DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES . . BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
.... - — CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: Li
MUTUAL RESPECT, TRUST BETWEEN HK AND CHINA VITAL................ 1
SPENDING ON MAMMOTH PROJECTS SHOULD BE PROPERLY MONITORED . 5
SENTIMENT ON RIGHT OF ABODE IN UK RUNNING HIGH ................. 4
■»
CHINA AND BRITAIN MUST DEMONSTRATE CONFIDENCE .................. 5
CALL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL SPECIALIST REGISTER....... 7
STABILITY AND PROSPERITY THE PRIME OBJECTIVE.................... 9
POLICY SPEECH.SETS NEW DIRECTION .............................. 10
POLICY ADDRESS SHOWS DETERMINATION, FORESIGHT ................. 12
PROPOSAL FOR BICAMERAL SYSTEM CRITICISED ...................... 1?
POLICY SPEECH OFFERS VISION FOR FUTURE......................... 15
CALL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL ....................... 16
EXPANSION IN TERTIARY EDUCATION MOST STRIKING ................. 18
BRAIN DRAIN AND EMIGRATION PROBLEMS DISTURBING ................ 19
CALL TO REVIEW SIXTH FORM EDUCATION ........................... 21
22 MEMBERS SPEAK IN POLICY DEBATE.............................. 22
THIRD REPORT ON HONG KONG SUBMITTED TO UN ..................... 22
/MONETARY STATISTICS
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER PUBLISHED.................... 25
,1989 PILOT CENSUS TO START ON FRIDAY........................... 28
AIMS AND DIRECTION OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN HK................. 29
APA ADVISED TO WORK TOWARDS DEGREE GRANTING STATUS ............ 50
SURVEY FINDINGS SHOW KWAI TSING NEEDS CIVIC 51
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS ............. 52
LRT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .............. 53
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ..................... 53
MERCHANT FINED FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS ....
SCHOOL DRAMAS TO PROMOTE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE ................... 35
TRAINING COURSE FOR STEAM RECEIVER OPERATORS .................. 36
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KING'S ROAD RECONSTRUCTION 37
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY ON CONDUIT ROAD....................... 38
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 1, 1989
1
MUTUAL RESPECT. TRUST BETWEEN HK AND CHINA VITAL
* * * * *
THE HON ALLEN LEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) URGED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO SEEK WAYS AND MEANS TO FOSTER MUTUAL RESPECT AND TRUST BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA WHICH HE SAID ARE VITAL TO THEIR UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP.
COMMENTING ON THIS RELATIONSHIP, AS HE LED OFF DEBATE ON HIS MOTION THAT THE GOVERNOR BE THANKED FOR HIS POLICY ADDRESS, THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL SAID, "CHINA’S FUTURE IS OUR FUTURE".
HE SAID, "WE MUST MAKE THE CHINESE LEADERSHIP UNDERSTAND WHAT HONG KONG IS ALL ABOUT.
"WE, AS A COMMUNITY, ENJOY COMPLETE FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND SPEECH AND THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR SUCCESS IS THE 'RULE OF LAW'.
"THESE MAY NOT BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE POWERS OF CHINA. WE MUST UPHOLD THESE PRINCIPLES REGARDLESS OF THE COST."
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAID, WE MUST NOT ACT IN SUCH A WAY AS TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT HONG KONG WAS BEING USED AS A BASE OF SUBVERSION AGAINST CHINA WHEN THERE WAS NO SUCH INTENTION AT ALL.
MR LEE BELIEVED THERE WAS A GREAT AMOUNT OF WORK TO BE DONE ON BOTH SIDES TO RESTORE TRUST AND RESPECT, WITHOUT WHICH THERE WOULD BE NO CONFIDENCE TO SPEAK OF.
HE MAINTAINED THAT AS LEADERS OF THE COMMUNITY, MEMBERS MUST ASSUME THE RESPONSIBILITY, NO MATTER HOW DIFFICULT IT WAS TO ESTABLISH AN UNDERSTANDING AND DIALOGUE WITH THE CURRENT CHINESE REGIME.
"IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL TO PROVIDE A CONCRETE BASIS FOR HOPE FOR A STABLE FUTURE," HE SAID.
MR LEE SAID THE KEY TO HONG KONG'S FUTURE LAY IN THE CONFIDENCE OF ITS PEOPLE. AND RIGHT-OF-ABODE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS A FORM OF GUARANTEE THAT THE HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE LOOKING FOR.
HE EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD NOT YET MADE ANY ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE SUBJECT OF NATIONALITY DESPITE THE PROMISE MADE BY THE PRIME MINISTER LAST JUNE.
HE SAID, "NOW IT IS NOVEMBER AND ALL WE HEAR IS THAT IT IS POLITICALLY IMPRACTICAL TO GRANT THE RIGHT OF ABODE TO 3.25 MILLION PEOPLE AND THAT IT IS DIFFICULT TO COME UP WITH A NATIONALITY PACKAGE FOR THE HONG KONG PEOPLE."
NO COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, HE SAID, WOULD DENY CITIZENSHIP AND. THE RIGHT OF ABODE TO THEIR SUBJECTS.
/HE HOPED .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
HE HOPED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT, INSTEAD OF FIDGETING OVER FIGURES AND NUMBERS. WOULD FULFIL ITS RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
TURNING TO CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS, PARTICULARLY THOSE FOR 1991, MR LEE SAID THERE WAS A CLEAR CONSENSUS AMONG OMELCO MEMBERS THAT THE PROPOSAL THEY HAD PUT FORWARD SUGGESTED A PACE OF DEMOCRATISATION IN HONG KONG MOST SUITABLE FOR REALISING "HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY" AS PROMISED BY THE CHINESE LEADERS.
THE OMELCO PROPOSAL WAS CLEARLY SUPPORTED BY MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS, HE SAID.
"IT IS NOW UP TO THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT THIS PROPOSAL IN 1991."
MR LEE BELIEVED THERE WAS A NEED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS NOW BECAUSE THEY WERE WELL ESTABLISHED AND THEIR INFLUENCE HAD CHANGED THROUGHOUT THE YEARS.
IN HIS OPINION, THE BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD BE GIVEN THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ASSUMING THE LEADERSHIP OF THEIR DISTRICTS.
"THIS IS THE PURPOSE OF BEING ELECTED AND BEING ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE," HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE PEOPLE WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS THE "NUMBER ONE CONCERN OF OUR COMMUNITY", MR LEE BELIEVED THAT IT WAS THE WISH OF MOST MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO SEE THE EARLY REPATRIATION TO VIETNAM OF THOSE SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES.
"WE MUST ACT IN THE INTEREST OF OUR COMMUNITY. REPATRIATION MUST START AND START SOON." HE SAID.
HE FELT THAT THE CONFERENCES IN GENEVA HAD NOT BEEN EFFECTIVE IN TACKLING THE PROBLEMS AS NO AGREEMENT HAD YET BEEN REACHED ON REPATRIATION.
MEANWHILE. MR LEE SAID, THE SITUATION WAS FRUSTRATING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY. MANY PEOPLE HAD QUESTIONED THE ABILITY OF THE ADMINISTRATION IN HANDLING THE PROBLEM.
AN EARLY RESOLUTION OF THE PROBLEM WAS ESSENTIAL, HE ADDED-.
-----0-----
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 3 -
SPENDING ON MAMMOTH PROJECTS SHOULD BE PROPERLY MONITORED ******
WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BUILDING OF A MODERN AIRPORT, THE NEW HARBOUR FACILITIES AND INVESTMENTS IN VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS TOTALLING S127 BILLION, A VIBRANT AND PROSPEROUS HONG KONG CAN BE ENVISAGED TOWARDS THE END OF THIS CENTURY, THE HON PETER POON SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR POON, HOWEVER, NOTED THAT HONG KONG HAD TO GUARD AGAINST INFLATION AND ENSURE THAT THE VAST INVESTMENTS WERE PROPERLY MONITORED AND BUDGETS OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS DID NOT OVERRUN.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR POON SAID WE MUST HAVE CONFIDENCE IN OURSELVES BEFORE OTHERS COULD HAVE CONFIDENCE IN US.
"LET US ALL WORK TOWARDS SUCH A GOAL AND ENSURE THAT WE CONTINUE TO BE THE ’PEARL OF THE ORIENT’ THROUGH 1997 AND BEYOND," HE SAID.
ON THE BRAIN DRAIN ISSUE, MR POON SAID THE PROBLEM WAS QUITE SERIOUS, AND HONG KONG STOOD TO LOSE MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE WHICH WOULD BE HARD TO REPLACE.
"HENCE, WE MUST CONTINUE TO PRESS THE UNITED KINGDOM TO RESTORE FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, TO EXPLAIN OUR PREDICAMENTS TO OTHER NATIONS, AND TO TAKE A LEAD IN EFFORTS AT RESTORING THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
MR POON SAID IF THE FINAL PACKAGE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM INCLUDED CONDITIONS THAT THE PEOPLE CONCERNED COULD ONLY BE GIVEN THE SAFETY-LINE AFTER 1997. IT WOULD ONLY DEFEAT THE PURPOSE OF THE WHOLE EXERCISE AND DRIVE PEOPLE TO LEAVE EARLIER.
ON EDUCATION, MR POON SAID THE GOVERNOR’S AMBITIOUS PLAN TO EXPAND TERTIARY PLACES TO 67,000 IN 1995 FOR 25 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP WAS VERY ENCOURAGING.
HE SAID HIS MAIN CONCERN ON THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION WAS THAT THERE WOULD BE PROBLEMS IN RECRUITING SUITABLE LECTURERS AND STAFF.
ON THE ECONOMY, MR POON NOTED THAT APART FROM SOME SLOWDOWN IN CERTAIN SECTORS, BUSINESS WAS GOING ON AS USUAL AND THAT A LITTLE COOLING OFF OF THE OVERHEATED ECONOMY MIGHT NOT BE A BAD THING IN THE SHORT TERM.
"OUR NEWLY RE-ORGANISED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS HAVE WEATHERED THE RECENT CRISIS AND THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM HAS AGAIN PROVED ITS WORTH," HE SAID.
-------0----------
A....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
SENTIMENT ON RIGHT OF ABODE IN UK RUNNING HIGH
*****
SENTIMENT IS RUNNING HIGH IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM TO HONOUR ITS MORAL OBLIGATIONS WHICH GO HAND-IN-HAND WITH SOVEREIGNTY TOWARDS HONG KONG PEOPLE, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNLESS A SATISFACTORY SCHEME WAS FORTHCOMING IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE, FRUSTRATION COULD BUILD UP TO A POINT WHICH WOULD EVENTUALLY AFFECT THE GOVERNABILITY OF THE TERRITORY, HE ADDED.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MR CHEUNG URGED THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO MAKE AN EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE RIGHT OF ABODE ISSUE SO THAT PEOPLE MIGHT BE REASSURED ON THE FUTURE.
HE ALSO URGED THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE AS GENEROUS AS POSSIBLE ALTHOUGH BRITAIN HAD ALL ALONG ARGUED THAT IT WAS IMPRACTICABLE TO RESTORE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UK TO ALL THE BRITISH SUBJECTS IN HONG KONG.
"ONLY A GENEROUS SCHEME WILL BOOST THE CONFIDENCE OF A SUFFICIENTLY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE TO STAY AND CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
"SUCH A SCHEME SHOULD NOT BE CONDITIONAL UPON ANY FUTURE EVENTUALITIES EITHER, LEST IT WOULD DEFEAT ITS PURPOSES," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG NOTED THAT BRITAIN HAD NEVER BEEN A FAVOURED DESTINATION COUNTRY FOR HONG KONG EMIGRANTS AS MANY WOULD OPT FOR THE UNITED STATES, CANADA AND AUSTRALIA.
HE SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE ONLY SEEKING AN INSURANCE POLICY AND NOT ACTUALLY MOVING OVERSEAS NOW.
ON SINO-HONG KONG RELATIONSHIPS, MR CHEUNG URGED ALL PARTIES CONCERNED TO PUT ASIDE THEIR DIFFERENCES AND PUT ALL THEIR EFFORTS INTO MAINTAINING HONG KONG’S STABILITY AND PROSPERITY BEFORE AND BEYOND 1997.
HE SAID ANY UNCERTAINTY DURING THE TRANSITION WOULD HAMPER NOT ONLY THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE BUT ALSO THAT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
ON VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, MR CHEUNG SAID THE CONCEPT OF SCREENING HAD NOW BEEN ADOPTED BY ALL OTHER. PLACES OF FIRST ASYLUM IN THE REGION AND THE LOGICAL DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE TO LOOK FOR WAYS TO REPATRIATE THOSE WHO WERE NOT GENUINE REFUGEES.
"I ALSO URGE THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, BEFORE IT TRIES TO POINT FINGERS AT HONG KONG, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ACTUAL SITUATION IN HONG KONG, AND OFFER BETTER ALTERNATIVES IF THEY CAN THINK OF ANY," HE SAID.
/ON ENVIRONMENTAL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 5 -
ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT OVERSEAS POLLUTION CONTROL STANDARDS WERE IMPORTED DIRECTLY INTO HONG KONG'S DOMESTIC LEGISLATION WITH LITTLE MODIFICATIONS AND SUCH A MOVE MIGHT AFFECT LOCAL INDUSTRY.
MORE IMPORTANTLY, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED INSUFFICIENT ASSISTANCE TO THOSE AFFECTED.
"I THEREFORE REQUEST THE GOVERNMENT TO CRITICALLY EXAMINE OUR OVERALL APPROACH TOWARDS POLLUTION CONTROL BEFORE EMBARKING ON ANY MASSIVE NEW PLANS TO IMPROVE OUR ENVIRONMENT," HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES RELIED HEAVILY ON GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION AND COMMERCIAL SPONSORSHIP BUT, WITH THE PROPOSED BAN ON TOBACCO SPONSORSHIP, THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES MIGHT BE AFFECTED.
AND WITH AN INCREASE IN THE DEMAND ON RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND FACILITIES, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDE MORE FUNDS TO MEET THIS GROWING DEMAND.
MR CHEUNG WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE IN SETTING UP A COMMISSION ON YOUTH.
"A COMMISSION TO ADVISE GOVERNMENT ON A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF OUR VALUABLE AND GROWING ASSETS WILL HELP DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NON-GOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS PUT TOGETHER THEIR EFFORTS TO DEVISE CO-ORDINATED POLICIES TO NURTURE THE TALENTS AND POTENTIALS OF THE YOUNGSTERS," HE SAID.
-------0----------
CHINA AND BRITAIN MUST DEMONSTRATE CONFIDENCE ******
IN ASKING OUR PEOPLE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE, CHINA AND BRITAIN MUST DEMONSTRATE THAT THEY HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO BE ENTRUSTED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THAT FUTURE, THE HON SELINA CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT IS THE BEST CONFIDENCE BOOSTER FOR THIS MOMENT," MRS CHOW SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE.
SHE SAID OPENING UP OF THE SYSTEM WAS A MATTER OF URGENCY, AND DEMOCRATIC REFORM ALONG THE LINES OF THE OMELCO CONSENSUS. MUST BE SET IN MOTION RIGHT AWAY.
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT SHOULD HOLD BACK NO MORE AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD OBSTRUCT NO FURTHER.
/SHE SAID ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
6
SHE SAID SHE SUPPORTED THE OMELCO CONSENSUS BECAUSE IT CLEARLY AND UNEQUIVOCABLY SPELLED OUT THE REALISATION OF THE COMMITMENT TO A DEFINITE TIME-TABLE.
IT WAS THE ONLY FORMULA THAT RESOLVED THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE WHOLE ISSUE - THAT WAS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EXECUTIVE BY LINKING SELECTION OF BOTH BY UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE AT A TARGET DATE ACCEPTABLE TO MOST, SHE SAID.
"OF ALL THE PROPOSALS SO FAR PUT FORWARD BY VARIOUS GROUPS, THIS ONE IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST DEMOCRATIC, AND IS IDENTIFIED AS THE MOST DESIRABLE BY THE MAJORITY OF OUR PEOPLE," SHE SAID.
MRS CHOW SAID THERE WOULD INEVITABLY BE DISAGREEMENT AND DEBATES IN HONG KONG OVER VARIOUS ISSUES, BUT THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND EXPRESSION THAT HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WOULD HELP THE PEOPLE TO EXERCISE THEIR RESTRAINT AND BALANCE IN ARRIVING AT THEIR OWN DECISION.
THEREFORE, THERE WOULD BE A NEED TO ESTABLISH A MUTUAL TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA BECAUSE OF THEIR INSEPARABLE TIE, SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED: "WE ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS CAN ONLY BE GIVEN ITS TRUE MEANING IF BOTH CHINA AND HONG KONG CO-OPERATE TO UPHOLD IT TOGETHER, AND ANY OVERT MOVE ON OUR PART TO UNDERMINE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WOULD FORCE HER HAND AND GIVE HER NO CHOICE BUT TO INTERFERE IN OUR AFFAIRS.
"BUT APPEASEMENT AT ALL COSTS IS HARDLY THE ANSWER, FOR EVEN IF IT BUYS SHORT-TERM PEACE, IT CAN ONLY MEAN AN EROSION OF THE DEGREE OF FREEDOM WE CURRENTLY ENJOY.
"THE ANSWER LIES IN TACTFUL PRESENTATION AND AFFIRMATION OF PRINCIPLES THROUGH CONVINCING REASONING, WHICH CALL FOR CALM THINKING, COOL COURAGE AND IMMENSE POLITICAL SKILL, QUALITIES WHICH ARE NOT ALWAYS APPARENT IN OUR MORE VOCAL POLITICAL LEADERS," SHE SAID.
MRS CHOW SUGGESTED THAT BY THE END OF THE DAY THE PRESERVATION OF THE TRUE ECONOMIC VALUE OF HONG KONG TO CHINA WOULD DETERMINE THE DEGREE TO WHICH CHINA WAS PREPARED TO LEAVE HONG KONG ALONE, AND NOT HARSH WORDS, MASS RALLIES AND STREET DEMONSTRATIONS.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS, THE SINGLE MOST EFFECTIVE ROUTE IS TO PLACE ABOVE ALL ELSE OUR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION IN THE PRODUCTIVE EFFORTS WF. HAVE PUT IN ALL THESE YEARS TO STRENGTHEN OUR OWN FOUNDATION.
"IT IS THE BEST LEGACY WE CAN LEAVE TO OUR CHILDREN," SHE SAID.
ON THE NATIONALITY ISSUE, MRS CHOW SAID SHE WAS STILL COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE OF FIGHTING FOR RESTORATION OF THE RIGHT OF ABODE FOR HONG KONG BRITISH SUBJECTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
/SHE SAID
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
SHE SAID IT WOULD BE THE MOST URGENT TASK OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO REAFFIRM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO COME UP WITH A PUBLIC STATEMENT OF ACTION NO LATER THAN JANUARY.
IT WOULD THEN BE SEEN INTERNATIONALLY THAT BRITAIN WAS TAKING THE LEAD TO ARREST HONG KONG’S BRAIN DRAIN BY PROVIDING AS MANY KEYS AS POSSIBLE TO THE IMAGINARY PRISON OF THE FUTURE, SHE ADDED.
MRS CHOW SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE A MORE CO-ORDINATED EFFORT TO ASSIST THOSE DETERMINED TO OBTAIN A SECOND PASSPORT AND TO ATTRACT THE RETURN OF THOSE WHO HAD OBTAINED THEIR FOREIGN PASSPORT.
"A PACKAGE OF MEASURES RANGING FROM THE PROVISION OF ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOLS TO ASSISTANCE FOR JOB PLACEMENTS SHOULD BE DRAWN UP, BASED ON WELL RESEARCHED AND PROFESSIONALLY SURVEYED INFORMATION BY GOVERNMENT WITH INPUT FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM THOROUGHLY," SHE SAID.
-----o-----
CALL FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF MEDICAL SPECIALIST REGISTER *******
HONG KONG NEEDS A HIGH STANDARD OF POSTGRADUATE CONTINUING MEDICAL EDUCATION, RESEARCH, AND ESTABLISHMENT OF ITS OWN SPECIALIST REGISTER, DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, DR IP WELCOMED THE FORMATION OF A HONG KONG ACADEMY OF MEDICINE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE TO UNDERTAKE THE PLANNING FOR THE ACADEMY AND TO DETERMINE ITS COMPOSITION.
HOWEVER, SHE REGRETTED THAT THE WORKING PARTY ON POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING, IN THEIR RECOMMENDATION OF WHICH SPECIALTY SHOULD BE AWARDED COLLEGE STATUS, FAILED TO MEET THEIR OWN RATIONAL GUIDELINES.
"CERTAIN SPECIALTIES WERE AWARDED COLLEGE STATUS ALTHOUGH THEY FAILED TO HAVE A WELL ESTABLISHED TRAINING PROGRAMME, AND A MINIMUM OF 50 FULLY QUALIFIED DOCTORS OF SPECIALIST STATUS. WHEREAS, PAEDIATRICS, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND GENERAL PRACTICE WERE EXCLUDED, ALTHOUGH THEY FULFILLED ALL CRITERIA.
"IT IS WITH GREATER REGRET TO LEARN THAT IN SPITE OF STRONG VIEWS RECEIVED ON THE EXCLUSION OF PAEDIATRICS, ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AND GENERAL PRACTICE, DURING THE CONSULTATIVE EXERCISE, .THE WORKING PARTY REFUSED TO CHANGE THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS," SHE SAID.
DR IP URGED THE GOVERNOR TO ENSURE THAT THE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE BALANCED IN COMPOSITION AND UNBIASED IN ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES IN THE FORMATION OF COLLEGES, TO WHICH IT MUST CONFORM.
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 8 -
TURNING TO THE SUBJECT OF HEALTH, DR IP NOTED THAT THE PHYSICAL RECREATION AND HEALTH REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT HAD ADDRESSED THE NEED FOR A CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING BODY TO LAUNCH PHYSICAL ASSESSMENT TESTS, TO PRESCRIBE PHYSICAL RECREATION FOR ALL AND TO OFFER PHYSICAL FITNESS AWARDS AS AN ONGOING EXERCISE.
"THE PUBLIC MUST BE EDUCATED THAT PHYSICAL RECREATION IS BENEFICIAL TO HEALTH. THEY MUST BE ENCOURAGED TO UNDERGO PHYSICAL FITNESS TESTS SO THAT APPROPRIATE EXERCISES CAN BE RECOMMENDED TO RECTIFY THEIR DEFICIENT AREAS," DR IP SAID.
SHE SAID THAT IT WAS DISAPPOINTING TO LEARN THAT DUE TO FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS THE BUDGET FOR THE MUCH EXPECTED FULL-TIME SPORTS TEACHERS FOR DEVELOPING EXTRACURRICULAR SPORTS, AND THE ACTIVITIES, IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAD BEEN SLASHED.
IT WAS ALSO UNLIKELY THAT SPORTS COACHES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WOULD BE EMPLOYED AS RECOMMENDED IN THE SPORTS IN EDUCATION REPORT PUBLISHED ALSO BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, SHE ADDED.
ON URBAN RENEWAL, DR IP SAID THAT WITH THE PROSPECT OF TAKING OVER SITES WITHIN DENSELY POPULATED DISTRICTS, IT SEEMED A GOOD IDEA TO REVERT PART OR WHOLE OF THESE SITES FOR PUBLIC OPEN SPACE, AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD RECONSIDER ADOPTING THIS AS PART OF ITS LAND POLICY OR MAKE SUCH LAND EXCHANGE FOR THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION.
SHE ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT TO OPERATE UNDER COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES, SOME SPACE MUST BE LEFT FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS SO THAT DEVELOPERS WOULD CONTINUE TO SHOW THEIR INTEREST AND COMMIT THEMSELVES TO LDC PROJECTS.
"DECISIONS SHOULD THEREFORE FIRST BE MADE ON HOW MUCH SPACE SHOULD BE ALLOCATED FOR GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY (GIO FACILITIES WITHIN A DESIGNATED SCHEME. THEN, AN EFFECTIVE SYSTEM WITHIN GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE SET UP WHEREBY DEPARTMENTAL REQUESTS ARE VETTED TO DECIDE WHAT GOES INTO A PARTICULAR SCHEME WITHIN THE SPACE ALLOCATED," SHE SAID.
DR IP NOTED THAT WHEN DEALING WITH DEVELOPERS WHO HAD COMMITTED THEMSELVES FINANCIALLY TO THE LDC, TIME WAS THE ESSENCE AND TIME WAS MONEY, BUT LEGISLATION DICTATED THAT THE SUBMISSION OF THE CORPORATION’S PLAN TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD RESTED NOT WITH THE LDC BUT WITH THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT, AND LANDS.
FURTHERMORE, WHILE THE APPROVAL OF SCHEMES AND THE DECISION WHEN TO RECOMMEND RESUMPTION RESTED RIGHTLY WITH GOVERNMENT, THERE WAS NO TIME LIMIT WHEN SUCH DECISION WERE TO BE MADE, IN THIS CRITICAL AREA.
TO SAVE TIME, ONE SUGGESTION WAS FOR THE LDC TO BE DELEGATED THE POWER TO SUBMIT PROJECTS TO TOWN PLANNING DIRECT, OR FOR AN IN-HOUSE RULE THAT DECISIONS MUST BE MADE BY THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN AN AGREED TIME-FRAME, SHE SAID.
-------0----------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 9 -
STABILITY AND PROSPERITY THE PRIME OBJECTIVE *****
FOR ALL THOSE WHO LOVE HONG KONG, THE PRESERVATION OF THE TERRITORY’S STABILITY AND THE CONTINUATION OF ITS PROSPERITY MUST BE OUR PRIME OBJECTIVE, THE HON RITA FAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE SAID IN SPITE OF THE RECENT HAPPENINGS BETWEEN CHINA AND HONG KONG, WITH ALL THE NEGATIVE FEELING AROUND US, IT WOULD BE ALL THE MORE NECESSARY FOR US TO RECOGNISE THAT THE REAL STRENGTH TO BUILD HONG KONG WAS IN HONG KONG ITSELF.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MRS FAN SAID HONG KONG COULD RELY ON NEITHER CHINA NOR THE WESTERN WORLD TO BUILD UP ITS OWN CONFIDENCE BUT SHOULD MAP OUT ITS OWN FUTURE PLANS.
"TO BOW TO CHINA AND FOLLOW THEIR EVERY WISH IS UNNECESSARY. TO CHALLENGE CHINA IN AN OPENLY CONFRONTATIONAL POSTURE IS EQUALLY UNNCESSARY.
"TO WIN FAVOUR WITH CHINA, OR TO GAIN A COURAGEOUS PUBLIC IMAGE, IF I MAY SAY SO, MAY NOT BENEFIT OUR COMMUNITY.
"WE SHOULD TAKE THE NECESSARY DECISION RESOLUTELY, IMPLEMENT OUR PLANS EFFICIENTLY, HANDLE DISPUTES PRAGMATICALLY, AND EXERCISE SELF-RESTRAINT AND DISCRETION," SHE SAID.
MRS FAN WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS TO IMPROVE EDUCATION IN BOTH QUANTITY AND QUALITY AS ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF SKILLED MANPOWER WOULD BE THE ESSENTIAL FOUNDATION FOR HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING AND FINANCIAL CENTRE.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXPANSION IN DEGREE PLACES HAD SATISFIED SOCIAL NEEDS. BUT BY DOUBLING THE INTAKE, THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WOULD HAVE TO IMPROVE THEIR TEACHING METHODS TO ENSURE THAT THE GRADUATES WERE TO ACHIEVE THE SAME HIGH STANDARD.
"I BELIEVE UPGC SHOULD CONSIDER PLACING STRONG EMPHASIS ON THE IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS, SO THAT ACADEMICS ARE REMINDED OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THEIR TEACHING ROLE," SHE SAID.
MRS FAN NOTED THAT THE QUALITY OF TEACHING STAFF WOULD ALSO BE IMPORTANT TN THE IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATION AT ALL LEVELS.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT A DETAILED STUDY INTO THE FUTURE OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION WITH A VIEW TO ATTRACTING, TRAINING AND RETAINING GOOD TEACHERS SHOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY.
AS FOR THE COMMISSIONING OF OVERSEAS EXPERTS TO REVIEW HONG KONG'S EDUCATION SYSTEM, MRS FAN FELT THAT HONG KONG HAD THE EXPERTISE AND COMMITMENT TO FULFIL THE ASSIGNMENT.
/"OUR POPULATION .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
10
"OUR POPULATION IS SUBJECTED TO DEMANDS WHICH ARE QUITE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE LIVING IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
"I FEEL THEREFORE WE SHOULD PUT TO OUR ADVISORY COMMITTEES AND THOSE BODIES EXPERIENCED IN EDUCATION AN AGENDA REFLECTING OUR BASIC PRIORITIES IN TERMS OF BOTH THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION.
"THE ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANTS FROM OVERSEAS, IN A MANNER SIMILAR TO THE PANEL OF VISITORS IN 1982, IS NO LONGER NECESSARY. I BELIEVE WE DO HAVE THE EXPERTISE AND COMMITMENT WITHIN OUR OWN EDUCATION SYSTEM TO ENABLE US TO MOVE CONFIDENTLY INTO THE NEXT CENTURY," SHE SAID.
ON POLITICAL REFORM, MRS FAN SAID THERE WAS WIDESPREAD CONSENSUS FOR THE INCREASE OF DIRECTLY ELECTED SEATS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991 FROM 10 TO 20.
"IT IS NOW UP TO THE GOVERNMENT TO ACT RESOLUTELY IN THIS DIRECTION AND PROCEED TO WORK OUT THE DETAILS EFFICIENTLY.
"I DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE POSSIBILITY OF WAVES OF CRITICISMS, EVEN A PROPAGANDA WAR, BUT IF THESE DO MATERIALISE, WE JUST HAVE TO WITHSTAND IT IN A FIRM AND DETERMINED MANNER," SHE SAID.
---0------
POLICY SPEECH SETS NEW DIRECTION *****
THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS HAS NOT ONLY DEMONSTRATED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO RESTORE THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE BUT HAS ALSO SET A NEW DIRECTION FOR BUILDING A MORE PROSPEROUS HONG KONG, THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHENG SAID THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY SENSITIVE, ESPECIALLY UNDER THE PRESENT.UNCERTAIN POLITICAL CLIMATE.
"IT IS THEREFORE ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD STEER TOWARDS THE SAME DIRECTION IF THEY ARE TO MAINTAIN THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF THE TERRITORY NOW AND AFTER 1997," HE SAID.
MR CHENG SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE THE GOVERNMENT'S PROMPT DECISION ON THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY.
HE SAID THE PROJECT HAD CLEARLY SHOWN THE GOVERNMENT’S UNRESERVED COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE - A MOVE WHICH WOULD DEFINITELY HELP STRENGTHEN THE CONFIDENCE OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
/HE NOTED
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
11
HE NOTED THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW AIRPORT AND THE ASSOCIATED EXPANSION OF THE PORT AND TRANSPORT FACILITIES OFFERED AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY FOR CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR,
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS DEVELOPERS WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THESE LARGE-SCALE AND CHALLENGING PROJECTS.
AS THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME REQUIRED ENORMOUS FINANCIAL COMMITMENT, MR CHENG SUGGESTED THAT THE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION LAND FUND SHOULD BE USED TO PARTIALLY FUND THE CONSTRUCTION OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE,
BESIDES, AS THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AFTER THE CLOSURE OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT WOULD BENEFIT THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT, HE SAID IT WAS APPROPRIATE FOR THE SAR GOVERNMENT TO SHOULDER PART OF THE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OF BUILDING THE NEW AIRPORT AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACILITIES.
TO GUARANTEE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF HUMAN RESOURCES, HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD FURTHER RELAX THE IMPORT OF MANPOWER.
AS REGARDS LAND RESOURCES, MR CHENG FULLY SUPPORTED THE CENTRAL AND WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WHICH WOULD PROVIDE MORE LAND FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
HE HOPED THAT THE RECLAMATION WOULD RELIEVE THE MOUNTING PRESSURE IMPOSED BY THE SKYROCKETING RENTALS AND ATTRACT FIRMS TO SET UP OFFICES HERE.
TURNING TO THE PROBLEM OF "BRAIN DRAIN", HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSED TO PROVIDE MORE HIGHER EDUCATION PLACES.
HE HOPED THAT OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD CONTRIBUTE IN CONSOLIDATING THE STRENGTH OF HONG KONG TO FACE FUTURE CHALLENGES.
BEJNG THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC'S COUNCIL, MR CHENG WELCOMED IN PARTICULAR THE BREAKTHROUGH'IN LIFTING THE EXISTING 40 PER CENT LIMIT ON DEGREE PLACES OFFERED AT THE TWO POLYTECHNICS.
HE HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD OFFER BETTER CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR STAFF IN NON-UNIVERSITY INSTITUTIONS IN ORDER TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN QUALIFIED ACADEMIC STAFF.
REGARDING THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW HONG KONG TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, MR CHENG BELIEVED IT WOULD HELP OUR INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
-------0 ---------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 12 -
POLICY ADDRESS SHOWS DETERMINATION. FORESIGHT
******
THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS HAS DEMONSTRATED TO OVERSEAS COUNTRIES THE DETERMINATION AND FORESIGHT WITH WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS GUIDING HONG KONG THROUGH THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD AND ENSURING THAT IT WILL REMAIN PROSPEROUS IN THE 21ST CENTURY, THE HON HUI YIN-FAT SAID TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR HUI SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE HE WAS PARTICULARLY GRATIFIED TO SEE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT ONLY FORWARD-LOOKING BUT HAD AT HEART THE WELFARE OF ITS PEOPLE.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD ASKED FOR A REVIEW OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WITH A VIEW TO PUBLISHING A WHITE PAPER IN THE SECOND HALF OF NEXT YEAR SETTING OUT PROPOSALS ON THE WAY AHEAD. THE SUBVERTED SECTOR COULD MAKE A POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THIS EXERCISE.
AS FAR AS SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE 1990’S WERE CONCERNED. MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BUILD ON THE EXISTING SYSTEM SO THAT OUR POLICY WOULD ACHIEVE THE LONG-TERM GOAL OF UNIVERSAL SERVICES.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL ENSURE ADEQUATE SERVICES FOR EVERYONE IN NEED. ALSO, THE QUALITY OF SERVICE SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT PEOPLE’S BASIC RIGHTS, DEVELOPMENT AND DIGNITY," HE NOTED.
MR HUI SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DEVOTE A GREAT DEAL OF ATTENTION TO IDENTIFYING THE NEEDS OF SOCIETY AND DRAWING UP PRACTICAL PROPOSALS, INCLUDING THOSE FOR NEW SERVICES.
"THE 1990 WHITE PAPER SHOULD PROVIDE A NEW, REALISTIC BASE FOR SETTING PLANNING STANDARDS AND STAND AND COSTS FOR EACH TYPE OF SOCIAL SERVICE," HE SAID.
"THE COMPONENTS OF THIS BASE SHOULD BE REVIEWED REGULARLY, AT LEAST ONCE EVERY FIVE YEARS, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES WHILE THE STANDARDS FOR EACH SERVICE AREA SHOULD BE ADJUSTED MORE FREQUENTLY, PERHAPS ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS.
"THERE SHOULD ALSO BE SOME FORM OF INCOME PROTECTION AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR OUR RAPIDLY GROWING AGED."
MR HUT CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO PREPARE ITS FIVE-YEAR FORECAST ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SPENDING WITH CARE, ACCURACY AND VISION, AND TO PROVIDE FOR AN UPWARD ADJUSTMENT OF ITS ALLOCATION FOR SOCIAL SERVICES IN ITS 1990 WHITE PAPER.
/BE SAID.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
HE SAID THAT WHILE HE WAS GLAD THE GOVERNMENT HAD APPROVED FUNDS TO INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY THE INTAKE OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS INTO THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS EACH YEAR FROM THIS YEAR TO 1991. HE FELT IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO DEVISE MEASURES TO RETAIN EXISTING RESOURCES BOTH IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND TN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
TO DEAL WITH THE ISSUE AT SOURCE, HE SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO IMPROVING THE CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF SOCIAL WORKERS, ESPECIALLY TO BRINGING THE PROMOTION PROSPECTS AND FRINGE BENEFITS OF THE SUBVENTED SECTOR IN LINE WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
------0--------
PROPOSAL FOR BICAMERAL SYSTEM CRITICISED * * * * *
THE ONCE BEAUTIFUL DREAM OF HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY WOULD SOON BECOME A NIGHTMARE OF "HONG KONG PUPPETS RULING HONG KONG WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF CONTROL" IF THE PROPOSED BICAMERAL POLITICAL SYSTEM IS ADOPTED, THE HON MARTIN LEE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR LEE SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE THE NOTION OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" WOULD BECOME "ONE COUNTRY, NO SYSTEM" UNDER THE BICAMERAL SYSTEM.
HE SAID FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY CONSTITUTED THE CORNERSTONE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. BUT REGRETTABLY SOME PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WERE QUITE PREPARED TO SACRIFICE SOME OF THE FREEDOMS TO PLEASE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT.
"HENCE THE RECENT SUGGESTION FROM SOME OF OUR OPINION LEADERS THAT THE HONG KONG ALLIANCE IN SUPPORT OF PATRIOTIC DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT OF CHINA BE WOUND UP, THINKING NAIVELY THAT IF THAT WERE TO HAPPEN, CHINA WOULD GIVE US EVERYTHING ELSE," HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WOULD BE VERY SAD INDEED IF THE HONG KONG ALLIANCE WERE TO BE WOUND UP SIMPLY BECAUSE CHINA WISHED IT -- FOR CHINA ALSO WISHED TO CONTROL THE PRESS AND, INDEED, ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"WHAT WE MUST DO THEREFORE IS TO STAND UNITED AND MAKE SURE THAT NO ONE IN HONG KONG WILL LOSE ANY OF OUR FREEDOMS, IN THE FIRM BELIEF THAT IF TODAY WE DO NOTHING WHEN ONE FREEDOM IS DENIED TO ANY OF OUR BRETHREN, THEN TOMORROW IT WILL BE DENIED TO ALL OF US," HE SAID.
HE SAID THE MAJOR FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE SUCCESS OF HONG KONG WERE ITS FREE MARKET ECONOMY, THE RULE OF LAW AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL.
/FURTHER, THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
FURTHER, THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND EXPRESSION PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN OUR SUCCESSFUL ECONOMY. FOR SUCCESS IN BUSINESS DEPENDED ON NEW IDEAS. BUT THERE COULD BE NO NEW IDEAS WITHOUT A COMPLETELY FREE ENVIRONMENT WHERE THE FREEDOM OF THOUGHT COULD FLOURISH.
HE SAID THAT AFTER THE JUNE 4 MASSACRE AND THE SUBSEQUENT CRACKDOWN WHICH WAS CONTINUING UNABATED IN CHINA, CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG WAS AT ITS LOWEST.
THE RESTORATION OF CONFIDENCE MUST THEREFORE BE THE IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVE OF THE BRITISH, CHINESE AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS.
MR LEE SAID THERE SEEMED TO HAVE BEEN AN ENCOURAGING CHANGE OF POLICY IN BRITAIN RECENTLY, FOR IT SEEMED THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WOULD NO LONGER ALLOW THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT TO LEAD IT BY THE NOSE OVER HONG KONG.
AND IT HAD SHOWN A READINESS TO MAKE DECISIONS IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, SOMETIMES EVEN TO THE EXTENT OF OFFENDING THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. BUT MUCH STILL REMAINED TO BE DONE BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
AS FOR THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IT HAD DECIDED TO LAUNCH HONG KONG FORWARD INTO THE 21ST CENTURY IN A VERY BOLD AND AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME DISCLOSED IN THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH.
BUT THESE AMBITIOUS PROJECTS WOULD NOT SUCCEED WITHOUT THE FULLEST CO-OPERATION OF CHINA. AND IT WAS PERTINENT TO REFER TO CLAUSE 4 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION WHICH CAST ON THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ADMINISTERING HONG KONG UNTIL JUNE 30, 1997 "WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF MAINTAINING AND PRESERVING ITS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY; AND ...... THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL GIVE ITS CO-OPERATION IN THIS CONNECTION."
"BUT WHAT HAS THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT DONE?" HE QUESTIONED.
IT APPEARED THAT CHINA HAD GIVEN UP ALL EFFORTS TO WIN BACK THE CONFIDENCE OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND HAD RESORTED INSTEAD TO INTIMIDATION.
HE SAID THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN EXERTING GREAT PRESSURE ON THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO DISSOLVE THE HONG KONG ALLIANCE, THEREBY SEEKING POSITIVELY TO INTERFERE IN THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG, AND IN CLEAR BREACH OF CLAUSE 4 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO ACCUSED THE HONG KONG ALLIANCE AND ITS LEADERS OF HAVING ADOPTED AN "ANTAGONISTIC STAND AGAINST THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT".
BUT WHAT THE HONG KONG ALLIANCE HAD DONE SO FAR WAS TO EXERCISE THE FREEDROM OF EXPRESSION, WHICH WAS A RIGHT PROVIDED FOR TN THE CHINESE CONSTITUTION, HE SAID.
/HE ADDED ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
HE ADDED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE YANG YANG INCIDENT, HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE WORRIED THAT AFTER 1997, THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT MIGHT UNILATERALLY INTERPRET A PROVISION IN THE BASIC LAW AND ACCUSE THE SAR GOVERNMENT OF HAVING CONTRAVENED IT, AND USE THAT AS JUSTIFICATION FOR ITS OWN BREACHES OF THE BASIC LAW.
ONE LESSON HONG KONG HAD LEARNT WAS THAT CHINA WOULD MAKE, KEEP OR BREAK AN AGREEMENT AS IT PLEASED.
TURNING TO THE BASIC LAW, MR LEE SAID THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD NOT LIKE THE PEOPLE’S LIBERATION ARMY TO BE STATIONED IN THE HONG KONG SAR AFTER SEEING ON TELEVISION WHAT THOSE TROOPS HAD DONE TO THEIR OWN PEOPLE.
THEY WOULD LIKE THEIR CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO BE GIVEN THE EXCLUSIVE POWER OF DECIDING WHETHER TO DECLARE THE SAR TO BE IN A STATE OF EMERGENCY; AND THEY WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE THE POWER OF INTERPRETING THE BASIC LAW TO BE DELEGATED TO AND BE EXCLUSIVELY EXERCISED BY THE COURTS OF THE SAR, SO THAT THESE VERY IMPORTANT POWERS WOULD NOT BE EXERCISED IN PEKING.
-----0-----
POLICY SPEECH OFFERS VISION FOR FUTURE
*****
THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS HAS OFFERED HONG KONG A VISION WITH WHICH THE TERRITORY CAN IDENTIFY -- A VISION WHICH IS BOTH THOUGHTFUL AND COURAGEOUS, THE HON DAVID LI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE POLICY SPEECH ALSO OFFERED FOCUS AND HOPE, MR LI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE POLICY DEBATE.
HE SAID THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY WELCOMED THE GOVERNOR’S SENSE OF VISION, ADDING THAT CERTAINLY THERE WOULD BE OBSTACLES TO OVERCOME.
FOR EXAMPLE, THERE WAS THE DANGER. OF INFLATION. BUT THIS COULD BE GUARDED AGAINST BY PHASING IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS OVER TIME AND BY CLOSE FINANCIAL CONTROL.
HE SAID THERE WAS ALSO CONCERN ABOUT THE OVERALL COST OF THE PROGRAMME. "HERE, PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION IS VITAL," HE NOTED.
"THE ENTIRE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY MUST BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE PROJECTS. BIDDING MUST BE OPEN TO ALL. THIS WILL REINFORCE HONG KONG'S ROLE AS A FREE MARKET AND AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE," HE SAID.
THIS WOULD ALSO ENSURE THAT THE PROJECTS WERE HANDLED BY THE BEST CONTRACTORS, DEVELOPERS AND OPERATORS, HE ADDED.
/MR LI
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 16
MR LI SAID EMIGRATION WAS DRAINING AWAY VALUABLE HUMAN RESOURCES. BUT ALSO SIGNIFICANT WAS HONG KONG’S OTHER "BRAIN DRAIN" --THE LOSS OF TALENT CAUSED BY AN OUTDATED, UNDER-FINANCED EDUCATION SYSTEM.
HE SAID IT WAS REFRESHING TO SEE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WAS FINALLY TAKING STEPS TO ADDRESS THE PROBLEM. HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT SIMPLY RAMMING MORE BODIES THROUGH THE SYSTEM WAS NOT THE ANSWER.
"THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE SYSTEM ITSELF. WE NEED A SYSTEM WHICH TEACHES STUDENTS TO THINK FROM PRIMARY ONE ONWARDS -- A SYSTEM WHICH CREATES INDIVIDUALS, NOT ROBOTS," HE SAID.
MR LI BELIEVED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SET OUT IN THE POLICY SPEECH WAS A CREDIT TO THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT.
THE PROGRAMME’S COMPLEXITY AND SCALE WOULD POSE A CHALLENGE TO THE HONG KONG ECONOMY. THEREFORE, HE SAID, IT MIGHT BE BENEFICIAL TO SET UP SPECIALIST CENTRAL POLICY SUB-UNITS TO ADVISE ON KEY ISSUES, PARTICULARLY CAPITAL PROJECT CO-ORDINATION, FISCAL AND FINANCIAL POLICY, AND EDUCATION.
"THE FUTURE IS OURS FOR THE MAKING. WE SHARE THE VISION OF A STRONGER, MORE PROSPEROUS HONG KONG. TOGETHER LET US MAKE THAT VISION A REALITY," HE CONCLUDED.
-------0 ---------
CALL FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL *****
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER REPLACING THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WITH A SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL, PROFESSOR THE HON C.K. POON SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL WOULD BE TO FORMULATE OVERALL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY, TO ADMINISTER PROGRAMMES AND TO OVERSEE THE ALLOCATION OF CERTAIN RESEARCH GRANTS.
BUT IT SHOULD NOT ENCROACH ON THE FIELDS WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN COVERED BY THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, AND THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNICS GRANTS COMMITTEE.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, PROF POON CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR NOT PAYING MUCH ATTENTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LONGTERM STRATEGY ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, AND SAID ITS IMPORTANCE HAD ALWAYS BEEN NEGLECTED.
"PROMOTING SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IS NO LONGER A -MERE LUXURY WHICH HONG KONG CAN DO WITHOUT. I STRONGLY FEEL THAT IT IS OUR LIFELINE FOR THE FUTURE," HE SAID.
/PROF POON
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
PROF POON SUGGESTED THAT A TWO-PRONGED APPROACH SHOULD BE ADOPTED TO OBTAIN TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER FROM ABROAD, AND ADAPT AND DEVELOP THAT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WHICH HONG KONG NEEDED MOST.
HE SAID SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY REPRESENTED A LONG-RANGE ENDEAVOUR AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE A FAR-SIGHTED APPROACH IN PROMOTING THEM IN ORDER TO KEEP LOCAL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN PACE WITH OTHER ASIAN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
HE NOTED THAT THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, OF WHICH HE WAS CHAIRMAN, HAD IDENTIFIED POSSIBLE TECHNOLOGY DIRECTIONS OF IMMEDIATE RELEVANCE OR POTENTIAL LONG-TERM BENEFIT TO HONG KONG.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN AVAILABLE AND ACT UPON THEM WITHOUT UNDUE DELAY, HE SAID.
PROF POON POINTED OUT THAT ANOTHER AREA OF PRIME IMPORTANCE FOR HONG KONG WAS MANPOWER TRAINING.
HE WELCOMED THE PLANNED INCREASE OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES TO OVER 18 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP BY 1995, BUT HE STRESSED THAT THE QUALITY OF GRADUATES WAS ALSO IMPORTANT.
HE ADDED THAT HIGH QUALITY ACADEMIC STAFF WOULD BE NEEDED TO PRODUCE QUALITY GRADUATES, AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOOK FOR WAYS TO HELP IN RECRUITING AND KEEPING QUALITY STAFF.
HE CRITICISED THE GOVERNMENT FOR NOT PROVIDING ADEQUATE FUNDS FOR RESEARCH AS THIS LED TO A WASTE OF "BRAIN POWER" RESOURCES AMONG ACADEMIC STAFF.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALLOCATED S120 MILLION TO THE FIVE SUBVERTED TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR RESEARCH IN THE 1988-91 TRIENNIUM, REPRESENTING A MERE $8 MILLION PER INSTITUTION PER ANNUM.
"IT IS IRONICAL THAT ACADEMIC STAFF ARE RECRUITED ON THE BASIS OF THEIR PROVEN RESEARCH RECORDS AND POTENTIAL, AND YET THEY ARE NOT PROVIDED WITH ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO ENABLE THEM TO CONTINUE WITH THEIR RESEARCH WORK," HE SAID.
PROF POON SAID IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WOULD LIE PARTIALLY IN THE STRENGTHENING OF ITS ECONOMIC LINKS WITH ('HINA AND THE ASSISTANCE IT COULD OFFER TOWARDS CHINA’S MODERNISATION PROGRAMMES.
IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT THAT HONG KONG SHOULD REMAIN A COMPETITIVE LINK IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION WHICH CONTAINED THE FASTEST GROWING ECONOMIES IN THE WORLD.
/"AKIN TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
18
’’AKIN TO THE ROLE OF A BROKER AND FACILITATOR, HONG KONG IS IN A STRATEGICAL POSITION TO PROVIDE TERTIARY SERVICES TO CHINA AND COUNTRIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA.
"TERTIARY SERVICES INCLUDE FINANCING, COMMUNICATIONS, MARKETING, MANAGEMENT, PROJECT EVALUATION, AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING. SERVICES INVOLVE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO
ALL THESE TERTIARY DIFFERENT DEGREES OF HE SAID.
SOPHISTICATION. SO WE
NEED
TO HAVE TECHNOLOGY,
-----o -----
EXPANSION IN TERTIARY EDUCATION MOST STRIKING
*****
THE MOST STRIKING POLICY INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS IS THE RAPID EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MR TAI SAID THAT THE GRADUATES WOULD BE ASSETS FOR A PROGRESSING HONG KONG, AND THE EXPANSION WOULD PROVIDE EXTRA MANPOWER AND EXPERTISE TO ENABLE THE TERRITORY TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY WITH OTHER TECHNOLOGICALLY-ADVANCED COUNTRIES.
COMMENTING THAT A NUMBER OF EMOTIONAL ISSUES HAD BEEN RAISED DURING THE PAST MONTHS, SUCH AS THE STATIONING OF PLA TROOPS IN HONG KONG AND THE IMMEDIATE INTRODUCTION OF MORE DEMOCRACY IN CHINA, MR TAI SAID THAT HONG KONG SHOULD AVOID SUCH ISSUES AND CONCENTRATE ON THE MORE IMPORTANT ONES SUCH AS GETTING THE BASIC LAW RIGHT.
HE SAID THAT GIVEN HONG KONG’S UNIQUE GEOGRAPHIC, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL SITUATION, ADOPTING A CONFRONTATIONAL STAND TOWARDS PEKING WAS COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE AND NOT IN OUR BEST OR LONG-TERM INTEREST.
HE SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD .RECOGNISE THAT THEY HAD A SIGNIFICANT PART TO PLAY IN ENSURING THE SUCCESS OF THE ONE-COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS BLUEPRINT.
HE SAID PEOPLE NEEDED TO DEMONSTRATE THE CONFIDENCE THAT THEY COULD MAKE IT A SUCCESS BEFORE THEY COULD EXPECT THE WORLD AT LARGE TO SHOW CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE SUCCESS AND VIABILITY OF HONG KONG.
MR TAI ALSO SAID THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR THE PUBLIC TO CONCENTRATE THEIR THOUGHTS AND EFFORTS TOWARDS HAVING A REALISTIC, PRACTICAL AND DEMOCRATIC ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE FOR LOCAL PEOPLE TO GOVERN THEMSELVES AFTER 1997.
TURNING TO MEDICAL SERVICES, MR TAI SAID THAT NO ’DOUBT COST EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY WERE VERY MUCH IN THE MIND OF THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IN PROMOTING ITS POLICY, BUT THE STAFF MORALE WAS NOW VERY LOW BECAUSE OF A LACK OF CAREER PROSPECTS AND A POOR SALARY SCALE.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
_ 19 -
HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HAVE A DEDICATED MEDICAL WORK FORCE IF WE WERE TO ACHIEVE A HIGH QUALITY OF SERVICE AND HEALTH-CARE DEVELOPMENT.
"IF WE WANT TO MAKE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT TO THE QUALITY OF OUR MEDICAL SERVICES, WE CANNOT AFFORD TO HAVE AN OPEN-FOR-ALL HEALTH CARE PROVISION, EVEN WITH A SUBSIDISED MEDICAL SERVICE.
"THE POLICY BRANCH SHOULD EXAMINE THE PROS AND CONS OF A NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE SCHEME," HE SAID.
REGARDING THE PROVISION OF WELFARE SERVICES AT PRESENT BURDENED BY A SHORTAGE OF MANPOWER AND LOW MORALE, MR TAI SAID THE PRESENT SALARY SCALE AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS SHOULD BE REVIEWED.
HE ALSO SAID THAT DUE TO THE CHANGING OF THE FAMILY STRUCTURE, THE WELFARE PROGRAMME SHOULD PAY' MORE ATTENTION TO OTHER WAYS IN WHICH FAMILY FUNCTIONS COULD BE STRENGTHENED, SUCH AS MORE DAY-CARE PROGRAMMES FOR CHILDREN AS WELL AS SERVICES AIMED AT HELPING FAMILIES WITH PROBLEMS, SUCH AS FAMILY COURTS AND FAMILY DROP-IN CENTRES.
NOTING THAT JUVENILE DELINQUENCY IN THE NEW TOWNS WAS AN INCREASING PROBLEM, MR TAI SAID THAT THERE WAS AN URGENT NEED TO STRENGTHEN COUNSELLING SERVICES.
-------0---------
BRAIN DRAIN AND EMIGRATION PROBLEMS DISTURBING
*****
THE ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WHO ARE EMIGRATING OR ARE EXPECTED TO EMIGRATE ARE TOO HIGH FOR THE WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG, AND THE "BRAIN DRAIN" ARISING FROM EMIGRATION IS EVEN MORE DISTURBING, THE HON ROSANNA TAM SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS TAM SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE POLICY DEBATE THAT HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEPENDED ON WHETHER THE PEOPLE WOULD STAY TO PLAY A PART IN IT.
"AND THIS IS WHY WE MUST PROVIDE THEM NOT ONLY WITH INCENTIVES BUT WITH THE CONFIDENCE TO STAY," SHE SAID.
SHE NOTED THAT ONE WAY TO ACHIEVE THIS WAS BY RESTORING FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO HONG KONG BRITISH SUBJECTS SO THAT THEY COULD REMAIN RESIDENT IN HONG KONG WITHOUT FEAR FOR THEIR WELFARE AFTER 1997 .
SHE SAID THE JOINT DECLARATION HAD STATED THAT DURING THE CURRENT PERIOD OF TRANSITION, THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG WITH THE OBJECT OF MAINTAINING AND PRESERVING ITS ECONOMIC PROSPERITY AND SOCIAL STABILITY.
/"STEMMING THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 20 -
’’STEMMING THE OUTFLOW OF HUMAN RESOURCES FROM THE TERRITORY BY THE BESTOWAL OF BRITISH CITIZENSHIP IS, WE BELIEVE, THE MOST PRACTICABLE AND SATISFACTORY WAY OF ACHIEVING THAT OBJECT. ANYTHING LESS — AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM IS FALLING DOWN ON THE JOB," SHE SAID.
MRS TAM EMPHASISED THAT ANY SELECTION AT ALL OF CATEGORIES OR INDIVIDUALS FOR GRANTING THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN BRITAIN WOULD BE DIVISIVE.
’’THE MOST GENEROUS POSSIBLE SCHEME IS ONE WHICH GIVES THE RIGHT OF ABODE TO ALL HONG KONG BRITISH SUBJECTS, AND THAT IS THE SCHEME TO WHICH I AM FIRMLY COMMITTED,” SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SET UP A COMMISSION ON YOUTH, MRS TAM SAID THE MOVE CLEARLY AFFIRMED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT ONE ASPECT WHICH MUST RECEIVE SPECIAL ATTENTION IN YOUTH DEVELOPMENT WAS CIVIC AND POLITICAL EDUCATION.
’’MUCH NEEDS TO BE DONE TO ENHANCE SOCIAL AND POLITICAL AWARENESS AND INCREASE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF POLITICAL PARTICIPATION AMONG THE POPULATION; AND IT IS TO THE YOUTH OF TODAY THAT WE SHALL INCREASINGLY TURN TO SUPPLY THE CALIBRE OF LEADERSHIP AND POLITICAL UNDERSTANDING THAT WILL BE REQUIRED."
TO ACHIEVE THIS, MRS TAM SUGGESTED THAT THE LEGAL VOTING AGE SHOULD BE LOWERED AND THE FRANCHISE EXTENDED TO ALL THOSE WHO HAD REACHED THE AGE OF 18.
SHE ALSO WANTED TO SEE MORE YOUNG PEOPLE HOLDING OFFICE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO TAKE EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO ENABLE THE YOUTH OF HONG KONG TO BROADEN THEIR OUTLOOK THROUGH EXPOSURE TO INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
SHE SAID THE TIME HAD COME FOR IMPLEMENTING NOT ONLY THE NEW POLICY FOR YOUTH, BUT ALSO FOR REVIEWING HONG KONG’S SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN THEIR ENTIRETY. THE FORMULATION OF A SOCIAL WELFARE STRATEGY FOR THE 1990*S WAS URGENTLY NEEDED.
"WE NEED A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF THE TRENDS IN SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER OUR PRESENT SERVICES ARE RELEVANT TO TODAY’S CONDITIONS AND WE MAY WELL NEED TO REDESIGN SERVICES AND CONSTANTLY RE-EVALUATE THEM SO AS TO ACCOMMODATE FUTURE SOCIAL CHANGE,” SHE SUGGESTED.
-------0 --------
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 21
CALL TO REVIEW SIXTH FORM EDUCATION
*****
DR THE HON DAN I EL TSE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THERE MIGHT BE A NEED TO REVIEW THE CONTENT AND THE MODE OF DFI (VF’’Y OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO ;'I\ND TERTIARY EDUCATION.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE. DR TSE SAID IN A FEW YEARS TIME THE MAJOR I T) >! A-LEVEL STUDENTS WOULD ENTER TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS FOR DEGREE (’< ' J'SES, WHICH WOULD BE A REVERSED SITUATION FROM THAT AT THE TIME OF Till EDUCATION COMMISSION NO. 2 REPORT.
"IN Till LIGHT OF THIS DRAMATIC DEVELOPMENT. WOULD IT NOT BE PRUDENT TO I , XAMINE THE OBJECTIVE AND THE MODE OF DELIVERY OF SIXTH FORM EDUCATION TO MAKE SURE THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE STUDENTS ARE PROPERLY PREPARED TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION, WHILE THE OTHERS Wo LI) STILL GET THE BENEFIT OF PREPARATION FOR LIFE AND WORK?" HE SA] >.
DR TSE SAID THE PLAN TO EXPAND TERTIARY EDUCATION TO ALLOW 18 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP TO GET TERTIARY EDUCATION SHOWED THAT THE ASPIRATION OF THE COMMUNITY FOR HIGHER EDUCATION WAS GIVEN DUE RESPECT.
AND THE NEED FOR MORE DEGREE EDUCATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMY WAS GIVEN PROPER RECOGNITION, HE ADDED.
DR TSE SAID THE EXPANSION PLAN WOULD MEAN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS HAD TO RECRUIT SOME 2,700 SCHOLARS FOR TEACHING AND RESEARCH IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, TOGETHER WITH A COMPARABLE NUMBER OF OTHER STAFF.
THE RECRUITMENT OF TEACHING AND OTHER STAFF WOULD BE A CHALLENGE, BUT A WELCOME ONE, TO ALL THE TERTIARY’ INSTITUTIONS, HE SAID.
DR TSE SAID THE PROPOSED EXPANSION WOULD, EVENTUALLY, LEAD TO THE POSSIBLE LIBERALISATION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION.
"THE UNREASONABLE PRESSURE WILL BE GONE, SCHOOLS WILL BE FREE TO CLAIM THEIR RIGHTFUL PLACE AS EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS WHERE THE MIND AND THE CHARACTER OF THE YOUNG ARE DEVELOPED THROUGH PROPER LEARNING PROCESSES.
"I WOULD LIKE TO APPEAL TO THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS TO TAKE A FRESH LOOK AT THE NEW HORIZON IN HONG KONG’S TERTIARY EDUCATION. SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE NECESSARY ADJUSTMENTS FOR THE HEALTH OF THE SCHOOLS AND THE WELL-BEING OF THE STUDENTS.
"TN THIS REGARD, I DO HOPE THAT THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED WILL ALLOW SOME INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS TO REALLY EXPERIMENT AND EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY AND LIBERALISING EDUCATION TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE." HE SAID.
ON PRE-PRJMARY EDUCATION, DR TSE SAID THAT ALMOST ALL CHILDREN IN HONG KONG WOULD GO THROUGH KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION AND THERE WAS A NEED TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION TN KINDERGARTEN.
0 -
/22
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 1, 1989
22 MEMBERS SPEAK IN POLICY DEBATE *****
TWENTY-TWO MEMBERS SPOKE IN THE FIRST DAY OF DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ON THE GOVERNOR'S ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS.
THE SITTING BEGAN AT 2.30 PM AND ENDED AT 8.10 PM.
A FURTHEI 23 MEMBERS ARE LISTED TO SPEAK WHEN THE DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW.
THE MOTION BEFORE THE COUNCIL. THAT THE GOVERNOR BE THANKED FOR HIS ANNU .1 .DURESS, WAS MOVED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON ALLEN LEE.
THIRD REPORT ON HONG KONG SUBMITTED TO UN
******
HONG KONG’S THIRD REPORT TO THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE WAS TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE UNITED KINGDOM SUBMITTED THE REPORT ON HONG KONG, TOGETHER WITH REPORTS ON THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OTHER DEPENDENT TERRITORIES, TO THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS LAST WEDNESDAY (OCTOBER 25)," A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ENGLISH AND CHINESE COPIES OF THE REPORT HAVE BEEN PLACED AT ALL PUBLIC LIBRARIES FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION AND COPIES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE MARKETING OFFICE OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING, 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL, HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"THE REPORTS WILL BE STUDIED BY THE UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE WHICH WILL THEN SET A DATE TO MEET A DELEGATION FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AND DEPENDENT TERRITORIES TO DISCUSS THE REPORTS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE REPORT ON HONG KONG COVERS THE MEASURES THAT HAVE BEEN ADOPTED TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE RIGHTS RECOGNISED IN THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS AND ON THE PROGRESS MADE SINCE THE SUBMISSION OF THE LAST REPORT.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNOR, IN HIS ADDRESS AT THE OPENING OF 1989-90 SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH, SAID THAT A BILL OF RIGHTS WOULD BE ENACTED TO GIVE EFFECT IN LOCAL LAW TO THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S PLAN IS TO PUBLISH A DRAFT BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION BY THE END OF THE YEAR AND TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION BY JULY 1990," HE ADDED.
THE UNITED KINGDOM LAST SUBMITTED ITS REPORTS ON THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES INCLUDING HONG KONG IN AUGUST LAST YEAR. THEY WERE DISCUSSED BY THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE LAST NOVEMBER.
/2J
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
23
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER PUBLISHED » * * t *
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE MONETARY AFFAIRS BRANCH, BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER COMPARED WITH AUGUST.
IN LINE WITH THE RISE IN HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS REGISTERED INCREASES DURING SEPTEMBER.
TOTAL LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED IN SEPTEMBER COMPARED WITH AUGUST. MOST MAJOR CATEGORIES OF LOANS, EXCEPT LOANS FOR TRADE FINANCING, RECORDED INCREASES DURING SEPTEMBER.
AN ANALYSIS OF LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG BY SECTOR INDICATES THAT LOANS TO WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE AND INDIVIDUALS FOR OTHER PURPOSES SHOWED NEGATIVE GROWTH IN THE THIRD QUARTER WHILE GROWTH IN LOANS TO FINANCE MANUFACTURING SLOWED DOWN IN THE THIRD QUARTER AS COMPARED TO THE SECOND QUARTER.
TABLE 1 SETS OUT SUMMARY FIGURES FOR SEPTEMBER 1989 AND COMPARISONS WITH EARLIER MONTHS. TABLE 2 PRESENTS FIGURES FROM THE QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG.
DEPOSITS
HONGKONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS INCREASED BY 2.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 0.3 PER CENT IN JULY AND A DECLINE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN AUGUST.
OF THESE DEPOSITS, DEMAND AND SAVINGS DEPOSITS ROSE BY 10.8 PER CENT AND 2.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY WHILE TIME DEPOSITS DROPPED BY 0.1 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING AUGUST 1989, TOTAL HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 17.8 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS ROSE BY 0.8 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 2.2 PER CENT IN JULY AND AN INCREASE OF 1.1 PER CENT IN AUGUST.
AMONG THESE DEPOSITS, U.S. DOLLAR DEPOSITS DECLINED BY 0.6 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER WHILE NON-U.S. DOLLAR GREW BY 2.4 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 22.7 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS GREW BY 4.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER INCREASES OF 3.5 PER CENT AND 0.6 PER CENT IN JULY AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY. ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE THESE DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 2.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND BY 22.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 24 -
ON THE OTHER HAND, FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ADJUSTED TO EXCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 0.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND BY 19.5 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
DEPOSITS OF ALL CURRENCIES WITH BANKS ROSE BY 1.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES INCREASED BY 1.7 PER CENT. OVER THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1989, THE FORMER ROSE BY 22.1 PER CENT WHILE THE LATTER GREW BY 4.8 PER CENT.
MONEY SUPPLY
HKSM1, HKSM2 AND HKSM3 GREW BY 7.4 PER CENT, 2.4 PER CENT AND 2.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SEPTEMBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN AUGUST WERE 0.8 PER CENT, 0.1 PER CENT AND -0.3 PER CENT. DURING THE 12 MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1989, HKSM1, HKSM2 AND HK8M3 ROSE BY 13.8 PER CENT, 19.2 PER CENT AND 17.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF SWAP DEPOSITS, HKJM2 GREW BY 2.6 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER AND BY 23.3 PER CENT COMPARED WITH A YEAR EARLIER. HKSM3 INCREASED BY 2.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER. AND BY 21.3 PER CENT OVER THE YEAR.
TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 7.0 PER CENT, 1.3 PER CENT AND 1.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SEPTEMBER. THEIR CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES IN AUGUST WERE 0.3 PER CENT, 0.7 PER CENT AND 0.5 PER CENT. OVER THE YEAR, TOTAL Ml, M2 AND M3 GREW BY 11.8 PER CENT, 21.8 PER CENT AND 20.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY AUTHORISED INSTITUTIONS GREW BY 11.3 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING A DECREASE OF 0.4 PER CENT IN JULY AND AN INCREASE OF 2.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OF THE TOTAL OUTSTANDING LOANS, THOSE DENOMINATED IN HONG KONG DOLLARS GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT WHILE THOSE DENOMINATED IN FOREIGN CURRENCIES INCREASED BY 19.5 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG FELL BY 4.1 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, FOLLOWING A FALL OF 0.2 PER CENT IN JULY AND AN INCREASE OF 2.5 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 21.5 PER CENT.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG GREW BY 1.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER COMPARED WITH INCREASES OF 1.9 PER CENT AND 1.8 PER CENT IN JULY AND AUGUST RESPECTIVELY. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 34.3 PER CENT.
LOANS FOR USE OUTSIDE HONG KONG GREW BY 30.2 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER. A FALL OF 5.4 PER CENT IN JULY AND AN INCREASE OF 4.0 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 42.4 PER CENT.
/LOANS TO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
LOANS TO FINANCE MERCHANDISING TRADE NOT TOUCHING HONG KONG INCREASED BY 11.4 PER CENT IN SEPTEMBER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 3.1 PER CENT IN JULY AND A FALL OF 5.8 PER CENT IN AUGUST. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 49.2 PER CENT.
IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 0.7 PER CENT AFTER AN 8.6 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 27.6 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE DECREASED BY 4.8 PER CENT FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 21.6 PER CENT.
LOANS TO FINANCIAL CONCERNS (OTHER THAN BANKS AND DTC’S) ROSE BY 10.8 PER CENT THIS QUARTER, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 6.1 PER CENT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 61.6 PER CENT.
LOANS TO INDIVIDUALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY (OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME) GREW BY 5.0 PER CENT THIS QUARTER, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 4.0 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS GREW BY 25.4 PER CENT.
LOANS TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT SECTOR INCREASED BY 5.7 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989, FOLLOWING A GROWTH OF 8.6 PER CENT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER. OVER THE YEAR, THESE LOANS INCREASED BY 116.5 PER CENT
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING LICENSED BANKS INCREASED BY FOUR TO 166. THE NUMBER OF LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES AND REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 35 AND 208 RESPECTIVELY.
/TABLE 1
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 26 -
TABLE 1 : MONETARY STATISTICS - SEPTEMBER 1989
(HKSmn)
Sep 1989 Earlier months (% change to September 1989)
Money Supply Aug 1989
Jun 1989 Sep 1988
Ml - HKS 85,383 79,478 ( 7.4%) 78,459 ( 8.8 %) 75,009 ( 13.8 %)
Foreign currency 8,989 8,695 ( 3.4 %) 9,365 ( -4.0 %) 9,409 ( -4.5 %)
Total 94,372 88,172 ( 7.0%) 87,823 ( 7.5%) 84,418 ( 11.8 %)
M2 - HKS 387,027 377,983 ( 2.4%) 375,639 ( 3.0%) 324,671 ( 19.2 %)
Foreign currency 536,745 534,011 ( 0.5 %) 516,186 ( 4.0%) 433,681 ( 23.8 %)
Total 923,772 911,994 ( 1.3 %) 891,825 ( 3.6%) 758,352 ( 21.8 %)
M3 ,HK$ 419,243 410,901 ( 2.0 %) 411,364 ( 1.9%) 357,261 ( 17.3 %)
Foreign currency 572,346 567,824 ( 0.8%) 550,262 ( 4.0%) 465,925 ( 22.8 %)
Total 991,588 978,724 ( 1.3 %) 961,626 ( 3.1%) 823,186 ( 20.5 %)
Notes and coins in circulation 36,668 36,192 ( 1.3 %) 36,727 ( -0.2 %) 31,549 ( 16.2 %)
of which held by public 32,271 31,563 ( 2.2 %) 31,721 ( 1.7%) 27,563 ( 17.1 %)
Total Deposits
Total Demand deposits 62,101 56,610 ( 9.7%) 56,102 ( 10.7 %) 56,855 ( 9.2 %)
Total Savings deposits 175,364 173,163 ( 1.3 %) 172,232 ( 1.8 %) 162,590 ( 7.9%)
Total Tine deposits with banks 637,212 633,727 ( 0.5 %) 614,635 ( 3.7%) 496,856 ( 28.2 %)
Total Time deposits with dtcs 65,770 64,694 ( 1.7%) 67,744 ( -2.9 %) 62,781 ( 4.8 %)
HK$ deposits 374,378 366,626 ( 2.1 %) 366,942 ( 2.0 %) 317,813 ( 17.8 %)
l'S$ deposits 300,585 302,263 ( -0.6 %) 297,824 ( 0.9%) 248,013 ( 21.2 %)
Other foreign currency deposits 265,483 259,305 ( 2.4%) 245,946 ( 7.9%) 213,256 ( 24.5 %)
.Ml deposits 940,446 928,194 ( 1.3 %) 910,713 ( 3.3 %) 779,082 ( 20.7 %)
Foreign currency swap deposits 61,982 59,561 ( 4.1 %) * 57,200 ( 8.4%) 39,527 ( 56.8 %)
Total Ijoans and advances »
To finance U.K.'s visible trade 64,423 67,201 ( -4.1 %) 65,687 ( -1.9 %) 53,010 ( 21.5 %)
To finance merchandising trade 10,023 8,998 ( 11.4 %) 9,262 ( 8.2 %) 6,719 ( 49.2 %)
not touching H.K. •
Other loans for use in H.K. 561,481 554,892 ( 1.2%) 535,224 ( 4.9%) 418,022 ( 34.3 %)
Other loans for use outside H.K. 503,896 386,980 ( 30.2 %) 393,037 ( 28.2 %) 353,784 ( 42.4 %)
Other loans where the place of 90,043 87,277 ( 3.2%) 79,789 ( 12.9 %) 64,430 ( 39.8 %)
use is not known
Loans in HK$ 507,120 500,363 ( 1.4%) 485,485 ( 4.5%) 372,506 ( 36.1 %)
Loans in foreign currencies 722,744 604,986 ( 19.5 %) 597,514 ( 21.0 %) 523,460 ( 38.1 %)
Total loans and advances 1,229,865 1,105,349 ( 11.3 %) 1,082,999 ( 13.6 %) 895,966 ( 37.3 %)
/TABLE 2
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 27 -
i »
TABLE 2 : QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS FDR USE IN HONG KCNG 6Y SECTOR - SEPTEMBER 1989
(HKSmn)
Sep 1989 Earlier quarters
-------- (% change to September 1989)
Jun 1989 Mar 1989 Sep 1988
Manufacturing 47,618 47,291 ( 0.7 %) 43,529 ( 9.4 %) 37,324 ( 27.6 %)
Transport and transport 33,435 27,043 ( 23.6 %) 26,608 ( 25.7 %) 23,140 ( 44.5 %)
equipment Building, construction, 96,772 91,518 ( 5.7 %) 84,243 ( 14.9 %) 44,697 (116.5 %)
property development and investment Wholesale and retail trade 62,729 65,874 ( -4.8 %) 65,390 ( -4.1 %) 51,579 ( 21.6 %)
Financial concerns * 74,919 67,625 ( 10.8 %) 63,740 ( 17.5 %) 46,370 ( 61.6 %)
Individuals: to purchase flats in the Heme 9,880 9,209 ( 7.3 %) 8,887 ( 11.2 %) 8,147 ( 21.3 %)
O-nership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Schene to purchase other residential 89,957 85,635 ( 5.0 %) 82,327 ( 9.3 %) 71,710 ( 25.4 %)
property other purposes 52,756 53,420 ( -1.2 %) 50,920 ( 3.6 %) 52,100 ( 1.3%)
Others 93,414 87,608 ( 6.6 %) 83,103 ( 12.4 %) 82,955 ( 12.6 %)
Total 561,481 535,224 ( 4.9 °f>) 508,748 ( 10.4 %) 418,022 ( 34.3 %)
U Starting fran December 1988, more detailed statistics on loans to the transport sector, to building, construction, property development and investment and to financial concerns are available. They will be published in the Monthly Digest of Statistics from the January 1989 issue onwards.
