DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JOINT PORT PROMOTION SCHEME HAS MERIT .................... 1
COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK EXHIBITION OPENS ............. 2
GOVERNOR VISITS FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.................. 4
NEAV DIRECTORATE POST IN LEGAL DEPARTMENT................. 5
MINISTER AND CS MEET HK STUDENTS ......................... 6
CORDLESS TELEPHONES TO BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING......... 8
NEW ERA IN COUNTRY PARK RECREATION DEVELOPMENT ........... 9
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO BE SWITCHED ON TOMORROW .............. 10
INAUGURATION OF JOINT FEDERATION ......................... 10
WATER POLLUTION IN HK SOUTH BEING TACKLED ................ 11
FARMERS BRIEFED ON WASTE CONTROL EXTENSION ............... 13
NEW POLICE MUSEUM OPENS .................................. 14
PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER .... 15
CAS RESCUE UNIT CARRIES OUT EXERCISE...................... 19
VTC DELEGATION VISITS CHINA............................... 20
INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE ON AIDS .............................. 20
SONGS TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ................ 21
EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST DAY ON DECEMBER 16 ...... 22
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ENDS ON SATURDAY ............... 2J
ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS IN YAU TSIM REMOVED..................
SFMINkR FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG........ 25
BUILDING DECLARED LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS ............. 25
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ....... 26
PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD .................. 2?
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD ......... 27
•CITY IN CONCERT ..ND GAMES 88' TRAFFIC .ARRANGEMENTS.... 27
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
1
JOINT PORT PROMOTION SCHEME HAS MERIT
*****
THERE IS MERIT IN CONSIDERING A JOINT PROMOTION SCHEME FOR THE PORT OF HONG KONG, EMBRACING GOVERNMENT AND MAJOR PORT AND COMMERCIAL INTERESTS, THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR DERICK HALL, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
"EACH PARTICIPANT WOULD CONTRIBUTE IN THE COMMON INTEREST," MR HALL SAID WHEN HE SUGGESTED THE IDEA DURING AN ADDRESS TO THE BALTIC AND INTERNATIONAL MARITIME COUNCIL’S TWO-DAY SEMINAR AT THE FURAMA HOTEL.
"AT PRESENT THIS IS NOTHING MORE THAN AN EMBRYONIC IDEA AND GOVERNMENT WOULD NEED TO BE FULLY CONVINCED THAT THERE IS A WIDESPREAD SUPPORT FOR THE CONCEPT BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION," HE SAID.
MR HALL POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG DID NOT HAVE A HOMOGENEOUS PORT AUTHORITY, NOR HAD IT BEEN IN COMPETITION WITH OTHER PORTS.
"HISTORICALLY HONG KONG HAS NEVER PROMOTED ITSELF AS A PORT IN THE WAY THAT ALMOST EVERY OTHER MAJOR PORT HAS,” HE SAID.
"INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES MAY NEED TO MARKET THEIR OWN FACILITIES BUT NOTHING ELSE."
HOWEVER, MR HALL WARNED THAT IT MIGHT NO LONGER BE TRUE THAT THE PORT OF HONG KONG HAD NO COMPETITORS.
"KAOHSIUNG COULD COMPETE WITH HONG KONG AS A HUB PORT FOR CHINA TRANSHIPMENT CARGO. SINGAPORE SEES ITSELF AS A COMPETING HUB PORT. THERE IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA," HE SAID.
"IT IS NOT SOMETHING WHICH WE CAN AFFORD TO IGNORE," MR HALL STRESSED.
HE NOTED THAT NO SUCH SCHEME WOULD BE VIABLE WITHOUT THE BACKING OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THEREFORE HE WOULD WELCOME ITS VIEWS.
REFERRING TO THE EXISTING PORT OPERATION, MR HALL SAID THAT BASICALLY HONG KONG WAS A ’STATE’ PORT CONTROLLED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE INDIVIDUAL COMMERCIAL FACILITIES, SUCH AS PILOTS, TUGS, CONTAINER TERMINALS WERE OWNED AND OPERATED PRIVATELY.
"THE EXCEPTIONS ARE HARBOUR MOORINGS, PASSENGER FERRY TERMINALS AND PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS WHICH ARE OPERATED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT," HE ADDED.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
HE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT ALSO HAD THE FUNCTION OF CO-ORDINATING AND RECONCILING THE OFTEN CONFLICTING INTERESTS OF INDIVIDUAL PRIVATE OPERATORS FOR THE GENERAL COMMON GOOD.
MR HALL SAID: "THIS SYSTEM HAS SO FAR BEEN A SPECTACULAR SUCCESS. HONG KONG LEADS THE WORLD IN CONTAINER THROUGHPUT. PORT ACTIVITY GENERALLY CONTINUES TO EXPAND AT AN AMAZING RATE."
ON PORT EXPANSION, MR HALL SAID TO ENABLE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO BE CONSIDERED, THE GOVERNMENT HAD SPONSORED A NUMBER OF STUDIES INCLUDING THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY STUDY (PADS) AND THE FINANCIAL AND INSTITUTIONAL STUDY (FINS).
PADS WOULD ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT AS' TO HOW THE PHYSICAL EXPANSION OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT COULD BEST BE ACHIEVED, MR HALL SAID.
"FINS IS PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT ON HOW THIS EXPANSION SHOULD BE FINANCED AND ADMINISTERED," HE SAID.
"IT WILL ALSO CONSIDER HOW THE FUTURE PORT SHOULD FIT IN WITH THE PRESENT FINANCIAL, ECONOMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE."
MR HALL SAID THE RESULTS COULD HAVE FAR REACHING EFFECTS ON THE WAY THE EXISTING PORT WAS RUN AND THAT IT WAS NOT IMPOSSIBLE THAT THE PORT MIGHT BE RUN ON TOTALLY DIFFERENT LINES.
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COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK EXHIBITION OPENS
*****
EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MRS ROSANNA TAM, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT IT IS HIGH TIME FOR HONG KONG TO PREPARE ITSELF AND EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE FACTS OF AIDS.
SHE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK EXHIBITION WHICH AIMS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND CONCERN ABOUT THE KILLER DISEASE.
MRS TAM URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAMME AS THE NUMBER OF AIDS CASES CONTINUED TO INCREASE WORLD-WIDE.
"THE FIGHT AGAINST AIDS WILL NOT BE EASY," SHE SAID. "IT NEEDS THE CO-ORDINATED ACTION OF ALL SECTORS CONCERNED — GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS, PROFESSIONAL GROUPS, INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES, AND GROUPS OF PEOPLE AT SPECIAL RISK."
/MRS TAM........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
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MRS TAM WAS PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DEMONSTRATED ITS COMMITMENT TO THIS DIFFICULT TASK AND TAKEN THE LEAD IN CO-ORDINATING EFFORTS IN MEETING THIS CHALLENGE.
SHE EMPHASIED THE IMPORTANCE OF STARTING PUBLIC EDUCATION ON AIDS EARLY.
"BY LEARNING AT AN EARLY AGE ABOUT THE FACTS OF AIDS AND BY ADOPTING A RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE, FUTURE PROBLEMS CAN BE PREVENTED," MRS TAM SAID.
"WHEN THERE IS NO CURE, PREVENTION IS THE ONLY ANSWER."
EARLIER, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.H. LEE, SAID THAT TODAY, DECEMBER 1, HAD BEEN PROCLAIMED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) AS "WORLD AIDS DAY".
DURING THE DAY, VARIOUS COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES JOINED THE WORLD EFFORT TO TELL THE PEOPLE AND THE WORLD WHAT THEY WERE DOING ABOUT AIDS.
IN HONG KONG, HE SAID, A COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK WAS ORGANISED SO THAT MORE TIME COULD BE DEVOTED TO LEARNING ABOUT THE DISEASE.
IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS, THERE WOULD BE A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING SEMINARS ABOUT AIDS FOR DOCTORS, NURSES, SOCIAL WORKERS, LEADERS IN BUSINESS COMMUNITY, THE MEDIA, STAFF WORKING WITH DRUG ABUSERS, INTER-SCHOOL DEBATES AND A SUNDAY CONCERT FOR THE YOUTH.
DR LEE SAID WHILE A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF RESEARCH WORK HAD BEEN GOING ON IN FINDING A CURE FOR THE DISEASE AND IN DEVELOPING A VACCINE TO FIGHT THE VIRUS, IT WOULD STILL BE SOME TIME BEFORE A MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH COULD BE SEEN IN THESE AREAS.
"FOR THE NEAR FUTURE NO VACCINE AGAINST AIDS WILL BE AVAILABLE AND THERE IS NO CURE FOR THIS KILLER DISEASE IN SIGHT,” HE SAID.
"PUBLIC INFORMATION AND EDUCATION REMAIN THE MAIN THRUST IN OUR AIDS PREVENTION AND CONTROL PROGRAMME."
IN 1987, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE INFORMATION SERVICES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS STARTED A PUBLIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN AIMED AT, AMONG OTHER THINGS, PROVIDING INFORMATION ABOUT FACTS ON AIDS AND OFFERING ADVICE ON PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
DR LEE SAID THAT TO MAKE THE CAMPAIGN EFFECTIVE IT NEEDED THE CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT OF THE WHOLE SOCIETY.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS ONLY THROUGH THE CONCERTED EFFORT': OF THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY THAT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE COULD BE CONTAINED.
/DR
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
DR LEE THANKED ALL CONTRIBUTIONS, PARTICULARLY EXHIBITION VENUE AVAILABLE.
THOSE INVOLVED FOR THEIR VALUABLE THE HONGKONG BANK FOR MAKING THE
AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WERE MR HO SAI CHU AND MRS PEGGY LAM; THE DIRECTOR MRS IRENE YAU, AND MEMBERS OF THE STEERING AIDS CONCERN WEEK, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG AND
ALSO OFFICIATING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, OF INFORMATION SERVICES, COMMITEE ON COMMUNITY
MR PATRICK CHAU.
THE 10-DAY EXHIBITION, BEING HELD AT THE HONGKONG HEADQUARTERS GROUND FLOOR PLAZA, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PLBLj BETWEEN 9 AM AND 6 PM UNTIL DECEMBER 11.
BANK.
DAILY
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GOVERNOR VISITS FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITED THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, THE GOVERNOR WAS MET BY THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR CHEUNG SHU-SHING, AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
SIR DAVID WAS BRIEFED ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND THE WORK OF THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU.
AT THE FIRE SERVICES COMMUNICATION CENTRE IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION COMPLEX SIR DAVID WATCHED DEMONSTRATIONS BY FIREMEN AND THE USE OF SOPHISTICATED EQUIPMENT IN FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAW A MODERN AMBULANCE, AN AMBULANCE AID MOTORCYCLE AND A MOBILE CASUALTY TREATMENT CENTRE.
SIR DAVID EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AMBULANCE AID MOTORCYCLE AND PLANS. TO INTRODUCE EXTENDED TRAINING IN AMBULANCE AID TO THE AMBULANCE SERVICE.
AT THE END OF THE VISIT SIR DAVID BOARDED FIRE BOAT NO. 6 FOR THE TRIP TO CENTRAL.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE VISIT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT BEFORE MAKING A DECISION ON THE RENNIE COMMITTEE REPORT, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE ACCOUNT OF ALL THE COMMENTS THE DTSCiPLi ED SERVICES HAD ON THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS.
/SIR DAVID ......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
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SIR DAVID SAID: "THE POINT THAT I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE IS FIRSTLY THAT IT IS AN INDEPENDENT REPORT; SECONDLY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SAID THAT IT WOULD LIKE COMMENTS ON THE REPORT BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT MAKES ITS DECISION, SO PEOPLE ARE FREE TO PUT FORWARD THEIR COMMENTS."
IF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE ACCEPTED SIR DAVID SAID, THERE WOULD BE A SEPARATE COMMITTEE TO LOOK AFTER THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
"I AM SURE THAT THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHICH IS A DISCIPLINED SERVICE AND A VERY EFFICIENT SERVICE, WILL WANT TO PUT FORWARD THEIR IDEAS."
"I AM SURE ALSO THAT THEY WOULD DO IT IN THE FORM OF DISCUSSION AND DIALOGUE, AND THAT AS A DISCIPLINED SERVICE WITH A VERY PROUD RECORD OF SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, THEY WILL NOT WISH TO DO ANYTHING WHICH WILL BE TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE PUBLIC," SIR DAVID SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ANY NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE STAFF UNIONS, SIR DAVID SAID: "THE STAGE THAT WE ARE AT THE MOMENT IS PEOPLE HAVE A CHANCE TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON WHAT THE RENNIE COMMITTEE HAS SAID."
"SO IT IS NOT A STAGE OF NEGOTIATION, IT IS A STAGE OF LOOKING FOR PEOPLE’S COMMENTS AND TAKING ACCOUNT OF THE COMMENTS," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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NEW DIRECTORATE POST IN LEGAL DEPARTMENT »»«*♦»
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT WILL SOON BE RECRUITING A CHAMBERS MANAGEMENT OFFICER TO HELP DEAL WITH ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL MATTERS.
THIS FOLLOWS APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR CREATION OF A NEW DIRECTORATE POST IN THE DEPARTMENT’S POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION DIVISION WHICH IS HEADED BY THE SOLICITOR GENERAL.
THE OFFICER WILL HOLD A D3 RANK WITH A MONTHLY SALARY OF $48,500. ONE OF HIS MAIN DUTIES WILL BE TO PLAN, CO-ORDINATE AND SUPERVISE THE DEPARTMENT'S MOVES TOWARD GREATER LOCALISATION.
THE CHAMBERS MANAGEMENT OFFICER WILL PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT AT DIRECTORATE LEVEL TO THE SOLICITOR GENERAL IN HIS ROLE AS THE DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL MANAGER AND CONTROLLING OFFICER.
/"HE OR ......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
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"HE OR SHE WILL DIRECT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN THE DEPARTMENT AND ASSIST IN STRATEGIC PLANNING UNDER THE GENERAL SUPERVISION OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, THUS ENABLING THE LATTER TO DEVOTE SUFFICIENT ATTENTION TO THE INCREASING NUMBER OF LEGAL AND POLICY ISSUES REQUIRING HIS ATTENTION.
"THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL BE CONSISTENT WITH THE LARGE LEGAL FIRMS WHO EMPLOY FULL-TIME ADMINISTRATORS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FIRM’S ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS TO ALLOW THE LEGAL PROFESSIONALS TO CONCENTRATE ON THEIR PROFESSIONAL WORK," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
RECRUITMENT TO FILL THE NEW POST WILL BE FROM WITHIN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND WILL BE OPEN TO OFFICERS OF ALL GRADES ALTHOUGH THE OFFICER SELECTED WILL NEED TO HAVE CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE OF ONE OR MORE OF THE MANAGEMENT AREAS UNDER HIS CONTROL.
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAS EXPANDED RAPIDLY IN RECENT YEARS IN RESPONSE TO A GROWING DEMAND FOR ITS SERVICE. ITS ESTABLISHMENT HAS ABOUT DOUBLED IN FIVE YEARS, FROM 394 TO 774, OF WHOM 293 ARE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED OFFICERS WITH THE BALANCE MADE UP OF SUPPORT STAFF.
BUDGETTED EXPENDITURE HAS NEARLY QUADRUPLED IN THE SAME PERIOD, FROM $54.3 MILLION IN 1983-84 TO $210.9 MILLION IN 1988-89.
"RAPID GROWTH OF THIS MAGNITUDE INVARIABLY STRAINS MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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MINISTER AND CS MEET HK STUDENTS * » » t
HONG KONG STUDENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM HAD A LIVELY DISCUSSION WITH THE FOREIGN OFFICE MINISTER WITH SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, LORD GLENARTHUR, AND THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, AT A RECEPTION HELD IN LONDON ON WEDNESDAY EVENING.
THE RECEPTION AT KING’S COLLEGE WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON, AND HOSTED BY THE COMMISSIONER, MR SELWYN ALLEYNE.
THE PURPOSE WAS TO ENABLE LORD GLENARTHUR AND SIR DAVID TO MEET HONG KONG STUDENTS AND, IN PARTICULAR, STUDENTS SPONSORED BY THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED UNITED KINGDOM-HONG KONG SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME.
THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR OF THE SCHEME AND UNDER IT THERE ARE NINE HONG KONG STUDENTS CURRENTLY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM PURSUING COURSES AT UNIVERSITIES IN LONDON, OXFORD, CAMBRIDGE AND BIRMINGHAM*.
/AT THE ......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
AT THE RECEPTION, TWO FELLOWS AND SEVEN SCHOLARS IN THE SCHEME SPOKE TO LORD GLENARTHUR AND SIR DAVID ABOUT THEIR STUDIES AND THE PROGRESS THEY WERE MAKING.
IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 40 HONG KONG STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM UNIVERSITIES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED KINGDOM ATTENDED THE RECEPTION ALONG WITH SENIOR ACADEMICS FROM THESE INSTITUTIONS.
BOTH LORD GLENARTHUR AND SIR DAVID HAVE TAKEN A CLOSE PERSONAL INTEREST IN SUPPORTING AND ENCOURAGING HONG KONG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN.
THE NEW UNITED KINGDOM-HONG KONG SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO ENABLE OUTSTANDING HONG KONG STUDENTS TO GO TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR FURTHER STUDY.
UP TO 250,000 POUNDS STERLING PER YEAR IS AVAILABLE FOR AN AVERAGE OF EIGHT STUDENTS TO COVER THE COST OF TUITION FEES, AIR FARES AND MAINTENANCE.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS CAN BE AWARDED FOR EITHER UNDERGRADUATE OR POST GRADUATE STUDIES, AND THE SCHEME IS FUNDED ON AN EQUAL BASIS BY THE BRITISH AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS.
THERE WERE NEARLY 300 APPLICANTS FOR 1988-89 AND 238 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR 1989-90.
THE BRITISH AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS ALSO EACH CONTRIBUTE TWO MILLION POUNDS STERLING PER YEAR TO THE UNITED KINGDOM-HONG KONG JOINT FUNDING SCHEME.
SUBJECT TO MEANS-TESTING, THIS SCHEME PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO HONG KONG STUDENTS UNDERTAKING FIRST DEGREE OR HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA COURSES IN BRITAIN.
MORE THAN 1,450 STUDENTS RECEIVED FINANCIAL SUPPORT UNDER THIS SCHEME IN 1987-88
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/8 .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1,
1988
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CORDLESS TELEPHONES TO BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING
*****
’’FROM MARCH 2, 1989, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE AND USE CORDLESS TELEPHONES WITHOUT THE NEED TO OBTAIN LICENCES, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR GORDON SIU, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR SIU POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS BEING MADE POSSIBLE BY AN EXEMPTION ORDER PASSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL RECENTLY.
’’HOWEVER, ONLY CORDLESS TELEPHONES THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY AND FOUND TO HAVE SATISFIED THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS WILL BE EXEMPTED UNDER THE ORDER AND WHEN THEY ARE SOLD OR DISPLAYED FOR SALE THEY MUST BEAR AN APPROPRIATE LABEL,” HE ADDED.
THE ORDER WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND WILL COME INTO FORCE AFTER THREE MONTHS, ALLOWING TIME FOR TESTING PROCEDURES TO BE COMPLETED AND FOR STOCKS OF THE EXEMPTED TYPE TO BE BUILT UP BY SUPPLIERS.
THE GAZETTE NOTICE WILL CONTAIN DETAILS OF THE TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND THE DESIGN OF THE CERTIFICATION LABEL.
"THIS PARTICULAR TYPE OF CORDLESS TELEPHONE HAS BEEN CHOSEN BECAUSE IT IS CURRENTLY THE ONLY MODEL WITH AGREED TECHNICAL STANDARDS THAT IS SUITABLE FOR THE HONG KONG ENVIRONMENT," HE EXPLAINED.
"THE 49 MHZ TYPE, WHICH IS IN COMMON USE IN THE U.S., HAS BEEN RULED OUT BECAUSE IT DOES NOT PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION AGAINST INTERFERENCE BETWEEN INSTRUMENTS USED IN CLOSE PROXIMITY, WHICH IS USUALLY THE CASE IN THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG.
"IN ADDITION, IT CAUSES UNACCEPTABLE INTERFERENCE TO THE POLICE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM," MR SIU SAID.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PERMITTED TYPE, WHICH OPERATES AT 47 MHZ AND WITH ADDED SECURITY FEATURES, OFFERS BETTER PROTECTION THROUGH AN ADVANCED CODING DEVICE AND CAUSES NO INTERFERENCE WITH EXISTING TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES," HE SAID.
TO AVOID BUYING THE WRONG TYPE, MR SIU ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO PURCHASE ANY CORDLESS TELEPHONES BEFORE MARCH 2, 1989.
"THEY SHOULD BUY ONLY THE ONES BEARING THE APPROPRIATE LABEL AS AUTHORISED BY THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY. GOVERNMENT POSTERS DEPICTING THE DESIGN OF THE APPROVED LABEL WILL BE DISPLAYED IN PUBLIC PLACES OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS," HE SAID.
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/9........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
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NEW ERA IN COUNTRY PARK RECREATION
*****
DEVELOPMENT
RECREATION DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS ENTERED A NEW ERA TODAY (THURSDAY) WITH THE OPENING OF A SPECIALLY-DESIGNED CYCLING SITE IN TAI MONG TSAI IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT CYCLING FACILITY IN THE COUNTRY PARKS SYSTEM, THE SITE IS A PILOT PROJECT AIMED AT ATTRACTING RECREATIONAL CYCLISTS TO PURSUE THEIR ACTIVITIES OFF THE HIGHWAYS.
THE SITE COMPRISES A 450-METRE ACCESS TRACK, A 250-METRE CIRCULAR CYCLING TRACK, A 2,000-SQUARE-METRE CYCLING GROUND AND SHELTER AND PICNIC FACILITIES. THE COST WAS $500,000.
THE SURFACING OF THE TRACKS HAS BEEN COMPLETED WHILE WORKS ON THE CYCLING GROUND AND SHELTER AND PICNIC FACILITIES ARE IN PROGRESS AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.
THE PROJECT WAS JOINTLY UNVEILED THIS MORNING BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CLIVE OXLEY, AND THE CHAIRMEN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD’S PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE, MR CARLOS CHEUNG AND MR WILLIAM WAN.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY, THE CYCLING TRACK WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC AND A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB MEMBERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THIS MORNING’S CEREMONY WERE THE FIRST TO USE THE NEW FACILITY.
DR LEE SAID AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY THAT HE WAS HAPPY TO SEE THE PILOT PROJECT REACH FRUITION IN THE CONTINUING EFFORT BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY TO UPGRADE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN COUNTRY PARKS.
"IF THE PROJECT PROVES SUCCESSFUL, CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO EXTENDING IT TO OTHER POPULAR COUNTRY PARKS," HE ADDED.
THE OPENING CEREMONY FORMED PART OF AN ACTIVITY PROGRAMME PREPARED FOR COUNTRY PARKS BOARD MEMBERS IN THE MORNING AND EARLY PART OF THE AFTERNOON TO VIEW RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS), MR K.C. IU, BOARD MEMBERS INSPECTED THE NEW MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN THE MA ON SHAN COUNTRY PARK WHERE THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE RECREATION DEVELOPMENTS IN THAT AREA.
THEY LATER VISITED HOI HA WAN IN SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK WHERE THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS STUDYING THE FEASIBILITY OF SETTING UP A MARINE RESERVE TO PROTECT AND MANAGE MARINE RESOURCES AND TO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PUBLIC.
THE HOI HA WAN SITE IS A SHELTERED BAY SITUATED AT THE
NORTHERN COASTLINE OF SAI KUNG PENINSULA AND COVERS AN AREA 01' 285
HECTARES. THE AREA IS RICH IN CORALS.
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/io.........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 10
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS TO B£ SWITCHED ON TOMORROW »«»»«»
SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY FOR CHRISTMAS LIGHTING AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE LIGHTING AND DECORATIONS ARE SPONSORED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROPERTY DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR LUI CHI-WO, AND YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST CHRISTMAS LIGHTING SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY STARTING AT 6 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN BETWEEN REGAL MERIDIAN HOTEL AND SOUTH SEAS CENTRE.
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INAUGURATION OF JOINT FEDERATION * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN A KOWLOON HOTEL.
THE JOINT FEDERATION IS A BODY FORMED BY HONG KONG’S THREE MAJOR AGRICULTURAL BODIES WITH THE AIM OF BETTER PROMOTING THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY.
THE THREE BODIES ARE THE NEW TERRITORIES CHICKEN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, AND THE FEDERATION OF PIG RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
11
MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES 380 MAJOR CHICKEN FARMS WITH OVER 1,500 CHICKEN FARMERS, 26 VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES WITH SOME 9,100 VEGETABLE FARMERS AS MEMBERS, AND 22 PIG RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES WITH SOME 1,300 PIG FARMERS AS MEMBERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INAUGURATION OF THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES TOMORROW.
THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN THE CENTENARY ROOM, HONG KONG HOTEL, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
AFD INFORMATION STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
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WATER POLLUTION IN HK SOUTH BEING TACKLED ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS MAKING EVERY EFFORT TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AT BEACHES ON THE SOUTHERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR LAN MADE THIS REMARK FOLLOWING A VISIT TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WHERE MANY OF HONG KONG’S MOST POPULAR BEACHES ARE LOCATED.
HE SAID HE HAD CONSULTED THE ENVIRONMENT DIVISION OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH AS WELL AS THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES, AND NOTED THAT THE MAIN CAUSES OF WATER POLLUTION AT THOSE BEACHES WERE POLLUTED STREAM COURSES AND DRAINS DISCHARGING INADEQUATELY TREATED DOMESTIC SEWAGE FROM DEVELOPMENTS IN THE HINTERLAND.
MR LAN POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW ADOPTING A MULTI-PRONGED APPROACH IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM.
ON THE LEGISLATION SIDE, THE SOUTHERN WATER CONTROL ZONE WAS GAZETTED ON JULY 29 THIS YEAR, SETTING WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES FOR THIS ZONE. LICENCES WERE NOW REQUIRED FOR NEW DISCHARGES OF SEWAGE.
’’APART FROM LEGISLATION MEASURES, A NUMBER OF WORKS PROJECTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION,” MR LAN SAID.
/HE ADDED .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 19^8
- 12 -
HE ADDED HE UNDERSTOOD THAT AS SHORT-TERM IMPROVEMENTS TO WATER QUALITY AT REPULSE BAY AND STANLEY MAIN BEACHES, THE POLLUTED FLOWS IN STREAM COURSES AND DRAINS WOULD BE INTERCEPTED AND DIVERTED AWAY FROM THE BEACH.
THE PROJECTS WOULD COST A TOTAL OF $7.1 MILLION. PARTS OF THEM WERE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BEFORE THE BATHING SEASON OF 1989.
FURTHER IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT REPULSE BAY, MIDDLE BAY, CHUNG HOM KOK, ROCKY BAY, SHEK O AND DEEP WATER BAY BEACHES, COSTING SOME $8.5 MILLION, WOULD BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR.
AS FOR LONG-TERM IMPROVEMENTS, CONSULTANTS HAD BEEN COMMISSIONED TO UNDERTAKE THE HONG KONG ISLAND SOUTH SEWERAGE MASTER
PLAN STUDY.
IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING 'FIRST AID' MEASURES
TO REDUCE
BEACH
THE CONSULTANTS FOR SEWERAGE,
POLLUTION TO ACCEPTABLE LEVELS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, ARE ALSO ASKED TO COME UP WITH LONG-TERM PROPOSALS TOGETHER WITH SEWAGE AND SLUDGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL, TO ENSURE ............................................... LAN NOTED.
THE
SAFETY OF THE BEACHES AS A LONG-TERM AMENITY,
MR
DURING HIS TOUR OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON, MR LAN VISITED A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT IN REPULSE BAY. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN, AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG.
FROM REPULSE BAY, MR LAN AND HIS PARTY PROCEEDED TO A VANTAGE POINT IN CHUNG HOM KOK FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF MA HANG VILLAGE WHICH WILL BE REDEVELOPED INTO A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN THE MIDDLE OF 1989.
THE PARTY THEN TOURED THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER ON A SAMPAN TO SEE THE BUSTLING ACTIVITIES OF HONG KONG’S LARGEST FISHING PORT.
HE CONCLUDED HIS TOUR OF THE DISTRICT BY VISITING THE 200-YEAR-OLD POK FU LAM VILLAGE WHERE HE SAW SOME ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
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/V>........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 15 -
FARMERS BRIEFED ON WASTE CONTROL EXTENSION » » * « »
LIVESTOCK FARM OPERATORS HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME WILL NOT BE ENFORCED IN NORTH DISTRICT TSUEN WAN ENVIRONS AND TAI LAM CHUNG BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT HAS REV>EWEI) THE OUTCOME OF THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS ON PRIVATE FARMS AN!) THE RELEVANT REGULATIONS.
"HOWEVER, LIVESTOCK FARMERS IN THESE AREAS WHO WISH TO CEASE BUSINESS AND APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES MAY DO SO FROM JANUARY 1 1989," AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH, MISS PHYLOMENA HO EXPLAINED AT TODAY’S (THURSDAY) LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETING ATTENDED BY GOVERNMENT AND FARMERS’ REPRESENTATIVES.
"BUT THOSE FARMERS WHO RESUMED BUSINESS AFTER ACCEPTANCE OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES WILL BE SUBJECT TO ENFORCEMENT ACTION.
"THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY FULLY WITH THE CONTROL REGULATIONS INCLUDING, IF NECESSARY, THE INSTALLATION OF TREATMENT FACILITIES AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE," SHE ADDED.
FARMERS MAY ALSO WAIT FOR THE RESULT OF THE REVIEW BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO CEASE OR CONTINUE OPERATION. NO ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST THEM IN THE MEANTIME.
THE REPRESENTATIVE EXPLAINED THAT IN DECIDING ON THE ARRANGEMENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN ACCOUNT OF ITS PROMISE THAT THE CONTROL SCHEME WOULD NOT BE EXTENDED TO THE SECOND BATCH OF CONTROL AREAS BEFORE A REVIEW WAS COMPLETED.
IT HAD ALSO TAKEN ACCOUNT OF THE FARMERS’ REQUEST THAT THOSE WHO WANTED TO CEASE BUSINESS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO APPLY FOR AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FROM JANUARY 1.
"THE REQUEST OF THE FARMER REPRESENTATIVES WAS CONVEYED TO THE GOVERNMENT AT A PREVIOUS MEETING OF A WORKING GROUP ON EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES AND ALSO THROUGH SOME LEGCO MEMBERS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR LEO KWAN, SAID THE ARRANGEMENT COULD BE CONSIDERED SATISFACTORY.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 14 -
NEW POLICE MUSEUM OPENS
*****
THE POLICE FORCE MUSEUM HAS OPENED ITS DOORS TO THE PUBLIC IN NEW SURROUNDINGS AT THE FORMER WAN CHAI GAP POLICE STATION.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE IS ONE OF THE OLDEST IN THE COMMONWEALTH AND HAS A PROUD AND INTERESTING STORY TO TELL.
AIM OF THE NEW POLICE MUSEUM IS TO INTRODUCE THAT HISTORY THROUGHOUT THE YEARS, TOGETHER WITH VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ITS WORK.
ESTABLISHED IN 1976, AND ORIGINALLY CONTAINED WITHIN POLICE HEADQUARTERS, THE MUSEUM MOVED TO TAI SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING IN 1982.
IN 1986 PLANS WERE DRAWN UP FOR REPROVISIONING THE MUSEUM TO WAH CHAI GAP WITH THE COST FINANCED PARTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND PARTLY FROM DONATIONS TO THE FORCE.
DIVIDED INTO FOUR GALLERIES - THE ORIENTATION GALLERY, THE NARCOTICS GALLERY, THE TRIAD SOCIETIES GALLERY AND THE CURRENT GALLERY - THE NEW POLICE MUSEUM COVERS A TOTAL AREA OF 560 SQUARE METRES.
IN THE ORIENTATION GALLERY, THE HISTORY OF THE FORCE IS TOLD THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHS, OLD UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT AND FIREARMS. THE GALLERY ALSO FEATURES COUNTERFEIT MONEY AND ARTIFACTS OF ILLEGAL GAMBLING TO ILLUSTRATE DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF POLICE WORK.
A VALUABLE DONATION BY A FORMER COMMISSIONER, MR DUNCAN MACINTOSH IS ALSO ON DISPLAY. SIGNIFICANT EXHIBITS ALSO INCLUDE THE HEAD OF THE TIGER SHOT IN 1915, THE PLAGUE MEDAL OF 1894, A MACHINE FOR PRINTING FAKE UNITED STATES DOLLARS, COUNTERFEIT HONG KONG BANKNOTES AND AN OLD MOTORCYCLE WITH SIDE-CAR.
IN THE NARCOTICS GALLERY, THE NARCOTICS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG IS HIGHLIGHTED IN A DISPLAY OF DRUG SAMPLES, DRUG SMOKING AND TRAFFICKING TOOLS SEIZED BY THE POLICE AND PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING SOME IMPORTANT CASES OF RECENT YEARS.
IN THE TRIAD SOCIETIES GALLERY, THE HISTORY OF THE TRIAD SOCIETIES AND THEIR ACTIVITIES ARE FEATURED. EXHIBITS INCLUDE MODELS OF A TRIAD LEADER, TRIAD OFFENSIVE WEAPONS, A TRIAD ALTAR AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF TRIAD FLAGS AND SECRET SIGNS.
/THE CURRENT .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
THE CURRENT EXHIBITION GALLERY FEATURES MARINE POLICE. EXHIBITS INCLUDE HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE MARINE POLICE AND POLICE LAUNCHES, OLD MARINE UNIFORMS, MODELS OF POLICE LAUNCHES, AND DOCUMENTS. PHOTOGRAPHS AND AN INTRODUCTION TO MARINE HEADQUARTERS, WHICH IS THE EARLIEST REMAINING COLONIAL BUILDING IN KOWLOON, ARE ALSO DISPLAYED.
SERVICES SUCH AS GUIDED TOURS, THE SALE OF SOUVENIRS AND VIDEO PROGRAMMES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FROM WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY, 2 PM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY AFTERNOON. THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED ON MONDAYS, TUESDAY MORNINGS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
ACCESS TO THE MUSEUM IS BY BUS ROUTE 15 (FROM EXCHANGE SQUARE TO THE PEAK).
FOR ENQUIRIES AND APPOINTMENT OF GUIDED TOURS, PLEASE CALL 5-8496018.
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PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER * * * * *
THE VALUE OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES IN SEPTEMBER 1988, ESTIMATED AT $8,596 MILLION, WAS 19 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1987 WHILST THEIR VOLUME WAS 10 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT IN SALES
VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS" AND "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE BY 21
PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT AND 12
PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 32 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 22 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES WENT UP BY 25 PER CENT IN VALUE AND .4 PER CENT VOLUME, WHILST THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR DEPARTMENT STORES WERE 19 PER CENT AND 9 PER CENT.
/CONSUMER URAB ,ES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
16 -
CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, FUELS WENT UP BY 8 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" ROSE BY 34 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 24 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
"CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS" AND CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT AND 20 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE, AND 14 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES WENT UP BY 46 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 34 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WERE 37 PER CENT AND 25 PER CENT.
SUPERMARKETS SALES ROSE BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND BY 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 5 PER CENT TN SALES VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IN LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR SEPTEMBER 1988 DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
HOWEVER, SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO RECORDED INCREASES OF 15 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS REMAINED ALMOST UNCHANGED IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
CONSUMER DURABLES WENT DOWN BY 5 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. "OTHER CONSUMER GOODS" FELL BY 7 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKETS RECORDED INCREASES OF 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/MOTOR VEHICLES .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
17
MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS ROSE BY 6 PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DROPPED BY 11 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
SALES BY DEPARTMENT STORES DECREASED BY 22 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 24 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1988 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR SEPTEMBER 1988.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER 1988 (A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES, (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND (C) BY SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE RETAIL SALES FROM OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 TAKEN AS 100.
COMPARISONS OF SEPTEMBER 1988 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1988 AND WITH THOSE FOR SEPTEMBER 1987 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE SEPTEMBER 1988 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-8234941).
/18.......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 18 -
WIE ! : TOTAL RETAIL SALES
total Retail Sales for StfUiMtB (Provisional Fijurel lor Most I988 (Revised Figure)
= HHB,596 ai I lion
= HKI8,7I6 Billion
TABLEJ : VfLUE AMD VOLUflE INDEXES Or RETAIL SOLES
• * • • — — rCK WGIIST 1908 AMO SEPTEMBER 1988
_—____ (Monthly average 0< Qc(t gg . Sept. 85 = 100)
It e» • Index of • Retail 1 Sales । 1 1 August 1 I9D8 r ' September 1 1980 — 1 *”*”**«■*■«*•■ . » — •’ September 1988 5 coipared with •’ Avgust 1988 -f-------- 1 Septrirbur 1988 1 Jsn.-Sep. |?B8 1 1 compared with ! compared with I 1 September 1987 I Jan.-Sep. 1907 •
<A) FOR AU RETAIL FRADES 1 ’ (Revised ’ figure, 4 4 1 (Provisional ! figures) • Points X t » । • Points i । I .— •' Points Z • । !
IB) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS 1 ' Value 1 Volume । • I 1 • 15< ’ 12; 1 1 । •' 153 1 126 • • ! ‘2 -| •’ ‘3 -2 • 1 1 l 1 25 1 12 1 19 10 1 t ’ 1 1 28 2J । I 15 13 1 । 1
Foodstuffs, alcoholic 1 ‘ Value 1 । J 144 1. I t 1 . t 1 .
drinks and tobacco • Volume » . • 10$ । 1? 15 H 13 1 27 II 23 10 5 9 8 1 I -I -i .
Fuels Clothing, footgear and allied products Consuaer durables Other consuaer goods <C) BY SELECTED TRADES 1 Value • Volume । 1 Value I Volute • 1 Value ’ Voluae 1 1 Value 1 Volume 1 107 1 in 1 1 167 1 135 169 !J3 172 I4| 1 1 107 5 116 t 163 J I3O 1 1 1 161 : 126 I 1 160 J 130 » « 1 । « t 1 1 -4 -2 । •5 -< । -0 -5; -8 -6 1 1 -11 -7 I -II -8 1 • i 12 13 28 12 21 7 26 14 13 12 21 10 15 6 20 1 12 1 । । 1 j 7 8 1 4 4 | 1 33 25 1 16 14 1 1 26 20 । 12 11 1 <1 34 I 26 24 | 1
(see note I below) ! ; 1 1 t I । 1
Superaarkets • 1 • । Value Volume 165 140 J 183 | 1 155 | 1 (9 11 1 H 10 1 36 19 1 25 1 14 1 1 1 22 16 1
Motor vehicles • and parts • Consuaer durables | other than aotor • Value Volume Value Volume 26? IBB 139 117 i ; •' 283 ! ( 199 • I . ' 123 } । 16 6 1 II 6 1 -16 -II 1 69 36 6 • 1 32 : 22 1 1 5 I । « 37 I 3’ 25 1 1 14 12 !
vehicles and parts J * 103 ! -13 -12 ! -2 -i : 6 5 1
। Department stores | 1 • Value I Volume ; 207 169 1 1 161 : 128 | • । -U -22 • -41 -24 ; 26 II 19 1 9 1 1 1 57 46 I 37 u i
iyespett of thej'oU^^tXteTtr^-'l” c'XT lh* ’nd volu” «"<«•» <b> -Motor veMdes inVp^ts^-'^trad^k^’^r1'05011' tobatc°‘
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/19.......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 19 -
CAS RESCUE UNIT CARRIES OUT EXERCISE
*****
THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CARRIED OUT A GORGE RESCUE EXERCISE AT TSING LUNG TAU IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING.
THE EXERCISE INVOLVED THREE MOCK CASUALTIES — SUFFERING SEPARATELY FROM BONE FRACTURES, HEAD INJURIES, AND BRUISES — WHO HAD TO BE RESCUED FROM A 50-METRE-DEEP GORGE BY USING THREE DIFFERENT STRATEGIES.
THIRTY UNIT MEMBERS, IN FULL HARNESS, PARTICIPATED IN THE RESCUE OF THE THREE "INJURED" PERSONS.
STARTING AT 10 AM, THEY SET UP ANCHOR POINTS, AND BROUGHT THE CASUALTIES TO THE MAIN ROAD ONE AND A HALF HOURS LATER.
AFTER INSPECTING THE EXERCISE, THE INSPECTOR OF LAND RESCUE FROM THE BRITISH MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, SQUADRON LEADER RICHARD FOSTER, PRAISED THE UNIT’S HIGH STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE AND SAID ITS TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT WAS ALSO OF HIGH STANDARD.
THE UNIT, HE SAID, WAS "AS GOOD AS ANY OTHER SIMILAR TEAM IN THE UNITED KINGDOM".
MR FOSTER VISITS HONG KONG EVERY TWO YEARS TO CONDUCT A FULL INSPECTION OF THE UNIT.
THE INSPECTION THIS YEAR BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 24 AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL DECEMBER 7.
THE LAND RESCUE INSPECTOR WILL THEN COMPLETE A PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL OF THE UNIT’S ABILITY AND PERFORMANCE.
THE FULL INSPECTION INCLUDES A SERIES OF EXERCISES ON MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE, MOUNTAIN AND CLIFF RESCUE TECHNIQUES, CASUALTY EVACUATION AND A CROSS-COUNTRY EXPEDITION.
THE MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT, WHOSE STRENGTH HAS GROWN TO 60 MEMBERS SINCE 1967, ON AVERAGE CARRIES OUT ABOUT 15 SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS EVERY YEAR.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1,
1988
20 -
VTC DELEGATION VISITS CHINA *****
A DELEGATION OF ■’ll' VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL LEFT FOR PEKING TODAY (THURSDAY) TO START A 1 O-DAY TOUR CONCERNING VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN CHINA AT THE INVITATION OF THE CHINESE STATE EDUCATION COMMISSION,
THE NINE-MEMBER DELEGATION, LED BY DR HENRY YU, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, WITH MR HORACE KNIGHT, THE COUNCIL’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AS DEPUTY LEADER, WILL BE VISITING VARIOUS VOCATIONAL TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND MEETING OFFICIALS OF EDUCATION AUTHORITIES IN PEKING, SHANGHAI AND CANTON.
"THE TOUR PROVIDES VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING BETWEEN OUR HOSTS IN CHINA AND THE DELEGATION," DR YU SAID.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS OF TllE DELEGATION WILL CONDUCT PRESENTATIONS COVERING THE TOPICS ON THE HISTORY AND THE SYSTEM OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TERRITORY.
"THIS IS THE FIRST VISIT MADE BY THE COUNCIL TO THE MAINLAND. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO BRINGING BACK FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING IN CHINA WHICH MAY HELP IMPROVE OUR OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG," MR KNIGHT SAID.
THE GROUP WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON DECEMBER 10.
INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE ON AIDS
* * * *
THE FINAL OF AN INTER-SCHOOL DEBATE ON ETHICAL ISSUES RELATING TO AIDS FEATURED IN THE 'COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK’ WILL BE HELD AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) MORNING.
THE DEBATE, WHICH STARTS AT 9.30 AM, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE RISKS OF AIDS AND ITS PREVENTION.
THE DEBATE AIMS IN PARTICULAR TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE DEADLY DISEASE, TO SUSTAIN THEIR INTEREST AND CONCERN ON THE ISSUE, AND TO SOLICIT THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON AIDS.
/IN THE .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 21
IN THE FINAL ON SATURDAY, STUDENTS OF THE HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS WILL GIVE THEIR ARGUMENTS ON THE TOPIC OF "THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTROL OF AIDS RESTS WITH INDIVIDUALS AND NOT WITH THE GOVERNMENT".
THE JUDGING PANEL COMPRISES THE CONTROLLER OF EDUC.TIO'JAL TELEVISION OF RADIO AND TELEVISION OF HONG KONG, MR P.H. CHI , THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NARCOTICS) OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DR S.C. LEUNG, AND THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MR C.L. HO.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE DEBATE AND THE BISHOP OF HONG KONG AND MACAU, THE RT. REV. PETER K.K. KWONG, WILL PRESENT A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON WORTH $1,500 TO THE WINNERS OF THE DEBATE.
THE FIRST RUNNERS-UP WILL RECEIVE A TROPHY AND A BOOK COUPON WORTH $1,000 WHILE OTHER SCHOOLS IN THE SEMI-FINAL ROUND WILL EACH BE PRESENTED WITH A PLAQUE AND A BOOK COUPON WORTH $500.
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SONGS TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION * » » » »
POP SINGING WILL HELP TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN AN AFTERNOON OF MUSIC AT NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) AFTERNOON.
THIS WILL BE PART OF THE "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MUSIC DAY AND CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN (SHA TIN COMMITTEE)".
THE FUNCTION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN (SHA TIN COMMITTEE).
LADY WILSON WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION.
DURING THE AFTERNOON PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE CLEANLINESS-MINDED RESIDENTS AWARD AS WELL AS THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN SHA TIN SLOGAN AND FAMILY HYGIENE COMPETITIONS.
ALSO ATTENDING WILL BE THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG; SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD'S WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR JOHN YOUNG; AND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN (SHA TIN COMMITTEE) CHAIRMAN, MR CHOI KAN-PUI.
/FUNDS FOR .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
_ 22
FUNDS FOR ORGANISING THE DISTRICT’S CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN AND MUSIC DAY ARE COVERED BY ALLOCATIONS OF $40,000 FROM THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, $27,500 FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, $25,000 FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE REST FROM PRIVATE SPONSORS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MUSIC DAY AND CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN (SHA TIN COMMITTEE)" WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) AT THE MUSICAL FOUNTAIN AREA ON LEVEL 3, NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE BY 2.20 PM.
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EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST DAY ON DECEMBER 16
*****
THE EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST DAY WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE NEEDY.
ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY, A SERIES OF FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT THROUGHOUT THAT DAY.
ANNOUNCING THE DETAILS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST DAY AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MISS CHRISTINA TING, APPEALED TO LOCAL RESIDENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO SUPPORT THE MEANINGFUL EVENT.
THE FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES WILL INVOLVE HAWKERS, GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS IN THE DISTRICT AND DRIVING TUTORS, ALL OF WHOM WILL DONATE TAKINGS FOR CHARITY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A STAR-STUDDED FUND-RAISING CONCERT.
A CHARITY SALE, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY A HAWKERS’ ASSOCIATION IN NORTH POINT, WILL BE HELD IN THE MORNING ON DECEMBER 16.
A SPECIAL STALL WILL SELL VEGETABLES, FRUIT, GROCERIES AND FLOWERS AT THE JUNCTION OF CHUN YEUNG STREET AND TONG SHUI ROAD.
ON NINE MINIBUS ROUTES OPERATED BY TWO LOCAL MINIBUS COMPANIES FARES PAID IN THE MORNING WILL BE GIVEN TO CHARITY.
OVER 80 DRIVING TUTORS FROM TWO VEHICLE DRIVING TUTOR ASSOCIATIONS WILL DONATE TO CHARITY FEES FROM ONE HOUR OF TUTORING.
/THE HIGHLIGHT .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 23
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST DAY WILL BE A "SING FOR CHARITY CONCERT" TO BE HELD AT THE DR SEAKER CHAN MEMORIAL HALL TN NORTH POINT.
THE CONCERT WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
THERE WILL BE SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS, AND A CHARITY AUCTION WILL ALSO BE HELD DURING THE SHOW.
ITEMS TO BE AUCTIONED INCLUDE A GOLD BUDDHA STATUE FROM THAILAND, A SET OF WORKS BY A FAMOUS CHINESE CALLIGRAPHER AND A PAIR OF LOUD SPEAKERS BEARING THE SIGNATURES OF FAMOUS ARTISTS.
POSTAL BOOKINGS FOR TICKETS FOR THE "SING FOR CHARITY CONCERT" CAN BE MADE WITH THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 880-886 KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF TICKETS WILL BE ON SALEAT THE DR SEAKER CHAN MEMORIAL HALL FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3).
--------------------------------------------------------------------0--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------••
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ENDS ON SATURDAY t * * ♦ ♦
THE NATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS TEAM OF CHINA AND THE SHENZHEN WRESTLING TEAM (MONGOLIAN STYLE) WILL PERFORM AT THE CLOSING CEREMONV OF THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) EVENING.
TO MARK THE FESTIVAL’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY, A TOTAL OF TEN "LIONS" FROM THE HA HON-HUNG SPORTS ASSOCIATION WILL PERFORM A LION-DANCE AT THE CEREMONY.
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT OF THE EVENING WILL BE A DEMONSTRATION BY THE HONG KONG WUSHU (MARTIAL ARTS) TEAM.
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU; THE REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; AND A COMMUNITY LEADER, MR CHAN PO-FONG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL START AT 8 PM IN THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND.
DURING THE MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL, RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN WERE TREATED TO SOME 40 SPORTS EVENTS HELD AT VARIOUS VENUES IN THE DISTRICT.
THESE INCLUDED ARCHERY, MINI-SOCCER, FIVE-A-SIDE SOCCER, BASKETBALL, VOLLEY BALL, HANDBALL, TENNIS, AEROBIC DANCE, GO-KART RACING AND CROSS-COUNTRY MARATHON.
THE PROGRAMMES ALSO INCLUDED SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND THE ELDERLY.
/IN THE ......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 24 -
IN THE MEANTIME, A SPORTS FESTIVAL PHOTO COMPETITION HAS ALSO
BEEN ORGANISED FOR ENTHUSIASTS.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE PHOTO CONTEST WILL BE DECEMBER 9 AND ADJUDICATION WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 21.
THE 10TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL IS PRESENTED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION AS A JOINT EFFORT TO BOOST SPORTS ACTIVITIES AND TO PROMOTE THE STANDARD OF SPORTS IN THE DISTRICT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 10TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 3) IN THE SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, TSUEN WAN.
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ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS IN YAU TSIM REMOVED
*****
TEN ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT WERE REMOVED IN AN OPERATION TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE OPERATION WAS CARRIED OUT AS A JOINT EFFORT BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
IT WAS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN TO ENLIST RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT IN IMPROVING THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD MET 90 PER CENT OF THE REMOVAL COST WITH AN ALLOCATION OF $21,150.
OTHER EVENTS IN THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDE A BUILDING CLEANLINESS CONTEST, AREA PATROLS TO IDENTIFY PROBLEMATIC LOCATIONS, AND A YEAR-END CLEAN-UP OPERATION.
EARLIER IN THE YEAR, SEVERAL ACTIVITIES WERE HELD TO SPREAD THE "KEEP-CLEAN" MESSAGE TO DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.
THESE INCLUDED A MARKET CLEANLINESS CONTEST URGING HAWKERS TO KEEP THEIR STALLS CLEAN; A SERIES OF HEALTH SEMINARS TO TEACH RESTAURANT WORKERS HOW TO DISPOSE OF GREASE AND FOOD RESIDUE PROPERLY, AND A SLOGAN CONTEST.
- 0-----------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 25 "
SEMINAR FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG ******
ENGLISH-SPEAKING RESIDENTS IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT’S LATEST DEVELOPMENT PLANS, EXISTING FACILITIES AND SERVICES AT A SEMINAR TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE SEMINAR HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD. SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY,THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG AND TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDE THE PRO-VICE-CHANCELLOR (ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS) (ACTING) OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR I.F.C. MACPHERSON; THE SECRETARY OF THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION, MR G. WILLS AND THE TRAFFIC ENGINEER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR D. WEBSTER.
THERE WILL BE A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION AFTER EACH TALK AND A VIDEO WILL BE SHOWN DURING THE TALK ON THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
THE SEMINAR WILL START AT 7.15 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD,SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET,SAI KUNG TOWN.
-------0----------
BUILDING DECLARED LIABLE ♦ * * *
TO BECOME DANGEROUS
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY)
HOM VILLAGE FN LAU FAU SHAN, YUEN LONG, TO DANGEROUS.
DECLARED NO. 77 NGAU BE LIABLE TO BECOME
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE SINGLE STOREY BUILDING FORMED TERRACE OF FOUR VILLAGE TYPE HOUSES CONSTRUCTED OF MUD
GOVERNMENT ONE OF A WALLS AND
TIMBER PITCHED ROOFS.
THE ADJACENT HOUSES, NOS. 78, 79 AND 80 HAD BEEN DESERTED FOR SOME TIME AND PART OF THE FRONT AND REAR WALLS OF NO. 79 HAD ALREADY COLLAPSED.
THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF FURTHER COLLAPSE NECESSITATED THESE ADJACENT BUILDINGS TO BE DEMOLISHED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
/AS VERTICAL .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
AS VERTIC\L CRACKS WERE FOUND AT THE REAR WALL OF NO. 77 AND OTHER CRACKS AT THE SIDE WALL WHICH WAS ALSO LEANING TOWARDS THE SIDE LANE, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY CONSIDERED THAT HOUSE NO. 77 WAS LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS UPON DEMOLITION OF THE ADJACENT HOUSES.
IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE THIS BUILDING AND TO DEMOLISH IT JOINTLY WITH THE ADJACENT BUILDINGS.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON FEBRUARY 23, 1989 WAS POSTED TODAY.
-------0---------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN DISTRICT
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5).
WHITTY STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND. ALL VEHICLES OVER SEVEN METRES LONG WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THIS SECTION.
VEHICLES FROM HILL ROAD WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT TO DES VOEUX ROAD WEST EASTBOUND. THESE VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WESTBOUND, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST EASTBOUND, WHITTY STREET AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST EASTBOUND.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE FORMER WHITTY STREET TRAM TERMINUS BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH HILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES TO THE EAST WILL BECOME A PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY. NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
THESE MEASURES WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FOR TRAM TRACK CONNECTION WORKS.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 27 -
PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM DECEMBER 4 (SUNDAY) TO JANUARY 8 NEXT YEAR, THE TRAFFIC LANES ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD BETWEEN CHING CHEUNG ROAD AND TSUEN WAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED IN TURN FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, AT LEAST TWO SOUTHBOUND AND TWO NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC LANES WILL REMAIN OPEN.
-------0----------
TEMPORARY PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD
t * * * .
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORK, THE THREE TRAFFIC LANES ON TUEN MUN ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED IN TURN.
THE BROTHER BRIDGE SECTION WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 4 TO 13 WHILE THE SHAM TSENG VIADUCT SECTION WILL BE CLOSED FROM DECEMBER 18 TO 24.
IN ADDITION, CLOSURE OF THE TSING LUNG TAU BRIDGE SECTION WILL BE IN FORCE FROM JANUARY 2 TO 10 NEXT YEAR TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE YAU KAM TAU BRIDGE SECTION FROM JANUARY 8 TO 18.
DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE MAINTAINED ON THE AFFECTED SECTION FROM 6.30 AM TO 9 PM WHILE AT LEAST ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL REMAINED OPEN FROM 9 PM TO 6.30 AM. BUT MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTEING VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
-------0----------
’CITY IN CONCERT AND GAMES 88’ TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* » *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY AND CAUSEWAY BAY FOR THE ’’CITY IN CONCERT AND GAMES 88” TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG STADIUM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 12.30 PM:
/♦ CAROLINE HILL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
- 28 -
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LINK ROAD AND STADIUM PATH WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND;
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD/PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR LOCAL ACCESS;
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD/PENNINGTON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
» EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND; BUT VEHICLES CAN STILL ENTER THE ST PAUL'S HOSPITAL CARPARK FROM TUNG LO WAN ROAD; AND
♦ LINK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY UPHILL; VEHICLES EXITING FROM UPPER BROADWOOD ROAD, HAPPY VIEW TERRACE AND LEIGHTON HILL SHOULD TRAVEL DOWNHILL VIA BROADWOOD ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD.
THE FOLLOWING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT FINISHES:
* CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN STADIUM PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
♦ CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN LEIGHTON ROAD AND COTTON PATH WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC; AND
* LINK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. VEHICLES TRAVELLING TO AND FROM UPPER BROADWOOD ROAD, HAPPY VIEW TERRACE, LEIGHTON HILL AND THE LOCAL PREMISES IN LINK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND BROADWOOD ROAD.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE WITHDRAWN ON COMPLETION OF THE EVENT AND AFTER THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE ATTENDING HAVE DISPERSED.
LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM MATHESON STREET, RUSSELL STREET AND SHARP STREET EAST FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM PERCIVAL STREET SOUTHBOUND INTO LEIGHTON ROAD EASTBOUND, AND ENTER TUNG LO WAN ROAD FROM CAUSEWAY ROAD.
ALL ON-STREET PARKING SPACES IN SUN WUI ROAD, STADIUM PATH AND THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD AROUND THE STADIUM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM NOON TO MIDNIGHT.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
........... FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DRAFT SECURITIES and futures commission bill to be MODIFIED:' SMS ........................................ 1
STRONGER GATTTHE OBJECTIVE: STI ....................... 3
JAMES TIEN’TO'CH..IR PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ............. 4
NEW IMPETUS'TO’PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME ............... 5
AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE: SES ....... 6
INCREASE IN TRANSPORT' COMPLAINTS ..................... 7
STATUS OF'152 ASYLUM SEEKERS DETERMINED ............... 10
LAND RESUMPTION FOR TIN SHUT WAI DEVELOPMENT .......... 11
RESUMPTION OF LAND IN SHEUNG WAN ...................... 12
LITTER COLLECTION EXERCISE IN COUNTRY PARK ............ 12
FIRE SERVICES BEGINS RECRUITING DRIVE ................. 13
fs visits'Printing department.......................... 13
SCS VISITS T&LA .........I............................. 14
COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN YOUTH CONCERT ON SUNDAY ........ 14
LADY WILSON VISITS SCHOOLS FOR HANDICAPPED ............ 15
LABOUR RELATIONS '88 CHESS, TABLE-TENNIS FINALS ....... 16
/CHINA WOMEN'S ......
CHINA WOMEN’S DELEGATION VISITS SWD .......................... 17
GOVERNMENT LAND TO LEI' BY TENDER ............................ 17
ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH ........... 18
GRAND OPENING FOR SaI KUNG DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL............. 18
TV SPECTACULAR ON FIGHT CRIME, ANTI-NARCOTICS................. 19
AREA COMMITTEE HOLDING SBilNAR ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS......... 21
ANTI-SHOPTHEFT SJF.INAR IN CENTRAL............................ 21
Varied Sunday for tuen mun residents ......................... 22
quarantine certificate CHARGES REVISED ....................... 24
KOWLOON PARK DRIVE FLYOVER TO BE BUILT ....................... 24
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF...................... 25
TRAMPOLINING COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ............... 26
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TO BE CLOSED DOWN .............. 26
NEW ROADWORKS ON RECLAMATION AT SAI KUNG CREEK................ 27
SHA TIN BUS LrtNES TO EXTEND OPERATING HOURS ................. 27
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES OK LION ROCK TUNNEL ROaD.............. 28
PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROkD......................... 28
NO-STOPPING RESTRICTIONS ..................................... 29
KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME............... 50
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
DRAFT SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION BILL TO BE MODIFIED: SMS *****
THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, MR DAVID NENDICK, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THERE WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT MODIFICATIONS IN A NUMBER OF RESPECTS TO THE INITIAL PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE DISCUSSION DOCUMENT ON THE DRAFT SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION BILL.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED SECRETARIES AND ADMINISTRATORS IN HONG KONG, MR NENDICK ALSO REASSURED ALL INTERESTED PARTIES THAT THE CONSULTATION PROCESS HAD BEEN A GENUINE ONE AND THAT THE COMMENTS MADE HAD BEEN LISTENED TO CAREFULLY.
REFERRING TO THE CONCERN OVER SOME OF THE PROPOSED POWERS OF THE NEW COMMISSION, MR NENDICK SAID THAT WHEN THE GOVERNMENT SET ABOUT REFORMING ITS REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR THE SECURITIES MARKETS, IT WAS FULLY CONSCIOUS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF STRIKING THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN THE AVAILABILITY OF ADEQUATE POWERS TO COMBAT FRAUD AND MARKET ABUSES AND THE NEED TO PRESERVE CIVIL LIBERTIES.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO FULLY AWARE OF THE NEED TO STRIKE THE RIGHT BALANCE BETWEEN ENCOURAGING THE GROWTH OF MARKETS AND ENSURING THAT THEY DID NOT GET OUT OF CONTROL.
POINTING OUT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD MADE THIS VERY CLEAR IN HIS RECENT SPEECH TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR NENDICK SAID MR JACOBS HAD ALSO EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS LOOKING FOR CONSENSUS RATHER THAN CONFRONTATION IN FORMULATING THE PROPOSALS FOR REFORM.
"THIS WE SEE AS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE TO HAVE THE CO-OPERATION WE NEED OF PEOPLE IN THE MARKET PLACE IN ENSURING THAT THE SPIRIT, AS WELL AS THE LETTER, OF THE NEW REQUIREMENTS IS ADHERED TO," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK SAID EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMISSION WAS ESSENTIAL IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO MAINTAIN THE MOMENTUM OF IMPLEMENTING THE REFORM PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE.
"WE HAVE THEREFORE ACCORDED TOP PRIORITY TO THE DRAFTING OF LEGISLATION TO BRING THIS NEW AUTHORITY INTO EARLY EXISTENCE.
"IF EVERYTHING GOES WELL, AS I HOPE IT WILL, THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY IN JANUARY 1989 AND WE CAN EXPECT THE NEW COMMISSION TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL BEFORE THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
/ON THE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
2 -
ON THE FUNDING OF THE NEW COMMISSION, MR NENDICK SAID AT THIS STAGE THE GOVERNMENT ENVISAGED THREE SOURCES OF FINANCE FOR THE COMMISSION - AN ANNUAL GRANT FROM GOVERNMENT (SUBJECT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL), FEES AND CHARGES FOR PARTICULAR SERVICES WHICH THE COMMISSION WOULD PROVIDE AND A LEVY ON TRANSACTIONS.
"TO PUT IT IN CONTEXT," HE SAID, "THE LEVY WE ARE LIKELY TO BE LOOKING FOR INVESTORS TO BEAR WILL BE CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN THE LEVY WHICH THE STOCK EXCHANGE CURRENTLY IMPOSES ON TRANSACTIONS."
HE ADDED THAT TO ENHANCE THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY OF THE COMMISSION, THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO ITS BOOKS WHEN HE SO REQUIRED AND ITS ANNUAL BUDGET WOULD NEED TO BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR.
"THE COMMISSION WILL ALSO HAVE TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT AND THIS WILL BE TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,” HE POINTED OUT.
TURNING TO THE FUTURES EXCHANGE, MR NENDICK SAID THE EXCHANGE WOULD SHORTLY BE PUTTING FORWARD TO ITS MEMBERS PROPOSALS TO REFORM ITS CONSTITUTION.
"IF THESE ARE ACCEPTED," HE SAID, "A RECONSTITUTED BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE WILL BE IN OFFICE EARLY NEXT YEAR."
J
THE FUTURES EXCHANGE IS ALSO IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF* IMPLEMENTING A NEW CLEARING AND RISK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE, HE ADDED.
"IT MAY BE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS LEFT THE INITIATIVE' FOR THIS TO THE FUTURES EXCHANGE ITSELF.
"I SEE THIS AS RIGHT AND PROPER, FOR A FUTURES MARKET WILL/ ONLY CONTINUE IN HONG KONG IF THERE ARE THOSE PREPARED OVER THE LONG* TERM TO COMMIT CAPITAL TO THE MARKET ADEQUATE TO SUPPORT THE RISKS INVOLVED," HE SAID.
MR NENDICK ALSO GAVE AN UPDATE ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT, INCLUDING THE RECONSTITUTION OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE AND THE PROGRESS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW CENTRAL CLEARING AND SETTLEMENT SYSTEM TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE FOR STOCK TRANSACTIONS.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAD TAKEN SOME MAJOR STEPS TOWARDS ADDRESSING THE WEAKNESSES IN THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK AND MARKET STRUCTURES OF ITS SECURITIES AND FUTURES MARKETS IN LITTLE OVER A YEAR AFTER THE WORLDWIDE STOCK MARKET CRASH.
/"WITH THE
FRIDAY, DECQ1BER 2, 1988
- 3
"WITH THE IMMINENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SECURITIES ,NP FUTURES COMMISSION EARLY IN 1989 AND VOLUNTARY REFORMS ON THE PART Of THE TWO EXCHANGES, I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL HAVE A SOUND FRAMEWORK IN PLACE VERY SOON.
"THIS WILL STAND HONG KONG IN GOOD STEAD IN THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF ITS ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE," HE SAID.
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STRONGER GATT THE OBJECTIVE: STI
*****
HONG KONG WANTS TO SEE A STRONGER GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT), THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR MACLEOD WAS SPEAKING ON THE EVE OF HIS DEPARTURE FOR A MINISTERIAL MEETING IN MONTREAL, CANADA, TO REVIEW PROGRESS MADE IN THE URUGUAY ROUND OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
"THE URUGUAY ROUND HAS TO TACKLE THE KEY ISSUES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE," MR MACLEOD SAID.
"AND IT HAS TO DO SO NOT ONLY BY IMPROVING THE RULES THEMSELVES, BUT BY GENERATING A GREATER WILLINGNESS TO OBSERVE THEM.
"HOW THE BIG THREE - USA, EEC AND JAPAN - ACT, AS MUCH AS WHAT THEY SAY, IS CRUCIAL."
MR MACLEOD STRESSED THAT THE MONTREAL MEETING MARKED THE HALF-WAY POINT IN NEGOTIATIONS.
"NOT ALL SUBJECTS \RE RIPE FOR CONCLUSIONS YET, BUT THESE TALKS SHOULD HELP TO CLEAR SOME OF THE STUMBLING BLOCKS AND SET THE DIRECTION FOR NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE ROUND, " HE SAID.
"AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE IS CRUCIAL. THIS WOULD HELP CLEAR THE LOG-JAM ELSEWHERE AND WOULD UNDERLINE THE COMMITMENT OF THE MAJOR PLAYERS TO THE GATT."
MR MACLEOD SAID HONG KONG’S PRIORITY AT THIS STAGE WAS THE STRENGTHENING OF THE INSTITUTION.
"WE WANT TO SEE AGREEMENT ON EFFICIENT AND WORKABLE DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES," HE SAID.
/"WE WANT
FRIDA I, DECEMBER 2, 1988
"WE WANT TO SEE SYSTEMATIC SURVEILLANCE OE TRADE POLICY. I AM REASONABLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THESE.
"THERE SHOULD ALSO BE SOME PROGRESS ON TARIFF REDUCTIONS WHICH WOULD BE WELCOME."
MR MACLEOD SAID EVERYONE KNEW HONG KONG WAS INTERESTED IN LIBERALISING TRADE IN TEXTILES, BUT THIS WAS NOT ITS ONLY INTEREST.
"BY THE END OF THE ROUND IN 1990, WE ALSO WANT TO SEE A LIBERAL INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT ON TRADE IN SERVICES, AND STRONGER INTERNATIONAL PROTECTION FOR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS," HE SAID.
"THESE ARE IMPORTANT FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR EXPANDING SERVICE
SECTOR.
"WE WILL ALSO BE STRESSING THE NEED TO HARMONISE RULES OF ORIGIN AND IMPROVE ANTI DUMPING RULES AND PROCEDURES."
- - 0 - -
JAMES TIEN TO CHAIR PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL » » » t »
MR JAMES TIEN IS TO BE APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
IN MAKING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TODAY (FRIDAY), THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRI , ' R HAMISH MACLEOD, EXTENDED HIS SINCERE APPRECIATION TO THE OUTGOING CHAIRMAN, MR GRAHAM CHENG.
MR CHENG HAS SERVED ON THE COUNCIL IN VARIOUS CAPACITIES FOR A TOTAL OF 12 YEARS, FIRST AS A MEMBER IN 1977, THEN AS DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, AND AS CHAIRMAN SINCE 1986.
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT UNDER THE ABLE LEADERSHIP OF MR CHENG, THE COUNCIL HAD SUBSTANTIALLY EXPANDED THE RANGE AND MAGNITUDE OF ITS ACTIVITIES AND HAD DEVELOPED INTO A LEADING ORGANISATION PROVIDING VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF MR TIEN, THE COUNCIL WOULD CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE GROWTH AND UPGRADING OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY.
/5 .
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 5 -
NEW IMPETUS TO PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME
HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME HAS BEEN GIVEN NEW IMPETUS BY THE ADOPTION OF THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR JOHN TODD IN THE CHAIRMAN’S REVIEW CHAPTER OF THE 1987/88 HOUSING AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT, WHICH IS NOW ON SALE. MR TODD, WHO RETIRED IN MARCH, HANDED OVER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TO SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES.
REVIEWING THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE AUTHORITY AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, MR TODD POINTED OUT THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD HAVE A MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY IN IMPLEMENTING THE LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY.
THE MAIN THRUST OF THE STRATEGY,- WHICH WAS EMBARKED UPON ON APRIL 1, 1988, WAS TO OPTIMISE RESOURCES IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS IN MEETING NOT ONLY THE DEMAND FOR RENTAL HOUSING BUT ALSO THE GROWING ASPIRATIONS FOR HOME OWNERSHIP.
CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE AND FINANCING OF THE AUTHORITY WERE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN EARLY 1988 TO ENSURE IT IS BETTER EQUIPPED TO CARRY OUT THE EXPANDED HOUSING PROGRAMMES.
MR TODD ALSO MENTIONED THAT A FURTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT DURING THE 1987/88 FINANCIAL YEAR WAS THE APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, OF $2.76 BILLION FOR THE CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY.
AS A RESULT, PHASE I OF THE CLEARANCE BEGAN IN EARLY 1988 AND THE FIRST FAMILIES MOVED OUT OF THE WALLED CITY TO THEIR NEW HOMES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ON FEBRUARY 12, 1988.
AT THE SAME TIME, OTHER CLEARANCES WERE CARRIED OUT BY THE AUTHORITY, ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, TO MAKE WAY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND COMMUNITY PROJECTS. NOTABLE AMONG THE CLEARANCES WERE THOSE AT SHAU KEI WAN EAST AND DIAMOND HILL IN WONG TAI SIN.
WHILE IMPERATIVE, THE CLEARANCES NEVERTHELESS PUT A SEVERE STRAIN ON THE EXISTING SUPPLY OF TEMPORARY HOUSING AND 16 NEW TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WERE UNDER CONSTRUCTION BY THE AUTHORITY BY MARCH 31.
ALTHOUGH THE AUTHORITY IS COMMITTED TO HAVING ALL SQUATTER DWELLINGS CLEARED FROM THE URBAN AREA BY THE MID-1990S, IT CONTINUED TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF SQUATTERS THROUGH THE SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENTS SCHEME. BY THE END OF THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAD CARRIED OUT 15 IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, FOR THE BENEFIT OF 25 000 SQUATTERS.
/TURNING TO
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
6
TURNING TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, MR TODD POINTED OUT THAT, TO MEET THE GROWING ASPIRATIONS FOR HOME OWNERSHIP, THE AUTHORITY GAVE APPROVAL DURING THE YEAR FOR THE UPGRADING INTO HOS FLATS OF SOME UNITS IN THE NEWER TYPE OF RENTAL BLOCKS.
IN THE LONG TERM, THE CONSTRUCTION RATIO BETWEEN RENTAL AND HOS UNIT WOULD BE MORE FLEXIBLE AND WOULD BE ADJUSTED ACCORDING TO THE PREFERENCE OF THE SITTING AND PROSPECTIVE TENANTS.
THE YEAR ALSO SAW FURTHER PROGRESS IN THE AUTHORITY’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF TENANTS IN THE OLDER ESTATES. THESE INCLUDED THE BEGINNING OF THE LAST STAGE IN THE MARK I-II ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND THE PLANNING FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE REDEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS, UP TO AND INCLUDING MARK VI, AND THE FORMER GOVERNMENT LOW-COST HOUSING ESTATES.
THE AUTHORITY ALSO PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS INCREASING PUBLIC HOUSING STOCK. THE AMOUNT OF MAINTENANCE CARRIED OUT DURING THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO $688 MILLION.
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AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY PLAYS IMPORTANT ROLE: SES » » » t *
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (FRIDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY FOR PLAYING AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE PROVISION OF FRESH FOODSTUFFS TO THE COMMUNITY AND HELPING IN STABILISING PRICES OF FRESH FOOD COMMODITIES.
"THE SPECIAL CHARACTERISTIC OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG IS THE UTILISATION OF HIGHLY EFFICIENT AND INTENSIVE FARMING METHODS IN PRODUCING HIGH-QUALITY FRESH FOODSTUFF TO MEET LOCAL DEMAND," MRS CHAN SAID.
SHE WAS OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY OF THE JOINT FEDERATION OF THE HONG KONG AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND MARKETING SOCIETIES, HELD AT THE HONG KONG HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
"LOCAL FARMERS ARE REPUTED FOR THEIR DILIGENCE, ENDURANCE, ADAPTABILITY AND READINESS IN ADOPTING MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR FARMING PRACTICES.
"DESPITE THE CONTRATNTS POSED BY A SHORTAGE OF LAND RESOURCES AND KEEN COMPETITION FROM IMPORT PRODUCTS, HONG KONG’S AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IS STILL MAKING STEADY PROGRESS.
/"IN 1988,
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
"IN 1988, THE VALUE OF LIVE PIGS, LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH VEGETABLES PRODUCED BY LOCAL FARMERS IS ESTIMATED TO EXCEED SI.4 BILLION," SHE SAID.
THE OTHER OFFICIATING GUEST AT THE FUNCTION WAS THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE.
THE JOINT FEDERATION IS A BODY FORMED BY THE THREE MAJOR AGRICULTURAL BODIES IN HONG KONG - THE NEW TERRITORIES CHICKEN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION, THE FEDERATION OF VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES AND THE FEDERATION OF PIG RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ITS MEMBERSHIP COMPRISES 380 MAJOR CHICKEN FARMS WITH OVER 1,500 CHICKEN FARMERS, 26 VEGETABLE MARKETING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES GROUPING SOME 9,100 VEGETABLE FARMERS, AND 22 PIG-RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES GROUPING SOME 1,300 PIG FARMERS.
MRS CHAN DESCRIBED THE FORMATION OF THE JOINT FEDERATION AS THE UNIFICATION OF THE THREE MAJOR BODIES REPRESENTING DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY.
SHE EXPRESSED CONFIDENCE THAT THE JOINT FEDERATION WOULD BE ABLE TO POOL THE RESOURCES AND EXPERIENCE OF VARIOUS AGRICULTURAL SECTORS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE PRIMARY PRODUCTION INDUSTRY.
MRS CHAN ALSO SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AND THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION, HAD BEEN PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO HELP FARMERS IN INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY AND IN MARKETING THEIR PRODUCE.
THESE INCLUDED ADVISORY SERVICES ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION AND BREEDING, THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF LIVESTOCK DISEASES, PEST CONTROL IN CROPS, IMPROVEMENTS IN IRRIGATION FACILITIES, LOW-INTEREST LOANS AND WHOLESALE MARKETING SERVICES FOR VEGETABLE FARMERS.
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INCREASE IN TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS ♦ » ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 2,960 COMPLAINTS DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988-89.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TCU SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE OF 2,278 RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THERE WAS A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUAL COMPLAINTS.
/COMPLAINTS WERE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, I988
8
COMPLAINTS WERE MAINLY RELATED TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, ROAD MAINTENANCE AND ENFORCEMENT.
IN CONNECTION WITH ADEQUACY OF BUS SERVICES, THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 225 COMPLAINTS COVERING HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING EIGHT COMPLAINTS ABOUT LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT FEEDER BUS ROUTES WHICH BEGAN OPERATION ON SEPTEMBER 18 THIS YEAR.
COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, THIS WAS AN INCREASE OF 112 COMPLAINTS.
"SUCH AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS IS CONSIDERED NOT HIGH BEARING IN MIND THAT THE NEW SCHOOL TERM STARTED IN EARLY SEPTEMBER, A SITUATION WHICH HAD CREATED A GREATER DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, PARTICULARLY BUS SERVICE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN CONNECTION WITH STANDARD OF BUS SERVICE, THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 364 COMPLAINTS, AN INCREASE OF 157 CASES WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE COMPLAINTS WERE INDIVIDUALLY TAKEN UP WITH THE BUS COMPANIES CONCERNED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IMPROVED COMPLAINT PROCEDURES IMPLEMENTED IN MAY THIS YEAR HAD BROUGHT ABOUT AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SERVICE RECEIVED BY TCU.
THERE WERE 601 CASES AS COMPARED WITH 404 CASES RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI SERVICE CONCERNED TAXI DRIVERS REFUSING HIRE OR SOLICITING PASSENGERS, NOT TAKING THE MOST DIRECT ROUTEING, FAILING TO DRIVE TO DESTINATIONS AND OVERCHARGING.
AS REGARDS RAIL TRANSPORT, THERE WERE 153 COMPLAINTS RELATED TO THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND HONGKONG TRAMWAYS, COMPARED WITH 72 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
OF THESE 153 COMPLAINTS, 72 CASES WERE ON LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICE WHICH COMMENCED COMMERCIAL OPERATION ON SEPTEMBER 18.
A TOTAL OF 27 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED CONCERNING SERVICES RUN BY THE HONG KONG YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND THE STAR FERRY COMPANY LIMITED. TWENTY-THREE COMPLAINTS WERE RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THE MAIN AREAS OF COMPLAINTS WERE ADEQUACY OF SERVICE, CONDUCT AND PERFORMANCE OF STAFF AND PASSENGER FACILITIES.
/ON TRAFFIC,
FRIDAY, DECQdBER 2, 1988
ON TRAFFIC, THE SPOKESMAN SAID COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION TOTALLED 289 CASES; 78 CASES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 126 CASES IN KOWLOON, 75 CASES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND 10 CASES IN TUNNEL AREAS OR AREAS NOT SPECIFIED. CONGESTION WAS MOST SERIOUS IN KWUN TONG.
HE SAID THAT FACTORS WHICH WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO ROAD CONGESTION INCLUDED LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES AT KERBSIDE, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING MATTERS, INADEQUATE ROAD CAPACITY AND ROAD WORKS.
OF ALL CASES CONCERNING VEHICLES OBSTRUCTION CAUSING CONGESTION, 16 CASES OR 38 PER CENT AND 10 CASES OR 24 PER CENT WERE DIRECTED AT LORRIES AND RED MINIBUSES RESPECTIVELY.
MEANWHILE, 144 CASES AND 54 CASES WERE REPORTED TO HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY TRAFFIC ENGINEERING AND ROAD WORKS RESPECTIVELY.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES DECLINED FROM 132 IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 123 IN THE CURRENT QUARTER.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF CONCERN WERE TRAFFIC LIGHT PHASING AND TRAFFIC LANE ARRANGEMENT AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADS AND ROAD FURNITURE DECREASED FROM 220 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER TO 182 THIS QUARTER.
THE MAJOR AREAS OF COMPLAINTS WERE DEFECTIVE ROAD SURFACES, MALFUNCTIONED TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND DAMAGED TRAFFIC SIGNS/AIDS.
TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CASES STOOD AT 347 THIS QUARTER, A DROP OF 42 CASES WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
THESE WERE MAINLY RELATED TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT FIXED PENALTY TICKETS, REQUESTS FOR ENFORCEMENT ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL PARKING, ABANDONED VEHICLES AND OTHER TRAFFIC OFFENCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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/1O........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
10 -
STATUS OF 152 ASYLUM SEEKERS DETERMINED ♦ ♦ ♦ » *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED ITS SCREENING PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING THE STATUS OF ANOTHER 152 VIETNAMESE ASYLUM SEEKERS WHO HAVE ARRIVED IN HONG KONG SINCE JUNE 15 THIS YEAR.
OF THE GROUP SCREENED, 15 PERSONS, COMPRISING FOUR GROUPS AND FIVE INDIVIDUALS, WERE FOUND TO BE REFUGEES AND HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO A REFUGEE CENTRE PRIOR TO RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.
THE OTHER 137, COMPRISING 29 GROUPS AND 30 INDIVIDUALS, WERE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES. THEY WILL BE HELD IN VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE CENTRES PENDING REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM.
"DETERMINATION NOTICES HAVE BEEN SERVED ON THE ASYLUM SEEKERS BY IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THOSE PEOPLE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THEIR RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THE RESULT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, AS WELL AS THEIR RIGHT TO LEGAL ADVICE IN PREPARING THEIR OBJECTIONS.
"THE UNHCR WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THAT LEGAL ADVICE IS MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL THOSE WHO NEED IT."
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SCREENING PROCEDURES WERE BASED ON THE UNHCR PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING REFUGEE STATUS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE 1951 CONVENTION AND THE 1967 PROTOCOL, AND TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE SPECIAL SITUATION OF ASYLUM SEEKERS FROM VIETNAM.
"STAFF OF THE UNHCR WERE PRESENT DURING SOME OF THE INTERVIEWS AS OBSERVERS," HE SAID.
SO FAR, SCREENING PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED FOR 331 ASYLUM SEEKERS. OF THEM, 30 WERE FOUND TO BE REFUGEES WHILE 301 WERE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES.
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/11
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 11
LAND RESUMPTION FOR TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME LAND IN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS IN CONNECTION WITH TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
THE LAND TO BE RESUMED TOTALS 119,893.6 SQUARE METRES, MAJORITY OF WHICH COMPRISES PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS.
THE
THE RESUMED LAND WILL BE NEEDED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A DRAINAGE SCHEME TO ALLEVIATE FLOODING IN THE TIN SHUI WAI CATCHMENT AREA .
THE SCOPE OF THE SCHEME INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
* CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 5.5 KILOMETRES OF DRAINAGE CHANNNELS IN THE HUNG SHUI KIU AND FUI SHA WAI AREAS TOGETHER WITH VEHICULAR ACCESS ROADS AND FOOTPATHS FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES;
* REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING BOX CULVERT ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT.FUI SHA WAI WITH A NEW ONE;
* CONSTRUCTION OF 1.2 KILOMETRES OF SUBSIDIARY DRAINAGE CHANNELS TOGETHER WITH A VEHICULAR ROAD FOR MAINTENANCE PURPOSES AT SIK KONG WAI AND SIK KONG TSUEN;
* REPROVISIONING OF EXISTING FOOTPATHS, CYCLE-TRACKS AND BRIDGES AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED WORKS.
THE LAND WILL ALSO BE NEEDED FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM TO THE TIN SHUI WAI DEVELOPMENT WHICH REQUIRES A LAND RESERVE FOR SUCH AN EXTENSION, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED ACCESS ROADS ADJACENT TO THE DRAINAGE CHANNEL.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE LAND RESERVE BE FORMED AT THE SAME TIME AS THE DRAINAGE CHANNEL IS CONSTRUCTED IN ORDER TO FIT THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION’S PROGRAMME OF PROVIDING LRT SERVICE IN TIME FOR THE OCCUPATION OF TIN SHUI WAI IN MID-1991.
IN ADDITION, THE LAND IS REQUIRED FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SEWERAGE SYSTEM AND A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEME FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL TO SERVE THE NEW DEVELOPMENT IN TIN SHUI WAI AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.
PART OF THE SEWERAGE SYSTEM NOW PROPOSED TO BE CARRIED OUT INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 3,300 METRES OF TRUNK SEWERS, RANGING FROM 375 MILLIMETRES TO 900 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED WORKS FOR HUNG SHUI KIU AND FUI SHA WAI AREAS.
RESUMPTION OF LAND IS REQUIRED NOW TO ALLOW WORKS TO BEGIN NEXT MARCH AFTER THE THREE MONTHS’ RESUMPTION NOTICE HAS EXPIRED.
DETAILS OF THE LOTS TO BE RESUMED HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED IN A RESUMPTION NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
12
RESUMPTION OF LAND IN SHEUNG WAN
* ♦ * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME 20 PRIVATE LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 2,109.8 SQUARE METRES IN SHEUNG WAN FOR THE PROVISION OF AN OPEN SPACE AND A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
THE LOTS ARE LOCATED AT LI SHING STREET, SUTHERLAND STREET, IN KU LANE AND KO SHING STREET.
THE RESUMPTION WILL IMPLEMENT THE SAI YING PUN AND SHEUNG WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THESE FACILITIES.
AS THESE PROPERTIES ARE IN PRIVATE OWNERSHIP, THEY ARE REQUIRED TO BE RESUMED SO THE PROJECT CAN BE CARRIED OUT.
A NOTICE ON THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND NOTICES WERE ALSO POSTED ON THE LOTS CONCERNED.
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LITTER COLLECTION EXERCISE IN COUNTRY PARK ♦ ♦ ♦ » *
I
A MAJOR LITTER COLLECTION EXERCISE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING AT SHAM TSENG IN TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK TO LAUNCH THE ’’KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN” PHASE OF THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE EXERCISE, IN WHICH LEADERS OF SOME 40 HIKING GROUPS WILL TAKE PART, WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM.
IT WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A SEMINAR AIMED AT ENABLING HIKERS TO UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AND HOW THEY CAN HELP IN KEEPING THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, AND A MEMBER OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN, WILL LEAD THE PARTY IN COLLECTING LITTER AT A NEARBY PICNIC AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EXERCISE.
TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE AGRICULTURE ANfi FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES/ 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AT 10 AM. J
I
/13..........
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2,
1988
- 1? -
FIRE SERVICES BEGINS RECRUITING DRIVE *****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS LAUNCHING A RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR FIREMEN, STATION OFFICERS AND AMBULANCEMEN.
"WE ARE OFFERING A CAREER OF VARIETY, INTEREST AND OPPORTUNITY TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WISH TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY," A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
APPLICANTS FOR FIREMAN AND STATION OFFICER POSTS SHOULD BE AT LEAST 168 CENTIMETRES TALL AND WEIGH AT LEAST 55 KILOGRAMS.
CHEST MEASUREMENT SHOULD NOT BE LESS THAN 86 CENTIMETRES DEFLATED, WITH AN EXPANSION OF AT LEAST FIVE CENTIMETRES.
APPLICANTS FOR AMBULANCEMAN POSTS SHOULD BE WITHIN THE HEIGHT RANGE OF 165 TO 191 CENTIMETRES AND CORRESPONDING WEIGHT RANGE OF 52 TO 86.75 KILOGRAMS.
ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE.
RECRUITS WILL BE TRAINED AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION REQUIRED FOR A FIREMAN AND AN AMBULANCEMAN IS SATISFACTORY COMPLETION OF FORM 3.
APPLICANTS FOR A STATION OFFICER POST MUST POSSESS PASSES IN AT LEAST FIVE SUBJECTS, INCLUDING ENGLISH LANGUAGE (SYLLABUS B), AT
GRADE E OR ABOVE IN THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
EXAMINATION.
APPLICANTS SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON AT THE FIRE SERVICES
RECRUITMENT CENTRE, ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE FIRE SERVICES
HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, 1 HONG CHONG ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
ENQUIRIES ON RECRUITMENT CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 3-7337519.
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FS VISITS PRINTING DEPARTMENT * ♦ t ♦ ♦
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, VISITED THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE OPERATION OF THE DEI’ARTMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER, MR HARRIS MYERS, MR JACOBS TOURED THE DEPARTMENT AND MET SECTION HEADS.
/AT THE
FRIDAY, DECIHBER 2, 1988
14
AT THE PRODUCTION CONTROL DIVISION, HE SAW JOB CONTROL AND THE TESTING OF PRINTING MATERIALS.
HE SHOWED GREAT INTEREST IN THE PRODUCTION OF SECURITY DOCUMENTS AND IDENTITY CARDS AT THE SECURITY DIVISION.
HE ALSO TOURED THE ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, WORKS SECTION, PRINTING DIVISION AND FINISHING DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT BEFORE WINDING UP HIS VISIT.
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SCS VISITS TELA * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, TODAY (FRIDAY) TOOK A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE OPERATIONS AND FACILITIES OF THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) DURING A VISIT TO THE DEPARTMENT.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY, MR DARWIN CHEN, HE GAINED AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORK, ORGANISATION AND LAYOUT OF THE DEPARTMENT.
HE INSPECTED THE WORK AND FACILITIES AT THE FILMS AND LICENSING DIVISIONS, THE NEWSPAPER REGISTRATION UNIT AS WELL AS THE TELEVISION MONITORING AND ADVERTISING DIVISION.
MR GREWAL LATER HAD INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS WITH STAFF REPRESENTATIVES AND EXCHANGED VIEWS ON STAFF MATTERS.
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COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN YOUTH CONCERT ON SUNDAY * * * * *
THE COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN YOUTH CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4) AT THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE, FROM 3 PM TO 4.30 PM.
THE CONCERT, ONE OF THE MAIN ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK, IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS.
/THE PROGRAMME
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 15 -
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE SONGS BY POPULAR JAPANESE SINGER, MISS NAOKO KAWAI, AND A MUSICAL DRAMA PRESENTED BY POPULAR SINGERS AND ARTISTS.A DEMONSTRATION OF CYCLING SKILLS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN.
THE EVENT IS BEING PRODUCED BY ASIA TELEVISION AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON THE STATION'S GOLD CHANNEL.
THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 3 PM.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE TWO MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MRS PEGGY LAM AND MRS SELINA CHOW; THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.H.LEE; AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU.
A SPECIAL TRAIN SERVICE TO THE RACECOURSE STATION WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, STARTING FROM
1 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
A PRESS RECEPTION DESK WILL BE SET UP IN THE FORECOURT OF GATE NO. ONE OF THE PUBLIC ENTRANCE. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE BY TRAIN AND ENTER VIA GATE NO. ONE OF THE PUBLIC ENTRANCE BY 2.45PM.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF IDENTIFICATION, MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO SHOW THEIR REPORTER IDENTITY CARDS UPON ENTRY. PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REMINDED TO BRING TELEPHOTO LENSES.
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LADY WILSON VISITS SCHOOLS FOR HANDICAPPED
*****
LADY WILSON TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED TWO SCHOOLS OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO LEARN ABOUT VARIOUS FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES PROVIDED FOR MENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN.
LADY WILSON FIRST VISITED THE YAU TONG MORNINGHILL SCHOOL WHICH CATERS FOR 200 CHILDREN WHO ARE MILDLY HANDICAPPED.
SHE THEN WENT TO THE PAK TIN MORNINGLIGHT SCHOOL WHICH HAS A CAPACITY FOR 100 CHILDREN WHO ARE MODERATELY HANDICAPPED.
/THE HONG KONG
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 16 -
THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WAS FORMED IN 1964 BY A GROUP OF DEDICATED PARENTS OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN TO PROVIDE EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
THE ASSOCIATION OPERATES 12 SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR STUDENTS WITH VARYING DEGREES OF MENTAL HANDICAP.
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LABOUR RELATIONS ’88 CHESS, TABLE-TENNIS FINALS » t » » »
THE FINAL ROUNDS OF THE CHINESE CHESS AND THE TABLE-TENNIS COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PLACE ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).
THE EVENTS FORM PART OF THE CURRENT LABOUR RELATIONS '88 ACTIVITIES WHICH ARE AIMED AT PROMOTING HARMONIOUS LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS.
ALTOGETHER, 64 TEAMS ENTERED THE CHESS COMPETITION AND 72 ENTERED THE TABLE-TENNIS COMPETITION.
THEY ARE MADE UP OF MANAGEMENT STAFF AND WORKERS FROM INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS, TRADE UNIONS, EMPLOYERS ASSOCIATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE CHESS FINALS WILL BE HELD AT THE CARITAS COMMUNITY CENTRE, 9 SHING MUN ROAD, TAI WO HAU, TSUEN WAN, STARTING AT 2 PM.
THE TABLE-TENNIS FINALS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, SHA TIN, BEGINNING FROM 4 PM.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.
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/1?.......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 17 -
CHINA WOMEN’S DELEGATION VISITS SWD * * * * »
A DELEGATION FROM THE ALL CHINA WOMEN’S FEDERATION PAID A COURTESY VISIT TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, BRIEFED THE EIGHT-MEMBER DELEGATION ON THE WIDE RANGE OF FAMILY WELFARE AND CHILD CARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
"PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IS RENDERED TO THE INDIVIDUAL AND THE FAMILY TO HELP THEM SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AND TO FORGE A CLOSER RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FAMILY MEMBERS SO AS TO MAINTAIN AND STRENGTHEN THE FAMILY STRUCTURE," MRS WONG SAID.
EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE DELEGATION VISITED THE DEPARTMENT’S MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME TO SEE THE REHABILITATION SERVICES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS AND SERVICE UNITS RUN BY VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
THE LEADER OF THE DELEGATION, MADAM ZHANG GUOYING, SAID THE MEMBERS FOUND THE VISIT AND THE BRIEFING VERY INFORMATIVE.
"WE ARE VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE COMPREHENSIVENESS OF THE SERVICES AND THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SOCIAL WORKERS," SHE SAID.
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GOVERNMENT LAND TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TO LET BY TENDER A 2,200 SQUARE METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF EASTERN STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE LOT IS TO BE USED FOR A PETROL FILLING STATION, INCLUDING LUBRICATING AND SERVICING FACILITIES.
THE TERM OF THE LEASE IS FOR FIVE YEARS CERTAIN, AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS DECEMBER 16.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE TENDER PLAN MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED THERE.
TENDER DOCUMENTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE KOWLOON DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
------o-------- /i8 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 18 -
ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH *****
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH WILL BE HELD IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT BETWEEN TODAY (FRIDAY) AND DECEMBER 16.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES AN EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD AT EIGHT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS ON A ROTATION BASIS AND TWO SEMINARS ABOARD A LAUNCH WHICH ARE SPECIALLY TARGETTED AT FACTORY WORKERS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION AT KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL TODAY (FRIDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE PROGRAMME, MR CHOI HING-SHUN SAID THAT THESE ACTIVITIES WERE BEING ORGANISED BECAUSE KWAI TSING DISTRICT WAS AN INDUSTRIAL AREA AND MANY RESIDENTS WERE FACTORY WORKERS.
HE SAID THAT THERE WAS A GENUINE NEED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH INFORMATION ON INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS AND OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ATTENDING THE EXHIBITION MAY ALSO RECEIVE FREE TESTS ON LUNG FUNCTION AND BLOOD PRESSURE.
MR CHOI ALSO ENCOURAGED FACTORY WORKERS TO TAKE PART IN TWO SEMINARS TO BE HELD ABOARD A LAUNCH ON DECEMBER 4 AND 11 RESPECTIVELY. EACH SEMINAR WILL PROVIDE ABOUT 500 PLACES AND RESERVATION CAN BE MADE ON 0-211092.
THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE S.K.H. LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE WITH A BUDGET OF $130,000.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG KWOK-WAI; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT AND ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR S.Y. MAK.
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GRAND OPENING FOR SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL *****
ABOUT 1,200 SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ENJOYED AN EVENING GF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT WHEN THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL WAS STAGED AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL TONIGHT (FRIDAY).
THE OPENING PROGRAMME TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE FESTIVAL TONIGHT WAS A CANTONESE OPERA SHOW "THE SILVER BOTTLE FAIRY" PERFORMED BY THE SHENZHEN CITY CANTONESE OPERA TROUPE.
/THE TROUPE
FRIDAY, DECfUBER 2, 1988
- 19
THE TROUPE WILL ALSO PERFORM ANOTHER FAMOUS CHINESE OPERA "BAOYU MOURNS HIS LOVER" TOMORROW NIGHT AT THE TOWN HALL.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN; LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR LAU WONG-FAT AND MR LAM WAI-KEUNG; SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER MUNN AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN WERE AMONG THE GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY.
A VARIETY OF ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO BE HELD AT VARIOUS VENUES IN THE DISTRICT UNTIL DECEMBER 18.
THESE INCLUDE CARNIVALS, VARIETY SHOW, DANCE PERFORMANCE, MOVIE SHOW, CHINESE MUSIC CONCERTS, TALKS ON SAI KUNG RURAL FOLK SONGS AND PAINTINGS AND PHOTO EXHIBITIONS.
THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY WILL ALSO PERFORM A DRAMA "THE STORY OF DRAGONBALL" ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4) AT THE TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL IN JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID THE ACTIVITIES WERE DESIGNED TO SUIT THE TASTES AND INTERESTS OF DIFFERENT PEOPLE.
"WE HOPE THAT THE ACTIVITIES WILL ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE AND INTEREST IN ARTS AND INCREASE THEIR APPRECIATION IN ARTS," HE SAID.
ADMISSION TO THE ACTIVITIES, EXCEPT THE CANTONESE OPERA, IS FREE. TICKETS FOR THE PROGRAMMES ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (SAI KUNG OFFICE), AND THE TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL, JUNK BAY.
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TV SPECTACULAR ON FIGHT CRIME, ANTI-NARCOTICS
* ♦ ♦ » ♦
A TELEVISION SPECTACULAR FEATURING SONGS AND DRAMA BY POPULAR LOCAL SINGERS AND ARTISTES EMBODYING THE FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS MESSAGE WILL BE STAGED IN NORTH DISTRICT TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
"THE ONE-AND-A-HALF-HOUR VARIETY SHOW AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND WILL BE THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE’S ANTI-CRIME PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS FOR THE YEAR 1988/89,” SAID THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR TAO MAN-KWONG.
/"IT IS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 20 -
"IT IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE SHOW IS PRODUCED AND BROADCAST LIVE BY ASIA TELEVISION LIMITED. THE AIM IS TO ENSURE THAT THE MESSAGE WILL REACH THE WIDEST AUDIENCE," MR TAO SAID.
THE SHOW IS SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WITH DONATIONS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS, HE ADDED.
SIX "FUTURE IDOLS" WILL PROVIDE SOME NOSTALGIA WITH SONGS OF THREE DIFFERENT DECADES, WHILE ACTORS WILL PLAY THE ROLES OF VICE, GAMBLING AND DRUGS IN AN EDUCATIONAL DRAMA.
THE PROGRAMME WILL ALSO INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY A MILITARY BAND AND A CHILDREN’S CHOIR; NEW-STYLE ACROBATIC FIGHTING IN CHINESE OPERA AND A COMEDY.
PRIOR TO THE SHOW, PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO RECIPIENTS OF THE "NORTH DISTRICT HELP THE POLICE SCHEME : GOOD CITIZEN AWARD", AND WINNERS OF AN INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION ON THE FIGHT CRIME THEME.
A MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, DR HO KAM-FAI WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI; REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG AND THE FRONTIER POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MICHAEL WATSON.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SHOW. FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW OBTAINABLE FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
HOME VIEWERS CAN ALSO CATCH THE SHOW LIVE ON ATV-GOLD FROM 8.55 PM TO 10.30 PM TOMORROW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, STARTING 8 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), FOLLOWED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME AND ANTI-NARCOTICS VARIETY SHOW.
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/21 ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
AREA COMMITTEE HOLDING SEMINAR ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS * * » t »
THE ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR AREA COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A SEMINAR TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
THE SEMINAR, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE AREA COMMITTEE, WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 2.30 PM TO 5 PM AT THE PUI TAK CANOSSIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.
THE SOUTHERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID LEUNG, WILL GIVE A SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR AND THE AREA COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN KWONG, WILL REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.
THE SEMINAR WILL FEATURE A VIDEO PROGRAMME ENTITLED "HAPPY AND SWEET HOME IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT" PRODUCED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD TO INTRODUCE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT AND VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE BOARD’S WORK.
THERE WILL ALSO BE GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING MATTERS. THE ISSUES RAISED WILL BE NOTED AND FOLLOWED UP BY THE AREA COMMITTEE.
ABOUT 60 REPRESENTATIVES FROM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR ALONG WITH OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
ALL RESIDENTS IN THE ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR AREA ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR AND TAKE PART IN THE GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE PUI TAK CANOSSIAN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.
- 0 - -
ANTI-SHOPTHEFT SEMINAR IN CENTRAL * * * *
RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY PEOPLE IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISIRICT, ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AN ANTI-SHOPTHEFT SEMINAR AND VARIETY SHOW WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4) AFTERNOON.
THE FUNCTION, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM, IS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING ANTI-SHOPTHEFT MESSAGES.
/A MEMBER
FRIDAY, DECOtBER 2, 1988
22 -
A MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR MARTIN LEE, WILL DELIVER A SPEECH AND ALSO OFFICIATE AT A BALLOON-RAISING CEREMONY.
OTHER GUESTS WILL BE THE POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (CENTRAL), MR W.H. KIRKHOPE; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (WESTERN), MR R.C. TOAL; CENTRAL AND WESTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JOEY LAM; CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR WU CHOR-NAM; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTI-SHOPTHEFT AND VARIETY SHOW ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM YIN-MING.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES DRAMA, CHINESE DANCE AND A KARATE EXHIBITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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VARIED SUNDAY FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS
♦ ♦ ♦ t *
THREE DIFFERENT EVENTS, WHICH RESPECTIVELY ARE EDUCATIONAL, CHARITABLE AND ENTERTAINING IN NATURE, WILL BE STAGED IN TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).
WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, THE SHAN KING CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE WILL STAGE AN EXHIBITION ON LABOUR LAW AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
THIS WILL BE HELD ON THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN PODIUM OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA, FROM 11 AM TO 4.30 PM.
THE EXHIBITION AIMS AT ENHANCING LOCAL WORKING YOUTHS’ KNOWLEDGE OF LABOUR LEGISLATION AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY MEASURES.
IT WILL ALSO BE STAGED AT THE OPEN SPACE ADJACENT TO PLAYMATE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6) AND AT THE FOUNTAIN RESTAURANT ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8).
IN YAU 01 ESTATE, A CHARITY FAIR FEATURING PONY RIDES, CHARITY STALLS, A VARIETY SHOW AND PERFORMANCES BY DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE BASKETBALL COURT AND THE 01 LOK SHOW STAGE, FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM.
/THE OBJECT
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 25 -
THE OBJECT IS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
THIS FAIR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY 11 MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN YAU 01 ESTATE IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
RESIDENTS ARE ALSO INVITED TO ATTEND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM 1 PM TO 5 PM IN THE jyEN^MUN^PLAYGROUND, -•—■*-*■*•** FESTIVAL.
TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, AS PART OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL
THERE WILL BE GAME STALLS, FOOD STALLS, INFLATED TOY ANIMALS, AND AN ALL-STAR SHOW SUITED TO THE YOUNG AND OLD.
ALL THREE EVENTS WILL BE OPENED BY OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT
AND REPRESENTATIVES OF
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, WILL 0F£ICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE THREE EVENTS TO BE HELD IN TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION ON LABOUR LAW AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM AT THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA.
WILL BE HELD
FOR THE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND.
THE CEREMONY FOR THE YAU 01 ESTATE CHARITY FAIR AT 12.15 PM AT THE 01 LOK SHOW STAGE, AND THE CEREMONY MUN DISTRICT FAIR WILL TAKE PLACE AT 1 PM IN THE TUEN
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT THE VENUES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT AM.
TO 10
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/2h........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 24 -
QUARANTINE CERTIFICATE CHARGES REVISED * * * * ♦
CHARGES FOR THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES AS PART OF SOME QUARANTINE PROCEDURES UNDERTAKEN BY THE PORT HEALTH OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL BE INCREASED WITH EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 9 THIS YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE REVISION OF THESE CHARGES FOLLOWED A COSTING REVIEW CONDUCTED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
UNDER THE QUARANTINE AND PREVENTION OF DISEASE (SCALE OF CHARGES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), CHARGES FOR THREE OF THE QUARANTINE CERTIFICATES, NAMELY THE DERATTING CERTIFICARE, DERATTING EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE AND AIRCRAFT DISINSECTING CERTIFICATE, WILL BE INCREASED FROM $1,200, $700 ANDS220 TO $2,000, $950 AND $270 RESPECTIVELY.
THESE CHARGES WERE LAST REVISED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
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KOWLOON PARK DRIVE FLYOVER TO BE BUILT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO BUILD A TWO-LANE NORTHBOUND FLYOVER IN KOWLOON PARK DRIVE ACROSS THE JUNCTION WITH CANTON ROAD TO IMPROVE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA.
THE FLYOVER WILL ALSO PROVIDE A SINGLE TWO-LANE TWO-WAY ACCESS TO THE HARBOUR CITY DEVELOPMENT.
WHEN OPERATIONAL, THE FLYOVER WILL IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN CANTON ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND WILL IMPROVE ACCESS TO THE CHINA HONG KONG FERRY TERMINAL AND THE HARBOUR CITY DEVELOPMENT.
THE EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE LINKING KOWLOON PARK ON EITHER SIDE OF KOWLOON PARK DRIVE WILL BE DEMOLISHED FOR ROAD WIDENING PURPOSES.
ALTERNATIVE ACCESS TO KOWLOON PARK WEST WILL BE PROVIDED FROM HAIPHONG ROAD.
THE CONSTRUCTION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START NEXT MAY AND WILL TAKE 21 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A NOTICE OF THE PROPOSED WORK WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
/PLANS SHOWING
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
PLANS SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN IN THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
THEY CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE/KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 490-492 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR.
- - 0 - -
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF » t * » *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS NOW RECRUITING FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN VARIOUS CATEGORIES.
THE CATEGORIES ARE AURAL, THEORY AND CHORAL, CELLO, VIOLA, VIOLIN, CLARINET AND SAXOPHONE.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL ENTER AS AN ASSISTANT MUSIC OFFICER II WITH A PAY SCALE BETWEEN $6,640 AND $10,820 PER MONTH.
CANDIDATES SHOULD BE GRADUATES OF EITHER THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE, OR HAVE A DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY, OR POSSESS A RELEVANT ACCREDITATION.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ON GOVERNMENT FORMS (GF34O) AND FORWARDED TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PERSONNEL AND GENERAL), MUSIC OFFICE, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, 25TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 12 THIS YEAR.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 5-8235340.
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/26
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
TRAMPOLINING COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
*****
THE 1988-89 TRAMPOLINING COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD AT THE SPORTS STADIUM OF THE DELIA MEMORIAL SCHOOL AT MEI FOO SUN CHUEN ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 4).
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION.
MORE THAN 160 BOYS AND GIRLS FROM 16 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION STARTING AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY.
THERE WILL BE SIX DIVISIONS FOR TEAMS AND INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS IN THE CONTEST.
THE PRINCIPAL LECTURER (PHYSICAL EDUCATION) OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MR NELSON LEE, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE COMPETITION AT ABOUT 4.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TO BE CLOSED DOWN
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY INTENDS TO SEEK CLOSURE ORDERS ON A NUMBER OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON SO THAT DEMOLITION COULD BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE ERECTED IN THE LANES AND YARDS ADJOINING 456, 456A AND 458A SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND 56-56A WONG CHUK STREET.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JANUARY 4, 1989 WERE POSTED UPON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE TODAY REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
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/27
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 27 “
NEW ROADWORKS ON RECLAMATION AT SAI KUNG CREEK
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROADWORKS AT THE NEW RECLAMATION TO BE FORMED AT SAI KUNG CREEK.
THE NEW RECLAMATION IS PRIMARILY TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION OF A RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT AREA AND THE PROPOSED ROADWORKS WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO THESE NEW DEVELOPMENTS.
THE PROPOSAL ALSO INCLUDES A WATERFRONT PROMENADE, A NUMBER OF PARKING AREAS AND EMERGENCY VEHICULAR ACCESS.
WORKS ARE INTENDED TO BEGIN NEXT APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN 30 MONTHS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY) AND A RELEVANT NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, HAS ALSO BEEN POSTED NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.
A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE PROPOSED WORKS, TOGETHER WITH A SCHEME DESCRIPTION, CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG.
IT CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 31 NEXT YEAR.
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SHA TIN BUS LANES TO EXTEND OPERATING HOURS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE BUS LANES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, SHA TIN, WILL BE EXTENDED BY 30 MINUTES TO END AT 9.30 AM FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 5).
THE BUS-ONLY LANES WILL BE EFFECTIVE BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9.30 AM DAILY EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE BUS LANE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY LAST YEAR TO SPEED UP THE FLOW OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO WORK THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 28 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS, SECTIONS OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED FROM ONE MINUTE PAST MIDNIGHT TO 6 AM ON THE FOLLOWING DATES:
* DECEMBER 5 - FAST LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE.
* DECEMBER 7 - FAST LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND SUN TIN WAI ESTATE.
* DECEMBER 14 - SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN LION ROCK TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE.
* DECEMBER 20 - SLOW LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN HUNG MUI KUK INTERCHANGE AND SUN TIN WAI ESTATE.
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PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE THREE TRAFFIC LANES ON TUEN MUN ROAD SOUTHBOUND NEAR BROTHER BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED IN ROTATION FROM DECEMBER 4 (SUNDAY) TO 13 FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORKS.
DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, AT LEAST TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE MAINTAINED FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 9 PM BUT MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTEING VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
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/29........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
NO-STOPPING RESTRICTIONS * * * * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BECOME 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5):
» THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF MIDDLE ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND HANKOW ROAD; AND
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF HANKOW ROAD BETWEEN MIDDLE ROAD AND PEKING ROAD.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY (MONDAY), SEVERAL ROAD SECTIONS IN KOWLOON AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE MADE TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS DURING THE FOLLOWING PERIODS FOR ROADWORKS:
* NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND YU CHAU STREET, FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY, FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS;
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF QUEEN’S ROAD WEST BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 4 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN STREET, ALSO FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY, FOR ABOUT FIVE WEEKS; AND
♦ SHEK PAI WAN ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT SEVEN METRES BETWEEN EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN WAN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 50 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT SEVEN DAYS
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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/jo........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
- 30 -
KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE:
* YEE ON STREET BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND TUNG MING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND;
* MING CHI STREET BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND TUNG MING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND;
* THE STRAIGHT-AHEAD TRAFFIC MOVEMENT OF HONG NING ROAD SOUTHBOUND NORTH OF MUT WAH STREET TO THE SECTION SOUTH OF MUT WAH STREET WILL BE BANNED;
* VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM TUNG MING STREET SOUTHBOUND TO YEE ON STREET BETWEEN HONG NING ROAD AND TUNG MING STREET;
* THE LEFT-TURN TRAFFIC MOVEMENT FROM TUNG MING STREET SOUTHBOUND TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD EASTBOUND WILL ALSO BE BANNED.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING FROM HONG NING ROAD SOUTHBOUND NORTH OF MUT WAH STREET TO KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HONG NING ROAD SOUTHBOUND, MUT WAH STREET EASTBOUND, HIP WO STREET SOUTHBOUND AND KWUN TONG ROAD.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING FROM TUNG MING STREET SOUTHBOUND TO MUT WAH STREET/KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MING CHI STREET EASTBOUND, HONG NING ROAD SOUTHBOUND, MUT WAH STREET EASTBOUND, HIP WO STREET SOUTHBOUND AND KWUN TONG ROAD.
MOTORISTS FROM HONG NING ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR KWUN TONG ROAD WESTBOUND ARE ADVISED TO RE-ROUTE VIA YEE ON STREET, TUNG MING STREET SOUTHBOUND, NGAU TAU KOK ROAD WESTBOUND AND ELEGANCE ROAD.
IN ADDITION, GMB ROUTES 22M, 36 AND 36A WJ1 BE DIVERTED.
MEANWHILE, FROM 11 AM ON THE SAME DAY (MONDAY), HANG ON STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
MOTORISTS FROM NGAU TAU KOK ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR HANG C’-' STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUEN ON STREET, YEE ON STREET AND TU> MING STREET.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CALL FOR PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING IN REHABILITATION ............. 1
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED ..... 2
SWD CELEBRATES JOTH ANNIVERSARY.............................. 3
HK RESOLVED TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE.......
WARDEN SCHEME TO HELP KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN ................ 5
ANTI-AIDS SEMINAR FOR DRUG TREATMENT WORKERS ................ 7
CAS PRAISED FOR DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT ................... 8
CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PREQUALIFY ........................... 8
MOVE TO FACILITATE IMMIGRATION DEPT RECRUITMENT ............. 9
ANTI-TRIAD SINGING CONTEST IN YAU TSIM ...................... 1°
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN MONG KOK................... 10
MEETING OF MONITORING COMMITTEE ON LRT SERVICES ............. 11
DAY CAMP FOR THE ELDERLY..................................... 12
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ENDS .............................. 13
PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD........................ 13
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
CALL FOR PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING IN REHABILITATION *»***«
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU, THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING CALLED FOR GREATER ACCEPTANCE OF RECOVERED MENTAL PATIENTS BY THE COMMUNITY.
MR CHAU SAID THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLIC EXPENDITURE IN THE MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES FOR THE MENTALLY ILL WOULD BE GREATLY UNDERMINED WITHOUT THE CARE, SUPPORT AND UNDERSTANDING FOR THESE PATIENTS BY THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF MENTAL HEALTH WEEK 1988 ORGANISED BY THE MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT PREJUDICE AGAINST THE MENTALLY ILL WAS OFTEN BASED ON A MISCONCEPTION ABOUT UNPREDICTABLE AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOUR.
"SUCH A MISCONCEPTION IS GROSSLY UNFORTUNATE FOR ITS EFFECT IS TO REJECT THOSE WHO HAVE RECOVERED FROM MENTAL ILLNESS, THEREBY HINDERING THEIR REHABILITATION, MAKING THEIR ADJUSTMENT TO A NORMAL LIFE MORE DIFFICULT, AND INCREASING THE CHANCES OF RELAPSE," HE SAID.
HE CITED AS EXAMPLES THE REJECTION OF THE EX-MENTALLY ILL FROM EMPLOYMENT AND THE OPPOSITION TO THE HALF-WAY HOUSE BUILDING PROGRAMME.
HOWEVER, MR CHAU NOTED THAT PUBLIC ATTITUDES HAD BEEN IMPROVING WITH ALL THE PUBLICITY AND PUBLIC EDUCATION EFFORTS MADE JOINTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
THESE EFFORTS WOULD BE SUSTAINED TO ACHIEVE BETTER ACCEPTANCE OF RECOVERED PATIENTS BY THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING THE NECESSARY SERVICES UNDER THE MEDICAL AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES FOR THE TREATMENT OF THE MENTALLY ILL AND THEIR REINTEGRATION IN THE COMMUNITY.
"THESE SERVICES ARE REGULARLY REVIEWED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT COORDINATING COMMITTEE THROUGH THE ANNUAL REVIEW OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN AND WILL BE IMPROVED AS RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE.
"THEY AIM AT A CONTINUUM OF SERVICES THROUGH WHICH THE MENTALLY ILL MAY RECOVER MEDICALLY, VOCATIONALLY AND SOCIALLY, ULTIMATELY ACHIEVING FULL REHABILITATION AND INTEGRATION," HE SAID.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3,
1988
- 2 -
EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED ******
A WEEK-LONG EXHIBITION FEATURING THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR, AND THE WORKING ABILITIES OF, THE DISABLED WILL BE OPENED AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI, ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR AND SPONSORED BY THE NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD.
VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL BE ABLE TO SEE, THROUGH PICTURES AND AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATIONS, HOW THE DEPARTMENT HELPS DISABLED PERSONS SEEK OPEN EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING, COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS AS WELL AS IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THERE WILL BE A DISPLAY OF EMPLOYMENT AIDS AND MACHINERY SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE DISABLED, WORK DEMONSTRATIONS BY THE DISABLED, MOCK JOB-MATCHING BY COMPUTER, AND AN ELECTRONIC QUESTION-AND-ANSWER GAME BOOTH.
IT WILL ALSO DEPICT THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
THE EVENT WILL BE JOINTLY OPENED BY A LEADING FIGURE IN REHABILITATION, DR HARRY FANG; THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD., MR MARK BROWNE; AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6.30 PM DAILY UNTIL DECEMBER 12.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 3 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).
---------o-----------
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
- 3 -
SWD CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY *****
STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEPARTMENT AT A DINNER PARTY TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THEY WILL BE JOINED BY LEADING PERSONALITIES IN THE WELFARE FIELD AND FORMER DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL WELFARE, INCLUDING MR DAVID BARON WHO WAS THE FIRST DIRECTOR, AND MR GEORGE ROWE.
' THE TWO MEN HAVE COME HERE FROM THE UK SPECIALLY FOR THE OCCASION.
THE PARTY WILL BE THE CULMINATION OF A SERIES OF CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES WHICH BEGAN LAST WEEK.
THESE INCLUDED A CAMP AT A SCENIC HOLIDAY VILLAGE IN WU KAI SHA WHERE MORE THAN 760 DISABLED PEOPLE AND TRAINEES OF BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ HOMES SHARED A FUN-PACKED TWO-DAY PROGRAMME WITH THEIR PARENTS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND VOLUNTEERS.
SOME 1,400 ELDERLY PEOPLE WERE TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING FAMOUS CANTONESE OPERA SINGERS AND A DINNER RECEPTION AT SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
AT TOMORROW’S DINNER PARTY, STAFF WHO HAVE BEEN WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR 30 YEARS WILL BE PUTTING ASIDE THEIR MANY CASE FILES TO TAKE ON A TOTALLY NEW ROLE.
THEY WILL SLIP ON THEIR DANCING SHOES AND TAKE THE STAGE WITH YOUNGER COLLEAGUES IN A MUSICAL PORTRAYING THE SOCIAL CHANGES IN HONG KONG CHOREOGRAPHED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG.
THEY WILL ALSO BE REMINISCING ABOUT THE OLD DAYS WITH GUESTS AND COLLEAGUES OVER THE SHOWING OF A VIDEO - "SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT - PAST AND PRESENT" - PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
FILM FOOTAGE AND PICTURES OF OLD HONG KONG SCENES HAD BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ARCHIVES TO PRODUCE A MORE VIVID PICTURE IN TRACING THE DEPARTMENT’S HISTORY SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT ON JANUARY 1. 1958.
"SINCE THE DEPARTMENT’S FORMATION, THE PAST 30 YEARS HAVE SEEN A WELCOME AND RAPID EXPANSION OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG," MRS WONG SAID.
SHE SAID THAT THIS WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE DEDICATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS BOTH IN THE DEPARTMENT AND IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
/"THDIR WORK,
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, *>988
"THEIR WORK, OFTEN LOW-PROFILED AND IMPORTANT IN CREATING A CARING SOCIETY.
USUALLY UNHERALDED,
IS SO
"I AM SURE THIS CARING ATTITUDE AND DEVOTION TO SERVICE WILL DO US ALL PROUD AND WILL CARRY US FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH IN OUR FUTURE DEVEOPMENT," SHE SAID.
HK RESOLVED TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE
LIKE MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, HONG KONG IS CLEARLY NOW RESOLVED TO IMPROVE ITS ENVIRONMENT AND QUALITY OF LIFE, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
LADY WILSON WAS SPEAKING AT THE "ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MUSIC DAY AND CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN (SHA TIN COMMITTEE)" AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA THIS AFTERNOON.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ENCOURAGED THE EXPANSION OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FROM PRIMARY TO POST-GRADUATE LEVELS, AND PUBLICISED THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
"SHA TIN IS CLEARLY A COMMUNITY WITH A STRONG SENSE OF PURPOSE, AND EVENTS LIKE THIS, WITH MANY LOCAL INHABITANTS INVOLVED, HELP ENORMOUSLY TO REMIND US ALL THAT WE NEED TO TAKE CONSTANT CARE OF OUR SURROUNDINGS," SHE SAID.
LADY WILSON POINTED OUT THAT SHA TIN WAS A BEAUTIFUL AREA WITH A SUPERB NEW TOWN, BUT VERY OBVIOUSLY IT HAD PROBLEMS OF POLLUTION.
"ONE CAN SEE IT IN THE SHING MUN RIVER AND IN TOLO HARBOUR," SHE NOTED.
"ONE MUST MAKE SURE THAT PLACES LIKE TOLO HARBOUR AND THE SHING MUN RIVER BECOME WHAT THEY SHOULD BE - SUPERB PLACES FOR RECREATION.
"THIS CAN HAPPEN IF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY SHOWS HOW MUCH IT CARES ABOUT ITS SURROUNDINGS."
■ I
IN ORDER TO PLAY ITS PART, LADY WILSON SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DRAWN UP A 1'OLO HARBOUR ACTION PLAN, WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO REDUCE POLLUTION SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
"THE PLAN CONSISTS OF A NUMBER OF PROJECTS, SUCH AS PROCESS MODIFICATIONS TO THE SHA TIN AND TAI PO SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, AND AN IMAGINATIVE SCHEME TO EXPORT TREATED SEWAGE FROM THE NEW TOWNS BY TUNNEL TO THE KAI TAK NULLAH," SHE SAID.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3i 1988
- 5 -
’’THIS WILL NOT ONLY REDUCE POLLUTION IN TOLO HARBOUR, BUT ALSO HELP TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN KAI TAK NULLAH.
"THE PLAN ALSO INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF NEW SEWERAGE FOR VILLAGE AREAS, AND FACILITIES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE FROM THE SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS, WHICH IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF POLLUTION IN THE SHING MUN RIVER."
MOREOVER, AFTER MANY YEARS OF PREPARATION, THE NOISE CONTROL BILL WAS PASSED IN JULY THIS YEAR, LADY WILSON SAID.
"THE NEW ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE PREVENTION AND LOWERING THE LEVEL OF NOISE, INCLUDING NOISE FROM DOMESTIC AND PUBLIC PLACES, FACTORIES AND CONSTRUCTION SITES," SHE SAID.
"THE MAJOR PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BY THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, AND WHILE IT WILL NOT MAKE SHA TIN A QUIET PLACE, IT WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING THE PRESENT SITUATION."
LADY WILSON NOTED THAT EFFORTS WERE ALSO BEING MADE TO HELP THE AIR IN SHA TIN, BY SETTING UP AN AIR QUALITY MONITORING STATION THERE NEXT YEAR.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY’S FUNCTION WERE THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM; SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION CHAIRMAN, DR JOHN YOUNG; AND KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN (SHA TIN COMMITTEE) CHAIRMAN, MR CHOI KAN-PUI.
FUNDS FOR THE DISTRICT'S CLEANLINESS CAMPAIGN AND THE MUSIC DAY WERE COVERED BY $40,000 FROM THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, $27,500 FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, $25,000 FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, AND DONATIONS FROM PRIVATE SPONSORS.
-------0----------
WARDEN SCHEME TO HELP KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN
A "HIKING LITTER WARDEN" SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED NEXT MONTH TO REINFORCE THE GOVERNMENT'S EFFORTS IN KEEPING HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN, AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE SCHEME, WHICH IS OPEN TO ANY LOCAL HIKING GROUP, INVOLVES THE VOLUNTARY SERVICE OF SELECTED HIKING LITTER WARDENS DURING OUTINGS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
THE MAIN DUTIES OF HIKING LITTER WARDENS WILL BE TO ADVISE THEIR FELLOW HIKERS TO KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN AND TO COLLECT LITTER FOUND DURING THEIR HIKING TRIPS.
/THE ASSISTANT .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR K.C. IU, SAID THAT EACH PARTICIPATING HIKING GROUP WOULD BE GIVEN 10 BADGES INITIALLY FOR ITS MEMBERS WHO WERE SELECTED AS HIKING LITTER WARDENS.
"ANY HIKING GROUP MEMBER WHO HAS BEEN SELECTED THREE TIMES AND WHOSE PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN FOUND SATISFACTORY, CAN RETAIN HIS BADGE PERMANENTLY. HE WILL ALSO BE AWARDED A PRIZE FOR HIS VOLUNTARY EFFORT," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, MR IU SAID RECOGNITION WOULD ALSO BE GIVEN TO INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPATING HIKING GROUPS BY INSCRIBING THEIR NAMES IN A "FRIENDS OF COUNTRY PARKS" LIST ON DISPLAY AT THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE.
AS AN ADDED INCENTIVE, EACH PARTICIPATING HIKING GROUP WOULD BE PROVIDED WITH 20 PAIRS OF COTTON GLOVES AND 50 LITTER BAGS.
A HIKING LITTER WARDEN COULD OBTAIN ADDITIONAL LITTER BAGS FROM ANY COUNTRY PARK MANAGEMENT CENTRE WHEN HE IDENTIFIED HIMSELF ON THE PRODUCTION OF HIS BADGE.
MR IU MADE THE ANNOUNCEMENT WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE LEADERS OF SOME 40 HIKING GROUPS ATTENDING A SEMINAR ON HIKERS’ CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS COUNTRYSIDE CONSERVATION AT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT’S TAI TONG FOREST NURSERY.
EARLIER IN THE MORNING, THESE HIKERS ALSO TOOK PART IN A MAJOR LITTER COLLECTION EXERCISE IN SHAM TSENG, TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK.
THIS EXERCISE WAS LED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL REGIONAL COUCNIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE, AND ANOTHER STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBER, MR YEUNG PO-KWAN.
TODAY’S ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE "KEEP COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN" PHASE OF THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3,
1988
- 7 -
ANTI-AIDS SEMINAR FOR DRUG TREATMENT WORKERS
*****
MORE THAN 300 WORKERS IN TREATMENT PROGRAMMES FOR DRUG ABUSERS THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON ATTENDED A SEMINAR ON THE AIDS DISEASE.
THE SEMINAR, WHICH FORMED PART OF A PROGRAMME OF THE COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK, AIMED TO ENHANCE THE UNDERSTANDING OF WORKERS ABOUT AIDS AND TO BRING THEM UP-TO-DATE WITH RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD INCLUDING HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES PROVIDING TREATMENT PROGRAMMES FOR DRUG ABUSERS WERE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN THE SEMINAR TO BRING ABOUT AGENCY-WIDE DISCUSSION OF THE ISSUES ON AIDS.
THE SEMINAR ON AIDS FOR WORKERS IN TREATMENT PROGRAMMES FOR DRUG ABUSERS WAS OPENED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS’ SUB-COMMITTEE ON PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY, MR J.P. LEE.
MR LEE PRAISED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR PRODUCING AN INTENSIVE EDUCATION CAMPAIGN ON AIDS.
HE SAID EDUCATION ON AIDS HAD STARTED AS SOON AS THE DEPARTMENT WAS ALERTED ABOUT THE POSSIBLE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE.
EDUCATION HAD SINCE ENCOMPASSED THE CO-ORDINATION OF EFFORTS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE USE OF VARIOUS PUBLICITY METHODS.
MR LEE DESCRIBED AS UNPRECEDENTED THE EFFORTS BY THE STEERING COMMITTEE ON THE COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK IN STEPS TO COMBAT AIDS AND TO MAKE IT THE COMMUNITY’S CONCERN.
OTHER SPEAKERS AT THIS AFTERNOON’S SEMINAR INCLUDED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (NARCOTICS), DR S.C. LEUNG; SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER OF AIDS COUNSELLING SERVICE, DR PATRICK LI; AND SENIOR MEDICAL OFFICER OF THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, DR C.M. NGAN.
-----0------
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
- 8 -
CAS PRAISED FOR DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT ******
......THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR GEOFFREY BARNES, THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING PRAISED CIVIL AID SERVICES MEMBERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND MENT, AND SAID THEY WERE UNFAILINGLY AVAILABLE IN EMERGENCIES OR NATURAL DISASTERS.
SPEAKING AT THE CAS 37TH RECRUITS PASSING OUT PARADE, MR BARNES SAID: "OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE SEEN A LOT OF WORK OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WHICH INCLUDES THE EMERGENCY TASKS AND CIVIC DUTIES SUCH AS ASSISTING IN THE ORGANISATION AND CROWD CONTROL OF A WIDE VARIETY OF EVENTS AND FESTIVITIES."
HE SAID THIS YEAR THE CAS HAD HAD THE ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF SETTING UP AND MANAGING RECEPTION TO COPE WITH A LARGE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
AND VERY CENTRES
"WE APPRECIATE ALL THE WORK YOU HAVE DONE IN THIS DIRECTION NOT ONLY THIS YEAR BUT SINCE 1975 WHEN YOU FIRST BECAME INVOLVED IN VIETNAMESE REFUGEE DUTIES," HE ADDED.
Will!.!', CONGRATULATING THE MEMBERS, MR BARNES SAID THE TRAINING HAI) NOT ONLY PREPARED THEM FOR EMERGENCIES BUT ALSO FOR THE PROBLEMS OF EVERYDAY LIFE.
"AFTER THE PARADE TONIGHT YOU WILL JOIN VARIOUS UNITS YCi WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR OPERATIONAL CALL-OUT.
WHERE
"THERE YOU WILL RECEIVE MORE ADVANCED TRAINING, FOR YOU STILL HAVE MUCH TO LEARN, NOT LEAST THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR SENIORS," MR BARNES SAID.
--------0---------
CONTRACTORS INVITED TO PREQUALIFY
*****
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO APPLY TO BE PREQUALIFIED FOR TENDERING MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO KWAI CHUNG ROAD SOUTH KWAI CHUNG.
IS INVITING CONTRACTORS FOR THE CONTRUCTION OF AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD,
THESE WORKS
CHUNG ROAD BETWEEN
WILL ENTAIL THE WIDENING TSUEN WAN ROAD AND LAI I
PROVISION OF NEW ROAD CONNECTIONS TO THE CHEUNG ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE.
I AND CHI
RECONSTRUCTION OF KWAI
KOK BRIDGE, AND
CONTAINER PORT FROM
1 THE CHING
/THE CONSTRUCTION
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
- 9
THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FOOTBRIDGES, AN UNDERPASS, A SUBWAY, HIGH MAST LIGHTING, NEW VIADUCTS IN THE VICINITY OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL INTERCHANGE AND EXTENSIVE ROAD SIDE PLANTING WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT.
TENDERS FOR THESE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BE INVITED IN FEBRUARY AND WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN APRIL.
THE CONTRACT PERIOD WILL BE ABOUT THREE YEARS.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 23.
-------0 ---------
MOVE TO FACILITATE IMMIGRATION DEPT RECRUITMENT
*****
FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 5), PERSONS APPLYING FOR IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT POSTS OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER OR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY APPLICATION FORMS AT ALL IMMIGRATION OFFICES.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY).
HOWEVER, THE FORMS WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE AT REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES OR AT BIRTHS, DEATHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRIES.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE COMPLETED RETURNED TO THE IMMIGRATION OFFICES.
FORMS COULD BE
HE SAID THE MOVE WOULD HELP PERSONS WISHING TO APPLY TO JOIN THE DEPARTMENT.
"WE HOPE THAT THE NEW ARRANGEMENT WILL PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES FOR CANDIDATES TO MAKE APPLICATIONS, WHICH MAY BE SUBMITTED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY MAIL.
"THE DEPARTMENT WILL, IN THE MEANTIME, CONTINUE TO PLACE PERIODIC RECRUITMENT NOTICES IN NEWSPAPERS," HE SAID.
PERSONS WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES ABOUT RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES MAY TELEPHONE THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT'S RECRUITMENT SECTION ON 5-769567.
-------0----------
/1O........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
10 ANTI-TRIAD SINGING CONTEST IN YAU TSIM * * * * *
A SINGING CONTEST ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD IN THE KO SHAN THEATRE TOMORROW (SUNDAY) EVENING.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE CONTEST, AS WELL AS SPREADING ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGES, WOULD ALSO PROVIDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL YOUTHS.
SIXTEEN FINALISTS CHOSEN FROM 203 PARTICIPANTS WILL VIE FOR PRIZES IN PERFORMANCE AND PRESENTATION.
THE CONTEST WILL BE FOLLOWED BY PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS.
AMONG THOSE OFFICIATING AT THE CONTEST WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ARTHUR YUEN; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (YAU MA TEI), MR LAU YUK-KUEN; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR YANG TZE-KIANG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME SINGING CONTEST BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE KO SHAN THEATRE, HUNG HOM.
- 0-----------
SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT IN MONG KOK
******
A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL Bl- HELD IN MONG KOK TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AS PART OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S EFFORTS TO HELP IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDE THE SENIOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, DANGEROUS BUILDINGS (KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, MR TANG SHIK-TSUN; AND THE HOUSING MANAGER OF THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, MR CHONG SZE-CHIU.
/THE ESTATE .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
11
THE ESTATE MANAGER OE THE PARAMATTA ESTATE MANAGEMENT LTD., MR IP KAM-SHING, AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OE THE HONG YIP SERVICE COMPANY LTD., MR MOK CHI-TUNG, WILL ALSO SPEAK.
OTHER RELATED ACTIVITIES INCLUDE AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT AT THE SHOPPING MALL OE THE GRAND TOWER HOTEL IN MONG KOK FROM TOMORROW TO DECEMBER 10, AND VISITS TO TWO BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT AND THE PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATE OF WONDERLAND VILLAS IN LAI CHI KOK.
THE FUNCTIONS ARE ORGANISED BY THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN 1988-89.
IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THEORETICAL STUDIES AND SITE VISITS, RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT CAN ACQUIRE MORE KNOWLEDGE OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND BE ABLE TO HELP IMPROVE THEIR LIVING CONDITIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD’S SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT, BEGINNING AT 2 PM TOMORROW (DECEMBER 4) AT GRAND TOWER HOTEL, 627-641 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK.
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MEETING OF MONITORING COMMITTEE ON LRT SERVICES * » * * *
THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS’ JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS FOURTH MEETING ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).
FOUR DISCUSSION PAPERS WILL BE PRESENTED BY MEMBERS ON THE LRT TICKETING CONDITIONS; PROPOSED FEEDER BUS ROUTES; NOISE LEVEL OF LRT VEHICLES, AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES OVER LRT TRACKS.
THEY WILL ALSO Bl- BRIEFED ON DETAILS OF A WARNING SINGAL SYSTEM TO BE INSTALLED AT ALL CONTROLLED PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS OF THE LRT TRACKS AS ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO ENHANCE LRT SAFETY.
/PRIOR TO .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
PRIOR TO THE BRIEFING, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR A SITE VISIT ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 5) TO SEE THE OPERATION OF THE SIGNALS, WHICH ARE AT PRESENT BEING DEMONSTRATED AT THE JUNCTION IN FRONT OF MELODY GARDENS, TUEN MUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN/YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARDS* JOINT COMMITTEE ON MONITORING LRT SERVICES ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU KOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
FOR THOSE WISHING TO COVER THE SITE VISIT ON THE DEMONSTRATION OF THE AUDIBLE AND VISUAL WARNING SIGNALS ON MONDAY, THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 3 PM AT THE MELODY GARDENS LRT STATION LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE. MISS WENDY TSANG, INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- 0 - -
DAY CAMP FOR THE ELDERLY * ♦ ♦ *
SOME 1,000 ELDERLY RESIDENTS FROM KWUN TONG TOOK PART IN A FUN-FILLED DAY CAMP AT THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE FUNCTION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT ELDERLY SERVICE COORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR THE 1OTH FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY, WAS AIMED AT ENHANCING THE ELDERLY’S UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR DISTRICT AND THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING.
IT WAS ALSO AIMED AT ENRICHING THE SENIOR CITIZENS’ COMMON KNOWLEDGE, DEVELOP THEIR ABILITIES AS WELL AS PROMOTE CO-OPERATION AMONG THE AGENCIES SERVING THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.
PARTICIPANTS FOUND TODAY’S FUNCTION, WHICH INCLUDED FILM SHOWS, GAMES STALLS, DRAMA AND DANCING BY THE ELDERLY, AND TALKS ON TOPICAL ISSUES, BOTH ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
TSUEN WAN SPORTS ♦ »
FESTIVAL ENDS *
THE (SATURDAY) FROM CHINA SHA TSUI
MONTH-LONG TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL CONCLUDED WITH PERFORMANCES BY THE NATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS AND THE SHENZHEN WRESTLING TEAM (MONGOLIAN STYLE) A ROAD PLAYGRDOUND.
TODAY TEAM THE
TEN "LIONS" PERFORMED AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY. FESTIVAL’S 10TH ANNIVERSARY. ’
SYMBOLISING
THE
ANOTHER HIGHLIGHT WAS A DEMONSTRATION BY THE (MARTIAL ARTS) TEAM.
HONG KONG WUSHU
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, PRAISED THE ORGANISED TIIE FESTIVAL.
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WHICH
"ABOUT 40 SPORTS EVENTS WERE HELD IN WHICH STARTED ON NOVEMBER 5, AND THESE SUPPORTED BY THE COMMUNITY," HE NOTED.
A SERIES OF PROGRAMMES PROGRAMMES WERE GREATLY
THE SPORTS FESTIVAL WAS PRESENTED BY BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ACTIVITIES INCTHETDISTr!???IATI0N AS * J°INT EFF°RT T° PR0M0TE SP0RTS
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
MR SHIU SAID TIIE EXPENDITURE INVOLVED WAS ABOUT WHICH THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL EACH $300,000 WITH THE REMAINDER COMING FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.
$900,000, TO
CONTRIBUTED
--------O ---------
PARTIAL LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROAD * * * »
ROAD REluBf™?NOP?ORK?EmET"THREEE"™Ar“Ic°T?A^SS raCILIT4TE
EASTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED IN ROTATION FROM TOMORROW °SUHDAY>. R°4D
13
18
THE BROTHER BRIDGE SECTION WILL BE CLOSED from WHILE THE SHAM TSENG VIADUCT SKwJ, * vz £ •
DECEMBER 4 TO FROM DECEMBER
DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, TWO TRAFFIC LANES Will THE AFFECTED SECTION ----- — - narriu LANLb WILL
FROM 6.30 AM TO 9 PM WUTi c
TRAFFIC LANE WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 9 PM TO 6.30 AM.
ON
BE MAINTAINED AT LEAST ONE
CASTLE ADVISED T° USE ™E ALTERNATIVE
ROUTEING VIA
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, A988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FORMER GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID TRIMCH PASSES AWAY ................. 1
REGULATIONS ON CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES DUE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE 1
RAPID INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN TUEN MUN ........................... J
LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF SQUATTERS IMPROVED ...................... 4
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SQUATTER IMPROVfMENT PROJECT....... 5
FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN SQUATTER AREAS .................... 6
NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN-UP CONTEST ............................... 6
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE AGAIN ........................... 7
COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT VISITS FUJIAN ...................... 8
CONCERT HELPS EDUCATE YOUTH ABOUT AIDS SCOURGE ................ 9
SUBSIDIES FOR CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS ........................ 9
ANTI-SHOPTHEFT CAMPAIGN HELD IN CENTRAL ...................... 11
EXTENSION OF FERRY PIER ON LANTAU AUTHORISED ................. 11
CONCERT FOR MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES ............................ 12
LEFT-TURN BAN ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD ...................... 12
OPERATING HOURS EXTENDED
12
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
1
FORMER GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID TRENCH PASSES AWAY
*****
FORMER GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, SIR DAVID TRENCH, DIED AT HIS HOME IN ENGLAND LAST NIGHT. HE WAS 73.
IN A TRIBUTE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON SAID: ”1 HEARD WITH GREAT SADNESS THE NEWS OF SIR DAVID TRENCH’S DEATH. HE FIRST CAME TO HONG KONG AS A CADET IN 1950 AND SERVED IN MANY DIFFERENT POSTS BEFORE BECOMING GOVERNOR FROM 1964 TO 1971. DURING HIS uONG SERVICE HERE AND SINCE, HE REMAINED DEEPLY ATTACHED TO HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE. HE WILL BE SADLY MISSED BY HIS MANY FRIENDS HERE,"
THE FOLLOWING IS THE BIOGRAPHY OF SIR DAVID TRENCH, G.C.M.G., M.C. :
BORN IN 1915, SIR DAVID CLIVE CROSBIE TRENCH WAS EDUCATED AT TONBRIDGE AND JESUS COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE. HE JOINED THE COLONIAL SERVICE AS A CADET TN THE BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS PROTECTORATE IN 1938.
HE WAS COMMISSIONED DURING THE WAR IN THE BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS DEFENCE FORCE AND SERVED LN THE WESTERN PACIFIC DURING THE CAMPAIGN IN THE SOLOMON ISLANDS. HE ATTAINED THE RANK OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL AND WAS AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS AND THE U.S. LEGION OF MERIT. IN 1947, HE RETURNED TO THE CIVIL ADMINISTRATION OF THE SOLOMON ISLANDS, WHICH ARE PART OF THE WESTERN PACIFIC HIGH COMMISSION, AND ACTED AS RESIDENT COMMISSIONER THERE TWICE.
FROM 1949 TO 1950, HE WAS ATTACHED TO THE JOINT SERVICES STAFF COLLEGE BEFORE BEING TRANSFERRED TO HONG KONG. IN HONG KONG, HE ACTED IN VARIOUS POSTS, INCLUDING THOSE OF DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY, DEFENCE SECRETARY, COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR BEFORE BECOMING DEPUTY COLONIAL SECRETARY IN JANUARY 1959. HE WAS APPOINTED HIGH COMMISSIONER, WESTERN PACIFIC IN SUCCESSION TO SIR JOHN GUTCH, K.C.M.G., O.B.E., WHO RETIRED EARLY IN 1961.
SIR DAVID SUCCEEDED SIR ROBERT BLACK AS GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG IN 1964. HE WAS SUCCEEDED BY LORD MACLEHOSE IN 1971.
• -----o--------
REGULATIONS ON CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES DUE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE
*****
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS 1988, WHICH WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN MID-JUNE, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON DECEMBER 15.
THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR THE CLASSIFICATION, LABELLING, SAFE USE AND SAFE HANDLING OF 231 CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES COMMONLY USED IN INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
/UNDER THE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
- 2 -
UNDER THE REGULATIONS, THESE SUBSTANCES ARE CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO SEVEN TYPES OF BASIC RISK -- TOXIC, CORROSIVE, FLAMMABLE, EXPLOSIVE, OXIDISING, IRRITANT AND HARMFUL.
THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT FROM DECEMBER 15 EVERY CONTAINER, HOLDING A LISTED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE MUST BE LABELLED IN THE FORM PRESCRIBED BY THE SECOND SCHEDULE OF THE REGULATIONS.
"THE PROPRIETOR OF A SPECIFIED INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF THOSE DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES USED, HANDLED OR STORED IN HIS WORKPLACE," MR YIP SAID.
"EACH LABEL SHOULD CONTAIN, IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, THE CHEMICAL NAME OR COMMON NAME OF THE SUBSTANCE; THE CLASSIFICATION, RISK DESCRIPTION AND SAFETY INFORMATION OF THE SUBSTANCE; AND A STANDARD SYMBOL INDICATING THE CLASS OF RISK.
"IN ADDITION, THE PROPRIETOR IS ALSO REQUIRED TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEES WITH INFORMATION ON THE HAZARDS AND THE PRECAUTIONS NECESSARY IN HANDLING THESE SUBSTANCES; AND TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, TRAINING AND SUITABLE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT TO EMPLOYEES EXPOSED TO SUCH SUBSTANCES.
"THE PROPRIETOR HAS TO ENSURE THAT THE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT ARE PROPERLY USED."
UNDER THE LAW, EMPLOYEES HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO USE THE PROTECTIVE CLOTHING OR EQUIPMENT PROVIDED BY THE EMPLOYER IN A PROPER MANNER, AND TO REFRAIN FROM EATING, DRINKING OR SMOKING IN A WORKROOM IN WHICH DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES ARE USED.
"THE MAXIMUM PENALTIES PRESCRIBED FOR OFFENCES COMMITTED BY A PROPRIETOR RANGE FROM $20,000 TO $30,000 WHILE THOSE FOR OFFENCES BY AN EMPLOYEE ARE $10,000," MR YIP SAID.
THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED REFERENCE MATERIALS, TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND LITERATURE ON THE SUBJECT.
THESE INCLUDE A REFERENCE BOOKLET ENTITLED CLASSIFICATION AND LABELLING OF DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES COMMONLY USED IN INDUSTRY FOR EMPLOYERS OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS; AND A GUIDE TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS.
THERE ARE ALSO TWO ILLUSTRATIVE LEAFLETS ON THE SUBJECT FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
"THE MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE FREE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL, AND ALL BRANCH OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION.
/"A LIMITED
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
"A LIMITED QUANTITY OE SAMPLE STICKERS, WITH PRESCRIBED RISKS, SAFETY INFORMATION AND SYMBOLS, ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRE FOR FACTORY PROPRIETORS," MR YIP ADDED.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE REGULATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION ON 5-8524065.
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RAPID INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN TUEN MUN *****
THE NUMBER OF FACTORIES IN THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN HAS INCREASED FROM SLIGHTLY OVER 100 IN THE EARLY 1980’S TO MORE THAN 1,500 NOW.
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN, SAID THIS TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF AN EXHIBITION ON LABOUR LAW IN TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA.
MR WAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY PROVIDED 129 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND SINCE 1970 AND ANOTHER 90 HECTARES WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
"THIS AIMS AT DEVELOPING DIFFERENT TYPES OF INDUSTRIES IN THE APPROPRIATE LOCATIONS OF THE DISTRICT AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE WORKFORCE," MR WAN SAID.
REFERRING TO AREAS NINE AND 12 WHERE LIGHT INDUSTRIES ARE CONCENTRATED, MR WAN NOTED THAT THE TOTAL FLOOR SPACE IN 1985 WAS 1,300,000 SQ. METRES WITH A 15 PER CENT VACANCY RATE.
SPACE NOW WAS AROUND 1,470,000 SQ. METRES, OF WHICH ONLY SIX PER CENT WAS VACANT.
MR WAN ALSO ADDED THAT BY 1992, THE DISTRICT WOULD HAVE 14 NEW INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
HE NOTED THAT THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY HAD EXPERIENCED A RAPID GROWTH IN THE DISTRICT, FOLLOWED BY ELECTRONICS, METALS AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES.
MR WAN ALSO HIGHLIGHTED A 2.9-HECTARE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN AREA 17.
UPON COMPLETION, THIS WOULD PROVIDE A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 150,000 SQ. METRES FOR MANUFACTURING FIRMS AND ANOTHER 9,000 SQ. METRES FOR NON-INDUSTRI AL USAGE, RANGING FROM OFFICE, SHOWROON, BANK, CANTEEN, RESTAURANT, SHOP, NURSERY TO ENTERTAINMENT VENUE.
/REGARDING LARGE-SCALE
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
REGARDING LARGE-SCALE HEAVY INDUSTRIES, MR WAN SAID THAT APART FROM THE CASTLE PEAK POWER STATION, A CEMENT PLANT AND A BRICK FACTORY, CONSTRUCTION WORK OVER A FIVE-HECTARE PIECE OF RECLAIMED LAND IN AREA 40 HAD ALREADY BEGUN FOR SETTING UP BOATYARDS AND SAWMILLS.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANS IN HAND TO DEVELOP 70 HECTARES OF LAND IN AREA 38 FOR INDUSTRIES REQUIRING LARGE SITES WITH WATERFRONT ACCESS."
