURSES INVITED ................... 8

EASTERN DISTRICT ROaD SAFETY DAY .......................... 9

NEW ROADS TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN .......................... 10

CHINESE ilRTS EXHIBITION BEGINS TOMORROW .................. 10

KIOSKS TO LET, SITE FOR SALE............................... 11

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL FOR ROAD PROJECT........... 12

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29,

1988

1 REPATRIATION OF PRISONERS ACT EFFECTIVE ON FEBRUARY 1 t » » » »

THE REPATRIATION OF PRISONERS ACT 1984, WHICH HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG TO ENABLE THE TERRITORY TO PARTICIPATE IN THOSE INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS ON THE TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS TO WHICH THE UNITED KINGDOM IS A PARTY, WILL COME INTO FORCE ON FEBRUARY 1.

THE COMMENCEMENT DATE WAS ANNOUNCED IN THE REPATRIATION OF PRISONERS ACT 1984 (COMMENCEMENT) ORDER 1988 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST INTERNATIONAL ARRANGEMENT TO APPLY TO HONG KONG WOULD BE THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION ON THE TRANSFER OF SENTENCED PERSONS WHICH WOULD ALSO TAKE EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 1.

THE OTHER COUNTRIES THAT ARE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ARE AUSTRIA, CANADA, CYPRUS, DENMARK, FINLAND, FRANCE, SPAIN, SWEDEN AND THE UNITED STATES.

"THE APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION TO HONG KONG WILL ENABLE SENTENCED PERSONS TO BE TRANSFERRED BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THESE COUNTRIES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

"IT IS BELIEVED THAT SUCH ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MORE CONDUCIVE TO REHABILITATION OF PRISONERS WHO MAY THEN BE ABLE TO SERVE THEIR SENTENCES IN THEIR HOME ENVIRONMENTS, RATHER THAN IN FOREIGN PLACES WHERE THE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR TO THEM," HE ADDED.

-------0---------

21 PASS MEDICAL EXAMINATION » ♦ *

THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT 21 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED PART I OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS.

A TOTAL OF 225 CANDIDATES SAT THE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTION PAPER ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON JANUARY 5.

PART II OF THE EXAMINATION, DESIGNED TO TEST THE CANDIDATES’ ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES, WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 1 AND MAY 10.

IN ADDITION TO THE 21 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FROM PART I, A FURTHER 13 CANDIDATES WHO FAILED PART II IN PREVIOUS YEARS, WILL BE SITTING THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION.

CANDIDATES MAY CHOOSE TO TAKE THE PART II LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ON EITHER DATE.

-------0---------- /2........................

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

- 2 -

FENWICK PIER STREET FLYOVER OPENS TOMORROW

* » » »

THE FENWICK PIER STREET FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI WILL OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

ANNOUNCING THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID THE 350-METRE TWO LANE FLYOVER WILL PROVIDE A WESTERN EXIT FOR VEHICLES TRAVELLING FROM WAN CHAI RECLAMATION TO CENTRAL DISTRICT AND THE MID-LEVELS.

THESE VEHICLES AT PRESENT TRAVEL VIA THE FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER AND HENNESSY ROAD OR LOCKHART ROAD.

THE FENWICK PIER STREET FLYOVER WILL PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT ROUTE, AND RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON THE FLEMING ROAD FLYOVER AND IN HENNESSY AND LOCKHART ROADS.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE $11 MILLION FLYOVER BEGAN IN JUNE 1985.

-------0--------

FORUMS ON WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY

» » ♦ » »

RESIDENTS CONCERNED ABOUT TRAFFIC PROBLEMS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING INVITED TO ATTEND TWO FORUMS ON THE WESTERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY. THEY WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 4) AND ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9.

THE STUDY, COMMISSIONED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IN DECEMBER 1986 AND UNDERTAKEN BY TWO CONSULTANT COMPANIES, IS AIMED AT DETERMINING AN EFFECTIVE TRANSPORT SYSTEM TO MEET TRAFFIC DEMANDS IN WESTERN DISTRICT UNTIL 1996.

IT INCLUDES AN ASSESSMENT OF THE NEED FOR EXTENDING THE ROUTE 7 TRUNK ROUTE, AND THIS WILL FORM PART OF THE INPUT TO THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY AND THE GREEN ISLAND RECLAMATION FEASIBILITY STUDY.

SEVEN CONSULTANTS AND ENGINEERS INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH THE HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS WILL SPEAK AT THE TWO FORUMS.

THE FIRST OF TWO FORUMS, ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, WILL BE HELD AT THE KENNEDY TOWN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, 14A BELCHER’S STREET.

THE SECOND WILL BE HELD AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN.

/BOTH FORUMS

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

BOTH FORUMS WILL START AT 8 PM. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON

5-8523479.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TWO FORUMS ON THE WESTERN

DISTRICT TRAFFIC STUDY

- - 0 - -

REVISED BOUNDARIES FOR TWO FISH CULTURE ZONES

*****

REVISION OF THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SHA TAU KOK AND YIM TIN TSAI FISH CULTURE ZONES UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).

A NOTICE ON THE REVISION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.

UNDER THE REVISION, THE BOUNDARIES OF THE SHA TAU KOK FISH CULTURE ZONE ARE RELOCATED SOUTHWARDS BY 60 METRES AND EXPANDED IN THE SAME DIRECTION FROM THE EXISTING 5.4 HECTARES TO 18 HECTARES.

THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN BOUNDARIES OF THE YIM TIN TSAI FISH CULTURE ZONE HAVE ALSO BEEN EXTENDED BY 20 METRES, RESULTING IN AN INCREASE IN SIZE FROM 11.7 HECTARES TO 13.6 HECTARES.

THE SENIOR FISHERIES OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR K.W. CHAN, EXPLAINED THAT THE REVISION WAS MADE TO MEET THE OPERATIONAL NEEDS OF MARICULTURISTS IN THESE AREAS.

THE SHA TAU KOK AND YIM TIN TSAI FISH CULTURE ZONES ARE AMONG THE 28 ZONES DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNMENT SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE IN 1982, THESE TWO ZONES ARE FULLY OCCUPIED BY 95 AND 184 LICENSEES RESPECTIVELY.

"AS WATERS IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SHA TAU KOK FISH CULTURE ZONE ARE RELATIVELY SHALLOW AND HAVE BECOME PRONE TO OXYGEN DEPLETION AND HENCE FISH KILL, THE MARICULTURISTS IN THE AREA HAVE EXPRESSED A WISH TO RELOCATE THEIR ACTIVITIES TO DEEPER WATERS," MR CHAN SAID.

"THE DECISION TO REVISE THE BOUNDARIES OF THE ZONE WAS MADE AFTER A REVIEW OF THE SITUATION AND CONSULTATION WITH THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS."

/HE ADDED

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

HE ADDED THAT DESPITE THE EXPANSION, MARICULTURE ACTIVITIES IN SHA TAU KOK WOULD REMAIN AT THE PRESENT LEVEL FOR THE TIME BEING IN VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S RECLAMATION AND DREDGING WORK IN THE AREA.

WHEN THIS WORK IS COMPLETED, THE ENLARGED ZONE WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SPACE FOR SOME 60 APPLICANTS ALREADY ON THE WAITING LIST.

"DEVELOPMENTS ON THE NEW RECLAMATION AT YIM TIN TSAI HAVE RESULTED IN AN INCREASE IN MARINE TRAFFIC WITH THE WASH SO GENERATED AFFECTING THE SMALL FISH RAFTS AT THE OUTER WESTERN BOUNDARY," MR CHAN SAID.

"HAVING REVIEWED THE MARICULTURE ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED THAT THE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN BOUNDARIES BE EXTENDED OUTWARDS BY 20 METRES TO PROVIDE SPACE FOR THE RELOCATION OF THE SMALL FISH RAFTS."

-------0---------

TWO-DAY CONFERENCE FOR YOUTH LEADERS

*****

A TWO-DAY CONFERENCE FOR OUTSTANDING YOUTH LEADERS WILL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE CENTRE IN SHA TIN FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

ORGANISED BY THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, THE PROJECT AIMS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR VOLUNTEERS WHO HAD WORKED FOR THE 1987 SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME (SYP) TO MEET AND SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE.

IT WILL ALSO SERVE AS A RECOGNITION OF THEIR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SYP.

THE CONFERENCE WILL START WITH A KEYNOTE SPEECH ON ’’TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT OF YOUTH LEADER”, TO BE GIVEN BY AN EXPERIENCED YOUTH LEADER TRAINER, MR SO KAM-CHIU, WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE WONG CHUK HANG YOUTH CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED RY A PLENARY DISCUSSION.

TO COINCIDE WITH THE ’’SHARE THE FUN, SERVE THE COMMUNITY” THEME OF THE 1987 SYP, A BARBECUE IN THE EVENING AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD TO PROVIDE FUN FOR THE PARTICIPANTS.

THE CONFERENCE WILL END AFTER LUNCH ON SUNDAY.

--------o--------- /5 ...... o

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

- 5 -

33-HOUR CLOSURE OF' PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER *****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 9 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO 6 AM ON MONDAY FOR RECONSTRUCTION WORK.

DURING THE 33-HOUR CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GROUND-LEVEL WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.

AT THE SAME TIME, TWO BUS STOPS LOCATED AT HOUSE NO. 98 AND HOUSE NO. 108 TO 110 OF WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BE SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY.

AS CONGESTION IS EXPECTED ON WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND DURING THE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID USING THESE TWO ROAD SECTIONS BY DIVERTING TO OTHER ROUTES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR DESIGNING AND SUPERVISING THE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT, EXPLAINED WHY THE CLOSURE IS NECESSARY.

"WE HAVE TO CLOSE THE FLYOVER CONTINUOUSLY IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT CONCRETE TO BE PLACED IN A PARTICULARLY COMPLEX SECTION OF THE NEW PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER HAS SUFFICIENT TIME TO GAIN STRENGTH, AND THUS FORMS A PROPER JOINT BETWEEN THE NEW CONCRETE AND A COMPLETED SECTION OF THE NEW FLYOVER," HE SAID.

"THE CLOSURE WILL AVOID DAMAGE TO THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED JOINT WHICH WILL OTHERWISE BE DAMAGED BY THE TRAFFIC-INDUCED VIBRATION OF THE ALREADY COMPLETED SECTION."