+ In December 1988, the return for reporting loans for use by sector was revised. As a result of this, sane authorized institutions have now more properly classified their loans according to intended usage rather than the business of the loan recipients. This reclassification is an important reason accounting for the significant increase in loans to certain sectors, for example, the building, construction and property development sector and financial concerns.
* This excludes funds advanced to banks and deposit-taking companies
-----0------
/?8........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
28
1989 PILOT CENSUS TO START ON FRIDAY *****
THE PUBLIC WAS REMINDED TODAY' (WEDNESDAY) THAT A PILOT CENSUS INVOLVING SOME 40,000 HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE CONDUCTED DURING THE NEXT 10 DAYS STARTING FRIDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE PILOT CENSUS WAS TO TEST THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF A FULL POPULATION CENSUS OPERATION TO BE CONDUCTED IN MARCH 1991.
DURING THE 10-DAY OFFICERS WILL VISIT 40,000 BASIC INFORMATION SUCH AS HOUSEHOLD.
PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 3 TO 12, CENSUS RANDOMLY SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS TO OBTAIN AGE, SEX AND RELATIONSHIP TO HEAD OF
AMONG THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS, ONE-SEVENTH WILL IN ADDITION BE ASKED MORE DETAILED QUESTIONS SUCH AS HOUSING AND RENT, AND QUESTIONS CONCERNING THEIR MEMBERS, SUCH AS MARITAL STATUS, EDUCATION ATTAINMENT, PLACE OF BIRTH, NATIONALITY, DURATION OF RESIDENCE, LABOUR FORCE CHARACTERISTICS AND INCOME.
THE 40,000 HOUSEHOLDS WERE SELECTED FROM NINE DISTRICTS, NAMELY: EASTERN, MONG KOK, YAU TSIM, KOWLOON CITY, WONG TAI SIN, TSUEN WAN, ISLANDS, KWUN TONG, AND TAI PO. DIFFERENT DISTRICTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED TO ENABLE OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS OF DIFFERENT NATURE TO BE STUDIED IN THE PILOT CENSUS.
A SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE HAS BEEN POSTED TO SIX-SEVENTHS OF THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS FOR THEM TO FILL IN THEMSELVES AND THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE COLLECTED BY THE CENSUS OFFICERS.
HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED FOR THE DETAILED ENUMERATION, HOWEVER, WILL NOT RECEIVE A QUESTIONNAIRE IN ADVANCE. IT WILL BE FILLED IN BY THE CENSUS OFFICERS DURING THEIR VISIT TO THE HOUSEHOLDS.
THE LEGAL BASIS FOR CONDUCTING THE PILOT CENSUS IS THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE 1978. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER FOR THE OPERATION WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL. UNDER THE ORDINANCE, IT IS A LEGAL OBLIGATION FOR MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO ANSWER THE CENSUS QUESTIONS CORRECTLY AND ACCURATELY TO THE BEST OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE.
THE SPOKESMAN ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE PILOT CENSUS WOULD BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD NOT BE DISCLOSED TO ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OR PRIVATE ORGANISATION.
QUESTIONNAIRES CONTAINING PERSONAL PARTICULARS FROM THE PILOT CENSUS WILL BE DESTROYED BEFORE NOVEMBER NEXT YEAR.
/"LETTERS HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
"LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS FOR THE PILOT CENSUS, INFORMING THEM OF THE NAMES (AND HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD NUMBERS) OF THE CENSUS OFFICERS WHO WILL VISIT THEM," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"CENSUS OFFICERS WILL IDENTIFY THEMSELVES WITH A CENSUS OFFICER CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY.
"HOUSEHOLDERS SHOULD CHECK THEIR IDENTITY AGAINST THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE LETTER BEFORE ADMITTING THEM INTO THEIR HOME," HE ADDED.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED THE PUBLIC TO CO-OPERATE AND PARTICIPATE IN THE PILOT CENSUS BY PROVIDING FULL AND ACCURATE INFORMATION.
A HOTLINE SERVICE HAS BEEN SET UP TO ANSWER ANY ENQUIRY WHICH HOUSEHOLDERS MAY HAVE CONCERNING THE PILOT CENSUS. THEY MAY TELEPHONE 5-564091 OR 5-564472 FOR ENQUIRIES.
-----0-----
AIMS AND DIRECTION OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN HK * * * * *
THE PROVISIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (PSDB) IS FORMALLY ESTABLISHED TODAY (NOVEMBER 1) TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE SETTING UP OF THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD (SDB) IN APRIL NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG SPORTS PRESS ASSOCIATION THIS AFTERNOON, THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI, INTRODUCED THE ROLE OF THE PSDB AND SDB AND THEIR IMPORTANCE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS IN HONG KONG.
"THE PROVISIONAL BOARD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PREPARING THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION AND MAKING ALL THE ADMINISTRATIVE, FINANCIAL AND STAFFING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE STATUTORY BOARD SO THAT IT WILL BE ABLE TO FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY FROM DAY ONE.
"THE DUTIES OF THE SDB INCLUDE CO-ORDINATING A TERRITORY-WIDE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, ENCOURAGING CO-OPERATION AMONG THE MAJOR SPORTS ORGANISATIONS AS WELL AS STRENGTHENING COMMUNICATION AND CONSENSUS AMONG THESE BODIES TO ENSURE A BALANCED DEVELOPMENT IN THE TRAINING OF LOCAL ELITE ATHLETES AND IN THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS AT THE GRASSROOT LEVEL," HE SAID.
MR CHUI SAID THE SDB, TO BE FORMALLY SET UP ON APRIL 1, 1990, WOULD ENJOY A HIGH DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE AND AUTONOMY. IT WOULD SEEK TO IMPROVE THE STANDARDS OF AND SERVICES FOR SPORTS THROUGH AN ANALYTICAL REVIEW OF CURRENT PROBLEMS.
MR CHUI POINTED OUT SOME IMPORTANT ASPECTS . OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT WHICH REQUIRED EARLY ATTENTION.
/THESE INCLUDED
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
JO
THESE INCLUDED TRAINING OF ELITE ATHLETES; PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF SPORTS VENUES; PROMOTION OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL; PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ELITE ATHLETES TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL EVENTS SO AS TO ENHANCE HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL STATUS IN SPORTS; ASSISTING GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORTS TO STRENGTHEN THEIR ADMINISTRATION AND DRAW UP LONG-TERM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES; AND ENCOURAGING SPONSORSHIP OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
ON THE TRAINING OF ELITE ATHLETES, MR CHUI SAID IT WOULD BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE WHICH WOULD ALSO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR COACHES AND SPORTS ADMINISTRATORS. IT WAS INTENDED THAT THE CENTRE WOULD EVENTUALLY BECOME AN INSTITUTE OF SPORT.
HE SAID THE PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION OF SPORTS VENUES WOULD REMAIN UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS.
ON THE FORMULATION OF THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, THE SDB WOULD CONSULT AND WORK CLOSELY WITH THE TWO MUNICIPAL COUNCILS TO STRIVE FOR CONSENSUS SO AS TO ACHIEVE THE MAXIMUM UTILISATION OF RESOURCES IN THE BEST OVERALL INTEREST OF SPORTS, HE SAID.
"I MUST STRESS THAT THE POINTS MENTIONED HERE ARE MERELY BROAD CONCEPTS AND POLICY VISION," MR CHUI SAID.
"THE FORMULATION OF STRATEGY, ITS DETAILED PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION, THE DISTRIBUTION OF RESOURCES AND THE DETERMINATION OF PRIORITIES WILL BE TAKEN UP BY THE SDB AFTER ITS ESTABLISHMENT.
"THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IS NOT TO INTERFERE BUT TO ASSIST, PARTICULARLY IN MAKING AVAILABLE NECESSARY RESOURCES FROM THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS," HE SAID.
MR CHUI STRESSED THAT THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND THE SDB WOULD WORK TOGETHER CLOSELY.
"THE FUTURE OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG WILL STILL DEPEND ON THE COMMUNITY’S RECOGNITION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORT," HE ADDED.
-----0 ------
APA ADVISED TO WORK TOWARDS DEGREE GRANTING STATUS
******
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ADVISED THAT THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS (APA) SHOULD WORK TOWARDS BECOMING A DEGREE GRANTING INSTITUTION SUBJECT TO VALIDATION BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR. THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THE ADVICE CAME AFTER FULL CONSIDERATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY AN INDEPENDENT ACCREDITATION ADVISORY PANEL COMPRISING INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS FROM PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTIONS IN AUSTRALIA, CHINA, UNITED KINGDOM, AND THE UNITED STATES, CHAIRED BY DR RAYSON HUANG.
/"THE PANEL ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
"THE PANEL SOUGHT TO EVALUATE THE APA’S ABILITY TO ACHIEVE APPROVED OBJECTIVES, ITS OVERALL LEVEL IN PROFESSIONAL TRAINING, . ITS COMPARABILITY WITH OTHER RELEVANT INSTITUTIONS OVERSEAS,
ITS AND HE
EXPLAINED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID DEGREES WERE NOW CUSTOMARY PERFORMING ARTS COURSES IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, CHINA AND THE THAT IN THE UK DEGREES WERE NOW BECOMING COMMON AS AWARD FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION IN PERFORMING, TECHNICAL AND
IN
USA,
MOST AND
APPROPRIATE
FINE ARTS.
IN HONG KONG, DEGREE COURSES AT THE APA WOULD STUDENTS WHO AT PRESENT SOUGHT QUALIFICATION OVERSEAS, HE ---------------------------------------------------..j 0F THE
WOULD ALSO GO SOME WAY TOWARDS ENHANCING THE STATUS ARTS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE BECOMING INCREASINGLY
HELP RETAIN SAID. THEY PERFORMING
IMPORTANT IN THE
TERRITORY’S DEVELOPING CULTURAL SCENE.
------o--------
SURVEY FINDINGS SHOW KWAI TSING NEEDS CIVIC CENTRE » » t » »
MORE THAN 95 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDENTS TO A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD CONSIDERED THAT A CIVIC CENTRE SHOULD BE BUILT IN THE DISTRICT FOR CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE MAJORITY AGREED THAT THE IDEAL VENUE WOULD BE THE GOVERNMENT SITE ADJACENT TO THE KWAI FONG MTR STATION.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE THE SURVEY RESULTS TODAY (WEDNESDAY), THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S CIVIC CENTRE WORKING GROUP, MR SO HOI-PAN, SAID THE POLL WAS CONDUCTED IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR.
ABOUT 15,000 QUESTIONNAIRES WERE RETURNED FROM THE 35,000 DISTRIBUTED TO SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT.
THE RESPONSE RATE WAS AROUND 42 PER CENT, MR SO SAID.
HE SAID AT PRESENT THE THREE ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND FOUR COMMUNITY HALLS IN THE DISTRICT PROVIDED THE VENUES FOR HOLDING CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
HOWEVER, EXPERIENCE IN THE PAST THREE YEARS INDICATED THAT THESE CENTRES COULD NOT ATTRACT THE TARGET AUDIENCE BECAUSE OF THEIR INCONVENIENT LOCATIONS, UNSATISFACTORY LIGHTING, AND POOR ACOUSTICS AND STAGES.
MR SO SAID THE LIMITED SEATING CAPACITY AT THESE CENTRES ALSO MADE IT NOT COST-EFFECTIVE TO ORGANISE EVENTS THERE, HE SAID.
/THE CIVIC
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 32 -
THE CIVIC CENTRE WORKING GROUP CONCLUDED THAT A CIVIC CENTRE WITH A THEATRE, A LECTURE HALL, AN EXHIBITION HALL AND SEVERAL REHEARSAL ROOMS WAS ESSENTIAL TO THE DISTRICT.
MR SO SAID THE SURVEY RESULTS TOGETHER WITH A PROPOSAL TO BUILD A CIVIC CENTRE AT THE SITE ADJACENT TO THE KWAI FONG MTR STATION WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
--------0 ---------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
*******
THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD'S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A NUMBER OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE PAK TIN AREA AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THESE INCLUDE THE MANAGEMENT OF A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, PARKING SPACES FOR GOODS VEHICLES, SALT WATER SUPPLY AT PAK TIN ESTATE AND THE PROBLEM OF OVERGROWTH AT THE JUNCTION OF PAK TIN STREET AND PUI TAK STREET.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SHAM SHUI PO PARK’S REFRESHMENT KIOSK AND THE YEN CHOW STREET TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA. THE LATTER, WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, IS EXPECTED TO BE AFFECTED BY THE NOISE GENERATED BY THE NEARBY CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL, BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
- 0 ----------
/33........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 53 -
LRT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ ♦ ♦ * *
THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE 1990-91 LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 3).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS A WIDE RANGE OF TRANSPORT MATTERS. INCLUDING GOODS VEHICLE PARKING AT LONG PING ESTATE. TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR KAI TEI. AND CAR PARKING FACILITIES AND VILLAGE ACCESS FOR HANG HAU TSUEN IN SAN TIN.
A PROGRESS REPORT PREPARED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE TABLED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 3) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
-----0-----
DB COMMITTEE TO REVIEW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW THE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS IN KWUN TONG AFTER THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL LIMITED, MR VICTOR LEUNG, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING.
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT THE PING SHEK INTERCHANGE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 6 TUNG YAN STREET. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- -MERCHANT FINED FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS ******
A FRUIT MERCHANT WAS FINED $2,000 AT THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS,
THIS WAS THE SECOND PROSECUTION BROUGHT UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE SINCE IT CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR.
THE DEFENDANT PLEADED GUILTY TO A COUNT OF HAVING IN POSSESSION FOR USE OF TWO DEFECTIVE SLANTED DIAL SPRING BALANCES AS WEIGHING EQUIPMENT IN HIS RETAIL FRUIT BUSINESS.
THE COURT HEARD THAT OFFICERS OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, ACTING ON A COMPLAINT, CARRIED OUT AN INSPECTION IN THE DEFENDANT’S SHOP LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 80 CHUNG ON STREET, TSUEN WAN ON JANUARY 31, 1989.
AS A RESULT, TWO DEFECTIVE SPRING BALANCES WERE SEIZED AND WERE SUBSEQUENTLY FORFEITED.
ON MAY 31, 1989, THE OFFICERS CARRIED OUT ANOTHER INSPECTION IN THE SHOP AND FOUND TWO SLANTED DIAL SPRING BALANCES, WHICH WERE USED IN THE SELLING OF FRUITS.
A PRELIMINARY CHECK REVEALED THAT THOSE SPRING BALANCES WERE INACCURATE AND THE BALANCES WERE KEPT FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES.
GOVERNMENT LABORATORY EXAMINATION OF THE TWO SPRING BALANCES CONFIRMED THAT THEY WERE DEFECTIVE AND WERE NOT CAPABLE OF DETERMINING A WEIGHTACCURATELY.
THE HIGHEST ERRORS IN THE BALANCES WERE FOUND TO BE +24.56 PER CENT AND +8.47 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
IT MEANT THAT THE READINGS SHOWN ON THE SPRING BALANCES WERE RESPECTIVELY 24.56 PER CENT AND 8.47 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHT OF THE GOODS.
THE CHIEF TRADE CONTROLS OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS’ CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION, MR ANDREW WONG, SAID THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 67 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DURING THE INITIAL NINE-MONTH IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD OF THE ORDINANCE.
"OF THESE COMPLAINTS, 37 ARE NOT SUBSTANTIATED, 21 ARE SUBSTANTIATED AND NINE OTHERS ARE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
"AS FOR THE COMPLAINTS WHICH ARE SUBSTANTIATED, WRITTEN WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO 15 TRADERS, TWO TRADERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED AND FOUR OTHERS WILL BE PROSECUTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
/"THE ORDINANCE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 35 -
"THE ORDINANCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF 820,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT," MR WONG SAID.
IF ANY PERSON WANTS TO MAKE ANY COMPLAINT ABOUT MALPRACTICES IN RESPECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES, HE MAY CONTACT EITHER THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 3—7146146) OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
COMPLAINTS MAY ALSO BE MADE TO THE DUTY OFFICER OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 5-8523185 AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
-----0-----
SCHOOL DRAMAS TO PROMOTE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE * * * * *
WINNERS IN THE 1989-90 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN INTER-SCHOOL DRAMA COMPETITION RECEIVED THEIR PRIZES TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
THE TWO-DAY COMPETITION, WHICH MARKED THE CLIMAX OF THE "CLEAN SCHOOL" PHASE OF THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
"WITH KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN AS ITS THEME, THE COMPETITION CALLS FOR STUDENTS’ SUPPORT IN DISSEMINATING THE KEEP CLEAN MESSAGE IN THE FORM OF DRAMA," A SPOKESMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE SAID.
"IT ALSO AIMS AT ENHANCING STUDENTS’ CIVIC-MINDEDNESS THROUGH THE DRAMATISATION OF CHARACTERS AND INCIDENTS," HE ADDED.
THE COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS -- PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTIONS. PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS COMPETED FOR THE BEST PERFORMANCE. BEST SCRIPT. BEST DIRECTOR AND BEST PERFORMER AWARDS IN EACH SECTION.
"THE RESULT OF THE COMPETITION IS ENCOURAGING. MOST OF THE SCRIPT-WRITERS HAVE BEEN ABLE TO COMBINE EDUCATIONAL AND ENTERTAINING ELEMENTS IN A WELL-THOUGHT OUT AND ORIGINAL THEATRICAL PRODUCTION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SIX CELEBRITIES IN THE LOCAL THEATRICAL CIRCLE FORMED TWO PANELS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF THE COMPETITION. THEY WERE MR CHAN YIU-HUNG, MR QUENTIN FONG AND MR WONG CHAU-SANG FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION: AND MS FU YUET-MEI. MR JAMES CHEUNG AND MR LAM SHEUNG-MO FOR THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION.
/"THE ADJUDICATORS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
"THE ADJUDICATORS GENERALLY FELT THAT THE STUDENTS HAVE DISPLAYED THEIR HUMOUR. IMAGINATION AND KEEN OBSERVATION OF REAL LIFE SITUATIONS BOTH IN THEIR SCRIPTS AND IN THE PORTRAYAL OF THE CHARACTERS,” THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OFFICIATING AT TONIGHT’S PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WERE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNC1L/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, DR PANG HOK-TUEN; VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE, MR TONG KAM-BIU; AND DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS C.H. KONG.
IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTION, HOL PING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SECONDARY SCHOOL WON THE FIRST PRIZE OF BEST PERFORMANCE IN ADDITION TO WINNING THE BEST SCRIPT AND BEST DIRECTOR AWARDS.
THE SECOND PRIZE OF BEST PERFORMANCE WENT TO KAU YAN COLLEGE WHICH ALSO RECEIVED THE BEST PERFORMER AWARD, PUI KIU MIDDLE SCHOOL WON THE THIRD PRIZE OF BEST PERFORMANCE, WHILE METHODIST COLLEGE AND PENTECOSTAL LAM HON KWONG SECONDARY SCHOOL RECEIVED MERIT PRIZES.
IN THE PRIMARY SCHOOL SECTION, PO YAN SCHOOL (AM), N.T.W.J.W.A. LEUNG SING TAK PRIMARY SCHOOL (PM) AND N.T.W.J.W.A. LEUNG SING TAK PRIMARY SCHOOL (AM) WERE THE CHAMPION, FIRST RUNNER-UP AND SECOND RUNNER-UP FOR THE BEST PERFORMANCE AWARD RESPECTIVELY.
WONG TAI SIN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY PM SCHOOL WAS THE MERIT PRIZE WINNER.
PO YAN SCHOOL (AM) WAS ALSO AWARDED THE PRIZE OF BEST SCRIPT WHILE N.T.W.J.W.A. LEUNG SING TAK PRIMARY SCHOOL (PM) WON BOTH PRIZES FOR BEST DIRECTOR AND BEST PERFORMER IN ADDITION TO THEIR PRIZES FOR BEST PERFORMANCE.
IN THIS SECTION, TWO PRIZES FOR BEST PERFORMER WERE AWARDED AND THE OTHER PRIZE WINNER WAS CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY PM SCHOOL.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE FIRST
PERFORMANCE FROM BOTH SECTIONS PRESENTED
PRIZE WINNERS OF BEST
THEIR PLAYS TO THE AUDIENCE.
-----0-------
TRAINING COURSE FOR STEAM RECEIVER OPERATORS
*****
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL ORGANISE A TRAINING COURSE JOINTLY WITH THE MAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE FOR STEAM RECEIVER OPERATORS IN MID-NOVEMBER TO ENSURE SAFETY IN THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT.
THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE OPERATORS WITH THE NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE OF THE CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE . AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS OF THE MOST COMMON STEAM RECEIVERS USED IN INDUSTRY.
/ACCORDING TO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
- 37 -
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS COMPILED BY THE DEPARTMENT, FOUR WORKERS WERE KILLED IN THREE ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE USE OF STEAM RECEIVERS, ALSO KNOWN AS KIERS, IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS.
IT WAS FOUND THAT THE ACCIDENTS WERE DUE MAINLY TO THE LACK OF DIRECT SUPERVISION BY COMPETENT PERSONS WITH RELEVANT CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY DURING THE OPERATION OF THE KIERS.
THE KIERS WERE LEFT MERELY IN THE HANDS OF UNQUALIFIED OPERATORS WHO HAD LITTLE KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS OF THEIR OPERATIONAL SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE COURSE ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE HAKING WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AT 702 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, KOWLOON. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 3-615161 EXT. 121.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, APPLICANTS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT HARBOUR BUILDING, 17TH FLOOR, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL OR ON TEL. 5-8524189.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KING’S ROAD RECONSTRUCTION *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 3). THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN NORTH POINT WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS BECAUSE OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KING’S ROAD:
* KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN SHELL STREET AND OIL STREET;
* OIL STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES TO THE NORTH; AND
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF SHELL STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES TO THE WEST.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
-----0 ---------
/38........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1989
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY ON CONDUIT ROAD t I * * t
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 3), THE EXISTING 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY ON THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONDUIT ROAD IN THE MID-LEVELS FROM A POINT ABOUT EIGHT METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 74 METRES TO THE EAST (EXCLUDING THE LAYBY OUTSIDE HOUSE NUMBER 54), WILL REMAIN IN FORCE FOR ANOTHER SIX WEEKS.
THIS MEASURE IS NECESSARY FOR CARRYING OUT DRAINAGE WORKS THERE.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING:
PRACTICAL ACTION TO PROMOTE HK AS INTERNATIONAL CITY ... 1
NEED TO REBUILD CONFIDENCE ............................. 2
POLITICAL PARTIES INEVITABLE ........................... 4
CALL TO REBUILD HK'S IMAGE ABROAD....................... 5
TERTIARY EXPANSION PROGRAMME A BLESSING FOR YOUNG ...... 7
ASSURANCES FOR CIVIL SERVICE URGED .................... 8
RIGHT OF ABODE CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE................... 9
HEALTH POLICY NEEDS COMPLETE REVIEW .................... 11
ADOPTION OF OMELCO MODEL FOR POLITICAL REFORM URGED..... 13
POLICY ON IMPORTING LABOUR SHOULD BE RELAXED............ 15
STABLE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT KEY TO PROSPERITY ......... 17
TRIPARTITE EFFORT URGED TO DISPEL DISTRUST ............. 18
MEMBERS COMPLETE SPEECHES IN POLICY DEBATE ............. 20
HK'S MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS REMAIN COMPETITIVE ............ 21
AUGUST RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY RELEASED ........... 22
SECOND QUARTER SURVEY ON EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING ................................................ 25
LEAFLET ON ROYAL VISIT FOR RELEASE ON MONDAY ............ 26
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE TO COMMEMORATE ROYAL VISIT............ 26
NEW DO TO VISIT ISLANDS RURAL COMMITTEES ................. 27
SEMINAR IN EASTERN ON RULE OF LAW........................ 28
SEMINAR TO REVIEW PRESSURE EQUIPMENT SAFETY ............. 28
PUBLICITY MOUNTED FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ......... 29
YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL OPINS TOMORROW ................... 30
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KENNEDY TOWN TO BE CLOSED...... 31
LEI YUE-"MUN FERRY FARE AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TSUEN WAN . 31
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF STADIUM PATH ........................ 31
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
PRACTICAL ACTION TO PROMOTE HK AS INTERNATIONAL CITY
* t t ♦ ♦
STRENGTHENING AND PROMOTING HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY IS A CORNERSTONE OF OUR FUTURE, THE HON MARTIN BARROW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE SECOND DAY OF DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS. MR BARROW SAID DEVELOPING THE STATUS OF HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY WAS A CREATIVE, POSITIVE AND OPTIMISTIC THEME THAT COULD RALL> AND INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG AS WELL AS OUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS AND CHINA ITSELF.
THOUGH HONG KONG WAS ALREADY A FLOURISHING INTERNATIONAL CITY IN MANY RESPECTS, THERE WAS STILL MUCH PRACTICAL ACTION THAT WE COULD TAKE TO ACHIEVE THIS VISION OF HONG KONG, HE SAID.
MR BARROW SUGGESTED THAT WE MUST ACHIEVE A HIGHER STANDARD OF ENGLISH: MUST HAVE THF FLEXIBILITY TO ALLOW PEOPLE WITH PARTICULAR SKILLS AND KNOW-HOW To COME INTO HONG KONG; MUST AVOID PROTECTIONISM AMONG THF PROFESSIONS AND SHOULD ENCOURAGE INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES, SUCH AS BRANCHES OF THE UNITED NATIONS, TO HAVE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS HERE.
HF. ALSO SAID THAT WE MUST TAKE GREATER STEPS TO DEVELOP HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL IMAGE.
THE ALREADY ACTIVE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC OFFICES AROUND THF WORLD SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED WITH PROFESSIONAL OUTSIDE HELP, AND THEY SHOULD WORK MORE CLOSELY WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
MEANWHILE, HELP SHOULD BE SOUGHT FROM THE MANAGEMENT OF THOSE HONG KONG COMPANIES WHICH HAD BUSINESSES IN SOME OF THE MAJOR CITIES OF THF WORLD, IN PUTTING OVER THE HONG KONG MESSAGE.
"THIS ACTIVITY SHOULD BE IN PARALLEL TO THE INITIATIVES WHICH ARE BEING TAKEN IN HONG KONG SUCH AS SETTING UP AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMITTEE, WHICH IS A WELCOME DEVELOPMENT," HE ADDED.
HE ALSO SAID HONG KONG PEOPLE SHOULD DEVOTE TIME WHILE ON INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO PROMOTING HONG KONG WHENEVER THE APPROPRIATE OPP0RTUNIT IES AROSE.
NOTING THAT THE JOINT DECLARATION NOT ONLY ALLO D HONG KONG’S INTERNATIONAL CHARACTER TO CONTINUE BUT ALSO ENCOURAG ' IT TO GROW AND FLOURISH, MR BARROW SAID THAT IT WAS NECESSARY To UNDERLINE THE CRUCIAL DISTINCTION BETWEEN STRENGTHENING HONG KONG AS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY AND THE POLITICALLY MORE COMPLEX POINT CONCERNING THE INTERNATIONALISATION OF THE ISSUE OF HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
TURNING TO THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR AS A VITAL ELEMENT OF THF. INTERNATIONAL CITY THEME, MR BARROW STRESSED THE NEED TO STRENUOUSLY AVOID OVER-REGULATION WHICH COULD STIFLE THE VIGOUR AND INNOVATION OF OUR MARKETS.
/"HONG KONG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
2
"HONG KONG GREW INTO AN IMPORTANT FINANCIAL CENTRE BECAUSE THERE WERE A MINIMUM NUMBER OF RULES INHIBITING BUSINESS, RATHER THAN BECAUSE IT HAD A COMPREHENSIVE REGULATORY SYSTEM," HE SAID.
"IN REVIEWING COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING REGULATIONS AND PLANS FOR FUTURE LEGISLATION, IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THERE SHOULD BE COMMONSENSE HANDLING OF SITUATIONS AS THEY ARISE AND THE AVOIDANCE OF NIT-PICKING," HE ADDED.
HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO STRAY AWAY FROM HONG KONG’S BASIC PHILOSOPHY, AND TO ENSURE THE REGULATORY ORGANISATIONS BOTH WITHIN AND OUTSIDE GOVERNMENT REMAINED LEAN AND TIGHTLY MANAGED, WITH A SENSIBLE APPROACH TO REALITIES.
ON INFRASTRUCTURE AND DEVELOPMENT, MR BARROW SAID THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF A NEW AIRPORT AND RELATED DEVELOPMENTS WAS WELCOME NEWS TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE AND TO THE TOURISM INDUSTRY IN PARTICULAR.
HOWEVER, IN PARALLEL WITH THESE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID WE MUST KEEP UP THE OTHER IMPROVEMENTS WHICH WERE SO VITAL TO MAINTAINING HONG KONG AS AN EXCITING AND VIBRANT CITY FOR VISITORS AND CONTINUE TO OFFER A HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE.
THESE INCLUDED THE ONGOING IMPROVEMENTS AT KAI TAK OVER THE NEXT TWO OR THREE YEARS; THE NEED TO ENSURE THE LAYOUT OF THE NEW RECLAMATION GAVE HONG KONG AN EXCITING AND COLOURFUL WATERFRONT; THE COMMITMENT TO TRAINING AND EDUCATION AS WELL AS SOME FLEXIBILITY IN IMMIGRATION POLICY; THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURE.
-------o--------
NEED TO REBUILD CONFIDENCE
* * * * t
THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO REBUILD CONFIDENCE: CONFIDENCE IN OURSELVES AND CONFIDENCE OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY IN US, THE HON EDWARD HO SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY I .
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MR HO SAID THE RESTORATION OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE LAY ULTIMATELY IN MUTUAL TRUST AND UNDERSTANDING AMONG CHINA, HONG KONG AND BRITAIN.
HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO HAVE MUTUAL TRUST IN THE WILL AND DETERMINATION ON THE PART OF ALL THREE GOVERNMENTS TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY, AND TO HAVE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONCERNS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
/IT WAS ......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 5 -
IT WAS ALSO IMPORTANT TO HAVE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTINCTIVE NATURE OF THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS OF HONG KONG AND CHINA, AND TO HAVE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE TRUE MEANING OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS".
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MR HO WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSAL TO EXPAND THE PROVISION OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES WITHOUT DECREASING SUB-DEGREE PLACES.
IN ORDER TO ATTRACT SUITABLY QUALIFIED TEACHING STAFF WITHOUT CAUSING UNDESIRABLE STAFF MOVEMENTS BETWEEN THE POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE TWO POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE SHOULD BE ACCORDED THE SAME STATUS AS THE UNIVERSITIES, AND SHOULD BE RENAMED TO REFLECT THAT STATUS.
HE CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER THE PROVISION OF MORE SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS FOR STUDENTS TO STUDY OVERSEAS ON CONDITION THAT THEY WOULD RETURN TO HONG KONG TO WORK FOR A GIVEN NUMBER OF YEARS AFTER GRADUATION.
HE SAID YOUNG PEOPLE ALREADY IN EMPLOYMENT SHOULD BE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITIES TO RECEIVE ON THE JOB TRAINING AND FURTHER EDUCATION SO THAT THEY COULD BE EQUIPPED TO OCCUPY MORE RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS LEFT VACANT BY THOSE WHO HAD EMIGRATED.
"TAX INCENTIVES TO EMPLOYERS WHO PROVIDE SUCH OPPORTUNITIES SHOULD BE CONSIDERED," HE SUGGESTED.
ON INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID THAT WHILE TOP PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW AIRPORT, ITS ASSOCIATE SUPPORT SERVICES AND TRANSPORT LINKS, IT WOULD BE SENSIBLE FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENTS TO BE PHASED TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT ON RESOURCES.
HE CAUTIONED AGAINST OVER-RELIANCE ON FINANCIAL RETURNS ON SALES OF LAND TO FINANCE THE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT.
WITH THE HARBOUR RECLAMATION, RELOCATION OF THE AIRPORT AND DEVELOPMENT OF PORT FACILITIES, MR HO SUGGESTED THAT WE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES GAINED TO IMPROVE OUR URBAN ENVIRONMENT.
HE SAID THE METROPLAN UNDER PREPARATION SHOULD ENSURE THAT FUTURE URBAN DEVELOPMENT WOULD CONTAIN ADEQUATE OPEN SPACE, PARKS, PUBLIC AND CIVIC AMENITIES, AND ADEQUATE ROAD RESERVES TO SERVICE A TRULY ATTRACTIVE CITY OF THE FUTURE FOR ITS INHABITANTS.
"WE SHOULD RE-EXAMINE THE HONG KONG PLANNING STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES TO ENSURE THAT THESE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS WOULD BE PROVIDED," HE ADDED.
MR HO ALSO SUGGESTED THAT OPPORTUNITY SHOULD BE TAKEN TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT BY RELOCATING POLLUTING INDUSTRIES TO NEW INDUSTRIAL ZONES NEAR THE NEW AIRPORT, AWAY FROM RESIDENTIAL AREAS.
MEANWHILE, THE PROPOSAL TO BUILD A NEW TOWN NEAR THE NEW AIRPORT SHOULD BE LOOKED AT VERY CAREFULLY FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL POINT OF VIEW, HE SAID.
------o-------
A.......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 4 -
POLITICAL PARTIES INEVITABLE * * * *
THE HON RONALD ARCL’LLl SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FORMATION OE POLITICAL PARTIES WILL BE INEVITABLE AND ESSENTIAL AS HONG KONG MOVES TOWARDS GREATER POLITICAL MATURITY.
HOWEVER, HE SAID HONG KONG HAD TO AVOID HAVING TOO MANY POLITICAL PARTIES BECAUSE THERE WAS AN INHERENT DANGER THAT IF THERE WAS NO UNITY WITHIN PARTIES, THE STABILITY OF THE LEGISLATURE MIGHT BE AFFECTED.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MR ARCL’LLl SAID HE NOTED THAT SOME OF HIS LEGCO COLLEAGUES HAD TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO FORM POLITICAL PARTIES.
HE HOPED VARIOUS LIBERAL GROUPS WOULD IRON OUT THEIR DIFFERENCES TO REORGANISE THEMSELVES INTO A SINGLE COHESIVE AND CREDITABLE PARTY AND NOT MERELY BECAME AN AMALGAM OF GROUPS WITHOUT TRUE UNITY.
"WE MUST AVOID TOO MANY POLITICAL PARTIES FOR THERE IS AN INHERENT DANGER: IT MAY RESULT IN THE LEGISLATURE BEING CONTROLLED BY A MINORITY GROUP ACTING IN CONCERT OR AT LEAST HAVE SUBSTANTIAL INFLUENCE.
"WE MUST THEREFORE BE ALERT TO SOME OF THE PITFALLS OF POLITICAL ADVANCEMENT AND REALISE THAT WE WILL HAVE TO WORK VERY HARD TO OBTAIN SUCH STABILITY," HE SAID.
MR ARCL’LLl ALSO URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSALS IN THE OMELCO CONSENSUS FOR 1991 AND 1995 WHEN DECIDING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
BESIDES DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LEGISLATURE AND THE EXECUTIVE, HE ALSO SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO CONSIDER REFORMS IN THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
"THERE IS A CASK FOR SYNCHRONISING THE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN THESE BODIES WITH THAT OF THIS COUNCIL SO THAT BY 1995 ALL THEIR MEMBERS WOULD ALSO BE ELECTED BY ONE MEANS OR ANOTHER.
"THERE IS NOT MUCH TIME AND AN URGENT DECISION IS REQUIRED. IT IS THE EXPECTATION OF THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
MR ARCULLI SAID CHINA WOULD BENEFIT FROM HONG KONG'S DEVELOPMENT INTO AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE AS A LOT OF INVESTMENT IN CHINA WAS MADE BY HONG KONG OR THROUGH IT.
HE NOTED THAT THERE MIGHT SOMETIMES BE UNDUE WORRIES AND OCCASS1ONALLY HICCUPS IN SINO-HONG KONG RELATIONSHIPS.
/BUT MOST .......
5
BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL WAS FOR HONG KONG TO ENSURE THE CONCEPT OF THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEM, HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY" WOULD WORK, AS IT WOULD BE MEASURED AGAINST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS BECAUSE HONG KONG WAS AN INTERNATIONAL CITY.
ON FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES, MR ARCULLI SAID: "THESE AMBITIOUS PLANS WILL TEST HONG KONG'S RESILIENCE AND RESOURCEFULNESS AND WHILST I AGREE THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD NOT TO DO IT WE MUST NOT TAKE OUR EYES OFF THE EFFECT IT WILL HAVE ON OUR ECONOMY AND BE CAREFUL THAT WE DO NOT MORTGAGE OUR FUTURE FOR AN APPARENT DISPLAY' OF CONFIDENCE.
"WE HAVE BEEN TOLD OFTEN ENOUGH IN THE PAST THAT HONG KONG CANNOT AFFORD TO TAKE ON TOO MANY CAPITAL PROJECTS AS WE DO NOT WANT THE ECONOMY TO OVERHEAT OR THAT WE MUST BE FRUGAL IN TIMES OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC DOWNTURN.
"IF THOSE OBSERVATIONS WERE TRUE LET US NOT FORGET THEM IN THE YEARS TO COME."
------0 -------
CALL TO REBUILD HK'S IMAGE ABROAD *****
APART FROM THE NEED TO BUILD SELF CONFIDENCE, HONG KONG MUST URGENTLY ENSURE THAT THE WORLD COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO HAVE FAITH IN OUR FUTURE, THE HON PAUL CHENG SAID JN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MR CHENG SAID HE NOTED IN HIS RECENT TRAVELS ABROAD THAT THERE HAD BEEN A TOTALLY WRONG PERCEPTION OF HONG KONG AROUND THE WORLD AFTER. THE -JUNE EVENTS IN PEKING.
HE STRESSED THAT TO REBUILD OUR IMAGE, WE MUST SERIOUSLY CONSIDER MOUNTING A CO-ORDINATED CAMPAIGN, AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE FROM A PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM WITH A GLOBAL NETWORK.
CONVINCED THAT A TASK FORCE COMPOSED OF INDIVIDUALS FROM BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS SHOULD BE FORMED TO SPEARHEAD THIS EFFORT, MR CHENG SAID THAT UNLESS THIS WAS DONE, FOREIGN INVESTMENT WOULD SLIDE AND OUR STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL CENTRE WOULD BEGIN TO ERODE.
NOTING THAT MANY INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVES HAD MADE .A LONG TERM COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG, MR CHENG SAID WE SHOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THOSE INTERESTED AND WILLING, TO BE MORE INVOLVED IN AN ADVISORY CAPACITY IN AREAS SUCH AS EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, THE ENVIRONMENT AND YOUTH PROGRAMMES.
/"WHERE APPROPRIATE .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
6 -
"WHERE APPROPRIATE AND NECESSARY, WE SHOULD ALSO WELCOME PROFESSIONALS AND SPECIALISTS FROM ABROAD TO PRACTICE AND WORK HERE,"
HE SAID.
MR CHENG SAID THAT IN TIMES OF UNCERTAINTY, HONG KONG NEEDED TO CULTIVATE AN ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT.
HE HOPED THAT ALL PARTIES CONCERNED - CHINA, BRITAIN, THE HONG KONG PEOPLE AND THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WITH COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG - WOULD EXERCISE SELF-RESTRAINT TO AVOID CONFRONTATIONS.
"LET PRAGMATISM RULE THE DAY FOR IF WE CANNOT MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC VIABILITY AND FREE ENVIRONMENT, ALL ELSE INCLUDING GETTING THE RIGHT POLITICAL MODEL MAY BECOME SECONDARY," HE SAID.
MR CHENG SAID IT WAS IN CHINA’S INTEREST TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO REINJECT CONFIDENCE INTO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"BY RESPONDING POSITIVELY TO HONG KONG PEOPLE’S VIEWS ON THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAW WILL GO A LONG WAY TO SHOW HER UNDERSTANDING, FLEXIBILITY AND SINCERITY TOWARDS THE SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THE "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS" CONCEPT.
"A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE HONG KONG WILL HELP SPEED UP CHINA’S EVENTUAL EMERGENCE AS A WORLD POWER," HE ADDED.
TURNING TO PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE, MR CHENG SAID THAT THE PLANS OUTLINED IN THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS WOULD HELP MAINTAIN OUR ECONOMIC MOMENTUM AND REGAIN SOME OF OUR LOST CONFIDENCE.
DESCRIBING THE NEW AIRPORT PROJECT AS THE "HARDWARE", HE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT WE MUST GIVE EQUAL EMPHASIS TO DEVELOPING APPROPRIATE "SOFTWARE".
TO HIM, THE MORE CRITICAL "SOFTWARE" ISSUES INCLUDED EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, THE ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY.
ON EDUCATION AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING, MR CHENG SAID THAT IN INCREASING THE PLANNED PROVISION OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES FROM 7,000 NEXT YEAR TO 15,000 IN 1995. IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THIS WAS NOT DONE AT THE EXPENSE OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING.
HE SAID THAT WE NEEDED TO REVIEW THE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE FOR THE TEACHING PROFESSION TO ATTRACT MORE PEOPLE INTO THE FIELD.
"WE MUST ALSO WELCOME TEACHERS FROM ABROAD TO HELP US RAISE OUR CHILDREN’S STANDARD OF ENGLISH AND WE MUST SEND MORE TEACHERS OVERSEAS TO UPDATE THEIR TEACHING TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS," HE SAID.
ON THE ENVIRONMENT, MR CHENG SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED TO SEE THAT MORE EFFORTS WOULD BE GIVEN TO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION.
/"WE NEED
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 7 -
"WE NEED TO ACT QUICKLY AND WE NEED TO ENFORCE COMPLIANCE. GENTLE PERSUASION IS NOT GOING TO WORK." HE SAID.
ON TECHNOLOGY, HE SAID THE PROPOSED ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW HONG KONG TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WAS GOOD NEWS INDEED.
HE HOPED FOCUS WOULD BE ON APPLIED TECHNOLOGY, ON PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT RATHER THAN ON PURE BASIC RESEARCH.
"WE NEED TO FOSTER A . CLOSER LINK BETWEEN THE ACADEMIC
COMMUNITY AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
"WE ALSO NEED TO LOOK AT POSSIBLE SCHEMES TO ENCOURAGE MANUFACTURERS TO REINVEST IN TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT," HE SAID.
-----0-----
TERTIARY EXPANSION PROGRAMME A BLESSING FOR YOUNG t * * » »
THE TARGETS THE GOVERNOR OUTLINED IN HIS POLICY ADDRESS FOR THE PROVISION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION IN THE COMING YEARS ARE A BLESSING FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, THE HON DAVID CHEUNG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR CHEUNG SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE THAT FOR THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME TO SUCCEED, TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS MUST COME OUT OF THEIR "IVORY TOWERS", FOREGO THE NOSTALGIC RECOLLECTIONS OF THE PAST, AND DESIGN NEW PROGRAMMES AND CURRICULA TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND THOSE OF THE COMMUNITY.
HE SAID THAT CARE MUST BE TAKEN TO ATTAIN THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE ACADEMIC STANDARDS OF INTERNATIONAL STANDING.
NOTING THAT THERE WERE MANY YOUNG WORKING PERSONS WHO ASPIRED TO HIGHER ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS FOR THEIR CAREER ADVANCEMENT, MR CHEUNG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUILDING ON EXISTING FACILITIES, BOTH’ IN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, BY PROVIDING MORE CO-ORDINATED INPUT TO STREAMLINE THE QUALITY OF THESE FACILITIES AND FINANCIAL SUPPORT.
HE WELCOMED WHOLE-DAY PRIMARY SCHOOLING AND HOPED THAT POSITIVE MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO MAKE WHOLE-DAY SCHOOLS EDUCATIONALLY MEANINGFUL.
IN SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION, HE WAS WORRIED THAT THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION WOULD BE AT THE EXPENSE OF LOWER LEVELS OF EDUCATION.
HE NOTED THAT SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE STILL WAITING ■ FOR FUNDS TO RE-INSTATE THE POST OF VICE-PRINCIPAL, TO COMPUTERISE ADMINISTRATION AND TO INCREASE LABOUR-SAVING EQUIPMENT FOR EFFICIENCY.
/IN LANGUAGE........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2. 1989
- 8 -
IN LANGUAGE MATTERS, MR CHEUNG REITERATED HIS VIEW THAT THE USE OF ENGLISH AS THE MAJOR MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN SCHOOLS WAS EDUCATIONALLY UNSOUND.
HE SAID THAT WE MUST DEVELOP FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE CHINESE STREAM A VIABLE ALTERNATIVE FOR FURTHER STUDIES AND BETTER EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS.
SAID THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS IN IN ACCORDANCE WITH LANGUAGE ABILITY AT THE END OF SAID THIS WAS POLITICALLY UNACCEPTABLE AND WOULD
MR CHEUNG STREAMING PUPILS PRIMARY SIX. HE
BRING DISRUPTION TO THE EDUCATIONAL SCENE.
HE WELCOMED THE SETTING UP OF A COMMISSION ON YOUTH AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A CHARTER FOR YOUTH.
ON HONG KONG'S FUTURE POLITICAL SYSTEM, MR CHEUNG SUPPORTED THE OMELCO CONSENSUS.
"IT WAS THE OUTCOME OF A GREAT AMOUNT OF GIVE AND TAKE AMONG MEMBERS WHO HAVE THE OVERALL WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY AT HEART AND WHO, IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIELDS AND CONSTITUENCIES, REPRESENT A WIDE SPECTRUM OF OUR POPULACE.
"I EARNESTLY HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESPOND POSITIVELY TO THIS AND SET IN TRAIN THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR EFFECTING THE NECESSARY CHANGES FROM 1991 ONWARDS," HE SAID.
-----0------
ASSURANCES FOR CIVIL SERVICE URGED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE UNWAVERING AND CATEGORICAL ASSURANCES TO THE CIVIL SERVICE THAT CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, AND PARTICULARLY PENSIONS, WILL REMAIN INTACT AFTER THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY, THE HON NELLIE FONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MRS FONG SAID SHE STRONGLY BELIEVED THAT CERTAIN THINGS MUST BE DONE TO MAINTAIN THE QUALITY dF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
SHE SAID THE PRESENT CIVIL SERVICE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE WAS MUCH TOO RIGID AND BUREAUCRATIC FOR THE DYNAMIC NEEDS OF HONG KONG. THERE WAS A NEED FOR INDIVIDUAL DEPARTMENTS TO BE GRANTED GREATER AUTONOMY AND FLEXIBILITY.
THERE WAS ALSO A NEED FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF RIGOROUS TRAINING AND MOTIVATIONAL SCHEMES, THE ENHANCEMENT OF PROMOTION PROSPECTS, IMPROVEMENT OF WORKING CONDITIONS AND INSTALLATION OF PROGRAMMES TO ENGENDER A RENEWED SENSE OF PRIDE AND ACHIEVEMENT IN BEING PART OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
/’•AS 1997 ..........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
"AS 1997 APPROACHES, I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE CIVIL SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE BACKBONE OF THE TERRITORY, SETTING AN EXAMPLE FOR AN EFFICIENT, STABLE HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
ON THE POLICE FORCE, MRS FONG SAID THAT LAW AND ORDER WAS THE BOTTOM LINE FOR MANY PEOPLE, INCLUDING INVESTORS, IN REMAINING IN THE TERRITORY.
SHE THEREFORE BELIEVED THAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST DO ITS UTMOST TO BUILD UP AN EFFECTIVE, DISCIPLINED POLICE FORCE TO GUARD THE TERRITORY AGAINST UNCERTAINTIES IN THE INTERMEDIATE YEARS AND BEYOND 1997 .
ON THE ECONOMY, MRS FONG SAID CHINA WAS THE KEY TO HONG KONG'S SUCCESS.
"INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSMEN CANNOT, AND WILL NOT, IGNORE CHINA, AS AN ECONOMIC ENTITY, AND THAT GIVES US A WHOLE EXTRA LEVEL OF OPPORTUNITIES," SHE SAID.
SHE SAID THAT AS THE 21ST CENTURY DAWNED, INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS WOULD LOOK CLOSELY AT THE EXPANDING CHINESE ECONOMY. THEY WOULD LOOK TO HONG KONG AS THE PLACE TO SET UP THEIR CORE OFFICES FOR THEIR OPERATIONS AND EXPANSION INTO A MAJOR PART OF CHINA.
HONG KONG'S VALUE TO CHINA WENT FAR BEYOND ITS ENTREPOT FUNCTIONS FOR CHINA, AND FAR BEYOND THE CAPITAL THAT HONG KONG INVESTED TO USE CHINA AS A MANUFACTURING BASE FOR THE TERRITORY'S EXPORTS.
HONG KONG'S VALUE LAY IN ITS PEOPLE, IN HONG KONG PEOPLE’S ABILITY TO PROVIDE THE BRIDGE AND THE SUPPORT FUNCTION FOR INTERNATIONAL INVESTORS IN RELATION TO THEIR INVESTMENT IN CHINA, SHE SAID.
"IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT THIS GOVERNMENT DOES ALL IT CAN TO MAINTAIN AND ENHANCE THE STRENGTHS WE CURRENTLY POSSESS IN HONG KONG, AN INTERNATIONAL CITY WE PROUDLY CALL OUR HOME," SHE SAID.
- - 0
RIGHT OF ABODE CAMPAIGN WILL CONTINUE ******
UNTIL A SAFE AND SECURE FUTURE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IS GUARANTEED BY CONCRETE ACTION TAKEN OR LED BY BRITAIN, OMELCO MEMBERS WILL CONTINUE THEIR CRUSADE FOR RIGHT OF ABODE FOR HONG KONG PEOPLE, THE HON MIRIAM LAU SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY I THURSDAY).
ANY SCHEME WHICH RESTORED THE RIGHT OF ABODE FOR ONLY A LIMITED NUMBER OF PEOPLE WAS NOWHERE NEAR FULFILMENT BY ’ BRITAIN OF ITS OBLIGATION TO HONG KONG, MRS LAU SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE.
/"I FIRMLY
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
10 -
"I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THF STAND WHICH OMELCO HAS TAKEN REPRESENTS THE STAND OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, THAT IS THAT BRITAIN HAS A DIRECT AND CONSTITUTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO RESTORE FULL BRITISH CITIZENSHIP TO OUR 3.25 MILLION BRITISH SUBJECTS IN HONG KONG AND A MORAL OBLIGATION TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND SECURE FUTURE FOR THE ENTIRE POPULATION," S HE SAID.
NO MATTER HOW FAIR BRITAIN THOUGHT THE SCHEME WAS, ANY DISCRIMINATORY AND ELITIST TREATMENT OF THOSE "SCREENED IN" MUST PROVOKE ACUTE RESENTMENT AMONG THOSE WHO WERE "SCREENED OUT".
THE RESULT WAS THAT DIVISIVENESS WITHIN THE SOCIETY COULD NOT BE AVOIDED. FRUSTRATION AND PERHAPS EVEN PANIC MIGHT ENSUE.
"HOW TO DEAL WITH AND PACIFY THE STRONG REACTIONS THAT WILL INEVITABLY ARISE OUT OF THAT DIVISIVENESS WILL BE A PROBLEM FOR THIS GOVERNMENT TO DEAL WITH," SHE SAID.
THE PRESENT ESCALATING RATE OF EMIGRATION WAS ALARMING AND GAVE REAL CAUSE FOR CONCERN.
HONG KONG WAS BLEEDING PROFUSELY AS ITS PROFESSIONALS, ENTREPRENEURS AND TALENTED PEOPLE' LEFT, AND UNLESS THE FLOW WAS ABATED, THE RESULTING ANAEMIA WAS BOUND TO EVENTUALLY DEBILITATE THE ECONOMY.
MRS LAU SAID ANOTHER AREA WHICH SEEMED TO HAVE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY UNDERMINED PUBLIC CONFIDENCE WAS THE MANNER IN WHICH DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN ALLOWED TO TAKE AN INDECISIVE COURSE.
"INSTEAD OF OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS TAKING ITS NATURAL COURSE AT A PACE BEFITTING TO THF DEVELOPMENT OF OUR SOCIETY, THE PUBLIC PERCEPTION SEEMS TO BE SUCH THAT CHINA ACTUALLY DICTATES HOW MUCH DEMOCRACY HONG KONG SHOULD GET BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER 1997," SHE SAID.
SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, HAVING NOTED THE WIDELY HELD VIEW THAT THERE SHOULD BE A SOMEWHAT FASTER RATE OF DEVELOPMENT IN 1991, SHOULD NOT SEE FIT NOW TO ANNOUNCE THE REVISED COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATURE FOR THAT .YEAR.
THE OMELCO PROPOSAL FOR POLITICAL REFORM FOR 1991 REPRESENTED A MASTERPIECE OF COMPROMISE ARRIVED AT AFTER FULL ARGUMENT AND CAREFUL DELIBERATION.
IT WAS QUICK ENOUGHT FOR THE LIBERALS, SLOW ENOUGH FOR THE CONSERVATIVES AND FLEXIBLE ENOUGH TO ENABLE CONVERGENCE TO BE MADE WITH ALMOST ANY LATER MODEL UNDER THE POST-1997 POLITICAL INSTITUTION.
"WHAT OMELCO HAS PROPOSED CERTAINLY FALLS WITHIN THE PURVIEW OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND I URGE GOVERNMENT TO PROSCRASTT.NATE NO FURTHER IN FINALISING THE POLITICAL SYSTEM FOR 1991 UPON THE LINES OF THE OMELCO CONSENSUS," SHE SAID.
/MRS LAU
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
11
MRS LAU WELCOMED THE GOVERNMENT’S INITIATIVE IN REGARD TO THE ENACTMENT OF A BILL OF RIGHTS.
WHAT WORRIED HER TO SOME EXTENT WAS THE FACT THAT THERE WOULD BE A FREEZE PERIOD, AS YET UNDEFINED, AFTER ENACTMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS WHEN EXISTING LAWS COULD NOT BE CHALLENGED AGAINST THE STANDARD OF THE NEW BILL.
SHE SUGGESTED THAT THE FREEZE PERIOD SHOULD NOT EXCEED TWO YEARS, AND THAT WORK ON REVIEWING EXISTING LEGISLATION SHOULD COMMENCE WITHOUT AWAITING ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ALSO GIVE SOME FORM OF UNDERTAKING THAT PENDING FULL ENACTMENT OF THE BILL OF RIGHTS, IT WOULD REFRAIN FROM ENFORCING THOSE EXISTING LAWS WHICH WERE INCONSISTENT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE BILL.
- - 0 ----------
HEALTH POLICY NEEDS COMPLETE REVIEW *****
THERE IS A REAL AND URGENT NEED FOR A COMPLETE REVIEW OF THE HEALTH POLICY TN HONG KONG, DR THE HON LEONG CHE-HUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
DR LEONG SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE THAT THE FAULTS OF THE EXISTING MEDICAL SERVICE LAY IN THE GOVERNMENT’S FAILURE TO DEMONSTRATE A STRONG COMMITMENT IN THE DELIVERY OF A SATISFACTORY MEDICAL SERVICE, AND IN THE LACK OF A WORKABLE POLICY FOR NOW, AND THE FUTURE.
"IT IS EXACTLY THESE TWO FAULTS THAT BROUGHT ABOUT THE DISCONTENT OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE DOCTORS CULMINATING IN THEIR INDUSTRIAL ACTION; THE DISPUTE OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE; THE SHAMBLES OF THE GOVERNMENT CLINICS AND HOSPITALS; THE WASTAGE RATE OF GOVERNMENT DOCTORS, THE OVER-SUPPLY OF DENTISTS AND,OF COURSE, THE DISSATISFACTION OF THE PUBLIC," HE SAID.
DR LEONG SAID IT WOULD REQUIRE A LOT OF HARD WORK TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION.
HE SAID THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE WORKING PARTY AND THE ACADEMY OF MEDICINE WERE IMPORTANT BUT THEY WOULD NOT WORK WITHOUT FIRM GOVERNMENT CONVICTION.
"IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD DEFINE ITS ULTIMATE OBJECTIVES IN THE PROVISION OF HEALTH CARE," HE SAID.
THE LAST WHITE PAPER ON MEDICAL POLICY: "FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN HONG KONG" WAS PUBLISHED SOME 15 YEARS AGO AND ANOTHER REVIEW WAS LONG OVERDUE, DR LEONG SAID.
/DR LEONG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 12 -
DR LEONG SAID AN ISSUE THAT NEEDED DETAILED DELIBERATION WAS MEDICAL MANPOWER.
'’WITH THE EXPECTED EXODUS TN THE RUN UP TO 1 997, THERE WILL BE A CRISIS 01 MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
"THE IDEA OF EMPLOYMENT FROM OVERSEAS WILL NEVER DO, FOR THEY WILL NEVER REPLACE THE LOSS OF EXPERTISE OF WELL TRAINED LOCAL STAFF," HE SAID.
DR LEONG BELIEVED THAT THE IDEA OF UTILISATION OF AVAILABLE MANPOWER FROM THE LARGE POOL OF PRIVATE DOCTORS DESERVED CONSIDERATION.
HE SAID THE RIGID BARRIER THAT DIVIDED THE MEDICAL SERVICE OF HONG KONG INTO EITHER COMPLETELY PRIVATE OR COMPLETELY PUBLIC WAS TO NOBODY’S BENEFIT. AND THE SITUATION COULD BE IMPROVED BY BETTER INTEGRATION OF THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS.
HE SUGGESTED OFFERING ALL DOCTORS WHO HAD REACHED CONSULTANT STATUS THE CHOICE OF FULL SALARY CONTRACTS; OR PART TIME CONTRACTS, OR SESSIONAL CONTRACTS FOR EXPERTISE ON OCCASIONAL NEEDS.
DR LEONG SAID THERE WAS A NEED FOR MEDICAL MANAGERS.
HE SAID WHILE THE ADMINISTRATION WAS TRYING TO PROMOTE A BETTER HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT CONCEPT THROUGH THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, IT HAD FALLEN SHORT OF THE NEF.D FOR PEOPLE TO MANAGE 35 PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
ON MEDICAL FUNDING, DR LEONG SAID THREE ISSUES NEEDED TO BE PROPERLY ADDRESSED. THEY WERE THE SOURCE, THE DISTRIBUTION OF USE AND THE PROPER MANAGEMENT TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT UTILISATION.
HF SAID THAT UNDER THE CURRENT SYSTEM, THE FUND WAS POORLY MANAGED AS THERE WAS NO DEMAND TO PROVE COST-BENEFIT, COST-EFFECT!VENESS AND COST-EFFICIENCY.
FURTHERMORE, THERE WAS NO INCENTIVE FOR THE CLINICAL UNITS TO SAVE AS ALL UNUSED FUNDS WENT BACK TO GENERAL REVENUE.
"SERVICE AND CARE IS PROVIDED TO ALL IN A HAPHAZARD MANNER, THERE IS NO DESIGNATION OF WHOM IN THE COMMUNITY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
"SINCE THE AVAILABLE FUNDING RESOURCES WILL NOT BE ADEQUATE TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE CARE FOR ALL IN HONG KONG, AVAILABLE CARE WILL ONLY BE PROVIDED TO THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO RECEIVE AND EVEN THEN ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT MUST GIVE A DEFINITE DIRECTION OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND UNLESS SUCH FUNDING ISSUES WERE PROPERLY ADDRESSED, THE MERE IMPROVEMENT IN MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND STAFF BENEFIT OF THE PROPOSED HOSPITAL AND PRIMARY CARE SYSTEM WOULD NOT PROVIDE THE REFORMS THAT THE PUBLIC MEDICAL SERVICES NEEDED, HE SAID.
/DR LEONG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
DR LEONG ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER OTHER SOURCES OE FUNDING AND TO INTRODUCE SOME KIND OF A MEANS TEST TO IDENTIFY WHICH SECTOR OF THE POPULATION COULD NOT DO WITHOUT SUBSIDISED MEDICAL CARE.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT MUST DEFINE WHICH PART AND WHAT LEVEL OF THE MEDICAL SERVICES THAT IT WAS WILLING TO PROVIDE FOR EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG.
ON DENTAL SERVICE, DR LEONG REGRETTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD FAILED TO INTRODUCE A GENERAL DENTAL SERVICE DESPITE THE RECOMMENDATION FOR THIS IN THE WHITE PAPER ON MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED 15 YEARS AGO.
ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID THAT WHATEVER POLITICAL MODEL THAT ONE LOOKED AT FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, IT MUST NOT HAVE ANY CONFLICTS WITH THE BASIC RIGHT THAT EVERY CITIZEN WAS ENSURED IN THEIR PARTICIPATION IN POLITICAL AFFAIRS.
"THE IMPORTANT ISSUES BEING THAT THE BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR ANY ELECTORAL SYSTEM SHOULD RE EQUAL, FAIR, OPEN AND FREE.
"THE OMELCO CONSENSUS ON THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE IN THE RUN UP TO 1997 AND BEYOND SATISFIES ALL THESE PRINCIPLES. WHAT IS MORE IS IT MATCHES WITH THE WISH OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR A FASTER DEMOCRAT ISATI ON AT A STEADY PACE," HE SAID.
ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS, DR LEONG SAID HE DID NOT AGREE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION THAT IT WOULD TAKE TWO TO FIVE YEARS TO GO THROUGH ALL THE LEGISLATION TO ENSURE IT WOULD NOT BE CONTRADICTORY TO THIS BILL.
HE PROPOSED THE SETTING UP OF A HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION WITH MEMBERS FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, PRIVATE SECTOR AND ACADEMICS, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS.
- - 0-----------
ADOPTION OF OMELCO MODEL FOR POLITICAL REFORM URGED ******
THE HONG KONG AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS SHOULD ADOPT THE OMELCO CONSENSUS PROPOSALS ON POLITICAL REFORM AND BRING THEM INTO EFFECT IN 1991, THE HON JAMES MCGREGOR SAID TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
A DEVELOPMENT OF THIS KIND WOULD BE A REAL BOOST TO CONFIDENCE, MR MCGREGOR SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE.
WHATEVER MODEL WAS ADOPTED AFTER 1997 WOULD HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF A SYSTEM ALREADY IN SUCCESSFUL OPERATION, HE SAID.
/ON LABOUR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 14 -
/ *;
ON LABOUR SUPPLY, MR MCGREGOR SAID FOR MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS THE NEW AIRPORT, PRESUMABLY THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT ALLOW UNSKILLED AND SEMI-SKILLED LABOUR TO BE IMPORTED FROM CHINA AND KEPT ON SITE UNDER ARRANGEMENTS WHICH WOULD SAFEGUARD THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG EMPLOYEES.
'IF THAT IS THE INTENTION, I JOIN OTHER COLLEAGUES IN THIS COUNCIL IN SAYING THAT THIS IS THE KIND OF ARRANGEMENT THAT EMPLOYER ORGANISATIONS HAVE BEEN REQUESTING FOR SOME TIME WITHOUT SUCCESS," HE SAID.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF TRADING WITH EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES, MR MCGREGOR SUGGESTED THAT AT LEAST SOME OF THESE COUNTRIES BE ALLOWED TO OPEN TRADE OFFICES HERE.
HE ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD CONSIDER SETTING UP AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD WHICH WOULD OVERSEE AND ADVISE UPON THE ENTIRE RANGE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
ON THE SUBJECT OF GOVERNMENT BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, MR MCGREGOR SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ADOPT THE PRINCIPLE OF NOMINATED REPRESENTATION WHEN CONSIDERING MEMBERSHIP OF THESE BODIES.
HE SAID THE SETTING UP OF AN AIRPORT AUTHORITY WAS A WISE DECISION. THE NEW AIRPORT AUTHORITY WOULD DO A BETTER JOB THAN WOULD BE THE CASE IF A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAD THE TASK OF WORKING TOGETHER ON THIS PROJECT, HE SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE SAME CONSIDERATION SHOULD APPLY TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PORT, AND THAT A PORT AUTHORITY’ OR A PORT COMMISSION BE SET UP.
ON THE POSSIBILITY OF A WHOLESALE TAX BEING INTRODUCED, MR MCGREGOR SAID THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WAS "4,000 PER CENT NOT IN FAVOUR" OF THE IDEA.
THIS WAS A THOROUGHLY UNATTRACTIVE POSSIBILITY AND SHOULD BE LAID DECENTLY TO REST.
"IN MY VIEW, IT SHOULD ALSO TAKE THE EQUALLY UNATTRACTIVE SOFT DRINKS AND COSMETICS TAXES WITH IT," HE SAID.
ON THE MATTER OF "BOAT BRIDES", MR MCGREGOR ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER DECLARING AN AMNESTY FOR ALL BOAT BRIDES WHO HAD BEEN WAITING FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS TO RETURN TO HONG KONG.
HE ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE DEATH PENALTY BE REMOVED ALTOGETHER FROM THE STATUTE BOOK.
REFERRING TO THE CIVIL SERVICE, HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ANNOUNCED THAT OVERALL GROWTH WOULD BE REVISED DOWNWARDS TO TWO PER CENT IN 1989-90 BY DELETING VACANCIES, AND KEPT DOWN TO TWO PER CENT FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
/HE SAID .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
HE SAID A DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION OF SUCH ACROSS-THE-BOARD MEASURES COULD FALL VERY UNEVENLY ON DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES AND VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT.
"A LARGE DEPARTMENT IN A NO-GROWTH AREA MAY BE HARDLY AFFECTED, WHEREAS THE EFFECT ON A SMALL, RAPIDLY GROWING DEPARTMENT COULD BE DEVASTATING," HE NOTED.
HE HOPED THE GOVERNMENT'S EXPANDING ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PROGRAMME, WHICH DEPENDED ON A SMALL BUT RAPIDLY GROWING DEPARTMENT, WOULD NOT BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED BY TOO RIGID AN APPLICATION OF THE STRINGENT LOW GROWTH POLICY.
- - 0 -
POLICY ON IMPORTING LABOUR SHOULD BE RELAXED
*****
THE HON JAMES TIEN SUGGESTED TN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT HONG KONG SHOULD ADOPT A DUAL APPROACH AND RELAX ITS IMPORTATION OF LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION POLICIES TO HELP SOLVE THE MANPOWER SHORTAGE.
HE SAID THAT GIVEN THE LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS AND THE RECENT "BRAIN DRAIN" OF PROFESSIONALS AND SKILLED WORKERS, SOCIETY SIMPLY DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH PEOPLE TO FILL THE JOBS AVAILABLE.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MR TIEN SAID AN IMPORTATION OF LABOUR POLICY COULD BE DEVISED TO ALLOW IN NON-PROFESS1ONALS, OR SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS, TO WORK IN THE MANUFACTURING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRIES UNDER LIMITED QUOTA SCHEMES WITH SHORT-TERM CONTRACTS.
AS FOR AN IMMIGRATION POLICY, fiE SUGGESTED THAT A POINTS SYSTEM SIMILAR TO THAT IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES SHOULD BE ADOPTED TO ALLOCATE HIGH PRIORITIES TO PROFESSIONALS AND SKILLED WORKERS WHO COULD BE BROUGHT IN FROM NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.
ON FUTURE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS, MR TIEN NOTED THAT THE PORT AND AIRPORT PROJECTS WOULD ACCOUNT FOR $127 BILLION.
IF THE PROJECTS WERE SPLIT AT A 60:10 RATIO BETWEEN THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS THIS WOULD MEAN THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD HAVE TO INVEST $50 BILLION AND THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE UP THE BALANCE, HE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT THE ACCUMULATED FISCAL SURPLUS WOULD AMOUNT TO $71 BILLION BY THF END OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, AND THAT MIGHT OPEN THE SCOPE FOR BORROWING, ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT COULD RELY ON THE REPORTED $200 BILLION IN THE FORM OF THE EXCHANGE FUND.
/BUT AN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 16 -
BUT AN INFLUENTIAL PRIVATE REPORT HAD SUGGESTED THE GOVERNMENT WOULD HAVE TO SPEND $550 BILLION ON ALL CAPITAL WORKS BETWEEN NOW AND 2004, HE SAID. ADDING THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TRY TO EVEN OUT ALL MAJOR PROJECTS TO AVOID UNNECESSARY UPS AND DOWNS.
ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, MR TIEN SAID HE HAD INDICATED HIS SUPPORT FOR Till OMELCO CONSENSUS AND THE SO-CALLED 4-4-2 MODEL, AND HE BELIEVED THE POLITICAL STRUCTURE PROPOSED WOULD ALLOW FOR A SUITABLE PACE OF DEVELOPMENT.
HE ADDED THAT SUPPORTING OTHERS DID NOT NECESSARILY MEAN A CHANGE OF HEART OR LOSS OF FACE.
"COMPROMISE AND CONSENSUS IS SOMETHING WE ALSO TRIED TO ACHIEVE WITHIN OMELCO, BUT COMPROMISE AND CONSENSUS WITH PEOPLE OUTSIDE OMELCO IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR THE INTERESTS OF 1 HE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, HOWEVER, IS TO ACHIEVE A BASIC LAW RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT BOTH HERE AND IN CHINA.
"THESE MATTERS REQUIRE ABOVE ALL TO BE DISCUSSED CALMLY AND WITHOUT PETTINESS. THE LAST THING WE NEED IS A WAR OF NERVES... CARRIED ON ABOUT, AND AGAINST, THIS TERRITORY," HE SAID.
MR TIEN SAID THE RESTORATION OF CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG’S FUTURE WAS A DIFFICULT PROPOSITION AND HE WAS NOT CONFIDENT THAT THE FINAL DRAFT OF THE BASIC LAW WOULD ACCORD WITH THE WISHES OF HONG KONG PEOPLE.
HE ADDFD THAT HE COULD NOT SEE A MODEL IN WHICH HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD CONFIDENCE, GIVEN THE CURRENT UNCOMPROMISING ATMOSPHERE OF MUTUAL MISTRUST.
"HENCE, WE NEED TO ASSURE THAT, BETWEEN MAY 1990 AND 1997, THE DOOR CAN BE KEPT OPEN TO CHANGE. OUR HOPES REST UPON A CHANGE OF HEART WITHIN ('HINA ITSELF.
"OUR HOPES ALSO REST UPON RECONCILIATION AND UNDERSTANDING, REFERRED TO BY PREMIER LI PENG THIS WEEK TO THE VISITING FORMER US PRESIDENT RICHARD NIXON," HF. SAID.
-----0-----
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- V -
STABLE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT KEY TO PROSPERITY ******
POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY CAN ONLY AGGRAVATE THE CONFIDENCE CRISIS THAT IS LOOMING OVER HONG KONG’S HORIZONS, AND IT IS UP TO ALL SIDES TO ENSURE A STABLE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT THAT IS SO ESSENTIAL TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE PROSPERITY, THE HON PETER WONG HONG-YUEN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE ALSO URGED THE LOCAL BASIC LAW DRAFTERS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG AND STRIKE A REASONABLE BALANCE WITH CHINA.
'IF THEY NEGOTIATE FOR THE OVERALL GOOD OF CHINA AND HONG KONG, EVERYONE THEN WILL BE THE BENEFICIARY AND NONE WILL BE THE LOSER," HF SAID.
SPEAKING IN THE POLICY DEBATE, MR WONG SAID THE PROJECTED $127 BILLION INVESTMENT IN THE NEW AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT WAS AN AFFIRMATION OF FAITH IN HONG KONG.