MR WAN SAID THERE WERE MORE THAN 30,000 WORKERS EMPLOYED IN AREAS NINE AND 12.
ALTHOUGH 39 PER CENT OF THEM WERE LIVING OUTSIDE TUEN MUN, THE FIGURE HAD DECREASED WHEN COMPARED TO THE 47 PER CENT FIGURE IN 1985.
MR WAN SAID HE EXPECTED THAT BY THE MID-1990’S, TUEN MUN WOULD HAVE A POPULATION OF 550,000 AND A PROVISION OF 100,000 JOBS FOR THE WORKFORCE WHEN THE DISTRICT WAS FULLY DEVELOPED.
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LIVING ENVIRONMENT OF SQUATTERS IMPROVED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *
A TOTAL OF 8 441 SQUATTERS FROM 2 110 FAMILIES HAVE IMPROVED THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT BY MOVING TO PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING FLATS THROUGH THE GENERAL WAITING LIST IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
MOST OF THESE FAMILIES WERE REHOUSED TO FLATS IN NEW TOWNS, SUCH AS SHA TIN, JUNK BAY AND TSING YI, ACCORDING TO THEIR CHOICE OF LOCALITY, A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE AVERAGE WAITING TIME FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING IN THESE NEWS TOWNS IS ABOUT FIVE OR SIX YEARS.
UNDER THE CURRENT POLICY, SQUATTERS WILL HAVE TO SURRENDER THE STRUCTURE THEY LIVE IN ONCE THEIR APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING IS SUCCESSFUL. .
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURE WHENEVER POSSIBLE TO PREVENT RE-OCCUPATION.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THE STRUCTURE IS STILL PARTLY OCCUPIED OR STRUCTURALLY LINKED WITH ADJACENT STRUCTURES, THE DEPARTMENT WILL BOARD UP THE SURRENDERED PARTITION OR STRUCTURE AS IT WILL BE UNSAFE TO CARRY OUT DEMOLITION.
/DURING THE
SUNDAYt DECEMBER 4, 1988
5 -
DURING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO OCTOBER, THE DEPARTMENT HAS PULLED DOWN 318 SQUATTER STRUCTURES AND BOARDED UP 1 288 SPACES/STRUC-TURES.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER CONTROL STAFF ALSO PATROLLED SQUATTER AREAS TO PREVENT PEOPLE FROM MOVING INTO THE SURRENDERED HUTS AND ISSUE WARNINGS TO THOSE WHO HAD OCCUPIED THEM.
RE-OCCUPYING OF THESE SURRENDERED STRUCTURES WILL NOT ENTITLE THE OCCUPANT ANY REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS WHEN THESE STRUCTURES ARE AFFECTED BY NATURAL DISASTERS OR CLEARANCE OPERATIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD THEREFORE ABSTAIN FROM BUYING THESE HUTS FOR RESIDENCE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INSTEAD THEY SHOULD APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH THE GENERAL WAITING LIST WHICH IS THE PROPER AND FASTER WAY TO IMPROVE THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT.
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DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT PROJECT * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (MONDAY) TO CONSIDER ALLOCATING $65,000 TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE AT SHEK O VILLAGE.
BEING PART OF THE DISTRICT’S COMPREHENSIVE SQUATTER IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, THE PROJECT INVOLVES CONSTRUCTING A 50-METRE-LONG "U-CHANNEL" AND ASSOCIATED UNDERGROUND DRAINAGE PIPE IN THE LOW-LYING AREA OF THE VILLAGE SO AS TO PREVENT FLOODING.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO ENDORSE THE APPLICATION OF ABOUT $7,500 TO EQUIP A NEW FIRE WATCH TEAM IN TAI SHUI HANG VILLAGE AND TO REPLENISH THE FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT FOR 16 OF THE 20 EXISTING FIRE WATCH TEAMS IN THE DISTRICT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT AND A PROGRESS REPORT ON OUTSTANDING ITEMS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN.
-----O------ /6.....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
- 6 -
FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN IN SQUATTER AREAS
*****
THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD IS ORGANISING A CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT ON FIRE PREVENTION AND TO CURB THE ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY AT SQUATTER AREAS.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY AT THE TZE WAN SHAN CENTRAL PLAYGROUND ON DECEMBER 11. IT WILL CONCLUDE ON JANUARY 15, 1989.
A WORKING GROUP FORMED UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS WORKED OUT A SERIES OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FOR THE CAMPAIGN.
THESE INCLUDE A COLOURING COMPETITION, A CROSS-WORD PUZZLE COMPETITION, DISTRIBUTION OF A POSTER AND A CALENDAR, AS WELL AS SEMINARS ON FIRE PREVENTION FOR SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP WILL VISIT FAMILIES IN THE GOOD HOPE AND NGAU CHI WAN VILLAGES TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGES ON FIRE PREVENTION AND THE PROPER WAYS OF USING ELECTRICITY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP POINTED OUT TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE CAMPAIGN REPRESENTED THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ON-GOING EFFORTS IN REDUCING FIRE HAZARD AT SQUATTER AREAS DURING THE DRY SEASONS.
-----0------
NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN-UP CONTEST
♦ * * t t
A WEEK-LONG CLEAN-UP COMPETITION WILL START TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN VARIOUS HOUSING AREAS IN NORTH DISTRICT TO DRAW RESIDENTS' ATTENTION TO THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
THE COMPETITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN.
COMPETITIONS WILL HE HELD FOR FIVE GROUPS. THESE ARE THE CHOI YUEN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, TIN PING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, CHEUNG WAH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME COURTS (CHOI PO AND YUK PO), AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS (TIN SAM AND SHEUNG SHUI ) .
A TEAM OF ADJUDICATORS WILL INSPECT BUILDINGS AND BLOCKS TO ASSESS THE CONDITIONS OF COMMON AREAS SUCH AS CORRIDORS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, STAIRCASES, LIFT LOBBIES, LAVATORIES, NULLAHS AND SITTING-OUT AREAS. THE TEAM WILL BE MADE UP OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
/A BANKER
SUNDAY, DECBMBER 4, 1988
- 7 -
A BANNER PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BEGIN THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED WILL BE REQUESTED TO PUT UP THE BANNERS IN THEIR AREAS TO SPREAD THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE.
RESIDENTS ARE ALSO WELCOME TO COME FORWARD AFTER THE CEREMONY TO LODGE WITH THE COMPETITION ORGSNISERS ANY COMPLAINTS THEY MAY HAVE ABOUT HYGIENE MATTERS.
WINNERS IN EACH GROUP WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON DECEMBER 19 (MONDAY) IN THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, FANLING. THE PRESENTATION WILL BEGIN AT NOON.
IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, NORTH DISTRICT WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN A FANCY CAR PARADE COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE. THIS WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 18 (SUNDAY).
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE BANNER PRESENTATION TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, FANLING, STARTING AT 9.15 AM.
-----0------
TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ON THE RISE AGAIN ♦ » ♦ » »
THERE WERE 721 TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING GOODS VEHICLES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
THE FIGURE ACCOUNTED FOR 40 PER CENT OF ALL ACCIDENTS IN I HE NEW TERRITORIES , COMPARED WITH 30 PER CENT IN KOWLOON AND LESS IHAN 20 PER CENT ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE REGIONAL COMMANDER, NE TERRITORIES, MR RICHARD SMALLSHAW, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL INSPECTION OF ROAD SAFETY PATROLS AT YUEN LONG STADIUM, MR SMALLSHAW NOTED DIAI ACCIDENTS IN THE REGION BEGAN TO RISE AGAIN IN 1986 AFTER A CONTINUOUS DECLINE FOR TWO YEARS.
/ANY RISE
SUNDAY, DECIPHER 4, 1988
8 -
ANY RISE IS WORRYING AND MUST BE GIVEN DUE ATTENTION, HE SAID, ADDING THAT POLICE ENFORCEMENT ACTION WAS THEREFORE BEING AIMED PARTICULARLY AT GOODS VEHICLES.
NOTING THAT 'DRIVING TOO FAST HAVING REGARD TO THE CONDITIONS’ AND 'PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE’ WERE THE TWO MAIN ACCIDENT CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS, MR SMALLSHAW DISCLOSED THAT PROSECUTIONS FOR SPEEDING IM THE NEW TERRITORIES ROSE TO 9,198 CASES IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WHILE THOSE FOR PEDESTRIAN OFFENCES INCREASED BY 68 PER CENT.
IN ADDITION, SEVERAL THOUSAND WARNINGS WERE ALSO GIVEN, HE SAID.
TURNING TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS INVOLVING CHILDREN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE REGIONAL COMMANDER SAID THE CASUALTY FIGURE FOR THIS QUARTER FOR THOSE UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE WAS 13 PER CENT OF ALL AGE GROUPS.
"ALTHOUGH THIS AGE GROUP REMAINS IN THE MINORITY, NEVERTHELESS THE FIGURE OF 860 FATAL AND INJURY ACCIDENTS IS MUCH TOO HIGH AND IS NEARLY 7 PER CENT UP ON THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987."
MR SMALLSHAW THEREFORE APPEALED TO CHILDREN, PARENTS AND TEACHERS TO REMEMBER THAT "PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS WHERE AVAILABLE MUST BE USED AT ALL TIMES."
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 700 ROAD SAFETY PATROL OFFICERS WHO HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HELPING THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS CROSS ROADS SAFELY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALSO PRESENT WERE THE PRESIDENT OF ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, MR SHE KWONG-WAH; THE CHAIRMAN OF ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION, MR LAW KWOK-HUNG; AND THE COMMISSIONER OF ROAD SAFETY PATROL, MR CECIL CHAN.
------0 -------
COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT VISITS FUJIAN
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR JAMES SO, LEFT HONG KONG TODAY (SUNDAY) TO BEGIN. A SIX-DAY VISIT TO THE CHINESE PROVINCE OF FUJIAN AT THE INVITATION OF THE FUJIAN TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES.
DURING THE VISIT, MR SO WILL EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH TRANSPORT OFFICIALS IN THE CITIES OF FUZHOU, QUANZHOU AND XIAMEN ON THE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS AND THE ADMINISTRATION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG AND IN THE PROVINCE.
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST RELATING TO TRANSPORT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND FUJIAN PROVINCE.
MR SO, WHO IS ACCOMPANIED BY CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MS ZINA WONG, WILL FIRST ARRIVE IN FUZHOU AND WILL MOVE ON TO QUANZHOU AND XIAMEN LATER IN THE WEEK, AND WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
9
CONCERT HELPS EDUCATE YOUTH ABOUT AIDS SCOURGE
*****
YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE IN LIFE AND NOT ENGAGE IN CASUAL SEX, SO THAT THEY CAN AVOID THE POSSIBLE CONTRACTION OF AIDS.
THESE WERE THE PRIME MESSAGES DELIVERED AT A YOUTH CONCERT HELD THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE.
THE CONCERT, ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY ON AIDS, WAS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMMUNITY AIDS CONCERN WEEK BEING HELD IN SUPPORT OF WORLD AIDS DAY.
THE COMMITTEE BELIEVED THAT THE CONCERT WAS THE RIGHT MEDIUM THROUGH WHICH TO DISSEMINATE RELEVANT MESSAGES TO YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE CONCERT FEATURED A POPULAR JAPANESE SINGER, MISS NAOKO KAWAI; AND LOCAL SINGERS AND ARTISTS .TOOK PART IN A MUSICAL DRAMA, HIGHLIGHTING THE DANGER OF CASUAL SEX.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO MADE USE OF THE OCCASION TO RELEASE A THEME SONG FOR THE LOCAL AIDS PREVENTION CAMPAIGN. THE SONG WAS SUNG FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PUBLIC.
OFFICIATING AT AN OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE; LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MRS PEGGY LAM; LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF ASIA TELEVISION, MRS SELINA CHOW; THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.H. LEE; AND THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MRS IRENE YAU.
MORE THAN 10,000 YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE ATTENDED. THE LIVE BROADCAST OF THE CONCERT THROUGH ASIA TELEVISION ALSO ENABLED HOME VIEWERS TO SEE THE CONCERT IN PROGRESS.
SUBSIDIES FOR CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS
*****
A TOTAL OF $700,000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION FOR SUBSIDISING COMMUNITY PART1CIPATION PROJECTS IN CIVIC EDUCATION NEXT YEAR.
’’APPLICATIONS FOR THE SUBSIDY ARE NOW OPEN TO REGISTERED COMMUNITY ORANISATIONS AND THE MAXIMUM GRANT PER PROJECT IS $50,000,” THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP OF THE COMMITTEE, MR MAK HOI-WAH, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
/THE AIM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER *+, 1988
10 -
THE AIM OF THE SCHEME IS TO ENCOURAGE ORGANISATIONS FROM VARIOUS SECTORS TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION AND PARTICIPATION IN PUBLIC AFFAIRS, HE SAID.
"IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT THESE PROJECTS, IN FORMS SUCH AS EXHIBITIONS, PRODUCTION AND TRAINING, WILL ENABLE PARTICIPANTS 70 UNDERSTAND AND PRACTISE ’RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP’ AND TO UNDERSTAND AND UPHOLD CIVIC RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES," HE SAID.
EACH APPLICATION WILL BE ASSESSED ACCORDING TO THE CONTENT OF THE PROJECT, WHICH SHOULD BE IN LINE WITH THE SCOPE AND OBJECTIVE OF CIVIC EDUCATION AS ADOPTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE BASIC CONTENTS OF THESE PROJECTS SHOULD ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO NURTURE A SENSE OF CIVIC-MINDEDNESS AND SHOULD BE PERTINENT TO THE NEED OF HONG KONG’S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT.
"CONSIDERATION WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO THEIR INNOVATIVENESS AND EFFECTIVENESS IN SPREADING THE CIVIC MESSAGE AMONG THE PUBLIC," MR MAK ADDED.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS FEBRUARY 28 NEXT YEAR AND THE CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT MUST BE COMPLETED BEFORE JANUARY 15, 1990.
EACH APPLICATION WILL BE VETTED AND ASSESSED BY THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION GROUP WHICH COMPRISES UNOFFICIALS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES.
ALL PROJECTS SUBSIDISED WILL BE INCLUDED IN AN OUTSTANDING PROJECT AWARD SCHEME TO BE HELD IN MAY, 1990.
APPLICATION FORMS, WITH DETAILS OF APPLICATION PROCEDURES, ARE OBTAINABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROJECT MAY ALSO BE OBTAINED FROM THE GENERAL DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS, 13TH FLOOR. WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, OR BY TELEPHONING 3-693950 OR 3-669074.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
11
ANTI-SHOPTHEFT CAMPAIGN HELD IN CENTRAL *****
ABOUT 2,000 CITIZENS TOOK PART IN AN ANTI-SHOPTHEFT CAMPAIGN HELD AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IN CENTRAL TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE FUNCTION WAS ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WITH THE AIM OF AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PRICE PAID FOR SHOPTHEFT.
OFFICIATING AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING AND BALLOON RAISING CEREMONY WERE CENTRAL AND WESTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS JOEY LAM; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (CENTRAL), MR W.H. KIRKHOPE; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (WESTERN), MR R.C. TOAL; CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR WU CHOR-NAM; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTI-SHOPTHEFT AND VARIETY SHOW ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LAM YIU-MING.
MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR MARTIN LEE WAS ALSO PRESENT TO DELIVER AN OPENING ADDRESS.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF TODAY’S CAMPAIGN WAS A SEMINAR ON ANTI-SHOPTHEFT.
SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WERE A LECTURER FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, DR LEUNG KOK; THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE, MR NG SHIU-LAI; AND A CHAIN-STORE REPRESENTATIVE, MR OSCAR TANG.
MEMBERS OF THE WESTERN DISTRICT JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND THE CENTRAL JUNIOR POLICE CALL STAGED A DRAMA, CHINESE DANCE AND KARATE DEMONSTRATION.
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EXTENSION OF FERRY PIER ON LANTAU AUTHORISED
*****
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING FERRY PIER AT LUK KENG, NORTHEAST LANTAU.
THE 9.55 METRES EXTENSION WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,510 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT LUK KENG.
THE WORK WILL BEGIN THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF NEXT APRIL.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 NFCT YEAR.
/12......
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4,
1988
12
CONCERT FOR MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES * ♦ » *
MORE THAN 250 TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE PERFORMED BEFORE
THEIR TEACHERS, PARENTS, FRIENDS AND GUESTS AT THE DIOCESAN GIRLS1 SCHOOL THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON.
BEFORE THE PERFORMANCES BEGAN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YA” TSIM DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, MR HONG CHE-WAH, OFFICIATED AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
AT THIS, OUTSTANDING TRAINEES AND ORCHESTRAL AND BAND k' MBERS IN THE KOWLOON REGION WERE GIVEN AWARDS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS.
THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MISS LOLLY CHIU, SAID I’HAT TH1 AIM OF THE CONCERT WAS TO PROVIDE PARENTS AND TEACHERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF HEARING THEIR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS DEMONSTRATE THEIR PROGRESS.
MISS CHIU ALSO THANKED SCHOOL PRINCIPALS, MUSIC TEACHERS AND PARENTS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDED PERFORMANCES BY THE EAST KOWLOON YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND, THE WEST KOWLOON YOUTH STRINGS, AND THE EAST KOWLOON YOUTH CHINESE ORCHESTRA AS WELL AS PIPA SOLOS AND A HARP DUET.
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LEFT-TURN BAN ON PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO PERTH STREET FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6).
THE LEFT-TURN BAN WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DIVERT VIA DUNBAR ROAD AN!) TWEED ROAD.
•-----o -----
OPERATING HOURS EXTENDED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE BUS LANES ON LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, HUNG MUI KUK ROAD AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, SHA TIN, WILL BE EXTENDED BY 30 MINUTES TO END AT 9.30 AM FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE BUS-ONLY LANES WILL BE EFFECTIVE BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 9.30 AM DAILY EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE BUS LANE SCHEME WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN MAY LAST YEAR TO SPEED UP THE FLOW OF PASSENGERS TRAVELLING TO WORK THROUGH THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
COTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF PRODUCT COMPETITIVENESS ... 1
REVISED WRITTEN DECLARATION TO BE INTRODUCED ................... 2
SECOND FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ROUTE J ............................ 3
ARRESTS OVER FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ........................... 4
OPERATIONS AGaINST ILLEGAL BILLS AND POSTERS ................... 5
ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION OPENS ON FRIDAY ...................... 6
11TH MEETING OF JLG IN HOI G KONG .............................. 7
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CHLORINE STORAGE .......................... 7
RESID0JTS TO DISCUSS DISTRICT AFFAIRS .......................... 8
MAIN-LAYING WORKS IN FANLING ................................... 9
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH .............. 9
CSD ORGANISES WALK FOR MILLIONS ............................... 10
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SHA TIN ROAD.............................. 10
TIMPORaRY TRAFFIC ARRaNGD'.H'ITS IN SHAM SHUT PO............... 11
ROAD RESURFACING WORKS OUTSIDE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN .............. 11
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
1
GOVERNOR STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF * * * * *
PRODUCT COMPETITIVENESS
THERE IS A NEED IN HONG KONG TO ENCOURAGE OTHER IMPORTANT ELEMENTS OF PRODUCT COMPETITIVENESS APART FROM GOOD DESIGN, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR HONG KONG DESIGN, SIR DAVID SAID THE SCOPE OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR INDUSTRY WOULD BE EXPANDED NEXT YEAR TO COVER OTHER AREAS AS WELL AS DESIGN.
"WE SHALL BE DRAWING ON THE EXPERIENCE THAT THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES ALREADY HAS IN ORGANISING THE DESIGN COMPETITION," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO RAISING BOTH THE TECHNICAL AND AESTHETIC STANDARDS OF DESIGN OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURED GOODS.
"IN 1985, WE SET UP THE HONG KONG DESIGN INNOVATION COMPANY WHICH ALLOWS NEW PRODUCT DESIGNS TO BE MADE AVAILABLE AT REASONABLE PRICES TO SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES.
"NEW FACILITIES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR MANUFACTURERS TO OBTAIN EXPERT ADVICE IN THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF SOPHISTICATED AUDIO/VISUAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL HAD INTRODUCED A SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME TO HELP LOCAL ENGINEERS RECEIVE OVERSEAS TRAINING IN THE DESIGN OF ADVANCED ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO SUBVENT DESIGN COURSES AS PART OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND TERTIARY EDUCATION PROGRAMMES.
SIR DAVID SAID HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS’ CONSCIOUSNESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD DESIGN WAS SHOWN BY THE HIGH STANDARD OF PRODUCTS IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION.
ANNOUNCING THE WINNER OF THE "GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR HONG KONG DESIGN", A FACSIMILE COPIER MADE BY ELEC AND ELTEK DATA COMMUNICATION LTD, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE JUDGES HAD A DIFFICULT TASK WITH SO MANY COMPETING DESIGNS OF HIGH QUALITY.
HE DESCRIBED THE WINNING DESIGN AS "A STYLISH, COMPACT MACHINE WHICH CAN EASILY BE CARRIED AROUND FOR OUT-OF-OFFICE WORK".
"I I’ HAS ALL THE FEATURES ONE WOULD EXPECT IN A NORMAL FAX MACHINE; AND IT GIVES COPIES OF A SIMILAR QUALITY. IN ADDITION, ITS PORTABILITY, AND ITS SMALL SIZE, GIVE THE USER ADDED FLEXIBILITY.
/"THE PRODUCT
MONDAY । DECEMBER 5t 1988
- 2 -
"THE PRODUCT IS PARTICULARLY SUITED TO THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT JN HONG KONG, WHERE SPACE IS OFTEN AT A PREMIUM AND FAX MACHINES ARE MUCH IN DEMAND,” SIR DAVID SAID.
JN ADDITION, IT ALSO FITTED IN WITH THE WORLDWIDE TREND OF HIGHLY MOBILE EXECUTIVES AND A ('HANGING LIFE-STYLE WHERE WORK WAS NO LONGER SIMPLY CONFINED TO AN OFFICE, HE ADDED.
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REVISED WRITTEN DECLARATION TO BE INTRODUCED
*****
A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (MONDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR A REVISED WRITTEN DECLARATION, WHICH WILL FACILITATE THE RELEASE OF PART SHIPMENTS UNDER AN IMPORT LICENCE, WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE-.
"AN IMPORTER SHOULD PRESENT FORM TRA 278 (REV 88) TO A SHIPPING, AIRLINE OR TRANSPORTATION COMPANY WHEN TAKING DELIVERY OF' PART SHIPMENTS ON OR AFTER THAT DATE," HE SAID.
DETAILS OF THE AMENDMENTS TO THE WRITTEN DECLARATION AND IMPORT LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING PART SHIPMENTS ARE SET OUT IN A CIRCULAR ISSUED TODAY (MONDAY) TO ALL THE SH1PPING/AIRL1NE COMPANIES AND IMPORTERS KNOWN TO THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
COPIES OF THE CIRCULAR ARE OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE TRADE LICENSING (NON-TEXTILES) BRANCH OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT AT 13TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CAN ION ROAD, KOWLOON.
FORM TRA 278 (REV 88) CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S NON-TEXTILES RECEIPT-AND-1SSUE COUNTERS (NUMBERS 9 AND 22) ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF OCEAN CENTRE.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
- 5 -
SECOND FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ROUTE 3
*****
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) SIGNED AN AGREEMENT WORTH $21 MILLION CONTRACT FOR CONDUCTING A SECOND STAGE STUDY OF THE SECTION OF THE PLANNED ROUTE 3 BETWEEN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND NORTHWEST KOWLOON.
TAKING PART IN THE SIGNING CEREMONY WERE THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON, AND CONSORTIUM REPRESENTATIVE MR DAVID BUTLER.
THE CONSORTIUM WAS FORMED BY THE CONSULTANTS, SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS, PARSONS BRINCKERHOFF (ASM) LTD., CHARLES HASWELL AND PARTNERS (FAR EAST), AND WILBUR SMITH ASSOCIATES.
MR BEATON SAID ROUTE 3 WAS A PLANNED NORTH-TO-SOUTH TRUNK ROAD LEADING FROM THE LOK MA CHAU BORDER CROSSING AND THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES TO TSUEN WAN AND THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER PORT.
IT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE ACCESS TO EXPANSION OF THE CONTAINER PORT AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WESTERN HARBOUR.
THE PROPOSED ROUTE WOULD PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY TO ACCOMMODATE TRAFFIC FLOWS BETWEEN REGIONAL CENTRES WHICH IT WAS FORECAST TO BE NEEDED BY THE MID-1990’S.
THE STUDY WILL BEGIN NOW AND TAKE 10 MONTHS.
A PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY OF THE SECTION OF ROUTE 3 BETWEEN TS1NG Y1 AND NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES WAS COMPLETED IN JUNE 1988.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE ROUTE WILL REQUIRE TO HAVE A DESIGN CAPACITY IN THE REGION OF 160,000 VEHICLES PER DAY BY 2001 ALONG SOME CRITICAL SECTIONS.
THE PRELIMINARY -ASSESSMENT WAS THAT A DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY WITH PROVISION FOR FURTHER EXPANSION OF CAPACITY WOULD BE REQUIRED.
BASED ON BROAD PARAMETERS, SEVERAL ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS WERE WORKED OUT FOR THE SECTION BETWEEN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES AND WEST KOWLOON. IN THE NORTH MUCH OF THE ROUTEING HAS ALREADY BEEN DETERMINED. SOME SECTIONS WILL ALSO BE COVERED BY OTHER STUDIES.
IN THE SECOND FEASIBILITY STUDY, THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS WILL CARRY OUT DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ALTERNATIVE ALIGNMENTS THAT WERE IDENTIFIED IN THE PREL'MINARY STUDY, WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING THE BEST ALIGNMENT.
/IN THIS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5» 1988
- 4 -
IN THIS PROC-ESS THE ALTERNATIVES WILL BE CRITICALLY EVALUATED IN LAND USE, ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS, ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS, ENGINEERING VIABILITY AND COMPATIBILITY WITH OIHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS.
AS PART OF THE EVALUATION, A SERIES OF SPECIALIST STUDIES WILL BE REQUIRED.
THESE INCLUDE SUCH SUBJECTS AS HYDRAULIC MODELS, MARITIME OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS, ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, ECONOMIC EVALUATION AND GROUND INVESTIGATIONS.
MR BEATON SAID IT WAS NECESSARY TO CARRY OUT THE SECOND STAGE OF THE STUDY NOW BECAUSE IN A PROJECT OF THIS SCALE, A LONG LEAD-TIME WAS INEVITABLE PRIOR TO COMMENCING CONSTRUCTION.
PREPARATORY WORKS HAD TO PROCEED AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE SO THAT SECTIONS OF THE ROUTE COULD BE COMPLETED IN TIME 'I O MEET IRAFFIC BUILD-UP.
EARLY ALIGNMENT SELECTION WOULD ALLOW FOR THE RESERVATION OF LAND FOR THE ROUTE AND OTHER PURPOSES.
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ARRESTS OVER FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A MAN AND A WOMAN WERE ARRESTED BY IMMIGRATION INVESTIGATORS ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2) ON SUSPICION OF BEING MEMBERS OF A SYNDICATE ARRANGING FOR RESIDENTS OF CHINA TO SEEK ILLEGAL RESIDENCE OVERSEAS.
THEY ARE SUSPECTED TO BE INVOLVED IN AT LEAST FIVE CASES IN WHICH FORGED THAI AND SINGAPORE PASSPORTS WERE SEIZED IN RECEN I WEEKS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE TWO ARRESTS RESULTED FROM IMMIGRATION OFFICERS’ INTERCEPTION AT KAI TAK AIRPORT OF A MAN, AGED 39, WHO WAS FOUND USING A SUSPECTED FORGED SINGAPORE PASSPORT IN ORDER TO GAIN ILLEGAL RESIDENCE IN THE USA/CANADA.
THE ARESTED MAN, AGED 51, IS A LOCAL RESIDENT AND THE WOMAN, AGED 32, IS A RESIDENT OF CHINA.
THE WOMAN WAS FOUND IN POSSESSION OF A SUSPECTED FORGED SINGAPORE PASSPORT. DUR I NG A SEARCH OF PREMISES AND OF A SAFI DE’’OS I I BOX AT A BANK IN KOWLOON, ONE SUSPECTED FORGED SINGAPORE PASSPORT, FIVE SUSPECTED FORGED THAI PASSPORTS. 10 CHINESE PASSPORTS AND POUR CHINESE IDENTITY CARDS WERE SEIZED.
/THF ARRESTED
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
- 5 -
THE ARRESTED MAN AND WOMAN AND THE MAN ARRESTED AT KAI TAK ARE BEING DETAINED FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE CHARGED.
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE USE OR POSSESSION OF FORGED TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WAS A SERIOUS OFFENCE.
"ANY PERSON WHO AND, ON CONVICTION, TO FOR 14 YEARS.
"ANY PERSON WHO WILL ALSO BE GUILTY OF PENALTY," HE ADDED.
COMMITS THE OFFENCE IS LIABLE TO PROSECUTION A MAXIMUM FINE OF $50,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT
AIDS AND ABETS ANY PERSON TO COMMIT THE OFFENCE THE SAME OFFENCE AND LIABLE TO THE SAME
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OPERATIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL BILLS AND POSTERS
*****
EIGHT SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED DURING A TERRITORY-WIDE OPERATION AGAINST ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS HELD DURING THE LAST TWO CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS.
"ILLEGAL DISPLAY OF BILLS AND POSTERS AT PRIVATE OR PUBLIC PLACES IS A COMMON PRACTICE DURING WEEKENDS, HOLIDAYS AND AFTER OFFICE HOURS.
"IT HAS POSTED A GREAT PROBLEM TO THE OVERALL TIDINESS AND CLEANLINESS OF THE CITY," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE OPERATION, CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WAS AIMED AT REVIEWING THIS SITUATION.
WHEN THE OPERATION STARTED IN NOVEMBER, 1986, IT WAS CARRIED OUT EVERY SIX MONTHS BY THE TWO DEPARTMENTS.
"HOWEVER, AS THE PROBLEM WAS GETTING WORSE, WE INCREASED THE FREQUENCY FROM TWICE A YEAR TO QUARTERLY INTERVALS," THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
"WE HOPE THAT THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ESPECIALLY THE ADVERTISING COMPANIES CONCERNED, WOULD EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE IN DISPLAYING THEIR OUTDOOR PUBLICITY POSTERS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"PERSONS WHO DISPLAY BILLS AND POSTERS IN PRIVATE PLACES WITHOUT OWNERS’ CONSENT OR AT PUBLIC PLACES WITHOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S AUTHORISATION ARE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000," THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5,
1988
- 6 -
ANNUAL CAREERS EXHIBITION OPENS ON FRIDAY
*****
PREPARATIONS ARE WELL UNDERWAY FOR THE OPENING OF THE 17TH CAREERS EXHIBITION AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).
ALTOGETHER 22 EXHIBITORS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S 1 O-DAY EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR WANG GUNGWU; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN; AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 6.30 PM FROM DECEMBER 10 TO 19.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXHIBITION HAD BECOME A MAJOR EVENT IN THE LOCAL CAREERS EDUCATION SCENE ATTRACTING MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, IN PARTICULAR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
"LAST YEAR MORE THAN 84,000 PEOPLE VISITED THE EXHIBITION WHICH WAS HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL," HE SAID.
"AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, EXHIBITORS WILL ILLUSTRATE THEIR NATURE OF WORK, ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAINING, PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND OTHER INFORMATION THROUGH THE USE OF GRAPHS, MODELS, PHOTOGRAPHS AND AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS.
"INFORMATION LEAFLETS AND PERSONAL GUIDANCE TO VIEWERS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON THE SPOT."
TO SUPPLEMENT THE EVENT, LIVE CAREER SHOWS WITH WORK DEMONSTRATIONS BY VARIOUS DISCIPLINARY AND AUXILIARY SERVICES WILL ALSO BE HELD IN THE EDINBURGH PLACE OUTSIDE THE CITY HALL ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS DURING THE EXHIBITION PERIOD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM, OF THE EXHIBITION AT THE EXHIBITION HALL, LOW BLOCK, CITY HALL, ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
- 7 -
11TH MEETING OF JLG IN HONG KONG ♦ * t * t
THE 11TH ROUND OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN HONG KONG FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).
FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER VARIOUS FUNCTIONS OF THE GROUP DURING THIS PERIOD.
THE JLG WILL MEET EACH DAY AT COLVIN HOUSE, STARTING AT 9.30 AM.
ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 6), THE GOVERNOR WILL HOST A DINNER PARTY FOR MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH AND CHINESE TEAMS.
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COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS CHLORINE STORAGE » , ♦ » »
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD'S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE VOLUME OF CHLORINE STORAGE IN THE SHA TIN WATER TREATMENT WORKS .
THERE WILL BE QUESTIONS ON WHETHER THE STORAGE VOLUME IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED STANDARDS AND WHY THERE IS A DELAY IN COMPLETING A CONSULTANCY REPORT ON THE DANGER ASSESSMENT IN THE INSTALLATION OF CHLORINE.
ENQUIRIES WILL ALSO BE MADE ABOUT THE DISTRIBUTION AND BREAKDOWN OF COMPLAINT CASES CONCERNING SOLID WASTE, WASTE WATER, WASTE GAS, NOISE ANDLIQIID WASTE AND HOW THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HANDLES THESE CASES.
ANOTHER QUESTION TO BE RAISED CONCERNS THE PROGRESS OF BUILDING SPECIAL CLASSROOMS IN THE COVERED PLAYGROUNDS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND THE RESPONSE OF SCHOOLS TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT'S PLAN TO OPERATE ADDITIONAL FORM ONE CLASSES IN 1988-89.
A MOTION WILL BE MOVED TO URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER INTRODUCING LEGISLATION STIPULATING THAT PEOPLE AGED 60 OR ABOVE SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM OUT-PATIENT CHARGES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
ANOTHER MOTION WILL ALSO HE PROPOSED STATING THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD REQUEST FRANCHISED PUBLIC TRANSPORT CORPORATIONS TO INTRODUCE CONCESSIONARY FARES FOR PEOPLE AGED 60 OR ABOVE.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CORNEA AND KIDNEY DONATION SCHEME AS WELL AS REPORTS BY THE WORKING GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
- 0----------
/8........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
- 8 -RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS DISTRICT AFFAIRS t * * * *
THE TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN AREA COMMITTEE AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE A SEMINAR TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL RESIDENTS’ BODIES TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
THE JOINT SEMINAR WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ABERDEEN CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE, TIN WAN STREET, FROM 8 PM TO 10.30 PM.
IN ADDITION TO GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON TRAFFIC, ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY BUILDING MATTERS, THERE WILL BE A VIDEO PROGRAMME - SWEET AND HAPPY HOME IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT - WHICH FEATURES THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DISTRICT AND THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
SOUTHERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID LEUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE AREA COMMITTEE, MR TSE KIT-TO, WILL SPEAK AT THE SEMINAR.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED SIMILAR SEMINARS WITH WAH FU, WONG CHUK HANG, AP LEI CHAU, AND ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR AREA COMMITTEES DURING THE PAST YEAR.
SIMILAR MEETINGS WILL BE HELD IN THE TWO OTHER AREAS OF THE DISTRICT, NAMELY POK FU LAM; AND STANLEY, SHEK 0 AND BAYS.
"A SEMINAR FOR MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES WILL BE ORGANISED EARLY NEXT YEAR TO WRAP UP THE EXERCISE WHICH AIMS AT STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATIONS AND TIES AMONG THE DISTRICT BOARD', AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND RESIDENTS’ BODIES," A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ABOUT 50 REPRESENTATIVES FROM MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS INCORPORATIONS AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND TOMORROW’S SEMINAR ALONG WITH OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"ALL RESIDENTS IN TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN AREA ARE ALSO WELCOME TO ATTEND," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN AREA COMMITTEE SEMINAR, WHICH STARTS AT 8 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE, TIN WAN STREET.
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/9.......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
- 9 -
MAIN-LAYING WORKS IN FANLING * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF ABOUT 2,000 METRES OF WATER MAINS IN FANLING/SHEK WU HUI NEW TOWN.
WATER MAINS WITH DIAMETERS RANGING FROM 150 MILLIMETRES TO 600 MILLIMETRES WILL BE LAID IN CONJUNCTION WITH ROADWORKS.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON DECEMBER 23.
-----o------
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH
»»»»’»
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE SURVEY OF LEISURE ACTIVITIES OF YOUTHS IN EASTERN DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (DECEMBER 6) AFTERNOON.
BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WHICH WAS CONDUCTED EARLY THIS YEAR BY THE CENTRE OF HONG KONG STUDIES OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS IN RESPECT OF THE ORGANISATION OF FUTURE YOUTH ACTIVITIES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE IMPROVEMENT OF LIBRARY SERVICES IN CHAI WAN PUBLIC LIBRARY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE MEETING OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (DECEMBER 6) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
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/1O........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
CSD ORGANISES WALK FOR MILLIONS *****
MORE THAN 600 STAFF OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD) AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL TAKE PART IN THE COMMUNITY CHEST "WALK FOR MILLIONS" AT TAI LAM THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE WALK IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE CSD AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST, FORMING PART OF THE CHEST’S FUND RAISING AND ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PROGRAMME.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY CHEST WALK ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID, "IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT SO MANY OF OUR STAFF MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN THE CHARITY WALK.
"APART FROM OUR STAFF, QUITE A NUMBER OF OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS HAVE ALSO SHOWN THEIR SUPPORT AND HAVE JOINED US IN THE MEANINGFUL EVENT."
TWO ROUTES HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR PARTICIPANTS BY THE COMMITTEE.
FOR THE ENERGETIC PARTICIPANTS, THEY CAN TAKE THE 15-KILOMETRE ROUTE WHICH WILL BEGIN FROM THE TW1SK MANAGEMENT CENTRE IN TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK AT THE MIDDLE OF ROUTE TWISK. IT PASSES THROUGH NGAU NIU, TIN FU CHAI, TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR AND ENDS AT TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION.
THE OTHER ROUTE WILL START AT THE SPORTS GROUND OF THE TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND WILL GO AROUND THE TAI LAM CHUNG RESERVOIR.
MISS HONG KONG 1988, MISS MICHELLE REIS, AND OTHER CELEBRITIES HAVE AGREED TO BE GUESTS OF HONOUR AT A CEREMONY TO START THE WALK.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SHA TIN ROAD * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A 150-METRE STRETCH ALONG THE NORTHBOUND SLOW LANE OF SHA TIN ROAD NEAR TSANG TAI Uh WILL BE CLOSED FROM THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) EVENING.
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE THE MAINTENANCE Ob PUBLIC LIGHTING.
- 0 -
/11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
- 11 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WERE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAM SHUI PO FROM JULY 15 FOR DRAINAGE WORKS NEAR LI CHENG UK ESTATE, WILL CONTINUE TO BE IN FORCE UNTIL THE END OF FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR:
» CLOSURE OF EASTBOUND PO ON ROAD BETWEEN FAT TSEUNG STREET AND TONKIN STREET.
♦ RE-ROUTEING OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 42 VIA PO ON ROAD, FAT TSEUNG STREET, KWONG LEE ROAD AND TONKIN STREET ON JOURNEYS TO CHAK ON ESTATE.
♦ RELOCATION OF THE BUS STOP ON WESTBOUND PO ON ROAD FOR
ROUTES 2, 2A, 112 AND 122 TO A POINT OUTSIDE THE PO ON ROAD
URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEX.
* LEFT-TURN BAN FROM SOUTHBOUND FAT TSEUNG STREET TO
EASTBOUND PO ON ROAD AND RIGHT-TURN BAN FROM NORTHBOUND
WING LUNG STREET TO EASTBOUND PO ON ROAD .
♦ DESIGNATION OF PEAK HOUR (I.E. 7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE ON PO ON ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN TONKIN STREET AND FAT TSEUNG STREET.
------o-------
ROAD RESURFACING WORKS OUTSIDE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN
* * * * *
ROAD RESURFACING WORKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND THE SLIP ROADS LINKING THE TWO ROADS OUTSIDE MEI FOO SUN CHUEN DAILY BETWEEN 11 PM AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FROM THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) AND WILL LAST FOR ABOUT 20 WORKING NIGHTS.
AS SLOW TRAFFIC FLOW IS EXPECTED DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ADVISED MOTORISTS TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE AND PATIENCE IN THE AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE BUS STOPS AND THE GREEN MINIBUS STOPS IN THE WORKS AREA WILL BE RELOCATED IF NECESSARY.
-----0-------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 40.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 236.405 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 373.097 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 63.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GATT URGED TO SHOW POLITICAL WILL ..................... 1
EXTERNAL TRADE PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS IN SEPTEMBER.... 2
GENERAL HEALTH LEVEL IN SAN YICK SATISFACTORY ......... 7
BUILDING A PROSPEROUS, CARING COMMUNITY ............... 8
CALL TO HELP DISABLED INTEGRATE IN SOCIETY ............ 9
INTEREST ON ThX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED .......... 11
13 QUESTIONS, TWO BILLS OK LEGCO AGENDA ............... 12
STUDY ON USE OF UNDERGROUND SPACE ..................... 13
FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PACKAGE .................................... 14
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ..... 15
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO DISABLED STUDENTS ............. 16
READING aWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ........... 16
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BEGINS ..................... 17
YUEN LONG DB TO DISCUSS ADEQUACY OF POSTAL SERVICES ... 18
DISTRICT CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY CHEST .. 19
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT aIRPORT ....................... 20
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTEING AND URBaN CLEARWAY ................ 20
INTERRUPTIONS TO FRESH WhTER SUPPLY ................... 21
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
1
GATT URGED TO SHOW POLITICAL WILL *****
THE SECRETARY EOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, TOLD THE GATT MINISTERIAL MEETING IN MONTREAL TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THERE SHOULD BE A "DEMONSTRATION OF THE POLITICAL WILL TO DEFEND AND DEVELOP THE LIBERAL MULTILATERAL TRADE REGIME" IN THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
"IT IS VITAL NOT TO ALLOW EXPEDIENCY TO PREVAIL OVER PRINCIPLES," HE SAID, URGING IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WAY IN WHICH SAFEGUARD MEASURES WERE USED AND DISPUTES WERE HANDLED IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.
REVIEWING PROGRESS IN THE ROUND, MR MACLEOD CONGRATULATED THE SWEDISH GOVERNMENT ON ITS COURAGEOUS PROPOSAL TO LIFT RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IN 1991.
HOWEVER, HE EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE OTHERWISE SLOW PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS ON LIBERALISING TRADE IN THIS SECTOR.
"THE COMMITMENT TO STANDSTILL AND ROLLBACK MUST APPLY TO TEXTILES AND CLOTHING AS TO OTHER SECTORS,” MR MACLEOD URGED IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE 90 MINISTERS FROM 105 COUNTRIES ATTENDING THE PLENARY SESSION.
MR MACLEOD APPEALED TO PARTICIPANTS TO MAKE REAL PROGRESS IN THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND IN THE AREA OF TRADE IN SERVICES, AND TO USE THE MONTREAL MEETING TO ACHIEVE A BREAKTHROUGH IN NEGOTIATIONS ON THESE SUBJECTS.
HONG KONG HAD BEEN ACTIVE IN THE URUGUAY ROUND IN SUPPORTING ATTEMPTS TO BRING THESE TWO AREAS UNDER MULTILATERAL DISCIPLINE.
LOOKING AHEAD BEYOND MONTREAL, MR MACLEOD EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE ABUSE OF ANTI-DUMPING LEGISLATION BY SOME COUNTRIES AS A MEANS OF PROTECTING DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES.
"THE SITUATION IS BECOMING MANIFESTLY UNFAIR AND IN SOME CASES ABSURD. WE MUST PREVENT THE LEGITIMATE AIM OF COMBATTING DUMPING BEING ABUSED FOR PROTECTIONIST PURPOSES," HE SAID.
HE ALSO URGED ALL DELEGATIONS TO THE MEETING TO CONSIDER SERIOUSLY THE PROBLEM OF RULES OF ORIGIN, FOR WHICH NO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS EXIST AND WHICH HAVE BEEN USED FOR PROTECTIONIST PURPOSES CONTRARY TO THE SPIRIT OF THE GATT.
MR MACLEOD ENDED ON A NOTE OF OPTIMISM, SAYING: "I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL SUCCEED IN REINVIGORATING THE GATT SYSTEM, AND THAT BY OUR ACTIONS HERE WE SHALL SEND A CLEAR MESSAGE THAT THIS IS SO."
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/2........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6,
1988
- 2 -
EXTERNAL TRADE PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS IN SEPTEMBER
*****
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 8 PER CENT AND 45 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF 1988 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 25 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS ALSO INCREASED BY 26 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE IS DERIVED FROM THE GROWTH IN TRADE VALUES, HAVING DISCOUNTED THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
AS REGARDS PRICE CHANGES OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 2 PER CENT AND 3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.
AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSTITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE AVAILABLE.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT AND 54 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HENCE, TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 31 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. IMPORT VOLUME ALSO INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT AND 3 RESPECTIVELY. PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 4 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP FOR SEPTEMBER 1988 AS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1988 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, INCLUDING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+35 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (+23 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+41 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+11 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+10 PER CENT); AND CLOTHING (+3 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES
TUESDAY, DEC.HMBER 6, 1988
- 5 -
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-40 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-16 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-7 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-4 PER CENT).
THE EXPORT VOLUME OF TEXTILE FABRICS; AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD REMAINED UNCHANGED.
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1988 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987.
THESE INCLUDED METAL MANUFACTURES (+8 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+6 PER CENT); WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+4 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (+3 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+3 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-5 PER CENT); CLOTHING (-2 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-2 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-1 PER CENT); AND TEXTILE FABRICS (-1 PER CENT).
PRICES OF RADIOS OF ALL KINDS; AND METAL ORES AND SCRAP REMAINED UNCHANGED.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER 1988 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1988 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987.
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; AND TEA AND COFFEE.
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR RICE, AND WHEAT AND FLOUR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT.
THE COMMODITY ITEMS WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; AND RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; AND FOOTWEAR.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES ROSE BY 32 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1988 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987.
/THE MAJOR........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
THE MAJOR INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; AND WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR.
DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR COTTON YARN AND THREAD; AND YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1988 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1988 OVER SEPTEMBER 1987.
THERE WERE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY; INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY OTHER THAN TEXTILE AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
HOWEVER, A DECREASE IN IMPORT VOLUME WAS REGISTERED FOR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, IMPORT PRICES OF CAPITAL GOODS AND FOODSTUFFS BOTH ROSE BY 5 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE OF CONSUMER GOODS AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES BOTH INCREASED BY 4 PER CENT. HOWEVER, PRICES OF IMPORTS OF FUELS DECREASED BY 9 PER CENT.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR SEPTEMBER 1988 COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987, WITH THE PERCENTAGE INCREASE RANGING FROM 34 PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 119 PER CENT FOR FUELS.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1987. RE-EXPORT PRICES OF FOODSTUFFS; AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES BOTH ROSE BY 4 PER CENT. THOSE OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 1 PER CENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 16 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE SEPTEMBER 1988 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS" WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND DECEMBER 12 AT $2.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, HONG KONG (TEL. 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE INDEXES TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-8234918).
/Table 1: .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
- 5
TABLE 1: INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 COMPARING JAN-WITH JAN-SEP SEP 1988 1987
COMMODITY GROUP VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
CLOTHING 1 -2 3 ♦ 2 -2
TEXTILE FABRICS -1 -1 * -2 2 -4
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -1 -1 ♦ -4 2 -5
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES -1 3 -4 * 5 -4
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS -40 ♦ . -40 -32 2 -33
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS 28 -5 35 37 -2 40
FOOTWEAR 14 3 11 4 4
METAL MANUFACTURES 33 8 23 30 6 23
METAL ORES AND SCRAP 10 ♦ 10 21 4 16
WATCHES AND CLOCKS 19 4 14 24 3 20
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES -9 -2 -7 -8 1 -9
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES -11 6 -16 1 2 -2
ALL COMMODITIES 12 1 11 11 2 8
NOTES FOR TABLES 1 TO 3:
* INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE CALCULATED FROM TRADE INDEXES WITH DECIMAL PLACES. THEY MAY DIFFER FROM THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES COMPUTED DIRECTLY FROM THE ROUNDED FIGURES IN THE PUBLICATION "HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS".
/TABLE 2.........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
6
TABLE 2: INCREASES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 COMPARING JAN-SEP 1988 WITH JAN-SEP 1987
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 16 5 11 21 4 16
CONSUMER GOODS 43 4 38 35 3 31
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 38 4 32 30 5 24
FUELS 25 -9 38 7 -2 9
CAPITAL GOODS 31 5 25 36 6 28
ALL COMMODITIES 36 4 31 31 4 26
TABLE 3: INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END- USE CATEGORY
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1987 COMPARING JAN-SEP 1988 WITH JAN-SEP 1987
END-USE CATEGORY VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 39 4 34 44 2 42
CONSUMER GOODS 58 1 56 48 2 45
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 59 4 53 50 5 43
FUELS 84 -16 119 35 -8 46
CAPITAL GOODS 67 6 57 54 4 48
ALL COMMODITIES 59 3 54 50 3 45
0 - ■ /7 • •
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
GENERAL HEALTH LEVEL IN SAN YICK SATISFACTORY t ♦ ♦ * »
Al !,; r ' THr S/N YICK REFUGEE CENTRE ARE
BAD AS THEY HAVE ’ : i : OUT TO BE, A WORKING GROUP FOR THE
CENTRES IN TUEL Ml- WV; TOLD TODAY (TUESDAY).
NOT AS REFUGEE
1(1 : TH LEVEL IS CONSIDERED SATISFACTORY GIVEN THE CON’) i AND THERE IS CERTAINLY NO CAUSE FOR ALARM,’’ SAJI OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
’’MEDICAL SERVICES ARE ADEQUATE FREELY ACCE' SIDLE oh \ 2,4-HOUR BASIS,”
IN THE CENTRE HE SAID.
AND THEY ARE
DR PANG SAID THIS AT A MEETING IN WHICH THE WORKING GROUP DISCUSSED AT LENGTH A REPORT PRODUCED BY THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES ON THE HEALTH CONDITIONS OF THE REFUGEES IN THE CENTRE.
APART FROM UNHCR OFFICIALS, THE MEETING, CHAIRED BY THE REFUGEE CO ORDINATOR, MR MIKE HANSON, WAS ATTENDED BY MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD AND OFFICIALS FROM THE SECURITY BRANCH, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
MR HANSON SAID AFTER THE MEETING: ’’ALTHOUGH THERE ARE DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTION, WE UNDERSTAND AND SHARE THE CONCERNS OF THE UNHCR IN THE MATTER.
”WE HAVE THOROUGHLY DISCUSSED AND ANALYSED THE VARIOUS POINTS IN THE REPORT AND EXPLORED EACH OTHER’S POSITION.
"WE FEEL THAT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE AT THIS STAGE TO IMMEDIATELY OPEN UP THE SAN YICK CENTRE AS SUGGESTED, AND THAT THE LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME FOR THE REFUGEES SHOULD CONTINUE ON A GRADUAL AND STEADY BASIS.
"AFTER ALL, THE REFUGEES THEMSELVES NEED TIME AND ORIENTATION TO ADAPT TO THE WAY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG.
"HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT MEAN THAT THERE IS NO ROOM FOR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS AND WE ARE LOOKING AT OTHER POSSIBLE OPTIONS OF MORE RELAXATION PROGRAMMES."
AT TODAY’S MEETING, DR PANG TOLD THE WORKING GROUP THAT APART FROM HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES, HEALTH STAFF ALSO PROVIDED A HEALTH SURVEILLANCE SCHEME AT THE CENTRE TO HELP DETECT THE HEALTH STATUS OF THE REFUGEES.
"THERE IS ALSO A 100 PER CENT COVER OF IMMUNISATION FOR ALL THE REFUGEE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14," HE SAID.
/’’CLINICAL FACILITIES
TUESDAY, DECJMBER 6, 1988
8
“CLINICAL FACILITIES ARE ADEQUATE AND NO ONE IS TURNED AWAY WHO WANTS TO MAKE USE OF THESE FACILITIES.”
DR PANG POINTED OUT THAT THE UNHCR SURVEY ON CHILDREN SUFFERING FROM CHICKENPOX WAS DONE DURING THE PEAK OF AN OUTBREAK IN <LATE NOVEMBER. 1
’’THE NUMBER OF CASES HAVE SINCE BEEN ON THE DECLINE AND THE SITUATION IS VERY MUCH UNDER CONTROL,” HE SAID.
A WORKING GROUP MEMBER, MR POON CHIU-HUNG, SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT BE BLAMED FOR OVERCROWDING CONDITIONS IN SAN YICK.
“I CAN RECALL THAT SEVERAL HUNDREDS OF REFUGEES IN THE CENTRE HAVE REFUSED TO MOVE OUT OF SAN YICK TO THE TEMPORARY CENTRE IN PILLAR POINT.
"I HAVE ALSO NOTED THAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE CONTINUED TO BE MADE IN THE CENTRE FOR THE BENEFITS OF THE REFUGEES UNDER THE ON-GOING LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME."
MEANWHILE, OFFICIALS FROM THE SECURITY BRANCH WILL SHORTLY HAVE A MEETING WITH HALL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SAN YICK CENTRE TO WORK OUT SELF-HELP PROGRAMMES WITH A VIEW TO FURTHER IMPROVING THE CLEANLINESS AND HYGIENIC CONDITIONS THERE.
-------o ---------
BUILDING A PROSPEROUS, CARING COMMUNITY
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, TODAY (TUESDAY) ENCOURAGED HONG KONG STUDENTS TO CULTIVATE THE HUMAN QUALITIES OF INDEPENDENCE AND INTERDEPENDENCE WHICH WERE ESSENTIAL FOR THE BUILDING OF A PROSPEROUS AND CARING COMMUNITY.
ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB COLLEGE, MRS CHAN SAID THAT A HEALTHY COMMUNITY RELIED ON ITS MEMBERS TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES RATHER THAN RELYING ON STATE HELP.
H3i Tii i?
"BUT INDEPENDENCE IS NOT SOMETHING THAT YOU CAN PLUCK OUT OF THIN AIR. IT IS VERY MUCH BORN OUT OF ONE’S SENSE OF SELF WORTH AND HOW WELL ONE HAS LEARNT THE SKILLS OF DAILY LIVING.
"BUILDING UP ONE’S SELF-ESTEEM IS NOT AN EASY TASK PARTICULARLY FOR SOMEONE WITH A HANDICAP BUT WE MUST BELIEVE IN OUR OWN ABILITIES AND MUST KEEP OUR GOALS IN LIFE FIRMLY IN SIGHT," SHE TOLD THE STUDENTS.
/WHILE STRESSING .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
- 9
WHILE STRESSING THE VALUE OF INDEPENDENCE, SHE ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERACTION WITH FELLOW MEN IN THE COMMUNITY.
"EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH THOSE AROUND YOU INCLUDES THE WILLINGNESS TO HELP AND TO ALLOW OTHERS TO SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES AND YOUR FEELINGS WHETHER THEY ARE OF PRIDE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT OR FEAR AND PERSONAL INADEQUACY," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT SHARING EXPERIENCES WOULD LESSEN PAIN AND ANXIETY AND WOULD INCREASE CONFIDENCE AS ONE BECAME MUCH MORE AWARE OF WHERE ONE WAS SIMILAR TO AND DIFFERENT FROM OTHERS.
SHE CALLED UPON STUDENTS TO RISE TO THE CHALLENGES THAT LIFE WOULD BRING AND MAKE ROOM IN THEIR LIVES FOR OTHER CONCERNS.
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CALL TO HELP DISABLED INTEGRATE IN SOCIETY
*****
EMPLOYMENT IS AN EFFECTIVE MEANS OF INTEGRATING THE DISABLED INTO THE COMMUNITY, AN EXPERT IN REHABILITATION, DR HARRY FANG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, DR FANG SAID NO ONE WOULD DISPUTE THIS FACT "BECAUSE OF THE MEANINGFUL PARTICIPATION, FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE AND SELF RESPECT IT ENTAILS".
"MOST OF US HERE, I AM SURE, WOULD AGREE THAT SELECTIVE PLACEMENT IS A VITAL, AND FINAL, STAGE OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION," HE SAID.
DR FANG EXPLAINED THAT SELECTIVE PLACEMENT AIMED AT HELPING DISABLED PERSONS TO TAKE UP OPEN EMPLOYMENT SO AS TO MAKE THE BEST POSSIBLE USE OF THEIR RESIDUAL ABILITIES, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE.
"I AM PLEASED TO SAY THAT THANKS TO THE HARD WORK OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION, THERE HAS BEEN A GRADUAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE DISABLED BY EMPLOYERS AS WELL AS A STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PLACEMENTS OF DISABLED PERSONS INTO OPEN EMPLOYMENT," HE ADDED.
/APART FROM
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
10
APART FROM ACTUAL PLACEMENT WORK, DR FANG NOTED, THE DIVISION ALSO ATTACHED MUCH IMPORTANCE TO A SYSTEMATIC PROGRAMME OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WHICH WERE AIMED AT URGING EMPLOYERS TO GIVE THE DISABLED A FAIR CHANCE AND TO REMOVE POSSIBLE MISCONCEPTIONS THEY MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THE WORKING ABILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS.
THREE PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES WERE PARTICULARLY WORTH MENTIONING:
* FIRST, STAFF OF THE DIVISION PAID REGULAR VISITS TO VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS TO EXPLAIN TO EMPLOYERS THAT DISABLED PERSONS WERE EQUALLY COMPETENT AS THE ABLE-BODIED IN PERFORMING A WIDE RANGE OF JOBS.
* SECONDLY, PRESENTATIONS OF SOUVENIRS WERE HELD ANNUALLY TO GIVE RECOGNITION TO EMPLOYERS WHO HAD TAKEN ON THE LARGEST NUMBER OF DISABLED PERSONS OR HAD MADE SPECIAL EFFORTS TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR EMPLOYMENT.
♦ THIRDLY, ANNUAL EXHIBITIONS WERE ORGANISED TO PROMOTE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES OF THE DISABLED.
EARLIER, IN HIS WELCOMING SPEECH, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID THE EXHIBITION INCORPORATED THREE ASPECTS: THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, SPECIAL TECHNICAL AIDS WHICH ENHANCED THE EMPLOYABILITY OF THE DISABLED, AND THE BENEFITS OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE DISABLED.
ITS OBJECTIVE WAS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS AND TO URGE EMPLOYERS TO ABSORB THEM INTO THE WORKFORCE BY PROVIDING THEM WITH MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
"EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE HAD THE EXPERIENCE OF EMPLOYING DISABLED PERSONS WILL AGREE WITH ME, I AM SURE, THAT THE DISABLED ARE DILIGENT, LOYAL' AND STABLE WORKERS," MR HAMMOND SAID.
"AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG IS FACING A LABOUR SHORTAGE, MAY I CALL UPON EMPLOYERS NOT TO OVERLOOK THIS VALUABLE BUT LARGE UNTAPPED SOURCE OF LABOUR AND URGE THEM TO RESPOND TO OUR MESSAGE ’TAP HUMAN RESOURCES, EMPLOY THE DISABLED’."
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH IS BEING HELD AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI, IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6.30 PM DAILY UNTIL DECEMBER 12.
VISITORS CAN SEE SOME OF THE SPECIAL TECHNICAL AIDS ON DISPLAY, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO DISABLED PERSONS AND THE VARIETY OF JOBS TAKEN UP BY THEM IN VARIOUS SECTORS.
THERE ARE ALSO LIVE WORK DEMONSTRATIONS BY DISABLED TRAINEES, SIMULATED JOB-MATCHING BY COMPUTER AND A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER GAME BY ELECTRONIC DEVICES.
- - 0
/11
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
11
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REVISED *****
A GOVERNMENT GAZETTE EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) CONTAINS A LEGAL NOTICE TO THE EFFECT THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS AUTHORISED AN INCREASE IN THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES.
AS FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WILL BE 6.84 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 6.36 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.57 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETE MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATE IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER TOMORROW.
CERTIFICATES WHICH WERE ISSUED BEFORE TOMORROW WILL CONTINUE
TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 24, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 14, 1987;
5.28 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR OCTOBER 14, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 28, AFTER 1987;
4.32 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR OCTOBER 28, 1987 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 30, AFTER 1987;
3.24 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR OCTOBER 30, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 2, AFTER 1987;
3.00 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR DECEMBER 2, 1987 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 9, AFTER 1987 ;
2.04 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR DECEMBER 9, 1987 AND BEFORE FEBRUARY 20 AFTER , 1988;
2.76 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR FEBRUARY 20, 1988 AND BEFORE APRIL 13, AFTER 1988;
3.36 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER
APRIL 13, 1988 AND BEFORE MAY 11, 1988;
/4.32 PER CENT ..........
t
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6« 1988
12
4.32 PER CENT
4.8 PER CENT
5.28 PER CENT
5.76 PER CENT
6.36 PER CENT
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 11, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE 16, 1988;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 16, 1988 AND BEFORE JUNE 29, 1988;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JUNE 29, 1988 AND BEFORE JULY 27, 1988;
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 27, 1988 AND BEFORE AUGUST 17, 1988; AND
PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 17, 1988 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 7, 1988;
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETE MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
EXAMPLE: $1,000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON DECEMBER 9, 1988, JANUARY 9, 1989 AND FEBRUARY 9, 1989 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDERED IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON MARCH 8, 1989 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:
ON $1,000, DECEMBER 9, 1988 TO MARCH 8, 1989
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $5.70 PER MONTH = $17.10
ON $1,000, JANUARY 9, 1989 TO MARCH 8, 1989
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $5.?0 PER MONTH = $11.40
ON $1,000, FEBRUARY 9, 1989 TO MARCH 8, 1989
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $5.70 PER MONTH = $ 5.70
$34.20
-------O----------
13 QUESTIONS, TWO BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA *****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK 13 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER TWO BILLS IN TOMORROW’S (WEDNESDAY) COUNCIL MEETING.
THE BILLS ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING. THEY ARE THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988 AND THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
IN ADDITION, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WILL MOVE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING, TRIBUTE WILL BE PAID TO SIR DAVID TRENCH, GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG FROM 1964 TO 1971, WHO DIED IN ENGLAND AT THE WEEKEND.
------ O - - - - /1J .................
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
STUDY ON USE OF *
UNDERGROUND SPACE * * * *
A CONSULTANCY CONTRACT TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY OF VARIOUS SCHEMES TO MAKE USE OF UNDERGROUND CAVERNS WAS AWARDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE $6.5 MILLION CONSULTANCY WILL COVER THE SECOND HALF OF THE TWO-STAGE STUDY OF THE POTENTIAL USE OF UNDERGROUND SPACE (SPUN).
STAGE I, ALREADY CARRIED OUT IN-HOUSE BY GOVERNMENT, HAS IDENTIFIED THE FOLLOWING SIX AREAS FOR STUDY:
(1) BULK STORAGE OF LIQUIDS AND SOLID COMMODITIES DIRECTLY RELATED TO PORT ACTIVITIES,
(2) STORAGE OF GENERAL GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES,
(3) CONTAINER TRADE BACK-UP FACILITIES,
(4) MAJOR COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES,
(5) HAZARDOUS GOODS STORAGE,
(6) INSTALLATIONS FOR WASTE TREATMENT, DISPOSAL AND TRANSFER, AND SEWAGE TREATMENT.
STAGE II, WHICH WILL TAKE THE CONSULTANTS EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WILL STUDY THE SIX AREAS IN RELATION TO ENGINEERING, TRANSPORT, ENVIRONMENTAL, PLANNING AND FINANCIAL MATTERS.
THE CONSULTANTS WILL ALSO REVIEW RELEVANT LEGISLATION WHICH MAY APPLY TO ROCK CAVERNS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ANY LEGISLATION OR LAND POLICY DECISIONS WHICH MIGHT BE REQUIRED.
THE GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, DR TED PRYOR, SAID THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY WILL BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE PREFERRED OPTIONS OF METROPLAN AND PADS - PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY - ARE BEING CONSIDERED.
"BY EXAMINING DEVELOPMENTS IN ROCK CAVERN USAGE ELSEWHERE, AND BY DISCUSSIONS WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE CONSULTANTS WILL ASSESS THE DEMAND FOR THE VARIOUS TYPES OF USE IN THE VARIOUS LOCATIONS," ADDED DR PRYOR, WHO IS ALSO THE CHIEF ARCHITECT FOR METROPLAN AND PADS.
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/U
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
14
FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PACKAGE
* *
* * ♦
WORK ON THE PRODUCTION OF A COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PACKAGE WILL START SOON FOLLOWING THE SIGNING O” AN AGREEMENT FOR THE PROJECT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED BY THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIR-'CTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR FRED TROMP, AND MR STUART WILKINSON OF KSW MEDIA PRODUCTIONS LIMITED.
THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL COST ABOUT $5 MILLION, IS FUNDED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S TECHNICAL SECRETARY, DR MALCOLM BROOM SAID THAT IN RECENT YEARS A MUCH GREATER INTEREST IN AND DEMAND FOR INFORMATION ON, ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS HAD BEEN DEVELOPED WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE TO IMPROVE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULA, IT HAD BECOME CLEAR THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR INFORMATION AND EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL RELATING SPECIFICALLY TO THE SITUATION IN HONG KONG, WHICH COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
THE DEPARTMENT PROPOSED THAT A PROJECT, TO BE CONDUCTED BY A CONSULTANT, SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT TO DEVELOP AND PRODUCE AN AUDIOVISUAL PACKAGE ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AS IT RELATES SPECIFICALLY TO HONG KONG.
RECOGNISING THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE JOCKEY CLUB READILY AGREED TO FUND THE PROJECT.
THE EDUCATION AND INFORMATION PACKAGE WILL COVER FIVE SUBJECT AREAS - ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN HONG KONG (IN ITS BROADEST CONTEXT); WATER POLLUTION AND SEWAGE TREATMENT; AIR POLLUTION; NOISE POLLUTION; AND WASTE MANAGEMENT AND THE PROVISION OF WASTE DISPOSAL AND HANDLING FACILITIES. .
A TOTAL OF 600 AUDIO-VISUAL PACKAGES WILL BE PRODUCED, WHICH "ILL THEN BE DISTRIBUTED TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
EACH WILL CONTAIN TWO TWO-HOUR VIDEO TAPES, ONE WITH THE ENGLISH VERSION OF FILMS OF THE FIVE SUBJECT AREAS, AND THE OTHER IS THE CANTONESE VERSION.
/The materials
TUESDAY, DECiMBER 6, 1988
THE MATERIALS WILL BE PRESENTED IN AN INNOVATIVE, ATTRACTIVE, EXCITING AND STIMULATING WAY, AND THE VIDEO WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY A BILINGUAL TEACHER'S MANUAL, BILINGUAL WORK CARDS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS, AND A WALL POSTER.
A TOTAL OF 20 SLIDE PACKAGES ACCOMPANIED BY BILINGUAL WILL ALSO BE PRODUCED, AS A MEANS OF PROVIDING MORE INFORMATION IN EACH OF THE FIVE SUBJECT AREAS.
SCRIPTS DETAILED
THE SCRIPTS ARE DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT TARGET GROUPS. ONE SCRIPT WILL BE MORE SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL FOR USE IN EDUCATIONAL ESTABLISHMENTS, THE OTHER WILL BE FOR LAYMEN AND INTEREST GROUPS OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
BOTH THE AUDIO-VISUAL AND SLIDE PACKAGES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN BY BONA FIDE COMMUNITY GROUPS.
THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) APPROVED THE PAYMENT OF $54,224 FROM THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND TO 20 VICTIMS OF A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT IN SHA TIN LAST MONTH AND THEIR DEPENDENTS.
THREE ELDERLY PEOPLE WERE KILLED AND 45 OTHERS INJURED IN THE ACCIDENT WHICH INVOLVED A TOURIST BUS ALONG THE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD ON NOVEMBER 20.
THE TAVA SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY PROCESSING THE APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM 21 VICTIMS. THREE OTHERS WERE NOT ELIGIBLE WHILE THE REMAINING FOUR HAD WITHDRAWN APPLICATIONS.
THE TAVA SCHEME PROVIDES QUICK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDENTS WITHOUT TAKING REGARD OF THE MEANS OF A FAMILY OR THE ELEMENT OF FAULT IN THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT.
ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATIONS CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S TAVA SECTION ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF VICTORIA CENTRE, 15 WATSON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY OR BY CALLING 5-702342.
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/16.......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6,
1988
- 16 -
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TO DISABLED STUDENTS
*****
TEN OUTSTANDING DISABLED SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL RECEIVE THE SHELL/JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE DISABLED AT A CEREMONY AT SHELL HOUSE, CENTRAL, ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).
THE SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME WAS SET UP IN 1981 TO COINCIDE WITH THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF DISABLED PERSONS.
UNDER THE SCHEME, 10 HANDICAPPED STUDENTS, WHO HAVE ATTAINED OVERALL GOOD ACADEMIC RESULTS AND CONDUCT, AND DEMONSTRATED ENTHUSIASM IN PARTICIPATING IN SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ARE CHOSEN EACH YEAR FOR THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SHELL HONG KONG LIMITED, MR T.P. BRENNAND, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND PRESENT A TROPHY AND A CASH AWARD OF $1,000 TO EACH OF THE AWARD RECIPIENTS.
THE SCHOLARSHIPS ARE TENABLE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM AT 11TH FLOOR, SHELL HOUSE, 24-28 QUEEN’S ROAD, CENTRAL ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).
-----0 ---------
READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
*****
TO HELP STUDENTS DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS, IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS AND MAKE GOOD USE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL AGAIN ORGANISE A READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY 1 AND 3 STUDENTS BETWEEN THIS MONTH (DECEMBER) AND APRIL NEXT YEAR (1989).
THE SCHEME, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, WILL REQUIRE STUDENTS TO READ NO FEWER THAN 10 LIBRARY BOOKS INCLUDING THREE ENGLISH AND THREE CHINESE BOOKS WITHIN FIVE MONTHS AND AT LEAST TO PRESENT AN ESSAY-TYPE REPORT ON ONE OF THE BOOKS READ.
/TO ANNOUNCE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
17 -
TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE SCHEME, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR SO FAI-CHO, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR CHONG WING-CHAM, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START AT 2.45 PM IN THE EAST-WEST ROOM OF MANDARIN HOTEL, 23RD FLOOR, CENTRAL, ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8).
-----0----------
SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE BEGINS *****
THE ANNUAL SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE CO-ORDINATED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AND INVOLVING A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY UNITS, FROM THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, WILL BE HELD FROM TODAY (TUESDAY) UNTIL THURSDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE EXERCISE WAS TO TRAIN AND FAMILIARISE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND OTHER SUPPORTING UNITS IN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES.
"THE ALERTING AND CO-ORDINATING PROCEDURES AND COMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE TESTED AT THE SAME TIME," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, IT WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND EMERGENCY SERVICES FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE EXERCISE AND TO CO-ORDINATE THEIR PROCEDURES," HE CONTINUED.
COMPRISING A SHORT-RANGE AND A LONG-RANGE OPERATION, THE EXERCISE WILL CENTRE ON THE SEARCH AND RESCUE OF SURVIVORS FROM SEA BY VESSELS AND HELICOPTERS.
IN THE SHORT-RANGE EXERCISE THIS AFTERNOON, A SIMULATED AIR CRASH NEAR THE NINEPINS GROUP WILL ACTIVATE A FULL-SCALE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION.
/UNDER THE
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
- 18 -
UNDER THE COMMAND OF THE RESCUE COORDINATION CENTRE AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, UNITS OF THE POLICE, THE U.S. AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL NAVY, THE ROYAL AUXILIARY AIR FORCE AND THE JAPANESE MARITIME SAFETY AGENCY WILL BE DESPATCHED TO THE SCENE TO "RESCUE" PASSENGERS AND CREWS FROM THE SIMULATED DITCHED AIRCRAFT.
THE LONG-RANGE EXERCISE WILL BE CARRIED OUT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) SIMULATING AN AIRCRAFT IN DISTRESS ABOUT 100 MILES SOUTH OF HONG KONG.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL NAVY, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT AND THE JAPANESE MARITIME SAFETY AGENCY WILL BE MOBILISED TO SEARCH AND LOCATE THE SURFACE TARGET IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
TAKING PART IN THIS YEAR’S SEARCH AND RESCUE EXERCISE ARE THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE; THE ROYAL NAVY; THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE; THE ROYAL AIR FORCE; THE CIVIL AID SERVICES; THE MARINE DEPARTMENT; THE U.S. AIR FORCE, NAVY AND COAST GUARD; AND THE JAPANESE MARITIME SAFETY AGENCY.
-----o-----
YUEN LONG DB TO DISCUSS ADEQUACY OF POSTAL SERVICES
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO DISCUSS A PAPER JOINTLY PRESENTED BY TWO MEMBERS ON THE ADEQUACY OF POSTAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
QUESTIONS WILL BE RAISED ABOUT THE LEVEL OF SERVICE AND FREQUENCY OF BUS ROUTES RUNNING FROM YUEN LONG TO URBAN AREAS, AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE POLLUTION OF THE YUEN LONG NULLAH.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR IN THE DISTRICT AND VARIOUS PROGRESS REPORTS FROM THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BOARD ON 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
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/19........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
- 19 -
DISTRICT CAMPAIGN TO RAISE FUNDS FOR COMMUNITY CHEST
* * * * »
PEOPLE IN SHAM SHUI PO WERE URGED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO LEND THEIR FULL SUPPORT TO TWO ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BE HELD THIS WEEK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST CAMPAIGN SAID THE DISTRICT HAD RAISED MORE THAN $600,000 LAST YEAR.
"IT IS HOPED THAT A GREATER AMOUNT CAN BE RAISED THIS YEAR IN ORDER TO SHOW OUR CARE AND CONCERN TO THE NEEDY," HE ADDED.
THE FIRST FUND-RAISING FUNCTION IS A CHARITY DINNER SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9), WITH A LOCAL RESTAURANT DONATING MEALS FOR ABOUT 900 GUESTS.
THE PROCEEDS FROM SALES OF DINNER COUPONS WILL GO TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
A COMMUNITY CHEST BAZAAR WILL BE HELD BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON SUNDAY.
ABOUT 40 STALLS WILL BE SET UP BY VARIOUS LOCAL SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS KA1FONG ASSOCIATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AND YIN NGAI SOCIETIES.
A NUMBER OF FACTORY OWNERS IN THE DISTRICT HAVE SHOWN THEIR SUPPORT FOR THIS WORTHY CAUSE BY DONATING VARIOUS GOODS FOR SALE AT THE BAZAAR.
THESE INCLUDE HOUSEHOLD AND ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, KITCHEN UTENSILS, SPORTS EQUIPMENT, CLOTHING AND LADIES’ ACCESSORIES. ALL THE PROCEEDS WILL GO TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
TO ADD COLOUR TO THE EVENT, THERE WILL BE LION DANCES AND SINGING PERFORMANCES TO ENTERTAIN VISITORS.
OFFICIATING AT THE BAZAAR WILL BE THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG, MR DENIS BRAY; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG; SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; AND THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN MOW-FAT.
MEANWHILE, THE COMMITTEE IS ALSO WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE COMMUNITY CHEST TO PREPARE FOR A "WALK FOR A MILLION" ON MARCH 5 NEXT YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMMUNITY CHEST BAZAAR IN SHAM SHUI PO, BEGINNING AT 9 AM AT THE MAPLE STREE” PLAYGROUND Cii SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11). MR BRAY WILL DELIVER A SPEECH AT 10 AM.
------O-------- /20 .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
- 20 -
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT AIRPORT *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SEVERAL ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED ROUND-THE-CLOCK URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9) IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXTENSION OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE FOLLOWING RESTRICTED AREAS:
♦ CONCORDE ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ELECTRA DRIVE ROUNDABOUT AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
♦ THE UNNAMED ROAD LINKING ELECTRA DRIVE ROUNDABOUT AND ARRIVALS ROAD.
♦ ARRIVALS ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH ELECTRA DRIVE AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION. IN ADDITION, ALL GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING THIS ROAD SECTION.
♦ THE ROAD LINKING THE EASTBOUND DOWN-RAMP OF DEPARTURES CIRCUIT WITH ARRIVALS ROAD.
» AT THE SAME TIME, VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ENTER ELECTRA DRIVE.
-------0 ---------
TRAFFIC RE-ROUTEING AND URBAN CLEARWAY
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT WANG KEE KOWLOON BAY INDUSTRIAL AREA WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 9).
STREET IN SOUTHBOUND
MOTORISTS FROM WANG CHIN STREET WESTBOUND HEADING FOR LAM HING STREET EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WANG KEE STREET NORTHBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, ON PO LANE IN TAI PO WILL BE DESIGNATED A PEAK HOUR (I.E. 7 - 10 AM AND 4 - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
. . - 0-----------
/21.........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
21
INTERRUPTIONS TO FRESH WATER SUPPLY ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THE FOLLOWING INTERRUPTIONS TO FRESH WATER SUPPLY DUE TO WATER WORKS:
♦ THE SUPPLY TO THE AREA BOUNDED BY TAI WO HAU ROAD, SHEUNG KOK STREET AND BLOCKS 1-26, KWAI CHUNG ESTATE, w*JjL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
t THE SUPPLY TO THE AREA BOUNDED BY THE SECTION OF JUNCTION ROAD BETWEEN WATERLOO ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, KAM SHING ROAD, OSBORN BARRACKS, EDE ROAD, EASTBOURNE ROAD, WARWICK ROAD, BEACON HILL ROAD, RHONDDA ROAD, ALNWICK ROAD AND PILGRIMS WAY WILL BE CUT OFF BETWEEN 10 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
♦ THE SUPPLY TO PAK WAI, LUK MEI TSUEN, PAK SHA WAN AND KAU SAI SAN TSUEN IN SAI KUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
» THE SUPPLY TO MUI WO, FUNG KONG SHAN, TAI TEI TONG TSUEN AND NGAN WAN ESTATE ON LANTAU WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8).
t
THE SUPPLY TO THE KOWLOON TONG AREA BOUNDED BY CORNWALL STREET, K.C.R. RAILWAY, EMBANKMENT ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, GRAMPIAN ROAD, NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, LANCASHIRE ROAD, LA SALLE ROAD. HEREFORD ROAD, RENFREW ROAD, JUNCTION ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD WILL EXPERIENCE WEAK PRESSURE BETWEEN 10 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8) AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
TRIBUTE TO LATE SIR DAVID TRENCH ..................... 1
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON EXTENDED SMOKING BAN .......... 1
■ MARKET FORCES DETERMINE INSURANCE PRUilUM LEVELS....... 2
SUFFICIENT GUIDANCE GIVEN TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATICS') ........................................ 2
EVERY EFFORT MADE TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE TIME.......... 3
MEDICAL SERVICES: ENTITLED PERSONS BENEFIT EQUALLY ... 4
ACID RAIN NOT CAUSING GREAT IMPACT ................... 5
banking ordinance provides better framework .......... 6
NEW POLICE BORDER UNIT READY BY 1993 ................. 6
LAW STUDENT INTAKES COULD BE INCREASED ............... 7
IMMEDIATE MEASURES TO REDUCE FLOODING RISK ........... 9
SCHOOL CHILDREN SAFE FROM NOXIOUS EMISSIONS .......... 10
STRONGER LINKS BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOLS ........... 11
RE-EXaMINaTION OF RATIO OF OFFICE SPACE............... 12
BILL INTENDED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS POSED BY PRIVATE STREETS 13
AMENDED INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS APPROVED .............. 15
TWO BILLS PASSED ..................................... 16
IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED FOR SaN YICK REFUGEES ............. 17
PAPER ON REFUGEE CENTRE TO BE TABLED ;.T DB MEETING...... 18
3960 MILLION BUILDING CONTRACTS AWARDED BY HOUSING AUTHORITY ................................................ 19
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY AW,.RD SCHEME LAUNCHED...... 20
SAFETY FORUM FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS ..................... 21
Kill TAK GETTING REaDY FDR MORE PASSENGERS .............. 21
TRAFFIC .iRRANGEMENTS IN EASTERN DISTRICT ............... 22
TRAFFIC HRRJ'tGaUjNTS IN WAN CHAI NORTH SHEUNG WAN....... 23
TUIPORaRY RO.J) CLOSURES ................................ 23
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP RO JD ......................... 23
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
TRIBUTE TO LATE SIR DAVID TRENCH *****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OBSERVED A MINUTE’S SILENCE AT THE COUNCIL’S MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AS A MARK OF RESPECT FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH, A FORMER GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG WHO DIED IN ENGLAND AT THE WEEKEND.
IN A STATEMENT AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MEETING, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF SIR DAVID TRENCH.
SIR DAVID SAID: "I FEEL SURE THAT MEMBERS WILL WISH TODAY TO MARK THE RECENT DEATH OF SIR DAVID TRENCH, GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG AND PRESIDENT OF THIS COUNCIL FROM 1964-71.
"SIR DAVID’S GOVERNORSHIP WAS THE CULMINATION OF A DISTINGUISHED CAREER IN THE COLONIAL SERVICE, MOST OF WHICH HE SPENT HERE IN HONG KONG.
"DURING HIS TERM OF OFFICE AS GOVERNOR, HONG KONG HAD TO FACE A SERIES OF SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES.
"THAT THESE WERE OVERCOME OWED MUCH TO HIS FORTITUDE AND CALM, UNRUFFLED LEADERSHIP.
"AS A RESULT HONG KONG ENTERED THE 1970S WITH ENHANCED CONFIDENCE IN ITS ABILITY TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS AND READY TO EXPAND INTO THE MODERN INTERNATIONAL CITY WHICH IT IS TODAY.
"I THINK IT WOULD BE FITTING IF WE NOW STOOD FOR A MINUTE IN SILENCE IN RESPECT FOR HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND IN SYMPATHY FOR HIS WIDOW, LADY TRENCH."
------0 ------
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON EXTENDED SMOKING BAN
*****
THE PUBLIC WILL BE CONSULTED EARLY NEXT YEAR ON A RECOMMENDATION THAT A TOTAL BAN BE IMPOSED ON SMOKING IN CINEMAS, THEATRES, CONCERT HALLS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT VEHICLES.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON EDWARD HO.
MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE A DECISION ON THE RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH HAD RECENTLY RECOMMENDED TO THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE SMOKING (PUBLIC HEALTH) ORDINANCE BE AMENDED, MR CHAU POINTED OUT.
MR HO HAD NOTED IN HIS QUESTION THAT UNDER THE EXISTING ORDINANCE, NOT LESS THAN 50 PER CENT OF EACH CLASS OF THE SEATING ACCOMMODATION OF A CINEMA, THEATRE, CONCERT HALL OR PUBLIC TRANSPORT VEHICLE HAD TO BE SET ASIDE AS A NO SMOKING AREA.
______0 ------ /2 •♦•••••
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7,
1988
- 2 -
MARKET FORCES DETERMINE INSURANCE PREMIUM LEVELS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO PLANS TO AMEND EXISTING LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE FOR THE CONTROL OF INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SO CHAU YIM-PING, MR JACOBS SAID THE PROPER LEVEL OF INSURANCE PREMIUMS HAD TO BE DETERMINED BY MARKET FORCES, AND NOT BY GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO WAY IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT COULD CONTROL THE LEVEL OF CLAIMS.
"PREMIUM INCOME IS NEEDED TO MEET CLAIMS, AND IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO DICTATE THE LEVEL OF PREMIUM, THEN INSURANCE COMPANIES, FACED AS THEY ARE WITH CLAIMS UNDER THEIR POLICIES, MIGHT FIND THEMSELVES IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND CEASE TO WRITE POLICIES ALTOGETHER," HE ADDED.
---0------
SUFFICIENT GUIDANCE GIVEN TO PROTECT CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION
*****
THE GUIDANCE TO PUBLIC OFFICERS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S SECURITY REGULATIONS IS SUFFICIENT TO KEEP CASES OF CARELESS DISCLOSURE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION TO UNAUTHORISED PERSONS TO A MINIMUM, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ROBERT UPTON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THESE REGULATIONS, WHICH COVER BOTH SECURITY OF DOCUMENTS AND SECURITY OF PREMISES, ARE REVIEWED REGULARLY," MR UPTON SAID WHEN REPLYING A QUESTION FROM THE HON HO SAI-CHU CONCERNING LEAKAGE OF CONFIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION.
THE REGULATIONS PROVIDED THE BASIS FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION IN ALL CASES, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, IN A CASE WHERE AN ATTEMPT TO DO DELIBERATE DAMAGE WAS DEMONSTRATED, CRIMINAL ACTION WOULD ALSO BE CONSIDERED UNDER AN APPROPRIATE ORDINANCE.
"I BELIEVE THAT THESE MEASURES ARE, GENERALLY SPEAKING, QUITE ADEQUATE," MR UPTON SAID.
/IT WAS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
- 5
IT WAS OFTEN VERY DIFFICULT TO DETERMINE ON THE BASIS OF A STORY OR REVELATION IN THE MEDIA WHETHER THERE HAD BEEN A LEAK OF CONFIDENTIAL GOVERNMENT INFORMATION, RATHER THAN SIMPLY A PROCESS OF INTELLIGENT SPECULATION BASED ON MORE-OR-LESS INFORMED RUMOUR, HE SAID.
IN CASES WHERE THERE HAD EXIDENTLY BEEN A LEAK, DISTINCTION WOULD BE MADE BETWEEN DISCLOSURES RESULTING FROM CARELESSNESS AND DISCLOSURES BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN MADE MALICIOUSLY - THAT WAS, WITH THE INTENT TO EMBARRASS THE GOVERNMENT OR TO FRUSTRATE THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS.
"CASES OF CARELESSNESS ARE MATTERS FOR HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS TO DEAL WITH, BY WARNING OR REPRIMAND.
"CASES OF MALICE ARE, WHEREVER POSSIBLE, THE SUBJECT OF INVESTIGATIONS BY THE GOVERNMENT SECURITY OFFICER AND HIS TEAM," HE SAID.
MR UPTON SAID HE HAD NO INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF CASES ATTRIBUTED TO CARELESSNESS, BUT THERE HAD BEEN 18 CASES IN THE SECOND AND MORE SERIOUS CATEGORY IN THE LAST THREE YEARS.
THESE CASES LED TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION BEING TAKEN AGAINST EIGHT GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, HE SAID.
"GIVEN THE LARGE NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVANTS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS WHO HANDLE SENSITIVE ISSUES, AND THE HIGH DEGREE OF ACCESS TO CIVIL SERVANTS WHICH THE PUBLIC AND THE PRESS HAVE IN HONG KONG, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT LEAKAGE OF CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION HAS BEEN A MAJOR PROBLEM IN RECENT TIMES," MR UPTON CONCLUDED.
-----0-----
EVERY EFFORT MADE TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE TIME *****
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE COUNCIL IS NOT ASKED TO CONSIDER DRAFT LEGISLATION WITHOUT ITS BEING PROVIDED WITH ADEQUATE TIME FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION.
THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SPEAKING AS CHIEF SECRETARY, GAVE THIS ASSURANCE IN THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RONALD ARCULLI.
/MR JACOBS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7,1988
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT THE USUAL TIMEFRAME FOR THE PASSAGE OF A BILL INVOLVED THE RESUMPTION OF THE SECOND READING AND THIRD READING 14 DAYS AFTER THE BILL HAD BEEN INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL.
"MEMBERS ARE, OF COURSE, FREE TO REQUEST MORE TIME TO STUDY ANY PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT COMES BEFORE THEM," HE SAID.
MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT, IN GENERAL, MEMBERS WERE ASKED TO GIVE URGENT ATTENTION TO A BILL AGAINST A SPECIFIC DEADLINE ONLY WHEN THE BILL DEALT WITH AN URGENT OR EMERGENCY SITUATION.
"HAPPILY, SUCH BILLS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN," HE SAID.
"OF THE 90 BILLS ENACTED IN THE LAST SESSION, ONLY FOUR OF THEM FELL UNDER THIS CATEGORY."
MR JACOBS ADDED THAT THERE WERE ALWAYS LEGAL AND POLICY PROBLEMS TO BE FACED IN TACKLING ALL BUT THE SIMPLEST ITEMS OF LEGISLATION.
"THESE PROBLEMS TAKE TIME TO ANALYSE AND PROCESS," HE SAID.
"WE DO OUR BEST TO ENSURE THAT ACCEPTABLE AND WORKABLE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ARE PLACED BEFORE THIS COUNCIL."
------0--------
MEDICAL SERVICES: ENTITLED PERSONS BENEFIT EQUALLY
*****
ALL ENTITLED PERSONS SHOULD BE EQUALLY ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE HEAVILY SUBSIDISED SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE SERVICES WERE PROVIDED REGARDLESS OF THE PATIENTS’ FINANCIAL MEANS OR THE SOURCE OF THEIR FINANCIAL SUPPORT, MR CHAU SAID WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG.
DR LEONG HAD ASKED WHETHER OR NOT CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO CHARGING THE FULL COST OF HOSPITAL AND MEDICAL TREATMENT IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITAL OR CLINICS, IN RESPECT OF PATIENTS WHOSE EXPENSES WERE COVERED BY INSURANCE OR ASSISTANCE SCHEMES.
"ENTITLED PERSONS ARE THOSE WHO HOLD A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD OR A UK PASSPORT - THE LATTER BECAUSE OF A RECIPROCAL ARRANGEMENT IN THE UK FOR HONG KONG RESIDENTS," MR CHAU SAID.
/"THE ONLY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
- 5 -
’’THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS ARE PRIVATE PATIENTS AND NON-ENTITLED PERSONS, FROM WHOM THE FULL COST OF TREATMENT IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS OR CLINICS IS RECOVERED.
"GIVEN THIS POLICY, THERE SEEMS TO BE NO JUSTIFICATION FOR SINGLING OUT A PARTICULAR CATEGORY OF ENTITLED PERSONS FOR DISCRIMINATORY TREATMENT."
MR CHAU SAID THE FACT THAT EXPENSES FOR SOME PATIENTS WERE COVERED BY INSURANCE OR ASSISTANCE SCHEMES WAS NOT REALLY RELEVANT.
-----0------
ACID RAIN NOT CAUSING GREAT IMPACT t t * *
THE IMPACT CAUSED BY ACID RAIN IN HONG KONG IS NOT GREAT, ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNMENT'S ASSESSMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM PROF THE HON POON CHUNG-KWONG.
MR BARNES SAID THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN MONITORING ACID RAIN FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, AND THE LEVEL OF RAINFALL ACIDITY HAD NOT INCREASED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ACID RAIN, BY ITSELF, WAS NOT KNOWN TO HAVE ANY IMPORTANT DIRECT ADVERSE EFFECTS ON PUBLIC HEALTH, NOR WAS THE LEVEL OF RAINFALL ACIDITY HIGH ENOUGH TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO THE LOCAL VEGETATION OR AGRICULTURE.
"HOWEVER, ACID RAIN, WHEN COMBINED WITH OTHER COMMON AIR POLLUTANTS, IS CERTAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR CORROSIVE ATTACKS ON BUILDING MATERIALS," HE SAID.
MR BARNES ADDED THAT THE PRINCIPAL MEASURES, WHICH WOULD HELP TO REDUCE THE ACIDITY OF LOCAL RAINFALL, WERE IN FACT THOSE MEASURES BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY GENERALLY.
"THEY INCLUDE THE REQUIREMENT OF THE NEW COAL-FIRED POWER STATIONS TO USE COAL OF LESS THAN ONE PER CENT SULPHUR CONTENT, AND PLANS TO CONTROL THE SULPHUR CONTENT OF FUEL OIL USED BY LOCAL INDUSTRIES AND THE EMISSION OF ACIDIC GASES FROM MOTOR VEHICLES," HE SAID.
-----0------
/6........
WEDNESDAYt DECEMBER 7, 1988
6
BANKING ORDINANCE PROVIDES BETTER FRAMEWORK ♦ * ♦ ♦ t
THE CURRENT SYSTEM FOR SUPERVISING BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES IS WORKING WELL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON KINGSLEY SIT, MR JACOBS SAID THE PRESENT BANKING ORDINANCE PROVIDED A BETTER FRAMEWORK THAN THE PREVIOUS LEGISLATION IN RELATION TO THE SUPERVISION OF AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS.
’’NEVERTHELESS, LEGISLATIVE AMENDMENTS ARE REQUIRED FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE OF THE OPERATION OF THE ORDINANCE AND DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY," HE SAID.
"OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS, TWO AMENDMENT BILLS HAVE BEEN ENACTED TO IMPROVE THE WORKING OF THE ORDINANCE."
MR JACOBS SAID THAT SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HE INTENDED TO INTRODUCE INTO THE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR A BILL TO REPLACE THE EXISTING CATEGORIES OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY WITH TWO NEW CATEGORIES, NAMELY, LIMITED SERVICE BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO REVIEW THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE AND FURTHER AMENDMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED, IF AND WHEN NECESSARi," HE ADDED.
-----0------
NEW POLICE BORDER * *
UNIT READY BY 1993 * t ♦
A NEW UNIT OF THE POLICE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE "POLICE TACTICAL UNIT - BORDER DETACHMENT!’, SHOULD BE READY TO REPLACE THE ARMY ON ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION DUTIES ON THE LAND BORDER BY 1993, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON ROBERT UPTON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MIRIAM LAU, MR UPTON SAID THE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT RESULTING FROM THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE GARRISON WAS THE NEED FOR THE POLICE TO RESUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PREVENTION OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION ON THE LAND FRONTIER.
"THE ARMY TOOK OVER THAT RESPONSIBILITY IN 1979 AT A TIME OF A VERY SERIOUS INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, WHEN THE POLICE FORCE WAS HARD-PRESSED TO COPE," HE SAID.
/•’STARTING THIS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7» 1988
- 7 -
"STARTING THIS FINANCIAL YEAR WE ARE RECRUITING AN ADDITIONAL 1,200 POLICE OFFICERS OVER AND ABOVE THE NATURAL GROWTH OF THE POLICE FORCE.
"THESE ADDITIONAL OFFICERS WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF TRAINING AND ATTACHMENT TO THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT TO PROVIDE A FURTHER SIX COMPANIES OF POLICE OFFICERS WHO WILL REPLACE THE ARMY ON THE BORDER."
NOTING THAT FOR MANY YEARS THE POLICE FORCE HAD HAD THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNAL SECURITY AND STABILITY IN HONG KONG, MR UPTON SAID THE GRADUAL WITHDRAWAL OF THE BRITISH GARRISON IN THE YEARS BEFORE 1997 CALLED FOR RELATIVELY LITTLE ADJUSTMENT TO THE POLICE FORCE'S ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
"AS REGARDS INTERNAL SECURITY ITSELF - THAT IS, THE MAINTENANCE OF PUBLIC ORDER IN THE EVENT OF RIOTING OR OUTBREAKS OF VIOLENCE - THE POLICE FORCE HAS MAINTAINED FOR 20 YEARS NOW A VERY SUCCESSFUL SYSTEM OF TRAINING TO PREPARE THEM TO COPE WITH ANY THREAT," HE SAID.
"THIS SYSTEM IS BASED UPON THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, WHERE ALL POLICE OFFICERS UNDERGO 10 WEEKS TRAINING IN INTERNAL SECURITY METHODS."
THIS WAS MAINTAINED BY CONTINUATION TRAINING AFTER THEY RETURNED TO THEIR ORIGINAL UNITS.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE POLICE FORCE, INCLUDING THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE, WILL HAVE THE MANPOWER, THE EQUIPMENT AND THE TRAINING TO ENSURE THAT THE NEEDS OF PUBLIC ORDER AND INTERNAL SECURITY ARE WELL COVERED THROUGH THE NEXT DECADE AND BEYOND," MR UPTON ADDED.
-----o------
LAW STUDENT INTAKES COULD BE INCREASED *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONSIDER INCREASING THE EXISTING INTAKES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG AND POSSIBLY INTRODUCING NEW COURSES AT OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS SHOULD THERE BE AN INDICATION OF A SHORTFALL IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE REQUIREMENT FOR LAWYERS.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHAN YING-LUN.
/ON THE
WEDNESDAY,. DECEMBER 7, 1988
8
ON THE EXISTING INTAKE OF LAW STUDENTS IN THE INSTITUTIONS, MR BRIDGE SAID ONLY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG (HKU) NOW OFFERED FIRST-DEGREE AND POSTGRADUATE COURSES IN LAW — BACHELOR OF LAWS (LLB) AND POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN LAWS (PCLL).
"THESE ARE BOTH FULL-TIME COURSES WITH AN INTAKE OF 150 STUDENTS EACH," HE SAID.
"FROM OCTOBER THIS YEAR, THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG (CPHK) HAS ALSO INTRODUCED A FULL-TIME LLB COURSE, WITH AN INTAKE OF 60 STUDENTS," HE ADDED.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LEGAL EDUCATION (ACLE) HAD COMMISSIONED THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT A SURVEY TO ESTABLISH HONG KONG’S FUTURE REQUIREMENT FOR LAWYERS.
"IF IT INDICATES A SHORTFALL, WE WILL CONSIDER INCREASING THE EXISTING INTAKES AT HKU AND CPHK AND POSSIBLY INTRODUCING NEW COURSES AT OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS," HE SAID.
ON THE STANDARDS OF LEGAL TRAINING IN THESE INSTITUTIONS, MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT HKU AND CPHK WERE INDIVIDUALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STANDARDS OF THEIR COURSES.
"BOTH INSTITUTIONS HAVE EXTERNAL EXAMINERS WHO ARE PRACTISING LAWYERS AND ACADEMICS, TO MONITOR THE ASSESSMENT PROCESSES AND ENSURE UNIFORMITY OF STANDARDS," HE SAID.
"CPHK’S COURSE HAS BEEN VALIDATED BY THE UK COUNCIL FOR NATIONAL ACADEMIC AWARDS."
MR BRIDGE ADDED THAT THE INSTITUTIONS HAD RECENTLY BEEN INVITED TO DRAW UP THEIR ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE 1991-94 TRIENNIUM.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE POINTED OUT THAT HKU MIGHT PROPOSE AN EXTERNAL LLB COURSE; CPHK MIGHT PROPOSE A PART-TIME LLB COURSE.
IN ADDITION, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG MIGHT ALSO PROPOSE THAT ITS EXISTING MINOR PROGRAMME IN LAW BE EXPANDED INTO A MAJOR PROGRAMME.
ON THE INTRODUCTION OF A COMMON QUALIFYING EXAMINATION IN THE LEGAL PROFESSION, MR BRIDGE POINTED OUT THAT PLCC WAS THE MAIN AVENUE OF ENTRY INTO THE LEGAL PROFESSION.
"SINCE HKU IS THE ONLY LOCAL INSTITUTION PROVIDING SUCH A COURSE THERE IS NO NEED TO INTRODUCE A COMMON QUALIFYING EXAMINATION AT PRESENT," HE SAID.
0 - -
/9
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
- 9 -
IMMEDIATE MEASURES TO REDUCE FLOODING RISK *****
IMMEDIATE MEASURES ARE BEING TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF LOCAL FLOODING AT FLOODING BLACKSPOTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON LAU WONG-FAT, MR BARNES SAID THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES HAD IDENTIFIED OVER 170 AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WERE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FLOODING IN THE EVENT OF HEAVY RAIN.
THE WORK TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FLOODING INVOLVED MINOR IMPROVEMENT MEASURES TO DRAINS AND CULVERTS, IMPROVED MAINTENANCE AND CLEARANCE OF STREAMS AND MORE FREQUENT INSPECTIONS, HE SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY.
MANY INSTANCES OF LOCALISED FLOODING WERE CAUSED BY THE BLOCKAGE OF DRAINS WITH REFUSE DISCARDED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS, MR BARNES POINTED OUT.
"GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO LAUNCH A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE LOCAL CO-OPERATION IN KEEPING WATER-COURSES FREE. THIS WILL BEGIN BEFORE THE COMING RAINY SEASON," HE SAID.
WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT, ALL WORKS DEPARTMENT WOULD BE REMINDED BEFORE THE WET SEASON BEGAN TO ENSURE THAT THEIR CONTRACTORS' TEMPORARY WORKS DID NOT INCREASE THE RISK OF FLOODING IN NEIGHBOURING AREAS.
"FOR FIVE VILLAGES, A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN FLOOD CONTROL WILL BE ACHIEVED BEFORE THE NEXT RAINY SEASON, WHEN FLOOD PROTECTION SCHEMES WILL BE COMPLETED AND OPERATIONAL," MR BARNES SAID.
THE VILLAGES CONCERNED WERE SHE’JNG SHUI , KIU TAU WAI, LO UK CHUEN, SIK KONG CHUEN AND S1K KONG WAI.
"SEVERAL MAJOR DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ARE IN THE COURSE OF CONSTRUCTION, PARTICULARLY IN THE TIN SHUI WAI, YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHUI AREAS.
"CRITICAL PARTS OF THESE HAVE BEEN ACCELERATED WHERE THIS IS POSSIBLE, BUT UNTIL FULLY COMPLETED ONLY SMALL LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE EXPECTED IN THE SHORT TERM," HE SAID.
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/1O........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
- 10 -
SCHOOL CHILDREN SAFE FROM NOXIOUS EMISSIONS
*****
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS RESPONDED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS TO 1,499 INCIDENTS INVOLVING ALLEGED NOXIOUS EMISSIONS OR FUMES.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), IN A WRITTEN REPLV TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MIRIAM LAU.
MR BARNES SAID NEARLY ALL OF THESE INCIDENTS INVOLVED LEAKAGE OF GAS.
IN 18 OF THE INCIDENTS, OFFICERS FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE TO CO-ORDINATE THE INVESTIGATION. FOURTEEN OF THESE 18 INCIDENTS AFFECTED SCHOOL CHILDREN.
MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ESTABLISHED RESPONSE PROCEDURES CONCERNING SUCH INCIDENTS TO ENSURE THAT ADEQUATE MEASURES WERE TAKEN TO PROTECT LIFE, HEALTH AND PROPERTY.
AT THE SAME TIME CARE WAS TAKEN TO MINIMISE DISRUPTION TO EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITES, AVOID UNNECESSARY MOBILISATION OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND LIMIT THE POSSIBILITY OF MASS HYSTERIA.
"THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES WHICH ARE ADOPTED BY SCHOOLS TO ENSURE THAT AFFECTED CHILDREN ARE GIVEN ADEQUATE ATTENTION, THAT THE ALLEGED GAS OR SOURCE OF EMISSIONS IS ESTABLISHED AND THAT THE EMERGENCY SERVICES ARE NOTIFIED WHERE NECESSARY," HE SAID.
"WE BELIEVE THAT THESE PROCEDURES ARE WORKING EFFECTIVELY BECAUSE, AS FAR AS WE KNOW, SO FAR NO PERSON ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL FOLLOWING SUCH AN INCIDENT HAS BEEN FOUND TO BE SUFFERING FROM ANY ILL EFFECTS."
MR BARNES ALSO SAID THAT IN ONLY THREE OF THE 18 INCIDENTS INVESTIGATED BY THE EPD WAS IT POSSIBLE TO CONFIRM THE SOURCE OF THE NOXIOUS EMISSIONS OR FUMES. THUS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PREVENT THE RECURRENCE OF SUCH INCIDENTS.
"HOWEVER, WHERE STATUTORY MEASURES ARE AVAILABLE, WE DO TAKE ACTION - AS IN THE CASE OF AN INCIDENT INVOLVING A SECONDARY SCHOOL IN KWAI CHUNG IN SEPTEMBER 1988, WHEN A NEARBY FACTORY WAS ORDERED TO SHUT DOWN A MALFUNCTIONING OIL-FIRED HEATER UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE," HE SAID.
"THE FACTORY COMPLIED."
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/11
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
11
STRONGER LINKS BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOLS
*****
OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ‘BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN PROMOTING AND STRENGTHENING LIAISON BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN, MR BRIDGE SAID THE MOST SIGNIFICANT MEASURE WAS A BOOKLET ON GOOD PARENTING ISSUED IN LATE SEPTEMBER.
SUFFICIENT COPIES WERE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO ENABLE ALL PARENTS TO RECEIVE A COPY FREE OF CHARGE, HE SAID.
COPIES WERE ALSO MADE AVAILABLE TO INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THIS ATTRACTIVELY ILLUSTRATED BOOKLET CONTAINED PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS ON THE ROLE PARENTS SHOULD PLAY IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN, HE SAID.
’’FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS AND THE PUBLIC HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING,” MR BRIDGE SAID, ADDING THAT THE INITIAL PRINT RUN OF ONE MILLION COPIES HAD BEEN SUPPLEMENTED BY A SECOND PRINTING OF 100,000 COPIES AT A COST OF $400,000.
MR BRIDGE SAID A CIRCULAR WAS ALSO ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 28 THIS YEAR TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO ACCOMPANY THE BOOKLET URGING SCHOOL HEADS TO DISCUSS THE CONTENTS WITH PARENTS DURING MEETINGS, SEMINARS, OPEN DAYS AND PARENTS’ DAYS.
APPENDED TO THE CIRCULAR WAS A SPECIAL NOTE ON SCHOOL-PARENT LIAISON, SUGGESTING VARIOUS WAYS TO IMPROVE HOME-SCHOOL CONTACT AND MAINTAIN A POSITIVE DIALOGUE WITH PARENTS.
’’MANY SCHOOLS HAVE ALREADY HELD MEETINGS AND GROUP SESSIONS WITH PARENTS, BOTH TO INTRODUCE THE BOOKLET AND TO DISCUSS EDUCATIONAL ISSUES OF MUTUAL CONCERN,” MR BRIDGE SAID.
“EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INSPECTORS AND DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS HAVE ACTED AS GUEST SPEAKERS AT SOME OF THESE MEETINGS.”
TWO MORE BOOKLETS FOR PARENTS WERE BEING PREPARED, ONE FOR PARENTS OF KINDERGARTEN PUPILS AND THE OTHER FOR PARENTS OF PUPILS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS, HE SAID.
/APART FROM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
12
APART FROM THE BOOKLET, MR BRIDGE SAID AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC INTEREST HAD BEEN AIRED ON THE CHINESE CHANNELS OF ALL TV AND RADIO STATIONS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER TO ENCOURAGE PARENTS’ DIRECT INVOLVEMENT IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IN CONJUNCTION WITH- THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, ALSO PRODUCED A SHORT FILM ON THE SAME THEME WHICH WAS BROADCAST IN THE "METRORAMA" PROGRAMME OF THE TVB JADE CHANNEL IN MID-NOVEMBER.
"IN RECENT YEARS A NUMBER OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED INTO SCHOOLS, NOTABLY THE STUDENT GUIDANCE SCHEME IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND THE GUIDANCE SERVICE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS," MR BRIDGE SAID.
"ONE OF THE AIMS OF THESE SERVICES IS TO STRENGTHEN THE LINK BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL."
BESIDES OFFERING GUIDANCE TO PARENTS OF INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS, GUIDANCE TEACHERS AND STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS HAD ORGANISED PROGRAMMES TO PROMOTE THE INVOLVEMENT OF PARENTS GENERALLY IN EDUCATION.
THESE INCLUDED SEMINARS ON THE SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES ALLOCATION SYSTEM, ORIENTATION SESSIONS FOR NEW PUPILS, AND TALKS ON STUDY SKILLS.
MR BRIDGE SAID A SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS, ENTITLED "TOWARDS BETTER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOLS", WOULD BE HELD IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR TO FURTHER STRESS THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF CLOSE PARENT/SCHOOL INVOLVEMENT.
"ALL THESE EFFORTS REQUIRE A CONSIDERABLE INPUT OF RESOURCES, PARTICULARLY HUMAN RESOURCES, BUT IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO QUANTIFY THESE IN MONEY TERMS," HE ADDED.
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RE-EXAMINATION OF RATIO OF OFFICE SPACE
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS STARTED TO RE-EXAMINE THE RATIO OF OFFICE SPACE IN INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARNES SAID THE RE-EXAMINATION WAS ADDRESSED NOT ONLY TO THE POSSIBILITY OF GREATER FLEXIBILITY OF THE USE OF INDUSTRIAL PREMISES, BUT ALSO TO THE WAYS OF RELEASING MORE LAND FOR OFFICE DEVELOPMENT IN THE MEDIUM AND LONGER TERMS.
/"AT PRESENT, ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7> 1988
"AT PRESENT, UP TO 30 PER CENT OF THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF INDUSTRIAL PREMISES MAY BE USED FOR OFFICE PURPOSES WHICH ARE ANCILLARY TO A COMPANY’S INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS WITHOUT THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD’S APPROVAL,” HE SAID IN HIS WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES TIEN.
“FOR ANY ANCILLARY OFFICE USE IN EXCESS OF 30 PER CENT OF THE USABLE FLOOR AREA OF INDUSTRIAL PREMISES; ANY PARTLY ANCILLARY OR UNRELATED OFFICE USE AND ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL USE, THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD’S APPROVAL IS REQUIRED.”
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR THE BOARD HAD ACCEPTED ONLY 20 PER CENT AS BEING A REASONABLE PROPORTION OF A FACTORY’S OVERALL USABLE FLOOR AREA TO BE USED FOR OFFICE SPACE.
IT WAS INCREASED AFTER A STUDY HAD BEEN MADE OF INDUSTRIAL NEEDS.
THIS RATIO COULD NOT BE CHANGED AGAIN PRECIPITATELY OR THE PRINCIPLE OF TIEING OFFICE USE TO FACTORY USE LIGHTLY ABANDONED.
INDUSTRIAL AREAS WERE DESIGNED AND LAID OUT FOR INDUSTRY IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN ASSESSMENT OF DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL ACCOMMODATION, AND MANY BUILDINGS WERE IN ANY CASE SIMPLY NOT SUITABLE TO BE USED AS OFFICES.
MR BARNES ADDED THAT THE ESTIMATED TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, EXCLUDING HOTELS AND SHOPPING CENTRES, EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS WAS IN EXCESS OF 500,000 SQUARE METRES.
THE FIGURE FOR INDUSTRIAL PREMISES WAS IN EXCESS OF TWO MILLION SQUARE METRES.
MORE EXACT FIGURES WOULD BE AVAILABLE WHEN THE 1988 PROPERTY REVIEW WAS COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
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BILL INTENDED TO SOLVE PROBLEMS POSED BY PRIVATE STREETS t ♦ t * *
THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 SETS OUT TO SOLVE THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS POSED BY PRIVATE STREETS WITH MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP THROUGH THE SPEEDING UP OF THE RESUMPTION PROCESS, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IN THF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE BILL, DR IP NOTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAD BEEN DEEPLY TROUBLED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH PRIVATE ROADS.
/THE MATTER
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
- 14
THE MATTER HAD BEEN A FREQUENT ITEM ON THE AGENDA OF DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS.
SHE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE SPENDING ABOUT *250 MILLION ON THE REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENTS OF 300 PRIVATE STREETS.
WITH THIS OBJECTIVE IN MIND, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD MADE EVERY EFFORT TO ENSURE THAT THE ENTITLEMENTS OF OWNERS COMPENSATION WOULD NOT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY THE SIMPLIFICATION IN THE RESUMPTION PROCEDURE.
DR IP POINTED OUT THAT A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP HAD BEEN FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL.
IN MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICERS CONCERNED, THE GROUP HAD COME TO APPRECIATE THAT, OWING TO A SEVERE STAFF SHORTAGE IN THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AND . OTHER PRIORITY WORK, THE DEPARTMENT HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO EXPEDITE THE RESUMPTION PROCESS.
"TO ACHIEVE THE TARGET OF RESUMING 300 PRIVATE STREETS WITHIN THE NEXT 10 TO 12 YEARS, A SIMPLIFIED PROCEDURE NEEDS TO BE ADOPTED. IF NOT, THE PROGRAMME WOULD HAVE TO BE EXTENDED TO 30 YEARS,” SHE SAID.
DR IP SAID THE OTHER REQUIREMENTS UNDER THE ORDINANCE WOULD REMAIN.
THESE WERE TO GIVE NOTICE BY PUBLISHING THE INTENTION IN ONE ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE, ONE ISSUE EACH OF A CHINESE AND ENGLISH NEWSPAPER; AND TO AFFIX A COPY OF THE NOTICE ON OR NEAR THE LAND AFFECTED AND TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
SHE SAID THE GROUP HAD ALSO CLARIFIED WITH THE ADMINISTRATION WHETHER THE COMPENSATABLE RIGHT OF OWNERS WOULD BE AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSAL TO DISPENSE WITH INDIVIDUAL NOTIFICATIONS.
"ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING (PLANNING) REGULATION, ANY PART OF ANY STREET OR SERVICE LANE IS NOT TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN DETERMINING THE PERMITTED SITE COVERAGE AND PLOT RATIO OF A SITE ON WHICH A BUILDING IS ERECTED.
"IT IS THEREFORE UNLIKELY THAT COMPENSATION DUE TO LOSS OF VALUE OR INTEREST WOULD ARISE," SHE SAID.
"BESIDES, THE ROAD WAS A COLLECTIVE LIABILITY RATHER THAN A BENEFIT TO OWNERS.
"RESUMPTION WOULD MEAN THAT THE OBLIGATION TO REPAIR, MAINTAIN AND MANAGE SUCH STREETS IS TRANSFERRED FROM THE OWNERS TO THE GOVERNMENT."
/SHE ALSO
WEDNESDAY! DECEMBER ?f 1988
SHE ALSO SAID THAT, IN AN EFFORT TO OFFER THE BEST POSSIBLE PROTECTION TO OWNERS, AND IN VIEW OF THE COST AND PROCEDURAL COMPLEXITIES INVOLVED, THE GROUP HAD REQUESTED THAT LATE CLAIMS BE PROCESSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WITHOUT REQUIRING THE CLAIMANT TO SEEK A FORMAL EXTENSION FROM THE LANDS TRIBUNAL.
THIS SPECIAL REQUEST HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND DR IP SAID SHE WOULD MOVE AN AMENDMENT UNDER CLAUSE 5(A) AND (B).
THIS WAS TO THE EFFECT THAT THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT WAS EMPOWERED TO PROCESS LATE CLAIMS SERVED ON HIM OUTSIDE THE ONE-YEAR PRESCRIBED PERIOD IF HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE CLAIMANT HAD NOT HAD ACTUAL NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION ORDER.
IN MOVING THE AMENDMENT IN THE COMMITTEE STAGE, DR IP SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVE WAS TO ENABLE ANY LATE CLAIMANT TO SUBMIT A CLAIM WITHOUT HAVING TO INCUR THE TIME AND EXPENSES OF APPLYING TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR AN EXTENSION.
THE AMENDED BILL WAS PASSED BY THE COUNCIL.
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AMENDED INDUSTRIAL REGULATIONS APPROVED ♦ ♦ ♦ * »
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988 WERE APPROVED BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REGULATIONS WERE MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON OCTOBER 22.
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, EXPLAINED THAT THE AMENDMENTS WERE PURELY TECHNICAL AND DID NOT INVOLVE ANY CHANGE IN SUBSTANCE.
THEY HAD THE SUPPORT OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, AND THE REVISED PROCEDURE WAS IN LINE WITH OTHER REGULATIONS UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE.
MR BRIDGE SAID SECTION 7(1) OF THE ORDINANCE EMPOWERED THE COMMISSIONER TO MAKE REGULATIONS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE IN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
/THE FACTORIES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 74 1988
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS) REGULATIONS WERE MADE IN 1977.
REGULATION 4 .PROVIDED THAT NO TOOL OTHER THAN AN APPROVED TOOL LISTED IN THE SCHEDULE SHOULD BE USED IN AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING.
REGULATION 19 PURPORTED TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO AMEND THE SCHEDULE BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE.
"WE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN ADVISED THAT REGULATION 19 MAY HAVE BEEN ULTRA VIRES SECTION 7(1) OF THE ORDINANCE BECAUSE IT IS EXPRESSED AS A SUB-DELEGATION OF THE POWER TO MAKE REGULATIONS, RATHER THAN AS A POWER TO APPROVE CERTAIN TYPES OF EQUIPMENT," HE SAID.
THE PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS WAS TO PUT THE MATTER BEYOND DOUBT BY PROVIDING FOR:
(A) THE REVOCATION OF THE EXISTING REGULATION 19 AND THE SCHEDULE;
(B) THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW REGULATION 19 TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER TO APPROVE TOOLS BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE; AND
(C) THE AMENDMENT OF THE DEFINITION OF "APPROVED TOOL" TO REFLECT THESE CHANGES.
- - 0 - -
TWO BILLS PASSED
it*
TWO BILLS WERE PASSED IN TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
THEY WERE THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988 AND
THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
IN ADDITION, A MOTION MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THAT THE COUNCIL APPROVE THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (CARTRIDGE-OPERATED FIXING TOOLS) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988, WAS PASSED.
/17
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
17
IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED FOR SAN YICK REFUGEES
*****
THE REFUGEE COORDINATOR, MR MIKE HANSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MET HALL REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SAN YICK REFUGEE CENTRE TO DISCUSS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE CONDITIONS IN THE BUILDING, HEALTH CARE AND THE OPERATION OF THE LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME.
MR HANSON ALSO DISCUSSED WITH THEM THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR AN INTERIM MOVE FOR SOME PEOPLE PRIOR TO THE AVAILABILITY OF THE NEW ACCOMMODATION AT PILLAR POINT.
THE REFUGEE REPRESENTATIVES EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE AND AGREED TO CONSULT THEIR FELLOW REFUGEES.
MR HANSON OFFERED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO MOVE ANYONE WHO WISHED TO MOVE TO THE TEMPORARY CAMP AT PILLAR POINT.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT IT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE FURTHER ACCOMMODATION ON A TEMPORARY BASIS BY JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MR HANSON EXPLAINED THE CURRENT LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME.
AS PART OF THIS PROGRAMME, HE SAID THAT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, ARRANGEMENTS WERE BEING MADE FOR THE SAN YICK REFUGEES TO HAVE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN THREE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL VENUES IN TUEN MUN.
"THESE EXTRA VENUES ARE THE TUEN MUN TOWN PARK, THE SAN HUI PLAYGROUND AND THE SOCCER PITCH AT HO TIN STREET," HE SAID.
"AT PRESENT, MORE THAN 860 REFUGEES GO OUT OF SAN YICK EVERY DAY EITHER FOR SCHOOLING, EMPLOYMENT, CULTURAL ORIENTATION ' OR RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITES."
AT THE MEETING, SUPERVISORY STAFF OF THE CENTRE ALSO BRIEFED REPRESENTATIVES ON BASIC GUIDELINES OF PERSONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND ASKED THEM TO HELP PASS THE MESSAGES TO OTHER REFUGEES.
MR HANSON SAID: "THE GOVERNMENT AGREES WITH THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES THAT THE SAN YICK BUILDING IS UNSUITABLE FOR. LONG-TERM REFUGEE ACCOMMODATION. IT HAS THEREFORE AGREED TO CLOSE THE BUILDING AS SOON AS ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE.
"IN THE MEANTIME, THE LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME WILL BRING IMPROVEMENTS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF AN INTERIM MOVE WILL ALSO HELP.
"THE GOVERNMENT IS. DETERMINED TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS AND WILL NOT TAKE ANY RISK WITH THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE IN THE BUILDING.
"THE UNHCR REPORT HAS BEEN TAKEN VERY SERIOUSLY AND THERE WILL BE FURTHER DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UNHCR."
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/18........
WEDNESDAY, DECHMBER 7, 1988 '
- 18 -
PAPER ON REFUGEE CENTRE TO BE TABLED AT DB MEETING
* * t * t
A SUMMARY PAPER ON ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE SHAM SHUI PO REFUGEE CENTRE WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE PAPER ALSO COVERS THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE AGENCIES*
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE URBAN COUNCIL SHAM SHUI PO COMPLEX AT PEI HO STREET, FOLLOWING A MEETING ON NOVEMBER 22 BETWEEN A NUMBER OF BOARD MEMBERS AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT REPRESENTATIVES TO EXCHNGE VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL COMMENT ON THE REPLY OF THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE TO A LETTER FROM THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN.
THE REPLY EXPLAINED THE EXISTING LEGISLATION CONCERNING, AND THE PROCEDURES FOR RAISING AN OBJECTION TO, ANY PROPOSED PERMANENT AND SHORT TERM CHANGE OF LAND USE, AS WELL AS RELATED MATTERS.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION ARE THE LICENSING GUIDELINES FOR AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES, LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR AT CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND AND THE FORMATION OF A DISTRICT BOARD ATHLETICS TEAM.
PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE WORK OF THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING BEGINNING AT 2 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL IN SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.
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/19........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
- 19 -
$960 MILLION BUILDING CONTRACTS AWARDED BY HOUSING AUTHORITY
* * * * *
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY AWARDED FIVE BUILDING CONTRACTS WORTH MORE THAN $960 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT OF OLDER ESTATES.
THE CONTRACTS WERE SIGNED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG, AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS.
THE LARGEST CONTRACT IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FUNG TAK ESTATE PHASE 2 AT DIAMOND HILL NORTH, WHICH IS WORTH OVER $333 MILLION.
UNDER THE PROJECT, TWO 35-STOREY TRIDENT-4 BLOCKS AND TWO 22-STOREY LINKED NEW SLAB BLOCKS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED, PROVIDING A TOTAL OF 2 250 FLATS WITH KINDERGARTEN, EARLY EDUCATION TRAINING CENTRE, HOME CUM CARE AND ATTENTION UNIT, AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICES.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMERCIAL AND CARPARK COMPLEX WITH LORRY AND CAR PARKING SPACES, SHOPS, MARKET STALLS, ESTATE MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND SQUASH COURTS.
ANOTHER CONTRACT VALUED AT $177 MILLION IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO 35-STOREY TRIDENT-3 BLOCKS AND ONE SEVEN-STOREY PRIMARY SCHOOL AT KING LAM ESTATE PHASE 2, JUNK BAY.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE DEVELOPMENT WILL PROVIDE 1 870 FLATS OF WHICH 816 UNITS CAN BE TRANSFERRED INTO HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME (HOS) FLATS FOR SALE.
THE THIRD CONTRACT IS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF KWAI FONG ESTATE PHASE 2 AND WORTH OVER $168 MILLION.
TWO 25-STOREY LINEAR-3 BLOCKS AND ONE 27-STOREY LINEAR-1 BLOCK WILL BE CONSTRUCTED, TOGETHER WITH A HOUSING DEPARTMENT DISTRICT MAINTENANCE OFFICE AND A THREE-STOREY CARPARK BLOCK.
ALSO SIGNED TODAY WERE TWO BUILDING CONTRACTS FOR HOS PROJECTS AT MA ON SHAN AND LAI KING, WORTH $160 MILLION AND $121 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
THE MA ON SHAN PROJECT IS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE 36-STOREY NEW HOS CRUCIFORM BLOCKS WITH 1 050 FLATS AT MA ON SHAN AREA 103 PHASE 1.
UNDER THE $121 MILLION CONTRACT, CONSTRUCTION WILL BE CARRIED OUT FOR TWO 36-STOREY FLEX I-3 HOS BLOCKS AT LAI KING WITH 560 FLATS AND A FOUR-STOREY COMMERCIAL COMPLEX ACCOMMODATING 1 500 SQUARE METRE OF SHOPPING AREA AND 150 PARKING SPACES.
_ _ 0----------
/2O........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
20 -
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY AWARD SCHEME LAUNCHED *****
CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE TRIP BY TAKING PART IN THE SAFETY AWARD SCHEME ORGANISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND 1’HE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY OF THE SCHEME, MR MA CHING-KO, SAID THE AIM WAS TO PROMOTE WORK SAFETY AMONG WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
HE NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE 5TH TIME THAT THE SCHEME WAS HELD AND MANY WORKERS, CONTRACTORS AND CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES TOOK PART IN THE EVENT IN THE PAST YEARS.
"THIS YEAR, THE SCHEME OFFERS THREE AWARDS - THE OUTSTANDING SAFETY SUPERVISOR CONTEST, THE SAFETY SITE CONTEST, AND THE ’WHAT’S WRONG IN THE PICTURE’ IQ SAFETY CONTEST," HE SAID.
THERE WILL BE THREE MAJOR PRIZES AND A NUMBER OF CONSOLATION PRIZES FOR THE CONTESTS.
THE WINNER OF THE "WHAT'S WRONG IN THE PICTURE" IQ SAFETY CONTEST WILL BE GIVEN A TRAVEL COUPON WORTH $4,000 FOR A PACKAGE TOUR OF HIS CHOICE.
WINNERS OF THE SAFETY SITE CONTEST WILL BE PRESENTED WITH ROAST PIGS SYMBOLISING SAFETY TO CONSTRUCTION WORKERS, WHILE WINNERS OF THE OUTSTANDING SAFETY SUPERVISOR CONTEST WILL BE AWARDED GOLD MEDALS AND SAFETY BOOTS.
ENTRIES FOR THE THREE CONTESTS WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 31.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT; THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION, 182 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI; AND THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION, 395 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE AT 5-8523562, THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION AT 5-724414, OR THE HONG KONG CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY EMPLOYEES GENERAL UNION AT 3-886887.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S CONFERENCE WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF '1 HE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SAFETY SUB-COMMITTEE, MR PETER NIE, AND THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN.
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/21 ........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7,
1988
21
SAFETY FORUM FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS * * * * »
ABOUT 500 WORKERS FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK AT A FORUM TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE EVENT, AIMED AT ENHANCING WORKERS' AWARENESS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE, THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS (FTU) AND THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH COUNCIL (OSHC).
IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTS THE ROLE WORKERS SHOULD PLAY IN SAFEGUARDING THEIR OWN WELL-BEING, AND SERVES AS A REMINDER TO FACTORY OWNERS AND WORKERS OF THEIR RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES) REGULATIONS, 1988 COME INTO FORCE ON DECEMBER 15.
GUEST SPEAKERS AT THE FORUM INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER OF THE STAR INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD., MR KENNETH TONGSON; THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF FTU, MISS LAM SUK-YEE; AND THE CHIEF FACTORY INSPECTOR OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR YIP YUK-LUN.
THE FORUM WILL BE OPENED BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK; THE CHAIRMAN OF FTU, MR CHENG YIU-TONG; AND THE CHAIRMAN OF OSHC, MR HO SAI-CHU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THR FORUM WHICH WILL BE HELD ON THE NINTH FLOOR, FTU WORKERS’ CLUB BUILDING, 50 MA TAU CHUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN, TOMORROW (THURSDAY). THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 6.30 PM.
- - 0 -
KAI TAK GETTING READY FOR MORE PASSENGERS ♦ t ♦ ♦ *
TWO NEW BAGGAGE RECLAIM UNITS WILL COMMENCE OPERATION IN THE ARRIVALS HALL OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING OF THE AIRPORT, ALMOST DOUBLING THE BAGGAGE HANDLING CAPACITY.
EACH NEW UNIT CAN PROCESS 1,440 PIECES OF LUGGAGE PER HOUR. COMBINED WITH THE EXISTING FOUR AUTOMATED RECLAIM UNITS, THE ENTIRE SYSTEM WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE UP TO 8,640 PIECES BAGGAGE IN AN HOUR.
/AT THE
WEDNESDAY, DECHHBER 7, 1988
- 22 -
AT THE SAME TIME, A NEW 2,000 SQUARE-METRE ARRIVALS HALL, A 2,100 SQUARE-METRE CUSTOMS HALL AND A 3,000 SQUARE-METRE LOUNGE IN THE DEPARTURES RESTRICTED AREA WILL ALSO COME INTO USE AS THE STAGE V PASSENGER TERMINAL EXTENSION PROJECT REACHES COMPLETION.
FINISHING TOUCHES ARE BEING APPLIED TO OTHER NEW FACILITIES INCLUDING TWO NEW CHECK-IN ISLANDS IN THE DEPARTURES HALL, 72 IMMIGRATION COUNTERS, 20 CUSTOMS INSPECTION BENCHES, AND ADDITIONAL AIRLINE OFFICES TOGETHER WITH NEW SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS.
ALL OF THESE WILL BE OPENED TO MEET THE PEAK TRAFFIC PERIOD OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
THE $273-MILLION STAGE V EXTENSION PROJECT IS A FURTHER MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF KAI TAK WHICH HAS UNDERGONE MANY PHASES OF EXPANSION TO COPE WITH THE EVER-INCREASING GROWTH IN PASSENGER DEMAND.
BY THE END OF 1988, MORE THAN 15 MILLION PASSENGERS WILL HAVE USED THE AIRPORT, WELL ABOVE THE ORIGINAL DESIGN CAPACITY OF 12 MILLION PEOPLE A YEAR OF THE EXISTING. TERMINAL.
WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, THE NEW EXTENSION WILL PROVIDE A 50 PER CENT INCREASE IN BOTH SPACE AND PASSENGER PROCESSING CAPABILITY, RAISING THE TOTAL TERMINAL HANDLING CAPACITY TO THE ORDER OF 20 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR.
--------o----------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN EASTERN DISTRICT
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10), THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KING’S ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 17 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FUK YUEN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 92 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM CHAI WAN ROAD TO THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WESTBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO DAYS FOR ROADWORKS.
VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ALDRICH STREET, PO MAN STREET, MONG LUNG STREET, TUNG HEI ROAD AND NAM ON LANE.
MOREOVER, ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10), THE WESTBOUND CMB BUS ROUTE 780 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, TAIKOO SHING ROAD, TAI MOU AVENUE AND TAIKOO WAN ROAD BEFORE REJOINING THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
------o-------- /?J....................
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 198?
- 23 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI NORTH AND SHEUNG WAN * * * ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10), HARBOUR ROAD IN WAN CHAI NORTH BETWEEN FENWICK STREET AND FLEMING ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM THE NEXT DAY (SUNDAY), THE EASTBOUND TRAM TRACK IN MORRISON STREET IN SHEUNG WAN FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A TRAM-ONLY LANE.
------ 0 - - - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE VEHICULAR UNDERPASS IN SHAM SHUI PO LEADING FROM LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND TO NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON THAT DAY FOR THE CLEANING OF THE UNDERPASS.
MOTORISTS ON LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR NAM CHEONG STREET SOUTHBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LUNG PING ROAD AND LUNG PING ROAD/NAM CHEONG STREET FLYOVER.
TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS, THE SLIP ROAD IN CENTRAL LEADING FROM COTTON TREE DRIVE SOUTHBOUND TO QUEENSWAY WESTBOUND WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM DAILY ON DECEMBER 10 AND 11.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA COTTON TREE DRIVE, GARDEN ROAD AND QUEENSWAY.
MEANWHILE, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN'S PIER AND H.M.S. TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 AM TO 6.30 PM DAILY ON DECEMBER 10, 11, 17 AND 18 FOR THE HOLDING OF A CAREER EXHIBITION.
------O-------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SLIP ROAD ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN YUEN WO ROAD EASTBOUND AND WO CHE STREET NORTHBOUND WILL BE CLOSED FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 29 FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
AS CONGESTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THIS SECTION OF YUEN WO ROAD.
------O -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CS: 1997 NOT A SIGN. kL FOR DRAMATIC CHANGE.................. 1
PRIORITY SET FOR LAW TRANSLATION ............................ J
KAI TAK CAPABLE OF FURTHER SOMiSION ......................... 5
TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME LAUNCHED........................... 7
GROWING PROSPERITY BECOMES PROBLEM FOR HK: HaMISH MACLEOD . 10
REVISION OF RENT LEVEL...................................... 12
FRUITFUL RESULT IN COMBATTING PIRnCY, COUNTERFEITING ....... 15
CUSTOMS MOBILE X-RAY UNITS IN OPERATION SOON ............... 14
HKU VICE CHANCELLOR TO HEAD EPCOM .......................... 15
NEW LAW EFFECTS VOLUNTARY CLOSURE OF 101 UNLICENSED FOOD
PREMISES .............................................. 16
FIRST WHOLESALE MARKET IN NT ............................... 17
FIRST PERMANENT INTEGRATED WHOLESALE MARKET ................ 18
CONFERENCE .J4D WORKSHOP ON CAREERS GUIDANCE................ 19
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN STARTS SATURDAY .. 19
JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENT READING AW; .RD SCHEME............. 21
ZiMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRE REGULATIONS ON DB AGENDj............ 22
TaXI OPERATION IN MA ON SILiN ON aGENDA..................... 22
SEMIN.iR ON SECURITY FOR GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERS........... 25
SOUTHERN TO HOLD KEEP HK CLEAN P JUDE ON SUNDAY............. 25
YUEN LONG .J?TS FESTIVAL OPENS ............................. 24
KWUN TONG FESTIVAL CLOSES OK SaTURDaY....................... 25
EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP....................... 26
CHRISTMAS ..ND NEW YEAR POSTAL ARRANGEMENT.................. 26
FESTIVE LIGHTING REFLECTS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ............. 27
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOR CHILDREN OF HOMES .................... 28
FUNDS RAISED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ........................ 29
TRAFFIC .JUDGEMENTS IN CENTRAL, SHEUNG WmN ................. 50
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC /JUDGEMENTS IN MID-LEVELS ................ 51
TEMPOR^Y RO.xD CLOSURES .................................... 51
SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES ............................... 51
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8,
1988
1
CS: 1997 NOT A SIGNAL FOR DRAMATIC CHANGE * * * * *
THE REST OF THE WORLD WILL OVER THE YEARS HOPEFULLY BEGIN TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HONG KONG PEOPLE ALREADY KNOW -- THAT 1997, ALTHOUGH SIGNIFICANT, IS NOT A SIGNAL FOR A DRAMATIC CHANGE IN THE TERRITORY’S ECONOMIC OR POLITICAL SYSTEM OR ITS LIFESTYLE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN BOSTON ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 7).
"SOME PEOPLE REMAIN WORRIED, SOME PEOPLE WILL LEAVE BUT THE VAST MAJORITY LOVE THE PLACE AND THE LIFESTYLE AND ARE DETERMINED TO STAY AND MAKE THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS WORK," SIR DAVID SAID.
ADDRRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE BOSTON WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL, THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT WHILE SOME FORMAL CHANGES WOULD OCCUR IN 1997, THERE WOULD BE CONTINUITY FOR MANY YEARS AFTERWARDS.
THE BRITISH AND THE CHINESE HAD AGREED ON TWO FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES WHICH WOULD BE DEMONSTRATED IN 1997 -- THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY FROM BRITAIN TO CHINA, AND CONTINUITY, SIR DAVID SAID.
"BOTH SIDES, IN PRACTICE, WANT HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO FUNCTION JUST AS IT DOES NOW, BUT THE CHINESE QUITE PROPERLY WANT CLEAR RECOGNITION OF THE FACT THAT HONG KONG WILL NO LONGER BE BRITISH BUT CHINESE," HE ADDED.
"THE FLAGS WILL CHANGE. THE GOVERNOR WILL DEPART, TO BE REPLACED BY A HONG KONG RESIDENT OF CHINESE NATIONALITY AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
"THE BRITISH ARMY AND NAVY WILL WITHDRAW, AND WILL BE REPLACED BY A CHINESE PLA GARRISON.
"BRITISH CITIZENS WILL NO LONGER BE SEEN IN THE MOST SENIOR GOVERNMENT POSITIONS. HONG KONG CHINESE WILL OCCUPY THE 20 OR SO MOST PROMINENT POSTS, THOUGH THIS PROCESS IS LIKELY TO HAVE DEVELOPED SO CONSIDERABLY WELL BEFORE 1997 THAT THERE WILL BE LITTLE VISIBLE CHANGE IN PERSONALITIES," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
"MUCH, MUCH MORE WILL NOT CHANGE," SIR DAVID EMPHASISED.
HE SAID THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD BE ENTIRELY UNAFFECTED.
"AS IT IS , MOST FOREIGN CORRORATIONS OPERATING IN HONG KONG EMPLOY MANY LOCALS, OFTEN IN SENIOR POSITIONS, FOR THE VERY GOOD REASON THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE SIMPLY THE BEST FOR THE JOB.
"BUT THERE ARE MANY EXPATRIATES, AND THEIR POSITION WILL NOT BE AFFECTED ONE IOTA BY THE. CHANGE IN SOVEREIGNTY," SIR DAVID SAID.
/THE CHIEF .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
2 -
THE CHIEF SECRETARY REITERATED THAT THE JUDICIARY WOULD NOT BE AFFECTED AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM, BASED UPON BRITISH COMMON LAW, WOULD REMAIN INTACT AND BASICALLY UNALTERED BY THE CHANGEOVER.
"A LARGE NUMBER OF EXPATRIATE JUDGES WILL REMAIN IN THE TERRITORY AFTER 1997," HE SAID.
ON JULY 1, 1997, THE LEGISLATURE WOULD TAKE A NEW OATH OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF HONG KONG, BUT UNDER ARRANGEMENTS CURRENTLY UNDER DISCUSSION IN CHINA, THE INDIVIDUALS WOULD NOT CHANGE, SIR DAVID SAID.
THE STRUCTURE OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT CHANGE, NOR WOULD THE VAST MAJORITY OF ITS OFFICIALS, HE NOTED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT ALREADY MANY SENIOR CIVIL SERVANTS IN POSITIONS OF THE HIGHEST RESPONSIBILITY WERE CHINESE, AND THAT THE PRESENT TREND WAS TOWARDS A GRADUAL DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF EXPATRIATES IN THE GOVERNMENT.
"NOT THAT THE EXPATRIATES WILL IN ANY SENSE BE UNWELCOME AFTER 1997: THE CHINESE HAVE GONE OUT OF THEIR WAY TO EMPHASISE, FOR INSTANCE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, HOW MUCH THEY VALUE THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE EXPATRIATES, AND HOW THEY HOPED THAT THEY WILL STAY ON," SIR DAVID SAID.
"WE ESTIMATE THAT A SIZEABLE PROPORTION OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE EXPATRIATE FOR MANY YEARS AFTER 1997," HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO NOTED THAT SEMI-GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WOULD CONTINUE AS BEFORE.
THE BORDER WOULD BE CONTROLLED BY HONG KONG’S IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT; VEHICLES WOULD CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD; THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WOULD REMAIN A FREELY CONVERTIBLE CURRENCY INDEPENDENT OF THE RMB; AND HORSE RACING WOULD REMAIN A FEATURE OF HONG KONG LIFE, SIR DAVID SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION GUARANTEED THE PRESS THE SAME FREEDOMS AFTER 1997 AS BEFORE.
"I HAVE MENTIONED THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HONG KONG AFTER 1997 WILL BE A HONG KONG PERSON, RATHER THAN A CADRE FROM PEKING.
"THIS PRINCIPLE APPLIES ACROSS THE GOVERNMENT AND SOCIETY AS A WHOLE,” SIR DAVID SAID.
THIS MEANT HONG KONG PEOPLE WOULD RULE HONG KONG, HE ADDED.
/"THERE WILL
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
"THERE WILL NO DOUBT BE AN OFFICIAL CHINESE PRESENCE IN HONG KONG, RELATED TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEFENCE AND FOREIGN AFFAIRS, AND THIS WILL BE QUITE PROPER — BUT IT WILL NOT BE PART OF ,HE HING
KONG GOVERNMENT," SIR DAVID SAID.
"IN FORMAL TERMS, HONG KONG WILL IN FACT ENJOY A FAP GREATER DEGREE OF AUTONOMY FROM PEKING THAN IT HAS EVER FROM LONDON.
"THIS IS IN RECOGNITION, OF COURSE, OF THE REALITY THAT LONDON IN PRACTICE GRANTS HONG KONG PRETTY COMPLETE FREEDOM IN THE HANDLING OF ITS OWN AFFAIRS.
"THE WHOLE IDEA IS THAT AUTONOMY WILL CONTINUE, UP TO AND BEYOND JULY 1, 1997," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO TRADE, SIR DAVID SAID THAT MORE THAN EVER BEFORE HONG KONG WAS THE SPRINGBOARD TO DOING BUSINESS IN CHINA.
HE SAID HONG KONG PROVIDED MORE DIRECT FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN CHINA THAN THE REST OF THE WORLD PUT TOGETHER.
"CHINA IS NOW HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER - THAT TRADE WAS WORTH US$26 BILLION IN 1987," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT MOST OF THE BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG WERE THEMSELVES CHINESE, WESTERN-ORIENTED AND TRAINED, SIR DAVID SAID THEY WERE PERFECT PARTNERS FOR WESTERN BUSINESSES SEEKING TO BREAK INI THE CHINA MARKET.
------0-------
PRIORITY SET FOR LAW TRANSLATION * * * * *
THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS RECOMMENDED THAT FOR 1989 PRIORITY ATTENTION IN LAW TRANSLATION SHOULD BE DEVOTED TO TWO MAJOR GROUPINGS - CRIMINAL LAWS AS WELL AS EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR LAW.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS DECIDED THAT PRIORITY MUST BE GIVEN TO THE TRANSLATION OF ORDINANCES WHICH ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE CONSULTED BY LARGE SECTIONS OF THE PUBLIC AND TO BE USED IN THE LOWER COURTS IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, DR DANIEL TSE, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT WHICH HE REPORTED ON THE COMMITTEE'S WORK PLAN.
/DR TSE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
DR TSE SAID THE RECOMMENDATION FOLLOWED A REVIEW BY THE COMMITTEE OF A LIST CONTAINING 24 MAJOR GROUPINGS OF EXISTING ORDINANCES PREPARED BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION.
"THERE ARE 39 ORDINANCES WITHIN THESE TWO MAJOR GROUPS," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, HAVING REGARD TO THE LIMITED STAFF RESOURCES AND COMPLEXITY OF THESE ORDINANCES, THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT 10 OF THEM SHOULD BE TRANSLATED WITHIN 1989."
THESE ARE THE CRIME ORDINANCE, SUMMARY OFFENCES ORDINANCE, OFFENCES AGAINST THE PERSONS ORDINANCE, PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE, CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE, PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, SOCIETIES ORDINANCE, EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND LABOUR TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE.
THE BILINGUAL LAWS ADVISORY COMMITTEE WAS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN OCTOBER TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE PUBLICATION OF LAWS IN CHINESE.
AT ITS FIRST MEETING ON NOVEMBER 29, THE COMMITTEE NOTED THE PROGRESS OF LAW TRANSLATION BY THE GOVERNMENT AND AGREED ON PROCEDURES TO BE ADOPTED FOR THE OPERATION OF THE COMMITTEE.
DR TSE SAID: "THE COMMITTEE NOTED THAT AT PRESENT THERE ARE 31 VOLUMES OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG, CONSISTING OF 523 PUBLIC ORDINANCES, TOTALLING ABOUT 20,000 PAGES.
"TRANSLATION OF THESE ORDINANCES ARE BEING DEALT WITH BY A TEAM CONSISTING OF FOUR S1NOPHONE COUNSEL, ONE CHIEF AND ABOUT 10 SENIOR CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS WORKING IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBER.
"SO FAR, TRANSLATION OF 17 ORDINANCES HAS BEEN COMPLETED."
ON THE PROGRAMME OF TRANSLATION BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION, DR TSE SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD NOTED THAT HAVING REGARD TO THE PRESENT STAFFING SITUATION IN THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION, IT WOULD BE UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT THE DIVISION TO EMBARK ON AN AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME.
AS TO WORKING PROCEDURES, HE SAID THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THAT ITS PRIME TASKS WERE:
- TO SCRUTINISE THE TRANSLATED TEXTS OF EXISTING ORDINANCES PRODUCED BY THE LAW DRAFTING DIVISION;
- TO ENDORSE, AFTER DELIBERATION, THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE TRANSLATED TEXTS;
- AND TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON THE PUBLICATION IN CHINESE OF THE EXISTING LAWS ENACTED IN ENGLISH.
/•’EFFECTIVE SCRUTINY.........
THURSDAY। DECEMBER 8t 1988
- 5 -
’’EFFECTIVE SCRUTINY WILL BE ENSURED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WHO ARE EXPERTS IN LAW AND LANGUAGE,” HE SAID.
’’THE VIEWS OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION WILL BE REFLECTED TO THE COMMITTEE BY THEIR RESPECTIVE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE COMMITTEE."
LOOKING AHEAD, DR TSE SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD DECIDED THAT ONE OF ITS FIRST TASKS WAS TO CONSIDER THE TRANSLATED TEXT OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
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KAI TAK CAPABLE OF FURTHER EXPANSION * * ♦ * ♦
THE RECENTLY COMPLETED CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE ULTIMATE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF KAI TAK AIRPORT CONFIRMS THAT DESPITE SITE CONSTRAINT, FURTHER EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENTS WOULD ENABLE IT TO COPE WITH TRAFFIC WELL INTO THE 1990’S, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
MRS CHAN WAS ADDRESSING A GATHERING OF SEVERAL HUNDRED BUSINESSMEN AND PROFESSIONALS AT A DINNER CO-HOSTED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
SHE SAID THE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDED ENHANCEMENT OF THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM, ADDITIONAL APRON PARKING FACILITIES FOR AIRCRAFT, MEASURES TO OPTIMISE USAGE OF THE SINGLE RUNWAY, AND IMPROVED ROAD ACCESS.
"OF MORE IMMEDIATE INTEREST IS THE EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING WHICH WILL INCREASE HANDLING CAPACITY FROM THE EXISTING 14.4 MILLION TO 20 MILLION PASSENGERS PER ANNUM," SHE SAID.
"THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC BY DECEMBER 15, 1988 THOUGH IT WILL TAKE A FEW MONTHS FOR THE VARIOUS FACILITIES TO GEAR UP FOR FULL SERVICE.
"THE TOTAL PUBLIC AREA OF THE TERMINAL WILL BE INCREASED BY ALMOST 50 PER CENT AND THE NEW FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE THREE NEW RESTAURANTS, TWO EXTRA ARRIVAL BAGGAGE RECLAIM LOOPS, TWO NEW CHECK-IN ISLANDS, A NEW GROUP BAGGAGE HANDLING FACILITY AND A NEW DEPARTURE BAGGAGE HANDLING COMPUTER SYSTEM.