- - 0 -----------

TUEN MUN DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CARNIVAL *****

ABOUT 4,000 RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO GAMESTALLS, A POP CONCERT AND MAGIC SHOW AT THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND.

SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CARNIVAL IS ONE OF THE MAJOR EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE THIS YEAR TO HEIGHTEN THE AWARENESS OF RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUTHS, OF THF. DANGERS OF CRIMINAL SOCIETIES AND ACTIVITIES.

AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM. THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE THE PRESENTATION OF MODEL CITIZEN AWARDS TO RESIDENTS WHO HAVE HELPED THE POLICE IN DETECTING CRIME, SOUVENIRS TO WINNERS OF THE ANTI-TRIAD CAMPAIGN ESSAY COMPETITION, AND CERTIFICATES TO HOUSEHOLDS TAKING PART IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME.

/OFFICIATING AT .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

- 6 -

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WILL BE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR LAU WONG-FAT; AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR G.H. COX.

IN CASE OF INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN THE ST. SIMON’S LUI MING CHOI SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHICH IS ADJACENT TO THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CARNIVAL AT 2.30 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) AT THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND, HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD.

-------0----------

VOLUNTEERS TO VISIT ELDERLY IN KOWLOON CITY

* * * *

ABOUT 400 VOLUNTEERS FROM SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL VISIT 700 ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) AND PRESENT THEM WITH LUNAR NEW YEAR GIFTS.

THE VOLUNTEERS, TWO IN A GROUP, WILL VISIT SENIOR RESIDENTS AGED 60 AND ABOVE WHO HAVE BEEN NOMINATED BY 13 HOMES FOR THE AGED, KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

THE ELDERLY WILL EACH RECEIVE A GIFT PACKET CONTAINING FOOD AND DAILY NECESSITIES. THE TWO OLDEST WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT, AGED 95 AND 96 RESPECTIVELY, WILL EACH RECEIVE A "LAI-SEE" PACKET OF $200.

THE VOLUNTEERS WILL ALSO ASK THE ELDERLY ABOUT THEIR NEEDS AND INTERESTS. THE INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR PLANNING FUTURE ACTIVITIES FOR THE AGED.

THE EVENT, HELD FOR THE TENTH YEAR, IS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE TO GIVE MORE CARE AND WARMTH TO THE ELDERLY, ESPECIALLY TO THE LONELY ONES.

SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, THE VISITS ARE ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, THE SOI'I AL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

/KOWLOON CITY

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

- 7 -

KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ALEX FONG; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR NG KAI-KIN; CHAIRMAN OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY; AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR KONG PAK-KEUNG, WILL ALSO VISIT THE TWO OLDEST RESIDENTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE VISITS TO THE HOMES OF THE ELDERLY BY VOLUNTEERS. A BRIEF STARTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) AT THE LOK SIN TONG PRIMARY SCHOOL, 63 LUNG KONG ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.

-------0----------

CLOSING CEREMONY OF SEMINAR FOR THE ELDERLY » * »

A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TO MARK THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF A SEMINAR ON THE ELDERLY TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE 10-DAY SEMINAR, WITH THE THEME "THE ELDERLY - WE CARE", HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED (SAGE).

THE FUNCTION HAS ENABLED MORE THAN 350 PARTICIPANTS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO EXCHANGE THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES IN THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF ELDERLY SERVICES, INCLUDING POLICY, PLANNING, PROVISION, PROBLEMS IN SERVICE DELIVERY, SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, WILL DELIVER THE CLOSING SPEECH AND CHAIRMAN OF SAGE, MR JUSTICE GARCIA, WILL DELIVER THE VOTE OF THANKS AS WELL AS PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO THE OFFICIATING GUESTS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR ON THE ELDERLY TO BE HELD AT THE LADY TRENCH AUDITORIUM, FIRST FLOOR, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, TOMORROW (SATURDAY). THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 11.15 AM AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO BE SEATED BY 11 AM.

-------0 ---------

/8........

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

- 8

SEMINAR ON HARMONIZED SYSTEM * * * * *

THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE A SEMINAR WITH THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INSTITUTE ON FEBRUARY 9 (TUESDAY) ON THE EFFECTS OF THE ADOPTION OF THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM BY THE U.S. ON HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF TEXTILES PRODUCTS TO THE COUNTRY.

THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL, 224 WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON, FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM. IT WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND ADMISSION IS FREE.

THE SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE A BRIEF PRESENTATION BY OFFICERS OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ON THE EFFECTS OF THE HARMONIZED SYSTEM ON EXPORTS OF TEXTILES PRODUCTS TO THE U.S. AND A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION DURING WHICH PARTICIPANTS WILL BE FREE TO RAISE QUESTIONS AND SEEK CLARIFICATIONS.

TICKET REQUEST FORMS FOR THE SEMINAR ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S ENQUIRY COUNTER, GROUND 'FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.

INTERESTED COMPANIES ARE REQUESTED TO COMPLETE THE FORMS AND RETURN THEM BY HAND TO THE DEPARTMENT’S COLLECTION OFFICE AT ROOM 822, EIGHTH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE.

DETAILS OF THE SEMINAR ARE SET OUT IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS, SERIES 1 (USA) NO. 6/88, DATED JANUARY 27.

-------0----------

ENROLMENT FOR FULL-TIME COURSES INVITED

*****

FORM THREE STUDENTS ARE BEING INVITED TO APPLY FOR ENTRY INTO FULL-TIME POST-SECONDARY THREE COURSES OFFERED BY THE EIGHT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TN THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR.

THE 23 COURSES COVER A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS IN THE AREAS OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, MARINE ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION, MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING, INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLGOY, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION, PRINTING, DESIGN, CLOTHING, TEXTILES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CHILD CARE AND HAIRDRESSING.

’’THESE COURSES ARE DESIGNED TO HELP FORM THREE STUDENTS WHO ARE PREPARED TO MAKE AN EARLY ENTRY INTO THE WORLD OF WORK TO BUILD A CAREER,” A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.

INTERESTED STUDENTS SHOULD APPLY THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS, WHICH SHOULD SEND THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS TO THE COUNCIL BY MARCH 10.

/STUDENTS WHO .......

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29. 1988

STUDENTS WHO WISH TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THEM, EITHER ON OPEN DAYS OR THROUGH ORGANISED SCHOOL VISITS.

THE SHA TIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND THE CHAI WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL HOLD OPEN DAYS ON FEBRUARY 5 AND MARCH 30 RESPECTIVELY.

THE REMAINING SIX TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL BE OPEN SOME TIME IN EARLY MARCH.

- - 0 -

EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY

*****

A ROAD SAFETY DAY TO REMIND THE PUBLIC ON THE PROPER WAYS OF ROAD USAGE WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) AFTERNOON IN THE FOOTBALL PITCHES OF VICTORIA PARK.

THIS IS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD.

TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY, THE WORKING GROUP HAS MOUNTED ADVISORY SIGNBOARDS AT 41 LOCATIONS IN THE DISTRICT. ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE FOR A PUBLICITY BUS TO TOUR THE DISTRICT TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE.

THE BUS, DECORATED WITH ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES, WILL VISIT THE TRAFFIC BLACK SPOTS, WHILE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, ROAD SAFETY PATROL MEMBERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS AT VARIOUS STOPS ALONG THE ROUTE.

THE ROAD SAFETY DAY ON SUNDAY WILL FEATURE A POP CONCERT, ROAD SAFETY TOWN, COLOURING FOR FUN, QUIZ ON ROAD SAFETY FOR THE ELDERLY, GAMESTALLS AND CHILDREN’S PLAYHOUSES.

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ROAD SAFETY DAY WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; AND POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (EASTERN), MR R.M.A. HARPER.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) AT 2 PM AT THE FOOTBALL PITCHES 1, 2 AND 3 IN VICTORIA PARK.

- - 0 - -

/1O

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

- 10 -

NEW ROADS TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN

* * * »

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT CARPARKS AND COMBINED FOOTPATH/EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS ROADS IN KAK TIN VILLAGE, SHA TIN, TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS FOR THE EXISTING VILLAGE AND PROPOSED EXTENSION AREAS.

THE SCHEME FORMS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN.

A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE PLAN AND SCHEME SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (SHA TIN), 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES; AND AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, NEW TERRITORIES.

ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE MARCH 29, 1988.

-----o-----

CHINESE ARTS EXHIBITION BEGINS TOMORROW

* « » » I

A SIX-DAY EXHIBITION OF CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY,' PAINTING AND HANDICRAFTS WILL BEGIN AT THE NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE EXHIBITION HALL TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE WINNING ENTRIES IN A COMPETITION WHICH WAS DIVIDED INTO CHILDREN, TEENAGER AND ADULT SECTIONS.

THE BEST THREE ENTRIES IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 AM AND 7 PM DAILY UNTIL 3 PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 4). ADMISSION IS FREE.

AIMED AT PROMOTING CHINESE FINE ARTS AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AND SPONSORED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD, THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, THE URBAN COUNCIL, YWCA ANNE BLACK CENTRE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE.

/OFFICIATING AT

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE MISS YEUNG LAI-YIN; KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD KING-WONG; COMMITTEE MEMBER OF THE YOUTH WORK AND DEPARTMENT, MISS LAM MEI-YING; AND CHAIRMAN OF DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE COUNCIL, MR WU WING-KAI.

URBAN COUNCILLOR, MEMBER, MR CHAN COMMUNITY SERVICE THE KOWLOON CITY

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION OF CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTING AND HANDICRAFTS AT 3 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT NGAU CHI WAN CIVIC CENTRE EXHIBITION HALL, ll CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.

-------0---------

KIOSKS TO LET, SITE FOR SALE * * * *

TWO RETAIL KIOSKS ARE BEING LET BY SHORT-TERM TENANCIES WHILE A PETROL FILLING STATION SITE IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT.

THE KIOSKS, EACH MEASURING ABOUT 16 SQUARE METRES, LOCATED ON THE PEDESTRIAN DECK AT FIRST FLOOR LEVEL OF TSUEN WAN TRANSPORT COMPLEX, TSUEN WAN, ARE FOR RETAIL SHOPS (EXCLUDING SALE OF WET GOODS).

THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE FOR THREE YEARS AFTERWARDS.

THE PETROL FILLING STATION SITE IS AT TUEN MUN AREA 37A, NEAR TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA.

THIS 540 SQUARE METRES LOT IS FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION EXCLUDING ANY LUBRICATING, SERVICING OR CAR WASHING FACILITIES.

THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS FOR LTHE THREE SITES IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 26.

-------o ---------

/12

FRIDAY, JANUARY 29, 1988

- 12 -

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL FOR ROAD PROJECT ♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦

SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE FROM 4 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 31) FOR THE

IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL

UPGRADED CONNAUGHT ROAD

PROJECT.

THEY ARE:

HARBOUR VIEW STREET WILL

BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY;

VEHICLES ON CONNAUGHT

ROAD

CENTRAL WESTBOUND WILL BE TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL

PROHIBITED FROM U-TURNING ON

EASTBOUND NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN VICTORIA STREET; AND

VEHICLES LEAVING CONNAUGHT PLACE WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT ON TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND.

THE MEASURES WILL LAST FOR ABOUT ONE YEAR.

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♦

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777

SATURDAY, JANUARY JO, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GSP DECISION REGRETTED .................................. 1

RICE CONTROL SCHEME PLAYS VITAL ROLE .................... 2

MORE CENTRES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN PIPELINE......... 2+

SERVICES FOR ELDERLY DEVELOPING IN RIGHT DIRECTION....... 5

TWO-DAY POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL COURSE BEGINS .............. 6

PARENTS URGED TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM DRUG ABUSE........ 7

SAI KUNG RESIDENTS TRGED TO VOTE....................... $

DANCE TREAT IN SHA TIN.................................

SCHOOL CHILDREN JOIN VEGETABLE GROWING COMPETITION....... 9

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUT PO.................... 10

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

GSP DECISION REGRETTED « * *

THE DECISION OF THE UNITED STATES SYSTEM OF PREFERENCES ADVANTAGES FOR CERTAIN REGRETTABLE BUT NOT A DISASTER.

TO WITHDRAW GENERALISED HONG KONG PRODUCTS IS

THIS WAS SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) BY MR K.Y. YEUNG, ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, WHO WAS COMMENTING ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT. HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT THE FACT THAT KOREA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE, HAD ALSO BEEN GRADUATED MEANT THAT THE BALANCE OF COMPETITIVENESS IN THE REGION WAS STILL MAINTAINED.

MR YEUNG SAID THAT HE WAS DISAPPOINTED BY THE DECISION OF THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION TO GRADUATE HONG KONG.

"WE MADE STRONG ARGUMENTS AT SENIOR LEVELS WITHIN THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION. IN THE PAST IT HAS BEEN VERY SUPPORTIVE OF OUR OPEN MARKET POLICIES.

"GRADUATING AN OPEN MARKET LIKE HONG KONG WILL SEND THE WRONG MESSAGE TO TRADING PARTNERS OF THE U.S. AND IT WILL REMOVE AN IMPORTANT INCENTIVE TO OTHERS TO OPEN THEIR MARKETS," HE SAID.

MR YEUNG NOTED THAT THE OVERALL ECONOMIC IMPACT OF GRADUATION ON HONG KONG WOULD NOT BE SERIOUSLY DAMAGING AS ONLY ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS TO THE U.S. BENEFITTED FROM GSP. IN 1986 HONG KONG BUSINESSES WERE SAVED BY ABOUT HK$530 MILLION IN TARIFFS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE BEEN PAYABLE.

"EVEN THOUGH WITHDRAWAL WILL NOT HAVE A SERIOUS EFFECT ON HONG KONG’S EXPORT, WE HAD HOPED THAT THE U.S. WOULD ACCEPT THAT WE ARE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ASIAN EXPORTING NATIONS - OUR MARKETS ARE WIDE OPEN AND WE HAVE NO BARRIERS TO AMERICAN EXPORTERS.

HE EXPLAINED THAT GSP IS A DONOR SCHEME WHEREBY IMPORTING COUNTRIES ACCORD DUTY-FREE TREATMENT TO CERTAIN PRODUCTS TO ASSIST INDUSTRIES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES. HONG KONG HAS VALUED ITS STATUS AS A BENEFICIARY OF U.S. GSP WHICH HAS HELPED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE INDUSTRY AND DIVERSIFICATION FROM TEXTILE AND GARMENT MANUFACTURE.

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MOUNTED A CONSIDERABLE EFFORT TO PUT ACROSS ITS CASE IN THE UNITED STATES, SAID MR YEUNG, HOWEVER THE REALITIES OF PRESENT DOMESTIC POLITICAL PRESSURES HAD TO BE FACED.

THE MAIN PRODUCTS WHICH WILL BE AFFECTED FROM THE DECISION ARE TOYS AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT, TELEPHONE SETS, CERTAIN HOUSEHOLD ITEMS SUCH AS ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND COOKING UTENSILS, DATA PROCESSING MACHINES, CERTAIN TYPES OF ELECTRONIC RECORDING AND COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND WOODEN FURNITURE ITEMS.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

- 2 -

RICE CONTROL SCHEME PLAYS VITAL ROLE

| »

HONG KONG HAS VARIOUS SOURCES OF SUPPLY FOR THE HUGE AMOUNT OF RICE IT CONSUMES, INCLUDING CHINA, THAILAND, AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES.

RICE IMPORTING IS SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER A CONTROL SCHEME OPERATED BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT. WITHIN THE SCHEME, THERE ARE 46 REGISTERED RICE STOCKHOLDERS, INCLUDING TWO ADDITIONAL IMPORTERS SELECTED BY BALLOT ON THURSDAY.

ACCORDING TO MRS SHIRLEY Y.S. LAU, TRADE OFFICER AT THE TRADE DEPARTMENT IN CHARGE OF THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME, EXPERIENCE IN THE TRADE IS AN IMPORTANT CRITERION WHEN THE NUMBERS OF IMPORTERS IS EXPANDED.

THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY REGARDING THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FIRST 29 RICE STOCKHOLDERS IN 1955 WHEN THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED.

’’THE NUMBER OF RICE STOCKHOLDERS WAS INCREASED TO 38 IN 1957 AND THEY, AMONG THEMSELVES, SHARED THE 900 UNITS OF RICE QUOTA AT 100 TONNES PER UNIT PER QUARTER,” MRS LAU SAID.

HOWEVER, SINCE A RESHUFFLE OF THE QUOTA ALLOCATION IN 1976 THE QUANTITY OF RICE TO BE IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG PER QUARTER FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION IS SUBJECT TO A QUOTA WHICH IS DIVIDED INTO 1,000 UNITS AT 90 TONNES PER UNIT.

STATISTICS SHOW THAT WITH CHANGING EATING HABITS THE CONSUMPTION OF RICE PER CAPITA HAS DROPPED CONSIDERABLY, FROM 120 KILOGRAMS PER YEAR IN 1961 TO 65 IN 1986.

’’THE IMPORT OF RICE TO HONG KONG HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AT AROUND 350,000 TONNES PER YEAR FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS, WHICH IS DUE TO THE GROWING POPULATION,” MRS LAU SAID.

FINDINGS BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ALSO SHOW THAT WHILE HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE BEEN EATING LESS RICE, MORE OF THEM HAVE BEEN CHANGING TO RICE OF HIGHER QUALITY, AS EVIDENCED BY THE GROWING POPULARITY IN RECENT YEARS OF THE MORE HIGHLY PRICED THAT ’’FRAGRANT” AND AUSTRALIAN ’’INGA”.

’’RICE IS STILL CONSIDERED A STAPLE FOODSTUFF AND THE GOVERNMENT, AS ADVISED BY THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, SEES THE NEED TO CONTROL IT,” MRS LAU SAID.

THE 13-MEMBER COMMITTEE, WHICH WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1974, ADVISES THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE OPERATION OF THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND ON ALL ASPECTS OF THE RICE TRADE.

/IT ALSO .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

- 5 -

IT ALSO CONSIDERS SUCH MATTERS CONCERNING THE IMPORT AND DISTRIBUTION OF RICE AS MAY BE REFERRED TO IT BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE AND MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS ACCORDINGLY.

THE COMMITTEE CONSISTS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS TO GIVE VARIED VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.

AT PRESENT, MEMBERS INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF TRADE, A PRINCIPAL TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, RICE IMPORTERS, RICE WHOLESALERS, RICE RETAILERS, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CONSUMER SECTOR, LARGE RETAIL CHAINS, NON-RICE TRADERS AND PROFESSIONALS.

MRS LAU SAID THAT IN 1973-74, THERE WAS INTERNATIONAL SHORTAGE IN THE RICE SUPPLY, AND FOR A TIME THAILAND (A MAJOR SUPPLIER) BANNED RICE EXPORTS.

IMPORTERS WERE NOT ALWAYS ABLE TO SECURE ENOUGH RICE AND SOME WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS ALSO HAD DIFFICULTIES IN OBTAINING SUPPLIES FROM IMPORTERS.

PRICES INCREASED AND THERE WAS EVIDENCE OF PROFITEERING BY THE TRADE.

’’THERE WAS A NEED TO OVERSEE THE RICE TRADE AND TO SUPERVISE THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME TO ENSURE THAT CONSUMERS’ INTEREST WAS PROTECTED,” MRS LAU SAID.

SHE ADDED THAT IT WAS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS SET UP.

THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED RICE STOCKHOLDERS REMAINED AT 38 UNTIL 1976 WHEN SEVEN ADDITIONAL RICE STOCKHOLDERS WERE REGISTERED.

EIGHTEEN UNITS WERE ALLOCATED BY BALLOT ON THURSDAY TO TWO ADDITIONAL RICE STOCKHOLDERS, AT NINE UNITS EACH.

OF THESE, SIX WERE UNALLOCATED UNITS OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT RESULTING FROM THE RESHUFFLE OF THE QUOTA ALLOCATION SYSTEM IN 1976 AND 12 WERE RETURNED TO THE TRADE DEPARTMENT UPON THE CLOSURE OF BUSINESS OF ONE FORMER RICE STOCKHOLDER IN 1986.

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A....