BUT HE SUGGESTED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD TO ENSURE THAT THE ECONOMY WOULD NOT BECOME OVERHEATED AS A RESULT.
"SO FAR AS THE FUNDING OF THE PROJECT IS CONCERNED, I WAS UNHAPPY TO HEAR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S REMARK THAT TAXES WILL HAVE TO GO UP, OR ALTERNATIVE SOURCES BE MADE AVAILABLE TO STABILISE THE YIELD.
"I WAS UNHAPPY BECAUSE THIS IS BASICALLY PROJECT FINANCING AND SHOULD NOT COME OUT OF THE GENERAL REVENUES OVER THE LONG TERM. IT WOULD BE VERY WRONG '1’0 USE THE AIRPORT AS THE EXCUSE TO BRING IN SALES TAX.
"THE USE OF THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT LAND FUND TRUST WOULD SEEM A BETTER ALTERNATIVE," HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS WOULD LEAD TO INFLATION IF ACTIVITIES WERE NOT CAREFULLY PLANNED.
HE ALSO SAID THERE MIGHT BE -A NEED TO LIBERALISE THE IMPORTATION OF LABOUR TO MEET THE SURGE IN DEMAND BUT SUCH A POLICY SHOULD BE EXERCISED CAREFULLY IN THE CURRENT POLITICAL CLIMATE.
OVERSEAS AND LOCAL CONSORTIA WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE PROJECT AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TRY TO OBTAIN THE BEST TERMS.
AS FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PROJECTS THROUGH THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY, HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT REVIEW THE CAPABILITY OF SENIOR OFFICIALS TO PICK THE MOST SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR THE SPECIAL JOB, AND IF SUCH PERSON COULD NOT BE FOUND IN THE CIVIL SERVICE, IT SHOULD NOT BE AFRAID TO BRING IN OVERSEAS EXPERTS.
/MR WONG .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 18 -
MR WONG ALSO SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT CONDUCT A THOROUGH STUDY OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON THE RESIDENTS OF NORTH LANTAU AND SOUTH NEW TERRITORIES. AS WELL AS AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF THE PROJECTS ON TOWN PLANNING PROGRAMMES IN THESE TWO AREAS.
TURNING TO A SHORTAGE OF ACCOUNTANTS IN HONG KONG, MR WONG SAID A RECENT SURVEY SHOWED HONG KONG WAS 2,200 ACCOUNTANTS SHORT WITHIN THE PROFESSION AND GOVERNMENT, BUT THE UNIVERSITIES WERE REFUSING TO OFFER DEGREE COURSES IN THIS DISCIPLINE.
HE SAID THAT WITH THE GOVERNMENT PLACING GREATER DEMAND ON THE PROFESSION AND YET DECLINING TO PROVIDE' THE NECESSARY TRAINING IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, IT WOULD NOT BE FAIR OR REALISTIC TO THE PROFESSION.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT GIVE SPECIAL CONSIDERATION TO INCLUDING ACCOUNTANCY IN TERTIARY' EDUCATION WHEN ALLOCATING PRIORITIES BECAUSE IMPORTATION OF SKILLED ACCOUNTANTS TO FILL THE GAPS COULD ONLY PROVIDE TEMPORARY RELIEF.
-----0-----
TRIPARTITE EFFORT URGED
TO DISPEL DISTRUST *
* * * *
THE HON STEPHEN CHEONG TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON THE CHINESE, BRITISH AND HONG KONG GOVERNMENTS TO JOIN HANDS TO DISMANTLE THE BARRIERS OF SUSPICION AND DISTRUST AMONG THEM.
"FOR A START, I PLEAD THAT THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES SHOULD NOT ALLOW ANY SUSPICIONS TO IMPEDE OBJECTIVE AND RATIONAL ASSESSMENT OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN HONG KONG," MR CHEONG SAID IN THE POLICY DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HONG KONG COULD NOT, AND WOULD NOT, SURVIVE IF IT WERE TO DEVELOP INTO A BASE OF SUBVERSION.
"WE HAVE NEITHER THE WISH NOR THE ABILITY' TO ADVERSELY AFFECT CHINA ONE WAY OR THE OTHER. WE EARNESTLY HOPE THAT THE DIFFERENCES IN VALUES AND SOCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES BETWEEN THE TWO SOCIETIES BE WELL UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED BY THE LEADERSHIP IN CHINA," HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS IMPERATIVE THAT CHINA WORKED WITH HONG KONG WITH SYMPATHY' AND UNDERSTANDING. BLATANT DEPLOYMENT OF STRONG AND HARD TACTICS ARISING OUT OF A FATHER-KNOWS-BEST ATTITUDE WOULD NOT BE CONDUCIVE TO THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF "ONE COUNTRY, TWO SYSTEMS".
AS FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, HE SAID HIS PLEA WAS THAT THEY SHOULD, AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE, SHED THE YOKE OF DOUBT AND WORRY.
/"WHILST NO .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 19 -
"WHILST NO ONE CAN KNOW FOR SURE HOW BAD OR HOW WELL WE WILL FARE IN THE FUTURE, WE MUST NOT BE DETERRED FROM WORKING HARD FOR OUR OWN FUTURE," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG SAID OPEN AND PERSISTENT CHALLENGE TO CHINA’S CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND ITS LEGITIMACY WAS NOT IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
"WHATEVER DIFFERENCES THERE MAY BE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, THEY MUST BE RESOLVED THROUGH BUSINESS-LIKE NEGOTIATIONS AND NOT CONSTANT DEPLOYMENT OF PRESSURE GROUP TACTICS,” HE SAID.
AS FOR BRITAIN, HE SAID HIS PLEA WAS THAT BRITISH LEADERS SHOULD STEP OUT OF THE CONSTRAINTS OF THEIR POLITICAL EXPEDIENCY.
POLITICAL
PERCEIVED
BRITAIN MUST UNDERSTAND, DESIGNED TO UNDERPIN THE STABILITY
CONSIDER. AND OF HONG KONG.
IMPLEMENT
MEASURES
"UK IS BOUND UNDER ARTICLE 4 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION TO PROVIDE ADMINISTRATIVE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY TO HONG KONG. THEREFORE, UK PROVIDING SATISFACTORY SOLUTIONS TO BOTH THE NATIONALITY AND Till VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ISSUES WOULD CERTAINLY BE THE WELCOME FIRST STEPS," HE SAID.
MR CHEONG SAID THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH WAS TIMELY. IT STARKLY REMINDED HONG KONG THAT WHATEVER EMOTIONS AND FEARS ARISING OUT OF CONCERNS FOR THE FUTURE, THE IMPORTANT THING WAS TO FOCUS AT ALL TIMES ON WHAT LIFE FOR CITIZENS WAS ALL ABOUT.
"THAT IS, WHAT CAN BE DONE TO IMPROVE OUR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, HOUSING, SOCIAL WELFARE, EDUCATION, TRANSPORT, ETC. WE CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT PERENNI ALLY LIVE ON HOPE OR FEARS,” HE SAID.
THE ONE PILLAR TO HONG KONG’S STABILITY MUST BE THE CONTINUED MAINTENANCE OF INTEGRITY AND MORALE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR CHEONG SAID.
"IN THIS REGARD, I WOULD PLEAD THAT THE GOVERNMENT'S INTENTION TO CONTAIN THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BE IMPLEMENTED WITH A DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY," HE SAID.
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MR CHEONG SAID THAT TN THE LIGHT OF THE DRAIN ON TALENT CAUSED BY EMIGRATION, HONG KONG NEEDED TO RECONSIDER THE INPUT INTO THE POST-SECONDARY CURRICULUM AND THE SORT OF GRADUATES THE COMMUNITY AND THE ECONOMY NEEDED.
"THIS CALLS FOR A CLOSER DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION, THE BUSINESS AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS AND ACADEMIA.
"IT IS PERHAPS HIGH TIME FOR A REVIEW TO RATIONALISE THE VARIOUS LEVELS OF OUR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION TO CROSS-MATCH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE DIFFERENT SECTORS OF OUR ECONOMY," HE SAID.
/HE ALSO .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 20 -
HE ALSO SAID THAT AS DECIDED AND WAS IRREVOCABLE, INSTILL IN FUTURE GENERATIONS A LIFE IN A TERRITORY WITHIN
THE TRANSFER OF SOVEREIGNTY HAD BEEN HONG KONG MUST NOW CONSIDER HOW TO THE KNOWLEDGE, VALUES AND SKILLS FOR THE NATION OF CHINA.
ON INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MR CHEONG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO INVEST VIGOROUSLY IN RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"WE MUST RECOGNISE THAT HONG KONG IS VERY MUCH BEHIND KOREA, TAIWAN AND SINGAPORE IN THIS FIELD AND IF WE ARE TO MAINTAIN OUR PLACE IN THE FAST MOVING ECONOMIC WORLD, WE NEED TO START THE PROCESS OF, NOT CATCHING UP, BUT OF NOT BEING LEFT TOO FAR BEHIND," HE SAID.
-----0-----
MEMBERS COMPLETE SPEECHES IN POLICY DEBATE * * * ♦ ♦
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (THURSDAY) COMPLETED THEIR SPEECHES ON THE MOTION THAT THE GOVERNOR BE THANKED FOR HIS ANNUAL ADDRESS TO THE COUNCIL.
TWENTY-TWO MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION IN THE SECOND DAY OF THE ANNUAL POLICY DEBATE. THE SITTING BEGAN AT 2.30 PM AND ENDED AT 8.55 PM.
TWENTY-TWO MEMBERS ALSO SPOKE IN YESTERDAY’S SITTING.
OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS WHEN THE DEBATE RESUMES AT THE COUNCIL'S NEXT SITTING ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8). THAT SITTING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
--------o ---------
/21 .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
1989
-SI-
NK’S MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS REMAIN COMPETITIVE ♦ t t t I t
HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS EVER IN ITS MAJOR OVRESEAS MARKETS AND INDUSTRIES, ELECTRONICS, TOYS, AND WATCHES WORLD-FAMOUS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
REMAIN AS COMPETITIVE AS ITS TEXTILES AND GARMENT AND CLOCKS INDUSTRIES ARE INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN,
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF TRADE FAIR AT THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION
THE INDUSTRIAL
CENTRE.
MR CHAN SAID MANUFACTURING HAD BEEN THE MAINSTAY OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY, ACCOUNTING FOR SOME 22 PER CENT OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND 32 PER CENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT IN 1988.
BEING ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST EXTERNALLY ORIENTED ECONOMIES, HONG KONG EXPORTS ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF ITS MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS.
’’WE GENERALLY IMPORT RAW MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR PRODUCTION AND ALSO THE INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY WE USE IN MANUFACTURING PROCESS," MR CHAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, HE ADDED, TWO-THIRDS OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY WAS IMPORTED, PARTICULARLY THOSE REQUIRED TO USE MORE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES.
"BUT THIS IS NOT TO SAY THAT OUR OWN PRODUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY IS UNIMPORTANT. IN RECENT YEARS OUR MACHINERY MANUFACTURING SECTOR HAS DEMONSTRATED ITS ABILITY IN WINNING EXPORT ORDERS," MR CHAN SAID.
LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF THE EXPORTS OF INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY WAS OVER $1,000 MILLION WHICH WAS NEARLY THREE TIMES THE FIGURES IN 1981.
MR CHAN SAID HONG KONG WAS NOW FACING KEEN COMPETITION IN ITS MAJOR EXPORT MARKETS AND THE INCREASING DEMAND FROM ITS CONSUMERS FOR EVER-HIGHER QUALITY STANDARD IN MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS.
MR CHAN STRESSED THAT HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS HAD TO MOVE FURTHER INTO THE DIRECTION OF ADOPTING HIGHER TECHNOLOGY-BASED PRODUCTION METHODS AND MORE SOPHISTICATION PRODUCTION MACHINERY WAS ALSO MUCH NEEDED.
HONG KONG-MANUFACTURED INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY, PARTICULARLY THF MACHINERY USED FOR PLASTICS MOULDING, METAL PROCESSING, PR1NIIN<«. TEXTILES MANUFACTURE AND ELECTROPLATING, IS ALSO ON DISPLAY AT THE FAIR.
- 0 - -
/22
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
1989
22
AUGUST RESULTS OF RETAIL SALES SURVEY RELEASED
*****
THE TOTAL VALUE OF RETAIL SALES IN AUGUST 1989, ESTIMATED AT $8,922 MILLION, INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988 WHILST THEIR VOLUME DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (THURSDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS SLUGGISH PERFORMANCE WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TN SLACKENING IN LOCAL CONSUMER SPENDING AND IN PART TO A TOURISM.
PART TO A
SETBACK IN
COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988, RETAIL SALES OF
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO WENT UP BY 17 PER CENT IN PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN SALES
FOODSTUFFS,
VALUE AND 8
VALUE AND 2
PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DECREASED BY 5 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES DROPPED BY 9 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 2 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SALES OF SUPERMARKETS WENT UP BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 6 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES ROSE BY 5 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT DROPPED BY 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS SHOWED PRACTICALLY NO CHANGE IN SALES VALUE BUT WENT DOWN BY 6 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DECREASED BY 14 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 16 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD JANUARY TO AUGUST 1989 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988, TOTAL RETAIL SALES INCREASED BY 8 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT HAD PRACTICALLY NO CHANGE IN VOLUME. SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ROSE BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 4 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS WENT UP BY 8 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 2 PER
CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE BUT HAD PRACTICALLY NO CHANGE IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY I PER CENT IN SALES VALUE BUT FELL BY 5 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS WENT UP BY 7 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 1 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/ANALYSED BY .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 25 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 17 PER CENT IN VOLUME. SUPERMARKETS SALES ROSE BY 13 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME. DEPARTMENT STORES SALES WENT UP BY 11 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 2 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
HOWEVER, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS DROPPED BY 12 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 15 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH JULY 1989, AND BEARING TN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, TOTAL RETAIL SALES FOR AUGUST 1989 INCREASED BY 6 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
FUELS SHOWED PRACTICALLY NO CHANGE IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME, WHILST SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 11 PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILST THOSE FOR CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
OTHER CONSUMER GOODS WENT UP BY 7 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 8 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, DEPARTMENT STORES SALES ROSE BY 15 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME. MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS INCREASED BY 13 PER CENT IN SALES VALUE AND 12 PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME. SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PARTS WENT UP BY 11 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
HOWEVER, SUPERMARKETS SALES DROPPED BY 1 PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL RETAIL SALES FIGURE FOR JULY 1989 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR AUGUST 1989.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN JULY AND AUGUST 1989 (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 AUGUST 1989 RESULTS WITH THOSE FOR JULY 1989 AND WITH THOSE FOR AUGUST 1988, AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1989 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988, ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE AUGUST 1989 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE- CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 5-565240).
/TABLE 1 : .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 2b -
TABLE I 1 TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Retail Sales for August 1989 (Provisional Figure! « KK$ 8,922tillion
for July 1989 (Revised Figure) « HK$ 8,<341!11 ion
TABLE 2 ; VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES FOR JULY 1989 AND AUGUST 1989 (Monthly average of Oct. 84 - Sept. 85 = 100)
• • Itet I 1 1 Index of I Retail ! Sales 1 1 1 July I * 1989 1 1 August I 1989 I August compared July 1989 I with ! 1989 : August cotpared August 1989 with 1988 Jan.-Aug. 1989 ! coapared with !
Jan.-Aug. 1988 •
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES 1 (Revised figures) ! 1 (Provisional figures) Points X 1 1 Points X Points X I » •
Value 151 159 9 6 4 2 11 8 1
1 (B) BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS Volume 118 124 7 6 -4 -3 1 1 I । ।
Foodstuffs, alcoholic Value 147 146 -1 -1 21 17 18 15 1
drinks and tobacco Volute 115 114 -2 -I 8 8 4 4 I
Fuels Value 119 119 I 1 12 12 7 8 :
Voluae 118 118 i 1 2 2 2 2 1 1
Clothing, footwear Value 148 159 11 7 -9 -5 17 io :
and allied produces Voluae 108 116 9 3 -19 -14 1 i ■
Consuaer durables Value 138 154 16 12 -15 -9 2 i :
Volute 105 117 12 11 -17 -13 -7 -5 1
Other consuaer goods Value 164 176 12 7 4 2 11 7 1 i : 1 i
(C) BY SELECTED TRAOES (see note 1 below) Volute 127 137 10 8 -4 -3 1
! Supertarkets Value 195 194 -1 -1 29 18 20 2 13 2
Volute 150 149 -1 -1 9 6
I Motor vehicles Value 237 267 31 13 1 » 57 25
I and parts Voluae 158 177 19 12 -11 -6 28 17
I Consuaer durables Value 108 119 12 11 -20 -14 -16 -12
1 other than motor vehicles and parts Volute 88 98 10 1 • 11 -18 -16 -17 1 -15
Departaent stores I Value 190 218 1 28 15 11 5 : 21 11
1 Volute 141 163 I 22 16 -6 -4 I 3 2
MOTES : 1. In order to analyse the sales of certain trades WITHIH aajor trade groups, the value and volute indexes in respect of the following selected trades are compiled :
(a) 'Supertarkets' - a trade in the 'Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco' group.
(b> 'Motor vehicles and parts' - a trade in the 'Consuaer durables' group.
Ic) 'Consumer durables other than notor vehicles and parts’ - a trade in the "Consuaer durables’ group.
(d) 'Department stores' - a trade in the 'Other consuaer goods" group.
2. Figures denoting changes are derived from the unrounded index figures.
3. denotes a figure within 10.5.
-------o---------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2
1989
- 25 -
SECOND QUARTER SURVEY ON EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING
******
TO PROVIDE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF OUTWARD PROCESSING IN CHINA BY HONG KONG FIRMS, IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1988 THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INITIATED A SAMPLE SURVEY TO ENABLE IT TO SPLIT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS - BOTH DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS - INTO THOSE WHICH WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING AND THOSE WHICH WERE NOT.
THE RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 ARE NOW AVAILABLE.
THE RESULTS SHOW THAT IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 SOME 76 PER CENT OF HONG KONG'S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING. FOR RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA THE FIGURE WAS 46 PER CENT. THUS, FOR OVERALL EXPORTS TO CHINA, SOME 54 PER CENT WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING.
IN VALUE TERMS, THESE PROPORTIONS IMPLY THAT SOME $8,366 MILLION OF THE $11,017 MILLION OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 WERE FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING.
FOR RE-EXPORTS THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES WERE $12,371 MILLION OUT OF $27,178 MILLION, AND FOR TOTAL EXPORTS $20,737 MILLION OUT OF $38,195 MILLION.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE SURVEY, EXPORTS TO CHINA FOR OUTWARD PROCESSING REFER TO THE EXPORTING OF RAW MATERIALS OR SEMI-MANUFACTURES FROM HONG KONG TO CHINA FOR PROCESSING, WITH THE RESULTING PROCESSED GOODS BEING SUBSEQUENTLY RE-IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG.
A SAMPLE OF TRADE DECLARATIONS IN RESPECT OF EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS) TO CHINA WERE SELECTED FOR ENUMERATION TO OBTAIN THE REQUIRED INFORMATION FROM ESTABLISHMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE EXISTING INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYSTEM OF RECORDING TRADE FLOWS, ALL MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ACROSS THE BORDER, FOR WHATEVER PURPOSE, ARE RECORDED AS EXTERNAL TRADE.
THUS THE MOVEMENTS OF GOODS ASSOCIATED WITH OUTWARD PROCESSING ARE CORRECTLY INCLUDED IN THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS.
"THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY FACILITATE A MORE INFORMED ANALYSIS OF THE NATURE OF HONG KONG-CHINA TRADE, PARTICULARLY AS REGARDS Till DISPOSITION OF THE GOODS AFTER THEY HAVE ENTERED CHINA.
"THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE THUS A USEFUL SUPPLEMENT TO THE REGULAR TRADE STATISTICS," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SURVEY RESULTS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 WILL BE INCLUDED IN PARI’ I OF THE SEPTEMBER 1989 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WHICH WILL BE ON SALE IN END-NOVEMBER 1989 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AT $17.5 PER COPY.
-----0 - -
/26........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
LEAFLET ON ROYAL VISIT FOR RELEASE ON MONDAY * * * *
A LEAFLET FOR THE VISIT TO HONG KONG OF THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS 01- WALES WILL RE RELEASED ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
THE LEAFLET INCLUDES DETAILS OF THE VISIT PROGRAMME AND THE BIOGRAPHIES OF THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES.
IT WILL RE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC COLLECTION, FREE OF CHARGE, AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES MARKETING OFFICE AT 1 BATTERY PATH, CENTRAL.
- - 0
SPECIAL STAMP ISSUE TO COMMEMORATE ROYAL VISIT
*****
A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS ON "THE ROYAL VISIT 1989" WILL BE ISSUED ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8) TO COMMEMORATE THE VISIT OF THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES TO HONG KONG, THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR DOMINIC WONG, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THERE WILL BE FOUR DENOMINATIONS, 60 CENTS, $1.40, $1.80 AND $5. IN ADDITION, A SOUVENIR SHEET AT $5 WILL BE ISSUED.
THE STAMPS AND THE SOUVENIR SHEET ARE NOW ON DISPLAY AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE. A DISPLAY AT THE SOUTH GALLERY, LEVEL 3, SHA TIN NEW TOWN PLAZA WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 4 AND 5).
A SPECIAL POSTMARK WILL BE INTRODUCED TO CANCEL FIRST DAY COVERS ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CUSTOMERS, FIRST DAY COVERS PRE-AFFIXED WITH A SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH THE WELSH DRAGON DATESTAMP WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $10.30 AT THE DESIGNATED COl TERS OF THE FOLLOWING 20 POST OFFICES ON WEDNESDAY:
HONG KONG ISLAND
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE CAUSEWAY BAY POST OFFICE GENERAL POST OFFICE PEAK POST OFFICE
SAI YING PUN POST OFFICE TSAT TSZ MUI POST OFFICE
/KOWLOON
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 27 -
KOWLOON
AIRPORT POST OFFICE
CHEUNG SHA WAN POST OFFICE GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE KOWLOON BAY POST OFFICE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE KWUN TONG POST OFFICE MONG KOK POST OFFICE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE
NEW TERRITORIES
SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE TAI PO POST OFFICE SHEK WU HUI POST OFFICE
TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE
TUEN MUN SAN HUI POST OFFICE
YUEN LONG POST OFFICE
-------0---------
NEW DO TO VISIT ISLANDS RURAL COMMITTEES
*****
THE NEW ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, WILL CALL ON THE FOUR RURAL COMMITTEES ON LANTAU ISLAND AND THE NORTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO MEET LOCAL REPRESENTATIVES AND TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH VILLAGERS.
MR SALKELD WILL VISIT THE MUI WO, SOUTH LANTAU, TUNG CHUNG AND TAI O RURAL COMMITTEES ON LANTAU AND THEN GO TO LAMMA, WHERE HE WILL VISIT THE NORTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE AT YUNG SHUE WAN.
LAST WEEK, HE VISITED THE PENG CHAU, CHEUNG CHAU AND SOUTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER MR SALKELD’S VISIT TO THE TUNG CHUNG RURAL COMMITTEE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 11 AM.
A PRESS LAUNCH, MD 1, WILL LEAVE FOR TUNG CHUNG FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT PIER IN CENTRAL AT 9.15 AM.
-------0---------
/28........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
28
SEMINAR IN EASTERN ON RULE OF LAW
*****
SOCIAL WORKERS, TEACHERS AND CIVIC EDUCATION ADVOCATES WILL TAKE PART IN A WHOLE-DAY SEMINAR IN EASTERN DISTRICT ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 4) TO EXCHANGE EXPERIENCES IN THE PROMOTION OF THE RULE OF LAW, DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS.
SPEAKERS IN THE MORNING SESSION WILL BE A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR DAVID CHEUNG; SENIOR LECTURER IN THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC AND SOCIAL ADMINISTRATION OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC OF HONG KONG, MR CHEUNG PING-LEUNG; AND A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION, MISS NORA YAU.
THE AFTERNOON SESSION WILL TAKE THE FORM OF WORKSHOPS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS.
PARTICIPANTS WILL EXPLORE PRACTICAL WAYS TO INSTIL THE CONCEPTS OF RULE OF LAW, DEMOCRACY AND HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PUBLIC, AND ESPECIALLY IN YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE ELDERLY.
THE SEMINAR HAS BEEN CO-ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF A CIVIC EDUCATION CAMPAIGN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CIVIC EDUCATION SEMINAR ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 4> ON THE NINTH FLOOR, GRAND PLAZA HOTEL, 2 KORNHILL ROAD, QUARRY BAY. THE SEMINAR WILL START AT 10 AM.
-----0-----
SEMINAR TO REVIEW PRESSURE EQUIPMENT SAFETY
*****
THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) STARTED A SEMINAR TO EXAMINE THE WAYS AND MEANS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF SAFETY IN THE USE OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT.
THE TWO-DAY RESIDENTIAL SEMINAR PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PARTICIPANTS TO REVIEW THE LATEST ADMINISTRATIVE AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD.
MORE THAN 40 PEOPLE ARE TAKING PART IN THE SEMINAR, INCLUDING STAFF OF THE PRESSURE EQUIPMENT DIVISION, OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICERS AND APPOINTED EXAMINERS OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT.
/SUBJECTS FOR .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE RECOGNITION OF INSPECTION BODIES, REGISTRATION OF INSPECTION OF THERMAL OIL HEATER, CASE STUDIES OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING DUAL EVAPORATION BOILER AND STEAM RECEIVERS AND REVIEW OF CERTIFICATE OF FITNESS FOR PRESSURE EQUIPMENT.
THE SEMINAR WAS OPENED THIS MORNING BY THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR HAROLD KWOK, AT THE LEI YUE MUN PARK HOLIDAY VILLAGE.
MR KWOK TOLD THE PARTICIPANTS THAT A PRESSURE EQUIPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WOULD BE SET Up TO ADVISE THE BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS AUTHORITY ON MATTERS RELATING TO EFFECTIVE CONTROL ON THE USE OF PRESSURE EQUIPMENT.
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE WOULD COMPRISE SOME 10 MEMBERS REPRESENTING USERS, MANUFACTURERS, INSPECTION BODIES AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
"THE ADVICE FROM THE COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS WILL BE INVALUABLE IN ADOPTING NEW TECHNIQUES IN HONG KONG AND ENHANCING THE STANDARD OF SAFETY IN THIS FIELD," MR KWOK SAID.
-------0----------
PUBLICITY MOUNTED FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL
A PUBLICITY DRIVE IS BEING HELD TO PROMOTE THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH BEGINS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 4).
THE MONTH-LONG FESTIVAL, WHICH AIMS TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS, WILL PROVIDE MORE THAT 20 CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, ARTS AND CIVIC EDUCATION EVENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT YELLOW AND BLUE BUNTING BEARING THE FESTIVAL LOGO HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT MAJOR THOROUGHFARES.
THE FOUR "WELCOME TO SOUTHERN DISTRICT" SIGNBORDS IN WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD, SHEK O ROAD, POK FU LAM ROAD AND AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE ROAD HAVE ALSO BEEN REDECORATED TO CREATE A FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE, HE SAID.
BANNERS AND BILLBOARDS PUBLICISING THE VARIOUS FESTIVAL EVENTS HAVE BEEN MOUNTED ON ROADSIDE RAILINGS, WHILE MORE THAN 5,000 POSTERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
A TOTAL OF 35,000 COPIES OF A NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENT GIVING DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME HAVE BEEN PRINTED, OF WHICH 22,500 HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED ALONG WITH THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPER, THE "SOUTHERN DISTRICT NEWS".
/THE SUPPLEMENTS .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
THE SUPPLEMENTS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, LEI TUNG ESTATE AND WAH FU ESTATE. THE DISPLAY WINDOWS OF THOSE OFFICES HAVE ALSO BEEN DECORATED TO PUBLICISE THE FESTIVAL.
IN ADDITION, A FULL-PAGE COLOUR ADVERTISEMENT WILL APPEAR ON A LOCAL CHINESE DAILY ON SATURDAY TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL.
A BROADCAST VAN WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT TO DISTRIBUTE PROGRAMME LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS TO RESIDENTS IN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0 -
YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL OPENS TOMORROW * * * * *
THE 10TH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING AT LUT SAU HALL IN TAI YUK ROAD WITH A SPECTACULAR VARIETY SHOW.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
IN THE FOLLOWING NINE DAYS, OVER 20 EVENTS INCLUDING OPERAS, DRAMAS, FILM SHOWS, EXHIBITIONS AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES WILL BE HELD AT A NUMBER OF VENUES.
TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND NANYANG COMMERCIAL BANK’S BRANCH OFFICE IN TAI TONG ROAD, YUEN LONG.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR SOME EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, DISTRICT BOARD, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE LONG PING COMMUNITY HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 10TH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT LUT SAU HALL, TAI YUK 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 -
/31
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1989
- 51 -
UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES IN KENNEDY TOWN TO BE CLOSED
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES AT THE REAR LANE OF 4-8 NORTH STREET, KENNEDY TOWN, HONG KONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE ON FEBRUARY 21 THIS YEAR REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES WITH WHICH THE OWNER HAS FAILED TO COMPLY.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON DECEMBER 28 THIS YEAR WAS POSTED ON A CONSPICUOUS PART OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT IS INTENDED THAT DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
-----0-------
LEI YUE MUN FERRY FARE AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TSUEN WAN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 4), THE MAXIMUM ADULT FARES CHARGEABLE ON THE FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN SAM KA TSUEN AND LET YUE MUN WILL BE JI PER SINGLE JOURNEY, WHILE THOSE FOR CHILDREN AGED UNDER 12 YEARS WILL BE 50 CENTS PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
ON THE OTHER. HAND, FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE SECTION OF TAI HO ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH HOI PA STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----0------
TEMPORARY' CLOSURE OF STADIUM PATH
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT STADIUM PATH IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TO NOON ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 4) FOR THE HOLDING OF THE PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME OPENING CEREMONY.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE PARKING SPACES ALONG STADIUM PATH WILL BE SUSPENDED.
-------0 ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK-CHINA RELATIONSHIPS SHOULD BE TACKLED IN A PRACTICAL, PRAGMATIC MANNER: CS ........................................ 1
CS PRAISES COUNCIL'S ROLE IN SOCIAL SERVICE ................. 1
CS PAYS TRIBUTE TO FRIENDS OF SCOUTING ...................... 2
POLICE PROGRAMME FOR PRINCESS OF WALES ...................... 3
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 2ND QUARTER RELEASED .... 5
BILL INTENDED TO ENHANCE WORK OF CUSTOMS .................... 7
MA TAU KOK OZP APPROVED ..................................... 7
THREE GOVERNMENT LOTS FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ............ 9
PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LIBRARY AND GOVT OFFICES COMPLEX ....................................... 10
ACCESS FOR LA SALLE ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT................ 10
TINDERS INVITED FOR WANG CHIU ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKS ...... 11
LONDON TO MAINTAIN HOTLINE SERVICE FOR HK VISITORS ......... 12
FIREMEN MUST BE WELL PREPARED............................... 12
TENTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL BEGINS ...........■........... 13
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW ................. 14
VARIETY SHOW TO BEGIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL .................... 15
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH SWIMMING MARATHON .... 16
COURTESY CALLS TO ISLANDS RURAL COMMITTEES ................. 16
AUXILIARY POLICE EXPANDING TO HELP MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER .. 17
ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME ON HK ISLAND ......................... 18
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TONG TO BE CLOSED............. 18
TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF KOWLOON MAP SALES CENTRE............ 19
CLOSURE OF POST OFFICE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD.................. 20
OLD-TYPE IDENTITY C/J?DS INVALID AS FROM NOVEMBER 6......... 20
AMENDED TIMES FOR FIRING PRACTICE .......................... 21
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ............... 21
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER............. 22
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 3, 1989
1
HK-CHINA RELATIONSHIPS SHOULD BE TACKLED IN A PRACTICAL. PRAGMATIC MANNER: CS *****
IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE WHOLE QUESTION OF HONG KONG’S RELATIONSHIPS WITH CHINA BE TACKLED IN A VERY PRACTICAL AND PRAGMATIC WAY. THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD. SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER ATTENDING THE ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, SIR DAVID SAID : "WE HAVE BEEN DOING THAT OVER THE PERIOD OF THE LAST FEW MONTHS."
"WE CERTAINLY HAVE NO WISH TO INVOLVE IN MEGAPHONE DIPLOMACY ON OUR SIDE.
"WE HAVE A LOT OF PRACTICAL ISSUES ON WHICH WE DISCUSS REGULARLY WITH THE CHINESE, AND I THINK IT'S THAT EMPHASIS THAT WE MUST CONTINUE TO MAKE IN THE MONTHS AHEAD," HE SAID.
"I AM SURE AS THINGS SETTLE DOWN WE WILL RETURN TO THE FORMER SETTLED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES," SIR DAVID ADDED.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON ALLEGATIONS OF UNDUE FORCE USED IN MOVING VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE FROM THE CHI MA WAN DETENTION CENTRE TO PHOENIX HOUSE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IT WAS AN OPERATIONAL MOVE WHICH WENT SMOOTHLY.
"THERE WERE SOME SCUFFLES INVOLVED, BUT WE RECEIVED NO COMPLAINTS FROM THE BOAT PEOPLE CONCERNED IN THAT MOVE," HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL HAD ASKED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASE AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CLEARLY BE QUITE PREPARED TO PROVIDE ANY INFORMATION REQUIRED OF IT, NOTING THAT THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WOULD BE DOING JUST THAT.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT IN CASES WHERE THERE MIGHT BE THE DANGER OF PROBLEMS THE PRESENCE OF POLICE AND CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS WAS NECESSARY.
"AND THERE WERE ON THAT OCCASION POLICEMEN AND INDEED CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HELD IN RESERVES IN CASE THEY WERE NEEDED," SIR DAVID SAID.
-------0----------
CS PRAISES COUNCIL’S ROLE IN SOCIAL SERVICE
*****
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDES AN INVALUABLE FORUM WITHIN WHICH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES CAN COME TOGETHER IN COOPERATION AND TO FURTHER THE PROMOTION OF OUR WELFARE PROGRAMMES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE COUNCIL’S EMPLOYMENT SERVICE 30TH ANNIVERSARY, SIR DAVID SAID THAT THROUGH THE COUNCIL THERE WAS A VERY USEFUL CHANNEL FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR.
/"OVER THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
2
"OVER THE YEARS, THE VOLUNTARY' SECTOR HAS MADE AN IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION IN THE PROVISION OF OUR WELFARE AND COMMUNITY SERVICES," HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WAS ONE OF THE MANY SHINING EXAMPLES OF THE COUNCIL’S ACHIEVEMENTS.
NOTING THAT HONG KONG HAD MADE SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE 30 YEARS SINCE THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE STARTED, THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE SUCCESS AND PROSPERITY OF A MODERN SOCIETY HAD ALSO BROUGHT WITH IT SOME OF THE STRESSES AND STRAINS OF RAPID DEVELOPMENT.
"BY INITIATING THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, THE COUNCIL IS HELPING TO MEET THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THOSE GROUPS OF PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY WHO REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE AND ATTENTION," SIR DAVID SAID.
THESE INCLUDED DISCHARGED PRISONERS, REHABILITATED DRUG ADDICTS, PROBATIONERS, YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WERE AT RISK OR WERE UNDER CARE AND PROTECTION ORDERS AND OTHERS WHO NEEDED SPECIAL HELP TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT.
SIR DAVID SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE SERVICE WAS ABLE TO ARRANGE JOB PLACEMENTS FOR OVER 92 PER CENT OF THE 600 PEOPLE REFERRED TO IT LAST YEAR, AND THAT THE SERVICE HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN SECURING EMPLOYMENT FOR NEARLY ALL THE YOUNG PEOPLE AND PROBATIONERS WHO HAD SOUGHT HELP.
"I AM SURE THAT PRODUCTIVE EMPLOYMENT HAS HELPED THESE INDIVIDUALS TREMENDOUSLY IN THEIR REHABILITATION AND RE-INTEGRATION INTO SOCIETY," HE SAID.
"THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WILL NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE WITHOUT CLOSE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, THE REFERRAL AGENCIES AND EMPLOYERS.
"THE CONCERN AND THE DETERMINATION TO HELP THOSE AMONG OUR COMMUNITY WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE IS INDEED ENCOURAGING AND COMMENDABLE," SIR DAVID SAID.
------0-------'
CS PAYS TRIBUTE TO FRIENDS OF SCOUTING * t * t *
THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF HOW VOLUNTARY' ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG MINISTER TO THE DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS OF OUR SOCIETY. THE CHIEF SECRETARY. SIR DAVID FORD. SAID TODAY (FRIDAY I.
SPEAKING AT THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY FUND RAISING BALL OF THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING, SIR DAVID SAID THE GROUP HAD BLOSSOMED INTO A PROUD ORGANISATION RUNNING A FULL RANGE OF RECREATIONAL, TRAINING AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN EIGHT CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
/HE NOTED .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 3 -
HE NOTED THAT THE ORGANISATION’S PROGRAMMES COVERED MANY AREAS INCLUDING TUTORIAL CLASSES, LIBRARY SERVICE. LEADERSHIP TRAINING, DRAMA, DANCING, SPORTS AND A VARIETY OF SPECIAL PROJECTS SUCH AS THE ’KIDNEY DONATION SINGING CONTEST’ AND 'BLOOD DONATION DAY'.
THE ORGANISATION ALSO RAN OTHER PROGRAMMES FOR PARENTS WHICH ENABLED THE WHOLE FAMILY TO PARTICIPATE.
"THROUGH ITS CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRES, THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING HAS ALSO ESTABLISHED FIVE SCOUTS GROUPS.
"THE SCOUTS MOVEMENT HAS EVOLVED WORLD-WIDE TO BECOME AN INSTITUTION WHICH PROMOTES THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND THROUGH WHICH OUR YOUNGER GENERATION ARE TRAINED IN PRACTICAL SKILLS AND CAN DEVELOP A SENSE OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY," HE SAID.
CONGRATULATING THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING FOR DISTINCTIVE SERVICE IN THE PAST 20 YEARS, SIR DAVID SAID : "THE FRIENDS OF SCOUTING IS UNIQUE IN ITS CONCEPT OF COMPLEMENTING THE SCOUTS MOVEMENT WITH A BROAD PROGRAMME OF COMMUNITY SERVICE."
-----0-------
POLICE PROGRAMME FOR PRINCESS OF WALES
*****
A TYPICAL WORKING MORNING FOR RECRUITS AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL WILL BE THE EMPHASIS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE PROGRAMME FOR THE PRINCESS OF WALES DURING HER THREE-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG WITH THE PRINCE OF WALES.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL SEE DRILL AND MUSKETRY TRAINING IN PROGRESS AND WATCH RECRUITS BEING INSTRUCTED IN DEALING WITH A STREET INCIDENT.
THE PRINCESS WILL VISIT THE TRAINING SCHOOL ON THE MORNING OF NOVEMBER 9 AND AFTER WATCHING TRAINING IN PROGRESS WILL MEET TRAINEES AND OFFICERS INFORMALLY AT LUNCH IN THE OFFICERS MESS.
A QUARTER GUARD WILL BE MOUNTED AT THE SCHOOL GATE FOR THE PRINCESS' ARRIVAL AND SHE WILL BE GREETED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, WHO WILL INTRODUCE THE DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, MR KEITH LOMAS; COMMANDANT AND ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FORCE TRAINING, MR BENNY NG; AND CHIEF STAFF INSPECTOR, ADMINISTRATION, MISS ROSE TONG.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL VISIT THE SCHOOL’S TEACHING BLOCK AND GYMNASIUM, WHERE A SELF DEFENCE CLASS WILL BE IN PROGRESS.
SHE WILL BE BRIEFED ON ASPECTS OF POLICE TRAINING BY MR NEVILLE BROOMFIELD, HEAD OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, AND MR BILL FULLERTON, STAFF OFFICER, CENTRAL TRAINING SERVICES DIVISION.
/AT THE ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
4
AT THE OFFICERS MESS THE PRINCESS WILL MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FORCE AS A WHOLE AND ALSO TRAINEES AND STAFF MEMBERS OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL. INCLUDING DEPUTY COMMANDANT MR DAVE HUGHES.
SENIOR POLICE LADIES WHO WILL HAVE THE HONOUR OF BEING PRESENTED TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL INCLUDE CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT FELICIA WONG, SUPERINTENDENTS PEGGY STEVENS, BONNIE SMITH AND YING HUI SAU-FONG: CHIEF INSPECTOR TSUI YEE-LIN: AND SENIOR INSPECTOR BEATRICE YOU.
AMONG THOSE PRESENT WILL BE STATION SERGEANT TSUI WAI-CHUN. CHAIRMAN OF THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION, AND WOMAN POLICE CONSTABLE IRENE LAM, A GOLD MEDAL HOLDER OF THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL BE PIPED INTO LUNCH BY PIPE MAJOR HSU YORK-FUNG OF THE POLICE BAND.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WILL PRESENT A FORCE FIGURINE TO THE PRINCESS, WHO WILL BE INVITED TO SIGN THE VISITORS’ BOOK BEFORE POSING FOR A GROUP PHOTOGRAPH ON THE STEPS OF THE MESS.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL THEN JOIN THE PRINCE OF WALES AT TUEN MUN WHERE THEY WILL ATTEND THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS WILL VISIT GAMES STALLS ORGANISED BY MEMBERS OF TUEN MUN JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
THE ROYAL VISIT BEGINS ON NOVEMBER 7, WHEN AFTER ARRIVING FROM INDONESIA, THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS WILL SAIL ACROSS THE HARBOUR IN THE "LADY MAURINE". THE YACHT OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON.
ON ARRIVAL AT QUEEN’S PIER THEY WILL INSPECT A GUARD OF HONOUR MOUNTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) TO MUSIC BY THE BAND OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE CONDUCTED BY ITS DIRECTOR OF MUSIC. MR COLIN WOOD.
LAUNCHES OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG MARINE POLICE WILL ESCORT THE PRINCE AND THE PRINCESS IN HONG KONG WATERS AND THEIR JOURNEYS BY ROAD WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY OUTRIDERS OF THE FORCE ESCORT GROUP.
ALTHOUGH THE PRINCE OF WALES HAS VISITED HONG KONG PREVIOUSLY IT WILL BE THE FIRST VISIT TO THE TERRITORY BY HER ROYAL HIGHNESS.
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 5 -
CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS FOR 2ND QUARTER RELEASED *******
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS (INCLUDING WORK CARRIED OUT AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, AND AT OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS) IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 AMOUNTED TO #11,922 MILLION, WHICH WAS 0.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989, AND 20.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988.
THIS IS SHOWN BY THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE INDEX OF GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 WAS 180.9, WITH THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 BEING TAKEN AS 100. THE CORRESPONDING INDEXES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989 AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988 WERE 180.1 AND 150.3 RESPECTIVELY.
WITH REGARD TO THE INCREASE OF 20.4 PER CENT IN THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1988, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS MOSTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE INCREASE IN CONSTRUCTION COSTS.
AFTER DISCOUNTING THE COST INCREASES, THE REAL GROWTH IN THE VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED WAS SUBSTANTIALLY LESS. THIS POINT SHOULD BE BORNE IN MIND IN INTERPRETING THE SURVEY RESULTS.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 WAS #9,200 MILLION. THIS WAS 2.1 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 18.4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988.
APART FROM WORK PERFORMED AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES AND OTHER MINOR ' WORK LOCATIONS WAS #2,722 MILLION, WHICH WAS 4.8 PER CENT LOWER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT 27.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988.
OF THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES, #3,001 MILLION WAS RELATED TO CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR (INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION AND KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION). THIS REPRESENTED INCREASES OF 0.4 PER CENT AND 17.6 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
AS FOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES WAS #6,199 MILLION, WHICH WAS 3.0 PER CENT AND 18.8 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988 RESPECTIVELY.
/WHEN ANALYSED
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 6
WHEN ANALYSED BY END-USE OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN RESPECT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS (WHICH INCLUDE COMBINED RESIDENTIAL AND NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS) AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 WAS S3,989 MILLION AND SI,450 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
THIS REPRESENTED INCREASES OF 7.0 PER CENT AND 11.6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER, AND OF 10.4 PER CENT AND 24.6 PER CENT OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN RESPECT OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 WAS SI,418 MILLION, REPRESENTING A DECREASE OF 9.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT AN INCREASE OF 24.3 PER CENT OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988.
OWING TO THE WIDESPREAD SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICE IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, A CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENT CAN BE A MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR ONE CONTRACT AND A SUB-CONTRACTOR FOR ANOTHER CONTRACT SIMULTANEOUSLY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS REFERS TO THE OUTPUT OF THOSE CONSTRUCTION ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PROJECTS IN WHICH THEY TAKE THE ROLE OF A MAIN CONTRACTOR, AND DOES NOT INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT OF PROJECTS WHERE THEY PLAY THE ROLE OF SUB-CONTRACTORS.
HOWEVER. SUB-CONTRACTORS’ CONTRIBUTION TO PROJECTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY THE MAIN CONTRACTORS FOR WHOM THEY WORKED.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT IS GIVEN IN THE ’’REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 2ND QUARTER 1989".
THE REPORT IS ON SALE AT S2.50 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AND AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, WANCHAI TOWER I, 19TH FLOOR, 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 5-8234860.
-------0---------
/7........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
7
BILL INTENDED TO ENHANCE WORK OF CUSTOMS ♦ * » ♦ ♦
A BILL TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 COMPLETED A REVIEW OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE ORDINANCE.
ONE PROPOSAL SEEKS TO GIVE TO MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE A CENTRALISED POWER TO EXAMINE CARGO THAT IS IMPORTED OR ABOUT TO BE EXPORTED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SUCH POWER WAS CURRENTLY SPREAD THROUGHOUT 19 ORDINANCES ENFORCED BY THE SERVICE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW SEARCH POWER COULD ONLY BE EXERCISED AT ENTRY OR EXIT POINTS OR WHERE CARGO WAS STORED PRIOR TO COLLECTION BY A CONSIGNEE.
"IN THE CASE OF ACCOMPANIED PERSONAL BELONGINGS, ANY MEMBER OF THE SERVICE MAY REQUEST PERMISSION TO EXAMINE THEM.
"IF THE REQUEST IS REFUSED, ONLY AN OFFICER NOT BELOW THE RANK OF INSPECTOR OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE CAN ORDER THAT THE EXAMINATION TAKE PLACE," HE SAID.
ANOTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENT GIVES OFFICERS NOT BELOW THE RANK OF INSPECTOR THE POWER TO REQUIRE THE PRODUCTION OF A TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
"THIS IS NECESSARY, FOR EXAMPLE, TO ENABLE OFFICERS WORKING AT THE CONTROL POINTS TO ASCERTAIN THE DEGREE OF SUSPICION OF A PASSENGER OR TO VERIFY THAT A PASSENGER IS A VISITOR AND THUS ENTITLED TO THE DUTY-FREE CONCESSION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 15.
- - 0 - -
MA TAU KOK OZP APPROVED ♦ ♦ t ♦ »
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR MA TAU KOK WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE . GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON JULY 4.
THE PLAN COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 152 HECTARES IN THE EASTERN PART OF KOWLOON. IT IS BOUNDED BY TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD TO THE NORTH, HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AND KOWLOON BAY TO THE EAST, NGAN HON STREET AND SAN LAU STREET TO THE SOUTH, AND TIN KWONG ROAD TO THE WEST.
/THE PLANNING
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, '’989
- 8
THE PLANNING AREA IS ONE OF THE OLDER URBAN AREAS IN KOWLOON WHICH HAS BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY DEVELOPED FOR RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL USES.
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS THE PREDOMINANT LAND USE, INCLUDES PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AS WELL AS PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS.
INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MOSTLY IN THE FORM OF FLATTED FACTORY BUILDINGS FOR LIGHT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, IS MAINLY CONCENTRATED IN THE EASTERN PART OF THE PLANNING AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THE PLAN IS TO ESTABLISH A STATUTORY LAND USE FRAMEWORK WHEREBY THE VARIOUS USES OF LAND IN THE PLANNING AREA CAN BE DEVELOPED OR REDEVELOPED IN AN ORDERLY MANNER.
IN THE PLAN, 0.12 PER CENT OF THE AREA (0.18 HECTARES) IS ZONED FOR MIXED COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL USES, 31.01 PER CENT (47.17 HECTARES) FOR RESIDENTIAL USES, INCLUDING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, 7.52 PER CENT (11.44 HECTARES) FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, AND 27.26 PER CENT (41.46 HECTARES) FOR GOVERNMENT/INSTITUTION/COMMUNITY AND OPEN SPACE USES.
A FURTHER 2.73 PER CENT (4.15 HECTARES) IS ZONED FOR OTHER SPECIFIED USES INCLUDING THE MILITARY RECREATION GROUND, THE HONG KONG SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION GROUND AT TIN KWONG ROAD, AND THE KOWLOON CITY PASSENGER AND VEHICULAR FERRY PIERS.
THE REST OF THE AREA (47.71 HECTARES) IS ZONED FOR ROADS.
THE PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESSES:
- PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG, AND .
- THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE, BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, 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 THE KOWLOON MAT’ AND PLAN SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. (FROM MONDAY, THE KOWLOON SECTION WILL BE RELOCATED TEMPORARILY TO THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD).
THE UNCOLOURED VERSION COSTS $10 AND THE COLOURED PRINTED VERSION COSTS $50.
-------O----------
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 9 -
THREE GOVERNMENT LOTS FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION ***»»*
THREE GOVERNMENT LAND LOTS WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 28 IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
THE LOTS INCLUDE TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES EXCLUDING OFFENSIVE TRADE.
ONE OF THESE IS LOCATED IN AREA 8, TAI PO, AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,230 SQUARE METRES.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 12,711 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1993.
THE OTHER LOT FOR THE SAME PURPOSE IS LOCATED IN AREA 4B, SHEUNG SHUI.
IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,785 SQUARE METRES AND THE DEVELOPER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A GROSS FLOOR AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 11,355 SQUARE METRES BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1992 WITH NOT LESS THAN 1,890 SQUARE METRES OF MOTOR VEHICLE WORKSHOPS ON THE FIRST FLOOR.
THE THIRD LOT, WHICH COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 5,921 SQUARE METRES, IS LOCATED AT CARPENTER ROAD, KOWLOON CITY.
THE LOT IS FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL (EXCLUDING RESIDENTIAL, GODOWN AND HOTEL) PURPOSES AND INCLUDING A MANDATORY PROVISION OF A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND A CINEMA/THEATRE OF NOT LESS THAN 400 SEATS.
THE BUILDING COVENANT STIPULATES THAT A GROSS FLOOR. AREA OF NOT LESS THAN 23,300 SQUARE METRES HAS TO BE COMPLETED ON THE LOT BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1993.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS CAN BE SEEN, AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES:
* THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT, 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRIES SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES I WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG; AND
t THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
CONDITIONS OF SALE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
O - -
/1O
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
10
PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR CONSTRUCTION OF LIBRARY AND GOVT OFFICES COMPLEX
* * * * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING CONTRACTORS TO PARTICIPATE IN A PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE FOR THE TSUEN WAN CENTRAL PUBLIC LIBRARY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES COMPLEX.
THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 24-STOREY OFFICE TOWER AND A FOUR-STOREY LIBRARY BLOCK FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON TOP OF A COMMON FOUR-STOREY PODIUM.
THE 3,320 SQUARE METRE SITE WILL PROVIDE FOR 18,000 SQUARE METRE NET FLOOR AREA OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AND 3,000 SQUARE METRE NET FLOOR AREA FOR THE LIBRARY.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE AN ELEVATED PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY TO LINK UP WITH THE ADJACENT BUILDINGS.
THE CONTRACT PERIOD WILL BE 24 MONTHS.
ONLY CONTRACTORS ON THE LANDS AND WORKS APPROVED CONTRACTORS LIST 1 GROUP "C" FOR "BUILDING" MAY APPLY FOR PREQUALIFICATION.
THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION TO THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, (ATTN. CHIEF ARCHITECT/1), 41ST FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 66 QUEENSWAY, BY NOVEMBER 24.
A NOTICE ON THE PREQUALIFICATION EXERCISE WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY).
- - 0 -
ACCESS FOR LA SALLE ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
*****
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CARRY OUT ROADWORKS TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE NEW PLATFORMS FORMED UNDER THE LA SALLE ROAD DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN KOWLOON CITY.
THE PROPOSED WORKS INCLUDE:
* CONSTRUCTION OF ABOUT 600 METRES OF CARRIAGEWAY AND
ASSOCIATED FOOTPATH AROUND THE PERIMETER OF THE NEW
PLATFORMS TO BE FORMED EAST OF THE EXISTING RENFREW ROAD AND NORTH OF THE EXISTING HEREFORD ROAD AND CONNECTING TO THESE TWO ROADS;
* REALIGNMENT AND WIDENING OF A SECTION OF HEREFORD ROAD EAST OF RENFREW ROAD;
/• REALIGNMENT OF
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
11
* REALIGNMENT OF THE VEHICULAR ACCESS TO RHENISH CHURCH COLLEGE;
» CONVERSION OF A SECTION OF FOOTPATH AT RENFREW ROAD INTO CARRIAGEWAY; AND
* ASSOCIATED SLOPE WORKS.
THESE WORKS WILL START IN MARCH NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN 20 MONTHS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL WERE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY). A NOTICE CAN BE SEEN POSTED NEAR THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WORKS.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
» KOWLOON WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
» KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO OBJECTS TO THE PROPOSED WORKS SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT. CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, SECOND FLOOR, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN DECEMBER 26 THIS YEAR.
-----o -----
TENDERS INVITED FOR WANG CHIU ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORKS
*****
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF WANG CHIU ROAD BETWEEN SHEUNG YUET ROAD AND SHEUNG YEE ROAD, KOWLOON BAY.
A TENDER NOTICE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UPON COMPLETION OF THE NEW ROAD, LOCAL TRAFFIC CIRCULATION WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED. THERE WILL ALSO BE A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT TO THE ROAD NETWORK IN KOWLOON BAY.
LANDSCAPING WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT TO ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT ALONG WANG CHIU ROAD.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN LATE DECEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
THE WORKS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL ALSO SUPERVISE CONSTRUCTION.
- - 0 -
/12
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 12 -
LONDON TO MAINTAIN HOTLINE SERVICE FOR HK VISITORS
*****
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON IS TO MAKE PERMANENT ITS TELEPHONE ADVISORY SERVICE <TAS) FOR HONG KONG VISITORS.
THE TAS WAS INTRODUCED A YEAR AGO ON A TRIAL BASIS AFTER A NUMBER OF HONG KONG PEOPLE COMPLAINED THAT THEY HAD FACED DIFFICULTIES WHEN ENTERING THE UK AND, IN SOME CASES, WERE REFUSED ENTRY.
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION, A TOTAL OF 65 CALLS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED. OF THESE, 16 WERE REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE AND 49 WERE MISCELLANEOUS ENQUIRIES.
THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID DEMANDS ON THE SERVICE HAD NOT BEEN GREAT BUT IT WAS WORTHWHILE MAINTAINING THE FACILITY.
"WHILE THERE IS NO EVIDENCE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE BEING DISCRIMINATED AGAINST, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE OCCASIONS WHEN MISUNDERSTANDINGS OCCUR SO IT HELPS TO HAVE SOMEONE AVAILABLE WHO CAN EXPLAIN THE PROCEDURES IN CANTONESE," HE SAID.
THE TAS HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO ADVISE HONG KONG VISITORS OF THEIR RIGHTS REGARDING IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS AND APPEAL PROCEDURES IN BRITAIN. ITS PURPOSE, HOWEVER, WAS NOT TO CHALLENGE ANY IMMIGRATION DECISIONS TAKEN BY UK IMMIGRATION OFFICERS.
"IF ANY VISITOR IS AGGRIEVED BY ANY IMMIGRATION DECISION, HE SHOULD APPEAL IN ACCORDANCE WITH ESTABLISHED PROCEDURES OF THE UK IMMIGRATION SERVICE," MR YAXLEY SAID.
THE TAS (TEL. NO. 01-629-5068) IS OPERATED BY BILINGUAL STAFF OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE SEVEN DAYS A WEEK FROM 9 AM TO 5.30 PM.
-----o------
FIREMEN MUST BE WELL PREPARED
*****
FIREMEN HAVE TO DEAL WITH EMERGENCIES AND THEREFORE THEY MUST BE WELL PREPARED, THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER (PROTECTION), MR LI KWOK-CHOI, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING A PASSING OUT PARADE OF NINE STATION OFFICERS AND 41 FIREMEN AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, MR LI URGED THE GRADUATES TO FOLLOW THE MAXIM OF "PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT" AS IT WAS NO SECRET THAT A FIREMAN’S SKILLS REQUIRED DEDICATION TO THE JOB.
/"THE OLYMPIC
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 13 -
"THE OLYMPIC COMPETITORS SPEND YEARS OF CONTINUOUS TRAINING JUST FOR THE GLORY OF THAT MOMENT ON THE DAIS, IF THEY WIN," HE SAID.
"YOU RECEIVE YOUR GLORY IN A DIFFERENT WAY, KNOWING THAT SOME TIME IN YOUR CAREER, SOMEWHERE IN THIS TERRITORY, YOU WILL BE CALLED UPON TO PERFORM THE MOST SACRED DUTY TO SAVE LIVES AND TO PROTECT PROPERTY, AND YOU SHOULD DO YOUR BEST TO UPHOLD THE TRADITION OF THE HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES."
WELCOMING THE GRADUATES AS NEW MEMBERS OF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICE, MR LI STRESSED THAT DISCIPLINE WAS NECESSARY, AND HAD MORE THAN A CEREMONIAL SIGNIFICANCE.
"DISCIPLINE GENERATES CONFIDENCE BOTH WAYS: TO THE LEADER IT MEANS HE HAS A RELIABLE TEAM, AND TO THOSE BEING LED THE ORDERS GIVEN ARE CORRECT AND WORKABLE," HE ADDED.
AFTER REVIEWING THE PARADE, MR LI PRESENTED THE BEST RECRUIT AWARDS TO STATION OFFICER CHAN MAN-KWONG AND FIREMAN LEUNG KAM-MING.
------0--------
TENTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL BEGINS ♦ ♦ » t ♦
THE 10TH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL, ONE OF THE MOST COLOURFUL CULTURAL EVENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, OPENED THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING WITH A SPECTACULAR VARIETY SHOW AT THE LUT SAU HALL.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES. MR ADOLF HSU, SAID THE ANNUAL FESTIVAL PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO DEVELOP AN INTEREST IN THE ARTS AND TO ENRICH THEIR CULTURAL LIFE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AS MORE PEOPLE MOVED INTO NEWLY ESTABLISHED HOUSING ESTATES, IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO PROVIDE THEM WITH MORE COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES TO HELP THEM ADAPT TO THE NEW ENVIRONMENT.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR CHOW YIU-WING, SAID THE FESTIVAL’S AIM HAD ALL ALONG BEEN TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ SENSE OF BELONGING TO THE DISTRICT.
HE NOTED THAT ONE MAJOR FEATURE OF THIS YEAR’S PROGRAMMES WAS THE STAGING OF A WIDE VARIETY OF EVENTS AT DIFFERENT VENUES SO AS TO SPREAD THE FESTIVAL TO EVERY CORNER OF THE DISTRICT.
THE FESTIVAL IS OFFERING 22 EVENTS INCLUDING CONCERTS, DRAMAS, OPERAS, DANCES, VARIETY SHOWS, FILMS AND EXHIBITIONS.
THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL RUN UNTIL NOVEMBER 12, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS.
THE ESTIMATED BUDGET FOR THE FESTIVAL EXCEEDS $1.1 MILLION.
------0-------
/14......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 1U
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL BEGINS TOMORROW
*****
ABOUT 3,000 SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING TO START OFF THE MONTH-LONG DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE THREE-HOUR SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IN WONG CHUK HANG, BEGINNING AT 6.30 PM.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, WILL ATTEND THE SHOW AND OFFICIATE AT A SWITCHING-ON AND RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS INCLUDE DISTRICT OFFICER, MRS MAUREEN CHAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MRS SO CHAU YIM-PING.
PRODUCED BY YIU WING ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY, THE SHOW WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS SHIRLEY KWAN, GINA LAM, EDDIE NG AND YOLINDA YAN. DISC JOCKEY BRENDA LO WILL COMPERE THE SHOW.
FLOATS PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT'S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES WILL TOUR THE DISTRICT EARLIER IN THE DAY TO DISTRIBUTE PROGRAMME LEAFLETS AND SOUVENIRS TO ENHANCE THE FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE.
THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL LAST UNTIL DECEMBER 3.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID AN IMPRESSIVE COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DISTRICT DATING BACK TO THE 19TH CENTURY WILL BE EXHIBITED FROM TOMORROW AS PART OF THE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL, AP LEI CHAU ESTATE. IT WILL BE OPEN FROM -9 AM TO 6 PM DAILY INCLUDING SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL PERIOD, EXCEPT ON NOVEMBER 12, 19, 25 AND 26 AND DECEMBER 2.
THE EXHIBITION ALSO INCLUDES 26 PRIZE-WINNING ENTRIES IN THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL PHOTOGRAPH COMPETITION WHICH TAKES ON THE THEME OF "SOUTHERN DISTRICT TODAY".
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE FESTIVAL OFFERS 19 OTHER RECREATIONAL, CULTURAL, ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS, MUSIC, ARTS AND CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND INTERESTS.
MOST OF THESE WILL BE HELD ON WEEKENDS OR IN THE EVENINGS OF WEEKDAYS SO THAT MORE PEOPLE CAN ATTEND.
/ALL THE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, ">989
ALL THE EVENTS OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ARE FREE. PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-540271.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IN WONG CHUK HANG, BEGINNING AT 6.30 PM.
PRESS BADGES WILL BE ISSUED AT THE RECEPTION COUNTER AT THE VENUE.
-----0------
VARIETY SHOW TO BEGIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL
» * * » »
A VARIETY SHOW WILL MARK THE GRAND OPENING OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
MORE THAN 1,300 LOCAL RESIDENTS WILL ATTEND THE SHOW WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
ORGANISED BY THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE TWO-HOUR SHOW WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS JOHNNY YIP AND MAK KIT-MAN.
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND THE MIRANDA CHIN DANCING GROUP, AS WELL AS LION DANCE.
TELEVISION ARTIST PANG KIN-SUN AND DISC JOCKEY ANGEL LEUNG WILL BE MASTERS OF CEREMONY. THEY WILL ALSO GIVE THE AUDIENCE AN OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF WONG TAI SIN AND ITS SCENIC ATTRACTIONS.
OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN: CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD, DR MICHAEL LEE; VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL. MR STEPHEN LAU; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU; MISS ASIA PACIFIC. MISS YUNG HUNG; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ALBERT LI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY AND VARIETY SHOW OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN KOWLOON TONG.
- 0 ----------
/16........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 16 -
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS WITH SWIMMING MARATHON *****
THE 11TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN WITH A GRAND OPENING AND A MARATHON SWIMMING COMPETITION TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE 1,500-METRE SWIM WILL START AT 10 AM AT APPROACH BEACH IN TSUEN WAN AND FINISH AT LIDO BEACH.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE STARTING CEREMONY.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT LIDO BEACH AT 10.45 AM.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH-LONG TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL INCLUDE TABLE TENNIS AND MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATIONS BY TEAMS FROM CHINA AND A BOXING COMPETITION.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS AND PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE SPORTS FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS. EXPENDITURE OF THE FESTIVAL IS ESTIMATED TO BE OVER SI MILLION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE 11TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL AND THE MARATHON SWIMMING COMPETITION TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
TRANSPORT HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE STARTING POINT AT APPROACH BEACH. IT WILL LEAVE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING AT 9.15 AM.
-------0---------
COURTESY CALLS TO ISLANDS RURAL COMMITTEES
*****
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD, TODAY (FRIDAY) PAID COURTESY CALLS TO LOCAL LEADERS AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES ON LANTAU ISLAND AND NORTH LAMMA.
ON LANTAU, MR SALKELD VISITED MUI WO, PUI O AND TUNG CHUNG RURAL COMMITTEES BEFORE TOURING THE 12 VILLAGES AT YUNG SHUE WAN COVERED BY THE NORTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE.
/TODAY'S GETTING
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, "’989
- 17 -
TODAY'S "GETTING TO KNOW YOU" TOUR WAS HIS SECOND IN THE DISTRICT SINCE HE TOOK UP OFFICE IN MID-OCTOBER.
LAST WEEK, MR SALKELD VISITED THE THREE RURAL COMMITTEES ON PENG CHAU, CHEUNG CHAU AND SOUTH LAMMA.
AUXILIARY POLICE EXPANDING TO HELP MAINTAIN LAW AND ORDER * * * * »
TO MEET THE EVER-INCREASING REQUIREMENT OF SOCIETY, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE ARE EXPANDING CONTINUOUSLY TO REINFORCE THEIR REGULAR COUNTERPARTS IN MAINTAINING THE LAW AND ORDER OF HONG KONG.
THIS WAS STATED BY A MEMBER OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR CHAN BING-WOON, WHEN HE TOOK THE SALUTE AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF THE ANNUAL TRAINING CAMP OF THE SPECIAL DUTIES COMPANY HONG KONG 11) (AUXILIARY) AT THE AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
WITH AN INCREASING INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, MR CHAN PRAISED THE SPECIAL DUTIES COMPANY FOR PROVIDING GREAT ASSISTANCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VBP DETENTION CENTRES.
"IN ORDER TO TAKE UP THIS COMMITMENT, SOME OF THE AUXILIARY OFFICERS HAVE TO ASK FOR LEAVE FROM THEIR EMPOLOYERS. THIS READINESS TO SACRIFICE THEIR LEISURE AND FAMILY LIFE REALLY DESERVES OUR RECOGNITION," HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THERE WERE CEMETERIES AND BEACHES IN CHAI WAN AREA, MR CHAN SAID ADDITIONAL MANPOWER WOULD BE DEPLOYED TO DIRECT TRAFFIC AND CARRY OUT CROWD CONTROL DUTIES DURING CHING MING AND CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVALS AND THE SUMMER SEASON. HE ADDED THAT THE SPECIAL DUTIES COMPANY HAD PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THIS RESPECT.
IN CONCLUSION. THE DFCC MEMBER CALLD ON THE YOUNGER GENERATION IN THE DISTRICT TO JOIN THE AUXILIARY FORCE TO HELP MAINTAIN THE LAW AND ORDER IN THE TERRITORY.
ON PARADE TODAY WERE 170 OFFICERS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED AN ANNUAL WEEK-LONG TRAINING COURSE.
- 0 ---------
/18........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
18
ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME ON HK ISLAND *****
A ROAD SAFETY PROGRAMME WILL BE CONDUCTED AT TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACKSPOTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND IN THE NEXT TWO DAYS (SATURDAY AND. SUNDAY).
THE "PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME", WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION AND THE TRAFFIC HONG KONG ISLAND OF THE POLICE, AIMS TO EDUCATE PEDESTRIANS ON PROPER ROAD CROSSING BEHAVIOUR.
DURING THE TWO-DAY PROGRAMME, SOME 100 MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROL WILL BE DEPLOYED IN DISTRIBUTING EDUCATIONAL LEAFLETS TO PEDESTRIANS FOUND TO VIOLATE THE ROAD CROSSING CODE.
UNDER POLICE SUPERVISION, THEIR ACTIVITIES WILL COVER SEVEN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACKSPOTS IN EASTERN, WAN CHAI, CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICTS.
AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 10.30 AM OUTSIDE THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION AT 2 STADIUM PATH, SO KON PO, HONG KONG.
THE POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER, HONG KONG ISLAND, MR JOHN CLEMENCE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME" TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 10.30 AM OUTSIDE THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION AT 2 STADIUM PATH, SO KON PO, HONG KONG.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, YOU ARE ALSO INVITED TO BOARD A BUS WHICH WILL TAKE YOU TO SOME OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACKSPOTS TO SEE THE ROAD SAFETY PATROL MEMBERS AT WORK.
- - 0 - -
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TONG TO BE CLOSED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE CERTAIN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN KOWLOON TONG SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGERS TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THEY ARE AT APARTMENTS H ON THE SEVENTH AND THE EIGHTH FLOORS OF MARCONI COURT, 2 MARCONI ROAD.
/THE CLOSURES
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 19 -
THE CLOSURES ARE PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN JUNE 1989 AND MARCH 1985 REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS FROM THE SHA TIN DISTRICT COURT ON JANUARY 5 NEXT YEAR WERE POSTED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (FRIDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START ONCE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE OBTAINED.
------0-------
TEMPORARY RELOCATION OF KOWLOON MAP SALES CENTRE » t t ♦ »
THE SURVEY AND MAPPING OFFICE’S KOWLOON MAP SALES CENTRE WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
THE EXISTING SINGLE-STOREY SALES CENTRE, LOCATED AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND GASCOIGNE ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED FOR DEMOLITION, AFTER MORNING BUSINESS, AT NOON TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
TOGETHER WITH THE ADJACENT AMENITIES AREA, THE CENTRE WILL BE REDEVELOPED INTO A LANDSCAPED GARDEN TO BLEND IN WITH THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF THE BLOCK.
A NEW MAP SALES CENTRE WILL BE ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE LANDSCAPED AREA.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO LAST FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS, THE MAP SALES CENTRE WILL BE RELOCATED ON THE 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 405 NATHAN ROAD.
THE CENTRE’S OPENING HOURS WILL BE 9 AM TO 5 PM WITHOUT LUNCH BREAK, MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS; AND FROM 9 AM .TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
MAP SALES SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE 14TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING; THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL; AND AT VARIOUS DISTRICT SURVEY OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0------
/20........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 20 -
CLOSURE OF POST OFFICE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD
*****
THE TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE LOCATED AT 407 CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED DOWN AT THE END OF BUSINESS AT 1 PM ON NOVEMBER 11. THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE CLOSURE WAS DUE TO THE EXPIRY OF THE LEASE FOR THE PREMISES.
"CUSTOMERS WHO NORMALLY VISIT THIS POST OFFICE SHOULD GO TO THE TSUEN WING STREET POST OFFICE, WHICH IS THE NEAREST POST OFFICE IN THE AREA.
"ITS ADDRESS IS 18-32 TSUEN WING STREET," HE SAID.
"THE POST OFFICE REGRETS ANY INCONVENIENCE THAT MAY BE CAUSED TO CUSTOMERS IN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT," HE ADDED.
-------o----------
OLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARDS INVALID AS FROM NOVEMBER 6
*****
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1951 AND 1956 THAT THEIR OLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARDS ISSUED BEFORE JULY 1, 1987, WILL CEASE TO BE VALID DOCUMENTS FROM NOVEMBER 6.
"THIS IS THE SIXTH BATCH OF IDENTITY CARDS DECLARED INVALID SINCE THE NEW IDENTITY CARD RE-ISSUE SCHEME STARTED IN JULY, 1987, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE EMPHASISED THAT ONCE AN OLD CARD WAS DECLARED INVALID, IT WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTED FOR ANY PURPOSE.
"FOR EXAMPLE, WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUP HOLDING AN INVALID OLD-TYPE IDENTITY CARD WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE IT FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD OR TO APPLY FOR A TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
"HOWEVER, THOSE WHO HAVE MISSED THEIR SPECIFIED CARD REPLACEMENT PERIODS DUE TO THEIR ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG OR ANY OTHE? REASONS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY APPROACH ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES," HE ADDED.
THESE CASES WILL BE LOOKED INTO THOROUGHLY AND DEALT WITH ON THEIR INDIVIDUAL MERITS.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
-------o---------
/21 .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1989
- 21
AMENDED TIMES FOR FIRING PRACTICE ******
AMENDED TIMES FOR FIRING PRACTICE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON TWO DAYS THIS MONTH WERE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE PRACTICE ON NOVEMBER 24 WILL LAST FROM 8.30 AM TO 11.59 PM, AND ON NOVEMBER 30 IT WILL LAST FROM 8.30 AM TO 5 PM.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
-------Q----------
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WONG TAI SIN ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 5) IN CONNECTION WITH THE "KOWLOON WALK FOR MILLIONS 1989-90".
TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD SECTION BETWEEN WAN WAH STREET AND SHA TIN' PASS ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7.30 AM TO NOON. FRANCHISED BUSES AND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICE ROUTE NOS. 18 AND 19 WILL BE EXEMPTED.
AT THE SAME TIME, SHA TIN PASS ROAD SECTION BETWEEN TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD AND FEI NGO SHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AND PLB (SCHEDULED) SERVICE ROUTE NO. 18 WILL BE EXEMPTED, WHILE WAN WAH STREET SECTION BETWEEN WAI WAH STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD WILL ALSO BF, CLOSED.