/"WE FULLY
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
6
"WE FULLY EXPECT THAT THESE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES WILL OFFER THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AN IMPROVED AND MORE COMFORTABLE STANDARD OF SERVICE THAT WILL COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH BUSY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS ELSEWHERE," SHE NOTED.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT IN THE MEANTIME IMPROVEMENTS TO AIRCRAFT PARKING AND CARGO HANDLING AREAS AS WELL AS ACCESS TO THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING WERE PROCEEDING.
"THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL TURN ITS ATTENTION NEXT TO REFURBISHMENT OF EXISTING FACILITIES AS WELL AS LONGER TERM IMPROVEMENTS TO PROVIDE BETTER ACCOMMODATION FOR AIRCRAFT PASSENGER AND CARGO HANDLING," SHE SAID.
PROJECTS COMMITTED BETWEEN NOW AND 1992-1993 AMOUNTED TO A TOTAL VALUE OF OVER $550 MILLION, SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT WS EXAMINING THE PACKAGE OF IMPROVEMENTS RECOMMENDED BY THE CONSULTANTS TO PROLONG THE LIFE OF KAI TAK, AT A TOTAL COST OF ABOUT $2.4 BILLION.
MRS CHAN ALSO MENTIONED THAT HOTEL SERVICES CONTRIBUTED TO THE ABILITY OF HONG KONG TO ATTRACT FIRST TIME VISITORS AND THOSE MAKING A RETURN TRIP.
"IN MANY WAYS, HONG KONG HAS BECOME A GREAT METROPOLIS OF THE EAST. THE WORLD COMMUNITY IS BECOMING MORE MOBILE AND MORE AND MORE TRAVELLERS ARE FINDING THEIR WAY TO HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
HONG KONG’S HOTELS RANKED AMONGST THE FINEST IN THE WORLD AND INVESTMENT IN THE HOTEL SECTOR HAD REMAINED STRONG IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.
"TAKING INTO ACCOUNT DEMOLITIONS, THE NUMBER OF HOTELS INCREASED FROM 51 AT THE END OF 1985 TO 58 AT THE END OF JUNE 1988. SIX NEW HOTELS ARE DUE TO COMMENCE BUSINESS LATER THIS YEAR,” SHE SAID.
"THE SUPPLY OF HOTEL ROOMS WILL INCREASE FROM JUST UNDER 2i,000 ROOMS IN 1988 TO OVER 36,000 IN 1992," SHE SAID.
WHILE THE SUPPLY OF HOTEL ROOMS WAS VERY SATISFACTORY, MRS CHAN NOTED THAT THERE WAS GENERAL CONCERN OVER HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO STAFF THE VARIOUS FACILITIES BECAUSE OF THE PRESENT TIGHT LABOUR SITUATION.
TO ENSURE A STEADY SUPPLY OF SKILLED LABOUR, SHE SAID THE HOTEL INDUSTRY, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT, WAS MAKING A CONCERTED EFFORT TO TRAIN AND RETAIN STAFF AND TO ENCOURAGE GREATER PRODUCTIVITY.
UNDER THE REGISTERED HOTEL CAREER TRAINEE SCHEME LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, ABOUT 300 TRAINEES WERE ALREADY UNDERGOING TRAINING IN SOME 30 MEMBER HOTELS OF THE HONG KONG HOTELS ASSOCIATION.
/HEANWIIILK, THE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
MEANWHILE, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC HAD FOR RUNNING A FULL-TIME HIGHER DIPLOMA COURSE IN INSTITUTIONAL AND CATERING STUDIES AND A PART-TIME HIGHER CERTIFICATE HOTEL CATERING AND INSTITUTIONAL MANAGEMENT.
YEARS BEEN MANAGEMENT COURSE IN
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE ASIDE A SUBVENTION OF $11.5 MILLION FOR THE HONG KONG INTRODUCE A NEW BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE COURSE MANAGEMENT THIS YEAR, MRS CHAN SAID, NOTING THAT THIS DEGREE COURSE OE' ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
HAD ALSO SET POLYTECHNIC TO IN HOSPITALITY WAS THE FIRST
HOTEL TRAINING
THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ALSO OFFERED
THE VOCAI1ONAL DipL0MA COURSES THAT EQUIPPED
------ T0 SUPERVISORY
FOR OVER 1,200 STUDENTS A YEAR, ---- -
SERVING MEMBERS OF THE HOTEL INDUSTRY
FOR
PROMOTION
LEVELS.
HONG KONG THE COMING
CONVENTION AND OF AGE OF HONG
TURNING TO THE NEWLY INAUGURATED EXHIBITION CENTRE, MRS CHAN SAID IT MARKED KONG AS THE LEADING EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION DESTINATION IN ASIA.
THE GENERATION OF MORE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION HONG KONG WOULD ENHANCE HONG KONG'S INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND WOULD HELP INCREASE TOURISM RECEIPTS BY LENGTHENING STAY OF VISITORS AND THEREFORE THEIR SPENDING IN HONG
BUSINESS TO
IMPORTANCE
THE AVERAGE
KONG, SHE
ADDED.
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TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME LAUNCHED
♦ * t * *
THE GOVERNMENT'S TRIAD RENUNCIATION OPERATION TODAY (THURSDAY) ALLOWING PEOPLE TO INVOLVEMENT AND ENABLING RENOUNCERS TO BE FREE PREVIOUS OFFENCES RELATING TO TRIAD MEMBERSHIP.
SCHEME COMES INTO
RENOUNCE THEIR TRIAD FROM PROSECUTION FOR
PRESS CONFERENCE, A
PRINCIPAL XSSISTANt'sECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MISS NANCY LAW, SAID THE scSe Cou“ S a Sad member or a ■>’1’?™, who believed himself to HF A TRIAD MEMBER, TO FORMALLY RENOUNCE HIS TRIAD MEMBERSHIP, FREE HIMSELF^FROM THE TAINT OF TRIAD INVOLVEMENT, AND START AFRESH IN
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE
SCHEME AT A
SOCIETY.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,'' SHE SAID.
MISS RENUNCIATION
LAW ALSO TRIBUNAL
ANNOUNCED THE SETTING UP OF AND THE APPOINTMENT OF MR KENNETH MOK
A TRIAD
WAH-KO AS
THE CHAIRMAN.
/"THE TRIAD ..........
•1
THURSDAYt DECEMBER 8, 1988
8
’’THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION TRIBUNAL IS RESPONSIBLE THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME,” SHE SAID.
FOR OPERATING
"IT IS AN INDEPENDENT BODY, WHOSE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER SECTION 26B OF THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE.
"THE TRIBUNAL IS NOT LINKED TO EITHER THE POLICE OR THE JUDICIARY. IT IS A COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT BODY WITH POWER TO
DETERMINE ITS OWN PROCEDURES.
"IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE IDENTITY OF APPLICANTS FOR
RENUNCIATION, THE TRIBUNAL’S PROCEEDINGS AND RECORDS WILL BE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL, AND RECORDS WILL ONLY BE RELEASED IN SPECIF.ED CIRCUMSTANCES.
"ALL MEMBERS OF THE TRIBUNAL, INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN AND STAFF OF THE TRIBUNAL SECRETARIAT, ARE SUBJECT TO STRICT SECRECY PROVISIONS.”
MISS LAW STRESSED THAT THE AIM OF THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME WAS NOT TO GET INFORMATION ON INDIVIDUAL TRIAD MEMBERS, NOR WAS IT AN ATTEMPT TO CATCH MORE TRIAD MEMBERS.
"IT IS A SCHEME WHICH OFFERS A CHANCE TO ANY PERSON WHO HAS BECOME INVOLVED WITH TRIADS TO WIPE AWAY THE SMEAR OF TRIAD INVOLVEMENT AND MAKE A CLEAN START IN SOCIETY," SHE SAID.
THE NEWLY-APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION TRIBUNAL, MR KENNETH MOK, TOLD THE PRESS CONFERENCE HE WAS A FIRM BELIEVER IN GIVING A PERSON AT LEAST ONE CHANCE IN HIS LIFE.
"FROM THIS MOMENT ONWARDS, I SHALL THROW OUR DOORS OPEN TO ALL TRIAD MEMBERS OR PERSONS WHO BELIEVE THEMSELVES TO BE TRIAD MEMBERS TO COME FORWARD TO RENOUNCE THEIR TRIAD CONNECTIONS AND ASSOCIATIONS," HE SAID.
MR MOK REITERATED THAT THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION TRIBUNAL WAS AN INDEPENDENT BODY AND NOT A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT AND HE WAS ONLY RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE TO THE GOVERNOR.
"AS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRIBUNAL, I SHALL BE ASSISTED BY A PANEL OF LAY ASSESSORS COMPRISING COMMUNITY LEADERS, EXPERTS IN RELEVANT FIELDS AND PERSONS FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE,” HE ADDED.
HE GAVE THE ASSURANCE THAT STRICT CONFIDENTIALITY WOULD BE OBSERVED BY ALL MEMBERS OF THE TRIBUNAL AND ITS STAFF.
"FAILURE TO DO SO WILL LEAD TO CRIMINAL PROSECUTION,' HE SAID.
"ALL UNREQUIRED RECORDS, SUCH AS FINGER-PRINTS WILL BE DESTROYED AS PRESCRIBED BY LAW.
/"TO FACILITATE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
"TO FACILITATE OUR EFFICIENT COMMUNCATION WITH POTENTIAL RENOUNCERS, A HOTLINE 5-8582111 AND A G.P.O. BOX 3888 HAVE BEEN PROVIDED.
"THESE FACILITIES WILL BE FUNCTIONAL AS FROM THIS AFTERNOON."
THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION SCHEME IS PROVIDED FOR UNDER THE SOCIETIES (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) ORDINANCE 1988 ENACTED IN JULY.
TO RENOUNCE HIS TRIAD MEMBERSHIP, A PERSON IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AN APPLICATION FORM, WHICH WILL BE ASSESSED BY THE TRIBUNAL WITH A VIEW TO DETERMINING TRIAD MEMBERSHIP AND HE WILL BE REQUIRED TO APPEAR BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL FOR A HEARING.
A PERSON WHO APPEARS BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION, BUT PARENTS AND GUARDIANS OF YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING TO RENOUNCE INVOLVEMENT WITH TRIADS MAY ATTEND THE HEARING.
ONCE THE TRIBUNAL IS SATISFIED THAT TRIAD MEMBERSHIP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED, IT WILL ADMINISTER AN OATH OF RENUNCIATION TO THE SUCCESSFUL RENOUNCER.
THE SPECIFIED OFFENCES RELATING TO TRIAD MEMBERSHIP ARE THOSE DESCRIBED IN SECTIONS 19, 20, 21, 22 AND 23 OF THE SOCIETIES
ORDINANCE. BRIEFLY, THEY ARE:
(A) BEING AN OFFICE-BEARER OR CLAIMING TO BE AN OFFICE-BEARER OF AN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY;
(B) ACTING AS A MEMBER OF AN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY, OR ATTENDING A MEETING OF OR PAYING MONEY TO AN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY;
(C) BEING A MEMBER OF A TRIAD SOCIETY, CLAIMING TO BE A MEMBER OF A TRIAD SOCIETY, ATTENDING A MEETING OF A TRIAD SOCIETY OR POSSESSING ANY BOOKS OR ACCOUNTS, WRITING, LISTS OF MEMBERS, SEALS, BANNERS OR INSIGNIA OF ANY TRIAD society;
(D) ALLOWING THE MEETING OF AN UNLAWFUL SOCIETY TO BE HELD IN ANY HOUSE OR BUILDING;
(E) INCITING OR INDUCING ANOTHER PERSON TO BECOME A MEMBER OF ANY UNLAWFUL SOCIETY;
(F) PROCURING SUBSCRIPTION OR AID FOR ANY UNLAWFUL SOCIETY.
HAVING RENOUNCED, FORMER TRIAD MEMBERS WILL BE FREE FROM PROSECUTION FOR OFFENCES RELATING TO TRIAD MEMBERSHIP PRIOR TO HIS RENUNCIATION UNDER THE SOCIETIES ORDINANCE.
/PERSONS WISHING
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
10
PERSONS WISHING TO RENOUNCE TRIAD MEMBERSHIP MAY OBTAIN APPLICATION FORM FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES OR FROM THE TRIAD RENUNCIATION TRIBUNAL BY WRITING TO G.P.O. BOX 3888 OR CALLING THE HOTLINE (NO. 5-8582111 )
TO PUBLICISE THE SCHEME, THE GOVERNMENT IS ORGANISING A LARGE-SCALE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WHICH BEGINS TODAY.
LEAFLETS GIVING DETAILS OF THE SCHEME WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE TRIBUNAL AND FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE COUNTERS OF VARIOUS DISTRICT OFFICES. POSTERS PROMOTING THE SCHEME WILL ALSO BE PUT UP THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
IN ADDITION, TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS WILL RUN REGULAR ANNOUNCEMENTS DRAWING PEOPLE’S ATTENTION TO THE SCHEME AS WILL CINEMAS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
------0-------
GROWING PROSPERITY BECOMES PROBLEM FOR HKi HAMISH MACLEOD ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
HONG KONG HAS ITS PROBLEMS - BUT THEY ARE MAINLY PROBLEMS OF PROSPERITY.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WHO ADDRESSED A MEETING IN MONTREAL OF THE HONG KONG CANADA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION.
’’THE FUNDAMENTALS OF HONG KONG ARE GOING REMARKABLY WELL,” HE SAID. ’’PROBLEMS CERTAINLY EXIST BUT THEY MUST BE KEPT IN PERSPECTIVE. OUR MAIN PROBLEMS ARE THOSE OF OUR GROWING PROSPERITY.”
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT A VERY HEALTHY GROWTH RATE OF SIX PER CENT WAS EXPECTED THIS YEAR.
’’PROPERTY AND SERVICES ARE BOOMING, HOTELS ARE FULL. ONE RESULT IS THAT WE HAVE A VERY ACTIVE ECONOMY WHICH ENTAILS PROBLEMS WITH LABOUR SUPPLY, INFLATION AND POLLUTION," HE SAID.
"THERE IS, OF COURSE, A BRIGHT SIDE. OUR ECONOMY IS CHANGING AND SERVICES ARE BECOMING INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT.
"IN 1986, 60 PER CENT OF OUR GDP WAS REPRESENTED BY THE SERVICES SECTOR - NOW IT IS 75 PER CENT. MANUFACTURERS ARE UPGRADING THEIR OPERATIONS AND THERE IS INCREASING OVERSEAS INVESTMENT," HE ADDED.
/HR MACLEOD
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
11
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE CHINA LINK WAS A KEY ELEMENT IN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY.
SINCE 1978 HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE HAS INCREASED NEARLY 20 TIMES, TO US$26 BILLION IN 1987.
CHINA IS HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER AND VICE VERSA, AND IS THE LARGEST SOURCE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
CANADA IS HONG KONG’S 13TH LARGEST TRADING PARTNER ACCOUNTING FOR 1.3 PER CENT OF THE TERRITORY’S TOTAL TRADE.
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR HONG KONG’S IMPORTS FROM CANADA GREW BY 30 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD THE TERRITORY’S EXPORTS TO CANADA GREW BY SEVEN PER CENT.
THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE SCOPE FOR GROWTH IN BILATERAL TRADE, HE SAID.
ON THE URUGUAY ROUND OF GATT TASKS MR MACLEOD SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS COMMITTED TO THE REINVIGORATION OF THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM. THEREFORE IT WAS KEEN TO SEE THE ROUND SUCCEED.
"WE ADOPT A FREE TRADE, OPEN MARKET, NO SUBSIDY PHILOSOPHY," HE SAIP.
"ALTHOUGH WE ARE IN THE TOP DOZEN OR SO IN THE WORLD IN EXPORTS, WE ARE EQUALLY AN IMPORTER - OUR GLOBAL TRADE IS IN BALANCE," HE ADDED.
"OUR DEPENDENCE ON OVERSEAS TRADE MAKES US VULNERABLE TO PROTECTIONISM. HENCE THE IMPORTANCE WE PLACE ON THE GATT, AND ON THIS EFFORT TO BOTH IMPROVE THE RULES OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND THE SPIRIT - THE WILLINGNESS TO OBSERVE THOSE RULES," MR MACLEOD SAID.
"KEY ISSUES FOR US INCLUDE TEXTILES, SAFEGUARDS, STANDSTILL AND ROLLBACK, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND SERVICES. WE ARE ALSO CONCERNED AT ABUSES IN OTHER AREAS, SUCH AS ANTI-DUMPING AND ORIGIN RULES," HE ADDED.
-------0 - - - -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 12 -
REVISION OF RENT LEVEL
* • ♦ ♦ ♦
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TODAY (THURSDAY) APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO INCREASE THE RENT LEVELS OF NEW URBAN FLATS COMING ON STREAM BETWEEN MAY AND JULY NEXT YEAR BY FOUR PER CENT TO $23.50 PER SQUARE METRE.
THIS REVISION TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION THE RATE OF INFLATION AND THE GENERAL REVALUATION OF RATEABLE VALUE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE PROPOSAL WILL AFFECT MORE THAN 5 700 NEW FLATS, INCLUDING SINGLE PERSON AND TWO-PERSON FLATS, THAT ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR LETTING DURING THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR.
THE UNITS WILL BE IN FOUR ESTATES: LOWER WONG TAI SIN, TAI WO PHASE IV IN TAI PO, TAI PING IN SHEUNG SHUI AND TIN KING PHASE IV IN TUEN MUN.
A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AT THE LAST RENT SETTING EXERCISE, THE RENT LEVEL FOR NEW ESTATES IN THE URBAN AREA WAS REVISED TO $22.8 PER SQUARE METRE.
"BASED ON THE MINIMUM ALLOCATION STANDARD OF 4.5 SQUARE METRE LIVING AREA PER PERSON AND THE REPORTED INCOME OF THE MAJORITY OF ELIGIBLE WAITING LIST APPLICANTS TOGETHER WITH OTHER REHOUSING CATEGORIES, THE MEDIAN RENT-INCOME RATIO FOR THIS GROUP OF FLATS IS ESTIMATED TO BE 13.9 PER CENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EVEN WITH HIGHER ALLOCATION STANDARD OF FIVE SQUARE METRE LIVING AREA PER PERSON WHICH IS PREFERRED BY MOST PROSPECTIVE TENANTS, THE RATIO IS 14.1 PER CENT. THIS IS IN LINE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE DOMESTIC RENT POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE IN 1986 THAT THE MEDIAN RENT-INCOME RATIO SHOULD NOT EXCEED 15 PER CENT.
"IN ACTUAL FACT, THE ABOVE MEDIAN RENT-INCOME RATIO WILL BE CONSIDERABLY LOWER AT THE TIME OF INTAKE BECAUSE THE INCOME TAKEN INTO CALCULATION IS THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT’S FAMILY INCOME FOR THE PAST NINE MONTHS AND RENTS ARE FIXED SOME SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE ANTICIPATED COMPLETION OF THE BLOCKS.
"THEREFORE, BY THE TIME THE APPLICANTS MOVE IN, MANY OF THEM WOULD HAVE ALREADY ATTAINED HIGHER INCOME," HE SAID.
FURTHERMORE, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED, THE TENANTS’ HOUSEHOLD INCOME WAS LIKELY TO INCREASE FROM YEAR TO YEAR, THUS REDUCING THE RENT-INCOME RATIO.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THOSE NOT MOVING INTO NEW ESTATES ON ACCOUNT OF HIGH RENT CONTINUED TO BE LOW. BETWEEN APRIL AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE RATE WAS LESS THAN ONE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OFFERS MADE.
"THIS INDICATES THAT THE GENERAL RENT LEVELS ADOPTED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ARE ACCEPTABLE TO PROSPECTIVE TENANTS, BUT SHOULD ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS CONSIDER THE RENTS OF THESE NEW FLATS BEYOND THEIR AFFORDABILITY, THEY CAN ALWAYS BE OFFERED CHEAPER ACCOMMODATION," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
FRUITFUL RESULT IN COMBATTING PIRACY, COUNTERFEITING
*****
HONG KONG HAS ACHIEVED A FRUITFUL RESULT IN COMBATTING COPYRIGHT PIRACY AND COUNTERFEITING, THE HEAD OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR H.Y. LI, HAS REPORTED.
ADDRESSING THE CONFERENCE ON DEVELOPMENT AND DESIGN IN SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR LI SAID YESTERDAY THAT OVER 90 PER CENT OF THE ILLEGAL TRADE HAD BEEN ELIMINATED, LEAVING ABOUT LESS THAN 10 PER CENT WHICH WAS NOW FORCED TO OPERATE UNDERGROUND.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD MADE 1,290 SEIZURES OF COUNTERFEIT AND INFRINGING GOODS LAST YEAR, 961 PERSONS/FIRMS WERE PROSECUTED, AND FINES AMOUNTED TO OVER $5 MILLION, MR LI SAID.
THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT COULD BE ATTRIBUTED TO THE ENACTMENT OF STRONG LEGISLATION AND THE EFFICIENT ACTION TAKEN BY THE SPECIAL TASK FORCE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
"HONG KONG HAS DEVELOPED COMPREHENSIVE LAWS COVERING TRADE MARKS, TRADE DESCRIPTIONS, COPYRIGHT, INDUSTRIAL DESIGNS AND PATENTSI? AND HAS COMMITTED SUBSTANTIAL RESOURCES TO THEIR VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT," HE SAID.
THE EFFORT MADE IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAWS IN HONG KONG HAD BEEN ACCORDED INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM AS THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS FROM THE U.S. CUSTOMS SERVICE, PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS, AND MANY OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OWNERS, HE SAID.
MR LI STRESSED THAT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ON THE ALERT FOR MANUFACTURERS, DISTRIBUTORS, IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS OF COUNTERFEIT AND INFRINGING GOODS.
ENFORCEMENT PRESSURE ON PIRATES AND COUNTERFEITERS WOULD BE KEPT UP SO AS TO PROTECT INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
- 0 - -
/1k
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- ' 14 -
CUSTOMS MOBILE X-RAY UNITS IN OPERATION SOON * * * * *
TWO TAILOR-MADE MOBILE X-RAY UNITS FOR CARGO INSPECTION, WHICH COST $1.6 MILLION EACH, WILL BE JOINING THE FLEET OF VEHICLES AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT VERY SOON.
AT A HANDING-OVER CEREMONY TODAY (THURSDAY), THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR K.S. TONG, OFFICIALLY RECEIVED ONE OF THE TWO VEHICLES FROM JEBSEN AND COMPANY LTD. THE OTHER VAN WILL BE DELIVERED LATE THIS MONTH.
WITH THE DEPLOYMENT OF THESE TWO NEW VEHICLES, MR TONG SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT CARGO EXAMINATIONS CARRIED OUT BY CUSTOMS OFFICERS WOULD BE SPED UP.
"THESE MOBILE UNITS CAN OPERATE 24 HOURS A DAY AND GO EVERYWHERE; IT MEANS TIME, COST AND MANPOWER SAVINGS FOR BOTH THIS DEPARTMENT AND PARTIES CONCERNED," HE SAID.
MR TONG SAID THE GROWTH OF DOOR-TO-DOOR CARGO DELIVERY SERVICES HAD PROMPTED THE NEED FOR MOBILE X-RAY INSPECTION UNITS.
HE SAID HE WAS PROUD THAT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, WITH ASSISTANCE FROM THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, COULD SPECIFY A MACHINE THAT COULD MEET LOCAL OPERATIONAL AND WEATHER REQUIREMENTS.
THE MOBILE X-RAY VAN IS NOT AN OFF-THE-FACTORY-LINE VEHICLE.
THE CHASSIS IS MADE IN JAPAN WHILE THE X-RAY SCANNER IS SUPPLIED BY A GERMAN COMPANY. IT IS FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED AND ITS SPACIOUS COMPARTMENT CAN CARRY UP TO SIX STAFF MEMBERS INCLUDING THE DRIVER.
ACCORDING TO MR TONG, IT TOOK THE DEPARTMENT A TOTAL OF 30 MONTHS TO IMPLEMENT THE PROJECT AS THE ASSEMBLY WORK WAS ALL DONE IN HONG KONG.
THE X-RAY SCANNER WAS HIGHLY EFFICIENT IN EXAMINING CARGOES AND LUGGAGE, AND COULD EVEN PROVIDE AN AUTO-RECORD SERVICE, HE ADDED.
"WITH THE USE OF THESE MOBILE X-RAY VANS, WE ANTICIPATE THAT PHYSICAL EXAMINATION OF CARGO AND GOODS CAN BE REDUCED TO A MINIMUM WHICH MEANS AN IMPROVEMENT OF SERVICE PROVIDED BY THIS DEPARTMENT," MR TONG SAID.
THE MOBILE X-RAY VAN IS 8.15 METRES LONG, THREE METRES HIGH AND 2.5 METRES WIDE. IT IS PAINTED IN "CUSTOMS GREY" WITH A STRIKING GREEN AND YELLOW BAND AND AN ORANGE TOP.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING A LOOK AT THIS LATEST ADDITION TO THE CUSTOMS’ FLEET OF VEHICLES ARE INVITED TO VISIT EDINBURGH PLACE OUTSIDE THE CITY HALL ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) WHEN THE MOBILE X-RAY VAN WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT A CAREERS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
--------o----------
/15........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8,
1988
HKU VICE CHANCELLOR TO HEAD EPCOM * * * *
THE VICE CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR WANG GUNGWU, HAS BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EPCOM) FOR A TWO-YEAR TERM FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
NEW MEMBERS INCLUDE THE RECENTLY-APPOINTED CONVENER OF THE OMELCO ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS PANEL, MR MARTIN LEE, AND MRS PEGGY LAM AND MR KINGSLEY SIT.
MRS LAM AND MR SIT, TOGETHER WITH THE REAPPOINTED MR CHENG HON-KWAN, ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE OMELCO PANEL.
THREE PROMINENT MEMBERS OF ENVIRONMENT GROUPS HAVE ALSO BEEN APPOINTED TO EPCOM.
THEY ARE: MR FUNG SHIU-WING, CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION; MISS LINDA SIDDALL OF FRIENDS OF THE EARTH; AND MR JOHNNY CHAN OF GREEN POWER.
AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG, A LECTURER AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR LAM KIN-CHE, AND MR HENRY CHIU OF THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL HAVE ALSO BEEN APPOINTED.
OTHER REAPPOINTED MEMBERS ARE DR PANG HOK-TUEN, MR WILLIAM COURTAULD, AND MR TONY VAIL.
MR SUNG SHEUNG-HONG AND MR STANLEY FUNG HAVE BEEN REAPPOINTED AS NOMINEES OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION RESPECTIVELY.
MR MICHAEL RUSHWORTH JOINS AS THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES.
ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR TO NOVEMBER 30, 1990.
-------0 ---------
THURSDAY, DECIMBER 8, 1988
16
NEW LAW EFFECTS VOLUNTARY CLOSURE OF 101 UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES '
A TOTAL OF 101 UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES IN THE URBAN AREAS HAVE CEASED OPERATION AFTER THE "NEW" CLOSURE ORDER LEGISLATION AGAINST UNLICENSED FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS TOOK EFFECT ON OCTOBER 1.
"THIS SHOWS AN OVERALL DECREASE OF ABOUT 17.6 PER CENT IN THE PAST THREE MONTHS, AND THE NUMBER OF UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES IS NOW ESTIMATED AT AROUND 470," THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES, MR TSE TAK-KAN, SAID TODAY.
"OF THE 101 SHUTDOWN FOOD PREMISES, 60 WERE GENERAL RESTAURANTS AND 41 WERE FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS OTHER THAN RESTAURANTS.
"THEY ALSO INCLUDE 19 ILLEGAL FOOD PREMISES WHICH HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE MOST SERIOUS CASES AND THE FIRST BATCH TO BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE NEW ’CLOSURE ORDER’ LEGISLATION.
"WE BELIEVE THIS SIGNIFICANT DROP IS ATTRIBUTED MAINLY TO THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE NEW LEGISLATION, WHICH HAS GRADUALLY FULFILLED ITS INTENDED PURPOSE OF PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY.
"OUR NEXT STEP NOW IS TO SHUT ANOTHER 40 ILLEGAL FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS FOR CLOSURE ORDER ACTION AND THE MORE SERIOUS CASES WILL AGAIN BE DEALT WITH FIRST," SAID MR. TSE.
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT){NO. 2) ORDINANCE, CAP. 132, WHICH CAME INTO FORCE LAST OCTOBER, IS AIMED AT FURTHER SAFEGUARDING PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. IT EMPOWERS THE URBAN COUNCIL TO APPLY TO THE COURT FOR A CLOSURE ORDER TO LOCK AND SEAL PERSISTENTLY OFFENDING UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES OR VESSELS.
UNDER THE NEW PROCEDURE, A CLOSURE ORDER MAY BE MADE FOLLOWING THE BREACH OF A PROHIBITION ORDER.
APPLICATION FOR A PROHIBITION ORDER IS MADE TO THE COURT WHEN THE OPERATORS OF UNLICENSED FOOD PREMISES HAVE BEEN CONVICTED FOR CONTINUING WITH ILLEGAL FOOD BUSINESSES.
ANY PERSON WHO ENTERS OR REMAINS IN ANY PREMISES UNDER A CLOSURE ORDER WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $60 000 AND 12 MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT PLUS A DAILY FINE OF $1 000.
UPON THE COMING INTO FORCE OF A CLOSURE ORDER, THE COUNCIL MAY DISCONNECT ALL WATER, GAS AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLIES AND RECOVER THE COST OF SUCH DISCONNECTION WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE LEGISLATION.
THE COUNCIL MAY ALSO TAKE POSSESSION OF ANY FOOD, ARTICLE OR THING WHICH IS LIKELY TO CREATE A FIRE HAZARD OR CONSTITUTE A DANGER TO LIFE OR HEALTH IF LEFT IN OR ON THE PREMISES.
-------o -------- /17......................
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 17 -
FIRST WHOLESALE MARKET IN NT « * « « »
MARKET FACILITIES FOR WHOLESALING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHEN A TEMPORARY WHOLESALE MARKET OPENS AT LUEN WO HUI,FANLING, EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE PURPOSE-BUILT TEMPORARY WHOLESALE MARKET, WHICH IS IN ITS FINAL STAGE OF CONSTRUCTION IN ON KUI STREET, FANLING, WILL REPLACE THE PRESENT PRIVATELY-RUN ON-STREET MARKET IN LUEN WO HUI.
THIS IS DUE TO BE CLEARED TO MAKE WAY FOR A GOVERNMENT SEWERAGE IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW MARKET BEGAN IN APRIL AND IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH. THE MARKET WILL START OPERATION TN FEBRUARY.
BUILT AT A COST OF $3.6 MILLION, THE NEW MARKET OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 12,500 SQUARE METRES.
THIS AREA INCLUDES A TRADING FLOOR OF 3,600 SQUARE METRES, UNLOADING AND STORAGE SPACE, MANAGEMENT OFFICE AND A LARGE LORRY PARKING AREA WHICH IS CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING MORE THAN 160 VEHICLES.
THE SENIOR ECONOMICS AND MARKETING OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR H.C. TSOI, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE NEW MARKET WOULD PROVIDE PROPER AND ORDERLY MARKETING FACfLTTIES FOR TRADERS AND FARMERS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT.
"APART FROM ITS CENTRAL LOCATION, ITS LARGE LORRY PARKING AREA WILL PROVE TO BE OF GREAT CONVENIENCE TO THOSE MARKET USERS REQUIRING LORRY TRANSPORT FOR COLLECTION AND DELIVERY," HE SAID.
THE LORRY PARKING AREA WILL BE OPEN DURING THE MARKET’S BUSINESS HOURS, WHICH WILL BE FROM 2 AM TO 8 AM DAILY. ALL VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE LORRY PARK AFTER 8 AM.
THE CHARGE FOR A MONTHLY PASS IS FIXED AT $200 WHILE THE CHARGE FOR A TEMPORARY PASS, WHICH IS VALID FOR ONE ADMISSION ONLY, IS $7.
MR TSOI SAID THAT IN ORDER TO MAKE PROPER ALLOCATION OF THE MARKET’S PARKING SPACE, CIRCULAR LETTERS WERE BEING SENT TO POTENTIAL MARKET USERS, INVITING THEM TO MAKE APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE ON THE PRESCRIBED FORMS WHICH WILL BE OBTAINABLE FROM NEXT MONDAY FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S MARKETING DEVELOPMENT SECTION AT ROOM 1253, 12TH FLOOR, CANTON ROAD GCVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON AND FROM THE KO PO AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION OFFICE IN FANLING.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY MAIL TO THE MARKETING DEVELOPMENT SECTION BEFORE DECEMBER 28.
/Till TSOI
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8t 1^88
- l8 -
MR TSOI SAID THE NEW TEMPORARY WHOLESALE MARKET IS THE FIRST OF THE LATEST SERIES OF' WHOLESALE MARKET PROJECTS BEING PLANNED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
OTHER PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE COMPLEXES, ONE AT WESTERN RECLAMATION OTHER AT THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION
INCLUDE TWO WHOLESALE MARKET ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON.
-----0------
FIRST PERMANENT INTEGRATED WHOLESALE MARKET *****
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED FOR TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST PERMANENT INTEGRATED WHOLESALE MARKET, TO BE BUILT IN KENNEDY TOWN, WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR STEPHEN HO, SAID THERE WOULD BE FACILITIES FOR A VARIETY OF PRODUCE SUCH AS FISH, FRUIT, EGGS, POULTRY AND VEGETABLES.
"AN IMPORTANT FEATURE WILL BE THAT RESPECTIVE MARKET TRADING AREAS WILL EACH BE EQUIPPED WITH AN INDEPENDENT DRAINAGE SYSTEM AND A CENTRALISED SCREENING PLANT.
’’THE MARKET’S LOCATION AT WESTERN RECLAMATION WOULD ALSO MEAN THAT MANY OF THE TRAFFIC AND POLLUTION PROBLEMS THAT EXIST IN OTHER MARKETS COULD BE AVOIDED,” MR HO SAID.
THE TWO-STOREY COMPLEX WILL COMPRISE SIX LEVELS WHICH WOULD GIVE IT A HEIGHT OF A SIX-STOREY CONVENTIONAL BUILDING.
IT WILL BE BUILT IN TWO PHASES - WITH PHASE I TAKING UP TWO-THIRDS OF THE 6.32-HECTARE SITE ON WESTERN RECLAMATION, WHICH WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES TO HANDLE FISH, FRUIT AND EGGS.
PHASE II WILL HAVE FACILITIES TO HANDLE POULTRY AND VEGETABLES.
“WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, THE MARKET WILL POSSIBILY HANDLE THE HIGHEST THROUGHTPUT TONNAGE IN TERMS OF PER UNIT AREA,” MR HO SAID.
PHASE I WORKS WILL ALSO INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE PIERS, EACH EQUIPPED WITH MECHANICAL LIFTING EQUIPMENT OR CONVEYOR BELTS, ACCOMMODATION FOR AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT STAFF, A RESTAURANT AND A SNACK KIOSK.
CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE I IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED IN OR BEFORE JANUARY 1991, TO BE FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY PHASE II.
TENDERS FOR PHASE I WORKS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE 12 NOON ON JANUARY 6, 1989.
------0 ------- /19.....................
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 19 -
CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON CAREERS GUIDANCE
*****
MORE THAN 150 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS WILL ATTEND THE FOURTH CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON CAREERS GUIDANCE, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, WHICH BEGINS TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE TWO-DAY CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD AT THE MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE OF THE HONG KONG LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE, HO MAN TIN, BEGINNING AT 9 AM.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES), MR LUCAS CHAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, MR CHAN JOE-CHAK, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE IS "EXPERIENCE-BASED APPROACHES TO CAREERS GUIDANCE".
THE DIRECTOR OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR CAREERS EDUCATION AND COUNSELLING IN BRITAIN, MR A.G. WATTS, WILL GIVE A TALK ON "NEW DIRECTIONS IN CAREERS EDUCATION".
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP ON CAREERS GUIDANCE AT MARTHA BOSS COMMUNITY CENTRE, HONG KONG LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE, 89 CHUNG HAU STREET, HO-MAN TIN, KOWLOON, BEGINNING AT 9 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
- 0 - -
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN STARTS SATURDAY
*****
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S "1988 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN" WILL BE HELD AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10).
IT WILL FEATURE A VARIETY SHOW AND A MOBILE EXHIBITION PUBLICISING THE CURRENT CAMPAIGN THEME - "LOVE AND CARE HELP BUILD UP A HAPPY FAMILY".
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (FAM 1LY WELFARE), MR ALFRED CHUI; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING (TELEVISION), MISS MARIA WAN; AND ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE (AGENCY SERVICE), MISS VIRGINIA CHAN.
/A SERIES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 20 -
A SERIES OF PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN ORGANISED JOINTLY BY GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AT BOTH DISTRICT AND TERRITORY-WIDE LEVELS TO PROMOTE THE CAMPAIGN THEME.
THESE ACTIVITIES WILL BE PRESENTED IN PROGRAMMES BY THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA - INCLUDING DRAMA, DISCUSSIONS, AND RADIO PHONE-IN SESSIONS HOSTED BY SOCIAL WORKERS, AND A 13-EPISODE TELEVISION SERIES JOINTLY PRODUCED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
ANOTHER PUBLICITY DRIVE IS A FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION MUSIC COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP ON FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM SWD AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.
AFTER LOK FU, THE MOBILE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOUNTED AT SEVEN OTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, NAMELY, LOK WAH (NORTH), CHUK YUEN (SOUTH), 01 MAN, LEI TUNG, HANG ON, FU SHIN AND BUTTERFLY.
THE EXHIBITION IS CO-SPONSORED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND RTHK.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION IS A LONG-TERM AND COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY PROJECT WHICH AIMS TO PUBLICISE THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY LIFE, TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF FAMILY LIFE, TO PROMOTE THE RELATIONSHIP AMONG FAMILY MEMBERS, SO AS TO PREVENT FAMILY BREAK-UPS AND TO HELP BUILD A GOOD FAMILY LIFE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "1988 FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN" AND VARIETY SHOW AND EXHIBITION AT LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10). THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 3 PM.
- - 0-----------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
21
JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENT READING AWARD SCHEME *****
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR SO FAI-CHO, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON ALL SECONDARY 1 TO 3 STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE 1989 READING AWARD SCHEME WHICH WOULD TAKE PLACE BETWEEN THIS MONTH AND APRIL NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL, MR SO SAID THE AWARD SCHEME WAS AGAIN ORGANISED BY THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE HONG KONG TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB.
THE AIM OF THE READING AWARD SCHEME WAS TO HELP STUDENTS TO DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS, IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS AND TO MAKE GOOD USE OF SCHOOL LIBRARY RESOURCES, MR SO SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT MORE THAN 25,000 JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS FROM 186 SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE READING AWARD SCHEME LAST YEAR.
TO ENABLE MORE STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM LAST YEAR’S SCHEME, THE TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG SPONSORED THE PUBLICATION OF A BOOKLET CONTAINING WINNING BOOK REPORTS FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS. THE BOOKLET WAS PRESENTED TO MR SO AT A BRIEF CEREMONY TODAY.
IN THE CURRENT READING AWARD SCHEME, PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO READ NO FEWER THAN 10 LIBRARY BOOKS INCLUDING AT LEAST THREE ENGLISH AND THREE CHINESE BOOKS.
THEY WILL HAVE TO PRODUCE A BOOK READING RECORD AND TO PRESENT AN ESSAY TYPE REPORT ON ONE OF THE BOOKS READ.
BOOK COUPONS RANGING FROM $1,000 TO $2,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FIRST THREE WINNERS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS IN BOTH THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE CATEGORIES. THE WINNING STUDENTS WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED WITH TROPHIES.
OTHER PRIZES WILL INCLUDE BOOK COUPONS OF $400 EACH AND CERTIFICATES OF MERIT FOR PARTICIPANTS WHOSE ENTRIES ARE HIGHLY COMMENDED. CERTIFICATES OF MERIT WILL BE AWARDED TO ENTRANTS WHOSE BOOK REPORTS ARE OF GOOD QUALITY.
STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES TO THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE MAY 10 NEXT YEAR. ALL ENTRIES WILL BE ASSESSED BY A PANEI, OF JUDGES AND AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED IN JUNE OR JULY NEXT YEAR.
ALSO ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY WERE THE PRESIDENT OF THE TAI PING SHAN LIONS CLUB OF HONG KONG, MR CHONG WING-CHAM AND HIS FELLOW MEMBERS, MR SO CHUN-YU, MR CHAO KING-LIN AND MR WU PO-LING.
- 0----------
/22........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 22 -
AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRE REGULATIONS ON DB AGENDA
*****
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IO DISCUSS THE PROPOSAL TO RAISE THE MINIMUM AGE LIMIT FOR ADMISSIO< '0 AN ADULT AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRE FROM 16 TO 18 YEARS.
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD WILL ALSO ENQUIRE ABOUT METHODS 10 PREVENT UNDER AGED PEOPLE FROM WATCHING A CATEGORY III FILM.
THEY WILL ASK WHAT MEASURES WILL BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO RELIEVE THE STRAIN ON GOVERNMENT DOCTORS OWING TO A STAFF SHORTAGE, THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND LIMITED PROSPECTS OF PROMOTION.
IN ADDITION, THEY WILL VET PROGRESS REPORTS BY VARIOUS COMMITTEES, AND REPORTS ON THE MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME AND THE SITUATION REGARDING DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD MEETING BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF I HE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
--------o ---------
TAXI OPERATION IN MA ON SHAN ON AGENDA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL EXPRESS VIEWS AT A SPECIAL MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ON WHETHER NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO SERVE MA ON SHAN.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A TRAFFIC STUDY OF TAT PO MARKET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE HELD IN TH. CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRL FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD TOMORROW. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- 0-----------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8,
1988
- 23 -
SEMINAR ON SECURITY FOR GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERS
*****
A SEMINAR ON SECURITY FOR GOLDSMITHS AND JEWELLERS IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE HONG KONG DIAMOND EXCHANGE BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WITH THE AIM OF STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF SECURITY IN GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS.
SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, MISS LAI PO-YIN; SENIOR INSPECTOR OF POLICE FROM THE REGIONAL CRIME PREVENTION OFFICE, MR SIU PING-MING; AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY, MR C.P. POON.
THERE WILL BE A DISCUSSION ON CRIME PREVENTION MEASURES AND THE LATEST ANTI-CRIME TECHNOLOGIES FOR GOLDSMITH AND JEWELLERY SHOPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR BEGINNING AT 12.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE HONG KONG DIAMOND BOURSE LTD., HONG KONG DIAMOND EXCHANGE BUILDING, 8-10 DUDDELL STREET, FIFTH FLOOR, CENTRAL.
-----0 ---------
SOUTHERN TO HOLD KEEP HK CLEAN PARADE ON SUNDAY
*****
A KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE WILL BE HELD IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) TO AROUSE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOOD.
SPONSORED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE PARADE IS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, URBAN COUNCILLORS AND STAFF OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE WHICH WILL TOUR AROUND THE DISTRICT IN A DECORATED OPEN-TOP DOUBLE-DECKER TO PUBLICISE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE.
/THE 'PITCHING
THURSDAY, DEC JUBER 8, 1988
- 24
THE ’PITCHING IN’ THEME SONG WILL BE BROADCAST AND PUBLICIT ITEMS SUCH AS LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DURING THE PARADE.
RESIDENTS WILL BE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A STALL GAME FEATURING THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN MESSAGE.
THE PARADE PARTY WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN STREET SWEEPING AND REFUSE COLLECTION OPERATIONS IN SOME OF THE STOPS.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE PARADE, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 12 NOON AT THE ABERDEEN CENTRE IN NAM NING STREET. OFFICIATIN'; AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE SOUTHERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID LEUNG AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHAN YAU-YUE.
THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ALSO INCLUDED A CLEAN BUILDING CAMPAIGN IN NOVEMBER, AND A CLEAN HARBOUR - REFUSE COLLECTION PROGRAMME AS WELL AS A SERIES OF CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN SQUATTER AREAS TO BE ORGANISED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE WHICH WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH A BRIEF CEREMONY STARTING AT 12 NOON IN ABERDEEN CENTRE, NAM NING STREET, THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11). INFORMATION OFFICER, MR ALEX LI, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----0------
YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL OPENS * * * » *
THE NINTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING WITH A MUSICAL "CINDERELLA" BY THE YUEN LONG CHILDREN CHOIR AT LUT SAU HALL.
PRIOR TO THE PERFORMANCE, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY.
IN THE FOLLOWING WEEKS, SOME 36 PROGRAMMES FEATURING OPERAS, DRAMAS, FILM SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES WILL BE STAGED AT VARIOUS VENUES IN THE DISTRICT FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
/Tickets for
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 25 -
TICKETS FOR THE PERFORMANCES OF THE FESTIVAL ARE NOW ON SALE AT YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE HONG KONG BANK’S BRANCH OFFICE AT 150 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG,
THEY INCLUDE THE MUSICAL "CINDERELLA" BY THE YUEN LONG CHILDREN CHOIR AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY; VARIOUS CANTONESE AND CHIU CHOW OPERAS; POP CONCERTS AND THE CHILDREN PLAY "A STORY OF DRAGONBALL" BY THE CHUNG YING THEATRE COMPANY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NINTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT LUT SAU HALL, TAI TUK ROAD, YUEN LONG. A RECEPTION WILL BE HELD IN THE YUEN LONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION OPPOSITE THE HALL AT 6.30 PM PRIOR TO THE CEREMONY.
------0 -------
KWUN TONG FESTIVAL CLOSES ON SATURDAY * * * * *
THE THREE-WEEK KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’88 WILL CONCLUDE WITH A FUN-FILLED CARNIVAL AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) AFTERNOON.
THE CLOSING CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE A WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT.
INCLUDED IN THE PROGRAMME ARE A PIPE BAND PERFORMANCE, PONY AND MINI-TRAIN RIDES, AN INFLATABLE DINOSAUR MODEL FOR CHILDREN AND PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN SINGERS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A DISPLAY OF ARMY VEHICLES, AN EXHIBITION STAGED BY EIGHT LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS OF CHINESE FOLK ARTS AND HANDICRAFTS.
BEFORE THE CARNIVAL BEGINS, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT A TAKE-OFF CEREMONY FOR A HELIUM BLIMP CARRYING A PUBLICITY BANNER TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE FESTIVAL.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE FUNCTION WILL BE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN; LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR POON CHI-FAI; URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR STEPHEN LAU; PRESIDENT OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’88 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR YU SUN-SAY; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’88 AND CARNIVAL TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM. >
------o-------- /26.......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 26 -
EASTERN DISTRICT CIVIC EDUCATION CAMP ♦ * * ♦ »
ABOUT 150 YOUNG PEOPLE AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 35 ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN A TWO-DAY CAMP ON CIVIC EDUCATION WHICH WILL BE HELD AT LEI YUE MUN PARK ON DECEMBER 17 AND 18.
THE CAMP IS ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION WORKING GROUP AND IS AIMED AT CULTIVATING A GREATER SENSE OF CIVIC AWARENESS AND DEMOCRATIC SPIRIT AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE CAMP PROGRAMME INCLUDES A SIMULATED DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CARRYING THE MESSAGE OF CIVIC AWARENESS ON THE FIRST DAY AND A TOUR OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION VILLAGE ON THE SECOND DAY.
THERE ARE STILL SOME VACANCIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE CAMP, AND THE FEE FOR EACH PERSON IS $25.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES, CHANG ZHANG FANG OF BRADBURY CENTRE, YMCA CHAI WAN CENTRE, LAI TAK YOUTH CENTRE AND CARITAS SOCIAL SERVICES CENTRE AT CHAI WAN.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION IS DECEMBER 13.
-----0------
CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR POSTAL ARRANGEMENT *****
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES THAT THE LATEST DATE FOR POSTING CHRISTMAS CARDS FOR LOCAL DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS IS WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 21, 1988. ,
POSTINGS AFTER THIS DATE CANNOT BE GUARANTEED DELIVERY BEFORE CHRISTMAS *
LAST MINUTEPRUSHC ARE ADVISED TO POST AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID A
POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE.
BUSINESS WILL BE CONDUCTED AS USUAL ON CHRISTMAS EVE (DECEMBER 24) AND NEW YEAR’S EVE (DECEMBER 31).
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON DECEMBER 25, DECEMBER 27 AND JANUARY 1.
/ON DECEMBER
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 27 -
ON DECEMBER 26 AND JANUARY 2, 42 POST OFFICES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
THEY INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WAN AND TAI PO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD, SPECIAL DELIVERIES OF LETTERS AND PARCELS HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18. BOXING DAY DECEMBER 26, AND ALSO JANUARY 2.
THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERIES ON CHRISTMAS DAY DECEMBER 25, DECEMBER 27 AND NEW YEAR’S DAY, JANUARY 1.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM INDIVIDUAL POST OFFICES OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU AT 5-231071.
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FESTIVE LIGHTING REFLECTS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
*****
THE STAGING OF FESTIVE LIGHTING IN MONG KOK REFLECTS AN ENTHUSIASTIC PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BY RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT, THE ACTING REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR PAUL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR LIGHTING IN MONG KOK, MR LEUNG SAID THE DECORATIVE LIGHTING WAS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH CONTRIBUTIONS OF TIME AND MONEY BY RESIDENTS AND BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THE NUMBER OF BUSINESSES SPONSORING THE DECORATIVE LIGHTING INCREASED FROM 10 LAST YEAR TO 14 THIS YEAR AND THE COST HAD DOUBLED TO $700,000.
SOME BUSINESS CONCERNS IN THE DISTRICT ALSO PUT UP THEIR OWN DECORATIVE LIGHTING TO &RING ABOUT A BETTER EFFECT, HE ADDED.
MR LEUNG SAID THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, WHICH HAD ALWAYS BEEN ACTIVE IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, HOPED TO USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BOOST THE ATMOSPHERE OF FESTIVITY IN, AND TO BRING ABOUT MORE PROSPERITY TO, THE DISTRICT.
HE ADDED THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD ALSO HOPED, THROUGH THE EVENT, TO STRENGTHEN ITS TIES WITH BUSINESS CONCERNS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT WITH A VIEW TO MAKING LOCAL RESIDENTS FEEL PROUD OF BELONGING TO MONG KOK, AND TO MAKE THEM MORE INTERESTED IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
/"ALL THESE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 28 -
"ALL THESE OBJECTIVES MATCH THE SPIRIT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN PROMOTING ENTHUSIASTICALLY IN RECENT YEARS," HE NOTED.
THE IDEA OF PUTTING UP DECORATIVE LIGHTING ALONG NATHAN ROAD BEGAN LAST YEAR AS A JOINT PROJECT AMONG THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE 1987-88 MONG KOK FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND LOCAL BUSINESSES.
IT RECEIVED A VERY GOOD RESPONSE AND THE PROJECT THIS YEAR COVERS A LARGE AREA AND A LONGER PERIOD.
COLOURFUL LIGHT BULBS HAVE BEEN MOUNTED ALONG PORTIONS OF NATHAN ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET.
A FOCAL DECORATION HAS BEEN INSTALLED AT THE JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD WITH LIGHT BULBS FORMING DECORATIVE PATTERNS.
THE LIGHTING WILL BE ON FOR CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR FROM TODAY UNTIL JANUARY 15; AND FROM JANUARY 31 TO FEBRUARY 20 FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
-------0----------
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS FOR CHILDREN OF HOMES * * * * *
A GROUP OF 150 CHILDREN FROM HOMES RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND TWO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAD A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
THEY JOINED THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, IN OFFICIATING AT THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT THE LANDMARK AT THE INVITATION OF THE HONG KONG LAND PROPERTY COMPANY LTD.
THE CHILDREN ARE FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE, PUI CHI BOYS’ HOME, O PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME, THE MARK MEMORIAL HOME OF THE HONG KONG STUDENT AID SOCIETY AND THE ST CHRISTOPHER’S HOME OF SHENG KUNG HUI.
BEFORE THE CEREMONY, THEY WERE TREATED TO A CHRISTMAS MEAL AND PERFORMANCE BY CLOWNS.
THEN THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHILDREN, TOGETHER WITH MRS WONG AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG LAND, MR ALASDAIR MORRISON PRESSED A BUTTON TO SWITCH ON THE LIGHTS AMID THE CHEERS OF GUESTS AND MUSIC BY THE SALVATION ARMY BAND.
/MRS WONG ........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 29 -
MRS WONG SAID THAT SHE WAS TOUCHED BY THE OCCASION.
"CHRISTMAS IS A SEASON FOR SPREADING LOVE AND JOY.
"I AM TOUCHED THAT THESE CHILDREN, WHO FOR VARIOUS REASONS HAVE TO BE UNDER INSTITUTIONAL CARE, ARE PROVIDED WITH AN OPPORTUNITY NOT ONLY TO ENJOY THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO TO FEEL THE GOODWILL AND WARMTH EXTENDED TO THEM THROUGH THE INVITATION TO THIS SPECIAL CELEBRATION.
"IT DEMONSTRATES THAT HONG KONG IS TRULY A CARING SOCIETY," SHE SAID.
FATHER CHRISTMAS WAS ON HAND TO BID THE CHILDREN FAREWELL AND PRESENTED EACH CHILD WITH A GIFT.
-------0---------
FUNDS RAISED FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES ♦ * * « «
IN ADDITION TO FOR THE DISTRICT, THE
ORGANISING YAU MA TEI
CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
. (NORTH AND SOUTH) YIN NGAI
ALSO PARTICIPATES ACTIVELY IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES, DISTRICT OFFICER, MR NG HON-WAH, SAID TONIGHT (THURSDAY).
SOCIETY
YAU TSIM
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO OPEN THE SOCIETY'S FUND-RAISING CANTONESE OPERATIC PERFORMANCE AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL, MR NG SAID THE SOCIETY’S COMMUNITY SERVICES INCLUDE RAISING FUNDS FOR THE HELPING HAND AND THE WORLD WIDE FUND FOR NATURE, VISITING HOMES FOR THE AGED AND SPONSORING CHILDREN IN THE PO LEUNG KUK.
HE COMMENDED MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR CONTEMPORARY WOMEN THROUGH THEIR SERVICE TO COMMUNITY.
FUNDS RAISED BY TONIGHT’S PERFORMANCE WILL BE USED TO EXPAND THE SOCIETY’S SERVICES.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE FUNCTION WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD, MR YIP WAH REPRESENTING THE DB WHICH IS ONE OF THE SOCIETY’S SPONSORS; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER (YAU MA TEI), MR LAU YUK-KUEN; PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR AUGUSTINE CHENG; \ND CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY, MS TSANG WAI-FONG.
-------0 ---------
/5O........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
- 30 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL, SHEUNG WAN
♦ i t t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL AND SHEUNG WAN FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION:
♦ HILLIER STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND WING LOK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
♦ WING LOK STREET BETWEEN BONHAM STRAND AND HILLIER STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
* BONHAM STRAND BETWEEN WING LOK STREET AND CLEVERLY STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
* BONHAM STRAND BETWEEN CLEVERLY STREET AND HILLIER STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
♦ ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT TRAMS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM MORRISON STREET TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
IN ADDITION, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIODS BELOW:
* FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM DAILY - THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CLEVERLY STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES TO THE EAST.
♦ DURING PEAK HOURS (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) - THE
NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WING LOK STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES TO THE EAST; THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WING LOK STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH BONHAM STRAND TO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES TO THE WEST; AND THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WING LOK STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND BONHAM STRAND.
* FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY - HILLIER STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WING LOK STREET; AND WING LOK STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HILLIER STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 MERES TO THE WEST.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
---------0-----------
/31
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8,
1988
- 31 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN MID-LEVELS * * ♦ ♦ t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF WATER MAINS, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE MID-LEVELS FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM 2 PM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY ON DECEMBER 10 AND 17:
* ROBINSON ROAD WESTBOUND NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH ALBANY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
t THE RIGHT-TURN FROM ALBANY ROAD TO ROBINSON ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE BANNED.
VEHICLES TRAVELLING OUTSIDE HOUSE NO. 1 ROBINSON ROAD AND VEHICLES ON ALBANY ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR ROBINSON ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA OLD PEAK ROAD, HORNSEY ROAD, CONDUIT ROAD AND GLENEALY.
IN ADDITION, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM ROBINSON ROAD EASTBOUND TO ALBANY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM DAILY FROM DECEMBER 12 TO 16.
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROBINSON ROAD FLYOVER, GARDEN ROAD, UPPER ALBERT ROAD AND GLENEALY.
------0-------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
* * t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) TO 10 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR FLYOVER RECONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD ARE ADVISED TO USE WATERLOO ROAD AT THE GROUND LEVEL.
AS CONGESTION MAY OCCUR ON WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES.
MEANWHILE, A 300-METRE STRETCH ALONG THE EASTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD NEAR BEACON HILL COURT WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY (SATURDAY) TO 7 AM NEXT TUESDAY FOR REPAIR WORKS.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE IN THIS SECTION OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
------O------
SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES ♦ * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE PARKING SPACE NOS. 92 TO 111 AT THE MURRAY BARRACKS CARPARK IN CENTRAL WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM TO MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) BECAUSE OF ROAD WORKS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9,
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
11TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP ........ 1
POLITICAL REFORMS SHOULD RE GRADUAL, PLANNED AND STEADY: SIR DAVID FORD................................................... 2
TOUGHER LAW ON BILLIARD CLUBS EFFECTIVE NEXT DECEMBER ....... 6
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION .... 7
CHANGES TO TV REGULATIONS GAZETTED .......................... 9
WANG TAU HOM, TUNG TATI OZP PUBLISHED ...................... 1O
MORE ROADS TO BE BUILT IN FANLING .......................... 11
FUNDS SOUGHT TO EASE TRAFFIC NOISE PROBLEMS AT SCHOOLS ..... 12
IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY SERVICES STRESSED ..................... 13
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED................................... 1'+
IMPORTANCE OF MAKING SUITABLE CAREER CHOICE STRESSED....... 14
ADVANCED EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT ON DISPLAY ...................
CUSTOMS X-RAY VAN AND LAUNCH ON DISPLAY IN CENTRAL.......... 1?
SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED STUDENTS ............. 18
CONFERENCE ON SAFE LAND SPORTS ............................. 19
CERTIFICATES FOR YAU TSIM BUILDING MANAGEMENT CAMPAIGN..... 20
STUDENTS' FIGHT CRIME KNOWLEDGE TO BE TESTED................ 20
CSD "WALK FOR MILLIONS" TO BE HELD TOMORROW ................ 21
CAS BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY ............................... 22
SHA TIN COMMUNITY DAY CAMP ON SUNDAY........................ 22
WARM PRAISE FOR LIONS CLUBS ................................ 23
FREE CHECK-UPS FOR TAI PO ELDERLY ON SUNDAY................. 2A
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE ON THE MOVE................... 25
YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL BEGINS ............................. 26
RECLAMATION PROPOSED IN TUEN MUN ........................... 27
TEMPORARY RO/J) CLOSURES IN KOWLOON ........................ 28
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.......... 28
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN DISTRICT .............. 29
INTERRUPTIONS TO FRESH WATER SUPPLY ........................ 29
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
1
11TH MEETING OF THE SINO-BRIT1SH JOINT LIAISON GROUP
*****
THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP HELD ITS ELEVENTH MEETING IN HONG KONG FROM DECEMBER 6 TO 9. THE GROUP DISCUSSED A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS AND ACHIEVED POSITIVE RESULTS. THE GROUP WELCOMED THE CLOSE CO-OPERATION WHICH HAD CONTINUED TO DEVELOP BETWEEN THE TWO OFFICES OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP SINCE THEY TOOK HONG KONG AS THEIR PRINCIPAL BASE. THEY AGREED THAT THE MEETING BETWEEN THE SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES WHICH TOOK PLACE ON NOVEMBER 9 HAD BEEN USEFUL, AND THAT SUCH MEETINGS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE HELD IN FUTURE.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP CONTINUED ITS DISCUSSION OF FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SURRENDER OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND RELEVANT COUNTRIES. THE TWO SIDES REACHED AGREEMENT ON THE BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR THESE ARRANGEMENTS. THEY AGREED THAT EXPERTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO DISCUSS RELEVANT DETAILS.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WELCOMED THE LARGE MEASURE OF AGREEMENT ALREADY REACHED IN THE STANDING SUB-GROUP ON INTERNATIONAL RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL. MONETARY FUND (IMF), THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT (IBRD), THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CORPORATION (1FC) AND THE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (IDA). THE STANDING SUB-GROUP WILL CONTINUE ITS DISCUSSIONS.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WELCOMED THE PROGRESS MADE ON THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION. FOLLOWING THE AGREEMENT REACHED AT ITS TENTH MEETING ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION IN HONG KONG, THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION WOULD SHORTLY BE INTRODUCED. THIS WOULD BE THE FIRST PIECE OF LOCALISED LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG. THE GROUP CONTINUED THEIR EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON MERCHANT SHIPPING AND CIVIL AVIATION.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP NOTED THE FURTHER PROGRESS MADE IN CONCLUDING HONG KONG’S AIR SERVICE AGREEMENTS AND REACHED A COMMON UNDERSTANDING ON RELATED POINTS.
THE GROUP HAD A FULL AND USEFUL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON PRACTICAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG AND THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS PUBLIC ORDER, AND AGREED THAT DISCUSSION SHOULD BE CONTINUED AT EXPERT LEVEL.
THE GROUP HAD A FURTHER EXCHANGE OF VIEWS ON THE QUESTION OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A COURT OF FINAL APPEAL IN HONG KONG.
THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP DECIDED THAT ITS NEXT MEETING WOULD TAKE PLACE IN BEIJING FROM MARCH 14 TO 17, 1989.
-------o---------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9,
1988
2
POLITICAL REFORMS SHOULD BE GRADUAL, PLANNED AND STEADY: SIR DAVID FORD
♦ * * * ♦
THE TIME IS RIPE FOR POLITICAL REFORM IN HONG KONG, OVERWHELMING CONSENSUS REMAINS THAT THE REFORM SHOULD BE PLANNED AND STEADY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, GATHERING IN NEW YORK ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 8).
BUT THE GRADUAL, TOLD A
SPEAKING TO THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK AND THE ASIA SOCIETY, SIR DAVID SAID; ’’HONG KONG DOES NOT WANT TO DIVE INTO THE DEEP END OF DEMOCRACY WITH A SUDDEN, COLD SHOCK; IT WANTS TO GET THERE BY CAREFUL, CONFIDENT STROKES.”
"THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT WE ARE PLANNING FOR,” HE ADDED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT IN 1988 TWO DOCUMENTS — THE GOVERNMENT’S WHITE PAPER ON THE COURSE OF POLITICAL REFORM AND THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW WHICH WOULD FORM TRE CONSTITUTION OF THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER 1997 -- WERE PUBLISHED AND WOULD HAVE A VITAL BEARING ON THE COURSE OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
AFTER THE MOST CAREFUL EXAMINATION OF PUBLIC OPINION ON THE WHITE PAPER, IT WAS DECIDED THAT DIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD NOT BE INTRODUCED UNTIL 1991, AND THAT THE PERCENTAGE OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS — 10 IN A COUNCIL OF 56 — SHOULD BE KEPT FAIRLY LOW, SIR DAVID SAID.
"IN THE CONTEXT OF HONG KONG’S HISTORY THIS WILL BE A VERY SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT,” HE SAID.
"IT WAS NOT, HOWEVER, ENOUGH TO SATISFY SOME PEOPLE," SIR DAVID SAID.
’’MANY ACCUSATIONS, MOSTLY WILD, FLEW AROUND: THE MOST PERNICIOUS OF WHICH WAS THAT WE HAD OBEYED THE BRITISH, WHO HAD THEMSELVES CAVED IN TO PRESSURE FROM THE CHINESE, WHO SIMPLY DID NOT LIKE ANYTHING THAT SMELT OF DEMOCRACY,” HE ADDED.
"IN POINT OF FACT NONE OF THIS WAS TRUE," SIR DAVID STRESSED.
"BUT IT IS NOT SURPRISING THAT THE INSTANT DEMOCRACY LOBBY WERE DISTRESSED TO FIND THAT THE WIND OF CHANGE WAS NOT BLOWING AT QUITE THE SPEED THAT THEY WANTED, AND THAT THEY LOOKED FOR THE CONSPIRACY EXPLANATION, IGNORING THE VERY OBVIOUS REALITY THAT IS BEFORE US ALL IN HONG KONG -- THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE POPULATION WANT STABILITY ABOVE ALL,” SIR DAVID SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT THE PEOPLE WANTED THE STABLE ENVIRONMENT PRESERVED SO THAT THEY COULD CONTINUE TO DEVELOP THEIR BUSINESS INTERESTS, IMPROVE THEIR LIVING STANDARDS, EDUCATE THEIR CHILDREN AND ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THEIR HARD WORK.
/’’NOT THAT..........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
- 3 -
"NOT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DO NOT WANT CHANGE. FAR FROM IT," SIR DAVID SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HONG KONG WAS A MATURE, SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY, WHICH HAD OUTGROWN ANY DEPENDENT RELATIONSHIP WITH GREAT BRITAIN.
"FORTUNATELY THE BRITISH ARE NOT EXACTLY IMMATURE IN THESE MATTERS EITHER, AND HAVE LONG ACCEPTED THE REALITY THAT HONG KONG CAN, FOR THE MOST PART, RUN ITS OWN AFFAIRS," HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID SAID THE BRITISH WERE NOT THE ONLY ONES TO APPRECIATE WHAT HONG KONG REALLY WANTED.
"THE AUTHORITIES IN PEKING HAVE TAKEN THEIR SOUNDINGS IN THE TERRITORY AND ARE, WE BELIEVE, COMING TO CONCLUSIONS THAT ARE SIMILAR TO OUR OWN: THAT HONG KONG WANTS TO MAKE ITS WAY TOWARDS A MORE DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, BUT GRADUALLY, AND ABOVE ALL WITHOUT DISTURBING THE STABILITY THAT IS ' ESSENTIAL TO THE TERRITORY’S PROSPERITY," HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE MUST BE CLEAR ABOUT THIS: THE BASIC LAW IS A PIECE OF CHINESE LEGISLATION AND IS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY."
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES HAD GONE TO QUITE EXTRAORDINARY LENGTHS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR DETERMINATION TO HEAR THE WISHES OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THROUGH A FIVE-MONTH EXERCISE TO GATHER OPINIONS ON THE FIRST DRAFT.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE SECOND DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW, DUE TO BE PUBLISHED SOMETIME IN THE SPRING OF NEXT YEAR, WOULD BE OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE FOR CONFIDENCE AMONG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
"IF, AS WE HAVE EVERY REASON TO BELIEVE, THE CHINESE DEMONSTRATE CLEARLY THEIR WILLINGNESS TO TAKE LOCAL VIEWS INTO ACCOUNT WHEN DRAFTING WHAT IS A NATIONAL LAW, THIS WILL BE A POSITIVE INFLUENCE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT KIND," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THERE WOULD BE ANOTHER CONSULTATION EXERCISE NEXT YEAR, BEFORE ENACTMENT BY THE NATIONAL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS IN 1990.
"AND BY THAT TIME I AM SURE THAT THE CHINESE WILL HAVE ADDRESSED MAJOR CRITICISMS IN THE REVISION,” HE ADDED.
"ON THE BASIS OF THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO US NOW, I THINK I CAN SAY THAT THEY WILL BE SEEN TO HAVE MADE A SUBSTANTIAL EFFORT TO HAVE MET THE COMMENTS EXPRESSED IN HONG KONG.
"THERE ARE A SMALL NUMBER OF ARTICLES IN THE DRAFT WHICH HAVE DRAWN CRITICISM, AND A LARGER NUMBER OF WHICH HAVE BEEN COMMENTED ON BY MORE PROFESSIONAL COMMENTATORS.
/"OUR IMPRESSION .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
"OUR IMPRESSION IS THAT THE CHINESE HAVE ABSORBED THESE VIEWS, AND THAT THE NEXT VERSION OF THE LAW WILL REFLECT THEM," SIR DAVID
SAID.
PUTTING INTO PERSPECTIVE STORIES ABOUT THE "BRAIN DRAIN" FROM HONG KONG, THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THE FACT THAT PEOPLE HAVE ALWAYS EMIGRATED FROM HONG KONG.
IN THE LATE 1970S THE NET OUTFLOW WAS MORE THAN 30,000 PEOPLE IN A YEAR AND IN THE EARLY YEARS OF THIS DECADE THE NUMBER DROPPED TO 20,000.
"BUT IN THE LAST THREE YEARS WE HAVE SEEN A SHARP INCREASE, IO THE POINT WHERE WE EXPECT SOMETHING OVER 40,000 PEOPLE TO EMIGRATE FROM THE TERRITORY THIS YEAR," SAID SIR DAVID.
NOTING THAT THE FAVOURED DESTINATIONS WERE CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND THE UNITED STATES, SIR DAVID SAID: "THESE PEOPLE ARE NOT FLEEING WHEREVER THEY CAN: MOST OF THEM ARE SIMPLY GOING TO A BETTER LIFE."
"AS FOR THE LABEL ’BRAIN DRAIN’ — THIS REFERS TO THE FACT THAT IN RECENT YEARS THE RECEIVING COUNTRIES, NOTABLY CANADA, HAVE PUT MORE EMPHASIS ON THE ECONOMIC EDGE OF THEIR IMMIGRATION PROGRAMME.
"THIS HAS ENABLED EVEN THOSE WHO HAVE NO CONNECTIONS WITH THE COUNTRY TO EMIGRATE IF THEY POSSESS SKILLS OR ABILITIES WHICH ARE IN DEMAND,” HE ADDED.
"MANY OF THOSE LEAVING ARE GOING TO JOIN THEIR FAMILIES, AS THEY ALWAYS HAVE BEEN — UNMARRIED AUNTS, DEPENDENT CHILDREN, GRANDMOTHERS AND SO FORTH.
"WE MAY BE SORRY TO SEE THEM GO, BUT HONG KONG’S ECONOMY IS NOT GOING TO COLLAPSE BECAUSE THEY HAVE LEFT," SIR DAVID POINTED OUT.
OF THE 40,000 OR SO INTENDING TO LEAVE THIS YEAR, ONLY 50 PER CENT WERE ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE IN HONG KONG.
"OF THAT 50 PER CENT, ONLY HALF ARE PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED. SO WE ARE TALKING ABOUT 10,000 PEOPLE WHO ARE FROM THE KEY PROFESSIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE AREA," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN TWO RESPECTS, HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE PHENOMENON.
THERE WAS FIRSTLY THE PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECT ON THOSE WHO DO NOT CHOOSE TO GO.
"IT WOULD OBVIOUSLY BE WORRYING IF PEOPLE BEGAN TO FEEL THAT THERE WAS SOME BUS THAT THEY WERE MISSING. THEY ARE NOT YET, BUT WE ARE VERY SENSITIVE TO THIS AND ARE WATCHING IT CLOSELY, HE SAID.
/SECONDLY, THE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9. 1988
- 5 -
SECONDLY, THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED THE LABOUR MARKETS, PARTICULARLY THE MARKET
ABOUT ANY EFFECTS ON FOR SKILLED OR HIGHLY
QUALIFIED PEOPLE.
HONG KONG THRIVED ON FOREIGN INVESTMENT, AND UNLIKE MANY OTHER PLACES, ™ DW Sot have any special tax breaks oe other incentives to
PROMOTE SUCH INVESTMENT.
FIND AT
"BUT FOREIGN COMPANIES HAVE BECOME USED TO BEING ABLE TO LOCAL MARKET PEOPLE WITH THE SKILLS THEY NEED, OFTEN INTERNATIONALLY VERY COMPETITIVE RATES OF PAY, HE SAID.
"THAT MARKET, AFTER SO MANY YEARS OF FAST ECONOMIC GROWTH, TIGHTENING SOMEWHAT.
IS
"IT WOULD CONCERN US BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT FIND
IF FOREIGN INVESTORS THE PEOPLE THEY WANT.
WERE TURNING
AWAY
"WE HAVE NO EVIDENCE OF THIS YET, BEFORE ANY SUCH DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE.
BUT OBVIOUSLY WE WANT TO
ACT
"WE MANAGERIAL
ARE THEREFORE LOOKING CAREFULLY AT PROGRAMMES TO ENSURE WE TRAIN SUFFICIENT
OUR GRADUATE
PEOPLE TO
AND FILL
ANY GAPS WHICH MAY ARISE.
"AT THIS TIME WE ARE PRODUCING FAR MORE GRADUATES THAN WE LOSING, ALTHOUGH THERE IS OF COURSE SOME DILUTION OF EXPERIENCE.
ARE
SIR DAVID EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT BE PANICKED INTO HASTY ACTION, AS FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT WAS SACROSANCT.
ANY ACTION TAKEN WOULD BE OF A LONG TERM, CONSIDERED NATURE.
"A GOVERNMENT TASK FORCE HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED A STUDY OF THE WHOLE U "AVE A MUCH,""™R PICTURE OF HHAT KIND OF
PEOPLE ARE LEAVING, WHERE THEY ARE GOING, AND WHY, HE SAID.
"THE NEXT STAGE WILL BE TO LOOK AT WHAT MEASURES WE CAN TAKE TO REDUCE THE IMPACT OF THE OUTFLOW.
"ABOVE ALL, AS ALWAYS, WE WILL CONTINUE TO DC. ALL WE CAN TO
MATTER - RETURN TO."
- 0 ----------
/6........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
6
TOUGHER LAW ON BILLIARD CLUBS EFFECTIVE NEXT DECEMBER
******
A NOTICE TO ANNOUNCE THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1988, APPLYING TOUGHER CONTROL ON BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS, WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY)
1 HE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM 15 NEXT YEAR. ALSO COMING INTO EFFECT THAT DAY WILL BE THE AMUSEMENT (URBAN COUNCIL) (AMENDMENT) BY-LAWS 1988 AND THE AMUSEMENT (REGIONAL COUNCIL) (AMENDMENT) (NO.2)
DECEMBER
BY-LAWS
PLACES PLACES 1988.
OF
OF
THESE PROVIDE FOR EXEMPTION FROM LICENSING DESCRIPTIONS OF BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS.
CERTAIN CLASSES
AND
A MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID ANY PLACE OPENED, KEPT OR USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF SNOOKER, POOL OR SIMILAR GAMES WOULD HAVE TO AUTHORITY (THE URBAN COUNCIL OR THE REGIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE.
। TODAY THAT BY THEN, PLAYING BILLIARDS, BE LICENSED BY THE COUNCIL) UNDER THE
THE EXCEPTION WAS GENUINE PRIVATE HOMES WITH FEWER THAN FOUR TABLES.
AND ESTABLISHMENTS
TO ENABLE EXISTING PRIVATE CLUB OPERATORS A LICENCE OR TO WIND UP THEIR BUSINESSES, THEY GRACE PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS FROM THE GAZETTING 1988," HE EXPLAINED.
EITHER TO APPLY
HAVE
DATE ।
BEEN GIVEN
OF DECEMBER
FOR A
9.
, r, BILLIARDS HAS BECOME POPULAR AND MANY ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BFEN GP AS PR1VATE CLUBS' SUPP0SEDbY OPEN ONLY TO MEMBERS AND W uUr.b i □ .
THROUGH
"HOWEVER, MEMBERSHIP OF SOME OF THESE PRIVATE BILLIARD Cl UBS is EASILY AND ALMOST INSTANTLY AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC PAYMENT OF A SMALL ENTRANCE FEE OF $5 TO $10."
THEY WERE IN FACT
OPERATING
______ AS DE FACTO PUBLIC
SALOONS UNDER THE GUISE OF PRIVATE CLUBS, THEREBY AVOIDING TO BE SUBJECT TO LICENSING CONDITIONS. avowing
BILLIARD
THE NEED
",bICENSING CONDITIONS OF PUBLIC BILLIARD SALOONS PROVISO I HAT THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OPERATE BETWEEN 2 AM THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
INCLUDE A
AND 8 AM,"
"MORE IMPORTANTLY,
RELEVANT LAWS WHICH
ENABLE
PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS ARE NOT
PREMISES TO ENSURE THAT THE PREMISES."
AUTHORITIES TO VISIT OPERATOR MAINTAINS GOOD
SUBJECT TO
THE LICENSED
ORDER ON THE
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASED
CRIME IN PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS WAS A MATTER OF SERIOUS CONCERN PARIICULARLY REGARDING THE POTENTIAL EFFECT ON YOUNG PERSONS MIXING rS^DESJRABL,': ELEMENTS tN BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS NOT SUBJECT C ON 1ROL.
INCIDENCE OF
/"THIS VIEW .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9i 1988
’’THIS VIEW WAS SHARED BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE TRADE WHEN THEY WERE CONSULTED ON THIS ISSUE," HE SAID.
"FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE PUBLIC, FROM THE LAW AND ORDER, PUBLIC HEALTH, FIRE AND STRUCTURAL SAFETY POINTS OF VIEW, IT IS NECESSARY TO EXTEND CONTROL TO THE MAJORITY OF THE PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS.
"IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 191 PRIVATE CLUBS WITH BILLIARD FACILITIES IN THE URBAN COUNCIL AREA, AND 75 IN THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AREA," HE ADDED.
"IN THIS CONNECTION, THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE 1988 WAS ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 29 TO BRING THE PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUBS INTO THE LICENSING NET.
"AFTER THE ENACTMENT OF THE AMENDMENT ORDINANCE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL, WHICH ARE THE AUTHORITIES EMPOWERED TO EXEMPT ANY BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENT FROM THE REQUIREMENT OF OBTAINING A LICENCE, HAVE EXAMINED THE EXEMPTION CRITERIA.
"THEY CONSIDER THAT BILLIARD ESTABLISHMENTS WITH LESS '1HAN FOUR TABLES SHOULD BE EXEMPTED FROM LICENSING UNDER THE RELEVANT BY-LAWS BECAUSE THIS WOULD CATER FOR MOST BONA FIDE CLUBS WITH INCIDENTAL BILLIARD FACILITIES, " HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IN ANY EVENT, ESTABLISHMENTS OF THIS SIZE WOULD NORMALLY NOT BE COMMERCIALLY VIABLE.
"THE RESULTANT* AMENDMENT BY-LAWS HAVE BEEN ENACTED BY THE COUNCILS IN OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER," HE SAID.
"IT HAS THEREFORE BECOME NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT A DATE IN THE GAZETTE AS THE COMMENCEMENT DATE FOR THE NEW LEGISLATION."
-------0----------
CONTRACT AWARDED FOR KOWLOON BAY REFUSE TRANSFER STATION
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (FRIDAY) AWARDED A CONTRACT TO A COMPANY TO DESIGN, CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE, FOR 15 YEARS, A REFUSE TRANSFER STATION (RTS) AT KOWLOON BAY.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO INTRODUCE THE PROJECT, DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, SAID THE RTS FACILITY, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WOULD BE REQUIRED TO MEET VERY EXACTING ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS, AND WOULD COST $130 MILLION TO BUILD AND SOME $30 MILLION A YEAR TO RUN.
/’’THE KOWLOON.......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
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"THE KOWLOON BAY RTS IS ONE IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPREHENSIVE WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY," DR REED SAID.
THIS STRATEGY ENVISAGES THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NUMBER OF VERY LARGE LANDFILLS AT REMOTE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, TO WHICH WASTE WILL BE TRANSPORTED IN BULK IN SEALED CONTAINERS FROM TRANSFER STATIONS SITUATED IN THE URBAN AREAS WHERE MOST OF THE WASTES ARE GENERATED.
UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL STRATEGY, REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES OPERATED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL DELIVER WASTE TO THE TRANSFER STATIONS WHERE IT WILL BE COMPRESSED INTO CONTAINERS FOR BULK SHIPMENT TO THE LANDFILL SITES.
"THIS SCHEME WILL ENABLE STRICT ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL TO BE EXERCISED IN TRANSPORTING THE WASTE TO THE LANDFILLS, AND AT THE SAME TIME WILL GREATLY REDUCE TRANSPORT COSTS AND TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLE MOVEMENTS OF WASTE COLLECTION VEHICLES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY," DR REED EXPLAINED.
THE TRANSFER STATION AT KOWLOON BAY WILL COMPRISE A TOTALLY ■ ENCLOSED AND CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENT OF WASTE TRANSFER, WITH A CAPACITY OF A DAILY REFUSE INTAKE OF 1,800 TONNES.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES WILL DISCHARGE THEIR LOADS INTO HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED HOPPERS AT THE FIRST FLOOR LEVEL OF A TWO-LEVEL BUILDING.
THE WASTE WILL THEN BE FED INTO COMPACTION EQUIPMENT AT THE GROUND FLOOR LEVEL WHERE IT WILL BE COMPRESSED INTO TOTALLY SEALED CONTAINERS FOR TRANSHIPMENT.
ALL AIR AND EFFLUENT EMISSIONS WILL BE TREATED PRIOR TO DISCHARGE FROM THE FACILITY.
EQUALLY STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS WILL APPLY TO THE BULK TRANSPORT FLEET. BOTH COLLECTION AND BULK TRANSPORT VEHICLES WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS THROUGH A VEHICLE WASHING PLANT EACH TIME THEY LEAVE THE SITE.
"WHEN THE KOWLOON BAY RTS IS COMMISSIONED IN THE SPRING OF 1990, THE LANDFILL AT JORDAN VALLEY, TOGETHER WITH THE INCINERATOR AT LAI CHI KOK, WILL BE CLOSED," DR REED SAID.
"IT WILL BRING SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LARGE RESIDENTIAL AREAS AT SHUN LEE TSUEN AND MEI FOO SUN CHUEN RESPECTIVELY," HE ADDED.
SWIRE BFI WASTE SERVICES LIMITED, A HONG KONG-BASED COMPANY, WON THE CONTRACT AGAINST STRONG COMPETITION FROM A NUMBER OF INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED WASTE MANAGEMENT CONSORTIA WHO TENDERED FOR THE PROJECT.
/KOWLOON BAY .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
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KOWLOON BAY RTS IS THE FIRST MAJOR WASTE DISPOSAL PROJECT TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN HONG KONG.
“IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THERE WILL BE FURTHER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE ENTERPRISE IN THE FUTURE TO IMPLEMENT OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS CURRENTLY BEING PLANNED BY THE EPD,” DR REED SAID.
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CHANGES TO TV REGULATIONS GAZETTED
CHANGES TO THE TELEVISION (STANDARDS OF PROGRAMMES) REGULATIONS WERE GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
"THE REGULATIONS CURRENTLY STATE THAT THE PROGRAMMES BROADCAST BY A TELEVISION COMPANY SHOULD INCLUDE A REASONABLE PROPORTION OF MATERIAL WHICH IS ’WHOLLY OF HONG KONG ORIGIN'. “A GOVERNMENT SPOKSEMAN SAID.
CHE TELEVISION (STANDARDS OF PROGRAMMES) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, WHICH WERE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 29, 1988, WILL INTRODUCE A DEFINITION OF THIS TERM,” HE EXPLAINED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT THE SAME TIME, THE EXISTING REQUIREMENT THAT THE PROGRAMMES BROADCAST BY A LICENSEE SHOULD INCLUDE A REASONABLE PROPORTION OF MATERIAL WHICH IS ’WHOLLY OF BRITISH OR COMMONWEALTH ORIGIN' WOULD BE REMOVED.
"THIS REQUIREMENT IS NOT IN KEEPING WITH THE AMENDED TELEVISION ORDINANCE AND THE NEW LICENCE CONDITIONS AND IS THEREFORE NO LONGER APPROPRIATE," HE SAID.
THE AMENDED REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 8, 1989.
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/1O........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
10
WANG TAU HOM, TUNG TAU OZP PUBLISHED
******
THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR WANG TAU HOM AND TUNG TAU APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN WAS FIRST EXHIBITED FOR INSPECTION IN 1973.
SINCE THEN, A NUMBER OF AMENDMENT PLANS HAVE BEEN GAZETTED FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND VARIOUS OBJECTIONS TO THE AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND CONSIDERED.
THE PLAN WAS SUBSEQUENTLY APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON SEPTEMBER 6 THIS YEAR.
THE PLAN COVERS ABOUT 183 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE CENTRAL PART OF NEW KOWLOON. IT IS BOUNDED BY JUNCTION ROAD/LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD TO THE WEST, CHOI HUNG ROAD/ SHATIN PASS ROAD TO THE EAST AND TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD/TUNG TSING ROAD/PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST TO THE SOUTH.
TO THE NORTH, THE BOUNDARY EXTENDS UP TO THE FOOTHILLS OF LION ROCK.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN IS TO IMPOSE STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL OVER DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA THROUGH VARIOUS LAND USE ZONINGS.
SUCH CONTROL WILL HELP INTEGRATE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA, INCLUDING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS, DISTRICT OPEN SPACE AS WELL AS GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN NO. S/K8/6 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THEY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE PRICES ARE $50 EACH FOR THE COLOURED (PRINTED VERSION) AND $10 EACH FOR THE UNCOLOURED VERSION.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
11
MORE ROADS TO BE BUILT IN FANLING ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO BUILD MORE ROADS IN FANLING AREA 34 TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
THE WORKS ARE PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING AND SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWNS.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF A LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROAD (ROAD L3) OF ABOUT 500 METRES IN LENGTH, VEHICULAR ACCESSES, FOOTPATHS, CYCLE TRACKS, ROADSIDE AMENITIES AND STREET FURNITURE TOGETHER WITH ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.
A SECTION OF FAN KAM ROAD AT THE PERIPHERY OF AREA 34 WILL ALSO BE WIDENED TO SERVE THE NEW DEVELOPMENT SITE.
PERMANENT ALTERNATIVE ACCESSES WILL BE PROVIDED TO CATER FOR THE EXISTING ACCESSES THAT HAVE TO BE CLOSED.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESSES WILL BE MAINTAINED SO THAT ANY INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC WILL BE MINIMISED.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY MAUNSELL CONSULTANTS ASIA LIMITED, CONSULTING ENGINEERS, ON BEHALF OF THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
♦ CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
♦ NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANLING, NEW
TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, 2ND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 7, 1988.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
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FUNDS SOUGHT TO EASE TRAFFIC NOISE PROBLEMS AT SCHOOLS
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SEEK APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO EMBARK ON A SECOND STAGE OF THE NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMME TO DEAL WITH SCHOOLS AFFECTED BY TRAFFIC NOISE.
THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, MR CHRIS GODWIN, SAID THIS TODAY (FRIDAY) AT A MEETING WITH A GROUP OF PARENT REPRESENTATIVES WHO EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERN OVER TRAFFIC NOISE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE LUI CHEUNG KWONG LUTHERAN COLLEGE.
THE GROUP, LED BY TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR CHAN MOU-POU AND MR YEUNG SHUCK-CHUEN, MET WITH OFFICIALS FROM THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
MR GODWIN SAID: "WE ARE SYMPATHETIC TO THE PROBLEM FACED BY THE SCHOOL.
"SINCE 1987, WE HAVE BEEN TACKLING, AS A FIRST STAGE, SCHOOLS AFFECTED BY AIRCRAFT NOISE. WE ARE NOW SEEKING THE APPROVAL FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO EMBARK ON A SECOND STAGE OF THE PROGRAMME."
MR GODWIN EXPLAINED THAT THE FIRST STAGE, WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR FOUR YEARS, WAS NOW EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR, ONE YEAR AHEAD OF SCHEDULE.
"THE SECOND STAGE WAS NOT DUE TO BEGIN UNTIL 1991, BUT SUBJECT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL, WE SHALL PLAN FOR AN EARLIER START OF THE STAGE II PROGRAMME," HE SAID.
"UNFORTUNATELY, FUNDS AND OTHER RESOURCES ARE LIMITED, AND IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO TREAT EVERY SCHOOL AT THE SAME TIME.
"ONCE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL HAS BEEN OBTAINED, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE ITS FIELD SURVEY TO VERIFY THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE TRAFFIC NOISE PROBLEM IN EACH AFFECTED SCHOOL, AND SCHOOLS WILL BE LISTED IN PRIORITY ORDER.
"WE HOPE TO COMPLETE TREATMENT OF ALL SCHOOLS WITH A NOISE LEVEL ABOUT 75 DECIBELS BY THE END OF 1992."
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
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IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY SERVICES STRESSED ******
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO MEET THE FULL DEMAND OF THE COMMUNITY FOR FAMILY SERVICES BY FLEXIBLY ADOPTING A PLANNING RATIO OF THE ONE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE FOR EVERY 150,000 GENERAL POPULATION BOTH IN NEW TOWNS AND IN OLD URBAN AREAS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID THIS ' TODAY (FRIDAY) AT THE 34TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES.
"CURRENTLY, THERE ARE 400 PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL IN 53 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES," MR CHAU SAID.
WORKERS SERVING
"AMONG THESE CENTRES, 24 ARE OPERATED BY SEVEN SUBVENTED VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES, INCLUDING THE CHRISTIAN FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE.
"THE OTHER 29 FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES ARE MANAGED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL OPEN ITS 30TH FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH."
MR CHAU SAID THE DEPARTMENT ALSO HAD PLANS IN HAND TO OPEN TWO ■ MORE CENTRES NEXT YEAR, ONE IN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN AND ANOTHER IN THE DENSELY POPULATED YAU TSIM-MONG KOK AREA.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE MANPOWER OF THESE CENTRES WILL BE IMPROVED TO PROVIDE A BETTER QUALITY OF SERVICE," HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THERE HAD BEEN AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF THE FAMILY SERVICES CENTRE, CERTAIN CHINESE VALUES OFTEN HINDERED PEOPLE FROM COMING FORWARD TO SEEK TIMELY ASSISTANCE AT AN EARLY STAGE UNTIL THEIR PROBLEMS HAD WORSENED.
"OBVIOUSLY, PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION WORK IS NECESSARY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES," HE SAID.
"PEOPLE SHOULD BE HELPED TO UNDERSTAND THAT SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES ARE NO'I ALMS-GIVING BUT HAVE BECOME AN INDISPENSABLE PART OF MODERN LIFE.
"THESE SERVICES HAVE THE FUNCTIONS OF HELPING PEOPLE TO SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS, STABILISING THE SOCIETY AS WELL AS IMPROVING ITS QUALITY OF LIFE.
"APART FROM THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, IT IS NECESSARY TO HELP, THROUGH COMMUNITY EDUCATION, OUR CITIZENS REALISE THEIR OWN RESPONSIBILITIES TO THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS AND PROMOTE MUTUAL AID AS WELL AS NEIGHBOURLINESS, SO THAT TIMELY ASSISTANCE CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE TO FAM ILIES-AT-RISK."
/ON THE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
1l»
ON THE OTHER HAND, MR CHAU SAID, THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES SHOULD CONTINUE TO JOIN HANDS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF SOCIAL SERVICES, AND TO IDENTIFY THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR WELFARE SERVICES.
THEY SHOULD ALSO AIM TO FORM A COMMUNITY NETWORK AMONG SOCIAL WELFARE ORGANISATIONS AND THE PUBLIC, SO THAT THESE SOCIAL NETWORKS COULD IDENTIFY AND HELP FAMILIES IN NEED OF WELFARE SERVICES.
"SUCH SERVICES CAN THEN BE PROVIDED AT AN EARLY STAGE TO VULNERABLE FAMILY MEMBERS, SUCH AS MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN, HANDICAPPED PERSONS, BATTERED WOMEN, ABUSED CHILDREN AND SINGLE ELDERLY PERSONS," HE SAID.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE MEASURES, STRESS ON NEEDY FAMILIES CAN BE ALLEVIATED AND FAMILY TRAGEDIES REDUCED."
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DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED *****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF J.P. MORGAN (HONG KONG) LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON DECEMBER 9, 1988 AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
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IMPORTANCE OF MAKING SUITABLE CAREER CHOICE STRESSED
******
A WISE CHOICE OF CAREERS IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO AN INDIVIDUAL, THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR WANG GUNGWU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CAREER A PERSON CHOSE DETERMINED HIS FUTURE WAY OF LIFE, THE PEOPLE HE WAS GOING TO MEET, THE PLACE IN WHICH HE WOULD SPEND A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF HIS TIME, AND HOW HE SPENT IT.
’’YOUNG PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE FRUSTRATION AND DISAPPOINTMENT IF THEY CHOOSE THE WRONG CAREER,” HE SAID.
’’IT IS THEREFORE VERY IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THEIR APTITUDES, INTERESTS, AND QUALIFICATIONS BEFORE THEY MAKE SUCH A CHOICE,” HE ADDED.
/DR WANG .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
DR WANG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF CAREERS '89, THE 1.7TH CAREERS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND CO-SPONSORED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL.
HE SAID A PROPER MATCH BETWEEN JOB AND PERSON WAS ALSO BENEFICIAL TO THE COMMUNITY.
"WE ALL KNOW THAT HONG KONG’S PRESENT ECONOMIC SUCCESS OWES MUCH TO THE INGENUITY AND RESOURCEFULNESS OF THE MANUFACTURERS AND ENTREPRENEURS, AS WELL AS THE SKILLS AND DILIGENCE OF THE WORKERS.
"AT A TIME OF RAPID ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND FULL EMPLOYMENT, THE NEED TO BETTER UTILISE THE SKILLS AND TALENTS OF OUR LABOUR FORCE IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT.
"IN THIS RESPECT, YOUNG PEOPLE INTENDING TO ENTER THE WORLD OF WORK MUST KEEP ABREAST OF CHANGING EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES BY ACQUIRING UP-TO-DATE CAREERS INFORMATION, AND BE AWARE OF AND PREPARED FOR ACQUISITION OF NEW TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS," DR WANG SAID.
CAREERS ’89 PROVIDES EXACTLY THIS MUCH NEEDED INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORLD OF WORK AND ON CAREERS AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
OUTSIDE THE EXHIBITION, YOUNG PEOPLE CAN ALSO OBTAIN UP-TO-DATE CAREERS INFORMATION FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S THREE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRES.
EACH OF THE CENTRES IS EQUIPPED WITH A REFERENCE LIBRARY AND AN AUDIO-VISUAL LIBRARY WHICH CONTAIN INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRAINING AS WELL AS FURTHER STUDIES.
DR WANG NOTED THAT A NEW CENTRE WOULD BE OPENED IN SHA TIN SHORTLY.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, AND AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
THIS YEAR, 22 EXHIBITORS FROM COMMERCE, INDUSTRY, PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE CIVIL SERVICE ARE TAKING PART IN THE 1O-DAY' EVENT.
THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 6.30 PM FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) UNTIL DECEMBER 19.
LIVE CAREER SHOWS WITH WORK DEMONSTRATIONS BY VARIOUS DISCIPLINARY AND AUXILIARY SERVICES WILI ALSO BE HELD AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE OUTSIDE THE CITY HALL BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM DURING THE TWO FORTHCOMING WEEKENDS.
/DETAILS ARE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
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DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
SATURDAY (DECEMBER 10) - CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT
SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) - FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) - ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE
SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) - AUXILIARY SERVICES (INCLUDING CIVIL
AID SERVICES, ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, AND AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES)
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ADVANCED EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT ON DISPLAY
A DEMONSTRATION AND DISPLAY OF SOME OF THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES IN DEALING WITH FIRES AND OTHER EMERGENCIES WILL BE STAGED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).
AS PART OF ACTIVITIES RELATING TO THE CAREERS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, THE DISPLAY, TO BE HELD FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM, IS INTENDED TO INTRODUCE THE WORK OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO THE PUBLIC.
DEMONSTRATIONS WJLL INCLUDE LEAPING FROM A HEIGHT ONTO AN AIR-FILLED RESCUE CUSHION, RESCUING INJURED PEOPLE USING TURNTABLE LADDERS, AND RESCUING PEOPLE TRAPPED INSIDE A VEHICLE WITH THE USE OF ADVANCED CUTTING EQUIPMENT.
VISITORS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO INSPECT A WEST-GERMAN-MADE 50-METRE TURNTABLE LADDER, AND TO BOARD THE FIREBOAT ALEXANDER GRANTHAM AT QUEEN’S PIER TO SEE ITS FIRE FIGHTING INSTALLATIONS.
OTHER APPLIANCES ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE A HYDRAULIC PLATFORM, AN AMBULANCE, AMBULANCE AID MOTORCYCLE, MOBILE CASUALTY TREATMENT CENTRE, AND A MOBILE COMMAND UNIT.
EQUIPMENT USED IN DEALING WITH VARIOUS EMERGENCIES, INCLUDING LANDSLIDES, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, HOUSE COLLAPSES AND MOUNTAIN RESCUES, WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED.
THE SHOW WILL FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHS DEPICTING THE HISTORY OF THE FIRE SERVICES, NOTABLE FIRES AND FIRE FIGHTING AT SEA, FROM THE AIR AND ON LAND.
/A TEMPORARY........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, ^988
A TEMPORARY RECRUITMENT CENTRE WILL BE SET UP WHERE SPECTATORS CAN UNDERGO MEASUREMENT AND EYESIGHT TESTS. THE DAILY WORK OF A FIREMAN WILL BE SHOWN ON VIDEO.
FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND TO DEMONSTRATE HOW TO OPERATE SOME COMMON TYPES OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).
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CUSTOMS X-RAY VAN AND LAUNCH ON DISPLAY IN CENTRAL
******
THE NEWLY-ARRIVED MOBILE X-RAY UNIT OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL BE ON DISPLAY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE EDINBURGH PLACE IN CENTRAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN TAKING A LOOK AT THIS $1.6 MILLION LATEST ADDITION TO THE CUSTOMS FLEET OF VEHICLES ARE INVITED TO VISIT "CAREERS *89” ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT BETWEEN 10.30 AM AND 4.30 PM.
ANOTHER ATTRACTION WILL BE THE CUSTOMS LAUNCH WHICH HAS PROVED SO SUCCESSFUL IN THE FIGHT AGAINST SMUGGLING AT SEA. IT WILL BE BERTHED AT QUEEN S PIER FOR PUBLIC VISITS.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO STAGE TWO SESSIONS OF A DRUG DETECTION DOG SHOW TO ENTERTAIN VISITORS AT THE EXHIBITION. THE SHOW TIMES ARE 11.00 AM AND 2.30 PM.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR OUTSTANDING DISABLED STUDENTS
*****
HANDICAPPED CHILDREN COULD ACHIEVE THE SAME SUCCESS AS THEIR ORDINARY COUNTERPARTS SHOULD THEY BE GIVEN THE APPROPRIATE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID IODAY (FRIDAY).
THE MANY RECENT
SPEAKING AT THE 7TH AWARD PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF SHELL/1SLAND JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DISABLED, MR LI SAID HANDICAPPED CHILDREN INTEGRATED IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS IN YEARS HAD OBTAINED GOOD RESULTS IN PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS AND CONTINUED THEIR STUDIES IN UNIVERSITIES AND OTHER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.
HE SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN PROMOTING INTEGRATION OF THE HANDICAPPED IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS IN RECENT (EARS AND HANDICAPPED PUPILS COULD BE FOUND RECEIVING EDUCATION TOGETHER WITH ORDINARY PUPILS FROM KINDERGARTENS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE SHELL/JAYCEES SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE DISABLED, MR LI SAID IT WAS A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE OF SUCH ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUPPORT FOR THE HANDICAPPED.
"IN THE PAST SIX YEARS, A TOTAL OF 60 STUDENTS HAVE RECEIVED THIS SCHOLARSHIP." MR LI SAID, ADDING THAT TODAY 10 MORE STUDENTS WOULD JOIN THEM AND SHARE THE HONOUR.
MR LI EXTENDED HIS CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 10 DISTINGUISHED STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED THE SCHOLARSHIPS TODAY AND SAID HE HOPED THEY WOULD KEEP UP WITH THEIR EFFORTS AND CONTINUE TO IMPROVE IN THEIR STUDIES, CONDUCT, SCHOOL ACTIVITIES AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
HE ALSO PRAISED THE TEACHERS AND THE PARENTS WHO HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE STUDENTS, ENABLING THEM TO ATTAIN SUCH ADMIRABLE ACHIEVEMENTS, THROUGH THEIR LOVE AND GUIDANCE.
THE AWARDS CAME INTO BEING WITH THE DONATION OF $100,000 BY THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED TO SET UP A FUND FOR 10 SCHOLARSHIPS AS A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE INTERNATIONAL YFAR OF DISABLED PERSONS IN 1981.
UNDER THIS FUND, 10 SCHOLARSHIPS AT $800 EACH WERE AWARDED TO HANDICAPPED PUPILS AS A RECOGNITION OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENT IN SCHOOL WORK AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
THIS YEAR, THE VALUE OF SCHOLARSHIP WAS INCREASED TO $1,000 PER STUDENT TENTATIVELY FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS.
/MR LI .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
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MR LI THANKED THE SHELL HONG KONG LIMITED AND ITS MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR T.P. BRENNAND, FOR THEIR UNFAILING SUPPORT TO AND PARTICIPATION IN THIS PROJECT.
RECEIVING THE SCHOLARSHIPS AND TROPHIES FROM MR BRENNAND AT THE CEREMONY WERE LAM HON-MAN OF JOCKEY CLUB SCHOOL; CHAN KWOK-WAI AND WONG SO-KUEN OF HONG KONG SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF; WONG KAI-BING OF MARGARET TRENCH RED CROSS SCHOOL; LOK YEE-FONG AND CHIM KUK-FAN OF MONG KOK LUTHERAN SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF; KO S1U-KEUNG OF HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL; LI CH1-MUN AND CHAN LAI-YEE OF LIONS MORNINGHILL SCHOOL; AND THAN SIU-CHOY OF TSZ WAN SHAN RED CROSS SCHOOL.
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CONFERENCE ON SAFE LAND SPORTS
A CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS TO PROMOTE SAFETY HINTS FOR VARIOUS LAND SPORTS WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE IN SHA TIN.
STARTING AT 9 AM, PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE TALKS BY EXPERTS ON PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION OF SPORT INJURIES AS WELL AS ON ROCK CLIMBING SAFETY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE WORKSHOPS WHERE PARTICIPANTS CAN SHARE THEIR VIEWS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE SAFETY CODES THROUGH DISCUSSIONS.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS OF THE LAND SPORTS SAFETY CONFERENCE INCLUDE SPECTACULAR HELICOPTER RESCUE AND PARACHUTING DISPLAYS, VIDEO SHOWS AND DEMONSTRATIONS IN TRACK CYCLING AND ROLLER SKATING.
VISITORS TO THE CONFERENCE WILL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE SIMPLE MEDICAL TESTS AT A FITNESS CLINIC AND TO SEE EXHIBITIONS ON A NUMBER OF POPULAR LAND SPORTS PUT UP BY VARIOUS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SAFETY CONFERENCE WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LAND SPORTS SAFETY CONFERENCE WHICH WILL START AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE. PHOTOGRAPHERS COVERING THE EVENT ARE ADVISED TO BRING TELE-LENSES AND TO WEAR RUBBER-SOLE SHOES.
TRANSPORT WILL BE ARRANGED FOR THE MEDIA. A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE THE CGO CARPARK IN LOWER ALBERT ROAD AT 8.15 AM SHARP. G1S OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- 0 -
/20........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9,
1988
- 20 -
CERTIFICATES FOR YAU TSIM BUILDING MANAGEMENT CAMPAIGN *****
THIRTY-FOUR PEOPLE WHO HAVE ATTENDED A SERIES OF SEMINARS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND FIRE SAFETY CAMPAIGN WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE SEMINARS COVERED FUNCTIONS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING MEETINGS, ACCOUNTING, LEGISLATION ON BUILDING MAINTENANCE, CLEANLINESS AND FIRE SAFETY.
PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS LAWYERS AND BUILDING SURVEYORS, AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD SPOKEN ON THE COMMON PROBLEMS IN THOSE AREAS, AND THE METHODS TO TACKLE THEM.
THE ENTIRE CAMPAIGN, CONSISTING OF AN EXHIBITION, DEMONSTRATION OF FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT AND SEMINARS, LASTED FOR FIVE MONTHS.
IT WAS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ORGANISED BY A COMMITTEE FORMED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, THE DISTRICT’S BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAM, PROFESSIONALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION OF CERTIFICATES TO THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN THE RESTAURANT AT THE CARITAS BIANCHI LOUNGE, SIXTH FLOOR, 4 CLIFF LANE, YAU MA TEI, TOMORROW (SATURDAY), BEGINNING AT 3 PM.
-------0---------
STUDENTS’ FIGHT CRIME KNOWLEDGE TO BE TESTED
*****
AN INTER-SCHOOL FIGHT CRIME QUIZ ORGANISED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CENTRE.
STUDENTS FROM THREE SECONDARY AND THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE COMPETING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN TWO SECTIONS. TROPHIES AND BOOK COUPONS WILL BE AWARDED TO THE WINNERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THE QUIZ IS PART OF THE ACTIVITIES TO DRIVE HOME TO STUDENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF FIGHTING CRIME.
/EARLIER, THE ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, ^988
21
EARLIER, THE COMMITTEE ISSUED 7,000 FIGHT iS^TO^ENRICH
TO 21 PRIMARY AND 11 SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT FO ENRIC STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON FIGHTING CRIME.
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE CAMPAIGN INCLUDE AN ANTI-TRIAD SEM' .AR FOR PARENTS AND PRESENTATION OF GOOD CITIZEN AWARDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE QUIZ (SATURDAY) IN THE HENRY G. LEONG YAU MA TEI PUBLIC SQUARE STREET.
BEGINNING 2 PM TOMORROW
COMMUNITY CENTRE AT 60
:---------------------------0---------------------------------------
CSD "WALK FOR MILLIONS" TO BE HELD TOMORROW *****
MORE THAN 1,000 STAFF OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THEIR FAMILIES WILL TAKE PART IN A "WALK FOR MILLIONS" FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST AT TAI LAM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT’S "WALK FOR MILLIONS" FORMS PARTS OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S FUND-RAISING AND 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION PROGRAMME.
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST, MR DENIS BRAY, THE CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN OF COMMUNITY CHEST, MRS ANITA CHAN, MISS HONG KONG 1988, MISS MICHELE REIS AND OTHER CELEBRITIES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE STARTING CEREMONY OF THE WALK.
THE EVENT WILL START AT 11 AM IN THE SPORTS GROUND OF TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION..
APART FROM THE WALK, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO ARRANGED A CHARITY SALE AND AN ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR PARTICIPANTS AFTER THE WALK AT THE SPORTS GROUND.
NOTE; TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S "WALK FOR MILLIONS" WHICH WILL START AT 11 AM AT THE TAI LAM CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. THOSE WHO WISH TO USE THF SERVICE SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE GROUND FLOOR OF WANCHAI TOWER 1 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG AT 9.30 AM SHARP.
-----o-----
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
- 22 -
CAS BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY * ♦ ♦ » »
THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO WATCH A SPECTACULAR BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY TO BE STAGED BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES AT SOCCER PITCH NO. 2 OF VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) EVENING.
THE BEATING RETREAT IS A TRADITIONAL MILITARY CEREMONIAL FUNCTION, CALLING TROOPS BACK TO THE FORTRESS AT SUNSET.
IT HAS GRADUALLY BECOME A SPECTACULAR ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE PUBLIC IN PLACES WHERE MILITARY TROOPS ARE STATIONED.
THE CEREMONY, STARTING AT 8 PM, WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY CAS BANDS, MOTOR CYCLE DEMONSTRATION AND SILENT DRILL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO THIS FUNCTION AND ADMISSION IS FREE OF CHARGE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CAS BEATING RETREAT AT VICTORIA PARK, SOCEER PITCH NO. 2 ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11). THE EVENT WILL START AT 8 PM.
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SHA TIN COMMUNITY DAY CAMP ON SUNDAY * * t ♦ ♦
MORE THAN 200 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS LOCAL MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS, VILLAGES, AREA COMMITTEES AND YIN NGAI SOCIETIES WILL TAKE PART IN A COMMUNITY DAY CAMP ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).
THE CAMP AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE FUNCTION, FREE OF CHARGE, IS AIMED AT ENHANCING COMMUNICATION AMONG SHA TIN’S COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF LOCAL AND CENTRAL GOVERNMENT.
THE PROGRAMME IN THE MORNING WILL INCLUDE A TALK BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT) OF SHA TIN, MISS MARGARET FONG, ON THE DISTRICT’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT.
/A LEGISLATIVE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR ANDREW WONG, WILL TALK ABOUT THE ROLE OF DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
THEN THERE WILL BE FREE TIME FOLLOWED BY A BARBECUE LUNCH.
IN THE AFTERNOON, A TALENT SHOW FEATURING VARIOUS PERFORMANCES BY PARTICIPANTS WILL BE STAGED.
AFTERWARDS, A FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN RESIDENTS LIVING ON EITHER SIDE OF THE SHING MUN RIVER WILL TAKE PLACE. OTHER PARTICIPANTS MAY ALSO ENJOY THEMSELVES BY JOINING VARIOUS GAMES.
THE RETURN TRIP WILL BE ROUTED THROUGH SAI SHA ROAD SO THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE NEWLY OPENED ROAD LINKING MA ON SHAN AND SAI KUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN COMMUNITY DAY CAMP AT WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER ll).
A COACH TAKING THE PRESS TO THE VENUE WILL DEPART AT 9.15 AM AT THE SHA TIN KCR HOUSE CARPARK NEAR PAI TAU VILLAGE.
REPORTERS WHO WANT TO LEAVE EARLY MAY TAKE A COACH LEAVING WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP AFTER THE BARBECUE LUNCH.
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WARM PRAISE FOR LIONS CLUBS *****
LIONS CLUBS WERE PRAISED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, FOR THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND GENEROUS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SERVICE PROJECTS.
MR JACOBS WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 27TH ORIENT AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN LIONS FORUM.
THE SETTING UP OF THE UNIQUE HONG KONG EYE BANK AND RESEARCH FOUNDATION AND THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DRUGS WERE JUST TWO OF THE FINE EXAMPLES OF THE RANGE OF SERVICES THAT THE LOCAL LIONS HAD PROVIDED. MR JACOBS SAID.
/ANOTHER RECENT .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
ANOTHER RECENT EXAMPLE WAS THE CLUBS* ACTIVE ROLE IN PARTICIPATING IN THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME, "TOWARDS A FULLER LIFE".
MR JACOBS POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG HAD A LONG HISTORY OF ASSOCIATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS.
FROM THREE CLUBS AND 85 MEMBERS 28 YEARS AGO, THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT 303, HONG KONG AND MACAU, HAD EXPANDED TO 36 LIONS CLUBS, FIVE LIONESS CLUBS AND 11 LEO CLUBS -- WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF OVER 1,600.
NOTING THAT THE LOCAL DISTRICT WAS HOSTING THE FORUM FOR THE FOURTH TIME IN ITS 28 YEARS, MR JACOBS SAID THE SPIRIT OF LIONISM WAS TRULY INTERNATIONAL.
"THIS ANNUAL FORUM OFFERS THE OPPORTUNITY FOR EXCHANGES ON LIONISTIC NATTERS AMONG THE SEVEN DISTRICT MEMBERS IN THE REGION," HE SAID.
"AND THERE ARE PLENTY OF USEFUL THINGS TO DISCUSS, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE PROGRESS IN SO MANY AREAS THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED OVER THE LAST SEVEN YEARS SINCE HONG KONG LAST HOSTED A FORUM."
IN HIS SPEECH, MR JACOBS ALSO REFERRED TO HONG KONG’S VIRTUES AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY WITH ITS TRADITIONS OF OPEN AND FAIR OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESS, TRADE AND INVESTMENT.
"I AM HAPPY TO ADD THAT WE ARE EXPECTING TO PLAY HOST TO A RECORD LEVEL OF FIVE-AND-A-HALF MILLION VISITORS THIS YEAR - A NUMBER ALMOST EQUIVALENT TO OUR TOTAL POPULATION," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
FREE CHECK-UPS FOR TAI PO ELDERLY ON SUNDAY
*****
ABOUT 600 SENIOR RESIDENTS OF TAI PO WILL HAVE FREE HEALTH CHECK-UPS THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11) AS PART OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ON-GOING PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE CHECK-UPS WILL BE HELD IN THE HALL OF TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO MARKET FROM 9.45 AM TO 5 PM.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO ARE AGED 60 OR ABOVE.
THE ELDERLY WILL HAVE THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE, URINE, EYESIGHT AND HEARING CHECKED.
HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL WILL ALSO EXPLAIN GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ON HEALTH TO PARTICIPATING ELDERLY PEOPLE.
/THERE WI
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, *1988
“IN DRAWING UP OUR PROGRAMME, WE HAVE SPECIALLY ARRANGED FREE ADMISSION TO A WIDE VARIETY OF EVENTS IN ORDER TO PROMOTE ARTS TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AS WELL AS OF DIFFERENT INTERESTS,” MR CHOW SAID.
“IN ADDITION TO SEEING THE MORE POPULAR AND TRADITIONAL PERFORMANCES, I HOPE THAT PEOPLE WILL BE TEMPTED TO ATTEND EVENTS WHICH ARE ORIGINATED BY RESIDENTS OF YUEN LONG ITSELF, SUCH AS THE YUEN LONG CHILDREN CHOIR, WHOSE PERFORMANCE TONIGHT ALSO COINCIDES WITH THEIR TENTH ANNIVERSARY.
’’TOGETHER WITH OTHER LOCAL PERFORMING GROUPS, THEIR APPEARANCE IN THE FESTIVAL SERVES AS A REFLECTION THAT OUR PAST EFFORTS IN NURTURING THE ARTS HAVE BEGUN TO BEAR FRUIT.
"MORE IMPORTANTLY, IT IS OFTEN ON ACTIVITIES SUCH AS THESE THAT A CLOSELY-KNIT COMMUNITY IS BASED, ENHANCING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.”
THE YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL FEATURES 37 EVENTS INCLUDING CONCERTS, DRAMAS, OPERAS, DANCES, FILMS, AND EXHIBITIONS, AS WELL AS A WIDE SELECTION OF FRINGE ARTS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS TALKS ON CARICATURE AND CANTONESE OPERATIC GESTURES; AND MANY OUTDOOR SHOWS IN RURAL AREAS.
THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL RUN UNTIL DECEMBER 27, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.
OF THE TOTAL BUDGET OF $880,000 FOR THE FESTIVAL, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT BOARD ARE CONTRIBUTING $420,000 AND $300,000 RESPECTIVELY WHILE THE BALANCE WILL COME FROM TICKET SALES AND LOCAL SPONSORSHIP.
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TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE ON THE MOVE ♦ ♦ ♦ t t ♦
THE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND RECORDS SECTION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW ACCOMMODATION FROM DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ALL THE FIVE OFFICES OF THE SECTION WILL MOVE TO THE 4TH AND 5TH FLOORS, 111 LEIGHTON ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
THE VEHICLE RECORDS OFFICE WILL BE ACCOMMODATED ON THE 4TH FLOOR WHILE THE VEHH IT INSPECTION OFFICE, THE DRIVING LICENCE RECORDS OFFICE, THE DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS OFFICE AND THE VEHICLE LICENCE SUSPENSION OFFICE WILL BE MOVED TO THE 5TH FLOOR.
/THERE WILL
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
- P6 -
THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION AND A VIDEO TAPE SHOW RELATING TO HEALTH EDUCATION.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EVENT WILL BE THE ACTING TA] PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARY CHOW SHUK-CHING, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE-DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO YUNG-SANG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE HEALTH CHECKS FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE HALL OF TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE, HEUNG SZE WUI STREET, TAI PO MARKET BEGINNING AT 9.45 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 11).
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YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL BEGINS
*****
THE NINTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL, ONE OF THE MORE COLOURFUL CULTURAL EVENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WAS OPENED THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING WITH A MUSICAL, ’’CINDERELLA” , PERFORMED BY THE YUEN LONG CHILDREN CHOIR AT THE LUT SAU HALL.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, NOTED THAT THE FESTIVAL HAD BECOME ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS FOR THE DISTRICT SINCE IT WAS LAUNCHED IN 1981.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EVERY YEAR THE ORGANISERS HAD BEEN ABLE TO PUT TOGETHER AN INTERESTING AND EXCITING PROGRAMME WITH THE RIGHT BLEND OF PERFORMANCES BY ARTISTS GROOMED IN THE DISTRICT AND THEIR COUNTERPARTS FROM VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID THAT THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMME PUT SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON STIMULATING YOUNG PEOPLE IN THEIR PURSUIT OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES BY PROVIDING A FORUM FOR ARTS APPRECIATION AS WELL AS GIVING PERFORMANCES.
’’FURTHERMORE, IT IS OFTEN THROUGH THIS KIND OF EVENT THAT ARTS PERFORMERS IN HONG -KONG COME TOGETHER, THUS BROADENING THE LOCAL ARTS SCENE,” HE ADDED.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW YIU-WING, SAID THAT AS FIRST-CLASS ARTS PRESENTATIONS WERE NOT EASILY ACCESSIBLE FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS, THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL WAS ALL THE MORE MEANINGFUL TO THEM.
/THE VEHICLE .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
- 27 -
THE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND RECORDS SECTION DEALS WITH DEFECTIVE VEHICLE INSPECTION AND KEEPS RECORDS OF VEHICLE LICENCES AND DRIVING LICENCES.
THE NEW TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE SECTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:
OFFICE
TELEPHONE NUMBER
VEHICLE INSPECTION OFFICE - CONTROL UNIT
- APPOINTMENT UNIT
VEHICLE RECORDS OFFICE
DRIVING LICENCE RECORDS OFFICE
DRIVING-OFFENCE POINTS OFFICE
VEHICLE LICENCE SUSPENSION OFFICE
5-8901352
5-8901447
5-8901416
5-8901451
5-8901344
5-8901480
5-8901569
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RECLAMATION PROPOSED IN TUEN MUN
*****
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM AND CONSTRUCT A JETTY WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 2.31 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED AT YUNG LONG, TUEN MUN.
ABOUT 0.82 HECTARES CONSTRUCTION OF THE JETTY AND GAZETTED LIMITS.
OF LAND WILL BE RECLAIMED FOR DREDGING WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN
THE
THE
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON
RIGHT OF
SUBMIT A
OR BEFORE
FEBRUARY 8 NEXT YEAR.
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/?8........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
- 28 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON » » * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE WINSLOW STREET VEHICULAR UNDERPASS WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM DAILY ON DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY) AND 19 FOR TUNNEL MAINTENANCE WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON WINSLOW STREET HEADING FOR TO KWA WAN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, COOKE STREET, GILLIES AVENUE AND WUHU STREET.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12), BOWRING STREET BETWEEN TEMPLE STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD * * t * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE FOLLOWING PERIODS FOR ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS:
* DECEMBER 12 - THE SOUTHBOUND OUTER-MOST LANE BETWEEN SHEUNG SHUI ROUNDABOUT AND TSUNG PAK LONG..
* DECEMBER 13 - THE SOUTHBOUND OUTER-MOST LANE BETWEEN TSUNG PAK LONG AND KWU TUNG.
t DECEMBER 19 - THE SOUTHBOUND OUTER-MOST LANE BETWEEN KWU TUNG AND PAK SHEK AU INTERCHANGE.
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/29........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
- 29 -
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN DISTRICT ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE DESIGNATED DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) FOR TWO WEEKS.
THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CENTRE STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 32 AND ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ROADWORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 105 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR TRAM TRACK CONNECTION WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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INTERRUPTIONS TO FRESH WATER SUPPLY ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS WILL BE INTERRUPTED BY WATER WORKS:
♦ FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO TAI WO HAU ROAD AND BLOCKS 27 - 42
KWAI CHUNG ESTATE WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
* FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE AREA BOUNDED BY WING KEI ROAD, WING KIN ROAD, WING LAP STREET, WING HAU STREET, KWAI LOK STREET AND KWAI HEI ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG WILL EXPERIENCE WEAK PRESSURE FROM 8 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY.
♦ FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES AT TAI TAM ROAD, TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD, STANLEY GAP ROAD, STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, STANLEY MOUND ROAD, STANLEY BEACH ROAD, STANLEY MAIN STREET, STANLEY MARKET ROAD, STANLEY NEW ROAD, STANLEY LINK ROAD, CARMEL ROAD, HOL FUNG PATH, TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, WONG MA KOK ROAD, STANLEY PRISON, PAR PAT SHAN ROAD AND REDHILL ROAD WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAV.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPATRIATION DISCUSSED IN MEETING ON INDOCHINESE ASYLUM SEEKERS ................................................. 1
UN CONVENTION TO APPLY TO HK................................ 2
GATT IN MONTREAL ......................................... 2
MILLIONS TO BE SPENT ON MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT ............. 3
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SAI KUNG DISTRICT ........................ 4
SHW OPENS CENTRES EY)R ELDERLY, CHILDREN AND YOUTH.......... 5
BETTER CARE FOR CHILDREN THROUGH JOINT EFFORT............... 6
DAY FOR PEOPLE TO GIVE OF THEMSELVES ....................... 7
EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS' CREATIVE WORK....................... 9
ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE AT TSING YI ......................... 9
CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE SQUATTERS ............................. 10
SOUTHERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED .......... 10
ANNUAL DIGEST GF STATISTICS NOW ON SALE.................... 11
CARNIVAL CONCLUDES KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ..................... 11
ANTI-JUVENILE CRIME CAMP FOR YOUTHS ....................... 12
NOVEMBER RAINFALL BELOW NORMAL ............................ 1?
INTERRUPTIONS TO SALT WATER SUPPLY......................... 15
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSIM SHA TS’JI .......... 16
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY AND TUEN MUN
1?
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
- 1 -REPATRIATION DISCUSSED IN MEETING ON INDOCHINESE ASYLUM SEEKERS *****
REPATRIATION WAS AMONG THE SUBJECTS DISCUSSED AT GREAT LENGTH AT A MEETING WHICH HAS JUST ENDED IN KUALA LUMPUR ON INDOCHINESE ASYLUM SEEKERS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
"IT WAS GENERALLY AGREED THAT INITIAL EMPHASIS SHOULD BE ON VOLUNTARY RETURNEES AND TO GET THEM GOING FIRST AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE," THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) AT KAI TAK AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN FROM THE MEETING.
"IT WAS GENERALLY RECOGNISED THAT THE SUCCESSFUL RETURN OF THE VOLUNTARY PEOPLE WOULD HOPEFULLY INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PERSONS APPLYING TO RETURN.
"WE MADE THE POINT VERY STRONGLY TO THE MEETING AND TO THE VIETNAMESE THAT THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ACCEPT BACK PERSONS WHO HAD BEEN FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES, AND THIS WE REGARD AS AN INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATION."
MR BARNES SAID THE VIETNAMESE DID ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM AND THIS WAS MADE QUITE CLEAR AT THE LONDON TALK EARLIER.
"THEY DO RECOGNISE THAT A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION HAS TO BE FOUND FOR THOSE PEOPLE WHO CAME AFTER JUNE 15 THIS YEAR AND WHO HAVE NO PROSPECT FOR RESETTLEMENT," HE SAID.
AT THE MEETING, MR BARNES SAID HE ALSO EXPLAINED HONG KONG’S SCREENING PROCESSES TO OTHER COUNTRIES.
"WE ARE THE ONLY PLACE WHICH HAS ADOPTED A FORMAL SCREENING PROCESS. THERE IS GREAT INTEREST IN THEM AND IN THE WAY HONG KONG IS CARRYING OUT THE SCREENING PROCESS," HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THE MEETING IN KUALA LUMPUR WAS THE THIRD IN A SERIES OF PRELIMINARY WORKING GROUP MEETINGS WHICH WOULD LEAD UP IN DUE COURSE TO AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD NEXT YEAR.
"THE MEETING IDENTIFIED THE MAIN AREAS FOR DISCUSSION, DECISION AND CONCLUSIVE SOLUTIONS AT NEXT YEAR'S INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE," HE SAID.
"WE DISCUSSED THE PREVENTION OF DEPARTURES FROM VIETNAM, ARRIVALS IN HONG KONG AND OTHER COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM, THE SCREENING PROCESS, RESETTLEMENT, REPATRIATION AND ORDERLY DEPARTURES FROM VIETNAM.
"A WORKING GROUP WILL DEVELOP THESE AREAS INTO A FORM OF PAPER FOR CONSIDERATION BY GOVERNMENTS, AND IF THEIR COMMENTS ARE VERY DIVERGENT IN VIEW, THERE WILL BE ANOTHER WORKING GROUP TO DEAL WITH IT.
"THE NEXT STEP WILL BE THE PREPARATORY CONFERENCE WHICH IS SCHEDULED IN KUALA LUMPUR HOPEFULLY IN ABOUT APRIL NEXT YEAR, WHICH WILL CLEAR THE WAY FOR AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE AT MINISTERIAL LEVEL. THE DATE HAS NOT BEEN FIXED YET."
O
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
?
UN CONVENTION TO APPLY TO HK
* * *
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT LODGED THE UNITED KINGDOM’S INSTRUMENT OF RATIFICATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE AND OTHER CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT OR PUNISHMENT WITH THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS ON DECEMBER 8.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, MR TIM EGGAR, AT THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY COMMEMORATIVE SESSION FOR THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION ON HUMAN RIGHTS.
A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE CONVENTION WILL BE APPLIED TO HONG KONG ONCE THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION HAS BEEN ENACTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IN HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN ENVISAGED THAT THIS WOULD BE DONE IN THE EARLY HALF OF 1989.
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GATT IN MONTREAL * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, DESCRIBED AS "DISAPPOINTING " THE FAILURE TO REACH FULL AGREEMENT AT THE MID TERM MINISTERIAL MEETING OF THE GATT IN MONTREAL.
"THE URUGUAY ROUND IS ATTEMPTING TO DEAL WITH A FAR WIDER RANGE OF SUBJECTS THAN PREVIOUS ROUNDS. NEGOTIATIONS ARE THEREFORE MORE COMPLEX. AGRICULTURE HAS PROVED THE MAJOR STUMBLING BLOCK THIS TIME," HE SAID.
"DESPITE THIS TEMPORARY SETBACK, CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS WAS ACHIEVED IN NEGOTIATIONS ON MANY SUBJECTS.
"FOR EXAMPLE THERE WAS CONSENSUS ON IMPROVEMENTS TO DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES, ON TRADE POLICY SURVEILLANCE, ON TARIFFS AND ALSO ON THE FRAMEWORK OF AN AGREEMENT ON SERVICES.
"ALL OF THIS IS VERY ENCOURAGING AND IS AMPLE EVIDENCE OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MULTILATERAL SYSTEM," SAID MR MACLEOD.
"OBVIOUSLY, WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE SEEN MORE PROGRESS ON WAYS IN WHICH TO LIBERALISE TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING," HE COMMENTED, "BUT THESE TALKS STILL HAVE TWO YEARS TO RUN."
/ON THE .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
- 3 -
ON THE FAILURE TO REACH CONSENSUS ON AGRICULTURE, MR MACLEOD SAID, "IT IS A PITY TOO THAT THE AGRICULTURE DEADLOCK HAS ALSO INTERRUPTED PROGRESS ON THE PROTECTION OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND IN A FEW OTHER AREAS.
"BUT I DO UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION OF THOSE INVOLVED.
"THE IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER IS THAT THE MONTREAL MEETING HAS HELPED TO FOCUS MINDS.
"THE EXTENT OF PROGRESS HAS BEEN MEASURED AND WE HAVE AS A RESULT OF THE TALKS GAINED A BETTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING Of THE DIRECTION WE SHOULD TAKE.
"THIS IS VERY ENCOURAGING. THE SYSTEM HAS PROVED ITS WORTH AND ITS RESILIENCE," MR MACLEOD SAID.
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MILLIONS TO BE SPENT ON MA ON SHAN DEVELOPMENT
******
AN ESTIMATED $1.8 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT IN PROVIDING LAND, INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FOR A POPULATION OF 200,000 UPON FULL DEVELOPMENT IN MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR VICTOR YUNG SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
UP TO NOW, GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY SPENT $700 MILLION ON SERVICES AND INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE AREA, HE SAID.
"IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE IN POPULATION, A COMPREHENSIVE ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME HAS BEEN DRAWN UP," HE NOTED.
"FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF SAI SHA ROAD JOINING MA ON SHAN WITH SAI KUNG IN OCTOBER, A TRUNK ROAD SPANNING SHING MUN RIVER CONNECTING MA ON SHAN WITH TOLO HIGHWAY WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1991.
"CONSIDERATION HAS ALSO BEEN GIVEN TO LINKING MA ON SHAN TO THE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL THROUGH THE TATES CAIRN TUNNEL IN 1993 . "
MR YUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE PRIMARY PLANNING OBJECTIVE IN THE AREA WAS TO HAVE A BALANCED COMMUNITY WITH SUFFICIENT PROVISION FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, INDUSTRIAL LAND, GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACE.
IN THIS REGARD, MA ON SHAN WILL HAVE ITS OWN DISTINCTIVE TOWN CENTRE LOCATED TO THE NORTH OF HENG ON ESTATE.
/'!TLE W ...........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
"THE TOWN CENTRE IS PLANNED FOR A POPULATION OF 30,000 0 40,000 AND WILL HAVE SHOPPING CENTRES, A TOWN PARK AND A "IVIC CENTRE," HE SAID.
"OTHER COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, INDOOR RECREATIONAL CENTRES, COMMUNITY CENTRES, MARKETS, OPEN SPACES AND A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX."
THE DISTRICT OFFICER NOTED THAT IN PAST YEARS, THERE WERE ONLY A FEW PEOPLE LIVING IN MA ON SHAN CONGREGATING AROUND THE WU KAT SHA AND AH KUNG KOK AREAS.
HOWEVER, WITH THE FIRST POPULATION INTAKE OF HENG ON ESTATE IN MARCH 1987, A COMPLETE CHANGE HAS EMERGED.
"HENG ON ESTATE ALONE CAN ACCOMMODATE A POPULATION OF 28,000, 15 PER CENT OF WHICH WILL LIVE IN HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS," HE SAID.
"MOREOVER, THE FIRST STAGE OF YIU ON ESTATE DEVELOPMENT - THE SECOND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN THE AREA, HAS BEEN COMPLETED WITH A PRESENT INTAKE OF MORE THAN 6,500 PEOPLE.
"THE CHEVALIER GARDENS, A PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME ESTATE WHICH COULD ACCOMMODATE 15,000 PEOPLE, WAS COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER AND ATTRACTED MANY PEOPLE TO THIS NEW AREA."
IN ORDER TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT, A COMPREHENSIVE FACT SHEET OUTLINING THE AREA’S HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT IS AVAILABLE FREE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S MA ON SHAN SUB-OFFICE, COMMUNITY HALL AND PUBLIC HOUSING OFFICES.
"WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF COMMUNITY IN THIS FAST DEVELOPING AREA AND HOPE RESIDENTS WILL FIND IT A GOOD PLACE TO LIVE IN," ADDED MR YUNG.
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GOVERNOR TO VISIT SAI KUNG DISTRICT ♦ * * t t
THE GOVERNOR, SIR
DAVID WILSON, WILL TOUR SAI KUNG DISTRICT MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) AFTERNOON TO SEE THE LATEST DEVE1OPMENTS OF DISTRICT AND MEET LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
ON
THE
SIR DAVID WILL FIRST MAKE BRIEF STOPS NEWLY OPENED TAI MONG TSAI CYCLE PARK BEFORE
AT TSAM CHUK WAN AND THE A TOUR OF SAI KUNG TOWN.
/FE WTLi .........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
- 5 -
HE WILL THEN VISIT PAR KONG VILLAGE, WHERE A VILLAGE EXPANSION PROJECT IS IN PROGRESS. AT THE HO CHUNG RIVER, HE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF EFFORTS IN REDUCING POLLUTION IN THE RIVER.
THE GOVERNOR WILL ALSO VISIT JUNK BAY NEW TOWN TO SEE THE FACILITIES AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA BEFORE ATTENDING A RECEPTION WITH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND LOCAL PERSONALITIES AT THE TSUI LAM COMMUNITY HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT TO SAI KUNG ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12).
TRANSPORT FOR MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, NEXT TO STAR FERRY, BY 2 PM SHARP. THOSE WHO WANT TO TRAVEL BY THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PAK KONG VILLAGE CARPARK, OPPOSITE TO THE VILLAGE’S RECREATION CENTRE, NOT LATER THAN 3 PM.
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SHW OPENS CENTRES FOR ELDERLY, CHILDREN AND YOUTH * * * * *
uri ™E NEEDS 0E YOUNG PEOPLE, THE GOVERNMENT SUBVENTS WELFARE AGENCIES TO OPERATE A WIDE RANGE OF YOUTH SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
tcI.N ™IS CONNECTION, A CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IS ESTABLISHED FOR AN AREA WITH A POPULATION OF 20,000 TO 30,000," HE SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE SALVATION ARMY CHUK YUEN ELDERLY CENTRE AND CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE.
IN THESE CENTRES, A WIDE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED. THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES, YOUNG PEOPLE LEARN HOW TO ORGANISE GROUPS AND REACH OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY.
Aun t PAnIocL^EVEL°P A SENSE 0E CO-OPERATION, CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY
ANU LisADBRSHIP*
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 231 CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES KONG, OF WHICH 19 ARE OPERATED IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT. THREE CENTRES IN THE CHUK YUEN ESTATE."
IN HONG INCLUDING
/AS FOR .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
- 6 -
AS FOR ELDERLY SERVICES, MR CHAU SAID THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR PROVIDED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, HOME HELP SERVICE, MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES, SOCIAL CENTRES AND A VARIETY OF RESIDENTIAL SERVICES.
“BY THE CURRENT PLANNING STANDARD, A SOCIAL CENTRE IS ESTABLISHED FOR AN AREA WITH A POPULATION OF 30,000 TO ORGANISE CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, SOCIAL AND LEISURE ACTIVITIES FOR OLD PEOPLE LIVING WITH THEIR FAMILIES OR ALONE,” HE SAID.
’’THESE ACTIVITIES ENCOURAGE THEM TO MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH THE COMMUNITY, TO HAVE A MORE POSITIVE OUTLOOK IN LIFE AND TO ENJOY THEIR TWILIGHT YEARS IN A MORE NATURAL AND FAMILIAR ENVIRONMENT.”
INCLUDING THE SALVATION ARMY CHUK YUEN ELDERLY CENTRE WHICH WAS OPENED TODAY, THERE ARE NOW 14 MULTI-SERVICES CENTRES AND 99 SOCIAL CENTRES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN HONG KONG.
MR CHAU COMMENDED THE SALVATION ARMY FOR ITS VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION IN THE WELFARE AND EDUCATIONAL FIELDS IN HONG KONG.
- 0-----------
BETTER CARE FOR CHILDREN THROUGH t ♦ ♦ t ♦
JOINT EFFORT
THE GOVERNMENT HAS A SIGNIFICANT PART TO PLAY IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN BUT THE FAMILY IS THE MOST FUNDAMENTAL AND EFFECTIVE UNIT IN MEETING THE NEEDS OF OUR CHILDREN, PARTICULARLY THE VERY YOUNG, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE EMPHASISED THAT MERE PHYSICAL CARE OR MATERIAL COMFORT WAS HOWEVER NOT ENOUGH AS CHILDREN NEEDED MORE.
MRS WONG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "CONFERENCE ON HONG KONG’S YOUNG CHILDREN: SHARING OUR EXPERIENCES" ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES.
SHE SAID THAT CHILDREN NEEDED THEIR PARENTS’ TIME AND PATIENCE TO LISTEN TO THEM, TO ENCOURAGE, PRAISE AND LOVE THEM.
"I THINK THROUGH A CONCERTED EFFORT, AND JOINT ENDEAVOUR, CHILDREN WILL BE BETTER CARED FOR IN SOCIETY," SHE SAID.
ON PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, MRS WONG SAID THAT THERE WERE KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES AND PARENTS HAD A CHOICE IN SENDING THEIR CHILDREN TO EITHER PLACE ACCORDING TO THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS.
/’’CHILD CARE.........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
"CHILD CARE CENTRES, UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDE NOT ONLY PHYSICAL CARE OF CHILDREN BUT ALSO PROGRAMMES TO DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL IN A SAFE, HEALTHY AND STABLE ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES THEIR PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH," SHE SAID.
"FOR CHILDREN FROM LOW INCOME FAMILIES, THERE IS THE FREE ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO FAMILIES IN NEED TO ENABLE THEM TO ATTEND KINDERGARTENS OR CHILD CARE CENTRES.
"FOR FAMILIES WITH SOCIAL PROBLEMS WHICH INHIBIT THE PROVISION OF PROPER CARE AND DEVELOPMENT FOR THEIR CHILDREN, THERE ARE WIDE-RANGING WELFARE SERVICES AND PROVISIONS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITIES TO CATER FOR THE CHILDREN’S NEEDS," SHE SAID.
AS A SHORT-TERM GOAL, SHE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN TAKING STEPS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF BOTH KINDERGARTENS AND CHILD CARE CENTRES.
"AS A LONG-TERM GOAL, CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO EXAMINE THE ULTIMATE UNIFICATION OF PRE-PRIMARY SERVICES," MRS WONG ADDED.
SHE COMMENDED DEVOTED INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR HAVING PUT SO MUCH EFFORT IN PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF OUR YOUNG CHILDREN.
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DAY FOR PEOPLE TO GIVE OF THEMSELVES
*****
A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED IN A CIVIC EDUCATION DAY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO GIVE OF THEMSELVES, LITERALLY, AND TO DONATE THEIR TIME, MONEY AND ITEMS AS A GESTURE OF CARE AND CIVIC-MINDEDNESS TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH THEY LIVE.
THE "TO CARE AND TO GIVE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY", ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, WILL BE HELD AT VICTORIA PARK ON DECEMBER 18 (SUNDAY).
IT AIMS AT PROMOTING A GREATER SENSE OF MUTUAL HELP AND CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, AND TO ENCOURAGE CITIZENS TO CONTINUE CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ACTION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID THAT ACTIVITIES APPEALING FOR CONTRIBUTION OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE AND DONATION OF KIDNEYS, CORNEA, BLOOD, CASH AND NEW TOYS WOULD BE LAUNCHED ON THAT DAY.
/THE AGENCY
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
- 8 -
THE AGENCY FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE WILL HOLD AN EXHIBITION TO INTRODUCE THE IMPORTANCE OF VOLUNTEER SERVICE IN THE COMMUNITY. THE AGENCY AIMS TO RECRUIT VOLUNTEERS FOR A NUMBER OF SERVICE JOBS IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
ANY PERSON INTENDING TO OFFER SERVICE AND HELP TO THOSE IN NEED ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION COUNTER FOR MORE INFORMATION.
THE AGENCY WILL, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MOUNT A SPECIALLY DESIGNED CIVIC EDUCATION TREE ON WHICH VISITORS CAN HANG A CARD TO PLEDGE THEIR SUPPORT OF MUTUAL CARE AND CONCERN.
THE TREE WILL THEN BE MOVED TO THE CITY PLAZA IN TAI KOO SHING AFTER THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.
THE EVENT WILL ALSO OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CITIZENS TO SHOW THEIR CARE FOR OTHERS BY PLEDGING THE DONATION OF KIDNEYS, CORNEA AND BLOOD, ADDED THE SPOKESMAN.
FOUNDED IN 1987 TO PROMOTE THE CONCEPT OF HELPING OTHERS BY DONATION OF KIDNEYS, THE KIDNEY DONATION SOCIETY WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY TO CALL FOR MORE PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHEME.
CITIZENS WILL LEARN WHEN THEY VISIT THE EXHIBITION STAGED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT OPHTHALMIC SERVICE THAT THEIR HELP IS MUCH NEEDED IN CORNEA DONATION.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT AT THE EXHIBITION TO EXPLAIN THE IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL DONATION AND TO DISTRIBUTE CORNEA DONATION CARDS.
IN ADDITION, THEY CAN VISIT THE HONG KONG RED CROSS BLOOD TRANSFUSION SERVICE COUNTER AND JOIN THE "SAVE LIFE, GIVE BLOOD" CAUSE IN THE RED CROSS’S DOUBLE-DECKER STATIONED THERE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE COMMITTEE HOPED CITIZENS WOULD SHOW THEIR CONCERN AND CARE FOR THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED AND HANDICAPPED CHILDREN BY DONATING NEW TOYS IN THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY.
THE NEW TOYS WILL BE COLLECTED BY THE SPARE A NEW TOY APPEAL (SANTA) AND DISTRIBUTED TO HOMES FOR CHILDREN.
PARENTS ARE INVITED TO BRING THEIR CHILDREN TO PLAY ON CHARITY CASH-RAISING TRAMPOLINE SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A LARGE-SCALE SOCIAL SERVICE EXHIBITION ON THE WORK OF 17 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND WELFARE BODIES, A CONCERT STAGED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO ONE TO PROMOTE MUTUAL LOVE AND CARE IN THE COMMUNITY AND A YOUTH DRAWING COMPETITION ON CIVIC EDUCATION.
THE ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM AND ADMISSION 'S FREE.
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/9........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
- 9 -
EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ CREATIVE WORK * * * * *
AN EXHIBITION OF SECONDARY 5 STUDENTS’ CREATIVE WORK WILL BE HELD AT THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, BETWEEN DECEMBER 12 (MONDAY) AND JANUARY 7 NEXT YEAR.
THE EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE 500 SELECTED ITEMS OF ART WORK INCLUDING COURSE WORK PRODUCED BY 44 SECONDARY 5 STUDENTS FROM 22 SCHOOLS.
THE DISPLAY WILL BE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO TEACHERS AND PUPILS PREPARING FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN ART.
IT WILL FEATURE A WIDE RANGE OF DRAWINGS, PAINTINGS, GRAPHIC DESIGNS, PATTERN DESIGNS, CALLIGRAPHY, CERAMICS AND SPECIAL COURSE WORK IN TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONAL MEDIA.
THE EXHIBITION WILL OPEN BETWEEN 9 AM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS AND BETWEEN 9 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
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ADULT EDUCATION CENTRE AT TSING YI * * * *
TO COPE WITH INCREASING DEMANDS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY SET UP AN ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRE IN TSING YI TO PROVIDE CULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
THE CENTRE IS LOCATED AT THE TSING YI TRADE ASSOCIATION PRIMARY SCHOOL IN CHEUNG HONG ESTATE.
TO MARK THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE CENTRE, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), MRS RUBY LAU, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, MR LEE WING-FAT WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY BEGINNING AT 8 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) EVENING.
THE CENTRE WILL BE OPEN FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY BETWEEN 7.30 PM TO 9.30 PM TO ADULTS AGED 18 AND ABOVE.
THE ACTIVITIES OFFERED AT THE CENTRE INCLUDE-COURSES ON ENGLISH CONVERSATION, ELEMENTARY ENGLISH, PRACTICAL ENGLISH, PUTONGHUA, JAPANESE CONVERSATION, CHINESE PAINTING, MAKE-UP, PHOTOGRAPHY, CANTONESE OPERA, CUT RIBBON FLOWER DESIGN, TAI CHI, YOGA, FOLK DANCE AND SOCIAL DANCE.
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/1O
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
10
CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE SQUATTERS
*****
A CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ON FIRE PREVENTION AND TO PREVENT ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY WILL BE LAUNCHED WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE TZE WAN SHAN CENTRAL PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 3 PM, TO BE FOLLOWED BY AN EXHIBITION ON FIRE PREVENTION, THE CORRECT WAYS OF USING ELECTRICITY AND FIRE-FIGHTING EQUIPMENT; A DEMONSTRATION BY FIRE WATCH TEAMS ON FIRE-FIGHTING, AND PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS AND A BRASS BAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FUNCTION.
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SOUTHERN DISTRICT TRAFFIC ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL ON RELOCATING A GREEN MINIBUS TERMINUS IN SHEK PAI WAN FROM YUE HONG STREET TO YUE KWONG ROAD.
THE PROPOSAL IS SUBMITTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WITH THE AIM OF REDUCING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN YUE HONG STREET.
THE INCREASE OF TRANSPORT NEED IN THE CULDESAC HAS ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE NORMAL SERVICE OF MINIBUSES OPERATING FROM THE TERMINUS.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO EXAMINE A PROGRESS REPORT ON OUTSTANDING ITEMS ARISING FROM THE LAST MEETING. THESE ITEMS INCLUDE THE PROPOSED IMPOSITION OF TAXI RESTRICTION IN STANLEY NEW STREET, JAY WALKING AT ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD AND PARKING FACILITIES AT ABERDEEN WATERFRONT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AN INFORMATION PAPER ON A WORKS PROGRAMME OF MAINSLAYING FOR ABERDEEN SALT WATER SUPPLY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN.
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/11
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
11
ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS NOW ON SALE *****
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS PUBLISHED THE 1988 EDITION OF THE HONG KONG ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
THIS ANNUAL PUBLICATION IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE O' OFFICIAL STATISTICS.
IT BRINGS TOGETHER IN ONE VOLUME UP-TO-DATE STATISTICAL INFORMATION ON THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS OF HONG KONG.
THE REPORT COVERS STATISTICS ON A WIDE RANGE OF TOPICS INCLUDING POPULATION AND VITAL STATISTICS, LABOUR, INDUS TRIAL PRODUCTION, DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES, AND TRANSPORT AND SERVICES.
IT ALSO COVERS EXTERNAL TRADE, GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, PUBLIC FINANCE, MONEY AND BANKING, PRICES AND HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE, AND FOOD SUPPLIES, TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATIONS AND TOURISM.
ALSO COVERED ARE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, SOCIAL WELFARE, LAW AND ORDER, AND CULTURE AND RECREATION.
ALTOGETHER THERE ARE 301 TABLES IN 20 SECTIONS. COVERING WHEREVER POSSIBLE A 10-YEAR PERIOD FROM 1978-1987.
THE REPORT IS AVAILABLE AT $98 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12
HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
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CARNIVAL CONCLUDES KWUN TONG FESTIVAL
*****
THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’88 CULMINATED WITH A CARNIVAL THIS (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON WHEN NEARLY 1,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS SHARED FUN AND LAUGHTER AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND.
THE CARNIVAL MARKED THE CLOSING HIGHLIGHT OF THE THREE-WEEK FESTIVAL, WHICH AIMED AT INSTILLING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY BELONGING THROUGH A WIDE VARIETY OF FREE CULTURAL, SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL EVENTS FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS.