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

MORE CENTRES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN PIPELINE

*****

AN ADDITIONAL 19 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES SERVING OVER 20,000 MORE MEMBERS WILL COME INTO SERVICE IN 1988-89, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG YWCA BUTTERFLY ESTATE SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE IN TUEN MUN, MRS WONG NOTED THAT THERE WERE NOW 185 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES WITH SOME 210,000 MEMBERS AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT SPENT MORE THAN *101.6 MILLION ON THIS SERVICE IN 1987-88.

’’CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES ARE SET UP ON A DISTRICT BASIS AT THE RATIO OF ONE CENTRE PER 20,000 POPULATION,” MRS WONG S£ID.

’’THEIR AIM IS TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTHS AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 24 TO MEET THEIR DEMANDS AND CATER FOR THEIR INTERESTS; TO GROOM THEIR LEADERSHIP QUALITIES; AS WELL AS TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES AND THE COMMUNITY IN THEIR GROWING UP.

’’THROUGH PARTICIPATING AND PLANNING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, THEY WILL LEARN TO SPEND THEIR LEISURE TIME MORE MEANINGFULLY AND WILL ACHIEVE A BALANCED SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT AND PERSONAL INTEGRITY SO THAT THEY WILL GROW UP AS LAW-ABIDING AND CIVIC-MINDED CITIZENS,” SHE SAID.

FOLLOWING A REVIEW OF THE PLANNING STANDARD FOR THESE CENTRES BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD RECENTLY DISCUSSED AND ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATION TO ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE STANDARD ACCORDING TO POPULATION DISTRIBUTION, SHE ADDED.

MRS WONG POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE NOW 13 YOUTH CENTRES AND 13 CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN TUEN MUN AND AN ADDITIONAL EIGHT YOUTH CENTRES AND SEVEN CHILDREN’S CENTRES WOULD BE SET UP IN THE DISTRICT IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO MEET POPULATION GROWTH.

NOTING THAT SOME HOUSING ESTATES WERE FAR AWAY FROM THE TOWN PROPER, SHE SAID THAT THEIR DEMAND FOR YOUTH FACILITIES WOULD BE TAKEN CARE OF WHEN THE FLEXIBLE PLANNING STANDARD WAS ADOPTED IN THE FUTURE.

SHE NOTED THAT THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE WAS THE THIRTEENTH CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG YWCA AND THAT ITS MEMBERSHIP HAD INCREASED TO 1,800 SINCE IT STARTED OPERATION LAST JANUARY.

ITS SERVICES SUCH AS INTEREST AND SERVICE GROUPS, READING ROOMS, TRAINING COURSES AND FAMILY SERVICE WERE WIDELY SUPPORTED BY RESIDENTS THERE.

MRS WONG COMMENDED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30*,

1988

- 5 -SERVICES FOR ELDERLY DEVELOPING IN RIGHT DIRECTION » » » »

SERVICES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPING ALONG THE LINES SET DOWN IN THE 1979 WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE WITH INCREASES IN BOTH THE TYPES OF SERVICES OFFERED AND THE NUMBER OF ELDERLY CATERED FOR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).

"THE POLICY RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF ’CARE IN THE FAMILY AND IN THE COMMUNITY’ AS WELL AS THE NEED FOR RESIDENTIAL CARE," HE SAID.

MR LAW WAS SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF A 10-DAY SEMINAR, ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE AGED.

HE SAID THIS TWO-PRONGED APPROACH WAS APPROPRIATE AND NECESSARY NO MATTER WHETHER FROM THE ANGLE OF VALUE FOR MONEY, EXPERIENCE, REAL NEEDS OR VIABILITY.

"BUT THE IMPORTANT THING IS THAT WHILE ENCOURAGING CARE IN THE FAMILY AND IN THE COMMUNITY, CONSTANT ATTENTION AND ASSESSMENT ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF THESE TWO ASPECTS SO THAT THERE CAN BE TIMELY PROVISIONS TO MEET THE SERVICE NEEDS," HE ADDED.

MR LAW STRESSED THAT SOCIETY COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO TAKE OVER A FAMILY’S RESPONSIBILITY BUT, ON THE OTHER HAND, IT SHOULD BE PREPARED TO ACT IF THE FAMILY COULD NOT FULFIL ITS ROLE.

"THIS ENTAILS CONSTANT REVIEW OF CHANGES IN SOCIAL CONDITIONS AND FLEXIBLE MANIPULATION OF LIMITED RESOURCES SO AS TO PROMOTE RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY AND, AT THE SAME TIME, TO ENSURE PROPER CARE IS AVAILABLE TO THEM," HE SAID.

FORTUNATELY, HONG KONG’S SOCIETY WAS ONE WHICH HAD GREAT RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY AND MANY PHILANTHROPISTS LIKED TO MAKE DONATIONS TOWARDS SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.

"AS FOR THE CHILDREN, THEY NORMALLY WILL DO THEIR UTMOST TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR PARENTS AND WILL FEEL UNEASY IF FOR SOME REASONS THEY CANNOT DO SO," HE SAID.

"WE CAN CERTAINLY DRAW ON THESE LATENT RESOURCES IN THE SOCIETY AND IN THE FAMILY."

THEREFORE, SERVICES AND FACILITIES OTHER THAN RESIDENTIAL CARE, INCLUDING HOME HELP AND CASH ASSISTANCE, WERE VERY IMPORTANT.

AT THE SAME TIME, SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY AND MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES COULD HELP THE ELDERLY TO REMAIN ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY.

/HOWEVER, HE .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

HOWEVER, HE APPRECIATED THAT THOSE ELDERLY PEOPLE NEEDING CARE AND ATTENTION CONSTITUTED A HEAVY AND LONG-TERM BURDEN, BOTH FINANCIALLY AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY, TO THEIR FAMILIES.

’’AS THERE IS STILL A LACK OF CARE AND ATTENTION SERVICES, WE ARE NOW REVIEWING THE PLANNING RATIO TO ENSURE THEY DO MEET THE NEEDS,” HE SAID.

MR LAW ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD ORGANISE MORE REFRESHER TRAINING FOR SOCIAL WORKERS IN CO-OPERATION WITH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF SERVICE.

-------0----------

TWO-DAY POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL COURSE BEGINS ♦ * ♦ * ♦

MORE THAN 360 DOCTORS, HEALTH PERSONNEL AND SCIENTISTS IN HONG KONG ATTENDED A POSTGRADUATE COURSE WHICH BEGAN AT A LOCAL HOTEL TODAY (SATURDAY).

THE TWO-DAY COURSE COMPRISES THREE SESSIONS ON VARIOUS MEDICAL AND HEALTH TOPICS INCLUDING A SYMPOSIUM ON AIDS WHICH WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.

THE EVENT - HONG KONG POSTGRADUATE COURSE 1988 - IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (UCSF), THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY THIS AFTERNOON, THE DIRECTOR OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR K.L. THONG, CONGRATULATED THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR ORGANISING THE COURSE.

HE SAID THE POSTGRADUATE COURSE WAS THE RESULT OF DISCUSSIONS BY A COMMITTEE ON THE HK/UCSF HEALTH SCIENCE EXCHANGE PROGRAMME WHICH WAS SET UP FOLLOWING A VISIT TO HONG KONG IN 1986 BY A DELEGATION OF ACADEMIC HEADS OF THE UCSF.

ABOUT 15 INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED FACULTY MEMBERS OF UCSF HAVE COME TO HONG KONG SPECIALLY TO CONDUCT THE COURSE.

SPEAKERS FOR THE AIDS SYMPOSIUM WILL INCLUDE TWO WORLD AUTHORITIES ON AIDS - DR J. LEVY AND DR PAUL VOLBERDING. DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DR S.H. LEE, AND CONSULTANT, DR E.K. YEOH, OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE AS PANELLISTS.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

- 7

PARENTS URGED TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM DRUG ABUSE

« » » » *

PARENTS WERE URGED TODAY (SATURDAY) TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN FROM THE DANGER OF DRUG ABUSE BY PROVIDING THEM WITH PROPER CARE AND GUIDANCE.

THE APPEAL WAS MADE BY THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR FREDERICK TONG, AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1987-88 TUEN MUN DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.

HE NOTED THAT IN ADDITION TO A CONCERTED EFFORT FROM ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN STEPPING UP LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS AND ENHANCING ANTI-DRUG PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY WORK, FULL SUPPORT FROM PARENTS WAS A MUST IN ORDER TO COMBAT THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.

ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM OF THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE HAD AROUSED MUCH PUBLIC CONCERN, WE SHOULD NOT OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT HEROIN ABUSE STILL REMAINED OUR MAIN PROBLEM, MR TONG SAID.'

DURING THE CEREMONY, HE WAS JOINED BY OTHER GUESTS IN UNVEILING AN ANTI-DRUG WALL PAINTING DESIGNED BY THE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT OF TUEN MUN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.

THE WALL WAS PAINTED BY SOME 60 MEMBERS FROM THE TUEN MUN JUNIOR POLICE CALL, TUEN MUN YWCA OUTREACH TEAM, YAN 01 TONG CENTRE AND NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE ACTION COUNCIL YICK YUEN CENTRE.

JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT CAMPAIGN WAS AIMED AT REMINDING THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN THE LOCALITY OF THE NEED TO BE ALERT TO PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE AND TO ADOPT A PROPER ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE.

ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGES WERE DISSEMINATED THROUGH A VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE LAST SEVEN MONTHS.

OTHER GUESTS OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SELBY; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER OF TUEN MUN, MR G.H. COX; TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR SIT H0-Y1N.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

- 8

SAI KUNO RESIDENTS URGED TO VOTE

* * * *

THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MISS BETTY CHING, TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON REGISTERED ELECTORS IN THE DISTRICT TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS AND VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 10.

SPEAKING AT THE DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL, MISS CHING POINTED OUT THAT THE DISTRICT’S 15,155 REGISTERED ELECTORS SHOULD ALL MAKE USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY TO ELECT THE IDEAL REPRESENTATIVES TO THE DISTRICT BOARD.

MISS CHING ALSO PRAISED THE RESIDENTS FOR SUPPORTING VARIOUS KINDS OF DISTRICT ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THE DANCE PERFORMANCE NIGHT.

"IT IS THIS SPIRIT OF SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS THAT HAS ENABLED THE DISTRICT BOARD TO FUNCTION SUCCESSUYLLY," MISS CHING SAID.