NGAU CHI WAN STREET, FEI NGO SHAN ROAD SECTION BETWEEN CUSTOMS PASS AND JAT’S INCLINE, AND JAT’S INCLINE SECTION BETWEEN FEI NGO SHAN ROAD AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7.30 AM TO 3 PM, AND PLB (SCHEDULED) SERVICE ROUTE NO. 16 WILL BE EXEMPTED.
FROM 7.30 AM TO NOON, THE EXISTING TERMINUS OF PLB (SCHEDULED) SERVICE ROUTE NO. 18 ON TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD OUTSIDE SHA TIN PASS ESTATE WILL BE RELOCATED TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD.
THIS TEMPORARY TERMINUS IS ABOUT 15 METRES WEST OF THE EXISTING TERMINUS. THE EXISTING TERMINUS OF PLB (SCHEDULED) SERVICE ROUTE NO. 19 ON TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD OUTSIDE SHA TIN PASS ESTATE WILL BE RELOCATED TO A POINT ABOUT 150 METRES TO THE EAST.
/PLB (SCHEDULED) ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
22 -
PLB (SCHEDULED) SERVICE ROUTE NOS. 20 AND 37M, WILL BE DIVERTED VIA SHEUNG FUNG STREET, WAN WAH STREET, WAI WAH STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD INSTEAD OF SHEUNG FUNG STREET, WAN WAH STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD WHEN HEADING TOWARDS TSZ WAN SHAN.
FROM 7.30 AM TO 3 PM, THE EXISTING TERMINUS OF PLB (SCHEDULED) SERVICE ROUTE NO. 16 IN NGAU CHI WAN STREET WILL BE RELOCATED TO JAT'S INCLINE SECTION BETWEEN NGAU CHI WAN STREET AND CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD.
THE SERVICE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND JAT’S INCLINE INSTEAD OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, FUNG SHING STREET AND NGAU CHI WAN STREET WHEN HEADING TOWARDS JAT’S INCLINE.
--------o ---------
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER
*»»*»*
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT TRAFFIC ON THE LEFT-HAND TRAFFIC LANE ON GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER IS NOW ALSO PROVIDING ACCESS TO QUEENSWAY.
THIS IS PART OF A TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT SCHEME TO ALLEVIATE THE CONGESTION AT THE APPROACH TO THE GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER.
THE GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER CONSISTS OF TWO LANES WITH THE RIGHT ONE LEADING ONTO QUEENSWAY WHILE THE LEFT ONE IS ORIGINALLY CONFINED TO LEFT-TURN TRAFFIC HEADING FOR COTTON TREE DRIVE NORTHBOUND.
UPON THE WIDENING OF THE DOWN RAMP OF THE GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER AND THE ADJOINING CARRIAGEWAY, BOTH LANES ON THE FLYOVER ARE NOW OPEN TO EASTBOUND TRAFFIC LEADING ONTO QUEENSWAY.
-------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON GOVERNOR .................. 1
TV SPECIAL ON ROYAL VISIT .................................... 2
AFTER SCHOOL CASE TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT JANUARY............... 2
WONG TAI SIN'S FIRST DAY CARE CENTRE FOR ELDERLY.............. 4
MALAYSIAN OFFICIALS LEARN ABOUT LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL....... 4
IMPROVEMENTS TO SOUTHERN LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN PIPELINE....... 5
RS OUTLINES MASSIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN ............. 6
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES .................... 8
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY ....................... 8
100 CHILDREN HONOURED ........................................ 9
EXHIBITION ON CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ................... 10
ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL IN KWUN TONG ............................ 11
ANCIENT POTS ON SHOW IN TUEN MUN ............................ 12
FOOTBALLERS TO 'KICK OFF' SPORTS FESTIVAL IN KWAI TSING ...... 12
DISTRICT LANDMARK FOR YAU TSIM................................ 1?
PEDESTRAIN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON HK ISLAND ...... 14
BREEDING STOCK PURCHASED FOR POLICE DOG UNIT ................. 14
BACKDROP OF TUNG CHUNG EORT FOR BEATING RETREAT SHOWS......... 16
'SING AND CLEAN' SONG CONTEST FOR FILIPINOS .................. 17
CALL TO OBSERVE CHILD EMPLOYMENT REGULATIONS ................. 18
IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS ......... 19
MORE OPIN SPACE FACILITIES FOR TUEN MUN ...................... 20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NEW TERRITORIES ...................... 20
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CAPE COLLINSON RD SECTION ............... 21
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HIP WO LANE.............................. 22
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TO KWA WAN ...........................
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS' IN KOWLOON TONG ........................ 2J
SPEED LIMIT ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR........................ 2?
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4, 1989
1
JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON GOVERNOR * * t » »
THE JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER, DR TARO NAKAYAMA. HAS HAD TALKS WITH THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON A RANGE OF ISSUES.
DURING THE TALK THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING, DR NAKAYAMA REITERATED JAPAN'S CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG AND SUPPORT FOR THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION. HE COMMENTED THAT THE JAPANESE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS ALSO CONFIDENT ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE, AS EVIDENCED BY THEIR CONTINUING HIGH LEVEL OF INVESTMENT IN THE TERRITORY.
ON THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE ISSUE, HE EXPRESSED SYMPATHY FOR THE BURDEN PLACED UPON HONG KONG BY THE ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM, AND RECONFIRMED THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT'S BELIEF IN THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FULL AND BALANCED IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION ADOPTED IN GENEVA IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
DR NAKAYAMA SAID JAPAN WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE A HIGH PRIORITY TO ASSISTING THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES WITH THE INDO-CHINESE REFUGEE PROBLEM. PARTICULARLY IN HONG KONG.
THE FOREIGN MINISTER ALSO PLEDGED JAPAN’S CONTINUAL SUPPORT FOR THE PARTICIPATION OF HONG KONG IN THE FORUM FOR ASIA- PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION.
THE GOVERNOR WELCOMED WITH APPRECIATION THE CONTINUING HIGH LEVEL OF JAPANESE BUSINESS INTEREST IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL BE CONSIDERING MEASURES TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR JAPANESE TO COME AND WORK IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCING THE TIME TAKEN TO PROCESS EMPLOYMENT VISAS.
SIR DAVID OUTLINED HONG KONG’S PLANS FOR A NEW AIRPORT AND PORT DEVELOPMENT.
HE ALSO THANKED THE FOREIGN MINISTER FOR THE MAJOR FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION WHICH THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT WERE MAKING TOWARDS UNHCR FOR THE VIETNAMESE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
HE WELCOMED THE AGREEMENT SOON TO BE SIGNED, BY WHICH THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT WILL EXTEND TO THE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG A GRANT-IN-AID TO ENABLE THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG TO PURCHASE BOOKS AND AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR ITS JAPANESE PROGRAMME.
THE JAPANESE FOREIGN MINISTER LEAVES HONG KONG AFTER CONCLUDING A TWO-DAY VISIT DURING WHICH HE ALSO ARGYLE STREET VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE DETENTION CENTRE.
LATER TODAY
VISITED THE
- - 0 --------
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4. 1989
- 2 -
TV SPECIAL ON ROYAL VISIT ♦ ♦ * ♦
A TELEVISION SPECIAL. “HONG KONG GREETS THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES”. PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE BROADCAST BY BOTH COMMERCIAL NETWORKS ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
THE 15-MINUTE SPECIAL WILL COVER THE ARRIVAL OF THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. THEIR TRIP ACROSS THE HARBOUR ON BOARD THE LADY MAURINE. AND THEIR OFFICIAL WELCOME AT EDINBURGH PLACE.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE SHOWN ON ATV1S HOME CHANNEL AT 9.15 PM. ON ATV’S WORLD CHANNEL AT 9.55 PM AND ON TVB JADE AT 11.45 PM.
------0--------
AFTER SCHOOL CARE TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT JANUARY * ♦ ♦ * ♦
A PILOT SCHEME FOR AN AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMME WILL BE INTRODUCED IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE HALF-DAY CARE TO PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT THE TARGET GROUP FOR THIS SERVICE WOULD BE FAMILIES WITH SOCIAL AND FINANCIAL NEEDS WHICH ARE VULNERABLE AND IN LACK OF ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO BUY THE SERVICE.
’’THIS WAS DECIDED AFTER A SERIES OF MEETINGS BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE,” HE SAID.
"AS INFORMATION AND STATISTICS ON THE ACTUAL DEMAND FROM THESE FAMILIES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, A PILOT SCHEME WILL BE CONDUCTED TO TEST THE DEMAND AND TO SET UP A MORE SYSTEMATIC AND STANDARDISED OPERATIONAL MODEL.” HE SAID.
UNDER THE S3 MILLION PILOT SCHEME. AFTER SCHOOL CARE WILL BE PROVIDED AT A SELECTED CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IN ONE OF THE DISTRICTS OF EACH SWD ADMINISTRATIVE REGION WITH THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF KNOWN CASES OF SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES AND OF CHILDREN LIVING IN FOUR-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS WITH A MONTHLY INCOME AT OR BELOW THE LEVEL OF $4,400.
IT WAS ACCEPTED THAT NOT ALL THESE FAMILIES REQUIRE THE SERVICE AS SOME MAY HAVE RELATIVES OR OTHER ARRANGEMENTS TO LOOK AFTER THE CHILDREN. AS A RESULT, THE FOLLOWING DISTRICTS HAVE BEEN SELECTED:
/HONG KONG
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
- 3
HONG KONG ISLAND -- EASTERN
EAST KOWLOON — KWUN TONG
WEST KOWLOON — SHAM SHUI PO
NEW TERRITORIES EAST — SHA TIN
NEW TERRITORIES WEST — TSUEN WAN/KWAI TSING
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT CHILDREN BETWEEN SIX AND 12 YEARS OLD FROM THE FOLLOWING FAMILY BACKGROUND ARE CLASSIFIED AS HAVING SOCIAL NEEDS:
» PARENTS WITH ILL HEALTH, DISABILITY, LONG TERM
HOSPITALISATION;
* SINGLE WORKING PARENTS;
» PARENTS SERVING PRISON SENTENCES;
» PARENTS WITH DRUG ABUSE PROBLEMS;
» NEW IMMIGRANTS WITH ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS;
* CHILDREN BEING VICTIMS OF REPORTED CHILD ABUSE CASES.
AS TO FINANCIAL NEEDS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THEY ARE DEFINED ACCORDING TO THE EXISTING SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME.
HE ADDED THAT EACH CHILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE WOULD HAVE THE CAPACITY OF 30 CHILDREN FOR EACH HALF-DAY SESSION, BENEFITTING A TOTAL OF 60 CHILDREN A DAY.
"IT WILL BE OPERATED FIVE TO SIX DAYS PER WEEK, WITH FOUR TO FIVE HOURS PER SESSION.
"NORMALLY THE MORNING SESSION WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 1 PM AND THE AFTERNOON SESSION FROM 1 PM TO 6 PM," HE CONTINUED.
THE PROGRAMME FOR EACH HALF-DAY SESSION WILL INCLUDE HOME WORK GUIDANCE, MEAL AND PLAY, GROUP ACTIVITIES, INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING AND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
"THE EXPERIMENT WILL BE TRIED OUT FOR 20 MONTHS FROM NEXT JANUARY TO AUGUST 1991 TO TIE IN WITH THE SCHOOL TERMS.
"A REVIEW OF THE EXPERIMENT WILL BE CONDUCTED AFTER 12 MONTHS OF OPERATION." THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4, 1989
WONG TAI SIN’S FIRST DAY CARE CENTRE FOR ELDERLY
*****
SERVICES PROVIDED BY DAY CARE CENTRES ENABLE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO REMAIN SOCIALLY’ ACTIVE, AND AT THE SAME TIME RELIEVE THEIR FAMILIES OF THE NEED TO LOOK AFTER THEM DURING THE DAY. THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR ALFRED CHUI, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SALVATION ARMY’S CHUK YUEN DAY CARE CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN WONG TAI SIN, MR CHUI SAID THE CENTRES AIMED AT PROVIDING ELDERLY PEOPLE IN DECLINING HEALTH WITH DAY CARE, NURSING SERVICE AS WELL AS RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THE SERVICES PROVIDED RANGED FROM THE SERVING OF MEALS TO LAUNDRY, COUNSELLING, MEDICAL CHECKS AND GROUP ACTIVITIES.
NOTING THAT ELDERLY PEOPLE REPRESENTED 17.8 PER CENT OR 60,000 OF THE TOTAL PUBLIC HOUSING POPULATION IN WONG TAI SIN, MR CHUI SAID THE LOCAL DEMAND FOR ELDERLY SERVICES WAS VERY HIGH.
"THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS CONTINUED TO IMPROVE AND STRENGTHEN THE SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN WONG TAI SIN.
"AND THE CHUK YUEN DAY CARE CENTRE IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE DISTRICT," HE SAID.
MR CHUI COMMENDED THE SALVATION ARMY FOR PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG SINCE 1930.
-----o-----
MALAYSIAN OFFICIALS LEARN ABOUT LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL *******
THREE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS FROM THE STATE OF SELANGOR, MALAYSIA RECENTLY VISITED THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TO LEARN ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG.
DURING THEIR THREE-DAY VISIT, THE TRIO ALSO STUDIED THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF VARIOUS LIVESTOCK WASTE TREATMENT METHODS.
THE DELEGATION WAS RECEIVED AND BRIEFED ON THE PROGRAMME BY THE DEPARTMENT’S ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR JOHN BOXALL, AND PRINCIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, DR DANIEL LAU.
DURING THE VISIT, THE DELEGATION SAW FOR THEMSELVES THE SEVERE LIVESTOCK WASTE POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN YUEN LONG, THE LIVESTOCK WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES OFFERED BY EPD, AND THE OPERATION OF THE NGAU TAM MEI MANURE COMPOSTING PLANT.
/THEY ALSO
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
- 5 -
THEY ALSO VISITED THE DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS BEING CONDUCTED IN PRIVATE FARMS AND THE GOVERNMENT'S DEMONSTRATION FARM IN TA KWU LING •
THE DELEGATION WAS IMPRESSED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT'S POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING THE LIVESTOCK WASTE CONTROL PROGRAMME AS WELL AS THE CONSIDERABLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS, IN PARTICULAR TO THE WATERCOURSES, BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONTROL PROGRAMME IN TOLO HARBOUR, MUI WO AND ANGLERS’ BEACH.
THE DELEGATION SHOWED PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE PIG-ON-LITTER METHOD AND THOUGHT MORE WORK IN THIS DIRECTION SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT TO ASCERTAIN ITS APPLICATION IN MALAYSIA.
-------0----------
IMPROVEMENTS TO SOUTHERN LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN PIPELINE * * » » »
THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A NUMBER OF MAJOR PROJECTS AS PART OF A CONTINUOUS EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT. THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL HELD AT THE WONG CHUK HANG SOCCER PITCH.
ON HOUSING, MR LAN SAID THAT A NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WILL BE BUILT ON THE KELLETT BAY RECLAMATION NEAR WAH FU.
THE DEVELOPMENT, TO BE KNOWN AS THE WAH KWAI ESTATE, WILL COMPRISE PUBLIC RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCKS FOR SOME 20.000 PEOPLE IN 1991.
ON AP LEI CHAU, THE RECLAMATION WORK AT THE NORTH OF THE ISLAND WILL BE COMPLETED IN TWO STAGES IN EARLY 1990 AND MID-1991. IT WILL PROVIDE 6.5 HECTARES OF LAND FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES, GOVERNMENT USE, PUBLIC LANDING POINTS, PARKING SPACES FOR GOODS VEHICLES, OPEN SPACE AND ROADS.
IN MA HANG, SQUATTER HUTS AND PIG-REARING FARMS WILL BE CLEARED TO MAKE WAY FOR A LOW-RISE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 8,000 PEOPLE. THE DESIGN OF THE PROJECT WILL ENABLE THE BLOCKS TO BLEND IN WELL WITH THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
A VILLAGE SQUARE CONTAINING SMALL SHOPS, CAFES, RESTAURANTS, A MARKET AND CRAFT WORKSHOPS WILL BE BUILT. MURRAY HOUSE, A HISTORIC BUILDING ONCE STOOD IN CENTRAL, WILL BE REBUILT IN THE AREA.
SITES FOR A PRIMARY SCHOOL AND A COMMUNITY CENTRE HAVE ALSO BEEN RESERVED FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
/ON GOVERNMENT
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER A, 1989
6
ON GOVERNMENT EFFORTS TO TACKLE WATER POLLUTION IN THE DISTRICT. MR LAN SAID BOTH SHORT AND LONG TERM MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AT THE POPULAR BEACHES.
SHORT TERM MEASURES INCLUDE INTERCEPTION AND DIVERSION OF POLLUTING DRAINS AWAY FROM MAIN SWIMMING AREAS. REPAIR TO SEWAGE OUTFALL PIPES IN REPULSE BAY. CLEARANCE OF SQUATTERS ON THE BEACH HINTERLAND AND BANNING OF LIVESTOCK-KEEPING.
THE LONG-TERM MEASURE TAKE THE FORM OF A CONSULTANCY STUDY TO FORMULATE A MASTER SEWERAGE PLAN WHICH WILL PROVIDE PROPER SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES FOR THE COASTAL AREAS FROM BIG WAVE BAY TO SHOUSON HILL.
TURNING TO THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL. MR LAN PRAISED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MRS SO CHAU YIM-PING. AND THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG. FOR THE EFFORTS THEY HAD MADE IN ORGANISING THE EVENTS.
HE DESCRIBED THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL AS A BIG BOOST TO COMMUNITY BUILDING EFFORTS IN THE DISTRICT.
-----0 - - - -
RS OUTLINES MASSIVE DEVELOPMENTS IN WONG TAI SIN
******
SEVERAL MAJOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WILL BE COMPLETED IN THE DIAMOND HILL AND TAI HOM AREAS IN WONG TAI SIN IN THE COMING YEARS. THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON. MR DAVID LAN. SAID THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL. MR LAN SAID THE PROJECTS INCLUDED THE $2 BILLION TATE'S CAIRN TUNNEL. WHICH WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1991 TO PROVIDE A FURTHER MUCH NEEDED LINK BETWEEN KOWLOON AND SHA TIN.
HE SAID THE TUNNEL. MEASURING 3.9 KILOMETRES. WOULD BE THE LONGEST ROAD TUNNEL IN HONG KONG AND WOULD RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT ROAD PROJECTS WOULD ALSO BE COMPLETED AT THE SAME TIME TO CATER FOR THE TRAFFIC TO BE GENERATED BY THE TUNNEL. HE ADDED.
"THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL WILL THUS FORM PART OF A NEW TRUNK ROUTE LINKING QUARRY BAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND WITH MA ON SHAN IN SHA TIN VIA THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND THE KWUN TONG BYPASS.
"WHEN ALL THESE PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED. THE TRAVELLING TIME FROM QUARRY BAY ON THE ISLAND TO WONG TAI SIN AND SHA TIN WILL BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED." HE SAID.
/MR LAN ......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
7
MR LAN POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM THE TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL. THERE WOULD BE OTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE NEARBY AREAS.
TO THE WEST OF THE TUNNEL APPROACH ROAD AND NORTH OF LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WOULD BE A LARGE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT. TO BE COMPLETED WITH CARPARKING AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES. IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1991-92 AND WOULD ACCOMMODATE 8.500 PEOPLE.
THERE WERE ALSO PLANS FOR SCHOOLS. OPEN SPACE. A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND A TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE IN THE AREA.
FURTHER NORTH ALONG THE HILL SLOPE. A LARGE URBAN PARK OF AN AREA OF 6.2 HECTARES. COMMANDING A PANORAMIC VIEW OVER CENTRAL KOWLOON. WOULD BE BUILT IN MID-1992.
’’THERE IS ALSO A PLAN FOR BUILDING A DISTRICT HOSPITAL WITH 950 BEDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE SLOPE." HE ADDED.
MEANWHILE. MARK I AND II PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS IN THE DISTRICT WERE BEING REDEVELOPED TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW BLOCKS WITH MODERN FACILITIES AND A NICE ENVIRONMENT.
IT WAS EXPECTED THAT SOME 100.000 PEOPLE, MANY OF THEM FORMER MARK I AND II BLOCK RESIDENTS. WOULD BE RETURNING TO THE DISTRICT.
MR LAN SAID THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL PROVIDED RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO RELAX AND ENJOY THEMSELVES.
)
HE URGED RESIDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE VARIOUS CULTURAL. RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
MR LAN THANKED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MR ALBERT LI SZE-RAY. AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE FOR THEIR EFFORTS OVER THE PAST 12 MONTHS IN ORGANISING A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT RESIDENTS IN WONG TAI SIN GREATLY APPRECIATE THE GOOD WORK OF THE COMMITTEE." HE ADDED.
I
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY. MR LI SAID THE AIM OF THE FESTIVAL WAS TO FOSTER A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG DISTRICT RESIDENTS AND AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR THEM.
THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL RUN UNTIL NOVEMBER 26. PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL. RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A VARIETY SHOW FEATURING A CONCERT BY SINGERS JOHNNY YIP AND MAK KIT-MAN. AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES BY THE WONG TAI SIN CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND THE MIRANDA CHIN DANCING GROUP.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY INCLUDED THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. DR MICHAEL LEE: DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU: VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL. MR STEPHEN LAU: AND MISS ASIA PACIFIC. MISS YUNG HUNG.
- 0 -
/8
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
8
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES ♦ * ♦ ♦ *
A SERIES OF CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD IN WONG TAI SIN TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AS PART OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
ADMISSION TO THESE ACTIVITIES IS FREE.
MORE THAN 200 DISABLED PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN A TELEMATCH TO BE HELD AT THE MINIATURE FOOTBALL PITCH IN MORSE PARK BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON.
AN EXHIBITION OF CHINESE PAINTINGS AND CALLIGRAPHY WILL BE HELD AT THE FUNG MING HALL OF WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
WINNING ENTRIES IN THE FESTIVAL’S CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY COMPETITION WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED. THE EXHIBITION WILL RUN UNTIL TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD AT CHOI HUNG ESTATE. AN OPENING CEREMONY WILL HELD AT 1 PM AT THE PODIUM OF CHOI HUNG ESTATE CARPARK.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. DR MICHAEL LEE; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BRIAN LAU; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR ALBERT LI.
A CHILDREN’S GAMES DAY WITH 500 YOUNGSTERS TAKING PART WILL BE HELD AFTER THE CEREMONY WHILE A VARIETY SHOW WITH PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM AT THE ST BENEDICT’S SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE ACTIVITIES ARE JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CHOI HUNG AREA COMMITTEE, THE AREA’S MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE CHOI HUNG ESTATE OFFICE AND THE WONG TAI S1N DISTRICT OFFICE.
TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL STARTS TODAY ♦ * * t ♦
THE 11 TH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL OFFERING OVER 40 EVENTS WAS LAUNCHED WITH A GRAND OPENING AND A MARATHON SWIMMING COMPETITION THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE 1,500-METRE SWIM, WITH THE STARTING POINT AT APPROACH BEACH AND FINISHING AT LIDO BEACH, WAS A NEW EVENT THIS YEAR.
A TOTAL OF 98 SWIMMERS TOOK PART IN TODAY'S RACE. THEY INCLUDED 61 MEN AND 37 WOMEN. WITH THE YOUNGEST BEING EIGHT YEARS OLD AND THE OLDEST 68.
/THE TSUEN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER <t, 1989
- 9 -
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM SHIU, OFFICIATED AT THE STARTING CEREMONY AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS AT LIDO BEACH.
THE CHAMPION IN THE MEN’S GROUP WAS MR HUI KWOK-CHI WHILE MISS CHENG OI-YAN WON THE FIRST PRIZE IN THE WOMEN’S SECTION.
OTHER EVENTS OF THE FESTIVAL IN THE COMING WEEK INCLUDE THE TSUEN WAN KART PRIX TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TSUI ROAD SPORTS GROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY), AND BASKETBALL, BADMINTON, TABLE TENNIS, TENNIS AND AEROBIC DANCE COMPETITIONS.
COPIES OF THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE MONTH-LONG SPORTS FESTIVAL IS ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATIONS.
-------0 ---------
100 CHILDREN HONOURED
» * * t «
ONE HUNDRED CENTRAL AND WESTERN PRIMARY PUPILS WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF MERIT AT THE DISTRICT'S GOOD CHILDREN AWARD SCHEME PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT ST PAUL’S COLLEGE THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE PUPILS HAD BEEN NOMINATED BY THEIR SCHOOLS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IN ACADEMIC WORK. CONDUCT AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES DURING THE PAST YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR WU CHOR-NAM, TOLD THE RECIPIENTS TO KEEP UP THEIR GOOD EFFORTS.
"I HOPE YOU WILL SET A VERY GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHER YOUNGSTERS," MR WU SAID.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER. AND A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER. MR PETER LEE. PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THE OUTSTANDING PUPILS. WHO WERE ALSO TREATED TO A ONE-DAY TOUR OF THE OCEAN PARK AFTER THE CEREMONY.
AS ONE OF THE 41 ACTIVITIES OF THE THIRD DISTRICT FESTIVAL NOW IN FULL SWING. THE AWARD SCHEME HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE. THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE. THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT COUNCIL OF SCHOOL HEADS, WITH SUPPORT BY MORE THAN 20 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT.
/MEANWHILE, EVENTS .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
10
MEANWHILE, EVENTS FOR THE SECOND WEEK OF THE FESTIVAL ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE/TIME EVENT VENUE
NOVEMBER 8 5 (SUNDAY) PM CHIU CHOW OPERA SHOW CITY HALL CONCERT HALL
NOVEMBER 2. 5 (SUNDAY) 30 PM SAI YING PUN CARNIVAL KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK
NOVEMBER 11 5 (SUNDAY) AM - 5 PM VEGETARIAN MEAL FOR THE ELDERLY WAH PO MANSION, NEW KENNEDY TOWN PRAYA
NOVEMBER 5-19 DISTRICT FESTIVAL EXHIBITION SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE EXHIBITION HALL
NOVEMBER 8 6 (MONDAY) PM YOUTH ARTS PARADE SINGING NITE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE THEATRE
NOVEMBER 8 8 (WEDNESDAY) PM YOUTH ARTS PARADE DANCING NITE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE THEATRE
NOVEMBER 8 AND 15 QUIZ CONTEST CARITAS YOUTH CENTRE, CAINE ROAD
NOVEMBER 2 10 (FRIDAY) PM ARTS SHOW BY THE ELDERLY SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE THEATRE
-----0 -----
EXHIBITION ON CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT
*****
A LARGE SCALE EXHIBITION ORGANISED UNDER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED AT THE SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE EXHIBITION HALL TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR LI YUET-TING; CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR LIU LIT-FOR; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER; AND URBAN COUNCILLOR 'MR CHOW WAI-KEUNG.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 11 AM TO 8.30 PM, UNTIL NOVEMBER 19.
IT WILL FEATURE DISPLAYS ON THE DISTRICT'S HISTORY, POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT, SOCIAL FACILITIES, TRADES, STREETS AND UNIQUE BUILDINGS.
/THE EXHIBITS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
11
THE EXHIBITS ARE PRODUCED BY 10 LOCAL SCHOOLS IN A DISTRICT-WIDE COMPETITION.
ALL ARE WELCOME TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION. VISITORS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO WIN ATTRACTIVE SOUVENIRS ON CORRECTLY ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE DISTRICT.
AS ONE OF THE 40-ODD ACTIVITIES OF THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL, THE INDOOR FUNCTION IS INTENDED TO ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE ON THE DISTRICT AMONG RESIDENTS.
IT HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE DISTRICT BOARD. THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE DISTRICT COUNCIL OF SCHOOL HEADS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT EXHIBITION OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE EXHIBITION HALL, SHEUNG WAN CIVIC CENTRE, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL.
-----0-----
ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL IN KWUN TONG
*****
A ROAD SAFETY CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN KWUN TONG TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO MARK THE CLOSING OF THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE 1989 KWUN TONG DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, THE CARNIVAL WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN; KWUN TONG DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR A.W. HIGGINBOTTOM; SAU MAU PING DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR A.J. FERRIGE; SENIOR STAFF OFFICER OF TRAFFIC POLICE (KOWLOON), MR I.P. PEGGS; KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAI; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR SETO CHAK.
A VARIETY SHOW AND ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTING THE IMPORTANCE OF OBSERVING ROAD SAFETY REGULATIONS WILL FOLLOW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE 1989 KWUN TONG DISTRICT ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND, BEGINNING AT 2 PM.
-------0----------
/12........
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4. 1989
- 12 -
ANCIENT POTS ON SHOW IN TUEN MUN » * *
HONG KONG’S FIRST ANCIENT POTS EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF TUEN MUN TOWN HALL. STARTING FROM TOMORROW (SUNDAY I.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION WHICH IS ORGANISED AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S TUEN MUN FESTIVAL.
SELECTED FROM THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG MONASTERY'S COLLECTION OF ANCIENT POTS. THE 300 EXHIBITS REPRESENT A VARIETY OF STYLES AS WELL AS EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP. SOME OF THEM CAN BE DATED BACK TO THE SUNG DYNASTY.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM, UNTIL NOVEMBER 12.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE ANCIENT POTS EXHIBITION TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF TUEN MUN TOWN HALL.
------o -------
FOOTBALLERS TO 'KICK OFF' SPORTS FESTIVAL IN KWAI TSING
» * » * »
A SOCCER TOURNAMENT BETWEEN WOMEN TEAMS FROM CHINA, TAIWAN AND HONG KONG WILL KICK OFF THE THIRD KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL WHICH RUNS FROM NOVEMBER 11 TO DECEMBER 8 THIS YEAR.
THE FESTIVAL, ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE, IS AIMED AT PROMOTING RESIDENTS' INTEREST AND PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THE BUDGET FOR THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL IS 5650,000, OF WHICH $220,000 HAS BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, $320,000 BY THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE REMAINDER FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.
THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE OPENING CEREMONY AND THE PROGRAMME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
/CHAIRING THE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
CHAIRING THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN MR TSUI HON-SHEUNG, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER MR PAUL TANG, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN MR LEE WING-TAT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) IN THE KWAI HING HSIN KUANG RESTAURANT (ADJACENT TO KWAI HING MTR STATION), KWAI CHUNG.
- - 0 - -
DISTRICT LANDMARK FOR YAU TSIM
* » » » »
THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE PUTTING UP OF A DISTRICT LANDMARK AT THE JUNCTION OF FERRY STREET WITH KANSU STREET AT ITS MEETING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
FLOWERS AND TURF WILL BE PLANTED AROUND THE CONCRETE LANDMARK TO BEAUTIFY THE ENVIRONMENT AND TO PROMOTE DISTRICT IDENTITY.
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS INCLUDE ALLOCATING 968.350 TO BEAUTIFY THE AREA UNDER THE GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER AND THE REMOVAL Oi 51 PLANTERS FROM THE PAVEMENT BETWEEN FERRY STREET AND TAK CHEONG STREET.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM. SECOND FLOOR. 490 NATHAN ROAD.
- - 0
/14
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
- 14 -
PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME ON HK ISLAND *****
MOST OF THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSING INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS WERE DUE TO PEDESTRIAN NEGLIGENCE, THE POLICE REGIONAL COMMANDER, HONG KONG ISLAND, MR JOHN CLEMENCE, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY ASSOCIATION AND THE TRAFFIC HONG KONG ISLAND OF THE POLICE, THE EXERCISE IS AIMED AT EDUCATING PEDESTRIANS ON PROPER ROAD CROSSING BEHAVIOUR.
MR CLEMENCE SAID THAT BETWEEN 1982 AND 1987. THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS CAUSING DEATH AND INJURY ON THE ROADS OF HONG KONG STEADILY DECLINED. BUT THERE WAS A REVERSAL OF THAT TREND IN 1988.
"198^ HAS TO DATE SHOWN A MARGINAL IMPROVEMENT IN THE ACCIDENT RATE FOR THE ISLAND WITH FIGURES SHOWING A 4.7 PER CENT DECLINE,” HE SAID.
BUT HE NOTED THAT 69 PER CENT OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING INJURY TO PEDESTRIANS WERE DUE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE INJURED PERSONS.
HE SAID THAT THESE FIGURES UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE AND REQUIREMENT TO CONTINUE THE PEDESTRIAN ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, SOME 100 SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROL MEMBERS WERE SENT TO SEVEN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT BLACKSPOTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND. WHERE THEY DISTRIBUTED ROAD SAFETY LEAFLETS TO PEDESTRIANS WHO WERE FOUND TO VIOLATE THE ROAD CROSSING CODE.
THE LOCATIONS OF THE BLACKSPOTS ARE: KING'S ROAD/SHU KUK STREET; JAVA ROAD/TONG SHUI ROAD: HENNESSY ROAD/FLEMING ROAD; HENNESSY ROAD/TONNOCHY ROAD; DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL/PEDDER STREET; DES VOEUX ROAD WEST/SUTHERLAND STREET; AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST/EASTERN STREET.
THE EXERCISE WILL BE REPEATED TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
---------------------0 ------- BREEDING STOCK PURCHASED FOR POLICE DOG UNIT *****
PREPARING TO UPGRADE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POLICE DOG UNIT IN READINESS FOR ADDITIONAL DUTIES WHEN THE ARMY RELINQUISHES BORDER PATROLS IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY FOR THE UNIT NOT ONLY TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DOG HANDLERS BUT ALSO ITS WELL-BRED DOGS.
THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF THE POLICE DOG UNIT, MR CHIFF LAMBURN, WENT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM RECENTLY TO PURCHASE BREEDING STOCK TO IMPROVE AND CONTINUE THE ALREADY HIGH STANDARD OF POLICE DOG SERVICE.
/HE CAME........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
HE CAME BACK WITH FOUR YOUNG GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS, TWO MALE AND TWO FEMALE. FOLLOWING VISITS TO 19 BREEDERS AND SUPPLIERS OF DOGS FOR THE POLICE SERVICE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE MIDDLE EAST, EUROPE AND AUSTRALIA.
"ALL THE NEW PUPPIES ARE BRED FROM GERMAN WORKING STOCK. THEY ARE SOME OF THE BEST BRED ANIMALS EVER TO ENTER SERVICE WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE," MR LAMBURN SAID.
RANGING IN AGE FROM 14 WEEKS TO SIX MONTHS. THE FOUR DOGS ORIGINATED FROM SUSSEX, DURHAM AND SOUTH WALES. THEY WERE MET ON ARRIVAL AT KAI TAK AND EXAMINED BY SPECIALISTS FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
"THE PUPPIES ARE NOW SETTLING DOWN IN THEIR NEW ENVIRONMENT. ADAPTING TO THE CHANGE OF TEMPERATURE, THEIR HANDLERS AND COMMUNICATIONS LANGUAGE," MR LAMBURN SAID.
"EACH NEW DOG WILL HAVE ITS OWN HANDLER WHO WILL TRAIN THEM AND OBSERVE HOW THEY WILL DEVELOP INTO PROFESSIONAL POLICE DOGS•
"THEY WILL BE SET TO WORK IN POLICE STATIONS FOR A WHILE UNTIL THEY REACH 12 TO 14 MONTHS OF AGE. THEN THEY WILL RETURN TO THE DOG UNIT AT PING SHAN FOR BREEDING.
"DURING SIX YEARS WE EXPECT THAT THEY WILL PRODUCE UP TO 50 OFFSPRING, WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO ADD TO OUR STRENGTH OF DOGS AND ALSO REPLACE THOSE LOST DUE TO NATURAL WASTAGE.”
THE DOG PURCHASES WAS THE SECOND UNDERTAKEN BY MR LAMBURN SINCE HE JOINED THE DOG UNIT IN 1981 WHEN HE BROUGHT WITH HIM TO HONG KONG TWO FEMALE DOGS.
"THERE WERE 81 DOGS THEN AND NOW WE HAVE 90. WE LOSE ABOUT SEVEN DOGS A YEAR THROUGH OLD AGE OR INJURY.
"IN THE YEAR UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER A TOTAL OF 285 ARRESTS FOR VARIOUS OFFENCES WERE MADE WITH THE HELP OF POLICE DOGS.
"THEY ARE BUSIEST DURING THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIODS BECAUSE OF ROBBERIES IN THE FESTIVE SEASONS.
"TWO BASIC COURSES ARE RUN EACH YEAR AND THERE ARE OTHERS TOO, SUCH AS REFRESHER AND RELOCATION COURSES HELD TO IMPROVE THE DOGS’ TRACKING AND DETECTIVE SKILLS."
-----0-----
/16........
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4,
1989
- 16 -
BACKDROP OF TUNG CHUNG FORT FOR BEATING RETREAT SHOWS *****
THE 16 DECADES OLD TUNG CHUNG FORT, A FORMER MARITIME BASE AND POLICE STATION, WILL BE BROUGHT TO THE PARADE GROUND OF THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL TO HIGHLIGHT THE MILITARY ORIGIN OF THE BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY.
THE ANNUAL EVENT, WHICH IS EVOLVED FROM THE MILITARY PRACTICE OF BEATING DRUMS TO CALL BACK TROOPS FROM BATTLES TO FORTS, IS ONE OF THE MOST COLOURFUL AND STIRRING MUSICAL FUNCTIONS IN THE POLICE CALENDAR.
THE TWO PUBLIC SHOWS, FEATURING THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BANDS AND THE ROYAL MALAYSIA POLICE BAND IN FRONT OF A BACKDROP SHOWING THE MONUMENTAL TUNG CHUNG FORT, ON NOVEMBER 18 (SATURDAY) AND 19 (SUNDAY). BOTH SHOWS WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM. WILL BE A REMINISCENCE OF THE PAST MILITARY SPECTACLE.
BUILT IN 1832, TUNG CHUNG FORT WAS CHOSEN AS THE MARITIME HEADQUARTERS OF THE RIGHT BATTALION OF MIRS BAY IN THE QING DYNASTY BECAUSE OF ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION ON THE NORTHERN COAST OF LANTAU ISLAND WHERE IT COULD EFFECTIVELY CONTROL THE SEA PASSAGE DIVIDING LANTAU FROM THE MAINLAND.
ITS LINK WITH THE POLICE FORCE DATES BACK TO 1898 WHEN THE FORT WAS ADAPTED AS A POLICE STATION FOLLOWING THE EVACUATION OF THE QING AUTHORITIES AFTER THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE LEASED TO BRITAIN.
THE SIX CANNONS ON THE RAMPARTS FACING NORTH WERE BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN MOVED TO THE FORT DURING THAT TIME.
IN 1979. THE FORT WAS DECLARED AS A MONUMENT BY THE ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY IN REMEMBRANCE OF ITS PAST MILITARY SIGNIFICANCE. IT NOW HOUSES THE RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AND THE PUBLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL OF TUNG CHUNG.
AMONG THE SPECTATORS ATTENDING THE BEATING RETREAT THIS YEAR WILL BE 84-YEAR-OLD MADAME TAI SIU-NGOI, WHO IS A HISTORICAL WITNESS TO THE CHANGES OF TUNG CHUNG FORT. SHE WILL BE INVITED AS A POLICE GUEST OF HONOUR TO THE EVENT.
MADAME TAI, BORN AND BROUGHT UP TN TUNG CHUNG, NOW HAS 20 GRAND AND GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN.
RECALLING HER PAST OLD DAYS, MADAME TAI SAID: "I STILL REMEMBER THOSE DAYS WHEN I USED TO SAY HELLO TO THOSE ’SAI YEN’ (WESTERNERS) IN FRONT OF THE RAMPARTS EVERY MORNING."
"ALTHOUGH THEY LOOKED VERY BIG AND FOREIGN, THEY WERE ALL VERY NICE AND ALWAYS SAID 'JOE SON’ (GOOD MORNING) TO ME."
"A FEW YEARS AFTER I GOT MARRIED, THOSE ’SAI YEN’ LEFT THE FORT AND IT WAS TURNED INTO A SCHOOL," SHE SAID.
/"I AM .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
’’I AM, LOOKING FORWARD TO THE BEATING RETREAT. I THINK IT WILL BRING ME BACK TO MY YOUNGER DAYS WHEN I USED TO PLAY AROUND THE FORT," MADAME TAI SAID.
WHILE THE BEATING RETREAT CEREMONY COULD BE TRACED BACK TO THE 16TH CENTURY WHEN DRUMMERS WERE USED TO ORDER TROOPS TO WITHDRAW FROM THE BATTLES AND RETURN TO DEFENDED LINES, THE INNOVATIVE USE OF TUNG CHUNG FORT AS THE BACKDROP WILL CREATE AN IMPRESSIVE VISUAL IMPACT, AND AN ATMOSPHERE BEFITTING THE SOLEMN BUT GRAND MILITARY EVENT FOR VIEWERS, ESPECIALLY MADAME TAI, AN OLD FRIEND OF THE FORCE AND THE FORT.
OTHER THAN MUSICAL DISPLAYS AND PRECISION DRILLS, THE PROGRAMME WILL ALSO INCLUDE TRADITIONAL FAN DANCE PERFORMED BY THE POLICE WOMEN’S CHINESE DANCE CLUB.
TICKETS FOR THE TWO PUBLIC NIGHTS, PRICED AT 130, 180, $120 AND $250. ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE POLICE WELFARE BRANCH (5-8041111) IN WAN CHAI, POLICE SPORTS AND RECREATION CLUB (3-7780258) IN SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET. NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL WELFARE OFFICE (0-4872270) IN KWAI CHUNG AND ALL DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES.
PROCEEDS OF THE SHOWS WILL GO TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR REHABILITATION.
----0------
’SING AND CLEAN’ SONG CONTEST FOR FILIPINOS
******
A "SING AND CLEAN" SONG CONTEST FOR FILIPINOS ORGANISED BY THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL CENTRE FOR FILIPINOS WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT CHATER GARDEN IN CENTRAL.
THE CONTEST REPRESENTS THE CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE CENTRE AND THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY TO THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN. IT IS ALSO THE FOLLOW-UP TO A SERIES OF CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS HELD ON SUNDAYS SINCE OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
THE CONTEST WILL START WITH THE JUNIOR SECTION, TO BE FOLLOWED BY THE SENIOR SECTION. EACH SECTION HAS SIX CONTESTANTS.
A SOUVENIR PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD DURING A BREAK AFTER THE JUNIOR SECTION COMPETITION.
/PRESENT AT........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
- 18 -
PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CONSUL-GENERAL OF THE PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, MR VINCENTE REYES, AND THE LABOUR ATTACHE, MR ARTURO R. DE LIRA; CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/ REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEARN STEERING COMMITTEE, DR PANG HOK-TUEN, AND VICE-CHAIRMAN, MR TONG KAM-BIU; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HONG KONG) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN CHI-SUM, THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (CENTRAL), MR PAU MAN-CHI: AND REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ORGANISER, SISTER M. ROSALINA WEE,
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED AFTER THE CONTEST. THERE WILL BE ALSO BE A CLEAN-UP OPERATION WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF 24 FILIPINO GROUPS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE "SING AND CLEAN" SONG CONTEST FOR FILIPINOS TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT CHATER GARDEN, CENTRAL. INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
--------0 ---------
CALL TO OBSERVE CHILD EMPLOYMENT REGULATIONS
*****
EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO COMPLY STRICTLY WITH REGULATIONS ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN, OTHERWISE THEY MAY FACE PROSECUTION.
THE REMINDER FOLLOWS A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH THE PROPRIETOR OF A COMMERCIAL SCHOOL WAS FINED #7,000 FOR EMPLOYING SEVEN CHILDREN TO DISTRIBUTE ADVERTISEMENT LEAFLETS.
OF THEM, SIX WERE AGED UNDER 13 AND ONE AGED 13, AND THE LATTER WAS EMPLOYED WITHOUT A VALID SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE AND WRITTEN CONSENT BY A PARENT.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, NO PERSON SHOULD EMPLOY A CHILD UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE, EXCEPT THOSE AGED 13 AND ABOVE WHO MIGHT BE EMPLOYED ON A PART-TIME BASIS IN A NON-INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENT SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS.
"THE CHILD CAN ONLY BE EMPLOYED PROVIDED THAT, AMONG OTHERS, HIS PARENT HAS AGREED IN WRITING AND PRODUCED THE CHILD’S VALID SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE OR EVIDENCE OF THE CHILD HAVING COMPLETED FORM 3 EDUCATION," HE ADDED.
ANYONE WHO BREACHES THESE PROVISIONS WILL BE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF #20.000.
-----0------
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4, 1989
- 19 -
IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS
*****
SERVING KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS WHO ARE PROFESSIONALLY UNTRAINED ARE INVITED TO ATTEND EITHER A 12-WEEK PART-TIME DAY RELEASE OR EVENING IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE IN MARCH NEXT YEAR TO BECOME A QUALIFIED ASSISTANT KINDERGARTEN TEACHER.
THE 12-WEEK PART-TIME DAY; RELEASE IN-SERVICE COURSE OF TRAINING FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS (CHINESE) WILL BE OFFERED BY THE KINDERGARTEN SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT ITS TEACHING CENTRE.
THE 12-WEEK PART-TIME EVENING T^sWWcE COURSE OF TRAINING FOR KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS (CHINESE) WILL BE RUN BY THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
IN ADDITION TO ATTENDING THE COURSE, A SIX-MONTH POST-COURSE SUPERVISED TEACHING WILL BE REQUIRED OF ALL TRAINEES. TRAINEES WILL BE AWARDED THE STATUS OF "QUALIFIED ASSISTANT KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS" UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF BOTH THE COURSE AND THE SUPERVISED TEACHING.
THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION FOR THE COURSES WILL BE CHINESE. NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED.
THE COURSE CONTENT WILL TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BOTH THE PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF KINDERGARTEN EDUCATION, AS WELL AS A BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF CHILDREN’S DEVELOPMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THEIR LEARNING AND BEHAVIOUR WHICH ARE OF SIGNIFICANCE TO CLASSROOM PRACTICE.
EMPHASIS WILL BE PLACED ON THE CONTENTS OF THE KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION. INCLUDING THE GENERAL ORGANISATION OF TIME-TABLES AND ACTIVITIES. THE ROLE OF KINDERGARTEN TEACHERS AND ADMINISTRATORS WILL ALSO BE REVIEWED AND CONSIDERED.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, LEE GARDENS, THIRD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY; ITS KOWLOON SUB-OFFICE AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SIXTH FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI; AND THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE, NINTH FLOOR, ARGYLE CENTRE, PHASE I, 688 NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK (ENTRANCE AT SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET).
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE BEFORE NOVEMBER 25.
-----0------
/2O........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
20
MORE OPEN SPACE FACILITIES FOR TUEN MUN ♦ ♦ t * *
THE TERRITORY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PLAYGROUND AND A REST GARDEN AT SEPARATE LOCATIONS IN AREA 39, TUEN MUN UNDER A LOCAL OPEN SPACE PROJECT.
THE PLAYGROUND WILL BE CONSTRUCTED NEAR KAM FAI GARDEN, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 0.5 HECTARE.
THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, A CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA, A TOILET BLOCK, SITTING-OUT AREAS, PLANTING AREAS AND A FOOTPATH LEADING TO THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL.
THE REST GARDEN, TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON A 0.2-HECTARE SITE ADJACENT TO THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER STATION AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD, WILL FEATURE A PAVILION. A PERGOLA AND PLANTING AREAS.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CONSULTANT COMPANY ON THE FOURTH FLOOR, HYDE CENTRE, 221 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 24.
------0 ------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NEW TERRITORIES * t * * ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS. THE THREE LANES OF THE TSUEN WAN BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUEN WAN ROAD WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED IN TURN FROM 8 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) TO 8 PM ON NOVEMBER 14.
CLOSURE OF TWO LANES WILL ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED AT NIGHT (8 PM TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY). ONE LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE CLOSURE PERIOD.
TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND ITS APPROACHES IN SHA TIN. THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY SECTION OF SIU LEK YUEN ROAD BETWEEN KWONG SIN STREET AND SHA TIN WAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 10 PM AND 6 AM NEXT MORNING FROM MONDAY TO NOVEMBER 15.
DURING THE CLOSURE. MOTORISTS ON WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SIU LEK YUEN ROAD HEADING FOR CITY ONE SHA TIN WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE KWONG SIN STREET. AN UNNAMED ROAD AND SHA TIN WAI ROAD BEFORE REJOINING SIU LEK YUEN ROAD.
IN ADDITION. BECAUSE OF ROAD MAINTENANCE WORK. THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TAI PO ROAD AND TOLO HIGHWAY IN SHA TIN WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED FROM MONDAY:
/♦ THE OUTER-MOST
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
- 21
* THE OUTER-MOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY AND TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN MA LIU SHUT INTERCHANGE AND FO TAN NULLAH WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM ON MONDAY TO 8 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
* THE OUTER-MOST LANE OF TAI PO ROAD AND TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN HO TUNG LAU AND MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM ON NOVEMBER 9 TO 8 PM ON NOVEMBER 11.
* THE OUTER-MOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN MA LIU SHUI AND MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6 AM ON NOVEMBER 13 TO 8 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
* THE OUTER-MOST LANE OF TOLO HIGHWAY NORTHBOUND BETWEEN MA LIU SHUI INTERCHANGE AND MA LIU SHUI WILL BE CLOSED 6 AM ON NOVEMBER 15 TO 8 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
-----0-----
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CAPE COLLINSON RD SECTION * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT CAPE COLLINSON ROAD NEAR CAPE COLLINSON BUDDHIST CEMETERY IN CHAI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
THE CLOSURE WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR ABOUT FOUR DAYS FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORKS.
CAPE COLLINSON ROAD BETWEEN LIN SHING ROAD AND THE BUDDHIST CEMETERY WILL BECOME A TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC, WITH ACCESS FROM LIN SHING ROAD.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR CAPE COLLINSON CREMATORIUM WILL HAVE TO GAIN ACCESS FROM SHEK O ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 16M WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHAI WAI ROAD AND TAI TAM ROAD.
-----0-----
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1989
22
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HIP WO LANE
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6), HIP WO LANE IN HAPPY VALLEY BETWEEN CHEONG MING STREET AND SHING PING STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
THE CLOSURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE LAYING OF GAS MAINS.
AT THE SAME TIME, CHEONG MING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND WHILE HIP WO LANE BETWEEN LUN HING STREET AND SHING PING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
SOUTHBOUND VEHICLES ON HIP WO LANE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHEONG MING STREET AND SING WOO ROAD. THOSE HEADING FOR HIP WO LANE BETWEEN LUN HING STREET AND SHING PING STREET WILL HAVE TO GAIN ACCESS FROM LUN HING STREET.
- - 0 - -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TO KWA WAN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE SEWER CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN TO KWA WAN, FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6) THE SECTION OF TO KWA WAN ROAD NORTHBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LOK SHAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE REDUCED TO TWO-LANE TRAFFIC.
THE BUS LANE ON THE SECTION OF TO KWA WAN ROAD NORTHBOUND BETWEEN CHI KIANG STREET AND SHEUNG HEUNG ROAD WILL BE CANCELLED.
THE MEASURES WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
- - 0 - -
/25
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 4. 1989
23
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON TONG * » » * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6). THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AT THE JUNCTION OF TAT CHEE AVENUE EXTENSION AND CORNWALL STREET IN CONNECTION WITH THE INSTALLATION OF SIGNALS THERE:
THE BUS ONLY LANE DESIGNATED ON THE OFFSIDE LANE OF NORTHBOUND TAT CHEE AVENUE NEAR THE JUNCTION WITH CORNWALL STREET WILL BE CANCELLED:
THE RIGHT TURN FROM TAT CHEE AVENUE NORTHBOUND INTO CORNWALL STREET EASTBOUND. AND THE RIGHT TURN FROM CORNWALL STREET EASTBOUND INTO TAT CHEE AVENUE SOUTHBOUND WILL BE OPENED.
-------o---------
SPEED LIMIT ON ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR * » » » «
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 6), THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 250 METRES EAST OF THE HEALTHY STREET WEST INTERCHANGE SLIP ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 100 METRES EAST OF THE SAI WAN HO INTERCHANGE SLIP ROAD WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SPEED LIMIT OF 70 KILOMETRES PER HOUR.
THE SPEED LIMIT ON THIS ROAD SECTION WAS REDUCED TO 50 KILOMETRES PER HOUR IN OCTOBER 1986 FOR WORKS ON THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
- - 0-----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5» "'989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OFFICIATES AT CULTURAL CENTRE....................... 1
PUBLIC URGED TO KEEP COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN .......... 2
'SING AND CLEAN' SONG CONTEST FOR FILIPINOS ................. 4
OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO CLOTHING INDUSTRY CONFERENCE ....... 5
EXHIBITION TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED .............. 6
TAC MEETING TOMORROW ........................................ 7
FIRST ANCIENT POTS SHOW OPENS ............................... 8
POLICING OF HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE .................... 8
FIGHTING VICE ACTIVITIES IN WAN CHAI'........................ 10
ANTI-JUVENILE CRIMES COMIC BOOKLET PUBLISHED ............... 11
SHOP PROPRIETORS URGED TO CONTRIBUTE TO ROAD SAFETY.......... 12
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS....... 1J
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS POLICY ADDRESS ...................... 14
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FINDS ............. 14
1990-91 DB BUDGET ON COMMITTEE AGENDA ....................... 15
SHA TIN DB INVITES FUND APPLICATIONS ........................ 15
75 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN AUGUST..................... 16
IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO TAI WAN PUMPING STATION ................ 16
ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL DESIGN COMPETITION CALLS FOR EARLY SUBMISSIONS .................................................. 17
MUSIC OFFICE HOLDS YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL............... 18
WATER CUTS IN THREE AREAS ................................... 19
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROYAL VISIT ................ 19
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TSIM SHA TSUI ........................ 26
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
1
GOVERNOR OFFICIATES AT CULTURAL CENTRE
* » t » *
THE COMPLETION OF THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IS A STRIKING SYMBOL OF PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AND OF THE COMMITMENT BOTH HAVE TO THE PROMOTION OF ARTS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON SAID. TONIGHT (SUNDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS OFFICIATING AT THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE LOCATED AT ID SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR H.M.G. FORSGATE, SIR DAVID LAID A TIME-CAPSULE CONTAINING VARIOUS MEMORABILIA "TO REMIND POSTERITY OF THE HISTORIC OCCASION".
SIR DAVID SAID THIS CENTRE. WITH ALL ITS SPLENDID MODERN FACILITIES, PRODUCES A NEW LANDMARK ON THE KOWLOON PENINSULA: IT ALSO MARKS A NEW ERA IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PERFORMING ARTS IN HONG KONG.
"HONG KONG IS A STARTLINGLY SUCCESSFUL CITY IN TERMS OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS. TRADE AND FINANCE.
"BUT LIFE HERE WOULD NOT BE COMPLETE IF WE DID NOT ALSO BUILD UP THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR INCREASINGLY WELL-EDUCATED AND PROSPEROUS POPULATION TO ENJOY' THE BEST THAT CAN BE OFFERED IN TERMS OF LEISURE AND THE ARTS."
THE GOVERNOR SAID THAT WITHIN THE NEW CULTURAL CENTRE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD BE ABLE TO ENJOY EXCELLENCE IN THE ARTS OF BOTH EAST AND WEST.
SIR DAVID SAID : "THIS WILL BE NO SMALL TASK FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL. TO WHOM THIS CENTRE IS BEING FORMALLY HANDED OVER TONIGHT.
"GIVEN THE COUNCIL'S TRADITION OF PROVIDING FIRST-RATE CULTURAL AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, I KNOW THAT THEY WILL MEET THE CHALLENGE WITH VIGOUR AND DETERMINATION.
"FOR YEARS TO COME. 1 AM SURE THIS CENTRE WILL BE AS POPULAR WITH BOTH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND OVERSEAS VISITORS, AS THE SPACE MUSEUM, WHICH WAS THE FIRST PHASE OF THIS MASSIVE PROJECT. ALREADY IS.
"WE ALL LOOK FORWARD TO THE COMPLETION OF THE NEXT PHASE OF THE PROJECT - THE MUSEUM OF ART."
AT THE HANDING-OVER CEREMONY IN THE Z.IDO-SEAT CONCERT HALL, THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES. MR JOSE LEI. PRESENTED THE KEY TO THE CULTURAL CENTRE TO THE GOVERNOR. AND THE GOVERNOR PRESENTED THE KEY TO MR FORSGATE.
MR FORSGATE SAID THE COMPLETION OF THIS CULTURAL CENTRE OPENS UP A NEW CHAPTER FOR HONG KONG.
/"THE SUPERB .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1989
2
"THE SUPERB CONCERT HALL BECOMES THE PERMANENT HOME FOR OUR PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WHICH IS IMPROVING WITH EVERY PERFORMANCE NOW UNDER THE BATON OF OUR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR DAVID ATHERTON.
"IT WILL OF COURSE ALSO BE THE VENUE FOR OTHER GREAT ORCHESTRAS FROM EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD."
MR FORSGATE SAID THAT IN THE 1,750-SEAT GRAND THEATRE, HONG KONG PEOPLE HAD AT LAST, "A VENUE TO STAGE OPERA ON A GRAND SCALE, BOTH CHINESE AND WESTERN, BALLET, DRAMA, AND MUSICALS".
MR FORSGATE SAID : "THESE AND A HOST OF OTHER ANCILLARY ACTIVITIES WHICH THIS CENTRE CATERS FOR WILL MAKE HONG KONG THE CULTURAL CENTRE OF ASIA.
"THIS IS INDEED A CHALLENGE TO MANAGEMENT IN BOTH MARKETING AND OPERATIONS. I AM SURE THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL BE EQUAL TO THE TASK."
MR FORSGATE PRESENTED TO SIR DAVID A SOUVENIR ALBUM CAPTURING THE MANY FACETS OF THE MAGNIFICANT CULTURAL CENTRE.
AFTER TONIGHT’S CEREMONY, SIR DAVID ATTENDED A CONCERT BY THE FAMOUS AMERICAN SOPRANO JESSYE NORMAN WITH THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA IN THE CONCERT HALL — THE FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE MONTH-LONG "INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATION OF THE ARTS" TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE.
-------o --------
PUBLIC URGED TO KEEP COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN
*****
THE CONCERTED EFFORT AND CO-OPERATION OF ALL ARE NECESSARY TO KEEP OUR COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING, ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
MR BARNES WAS OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE COUNTRY PARK AUTHORITY’S "CLEAN AND GREEN" SCHEME 1989 AT THE TAI LAM COUNTRY PARK.
HE NOTED THAT SOME 4,000 TONNES OF LITTER WERE COLLECTED IN COUNTRY PARKS LAST YEAR AND THIS INVOLVED AN ENORMOUS EXPENDITURE OF EFFORTS AND MONEY.
"THE PEOPLE WE USE TO COLLECT AND DISPOSE OF LITTER CAN IN FACT BE USED FOR BETTER PURPOSES SUCH AS DEVELOPING COUNTRY PARKS FACILITIES.
/"ALL OF
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5» 1989
- 3 -
"ALL OF US CAN HELP KEEP OUR COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND TIDY SIMPLY BY MAKING GOOD USE OF THE LARGE NUMBERS OF LITTER BINS AND LITTER STOCKADES PROVIDED IN THE PARKS, OR BETTER STILL, BY TAKING OUR LITTER HOME," HE CONTINUED.
ANOTHER OFFICIATING GUEST, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE, RECALLED THAT THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" SCHEME WAS FIRST INAUGURATED IN 1983, WHEN ONLY 5,000 PEOPLE PARTICIPATED.
THE SCHEME HAD NOW BECOME AN ANNUAL EVENT AND IN 1988 IT DREW WELL OVER 11,400 PARTICIPANTS.
"WE HOPE THIS POPULARITY WILL CONTINUE SO THAT THE MESSAGE OF KEEPING COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN CAN BE SPREAD FURTHER AND WIDER," DR LEE SAID.
HE SAID THE ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR INCLUDED THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" WALK, VOLUNTARY SERVICES IN LITTER COLLECTION AND TREE TENDING IN COUNTRY PARKS AND A "BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE" COMPETITION. THE ACTIVITIES WOULD CARRY ON TILL THE END OF FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR.
"ALL ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART AND PARTICIPANTS WHO HAVE COMPLETED EACH ACTIVITY WILL BE GIVEN A MEMENTO SOUVENIR WHILE WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE AWARDED WITH SPECIAL PRIZES," DR LEE ADDED.
HE THANKED THE BAYER CHINA COMPANY FOR SPONSORING THIS YEAR'S PROGRAMME AND THE ROTARY CLUB, HONG KONG HARBOUR FOR DONATING PRIZES FOR THE "BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE" COMPETITION.
MR WARREN MAN AND MR CHARLES WONG, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BAYER CHINA COMPANY AND PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB, HONG KONG HARBOUR, RESPECTIVELY, ALSO OFFICIATED AT TODAY’S LAUNCHING CEREMONY.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WERE MR CARLOS CHEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD (CPB), AND MR DANIEL TO, CHAIRMAN OF THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" SCHEME WORKING GROUP UNDER THE CPB’S PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE.
AFTER THE PRESENTATION OF SOUVENIRS AND RIBBON-CUTTING, THE PARTY FORMALLY KICKED OFF THE SCHEME BY TAKING THE LEAD IN A "CLEAN AND GREEN" WALK ALONG THE TWISK SECTION OF THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL.
ABOUT 250 BOY SCOUTS. GIRL GUIDES AND YOUNGSTERS FROM THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB, THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND HIKING GROUPS TOOK PART IN THE WALK, WHICH MARKED THE FIRST IN A SERIES TO BE HELD ALONG THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL ON ALL SUNDAYS IN NOVEMBER BETWEEN 9.30 AM AND 4 PM.
THE OFFICIATING PARTY STOPPED ON THE WAY AND TALKED TO SOME YOUNGSTERS WHO WERE ASSISTING IN LITTER PICKING AND TREE TENDING WORK.
TO FACILITATE THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" WALK, 10 POSTS WILL BE SET UP ALONG THE MACLEHOSE TRAIL AND PARTICIPANTS WHO COMPLETE ONE SECTION OF THE TRAIL AND RETURN A FULL BAG OF LITTER TO ANY OF THE POSTS WILL BE GIVEN A SOUVENIR.
/ANTONE WHO
9
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
ANYONE WHO MANAGES TO COMPLETE MORE THAN SIX SECTIONS OE TRAIL WITHIN FOUR SUNDAYS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH AN ADDITIONAL SOUVENIR.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO TAKE PART IN VOLUNTARY SERVICES IN LITTER COLLECTION MAY DO SO BETWEEN DECEMBER 1 AND JANUARY 21 NEXT YEAR AT 13 DESIGNATED SITES INSIDE THE POPULAR COUNTRY PARKS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, LITTER PICKING AND TREE TENDING ACTIVITIES IN COUNTRY PARKS WILL BE ARRANGED FOR ORGANISED GROUPS AND SCHOOLS ON WEEKDAYS AND SATURDAYS.
MOREOVER, COUNTRYSIDE VISITORS SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR BEAUTIFUL TREES IF THEY WANT TO WIN A HANDSOME PRIZE IN THE "BEST COUNTRYSIDE TREE" COMPETITION.
ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS TO NOMINATE A TREE WHICH THEY THINK IS THE BEST IN HONG KONG’S COUNTRYSIDE. THE CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES IS FEBRUARY 28 NEXT YEAR.
ENQUIRIES ON DETAILS OF ACTIVITIES UNDER THE "CLEAN AND GREEN" SCHEME CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 3-7332121 OR 0-4200529, OR AT ANY COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE.
- - 0 -----------
’SING AND CLEAN' SONG CONTEST FOR FILIPINOS *****
MEMBERS OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY DEMONSTRATED THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BY PARTICIPATING TN THE "SING AND CLEAN SONG CONTEST FOR FILIPINOS HELD AT CHATER GARDEN IN CENTRAL TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE FUNCTION. ORGANISED BY THE DIOCESAN PASTORAL CENTRE FOR FILIPINOS. MARKED THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY’S PARTICIPATION IN THE CAMPAIGN’S COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SCHEME.
SISTER M. ROSALINA WEE OF THE CENTRE SAID: "IN THE FAR EAST WE ARE KNOWN FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC. SO WE WOULD LIKE TO CULMINATE THIS YEAR’S INVOLVEMENT WITH A SINGING CONTEST."
KEEP CLEAN MESSAGES WERE DISSEMINATED THROUGH SINGING IN TAGALOG TO ABOUT 1,200 FILIPINOS WHO ATTENDED THE FUNCTION.
OFFICIATING AT THE EVENT, THE PHILIPPINE CONSUL-GENERAL, MR VINCETE REYES, TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO INVITE HIS COUNTRY FOLKS IN HONG KONG TO JOIN IN THE EFFORT IN KEEPING THE ENVIRONMENT CLEAN.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE FUNCTION WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT URBAN COUNCIL/REGIONAL COUNCIL KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN STEERING COMMITTEE, DR PANG 1IOK-TUEN, WHO VERY MUCH APPRECIATED THE EFFORT OF THE ORGANISER AND THE PARTICIPANTS.
/HE SAID .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
HF. SAID THE NUMBER OF LOCAL FILIPINO GROUPS PARTICIPATING IN THE FUNCTION TODAY HAD DOUBLED AS COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR’S FIGURE.
DR PANG SAID THE WIDER PARTICIPATION OF THE LOCAL FILIPINO COMMUNITY WAS AN INDICATION THAT THE "PITCH-IN" MESSAGE PROMOTED THROUGH THE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SCHEME WAS GAINING GROUND AND MORE PEOPLE WERE NOW WILLING TO DEVOTE THEIR LEISURE TIME TOWARDS KEEPING HONG KONG CLEAN.
"IT IS NOT MERELY A MATTER OF THE MUNICIPAL COUNCILS GETTING MORE MANPOWER AND RESOURCES TO PHYSICALLY CLEAN UP AND DISPOSE OF THE REFUSE. RATHER IT IS HOW WE CAN ENGENDERE A MASS EFFORT TOWARDS EXERCISING A HIGHER DEGREE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY." HE ADDED.
DR PANG ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH HONG KONG WAS MUCH CLEANER THAN BEFORE, THERE WAS STILL ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. THE SUCCESS OF THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN RELIED TO A GREAT EXTENT ON THE ALL-OUI EFFORT OF EVERYONE LIVING IN HONG KONG REGARDLESS OF RACE. CREED OR COLOUR.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS AT THE EVENT WERE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE STEERING COMMITTEE. MR TONG KAM-BIU: LABOUR ATTACHE OF THF PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL, MR ARTURO R. DE LIRA; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HONG KONG) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. MR CHAN CHI-SUM. AND THE DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT HYGIENE SUPERINTENDENT (CENTRAL), MR PAU MAN-CHI.
AFTER THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SONG CONTEST. 24 FILIPINO GROUPS JOINED HANDS TO CLEAN UP CHATER GARDEN AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
- - 0 - -
OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO CLOTHING INDUSTRY CONFERENCE ♦ * t ♦ ♦
LOCAL GARMENT MANUFACTURERS HAVE PROVED THEIR EAGERNESS TO LOOK AHEAD AT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA. SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
HE WAS REFERRING TO THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO A ONE DAY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD AT THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO INTRODUCE PRACTICAL SYSTEMS AND LOW COST EQUIPMENT FOR SOLVING COMMON PROBLEMS IN CLOTHING MANUFACTURING.
ACCORDING TO MR BARMA, ALL OF THE 300 SEATS AT THE CONFERENCE HAD BEEN SUBSCRIBED AND 15 COMPANIES HAD DONATED CASH TOWARDS THE CONFERENCE COSTS.
/ENTITLED "THE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 6 -
ENTITLED "THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY IN THE ’90'S: TECHNICAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS", THE CONEERENCE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INSTITUTE (HONG KONG BRANCH). THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE (HONG KONG SECTION), AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
"AS ITS NAME IMPLIES. THE CONFERENCE AIMS TO LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY. THE CHALLENGES AND TECHNICAL PROBLEMS IT FACES AND THE SOLUTION AVAILABLE TO IT.
"THE CONFERENCE PROVIDES A FORUM FOR BRINGING TOGETHER TECHNOLOGY VENDORS AND USERS TO DISCUSS THE SOLUTIONS TO VARIOUS TECHNICAL PROBLEMS AND IN THIS WAY WILL INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IN THE APPLICATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY.” MR BARMA SAID.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, HAS BEEN INVITED TO GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS WHILE A KEYNOTE ADDRESS WILL BE DELIVERED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, MR JAMES TIEN.
APART FROM THE PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSION SESSIONS, THE ORGANISERS WILL BE HOLDING AN EXHIBITION ON CLOTHING EQUIPMENT. ATTACHMENTS AND SERVICES IN WHICH 12 COMPANIES HAVE COMMITTED TO TAKE PART. OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9.15 AM TO 5 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10) AT THE LOWER BASEMENT FUNCTION ROOMS OF THE SHANGRI-LA HOTEL. TSIM SHA TSUI.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 9.15 AM.
-----0------
EXHIBITION TO BOOST EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED
*****
A WEEK-LONG EXHIBITION TO INCREASE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS WILL BE OPENED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA. TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR THE FOURTH YEAR RUNNING.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING- EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS.
/IT IS ......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1989
IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO ENHANCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED. AS WELL AS THE TRAINING FACILITIES AND EMPLOYMENT AIDS AVAILABLE TO THEM.
THROUGH PHOTOGRAPHIC DISPLAYS AND AUDIO-VISUAL PRESENTATIONS AT A NUMBER OF BOOTHS. VISTORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW DISABLED PEOPLE ARE PLACED IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT AND TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR POTENTIAL WORKING ABILITIES.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO DEPICT THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING, JOB ASSESSMENT AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
IN ADDITION. THERE WILL BE DISPLAY OF DIFFERENT EMPLOYMENT AIDS AND MACHINERY SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO HELP THE DISABLED AT WORK, JOB-MATCHING BY COMPUTER, AND A COMPUTER QUESTION-AND-ANSWER GAME BOOTH.
THE EXHIBITION ALSO INCLUDES WORK DEMONSTRATIONS BY DISABLED WORKERS ON COMPUTER OPERATION, COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, AUDIO-TYPING, CHINESE TYPEWRITING, THERMAL BINDING, OFFSET DUPLICATING AND OPERATION OF TELEX MACHINES AND PRINTERS.
THE EVENT WILL BE OPENED JOINTLY BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND. AND GENERAL MANAGER OF THE SPONSORING COMPANY - NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD., MR MARK BROWNE. AT 3 PM ON FRIDAY.
IT WILL THEN BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6.30 PM UNTIL NOVEMBER 16.
- - 0 - -
TAC MEETING TOMORROW
* * »
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE GREEN PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY IN HONG KONG AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 4.15 PM AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
- 0 -
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
8
FIRST ANCIENT POTS SHOW OPENS *****
AN EXHIBITION OF ANCIENT POTS ORGANISED BY CHING CHUNG MONASTERY AS PART OF THIS YEAR’S TUEN MUN FESTIVAL WAS OPENED TODAY (SUNDAY 1.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR ADOLF HSU. SAID THE EXHIBITION WAS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND EVER HELD IN THE TERRITORY.
HE NOTED THAT ALL THE EXHIBITS WERE CULTURAL RELICS WITH GREAT HISTORICAL VALUE.
"NOT ONLY CAN LOCAL RESIDENTS ENJOY THIS EXHIBITION, PEOPLE FROM OTHER DISTRICTS CAN ALSO BENEFIT FROM THIS DISPLAY OF HUNDREDS OF ANCIENT POTS," HE SAID.
MR HSU HOPED MORE EXHIBITIONS OF THIS NATURE COULD BE HELD.
SELECTED FROM THE TAOIST CHING CHUNG MONASTERY’S COLLECTION OF
OVER 3,000 ANCIENT POTS, THE 300 EXHIBITS REPRESENT A VARIETY OF STYLES AS WELL AS EXQUISITE CRAFTSMANSHIP. SOME OF THEM CAN BE DATED BACK TO THE SUNG DYNASTY.
THE EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD IN THE EXHIBITION GALLERY OF TUEN MUN TOWN HALL. IT IS OPEN DAILY FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM AND WILL LAST UNTIL NOVEMBER 12.
-----o-----
POLICING OF HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE
*****
TEAMS OF POLICE BICYCLE PATROLS AROUND THE TWO KILOMETRE PERIMETER OF THE NEW HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE DETAILED SECURITY MEASURES BEING TAKEN AT THE CAMP IN READINESS FOR THE 7.000 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE IT HAS BEEN BUILT TO ACCOMMODATE.
THE CAMP -- THE FIRST TO BE BUILT SPECIFICALLY ACCORDING TO POLICE REQUIREMENTS -- IS NOW RECEIVING ITS FIRST INHABITANTS, MOVED TO REMOTE HIGH ISLAND FROM ERSKINE CAMP AND OTHER CENTRES.
AND WHILE EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE TO PROVIDE A HUMANE AND HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE VIETNAMESE MUCH CONSIDERATION HAS ALSO BEEN DEVOTED TO THE WELFARE AND WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE 200 POLICE OFFICERS AND CIVILIANS WHO WILL EVENTUALLY WORK THERE.