/SPEAKING AT
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY, THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON), MR PAUL LEUNG, SAID THE FESTIVAL HAD ONCE AGAIN PROVIDED THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND 15 LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO JOINTLY IMPLEMENT A MEANINGFUL PROJECT, THROUGH WHICH THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY-BUILDING AND CO-OPERATION WAS REALISED.
HE SAID APART FROM THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL, THEY HAD BEEN PROVIDING ALL SORTS OF CULTURAL AND RECREATION PROGRAMMES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON A REGULAR BASIS.
"THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED SOME $1.5 MILLION THIS YEAR TO PROMOTE VARIOUS KINDS OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS."
"THE URBAN COUNCIL, IN ADDITION TO ITS YEAR-ROUND ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, HAS PROVIDED RESIDENTS WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR LEISURE," HE SAID.
ON THE PART OF THE AREA COMMITTEES, MR LEUNG NOTED THAT THE ACTIVITIES THEY ORGANISED SUCH AS PICNICS, BOAT CRUISES AND VEGETARIAN FEASTS, HAD HELPED BOOST THE SPIRIT OF NEIGHBOURLINESS AND MUTUAL HELP IN THE COMMUNITY.
HE HOPED THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS WOULD CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE ABOVE ORGANISATIONS TO JOINTLY CREATE A BETTER COMMUNITY.
EARLIER, MR LEUNG OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY TO LAUNCH A HELIUM BLIMP TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE FESTIVAL.
THIS AFTERNOON'S CARNIVAL FEATURED A WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES. THEY INCLUDED SINGING AND PIPE BAND PERFORMANCES, PONY AND MINI-TRAIN RIDES, DEMONSTRATIONS OF CHINESE FOLK ARTS AND HANDICRAFT.
THERE WAS ALSO A DISPLAY OF ARMY VEHICLES AND AN EXHIBITION STAGED BY EIGHT LOCAL ORGANISATIONS TO INTRODUCE THEIR SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
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ANTI-JUVENILE CRIME CAMP FOR YOUTHS * * t »
EIGHTY YOUNGSTERS FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT TODAY (SATURDAY) ATTENDED A TWO-DAY ANTI-JUVENILE CRIME CAMP AT THE MA HANG PRISON AND STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
THE FUNCTION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT JUNIOR POLICE CALL, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUP HUNG HOM OUT-REACHING TEAM.
/THE CORRECTIONAL .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROVIDED THE VENUES AND ASSISTANCE FOR THE FUNCTION.
THE CAMP FEATURED TALKS, VIDEO, GROUP DISCUSSION, QUIZ COMPETITION, GAMES AND SPORTS, THROUGH WHICH THE PARTICIPANTS WOULD LEARN SELF-DISCIPLINE AND WOULD BE MORE AWARE OF THE EVIL OF TRIADS AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY.
IT BEGAN WITH A TALK ON LAW GIVEN BY A MEMBER OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY TWO VIDEOS WHICH DEPICTED HOW YOUNG PEOPLE COULD EASILY GET INVOLVED WITH BAD ELEMENTS, AND HOW DIFFICULT IT WOULD BE FOR THEM TO STEER A STRAIGHT PATH AFTERWARDS.
FROM THE PROGRAMMES, THE PARTICIPANTS LEARNT HOW AND WHY YOUNG PEOPLE WERE TEMPTED TO CRIME AND HOW THEY COULD TURN A NEW LEAF.
OTHER PROGRAMMES OF THE FUNCTION INCLUDED A VISIT TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, A GROUP DISCUSSION TO REVIEW THE RESULTS OF THE CAMP AND EXCHANGE ON EXPERIENCES.
- 0 -
NOVEMBER RAINFALL BELOW NORMAL
*****
THE RAINFALL IN NOVEMBER CONTINUED TO BE BELOW NORMAL. THE TOTAL AMOUNT FOR THE MONTH, 25.6 MILLIMETRES, WAS ONLY 74 PER CENT OF THE NORMAL FOR NOVEMBER, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTED TODAY (SATURDAY).
SINCE JANUARY 1, THE TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTED TO 1,578.4 MILLIMETRES WHICH IS 28 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL OF 2,199.4 MILLIMETRES.
THE MONTH’S MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 22.4 DEGREES WAS THE FIFTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER WHILE THE MEAN ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE FOR THE MONTH OF 1,019.7 HECTOPASCALS WAS THE FIFTH HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR NOVEMBER.
THE CLOUDY CONDITIONS WHICH PERSISTED FOR THE LAST FEW DAYS IN OCTOBER CONTINUED ON NOVEMBER 1. HOWEVER, THE WEATHER TURNED FINE THE NEXT DAY.
A WEAK SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON EARLY ON NOVEMBER 3 BROUGHT DRIER AIR TO THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS AND FINE WEATHER CONTINUED.
MAINLY FINE AND DRY CONDITIONS LASTED UNTIL THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 9 WHEN CLOUD BANDS ASSOCIATED WITH TYPHOON SKIP OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA BEGAN TO AFFECT THE TERRITORY.
/DURING THE
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
DURING THE DAY, HOWEVER, THERE WAS STILL PLENTY OF SUNSHINE SO THAT THE TEMPERATURE THAT AFTERNOON ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 27.7 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH.
AS SKIP CONTINUED ITS NORTHWESTWARD TRACK, THE WEATHER OVER HONG KONG REMAINED OVERCAST WITH OCCASIONAL RAIN FROM NOVEMBER 10 TO 12.
ALTHOUGH SKIP DISSIPATED TO THE SOUTHWEST OF HONG KONG LATER ON NOVEMBER 12, ITS REMNANTS CONTINUED TO BRING CLOUDY AND RAINY CONDITIONS TO HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 13.
THE WEATHER DID NOT IMPROVE MUCH IN THE NEXT FOUR DAYS. ON THE EVENING OF NOVEMBER 17, A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON FROM THE NORTH BROUGHT MUCH DRIER AIR TO THE SOUTH CHINA COASTAL AREAS. THE WEATHER THEN TURNED FINE ON NOVEMBER 18.
WITH A CONTINENTAL AIRSTREAM PREVAILING OVER SOUTH CHINA, FINE CONDITIONS CONTINUED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH.
DURING THIS PERIOD, SEVERAL SURGES OF THE WINTER MONSOON REACHED THE COASTAL AREAS, EACH TIME BRINGING COOLER AIR TO THE REGION.
ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 29, THE TEMPERATURE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DROPPED TO 13.7 DEGREES WHICH WAS THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH. IT IS ALSO THE LOWEST SO FAR THIS WINTER.
TEMPERATURES THAT MORNING WERE MUCH LOWER OVER THE NEW TERRITORIES. AT SHA TIN, THE TEMPERATURE FELL TO 7.5 DEGREES WHILE AT TA KWU LING IT WAS ONLY 4.0 DEGREES.
DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, NO AIRCRAFT WAS DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER.
THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 24 AND BETWEEN 26 AND 30. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON NOVEMBER 20 AND 26.
TWO TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING NOVEMBER.
THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WAS AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM
SIGNAL
DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING
DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG NOVEMBER 9 7.30 PM NOVEMBER 11 7 AM
MONSOON
/THE MONTH'S
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1?88
- ^5 -
THE MONTH'S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
MEAN DAILY GLOBAL SOLAR RADIATION
TOTAL RAINFALL
MEAN AMOUNT OF CLOUD
MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY
MEAN DAILY MAXIMUM
AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DAILY MINIMUM AIR TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
198.4 HOURS
12.71 MJ/SQ. METRE
25.6 MM
45 PER CENT
66 PER CENT
22.4 DEGREES CELSIUS
19.9 DEGREES CELSIUS
17.6 DEGREES CELSIUS
12.9 DEGREES CELSIUS
101.1 MM
; 6.9 HOURS ABOVE
NORMAL
; 0.83 MJ/SQ. METRE
BELOW NORMAL
; 9.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
; 7 PER CENT LESS
THAN NORMAL
; 3 PER CENT LOWER
THAN NORMAL
; 2.0 DEGREE CELSIUS
BELOW NORMAL
; 1.4 DEGREE CELSIUS
BELOW NORMAL
; 1.3 DEGREE CELSIUS
BELOW NORMAL
; 2.0 DEGREE CELSIUS
BELOW NORMAL
; 34.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
--------0----------
INTERRUPTIONS TO SALT WATER SUPPLY
* * i * t
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT SALT WATER SUPPLY TO THE FOLLOWING AREAS WOULD BE INTERRUPTED DUE TO WATER WORKS:
* THE SUPPLY TO KING YIP STREET, JUNK BAY ROAD, SAU MAU PING ROAD, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, PO KONG TSUEN ROAD, CHOI HUNG ROAD, TSEUK LUK STREET, KING FUK STREET, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST, EASTERN ROAD, KAI FUK ROAD AND HOI BUN ROAD WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM DAILY FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 12) TO SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17).
/ALSO AFFECTED .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
ALSO AFFECTED BY THE CUT WILL BE THE FOLLOWING HOUSING ESTATES: NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, SHUN LEE, SHUN TIN, SHUN ON, SHUN LEE TSUEN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, SHUN CHI COURT, KWUN TONG, CHOI WAN, CHOI HUNG, PING SHEK, CHEUNG WO COURT, LOK WAH, ON KAY COURT, LOK NGA COURT, FU SHAN, KING SHAN COURT, KOWLOON BAY T.H.A., KAI CHEUNG T.H.A., KAI LOK T.H.A., AND HONG NING ROAD T.H.A.
* THE SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE AREA OF TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG (FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD (KWAI CHUNG) TO KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CONTAINER PORT ROAD) WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
♦ THE SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL AREA, BOUNDED BY CHOI HUNG ROAD, TSUEK LUK STREET, KING FUK STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST, WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY.
» THE SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG DISTRICTS, INCLUDING SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, HA KWAI CHUNG, AND THE CONTAINER TERMINUS WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16).
- - 0
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT PEKING ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 13).
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT 15 MONTHS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ENTRANCE AT TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION.
VEHICLES ON NATHAN ROAD HEADING FOR PEKING ROAD, INCLUDING GMB ROUTE 8, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MIDDLE ROAD AND HANKOW ROAD.
- 0 -
/17
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1988
17
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ »
IN KOWLOON CITY AND TUEN MUN ♦ *
ANNOUNCED
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON AM THE NEXT DAY DAILY FROM DECEMBER 13 TO 15 OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER.
WATERLOO ROAD
THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC
BETWEEN 10 PM AND 6
FOR
THE RECONSTRUCTION
WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND AT ITS JUNCTION WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE-LANE TRAFFIC.
WITH ARGYLE STREET
MOREOVER THE U-TURN FROM WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND TO WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND’OUTSIDE KOWLOON HOSPITAL WILL BE BANNED.
AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE ADVISE° ™ TR^ 5™™^° SOUTHBOUND, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, SHEUNG HING STREET, ROAD AND WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND.
ROAD CHING
D
TO FACILITATE FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION, STREET TUEN HvS&lVSJto TRAFFIC BETWEEN . AM AND 5.30 DAILY FROM DECEMBER 13 TO 19.
IN
AM
tuen "Si
B.
- 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER...... 1
FOURTH INTERNATIONAL SEhINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION. 9
CONFERENCE TO PROMOTE SPORTS SAFETY .................... 9
CNTA CENTRES HANDLE 5.5 MILLION' CASES aND ENQUIRIES.. 10
COMMITTEE PRAISED FOR FUND-RAISING EFFOITS............... 11
THREE MORE BUILDING h. J’aGSKENT CO-ORDIN.\TION TEAMS FORMED . 12
CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO COMEAT POLLUTION OF SHING MUN RIVER . 14
REPLENISHMENT OF REPULSE BAY BEACH AUTHORISED............ 15
FIRE SAFETY PLEA TO SQUATTER RESIDENTS .................. 16
YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL HERALDS CHRISTMAS.................... 17
PARADE EMPHASISES KEEPING ENVIRONMENT CLEaN ............. 18
CONCERN FOR ELDERLY EVIDENT IN TAI PO.................... 18
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER SEWER FOR MUI WO................ 19
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER .............................. 20
PUBLICITY LEAFLET ON KWUN TONG TRAFFIC SCHEME............ 20
URBAN CLEaRWAYS AT AIRPORT AND SHAU KEI WaN ............. 21
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR OCTOBER *****
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN OCTOBER 1988, AT $92,482 MILLION, GREW BY 32 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON VALUE OF TRADE FOR THE MONTH RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT TO $20,006 MILLION IN OCTOBER 1988, WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 56 PER CENT TO $26,627 MILLION, THUS BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN OCTOBER TO $46,694 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 32 PER CENT OVER OCTOBER 1987.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, IMPORTS INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT TO $45,788 MILLION.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1988 WITH OCTOBER 1987, SUBSTANTIAL GROWTH WAS RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA (+44 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+39 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (+38 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM ALSO INCREASED, BY 28 PER CENT AND 23 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO FRANCE, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND THE U.S.A. DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT, 1 PER CENT AND 1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUE TERMS.
IMPORTS FROM MOST MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS IN OCTOBER 1988 OVER OCTOBER 1987, PARTICULARLY THOSE FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+61 PER CENT) AND ITALY (+44 PER CENT).
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM CHINA, TAIWAN, JAPAN AND THE U.S.A. ALSO WENT UP BY 34 PER CENT, 33 PER CENT, 32 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE U.S.A., CHINA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND AUSTRALIA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, BY 85 PER CENT, 74 PER CENT, 69 PER CENT, 66 PER CENT, 58 PER CENT AND 53 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA ALSO INCREASED, BY 36 PER CENT, 30 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1988, AT $796,404 MILLION, INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT TO $176,439 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT TO $219,575 MILLION.
/THUS, THE
SUNDAY, DECHMBER 11, 1988
2
THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 30 PER CENT TO $396,015 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 31 PER CENT TO $400,389 MILLION.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MOST MAJOR MARKETS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS.
THE MARKETS WITH MORE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED CHINA (+37 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+37 PER CENT), THE NETHERLANDS (+26 PER CENT), THE UNITED KINGDOM (+22 PER CENT), JAPAN (+17 PER CENT), FRANCE (+14 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (+12 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (+10 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A., HONG KONG’S LARGEST DOMESTIC EXPORT MARKET, DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS.
IMPORTS IN JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1988 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+56 PER CENT), THE U.S.A. (+32 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+31 PER CENT), CHINA (+31 PER CENT) AND JAPAN (+27 PER CENT).
DURING THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, CHINA AND AUSTRALIA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS BY 90 PER CENT, 58 PER CENT, 57 PER CENT AND 51 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
NOTABLE INCREASES WERE ALSO RECORDED IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM (+48 PER CENT), THE U.S.A. (+47 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+46 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (+35 PER CENT) AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (+34 PER CENT).
ALL TRADE STATISTICS PRESENTED HERE ARE MEASURED AT CURRENT PRICES AND NO ACCOUNT HAS BEEN TAKEN OF THE CHANGES IN PRICES BETWEEN THE PERIODS OF COMPARISON.
A SEPARATE ANALYSIS OF THE PRICE AND VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN OCTOBER 1988 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY JANUARY 1989.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE RECORDED IN MOST MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE MORE NOTABLE ONES WERE OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $3,814 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT); PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $2,917 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT); ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2,533 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT); AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1,950 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT) .
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS
SUNDAY, DECaiBER 11, 1988
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING INCREASED BY $217 MILLION OR LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $426 MILLION OR 3 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $286 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT).
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES IN IMPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $14,086 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT); ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $8,450 MILLION OR 98 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $8,284 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $6,070 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT).
IMPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY $3,338 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $326 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT); AND OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT (BY $89 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S TEN MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JANUARY TO OCTOBER 1988 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1987, MORE NOTABLE INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS IN VALUE TERMS WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $10,288 MILLION OR 81 PER CENT); MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $8,521 MILLION OR 58 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $5,805 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT); AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $5,160 MILLION OR 189 PER CENT).
RE-EXPORTS OF TEXTILES INCREASED BY $4,448 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT (BY $98 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT); AND PROCESSED ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE OILS AND FATS, AND WAXES OF ANIMAL OR VEGETABLE ORIGIN (BY $1 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION.
/DETAILED STATISTICS
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
COUNTRY
THE OCTOBER 1988 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE SUMMARY" WILL BE ON SALE AROUND DECEMBER 15 AT THE PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN CENTRAL AT $9.50 PER COPY.
STATISTICS
GOVERNMENT
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE" DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN OCTOBER WILL BE AVAILABLE IN END-DECEMBER AT $17.50 PER COPY
WITH
1988
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THESE
BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG (TEL. NO. : 5-8428802) AND
DEPARTMENT
REPORTS
MAY
ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE (TEL NO. : 5-8234915) .
NO.
CENSUS AND STATISTICS
TABLE 1: MAJOR MARKET DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS JAN-OCT 88 OVER JAN -OCT 87 (%)
OCT 1988 (HKD MN.) OCT 88 OVER OCT 87 (%) JAN-OCT 1988 (HKD MN.)
U.S.A. 7,081 - 1 59,054 - 3
CHINA 3,636 + 44 30,565 + 37
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 , 155 - 1 13,095 + 10
U.K. 1,483 + 23 12,490 + 22
JAPAN 1,248 + 28 9,170 + 17
CANADA 509 + * 4,883 4- 5
SINGAPORE 497 + 38 4,209 + 37
NETHERLANDS 405 + 39 3,983 + 26
FRANCE 337 - 2 3,433 + 14
AUSTRALIA 380 + 11 3,330 + 12
* LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
/TABLE 2:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
- 5 -
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
JAN-OCT
88
OCT 88 OVER
COMMODITY OCT OVER J»N-OCT ''m'0”
DIVISION 1988 0CT 87 , ’$88 . 8L. .
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL
AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6,236 + 3 53,868 *
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,799 - 2 24,809 - 1
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,923 ♦ 21 15,478 + 23
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 1 , 596 + 19 14,434 + 21
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1,674 + 19 14,111 + 16
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,331 — 9 12,524 - 3
* LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
/TABLE J:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
6
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SUPPLIERS
JAN-OCT 88 OCT 88 OVER OCT OVER JAN-OCT JAN-OCT
MAJOR SUPPLIER 1988 OCT 87 1988 87 (HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
CHINA 14,819 4- 34 123,487 -•* 31
JAPAN 8,616 + 32 74,324 * + 27
TAIWAN 3,933 + 33 35,437 + 31
U.S.A. 3,774 + 29 34,031 + 32
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 2,362 + 61 20,919 + 56
SINGAPORE 1 ,734 + 24 15,096 + 30
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 , 104 + 19 10,564 4- 29
U.K. 1,047 - 3 10,506 + 11
SWITZERLAND 828 + 13 7,404 4- 27
ITALY 800 + 44 6,522 + 29
TABLE 4: IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
l COMMODITY DIVISION OCT 1988 (HKD MN.) OCT 88 OVER OCT 87 (%) JAN-OCT 1988 (HKD MN.) JAN-OCT 88 OVER JAN-OCT 87 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5,379 + 3 50,520 + 7
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 4,829 + 52 42,292 4- 50
/TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
7 -
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 3,521 + 68 25,732 + 47
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3,318 4- 41 25,458 ♦ 19
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,921 + 36 23,318 4- 35
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2,633 + 33 21,900 4- 31
TABLE 5: RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS JAN-OCT 88 OVER JAN-OCT 87 (%)
MAJOR MARKET OCT 1988 (HKD MN. ) OCT 88 OVER OCT 87 (%) JAN-OCT 1988 (HKD MN.)
CHINA 9,196 4- 66 74,357 + 57
U.S.A. 5,100 4- 69 39,592 + 47
JAPAN 1,884 + 85 14,064 4- 90
TAIWAN 1,220 4- 30 11,355 + 46
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 992 4- 29 9,775 4- 34
SINGAPORE 793 4- 36 7,009 4- 35
F.R. OF GERMANY 861 + 58 6,809 4- 58
U.K. 671 4- 74 5,192 + 48
AUSTRALIA 451 4- 53 3,453 4- 51
MACAU 327 4- 21 3,252 4- 20
/TABLE 6:
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
- 8
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISION
JAN-OCT 88
COMMODITY DIVISION OCT 1988 (HKD MN.) OCT 88 OVER OCT 87 (%) JAN-OCT 1988 (HKD MN.) OVER JAN-OCT 87 (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3,106 + 26 27,504 + 19
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 3,079 + 55 23,122 + 58
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,821 + 80 22,911 + 81
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 2,482 + 69 19,822 4 29
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2,181 + 77 15,239 4 62
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,046 + 36 8,317 4 25
-----0------
/9.......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
- 9 -
FOURTH INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ♦ * * * *
THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ORGANISED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, WAN CHAI, ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 13).
THE THREE-DAY SEMINAR WILL BE OPENED BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR CHARLES KAO.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL GIVE THE WELCOMING ADDRESS AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION, DR VERNER BICKLEY, WILL CLOSE THE SEMINAR.
THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S SEMINAR IS "TEACHING AND LEARNING STYLES WITHIN AND ACROSS CULTURES".
THE SEMINAR WILL FOCUS ON SOME OF THE PROBLEMS THAT ARISE WHEN LANGUAGE TEACHING STYLES EMPLOYED IN ONE SOCIETY OR CULTURE ARE ADAPTED FOR USE IN OTHER SOCIETIES AND CULTURES.
MORE THAN 300 LANGUAGE EDUCATIONALISTS FROM 21 COUNTRIES AND HONG KONG WILL TAKE PART IN THE CONFERENCE AND SOME 140 PAPERS WILL BE PRESENTED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, ROOMS 506 AND 507, WAN CHAI, ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 13). IT WILL START AT 9 AM.
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CONFERENCE TO PROMOTE SPORTS SAFETY *****
HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TODAY (SUNDAY) TOOK PART IN A SPORTS SAFETY CONFERENCE TO LEARN THE SAFE WAY IN PURSUING VARIOUS LAND SPORTS.
ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON SAFETY IN OUTDOOR PURSUITS, THE CONFERENCE WAS AIMED AT DRIVING HOME THE PLAY SAFE MESSAGE THROUGH A SERIES OF TALKS, WORKSHOPS, EXHIBITIONS AND SAFETY DEMONSTRATIONS.
/SPEAKING AT
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING SAID: ’MAN'. SPORTS INJURIES CAN BE AVOIDED IF PEOPLE ENGAGING IN THE ACTIVITIES WERE MORE CAREFUL AND TOOK ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS AGAINST RISKS."
HE SAID ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS SUCH AS THE SPORTI; ; VENUE, WEATHER AND EQUIPMENT PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT PART IN THE SAFETY ASPECT OF SPORTS PARTICIPATION.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAID, ATHLETES’ KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL OF THE SPORT AND THEIR PHYSICAL FITNESS ALSO ACCOUNTED FOR THEIR SAFE PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITIES.
TO PLAY SAFE, MR LI SAID SPORTS LEADERS SHOULD EQUIP THEMSELVES WITH KNOWLEDGE OF THEIR SPORT ACTIVITIES AND STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO REDUCE RISKS AND TO MINIMISE THE SEVERITY OF INJURIES.
HE SAID THE LAND SPORTS SAFETY CONFERENCE PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO SHARE THEIR VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES RELATING TO SPORTS SAFETY.
EARLIER, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON LAND SPORTS SAFETY CONFERENCE, MR PADDY BIRNEY SAID A SIMILAR SAFETY CAMPAIGN HELD LAST YEAR PROVED TO HAVE SOME SUCCESS AS THE REPORTED FIGURES FOR ACCIDENTS IN LAND-BASED SPORTS HAD SHOWN A DECLINE.
HE SAID HE HOPED THE SAFETY CONFERENCE, TARGETTED AT INSTRUCTORS AND LEADERS IN LAND SPORTS, WOULD REINFORCE THE SAFETY MESSAGE.
ALSO TAKING PART IN TODAY'S EVENT WERE REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND SCHOOL TEACHERS.
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CNTA CENTRES HANDLE 5.5 MILLION CASES AND ENQUIRIES » ♦ * ♦ »
THE 67 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HANDLED 5.5 MILLION CASES AND ENQUIRIES; AND DISTRIBUTED SOME 8.6 MILLION FORMS AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS THIS YEAR.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 7.1 PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING FIGURE IN 1987.
/A SPOKESMAN
SUNDAY, DECD4BER 11, 1988
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CNTA SAID THE 67 CENTRES, PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES, WERE CONVENIENTLY LOCATED THROUGHOUT 19 DISTRICT OFFICES AND SUB-OFFICES AS WELL AS THE CNTA HEADQUARTERS IN TSIM SHA TSUI .
SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRES INCLUDED ANSWERING ENQUIRIES ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES; ADMINISTERING OATHS AND DECLARATIONS; DISTRIBUTING GOVERNMENT FORMS, REPORTS, CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENTS AND OTHER INFORMATION LEAFLETS; AND REFERRING CASES UNDER THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME AND THE RENT OFFICER SCHEME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE PERIOD, THE MOST POPULAR SUBJECTS ASKED WERE CIVIL SERVICE VACANCIES; DECLARATIONS AND OATHS; REQUEST FOR PUBLICITY MATERIALS AND FORMS ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS; TELEPHONE NUMBERS; LOCATIONS AND OPENING HOURS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND MATTERS ON EMIGRATION AND OVERSEAS VISITS, HE ADDED.
ABOUT 642,000 DECLARATIONS AND OATHS WERE ADMINISTERED DURING THE PERIOD AND THE MOST POPULAR TOPICS WERE DECLARATION OF TRUE COPY OF DOCUMENTS, SCHOLARSHIP AND GRANTS.
UNDER FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME, A TOTAL OF 2,414 CASES WERE REFERRED TO THE LAW SOCIETY SEEKING ADVICE ON CIVIL LEGAL MATTERS.
DURING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 14,300 PEOPLE APPROACHED THE RENT OFFICERS FROM THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WHO WERE ON DUTY AT 13 DISTRICT OFFICES FOR ADVICE ON RENT AND TENANCY PROBLEMS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ANYONE WHO WISHED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE VARIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THESE CENTRES COULD APPROACH THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION AT CNTA HEADQUARTERS ON 13TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, HARBOUR CITY, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, OR TELEPHONE 3-692255.
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COMMITTEE PRAISED FOR FUND-RAISING EFFORTS
* ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST, MR DENIS BRAY, TODAY (SUNDAY) PRAISED THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR COMMUNITY CHEST CAMPAIGN FOR ITS EFFORT IN MOBILISING RESIDENTS* SUPPORT FOR THE CHEST.
SPEAKING AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST BAZAAR, MR BRAY SAID SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1984, THE COMMITTEE HAD DEVOTED MUCH EFFORT IN RAISING FUNDS FOR THE NEEDY.
/•'MORE THAN
EUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
12
"MORE THAN $600,000 WERE RAISED BY THE COMMITTEE LAST YEAR," HE ADDED.
HUNDREDS OF SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS ATTENDED THE BAZAAR AT MAPLE STREET TODAY TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE WORTHY CAUSE.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SCHOOLS AND FACTORIES SET UP 40 SALES STALLS AT THE BAZAAR.
DONATED GOODS, SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES, CLOTHING AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT, WENT ON SALE, AND ALL THE PROCEEDS WOULD GO TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT TODAY’S BAZAAR INCLUDED THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG; AND THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR CHAN MOW-FAT.
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THREE MORE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS FORMED *****
THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION (CNTA) HAS SET UP THREE MORE BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION TEAMS (BMCTs) AS PART OF ITS ON-GOING EFFORT IN ASSISTING THE PUBLIC IN TACKLING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN THEIR BUILDINGS.
THE ADDITIONAL TEAMS - ONE EACH IN KOWLOON CITY, SHAM SHUI PO AND TSUEN WAN DISTRICTS - HAVE INCREASED THE TOTAL NUMBER OF TEAMS SO FAR IN THE TERRITORY TO 10.
THE FIRST TWO NEW TEAMS WILL DEAL WITH MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, WHILE THE THIRD TEAM WILL CONCENTRATE ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CNTA SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT PLANS WERE ON HAND TO ESTABLISH THREE MORE TEAMS IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN DUTY OF A BMCT WAS TO MOTIVATE AND ASSIST THE PUBLIC IN IMPROVING MANAGEMENT OF THEIR BUILDINGS AND TO CO-ORDINATE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL ACTION ON MATTERS RELATING TO BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH MUCH OF THE DAY-TO-DAY MANAGEMENT OF BUILDINGS DEPENDED ON THE MOTIVATION AND EFFORT OF INDIVIDUAL OWNERS, THERE WAS A NEED TO PROVIDE POSITIVE ASSISTANCE TO THE OWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS TO HELP STIMULATE A MORE EFFECTIVE SELF-HELP PROCESS AMONG THEM.
THE CNTA, THEREFORE, LAUNCHED A PILOT SCHEME IN YAU MA TEI IN 1982 TO GAUGE THE USEFULNESS OF ESTABLISHING A DISTRICT CO-ORDINATOR TO TAKE EFFECTIVE AND CONCERTED ACTION TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
SUBSEQUENTLY, A DISTRICT TEAM WITH REPRESENTATIVES FROM LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, LABOUR DEPARTMENT, URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE OF YAU MA TEI WAS FORMED.
A FULLY QUALIFIED HOUSING MANAGER FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WAS SECONDED TO CO-ORDINATE THE SCHEME WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT OFFICER.
THE RESULTS OF THE SCHEME, WHICH LASTED FOR SIX MONTHS FROM DECEMBER 1982 TO MAY 1983, WERE SO SUCCESSFUL THAT THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED IN LATE 1984 THAT BMCTs BE ESTABLISHED IN OTHER DISTRICTS.
EVENTUALLY, SEVEN BMCTs WERE FORMED TN THE EASTERN, WAN CHAT, CENTRAL AND WESTERN, YAU TSIM, MONG KOK, KWUN TONG AND KWAI TS1NG DISTRICTS.
CONSISTING OF A HOUSING MANAGER, AN ASSISTANT HOUSING MANAGER AND TWO HOUSING ASSISTANTS, ALL SECONDED FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, EACH BMCT WORKS UNDER THE DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE WHICH COMPRISES GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES AND DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
A BMCT’S WORK INCLUDES REGULARLY MEETING OFFICE BEARERS OF OWNERS CORPORATIONS OR MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO ADVISE THEM ON MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT, REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE OF THEIR BUILDINGS, AND STEPS TO RECTIFY ANY IRREGULARITIES FOUND IN THE BUILDINGS.
"THE ROLE OF A BMCT IS BASICALLY ADVISORY, AND SUCCESS OF ITS WORK LARGELY DEPENDS ON OWNERS AND RESIDENTS TO TAKE HEED OF ITS ADVICE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
14
CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO COMBAT POLLUTION OF SHING MUN RIVER
*****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HAD RECORDED SLIGHT BUT CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT TO THE POLLUTION SITUATION AT SHING MUN RIVER, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT) OF SHA TIN, MISS MARGARET FONG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SHA TIN COMMUNITY DAY CAMP IN WU KAI SHA THIS MORNING, MISS FONG SAID GOVERNMENT WAS VERY CONCERNED ABOUT THE POLLUTION OF SHING MUN RIVER AND WAS RESOLVED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
"AS PART OF THE SHORT TERM MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SHING MUN RIVER, A $7 MILLION PROJECT IS PLANNED FOR 1989/90 TO DREDGE THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF SHING MUN RIVER,” SHE SAID.
IMPROVEMENT MEASURES UNDERWAY AT THE RIVER INCLUDE A MINOR DREDGING CONTRACT OF $1.5 MILLION CENTRING MAINLY AROUND LEK YUEN BRIDGE AND FO TAN AS WELL AS A $450,000 PROJECT FOR DESILTING TAI WAI BOX CULVERT.
SHE NOTED THAT GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO COMMITTED TO CARRYING OUT LONG-TERM MEASURES COSTING SOME $770 MILLION IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN THE RIVER.
"THESE INCLUDE THE SLUDGE EXPORT SCHEME UNDER WHICH A TWIN PIPE WILL BE LAID BENEATH SHING MUN RIVER TO TRANSPORT THICKENED SLUDGE TO THE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO BE CONTAINED FOR DISPOSAL AT SEA," SHE SAID.
"ANOTHER PROJECT, WHICH WILL COMMENCE IN EARLY 1989 FOR COMPLETION IN EARLY 1993 IS THE EXPORT OF TREATED EFFLUENTS FROM THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS TO KAI TAK NULLAH TO REDUCE THE NITROGEN LEVEL IN THE RIVER.
"MOREOVER, TO DIVERT SEWAGE FROM UNSEWERED AREAS TO THE SHA TIN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, DRY WEATHER SEWER INTERCEPTORS WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE TAI WAI SECTION OF THE RIVER."
ON LEGISLATIVE CONTROL, MISS FONG POINTED OUT THAT FROM JUNE 24, 1988, THE BREEDING OF LIVESTOCK IN NEW TOWNS WAS BANNED UNDER THE WASTE DISPOSAL (LIVESTOCK WASTE) REGULATIONS.
THE WASTE POLLUTION CONTROL (GENERAL) REGULATIONS PASSED ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR ALSO ENSURES THAT EFFLUENT DISCHARGE FROM SHA TIN’S FACTORIES BE CONNECTED TO PROPER SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEMS, SHE SAID.
MORE THAN 200 REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS' CORPORATIONS, VILLAGES, RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS, AREA COMMITTEES AND YIN NGA1 SOCIETIES ENJOYED THEMSELVES AT THE SHA TIN COMMUNITY DAY CAMP AT THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH CAMP TODAY.
/ORGANISED BY .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
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ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FUNCTION WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNICATION AMONG SHA TIN’S COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE LOCAL AND OVERALL GOVERNMENT SITUATION.
THERE WAS ALSO ANOTHER TALK BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR AND SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR ANDREW WONG, ON THE ROLE OF LOCAL ORGANISATION IN HONG KONG’S POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDED A TALENT SHOW, BARBECUE LUNCH, FREE TIME, FOOTBALL MATCH, GAMES AND A TRIP TO THE NEWLY-OPENED SAI SHA ROAD.
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REPLENISHMENT OF REPULSE BAY BEACH AUTHORISED * t » t *
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT A SAND REPLENISHMENT SCHEME AT REPULSE BAY BEACH TO IMPROVE ITS GENERAL CONDITION.
THE WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 13.65 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
IT WILL BEGIN THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FIVE MONTHS. THE BEACH WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THIS PERIOD.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED HAS BEEN DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN, CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
♦ BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL;
♦ SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SHOP 25, GROUND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN; AND
* STANLEY SUB-OFFICE OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 88 STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, STANLEY.
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 8 NEXT YEAR.
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/16........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
16 -
FIRE SAFETY PLEA ♦
TO SQUATTER RESIDENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN WERE TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED TO BE MORE CONSCIOUS OF FIRE PREVENTION, AND TO REFRAIN FROM ILLEGALLY TAPPING ELECTRICITY DURING THE CURRENT DRY SEASON.
THE PLEA WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD’S SQUATTER AREA COMMITTEE, MRS LEE LO YUK-SIM, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CAMPAIGN ON FIRE PREVENTION AND COMBATTING ILLEGAL TAPPING OF ELECTRICITY, AT THE TZE WAN SHAN CENTRAL PLAYGROUND.
MRS LEE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE MORE THAN 20 SQUATTER AREAS IN WONG TAI SIN WITH A TOTAL POPULATION OF ABOUT 40,000.
OWING TO THE VERY HIGH LIVING DENSITY IN MANY OF THOSE AREAS, AND THE FACT THAT STRUCTURES THERE ARE BUILT WITH IMFLAMMABLE MATERIALS, OUTBREAK OF FIRE COULD EASILY SPREAD RAPIDLY, RESULTING IN A CALAMITY.
"THEREFORE THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED THE CAMPAIGN TO CALL ON SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS TO BE MORE CONSCIOUS OF FIRE PREVENTION IN THE CURRENT DRY SEASON, AND TO REMIND THEM THAT NEGLIGENCE ON THEIR PART WOULD NOT ONLY DESTROY THEIR HOMES BUT ALSO MIGHT RESULT IN LOSS OF LIFE.
"I WISH TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO EVERYONE TO BE MORE CONCERNED WITH FIRE PREVENTION AND TO REFRAIN FROM ILLEGAL TAPPING ELECTRICITY, BECAUSE SUCH BEHAVIOUR IS NOT ONLY AGAINST THE LAW, BUT ALSO WOULD LEAD TO OUTBREAK OF FIRE DUE TO SHORT CIRCUIT AND OVERLOADING."
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, A SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR J.D. MORAN, URGED SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS TO TRY TO IDENTIFY FIRE HARZARDS IN AND OUTSIDE THEIR HOMES, AND TO TAKE STEPS TO REMOVE THEM.
MR MORAN POINTED OUT THAT FAULTS ON ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS AND APPARATUS WERE VERY HIGH ON THE LIST OF CAUSES OF FIRE, NOT ONLY IN SQUATTER AREAS, BUT THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
"IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ANY CONNECTION OR ALTERATION TO ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS ARE CARRIED OUT ONLY BY AUTHORISED PERSONS," HE STRESSED.
A SERIES OF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES WILL BE CARRIED OUT DURING THE CAMPAIGN, INCLUDING A COLOURING COMPETITION, A CROSS-WORD PUZZLE COMPETITION, DISTRIBUTION OF A POSTER AND A CALENDAR, AS WELL AS SEMINARS ON FIRE PREVENTION FOR SQUATTER AREA RESIDENTS.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN, MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP ORGANISING THE CAMPAIGN WILL VISIT FAMILIES IN THE GOOD HOPE AND NGAU CHI WAN VILLAGE TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGES ON FIRE PREVENTION AND THE PROPER WAYS OF USING ELECTRICITY.
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/17........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL HERALDS CHRISTMAS *****
THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL ORGANISE A NINE-DAY YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT TO THE PUBLIC DURING THIS FESTIVE SEASON.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL, A FAMILY CAROLS CONCERT WILL BE HELD AT THE CONCERT HALL OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON DECEMBER 23 (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONIC BAND AND THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH CHOIR WILL JOINTLY PRESENT A SERIES OF CHRISTMAS CAROLS AND CLASSICAL MUSIC SUCH AS TCHAIKOVSKY’S 'MARCHE SLAVE’ AND VIVALD’S ’GLORIA’.
TO ADD COLOUR TO THE PROGRAMME, VOCALISTS, FAUSTA CHIU CHUNG AND PENELOPE LAM, WILL PERFORM IN THE CONCERT. BOTH OF THEM HAD GIVEN A NUMBER OF PERFORMANCES IN LOCAL AND OVERSEA CONCERTS IN RECENT YEARS.
DURING THE NINE-DAY FESTIVAL, A SERIES OF FREE CONCERTS WILL ALSO BE HELD AT VARIOUS VENUES OF THE TERRITORY TO ENTERTAIN THE PUBLIC.
THE CLIMAX OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE GALA FINALE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON DECEMBER 30 (FRIDAY) EVENING WHEN MORE THAN 500 MEMBERS OF SEVEN SYMPHONIC BANDS AND TWO CHOIRS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AS WELL AS THE TAKAOKA COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND FROM JAPAN WILL PERFORM TOGETHER.
THE JAPANESE BAND HAD BEEN THE WINNER OF COMPETITIONS IN TOYAMA PREFECTURE FOR 16 CONSECUTIVE YEARS AND HAD WON THE FIRST PRIZE FIVE TIMES AND THE SECOND PRIZE THREE TIMES IN THE 'ALL JAPAN BAND COMPETITION’ OVER THE YEARS.
A MUSIC OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE AIMS OF THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL ARE TO STIMULATE INTEREST IN BAND MUSIC AND TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE AMONG LOCAL MUSICIANS.
"AT THE SAME TIME, WE ALSO HOPE TO ENCOURAGE AS MANY AS SCHOOLS AND ORGANISATIONS AS POSSIBLE TO FORM BANDS," HE ADDED.
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LTD.
APART FROM A SERIES OF CONCERTS, THERE WILL ALSO BE A SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST AND A MARCHING BAND CONTEST AMONG PARTICIPATING BANDS.
TICKETS AT $10 EACH FOR THE FAMILY CAROLS CONCERT AND AT $10 AND $15 EACH FOR THE GALA FINALE ARE AVIALABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7967537.
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/18........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11,
1988
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PARADE EMPHASISES KEEPING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN *****
A KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PUBLICITY PARADE WAS HELD TODAY (SUNDAY) IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT TO PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT IN THE DISTRICT.
APPEALING FOR SUPPORT TO THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR CHAN YAU-YUE URGED THE RESIDENTS TO KEEP UP THEIR EFFORTS IN MAINTAINING A CLEAN ENVIRONMENT.
"ALTHOUGH HONG KONG HAS A MUCH CLEANER AND MORE HYGIENIC ENVIRONMENT NOWADAYS, WE SHOULD NOT SLACKEN OUR EFFORT AND SHOULD STRIVE TO DO EVEN BETTER," HE SAID.
TODAY’S PARADE, COMPRISING MEMBERS OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, URBAN COUNCILLORS AND STAFF OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, TOURED AROUND SOUTHERN DISTRICT ON A DECORATED OPEN-TOP DOUBLE-DECKER.
THEY VISITED LARGE RESIDENTIAL ESTATES IN ABERDEEN, SHEK PAI WAN, WAH FU, TIN WAN, AP LEI CHAU AND WONG CHUK HANG.
RESIDENTS WERE GIVEN PUBLICITY LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS AND WERE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A GAME STALL FEATURING THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE.
THE PARADE WAS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE COMMITTEE ALSO PLANS TO ORGANISE A REFUSE COLLECTION PROGRAMME IN ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER AROUND LUNAR NEW YEAR AND A SERIES OF CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS IN SQUATTER AREAS EARLY NEXT YEAR.
------------------0------- CONCERN FOR ELDERLY EVIDENT IN TAI PO *****
TAI PO DISTRICT HAD ALWAYS SHOWED CONCERN ABOUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT, THE ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARY CHOW SHL'K-CHING, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT HEALTH CHECK DAY FOR THE ELDERLY AT THE TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE, MISS CHOW NOTED THAT THERE WERE EIGHT HOMES WITH ABOUT 800 BEDS FOR THE ELDERLY AND CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY WITH SOME 700 MEMBERS.
/APART FROM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
- 19 -
APART FROM PROVIDING DAILY NECESSITIES FOR THE ELDERLY, THE HOMES AND CENTRES AS WELL AS MANY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAD BEEN ORGANISING RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THEM, SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT SPECIAL PROGRAMMES WERE ALSO DESIGNED FOR THE ELDERLY EVERY YEAR, ESPECIALLY DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
ABOUT 600 SENIOR RESIDENTS AGED 60 AND ABOVE RECEIVED FREE CHECK-UPS IN TODAY'S EVENT WHICH WAS ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD'S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE.
THEY HAD THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE, URINE, EYESIGHT AND HEARING EXAMINED.
BESIDES CHECK-UPS, HEALTH CARE PERSONNEL ALSO EXPLAINED GENERAL KNOWLEDGE ON HEALTH TO THE PARTICIPATING ELDERLY.
A HEALTH EXHIBITION WAS ALSO HELD AND A VIDEO TAPE RELATING TO HEALTH EDUCATION WAS SHOWN TOO.
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DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER SEWER FOR MUI WO *****
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWER RUNNING FROM WANG TONG RIVER TO THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT MUI WO, LANTAU, AT A MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
WASTE WATER DISCHARGED FROM THE AREA OF WANG TONG BY THE RIVER IS BELIEVED TO BE A CAUSE OF THE POLLUTION OF SILVER MINE BAY AND THE PROPOSAL IS INTENDED TO EASE THE PROBLEM.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE CLEARANCE OF HAWKER STALLS ALONG SHUI KUI ROAD, CHEUNG CHAU, AND THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT TO THE FOOTPATH FROM SAI WAN TO CHEUNG PO TSAI CAVE ON THE ISLAND.
THEY WILL BE TOLD OF PROGRESS ON APPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS FOR 1988-89 AND DISCUSS ARRANGEMENT FOR SITE VISITS BY MEMBERS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
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STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER t ♦ ♦ *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT THE CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL THIS YEAR FALLS ON DECEMBER 21.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID EMPLOYERS SHOULD APPOINT EITHER THAT DAY OR CHRISTMAS DAY (DECEMBER 25) AS A STATUTORY HOLIDAY FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
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PUBLICITY LEAFLET ON KWUN TONG TRAFFIC SCHEME
*****
AN EXPLANATORY LEAFLET WHICH AIMS AT HELPING RESIDENTS TO UNDERSTAND THE NEWLY-INTRODUCED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE HAS BEEN PRODUCED FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION.
THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WAS IMPLEMENTED ON DECEMBER 5 TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN KWUN TONG TOWN CENTRE IN ANTICIPATION OF INCREASED LOCAL TRAFFIC WHEN THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING OPENS IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE LEAFLET IS PUBLISHED BY THE LOCAL TING HONG AREA COMMITTEE, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
"THE LEAFLET, DESIGNED IN AN EASY-TO-READ FORMAT, LISTS THE VARIOUS NEW MEASURES, INCLUDING TRAFFIC RE-ROUTEING, DIVERSIONS AND BANNING OF TURNING MOVEMENTS, ALONG WITH GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
/"THE LEAFLET
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
- 21
'THE LEAFLET WILL SERVE AS A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO MAY HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN UNDERSTANDING THE SCHEME AT ITS EARLY STAGE," HE SAID.
"A SIMILAR LEAFLET PRODUCED BY THE INDUSTRIAL AREA COMMITTEE IN SEPTEMBER TO PUBLICISE THE INDUSTRIAL AREA TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME HAS BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
COPIES OF THE LEAFLET ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
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URBAN CLEARWAYS AT AIRPORT AND SHAU KEI WAN * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SEVERAL ROAD SECTIONS AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 14).
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF DEPARTURES CIRCUIT AT THE STAGE V DEPARTURES PODIUM OF THE AIRPORT WILL BECOME URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK:
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY;
* THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN THE STAGE V DEPARTURES PODIUM AND THE AIRPORT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK; AND
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
IN ADDITION, THE GOODS VEHICLE URBAN CLEARWAY IN THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DEPARTURES CIRCUIT ALONG THE FRONTAGE OF AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING WILL BE EXTENDED EASTWARDS TO THE NEW BAGGAGE VEHICLE HOLDING AREA AT STAGE V DEPARTURES PODIUM.
MEANWHILE, THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE MADE 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS FOR TRAM TRACK CONNECTION WORKS:
* SHAU KEI WAN ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 36 METRES WEST OF ITS
JUNCTION WITH HOI AN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST
OF THE SAME JUNCTION; AND
* HOI AN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES NORTH OF ITS
JUNCTION WITH SHAU KEI WAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES
SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JUNK BAY NEW TOWN TO HAVE MODERN FACILITIES ............... 1
AGRICULTURE ISSUE PUTS USEFUL GATT RESULTS AT RISK ........ 3
DB DELEGATION LEAVES FOR PEKING ........................... 4
APPEAL TO CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO DISPEL RUMOURS ........... 5
TUEN MUN HOSPITAL NEARING COMPLETION ...................... 5
DEMAND FOR COMPUTERS IN GOVT RISES SHARPLY ................ 7
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH ..................... 9
NEW FLOATING CLINIC DELIVERED.............................. 9
INVESTMENT IN LINKAGE INDUSTRIES ENCOURAGED ............... 11
FESTIVAL, LIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS ON COMMITTEE AGENDA........ 12
HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT TO MOVE ............................. 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURE....................................... 13
KWAI CHUNG RECLAMATION PUBLIC DUMP OPENS .................. 13
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF TUEN MUN ROaD ................... 14
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD................. 14
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAN KWONG ROAD................ 14
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
1
JUNK BAY NEW TOWN TO HAVE MODERN FACILITIES ♦ * * * ♦
RESIDENTS OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN CAN LOOK FORWARD TO ENJOYING IN THE NEAR FUTURE SOME OF THE MOST MODERN AND ATTRACTIVE NEW TOWN FACILITIES IN THE TERRITORY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID DURING A VISIT TO THE NEW TOWN TODAY (MONDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES WHICH HAD ALREADY OPENED, THERE WOULD BE EXTENSIVE SHOPPING AND MARKET FACILITIES, AN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, AN OPEN-AIR THEATRE AND NUMEROUS OPEN-AIR GAMES AND RECREATION FACILITIES.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT THERE HAD BEEN SOME INITIAL DIFFICULTIES IN THE PROVISION OF TRANSPORT AND MARKET FACILITIES AT THE TSUI LAM ESTATE. THESE WERE CAUSED BY DELAY IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX AND BUS TERMINUS IN THE ESTATE.
THE FACILITIES WERE NOW DUE TO BE COMPLETED AROUND FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, SIR DAVID SAID. IN THE MEANTIME, TEMPORARY MARKET FACILITIES AND BUS STOPS WERE BEING PROVIDED.
ACCOMPANIED BY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, MR WILLIAM WAN, THE GOVERNOR STARTED OFF HIS TOUR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BY VISITING TSAM CHUK WAN.
HE WAS BRIEFED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRISTOPHER MUNN, ON HOW A LOCAL POLLUTION PROBLEM THERE WAS BEING DEALT WITH THROUGH THE CO-OPERATION AND INITIATIVE OF VILLAGERS.
SIR DAVID THEN WENT TO TAI MONG TSAI TO SEE THE NEWLY OPENED CYCLE PARK.
AFTER A TOUR OF SAI KUNG TOWN, SIR DAVID VISITED PAK KONG VILLAGE, WHERE A VILLAGE EXPANSION PROJECT WAS IN PROGRESS.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO VILLAGE FACILITIES HAD BEEN MADE THROUGHOUT SAI KUNG AND OTHER DISTRICTS THROUGH THE LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS AND URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES.
"MORE COMPREHENSIVE PROPOSALS ARE NOW BEING WORKED OUT THROUGH THfe RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY (RPIS). IN THIS WAY PLANNING AND LAND USE CONTROL CAN BE IMPROVED SO AS TO PROVIDE BASIC AMENITIES IN ALL PARTS OF THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES,” HE SAID.
"VILLAGE EXPANSION PROGRAMMES, DESIGNED TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR SMALL HOUSE SITES FOR INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS, ARE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED BY THE RPIS AS ONE POSSIBLE METHOD OF PRODUCING BETTER CONDITIONS IN THE VILLAGES,” HE ADDED.
/BEFORE CONCLUDING .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
BEFORE CONCLUDING HIS TOUR WITH A VISIT TO JUNK BAY NEW TOWN, SIR DAVID STOPPED AT HO CHUNG RIVER, WHERE JOINT EFFORTS . BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE FACTORIES THERE HAD ACHIEVED SOME IMPROVEMENTS IN THE QUALITY OF THE RIVER.
COMMENTING ON THE STATE OF THE RIVER, SIR DAVID SAID: "MORE STILL NEEDS TO BE DONE. WE CANNOT RELAX OUR EFFORTS TO DEAL WITH ENVIRONMENTAL BLACK SPOTS.
"GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE CONFIDENT THAT THERE WILL BE VISIBLE IMPROVEMENTS WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS."
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE VISIT, SIR DAVID SAID IN PERCENTAGE TERMS SAI KUNG WAS GROWING FASTER THAN ANY OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE WHOLE TERRITORY OF HONG KONG AND THE DEVELOPMENTS WOULD LEAD TO "A LOT OF PROBLEMS OF ADJUSTMENTS" IN THE DISTRICT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT BOTH TO LOOK AFTER THE NEEDS OF THE NEW POPULATION GOING INTO THE DISTRICT AND TO MAKE SURE THAT THE OLDER POPULATION WHO HAD LIVED THERE FOR A LONG TIME DID NOT FEEL NEGLECTED.
ASKED IF THERE WAS A PLAN TO APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO JUNK BAY, THE GOVERNOR SAID WHILST THIS HAD NOT GOT TO THE POINT OF BEING FORMALLY APPROVED, THE MTR WAS VERY KEEN TO BUILD THE EXTENSION.
"AND IF PHASE THREE OF THE JUNK BAY PLAN GOES AHEAD THEN THERE WILL BE AN ADEQUATE POPULATION TO JUSTIFY IT.
"AT THE MOMENT THERE ARE DISCUSSIONS GOING ON BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MTR BEFORE THEY GET TO THE STAGE OF FINAL APPROVAL AND FORMAL GO-AHEAD ON THE WHOLE PLAN," SIR DAVID SAID.
ON HO CHUNG RIVER POLLUTION, SIR DAVID SAID WHILST THERE WOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS TO IT BY NEXT YEAR, THERE WAS ALSO A PLAN TO BRING IN A WATER CONTROL ZONE FOR THE AREA.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT IT WAS ALSO ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT VILLAGERS AT TSAM CHUK WAN HAD GOT TOGETHER TO DEAL WITH THE POLLUTION PROBLEM AND TO TURN A SERIOUSLY POLLUTED AREA INTO A PLACE FOR BREEDING FISH.
"AND THAT WAS AN ENCOURAGING SIGN OF WHAT CAN BE DONE BY VILLAGERS THEMSELVES IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT WITHOUT THE NEED TO USE LEGISLATION," HE SAID.
ASKED ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL MOTOR RACING IN SAI KUNG AT NIGHT-TIME, SIR DAVID SAID THE POLICE DID KEEP A WATCH ON IT AND TOOK ACTION TO DEAL WITH IT WHEREVER IT HAPPENED.
/SIR DAVID .......
MONDAY, DECH4BER 12, 1988
- 3 -
SIR DAVID ALSO REFERRED TO THE SCHEME OF PROVIDING PEDAL CYCLING FACILITIES IN SAI KUNG, SAYING IT WAS A VERY GOOD ONE WHICH COULD BE DEVELOPED IN OTHER COUNTRY PARKS IF THE SCHEME WORKED IN THE DISTRICT.
ASKED WHETHER THERE WOULD BE ANY SPECIAL REHOUSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR RESIDENTS AT RENNIE’S MILL, SIR DAVID SAID IPEY WOULD BE REHOUSED UNDER THE NORMAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WERE MADE FOR ANY REHOUSING RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMMES.
’'THEY HAVE TO BE DEALT WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE NORMAL POLICY IN DISCUSSION WITH THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE AREA," HE ADDED.
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AGRICULTURE ISSUE PUTS USEFUL GATT RESULTS AT RISK ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
USEFUL RESULTS IN A NUMBER OF AREAS OF INTEREST TO HONG KONG WERE PUT AT RISK BY THE STALEMATE ON TRADE IN AGRICULTURE AT THE LATEST ROUND OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS HELD TN MONTREAL.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, WHO LED THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WHICH RETURNED AT THE WEEKEND, SAID THIS TODAY (MONDAY).
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT IN A WEEK OF INTENSIVE NEGOTIATIONS, WHICH TOWARDS THE END WENT ON ROUND THE CLOCK, PROVISIONAL AGREEMENTS WERE REACHED ON TARIFFS, DISPUTE SETTLEMENT, SERVICES AND FUNCTIONING OF THE GATT SYSTEM.
"THIS ALONE WOULD HAVE REPRESENTED A GOOD OUTCOME FOR HONG KONG, GIVEN OUR DESIRE TO SEE THE GATT STRENGTHENED," HE SAID.
"OUR TEAM WAS FULLY ENGAGED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS, INCLUDING BEING MEMBERS OF MOST OF THE KEY SMALL DRAFTING GROUPS, AND WE WERE PARTICULARLY ENCOURAGED BY OUR SUCCESS IN OBTAINING (AFTER A CONSIDERABLE BATTLE) EXPLICIT WORDING TO ENSURE THAT ANY SETTLEMENT OF A DISPUTE MUST BE CONSISTENT WITH THE GATT.
"I WOULD HAVE TO CONFESS TO SOME DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THESE ACHIEVEMENTS WERE IN EFFECT MADE ONLY PROVISIONAL BY THE DECISION TO DEFER THE OUTCOME UNTIL ALL SUBJECTS ARE READY TO ADVANCE TOGETHER.'
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT SOME PROGRESS WAS ALSO MADE ON THE COMPLEX NEW SUBJECT OF TRADE-RELATED ASPECTS OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS.
/“THIS IS
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
’’THIS IS AN AREA IN WHICH HONG KONG HAS BEEN PLAYING A POSITIVE ROLE AND ON WHICH, HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE BREAKDOWN ON AGRICULTURE, WE WOULD HAVE WELCOMED SOME CONCRETE ADVANCE AT MONTREAL,” HE SAID.
"EVEN THE TRADITIONALLY DIFFICULT AREAS OF TEXTILES AND SAFEGUARDS MIGHT HAVE COME OUT REASONABLY SATISFACTORILY HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE INFLEXIBILITY IN THE POSITIONS OF ONE OR TWO OF THE MAJOR PARTICIPANTS IN NEGOTIATIONS ON AGRICULTURAL TRADE.
”A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO LIBERALISATION IN THAT FIELD SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN TOO MUCH TO ASK, PARTICULARLY AFTER THE ENCOURAGEMENT WE HAD FROM AN EARLY BREAKTHROUGH IN MONTREAL ON TROPICAL PRODUCTS.”
MR MACLEOD SAID THE GATT SYSTEM WAS NOW EFFECTIVELY ON PROBATION.
”IT IS NOW VITAL THAT WE GET SOME CLEAR RESULTS IN APRIL, WHEN THE MEETING RESUMES IN GENEVA AT SENIOR OFFICIAL LEVEL,” HE SAID.
"FOR OUR PART WE WILL CONTINUE TO PURSUE HONG KONG'S INTERESTS VIGOROUSLY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY WHEN THE TRADE NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE RESUMES.”
------0-------
DB DELEGATION LEAVES FOR PEKING * * * * *
A SHAM SHU1 PO DISTRICT BOARD DELEGATION LEFT FOR PEKING AND TIANJIN TODAY (MONDAY) ON A SEVEN-DAY VISIT TO CHINA.
LED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK, THE DELEGATION COMPRISES SEVEN OTHER BOARD MEMBERS AND TWO AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS. IT IS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG.
IN PEKING, THE GROUP WILL MEET OFFICIALS OF THE HONG KONG AND MACAU AFFAIRS OFFICE OF THE STATE COUNCIL TO EXCHANGE VIEWS AND ENHANCE MUTUAL UNDERSTAND I NG.
THE GROUP WILL ALSO CALL ON MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE PEOPLE'S POLITICAL CONSULTATIVE CONFERENCE (CPPCC) AND DISTRICT OFFICIALS, AND VISIT A NURSERY.
ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16), THE GROUP WILL LEAVE FOR TIANJIN WHERE IT WILL VISIT CPPCC MEMBERS AND LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO LEARN ABOUT DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THERE.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18).
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
- 5 -
APPEAL TO CHINESE AUTHORITIES TO DISPEL RUMOURS *****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR GEOFFREY BARNES, TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES AND THE MEDIA TO HELP DISPEL UNFOUNDED RUMOURS WHICH HAD LED TO MORE EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG FROM CHINA.
"I WOULD LIKE TO APPEAL TO THEM TO MAKE KNOWN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S POLICY AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE, PARTICULARLY IN THOSE AREAS OF GUANGXI IN CHINA WHERE THESE UNFOUNDED RUMOURS ARE CIRCULATING," HE SAID.
MR BARNES REITERATED THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO CHANGE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARDS THE TREATMENT OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRIVING IN HONG KONG.
"THE PROCESSES OF THE LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME, WHICH ARE BEING PURSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT, APPLY ONLY TO PERSONS CLASSIFIED AS REFUGEES BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
"THIS CLASSIFICATION DOES NOT EXTEND TO FORMER VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WHO HAVE BEEN SETTLED IN CHINA.
"SUCH PEOPLE WILL NOT BE GIVEN REFUGEE STATUS IN HONG KONG AND WILL NOT BENEFIT IN ANY WAY FROM THE LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME; NOR WILL THEY HAVE ACCESS TO RESETTLEMENT OPPORTUNITIES.
"THEY WILL BE TREATED AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND WILL BE RETURNED TO CHINA AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE."
YESTERDAY (SUNDAY) ANOTHER 94 EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, BRINGING TO 255 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH ARRIVALS SO FAR THIS MONTH.
IN NOVEMBER THERE WERE 61 SUCH ARRIVALS, COMPARED WITH 19 IN OCTOBER AND THREE IN SEPTEMBER.
------0-------
TUEN MUN HOSPITAL NEARING COMPLETION
*****
THE LARGEST LOCAL HOSPITAL TO BE BUILT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS IS NEARING COMPLETION IN TUEN MUN.
THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, OCCUPYING AN APPROXIMATELY EIGHT-HECTARE SITE - EXCLUSIVE OF STAFF QUARTERS AND LAUNDRY - WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 1,656 BED SPACES.
/SITUATED SOUTHEAST .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
6
SITUATED SOUTHEAST OF CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, THE LOCATION WAS CAREFULLY SELECTED TO PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING BUSES AND THE LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM.
IT WILL CATER MAINLY TO THE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS IN THE NORTHWESTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THE HOSPITAL HAS COST $1.2 BILLION TO BUILD.
THE DESIGN CONCEPT WAS BASED ON THE NEED TO SEPARATE THE PSYCHIATRIC BEDS FROM THE GENERAL BEDS, THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MR IAIN MACBETH, OF THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, SAID.
"THIS IS ACHIEVED BY LOCATING THE GENERAL WARDS IN AN 11-STOREY DOUBLE CRUCIFORM MAIN BLOCK, AND THE SPECIAL BLOCK WITH THE PSYCHIATRIC AND MENTALLY RETARDED BEDS IN ANOTHER FOUR-STOREY RECTANGULAR BLOCK," MR MACBETH SAID.
"A MAIN ENTRANCE BLOCK LINKS BOTH BLOCKS AND PROVIDES DISTRIBUTION TO EACH BLOCK FROM A SINGLE MAIN ENTRY POINT.
"THERE IS ALSO A FOUR-STOREY PATHOLOGY BLOCK AS WELL AS A DETACHED BASEMENT LEVEL BLOCK TO HOUSE THE RADIO-THERAPY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE FACILITIES.
"A TUNNEL LINKS THE HOSPITAL AND NURSES QUARTERS PASSING UNDER THE ADJACENT PUBLIC ROAD."
MR MACBETH SAID THE BUILDINGS PROVIDED A TOTAL OF ABOUT 115,000 SQUARE METRES OF AREA, AND HAD BEEN CAREFULLY PLANNED TO ALLOW FOR FUTURE EXPANSION.
"DESIGN ALLOWANCES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED FOR FUTURE EXPANSION," HE SAID.
"COMPREHENSIVE BUILDING SERVICES INSTALLATIONS ARE PROVIDED IN LINE WITH THE MOST UP TO-DATE PLANNING AND TECHNIQUES FOR MODERN HOSPITAL PROJECTS.
"THE HOSP1 I'AL IS FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF CARE \ND TREATMENT FOR THE PATIENTS AS WELL AS TO MAINTAIN STAFF EFFICIENCY,"
/Prior to
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
- 7 -
PRIOR TO IT BEING HANDED OVER TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE INVITED TO TOUR THE HOSPITAL SEPARATELY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A TOUR OF TUEN MUN HOSPITAL FOR THE MEDIA ON DECEMBER 15 (THURSDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SHOW THE MEDIA TYPICAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES IT BUILDS IN NEW TOWNS.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI, DURING THE HOSPITAL TOUR WHICH WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
AFTER TOURING THE HOSPITAL, THE MEDIA GROUP WILL BE TAKEN TO VIEW A PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY ON THE THEME OF ’’PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE IN A NEW COMMUNITY”.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO JOIN THE TOUR, VIEW THE PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAY AND MEET MR LEI WHO WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A PRESS COACH AND A VAN WILL LEAVE FROM HANKOW ROAD, NEXT TO THE PENINSULA HOTEL, AT 1 PM SHARP.
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DEMAND FOR COMPUTERS IN GOVT RISES SHARPLY ♦ ♦ t t ♦
THE DEMAND FOR COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN GOVERNMENT HAS RISEN SO SHARPLY THAT APPROVED EXPENDITURE OF $388 MILLION HAD BEEN GIVEN FOR DEPARTMENTS TO FURTHER DEVELOP COMPUTERISATION FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PURPOSES IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DATA PROCESSING MANAGER, DR COLIN GREENFIELD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
’’THIS IS ABOUT DOUBLE THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR," HF SAID.
SPEAKING AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION, DR GREENFIELD SAID THAT TIE USE OF COMPUTERS IN GOVERNMENT HAD INCREASED AT A RAPID RATE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, WITH NEARLY ALL DEPARTMENTS EMPLOYING THIS TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST IN THEIR DEPARTMENTAL FUNCTIONS.
/’’GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, .........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
- 8 -
"GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WHICH HAVE EMBARKED ON MAJOR COMPUTERISATION ACTIVITIES IN RECENT YEARS, INCLUDE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, FIRE SERVICES, THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THE ICAC, JUDICIARY, LABOUR, LEGAL, MARINE, MEDICAL & HEALTH, RATING v. VALUATION AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARMENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT’S COMPUTER COMMITTEE ON COMPUTER NEEDS AND COMPUTERISATION PLANS," HE ADDED.
"IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES ARE FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE PROCESS OF COMPUTERISATION AND TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFITS OF THE PROCESS, IT HAS ADOPTED A TOP-DOWN APPROACH FOR SELECTED DEPARTMENTS," DR GREENFIELD SAID.
IN THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE GDPA HAD PROVIDED VALUABLE INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE TO VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS THROUGH NUMEROUS STUDIES ON FEASIBILITY, PLANNING STRATEGIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SYSTEMS.
DR GREENFIELD SAID THAT INFORMATION SYSTEM STRATEGIC STUDIES WERE CONDUCTED FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, INLAND REVENUE AND THE POLICE FORCE, WHILE THOSE FOR FOUR OTHER DEPARTMENTS WERE EITHER IN PROGRESS OR BEING ORGANISED.
"WE ALSO CARRIED OUT 80 PROJECT DEFINITION STUDIES ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS, MANY OF WHICH HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED AND IMPLEMENTED.
"THESE INCLUDE TRE REVISED IDENTITY CARD INFORMATION SYSTEM, IMMIGRATION CONTROL ENFORCEMENT, LAND REGISTRATION, GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT, PHARMACEUTICAL SUPPLIES, COMPANY REGISTRATION, PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION AND RATES REVALUATION," HE SAID.
DR GREENFIELD SAID THE GDPA HAD ENCOURAGED THE INSTALLATION OF MICROCOMPUTERS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT EXTENSIVELY WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY AND TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF SERVICE.
"BY THE END OF 1988, 1,200 MICROCOMPUTERS AND 650 WORD PROCESSORS WILJ HAVE BEEN INSTALLED, AND THIS TREND IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE AND TO GROW IN FUTURE," HE SAID.
DR GREENFIELD NOTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF ANALYSTPROGRAMMERS IN GOVERNMENT HAD INCREASED BY 45 PER CENT IN THE PAST 18 MONTHS, THE TOTAL AS STILL RELATIVELY SMALL, AT 363, BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
"MOREOVER, HERE IS A WORLD-WIDE SHORTAGE OF SUCH PROFESSIONALS RESULT NG IN A HIGH TURNOVER OF STAFF FROM WHICH GOVERNMENT HAS NOT BEEN IMMUNE," HE EXPLAINED.
/MR GREENFIELD
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
- 9 -
DR GREENFIELD SAID A MAJOR CONSULTANCY WAS COMMISSIONED IN APRIL TO REVIEW ALL ASPECTS OF GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT APPROACH TO COMPUTERISATION BECAUSE OF THE RAPIDLY CHANGING DEVELOPMENTS IN THE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY.
"RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE ON SUCH ISSUES AS AN INFRASTRUCTURAL APPROACH RATHER THAN A PIECE-MEAL PROJECT-BY-PRC.tECT APPROACH TO COMPUTERISATION; ON THE ISSUE OF CENTRALISATION AS AGAINST DECENTRALISATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF CORPORATISATION OF GDPA; CHARGING FOR COMPUTER SERVICES, AND ON PERSONNEL MATTERS AMONG OTHER THINGS," HE SAID.
"THESE WILL BE CONSIDERED BY GOVERNMENT DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, AND WHATEVER DECISIONS ARE FINALLY TAKEN, THE OUTLOOK FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN COMPUTERISATION IN GOVERNMENT IS EXCITING,' DR GREENFIELD SAID.
------0 -------
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH *****
A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FORMER GOVERNOR, THE LATE SIR DAVID TRENCH, WILL BE HELD AT ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL, GARDEN ROAD, ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17).
THE SERVICE WILL BEGIN AT 9.15 AM.
ADMISSION WILL BE BY TICKET ONLY. TICKETS MAY BE COLLECTED FROM THE PROTOCOL DIVISION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (ROOM 324), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM.
DONATIONS IN SIR DAVID’S MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
------o ------
NEW FLOATING CLINIC DELIVERED * * * »
RESIDENTS OF OUTLYING ISLANDS CAN BEFORE LONG SERVED BY A NEW FLOATING CLINIC WHICH WILL REPLACE I HF WHICH HAS GIVEN 30 YEARS OF SERVICE.
EXPECT TO BE OLD "CHEE HONG"
THE GOVERNMENT NEW CONSTRUCTION SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS JUST TAKEN DELIVERY OF THE REPLACEMENT FOLLOWING A SEA TRIAL SUPERVISED BY ITS SURVEYORS.
MARINE VESSEL
/CHE ..........
MONDAY, DECBIBER 12, 1988
10 -
THE NEW FLOATING CLINIC, WHICH WILL BEAR THE OLD NAME CHEE HONG, WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT LATER THIS MONTH.
THE NEW CHEE HONG WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE REGULAR MEDICAL SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN SUCH PLACES AS TIN HA WAN, TUNG LUNG
ISLAND,PO TOI ISLAND, PO TOI O, KAU SAI, LEUNG SHEUNG WAN, MA WAN,
PENNY’S BAY AND SOK KWU WAN.
THE NEW VESSEL WAS BUILT AT A LOCAL SHIPYARD AT A COST OF
$3,199,000 DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. IT TOOK ONE
YEAR TO COMPLETE.
"THE VESSEL IS SIMILAR IN SIZE TO THE EXISTING ONE, MEASURING 23.5 METRES IN LENGTH, 6.5 METRES IN WIDTH AND HAS A DRAUGHT OF 1.6 METRES," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"HOWEVER, THE SPEED OF THE NEW BOAT, AT 12 KNOTS, IS 50 PER CENT FASTER THAN THAT OF THE OLD ONE," HE ADDED.
THE NEW CHEE HONG HAS SEPARATE ROOMS FOR CONSULTATION, TREATMENT AND DISPENSARY.
"THE VESSEL IS FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED AND THERE IS ALSO THE DESIGN OF A LARGE OPEN DECK AFT OF THE WHEELHOUSE FOR PLACING STRETCHERS IN EMERGENCY RESCUE DUTIES.
"ALL THIS WILL PROVIDE A BETTER WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND THUS ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF ALL GOVERNMENT CRAFT, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WAS IN CHARGE OF THE PRELIMINARY DESIGN OF THE NEW CHEE HONG, TENDERING, SELECTING BUILDER, PLAN APPROVAL AND SUPERVISION THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION.
THIS ENSURED HIGH QUALITY STANDARD AND TAILOR-MADE DESIGNS TO MEET THE OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT OF THE USER DEPARTMENT.
THE VESSEL IS MANNED BY A MARINE DEPARTMENT CREW.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT EXPECTED TO TAKE DELIVERY NEXT MONTH OF YET ANOTHER NEW VESSEL WHICH WOULD REPLACE THE CHEE HONG’S SISTER BOAT - THE CHEE WAN.
THE CHEE WAN SERVES RESIDENTS OF OUTLYING ISLANDS IN THE NORTHEASTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NEW CHEE WAN COSTS THE SAME AS THE CHEE HONG, AND THE FUNDS WERE ALSO DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
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/11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988 11
INVESTMENT IN LINKAGE INDUSTRIES ENCOURAGED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, TODAY (MONDAY) WELCOMED THE ’’NOTICEABLE AND ENCOURAGING GROWTH IN INVESTMENT IN THE LINKAGE INDUSTRIES” AND PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ROLE OF JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF HONG KONG NUKABE LTD., THE FIRST AUTOMOBILE PARTS MANUFACTURER TO START UP IN ONE OF HONG KONG'S INDUSTRIAL ESTATES.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT THE TREND OF INVESTMENT IN LINKAGE INDUSTRIES COULD NOT ONLY MAKE IT MORE ADVANTAGEOUS FOR MANUFACTURERS TO BUY PARTS AND COMPONENTS LOCALLY THAN TO IMPORT THEM.
’’JUST AS IMPORTANT, IT REFLECTS GROWING CONFIDENCE ON THE PART OF JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS IN THE CAPABILITIES OF OUR WORKFORCE.
"WE WELCOME JAPAN'S INCREASING INTEREST, PARTICULARLY AS JAPANESE INVESTMENT CONTINUES TO BE A FRUITFUL SOURCE OF USEFUL TECHNOLOGY FOR OUR MANUFACTURING COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
THE 1988 SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT, PUBLISHED LAST MONTH, SHOWED THAT JAPAN'S SHARE OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES HAD RISEN SIGNIFICANTLY, FROM 20.5 PER CENT IN 1986 TO 26.6 PER CENT IN 1987.
MR YEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH HAD TENDED TO FOCUS ITS INVESTMENT PROMOTION ACTIVITIES AT OVERSEAS MANUFACTURERS WHOSE TECHNOLOGY WOULD BE BENEFICIAL TO THE TERRITORY, UNDERSTOOD WELL THAT THESE MANUFACTURERS WOULD NOT COME UNLESS THEY COULD GET THE RIGHT KIND OF TECHNOLOGICAL SUPPORT.
"THE HIGHER THE LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY INVOLVED IN THE BUSINESS, THE MORE EXACTING THE INVESTOR WILL BE IN TERMS OF HIS REQUIREMENT FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES, LABORATORY FACILITIES AND TRAINED MANPOWER," HE SAID.
WITH THE IMPROVING SERVICES PROVIDED BY LOCAL INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS, MR YEUNG WAS CONFIDENT THAT OVERSEAS INVESTORS WOULD FIND IN HONG KONG NOT ONLY OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACHIEVING EARLY PROFITABILITY BUT ALSO AN ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTING INCREASINGLY UP-MARKET PRODUCTION.
THE NEW HONG KONG NUKABE MANUFACTURING IN TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE WILL INITIALLY PRODUCE FOR EXPORT PRECISION PARTS FOR POWER STEERING MECHANISMS AND FUEL PUMP UNITS.
MANUFACTURING OF COLD FORGED ENGINE PARTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE IS BEING PLANNED.
"WITH ITS HIGHLY AUTOMATED MACHINERY AND SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY, I AM CONFIDENT THAT NUKABE MANUFACTURING WILL BECOME A SUCCESSFUL AND PROFITABLE OPERATION,” MR YEUNG SAID.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
12 -
FESTIVAL, LIGHTING ARRANGEMENTS ON COMMITTEE AGENDA * » * * *
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 14) MORNING TO DISCUSS ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AS WELL AS LIGHTING DECORATIONS FOR THE CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR AND LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REVISED APPLICATION FOR $8,200 TO SUBSIDISE THE SHA TIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR ANNUAL CONCERT TO BE HELD ON JANUARY 28.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE EXPENDITURE HEADS AND TENTATIVE CEILINGS FOR 1989-90 AS WELL AS PROGRESS REPORTS FROM THE SHA TIN SPORTS AND ARTS ASSOCIATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S CULTURE AND SPORTS COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 11) AT THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
- - 0------------
HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT TO MOVE ♦ * * *
THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO ITS NEW ADDRESS AT SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, SEVENTH FLOOR, ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE UNIT’S ENQUIRIES HOTLINES, WHICH HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY, WILL RESUME SERVICE NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 19). THE NUMBERS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
--------O----------
/1J........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
13
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ * * ♦
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 39.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 233.235 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 366.863 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 62.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0-------
KWAI CHUNG RECLAMATION PUBLIC DUMP OPENS *****
THE PUBLIC DUMP AT THE KWAI CHUNG RECLAMATION OPENED TODAY (MONDAY).
MATERIALS WILL BE TIPPED AT THE BACK-UP AREA RECLAMATION SITE BEHIND KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL NO. 6.
THE ENTRANCE AND EXIT TO THE DUMP IS AT THE SOUTHERN END OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD.
THE OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 8.30 AM TO 6 PM ON WEEKDAYS ONLY. THE DUMP WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
HOLDERS OF VALID DUMPING LICENCES FOR PUBLIC DUMPS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON ARE PERMITTED TO DUMP THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS:
* EARTH AND BUILDING DEBRIS.
* STONE UP TO 250 MM IN SIZE PROVIDING IT IS WELL MIXED WITH EARTH.
THE ABOVE MATERIALS SHOULD BE FREE FROM MARINE MUD, HOUSEHOLD REFUSE, TIMBER, PLASTICS, INDUSTRIAL AND CHEMICAL WASTES, ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATTER, AND OTHER MATERIALS CONSIDERED UNSUITABLE BY THE DUMP SUPERVISORS.
DUMPING LICENCES MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE ON APPLICATION TO THE CHIEF ENGINEER, PORT WORKS DIVISION, CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT EIGHTH FLOOR, EMPIRE CENTRE, 68 MODY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON.
THE DUMP WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE TO VEHICLES DISPLAYING VALID WINDSHIELD STICKERS ISSUED TOGETHER WITH THE DUMPING LICENCES.
ALL DUMPING MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INSTRUCTION OF THE DUMP SUPERVISORS.
THE RIGHT IS RESERVED TO CANCEL DUMPING LICENCES AT ANY TIME OR TO CLOSE THE DUMP WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
- 14
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OE TUEN MUN ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE ROAD RESURFACING WORKS ON TUEN MUN ROAD EASTBOUND NEAR YAU KAM TAU BRIDGE, SCHEDULED TO BE CARRIED OUT FROM JANUARY 8 TO 18, WILL BE ADVANCED TO DECEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) TO 22.
DURING THE WORKS PERIOD, THE THREE TRAFFIC LANES ON THIS SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED IN ROTATION.
TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL BE MAINTAINED ON THE AFFECTED SECTION FROM 6.30 AM TO 9 PM WHILE AT LEAST ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL REMAIN OPEN FROM 9 PM TO 6.30 AM THE NEXT DAY. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTEI NG VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
- 0 -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE WATERWORKS, THE EASTBOUND TRAFFIC LANES ON LUNG (’HEUNG ROAD BETWEEN WONG TAT SIN MTR STATION AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED IN TURN FROM 11.30 PM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 14) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAV.
---0 -
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAN KWONG ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15), NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN HAPPY VALLEY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION.
SHAN KWONG ROAD B’'TWEEN YIK YAM STREET AND KING KWONG SI REEI WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
ALSO, THE RIGHT-TURN FROM SHAN KWONG ROAD NORTHBOUND TO YIK YAM STREET WILL BE BANNED, EXCEP1 DURING TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS FOR HAPPY VALLEY RACE MEETINGS.
VEHICLES ON KING KWONG STREET HEADING FOR YIK YAM STREEI. WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PO SHIN STREET, VILLAGE ROAD AND SHAN KWONG ROAD.
O
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BILINGUAL EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOUNGER GENERATION .... 1
IDB BACKS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT DRIVE .................... 2
MRS FAN APPOINTED AN EXCO MEMBER ....................... 4
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ALSO GOOD FOR INDUSTRY ........ 5
ART GROUPS URGED TO BE MORE BUSINESS-MINDED ............ 6
HELPING NEW RESIDENTS SETTLE IN ........................ 9
EXCO APPROVES KMB FARE INCREASE ........................ 10
I
-13 QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA ................ 11
DB TO DISCUSS AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES .................. 11
GAMES CENTRE LICENSING GUIDELINES ON AGENDA ............ 12
POA RESULTS TO BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY ................... 12
NEW SYSTEM TO DETECT TAINTED VEGETABLES ................ 14
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CaR NUMBERS ......................... 15
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR EXPEDITING LEGAL DEPT LOCALISATION .... 16
OPEN DAYS AT TUEN MUN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS .............. 17
RO C.JjENDaR HIGHLIGHTS SERVICE FOR AVIATION ........... 18
ROAD PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CONTAINER PORT........ 19
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED ............................... 19
SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY TO TWO DISTRICTS ............ 20
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FaNLING .............. 20
URBAN CLEhRWAY AT BELCHER'S STREET ..................... 20
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
BILINGUAL EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT TO YOUNGER GENERATION
*****
HONG KONG HAS TAKEN THE VIEW THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION MUST BE EDUCATED TO BE COMPETENT IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR LI WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 34TH LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE BEING HELD AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
HE SAID THIS YEAR’S CONFERENCE WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS IN GREATER DEPTH THE STYLES OF LEARNING AND TEACHING LANGUAGES IN EDUCATIONAL SITUATIONS IN WHICH, AT SOME POINT, MORE THAN ONE LANGUAGE WAS OFFERED TO PUPILS.
MR LI SAID A FREQUENTLY HEARD OBJECTION TO BILINGUAL EDUCATION WAS THAT TO STUDY A FOREIGN LANGUAGE WAS TO DISTURB ONE’S OWN LANGUAGE, TO SPREAD A FALSE OVERLAY UPON ONE’S PERSONALITY, TO INTRODUCE ALIEN INGREDIENTS INTO ONE’S BACKGROUND.
’’THE ANALOGY IS OFTEN BROUGHT FORWARD TO PROVE THE POINT, THAT IN ART, FOR EXAMPLE, TO MARRY THE ACADEMIC TO THE IMPORTED IS ALL TOO FREQUENTLY TO PRODUCE A HYBRID WHICH HAS THE QUALITY’ AND ARTISTRY OF NEITHER,” HE SAID.
"THE ANALOGY IS UNSOUND, FOR THE MARRIAGE OF ARTS IS A FUSION WHEREAS A SECOND LANGUAGE IS AN ADDITION, A PLACING SIDE BY SIDE OF TWO CULTURES WHICH INTERACT AND ENRICH EACH OTHER, WHILST PRESERVING THEIR INDEPENDENCE."
MR LI SAID THE ACQUISITION OF A CULTURE OTHER THAN ONE’S OWN, WHETHER TOTAL OR PARTIAL, WAS A VALUABLE AND ENRICHING EXERCISE, AND PERHAPS THE GREATEST SATISFACTION WAS ON THE PERSONAL LEVEL, THAT OF COMING IN FRIENDSHIP WITHIN THE CONFINES OF SOMEONE ELSE’S PERSONALITY UPON HIS OWN LINGUISTIC TERRITORY.
"THE FIRST STEPS IN A FOREIGN LANGUAGE CAN THUS BE AS SATISFYING AS THE FIRST EFFORTS OF A CHILD TO WALK, AND THE PROGRESS MADE A REVELATION OF THE UNCONSCIOUS ABSORPTIVE AND ADAPTIVE PROCESSES OF THE MIND," HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, THE ART OF THE SCIENCE OF LEARNING ANOTHER LANGUAGE IS ONE ABOUT WHICH THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE COMPREHENDED.
"IN PARTICULAR, THERE IS STILL MUCH TO BE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT THE IMPORTANT INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STUDENT AND TEACHER WHICH DETERMINE THE OUTCOMES OF LEARNING."
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR CHARLES KAO, SAID THE CULTURAL MAKE-UP OF THE PERSON WOULD SHOW IN NUMEROUS WAYS.
/’’IT IS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
"IT IS PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST CHALLENGING PROBLEMS FACING US IN OUR QUEST FOR CREATING A BRAVE NEW WORLD IN WHICH HUMAN BEINGS WILL COMMUNICATE WITH EACH OTHER AND MACHINES," HE SAID.
"WE MUST TAKE COGNISANCE OF BOTH OUR MOOD AND BEHAVIOUR WHICH ARE CULTURALLY MOUDED.
"NO TWO PEOPLE’S CULTURE IS EXACTLY THE SAME, PEOPLE’S LANGUAGE IS EXACTLY THE SAME.
JUST AS
NO TWO
"IF WE WISH TO UNDERSTAND ANOTHER PERSON, THERE IS NO SHORT CUT AND WE MUST COME TO KNOW HIS 'WORLD OF REALITY’."
PROF KAO SAID IT SEEMED TO HIM THAT AN WAS OF CONSIDERABLE SIGNIFICANCE IN THE DOMAIN AND TEACHING AND, IN PARTICULAR, WHICH LEARNING AND APPROACHES WITHIN CULTURES AND ACROSS BOUNDARIES WERE UNDER CONSIDERATION.
APPRECIATION OF THIS OF LANGUAGE LEARNING AND TEACHING STYLES CULTURE AND NATIONAL
ATTENDING THE THREE-DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION ARE MORE THAN 300 LANGUAGE EDUCATIONALISTS FROM 21 COUNTRIES AND HONG
A TOTAL OF 146 PAPERS WOULD BE PRESENTED ON A VARIETY OF TOPICS RELATED TO THE MAIN THEME ON "TEACHING AND LEARNING STYLES WITHIN AND ACROSS CULTURES : IMPLICATIONS FOR LANGUAGE PEDAGOGY".
AMONG THE PAPERS, 87 WILL BE PRESENTED BY OVERSEAS SCHOLARS AND 59 BY LOCAL SCHOLARS. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE 12 WORKSHOP
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IDB BACKS QUALITY IMPROVEMENT DRIVE * * * *
A MAJOR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT DRIVE FOR INDUSTRY IS TO BE LAUNCHED IN EARLY 1990, THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AGREED TODAY.
THE BOARD, CHAIRED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR PIERS JACOBS, ENDORSED PROPOSALS WHICH WOULD SEE A SERIES OF STEPS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY RECEIVED FULL SUPPORT IN UPGRADING QUALITY TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE.
THE QUALITY CAMPAIGN WOULD LAST FOR AT LEAST FIVE YEARS AND WOULD BE TARGETTED AT DECISION MAKERS IN MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AS WELL AS THEIR EMPLOYEES.
/"THE PRINCIPAL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1.3, 1988
"THE PRINCIPAL MESSAGE WILL BE THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS WILL HELP REDUCE COSTS, IMPROVE OUTPUT AND SECURE MARKETS," SAID MR JACOBS.
"THIRD PARTY ENDORSEMENT AND A HIGH LEVEL OF SUPPORT ON THE PART OF BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MAJOR TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS WILL BE ESSENTIAL," HE ADDED.
SEVERAL NEW INITIATIVES HAVE BEEN PLANNED. A VOLUNTARY SCHEME OF ACCREDITATION WOULD BE ESTABLISHED BY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT, REPRESENTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, WOULD CONFEF OFFICIAL RECOGNITION ON COMPANIES THAT HAVE SUCCESSFULLY ADOPTED ALL-EMBRACING QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS.
AN ORGANISATION IS TO BE SET UP TO UNDERTAKE QUALITY INSPECTION AND ASSESSMENT SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY. THIS WOULD CONSIST OF A SMALL CORE OF STAFr AND A PANE.. OF ASSESSORS, WITH ASSISTANCE ALSO COMING FROM THE BRITISH STAND,RDS INSTITUTION.
PROMOTIONAL AND PUBLICITY TOOLS WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE CAMPAIGN, INVOLVING PUBLICATIONS, VIDEOS, FILMS, SEMINARS, ADVERTISEMENTS, COMPETITIONS AND AWARDS.
TO OVERSEE THE ENTIRE QUALITY DRIVE A SMALL QUALITY ASSURANCE SECTION WOULD BE SET UP WITHIN THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
EXISTING SERVICES WOULD ALSO BE STRENGTHENED TO BACK UP THE CAMPAIGN.
THE PRODUCT STANDARDS INFORMATION BUREAU OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WOULD BE UPGRADED. THIS BODY HOLDS STANDARDS SPECIFICATIONS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS AND FOR MARKETS AROUND THE WORLD.
IMPROVED TELECOMMUNICATIONS LINKS WITH THE BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION WOULD BE INTRODUCED.
THE MEASUREMENT SERVICES OF THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY WOULD BE EXTENDED TO MEET UPGRADED DEMAND.
PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN TO GAINING EXTENSIVE EXTERNAL RECOGNITION FOR THE HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME.
MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT THERE WERE A NUMBER OF STRONG REASONS FOR PROMOTING QUALITY ASSURANCE.
HONG KONG’S MAJOR MARKETS ARE PLACING FAR GREATER EMPHASIS ON QUALITY ASSURANCE. ADOPTION OF QUALITY ASSURANCE, INVOLVING DESIGN, MATERIALS SOURCING, PRODUCTION AND TESTNG, WOULD RESULT SUBSTANTIAL COST SAVINGS ---- AS OVERSEAS EXPERIENCE SHOWE1 THAT AS
MUCH AS 15 TO 20 PER CENT OF PRODUCTION COSTS COULD BE REDUCE!;
/IflS QUALITY
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
THE QUALITY MOVEMENT IS ACCELERATING IN THE EEC WITH OTHER NATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE OF ASIA, RAPIDLY FOLLOWING SUIT.
PART OF THE REASON IS THE GROWTH OF CONSUMER PROTECTION INTERESTS AND PARTLY THE NEED FELT AMONGST THIRD WORLD EXPORTING NATIONS TO INCREASE MARKET ACCESS RIGHTS AGAINST TECHNICAL BARRIERS.
WITH THE THREAT OF NON-TARIFF BARRIERS TO TRADE GROWING, POOR QUALITY ASSURANCE COULD RENDER HONG KONG VULNERABLE TO TECHNICAL AND QUALITY-BASED BARRIERS.
IN OTHER BUSINESS THE BOARD ALSO CONSIDERED THE OVERSEAS MARKET ANALYSES FOR HONG KONG’S PLASTIC PRODUCTS, PREPARED BY SRI INTERNATIONAL.
A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD WAS SET UP FOLLOWING PUBLICATION OF THIS REPORT AND THE BOARD ADOPTED A NUMBER OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH RESULTED FROM THIS GROUP’S CONSIDERATION OF THE REPORT.
ALSO CONSIDERED WAS A STUDY OF HONG KONG’S HOUSEHOLD ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE INDUSTRY, PREPARED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, COVERING THE DEVELOPMENT, STRUCTURE, PRODUCTION, AND EXPORT PRODUCTS OF THE INDUSTRY.
BOTH STUDIES HAVE ALREADY BEEN PUBLISHED.
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MRS FAN APPOINTED AN EXCO MEMBER
*****
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD APPOINTED MRS RITA FAN AS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FROM JANUARY 1, 1989 TO OCTOBER 31, 1991.
IN MAKING THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, THE GOVERNOR PAID TRIBUTE TO MRS FAN’S ADMIRABLE RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VERY VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION OF SIR QUO-WEI LEE SINCE HE WAS FIRST APPOINTED AS A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN 1976.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT SIR Q.W. LEE’S RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE WAS EXCEPTIONAL BY ANY STANDARDS : HE WOULD BE GREATLY MISSED.
SIR Q.W. LEE RETIRES FROM THE COUNCIL AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
-----O------
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
- 5 -
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ALSO GOOD FOR INDUSTRY ♦ t * t *
"GOOD ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IS GOOD FOR INDUSTRY” WAS THE VIEW EXPRESSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, AT THE INTERCHIP 88 CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CONFERENCE, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG CHEMICAL SOCIETY, IS BEING HELD AT THE HONG KONG EXHIBITION AND CONVENTION CENTRE.
DR REED SAID: ’’ANY INVESTMENT TARGET COUNTRY THAT CAN OFFER A SENSIBLE AND WELL REGULATED ENVIRONMENTAL REGIME, TOGETHER WITH GOOD FACILITIES FOR THE RECEPTION OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATERS AND THE DISPOSAL OF CHEMICAL WASTES, IS LIKELY TO BE FAVOURED, RATHER THAN FEARED, BY THE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL COMPANIES.
’’THIS IS ONE <F THE REASONS WHY WE IN HONG KONG HAVE SET OUT TO ESTABLISH A WELL THOUGHT OUT SCHEME OF REGULATORY CONTROLS AS WELL AS INVESTING MANY BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO PROVIDE THE INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDED FOR THE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER WASTES.”
DR REED ALSO OUTLINED THE PROGRESS MADE IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WORK OVER THE PAST DECADE.
THIS INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WITHIN I HE GOVERNMENT, NEW LEGISLATION, AND INVESTMENT IN FACILITIES FOR THE COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF WASTES.
IT ALSO INCLUDED THE ALL IMPORTANT ASPECT OF ENSURING THAT ENVIRONMENTAL CONS IDI RAT IONS WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT AT THE EARLIEST STAGE IN PLANNING OF MAJOR PROJECTS.
"WE HAVE STILL A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT WE HAVE ALREADY A SENSIBLE AND REASONABLE SCHEME FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AS WELL AS WASTE DISPOSAL FACILITIES THAT COMPARE VERY FAVOURABLY WITH THOSE ELSEWHERE IN THE REGION," DR REED ADDED.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
- 6 -
ART GROUPS URGED TO BE MORE BUSINESS-MINDED ♦ t t * *
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE ARTS GROUPS DO NOT BECOME OVER-RELIANT ON PUBLIC FUNDS AND THEY SHOULD BE MORE BUSINESS-MINDED, THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR CLIVE OXLEY SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"IN USA, THE PERCENTAGE OF BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP AND DONATIONS TO THE ARTS ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT 95 PER CENT OF NON-BOX-OFFICE INCOME, WITH THE BALANCE COMING FROM STATE OR FEDERAL SOURCES.
"IN HONG KONG, IT IS THE OTHER WAY ROUND WITH ONLY ABOUT EIGHT PER CENT COMING FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE VERY SUBSTANTIAL BALANCE FROM THE PUBLIC PURSE," HE NOTED.
ADDRESSING A JOINT DINNER MEETING OF THREE LIONS CLUBS OF KOWLOON CENTRAL, LION ROCK AND BAUHINIA; MR OXLEY SAID IT WAS, THEREFORE, INCUMBENT UPON ARTS BODIES TO SEEK FUNDING FROM A VARIETY OF SOURCES INCLUDING SPONSORSHIP.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG BUSINESS COMMUNITY REMAINED SOMEWHAT SCEPTICAL OF THE MANAGEMENT QUALITIES OF SOME ARTS ADMINISTRATORS.
"A MAJOR EFFORT BY ALL OF THEM WILL BE NECESSARY BEFORE A CHANGE IN ATTITUDES WILL OCCUR TO COUNTER THE VIEW THAT SPONSORSHIP OF THE ARTS MEANS ’THROWING MONEY AT POORLY-RUN ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAVE NO APPRECIATION OF THE CONSTRAINTS UNDER WHICH HONG KONG BUSINESS HOUSES OPERATE’ - AS ONE CHIEF EXECUTIVE TOLD ME RECENTLY," HE ADDED.
MR OXLEY SAID THAT ALTHOUGH IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS THE GOVERNOR HAD STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE HE ATTACHED TO THE PARTICIPATION OF BUSINESS AND THE COMMUNITY IN SUPPORTING THE ARTS, THE MESSAGE MUST BE THAT THE ARTS COMMUNITY MUST NOT SIMPLY EXPECT MONEY TO BE HANDED TO IT ON A PLATE.
"THEY HAVE TO MARKET THEIR PRODUCT IN A THOROUGHLY PROFESSIONAL AND COMPETITIVE MANNER.
"THEY NEED TO WORK ON THEIR PUBLIC RELATIONS IMAGE AND THEY NEED TO BECOME ULTRA-RESPONSIBLE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS WITH WHICH THEY ARE ENTRUSTED," HE POINTED OUT.
MR OXLEY STRONGLY REFUTED CRITICISM THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS DOING TOO LITTLE, HAD LITTLE INTENTION TO COMMIT GREATER RESOURCES TO THE ARTS AND THAT DECISIONS MADE WERE BASED ON THE DILETTANTE MACHINATIONS OF A FEW ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS WHO HAD NO UNDERSTANDING OF THE HONG KONG ARTS SCENE.
/HE EXPLAINED .......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WORKS ON A THREE-TIER SYSTEM, NAMELY, THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS, AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS.
"IE Vi. TAKE INTO ACCOUNT WHAT EACH OF THESE TIERS IS DOING, WE FIND THAT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ACTING ON THE ADVICE OF THE COUNCIL FOR PERFORMING ARTS IS ESSENTIALLY SUPPORTING TERRITORY-WIDE ORGANISATIONS.
"IT ALSO OPERATES THROUGH THE MUSIC OFFICE A TERRITORY-WIDE MUSIC TRAINING SCHEME FOR YOUNG PEOPLE, AND PROVIDES THE BULK OF THE FUNDING FOR THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS (APA)," HE EXPLAINED.
"THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS ARE HONG KONG’S LARGEST ENTREPRENEURS PROVIDING PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS GROUPS. THEY ALSO MANAGE THE MAJORITY OF THE ARTS FACILITIES IN HONG KONG.
"IN ADDITION, THE URBAN COUNCIL MAINTAINS ITS OWN PERFORMING GROUPS," IP ADDED.
Mh ■)>. I.EY SAID THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE SOME FUNDS WITH WHICH TO SUPPORT DISTRICT-BASED ARTS ACTIVITIES.
"I AM PLEASED TO SEE THAT MOST DISTRICTS NOW HAD THEIR OWN DISTRICT C1I1I 'REN’S CHOIR AND THAT MOST DISTRICTS HAD A DISTRICT ARTS ASSOCIAT1 1 ' 'TCH ENCOURAGED BOTH THE PERFORMING AND THE VISUAL ARTS," HE SAID.
ADDITION TO ALL THESE ACTIVITIES WE SHOULDN’T FORGET THE WORK OF THE SCHOOLS AND THE POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS WHERE MUCH MEANINGFUL WORK IS BEING CARRIED OUT," HE ADDED.
"THE RECURRENT COST OF ALL THESE ENDEAVOURS IS SUBSTANTIAL WITH $81 MILLION COMING FROM THE GOVERNMENT ($18 MILLION FOR SUBVENTIONS TO PERFORMING ARTISTS AND ORGANISATIONS; $10 MILLION FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE AND $53 MILLION FOR THE APA), $66 MILLION FROM THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND $2 MILLION FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS EACH FOR 1987/88.
"THIS MAKES A RECURRENT TOTAL OF $149 MILLION FOR 1987/88 WHICH EXCLUDES THE SIGNIFICANT SUM BEING SPENT IN OUR EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS," HE EMPHASISED.
"I DO NOT CONSIDER THIS TO BE INSIGNIFICANT," HE SAID.
MR OXLEY ALSO NOTED THAT IN HIS POLICY SPEECH THE GOVERNOR INDICATED THAT HIS FIRM INTENTION WAS THAT THE LEVEL OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR SHOULD BE SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED.
"THERE ARE ALSO STRONG INDICATIONS THAT THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS WILL CONTINUE TO EXPAND THE FUNDING AND HUMAN RESOURCES THEY MAKE AVAILABLE FOR THE ARTS.
/"IT IS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
8
"IT IS CLEAR THEN THAT THERE WILL BE SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE RESOURCES MADE AVAILABLE TO THE ARTS SCENE IN THE YEAR AHEAD, PROVIDED OF COURSE THE ECONOMY REMAINS SOUND," HE SAID.
IN REFUTING CRITICISM CONCERNING THE GOVERNMENT’S "SO-CALLED" DILETTANTE DECISION MAKING, MR OXLEY POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT, AS IN MANY AREAS OF PUBLIC LIFE, DID NOT HAVE A MONOPOLY ON EXPERTISE.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS TO THIS END THAT THE SYTEM OF ADVISORY BOARDS HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE SO USEFUL TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, WHOSE MEMBERS HAVE CONSIDERABLE AND VARIED ARTISTIC EXPERTISE, ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE PERFORMING ARTS INCLUDING THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS.
"THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH IS IN EFFECT MY BRANCH, RELIES HEAVILY ON THE ADVICE OF THE COUNCIL AND I WOULD LIKE TO SAY IN PUBLIC THAT THE NUMBER OF OCCASIONS ON WHICH THE COUNCIL’S ADVICE HAS NOT BEEN ACCEPTED IS VERY FEW INDEED.
"IN FACT, DURING MY TERM OF OFFICE, I DO NOT RECALL EVEN ONE INSTANCE," MR OXLEY POINTED OUT.
"THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT THEREFORE TAKE ARBITRARY DECISIONS IN AN ARTISTIC VACUUM," HE STRESSED.
MR OXLEY SAID THAT HE WAS WELL AWARE OF THE THRIVING ARTISTIC ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG BY INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL CONCERNING LOCAL ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES THROUGH THE COUNCIL’S REPORT WRITING SCHEME, AND ALSO BY THE DETAILED EXAMINATION OF PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY THESE ART GROUPS TO THE SPECIALIST SUB-COMMITTEES OF THE CFPA.
"THIS YEAR I HAVE INTRODUCED A SYSTEM WHEREBY THE ADMINISTRATORS AND ARTISTIC DIRECTORS OF LOCAL GROUPS ARE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO DISCUSS THEIR PLANS AND THEIR FUNDING NEEDS WITH THE RELEVANT COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEE (THAT IS THE DANCE, MUSIC OR DRAMA SUBCOMMITTEES) .
"A VERY POSITIVE INTERFLOW OF IDEAS AND OF UNDERSTANDING HAS FOLLOWED AND I KNOW THAT GENERAL MANAGERS TAKE THEIR COUNCIL SUB-COMMITTEES VERY SERIOUSLY INDEED," HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR OXLEY FELT THAT THERE WAS GREAT DYNAMISM AND INITIATIVE IN THE ARTS SCENE IN HONG KONG AND HE WAS OPTIMISTIC IN BELIEVING THAT PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND ARTS ORGANISATIONS WAS A REAL POSSIBILITY GIVEN A MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONSTRAINTS OF EACH.
"SO LET US BE CONSTRUCTIVE IN OUR CRITICISM GIVING PRAISE WHERE PRAISE IS DUE, AND LET US BE SUPPORTIVE OF THE DEDICATION AND TALENT OF OUR PERFORMING ARTISTS.
"FOR WITH THAT TALENT, AND GIVEN GOODWILL, SOUND AND DIVERSIFIED FUNDING AND GOOD ADMINISTRATION, I AM CONFIDENT THE ARTS Wl/L FLOURISH HERE," HE ADDED.
------0 ------ /9....................
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
- 9 -
HELPING NEW RESIDENTS SETTLE IN * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS WHICH ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OE NEW TOWNS RECOGNISE THAT WAYS HAVE TO BE FOUND TO HELP NEW RESIDENTS OVERCOME INITIAL DIFFICULTIES, FORM NEW FRIENDSHIPS AND BUILD UP KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL RESOURCES, LADY WILSON SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF' THE HONG KONG FAMILY WELFARE SOCIETY’S -\MILY RESOURCE CENTRE AT BUTTERFLY ESTATE LN TUEN MUN, LADY WILSON SAID NEW COMMUNITIES TOOK TIME TO BECOME ESTABLISHED.
’’DESPITE A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING, BETTER HOUSING AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES, FAMILIES IN HONG KONG ARE FACING MANY OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH EXIST IN OTHER SUCCESSFUL AND FAST MOVING CITIES.
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES OFTEN HAVE TO BE MORE MOBILE TO RESPOND TO THE NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES.
"THIS MOBILITY CAN SOMETIMES CAUSE DISRUPTION TO FAMILY LIFE, LOOSENING FAMILY AND FRIENDSHIP TLES, AND SOMETIMES REQUIRING RELOCATION OF JOBS AND SCHOOLING FOR CHILDREN,” LADY WILSON SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT A NUMBER OF ASSOCIATIONS AND SOCIETIES IN THE NEW TOWNS HAVE BEEN FORMED 1’0 PROVIDE FRIENDSHIP AND SUPPORT TO NEW RESIDENTS.
"THIS IS MOST WELCOME. IF THIS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE CAN PROVIDE A WELCOMING AND INFORMAL ENVIRONMENT AND BE A SOURCE OF KNOWLEDGE AND ADVICE FOR FAMILIES WHO COME INTO THE AREA, IT WILL BE FILLING AN ENORMOUS GAP," LADY WILSON SAID.
THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE OFFERS AN INFORMAL FACILITY FOR FAMILIES AT BUTTERFLY AND NEARBY ESTATES, AND PROVIDES AN INFORMATION AND ADVICE SERVICE FOR SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
LADY WILSON SAID THE RECOGNITION OF THE NEEDS OF SINGLE OR ONE-PARENT FAMILIES IN HONG KONG WAS A NEW DEVELOPMENT.
"UNLIKE MANY OTHER COUNTRIES WHERE THE TERM ’SINGLE PARENT’ OFTEN MEANS AN UNMARRIED PARENT, HERE IN HONG KONG IT USUALLY REFERS TO A WIDOWED, DIVORCED OR SEPARATED PARENT.
"THE NUMBER OF THESE FAMILIES, WITH CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 20, IS ESTIMATED TO BE ABOUT 11.5 PER CENT OF DOMESTIC HOUSEHOLDS. THIS IS NOT AN I NSIGNIFI CANT FIGURE," SHE NOTED.
SHE SAID IT WAS SAD AND REGRETTABLE THAT A NUMBER OF TRAGEDIES HAVE OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF CHILDREN BEING LEFT ALONE AT HOME BECAUSE THEIR PARENTS HAD LONG WORKING HOURS OR THAT THEY HAD TO BE ABSENT FROM HOME.
/WHILE SUCH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
10
WHILE SUCH INCIDENTS HAVE SHOCKED THE WHOLE COMMUNITY, LADY WILSON SAID: "WE MUST NOT WAIT FOR THESE TRAGEDIES."
"THIS FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE IS AN EXCELLENT STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION TO HELP AVOID THESE SITUATIONS," SHE SAID.
"I HOPE ALSO THAT PARENTS WILL BE HELPED TO BECOME MORE AWARE OF THESE DANGERS AND PERHAPS THIS WILL ENCOURAGE MUTUAL CARE ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN FAMILIES, SO THAT PARTICULARLY YOUNG CHILDREN WILL NEVER BE LEFT ALONE," SHE SAID.
-------0----------
EXCO APPROVES KMB FARE INCREASE » * » ♦
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN APPLICATION BY THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB) FOR A FARE INCREASE TO TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 29 NEXT YEAR.
UNDER THE NEW FARE SCALE, 90 PER CENT OF KMB PASSENGERS WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL 20 CENTS TO 30 CENTS AND NINE PER CENT AN ADDITIONAL 40 CENTS TO 60 CENTS.
THE REMAINING ONE PER CENT, MOSTLY ON LONG-DISTANCE EXPRESS ROUTES AND AIR-CONDITIONED COACH SERVICES, WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL 70 CENTS TO $ 1 .
FOR CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES WHICH ARE JOINTLY OPERATED WITH THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY (CMB), FULL FARES ON MOST SERVICES WILL INCREASE FROM $2.80 TO S3 AND THE "AFTER TUNNEL" SECTION FROM $1.20 TO $1.50.
IN APPROVING THE FARE RISE, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS EXAMINED KMB’S FINANCIAL POSITION, INCLUDING INFLATION SINCE FEBRUARY LAST YEAR WHEN KMB’S FARES WERE LAST REVISED, RISES IN OPERATING COSTS PARTICULARLY WAGES AND SPARES, AND ADDITIONAL COSTS ARISING FROM IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICE LEVELS.
THE: CONCERN EXPRESSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AD HOC GROUP ON THE KMB FARE INCREASE WAS ALSO NOTED.
EXPLANATIONS FOR THE FARE INCREASE WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE AD HOC GROUP BY THE ADMINISTRATION AT A MEETING ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16).
- - 0 - -
/11
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
- 11
13 QUESTIONS, 10 BILLS ON LEGCO AGENDA * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK 13 QUESTION? AND CONSIDER 10 BILLS AT THE COUNCIL'S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
SECOND READING DEBATES ON NINE BILLS ARE TO BE RESUMED, AND THE BILLS ARE THEN DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGES AND THIRD READINGS.
THESE ARE THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, REGIONAL COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, PENSION BENEFITS (JUDICIAL OFFICERS) BILL 1988, PENSION BENEFITS (REFUSAL TO GRANT, SUSPENSION, REDUCTION AND CANCELLATION) BILL 1988, BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1988 AND REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1938.
IN ADDITION, THE CHIEF SECRETARY WILL MOVE A MOTION THAT CERTAIN AMENDMENTS BE MADE TO THE COUNCIL'S STANDING ORDERS.
-----0------
DB TO DISCUSS AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES *****
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS PROPOSED MORE STRINGENT LICENSING GUIDELINES FOR AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES AT A MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15).
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY WILL EXPLAIN THE NEW GUIDELINES AND ANSWER QUESTIONS RAISED BY MEMBERS.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS AIR POLLUTION, CALL ON THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE AT LOWU, AND ASK FOR A REVIEW OF THE EXISTING POLICY ON NURSING STAFF.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED MEETING BEGINNING AT CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD 2.15 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) IN THE
KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUT LUNG
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13,
1988
- 12 -
GAMES CENTRE LICENSING GUIDELINES ON AGENDA
*****
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE LICENSING GUIDELINES IN RESPECT OF AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES AT THEIR MEETING ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) AFTERNOON.
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY/ENTERTAINMENT OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MR DAVID WEBB, AND THE SENIOR LICENSING OFFICER OF THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY, MISS MEANA YUNG, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE NEW LICENSING GUIDELINES.
A MEMBER WILL ALSO RAISE A QUESTION ON THE IMPLICATIONS THAT A SALES TAX WOULD HAVE FOR THE PUBLIC.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY MARINE FUELLING STATIONS AS PART OF' THE ALDRICH BAY PROJECT AND THE PROGRESS OF THE BOARD'S "MEET-THE-PUBL1C"
OF BUILDING RECLAMATION
SCHEME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
-----0 - -
POA RESULTS TO BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY t * t & $
RESULTS OF ALLOCATION OF DISCRETIONARY PLACES FOR SEPTEMBER 1989 UNDER THE PRIMARY ONE ADMISSION (POA) SYSTEM WILL BE RELEASED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16) BY ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT ABOUT 46,000 OF THE 80,200 APPLICANTS WOULD BE OFFERED A DISCRETIONARY PLACE TN PUBLIC SECTOR SCHOOLS.
PARENTS ARE ADVISED TO GO BACK TO THE SCHOOL TO WHICH THEY HAVE APPLIED FOR A PRIMARY 1 PLACE, WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN INTERVIEWED BV THE SCHOOL OR NOT, ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM OR ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON TO FIND OUT THE RESULTS OF THEIR APPLICATIONS.
/REGISTRATION Of5
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
REGISTRATION OF SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL TAKE PLACE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) AND TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20) DURING SCHOOL HOURS.
FOR PARENTS WHOSE CHILDREN HAVE BEEN OFFERED A PRIMARY 1 PLACE, THEY ARE ADVISED TO NOTE CAREFULLY THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND ANY REQUIREMENTS BY INDIVIDUAL SCHOOLS, SUCH AS PRODUCING PARENT’S COPY OF THE POA APPLICATION FORM, AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF THEIR CHILDREN FOR REGISTRATION PURPOSES.
"THE REGISTRATION WILL BE REGARDED AS BINDING ON THE PART OF THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PARENTS UNABLE TO REGISTER THEIR CHILD WITH THE SCHOOL WITHIN THE SPECIFIED TWO-DAY PERIOD ARE REQUESTED TO NOTIFY THE SCHOOL CONCERNED OR THE POA UNIT OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENTON TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-724383 TO MAKE ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS.
PARENTS WHO FAILED TO HEED THE ADVICE WOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN UP THE PLACE OFFERED TO THEIR CHILDREN, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE POA SYSTEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID A GOVERNMENT OR AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL COULD FILL UP TO 65 PER CENT OF ITS TOTAL NUMBER OF PRIMARY 1 PLACES AT THEIR OWN DISCRETION.
THE REMAINING 35 PER CENT OF PRIMARY 1 PLACES WOULD BE RESERVED FOR CENTRAL ALLOCATION AT A LATER DATE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
PARENTS WHO HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR DISCRETIONARY PLACES WILL BE INFORMED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN MARCH NEXT YEAR OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION ARRANGEMENTS.
PARENTS, WHO HAVE CHILDREN COMING UP TO PRIMARY 1 SCHOOL AGE BUT HAVE NOT APPLIED FOR A DISCRETIONARY PLACE, WILL ALSO BE INFORMED AT THE SAME TIME.
THEY WILL BE ASKED TO GO TO A DISTRIBUTION/COLLECTION CENTRE IN THEIR HOME DISTRICT TO OBTAIN A COPY OF THE "CHOICE OF SCHOOLS" FORM AND A LIST OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL THEN ALLOCATE A PRIMARY 1 PLACE UNDER THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION SYSTEM TO THEIR CHILDREN WITHIN THEIR HOME DISTRICT WITH PARENTAL CHOICES FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
DETAILS OF THE CENTRAL ALLOCATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED EARLY NEXT YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
/14........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
- 14 -
NEW SYSTEM TO DETECT TAINTED VEGETABLES *****
A NEW SYSTEM DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE SALE OF TAINTED VEGETABLES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16) AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION (VMO) CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET.
AS FROM THAT DAY, VEGETABLES MARKETED THROUGH THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET WILL BE RANDOMLY SAMPLED AND CHECKED FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES.
CONSIGNMENTS OF VEGETABLES THAT APPEAR TO BE UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION WILL BE DETAINED AND FOLLOW-UP ANALYSIS AND ACTION WILL BE ARRANGED BY THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (TUESDAY), A VMO SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW SYSTEM, WHICH AIMED AT SAFEGUARDING THE HEALTH OF CONSUMERS AT LARGE, WAS THE RESULT OF CLOSE CO-OPERATION AMONG THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY.
HE SAID THE SYSTEM WOULD INVOLVE THE PHYSICAL CHECKING OF VEGETABLES IN THE VMO’S LABORATORY, USING A NEW METHOD RECENTLY DEVELOPED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
"WITH THIS METHOD IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO DETECT THE PRESENCE OF PESTICIDE RESIDUES ON VEGETABLE SAMPLES AND THE LEVEL OF PESTICIDE CONTAMINATION IS REFLECTED BY THE EXTENT OF INHIBITION OF AN ENZYMIC ACTIVITY IN CHICKEN SERUM.
"THE PROCESS IS SIMPLE AND QUICK AND WILL ONLY TAKE BETWEEN 30 AND 45 MINUTES FOR THE RESULTS TO BE DETERMINED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SAMPLES FOUND WITH AN EXCESS OF PESTICIDE WOULD BE FOLLOWED UP BY MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH AND TOP PRIORITY WOULD BE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY TO SAMPLES OF DETAINED VEGETABLES, HE ADDED.
THE VMO WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN HANDLES SOME 500 TONNES OF VEGETABLES A DAY WHICH IS ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL DAILY VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION IN THE TERRITORY.
/OF THE
TUESDAY, DECQIBER 1J, 1988
OF TUI' VEGETABLES MARKETED THROUGH THE VMO MARKET, 60
PER CENT
ARE IMPORTED FROM CHINA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS BRIEFING AND DEMONSTRATION OF THE SAMPLING PROCEDURE AND THE LABORATORY METHOD EMPLOYED IN THE DAILY CHECKING OF VEGETABLES WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT 10 AM AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET, 757 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, KOWLOON.
IT WILL BE GIVEN BY THE VMO’S SENIOR MANAGER, MR EDWARD LAI. ALSO ON HAND TO EXPLAIN THE NEW TECHNIQUE WILL BE THE SENIOR CROP DEVELOPMENT OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MISS VERA SO.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THE EVENT. AFD INFORMATION STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
------0 - - - -
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS t * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS STARTING AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
DY1688 DY180
DU189 DY6788
DD6633 DY113
DY728 CF28
DV132 DY996
DD21 DY1823
DY378 CS10
DY1668 AH8663
DW999 DY278
DX6638 DY162
DD73 DD1122
DY9968 DY1728
DX802 DY163
916 DW8828
DY6138 BW4455
BD391 DY369
DY2868 DY102
CH17 DY821
DY6378 DY722
DY168 DY1283
/SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS
TUESDAY, DECSMBER 1J, 1988
- 16 -
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS MUST PAY 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.
THE CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION MUST BE PRODUCED IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE AUCTION IF THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK IS TO BE REGISTERED UNDER THE NAME OF A BODY CORPORATE.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 133RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
-------o - - - -
FUNDS SOUGHT FOR EXPEDITING LEGAL DEPT LOCALISATION
* * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO APPROVE FUNDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A SECOND PROMOTION LADDER FOR LOCAL CROWN COUNSEL TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
THE FUNDING IS ESTIMATED AT $30.4 MILLION.
THE PROPOSAL IS AIMED AT EXPEDITING THE LOCALISATION POLICY SO THAT BY 1992 HALF OF THE 91 SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL POSTS WILL BE FILLED BY LOCAL COUNSEL.
THE "DOUBLE LADDER" IS A MEANS BY WHICH LOCAL CROWN COUNSEL, WHO WOULD OTHERWISE NOT BE CONSIDERED READY FOR PROMOTION BUT WHO HAVE IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL, CAN REACH THE SENIOR LEVEL EARLIER.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER AN INCREASE IN COMMITMENT BY $18.2 MILLION TO $24.2 MILLION FOR THE PROVISIONAL SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION LIMITED (PSFC).
THE ADDITIONAL AMOUNT IS NECESSITATED BECAUSE OF SOME SLIPPAGE IN THE VERY TIGHT TIMETABLE FOR SETTING UP SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION (SFC).
/THE SFC
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
- 17 -
THE SFC BILL IS NOW DUE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR AND THE COMMISSION IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATIONAL BY THE END OF THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989.
THE PSFC WILL THEREFORE HAVE TO CONTINUE ITS OPERATION LONGER THAN WAS EXPECTED WHEN IT WAS GRANTED FUNDS IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
ON ESTABLISHMENT MATTERS, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO CONSIDER THE IMMEDIATE CREATION OF 27 POSTS FOR THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINTS.
THE PROPOSED PERSONNEL, NAMELY A DEPUTY COMMISSIONER AND 28 NON-DIRECTORATE STAFF, WILL ENABLE THE OFFICE TO START OPERATION ONCE THE COMMISSIONER IS IN POST.
ON TOMORROW’S AGENDA WILL ALSO BE 22 OTHER ITEMS AND A RECOMMENDATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
-----0------
OPEN DAYS AT TUEN MUN SHELTERED WORKSHOPS
*****
RESIDENTS OF TUEN MUN ARE BEING INVITED TO THE OPEN DAYS OF FIVE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS IN THE DISTRICT ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (DECEMBER 15 AND 16) IN ORDER TO GAIN AN INSIGHT INTO INTEGRATION OF THE DISABLED AND THE PROVISION OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM.
THIS IS AMONG ACTIVITIES INITIATED IN OCTOBER BY A DISTRICT ORGANISING COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF A TERRITORY-WIDE EDUCATIONAL DRIVE ON "EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED".
THE COMMITTEE COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AS WELL AS REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS.
THE ACTIVITIES, WHICH WILL CONTINUE UNTIL MID-JANUARY, INCLUDE A SLOGAN COMPETITION, TALKS, VISITS, AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE FIVE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS ARE THE ON TING WORKSHOP/HOSTEL OF THE SPASTICS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG; BUTTERFLY BAY WORKSHOP OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT; FACTORY FOR THE BLIND OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND; CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY UNIT; AND NEW LIFE FARM OF THE NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION.
/THEY WILL
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 1988
18
THEY WILL BE OPEN FROM 9.30 AM TO NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON BOTH DAYS. INTERESTED PARTIES WISHING TO VISIT THE WORKSHOPS IN GROUPS MAY OBTAIN FURTHER DETAILS BY TELEPHONING 0-4513133 OR 0-4513126.
MEANWHILE, TO COINCIDE WITH THE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS’ OPEN DAYS,THE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED A LECTURE ON EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED.
THIS WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) AT THE TUEN MUN PALACE RESTAURANT IN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD.
THE LECTURE WILL BE GIVEN BY MR LAI KING-KAY, A LABOUR OFFICER OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THOSE BEING INVITED TO ATTEND THE LECTURE INCLUDE INDUSTRIALISTS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE RELATED FIELD IN THE DISTRICT.
THEY WILL ALSO TOUR THE FIVE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS AFTERWARDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
'’YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE LECTURE AND THE TOUR TO THE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS IN TUEN MEN ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15).
THE LECTURE WILL BEGIN AT 12.30 PM AT THE TUEN MUN PALACE RESTAURANT IN TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD.
-----o------
RO CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS SERVICE FOR AVIATION * t » t *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S CALENDAR FOR 1989, WHICH HAS THE THEME "METEOROLOGY IN THE SERVICE OF AVIATION", IS NOW ON SALE AT $32.
THE CALENDAR HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY TO "SHOW ITS APPRECIATION OF THE EXCELLENT CO-OPERATION OF ALL THOSE WHO HAVE HELPED THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDE THE NECESSARY METEOROLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR AVIATION SAFETY AND REGULARITY".
THE BILINGUAL CALENDAR CONTAINS INFORMATION ON SUNRISE AND SUNSET, TIDES, ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS, AS WELL AS USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR WEATHER ENQUIRIES AND OTHER GEOPHYSICAL INFORMATION.
/IT ALSO
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
- 19 -
IT ALSO CONTAINS MANY BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHS AND DESCRIPTIONS OF DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF AVIATION.
AN ATTRACTIVE WALL CALENDAR MAKING A SPLENDID GIFT, IT IS AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, 134A NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
PURCHASERS OF THE CALENDAR WILL HAVE THE OPTION OF BUYING THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S CENTENARY PUBLICATION, ’’FROM TIME BALL TO ATOMIC CLOCK”, AT A SPECIAL PRICE OF $19.
THE BOOK TRACES THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS OVER A CENTURY.
-----0------
ROAD PROJECT TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO CONTAINER PORT *****
ACCESS TO THE RAPIDLY EXPANDING CONTAINER PORT WILL BE IMPROVED FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $98.9 MILLION ROAD IMPROVEMENT CONTRACT BY THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE NORTHERN SECTION OF CONTAINER PORT ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE WIDENED AND REALIGNED TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY AND IMPROVED ACCESS FOR TRAFFIC TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE CONTAINER PORT.
IN ADDITION, THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BOX CULVERT TO IMPROVE THE CAPACITY OF KWAI CHUNG NULLAH BELOW KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
WORK WILL COMMENCE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----0------
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED
*****
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON CHIU WAI-MAN AND TAM SZE-FOON ON JANUARY 20 LAST YEAR SHOULD BE COMMUITED TO SENTENCES OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
THE TWO PRISONERS WERE FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF NICOLA SHARON MYERS AND KENNETH MCBRIDE.
- - 0 -
/2O
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13,
1988
- 20 -
SUSPENSION OF WATER SUPPLY TO TWO DISTRICTS
*****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN CHA KWO LING PREMISES WILL BE SUSPENDED AT 11 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT PREMISES ALONG KO FAI ROAD, SWUNG TAK WAI, TUNG YUEN STREET AND YAN YUE WAI.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 15) TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE OF WATER WORKS.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FANLING
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN FANLING FROM 2.30 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE RIGHT-TURN FROM SHA TAU KOK ROAD EASTBOUND TO LOK YIP ROAD IN ON LOK TSUEN WILL BE BANNED. VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE ROAD JUNCTION AT SHA TAU KOK ROAD AND ON KUf STREET.
THE RIGHT-TURN FROM LOK YIP ROAD TO SHA TAU KOK ROAD EASTBOUND WILL ALSO BE BANNED. VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI PO ROAD AND FANLING ROUNDABOUT.
-----0------
URBAN CLEARWAY AT BELCHER’S STREET *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE EXISTING PEAK HOUR (I.E. 7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE
NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF BELCHER’S STREET, KENNEDY TOWN, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH SANDS STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES TO THE EAST WILL BE EXTENDED EASTWARDS FOR ABOUT 50 METRES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16).
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
’ WEDNESDAY, DEC1NBER 14, 1988
1 * ; CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING :
FINAL STEP IN LIBERALISING CONTROL OVER PUBLICATIONS ... 1
• • • • • •
POLLING DAY ELECTIONEERING WILL BE STUDIED .............. 4
AGREEMENT TO STAGGER COUNCIL ELECTIONS .................. 5
ENDORSEMENT FOR INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY.................... 6
TRIBUNAL IMPORTANT FOR SAFEGUARDING CIVIL LIBERTIES .... 8
MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL RULES SUPPORTED ........... 9
CIVIL SERVANTS' BENEFITS A PARAMOUNT FACTOR.............. 10
• • • •
ADDITIONAL POWERS FOR BUS COMPANY STAFF ................. 11
PROVISIONS OF REFORMATORY SCHOOLS BILL SUPPORTED......... 1}
BILL CONVEYS FREE TRADE MESSAGE.......................... 13
IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE SAFEGUARDS EXTENDED FOR FURTHER YEAR ..................................*.................. 15
AG SETS RECORD STRAIGHT ................................. 17
AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS'........................... 18
PUBLIC HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON SCHEDULE....... 19
INSTRUCTORS’ TO BE ALLOWED TO TEACH LICENCE HOLDERS...... 20
COUNCILS 'HAVE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR ROADSIDE GRASS CUTTING ................................................. 20
/GOVERNMENT CAN
GOVERNMENT C.-li VETO PARKING FEE INCREaSE................. 21
INWARD INVESTMENT IN 1987 WORTH NEARLY 5.2 BILLION....... 22
TUNNELS TO GET RADIO RECEPTION FACILITIES............4... 22
.ACTION TAKEN TO CURB ILLEGAL RaCING..................... 23
STRICT RULES ON DISPOS.L OF OLD MILITARY ITOIS............. 23
STEPS FOR DE, .LING WITH SCHOOL 'DROPOUTS' OUTLINED ...... 25
AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM PLANNED FOR W.-RDS ............... 27
CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS UNDER REVIEW ............... 28
FEWER CHILDREN HURT CYCLING ON ROaDS ...................... 29
'TIDYING-UP' EXERCISES OUTSIDE GPO ........................ 29
NINE BILLS PASSED ......................................... 30
PL,iNS FOR HUNG HOM FREIGHT Y.JiD SHELVED .................... 31
FUNDS APPROVED FOR BOOSTING LOCALISATION IN LEGAL DEPT .... 32
FUNDS FOR BUILDING MARINE POLLUTION INVESTIGATION VESSEL .. 33
LICENSING AUTHORITY FOR GUESTHOUSES .......................... 3S
Ta KWU LING RUR.iL CENTRE PL«N TO BE DISCUSSED................ 35
LECTURES FOR THEN MUN COMMUNITY LEADERS ...................... 36
SHAM SHUT PO LOT UP FOR TJJiDER............................... 36
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE DEMOLITION ........................... 37
factory finjd for using non-permitted preservative ........... 38
INTERRUPTIONS TO ..RESH ..ND S,JLT WATER SUPPLY .............. 38
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS B.iN IN KWUN TONG ........................... 39
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS ON HK ISL,-ND....................... 39
LEFT-TURN BAN IN SH.J-I SHU I PO ............................. 39
TEMPORARY URBhN CLE .RW^YS ON HK ISLJJD....................... 40
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS If,' WESTEliN ................. Ho
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
FINAL STEP IN LIBERALISING CONTROL OVER PUBLICATIONS * * t * »
THE TIME IS RIGHT TO SEEK THE REPEAL OF SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE AS A LOGICAL FINAL STEP IN THE PROCESS OF LIBERALISING CONTROL OVER PUBLICATIONS, STARTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TWO YEARS AGO.
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PUBLIC ORDER (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, MR TSAO SAID SECTION 27 MADE IT AN OFFENCE TO PUBLISH IN ANY LOCAL NEWSPAPER FALSE NEWS LIKELY TO CAUSE PUBLIC ALARM.
HE SAID THAT IN THE REVIEW OF SECTION 27, TWO THINGS STOOD OUT.
"THE FIRST IS THAT THE FACTORS SUPPORTING RETENTION ARE AS VALID TODAY AS THEY WERE NEARLY TWO YEARS AGO. FROM THAT POINT OF VIEW, THE CASE FOR RETENTION IS ALSO STILL STRONG.
"BUT THERE ARE ALSO NEW FACTORS TO WEIGH ON THE BALANCE," HE SAID.
"THE MOST IMPORTANT IS THAT DESPITE THE FACT THAT IT WAS OUR CLEAR INTENTION TO LIBERALISE THE LAW, THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION WAS THAT THE NEW PACKAGE WAS A MEANS FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RESTRICT THE PRESS.
"AT A TIME WHEN PUBLIC INTEREST IN CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS IS UNPRECEDENTEDLY HIGH AND WIDESPREAD, THIS MISCONCEPTION IS MOST UNFORTUNATE."
MR TSAO SAID THAT AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THE RETENTION OF THE RELEVANT SECTION WOULD BE LIKELY TO CAUSE CONCERN TO THE PUBLIC OUT OF PROPORTION TO THE VALUE TO THE COMMUNITY OF KEEPING IT.
"OVERSEAS THERE HAS ALSO BEEN SOME MISUNDERSTANDING," HE ADDED.
MR TSAO EXPLAINED THAT THE HISTORY OF SECTION 27 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE DATED BACK TO THE EARLY 1950’S.
"IN 1951 THE GOVERNMENT AND LEGISLATURE OF THE DAY DEVISED AND ENACTED THE CONTROL OF PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE.
"TO MEET LOCAL CONDITIONS AT THE TIME, THE ORDINANCE CONTAINED A NUMBER OF FAIRLY DRACONIAN CONTROL PROVISIONS: THE POWER TO SUPPRESS NEWSPAPERS, ENTER PREMISES AND SEIZE PRINTING PRESSES, PROHIBIT IMPORTATION OF PUBLICATIONS, AND SUSPEND REGISTRATION OF NEWS AGENCIES," HE SAID.
/FOR MORE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS THE COMMUNITY SURVIVED WITH THESE LAWS ON Till STATUTE BOOKS, THE PRESS IN HONG KONG FLOURISHED AND THE CJTY CAME I BE REGARDED AS A BASTION OF THE FREE PRESS WITH MANY INTERNATIONAL NEWS ORGANISATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS BASED HERE, MR TSAO NOTED.
THROUGHOUT THAT LONG PERIOD, THE CONTROL PROVISIONS WIRE USED MOST SPARINGLY — AS INDEED THEY WERE ONLY EVER INTENDED TO BE — AND NOT AT ALL SINCE 1967,” HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THE ORDINANCE WAS REVIEWED AT VARIOUS TIMES AND FINALLY IN 1986 THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED THE TIME WAS RIGHT FOR A MAJOR LIBERALISATION OF THE LAW.
HE SAID IT WAS DECIDED THAT ALL THE CONTROL PROVISIONS, EXCEPT ONE, WERE TO BE REPEALED AND THE REMAINING PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WERE OVERHAULED AND TRANSFORMED INTO AN INNOCUOUS REGISTRATION OF LOCAI NEWSPAPERS ORDINANCE.
"THERE WAS ONE CONTROL
COULD DISPENSE WITH, AT LEAST
PROVISION WHICH WE DID NOT NOT IMMEDIATELY,” MR TSAO SAID.
FEEL
WE
HE SAID IT WAS DECIDED THAI’ THE PROVISION WHICH PUBLISHING FALSE NEWS WOULD BE KEPT AND TRANSFERRED TO ORDER ORDINANCE BECAUSE THE RATIONALE FOR KEEPING IT WAS THE DESIRE TO PRESERVE THE SECURITY OF THE COMMUNITY.
MR TSAO SAID THAT TWO DISTINCT VIEWS EMERGED WHEN, 1987 THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATED AND PASSED THE
DEALT WITH THE PUBLIC RELATED TO
ON MARCH 11, CONTROL OF
PUBLICATIONS (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL AND THE PUBLIC ORDER
(AMENDMENT) BILL OF 1986.
ON THE ONE HAND WAS A GROUP WHICH SAID THAT, SINCE WE WERE REPEALING AN OUT-DATED LAW, WE SHOULD GO THE WHOLE HOG IN ONE LEAP AND ABOLISH ALL CONTROLS,” HE SAID.
"THIS WAS A SINCERELY HELD VIEW AND A PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE ASPIRATION, THOUGH IT WOULD PROBABLY BE FAIR TO SAY THAT MOST OF THOSE PROPOUNDING IT WERE THINKING NOT OF THE PAST OR EVEN THE PRESENT, BUT OF THE FUTURE.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE WAS ANOTHER VIEW EQUALLY SINCERELY HELD, AND JUST AS LEGITIMATE, THAT WHAT WAS PROPOSED BY GOVERNMENT IN THE TWO BILLS ALREADY CONSTITUTED AN ENORMOUS STEP FORWARD, AND THAT IT WOULD BE PRUDENT TO PAUSE \T THAT POINT BEFORE CONTEMPLATING FURTHER CHANGES," HE ADDED.
MR TSAO SAID THE ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR OF RETAINING THE FALSE NEWS PROVISION AT THAT TIME WERE CONSIDERABLE.
/’•HONG KONG
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 5 -
"HONG KONG IS A DENSELY POPULATED CITY WHERE NEWS TRAVELS FAST. THE COMMUNITY IS VULNERABLE TO BOUTS OF ACUTE NERVOUSNESS FROM TIME TO TIME," HE SAID.
"POWERFUL REASONS INDEED, AND NOT ONES TO BE CAST LIGHTLY ASIDE.
"LOOKING BACK NOW, IN A LESS HEATED ATMOSPHERE, THOSE REASONS STILL STAND AS VALID," HE ADDED.
"IT WAS FOR THESE REASONS THAT THIS COUNCIL ENDORSED THAT APPROACH AND DECIDED TO DRAW THE LINE WHERE IT DID, AT LEAST IN THE FIRST INSTANCE," HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THAT HE HAD REACHED OUT TO THE MEDIA AND HAD SPOKEN TO PEOPLE AT ALL LEVELS -- OWNERS, PUBLISHERS, EDITORS, WORKING JOURNALISTS — IN ORDER TO OBTAIN VIEWS FROM ALL PERSPECTIVES.
"THIS LIAISON HAS OF COURSE INCLUDED CONTACT WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE INDUSTRY’S MAIN UMBRELLA ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE HONG KONG JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION," HE SAID.
"I WAS ALSO IN TOUCH WITH THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND RECEIVED MUCH VALUABLE ADVICE FROM SOME MEMBERS OF THE BAR. PERHAPS NOT SURPRISINGLY, THE VIEWS ALL POINTED TO ONE DIRECTION."
MR TSAO SAID HONG KONG WAS AND WOULD REMAIN A BASTION OF THE FREE PRESS.
"THERE WAS NEVER ANY DOUBT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S MIND ABOUT THAT INTENTION," HE SAID.
"BUT IF THERE WERE DOUBTS ELSEWHERE, LET THEM NOW BE DISPELLED."
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 4 -
POLLING DAY ELECTIONEERING WILL BE STUDIED * * * * *
THE ACTING1 CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE NOTED A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP’S SUGGESTION THAT THERE BE GREATER CONTROL ON ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES ON POLLING DAY.
"THE ADMINISTRATION WILL BE EXAMINING IN DETAIL WHAT MEASURES SHOULD BE PROPOSED TO ACHIEVE THIS," MR JACOBS SAID IN WINDING UP DEBATE ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988.
HE SAID HE WAS GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT THAT HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE BILL AND ALSO TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE ADMINISTRATION'S ORIGINAL PROPOSAL REGARDING THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE 1991 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS WAS THAT THEY SHOULD BE HELD AT THE SAME TIME IN MARCH OF THAT YEAR, MR JACOBS SAID.
"HOWEVER, MEMBERS OF THE AD HOC GROUP HAVE TOLD US OF THEIR PREFERENCE FOR THE TWO ELECTIONS TO BE SEPARATELY HELD IN MARril AND MAY RESPECTIVELY," HE SAID.
"WE APPRECIATE THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE GROUP JN FAVOUR OF THIS ALTERNATIVE," MR JACOBS SAID, ADDING THAT HE* AGREED WITH PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WHICH WOULD BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE TWO RELATED BILLS.
MR JACOBS ALSO MOVED A COMMITTEE STAGE AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 1 OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988.
THIS AMENDMENT SOUGHT TO ADD A COMMENCEMENT DATE SO THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS TO REMOVE FROM ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERSHIP OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE URBAN AREA, AND TO REMOVE THE RIGHT OF THE URBAN COUNCIL TO NOMINATE APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL TO BE MEMBERS OF URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1989.
"THIS ENSURES THAT PRESENT URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS UNTIL THEIR TERM OF OFFICE EXPIRES ON MARCH 31, 1989," HE SAID.
SPEAKING ON THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, MR JACOBS MOVED A NEW CLAUSE 10B.
"THE NEW CLAUSE 10B INCREASES THE QUORUM FOR A MEETING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND OF ITS STANDING COMMITTEE FROM SEVEN TO 10 MEMBERS, IN PROPORTION TO THE EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP OF THE COUNCIL WHICH WILL NUMBER 40 INSTEAD OF 30 FROM APRIL 1, 1989 ONWARDS," BE SAID.
----O--------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 5 -
AGREEMENT TO STAGGER COUNCIL ELECTIONS
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION HAS ACCEPTED A RECOMMENDATION BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS THAT THE ELECTIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARDS AND MUNICIPAL COUNCILS IN 1991 SHOULD BE STAGGERED.
THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG TOLD THE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING IN THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988.
MR CHEUNG WAS CONVENER OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WHICH EXAMINED THE BILL AS A PACKAGE ALONG WITH THE REGIONAL COUNCIL(AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 AND THE URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE LATTER TWO BILLS WERE ALSO BEFORE THE COUNCIL FOR SECOND AND THIRD READINGS.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD CITED A NUMBER OF VALID REASONS FOR ITS PREFERENCE TO AMALGAMATE THE TWO SETS OF ELECTIONS.
HOWEVER, MANY OF HIS LEGCO COLLEAGUES, WHO HAD PERSONALLY EXPERIENCED THE VIGOUR OF THESE ELECTIONS, WERE CONCERNED THAT TO ADOPT SUCH A DRASTIC TRANSITIONAL CHANGE WOULD CREATE UNNECESSARY CONFUSION FOR VOTERS.
AFTER DETAILED DISCUSSION, THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED THAT THE TWO SETS OF ELECTIONS SHOULD BE HELD SEPARATELY, IN MARCH AND MAY 1991, MR CHEUNG SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ONE OBJECTIVE OF THE THREE BILLS WAS TO ENABLE EACH OF THE 10 URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS TO ELECT THEIR OWN REPRESENTATIVE TO SIT ON THE URBAN COUNCIL.
A SECOND OBJECTIVE WAS TO TERMINATE THE EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS WHEREBY URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS ALSO SERVED AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS.
A FURTHER OBJECTIVE WAS TO ADJUST THE TERMS OF MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEMBERS ELECTED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ELECTED IN 1991.
THE TERMS WOULD THUS FIT IN WITH THE NEW SEQUENCE OF ELECTIONS PROMULGATED IN THE 1988 WHITE PAPER ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE AD HOC GROUP HAD ALSO EXAMINED THE QUESTION OF ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES ON POLLING DAY.
MIXED OPINIONS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED BY HIS COLLEAGUES.
/"BUT A
WEDNESDAY। DECEMBER 14, 1988
6
"BUT A COMMON VIEW APPEARED TO BE THAT SHORT OF IMPOSING A TOTAL BAN ON ALL ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES ON POLLING DAY, SERIOUS CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EXPANDING THE BUFFER ZONE OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS AND TO STRENGTHENING CROWD CONTROL OUTSIDE POLLING STATIONS," HE SAID.
A BALANCE WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAVE TO BE STRUCK.
ON THE ONE HAND, THERE WAS THE RISK OF ALLOWING EXCESSIVE ELECTIONEERING ACTIVITIES TO BECOME A DISINCENTIVE TO VOTERS OR OF CREATING POTENTIAL CONFLICTS BETWEEN CANDIDATES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE WAS THE NEED TO GENERATE A GOOD ATMOSPHERE ON POLLING DAY AND THUS IMPROVE VOTER TURNOUT.
-----0------
ENDORSEMENT FOR INDEPENDENT JUDICIARY *****
THE FACT THAT THE PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE SEPARATE PENSIONS LEGISLATION FOR THE JUDICIARY HAS WON THE SUPPORT OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND ACCEPTANCE BY THE COMMUNITY IS AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE PHILOSOPHY THAT THE JUDICIARY SHOULD BE INDEPENDENT OF THE EXECUTIVE. BOTH IN SUBSTANCE AND IN STRUCTURE.
THE HON MARIA TAM SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE PENSION BENEFITS (JUDICIAL OFFICERS) BILL 1988.
MISS TAM, CONVENER OF A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE BILL, SAID THE AD HOC GROUP SUPPORTED THE SETTING UP OF AN INDEPENDENT STRUCTURE ON PAY AND PENSION BENEFITS FOR THE JUDICIARY AND SAW THE BILL AS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.
SHE SAID THE PROPOSED JUDICIARY PENSION SCHEME WAS MORE ATTRACTIVE THAN THE NEW PENSION SCHEME FOR CIVIL SERVANTS IN CERTAIN RESPECTS.
WHEN BETWEEN 50 AND 65 YEARS OF AGE JUDICIARY OFFICERS WHO WERE APPOINTED OR REAPPOINTED AFTER JULY 1, 1987 WOULD EARN PENSION AT DOUBLE THE STANDARD PENSION EARNINGS RATE.
JUDICIAL OFFICERS WHO RETIRED EARLY ON GROUNDS OF ILL HEALTH WERE GUARANTEED A MINIMUM PENSION EQUIVALENT TO ONE QUARTER OF SALARY.
/THESE proposals
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
THESE PROPOSALS WOULD ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN PRIVATE PRACTICE TO JOIN THE JUDICIARY AS A SECOND CAREER AND YET ENJOY A REASONABLE PENSION AFTER 10 YEARS OF SERVICE, SHE SAI"
THE AGE OF RETIREMENT OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS EXCLUDING MAGISTRATES AND SIMILAR RANKS WERE EXTENDED FROM 60 TO 65 SO THAT THE SECOND CAREER WOULD ALSO BE OF A SIGNIFICANT DURATION AND BENEFICIAL BOTH TO THE INDIVIDUAL JUDICIAL OFFICER AND THE JUDICIARY.
THE AD HOC GROUP EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT MAGISTRATES WOULD HAVE TO RETIRE AT 60 AND MADE IT A POINT THAT AN EXTENSION < • THEIR RETIREMENT AGE TO 65 SHOULD BE PURSUED IN FUTURE.
MEMBERS SUGGESTED THAT IN ORDER TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN LOCAL LAWYERS FOR THE JUDICIARY, CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVIN TO CONVERTING HOUSING BENEFITS TO CASH TERMS OR GRANTING EXTRA A- LOWANCE TO JUDGES WHO WERE PROFICIENT IN CHINESE.
HOWEVER, THEY WERE DIVIDED ON WHETHER JUDGES SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO GO BACK TO PRIVATE PRACTICE AFTER SERVING THE JUDICIARY.
THEY ALSO QUESTIONED WHETHER THE PACKAGE HAD GONE FAR ENOUGH TO ACHIEVE ITS ALMS.
IN RESPONSE, THE ADMINISTRATION EXPLAINED THAT ONCE A SEPARATE STRUCTURE WAS SET UP FOR THE JUDICIARY, THERE COULD BF MORE FLEXIBILITY IN ACCOMMODATING ANY SUGGESTIONS, IF JUSTIF1 I, TO IMPROVE ON THE TERMS OF JUDICIAL SERVICE.
"IT WILL ALSO BE HELPFUL IF CONSULTATION WITH THE LEGAL PROFESSION IN FUTURE ON RECRUITMENT OF LOCAL JUDICIAL OFFICERS CAN BE CARRIED OUT IN A MORE STRUCTURED WAY,” MISS TAM CONTINUED.
SHE ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION ALSO PROMISED AN OVERALL REVIEW ON THE PARITY OF TREATMENT BETWEEN MALE AND FEMALE OFFICERS, AND MALE AND FEMALE DEPENDENTS, AND THE RIGHTS OR ENTITLEMENT OF CHILDREN, LEGITIMATE OR OTHERWISE.
"WE ALSO SUPPORT THE AMENDMENTS WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED BY THE ADMINISTRATION TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENCY WITH THE PENSION BENEFITS (REFUSAL TO GRANT, SUSPENSION, REDUCTION AND CANCELLATION) BILL 1988 AND WELCOME THE ADMINISTRATION’S CLARIFICATION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 20(3)(A) OF THE BILL (ON THE RIGHTS OF DEPENDANT CHILDREN WHERE MORE THAN SIX)," SHE SAID.
"THERE IS NEVER ANY DOUBT IN OUR MIND THAT MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION WHO HAVE THE QUALITY TO SERVE IN THE JUDICIARY MUST STAND OUT AND BE COUNTED IN PURSUING A CAREER WHICH INVOLVES REAL COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG.
"THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAS NEVER BEEN SLOW TO CHAMPION CAUSES FOR THE COMMON GOOD, OR TO UPHOLD THE RULE OF LAW. I HOPE THAT THEY WILL RISE TO THE CHALLENGE AND MAKE USE OF THE OPPORTUNITY GIVEN BY THE ENACTMENT OF THIS PIECE OF LEGISLATION."
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/8........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14,
1988
8
TRIBUNAL IMPORTANT FOR SAFEGUARDING CIVIL LIBERTIES
*****
THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL WHICH COMMENCES OPERATION EARLY NEXT YEAR WILL BE AN IMPORTANT SAFEGUARD AGAINST INFRINGEMENT ON THE CIVIL LIBERTIES OF MENTAL PATIENTS.
THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL RULES 1988.
MRS TAM SAID THE TRIBUNAL WOULD SERVE AS AN APPEAL CHANNEL FOR PERSONS DETAINED IN A MENTAL HOSPITAL OR THE PSYCHIATRIC CENTRE OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IT WOULD ALSO SERVE AS AN APPEAL CHANNEL FOR PERSONS PERMITTED TO BE ABSENT FROM THESE INSTITUTIONS FOR A TRIAL PERIOD OR CONDITIONALLY DISCHARGED, AND FOR PERSONS ADMITTED TO GUARDIANSHIP,
THE TRIBUNAL WOULD HAVE FULL AUTHORITY TO DEAL WITH ALL THE CASES SUBJECT TO ITS REVIEW, INCLUDING THE POWER TO DISCHARGE PATIENTS EITHER ABSOLUTELY OR CONDITIONALLY.