MORE THAN 1,2000 SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WERE TREATED TO CHINESE, WESTERN AND CHILDREN’S DANCES PERFORMED BY ABOUT 250 DANCERS.

IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT SUCH A LARGE-SCALE DANCE PERFORMANCE WAS HELD IN THE DISTRICT.

THE DANCERS RANGED FROM CHILDREN FROM THE DISTRICT’S KINDERGARTENS TO DANCING ENTHUSIASTS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS. STUDENTS FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ALSO PERFORMED MODERN AND CHINESE DANCES.

SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP, THE DANCE PERFORMANCE WAS AIMED AT FOSTERING RESIDENTS’ INTERESTS AND IMPROVING THEIR SKILLS IN DANCING. IT ALSO PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE.

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DANCE TREAT IN SHA TIN

* * *

DANCE LOVERS WILL BE TREATED TO AN EVENING OF DIFFERENT FORMS OF DANCE AT THE AUDITORIUM OF SHA TIN TOWN HALL NEXT SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 6).

THE OCCASION IS THE 8TH SHA TIN DANCE COMPETITION WINNERS’ SHOW.

/ELEVEN FORMS .......

aiflMffl, JANUARY JO, 1988

ELEVEN FORMS OF DANCE WILL BE PERFORMED, INCLUDING ORIb I. FOLK, WESTERN FOLK, SOCIAL, MODERN, ORIENTAL CLASSICAL AND WESi i'N CLASSICAL.

FIVE OF THE DANCES WILL BE PERFORMED BY WINNERS IN THE DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION AND THE OTHERS BY DANCERS FROM THE HONG KONG DANCING ASSOCIATION, HONG KONG DANCING SCHOOL, MODERN DANCE TROUPE AND CHRISTINE LIAO BALLET SCHOOL.

THE HONG KONG DANCING ASSOCIATION WILL ALSO GIVE THE FIRST PUBLIC PERFORMANCE OF "MIU YAM LIU (WONDERFUL BIRD)".

THE SHOW IS BEING JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL COUNCIL WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD. IT WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM.

DURING THE SHOW, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ANDREW PYNE, AND DB MEMBER, MR ROGER LAU, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO COMPETITION WINNERS.

TICKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FREE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRE AND THE SHA TIN OFFICE OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN KCR HOUSE AS WELL AS AT VARIOUS COMMUNITY HALLS IN THE DISTRICT. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-6066552 AND 0-6989750.

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SCHOOL CHILDREN JOIN VEGETABLE GROWING COMPETITION

*****

MORE THAN 120 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL COMPETE FOR TOP HONOURS IN A VEGETABLE GROWING (IN POTS) COMPETITION AT THE TEACHERS’ CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 2).

THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE PRIMARY SCIENCE SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.

IT AIMS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN TO LEARN, THROUGH PARTICIPATION AND OBSERVATION, THE SHAPE, STRUCTURE AND GROWTH OF PLANTS AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO TAKE GOOD CARE OF PLANTS FOR BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT.

EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL WILL BE ALLOWED TO SUBMIT FOUR ENTRIES OF ANY OF THE FIVE DIFFERENT SPECIES. THE PLANTS ARE GROWN BY PUPILS IN POTS STARTING FROM THE SEEDLING STAGE IN SEPTEMBER UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF TEACHERS.

/ALL ENTRIES .......

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30, 1988

10 -

ALL ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED BY A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS ON TUESDAY MORNING AND A PRIZE-GIVING PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM AT THE TEACHERS’ CENTRE.

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS FOR EACH OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES DIVISIONS.

THE CHAMPION OF EACH DIVISION WILL BE AWARDED A SHIELD AND A COUPON OF$500. THE PRIZES WILL BE SPONSORED BY CHOI HING LEE SEED COMPANY LIMITED. OTHER WINNING ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE A SHIELD WHILE THE HIGHLY COMMENDED ONES WILL RECEIVE PENNANTS.

ALL ENTRIES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE TEACHERS' CENTRE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CEREMONY AND ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 3 AND 4) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM DAILY.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT THE TEACHERS’ CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 2).

------0-------

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO ♦ * » ♦ »

TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON FAT TSUENG STREET SOUTH OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD IN SHAM SHUI PO, A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE DIRECTION FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 2).

THEY ARE:

» FAT TSEUNG STREET BETWEEN YEE KUK STREET AND TUNG CHAU

STREET;

♦ TUNG CHAU STREET NORTH OF FAT TSEUNG STREET;

♦ THE UNNAMED ROAD SOUTH OF WANG CHEONG FACTORY ESTATE

BETWEEN TUNG CHAU STREET AND YEE KUK STREET; AND

» YEE KUK STREET NORTH OF FAT TSEUNG STREET.

AT THE SAME TIME, TWO ROAD SECTIONS WILL BECOME 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS:

♦ FAT TSEUNG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LAT CHI KOK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND

♦ YEE KUK STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH FAT TSEUNG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.

WITHIN THE URBAN CLEARWAYS, NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.

-----0-----

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777

SUNDAY, JANUARY J1, 1988

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

GOVT TO REVIEW SECTION OF PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE ........... 1 TRADERS PREPARE FOR MEASUREMENT CHANGE ..................... 3 MORE DISABLED PERSONS PLACED IN EMPLOYMENT ................. 4 SHA TIN TAKES FIRST STEP TO PROMOTE DB ELECTIONS............ 6 DWELLING BOAT CLEANING COMPETITION ......................... 7 MORE SPORTS VENUES IN NORTH DISTRICT ....................... 7 ROAD SAFETY DAY AT VICTORIA PARK ........................... 8 VOLUNTEERS VISIT ELDERLY IN TAI PO.......................... 9 NEW CONDITIONS FOR TRANSPORTING LONG AND WIDE LOADS ........ 9

FIRE STATION OFFICERS BEING RECRUITED ...................... 11 MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PaRT-TIME INSTRUCTORS ................ 11 WORK ON TOWN PARK TO START SOON ............................ 12 STRING OF 'GOOD LUCK' FOR SslLE ............................ 13 NEW EXPRESS BUS ROUTE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND CENTRAL......... 14

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1988

GOVT TO REVIEW SECTION OF PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO REVIEW SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

"THE FORM OF THE REVIEW AND THE METHOD OF CONSULTATION WILL BE CONSIDERED NEARER THE TIME," SIR DAVID SAID WHEN OPENING A SEMINAR ON PRESS FREEDOM ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION.

"I AM SURE IT WILL BE ACCEPTED THAT IF THAT REVIEW IS TO BE MEANINGFUL, A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME SHOULD BE ALLOWED FOR THE EFFECT OF THE LAW TO BE MONITORED."

SIR DAVID EXPLAINED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION’S MOTIVATION IN RETAINING SECTION 27 OF THE ORDINANCE WAS LIMITED TO THE PROTECTION OF THE COMMUNITY AGAINST THE DAMAGING EFFECTS WHICH THE SPREAD OF FALSE NEWS COULD HAVE IN SUCH A CLOSE COMMUNITY AS HONG KONG’S.

"AS I SAID AT THE TIME, THE MEASURE WAS INTENDED TO BE ONE OF LAST RESORT AND IN NO WAY INTENDED TO INHIBIT THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS," HE SAID.

"IN THE EVENT, IT WAS INTERPRETED DIFFERENTLY AND IT IS OF CONCERN TO ME THAT THE MEDIA REACTION TO IT SHOULD HAVE HAD A DAMAGING EFFECT BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS."

SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PROUD OF THE PRESS FREEDOM THAT EXISTED IN HONG KONG AND HAD DONE MUCH, OVER MANY YEARS, TO PROMOTE AND FACILITATE THE EXERCISE OF THAT FREEDOM.

OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MEDIA, HE SAID: "IT IS THE NATURE OF SUCH RELATIONSHIPS, IF THEY ARE TO MAINTAIN A HEALTHY BALANCE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, THAT BOTH SIDES REMAIN A LITTLE WARY, A LITTLE ARGUMENTATIVE AND CERTAINLY MORE THAN JUST A LITTLE CRITICAL."

OBJECTIVE CRITICISM WAS INDISPENSABLE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SOUND ADMINISTRATION, AND ESPECIALLY SO IN A TIGHTLY KNIT, CLOSELY INTERACTING SOCIETY SUCH AS HONG KONG’S.

HONG KONG HAD A VERY FREE SOCIETY, A FREEDOM WHICH STEMMED FROM THE PRINCIPLE OF THE RULE OF LAW, HE SAID.

THERE WAS FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION, FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION AND FREEDOM OF TRAVEL.

"I HOPE THAT CREATES IN THE MINDS OF JOURNALISTS A SENSE OF FREEDOM THAT THEY CAN GO ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS WITHOUT FEELING OPPRESSED OR THREATENED BY AUTHORITY OR BY THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE SOCIETY IN WHICH THEY LIVE," HE SAID.

/"I HOPE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1?88

“I HOPE TOO THAT JOURNALISTS WILL NOT THEMSELVES MAKE JUDGEMENTS ABOUT WHETHER THEIR OWN POSITION WILL BE AFFECTED BY WHAT THEY PUBLISH. SELF CENSORSHIP STEMS FROM FEAR AND FEAR HAS NO PLACE IN A FREE SOCIETY.”

BUT IT WAS A FREEDOM THAT ALSO CARRIED A RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY, AND IT WAS FOR JOURNALISTS TO MAKE A PERSONAL DECISION WHETHER THEY WERE MAKING A WORTHWHILE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY, AND WHETHER THEY WERE USING THEIR INFLUENCE IN A CONSTRUCTIVE OR DESTRUCTIVE WAY.

JOURNALISTS WERE ABLE TO EXERT A TREMENDOUS INFLUENCE ON PUBLIC OPINION, AND VERY FEW PEOPLE IN ANY COMMUNITY RELIED ON THEIR OWN JUDGEMENT WHEN COMING TO A VIEW ON MATTERS OF TOPICAL INTEREST.

SIR DAVID SAID THE ATTITUDE OF THE GOVERNMENT COULD BE MEASURED PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANTLY IN THE FRAMEWORK OF LAW.