THE VIETNAMESE WILL LIVE IN A VILLAGE STYLE SYSTEM THAT WILL BE FAMILIAR WITH MOST OF THEM. THE POLICE WILL WORK IN A DIVISIONAL ORGANISATION.
/THE
SUPERINTENDENT
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 9 -
THE SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGH ISLAND DETENTION CENTRE, SAID: MR ALAN NEWTON. "WE HOPE TO DEVELOP A VILLAGE IDENTITY AMONG THE PEOPLE AT THE CENTRE. THE AREA ITSELF IS BEING DIVIDED INTO FIVE VILLAGES WITH THEIR OWN FACILITIES.
"FOR THE STAFF WE ARE TRYING TO CREATE A POLICE ORGANISATION AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE TO A NORMAL DIVISIONAL SETUP SO THAT THEY KNOW WHERE THEY STAND AND IF THEY HAVE A PROBLEM THEY KNOW WHO TO GO TO."
MR NEWTON WHO WAS TRANSFERRED TO HIGH ISLAND AFTER BEING IN CHARGE OF ERSKINE CAMP. WHICH IS TO CLOSE, SAID LESSONS SUCCESSFULLY LEARNED AT ERSKINE WOULD BE FOLLOWED AND FURTHER DEVELOPED AT THE NEW CAMP.
VIETNAMESE ARE MOVING INTO THE CENTRE AT AN ACCEPTABLE DAILY RATE THAT WILL ALLOW EFFICIENT RECEPTION AND SEARCHING OF THE INMATES, THE ISSUE OF RELIEF ITEMS AND BLANKETS AND THE ALLOCATION OF ACCOMMODATION.
THEY WILL LIVE IN 22 ALL-WEATHER ROMNEY HUTS, CONSTRUCTED IN EUROPE. EACH WITH A CAPACITY FOR 300 PERSONS.
THE CAMP IS DIVIDED INTO FIVE "VILLAGES" — TWO IN THE NORTH AREA FOR SINGLE MEN AND WOMEN AND THREE IN THE SOUTH FOR FAMILY GROUPS.
EACH OF THE "VILLAGES" WILL HAVE ITS OWN FACILITIES FOR FOOD COLLECTION. GAMES, RECREATION. THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN AND THE ALLOCATION OF WORK.
MR NEWTON SAID: "THE MAIN IDEA IS TO GET AS MANY VIETNAMESE AS POSSIBLE INVOLVED IN THE DAILY ROUTINE AT THE CENTRE. WE WANT THEM TO ORGANISE THEMSELVES AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEMSELVES."
OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AT THE CENTRE IS IN CUSTOM BUILT CONTAINERS FITTED WITH ELECTRICITY AND AIR CONDITIONERS. A LARGE INFIRMARY WILL HAVE THREE CONSULTING ROOMS. DISPENSARY, DRESSING ROOM AND SICK BAYS.
OFFICERS ARE DIVIDED INTO FOUR SECURITY TEAMS WORKING 12 HOUR SHIFTS. ONE TEAM WILL REMAIN IN RESERVE AT ALL TIMES.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR POLICE OFFICERS DAILY FROM WONG TAI SIN POLICE HEADQUARTERS AND OFFICERS ON RESERVE WILL STAY IN ACCOMMODATION IN FORMER ARMY PREMISES ADJACENT TO MAN YEE POLICE POST.
MR NEWTON EMPHASISED THE EFFORTS MADE TO SATISFY LOCAL INHABITANTS ON SECURITY AND POLLUTION MATTERS.
"THE CYCLE PATROLS AROUND THE PERIMETER WILL RIDE ON A SPECIAL STEEL PATH. THEY AND OFFICERS INSIDE THE CENTRE WILL PATROL IN PAIRS. THE PERIMETER FENCE IS 17 FEET HIGH TOPPED WITH FOUR ROLLS OF BARBED WIRE. THERE IS AN EIGHT FEET STEEL PLATE BARRIER AT THE BASE OF THE FENCE."
/MR NEWTON
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
10
MR NEWTON SAID ALL WATER AT THE CENTRE WOULD BE FILTERED THROUGH A COMPLEX AND ADVANCED WATER TREATMENT SYSTEM BEFORE BEING RETURNED TO THE SEA.
POLICE AT THE CENTRE WOULD BE WELL ACCOMMODATED. THERE WERE EXCELLENT LEISURE FACILITIES. A LARGE DINING ROOM AND A GOOD KITCHEN. LOCKERS AND CHANGING ROOMS HAD BEEN PROVIDED AND CARE HAD BEEN GIVEN TO COMMUNICATIONS.
MR NEWTON COMMENTED: "POLICE OFFICERS ARE NOT TRAINED AS CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PERSONNEL BUT WE HAVE ADAPTED SOME PROCEDURES TO FIT IN WITH POLICE PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES WHICH OUR OFFICERS WILL FIND FAMILIAR.
"AT HIGH ISLAND WE HAVE ALSO BEEN IN A POSITION TO PLAN AHEAD AND MAKE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS. POLICE HEADQUARTERS HAS FOUGHT HARD TO GET WHAT WE NEED. ARTHUR LUKE OF THE FORCE WELFARE BRANCH CATERING UNIT HAS DONE A MARVELLOUS JOB AND COMMUNICATIONS BRANCH CAME UP WITH ANSWERS TO COMMUNICATIONS PROBLEMS VERY QUICKLY.
"ALL THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS AT HIGH ISLAND ARE VOLUNTEERS."
-------0---------
FIGHTING VICE ACTIVITIES IN WAN CHAI »*»»»*
SWIFT ACTION BY OFFICERS OF THE POLICE WAN CHAI SPECIAL DUTIES SQUAD HAS SMASHED THE DISTRIBUTION OF 45,000 COPIES OF OBSCENE COMICS TO THE LOCAL MARKET. HAD THEY REACHED SALES OUTLETS THEY WOULD HAVE SOLD FOR HALF A MILLION DOLLARS.
THE COMICS WERE SEIZED IN A RAID ON A CHAI WAN BOOKBINDER EARLY LAST MONTH, FOLLOWING A TIPOFF TO THE POLICE BY THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY.
"WE TOOK IMMEDIATE ACTION," SAID INSPECTOR ALEC GORE, WHO COMMANDED THE OPERATION. "THREE NEWSPAPER SELLERS IN WAN CHAT WERE ARRESTED FOR SELLING PORNOGRAPHIC BOOKS.
"WE ALSO RAIDED A NEWSPAPER WHOLESALER IN MONG KOK AND SEIZED 950 OBSCENE COMIC BOOKS.
"THREE MEN AND A WOMAN WERE ARRESTED AND WERE FINED FROM $3,000 TO $4,000 IN COURT.
"FINALLY WE FOUND THE PRINTING COMPANY AND PUBLISHER AND SEIZED 45.0U0 OBSCENE COMICS AT A BOOKBINDER’S PREMISES IN CHAI WAN."
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OPERATION OFFICER CHIEF INSPECTOR PHILIP FRASER COMMENTED: "THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE CASE IS THAT THE OBSCENE COMIC BOOKS WERE DISPLAYED AMONG OTHER PUBLICATIONS WHICH COULD EASILY BE REACHED BY CHILDREN.
/"THE SEIZURE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
11
"THE SEIZURE WAS A BIG ATTACK ON VICE ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT BUT WAN CHAI IS IN FACT MUCH QUIETER THAN IN THE OLD DAYS. PORNOGRAPHIC ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN SWEPT OUT TN YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL EFFORTS BY POLICE."
MR FRASER SAID ANOTHER REASON FOR THE DECLINE OF VICE IN WAN CHAI WAS THE STEADY MODERNISATION OF THE AREA AND THE GROWTH OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS ACTIVITY.
"THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS AT PRESENT WITH FISHBALL STALLS AND ONE WOMAN BROTHELS. DURING MY PREVIOUS ATTACHMENT TO WAN CHAI IN 1982 THERE WERE ABOUT 30 FISHBALL STALLS BUT WHEN I RETURNED THIS YEAR THERE WAS NO SIGHT OF THEM.
"THE LAST ONE IS BELIEVED TO HAVE CLOSED ABOUT TWO YEARS AGO.
"THERE ARE ABOUT 20 KNOWN ONE WOMAN BROTHELS AT PRESENT BUT THEY DO NOT CAUSE SERIOUS TROUBLE.
"ABOUT 85 APARTMENT HOUSES OPERATE IN WAN CHAI AND HAPPY VALLEY AND THEY ARE KEPT UNDER OUR SURVEILLANCE. WE MADE SOM: SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTION FOR VICE ACTIVITIES EARLY THIS YEAR."
MR FRASER SAID ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN RECENTLY AGAINST TWO VIDEO SHOPS SELLING PORNOGRAPHIC TAPES IN HENNESSY ROAD.
"FIVE SUCCESSFUL RAIDS ON THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE LAST THREE MONTHS AND WE ARE AWARE THAT ONE ESTABLISHMENT HAS CLOSED DOWN.
"FIGHTING VICE DOES NOT OCCUPY MUCH OF OUR TIME IN WAN CHAI THESE DAYS. THE FOCUS OF OUR COMBAT IS WITH DANGEROUS DRUGS AND GAMBLING."
------0-------
ANTI-JUVENILE CRIMES COMIC BOOKLET PUBLISHED * * * * *
A NEW COMIC BOOKLET CARRYING ANTI-JUVENILE CRIMES MESSAGES WILL BE FREELY AVAILABLE TO YOUNG READERS FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE 32-PAGE CHINESE COMIC BOOKLET, WHICH IS JOINTLY PUBLISHED BY THE POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS BRANCH AND THE DENON STUDIO, CONTAINS A STORY WHICH TELLS OF A POSITIVE APPROACH TO LIFE AND OF THE IMPORTANCE OF AVOIDING CRIMES.
A TOTAL OF 100,000 COPIES OF THE BOOKLET HAVE BEEN PRINTED. HALF OF THEM WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DIRECTLY TO FORM I STUDENTS BY POLICE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICERS, AND THE REST WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC, ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS, AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICES.
COPIES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR LOAN AT THE VARIOUS PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
-----0----------
SUNDAY. NOVEMBER 5. 1989
- 12
SHOP PROPRIETORS URGED TO CONTRIBUTE TO ROAD SAFETY *****
SHOP PROPRIETORS HAVE BEEN URGED TO KEEP PUBLIC FOOTWAYS CLEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS.
THE PLEA WAS MADE TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER. MR CHRIS WAN. AT THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND.
MR WAN SAID OBSTRUCTION OF PAVEMENTS BY GOODS WOULD FORCE PEDESTRIANS TO WALK ON ROADS.
"THIS WOULD INCREASE THE DANGER OF PEDESTRIANS BEING KNOCKED DOWN BY VEHICLES.” HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAD LAUNCHED A FOOTWAY CLEARANCE CAMPAIGN TO PROSECUTE OFFENDERS FOLLOWING A PERIOD OF EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY.
"A PERFECT TRAFFIC NETWORK ALONE WOULD NOT HELP REDUCE THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC MISHAPS. WITHOUT THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF RESIDENTS." HE SAID.
TURNING TO ROAD CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT, MR WAN SAID THERE WOULD BE AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE TRAFFIC SYSTEM IN KWUN TONG FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE TSEUNG KWAN O VIADUCT.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN CARNIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MR SETO CHAK, ALSO CALLED ON BOTH MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS TO ATTACH MORE IMPORTANCE TO ROAD SAFETY.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY TODAY WERE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR LAM HANG-FAT: KWUN TONG DISTRICT COMMANDER OF POLICE. MR A.W. H1GGINBOTTOM: SAU MAU PING DISTRICT COMMANDER OF POLICE, MR A.J. FERRIGE; AND POLICE TRAFFIC SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, MR I.P. PEGGS.
DURING THE CARNIVAL, MORE THAN 3,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS TOOK PART IN A VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES AIMED AT PROMOTING THEIR AWARENESS OF ROAD SAFETY.
-----o------
/13........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 13 -
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR FOR SHAM SHUI PO RESIDENTS
*****
A SEMINAR ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11) FOR OFFICE BEARERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS AS WELL AS RESIDENTS IN THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT.
ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR AIMS AT INCREASING RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WILL BE LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR CHUNG PUI-LAM; GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE? MR CHENG WAI-TAT; INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION OFFICER, MR YUNG CHI-LEUNG; AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF HOUSING MANAGERS (HONG KONG BRANCH). MR MOK CHI-HUNG.
TOPICS TO BE COVERED ARE THE WORK AND PROGRESS OF THE PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF BUILDINGS, CONTROL OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS, RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.
AN EXHIBITION ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT FACILITIES AND PROBLEMS WILL BE HELD AT THE VENUE OF THE SEMINAR.
THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM AT THE GRAND TOWER HOTEL IN MONG KOK. ADMISSION IS FREE. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-7294919 OR 3-7294874.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SHAM SHUI PO PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11) AT THE GRAND TOWER HOTEL, SIXTH FLOOR, 627-641 NATHAN ROAD.
THE SEMINAR WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
-------0---------
SUNDAY. NOVEMBER 5,
1989
TSUEN WAN DB TO DISCUSS POLICY ADDRESS ♦ ♦ * *
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE SITE SEARCH REPORT ON THE PROPOSED GAS TURBINE PLANT TO BE BUILT ON NORTHEASTERN LANTAU.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REPORTS ON THE WORK OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND OF VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARD COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
' YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7) IN THE MAIN CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, SECOND FLOOR. TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, TSUEN WAN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS
*****
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS FROM LOCAL ORGANISATIONS FOR CARRYING OUT COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
ALSO ON THE AGENDA IS THE PROPOSED RE-APPORTIONMENT OF DB FUNDS SET ASIDE FOR DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
PLEASE NOTE THAT CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR DB FUNDS, IN THE LATTER PART OF THE MEETING, WILL BE IN CAMERA.
- - 0 - -
/15
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 15 -
1990-91 DB BUDGET ON COMMITTEE AGENDA * * * * *
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD'S FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED EXPENDITURE HEADS AND TENTATIVE CEILINGS FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR AT ITS MEETING ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7).
THE COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AN EARLIER APPLICATION TO THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR $4.23 MILLION AS FUNDING FOR THE BOARD FOR 1990-91.
THE CURRENT ANNUAL SUBSIDIES OF $100,000 EACH FOR THE SHA TIN ARTS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES WILL BE REVIEWED.
THE MEETING WILL ALSO CONSIDER APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS TOTALLING $390,000 FOR CONSTRUCTING A TAXI SHELTER AT TAI WAI KCR STATION AND PROVIDING A RAIN SHELTER, ARBOURS AND PLAY EQUIPMENT AT WONG NAI TAU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD'S FINANCE AND GENERAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM.
----0 -----
SHA TIN DB INVITES FUND APPLICATIONS
*****
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
THESE ACTIVITIES SHOULD AIM AT FOSTERING COMMUNITY SPIRIT AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE. SHA TIN STATION ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 8. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ENTERTAINED.
ORGANISATIONS APPLYING FOR FUNDS FOR THE FIRST TIME SHOULD ALSO SEND A COPY OF THEIR LATEST ANNUAL REPORT AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON ITS FINANCIAL RESOURCES, MEMBERSHIP, NATURE OF ACTIVITIES AND TARGET GROUPS THEY SERVE.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO MRS SO OR MRS TSANG ON TEL. 0-6048078, EXT. 451.
----O------
/16........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
16
75 NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN AUGUST » » » * *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED A TOTAL OF 75 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN AUGUST.
OF THE PLANS, 37 WERE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 WERE FOR KOWLOON AND 25 WERE FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE APPROVED PLANS INCLUDED 26 FOR APARTMENT, APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS; 22 FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND EIGHT FOR FACTORY. INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 33 PROJECTS, INVOLVING 49,906.9 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 157,882 SQUARE METRES OF USABLE NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS ABOUT $1,135 MILLION. USABLE FLOOR AREAS FOR DOMESTIC AND NON-DOMESTIC USES WERE ABOUT 58,976.7 SQUARE METRES AND ABOUT 274,034.7 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY.
ALSO DURING THE MONTH, THE OFFICE ISSUED 51 OCCUPATION PERMITS: 11 FOR HONG KONG ISLAND. SEVEN FOR KOWLOON AND 33 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OFFICE ISSUED 43 DEMOLITION CONSENTS AFFECTING 67 BUILDINGS.
THE CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT DIVISION RECEIVED 693 COMPLAINTS ON ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, CARRIED OUT 787 INSPECTIONS AND ISSUED 231 REMOVAL ORDERS.
THE DANGEROUS BUILDING SECTION INSPECTED 429 BUILDINGS. NO EMERGENCY CLOSURES WERE REQUIRED.
- - 0
IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO TAI WAN PUMPING STATION ♦ ♦ ♦ * t
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO THE TAI WAN SALT WATER PUMPING STATION.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-STOREY BLOCK AS AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING STATION AND REPLACEMENT OF A TOTAL OF 90 METRES OF ASSOCIATED WATERMAINS AT WAN HOI STREET, HUNG HOM.
/OTHER IMPROVEMENT
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 17 -
OTHER IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE REPLACEMENT OF DIESEL PUMPS BY ELECTRIC PUMPS AND THE INSTALLATION OF AN ELECTRO-CHLORINATOR IN THE PUMPING STATION,
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF TENDERS IS NOON ON NOVEMBER 24.
- - 0 ---------
ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL DESIGN COMPETITION CALLS FOR EARLY SUBMISSIONS *******
RESIDENTS WITH ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE FLAIRS ARE TODAY (SUNDAY) REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES TO THE ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL DESIGN COMPETITION BEFORE ITS DEADLINE ON NOVEMBER 15.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID: "THE COMPETITION HAS SO FAR RECEIVED ABOUT 80 ENTRIES AND WE EXPECT MORE TO COME IN NEARER THE DATE."
ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) WITH THE SUPPORT AND A CONTRIBUTION OF SI00,000 FROM THE ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS. THE COMPETITION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AIMING TO FIND AN ORIGINAL SYMBOL TO COMMEMORATE ACAN'S SILVER JUBILEE NEXT YEAR.
"THIS IS THE FIRST ANTI-NARCOTICS PUBLICITY EVENT TO BE SUPPORTED BY PRIVATE SPONSORSHIP," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"SUBJECT TO THE FINAL DECISION OF THE ORGANISERS, THE WINNING ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL WILL BE USED ON VARIOUS SOUVENIR ITEMS FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION NEXT YEAR," HE ADDED.
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE AN ORIGINAL DESIGN AND SHOULD NOT BE AN IMITATION OF ANY REGISTERED LOGOS.
COMPETING DESIGNS, MEASURING 25 CM BY 25 CM EACH, CAN BE IN ONfi OR TWO COLOURS AND SHOULD BE DRAWN ON A WHITE DRAWING PAPER.
THE ADJUDICATORS INCLUDE DESIGNER MR NICHOLAS TSUI; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MR PETER MOSS; THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR DAVID WEEKS; AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS.
IN ADDITION TO A TROPHY, CASH COUPONS OF $5,000, $3,000 AND $2,000 WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION RESPECTIVELY.
/ALL ENTRIES
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
18 -
ALL ENTRIES MUST REACH THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AT 23RD FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES. CENTRAL, BY NOVEMBER 15. RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 30.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, THEIR SUB-OFFICES AND THE NARCOTICS DIVISION.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8672761.
------0-------
MUSIC OFFICE HOLDS YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL * * t t *
THE 1989 HONG KONG YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL. ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE, WILL START NEXT SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
THERE WILL BE THREE CONCERTS DURING THE EIGHT-DAY FESTIVAL. CLASSICAL COMPOSITIONS BY HANDEL, BACH,MOZART, MENDELSSOHN, TSCHAIKOVSKY AND OTHERS WILL BE PERFORMED BY LOCAL YOUNG MUSICIANS.
IN ADDITION. A SERIES OF MASTERCLASSES AND LECTURES WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE MUSIC OFFICE’S MUSIC CENTRES.
THE FESTIVAL WILL OPEN ON NOVEMBER 12 WITH AN INTERFLOW CONCERT AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL WITH PERFORMANCES BY THE DISTRICT STRING ORCHESTRAS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE AND FOUR SCHOOL ORCHESTRAS. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM.
A CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT WITH PERFORMANCES BY ELITE TRAINEES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL BE HELD AT THE DRAMA THEATRE OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS ON NOVEMBER 18. IT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
THE CLIMAX OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE THE FESTIVAL CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL ON NOVEMBER 19. ALSO BEGINNING AT 8 PM.
STAMITZ’S "CONCERTO IN D MAJOR". SAINT SAENS’S "CONCERTO IN B MINOR NO. 3" AND MOZART’S "SINFONIA CONCERTANTE FOR VIOLIN, VIOLA AND ORCHESTRA IN E FLAT MAJOR. K364" WILL BE PRESENTED BY TWO WORLD-KNOWN MUSICIANS, MR IVAN CHAN AND MS XIAO HONGMEI, AND THE COMBINED ORCHESTRA OF HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS’ ORCHESTRA (WESTERN).
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MR EDWARD HO WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FESTIVAL CONCERT. THE FESTIVAL IS SPONSORED BY YUET WAH MUSIC COMPANY.
TICKETS FOR THE CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT AND THE FESTIVAL CONCERT AT $10 AND $20 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT ALL URBTIX OUTLETS. THE INTERFLOW CONCERT IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 5-283257.
0
/19........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 19 -
WATER CUTS IN THREE AREAS ♦ ♦ * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9.30 AM TO 5 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7) FOR WATER WORKS.
ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8), SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN KWUN TONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM FOR CONNECTION OF WATER MAINS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY KWUN TONG INDUSTRIAL AREA, NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, KOWLOON BAY, CHOI HUNG, PING SHEK, NGAU CHI WAN AND SAN PO KONG INDUSTRIAL AREA.
ALSO ON WEDNESDAY, FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY FOR A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, POPLAR STREET, TAI PO ROAD, SHEK KIP MEI STREET, FUK WING STREET, WONG CHUK STREET AND MAPLE STREET.
-----0-----
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROYAL VISIT
******
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE VISIT OF THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES TO HONG KONG FROM NOVEMBER 7 TO 13.
I. SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
HONG KONG ISLAND
A. TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ROADS ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY)
(A) FROM NOON TO 8 PM. THE QUEEN’S PIER AREA INCLUDING EDINBURGH PLACE EAST AND NORTH WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. EXCEPT VEHICLES REQUIRING ACCESS TO HMS TAMAR.
(B) FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM, JACKSON ROAD (BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CHATER ROAD) WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. TRAFFIC FROM LAMBETH WALK WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MURRAY ROAD SOUTHBOUND, EXCEPT FOR ACCESS TO THE FURAMA HOTEL.
/(C) FROM
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 20 -
(C) FROM 6 PM TO 8 PM, BANK STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
B. TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ROAD ON NOVEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY)
FROM 9 AM TO 4 PM, THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN UPPER ALBERT ROAD AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD WILL BR CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
C. TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ROADS ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY)
(A) FROM 8 AM TO NOON, THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC:
* DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN WILMER STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL;
♦ DES VOEUX ROAD WEST EASTBOUND BETWEEN CENTRE STREET AND WILMER STREET:
♦ SUTHERLAND STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND • CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST:
* QUEEN STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST: AND
(B) FROM 0.01 AM TO NOON, BONHAM STRAND WEST BETWEEN BONHAM STRAND AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
D. TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE FROM NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) TO NOVEMBER 13 (MONDAY)
FROM 2 PM ON NOVEMBER 7 UNTIL 11.59 PM ON NOVEMBER 13, THE UNNAMED SERVICE ROAD BETWEEN FENWICK PIER STREET AND THE EAST GATE OF HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, EXCEPT FOR ACCESS TO HMS TAMAR AND THE FENWICK STREET HELIPAD.
E. TRAFFIC REROUTEINGS ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY)
FROM 8 AM TO NOON. THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC REROUTEINGS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:
♦ THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD WEST TO EASTERN STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND;
* WILMER STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND;
/♦ TRAFFIC Oi4
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 21
» TRAFFIC ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND HEADING FOR DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE REROUTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND WILMER STREET OR EASTERN STREET;
* TRAFFIC ON DES VOEUX ROAD WEST EASTBOUND WILL BE REROUTED VIA CENTRE STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST TO REJOIN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL: AND
* BONHAM STRAND WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND FROM CLEVERLY STREET TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. TRAFFIC ON CLEVERLY STREET AND ON MORRISON STREET NORTHBOUND WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN LEFT ONTO BONHAM STRAND TO PROCEED WESTWARDS.
F. SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES
PARING SPACES AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WILL BE SUSPENDED ACCORDING TO THE TIMES SPECIFIED BELOW:
(A) ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY! FROM 0.01 AM TO 8 PM
(I) ALL PARKING SPACES IN CONNAUGHT PLACE.
(Ill ALL PARKING SPACES ON JACKSON ROAD.
(B) ON NOVEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY) FROM 0.01 AM TO 4 PM
ALL PARKING SPACES ON THE SLIP ROAD BETWEEN UPPER ALBERT ROAD AND LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
(C) ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY) FROM 0.01 AM TO NOON
ALL PARKING SPACES ON BONHAM STRAND.
G. SUSPENSION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICE STANDS
ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) FROM NOON TO 8 PM, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICE TERMINUS IN EDINBURGH PLACE EAST FOR ROUTES 1. 2, 3 AND 3A WILL BE SUSPENDED. MINIBUSES WILL START FROM THE NORTH SIDE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE OUTSIDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE.
ON NOVEMBER 9 (THURSDAY) FROM NOON TO 1 PM, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICE TERMINUS FOR ROUTE 6 AT OCEAN PARK PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS WILL BE SUSPENDED. MINIBUSES ON THIS ROUTE WILL START AND FINISH THEIR JOURNEYS OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO OCEAN PARK.
/H.
SUSPDiSION OF
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 22
H. SUSPENSION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND
ON NOVEMBER 9 (THURSDAY) FROM NOON TO 1 PM, THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AT OCEAN PARK PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS WILL BE SUSPENDED.
I. SUSPENSION OF TAXI STANDS
ON NOVEMBER 9 (THURSDAY) FROM 8 AM TO NOON, THE TAXI STAND AT WAN CHAI FERRY PIER TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WILL BE SUSPENDED.
ON NOVEMBER 9 (THURSDAY) FROM NOON TO 1 PM, THE TAXI STAND AT OCEAN PARK PUBLIC TRANSPORT TERMINUS WILL BE SUSPENDED.
r .
J. TEMPORARY RESTRICTED AREAS
ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY) FROM 8 AM TO NOON, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE TEMPORARILY DESIGNATED AS RESTRICTED AREAS:
* CLEVERLY STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL;
* BONHAM STRAND;
♦ BONHAM STRAND WEST;
♦ MORRISON STREET;
* HILLIER STREET;
* MERCER STREET;
* JERVOIS STREET;
» DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WESTBOUND BETWEEN KO SHING STREET AND NO. 134A DES VOEUX ROAD WEST:
♦ WILMER STREET;
♦ EASTERN STREET;
* CENTRE STREET;
» WING LOK STREET BETWEEN BONHAM STRAND AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
/KOWLOON ........
• 4
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1989
- 23 -
KOWLOON
TEMPORARY AND LOCALISED TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL INTRODUCED BY POLICE OFFICERS ON SITE AS THE ROYAL MOTORCADE PASSES EN ROUTE TO VARIOUS VISITS IN KOWLOON. THESE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS MAY INCLUDE CLOSURES OF SECTIONS OF ROADS, THE BANNING OF TURNING MOVEMENTS AND STOPPING PROHIBITIONS.
THESE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD GENERALLY BE INTRODUCED SHORTLY BEFORE THE APPROACH OF THE ROYAL MOTORCADE AND WOULD BE RESCINDED AS SOON AS IT HAS PASSED THROUGH THE AREA CONCERNED.
MOTORISTS ARE REQUESTED TO DRIVE WITH CARE AND PATIENCE.
NEW TERRITORIES
FROM 3.30 PM TO 4.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 9 (THURSDAY), THE ACCESS ROAD TO SHU1 TAU/SHUI MEI/KAM HING WAI/KAM TIN SHI VILLAGES FROM KAM TIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
II. PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS
(1) CMB BUS SERVICES
A. BUS ROUTE DIVERSIONS
(A) ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY)
(1) FROM THE FIRST BUS DEPARTURE UNTIL 8 PM, BUSES ON CMB ROUTE 13 TRAVELLING TOWARDS CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PEDDER STREET TO TERMINATE AT CENTRAL BUS STATION (EXCHANGE SQUARE). AT THE SAME TIME, BUSES ON ROUTES 15, 260 AND 262 WILL OMIT
EDINBURGH PLACE ON EASTBOUND JOURNEYS.
(II) FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM, BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 721 AND 722 TRAVELLING TOWARDS CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEENSWAY, QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL AND PEDDER STREET.
(B) ON NOVEMBER 9 (THURSDAY) FROM NOON TO 1 PM
BUSES ON CMB ROUTE 48 WILL OMIT JOURNEYS TO OCEAN PARK. AND WILL TERMINATE AT WONG CHUK HANG BUS TERMINUS.
/(C) ON NOVEMBER ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5. 1?89
24
(C) ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY) FROM 8 AM TO NOON
(I) BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 3A, 4, 5, 5A, 5B. 7, 10,
18, 37, 47, 71, 79M AND CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTES 101, 104. 105 AND 113 TRAVELLING
EASTBOUND ON DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CENTRE STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, AND RESUME THEIR NORMAL ROUTEINGS ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
(II) BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 5A, 5B, 18 AND- CROSS
HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTE 113 TRAVELLING WESTBOUND ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND EASTERN STREET TO REJOIN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WESTBOUND.
(Ill) BUSES ON CMB ROUTE 26 TRAVELLING TOWARDS HOLLYWOOD ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL TO REJOIN QUEEN'S ROAD WEST.
(IV) BUSES ON CMB ROUTE 47 ON JOURNEYS TO WAH FU WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, POTTINGER STREET AND QUEEN'S ROAD CENTRAL TO REJOIN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST.
B. SUSPENSION OF BUS STOPS
BUS STOPS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS WILL BE SUSPENDED ACCORDING TO THE TIMES SPECIFIED:
(A) ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY)
(I) FROM 9 AM TO 8 PM, THE BUS STOPS ON EDINBURGH PLACE (CENTRAL) OUTSIDE CITY HALL.
(II) FROM 5 PM TO 8 PM, THE BUS STOPS SERVING BOTH DIRECTIONS ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE AND OPPOSITE THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK.
(B) ON NOVEMBER 8 (WEDNESDAY)
(I) FROM 8 AM TO 11 AM, THE EASTBOUND BUS STOPS ON HENNESSY ROAD OPPOSITE THE SOUTHORN CENTRE.
(II) FROM NOON TO 12.45 PM, THE WHSTBOUND BUS STOP ON HARCOURT ROAD OUTSIDE ADMIRALTY CENTRE.
/(C) ON NOVEMBER .........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1989
- 25 -
(C) ON NOVEMBER 9 (THURSDAY)
(I) FROM 8 AM TO 11.45 AM, THE EASTBOUND BUS STOP ON HARBOUR ROAD OUTSIDE THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
(II) FROM NOON TO 1 PM, THE BUS STOP AT OCEAN PARK BUS TERMINUS OUTSIDE THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
(D) ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY)
(I) FROM 9 AM TO 11 AM, THE WESTBOUND STOP ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL OUTSIDE THE LANDMARK.
(II) FROM 8 AM TO NOON, THE WESTBOUND BUS STOPS ON DES VOEUX ROAD WEST NEAR KO SHING STREET AND OUTSIDE NO. 52 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
(Ill) FROM 8 AM TO NOON, THE EASTBOUND BUS STOPS OUTSIDE NOS. 49, 59 AND 139-141 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
(2) HONG KONG ISLAND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICE
(A) ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) FROM NOON TO 8 PM, GREEN MINIBUSES ON HONG KONG ISLAND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS SCHEDULED ROUTES 1, 2, 3 AND 3A HEADING TOWARDS CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA PEDDER STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT PLACE TO TERMINATE AT A TEMPORARY PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) SERVICE STAND TO BE PROVIDED AT THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE OUTSIDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE. FROM CONNAUGHT PLACE, GREEN MINIBUSES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND HARCOURT ROAD BEFORE RESUMING THEIR NORMAL ROUTEINGS.
(B) ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) FROM 2 PM TO 8 PM, GREEN MINIBUSES ON HONG KONG ISLAND PUBLIC LIGHT BUS (SCHEDULED) ROUTE 22 HEADING TOWARDS CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GARDEN ROAD. QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. PEDDER STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EN ROUTE TO EDINBURGH PLACE.
/(?) HONGKONG TRAMWAYS’
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 198?
26
(3) HONGKONG TRAMWAYS* SERVICES
(A) PARTIAL SUSPENSION OF SERVICES
ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY) FROM 8 AM TO NOON, TRAM SERVICES BETWEEN WESTERN MAKET AND CENTRE STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED. THE EXACT DURATION OF THIS TEMPORARY SERVICE SUSPENSION WILL BE DECIDED BY THE POLICE ON THE SITE.
(B) SUSPENSION OF TRAM STOPS
(I) ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) FROM 5 PM TO 8 PM, THE TRAM STOPS ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL SERVING BOTH DIRECTIONS OUTSIDE THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK.
(II) ON NOVEMBER 10 (FRIDAY) FROM 10 AM TO 11 AM, THE TRAM STOPS ON DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL SERVING BOTH DIRECTIONS OUTSIDE LANDMARK.
(4) FERRY SERVICES
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF CROSS-HARBOUR FERRY SERVICES
THE FOLLOWING FERRY SERVICES WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED ON NOVEMBER 7 (TUESDAY) DURING THE PERIODS SPECIFIED:
(I) NORTH POINT TO KOWLOON CITY (PASSENGER AND VEHICULAR SERVICE) FROM 5.35 PM TO 5.55 PM.
(II) TSIM SHA TSUI EAST TO EDINBURGH PLACE FROM 6 PM TO 6.20 PM.
-----0 -----
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TSIM SHA TSUI
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE ROAD RE-INSTATEMENT WORKS AT KIMBERLEY STREET, FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 7) THE SECTION OF KIMBERLEY STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CARNARVON ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 67 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE CLOSED.
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN EFFECT FOR FOUR WEEKS.
THE REMAINING SECTION OF KIMBERLEY STREET BETWEEN CARNARVON ROAD AND SHUN YEE STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FOR LOCAL ACCESS.
------0-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LIGHTS GO ON FOR ROYAL VISITORS......1....................... 1
TV TO BROADCAST ROYAL ARRIVAL LIVE........................... 3
MORE DISCUSSIONS ON PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GREEN PAPER .......... 4
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO BE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR ................................................... 5
WORKING GROUP'S REPORT ON ELDERLY HOUSING PUBLISHED ......... 5
KWUN TONG FESTIVAL TO START ON NOVEMBER .19 ................. 8
KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS THIS WEEKEND .............. 9
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT ON AGENDA............................... 9
ACTIVITIES FOR NEW YEAR UNDER STUDY.......................... 10
DISCUSSION ON WAN CHAI TRAFFIC SCHEME........................ 10
SHEUNG SHUI THA FIRE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ................. 11
POLICING OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT............................... 11
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS AIRLINE OFFICES .............. 1?
RELOCATION OF CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE ....................... 1?
WATER STORAGE FIGURE......................................... 12*
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEN MUN FIREWORKS DISPLAY ......... 1^
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
1
LIGHTS GO ON FOR ROYAL VISITORS » » » » »
THOSE LIGHTS FANTASTIC - LASERS - ARE JUST PART OF THE GLITTERING WELCOME PREPARED FOR THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WHEN THEY ARRIVE IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE LASERS WILL LIGHT UP AN EXTRAVAGANZA OF DANCING AND DISPLAYS DY CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN EDINBURGH PLACE, WHERE THE OFFICIAL WELCOME FOR THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WILL TAKE PLACE.
STAGED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE YOUTH DISPLAY WILL BE AN INFORMAL CONTRAST TO THE POMP AND CEREMONY OF THE TRADITIONAL GUARD OF HONOUR WHICH WILL BE MOUNTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).
FOR THE ROYAL VISITORS THE EDINBURGH PLACE WELCOME WILL BE JUST THE FIRST ITEM IN A BUSY PROGRAMME THAT WILL TAKE THEM, TOGETHER AND SEPARATELY, TO VARIOUS LOCATIONS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.
THEY WILL SEE ASPECTS OF HONG KONG LIFE FROM HOUSING ESTATES TO STATE-OF-THE-ART COMPUTER CENTRES. FROM FUTURE AND EXISTING TERTIARY EDUCATION CENTRES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO A CARE HOME FOR THE ELDERLY.
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES, WHO HAVE BEEN VISITING INDONESIA, WILL ARRIVE AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON BOARD A ROYAL AIR FORCE VC10 AT 5.30 PM.
ON THE AIRPORT TARMAC THEY WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON.
FROM THE KAI TAK APRON THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WILL BE DRIVEN TO THE PROMONTORY PIER, HALF WAY DOWN THE KAI TAK RUNWAY, WHERE THEY WILL BOARD THE GOVERNOR’S LAUNCH, THE LADY MAURINE, FOR THE TRIP ACROSS THE HARBOUR TO QUEEN’S PIER.
A TOTAL OF 14 LAUNCHES WILL ACCOMPANY THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ON THE HARBOUR CROSSING. THEY WILL BE LED BY THE MARINE POLICE’S HARBOUR DIVISION COMMAND LAUNCH, POLICE 79. ON BOARD, SUPERINTENDENT ROD COLSON WILL HAVE THE TASK OF ENSURING THAT VICTORIA HARBOUR IS KEPT CLEAR FOR THE ROYAL ESCORT.
POLICE 79 WILL
INFLATABLE BOATS FROM THE
BE FLANKED ON EACH SIDE MARINE POLICE’S SMALL BOAT
BY TYPHOON-TYPE UNIT.
FLANKING THE LADY MAURINE SHARKCATS, THE FASTEST VESSELS IN THE TYPHOON-TYPE INFLATABLES.
WILL BE TWO AUSTRALIAN-BUILT GOVERNMENT FLEET, AND TWO MORE
ASTERN OF THE LADY MAURINE WILL BE THE MARINE POLICE'S EASTERN DIVISION COMMAND LAUNCH, POLICE 3, CARRYING SUPERINTENDENT ROGER TRITTON WHO WILL CO-ORDINATE THE ROYAL ESCORT.
/ON ARRIVAI.........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
2 -
ON ARRIVAL AT QUEEN’S PIER, THE GOVERNOR WILL PRESENT TO THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI-LIANG YANG; THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DAVID FORD. AND LADY FORD: THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, MAJOR GENERAL PETER DUFFEL, AND MRS DUFFEL; SENIOR MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, DAME LYDIA DUNN, AND HER HUSBAND, MR MICHAEL THOMAS; SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR ALLEN LEE, AND MRS LEE; AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE ROYAL VISIT, MR PETER HARVEY.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL TAKE THE SALUTE FROM AND INSPECT A GUARD OF HONOUR MOUNTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS).
COMMANDING THE GUARD OF HONOUR WILL BE CAPTAIN LAWRENCE CHAN KAH-WAI, 45, SECOND-IN-COMMAND OF THE REGIMENT’S D SQUADRON. CAPTAIN CHAN, A BUSINESSMAN IN CIVILIAN LIFE, JOINED THE VOLUNTEERS IN 1967 AND WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1982 AFTER TAKING A COURSE AT THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY, SANDHURST.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT IN 1983 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN 1986.
WHEN THE GUARD MARCHES OFF. EDINBURGH PLACE WILL BE TAKEN OVER BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHO WILL PERFORM A LION DANCE AND A UNICORN DANCE.
PRINCE CHARLES WILL DOT THE LION’S EYES AND PRINCESS DIANA WILL PLACE TWO LUCKY FLOWERS ON THE LION’S HEAD.
THE OFFICIAL WELCOMING CEREMONY WILL END WITH A CHILDREN’S SPECTACULAR ORGANISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE.
THIS WILL INCLUDE A GYMNASTIC DISPLAY BY 150 MEMBERS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE GYMNASTIC TEAM WHICH PEREORMED DURING THE QUEEN’S VISIT IN 1986.
THE ROYAL VISITORS WILL ALSO SEE A TRADITIONAL CHINESE FAN DANCE BY 16 GIRLS FROM THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL, A BALLET PERFORMANCE BY TWO SIX-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, A FLORAL DANCE AND AN INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S PARADE.
\FTER THE CHILDREN’S SPECTACULAR. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL LEAVE BY CAR FOR THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK HEADQUARTERS TN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
THEY WILL HAVE A SPECTACULAR VIEW OF THE NIGHT LIGHTS OF THE TERRITORY FROM THE 1 Till LEVEL OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING AND MEET TOP BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RECEPTION.
ON THE 11ST LEVEL OF THE BANK, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WILL ATTEND A RECEPTION FOR 100 GUESTS COMPRISING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
/MELISSA HON
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
3
MELISSA HON, THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF A BANK STAFF MEMBER, WILL PRESENT A POSY TO THE PRINCESS OF WALES.
AFTER THE BANK RECEPTION. THE ROYAL COUPLE WILL LEAVE FOR HMS TAMAR WHERE THEY WILL BOARD HER MAJESTY’S YACHT BRITANNIA.
THE BRITANNIA, WHICH, ESCORTED BY THE DESTROYER HMS NOTTINGHAM, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG YESTERDAY, WILL BE THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES' HOME DURING THEIR STAY IN HONG KONG.
LATER. IN THE EVENING. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL ENTERTAIN THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY ON BOARD HMY BRITANNIA.
------0-------
TV TO BROADCAST ROYAL ARRIVAL LIVE
THE SPECTACULAR WELCOME FOR THE PRINCE AND WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON ALL TELEVISION CHANNELS EVENING.
PRINCESS TOMORROW
OF WALES (TUESDAY)
AT 5.29 PM. ATV'S HOME AND WORLD CHANNELS WILL SHOW THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES ARRIVING AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FROM INDONESIA ON BOARD A ROYAL AIR FORCE VCIO.
AT 6.10 PM. TVB PEARL AND JADE CHANNELS WILL JOIN ATV TO SHOW THE LANDING OF THE ROYAL VISITORS AT QUEEN'S PIER, THE PRINCE OF WALES INSPECTING A GUARD OF HONOUR MOUNTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) AND A COLOURFUL DISPLAY. INCLUDING LION DANCES AND GYMNASTICS. BY CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
LATER IN THE EVENING A TELEVISION SPECIAL. ’HONG KONG GREETS THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES”. PRODUCED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, WILL BE BROADCAST BY BOTH COMMERCIAL NETWORKS.
THE 15-MINUTE SPECIAL WILL COVER THE ARRIVAL OF THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, THEIR TRIP ACROSS THE HARBOUR ON BOARD THE LADY MAUR1NE, AND THEIR OFFICIAL WELCOME AT EDINBURGH PLACE.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE SHOWN ON ATV'S HOME CHANNEL AT 9.15 PM, ON ATV’S WORLD CHANNEL AT 9.55 PM AND ON TVB JADE AT 11.15 PM.
-----0------
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 6. 1989
MORE DISCUSSIONS ON PUBLIC COMMENTS ON GREEN PAPER ♦ * * t *
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY (MONDAY) CONTINUED TO DISCUSS THE PUBLIC COMMENTS RELATING TO THE PROPOSED TRANSPORT STRATEGY OF EXPANDING AND IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT. AND MANAGING ROAD USE AS OUTLINED IN THE GREEN PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THERE WAS GENERAL AGREEMENT THAT THE MASS CARRIERS. SUCH AS RAIL AND BUSES, SHOULD FORM THE BACKBONE OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SYSTEM. AND THAT MORE AND BETTER USE SHOULD BE MADE OF THE OFF-STREET MODES TO ALLEVIATE PRESSURE ON THE ROAD NETWORK.
THERE WAS ALSO A CLEAR CONSENSUS THAT THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES SHOULD CONTINUE TO IMPROVE TO MEET RISING PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS FOR BETTER COMFORT AND SPEED. A COMMON VIEW WAS THAT TO ACHIEVE THIS. THE INTERMODAL CO-ORDINATION POLICY SHOULD ALLOW MORE COMPETITION BETWEEN MODES. AND INNOVATIVE SERVICES BE ENCOURAGED.
TAC LEARNED THAT THE NEED FOR MANAGING ROAD USE WAS WELL RECOGNISED. THERE WERE NO STRONG OBJECTIONS TO THE BROAD PRINCIPLES OF MAKING EFFECTIVE USE OF ROAD SPACE, GIVING PRIORITY TO MORE EFFICIENT AND ESSENTIAL ROAD USERS. AND MANAGING TRAVEL DEMAND TO A LEVEL WITH WHICH THE ROAD SYSTEM CAN COPE.
AS REGARDS EFFECTIVE USE OF ROAD SPACE, THERE WAS CONSIDERABLE SUPPORT FOR BETTER USE OF MODERN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW. AND IMPROVEMENTS IN CROSSING FACILITIES TO SEGREGATE PEDESTRIANS FROM VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. THE PUBLIC HAD EXPRESSED A STRONG DESIRE FOR BETTER CO-ORDINATION AND SUPERVISION OF ROAD WORKS TO MINIMISE TRAFFIC DISRUPTIONS.
ANOTHER GENERAL CONSENSUS THE TAC HAD NOTED WAS THAT BUSES SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE GIVEN PRIORITY IN THE USE OF ROAD SPACE TO MAXIMISE THEIR EFFICIENT. SOME HAD CAUTIONED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENSURE ADEQUATE USE OF THE BUS LANES TO AVOID UNDER-UTILISATION.
REGARDING GOODS VEHICLES. THERE WAS GENERAL SUPPORT FOR MEASURES TO DISCOURAGE THE USE OF LIGHT GOODS VANS FOR PERSONAL TRANSPORT WITH RESERVATIONS ON THE USE OF TAXATION MEASURES TO MANAGE THE GROWTH AND USAGE OF LARGER GOODS VEHICLES.
A COMMON VIEW THE TAC MEMBERS NOTED WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXAMINE MORE CLOSELY THE EFFECT OF SUCH MEASURES ON THE ECONOMY. AND OTHER OPTIONS SUCH AS ENCOURAGING MORE USE OF RAIL AND SEA FREIGHT TRANSPORT. GOODS DELIVERY OUTSIDE THE PEAK HOURS AND USE OF LARGER VEHICLES WITH EFFICIENT LOADING EQUIPMENT TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY.
-------0---------
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 6. 1989
- 5 -
MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO BE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR » * * ♦ t t i
HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. WITH THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILLS AND ADAPTABILITY OF INDUSTRIALISTS AND THE GENERAL INFRASTRUCTURAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT GIVEN BY THE GOVERNMENT. WILL CONTINUE TO BE A VERY SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTOR TO THE ECONOMY OF THE TERRITORY.
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY. MR JOHN CHAN. SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF THE SHA TIN NEW PLANT OF MOLEX NANCO LTD TODAY <MONDAY I.
MR CHAN SAID THE OPENING OF THE PLANT REFLECTED NOT ONLY THE COMPANY’S LONG TERM CONFIDENCE IN THE GROWTH POTENTIAL OF THE MARKETS. BUT ALSO IN THE FUTURE OF THE TERRITORY.
HE NOTED THAT THE FACTORY OPENED TODAY WAS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE WORLD'S SECOND LARGEST CONNECTOR MANUFACTURER AND THE LOCAL NANSHING COLOR AND CHEMICAL COMPANY.
"THIS NEW PLANT IN SHA TIN WILL COMBINE THE COMPANY’S EXISTING WIRE HARNESS AND SALES OPERATION WITH NEW FACILITIES SUCH AS OVERMOULDED CORDS PRODUCTION. UPGRADED PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT AND IMPROVED WAREHOUSE AND DELIVERY SYSTEMS.
"HONG KONG WELCOMES OVERSEAS INVESTMENT AND. IN PARTICULAR, JOINT VENTURE. WHICH CAN HELP TO UPGRADE HONG KONG’S TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITY TO MAKE IT MORE COMPETITIVE." HE ADDED.
MOLEX IS A MAJOR SUPPLIER OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC CONNECTORS TO MANUFACTURERS ENGAGED TN THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRONIC AND COMPUTER PRODUCTS.
-------o---------
WORKING GROUP’S REPORT ON ELDERLY HOUSING PUBLISHED » » * * »
A REPORT FROM AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE HOUSING NEEDS OF ELDERLY PERSONS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED AND IS NOW BEING DISTRIBUTED TO INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS FOR COMMENTS.
THE GROUP. WHICH WAS CO-CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. MRS ELIZABETH WONG. AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR FUNG TUNG. WAS SET UP IN NOVEMBER 1988 ON THE ADVICE OF THE THEN MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
IN THE REPORT. THE GROUP CONCLUDED THAT ELDERLY PERSONS SHOULD BE HELPED TO REMAIN IN THE COMMUNITY WITH ADEQUATE SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.
/TO ACHIEVE .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6t 1989
- 6 -
TO ACHIEVE THIS. THE GROUP FELT THAT COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES SHOULD BE MADE MORE READILY AVAILABLE AND ELDERLY PERSONS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE BETTER USE OF THEM.
THE GROUP ALSO FELT THAT PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EXPANDING ALL HOUSING SERVICES WHICH CATER SPECIFICALLY FOR THE NEEDS OF THE ABLE-BODIED ELDERLY AND THE TRANSITION FROM ONE FORM OF HOUSING TO ANOTHER SHOULD BE MADE AS SMOOTH AS POSSIBLE.
THE MAJOR RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP INCLUDE:
♦ A NEW APPLICATION SCHEME FOR FAMILIES WITH ELDERLY PERSONS SHOULD BE INTRODUCED. WHEREBY YOUNG FAMILIES WOULD BE ALLOWED TO APPLY WITH THEIR ELDERLY PARENTS OR DEPENDENTS FOR TWO SEPARATE FLATS IN THE SAME PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCK IN NEW TOWNS:
» YOUNG FAMILIES IN NEW TOWNS SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO ADD ELDERLY PARENTS OR RELATIVES FROM PUBLIC HOUSING OR PRIVATE TENANCIES TO THEIR HOUSEHOLDS. AND APPLY FOR LARGER FLATS IN NEW TOWNS. ELDERLY PARENTS OR RELATIVES IN NEW TOWNS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO ADD CHILDREN OR RELATIVES IN OLD URBAN ESTATES TO THEIR TENANCIES AND APPLY FOR TRANSFERS TO LARGER FLATS IN NEW TOWNS:
* IN FUTURE. PUBLIC' HOUSING ESTATES SHOULD BE BUILT OR REDESIGNED TO PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE SYSTEM OF DEMOGRAPH ICALL\ RELATED ACCOMMODATION. INCLUDING SHELTERED HOUSING. HOMES FOR THE AGED. HOME CUM ('ARE AND ATTENTION/1 NF I RMARY UNITS AND HOME-HELP SERVICES. WHICH SHOULD BE CAPABLE OF EXPANSION OR FLEXIBLE DEPLOYMENT:
t FAMILIES ON THE WAITING LIST UNDER THE ELDERLY PARENTS PRIORITY SCHEME SHOULD HAVE THEIR
HOUSING ALLOCATION ADVANCED BY TWO YEARS.
PROVIDED THAT THE\ HAVE BEEN REGISTERED ON THE LIST FOR NOT LESS THAN TWO YEARS. THE SCHEME SHOULD NOT BE RESTRICTED TO FAMILIES WITH
ELDERLY PARENTS BUT SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE OTHER DEPENDENT ELDERLY RELATIVES:
* SOME OF THE EXISTING HOSTELS FOR THE ELDERLY SHOULD EVENTUALLY BE CONVERTED TO CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES FOR Till: AGED, AND THAT HOSTEL TENANTS BE REHOUSED IN SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEMES WITHIN THEIR OWN DISTRICTS WHEREVER POSSIBLE. THE REMAINING HOSTELS SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF TENANTS WHO WERE UNIQUELY SUITED TO THIS TYPE OF SERVICES:
OLDER ESTATES
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
* OLDER ESTATES WITH A HIGH PROPORTION OF SMALL FLATS AND COMMUNITY AMENITIES CAPABLE OF
RENOVATION AND ADAPTATION SHOULD BE RETAINED. A PROPORTION OF THE EXISTING FLATS MIGHT BE
MODIFIED INTO LARGER FLATS IN ORDER TO BALANCE THE COMPOSITION OF THE ESTATE POPULATION. PRIORITY FOR ALLOCATION OF THESE LARGE FLATS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO EXISTING ESTATE TENANTS WITH ELDERLY FAMILY MEMBERS:
» AN ESTATE SOCIAL WORKER SCHEME TO BE INTRODUCED WITH SOCIAL WORKERS BASED IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE MANAGEMENT OFFICES. THEY SHOULD BE RECRUITED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND INCLUDED IN THE HOUSING MANAGEMENT GRADE AT AN APPROPRIATE LEVEL:
* PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO IMPROVING THE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY IN FIVE ESTATES - SAI WAN. NORTH POINT. NAM SHAN, SO UK AND CHOI HUNG. WHICH HAVE HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ELDERLY PERSONS (OVER 20 PER CENT): AND
» UNDERUTILISED OR VACANT ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES MIGHT BE MODIFIED TO ACCOMMODATE MORE HOMI' CUM CARE AND ATTENTION UNITS. UNDERUTILISED SHOP UNITS, PRIMARY SCHOOLS. KINDERGARTEN PREMISES AND RESTAURANTS IN OLDER ESTATES WITH HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ELDERLY PERSONS SHOULD BE ADAPTED TO MEET THE SPECIALIST NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY.
A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID COPIES OF THE REPORT HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL DISTRICT BOARDS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE VIEWS FROM THESE GROUPS WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN COMING UP WITH FINAL PROPOSALS. THE SPOKESMAN SAID. ADDING THAT VIEWS FROM INDIVIDUALS ARE ALSO WELCOMED.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT PLANS TO SUBMIT ITS FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
-----0------
/8........
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 6, 1989
8
KWUN TONG FESTIVAL TO START ON NOVEMBER 19 t t » » t
MORE THAN
FOR RESIDENTS IN
30 CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ARE IN STORE KWUN TONG DURING THE FORTHCOMING DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL ’89. JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG
DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE 15 LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES. WILL BE HELD FROM NOVEMBER 19 TO DECEMBER 16.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL TODAY (MONDAY), THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR CHRIS WAN. SAID THE FESTIVAL WAS AIMED AT FOSTERING A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
"IT WILL Al,SO HELP IMPROVE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION BY PROVIDING A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS," HE NOTED.
MR WAN POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME, A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES HAD BEEN ALLOCATED FOR ORGANISING A MAJOR FESTIVE EVENT IN
THE DISTRICT EACH YEAR.
HE SAID MAJOR EVENTS ORGANISED IN THE PAST, SUCH AS THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL, SPORTS FESTIVAL, YOUTH FESTIVAL AND ARTS FESTIVAL, HAD ALL BEEN WELL RECEIVED AND SUPPORTED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
OUTLINING THE PROGRAMME OF THIS YEAR’S FESTIVAL, HE SAID A GRAND OPENING WOULD BE HELD AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND ON NOVEMBER 19 (SUNDAY).
"THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS AND A VARIETY SHOW STAGED BY THE FRINGE CLUB," HE SAID.
DURING THE FESTIVAL, THE 15 LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES WILL HOLD A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES IN THEIR RESPECTIVE SUB-DI STR ICTS TO BOOST THE FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE.
"THESE INCLUDE FILM SHOWS. CHINESE OPERATIC SONG PERFORMANCE, A CHILDREN’S DRAWING COMPETITION, CARNIVALS AND VARIETY SHOWS." MR WAN SAID.
THE GRAND FINALE OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE A LIVE SHOW ON HK-TVB’S "ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT PROGRAMME ON DECEMBER 16.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S PRESS CONFERENCE WERE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR LAM HANG-FAI; CHAIRMAN OF TIIF KWUN TONG
FESTIVAL '89 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MADAM YEUNG KAM-CHUN AND
PRESIDENT, MR LO CH1NG-HO; KWUN TONG DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS
OFFICER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. MR LAU KWOK-KWONG; AND THE
EXECUTIVE MANAGER OF HK-TVB, MR HO LA1-CHUEN.
BOTH MR LAM AND MADAM YEUNG CALLED ON LOCAL RESIDENTS TO SUPPORT THE FESTIVAL.
THE BUDGET OF THE KWUN TONG FESTIVAL '89 AMOUNTS TO $600,000. HALF OF IT WAS MET BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, AND THE REST CAME FROM LOCAL DONATIONS.
-----0------
/9 .......
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 6. 1989
- 9 -
KWAI THING SPORTS FESTIVAL BEGINS THIS WEEKEND t t t t *
THE THIRD KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11) WITH A WOMEN’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT AMONG TEAMS FROM GUANGDONG, TAIWAN AND KWAI TSING.
MORE THAN 20 ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE FESTIVAL. IN ADDITION TO WOMEN’S FOOTBALL. THERE WILL ALSO BE TRACK AND FIELD ATHLETICS, FENCING, HANDBALL, GATE-BALL, MARATHON WALK, VOLLEYBALL, BOWLING AND ARCHERY.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE SOCCER TOURNAMENT ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD. DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION, REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE. THE BUDGET IS $650,000.
-------o---------
DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT ON AGENDA t t * » *
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE PROPOSED DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT WORKS NEAR TAN KWAI TSUFN AT ITS MEETING ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8).
THE MEETING WILL ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE PRESENT SITUATION AND FUTURE PROPOSALS FOR FLUSHING WATER SUPPLY IN YUEN LONG AND TIN SHU1 WAI AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S TOWN PLANNING AND AREA DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 8) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE. YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
-------0----------
/10........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
ACTIVITIES FOR NEW YEAR UNDER STUDY ♦ # ♦ ♦ t
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD’S FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE WILL PROPOSE A SERIES OF DISTRICT ACTIVITIES TO MARK I HE LUNAR NEW YEAR AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE COMMITTEE WILL ALSO REVIEW THE LATEST FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING. WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM. 6 TUNG YUN STREET, BEGINNING AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
DISCUSSION ON WAN CHAI TRAFFIC SCHEME
******
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) A PROPOSED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME AT FENWICK STREET AND LUARD ROAD, BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO RAISE WRITTEN QUESTIONS CONCERNING PARKING METERS AT STAR STREET AND WING FUNG STREET AND DIRECTION SIGNS FOR THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM. WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE. 21ST FLOOR. SOUTHORN CENTRE, 130 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI.
- - 0 - -
/11
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 6. 1989
11
SHEUNG SHUI THA FIRE ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA ♦ t ♦ * * t
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE WILL EXPRESS ITS CONCERN OVER A THIRD ALARM FIRE. WHICH BROKE OUT IN THE SHEUNG SHUI TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TWO WEEKS AGO. AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A COMMITTEE MEMBER WILL ASK THAT THE GOVERNMENT MAKE PUBLIC THE FINDINGS OF AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE BLAZE. HE WILL ALSO ENQUIRE WHETHER FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT TN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS REQUIRES IMPROVEMENTS.
IN OTHER BUSINESS. APPLICATIONS FOR COMMITTEE FUNDS FROM TWO RESIDENTS* WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS FOR REPLENISHMENT OF FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT WILL BE DISCUSSED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF BOARD * S SOCI AL SERV ICES COMM ITTEE TOMORROW
CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE. FANLING. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
THE NORTH DISTRICT I TUESDAY I IN THE JOCKEY CLUB ROAD.
--------0----------
POLICING OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT t * * ♦ I
POLICE PROVIDE ROUND-THE-CLOCK COVERAGE IN COUNTERING CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES IN KWUN TONG. ONE OF THE OLDER INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN THE TERRITORY. PARTICULARLY IN FACTORY AREAS WHERE THEFTS AND BURGLARIES ARE RAMPANT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DISTRICT COMMANDER, SAU MAU PING, MR TONY FERRIGE. WHEN HE ADDRESSED MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG KWUN TONG INDUSTRIES AND COMMERCE ASSOCIATION TODAY (MONDAY).
"THE FACTORIES OF KWUN TONG WITH THEIR EVER BUSY MOVEMENT OF GOODS AND PEOPLE PROVIDE AN ATTRACTIVE TARGET FOR CRIMINALS. THIS IS PARTICULARLY SO WHERE MANX INDIVIDUAL FACTORIES ARE LOCATED IN THE SAME BUILDING. THUS INCREASING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THEFTS." MR FERRIGE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THERE WAS A TOTAL OF 198 REPORTED THEFT CASES IN 1988 FROM THE FACTORY AREA. INDICATING AN AVERAGE OF 16.5 CASES PER MONTH OR APPROXIMATELY ONE IN EVERY TWO DAYS. MR FERRIGE SAID THAT THERE WERE 138 REPORTED CASES IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. REPRESENTING AN AVERAGE OF 15.3 PER MONTH. WHICH WAS SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE FIGURE LAST YEAR.
/AS FAR ...o.o.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
12
AS FAR AS VALUE IS CONCERNED. THE DISTRICT COMMANDER SAID GOODS WORTH ABOUT $9.8 MILLION HAD BEEN STOLEN LAST YEAR. COMPARED WITH $11.6 MILLION WORTH OF GOODS REPORTED MISSING FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
MR FERRI GE NOTED THAT THE MOST PREVALENT TYPE OF OFFENCES INVOLVED THEFT FROM THE RECEPTIONIST DESK WHICH WAS USUALLY SITUATED DIRECTLY INSIDE THE FACTORY ENTRANCE AND WOULD POSF. AN ATTRACTIVE TARGET FOR CRIMINALS WHEN LEFT UNATTENDED.
ON POLICING IN THE DISTRICT. MR FERRIGE SAID LIKE MOST OF THE URBAN AREAS IN THE TERRITORY. BEAT OFFICERS WERE DEPLOYED TO PATROL THE DISTRICT. SUPPLEMENTED BY MOBILE PATROLS, TRAFFIC OFFICERS ON MOTORCYCLES. AND PLAINCLOTHES DETECTIVES ON ANTI-CRIME DUTIES.
"FULL USE IS MADE OF ROADBLOCKS AND PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS PAID TO AREAS WHERE THE PUBLIC CONGREGATE. FOR EXAMPLE FERRY PIERS. BUS STOPS. MTR STATIONS. AND THE LIKE,” HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AN AVERAGE OF 110 PERSONS WOULD BE STOPPED AND QUESTIONED, AND SLIGHTLY FEWER THAN THIS SEARCHED IN THE FACTORY AREA EACH DAY.
"IN ADDITION. EACH DAY WILL SEE AN AVERAGE OF 32 VEHICLES STOPPED AND THE OCCUPANTS QUESTIONED. ALSO, PROSECUTIONS FOR TRAFFIC OFFENCES IN THE FACTORY AREA NUMBERED ABOUT 30 PER DAY.”
IN CONCLUSION. MR FERRIGE LISTED OUT SOME CRIME PREVENTION ADVICES FOR FACTORY OWNERS TO FOLLOW:
» ENCOURAGE YOUR WATCHMEN TO BE ON THE ALERT. REMIND THEM TO NOTE DOWN ANYTHING THEY FIND SUSPICIOUS. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE CONTACT WITH POLICE OFFICERS ON THE BEAT.
* SCAFFOLDING ON A BUILDING GREATLY INCREASES THE CHANCE OF BURGLARS OR THEFT. BE AWARE OF THE INCREASED RISK TO YOUR PROPERTY POSED BY SCAFFOLDING AND REMEMBER TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTION AGAINST ILLEGAL ENTRY. INCLUDING AN ADJACENT BUILDING WHICH HAS SCAFFOLDING.
i TAKE PRECAUTION WHEN DEALING IN A PRODUCT WHICH SUDDENLY FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER. BECOMES IN SHORT SUPPLY. EXAMPLES OF SUCH PRODUCTS THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN RAW SILK AND MORE RECENTLY CELLULOSE ACETATE TOW WHICH IS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF CIGARETTE FILTERS AND THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL REPORTED THEFT CASES INVOLVING THESE COMMODITIES.
-----0-----
/13........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
13
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR VISITS AIRLINE OFFICES
******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR TONY HAMMOND, VISITED THE CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS OFFICES AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON.
HE WAS MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE COMPANY’S GENERAL STAFF MANAGER, MR TONY TYLER, AND OTHER SENIOR STAFF AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE COMPANY’S GENERAL EMPLOYMENT ASPECTS, EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT.
MR HAMMOND SAID HE WAS PLEASED TO LEARN THAT THE COMPANY MAINTAINED A GENERALLY GOOD LABOUR-MANAGEMENT RELATIONS IN RECENT YEARS.
VARIOUS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS, INCLUDING JOINT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEES, IN-HOUSE MAGAZINES AND NEWSLETTERS, HAVE BEEN SET UP TO FACILITATE THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS IN THE COMPANY.
ESTABLISHED IN 1946. CATHAY PACIFIC NOW HAS A WORKFORCE OF 10,850 BASED IN HONG KONG AND COMPANY OUTPOSTS, THE MAJORITY BEING ROUND STAFF AND FLIGHT ATTENDANTS.
TO TACKLE ITS LABOUR SHORTAGE PROBLEM, THE COMPANY HAS INTRODUCED NEW MEASURES IN STAFF RECRUITMENT INCLUDING EMPLOYING DISABLED PERSONS AND IMPLEMENTING OF CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.
BEFORE CONCLUDING THE VISIT. MR HAMMOND WAS TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE COMPANY’S CABIN CREW LOUNGE, FLIGHT SIMULATOR, THE CABIN CREW TRAINING CENTRE AND THE CATHAY CLUB.
-----0-----
RELOCATION OF CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE
******
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THE CHINESE VISITORS OFFICE SITUATED ON THE FIFTH FLOOR, GUARDIAN HOUSE. 32 Ol KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI, WILL MOVE TO THE FOLLOWING NEW ADDRESS ON NOVEMBER 13:
FIFTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON. (TEL. 3-884111, EXT. 226)
THE OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 12.45 PM AND FROM 2 PM TO 4,30 PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY; AND FROM 9 AM TO 12.30 PM ON SATURDAY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE ENQUIRIES MAY TELEPHONE 3-7333111.
0
/14 .......
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 6, 1989
- 14 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURE
*****
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 64.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 377.970 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 248.238 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER. REPRESENTING 42.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-------0 ---------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR TUEN MUN FIREWORKS DISPLAY ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE BUTTERFLY AREA IN TUEN MUN IN CONNECTION WITH THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY TO BEGIN AT 8.30 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 9).
THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM 7.30 PM UNTIL ABOUT 9.30 PM. THE EXACT IMPLEMENTATION TIME AND DURATION OF THE ROAD CLOSURE WILL BE DECIDED BY THE POLICE, DEPENDING ON THE GENERAL TRAFFIC AND CROWD SITUATION PREVAILING AT THAT TIME:
* LUNG MUN ROAD BETWEEN WU SHAN ROAD AND THE BUTTERFLY BEACH RECREATION AREA;
* WU KING ROAD;
» ROAD 28A;
* ROAD 44K; AND
* WU SHAN ROAD SECTION SOUTH OF THE UNNAMED LOOP ROAD.
DURING THE CLOSURE. ALL VEHICLES PARKED IN THE CARPARKS OF THE HOUSING ESTATES IN THE BUTTERFLY AREA ARE NOT PERMITTED TO LEAVE VIA THE CLOSED ROADS. SPECTATORS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO AND FROM BUTTERFLY BEACH.
ALL PARKING SPACES AT THE BUTTERFLY BEACH RECREATION AREA WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 1 PM UNTIL ABOUT 9.30 PM. VEHICLES ILLEGALLY PARKED AT THE SUSPENDED PARKING SPACES WILL BE TOWED AWAY BY THE POLICE.
THE TAXI STAND IN THE PIER HEAD TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7.30 PM UNTIL ABOUT 9.30 PM.
AS FROM 7.30 PM, KMB ROUTES 59A, 59M AND 59X WILL BE REROUTED VIA LUNG MUN ROAD AND WU SHAN ROAD AND BE TERMINATED ON THE SECTION OF WU SHAN ROAD WESTBOUND EAST OF WU KING ROAD.
/DURING THE .....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1989
DURING THE DIVERSION PERIOD. THE BUS STOPS IN THE PIER HEAD TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE AND ALONG LUNG MUN ROAD SECTION BETWEEN WU SHAN ROAD AND ROAD 28A, WU SHAN ROAD, ROAD 28A AND ROAD 44K WILL BE SUSPENDED.
PASSENGERS TRAVELLING FOR TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND KOWLOON ARE ADVISED TO USE THE TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS AT WU SHAN ROAD.
WHEN THE CLOSED ROADS ARE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC, ALL THESE BUS SERVICES WILL RESUME THEIR NORMAL ROUTEINGS.
THE MELODY GARDEN, BUTTERFLY AND LRT DEPOT LIGHT RAIL STOPS WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7.30 PM UNTIL ABOUT 9.30 PM. PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE SAN SHEK WAN AND THE FERRY PIER STOPS INSTEAD.
TO COPE WITH THE PASSENGER DEMAND AFTER THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY, ADDITIONAL LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SERVICES WILL BE OPERATED.
AS FROM 7.30 PM, LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT FEEDER BUS ROUTE 520 WILL OMIT ROAD 28A AND ROAD 14K AND TERMINATE AT THE BUS STOP ON LUNG MUN ROAD SOUTHBOUND OUTSIDE THE BUTTERFLY BEACH RECREATION AREA. WHEN THE CLOSED ROADS ARE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC, ROUTE 520 WILL RESUME ITS NORMAL ROUTEI NG.
THE OPERATING HOURS OF THE CENTRAL TO TUF.N MUN HOVERFERRY SERVICE WILL BE CURTAILED WITH THE LAST SAILING DEPARTING BLAKE PIER AND TURN MUN FERRY PIER AT 7.45 PM AND 8 PM RESPECTIVELY.
-------o ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GLITTERING WELCOME FOR ROYAL VISITORS ....................... 1
ROYAL VISITORS SEE LIFE AT THE TOP .......................... 5
BUSY SCHEDULE FOR ROYAL VISITORS ............................ J
EXCO CONSIDERS RECOMMENDATIONS ON PAY POLICY................. 6
TRIBUNAL TO INQUIRE INTO SHARE DEALINGS OF LAFE HOLDINGS LIMITED ..................................................... 8
OFFICIALS TO REPLY IN LEGCO POLICY DEBATE.................... 9
REVIEW ON NEEDS OF HK'S DANCE SCENE.......................... 9
SPECTACULAR CLOSE TO TUEN MUN FESTIVAL ...................... 10
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORIENTEERING COMPETITION.......... 11
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS CW DB COMMITTEE AGENDA .......... 11
READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ................. 12
ID CARD REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1941-44 .................... 1J
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED ................. 14
WATER CUTS IN TWO NT AREAS .................................. 15
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 7. 1989
1
GLITTERING WELCOME EOR ROYAL VISITORS
*****
A GUARD OF HONOUR MOUNTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS). LION DANCERS. A UNICORN DANCE. AND A YOUTH SPECTACULAR GREETED THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES AT EDINBURGH PLACE THIS EVENING (TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 7).
THE OFFICIAL WELCOME WAS THE FIRST PUBLIC EVENT IN A BUSY FOUR-DAY SCHEDULE FOR THE ROYAL VISITORS WHICH WILL COVER A WIDE SPECTRUM OF EVENTS AND LOCATIONS ACROSS THE TERRITORY.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES HAD EARLIER ARRIVED AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON BOARD AN RAI' VC 10.
THEY WERE RECEIVED AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON. WHO PRESENTED LADY WILSON AND HIS AIDE-DE-CAMP. SUPERINTENDENT GILES RUSSELL. TO THE ROYAL VISITORS.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO PRESENTED THE DIRECTOR OF PROTOCOL AND DIRECTOR ROYAL VISIT. AIR COMMODORE VIVIAN WARRINGTON AND ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE PROTECTION OFFICERS. CHIEF INSPECTOR MIKE DEMAID-GROVES AND SENIOR INSPECTOR PAUL KEYLOCK
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS WERE DRIVEN TO THE PROMONTORY PIER, HALF WAY DOWN THE KAI TAK RUNWAY. WHERE THEY BOARDED THE GOVERNOR’S LAUNCH. THE LADY MAURINE. FOR THE TRIP ACROSS THE HARBOUR TO QUEEN’S PIER.
A TOTAL OF 14 LAUNCHES ACCOMPANIED THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS ON THEIR TRIP ACROSS THE HARBOUR. THEY WERE LED BY THE MARINE POLICE’S HARBOUR DIVISION COMMAND LAUNCH. POLICE 79. ON BOARD WAS SUPERINTENDENT ROD COLSON. CHARGED WITH ENSURING THAT VICTORIA HARBOUR WAS KEPT CLEAR FOR THE ROYAL ESCORT.
POLICE 79 WAS FLANKED ON EACH SIDE BY TYPHOON-TYPE INFLATABLE BOATS FROM THE MARINE POLICE’S SMALL BOAT UNIT.