MRS TAM SAID A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WHICH EXAMINED THE RULES HAD PROPOSED THREE AMENDMENTS, AND THESE HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
THE FIRST AMENDMENT WAS THAT EXCEPT WITH THE CONSENT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRIBUNAL, THE SECRETARY SHOULD SEND OUT NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR REVIEW WITHIN 14 DAYS OF HIS RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION.
"THIS WILL ENSURE THAT THE SECRETARY WILL CARRY OUT HIS DUTIES WITH DESPATCH," SHE SAID.
THE SECOND AMENDMENT PROVIDED THAT IF A PATIENT SO REQUESTED, AND THE TRIBUNAL WAS SATISFIED THAT IT WAS NOT CONTRARY TO THE PATIENT'S INTERESTS, THE TRIBUNAL SHOULD SIT IN PUBLIC.
THE THIRD AMENDMENT WAS TO DO AWAY WITH THE REFERENCE IN THE ORIGINAL RULES REGARDING THE VIEW OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON THE SUITABILITY OF A PATIENT FOR ABSOLUTE DISCHARGE.
MRS TAM SAID THE AD HOC GROUP, OF WHICH SHE WAS CONVENER, FELT THAT TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT A PATIENT WAS SUITABLE FOR ABSOLUTE DISCHARGE SHOULD BE THE PREROGATIVE OF THE TRIBUNAL.
SHE SAID THAT WITH THESE AMENDMENTS THE RULES WOULD PROVIDE A USEFUL CODE OF PROCEDURE FOR THE TRIBUNAL TO FOLLOW.
"BUT AS THE TRIBUNAL IS A NEW ESTABLISHMENT, THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WHICH HAS YET TO BE ASSESSED, THE GROUP HAS SUGGESTED THAT THERE SHOULD BE AN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OF ITS WORKINGS," SHE SAID.
THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED TO THIS, AND A REVIEW WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN ABOUT 18 MONTHS AFTER COMMENCEMENT OF THE TRIBUNAL'S OPERATIONS.
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/9........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 9 -
MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL RULES SUPPORTED
*****
THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL RULES 1988 MARK THE FIRST CONCRETE STEP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS CONCERNING THE MENTAL HEALTH ORDINANCE, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HUI WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE RULES, WHICH WERE TABLED IN THE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 23.
HE SAID HE PARTICULARLY WELCOMED THE INCLUSION OF THE SOCIAL ASSESSMENT REPORT AS PART AND PARCEL OF THE REVIEW PROCEDURES, AND THE INCLUSION OF A SOCIAL WORKER IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE MENTAL HEALTH REVIEW TRIBUNAL.
"THIS DENOTES A POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE OUTDATED CONCEPT THAT ALL DECISIONS RELATING TO THE DETENTION, CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE AND ADMISSION TO GUARDIANSHIP OF MENTAL PATIENTS REST WITH THE MEDICAL PROFESSION," HE SAID.
ON THE REFERENCE TO AN "APPROVED SOCIAL WORKER" UNDER THE GUARDIANSHIP SCHEME, MR HUI SAID THAT SOCIAL WORKERS WITH THE RELEVANT QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE COULD BE FOUND IN BOTH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
HE SAID THAT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES PROVIDED THE BULK OF MENTAL HEALTH AFTER-CARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
AS TRANSFER OF MENTAL HEALTH CASES TO THE AUTHORITY MIGHT CAUSE DELAY, SOCIAL WORKERS IN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WERE MORE THAN ABLE AND WILLING TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE CARE AND SERVICE FOR THEIR OWN MENTAL PATIENTS.
"AT THE MOMENT, HALF-WAY HOUSES AND WORK ACTIVITY CENTRES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IN PROVIDING THE MUCH-NEEDED AFTER-CARE SERVICES TO EX-MENTAL PATIENTS," HE SAID.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THEIR SERVICE WILL BE RECOGNISED AND THAT CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO APPOINTING SOCIAL WORKERS IN VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AS APPROVED SOCIAL WORKERS."
_ _ _ _ o -----------
/10........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
10 -
CIVIL SERVANTS’ BENEFITS A PARAMOUNT FACTOR
*****
THE CIVIL SERVICE IS THE MAINSTAY OF THE STRENGTH IN THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATION, AND THE RIGHTS OR ENTITLEMENT OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO THEIR PENSION BENEFITS AFTER RETIREMENT IS PARAMOUNT IN KEEPING THEIR CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE AND IN FACING RETIREMENT AND OLD AGE.
THE HON MARIA TAM SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE SECOND READING DEBATE ON THE PENSION BENEFITS (REFUSAL TO GRANT, SUSPENSION, REDUCTION AND CANCELLATION) BILL 1988.
MISS TAM SAID THAT A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP SET UP TO STUDY THE PENSION BENEFITS BILL 1987 HAD, AFTER CONSIDERING REPRESENTATIONS FROM STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, REQUESTED THE ADMINISTRATION TO GIVE FURTHER THOUGHT TO DEVISING AN IMPROVED APPEALS SYSTEM IN RESPECT OF OFFICERS WHOSE PENSIONS WERE CANCELLED, SUSPENDED, REDUCED OR NOT GRANTED.
THE OBJECTION TO THE EXISTING SYSTEM WAS THAT THE DECISION ON AN APPEAL WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN BY THE GOVERNOR, WHO MADE THE ORIGINAL DECISION TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND, SHE EXPLAINED.
SHE SAID THE NEW PROPOSALS FORMULATED BY THE ADMINISTRATION WERE CONTAINED IN THE PRESENT BILL WHICH SOUGHT TO PRESERVE THE BASIC PRINCIPLE THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD THE FINAL DECISION ON ANY APPEAL, WHILST AT THE SAME TIME INTRODUCING A STRUCTURED SYSTEM FOR THE INITIAL DECISION ON CANCELLATION TO BE TAKEN BY A SENIOR PUBLIC OFFICER DESIGNATED BY THE GOVERNOR.
"ADDITIONALLY, AN INDEPENDENT ADVISORY ELEMENT IS INJECTED IN THE FORM OF A THREE-PERSON PANEL TO CONSIDER AND ADVISE THE GOVERNOR ON APPEALS," SHE SAID.
"THE PANEL IS TO BE MADE UP OF NON-CIVIL SERVANTS TO ENSURE THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE PANEL ARE IMPARTIAL AND ALSO SEEN TO BE IMPARTIAL.”
ON THE ACTUAL CONTENTS OF THE BILL, MISS TAM SAID THAT THE AD HOC GROUP HAD DISCUSSED WHETHER THE POLICY INTENTION WAS THAT A DESIGNATED OFFICER SHOULD, IN ALL CASES, TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OR THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION AS APPROPRIATE IN EXERCISING HIS POWER TO REFUSE TO GRANT A PENSION, OR CANCEL OR REDUCE A PENSION GRANTED.
ANOTHER ISSUE DISCUSSED WAS WHETHER, FOR THE SAKE OF FAIRNESS, IN THE WRITTEN COMMUNICATION ADDRESSED BY A DESIGNATED OFFICER TO THE OFFICER CONCERNED ON THE INTENTION TO EXERCISE THE POWER TO SUSPEND, REDUCE, CANCEL OR NOT TO GRANT PENSION BENEFITS, THE REASONS FOR CONSIDERING THE EXERCISE OF SUCH A POWER SHOULD BE STATED.
/MISS TAM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
MISS TAM ADDED THAT OTHER MATTERS THAT AROSE DURING THE GROUP'S DISCUSSIONS INCLUDED THE PROVISIONS FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF ALTERNATE MEMBERS IN THE EVENT THAT ONE OF THE THREE APPOINTED MEMBERS OP' THE ADVISORY PANEL WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND PANEL MEETINGS; APPOINTMENTS FROM AMONGST MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY, THE BAR OR THE SOLICITORS’ PROFESSION; AND THE SPECIFICATION THAT THE INTENTION WAS FOR ALL PETITIONS TO BE IN WRITTEN FORM.
MH. SAID THAT SUITABLE AMENDMENTS TO COVER ALL THESE WOULD BE MOVED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
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ADDITIONAL POWERS FOR BUS COMPANY STAFF ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 GIVES AUTHORISED BUS COMPANY STAFF ADDITIONAL POWERS TO ENFORCE REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS GOVERNING PASSENGER CONDUCT IN ORDER THAT THERE COULD BE PROPER CONTROL OVER MISBEHAVIOUR OCCURRING ON BUSES.
THE HON MARIA TAM SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL.
MISS TAM SAID THE POWERS PROPOSED INCLUDED THE POWER TO REQUIRE A SUSPECT TO PROVIDE PROOF OF IDENTITY AND PASSENGERS TO COMPLY WITH REASONABLE DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY THE AUTHORISED COMPANY STAFF.
SHE SAID A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP HAD BEEN FORMED TO LOOK INTO THE JUSTIFICATION OF THE BILL AND WHETHER THE PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION OF IT WOULD CREATE MORE PROBLEMS THAN IT COULD SOLVE.
ONE OF THE TWO MAJOR ISSUES INVOLVED WAS THE DRIVERS’ POWER OF ARREST AND DETENTION.
ON THIS, THE AD HOC GROUP HAD MET TWICE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION AND HAD EXAMINED THE OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS RELATING TO THE "POWER OF ARREST OR DETENTION", AND THE CHECKING OF DOCUMENTS OF IDENTIFICATION BY THE EMPLOYEES OF OTHER PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES.
ACCORDING TO MISS TAM, RECORDS OF THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES HAD SHOWN THAT THERE WERE ABOUT 800 OCCASIONS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS WHEN POLICE ASSISTANCE HAD TO BE ENLISTED IN DEALING WITH MISBEHAVIOUR ON BUSES, AND AT TIMES IT HAD BEEN NECESSARY FOR THE DRIVER TO RESTRAIN THE TROUBLE-MAKERS BEFORE THE POLICE ARRIVED.
/SHE SAID
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
12
SHE SAID THAT MEMBERS FINALLY ACCEPTED THE ADMINISTRATION'S EXPLANATION THAT THE POWERS UNDER S36A(1) WERE NEEDED TO CONTROL PASSENGER MISCONDUCT WHICH MIGHT ENDANGER PUBLIC SAFETY, AFFECT NORMAL BUS OPERATION OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE BUSES.
SIMILAR POWERS ALREADY EXISTED IN OTHER TRANSPORT LEGISLATION SUCH AS THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ORDINANCE, SHE ADDED.
ON CONCERN OVER THE ADDITIONAL JOB PRESSURE PLACED UPON DRIVERS, MISS TAM SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD CLARIFIED THAT IT WAS WITHIN THE DRIVER'S DISCRETION TO USE OR NOT TO USE THE ENFORCEMENT POWERS AND THERE WERE NO LEGAL SANCTIONS AGAINST THE NON-EXERCISE OF SUCH POWERS.
’’BESIDES, DRIVERS WERE NOT PRECLUDED FROM USING OTHER APPROPRIATE METHODS OF HANDLING THE SITUATION E.G. GIVING VERBAL WARNING AND SEEKING POLICE ASSISTANCE," SHE SAID.
TO ENSURE THAT BUS DRIVERS WERE AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROPOSED NEW POWERS, TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD REQUESTED THE BUS COMPANIES TO FULLY BRIEF THEIR STAFF BOTH ON THE EXISTING AND THE NEW PROVISIONS.
MISS TAM SAID THE SECOND ISSUE INVOLVED THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME OF FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES.
SHE NOTED THAT EVERY TWO YEARS OR SO, THE PANELS, OR AD HOC GROUPS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD CALL FOR A REVIEW ON THE OPERATION OF SCHEMES OF CONTROL.
"WHILST FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE RELEVANT COMPANY, THE METHOD OF MONITORING AND CHECKING ON THE ACCOUNTING METHODS OF THE BUS COMPANIES HAS ALWAYS BEEN IMPROVING AND I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT SUCH IMPROVEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN GIVEN THE ATTENTION AND CREDIT THAT THEY DESERVE," SHE SAID.
MISS TAM NOTED THAT THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT TO THE DEFINITION OF "OPERATING RECEIPTS" AS A RESULT OF WHICH INTEREST EARNED ON DEPOSITS FOR SELF-INSURANCE WOULD BE TREATED AS OPERATING RECEIPTS AND NO LONGER BE ACCRUED TO SHAREHOLDERS.
THE AD HOC GROUP SUPPORTED THIS AMENDMENT WHICH WAS TO THE BENEFIT OF THE CONSUMERS.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
PROVISIONS OF REFORMATORY SCHOOLS BILL SUPPORTED
*****
PROVISIONS IN THE REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988 ARE REALISTIC AND IN KEEPING WITH CHANGING TIMES, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HUI WAS SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL, WHICH SOUGHT TO REDUCE THE MAXIMUM DETENTION PERIOD FOR INMATES IN A REFORMATORY SCHOOL FROM FIVE TO THREE YEARS.
"THE REDUCTION OF THE DETENTION PERIOD FROM FIVE TO THREE YEARS NOT ONLY COINCIDES WITH PROVISIONS OF OTHER TRAINING CENTRES, BUT WOULD ALSO RELIEVE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS IMPOSED ON YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS BY THE LONG PERIOD OF DETENTION NOW IN FORCE," MR HUI SAID.
THE CHANGE FELL IN LINE WITH THE BASIC REHABILITATION CONCEPT.
HOWEVER, HE URGED THE ADMINISTRATION TO ENSURE THAT THE REVISED PERIOD OF DETENTION WOULD BRING A CORRESPONDING REVISED TRAINING CONTENT WHICH MET THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO THE EMPLOYABILITY OF TRAINEES.
MR HUI ALSO AGREED IT WAS NECESSARY TO CHANGE THE TERM "INCORRIGIBLE" INTO "UNSUITABLE FOR FURTHER TRAINING IN REFORMATORY SCHOOLS" AS PROPOSED BY THE BILL.
THE TERM CARRIED A NEGATIVE CONNOTATION AND WAS CONTRARY TO THE OBJECTIVE OF SETTING UP REFORMATORY SCHOOLS TO OFFER TRAINING BENEFICIAL TO YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS.
- - 0 -
BILL CONVEYS FREE TRADE MESSAGE *****
THE PRINCIPLE OF FREE TRADE UPHELD BY HONG KONG HAS BEEN SPELT OUT EXPLICITLY IN THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS /AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, THE HON HO SAI-CHU SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HO WAS SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL.
THE BILL SOUGHT TO REQUIRE ALL IMPORTED PRESSURE VESSELS TO MEET THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED ENGINEERING STANDARD INSTEAD OF USING THE BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION AS THE ONLY YARDSTICK IN DETERMINING THE SUITABLITY OF THE EQUIPMENT.
/HP. HO
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
14
MR HO SAID THIS WOULD HOPEFULLY CONVEY THE FREE TRADE MESSAGE TO PROTECTIONISTS WHO CONTINUED TO SEEK UNREASONABLE RESTRICTIONS ON-IMPORTS.
CLAUSE 6 OF THE BILL PROVIDED THAT A SINGLE AUTHORITY, THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS AUTHORITY, BE CREATED TO TAKE UP THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENSURING THE SAFETY OF THIS TYPE OF DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT.
"THIS ARRANGEMENT OF PUTTING THE CONTROL UNDER A SINGLE AUTHORITY HAS STREAMLINED THE PREVIOUS PROVISION OF APPOINTING TWO SEPARATE PUBLIC OFFICERS, NAMELY THE REGISTRAR OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS AND THE PRINCIPAL SURVEYOR OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS, TO BE THE STATUTORY AUTHORITIES IN SHARING THE SAME RESPONSIBILITY," MR HO SAID.
HE ALSO REFERRED TO AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 13 OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH EMPOWERED THE AUTHORITY TO ACCEPT RECOGNISED LOCAL INSPECTION BODIES IN THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF INSPECTION IN RESPECT OF BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS.
AS HONG KONG’S DEMANDS FOR BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS WERE ON THE INCREASE, THERE WOULD BE GREAT DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL IN THE LOCAL PRODUCTION OF THIS TYPE OF EQUIPMENT, WHICH MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE AN ASSET IN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
"THE DEVELOPMENT IN THIS FIELD REFLECTS THAT TECHNOLOGICAL SKILLS IN THE PRODUCTION OF PRESSURE VESSELS AND EQUIPMENT IN HONG KONG HAVE IMPROVED REMARKABLY,” HE SAID.
MR HO WELCOMED THE INCLUSION OF THERMAL OIL HEATERS FOR INDUSTRIAL USE IN THE DEFINITION OF "BOILERS" UNDER SECTION 2 OF THE ORDINANCE SO AS TO PUT THE USE OF THIS TYPE OF EQUIPMENT UNDER CONTROL AND ENSURE ITS OPERATIONAL SAFETY.
THERMAL OIL HEATERS CONSTITUTED DANGEROUS EQUIPMENT AND HAD CAUSED FATAL ACCIDENTS IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, HE SAID.
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/15
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 15 -
IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE SAFEGUARDS EXTENDED FOR FURTHER YEAR
* » » » *
CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE WHICH HELP THE GOVERNMENT DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION WERE EXTENDED BY RESOLUTION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER THE MOTION, MOVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SECTION 18(3) AND PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE ORDINANCE WERE EXTENDED FOR A FURTHER YEAR, AND WOULD NOW EXPIRE ON DECEMBER 31 NEXT YEAR.
MR BARNES SAID HONG KONG COULD NOT AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT, AND THERE WAS A CLEAR NEED TO RETAIN THE SAFEGUARDS.
HE EXPLAINED THAT SECTION 18(3) WAS FIRST ENACTED IN JANUARY 1979 TO HELP THE GOVERNMENT DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
"IT REMOVES THE LIMIT OF TWO MONTHS DURING WHICH AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER MAY REMOVE A PERSON REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND IN HONG KONG, IF IT APPEARS TO THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION THAT THAT PERSON WAS PREVIOUSLY RESIDENT IN VIETNAM," HE SAID.
THIS SUBSECTION HAD BEEN RE-ENACTED ANNUALLY.
PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE ORDINANCE WERE ENACTED IN AUGUST 1979 TO PROVIDE FOR MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF TRAFFICKING IN UNLAWFUL IMMIGRATION, HE SAID.
UNDER THESE PROVISIONS, ANY PERSON WHO AIDED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TO ENTER HONG KONG COMMITTED AN OFFENCE.
"OFFENDERS ARE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A FINE UP TO $5 MILLION AND IMPRISONMENT FOR LIFE, WHILE THE SHIPS AND OTHER PROPERTY INVOLVED ARE LIABLE TO FORFEITURE," HE SAID.
THESE TWO PARTS HAD ALSO BEEN RE-ENACTED ANNUALLY.
MR BARNES SAID THE NECESSITY FOR THE PROVISIONS WAS UNFORTUNATELY ONLY TOO CLEAR.
"OUR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEMS ARE STILL WITH US. THERE HAS BEEN A LARGE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE SINCE APRIL THIS YEAR," HE SAID.
"IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 17,802 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ARRIVED, COMPARED WITH 3,117 IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1987.
/"ALTHOUGH THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 16 -
“ALTHOUGH THE AVERAGE DAILY ARRIVALS HAVE DROPPED FROM 179 IN JULY TO EIGHT IN NOVEMBER, IT IS NOT CLEAR TO WHAT EXTENT THE SHARP DECLINE IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE NEW SCREENING POLICY INTRODUCED ON JUNE 16, 1988."
MR BARNES SAID ABOUT 2,800 REFUGEES WERE EXPECTED TO BE RESETTLED THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS A SMALL BUT WELCOME INCREASE COMPARED TO THE TOTAL RESETTLEMENT OF 2,212 IN 1987.
HOWEVER, THERE WOULD STILL BE OVER 15,000 REFUGEES REMAINING IN REFUGEE CENTRES AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND, IN ADDITION, SOME 9,600 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AWAITING SCREENING OR REPATRIATION IN THE DETENTION CENTRES.
"THE PRESENT INDICATIONS WERE THAT THE PROBLEMS OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND BOAT PEOPLE WILL REMAIN WITH US FOR SOME TIME TO COME UNTIL RESETTLEMENT CAN BE STEPPED UP FOR REFUGEES AND BOAT PEOPLE CAN BE REPATRIATED TO VIETNAM," HE SAID.
"FURTHERMORE, THERE HAVE BEEN RECENT SURGES OF ARRIVALS OF VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.
"OF THE TOTAL OF 749 VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA NOW IN HONG KONG, 462 HAVE LEFT THEIR FARMS IN GUANGXI AND ARRIVED BY BOAT THIS MONTH.
"FOR SUCH PEOPLE THERE IS NO HOPE OF RESETTLEMENT OR INDEED ANY OTHER BENEFIT, IN COMING TO HONG KONG.
"THEY WILL BE RETURNED TO CHINA AS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS."
Ml? BARNES SAID ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FROM OTHER SOURCES IN CHINA ALSO REMAINED A PROBLEM.
IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, 10,302 CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WERE ARRESTED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER HONG KONG AND A FURTHER 2,044 WHO HAD EVADED SECURITY FORCES AT THE BORDER WERE ARRESTED SUBSEQUENTLY.
THIS COMPARED WITH 8,175 AND 1,663 RESPECTIVELY FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1987.
"TO COUNTER THIS HIGH LEVEL OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION, THE PROSECUTION POLICY WAS STEPPED UP AND THE STIFF PENALTIES IMPOSED APPEAR TO HAVE HAD A DETERRENT EFFECT," HE SAID.
"FROM JUNE TO NOVEMBER, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND EVADERS ARRESTED DROPPED TO 7,501 AS COMPARED TO 14,185 IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR."
/HR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 17 -
MR BARNES ADDED THAT LOOKING BACK OVER THE YEAR, HOWEVER, IT WAS CLEAR THAT DESPITE A DROP IN NUMBERS IN CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM AND CHINA WE COULD NOT AFFORD TO BE COMPLACENT, AND THERE WAS A CLEAR NEED TO RETAIN THE SAFEGUARDS.
THE POSITION WOULD BE REVIEWED AGAIN SHORTLY BEFORE THE NEW EXPIRY DATE.
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AG SETS RECORD STRAIGHT
* * * »
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON JEREMY MATHEWS, MADE A STATEMENT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT ON EARLIER REMARKS HE MADE TO THE COUNCIL.
MR MATHEWS EXPLAINED THAT ON NOVEMBER 23 HE ANSWERED A SERIES OF QUESTIONS ON THE GOVERNMENT'S PROPOSAL RELATING TO FOREIGN LAW FIRMS.
ONE OF THESE WAS FROM THE HON RONALD ARCULLI WHO ASKED A SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION, AS FOLLOWS:
'SIR, AT THE RISK OF INTRODUCING A BIT OF LEVITY INTO THE PROCEEDINGS, I THINK I ONLY PARTLY AGREE WITH WHAT MR LEE SAID ABOUT BOTH THE FRONT AND BACK DOORS BEING OPEN. WHAT THE LAW SOCIETY FEARS IS THE REVOLVING DOOR. BUT HAVING SAID THAT, BEARING IN MIND THE PROPOSAL THAT WAS REJECTED AS RECENTLY AS 29 JANUARY THIS YEAR BY A COMMITTEE SO HIGH-POWERED AS TO COMPRISE OF THE THEN CHIEF JUSTICE, THE THEN CHAIRMAN OF THE BAR, THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY AND A MEMBER OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS AND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, WILL THE GOVERNMENT PLEASE INFORM THIS COUNCIL:
(A) WHETHER THE WORKING PARTY WAS IN FAVOUR OF THE PROPOSAL: WAS IT AS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT OUR LEGAL SYSTEM AS THE COMMITTEE WHICH WAS AGAINST THE PROPOSAL;
(B) WHERE IT IS FELT THE COMMITTEE WENT WRONG;
(C) WHETHER THE WORKING PARTY REPORTED IN WRITING; AND
(D) IF SO, WHETHER SUCH REPORT WILL BE MADE PUBLIC?’
/MR MATHEWS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1?88
18
MR MATHEWS SAID TODAY:
"IN ANSWERING HIS QUESTION I UNDERSTOOD MR ARCULLI TO BE REFERRING TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S COMMITTEE AND TO THE REPORT BY THAT COMMITTEE TO THE GOVERNOR. THIS LED ME INADVERTENTLY TO MISLEAD THIS COUNCIL BY REPLYING IN THE FOLLOWING TERMS - 'SIR, THE REPORT WAS, INDEED IN WRITING. IT WAS A REPORT TO YOU, SIR’.
"HAVING NOW SEEN THE HANSARD RECORD OF THAT DAY’S MEETING OF THE COUNCIL, I REALISE THAT I MISUNDERSTOOD THE QUESTION PUT TO ME.
"I SHOULD NOW LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THE RECORD STRAIGHT.
"IF I HAD PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD THE THRUST OF MR ARCULLI'S QUESTION THE ANSWER WOULD HAVE BEEN -
’THE CHIEF JUSTICE’S COMMITTEE REPORTED IN WRITING TO YOU, SIR. THE INTERNAL WORKING PARTY PRODUCED NO REPORT AS SUCH. THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS WERE CONTAINED IN MINUTES AND IN A PAPER PRESENTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. THERE ARE NO PLANS TO MAKE PUBLIC THOSE INTERNAL MINUTES OR THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL PAPER. THIS ACCORDS WITH THE USUAL PRACTICE OF GOVERNMENT.’
"I WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGISE TO YOU, SIR, AND TO THE MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL FOR HAVING INADVERTENTLY MISLED YOU."
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AMENDMENTS TO STANDING ORDERS * * t
A RESOLUTION THAT CERTAIN AMENDMENTS BE MADE TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S STANDING ORDERS WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE RESOLUTION, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID THE MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF BILINGUAL LEGISLATION.
HE SAID PARAGRAPH (A) OF. THE RESOLUTION PROVIDED THAT THE ORDER PAPER SHOULD BE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE IN ORDER TO REFLECT THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL AUTHENTICITY OF BOTH LANGUAGES.
PARAGRAPH (B) ENSURED THAT A NOTICE OF AMENDMENT TO A MOTION OR TO A BILL WAS IN ENGLISH IF THE MOTION OR THE BILL WAS IN ENGLISH, AND IN CHINESE IF THE MOTION OR THE BILL WAS IN CHINESE.
/Paragraph (c)
WEDNESDAY, 1988
- 19 -
PARAGRAPH (C) PROVIDED FOR THE PRESENTATION OF BILINGUAL BILLS SO THAT THEY MIGHT BE ENACTED BILINGUALLY AS REQUIRED BY SECTION I OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE, WHICH WOULD SHORTLY BE BROUGHT INTO FORCE.
PARAGRAPH (D) SET OUT THE PROCEDURAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR SILLS WHICH WERE PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR ENACTMENT IN ONIA ONE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE UNDER SECTION 4(3) OF THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGES ORDINANCE.
PARAGRAPH (E) ENSURED THAT AMENDMENTS TO BILINGUAL BILLS TOOK ACCOUNT OF EACH TEXT AND DID NOT RESULT IN CONFLICT OR DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE MEANING OF THE RELEVANT CLAUSES IN BOTH LANGUAGES.
------0-------
PUBLIC HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON SCHEDULE * * ♦ ♦ ♦
PRESENT INDICATIONS ARE THAT THE LABOUR SHORTAGE AFFECTED THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ALL MARK I AND II INCLUDING THOSE IN CENTRAL KOWLOON, AND THE PROGRAMME COMPLETED BY 1990 AS SCHEDULED.
HAS NOT ESTATES, CAN BE
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY). IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHENG TAK-KIN.
MR LIAO SAID SATISFACTORY PROGRESS WAS BEING MADE IN THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FOUR ESTATES JN WANG TAU HOM, WONG TAI SIN LOK FU AND TUNG TAU IN CENTRAL KOWLOON.
BETWEEN 1983 AND 1988, A TOTAL OF 49 BLOCKS HAD BEEN REDEVELOPED COMPARED TO 20 BLOCKS REDEVELOPED BETWEEN 1972 AND 1983.
CONSTRUCTION OF RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION FOR RESIDENTS TN THE REMAINING 34 BLOCKS IN CENTRAL KOWLOON WAS WELL TN HAND, HE ADDED.
MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S POLICY TO FORCE TENANTS AFFECTED BY REDEVELOPMENT OUT Ob THEIR ORIGINAL DISTRICTS FOR REHOUSING.
ON THE CONTRARY, EVERY EFFORT WAS MADE TO ENSURE THAT THEY WERE GIVEN AN ACCEPTABLE RANGE OF CHOICE IN RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION.
RECENT EXPERIENCE SHOWED THAT ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF THOSE AFFECTED BY REDEVELOPMENT HAD OPTED FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS, AND ABOUT 11 PER CENT, OF THEIR OWN VOLITION, HAD BEEN REHOUSED OUTSIDF THEIR ORIGINAL DISTRICTS.
THE OTHERS HAD BEEN REHOUSED IN THE VICINITY.
THERE SHOULD BE ADEQUATE RECEPTION ACCOMMODATION TO MEET 'HK ASPIRATIONS OF THOSE AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE OF THE REMAINING MARK I AND II BLOCKS IN CENTRAL KOWLOON, MR LIAO ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
20
INSTRUCTORS TO BE ALLOWED TO TEACH LICENCE HOLDERS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING STEPS TO AMEND REGULATIONS TO ENABLE DRIVING INSTRUCTORS TO GIVE LESSONS TO HOLDERS OF VALID DRIVING LICENCES.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT. THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG.
MR LEUNG SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS WOULD BE INTRODUCED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
--------o---------
COUNCILS HAVE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR ROADSIDE GRASS CUTTING *****
THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF ROADSIDE VERGES LIES WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE URBAN AREA AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LIAO WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG WHO HAD ASKED ABOUT THE DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITY AMONG GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS FOR ROADSIDE GRASS-CUTTING.
THE TWO COUNCILS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF ROADSIDE VEGETATION UP TO FIVE METRES FROM THE EDGE OF GAZETTED ROADS, MR LIAO SAID.
THERE WERE SOME EXCEPTIONS TO THIS. THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTAINING THE VERGES ALONG ROADS AND PATHWAYS WITHIN COUNTRY PARKS.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT DID THE SAME FOR ITS ACCESS ROADS.
"ALONG HIGH-SPEED ROADS, SUCH AS THE TUEN MUN AND TOLO HIGHWAYS, THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT UNDERTAKES THE TASK, INSTEAD OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, PRIMARILY IN the INTERESTS OF EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY,” HE SAID.
REGARDING THE MAINTENANCE OF THE VERGES ALONG NON-GAZETTED PASSAGE WAYS, MR LIAO SAID THIS HAD LONG BEEN A PROBLEM.
MOST OF THESE PASSAGE WAYS WERE THE TRADITIONAL ACCESS PATHS TO VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/'•BECAUSE OF ....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 21
"BECAUSE OF THE MIXTURE OF PRIVATE AND CROWN LAND WHICH ABUTS THESE PATHS, GOVERNMENT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE THE MAINTENANCE FOR FEAR OF TRESPASSING UPON PRIVATE PROPERTY," HE SAID.
IN EXTREME CASES OF OVERGROWTH, HOWEVER, ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN TO AVOID COMPLETE OBSTRUCTION.
THIS WAS DONE BY THE DISTRICT BOARDS THROUGH MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT FUNDS, THE DISTRICT OFFICES THROUGH LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS FUNDS AS WELL AS BY THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES THROUGH THEIR VOTE FOR CROWN LAND MANAGEMENT.
"BUT ROUTINE VERGE MAINTENANCE BY EITHER OF THESE AGENCIES IS NOT WITHIN THEIR JURISDICTION," MR LIAO ADDED.
-------0---------
GOVERNMENT CAN VETO PARKING FEE INCREASE ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦
CONTRACT CONDITIONS FOR THE RUNNING OF GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CARPARKS ALLOW THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO DIRECT THE MANAGEMENT OF GOVERNMENT CARPARKS TO CANCEL OR REDUCE ANY PROPOSED INCREASE IN PARKING FEES.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES MCGREGOR.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT IF IN THE COMMISSIONER’S JUDGEMENT THE USAGE OF A CARPARK WOULD BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD BY SUCH AN INCREASE, THE COMMISSIONER WOULD EXERCISE HIS RIGHT OF OBJECTION.
IN CONSIDERING PROPOSED INCREASES, THE COMMISSIONER WOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE UTILISATION RATE AND THE FREQUENCY OF FEE INCREASES AT THE CARPARK, AND THE FEES OF OTHER COMPARABLE, COMMERCIAL CARPARKS IN THE VICINITY, HE ADDED.
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/22........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14,
1988
- 22 -
INWARD INVESTMENT IN 1987 WORTH NEARLY $2 BILLION * * * * *
THE VALUE OF ALL INWARD INVESTMENT IN 1987 AMOUNTED TO JUST UNDER $2 BILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS REPRESENTED A 19 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1986, MR JACOBS SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MARTIN BARROW.
THE VALUE WAS EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF GROSS ADDITIONS TO FIXED ASSETS WHICH INCLUDED THE PURCHASES OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, LAND AND BUILDINGS, AND OTHER ASSETS.
’’THE VALUE OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AT ORIGINAL COST AT THE END OF 1987 WAS ABOUT $21 BILLION," MR JACOBS SAID.
THIS REPRESENTED AN EIGHT PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE FIGURE AT THE END OF 1986, AND ALMOST DOUBLE THE FIGURE RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER, 1984, WHEN REGULAR SURVEYS WERE FIRST CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
REFERRING TO THE STRATEGY ADOPTED ON THE TYPE OF INWARD INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING WHICH WAS BEING SOUGHT., MR JACOBS EXPLAINED THAT THE PROGRAMME HAD FOR SOME YEARS BEEN GEARED TO THE ACQUISITION OF TECHNOLOGY RATHER THAN THE CREATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND CAPITAL.
"HALF OF THE COMPANIES ASSISTED SO FAR THIS YEAR USE LABOUR-SAVING AUTOMATED SYSTEMS, INCLUDING UNMANNED PRODUCTION LINES AND ROBOTICS," HE SAID.
------0 ------
TUNNELS TO GET RADIO RECEPTION FACILITIES
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL INSTALL RADIO RECEPTION FACILITIES IN THREE GOVERNMENT TUNNELS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LEUNG SAID THAT THE THREE TUNNELS IN WHICH SUCH FACILITIES WOULD BE INSTALLED WERE THE LION ROCK, ABERDEEN AND AIRPORT TUNNELS.
THE ESTIMATED COST OF INSTALLATION, EXCLUDING CIVIL WORK, WAS ABOUT $11.3 MILLION.
A SUBMISSION WOULD BE MADE TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR FUNDS ONCE THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WORKED OUT THE TOTAL COST, MR LEUNG ADDED IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN.
---0--------
/25........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 23 -ACTION TAKEN TO CURB ILLEGAL RACING *****
THE POLICE HAVE STEPPED UP ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL ROAD RACING DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR DANIEL TSE, MR LEUNG SAID THE POLICE WERE AWARE OF THE AREAS WHERE ILLEGAL CAR RACING USUALLY TOOK PLACE.
"SPECIAL POLICE TASK FORCES ARE DEPLOYED TO THESE AREAS. ROAD BLOCKS AND RADAR SPEED CHECKS ARE USED TO DETECT OFFENDERS," HE SAID.
"VEHICLES FOUND TO HAVE BEEN MODIFIED ARE IMPOUNDED FOR INSPECTION BY MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINERS.
"WHERE THERE IS INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE OF ROAD RACING, THE SUSPECTS MAY BE CHARGED FOR ALTERNATIVE OFFENCES SUCH AS RECKLESS DRIVING, CARELESS DRIVING OR SPEEDING IF THERE IS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT SUCH CHARGES."
MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 14 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL ROAD RACING LAST YEAR. THE FIGURE FOR THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WAS 20.
ON THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS AND CASUALTIES CAUSED BY ILLEGAL RACING, HE SAID THE POLICE WERE UNABLE TO ASCERTAIN THEIR NUMBERS.
BECAUSE THE RACES TOOK PLACE LATE AT NIGHT, THE PERSONS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS WERE IN MOST CASES THE PARTICIPANTS AND THEY WOULD NOT ADMIT TO TAKING PART IN ILLEGAL CAR RACING, MR LEUNG ADDED.
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STRICT RULES ON DISPOSAL OF OLD MILITARY ITEMS
*****
STRICT REGULATIONS EXIST TO COVER THE DISPOSAL OF OBSOLETE MILITARY EQUIPMENT, BOTH WITHIN THE MILITARY ORGANISATIONS THEMSELVES AND AS LAID DOWN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FAI.
MR BARNES WAS REFERRING TO AN INCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 9 WHEN MILITARY ITEMS WHICH HAD BEEN WASHED ASHORE WERE DISCOVERED BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC ON A BEACH IN SOUTH-EASTERN LAMMA ISLAND.
/"THIS IS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1U, 1?88
- 24 -
"THIS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME SUCH AN INCIDENT HAS TAKEN PLACE," HE SAID, ATTRIBUTING THE ALMOST ZERO OCCURRENCE TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE STRICT REGULATIONS.
THERE WAS NO REASON TO SUSPECT THAT IT WOULD DO SO AGAIN.
MR BARNES SAID THE FORCES, HOWEVER, HAD REVIEWED THOROUGHLY THEIR PROCEDURES FOR DUMPING UNWANTED STORES AND HAD IMPROVED THEIR SUPERVISORY PRACTICES TO ENSURE THAT THERE WAS NO RECURRENCE.
RECOUNTING THE ACTIONS TAKEN AFTER THE INCIDENT WAS REPORTED, MR BARNES SAID A MILITARY SEARCH WAS UNDERTAKEN ON NOVEMBER 10, DURING WHICH ITEMS, INCLUDING SMALL EXPLOSIVE DETECTORS CONTAINING SULPHURIC ACID, WERE DISCOVERED.
HE SAID THE ITEMS HAD BEEN DUMPED ILLEGALLY AT SEA, THUS CONTRAVENING BOTH MILITARY AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS.
IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THIS DUMPING WAS CARRIED OUT BY JUNIOR MILITARY PERSONNEL.
"IN ANY CASE, AN INVESTIGATION•IS NOW BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE ROYAL MILITARY POLICE TO IDENTIFY THE PERSON OR PERSONS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MISDEMEANOUR,” MR BARNES SAID.
"ANY PERSON THUS IDENTIFIED WILL BE SUBJECT TO APPROPRIATE DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS."
MR BARNES NOTED THAT OVER THE 10 DAYS FOLLOWING THE INCIDENT, THE MILITARY AUTHORITIES CONTINUED THEIR SEARCH OF LAMMA AND THE SURROUNDING AREA, INCLUDING THE PO TOI ISLANDS AND THE STANLEY AND CHUNG HOM KOK PENINSULAS.
"NO FURTHER EQUIPMENT WAS FOUND DURING THE SEARCH AND IT WAS CONCLUDED THAT ONLY ONE AREA ON LAMMA ISLAND HAD BEEN AFFECTED AND THAT THE AREA HAD ITSELF BEEN FULLY CLEARED," MR BARNES SAID.
"IN ANY CASE, THE CONFIGURATION OF WINDS AND TIDES PREVAILING AT THE TIME WHEN THE ITEMS WERE DUMPED WOULD MAKE IT MOST UNLIKELY THAT ANY ITEMS WOULD HAVE BEEN CARRIED ELSEWHERE."
THE POLICE WERE INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT ON NOVEMBER 10 AND TOOK IMMEDIATE STEPS TO ISSUE WARNINGS TO THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE EQUIPMENT, AND WARNINGS WERE ALSO ISSUED THROUGH THE MEDIA, MR BARNES CONTINUED.
RESIDENTS OF LAMMA ISLAND WERE ADVISED NOT TO TOUCH THE ITEMS, IF FOUND, BUT TO REPORT THEIR LOCATION TO THE POLICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, BUT NO FURTHER DISCOVERIES WERE REPORTED.
"THE FORCES WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION, HOWEVER, AND TO CARRY OUT PERIODIC SEARCHES OF LIKELY AREAS," MR BARNES SAID.
/DESCRIBING THE
WEDNESDAY, DELZMBER 14, 1988
- 25 -
DESCRIBING THE MILITARY ITEMS DISCOVERED, MR BARNES SAID NONE OF THE ITEMS FOUND BY THE MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WAS HAZARDOUS IM ANY WAY.
AMONG THE ITEMS FOUND BY THE MILITARY SEARCH ON NOVEMBER 10 WERE SIX SMALL EXPLOSIVE DETECTORS, EACH COMPRISING A TOUGH GLASS AMPOULE CONTAINING ABOUT ONE QUARTER OF A TEASPOONFUL OF SULPHURIC ACID.
THE GLASS AMPOULE WAS CONTAINED INSIDE A RIGID PLASTIC CONTAINER, WHICH IN TURN WAS HELD INSIDE A POLYTHENE SACHET.
THE SACHET WAS ITSELF INSIDE A RIGID PLASTIC SCREW',OP TUBE ABOUT ONE AND A HALF INCHES IM DIAMETER AND EIGHT INCHES IN LENGTH.
IN THE LID OF THE TUBE WAS A SMALL BOTTLE FILLED WITH AN ALKALINE SUBSTANCE, WHICH ACTED AS A SAFETY MECHANISM TO COUNTERACT THE EFFECTS OF THE ACID SHOULD ANY BE SPILLED.
EACH OUTER CONTAINER WAS CLEARLY MARKED WITH A HAZARD WARNING.
MR BARNES SAID THERE WAS NO DANGER TO THE PUBLIC IF THE ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT WERE NOT TAMPERED WITH.
-------o----------
STEPS FOR DEALING
WITH SCHOOL 'DROPOUTS’ OUTLINED *****
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH SCHOOL DROPOUT CASES ARE KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN ARE PLACED IN SCHOOLS AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE SECRETARY FDR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON RON BRIDGE, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ROSANNA TAM.
MR BRIDGE PRESENTED STATISTICS ON STUDENTS UNDER 15 STUDYING IN
SECONDARY 3 OR BELOW WHO HAD WITHDRAWN FROM SCHOOL IN THE PAST THREE
YEARS.
IN 1987-88, THE NUMBER CF GENUINE DROPOUT CASES LN SECONDARY 1 TO 3 WAS 698, OUT OF A TOTAL OF 5,564 INVESTIGATIONS, WHILE THE ENROLMENT FOR THE YEAR STOOD AT 257,886.
THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES IN 1986-87 WERF 492, 4,241 AND 256,428; AND IN 1985-86 THEY WERE 318, 3,340 AND 248.700.
/IN PRIMARY.......
WEDNESDAY, DECINBER 14, 1988
- 26 -
iri PRIMARY 1 TO 6, THE NUMBER OF GENUINE DROPOUT CASES IN 1987-88 WAS 96, OUT OF A TOTAL OF 3,400 INVESTIGATIONS, WHILE THE ENROLMENT FOR THE YEAR STOOD AT 538,782.
IN 1986-87, THE FIGURES WERE 109, 3,977 AND 536,347, WHILE IN 1985-86 THEY WERE 125, 5,059 AND 539,278.
"SCHOOL DROPOUTS ARE IDENTIFIED THROUGH REPORTS FROM SCHOOLS OF REFERRALS," MR BRIDGE SAID.
"SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED THROUGH AN ANNUAL CIRCULAR TC REPORT TO THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DETAILS OF ALL CHILDREN UNDER 15 STUDYING IN SECONDARY 3 OR BELOW WHO HAVE NOT ATTENDED SCHOOL FOR MORE TRAN 14 DAYS AND TO REPORT THE ADMISSION OF ALL NEW PUPILS WITHIN 10 DAYS."
SUCH INFORMATION WAS MATCHED BY COMPUTER, THUS ENABLING DROPOUTS TO BE READILY IDENTIFIED.
A SMALL NUMBER OF NON-ATTENDANCE CASES WERE ALSO REFERRED FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, HE ADDED.
"EVERY NON-ATTENDANCE CASE IS INVESTIGATED BY A STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICER OF THE NON-ATTENDANCE CASES TEAM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT," MR BRIDGE SAID.
THE OFFICER WOULD CONTACT THE FAMILY CONCERNED BY LETTER AND TELEPHONE, FOLLOWED WHERE NECESSARY BY HOME VISITS, TO ASCERTAIN THE REASONS FOR THE CHILD’S ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL.
THE OFFICER WOULD ALSO EXPLAIN TO THE PARENTS THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE CHILD ATTENDED SCHOOL; PARENTS MIGHT ALSO BE INVITED TO ATTEND INTERVIEWS.
"ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION OF ALL CASES INVESTIGATED ARE GENUINE DROPOUT CASES," MR BRIDGE SAID.
"MOST CASES INVOLVE CHILDREN WHO HAVE EITHER GONE TO ANOTHER SCHOOL WHICH DID NOT REPORT THEIR ADMISSION, OR WHO ARE SUCCESSFULLY PLACED IN ANOTHER SCHOOL WITHOUT DELAY WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICER."
A SMALL NUMBER OF CASES DID NOT REQUIRE FURTHER ACTION BECAUSE THE CHILDREN HAD EITHER GONE OVERSEAS FOR STUDY, EMIGRATED, BEEN ADMITTED TO OTHER APPROPRIATE INSTITUTIONS SUCH AS PROBATION HOMES, OR REGISTERED UNDER AN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEME, HE ADDED
AS REGARDS GENUINE DROPOUT CASES, MR BRIDGE SAID THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE SOUGHT, WHEN THE CHILD’S NON-ATTENDANCE WAS A RESULT OF COMPLICATED FAMILY PROBLEMS,SUCH AS FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES.
/IN CASES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 27 -
IN CASES OF LEARNING OR BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES, THE CHILD WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION.
OFFICERS OF THE SCHOOLS DIVISION WOULD ALSO HELP IN PLACING SUCH CHILDREN IN SUITABLE SCHOOLS, HE SAID.
"WHERE NON-ATTENDANCE IS DUE TO PARENTAL INDIFFEK8NCI, NEGLIGENCE OR HOSTILITY, ORAL OR WRITTEN WARNINGS ARE Gf'EN," MR BRIDGE SAID.
IF, DESPITE WARNINGS, THE CHILD CONTINUED NOT TO ATTEND SCHOOL, AN ATTENDANCE ORDER WAS SERVED ON THE PARENT.
THE PARENT MIGHT APPLY TO THE BOARD nF REVIEW FOR A REVIEW OF THE ATTENDANCE ORDER; BUT IF THE PARENT IGNORED THE ATTENDANCE ORDER, THE CASE MIGHT BE BROUGHT TO COURT, HE SAID.
"MOST GENUINE DROPOUT CASES ARE SETTLED WITHIN THREE TO SIX MONTHS. IN A SMALL NUMBER OF COMPLICATED CASES, A LONGER TIME MAY BE REQUIRED," MR BRIDGE NOTED.
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AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM PLANNED FOR WARDS
*****
IN ORDER TO PROVIDE A BETTER HEALTH CARF ENVIRONMENT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS SUPPORTED A REQUEST FROM THE CARITAS MED.UAL CENTRE FOR PROVISION OF A CENTRAL AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM FOR 10 OF ITS WARDS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. Cii.AU, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) N A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RONALD CHOW.
MR CHOW HAD SAID THAT SOME OF THE WARDS IN CARITAS HOSPITAL WERE OFTEN AFFECTED BY SMOKE EMITTED FROM FACTORIES IN THE AREA.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT OF THE EIGHT HOSPITAL BI/JCKS WHICH COMPRISED THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE, ONE, THE WAI MINC BLOCK, WAS LOCATED CLOSE TO A NUMBER O. ’NDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
"THE 10 WARDS IN THIS BLOCK DO NOT, AT PRESENT. HAVE ANY FORM OF AIR-CONDITIONING, WITH THE RESULT THAT EMISSCNS FROM NEARBY FACTORIES CAN ENTER THE WARDS THROUGH THE WINDOWS,' HT SAID.
SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, THE <EN'<RAl, AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM WOULD BI NS' 1 ’ f TN THE 1986-90 •■YNANCIAL YEAR.
------ 0 - . . _ /?3 ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 28 -
CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS UNDER REVIEW
*****
THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE PROVISION OF CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS IS CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW.
"A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED TO EVALUATE THE FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS OF A RANGE OF OPTIONS TO PROVIDE ALTERNATIVE HOUSING BENEFITS," MR JACOBS SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON POON CHI-FAI.
THE CONSULTANCY WAS NEAR COMPLETION AND ITS FINDINGS WOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH THE STAFF SIDE BEFORE THE ADMINISTRATION DEVELOPED ANY SPECIFIC PROPOSALS, HE SAID.
THE ADVICE OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WOULD ALSO BE SOUGHT IN DUE COURSE.
"AT THIS STAGE IT IS NOT YET POSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE PRECISE ABOUT THE TIMING OR INDEED THE NATURE OF ANY POSSIBLE CHANGES TO CIVIL SERVICE HOUSING BENEFITS," MR JACOBS SAID.
EXPLAINING THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE, MR JACOBS SAID WHEN AN OFFICER HAD SUBMITTED HIS APPLICATION, THE ADVICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION WAS REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE REASONABLE RENT OF THE PROPERTY.
THE VALUATION REQUIREMENT WAS DESIGNED TO INDUCE OFFICERS TO TRY TO NEGOTIATE A REASONABLE RENT THAT REFLECTED THE PROPERTY’S TRUE MARKET VALUE.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION HAD IN HAND SUFFICIENTLY UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING THE PREVAILING MARKET RENTAL BECAUSE LANDLORDS MUST SERVE NOTICE OF NEW LETTINGS/RENEWALS WITHIN ONE MONTH OF SIGNING A TENANCY AGREEMENT, MR JACOBS SAID.
"DURING THE SIX-MONTH PERIOD FROM MAY TO OCTOBER 1988, 830 PRIVATE TENANCY ALLOWANCE APPLICATIONS WERE REFERRED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION FOR ADVICE.
"THE RENT QUOTED IN 714 APPLICATIONS, OR 86 PER CENT, WAS CONSIDERED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION AS REASONABLE," MR JACOBS SAID.
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/29
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 29 -
FEWER CHILDREN HURT CYCLING ON ROADS
*****
THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN INJURED WHILE RIDING BICYCLES ON PUBLIC ROADS IS IN GENERAL DECREASING, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, INFORMED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER OF INJURED CHILDREN AGED UNDER 14 WAS 59 OR 6.5 PER MONTH, COMPARED WITH 110 RECORDED IN THE WHOLE OF 1987 OR 9.1 PER MONTH.
THE YEARLY TOTALS RECORDED IN 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 WERE 262, 139, 103 AND 138 RESPECTIVELY, MR LEUNG ADDED IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.
-----0-----
’TIDYING-UP’ EXERCISES OUTSIDE GPO *****
ACTIVE CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO CLEARANCE OPERATIONS IN THE MAIN PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CENTRAL TO CURB ENVIRONMENTAL . NUISANCES CAUSED BY STREET SLEEPERS.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS INFORMED OF THIS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU.
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON JAMES MCGREGOR, MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY IN MINIMISING THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH STREET SLEEPING WAS FORMULATED AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE AS WELL AS THE STREET MANAGEMENT LEVEL.
FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE POINT OF VIEW, MR CHAU SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO USE PERSUASION AND COUNSELLING TO ENCOURAGE STREET SLEEPERS TO MAKE USE OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES AND FORMS OF ACCOMMODATION WHICH COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THEM.
"IT IS ONLY WHEN SUCH PERSONS APPEAR TO BE IN NEED OF IMMEDIATE CARE AND CONTROL OR MAY POSE A DANGER TO THEMSELVES OR OTHERS THAT DIRECT INTERVENTION IS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE," HE SAID.
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT SOME 41 TIDYING-UP EXERCISES HAD BEEN CONDUCTED AT THE LOCATION IN QUESTION OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS.
/"BUT UNFORTUNATELY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- JO -
"BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE SUCCESS OF THESE HAS TENDED TO BE SOMEWHAT SHORTLIVED AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO HAVE ANY LONG-TERM IMPACT," HE SAID.
MR CHAU ADDED THAT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, ALONG WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS, HAD ALSO EXPLORED THE POSSIBILITY OF INSTALLING LARGE STREET "FURNITURE” AT THE LOCATION.
IT WOULD BE SITED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO MAKE STREET SLEEPING PHYSICALLY DIFFICULT, IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE.
"HOWEVER, FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS INCLUDING LOADING CONSTRAINTS ON THE WALKWAY, IT HAS NOT BEEN FEASIBLE TO PURSUE THIS PROPOSAL TO DATE," HE SAID.
TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION HONG KONG’S IMAGE IN THE EYES OF TOURISTS, MR CHAU AGREED THAT THIS WALKWAY WAS CURRENTLY SOMETHING OF AN EYESORE.
HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT ACTIVE CONSIDERATION WOULD THEREFORE BE GIVEN TO FURTHER CLEARANCES IN THE'AREA.
"IN PARALLEL, I HAVE ASKED THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TO STEP UP HER COUNSELLING EFFORTS IN RESPECT OF THOSE STREET SLEEPERS AT THE LOCATION IN QUESTION," HE ADDED.
-----0------
NINE BILLS PASSED * * *
NINE BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THESE WERE THE DISTRICT BOARDS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1988, REGIONAL COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, URBAN COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, PENSION BENEFITS (JUDICIAL OFFICERS) BILL 1988, PENSION BENEFITS (REFUSAL TO GRANT, SUSPENSION, REDUCTION AND CANCELLATION) BILL 1988, BOILERS AND PRESSURE RECEIVERS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, PUBLIC BUS SERVICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1988 AND REFORMATORY SCHOOLS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988.
THE COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED A MOTION THAT SECTION 18(3) AND PARTS VIIA AND VIIB OF THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE -- WHICH HELP THE GOVERNMENT DEAL WITH THE PROBLEMS OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION — BE EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 31 NEXT YEAR.
IN ADDITION, THE COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION, MOVED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THAT CERTAIN AMENDMENTS BE MADE TO THE COUNCIL'S STANDING ORDERS.
-----0-----
/J1.........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 31 -
PLANS FOR HUNG HOM FREIGHT YARD SHELVED ♦ * » * t
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT THE FREIGHT YARD EXPANSION PROJECT ON HUNG HOM RECLAMATION SHOULD NOT BE PURSUED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SAID THAT A GOVERNMENT CONSULTANT STUDY INDICATES THAT THE FREIGHT YARD PROJECT ON AN 18 HECTARE SITE WOULD NOT BE FINANCIALLY VIABLE AND THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO HONG KONG GENERATED BY THE PROJECT WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO OFFSET THE COST OF DEVELOPING THE FREIGHT YARD.
IN AN EARLIER STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION, CONSULTANTS ALSO CAST DOUBT ON THE FINANCIAL VIABILITY OF THE PROJECT.
ACCORDING TO GOVERNMENT CONSULTANTS’ STUDY, WITH AN ESTIMATED COST OF LAND AND CONSTRUCTION AMOUNTING TO NEARLY $2.9 BILLION, THE OPERATION OF THE YARD COULD NOT BE FINANCIALLY VIABLE EVEN WITH 24-HOUR OPERATION OF THE FREIGHT HANDLING FACILITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, BY NOT PROCEEDING WITH THE PROJECT, FREIGHT TRANSPORT TO AND FROM CHINA WILL PROBABLY MAKE GREATER USE OF SEA AND ROAD TRANSPORT THAN RAIL IN FUTURE.
WITH THE CURRENT BUILDING PROGRAMME AND THOSE UNDER ACTIVE PLANNING, HONG KONG’S ROAD NETWORK WILL BE ABLE TO COPE WITH FREIGHT TRAFFIC UP TO THE YEAR 2001.
’’FREIGHT TO AND FROM CHINA SHOULD NOT SUFFER ANY DISRUPTION BECAUSE OF THIS DECISION,” HE SAID.
ON THE ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF NOT GOING AHEAD WITH THE FREIGHT YARD DEVELOPMENT, THE STUDY SHOWS THAT THE PROJECT WOULD NOT YIELD A NET ECONOMIC BENEFIT TO COMMUNITY.
"FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, IT MAKES LITTLE DIFFERENCE WHETHER THE FREIGHT IS CARRIED BY RAIL OR BY OTHER COMPETING MODES OF TRANSPORT,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
ACCORDING TO CONSULTANTS’ ASSESSMENT IT IS FEASIBLE AND MORE COST EFFECTIVE FOR SEA AND ROAD TRANSPORT TO BE USED TO MEET THE PROJECTED FREIGHT TRAFFIC WITH CHINA.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14,
1988
- 32 -
FUNDS APPROVED FOR BOOSTING LOCALISATION IN LEGAL DEPT *****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND $30.4 MILLION FROM NOW TO 1991-1992 TO BOOST LOCALISATION IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS.
THIS FOLLOWS THE FINANCE COMMITTEE’S ACCEPTANCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A '’DOUBLE-LADDER” PROMOTION SCHEME FOR LOCAL CROWN COUNSEL (CC) TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL (SCC).
THE ’’DOUBLE-LADDER" IS A MEANS BY WHICH LOCAL CC, WHO WOULD OTHERWISE NOT BE CONSIDERED READY FOR PROMOTION TO SCC BUT WHO HAVE IDENTIFIED POTENTIAL TO RISE WITHIN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS, CAN REACH THE SCC POST EARLIER.
THESE COUNSEL WOULD THEN GAIN THE BENEFITS OF THE HIGHER RANK INCLUDING HOUSING WHICH THEY AT PRESENT DO NOT ENJOY.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT ON OR AFTER REACHING THIS LADDER, COUNSEL SELECTED WILL BEGIN TO TAKE ON THE FUNCTIONAL DUTIES OF THAT RANK, AND DO SO INCREASINGLY AS TIME PROGRESSES UP TO THE POINT AT WHICH THEY MAY LEAVE THE LADDER BY PROMOTION, WHICH WILL PROBABLY BE AFTER THREE YEARS IN MOST CASES," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SCHEME WAS RECOMMENDED BY AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, MR FRANK STOCK, SET UP IN 1986 TO* EXPLORE THE BEST MEANS OF ACHIEVING LOCALISATION IN THE DEPARTMENT.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS IS ONE OF THE FEW GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF OVERSEAS OFFICERS.
IN 1987-88, THE OVERALL BALANCE BETWEEN LOCAL AND OVERSEAS COUNSEL STOOD AT 40:60.
THE WORKING GROUP ADVISED THAT FURTHER MEASURES TOWARDS LOCALISATION WERE JUSTIFIED.
AFTER EXAMINING A NUMBER OF PROPOSALS, IT RECOMMENDED THAT THE "DOUBLE-LADDER" SCHEME WAS A VIABLE OPTION GIVEN THE TARGET OF 50 PER CENT LOCALISATION OF LOCAL COUNSEL AT THE SCC LEVEL BY 1992.
AT PRESENT, ONLY 18 OUT OF A TOTAL STRENGTH OF 91 SCC ARE EMPLOYED ON LOCAL TERMS OF SERVICE.
IN THE FIRST YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION ABOUT 13 "DOUBLE-LADDER" POSTS ARE LIKELY TO BE CREATED, AND ABOUT EIGHT EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, SUBJECT TO A MAXIMUM OF 30 ON THE LADDER AT ANY ONE TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ON THE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 33 -
ON THE REASONS FOR THE PREDOMINANCE OF OVERSEAS OFFICERS IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, THE WORKING GROUP FOUND THAT WHILE THERE IS A CONSTANT INTAKE OF LOCAL COUNSEL AT THE ENTRY RANK -MAINLY THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT LEGAL TRAINING SCHEME - IT IS DIFFICULT TO RETAIN THEM BEYOND AN INITIAL PERIOD OF SERVICE.
THIS IS LARGELY BECAUSE PAY AND BENEFITS FOR LAWYERS AT ALL LEVELS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE COMPARE UNFAVOURABLY WITH REWARDS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
SECONDLY, DISAPPOINTMENT ARISES WHEN JUNIOR LOCAL COUNSEL FAIL IN COMPETITION FOR PROMOTION BECAUSE OF THE GREATER EXPERIENCE OF OVERSEAS COUNSEL.
------0-------
FUNDS FOR BUILDING MARINE POLLUTION INVESTIGATION VESSEL
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED A SUM OF $8.8 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PURPOSE-DESIGNED VESSEL TO CARRY OUT PROPERLY AND SAFELY MARINE POLLUTION MONITORING AND INVESTIGATION ACTIVITIES.
THIS PURPOSE-DESIGNED VESSEL WOULD REPLACE THE EXISTING 28-YEAR-OLD GENERAL-PURPOSE VESSEL WHICH WAS TRANSFERRED TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) IN 1986.
AT PRESENT, THE EPD CARRIES OUT A COMPREHENSIVE MARINE MONITORING PROGRAMME WHICH COVERS SAMPLING AT 73 AMBIENT WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS, 53 BOTTOM SEDIMENT STATIONS, 13 TYPHOON SHELTER STATIONS AND 60 BEACH WATER QUALITY MONITORING STATIONS.
THE DEPARTMENT IS ALSO INVOLVED IN A NUMBER OF MARINE INVESTIGATIONS SUCH AS SURVEILLANCE OF RED TIDES AND SURVEYS OF FLOATING REFUSE.
OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, IT IS LIKELY THAT ALL THE TERRITORIAL WATERS OF HONG KONG WILL BE DECLARED WATER CONTROL ZONES.
THIS WILL LEAD TO A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN THE WORKLOAD OF THE MARINE POLLUTION INVESTIGATION VESSEL AS THE EXISTING MONITORING INVESTIGATIONS PROGRAMME WILL NEED TO BE EXPANDED AND INTENSIFIED TO COVER THE NEW ZONES.
THE REPLACEMENT VESSEL WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH FULL OFFSHORE CAPABILITY, A SCIENCE LABORATORY FOR IN-SITU ANALYSES OF WATER SAMPLES, COLD STORAGE FACILITIES FOR WATER AND BIOLOGICAL SAMPLES, FACILITIES FOR OVERNIGHT SURVEYS AND WINCH AND DERRICK SYSTEMS.
THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE VESSEL IS EXPECTED TO START IN 1989-90, ENABLING IT TO BE COMMISSIONED IN MID-1991.
-----0------
/34........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- -
LICENSING AUTHORITY FOR GUESTHOUSES » * * ♦ »
LEGISLATION TO SET UP A LICENSING AUTHORITY FOR GUESTHOUSES WOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WITHIN THE CURRENT SESSION, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LAN APPEALED TO GUEST HOUSE OPERATORS TO EXERCISE SELF-DISCIPLINE IN RESPECT OF THEIR OPERATIONS.
SPEAKING TO THE PRESS AFTER VISITING THREE GUESTHOUSES IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND HUNG HOM, MR LAN SAID THAT THE LICENSING AUTHORITY WOULD BE SET UP WITHIN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WITH STAFF SECONDED FROM OTHER DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS FIRE SERVICES AND BUILDINGS AND LANDS.
AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL PLANNING COMMITTEE HAD BEEN SET UP UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE CNTA TO WORK OUT DETAILS OF A LICENSING SYSTEM FOR GUESTHOUSES.
’’THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WILL HAVE COMPLETED ITS DELIBERATIONS BY JANUARY 1989. THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL THEN BE SOUGHT.
"THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT, AS WELL AS THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS, WILL BE CONSULTED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS," HE ADDED.
MR LAN SAID THAT ONE OF THE MAIN TASKS OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE WAS TO DEFINE THE PROPOSED LICENSING AUTHORITY’S SCOPE OF CONTROL.
"CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO INCLUDE HOTELS AND HOLIDAY BUNGALOWS ETC. I MUST STRESS THAT THE FINAL DECISION WILL REST WITH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHEN A DETAILED SYSTEM IS SUBMITTED TO IT FOR APPROVAL," HE NOTED.
MR LAN POINTED OUT THAT MEANWHILE THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD WAS TAKING INTERIM MEASURES IN RESPECT OF GUESTHOUSES.
HE ADDED : "AT THE END OF LAST MONTH, THE DEPARTMENT INSPECTED ABOUT 520 GUESTHOUSES AND OTHER SIMILAR ACCOMMODATION.
"THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO ADVISED OPERATORS TO IMPROVE FIRE SAFETY MEASURES, SUCH AS PUTTING UP EXIT SIGNS, INSTALLING FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND SMOKE DETECTERS.’’
DURING THE INSPECTION, 350 STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS AND 320 INTERNAL LAYOUT CHANGES WERE FOUND IN SUCH ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION.
MR LAN ALSO APPEALED TO GUESTHOUSE OPERATORS TO TAKE ALL NECESSARY STEPS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE GUESTS STAYING IN THEIR PREMISES.
/HE SAID :
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 35 -
HE SAID : "I MUST STRESS THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT TRYING TO MAKE LIFE DIFFICULT FOR GUESTHOUSE OPERATORS. WHAT WE INTEND TO DO IS TO ENSURE THAT THESE ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATE PROPERLY.
"THE GOVERNMENT ALSO REALISES THAT GUESTHOUSES ARE MEETING A GENUINE NEED AND PLAYING A USEFUL ROLE TOWARDS HONG KONG’S RAPIDLY-DEVELOPING TOURIST INDUSTRY.
"HOWEVER, A BADLY-RUN GUESTHOUSE MIGHT PRODUCE UNDESIRABLE RESULTS, THUS DAMAGING HONG KONG’S IMAGE LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS," MR LAN SAID.
-----0-------
TA KWU LING RURAL CENTRE PLAN TO BE DISCUSSED
*****
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCUSS A REVISED DRAFT LAYOUT PLAN OF THE TA KWU LING RURAL CENTRE IN WHICH FACILITIES WILL BE INCORPORATED TO MEET THE NEEDS AND FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS.
THE FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A GOVERNMENT BUILDING WITH A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL AND A CLINIC, A RESTAURANT, A BANK, A SUPERMARKET, VILLAGE TYPE HOUSING, CAR PARKS, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND SITTING OUT AND AMENITY AREAS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO ENDORSE A DRAFT LAYOUT PLAN FOR THE AREA WEST OF LUEN WO HUI AND NORTH OF FANLING WAI VILLAGE.
VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON A SET OF REVISED GUIDELINES FOR THE GRANTING OF LICENCES FOR AMUSEMENT GAME CENTRES.
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ENTERTAINMENT) OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MR DAVID WEBB, AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (ADMINISTRATION AND LICENSING) OF THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY, MRS ANNETTE TANG WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO BRIEF BOARD MEMBERS.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL COMMENT ON WHETHER NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS SHOULD BE PERMITTED TO SERVE MA ON SHAN.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, NORTH DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING. IT WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
------0-------- /36........................
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 36 -
LECTURES FOR TUEN MUN COMMUNITY LEADERS * * * * *
OFFICE-BEARERS OFMUTUALAID COMMITTEES, YIN NGAI SOCIETIES, OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS, OFFICES OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AS WELL AS RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS IN THE TUEN MUN ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF LECTURES TAILOR-MADE FOR THEM NEXT JANUARY.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LEADERSHIP TRAINING SCHEME, THE LECTURES ARE AIMED AT INCREASING LEADERSHIP SKILL, ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY BUILDING AND ENHANCING PARTICIPANTS' KNOWLEDGE IN THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
BY ATTENDING THE LECTURES, PARTICIPANTS WILL ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE OF THE STRUCTURE OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, HOW TO APPLY FOR DISTRICT BAORD FUNDS, TECHNIQUES IN CHAIRING MEETINGS, SKILL IN DELIVERING PUBLIC SPEECHES AND MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS.
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE PROFESSIONALS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE LECTURES WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 8 PM TO 10 PM EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FROM JANUARY 3 TO 27 IN THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL LECTURE HALL.
EACH PARTICIPANT WILL HAVE TO PAY A FEE OF $20 WHICH ALSO COVERS A ONE-DAY TOUR OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND A LUNCH BUFFET ON FEBRUARY 26.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE SCHEME ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM ROOM 211, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1, TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE DEADLINE IS ON DECEMBER 23 (FRIDAY).
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 0-4513044 OR 0-4513048.
------o-------
SHAM SHUI PO LOT UP FOR TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TO LET BY TENDER A GOVERNMENT LOT IN SHAM SHUI PO.
THE 3,400-SQUARE-METRE LOT AT TUNG CHAU STREET IS FOR A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK FOR PRIVATE MOTOR CARS, TAXIS AND LIGHT VANS CURRENTLY LICENSED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE.
/THE LEASE
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBEB 14, 1988
- 57 -
THE LEASE IS FOR 18 MONTHS AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY THEREAFTER.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED NOT LATER THAN 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 30.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
---0------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES FACE DEMOLITION
» » » ♦ t
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY INTENDS TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT TWO SEPARATE LOCATIONS IN KOWLOON.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS WERE POSTED AT THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ONE OF THE STRUCTURES IS AT FLAT C, FIRST FLOOR, KONG YIU BUILDING, 320-322 MA TAU WAI ROAD.
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS OF THE OPINION THAT THE STRUCTURE SHOULD BE CLOSED IN ORDER THAT IT CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
IT IS INTENDED THAT A CLOSURE ORDER BE SOUGHT FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 15 NEXT YEAR.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON DECEMBER 10, LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
THE OTHER ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IS ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT B, SECOND FLOOR, 9 HAU FOOK STREET.
IT IS INTENDED THAT CLOSURE ORDER ON THE STRUCTURE BE APPLIED FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT AT 9.45 AM ON JANUARY 12 NEXT YEAR.
THE CLOSURE IS TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN MAY LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE WITH WHICH THE OWNER HAD FAILED TO COMPLY.
DEMOLITION WORKS ON THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
0 -
/38 .
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 38 -
FACTORY FINED FOR USING NON-PERMITTED PRESERVATIVE » * « » *
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WARNED FOOD MANUFACTURERS NOT TO SELL FOOD CONTAINING NON-PERMITTED PRESERVATIVES AS THEY WOULD BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.
THIS FOLLOWS A COURT CASE IN FANLING MAGISTRACY RECENTLY IN WHICH A FOOD FACTORY IN YUEN LONG WAS FINED A TOTAL OF $33,000 FOR SELLING SOY SAUCE CONTAINING A NON-PERMITTED PRESERVATIVE CALLED ’2-NAPHTHOL’.
THIS IS A CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE USED LARGELY IN SYNTHETIC RUBBER INDUSTRY AND SOMETIMES IN MANUFACTURE OF DYES AND PERFUMES. IT IS UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
FOOD INSPECTORS OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH VISITED THE PREMISES OF THE FACTORY AT PAR FA TSUEN IN PING SHAN, YUEN LONG AND TOOK SAMPLES OF BOTH THIN AND THICK SOY SAUCE ON JUNE 9 AND JULY 14 FOR CHEMICAL ANALYSIS.
RESULTS OF THE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS SHOWED THAT ALL SAMPLES TAKEN HAD CONTAINED THE NON-PERMITTED PRESERVATIVE ’2-NAPHTHOL’.
THE FACTORY WAS THEN PROSECUTED UNDER REGULATIONS (1)OF THE PRESERVATIVES IN FOOD REGULATIONS MADE UNDER SECTION 55 OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AtfD MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 132).
THE FACTORY WAS ALSO ORDERED TO PAY $800 IN TOTAL COST OF ANALYSIS AND $13.50 FOR THE SAMPLING.
-------O---------
INTERRUPTIONS TO FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY » « t « *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT THE WATER SUPPLY TO THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS WILL BE INTERRUPTED BECAUSE OF WATER WORKS:
* THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO YAU YUE WAN, AP CHAI WAN AND HANG HAU TOWN, WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16).
* THE SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY TO 10 AM THE NEXT DAY - CHAI WAN ROAD, WAN TSUI ROAD, FEI TSUI ROAD, SUI MAN ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD, WING TAI ROAD, CHEUNG MAN ROAD, LOK MAN ROAD, HONG MAN STREET, CHEUNG LEE STREET, KUT SHING STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET, NING FOO STREET, YEE FUNG STREET, YEE SHING STREET, YEE SHUN STREET, WAH HA STREET, SAN HA STREET, SHEUNG ON STREET, KA VIP STREET, FUNG YIP STREET, SUN YIP STREET, ON YIP STREET, SUN ON STREET, WING PING STREET, HONG PING STREET, KAM YUEN LANE AND HENG FA CHUEN.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14,
1988
59
PUBLIC LIGHT BUS BAN IN KWUN TONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17), NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE SECTION OF NGAU TAU KOK FOURTH STREET CUL-DE-SAC, KWUN TONG, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH THE UNNAMED ROAD LEADING TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
-------0----------
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS ON HK ISLAND
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TWO ROAD SECTIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) FOR ROADWORKS.
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF ELECTRIC ROAD IN EASTERN DISTRICT FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MERCURY STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 88 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, SHEK PAI WAN ROAD IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT FROM A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN WAN STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
-----o------
LEFT-TURN BAN IN SHAM SHUI PO * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS, ALL VEHICLES OVER 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM WESTBOUND KWONG LEE ROAD TO FAT TSEUNG STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16) FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
AFFECTED DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA KWONG LEE ROAD, CHEUNG FAT STREET, PO ON ROAD AND FAT TSEUNG STREET.
- 0 ---------
Ao.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
- 40 -
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS ON HK ISLAND
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16), THREE ROAD SECTIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE DESIGNATED DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR ROADWORKS.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BECOME URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR ABOUT EIGHT WEEKS:
t THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF GILMAN STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL DURING PEAK HOURS (I.E. 7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM); AND
* CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND BETWEEN GILMAN STREET AND WING WO STREET FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM.
IN ADDITION, JAVA ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TIN CHIU STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
------0-------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WESTERN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK CONNECTION WORKS, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16) FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK :
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EASTERN STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES TO THE SOUTH; AND
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EASTERN STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES TO THE NORTH.
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EASTERN STREET FROM A POINT ABOUT 30 Metres south of its junction with connaught road west to a point ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD WEST WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL VEHICLES OVER SEVEN METRES LONG WILL BE BANNED FROM CHIU KWONG STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THIS SECTION OF CHIU KWONG STREET WILL ALSO BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
------O-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD GLENARTHUR TO VISIT HK NEXT MONTH ......................... 1
GOVERNOR TO REPRESENT THE QUEEN AT MEMORIAL SERVICE............. 1
NEW BAPTIST COLLEGE CENTRE GOOD EXAMPLE OF CO-OPERATION....... 2
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 3
EXCO REJECTS CROSS HARBOUR TOLL RISE APPLICATION ............... 5
RC BUDGET FOR 1989-90 PROPOSED ................................. 5
SUPPLIES DEPT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS............................... 6
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT COMMENDATIONS .................... 7
BOE MEMBERS LEARN FIRST-HAND ABOUT ACTIVITY APPROACH TEACHING
METHOD ....................................................... 8
EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST DAY STARTS TOMORROW ........... 8
ROLE OF NORTH DISTRICT BOARD PRAISED ......................... 10
KWAI TSING TO LAUNCH SECOND ARTS FESTIVAL...................... 11
YUEN LONG TO HAVE TOWN PARK, OPEN SPACE........................ 12
ADVICE ON SAFE NAVIGATION FOR VESSEL MASTERS .................. 12
OUTDOOR SHOWS TO SUPPLEMENT CAREERS ’89 ....................... 14
FUN DAY FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AT HEI LING CHAU............ 14
PRIZES FOR WINNERS IN CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT.................. 15
STUDENTS TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE FOR SUMMER WORK................ 16
YUEN LONG TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW..................... 16
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TAXI OPERATION AT MA ON SHAN.............. 1?
SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTS TO BE SWITCHED ON TOMORROW.............. 18
FUNDS AVAILABLE EX)R LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS .............. 19
CONCESSIONARY SCHEME FOR ELDERLY TO BE DISCUSSED............... 19
VILLAGE ROADS TO BE BUILT IN YUEN LONG......................... 20
FRESH WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN ................................... 21
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG ................................ 21
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ....................................... 22
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15,
1988
1
LORD GLENARTHUR TO VISIT HK NEXT MONTH « » t * »
LORD GLENARTHUR, THE MINISTER OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG AND THE FAR EAST, WILL VISIT HONG KONG FROM JANUARY 7 TO 11 NEXT YEAR.
THIS WILL BE THE MINISTER’S FOURTH VISIT TO THE TERRITORY SINCE HE TOOK OFFICE IN 1987.
DURING HIS FIVE-DAY VISIT, LORD GLENARTHUR WILL HAVE TALKS WITH THE GOVERNOR, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND WITH MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
HE WILL VISIT CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, THE NEW HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSION, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS TO KEEP HIMSELF UP-TO-DATE WITH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY.
AFTER HONG KONG, LORD GLENARTHUR WILL VISIT THAILAND FROM JANUARY 11 TO 14.
THE VISITS FORM PART OF LORD GLENARTHUR’S ANNUAL TRAVEL PROGRAMME WHICH ENABLES HIM TO GAIN FIRST-HAND KNOWLEDGE OF THE AREA FOR WHICH HE HAS RESPONSIBILITY.
0
GOVERNOR TO REPRESENT THE QUEEN AT MEMORIAL SERVICE
t ♦ * t *
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN WILL BE REPRESENTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FORMER GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID TRENCH, AT ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17).
f
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS AND THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE WILL BE REPRESENTED BY THE SENIOR BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER IN HONG KONG, MR REGINALD HOLLOWAY.
THE SERVICE WILL BEGIN AT 9.15 AM.
ADMISSION WILL BE BY TICKET ONLY. TICKETS MAY BE COLLECTED FROM THE PROTOCOL DIVISION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (ROOM 3241), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM.
/DONATIONS IN .......
I
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
DONATIONS IN SIR DAVID’S MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO THE COMMUNITY CHEST.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE MEMORIAL SERVICE MAY COLLECT ADMISSION TICKETS FROM THE GIS DUTY OFFICER.
TICKETS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO ONE PER MEDIA ORGANISATION.
THOSE ATTENDING SHOULD BE SEATED BY 9 AM. THERE WILL BE NO SEATING ARRANGEMENTS.
PLEASE NOTE THAT DURING THE SERVICE FILMING AND PHOTOGRAPHY INSIDE THE CATHEDRAL WILL BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
- 0 -
NEW BAPTIST COLLEGE CENTRE GOOD EXAMPLE OF CO-OPERATION
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (THURSDAY) OFFICIATED AT THE DEDICATION CEREMONY OF THE AU SHUE HUNG CENTRE FOR FILM AND. TELEVISION AT THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE.
SIR DAVID SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CENTRE WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF HOW THE GOVERNMENT, THE COLLEGE AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY COULD WORK TOGETHER FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"WITH THISNEWBUILDINGAND THEFACILITIESWHICHIT WILL HOUSE THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ABLE TO MAKE FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO ITS COURSES," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE CENTRE WAS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT FOR THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT'S DEGREE PROGRAMME, WHICH BEGAN IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AND WHICH WAS UNIQUE IN HONG KONG WITH
AT THE COLLEGE’S 29TH COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY AT WHICH THl/ GOVERNOR HAD OFFICIATED BEFORE THE DEDICATION CEREMONY, OVER 650 GRADUATES RECEIVED THEIR ACADEMIC AWARDS AND 56 OF THEM WERE FROM THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT.
THE GOVERNOR SAID SINCE IT WAS FOUNDED IN 1968 THE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT HAD TRAINED HUNDREDS OF GRADUATES FOR WORKS! IN THE MEDIA AND RELATED SECTORS IN HONG KONG.
/"TODAY, BAPTIST
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
5
"TODAY, BAPTIST COLLEGE GRADUATES CAN BE FOUND WORKING THROUGHOUT THE MEDIA: IN FILM AND TELEVISION; IN PUBLIC RELATIONS; IN ADVERTISING; IN RADIO BROADCASTING; AND IN JOURNALISM,' HE SAID.
PAYING TRIBUTE TO MR AU, THE GOVERNOR REFERRED TO HIM AS A LONG-TIME FRIEND AND BENEFACTOR OF THE COLLEGE.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT MR AU HAD MADE A NUMBER OF SUBSTANTIAL DONATIONS TOWARDS THE PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE COLLEGE SINCE 1979 INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TERRACE GARDEN, IMPROVEMENTS TO THE LIBRARY AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE.
"THE NAMING OF THIS BUILDING AFTER MR AU IS A FITTING RECOGNITION OF HIS GENEROSITY," THE GOVERNOR ADDED.
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UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER
BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED LOW DURING THE PERIOD AUGUS• - OCTOBER 1988, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THESE FIGURES SHOW THAT THE LABOUR MARKET REMAINED VERY TIGHT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1988 WAS 1.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH I 7 PER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1988 AND 1.9 PER CENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PREVIOUS THREE MONTHS PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT WHILE THE DECREASE OF 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POIN BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN AUGUST - OCTOBER 1988 WAS ESTIMATED AT 41,100, COMPARED WITH 46,600 i THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1988 AND 52,900 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1987.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1988 WAS 0.6 PER CENT WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1988. THE RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1987 WAS 1.0 PER CENT. THE DECREASE OF 0.4 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR AUGUST -OCTOBER 1988 WAS 17,000, COMPARED WITH 16,100 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JULY 1988 AND 28,100 FOR THE T; 4ONTHS ENDING OCTOBER 1987.
/CON WITH...............
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1?88
4 n
CONSISTENT WITH THE CURRENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK DUE TO ECONOMIC REASONS (SUCH AS SLACK WORK, MATERIAL SHORTAGE, MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN AND INABILITY TO FIND FULL-TIME WORK) WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE EITHER SEEKING OR AVAILABLE FOR MORE WORK.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS (E.G. PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES THAT HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE VARIATIONS IN THE NUMBER OF FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
THE COMMISSIONER ADDED THAT, BASED ON A SYSTEM OF PROVISIONAL COUNTS, THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST THREE MONTHS PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY.
THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST TREND IN THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER 1988 WAS 1.3 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.6 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS SURVEY COVERS A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 50,000 PERSONS, SELECTED SCIENTIFICALLY TO REPRESENT THE LAND-BASED CIVILIAN NON-INSTITUTIONAL POPULATION IN HONG KONG.
PERSONAL AND LABOUR FORCE DATA WERE OBTAINED IN THE SURVEY BY INTERVIEWING EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER AGED 15 AND ABOVE IN THE HOUSEHOLDS SAMPLED.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE ILO.
DETAILED ANALYSIS OF LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS IS GIVEN IN THE REPORT ON THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY WHICH IS PUBLISHED FOUR TIMES A YEAR.
THE NEXT REPORT COVERING THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1988 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, SPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND DECEMBER 20 AT $10 PER COPY.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
- 5 -
EXCO REJECTS CROSS HARBOUR TOLL RISE APPLICATION * * * ♦ »
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS TURNED DOWN AN APPLICATION BY THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY LIMITED TO INCREASE ITS TOLLS.
THE COMPANY’S APPLICATION, SUBMITTED IN APRIL THir YEAR, IN EFFECT PROPOSED TO REPLACE THE PASSAGE TAX LEVIED ON TUNNEL USERS BY CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN TOLLS. THE PROPOSED INCREASES RANGED FROM 25 PER CENT TO 100 PER CENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE PROFIT SITUATION OF THE COMPANY HAD DEEN CAREFULLY EXAMINED AND IT WAS SHOWN THAT THE COMPANY’S ANNUAL PROFIT HAS ALWAYS WELL EXCEEDED INFLATION AND THEREFORE, THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A GROWTH IN REAL PROFITS.
’’THE COMPANY’S PROFITABILITY, IN TERMS OF THE ANNUAL RATE OF RETURN ON SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS, HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLY BETTER THAN IT PREDICTED WHEN THE PROJECT WAS PLANNED, AND THE HIGH RETURN IS DUE TO THE RAPID INCREASE IN PATRONAGE RATHER THAN AS A RESULT OF ANY ADDITIONAL SHAREHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
---------0-----------
RC BUDGET FOR 1989-90 PROPOSED
*****
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IS TO SPEND $1,589.8 MILLION IN ITS PROVISION OF VARIOUS SERVICES TO RESIDENTS IN THE COUNCIL AREA IN THE 1989-90 FINANCIAL YEAR.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE CHIEF TREASURY ACCOUNTANT OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MRS MARIA YIP, WHEN SHE PRESENTED THE COUNCIL’S 1989-90 ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE AT THE FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE MEETING TODAY (THURSDAY).
"AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE MAJOR PART OF THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE WILL GO TO THE MORE MUNDANE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SERVICES, ONE OF THE COUNCIL'S STATUTORY FUNCTIONS AND MAIN CONCERN.
"THE DRAFT ESTIMATES IN THIS RESPECT WILL BE IN THE REGION OF $621.6 MILLION, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE FULL COUNCIL," MRS YIP SAID.
NEXT IN LINE IS THE PROVISION FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL TAKE UP $513.4 MILLION OF THE TOTAL EXPENDITURE UNDER CONSIDERATION.
/"NATURALLY, THIS .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER ^5, 1988
- 6 -
“NATURALLY, THIS AMOUNT WILL BE USED IN THE EVER EXPANDING PROGRAMME OF PROMOTING THE FINE ARTS AND RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES," MRS YIP SAID.
WHILE $297.9 MILLION WILL BE ALLOCATED TO CARRY OUT CAPI1AL WORKS PROJECTS, SOME $156.8 MILLION WILL BE SPENT IN THE DAY-'I O-DAY RUNNING OF BOTH THE COUNCIL AND DEPARTMENT BUSINESS, SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO REVENUE, MRS YIP ESTIMATED THAT IT WOULD BE ABOUT $1,918 MILLION.
"REGIONAL COUNCIL RATES FLOW, THE BIGGEST SOURCE OF COUNCIL INCOME, IS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND $1,374 MILLION IN 1989-90."
AND FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE COUNCIL IS TO RECEIVE FROM THE GOVERNMENT A GRANT OF $273.6 MILLION UNDER A THREE-YEAR FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENT.
ANOTHER MAJOR INCOME THE COUNCIL HAD, MRS YIP SAID, WAS BANK INTEREST FROM INVESTMENT OF SURPLUS CASH.
"THE ESTIMATED INVESTMENT INCOME FOR 1989-90 CALCULATED AT AN ASSUMED INTEREST RATE OF EIGHT PER CENT PER ANNUM AMOUNTS TO $101.4 MILLION," SHE SAID.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST ARE VARIOUS FEES AND CHARGES THE COUNCIL COLLECTS FROM THE PROVISION OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC. THE DRAFT ESTIMATES STAND AT $169 MILLION.
ON THE COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL POSITION FOR THE CURRENT YEAR, MRS YIP SAID A SURPLUS OF $566 MILLION WAS ESTIMATED BY MARCH 31, 1989.
TODAY’S MEETING WAS PRESIDED OVER BY THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, MR NATHAN MA.
------0--------
SUPPLIES DEPT CELEBRATES 50 YEARS * t ♦ ♦ ♦
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) HOSTED A RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY.
ESTABLISHED IN 1938 AS THE GOVERNMENT STORES, THE DEPARTMENT FIRST OPERATED IN WHAT IS NOW THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPOT IN BULLOCK LANE IN WAN CHAT WITH A MEAGRE STAFF OF 148.
THE BULLOCK LANE PREMISES SOON PROVED INADEQUATE AND IN 1940 THE GOVERNMENT STORES MOVED INTO NO. 12 OIL STREET IN NORTH POINT. WHICH HAS BEEN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS SINCE THEN.
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15♦ 1988
THE GOVERNMENT STORES WAS CHRISTENED THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IN 1969.
WITH THE PRESENT STRENGTH OF 1,816 STAFF, THE DEPARTMENT HAS GROWN TO BE THE CENTRAL PURCHASING AND SUPPLIES ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROCUREMENT, STORAGE AND DISTRIBUTION OF SUPPLIES REQUIRED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND CERTAIN SUBVERTED ORGANISATIONS.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON ALSO ATTENDED THE ANNIVERSARY RECEPTION WHICH WAS HELD IN THE DEPARTMENTAL HEADQUARTERS THIS EVENING.
------0 ------
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT COMMENDATIONS * ♦ ♦ # ♦
A TOTAL OF 17 PEOPLE WILL RECEIVE THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION AT A CEREMONY TOMMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR DERICK HALL, IN RECOGNITION OF THE BRAVE ACTIONS OF THESE PEOPLE IN SAVING LIVES IN HONG KONG WATERS IN THE PAST YEAR.
THE RECIPIENTS ARE FOUR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, 10 CREW MEMBERS OF FERRY COMPANIES AND THREE CONSTABLES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE’S CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION TO BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE LECTURE ROOM (ROOM 1414), 14TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. MEDIA MEMBERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE BY 2.50 PM.
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/8........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
- 8 -
BOE MEMBERS LEARN FIRST-HAND ABOUT ACTIVITY APPROACH TEACHING METHOD *****
FIVE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION (BOE) TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE BISHOP WALSH PRIMARY SCHOOL IN KOWLOON CITY TO LOOK AT THE ACTIVITY APPROACH TEACHING METHOD ADOPTED BY THE SCHOOL.
THE PARTY COMPRISING MR TAM MAN-KWAN, THE REVEREND J.G. FOLEY, MISS BOW SUI-MAY, MISS SO YAN-LAP AND MR DOMINIC WONG, WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SCHOOLS) MR WONG SHEK-WAH, AND THE BOE SECRETARY, MR CHIU PING-KWAN.
THE VISITING BOE MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE AIDED CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL WAS FOUNDED BY THE MARYKNOLL FATHERS IN 1963 AND THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE TOOK OVER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL IN 1975 .
SITUATED AT JUNCTION ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY, THE BISSESIONAL SCHOOL PROVIDES SOME 1700 PLACES FOR CHILDREN WHO LIVE MAINLY IN KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON CITY AND WONG TAI SIN AREAS.
THE SCHOOL ADOPTED THE ACTIVITY APPROACH IN TEACHING PUPILS IN PRIMARY 1 TO 3 CLASSES.
THE VISITORS LEARNT THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED TO SCHOOL! ADOPTING ACTIVITY APPROACH FOR THE PURCHASE CLASSROOM EQUIPMENT, CONSUMABLE ITEMS, AND PRODUCTION OF TEACHING AIDS.
THE MAIN FEATURES OF THIS TEACHING METHOD ARE THAT THE SIZE OF THE CLASS IS SMALLER FOR MORE EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND PUPILS; AND CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED TO LEARN THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES.
EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST DAY STARTS TOMORROW
******
LOCAL RESIDENTS AND ORGANISATIONS IN EASTERN DISTRICT ARE BEING URGED TO RAISE FUNDS FOR THE NEEDY BY SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY CHEST DAY WHICH WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID THAT A SERIES OF FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELP THROUGHOUT THE DAY.
HAWKERS, GREEN MINIBUS OPERATORS AND DRIVING INSTRUCTORS IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE DONATING THEIR TAKINGS TO CHARITY.
/STARTING FROM .......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
- 9 -
STARTING FROM 9 AM, CHARITY SALES OF VEGETABLES, FRUIT, GROCERIES AND FLOWERS WILL TAKE PLACE IN A SPECIAL STALL AT THE JUNCTION OF CHUN YEUNG STREET AND TONG SHUI ROAD, NORTH POINT.
FARES PAID TOMORROW MORNING ON NINE MINIBUS ROUTES OPERATED BY TWO LOCAL MINIBUS COMPANIES WILL BE GIVEN TO CHARITY.
MORE THAN 80 DRIVING INSTRUCTORS FROM TWO VEHICLE DRIVING SCHOOLS WILL DONATE FEES COLLECTED FROM ONE HOUR OF TUTORING.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST DAY WILL BE A "SING FOR CHARITY CONCERT" WHICH WILL START AT 7.30 PM IN THE DR SEAKER CHAN MEMORIAL HALL IN NORTH POINT.
THERE WILL BE SINGING AND DANCING PERFORMANCES BY WELL-KNOWN ARTISTES, AND A CHARITY AUCTION WILL ALSO BE HELD DURING THE SHOW.
A LIMITED AMOUNT OF TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE DR SEAKER CHAN MEMORIAL HALL.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF SERIES OF FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES, A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CHARITY SALE HAWKER STALL AT 9 AM TOMORROW AT THE JUNCTION OF CHUN YEUNG STREET AND TONG SHUI ROAD, NORTH POINT.
THE CAMPAIGN CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST OF HONG KONG, MRS ANITA CHAN; THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST DAY, MR ALEX FU; EASTERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS SALINA YAN AND THE DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (EASTERN), MR R.M. DINGA WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CHEST DAY WILL START AT 9 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE JUNCTION OF CHUN YEUNG STREET AND TONG SHUI ROAD IN NORTH POINT. IN THE EVENING, A "SING FOR CHARITY CONCERT" WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM IN THE DR SEAKER CHAN MEMORIAL HALL. YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH EVENTS.
/10........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15,
1988
10 ROLE OF NORTH DISTRICT BOARD PRAISED ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT CO-ORDINATING ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF FANLING/SHEUNG SHUI NEW TOWN ON WHICH THE GOVERNMENT'S CONSISTENT POLICY IS TO ADOPT A BALANCED APPROACH, THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
"WITH A RAPID INCREASE OF POPULATION IN THE DISTRICT, THE DIFFERING PACES OF DEVELOPMENT, SOMETIMES MAY NOT BE IN LINE WITH THE ACTUAL SITUATION," MR HUI SAID.
"IT IS THE DISTRICT BOARD THAT PROVIDES AN EFFECTIVE CHANNEL OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND THE LOCAL RESIDENTS.”
MR HUI WAS SPEAKING AT A DINNER.HOSTED BY THE BOARD, THE NORTH DISTRICT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND THE FOUR RURAL COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THE BOARD, UNDER THE ABLE LEADERSHIP OF ITS CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG, HAD EXERCISED FULLY ITS ADVISORY FUNCTION.
"THE BOARD NOT ONLY PROVIDES A FORUM FOR PEOPLE TO AIR THEIR VIEWS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES, BUT ALSO CO-OPERATES WITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO SOLVE DISTRICT PROBLEMS," HE SAID.
"IT ALSO USES PUBLIC FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE DISTRICT FOR LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES."
MR HUI ALSO PRAISED THE FOUNDING PRESIDENT OF THE NORTH DISTRICT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, MR KO KIM-CHING, FOR GIVING VALUABLE ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT IN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.
HE NOTED THAT THE ASSOCIATION ENABLED THE GOVERNMENT TO HAVE DIRECT DIALOGUE WITH MANUFACTURERS WITH A VIEW TO SOLVING PROBLEMS, IN PARTICULAR, THOSE ARISING FROM THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ON LOK TSUEN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
MR HUI SAID HE HOPED THAT THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, NORTH DISTRICT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, THE FOUR RURAL COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNMENT IN FOSTERING DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT.
- 0
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
11
KWAI TSING TO LAUNCH SECOND ARTS FESTIVAL *****
KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI RESIDENTS ARE BEING URGED TO ACTIVELY TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT'S SECOND ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY 7 AND 29 NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY), CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE, MR LO YAN-SHING, SAID THIS YEAR'S ARTS FESTIVAL WOULD FOCUS ON PROMOTION OF CHINESE ARTS AND CULTURE.
WITH THE EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM THE FIRST KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL LAST YEAR, THE FORTHCOMING FESTIVAL WOULD BE ORGANISED ON A MORE PROFESSIONAL BASIS AND COVER A WIDER VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES, MR LO ADDED.
THE FESTIVAL, WITH A BUDGET OF S700.000 FUNDED BY KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP, WILL INCLUDE OVER 30 PROGRAMMES.
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PROGRAMMES WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY AN ART TROUPE FROM XIANGXI AND A CHINESE OPERA TROUPE FROM SHANGHAI.
OTHER EVENTS INCLUDE PERFORMANCES IN DRAMA, CANTONESE OPERAS AND DANCING, FILM SHOWS AND LASER DISCS MUSIC CONCERT AND COMPETITIONS IN CALLIGRAPHY, PAINTING, SINGING AND CHINESE CHESS.
THE ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN ON JANUARY 7 AT THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND IN KWAI CHUNG WITH TRADITIONAL ARTS PERFORMANCES AND DEMONSTRATIONS.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG KWOK-WAI, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT.
MR TANG SAID THE KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN CULTURE AND ARTS THROUGH PARTICIPATION AND ATTENDANCE IN A SERIES OF DIVERSIFIED ACTIVITIES.
HE ENCOURAGED RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES AND DIFFERENT SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY TO TAKE PART IN AND SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL.
PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SEVEN SUB-OFFICES. RESIDENTS MAY CALL 3-7422966 FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
1? *
YUEN LONG TO HAVE TOWN PARK, OPEN SPACE
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ »
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT’S TIN SHUI WAI/YUEN LONG DEVELOPMENT OFFICE HAS SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIRST TOWN PARK IN YUEN LONG AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE $47 MILLION CONTRACT CONSISTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TOWN PARK AND THE ADJACENT LOCAL OPEN SPACE TO PROVIDE MAJOR PUBLIC ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE WESTERN PART OF THE TOWN,
FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE FOOTBALL PITCHES, A BASKETBALL-CUM-VOLLEYBALL COURT, CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS, AN ORNAMENTAL LAKE AND WATER FEATURES, AN AVIARY AND A PAGODA, A REFRESHMENT KIOSK AND OPEN LANDSCAPED AREAS.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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ADVICE ON SAFE NAVIGATION
♦ * * »
FOR VESSEL MASTERS *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL SOON ISSUE A NOTICE ADVISING MASTERS OF ALL VESSELS, PARTICULARLY FISHING VESSELS AND PLEASURE CRAFT, ON THE SAFE NAVIGATION OF SMALL CRAFT.
SPECIAL EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A PROPER LOOKOUT, FOLLOWING RECENT TRAGEDIES INVOLVING SMALL CRAFT.
A NAUTICAL SURVEYOR OF SHIPS OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, MR CHU CHI-TUNG, TODAY (THURSDAY) EXPLAINED THAT PROPER LOOKOUT WAS PART OF GOOD SEAMANSHIP AND INVOLVED THE USE OF SIGHT AND HEARING AS WELL AS THE CORRECT USE OF OTHER AVAILABLE MEANS SUCH AS RADAR.
"IT ALSO MEANS AN APPRECIATION OF THE RISK OF POSSIBLE COLLISION FROM ANY DIRECTION SO THAT APPROPRIATE ACTION CAN BE TAKEN," HE SAID.
MR CHU EMPHASISED THAT THIS WAS NOT SIMPLY A MATTER OF LOOKING WHERE THE VESSEL WAS GOING, NOTING THAT UNLIKE DRIVING ON THE ROAD, SEA TRAFFIC COULD COME FROM ANY DIRECTION.
/’’LAXNESS AT.........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1.5, ’>988
"LAXNESS AT LOOKOUT DUTIES COULD BE EQUATED TO CARELESS
DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND OFTEN THE CONSEQUENCES ARE f.TAL,' HE ADI '
HE POINTED OUT THAT INADEQUATE VIGILANCE WAS THE MAJOR CAUSE IN TWO ACCIDENTS INVOLVING FISHING VESSELS, BOTH RESJ.LNG IN ">!l' LOSS OF LIFE.
THE ONE ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED AT TAP SHEK KOK LAST MAY BABY GIRL DROWNED WHEN THE FISHING VESSEI. SHE WAS ON CAPSIZED FOLLOWING A COLLISION WITH A LARGE DREDGER.
ANOTHER COLLISION IN APRIL BETWEEN A FISHING BOAT AND Ah OCEAN-GOING VESSEL NEAR THE SOUTHEAST APPROACHES TO HONG KONG LEE TO THE DROWNING OF AN ELDERLY MAN FROM THE FISHING VESSEL.
INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE ACCIDENTS PUT THE BLAME ON IMPROPER LOOKOUT OF ALL FOUR VESSELS INVOLVED, AND IN PARTICULAR, FAILURE OF AN EFFICIENT LOOKOUT ASTERN ON THE P.ART OF THE FISHING VESSELS.
MR CHU SAID ANOTHER COLLISION BETWEEN A FISHING BOAT AND A PLEASURE VESSEL LAST YEAR RESULTED IN THREE PERSONS ON THE PLEASURE CRAFT BEING INJURED.
ALTHOUGH NO LIFE WAS LOST, THE OWNER OF THE FISHING VESSEL HAD TO SELL HIS BOAT TO MEET SUBSEQUENT CIVIL CLAIMS OF WELL OVER $1 MILLION. AGAIN, LACK OF A PROPER LOOKOUT WAS THE MAIN CAUSE.
"FISHERMEN SHOULD NOT OCCUPY ALL HANDS ON BOARD IN FISHING ACTIVITIES," MR CHU SAID.
"AT LEAST ONE PERSON SHOULD ACT AS THE LOOKOUT AT ALL TIMES AND NOT ENGAGE IN ANY OTHER ACTIVITIES.
"IN ANY EVENT NO VESSEL SHOULD ENGAGE IN FISHING WiTHIN OP. NEAR MAJOR NAVIGATIONAL FAIRWAYS," HE ADDED.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PERSONS OPERATING SMALL VESSELS ARE MADE AWARE OF THE LIKELY TRAGIC CONSEQUENCES FROM TH1 FAILURE OF A SIMPLE PRECAUTION TO KEEP A PROPER LOOKOUT,' HE STRESSED.
MR CHU WILL BE PUTTING THIS MESSAGE ACROSS ON A FISHERMEN’S PROGRAMME ON A CHINESE CHANNEL OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WHICH WILL BE AIRED AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THl-R. ", DECEMBER 15. 1988
OUTDOOR SHOWS TO SUPPLEMENT CAREERS ’89 « « * 2 *
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND FOUR AUXILIARY SERVICES WILL STAGE A SERIES OF LIVE CAREERS SHOWS AT EDINBURGH PLACE DURING THE COMING WEEKEND.
THE SHOWS ARE TO SUPPLEMENT CAREERS ’89 EXHIBITION WHICH IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL «T THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL.
ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17), THE POLICE WILL ARRANGE PERFORMANCES BY TRAINEES OF THE POLICE CADET SCHOOL AND MEMBERS OF THE AUXILIARY POLICE PIPE AND DRUM BAND.
THERE WILL ALSO BE POLICE DOG SHOWS, A PHOTOGRAPHY DISPLAY, A POLICE RECRUITMENT STAND AND A MOBILE FIGHT CRIME EXHIBITION CENTRE
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL ALSO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT A MARINE POLICE LAUNCH AT QUEEN’S PIER.
ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18), THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES, THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS), AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WILL JOIN HANDS TO PRESENT A WIDE VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES.
THESE INCLUDE SILENT DRILLS BY THE JUNIOR LEADER CORPS, BAND PERFORMANCES, DEMONSTRATION BY AMS FIRST AID AND CAS BICYCLE TEAMS, AND A STATIC DISPLAY OF EQUIPMENT AND WEAPONS.
CAREERS ’89 EXHIBITION PROVIDES MUCH NEEDED INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORLD OF WORK AND ON CAREERS AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
IT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 6.30 PM DAILY UNTIL MONDAY (DECEMBER 19).
- - 0
FUN DAY FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AT HEI LING CHAU
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE (VBP), IN PARTICULAR CHILDREN AT THE HEI LING CHAU VBP CENTRE, HAD A DAY OF FUN AT A CARNIVAL TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CSD), WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING THE VIETNAMESE RESIDENTS’ FULL PARTICIPATION AND CO-OPERA?'.ON WITH EACH OTHER OVER THE FESTIVAL SEASON.
/TODAY’S PROGRAMME
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
- 15 -
TODAY’S PROGRAMME INCLUDED A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY CENTRE RESIDENTS THEMSELVES AND TELEMATCHEu' GAMES WERE ALSO ORGANISED BOR THE CHILDREN.
A CSD SPOKESMAN SAID, "IT IS PLEASING TO NOTE THAT OUR STAFF HAVE JOINTLY WORKED VERY HARD WITH THE BOAT PEOPLE TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF TODAY’S EVENT."
"IN FACT, THE STAFF HAD TRIED THEIR BEST OVER THE PAST FEW WEEKS TO PREPARE FOR THE CARNIVAL AND OBTAIN AS MANY GIFTS AND TOYS AS POSSIBLE FROM OUTSIDE ORGANISATIONS AS CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.
"IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THE RESIDENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN CAN FEEL AND ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT THE SAME AS OTHERS IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
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PRIZES FOR WINNERS IN CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT
*****
STUDENTS FROM 16 SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND 19 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHO SUBMITTED WINNING ENTRIES IN THE INTER-SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES AT THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE IN NORTH POINT ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17).
THE INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH THE AIM OF PROMOTING STUDENTS’ CIVIC AWARENESS AND DEVELOPING SKILLS IN PRESENTING FACTS AND IDEAS IN AN ORGANISED WAY.
THE COMPETITION ATTRACTED 64 ENTRIES FROM SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS, WHICH INCLUDED THE CHAIRMAN IF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, DR D.V'”’L ’’SE SELECTED THE WINNING ENTRIES LAST MONTH
PRIZES IN THE FORM OF BOCK COUPONS ’WORTH FROM $200 TO $5,000 WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNING SCHOOLS.
DR TSE AND THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, AND UR TSE WILL PRESENT PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS TO THE WINNING SCHOOLS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE INTER-SCHOOL CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECT COMPETITION PRIZE-GIVINC E ’MONY A’.' THE HONG KONG TEACHERS’ CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17>. THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 AN.
/16
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
16
STUDENTS TO RECEIVE CERTIFICATE FOR SUMMER WORK
*****
A TOTAL OF 183 SECONDARY STUDENTS WILL RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF THE SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) MCRNING IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR GOOD WORK DONE DURING THEIR ATTACHM'SX'iS AT VARIOUS HOSPITALS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND COMMERCIAL FIRMS.
THE SUMMER WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME 1988 WAS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS.
THE PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (SPECIAL EDUCATION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS GRACE YUNG, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS AND GUIDANCE MASTERS, MR CHAN JOE-CHAK, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY AND PRESENT CERTIFICATES TO THE STUDENTS.
THE AIM OF THE SCHEME WAS TO PROVIDE SECONDARY STUDENTS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IN WORK WITH A VIEW TO MAKING THEIR STUDIES MORE MEANINGFUL TOWARDS THE GOAL OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT.
UNDER THE SCHEME, STUDENTS WERE ATTACHED TO A PLACE OF WORK TO HELP THEM APPRECIATE THEIR OWN POTENTIAL AND MAKE A SOUND CAREER CHOICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT ORCHID ROOM, SHANGRI-LA HOTEL ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 17) AT 9.45 AM.
YUEN LONG TRAFFIC COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
*****
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE EXISTING LONG PING FOOTBRIDGE TO A LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT STOP ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE 1987 ACTION PROGRAMME REVIEW ON PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS IN YUEN LONG, AND PAPERS OF ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MINI-ROUNDABOUT AND INSTALLATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT TWO ROAD JUNCTIONS IN KAM TIN AREA.
/RESIDENTS’ VIEWS
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON THE PARE INCREASE AND RUNNING HOURS OF SEVERAL GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES IN SAN TIN AREA WILL ALSO BE REFLECTED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WHICH WILL START AT 10 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS TAXI OPERATION AT MA ON SHAN
******
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD'S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE OPERATION OF NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS TO THE MA ON SHAN AREA.
THERE WILL BE A QUESTION ON WHETHER ANY RULES AND REGULATIONS FORBIDDING CYCLISTS USING PEDESTRIAN PAVEMENT.
A QUESTION WILL BE ASKED ON WHAT MEASURES GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL PARKING ESPECIALLY BY VANS AND LORRIES IN AREAS SUCH AS RAVANA GARDEN AND GARDEN RIVERA.
BOARD MEMBER, MR WONG FUK-WAH WILL MAKE A STATEMENT ON THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY II TO BE PUBLISHED IN MID-1989.
A BOARD MEMBER WILL ASK THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED TO INSTALL TRAFFIC LIGHTS, PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES AND MORE TRAFFIC SIGNS AT THE BUS TERMINUS IN NEW TOWN PLAZA TO AVOID ACCIDENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED WHAT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM OF OBSTRUCTION TO BUS MOVEMENT BY TAXIS IN SHA TIN WAI AND OTHER VEHICLES PARKED AROUND GREENWOOD GARDEN AND GREENFIELD COURT.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS CAUSED BY LEARNER DRIVERS; SCHEDULE ADHERENCE OF KMB ROUTES 88M AND 8IM; PROVISION OF TRAFFIC AIDS IN CHE KUNG MIU ROAD NEAR HIN KENG STREET AND INSTALLATION OF PARKING METERS AT TIN SUM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING TO BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 16) AT THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6/F, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
- 0 -
/18
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
- 18 -
SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTS TO BE SWITCHED ON TOMORROW ******
LIGHTING DECORATIONS HERALDING THE FESTIVE SEASON OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR WILL BE SWITCHED ON IN SHA TIN BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THIS YEAR’S LIGHTING PROGRAMME WILL BE THE MOST AMBITIOUS AND SPECTACULAR IN SHA TIN COSTING $512,000, WHICH IS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE $250,000 BUDGET FOR LAST YEAR. ।
IN ADDITION TO THE USUAL DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS ALONG SAN MARTIN BRIDGE, BANYAN BRIDGE AND SHING MUN RIVER PROMENADES, LIGHTS WILL BE STAGED ON SHING MUN RIVER, ALONG CHE KUNG MIU ROAD AS WELL AS IN CENTRAL PARK AND ON LEK YUEN BRIDGE WHICH WERE OPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE DOVE SYMBOLISING PEACE WILL BE THE MAIN DESIGN FEATURE IN ALL LIGHTING DECORATIONS.
THE FOCAL POINT WILL BE A LIGHTING FLOAT FOUNTAIN, MEASURING FIVE METRES TALL AND FIVE METRES IN DIAMETER, kN THE FORM OF A CHRISTMAS TREE ON THE SHING MUN RIVER. |
A SPECTACULAR PICTURE MEASURING 2.5 METRES BY SEVEN METRES WITH CHRISTMAS STARS AND PEACE DOVES WILL ALSO BE ERECTED ON SAN MARTIN BRIDGE.
LAMP POSTS ALONG STREETS AND BRIDGES WILL ALSO BE DECORATED WITH BUNTINGS AND CHRISTMAS FLOWERS.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON BETWEEN 5.30 PM AND MIDNIGHT FROM DECEMBER 17 TO JANUARY 5.
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY, AND NEW YEAR'S EVE TO JANUARY 3, THEY WILL BE ON OVERNIGHT UNTIL 5 AM IN THE MORNING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF FESTIVE LIGHTING IN SHA TIN STARTING AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE END OF LEK YUEN BRIDGE IN SHA TIN CENTRAL PARK, OPPOSITE TO THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL.
-------O----------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS *****
COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS’ BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT CAN NOW APPLY FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES IN CELEBRATION OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
A SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID, ”A TOTAL ’F $77,600 WILL BE OPEN TO APPLICATION BY LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN TH1 >T.RICT’S SEVEN AREAS, NAMELY POK FU LAM, WAH FU, AP LET CHAU, WONG CHUK HANG, TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN, ABERDEEN AND HARBOUR, AND STANLEY, SHEK 0 AND BAYS.”
THE BOARD'S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE SET ASIDE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR $135,000 FOR FESTIVITIES, OF WHICH $57,400 HAD ALREADY BEEN DISBURSED IN MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL GRANTS.
"FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR GRANTS, APPLICATIONS ALONG WITH DETAILS OF PROGRAMMES TO BE ORGANISED, SHOULD REACH THE COMMITTEE THROUGH THE DISTRICT OFFICE BY DECEMBER 23," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID LATE APPLICATIONS WOULD ONLY BE CONSIDERED IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
"THE COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON JANUARY 16 TO VET EACH APPLICATION CAREFULLY BEFORE DECIDING ON THE AMOUNT OF GRANT TO BE GIVEN," HE ADDED.
ENQUIRIES ON APPLICATION MATTERS CAN BE MADE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-540271.
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CONCESSIONARY SCHEME FOR ELDERLY TO BE DISCUSSED
******
THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON TO DISCUSS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A CONCESSIONARY SCHEME FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.
UNDER THE SCHEME, THE DISTRICT’S ELDERLY RESIDENTS AGED OVER 60 WOULD BE GIVEN CONCESSIONARY RATES BY OPERATORS OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, SHOPS AND CLINICS DURING A PRESCRIBED PERIOD. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME IS EXPECTED TO COST LESS THAN $20,000.
/MEMBERS WIL!........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
20
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE INTRODUCTION OF SERVICES BEING OFFERED BY THE YANG MEMORIAL SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE, AND WILL DISCUSS APPLICATIONS BY SEVERAL LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE BEGINNING (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YAU SECOND FLOOR, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT
AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE,
-------0---------
VILLAGE ROADS TO BE BUILT IN YUEN LONG
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE STAGE I PHASE 2 CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINS AT TONG YAN SAN TSUEN IN PING SHAN, YUEN LONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT WORKS INCLUDED WIDENING, EXTENDING, REALIGNING AND RECONSTRUCTING EXISTING VILLAGE ROADS AND IMPROVING PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES IN TONG YAN SAN TSUEN.
THEY ALSO INCLUDE CONSTRUCTING NEW ROADS, CAR PARKS AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
AT PRESENT, THE ROADS IN THE SOUTHERN FART OF TONG YAN SAN TSUEN ARE GENERALLY NARROW AND BELOW NORMAL HIGHWAY STANDARDS, WITH LESS THAN THREE-METRE-WIDE CARRIAGEWAY AND NARROW FOOTPATHS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TRAFFIC CIRCULATION INTO AND WITHIN THE AREA IS FREQUENTLY IMPEDED BY ROADSIDE PARKING, UTILITY WORKS AND ILLEGAL BUILDING EXTENSIONS, HE ADDED.
"EXISTING ROADS HAVE DETERIORATED BADLY AND THE STREAMS HAVE BECOME HEAVILY POLLUTED DUE TO THE DISCHARGE OF INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES," HE SAID.
"IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE PROPER ROADS AND
DRAINAGE TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HF. ADDED.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
/THE '-ORKS ..........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15. 1988
?1
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT.
AND CONSTRUCTION
WILL BE
TENDERS FOR THIS PROJECT CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED BOX PLACED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), 12 NOON ON DECEMBER 23, 1988.
MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE
-------0
FRESH WATER CUT IN TUEN MUN * * * *
FRESH WATER SATURDAY (DECEMBER
SUPPLY TO TUEN MUN WILL BE CUT OFF FROM 7 PM 17) TO 8 AM THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE OF WATER WORKS.
ON
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE WHOLE AREA ALONG LUNG MUN ROAD FROM TUEN MUN KAU HUI TO TAP SHEK KOK INCLUDING YEUNG SIU HANG TSUEN, TSING SHAN TSUEN, TUEN MUN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, CASTLE PEAK BOYS HOME, AND AREAS 18, 19, 31, 40, 44, PAK KOK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
IT WILL ALSO AFFECT BUTTERFLY ESTATE, WU KING ESTATE, SIU SHAN COURT, MELODY GARDEN, SIU HEI COURT, WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, MONG HAU SHEK DETENTION AND HOLDING CAMP, TAP SHEK KOK POWER STATION, CHINA CEMENT COMPANY AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.
-------0---------
FRESH WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG ♦ * » * »
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWAI CHUNG WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON DECEMBER 19 (MONDAY) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR WATER WORKS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE AREA BOUNDED BY TAI WO HAU ROAD, WO TONG TSUI STREET, HING FONG ROAD AND KWAI HING ROAD, INCLUDING KWAI HING ESTATE.
- 0 -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
- 22 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ♦ ♦ ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 4 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) FOR THE HOLDING OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PARADE.
MEANWHILE, THE SOUTHBOUND DOWN-RAMP LEADING FROM WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WESTBOUND WILL ALSO BE CLOSED BETWEEN 11 PM AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY DAILY FROM DECEMBER 18 TO 21 FOR ROADWORKS.
VEHICLES INCLUDING KMB ROUTES 2D AND 3C AND NEW TERRITORIES GMB ROUTES 58S, 6 IM, 63K AND 65K TRAVELLING ON WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND HEADING FOR PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA BOUNDARY STREET AND EARL STREET.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE, NO.
SWIFT REPATRIATION OF ECVIIS EMPH/iSISED........................ 1
STATUS OF 107 VIETNAMESE ASYLUM SEEKERS DETERMINED.......... 2
WATERSHED IN DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICaL AND HEALTH SERVICES ... 3
NEW LAB MSffiERS APPOINTED...................................... 4
FINISHING INDUSTRY NEEDS PROPER ACCOMMODATION .................. 5
THERMOPLASTICS PLANT AT YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE......... 6
HK WELCOMES BOTH LOCAL aND OVERSEAS INVESTORS................... 7
activity guidelines for day nurseries published ................ 8
INCREASE IN PUBLIC ikND PRIVATE LIGHT BUS SEATING C.JPnCITY . 9
TECHNICAL MEMORANDA ON NOISE CONTROL IN OPERATION ........... 10
ADMIRALTY LkW TO BE LOCALISED................................. 11
-
LEI CHENG UK HAN TOMB DECLARED A MONUMENT ..................... 12
• • • ■ • ••• •
PRE-W.iR BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS. ........................ 15
PRIVATE STREET IN. WESTERN TO BE RESUMED..................... 14
• • • * - • • •
salaries revision of magistrates ^jnd principal magistrates 15
APPROVED CH.J W.JJ OUTLINE ZONING PL JI GAZETTED............... 16
/Private lots ......
PRIVATE LOTS TO BE RESUMED FDR RECREATION.-iL USE................ 57
17 COMMENDED FOR BRaVERY BY DIRECTOR OF MARINE................... 17
GOVERNOR TO OPEN CIVIC EDUCATION D»Y............................. 18
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE aT FLO.AT PARADE CEREMONY.................. 19
FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION IN TSIM SHn TSUI EAST................. 20
MAJOR .INTI-DRUG EXHIBITION TO OPEN ON SUNDAY ................... 20
ANTI-N.tRCOTICS FUN DAY FOR KWaI TSING RESIDENTS................. 22
TENDERS INVITED FOR IMPROVEMENT TO 'V.N TRaCK ................... 23
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER PASSES AWAY ............................... 23
FREE MEDIC.lL CHECK-UP FOR RESIDENTS ............................ 24
FIGHT CRIME SHOW FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ......................... 24
DISTRICT AFFAIRS SEMINAR FOR POK FU LAM RESIDENTS................ 25
SWITCHING ON TO CHRISTMAS ....................................... 26
SPEEDPOST TO JORD, if,- 'ZTMB.JJWE............................... 27
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS' IN WESTERN ........................... 28
NIGHT CLOSURE OF KWAI TSING ROAD................................. 28
TEMPORARY ROaD CLOSURES.......................................... 29
TEMPORARY L.-NE CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD................. 29
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
SWIFT REPATRIATION OF ECVIIS EMPHASISED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR GEOFFREY BARNES, TODAY (FRIDAY) EMPH' ISED THE IMPORTANCE OF SWIFT REPATRIATION OF EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (ECVIIS) IN HONG KONG IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUESTS WHICH HAD BEEN PUT TO THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY EARLIER THIS WEEK.
MR BARNES SAID THAT WITH THE CURRENT POPULATION OF ECVIIS NOW APPROACHING 1,000, THE PROBLEMS OF ACCOMMODATION WERE BECOMING ACUTE.
"IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO FALL BACK ON FERRIES TO HOUSE THESE NEW ARRIVALS," HE SAID.
"THESE ARE CROWDED, UNCOMFORTABLE AND LACKING IN AMENITIES AND CANNOT BE CONSIDERED IDEAL, PARTICULARLY BECAUSE OF THEIR EXPOSURE TO COLD, NORTH-EASTERLY WINDS."
MR BARNES SAID DATES HAD BEEN PROPOSED TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR THE NEXT BATCH OF ECVIIS TO RETURN BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR.
HE DEPLORED THE PROBLEMS AND EXPENSE WHICH THE PRESENT INFLUX OF ECVIIS WAS CAUSING TO BOTH HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, AND HE STRESSED THE NEED FOR IMMEDIATE FIRM ACTION BY BOTH SIDES.
THIS MORNING, A BATCH OF 25 ECVIIS COMPRISING THREE FAMILIES AND lf> INDIVIDUALS WERE REPATRIATED TO CHINA THROUGH SHA TAU KOK.
THE MAJORITY OF THEM HAD STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR SIX MONTHS TO 18 MONTHS.
\FTER TODAY’S REPATRIATION, THERE ARE STILL 897 ECVIIS FROM CHINA REMAINING IN HONG KONG, OF WHOM 105 ARRIVED YESTERDAY (THURSDAY).
MEANWHILE, THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A YAUMATEI FERRY FOR THE ACCOMMODATION OF ECVIIS.
A TOTAL OF 313 ECVIIS WERE TRANSFERRED FROM THE GREEN ISLAND RECEPTION CENTRE ONTO THE FERRY "MAN WAH" ANCHORED AT BUOY B7 NEAR STONECUTTERS ISLAND.
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/2........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 2 -
STATUS OF 107 VIETNAMESE ASYLUM SEEKERS DETERMINED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED ITS SCREENING PROCEDURES FOR DETERMINING THE STATUS OF ANOTHER 107 VIETNAMESE ASYLUM SEEKERS WHO ARRIVED IN HONG KONG AFTER JUNE 15 THIS YEAR.
OF THE GROUP SCREENED, EIGHT PERSONS IN THREE GROUPS WERE FOUND TO BE REFUGEES AND HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO A REFUGEE CAMP PRIOR TO RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.
THE OTHER 99, COMPRISING 20 GROUPS AND 25 INDIVIDUALS, WERE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES. THEY WILL BE HELD IN DETENTION CENTRES PENDING REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM.
"DETERMINATION NOTICES HAVE BEEN SERVED ON THE ASYLUM SEEKERS BY IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT STAFF,” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THOSE PEOPLE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THEIR RIGHT TO OBJECT TO THE RESULT UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE, AS WELL AS THEIR RIGHT TO LEGAL ADVICE IN PREPARING THEIR OBJECTIONS.
"THE UNHCR WILL MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THAT LEGAL ADVICE IS MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL THOSE WHO NEED IT."
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SCREENING PROCEDURES WERE BASED ON THE UNHCR PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING REFUGEE STATUS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE 1951 CONVENTION AND THE 1967 PROTOCOL, AND TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE SPECIAL SITUATION OF ASYLUM SEEKERS FROM VIETNAM.
"STAFF OF THE UNHCR WERE PRESENT DURING SOME OF THE INTERVIEWS AS OBSERVERS," HE SAID.
SO FAR, SCREENING PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN COMPLETED FOR 438 ASYLUM SEEKERS. OF THEM, 38 WERE FOUND TO BE REFUGEES WHILE 400 WERE FOUND NOT TO BE REFUGEES.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16,
1988
5
WATERSHED IN DEVELOPMENT GF MEDICAL
*****
AND HEALTH SERVICES
HONG KONG IS AT A WATERSHED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"WE HAVE COME A LONG WAY, BUT WE RECOGNISE THAT THERE IS STILL SOME WAY TO GO BEFORE WE ACHIEVE THE FULL RANGE AND QUALITY OF SERVICES WE DESIRE," MR CHAU SAID WHEN ADDRESSING A SEMINAR ON HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT.
HE SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY MARKED AN IMPORTANT FIRST STEP TOWARDS THE ACHIEVEMENT OF FAR REACHING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF HONG KONG'S PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
"IT IS THE BEGINNING OF A PROCESS OF DEVELOPMENT AND REFORM WHICH WILL TAKE A NUMBER OF YEARS TO COMPLETE AND WHICH WILL EMBRACE ALL ASPECTS OF THE MANAGEMENT AND STAFFING OF HOSPITAL SERVICES," HE SAID.
"OUR AIM IS FOR THE NEW HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO COME INTO OPERATION IN APRIL 1990."
IN PREPARATION FOR THIS DEVELOPMENT, MR CHAU SAID THE PRESENT MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WOULD BE SPLIT INTO SEPARATE DEPARTMENTS OF HEALTH AND HOSPITAL SERVICES WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR.
"THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, WHICH WILL REMAIN A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PREVENTION OF DISEASE, THE PROMOTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE DELIVERY OF A RANGE OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICES," HE SAID.
"THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHICH WILL BF RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF SERVICES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS WILL, IN DUE COURSE, BE SUBSUMED AS THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WHEN IT COMES INTO EXISTENCE."
MR CHAU POINTED OUT THAT THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WAS BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF A CONSULTANCY REPORT.
THIS HAD ADVISED THAT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT AND SUBVERTED HOSPITALS SHOULD BE INTEGRATED UNDER A STATUTORY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, FUNDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, BUT OPERATING OUTSIDE THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE OBJECTIVES WERE TO IMPROVE SERVICES IN STEP AND 1N A MANNER WHICH ENSURED MAXIMUM EFFICIENT Y AND COST EFFECTIVENESS AT ALL LEVELS, HE ADDED.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 4
NEW LAB MEMBERS APPOINTED
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF 12 EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD FOR TWO YEARS COMMENCING ON JANUARY 1, 1989.
A LIST OF THE MEMBERS WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S GAZETTE.
EMPLOYEES’ REPRESENTATIVES WHO WERE ELECTED BY REGISTERED TRADE UNIONS ON OCTOBER 22 THIS YEAR INCLUDE:
* MR MOK KA-WING, PETER
* MS LAM SHUK-YEE
* MR MONG WAI-MING, WILLIAM
* MS LI FUNG-YING
* MR CHAN YUN-CHE
EMPLOYERS’ REPRESENTATIVES WHO ARE NOMINATED BY THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS INCLUDE:
* MR A.R. HAMILTON (EMPLOYERS’ FEDERATION OF HONG KONG)
* MR A.E. GAZELEY (HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)
* MR TANG YING-YEN, HENRY (FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES)
* DR LUI MING-WAH (CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG)
» MR HO SAI-CHU (CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)
APPOINTED MEMBERS INCLUDE:
* MR CHEUNG WOOD-LUN, REPRESENTING EMPLOYEES
* MR CHAN SUI-KAU, REPRESENTING EMPLOYERS
EXCEPT FOR MR MOK, MS LAM AND MR MONG, THE OTHER MEMBERS ARE CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR OR THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER WILL BE THE BOARD’S EX-OFFICIO CHAIRMAN.
THE NEW BOARD WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING IN MID-JANUARY.
- 0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 5 -
FINISHING INDUSTRY NEEDS PROPER ACCOMMODATION * * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT BECAUSE OF THE SEVERE INFRASTRUCTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS, IT WAS NOT REASONABLE TO EXPECT THE LOCAL FINISHING INDUSTRY TO UPGRADE OR EXPAND ITS PRODUCTION CAPACITY.
ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE (HONG KONG SECTION) AT A DINNER PARTY, MR YEUNG ADMITTED THAT THE FINISHING INDUSTRY WAS FACING A HOST OF PROBLEMS.
HE SAID HE REALISED THAT THE FINISHING INDUSTRY WOULD BE WILLING TO INVEST IN ITS EXPANSION AND MODERNISATION, GIVEN THE RIGHT CONDITIONS.
"WE KNOW THAT THESE CONDITIONS ARE, NAMELY, LAND FOR PURPOSE-BUILT FACTORIES, ADEQUATELY SUPPLIED WITH WATER AND EFFLUENT TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL FACILITIES.
"THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION HAS GONE SOME WAY FORWARD TOWARDS MEETING THIS DEMAND BUT ITS OWN RESOURCES ARE CLEARLY INSUFFICIENT TO MAKE SUBSTANTIAL HEADWAY IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM,' HE SAID.
THE ANSWER, MR YEUNG BELIEVED, LAID IN THE CREATION OF AN INDUSTRIAL ZONE FOR WATER INTENSIVE USERS.
HE SAID THAT PROPOSALS WERE NOW BEING CONSIDERED TO SET ASIDE AREA OF LAND AT TIN SHUI WAI FOR WATER INTENSIVE INDUSTRIAL USERS SUCH AS THE FINISHING INDUSTRY.
"THE INTENTION IS TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER IT WILL BE FEASIBLE TO SUPPLY THIS INDUSTRIAL AREA ADEQUATELY WITH WATER AND EFFLUENT TREATMENT WORKS, AND IF SO AT WHAT COST.
"IF THE PROPOSALS WERE ACCEPTED, A DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDY WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN.
COST GRANT
"SUBJECT TO FEASIBILITY BEING ESTABLISHED AND ORDER.S OF PROVING AFFORDABLE, WE ARE LIKELY TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE FIRS! OF LAND FOR WATER INTENSIVE INDUSTRIAL USERS INCLUDING FINISHING MILLS IN LATE 1992 OR EARLY 1993," MR YEUNG EXPLAINED.
IF THIS PLAN CAME ABOUT, HE SAID, THE OPPORTUNITY WOULD BE CREATED NOT ONLY FOK A SIGNIFICANT AND LASTING IMPROVEMENT IN THE ENVIRONMENT OF CERTAIN URBAN DISTRICTS, BUT ALSO FOR INVESTMENT BY THE FINISHING INDUSTRY IN EXPANDING AND UPGRADING ITS CAPACITY.
/MR YEUNG
6
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
MR YEUNG ATTACHED IMPORTANCE TO THE FINISHING INDUSTRY, SAYING THAT IT WAS A VITAL LINKAGE INDUSTRY IN THE TEXTILES AND GARMENT CHAIN.
HE APRECIATED THAT MANUFACTURERS IN THE FINISHING INDUSTRY HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT PURCHASES OF COMPUTER-AIDED AND OTHER AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT THAT MADE FOR GREATER ACCURACY IN COLORATION.
"I AM CONFIDENT THAT, GIVEN BETTER OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST, THE INDUSTRY WILL DO SO VIGOROUSLY," HE SAID.
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THERMOPLASTICS PLANT AT YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE *****
GE PLASTICS, A COMPONENT OP THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY IN THE U.S., WILL BUILD A THERMOPLASTICS COMPOUNDING PLANT IN YUEN LONG, THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN THIS YEAR WITH COMPLETION OF FACILITY SCHEDULED FOR EARLY 1990.
THE 1.18-HECTARE PLANT WILL INITIALLY EMPLOY ABOUT 40 PEOPLE AND THE FACILITY THERE WILL HAVE AN INITIAL CAPACITY OF 20,000 METRIC TONS.
THE COMPOUNDING PLANT WILL MANUFACTURE ALL GE PLASTICS THERMOPLASTICS, ESPECIALLY TO CATER FOR MARKETS IN THE PACIFIC RIM.
APPLICATIONS FOR GE PLASTICS MATERIALS INCLUDE AUTOMOBILE COMPONENTS, APPLIANCES, INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL COMPUTER PARTS, CASINGS FOR ELECTRICAL WIRING AND WINDOW GLAZING.
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/7
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
UK WELCOMES BOTH LOCAL * * *
AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS
* »
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG, TODAY (FRIDAY) REFUTED ANY SUGGESTIONS THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN SHOWING SPECIAL FAVOURS TO OVERSEAS INVESTORS IN HONG KONG.
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF HWA YI’i COMPANY LIMITED IN TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE SERVICES OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND LAND ON INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WERE BOTH AVAILABLE ON IDENTICAL TERMS FOP BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
IN FACT, HE SAID, ABOUT ONE HALF OF ALL THE FACTORIES ON TI I ESTATES WERE OWNED AND OPERATED BY LOCAL FIRMS.
THE 60,OOO-SQUARE-FOOT PLANT OF HWA YIU, A LOCAL INVESTMENT PROJECT, IS SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF GALVANISED WELDE: STEEL PIPES.
THE FACTORY IS EQUIPPED WITH COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES WHICH INCLUDE A HIGH FREQUENCY WELDING MACHINE AND A LARGE GALVANISING TANK.
MR LEUNG NOTED THAT HWA YIU'S INVESTMENT TESTIFIED THAT HONG KONG COULD OFFER GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCTS FOR THE DOMESTIC MARKET AS WELL AS FOR EXPORT.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF HWA YIU WAS A FINE EXAMPLE OF TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION BETWEEN LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AND CHINA.
ELABORATING ON THIS POINT, MR LEUNG SAID THE DESIGN AN: MANUFACTURING OF MACHINES IN HWA YIU WERE BY WELL-KNOWN WORKS IN PEKING AND SHANXI PROVINCE.
ENGINEERS FROM INSTITUTIONS IN CHINA HAD CONTRIBUTED GREATLY IN THE INSTALLATION AND COMMISSIONING OF THE PLANT EQUIPMENT.
"THE EXISTENCE OF HWA YIU WILL NO DOUBT ENHANCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR METAL FABRICATION INDUSTRY BY PROVIDING HONG KONG WITH A RELIABLE SUPPLY OF STEEL TUBES - ESPECIALLY TO THE BUILDING MATERIALS TRADE," HE SAID.
"DEPENDENCE ON IMPORTS WILL ALSO BE FURTHER REDUCED.
"THE COMMENCEMENT OF HWA YIU AT THIS TIME ALSO COMPLEMENTS PERFECTLY THE HIGH LEVEL OF CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES AND PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG."
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/8........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16,
1988
- 8 -
ACTIVITY GUIDELINES FOR DAY NURSERIES PUBLISHED ♦ * * * ♦
i
A SET OF ACTIVITY GUIDELINES HAS BEEN PUBLISHED FOR CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS AND THEIR STAFF WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF IMPROVING THS SERVICE PROVIDED BY DAY NURSERIES.
THE SET WAS COMPILED BY A JOINT SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT/ HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE WORKING GROUP WHICH COMPRISED REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR AND THE TEACHING INSTITUTES.
THE COVENER OF THE WORKING GROUP, MRS MAN-YEE LI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE GUIDELINES SHOULD SERVE AS A VERY USEFUL REFERENCE FOR DAY NURSERIES ON THE CONTENT AND THE TECHNIQUES OF TRAINING THEY PROVIDED SO AS TO BETTER MEET THE DEVELOPMENTAL NEEDS OF PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN.
’’THE GUIDELINES OUTLINE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VARIOUS STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT OF A CHILD, THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CHILD CARE PROGRAMMES AND CURRICULUM AND HOW THEY SHOULD BE PLANNED AND DEVISED,” SHE SAID.
’’THERE ARE ALSO RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE TYPES OF ACTIVITIES THAT SHOULD BE ORGANISED TO DEVELOP THE APTITUDES OF A CHILD AND HOW DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES CAN BE CORRELATED WITH EACH OTHER AND ALSO WITH EVERYDAY LIFE OF A CHILD.”
THE PUBLICATION COMPLEMENTS THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR CHILD CARE CENTRES IN WHICH THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS FOR THESE CENTRES, SUCH AS THE ENVIRONMENT, FACILITIES, HYGIENE AND SAFETY, ARE CLEARLY STIPULATED.
COPIES OF THE GUIDELINES HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL CHILD CARE CENTRES AND A BRIEFING SESSION FOR CO-ORDINATORS, SUPERVISORS AND CHILD CARE WORKERS WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE WORKING GROUP.
FEEDBACK FROM THE USERS WILL BE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION IN FUTURE REVISIONS OF THE GUIDELINES.
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/9........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
NCREASE IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE * * * *
LIGHT BUS SEATING CAPACITY *
THE ROAD TRAFFIC (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) ORDINANCE 1988, Wi-' CH ALLOWS FOR AN INCREASE IN THE MAXIMUM SEATING CAPACITY OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES FROM 14 TO 16, WILL TAKE EFFECT TODAY (FRIDAY)
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT ELIGIBLE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES MAY BE MODIFIED, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, TO INCREASE THE SEATING CAPACITY.
WITHIN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS, A LIGHT BUS MODIFIED IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH ONE OF THE APPROVED SEATING PLANS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT MAY HAVE ITS SEATING CAPACITY ACCEPTED AND REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT WITHOUT PRIOR VEHICLE INSPECTION BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE MODIFIED VEHICLE WILL BE INSPECTED DURING THE NEXT ANNUAL VEHICLE INSPECTION.
"OWNERS OF LIGHT BUSES WHO WISH TO MODIFY THEIR VEHICLES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE APPROVED SEATING PLANS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THE VEHICLES ARE MODIFIED IN STRICT ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROVED PLAN.
"IF THE SEATING ARRANGEMENT OF A LIGHT BUS IS SUBSEQUENTLY FOUND FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE APPROVED SEATING PLAN PRIOR TO ITS NEXT ANNUAL INSPECTION, THE VEHICLE LICENCE OF THE LIGHT BUS WILL BE SUSPENDED," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PRESENTED FOR ANNUAL INSPECTION, IT WILL BE INSPECTED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE RELEVANT APPROVED SEATING PLAN.
"THE VEHICLE WILL FAIL THE ANNUAL INSPECTION IF IT IS FOUND NOT TO COMPLY WITH THE SEATING PLAN.”
AN OWNER OF A LIGHT BUS WHO WISHES TO MODIFY HIS VEHICLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ONE OF THE APPROVED SEATING PLANS HAS TO COMPLETE AND SIGN THE DOCUMENTS: FORM TD 150 (APPLICATION FOR CHANGE OF VEHICLE PARTICULARS); AND A DECLARATION THAT THE ALTERATION OF THE VEHICLE IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ONE OF THE APPROVED SEATING PLANS.
WHEN RETURNING THE COMPLETED FORM AND THE DECLARATION TO THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES, THE APPLICANTS MUST TAKE ALONG THE REGISTRATION DOCUMENT AND THE LICENCE DISC OF THE RELEVANT LIGHT BUS.
FOR A LIGHT BUS WHICH IS NOT MODIFIED IN ACCORDANCE WITH AN APPROVED SEATING PLAN ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE VEHICLE WILL HAVE TO BE INSPECTED IMMEDIATELY BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE LIGHT BUS WILL HAVE TO PASS THE VEHICLE EXAMINATION BEFORE THE CHANGE OF SEATING CAPACITY IS ACCEPTED FOR REGISTRATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
IN ORDER NOT TO AFFECT THE LEVEL OF SERVICE PROVIDED TO THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC, THE SPOKESMAN URGED OWNERS OF LIGHT BUSES TO SPREAD OUT THE MODIFICATIONS OF THEIR VEHICLES.
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/IO........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
10
TECHNICAL MEMORANDA ON NOISE CONTROL IN OPERATION
*****
THREE TECHNICAL MEMORANDA ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECENTLY ENACTED NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE HAVE NOW COME INTO OPERATION, A LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
THESE MEMORANDA ARE DOCUMENTS SETTING OUT THE PROCEDURES AND CRITERIA BY WHICH THE NOISE CONTROL AUTHORITY WILL BE GUIDED WHEN:
* CONSIDERING PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORK DURING NIGHT-TIME AND ON GENERAL HOLIDAYS;
* DETERMINING THE PERMITTED HOURS OF OPERATION FOR PERCUSSIVE PILING OPERATIONS DURING DAYTIME; AND
* ASSESSING NOISE FROM INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
THEY WILL ALSO ENABLE THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL AND THE RELEVANT INDUSTRIES IN PARTICULAR TO ASSESS IN ADVANCE THE REQUIREMENTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE.
THE MEMORANDA ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION DURING OFFICE HOURS AT THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT 17TH FLOOR, SINCERE BUILDING, 173 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT WHILE TECHNICAL MEMORANDA LAID DOWN A TECHNICAL BASIS, REGULATIONS UNDER THE NOISE CONTROL ORDINANCE WOULD HAVE TO BE MADE TO PROVIDE FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR IMPLEMENTATION.
SUBJECT TO ENDORSEMENT OF THE REGULATIONS BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, THE VARIOUS PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED IN STAGES STARTING EARLY NEXT YEAR.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT WHEN THESE PROVISIONS ARE IN FORCE, THE PUBLIC WILL BE PROTECTED FROM ANNOYANCES CAUSED BY EXCESSIVE NOISE," HE SAID.
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/11.........
ER.: DAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
11 ADMIRALTY LAW TO BE LOCALISED * * * 1
THE GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE SHORTLY INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE FIRST PIECE OF LEGISLATION UNDER ITS PROGRAMME FOR THE LOCALISATION OF UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION THAT APPLIES TO HONG KONG.
THE LEGISLATION, THE SUPREME COURT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1988, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
"AT PRESENT, THE JURISDICTION OF THE HIGH COURT IN KONG KONG IN RELATION TO MARITIME LAW IS DERIVED FROM CERTAIN UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS WHICH APPLY OR HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO HONG KONG." zk GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THESE UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS COULD NOT REMAIN PART OF OUR LAW AFTER 1997.
"IT WILL HENCE BE NECESSARY TO INTRODUCE LOCAL LEGISLATION WITH SIMILAR EFFECT TO PROVIDE FOR THE JURISDICTION OF THE HIGH COURT OF HONG KONG IN RELATION TO THESE MATTERS, WHICH ARE KNOWN AS ADMIRALTY MATTERS," THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
"THE BILL WILL AMEND THE SUPREME COUI!' ORDINANCE SO THAT THE CIVIL JURISDICTION OF THE HIGH COURT IN RELATION TO ADMIRALTY MATTERS IS SPECIFIED IN THAT ORDINANCE.
"AT THE SAME TIME, THE UNITED KINGDOM ENACTMENTS FROM WHICH THE HIGH COURT DERIVES ITS PRESENT JURISDICTION WILL BE REPEALED IN SO FAR AS THEY ARE PART OF THE LAW OF HONG KONG.
"EXAMPLES OF ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION OF THE HIGH COURT PRESCRIBED IN THE BILL ARE JURISDICTION TO HEAR AND DETERMINE CLAIMS FOR DAMAGE RECEIVED BY A SHIP, CLAIMS FOR LOSS OF OR DAMAGE TO GOODS CARRIED IN A SHIP, AND CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF ANY AGREEMENT RELATING TO THE CARRIAGE OF GOODS IN A SHIP OR TO THE USE OF A SHIP."
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE TWO SIDES OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP, AT THE GROUP’S TENTH MEETING, REACHED A COMMON VIEW ON THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION ON ADMIRALTY JURISDICTION IN HONG KONG.
"THERE IS STILL A LOT OF WORK TO BE DONE ON THE LOCALISATION OF LEGISLATION. WE ARE, HOWEVER, MAKING STEADY PROGRESS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
12
LEI CHENG UK
HAN TOMB DECLARED A MONUMENT * * « * *
AND THE
BRANCH,
THE MOST (FRIDAY)
THROUGH EFFORTS OF TllE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD ANT : IT IBS AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES THE HAN TOMB IN LEI CHENG UK, WHICH RANKS AS ONE OF SIGNIFICANT ANCIENT STRUCTURES IN HONG KONG, WAS TODAY
GAZETTED AS A MONUMENT.
THIS ANCIENT TOMB WAS DISCOVERED IN 1955 WHEN WORKMEN WERE LEVELLING A HILL SLOP! IN SHAM SHUI PO TO MAKE WAY FOR THE PRESENT LEI CHENG UK ESTATE.
IT IS BUILT OF BRiCKS AND CONSISTS OF FOUR CHAMBERS.
ENTRANCE HALL WAS ARRANGED 'V CRUCIFORM WITH A DOMED ROOF OVER THE CENTRE.
WHILE MOS’ OF THE BRICKS ARE ADORNED WITH STAMPED GEOMETRIC DES GNS, A FEW ARE ’•'OUND TO BEAR INSCRIPTIONS LIKE DA-JI PAN-YU (GREAT FORTUNE TO PAN-YU) AND PAN-YU DA-ZHI-LI (PEACE TO PAN-YU).
PAN-YU - THE, NAME OF THE COUNTRY TO WHICH THE AREA BELONGED DURING THE HAN DYNASTY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MONUMENTS OFFICE SAID A TOTAL OF 68 POTTERY AND BRONZE OBJECTS WERE FOUND INSIDE THE TOMB.
"THE POTTER'/ OBJECTS INCLUDE FOOD VESSELS, COOKING VESSELS, STORAGE JARS AND MODELS OF HOUSES, WELLS AND GRANARIES."
"THE BRONZES ARE MOSTLY FRAGMENTARY AND CONSIST OF SEVERAL BOWLS, A MIRROR AND A SMALL BELL."
I. AVAt LAI A- EVIDENCES SUCH AS THE DESIGN OF THE TOMB AND THE 1'01OF BURIAJ ‘ Il l'S STRONGLY SUGGEST A DATE OF EASTERN HAN (25 - 220 A.D.)," HE POINTED OUT.
'AFTER j: \VATION IN 19 55, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO PRESERVE THE TOMB . N ' l.T!l ‘ND A GALLERY AND A SMALL GARDEN WERE BUILT AROUND IT.
"THE TOMI1 AND MUSEUM WERE FORMALLY OPENED TO THE PUBLIC IN JUNE 1957 AND SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME A BRANCH OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY' UNTIL TODAY," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT TO A CERTAIN EXTENT, THE THE TOMB REFLECTED THE DAILY LIFE OF THE INHABITANTS OF WHICH ALSO REPRESENTED THE CONTEMPORARY CULTURE OF HONG THE HAN PERIOD.
CONTENTS OF THIS AREA, KONG DURING
/'•ALTHOUGH HUNDREDS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
"ALTHOUGH HUNDREDS OF SIMILAR HAN TOMBS HAVE BEEN UNEARTHED IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA AREA IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, THE LEI CHENG UK TOMB REMAINS THE ONLY HAN TOMB DISCOVERED IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
THE DECLARATION OF THIS UNIQUE MONUMENT HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE PUBLIC-SPIRITED CO-OPERATION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
AFTER THE DECLARATION, THE TOMB WILL CONTINUE TO BE UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF HISTORY WITH SUPERVISION FROM THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE.
LOCATED AT 41 TONKIN STREET IN SHAM SHUI PO, THE LEI CHENG UK BRANCH MUSEUM IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE BY BOTH MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND BUSES. IT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY EXCEPT THURSDAYS.
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PRE-WAR BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS
* * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (FRIDAY) DECLARED A PRE-WAR BUILDING AT 269 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, KOWLOON TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THE THREE-STOREY BUILDING WITH TIMBER UPPER FLOORS AND ROOF ON STONE RUBBLE WALLS WAS IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF DILAPIDATION.
"SOME OF THE TIMBER FLOOR AND ROOF JOISTS ARE DECAYED AND PART OF THE ROOF HAS ALREADY COLLAPSED," HE SAID.
"CRACKS AND OPEN JOINTS WERE FOUND AT THE WALLS AND SIGNS OF UNEVEN SETTLEMENT OF THE REINFORCED CONCRETE VERANDAH WERE ALSO NOTED."