"THE LAW WILL INEVITABLY PROVIDE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEED TO PRESERVE THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS ON THE ONE HAND AND THE NEED TO PROTECT THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE COMMUNITY FROM THE UNREASONABLE EXERCISE OF POWER BY THE MEDIA, ON THE OTHER," HE SAID.

"HERE WE ENTER A VERY CONTENTIOUS AREA FOR THERE ARE THOSE WHO WOULD SAY THAT THE EXERCISE OF THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS CAN NEVER BE UNREASONABLE AND THAT THE PROTECTION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS SHOULD ONLY BE EXERCISED BY INDIVIDUALS THEMSELVES SEEKING RECOURSE TO LAW.

"THE PROPONENTS OF ABSOLUTE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS WOULD ARGUE THAT ANY LIMITATION OR CURB ON ITS FREEDOM IS A DENIAL OF A BASIC HUMAN RIGHT THAT CANNOT BE TOLERATED."

SIR DAVID SAID SOME JOURNALISTS WOULD ARGUE THAT ONLY A COMPLETE BODY OF LAW GOVERNING PRESS FREEDOM COULD ENSURE THAT PRESS FREEDOM WAS INVIOLABLE. "FRANKLY I DOUBT IT, BECAUSE ANY SET OF LAWS MUST PROVIDE FOR THE FREEDOM OF SOME TO BE INHIBITED TO PROTECT THE RIGHT OF OTHERS," HE REMARKED.

STR DAVID NOTED THAT, FOR EXAMPLE, THE STANDARDS OF CENSORSHIP IMPOSED ON TELEVISION BROADCASTING IN COUNTRIES WHICH PRIDED THEMSELVES ON FREEDOM OF THE MEDIA WERE OFTEN VERY STRICT.

OVERALL, SIR DAVID SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS FORTUNATE IN HAVING ESTABLISHED A TRADITION OF PRESS FREEDOM OF WHICH IT COULD BE TRULY PROUD. "WE HAVE LONG RECOGNISED THAT THE MEDIA HERE HAS A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN VOICING THE VIEWS AND CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY AND BRINGING THEM TO THE ATTENTION OF THE ADMINISTRATION," HE SAID.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1988

- 5 -

TRADERS PREPARE FOR MEASUREMENT CHANGE

* * *

TRADERS IN HONG KONG ARE NOW ENJOYING A "GRACE PERIOD" OF AT LEAST 12 MONTHS SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE 1987 IN JULY LAST YEAR.

THIS IS TO ALLOW THEM TO TAKE THE NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THEIR WEIGHING AND MEASURING EQUIPMENT WILL SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW LEGISLATION.

WHERE A TRADER DOES NOT RESPOND TO EARLIER GOVERNMENT ADVICE TO COMPLY WITH THE LEGISLATION HE MAY BE PROSECUTED AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE GRACE PERIOD.

THE NEW ORDINANCE, WHICH IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF BOTH THE CONSUMER AND THE TRADER, PROVIDES A LEGAL FRAMEWORK TO CONTROL QUANTITY IN WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

THIS HAS REPLACED THE FORMER WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE, MORE THAN 100 YEARS OLD, WHICH RELATED ONLY TO BRITISH IMPERIAL AND CHINESE UNITS.

ACCORDING TO MR STEVE BARCLAY, ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH, THIS NEW LEGISLATION PROVIDES FUNDAMENTAL PROTECTION FOR ANYONE PURCHASING ANY GOODS SOLD BY WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

"THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE EVEN THE MOST DILIGENT CONSUMER CANNOT BE REASONABLY EXPECTED TO CHECK THE SCALES USED BY A SHOPKEEPER. HE MUST ASSUME THEY ARE ACCURATE," HE SAID.

MR BARCLAY POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES OF THIS MODERN AND UP-TO-DATE LEGISLATION WAS THAT THE STANDARDS OF MEASUREMENTS WERE BASED ON THE METRIC SYSTEM, BUT IT DOES ALLOW COMMON UNITS OF THE CHINESE AND BRITISH IMPERIAL SYSTEMS TO BE USED.

"ULTIMATELY, HOWEVER, IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PHASE OUT THE NON-METRIC UNITS BUT THIS WILL BE DONE AS AND WHEN CONDITIONS ARE APPROPRIATE," HE ADDED.

MR BARCLAY SAID THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT, EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ENSURE THAT ORGANISATIONS AND THE PUBLIC ARE INFORMED OF ITS REQUIREMENTS.

"WE HAVE ALERTED ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS HAWKERS’ ASSOCIATIONS, CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, AND SPECIFIC TRADE ASSOCIATIONS, INFORMING THEM OF THE NEW LEGISLATION AND OFFERING ASSISTANCE TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND AND COMPLY WITH IT," HE SAID.

/HE THOUGHT

SUNDAY, JANUARY J1, 1988

HE THOUGHT THAT THE RESPONSE HAD BEEN QUITE ENCOURAGING. THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, FOR EXAMPLE, HAD ASKED FOR AN ARTICLE ON THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE FOR INCLUSION IN THEIR IN-HOUSE MAGAZINE TO HELP ENSURE MEMBERS WERE FULLY AWARE OF THE LEGISLATION.

"WE ARE HAPPY TO DISCUSS AND EXPLAIN THE NEW LEGISLATION TO ANY GROUP OF ORGANISATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS," HE SAID, ADDING THAT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PREPARED TO GIVE LECTURES OR ATTEND SEMINARS ON THE SUBJECT.

THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL BE THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BODY FOR THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE, WHEN IT DOES COME INTO OPERATION LATER THIS YEAR.

OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, WHO WILL ACT IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC, HAVE POWERS TO CONDUCT SPOT CHECKS ON TRADERS’ PREMISES TO VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THEIR EQUIPMENT AND TO TAKE ACTION WHERE THE EQUIPMENT IS FOUND TO BE INACCURATE OR INEFFECTIVE.

MR BARCLAY SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL POLICY ON CONSUMER PROTECTION WAS TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS ADEQUATE LEGISLATION TO PROTECT CONSUMERS IN AREAS WHERE A PRUDENT CONSUMER WOULD NOT OTHERWISE BE ABLE TO PROTECT HIMSELF.

THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE PROTECTS THE CONSUMER AGAINST FRAUD AND MISREPRESENTATION IN THE DAY TO DAY PRODUCTS HE BUYS.

IT ALSO PROTECTS THE TRADER AGAINST UNFAIR COMPLAINT FROM CONSUMERS AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES FROM OTHER TRADERS WITH WHOM HE MAY BE IN COMPETITION.

"THOSE WHO WILL BE AFFECTED BY THIS ORDINANCE INCLUDE TRADERS WHOSE GOODS ARE SOLD BY WEIGHT OR MEASURE SUCH AS HAWKERS, SHOPKEEPERS, MANUFACTURERS OF PRE-PACKED FOOD; AND EVERY CONSUMER WHO BUYS FROM THESE TRADERS," MR BARCLAY ADDED.

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MORE DISABLED PERSONS PLACED IN EMPLOYMENT

♦ « * »

THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PERSONS PLACED IN JOBS BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN 1987 REGISTERED A SLIGHT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

DURING THE YEAR, 1,030 DISABLED PERSONS WERE FOUND JOBS IN BOTH THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DIVISION COMPARED WITH 1,000 IN 1986.

/OF THE

SUNDAY, JANUARY J1, 1988

5 ~

OF THE TOTAL, 422 WERE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED, 217 DEAF, 193 FORMERLY MENTALLY ILL, 140 MENTALLY RETARDED AND 58 BLIND.

THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE DIVISION, MR HOUDINI HO, SAID IT WAS MOST ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE PLACEMENT OF THE EX-MENTALLY ILL AND THE MENTALLY RETARDED HAD SHOWN A MARKED INCREASE OF 75 PER CENT AND 55 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER 1986.

"THIS INDICATES A POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE ATTITUDE OF EMPLOYERS IN PROVIDING WORK OPPORTUNITIES FOR THIS TYPE OF PEOPLE," MR HO SAID.

MR HO DESCRIBED DISABLED PERSONS AS "HIGHLY MOTIVATED, RELIABLE, STABLE AND AS PRODUCTIVE AS ANY OTHER MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY".

"OVER THE PAST YEARS, THE DIVISION HAS BROUGHT MANY SATISFIED EMPLOYERS AND DISABLED EMPLOYEES TOGETHER," HE SAID.

"MANY EMPLOYERS HAVE BEEN EMPLOYING DISABLED WORKERS REGULARLY THROUGH US AFTER A SUCCESSFUL FIRST PLACEMENT.

"THESE EMPLOYERS ARE HAPPY BECAUSE THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DISABLED WORKERS IS OFTEN ON PAR WITH THEIR ABLE-BODIED EMPLOYEES."

THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION PROVIDES A FREE PLACEMENT SERVICE TO THE DISABLED WHO WISH TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT IN THE OPEN MARKET.

A DISABLED PERSON WHO REGISTERS WITH THE DIVISION WILL HAVE AN IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW WITH A PLACEMENT OFFICER WHO WILL FIND OUT THE CLIENT'S RESIDUAL ABILITIES, EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING BACKGROUND, WORK EXPERIENCES, APTITUDES AND ASPIRATIONS.

DURING THE INTERVIEW, A DISABLED JOB-SEEKER WILL BE COUNSELLED ON THE PREVALENT LABOUR MARKET CONDITIONS, AND VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO ENABLE THE PERSON TO MAKE A REALISTIC CHOICE OF EMPLOYMENT.

BEFORE BEING INTERVIEWED BY A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYER, THE JOB-SEEKER WILL BE GIVEN A BRIEFING ON SUCH MATTERS AS HOW TO DRESS PROPERLY FOR THE OCCASION, HOW TO PUT ACROSS TO THE EMPLOYER HIS OR HER BEST POINTS, OR HOW TO ANSWER QUESTIONS PROPERLY. TO PROVIDE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT, THE PLACEMENT OFFICER WILL ACCOMPANY THE JOB-SEEKER TO THE INTERVIEW.

MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE WORK OF THE PLACEMENT OFFICER DOES NOT END WITH EFFECTING A PLACEMENT.

"FOR A PERIOD OF ABOUT THREE MONTHS AFTER THE BEGINNING OF EMPLOYMENT, THE OFFICER WILL PERIODICALLY VISIT THE WORKER AT THE WORK PLACE TO ENSURE THAT HE OR SHE IS SETTLING DOWN WELL IN THE JOB," HE SAID.