FLANKING THE LADY MAURINE WERE TWO AUSTRALIAN-BUILT SHARKCATS. THE FASTEST VESSELS IN THE GOVERNMENT FLEET. AND TWO MORE TYPHOON-TYPE INFLATABLES.
ASTERN OF THE LADY MAURINE WAS THE MARINE POLICE’S EASTERN DIVISION COMMAND LAUNCH. POLICE 3. ON BOARD WAS SUPERINTENDENT ROGER TRITTON WHO CO-ORDINATED THE ROYAL ESCORT.
ON ARRIVAL AT QUEEN’S PIER THE GOVERNOR PRESENTED TO THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES THE CHIEF JUSTICE. SIR TI LIANG YANG AND LADY YANG: THE CHIEF SECRETARY. SIR DAVID FORD AND LADY FORD: THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES. MAJOR GENERAL PETER DUFFEL AND MRS DUFFEL: SENIOR EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER DAME LYDIA DUNN AND HER HUSBAND MR MICHAEL THOMAS: AND SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER MR. ALLEN LEE AND MRS LEE. AND THE SECRETARY ROYAL VISIT. MR PETER HARVEY.
/THE COMMANDER .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES PRESENTED THE COMMANDING OFFICER THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS). LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRISTOPHER PATEY. WHO ESCORTED THE PRINCE OF WALES TO THE SALUTING DAIS. THE BAND OF THI ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE PLAYED THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.
THE GUARD COMMANDER. CAPTAIN LAWRENCE CHAN KAH-WAI. REPORTED TO THE PRINCE AND INVITED HIM TO INSPECT THE GUARD OF HONOUR.
CAPTAIN CHAN. 45. SECOND-IN-COMMAND OF THE REGIMENT'S D SQUADRON. IS A BUSINESSMAN IN CIVILIAN LIFE. HE JOINED THE VOLUNTEERS IN 1967 AND WAS COMMISSIONED IN 1982 AFTER TAKING A COURSE AT THE ROYAL MILITARY ACADEMY. SANDHURST.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO LIEUTENANT IN 1983 AND TO HIS PRESENT RANK IN 1986.
SPEAKING ABOUT BEING CHOSEN TO COMMAND THE GUARD FOR THE ROYAL VISITORS. CAPTAIN CHAN SAID: "IT WAS CERTAINLY A GREAT HONOUR FOR MYSELF AND THE REGIMENT. AN OCCASION LIKE THIS CAN ONLY HAPPEN ONCE IN A LIFETIME."
WHEN THE GUARD MARCHED OFF. EDINBURGH PLACE WAS TAKEN OVER BY YOUNG PEOPLE WHO PERFORMED A LION DANCE AND A UNICORN DANCE.
THE PRINCE OF WALES PERFORMED THE TRADITIONAL CEREMONY OF DOTTING THE LION’S EYES WHILE THE PRINCESS PLACED TWO LUCKY FLOWERS ON THE LION’S HEAD.
THE CULMINATION OF THE OFFICIAL WELCOMING CEREMONY WAS A CHILDREN’S SPECTACULAR. ORGANISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING. MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE.
THIS INCLUDED A GYMNASTIC DISPLAY BY 150 MEMBERS OF THE GOLDEN EAGLE GYMNASTIC TEAM WHICH PERFORMED DURING THE QUEEN’S VISIT IN 1986.
ALSO IN THE PROGRAMME WAS A TRADITIONAL CHINESE FAN DANCE BY 16 GIRLS FROM THE BISHOP HALL JUBILEE SCHOOL. A BALLET PERFORMANCE BY TWO SIX-YEAR-OLD STUDENTS FROM THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, A FLORAL DANCE AND AN INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S PARADE.
FOLLOWING THE CHILDREN’S SPECTACULAR THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES LEFT BY CAR FOR THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK HEADQUARTERS IN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS WEARING A SILK BOLERO SUIT WITH DRAPED SKIRT IN VIOLET, FLAME RED. AND PALE YELLOW WITH PURPLE SHOES.
THE ENSEMBLE WAS DESIGNED BY CATHERINE WALKER OF CHELSEA DESIGN.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS' HAT CONSISTED OF CHINESE TEMPLE PURPLE SILK CROWN. LARGE STRAW BRIM WITH PILLAR-BOX RED PETERSHAM BAND AND BOW AND WAS DESIGNED BY PHILIP SOMERVILLE.
------0-------
/3......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7. 1989
- 5 -
ROYAL VISITORS SEE LIFE AT THE TOP *****
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES SAW LIFE AT THE TOP IN HONG KONG WHEN THEY VIEWED THE NIGHTTIME LIGHTS OF THE TERRITORY FROM THE 44TH LEVEL OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING AND MET TOP BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AT A RECEPTION THIS EVENING (TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7).
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS WERE DRIVEN TO THE QUEEN’S ROAD HEADQUARTERS OF THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK FROM EDINBURGH PLACE WHERE THE PRINCE OF WALES HAD REVIEWED A GUARD OF HONOUR AND LOCAL CHILDREN HAD STAGED A SPECTACULAR TO WELCOME THE ROYAL VISITORS.
ON THEIR ARRIVAL AT THE BANK. THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL VISIT STEERING COMMITTEE, MR DONALD LIAO POON-HUI AND MRS LIAO AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BANK, MR WILLIAM PURVES AND MRS PURVES.
THE ROYAL PARTY TRAVELLED BY LIFT TO THE 41ST LEVEL FOR A RECEPTION ATTENDED BY 100 GUESTS MADE UP OF BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES LATER WENT TO LEVEL 44 WHERE THEY HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
AT LEVEL 41. THE PRINCESS WAS PRESENTED WITH A POSY BY MELISSA HON. THE EIGHT-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF A BANK STAFF MEMBER.
AFTER THE BANK RECEPTION, THE ROYAL COUPLE LEFT FOR HMS TAMAR WHERE THEY EMBARKED ON HER MAJESTY’S YACHT BRITANNIA WHICH WILL BE THEIR HOME DURING THEIR STAY IN HONG KONG.
LATER IN THE EVENING. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ENTERTAINED THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON AT A PRIVATE DINNER PARTY ON BOARD HMY BRITANNIA.
-------0---------
BUSY SCHEDULE FOR ROYAL VISITORS *****
IN AN EVENT-FILLED SCHEDULE THAT WILL END WITH A GALA EVENING AT THE NEW CULTURAL CENTRE.THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES’S FIRST FULL DAY IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WILL PROVIDE A BROAD VIEW OF LIFE AT ALL LEVELS OF LOCAL SOCIETY. t
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL VISIT A WORKING-CLASS FAMILY IN THEIR HOUSING ESTATE HOME. LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE THIRD UNIVERSITY. RIDE ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND SEE THE LATEST IN COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN.
/IN A........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
IN A SEPARATE PROGRAMME. THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL OPEN A NEW RED CROSS HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI AND VISIT RECOVERING DRUG ABUSERS ON AN OUTLYING ISLAND.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR POSTERITY WHEN HE DEPOSITS A TIME CAPSULE DURING HIS VISIT TO THE CLEARWATER BAY SITE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE TAKING ITS FIRST STUDENTS IN 1991.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL FLY FROM HMS TAMAR TO THE UNIVERSITY SITE BY A WESSEX HELICOPTER OF 28 SQUADRON, RAF.
WHEN THE HELICOPTER LANDS AT CLEARWATER BAY. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG. WILL ACCOMPANY THE ROYAL VISITOR IN A LIGHT VAN FROM THE LANDING PAD TO THE PROPOSED ENTRANCE TO THE UNIVERSITY SITE.
SIR SZE-YUEN WILL OFFICIALLY WELCOME HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WHO. AFTER RESPONDING. WILL DEPOSIT A TIME CAPSULE AND LAY THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE UNIVERSITY.
THE TIME CAPSULE WILL CONTAIN A MESSAGE TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR 2039. IT WILL ALSO CONTAINS WEDNESDAY’S EDITIONS OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE NEWSPAPERS. MICROFILM OF THE UNIVERSITY PLANNING COMMITTEE’S REPORT. A VIDEOTAPE INTRODUCING THE UNIVERSITY AND COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL MEET GROUPS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. POTENTIAL UNDERGRADUATES AT THE UNIVERSITY. BEFORE LEAVING BY CAR FOR THE EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL WHERE HE WILL UNVEIL TWO PLAQUES TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE TUNNEL AND THE SECOND MTR LINK ACROSS VICTORIA HARBOUR.
THE FIRST PLAQUE WILL BE OUTSIDE THE TUNNEL'S ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AND. AFTER THE UNVEILING. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL BE SHOWN AROUND THE COMPUTERISED CONTROL ROOM AND GIVEN A BRIEFING ON THE WORKINGS OF THE TUNNEL.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL TRAVEL BY CAR TO LAM TIN MTR STATION WHERE HE WILL UNVEIL ANOTHER PLAQUE. THIS ONE COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR RAIL CROSSING.
HE WILL BOARD A SPECIAL TRAIN IN WHICH HE WILL TRAVEL FROM LAM TIN TO QUARRY BAY IN THE DRIVER’S CAB.
A NORMAL ISLAND LINE TRAIN WILL CARRY THE ROYAL -VISITOR TO ADMIRALTY STATION FROM WHERE HE WILL LEAVE FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THERE THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL REJOIN HIM AFTER HER OWN MORN I NG’S PROGRAMME.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS'S FIRST OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE DAY WILL BE OPENING THE NEW RED CROSS HONG KONG ISLAND DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS AT THE SOUTHORN CENTRE. WAN CHAI.
/THE PRESIDENT .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
- 5 -
THE PRESIDENT OE THE HONG KONG RED CROSS. SIR RUN RUN SHAW. WILL ESCORT HER ROYAL HIGHNESS AROUND THE PREMISES AND RED CROSS MEMBERS WILL GIVE A DEMONSTRATION OF FIRST AID TECHNIQUES.
SHE WILL ALSO BE SHOWN A DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND CHARTS DEPICTING RED CROSS YOUTH AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES.
THE RED CROSS YOUTH CHOIR WILL SING THE RED CROSS YOUTH AND HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL UNVEIL A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE.
SONG
THE PRINCESS OF WALES’S NEXT VISIT WILL BE A PRIVATE ONE TO SHEK KWU CHAU. THE FIRST STOP IN A NEW LIFE FOR MANY OF THE TERRITORY’S DRUG ABUSERS.
THE SOCIETY FOR THE AID AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG ABUSERS (SARDA). RUNS A CENTRE FOR MALE PATIENTS ON THE ISLAND.
SHEK KWU CHAU. 20 KILOMETRES SOUTHWEST OF HONG KONG ISLAND. HAS A RESIDENTIAL STAFF OF 73. ONE THIRD OF WHOM WERE CHOSEN FROM FORMER PATIENTS AND TRAINED BY SARDA TO SERVE AS GROUP LEADERS AND WORK INSTRUCTORS.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL MEET PATIENTS AND STAFF AFTER FLYING TO THE ISLAND BY A HELICOPTER OF 28 SQUADRON. RAF.
THE CENTRE'S SUPERINTENDENT. DR BARRIE HOLLINRAKE. AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS. MR DAVID WEEKS. WILL EXPLAIN TO THEIR ROYAL VISITOR THE TREATMENT AND PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES AT THE CENTRE.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL FLY BACK TO HONG KONG FOR AN OFFICIAL LUNCH AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE AND AFTERWARDS WILL RETURN TO HMY BRITANNIA. MOORED AT HMS TAMAR.
SHE WILL WALK THROUGH THE GROUNDS OF HMS TAMAR AND PAUSE TO TALK WITH SOME OF THE SERVICE FAMILIES GATHERED THERE TO GREET HER.
IT WILL BE A MEMORABLE AFTERNOON FOR THOSE WHO MEET THE PRINCESS AT HMS TAMAR AND AN EVEN MORE MEMORABLE ONE FOR A KOWLOON FAMILY WHEN THE PRINCE OF WALES VISITS THEIR FLAT AS PART OF HIS TOUR OF CHUK YUEN ESTATE.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY. SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL TRAVEL BY LIFT TO THE ROOF OF WAI YUEN HOUSE FROM WHERE HE WILL HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF CENTRAL KOWLOON. THE AIRPORT. VICTORIA HARBOUR AND THE HONG KONG ISLAND SKYLINE.
HE WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMMES IN CENTRAL KOWLOON. INCLUDING THE CLEARANCE OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY. AND ON THE WORK OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. DR STUART REF.D. WILL ALSO EXPLAIN TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES IN THE AREA. AFTER WHICH THE ROYAL VISITOR WILL VISIT THE LOCAL FAMILY.
/THE PRINCE .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
- 6
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL WALK THROUGH THE FOUR-STOREY COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT THE ESTATE AND SEE THE WIDE RANGE OI SHOPS. SUPERMARKETS. RESTAURANTS AND 180 MARKET STALLS.
FROM THE SHOPPING COMPLEX. HE WILL TRAVEL BY CAR TO THE CITY POLYTECHNIC WHERE HE WILL VISIT THE POLYTECHNIC'S COMPUTER CENTRE. CENTRALISED LABORATORIES AND THE COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN CENTRE.
AT THE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION LABORATORY. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL HEAR A MEETING BEING HELD IN CHINESE AND BEING INTERPRETED SIMULTANEOUSLY INTO ENGLISH. AND WILL BE INVITED TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION WHILE HIS REMARKS ARE TRANSLATED INTO OTHER LANGUAGES.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL ALSO SEE A COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN DEMONSTRATION AND CHAT BRIEFLY TO COLLEGE STUDENTS BEFORE UNVEILING A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE. AND THEN LEAVING BY CAR FOR HMY BRITANNIA.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES’ FIRST FULL DAY IN HONG KONG WILL END WITH A GLITTERING ROYAL GALA NIGHT WHEN THEY OFFICIALLY OPEN THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN KOWLOON AND HEAR A PERFORMANCE BY THE LONDON BACH CHOIR ACCOMPANIED BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC.
DURING A 20-MINUTE INTERVAL IN THE PERFORMANCE. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL MEET A NUMBER OF PEOPLE INVOLVED IN THE EVENING’S PROGRAMME.
AFTER THE CONCERT. THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WILL SIGN THE VISITORS’ BOOK AND IN THE FOYER WILL MEET SOME OF Till: 400 ASSEMBLED PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CULTURAL CENTRE PROJECT. OR HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE PERFORMANCE.
- - 0------------
EXCO CONSIDERS RECOMMENDATIONS ON PAY POLICY » » t » »
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS CONSIDERED RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE CONCERNING CIVIL SERVICE PAY POLICY AND PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES FOR USE IN DETERMINING THE PAY STRUCTURE OF INDIVIDUAL
THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF REPORTS TO BE SUBMITTED BY THE STANDING COMMISSION WHICH AGREED IN MARCH 1HIS YEAR TO CONDUCT AN OVERALL REVIEW OF THE SALARY STRUCTURE OF NON-DIRECTORATE CIVIL SERVICE GRADES OUTSIDE THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENTS SINCE • ITS LAST SUCH OVERALL REVIEW IN 1979.
/A GOVERNMENT
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THE STANDING COMMISSION HAS RECOMMENDED A CONTINUATION OF THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES SHOULD BE SUFFICIENT TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN STAFF OF A SUITABLE CALIBRE TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH AN EFFICIENT SERVICE AND THAT THEY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS FAIR BOTH BY CIVIL SERVANTS AND BY THE PUBLIC WHICH THEY SERVE.
"IN ADDITION. THE STANDING COMMISSION IS OF THE VIEW THAT THE NEED TO MOTIVATE STAFF TO BETTER THEIR PERFORMANCE TO MEET THE INCREASING CHALLENGES AND EXPECTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THEM," HE SAID.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ACCEPTED THE STANDING COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION ON CIVIL SERVICE PAY POLICY SUBJECT TO A REAFFIRMATION OF THE PRINCIPLE THAT IN JUDGING FAIRNESS, BROAD COMPARABILITY WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR IS AN IMPORTANT FACTOR.
THE STANDING COMMISSION WILL USE THE AGREED PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES IN THEIR REVIEW OF THE SALARY STRUCTURE OF INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVICE GRADES.
"THIS WILL INVOLVE A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE SALARY STRUCTURE OF SOME 340 INDIVIDUAL CIVIL SERVICE GRADES," HE SAID.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS ALSO ACCEPTED A RECOMMENDATION FOR THE PAYMENT OF A TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE, EQUIVALENT TO 10 PER CENT OF THE STARTING SALARY POINT OF THE FIRST (ENTRY) RANK OF THE GRADE CONCERNED. FOR THE FIVE GRADES WHICH WERE REFERRED TO THE STANDING COMMISSION FOR EXAMINATION IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROBLEMS.
"THIS TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE IS RECOMMENDED BECAUSE THE STANDING COMMISSION CONSIDERS THAT IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO MAKE PERMANENT ADJUSTMENTS TO THE PAY OF ANY INDIVIDUAL GRADE IN ISOLATION FROM OTHER ALLIED GRADES BEFORE THE CONSEQUENTIAL EFFECTS OF SUCH ADJUSTMENTS ON THEM COULD BE ESTABLISHED.
"THE TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE IS AN INTERIM MEASURE AND WILL CEASE TO BE PAID FOLLOWING THE INTRODUCTION OF ANY NEW PAY SCALES THAT MIGHT ARISE FROM THE OVERALL REVIEW. THAT IS TO SAY THE ALLOWANCE WILL BE SUBSUMED IN THE NEW PAY SCALES," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IF APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE. THE ALLOWANCE WILL BE PAYABI.E WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1. 1989.
THE RANKS WHICH WOULD RECEIVE THE TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE ARE:
- ANALYST/PROGRAMMER I AND II
EXECUTIVE OFFICER II
ASSISTANT SOCIAL WORK OFFICER
/- SENIOR MEDICAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
- 8 -
- SENIOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER
- MEDICAL AND HEALTH OFFICER
- NURSES (UP TO AND INCLUDING NURSING OFFICER I)
"THIS WOULD MEAN THAT SOME 14,000 OFFICERS IN THESE RANKS, OUT OF A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 185,000 CIVIL SERVANTS, I.E. 7.5 PER CENT, WOULD RECEIVE THE TEMPORARY ALLOWANCE," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT OTHER CIVIL SERVANTS WILL NOT LOSE OUT AS A RESULT OF THE TIMING OF THE REVIEW OF THEIR GRADE, BECAUSE ANY PERMANENT ADJUSTMENTS TO PAY SCALES WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM THE COMMON DATE OF OCTOBER 1. 1989.
-----0------
TRIBUNAL TO INQUIRE INTO SHARE DEALINGS OF LAFE HOLDINGS LIMITED
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, TODAY (TUESDAY) ANNOUNCED THAT, AFTER CONSIDERING A RECOMMENDATION FROM THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION, HE HAD DECIDED TO REFER A POSSIBLE CASE OF INSIDER DEALING TO THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL.
THE PURPOSE OF THE INQUIRY WILL BE TO DETERMINE, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, WHETHER CULPABLE INSIDER DEALING IN THE SHARES OF LAFE HOLDINGS LIMITED (LHL) OCCURRED OVER A SPECIFIED PERIOD, AND IF SO, THE PERSONS INVOLVED, AND THE EXTENT OF THEIR CULPABILITY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STATED THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD APPOINTED MR JUSTICE NAZARETH, A JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE INSIDER DEALING TRIBUNAL.
IN ADDITION, MR ALAN KEMP, A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT, AND MR DENNIS U.S. LAM. AN EXPERIENCED BANKER, HAVE BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AS THE OTHER TWO MEMBERS OF THE TRIBUNAL TO ACT IN RELATION TO THIS PARTICULAR INQUIRY.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE TRIBUNAL WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING LATER THIS MONTH.
AS PROVIDED BY THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE, THE TRIBUNAL’S HEARINGS WILL BE HELD IN CAMERA AND ITS FINDINGS WILL BE .SET OUT IN A REPORT WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED.
--------0 ---------
/9........
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 7, 1989
9
OFFICIALS TO REPLY IN LEGCO POLICY DEBATE
******
OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS LAST WEEK WHEN THE COUNCIL RESUMES ITS DEBATE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
THE DEBATE IS ON A MOTION OF THANKS MOVED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER, THE HON ALLEN LEE.
IN OTHER BUSINESS, FOUR BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY ARE THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989; THE BANK NOTES ISSUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989; THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1989 AND THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO.4) BILL 1989.
THREE BILLS ARE DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THEY ARE THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989; THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
------0 -------
REVIEW ON NEEDS OF HK’S DANCE SCENE *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPOINTED DR PETER BRINSON, A UK DANCE EXPERT OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTE, TO CONDUCT A REVIEW ON THE OVERALL NEEDS OF THE DANCE SCENE IN HONG KONG.
DR BRINSON WILL COME TO HONG KONG EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE SCOPE OF THE REVIEW WILL INCLUDE AN EXAMINATION OF THE PRESENT DANCE SCENE IN HONG KONG, THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL AUDIENCE AND AN EVALUATION OF LOCAL PROFESSIONAL DANCE COMPANIES AGAINST INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
DR BRINSON WILL SUBMIT A REPORT WITH RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE DIRECTIONS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF DANCE WITH SPECIFIC REFERENCES TO A NUMBER OF ISSUES. THESE INCLUDE THE TARGETS FOR DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL DANCE COMPANIES, THE ROLF. PLAYED BY NON-PROFESS1ONAL DANCE GROUPS, DANCE EDUCATION AT VARIOUS LEVELS, AND AUDIENCE BUILDING STRATEGY.
HE WILL ALSO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE FUNDING ASPECTS OF DANCE WITH REGARD TO THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL AUDIENCE AND THE PRESENT DANCE SCENE.
/DR BRINSON .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
10
DR BRINSON HAS EXTENSIVE PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE IN DANCE AND DANCE EDUCATION WITH THE ROYAL BALLET, LABAN CENTRE FOR MOVEMENT AND DANCE AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS, AS WELL AS ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE IN LECTURING, TEACHING AND EXAMINING FOR NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL BODIES.
HE IS CHAIRMAN OR MEMBER OF A NUMBER OF ARTS-SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS AND PUBLIC ADVISORY BODIES ON THE PROMOTION OF DANCE IN THE UK AND IS THE AUTHOR OF MANY BOOKS AND PROFESSIONAL PAPERS ON DANCE.
PREVIOUSLY, DR BRINSON HAS SERVED AS CONSULTANT FOR SIMILAR REVIEWS IN HONG KONG, AS WELL AS IN THE UK, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND THE IRISH REPUBLIC.
RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT OPINIONS ON ISSUES RELATING TO THE REVIEW. THEY SHOULD SENT IN THEIR SUBMISSIONS TO THE CULTURE DIVISION OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH, SHUI ON CENTRE, 25TH FLOOR, 6-8 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 25 THIS YEAR.
-------0----------
SPECTACULAR CLOSE TO TUEN MUN FESTIVAL
♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦
THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL WILL DRAW TO A SPECTACULAR CLOSE ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 9) WITH A CARNIVAL OF SINGING, DANCING AND GAMES AT THE CULTURAL SQUARE ADJACENT TO THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL.
IN THE EVENING, A FIREWORKS SHOW, THE FIRST EVER IN THE DISTRICT, WILL BE HELD. FIREWORKS WILL BE SET OFF IN EIGHT SPECIALLY DESIGNED COMBINATIONS AT 8.30 PM, OFF THE COAST OF TUEN MUN.
THE DISPLAY WILL BE VISIBLE FROM ON TING, YAU 01, BUTTERFLY, AND OTHER COASTAL AREAS, BUT GIVEN GOOD WEATHER, THE VANTAGE POINT WILL BE ON BUTTERFLY BEACH WHERE A PANORAMIC VIEW WILL BE POSSIBLE.
TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC MOVING TO AND FROM BUTTERFLY BEACH, SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE BUTTERFLY AREA. SPECTATORS ARE URGED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY, THE FESTIVAL’S CLOSING CEREMONY AND THE "TUEN MUN TN A BLAZE OF COLOURS" VARIETY SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON TELEVISION.
THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL HAS FEATURED A VARIED PACKAGE OF ENTERTAINMENT THIS YEAR -- THE GRANDEST IN THE 12 YEARS OF THE BIENNUAL FESTIVAL’S HISTORY. THE BUDGET WAS ABOUT $2 MILLION.
--------0----------
/11
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
11
SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORIENTEERING COMPETITION
*****
ORIENTEERING ENTHUSIASTS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO TEST THEIR SKILLS IN A COMPETITION DURING THE CURRENT SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE EVENT, "ORIENTEERING IN TAI TAM", WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 26 (SUNDAY) FROM 10 AM TO 1 PM AT THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK.
IT IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG SCOUT ASSOCIATION AND THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING SPORTS AND ENHANCING COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
PEOPLE WHO LIVE, STUDY OR WORK IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO FORM A THREE-MEMBER TEAM TO ENTER THE COMPETITION.
STARTING FROM A CARPARK AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD AND TAI TAM ROAD, TRAMS ARE REQUIRED TO LOCATE MARKERS OF DIFFERENT SCORES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE COUNTRY PARK.
THE FIVE TEAMS WHICH SCORE THE HIGHEST POINTS WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD WILL BE THE WINNERS. THEY WILL BE AWARDED TROPHIES AND SOUVENIRS.
ENTRY FORMS AND DETAILS OF THE COMPETITION ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, WAH FU ESTATE AND LEI TUNG ESTATE. THE deadline: for entry is November 20.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE STANLEY SUB-OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE ON 5-8130305.
-------0---------
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS ON DB COMMITTEE AGENDA *******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL TABLE A REPORT ON ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT STATISTICS AT THE MEETING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 9).
THE REPORT COMPARES AND ANALYSES TRAFFIC ACCIDENT FIGURES BY DISTRICT BOARD AREAS.
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT LAI WAN ROAD IN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL PRESENT FIVE PROPOSALS FOR MEMBERS’ CONSIDERATION.
/THE MEETING .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER ?, 1989
THE MEETING WILL ALSO DISCUSS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS AT THE LUNG PING ROAD AND FAT TSEUNG STREET TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 9) AT THE SHEK KIP MEI COMMUNITY HALL. BLOCK 42, SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, NAM CHEONG STREET.
- - 0
READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS
*****
A READING AWARD SCHEME WILL BE HELD FOR SECONDARY 1 TO 5 STUDENTS TO HELP THEM DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS AND IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS. AS WELL AS TO PROMOTE THE USE OF LIBRARY RESOURCES.
THE AWARD SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION AND THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
BOOK COUPONS WORTH BETWEEN SI,000 TO $2,000 AND TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE TOP THREE WINNERS AND THEIR SCHOOLS RESPECTIVELY.
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT AND BOOK COUPONS WORTH $300 EACH WILL BE PRESENTED TO 20 OUTSTANDING ENTRANTS.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS C.H. KONG, AND THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS' CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MRS JUSTINA LEUNG, WILL ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE SCHEME AT A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 9) AFTERNOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE READING AWARD SCHEME TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 9) IN THE HALL OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION AT 3 LOCKHART ROAD. FIFTH FLOOR, WAN CHAI.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
/15
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 7. 1989
15
ID CARD REMINDER FOR MEN BORN IN 1941-44 * * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1941. 1942. 1943 OR 1944 TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS BEFORE NOVEMBER 25.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID: "TO AVOID THE LAST-MINUTE RUSH. MEN OF THIS AGE GROUP WHO HAVE NOT YET APPLIED FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD SHOULD COME FORWARD WITHOUT DELAY.
"FAILURE TO APPLY FOR A NEW IDENTITY CARD WITHIN THE SPECIFIED PERIOD IS AN OFFENCE LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF #3.000," HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS CAN GO TO ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT NEW IDENTITY CARD ISSUE OFFICES TO RENEW THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
THESE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM DAILY. EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
"THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE VERY CROWDED IN THE EVENINGS. TO AVOID HAVING TO QUEUE UP FOR A LONG TIME AT THE ISSUE OFFICES OR TO COME BACK ON ANOTHER DAY. APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO GO TO THESE OFFICES IN THE MORNINGS AND THE AFTERNOONS." THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THEY CAN MAKE USE OF THE PHONE-IN SERVICE TO ARRANGE FOR AN APPOINTMENT BY CALLING THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT. 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD. WAN CHAI TEL. NO. 5-747070
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY PLAZA. SECOND FLOOR. 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD TEL. NO. 3-7553679
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, SECOND FLOOR. 393 CANTON ROAD. YAU MA TEI TEL. NO. 3-7232424
TSUEN WAN ; EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE. GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET TEL. NO. 0-4981259
SHA TIN : SHOP 8A. SECOND FLOOR. CHANWAY SHOPPING CENTRE. 11-17 SHA TIN CENTRE STREET, SHA TIN TEL. NO. 0-6059108
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE. SECOND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD TEL. NO. 0-1771543
/THEN MIJN ......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
- 14
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE. GROUND FLOOR.
CHI LOK FA YUEN
TEL. NO. 0-45808(52
SHEUNG SHUI : TSUEN WO TAI LAU. GROUND FLOOR. 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE. SHEK WU HUI TEL. NO. 0-6727191
FOR INFORMATION ON THE DOCUMENT TO BE BROUGHT ALONG. IHE1 MAI MAKE USE OF THE 24-HOUR RECORDED MESSAGE SERVICE BY DIALLING 5-8909393.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS.
-----o------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN MONG KOK TO BE CLOSED
* * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING TO CLOSE CERTAIN ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN MONG KOK SO THAT THEY CAN BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
THE STRUCTURES ARE ON THE FLAT ROOF ADJACENT TO FLAT B, FIRST FLOOR. KAM FONG MANSION. 10-20 KAM FONG STREET.
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF AN EXERCISE TO ENFORCE AN ORDER ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN SEPTEMBER 1986 REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE HONG KONG DISTRICT COURT ON DECEMBER 7 THIS YEAR WERE POSTED ON CONSPICUOUS PARTS OF THE STRUCTURES TODAY (TUESDAY).
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL START ONCE THE CLOSURE ORDER IS OBTAINED.
--------o ---------
/15........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1989
15
WATER CUTS IN TWO NT AREAS *****
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 9) TO 7 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATER WORKS.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY LONG HA, TAI YUEN FISHERY GARDEN, MAN YUEN TSUEN, FAIRVIEW PARK, NGAU TAM MEI, FUK HING LEI, SAN WAI TSUEN, SHEUNG CHUK YUEN, CHUK YUEN TSUEN, YAU TAM MEI TSUEN, TAM MEI CAMP, YAU TAM MEI SAN TSUEN, WAI TSAI AND YAU MEI SAN TSUEN.
ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10), FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE WATERMAIN CONNECTION.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY WO YI HOP ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NGONG HOM ROAD TO CHEUNG PEI SHAN ROAD, INCLUDING ROUTE TWISK, SHING MUN ROAD, LO WAI ROAD, YI PEI CHUN ROAD, HILLTOP ROAD, WO YI HOP VILLAGE, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE, CHEUNG SHAN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA, HOI PA RESITE VILLAGE, SAM TUNG UK VILLAGE, LO WAI CHUEN, YI PEI CHUN VILLAGE, FU YUNG SHAN TSUEN, SAN CHUEN, MA SIN PAI CHUEN, SAI LAU KOK CHUEN, PAK TIN PA TSUEN, MUK MIN HA TSUEN, CHUK LAM SIM YUEN, YUEN YUEN HOK YUEN, HILLTOP COUNTRY CLUB, TUNG PO TO, KWU HANG CHUEN, HO FUNG COLLEGE AND LI PANG SECONDARY SCHOOL.
-----0-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: PEOPLE MUST BELIEVE IN HK’.S FUTURE: CS ................... 1
GOVT SEEKS RETURN TO CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA 2 WORK ON BILL OF RIGHTS MOVING SPEEDILY .................... 3
COMMITTEE FORMED TO GUIDE PILOT STUDIES ................... 5
EFFECTIVE MEASURE IN REPLENISHING LOSS OF TALENT........... 7
POSITION ON NATIONALITY ISSUE UNCHANGED ................... 9
PERIOD OF ECONOMIC CONSOLIDATION INEVITABLE .............. 10
TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WILL PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE................ 11
EXPANSION OF KAI TAK AIRPORT'S CAPACITY .................. 1J
STRICT OBSERVANCE OF PRIORITIES REQUIRED ................. 1$
CONTINUED EFFICIENCY OF PORT IS VITAL ................... 1?
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FIELD DEVELOPING RAPIDLY .............. 19
HELP BEING CONSIDERED FOR IVORY WORKERS .................. 21
RURAL PLANNING, IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY ..................... 22
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FACTOR IMPORTANT IN PADS PLANNING 24
TERRITORIAL TRANSPORT PLANS OUTLINED...................... 27
SEN CONFIDENT TERTIARY EDUCATION TARGET CAN BE ACHIEVED .. J1 MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL SECTOR ...................... 33
EDUCATION PROBLEMS MUST BE FACED AND RESOLVED ............ 34
COMMITTEE ON MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS SET UP ................ 36
REVIEW OF SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMME AREAS ................. 37
STEPS BEING TAKEN TO REMEDY STAFFING SITUATION............ 35
PREMATURE TO HAVE MEDICAL POLICY WHITE PAPER ............. 40
YOUTH PROJECT TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING...........I-........ k2
COMMITMENT TO YOUIH DEVELOPMENT........................... 43
ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION............. 44
DB MEMBERS ARE GETTING YOUNGER....4.*.....4.4............. 44
URBAN SQUATTERS TO BE CLEARED BY MID-1990'S.....4......... 45
PROGRESS MADE IN SPORTS, RECREATION AND -CULTURE.......... 46
BOAT PEOPLE; GOVT COMMITTED TO GENEVA PLAN ............... 46
/ENSURING LAW.......
ENSURING LAW IS IN LINE WITH COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS....... 48
EFFORT TO INSURE HONG KONG'S FUTURE....................... 50
LEGCO CONCLUDES POLICY DEBATE .............................. 51
BILL AIMS TO UNDERLINE JUDICIARY'S INDEPENDENCE............. 52
BANK NOTES BILL INTRODUCED................................ 51*
BOOST TOR HK AS ARBITRATION CENTRE.......................... 55
NEW RANK BEING CREATED IN IMMIGRATION DEPT.................. 57
TOURIST ASSOCIATION TO MEET CHALLENGES AHEAD ............... 58
WIDE-RANGING PROGRAMME FOR ROYAL VISITORS..................... 59
PRINCE OF WALES VISITS CITY POLYTECHNIC ....................... 62
GLITTERING ROIAL OPENING FOR CULTURAL CENTRE .................. 64
ROYAL VISITOR TRAVELS BY TUBE ..............‘........‘......... 65
PRINCESS OF WALES MEETS RED CROSS YOUTH ................... 6?
PRINCE VISITS THIRD UNIVERSITY SITE................... ;.... 68
HONG KONG GETS ROYAL PRAISE.................................... 69
PRINCE OFFICIALLY OPENS EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING............... 71
PRINCE AND PRINCESS LUNCH WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS .............. 72
PRINCESS OF WALES MEETS SERVICE FAMILIES....................... 72
CHUK YUEN FAMILY HAVE ROYAL VISITOR............................ 73
PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST............ 75
HK WILL EMERGE IS MAJOR PLAYER: STI.......................... 79
GOOD PROSPECTS FOR PARTNERSHIP OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT AND HK
INDUSTRIES ................................................ 80
HONG KONG TO ATTEND PECO MEETING ............................ 82
MID-YEAR EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE UPDATED .. ................... 83
GOVT OFFICIALS MEET IVORY WORKERS REPRESENTATIVES ............. 84
DISTRICT FESTIVAL TABLE TENNIS EXHIBITION MATCH ............... 85
DB TO DISCUSS LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PROPOSALS .......... 85
DB STUDIES PROCESSING OF SMALL HOUSE APPLICATIONS ............. 86
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS................... 86
TEMPORARY FERRY SERVICE FOR TSING YT.......................... 87
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND ............................ 87
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY........................... 88
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN EASTERN STREET..................... 89
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN POTTINGER STREET........................... 89
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
PEOPLE MUST BELIEVE IN HE’S FUTURE: CS ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
TO DEAL WITH THE CURRENT PROBLEMS EFFECTIVELY. WE MUST NOT ONLY BELIEVE IN OURSELVES. WE MUST CONVINCE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THAT THEY CAN BELIEVE IN HONG KONG. IN THEIR OWN FUTURE HERE, AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN A FUTURE FOR THEIR CHILDREN, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
’’THAT REQUIRES LEADERSHIP,” SIR DAVID SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN CONCLUDING HIS SPEECH IN THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
HE THANKED THE GOVERNOR FOR GIVING THE LEAD BY CHARTING THE CLEAREST POSSIBLE COURSE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO FOLLOW.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG DID NOT LIE WITH THE ADMINISTRATION ALONE.
"BY 1997 THERE WILL BE NO OFFICIAL MEMBER OF THIS COUNCIL: THAT FORMAL CHANGE. ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION. SIGNIFIES A MORE SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE WAY HONG KONG IS TO BE GOVERNED. A GROWTH IN THE INFLUENCE OF NON-OFFIC1AL MEMBERS AND A NEED FOR LEADERS TO EMERGE FROM THE COMMUNITY.” HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S POLITICAL SYSTEM WOULD ENCOURAGE THAT TREND. BUT TO MAKE IT WORK WELL HONG KONG NEEDED RESPONSIBLE, EXPERIENCED PEOPLE TO TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE AND DEVOTE THEIR FULL TIME ENERGIES TO PUBLIC SERVICE.
"HONG KONG PEOPLE HAVE A WELL DESERVED REPUTATION FOR DEVOTING THEIR TIME TO WORKING FOR THE COMMUNITY AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE GOOD PEOPLE WILL COME FORWARD TO HELP LEAD HONG KONG INTO THE NEXT CENTURY."
HOWEVER. HE NOTED THAT PROVIDING LEADERSHIP WOULD NOT BE EASY AND THE POLITICAL AND OTHER PRESSURES MIGHT BE GREAT.
"BUT AS LONG AS WE STICK UNSWERVINGLY TO THE PRINCIPLES O*N WHICH HONG KONG’S SUCCESS HAS BEEN BUILT. THE RULE OF LAW AND THE FREEDOM OF THE INDIVIDUAL (PRINCIPLES WHICH ARE ENSHRINED IN THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE BASIC LAW) WE WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE BEST HOPE OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS NOW AND IN THE FUTURE.” SIR DAVID SAID.
-----0------
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8, 1989
2
GOVT SEEKS RETURN TO CONSTRUCTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA t * » * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE BELIEVES THAT WITH TIME AND PATIENT EFFORT ON THE PART OF BOTH HONG KONG AND CHINA. WE WILL BE ABLE TO RETURN TO THE FLEXIBLE AND CONSTRUCTIVE APPROACH TO PROBLEMS WHICH HAS CHARACTERISED THE HONG KONG/CHINA RELATIONSHIP SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
"FOR OUR PART WE ARE DETERMINED TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO BRING THAT ABOUT," SIR DAVID SAID IN THE DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EVENTS OF THE LAST FEW MONTHS HAD UNDERLINED THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OUR SYSTEM AND THAT OF CHINA. "INEVITABLY THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA HAS COME UNDER STRAIN," HE ADDED.
"BRITAIN AND CHINA ARE BOUND TOGETHER BY THE JOINT DECLARATION TO WORK FOR THE CONTINUING PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG AND BOTH SIDES HAVE DECLARED THEIR CONTINUING COMMITMENT TO THE FULL AND FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION OF THAT AGREEMENT." SIR DAVID SAID.
HE REAFFIRMED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO PLAY ITS PART FULLY IN THE WORK OF IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION.
"WE WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO BUILD ON AND DEVELOP THE EVER-EXPANDING RANGE OF LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG PEOPLE AND THEIR NEIGHBOURS IN GUANGDONG PROVINCE.
"THESE LINKS ARE MAKING AN EXTREMELY IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF BOTH HONG KONG AND SOUTHERN CHINA. THEY OFFER PRAGMATIC EVIDENCE OF THE DETERMINATION OF ORDINARY PEOPLE, ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER, TO WORK TOGETHER CONSTRUCTIVELY FOR. THEIR MUTUAL BENEFIT," SIR DAVID SAID.
ON THE BASIC LAW, SIR DAVID SAID IN SPITE OF INTERRUPTIONS TO THE SECOND CONSULTATION EXERCISE. HONG KONG PEOPLE RESUMED THE DEBATE. AND A WIDE VARIETY OF VIEWS WAS EXPRESSED.
"AGAIN, POINTS MADE IN THIS CHAMBER IN MAY AND JUNE CONTRIBUTED TO THAT DEBATE AND ASSISTED IN FOCUSSING PUBLIC ATTENTION ON KEY AREAS.
"DISCUSSION BETWEEN NON-GOVERNMENT MEMBERS OF BOTH THIS COUNCIL AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHOWED THE WAY IN WHICH DIFFERENCES CAN, THROUGH CONSTRUCTIVE DEBATE, BE RECONCILED IN THE SEARCH FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE." SIR DAVID SAID, ADDING THAT IT WAS THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE WHOSE INTERESTS MUST BE SAFEGUARDED IN THE FINAL VERSION OF THE BASIC LAW.
/"I AM .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"I AM SURE THAT THOSE WHO ARE TASKED WITH THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY OF PRODUCING A FRAMEWORK FOR HONG KONG WHICH WILL DO MUCH TO SHAPE HONG KONG WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY, WILL AGAIN SHOW THEMSELVES TO BE WILLING TO LISTEN AND RESPOND," HE SAID.
ON POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT. SIR DAVID SAID THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN ITS PRESENT FORM HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL.
"MEMBERS REPRESENT A WIDE VARIETY OF INTERESTS AND POLITICAL VIEWPOINTS, BUT IT IS USUALLY POSSIBLE TO REACH CONSENSUS ON THE IMPORTANT ISSUES OF THE DAY AND TO MOVE FORWARD TOWARDS THE ACCEPTANCE OF SENSIBLE AND PRAGMATIC SOLUTIONS.
"BUILDING ON THE FIRM FOUNDATION OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM, WHICH IS WELL UNDERSTOOD BY ALL. WILL HELP TO ENSURE CONTINUITY AND STABILITY IN THE TRANSITIONAL YEARS." SIR DAVID SAID.
AS TO THE FUTURE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATURE. SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE WAS NOW A WIDELY HELD VIEW IN HONG KONG THAT THERE SHOULD BE A SOMEWHAT FASTER PACE OF DEVELOPMENT THAN WAS ENVISAGED IN THE 1988 WHITE PAPER. AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD SAID THAT THIS VIEW WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN REACHING THE FINAL DECISION ON THE MAKE UP OF THE 1991 LEGISLATURE.
"MANY MEMBERS HAVE SPOKEN IN FAVOUR OF THE EARLY ACCEPTANCE BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE OMELCO PROPOSAL ON THE COMPOSITION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1991. THIS PROPOSAL HAS ATTRACTED SUPPORT FROM MOST DISTRICT BOARDS AND FROM THE WIDER COMMUNITY.
"A DECISION ON THE 1991 LEGISLATURE WILL BE TAKEN IN SUFFICIENT TIME FOR THE ENACTMENT OF ELECTORAL LEGISLATION AND FOR OTHER PREPARATORY WORK." THE CHIEF SECRETARY' SAID.
- - 0 - -
WORK ON BILL OF RIGHTS MOVING SPEEDILY * * * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY. THE HON SIR DAVID FORD. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT WORK ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS ITSELF HAS MOVED AHEAD SPEEDILY.
HE SAID THAT DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS HAD BEEN ISSUED. AND A DRAFT WAS UNDER PREPARATION.
"THE INTENTION IS TO RENDER RIGHTS SET OUT IN THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENANT ON CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS JUSTICIABLE IN OUR COURTS SO FAR AS PRACTICABLE SO THAT INDIVIDUALS WHO FEEL THAT RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED WILL BE ABLE TO INITIATE ACTION THROUGH THE COURTS TO SEEK REDRESS.
/"PARTICULAR CARE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"PARTICULAR CARE IS BEING TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE BILL OF RIGHTS HAS SUPERIOR LEGAL STATUS WITHIN HONG KONG LAW." HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT MUCH OF THE DEBATE WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD CONCENTRATED ON THE SO-CALLED FREEZE PERIOD DURING WHICH EXISTING LEGISLATION WOULD BE IMMUNE FROM CHALLENGE IN THE COURTS.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WERE THOSE WHO HOPED THAT THIS PERIOD WOULD BE SHORT. OTHERS QUESTIONED THE WISDOM OF THE CONCEPT ITSELF. OTHERS URGED THAT THE REVIEW OF LEGISLATION SHOULD NOT AWAIT ENACTMENT OF THE BILL.
"ONCE WE HAVE THE NEW BILL IN PLACE, INDIVIDUALS WILL BE ABLE TO CHALLENGE THE EXISTING LEGISLATION IF THEY BELIEVE IT CONTRAVENES THE BILL OF RIGHTS; THE COURTS WILL IN TURN BE ABLE TO STRIKE DOWN EXISTING LAWS WHICH BREACH BASIC RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS." SIR DAVID EXPLAINED.
"BUT THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ENACT NEW LAWS TO TAKE THEIR PLACE.
"THE SITUATION COULD THEREFORE ARISE WHERE THERE WOULD BE AN OPERATIONAL VACUUM BEFORE A LAW WHICH HAD BEEN ADJUDGED INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE BILL OF RIGHTS COULD BE REPLACED BY AN AMENDED ONE WHICH WAS COMPATIBLE." HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE TIMETABLE FOR ENACTMENT OF THE BILL WAS UNUSUALLY SHORT. AND IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO REVIEW ALL EXISTING LEGISLATION BEFORE IT WAS ENACTED.
"HENCE THE NEED FOR A GRACE PERIOD AFTER PASSAGE OF THE BILL TO ALLOW US TO IDENTIFY REAL AREAS OF DOUBT REGARDING COMPATIBILITY." HE SAID.
HOWEVER. SIR DAVID POINTED OUT THIS WAS NOT REVIEW WOULD ONLY BEGIN AFTER PASSAGE OF THE BILL.
TO SAY
THAT THE
"WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN. INDEED, WE HAVE ALREADY IDENTIFIED SOME AREAS WHERE EXISTING HONG KONG LAWS - EVEN THOSE WHICH REFLECT DEEPLY HELD VIEWS - MAY NEED AMENDMENT IF THEY ARE TO BE BROUGHT FULLY INTO LINE WITH THE BILL. OUR LAWS GOVERNING HOMOSEXUAL BEHAVIOUR FALL WITHIN THIS CATEGORY." SIR DAVID SAID.
NOTING THAT THERE HAD BEEN REPORTS THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD DECIDED ON A FIVE-YEAR FREEZE PERIOD. SIR DAVID SAID THAT WAS NOT TRUE. AND WHILST NO COMPLETION DATE HAD BEEN FIXED. THE ADMINISTRATION WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO KEEP THE PERIOD TO THAT WHICH WAS STRICTLY NECESSARY FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE EXERCISE.
-----o-----
/5........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
5
COMMITTEE FORMED TO GUIDE PILOT STUDIES
*****
A HIGH POWERED PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM STEERING COMMITTEE HAS NOW BEEN SET UP UNDER THE CHIEF SECRETARY’S COMMITTEE TO GUIDE AND CO-ORDINATE VARIOUS PILOT STUDIES AND TO TAKE THE REFORM PROGRAMME FORWARD. THE CHIEF SECRETARY. THE HON SIR DAVID FORD. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THE LEVEL OF DEMAND ON THE GOVERNMENT’S RESOURCES. BOTH IN MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL TERMS. WAS LIKELY TO GROW SIGNIFICANTLY OVER THE NEXT DECADE WHEN MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS WOULD REACH CONSTRUCTION STAGE.
’’BUT RESOURCES ARE LIMITED. THE ADMINISTRATION IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR WAYS TO IMPROVE THE SYSTEM OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE. AND IN TURN TO PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON POLICY SECRETARIES’ RESPONSIBILITIES FOR SETTING PRIORITIES AND FOR FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT GENERALLY." HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION. WITH THESE OBJECTIVES IN MIND. COMPLETED AN INTERNAL DOCUMENT ON PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR.
'THIS REFORM PROGRAMME HAS GENERATED GREAT INTEREST WITHIN THE SENIOR MANAGEMENT OF THE SERVICE.’' HE SAID. ADDING THAT HE WOULD KEEP MEMBERS INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS ON A REGULAR BASIS.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THE HIGH DEGREE OF INTEREST SHOWN BY MANY MEMBERS IN DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE REFLECTED A RECOGNITION OF THE FACT THAT IT WAS MOST IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN A STABLE. EFFICIENT AND CONTENTED CIVIL SERVICE IN HONG KONG IF WE WERE TO FACE THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE.
SIR DAVID SAID LAST YEAR HE WAS ABLE TO SAY THAT MORALE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE WAS HIGH. "I CANNOT SAY THE SAME THIS YEAR.” HE REMARKED.
“THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT CONCERN ABOUT THE FUTURE AND THE RELATED ISSUE OF NATIONALITY. TOGETHER WITH THE BRAIN DRAIN AND THE ADDITIONAL DEMANDS BEING MADE ON THEIR SERVICES HAS AFFECTED CIVIL SERVANTS’ MORALE.
"BUT WHILE MORALE MAY HAVE SUFFERED SOMEWHAT. WHAT IS PERHAPS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT. IS THAT THIS PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN ALLOWED TO AFFECT THE HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE WHICH THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS GIVEN AND CONTINUES TO GIVE.” THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
HOWEVER. HE STRESSED THAT THIS WAS NOT TO SAY THAT HE WAS COMPLACENT ABOUT THE PRESENT STATE OF CIVIL SERVICE MORALE.
“WE MUST TRY AND IMPROVE IT. THE EXISTING SITUATION HAS MANY CAUSES. NOT ALL OF WHICH ARE WITHIN OUR CAPACITY TO RESOLVE. BUT ONE THING WE CAN DO IS TO SEEK THAT THE GOVERNMENT. AS A GOOD EMPLOYER. PROVIDES ITS CIVIL SERVANTS WITH REASONABLE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. ' SIR DAVID SAID.
/NOTING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
NOTING THAT OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO MANY CIVIL SERVANTS WAS THE SECURITY OF THEIR PENSIONS. SIR DAVID SAID THE PAYMENT OF PENSIONS AFTER 1997 ON TERMS NO LESS FAVOURABLE THAN BEFORE WAS GUARANTEED BY THE JOINT DECLARATION AND THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTED THAT THIS GUARANTEE WOULD BE EMBODIED IN THE BASIC LAW.
"MOREOVER. PENSIONS ARE NOW A RIGHT AND ARE A STATUTORY CHARGE ON THE GENERAL REVENUE. PENSIONS WILL THEREFORE BE SECURE. NEVERTHELESS. IN THE LIGHT OF STAFF ANXIETY WE ARE CONSIDERING WHETHER MORE CAN BE DONE TO REASSURE THE CIVIL SERVICE ABOUT THEIR PENSIONS." SIR DAVID ADDED.
ON A REQUEST WHICH HAD BEEN MADE BY STAFF. AND ECHOED BY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL THAT A PORTION OF THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES BE SET ASIDE TO ESTABLISH A FUND FOR THE PAYMENT OF PENSIONS. SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING THIS PROPOSAL BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS WAS UNLIKELY TO PROVE A PRACTICABLE PROPOSITION.
"THE SUMS INVOLVED ARE MASSIVE. WE ARE TALKING OF TENS OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AND WITH OUR EXISTING COMMITMENTS FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND PLANNED DEVELOPMENT. THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTING ASIDE SUCH SUMS FOR A CIVIL SERVICE PENSION FUND IS REMOTE.
"OUR RESERVES MUST BE USED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. BUT THAT SAID WE RECOGNISE THERE ARE WORRIES OVER PENSIONS AND ARE ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO PROVIDE A HIGHER DEGREE OF SECURITY FOR THEM." THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
ON THE REFERENCE BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO THE NEED TO RESTRICT THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS NOT JUST A FINANCE BRANCH INITIATIVE. THE ADMINISTRATION AS A WHOLE WAS FULLY COMMITTED TO THE OBJECTIVE OF SEEKING A LEAN. EFFICIENT AND HIGHLY PRODUCTIVE SERVICE.
"IF WE ACCEPT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS SHOULD BE REASONABLY WELL PAID. AND LOOKED AFTER. WHICH WE DO. THEY IN TURN MUST ACCEPT THAT THEY MUST WORK HARD TO DELIVER THE GOODS.
"AT A TIME WHEN OUR MANPOWER AND FINANCES ARE LIMITED WE MUST ENSURE THAT THE SERVICE PRODUCES GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY IN EVERY RESPECT.
"THIS IS WELL UNDERSTOOD BY ALL CONCERNED AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE LIMITED TARGETS FOR GROWTH WHICH WE HAVE ESTABLISHED ARE REALISTIC AND WILL BE ACHIEVED." SIR DAVID SAID.
SIR DAVID PAID SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO THE CENTRAL POLICY UNIT FOR THE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IT HAD MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION MAKING PROCESS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL.
"SINCE ITS INCEPTION ON APRIL 1. 1989. THE CPU HAS PRODUCED A TOTAL OF 94 PAPERS FOR THE CONSIDERATION OF THE GOVERNOR. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND MYSELF.
/"IT HAS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
”IT HAS PROVEN ITS ABILITY TO RESPOND PROMPTLY TO URGENT REQUESTS FOR VIEWS ON MATTERS OF IMMEDIATE CONCERN TO THE ADMINISTRATION: ITS IN-DEPTH ANALYSES ON ISSUES. WHICH ARE OF A LONG-TERM AND STRATEGIC NATURE. ARE OF PARTICULAR VALUE TO US IN FORMULATING AND EVALUATING MAJOR POLICIES.” SIR DAVID SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID HF WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT ITS MEMBERS HAD ESTABLISHED SUCH GOOD WORKING AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH POLICY SECRETARIES. HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS AND PRIVATE SECTOR CONTACTS.
’’THIS REFLECTS GREAT CREDIT ON ALL CONCERNED AND HAS. I AM SURE. DISPELLED MUCH OF THE SUSPICION AND PERHAPS CYNICISM WHICH GREETED THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE FORMATION OF THE CPU A YEAR AGO.” SIR DAVID SAID.
-----0-----
EFFECTIVE MEASURE IN REPLENISHING LOSS OF TALENT
*****
THE ADMINISTRATION BELIEVES THAT THE DECISION TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF FIRST DEGREE PLACES FROM 7.000 NEXT YEAR TO 15.000 IN 1995 WILL IN THE LONG RUN PROVE TO BE THE MOST EFFECTIVE PRACTICAL MEASURE IN REPLENISHING THE LOSS OF TALENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY. THE HON SIR DAVID FORD SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO MEMBERS* VIEWS ABOUT THE NEED TO REBUILD LOCAL CONFIDENCE AND STEM THE LOSS OF HONG KONG’S TALENTED PEOPLE THROUGH EMIGRATION. SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT SHARED MANY OF THE SENTIMENTS EXPRESSED BUT ALSO BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS A ROLE FOR EVERYONE TO PLAY IN THE RESTORATION OF CONFIDENCE.
"ULTIMATELY THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST WILL BE WHETHER THE COMMUNITY RECOVERS ITS SELF-CONFIDENCE.” HE SAID.
"GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES THAT NEXT YEAR HONG KONG IS LIKELY TO LOSE ABOUT 55.000 PEOPLE THROUGH EMIGRATION. THIS IS A SOBERING FIGURE INDEED." SIR DAVID REMARKED.
NOTING THAT ACTION WAS IN HAND TO IMPROVE GOVERNMENT’S KNOWLEDGE STILL FURTHER ABOUT THE BRAIN DRAIN PROBLEM. SIR DAVID SAID THIS WAS ESSENTIAL IF WE WERE TO PROVIDE THE INFORMATION THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER WOULD NEED IN CONSTRUCTING HIS MANPOWER SUPPLY MODEL.
FOR THE MEDIUM TERM. SIR DAID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS DEVISING A NUMBER OF MEASURES DESIGNED TO FACILITATE THE RETURN OF THE ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE WHO HAD EMIGRATED SINCE THE SURGE OF DEPARTURES BEGAN IN 1987.
/’•WHILE OUR.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 8
’’WHILE OUR JOB MARKET SPEAKS FOR ITSELF LOCALLY. PERHAPS ITS VOICE DOES NOT CARRY AS WELL OVERSEAS. WE MUST ALSO DO WHAT WE CAN TO ENSURE THAT ANY FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENT WHO WANTS TO COME BACK IS NOT DETERRED BY A LACK OF SUITABLE SCHOOL PLACES FOR HIS CHILDREN.” HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS ALREADY A CONSIDERABLE STOCK OF PLACES IN OUR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS. AND THE GOVERNMENT WAS RELIEVING REGIONAL SHORTFALLS BY BUILDING A THIRD ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION SECONDARY SCHOOL ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
”TO CREATE AN EFFICIENT SOURCE OF ADVICE AND INFORMATION TO PARENTS WE ARE INVITING ALL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS TO FORM A ONE STOP UNIT. AND ARE EXAMINING A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THIS AND OUR EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICES TO OUR OVERSEAS OFFICES.
’’BUT WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT THE EMPHASIS MUST BE ON FACILITATING RETURN. NOT ON CREATING SPECIAL INCENTIVES TO DO SO. A SUBSTANTIAL BONUS FOR COMING BACK WOULD IN EFFECT BE AN EXTRA REASON TO GO.” HE SAID.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR WAS RESPONDING VIGOROUSLY TO THE PROBLEM OF MANPOWER SHORTAGE AND MANY LOCAL FIRMS WERE ACTIVELY PURSUING RECRUITMENT OF FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENTS PARTICULARLY IN CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES. HE SAID.
"THE CIVIL SERVICE HAS ALREADY SCORED SOME SUCCESS IN THIS. ABOUT 200 APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED THIS YEAR FROM FORMER HONG KONG RESIDENTS IN THE UNITED STATES.
"MOST OF THEM ARE IN THEIR MID TO LATE TWENTIES WITH SOME YEARS OF WORKING EXPERIENCE. THIS IS ENCOURAGING NEWS.” SIR DAVID SAID.
ON THE SCHEME FOR IMPORTING TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN FROM OUTSIDE HONG KONG. SIR DAVID SAID THE SCHEME HAD WORKED REASONABLY WELL.
’’BY THE END OF THE YEAR MORE THAN 1. .000 SKILLED WORKERS WILL BE BROUGHT IN AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE TO STRENGTHEN OUR LOCAL WORK FORCE. THAT WOULD STILL LEAVE THE ORIGINAL QUOTA OF 3.000 SKILLED WORKERS NOT FULLY UTILISED.
’’THE TIME WILL SOON COME FOR THE ADMINISTRATION TO REVIEW WHETHER THIS TEMPORARY MEASURE COULD BE INCORPORATED IN SOME FORM INTO OUR NORMAL IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES.” SIR DAVID SAID.
MEANWHLE. SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOW ADOPTED A LIBERAL IMMIGRATION POLICY FOR SKILLED WORKERS AT THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL.
’’THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR BRINGING IN OVERSEAS PROFESSIONALS ARE NOW SIMPLE AND FLEXIBLE. WE DO NOT HAVE ANY NUMERICAL CEILING. NOR DO WE DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY PLACE OF ORIGIN.
/"AN EMPLOYER........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"AN EMPLOYER WHO IS UNABLE TO FILL A PROFESSIONAL VACANCY LOCALLY WILL BE WELCOME TO RECRUIT FROM OUTSIDE HONG KONG. ONCE HE IS ABLE TO SATISFY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION THAT HIS PROSPECTIVE RECRUIT IS PROFESSIONALLY QUALIFIED AND WILL BE PAID GOING HONG KONG WAGES. AN EMPLOYMENT VISA WILL BE ISSUED PROMPTLY.
"I ENCOURAGE ALL EMPLOYERS TO MAKE GOOD USE OF THIS FACILITY. SIR DAVID SAID.
-----0-----
POSITION ON NATIONALITY ISSUE UNCHANGED *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY. THE HON SIR DAVID FORD. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE ADMINISTRATION’S POSITION ON THE NATIONALITY ISSUE HAS NOT CHANGED AND IT CONTINUES TO BELIEVE THAT RESTORING THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE UK FOR HONG KONG BRITISH NATIONALS WOULD PROVIDE A BROAD BASE FOR REBUILDING LOCAL CONFIDENCE.
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS NATURALLY DISAPPOINTED BY MINISTERIAL STATEMENTS THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE IN UK POLITICAL TERMS FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO GRANT SUCH A RIGHT TO ALL BRITISH NATIONALS IN HONG KONG.
"BUT WE UNDERSTAND THAT THERE IS LIKELY BE A LIMITED SCHEME BASED ON CITIZENSHIP WHICH WILL NOT REQUIRE A BENEFICIARY TO LEAVE HONG KONG TO OBTAIN HIS RIGHT OF ABODE IN UK.
'‘WE CERTAINLY BELIEVE THAT SUCH A SCHEME IS BETTER THAN NO SCHEME AT ALL AND THE ADMINISTRATION HAS BEEN CONSIDERING HOW A GOOD MEASURE OF LOCAL CONFIDENCE COULD BE RESTORED WITHIN SUCH A PACKAGE.
"WE BELIEVE THAT. GIVEN MORE WORK HERE AND IN LONDON. THERE IS ADVANTAGE IN ACTIVELY SUPPORTING THIS SCHEME WITH THE OBJECTIVE. AS YOU SIR SAID IN YOUR ADDRESS. OF TRYING TO ENSURE THAT IT IS AS GENEROUS AS POSSIBLE. AND THAT IT IS TO THE GREATEST EXTENT POSSIBLE TAILORED TO HONG KONG’S NEEDS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.” HE SAID.
IN SELECTING LIKELY BENEFICIARIES. THE GOVERNMENT HAD SUGGESTED TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD TARGET THOSE OCCUPATIONS IN HONG KONG WHICH WERE MOST VULNERABLE TO SERIOUS DEPLETlOiN THROUGH EMIGRATION. AND THOSE WHICH WERE LIKELY TO BE PUT UNDER PARTICULAR PRESSURE ARISING FROM THE CHANGE OF SOVEREIGNTY.
"A HIGH PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THOSE OCCUPATIONS IT WOULD BE PARTICULARLY EXPENSIVE AND TIME-CONSUMING TO REPLENISH. THE SCHEME SHOULD HAVE SPECIAL REGARD FOR THE DEPENDANTS OF THE PRINCIPAL BENEFICIARIES." HE SAID.
/SIR DAVID
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 10 -
SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT SUGGESTED THAT THE MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO BENEFITTED FROM THE UK CITIZENSHIP SCHEME SHOULD BE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR RATHER THAN IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.
’’USING THESE CRITERIA AND A REASONABLY GENEROUS OVERALL FIGURE. SUCH A SCHEME SHOULD BE ABLE TO RETAIN IN HONG KONG ACTIVE MEMBERS OF A BROAD SPECTRUM OF OCCUPATIONS IN SUFFICIENT NUMBERS TO SUSTAIN A VIBRANT ECONOMY AND AN EFFECTIVE ADMINISTRATION UP TO AND BEYOND 1997.
“WHILE ANY LIMITED SCHEME IS BOUND TO BE DIVISIVE TO SOME EXTENT WE BELIEVE THAT THE USE OF SUCH CRITERIA WOULD BE MORE READILY UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTABLE BY HONG KONG PEOPLE AND THAT THE SCHEME WOULD BE GENERALLY WELCOMED.'* THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
---0------
PERIOD OF ECONOMIC CONSOLIDATION INEVITABLE
*****
THERE IS A POSITIVE SIDE TO THE CONTINUED SLOWING DOWN OF THE GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY IN THAT THE REDUCTION OF PRESSURE ON CAPACITY SHOULD HELP TO REDUCE INFLATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
LEADING OFF REPLIES BY OFFICIALS IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, SIR PIERS SAID CURRENTLY HONG KONG WAS EXPERIENCING MORE MODERATE GROWTH FOR BOTH THE EXTERNAL AND THE DOMESTIC SECTORS.
"WE MUST REMEMBER THAT WE HAVE ENJOYED THREE SUCCESSIVE YEARS OF REMARKABLE GROWTH, AND IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES A PERIOD OF CONSOLIDATION IS INEVITABLE," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT ON TOP OF THIS PREDICTABLE ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT, THE EVENTS IN CHINA IN JUNE HAD ADVERSELY AFFECTED A NUMBER OF SECTORS.
"SOME HAVE SUFFERED MORE THAN OTHERS, BUT. NEVERTHELESS, I AM HAPPY TO SAY THAT THERE HAS AGAIN BEEN A STEADY INCREASE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS. A CLEAR INDICATION OF OUR ECONOMIC VITALITY AND RESILIENCE," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT IxN THE SHORT TERM INFLATION WAS THE MAJOR CONCERN, SIR PIERS SAID ALTHOUGH THE LABOUR MARKET WAS STILL GENERALLY TIGHT. THERE WAS SOME EVIDENCE THAT THE WORKFORCE WAS NOW MORE STABLE WITH LESS JOB-HOPPING THAN BEFORE WHICH SHOULD HELP REDUCE THE PRESSURE ON WAGES.
"THE CURRENT RATE OF INFLATION AT AROUND 10 PER CENT, AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A), IS SOMEWHAT TOO HIGH FOR COMFORT, BUT TO THE EXTENT THAT MOST OF THE CURRENT INFLATIONARY PRESSURES ARE GENERATED DOMESTICALLY. THE RATE OF . INFLATION CAN BE EXPECTED TO EASE AS THE ECONOMY SLOWS DOWN FURTHER." HE SAID.
/"THE PERFORMANCE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
11
"THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY IS, OF COURSE, THE FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH WE PLAN OUR PROGRAMMES OF EXPENDITURE, AND IT IS THEREFORE ESSENTIAL THAT WE MONITOR CAREFULLY ITS DEVELOPMENT," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
HE NOTED A SUGGESTION THAT AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO OVERSEE AND ADVISE ON THE ENTIRE RANGE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN HONG KONG.
"THIS IMAGINATIVE AND HELPFUL SUGGESTION TIES IN WELL WITH OUR INTENTION TO REVIEW THE STRUCTURE AND MEMBERSHIP OF THE ECONOMIC REVIEW COMMITTEE SO AS TO IMPROVE THE DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR," SIR PIERS SAID, ADDING THAT HE HOPED TO BE ABLE TO CONCLUDE THIS REVIEW SHORTLY.
---------------------0------- TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WILL PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE
THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE IN THE AREA OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF PROVIDING THE NECESSARY SUPPORT SERVICES TO MAINTAIN AN EFFICIENT MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY' (WEDNESDAY).
SIR PIERS SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO ADD TO THE RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WOULD PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN DEVELOPING HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL CAPABILITY.
"THE CENTRE’S PROVISIONAL BOARD, TO BE ESTABLISHED NEXT YEAR, WILL NEED TO WORK CLOSELY WITH THE INDUSTRIAL, BUSINESS AND ACADEMIC COMMUNITIES.
"AS WITH OTHER PARTS OF OUR SUPPORTING INFRASTRUCTURE, THE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WILL RESPOND TO THE DEMANDS OF INDUSTRY, RATHER THAN SEEK TO CHANNEL INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN PREDETERMINED DIRECTIONS," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY' SAID WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE TECHNOLOGY CENTRE. THE GOVERNMENT’S ESSENTIAL PHILOSOPHY OF ALLOWING MARKET FORCES TO DETERMINE THE DIRECTION TAKEN BY INDUSTRY WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED. BUT THAT A GAP IN THE INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD HAVE BEEN FILLED.
"THIS MARKET-LED APPROACH RECOGNISES THAT INDUSTRIALISTS AND BUSINESSMEN ARE BEST PLACED TO DECIDE UPON THE DIRECTION OF THEIR UNDERTAKINGS.
"GENERALLY, THIS MUST BE PREFERRED TO A GOVERNMENT-LED INDUSTRIAL STRATEGY. CERTAINLY IT IS THE WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG HAS PROSPERED," HE SAID.
/THE FINANCIAL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
12 -
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE DID NOT UNDERESTIMATE THE CHALLENGES NOW FACED BY INDUSTRIALISTS. WHO MUST ADOPT NEW TECHNOLOGY TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE.
’’THOSE INDUSTRALISTS WHO ARE WILLING TO CONFRONT THESE CHALLENGES CAN OBTAIN TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. IF NECESSARY. FROM A RANGE OF PUBLICLY-FUNDED BODIES. SUCH AS THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL. THE CAPABILITIES OF WHICH HAVE BEEN EXPANDED RAPIDLY IN RECENT YEARS TO MEET OUR CHANGING NEEDS.” SIR PIERS SAID.
TURNING TO REFERENCES MADE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO HONG KONG’S CONTINUED PROSPERITY. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE GOVERNMENT ALREADY PROVIDED PRACTICAL ENCOURAGEMENT FOR THIS THROUGH THE EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION DESIGNED TO INCREASE THE SUPPLY OF GRADUATES IN THESE FIELDS.
"MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE. AND SO WE ARE LOOKING AT IMPROVED ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENGAGING OUR INDUSTRIAL AND ACADEMIC COMMUNITIES IN THE WHOLE AREA OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND APPLIED RESEARCH." HE SAID.
"OUR AIM IS TO MAKE EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE USE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD AND THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY. AND I AM CONSIDERING AS A MATTER OF PRIORITY HOW THIS MIGHT BE ACHIEVED," HE ADDED.
SIR PIERS SAID THAT IT WAS PROBABLY BETTER TO BUILD ON WHAT WE HAD RATHER THAN SWEEPING IT AWAY AND STARTING AGAIN. BUT HE SHARED THE VIEW THAT MUCH HAD BEEN ACHIEVED IN HONG KONG SO FAR. AND THAT WE WERE FACING NEW CHALLENGES THAT HAD TO BE MET.
TURNING TO THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID FOLLOWING THE REFORM OF THE HONG KONG STOCK EXCHANGE IN JULY 1988. THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION WAS ESTABLISHED IN MAY THIS YEAR AND THE HONG KONG FUTURES EXCHANGE WAS RECONSTITUTED IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH.
"ALL THESE MAJOR CHANGES TOOK PLACE AS SWIFTLY AS POSSIBLE AFTER THE OCTOBER 1987 CRASH. AS A COMMUNITY WE CAN BE JUSTLY PROUD OF WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED SO FAR." HE SAID.
NOTING RECENT CONCERNS EXPRESSED THAT AS A RESULT OF THE SUCCESSFUL REFORMS HONG KONG MIGHT BE DRIFTING INTO OVER-REGULATION OF THE MARKETS, SIR PIERS SAID : "LET ME SAY EMPHATICALLY THAT WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF LETTING OUR MARKETS BE STRANGLED IN THIS WAY, NOR DO WE INTEND SLAVISHLY TO FOLLOW PRECEDENTS ESTABLISHED ELSEWHERE."
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER-REGULATION WAS ALSO A DANGER AND THAT THE OCTOBER 1987 CRASH HAD HIGHLIGHTED A NUMBER OF SERIOUS INADEQUACIES IN THE MARKET SYSTEMS AND IN THE OVERALL REGULATORY REGIME.
"IF WE ARE TO HAVE A MARKET WHICH BEARS COMPARISON WITH THE BEST FINANCIAL MARKETS IN THE WORLD. THEN THE SYSTEM OF REGULATION THAT WE ADOPT MUST BE ADEQUATE.
/’’AND IF..........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"AND IF THE MARKET IS TO ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, RATHER THAN THEN THERE MUST BE STANDARDS AND
BE DEVELOPED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FOR THE BENEFIT OF A SMALL MINORITY, SAFEGUARDS." SIR PIERS SAID.
"THERE IS A CAREFUL BALANCE TO BE STRUCK AND I BELIEVE WE SHALL ACHIEVE IF REGULATORS AND MARKET PLAYERS DISCUSS AND DEBATE TOGETHER IN A CONSTRUCTIVE MANNER. THEY HAVE BEEN DOING SO AND I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO," HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF REGULATION WAS AN IMPORTANT STATUTORY OBJECTIVE OF THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION. AND ADDED: "THIS IS ONE AREA TO WHICH I AND THE COMMISSION ARE FULLY COMMITTED."
-----0-----
EXPANSION OF KAI TAK AIRPORT’S CAPACITY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO BUILD A NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK, AS THE KEY ELEMENT IN THE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY, WILL DO MUCH TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY WELL INTO THE NEXT CENTURY. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR PIERS SAID BEFORE THE NEW AIRPORT WAS BUILT, IMPROVEMENTS MUST BE MADE TO KAI TAK AIRPORT SO THAT IT COULD HANDLE THE GROWTH IN TRAFFIC.