THERE WAS A POTENTIAL DANGER OF FURTHER COLLAPSE OF THE ROOF AND THAT THE DILAPIDATED CONDITION OF THIS BUILDING WAS BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR.
"IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE BUILDING FOR
DEMOLITION," HE ADDED.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON FEBRUARY 16 NEXT YEAR WAS POSTED TODAY.
/14
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 14 -
PRIVATE STREET IN WESTERN TO BE RESUMED *****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO RESUME AND REPAIR KWAI HEUNG STREET IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SAID, "KWAI HEUNG STREET IS NOT PROPERLY MANAGED AND MAINTAINED AND IS UNDER PRIVATE MULTIPLE OWNERSHIP.
"AS A RESULT IT IS GENERALLY NOT IN GOOD REPAIR ANU THE STREET IS PARTLY OCCUPIED BY STALLS. THE SITUATION HAS SOMETIMES GIVEN RISE TO CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL AND TRAFFIC PROBLEMS.
"IT IS NOW PROPOSED TO RESUME KWAI HEUNG STREET SO THAT GOVERNMENT CAN REPAIR AND THEREAFTER MAINTAIN THE ROAD AND DRAINS TO A PROPER STANDARD FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THE STREETS CAN THEN BE PROPERLY MANAGED BY GOVERNMENT," HE ADDED.
THE PROPOSED WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT INVOLVE THE REPAIR OF THE DEFECTIVE CARRIAGEWAYS, FOOTPATHS AND DRAINS WITHIN THE PRIVATE STREET.
WORK ON THIS PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1989.
NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS AND LAND RESUMPTION CAN BE SEEN AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
» DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, HONG KONG WEST, 12TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG;
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, HONG KONG.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSALS MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, CENTRAL. GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 14, 1989.
- 0-------
/15........
FRIDAY, jSCijrtBER 16. 1988
- ^5 -
SALARIES REVISION OF MAGISTRATES AND PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATES * * * * *
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAS ACCEPTED A PROPOSAL TO REVISE THE SALARIES OF MAGISTRATES AND PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATES TO REFLECT THEIR INCREASED LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
THE SALARIES WILL BE REVISED AS FOLLOWS:
RANK
PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATE
MAGISTRATE
EXISTING MONTHLY SALARY
NEW MONTHLY SALARY
$35,150
$28,070 - 329,325 $30,595 - $31,865 BY THREE ANNUAL INCREMENTS
$38,450
$32,750 - $33,550 $34,350 - $35,150 BY THREE ANNUAL
INCREMENTS
THE INCREASED LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY OF MAGISTRATES AND PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATES COMES ABOUT PARTLY THROUGH INCREASED PROFESSIONAL REPRESENTATION IN THE MAGISTRATES’ COURT, RESULTING IN LONGER AND MORE THOROUGHLY CONTESTED CASES.
FURTHER, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NO LONGER TRANSFERS CASES FROM THE MAGISTRATES’ COURT TO THE DISTRICT COURT SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE LONG OR BECAUSE DIFFICULT POINTS OF LAW ARE INVOLVED.
MANY CASES WHICH WOULD PREVIOUSLY HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED TO THE DISTRICT COURT ARE NOW HEARD BY MAGISTRATES.
SPECIAL MAGISTRATES, WHO WERE FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1932, HAVE REMOVED THE TRIAL OF MANY SIMPLE MATTERS FROM PERMANENT MAGISTRATES.
THE SALARIES REVISION WILL ALSO PERMIT THE JUDICIARY TO EXERCISE GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN THE POSTING OF JUDICIAL OFFICERS BETWEEN VARIOUS COURTS.
MAGISTRATES AT THE TOP OF THE NEW SALARY SCALE WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERTAKE THE WORK OF CORONER, ADJUDICATOR OR PRESIDING OFFICER, ALL OF WHICH ARE AT SALARY POINT $35,150.
CORONERS, ADJUDICATORS AND PRESIDING OFFICERS WILL, IN TURN, BE ABLE TO SIT AS MAGISTRATES, AS THE NEEDS OF THE SERVICE REQUIRE, AND BE MORE READILY ELIGIBLE FOR PROMOTION TO PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATES
MAGISTRATES AND PRINCIPAL MAGISTRATES WERE, UNTIL RECENTLY, ON SALARY SCALES AT MPS 48-51: $28,070 $31,865 AND DJL 1 (£35,150) RESPECTIVELY.
/ON NOVEMBER
FRIDAY,
DECEMBER 1b, 1988
16
ON NOVEMBER 2, 1988, FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SEPARATE JUDICIAL OFFICERS SALARY SCALE WITH A VIEW TO ENHANCING THE SEPARATION OF THE JUDICIARY FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE AND TO DEMONSTRATE ITS INDEPENDENCE.
SALARIES FOR JUDICIAL OFFICERS ARE NOW IDENTIFIED ONLY IN MONETARY TERMS ALTHOUGH THE LEVEL OF SALARIES FOR EACH OFFICER IS INITIALLY THE SAME AS ON THE OLD BANDED SCALE.
... --------------------------------0-------
MMW*^WW***^** ■
APPROVED CHAt WAN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN GAZETTED
Mttfr .■ «***$* #***♦.
S‘>J ■ k„« ' • '■■■• ■
THE APPROVED OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR CHAI WAN WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 634 HECT.ARES AND DEVELOPMENTS ARE MAINLY ON LAND RECLAIMED FROM THE SEA.
FURTHER RECLAMATION IS NOW TAKING PLACE IN THE SIU SAI WAN AREA AND LAND WILL BE RESERVED FOR COMMERCIAL/RES1DENTIAL, INDUSTRIAL, GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNT.TY AND OPEN SPACE USES.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN IS TO PROVIDE A STATUTORY LAND USE PATTERN AND ROAD NETWORKS AS A BASIS FOR DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT OF LAND IN THIS AREA.
THE PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; AND AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAI GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG.
COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLAN ARE AVAILABLE AT THE MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG. AND AT THE KOWLOON MAP AND PLAN SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
THE PRICE IS $10 EACH FOR THE UNCOLOURED VERSION AND $50 EACH FOR THE COLOURED PRINTED VERSION.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 17 -
PRIVATE LOTS TO BE RESUMED FOR RECREATIONAL USE ♦ * t * t
TWO PRIVATE LOTS IN YAU MA TEI ARE TO BE RESUMED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC OPEN SPACE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA.
THE LOTS TO BE RESUMED ARE SITUATED AT 187 RECLAMATION STREET AND 800 CANTON ROAD.
COMPRISING A CHILDREN'S PLAY AREA AND A REST GARDEN, THE OPEN SPACE WILL OCCUPY THE LOTS AS WELL AS A TEMPORARY REST GARDEN AND A YOUTH CENTRE ALREADY UNDER THE POSSESSION AND MANAGEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL BEGIN IN MARCH 1990 AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1991.
A NOTICE ON THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE OWNERS AND TENANTS OF THE TWO AFFECTED PRIVATE PROPERTIES WILL BE ENTITLED TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR THE LOSS OF THEIR INTERESTS.
-------0---------
17 COMMENDED FOR BRAVERY BY DIRECTOR OF MARINE ♦ ♦ * t ♦
THE BRAVE AND PUBLIC-SPIRITED ACTIONS OF 17 PEOPLE IN THE RESCUE OF 12 LIVES AT SEA DURING THE PAST YEAR WERE OFFICIALLY RECOGNISED THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR DERICK HALL, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS.
THE RECIPIENTS INCLUDED FOUR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, 10 CREW MEMBERS OF FERRY COMPANIES AND THREE POLICE CONSTABLES.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION, MR HALL EXTENDED HIS WARMEST CONGRATULATIONS TO THE RECIPIENTS FOR THEIR BRAVERY AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS OFTEN SAID TO BE A CITY OF SELFISH PEOPLE ONLY INTERESTD IN THEMSELVES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE FAMILIES.
/"THE PRESENCE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 18
"THE PRESENCE OF THESE BRAVE PEOPLE HERE TODAY IS A HEARTENING REMINDER THAT THIS IS UNTRUE.
"EACH ONE HAS RISKED HIS OWN LIFE TO SAVE A COMPLETE STRANGER FROM THE SEA," MR HALL SAID.
-------0---------
GOVERNOR TO OPEN CIVIC EDUCATION DAY *****
THE CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION WILL BE GIVEN A BIG BOOST THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) WHEN THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, PLEDGES HIS SUPPORT TO THE "TO CARE AND TO GIVE" MOVEMENT.
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "TO CARE AND TO GIVE: CIVIC EDUCATION DAY", THE GOVERNOR WILL SHOW HIS SUPPORT BY SIGNING A PLEDGE IN A BIG HEART-SHAPED CARD WHICH WILL BE HUNG ON A "CIVIC EDUCATION TREE" ON DISPLAY AT VICTORIA PARK.
GUESTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN THE GOVERNOR IN PLEDGING THEIR SUPPORT TO THE SPIRIT OF MUTUAL CARE AND HELP.
THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY IS ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO PROMOTE A GREATER SENSE OF MUTUAL HELP AND CARE IN THE COMMUNITY AND TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO CONTINUE CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH ACTION.
THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM ON SUNDAY. A TOTAL OF 17 COMMUNITY SERVICE ORGANISATIONS WILL SET UP STALLS TO INTRODUCE THEIR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY AND TO RECRUIT VOLUNTARY WORKERS.
ACTIVITIES APPEALING FOR CONTRIBUTION OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND DONATION OF KIDNEYS, CORNEA, BLOOD, CASH AND NEW TOYS WILL BE LAUNCHED ON THAT DAY. THERE WILL ALSO BE A CONCERT STAGED BY COMMERCIAL RADIO AND A YOUTH DRAWING COMPETITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "TO CARE AND TO GIVE: CIVIC EDUCATION DAY" TO BE HELD BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) AT VICTORIA PARK.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY STARTING AT 10.30 AM. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE COMMAND POST SET UP AT FOOTBALL PITCH NO. 5 BY 10.15 AM. INFORMATION OFFICERS FROM CNTA WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----0------
/19........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 19 -
GOVERNOR TO OFFICIATE AT FLOAT PARADE CEREMONY
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON WILL OFFICIATE AT A TELEVISED CEREMONY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) MARKING THE ARRIVAL IN CENTRAL OF A KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN FLOAT PARADE WHICH HAD TRAVELLED FROM TSUEN WAN.
THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT AT NOON.
A STARTING CEREMONY FOR THE PARADE WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND AT 9 AM.
OFFICIATING AT THIS WILL BE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR MA NING-HEI; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, MR WALTER SULKE; AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, DR PANG HOK-TUEN.
THE PARADE WILL LEAVE THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND AT 9.30 AM AND PASS THROUGH MAIN STREETS IN KOWLOON BEFORE CROSSING TO HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE PARADE WILL STOP AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT WHERE THE FLOATS WILL BE ON DISPLAY FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM.
THE FUNCTION IS ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENTS AT THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND AND THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
A COACH WILL PICK UP REPORTERS AT CGO CARPARK, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, AND LEAVE FOR TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND AT 7 AM SHARP. THOSE WHO WISH TO USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE SPORTS GROUND BY 8.45 AM.
AFTER THE STARTING CEREMONY AT TSUEN WAN, TRANSPORT WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO TAKE REPORTERS TO CENTRAL.
REPORTERS WHO PREFER TO USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT BY 11.30 AM AND SHOW THEIR REPORTER IDENTITY CARDS UPON ENTRY.
A PRESS DESK WILL BE SET UP NEAR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING.
O
/2O
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
20
FIRE PREVENTION
EXHIBITION IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST
*****
A FIRE PREVENTION EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) AFTERNOON TO PROMOTE AWARENESS IN PREVENTING FIRES IN THE DRY SEASON AND WHAT TO DO WHEN A FIRE OCCURS.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP, WILL BE HELD ON ALTERNATIVE SUNDAYS IN SEVERAL DENSELY POPULATED AREAS BY ROTATION.
"THE AIMS OF THE EXHIBITION ARE TO AROUSE THE PUBLIC’S AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FIRE PREVENTION AND HOW TO REACT IF A FIRE OCCURS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WORKING GROUP SAID.
"IF PEOPLE ARE ALERTED AND CAN RESPOND SWIFTLY AS SOON AS A FIRE IS DISCOVERED, CASUALTY CAN BE AVOIDED," HE ADDED.
EXHIBITION PANELS PROVIDED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE DISPLAYED TO ELABORATE ON THE THEME OF THIS YEAR'S CAMPAIGN ’WHEN THERE IS A FIRE, SOUND THE ALARM’.
AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION TO ADVISE THE PUBLIC HOW TO PREVENT COUNTRYSIDE FIRE.
"OFFICERS FROM THE TWO DEPARTMENTS WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MOREOVER, VISITORS TO THE EXHIBITION WILL RECEIVE A NEW FIRE PREVENTION LEAFLET AND SOUVENIRS SPONSORED BY THE KWONG ON BANK LTD.
"THE NEXT EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 8, 1989 AT THE
LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE IN LOK FU ESTATE," HE ADDED.
-------0 ---------
) MAJOR ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION TO OPEN ON SUNDAY I * * * *
A FIVE-MONTH ROVING EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE THE MESSAGE ’’ENJOY LIFE WITHOUT DRUGS" WILL BE LAUNCHED ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND THE COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES DIVISION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE EXHIBITION WILL BE ARRANGED AT THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY'S (HKHA) 20 SHOPPING CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY IN THE NEXT FIVE MONTHS.
/THE EXHIBITION,
FRIDAY .ABER 16, 1988
THE EXHIBITION, TO BE STAGED ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, AIMS TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS ON THE PEEN If OUS EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE ' ;D TO KEEP PEOPLE BETTER INFORMED ABOUT '.ONG KONG'S ANTi-DRUG WORK.
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CAiPAIGN WILL BE HELD AT THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE IN JUNCTION ROAD, WANG TAU HOM ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON.
A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE HKHA, MISS LEUNG WAI-TUNG, AND A MEMBER OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), MR LEE JARK-PUI, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
OTHER GUESTS ATTENDING THE CEREMONY INCLUDE THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR TONY RgYNALDS, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF BOUSING (COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES), MR SIMON P.H. LI.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY AN J>..'UR-LONG ENTERTAINMENT SHOW BY POPULAR ARTISTES.
THE ROVING EXHIBITION, EQUIPPED WITH DISPLAY PANELS ANO VIDEO SHOWS, WILL THEN TOUR ROUND THE FOLLOWING SHOPPING CENTRES OVER THE NEXT SIX WEEKENDS:
01 MAN SHOPPING CENTRE. HO MAN TIN ,DECEMBER 24 AND 25);
LOK WAH (NORTH) SHOPPING CENTRE, NGAU TAU KOK (DECEMBER 31 AND JANUARY 1);
CHUK YUEN (SOUTH) SHOPPING CENTRE, WONG TAI SIN (JANUARY 7 AND 8);
LEI CHENG UK SHOPPING CENTRE, SHAM SHUI PO (JANUARY 14 AND 15);
CHEUNG HONC SHOPPING CENTRE TSING YI (JANUARY 21 AND 22); AND
TAI WOR HAU SHOPPING CENTRE, TSUEN WAN (JANUARY 28 AND 29).
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 AM AND 6 PM DURING THE WEEKEND.
ANTI-NARCOTICS PUBLICI” ' ITEMS WILL Bl DISTRIBUTED BY NARCOTICS DIVISION STAFF 01 THE SPOT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE ENTERTAINMENT SHOW FOL TiiF ' ’A ■'?. 'U ' AT THE LOK
FU SHOPPING CENTRE, JUNE1'...’ (DECEMBER
18). THE CEREMONY WILL AND IE ENTERTAINMENT
PROGRAMMES WILL LAST UNI
A TEA RECEPTION WILL BE ARFANGF ' "r’>;
RESTAURTANT ON ' FIRST ■ ' 1
REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TG '
YUNG KONG CHIU CHOW
CENTRE FROM 1 PM. MFDTA
NARCOTICS DIVISION :.' W.c. TO >' ’.iLT.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
ANTI-NARCOTICS FUN DAY FOR KWAI TSING RESIDENTS
* * » t *
RESIDENTS OR KWAI CHUl-G AND "’SING YT ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN AN ANTI NARCOTICS FUN DAY THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.
PROGRAMMES INCLUDE PERFORMANCES BY THE TAI TAM MARCHING BAND, LOCAL SCHOOL BANDS, HONG KONG MORRIS DANCING TEAM, KWAI TSING DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS CO-ORDINATION ASSOCIATION, CHAMPION OF THE DISTRICT SINGING COMPETITION AND POPULAR SINGERS.
MEMBERS OF THE AREA COMM1TTEBS AND YIN NGAI SOCIETIES, AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AS WELL AS FACTORY WORKERS WILL FORM 15 TEAMS IN A TELEMATCH GAME.
THE FUN DAY IS THE FINALE OF A THREE-WEEK ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT SINCE THE END OF NOVEMBER. THE ACTIVITIES HELD INCLUDED AN EXHIBITION, DISCO NIGHT AND VISITS TO RELEVANT ORGANISATIONS.
THE CAMPAIGN WAS ORGANISE;' BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE WITH A BUDGET OF $300,000, OF WHICH $100,000 WAS ALLOCATED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE REMAIN?NG '00 000 DONATED BY PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP.
OFFICIATING AT T(i I OPE LU NG CEREMONY OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS FUN DAY WILL BE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE, MR SO HOI-PANG, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PAUL TANG KWOK-WAI, DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LEE WING-TAT AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, DR GERALD CHOA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT ANTI-NARCOTICS FUN DAI’ WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND (NEAR KWAI FONG MTR STATION).
--------0 ----------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 23 -
TENDERS
INVITED FOR IMPROVEMENT TO VAN TRACK
*****
TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO A VAN TRACK FROM MA WAT TO TUNG KOK WAI IN FANLING. A NOTICE FOR TENDERS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE URBAN FRINGE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME.
WORK WILL INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF 680 METRES OF VAN TRACK TO PROVIDE A 3.5-METRE WIDE CARRIAGEWAY WITH PASSING PLACES, TURNING AREA AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE.
THE RECONSTRUCTED TRACK WILL PROVIDE IMPROVED ACCESS FROM SHA TAU KOK ROAD TO TUNG KOK WAI VIA AN EXISTING SERVICE ROAD TO MA WAT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID CONSTRUCTION WORK WAS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN FEBRUARY, 1989 AND WOULD TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAD BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WOULD BE SUPERVISED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, HE ADDED.
-------o---------
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER PASSES AWAY * * * *
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, TODAY (FRIDAY) EXPRESSED DEEP REGRET AT THE DEATH OF AN APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO CHI-PING.
MR HO DIED YESTERDAY, AGED 65.
HE WAS APPOINTED TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT ADVISORY BOARD IN 1977 AND THEN SERVED ON THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD AS AN APPOINTED MEMBER FROM 1981. HE WAS AWARDED A BADGE OF HONOUR IN 1980.
"MR HO WAS ALWAYS HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM BY HIS COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS. HIS DISTINGUISHED AND DEDICATED SERVICE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT WILL LONG BE REMEMBERED," MR SUEN SAID.
MR SUEN ALSO OFFERED HIS CONDOLENCES TO MR HO’S FAMILY.
-----0-----
/24........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
- 24 -
FREE MEDICAL CHECK-UP FOR RESIDENTS *****
CHECK-UPS ON BLOOD PRESSURE, TEETH, EYES AND DIABETES WILL BE PROVIDED FREE OF CHARGE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT THE NEW WORLD CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18).
THE FREE SERVICES WILL BE OFFERED DURING A "HEALTH DAY" ORGANISED BY THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE AT THE CENTRE FROM 1 PM TO 4 PM THAT DAY.
IN ADDITION, THE FUNCTION WILL FEATURE AN EXHIBITION ON MENTAL HEALTH, AIDS AND CARDIAC HEALTH, AS WELL AS A VIDEO AND SLIDE SHOW ON DIABETES AND BLOOD PRESSURE PROBLEMS.
THE FUNCTION WILL BE OPENED AT 10.30 PM BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF YAU TSIM, MR ARTHUR YUEN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR YIP WAH; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA COMMITTEE, MR CHIU YU-HEI.
IT IS ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY MEDICAL SOCIETY, HONG KONG OPTOMETRIC ASSOCIATION AND YANG MEMORIAL SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE WITH SPONSORSHIP BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "HEALTH DAY" TO BE HELD FROM 10.30 AM TO 4 PM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18) AT THE NEW WORLD CENTRE, . TSIM SHA TSUI.
-------o ---------
FIGHT CRIME SHOW FOR SAI KUNG RESIDENTS ♦ * t * *
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A NIGHT OF FUN AND ENTERTAINMENT WHEN THE DISTRICT’S FIGHT CRIME VARIETY SHOW IS STAGED AT THE SAI KUNG JOCKEY CLUB TOWN HALL TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE VARIETY SHOW WILL START AT 7.30 PM WITH A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN WHICH SOME ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE GIVEN GOOD CITIZENS AWARDS FOR THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN FIGHTING CRIME.
/WINNERS OF
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
WINNERS OF ANTI-SHOP THEFT POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION WILL ALSO
HRSFS.X “TUs THE POHPKT.TXON «' HELD LA3Ts «OHTH AND
UiO1nJ t 1
BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES. BOTH PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
SCHOOL STUDENTS IN
THE
WERE
INVITED TO TAKE PART.
OTHER PROGRAMMES OF THE NIGHT ARE SINGING AND AN ANTI-TRIAD DRAMA.
BY FAMOUS ARTISTES
SAI KUNG ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS TAI SIN DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR DENIS DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR WILLIAM WAN AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIMP CAMPAIGN,
BETTY CHING;
THE
SHACKLETON; SAI I
STANDARD BEARER ,S CHAN MAM-Y EE
WONG KUNG
OF WILL
ATTEND THE SHOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
SHOW WILL START AT
7.30 PM.
- 0 - -
district
AFFAIRS SEMINAR for pok FU LAM RESIDENTS
I *
»
THE POK FU
WILL ORGANISE A ,
REPRESENTATIVES OF RESIDENTS
LAM AREA COMMITTEE AND SEMINAR ON TUESDAY
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT
(DECEMBER
20) SO
OFFICE
THAT
BODIES CAN
EXCHANGE VIEWS
ON DISTRICT
AFFAIRS.
THE JOINT SEMINAR WILL BE HELL AT FA YUEN, POK FU LAM, BEGINNING Al 8 ‘M.
THE COMMUNITY HALL IN CHI FU
and community building matters.
BY
THE
DISTRICT AND THE WORK OF TH!.'. ■ r• ■ - ' • 1 &OARI
THE dxsto^phce'V'teenJt^n’
AREA COMMITTEES AND LOCAL RESIDENT'S ORGALISA I,oNo.
BY
/REPRESE.NTATIVHI: OF
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
* 26
REPRESENTATIVES OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS WILL ATTEND THE SEMINAR ALONG WITH OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
THE SEMINAR WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO ALL INTERESTED RESIDENTS.
THE SOUTHERN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR DAVID LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR.
------0 -------
SWITCHING ON TO CHRISTMAS t * * *
LIGHTING DECORATIONS CELEBRATING THE COMING CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR SEASONS WERE SWITCHED ON IN SHA TIN BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE FOCAL POINT OF THIS YEAR’S CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS FOR SHA TIN IS A FIVE-METRE TALL FOUNTAIN IN THE FORM A CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATED WITH COLOURFUL LIGHT BULBS FLOATING ON SHING MUN RIVER.
A SPECTACULAR PICTURE MEASURING 6.5 METRES BY 100 METRES FEATURING CHRISTMAS STARS AND PEACE DOVES STAGED ON SAN MARTIN BRIDGE IS ANOTHER CENTRE OF ATTRACTION.
OTHER COLOURFUL DECORATIONS, MOSTLY WITH DOVES AND CHRISTMAS GREETINGS, HELP CREATE THE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE ALONG BANYAN BRIDGE, LEK YUEN BRIDGE, SHING MUN RIVER PROMENADES, CHE KUNG MIU ROAD AND IN CENTRAL PARK.
AT THE SAME TIME, LAMP POSTS ALONG MANY STREETS AND BRIDGES ARE DRESSED WITH BUNTINGS AND CHRISTMAS FLOWERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT FESTIVE LIGHT IN CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID THE LIGHTS WOULD BE ON BETWEEN 5.30 PM AND MIDNIGHT FROM TOMORROW TO JANUARY 5.
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY. AND NEW YEAR’S EVE TO JANUARY 3, THE LIGHTS WOULD BE ON TILL 5 AM TN THE NEXT MORNING.
"THIS YEAR'S LIGHTING PROGRAMME IS THE MOST AMBITIOUS AND SPECTACULAR IN SHA TIN SO FAR WITH A BUDGET OF $512,000, WHICH IS MORE THAN DOUBLE THE $250,000 LAST YEAR, ;i‘ SAID.
ZIN LINK
Ki-IDA.., DECEMBER l6t 1988
- 27 -
IN’ LINE WITH THE LKEITI'NG PROGRAMME, THREE COMPETITIONS WERE ORGANISED BY THE SHA /IN DIS'lR FESTIVE LIGHTING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE TO CELEBRATE THE OCCASION-
THESE WERE THE FESTIVE LIGHTING SLOGAN DESIGN COMPETITION, DRAWING AND COLOURING COMPETITION, AS WELL AS THE PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION.
THE WINNING SLOGAN, WHICH HAS BEEN CHOSEN FROM SOME 293 ENTRIES, NOW REPRESENTS THE THEME OF SHA TIN’S FESTIVE LIGHTING PROGRAMME.
MEANWHILE, Till FESTIVE ' ’Grill NG DRAWING AND _ COLOURING COMPETITION DIVIDED INTO GROUPS FOR PRIMARY ONE TO THREE, PRIMARY FOUR TO SIX, AND SECONDARY SCHOOL TRENTS WILL CLOSE IN MID-JANUARY.
THE FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION DIVIDED INTO OPEN AND STUDENT GROUPS WILL CLOSE IN MID-FEBRUARY.
-----0 ----
SPEEDPOST TO JORDAN, ZIMBABWE
*****
THE SPEEDPOS"- WILL BE EXTENDED TO JORDAN AND ZIMBABWE
WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (DECEMBER 19), THE POST OFFICE HAS ANNOUNCED.
THIS WILL BRING TO 57 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES INCLUDED IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG.
FOR JORDAN THE SPEEDIEST SERVICE IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO AMMAN. ITEMS WILL BE DELIVERED ON TLE NEXT WORKING DAY AFTER POSTING.
FOR ZIMBABWE, THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE BULAWAYO. ITEMS WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE POSTING.
IS AVAILABLE TO HARARE AND SECOND WORKING DAY AFTER
’’CONTRACT” AND “ON DEMAND” AND ZIMBABWE. THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT RATES ARE AS FOLLOWS
..RVICE S AVAILABLE TO BOTH JORDAN !S 20 KILOGRAMS AND THE POSTAGE
JORDAN
ZIMBABWE
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250 G
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 250 ’ AND 506 ’ EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL f 00 G
PICK-UP SERVICE BY THE POST OFF H : FROM CUSTOMERS’ PREMISES
$80
$90
$25 FREE
$115 $160 $60 FREE
/THE L’C’EUPOST
FRIDAY, DLUtMBER 16, 1988
THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE IS FAST AND RELIABLE MEANS FOR FORWARDING DOCUMENTS. SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE OVERSEAS.
CUSTOMERS REQUIRING MORE SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO TUES" TWO COUNTRIES AND THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE GENERALLY ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE POSTAL SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES ON 5-8683868.
-----0 - - - -
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAYS IN WESTERN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPAiT 'MlO: I ANNOUTED THAT SEVERAL ROAD SECTIONS IN WESTERN DISTR ICT WILI BI DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19).
THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EA ON STREET WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOE ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FOR DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE FOLLOWING TWO SECTIONS OF GUHEN’S ROAD WEST WILL ALSO BE MADE 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN u;EARWAYS FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS: THE SOUTHf.TiN KERBSIDE LANE BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 150 AND 156; AND THE NOFTIj- L •: bBSIDE LANE BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 167 AND 197.
TN ADDITION, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WATER STREET TO A POINT ABOU’ :0 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILS7 URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT ONE WEEK FOR CABLE-DUCT LAYING WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXC)■■■ > 'NCHR-'E; BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN ’’T'.E RESTRICTED AREAS.
0------
NIGHT CLOSURE OF KWAI TSING ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT KWAI TSING ROAD BETWEEN KWAI TSING ROUNDABOUT AND KWAI TAI ROAD WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY j'Ri’M 1< PM TO 5 AM THE NEXT DAY ON DECEMBER 19 TO 21 AND ON JANUARY 9 AND 10.
THE NIGHT CLOSURE.- ' > L’ NE ESSARY BECAUSE OF FOOTBRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION.
ON DECEMBER I AND MNUAi'Y TH- TMNG YI BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THIS SECTION OF KWAI TSIN- ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
- 0 -
/29........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
29
ALL VEHICLES HEADING FOR TSING YI, INCLUDING KMB ROUTES 41, 42, 43, 43A, 43C, 43D, 43M, 44 AND 44M AND NEW TERRITORIES GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 88, 88B, 88C, 88M AND 88S, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONTAINER PORT ROAD AND KWAI TAI ROAD.
ON DECEMBER 20 AND 21 AND JANUARY 10, THE KWAI CHUNG BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ITS SECTION OF KWAI TSING ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE TSING YI BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE SAME ROAD SECTION WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
IN ADDITION, VEHICLES FROM WING SHUN STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWAI HEI STREET AND KWAI FUK ROAD.
-----o------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM EDE ROAD TO WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
VEHICLES ON EDE ROAD HEADING FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES CAN TRAVEL VIA CORNWALL STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD.
MEANWHILE, TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION OF A NULLAH BRIDGE, MA TIN ROAD IN YUEN LONG BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD LEADING TO MA TIN TSUEN WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 30 MINUTES PAST MIDNIGHT TO 5.30 AM ON DECEMBER 19 AND 20.
VEHICLES ENTERING OR LEAVING THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD LEADING TO MA TIN TSUEN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MA TIN ROAD AND TAI YUK ROAD WHILE THOSE ON YUEN LONG ON HING STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ON HONG ROAD AND KAU YUK ROAD.
0
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE CENTRE LANE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD NORTHBOUND NEAR SUN TIN WAI ESTATE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC DAILY BETWEEN 11 PM AND 7 AM THE NEXT DAY FROM DECEMBER 18 TO 20 AND FROM JANUARY 8 TO 10 FOR THE REPAINTING OF A SIGN GANTRY.
MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AIDS WILL BE PROVIDED TO GUIDE THEM.
------o ------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
(SUPPLEMENT)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
TELEVISION INTERVIEW GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID 'WILSON, ON FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1988
1
GOVERNOR GIVES TELEVISION INTERVIEW * » * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS A FULL TRANSCRIPT OF THE TELEVISION INTERVIEW GIVEN TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON.
THE INTERVIEWERS WERE CHRIS BALE OF ATV AND BETTY LIU OF ■'TVS, AND THE MODERATOR WAS CHRIS HILTON OF RTHK:
HILTON: THE YEAR IN QUESTION, 1988, HAS BEEN ONE OF INCREASING PROSPERITY AND OPTIMISM FOR HONG KONG BUT THESE ARE BEING TEMPERED BY AS YET UNRESOLVED POLITICAL DEBATE AND ARGUMENT. THE ECONOMY HAS MADE A STEADY RECOVERY FROM THE CRASH OF THE STOCK MARKET LAST OCTOBER. EXPORTS CONTINUE TO GROW. BUT THE SPECTRE OF DOUBLE DIGIT INFLATION LOOMS ON THE HORIZON, AND INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE BEEN DOGGED BY A SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF SUITABLE LABOUR. THERE HAS BEEN MOUNTING CONCERN DURING THE YEAR AT THE STEADY SEEPAGE AWAY TO COUNTRIES LIKE THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA OF MANY OF HONG KONG’S BRIGHTEST AND BEST: THE BRAIN DRAIN, A PROBLEM REGARDED SO SERIOUSLY THAT THE SPECIAL THINK TANK ANNOUNCED THIS YEAR TO FORMULATE STRATEGIC PLANS FOR HONG KONG'S FUTURE WILL HAVE IT AS ONE OF THEIR MAJOR PRIORITIES.
THE PROBLEMS OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE CONTINUE TO DRAG ON, AND HONG KONG’S HARDENED ATTITUDE TOWARDS NEW ARRIVALS HAS AROUSED SOME CRITICISM.
ON THE POLITICAL FRONT, NEW FACES HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND THE PROCESS OF HAMMERING OUT A CONSTITUTION FOR POST 1997 HONG KONG, THE BASIC LAW, HAS CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. BUT FEARS PERSIST IN SOME QUARTERS THAT HONG KONG’S PROMISED AUTONOMY MAY BE COMPROMISED IN THE FINAL DOCUMENT.
THESE AND MANY MORE ISSUES HAVE BEEN EVERYDAY CONCERNS FOR THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND IN THIS SPECIAL PROGRAMME HE TALKS ABOUT THEM WITH TWO DISTINGUISHED TELEVISION JOURNALISTS, BETTY LIU OF TVB AND CHRIS BALE OF ATV.
BALE: SIR DAVID, 1988 HAS BEEN YOUR FIRST FULL YEAR AS GOVERNOR. LOOKING BACK OVER THE YEAR, WHAT DO YOU THINK THAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ACHIEVE FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: I TEND NOT TO SEE THINGS IN TERMS OF WHAT I PERSONALLY AS A SINGLE PERSON ACHIEVE BUT MORE WHAT THE GOVERNMENT IS DOING. I WOULD LOOK ON THIS AS BEING A VERY EVENTFUL YEAR. 1 THINK THAT IS PROBABLY TRUE OF MOST YEARS IN HONG KONG, THEY ARE EVENTFUL. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT WHAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DONE, IT ADDS UP TO A VERY SUBSTANTIAL SERIES OF MAJOR DECISIONS AND A LOT OF THINGS IN WHICH WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD. LET ME JUST PICK OUT SOME OF THOSE.
THE ECONOMY, THAT IS GOING WELL. THE RATE OF INCREASE OF EXPORTS IS NOT AS HIGH AS IT WAS LAST YEAR. THE RATE OF GROWTH WON'T BE AS HIGH AS IT WAS LAST YEAR. THAT IS A GOOD THING. WE WERE OVERHEATING IN THE ECONOMY WITH 13 PER CENT GROWTH IN REAL TERMS AFTER 11 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS. SO THE ECONOMY IS GOING REASONABLY WELL, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE PROBLEMS AS CHRIS HILTON WAS MENTIONING JUST NOW.
2
MAJOR DECISIONS ON THINGS LIKE THE INFRASTRUCTUFk: THE DECISION WAS TAKEN THIS YEAR TO GO AHEAD ON TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL; THE DECISION WAS TAKEN ON THE NEXT CONTAINER TERMINAL. ALL THESE ARE MAJOR LONG-TERM PLANS. OTHER THINGS, CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES. WE HAD A VERY LONG DEBATE IN 1987, A GREAT DEAL SAID ABOUT CONST!" TIONAL CHANGE. WE HAVE NOW TAKEN A FIRM DECISION FOR A MAJOR STEP FORWARD IN 1991 WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF AN ELEMENT OF DIRECT ELECTIONS.
WE HAVE TACKLED, FACED AND TACKLED, PROBLEMS LIKE THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE ISSUE. WE HAVEN’T SOLVED IT, BUT WE ARE FACING UP TO IT AND LOOKING FOR WAYS IN WHICH WE SHOULD TRY TO DEAL WITH IT. AND WE HAVE LOOKED AHEAD TO MAJOR PLANS FOR THE LONG-TERM FUTURE IN A WAY WHICH DOES NOT LIMIT US TO THAT DATE 1997 BUT LOOKS WELL BEYOND IT; THINKING IN TERMS OF THE DECISION NEXT YEAR ON THE AIRPORT, THE DECISION ON PORT EXPANSION.
SO I WOULD SAY IN GENERAL TERMS A LOT OF PROBLEMS FACED, SOLUTIONS LOOKED FOR, A NUMBER OF THOSE THINGS ALREADY TACKLED, OTHER THINGS TO BE TACKLED NEXT YEAR.
LIU: SIR DAVID, HOW WOULD YOU ASSESS HONG KONG’S POLITICAL CLIMATE AT THIS POINT? WE HAVE JUST WITNESSED DEMONSTRATIONS AGAINST THE LATEST BASIC LAW PROPOSAL, CHINESE OFFICIALS HAVE VOICED THEIR CONCERNS ON A NUMBER OF HUNGER STRIKES, AND ABOUT 50,000 PEOPLE ARE ESTIMATED TO BE LEAVING HONG KONG THIS YEAR. ARE THESE DEVELOPMENTS GOOD FOR HONG KONG?
GOVERNOR: I WOULDN’T PUT ALL THESE THINGS TOGETHER NECESSARILY. THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF DEBATE IN HONG KONG. THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL MORE DEBATE ACTUALLY LAST YEAR.
LET’S TAKE THE BASIC LAW FOR INSTANCE. THE INTERESTING POINT ABOUT THAT, I THOUGHT, WAS THE WAY IN WHICH THE FORMULATION OF THE BASIC LAW HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT IN A VERY OPEN PROCESS. WE HAVE HAD TWO GROUPS OF MAINLAND DRAFTERS COMING DOWN TO HONG KONG, TRYING TO SEEK HONG KONG OPINIONS; A LOT OF OPINIONS PUT FORWARD. PROPOSALS ARE NOW BEING MADE FOR A SECOND DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW WHICH SEEM TO HAVE TAKEN ACCOUNT OF MOST OF THOSE OPINIONS PUT FORWARD IN HONG KONG, AND I AM TALKING HERE ABOUT THE MAIN TEXT OF THE BASIC LAW, NOT THE ANNEXES ON THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE AFTER 1997. SO, THAT HAS BEEN A MAJOR PART OF WHAT HAS BEEN GOING ON.
OF COURSE IN ANY POLITICAL DEBATE YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE OUTCOME OR WHO ARE PUTTING FORWARD NEW IDEAS. THERE IS A LOT THAT IS HEALTHY IN THAT. WE ARE A VERY ACTIVE SOCIETY, ONE WHICH TAKES A LOT OF INTEREST NOW IN POLITICAL MATTERS, SO THERE IS A LOT THAT IS HEALTHY IN THAT.
NOW YOUR SECOND PART WAS PEOPLE LEAVING HONG KONG, AND I DON'T THINK THAT THESE TWO NECESSARILY GO TOGETHER. I HAVE SAID A NUMBER OF TIMES THAT HONG KONG IS A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE HAVE COME IN AND PEOPLE HAVE MOVED ON. THAT IS SOMETHING TRADITIONAL ABOUT HONG KONG. THE NUMBERS LEAVING HAVE INCREASED RECENTLY. IT CREATES SOME PROBLEMS FOR US AS A SOCIETY. THEY ARE NOT CRISIS-LIKE PROBLEMS, BUT THEY ARE PROBLEMS WE HAVE TO LOOK AT AND SEE IF THERE ARE WAYS THAT WE CAN TACKLE THEM.
/3........
3
I DON’T MYSELF THINK WE SHOULD ANTICIPATE A SUDDEN ENDING OF THAT PROCESS. PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE NERVOUS ABOUT THE FUTURE. SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO LOOK FOR AN INSURANCE POLICY BY GOING ABROAD. I HOPE THAT SOME OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO GO ABROAD WILL THEN COME BACK TO HONG KONG TO CONTRIBUTE TO ITS FUTURE.
MANY, MANY PEOPLE, BY FAR AND AWAY THE VAST MAJORITY, WILL ALWAYS STAY HERE AND WILL COMMIT THEMSELVES TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, AND WE MUST THINK OF THOSE PEOPLE, TOO.
LIU: THE EARLY 1990'S APPEAR TO BE THE WATERSHED IN THE RUN-UP TO 1997. AS YOU HAVE JUST MENTIONED, THE BASIC LAW WILL BE PROMULGATED, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE EXPECT TO DECIDE THEN WHETHER TO LEAVE OR NOT, AND INVESTORS ARE ALSO ADOPTING A WAIT AND SEE ATTITUDE. NOW WHAT SORT OF CONTINGENCY PLANS ARE NEEDED?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I WOULD PICK YOU UP ON THAT INVESTORS ARE ADOPTING A WAIT AND SEE ATTITUDE.
LIU: FOR LONG TERM INVESTMENT.
GOVERNOR: WELL, NO, LOOK AT THE LONG TERM INVESTMENT. TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL I MENTIONED A MOMENT AGO. THAT IS A VERY LARGE, VERY LONG TERM INVESTMENT. THE SECOND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL IS VERY LARGE, VERY LONG TERM. PEOPLE WON’T GET THEIR MONEY BACK UNTIL WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY. THE CONTAINER TERMINAL IS THE SAME. SO I DON’T THINK IT IS TRUE TO SAY THAT INVESTORS ARE WAITING TO SEE WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. THERE IS A LOT OF INVESTMENT GOING ON.
LIU: WELL, I THINK A LOT IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY ARE CERTAINLY ADOPTING THAT ATTITUDE, IT WOULD APPEAR TO BE.
GOVERNOR: WELL, IF YOU LOOK AT THE FIGURES FOR LAST YEAR OF RETAINED IMPORTS, OF CAPITAL GOODS, WHICH IS ONE OF THE WAYS OF MEASURING THIS, THEY WERE ACTUALLY AT AN ALL-TIME HIGH LAST YEAR. THEY ARE NOT QUITE SO HIGH THIS YEAR BECAUSE THE RATE OF GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY IS SLOWING DOWN. BUT THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG AND I THINK THAT IS THE IMPORTANT POINT. IN FACT IT IS A PLACE WHICH IS MAKING SO MUCH MONEY THAT THERE IS A LOT OF INVESTMENT GOING OVERSEAS, AS PEOPLE BROADEN THE BASE OF THEIR INVESTMENT.
LIU: BUT SURELY THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE SOME SORT OF CONTINGENCY PLANS FOR VARIOUS SCENARIOS THAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
GOVERNOR: WELL, I DON’T THINK IT IS SOMETHING YOU TALK OF IN TERMS OF CONTINGENCY PLANS IF WE ARE DEALING WITH INVESTMENT. WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO IS TO MAKE SURE THAT INVESTMENT IS ENCOURAGED AND PEOPLE GO ON INVESTING IN THE SAME WAY THAT THEY HAVE BEEN INVESTING UP TO NOW.
ONE OF THE REASONS I WENT RECENTLY ON A TRIP TO WESTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WAS PRECISELY WITH THAT OBJECTIVE, TO EXPLAIN WHAT THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE FOR THE FUTURE, TO EXPLAIN WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG NOW, WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF ENCOURAGING PEOPLE TO CONTINUE TO INVEST IN HONG KONG. THAT IS ONE THING.
ONE OTHER THING THAT I WOULD MENTION IS THAT ALL THESE LONG-TERM INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS THAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT ARB HUGE INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG. THEY WILL HELP, I BELIEVE, TO KEEP THE ECONOMY DYNAMIC AND BUOYANT IN THE 1990'S WHEN YOU MIGHT GET SOME DEGREE OF NERVOUSNESS.
4
BALE: SIR DAVID, EARLIER THIS YEAR WE HAD A ROW, YOU REMEMBER, OVER FILM CENSORSHIP AND THE POSSIBILITY OF A MOVE TO ALLOW CENSORSHIP QF FILMS IF THEY MIGHT HARM HONG KONG’S RELATIONS WITH OTHER COUNTRIES WHICH WAS GENERALLY TAKEN TO REFER TO CHINA.
THEN LAST WEEK WE HAD SOME DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS BEGINNING A SERIES OF 50 HOUR HUNGER STRIKES AGAINST A BASIC LAW PROPOSAL WHICH THEY DIDN’T LIKE. IT SEEMED A FAIRLY MILD PROTEST, BUT TWO SENIOR CHINESE OFFICIALS SPOKE AGAINST IT VERY QUICKLY. ONE CAUSED IT CONFRONTATIONAL. AND THEN THIS WEEK WE HAVE HAD A PRIEST ON HUNGER STRIKE OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, CALLING FOR THE RELEASE OF THE HONG KONG MAN HELD IN A PRISON IN CHINA, AND INSTEAD OF JUST LETTING HIM GET ON WITH IT THE GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN HIM TO COURT.
I WONDER WHETHER THROUGH 1988 WE HAVE BEGUN TO SEE A PATTERN EMERGING THAT THE DAYS OF FREE SPEECH ARE NUMBERED, AND THAT OPINIONS AND PROTESTS WHICH ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE TO CHINA WILL NOT BE TOLERATED?
GOVERNOR: CATEGORIC NO. WE HAVEN'T. WE HAVE A TRADITION HERE OF PEOPLE SPEAKING FREELY. WE HAVE A TRADITION OF PEOPLE PUBLISHING FREELY WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY. A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF DIVERSE OPINIONS IN THE PRESS, ON THE MEDIA, ON TELEVISION. NO SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE SAYING WHAT THEY WANT TO SAY. NO SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE, IF THEY WISH TO, HOLDING DEMONSTRATIONS, HOLDING MEETINGS IN PUBLIC.
THINGS LIKE SOMEBODY HOLDING A HUNGER STRIKE OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING, THE ONLY PROBLEM THERE IS IF YOU HAD A TRADITION, IF YOU LIKE, GROWING UP OF PEOPLE ALWAYS DEMONSTRATING OUTSIDE THE LEGCO BUILDING, YOU WOULD START TO HINDER THE WORK OF LEGCO. THERE IS NO INTENTION TO TRY TO STOP SOMEBODY EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS. THERE IS CERTAINLY NO QUESTION AT ALL OF ANY OF THOSE ACTIONS BEING TAKEN BECAUSE IT DOES OR IT DOES NOT AFFECT CHINA.
LIU: TAKING YOUR POINT A STEP FURTHER ON THE ISSUE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF DIRECT ELECTIONS IN 1991, WOULD YOU EXPECT TO SEE THE EMERGENCE OF POLITICAL PARTIES?
GOVERNOR: WHEN YOU GET INTO A POLITICAL SYSTEM WHICH HAS DIRECT ELECTIONS, OR INDEED ANY SORT OF ELECTIONS, AUTOMATICALLY I THINK, AND GRADUALLY, YOU GET GROUPS BUILDING UP. NOW IN HONG KONG THEY WON’T NECESSARILY BE POLITICAL PARTIES, THE SAME AS YOU WOULD HAVE POLITICAL PARTIES ELSEWHERE. THEY MAY START AS GROUPS CENTRING ROUND AN INDIVIDUAL, SORT OF LOYALTY GROUPS TO AN INDIVIDUAL, BUT I THINK IT IS A NATURAL PROCESS THAT YOU WILL GET THOSE GROUPS EMERGING. I AM NOT SURE MYSELF WHETHER THEY WILL BE IDEOLOGICALLY BASED POLITICAL PARTIES AS YOU MIGHT GET THEM IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD, BUT GROUPS, YES.
LIU: LAST MONTH YOU WENT TO CHINA. NOW HAVE YOU SPOKEN WITH THE CHINESE OFFICIALS, HAVE YOU TOUCHED ON THIS MATTER WHEN YOU WERE THERE?
GOVERNOR: I DIDN’T TALK ABOUT POLITICAL PARTIES, NO.
/5........
BALE: SIR DAVID, YOU STRESSED IN YOUR VERY FIRST ANSWER THAT GOVERNING HONG KONG IS NOT A ONE MAN JOB, IT INVOLVES TEAMWORK, BUT THERE DOES SEEM TO BE A LOT OF DISCONTENT IN YOUR TEAM AT THE MOMENT. WE HAVE GOT THE GOVERNMENT SURVEYORS ARE UNHAPPY, SU ARE .'HE DOCTORS, SO ARE THE NURSES. YOU SEEM TO HAVE SOME PROBLEMS WITH IKE JUDICIARY. WE HAVE GOT THE AMBULANCEMEN, THE POLICEMEN, THE CUSTOMS OFFICERS, UNHAPPY WITH THE SALARY SITUATION, AND JUST LAST WEEK 'IE CHINESE CIVIL SERVANTS ASSOCIATION DESCRIBING THE PAY NIIGO •' . A I I DNS SET-UP AS "CHAOTIC". YOU ARE THE TEAM CAPTAIN. WHY ARE YOUR PROP E SO UNHAPPY?
GOVERNOR: WELL, I WOULD SAY FIRST OF ALL I HAVE GOT AN EXTREMELY GOOD TEAM. I THINK THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY FIRST RATE. WE HAVE GOT A VERY GOOD CIVIL SERVICE IN HONG KONG, IT WORKS VERY WELL TO DEAL WITH ALL THE PROBLEMS WE FACE. IT IS AN EXTRAORDINARILY ACTIVE GOVERNMENT. IF YOU COMPARE IT WITH GOVERNMENTS AND CIVIL SERVICES ROUND THE REST OF THE WORLD, OR IF I COMPARE IT WITH OTHER BUREAUCRACIES THAT I HAVE WORKED IN, I THINK IS A FIRST RATE BUREAUCRACY AND I AM PROUD TO BE TEAM LEADER, TO USE YOUR WORDS.
NOW OF COURSE WE HAVE OUR PROBLEMS AND MOST ORGANISATIONS TEND TO HAVE PROBLEMS ABOUT PAY IN AN INFLATIONARY SITUATION. WHENEVER YOU TRY TO SORT OUT THOSE PROBLEMS, AS WE HAVE BEEN RECENTLY WITH THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES, YOU GET PEOPLE WHO ARE DISSATISFIED WITH SOME PART OF THE RESULT. SOME PEOPLE ARE SATISFIED. SOME PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T COME OUT OF IT QUITE SO WELL ARE DISSATISFIED, AND NATURALLY ENOUGH THEY EXPRESS THEIR DISSATISFACTION BECAUSE THEY HOPE THAT THE TERMS WILL BE IMPROVED. WHAT I HOPE IS THAT IN DEALING WITH ALL THESE PROBLEMS WE WILL DEAL WITH THEM BY DISCUSSION.
LET ME TAKE FOR INSTANCE THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES. THE PROPOSAL IN THE RENNIE REPORT IS THAT THERE SHOULD BE A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO LOOK AFTER THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES. NOW THAT IS A MAJOR STEP FORWARD FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES. IT IS SOMETHING THEY HAVE BEEN WANTING FOR A LONG TIME. THAT WILL BE THE FORUM FOR CONTINUING TO DISCUSS ANY PARTICULAR PROBLEMS THAT THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES ’"ACE. YOU CAN’T EXPECT IN DEALING WITH PAY THAT PEOPLE WILL SIMPLY SAY, YES WE AGREE WITH THAT DECISION, WE THINK IT IS FIRST RATE, AND EVERYBODY SAYS THAT.
OF COURSE THERE WILL BE PROBLEMS PUT FORWARD BUT THE WAV TO DEAL WITH THEM AND THE WAY I AM SURE THAT THE' WILL BE D’ALT WiTH, IS BY CONTINUING DISCUSSION AND NOT BY ACTIONS WHICH COULD PUT AT RISK THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC.
LIU: SIR DAVID, HOW MUCH OF A DENT WOULD YOU THINK THE BRAIN DRAIN WOULD CREATE FOR THE CIVIL, SERVICE AND ITS LOCALISATION POLICY?
GOVERNOR: THE BRAIN DRAIN AT THE MOMENT IS NOT AFFECTING THE CIVIL SERVICE PERHAPS AS MUCH AS I'! ’S AFFECTING THF PRIVATE SECTOR. THE EXTENT TO WHICH PEOPLE ARL LEAVING THE CI" IL SERVICE IS ACTUALLY QUITE SMALL AT THE MOMENT. IT IS ABOUT 4-5 PER CENT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. AND THAT IS VERY MUCH LOWER THAN THE RATE OF CHANui’ OF _ IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. SO AT THE MOMENT WE ARI NOT I: El NG -iRI ’ SL1
AFFECTED BY THE BRAIN DRAIN B' ‘-FOFLE MOVI.'N •aA'. .
6
LIU: WHAT DO YOU SEE WHEN YOU LOOK AHEAD THOUGH?
GOVERNOR: IT IS DIFFICULT TO SAY AT THE MOMENT. I EXPECT THAT THERE WILL BE PEOPLE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE WHO WILL EMIGRATE. I MEAN THE CIVIL SERVICE IS PART OF SOCIETY AND THERE WILL BE PEOPLE MOVING FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE, JUST LIKE THERE ARE PEOPLE MOVING FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR. AT THE MOMENT IT DOESN'T LOOK AS IF IT IS GOING TO EE A SERIOUS PROBLEM.
YOUR SECOND QUESTION WAS ON LOCALISATION. IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WE HAVE BEEN LOCALISING, AS YOU KNOW, FOR A LONG TIME, AND BEFORE 1997 WE HAVE GOT TO LOCALISE ALL THE TOP JOBS BECAUSE THE TOP JOBS MUST BE HELD BY LOCAL PEOPLE, SO WE WILL DO THAT. BUT THERE WILL STILL BE A ROLE FOR EXPATRIATES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE UP TO 1997, AND WELL BEYOND 1997 BECAUSE THAT IS PROVIDED FOR IN THE AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE.
IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR I SUSPECT THAT TWO THINGS: ONE, BECAUSE THE ECONOMY IS GROWING SO FAST, AND, TWO, BECAUSE SOME OF THE TALENTED WHITE COLLAR WORKERS ARE LEAVING, THAI THERE IS GOING TO BE A GREATER ROLE FOR EXPATRIATES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR THAN MIGHT HAVE SEEMED LIKELY, LET’S SAY, FIVE YEARS AGO.
BALE: LET’S FOLLOW UP THIS BUSINESS OF EMIGRATION. YOU ADMITTED EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT FORTY TO FIFTY THOUSAND PEOPLE WILL LEAVE HONG KONG THIS YEAR, SOME PEOPLE EVEN SUGGEST THE ESTIMATES MIGHT BE SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN THAT. BUT IT IS TRUE, ISN’T IT, THAT MILLIONS MORE WOULD GO IF ONLY' THEY HAD THE MONEY OR THE FAMILY CONNECTIONS TO GAIN THEM ENTRY TO ANOTHER COUNTRY OVERSEAS, AND SO THAT THE BRAIN DRAIN OR EMIGRATION, CALL IT WHAT YOU WILL, IS BASICALLY JUST A SYMPTOM OF A MUCH MORE GENERAL SICKNESS THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG DO NOT HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE.
GOVERNOR: I WOULDN’T PUT IT LIKE THAT MYSELF, AND FIRS! OF ALL I WOULDN’T SAY I ADMITTED THAT THERE WOULD BE 45,000 OR FORTY TO FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND. WHAT THAT WAS WAS AN ATTEMPT TO GET THE BEST POSSIBLE ESTIMATE WE COULD, SO !T WAS A POSITIVE ATTEMPT TO TRY TO PIN DOWN THE FIGURES SO WE WEREN'T DEALING WITH RUMOUR BUT WE WERE DEALING WITH HARD FACT.
THERE PROBABLY ARE MORE PEOPLE WHO THINK ABOUT GOING THAN ACTUALLY GO. IT IS THE SORT OF THING THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE TALK ABOUT, AND PARTICULARLY FROM CERTAIN SECTORS OF SOCIETY THEY TALK ABOUT IT. MANY' OF THE PEOPLE WHO TALK ABOUT IT WILL NEVER ACTUALLY GO, JUST AS IN MANY OTHER COUNTRIES PEOPLE TALK AJBOUT, SAY FROM BRITAIN THERE USED TO BE A LOT OF TALK ABOUT EMIGRATING TO AUSTRALIA IN THE J950’S AND 1960’S. MOST WHO TALKED DIDN'T ACTUALLY GO.
AND IT WILL ALWAYS BE TRUE IN HONG KONG THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF PEOPLE WON’T GO, SO WE MUST THINK OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE GOING TO STAY HERE; PEOPLE WHO EITHER WOULD LIKE TO GO BUT CAN'T, OR MANY, MANY PEOPLE, THOSE WHO HAVE COMMITTED riEMSELVES TO HONG KONG, AND WANT TO WORK TO ENSURE THAT HONG K.ON . DOES HAVE. A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE.
7
BALE: SIR DAVID, SOMEBODY WATCHING THIS PROGRAMME MAY FEEL, WELL, YOU WOULD TALK ABOUT COMMITMENT, YOU WOULD TALK ABOUT CONFIDENCE, I MEAN THAT IS WHAT YOU ARE PAID TO DO, YOU HAVE A BRITISH PASSPORT, YOU WON’T BE HERE IN 1998. BUT THE VIEWER, PERHAPS WORKING IN A MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY OR HAVING HIS OWN SMALL BUSINESS, DEALING EVERY DAY WITH COUNTERPARTS IN CHINA, SEEING THE CORRUPTION, SEEING THE INEFFICIENCY, SEEING THE BUREAUCRACY, AND THEN COMPARING THAT WITH WHAT HE SEES IN HONG KONG, CANNOT LOOK TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WITH CONFIDENCE. HE LOOKS FORWARD WITH FEAR OR DESPAIR.
GOVERNOR: WELL, I HOPE IT IS NOT TRUE THAT ALL OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE WATCHING THIS PROGRAMME FROM THE PLACES THAT YOU SUGGEST ARE LOOKING FORWARD WITH FEAR OR WITH WORRY.
THAT PEOPLE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT CHANGE. I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND. THAT I SHOULD BE COMMITTED TO MAKING A SUCCESS OF THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IS ABSOLUTELY TRUE. IT IS NOT SIMPLY BY JOB, IT IS MY OWN PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO TRY TO ACHIEVE THAT. WE FACE A CERTAIN HISTORICAL MOMENT FOR HONG KONG. MANY PEOPLE PROBABLY WOULD HAVE PREFERRED THAT THAT CHOICE DIDN’T HAVE TO BE MADE, THAT THOSE DECISIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE WERE NOT FORCED UPON US. BUT THAT IS THE HISTORICAL SITUATION IN WHICH WE FIND OURSELVES.
NOW WE, AND I, MUST TRY TO ENSURE THAT THAT WORKS AS WELL AS IT POSSIBLY CAN FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, BECAUSE THERE WILL, IN 1997, BE FIVE AND A HALF, SIX, MAYBE OVER SIX MILLION PEOPLE LIVING HERE.
WE MUST DO WHATEVER WE CAN FOR THE SAKE OF THOSE PEOPLE, AND WE MUST TRY TO CREATE A SITUATION IN WHICH NOT ONLY CAN THEY HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE, BUT WHICH THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FUTURE, THE HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, HONG KONG LOOKING AFTER ITS OWN AFFAIRS, ACTUALLY WORKS.
LIU: SIR DAVID, WHAT ARE YOUR MAJOR CONCERNS IN MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY; FOR EXAMPLE THERE IS THE LABOUR SHORTAGE, PROPERTY PRICES, ESPECIALLY COMMERCIAL RENTS, ARE SKY HIGH, AND MIDDLE MANAGEMENT PEOPLE ARE LEAVING, PLUS INFLATION IS BACK. HOW DO YOU THINK THESE PROBLEMS WOULD BE WORKED OUT?
GOVERNOR: THE WAY YOU PUT IT MAKES IT SOUND MARVELLOUSLY GLOOMY BUT IF YOU GO ROUND THE REST OF THE WORLD AS I HAVE BEEN DOING RECENTLY AND YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT HAS BEEN HAPPENING IN HONG KONG, YOU TALK ABOUT 13 PER CENT REAL GROWTH LAST YEAR, 11 PER CENT REAL GROWTH THE YEAR BEFORE, AN AVERAGE OF 8 PER CENT REAL GROWTH OVER 20 YEARS, THEY ARE ASTONISHED. THIS IS FAR BETTER THAN MOST ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD MANAGE TO ACHIEVE.
NOW OF COURSE WE HAVE GOT PROBLEMS. WE HAVE GOT INFLATION AT THE MOMENT WHICH IS UNCOMFORTABLY HIGH. WE HAVE GOT A LABOUR SHORTAGE WHICH IS LARGELY A PRODUCT OF A BOOMING ECONOMY. WE HAVE GOT PROBLEMS. BUT DON’T LET’S GET OVERWHELMED BY THESE PROBLEMS, AND FORGET THE VERY REAL ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
/8........
8
LIU: WELL, IN FACT THE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE MENTIONED WERE ACTUALLY RAISED IN A HONGKONG BANK REPORT ISSUED LAST NIGHT SO I WAS JUST WONDERING IF YOU ARE A BIT WORRIED ABOUT THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK, SAY FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS?
GOVERNOR: THAT REPORT ALSO, WHICH I HAVE ONLY READ IN THE PRESS THIS MORNING, I HAVEN’T SEEN THE FULL TEXT, BUT IT SAID .THAT THE OUTLOOK FOR NEXT YEAR LOOKS REASONABLY GOOD AND THAT WAS QUITE ENCOURAGING. NOW OF COURSE INFLATION IS A PROBLEM. LABOUR SHORTAGE IS A PROBLEM. THE WORLD TRADE SITUATION, IF PROTECTIONISM REVIVES ITSELF, IS A PROBLEM. I AM CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG AND THE HONG KONG ECONOMY WILL FACE AND TACKLE THOSE PROBLEMS JUST LIKE WE HAVE IN THE PAST.
BALE: SIR DAVID, YOUR POSITION IN OUR SOCIETY, AND INDEED YOUR SALARY TO SOME EXTENT, PROTECT YOU FROM THE EFFECTS OF INFLATION. IT IS NOT SO EASY FOR ORDINARY PEOPLE, AND THE KMB BUS FARE INCREASE JUST ANNOUNCED IS ANOTHER EVIDENCE OF HOW INFLATION IS AFFECTING ORDINARY PEOPLE. ONE FACTOR BEHIND THAT IS THAT OUR CURRENCY IS LINKED TO A WEAK U.S. DOLLAR. HOW MUCH LONGER IS THE GOVERNMENT GOING TO MAINTAIN THIS $7.80 LINK?
GOVERNOR: WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF CHANGING IT, THAT IS THE FIRST POINT. BUT ON INFLATION, YES OF COURSE INFLATION IS A WORRY FOR PEOPLE, WHATEVER THEIR SALARY LEVEL INFLATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE TO THE WAY IN WHICH YOUR LIFESTYLE OPERATES. IT IS ALSO TRUE, SURELY, THAT WAGES HAVE BEEN GOING UP VERY RAPIDLY IN HONG KONG. NOW THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO PROBABLY GET CAUGHT IN THAT SQUEEZE, BUT FOR MOST PEOPLE WAGES ARE GOING UP AT LEAST AT THE RATE OF INFLATION.
LIU: IS THERE A SOLUTION IN SIGHT, DO YOU THINK, FOR THE LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM?
GOVERNOR: AN ECONOMY EVENTUALLY SELF-CORRECTS. WHEN THE ECONOMY SLOWS DOWN THEN THE FACT THAT WE ARE SUFFERING FROM A FAIRLY SERIOUS SHORTAGE OF LABOUR AT THE MOMENT WON’T BE SO ACUTE. TWO OTHER THINGS OUGHT TO HAPPEN. ONE IS THAT THERE WILL BE A GREATER DEGREE OF MECHANISATION IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. SECONDLY, THERE WILL PROBABLY BE FURTHER MOVEMENT ACROSS THE BORDER INTO CHINA FOR CHEAP LABOUR PRODUCTS. AND THIS CAN BE BENEFICIAL TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY.
IF WE ARE GOING TO SURVIVE AS A SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY WITH HIGH RATES OF PAY, AND THAT IS THE SORT OF ECONOMY WE ARE BECOMING, WE HAVE GOT TO MOVE UP-MARKET. MOVING UP-MARKET MEANS YOU HAVE GOT TO MECHANISE BECAUSE YOU HAVE GOT TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF YOUR GOODS. SO THIS PROCESS, UNCOMFORTABLE THOUGH IT IS WHEN YOU ARE GOING THROUGH IT, WILL IN THE END BE BENEFICIAL TO HONG KONG.
LIU: SO ARE YOU SAYING THAT, FIRST OF ALL, THE ECONOMY MIGHT SLOW DOWN AND THEN YOU ARE SAYING TO THE INDUSTRIALISTS THAT THEY WILL JUST HAVE TO WAIT IT OUT AND MAYBE CHANGE IN TIME?
GOVERNOR: I AM SAYING IT IS SLOWING DOWN, THAT THE RATE OF GROWTH HAS SLOWED DOWN THIS YEAR. I COMPARED 13 PER CENT REAL GROWTH LAST YEAR WITH THIS YEAR WHEN THE ESTIMATE AT THE MOMENT IS SIX PER CENT. I NOTICED THE BANK REPORT YOU REFERRED TO SAID, I THINK, SEVEN PER CENT. BUT THAT IS A GREAT DEAL SLOWER AS A RATE OF INCREASE THAN LAST YEAR, SO IT IS SLOWING DOWN, AND I THINK THAT IS PART OF THE NATURAL PROCESS. I AM SAYING TO INDUSTRIALISTS THAT THERE IS A NEED TO MOVE UP-MARKET WHICH THEY ARE VERY WELL AWARE OF AND THEY ARE TAKING ACTION TO DO PRECISELY THAT.
/9........
9
BALE: A THOUSAND YOUNG CHILDREN, SIR DAVID, FACE A PRETTY BLEAK CHRISTMAS BEHIND BARS AT THE SAN YICK CLOSED CENTRE IN TUEN MUN. TWO WEEKS AGO THE MEDIA SHOWED US THE APPALLING HEALTH PROBLEMS THAT EXISTED IN THE CENTRE AND WE SAW THESE PICTURES OF CHILDREN WITH HORRIBLE SKIN SORES AND THERE WAS A HEALTH SURVEY WHICH SHOWED THAT OUT OF 100 CHILDREN, 93 HAD MEDICAL PROBLEMS AND THERE WAS SERIOUS MALNUTRITION AMONGST THE UNDER-5’S OF 18 PER CENT WHICH WAS AN ALARMING FIGURE. SOME OF THE CHILDREN HADN’T BEEN OUTSIDE THE CAMP ONCE AT THAT POINT IN FIVE MONTHS.
NOW THIS WEEK THERE HAS BEEN SOME RELAXATION. THE RULES HAVE BEEN RELAXED. PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO MOVE A BIT MORE FREELY AND, AS IF BY MAGIC, THE FANS AND THE LIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPAIRED, THE SHOWERS HAVE BEEN IMPROVED, THE WHOLE PLACE HAS BEEN GIVEN A GOOD CLEAN, AND SOME POT PLANTS APPEARED AT THE DOOR BECAUSE THE OMELCO MEMBERS ARE GOING ROUND. SO MY QUESTION IS SIMPLY THIS, WHY DOES IT TAKE MEDIA PRESSURE AND A VISIT BY OMELCO MEMBERS BEFORE THE GOVERNMENT TREATS REFUGEES AS HUMAN BEINGS?
GOVERNOR: WELL, LET’S GO BACK TO THE BASIC PROBLEM WHICH IS THE HUGE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE INTO HONG KONG WHICH IS AN APPALLING PROBLEM TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH IN HUMAN TERMS, FIRST OF ALL. BECAUSE THESE ARE PEOPLE, AFTER ALL, WHO ARE NOT TRYING TO COME TO HONG KONG. NONE OF THEM, OR VERY FEW OF THEM, WANT TO SETTLE IN HONG KONG. THEY ARE TRYING TO GO TO CANADA, UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA. THEY HAVE VERY LITTLE CHANCE INDEED OF EVER GETTING THERE, SO WE HAVE A HUMAN PROBLEM OF HUGE DIMENSIONS.
AND THEN SECONDLY A PRACTICAL PROBLEM FOR HONG KONG, HAVING TO DEAL WITH A SUDDEN INFLUX OF PEOPLE, MANY THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMING IN IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, TO A PLACE WHICH IS VERY OVERCROWDED AS EVERYBODY HERE KNOWS, WHERE SOME PEOPLE LIVE IN CONDITIONS WHICH ARE FAR FROM IDEAL, VERY CROWDED CONDITIONS IN PARTS OF KOWLOON, PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN LIVING IN SQUATTER HUTS FOR MANY, MANY YEARS.
SO INTO THAT SITUATION WE HAVE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE COMING FROM OUTSIDE WHO DON’T WISH TO COME TO HONG KONG, WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH. THAT IS A PRACTICAL PROBLEM. SAN YICK BUILDING, WHICH I WENT TO SEE MYSELF, IS FAR FROM IDEAL. IT IS NOT A GOOD PLACE TO KEEP PEOPLE OVER A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. IT IS THE RESULT OF HAVING TO TACKLE IN AN EMERGENCY AND FIND A PLACE TO GIVE SHELTER TO PEOPLE SHORT TERM. THE SOONER WE CAN GET THE PEOPLE IN SAN YICK BUILDING INTO A BETTER CAMP, THE BETTER, AND THE HAPPIER I SHALL BE. BUT IT IS A PRACTICAL PROBLEM AND YOU CAN’T ACHIEVE IT OVERNIGHT.
MEANWHILE, SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE THERE AND IT DOESN’T SIMPLY REQUIRE OMELCO TO GO AND VISIT IT. THERE HAS BEEN A LONG-TERM PLAN FOR CHILDREN TO GO OUT TO BE EDUCATED, FOR PEOPLE IN THAT PLACE TO GO OUT AND GET RECREATION, AND FOR A GRADUAL LIBERALISATION FOR THAT CAMP, AS WELL AS OTHER CAMPS, SO THAT PEOPLE CAN GET JOBS OUTSIDE AND CAN MOVE OUTSIDE THE CAMPS. IT IS A GRADUAL PROCESS IN WHICH NOT ONLY DO WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE PRACTICAL PROBLEMS, BUT WE ALSO HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE REACTIONS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND TAKE THINGS ONE STEP AT A TIME.
/ 10.........
10
BALE: AS YOU SUGGESTED, IT IS A LONG STANDING AND VERY SAD PROBLEM AND I THINK MANY PEOPLE IN HONG KONG ARE TOTALLY FED UP WITH IT, AND FEEL VERY MUCH THAT OUR COMMUNITY IS BEING LEFT TO SORT THIS OUT VERY MUCH ALONE. WHY IS IT THAT YOU, AND INDEED YOUR PREDECESSORS, DESPITE YOUR LINKS IN LONDON, HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO CONVINCE THE BRITISH AUTHORITIES TO SET A LEAD WHERE RESETTLEMENT IS CONCERNED?
GOVERNOR: CERTAINLY NOT FOR WANT OF TRYING. I HAVE BEEN SAYING TO MINISTERS, AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SAY TO BRITISH MINISTERS, THAT I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A GREATER BRITISH/U.K. OFFTAKE FROM HONG KONG. BOTH FOR ITS OWN SAKE, WE DO NEED RESETTLEMENT PLACES FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE DEFINED AS REFUGEES, AND TO GIVE A LEAD TO OTHER COUNTRIES BECAUSE IF THE U.K. IS NOT GIVING A LEAD, DOES NOT HAVE A SUBSTANTIAL PROGRAMME, THEN IT IS THAT MUCH HARDER TO PERSUADE THE OTHER COUNTRIES LIKE THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, AND AUSTRALIA, THAT THEY, TOO, SHOULD INCREASE THEIR OFFTAKE. SO IT IS SOMETHING WHICH I HAVE BEEN SAYING TO BRITISH MINISTERS ALREADY, AND I WILL CONTINUE TO SAY TO BRITISH MINISTERS.
LIU: SIR DAVID, WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT PLANNING TO DO WITH THE LRT? THERE HAVE BEEN A LOT OF PROMISES ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS, AND YET ACCIDENTS CONTINUE TO HAPPEN. PEOPLE HAVE BEEN FORCED TO USE THE SERVICE BECAUSE THE OTHER MODES OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT HAVE BEEN CUT. NOW WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY TO PEOPLE IN TUEN MUN?
GOVERNOR: WHEN YOU HAVE A NEW SYSTEM OF TRANSPORT LIKE THE LRT, IT ALWAYS TAKES TIME FOR PEOPLE TO GET USED TO IT. IT TAKES TIME FOR DRIVERS TO GET USED TO IT, IT TAKES TIME FOR THE OPERATION ITSELF TO BECOME MORE EFFECTIVE AND TO WORK OUT WHAT THE PROBLEMS ARE. WE DID FACE QUITE A LOT OF TEETHING PROBLEMS AND YOU WILL REMEMBER THAT THE FORMAL OPENING OF THE SYSTEM HAD TO BE DELAYED WHILE SOME OF THOSE PROBLEMS WERE DEALT WITH.
MY IMPRESSION IS THAT NOW THE SITUATION IS VERY MUCH BETTER. SOME OF THOSE TEETHING PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH. THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN, PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS ALIKE, ARE NOW MUCH MORE USED TO THE LRT, AND THAT IS THE SORT OF NATURAL PROCESS YOU WOULD EXPECT. ACCIDENTS, ACCIDENTS ARE TRAGIC BUT ROAD ACCIDENTS, SADLY, HAPPEN THE WHOLE TIME SO WE SHOULDN’T SEPARATE OUT THE LRT AS THOUGH IT WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ROAD PROBLEMS.
LIU: I UNDERSTAND WE HAVE ONE MORE QUESTION, AND THAT IS WHAT ARE YOUR PRIORITIES FOR NEXT YEAR?
GOVERNOR: MY PERSONAL PRIORITIES, OR THE PRIORITIES FOR THE GOVERNMENT?
LIU: FOR THE GOVERNMENT?
GOVERNOR: FOR THE GOVERNMENT, I LAID OUT QUITE A LOT TO THOSE PRIORITIES IN MY LEGCO SPEECH. THEY ARE TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE LONGTERM DECISIONS. ONE OF THE MAIN ONES IS THE AIRPORT. THAT IS A HUGE STRATEGIC DECISION FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. THE PORT IS ANOTHER ONE. WE WILL HAVE TO GO ON DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE. WE WILL HAVE TO MAKE SURE WE WATCH AND MONITOR THE ECONOMY VERY CAREFULLY SO THAT THE PROBLEMS WE HAVE BEEN DISCUSSING JUST NOW DON’T BECOME TOO GREAT, THAT WE TACKLE THEM IN TIME. THOSE ARE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS.
11
LIU: ON A PERSONAL LEVEL, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE ACHIEVED NEXT YEAR THAT YOU FAILED TO IN 1988?
GOVERNOR: WELL, IF YOU ASK ME WHAT PERSONALLY I WOULD LIKE TO DO MORE IN 1989, I THINK THE ANSWER WOULD BE, I WOULD LIKE TO GET OUT OF MY OFFICE EVEN MORE THAN I DO AT THE MOMENT. I FIND THAT GOING AROUND HONG KONG IS SOMETHING WHICH IS ENORMOUSLY IMPORTANT. THERE IS SO MUCH HAPPENING HERE, THAT I WANT NOT JUST TO SEE IT BUT TO GIVE MY OWN SUPPORT TO WHAT IS HAPPENING, AND I FIND IT IMMENSELY ENCOURAGING WHEN I GET A CHANCE TO GO OUT AND SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE DOING IN THIS VERY ENERGETIC AND, I THINK, VERY COMMITTED COMMUNITY, SO I SHOULD LIKE TO BE OUT AND ABOUT EVEN MORE THAN I HAVE MANAGED TO DO IN 1988.
HILTON: IF I CHIP IN THERE, SIR DAVID, WE STILL HAVE A MINUTE OR SO LEFT. YOU ARE A MAN WHO DOES GET OUT AND ABOUT A LOT AND YOU A GREAT LOVER OF THE COUNTRYSIDE. COULD I ASK YOU HOW CONFIDENT YOU ARB THAT HONG KONG IS GOING TO REMAIN THE PLEASANT AND GREEN PLACE THAT SO MUCH OF IT IS TODAY?
GOVERNOR: I AM DETERMINED TO DO WHATEVER I CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT IT DOES. I MEAN, SOME OF THOSE COUNTRY PARKS WHERE YOU AND I HAVE BUMPED INTO EACH OTHER AT WEEKENDS ARE SUPERB AND WE HAVE GOT ABOUT, WHAT IS IT, 40 PER CENT OF THE WHOLE TERRITORY IS COUNTRY PARK. WE NEED TO KEEP THAT AS A FORM OF RECREATION, AS A LUNG AS IT WERE FOR THE COMMUNITY, SO WE HAVE TO PRESERVE THAT. AND THEN WE HAVE TO DO MORE THAN THAT, WE HAVE TO IMPROVE WHAT WE HAVE ALREADY GOT AND THIS IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTION WHICH I HAVE DEVOTED A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT AND PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO. THE TIME HAS NOW COME WHEN I BELIEVE THE COMMUNITY WANTS THE ENVIRONMENT TO BE IMPROVED AND THE COMMUNITY IS PREPARED TO SPEND A GREATER PART OF OUR RESOURCES DOING IT. AND THAT EXACTLY FITS IN WITH MY OWN PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO DO PRECISELY THE SAME THING.
HILTON: WELL, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SIR DAVID, FOR COMING ALONG AND TALKING TO US TODAY AND ALSO TO YOUR STALWART INTERVIEWERS, BETTY LIU AND CHRIS BALE. TO THE THREE OF YOU, THANK YOU VERY MUCH INDEED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17» *>938
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EULOGY FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH ................................. 1
ATV FOUND TO HAVE CONTRAVENED REGULATIONS ................... 5
WONG HON-HO NAMED NEW YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER ............. 4
CLEAN PARADE IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN ......................... 5
EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT FOR CHRISTMAS ....................... 5
TWO SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN .......................... 6
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD AT AUCTION ......................... 6
CHOI SUM FOUND WITH PESTICIDE RESIDUE........................ 7
SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ............ 8
SURVEY ON PUBLIC HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT IN KWAI TSING......... 8
GOOD RESPONSE TO NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN-UP CONTEST ............ 9
CSD OFFICERS GET CERTIFICATES ............................... 10
SCHOOL MATTERS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ....................... 11
HALF-WAY HOUSE TO BE DISCUSSED AT DB MEETING ................ 11
DB TO DISCUSS ISLANDS DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL .............. 12
TAI PO 'KEEP CLEAN' CAMPAIGN CONCLUDES ...................... 1J
LONG DISTANCE RUN AT CHEUNG CHAU ............................ 14
ROADS TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN ............................... 15
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT PLOVER COVE RD, ABERDEEN TUNNEL...... 15
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
EULOGY FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH
* * ♦ » *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE EULOGY DELIVERED BY THE HON LYDIA DUNN, SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AT THE MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH AT ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL TODAY (SATURDAY):
WE HAVE COME TOGETHER THIS MORNING TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE MEMORY OF SIR DAVID TRENCH, GOVERNOR AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF HONG KONG FROM 1964 TO 1971.
HE DEVOTED HIS LIFE'S WORK TO THE WELFARE OF PEOPLES IN BRITAIN’S OVERSEAS TERRITORIES.
DAVID TRENCH WAS BORN ON 2 JUNE 1915 IN QUETTA, IN THE COUNTRY THAT IS NOW PAKISTAN.
HE WAS THE YOUNGEST SON OF WILLIAM TRENCH OF THE INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE, THE CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE SIND PROVINCE.
HE WAS EDUCATED AT TONBRIDGE SCHOOL IN ENGLAND AND JESUS COLLEGE CAMBRIDGE.
IN 1938 HE JOINED THE COLONIAL SERVICE AS A CADET ADMINISTRATOR AND WAS POSTED TO THE BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS PROTECTORATE TO BEGIN HIS DISTINGUISHED CAREER.
IN THOSE EARLY DAYS HE WAS ALREADY DEMONSTRATING THAT RARE BLEND OF TACT, FIRMNESS, 1MPERTURBALITY IN A CRISIS AND, ABOVE ALL, HUMANITY THAT MARKED HIM OUT FOR HIGH OFFICE.
WHEN WAR CAME TO THE PACIFIC IN 1942, HE SERVED WITH DISTINCTION IN THE BRITISH SOLOMON ISLANDS DEFENCE FORCE AND WAS AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS AND THE UNITED STATES LEGION OF MERIT FOR ACTS OF CONSPICUOUS COURAGE.
DAVID TRENCH FIRST CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1950.
HE HELI) A SERIES OF INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT POSTS IN GOVERNMENT AND WAS APPOINTED DEPUTY COLONIAL SECRETARY IN 1959.
IN 1961 HE LEFT HONG KONG TO BECOME HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE PACIFIC TERRITORIES, BUT HE RETURNED IN 1961 AS GOVERNOR.
WHEN HE TOOK UP HIS APPOINTMENT, HE SAID THAT HONG KONG MUST REMAIN WHAT IT HAD BEEN FOR DECADES: A HAVEN OF ORDER, PROGRESS, STABILITY AND HOPE.
/BUT THESE .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1?, 1988 ?
BUT THESE WERE DIFFICULT TIMES FOR HONG KONG AND EACH YEAR SEEMED TO BRING ITS SPECIAL SHARE OF PROBLEMS: TYPHOONS, DROUGHTS, CHOLERA, BANK COLLAPSES AND EVEN RIOTS.
EVENTUALLY, HIS GOVERNORSHIP SPANNED ONE OF THE MOST TURBULENT PERIODS OF HONG KONG’S HISTORY, WHEN SOME OF THE FRENZY UNLEASHED BY THE CULTURAL REVOLUTION SPILLED OVER INTO THE TERRITORY.
THIS PERIOD SAW DAVID TRENCH'S GREAT QUALITIES REVEALED IN FULL MEASURE.
HIS STEADFASTNESS, COOLNESS AND MASTERLY HANDLING OF A SITUATION THAT WOULD HAVE BOWED, IF NOT BROKEN LESSER MAN, EARNED HIM THE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION OF ALL THOSE WHO CAME INTO CONTACT WITH HIM.
HIS SKILL AND RESILIENCE WAS ALL THE MORE REMARKABLE BECAUSE FEW COULD HAVE KNOWN AT THE TIME THE PERSONAL TORMENT THAT HE ENDURED: NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF THE CORROSIVE EFFECTS OF THE RIOTING AND THE MATERIAL DAMAGE TO A HONG KONG HE HOPED TO MAKE A BETTER PLACE, BUT ALSO BECAUSE HE WAS FAR FROM WELL AND HAD ONLY RECENTLY UNDERGONE SURGERY.
DAVID TRENCH WAS, BY ALL ACCOUNTS, A MOST ABLE ADMINISTRATOR.
HE CARED DEEPLY FOR THE PEOPLE THAT HE GOVERNED, AND WAS PROFOUNDLY CONSCIOUS OF THE PROBLEMS THAT AFFLICTED HONG KONG SOCIETY.
HE BELIEVED IN SOUND ADMINISTRATION AND REFUSED "TO GOVERN” AS HE SAID "BY GIMMICKS".
HE BELIEVED PASSIONATELY IN BETTER HOUSING, BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS AND IMPROVED EDUCATION.
HIS FEW PUBLIC EXPRESSIONS OF ANGER OVER THE RIOTING AND THE RESOURCES THIS HAD ABSORBED, WERE DIRECTED AT THE SET-BACK TO PROGRESS IN INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIAL REFORMS.
IT WAS INDEED FITTING THAT HIS LAST YEAR IN OFFICE SAW THE INTRODUCTION OF FREE, COMPULSORY PRIMARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
THOSE OF US WHO WERE PRIVILEGED TO COUNT DAVID TRENCH AS A FRIEND, THOSE OF US WHO SERVED HIM AND THOSE OF US WHO SIMPLY LIVED IN HONG KONG DURING HIS TENURE OF OFFICE COULD NOT FAIL TO HAVE BEEN TOUCHED IN SOME WAY BY HIS GREAT QUALITIES.
HE WAS A QUIET MAN BUT A MAN OF MANY FRIENDS; A MAN WHO LOVED IIIS GOLF AND HIS HORSE RACING WHICH BROUGHT HIM IN TOUCH WITH SO MANY PEOPLE.
BUT PERHAPS THE ONE QUALITY THAT TRANSCENDED ALL OTHERS, CERTAINLY IN THE VIEW OF THOSE WHO KNEW HIM WELL, WAS HIS SEEMINGLY UNLIMITED CAPACITY TO SHOW GREAT KINDNESS TO OTHERS.
/NOWHERE WAS .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, d988
NOWHERE WAS THIS BETTER DEMONSTRATED THAN HIS WIFE PEGGY, IN UNCERTAIN HEALTH HERSELF. HIS A SAVAGE BLOW TO HER. «
IN HIS DEVOTION TO DEATH WILL HAVE BEEN
HIS OTHER LOVE WAS, OF COURSE, HONG KONG, TOTAL LOYALTY AND UTTER COMMITMENT.
TO WHICH HE GAVE
HIS
AS HE LEFT OFFICE, IN A FAREWELL MESSAGE, OF HONG KONG NOT TO REST ON THEIR LAURELS, BUT -----------------------------.-- ----- F0R
HE TO
URGED THE PEOPLE CONTINUE FORGING
LIFE
THE
AHEAD AND TO CARVE OUT A BETTER
PEOPLE WHOSE CONDITIONS OF LIFE NEEDED BETTERMENT.
MANY
UNDERPRIVILEGED
l,ET US NEVER FORGET THAT LT WAS I HE VISION, COURAGE AND THE RESOLVE OF THIS GREAT MAN AI A UNCERTAINTY AND STRESS THAT LAID iHL FOUNDATIONS PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY THAT HAS SINCE COME TO PASS.
THE UNFLINCHING TIME OF FEAR, FOR THE PEACE
OF THE ORDER
DAVID CLIVE CROSBIE TRENCH, KNIGHT GRAND CROSS
OF
ST MICHAEL,'ANd’ st"gEORGe7MILITARY CROSS, TODAY OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOUR FAMILY. WE GRIEVE WITH THEM AND FOR THEM. YOU WERE A
FRIEND. WE SALUTE YOU, WE MOURN YOUR PASSING AND WE SHALL RE EKE
YOUR MEMORY.
-------0----------
ATV FOUND TO HAVE CONTRAVENED REGULATIONS ******
AT A MEETING HELD THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY DECIDED THAT THE BROADCASTING BY ATV OF ADVERTISEMENTS DURING TWO NEWS BULLETINS ON DECEMBER 5, 1988 HAD CONTRAVENED THE TELEVISION (ADVERTISING) REGULATIONS.
REGULATION 5(4) OF THE TELEVISION (ADVERTISING) REGULATIONS STATES THAT "ADVERTISING MATERIAL SHALL NOT BE INSERTED IN ANY PROGRAMME OF NEWS".
ON DECEMBER 5, 1988, ATV INSERTED ADVERTISING MATERIAL OF APPROXIMATELY TWO-AND-A-HALF MINUTES ON TH:1 ATV GOLD PROGRAMME, NEWS AT 6:15 PM".
ON ATV DIAMOND ADVERTISING MATERIAL OF APPROXIMATELY ONE MINUTE WAS INSERTED IN THE "NEW’.': AT 8".
UPON NOTICE FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, ATV i !■ \SED i-WISING IN i’HE NEWS ON THE
NEXT DAY.
/THE BROADCASTING ..
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 19»8
THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY ARRIVED AT ITS DECISION AFT R TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE REPRESENTATIONS SUBMITTED BY ATV.
THE AUTHORITY CONSIDERED THAT IT WAS CLEAR THAT TWO CONTRAVENTIONS HAD OCCURRED, ONE ON EACH CHANNEL, AND WAS SATISFIE • THAT ATV HAD BEEN AFFORDED A REASONABLE OPPORTUNITY OF COMPLYING WITH THIS REQUIREMENT IN THE REGULATION.
THE REQUIREMENT HAS EXISTED FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
IN VIEW OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE CONTRAVENTIONS, THE BROADCASTING AUTHORITY DECIDED THAT A PENALTY OF $100,000 SHOULD BE IMPOSED ON ATV, $50,000 FOR EACH CONTRAVENTION.
- - 0-----------
WONG HON-HO NAMED NEW YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICER *****
THE NEW DISTRICT OFFICER FOR YAU TSIM, MR WONG HON-HO, WILL TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR WONG SUCCEEDS MR AUGUSTINE CHENG WHO HAS BEEN TRANSFERRED BACK TO CNTA.
MR WONG'S IMMEDIATE PAST POSTING WAS CIVIL SECRETARY OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID MR WONG JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE IN 1971 AS AN ASSISTANT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER. HE WAS APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1979, AND WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER IN 1986.
AMONG MR WONG’S PREVIOUS POSTINGS WERE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER (SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENTS) IN THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ANU ASSISTANT SECRETARY RESPONSIBLE FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH.
-------0-------
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
5
CLEAN PARADE IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN *****
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL SEND A FANCY VEHICLE TO SUPPORT THE 1988/89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN FLOAT PARADE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) MORNING.
THE BOARD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL ALSO ORGANIZE A FANCY CAR PARADE BEGINNING 2.30 PM IN CONNAUGHT PLACE TOMORROW.
TWO LAVISHLY DECORATED DOUBLE-DECKERS WILL JOIN THE PARADE AND TOUR ROUND THE DISTRICT.
MEMBERS FROM THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB, CENTRAL JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND WESTERN JUNIOR POLICE CALL WILL DISTRIBUTE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS PROMOTING KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN MESSAGE DURING THE PARADE.
THE WORKING GROUP ON 1988/89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WILL ALSO HOLD A FUN FAIR DAY AT 3.30 PM IN THE SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK TO PUBLICISE THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER(CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON 1988/89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, MR PETER LEE; CENTRAL DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR S. N. CHAN AND WESTERN DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT, MR K.C. LIU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE FANCY PARADE BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND THE FUN FAIR DAY BEGINNING AT 3.30 PM IN SMITHFIELD TEMPORARY PARK, ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 18).
-----0------
EARLIER WELFARE PAYMENT FOR CHRISTMAS
*****
RECIPIENTS OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE HOLDING CASH ORDER BOOKS MAY RECEIVE WELFARE PAYMENT EARLIER IF THEIR PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, DECEMBER 25 TO 27.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THEY MAY CASH THFIR COUPONS ON DECEMBER 21 TO 23 RESPECTIVELY OR AFTER AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
RECIPIENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCE UNDER THE BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM WITH PAYMENT DATE ON DECEMBER 25 WILL RECEIVE THEIR PAYMENTS ON DECEMBER 24.
X -----------------------------0-------
/6.......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
- 6 -
TWO SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO. BUILD TWO MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN AREA 2A, LUNG HANG ESTATE, SHA TIN.
THE SCHOOLS WILL BE ADJACENT TO EACH OTHER. EACH OF THEM WILL HAVE A GENERAL CLASSROOM BLOCK WITH 26 CLASSROOMS, A SPECTAI CLASSROOM BLOCK WITH 14 SPECIAL ROOMS, AN ASSEMBLY HALL AND A BASKETBALL COURT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY 1989 AND BE COMPLETED IN AUGUST 1990.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING THE PROJECT.
TENDERS
FOR
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 13, 1989.
NOON ON JANUARY
- - 0 -
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS SOLD AT AUCTION
* * * »
THIRTY-NINE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF $968,000 WHICH WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE RECITAL HALL OF THE CITY HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 916 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $160,000.
ANOTHER NUMBER CF 28 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $120,000 WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 EACH FOR DY6378.
FOLLOWING ARE THE RESULTS OF TODAY' 'S AUCTION •
DY1688 $ 12,000 DY180 $ 19,000 DD73 $ 38,000 DD1122 $ 37,000
DU189 9,000 DY6788 2,000 DY9968 5,000 DY1728 2,000
DD6633 31,000 DY113 15,000 DX802 6,000 DY163 48,000
DY728 6,000 CF28 120,000 916 160,000 DW8828 28,000
DV132 8,000 DY996 9,000 DY6138 3,000 BW4455 5,000
DD21 76,000 DY1823 3,000 BD391 4,000 DY369 15,000
/DYJ78 .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
DY378 6,000 CS10 43,000 DY28G8 3,000 DY102 10,000
DY 1668 40,000 AH8663 18,000 CH17 30,000 DY821 13,000
DW999 — DY278 6,000 DY6378 1 ,000 DY7 22 5,000
DX6638 18,000 DY 162 30,000 DY 168 80,000 DY 1283 4,000
AUCTION ONE SPECIAL • । REGISTRATION 1 MARK, DW 999 WAS WITHDRAWN FROM THE
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITH 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 133RD ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $69,140,032.
-------0---------
CHOI SUM FOUND WITH PESTICIDE RESIDUE *******
THE MONITORING SYSTEM MARKETING ORGANISATION (VMO)’S MARKET THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING CABBAGE (CHOI SUM) CONTAINING RESIDUES.
NEWLY IMPLEMENTED AT THE
CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE
DISCOVERED ANOTHER SAMPLE OF
RELATIVELY HIGH LEVEL OF
VEGETABLE VEGETABLE FLOWERING PESTICIDE
UP TO 11.00 AM A TOTAL OF 45 SAMPLES OF VEGETABLES WERE TESTED, AND THE BAD SAMPLE WAS TAKEN FROM VEGETABLES IMPORTED FROM SHENZHEN, CHINA.
THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WAS IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED AND THEY WOULD ARRANGE FOR FOLLOW-UP ANALYSIS TO BE CONDUCTED BY GOVERNMENT LABORATORY.
MARKET STAFF ALSO NOTIFIED THE WHOLESALER, WHO WAS VERY CO-OPERATIVE AND VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERED HIS CONSIGNMENT OF FLOWERING CABBAGE, WEIGHING 550 KG, FOR DESTRUCTION.
THE NEW MONITORING SYSTEM WAS IMPLEMENTED YESTERDAY.
ON THE FIRST DAY OF ITS OPERATION, ONE SAMPLE OF FLOWERING CABBAGE FROM SHENZHEN, WAS FOUND TO BE CONTAMINATED WITH PESTICIDE RESIDUES.
THE CONSIGNMENT OF 30 KG WAS SURRENDERED BY THE WHOLESALER FOR DESTRUCTION.
- 0 - -
/8........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME ON COMMITTEE AGENDA » » t *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL MEET ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) TO DISCUSS A REPORT ON THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SOCIAL SERVICES AWARD SCHEME HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR.
THE AWARD SCHEME IS AN ANNUAL FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE WITH AN AIM OF GIVING DUE RECOGNITION TO VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE RENDERED COMMENDABLE SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT, THUS ENCOURAGING MORE POEPLE TO JOIN VOLUNTARY SERVICES.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ASSESS THE OPERATION OF THIS YEAR’S SCHEME AND MAKE PLANS FOR ITS CONTINUATION IN 1988-89.
AT THE MEETING, THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO CONSIDER ALLOCATING $12,000 TO SPONSOR THE SIXTH SOUTHERN DISTRICT STUDENT SPEECH CONTEST.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19), WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LATTER PART OF THE MEETING, IN WHICH FUNDS APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED, WILL NOT BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
- - 0 -
SURVEY ON PUBLIC HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT IN KWAI TSING \ ******
THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD WILL CONDUCT A SURVEY TO COLLECT RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON REDEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SURVEY, ENTITLED "STUDY ON REDEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT", WILL INTERVIEW 800 HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED FROM 11,000 HOUSEHOLDS OF FIVE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHICH ARE BEING OR WILL BE REDEVELOPED.
THESE HOUSING ESTATES ARE TAI WO HAU ESTATE, KWAI FONG ESTATE, KWAI HING ESTATE, KWAI SHING EAST ESTATE AND SHEK LEI ESTATE.
/THE SURVEY,
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
THE SURVEY, TO BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN DECEMBER 20 AND EARLY JANUARY, IS JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE AND DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AND SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG WITH A BUDGET OF $50,000.
STUDENTS FROM THE CITY POLYTECHNIC WILL VISIT THE HOUSEHOLDS FROM DECEMBER 20 WITH A CARD SHOWING THEIR IDENTITY.
A QUESTIONNAIRE, DESIGNED TO SEEK VIEWS FROM RESIDENTS ON ASPECTS RELATED TO THE REDEVELOPMENT, WILL BE USED FOR THE INTERVIEW.
THESE INCLUDE THE TIMING OF NOTICE, FACILITIES OF REHOUSED FLATS, NEIGHBOURHOOD RELATIONSHIP AND REMOVAL ALLOWANCE.
THE FINDINGS WILL BE ANALYSED AND COMPILED IN A REPORT FOR SUBMISSION TO RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
RESIDENTS MAY CALL 0-273593 SHOULD THEY HAVE DOUBT IN THE IDENTITY OF THE STUDENTS OR REQUIRE MORE INFORMATION.
-------0----------
GOOD RESPONSE TO NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN-UP CONTEST *****
THE GOOD PERFORMANCE OF PARTICIPANTS IN A CLEAN-UP CONTEST HELD IN VARIOUS HOUSING AREAS IN NORTH DISTRICT EARLY THIS MONTH HAD HELPED STRENGTHEN RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF KEEPING THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT CLEAN, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE WEEK-LONG CONTEST SERVED TO REMIND RESIDENTS TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY OF NOT LITTERING, HE ADDED.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL IN SUPPORT OF THE TERRITORY-WIDE CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN, THE COMPETITION WAS HELD FOR FIVE GROUPS.
THESE WERE THE CHOI YUEN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, TIN PING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, CHEUNG WAH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME COURTS (CHOI PO AND YUK PO), AND TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS (TIN SAM AND SHEUNG SHUI).
ADJUDICATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED RECENTLY BY A TEAM MADE UP OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
/THE TEAM.......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
10
THE TEAM HAD INSPECTED BUILDINGS AND BLOCKS TO ASSESS THE CONDITIONS OF COMMON AREAS SUCH AS CORRIDORS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, STAIRCASES, LIFT LOBBIES, LAVATORIES, NULLAHS AND SITTING-OUF AREAS.
THE CHAMPIONS IN EACH OF THE FIVE GROUPS ARE CHOI PING HOUSE, TIN YEE HOUSE, CHEUNG TAK HOUSE, CHOI CHING COURT AND SHEUNG SHUI TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES AND SOUVENIRS TO THE WINNERS AND PARTICIPANTS WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) IN THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, FANLING.
OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY INCLUDE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR RAYMOND PANG; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE, MR LAW CHAK-TONG; THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, DR PANG HOK-TUEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE NORTH DISTRICT CLEAN-UP CONTEST WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 12 NOON ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) IN THE CHEUNG WAH COMMUNITY HALL, CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, FANLING.
-----0-----
CSD OFFICERS GET CERTIFICATES * * * t
ONE HUNDRED AND FIVE CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) PRESENTED CERTIFICATES' FOR SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETING A COURSE ON HANDCUFFING AND ESCORT TECHNIQUES AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR GARTH HYDES, SAID THE COURSE WOULD BETTER EQUIP THE OFFICERS TO COPE WITH THEIR DUTIES GENERALLY AND IN EMERGENCIES AND FOR THE SAFE AND SECURE CUSTODY OF PRISONERS.
MR HYDES ALSO ENCOURAGED THEM CONDUCT THEMSELVES IN A CORRECT AND PROFESSIONAL MANNER.
AT TODAY'S CEREMONY, THOSE RECEIVED THE CERTIFICATES FROM MR HYDES INCLUDED FOUR PRINCIPAL OFFICERS, EIGHT OFFICERS AND 93 ASSISTANT OFFICERS.
-------0----------
/II ........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
11
SCHOOL MATTERS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ******
THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THREE PAPERS CONCERNING EDUCATION AND SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT WORKS AT A MEETING ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19).
THE PAPERS TOUCH ON THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME OF WORK OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, INCREASE OF CLASSROOMS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF TUEN MUN, AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW SCHOOL BUILDING FOR JU CHING CHU COLLEGE.
CONCERNING HOUSING, THE MEETING WILL DEAL WITH TWO PAPERS REQUESTING DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED TO REVIEW THE HEIGHT OF RAILINGS ALONG THE CORRIDORS OF PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS AS WELL AS MAINTENANCE WORKS AT VARIOUS ESTATES.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A REQUEST FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COMMUNITY CENTRE AT SIU HONG COURT AND CONSIDER SIX APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SOCIAL SERVICES ACTIVITIES.
A REVIEW ON THE USE OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND A WORKING GROUP REPORT ON REVIEWING SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO.1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-------0---------
HALF-WAY HOUSE TO BE DISCUSSED AT DB MEETING
*****
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL AGAIN DISCUSS THE PROVISION OF A HALF-WAY HOUSE IN THE DISTRICT WHEN THEY MEET ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19).
AT ITS LAST MEETING ON OCTOBER 17, THE BOARD WAS PRESENTED WITH THREE SITES SHORTLISTED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A HALF-WAY HOUSE FOR EX-MENTAL PATIENTS.
AFTER DISCUSSIONS, MOST MEMBERS FOUND A SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF PIK WAN ROAD AND KO CHIU ROAD MORE ACCEPTABLE IN VIEW OF THE IMPENDING REDEVELOPMENT OF THE NEARBY HOUSING ESATES.
/AT THAT .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17$ 1988
12
AT THAT MEETING, THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WERE ASKED TO CONSULT THE YAU TONG AREA COMMITTEE, THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OF THE KO CHIU ROAD ESTATE, AND THE NEARBY SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITY ESTABLISHMENTS, AND TO REPORT THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION TO THE BOARD.
AT MONDAY’S MEETING, THE BOARD WILL LEARN OF THE RESULTS OF THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE AND ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON A SUITABLE LOCATION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HALF-WAY-HOUSE.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO ADOPT MORE STRINGENT LICENSING CRITERIA FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRE LICENCE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS BY CHAIRMEN OF THE SIX COMMITTEES AND THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-------0----------
DB TO DISCUSS ISLANDS DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL t t t t t
MEMBERS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 19) TO DISCUSS A PROPOSAL TO HOLD THE FIRST DISTRICT SPORTS FESTIVAL IN 1989.
THE PROPOSED SPORTS FESTIVAL IS AIMED AT PROMOTING SPORTS THAT ARE SELDOM HELD IN THE DISTRICT AND FOSTERING ISLANDERS’ -PARTICIPATION AND SENSE OF BELONGING.
THE PROPOSAL WAS ENDORSED BY THE BOARD’S CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE AND BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE THE ALLOCATION OF FUND AND FORMATION OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
/THEY WILL ......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17f 1988
GAMES
Sn^es^aJh80^^0"88 the sensing
« ...ANE ..™? proposal of organising
OVERSEAS STUDY TOUR NEXT
GUIDELINES
YEAR.
ON AMUSEMENT DISTRICT BOARD
NOTE TO EDITORS:
OU ARE INVITED TO
board tg .be held o°p the ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD u/r 191 IN central, beginning ItTpm.’ 14/F" HARB0UR
THE ISLANDS
THE CONFERENCE
BUILDING,
38
DISTRICT
ROOM OF
PIER ROAD,
-------0----------
I Al PO ’KEEP CLEAN’ CAMPAIGN * * » » *
CONCLUDES
TOWN SQUARE TOMORROW SUNDAY ' ABE STAGED AT THE KEEP HONG KONOES XS ~T.
THE
TAI PO CENTRAL CLOSING OF THE
AOVANCbSt AS™ciAtTI™S«LLCpERroR2l AT'™E ««
DISTRICT^W[LL^ALSO SvJ'TjEIR^Ri^^^^^^fJTION HELD IN or.in tKJZES Al THE CEREMONY.
THE
CLEAN * «*«« BEARING THE KEEP HONG KONG
01STRIB"re8BUT?ERT"PAC™"a™TW£;T" CLUB SE™ E^AT^V^r.."^ AT TA!1"™
ON BOARD THE THE CAMPAIGN
PU SHIN ESTATE AND VARIOG^J'Sges"1
VEHICLE WILL
MESSAGE TO YUEN ESTATE,
TOMORROW’S EVENT THE TAI PO DISTRICT KEEP COUNCIL.
IS JOINTLY HONG KONG
ORGANISED BY THE WORKING CLEAN CAMPAIGN AND THE
GROUP ON REGIONAL
A
/OFFICIATING AT .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1?, 1?88
14
OFFICIATING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE ACTING TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MARY CHOW; TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HO YUNG-SANG; REGIONAL COUNCILLOR, MR MICHAEL LAI AND MR TANG PUI-TAT; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND WORKS COMMITTEE, MR YAU FOOK-PING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN TO BEGIN AT 3.30 (SUNDAY) AT TAI PO CENTRAL TOWN SQUARE, TAI PO.
THE TAI PO PM TOMORROW
LONG DISTANCE RUN AT CHEUNG CHAU ♦ * t ♦ * *
ABOUT 200 ENERGETIC RUNNERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE CHEUNG CHAU LONG DISTANCE RUN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO LAUNCH A SERIES OF LONG DISTANCE RUNS TO BE HELI) ON THE FOUR MAIN ISLANDS OF ISLANDS DISTRICT IN 1988/89.
THE SIX-KILOMETRE RACE WILL START FROM THE CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND AT 11 AM, PASS THROUGH PEAK ROAD TO THE CARE VILLAGES AT SAI WAN AND BACK TO THE STARTING POINT.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LONG DISTANCE RUN IS AN ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, ISLANDS SPORTS ASSOCIATION, ISLANDS POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS SECTION, AND SPONSORED BY ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JONATHAN NG, WILL START THE RACE AND HE WILL ALSO OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT AROUND NOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE ISLANDS DISTRICT LONG DISTANCE RUN ON CHEUNG CHAU TOMORROW (SUNDAY) STARTING AT 11 AM AT THE CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND. MEMBERS OF THE PRESS CAN ASSEMBLE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 9.30 AM AND TAKE THE MARINE DEPARTMENT LAUNCH ’MD 71’ TO CHEUNG CHAU.
- - 0-----------
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1938
ROADS TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN t * »
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN TUEN MUN AS PART OF THE CONI ANuING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE WORK INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS D2 (SOV'UV , D3 (EAST) AND D12 WHICH WILL LINK TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD (RO • D<.) WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT SAM SHING HUT AND OF ROADS ».14A, LV . AND 16C WHICH WILL SERVE THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN AREAS 14 AND ID.
ALSO INCLUDED ARE PREPARATION WORKS FOK THE LIGHT RAIL IRANo IT (LRT) RESERVE ALONGSIDE ROADS D2, DJ AND D9 AND '1 AS.XUA'IED STORMWATER AND FOUL DRAINAGE.
OTHER MAJOR ITEMS OF WORK ARE TWO NEW PEDESTRIAN RAMPS EXISTING FOOTBRIDGE OVER TUEN MUN ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD HUI, TUEN MUN, A FOOTBRIDGE OVER ROAD D2 AND THE LRT, AND FOOTBRIDGE OVER ROAD D3 AND THE SAM SHING LRT TERMINUS.
ON THE
A’*' SAN ANOTHER
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN APRIL MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
1989 AND TAKE ABOUT 21
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 20, 1989.
-------0---------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT PLOVER COVE RD, ABERDEEN TUNNEL * * t t » »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT PLOVER COVE LOAD IN TAI PO BETWEEN PO HEUNG STREET AND TUNG CHEONG STREET h>LL BE RE-ROUTED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20).
MEANWHILE, BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5 AM ON THAT DAV (TUI.SDA1 ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSE] TO IRA ■ C FOR ’I.ECTRI-
DURING THE CLOSURE, AFFECTED VEH 1CLFk' fNCL'DIM GREEN MIN i s ROUTE 4A Wil.' HE DIVERTED VIA QU FEI 1 '••!) ’ r S'fHB." r'Vl),
NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD, DEEI WATER BAY ROAD \ '> '-'A-’ FUNG ROAD.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UK MINISTERS ’PRESSED’ ON VR PROBLEM ....................... 1
CONTINUED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR CIVIC EDUCATION............ 2
GOVERNOR OFFICIATES AT FLOAT PARADE ........................ 3
ACTION PLANNED ON ’MONEY LAUNDERING’ : CP .................. 4
HOSPITAL FOR CONVALESCENCE PATIENTS TO BE LUILT ............ 5
RESIDENTS TAKE PART IN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN.............. 6
RENT OFFICER SCHEIE EXTENDS TO SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN......... 7
HONG KONG PaRK SPECIALLY DISIGNED TO SUIT RECREATION, LEISURE NEEDS OF URB.*N DWELLERS............................. 8
MORE COURSES ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PLANNED................... 10
TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS GAS PLANT EXPANSION ................... 11
ELDERLY URGED TO BE MORE ACTIVE............................. 11
FREE CHECK-UPS FOR ELDERLY TAI PO VILLAGERS ................ 12
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT GETS NEW HOTLINE NUMBER................ 13
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HI LUNG LANE
13
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
UK MINISTERS
’PRESSED’ ON VR PROBLEM * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, HAS PRESSED BRITISH MINISTERS ON THE QUESTION OF AN INTAKE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT KAI TAK AIRPORT TODAY (SUNDAY) ON HIS RETURN FROM VISITS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND THE UNITED STATES, SIR DAVID SAID: "CLEARLY AN INCREASED QUOTA FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM IS ESSENTIAL IF WE ARE GOING TO GET THE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME GOING."
ASKED WHETHER BRITAIN HAD GIVEN ANY INDICATION THAT SHE WOULD INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY HER INTAKE OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY TO SAY AT THE PRESENT STAGE.
"THEY OF COURSE HAVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF IMMIGRATION INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM. BUT THEY WERE CERTAINLY SYMPATHETIC," SIR DAVID SAID.
DESCRIBING HIS VISITS USEFUL, SIR DAVID SAID HE HAD SEEN MINISTERS AT THE FOREIGN OFFICE IN LONDON, INCLUDING THE SECRETARY OF STATE AND LORD GLENARTHUR AND OFFICIALS WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH HONG KONG.
ASKED WHETHER A SUGGESTION FOR REFERENDUM IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 HAD BEEN RAISED FOR DISCUSSION, SIR DAVID SAID: "WE DIDN'T GO INTO DETAIL, CLEARLY THEY WERE INTERESTED IN WHAT MY JUDGEMENT WAS OF THE MOOD IN HONG KONG."
SIR DAVID SAID WHILE THERE WERE DIVERSE VIEWS ON THE PACE OF POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT AT THE PRESENT MOMENT, HE HOPED THAT PEOPLE COULD WORK TOWARDS A CONSENSUS ON THE ISSUE.
"1 THINK THAT WOULD BE THE BEST FOR ALL CONCERNED," HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAW STUDENTS, BUSINESS GROUPS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES.
SIR DAVID SAID: "I MUST SAY 1 THINK PEOPLE HAVE A VERY GOOD UNDERSTANDING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OF OUR MAJOR PROBLEMS AT THE MOMENT, INCLUDING THE BOAT PEOPLE PROBLEM."
IN THE UNITED STATES, SIR DAVID TALKED TO PEOPLE WHO WERE INTERESTED IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING BUSINESS GROUPS, THE MEDIA AND ACADEMICS.
HE SAID: "I WAS STRUCK THERE BY WHAT A POSITIVE VIEW PEOPLE WERE TAKING OF HONG KONG, ITS BUSINESS POTENTIAL AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF ALSO THE PROBLEMS WE FACE THERE."
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
2
CONTINUED GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR CIVIC EDUCATION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION WITH THE RESOURCES IT NEEDS FOR ITS WORK, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING AT THE "TO CARE AND TO GIVE: CIVIC EDUCATION DAY" AT VICTORIA PARK ORGANISED BY THE COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE A SENSE OF MUTUAL HELP AND CARE.
SIR DAVID PRAISED THE COMMITTEE FOR THE WORK IT HAS DONE IN THE PAST TWO YEARS. "SINCE IT WAS SET UP IN MAY 1986, THE COMMITTEE HAS DONE A GREAT DEAL TO FOSTER CIVIC AWARENESS AND PROMOTE GOOD CITIZENSHIP," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE WAS IMPORTANT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION WAS ALSO ESSENTIAL IF CIVIC EDUCATION WAS TO BE A SUCCESS.
"IT IS GOOD TO SEE THE INCREASING CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE COMMITTEE AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS. 17 LOCAL SERVICE GROUPS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY : AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF CO-OPERATION," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD FOR ITS ECONOMIC SUCCESS BUT VERY FEW PEOPLE REALISED THAT THE HARDWORKING AND RESOURCEFUL PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WERE ALSO PREPARED TO SPEND MUCH OF THEIR LEISURE TIME HELPING OTHERS.
"IT IS A NOTABLE FEATURE OF HONG KONG THAT PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS, AND FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, PARTICIPATE ACTIVELY IN A WIDE RANGE OF VOLUNTARY SERVICES."
"HONG KONG’S WILLINGNESS TO RESPOND TO APPEALS FOR WORTHY CAUSES HAS EVEN EARNED US A PLACE IN THE GUINNESS BOOK OF RECORDS," SIR DAVID SAID.
"IN ORGANISING TODAY’S CIVIC EDUCATION DAY ACTIVITIES, THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IS GIVING ADDED IMPETUS TO THIS FINE TRADITION OF MUTUAL HELP AND CARE IN THE COMMUNITY.
"WE HAVE HERE TODAY EXHIBITIONS SHOWING THE LARGE RANGE OF VOLUNTARY SERVICES WHICH EXIST IN HONG KONG TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR CITIZENS. BUT IT WILL NOT JUST BI PASSIVE VIEWING.
"EVERYBODY LOOKING AT THE EXHIBITS WILL ALSO HAVE A CHANCE TO RESPOND POSITIVELY TO REQUESTS FOR CONTRIBUTIONS OF MONEY, BLOOD DONATIONS AND, ABOVE ALL, OUR INVITATION THAT THEY SHOULD GIVE SOME OF THEIR TIME FOR THE BENEFIT OF THOSE IN NEED OF HELP," HE ADDED.
DESCRIBING THE CONCEPT OF THE TWO-WAY EXHIBITION AS AN "IMAGINATIVE" ONE, THE GOVERNOR HOPED THAT EVERYONE WOULD ENJOY BOTH SEEING AND RESPONDING — AND BENEFITTING FROM BOTH.
"I HOPE THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WILL JOIN ALL OF US HERE TODAY IN WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A MORE HARMONIOUS AND CARING COMMUNITY FOR OURSELVES AND OUR CHILDREN," SIR DAVID SAID.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
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GOVERNOR OFFICIATES AT FLOAT PARADE * * * * ♦
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON TODAY (SUNDAY) OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN FLOAT PARADE, ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE.
THE PARADE WAS THE FOCAL ACTIVITY OF THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PHASE, WHICH WAS IMPLEMENTED WITH A VIEW TO FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY CONCERN IN THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN OPERATION.
A TOTAL OF 29 VINTAGE CARS, OF WHICH 17 WERE FROM THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND 12 FROM MAJOR COMMERCIAL CONCERNS, TOOK PART IN THE FLOAT PARADE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE SAID: "WE HAD A MUCH BETTER RESPONSE THIS YEAR AS MORE COMMERCIAL COMPANIES READILY RESPONDED TO OUR INVITATION."
"THE ESSENCE OF THE PARADE DOES NOT ONLY LIE WITH THE FANCIFUL APPEAL THAT THESE GLAMOUROUSLY DECORATED FLOATS GENERATE FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG Cl,EAN CAMPAIGN, IT IS ALSO THE SENSE OF COMMITMENT OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS THAT MAKE THE EVENT ALL THE MORE MEANINGFUL," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE VEHICLES, ALL BEARING KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN APPEAL MESSAGES, BEGAN THE LONG TREK ACROSS TOWN FROM THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND THIS MORNING, PASSING THROUGH THE MOST POPULATED AREAS OF TSUEN WAN DISTRICT AND KOWLOON, AND TERMINATING AT CHATER ROAD IN CENTRAL.
MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE ENJOYED AN AFTERNOON OF FUN AND GAMES, WHEN THE VEHICLES WERE PARKED ALONG THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT, WHILE THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS STAGED VARIOUS KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES.
A LIVE TELEVISION SHOW, ATTENDED BY THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON AND SOME 300 INVITED GUESTS, COMPRISING URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILLORS, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN AND MEMBERS, WAS BROADCAST VIA THE ASIA TELEVISION IN THE AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER THE CEREMONY, SIR DAVID SAID KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN WAS SOMETHING "WHICH ALL OF US CAN CONTRIBUTE TO" .
"IT IS NOT A MATTER PURELY FOR THE GOVERNMENT, OR FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL, OR FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, BUT SOMETHING IN WHICH EACH INDIVIDUAL PERSON IN HONG KONG CAN MAKE A REAL CONTRIBUTION TO MAKING HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
"SO I HOPE THAT TODAY’S EVENTS WILL HELP TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO RECEIVE AND ACT ON THAT MESSAGE," SIR DAVID ADDED.
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A....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
ACTION PLANNED ON 'MONEY LAUNDERING’: CP *****
RESOLUTIONS CONCERNING MONEY LAUNDERING, ORGANISED CRIME AND TRAVEL DOCUMENT FRAUD WERE AMONG THOSE PASSED AT THIS YEAR'S INTERPOL GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
"POSSIBLY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT, INSOFAR AS WE SHALL HAVE A BILL BEFORE LEGCO WHICH WE HOPE WILL BE ENACTED SOON, WAS THAT RELATING TO MONEY LAUNDERING," SAID COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING.
MR ANNING SAID THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECOGNISED THE NEED TO CREATE MECHANISMS FOR DEALING WITH INTERNATIONAL MONEY LAUNDERING AND RELATED CRIMES.
"IT WAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT INTERPOL HAS TO CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE EFFORTS OF MEMBER COUNTRIES TO COMBAT NARCOTICS TRAFFICKERS IN PARTICULAR, AND ALL WHO LAUNDER ILLEGAL PROFITS INTERNATIONALLY," HE EXPLAINED.
"TO THIS END IT WAS DECIDED THAT A WORLDWIDE WORKING GROUP SHOULD BE SET UP PRINCIPALLY TO STUDY EXISTING METHODS, AND ALSO TO DEVELOP NEW STRATEGIES FOR THE GATHERING OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH, ARISING FROM, RELATED TO OR RESULTING FROM NARCOTICS TRANSACTIONS AND OTHER CRIMES."
ON THE SUBJECT OF ORGANISED CRIME, MR ANNING SAID THAT AGAIN THE ASSEMBLY NOTED THAT ALL MEMBERS STATES SHOULD BE AWARE OF THE CURRENT ACTIVITIES, MOVEMENTS AND OPERATIONS OF ORGANISED CRIME GROUPS.
THE MEETING RECOMMENDED THAT CONSIDERATION BE GIVEN TO THE FORMATION OF A SPECIALISED GROUP WITHIN THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT TO COUNTER THE ACTIVITIES OF ORGANISED CRIME; THAT ORGANISED CRIME SHOULD BE A PERMANENT AGENDA ITEM AT BOTH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY AND REGIONAL MEETINGS; AND THAT THERE SHOULD BE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF THE HEADS OF SPECIALISED SERVICES CONCERNED WITH COMBATING ORGANISED CRIME WHERE APPROPRIATE.
CONCERN AMONG MEMBER NATIONS OVER THE INCREASING USE OF FRAUDULENT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS LED TO A CALL FOR CONCERTED EFFORT TO BE MADE TO APPREHEND AND PROSECUTE THOSE RESPONSIBLE, MR ANNING WENT ON.
"NOT ONLY ARE SUCH DOCUMENTS USED TO CROSS BORDERS, BUT THEY CAN ALSO BE USED IN SUPPORT OF OTHER CRIMINAL OFFENCES SUCH AS THEFT, COUNTERFEITING AND FORGERY," HE NOTED.
"THE ASSEMBLY THEREFORE REQUESTED THE GENERAL SECRETARIAT IN PARIS TO PROMOTE AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE TO PROVIDE ALL MEMBERS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF MINIMUM SECURITY MEASURES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE MANUFACTURE AND ISSUE OF GENUINE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS.
/"IT WAS .......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
- 5 -
"IT WAS ALSO SUGGESTED THAT SUCH A CONFERENCE SHOULD BE OPEN TO REPRESENTATIVES FROM DEPARTMENTS ISSUING GENUINE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AS WELL AS AUTHORISED MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESSES.
"THE SECRETARIAT WILL NOW TRY TO LOCATE A COUNTRY WILLING TO HOST SUCH AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE."
SPEAKING ON THE INTERPOL GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS A WHOLE, MR ANNING SAID IN WORLDWIDE LAW ENFORCEMENT TERMS IT IS A VERY SIGNIFICANT MEETING WHICH IS OF GREAT BENEFIT TO THE FORCE.
"EVERY YEAR CRIME BECOMES MORE INTERNATIONAL, WITH MORE MOVEMENT OF CRIMINALS AND THE PROCEEDS OF CRIME, PLUS GREATER USE OF TECHNOLOGY BY CRIMINALS. THIS MAKES COOPERATION BETWEEN POLICE FORCES WORLDWIDE MORE NECESSARY AND INTERPOL IS THE FORUM THROUGH WHICH THIS CAN BE ACHIEVED," HE CONCLUDED.
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HOSPITAL FOR CONVALESCENCE PATIENTS TO BE BUILT
*****
THE FIRST GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL DESIGNED ESPECIALLY TO MEET THE NEEDS OF CONVALESCENCE PATIENTS WILL BE COMPLETED IN SHA TIN BY 1990.
COSTING $183 MILLION FOR THE SUPERSTRUCTURE ALONE, THE SHA TIN CONVALESCENT AND INFIRMARY HOSPITAL HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO PATIENTS REQUIRING A LENGTHY RECOVERY PERIOD.
THE HOSPITAL BUILDING CONSISTS 01- A 10-STOREY BLOCK WITH THE GROUND FLOOR, PODIUM AND FIRST FLOOR LEVELS ACCOMMODATING THE VARIOUS ADMINISTRATIVE, ENGINEERING AND OTHER SPECIALIST AREAS.
LOCATED ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF MA ON SHAN ROAD AND FACING THE SHING MUN RIVER CHANNEL AND SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB RACE COURSE ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE RIVER CHANNEL, THE HOSPITAL MAKES BEST USE OF THE SEA VIEW TO THE NORTH AND THE COUNTRYSIDE TO THE SOUTH.
THE WARDS WERE DESIGNED IN THE FORM OF AN "H". EACH GENERA! WARD HAS BEEN FURTHER SUBDIVIDED INTO SMALLER GROUP WARDS OF FOUR BEDSPACES.
/ASIDE FROM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
6
ASIDE FROM MEDICAL FACILITIES, OTHER PROVISIONS INCLUDE FACILITIES FOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, ART AND MUSIC, WORKSHOPS, GYMNASIUMS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPY AND ROOF GARDENS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU, WILL LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE FOR THE SHA TIN CONVALESCENT AND INFIRMARY HOSPITAL AT 3 PM, ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20). THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT.
MEMBERS OF THE PRESS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION ARE ADVISED TO MAKE USE OF A COACH AM5617 WHICH WILL DEPART FROM HANKOW ROAD, NEAR THE PENINSULA HOTEL, AT 2 PM.
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RESIDENTS TAKE
PART IN ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN *****
A THREE-WEEK ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN IN KWAI TSING DISTRICT CONCLUDED SUCCESSFULLY WITH A FUN DAY FOR RESIDENTS HELD AT KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND TODAY (SUNDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FUN DAY, CHAIRMAN OF THE ANTI-NARCOTICS CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE, MR SO HOI-PANG SAID A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WERE ORGANISED DURING THE CAMPAIGN TO PUBLICISE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND TO DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM TAKING DRUGS.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED AN ANTI-NARCOTICS EXHIBITION AND VIDEO SHOW, A DISCO NIGHT AND VISITS TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL AND TAI TAM CENTRE FOR WOMEN, MR SO ADDED.
MEMBERS OF THE AREA COMMITTEES AND YIN NGAI SOCIETIES, SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND FACTORY WORKERS FORMED 15 TEAMS 10 TAKE PART IN TODAY’S TELEMATCH GAMES.
PARTICIPANTS AND RESIDENTS ALSO WATCHED PERFORMANCES BY Till TAI TAM MARCHING BAND, LOCAL SCHOOL BANDS, HONG KONG MORRIS DANCING TEAM, KWAI TSING DISTRICT CULTURE AND ARTS CO-ORDINATION ASSOCIATION, CHAMPION OF THE DISTRICT SINGING COMPETITION AND POPULAR SINGERS.
/THE TOTAL........
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1B, lyOU
THE TOTAL BUDGET FOR THE CAMPAIGN WAS $300,000, OF WHICH $100,000 WAS ALLOCATED BY THE ACTION COMMlTTl'E AGAINST NARCOTICS AND $200,000 SPONSORED BY SHELL HONG KONG LTD
ALSO SPEAKING TODAY, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, DR GERALD CHOA THANKED KWAI TSING ORGANISATIONS AND RESIDENTS' SUPPORT TOWARDS THE CAMPAIGN.
DR CHOA URGED THE PUBLIC TO BEWARE OF THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUGS AND CALLED ON PARENTS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO THEIR CHILDREN.
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RENT OFFICER SCHEME EXTENDS TO SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN * * » « «
THE RENT OFFICER SCHEME WHICH PROVIDES THE PUBLIC WITH FREE ADVICE ON TENANCY MATTERS WILL BE EXTENDED TO SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN DISTRICTS ON JANUARY 3, 1989.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE SHA TIN KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY HOUSE, WILL PROVIDE THE SERVICE ON THE FIRST AND THIRD WEDNESDAY MORNINGS OF THE MONTH WHILE THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING WILL PROVIDE THE SERVICE ON THE SECOND AND FOURTH FRIDAY AFTERNOONS OF THE MONTH.
THIS BRINGS TO 15 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF DISTRICT OFFICES PROVIDING THE SERVICE WHICH IS NOW AVAILABLE AT CENTRAL AND WESTERN, WANCHAI, SOUTHERN AND EASTERN ON HONG KONG ISLAND; YAU TS1M, MONG KOK, SHAM SHUI PO, KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN AND KWUN TONG IN KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN, KWAI TSING AND YUEN LONG AC THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SCHEME, WHICH IS RUN BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT, WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN APRIL, 1978.
DURING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, MORE THAN 14,300 PEOPLE HAD APPROACHED THE RENT OFFICERS FOR ADVICI ON RENT AND TENANCY PROBLEMS.
THE MOST COMMON PROBLEMS WERE RECOVERY AND EVICTION FROM PREMISES, LEGAL PROCEEDINGS OF 1'ENANCV DISPUTES AND RENT INCREASES AND ALTERATIONS.
PEOPLE WISHING TO DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS WITH THE RENT OFFICERS HAVE TO FIRST MAKE' APPOI :! IFNTS AT ANY OF THE 67 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES IN 1’ FISTI C” OFFICE'.
/CASES WI1X......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
8 -
CASES WILL BE REFERRED TO THE RENT OFFICERS WHEN FOLLOW-UPS ARE REQUIRED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO SEEK ADVICE OR OBTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE MAY APPROACH ANY OF THE 67 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES OR THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE SECTION AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS ON THE 1 STH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 7 CANTON ROAD, HARBOUR CITY, TSIM SHA TSUI (TELEPHONE 3-692255).
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HONG KONG PARK SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO SUIT RECREATION, LEISURE NEEDS OF URBAN DWELLERS
SITE FORMA!ION WORK AT THE HONG KONG PARK IS FORGING AHEAD WELL ON SCHEDULE AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF FEBRUARY WHEN CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE MULTI-MILLION PROJECT WILL START.
"THE FORMER SITE OF THE VICTORIA BARRACKS, COVERING 10 HECTARES, WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A MAGNIFICENT WORLD-CLASS RECREATION AND LEISURE AMENITY «’OR THE iNJOYMENT OF HONG KONG PEOPLE BY 1991," THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, MR SAMUEL WONG, SAID TODAY.
"TO SUIT THE RECREATION AND LEISURE NEEDS OF URBAN DWELLERS WHO RESIDE IN ONE Of THE MOST CROWDED CITY AREAS IN THE WORLD, THE PARK HAS BEEN SPECIALLY AND CAREFULLY DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES."
FACILITIES WILL COMPRISE AN ID ■ i'A -MODERN FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED
INDOOR GAMES HALL, A PASSIVE RECREATION PROMENADE, A TERRACED GARDE'! WITH WATER AREAS AND GENEROUS LANDSCAPING; A GARDEN OF A VARIETY OF INFORMAL ACTIVITIES; A LARGE CHILDREN'S PLAYGROUND; A GREENHOUSE;
AREA, A FOUNTAIN PLAZA, A
FEATURES, SITT1NG-OUT
Pl..\ZA FOR THE STAGING
WALK-THROUGH AVIARY; A A PARK CAFE AND OTHER
LEISURE FEATURES SUCH AS A LOGGIA, LAKES AND TRACT! OF LANDSCAPED
AREA; AND A VANTAGE POINT.
"SPECIAL EFFORTS HAVE ; !■ 1A.DE IN THE DESIGN TO PRESERVE AS MUCH OF THE EXISTING TREES, PLANTS ANO NATURA1 ENVIRONMENT OF THE SITE AS POSSIBLE So !AT TUP PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CAN ENJOY ANOTHER OASIS OF GREENERY " LA T 0 MR WONG.
.-.ALL USUAL SERVICE BUILDINGS SUCH AS TOILETS AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS HAVE BEE'! DES: NF D IN A MANNER FULLY IN KEEPING WITH THE NATURAL LANDSCAPE OF Hi. V' '■
/"YUE POSITIONING
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
"THE POSITIONING OF ALL THESE SERVICE BUILDINGS INCLUDING THE TOILET HAS BEEN PLANNED FOR EASY PUBLIC ACCESS," SAID MR WONG.
"SINCE THE HONG KONG PARK IS MEANT TO BE A TERRITORY-WIDE LEISURE AND RECREATION VENUE TO BE USED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS RESIDING IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG, WHO WILL VISIT THE PARK FROM AS FAR AS KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN, FAN LING AND YUEN LONG, IT IS VITAL THAT A PUBLIC TOILET BE SITED NEAR THE ENTRANCE OF THE PARK.
"IN FACT, THE PRACTICE OF MAKING THE SERVICE BUILDING PART OF THE ENTRANCE COMPLEX IS VERY COMMON FOR THIS TYPE OF LARGE-SCALE PUBLIC FACILITY."
TO KEEP THE PARK IN A TIDY CONDITION, A REFUSE CHAMBER WILL BE AN ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENT. EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT SUCH A CHAMBER MUST BE SITED NEAR AN ENTRANCE. AND IN CASE OF HONG KONG PARK, THE CHAMBER HAS TO BE PROVIDED NEAR THE EASTERN ENTRANCE OF THE PARK ON ONE SIDE OF THE BUS LAY-BY AREA, WHICH IS THE ONLY AREA ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF THE PARK WHERE VEHICULAR ACCESS CAN BE ARRANGED.
"THE DECISION TO LOCATE THE CHAMBER AT THE EDGE OF THE PARK RATHER THAN IN THE PARK ITSELF IS TO AVOID HAVING VEHICLES DRIVING THROUGH THE PARK, WHICH WOULD POSE A MAJOR HAZARD TO THE HUNDREDS OF PEDESTRIANS STROLLING INSIDE," SAID MR WONG.
"THIS SERVICE FACILITY HAS BEEN SPECIALLY DESIGNED AND TREATED BY THE ARCHITECT. IT WILL BE RECESSED INTO EXISTING SLOPES, AND EFFECTIVELY SCREENED TO HIDE IT FROM VIEW.
"IN ORDER TO PREVENT ANY SMELLS ‘EMITTING FROM THE REFUSE CHAMBER, CARBON FILTERS WILL BE ADDED TO VENTILATION DUCTS.
"THE REFUSE CHAMBER WILL ONLY SERVE THE PARK AND MOST OF THE REFUSE WILL BE DRY LEAVES AND BRANCHES, WHICH WILL BE PLACED IN STRONG PLASTIC BAGS AND CONVEYED TO THE CHAMBER FOR TEMPORARY STORAGE ONLY BEFORE IT IS TAKEN AWAY BY REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES.
"ALL THESE SERVICE AND ANCILLIARY FACILITIES MIGHT NOT BE APPRECIATED BY PARK USERS AND THE PUBLIC, THEY ARE, NEVERTHELESS, NECESSARY ITEMS, WHICH ARE PARTS AND PARCELS OF ANY MAJOR PARK FACILITY IN ORDER TO MAKE ANY VISIT TO THE PARK AN ENJOYABLE AND PLEASANT TRIP," ADDED MR WONG.
CAPTION: PICTURE (1) SHOWS THE HONG KONG PARK EASTERN ENTRANCE COMPLEX VIEWED FROM ACROSS SUPREME COURT ROAD, AND PICTURE (2) SHOWS ONE OF THE FACILITIES IN THE PARK - THE FOUNTAIN PLAZA.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
10 -
MORE COURSES ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PLANNED *****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF COURSES TO BRING HOME THE MESSAGE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TO EMPLOYEES IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES.
ACCORDING TO THE TRAINING PROGRAMME OF THE DEPARTMENT'S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE, A TOTAL OF 198 BASIC AND ADVANCED COURSES OF 28 TYPES WILL BE ORGANISED IN THE FIRST HALF OF NEXT YEAR.
LASTING FROM HALF A DAY TO FIVE DAYS, THE COURSES COVER AREAS SUCH AS INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT PREVENTION, CONSTRUCTION SAFETY, WORK SAFETY IN CONFINED SPACES, MANUAL LIFTING AND HANDLING OF WEIGHTS, SAFE USE OF MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, AND SAFETY CONTROL IN PLASTICS AND ELECTRICAL INDUSTRIES.
OTHER COURSES FOR SAFETY OFFICERS, SUPERVISORS, FOREMEN AND SAFETY AND HEALTH COMMITTEE MEMBERS INCLUDE HEARING CONSERVATION, ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION, OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, CHEMICAL AND ASBESTOS HAZARDS, WORK SAFETY IN TUNNELLING AND CAISSON WORK, AND HAZARDS AND CONTROLS IN CONSTRUCTION AND ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE COURSES ON SAFETY PROGRAMME, PROMOTION, AND SAFETY REGULATIONS.
COMMENTING ON THE SCOPE OF THE COURSES, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID A NUMBER OF NEW COURSES INCLUDING TWO ON CRANE SAFETY, FOUR ON SAFETY IN WORKING AT HEIGHT AND TWO ON ELECTRICAL SAFETY-FATAL ACCIDENTS ANALYSIS AND CASE STUDY, WILL ALSO BE INTRODUCED NEXT YEAR.
"IN THE LIGHT OF THE RECENT ENACTMENT OF LEGISLATIONS ON DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES, MORE COURSES ON LABELLING AND SAFE HANDLING OF CHEMICALS ARE TO BE ORGANISED, AND ADDITIONAL CLASSES WILL BE ARRANGED SHOULD THE NEED ARISE," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THERE WOULD ALSO BE AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COURSES ON "HIGH-RISK" OPERATIONS IN A MOVE TO FOSTER AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
ALL THE SAFETY COURSES ARE CONDUCTED MAINLY IN CANTONESE AND ADMISSIONS ARE FREE OF CHARGE, THOUGH APPLICATION FOR ENROLMENT MUST BE MADE THROUGH EMPLOYERS.
PROSPECTUS AMD APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CENTRE ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR BUILDING IN CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT 5-8523563.
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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
11
TAI PO DB TO DISCUSS GAS PLANT EXPANSION * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL EXPRESS VIEWS ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20) ON THE SCOPE OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF A PROPOSED EXPANSION OF THE TAI PO GAS PRODUCTION PLANT.
TH I: HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY PROPOSES TO EXPAND ITS GAS PRODUCTION PLANT II AND IS REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THE ASSESSMENT AS A PREREQUISITE FOR APPROVAL.
AT THE MEETING, AN INFORMATION PAPER ON A PROPOSAL TO SELL A CEMENT/AGGREGATE/SAND DEPOT SITE TN YIM TIN TSAI WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER THE BOARD SHOULD TAKE PART IN THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1989.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE REPORT TO THE BOARD AND THE REPORTS BY THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152 KWONG FUK ROAD ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 20). THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 AM.
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ELDERLY URGED TO BE MORE ACTIVE *****
MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS LORNA MA, TODAY (SUNDAY) CALLED ON ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AS tX MEANS OF MAINTAINING MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF ELDERLY”, MRS MA SAID ELDERLY PEOPLE SHOULD WITH THE COMMUNITY, AND POINTED OUT THAT IT THINK THEY WERE NO LONGER USEFUL MEMBERS OF THEIR AGE.
A ’’SPORTS DAY FOR THE KEEP IN CONSTANT TOUCH WAS WRONG FOR THEM TO THE SOCIETY BECAUSE OF
/"GETTING OLD
SUNDAY♦ DECEMBER 18, 1988
12
’’GETTING OLD IS A STAGE IN LIFE, WHICH, HOWEVER, ALSO REPRESENTS AN ACCRUMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE. I BELIEVE MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE HERE ARE AS GOOD AS YOUNG PEOPLE WHEN HANDLING A JOB," SHE ADDED.
MORE THAN 600 ELDERLY PEOPLE PARTICIPATED IN TODAY'S GAMES AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
SPONSORED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD, THE FUNCTION WAS ORGANISED AS A MAJOR ACTIVITY OF A "RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY CAMPAIGN" IN THE DISTRICT.
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FREE CHECK-UPS FOR ELDERLY TAI PO VILLAGERS *****
ABOUT 500 ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN VILLAGES OF TAI PO DISTRICT RECEIVED FREE HEALTH CHECK-UPS TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE EVENT WAS PART OF AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE FREE HEALTH CARE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE DISTRICT.
THE CHECK-UPS WERE HELD IN LAM TSUEN LION’S CLUB YOUTH CENTRE AND IN LUEN YICK FISHERMEN'S VILLAGE, SAM MUN TSAI.
ELDERLY PARTICIPANTS AGED 60 OR ABOVE HAD THEIR BLOOD PRESSURE, URINE, EYESIGHT AND HEARING EXAMINED.
LAST SUNDAY SIMILAR CHECK-UPS WERE PROVIDED FOR THE ELDERLY LIVING IN THE TAI PO NEW TOWN IN TAI PO COMMUNITY CENTRE.
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/1J.......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
- 13 -
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT GE^S NEW HOTLINE NUMBER ♦ * * \* ♦
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO ENQUIRE ABOUT TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS WILL HAVE TO DIAL A NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER FROM DECEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY).
FROM DECEMBER 21, THE ENQUIRY HOTLINE OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE CHANGED FROM 5-200933 TO 5-8691166.
THE DEPARTMENT'S HOTLINE HANDLES ENQUIRIES ON A WIDE RANG” Of TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS, INCLUDING LICENSING, TRAFFK REGULATIONS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, A SPOKESMAN FOR TH» DEPARTMENT SAID.
IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE HOTLINE RECEIVED ABOUT 15,000 ENQUIRIES, WITH AN AVERAGE OF 50 CALLS A DAY.
MEANWHILE, THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE DEPARTMENT'S METER COMPLAINTS UNIT, WHICH HANDLES REPORTS ON DEFECTIVE PARKING METERS, WILL BE CHANGED TO 5-8690111.
ALSO FROM DECEMBER 21, THE FIRST THREE DIGITS OF THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT'S OFFICES IN QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES WILL BE CHANGED FROM ”862” TO ”867”. THE LAST FOUR DIGITS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED.
-----O------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HI LUNG LANE *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT HI LUNG LANE BETWEEN ARTHUR STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET IN YAU MA TEI, WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 21).
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
-----O------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SGD OUTLINES REASONS FOR OPTIMISM ..................... 1
FESTIVE SEASON: RESIDENTS URGED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT ... J
GOVERNOR VISITS CIVIL AID SERVICES DEPARTMENT ......... 4
PUBLIC REMINDED OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITION .............. 5
AAB MEMBERS LOOK AT AIRPORT TERMINAL EXTENSION ........ 5
VIGILANTE GROUPS NOT NECESSARY ........................ 6
COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION UNDER REVIEW .................... 7
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW ........... 8
PAC PUBLIC HEARING ON WEDNESDAY ....................... 9
OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PAYROLL FIGURES
RELEASED ............................................ 9
KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING ....... 14
WAN CHAI DB TO DISCUSS AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES......... 14
GAMES CENTRES LICENSING GUIDELINES TO BE EXPLAINED..... 1?
WATER BILLS CAN BE SETTLED BY aUTOPaY ................. 16
ANTIQUE BIRD CAGES A HIGHLIGHT OF NORTH SHOW .......... 17
W/.TER STORAGE FIGURE ................................. 19
MAIN-LAYING IN SIU SAI WAN ............................ 19
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
1
SGD OUTLINES REASONS FOR OPTIMISM * * * * *
THE SECRETARY, GENERAL DUTIES, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) HE IS CONFIDENT THAT THE GOOD WORK ALREADY BEGUN TO IMPLEMENT THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION WILL BE CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE TRANSITION PERIOD AND BEYOND.
SPEAKING AT THE U.S. - HONG KONG TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CONFERENCE, MR WIGGHAM SAID HIS OPTIMISM WAS BASED ON THREE MAIN REASONS.
"FIRST, THERE IS NO CONCEIVABLE BENEFIT TO ANYONE, LEAST OF ALL THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, FOR THE AGREEMENT NOT TO WORK," HE SAID.
"THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IS COMMITTED, AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL, TO THE IMAGINATIVE POLICY OF ’ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS’.
"IT WAS FOR THIS REASONS THAT THE CHINESE ENGAGED IN TWO YEARS OF CONCENTRATED HARD WORK, TOGETHER WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, TO PRODUCE THE JOINT DECLARATION."
MR WIGGHAM SAID THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT KNEW THAT HONG KONG COULD CONTRIBUTE ENORMOUSLY TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ITS OVER-RIDING ECONOMIC GOALS AND THAT HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO MAKE THIS CONTRIBUTION DEPENDED ON THE MAINTENANCE OF ITS SYSTEMS, AND ON THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE AND OVERSEAS INVESTORS.
"THERE IS THEREFORE NO REASON TO BELIEVE THAT CHINA WOULD RISK THE IRREPARABLE DAMAGE, BOTH POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC, THAT WOULD INEVITABLY' RESULT FROM RENEGING ON AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED AGREEMENT," HE SAID.
THE SECOND REASON FOR OPTIMISM WAS THAT THE EVIDENCE OF THE PAST THREE YEARS SHOWED THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION WAS WORKING.
"WHY SHOULD CHINA PUT SO MUCH EFFORT INTO THIS, IF ONLY TO SEE IT DISMANTLED IN EIGHT YEARS’ TIME?” HE COMMENTED.
"MY LAST, IF NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT, REASON FOR OPTIMISM IS MY CONFIDENCE IN THE PEOPLI OF HONG KONG," MR WIGGHAM CONTINUED.
HE SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS BLESSED WITH INTELLIGENT AND MULTI-TALENTED PEOPLI WHO HAD TRANSFORMED THE TERRITORY INTO ONE OF THE WORLD’S BUSIEST AND MOST SUCCESSFUL FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL CENTRES.
THERE WAS NO REASON WHY THERE SHOULD BE A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THEIR ABILITY TO SPUR A PLACE THEY CALLED HOME TO NEW HEIGHTS IN THE YEARS TO COME.
/REFERRING TO........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
REFERRING TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, MR WIGGHAM SAID MEMBERS OF THE BRITISH SIDE OF THE GROUP HAD COME TO RESPECT THE CHINESE SIDE FOR THEIR CONSCIENTIOUSNESS AND BUSINESS-LIKE APPROACH, AND HAD BEEN IMPRESSED BY THE CARE AND SENSE OF PURPOSE WITH WHICH THEY HAD CONSIDERED ALL THE MATTERS ON THE AGENDA.
HE PUT EMPHASIS ON THE ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR, ADDING THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEPENDED LARGELY ON ITS ABILITY TO TRADE FREELY AND INDEPENDENTLY.
MR WIGGHAM SAID AGREEMENTS REACHED BY THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP ON HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS WERE OF CONSIDERABLE PRACTICAL SIGNIFICANCE.
THIS WAS SO INDIVIDUALLY BUT, PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE AGREEMENTS COLLECTIVELY PLACED HONG KONG FIRMLY IN ITS PROPER INTERNATIONAL CONTEXT.
THEY' PROVIDED VISIBLE PROOF THAT CONCRETE STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN TOWARDS FULFILLING PROMISES MADE IN 1984.
IN ADDITION, THE AGREEMENTS SERVED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT HONG KONG WOULD MAINTAIN ITS EXISTING ROLE AS A THRIVING INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
TURNING TO THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW, MR WIGGHAM SAID HE HAD BEEN STRUCK BY HOW OPEN THAT PROCESS HAD BEEN, AND HOW RECEPTIVE THE CHINESE HAD SHOWN THEMSELVES TO BE.
"THIS FIRST CONSULTATION EXERCISE HAS SHOWN THAT THE DRAFTING AND CONSULTATION PROCESSES ARE NOT PERFUNCTORY," HE SAID.
"PUBLIC OPINION IS BEING TAKEN ACCOUNT OF - THOUGH OF COURSE IT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO MEET EVERYONE’S WISHES."
HE HOPED THAT THE PUBLICATION OF THE SECOND DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW, DUE EARLY NEXT YEAR, WOULD FURTHER ENHANCE "HE CONFIDENCE OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS IN THE DETERMINATION OF ALL CONCERNED TO PRODUCE THE BEST POSSIBLE VERSION OF THE BASIC LAW.
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MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
- 3 -
FESTIVE SEASON: RESIDENTS URGED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT » t * » »
THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND 'KOWLOON, . MR PAUL LEUNG, TODAY (MONDAY) APPEALED TO RESIDENTS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO AVOID CONGESTION DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON FESTIVE LIGHTINGS AND ACTIVITIES, MR LEUNG URGED RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS OR YOUNG CHILDREN, TO EXERCISE CARE IN CONGESTED AREAS.
"PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT MOST PEOPLE VIEW THE LIGHTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND THAT TSIM SHA TSUI HAS BY FAR THE BIGGEST CROWDS," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT MOST CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WOULD BE ON FOR SOME TIME, AND RESIDENTS WOULD HAVE PLENTY OF TIME TO ENJOY THEM AT THEIR LEISURE.
APART FROM THE CENTRES OF ATTRACTION IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL, THERE WERE ALSO CHRISTMAS LIGHTINGS AND NUMEROUS PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES IN OTHER DISTRICTS WHICH PEOPLE COULD ENJOY WITHOUT TRAVELLING TOO FAR FROM THEIR HOMES.