/"ALTHOUGH SOME .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY J1, 1988

"ALTHOUGH SOME EMPLOYERS MAY REGARD THE VISIT AS A NUISANCE, THE MAJORITY AGREE THAT IT CAN BE VERY USEFUL TO THEM BECAUSE THEY MAY BE DEALING WITH EMPLOYEES WITH DISABILITY FOR THE FIRST TIME."

AT PRESENT THE DIVISION OPERATES FROM THREE BRANCH OFFICES AT THE DOMINION CENTRE IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI; NGAU TAU KOK GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN ON WAH STREET, KOWLOON; AND EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE IN TEXACO ROAD, TSUEN WAN.

THESE OFFICES PROVIDE SERVICES TO THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED, MENTALLY RETARDED AND EX-MENTALLY ILL PERSONS SEEKING OPEN EMPLOYMENT.

MR HO APPEALED TO ALL EMPLOYERS TO TAKE ON DISABLED PERSONS AS A MEANS OF FULFILLING THEIR MANPOWER NEEDS. THIS HELPS THE DISABLED NOT ONLY TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ABILITIES AT WORK BUT ALSO TO LEAD AN INDEPENDENT AND MEANINGFUL LIFE.

SHA TIN TAKES FIRST STEP TO PROMOTE DB ELECTIONS * * * *

THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS SUCCESSFULLY ORGANISED THE FIRST EVENT TO PROMOTE THE COMING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.

THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS CHOSEN THE BEST CHINESE SLOGAN FROM ENTRIES TO A COMPETITION. THE SLOGAN, WHICH LITERALLY MEANS "SHA TIN ELECTORS COME FORWARD, 90,000 VOICES ON MARCH 10", WILL BE USED IN A DISTRICT-WIDE PUBLICITY TO CALL ON THE 90,294 REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT TO CAST THEIR VOTES.

MISS LU PIK-FUNG, WHO WROTE THE SLOGAN DEFEATING 79 OTHER ENTRIES, ATTRIBUTED THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN SHA TIN TO THE SUCCESS OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND HOPED THAT PEOPLE WOULD CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE SCHEME BY VOTING ON MARCH 10.

SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG, SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE DB ELECTIONS HAD BEEN PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT.

THESE INCLUDE A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION FOR ALL SHA TIN CANDIDATES ON FEBRUARY 13, A CANDIDATES’ FORUM ON FEBRUARY 28 AND A LARGE-SCALE BICYCLE PARADE ON MARCH 5.

"PUBLICITY MATERIALS SUCH AS BANNERS, POSTERS AND A HUGE SIGNBOARD NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE PUT UP WHILE A VARIETY OF SOUVENIRS AND A NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO RESIDENTS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS. A BROADCASTING VAN WILL ALSO TRAVEL ROUND THE DISTRICT TO APPEAL FOR VOTERS NEARER THE TIME OF ELECTION," HE ADDED.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1988

DWELLING BOAT CLEANING COMPETITION t * » * t

A LUNAR YEAR-END DWELLING BOAT CLEANING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT CHEUNG CHAU TYPHOON SHELTER AS PART OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.

ALL DWELLING BOATS ANCHORED IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER, INCLUDING FISHING BOATS WHICH COME BACK FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN THE COMPETITION.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECTIONS ACCORDING TO THE BOAT TYPES - PURSE SEINER, SHRIMP TRAWLER, TRAWLER AND LONG LINER - , AND MARKS WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE CLEANLINESS OF BOTH THE INTERIOR AND APPEARANCE OF THE BOAT AS WELL AS THE METHOD THEY ADOPTED TO DISCHARGE RUBBISH.

FOUR FINALISTS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM EACH SECTION BY THE RESPECTIVE FISHERMAN’S ASSOCIATIONS AND A PANEL OF JUDGES COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MARINE DEPARTMENT, FISHERMAN’S ASSOCIATIONS AND ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE WILL INSPECT THE FINALISTS AND SELECT THE CHAMPIONS ON FEBRUARY 11.

THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND IS AIMED AT AROUSING THE BOAT DWELLERS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT WITHIN THE TYPHOON SHELTER.

A KEEP CLEAN CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL WILL ALSO BE HELD IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER ON FEBRUARY 11 DURING WHICH A BROADCASTING BOAT WI^LL BE HIRED TO MAKE APPEALS TO THE BOAT DWELLERS AND FAI CHUN (SPRING SCROLLS) WITH KEEP CLEAN MESSAGES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.

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MORE SPORTS VENUES IN NORTH DISTRICT i * t

CONSTRUCTION WORKS ON THREE LARGE SPORTS VENUES IN NORTH DISTRICT, WHICH COST A TOTAL OF $100 MILLION, WOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT TWO OR THREE YEARS, DISTRICT OFFICER MR MATTHEW CHEUNG SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).

THEY INCLUDE A SWIMMING POOL, AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE WHICH OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 3,300 SQUARE METRES, AND A STANDARD ATHLETIC GROUND EQUIPPED WITH AN ALL-WEATHER TRACK AND A 2,500-SPECTATOR STAND.

/MR CHEUNG

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1988

MR CHEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST NORTH DISTRICT LONG-DISTANCE RACE ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE FRONTIER POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

HE SAID APART FROM ORGANISING A DIVERSITY OF ACTIVITIES, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS VENUES AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE DISTRICT.

HE BELIEVED THAT WITH THE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES AND RESIDENTS’ ACTIVE PARTICIPATION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN NORTH DISTRICT WOULD BE GREATLY ENHANCED.

TODAY’S RACE STARTED AND FINISHED AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND, AND COVERED THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD (FANLING SLIP ROAD), JOCKEY CLUB ROAD AND THE ROUNDABOUT NEAR SO KWUN PO, COVERING A DISTANCE OF NINE KILOMETRES.

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ROAD SAFETY DAY AT VICTORIA PARK

t * t

AN AVERAGE OF THREE PERSONS WERE KILLED OR INJURED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT EACH DAY LAST YEAR, THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (EASTERN), MR R.M.A. HARPER, DISCLOSED AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY DAY AT VICTORIA PARK TODAY (SUNDAY).

MR HARPER SAID THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING INJURIES HAD INCREASED FROM 956 IN 1986 TO 1159 IN 1987, AND THE NUMBER OF FATAL ACCIDENTS FROM 20 IN 1986 TO 25 IN 1987.

’’WHILST THIS MAY BE ATTRIBUTED PARTLY TO THE INCREASE IN POPULATION AND IN THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES ON THE ROADS, THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE MAIN REASON FOR THESE ACCIDENTS IS CARELESS BEHAVIOUR ON THE ROADS.”

HE POINTED OUT THAT ABOUT 33 PER CENT OF ALL ACCIDENT VICTIMS IN HONG KONG WERE PEDESTRIANS, OF WHICH SOME 44 PER CENT WERE OVER 60 YEARS OLD.

"ANOTHER AREA OF CONCERN IS THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING LIGHT VANS AND IT IS CLEAR THAT DRIVERS, ESPECIALLY YOUNG AND INEXPERIENCED ONES, ARE NOT APPRECIATING THAT THEIR SPEED AND LIGHT WEIGHT REQUIRE MORE CAUTIOUS DRIVING,” HE CONTINUED.

"WHEN INVOLVED IN EVEN A MINOR COLLISION, THERE IS LITTLE BODYWORK TO PROTECT THE PASSENGERS OF THESE VEHICLES FROM INJURY. THEREFORE, DRIVERS OF THESE VEHICLES SHOULD TAKE GREATER CARE," HE SAID.

/ALSO SPEAKING ..........

SUNDAY, JANUARY J1, 1988

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ALSO SPEAKING AT THE ROAD SAFETY DAY, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, SAID THAT WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE THIRD PHASE OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, AS WELL AS THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KING’S ROAD, THERE WOULD BE A BETTER ROAD NETWORK AND IMPROVED TRAFFIC FOR THE DISTRICT.

MR YEUNG ALSO URGED VOTERS TN THE DISTRICT TO CAST THEIR VOTES AT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 10.

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VOLUNTEERS VISIT ELDERLY IN TAI PO * * * » »

ABOUT 100 VOLUNTARY WORKERS VISITED 50 OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN OLD BUILDINGS AND REMOTE VILLAGES IN TAI PO DISTRICT TODAY (SUNDAY).

THEY ALSO HELPED THE ELDERLY CLEAN UP AND PAINT THEIR HOMES,

TODAY’S VISIT WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING A SENSE OF CARE FOR THE AGED AND ASSISTING THE ELDERLY TO PREPARE FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.

THE VISIT WAS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ELDERLY SERVICES PROJECT INITIATED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TAT PO DISTRICT BOARD.

APART FROM THE VISIT, ABOUT 800 ELDERLY WERE TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW AT THE TAI PO CIVIC CENTRE ON JANUARY 10.

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NEW CONDITIONS FOR TRANSPORTING LONG AND WIDE LOADS

*****

GOODS VEHICLE OPERATORS WILL HAVE TO COMPLY WITH NEW RULES IN THE TRANSPORTATION OF LONG LOADS AND WIDE LOADS FROM MARCH 1 THIS YEAR.

THE ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC CONTROL) REGULATIONS STIPULATE THAT A LONG LOAD PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR THE TRANSPORTATION OF ANY LOAD WHICH PROTRUDES MORE THAN 1.5 METRES BEYOND THE FOREMOST PART, OR MORE THAN 1.4 METRES BEHIND THE REARMOST PART OF THE CONVEYANCE VEHICLE.

IN ADDITION, A WIDE LOAD PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR THE CARRIAGE OF ANY LOAD WHICH EXCEEDS 2.5 METRES IN WIDTH.

/UNDER THE ......

SUNDAY, JANUARY J1, 1988

- 10

UNDER THE NEW PERMIT CONDITIONS, A LONG LOAD OR WIDE LOAD PERMIT WILL ONLY BE ISSUED TO THE REGISTERED OWNER OF A MEDIUM OR HAVEY GOODS VEHICLE WHOSE OVERALL LENGTH IS AT LEAST 9.1 METRES.