HE SAID THERE WAS A LIMIT, BECAUSE OF OBVIOUS GEOGRAPHICAL CONSTRAINTS, AS TO HOW MUCH THE EXISTING CAPACITY OF KAI TAK COULD BE EXPANDED TO DEAL WITH HIGH GROWTH.
A CONSULTANCY COMMISSIONED TO EXAMINE THE AIRPORT’S ABILITY TO COPE WITH FORECAST TRAFFIC GROWTH CONCLUDED THAT UNLESS VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE TO KAI TAK, THE AIRPORT COULD REACH THE LIMITS OF ITS CAPACITY AS EARLY AS 1993. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
"WE HAVE ACCEPTED THE CONSULTANTS’ RECOMMENDATIONS THAT A MAJOR
PROGRAMME OF IMPROVEMENT WORKS SHOULD
BE UNDERTAKEN
HE SAID.
OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, AT AN ESTIMATED COST OF ABOUT $3 BILLION, KAI TAK’S CAPACITY WOULD BE EXPANDED THROUGH A PROGRAMME OF WORKS AIMED PRIMARILY AT EXPANDING APRON FACILITIES TO PROVIDE MORE SPACE FOR AIRCRAFT PARKING, SIR PIERS SAID.
"THE FIRST TWO ADDITIONAL FULLY SERVICED PARKING BAYS SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY 1992. ONCE COMPLETED, THE AIRPORT’S CAPACITY WILL BE INCREASED FROM 20 MILLION TO 24 MILLION PASSENGERS A YEAR," HE SAID.
/’’THIS SHOULD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 14 -
"THIS SHOULD ENABLE US TO COPE WITH THE FORECAST GROWTH UP TO ABOUT 1996. THEREAFTER, THERE WILL BE SEVERE CONSTRAINTS ON ANY FURTHER GROWTH," HE ADDED.
"IT IS IN ORDER TO MINIMISE THE ECONOMIC DISBENEFITS FLOWING FROM THESE CONSTRAINTS THAT WE HAVE SET OURSELVES THE AMBITIOUS TARGET OF OPENING THE FIRST RUNWAY AT CHEK LAP KOK AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN 1997," THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
A BILL SEEKING TO ESTABLISH THE PROVISIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY WAS EXPECTED TO BE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL EARLY NEXT YEAR. AND STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN TO RECRUIT A PERSON OF APPROPRIATE CALIBRE TO FILL THE POST OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE TO THE AUTHORITY, SIR PIERS SAID.
A COMPUTERISED MASTER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WHICH WOULD ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE CO-ORDINATION OF THE MANY INTER-RELATED PROJECTS INVOLVED IN FACILITATING THE OPENING OF THE AIRPORT IN 1997 WAS NOW BEING WORKED ON. HE SAID.
"IT WILL BE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO SLIPPAGE IN THE PROGRAMME FOR THE PROVISION OF AIRPORT-RELATED TRANSPORT PROJECTS. SUCH AS THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING AND ASSOCIATED ROADS." HE ADDED.
FOR THE AIRPORT ITSELF. THE IMMEDIATE TASK WAS THE PREPARATION OF A DETAILED AIRPORT MASTER PLAN AND THERE WERE A NUMBER OF RELATED CIVIL ENGINEERING DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDIES TO BE CARRIED OUT. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
"WE SHALL AT THE SAME TIME ACQUIRE LAND AND COMMENCE PRELIMINARY ON-SITE WORKS," HE ADDED.
SIR PIERS NOTED THAT THERE WERE PRUDENT CONCERNS EXPRESSED ABOUT THE RISKS AND PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN SUCH AN ENORMOUS UNDERTAKING WITH REFERENCES MADE TO THE LARGE DEMAND FOR LABOUR RESULTING FROM THESE DEVELOPMENTS. THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WOULD BE ABLE TO COPE, AND THE LIKELY EFFECTS ON OVERALL DEMAND IN THE ECONOMY AND ON INFLATION.
"WE ARE ACUTELY' CONSCIOUS OF THESE PROBLEMS. CLEARLY, WE NEED TO SPREAD OUT THE CONSTRUCTION WORKLOAD AS FAR AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THE PRESSURE ON COSTS.
"MOREOVER. GIVEN THE LARGE ADDITIONAL DEMAND FOR LABOUR FOR MANY YEARS TO COME AGAINST THE SLOW INCREASE IN LABOUR SUPPLY, WE HAVE TO FIND WAYS OF USING OUR LABOUR RESOURCES IN THE MOST EFFECTIVE MANNER." HE SAID.
"WE MUST INCREASE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH THE USE OF ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT, AND THROUGH BETTER TRAINING OF OUR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS." HE ADDED.
/THE FINANCIAL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED ON TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET. THE GOVERNMENT MIGHT HAVE TO RE-EXAMINE THE NEEDS IN RELATION TO THE IMPORTATION OF ADDITIONAL LABOUR.
"WE MUST, NEVERTHELESS, ACKNOWLEDGE THE CONCERN OF THE LOCAL WORKFORCE REGARDING THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS ON WAGES AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES," SIR PIERS SAID.
- - 0 - -
STRICT OBSERVANCE OF PRIORITIES REQUIRED
*****
THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE RESOURCES NEEDED FOR THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY CAN BE SECURED, BUT THIS WILL TAKE DETERMINATION. STRICT OBSERVANCE OF PRIORITIES AND SELF-DISCIPLINE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"FUNDING ON THIS UNPRECEDENTED SCALE WILL REQUIRE AN EQUALLY UNPRECEDENTED EFFORT FROM ALL OF US," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE WAS ONLY TOO AWARE OF THE DEMANDS ON HONG KONG’S RESOURCES -- FINANCIAL, PHYSICAL AND HUMAN — THAT THE PROGRAMME WOULD REQUIRE.
HE SAID THE PROGRAMME HAD NOT BEEN ADOPTED LIGHTLY OR WITHOUT THE MOST PAINSTAKING CONSIDERATION OF WHAT WAS ENTAILED.
"AS REGARDS TO FINANCING. I AM CONFIDENT THAT THE NECESSARY RESOURCES CAN BE FOUND. ALTHOUGH THE TOTAL COST IS HIGH, I AM ALSO CONFIDENT THAT IT IS NOT SO HIGH THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD IT.
"INDEED. WE CANNOT AFFORD NOT TO PROCEED WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS INVOLVED GIVEN THEIR IMPORTANCE TO OUR CONTINUED WELL-BEING," HE SAID.
NOTING THAT IMPLEMENTATION MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY RIGOROUS CONTROL OVER PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, SIR PIERS ADDED: "WE SHALL HAVE TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT IN PROVIDING RESOURCES FOR OTHER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND SCRUTINISE CLOSELY EXPENDITURE ON EXISTING SERVICES."
"IN CONSIDERING WHAT WE CAN AFFORD. WE SHOULD NOT FORGET THE LONGER TERM BENEFITS ACCRUING FROM THE EVENTUAL RELEASE OF THE LAND CURRENTLY OCCUPIED BY KAI TAK.
"THE FACT THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECTS IS SPREAD OVER MANY YEARS WILL ALSO GIVE US SCOPE TO PHASE EXPENDITURE CAREFULLY," HE SAID.
/"THERE IS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 16 -
"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS WILL PROVE ATTRACTIVE TO PRIVATE SECTOR INVESTORS OR LENDERS BY VIRTURE OF THE REVENUE THEY WILL GENERATE," HE ADDED.
AS FOR THE AIRPORT. THE INITIAL THINKING WAS THAT THE AIRPORT AUTHORITY. LIKE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION. WOULD BE FUNDED THROUGH GOVERNMENT EQUITY AND PRIVATE LOAN FINANCE, SIR PIERS SAID.
"BUT WE HAVE NOT RULED OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF INVOLVING PRIVATE EQUITY AT A LATER STAGE." HE ADDED.
"WE ARE BUILDING HERE ON OUR SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE IN PRIVATE SECTOR FINANCING OF MAJOR PROJECTS SUCH AS ROAD TUNNELS, RAILWAYS AND CONTAINER TERMINALS.
"WE SHALL ALSO BE ABLE,
OUR ACCUMULATED RESERVES," THE
IF NECESSARY. TO DRAW TO SOME EXTENT ON. FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT.
SIR PIERS NOTED THAT $7 BILLION HAD ALREADY BEEN SET ASIDE FOR THIS PURPOSE BUT WARNED THAT IF HONG KONG WAS TO REMAIN ATTRACTIVE TO INVESTORS, THERE WAS A NEED TO ENSURE THAT OUR FINANCIAL POSITION, INCLUDING OUR RESERVES, REMAINED STRONG.
"TO ACHIEVE THIS, WE MUST TAKE A MEASURED, PRUDENT AND STRUCTURED APPROACH TO THE MANAGEMENT OF OUR FINANCES," HE SAID.
"IN SHORT. I AM CONFIDENT THAT WE AS A COMMUNITY CAN AFFORD THIS AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME. BUT TO DO SO IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO BE REALISTIC, CRITICAL. AND DISCIPLINED ABOUT OUR OTHER PRIORITIES, AND THE RESOURCES DEVOTED TO EXISTING SERVICES." HE ADDED.
"WE SHALL HAVE TO EXERCISE FIRM FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE IN ALL AREAS OF GOVERNMENT ACTIVITY. NOT ONLY IN NEW PROJECTS AND NEW SERVICES, BUT AS IMPORTANTLY IN THE EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE DELIVERY OF EXISTING SERVICES," HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID A VIGOROUS ATTACK ON BASELINE OR ON-GOING EXPENDITURE WOULD BE A CRUCIAL ELEMENT IN SECURING THE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES NEEDED.
"IN OTHER WORDS. ALL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE MUST BE PUT UNDER SCRUTINY AND SUBJECTED TO SEARCHING ANALYSIS AND ENQUIRY.
"AS ONE MEMBER MENTIONED, THERE IS A NEED TO PHASE OTHER DEVELOPMENTS TO MINIMISE THE IMPACT OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT RELATED PROJECTS ON OUR RESOURCES. I WOULD ONLY ADD THAT THIS ALSO APPLIES TO SERVICES, AND NOT JUST INFRASTRUCTURAL OR OTHER DEVELOPMENTS." HE ADDED.
AS A FIRST STEP TOWARDS CONTROLLING EXISTING EXPENDITURE AND ENCOURAGING REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF AND INCREASED EFFICIENCY, THE GOVERNMENT HAD INTRODUCED TIGHTER CONTROLS ON THE GROWTH OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. SIR PIERS NOTED.
/"SOME 9,000 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"SOME 9.000 VACANT POSTS ARE BEING DELETED FOR 1989-90 REPRESENTING POTENTIAL EXPENDITURE. INCLUDING ON COSTS, OF SOME Si.7 BILLION PER YEAR.
"FURTHERMORE. REQUESTS FOR ADDITIONAL POSTS FOR 1990-91 ARE BEING CUT FAR MORE RADICALLY THAN IN RECENT YEARS IN ORDER TO KEEP THE GROWTH IN STRENGTH DOWN TO ABOUT TWO PER CENT NEXT YEAR," HE SAID.
"WHILST WE ARE TRYING TO DO THIS SELECTIVELY, BEING LESS STRICT IN AREAS OF HIGH PRIORITY OR WHERE NEW PROJECTS ARE BEING COMPLETED AND NEED TO BE STAFFED, I MUST WARN THAT ALL AREAS WILL BE AFFECTED TO VARYING DEGREES," HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE HOPED THAT IN THE LONGER TERM THIS ENFORCED RESTRAINT WOULD PROVIDE A USEFUL STIMULUS, ENCOURAGING REASSESSMENT OF PRIORITIES, REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF AND INCREASED EFFICIENCY; AND ABOVE ALL, IT WOULD RELEASE RESOURCES FOR THE NEW INITIATIVES.
TURNING TO REFERENCES MADE TO TAXATION AND TO HIS SUGGESTION REGARDING THE INTRODUCTION OF A WHOLESALE TAX. SIR PIERS SAID THIS WAS MORE FOR THE BUDGET DEBATE NEXT YEAR.
"NEVERTHELESS. LET ME ASSURE MEMBERS THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF A WHOLESALE TAX IS NOT IMMINENT SO THERE IS NO CAUSE FOR UNDUE CONCERN AT THIS STAGE." HE SAID.
"I KNOW THAT I CAN RELY ON MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL AND COLLEAGUES IN THE CIVIL SERVICE TO ACCEPT AND UPHOLD THE CONSTRAINTS TO WHICH I HAVE REFERRED.
"I BELIEVE IT IS WELL UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED THAT IT IS NOW MORE NECESSARY THAN EVER TO ENSURE THAT ALL OUR RESOURCES ARE PROPERLY AND EFFICIENTLY DEPLOYED," SIR PIERS SAID.
------0-------
CONTINUED EFFICIENCY OF PORT IS VITAL * * * * *
THE CONTINUED EFFICIENCY OF HONG KONG’S PORT IS THE VERY LIFE BLOOD OF THE TERRITORY AND STEPS MUST BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT NOTHING IS DONE TO IMPAIR ITS EFFICENCY AND GOOD ORDER, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. MRS CHAN SAID THE PROPOSED PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD WOULD GO SOME WAY TO ENSURING THIS, BUT THAT WE MUST REMAIN BOTH VIGILANT AND FLEXIBLE.
/"GIVEN THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 18 -
’’GIVEN THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN PORT TRAFFIC, THE CONSTANT INCURSION INTO THE AVAILABLE WATER SPACE BY NEW RECLAMATIONS AND THE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENTS FIRMLY PLANNED. WE MUST ENSURE WE HAVE IN PLACE THE MECHANISM TO KEEP OUR PORT MANAGEMENT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW,’’ SHE SAID.
”OUR INTENTION IS THAT THE BOARD SHOULD COME INTO OPERATION IN APRIL NEXT YEAR. BEFORE THEN WE WILL NEED TO TAKE A CRITICAL LOOK AT THE PORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE STRUCTURE TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO OVERLAP.” SHE ADDED.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THERE WAS A SUGGESTION THAT A PORT AUTHORITY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN PLACE OF THE PROPOSED PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO DISAGREEMENT THAT MANAGEMENT OF THE PORT WAS CRUCIAL TO THE TERRITORY’S CONTINUED ABILITY TO HANDLE CARGOES.
"THE EXISTING SYSTEM RELIES ON A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT. WHICH LARGELY CONTROLS THE WATERSPACE, AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR, WHICH LARGELY OWNS AND OPERATES THE WHARVES AND TERMINALS.
"THIS SYSTEM HAS SERVED US WELL FOR MANY, MANY YEARS. BUT IT HAS AN IMPORTANT WEAKNESS, BROUGHT ABOUT BY THE SCALE OF LAND AND TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS NOW NEEDED TO SERVICE THE PORT," MRS CHAN SAID.
"ON THE SEAWARD SIDE, WE HAVE COPED WELL WITH GEARING OUR PORT TO HANDLE THE ENORMOUS CONTAINER SHIPS WHICH ENTER AND LEAVE HARBOUR, NEARLY 30 TIMES A DAY.
"BUT WE HAVE BEEtN LESS SUCCESSFUL IN COPING WITH THEIR CARGOES -- STORAGE ALONE REQUIRES VAST AMOUNTS OF LAND; TRANSPORT OF CONTAINERS TO AND FROM THE PORT HAS MADE GREAT DEMANDS ON OUR ROAD SYSTEM.
"AS DEMANDS ON THE PORT CONTINUE TO INCREASE WE SHALL NEED GREATER CO-ORDINATION BETWEEN THE MARINE AND THE LAND ASPECTS OF THE OPERATION," MRS CHAN SAID.
THIS, PLUS THE GROWING NEED TO HAVE A CENTRAL FOCUS FOR ALL MATTERS CONCERNING THE PORT. LED TO THE EXAMINATION OF THE OPTIONS OPEN FOR BETTER PORT MANAGEMENT.
IN THE PADS STUDY A PORT AUTHORITY OWNING, MANAGING AND OPERATING ALL OR PART OF THE PORT AND ITS CARGO HANDLING INFRASTRUCTURE WAS ONE OF THE OPTIONS THAT WAS CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
"THE REALITY IS THAT OUR PRESENT PRACTICE WHEREBY GOVERNMENT PROVIDES THE FRAMEWORK AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PROVIDES THE INVESTMENT, THE OPERATING SKILLS AND TAKES DECISIONS ON INVESTMENT ON THE BASIS OF PRUDENT COMMERCIAL PRINCIPLES HAS SERVED US WELL.
/"IT IS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 19$ 9
- 19 -
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO PARTICIPATE IN PORT DEVELOPMENT. WE HAVE JUDGED THAT THE CREATION OF A FULLY FLEDGED PORT AUTHORITY MIGHT NOT ENABLE THIS OBJECTIVE TO BE MET." MRS CHAN SAID.
"MOREOVER. FOR A PORT AUTHORITY TO MANAGE EFFECTIVELY, IT WOULD NEED TO HAVE SOME SAY OVER THE WAYS IN WHICH LAND IS DISPOSED. LAND IS A VERY SCARCE RESOURCE IN HONG KONG AND GIVEN THE MANY COMPETING DEMANDS, IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO RETAIN CONTROL OVER LAND DISPOSAL IN ORDER TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF THIS SCARCE RESOURCE," SHE ADDED.
IN PROVIDING THE NECESSARY FRAMEWORK, THE GOVERNMENT MUST WORK IN A MORE CO-ORDINATED WAY. THE SECRETARY SAID. ADDING THAT THE AIM WAS TO PROVIDE A FAR MORE ORGANISED SYSTEM FOR THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATION OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT PROCESS.
"THIS IS THAT THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD WITH ITS WIDELY BASED MEMBERSHIP AND ITS COMPLEMENT OF MULTI-DISCIPLINED PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS WILL BE EXPECTED TO ACHIEVE," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT HARDLY A MONTH PASSED WITHOUT THE NUMBER OF SHIPS ENTERING THE PORT AND THE VOLUMES OF CARGO THEY LOADED OR DISCHARGED REACHING NEW HEIGHTS.
"ALL THIS WITHOUT SIGNIFICANT DELAYS TO SCHEDULES AND WITH A VERY HIGH DEGREE OF SAFETY," SHE SAID, ADDING THAT THE NEW VESSEL TRAFFIC SYSTEM INAUGURATED EARLIER THIS YEAR WAS ALREADY PROVING ITS WORTH.
"I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT THE PORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD WILL SEE TO IT THAT INNOVATION AND BETTER CO-ORDINATION BECOME A PART OF THE DAILY LIFE OF THE PORT.
"WE EXPECT THAT THIS BOARD WILL FAST BECOME THE SINGLE ENTITY TO WHOM PORT USERS AND INDUSTRY PARTICIPANTS CAN DIRECT THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PORT," MRS CHAN SAID.
-------0----------
TELECOMMUNICATIONS FIELD DEVELOPING RAPIDLY » * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO EXPLORE WAYS OF EXPANDING THE SCOPE FOR COMPETITION IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS. THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES. THE HON ANSON CHAN. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"WE RECOGNISE THAT THE CONTINUING SUCCESS OF THIS STRATEGY IS CRUCIALLY DEPENDENT ON HAVING A TELECOMMUNICATIONS REGULATORY SYSTEM THAT IS SUITABLY ADAPTED TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING TELECOMMUNICATIONS SCENE." MRS CHAN SAID.
/REFERRING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
20
REFERRING TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT THREE MONTHS AGO OF HONG KONG CABLE COMMUNICATIONS’ SELECTION AS THE FUTURE CABLE TELEVISION LICENSEE. SHE SAID IN ADDITION TO CARRYING CABLE TELEVISION. THE NETWORK TO BE PROVIDED BY THE CABLE TELEVISION OPERATOR WOULD ALSO BE ALLOWED TO CARRY NON-FRANCHISED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.
THESE WOULD BE MAINLY BUSINESS-ORIENTED DATA AND FACSIMILE SERVICES. AND THE SECOND NETWORK WOULD BE OPERATING IN DIRECT COMPETITION WITH THE EXISTING NETWORK OWNED AND OPERATED BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY.
"CUSTOMERS WILL FOR THE FIRST TIME HAVE A CHOICE OF WIRED NETWORKS. IN THE SAME WAY THAT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE A CHOICE OF MOBILE TELEPHONE AND PAGING NETWORKS.
"THE ENORMOUS SUCCESS OF PAGING AND MOBILE TELEPHONE SERVICES IN THE LOCAL MARKET AMPLY DEMONSTRATES THE ADVANTAGES OF COMPETITIVE PROVISION." SHE SAID.
THE PRESENCE OF A SECOND NETWORK WOULD ALSO HAVE A POSITIVE STIMULATING EFFECT ON THE ENTIRE NON-FRANCHISED TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR.
"WE EXPECT TO SEE A WIDER RANGE OF SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AT LOWER PRICES." SHE SAID.
AS HONG KONG ALREADY HAD A FIRST CLASS TELECOMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTURE. THE SECOND NETWORK SHOULD IMPROVE ITS COMPETITIVE POSITION AND ENHANCE ITS ATTRACTIVENESS TO OVERSEAS COMPANIES AS THE LEADING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN REGION.
MRS CHAN SAID HONG KONG CABLE COMMUNICATIONS HAD BEEN GEARING UP FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF ITS CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK CONSTRUCTION IN THE EARLY PART OF 1990.
IN SPITE OF THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF DETAILED PREPARATORY WORK REQUIRED FOR A PROJECT OF THIS MAGNITUDE. THE COMPANY APPEARED TO BE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS AT THIS STAGE TO MEET ITS TARGET • OF BEGINNING CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE IN 1991.
FOR ITS PART. THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY PREPARING DRAFT LEGISLATION TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE ISSUING OF LICENCES TO THE COMPANY.
"WE EXPECT TO PRESENT THESE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS TO THIS COUNCIL EARLY IN THE COMING YEAR." MRS CHAN SAID.
CABLE TELEVISION OFFERED THE PROSPECT OF A WIDER RANGE OF HOME ENTERTAINMENT IN HONG KONG. SHE SAID.
"FROM THE FOUR CHANNELS NOW AVAILABLE. VIEWING CHOICE WILL
INCREASE TO BETWEEN 15 AND 20 CHANNELS OF NEWS. ENTERTAINMENT AND
EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL AT A COST OF $120 TO $150 PER MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE YEARS.
/"MINORITY INTERESTS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
21
"MINORITY INTERESTS WILL BE CATERED FOR MORE FULLY THAN IS POSSIBLE IN A CONVENTIONAL TELEVISION SYSTEM.
"APART FROM ENRICHING VIEWERS’ CHOICE. THE DEVELOPMENT OF CABLE TELEVISION WILL OPEN UP ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETAILERS AND ADVERTISERS AND STIMULATE GROWTH IN THE LOCAL PROGRAMME PRODUCTION INDUSTRY.
"A STEADY SUPPLY OF LOCAL PROGRAMMES MARKETED TO CHINESE
COMMUNITIES OVERSEAS SHOULD ALSO HELP TO ENCOURAGE INTEREST IN MAINTAINING LINKS WITH HONG KONG." SHE SAID.
-----0------
HELP BEING CONSIDERED FOR IVORY WORKERS
THE GOVERNMENT IS URGENTLY CONSIDERING HOW. IF AT ALL. IT CAN AMELIORATE THE EFFECTS OF THE BAN ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN IVORY. THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES. THE HON ANSON CHAN. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS CHAN NOTED THAT OVER THE YEARS HONG KONG HAD MADE QUIET. BUT VERY WORTHWHILE PROGRESS IN THE GREATER PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES TRADED THROUGH THE TERRITORY. BUT NONE HAD CAUGHT THE WORLD’S IMAGINATION AND PUBLIC ATTENTION MORE THAN THE INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO SAVE THE AFRICAN ELEPHANT FROM EXTINCTION.
"WE HAVE ARGUED IN THE INTERNATIONAL FORUM THAT TO PRESERVE THE ELEPHANT. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO RUIN THE TRADE.
"FAR BETTER, WE HAVE SAID. TO STOP THE KILLING. BUT MEET THE EXISTING BUT HOPEFULLY RESIDUAL DEMAND FOR IVORY FROM THE CONTROLLED STOCKS OF IVORY AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD FROM HONG KONG," SHE SAID.
HOWEVER, AS THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY HAD DETERMINED THAT INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN IVORY MUST CEASE, RESULTING TN IVORY TRADERS AND WORKERS . FACING VERY DIFFICULT TIMES AHEAD, THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO PROVIDE SOME HELP TO THOSE WORKERS WHO MIGHT LOSE THEIR JOBS.
"WE ARE WORKING ON A SCHEME TO RETRAIN THOSE WHO MAY SEEK NEW SKILLS AND. AT THE SAME TIME. ASSIST THOSE WHO MAY SEEK ALTERNATIVE JOBS IN FINDING SUITABLE OPENINGS." MRS CHAN SAID.
AS TO HELP FOR THE TRADERS. SHE SAID THERE COULD BE NO QUESTION OF THE GOVERNMENT COMPENSATING THEM FOR THEIR LOSSES AS THE BAN HAD BEEN IMPOSED ON HONG KONG. AS ON ALL OTHER PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES. BY THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY.
/MRS CHAN .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 22 -
MRS CHAN SAID ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT WAS GIVING ATTENTION TO THE IDEA OF AN INTERNATIONAL BUY-OUT FUND, WHICH HAD BEEN SUGGESTED. SHE WAS NOT OPTIMISTIC OF ITS SUCCESS.
"WE ARE. THEREFORE. TAKING FORWARD THE ENTERING OF A SHORT-TERM - AND I EMPHASISE ’SHORT TERM’ - RESERVATION TO ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME FOR TRADERS TO DISPOSE OF THEIR EXISTING BUSINESSES AND FOR THE RETRAINING SCHEME FOR IVORY CRAFTSMEN TO BE IMPLEMENTED." SHE CONCLUDED.
THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IS THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY UNDER THE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES.
-----0----------
RURAL PLANNING. IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY *****
IN AN ATTEMPT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM OF UNCONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT AND THE DETERIORATION OF THE RURAL ENVIRONMENT. THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT. OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, A RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY. THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES. THE HON ANSON CHAN. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MRS CHAN SAID THAT AS A CONTRIBUTION TO THIS STRATEGY, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, IN ADDITION TO ITS TECHNICAL AND CREDIT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO FARMERS. HAD ESTABLISHED AN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT FUND OF $5 MILLION FINANCED BY THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION.
SHE ADDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO CARRIED OUT A PILOT AGRICULTURAL LAND REHABILITATION SCHEME AT TWO SELECTED AREAS.
"WE HAVE OBTAINED ENCOURAGING RESULTS IN BRINGING 6.5 HECTARES OF FALLOW LAND BACK TO CULTIVATION SINCE JULY 1988.
"THE INTENTIOiN IS TO EXTEND THIS SCHEME TO TIE IN WITH THE REVISED RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY, SO AS TO UTILISE OUR FALLOW LAND FOR ACTIVE PRODUCTION," SHE SAID.
ON THE VALUABLE ROLE WHICH THE PRIMARY PRODUCERS PLAYED IN SATISFYING THE LOCAL DEMAND FOR FRESH FOOD. MRS CHAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IN THIS AREA WAS TO MAINTAIN A STEADY SUPPLY OF FRESH FOOD TO HONG KONG AT STABLE PRICES.
"OVER A THIRD OF THE VEGETABLES AND LIVE CHICKENS WE CONSUME COME FROM THE LOCAL FARMS: THE FISHERY INDUSTRY SUPPLIES THREE QUARTERS OF THE FISH WE CONSUME.
"THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES THUS PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN STABILISING FOOD SUPPLIES." SHE SAID.
/THE GOVERNMENT’S........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 2? -
THE GOVERNMENT’S ROLE WAS TO PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURAL SUPPORT SERVICES TO ENHANCE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY. SHE SAID. ADDING THAT THESE SERVICES HAD HELPED THE INDUSTRIES TO MODERNISE AND IMPROVE ON THEIR EFFICIENCY.
THE SECRETARY SAID THAT SHE WAS GRATEFUL TO THE VARIOUS ADVISORY BODIES, NOTABLY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD, AND THE FISH MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
TURNING TO MARICULTURE, WHICH WAS REGULATED UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE, MRS CHAN SAID IT HAD DEVELOPED RAPIDLY OVER THE PAST DECADE.
"BUT WE DO NEED TO ENSURE THAT ITS DEVELOPMENT IS SUCH THAT WHILST ITS PRODUCTIVE CAPACITY IS MAXIMISED. ITS IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT IS MINIMISED." SHE STRESSED.
SHE SAID THAT TO THIS END THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN ASSISTING FISH FARMERS THROUGH SEMINARS AND OTHER MEANS TO ADOPT BETTER HUSBANDRY PRACTICES AND TECHNIQUES TO HELP REDUCE LOSSES DUE TO RED TIDES AND FISH DISEASES AS WELL AS TO REDUCE THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.
A NUMBER OF STUDIES ON ARTIFICIAL FISHFEED, NUTRITION, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF FISH DISEASES. AND A SCIENTIFIC APPRAISAL OF THE CARRYING CAPACITY OF FISH CULTURE ZONES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT. SHE ADDED.
"WE ARE PRESENTLY REVIEWING OUR POLICY ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF MARICULTURE AND HAVE RECENTLY COMMISSIONED A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE INDUSTRY." MRS CHAN SAID.
ON CAPTURE FISHERIES, SHE NOTED THAT ASIDE FROM THE PROVISION OF REGULAR TECHNICAL SUPPORT SERVICES. SOME ENCOURAGING PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE TRIAL FISHING OF DEEP SEA PRAWNS.
PROGRESS WAS ALSO BEING MADE IN THE INTRODUCTION OF STEEL FISHING VESSELS AND THE TRAINING OF CREW FOR THEIR OPERATIONS HAD ALREADY COMMENCED. SHE ADDED.
TURNING TO FISH MARKETING, MRS CHAN POINTED MARKETING OF MARINE FISH THROUGH THE FISH MARKETING BEING ACTIVELY PROMOTED. WITH DUE ENFORCEMENT OF (MARKETING) ORDINANCE.
OUT THAT ORDERLY ORGANISATION WAS THE MARINE FISH
SHE SAID THAT EFFORTS AIMED AT COMBATTING ILLEGAL MARKETING, BOTH ON LAND AND AT SEA. HAD YIELDED ENCOURAGING RESULTS.
"IN PARTICULAR. ANTI-TRIAD MEASURES ALREADY INTRODUCED INTO THREE MAJOR MARKETS HAVE RESULTED IN IMPROVEMENTS IN MARKET ORDER. EFFICIENCY AND THROUGHPUT," SHE SAID.
SIMILAR MEASURES WOULD BE EXTENDED TO OTHER MARKETS IN THE NEAR FUTURE, SHE ADDED.
---0 -
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8, 1989
24 -
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FACTOR IMPORTANT IN PADS PLANNING
*****
THE CHEK LAP KOK STRATEGY WAS CHOSEN IN THE PORT DEVELOPMENT AS IT WOULD HAVE LESS ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL ANY OTHER OF THE SHORTLISTED STRATEGIES.
AND AIRPORT IMPACT THAN
THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING. ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR'S POLICY ADDRESS.
MR BARNES STRESSED THAT AT EVERY STAGE THERE WOULD BE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION FACTORS WOULD BE VERY IMPORTANT IN DETAILED PLANNING.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT A VERY REAL CONSEQUENCE OF THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (PADS) WAS A DECISIVE MOVE OF THE CENTRE OF GRAVITY OF HONG KONG TO THE WEST.
"BUT EVEN WITHOUT THE PADS IT WAS HAPPENING. MOST OF THE IMPORTANT NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENTS OF GUANGDONG WITH WHICH WE HAVE SUCH STRONG ECONOMIC LINKS, ARE IN THE WEST AND NORTH-WEST OR HAVE HAD ACCESS TO HONG KONG FROM THE WEST." MR BARNES SAID.
HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT IN A RECENT VISIT TO THE CITIES AND COUNTIES IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA WITH THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES. ONE OF THE STRONGEST IMPRESSIONS WITH WHICH THEY RETURNED WAS OF THE DEPENDENCE OF ALL THESE PLACES FOR ECONOMIC LEADERSHIP. PORT FACILITIES AND OVERSEAS CONTACTS ON THEIR COUNTRYMEN AND BUSINESS ACQUAINTANCES IN HONG KONG.
MR BARNES SAID HONG KONG MUST FOSTER CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THESE PLACES TO ENSURE THAT IT CONTINUED TO HOLD ITS PROPER PLACE AS THE MAJOR REGIONAL PORT AND SOURCE OF BUSINESS OF THE AREA.
"SO WE WILL GENERALLY BE DEVELOPING MORE OF A WESTERN BIAS IN OUR PLANNING. AND DURING 1990 AS WE STATED IN OUR PUBLICITY DOCUMENT FOR THE RURAL PLANNING AND IMPROVEMENT STRATEGY (RPIS). WE WILL BE PREPARING A NEW SUB-REGIONAL PLANNING STUDY FOR THE NORTH-WEST NEW TERRITORIES WHICH WILL PROVIDE FOR MUCH GREATER AREAS OF LAND TO BE ALLOCATED TO CONTAINER-RELATED AND PORT-RELATED USES," HE SAID.
FURTHER INDUSTRIAL AREAS WOULD BE PROVIDED IN TUEN MUN AND PERHAPS TIN SHUT WAI AND ALSO THROUGH PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RPIS. A MUCH MORE DETERMINED EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO SEGREGATE DIRTY INDUSTRY.
"ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THIS AREA WILL IN TURN GIVE STRONG SUPPORT TO THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING IN TIN SHUI WAI. WHERE THE FIRST BLOCKS WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1992.
"SO PRIORITY IS BEING GIVEN FOR THIS STUDY TO BE STARTED AS SOON AS THE METROPLAN STUDY IS COMPLETED IN APRIL." MR BARNES SAID.
/"THERE MAY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 25 -
"THERE MAY ALSO BE OTHER ADJUSTMENTS. BECAUSE WE MUST INVEST SO HEAVILY IN THE PORT AND AIRPORT AND IN THE SUPPORTING TOWNS. IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY THE START OF SITE WORKS IN TSEUNG KWAN 0 STAGE III. PART OF WHICH IS RELATED TO THE BUILDING OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN TIU KENG LENG.
"BUT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. WHICH IS KEEN TO REDEVELOP THIS AREA. IS LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF TAKING ON THE SCHEME ITSELF.
"IN ANY CASE. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EASTERN SIDE OF TSEUNG KWAN 0 FOR AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED AS IT IS LIKELY TO BE FINANCED FROM OTHER SOURCES.
"ANOTHER CONSEQUENCE OF DEVELOPMENT PRESSURES IN THE WEST IS THAT SAI KUNG. CLEARWATER BAY AND TAI PO INCLUDING THE DOUBLE HAVEN AREA BECOME MORE CRITICALLY NEEDED THAN EVER FOR RECREATION.
"WITH THE GAZETTING OF COUNTRY PARKS. GOOD DEVELOPMENT AND SEWERAGE SCHEMES IN OUR NEW TOWNS. AND WITH GAZETTING OF WATER QUALITY CONTROL ZONES IN TOLO HARBOUR AND PORT SHELTER. WE IN HONG KONG ARE PROBABLY DOING MORE OR LESS THE RIGHT THINGS TO CONSERVE THESE AREAS. ALTHOUGH OUR PROGRESS IS SLOW AND UNTIL WE HAVE NEW PLANNING LEGISLATION TO CONTROL LAND-USE IN THE AREAS OUTSIDE THF COUNTRY PARKS, WE ARE VERY VULNERABLE."
MR BARNES EXPRESSED CONCERN AT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SHENZHEN ECONOMIC ZONE.
"THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOME 13 KILOMETRES OF PORT ALONG YAN TIAN BAY AND THE ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED TO SUPPORT IT MUST. I FEAR. HAVE SOME EFFECT ON WATER QUALITY THROUGHOUT MIRS BAY.
"SO IT WILL BE MY AIM IN THE FUTURE DISCUSSIONS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WHICH WE HAVE AGREED TO HOLD WITH THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO SHOW THAT WE TOO HAVE A REAL INTEREST IN THE LOCAL WATER QUALITY.
"IT WAS A POINT WHICH I MADE RECENTLY IN OUR VISIT TO SHENZHEN ALSO." HE SAID.
ANOTHER AREA LIKELY TO BE SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECTED BY THE PADS WAS THE METROPOLITAN AREA COMPRISING HONG KONG. KOWLOON AND THE THREE CORNERED NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN. KWAI CHUNG AND TSING YI.
"ALL WILL BE CRITICALLY AFFECTED BY THE PREDICATED PORT AND AIRPORT MOVES AND LIFTING OF HEIGHT RESTRICTIONS WILL ADD NEW DIMENSIONS TO DEVELOPMENT," MR BARNES SAID. %
“MOREOVER. ALL WILL BE INCREASINGLY HAMPERED IN THEIR FUNCTIONS BY THE OBSOLESCENCE OF MANY OF THE BUILDINGS AND STREETS.
“THE METROPLAN LIKE THE NORTH-WEST SUB-REGIONAL STUDY IS A STRATEGY ON WHICH TO BASE BOTH PHYSICAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.
/’’AND IT..........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 26 -
"AND IT HAS A SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THE OVERALL QUALITY OF URBAN RENEWAL. IN WHICH OF COURSE THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ILDC) IS PLAYING AND WILL PLAY ITS PART."
MR BARNES SAID THESE WERE COMPLEX REDEVELOPMENT SCHEMES WHICH AFFECT LARGE NUMBERS OF RESIDENTS.
TO ENSURE THAT EQUITABLE REHOUSING AND COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS WERE GIVEN TO THOSE AFFECTED BY LDC’S PROPOSALS. HE HAD THE RESPONSIBILITY TO ASSESS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE CONCERNED DEPARTMENTS THE IMPACT OF EACH AND EVERY PROJECT PROPOSED.
"LDC PROJECTS ARE GIVEN PRIORITY WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY. A SPECIAL TEAM CALLED THE CO-ORDINATING URBAN RENEWAL TEAM HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE TO CO-ORDINATE WORK ON ALL THE LDC SCHEMES.
"WE ARE PRESENTLY DEALING WITH THE FIRST GENERATION OF SCHEMES WHICH ARE VERY LARGE AND WHICH WILL AFFECT A LOT OF PEOPLE. WE THINK THAT BETWEEN US WE ARE GETTING THEM RIGHT AND THAT IT WILL BE MUCH EASIER TO PROCESS SUBSEQUENT SCHEMES." HE SAID.
A SUM OF $390 MILLION HAD BEEN EARMARKED UNDER THE RESOURCE ALLOCATION SCHEME FOR EXPENDITURE ON RPIS CAPITAL WORKS IN 1989-94.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID THE IMPLICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TWO PER CENT ESTABLISHMENT GROWTH CEILING ON THIS WAS NOW BEING EXAMINED.
"AS THE RPIS IS STAFF INTENSIVE IN NATURE. SOME PROJECTS MAY HAVE TO BE DEFERRED UNTIL STAFF ARE AVAILABLE." HE SAID.
FURTHER CONSULTATION WITH LOCAL INTERESTS WOULD TAKE PLACE IN MID TO LATE 1990 ONCE THE REVISED SCOPE OF RPIS HAD BEEN DETERMINED.
IN RESPONSE TO FEARS EXPRESSED BY ONE MEMBER. MR BARNES SAID THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT’S REQUESTS FOR CAPITAL AND RECURRENT RESOURCES. ALTHOUGH NOT UNSCATHED BY PRESSURES TO ECONOMISE. SEEMED LIKELY TO BE LARGELY SUCCESSFUL.
"WE WILL. HOWEVER, HAVE TO CONTINUE TO ASSESS OUR PRIORITIES VERY CAREFULLY AND IN THIS CONNECTION I LIKE TO ASSURE MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS FOLLOWING NO SLAVISH LINE OF ADHERENCE TO OVERSEAS STANDARDS.
"THE STANDARDS WHICH WE ARE ADOPTING ARE WHAT WE SEE AS PRACTICAL AND PRACTICABLE MEANS OF REDUCING POLLUTION, WITH TOP PRIORITY BEING GIVEN TO MEASURES WHICH HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT ON HEALTH.
"THESE ARE. THE REDUCTION OF SULPHUR CONTENT IN FUEL OIL AND THE REMOVAL OF THE 30 PER CENT ALLOWANCE ON EXISTING LIQUID EFFLUENT DISCHARGES." HE SAID.
-----0-----
/27
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 27 -
TERRITORIAL TRANSPORT PLANS OUTLINED
*****
PLANNING FOR THE ESSENTIAL TRANSPORT LINKS TO THE REPLACEMENT AIRPORT HAS STARTED AND THE OVERALL TERRITORIAL TRANSPORT NETWORK PLAN IS BEING REVISED. THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT. THE BON MICHAEL LEUNG. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. MR LEUNG SAID THAT GUIDING THESE OVERALL DEVELOPMENTS WOULD BE THE WHITE PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY TO BE PUBLISHED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID THE THREE KEY AIRPORT-RELATED TRANSPORT PROJECTS COMPRISED THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY. THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING. AND THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
HE DESCRIBED THE NORTH LANTAU EXPRESSWAY AS A 12-KILOMETRE DUAL THREE-LANE CARRIAGEWAY ALONG THE NORTHERN COAST OF LANTAU WHOSE DESIGN WOULD BE REVIEWED EARLY’ NEXT YEAR WITH A VIEW TO STARTING CONSTRUCTION IN MID-1992.
MR LEUNG SAID THE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING WAS EVEN MORE COMPLEX THAN THE EXPRESSWAY. COMPRISING TWO CROSSINGS LINKING NORTH EAST LANTAU TO MA WAN AND FROM MA WAN TO TSING YI.
HE SAID: "ONE DESIGN UNDER CONSIDERATION IS A SUSPENSION BRIDGE WITH A SPAN OF ABOUT 1.1 KILOMETRES. THE LONGEST OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD.
"THE ALTERNATIVE OF USING IMMERSED TUBE CONSTRUCTION IS ALSO BEING INVESTIGATED.
"ONCE A DECISION IS MADE ON EITHER A BRIDGE OR A TUNNEL. DETAILED DESIGN WILL BEGIN."
THERE WOULD BE AN INTERSECTION AT TSING YI WITH ROUTE 3. A MAJOR TRUNK ROAD RECOMMENDED BY THE SECOND COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY (CTS-2).
"THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROUTE 3. INCLUDING THE WEST KOWLOON EXPRESSWAY AND THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING. WILL NOW BE ADVANCED AND TAILORED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW AIRPORT.
"A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE SECTION FROM YUEN LONG TO KWAI CHUNG HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED AND DETAILED DESIGN WILL FOLLOW SOON.
"WE ARE ALSO STARTING A DETAILED FEASIBILITY STUDY ON THE WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING, TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 12 MONTHS." MR LEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE AIRPORT RAILWAY WAS CRITICAL TO THE TRANSPORT STRATEGY SINCE THE ROAD SYSTEM WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO ABSORB ALL THE TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE NEW AIRPORT.
/"WE EXPECT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 28 -
"WE EXPECT THE RAILWAY TO CARRY AS MANY AS 50 PER CENT OF AIRPORT TRAVELLERS." HE SAID.
IT WOULD BE PURPOSELY DESIGNED AND BUILT TO OFFER THE MAXIMUM COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE TO AIRPORT USERS.
THE TERMINUS AT THE AIRPORT WOULD FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE AIR TERMINAL FACILITIES.
DEDICATED TRAINS WOULD RUN EXPRESS SERVICE FROM THE AIRPORT TO SPECIAL STATIONS IN THE URBAN AREA WHERE THE TRAIN PASSENGERS COULD CHANGE TO OTHER FORMS OF TRANSPORT.
THE RAILWAY WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A GENERAL PUBLIC SERVICE. BRINGING RELIEF TO THE NATHAN ROAD CORRIDOR. SERVING NEW DEVELOPMENTS ON THE WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AND PROVIDING A THIRD CROSS HARBOUR LINK.
MR LEUNG SAID THE TWO RAIL CORPORATIONS HAD BEEN INVITED TO APPLY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
A DECISION WOULD THEN BE TAKEN AS TO WHICH OPERATOR SHOULD BE SELECTED.
HE SAID AN AIRPORT RAILWAY EARLY NEXT YEAR TO DETERMINE THE VIABILITY OF THE RAILWAY.
FEASIBILITY STUDY WOULD BE LAUNCHED ALIGNMENT. CAPACITY AND FINANCIAL
MR LEUNG SAID THE MASSIVE LANTAU FIXED CROSSING. THE WESTERN ROUTE 3 WOULD RELY CONSIDERABLY ON
BUILDING PROGRAMME
HARBOUR CROSSING.
PRIVATE INVESTMENT.
INCLUDING THE
AND PARTS OF
WHILE THE EXACT DETAILS HAD YET TO BE WORKED ENVISAGED THAT OPEN INVITATIONS WOULD BE MADE SOME TIME NEXT PROVIDE SECTOR CONSORTIA. BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS. TO TAKE
OUT. HE
YEAR TO
PART IN
THESE PROJECTS.
ON EARLY PLANNING OF THE INTERFACE BETWEEN VARIOUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT MODES WHEN LANTAU WAS OPENED UP BY' THE ROAD AND RAILWAY. MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXAMINING THE LIKELY GROWTH IN RECREATIONAL TRAVEL. HAVING REGARD TO THE POTENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN LANTAU AND THEIR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT.
"ONCE THE OUTCOME OF THIS STUDY IS KNOWN. WE WILL LOOK INTO THE ROLE OF LANTAU TAXIS AND BUSES. THE FERRIES AND THEIR INTEGRATION WITH OTHER TRANSPORT SERVICES OUTSIDE LANTAU.
"OUR AIM IS TO MAP OUT A PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE NETWORK WHICH IS BALANCED, ADEQUATE AND COMPATIBLE WITH THE CAPACITY OF EXISTING AND PLANNED LOCAL ROADS ON LANTAU.” HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE NON-AIRPORT RELATED TRANSPORT PROGRAMME. MR LEUNG SAID ALL ESSENTIAL WORKS WOULD PROCEED AS PLANNED.
/MORE PROJECTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 29 -
MORE PROJECTS WERE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND MOST WOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS. SUCH AS ROUTE 5 IN MARCH 1990. TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL AND THE KWUN TONG BYPASS BY MID-1991.
MR LEUNG SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALSO EXAMINING VARIOUS CROSS KOWLOON ROAD SCHEMES TO IMPROVE EAST-WEST TRAFFIC FLOW.
THESE INCLUDED THE CORRIDORS ALONG LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING CHEUNG ROAD. BOUNDARY STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. ARGYLE STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD. AND GASCOIGNE ROAD AND JORDAN ROAD.
“ON HONG KONG ISLAND. THE PROPOSED ROUTE 7 AND THE CENTRAL-WAN CHAI BYPASS WILL PROVIDE A CONTINUOUS EXPRESSWAY ALONG THE NORTHERN AND WESTERN SHORES OF THE ISLAND."
TURNING TO THE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE GREEN PAPER ON TRANSPORT POLICY, MR LEUNG SAID THE OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FOR AN ADEQUATE INFRASTRUCTURE WOULD BE INCORPORATED IN THE WHITE PAPER BEING DRAFTED.
THE POLICY INTENTIONS FOR BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF LAND USE AND TRANSPORT PLANNING TO REDUCE PRESSURE ON THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES WOULD ALSO BE SET OUT.
THE RELATIVE PRIORITY OF THE THREE PROPOSED RAIL PROJECTS, IDENTIFIED IN THE GREEN PAPER - THE NORTH WEST NEW TERRITORIES LINK TO THE URBAN AREA. THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION TO TSEUNG KWAN O AND A THIRD CROSS-HARBOUR CROSSING WOULD BE FURTHER EXAMINED. TAKING FULL ACCOUNT OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY.
ON THE CHOICE OF RAILWAY SYSTEM FOR FUTURE RAILWAY LINK. MR LEUNG SAID A RAIL DEVELOPMENT STUDY WOULD BE UNDERTAKEN BEFORE THE END OF NEXT YEAR IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE COMPLETION OF THE AIRPORT RAILWAY FEASIBILITY STUDY.
’’THIS OVERALL REVIEW WILL INCLUDE FUTURE RAIL FREIGHT REQUIREMENTS AND PRIORITIES FOR THE THREE RAIL PROJECTS MENTIONED EARLIER," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE STRATEGY FOR EXPANDING AND IMPROVING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES. MR LEUNG SAID THE GENERAL CONSENSUS WAS THAT THE MASS CARRIERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO FORM THE BACKBONE OF THE SYSTEM. MORE AND BETTER USE BE MADE OF THE OFF-STREET MODES, AND THE QUALITY OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE IMPROVED.
THE INTER-MODAL CO-ORDINATION POLICY SHOULD ALLOW MORE FLEXIBILITY AND COMPETITION BETWEEN MODES AND ENCOURAGE INNOVATIVE SERVICES. COMMENTS ON THIS WOULD BE FULLY REFLECTED IN THE WHITE PAPER.
MR LEUNG SAID THAT PUBLIC RESPONSE ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT WAS MOST ENCOURAGING.
/THE PUBLIC .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
THE PUBLIC ACCEPTED IN PRINCIPLE THE NEED FOR MANAGING ROAD USE - MAKING EFFECTIVE USE OF ROAD SPACE: GIVING PRIORITY TO MORE EFFICIENT AND ESSENTIAL ROAD USERS; AND MANAGING TRAVEL DEMAND TO A LEVEL WITH WHICH THE ROAD SYSTEM COULD COPE.
MR LEUNG SAID THE PUBLIC ALSO RECOGNISED THE NEED TO MANAGE GOODS VEHICLE TRAFFIC. NOW ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT HALF OF THE TOTAL ROAD TRAFFIC.
THERE WAS HENCE GENERAL SUPPORT FOR MEASURES TO DISCOURAGE THE USE OF LIGHT GOODS VANS FOR PERSONAL TRANSPORT.
THERE WERE HOWEVER. RESERVATIONS ON USING TAXATION MEASURES TO MANAGE THE GROWTH OF THE LARGER GOODS VEHICLES.
“WE WILL EXAMINE MORE CLOSELY THE EFFECTS OF SUCH MEASURES ON THE ECONOMY. AND OTHER OPTIONS SUCH AS ENCOURAGING MORE USE OF RAIL AND SEA FREIGHT TRANSPORT. GOODS DELIVERY OUTSIDE THE PEAK HOURS AND USE OF LARGER VEHICLES WITH MORE EFFICIENT LOADING EQUIPMENT.
“A FREIGHT TRANSORT STUDY TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES IS BEING CONSIDERED." HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE DIVIDED PUBLIC VIEWS ON ROAD USE MANAGEMENT. MR LEUNG SAID ALTHOUGH SOME RECOGNISED THE NEED FOR MANAGING THE GROWTH AND USAGE OF VEHICLES. A MORE POPULAR VIEW WAS THAT FISCAL MEASURES SHOULD APPLY ONLY AS A LAST RESORT AND PRIORITY SHOULD FIRST BE GIVEN TO IMPROVING THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
“THIS SENTIMENT IS PERFECTLY UNDERSTANDABLE. HOWEVER. WE MUST ALSO BE REALISTIC.
“THE TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROGRAMME IDENTIFIED IN THE GREEN PAPER AND NOW ENHANCED SUBSTANTIALLY BY THE PORT AND AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY-RELATED PROJECTS IS THE MOST AMBITIOUS EVER PLANNED AND WILL TAX THE ECONOMY AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO THEIR LIMITS.” HE SAID.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT ALREADY CARRIES 87 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL DAILY PERSON TRIPS. THERE WAS A LIMIT ON HOW FAR FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS ALONE COULD REDUCE PRIVATE CAR TRIPS.
“HENCE. WHILE RECOGNISING THE LEGITIMATE ASPIRATION FOR CAR OWNERSHIP. WE MUST PURSUE ROAD MANAGEMENT MEASURES TO CONTAIN VEHICLE GROWTH AND USAGE TO A LEVEL WITH WHICH THE ROAD SYSTEM CAN COPE. IF WE ARE TO MAINTAIN A REASONABLE DEGREE OF MOBILITY.” MR LEUNG SAID.
-----0------
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
51
SEM CONFIDENT TERTIARY EDUCATION TARGET CAN BE ACHIEVED t t t * * t
DETAILED EXAMINATION OF RESOURCES. SPACE. MANPOWER AND MANAGEMENT BEFORE THE TARGET OF 15,000 FIRST YEAR, FIRST DEGREE PLACES BY 1994-95 WAS ANNOUNCED. GAVE GROUNDS FOR CONFIDENCE THAT IT COULD BE ACHIEVED, THE SECRETARY' FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y. YEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH, MR YEUNG SAID HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC-GRANTS COMMITTEE (UPGC) LAST SEPTEMBER HAD CONFIRMED THIS VIEW.
PRIORITY WOULD BE SECURED IN THE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES FOR AN EXPANSION PROGRAMME INVOLVING $1.7 BILLION IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND $2.8 BILLION IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE UP TO 1994-9^. HE SAID.
WHEN DETAILED ESTIMATES WERE AVAILABLE THEY WOULD BE PUT TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR APPROVAL, MR YEUNG ADDED,
"WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT SUFFICIENT CAPACITY CAN BE FOUND FOR THE EXPANSION OF DEGREE PLACES AND FOR SUB-DEGREE COURSES TO BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE POLYTECHNICS TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL (VTC).
"THE UPGC IS ALSO CONSIDERING WHETHER CERTAIN POST SECONDARY
COLLEGES COULD QUALIFY FOR DEGREE WORK.” HE SAID.
"MORE IMPORTANTLY. I SHARE MEMBERS’ CONCERN THAT WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RECRUIT AN ADEQUATE COMPLEMENT OF STAFF OF THE RIGHT CALIBRE.
"DESPITE THE EVENTS OF RECENT MONTHS, THERE HAS BEEN NO FALLING OFF OF INTEREST IN ACADEMIC EMPLOYMENT FROM EITHER LOCAL OR OVERSEAS SOURCES," MR YEUNG SAID.
"INDEED, THE EXPERIENCE OF OUR TERTIARY’ INSTITUTIONS SUGGESTS THAT THERE ARE SUBSTANTIAL OVERSEAS SOURCES THAT WE HAVE ONLY JUST BEGUN TO TAP." HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS WOULD BE ABLE TO COMPETE SUCCESSFULLY FOR STAFF. GIVEN COMPETITIVE AND APPROPRIATE TERMS OF SERVICE, AND ALSO THE INCENTIVE OF ADEQUATE FUNDING OF RESEARCH WORK.
TURNING TO A SUGGESTION THAT THERE MIGHT BE INSUFFICIENT SIXTH FORM LEAVERS OF MATRICULATION STANDARD TO FILL THE LARGE NUMBER OF NEW UNDERGRADUATE PLACES. MR YEUNG SAID BASED ON HISTORICAL TRENDS AND DEMOGRAPHIC ESTIMATES THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WITH TWO ’A’ LEVEL PASSES OR MORE SHOULD RISE TO AT LEAST 23 PER CENT OF THE TARGET AGE GROUP BY 1994-95.
"THUS A PROVISION OF FIRST DEGREE PLACES FOR 18 PER CENT OF THE AGE GROUP IS REALISTIC." HE SAID.
/"THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
32 -
'‘THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT WE HAVE UNDERTAKEN AN EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION ON SO MASSIVE AND COMPLEX A SCALE. AND WITHIN SUCH A SHORT TIME FRAME.
"IT WILL INEVITABLY REQUIRE CAREFUL PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATION. ACCORDINGLY. IN ADDITIOxN TO THE PLANS THE UPGC AND THE VTC MUST THEMSELVES MAKE. I AM CHAIRING A STEERING GROUP TO OVERSEE AND COORDINATE THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF OUR EXPANSION PLAN,” MR YEUNG SAID.
THE GROUP INCLUDES THE CHAIRMEN OF THE UPGC AND THE VTC. AND OFFICIALS OF THE EDUCATION AND MANPOWER BRANCH. THE FINANCE BRANCH AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
NOTING THAT CAUTION HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE EXPANSION OF DEGREE PLACES SHOULD NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE FALL IN AVERAGE STANDARDS WHICH FOLLOWED THE RAPID GROWTH OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE 1980’3, THE SECRETARY SAID NEITHER HE NOR THE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS UNDERESTIMATED THE CHALLENGE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DIFFERENT TEACHING METHODS MIGHT BE NEEDED TO CATER FOR A WIDER RANGE OF INTEREST AND ABILITY. AS SUGGESTED BY MANY MEMBERS DURING THE DEBATE.
MR YEUNG EXPLAINED THAT THERE WERE GOOD REASONS FOR OPTIMISM AS CIRCUMSTANCES NOW WERE DIFFERENT FROM THOSE A DECADE AGO. WHEN SUBSIDISED SECONDARY PLACES WERE RAPIDLY CREATED BY BUYING FROM SCHOOLS WHICH COULD NOT. IN MANY CASES, MEET THE STANDARDS OF THE AIDED SECTOR.
"THIS WILL NOT BE THE CASE IN OUR PROGRAMME FOR TERITARY EXPANSION. BECAUSE THE EXPANSION WILL BE ACHIEVED THROUGH INSTITUTIONS WITH PROVEN TRACK RECORDS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE,” HE SAID.
"THESE INSTITUTIONS HAVE WELL-ESTABLISHED SYSTEMS OF QUALITY CONTROL,” HE ADDED.
"IN THE CASE OF THE POLYTECHNICS AND THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE. THERE IS ALSO ASSESSMENT BY AN EXTERNAL ACCREDITING BODY WHICH ADVISES THE UPGC ON WHETHER THE DEGREES THEY OFFERED REACHED INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
"THIS EXTERNAL ASSESSMENT FUNCTION WILL BE ASSUMED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL FOR ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION IN EARLY 1990,” MR YEUNG SAID. ADDING THAT THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION WOULD BE PRESENTED SOON TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT A VARIETY OF STUDIES AND POLICY PROPOSALS WERE BEING DEVELOPED BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION AND OTHER ADVISORY BODIES.
AGREEING THAT A LOGICAL AGENDA SHOULD BE SET UP FOR THESE ADVISORY BODIES AND FOR THE GOVERNMENT ITSELF, MR YEUNG SAID THAT IN ITS NEXT REPORT TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990. THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WOULD RECOMMEND SUCH AN AGENDA IN THE FORM OF A FRAMEWORK IN WHICH ISSUES COULD BE CONSIDERED IN AN ORDERLY AND EFFICIENT MANNER.
/HE SAID........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 55 -
HE SAID THE COMMISSION WOULD TAKE AS A BASIS FOR. THE FRAMEWORK THE STRATEGY WHICH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD ENDORSED AND WHICH WAS OUTLINED IN THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY SPEECH.
"THIS FRAMEWORK WILL THEN CONSTITUTE OUR MASTER-PLAN FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE 1990'S." HE SAID.
------0--------
MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO SCHOOL SECTOR * * * * *
THE BOLDNESS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR TERTIARY EXPANSION MAY HAVE DRAWN ATTENTION AWAY FROM THE MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SCHOOL SECTOR. THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER. THE HON K.Y. YEUNG. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
NOTING THE CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE TERTIARY EDUCATION COULD ONLY BE ACHIEVED AT THE EXPENSE IN THE SCHOOLS. MR YEUNG SAID: "THIS IS NOT THE CASE".
EXPANSION OF OF EDUCATION
"OUR STRATEGY FOR THE 1990’S IS BASED ON TWO PREMISES. WHICH ARE THAT THE QUALITY OF OUR TERTIARY EDUCATION IS NOT IN DOUBT. BUT THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE HAS FALLEN FAR SHORT OF SOCIETY’S DEMANDS: AND THAT THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IS ADEQUATE. BUT IMPROVEMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO ITS QUALITY." HE SAID.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT A HARD DECISION HAD TO BE TAKEN ABOUT PRIORITIES WHEN IT CAME TO THE QUESTION OF EXPANDING THE PUBLIC PROVISION OF EDUCATION TO INCLUDE KINDERGARTENS.
"WE WILL IMPROVE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES TEACHERS BY PROVIDING REGIONAL TRAINING CENTRES COURSES AT MORE CONVENIENT HOURS.
FOR KINDERGARTEN
AND BY OPERATING
"WE WILL ALSO SEPARATE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE SYSTEM THE ASSISTANCE WE NOW GIVE TO NEEDY PARENTS. AND FROM SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR WE WILL INTRODUCE A SCHEME OF FEE REMISSIONS WHICH SHOULD BENEFIT TWICE AS MANY FAMILIES." HE SAID.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE NEW SCHEME. WHICH WAS WARMLY WELCOMED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. SHOULD ENABLE KINDERGARTENS TO INCREASE THEIR INCOME. AND HENCE ALLOW THEM TO EMPLOY BETTER QUALIFIED TEACHERS.
IN SECONDARY EDUCATION. MR YEUNG SAID ONE OF THE MAJOR DEFECTS ARISING FROM THE RAPID INTRODUCTION OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION WAS NOW BEING REMEDIED BY RAISING THE STANDARDS OF PRIVATE SCHOOLS IN THE BOUGHT PLACE SCHEME.
/"A VIGOROUS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"A VIGOROUS START WILL BE MADE NEXT YEAR UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE NEW PRIVATE SCHOOLS REVIEW COMMITTEE. WHICH WILL ALSO MOVE QUICKLY TO SET UP THE NEW DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME." HE SAID.
A NEW CURRICULUM FOR THE SIXTH FORM WOULD BE AVAILABLE BY SEPTEMBER 1992.
"THIS BROADER AND MORE FLEXIBLE CURRICULUM IS DESIGNED TO GIVE STUDENTS A LIBERAL PREPARATION FOR LIFE." THE SECRETARY SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS A SUGGESTION THAT THIS POLICY BE REVIEWED AS A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF SIXTH FORM LEAVERS WOULD BE GOING ON TO TERTIARY EDUCATION.
"BUT THIS NEW CURRICULUM WILL BENEFIT NOT ONLY EMPLOYERS BUT ALSO OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS. WHICH HAVE LONG ADVOCATED A BROADER-BASED EDUCATION FOR THEIR MATRICULANTS." HE ADDED.
IN ADDITION TO THE NOISE ABATEMENT MEASURES TO SCHOOLS MENTIONED IN THE GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS. STEPS WOULD BE TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT OTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE TEACHING ENVIRONMENT. MR YEUNG SAID.
"THESE INCLUDE AIR CONDITIONING SCHOOL STAFF ROOMS AND THE PROVISION OF PHOTOCOPIERS. MINOR THOUGH THESE MEASURES NIGHT APPEAR. THEY CAN IMPROVE BOTH PRODUCTIVITY AND MORALE." HE ADDED.
- - 0
EDUCATION PROBLEMS MUST BE FACED AND RESOLVED
******
THE NEED FOR A BROADER CURRICULUM. THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE STANDARDS AND THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE TEACHING PROFESSION ARE ISSUES THAT AFFECT ALL SECTORS OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM. AND WHILE SOLUTIONS WILL. IN SOME CASES, BE CONTROVERSIAL. THEY MUST BE FACED AND RESOLVED, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER. THE HON K.Y. YEUNG. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR YEUNG NOTED THAT CONCERN HAD BEEN EXPRESSED THAT THE QUALITY AND MORALE OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION NEEDED TO BE RAISED AND THAT WE MUST ENSURE THAT SUFFICIENT YOUNG PEOPLE CONTINUED TO TAKE UP TEACHING AS A CAREER.
"I BELIEVE THAT WE STILL HAVE A STRONG CORE OF EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS. BUT WE CANNOT BE COMPLACENT." HE SAID.
"THE EDUCATION COMMISSION HAS BEGUN A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION. THIS STUDY WILL COVER THE FUTURE OF NONGRADUATES IN THE PROFESSION AND THE ROLE OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION." HE ADDED.
/’’IT WILL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 35 -
"IT WILL ALSO REVIEW THE MEASURES TAKEN IN RESPECT OF GRADUATE TEACHERS. AND WILL CONSIDER POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS TO THEIR TRAINING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT." HE SAID.
MR YEUNG NOTED THAT ANOTHER AREA FOCUSSED ON WAS THE VEXED QUESTION OF MEDIA OF INSTRUCTION AND OF THE STANDARDS OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
"VIEWS ARE NOW BEING SOUGHT ON THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WORKING PARTY'S REPORT ON LANGUAGE IMPROVEMENT MEASURES." HE SAID.
"THE CRUX OF THE MATTER IS THAT. ON THE ONE HAND, A LARGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN CAN LEARN MORE EFFECTIVELY IN THE MEDIUM OF CHINESE BUT. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE IMPROVEMENT OF ENGLISH STANDARDS IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS FOR MANY EMPLOYERS." HE NOTED.
"THE PRESENT SITUATION, WHERE MANY SCHOOLS USE A MIXTURE OF BOTH LANGUAGES. RESULTS IN STUDENTS MASTERING NEITHER LANGUAGE SATISFACTORILY." MR YEUNG POINTED OUT.
"IT MAY BE THAT SOME FORM OF STREAMING PROVIDES THE ANSWER. I NOTE THAT STREAMING WOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE IN THE ABSENCE OF A VIABLE CHINESE LANGUAGE.
"BUT LET US SUSPEND JUDGEMENT. WE HAVE NOT TAKEN A FIRM VIEW ON THIS ISSUE." HE SAID.
WHEN THE RESULTS OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S REPORT WERE KNOWN. THE ADVICE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE EDUCATION COMMISSION WOULD BE SOUGHT. BEFORE FORMULATING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL. MR YEUNG SAID.
THE SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE LANGUAGE ISSUE WAS AN EXAMPLE OF THE GENERAL PRINCIPLE THAT EVERY CHILD HAD THE RIGHT TO BE EDUCATED IN THE WAY FROM WHICH HE OR SHE COULD MOST BENEFIT.
"SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION. A WIDER VARIETY OF CHILDREN HAVE COME TO SCHOOL THAN EVER BEFORE.
"WE NEED TO REFLECT THIS VARIETY IN CURRICULUM. TYPES OF SCHOOL AND METHODS OF TEACHING. THE DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME IS AN IMPORTANT STEP IN THIS DIRECTION. BUT IT WILL APPLY ONLY TO A LIMITED NUMBER OF SCHOOLS." MR YEUNG SAID.
"THE EDUCATION COMMISSION IS THEREFORE LOOKING AT MEASURES WHICH WILL CATER TO STUDENTS IN ALL SCHOOLS FOR WHOM THE USUAL CURRICULUM IS NOT IDEAL.
"THESE INCLUDE CHILDREN WITH LOWER ACADEMIC ABILITIES. CHILDREN WITH SERIOUS BEHAVIOURAL OR EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS AND, AT THE OTHER END OF THE SPECTRUM. CHILDREN WITH PARTICULAR TALENTS AND THOSE WHO ARE ACADEMICALLY GIFTED." HE ADDED.
/MR YEUNG
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 36 -
MR YEUNG SAID IN ADDITION TO REVIEWING THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM. IT WAS TIMELY TO START CONSIDERING WHAT STANDARDS WE EXPECTED OUR PUPILS, TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS TO ACHIEVE AND TO HAVE OBJECTIVE MEANS OF ASSESSING THEIR PERFORMANCE AGAINST THESE STANDARDS.
"I BELIEVE THAT THERE IS A CASE FOR DEVELOPING A SERIES OF TESTS IN RESPECT OF CORE SUBJECTS AT THE KEY LEVELS OF THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.
’'THESE TESTS WOULD NOT BE PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS AND WOULD CERTAINLY NOT STAND IN THE WAY OF STUDENTS’ PROGRESS THROUGH SCHOOL." HE SAID.
"BUT THEY WOULD ALLOW US TO MONITOR THE PERFORMANCE OF PUPILS. TEACHERS AND SCHOOLS AND TO DEPLOY RESOURCES MORE EFFECTIVELY AND FAIRLY." HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG SAID PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH TESTS WOULD BE GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY THE EDUCATION COMMISSION DURING ITS STUDY OF CURRICULA AND BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.
TURNING TO THE TERTIARY SECTOR. THE SECRETARY SAID RESEARCH FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES WAS AN IMPORTANT MEANS OF ATTRACTING AND RETAINING HIGH-QUALITY ACADEMICS. AND OF IMPROVING SCHOLARSHIP.
"SUCH ACTIVITY JUSTIFIES THE INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS BECAUSE IT CONTRIBUTES TO OUR EDUCATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE. BUT I AGREE THAT THE BUILDING UP OF RESEARCH CAPABILITY MUST ALSO HAVE REGARD TO THE NEEDS OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY." MR YEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD WOULD SOON BE SOUGHT ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH CONTRACT RESEARCH COULD LEGITIMATELY BE SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
-------0----------
COMMITTEE ON MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS SET UP
******
AN INTER-DEPARTMENTAL MANPOWER COMMITTEE ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS IN SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON K.Y LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HAS BEEN SET UP TO THE MEDIUM TERM. THE . YEUNG. SAID IN THE
MR YEUNG SAID THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO BEEN ASKED TO OF EXISTING TRAINED MANPOWER, TO REVIEW EMPLOYMENT TRENDS INDUSTRIES AND PROFESSIONS AND TO PREPARE BROAD ESTIMATES REQUIREMENTS BY OCCUPATION.
TAKE STOCK IN TRADES, OF FUTURE
OCCUPATION.
"SUBJECT BODIES, THESE TRAINING TERMS, STUDENT NUMBER SAID.
10 THE ADVICE OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ESTIMATES. EXPRESSED IN EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL WILL THEN BE FED TO THE UPGC AND THE VTC. IN TIME FOR TARGETS FOR THE NEXT TRIENNIUM TO BE DRAWN UP," HE
/’’THIS EXERCISE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 57 -
"THIS EXERCISE WILL BE ROLLED FORWARD ANNUALLY." HE ADDED.
MR YEUNG POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG DID HAVE A POLICY OF ACHIEVING A LEVEL OF STATUTORY PROVISION IN EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS AND INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BROADLY COMPARABLE TO THE BEST PREVAILING IN THE ASIA PACIFIC REGION.
"WE AIM TO ACHIEVE A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
"THESE INCLUDE THE SETTING UP OF AN EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ASSISTANCE SCHEME. VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. NEW LEVELS OF COMPENSATION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE. AND AN INCREASE IN PAID ANNUAL LEAVE," MR YEUNG SAID.
"IN ADDITION. A STEADY STREAM OF FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS IS BEING PUT TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD AND PROPOSALS WILL CONTINUE TO BE MADE TO THIS COUNCIL.
"OUR COMMITMENT. THEREFORE. TO A SATISFIED AND PRODUCTIVE WORKFORCE WILL CONTINUE INTO THE NEXT DECADE." HE ADDED.
-----0-----
REVIEW OF SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMME AREAS
*****
THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW WHICH WILL LEAD TO A NEW WHITE PAPER ON SOCIAL WELFARE WILL PROVIDE THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A COMPREHENSIVE REEXAMINATION OF ALL PROGRAMME AREAS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD. THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS, MR CHAU SAID HE AGREED THAT IN PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE THERE WAS A NEED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF HONG KONG’S SOCIO-ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES AS WELL AS THE DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN OUR SOCIETY.
"IN CONDUCTING THE REVIEW, WE WILL ENSURE THAT THE VIEWS OF THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR ARE INDEED TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT. NOT LEAST THROUGH NON-OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP ON THE WORKING PARTY TO BE CHAIRED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
"THERE WILL ALSO BE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY FOR SUGGESTIONS TO BE PUT FORWARD FOR CONSIDERATION," HE SAID.
THE MECHANICS OF THE REVIEW WOULD BE DISCUSSED WITH THE SOCIAL
WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE LATER THIS MONTH.
/"BUT FOR
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
’’BUT FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EMPAHSISE THAT THE REVIEW WILL BE CONFINED TO SOCIAL WELFARE MATTERS AND WILL NOT EMBRACE MORE WIDE-RANGING ISSUES WHICH ARE OUTSIDE MY PURVIEW SUCH AS, FOR EXAMPLE, RETIREMENT BENEFIT SCHEMES," MR CHAU SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF MANPOWER DIFFICULTIES IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIELD. THE SECRETARY SAID A PACKAGE OF BOTH LONG AND SHORT-TERM MEASURES WERE IN HAND TO TACKLE THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS.
"FURTHERMORE. THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR EXAMINING SOCIAL WORK MANPOWER PLANNING AND TRAINING ISSUES WILL BE INVITED IN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO TO CONSIDER A NEW SET OF MANPOWER PROJECTIONS, AND WE WILL THEN SEEK THE VIEWS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE," MR CHAU SAID.
"IN THIS CONNECTION. I MIGHT MENTION THAT I AM UNAWARE OF ANY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE CONTENTION THAT MANPOWER PROBLEMS ARE MORE ACUTE IN THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE SECTOR.
"RATHER. AVAILABLE INFORMATION SEEMS TO SUGGEST THAT AT LEAST AS FAR AS TRAINED SOCIAL WORKERS ARE CONCERNED, VACANCY AND WASTAGE RATES IN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY SECTORS ARE VERY SIMILAR." HE ADDED.