THE VARIOUS ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING VARIETY SHOWS AND FESTIVAL CARNIVALS ORGANISED BY LOCAL DISTRICT OFFICES, WERE ALSO EXPECTED TO ATTRACT LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE.
AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, A CHIEF TRANSPORT OFFICER, MR CHOY HON-LEUNG, ANNOUNCED THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WOULD BE EXTENDED DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
"MOST PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, INCLUDING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT, PEAK TRAM, TRAMS, BUSES AND FERRIES, WILL BE RUNNING EITHER ALL NIGHT OR WELL INTO THE EARLY' MORNING BOTH ON DECEMBER 25 AND ON JANUARY 1," MR CHOY SAID.
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, SUCH AS PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT SCHEMES AND ROAD CLOSURES, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED. THE POLICE WILL ANNOUNCE DETAILS SHORTLY.
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/'♦............
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
- 4 -
GOVERNOR VISITS CIVIL AID SERVICES DEPARTMENT
*****
HONG KONG IS FORTUNATE IN ITS AUXILIARY SERVICES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) AFTER PAYING A VISIT TO THE CIVIL AID SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
"MANY PEOPLE ARE PREPARED TO DEVOTE LONG PERIODS OF THEIR LEISURE TIME TO WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THIS DEDICATION AND COMMITMENT IS GREATLY TO THE CREDIT OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE. IT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED BY THOSE WHO DESCRIBE OUR SOCIETY AS MATERIALISTIC."
THE GOVERNOR BEGAN HIS VISIT AT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT AT CAROLINE HILL ROAD.
HE WAS MET BY THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR JOHN FORTUNE, WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT AND WHAT IS BEING DONE TO ENCOURAGE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN THE CADET CORPS.
THE GOVERNOR WAS TOLD THAT, HAVING FULFILLED ITS TASK OF MANAGING RECEPTION CENTRES FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, THE CAS COULD NOW DEVOTE MORE TIME TO TRAINING VOLUNTEERS - TRAINING THEM FOR ALL KINDS OF CRISES THAT MIGHT TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG, BE THEY NATURAL OR MAN MADE.
SIR DAVID THEN TOURED THE CAS HEADQUARTERS OFFICES, WHERE HE MET THE TRAINING STAFF AND INSPECTED TRAINING FACILITIES AND WORKSHOPS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO WATCHED A 10-MINUTE VIDEO ON "CAS TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES".
THE GOVERNOR VISITED THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT ARGYLE STREET WHERE HE WAS GIVEN A SHORT BRIEFING ON THE FACILITIES AND PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRE.
HE WATCHED A COMMUNICATION EXERCISE TAKING PLACE, AND WAS SHOWN DEMONSTRATIONS OF "RESCUE AND CASUALTY HANDLING" AND "CASUALTY SIMULATION" AND A DISPLAY ON "HEAVY RESCUE" AND "MOUNTAIN RESCUE" EQUIPMENT.
SIR DAVID ENDED HIS
VOLUNTEERS AT A TEA RECEPTION
VIS IT
IN THE
BY MEETING STAFF AND OFFICERS MESS.
SENIOR
HE COMMENDED THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTEER MEMBERS FOR THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION THAT THE CAS HAS MADE TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE COMMUNITY.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
- 5 -
PUBLIC REMINDED OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITION * * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THE UNLICENSED POSSESSION OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS, FIRECRACKERS, PISTOL CAPS AND PARTY POPPERS IS PROHIBITED.
UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO POSSESSES OR DISCHARGES ANY FIREWORKS WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25,000 AND SIX MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT.
"SPOT CHECKS WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT'S MINES DIVISION, ESPECIALLY AROUND CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, ON SHOPS AND PERMISES SUSPECTED OF SELLING OR STORING SUCH GOODS," A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ANY UNLICENSED FIREWORKS FOUND WILL BE SEIZED AND THE OFFENDERS PROSECUTED."
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS CONFISCATED MORE THAN 1,120 PIECES OF PARTY POPPERS AND 9.480 ROUNDS OF PISTOL CAPS LAST YEAR.
IN ADDITION, 1,544 KILOGRAMS OF UNLICENSED FIREWORKS SEIZED BY THE POLICE AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WERE HANDED OVER TO THE DIVISION LAST YEAR.
HE URGED THOSE IN POSSESSION OF ANY FIREWORKS OR CATEGORY I DANGEROUS GOODS TO SURRENDER THEM IMMEDIATELY TO THE MINES DIVISION AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KOWLOON.
THEY CAN ALSO TELEPHONE THE EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS ON 3-7332383 OR 3-7332384 FOR SUCH GOODS TO BE COLLECTED.
AAB MEMBERS LOOK AT AIRPORT TERMINAL EXTENSION
*****
MEMBERS OF THE AVIATION ADVISORY BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING AND LOOKED OVER THE EXTENSION TO THE PASSENGER TERMINAL WHICH CAME INTO FULL
VISITED
STAGE V
OPERATION
LAST WEEK.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, THE MEMBERS INCLUDED MR EUGENE SULLIVAN; MR ALEX WU MR EDMOND LAU; DR PHILIP LAI; MR HELMUT SOHMEN, AND
MR TREVOR
MR MARTIN
MR DAVID
THORPE, BARROW;
GLEDHILL.
/DURING THEIR
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1% 1988
6
DURING THEIR TOUR Ob’ THE NEW ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES AREAS, MEMBERS LEARNED THAT PASSENGER TRAFFIC THROUGH KAI TAK HAD SUSTAINED VERY STRONG GROWTH IN RECENT YEARS.
FOLLOWING THE ALMOST 20 PER CENT INCREASE IN 1987, THE TOTAL ANNUAL PASSENGER THROUGHPUT SHOULD EXCEED 15 MILLION BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THE COMPLETION OF THE S273-MILLION STAGE V PROJECT OFFERS A TIMELY RELIEF TO THE ORIGINAL TERMINAL BUILDING WHICH HAS FOR THE PAST YEAR BEEN OPERATING ABOVE ITS DESIGN CAPACITY OF 12 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR.
THE PEAK HOUR PASSENGER PROCESSING CAPACITY HAS NOW BEEN RAISED FROM 3,400 TO 5,300 PER HOUR, AND INCREASED THE ANNUAL CAPACITY TO 20 MILLION PASSENGERS.
MEMBERS OBSERVED PASSENGER CHECK-INS AT THE TWO NEW AIRLINE CHECK-IN ISLANDS IN THE DEPARTURES HALL, BEFORE PROCEEDING THROUGH THE NEW TRANSFER COACH TERMINUS TO THE BASEMENT TO WATCH THE OPERATION OF THE ELEVATED DEPARTURE BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM.
AT THE END OF THEIR TOUR, MEMBERS VISITED THE ARRIVALS CUSTOMS HALL WHERE THEY SAW A COMPARISON OF THE OLD AND NEW WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND THE TWO NEW BAGGAGE RECLAIM UNITS IN USE.
THEY WERE TOLD THAT AN EXTENSIVE PROJECT TO REFURBISH THE BUILDING FINISHES AND MODERNIST' VARIOUS FITTINGS OF THE ORIGINAL TERMINAL WOULD BEGIN SHORTLY SO THAT ALL FACILITIES IN THE TERMINAL WOULD BE BROUGHT UP TO THE STANDARD OF THE STAGE V EXTENSION.
VIGILANTE GROUPS NOT NECESSARY ♦ t * t t
THE REFUGEE CO-ORDINATOR, MR MIKE HANSON, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE POLICE WERE ENTIRELY CAPABLE OF PRESERVING LAW AND ORDER TN TUEN MUN AND THAT VIGILANTE GROUPS WERE UNNECESSARY.
MR HANSON HOPED THAT THE RESIDENTS OF SIU HONG COURT WOULD REPORT ANY INCIDENTS OF DISORDER TO THE POLICE AND DISCUSS THEIR GENERAL CONCERNS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS.
HE ADDED THAT THE PACE OF THE LIBERALISATION PROGRAMME FOR REGUGEE CENTRES IN TUEN MUN COULD BE ADJUST ED IF MAJOR LAW AND ORDER DIFFICULTIES DEVELOPED.
/ME SAID
MONDAY, DEGhMBER 19, 1988
- 7 -
UK SAID HE UNDERSTOOD THE CONCERNS OE LOCAL RESIDENTS BUT HE THOUGHT THAT THE POLICE WERE ENTIRELY CAPABLE OF HANDLING THE SITUATION.
FOLLOWING THE RECENT MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN WORKING GROUP ON THE LIBERALISATION OF REFUGEE CENTRES, THE POLICE HAD STRENGTHENED THEIR PATROLS IN THE GENERAL AREA OF SIU HONG COURT.
THE WORKING GROUP HAD ALSO AGREED TO STRENGTHEN THE CULTURAL ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR REFUGEES.
THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES WOULD CONVENE A SEMINAR AND INVITE WORKING. GROUP REPRESENTATIVES, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, REFUGEE REPRESENTATIVES AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
"THE CONCERN OF LOCAL PEOPLE MUST BE ADDRESSED BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE KEEP THE ISSUES IN PERSPECTIVE," MR HANSON SAID.
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COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION UNDER REVIEW
» » » » *
A LAW REFORM COMMISSION SUB-COMMITTEE IS AT PRESENT CONDUCTING A WIDE-RANGING REVIEW OF LOCAL COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION AND HOPES TO SUBMIT A REPORT BY THE END OF NEXT YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS AT THE U.S.-HONG KONG TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CONFERENCE CO-ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND THE ASIAN AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, MR MACLEOD SAID THAT IT TOOK TIME FOR THE LAW TO CATCH UP WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM’S COPYRIGHT (COMPUTER SOFTWARE) AMENDMENT ACT OF 1985, WHICH WAS RECENTLY EXTENDED TO HONG KONG,CONFIRMING THAT COMPUTER PROGRAMS WERE PROTECTED IN WHATEVER FORM THEY TOOK, WAS ONLY A TEMPORARY STOP-GAP MEASURE PENDING THE ENACTMENT OF MODERN COMPREHENSIVE COPYRIGHT LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG.
MR MACLEOD SAID HE WAS (ONI-I DENT THAT THE COMMISSION WOULD CONTINUE TO EMPHASISE STRONG PROTECT I GN FOR COPYRIGHT MATERIALS AND WOULD HAVE REGARD TO PARTICULAR VULNERABILITY OF COMPUTER PROGRAMS TO COPYRIGHT PIRACY.
/"THB NEXT
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1% 1988
- 8 -
"THE NEXT COUPLE OF YEARS WILL SEE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REGIME, CONSOILDATING AND IMPROVING OUR ALREADY ADVANCED LEGISLATION, COUPLED WITH A CONTINUING HIGH STANDARD OF ENFORCEMENT," HE SAID.
CURRENTLY BOTH CRIMINAL AND CIVIL SANCTIONS WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE PROTECTION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE IN HONG KONG.
THE EXISTING COPYRIGHT ORDINANCE PROVIDED THAT OFFENCES WERE COMMITTED FOR INFRINGEMENT OF COPYRIGHT AND FOR THE POSSESSION OR USE OF EQUIPMENT FOR PRODUCING INFRINGING COPIES.
MR MACLEOD SAID THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, WHICH CARRIED OUT THE CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT OF THE COMPUTER SOFTWARE PROTECTION LEGISLATION, WAS HIGHLY REGARDED BY ITS COUNTERPARTS AROUND THE WORLD FOR ITS INTEGRITY DEDICATION AND EFFICIENCY.
"THE DEPARTMENT CANNOT OPERATE ENTIRELY EFFECTIVELY WITHOUT THE WHOLEHEARTED SUPPORT OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNERS WHOSE RIGHTS ARE BEING INFRINGED," HE SAID.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD SEIZED $14.43 WORTH OF PIRATED SOFTWARE AND MANUALS THIS YEAR, HE ADDED.
THE TWO-DAY U.S.-HONG KONG TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CONFERENCE WHICH BEGAN AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL TODAY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A ONE-DAY FACTORY7 VISIT.
------o-------
TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS TOMORROW
*****
MEMBERS OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAG) WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE APPLICATION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME TO FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
ANOTHER MATTER TO BE DISCI SSED BY’ THE TAG WILL BE THE INTRODUCTION OF A DRIVING TEST FOR LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS.
THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME (1989-1993) AND THE COMPANY’S APPLICATION FOR AN EXTENSION OF’ ITS FRANCHISE WILL ALSO BE EXAMINED.
MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON Till. EXISTING AND PLANNED MEASURES FOR DEALING WITH PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PARKING, LOADING AND UNLOADING OF GOODS VEHICLES.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
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/9........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
9 -
PAC PUBLIC HEARING ON WEDNESDAY * * * *
THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL HOLD ANOTHER PUBLIC HEARING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 21), BEGINNING AT 9.30 AM.
SENIOR OFFICIALS WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE TO ANSWER POINTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT (PARAGRAPHS 16.1 TO 16.3 - "AGREEMENTS WITH THE POWER COMPANIES FOR PUBLIC LIGHTING").
THEY ARE THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS, MR HAROLD BEATON; SENIOR PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR BRIAN JENNEY; AND PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR ALAN DEEPROSE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE PUBLIC HEARING ARE REQUESTED TO TAKE WITH THEM A COPY OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S REPORT WHICH WAS ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 16.
- - - - 0 ---------
OCTOBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND
*****
PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED
IN OCTOBER 1988, THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND REPORTED BY THE 200 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS IN SEPTEMBER 1988, BUT SHOWED A DECREASE OF TWO PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987.
THIS IS SHOWN BY THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, THE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND INCREASED MARGINALLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, BUT DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE ORDERS POSITION IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987, THE ORDERS POSITION IN OCTOBER 1988 DROPPED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE TEXTILES AND PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES AND MODERATELY IN THE WEARING APPAREL INDUSTRY, BUT INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY' IN THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
/THE AVERAGE
10
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1% '988
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IS MEASURED IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF MONTHS AND REFERS TO ORDERS OUTSTANDING AS AT THE END OF THE REFERENCE MONTH.
ON EMPLOYMENT, THE MANUFACTURERS SURVEYED REPORTED THAT THE OCTOBER 1988 LEVEL WAS LOWER BY ONE PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1988 AND BY SIX PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, EMPLOYMENT DECREASED APPRECIABLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, BUT INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987, EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER 1988 DECREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND MODERATELY IN MOST OTHER INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, EXCEPT FOR THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY WHICH REGISTERED A SLIGHT INCREASE IN EMPLOYMENT.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE MANUFACTURING COMPANIES SURVEYED SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE IN OCTOBER 1988 WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, BUT INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT IN MONEY’ TERMS OVER OCTOBER 1987.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1988 WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, BUT DECREASED MODERATELY IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY AND SLIGHTLY IN THE FOOD AND DRINKS AND THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1987, PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER 1988 INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED, WITH THE LARGEST INCREASES RECORDED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER 1988 INCREASED SLIGHTLY OVER BOTH SEPTEMBER 1988 AND OCTOBER 1987. PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED MODERATELY OVER SEPTEMBER 1988 AND SUBSTANTIALLY OVER OCTOBER 1987.
IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT FIGURES FOR THIS SECTOR COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
IN THE SERVICE SECTORS SURVEYED, THE OVERALL LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT IN OCTOBER 1988 SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, BUT INCREASED MODERATELY OVER OCTOBER 1987.
PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN OCTOBER 1988 DECREASED MODERATELY WHEN COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, FOLLOWING THE ISSUE OF BONUSES BY SOME FIRMS IN THE PUBLIC UTILITIES AND IN OTHER SERVICE SECTORS IN THE PRECEDING TWO MONTHS.
COMPARING OCTOBER 1988 WITH OCTOBER 1987, PER CAPITA EARNINGS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE SERVICE SECTOR SURVEYED, PARTICULARLY IN BANKS AND HOTELS.
/THE i>ERCWAG3
11
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, I988
THE PERCENTAGE CHANGES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS ARE SHOWN IN THE ACCOMPANYING TABLES 1 TO 3.
THE SURVEY COVERED A PANEL OF THE 200 LARGEST MANUFACTURING COMPANIES AND THE 50 LARGEST COMPANIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SELECTED SERVICE 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 MAGNITUDES OF CHANGES INDICATED BY I IF SURVEY RESULTS MIGHT NOT REFLECT THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE.
NEVERTHELESS, THESE ARE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A USEFUL INDICATION OF THE DIRECTION OF CHANGE FOR A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR OCTOBER 1988 IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER 1, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 5-8234820.
TABLE 1: ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY ORDERS-ON -HAND
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED
AS AT THE END OF WITH
OCTOBER 1988 SEP. 88 OCT. 87
(MONTHS) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4.28 * -2
— —
WEARING APPAREL 4.66 + 1 -4
TEXTILES 2.34 + 3 -18
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2.51 -4 -13
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4.46 + 2 + 4
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
PRODUCTS 5. 13 * + 2
OTHERS 4.17 * -I
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
/TABLE 2; ......
r MONDAY, DECEMBER 1% 1988
- 12 -
TABLE 2: EMPLOYMENT
INDUSTRY/SERVICES PERSONS ENGAGED AT THE END OF OCTOBER 1988
CHANGE WHEN COMPARED WITH
SEP. 88 OCT. 87
(%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES -1 -6
FOOD AND DRINKS t -4
WEARING APPAREL -1 -6
TEXTILES -1 -5
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -5 -20
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 42 + 1
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS
OTHERS
# CONSTRUCTION + 1 42
SERVICES ♦ 4-4
— — —
BANKS 4 I 44
HOTELS 41 4
PUBLIC UTILITIES * t
OTHERS 4 1 4 12
♦ CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS ARE
ONLY; SITE WORE I .•
NOT INCLUDED.
/TABLE 5: .......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19t 1988
TABLE 3: PER CAPITA EARNINGS
INDUSTRY/SERVICES PER CAPITA EARNINGS
AVERAGE AS IN OCTOBER 1988 CHANGE WHEN WITH SEP. 88 COMPARED OCT. 87
(HK$) (%) (%)
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 4,465 ♦ 4-17
FOOD AND DRINKS 5,172 -1 4-16
WEARING APPAREL 3,833 + 4 4-17
TEXTILES 4,423 + 3 4-16
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 4,416 -4 + 23
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 4,325 * + 20
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 4,240 -2 + 17
OTHERS 5,752 42 + 16
# CONSTRUCTION 6,607 + 4 + 21
SERVICES 7,395 -4 + 14
BANKS 7,018 ♦ + 19
HOTELS 4,834 4-1 + 18
PUBLIC UTILITIES 7,648 -5 + 11
OTHERS 8,071 -7 + 11
* CHANGES WITHIN +/- 0.5%
# PER CAPITA EARNINGS COVER EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS -CONTRACTORS ARE NOT INCLUDED.
NOTES TO TABLES 1-3: UNLIKE "ORDERS-ON-HAND” AND "PER CAPITA EARNINGS", WHICH ARE AVERAGE FIGURES AMONGST THE FIRMS SURVEYED, 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.
/1b.......
- 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
14
KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING
*****
unxir. ™ MEMBERS OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE AGENDA FOR THE MEETING INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
- POSITION REPORT ON THE 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT;
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES;
COUNCIL
THIRD
PROGRAMME OF 1988-89 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN ACTIVITIES;
RECYCLING OF PLASTIC BAGS COLLECTED IN THE COURSE OF REFUSE COLLECTION;
- PUBLICITY AND ACTION PROGRAMME FOR 1989-90 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM IN THE URBAN FLOOR, URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, EDINBURGH PLACE,
COUNCIL CHAMBER, CENTRAL.
A BRIEFING SESSION FOR THE MEDIA WILL BE HEID AFTER THE MEETING.
IMMEDIATELY
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INV1T TO COVER THE MEETING.
-----0------
WAN CHAI DB TO DISCUSS AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES
*****
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS A PAPER PREPARED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH ON THE LICENSING GUIDELINES IN RESPECT OF AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES AT A MFFTING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS1 VIEWS WILL BE SOUGHT ON THE PROPOSAL TO IMPOST STRINGEN 1 CRI1ERIA ON APPLICATIONS FOR LICENCES 1’0 OPERATE CENTRES.
MORE SUCH
/WRITTEN QUESTIONS ......
t
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
- 15 -
WRITTEN QUESTIONS ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES, INCLUDING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE TRAM DEPOT IN WAN CHAI, DISCUSSION OF THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, THE VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION SCHEME FOR PRIVATE HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY, VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND CONSULTATION WITH DISTRICT BOARDS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES, WILL ALSO BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE URBAN COUNCIL’S FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME, PROGRESS REPORTS ON THE WORK OF WAN CHAI BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND A REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BY MR CHAN YING-LUN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD STARTING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
--------o----------
GAMES CENTRES LICENSING GUIDELINES TO BE EXPLAINED
* * * * *
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ENTERTAINMENT) OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MR DAVID WEBB, WILL ATTEND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO EXPLAIN TO MEMBERS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES.
HE WILL OUTLINE THE BACKGROUND OF THE MISCELLANEOUS LICENCES ORDINANCE, THE AGE LIMIT FOR ADMISSION TO GAMES CENTRES AND ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
DURING THE MEETING, THE REPORTS OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE RESPECTIVE COMMITTEES OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO BE TABLED FOR DISCUSSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WHICH WILL START AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
- 0-----------
I
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
- 16 -
WATER BILLS CAN BE SETTLED BY AUTOPAY
*****
THE PUBLIC CAN NOW SETTLE THEIR WATER BILLS IN A MORE CONVENIENT WAY - BY AUTOPAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE OF THE WATER AUTHORITY SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THIS WAS ONE OF SEVERAL NEW SERVICES TO BE INTRODUCED BY PHASES OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
IT ARISES FROM ENHANCEMENT OF THE WATER AUTHORITY’S COMPUTER SYSTEM.
ANY CONSUMER WHO HAS A CURRENT OR SAVINGS ACCOUNT WITH A LICENSED BANK IN HONG KONG CAN USE THIS SERVICE.
THE CONSUMER SHOULD COMPLETE A DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION FORM, OBTAINABLE FROM MAJOR BANKS IN HONG KONG, THE DISTRICT OFFICES, THE TREASURY COLLECTION OFFICES OR THE WATER AUTHORITY CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRES, AND RETURN IT TO THE WATER AUTHORITY.
"WE WILL ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF ALL THE FORMS. AS IT WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX WEEKS FOR US TO PROCESS THE COMPLETED FORMS, CONSUMERS WILL NEED TO PAY THEIR WATER BILLS IN THE USUAL WAY UNTIL THEY RECEIVE ONE PRINTED WITH THE NOTE ’PAYMENT BY AUTOPAY AS AUTHORISED’,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
“IF A CONSUMER SO WISHES HE MAY SET A LIMIT FOR HIS PAYMENT BY AUTOPAY.
“IF THE AMOUNT OF CHARGES ON THE BILL EXCEEDS THIS AUTOPAY LIMIT, THE CONSUMER WILL NEED TO SEPARATELY SETTLE THE EXCESS AMOUNT INDICATED ON THE WATER BILL.
“BY USING THE AUTOPAY SERVICE, CONSUMERS CAN AVOID THE INCONVENIENCE OF HAVING TO QUEUE TO PAY, AND THERE IS NO NEED TO WORRY WHETHER OR NOT THEIR CHEQUES HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY US ON TIME.
“THEIR BANK ACCOUNTS WILL BE DEBITED ON THE LAST DAY BEFORE SURCHARGE IS IMPOSED AND THERE IS NO RISK OF LATE PAYMENT OF WATER BILLS.”
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CONSUMERS, THE WATER AUTHORITY WILL, FROM JANUARY, ALSO SEND ALL THE CONSUMERS A DIRECT DEBIT AUTHORISATION FORM TOGETHER WITH THEIR NEXT WATER BILLS.
FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THE AUTOPAY SERVICE CAN BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING THE OFFICE OF THE WATER AUTHORITY ON 5-8900221 (12 LINE. J OR BY CALLING IN PERSON AT ANY OF THE WATER AUTHORITY’S CONSUNIR ENQUIRY CENTRES.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
MOI 'x , DECEMBER 19, 1?88
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT 'HAT SINCE SEPTEMBER, CONSUMERS HAD ALSO BEEN ABLE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT THE STATUS OF THEIR ACCOUNTS IN A SIMPLE WAY.
THEY WOULD SUPPLY THE WATER AUTHORITY WITH THEIR .•.■••RVICi, ADDRESSES, OR IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS (OR BUSINESS RFCS'!' U. s.ON CERTIFICATE NUMBERS IN THE CASE OF TRADE CONSUMERS: .THOU' NECESSARILY QUOTING THEIR WATER ACCOUNT NUMBERS AS REQUIRED IN THE PAST.
"STARTING FROM THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, THE CHANGE OF CONSUMERSHIP CAN BE EFFECTED INSTANTLY OVER THE COUNTER ON THS CONSUMER'S APPLICATION IN PERSON AT OUR DESIGNATED CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRES SO THAT THE CONSUMER CAN MAKE SUS)' THAT WATER SUPPLY WILL NOT BE INTERRUPTED ON A CHANGE OF CONSUMERSHIP, HE ADDED.
"WE SHALL INTRODUCE, FROM THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, MONTHLY BILLING OF WATER CHARGES FOR OUR LARGE TRADE CONSUMERS WHOSE METER SIZE IS ONE-AND-A-HALF INCHES OR ABOVE SO THAT WE CAN READ THESE METERS MORE FREQUENTLY TO DETECT AND RECTIFY' LEAKAGES, DAMAGES OR DEFECTIVE METERS MORE PROMPTLY.
"INDIVIDUAL CONSUMERS CONCERNED WILL BE INFORMED OF THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS, INCLUDING THE REDUCTION TN THE LEVEL OF WATER DEPOSITS REQUIRED, IN ABOUT A MONTH’S TIME."
-----0-----
ANTIQUE BIRD CAGES A HIGHLIGHT OF NORTH SHOW' » * ♦ ♦ t
A PRIVATE COLLECTION OF SOME 20 ANTIQUE CAGES FOR BIRDS WILL BE PUT ON PUBLIC DISPLAY FOR THE FIRST TIME DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
THESE CAGES, MADE OF FINE CRAFTSMANSHIP, WILL BE ON DISPLAY (1988) FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH 23 (FRIDAY) TO DECEMBER 27.
BAMBOO AND SHOWING EXCELLENT AT THE SECOND NORTH D]STRICT SHOW, TO BE HELD FROM DECEMBER
IN ADDITION, A LARGE NUMBER OF BIRDS Of' DIFFERENT SPECII. > 1 ■'
BE ON DISPLAY.
THE FIVE-DAY SHOW, SPONSORED H ' THE NORTH DISTRICT I’-OARu AIL THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WILL !'■’ PEL!) A'1’ 'T.i. FAN: INC RECPEAT' , GROUND AND THE ADJACENT EANLING ROTARY YOCCM CE.'TRE.
/UOHFiJiTiIONS WILL
DECEMBER 19, 19&8
13
COMPETITIONS WILL BE HELD IN FI'.’I' CATEGORIES OF LOWERS VO PLANTS ON DISPLAY — POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, BONSAI-TYPE PLANTS AND ORCHIDS.
OTHER, NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS WILL BE PROVIDED BY : OUS ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS.
THE ORGANISATIONS INCLUDE AIRLINE COMPANIES, FLORAL GROUPS BOTH LOCAL AND FROM CHINA. AND THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID ASSOCIATION.
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS ALSO PROVIDING EXHIBITS-
THE FLOWER SECTION INCLUDES VARIEGATED AFRICAN VIOLETS AND A HYBRID FORM, CALLED "PIN-WHEEL AFRICAN VIOLETS"; A BON.SAI-TYPE PLANT FIRST CULTIVATED BY A MONK IN THE TANQ DYNASTY; FLOWERS FROM NEW ZEALAND WHICH CAN GROW ANYWHERE WITHOUT WATER OR SOIL; AND VARIOUS ORCHIDS.
LANDSCAPING FEATURES WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SHOW FOR THE FIRST TIME. EXPERTS WILL BE ON HAND TO GIVE ADVICE.
OF EDUCATIONAL VALUE WILL BE ILLUSTRATED SPECIMENS AND PICTURES OF COMMON WOODLAND INSECTS IN BONG KONG, SUCH AS BUTTERFLIES, BEES, BEETLES, CRICKETS, WHICH ARE BEING PROVIDED BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
EIGHT TANKS OF VARIOUS SPECIES OF GOLDFISH WILL BE ON DISPLAY.
THE MOST DISTINCTIVE EXHIBIT WILL BE A PAIR OF HYBRID GOLDFISH WITH BLACK HEADS AND RED DOTS ON WHITE BODIES.
A LOCAL EXPERT DEVELOPED THIS RARE SPECIES OVER FOUR Y.FARG.
A SERIES OF FRINGE ACTIVITIES — SUCH AS BEE SHOWS, TALKS ON
ORCHIDS, AFRICAN VIOLETS AND BONSAI CULTIVATION, WITH
QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSIONS -- HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR VISITORS.
DURING THE SHOW, VISITORS WILL BE ENTERTAIN!!' t PERFORMANCES BY A CHILDREN'S CHOJ.R AND BY AN ORCHESTRA, AS WELL AS O AND DANCES BY TELEVISION ARTISTES.
THE SHOW WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 1 PM TO 5.30 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23); BETWEEN 9.30 VI AND 5.30 PM FROM SATURDAY (DECEMBER 24) TO MONDAY (DECEMBER 26); AND FROM 9.30 AM TO PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27).
THE ADMISSION FEE IS $5 i-OR ADULTS \ND $2 FCR CHILDREN.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
- 19 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE ♦ ♦ * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVIORS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 39.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY' OR 230.213 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 360.687 MILLION
CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 61.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-------0 ---------
MAIN-LAYING IN SIU. SAI WAN
* * ♦ *
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF A FRESH WATER PRIMARY DISTRIBUTION MAIN IN SIU SAI WAN.
THE PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES THE LAYING OF ABOUT 370 METRES OF 600-M1LLIMETRE DIAMETER STEEL FRESH WATER PRIMARY DISTRIBUTION MAIN, IS RELATED TO SITE FORMATION WORK NOW BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
THE MAIN WILL FORM PART OF THE NEW FRESH WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM BEING IMPLEMENTED TO MEET THE FUTURE WATER DEMAND GENERATED BY THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MARCH AND TAKE ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE NOON ON JANUARY 6.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
CONTENTS Page no.
GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS ........ 1
1988 CIVIL SERVICE PAY AWARD READJUSTED .................... 3
SENIOR STAFF COURSE PROVES VALUABLE: CS .................... U
SHA TIN INFIRMARY PROJECT SHOWS COMMITMENT ................. 5
GOVERNMENT HELPS INDUSTRIES IN ADAPTING TO CHANGE .......... 6
TAC BRIEFED ON BUS COMPANY PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ........... 8
COUNCIL INVESTIGATING CERTAIN TRAVEL AGENTS ................ 10
EXCITING PROGRAMME FOR TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL ............. 10
OFFICIALS TO ATTEND CHRISTMAS PARTY AT GIRLS' HOME.......... 11
WRIT TO BE WITHDRAWN ....................................... 12
back lanes cleared in happy valley ......................... 12
LEFT-TURN ^RRuNGEHEM? IN WONG TA I SIN ..................... 12
URBAN CLEaR'JAYS, HEAVY VEHICLE BAN ........................ 1?
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL............................. 13
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS REVIEW COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE FINAL REPORT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO IMPLEMENT THE FINAL REPORT’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON PAY WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, AND ON ALLOWANCES WITH EFFECT FROM A CURRENT DATE I.E. FEBRUARY 1, 1989," MR GREWAL SAID.
IN ACCEPTING THE FINAL REPORT, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED THAT :
(A) THERE SHOULD BE A SEPARATE POLICE PAY SCALE AND IN PRINCIPLE, ONE PAY GROUPING IN THE GENERAL DISCIPLINED SERVICES NOTWITHSTANDING THAT DIFFERENT GRADES ATTRACT DIFFERENT SALARIES. IN PARTICULAR THE FIREMAN AND THE AMBULANCEMAN GRADES SHOULD RETAIN PARITY. FOLLOWING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS, THE NEW STANDING COMMITTEE ON DISCIPLINED SERVICES SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WILL BE ASKED AS A FIRST TASK TO WORK OUT THE IMPLICATIONS AND THE DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS DECISION, WHICH, IF ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WILL BE BACKDATED TO APRIL 1, 1988; AND
(B) OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE FINAL REPORT IDENTIFIED BY BOTH MANAGEMENT AND STAFF, IN PARTICULAR THE DRIVING, DIVING AND OTHER ALLOWANCES, WILL ALSO BE REFERRED TO THE NEW STANDING COMMITTEE AND ANY RECOMMENDATION, IF ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WILL. TAKE EFFECT FROM A CURRENT DATE.
"THE NEW STANDING COMMITTEE WILL BE CHAIRED BY MR JOHN SWA1NE AND WILL BE IN OPERATION VERY SHORTLY," MR GREWAL SAID.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, MR GREWAL SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE FINAL REPORT ON NOVEMBER 21, THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES, THROUGH EITHER THEIR RESPECTIVE DEPARTMENTAL MANAGEMENTS OR THEIR STAFF ASSOCIATIONS, HAD EXPRESSED THEIR VIEWS ON THE OVERALL ACCEPTABILITY OF THE PACKAGE OF RECOMMENDATIONS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUAL ASPECTS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
"GIVEN THE WIDE-RANGING NATURE OF THE FINAL REPORT'S RECOMMENDATIONS, IT IS ONLY NATURAL THAT SOME ASPECTS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO BE LESS WELCOME THAN OTHERS BY INDIVIDUAL SERVICES," HE SAID.
/"HOWEVER, IT........
TUESDAY, DECBIBER 20, 1988
2 -
"HOWEVER, IT WOULD BE UNDESIRABLE TO HOLD UP IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS REPORT WHICH OFFERS SUBSTANTIAL BENEFITS TO THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES WHILST PROLONGED DISCUSSIONS TOOK PLACE WITH INDIVIDUAL SERVICES ON PARTICULAR SUBJECTS OF CONCERN."
THERE ARE SOME 100 OFFICERS WHO WOULD STAND TO RECEIVE A SMALL REDUCTION IN GROSS INCOME AS A RESULT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS, BUT THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED THAT NO ONE SHOULD RECEIVE LESS PAY AS A RESULT OF THE REVIEW.
"DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING WORKED OUT TO ENSURE THAT NO ONE WILL GET A REDUCTION IN GROSS INCOME," HE SAID.
MR GREWAL ADDED THAT APART FROM INCREASES IN BASIC PAY, THE RATE OF OVERTIME ALLOWANCE FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES WOULD BE INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT OVER THE PRESENT RATE.
"THE ACTUAL INCREASE WILL BE EVEN BIGGER BECAUSE OF THE ENHANCED BASIC PAY," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THE RULES WILL- BE RELAXED SO THAT ELIGIBLE OFFICERS WOULD RECEIVE THE ALLOWANCES ONCE THEY HAVE WORKED ONE HOUR EXTRA RATHER THAN A MINIMUM OF 24 HOURS EXTRA A MONTH AS AT PRESENT.
"THE ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL ANNUAL COST OF IMPLEMENTING THE FINAL REPORT’S RECOMMENDATION WILL BE $635 MILLION."
MR GREWAI. WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE. NEW STAFF CONSULTATIVE BODY FOR THE FOUR DISCIPLINED SERVICES OTHER THAN THE POLICE REPRESENTED A DEFINITE IMPROVEMENT OVER EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS UNDER WHICH THE POLICE WERE THE ONLY DISCIPLINED SERVICE WITH THEIR OWN CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY.
THE REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS APPOINTED IN APRIL 1988 TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE FIVE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
THE REVIEW WAS TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE CONSIDERABLE CHANGES IN THE RESPONSIBILITIES AND WORKLOAD OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES SINCE THE CREATION OF THE SEPARATE DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY SCALES IN 1979, AND ALSO OF THE NEED TO RECRUIT, TO MOTIVATE AND TO RETAIN SUITABLE STAFF SO AS TO MAINTAIN AND FURTHER IMPROVE THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF THE SERVICES.
THE FINAL REPORT OF THE REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 21, 1988. THE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE WIDE-RANGING AND AMOUNT TO A COMPREHENSIVE SET OF PROPOSALS FOR A NEW FRAMEWORK FOR PAY AND CONDITIONS IN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES.
/THE MAIN ......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS ARE -
(A) THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY SCALES BY A SEPARATE NEW POLICE PAY SCALE TO COVER THE ENTIRE RANK STRUCTURE OF THE POLICE, AND A GENERAL DISCIPLINED SERVICES PAY SCALE FOR THE OTHER FOUR SERVICES, AGAIN COVERING THE ENTIRE RANK STRUCTURES;
(B) THE ABOLITION OF SOME OF THE EXISTING EXTRANEOUS DUTIES ALLOWANCES AND HARDSHIP ALLOWANCES AND THE INCORPORATION OF THE REMAINDER INTO A NEW EXTRA DUTIES ALLOWANCE FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES;
(C) THE REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESENT DISCIPLINED SERVICES SPECIAL ALLOWANCE BY A DISCIPLINED SERVICES OVERTIME ALLOWANCE TO BE PAID AT A HIGHER RATE;
(D) THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW ADVISORY BODY TO CONSIDER ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES; AND
(E) THE SETTING UP OF A CONSULTATIVE BODY TO REPRESENT ALL THE SERVICES OTHER THAN THE POLICE WHO ARE ALREADY REPRESENTED THROUGH THE POLICE FORCE COUNCIL.
-------0----------
1988 CIVIL SERVICE PAY AWARD READJUSTED * » ♦ » <
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY TO READJUST THE 1988 CIVIL SERVICE PAY AWARD WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
IN ITS INTERIM REPORT, THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY HAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE 1988 PAY ADJUSTMENT BE RECALCULATED ON- THE BASIS OF THE FOLLOWING REVISED PAY TREND INDICATORS:
UPPER PAY BAND +9.56 PER CENT
MIDDLE PAY BAND +9.93 PER CENT
LOWER PAY BAND +9.62 PER CENT
THE UPPER PAY BAND COVERS MONTHLY SALARIES FROM $16,000 TO $30,000, THE MIDDLE PAY BAND FROM $5,000 TO $15,999, AND THE LOWER PAY BAND NOT EXCEEDING $5,000.
/THE SPOKESMAN ..
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT STEPS WILL NOW BE TAKEN TO SEEK THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT THE REVISED PAY ADJUSTMENT WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1988.
THE COST IN THE 1988-89 FINANCIAL YEAR OF THIS REVISION FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE AND ORGANISATIONS SUBVENTED BY THE GOVERNMENT IS $523.3 MILLION, OF WHICH $314 MILLION IS IN RESPECT OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO DECIDED TO REFER THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY’S PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE PAY TREND SURVEY METHODOLOGY TO THE PAY TREND SURVEY COMMITTEE AND TO TAKE THESE CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS INTO ACCOUNT IN THE 1988-89 PAY TREND SURVEY TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE.
THE COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY WAS APPOINTED IN AUGUST TO CONSIDER THE DISPUTE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE STAFF SIDE OF THE SENIOR CIVIL SERVICE COUNCIL ON THE 1988 PAY ADJUSTMENT AND RELATED MATTERS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE 1968 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE THREE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS REPRESENTING THE STAFF SIDE.
THE SECOND PHASE OF ITS WORK, ON THE METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS OF THE 1986 PAY LEVEL SURVEY ON NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVANTS, WILL COMMENCE NEXT MONTH.
-----o------
SENIOR STAFF COURSE PROVES VALUABLE: CS * * * * *
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE INCREASINGLY USING THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE AS A THINK TANK TO HELP SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE 1OTH SENIOR STAFF COURSE AND THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH A PERMANENT COURSE CENTRE, SIR DAVID SAID THE COURSE WAS VALUABLE TO THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A WHOLE.
HE SAID THAT PROBLEMS OF DEPARTMENTS WERE PASSED TO STUDENT ATTENDING COURSES AS PROJECTS AND, TO DATE, SOME 430 HAD BEEN TACKLED.
"NO LESS THAN 60 PER CENT OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED IN FULL OR IN PART BY THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED. THIS IS NO SMALL ACHIEVEMENT,'' SIR DAVID SAID.
/HE NOTED
TUESDAY t DECEMBER 20, 1988
- 5 -
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE OTHER LESS TANGIBLE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THE COURSE SUCH AS THE WAY IT FOSTERED COMMUNICATION AND FRIENDLY RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN OFFICERS FROM DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS AND SO HELPED TO STIMULATE A GOOD TEAM SPIRIT WITHIN THE ADMINISTRATION.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THAT THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE CENTRE, FOLLOWING THE GUIDANCE OF ITS ADVISORY BOARD, AND THE FINE EXAMPLE SET BY MR LEN SNEDDON, THE DIRECTOR OF STUDIES, AND HIS TEAM, HAD ESTABLISHED A FINE REPUTATION AS AN AGENT OF CHANGE, AND AS A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE.
”1 HAVE YET TO MEET ANYONE WHO DID NOT BENEFIT FROM THEIR TIME HERE. AND THERE WILL BE MORE OF YOU IN THE YEARS TO COME SINCE IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THE CENTRE SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED ON A PERMANENT BASIS FROM 1989 ONWARDS,” THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
ALTOGETHER, A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 350 OFFICERS AND 30 PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPANTS HAVE GRADUATED FROM THE COURSE SINCE IT WAS SET UP FOUR YEARS AGO.
------0-------
SHA TIN INFIRMARY PROJECT SHOWS COMMITMENT * * * * *
THE BUILDING OF THE SHA TIN INFIRMARY AND CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL REPRESENTS A FIRM COMMITMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE FURTHER THE PROVISION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE HOSPITAL, MR CHAU SAID EIGHT PROJECTS WERE IN THE PIPELINE TO INCREASE THE PRESENT PROVISION OF INFIRMARY BEDS BY A FURTHER 2,400 OVER THE NEXT SIX YEARS.
”ON COMPLETION OF THESE PROJECTS, THE ESTIMATED SHORTFALL IN INFIRMARY BEDS WILL BE REDUCED TO ONLY ABOUT 250 BY 1994,” HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, INFIRMARY BEDS PROVIDED IN THE WONG TAI SIN INFIRMARY, THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL AND THE CHUNG HOM KOK CHESHIRE HOME TOTAL AROUND 1,000.
MR CHAU SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF INFIRMARY BEDS WAS TO MEET THE PROJECTED INCREASES IN THE NUMBER OF CASES REQUIRING LONG-TERM CONTINUING CARE.
/HE SAID
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
6
HE SAID THE LATEST 20-YEAR POPULATION PROJECTION SHOWED THAT FROM 1986 TO 2006, THE ELDERLY POPULATION WOULD NEARLY DOUBLE AND LIFE EXPECTANCY WAS ALSO FORECAST TO INCREASE, FROM AGE 74 TO AGE 77 FOR MALES AND AGE 80 TO AGE 83 FOR FEMALES.
OLD AGE WOULD NATURALLY BRING WITH IT INFIRMITY AND DETERIORATION IN HEALTH AND THE COMMUNITY HAD TO BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE MEDICAL FACILITIES TO COPE WITH THIS PROBLEM, HE ADDED.
MR CHAU SAID INFIRMARIES WERE AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
"THEY PROVIDE THERAPEUTIC AND REHABILITATIVE SERVICES IN A LONG-TERM-CARE INSTITUTIONAL SETTING FOR THE CHRONICALLY ILL AND THE ELDERLY, WHO NO LONGER REQUIRE ACUTE TREATMENT BUT NEED LONGER-TERM HOSPITALISATION," HE SAID.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INFIRMARIES ALSO SERVES TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM OF OVER-CROWDING IN MAJOR ACUTE HOSPITALS, BECAUSE THE CHRONICALLY ILL AND THE ELDERLY WOULD OTHERWISE HAVE TO BE ACCOMMODATED IN ACUTE HOSPITAL BEDS."
ON COMPLETION IN 1990, THE SHA TIN INFIRMARY AND CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL WILL PROVIDE 526 INFIRMARY BEDS AND 174 CONVALESCENT BEDS.
"THIS MIXTURE OF INFIRMARY AND CONVALESCENT BEDS WILL PROVIDE A GREATER DEGREE OF PATIENT FLOW AND A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PATIENTS," MR CHAU SAID.
THE HOSPITAL WILL ALSO HAVE OTHER FACILITIES, SUCH AS DEPARTMENTS FOR OCCUPAT1ONAL THERAPY, PHYSIOTHERAPY, AND A PHARMACY AND A CENTRAL STERILE SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS STAFF QUARTERS.
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GOVERNMENT HELPS INDUSTRIES IN ADAPTING TO CHANGE
*****
HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES ARE EXTREMELY ADEPT AT RESPONDING TO CHANGES IN DEMAND FOR THEIR OUTPUT AND THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT DETERMINANT OF THEIR SUCCESS, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR K.Y. YEUNG, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
ADDRESSING THE US-HK TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE ASIAN AMERICAN MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, MR YEUNG CITED A NUMBER OF ENCOURAGING INDICATORS THAT PROVED THERE WAS CONFIDENCE IN LOCAL MANUFACTURING.
/HOWEVER, THERE
TUESDAY, DECH1BER 20, 1988
HOWEVER, THERE WERE SOME CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON IN THAT CHANGES COULD ALSO BRING PROBLEMS.
"WHILST MANUFACTURING FOR EXPORT HAS BEEN AND IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE BEING SUCCESSFUL, MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG IS UNDERGOING RAPID CHANGE," MR YEUNG SAID.
"THE FIRST NOTICEABLE CHANGE IS THE MOVEMENT OF LABOUR INTENSIVE PROCESSES AND PRODUCTION INTO SOUTH CHINA IN ALL SEGMENTS OF MANUFACTURING OTHER THAN TEXTILES AND GARMENTS.
"THE SECOND IS AN ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE LABOUR EFFICIENCY AND TO AUTOMATE, AS IT HAS BECOME OBVIOUS THAT THE SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANUAL WORKERS IS UNLIKELY TO GROW AT THE RATE AT WHICH OUR ASSEMBLY-ORIENTED BUSINESSES WOULD OTHERWISE REQUIRE.
"THE THIRD IS AN INCREASING TENDENCY TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF QUALITY OF PRODUCTS AND TO ACHIEVE A GREATER DEGREE OF INNOVATION, IN RESPONSE TO THE INCREASING SOPHISTICATION OF EXTERNAL DEMAND."
MR YEUNG SAID HE BELIEVED THESE CHANGES WERE LIKELY TO CONTINUE AND MIGHT ACCELERATE IN THE MEDIUM-TERM FUTURE, AND HE FELT IS WAS TIMELY FOR GOVERNMENT SUPPORT.
THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN PROVIDING SUPPORT TO LOCAL MANUFACTURING IN TWO WAYS, NAMELY INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT, HE SAID.
INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT WAS TYPICALLY CONCERNED WITH PROVIDING AN ADEQUATE AND SUITABLE SUPPLY OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, TRAINED MANPOWER, TRANSPORT AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES, WATER, POWER, FUELS AND RAW MATERIALS, AND FINANCIAL AND OTHER BUSINESS SERVICES.
DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT WAS TYPICALLY CONCERNED WITH THE SUPPLY OF TECHNICAL INFORMATION AND ADVICE, LABORATORY SERVICES AND BUREAU SERVICES.
THESE SERVICES HELPED MANUFACTURERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY AND TO INNOVATE, AND THEY HELPED TO STIMULATE INVESTMENT IN THESE AREAS OF ACTIVITY.
MR YEUNG ALSO EXPLAINED WHY A BASICALLY NON-INTERVENTIONIST GOVERNMENT WAS SPENDING SO MUCH TO HELP INDUSTRIALISTS BECOME MORE SUCESSFUL.
"MANUFACTURING IS IMPORTANT: IT ACCOUNTS FOR NEARLY 900,000 JOBS AND A QUARTER OF OUR ECONOMY," HE SAID.
"IT REQUIRES US TO HELP WHAT IS ESSENTIALLY A MARKET-DRIVEN PROCESS OF ADJUSTMENT.
"WE BELIEVE WE CAN DO SO TO BEST EFFECT BY ENABLING PRODUCTION, THROUGH THE SUPPLY OF LAND AND MANPOWER TRAINING, AND BY FACILITATING IT, THROUGH THE PROVISION OF SUITABLE SUPPORTING SERVICES.
/8......
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
- 8 -
TAC BRIEFED ON BUS COMPANY PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME
*****
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC) WAS TODAY (TUESDAY) BRIEFED ON THE OBJECTIVES AND OPERATION OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME AS APPLIED TO THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME ARE TO :
* ENSURE THAT PASSENGERS GET FULL AND RELIABLE SERVICES',
* ENSURE THAT PASSENGERS GET THE SERVICES AT REASONABLE PRICES;
* KEEP THE COMPANIES FINANCIALLY VIABLE SO THAT THEY CAN COMPETE WITH OTHER COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS FOR FUNDS;
* ENSURE THAT SHAREHOLDERS GET A REASONABLE FINANCIAL RETURN ON THEIR INVESTMENT, TO ENCOURAGE FURTHER INVESTMENT;
* ACHIEVE THE PRECEDING OBJECTIVES WITHOUT ANY DIRECT FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION FROM PUBLIC FUNDS, AND WITH THE MINIMUM INTERFERENCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT IN THE OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANIES.
THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT BY THE COMPANIES TO MEET FURTHER DEMAND FOR FREQUENT, WELL-REGULATED AND COMFORTABLE BUS SERVICES, AND AVOID SUDDEN CHANGES IN THE LEVEL OF REQUIRED IMPROVEMENTS OR FARE LEVELS.
BY MEANS OF THE FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME SUBMITTED BY THB BUS COMPANIES EACH YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT CAN ENSURE THAT THE CAPITAL EXPANSION PROPOSALS OF THE BUS COMPANIES ARE PROPERLY JUSTIFIED AND SUFFICIENT TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND AND PREVENT UNNECESSARY EXPANSION OR DELIBERATE OVER-INVESTMENT BY THE BUS COMPANIES TO BOOST THEIR PROFITS.
THE PERMITTED RETURNS OF 15 PER CENT FOR THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY (CMB) AND 16 PER CENT FOR THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY (KMB) ARE SOMETIMES CRITICISED AS BEING TOO HIGH.
ON THIS POINT, MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE PERMITTED RETURNS REPRESENT THE GROSS RETURNS TO THE COMPANIES AND ARE SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY DEDUCTIONS, FOR CERTAIN INTEREST PAYMENTS AND THE INTEREST ON THE DEVELOPMENT FUND BALANCE UNDER THE TERMS OF THE FRANCHISES.
IN PRACTICE, THE EFFECTIVE OR NET RATES OF RETURN ACHIEVED OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS ARE MUCH LESS. FOR KMB, THE RATE OF RETURN HAS BEEN AROUND 13.4 PER CENT, AND FOR CMB IT HAS BEEN ABOUT 14 PER CENT.
/MEMBERS ALSO
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT THE PUBLIC PROVIDES FOR THE OPERATION OF THE PROFIT REVIEWED EVERY TWO YEARS AND THE LAST REVIEW GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL LAST SEPTEMBER.
BUS SERVICES ORDINANCE CONTROL SCHEME TO BE WAS SUBMITTED TO THS
AMENDMENTS TO THE OPERATION OF THE SCHEME HAVE BEEN MADE FROM TIME TO TIME TO ALLOW FOR MINOR CHANGES IN OPERATIONAL AND ACCOUNT!NG PRACTICES.
THERE WILL BE A ROUND OF BRIEFING SESSIONS WITH ALL DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE PROFIT CONTROL SCHEME FROM LATE JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE TAC ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME (1989-1993) OF CMB.
ON ROUTE DEVELOPMENT, CMB PROPOSED SEVEN NEW ROUTES, TWO SERVICE WITHDRAWALS, 16 FREQUENCY IMPROVEMENTS, TWO FREQUENCY REDUCTIONS AND SEVEN ROUTEING CHANGES.
THE TAC ASKED THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO PRESENT THE "GLOBAL VIEW" OF THE FIVE-YEAR FORWARD PLANNING PROGRAMME DURING BRIEFING SESSIONS WITH DISTRICT BOARDS, INSTEAD OF ONLY DISCUSSING NEW ROUTES OF A PARTICULAR DISTRICT, SO THAT DISTRICT_BOARD MEMBERS WOULD HAVE^^A
BETTER VIEW OF THE RELATIONSHIP PROGRAMME AND FARE RISES.
BETWEEN
THE
ROUTE
MEMBERS ALSO ENDORSED AN APPLICATION BY CMB FOR A FRANCHISE EXTENSION FOR TWO YEARS FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1991 TO AUGUST 31, 19S3.
THE TAC ALSO DISCUSSED A PLAN TO INTRODUCE A SEPARATE TEST FOR DRIVING LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR. DETAILS WOULD BE ANNOUNCED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ON THE PROBLEMS OF GOODS VEHICLE PARKING AND LOADING/UNLOADING, THE MEMBERS NOTED THAT ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE BOTH ON AND OFF-STREET SPACES FOR GOODS VEHICLES FOR DAY-TIME AND NIGHT-TIME PARKING.
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/1O ... ....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
10 -
COUNCIL INVESTIGATING CERTAIN TRAVEL AGENTS
*****
THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS HAS BEEN INFORMED THAT TRAVEL AGENTS ARE BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY (TIC) FOR FAILURE TO PAY THE ONE PER CENT LEVY TO THE TIC FUND IN RESPECT OF PACKAGE TOURS SOLD.
CERTAIN COUNCIL RESERVE
WHILE THE TIC IS TAKING DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST SOME OF THESE TRAVEL AGENTS, THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS WISHES TO REMIND TRAVELLERS THAT IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS, THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT RECEIPTS ISSUED FOR PACKAGE TOURS SHOULD BEAR THE FRANKING MACHINE MARK FOR THE ONE PER CENT TIC RESERVE FUND LEVY.
UNLESS TRAVELLERS CAN PRODUCE RECEIPTS BEARING SUCH FRANKING MACHINE MARKS, THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR EX GRATIA PAYMENT FROM THE TIC RESERVE FUND IN THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT OF THE TOUR OPERATOR.
TRAVELLERS WHO RECEIVE RECEIPTS FOR TOURS WITHOUT THE FRANKING MACHINE MARKS SHOULD REGISTER THEIR COMPLAINTS WITH THE TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL WHOSE OFFICE ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER ARE:
TRAVEL INDUSTRY COUNCIL OF HONG KONG, 6TH FLOOR, CENTURY SQUARE,
1-13 D’AGUILAR STREET, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
TEL. : 5-8682738
- 0----------
EXCITING PROGRAMME FOR * ♦
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL * * *
A MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME OF QUALITY PERFORMANCES HAS BEEN DRAWN UP FOR THE 11TH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY 21 AND FEBRUARY 27.
BOTH LOCAL AND VISITING ARTISTES WILL TAKE PART I' PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD MAINLY’ IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, A FOCAL POINT FOR ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
THE GRAND OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY ARTISTIC TROUPES EROM BOTH CHINA AN!) TAIWAN.
/THE CHIWREN’S
4 » » «
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR OE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL ALSO STAGE ITS PREMIERE SHOW AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
"ROMEO AND JULIET" BY THE HONG KONG BALLET, AND CANTONESE DRAMA BY THE ARTISTE TRAINING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION WILL BE FESTIVAL HIGH1GHTS.
OTHER EVENTS INCLUDE A POP CONCERT BY WELL-KNOWN SINGERS, ORCHESTRAL CONCERT BY THE SEOUL NATIONAL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF MUSIC, CANTONESE OPERA BY THE CHEERS AND GLORY OPERATIC TROUPE, SPANISH AND CLASSICAL GUITAR PERFORMANCES AND A NAM YIN (SOUTHERN MELODIES) CONCERT.
POPULAR FILMS TO BE SHOWN INCLUDE "THE UNBEARABLE LIGHTNESS OF BEING", "DAUGHTER OF NILE", "SURRENDER", "KUEI-MEI, A WOMAN", "BLUE VELVET", "LAPUTA" AND "OSMANTHUS ALLEY".
THE FESTIVAL IS BEING PRESENTED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AN!) RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AS A JOINT EFFORT TO STIMULATE LOCAL RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN AND APPRECIATION OF THE ARTS.
PEOPLE INTENDING TO ATTEND SHOWS ARE ADVISED TO BOOK THEIR TICKETS AT THE URBTIX OUTLETS NOW.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING 0-4145501 OR 0-4140144.
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OFFICIALS TO ATTEND CHRISTMAS PARTY AT GIRLS’ HOME *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WEI.FARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, WILL JOIN GIRLS AND STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS AT A PARTY AT THE HOME TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Ob SOCIAL WELFARE (YOUTH AND REHABILITATION), MR KWOK KA-CHI, AND THE KOWLOON CITY POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MRS WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN, WILL BE OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE PARTY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CHRISTMAS PARTY TO BE HELI) AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S MA TAU WE! GIRLS’ HOME AT 51 SHEUNG SUING STREET, HO MAN TIN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY). THE l’AR'IA WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
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/12........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
- 12 -
WRIT TO BE WITHDRAWN
♦ ♦ » ♦ ♦
A HIGH COURT JUDGE THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING IN CHAMBERS ACCEPTED A CROWN APPLICATION TO WITHDRAW THE SUMMONS FOR AN INJUNCTION AGAINST FATHER MELLA.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT AS FAR AS THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED, THERE WAS NO INTENTION TO CONTINUE WITH THESE PROCEEDINGS.
THE WRIT, WHICH WAS FILED ON DECEMBER 14, WILL BE FORMALLY WITHDRAWN LATER TODAY.
0------
BACK LANES CLEARED IN HAPPY VALLEY * ♦ ♦ * t
A TOTAL OF 18 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED IN HAPPY VALLEY TODAY (TUESDAY) IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT CLEARANCE OPERATION.
THE STRUCTURES WERE SITUATED AT THE REAR LANES AND SIDE LANES OF TSUI MAN STREET, SING WOO ROAD, VILLAGE ROAD AND GREEN LANE.
THE OPERATION WAS LAUNCHED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND CARRIED OUT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE, FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND URBAN AREA DEVELOPMENT OFFICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THE AIM OF THE OPERATION WAS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF BACK LANES AND SIDE LANES IN THE DISTRICT.
THREE FAMILIES WERE AFFECTED BY THE OPERATION AND REHOUSING ARRANGEMENT FOR THEM WOULD BE MADE BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
------0-------
LEFT-TURN ARRANGEMENT IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT EROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23), VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM SOUTHBOUND FU MEI STREET TO EASTBOUND JUNCTION ROAD, WONG TAI SIN.
MOTORISTS ON SOUTHBOUND FU MEI STREET HEADING FOR KOWLOON CITY CAN MAKE USE OF THIS LEFT-TURN ARRANGEMENT.
-------o----------
/13........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
- 13 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS, HEAVY VEHICLE BAN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT HOK YUEN STREET EAST BETWEEN MAN LOK STREET AND HUNG HOM ROAD, HUNG HOM, WILL BE DESIGNATED A PEAK HOUR (7 AM - 10 AM AND 4 PM - 7 PM) DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LAI YIP STREET IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH WAI YIP STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 125 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME A 24-HOUR DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY, NO VEHICLES EXCEEDING 16 TONNES GROSS WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER BAILEY BRIDGE N551 NEAR KAU LUNG HANG, TAI PO.
-----0------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT ALL VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND TO JUBILEE STREET FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS :
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCION WITH JUBILEE STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES TO THE EAST.
* JUBILEE STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL FROM A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH THEATRE LANE TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH POTTINGER STREET.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
--------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, DECIBBER 21, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXPORTERS URGED TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSIFICATION . 1
ESCALATOR CONTRACTOR FINED FOR NEGLIGENCE .................. 3
GOVERNOR VISITS HK TOURIST ASSOCIATION ..................... 4
INTERNATIONAL THEME AT CHILDREN'S HOME CHRISTMAS PARTY .... 4
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS TO SING CAROLS ........................ 5
LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVING TEST NEXT YEAR ................. 6
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS ............... 7
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES .................................... 7
ASIAN SOCCER COMES OF AGE: SMS ............................. 8
YOUTH 3aND FESTIVAL BEGINS ON FRIDAY ....................... 9
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR CHRISTl-US........... 10
TWO LOTS TO LET BY TENDER .................................. 12
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT ....................... 12
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SOUTH WALL ROaD........................ 13
TRAFFIC ARRaNGS-IENTS IN YUEN LONG, TUhN MUN ............... 13
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21,
1988
1
EXPORTERS URGED TO SEEK OPPORTUNITIES FOR DIVERSIFICATION *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED EXPORTERS TO LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER DIVERSIFICATION, BOTH IN TERMS OF PRODUCTS AND MARKETS, AS THEY FACED UP TO THE CHALLENGES THAT LAY AHEAD.
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH OF THE HONG KONG EXPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION.
HE SAID THAT THOUGH HONG KONG HAD A PHENOMENAL GROWTH OF 37 PER CENT IN TOTAL EXPORTS LAST YEAR, AND EXPORT STATISTICS SO FAR THIS YEAR HAD ALSO BEEN IMPRESSIVE, THE PROSPECTS FOR 1989 MIGHT NOT BE SO BRIGHT.
A GENERAL SLOWDOWN IN THE WORLD ECONOMY HAD BEEN WIDELY FORECAST, WHICH WOULD MEAN STIFFER COMPETITION, AND THERE WAS A GROWING AND CONTINUING THREAT OF PROTECTIONISM IN SOME MAJOR MARKETS.
HOWEVER, HONG KONG’S EXPORTERS HAD FACED AND OVERCOME SIMILAR PROBLEMS IN THE PAST, AND HE WAS SURE THAT THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH FUTURE CHALLENGES.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S TRADITIONAL POLICY HAD BEEN TO LET EXPORTERS GET ON WITH THE JOB.
"EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT ATTEMPTS TO INTERFERE WITH MARKET FORCES ARE LIKEY TO DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD,” HE SAID.
BUT IT WAS NOT A TOTALLY HANDS-OFF POLICY.
"IN RECENT YEARS, MUCH EFFORT HAS BEEN PUT INTO ENCOURAGING THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS AND THE OPENING UP OF NEW MARKETS. AND WE HAVE HAD SOME SUCCESS IN THIS," HE SAID.
"IN TERMS OF PRODUCTS, THERE IS A CONTINUING SHIFT FROM OUR TRADITIONALLY HEAVY RELIANCE ON TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TO OTHER ITEMS."
THE SHARE OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IN HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAD DROPPED FROM 42 PER CENT LAST YEAR TO 38 PER CENT DURING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS^ YEAR.
EXPORTS OF TOYS AND GAMES HAD ALSO FALLEN AS A RESULT OF THE FINANCIAL PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY SOME OF THE MAJOR U.S. BUYERS.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT EXPORTS OF NEW PRODUCTS SUCH AS TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT, TELEVISION RECEIVERS, AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES, OFFICE EQUIPMENT AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY HAD SHOWN TREMENDOUS GROWTH.
/"OUR EXPORTS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 211 1988
2
"OUR EXPORTS OF THESE ITEMS INCREASED BY BETWEEN 28 PER CENT AND 129 PER CENT BETWEEN JANUARY AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. THEIR TOTAL SHARE OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAS NOW REACHED 14 PER CENT," HE SAID.
’’AND OTHER PRODUCTS SUCH AS JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND CLOCKS HAVE ALSO SUSTAINED A RAPID GROWTH RATE."
SIR DAVID SAID THAT IN ORDER TO STAY COMPETITIVE, HONG KONG MUST CONTINUE TO MOVE TOWARDS HIGH VALUE-ADDED, TECHNOLOGY BASED PRODUCTION AND REDUCE ITS DEPENDENCE ON THE LABOUR-INTENSIVE SECTOR.
ON THE ISSUE OF IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN WORKERS, SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE EXISTING POLICY DID ALLOW FOR SKILLED WORKERS TO BE IMPORTED IF THEIR SKILLS WERE NOT AVAILABLE LOCALLY.
"I HOPE YOU WILL TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THAT," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID HE RECOGNISED THAT LABOUR SHORTAGE HAD CREATED PROBLEMS; HOWEVER IT DID HAVE THE EFFECT OF FORCING THE ECONOMY TO MOVE IN THE DIRECTION IT HAD TO GO IF HONG KONG WAS TO SURVIVE AND PROSPER - THE DIRECTION OF AUTOMATION.AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY.
ON DIVERSIFICATION OF MARKETS, SIR DAVID SAID IT WAS AN ENCOURAGING TREND THAT THE PROPORTION OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES, ITS LARGEST MARKET, HAD DROPPED, FROM 44 PER CENT IN 1985 TO 37 PER CENT LAST YEAR. AND TO 33 PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
REFERRING TO THE CREATION OF A SINGLE MARKET IN THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY BY 1992, SIR DAVID SAID DURING HIS RECENT VISIT TO FOUR COMMUNITY COUNTRIES HE HAD BEEN REPEATEDLY ASSURED THAT THERE WAS NO DANGER OF EXTERNAL TRADE BARRIERS BEING CREATED IN THE PROCESS.
"EVEN IF THE REALITY TURNS OUT TO BE NOT QUITE AS SIMPLE AND STRAIGHT FORWARD AS THIS, I SEE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE FOR HONG KONG EXPORTERS," HE SAID.
OUTLINING THE REMARKABLE GROWTH IN TRADE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA, SIR DAVID SAID THERE WAS STILL GREAT POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH IN THE CHINESE MARKET, EVEN THOUGH THE SPEED AND TIMING OF THE GROWTH WAS GOING TO DEPEND ON HOW SUCCESSFULLY CHINA TACKLED ITS PRESENT PROBLEMS OF THE ECONOMY AND OF INFLATION.
SIR DAVID ALSO NOTED THAT JAPAN, TAIWAN, AS WELL AS OTHER ASIAN COUNTRIES SUCH AS SINGAPORE, SOUTH KOREA AND THAILAND ALL PROVIDED EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG EXPORTERS.
"AND AFTER SOME DIFFICULTIES WE ARE BEGINNING TO MAKE IN-ROADS INTO THESE MARKETS," HE SAID.
-------0 -------- /).....................
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
ESCALATOR CONTRACTOR FINED FOR NEGLIGENCE
*****
A REGISTERED ESCALATOR CONTRACTOR HAS BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $50,000 BY A DISCIPLINARY BOARD IN CONNECTION WITH AN ESCALATOR INCIDENT AT THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION IN HUNG HOM IN JANUARY.
THE DISCIPLINARY BOARD, WHICH WAS APPOINTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES UNDER THE LIFTS AND ESCALATORS (SAFETY) ORDINANCE, COMPLETED ITS HEARINGS YESTERDAY (DECEMBER 20).
IT WAS CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, WORKS AND SERVICES, OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND CONSISTED OF FIVE PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS FROM THE DISCIPLINARY BOARD PANEL APPOINTED UNDER THE SAME ORDINANCE.
THE REGISTERED ESCALATOR CONTRACTOR SUMMONED BEFORE THE BOARD WAS THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD.
THE CONTRACTOR WAS CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENCE ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 13, 1988 IN CONNECTION WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF ESCALATOR NO. E4 AT THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION, FOR FAILING: -
(A) TO ENSURE THAT THE BRAKING MECHANISM OF THE ESCALATOR WAS IN SOUND AND PROPER WORKING ORDER; AND
(B) TO ENSURE THAT THE BRAKE LININGS AND SHOES OPENING OF THE ESCALATOR WERE CHECKED AND ADJUSTED AT TWO-MONTHLY INTERVALS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
THE DISCIPLINARY BOARD FOUND THE GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD GUILTY OF THE ABOVE TWO CHARGES AND IMPOSED A FINE OF $40,000 FOR (A) AND $10,000 FOR (B).
THE BOARD ALSO ORDERED THAT THE CONTRACTOR SHOULD MEET A TOTAL COST OF $18,520 FOR THE PROCEEDINGS.
IN CONCLUSION, THE BOARD EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT RELIANCE ON WORKERS TO PERFORM MAINTENANCE WORK WITHOUT SUITABLE SUPERVISION BY MANAGEMENT/CONTRACTOR COULD RESULT IN A POOR QUALITY OF MAINTENANCE WHICH MIGHT IN TURN RENDER THE EQUIPMENT UNSAFE.
IT RECOMMENDED THAT THE COMPANY SHOULD TAKE IMMEDIATE STEPS TO STRENGTHEN ITS SUPERVISION AND INSPECTION IN CONNECTION WITH MAINTENANCE WORK CARRIED OUT ON ESCALATORS.
-------O----------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
4
GOVERNOR VISITS HK TOURIST ASSOCIATION * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, VISITED THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO UPDATE HIMSELF ON THE SCOPE OF ITS WORK AND SERVICES.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE HEAD OFFICE OF THE ASSOCIATION IN CONNAUGHT CENTRE, SIR DAVID WAS MET BY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR MARTIN BARROW, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR EUGENE SULLIVAN WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE WORK OF THE ASSOCIATION AND THE IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION THAT THE TOURIST INDUSTRY MAKES TO HONG KONG'S ECONOMY.
SIR DAVID WAS TOLD THAT TOTAL RECEIPTS FROM TOURISM IN 1988 WERE EXPECTED TO BE MORE THAN $30 BILLION AND THAT THE CONTRIBUTION BY THE INDUSTRY AMOUNTED TO 7.1 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT LAST YEAR.
THE $25 BILLION THAT THE INDUSTRY EARNED IN 1987 AMOUNTED TO $4,500 FOR EVERY MAN, WOMAN AND CHILD LIVING IN THE TERRITORY.
SIR DAVID WAS ALSO TOLD THAT ABOUT 5.5 MILLION TOURISTS ARE EXPECTED TO VISIT HONG KONG BY THE END OF THIS YEAR, AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT OVER 1987.
THE GOVERNOR THEN VISITED THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE ASSOCIATION, INCLUDING THE VISITOR INFORMATION SERVICE, THE MARKETING, PLANNING AND SERVICES AND THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL BUREAU.
SIR DAVID WAS ALSO SHOWN AN AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATION ON THE HONG KONG TOURIST INDUSTRY.
-------o ---------
INTERNATIONAL THEME AT CHILDREN’S HOME CHRISTMAS PARTY * * * * *
"INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN" WAS THE THEME OF A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION PARTY AT THE CHUK YUEN CHILDREN’S RECEPTION CENTRE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DRESSED IN DIFFERENT NATIONAL COSTUMES, THE CHILDREN SANG AND DANCED TO THE DELIGHT OF THE MANY GUESTS THERE TO SHARE THE JOY OF THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH THEM.
THE GUESTS INCLUDED THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, ELIZABETH WONG, AND VOLUNTEER GROUPS.
MRS
/THERE WAS ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1983
- 5
THERE WAS ALSO A FOLK DANCE PERFORMANCE BY QUEST PERFORMERS FROM CHILD CARE CENTRES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
ASSISTED BY SANTA CLAUS, MRS WONG DISTRIBUTED CHRISTMAS GIFTS TO THE CHILDREN.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI, PRESENTED SOUVENIRS TO THE VOLUNTEER GROUPS TO THANK THEM FOR THEIR HELP IN ORGANISING ACTIVITIES REGULARLY FOR THE CHILDREN.
THE CHUK YUEN CENTRE IS OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE TEMPORARY CARE TO CHILDREN WHO ARE ABANDONED, ORPHANED OR OTHERWISE IN NEED OF CARE AND PROTECTION.
-----0------
KWUN TONG DB MEMBERS TO SING CAROLS *****
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ARE ENTERING INTO THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS BY SINGING CAROLS FOR SENIOR RESIDENTS AND DISABLED PERSONS.
IN ORDER TO SHOW THEIR CONCERN AND CARE, AND TO BRING CHRISTMAS JOY TO SENIOR RESIDENTS AND THE DISABLED IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT, THE MEMBERS WILL VISIT FOUR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE ORGANISATIONS ARE THE SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED - SHUN LEE ADULT TRAINING CENTRE; TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, PONG WING SHIU SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY; SHENG KUNG HUI DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL, GOOD SHEPHERD HOME FOR THE ELDERLY; AND PO LEUNG KUK KO CHIU ROAD CENTRE.
DURING THE GOODWILL VISITS, MEMBERS WILL SING CAROLS TO ENTERTAIN RESIDENTS OF THESE HOMES AND CENTRES, AND ALSO DISTRIBUTE CHRISTMAS GIFTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE VISITS ARE ADVISED TO ARRIVE BEFORE 2 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT ROOM 105 ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE IN TUNG YAN STREET. THE DISTRICT INFORMATION OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21
>
1988 •
- 6 -
LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVING TEST NEXT YEAR
*****
A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVING TEST WILL BE INTRODUCED IN JUNE NEXT YEAR TO ENSURE THAT LEARNER DRIVERS WHO WISH TO DRIVE A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE WILL BE TRAINED AND TESTED ON THE NECESSARY SKILLS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE TEST IS BEING INTRODUCED IN THE INTEREST OF ROAD SAFETY.
AT PRESENT, AN AUTOMATIC ENDORSEMENT TO DRIVE A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE UP TO 5.5 TONNES IS GIVEN TO ALL PERSONS WHO PASS THE PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TEST.
IN VIEW OF THE HIGH ACCIDENT RATE OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, AND THE HIGHER LEVEL OF DRIVING SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THE CONTROL OF SUCH VEHICLES, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED THAT A SEPARATE DRIVING TEST SHOULD BE INTRODUCED, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR BRIAN COAK, SAID.
DURING THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 4,627 LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES WERE INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, REPRESENTING A 25 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF VEHICLES INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS DURING THIS PERIOD.
THE NUMBER OF LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR WAS 5,606, ACCOUNTING FOR 23.4 PER CENT OF ALL VEHICLES INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS.
THE RATE IN 1986 WAS 20.6 PER CENT.
AS SOME OF THE CANDIDATES ALREADY ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TEST MAY WISH TO DRIVE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES, THE DEPARTMENT CONSIDERED THAT THOSE WHO ARE ON THE WAITING LIST ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE ISSUED WITH AN AUTOMATIC ENDORSEMENT TO DRIVE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES IF THEY PASS THE PRIVATE CAR DRIVING TEST BEFORE THE END OF DECEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THIS WILL ALLOW A REASONABLE PERIOD FOR THOSE WHO FAIL THE TEST THE FIRST TIME TO SEEK A RE-TEST.
FROM NEXT MONTH, NEW CANDIDATES WHO WANT TO DRIVE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLES MUST APPLY TO TAKE THE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVING TEST.
AS IT REQUIRES A MORE DEMANDING TECHNIQUE TO DRIVE A LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE THAN DRIVING A PRIVATE CAR, CANDIDATES WHO PASS THE LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE DRIVING TEST WILL BE GIVEN AN AUTOMATIC ENDORSEMENT TO DRIVE PRIVATE CARS.
MR COAK SAID THE TEST WILL COMPRISE THE STANDARD WRITTEN TEST AND A ROAD TEST IN A PARTIALLY LOADED LIGHT GOODS VEHICLE.
APPLICANTS WILL HAVE TO PASS ALL PARTS OF THE ROAD TEST TO OBTAIN A LICENCE. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL MEAN A COMPLETE RE-TEST ON ALL PARTS OF THE ROAD TEST.
CURRENTLY, PRIVATE CAR DRIVING LICENCE APPLICANTS CAN PARTIALLY FAIL AND CAN BE RE-TESTED ON THE PART THEY FAIL.
_ _ _ o----------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
7 -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS * ♦ ♦ t t
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS AT A MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) NEW MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN MONG KOK FOR 1989-90.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON WHETHER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 1989 AND THE FORM OF ACTIVITIES TO BE ORGANISED IN THE DISTRICT.
ANOTHER AGENDA ITEM IS THE PROGRESS OF THE 1988-89 ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE PROGRAMME.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES 1 t t
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON DECEMBER 26 AND 27, THE TWO PUBLIC HOLIDAYS FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS DAY.
THE RIGHT CLINICS ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND SHAU KEI WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN KOWLOON; LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
-------Q ---------
/8........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
8
ASIAN SOCCER COMES OF AGE: SMS * * » *
THOUGH SOCCER HAD BEEN DOMINATED BY THE CONTINENTS OF EUROPE AND SOUTH AMERICA, THE SITUATION WAS CHANGING, AND CHANGING FAST, THB SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING.
"THE ACHIEVEMENT OF SOUTH KOREA IN THE LAST WORLD CUP FINALS IN MEXICO IN 1986, DRAWING WITH BULGARIA AND ONLY NARROWLY LOSING TO THREE-TIME CHAMPIONS ITALY, SHOWED THAT ASIA HAS COME OF AGE IN WORLD FOOTBALL," HE SAID.
MR CHUI WAS SPEAKING AT THE KICK-OFF CEREMONY OF THE 17TH ASIAN SCHOOLS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT AT MONG KOK STADIUM.
MR CHUI ENCOURAGED THE YOUNG FOOTBALLERS TO STRIVE TO HIGH STANDARDS AND SAID THEY WOULD HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO AND SUCCEED.
ACHIEVE PROGRESS
HE EXTENDED A WELCOME TO THE COUNTRIES AND MACAU AND HONG KONG.
PARTICIPANTS WHO COME
FROM
10
THE TOURNAMENT, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SPORTS COUNCIL, WILL CONTINUE UNTIL DECEMBER 31.
THE VISITING TEAMS COME FROM BRUNEI, CHINA, INDIA, INDONESIA, REPUBLIC OF KOREA, MALAYSIA, MACAU, PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE, SRI LANKA, AND THAILAND.
MR CHUI DESCRIBED THE ASIAN SCHOOLS FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT AS AN OCCASION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN ASIA TO COME TOGETHER IN A DISPLAY OF SOCCER TALENT.
"IT IS A CHANCE FOR BUDDING YOUNG PLAYERS TO TRY OUT THEIR SKILL AT JUNIOR LEVEL AS A STEPPING STONE FOR BETTER THINGS IN FUTURE," HE ADDED.
THOSE PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LI, WHO IS ALSO THE PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS SHORTS COUNCIL AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE OF HONG KONG, MR A. DE O. SALES.
- - 0
/9
I*
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
- 9 -
YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL BEGINS ON FRIDAY * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE 1988 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS, WILL BEGIN ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23).
OVER THE NINE-DAY PERIOD, A NUMBER OF CONCERTS AND SYMPHONIC BAND CONTESTS WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGH THE TERRITORY.
SEVERAL FREE CONCERTS WILL BE PRESENTED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE’S DISTRICT BANDS AT TAIKOO SHING ON FRIDAY AND AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL AND TAI PO SHOPPING CENTRES ON SATURDAY.
IN SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL, SYMPHONIC BANDS FROM A NUMBER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PART IN THE BAND MUSIC INTERFLOW AND SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27).
THE SCHOOLS INCLUDE THE TAK CHING PRIMARY SCHOOL, COTTON SPINNERS ASSOCIATION PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL, ST MARK’S SCHOOL, SALESIAN ENGLISH SCHOOL, KEI WAN PRIMARY SCHOOL AND ST BONAVENTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL.
MEANWHILE, YOUNG MUSICIANS FROM HO FUNG COLLEGE, C.M.A. PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL AND TRUE LIGHT GIRLS’ COLLEGE WILL PERFORM AT THE MARCHING BAND CONTEST TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28) BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
FREE ADMISSION COUPONS FOR THE EVENTS CAN BE OBTAINED AT ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID THE PROGRAMMES ARRANGED FOR THE FESTIVAL WILL BRING THE PUBLIC A WIDE SELECTION OF BAND MUSIC.
TICKETS FOR THE ’’FAMILY CAROLS CONCERT”, TO BE STAGED AT THE CONCERT HALL OF THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON FRIDAY, ARE ALREADY SOLD OUT.
THE CLIMAX OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A GALA FINALE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30).
SOME 500 MEMBERS OF SEVEN SYMPHONIC BANDS AND TWO CHOIRS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TAKAOKA COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND FROM JAPAN, WILL PERFORM.
THE FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE TOM LEE MUSIC COMPANY LTD. TICKETS AT $10 AND $15 EACH FOR THE GALA FINALE ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7967537.
-------O----------
/1O........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21,
1988
10
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES * » *
EXTENDED FOR CHRISTMAS * *
SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS TO COPE WITH THE FESTIVE CROWDS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
ON CHRISTMAS EVE, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR), THE STAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT, AND TRAM SERVICES (EXCEPT THOSE ROUND THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP) WILL RUN ALL NIGHT.
ALSO OPERATING OVERNIGHT WILL BE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (KMB) ROUTES 5, 6, 80M AND 82M AS WELL AS GREEN MINIBUS (GHB) ROUTES 18 AND 37M IN KOWLOON AND ROUTE 6 IM IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI (HYF) FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1 AM.
SUPPLEMENTARY FERRY SERVICES FROM CENTRAL TO MUI WO (VIA PENG CHAU) AND FROM CENTRAL TO CHEUNG CHAU (VIA YUNG SHUE WAN, LAMMA ISLAND) WILL BE OPERATED AT 1 AM AND 1.15 AM RESPECTIVELY.
BOTH THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY (KCR) AND THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) WILL RUN UNTIL 1 AM WHILE THE PEAK TRAM SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1.30 AM.
MEANWHILE, SERVICES ON MANY BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WILL FINISH LATER THAN USUAL.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE LAST DEPARTURES FROM CENTRAL OF CHINA MOTOR BUS (CMB) ROUTES 4, 70 AND 90 WILL BE AT 1 AM.
ON ROUTES 2, 7, 10, 23, 72, 92, 96 AND 97, THE LAST BUSES WILL LEAVE CENTRAL, WESTERN DISTRICT OR CAUSEWAY BAY AT 2 AM, 2.30 AM, 1.50 AM, 1.15 AM, 1.30 AM, MIDNIGHT, 12.27 AM AND 1 AM RESPECTIVELY.
IN KOWLOON, KMB ROUTES 1, 1A, 3C, 5C, 9, 14, 25, 28, 31M, 32M, 36M, 37M, 38A, 39M, 58M, 59M, 60M, 66M, 68M, 80K, 81K, 85K, 88i< AND 93A WILL ALSO OPERATE EXTENDED SERVICES, RANGING FROM 30 MINUTES TO ONE HOUR AND 30 MINUTES.
ADDITIONAL TRIPS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED ON CROSS-HARBOUR ALL-NIGHT BUS ROUTES 121 AND 122.
MEANWHILE, SERVICES ON KMB ROUTE 202 AND KOWLOON GMB ROUTES 1 AND IM WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 8 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
THESE SERVICES WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED ON DECEMBER 25 AND 26' DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION. THE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL WILL BE SERVED BY ROUTE 208 EN-ROUTE.
/AS FOR
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
11
AS FOR GREEN MINIBUSES, IN KOWLOON, SERVICES ON ROUTE 53M WILL FINISH AT 1 AM; ON ROUTES 3, 8, 11M, 30A AND 30M AT 1.30 AM;. ON ROUTES 6, 22M, 31M AND 51M AT 2 AM AND ON ROUTES 7, 16 AND 33M AT 3 AM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SERVICES ON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 67K WILL STOP RUNNING AT 11 PM AND ON ROUTES 65K AND 66K AT MIDNIGHT.
SERVICES ON ROUTES 20K, 22K AND 60K WILL CEASE OPERATION
AROUND 1.30 AM AND ON ROUTES 81 AND 82 AT 2 AM.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY, THE KCR AND THE STAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT WILL OPERATE UP TO 1 AM.
SERVICES ON KMB ROUTES 5, 6 AND 85K WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT ONE HOUR.
GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES ON ROUTES UM, 30A, 30M AND 31M IN
KOWLOON AND ON ROUTES 65K, 66K, 67K IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALSO FINISH LATE AS ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI, SERVICES ON THE FOLLOWING BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE DIVERTED DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIODS TO AVOID CLOSED ROADS IN THESE TWO DISTRICTS:
ROUTE
PERIOD OF DIVERSION
CMB ROUTES 5B, 10, 20, 21
AND 81M AND HK ISLAND GMB
ROUTE 28
CMB ROUTES 5, 5A, 10A, 22
AND 781
CMB ROUTES 23A AND 26
CMB ROUTE 40M AND CROSS-
HARBOUR ROUTE 103
AIRBUS A2
KMB ROUTES 1, 1A, IK, 2, 2C, 2K, 3, 3C, 3E, 5, 5C, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 13, 26, 28, 81, 208 AND AIRBUS Al AND KOWLOON GMB ROUTES 3, 6, 7, 8 AND 31M.
FROM 7 PM ON DECEMBER 24 TO 6 AM ON DECEMBER 28
AFTER 7 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE
FROM 6 PM ON DECEMBER DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 24 27 TO LAST
FROM 6.30 PM ON DECEMBER DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 27 24 TO LAST
FROM 7 PM ON DECEMBER DEPARTURE ON DECEMBER 24 27 TO LAST
FROM 8 PM ON DECEMBER 24 TO 1.30 AM
THE NEXT DAY AND IF NECESSARY, ON
DECEMBER 25 AND 26
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
i
TWO LOTS TO LET BY TENDER * * * ♦
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TO LET BY TENDER TWO LOTS IN KOWLOON AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE LOT IN KOWLOON IS OFF CHAK ON ROAD, TAI WO PING AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 560 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR OPEN STORAGE (EXCLUDING CONTAINERS) PURPOSES ONLY.
THE OTHER LOT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS IN SHA TAU KOK WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 62 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR A DANGEROUS GOODS STORE FOR THE STORAGE OF LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS CYLINDERS.
THE LEASES FOR BOTH LOTS ARE FOR THREE YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY.
TENDERS FOR THE TWO SITES WILL CLOSE AT NOON NEXT JANUARY 6.
FORMS OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES AS WELL AS THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT. THE TENDER PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED THERE.
-----0-----
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO SEEK A CLOSURE ORDER AGAINST ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT A BUILDING IN KOWLOON SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT A, SECOND FLOOR OF NO.9 HAU FOOK STREET.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN MAY LAST YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES. HOWEVER, THE OWNER FAILED TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 12, 1989 WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICIOUS PART OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START AS SOON AS A CLOSURE ORDER IS MADE.
/V
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
- 13 -
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SOUTH WALL ROAD *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT SOUTH WALL ROAD BETWEEN CARPENTER ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD IN KOWLOON CITY HAS BEEN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC OWING TO A WATER MAIN BURST.
THE CLOSURE IS EXPECTED TO LAST UNTIL MONDAY (DECEMBER 26) WHILE REPAIR WORKS ARE CARRIED OUT.
- 0 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG, TURN MUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT CASTLE PEAK ROAD (NGAU TAM MEI) FROM A POINT ABOUT 330 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FAIRVIEW PARK BOULEVARD TO A POINT ABOUT 400 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, YUEN LONG, WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 24).
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF PHASE III OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, TWO NEW ROADS CALLED SR-1 AND SR-3A WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
DURING THE CLOSURE, AFFECTED VEHICLES, INCLUDING KMB ROUTE 76K AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 75 AND 76 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THESE NEW ROADS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD (LAM TEI) IN TUEN MUN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK:
♦ THE NORTHWESTERN KERBSIDE ’ SECTION FROM A POINT
APPROXIMATELY 65 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE SOUTHERN ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE TSING CHUEN WAI TO A POINT
APPROXIMATELY 60 METRES NORTHEAST OF THE SAME ACCESS ROAD; AND
♦ THE NORTHWESTERN KERBSIDE SECTION FROM A POINT APPROXIMATELY 55 METRES SOUTHWEST OF THE NORTHERN ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE TSING CHUEN WAI TO A POINT
APPROXIMATELY 70 METRES NORTHEAST OF THE SAME ACCESS ROAD.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FARMERS URGED TO HELP IN IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT ................ 1
TAXI FARES TO RISE; GOVT WARNS AGAINST MALPRACTICE ............ 2
SALE OF THREE LOTS FETCHES <4550 MILLION ..................... 3
RESULTS OF LABORATORY TESTS ON VEGETABLES ..................... k
LONG-SERVING RO STAFF HONOURED ................................ 5
LADY WILSON TO OPEN NORTH FLORA AND FAUNA SHOW................. 7
DB MEMBERS SPREAD CHRISWiAS JOY IN KWUN TONG .................. 8
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SOUTHERN CIVIC EDUCATION COMPETITION .. 8
FAREWELL TO FIVE-CENT COIN .................................... 9
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED ...................................... 9
LEFT-TURN ONLY IN NAM HONG STREET ............................ 10
SPECIAL TRAFFIC aRRANGEMJKTS IN TST, CENTRAL ................. 10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
1
FARMERS URGED TO HELP IN IMPROVING ENVIRONMENT * * * * *
LIVESTOCK FARMERS WERE URGED TODAY (THURSDAY) TO JOIN TOGETHER IN A COLLABORATIVE SPIRIT WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND PLAY THEIR PART IN HELPING TO ACHIEVE THE AIM OF A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR STUART REED, WAS SPEAKING TO THE MEDIA AFTER THE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENTED WITH A PETITION LETTER BY A PARTY OF OVER 100 LIVESTOCK FARMERS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE INVITED THE LEADERS OF THE DELEGATION FOR DISCUSSION WHEN THE FARMERS ARRIVED AT THE EPD HEADQUARTERS. THE FARMERS LEFT AFTER PRESENTING THE PETITION.
DR REED POINTED OUT THAT WHILE HE WOULD BE HAPPY TO DISCUSS MATTERS WITH THE FARMERS CONCERNED THE GOVERNMENT HAD ESTABLISHED A LIVESTOCK WASTE DISPOSAL CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE FOR THIS VERY PURPOSE, AND THAT THE NEXT MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE HELD IN MID-JANUARY.
ONE OF THE COMPLAINTS PUT FORWARD BY THE FARMERS WAS THAT MANY FARMERS IN THE PROHIBITION AREAS HAD NOT YET BEEN GIVEN THEIR COMPENSATION.
DR REED SAID THAT OUT OF 510 FARMS ELIGIBLE FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE, 367 CHEQUES HAD ALREADY BEEN COLLECTED, THE 120 WERE AWAITING COLLECTION.
"THIS LEAVES ONLY 23 CASES OUTSTANDING AND THESE ALL RELATE TO FARMERS WHO CEASED OPERATION ONLY VERY RECENTLY RATHER THAN ON JUNE 24, AS REQUIRED BY LAW," HE SAID.
"WE HAVE PROSECUTED NINE FARMERS, BUT EVEN THEY WILL RECEIVE THEIR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE WHEN THEY CEASE OPERATION," HE ADDED.
"IN ALL THE COMMOTION ABOUT LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROLS, WE ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING SIGHT OF THE FACT THAT FOR MANY YEARS IT HAS BEEN ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF UNTREATED LIVESTOCK WASTES TO STREAMS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND FARMERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED FOR DOING THIS IN THE PAST," DR REED SAID.
"THE REASON WHY THE LEGISLATION WAS CHANGED WAS BECAUSE THE OLD PROCEDURES WERE SIMPLY TOO CUMBERSOME,' DR REED EXPLAINED.
"SO THE COMMUNITY, THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT, WILL BE PAYING FARMERS SOMETHING LIKE $250 MILLION IN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE AND CAPITAL GRANTS TO STOP WHAT ARE BASICALLY ILLEGAL PRACTICES."
DR REED ALSO EXPRESSED HIS ANXIETY THAT THE DESIGN WORK THAT IS IN PROGRESS ON NEW PROJECTS TO CONTROL POLLUTION, AND THE L-RGE CAPITAL INVESTMENTS THAT WILL FOLLOW ON SUCH THINGS AS NEW SEWERAGE IN THE RURAL AREAS, EXPORT OF EFFLUENT FROM TOLO HARBOUR, IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE TO CONTROL INDUSTRIAL AND OTHER EFFLUENTS AND SO ON, COULD BE UNDERMINED IF LIVESTOCK WASTES ARE NOT CHECKED.
------o------- /2....................
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
- 2 -
TAXI FARES TO RISE; GOVT WARNS AGAINST MALPRACTICE
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED AN INCREASE IN URBAN AND NEW TERRITORIES TAXI FARES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, TO TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 22 NEXT YEAR.
FOR URBAN TAXIS, THE FLAGFALL FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES WILL GO UP TO $6.50 FROM $5.50 AND EVERY SUBSEQUENT 0.25 KILOMETRES WILL COST $0.80 INSTEAD OF THE PRESENT $0.70.
WAITING TIME CHARGE WILL BE $0.80 FOR ONE MINUTE INSTEAD OF $0.70 FOR 1.5 MINUTES.
FOR NEW TERRITORIES TAXIS, THE FLAGFALL FOR THE FIRST TWO KILOMETRES WILL INCREASE TO $5.50 FROM $4.50 AND EVERY SUBSEQUENT 0.25 KILOMETRES WILL COST $0.70 INSTEAD OF $0.90 FOR EVERY SUBSEQUENT 0.4 KILOMETRES.
WAITING TIME CHARGE WILL BE $0.70 FOR ONE MINUTE INSTEAD OF $0.90 FOR EVERY TWO MINUTES. )
IN MAKING THE DECISION, THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL HAS EXAMINED THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE TAXI TRADE INCLUDING RISING MAINTENANCE AND OPERATING COSTS; THE LEVEL OF TAXI SERVICE; THE PRINCIPLE OF FARE DIFFERENTIALS AND THE NEED TO PROVIDE TAXI DRIVERS WITH A REASONABLE RETURN WHILE TRAVELLING IN CONGESTED ROADS.
CONVERSION TABLES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO TAXI OPERATORS FOR DISPLAYING THE NEW FARES BEFORE TAXI METERS ARE RE-CALIBRATED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL COMPLETE THE RE-CALIBRATION PROGRAMME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN PARALLEL WITH TH!: INCREASE LN TAXI FARES, THE GOVERNMENT IS ALSO CONSIDERING A PACKAGE OF MEASURES WHICH AIM AT CURBING MALPRACTICES BY TAXI DRIVERS.
THESE MEASURES INCLUDE THE COMPULSORY DISPLAY OF IDENTIFICATION BADGES, DISPLAY OF FARE PLATES, AN INCREASE IN THE PRESENT LEVEL OF FINES FOR MALPRACTICE FROM $3,000 TO $5,000 AND WHERE NECESSARY, THE INTRODUCTION OF A SEPARATE SCHEME WHEREBY TAXI DRIVERS WHO PERSISTENTLY COMMIT MALPRACTICES AND HAVE BEEN CONVICTED BY THE COURT WILL. HAVE THEIR LICENCES TO DRIVE TAXIS SUSPENDED.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ALSO STRESSED THAT MALPRACTICE BY TAXI DRIVERS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED AND THAT THE ABOVE STRINGENT MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED IF THE SITUATION CONTINUES TO DETERIORATE.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS NOW PREPARING A LEAFLET ON TAXI SERVICE TO HELP BOTH THE TAXI DRIVERS AND THE PUBLIC TO BECOME MORE AWARE OF THEIR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES.
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED A PROPOSAL TO EXEMPT WHEELCHAIRS AND CRUTCHES CARRIED BY DISABLED PASSENGERS FROM LUGGAGE CHARGES.
------o------- /5.....................
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
- 3 -SALE OF THREE LOTS FETCHES $550 MILLION * » » * »
THE SALE OF THREE LAND LOTS BY PUBLIC AUCTION HELD TODAY (THURSDAY) FETCHED A TOTAL PREMIUM OF $550 MILLION.
A GENERAL AND DANGEROUS GOODS GODOWN LOT AT THE JUNCTION Or FAT TSENG STREET AND TUNG CHAU STREET IN CHEUNG SHA WAN WAS SOLD FOR $218 MILLION TO WOLVER HOLLOW COMPANY LIMITED.
BIDDING FOR THIS 4,728-SQUARE-METRE SITE BEGAN AT $150 MILLION.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE AT LEAST 31,800 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1992.
A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LOT AT ARGYLE STREET IN KOWLOON WAS BOUGHT BY PUI HAY ENTERPRISES LIMITED FOR $299 MILLION.
BIDDING BEGAN AT $180 MILLION.
THE AREA OF THIS LOT IS ABOUT 5,889 SQUARE METRES AND THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 10,700 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1991.
THE THIRD LOT, WHICH IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES, IS LOCATED IN AREA 40, TUEN MUN.
BIDDING BEGAN AT $20 MILLION AND THE LOT WAS BOUGHT BY SPLENDID SHING LIMITED FOR $33 MILLION.
THE LOT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,012 SQUARE METRES, AND THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 6,018 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1991.
TODAY’S AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT OF THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, MR MO CHAN-MING.
-------O---------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
- 4 -
RESULTS OF LABORATORY TESTS ON VEGETABLES ♦ ♦ ♦ t *
OF FOUR SAMPLES OF SUSPECTED CONTAMINATED VEGETABLES RECEIVED FOR GOVERNMENT LABORATORY TESTING, THREE TESTED NEGATIVE FOR METHAMIDOPHOS, THE TOXIC PESTICIDE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECENT OUTBREAK OF VEGETABLE POISONING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH (MSB) SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
’’THE REMAINING SAMPLE WAS POSITIVE FOR THE BANNED PESTICIDE, BUT THE CONCENTRATION DID NOT EXCEED THE MAXIMUM RESIDUE LIMIT JOINTLY RECOMMENDED BY THE FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION, WHICH IS CONSIDERED SAFE.
’’HOWEVER, THE CONSIGNMENT HAS BEEN DESTROYED,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
’’THE SHENZHEN COMMODITY INSPECTION BUREAU (CIB) HAS BEEN INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT AND REQUESTED TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION.”
UP TO YESTERDAY (WEDNESDAY), THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH HAD RECEIVED FROM THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION (VMO), FOR FOLLOW-UP ACTION, A TOTAL OF FOUR REPORTS OF PESTICIDE-TAINTED VEGETABLES.
THESE REPORTS FOLLOWED THE VMO’S IMPLEMENTATION ON DECEMBER 16 OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT'S (AFD) RECENTLY INTRODUCED QUICK SCREENING TEST ON VEGETABLES FOR PESTICIDE RESIDUES.
AT THE AFD’S PRESS BRIEFING YESTERDAY IT WAS STATED THAT ONE CONSIGNMENT OF VEGETABLES WHICH THE VMO HAD FOUND TO TEST POSITIVE FOR PESTICIDES, AND SUBSEQUENTLY REFERRED TO THE MSB FOR INVESTIGATION, HAD EARLIER BEEN RELEASED TO THE MARKET.
ACCORDING TO THE AFD, THE WHOLESALER OF THE IMPLICATED VEGETABLES HAD NOT CO-OPERATED BY VOLUNTARILY SURRENDERING HIS GOODS FOR DESTRUCTION.
THE MSB SPOKESMAN SAID THE PUBLIC SHOULD HAVE NO CAUSE FOR ALARM AS THE LEFT-OVER SAMPLE OF THE RELEASED CONSIGNMENT HAD BEEN CONFIRMED BY THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY TO BE NEGATIVE FOR METHAMIDOPHOS.
THE OUTBREAK OF VEGETABLE-POISONING IN LATE OCTOBER HAD LED TO CHINA'S IMPLEMENTING A TAGGING SYSTEM FOR VEGETABLES FOR THE HONG KONG MARKET.
”INSPECTION AND SAMPLING BY HEALTH INSPECTORS ON THIS SIDE OF THE BORDER HAVE CONVINCED THE MSB OF THE USEFULNESS OF CHINA’S TAGGING SYSTEM,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/’’THE VMO’S
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
- 5 -
"THE VMO’S QUICK SCREENING TEST WHICH IS PERFORMED ONEY ON VEGETABLES HANDLED IN ITS CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET IS COMPLEMENTARY TO THE MSB'S ALREADY INTENSIFIED MONITORING MEASURES AS AN ADDITIONAL LINE OF DEFENCE."
WITH EFFECT FROM NEXT MONTH, HEALTH INSPECTORS STATIONED IN THE MAN KAM TO BORDER CONTROL POINT, THROUGH WHICH VEGETABLES ARE IMPORTED FROM CHINA, WILL BE ABLE TO CARRY OUT A FURTHER CHECK.. THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
A FIELD TEST, NEWLY INTRODUCED FROM THE UNITED STATES, WILL BE PERFORMED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS ON INCOMING VEGETABLES WHICH ARE DESTINED FOR OUTLETS OTHER THAN THE VMO’S CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET.
-------o ---------
LONG-SERVING RO STAFF HONOURED * t t t
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, TODAY (THURSDAY) OFFICIATED AT A CEREMONY TO PRESENT LONG AND MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATES TO STAFF OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
TWENTY-THREE OFFICERS RECEIVED THE 20 YEARS’ MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE AND 11 STAFF RECEIVED THE 30 YEARS' MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE FROM MR TSAO.
FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS
OFFICERS AWARDED 20 YEARS' MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE
MR WONG PING-LAM
MR LEE HAK-NANG
MR KWONG WOON-PUI
MR LUI WING-HANG
MR LEE QUINK-TAK
MR TAM LUNG-TANG
MR MAU LEONG-PONG
MR LUK KIN-KAM
/MR LEE TAK-CHOI, GEORGE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
- 6 -
MR LEE TAK-CHOI, GEORGE
MR KWAN WING-KAN
MR LAU KAM-WAH
DR LI CHUNG-SUM, PETER
MR LAU CHI-KWAN, ROBERT
MR YEUNG CHI-HO
MR TIN WA-CHEONG, DAVID
MR WONG KIM-PO
MR CHAN MAN-YUN, JOHN
MR POON WING-CHEUNG
MR LUI YAU-LOK
MR TSE WAI-TIM
MR WONG YUN-KWAN
MR IP SUI-FUI
MR LAM KWAI-KONG
OFFICERS AWARDED 30 YEARS' MERITORIOUS SERVICE CERTIFICATE
MR LI SUET-HIN
MR CHENG SIU-MING, SAMUEL
MR CHUI KWONG
MR CHU CHING-KI
MR WONG NGUK-YUNG
MR LI TUNG-SHUEN
MR SHAM PAK, PATRICK
MR KWOK WAI-HAY
MR YAU TAK-KEE
MR LEE WING-CHIU
MR S.M. HASSAN
0
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
LADY WILSON TO OPEN NORTH FLORA AND FAUNA SHOW *****
A MINIATURE WORLD OF FLORA AND FAUNA BUILT UP IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY LADY WILSON TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
HIS WORLD IS FORMED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW, WHICH HAS BECOME A POPULAR ANNUAL EVENT IN THE DISTRICT.
IE FIVE-DAY SHOW, SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WILL BE STAGED AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND AND THE ADJACENT FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE FROM TOMORROW UNTIL DECEMBER 27 (TUESDAY).
AT THE SHOW, LADY WILSON WILL ALSO PRESENT AN OVERALL CHAMPION TROPHY TO THE BEST EXHIBIT IN THE FLOWER SECTION.
THE SHOW WILL FEATURE A WIDE RANGE OF FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS COMPETITIONS FOR POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, AND BONSAI-TYPE PLANTS AND ORCHIDS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS, FLORAL AND LANDSCAPE DISPLAYS BY HORTICULTURAL CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS, AND OVERSEAS EXHIBITS.
AMONG THE FLORAL EXHIBITS WILL BE SOME LARGE AFRICAN VIOLETS WITH A LEA! SPAN OF 56 CENTIMETRES (22 INCHES) ALONG WITH MINIATURE ONES WHOSE LEAF SPAN IS ONLY FIVE CENTIMETRES (TWO INCHES).
OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE 50 BIRDS OF DIFFERENT SPECIES FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES, AND A PRIVATE COLLECTION OF 20 ANTIQUE CAGES FOR BIRDS.
A GREAT VARIETY OF GOLDFISH, AND SPECIMENS OF A NUMBER OF HARMFUL AND BENEFICIAL FOREST INSECTS WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.
DURING THE SHOW, A SERIES OF FRINGE ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BEE SHOWS AND TALKS WILL BE ORGANISED.
ABOUT 60 STALLS WILL SELL SOUVENIRS, FLOWERS AND PLANTS.
IN VIEW OF THE WIDE RANGE OF EXHIBITS, THE SHOW IS EXPECTED TO ATTRACT LARGE NUMBERS OF NATURE LOVERS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE ADMISSION FEE IS $5 FOR ADULTS AND $2 FOR CHILDREN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SHOW BY LADY WILSON AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT FOR THE MEDIA WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER* TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 9 AM. '
- O - -
/8
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
DB MEMBERS SPREAD CHRISTMAS JOY IN KWUN TONG
*****
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON BROUGHT CHRISTMAS JOY TO THE ELDERLY AND DISABLED PERSONS AT FOUR WELFARE ORGANISATIONS IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT BY SINGING C iOI.S AND DISTRIBUTING CHRISTMAS GIFTS.
A MEMBER OF THE CAROLLING TEAM WAS DRESSED AS SANTA CLAUS DURING THE GOODWILL VISITS.
VISITS WERE MADE TO THE PO LEUNG KUK KO CHIU ROAD CENTRE; SOCIETY OF HOMES FOR THE HANDICAPPED - SHUN LEE ADULT TRAINING CENTRE; TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, PONG WING SHIU SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY; AND THE SHENG KUNG HUI DIOCESAN WELFARE COUNCIL, GOOD SHEPHERD HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN, AND HIS STAFF JOINED IN THE GOODWILL VISITS.
- - 0 - -
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SOUTHERN CIVIC EDUCATION COMPETITION
*****
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR A COLOURING COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGES.
FEATURING THE GOOD CITIZENSHIP AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION THEMES, THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO PEOPLE OF ALL AGES WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT.
IT WILL OFFER THE PARTICIPANTS THE OPPORTUNITIES TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR FLAIR NOT ONLY IN PAINTING BUT ALSO IN SLOGAN DESIGN, AND TO WIN HANDSOME PRIZES.
THOSE AGED 12 OR UNDER CAN TAKE PART IN THE JUNIOR SECTION WHICH REQUIRES THEM TO COLOUR FOUR PRE-DRAWN PICTURES SHOWING THE VIRTUES OF A GOOD CITIZEN.
THOSE AGED 13 OR OVER CAN JOIN THE SENIOR SECTION. THEY CAN PAINT AN IDEAL COUNTRYSIDE WITH A THEME ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION.
PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO DESIGN A SLOGAN FOR THE ENTRIES.
/THE FIRST
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
_ 9 -
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS IN EACH SECTION WILL BE AWARDED GIFT COUPONS AND TROPHIES AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE DISTRICT’S "BUILD YOUR OWN COMMUNITY" CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 26 AT LEI TUNG COMMUNITY HALL IN AP LEI CHAU.
THERE WILL ALSO BE NINE PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING ENTRIES IN EACH SECTION.
PICTURE SHEETS FOR THE COLOURING COMPETITION ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS AP LEI CHAU, WAH FU AND STANLEY SUB-OFFICES. THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES WILL BE JANUARY 6.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-540271.
-------0 ---------
FAREWELL TO FIVE-CENT COIN * « ♦ *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THE FIVE-CENT COIN WILL CEASE TO BE LEGAL TENDER FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
"FROM JANUARY 1, THERE WILL BE NO LEGAL OBLIGATION TO ACCEPT THESE COINS IN PAYMENT OF DEBTS NOT EXCEEDING TWO DOLLARS, THE LEGAL TENDER LIMIT FOR FIVE-CENT COINS," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THIS MEANS THAT SHOPKEEPERS, TRANSPORT OPERATORS AND OTHERS ARE NOT OBLIGED TO ACCEPT THESE COINS AFTER THAT DATE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO EXCHANGE THEIR FIVE-CENT COINS AT ANY BANK FOR OTHER DENOMINATIONS THAT ARE LEGAL TENDER.
-----0------
DTC REGISTRATION REVOKED
*****
THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF MG FINANCE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS TODAY (THURSDAY) AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 31(2) OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE.
- 0 - -
/10
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
LEFT-TURN ONLY IN NAM HONG STREET *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 25), THE NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ON NAM HONG STREET SOUTH OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD CAN ONLY TURN LEFT AT THE JUNCTION OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WITH NAM HONG STREET.
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT THREE DAYS FOR ROADWORKS.
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TST, CENTRAL
*****
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD TO ENABLE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE LIGHTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.
ANNOUNCING DETAILS OF THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TODAY (THURSDAY), A POLICE SPOKESMAN SAID CERTAIN ROADS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED, AT CERTAIN TIMES, FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF PEDESTRIANS.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT, AND TO BE CONSIDERATE TO CHILDREN AND THE ELDERLY.
HE SAID: "FAMILIES SHOULD KEEP CLOSE TOGETHER, AND TO ARRANGE TO MEET AT AN AGREED POINT SHOULD THEY BECOME SEPARATED.”
HE ALSO CALLED ON HOLIDAYMAKERS TO MAKE FULL USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, WHICH WILL GO ONTO EXTENDED TIME SCHEDULES TO MEET EXPECTED DEMANDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATIONS AS MEETING PLACES FOR FRIENDS, SO THAT SMOOTH PASSENGER TRAFFIC CAN BE MAINTAINED.
PEOPLE STAGING IN TSIM SHA TSUI WHO ARE BOOKED ON AIR FLIGHTS SHOULD LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT BEFORE 8 PM, AS VEHICLES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO LEAVE ONCE THE ROADS HAVE BEEN CLOSED.
MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE; PAY ATTENTION TO THE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND TAKE HEED OF POLICE ADVICE.
/THE SPECIAL
THURSDAY, DECQ1BER 22, 1988
11
THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:-KOWLOON
IN TSIM SHA TSUI, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED, IN TWO PHASES, ON DECEMBER 24, AND, DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONDITIONS, MAY ALSO BE ENFORCED ON DECEMBER 25, 26 AND 31.
DURING PHASE I, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 PM ON DECEMBER 24 UNTIL 1.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ;-
(1) SOUTHBOUND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND SALISBURY' ROAD (KMB BUSES PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICES EXCEPTED);
(2) HAIPHONG ROAD BETWEEN LOCK ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD (EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON HAIPHONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO TURN RIGHT ONTO LOCK ROAD);
(3) SALISBURY ROAD BETWEEN KOWLOON PARK DRIVE AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH (SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH WILL BE DIVERTED INTO EASTBOUND SALISBURY ROAD);
(4) SOUTHBOUND NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN MODY ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD (SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON NATHAN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO TURN LEFT INTO MODY ROAD);
(5) WESTBOUND SALISBURY ROAD BETWEEN SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH;
(6) MODY ROAD BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD;
(7) GRANVILLE ROAD BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD (KMB BUSES AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICES EXCEPTED);
(8) MODY LANE;
(9) ASHLEY ROAD BETWEEN PEKING ROAD AND MIDDLE ROAD; AND
(10) PEKING ROAD BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND KOWLOON PARK DRIVE.
THE ROAD CLOSURES MAY BE INTRODUCED AGAIN IN THE EVENING ON DECEMBER 25, 26 AND 31. APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
/DURING PHASE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
12 -
DURING PHASE II, THE SECTION OF CANTON ROAD BETWEEN HAIPHONG ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD BETWEEN GRANVILLE ROAD AND SALISBURY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AT ANY TIME DURING THE EVENINGS, WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICAION, DEPENDING ON THE PREVAILING TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONDITIONS. THE SECTION OF SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD NORTH OF GRANVILLE ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY NORTHBOUND.
THE SECTION OF MODY ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND CORNWALL AVENUE WILL BE TEMPORARILY DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED ZONE ON DECEMBER 24 FROM 8 PM TO 1.30 AM IN THE FOLLOWING MORNING. THE SAME ARRANGEMENT MAY BE IMPLEMENTED ON THE EVENINGS OF DECEMBER 25, 26 AND 31,DEPENDING ON THE PREVAILING TRAFFIC CONDITION.
ON DECEMBER 24-26 AND 31, ALL ON-STREET PARKING IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 3 PM ONWARDS. VEHICLES LEFT ILLEGALLY PARKED WILL BE REMOVED BY POLICE.
DUE TO THE PHASED CLOSURE OF ROADS IN TSIM SHA TSUI, VEHICULAR ACCESS TO ALL HOTELS AND CARPARKS IN THE AFFECTED AREAS WILL BE RESTRICTED, FROM 8 PM UNTIL ABOUT 2 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO GO TO THE HOTELS AND CARPARKS ARE ADVISED TO PARK THEIR CARS BEFORE 8 PM. THEY SHOULD BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT THEIR CARS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE UNTIL THE CESSATION OF ROAD CLOSURE RESTRICTIONS IN THE AREA.
HONG KONG ISLAND
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, CHATER ROAD BETWEEN PEDDER STREET AND JACKSON ROAD, AND ICE HOUSE STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 PM ON DECEMBER 24 TO 6 AM ON DECEMBER 28, AND FROM 7 PM ON DECEMBER 31 TO 6 AM ON JANUARY 3, 1989.
IN ADDITION, JACKSON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 PM UNTIL MID-NIGHT ON DECEMBER 24, 25, 26, 27, 31 AND JANUARY 1 AND 2.
DURING THESE PERIODS, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN QUEEN VICTORIA STREET AND PEDDER STREET WILL ALSO BE CLOSED, EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, IF POLICE CONSIDER NECESSARY.
AS A RESULT OF THIS ROAD CLOSURE, TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL. THE BUS ONLY LANE IN QUEEN VICTORIA STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL ALSO BE LIFTED. TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE ERECTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
/AT THE
THURSDAY, DECIFIBER 22, 1988
- 15 -
AT THE SAME TIME, MOTORISTS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS, IN THE FOLLOWING ROADS:-
* JUBILEE STREET;
* QUEEN VICTORIA STREET (EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES);
* PEDDER STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL (EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES);
* QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN WYNDHAM STREET AND JUBILEE STREET; AND
* POTTINGER STREET.
PARKING FACILITIES ALONG JACKSON ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6 PM UNTIL MIDNIGHT ON DECEMBER 24, 25,- 26, 27, 31 AND JANUARY 1 AND 2.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL : 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE TO TAKE EFFECT................ 1 HONG KONG TO JOIN OECD SEMINAR .............................. 2 SURVEY SHOWS DECLINE IN SMOKING HABIT ....................... 2 EPD REAFFIRMS STEPS ON WASTE CONTROL.........................
TRAINING JUST A BEGINNING, RECRUIT FIREMEN TOLD ........... 5 LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMP ISSUE ON JANUARY 18 .................. 6 YOUNGSTERS URGED TO SAY 'NO' TO DRUGS ..................... 6 THREE NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO STANDING COMMISSION ........ 8 LICENSING CONTROL ON GAS-POWERED WEAPONS .................................... 9 LADY WILSON OPENS FLORA AND FA'.'NA SHOW .................. 9 CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CHILDREN OF BOAT PEOPLE................ 10 CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER PUBLISHED ............. 11 PUBLIC SUPPORT URGED IN PREVENTING HILL FIRES ............. 1? LAND IN YUEN LONG TO BE RESUMED.............................. 11*
FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY .................................. 15 REPLACEMENT OUTFALL AT REPULSE BAY AUTHORISED................ 16 ROAD CLOSURE, URBAN CLEARWAY................................. 16
NEW ROADS IN NGAU CHI WAN
17
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE TO TAKE EFFECT
*****
THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE 1987, WHICH AIMS AT PROVIDING MORE EFFECTIVE CONSUMER PROTECTION, WILL COME INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
DURING THE FIRST SIX MONTHS, STARTING FROM THE ENFORCEMENT DATE OF THE ORDINANCE, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT WILL WARN AND ADVISE RETAILERS, RATHER THAN PROSECUTE, EXCEPT IN SERIOUS OR FRAUDULENT CASES.
THE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN JULY LAST YEAR. THE COMMENCEMENT NOTICE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY). THE GRACE PERIOD WAS TO GIVE PARTIES CONCERNED TIME TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE.
AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY BRANCH, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE WAS TO PROVIDE A LEGAL FRAMEWORK EQUITABLE FOR BOTH BUYERS AND SELLERS IN THE LIGHT OF MODERN CIRCUMSTANCES AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT.
"IN PARTICULAR, IT AIMS AT PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM FRAUDULENT OR UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES’ IN CONNECTION WITH QUANTITY AND PREVENTING UNFAIR COMPETITION WHEN DISHONEST TRADERS MAY OFFER CHEAPER PRICES BY APPLYING INACCURATE WEIGHTS OR MEASURES TO GOODS," HE SAID.
UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, ONLY THOSE METRIC, BRITISH IMPERIAL AND CHINESE UNITS, AND WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, RESPECTIVELY SPECIFIED IN THE SECOND AND THIRD SCHEDULES TO THE ORDINANCE, WILL BE PERMITTED FOR TRADE PURPOSES.
THE ORDINANCE WILL BE ENFORCED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT.
AUTHORISED OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL ACT IN RESPONSE TO COMPLAINTS AND WILL CONDUCT SPOT CHECKS ON TRADERS’ PREMISES TO VERIFY THE ACCURACY OF THEIR EQUIPMENT.
PROSECUTION WILL BE INITIATED WHEN CLEAR EVIDENCE OF FRAUD IS DETECTED. OFFENDERS FACE A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $20,000 AND SIX MONTHS IMPRISONMENT.
LEAFLETS OUTLINING THE MAIN POINTS OF THE ORDINANCE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE PUBLIC.
COPIES OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE 1987 CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, ROOM 1405, WING ON CENTRE, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 5-441711, EXT.23.
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/2.......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
?.
HONG KONG TO JOIN OECD SEMINAR
* * * * *
A TEAM FROM HONG KONG WILL TAKE PART IN AN INFORMAL SEMINAR ORGANISED BY THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT (OECD) IN PARIS, BETWEEN JANUARY 24 AND 25.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT THE OECD HAD ESTABLISHED A DIALOGUE WITH SOME OF THE NEWLY INDUSTRIALISING ECONOMIES (NIE’S) OF ASIA.
THE HONG KONG GROUP WILL CONSIST OF THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR MICHAEL CARTLAND; CHIEF ECONOMIST OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION, MR VINCENT CHENG; AND MANAGING DIRECTOR OF WING TAI EXPORTERS LTD, MR CHRISTOPHER CHENG ALL WILL ATTEND IN A PERSONAL CAPACITY.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT KOREA, SINGAPORE, TAIWAN AND THAILAND WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE IN THE SEMINAR.
THE OECD WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1961 AND IT IS A FORUM FOR DISCUSSION WHERE GOVERNMENTS EXCHANGE VIEWS ON ECONOMIC ISSUES WITH A VIEW TO IDENTIFYING ACTION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. AT PRESENT THERE ARE 24 MEMBER COUNTRIES.
THE SCOPE OF DISCUSSION AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE BROAD AND THE OECD HAS PROPOSED THAT AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE CONSIDERED SHOULD BE THE WORLD ECONOMY, FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC POLICY, INTERNATIONAL INVESTMENT AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICY.
THE AIM IS TO IMPROVE AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF TEH POSITIONS OF THOSE PARTICIPATING AND TO IDENTIFY SUBJECTS ON WHICH FURTHER CONTACTS MIGHT BE USEFUL.
_--------o ----------
SURVEY SHOWS DECLINE IN SMOKING HABIT *****
RESULTS OF THE LATEST SURVEY ON SMOKING PATTERNS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOWED THAT THE SMOKING HABIT HAS CONTINUED TO DECLINE SINCE THE FIRST SURVEY WAS CONDUCTED IN 1982.
THE PERCENTAGE OF SMOKERS AMONG THE POPULATION HAS GONE DOWN TO 16.8 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 17.4 PER CENT IN 1986 AND 23.3 PER CENT IN 1982.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THE FINDINGS INDICATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF DISCOURAGING SMOKING AND THE EFFORTS OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH WERE PRODUCING SIGNIFICANT RESULTS.
/"NEVERTHELESS, THE ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1988
NEVERTHELESS, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED ABOUT AN ABSOLUTE INCREASE OF ABOUT 10,500 IN THE NUMBER OF SMOKERS, WHICH REACHED A TOTAL OF 723,900.
' THERE SHOULD BE NO RELAXATION IN OUR EFFORTS TO WARN THE COMMUNITY OF THE NEED TO STOP SMOKING," HE STRESSED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD REVIEW THE EXISTING POLICY ON SMOKING AND MAP OUT NEW STRATEGIES TO INCREASE THE MOMENTUM OF THE ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN.
"A CONSULTATION EXERCISE BASED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH IS SCHEDULED TO COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
THE SURVEY ON SMOKING HABITS, COVERING SOME 14,000 PEOPLE, WAS THE FIFTH OF ITS KIND CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AS PART OF THE GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY IN JULY THIS YEAR.
TURNING TO OTHER ASPECTS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLEASED THAT BOTH THE NUMBER AND PERCENTAGE OF YOUNG SMOKERS (AGED 15 TO 19) HAD DECLINED.
THE NUMBER OF THIS GROUP OF SMOKERS WAS DOWN FROM 17,300 IN 1986 TO 15,700 THIS YEAR, WHILE THE PERCENTAGE ALSO DECREASED FROM FOUR PER CENT TO 3.4 PER GENT.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG FEMALE SMOKERS WARRANTED SPECIAL ATTENTION.
IN 1982, THE NUMBER OF THESE SMOKERS WAS ONLY 900 AND THE PERCENTAGE 0.4 PER CENT, BUT THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES HAD RISEN TO 3,000 AND 1.3 PER CENT THIS YEAR.
"TEENAGERS, ESPECIALLY FEMALE YOUNG SMOKERS, MUST REMAIN A MAJOR TARGET FOR THE ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN," HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, ALL FIVE SURVEYS SINCE 1982 REVEALED THAT THE TENDENCY TO SMOKE GENERALLY INCREASED WITH AGE FOR BOTH SEXES, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
AMONG MALES, THERE WAS AN ABRUPT INCREASE IN THE RATE OF DAILY SMOKING AFTER THEIR TEENS FROM 5.5 PER CENT OF THOSE AGED 15 TO 19 TO 22.4 PER CENT OF THOSE AGED 20 TO 29.
THE RATE GRADUALLY ROSE TO A PEAK OF 41.7 PER CENT IN THE 50 TO 59 AGE GROUP AND THEN DROPPED TO 35.2 PER CENT IN THE GROUP OF PEOPLE AGED 60 AND ABOVE.
FOR FEMALES, THE RATE OF DAILY SMOKING RANGED BETWEEN 1.3 PER CENT AND TWO PER CENT AMONG THOSE AGED BELOW 50. IT INCREASED TO 3.8 PER CENT IN THE 50 TO 59 AGE GROUP AND TO 7.3 PER CENT IN THE AGE GROUP 60 AND ABOVE.
/THE SURVEY
FRIDAY, ..MEMBER 23, 1988
THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED THE REASONS FOR GIVING UP "ABOUT THREE QUARTERS OF EX-SMOKERS GAVE UP SMOKING PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF HEALTH REASONS OR UPON DOCTOR’S ADVICE,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THERE WAS ALSO A HIGHER PROPORTION OF EX-SMOKERS (SEVEN PER CENT IN 1988 COMPARED WITH FOUR PER CENT IN 1986) WHO GnVE UP SMOKING BECAUSE OF OBJECTIONS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS," HE ADDED.
EPD REAFFIRMS STEPS ON WASTE CONTROL * * * t t
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) REAFFIRMED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT STAGE II OF THE INTRODUCTION OF LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL AREAS WOULD BE IMPLEMENTED ON JANUARY 1 BUT THAT NO PROSECUTION ACTION IN THESE AREAS WOULD BE TAKEN FOR THE TIME BEING.
STAGE I OF THE INTRODUCTION, COVERING TOLO HARBOUR AND TOLO CHANNEL AREAS, MUI WO AND ANGLER'S BEACH, WAS IMPLEMENTED ON JUNE 24 THIS YEAR.
STAGE II WILL COVER THE RIVER INDUS, UPPER SHENZHEN RIVER, TSUEN WAN, LIU TO VILLAGE AND TAI LAM CHUNG AREAS.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED THAT NO ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN IN THE STAGE II AREAS UNTIL AFTER THE REVIEW OF THE PRIVATE FARM DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS AND THE EXISTING CONTROL REGULATIONS IS COMPLETED," A EPD SPOKESMAN SAID.
"NEVERTHELESS, STAGE II IS TO BE IMPLEMENTED FROM NEXT MONTH SO AS TO FACILITATE APPLICATION FOR EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE BY SOME FARMERS IN THOSE AREAS WHO WISH TO CEASE OPERATION.
"THOSE WHO WISH TO CONTINUE OPERATION MAY ALSO SEEK TECHNICAL ADVICE FROM EPD AND APPLY FOR CAPITAL GRANT AND LOAN TO INSTALL NECESSARY TREATMENT FACILITIES," HE SAID.
THE EXEMPTION FROM PROSECUTION DOES NOT, HOWEVER, APPLY TO THOSE WHO ARE STILL OPERATING IN THE STAGE I AREAS.
"WHILST THE GOVERNMENT HAD AGREED TO ADOPT A FLEXIBLE APPROACH DURINGH THE INITIAL STAGE OF CONTROL ENFORCEMENT IN THOSE AREAS, SIX MONTHS HAVE LAPSED AND IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION NOW," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ARRANGEMENT HAD BEEN CLEARLY fiXPLAINEb TO THE FARMERS REPRESENTATIVES AT A MEETING OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON DECEMBER 1.
/AN ADVISORY ..
FRIDAY, DECEMBER ?3, 1988
- 5 -
AN ADVISORY LEAFLET COVERING DETAILED ASPECTS OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL SCHEME IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO THE AFFECTED FARMERS AND THE LIVESTOCK TRADE ASSOCIATIONS.
SPECIAL BRIEFING SESSIONS ARE ALSO BEING ORGANISED FOR THE FARMERS IN THE STAGE II CONTROL AREAS.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT ONLY THOSE FARMER: WHO HAD COMPLETELY CEASED THEIR LIVESTOCK KEEPING OPERATION COULD HAVE THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE PROCESSED.
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TRAINING JUST A BEGINNING, RECRUIT FIREMEN TOLD * * * * *
THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (HEADQUARTERS), MR RAY JOHNSTON, TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED RECRUIT FIREMEN TO MAINTAIN A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE AND CONTINUOUSLY IMPROVE THEIR PROFESSIONAL ABILITY IN ORDER TO SERVE THE PUBLIC EFFICIENTLY.
HE WAS ADDRESSING A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 38 FIREMEN WHO HAD COMPLETED 26 WEEKS OF TRAINING AT THE PAT HEUNG FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL.
MR JOHNSTON TOLD THE RECRUITS THEY WERE ENTERING A DEMANDING AND OFTEN DAUNTING PROFESSION, THE EFFICIENCY OF WHICH WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE WELL-BEING OF ALL CITIZENS.
"THE FIRE SERVICE BY ITS VERY NATURE IS OFTEN IN THE PUBLIC EYE AND PEOPLE WILL RELY ON YOU IN TIMES OF CRISIS AS NEVER BEFORE,” HE SAID.
"THE TRAINING YOU HAVE JUST COMPLETED THEREFORE IS ONLY THE BEGINNING AND IT WILL CONTINUE DAILY THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE OF YOUR CAREER."
AND, HE POINTED OUT, IT WAS ON THEIR PERFORMANCE AT THE FIRE SCENE THAT THEY WOULD BE ULTIMATELY JUDGED.
MR JOHNSTON PRESENTED THE BEST RECRUIT AWARD TO FIREMAN YUEN TIK-HANG.
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/6 .......
f
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
- 6 -
LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMP ISSUE ON JANUARY 18
*****
TAMPS COMMEMORATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR OF THE SNAKE WILL BE RELEASED OL' JANUARY 18, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THIS IS THE THIRD IN THE PRESENT SERIES OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES WHICH COMMENCED IN 1987 WITH THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT.
THE ISSUE COMPRISES FOUR DENOMINATIONS (60 CENTS, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5) AND THE DESIGN FEATURES VARIOUS POSTURES OF THE SNAKE IN AN EMBROIDERY STYLE.
A SOUVENIR SHEET CONTAINING A SET OF FOUR STAMPS WILL ALSO BE ISSUED AT $8.80 EACH.
IN ADDITION, A STAMP FOLDER IN SE-TENANT FORMAT WITH FIVE 60-CENTS STAMPS IN THE UPPER ROW AND ANOTHER FIVE $1.80 STAMPS IN THE LOWER ROW WILL BE ISSUED AT $12 EACH.
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY MR KAN TAI-KEUNG AND WERE PRINTED IN HOLLAND BY JOH ENSCHEDE EN ZONEN.
THE STAMPS WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE GROUND FLOOR ENTRANCE ARENA OF THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA FROM JANUARY 7 TO 8, AND FROM JANUARY 7 AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CENTRAL AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 50 GENTS EACH WILL BE PUT ON SALE ON JANUARY 4 AT ALL POST OFFICES.
FURTHER DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE DATE OF ISSUE.
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YOUNGSTERS URGED TO SAY 'NO' TO DRUGS * * * *
YOUNG PEOPLE OE HONG KONG MUST TREASURE THEIR YOUTH AND HEALTH AND NEVER BE TEMPTED INTO DRUG ABUSE, THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR TONY REYNALDS, STRESSED TODAY (FRIDAY).
NOTING THAT WHILE THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE WAS PREPARING TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON, MR REYNALDS SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND SAY NO TO DRUGS.
"YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ESPECIALLY VULNERABLE TO DRUG ABUSE AND SOMETIMES, ALTHOUGH THEY MAY BE AWARE OF DRUGS, THEY OFTEN LACK THE MATURITY AND INSIGHT TO AVOID INVOLVEMENT IN DRUG ABUSE," HE SAID.
/"DISCOS AND .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1988
- 7 -
"DISCOS AND PARTIES ARE POPULAR PLACES WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE EASILY TEMPTED TO ABUSE DRUGS," HE SAID.
THE ACTING COMMISSIONER FURTHER NOTED THAT BOTH NARCOTICS, SUCH AS HEROIN AND OPIUM, AND PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES, INCLUDING MANDRAX AND CANNABIS, WERE DANGEROUS AND COULD LEAD TO ADDICTION OR DEPENDENCE IF MISUSED.
"IN FACT, TAKING PSYCHOTROPIC SUBSTANCES WITHOUT PROPER MEDICAL GUIDANCE AND PRESCRIPTION IS DRUG ABUSE," HE EXPLAINED.
THE RESULT CAN BE SERIOUS AND IN SOME CASES EVEN FATAL."
IN MOST CASES, YOUNG PEOPLE WERE LURED INTO DRUG ABUSE BECAUSE OF THE FOLLOWING COMMON CAUSES:-
- CURIOSITY;
- PEER GROUP PRESSURE;
- SEARCH FOR SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE;
- DESIRE FOR FUN;
- ESCAPE FROM BOREDOM OR HARSH REALITY; AND
- MISTAKEN BELIEF THAT OCCASIONAL ABUSE WOULD NOT LEAD TO ADDICTION.
MR REYNALDS POINTED OUT THAT STRINGENT LEGISLATIVE CONTROLS HAD BEEN IMPOSED ON DRUG ABUSE.
POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAFFICKING WAS A SERIOUS CRIME IN HONG KONG AND THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR AN OFFENDER, ON CONVICTION, WAS LIFE IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $5 MILLION.
PERSONS FOUND IN ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF SMALL QUANTITIES OF DANGEROUS DRUGS WERE LIABLE UPON CONVICTION TO THREE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE OF $10,000.
MR REYNALDS ALSO APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO TELEPHONE THE POLICE NARCOTICS BUREAU ON 5-271234 OR THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON 5-456182 OR 5-8521437 IF THEY SUSPECTED THAT ANY PERSON WAS A DRUG PUSHER OR TRAFFICKER.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COULD MAKE USE OF THE DRUG ABUSE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY HOTLINE, 3-668822, OR CALL THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS' ON 5-277723 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT TREATMENT FACILITIES IF NECESSARY.
"FOR ANY PROBLEM ABOUT PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE, ADVICE OR COUNSELLING CAN BE SOUGHT FROM PS 33, A CENTRE RUN BY THE HONG KONO CHRISTIAN SERVICE, ON 3-688269," HE SAID.
"ALL CALLS OR REPORTS ARE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE," MR REYNALDS ADDED.
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
- 8 -
THREE NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO STANDING COMMISSION ♦ * » » *
THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED THREE NEW MEMBERS TO THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE STANDING COMMISSION ADVISES THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES GOVERNING NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
THE THREE NEW MEMBERS ARE MRS NELLIE K.M. FONG, PROFESSOR ROBERT TRICKER AND MR WILFRED CHAN SIU-YUEN.
* MRS NELLIE K.M. FONG
MRS FONG WAS APPOINTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RECENTLY. AN ACCOUNTANT BY PROFESSION, SHE HAS SERVED ON VARIOUS GOVERNMENT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES SUCH AS THE PANEL OF ASSESSORS AND THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
* PROFESSOR ROBERT TRICKER
PROFESSOR TRICKER IS IN OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. HE SITS ON, INTER ALIA, THE ADVISORY BOARD OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SENIOR STAFF COURSE.
* MR WILFRED CHAN SIU-YUEN
MR CHAN IS AN ENGINEER BY PROFESSION. AT PRESENT HE IS THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF HIS OWN MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY FIRM. HE IS A MEMBER OF THE CORRUPTION PREVENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE POLICE COMPLAINTS COMMITTEE.
THEIR TERM OF APPOINTMENT WILL BE FOR TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1989.
THE GOVERNOR HAS ALSO RE-APPOINTED MR ANDREW SO KWOK-WING, WHO HAS SERVED ON THE STANDING COMMISSION FOR EIGHT YEARS, FOR A FURTHER TERM OF TWO YEARS WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 24, 1989.
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/9 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
- 9 -
LICENSING CONTROL ON
* t
GAS-POWERED WEAPONS * *
UNDER REGULATIONS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY), WEAPONS POWERED BY GAS OR COMPRESSED GASES ARE BROUGHT CLEARLY UNDER THE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS AS IN THE CASE OF AIR-POWERED WEAPONS.
THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION (DECLARATION OF ARMS) REGULATIONS 1988 HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE.
THE REGULATIONS STATE CLEARLY THAT, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, ANY RIFLE, GUN OR PISTOL WHICH USES COMPRESSED GAS OR GASES AS A PROPELLANT, IS COVERED BY THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "UNTIL RECENTLY, THE TERM ’AIR RIFLE, AIR GUN OR AIR PISTOL’ WAS INTERPRETED TO COVER SIMILAR WEAPONS POWERED BY COMPRESSED GAS.
"BUT THE UNITED KINGDOM COURT OF APPEAL HAS RULED THAT COMPRESSED GAS IS NOT, STRICTLY SPEAKING, COMPRESSED AIR.
"THIS RULING IMPLIES THAT THE CURRENT LICENSING REQUIREMENT FOR ’AIR’ WEAPONS COULD NOT APPLY TO WEAPONS POWERED BY A COMPRESSED GAS OR COMBINATION OF GASES OTHER THAN AIR.
"ALTHOUGH ’LETHAL’ WEAPONS POWERED BY COMPRESSED GAS COME UNDER THE DEFINITION OF 'FIREARMS’ IN THE FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION ORDINANCE AND ARE SUBJECT TO LICENSING REQUIREMENT, IT IS DIFFICULT TO PROVE THAT THE LESS POWERFUL TYPES OF GAS-POWERED WEAPON ARE ’LETHAL’, EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY BE ABLE TO INFLICT PAINFUL INJURIES."
-------0----------
LADY WILSON OPENS FLORA AND FAUNA SHOW *****
LADY WILSON THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING OPENED THE SECOND NORTH DISTRICT (1988) FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW, WHICH EMBODIES BOTH UNCOMMON AND BEAUTIFUL SPECIES OF THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF DIFFERENT PLACES.
SHE ALSO PRESENTED AN OVERALL CHAMPION TROPHY FOR THE BEST EXHIBIT IN THE FLOWER SECTION.
THOSE ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY INCLUDED REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR MICHAEL SUEN; DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR HAIDER BARMA; DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE; POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER/NEW TERRITORIES, MR RICHARD SMALLSHAW; CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, MR RAYMOND PANG; AND NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM HUI.
/HIGHLIGHTS OF........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2J, 1988
10
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FLOWER SECTION INCLUDE FRESH FLOWERS FLOWN IN FROM THE NETHERLANDS AND SOUTH AFRICA; SOME DRY WILD FLOWERS FROM WESTERN AUSTRALIA; ROSES FROM SHENZHEN; ORIENTAL ORCHIDS WITH ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE; A LANDSCAPE DISPLAY; AND FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS.
FLOWERS AND PLANTS ON DISPLAY ARE DIVIDED INTO FIVE CATEGORIES — POT PLANTS, MINIATURE POT PLANTS, AFRICAN VIOLETS, BONSAI-TYPE PLANTS AND ORCHIDS.
IN THE ADJOINING FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE, VISITORS MAY VIEW COLOURFUL SPECIES OF GOLDFISH AND BIRDS, AS WELL AS A PRIVATE COLLECTION OF ANTIQUE CAGES FOR BIRDS.
OF EDUCATIONAL VALUE IS A DISPLAY BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, SHOWING THE INTERACTION BETWEEN WOODLAND INSECTS AND PLANTS, AS WELL AS AMONG THE INSECTS THEMSELVES.
THE SHOW IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 5.30 PM FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO MONDAY (DECEMBER 26), AND FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27).
THE ADMISSION FEE IS $5 FOR ADULTS AND $2 FOR CHILDREN.
THE SHOW IS SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, THE FANLING ROTARY YOUTH CENTRE AND HOSTEL, THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID ASSOCIATION AND FOUR FLORAL CLUBS.
--------0----------
CHRISTMAS PARTY FOR CHILDREN OF BOAT PEOPLE ********
MORE THAN 650 CHILDREN OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AT THE ARGYLE STREET DETENTION CENTRE HAD AN AFTERNOON OF CHRISTMAS FUN WHEN A PARTY WAS HELD FOR THEM TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PARTY WAS PART OF A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES FOR THE CAMP POPULATION IN THE CENTRE OVER CHRISTMAS.
THE PARTY WAS SUPPORTED BY CHURCHES AND VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS, SUCH AS THE ROTARY CLUB, AMERICAN WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION, AND TREATS, A CHARITY FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN.
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDED GAMES AND MUSIC.
SANTA CLAUS WAS PRESENT TO GIVE OUT THE GIFTS TO ALL THE CHILDREN.
-------0----------
/11 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23,
1988
11
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER PUBLISHED ♦ * * ♦ *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1988.
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) (OCT. 84/SEP. 85 = 100) FOR NOVEMBER 1988 WERE BOTH 121.1, REPRESENTING INCREASES OF 8.6 PER CENT AND 8.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER NOVEMBER 1987.
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER • 1988 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THE CPI(A) INCREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT AND CPI(B), BY 1.0 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CPI(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1988, BOTH AT 116.8, WERE 7.5 PER CENT AND 7.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGE FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1987.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 1988, THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.9 PER CENT PER MONTH AND THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(B), AT 0.8 PER CENT PER MONTH.
THE CPI(A) AND THE CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
THE CPI(A) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $2,000 AND $6,499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME AND THE CPI(B) BETWEEN $6,500 AND $9,999 A MONTH.
CHANGES IN THE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER 1988 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, AS COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1988 AND NOVEMBER 1987, ARE GIVEN BELOW.
(OCTOBER 1984 TO SEPTEMBER 1985 AVERAGE = 100)
SECTION CPI(A) CP1(B)
INDEX FOR NOV.88 % CHANGE OVER OCT.88 % CHANGE OVER NOV.87 INDEX FOR NOV.88 % CHANGE OVER OCT.88 % CHANGE OVER NOV.87
FOODSTUFFS 120.4 + 0.4 + 11.3 121.3 + 0.5 + 11.4
HOUSING 115.8 + 0.2 + 4 . 1 112.4 + 0.3 + 3.6
FUEL AND LIGHT 92.2 -0.1 -0.3 92.8 -0.1 -0.3
/ALCOHOLIC DRINKS .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
12 -
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME
CONSUMPTION) 125.2 + 0.5 + 6.9 126.2 + 0.5 + 7.3
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 128.6 + 4 . 1 + 9.2 131.0 + 4.0 + 9.4
DURABLE GOODS 1)9.9 + 0.3 + 5.7 119.2 + 0.4 + 5.8
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 130.0 + 5.6 + 9.8 129.4 + 4.7 + 9.3
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 122.3 + 0.6 + 4.5 121.8 + 0.8 + 5.0
SERVICES 132.6 + 0.7 + 9.7 132.5 + 0.7 + 10.2
ALL ITEMS 121.1 + 0.9 + 8.6 121.1 + 1.0 + 8.3
COMPARED WITH OCTOBER 1988, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS INCREASED
BY 0.4 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0 .5 PER CENT IN CPI(B) •
THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE INCREASE IN THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AND OTHER EATING PLACES, WHICH MORE THAN OFFSET THE DECREASES IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INCREASED BY4.1 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 4.0 PER CENT IN CP1(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS INCREASED BY 5.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 4.7 PER CENT IN CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER PRICES OF NEWSPAPERS, PERIODICALS AND JEWELLERY.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES INCREASED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN CPI(A) AND BY 0.8 PER CENT IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER CHARGES FOR CAR INSURANCE.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES INCREASED BY 0.7 PER CENT IN BOTH CPI(A) AND CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR HOUSEHOLD SERVICES AND PACKAGE TOURS.
FIGURES HEREIN REFER TO CPI SERIES NOT SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. ALL PERCENTAGE CHANGES ARE DERIVED FROM CPI FIGURES TAKEN TO MORE THAN ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
MORE DETAILS ARE GIVEN IN THE ’’CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REPORT" FOR NOVEMBER 1988, WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT $3.50 PER COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
/IT IS ......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER ?J, 1988
IT IS ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, 19TH FLOOR, WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE INDEXES MAY BE MADE TO THE CONSUMER INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON
PRICE TEL.
5-8235089.
THE HANG SENG CPI WAS 127.3 IN NOVEMBER 1988, UP BY 1-5 PER
CENT OVER OCTOBER 1988 AND UP BY 9.9 PER CENT OVER NOVEMBER 198Z.
THE
THE HANG SENG CPI IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERN OF
10 PER CENT OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG THAT SPENT $10,000-24,999 A MONTH DURING THE 1984-85 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY.
FURTHER DETAILS REGARDING THIS INDEX ARE INCLUDED IN THE SENG CPI REPORT ISSUED BY THE ECONOMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF SENG BANK LTD.
HANG HANG
-------0---------
PUBLIC SUPPORT URGED IN PREVENTING HILL FpRES
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO GIVE FULL CO-OPERATION IN PREVENTING HILL FIRES OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR HOLIDAY PERIOD.
THE APPEAL FOLLOWED A RELATIVELY HIGH FIRE TOLL SO FAR THIS DRY SEASON.
THE SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR FRANK LAU, SAID THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HILL FIRES THAT HAD OCCURRED IN COUNTRY PARKS SINCE SEPTEMBER HAD BEEN 150, DAMAGING MORE THAN 67,550 TREES AND 796 HECTARES OF GRASSLAND."
IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR, THERE WERE ONLY 117 FIRES IN COUNTRY PARKS. THE NUMBER OF TREES AND AREA OF PLANTATIONS AFFECTED WERE 47,000 AND 780 HECTARES RESPECTIVELY.
"AS THE RECENT DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS HAVE RENDERED THE COUNTRYSIDE EXTREMELY VULNERABLE TO FIRE, PARK VISITORS SHOULD TAKE EXTRA CARE IN HANDLING FIRES TO SAFEGUARD OUR LIMITED COUNTRYSIDE ENVIRONMENT," MR LAU SAID.
THEY CAN EASILY DO SO BY OBSERVING TWO BASIC PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES:
/* LIGHT FIRES ........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
- -
* LIGHT FIRES ONLY AT DESIGNATED BARBECUE LEAVE THEM UNATTENDED, OR BETTER STILL, FOOD WHEN VISITING COUNTRY PARKS;
* EXTINGUISH CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES AND PROPERLY.
PITS AND NEVER BRING PRE-COOKED
DISPOSE OF THEM
"ILLEGAL LIGHTING OF FIRES IN COUNTRY PARKS IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $5,000 AND ONE YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT," MR LAU ADDED.
--------o----------
LAND IN YUEN LONG TO BE RESUMED *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME 23 PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LOTS WITH A TOTAL AREA OF 13,618.3 SQUARE METRES IN YUEN LONG FOR A WATER TREATMENT PLANT EXPANSION PROJECT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE LAND WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE AU TAU WATER TREATMENT PLANT TO ITS ULTIMATE DESIGN TREATMENT CAPACITY OF 330,000 CUBIC METRES OF WATER PER DAY.
THIS WOULD CATER FOR THE ANTICIPATED DEMAND FOR THE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TIN SHUI WAI AREA, THE YUEN LONG/TUEN MUN i CORRIDOR, AND A MAJOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN YUEN LONG TO BE
OPERATIONAL IN EARLY 1990.
THE LAND WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A DRAINAGE CULVERT FROM KAM TIN ROAD TO KAM TIN RIVER TO COPE WITH THE DISCHARGE FROM THE AU TAU TREATMENT PLANT AND TO SERVE FUTURE LOCAL ROAD DEVELOPMENTS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT RESUMPTION OF LAND IS REQUIRED NOW TO ALLOW THE ABOVE WORKS TO START NEXT MARCH AFTER THE THREE MONTHS’ RESUMPTION NOTICE HAS EXPIRED.
DETAILS OF THE RESUMPTION WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
-------0----------
/15 .......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
- 15 -
FIRING PRACTICE IN JANUARY
- RING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSL'EN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 19 DAYS NEXT MONTH (JANUARY).
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FOLLOWING ARE THE DATES AND TIMES THAT FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE:
DATE TIME
JANUARY 3 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 4 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 5 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 6 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 7 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 11 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM -6 PM
JANUARY 12 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 13 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY ^7 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 18 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 19 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 23 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 24 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 25 (WEDNESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 26 (THURSDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 27 (FRIDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 28 (SATURDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 30 (MONDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
JANUARY 31 (TUESDAY) 8.30 AM - 5 PM
-------0----------
/16........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
- 16 -
REPLACEMENT OUTFALL AT REPULSE BAY AUTHORISED * * # t * * *
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO BUILD A REPLACEMENT SUBMARINE OUTFALL IN REPULSE BAY.