,IN THE CASE OF LOADS WHICH OVERHANG MORE THAN TWO METRES TO THE FRONT OR MORE THAN THREE METRES TO THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, THE LENGTH OF THE CONVEYANCE VEHICLE MUST BE AT LEAST 10 METRES.

ESCORT VEHICLES TO THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE LOAD-CARRYING VEHICLE ARE ALSO MADE MANDATORY.

AN ESCORT VEHICLE MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH AN AMBER FLASHING LIGHT AND MUST DISPLAY IN A PROMINENT POSITION EITHER A "LONG LOAD” OR "WIDE LOAD" SIGN, DEPENDING ON THE LOAD ESCORTED, TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS.

"TO ENSURE THAT THE ’LONG LOAD’ OR 'WIDE LOAD’ SIGNS ARE CLEARLY VISIBLE TO OTHER ROAD USERS, THE SIGN ON THE FRONT ESCORT VEHICLE MUST BE DISPLAYED TO THE FRONT FACING ONCOMING VEHICLES, WHILE THAT ON THE REAR ESCORT VEHICLE SHOULD BE DISPLAYED TO THE REAR FACING TRAFFIC TRAILING BEHIND.

"ALTERNATIVELY, THE SIGNS MAY BE MOUNTED ON THE ROOF OF THE ESCORT VEHICLES AND IN THAT CASE, THE SIGNS MAY BE DOUBLE-SIDED," A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.

HE ADDED THAT THE DESIGN, COLOUR AND DIMENSIONS OF THE "LONG LOAD" AND "WIDE LOAD" SIGNS MUST COMPLY WITH THE STANDARDS LAID DOWN IN THE PERMIT CONDITIONS.

MOREOVER, THE FITTING OF FLASHING AMBER LIGHTS ON ESCORT VEHICLES SHOULD BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ROAD TRAFFIC (CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS. APPROVAL FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINATION DIVISION HAS FIRST TO BE SOUGHT BEFORE THESE LIGHTS ARE FITTED.

THE SPOKESMAN FURTHER STRESSED THAT EVEN WITH A LONG LOAD OR WIDE LOAD PERMIT, THE HEIGHT OF ANY LOAD WHEN PLACED ON THE GOODS VEHICLE MUST NOT EXCEED 4.6 METRES ABOVE THE GROUND.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE LONG LOAD OR WIDE LOAD PERMIT SHOULD BE MADE TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES WHILE ENQUIRIES ON THE NEW REQUIREMENTS MAY BE MADE ON 5-262982 OR 3-7714306.

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/11

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1988

- 11 -

FIRE STATION OFFICERS BEING RECRUITED * * *

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT YOUNG PEOPLE TO FILL SOME 30 VANCANCIES IN THE STATION OFFICER RANK.

THE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL FEBRUARY 15.

APPLICANTS SHOULD AT LEAST HAVE PASSED FIVE SUBJECTS IN THE HKSCEE INCLUDING ENGLISH (SYLLABUS B).

THEY SHOULD HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE AND NORMAL EYESIGHT AND STAND AT LEAST 168 CM TALL AND WEIGH 55 KG. THEIR CHEST SHOULD MEASURE AT LEAST 86 CM AND ABLE TO EXPAND AT LEAST FIVE CM WHEN INFLATED.

SUCCESSFUL APPLICATS WILL HAVE TO UNDERGO 26 WEEKS’ TRAINING AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL.

APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE FIRE SERVICES RECRUITMENT OFFICE AT 1 HONG CHONG ROAD, TSIMSHATSUI EAST, KOWLOON.

ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7337673.

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MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS *****

THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING PART-TIME WORKERS AS PIANO ACCOMPANISTS AND INSTRUCTORS IN CHINESE MUSIC; WIND AND STRING INSTRUMENTS, CHORAL SINGING, AND IN AURAL TRAINING AND MUSIC THEORY.

APPLICANTS FOR JOBS AS PART-TIME PIANO ACCOMPANISTS AND INSTRUCTORS IN WESTERN MUSIC SHOULD POSSESS LRSM, LTCL, ARCM, LRAM, LGSM, DRSAM, GRSM, GTCL, GGSM, OR GRNCM OR EQUIVALENT; OR HAVE A DIPLOMA IN MUSIC FROM THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, OR THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, OR THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE; OR HAVE A DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY.

THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN APPLYING AS PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS IN CHINESE MUSIC SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED MUSICAL TRAINING IN AN ACCEPTABLE INSTITUTION OR HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP OR ACADEMY.

PART-TIME PIANO ACCOMPANISTS WILL BE PAID $80 FOR THE FIRST ONE-HOUR SESSION AND $20 FOR EVERY 15 MINUTES* SERVICE THEREAFTER.

/THEIR DUTIES .......

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1988

THEIR DUTIES INCLUDE PROVIDING PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT FOR TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE DURING REHEARSALS, EXAMINATIONS AS WELL AS COMPETITIONS, AND GIVING AURAL TRAINING TO THE TRAINEES WHEN REQUIRED.

RUMUNERATION FOR PART-TIME INSTRUCTORS IS S125 PER TEACHING OR PERFORMING SESSION OF NOT LESS THAN ONE HOUR. THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO CONDUCT INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING CLASSES AND TO PERFORM IN DEMONSTRATION CONCERTS ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE.

NAMES OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE PUT ON A PART-TIME STAFF LIST OF THE OFFICE AND THEIR SERVICE WILL BE CALLED UPON AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.

APPLICATION FORMS (GF 340) ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH COPIES OF RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND DIPLOMAS, SHOULD REACH THE MUSIC OFFICE, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, 25TH FLOOR, WAN CHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI BY FEBRUARY 15.

CANDIDATES WHO ARE NOT INVITED FOR AN AUDITION OR AN INTERVIEW WITHIN FOUR WEEKS OF THE CLOSING DATE MAY ASSUME THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL. ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-8235340.

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WORK ON TOWN PARK TO START SOON *****

WORK ON THE MAIN PART OF THE FANLING TOWN PARK IS EXPECTED TO START SOON.

THE WORK WILL INVOLVE DEVELOPING A 6.31-HECTARE SITE ADJACENT TO FANLING WAI VILLAGE. FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE A LAKE WITH A WATER CASCADE, FLOWER AND ROCK GARDENS, CHILDREN'S PLAY AREAS, AN OPEN AIR PERFORMANCE AREA, REFRESHMENT FACILITIES, PUBLIC TOILETS AND OPEN LANDSCAPED AREAS.

WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 12 MONTHS.

THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT AND THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS NOON ON FEBRUARY 26.

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/1J........

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1988 fl - 15 -

STRING OF ’GOOD LUCK’ FOR SALE * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE OFFERING A STRING OF 'GOOD LUCK’ FOR SALE. IT WILL BE IN THE FORM OF AUSPICIOUS CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS TO GREET THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON.

TOPPING THE LIST IS THE NUMBER ’8’, WITH NO PREFIX. EIGHT IS GENERALLY CONSIDERED A LUCKY NUMBER WITH ITS PHONETIC MEANING OF ’FAT CHOY’ OR PROSPERITY.

THE AUCTION BEING HELD IN THE YEAR OF 1988 MEANS THAT THREE 8’S WILL BE ON OFFER. TO GIVE AN EXTRA 'FAT CHOY’ TO LOVERS OF AUSPICIOUS CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS, THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING PUTTING UP THE NUMBER ’8’ AS THE EIGHTH NUMBER FOR BIDDING ON THE DAY OF THE AUCTION.

THE SPECIAL LUNAR NEW YEAR AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 13 (SATURDAY) AT CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.

’ ANOTHER 18 ESPECIALLY SELECTED LUCKY NUMBERS WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING.

MISS HONG KONG, MISS PAULINE YEUNG, WHO WON THE TITLE OF ASIA’S QUEEN OF BEAUTY AT THE FINALS OF THE RECENT MISS WORLD PAGEANT, WILL BE THE HONORARY AUCTIONEER FOR THE REGISTRATION NUMBER ’8’j

THIS WILL BE THE 121ST AUCTION HELD BY THE DEPARTMENT SINCE THE FIRST ONE TOOK PLACE ON MAY 9, 1973. PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION

WILL GO TO THE LOTTERIES FUND WHICH PROVIDES GRANTS OR LOANS TO FINANCE SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ELDERLY AND THE DISABLED.

THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY RAISED DURING THE PAST 120 AUCTIONS IS NEARLY $50 MILLION. THE REGISTRATION NUMBER WHICH FETCHiD THE HIGHEST PRICE IN THE PAST AUCTIONS WAS ’3’, WHICH WAS SOLD FOR $1,030,000, FOLLOWED BY ’38’ FOR $540,000, AND ’HK3’ FOR $420,0fi0.

IN ADDITION TO THE AUSPICIOUS NUMBER ’8’, THE OTHER 13 LUCKY NUMBERS WHICH WILL BE PUT UP FOR BIDDING AT THE AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: I

AL 99 BB 2623 AA 818 AW 2 CL 33 AY 125 CW 888 213 HK 7 7 0 CY 3 K CM 600 A CP 22 fl DW 1 AF 18 BM 821 CL 9 AP 11 ♦ XX 28

SUNDAY, JANUARY 31, 1988

NEW EXPRESS BUS ROUTE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND CENTRAL

t t * « »

A NEW CROSS-HARBOUR BUS ROUTE NO. 141 PLYING BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND MACAU FERRY PIER IN CENTRAL WILL BE LAUNCHED FROM TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 2), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.

THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE AT A 10-MINUTE FREQUENCY DURING MORNING AND EVENING PEAK HOURS FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY.

AS THE BUS ROUTE WILL BE AN EXPRESS SERVICE TRAVELLING ALONG THE EAST KOWLOON WAY AND THE AIRPORT TUNNEL THE FARE WILL BE $3.2 FOR A SINGLE JOURNEY. HOWEVER, ON ITS JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL, A SECTION FARE OF $2.8 WILL BE PROVIDED AFTER PASSING THE EAST KOWLOON WAY. ON ITS JOURNEYS'TO KWUN TONG, PASSENGERS BOARDING THE BUS IN KOWLOON WILL ONLY HAVE TO PAY $ 1.7.

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Daily Information Bulletin - 1980s - 1988 - JAN - ENG