THE OUTFALL WILL BE BUILT IN PARALLEL TO THE EXISTING OUTFALL AT THE REPULSE BAY CHLORINATION PLANT WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 2.67 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
DREDGING AND BACKFILLING OF THE SEABED WITHIN THE LIMITS WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED.
THE WORK WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTICE OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 22, 1989.
ROAD CLOSURE, URBAN CLEARWAY
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM BOUNDARY STREET TO WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 11 PM AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY 29 FOR ROADWORKS.
THE UP-RAMP LEADING
SOUTHBOUND WILL BE
FROM DECEMBER 26 TO
AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LA SALLE ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST.
MEANWHILE, FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 26), TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL FOR ABOUT WEEKS FOR ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
ABERDEEN STREET BETWEEN GOUGH STREET AND WELLINGTON STREEI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND IN WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NOS 156 AND 174 WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED.
MOREOVER, NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS IN WELLINGTON STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 160 AND 174 FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
-------0---------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23,
1988
- 17 -
NEW ROADS IN NGAU CHI WAN *******
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND FOOTWAYS NEAR PING TING ROAD AND AT FUNG SHING STREET TO SERVE NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NGAU CHI WAN AREA.
A NOTICE ON THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CARRIAGEWAY, FOOTWAY AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS ALONG THE ROADS.
THE ROADWORKS NEAR PING TING ROAD WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE NEWLY COMPLETED HAMMER HILL ROAD SPORTS GROUND AND A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
THE ROADWORKS AT FUNG SHING STREET WILL PROVIDE ACCESS TO A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MARCH AND WILL TAKE 11 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY HIGHWAYS/KOWLOON REGION OF THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL ALSO SUPERVISE THE PROJECT.
-------0----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2^, 1988
J ON TENTS PAGE NO_.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED................ 1
SHA TIN INDUSTRY, COMMERCE EXHIBITION TOMORROW...............
ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO .........................
PUBLIC URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN LITTER COLLECTION.............
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT HOUSING ESTATES ON AGENDA ................. 8
MARINE CRAFT GRADUATES GET SHI? BOARD SERVICES REMISSION .... 7
NEV/ ADDRESS OF IMMIGRATION DEPT RECRUITMENT SECTION.........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24,
1988
- 1 -
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER RELEASED *****
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE GREW STRONGLY IN NOVEMBER. THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS PICKED UP MARKEDLY, WHILE THOSE OF RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS CONTINUED TO BE SUBSTANTIAL.
THIS IS SHOWN BY THE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER 1988 WAS $20,052 MILLION, $2,975 MILLION OR 17.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1987, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 57.7 PER CENT OR $10,139 MILLION TO $27,706 MILLION.
THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT $47,758 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1988, WAS THUS $13,114 MILLION OR 37.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN NOVEMBER 1987.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY 40.7 PER CENT OR $13,956 MILLION OVER A YEAR EARLIER, TO $48,226 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1988.
THE VISIBLE TRADE BALANCE IN NOVEMBER 1988 RECORDED A DEFICIT OF $468 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.0 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS.
THIS COMPARES WITH A SURPLUS OF $374 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.1 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, RECORDED IN NOVEMBER 1987.
PUTTING THE TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER IN PERSPECTIVE, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1988 WAS $443,773 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF $196,491 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $247,282 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST 11 MONTHS IN 1987, IN VALUE TERMS TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $103,644 MILLION OR 30.5 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $20,087 MILLION OR 11.4 PER CENT, AND RE-EXPORTS BY $83,557 MILLION OR 51.0 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $109,485 MILLION OR 32.3 PER CENT, TO $448,615 MILLION.
A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT OF $4,842 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 1.1 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1988.
THIS COMPARES WITH THE SITUATION DURING THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, WHEN A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS OF $999 MILLION, EQUIVALENT TO 0.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN NOVEMBER, AT 17.4 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS, WAS HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 10.3 PER CENT IN OCTOBER AND 9.8 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
/HOWEVER, MORE .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1988 - 2 -
HOWEVER, MORE OBSERVATIONS WERE NEEDED TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THE HIGHER GROWTH RATE WOULD BE SUSTAINABLE, OR WHETHER IT WAS MERELY A TEMPORARY UPSURGE AS MANUFACTURERS RUSHED SHIPMENTS TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AS A RESULT OF THE CONTINUED RAPID GROWTH IN RE-EXPORTS, 55.7 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS DURING THE FIRST 11 MONTHS OF 1988 WAS TAKEN UP BY RE-EXPORTS, COMPARED WITH 48.1 PER CENT DURING THE SAME PERI D LAST YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1988.
MERCHANDISE: DOMESTIC EXPORTS : $20,052 MILLION [IN DEFICIT]
RE-EXPORTS TOTAL EXPORTS IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE : $27,706 MILLION : $47,758 MILLION : $48,226 MILLION : $ 468 MILLION
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
SEP 88 SEP 87
TO TO
LATEST 3 MONTHS NOV 88 NOV 87 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 60,068 53,108 6,960 13.1
RE-EXPORTS 80,557 51,150 29,407 57.5
TOTAL EXPORTS 140,625 104,258 36,367 34.9
IMPORTS 138,703 101,746 36,957 36.3
TRADE BALANCE 1,922 2,512 -590
NOVEMBER NOVEMBER
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1988 1987 INCREASE
HK$ MN. HK$ MN. HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 20,052 17,077 2,975 17.4
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (42.0%) (49.3%)
RE-EXPORTS 27,706 17,567 10,139 57.7
TOTAL EXPORTS 47,758 34,644 13,114 37.9
IMPORTS 48,226 34,270 13,956 40.7
TRADE BALANCE -468 374 -842
/LAST MONTH........
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1988
LAST MONTH NOVEMBER 1988 HK$ MN. OCTOBER 1988 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 20,052 (42.0%) 20,066 (43.0%) -14 -0.1
RE-EXPORTS 27,706 26,628 1,078 4.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 47,758 46,694 1,064 2.3
IMPORTS 48,226 45,786 2,440 5.3
TRADE BALANCE -468 908 -1,376
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN-NOV 1988 HK$ MN. JAN-NOV 1987 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 196,491 (44.3%) 176,404 (51.9%) 20,087 11.4
RE-EXPORTS 247,282 163,725 83,557 51.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 443,773 340,129 103,644 30.5
IMPORTS 448,615 339,130 109,485 32.3
TRADE BALANCE -4,842 999 -5,841
LAST 12 MONTHS DEC 87 TO NOV 88 HK$ MN. DEC 86 TO NOV 87 HK$ MN. INCREASE HK$ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 215,341 191,772 23,569 12.3
RE-EXPORTS 266,337 176,352 89,985 51.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 481,678 368,124 113,554 30.8
IMPORTS 487,432 366,598 120,834 33.0
TRADE BALANCE -5,754 1,526 -7,280
-------0 --------
A....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1988
1»
SHA TIN INDUSTRY, COMMERCE EXHIBITION TOMORROW
******
A ONE-DAY EXHIBITION, FEATURING THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE AS WELL AS CAREER PROSPECTS IN SHA TIN, WILL BE STAGED AT THE ROMAN ARENA, NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN TOMORROW (SUNDAY!.
A TOTAL OF 15 FACTORIES, FIRMS, SHOPS AND ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING VARIOUS BUSINESS, SERVICE AND GOVERNMENT SECTORS WILL STAGE DISPLAYS AT THE EXHIBITION.
THE EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE WORKING GROUP UNDER THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S DEVELOPMENT AND HOUSING COMMITTEE. IT IS FUNDED BY $18,700 MADE AVAILABLE BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE ROMAN ARENA AT NOON TOMORROW.
OFFICIATING WILL BE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE SENIOR LIAISON OFFICER, MR LEE KWING-WING; SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM; INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE WORKING GROUP CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HUNG-CHIU; AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SHA TIN INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE AND CAREER EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE ROMAN ARENA ON LEVEL 1, NEW TOWN PLAZA, SHA TIN, TOMORROW (SUNDAY), BEGINNING AT NOON.
- - 0 -
ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL IN SHAM SHUI PO
*****
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A CARNIVAL AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27) TO DRIVE HOME ANTI-TRIAD MESSAGES.
THE CARNIVAL WILL FEATURE 12 GAMES STALLS TO BE SET UP BY A KAIFONG ASSOCIATION AND SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT, SINGING PERFORMANCES, A MAGIC SHOW AND A GAMES STALL DESIGN COMPETITION.
IT IS HOPED THAT THROUGH THESE ACTIVITIES RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUNGSTERS, WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF JOINING TRIAD SOCIETIES, AND WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO PLAY A PART IN COMBATTING TRIAD INFLUENCE.
/OFFICIATING AT
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1988
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GREGORY LEUNG, POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR PAANG KUI-SAN, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR FAN KAM-PING.
MEANWHILE, THE COMMITTEE HAS PRINTED 15,000 STICKERS FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC, URGING THEM TO BE MORE AWARE OF HOME SECURITY AND TO REPORT CRIME.
:'H < TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF A NUMBER OF LOCAL POLICE STATIONS ARE ALSO PRINTED ON THESE STICKERS.
ANOTHER FIGHT CRIME ACTIVITY CARRIED OUT BY THE COMMITTEE 13 THE INSTALLATION OF PLASTIC NOTICE BOARDS IN 82 BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT, INCLUDING PRIVATE AND PUBLIC BLOCKS AS WELL AS FACTORY BUILDINGS.
PROMOTIONAL LEAFLETS ON ’’MAKE YOUR HOME SAFE” WILL BE POSTED ON THESE BOARDS, ADVISING RESIDENTS ON THE VARIOUS PREVENTIVE MEASURES THAT CAN BE TAKEN AGAINST BURGLARY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM NEXT TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27). THE DFCC CHAIRMAN, MR FAN KAM-PING, WILL DELIVER A SPEECH AT 2 PM.
- - 0 - -
PUBLIC URGED TO PARTICIPATE IN LITTER COLLECTION
♦ t * t ♦
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE BEEN REMINDED TO HELP KEEP THE COUNTRYSIDE CLEAN AND GREEN BY PARTICIPATING IN THE ANNUAL ’’CLEAN AND GREEN” LITTER COLLECTION ACTIVITY IN THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
THEY CAN DO SO WHEN THEY VISIT ANY OF 12 COUNTRY PARK LOCATIONS BETWEEN 9 AM AND 4.30 PM DAILY AND ASSIST IN LITTER COLLECTION.
“THEIR VOLUNTARY EFFORTS WILL BE REWARDED. APART FROM A HANDSOME SOUVENIR, THEY WILL ALSO BE GIVEN A COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATION QUIZ FORM,” THE SENIOR COUNTRY PARKS OFFICER OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR FRANK LAU, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, 12TH FLOOR, KOWLOON, BEFORE JANUARY 16.
/PARTICIPANTS WILL
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1988
6 -
participants will stand
TO A COUNTRYSIDE ENTERTAINMENT
A GOOD CHANCE OF WINNING FREE ADMISSION ACTIVITY TO BE HELD EARLY NEXT YEAR.
MORE THAN 6,500 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY GRFFN" ' ;R COLLECTION ACTIVITY WHICH BEGAN END ON DECEMBER 31.
JOINED THE "CLEAN AND IN NOVEMBER AND WILL
AT THE COUNTRY
"INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD CALL
DADV vTQi rnR 'FNTRFS AT ABERDEEN, CLEAR WATER BAY, PAK TAM ?A? »n S .X MBK xiS »Rl BE READY TO ASSIST." HR LAU SAID.
PARK WARDENS WILL ALSO BE ON DUTY AT THE WARDEN POSTS
PARK.
THEY WILL ALSO BE ON BRIDE’S POOL OF PLOVER COVE TAU OF PAT SIN LENG COUNTRY
DUTY AT KAP LUNG OF TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK,, COUNTRY PARK AND LAU SHUI HEUNG AND HOK PARK.
--------0----------
TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT HOUSING ESTATES ON AGENDA
*****
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE BOARD WILL MEET ON DECEMBER 28 (WEDNESDAY) PROBLEMS IN VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES.
OF THE TUEN MUN TO EXAMINE SEVERAL
DISTRICT
TRAFFIC
AT SHAN KING
THESE INVOLVE A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
TliFi PARKING AT NIGHT IN TAI HING ESTATE, SAFE CROSSING FOR PEDESTRIANS IN WU KING ROAD AND SIU HEI COURT, A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES LN LEUNG KING ESTATE.
ESTATE,
AND
FACILITIES IMPROVED
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE SUSPENSION Ob CASTLE PEAK ROAD AS LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICE rONCFSTION AT THE JUNCTION OF LUNG MUN ROAD AND POSITIONING OF A DOUBLE YELLOW LINE AT THE YICK YUEN BUS STOP WELL AS THE FREQUENCIES OF BUS ROUTE NO. 66M.
DESIGNATION OF
ARE,A, MELODY
TRAFFIC GARDEN, DAY AS
PAPERS SEEKING THE IMPROVEMENT PROPOSAL FOR A NO-STOPPING RESTRICTION ROAD WILL BE PRESENTED.
OF TRAFFIC FACILITIES AND A ZONE ON TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI
THE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES.
/A REVIEW .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1988
A REVIEW Ob < USE OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND VETTING PRINCIPLES AND : ANSPjRT DEPARTMENT REPORT WILL BE TABLED AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITOR’S:
YOU AR COVER THE MEETING OF THE TRAFFIC AND
TRANSPUT.' FHB TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD ON DECEMBER 28
(WEDNESDAY) i 'CT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR,
GOVERNMENT ( . NO. 1 TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE
MEETING W1LL
- 0 - -
MARINE CRAFi \TES GET SHIP BOARD SERVICES REMISSION
THE '.n . PNMENT HAS RECENTLY GIVEN ITS APPROVAL FOR THE MARINE AND FAB1 !CATION CRAFT COURSE OFFERED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ; iIPULATED AS AN ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATION FOR ENTRY INTO ITS : /.DISTANT ENGINEER LICENSING EXAMINATION.
THE HEAD MARINE ENGINEERING AND FABRICATION DEPARTMENT OF THE MAKING JK.'AL INSTITUTE, MR C.M. CHAN, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE RECOGNI /AS GIVEN AFTER THE BUREAU OF MARITIME AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC S'lA HAD MADE A REVIEW.
THIS FOUND : ’ THE CONTENT, TRAINING FACILITIES AS WELL AS THE QUALIFICATIONS J HIE TEACHING STAFF OF THIS ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME COURSE WERE SATIS 1 .RY IN MEETING PARTIAL SERVICE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE LIBERIAN EXAMINATION, MR CHAN SAID.
A ONE-YEAR SEA SERVICE REMISSION WAS THUS GRANTED TO THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS OF THE COURSE FOR SITTING THE LIBERIAN EXAMINATION AS THIRD ASSISTANT ENGINEER.
’’THAT MEANS ALL GRADUATES OF THE COURSE WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE THE EXAMINATION A! r UNDERGOING AN ADDITIONAL TWO-YEAR SHIP BOARD SERVICE INSTEAD ORIGINALLY STIPULATED THREE-YEAR TRAINING; NEVERTHELESS, ON! SHOULD BE IN THE CAPACITY OF FIREMAN, OILER OR APPRENTICE ENG i MR CHAN SAID.
/EARLIER IN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2k, 1988
- 8 -
EARLIER IN THE YEAR, THE LIBERIAN GOVERNMENT HAD GRANTED A TWO-YEAR REMISSION TO THE DIPLOMA HOLDERS OF THE MARINE FABRICATION AND ENGINEERING COURSE OFFERED AT THE SAME INSTITUTE.
"THE RECOGNITION GIVEN TO THE CRAFT COURSE IS ALSO BENEFICIAL TO THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS WHO WILL TAKE LESS TIME TO BECOME A QUALIFIED ENGINEER. THIS CONSEQUENTLY HELPS ALLEVIATE THE MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY," MR CHAN SAID.
-------0----------
NEW ADDRESS OF IMMIGRATION DEPT RECRUITMENT SECTION ******
I HE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S RECRUITMENT SECTION, CURRENTLY SITUATED ON THE SEVENTH FLOOR, KA CHEONG BUILDING AT 4 SUNNING ROAD CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG, WILL MOVE TO THE FOLLOWING NEW ADDRESS ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28):
3/F., PARK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 6-10 SHELTER STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
ON AND AFTER DECEMBER 28, CANDIDATES WHO WISH TO APPLY FOR THE POSTS OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER OR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT SHOULD SEND THEIR APPLICATIONS EITHER TO THE NEW ADDRESS, OR TO ANY IMMIGRATION BRANCH OFFICES IN HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NFW TERRIIORIES, EXCEPT REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES AND BIRTHS DEATHS AND MARRIAGE REGISTRIES. 1
APPLICATIONS CAN BE SENT BY MAIL OR SUBMITTED IN PERSON AND THERE IS NO CLOSING DATE FOR APPLYING, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES MAY 5-769567.
WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES TELEPHONE THE RECRUITMENT
ABOUT SECTION
THE ON
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 19^8
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PASSENGER LIMIT OF SCHOOL PLB'S MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED .......... 1
MARINE OFFICE TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN.......................... 2
JAPANESE BAND ARRIVES FOR FESTIVAL............................. 2
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONES IN SHAM SHUI PO, WESTERN............ 5
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO................. 4
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1988
1
PASSENGER LIMIT OF SCHOOL PLB ’ S MUST NOT BE EXCEEDED » » » * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (SUNDAY) TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY OF THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY BREAK TO REMIND OPERATORS OF SCHOOL PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES TO ENSURE THAT THE NUMBER OF STUDENT PASSENGERS CARRIED IN THEIR VEHICLES DOES NOT EXCEED THE PERMITTED PASSENGER LIMIT.
"THE PERMITTED SEATING CAPACITY IS INDICATED IN THE VEHICLE LICENCE DISC AND THIS SHOULD NOT BE EXCEEDED.
"CARRYING STUDENT PASSENGERS EXCEEDING THE PASSENGER LIMIT IS AN OFFENCE AND POSES A THREAT TO THE SAFETY OF THE CHILDREN ON BOARD," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS IN A VEHICLE AS DESCRIBED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (TRAFFIC CONTROL) REGULATIONS, THREE CHILDREN WHO ARE THREE YEARS OLD OR OVER AND UNDER I.3 METRES IN HEIGHT ARE COUNTED AS TWO PASSENGERS.
THIS MEANS THAT A 12-SEATER LIGHT BUS CAN CARRY A MAXIMUM OF 18 OF THESE CHILDREN AND A 14-SEATER LIGHT BUS CAN CARRY A MAXIMUM OF 21 CHILDREN.
A CHILD WHO IS THREE YEARS OLD OR OVER BUT TALLER THAN 1.3 METRES IS COUNTED AS ONE PASSENGER.
"OPERATORS OF SCHOOL PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES SHOULD STRICTLY ADHERE TO THIS METHOD IN CALCULATING THE PERMITTED NUMBER OF PASSENGERS IN THEIR VEHICLES.
"OFFENDERS WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND THREE MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON FIRST CONVICTION AND $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT ON SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE POLICE WILL BE PAYING SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THIS OFFENCE WHEN THE NEW SCHOOL TERM OPENS AND WILL TAKE ENFORCEMENT ACTION TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF SCHOOL CHILDREN.
PARENTS AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ARE ALSO ASKED TO CO-OPERATE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0----------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1988
- 2 -
MARINE OFFICE TO BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN » * » »
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR BUILDING A MARINE OFFICE IN TUEN MUN NEXT YEAR .
THE TWO-STOREY OFFICE WILL BE LOCATED IN TUEN MUN AREA 27.
HAVING A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF 540 SQUARE METRES, THE OFFICE WILL INCLUDE A PUBLIC AREA, SHROFF’S OFFICE, A REST ROOM, OPERATIONAL AND GENERAL OFFICES, TOILET AND ABLUTION FACILITIES, AND A DANGEROUS GOODS STORE.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT FEBRUARY AND BE COMPLETED BY NOVEMBER.
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON JANUARY 6.
-----o-----
JAPANESE BAND ARRIVES FOR FESTIVAL * » » ♦ *
THE TAKAOKA COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND OF JAPAN ARRIVED TODAY (SUNDAY) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 1988 HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
THE BAND HAS 55 MEMBERS, ALL OF WHOM ARE STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL AND THEIR TRAINING IS GIVEN UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE BAND CONDUCTOR, MR KATSUHIKO DOAI.
THE BAND HAS TAKEN PART IN MANY COMPETITIONS AND HAS ATTAINED OUTSTANDING RESULTS.
IT HAS WON THE GOLD MEDAL 16 TIMES IN THE BAND COMPETITION OF TOYAMA PREFECTURE; GOLD MEDAL THREE TIMES AND SILVER MEDAL FIVE TIMES IN THE ALL JAPAN BAND COMPETITION; AND THE GOLD MEDAL ONCE AND THE SILVER MEDAL ONCE IN THE ALL JAPAN ENSEMBLE CONTEST.
THE BAND VISITED KOREA ON BEHALF OF JAPAN IN 1982 AND ALSO RECEIVED THE HONOUR OF THE "SUPERIOR EDUCATIONAL GROUP" FROM THE TOYAMA BOARD OF EDUCATION.
THE VISITORS WILL GIVE DEMONSTRATIONS AT THE SYMPHONIC BAND CONTEST TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 27) AND AT THE MARCHING BAND CONTEST IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM THE NEXT DAY.
/IN ADDITION.........
r
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1988
- 3 -
IN ADDITION, THE BAND, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE MUSIC OFFICE’S DISTRICT BANDS AND CHOIRS, WILL PERFORM IN THE GALA FINALE AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30), BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM.
TICKETS FOR THE GALA FINALE AT $10 AND $15 EACH ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL URBT1X OUTLETS. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 3-7967537.
------o--------
TEMPORARY RESTRICTED ZONES IN SHAM SHUI PO, WESTERN ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28), PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER PEI HO STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET, SHAM SHUI PO.
HOWEVER, AT THE SAME TIME, THIS SECTION OF PEI HO STREET WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY PUBLIC. LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE. NO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS THERE.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CENTRE STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES TO THE EAST WILL BECOME A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY RESTRICTED ZONE.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
ALL THE ABOVE MEASURES WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS FOR ROADWORKS.
-------o-------
A ...
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1988
- k -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SHAM SHUI PO
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI PO ROAD AND PAK TIN STREET, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAM SHUI PO FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28) FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
PAK TIN STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. AFFECTED VEHICLES INCLUDING GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 42 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI PO ROAD, PEI HO STREET, BERWICK STREET,
NAM CHEONG STREET, WOH
MOREOVER, BUSES
DIVERTED TO TRAVEL VIA
CHAI STREET AND PAK TIN STREET.
ON KMB ROUTES 2B, 2F, 86 AND 86A WILL BE
CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEN CHOW STREET, CHEUNG SHA
WAN ROAD AND NAM CHEONG STREET.
SERVICES ON BUS ROUTES 6D AND 40 WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEN CHOW STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, NAM CHEONG STREET AND WOH CHAI STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE BUS STOP OBSERVED BY BUSES ON ROUTES 2B, 2F, 6D, 40, 86 AND 86A IN WOH CHAI STREET OUTSIDE BLOCK 29, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE WILL BE SUSPENDED.
MEANWHILE, ADDITIONAL BUS STOPS FOR ROUTES 6D AND 40 WILL BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE 62 CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND IN NAM CHEONG STREET RESPECTIVELY.
THE EXISTING BAN ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES IN PEI HO STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND BERWICK STREET WILL BE LIFTED.
HOWEVER, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS IN THIS SECTION OF PEI HO STREET FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988
CONTENTS PmGE NO.
THOUSANDS VISIT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT, FISH SHOW ........... 1
HOTEL AMONG BUILDING PLANS APPROVED ....................... 1
NSW VIDEO ON SOUTHERN AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE ............ 2
STAFF NEEDED TO BOOST KWUN TONG COMMUNITY BUILDING ........ 3
LANDFILLING AT PILLAR POINT VALLEY ........................ 3
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR DB FUNDS ......................... 4
WAN CHAI ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE TO MEET................... 5
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ................................ 5
YUEN LONG TOWN TRAFFIC FLOW TO BE IMPROVED ................ 6
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FANLING, HK ISLAND....... 7
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988
1
THOUSANDS VISIT FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT,
♦ ♦ * t *
FISH SHOW
ABOUT 50,000 FLOWER LOVERS, BIRD FANCIERS AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAVE VISITED THE SECOND NORTH DISTRICT (1988) FLOWER, BIRD, INSECT AND FISH SHOW AT THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND SINCE IT OPENED ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23).
“THE LARGE-SCALE JOINT EXHIBITION, WHICH EMBODIES BOTH UNCOMMON AND BEAUTIFUL SPECIES OF THE FLORA AND FAUNA OF DIFFERENT PLACES, PROVIDES LOCAL PEOPLE WITH AN INEXPENSIVE FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT OVER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
“THE SHOW, WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, IS ALSO OF GREAT EDUCATIONAL VALUE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE FIVE-DAY SHOW WHICH WILL END AT 4 PM TOMORROW," HE ADDED.
------0-------
HOTEL AMONG BUILDING PLANS APPROVED *****
A 360-ROOM HOTEL WAS AMONG 59 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN SEPTEMBER.
OF THE PLANS, 24 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 11 FOR KOWLOON AND 24 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 34 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; EIGHT FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ONE FOR A FACTORY.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT TO START WORK ON 40 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 56,248 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 152,898.8 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,025 MILLION, WITH USABLE FLOOR AREA FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES BEING ABOUT 147,453 SQUARE METRES AND 154,663 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 59 OCCUPATION PERMITS, 11 FOR HONG KONG, EIGHT FOR KOWLOON AND 40 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 28 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 49 BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 523 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 1,038 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 216 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 453 BUILDINGS AND
OBTAINED SIX EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDERS.
-----O----------
/2........
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988
- 2 -
NEW VIDEO ON SOUTHERN AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE * * * * *
A NEW VIDEO FILM FEATURING SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S CHARACTERISTICS AND DEVELOPMENTS, AS WELL AS THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC USE.
IT CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE 20-MINUTE PRODUCTION, ENTITLED " HAPPY AND SWEET HOME IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT", IS THE SECOND DOCUMENTARY PRODUCED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AS PART OF ITS CONTINUOUS EFFORT IN PROMOTING THE DISTRICT’S IMAGE AND A GREATER SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
THE BOARD'S FIRST FILM "NEW FACES OF SOUTHERN DISTRICT", PRODUCED IN 1986, WAS WIDELY SHOWN ON NUMEROUS PUBLIC OCCASIONS AND WAS WELL-RECEIVED BY RESIDENTS.
THE NEW FILM HAS PROVED TO BE EQUALLY POPULAR FOR BEING EVEN MORE INFORMATIVE AND ENTERTAINING WHEN IT WAS SHOWN EARLIER IN A SERIES OF DISTRICT AFFAIRS SEMINARS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT'S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES.
"THE FILM INTRODUCES THE GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS AND THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS OF THE DISTRICT AND HIGHLIGHTS THE STRUCTURE AND WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS IN TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, SOCIAL SERVICES, COMMUNITY BUILDING, WORKS PROJECTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS," A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IT SERVES AS A USEFUL FORM OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND HELPS THE PUBLIC TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME," HE SAID.
THE MESSAGES ARE PUT ACROSS IN A DRAMATIC WAY IN THE FILM THROUGH THE DIALOGUE OF A SOON-TO-WED COUPLE, WHO PLAN TO MAKE THEIR NEW HOME IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT, AS THEY TOUR THE DISTRICT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IT.
VHS COPIES OF THE VIDEO FILM ARE AVAILABLE FREE-OF-CHARGE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE. LOCAL SCHOOLS, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE WELCOME TO USE THE TAPES IN THEIR CIVIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES OR TO SHOW THEM TO THEIR MEMBERS.
ENQUIRIES ON BORROWING PROCEDURES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 5-540271.
-----0------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988
- 3 -
STAFF NEEDED TO BOOST KWUN TONG COMMUNITY BUILDING
« * * * *
THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY ORGANISERS
DISTRICT OFFICE IS NOW LOOKING FOR PART-TIME TO HELP BOOST ITS COMMUNITY-BUILDING EFFORT.
"THE COMMUNITY ORGANISERS WILL ASSIST OUR EXECUTIVE STAFF IN THEIR DAILY LIAISON WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS, WHICH INCLUDES THE FORMATION OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND PROMOTION OF THEIR ACTIVITIES," A KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
"THEY WILL ALSO HELP ORGANISE ACTIVITIES HELD AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND HALLS, AND ASSIST IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THESE FACILITIES," HE ADDED.
ANYONE WHO HAS COMPLETED FORM 5 OR ABOVE WITH WORKING EXPERIENCE AND AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 45 WILL BE QUALIFIED FOR THE JOB.
A COMMUNITY ORGANISER WILL BE REQUIRED TO WORK IRREGULAR HOURS, FOR AT LEAST 25 HOURS A WEEK AND 100 HOURS A MONTH. MONTHLY SALARY FOR THE POST IS $1,900.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COMMUNITY BUILDING SECTION OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG VAN STREET BEFORE JANUARY 23.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-423431.
- - - - 0 --------
LANDFILLING AT PILLAR POINT VALLEY » * » ♦ »
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT (CESD) IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONTINUATION OF LANDFILLING WORKS AT THE PILLAR POINT VALLEY LANDFILL IN TUEN MUN.
THE CONTRACT WILL ALSO INVOLVE SITE PREPARATION LANDFILL EXTENSION INTO THE CASTLE PEAK FIRING RANGE.
WORKS FOR A
THE CHIEF ENGINEER, MR C.S. WONG, OF THE CESD DRAINAGE (CONSTRUCTION) DIVISION WHICH WILL SUPERVISE THE WORKS, SAID THE LANDFILLING WOULD INVOLVE THE SPREADING AND COMPACTING OF REFUSE IN LAYERS, AND THE COVERING OF EACH LAYER WITH EARTH AS THE REFUSE DISPOSAL OPERATION PROCEEDED.
/"ALL WORKING
• a
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, ’1988
4
"ALL WORKING FACES OF THE LANDFILL WILL BE SEALED OFF DAILY, THEREBY ELIMINATING HEALTH AND FIRE HAZARDS," HE SAID.
THE CONTRACT PERIOD WILL COVER 18 MONTHS AND WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT MARCH. TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY NOON NEXT JANUARY 6.
AT PRESENT, PILLAR POINT VALLEY LANDFILL IS THE SOLE FACILITY FOR DISPOSAL OF REFUSE IN THE NORTHWEST NEW TERRITORIES REGION.
--------o-----------
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR DB FUNDS *****
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN YAU TSIM DISTRICT FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS FOR ORGANISING COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT PROJECTS TO BE FINANCED WITH THE FUNDS SHOULD AIM AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG RESIDENTS, PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL, CULTURAL OR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, OR IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT AND PROVIDING THE SOLUTION.
APPLICATIONS MAY BE MADE UP TO JANUARY 31 FOR ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD BETWEEN APRIL AND JUNE.
APPLICATION DATES FOR ACTIVITIES SCHEDULED FOR THE REST OF 1989 ARE AS FOLLOWS:
APPLICATION PERIOD DATE OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
FEBRUARY 1 - MARCH 31, 1989 JULY - OCTOBER, 1989
JULY 1 - AUGUST 31, 1989 NOVEMBER, 1989 - FEBRUARY, 1990
APPLICATIONS WILL BE SCREENED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE AND APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED OF THE RESULTS WITHIN TWO MONTHS AFTER THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT AT 490 NATHAN ROAD, 14TH FLOOR.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-7700424.
/5
0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988
- 5 -
WAN CHAI ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE TO MEET ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF AN AMENITY AREA AT WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD AT ITS MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28).
THREE LANDSCAPE SCHEMES PREPARED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE AREA WILL BE TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ CONSIDERATION.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENT OF A REAR LANE AT YEE WO STREET, FOR THE YEAR-END BLOCK-TO-BLOCK CLEAN-UP AND MULTI-STOREY BUILDING CLEAN-UP AWARD SCHEME, FOR THE "EXPLORING THE ENVIRONMENT IN WAN CHAI WEST" PROJECT, AND FOR THE KEEP YOUR BUILDING CLEAN PUBLICITY DRIVE.
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT IN THE SITTING-OUT AREA AT STUBBS ROAD BELOW SHIU FAI TERRACE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 28) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, EIGHTH FLOOR, TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM.
-----0------
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER * ♦ ♦ *
EMPLOYERS WERE REMINDED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT NEW YEAR’S DAY (JANUARY 1) IS ONE OF THE 11 STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $11,500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
/HOLIDAY PAY
MONDAY, DECJMBER 26, 1988
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE : ' IVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AN! ■? INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT CAN BE E. i ii- ,F MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES
WHERE EARNINGS VARY ■ AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DUR I BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS AND 31 )?
i’O DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD, WHICH COULD EDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS liE'.r MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE ■ THAT DAY.
TO Wt-RK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE r" TiT'!: 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOU i STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR It Ei .AT IONS SERVICE.
-------0 ---------
YUEN LONG TOWN TRAFI IC FLOW TO BE IMPROVED
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPART1E 1 ' ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 29), TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUEN LONG TOWN TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
TUNG LOK STREET BETWEEN YUEN LOI ! ON NING ROAD AND FOOK TAK STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO TV.", v v. TUA' "IC.
THE LEFT-TURN FROM TUNG !,<)K STREET NORTHBOUND TO YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE BANNED. AFFECTED VEHICLES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TUNG LOK STREET, SAU FU STREET AND YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD.
MOREOVER, THE JUNCTION OF TUNG LOK STREET WITH YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD WILL BECOME SIGNAL-CONTROLLEI) TO REGULATE TRAFFIC THERE. AS A RESULT, THE EXISTING ZEBRA CROSSING TO THE EAST OF THE JUNCTION WILL BE CANCELLED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ON YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD.
- 0-----------------
I'
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988
- 7 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN FANLING, HK ISLAND » ♦ * ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE NORTHBOUND TAI PO ROAD (FANLING) NEAR WO HOP SHEK INTERCHANGE WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM THURSDAY (DECEMBER 29) FOR THE REMOVAL OF TRAFFIC SIGNS.
ITS INNER-MOST LANE WILL BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM FROM DECEMBER 29 TO JANUARY 6.
MOREOVER, THE OUTER-MOST LANE AND CENTRE LANE WILL BOTH BE CLOSED DAILY BETWEEN 8 PM AND 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FROM DECEMBER 29 TO JANUARY 5.
MEANWHILE, CHANCERY LANE IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY (THURSDAY) FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR ROADWORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FOLLOWING TWO ROAD SECTIONS IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE MADE URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR TRAM TRACK CONNECTION WORKS:
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CHIU KWONG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES TO THE NORTH FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS; AND
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST FROM A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HILL ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS.
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
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
MAJOR STEP IN GOVT’S CONSUMER PROTECTION PROGRAMME......... 1
FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT TRAINING CENTRE FOR DISABLED .......... 2
CAREERS QUIZ DRAWS OVERWHELMING RESPONSE .................. 3
DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEGINS 4
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR FIGHT CRIME AWARD SCHEME........... 5
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SHA TIN DISTRICT D.-uNCE COMPETITION .... 6
WATER CUT IN SHAM TSENG, TSING LUNG TAU ................... 6
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY ON CONNAUGHT ROhD WEST............ 7
TEMPORARY L.JIE CLOSURE OF YUEN WO ROAD.................... 7
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1988
MAJOR STEP IN GOVT’S CONSUMER PROTECTION PROGRAMME * * * * *
THE BRINGING INTO EFFECT OF THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR PROVIDES AN ESSENTIAL, BASIC ELEMENT OF CONSUMER PROTECTION BY PROMOTING THE USE OF ACCURATE WEIGHING AND MEASURING EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS ENCOURAGING THE USE OF THE METRIC SYSTEM.
AN ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR STEVE BARCLAY, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN JULY LAST YEAR AND GAZETTED LAST FRIDAY (DECEMBER 23).
IT GIVES CONSUMERS PROTECTION AGAINST FRAUDULENT OR UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES IN CONNECTION WITH QUANTITY WHICH INCLUDES MASS OR WEIGHT, LENGTH, WIDTH, HEIGHT, AREA, VOLUME, CAPACITY AND NUMBER.
THE ORDINANCE REPLACES THE FORMER WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE, OVER 100 YEARS OLD, WHICH RELATED ONLY TO BRITISH IMPERIAL AND CHINESE UNITS.
"THE RIGHTS GIVEN UNDER THE NEW ORDINANCE TO CONSUMERS ARE A GREAT IMPROVEMENT OVER THOSE CONTAINED IN THE OLD, OUT-DATED LEGISLATION," MR BARCLAY SAID.
HE SAID THAT ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE NEW ORDINANCE WAS THAT THE STANDARDS OF MEASUREMENTS WERE BASED ON THE METRIC SYSTEM, BUT IT WOULD ALLOW COMMON UNITS OF THE CHINESE AND BRITISH IMPERIAL SYSTEMS TO BE USED.
"ULTIMATELY, IT IS GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO PHASE OUT NON-METRIC UNITS BUT THIS WILL BE DONE AS AND WHEN CONDITIONS ARE APPROPRIATE," HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD AMENDED THE SCHEDULES TO THE ORDINANCE TO LEGALISE THE EXISTING CONVERSION FACTOR OF THE TAEL TO 37.429 GRAMMES THAT HAD TRADITIONALLY BEEN USED IN GOLD AND OTHER PRECIOUS METALS TRANSACTION.
THIS IS APPROXIMATELY ONE PER CENT LESS THAN THE STATUTORY METRIC EQUIVALENT OF THE TAEL.
THE ORDINANCE PROVIDES THAT THE SUPPLY OF GOODS OF A QUANTITY LESS THAN THAT PURPORTED IS AN OFFENCE, AS WILL BE THE GIVING OF ANY INDICATION MATERIALLY FALSE OR MISLEADING AS TO THE QUANTITY OF GOODS.
MR BARCLAY NOTED THAT BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD EXPENDED A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT IN PROCESSING THE LEGISLATION AND PROMOTING THE CONSUMERS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES IN THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE.
/"CONSUMERS WHO
r
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 271 4988
- 2 -
"CONSUMERS WHO ARE AGGRIEVED BY MEASURES TO BE SHORT NEED ONLY TO COMPLAIN TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR ACTION TO BE TAKEN,” HE SAID.
WHICH THEY CONSIDER CUSTOMS AND EXCISE
THE ORDINANCE WILL BE ENFORCED BY THE CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.
AND EXCISE
IN ADDITION TO ACTING IN RESPONSE OFFICfeRS APPOINTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CONDUCT SPOT CHECKS ON TRADERS’ PREMISES 10
TO COMPLAINTS, CUSTOMS AND
VERIFY THE
THORISED
EXCISE WILL
ACCURACY OF
THEIR EQUIPMENT.
RETAILERS TO
MR BARCLAY ADVISED CONSUMERS TO ENCOURAGE ACCURATE WEIGHING AND MEASURING EQUIPMENT Bl AVOIDING THOSE THAT ANTIQUATED OR POORLY MAINTAINED EQUIPMENT.
USE USED
"CUSTOMERS HAVE THE POWER UNDER THE ORDINANCE TO DEMAND THAT RETAILERS MEASURE GOODS IN FULL VIEW," HE ADDED.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD ORDINANCE WAS PASSED IN EDUCATING THE CO-OPERATION OF RETAILERS, TRADE
BEEN RETAIL
ASSOCIATIONS AND
ACTIVE SINCE THE
SECTOR WITH THE
THE CHAMBERS OF
COMMERCE, MR BARCLAY SAID.
RETAILERS SHOULD BE FULLY
AWARE DOUBT
OF THEIR
OBLIGATIONS
SHOULD CONTACT THEIR
KSW^So^aJd bwabthbht.- he added.
UNDER
TRADE
---------0 ----------
FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT TRAINING CENTRE FOR DISABLED
*****
CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE FOR TRAINING CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED HAS BEGUN IN
THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT TUEN MUN.
A $34.9 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION RECENTLY AWARDED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
WORKS
WAS
PILING WORK WAS COMPLETED IN AUGUST UNDER A SEPARATE MILLION CONTRACT.
$7.6
THE THE
have 35“
/IT WOULD
TUESDAY, DECLJBER 27, 1988
- 3 -
.T WOULD HAVE DORMITORY FACILITIES TO ACCOMMODATE HALF OF THE STUDENTS.
THE CENTRE WILL BE A FIVE-STOREY BUILDING, HOUSING FOUR CLASSROOMS, 13 WORKSHOPS, A GYMNASIUM, OFFICES AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
THE DIVERSE TRAINING FACILITIES TO BE OFFERED AT THE CENTRE WILL INCLUDE THOSE FOR ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION, ELECTRONIC SERVICING; CLEANING AND SERVICING, GARMENT MAKING, INDUSTRIAL ARTS, BENCH FITTING AND MACHINING, AND PRINTING.
OFFICE MACHINE PRACTICE, PACKAGING AND ASSEMBLY, WOODWORK AND PAINTING, SIGN WRITING AND DECORATION ARE ALSO INCLUDED.
------0-------
CAREERS QUIZ DRAWS OVERWHELMING RESPONSE * * * * ♦
A RECORD NUMBER OF 115,000 STUDENTS FROM 253 SECONDARY SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THIS YEAR’S CAREERS QUIZ ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THESE FIGURES COMPARED WITH 110,000 STUDENTS AND 248 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE ANNUAL EVENT LAST YEAR.
ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE IN OCTOBER. THE QUIZ AIMED AT ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO PLAN CAREFULLY FOR THEIR FUTURE BY FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT CAREERS AND FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES.
TO MARK THE SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION OF THE EVENT, A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 29) AT DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE IN HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY.
AND CO. WHICH
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, ASSISTANT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SHUN HING ELECTRONIC TRADING MR K.L. TONG, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY,
THE LTD. , WILL
BEGIN AT 3.30 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CAREERS INFORMATION CENTRE, SIXTH FLOOR, HENNESSY CENTRE, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON THURSDAY, BEGINNING AT 3.30 PM.
-------0---------
A....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1988
DECEMBER SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL BEGINS
* * i » »
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEGUN TO CONDUCT THE DECEMBER 1988 ROUND OF THE SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN MAJOR SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT, VACANCIES AND PAYROLL IN RESPECT OF THE YEAR'S FOURTH QUARTER,
THIS SURVEY IS CONDUCTED QUARTERLY AND THE SURVEY RESULTS IRE USEFUL IN PROVIDING SHORT-TERM ECONOMIC INDICATORS AS WELL AS INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURAL CHANGES IN THE LABOUR MARKET.
THE PRESENT ROUND OF THE SURVEY COVERS ABOUT 35,000 ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ARE DRAWN FROM VARIOUS SECTORS.
THESE INCLUDE THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR (MINING AND QUARRYING; MANUFACTURING; ELECTRICITY AND GAS), THE DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES SECTOR (WHOLESALES, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS), AND THE SERVICES SECTOR (TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION, FINANCING, INSURANCE, REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS SERVICES; COMMUNITY, SOCIAL AND PERSONAL SERVICES).
INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES ON DECEMBER 30, 1988 WILL BE SOUGHT FROM EACH SELECTED ESTABLISHMENT.
SOME 10,000 ESTABLISHMENTS ARE RANDOMLY SELECTED FROM THIS SAMPLE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON PAYROLL IN EACH OF THE THREE MONTHS DURING THE REFERENCE PERIOD OF OCTOER - DECEMBER.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING MAILED TO INDIVIDUAL SAMPLE ESTABLISHMENTS. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER 1982 (LEGAL NOTICE NO. 69 OF 1982, GAZETTED ON MARCH 5, 1982), ESTABLISHMENTS RECEIVING QUESTIONNAIRES ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE AND RETURN THEM TO CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD.
SHOULD RESPONDENTS FIND DIFFICULTIES IN COMPLETING THE FORMS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8235076.
AS FOR THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS KNOWN TO THE DEPARTMENT DURING OCTOBER - DECEMBER, THEY WILL ALSO BE ENUMERATED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SURVEY RESULTS COMPLETE.
FIELD OFFICERS OF THIS DEPARTMENT, EACH BEARING A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD, WILL CALL ON THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO SOLICIT INFORMATION ON NUMBER OF PERSONS ENGAGED, EXISTING VACANCIES, TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, NATURE OF BUSINESS AND DATE ON WHICH BUSINESS COMMENCED.
IN CASE OF ANY ENQUIRIES REGARDING THESE FIELD VISITS, FIRMS MAY CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE ON 5-8234770.
-------O - - - -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1988
- '5 -
NOMINATIONS INVITED FOR FIGHT CRIME AWARD SCHEME
*****
TUSEN WAN RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO NOMINATE THEIR FRIENDS, RELATIVES OR NEIGHBOURS FOR THE TSUEN WAN CITIZEN FIGHT CRIME AWARD SCHEME.
THE SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE TSUEN WAN POLICE, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE TSUEN WAN ROTARY CLUB.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF THE SCHEME IS TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO ASSIST THE POLICE AND THE COMMUNITY TO PREVENT AND FIGHT CRIME," THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOW KWAN-SING, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THERE WILL BE THREE GRAND AWARDS, EACH COMPRISING $1,000 IN CASH AND A CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION," HE SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THERE WILL ALSO BE SEVEN AWARDS WITH CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION."
SOUVENIRS WOULD BE GIVEN TO NOMINATORS OF THE AWARD WINNERS, MR CHOW ADDED.
NOMINATION FORMS, IN THE FORMAT OF PRE-PAID ENVELOPES, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COMMUNITY HALLS, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN AND THE CLOSING DATE IS JANUARY 31.
A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS WILL BE SET UP FOR VETTING THE NOMINATIONS.
THE PANEL WILL COMPRISE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU; THE TSUEN WAN POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR DAVID HODSON; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHOW KWAN-SING, AND MEMBERS OF THE WORKING GROUP OF THE AWARD SCHEME.
RESULTS OF THE AWARD SCHEME WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN MARCH AND A PRIZE-PRESENTATION WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 12 DURING THE DISTRICT'S ANTI-TRIAD CARNIVAL.
FURTHER DETAILS CAN BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING 0-4925327 OR 0-4926279.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1988
- 6 -
ENTRIES INVITED FOR SHA TIN DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION
*****
ENTRIES ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE NINTH SHA TIN DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE KIANGSU-CHEKIANG COLLEGE, SHA TIN, ON JANUARY 15.
AIMED AT PROMOTING DANCE AMONG ALL AGE GROUPS, THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL COUNCIL WITH SUPPORT FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORSHIP FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
ALL SCHOOLS, ORGANISATIONS, ASSOCIATIONS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES BASED IN SHA TIN AS WELL AS PEOPLE WHO EITHER LIVE, STUDY, OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT MAY FORM TEAMS OF AT LEAST TWO PEOPLE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION.
YOUNG CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FOUR AND SIX-YEARS-OLD AND THE DISABLED MAY CHOOSE THEIR OWN DANCE ROUTINES.
THOSE IN THE GROUP FOR SEVEN TO 12-YEARS-OLD OR IN THE OPEN GROUP FOR PERSONS AGED 13 OR ABOVE MAY CHOOSE THEIR ROUTINES FROM ORIENTAL, ORIENTAL FOLK, SOCIAL, BALLET, WESTERN FOLK, MODERN OR JAZZ DANCES.
ENTRIES ARE FREE AND THE DEADLINE IS JANUARY 3.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY CENTRE ON THE FIRST FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION; REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHA TIN OFFICE ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, AND THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION OFFICE AT ROOM G03, GROUND FLOOR, LUNG HANG ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE WINNERS WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR DANCE ROUTINES AT THE AUDITORIUM OF THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL IN THE EVENING OF JANUARY 29.
--------0 - - - -
WATER CUT IN SHAM TSENG, TSING LUNG TAU ♦ t ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES LN SHAM TSENG AND TSING LUNG TAU WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 29) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WASTE DETECTION WORK.
ALSO, CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU YAT TSUEN WILL SUFFER LOW WATER PRESSURE FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30) OWING TO WATER WORKS.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TAT CHEF AVENUE, BEGONIA ROAD. CASSIA ROAD, DIANTHUS ROAD, MAGNOLIA ROAD, MARIGOLD ROAD, OSMANTHUS ROAD AND FA PO STREET.
- 0 -
/7
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1988
- 7
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY * * *
ON CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST
* t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10
AM
, THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD
' ------------ r.rsTvm ATJ/Mim 45 nfclKbb
ON WEST
FRIDAY
1?IC5uNC?IOn’wITh“eASTERn' STREET TO A POINT ABOUT ;U^c£K"rT^™ WEEKS BKCAOsS OF WATERWORKS.
45
4 PM
TO
7
FROM* THE PM)
N<- VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
STOP
- - 0 - -
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE OF YUEN WO ROAD ♦ * * t ♦
THE TRANSPORT OEPARTHRHT ANNOUWGEO SALErUOFRM»ITElsTBO™ BBS”2 =
JANUARY 20.
AS CONGESTION IS EXPECTED DURING THE LANE CLOSURE, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED NOT TO USE THIS SECTION OF YUEN WO ROAD.
I
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
TWO GOVERNMENT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER........................ 1
TWO JUDICAL APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED.......................... 1
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT........................ 2
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS 1989/90 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME..................................................... 3
YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL GALA FINALE ON FRIDAY................... 3
CHILDREN’S DRAWING CONTEST TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY .......... 4
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON ELECTRIC ROAD, PEEL RISE................. 5
WATER SUSPENSION IN TSE WAN SHAN ........................... 6
WATER STORAGE FIGURE........................................ 6
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 28, 1988
1
TWO GOVERNMENT LOTS TO LET BY TENDER
*****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TO LET BY TENDER TWO LOTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE LOT ON HONG KONG ISLAND, LOCATED AT TAI TAM ROAD ADJOINING THE AMERICAN CLUB, MEASURES ABOUT 1,530 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR OPEN AIR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.
THE LEASE TERM IS FOR THREE YEARS, RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
THE NEW TERRITORIES LOT, MEASURING ABOUT 8,600 SQUARE METRES, IS IN AREA 45, TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
IT IS FOR STORAGE OF GOODS, REPAIR OF CONTAINER AND CONTAINER VEHICLES AND/OR FILM STUDIO PURPOSES. THE LEASE IS FOR TWO YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR BOTH LOTS WILL CLOSE AT NOON ON JANUARY 13, 1989.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
-------o ---------
TWO JUDICAL APPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
*****
THE JUDICIARY ANNOUNCES TWO APPOINTMENTS TO TAKE EFFECT ON JANUARY 2, 1989 FOLLOWING THE RETIREMENT OF THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE BARKER.
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE MACDOUGALL HAS BEEN APPOINTED A JUSTICE OF APPEAL. HE WAS BORN IN AUSTRALIA IN MARCH 1932.
MR JUSTICE MACDOUGALL WAS EDUCATED AT AQUINAS COLLEGE IN PERTH AND RECEIVED HIS LEGAL EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.
/HE WAS
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1988
- 2 -
HE WAS ADMITTED AS A BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA IN 1957. HE SERVED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COMMONWEALTH CROWN SOLICITOR IN PERTH UNTIL 1965 WHEN HE CAME TO HONG KONG AS CROWN COUNSEL.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR CROWN COUNSEL IN 1968, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN 1973 AND PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN 1977, AND WAS APPOINTED A HIGH COURT JUDGE IN APRIL 1980.
HIS HONOUR JUDGE RYAN HAS BEEN APPOINTED A JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT.
HE WAS BORN IN NEW ZEALAND IN MARCH 1934 AND RECEIVED HIS LEGAL EDUCATION AT THE VICTORIA UNIVERSITY OF WELLINGTON.
HE WAS ADMITTED AS A SOLICITOR IN 1958 AND A BARRISTER IN 1959, AND WAS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE IN NEW ZEALAND UNTIL 1973 WHEN HE CAME TO HONG KONG AS A MAGISTRATE.
APART FROM A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS WHEN HE RETURNED TO NEW ZEALAND, JUDGE RYAN HAS SERVED IN THE JUDICIARY EVER SINCE 1973.
IN 1980, JUDGE RYAN WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT AND HE WAS MADE A DISTRICT JUDGE IN MAY THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
- - - - 0 ----
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT ♦ t * ♦
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS TO SEEK THE CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AT A BUILDING IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON, SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND THE PUBLIC.
THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ARE LOCATED AT THE ROOF OVER FLAT B, 22ND FLOOR, MING FAT BUILDING, 46-50, CHI KIANG STREET.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON MARCH 11, 1988 REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 29, 1989 WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUIOUS PART OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS MADE.
-------0 -------- /}...........................
WEDNESDAY, DVr '.‘1BER 28, 1988
- 3 -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS 1989/90 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME *****
MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL MEET TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO DISCLbS A PROPOSED PROGRAMME FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT ACTIVITIES 1 . • -
DISTRICT FOR 1989/90.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL RECIBVE aN ALLOCATION OF $1 MILLION - AN INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR -TO CARRY OUT THE PROJECTS.
THE COMMITTEE HAS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT TEMPORARY USE OF CROWN LAND;
PROPOSED PROJECTS, ,150,000
TO SPEND 8500,000 FOR MINOR
BEAUTIFICATION FOR CLEANSING
PROJECTS
PRIVATE STREETS; AND >150,000 FOR DISTRICT BOARD INSTALLATIONS.
IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
OF I
TO
SEWERS
AND IN
EXISTING
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE DUST PROBLEMS AT HUNG BAY RECLAMATION AND SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM AT PO LOI STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA
CITY DISTRICT BOARD’S BEGINNING AT 2.15 PM OF THE KOWLOON CITY WAN.
YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL GALA FINALE ON FRIDAY
* t * * *
BAND BY OVER 500 HELD AT THE 30) .
MUSIC
TO BE
MUSIC LOVERS WILL BE TREATED TO AN EVENING OF FINE LOCAL AND JAPANESE YOUNG MUSICIANS AT A G^A FINA1.E QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI ON FRIDAY (DEGbMBuR
Tire mMCFPT WTU WIND UP THE HONG KONG YOUTH BAND FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
THE GALA FINALE WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM.
/MEMBERS OF
-------O - - - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1988
- 4 -
MEMBERS OF SEVEN SYMPHONIC BANDS AND TWO CHOIRS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT A NUMBER OF CLASSICAL AND POPULAR PIECES INCLUDING THE BEATLES’ "YESTERDAY", TSCHAIKOSKY’S "MARCHE SLAVE" AND JOHN CHENG’S "FANFARE".
IN ADDITION, THE HONG KONG CHILDREN'S SYMPHONIC BAND WILL PERFORM.
THE CLIMAX WILL BE A PERFORMANCE BY THE 55-MEMBKP. TAKAOKA COMMERCIAL HIGH SCHOOL SYMPHONIC BAND FROM JAPAN.
THE BAND HAS TAKEN PART IN MANY BAND COMPETITIONS IN JAPAN AND ATTAINED OUTSTANDING RESULTS.
A MEMBER OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, DR RICHARD HO, AND THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR CLIVE OXLEY, WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE GALA FINALE.
THEY WILL PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARTICIPATING BANDS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL.
A LIMITED NUMBER OF GALA FINALE TICKETS, AT >10 AND >15 EACH, ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7967537.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE GALA FINALE TO BE HELD AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 30), BEGINNING AT 7.30 PM. STAFF OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
- - - - 0 ----------
CHILDREN’S DRAWING CONTEST TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY * * t » *
A DRAWING CONTEST WILL BE HELD AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31) TO INSTILL THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY AMONG CHILDREN.
THE CONTEST, OPENED TO CHILDREN UNDER 12, IS A PART OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN SPONSORED BY THE YAU TSIM DISTRIC BOARD.
/PARTICIPANTS HAVE . ,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1988
- 5 -
PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO ENROL AT THE UC CENTENARY GARDEN BEFORE 11.30 AM ON SATURDAY.
THE FIRST THREE WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED A TROPHY AND GIFTS, WHILE FIVE OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WILL ALSO RECEIVE GIFTS.
OPENING THE CONTEST AT NOON WILL BE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR ARTHUR YUEN; POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER (YAU MA TEI), MR PE ER YUEN; POLICE ROAD SAFETY OFFICER, MISS LIN LEUNG-HUNG, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPAIGN’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHIU YU-HEI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
i'OU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE DRAWING CONTEST TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31) AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDEN, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, BEGINNING AT NOON.
--------0 - - - -
URBAN CLEARWAYS ON ELECTRIC ROAD, PEEL RISE » » « » «
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31), TWO SECTIONS OF ELECTRIC ROAD IN NORTH POINT WILL BE DESIGNATED 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FOR ROAD WORKS.
THEY ARE THE SECTION OF ELECTRIC ROAD BETWEEN MERCURY STREET AND TSING FUNG STREET; AND THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF ELECTRIC ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH MERCURY STREET TO A POINT ABOUT SEVEN METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
AT THE SAME TIME, PEEL RISE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 33 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
-------o----------
/6........
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1988
WATER SUSPENSION IN TSZ WAN SHAN * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT BLOCKS 4-32, TSZ LOK ESTATE, TSZ WAN SHAN.
- - 0 - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 38.7 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 226.835 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 353.416 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 60.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- 0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
EVENTFUL YEAR AHEAD FOR L.JWS AND WORKS BRANCH ............. 1
GOOD YEAR FOR SHA TIN CRIME FIGHTERS ....................... 2
IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING A SUITABLE CAREER STRESSED........... k
GROWING DSMaND FOR ELDERLY SERVICES ........................ 5
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF KWUN TONG BYPASS ....................................................... 6
MOTOR BOAT HIRE CHARGES REVISED ............................ 7
IMPROVEMENT TO WATER SUPPLY IN SAI KUNG .................... 8
CONSTRUCTION OF CREMATORIUM AT WO HOP SHEK.................. 8
”TA CHIU” CEREMONIES IN YUEN LONG .......................... 9
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE....... 9
FINALE TO RTHK’S ’’ACCESS” ................................. 11
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29,
1988
1
EVENTFUL YEAR AHEAD FOR LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH
*****
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DRAINAGE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO OVERLOOK A SEWER CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME AND FLOOD PROTECTION WORKS WILL BE ONE OF THE PRIORITIES OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH IN 1989.
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS TODAY (THURSDAY) IN A YEAR-END MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION DURING WHICH HE LISTED THE MAJOR GOALS HE HAD SET FOR THE BRANCH NEXT YEAR.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, MR BARNES SAID THE BRANCH WILL TRY TO REACH AGREEMENT WITH THE GUANGDONG WATER AUTHORITY ON THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE LONG-TERM SUPPLY OF WATER BEYOND 1994 WHEN THE CURRENT WATER AGREEMENT RUNS OUT.
THE BRANCH WILL AIM TO OBTAIN OPTIMAL PROVISION OF INDUSTRIAL LAND AND TO SET UP A PROGRAMME FOR RELEASING MORE LAND FOR COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE DEVELOPMENTS TO MEET ANTICIPATED SHORTFALL IN THE NEXT DECADE.
IT WILL BE INVOLVED IN PROCESSING AND VETTING SOME FOUR OR FIVE MAJOR URBAN REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES TO BE DONE BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
THE BRANCH’S LANDS DIVISION WILL SEEK TO OBTAIN THE SINO-BRITISH LAND COMMISSION’S AGREEMENT ON THE 1989/90 LAND DISPOSAL PROGRAMME BEFORE THE START OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR, MR BARNES SAID.
"ON THE BUILDINGS POLICY AND LEGISLATION SIDE, THE DIVISION’S OBJECTIVES FOR 1989 WILL BE TO BETTER CONTROL UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF NEW ENFORCEMENT MEASURES, INCLUDING IMMEDIATE DEMOLITION AND STEPPING UP PROSECUTION.
"DURING THE YEAR, SURVEYS OF PRE-WAR AND EARLY POST-WAR PRIVATE BUILDINGS TO CHECK ON STRUCTURAL SAFETY WILL BE STARTED," MR BARNES ADDED.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID THE REASSESSMENT OF POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS INSTALLATIONS ON TSING YI WILL BE COMPLETED IN MARCH. THE REPORT, WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED, MAY ENTAIL REPLANNING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ISLAND.
THE YEAR WILL ALSO SEE THE FINALISATION OF THE RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY, WHICH PROVIDES AN ORGANISATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE IMPROVEMENT IN THE NT RURAL AREAS, AND A REVIEW OF LAND USE REQUIREMENT FOR CONTAINER TERMINALS AND RELATED BACKUP FACILITIES.
IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE WHITE PAPER ON POLLUTION, THE BRANCH’S ENVIRONMENT DIVISION PLANS TO ESTABLISH A TERRITORY-WIDE AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLAN TO FIGHT AIR POLLUTION, AND A WASTE DISPOSAL PLAN, WHICH WILL RESULT IN THE STAGED CLOSURE OF THE EXISTING INCINERATORS.
/THE DIVISION
I
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
2 -
THE DIVISION WILL ALSO SEEK TO IMPLEMENT A NOISE ABATEMENT PROGRAMME IN SCHOOLS AND TO BETTER CONTROL NOISE POLLUTION FROM PILING AND OTHER CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES.
IT WILL ENFORCE THE CONTROL PROVISIONS OF THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE IN THE EXISTING WATER CONTROL ZONES AND ESTABLISH TWO FURTHER ONES IN PORT SHELTER AND JUNK BAY.
MEASURES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AT GAZETTED BEACHES IN THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
MR BARNES ALSO NOTED THAT THE METROPLAN AND PADS (PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY) STUDIES WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1989.
’’THESE STUDIES WILL PRODUCE A BROAD, LONG-TERM LAND USE-TRANSPORT FRAMEWORK FOR THE METROPOLITAN AREA AND A LONG-TERM STRATEGY FOR THE PHASED PROVISION OF PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED LAND USES AND INFRASTRUCTURE," HE ADDED.
MR BARNES ALSO GAVE A SUMMARY OF THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE BRANCH IN 1988.
------0-------
GOOD YEAR FOR SHA TIN CRIME FIGHTERS *****
1988 HAS BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR THE SHA TIN POLICE WITH SOME IMPORTANT ARRESTS OF TRIAD OFFICE BEARERS AND ROBBERY GANGS, MR PETER HALLIDAY, DISTRICT COMMANDER, SAID TODAY WHEN HE REVIEWED POLICE WORK IN THE DISTRICT OVER THE PAST YEAR.
A TOTAL OF SIX TRIAD OFFICE BEARERS WERE ARRESTED BY POLICE AND BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS, HE SAID.
"WE HAVE RECEIVED VERY FEW REPORTS OF TRIAD MENACE OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS, MOSTLY IN CONNECTION WITH CONSTRUCTION SITES, HE SAID.
"MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO REPORT ANY INCIDENCES OF BLACKMAIL PROMPTLY AS POLICE ACTION TO STAMP OUT THIS MENACE CAN ONLY BE WHOLELY SUCCESSFUL IF VICTIMS COME FORWARD."
MR HALLIDAY POINTED OUT THAT A PRIMARY SOURCE OF FINANCE FOR TRIADS WAS ILLEGAL GAMBLING.
"ILLEGAL GAMBLING CASINOS ARE OFTEN SET UP BY TRIAD GROUPS AND THEIR PURPOSE IS TO MAKE MONEY.
/’’THIS OFTEN..........
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
"THIS OFTEN RESULTS IN GAMBLERS LOSING MORE THAN THEY CAN AFFORD AND THEY END UP IN THE RELENTLESS CLUTCHES OF LOANSHARKS.
"IT IS NOT UNUSUAL FOR A DEBTOR TO TURN TO CRIME TO HELP PAY OFF HIS DEBTS."
SO FAR, POLICE HAVE SMASHED TWO MAJOR TRIAD GAMBLING SYNDICATES.
MR HALLIDAY STRESSED THAT ACTION WOULD BE MAINTAINED TO ERADICATE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TRIAD AND QUASI-TRIAD INFLUENCE IN SHA TIN.
ALSO OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO SHA TIN POLICE ARE ROBBERIES IN STREETS AND PUBLIC PLACES, INDECENT ASSAULTS ON WOMEN AND A MORE RECENT TREND OF YOUTH GANGS ROAMING THE STREETS.
"DUE TO INCREASED POLICE EFFORT AND OTHER SOCIAL FACTORS, THE FIRST TWO CATEGORIES HAVE SHOWN A DECREASE OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS, BUT OUR OBJECTIVE IS TO REDUCE THEM FURTHER BY MORE STREET AND HIGHRISE PATROLS ON ONE HAND, AND BETTER INVESTIGATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE ON THE OTHER," SAID THE DISTRICT COMMANDER.
"AND WE ARE EXPERIMENTING WITH TACTICS TO TACKLE STREET GANGS."
ON JUVENILE DELINQUENCY, MR HALLIDAY SAID WHILE IT STILL CONSTITUTED A MAJOR PROBLEM, THERE WERE ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT IT WAS BEING CONTAINED.
"AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR WE WERE ARRESTING, ON AVERAGE, WELL OVER 100 JUVENILES A MONTH IN SHA TIN," HE SAID, "BUT THE FIGURE HAS FALLEN BY ABOUT A THIRD DURING THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE YEAR."
"WE HAVE A NUMBER OF INITIATIVES EITHER ON-GOING OR PLANNED, THE MOST IMPORTANT OF WHICH BEING THE SHA TIN JUVENILE DELINQUENCY ACTION GROUP FORMED IN JUNE.
"MEMBERS OF THIS GROUP COME FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE, BOTH IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR AND SO COLLECTIVELY HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE UPON WHICH TO DRAW IN FORMULATING ACTION PLANS TO TACKLE DELINQUENCY."
ON THE QUESTION OF SECURITY OF PREMISES, MR HALLIDAY URGED OWNERS AND RESIDENTS OF INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PREMISES TO MAKE FULL USE OF THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU OR CONSULT THE SHA TIN POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE.
HE SAID: "IN ADDITION TO ANY FINANCIAL LOSS, A BURGLARY OFTEN LEAVES A PERMANENT SENSE OF INSECURITY IN THE MIND OF THE VICTIM."
/SUMMING UP, ........
THURSDAY, DECQ1BER 29, 1988
SUMMING UP, MR HALLIDAY SAID THAT DESPITE THE SIGNIFICANT ARRESTS IN 1988, THE SHA TIN POLICE WOULD NOT BE COMPLACENT AND HENCE LACK-LUSTRE AND UNIMAGINATIVE IN THEIR EFFORT TO MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER.
"VIOLENT CRIME, TRIAD ACTIVITY AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY MUST BE OUR MAJOR CONCERNS FOR THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE," HE SAID.
"THE PUBLIC CAN AND DOES DO MUCH IN SHA TIN TO HELP THE POLICE. THEY CAN ALSO ASSIST BY TELLING THE POLICE WHERE THEY ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE SERVICE PROVIDED.
"WE ARE OPEN AND RESPONSIVE TO ALL IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS AS TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF POLICING IN SHA TIN."
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IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING A SUITABLE CAREER STRESSED
*****
THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS TAKING PART IN THE ANNUAL CAREERS QUIZ REFLECTED THEIR APPRECIATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF CHOOSING A SUITABLE CAREER, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY FOR THE CAREERS QUIZ 1988 THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON, MR HAMMOND POINTED OUT THAT THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE EVENT, STUDENTS WERE ENCOURAGED TO PLAN CAREFULLY FOR THEIR FUTURE BY FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT CAREERS AND FURTHER EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES.
HE SAID THE CAREERS QUIZ IS A MAJOR ACTIVITY ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE FOR FORM 3 TO FORM 5 STUDENTS. THIS YEAR IT ATTRACTED OVER 115,000 PARTICIPANTS FROM 253 SCHOOLS.
INSTEAD OF PRESENTING PRIZES TO ONLY THREE SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST OVERALL SCORES AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, TROPHIES WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO THE TOP THREE SCHOOLS WITH THE HIGHEST AVERAGE MARKS IN EACH OF FORMS 3, 4 AND 5.
"IN THIS WAY, WE HOPE TO ENCOURAGE SCHOOLS TO ENTER LOWER FORM STUDENTS IN THE COMPETITION WITHOUT THE FEAR OF JEOPARDISING THEIR CHANCES OF WINNING A SCHOOL PRIZE," MR HAMMOND SAID.
"IT IS ALSO OUR BELIEF THAT STUDENTS IN JUNIOR FORMS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO START PLANNING THEIR CAREERS," HE ADDED.
/MR HAMMOND
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
- 5 -
MR HAMMOND ALSO THANKED THE SPONSOR FOR THE QUIZ, SHUN HING ELECTRONIC TRADING COMPANY, FOR THEIR GENEROSITY AND SUPPORT TO THE EVENT FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, AND THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY FOR MARKING THE ANSWER SHEETS.
ANOTHER OFFICIATING GUEST AT THE CEREMONY, MR K.L. TONG, ASSISTANT MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY, SHARED MR HAMMOND’S VIEW THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO CHOOSE A CAREER SUITABLE FOR THEMSELVES AND STAY IN THE JOB TO ACQUIRE THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE.
"THE WORK OF THE CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE IS THEREFORE OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN ASSISTING AND ENCOURAGING THEM TO CHOOSE A CAREER THEY LIKE."
IN THE QUIZ THIS YEAR, WELLINGTON COLLEGE RANKED FIRST IN BOTH FORM 3 AND FORM 4 SECTIONS, WHILE CHONG GENE HANG COLLEGE CAME FIRST IN THE FORM 5 SECTION.
THE THREE STUDENTS WHO SCORED THE HIGHEST MARKS WERE BACH AWARDED A PANASONIC GRAPH WRITER. THEY WERE WONG MIU-SUM OF NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, KAN SIK-KIN OF CHONG GENE HANG COLLEGE AND YIP WAN-TAK OF IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY COLLEGE.
ANOTHER SEVEN STUDENTS WERE EACH GIVEN A PANASONIC COMPACT HEADPHONE PLAYER, FOLLOWED BY 100 OTHER STUDENTS EACH WINNING A SOLAR-POWERED CALCULATOR.
-------0---------
GROWING DEMAND FOR ELDERLY SERVICES *****
THE RECOMMENDATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF RESOURCES AND PRIORITY IN THE REPORT OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON ELDERLY SERVICES ARE BEING STUDIED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN ORDER TO WORK OUT A SCHEDULE FOR IMPLEMENTATION, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A DINNER CELEBRATING THE 85TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY, MR LAW NOTED THAT DEMAND FOR ELDERLY SERVICES WOULD BECOME MORE URGENT BECAUSE THE ELDERLY POPULATION WOULD GROW FROM THE CURRENT 600,000, OR 11.5 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL POPULATION, TO EXCEED 900,000 IN THE NEXT CENTURY, OR 14.5 PER CENT.
/41R LAW
THURSDAY, DECSMBER 29, 1988
- 6 -
MR LAW POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN ABLE TO DEVELOP AND EXPAND A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES, INCLUDING CASH ASSISTANCE, MEDICAL CARE, HOME HELP, RESIDENTIAL CARE AND SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE SENIOR CITIZENS.
"UNDER THE PREMISE OF CARE IN THE FAMILY AND WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, THE NUMBER OF SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IS PLANNED TO INCREASE FROM THE EXISTING 100 TO 150 IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
"THROUGH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THESE CENTRES, THE ELDERLY CAN USE THEIR LEISURE TIME MORE BENEFICIALLY, DEVELOP HOBBIES, MAKE FRIENDS AND LEAD A MORE ACTIVE AND MEANINGFUL LIFE BY TAKING PART IN VOLUNTEER SERVICES,” HE ADDED.
MR LAW COMMENDED THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN MUTUAL IMPROVEMENT SOCIETY FOR ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO SOCIAL SERVICES.
------o - - - -
COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF KWUN TONG BYPASS t ♦ » ♦ *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE KWUN TONG BYPASS PHASE II AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE KWUN TONG BY-PASS PHASE II, SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1991, WILL LINK UP WAI YIP STREET WITH KAI FUK TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT HAS FOCUSSED ON POTENTIAL AIR AND NOISE POLLUTION THAT MAY ARISE, PARTICULARLY WHERE MAJOR NEW ROADS ARE REQUIRED TO PASS CLOSE TO RESIDENTIAL OR OTHER STRUCTURES.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO ENDORSE A PUBLICITY AND ENFORCEMENT PROGRAMME AGAINST OBSTRUCTION TO PEDESTRAINS BY ILLEGAL HAWKING ACTIVITIES AND DISPLAY OF GOODS AND ADVERTISING SIGNS ON PAVEMENTS BY SHOPKEEPERS.
A REPORT ON THE LATEST CONDITION OF THE JORDAN VALLEY LANDFILL WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED FOR MEMBERS* CONSIDERATION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPLENISHMENT OF FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FOR FIRE WATCH TEAMS, APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FOR ORGANISING FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN, PROGRESS REPORTS ON LOCAL WORKS PROJECTS AND MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE MEETING BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET.
-------0 -------- /7........................
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
- 7 -
MOTOR BOAT HIRE CHARGES REVISED *****
THE MAXIMUM HIRE CHARGES FOR MOTOR BOATS WILL BE REVISED FROM SUNDAY (JANUARY 1), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED.
THE REVISED CHARGES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
PERIOD OF HIRE BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY BETWEEN 30 & 50 PASSENGERS BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY MORE THAN 50 PASSENGERS
1. ANY PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING 40 MINUTES $85 $104
2* ANY PERIOD BETWEEN 40 MINUTES AND 1 HOUR $130 $156
3. EACH SUBSEQUENT PERIOD OF 20 MINUTES OR PART THEREOF $46 $52
JOURNEY DISTANCE BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY BETWEEN 30 & 50 PASSENGERS BOATS LICENSED TO CARRY MORE THAN 50 PASSENGERS
4. SHORT DISTANCE (UP TO 40 MINUTES) $85 $104
5. MEDIUM DISTANCE (UP TO 1 HOUR) $130 $156
6. LONG DISTANCE (OVER ONE HOUR) $169 $208
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/8 ..
THURSDAY. DECEMBER 29, 1988
„ 8 -IMPROVEMENT TO WATER SUPPLY IN SAI KUNG *****
THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN SAI KUNG WILL BE IMPROVED TO MEET INCREASE IN DEMAND BY EXISTING AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WITH A CAPACITY OF 15,000 CUBIC METRES WILL BE BUILT AT PAK KONG AU.
ALSO, ABOUT 3,900 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS RANGING FROM 400 MILLIMETRES TO 700 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETRES WILL LAID ALONG HONG TSUE'N ROAD AND HONG KIN ROAD.
THE NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE WATERMAINS WILL BE USED TO IMPROVE THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM EXTENDING FROM PAK WAI TO PAK TAM CHUNG.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 13, 1989.
------o ------
CONSTRUCTION OF CREMATORIUM AT WO HOP SHEK
*****
A CREMATORIUM IS TO BE BUILT AT WO HOP SHEK.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CREMATORIUM BUILDING WITH TWO TWIN CREMATORS, A CHINESE HALL, A CHRISTIAN HALL, A MORTUARY, ACCOMMODATION FOR AN OFFICE AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN JUNE, 1990.
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 13, 1989.
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/9 .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
TA CHIU" CEREMONIES IN YUEN DONG *****
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), MR MICHAEL SUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF A "TA CHIU" RELIGIOUS CEREMONY IN YUEN LONG ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31).
ORGANISED BY SIX VILLAGES OF WANG CHAU IN PING SHAN RURAL AREA, THE "TA CHIU" CEREMONY IS HELD EVERY EIGHT YEARS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PRAYING FOR PEACE TO INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS.
THE CEREMONY WILL LAST THREE DAYS AND FOUR NIGHTS AND WILL BE HIGHLIGHTED BY A PROCESSION HELD ON MONDAY (JANUARY 2). THE PARADE WILL START FROM WANG CHAU AND PASS THROUGH YUEN LONG TOWN.
THE "TA CHIU" OPENING WILL ALSO BE ATTENDED BY THE POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER, MR R.C. SMALLSHAW, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, MR LAU WONG-FAT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31) IN FUK HING TSUEN IN WANG CHAU. THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 4.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES EXTENDED FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE * * » * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ON NEW YEAR’S EVE (SATURDAY) AS SERVICES ON MOST ROUTES WILL BE STEPPED UP AND ALSO OPERATE LATER THAN USUAL.
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY (KCR), THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT), THE STAR FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE AND KOWLOON POINT, AND THE HONG KONG YAUMATI (HYF) PASSENGER/VEHICULAR FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN CENTRAL AND JORDAN ROAD WILL OPERATE UNTIL AROUND 1 AM.
PEAK TRAMS WILL OPERATE UP TO 1.30 AM AND TRAM SERVICES (EXCEPT THOSE OPERATING ON THE HAPPY VALLEY LOOP) WILL RUN UNTIL 2 AM.
SUPPLEMENTARY FERRY SERVICES FROM CENTRAL TO MUI WO (VIA PENG CHAU) AND FROM CENTAL TO CHEUNG CHAU (VIA YUNG SHUE WAN, LAMMA ISLAND) WILL BE OPERATED AT 1 AM AND 1.15 AM RESPECTIVELY.
/IN ADDITION,
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
10
IN ADDITION, SERVICES ON MANY BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR WILL OPERATE LATER THAN USUAL.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE LAST DEPARTURE FROM CENTRAL OF BUSES ON CHINA MOTOR BUS (CMB) ROUTES 4, 70 AND 90 WILL BE AT 1 AM.
ON ROUTES 2, 7, 10, 23, 72, 92, 96 AND 97, THE LAST BUS WILL LEAVE CENTRAL, WESTERN DISTRICT AND CAUSEWAY BAY AT 2 AM, 2.30 AM, 1.50 AM, 1.15 AM, 1.30 AM, MIDNIGHT, 12.27 AM AND 1 AM RESPECTIVELY.
IN KOWLOON, KOWLOON MOTOR BUS (KMB) WILL EXTEND SERVICES RANGING FROM 30 MINUTES TO ONE HOUR AND 30 MINUTES ON 11 ROUTES 1A, 5. 5C, 6, 80K, 80M, 81K, 82M, 85K, 88K AND 93A.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED ON CROSS-HARBOUR ALL-NIGHT BUS ROUTES 121 AND 122.
SERVICES ON GREEN MINIBUSES ROUTE 37M IN KOWLOON WILL RUN OVERNIGHT. SERVICES ON ROUTES 18 AND 53M WILL FINISH AT 1 AM: AND SERVICES ON ROUTES 3, 8, 11M, 30A AND 30M AT 1.30 AM AND ROUTES 6, 7, 22M, 31M AND 51M WILL STOP AT 2 AM.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SERVICES ON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 67K WILL CEASE OPERATION AT 11 PM.
SERVICES ON ROUTES 65K AND 66K WILL STOP RUNNING AT MIDNIGHT AND SERVICES ON ROUTE 60K WILL FINISH AT 1.20 AM. SERVICES ON ROUTES 20K AND 22K WILL CEASE OPERATIONS AROUND 1.30 AM.
MEANWHILE, AS A RESULT OF SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, THE FOLLOWING BUS AND GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES OPERATING THROUGH THESE TWO DISTRICTS WILL HAVE TO BE DIVERTED:
ROUTE
PERIOD OF DIVERSION
CMB ROUTES 5B, 10, 20, 21 AND 81M AND HK ISLAND GMB ROUTE 28
CMB ROUTES 5, 5A, 10A, 22 AND 781
CMB ROUTE 23A AND 26
FROM 7 PM ON DECEMBER 31 TO 6 AM ON JANUARY 3
AFTER 7 PM ON NEW YEAR’S EVE
CMB ROUTE 40M AND CROSS-
HARBOUR ROUTE 103
AIRBUS A2
FROM 6 PM ON DECEMBER 31 TO
LAST DEPARTURE ON JANUARY 2
FROM 6.30 PM ON DECEMBER 31 TO LAST DEPARTURE ON JANUARY 2
FROM 7 PM ON DECEMBER 31 TO LAST DEPARTURE ON JANUARY 2
/FROM 8 PM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
11
FROM 8 PM ON NEW YEAR’S EVE, IF NECESSARY, KMB ROUTES 1, 1A, IK, 2, 2C, 2K, 3, 3C, 3E, 5, 50, 6, 6A, 7, 8, 8A, 9, 13, 26, 28, 81, 208 AND AIRBUS Al AND KOWLOON GMB ROUTES 3, 6, 7, 8 AND 31M WILL BE DIVERTED AND KMB ROUTE 202 AND KOWLOON GMB ROUTES 1 AND IM WILL BE SUSPENDED.
DURING THE SUSPENSION OF KMB ROUTE 202, CHINA FERRY TERMINAL WILL BE SERVED BY ROUTE 208 ENROUTE.
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FINALE TO RTHK’S "ACCESS"
****»■
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG’S ’ACCESS' SEMINAR AND CONCERT WILL BE HELD ON DECEMBER 31, 1988 (SATURDAY) FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM AT VICTORIA PARK IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE TWO EVENTS ARE THE FINALE OF THE 'ACCESS’ PROJECT CO-ORGANISED BY RTHK AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG.
THE SEMINAR, BEGINNING FROM 2 PM TO 3 PM, WILL FOCUS ON ’WAYS TO IMPROVE TRANSPORT IN HONG KONG’.
CHAIRMAN OF TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, MISS MARIA TAM; AND LECTURER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR STEPHEN TANG, WILL BE GUEST SPEAKERS.
SOME 100 PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS WILL ATTEND THE SEMINAR AND PRELIMINARY FINDINGS OF THE ’ACCESS’ PROJECT WILL ALSO BE PRESEN1ED.
THE CONCERT WILL START AT 3 PM TO ENTERTAIN ALL THOSE WHO HAD PARTICIPATED IN THE ’ACCESS’ PROJECT.
SINGERS WHO WILL PERFORM AT THE CONCERT INCLUDE MARIA CORDERO, ALEX TO, SANDY LAM, LEE TAT SHING AND VIVIAN CHOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED
AND THE CONCERT AT BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SEMINAR VICTORIA PARK THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31)
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
32.1 MILLION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION .................... 1
GOOD BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR HONG KONG'S PRINTING INDUSTRY . 2
NEW MEMBERSHIP OF ACaN .iNNOUNCED .......................... 3
GERRY FORSGATE RE-APPOINTED KCRC CHAIRMAN ...............
HONG KONG JOINS REGIONAL AQUACULTURE NETWORK................ 5
CANDIDATES M..Y SPCND MORE ON UC/RC ELECTIONS .............. 6
FINaL DaTE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR EX-GR..TIA PaYHENT.......... 6
IMPROVEMENTS TO NEW PENSION SCHEME ......................... 7
LIVE CLEaN .iND STaY HELLTHY CAMPAIGN ST. .RTS NEXT WEEK. 7
PUBLIC AUCTION OF GOVERNMENT LAND .......................... 8
GO aHE.lD FOR TUEN MUN RECLAMATION PROJECT ................. 9
CSD ORGANISES FESTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR VIETN.JIESE BOaT PEOPLE 10
carnival for l.iNT«u residents ............................ 10
EMIGRATION ST.FF COMMENDED ............................... '>1
NEW YE..R HONOURS LIST 1989 ............................... 11
TRAFFIC «RR.NGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ...................... 12
TEMPOR.JJY TR.JTTC aRR.J1GEF.EFTS IN YUEN LONG ............ 12
HOLIDAY clinic services
13
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
1 -
$2.1 MILLION TO PROMOTE CIVIC EDUCATION
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND $2.1 MILLION NEXT YEAR FOR THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR BOWEN LEUNG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT A RECEPTION FOR ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAD PARTICIPATED IN THE "TO CARE AND TO GIVE : CIVIC EDUCATION DAI HELD AT VICTORIA PARK ON DECEMBER 18.
MR LEUNG SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT ABOUT 20,000 MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC HAD VISITED THE VARIOUS STALLS SET UP IN VICTORIA PARK ON THE DAY, MANY OF WHOM HAD SHOWN THEIR SUPPORT THROUGH DONATIONS OR JOINING THE VARIOUS SERVICE GROUPS ON THE SPOT.
"IN ONE SINGLE DAY, SOME 100 PEOPLE HAD DONATED BLOOD, 130 PEOPLE DONATED THEIR CORNEA AND 450 PEOPLE THEIR KIDNEYS," HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS HAD PLEDGED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY BY HANGING HEART-SHAPED CARDS ON TO A CIVIC EDUCATION TREE, HE NOTED.
"THESE FIGURES CLEARLY SHOW THAT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MUTUAL HELP AND CARE THROUGH ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT," MR LEUNG SAID.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY WAS TWO-FOLDED. FIRSTLY, IT HAD PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO KNOW ABOUT THE SERVICES OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS.
"SECONDLY, IT ENABLES THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION TO ENTER INTO CONTACT WITH THE PARTICIPATING BODIES, THEREBY LAYING A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR FURTHER CO-OPERATION IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION," MR LEUNG SAID.
MR LEUNG HOPED THAT ALL PARTICIPATING BODIES WILL JOIN HANDS TOGETHER AGAIN IN FUTURE IN A JOINT EFFORT TO DRIVE HOME TO RESIDENTS THE CIVIC EDUCATION MESSAGES.
AT TODAY’S RECEPTION, WINNERS OF A YOUTH DRAWING COMPETITION HELD ON THE CIVIC EDUCATION DAY WERE PRESENTED PRIZES.
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/2
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
- 2 -
GOOD BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR HONG * * » t
KONG’S PRINTING INDUSTRY »
BUSINESS IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY SHOULD REMAIN GOOD FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS BECAUSE OF THE FAVOURABLE EXCHANGE RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR, AND PROSPECTS FOR FOUR-COLOUR HARDBOUND BOOKS AND REPRODUCTION WORK ARE PARTICULARLY PROMISING, A NEWLY-PUBLISHED STUDY ON HONG KONG’S PRINTING INDUSTRY REPORTS.
THE STUDY IS THE FIFTH IN A SERIES OF STUDIES ON SELECTED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG UNDERTAKEN BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE MAIN AIMS ARE TO GIVE AN INDICATION OF THE PRESENT STATE OF THE INDUSTRY AND TO SUGGEST LIKELY TRENDS.
HONG KONG IS NOW THE SECOND LARGEST EXPORTER OF QUALITY PRINTING WORK IN ASIA AFTER JAPAN.
THE INDUSTRY IS RENOWNED FOR ITS GOOD PRINTING QUALITY, QUICK DELIVERY, COMPETITIVE PRICES, AND ABILITY TO COPE WITH SHORT RUN PRINTING JOBS.
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, OVERSEAS INVESTMENT HAD PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S PRINTING INDUSTRY THROUGH TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER, AND HAD ALSO CONTRIBUTED TO THE TERRITORY’S REPUTATION AS THE PRINTING CENTRE IN THE REGION.
STRONG INTEREST WAS STILL SHOWN BY OVERSEAS INVESTORS TO SET UP PRINTING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG.
THE REPORT HOWEVER WARNED THAT UNLESS LOCAL PRINTERS EXPAND THEIR PRODUCTION CAPACITIES SUBSTANTIALLY, THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO FURTHER PENETRATE INTERNATIONAL MARKETS.
ON FUTURE MARKET POTENTIAL, THE REPORT NOTED THAT BOOK PRINTING AND THE PRODUCTION OF COLOUR SEPARATION PROVIDED THE GREATEST EXPORT OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG PRINTERS, PARTICULARLY IN MAJOR MARKETS LIKE THE UNITED STATES, UNITED KINGDOM AND AUSTRALIA.
AS FOR THE CHINA MARKET, HONG KONG PRINTERS WOULD HAVE AN INCREASING ROLE IN PRODUCING HIGH QUALITY PUBLICITY MATERIALS FOR CHINA’S EXPORTS AND TOURIST INDUSTRY.
ON FUTURE TRENDS IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT PRODUCTION OF ALBUMS AND DIARIES, WHICH REQUIRED LOWER PRINTING SKILLS, WOULD CONTINUE TO MOVE TO CHINA TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOWER LABOUR COSTS.
BUT PRINTING OF OTHER PRINTED MATERIAL WOULD REMAIN IN HONG KONG MAINLY BECAUSE HIGHER LABOUR SKILLS WERE NEEDED.
SHEET-FED OFFSET WOULD CONTINUE TO BE THE MOST WIDELY ADOPTED PRINTING METHOD OF HONG KONG’S PRINTING INDUSTRY.
/BESIDES LABOUR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1988
- 3 -
BESIDES LABOUR SHORTAGE, THE STUDY IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS FACING THE INDUSTRY, SUCH AS THE LIMITED NUMBER OF LARGE PRINTERS, SLOWDOWN OF CAPITAL INVESTMENT, INSUFFICIENT TRAINING FACILITIES, SHORTAGE OF INDUSTRIAL PREMISES IN URBAN AREAS, HIGH PAPER COSTS, MACHINE MANNING LEVELS AND ABSENCE OF TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES.
THESE PROBLEMS COULD ONLY BE OVERCOME THROUGH HEAVY INVESTMENT IN MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, IMPROVED TECHNICAL TRAINING, OVERSEAS TRADE PROMOTION AND EMPLOYMENT OF TECHNICAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES.
IN SEPTEMBER 1987, THE PRINTING INDUSTRY COMPRISED 3,577 ESTABLISHMENTS, CONSTITUTING 7.1 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL NUMBER OF MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS.
IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, PRINTING RANKED AS HONG KONG'S SIXTH LARGEST INDUSTRY, EMPLOYING 33,702 PERSONS OR 3.9 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT.
AT THE END OF 1987, THERE WERE 19 FACTORIES WITH OVERSEAS INTEREST EMPLOYING A TOTAL OF 2,997 PERSONS. THE VALUE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT WAS HK$1,246 MILLION.
------o-------
NEW MEMBERSHIP OF ACAN ANNOUNCED * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF SIX NEW MEMBERS TO THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN), THE SOLE ADVISORY BODY ON ALL POLICY MATTERS RELATING TO THE ERADICATION OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND ABUSE IN HONG KONG.
THEY ARE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS, MRS PEGGY LAM PEI YU-DJA AND DR EDWARD LEONG CHE-HUNG; MR ROBERT GAFF, CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE; FATHER FRANCISCO LERDA, PRESIDENT OF HONG KONG CARITAS; MRS EVA KO LI BIK-CH1, A SENIOR LECTURER OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG; AND MR AUGUSTINE NG CHEUK-TAI, A SOCIAL WORK ADMINISTRATOR.
THEIR APPOINTMENTS, EFFECTIVE FROM JANUARY 1, 1989, WILL BE
FOR ONE YEAR.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENT OF DR GERALD CHOA AS THE CHAIRMAN OF ACAN FOR TWO YEARS.
ALSO RE-APPOINTED AS ACAN MEMBERS FOR ONE YEAR ARE MR FREDERICK YU SAK-KWONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS; DR JEFFREY DAY, CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL; AND DR SO SING-CHO, A NEURO-SURGEON.
/THERE WILL
FRIDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1988
THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 12 UNOFFICIAL AND 10 OFFICIAL MEMBERS ON ACAN IN 1989.
THE OTHER TWO SERVING UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE MR ALAN HOO, A BARRISTER, AND MR PAO PING-WING, AN URBAN COUNCILLOR, WHOSE APPOINTMENTS WILL EXPIRE NEXT DECEMBER.
THE TEN OFFICIAL MEMBERS ARE THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW COMPOSITION OF ACAN, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GARETH MULLOY, SAID THAT THE STATUS AND VALUE OF THE ADVISORY BODY WOULD BE FURTHER ENHANCED BY THE ADDITIONAL REPRESENTATIVES FROM PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY BODIES.
"CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN RECENT YEARS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ILLICIT DRUGS, BUT MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE.
"IT IS HOPED THAT THE NEW APPOINTEES WITH THEIR RICH EXPERIENCE WILL MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DELIBERATIONS OF ACAN," HE ADDED.
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GERRY FORSGATE RE-APPOINTED KCRC CHAIRMAN ♦ * * * *
A GAZETTE NOTICE TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED THE RE-APPOINTMENTS OF MR. H.M.G. FORSGATE, CBE, JP AS CHAIRMAN AND THE HON. CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, OBE, JP AS MEMBER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS FROM DECEMBER 24, 1988.
THE HON. EDWARD HO SING-TIN, JP IS ALSO APPOINTED AS MEMBER OF THE CORPORATION FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS.
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/5........
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
- 5 -
HONG KONG JOINS REGIONAL AQUACULTURE NETWORK
*****
HONG KONG HAS JOINED THE NETWORK OF AQUACULTURE CENTRES IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (NACA) AFTER SIGNING AND RATIFYING THE NACA AGREEMENT EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THE INSTRUMENT OF RATIFICATION FOR THE NACA AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED AND DEPOSITED IN THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE UNITED NATIONS FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION (FAO) IN ROME ON DECEMBER 14.
THE BRUSSELS-BASED MINISTER FOR HONG KONG'S COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND THE MEMBER STATES, MR STEUART WEBB-JOHNSON, SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
NACA IS A REGIONAL INTER-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION WHICH AIMS TO PROMOTE AQUACULTURE FISHERIES PRODUCTION THROUGH RESEARCH, TRAINING AND RELATED INFORMATION ACTIVITIES, CO-ORDINATED BY A NETWORK STRUCTURE.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR CHRISTOPHER LEE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT HONG KONG HAD OVER THE PAST DECADE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH NACA WHEN IT WAS OPERATED AS A PROGRAMME UNDER THE FAO AND FUNDED BY THE UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
NACA HAS RECENTLY RECONSTITUTED ITSELF INTO AN INTER-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION WITH ITS HEADQUARTERS IN BANGKOK, THAILAND.
AS A FULL MEMBER, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM PARTICIPATION IN NACA’S ACTIVITIES DESIGNED TO PROMOTE AQUACULTURE DEVELOPMENT ON A REGIONAL BASIS, DR LEE SAID.
"WITH THIS IN MIND, IT IS OUR INTENTION THAT HONG KONG SHOULD MAINTAIN ITS MEMBER STATUS IN THE NACA AFTER 1997," HE ADDED.
AQUACULTURE HAS IN RECENT YEARS PLAYED AN INCREASING ROLE IN PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG’S FISHERIES AND IN THE RURAL ECONOMY GENERALLY, AND FUTURE TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS WILL HELP IN IMPROVING PRODUCTION EFFICIENCY AND REDUCING ANY POSSIBLE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
"THE RESEARCH ACTIVITIES OF NACA IN THESE AREAS WILL THEREFORE BE OF CONSIDERABLE VALUE TO HONG KONG WHICH WILL ALSO DERIVE BENEFIT FROM THE TECHNICAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND OTHER TECHNICAL INFORMATION OFFERED BY NACA," DR LEE SAID.
AT PRESENT, OTHER GOVERNMENTS IN THE ASIAN AND PACIFIC REGION WHICH HAVE SIGNED THE NACA AGREEMENT COMPRISE CHINA, NEPAL, THE DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA AND SRI LANKA.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
- 6 -
CANDIDATES MAY SPEND MORE ON UC/RC ELECTIONS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
THE EXPENDITURE CEILING FOR THE COMING URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS IN MARCH 1989 WILL BE RAISED FROM 335,000 TO 343,000 AS PROMULGATED IN THE URBAN COUNCIL, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS ELECTION EXPENSES (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THIS ADJUSTMENT, WHICH IS THE RESULT OF A REVIEW CONDUCTED RECENTLY, IS BASED ON INFLATION SINCE AUGUST 1985 WHEN THE PREVIOUS LIMIT WAS SET,” SAID A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN.
HE SAID THAT THE LIMITS ON ELECTION EXPENSES WERE REVIEWED ON A REGULAR BASIS AND IN TWO STAGES.
”A REVIEW IS CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER EACH ELECTION AND AGAIN SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE NEXT ELECTION SO THAT THE LIMITS MAY KEEP UP WITH CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES AND INFLATION," HE SAID.
"THE LIMITS MUST BE NEITHER SO HIGH AS TO GIVE A CANDIDATE WITH AMPLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE OVER HIS LESS WELL-OFF COMPETITORS, NOR SO LOW AS TO RESTRICT CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES UNREASONABLY."
------O-------
FINAL DATE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENT » ♦ ♦ * ♦
UNDER SECTION 18(2) OF THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE, JANUARY 23, 1989 HAS BEEN APPOINTED AS THE FINAL DATE BY WHICH APPLICATIONS FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENT FROM TRAVEL AGENTS’ RESERVE FUND SHOULD BE MADE BY FORMER CLIENTS OF DEFAULTING TRAVEL AGENTS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), THE REGISTRAR OF TRAVEL AGENTS, MR JOSEPH WONG SAID THAT THE CLIENTS AFFECTED BY THE AUSTRAVEL AND P.C. TRAVEL SERVICE CASES WERE INVITED TO APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENT IN APRIL AND JULY 1988 RESPECTIVELY, AFTER THE COMPLETION OF WINDING-UP PROCEEDINGS.
"A MAJORITY OF THE CLIENTS AFFECTED HAVE APPLIED AND OVER 3,000 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
"THOSE WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED MAY DO SO BEFORE JANUARY 23, 1989 BY CONTACTING THE TRAVEL AGENTS REGISTRY AT HENNESSY CENTRE, EAST WING, 6TH FLOOR, 500 HENNESSY ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG. TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-761921," HE SAID.
THE TRAVEL AGENTS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1988 (SPECIFIED DATE) NOTICE 1988 WHICH SPECIFIED THAT JANUARY 23, 1989 AS THE FINAL DATE FOR SUCH APPLICATIONS WAS GAZETTED TODAY.
-----O------ /?.....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30,
1988
IMPROVEMENTS TO NEW PENSION SCHEME *****
IMPROVEMENTS ARE MADE TO THE EXISTING PENSION LEGISLATION BY REMOVING TECHNICAL ANOMALIES WHICH HAVE COME TO LIGHT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW PENSION SCHEME LAST YEAR.
THE AMENDMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN THE PENSIONS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1988 GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
’’THE AMENDMENTS ARE LARGELY TECHNICAL AND WILL IN NO WAY AFFECT OR ERODE CIVIL SERVANTS’ EXISTING PENSION RIGHTS. THE STAFF SIDES HAVE BEEN INFORMED," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE REGULATIONS WILL BE LAID BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JANUARY 11, 1989.
LIVE CLEAN AND STAY HEALTHY CAMPAIGN STARTS NEXT WEEK *****
A TWO-MONTH CAMPAIGN TO DRIVE HOME THE MESSAGE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND SANITATION WILL BE LAUNCHED NEXT THURSDAY (JANUARY 5, 1989).
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT ( OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE 1989 "LIVE CLEAN AND STAY HEALTHY" CAMPAIGN WILL BE PUBLICISED THROUGH THE BUILDING SANITATION EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE MOUNTED IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF SHATIN TOWN HALL FROM NEXT THURSDAY (JANUARY 5) TO JANUARY 11, 1989; AND IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF CITY HALL FROM JANUARY 14 TO 24.
IT WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC EVERY DAY FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM AND RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. ADMISSION IS FREE.
"THE CAMPAIGN IS AIMED AT PROMOTING PUBLIC AWARENESS ON WAYS TO PREVENT AND ABATE SANITARY NUISANCES COMMONLY FOUND IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, AND TO ENHANCE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SAID.
"DURING THE CAMPAIGN, EDUCATIONAL POSTERS AND LEAFLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO OWNERS CORPORATIONS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, BUILDING MANAGEMENT OFFICES AND SCHOOLS AND THEY WILL ALL BE INVITED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION.
/’’FOR GROUP
FRIDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1988
- 8 -
"FOR GROUP VISIT, A HEALTH INSPECTOR WILL GUIDE VISITORS AND EXPLAIN VARIOUS DETAILS OF THE EXHIBITS AND ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE BY PRIOR REQUEST AT 3-7236234,” HE ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL CONVEY USEFUL INFORMATION RELATED TO THE METHODS OF ENHANCING ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
THESE INCLUDE THE HYGIENE AT HOME, LIGHTING AND VENTILATION, REFUSE AND JUNK, PEST PROBLEMS, WATER SUPPLY AND DRAINAGE, COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS, OC’S AND MAC’S, AND THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BUILDING SANITATION AND THE OUTBREAK OF DISEASES.
"AN ATTRACTIVE FILM ON COMMON BUILDING SANITATION PROBLEMS WILL ALSO BE ON SHOW AT THE EXHIBITIONS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"IN ADDITION, THE HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE MSB WILL ALSO OPERATE A 24 - HOUR HEALTH EDUCATION HOTLINE ------ 3-7236234 ------ TO CONVEY A TAPED MESSAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN AND TO RECORD PUBLIC ENQUIRIES," HE ADDED.
-----0------
PUBLIC AUCTION OF GOVERNMENT LAND * * * *
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING TWO PIECES OF GOVERNMENT LAND FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ON JANUARY 25, 1989.
ONE OF THE LOTS IS LOCATED AT HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,230 SQUARE METRES, AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES, EXCLUDING GODOWN AND RESIDENTIAL BUT INCLUDING HOTEL AND/OR SERVICE APARTMENT.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER HAS TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 65,000 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.
THE OTHER LOT IS LOCATED AT THE TUNG TAU INDUSTRIAL AREA IN YUEN LONG.
THE AREA OF THE LOT IS ABOUT 1,736 SQUARE METRES, AND IT IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE.
THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF AT LEAST 8,333 SQUARE METRES BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.
/FULL PARTICULARS
FRIDAY, DECBXBER JO, 1988
- 9 -
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM AND SALE PLANS SEEN AT THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG; THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES WEST WING, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-------0 -
GO AHEAD FOR TUEN MUN RECLAMATION PROJECT
***«*•
AUTHORISATION HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT RECLAMATION WORK IN AREA 18, TUEN MUN.
THE RECLAMATION, WHICH WILL INVOLVE ABOUT 12 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED, WILL PROVIDE POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL LAND FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIES AND FOR THE COMPLETION OF A ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE LAND DEVELOPMENT AT THE NORTH AND SOUTHWEST PARTS OF TUEN MUN.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RIVER WALL MEASURING ABOUT 370 METRES, DREDGING OF THE RIVER BED AND RECLAMATION BEHIND THE RIVER WALL.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RIVER WALL WILL IMPROVE THE WATERFLOW OF THE TUEN MUN NULLAH AND THE AESTHETIC APPEARANCE OF THE LOWER REACH OF THE NULLAH.
A NULLAH-SIDE PROMENADE WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO LINK WITH THE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN AREA 28 TO THE SOUTH.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN NOTICES OF AUTHORISATION PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HIS INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED WILL BE INJURIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE ABOVE UNDERTAKING MAY DELIVER TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS A WRITTEN CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 29, 1989.
- 0 - -
/1O
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988'
10 x -
CSD ORGANISES FESTIVE ACTIVITIES FOR VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE *****
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES FOR VIETNAMESE PEOPLE IN BOTH DETENTION CENTRES AND REFUGEE CENTRES IN THE FIRST WEEK OF THE NEW YEAR.
THESE INCLUDE VARIETY SHOWS, OUTINGS, VIDEO SHOWS AND VARIOUS KINDS OF BALL GAME COMPETITIONS AND MANY OTHERS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: "IT IS OUR HOPE THAT THE RESIDENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN CAN HAVE A HAPPY TIME DURING THE NEW YEAR AND ENJOY THE FESTIVAL THE SAME AS OTHERS IN HONG KONG."
"IN FACT, OUR STAFF HAVE BEEN VERY BUSY ORGANISING A VARIETY OF CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES FOR THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND REFUGEES," HE ADDED.
CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS, WHICH INCLUDED PARTIES, VARIETY SHOWS, CONCERTS, BARBECUES AND FESTIVAL DECORATION COMPETITIONS WERE HELD IN THE DETENTION CENTRES AND REFUGEE CENTRES IN THE PAST TWO WEEKS.
GAMES STALLS, VIDEO SHOWS AND PLAY GROUPS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN WERE ALSO HELD.
CSD STAFF ALSO HELPED VISITING ORGANISATIONS DISTRIBUTE GIFTS TO THE REFUGEES AND BOAT PEOPLE. RELIGIOUS SERVICES WERE ARRANGED FOR CHRISTIANS OF THE CENTRES DURING CHRISTMAS.
- 0 - -
CARNIVAL FOR LANTAU RESIDENTS * * * *
THE "LANTAU -- ONE BIG FAMILY" CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK SOUTHERN DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL, MUI WO THIS SUNDAY (JANUARY 1) MORNING.
ADMISSION TO THE CARNIVAL, WHICH STARTS AT 10.30 AM, IS FREE.
THERE WILL BE A PERFORMANCE BY THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES POP MUSIC BAND, GAME STALLS, AND SPORTS GAMES.
THE ACTIVITY IS ORGANISED BY THE LANTAU AREA COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AS A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT WHICH AIMS AT IMPROVING THE SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THE ISLANDERS.
IT IS FUNDED WITH ALLOCATION TO THE AREA COMMITTEE BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PRIVATE SPONSORS.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SO KAM-SHING, THE CHAIRMEN OF THE MUI WO, SOUTH LANTAU, TAI O AND TUNG CHUNG RURAL COMMITTEES, AND THREE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
---0 -
/11
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
- 11 -
IMMIGRATION STAFF COMMENDED
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER, PRESENTED COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES TO 86 STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS THIS AFTERNOON (DECEMBER 30).
"COMMENDATIONS ARE AWARDED ON A VERY SELECTIVE BASIS AS A RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE," MR CARTER SAID.
MR TSE CHOR-KIN, SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICER, AND 14 OTHER OFFICERS OF THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE DIVISION RECEIVED COMMENDATIONS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING EFFORTS AND ABILITY IN HANDLING THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND EX-CHINA VIETNAMESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
-----0-----
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1989
*****
COPIES OF THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST 1989 MAY BE COLLECTED TODAY (FRIDAY) FROM THE GIS NEWSROOM AT 6 PM.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE HONOURS LIST WILL BE MADE IN LONDON AT 0001 HOURS GMT ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 31).
PUBLICATION IS PERMITTED IN HONG KONG NEWSPAPERS TOMORROW (DECEMBER 31), BUT NO NEWS AGENCY OR OVERSEAS RADIO TRANSMISSION OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT MAY CARRY THE INFORMATION WITHOUT THE EMBARGO QUALIFICATION.
THE NEWS MAY BE BROADCAST FROM 6 AM ONWARDS TOMORROW (DECEMBER 31) OVER THE LOCAL RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
ON NO ACCOUNT SHOULD ANY OF THE RECIPIENTS OF HONOURS BE CONTACTED FOR INTERVIEWS, OR FOR INFORMATION RELATED TO THEIR CAREERS, OR BE APPROACHED IN ANY WAY IN CONNECTION WITH THEIR AWARDS BEFORE THESE HAVE BEEN PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED.
-----o------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
12 TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN * * * * *
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 2), SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WONG TAI SIN TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK IN FU MEI STREET.
THE STRAIGHT-AHEAD TRAFFIC MOVEMENT ON WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD FROM THE NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FU MEI STREET TO THE SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE BANNED.
SOUTHBOUND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU MEI STREET, FU KEUNG STREET, WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF FU KEUNG STREET BETWEEN FU MEI STREET AND WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED FROM THE EXISTING ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
------o-------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YUEN LONG
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BETWEEN 11.30 AM AND 7 PM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 2) FOR THE CELEBRATION OF WANG CHAU TA CHIU.
A PARADE WHICH WILL PASS THROUGH WANG CHAU, YUEN LONG TOWN AND PING SHAN WILL BE HELD.
TRAFFIC WILL BE STOPPED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE PROCESSION PASSES THROUGH THE FOLLOWING ROAD JUNCTIONS:
* PO YIP STREET WITH LONG YIP STREET;
* PO YIP STREET WITH YUEN LONG ON LOK ROAD;
* TUNG LOK STREET WITH YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD;
* MA MIU ROAD WITH YUEN LONG ON NING ROAD;
* MA MIU ROAD WITH MA WANG ROAD;
* MA MIU ROAD WITH WANG TAT ROAD; »
* MA MIU ROAD WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG); AND
» TIN SHUI WAI SOUTHWESTERN ACCESS ROAD WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (PING SHAN).
/MOTORISTS ARE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER JO, 1988
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE HEED OF POLICE INSTRUCTIONS AT THESE JUNCTIONS.
IN ADDITION, THE LIGHT RAIL VEHICLES RUNNING BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED WHEN THE PROCESSION CROSSING THE JUNCTIONS OF MA MIU ROAD WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (YUEN LONG) AND 1 IN SHUI WAI SOUTHWESTERN ACCESS ROAD WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD (PING SH
-------0----------
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ♦ t * * *
EIGHT GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL STAY OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM ON JANUARY 2 (MONDAY) WHICH IS A PUBLIC HOLIDAY.
THE EIGHT CLINICS ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND SHAU ---------------------------- --. JOCKEY
WAN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC ON HONG KONG ISLAND; KWUN TONG HEALTH CENTRE, ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE AND YAU MA TEI CLINIC IN KOWLOON; LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC
JOCKEY JOCKEY
IN THE
KEI CLUB CLUB CLUB
NEW
TERRITORIES.
ALL OTHER OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1988
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEM:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF
NEWSPAPERS, NEWS AGENCIES
zxND SROaDCASTIKG STATIONS:
The fallowing announcement on the Queen’s New Year honours list will be made in London at 0001 hours GMT on Saturday, December 31.
Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Saturday, December 31), but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.
The news may be broadcast from 6 am onwards tomorrow (Saturday, December 31) over .the local radio and television stations.
On NO account should any of the recipients of honours be contacted for interviews, or for information related to their careers, or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been
publicly announced
NEW YEAR HONOURS 1989
GBE (Knight Grand Cross of the Most Excellent Order of the British --- Empire)
Sir Sze-yuen CHUNG, CBE, JP
Sir S.Y. has had a long and distinguished record of public service in many fields, notably in higher technical education and the development of productivity and management skills, and in particular he has served on both the Executive and Legislative Councils. He was formerly Senior Member of the Executive Council.
He was awarded the KBE in 1978.
DBE (Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable Lydia DUNN, CBE, JP
Miss Dunn has served on both the Executive and Legislative Councils with marked distinction. She is now Senior Member of the Executive Council and she has also contributed in many areas to the economic success of Hong Kong.
She has been chairman of the Trade Development
Council
since 1983.
CMG (Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St --- George)
The Honourable Jeremy Fell MATHEWS, JP
Mr Mathews has served the Hong Kong Government for 20 years and has played an important role in providing legal advice during the Sino-British talks on Hong Kong’s future.
He became the Attorney General in April 1988.
/Cont * d
2
CBE (Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)
Dr HO Kam-fai, OBE, JP
Dr Ho has an outstanding record of service tc the community. He is a Director of Extramural Studies at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and served on the Legislative Council for 10 years. He was also chairman of the Social Welfare Advisory Committee between 1984 and 1986.
Mr HU Fa-kuang, OBE, JP
Mr Hu served on the Legislative Council for nine years. His contributions have included work on the Housing Authority and the Land Development Corporation, of which he is chairman.
Mr LI Ka-shing, JP
Mr Li has helped to create the wealth of Hong Kong through his contribution to the industrial and commercial development and well-being of Hong Kong, and in particular through his generous personal contribution to benevolent and welfare organisations.
OBE (Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)
Professor Dafydd Meurig Emrys EVANS, JP
Professor Evans has held high office in the University of Hong Kong since 1969 and was instrumental in setting up the School of Law within the university in 1978. He is recognised as one of the pioneers of legal education in Hong Kong.
Professor MA Chung Ho-kei, JP
Professor Ma has had a distinguished medical career and has gained international recognition in the fields of obstetrics and gynaecology and in programmes involving population and family planning.
/Cont * d
5
Mr Henry Michael Pearson MILES
Mr Miles was, until recently, chairman of the Swire Group and Cathay Pacific Airways, and has done much to develop Hong Kong as a tourist and business centre.
Dr NIP Kam-fan, JP
Dr Nip joined the former Public Works Department as an Apprentice Engineer in 1956 and has obtained impressive academic qualifications. He has served as head of the Civil Engineering Services Department for the past four years. •
The Honourable POON Wing-cheung, Peter, MBE, JP
Mr Poon has made an outstanding contribution to the Legislative Council and to accountancy in Hong Kong. He has served on many committees and in particular the Securities Review Committee.
OBE(Hon)
The Honourable HUI Yin-fat
Mr Hui has made a remarkable contribution to the people of Hong Kong, particularly in the field of social welfare. He is a member of the Legislative Council and has participated in a wide range of activities, groups and standing panels.
ISO (Companion of the Imperial Service Order)
Mr Derek HOGAN
Mr Hogan has served in the Education Department for 29 years. He has contributed greatly to the setting up of the Hong Kong Examinations Authority.
/Cont’d •••
Mr Alexander Lamont PURVES, JP
Mr Purves spent a large part of his civil service career in the former Trade, Industry and Customs Department where he made a significant contribution to the economic success of Hong Kong. He has been Director of Urban Services for the last two and a half years.
Mr Michael John SMITH, JP
Mr Smith joined the Civil Service as an Executive Officer in 1958. He has served in a number of government departments and is an able and caring administrator. He was promoted to Deputy Director of Government Supplies in 1985.
MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire)
Mr Ronald Ballantyne BLANCHE
Mr Blanche joined the Overseas Audit Service in 1958 and was appointed as an Auditor to Hong Kong in 1974. He has made a considerable contribution to the development of "value for money" audit in Hong Kong.
Mr Robert Kenneth BROWN
Mr Brown was recruited in 1980 to strengthen the senior directorate of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, with particular responsibility for the support and inspection functions. He has made a very significant contribution to the development of the force over the last eight years.
Mr CHAN Cheuk-sang
Mr Chan is the officer in charge of all operational sub-units of the Auxiliary Medical Services (AMS). His personal involvement in many AMS operational activities has promoted a significant increase in effectiveness.
/Cent•d
5
Mr HUI Chun-keung, CPM« JP
Mr Hui is a leading member of the business community and has also devoted much of his free time to the community and in particular the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.
Mr Derek Alexander KINGSTON
Mr Kingston joined the Hong Kong Government in 1973. He is currently Head of the Transport and Workshops Division of the Fire Services Department where he plays a key role in the readiness of the department’s fire fighting vehicles.
Mr LEE Sai-hei
Mr Lee spent his entire career with the Hong Kong Government as a member of the Health Inspectorate and has made an invaluable contribution in the field of environmental hygiene.
Mr Norman MATTIN
Mr Mattin joined the Operations Department of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) in 1975 and has done a great deal personally to foster the good relations which now exist between the Royal Hong Kong Police Force and the ICAC.
Mr NG Cho-yi
Mr Ng has been in Hong Kong Government service for 32 years. He was a founder member of the Immigration Service Officers’ Association and is now a Chief Immigration Officer.
MBE (Military Division)
Major Francis Robert MULLENS, ED
Major Mullens was the regimental Second-in-Command of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) for two years and has been a volunteer soldier for 23 years.
/Coni’d
6
BEM (British Empire Medal)
Mr CHAN Fook-tim
1
Mr Chan has been a member of the clerical service in Government for 33 years, and has served in the Public Records Office since its establishment in 1972.
Mr CHAN Lau
Mr Chan has served in the Urban Services Department for 38 years, of which more than 20 years have been with the Recreation and Amenities section.
Mr FUNG Yuen-sum, Jimmy
Mr Fung joined the Civil Service in 1959 and his present rank of Timekeeper/Checker in 1969.
took up
Mrs Alma Jean HARDING
Mrs Harding worked in the Safe Care Registry of the Government Secretariat from 1968, and has recently retired.
Mr HO Ping-chu
Mr Ho heads the New Territories Region of the Auxiliary Medical Services Operational Unit, which he has served for 36 years.
Mr LAU Wing-kan
Mr Lau joined the Preventive Service (now Customs and Excise) in 1960 and was promoted to Chief Customs Officer in 1981.
/Cont1d
7
Mr LEE Tim-sang
Mr Lee’s service with the Hong Kong Government began in 1956 and in 1974 he joined the Transport Department. He was promoted to Senior Transport Inspector in 1980.
Mr LEE Kam-lun
Mr Lee has served the Royal Hong Kong Police Force for 29 years and since 1974 he has been in charge of the Government Registry of the Hong Kong Island Regional Headquarters.
Mr LI Hing
Mr Li joined the former Prisons Department as a Warder in 1957. Since 1977 he has been in charge of the Lai Chi Kok Transport Pool.
Mr LUI Tak-kai
Mr Lui has been with Government for 28 years and is at present an Inspector of Works.
Mr MA Chung
Mr Ma joined the former Resettlement Department in 1954 and is currently serving with the Squatter Control Division of the Housing Department.
Mr NG Mau-fai, Joseph
Mr Ng is Linen Production Unit Manager of the Medical and Health Department, where he has served since 1952.
Miss Lola O’HOY
Miss O’Hoy joined the Government in 1951 as a Temporary Clerk. She was promoted to Personal Secretary in 1971.
/Cont *d
8
Mr TAM Wai-cheong
Mr Tam is Chief Hospital Foreman in the Medical and Health Department, which he joined in 1960.
Mr TSE Kwok-fu
Mr Tse joined the Civil Aid Services in 1953 and now commands the CAS Brass and Pipe Band.
Mr WONG Kui
Mr Wong is a Senior Amenities Assistant in the Urban Services Department, which he joined 30 years ago.
BEM (Military Division)
Flight Sergeant Edward Vincent LAU, AE
Flight Sergeant Lau joined the Royal Auxiliary Air Force in 1963 and has served continuously and Accounts Section.
Hong Kong in the Pay
QPM (The Queen’s Police Medal)
Mr CHAN Kang-po, William
1954 and promoted
Mr has held to Chief
Chan joined the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police a variety of posts over the past 35 years. He Superintendent in 1977.
in was
Mr LEE Lam-chuen, CPM
Mr Lee is an Assistant Commissioner of served for 27 years in the Uniform Branch and Investigation Department.
Police. He has the Criminal
/Cont’d
9
QFSM (The Queen’s Fire Service Medal)
Mr WOO Kwan-kuen, CPM
Chief Fire Officer Woo has served in various units of the operational^ fire protection and headquarter commands of the Fire Services Department for 32 years.
CPM (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr CHAN Tit-kin
Mr Chan joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1964 as a Probationary Inspector and was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 1986.
Mr CHEUNG Fook-leung
Mr Cheung’s service has mainly been as an Investigator in the Hong Kong Island Region, Crime Wing and as an instructor at the Detective Training School. He joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force 26 years ago.
Mr Justin CUNNINGHAM
Mr Cunningham is the District Commander at Hong Kong International Airport. He joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1967.
Mr Donald Ellis GRIFFITHS
Mr Griffiths joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1964 and is currently the Senior Staff Officer, Operations, in Kowloon Regional Headquarters.
/Cont’d •••
10
Mr HSU King-ping
During his 22 years in the Fire Services Department, Mr Hsu has served in the operational, fire protection and headquarters commands. He is at present a Senior Divisional Officer.
Mr Ian Frank LACY-SMITH
Mr Lacy-Smith joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force
in 1962, and is at present serving as the Senior Staff Officer, Administration, in Kowloon Regional Headquarters.
Mr LEUNG Koon-tung
Principal Fireman Leung has served for 28 years in the Fire
Services Department. Since 1984 he has been carrying out operational duties in the Hong Kong Command area.
Mr LEUNG Kwong-ling
Principal Fireman Leung joined the Fire Services
Department over 25 years ago. He was promoted to Principal Fireman in 1978.
Mr LEUNG Pak-shing
Mr Leung has served in the Royal Hong Kong Police Force for 26 years and is at present a Station Sergeant.
Mr LI Tung
Mr Li joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1950 and retired as a Chief Inspector earlier this year.
Mr LIP Chung-wai
Mr Lip is currently a Station Sergeant and has held a
variety of posts during his 29 years in the Police Force, in the Uniform Branch and the Criminal Investigation Department.
/Cont’d
11
Mr Denis Leslie SHACKLETON
Me Shackleton joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1967 and rose to his present rank of Chief Superintendent in November 1986.
Mr Robert Thomas SULLIVAN
Mr
Kong Police Force
Sullivan has served for 33 years in the and is at present a Chief Inspector.
Royal Hong
Mr Peter James THOMPSON
Mr Thompson has spent the majority of his 19 years’ service in the police force in the Uniform Branch. He is now a Senior Superintendent and a Deputy District Commander.
Mr Thomas THOMSON
Mr Thomson.joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1968 and is at present a Senior Superintendent.
Mr Matthew Vincent WALSH
Mr Walsh has served with the Royal Hong Kong Police Force for 20 years and is at present a Senior Superintendent. He has held a variety of staff and operational appointments.
Mr YUEN Kam-chi
Principal Fireman Yuen has served for 30 years in the Fire Services Department. His present appointment is as a Principal Fireman (Airport).
/Cont’d
12
BADGE OF HONOUR
Mr CHAN Chee-yum
Mr Chan is the principal of a well-established
secondary school in Kowloon, and for many years has contributed to the promotion of the Hong Kong Youth Cultural and Arts Competition.
Mr CHAN Suen
Mr Chan has been involved in community service since
1968 and has played an active role in the Peng Chau Rural Committee.
Mr CHEN Kwong
Mr Chen is well known to kaifongs for his enthusiasm
in community activities. He is currently chairman of the Aberdeen and Harbour Area Committee.
Mr CHENG Hoi-chuen
Mr Cheng is the owner of a bakery in Yuen Long and
has been an active member of the community for 10 years. He is a member of the Yuen Long District Board.
Mr CHENG Pek-heng
Mr Cheng has served the community for many years and
is also the chief editor of ’Wah Chun House MAC News1, a newspaper well known in the Wah Fu area.
Mr CHU Sai-hei
Mr Chu is a garment manufacturer and exporter in Yuen
Long and has participated in a wide range of local community activities including the Pok Oi Hospital and the New Territories Schools Sports Association.
/Cont*d
15
Mr FONG Pui-sheung, David
Mr Fong was appointed to the Ho Man Tin North Area Committee in 1977 and is at present its chairman. He was also apointed to the Kowloon City District Board in 1985.
Mr KUT Sing-Kung
Mr Kut began his community service in the Wong Tai Sin district in 1966 and was elected to the Wong Tai Sin District Board in 1985 and 1988.
Mr LAM Yim
Mr Lam is a community leader of the Yuen Long district and has been an enthusiastic promoter of a wide range of activities for the leisure pursuits of Yuen Long residents.
Mr LO Yan-shing
Mr Lo has a long history of service in the community starting with his involvement with the District Scouts Association. He has served the District Administration Scheme since 1953 and is now serving as a co-opted member in the Culture and Arts Committee of the Kwai Tsing District Board.
Mr MAK Wan-ming
Mr Mak has served the Mong Kok district for some years and is currently a co-opted member of the District Board Community Building Committee as well as a member of the District Fight Crime Committee. He has also been vice-chairman of Yau Ma Tei Kaifong Association since 1979.
Miss Angela Mary SMITH
Miss Smith joined the Hong Kong Government as an Education Officer in 1962 and, until recently, was principal of the King George V School in Kowloon. She has made a valuable contribution to St. John’s Cathedral.
/Cent * d
14
Mr TENG Chong-tai
Mr Teng is a school principal and has been an appointed member of the Wan Chai District Board since 1985.
Mr TO Kam-chow
Mr To started his social service as a village representative before rising to the position of vice-chairman of the Tuen Mun Rural Committee in 1982. He became an appointed District Board member in 1988 and is now chairman of the Cultural. Recreation and Sports Committee of the Tuen Mun District Board.
Mr YUEN Pak-ying
Mr Yuen has a long and substantial record of community service especially in the field of education. He has helped to consolidate the role of the Yau Ma Tei School Liaison Committee.
MILITARY DIVISION
BEM (British Empire Medal)
Staff Sergeant CHAN Miu-kei
Staff Sergeant Neil Ward PORTER
Sergeant Rameshbahadur Gurung
Hong Kong Military Service Corps
415 Maritime Troop. Royal
Corps of Transport
Training Depot, Brigade of Gurkhas
o
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1988
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ACT TOGETHER TO MAKE HK BETTER, CLEANER PLaCE TO LIVE IN : GOVERNOR .................................................... 1
GOVERNOR TO VISIT MACAU .................................... 1
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER PUBLISHED ................. 2
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS GUIDELINES ON AMUSEMENT GaMES CENTRES ..................................................... 5
TUEN MUN FIGHT CRIME EXHIBITION AIMS AT YOUTH .............. 5
DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ISLANDS DISTRICT ACTIVITIES.......... 6
SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS PROVISION OF FACILITIES 7
25TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL BEGINS ON JANUARY 4 ............ 8
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE GRADUATE EXCELS IN UK ACCOUNTANCY EXAMINATION ................................................. 8
NT SITES OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS .................... 9
HUNG MUI KUK SLIP ROAD TEMPORARILY CLOSED................... 11
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TaI SIN ....................... 12
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1988
1
ACT TOGETHER TO MAKE HK BETTER, CLEANER PLACE TO LIVE IN : GOVERNOR
* * » * *
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE NEW YEAR MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON:
THE END OF THE YEAR IS BOTH A TIME FOR REMEMBRANCE AND A TIME FOR RENEWAL.
WE IN HONG KONG NEED ONLY TO LOOK AROUND US TO SEE TANGIBLE EVIDENCE OF OUR PROGRESS DURING 1988. OUR ECONOMY IS DOING WELL. OUR INFRASTRUCTURE IS SOUNDLY BASED; AND WE ARE MAKING FURTHER STRIDES IN EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES.
WE HAVE CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION. BUT THIS FESTIVE OCCASION SHOULD ALSO GIVE US THE CHANCE TO LOOK AHEAD.
THERE IS MUCH THAT STILL REMAINS TO BE DONE.
IN OUR RAPID PROGRESS AND OUR DESIRE TO COMPETE WITH THE BEST IN AN INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE WORLD, WE MUST NOT NEGLECT THE OTHER FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO A BALANCED AND HEALTHY SOCIETY.
THAT SAME ENTHUSIASM AND ENTERPRISE THAT HAVE GONE INTO IMPROVING OUR MATERIAL WELLBEING CAN, AND MUST, BE USED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR OUR COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
WE CAN AFFORD TO FIND MORE TIME, AND SHOW GREATER CONCERN, FOR THOSE LESS ABLE TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES. AND WE CAN ACT TOGETHER, WITH GREATER RESOLVE, TO MAKE HONG KONG AN EVEN BETTER, CLEANER PLACE TO LIVE IN.
AS THE LAST DAY OF THE OLD YEAR GIVES WAY TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW, MY FAMILY AND I WISH ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG A HAPPY, HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS 1989.
------o--------
GOVERNOR TO VISIT MACAU
* * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL PAY AN ONE-DAY VISIT TO MACAU ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 5) AT THE INVITATION OF THE MACAU GOVERNOR, MR CARLOS MELANCIA.
DURING THE VISIT, SIR DAVID WILL BE BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENTS IN MACAU AND DISCUSS TOPICS OF MUTUAL INTEREST.
SIR DAVID WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON; THE ACTING POLITICAL ADVISER, MR STEPHEN BRADLEY; AND THE GOVERNOR'S PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR RICHARD HOARE.
THE PARTY WILL ARRIVE IN MACAU AT ABOUT 10 AM AND RETURN TO HONG KONG LATE AFTERNOON.
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/2
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1988
2
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR NOVEMBER PUBLISHED
*****
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS RECORDED CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN NOVEMBER COMPARED WITH OCTOBER, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH.
THE BROADER DEFINITIONS OF HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY, HK$M2 AND HK$M3, GREW AT THE SAME RATES AS IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. HK$M1, ON THE OTHER HAND, INCREASED LESS RAPIDLY IN NOVEMBER THAN IN OCTOBER.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORIZED INSTITUTIONS CONTINUED TO GROW STEADILY IN NOVEMBER. ALL MAJOR CATEGORIES OF LOANS INCLUDING THOSE TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE, THOSE FOR USE IN HONG KONG AND THOSE FOR USE OFFSHORE REGISTERED INCREASES DURING THE MONTH.
THE ACCOMPANYING TABLE SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1988 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS.
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ROSE BY 4.4 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 0.4 PER CENT AND 4.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY. OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND, SAVINGS, AND TIME DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 1.1 PER CENT, 4.9 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1988, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 19.2 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS GREW BY 5.7 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER FOLLOWING INCREASES OF 2.2 PER CENT AND 1.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY. OF THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE BY 5.4 PER CENT WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 6 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE BY 29 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS DECLINED SLIGHTLY BY 0.4 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.3 PER CENT AND 3.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 3.9 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND BY 21.6 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
ON THE OTHER HAND, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 6.2 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER AND BY 27.7 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH BANKS GREW BY 5 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ROSE BY 7 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1988, THE FORMER ROSE BY 27 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 3.4 PER CENT.
/MONEY SUPPLY .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER J1, 1988
- 3
MONEY SUPPLY
HK$M1, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 GREW BY 1.3 PER CENT, 4.5 PER CENT AND 4.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER. THESE COMPARED WITH CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OF 3.6 PER CENT, 4.5 PER CENT ANZ 4.1 PER CENT IN OCTOBER. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER, H , HKSM2 AND HK$M3 GREW BY 21.3 PER CENT, 23.4 PER CENT AND 20.4 ER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SWAP DEPOSITS, HK$M2 GREW BY 3.9 PER CENT WHILE HK$M3 ROSE BY 3.7 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER. OVER THE YEAR, THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES WERE 25.4 PER CENT AND 22.4 PER CENT.
TOTAL Ml, M2, AND M3 GREW BY 1.8 PER CENT, 4.9 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN OCTOBER WERE 2.9 PER CENT, 3.2 PER CENT AND 2.8 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER, TOTAL Ml GREW BY 19.6 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 BY 27.4 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 24.7 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES GREW BY 3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 3 PER CENT AND 3.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY.
OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 4.1 PER CENT, WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES GREW BY 2.1 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG GREW BY 1.1 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 0.6 PER CENT AND 3.5 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY; OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 27 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 3.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER FOLLOWING GROWTH RATES OF 2.1 PER CENT AND 3.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 28.7 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG INCREASED BY 3.3 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 2.2 PER CENT AND 2.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 30.1 PER CENT.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 158. THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES DECLINED BY ONE TO 35 WHILE THAT OF REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES FELL BY TWO TO 217.
/Monetary statistics
SATURDAY, DECEMBER yi, 19^8
Nov 1988
M^ney Supply Oct 1988
HI - HEX 70.698 77,725
Foreign currency 9.742 9.169
Total 88.439 86,894
M2 - HF.t 354.334 339.175
Foreign currency 466,567 443.509
Total 320.900 782.684
MT - UKI 367.345 372.052
Foreign currency 501.638 474.442
Tota 1 889.033 846,494
Holes and coins In circulation 32.293 31.895
of which held by public 28.363 27.931
Total Deposits T-t'*! Demand deposits 60.076 58.963
Totti Savings deposits 174.278 167.572
Total Time deposits with banks 542.529 513.495
T c”1 Time deposits with dtcs 66.044 61.712
HHS deposits 346.700 332.139
U31 deposits 264,336 250.901
Oih--r fer*lgn currency deposits 231.889 218,701
AI 1 depo*its 842,926 801.741
Foreign currency swap deposits 40.755 40,920
Total Loans and advances To finance II K.’s visible trade 55.436 54.849
To finance merchandising trade 7.709 6.424
net touching H K. Other loans for use in H.K. 446.183 431 .754
Other loans for use outside H.K. 375,550 363.548
Cihe. loans where the place of 65,923 66,820
use Is not known Loans in HK$ 396.930 381. 183
Lcsn* in fore 1gn-currencies 553.871 542.313
Total loans and advances 950.801 923.496
MONETARY STATISTICS - NOVEMBER 1988
(HI'.tnin)
EaiIler months
C X change to November 1988 )
Aug 1988 Nov 1987
( 1 3 X) 73,834 ( 6 6 X) 64.890 ( 21.3 X)
( 6 2 X) 9.298 ( 4 3 X) 9.029 ( 7.9 X)
( I 8 xi 83.132 ( 6 4 X) 73,919 ( 19 6 X)
( 4 5 x i 322.016 ( 10 0 X) 287.258 ( 23.4 X)
( 5 2 X) 422.576 ( 10 4 X) 357.292 ( 30.6 X)
( 4 9 X) 744.591 ( 10.2 X) 644.550 ( 27.4 X)
( 4 1 X) 355.204 ( 9.0 X) 321.827 ( 20.4 X)
( 5.7 X) 455.163 ( ’10.2 X) 390.992 ( 28 3 X)
( 5.0 X) 810,367 ( 9 7 X) 712.819 ( 24.7 X)
( 1 3 X) 30.999 ( 4 5 *) 26.672 ( 21 1 »)
( 1 5 X) 26,930 ( 5 3 X) 23.183 ( 22. 3 X)
( 1 . 9 X) 56.202 ( 6 9 x> 50,736 ( 18.4 X)
( 4 0 •;) 164.770 ( 5 8 X) 157.472 ( 10.7 X)
( 5 ? X| 483.227 ( 12.3 X) 403.426 ( 34.5 X)
( 7 () x> 63.701 ( 3 7 X) 63,854 ( 3 4 X)
( 4 4 X) 316.68/ ( 9 5 X) 290.853 ( 19 2 X)
( 5. 4 ?.) 240.321 ( 10 0 X) 221.357 ( 19 4 X)
( 6 0 %) 210.890 ( 10 0 X) 163.279 ( 42.0 X)
( 5. 1 X) 767.900 ( 9 8 X) 675.488 ( 24.8 X)
( -0 4 %) 38.267 ( 6.5 X) 27.876 ( 46.2 X)
( 1 1 X) 52,694 ( 5.2 X) 43.645 ( 27.0 X)
( 20 0 X) 6.352 ( 214 X) 6.585 ( 17 I X)
( 3 3 •1 409.458 ( 9.0 X) 346.768 ( 28 7 X)
( 3 3 XI 346.210 ( 8 5 X) 288,636 ( 30. 1 X)
( -1 3 X) 54.7 36 ( 20.4 X) 56.883 ( 15.9 X)
( 4 I X) 365.012 ( 8.7 %) 309.386 ( 28 3 X)
( 2 I X) 504,4 38 ( 9.8 X) 433.136 ( 27.9 XI
( 3.0 X) 369.450 ( 9.4 X) 742,522 ( 28.1 X’
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1988
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS GUIDELINES ON AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES *****
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE LICENSING GUIDELINES ON AMUSEMENT GAMES CENTRES AT A MEETING ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 3) AFTERNOON.
A MEMBER OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN LAU-FONG, WILL RAISE A QUESTION ABOUT THE VILLAGE EXPANSION AREA AT CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND REPORTS BY THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 3) 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 - -
TUEN MUN FIGHT CRIME EXHIBITION AIMS AT YOUTH ♦ ♦ * t t
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL LAUNCH AN EXHIBITION AT THE MUSIC FOUNTAIN PODIUM OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA ON JANUARY 7 AND 8 TO PUT THE FIGHT CRIME MESSAGE ACROSS TO RESIDENTS, ESPECIALLY YOUTHS.
SPONSORED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, THE ’’YOUTHS AND THE COMBAT OF CRIME” EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE CARICATURE DRAWINGS WHICH DEPICT THE CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED BY YOUTHS, CONSEQUENCES OF COMMITTING CRIME, AND THE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF YOUTHS.
WINNING ENTRIES OF THE FIGHT CRIME POSTER AND CARTOON DESIGN COMPETITION HELD ON NOVEMBER THIS YEAR WILL ALSO BE PUT ON DISPLAY WHILE STATISTICS ON CRIMES COMMITTED BY YOUTHS WILL BE MOUNTED FuR PUBLIC’S INFORMATION.
TO ENABLE MORE RESIDENTS TO VIEW THE EXHIBITION, DISPLAY PANELS WILL ALSO BE ERECTED ON JANUARY 21 AND 22 TN THE SHAN KING COMMUNITY HALL AND ON JANUARY 28 AND 29 AT THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE SHOPPING ARCADE.
/ON JANUARY 7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER , 1988
- 6 -
ON JANUARY 7 (SATURDAY), A DESIGN COMPETITION PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE FOYER OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA TO TliE IN WITH THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION.
TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JOHN WAN; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR HUI CHIU-YIN; MEMBER OF THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR LEUNG SAU-CHI; AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR TO KAM-CHAU WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THEY WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO BOTH THE WINNERS OF THE FIGHT CRIME POSTER AND CARTOON DESIGN COMPETITION, AND TO 16 MODEL CITIZENS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME EXHIBITION OPENING CUM PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 7 (SATURDAY) AT THE FOYER OF THE TUEN MUN TOWN PLAZA. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO TAKE GOVERNMENT TRANSPORT TO THE VENUE ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT 1.30 PM AT KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI.
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DB FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR ISLANDS DISTRICT ACTIVITIES
*****
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND YOUTH CENTRES IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT WISHING TO ORGANISE CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES FOR ISLANDERS IN 1989/90 CAN NOW APPLY FOR FUNDS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
"ACTIVITIES FINANCED FROM DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS SHOULD BE NON-PROFIT MAKING, SHOULD NOT GIVE UNDUE CREDIT OR PUBLICITY TO A PARTICULAR PERSON NOR INCUR ANY RECURRENT EXPENSES TO BE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT," HE SAID.
"APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO OBSERVE THE VARIOUS DEADLINES SET BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SEND IN THEIR APPLICATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE STRESSED.
/DEADLINES FOR .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER J1, 1988
DEADLINES FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF APPLICATIONS ARE:
* SPORTS ACTIVITIES/COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES MARCH 1, 1989
* DRAGON BOAT ACTIVITIES (1989) APRIL 15, 1989
» CHINESE NEW YEAR ACTIVTIES (1990) JUNE 30, 1989
ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE VETTED BY THE CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, 20TH FLOOR, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8524325.
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SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
TO DISCUSS PROVISION OF FACILITIES * * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD WILL MEET ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 3) 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 SHUT AND FANLING; A SEVEN-STOREY GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING IN FANLING; A MULTI-PURPOSE COMMUNITY HALL IN SHA TAU KOK, AND TWO REGIONAL COUNCIL COMPLEXES, ONE IN SHEK WU HUI AND THE OTHER IN LUEN WO HUI.
SENIOR TOWN PLANNER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES NORTH EAST DEVELOPMENT OFFICE, MR KWAN TSOI-KWAI, WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THESE PROJECTS.
AT THE MEETING, A MEMBER WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED IN NORTH DISTRICT FOR DISCUSSION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING ON TUESDA! (JANUARY 3) BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING.
c -
/3
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1988
- 8 -
25TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL BEGINS ON JANUARY 4 * * * * ♦
THE 25TH SCHOOLS DANCE FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD FROM JANUARY 4 TO 18.
A TOTAL OF 4,065 STUDENTS FROM 269 SCHOOLS HAVE ENTERED FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL.
OF THE 397 GROUPS THAT WILL PARTICIPATE, 165 ARE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS, 214 FROM PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 18 FROM SPECIAL SCHOOLS.
FOUR CATEGORIES OF DANCE WILL BE INCLUDED - WESTERN FOLK DANCE, CHINESE DANCE, ORIENTAL DANCE AND CREATIVE DANCE.
OVERALL CHALLENGE AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED TO SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE ATTAINED THE HIGHEST TOTAL SCORES IN THEIR BEST FOUR DANCES.
SCHOOLS WINNING HONOURS OR HIGHLY COMMENDED AWARDS WILL BE INVITED TO PERFORM AT WINNER’S PERFORMANCES AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONIES.
THESE WILL BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL FROM MARCH 9 TO 12, AT THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON MARCH 21, AND AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL FROM MARCH 31 TO APRIL 2.
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TECHNICAL INSTITUTE GRADUATE EXCELS IN UK ACCOUNTANCY EXAMINATION
*****
AN OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL GRADUATE HAS RECENTLY WON HIGH HONOUR IN THE FINAL EXAMINATION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM ASSOCIATION OF ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS (UKAAT) HELD IN MID-1988.
MISS FUNG CHING-MEI, A GRADUATE OF THE TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME DIPLOMA COURSE IN ACCOUNTANCY OF THE SHA TIN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WAS PLACED FIRST IN THE EXAMINATION LIST OF THE HONG KONG CENTRE.
THIS ACHIEVEMENT CARRIES A PRIZE, FOR THE FIRST TIME, TO MARK THE SETTING UP OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF ACCOUNTING TECHNICIANS.
THAT MEANS SHE HAS WON A CASH PRIZE OF 100 POUND STERLING AWARDED BY DELOITTE HASKINS AND SELLS, AN ACOUNTANCY FIRM.
/A SPOKESMAN
SATURDAY, DECBMBER J1, 198B
- 9 -
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SAID, THE ACCOUNTANCY COURSES BEING OFFERED BY THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ARE MAINLY DESIGNED TO PREPARE STUDENTS FOR THE UKAAT EXAMINATIONS.
OVER THE PAST YEARS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTE STUDENTS HAVE BEEN DOING VERY WELL IN THE EXAMINATIONS.
"THE EXAMINATION IS RECOGNISED BY PROFESSIONAL BODIES THAT IT PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HELPING THE STUDENTS TO BUILD UP THEIR CAREER IN ACCOUNTANCY," SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
MISS FUNG IS NOW AN EMPLOYEE OF AN AUDIT FIRM AND IS CONTINUING HER STUDY IN ACCOUNTANCY AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC ON PART-TIME BASIS.
------0-------
NT SITES OFFERED TO LETTERS A/B HOLDERS *****
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING REGISTERED OWNERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENTS (LETTER A/B) TO TENDER FOR NINE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ONE OF THE SITES IS LOCATED IN AREA 7A IN SHEUNG SHUI WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 7,753 SQUARE METRES.
IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES BUT RESIDENTIAL ONLY ABOVE LEVEL 3.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 25,306 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1992.
THE SECOND SITE IS IN AREA 13A IN FANLING, COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 12,770 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES BUT RESIDENTIAL ONLY ABOVE LEVEL 3.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 41,500 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1992.
THE THIRD SITE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,359 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED IN AREA 100 IN MA ON SHAN, SHA TIN.
IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES AND A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 16,446 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE FEBRUARY 1, 1993.
/THE FOURTH
SATURDAY, DEChMBER J1, 1988
10
THE FOURTH SITE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 27,290 SQUARE METRES, IS ALSO LOCATED IN AREA 100 IN MA ON SHAN.
IT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) AND TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE PURPOSES.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT THE TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1991, AND THAT A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 95,770 SQUARE METRES BE COMPLETED WITHIN 48 MONTHS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER DATE FOLLOWING THE DATE ON WHICH POSSESSION OF THE LOT IS GIVEN.
THE FIFTH SITE IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF KAU YUK ROAD AND TAI TONG ROAD IN YUEN LONG.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,469 SQUARE METRES AND A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 8,800 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE JUNE 30, 1993.
THE SITE IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES WITH BASEMENTS (IF ANY) FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND RESIDENTIAL) PURPOSES; GROUND, FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES AND THE REMAINING FLOORS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE SIXTH SITE, ALSO IN YUEN LONG, IS LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF FUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND HOP YICK ROAD.
THE AREA OF THE SITE IS ABOUT 670 SQUARE METRES, AND A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 2,200 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 36 MONTHS FROM THE FIRST QUARTER DATE AFTER THE DATE OF POSSESSION OF THE LOT.
THE SITE IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES WITH BASEMENTS (IF ANY) FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND RESIDENTIAL) PURPOSES; THE FIRST THREE FLOORS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES AND THE REMAINING FLOORS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE SEVENTH SITE, AGAIN IN YUEN LONG, IS AT THE JUNCTION OF SAU FU STREET AND TUNG LOK STREET.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,233 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NONINDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING GODOWN) PURPOSES.
A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 4,200 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE JUNE 30, 1993.
THE EIGHTH SITE, WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,181 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED IN AREA 2 IN TAI PO (TAI PO OLD MARKET).
/ACCORDING TO .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 51, 1988
11
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 7,200 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MARCH 31, 1993.
THE LOWEST THREE FLOORS OF THE DEVELOPMENT WILL BE FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND GODOWN) I URPOSES AND THE REMAINING FLOORS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE LAST SITE IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AND IS LOCATED IN AREA 22 IN TAI PO.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 22,150 SQUARE METRES AND A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 56,490 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE JUNE 30, 1993.
APPLICANTS CAN SUBMIT EITHER A ‘'VINTAGE’’ TENDER OR A ’’MONETISED LETTER B” TENDER CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO A LIST OF CURRENCY VALUES PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON SEPTEMBER 23, 1988.
’’VINTAGE” TENDERS WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 27, 1989.
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HUNG MUI KUK SLIP ROAD TEMPORARILY CLOSED * » * ♦ *
TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK, THE HUNG MUI KUK SLIP ROAD (TIN SAM-BOUND) LEADING OFF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 1.30 AM AND 5.30 AM FROM TUESDAY (JANUARY 3) TO JANUARY 7.
DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE, MOTORISTS HEADING FOR TIN SAM AREA FROM KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD (NORTHBOUND) AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD (WESTBOUND).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE OVER-NIGHT SERVICE OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE NO. 63K (PAK TIN TO MONG KOK MTR STATION) WILL BE RE-ROUTED VIA LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD (NORTHBOUND) AND CHE KUNG MIU ROAD (WESTBOUND) ON JOURNEYS TO PAK TIN.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1988
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS DUE TO TAKE EFFECT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (JANUARY 2) IN WONG TAI SIN, AS DESCRIBED IN GIS 3 OF DECEMBER 30, HAVE BEEN DEFERRED TO JANUARY 7.
THE POSTPONEMENT IS NECESSARY BECAUSE OF SOME DELAY IN THE LAYING ROAD SURFACE IN FU KEUNG STREET CAUSED BY BAD WEATHER IN THE PAST FEW DAYS.
FROM 10 AM ON JANUARY 7, THE STRAIGHT-AHEAD TRAFFIC MOVEMENT ON WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD FROM THE NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH FU MEI STREET TO THE SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE BANNED.
SOUTHBOUND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO TRAVEL VIA WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD, FU MEI STREET, FU KEUNG STREET, WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD AND WANG TAU HOM EAST ROAD.
MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF FU KEUNG STREET BETWEEN FU MEI STREET AND WANG TAU HOM CENTRAL ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED FROM THE EXISTING ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
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