THE CURRENT MANPOWER SHORTAGE UNFORTUNATELY MEANT THAT SOCIAL WORKERS OFTEN FACED CASELOADS WHICH WERE STILL TOO HIGH. THE SECRETARY NOTED.
"WE HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO IMPLEMENT FULLY OUR TARGET STAFFING RATIOS. ALTHOUGH PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN SOME AREAS AND FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE EXPECTED.
"QUITE SEPARATELY, A STUDY IS BEING UNDERTAKEN OF PROCEDURES AND WORKLOADS IN OUR SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS AND PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE CREATION OF ADDITIONAL POSTS FOR THESE UNITS IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR." MR CHAU SAID.
TURNING TO REHABILITATION MATTERS AND COMMENTS MADE ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY ON EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WITH A DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE. THE SECRETARY SAID THE OVERALL OBJECTIVE IN THIS REGARD. AS ENDORSED BY THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WAS TO ASSIST THE INTEGRATION OF DISCHARGED MENTAL PATIENTS INTO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE PROVISION OF A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES.
"APART FROM HALF-WAY HOUSES. SUCH SERVICES INCLUDE VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR BASIC WORK SKILLS, SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT OR ASSISTANCE IN SEEKING OPEN EMPLOYMENT. COMPASSIONATE RE-HOUSING. AS WELL AS SOCIAL CLUBS AND ACTIVITY CENTRES.
"WHILE THERE IS CURRENTLY A SHORTFALL IN THE PROVISION OF HALFWAY HOUSES, ANOTHER FIVE SUCH FACILITIES ARE UNDER ACTIVE PLANNING. TOGETHER, THESE WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 380 PLACES OF WHICH ONE-QUARTER WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR THE ADMISSION OF EX-MENTAL PATIENTS WITH A RECORD OF OR DISPOSITION TO VIOLENCE." MR CHAU SAID.
/’'HOWEVER f COMMUNITY .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 59 -
“HOWEVER, COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND PUBLIC ACCEPTANCE ARE ALSO ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN OUR EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE INTEGRATION IN THIS FIELD.
"A VARIETY OF PUBLIC EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES ARE THEREFORE ORGANISED REGULARLY AT TERRITORY-WIDE. DISTRICT AND NEIGHBOURHOOD LEVELS BY THE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION IN REHABILITATION." HE SAID.
- - 0 ---------
STEPS BEING TAKEN TO REMEDY STAFFING SITUATION 4: * * ♦ *
THE GOVERNMENT IS FULLY AWARE OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM CONCERNING STAFFING IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES. THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE. THE HON T.H. CHAU. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAU SAID HE HAD BEEN DEVOTING MUCH OF HIS TIME IN THE PAST YEAR TO FINDING WAYS TO BOLSTER RECRUITMENT AND REDUCE WASTAGE BY MAKING WORK IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS AND CLINICS MORE ATTRACTIVE.
HE SAID AS SOME MEMBERS HAD POINTED OUT. THIS WAS NOT AN ENTIRELY HAPPY TIME FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
"THERE IS DISSATISFACTION WITH PRESENT CONDITIONS AND UNCERTAINTY OVER THE FUTURE. AND MANY HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS HAVE RESPONDED BY TAKING THEIR MUCH-NEEDED SKILLS OUT OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR. AND SOME HAVE LEFT HONG KONG ALTOGETHER." HE SAID.
HOWEVER. MUCH PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE THROUGH THE CO-OPERATION THE ADMINISTRATION HAD MAINTAINED IN THE REGULAR MEETINGS WITH GOVERNMENT DOCTORS AND NURSES.
"OUR EFFORTS HAVE FOCUSSED MAINLY ON FOUR AREAS. NAMELY. IMPROVEMENT TO REMUNERATION AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS. PROVISION OF BETTER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES. STRENGTHENING OF SUPPORTING SERVICES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT." MR CHAU SAID.
"I HAVE PROVIDED COMPREHENSIVE INFORMATION ON THE MEASURES WE ARE COMMITTED TO IMPLEMENTING IN LETTERS WHICH I RECENTLY SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT DOCTORS’ AND NURSES' ASSOCIATIONS."
ALTHOUGH THE EXTENT OF IMPROVEMENT MADE AT THE MANNING LEVELS WOULD DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLY QUALIFIED PERSONS. THE SECRETARY SAID HE WAS DETERMINED TO MAKE PROGRESS AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE.
/"I AM
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
40
"I AM THEREFORE HOPEFUL THAT THE OUTCOME OF THE CURRENT REVIEW OF THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE. AND THE VARIOUS OTHER MEASURES WE ARE TAKING, WILL TOGETHER HAVE A BENEFICIAL IMPACT ON RECRUITMENT AND WASTAGE.” HE SAID.
IN THIS CONNECTION. MR CHAU SAID THE ALLOWANCE FOR DOCTORS AND NURSES ANNOUNCED YESTERDAY WAS ONLY AN INTERIM MEASURE.
THE STANDING COMMISSION’S FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE SALARY SCALES OF NOT ONLY DOCTORS AND NURSES. BUT ALSO MANY OTHER GRADES OF HEALTH CARE STAFF. WERE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS’ TIME.
IN ADDITION. THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY TO BE SET UP IN APRIL 1990 WOULD MARK ANOTHER MAJOR STEP IN THE EFFORTS OF THE GOVRNMENT TO IMPROVE THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SERVICES. HE SAID.
’’SET UP OUTSIDE THE FRAMEWORK OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. THE AUTHORITY WILL ENJOY A GREATER DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY IN HANDLING MANPOWER AND FINANCIAL MATTERS.
”WE HOPE THAT THE NEW REMUNERATION PACKAGE ENVISAGED FOR THE STAFF OF THE AUTHORITY WILL BE ATTRACTIVE TO STAFF AT PRESENT WORKING IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND THAT IT WILL THEREFORE CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS OUR EFFORTS TO RETAIN THEM IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR.
’’WHERE SUBVENTED HOSPITAL STAFF ARE CONCERNED. THIS PACKAGE WILL REPRESENT AN IMPROVEMENT OxN THAT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO THEM AND THIS. TOGETHER WITH THE INTEGRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS UNDER THE COMMON MANAGEMENT OF THE AUTHORITY. WILL GIVE A BOOST TO THEIR MORALE.” HE SAID.
AS FOR THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE NEW PACKAGE ON THE OTHER PARTS OF THE SUBVENTED SECTOR. MR CHAU SAID THIS WOULD OBVIOUSLY HAD TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNMENT BUT IT WOULD BE A SEPARATE EXERCISE.
-----0-------
PREMATURE TO HAVE MEDICAL POLICY WHITE PAPER
*****
ALTHOUGH IT WOULD BE PREMATURE AND CONFUSING TO LAUNCH A FURTHER AND MORE GENERAL REVIEW OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH POLICY. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE LOOKING AT THE PROBLEMS OF FINANCING MEDICAL SERVICES. INCLUDING THE FEE-CHARGING POLICY.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE. THE HON T.H. CHAU. SAID THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
/REFERRING TO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
41
REFERRING TO SOME MEMBERS” SUGGESTION THERE BE A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH POLICY LEADING TO A WHITE PAPER. MR CHAU SAID THIS WAS NOT THE BEST TIME FOR SUCH A REVIEW AS THERE WERE CURRENTLY TWO MAJOR EXERCISES INVOLVING THE BULK OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
"FOLLOWING THE REVIEW OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS. THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY IS NOW BUSILY DEVISING THE STRUCTURE AND WORKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE HOSPITAL AUHTORITY THAT WILL BE ESTABLISHED NEXT YEAR.
"A FEW MONTHS AGO. WE LAUNCHED A MAJOR REVIEW OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE. WHICH IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
"I BELIEVE THAT BEFORE THE REFORMS TO BE INITIATED UNDER THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY HAVE BEEN EFFECTED AND THAT UNTIL THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE REVIEW HAS LAID DOWN GUIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERVICES IN THAT AREA AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED HOW FAR IT CAN BRING ITS RECOMMENDATIONS INTO EFFECT. IT WOULD BE PREMATURE AND CONFUSING TO LAUNCH A FURTHER AND MORE GENERAL POLICY REVIEW." HE SAID.
MR CHAU NOTED THAT SOME OF THE POINTS MADE BY MEMBERS TOUCHED UPON FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.
AT THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE LEVEL. THESE INCLUDED THE ISSUES OF WHETHER THE GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS SHOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE ON AN OPEN-DOOR BASIS: WHETHER ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE DIRECTED AT THE NEEDY AND WHETHER PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS SHOULD PLAY A ROLE IN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE.
"THESE ARE ALL IMPORTANT QUESTIONS FOR ANY ' REVIEW OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE." MR CHAU SAID.
OTHERWISE. IMPROVEMENTS IN SERVICE WOULD SIMPLY GENERATE ADDITIONAL DEMAND WITHOUT NECESSARILY ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF THOSE WHO REQUIRE LOW-COST MEDICAL CARE." HE SAID. ADDING THAT THIS WOULD NOT BE AN EFFICIENT USE OF RESOURCES.
"THESE AND OTHER ISSUES RELATING TO THE KIND OF PRIMARY HEALTH CARE SERVICE WE SHOULD PROVIDE INCLUDING THE FUTURE OF THE SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE ARE NOW BEING CONSIDERED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON PRIMARY HEALTH CARE." HE SAID.
"OUR CONCERN FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND OUR COMMITMENT TO ENSURE A HEALTHY ADULT POPULATION IN THE FUTURE HAVE NOT ENDED WITH WHAT SOME CRITICS MAY REGARD AS CRISIS-SOLVING MEASURES." HE STRESSED.
TURNING TO THE HONG KONG ACADEMY OF MEDICINE. MR CHAU NOTED THAT PROFESSOR DAVID TODD. AN EMINENT MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION WELL-RESPECTED BY HIS COLLEAGUES IN HONG KONG AS WELL AS OVERSEAS. HAD BEEN APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE THAT WOULD OVERSEE THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ACADEMY'S ESTABLISHMENT.
/HE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 42 -
HE SAID THE APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMITTEE’S OTHER MEMBERS. WHICH WOULD HAVE A BALANCED REPRESENTATION FROM VARIOUS MEDICAL SPECIALTIES. WOULD BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.
"NO DECISION HAS BEEN TAKEN ON THE CONTROVERSIAL QUESTION OF THE STATUS OF INDIVIDUAL SPECIALITIES IN THE FUTURE ACADEMY.
"WE SHALL WELCOME THE PREPARATORY COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THIS AS WELL AS OTHER MATTERS CONCERNING THE COMPOSITION OF THE ACADEMY." HE SAID.
------0-------
YOUTH PROJECT TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT LOST SIGHT OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GENERATING AN INCREASED PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING. THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE. THE HON T.H. CHAU. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAU SAID A LARGE-SCALE YOUTH PROJECT ON THE THEME OF "A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WITHOUT TOBACCO" WOULD SOON BE LAUNCHED BY THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH.
HE NOTED THAT GIVEN THE INDISPUTABLE HEALTH HAZARDS OF SMOKING.
IT WAS HIS RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT EFFECTIVE MEASURES WERE TAKEN TO DISCOURAGE SMOKING. ESPECIALLY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
"BY SPONSORING SPORTS EVENTS. THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY IS ABLE TO ASSOCIATE ITS PRODUCTS WITH A HEALTHY. OUTDOOR SPORTING IMAGE WHICH HAS AN APPEAL AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE.
"THIS COMPROMISES OUR EFFORTS TO LIMIT EXPOSURE OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO PERSUASION TO SMOKE." HE SAID.
MR CHAU SAID HE APPRECIATED THE UNDERSTANDABLE CONCERN THAT THE BANNING OF TOBACCO SPONSORSHIP WOULD HAMPER THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS AND ARTS IN HONG KONG. ADDING THAT THIS CONCERN WAS CLEARLY REFLECTED DURING THE PUBLIC CONSULTATION CONDUCTED EARLIER THIS YEAR ON THE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS PUT FORWARD BY THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH.
"I CAN ASSURE MEMBERS THAT. IN REACHING DECISIONS ON THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS. THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE SENSITIVE TO THE PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS." HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS ORDINANCE WHICH WAS AMENDED LAST YEAR TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF PENALTIES AND TO OVERCOME CERTAIN ENFORCEMENT PROBLEMS. MR CHAU SAID SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE AMENDED ORDINANCE. THE PUBLICATION OF UNDESIRABLE MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS HAD BEEN MONITORED CLOSELY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
/’’SOME 5»7OO...........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"SOME 5.700 ADVISORY LETTERS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO CONCERNED PARTIES TO EXPLAIN THE PRESENT LEGAL REQUIREMENTS.
"A TOTAL OF 60 ADVERTISEMENTS WERE REPORTED TO HAVE CONTRAVENED THE LAW AND HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF LEGAL ADVICE AND POLICE INVESTIGATION.
"SO FAR THIS HAS LED TO THREE SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS IN WHICH THE INVOLVED PARTIES WERE CONVICTED AND PUNISHED." HE SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME. THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAD NOTED THAT PUBLISHERS HAD TAKEN HEED OF THE ADVICE AND WERE NOW MORE CAUTIOUS AND SELECTIVE WHEN PUBLISHING MEDICAL ADVERTISEMENTS. HE ADDED.
-----0-----
COMMITMENT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
THE SETTING UP OF THE COMMISSION ON YOUTH REAFFIRMS THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON DONALD LIAO. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. MR LIAO NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD LONG RECOGNISED THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE NEED TO HELP THEM TO DEVELOP INTO RESPONSIBLE MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSION’S FIRST MAJOR TASK WOULD BE TO REVIEW THE YOUTH SERVICES PROVIDED. WITH A VIEW TO RECOMMENDING A DIRECTION FOR THE PLANNING OF FUTURE SERVICES.
"APART FROM BEING A CENTRAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE COMMISSION WOULD GATHER INFORMATION AND INITIATE RESEARCH ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO YOUTH." HE SAID.
IT WOULD ALSO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND FINDINGS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT ADVISORY BODIES TO ENSURE THAT THE INTERESTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE DESIGN OF RELEVANT SERVICE PROGRAMMES, AND ENCOURAGE BETTER CO-OPERATION AMONG THE DELIVERY AGENCIES OF YOUTH SERVICES.
"IN ADDITION. IT WILL PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC AWARENESS AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE AND THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
"YET ANOTHER FUNCTION WILL BE TO PROMOTE LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. AND LIAISE WITH OVERSEAS YOUTH ORGANISATIONS TO INCREASE THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO ACQUIRE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND EXPOSURE." MR LIAO ADDED.
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
- 44
ACTIVE ROLE IN PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION *****
THE COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION HAS SPONSORED NEARLY 100 CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1986. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON DONALD LIAO. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
EVERY YEAR. THE COMMITTEE REVIEWED AND FORMULATED ITS WORK EMPHASIS AND PRIORITIES, MR LIAO SAID.
’’FOR INSTANCE. IN VIEW OF THE ELECTIONS IN 1991. THE COMMITTEE HAD LAID DOWN EARLY THIS YEAR TWO IMPORTANT TASK AREAS, NAMELY TO FOSTER AMONG OUR RESIDENTS THE UNDERSTANDING OF AND PARTICIPATION IN THE POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG AND TO PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF THE RULE OF LAW.
"IN THIS REGARD. A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES INCLUDING SEMINARS. OUTDOOR EVENTS AND TERRITORY-WIDE PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN PLANNED," HE SAID.
MR LIAO NOTED THAT ON THE ADVICE OF THE COMMITTEE. A NEW CIVIC EDUCATION RESOURCE CENTRE HAD BEEN SET UP IN THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI.
THE CENTRE. WHICH WAS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. CONTAINED A LARGE AMOUNT OF REFERENCE MATERIALS ON CIVIC EDUCATION AND PROVIDED A CONVENIENT FOCAL POINT FOR BOTH INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION IN THE COURSE OF PLANNING AND ORGANISING CIVIC EDUCATION PROJECTS. HE SAID.
-----0-----
DB MEMBERS ARE GETTING YOUNGER *****
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON DONALD LIAO. TOLD THF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ARE GETTING YOUNGER WITH NEARLY 40 PER CENT OF THEM UNDER 40 YEARS OLD.
"MANY MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ALSO SERVING AS CO-OPTED MEMBERS ON THE COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS ESTABLISHED UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARDS." HE SAID.
"THIS PROVIDES THEM WITH A GOOD TRAINING OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP INTO LEADERS OF THEIR DISTRICTS." HE ADDED.
MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE YEARS THE DISTRICT BOARDS HAD EFFECTIVELY CHANNELLED TO THE GOVERNMENT A WIDE RANGE OF VIEWS OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND HAD GIVEN ADVICE ON IMPROVING GOVERNMENT FACILITIES AND SERVICES IN THE DISTRICTS.
/HE SAID
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
^5 -
HE SAID THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME WAS LAST REVIEWED IN 1987 BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THROUGH THE GREEN PAPER ON REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTS IN REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
"BOTH REVIEWS REAFFIRMED THE ROLE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE DISTRICT BOARDS TN THE MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
"NEVERTHELESS. A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS AND OPERATION OF THE SCHEME HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED." HE SAID.
MR LIAO ADDED THAT THE FUNCTIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS WERE NOW WELL UNDERSTOOD BY RESIDENTS.
-------0
URBAN SQUATTERS TO BE CLEARED BY MID-1990’S ******
HONG KONG’S PRESENT URBAN SQUATTER POPULATION AT 83.000 PERSONS IS LESS THAN HALF OF THAT IN 1984 AND THE GOVERNMENT IS CONFIDENT THAT THEY TOO WILL BE CLEARED BY THE MID-199O’S. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON DONALD LIAO. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE ALSO SAID THAT UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S LONG TERM HOUSING STRATEGY. AN INCREASING EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED ON HOME OWNERSHIP.
HOWEVER. MR LIAO NOTED THAT WHILE THERE WAS A STRONG DEMAND FOR ASSISTED HOME OWNERSHIP. THERE WAS ALSO A SIZEABLE OUTSTANDING DEMAND FOR RENTAL PUBLIC HOUSING FROM CLEARANCES. REDEVELOPMENT AND THE GENERAL WAITING LIST.
"WITH CONSTRAINTS ON LAND SUPPLY AND OTHER RESOURCES. THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS TO STRIKE A SUITABLE BALANCE IN ITS PRODUCTION PROGRAMME TO MEET THE VARIOUS HOUSING NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC." HE SAID.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. MR LIAO ADDED. REGULARLY REVIEWED THE INCOME LIMITS AND ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ALL TYPES OF ASSISTED HOUSING TO SEE HOW BEST THIS OPPORTUNITY COULD BE EXTENDED TO THOSE MOST IN NEED.
"TO THIS END. IT HAS TAKEN THE INITIATIVE TO SET UP THREE WORKING GROUPS TO STUDY THE PROPOSED SALE OF RENTAL FLATS TO SITTING TENANTS. THE HOUSING PROBLEMS OF THE 'SANDWICH CLASS’ AND PRIVATE SECTOR PRODUCTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE STRATEGY.
"THESE STUDIES. WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR. WILL HAVE AN IMPORTANT BEARING ON THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF ASSISTED HOME OWNERSHIP IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
0 -----
A6......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
PROGRESS MADE IN SPORTS. RECREATION AND CULTURE * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN MAKING SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPORTS. RECREATION AND CULTURE WHILE LAUNCHING MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PROGRESS INCLUDED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE PROVISIONAL SPORTS DEVELOPMENT BOARD, THE PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS INTO A DEGREE-GRANTING INSTITUTION AND THE REVIEW OF FUNDING PRIORITIES BY THE COUNCIL FOR PERFORMING ARTS.
IN ORDER TO FUND THESE . NEW INITIATIVES, MR LIAO SAID A BALANCED APPROACH SHOULD BE ADOPTED TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE AVAILABILITY OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES AND THE NEED TO ENCOURAGE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION.
"WITH THIS IN VIEW. THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH IS PLANNING TO ORGANISE EARLY NEXT YEAR A SEMINAR OF EXPERTS AND CONCERNED GROUPS TO EXPLORE THE BEST WAY TO PROMOTE BUSINESS SPONSORSHIP FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.“ HE POINTED OUT.
AS REGARDS THE PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE. MR LIAO SAID FULL CREDIT MUST GO TO THE ANTIQUITIES ADVISORY BOARD FOR ITS HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND EDUCATION IN THIS AREA.
NOTING THAT THE LIST OF DECLARED MONUMENTS IN THE TERRITORY WAS GROWING. HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT EFFORTS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE MADE AND RESOURCES PROVIDED TO KEEP UP WORK ON THIS FRONT.
- - 0 - -
BOAT PEOPLE: GOVT COMMITTED TO GENEVA PLAN
******
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES. STRESSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT ONLY THROUGH THE FULL AND BALANCED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN OF ACTION (CPA) AGREED IN GENEVA IN JUNE COULD THE PROBLEM OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE BE RESOLVED.
MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED COMMITTED TO THE CPA.
NEVERTHELESS. THE CPA COULD NOT BE A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION WITHOUT THE FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF ALL ITS COMPONENTS AND WITHOUT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE REPATRIATION OF ALL THOSE WHO HAD BEEN SCREENED OUT AS NON-REFUGEES, HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO ATTRACT MISGUIDED AND MISLED VIETNAMESE RESETTLEMENT SEEKERS.
/MR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- ^7
MR BARNES SAID WHAT MUST BE UNDERSTOOD BY THE CRITICS OF MANDATORY REPATRIATION WAS THAT. FAR FROM BEING CONTRARY TO THE CPA. IT WAS AN INTRINSIC AND LOGICAL PART OF IT.
’’ONCE SOMEONE HAS BEEN SCREENED OUT AS A NON-REFUGEE. THERE IS NO ALTERNATIVE TO RETURNING. WITH SAFEGUARDS. TO VIETNAM.
"THAT IS THE CLEAR MESSAGE OF THE CPA, AND IT IS SIMPLY UNREALISTIC TO EXPECT ALL NON-REFUGEES TO VOLUNTEER TO RETURN.0 HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THERE WAS NO ALTERNATIVE TO REPATRIATION FOR THOSE NON-VOLUNTEERS WHO WOULD BE THE MAJORITY.
“THEY ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RESETTLEMENT: AND THE ONLY OTHER OPTION. WHICH IS INDEFINITE DETENTION IN PERMANENT CAMPS IN HONG KONG. HAS TO BE DISCOUNTED.
"OTHERWISE THAT WOULD INDEED BE A GRIM PROSPECT: NOT ONLY FOR THE MEN. WOMEN AND CHILDREN CONCERNED. BUT ALSO FOR HONG KONG AS A CONTINUING SOCIAL. ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL BURDEN." HE SAID.
MR BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE OUTWARD SURGE OF VIETNAMESE FROM THEIR HOMELAND COULD NO LONGER BE VIEWED IN THE SIMPLE. IDEOLOGICAL FASHION OF FORMER YEARS. ACCORDING TO WHICH EVERY PERSON LEAVING VIETNAM WAS REGARDED AUTOMATICALLY AS A REFUGEE SEEKING ASYLUM.
HE SAID WHILE HONG KONG HAD TURNED NONE AWAY. IT WAS EQUALLY IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE THAT THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE SAW HONG KONG ONLY AS A TRANSIT CENTRE TO RESETTLEMENT ELSEWHERE.
"AND FOR OVERSEAS VIETNAMESE, OR OTHERS. TO FOSTER SUCH HOPES OF RESETTLEMENT IS TO MISLEAD IRRESPONSIBLY THESE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE WHOM NOBODY WANTS." HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THE LACK OF CONSENSUS ON ALTERNATIVES TO VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION IN GENEVA LAST MONTH SHOULD NOT OBSCURE THE GOOD PROGRESS WHICH HAD BEEN MADE WITH OTHER ELEMENTS OF THE CPA—RESETTLEMENT OF REFUGEES. THE ORDERLY DEPARTURE PROGRAMME FROM VIETNAM AND THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME.
HE SAID HONG KONG REMAINED COMMITTED TO THE VOLUNTARY REPATRIATION PROGRAMME. WHICH WAS FIRST ENGINEERED BY THE TERRITORY IN TALKS HELD IN HANOI IN AUGUST LAST YEAR. AS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE CPA. OVER 500 PEOPLE HAD NOW RETURNED TO VIETNAM UNDER THIS PROGRAMME WHICH STARTED THIS YEAR.
AS FOR RESETTLEMENT. SOME 3.400 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES HAD BEEN RESETTLED SO FAR THIS YEAR AND THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY EXPECTED THE TOTAL FOR 1989 TO BE OVER 4.000.
/’’ALTHOUGH OUR.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"ALTHOUGH OUR OVERALL VIETNAMESE CAME POPULATION STANDS AT OVER 57.000. WE HAVE ONLY 13.000 VIETNAMESE OF REFUGEE STATUS AND IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS PART OF THE CP/\ WILL MAKE A SATISFACTORY REDUCTION TO THIS FIGURE." HE SAID.
MR BARNES NOTED THAT THE ORDERLY DEPARTURE PROGRAMME (ODP) FROM VIETNAM WAS ALSO GOING WELL AND ABOUT 45,000 PEOPLE WOULD LEAVE THE COUNTRY DURING 1989. A 100 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1988.
“THE ODP IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT PROVIDES A LEGITIMATE AVENUE FOR DEPARTURE AND THEREBY TAKES SOME OF THE PRESSURE OFF FIRST ASYLUM COUNTRIES,” HE NOTED.
MR BARNES SAID HE HOPED HONG KONG COULD MAKE PROGRESS ON THE ISSUE OF REPATRIATION WHEN THE THIRD STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING RECONVENED IN GENEVA ON DECEMBER 4 AND 5.
“WITHOUT THIS ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT. AND THE DETERRENT MESSAGE IT WOULD SEND. HONG KONG COULD WELL FACE ANOTHER MAJOR INFLUX OF BOAT PEOPLE IN 1990.
“THE INTERNATIONAL COMUNITY HAS ENDORSED THE CPA. AND THE COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM MUST BE ALLOWED TO IMPLEMENT IT IN FULL IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE TO COPE WITH THE ENORMOUS PRESSURES IMPOSED ON US BY ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM.” HE SAID.
MR BARNES COMMENDED THE DISCIPLINED AND AUXILIARY SERVICES. MANY OF WHICH HAD BEEN HEAVILY COMMITTED TO COPING WITH THE INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
“ALL HAVE FACED DIFFICULTIES IN RECRUITMENT. AND IN REPLACING SKILLED AND EXPERIENCED MANPOWER. YET THEY HAVE ALL RESPONDED MAGNIFICENTLY.
“HONG KONG CAN BE VERY PROUD OF ITS DISCIPLINED AND AUXILIARY SERVICES AND FOR THE HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL MANNER IN WHICH THEY PERFORM THEIR MANY AND VARIED DUTIES." HE SAID.
- - 0 -
ENSURING LAW IS IN LINE WITH COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS
******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO REVIEW HONG KONG’S CRIMINAL AND PENAL LAW TO ENSURE IT REMAINS UP TO DATE AND IN LINE WITH COMMUNITY REQUIREMENTS AND PRESENT SOCIAL ATTITUDES. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. MR BARNES SAID GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE WITH LEGISLATION TO COMBAT ORGANISED CRIME.
/THE ENACTMENT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
^9
THE ENACTMENT OF THE DRUG TRAFFICKING (RECOVERY OF PROCEEDS) ORDINANCE DURING THE LAST SESSION WAS A MAJOR STEP IN THE FIGHT AGAINST INTERNATIONAL DRUG TRAFFICKING.
’’MOST OF ITS PROVISIONS CAME INTO FORCE ON SEPTEMBER 1 THIS YEAR AND THE REMAINING PROVISIONS. RELATING TO THE REPORTING OF SUSPICIOUS TRANSACTIONS BY BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. WILL COME INTO FORCE ON DECEMBER 1." HE SAID.
WHILE THE GAMBLING (AMENDMENT) BILL AND THE CRIMES (AMENDMENT) BILL NOW BEFORE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WERE FURTHER MEASURES AGAINST SERIOUS CRIME. MR BARNES SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WAS ALSO CONSIDERING THE FEASIBILITY OF LEGISLATION TO CREATE A NEW OFFENCE OF INVOLVEMENT IN ORGANISED CRIME.
"WE AIM TO PUBLISH A DRAFT ORGANISED CRIME BILL NEXT YEAR AS A
WHITE BILL FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION.
"THIS WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO BRING BEFORE THE COURTS EVIDENCE OF SUCH INVOLVEMENT. TO PERMIT THE IMPOSITION OF HEAVY SENTENCES FOR LEADING MEMBERS OF ORGANISED CRIME GANGS AND SYNDICATES. AND TO ATTACK SUCH GANGS AND SYNDICATES THROUGH NEW PROVISIONS FOR FORFEITURE AND AGAINST MONEY-LAUNDERING." HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WAS LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF LEGISLATION TO REGULATE THE SECURITY INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AND SO TO IMPROVE STANDARDS.
"PROPOSALS WILL INCLUDE A LICENSING SYSTEM ON TWO LEVELS: FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF SECURITY COMPANIES. AND FOR THE COMPANIES THEMSELVES." HE SAID.
ON EXISTING LEGISLATION. HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD MAKE PROPOSALS FOR LEGISLATION TO REPEAL ALL EXISTING PROVISIONS WHICH EMPOWERED THE COURTS TO AWARD CORPORAL PUNISHMENT. THIS FOLLOWED AN EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION EXERCISE. AND A REVIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OTHER FORMS OF PUNISHMENT.
IT-WOULD ALSO SEEK THE VIEWS OF LEGCO ON THE PRESENT LAWS RELATING TO HOMOSEXUAL CONDUCT.
ON THE GENERAL CRIME SITUATION. MR BARNES SAID THE PRESENT LEVEL OF CRIME REMAINED ABOUT THE SAME AS LAST YEAR. WITH A DROP IN MINOR CRIMES SUCH AS SHOPTHEFT. A SLIGHT INCREASE IN SERIOUS AND VIOLENT CRIMES. AND THE NUMBER OF JUVENILE OFFENDERS REMAINING CONSTANT AT ABOUT 17 PER CENT OF ALL OFFENDERS.
WHILE THE CRIME RATE IN HONG KONG HAD MADE IT ONE OF THE SAFER PLACES IN THE WORLD FOR PEOPLE TO LIVE AND WORK, MR BARNES STRESSED NEITHER THE POLICE NOR THE ADMINISTRATION WERE COMPLACENT AND A CLOSE WATCH WAS KEPT ON CRIME TRENDS AND RATES.
"THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE. ON WHICH SEVERAL MEMBERS SERVE. CONTINUES TO FUNCTION MOST POSITIVELY AND HAS BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN PROMOTING PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION AIMED AT CRIME PREVENTION. PARTICULARLY AMONGST YOUNG PERSONS." HE POINTED OUT.
/TURNING TO .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
TURNING TO IMMIGRATION. MR BARNES SAID HE ACCEPTED THAT HONG KONG'S POLICIES NEEDED TO EVOLVE IN LINE WITH CHANGING ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES. QUOTING AS AN EXAMPLE THE INTRODUCTION EARLIER THIS YEAR OF A SPECIAL QUOTA FOR THE IMPORTATION OF SKILLED LABOUR.
"IN THE SAME SPIRIT. AND IN KEEPING WITH HONG KONG’S ROLE AS AN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE, WE HAVE RECENTLY DECIDED TO ADOPT A MORE FLEXIBLE APPROACH IN ADMITTING GENUINE BUSINESS VISITORS FROM EASTERN EUROPEAN COUNTRIES." HE SAID.
NEVERTHELESS. HE CAUTIONED THAT EVOLUTION IN IMMIGRATION MATTERS WAS A CAUTIOUS PROCESS. AND THAT THESE SMALL CHANGES DID NOT SIGNIFY ANY WEAKENING OF THE DETERMINATION TO MAINTAIN THE INTEGRITY OF HONG KONG’S LAND AND SEA BORDERS. AND TO ACT FIRMLY AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION.
"THERE CAN BE NO QUESTION OF ANY AMNESTY FOR CATEGORIES OF PERSONS WHO ENTER HONG KONG ILLEGALLY OR WHO ENTER AS VISITORS AND SUBSEQUENTLY REMAIN IN HONG KONG ILLEGALLY." HE STRESSED.
------o--------
EFFORT TO ENSURE HONG KONG’S FUTURE t t * * t
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS MUST DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO ENSURE A FUTURE FOR THE HONG KONG PEOPLE. THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL. THE HON ALLEN LEE. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
WINDING UP THE DEBATE ON HIS MOTION OF THANKS FOR THE GOVERNOR’S POLICY ADDRESS. MR LEE SAID THE PACE OF TRANSFORMATION IN HONG KONG HAD AMAZED PEOPLE WHO HAD WATCHED THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY.
"WITH THE STRENGTH AND DIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE WITHIN THIS COUNCIL. WE CAN LEAD HONG KONG THROUGH TROUBLED TIMES AND TO BUILD A FUTURE FOR OUR PEOPLE." HE SAID.
AS FOR THE UNCERTAINTY HONG KONG WAS FACING. HE SAID IT WAS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR HONG KONG AND IT HAD NOT BEEN MADE EASIER BY WHAT WAS HAPPENING AROUND US.
"NEVERTHELESS. WE WILL NOT LOSE SIGHT OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS OUR OWN PEOPLE WHO ARE COMMITTED TO STAYING IN HONG KONG IN BUILDING UP OUR OWN INFRASTRUCTURE. IMPROVING OUR SOCIAL SERVICES. INCREASING OUR EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES, ADVANCING OUR TECHNOLOGICAL CAPABILITIES AND IN BRINGING TO FRUITION THE HOST OF AMBITIOUS PROJECTS THAT CALL FOR NOT ONLY OUR DEDICATION AND OUR EXPERIENCE. BUT IN SHORT. A LOT OF HARD WORK.
/"SUCH PROJECTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"SUCH PROJECTS REQUIRE THE CONTRIBUTION OF A COMMUNITY THAT PLEDGES ITS SUPPORT FOR A BETTER HONG KONG. THE KEY TO SUCCESS LIES IN OURSELVES.
"WE MUST THEREFORE STAND TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY, CARRY ON THE GOOD WORK WE HAVE DONE SO FAR. AND APPLY OURSELVES TO TACKLING PROBLEMS AND ACHIEVING OUR GOALS WITH COURAGE. DETERMINATION AND UNITY OF PURPOSE." MR LEE SAID.
-----0-----
LEGCO CONCLUDES POLICY DEBATE * * * *
AFTER THREE DAYS OF DEBATE. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL PASSED A MOTION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR BE THANKED FOR HIS ANNUAL POLICY ADDRESS TO THE COUNCIL LAST MONTH.
MEMBERS SPOKE ON THE MOTION ON TWO DAYS LAST WEEK. AND OFFICIALS REPLIED TODAY TO THE POINTS THAT THEY HAD RAISED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY LED THE REPLIES. AND THE CLOSING SPEECH FOR THE OFFICIALS WAS MADE BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.
A SHORT SPEECH WINDING UP THE DEBATE WAS MADE BY THE SENIOR MEMBER. THE HON ALLEN LEE. WHO HAD MOVED THE MOTION.
IN OTHER BUSINESS. FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY WERE THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989: THE BANK NOTES ISSUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989: THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1989 AND THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1989.
DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
THREE BILLS WERE PASSED AFTER GOING THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BEING GIVEN THIRD READINGS.
THEY WERE THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989:
THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
-----0------
/52........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 52 -
BILL AIMS TO UNDERLINE JUDICIARY’S INDEPENDENCE ******
THE PURPOSE 01? THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 IS TO INTRODUCE CHANGES TO THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION IN ORDER TO UNDERLINE THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR DAVID FORD, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
"THE BILL PROVIDES FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION FROM SIX TO NINE, CONSISTING OF THREE MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY, INCLUDING THE CHIEF JUSTICE AS CHAIRMAN, TWO MEMBERS OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION AND THREE LAY MEMBERS TOGETHER WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER.
"THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION IS NO LONGER TO BE A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION," THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID WHILE THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT SHARE THE LEGAL PROFESSION’S CONCERN ABOUT THE EFFECT OF THE CHAIRMAN’S MEMBERSHIP ON THE CONCEPT OF A NON-CIVIL SERVICE JUDICIARY, IT AGREED THAT HIS EXPERTISE IN APPOINTMENT MATTERS COULD BE PROVIDED BY ONE OF THE LAY MEMBERS.
NOTING THAT THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAD ALSO OBJECTED TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL REMAINING A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION. SIR DAVID SAID THE ADMINISTRATION HAD CAREFULLY CONSIDERED THE OBJECTIONS BUT CONTINUED TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WERE SOUND REASONS FOR THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO CONTINUE TO BE A MEMBER.
"THE SEPARATION OF THE JUDICIARY FROM THE ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS NO ROLE TO PLAY IN THE APPOINTMENT OF JUDGES AND MAGISTRATES.
"THE ADMINISTRATION HAS A RESPONSIBILITY FOR ENSURING THAT HIGH STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN WHICH JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART.
"IT IS APPROPRIATE THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS GUARDIAN OF THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, SHOULD PARTICIPATE IN JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS," SIR DAVID SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT BELIEVED THAT THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S POSITION AS LEGAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNOR AND HEAD OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT MADE IT APPROPRIATE FOR HIM TO BE A MEMBER OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION.
"THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT BRIEFS OUT A GREAT DEAL OF WORK TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND EMPLOYS APPROXIMATELY 250 GOVERNMENT LAWYERS. SUCH A POSITION GIVES THE ATTORNEY GENERAL A CONSIDERABLE APPRECIATION' OF ABILITY WITHIN THE LEGAL PROFESSION OF HONG KONG.
/’’HE IS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 19^9
- 53 -
"HE IS THUS WELL PLACED TO ASSIST THE COMMISSION IN ITS DELIBERATIONS. CONCERNING BOTH LAWYERS WHO SEEK APPOINTMENT TO THE BENCH AND MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY WHO SEEK, OR WHO ARE PROPOSED FOR. ADVANCEMENT,” SIR DAVID SAID.
THE BILL ALSO INTRODUCED A CONSULTATIVE MECHANISM FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE TWO MEMBERS FROM THE LEGAL PROFESSION. ONE WOULD BE A BARRISTER AND THE OTHER A SOLICITOR.
‘BEFORE A DECISION IS TAKEN BY THE GOVERNOR ON THESE APPOINTMENTS. THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG WILL BE INVITED TO MAKE NOMINATIONS. THE GOVERNOR WILL WISH TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THESE RECOMMENDATIONS BUT WILL NOT BE BOUND BY THEM.” SIR DAVID ADDED.
AS A CONSEQUENCE OF THE INCREASE IN MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMISSION FROM SIX TO NINE, THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR AN INCREASE IN THE QUORUM TO THE CHIEF JUSTICE PLUS FIVE MEMBERS.
“WE BELIEVE THAT THE LEGAL PROFESSION’S SUGGESTION THAT THE QUORUM SHOULD BE SEVEN MEMBERS IS INAPPROPRIATE. AS MEMBERS WILL APPRECIATE, DURING CERTAIN PERIODS OF THE YEAR WHEN BUSINESS MUST BE TRANSACTED IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT MORE THAN TWO MEMBERS WILL BE OUT OF HONG KONG." SIR DAVID EXPLAINED.
THE OTHER CHANGE INTRODUCED WAS THE REMOVAL OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR DECISIONS TAKEN BY THE COMMISSION TO BE UNANIMOUS.
"WITH AN EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP OF NINE, THE LIKELIHOOD OF UNANIMOUS DECISIONS WILL NATURALLY BE REDUCED AND IT WOULD CLEARLY BE UNDESIRABLE TO THE OPERATION OF THE COMMISSION THAT DECISIONS SHOULD BE BLOCKED BY THE OBJECTION OF ONE MEMBER.
"ON THE OTHER HAND, THE VALIDITY OF A DECISION MIGHT BE IN DOUBT IF THERE WERE TO BE A LARGE NUMBER OF DISSENTING VOTES.
"THE BILL THEREFORE PROVIDES THAT RESOLUTIONS SHOULD BE PASSED WITH NOT MORE THAN TWO DISSENTING VOTES. THE LEGAL PROFESSION’S SUGGESTION FOR RESOLUTIONS TO BE PASSED WITH NOT MORE THAN ONE DISSENTING VOTE IS NOT CONSIDERED ACCEPTABLE." SIR DAVID ADDED.
THE LEGAL PROFESSION HAD PROPOSED THAT THE LEGISLATION SHOULD SPECIFY THAT JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS SHOULD BE MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ADVICE OF THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION.
"THIS WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISION IN THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT JUDGES OF THE SAR COURTS SHALL BE APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RECOMMENDATION OF AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION.
"HOWEVER, BEFORE THE JUDICIAL SERVICE COMMISSION CAN ASSUME SUCH AN EXECUTIVE ROLE, CERTAIN MEASURES SUCH AS PROVIDING FOR SECURITY OF TENURE FOR JUDICIAL OFFICERS AND REPLACING THE LETTERS PATENT UNDER WHICH JUDGES ARE NOW APPOINTED WITH OTHER PROVISIONS AFFORDING SIMILAR PROTECTION WILL HAVE TO BE PUT IN PLACE.
/’’THEREFORE WE.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
"THEREFORE WE PROPOSED THAT THE COMMISSION REMAIN ADVISORY FOR THE TIME BEING. IN PRACTICE, THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNOR,” THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID THE BILL HAD BEEN REVISED TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT SOME OF THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE LEGAL PROFESSION.
"THE CHANGES PROPOSED IN THE BILL WILL HELP TO UNDERLINE AND ENHANCE THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE JUDICIARY, AND I AM SURE THEIR IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE BENEFICIAL TO OUR JUDICIAL SYSTEM.” HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------0-------
BANK NOTES BILL INTRODUCED * * * * *
THE BANK NOTES ISSUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR PIERS EXPLAINED THAT THE MAIN PURPOSE WAS TO PROVIDE THAT BANK NOTES BEARING THE NAME "THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION” SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE LEGAL TENDER FOLLOWING THE CHANGE IN THE BANK’S NAME TO "THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED” ON OCTOBER 6 THIS YEAR.
"THERE IS A NEED TO ENSURE THAT BANK NOTES BEARING THE OLD NAME MAY STILL BE LAWFULLY ISSUED AND WILL REMAIN LEGAL TENDER.
"THE PROCESS OF REPLACING SUCH NOTES BY NOTES BEARING THE BANK’S NEW NAME IS EXPECTED TO TAKE SEVERAL YEARS.
"THE COST OF PRINTING BANK NOTES IS BORNE BY GOVERNMENT FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID THE BILL PROVIDED THAT ANY BANK NOTES BEARING THE FORMER NAME, WHETHER ISSUED BEFORE, ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 6, 1989 SHOULD BE DEEMED TO BE BANK NOTES LAWFULLY ISSUED AND LEGAL TENDER FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
THERE WAS A PROVISION THAT THE BILL SHOULD BE DEEMED TO HAVE COME INTO OPERATION ON OCTOBER 6.
"I TRUST THAT THIS RETROSPECTIVITY WILL NOT CAUSE CONCERN TO MEMBERS SINCE NO ONE IS TO BE DEPRIVED OF EXISTING RIGHTS AS A RESULT. INDEED THE RIGHTS OF HOLDERS OF THE BANK’S NOTES WILL BE CONFIRMED,” SIR PIERS SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- 0 -
/55
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 55 -
BOOST FOR HK AS ARBITRATION CENTRE
*****
THE ADOPTION OF THE UNITED NATIONS MODEL LAW OF ARBITRATION WILL HELP BOOST HONG KONG’S ATTRACTIONS AS A VENUE FOR INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATIONS, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WAS TOLD TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE ARBITRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO.2) BILL 1989, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON FRANK STOCK, SAID THE OBJECT OF THE BILL WAS TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION IN ITS 1987 REPORT ON THE ADOPTION OF THE UNCITRAL MODEL LAW OF ARBITRATION.
’’SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT IN SEPTEMBER 1985 OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE, HONG KONG HAS BEEN DEVELOPING THE POTENTIAL FOR BEING THE LEADING CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL ARBITRATION IN THE FAR EAST.
“CLEARLY IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE LAWS OF HONG KONG BE AS WELL DESIGNED AS POSSIBLE TO ASSIST THESE DEVELOPMENTS.
’’THE EFFECT OF ADOPTION OF THE MODEL LAW FOR HONG KONG WILL BE TO MAKE KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION RULES ACCESSIBLE AT ONCE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, THEREBY MAKING HONG KONG EMINENTLY ATTRACTIVE TO PARTIES AS AN ARBITRATION VENUE,” HE SAID.
MR STOCK SAID THAT ALTHOUGH HONG KONG’S PRESENT ARBITRATION LAW DID MAKE SPECIAL PROVISION FOR NON-DOMESTIC ARBITRATIONS THEY WERE, WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS, DEALT WITH ALONG SIMILAR LINES TO DOMESTIC ARBITRATIONS.
THE BILL, HOWEVER, PROVIDED FOR TWO DISTINCT REGIMES.
DOMESTIC ARBITRATIONS WOULD CONTINUE TO BE GOVERNED BY THE EXISTING LAW SUBJECT TO A FEW CHANGES WHILE INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATIONS WOULD BE GOVERNED BY THE MODEL LAW, THE PROVISIONS OF WHICH (SAVE FOR ONE CHAPTER) WOULD, BY THIS BILL, BE INCORPORATED INTO THE ARBITRATION ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, PROVISION WAS MADE FOR PARTIES TO DOMESTIC ARBITRATIONS TO ENTER AN AGREEMENT, AFTER A DISPUTE HAD ARISEN, FOR THEIR DISPUTE TO BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE MODEL LAW.
PROVISION WAS ALSO MADE FOR PARTIES TO AN INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENT TO PROVIDE THAT ANY DISPUTES WOULD BE DEALT WITH UNDER THE LAW RELATING TO DOMESTIC ARBITRATIONS. MR STOCK SAID.
UNDER THE MODEL LAW, AN ARBITRATION WAS INTERNATIONAL IN A NUMBER OF CIRCUMSTANCES.
"IT IS INTERNATIONAL IF THE PARTIES TO THE ARBITRATION AGREEMENT HAVE THEIR PLACES OF BUSINESS IN DIFFERENT STATES, OR HAVE AGREED THAT THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE AGREEMENT RELATES TO MORE THAN ONE STATE.
/"EVEN IF
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 198?
"EVEN IF THE PLACES OF BUSINESS OF THE PARTIES ARE IN THE SAME STATE, THE ARBITRATION IS ALSO INTERNATIONAL IF THE PARTIES AGREE TO ARBITRATE ELSEWHERE; OR IF A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF THE COMMERCIAL OBLIGATIONS ARE TO BE PERFORMED ELSEWHERE; OR IF THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THE DISPUTE IS MORE CLOSELY CONNECTED WITH ANOTHER STATE.
"A DOMESTIC ARBITRATION IS ONE THAT WILL FALL OUTSIDE THESE PRESCRIBED CIRCUMSTANCES." MR STOCK. SAID.
EXPLAINING THE BACKGROUND, HE SAID THAT WITH THE INCREASING INTERNATIONALISATION OF COMMERCE, A CLEAR NEED HAD EMERGED FOR BUSINESS DISPUTES TO BE SETTLED IN A MANNER THAT WAS "JUST, SWIFT, PREDICTABLE AND FINAL".
BUT IF DIFFERENT COUNTRIES HAD DIFFERENT MECHANISMS FOR RESOLVING THESE DISPUTES, BUSINESSMEN WERE UNLIKELY TO CHOOSE A VENUE FOR ARBITRATION IF THEY OR THEIR ADVISERS WERE UNFAMILIAR WITH THAT VENUE’S ARBITRATION LAWS AND PROCEDURES.
MR STOCK SAID IT WAS THIS PROBLEM THAT WAS ADDRESSED BY THE UNITED NATIONS COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE LAW (UNCITRAL) IN THE HOPE THAT IF COMMON PROCEDURES WERE APPLIED, BUSINESSMEN COULD CHOOSE A VENUE FOR ITS CONVENIENCE AND PUT ASIDE WORRIES ABOUT PROCEDURAL MATTERS.
UNCITRAL PRODUCED ITS MODEL LAW IN 1985, AND THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE UNITED NATIONS PASSED A RESOLUTION CALLING ON ALL STATES TO GIVE DUE CONSIDERATIOxN TO ADOPTION OF THE MODEL LAW.
"THE BASIC PHILOSOPHY OF THE MODEL LAW IS TO PROVIDE THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY WITH A UNIVERSAL CODE EXPRESSED CLEARLY AND WHICH IS AIMED AT SPEEDY RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES WITH MINIMAL INTERFERENCE BY THE COURTS AND WITHOUT ELABORATE PROCEDURES," MR STOCK ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0-----
/57........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
57
NEW RANK BEING CREATED IN IMMIGRATION DEPT ♦ * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL 1989, WHICH SEEKS TO AMEND THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE TO INCORPORATE THE NEW RANK OF CHIEF IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT WHICH WILL BE CREATED IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES. SAID THIS RESTRUCTURING WOULD NOT ONLY ENABLE THE MORE SENIOR OFFICERS TO CONCENTRATE ON THE MORE IMPORTANT AND COMPLEX TASKS BUT WOULD LEAD TO THE EVENTUAL ABOLITION OF THE ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER RANK. THEREBY STREAMLINING THE OFFICER GRADE AND ACHIEVING SOME SAVINGS.
MR BARNES SAID THERE WERE TWO DISCIPLINED GRADES IN THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT -- THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER GRADE AND THE IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT GRADE.
THE IMMIGRATION OFFICER GRADE COMPRISED SIX RANKS STARTING WITH THE RANK OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICER, WHILE THE IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT GRADE COMPRISED THE RANKS OF SENIOR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT AND IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT.
MR BARNES SAID IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR SERVICES. AND HAVING REGARD TO THE GROWING COMPLEXITY OF IMMIGRATION WORK. THE LESS COMPLEX DUTIES OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WOULD NOW DEVOLVE UPON THE NEW RANK OF CHIEF IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT WHICH WOULD BE CREATED ABOVE THE EXISTING SENIOR IMMIGRATION ASSISTANT RANK.
"THIS WILL MEAN THAT MOST OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO CHIEF IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS, WHILE THE REMAINING DUTIES OF ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WILL BE ABSORBED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS." HE SAID.
SINCE THE POWERS OF THE OFFICERS IN THE DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE DEPARTMENT WERE SET OUT IN THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE. MR BARNES SAID THE PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING OF IMMIGRATION GRADES MADE AMENDMENTS TO THE ORDINANCE NECESSARY.
"CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS WILL ALSO BE MADE TO THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE ORDINANCE AND IMMIGRATION REGULATIONS." HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0------
/58........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
58
TOURIST ASSOCIATION *
TO MEET CHALLENGES AHEAD ♦ * * *
THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD DULY RECOGNISE THAT THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION. IN PROMOTING ONE OF THE BIGGEST FOREIGN CURRENCY EARNING INDUSTRIES IN HONG KONG. HAS TO RESPOND TO A FAST-CHANGING BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT.
’’THIS IS EXACTLY WHY THE ASSOCIATION HAS FROM ITS OUTSET BEEN A PUBLIC BODY BUT NOT A GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT. SO THAT UNNECESSARY RED-TAPE CAN BE AVOIDED. WHILE AT THE SAME TIME NOT LOSING SIGHT OF THE NEED FOR ACCOUNTABILITY.” THE HON MARTIN BARROW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989. MR BARROW, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION. SAID THAT THE TOURIST INDUSTRY WAS A VOLATILE SERVICE INDUSTRY AND THERE WERE MANY CHALLENGES AHEAD.
”THE SHORTAGE OF EXPERIENCED AND TRAINED PERSONNEL IS ALREADY ERODING OUR SERVICE STANDARDS: THERE IS THE STIFF COMPETITION OF OTHER COUNTRIES IN EAST ASIA. AND THE RECENT EVENTS IN CHINA HAVE PROMPTED MANY WESTERN VISITORS TO DEFER THEIR TRIPS TO THE REGION." HE NOTED.
MR BARROW CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO LOSE SIGHT OF ALL THESE FACTORS AND TO FLEXIBILITY APPLY THE PRINCIPLES OF THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION (AMENDMENT) BILL. WHICH SET OUT TO FORMALISE THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
- 59 -
WIDE-RANGING PROGRAMME FOR ROYAL VISITORS * * * * *
A BUSY AND WIDE-RANGING PROGRAMME WILL TAKE THE PRINCE OF WALES FROM THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO GURKHA POSITIONS ON THE BORDER WITH CHINA TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
IN A SEPARATE PROGRAMME. THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL TRAVEL FROM THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT WONG CHUK HANG ON THE SOUTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND TO TUEN MUN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WILL START THEIR OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS TOGETHER WHEN THE PRINCE OF WALES OFFICIALLY OPENS THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.
JUST OVER THREE YEARS AGO. THE QUEEN LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE CENTRE DURING HER VISIT TO HONG KONG IN OCTOBER 1986.
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL ARRIVE BY CAR AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE CENTRE AND TRAVEL BY ESCALATOR TO THE CONVENTION HALL WHERE HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL UNVEIL A COMMEMORATIVE SCULPTURE ENTITLED ‘’CONVENTION”' BY AWARD-WINNING. HONG KONG-BORN SCULPTOR ARIES LEE. WHO IS NOW BASED IN JAPAN.
THE ROYAL COUPLE WILL THEN PROCEED BY ESCALATOR TO THE UPPER EXHIBITION HALL TO SEE THE SHOWCASE 89 EXHIBITION.
THE SECOND SUCH ANNUAL EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. SHOWCASE 89 HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 200 EXHIBITORS. COMPARED WITH 125 LAST YEAR.
IT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING LOCAL CONSUMPTION OF HONG KONG-MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS AND TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSMEN TO TEST THE MARKET POTENTIAL OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
THE ROYAL PARTY WILL THEN GO TO LEVEL FIVE TO VIEW THE BRITAIN IN HONG KONG EXHIBITION.
ORGANISED BY FAIRS b EXHIBITIONS LTD OF LONDON FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY. THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION DISPLAYS THE BEST OF BRITISH MANUFACTURING. SERVICES AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY.
AFTER SEEING THE EXHIBITION. THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL LEAVE FOR CHAK ON HOUSING ESTATE. KOWLOON. WHERE SHE WILL VISIT THE HELPING HAND CARE HOME.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL TOUR ANOTHER EVENT BEING HELD IN THE CENTRE. THE BRITISH EDUCATION EXHIBITION.
TO HELP HONG KONG STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING STUDYING IN BRITAIN. THE BRITISH COUNCIL IS BOLDING THE EXHIBITION FROM NOVEMBER 9 TO 12.
/AFTER SPENDING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 60 -
AFTER SPENDING NEARLY TWO HOURS IN THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL LEAVE BY CAR FOR HMS TAMAR FROM WHERE HE WILL FLY BY HELICOPTER TO THE BORDER TO VISIT THE 2ND BATTALION OF THE 2ND KING EDWARD VII’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES (THE S1RMOOR RIFLES). OF WHICH HE IS COLONEL-IN-CHI EI'.
FOR HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE VISIT IS A CHANCE TO RENEW AN OLD FRIENDSHIP BECAUSE THE BATTALION’S COMMANDANT. LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRISTOPHER LAVENDER. IS A FORMER EQUERRY TO THE PRINCE OF WALES.
AFTER A BRIEFING BY LT. COL. LAVENDER AT THE CREST HILL BORDER POSITION HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL FLY TO GALLIPOLI LINES WHERE. AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL PRESENT THE PRINCE OF WALES KUKRI TO COLOUR SERGEANT MAHENDRA THAPA.
A LAVISHLY ORNATE VERSION OF THE TRADITIONAL GURKHA KNIFE. THE PRINCE OF WALES KUKRI HAS BEEN PRESENTED ANNUALLY SINCE 1979 TO THE SOLDIER OR SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE FIRST OR SECOND BATTALION WHO IS JUDGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED MOST TO THE REGIMENT DURING THE YEAR.
FOLLOWING HIS TOUR OF GALLIPOLI LINES HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL LUNCH WITH THE BATTALION BEFORE DEPARTING BY HELICOPTER FOR TUEN MUN.
WHILE HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS IS VISITING THE 2/2 GURKHAS THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL SEE HOW SOME OF HONG KONG’S ELDERLY ARE CARED FOR WHEN SHE VISITS THE HELPING HAND CARE CENTRE AT CHAK ON ESTATE. KOWLOON.
THE CARE HOME AT CHAK ON ESTATE IS ONE OF THE LATEST TO BE OPENED BY HELPING HAND AND CAN HOUSE UP TO 78 OLD PEOPLE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF HELPING HAND, MRS MARGARET CARTER. WILL ESCORT THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO THE COMMUNITY ROOM FOR A SHORT BRIEFING ON THE HISTORY OF HELPING HAND.
AFTER THE BRIEFING. THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL CHAT WITH ELDERLY RESIDENTS BEFORE WALKING ACROSS THE HOUSING ESTATE TO THE WING CHAK HONE WHERE SHE WILL SEE VOLUNTEER MEDICAL OFFICER. DR. STEPHEN TSE. GIVING A.MEDICAL CHECKUP TO ONE OF THE RESIDENTS.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL UNVEIL A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT ABERDEEN.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE PTS SHE WILL BE GIVEN A ROYAL SALUTE BY A QUARTER GUARD AT THE MAIN GATE AND BE RECEIVED ALONGSIDE THE DRILL SQUARE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE. MR RAYMON ANNING.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL SEE TRAINEES TAKING DRILL INSTRUCTION ON THE SQUARE AND OTHER RECRUITS BEING GIVEN AN EXAMINATION IN HANDLING SMITH AND WESSON REVOLVERS. REMINGTON SHOTGUNS. ARI 5 RIFLES AND SMOKE PISTOLS.
SHE WILL ALSO SEE RECRUITS UNDERGOING PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TESTS ON HOW TO HANDLE INCIDENTS.
/IN THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 61 -
IN THE GYMNASIUM HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL WATCH RECRUITS PRACTISING AIKIDO. THE FORM OF SELF-DEFENCE ADOPTED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL LUNCH IN THE OFFICERS' MESS WHERE SHE WILL BE CEREMONIALLY PIPED INTO THE DINING ROOM BY PIPE MAJOR HSU YORK-FUNG.
AFTER LUNCH THE COMMISSIONER WILL PRESENT HER ROYAL HIGHNESS A SILVER-PLATED. PEWTER FIGURE OF A ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE CONSTABLE AS A MEMENTO.
BEFORE LEAVING BY HELICOPTER FOR TUEN MUN THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL MEET AND TALK WITH POLICE FAMILIES.
AFTER THEIR SEPARATE PROGRAMMES THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL MEET AT THE TANG SHIV KIN SPORTS GROUND. WHERE THEIR WESSEX HELICOPTERS OF 28 SQUADRON. ROYAL AIR FORCE WILL LAND. AND THEY WILL TRAVEL BY CAR TO THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL FOR THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL.
THE ROYAL VISITORS WILL WALK TO THE SOUTHERN END OF THE TOWN HALL CONCOURSE WHERE THEY WILL SEE LOCAL RESIDENTS PERFORMING AEROBIC AND MORRIS DANCING.
AT AN EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WILL SEPARATELY WALK THROUGH A CARNIVAL AND GAMES STALL AREA. PAUSING TO CHAT TO SOME OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AT PLAY.
THE ROYAL COUPLE WILL THEN MEET AT AN ADJACENT GARDEN TO SEE A COLLECTION OF BONSAI FROM CHING CHUNG MONASTERY. THERE THE CHIEF PASTOR OF CHING CHUNG MONASTERY. MR HAU PO-WOON. WILL BE PRESENTED TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WILL LEAVE BY CAR FOR THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND FROM WHERE THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL FLY BACK TO HMS TAMAR.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL TRAVEL BY CAR TO SHUI TAU VILLAGE WHERE HE WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE TANG CHING-LOK CHI ANCESTRAL HALL IN SHUI MEI VILLAGE.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL CALL ON MADAM TANG AT NO 35. SHUI TAU. THE HOUSE IS BETWEEN 100 AND 200 YEARS OLD AND IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TRADITIONAL NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE-TYPE ARCHITECTURE.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL CONTINUE HIS WALK THROUGH THE VILLAGE AND VISIT THE SO LAU YUEN. OR HALL. BUILT IN THE CHING DYNASTY (1614-1911) AS A PRIVATE STUDY HALL.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE HISTORY OF THE HALL AND SEE EXHIBITS OF OLD FARMING EQUIPMENT.
/AFTER HIS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 62 -
AFTER HIS VISIT TO THE VILLAGE HE WILL LEAVE IN A RAF WESSEX HELICOPTER FOR HNS TAMAR.
IN THE EVENING, THE END OF HER BUSY VISIT TO HONG KONG THE PRINCESS OF WALES WILL LEAVE THE TERRITORY FOR LONDON ON BOARD THE SCHEDULED BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHT.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL TRAVEL FROM HMS TAMAR BY CAR TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHERE THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON. AND LADY WILSON WILL TAKE THEIR LEAVE OF THE ROYAL VISITOR.
-----0-----
PRINCE OF WALES VISITS CITY POLYTECHNIC ♦ * t t *
THE PRINCE OF WALES SAW HOW COMPUTERS ARE HELPING THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY WHEN HE VISITED THE CITY POLYTECHNIC TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS VISITED THE POLYTECHNIC’S COMPUTER CENTRE, CENTRALISED LABORATORIES AND THE COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN CENTRE.
HE ARRIVED AT CITY POLYTECHNIC BY CAR AFTER HIS VISIT TO CHUK YUEN ESTATE IN KOWLOON.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC COUNCIL. MR. CHENG HON-KWAN. PRESENTED THE POLYTECHNIC’S DIRECTOR, PROFESSOR CHENG YIU-CHUNG: THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION). MR. KEITH HOUGHTON: THE ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (RESOURCES) MR.JOHN DOCKERILL. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT). PROFESSOR BENJAMIN T’SOU; ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (ACADEMIC) PROFESSOR COLIN FIELD: DEPUTY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN. MR. NIGEL RIGG; COUNCIL TREASURER. MR. JOHN STRICKLAND: CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S ESTATES AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, DR. RAYMOND HO AND STUDENT’S UNION PRESIDENT. MR. WILL MA.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WAS TOLD WAS FORMALLY ESTABLISHED IN JANUARY 1700 DEGREE AND DIPLOMA GRADUATES.
THAT SINCE THE CITY POLYTECHNIC 1984 IT HAS PRODUCED MORE THAN
THE FIRST INTAKE OF STUDENTS WAS ADMITTED IN OCTOBER 1984 AND CONSISTED OF 1.230 STUDENTS TAKING A TOTAL OF 12 FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME COURSES OFFERED BY FOUR DEPARTMENTS.
IN JANUARY THIS YEAR THE STUDENT POPULATION HAD GROWN TO 7.000. ABOUT HALF OF WHOM WERE ON FULL-TIME COURSES. BY OCTOBER THE STUDENT POPULATION TOTALLED 9.300 OF WHOM HALF WERE ON FULL-TIME OR SANDWICH MODE COURSES.
/THESE COURSES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 63
THESE COURSES ARE VOCATIONALLY ORIENTATED AND STRONGLY GEARED TO THE DEMANDS OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST BACHELOR’S DEGREE COURSES WERE INTRODUCED IxN 1986-87. THERE IS NOW A DIVERSITY OF AWARDS RANGING FROM MASTER OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREE BY RESEARCH. MASTER’S DEGREE BY COURSEWORK AND EXAMINATION. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA, POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE. BACHELOR’S DEGREE. PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA. HIGHER DIPLOMA TO HIGHER CERTIFICATE AND DIPLOMA.
THE PRINCE OF WALES SAW A DEMONSTRATION OF THE CAMPU-WIDE VIDEO-TEC SYSTEM. A COMPUTERISED INFORMATION SERVICE DEVISED BY THE SYSTEMS ANALYST OF THE COMPUTER CENTRE. MRS LOUISA TANG, WHO WAS PRESENTED TO THE ROYAL VISITOR.
THE ROYAL PARTY ALSO VISITED THE CENTRALISED LABORATORIES WHERE PROFESSOR ALAN JEARY. THE HEAD OF CENTRALISED LABORATORIES AND PROFESSOR ENOCH YOUNG. THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCE DEMONSTRATED SOME OF THE EXPERIMENTS BEING CONDUCTED IN THIS UNIQUE APPROACH TO SHARED-FACILITY LABORATORY TEACHING.
AT THE SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION LABORATORY THE HEAD OF THE EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY CENTRE, MR ALAN CUTTING. INVITED HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS TO LISTEN THROUGH HEADPHONES TO A STUDENT’S MEETING BEING HELD IN CANTONESE AND BEING INTERPRETED SIMULTANEOUSLY INTO ENGLISH AND PUTONGHUA.
THE DISCUSSION THEN SWITCHED INTO ENGLISH AND THE PRINCE OF WALES JOINED IN. HIS REMARKS BEING SIMULTANEOUSLY TRANSLATED INTO TWO OTHER LANGUAGES.
IN THE COMPUTER TERMINAL ROOM HEAD OF THE COMPUTER CENTRE. MR. POON KEE-WO SHOWED HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS A GROUP OF STUDENTS TRANSLATING A WORDSWORTH POEM INTO CHINESE USING COMPUTERISED WORD PROCESSING.
IN THE COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN CENTRE THE HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING. DR. K.V. PATRI AND THE DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL LECTURER, DR EDMUND CHEUNG. WERE PRESENTED.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS SAW A COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN DEMONSTRATION AND CHATTED BRIEFLY TO COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO WERE PRACTISING CAD WORK USING A SOFTWARE PACKAGE PRODUCED BY MCDONNEL DOUGLAS IN THE USA.
AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE POLYTECHNIC MR. CHENG HON-KWAN PRESENTED THE BUILDING’S TWO PRINCIPAL ARCHITECTS, MS CLAUDIA ESDAILE AND MR CHUNG-WAH MAN AND THE CONTRACTOR, MR. JOHN FAULKNER.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE BEFORE LEAVING BY CAR FOR HMY BRITANNIA.
-----0------
/64........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
6U
GLITTERING ROYAL OPENING FOR CULTURAL CENTRE * * t * *
IT WAS A GLITTERING ROYAL GALA NIGHT SUCH AS HONG KONG HAS RARELY SEEN WHEN THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES TONIGHT (WEDNESDAY) OFFICIALLY OPENED THE HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE IN KOWLOON.
THE CENTRE, WITH ITS 2,100 SEAT CONCERT HALL AND 8000-PIPE, 93-STOP AUSTRIAN ORGAN HAS BEEN DESIGNED AS A FOCAL POINT FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE TERRITORY.
THE BUILDING, COMMANDING A CENTRA). WATERFRONT POSITION IN TSIM SHA TSUI, HAS A STRIKING DESIGN AND UP-TO-DATE FACILITIES AND IS DESTINED TO BECOME A FAMOUS LANDMARK AS WELL AS A VENUE FOR INTERNATIONAL PERFORMERS.
AMONG THE FIRST CLASS FACILITIES IT OFFERS FOR CONCERTS. CONFERENCES AND MEETINGS ARE A CONCERT HALL. GRAND THEATRE. STUDIO THEATRE, EXHIBITION AREAS, RESTAURANTS AND BARS AS WELL AS NUMEROUS ANCILLARY ROOMS.
USING THE LATEST STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY THE CENTRE CAN CATER TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LARGEST ORCHESTRAL CONCERTS. THEATRE, OPERA AND DANCE PRODUCTIONS WHILE MAINTAINING THE IMPORTANT LINK BETWEEN PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE.
ATTENDING THE LAST FUNCTION OF THE DAY, THE PRINCESS OF WALES WORE A CREAM STRAPLESS BEADED AND SEQUINNED SLIM FITTING LONG EVENING DRESS WITH A MATCHING SHORT SLEEVE BOLERO WITH HIGH STAND-UP COLLAR AND CREAM SATIN SHOES, DESIGNED BY CATHERINE WALKER OF CHELSEA DESIGN. SHE ALSO WORE A DIAMOND AND PEARL DROP TIARA.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES ARRIVED AT THE CULTURAL CENTRE BY CAR FROM HMS TAMAR AND WERE RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WHO PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR. H.M.G.FORSGATE AND MRS FORSGATE.
MR. FORSGATE THEN PRESENTED THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL. MR. STEPHEN LAU AND MRS LAU: THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S CULTURE SELECT COMMITTEE. MR. LO KING-MAN AND MRS LO; THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. JAMES SO AND MRS. SO AND THE DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, MR JOSE LEI AND MRS LEI.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WERE ESCORTED TO THE CONCERT HALL WHERE THEY HEARD A PERFORMANCE BY THE LONDON BACH CHOIR ACCOMPANIED BY THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA.
DURING A 20-MINUTE INTERVAL. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES MET A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE PERFORMANCE.
AFTER THE CONCERT THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES SIGNED THE VISITORS’ BOOK AND WERE ESCORTED TO THE FOYER WHERE THEY SPOKE WITH SOME OF THE 400 ASSEMBLED PEOPLE WHO HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE CULTURAL CENTRE PROJECT OR WHO HAD TAKEN PART IN THE PERFORMANCE.
/SOME OF ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 65 -
SOME OF THE GUESTS WERE PRESENTED TO THE PRINCE OF WALES BY MR FORSGATE WHILE OTHERS WERE PRESENTED TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS BY MRS FORSGATE.
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES UNVEILED A PLAQUE IN THE EOYER TO MARK THE OCCASION AND MR. FORSGATE INVITED THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES TO ACCEPT A COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES LEFT FOR HMY BRITANNIA BY CAR.
-------0---------
ROYAL VISITOR TRAVELS BY TUBE
*»»»♦»
THE PRINCE OF WALES HAD A DRIVER’S EYE-VIEW OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE TRAVELLED IN THE DRIVER’S CABIN OF A TRAIN BETWEEN LAM TIN AND QUARRY BAY STATIONS.
HE ROUNDED OFF HIS UNDERGROUND TRIP BY TRAVELLING IN A NORMAL ISLAND LINE TRAIN FROM QUARRY BAY TO ADMIRALTY.
THE TRIP CAME AT THE END OF A VISIT TO THE NEW EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL WHEN HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS UNVEILED TWO PLAQUES TO COMMEMORATE THE OPENING OF THE TUNNEL AND THE SECOND MTR LINK ACROSS VICTORIA HARBOUR.
THE PRINCE OF WALES ARRIVED AT THE EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL BY CAR AFTER LAYING THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AT CLEARWATER BAY.
THE $4 BILLION TUNNEL WAS BUILT BY THE NEW HONGKONG TUNNEL CO. A CONSORTIUM COMPRISING JAPAN’S KUMAGAI GUMI (56.25%): THE MAINLAND CHINESE BANKING AND BUSINESS CORPORATION. CHINA INTERNATIONAL TRUST AND INVESTMENT CORPORATION (CITIC). WHICH OWNS 24.5 PER CENT: HONG KONG’S PAUL Y CONSTRUCTION CO (6.65 %): THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT (5 %): BRITAIN’S LILLEY CONSTRUCTION CO (1.76%) AND JAPAN’S MARUBENI CORPORATION (2.85%).
THE MAIN CONTRACTOR WAS KUMAGAI GUMI WHILE PAUL Y DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED THE APPROACH ROADS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE QUARRY BAY MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
TO BUILD THE TUNNEL A DRY DOCK WAS CREATED IN A QUARRY AT CHA KWO LING ON THE KOWLOON SIDE. HERE. HUGE PRECAST CONCRETE "BOXES" WERE BUILT IN THREE BATCHES OF FIVE. THEY RANGED IN LENGTH FROM 122 TO 128 METRES AND EACH WAS 34.45 METRES WIDE AND 9.75 METRES DEEP AND WEIGHED UP TO 42.800 TONNES.
/WHEN EACH .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 66 -
WHEN EACH BATCH OF "BOXES" WAS COMPLETED THE DRY DOCK WAS FLOODED AND THE UNITS FLOATED OUT INTO THE HARBOUR WHERE THEY WERE SUNK INTO POSITION IN PREPARED TRENCHES.
INSTALLATION OF THE IMMERSED TUBE WAS COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER 1988. THE DRY DOCK. NOW NEEDED NO LONGER. WAS CONVERTED INTO THE TOLL PLAZA AND ADMINISTRATION AREA.
WHEN THE PRINCE OF WALES ARRIVED AT THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING AT CHA KWO LING THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW HONGKONG TUNNEL COMPANY. MR. NORMAN THOMPSON. PRESENTED THE PRESIDENT OF KUMAGAI GUMI. MR. TACHIRO KUMAGAI: THE VICE-CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR CITIC HONG KONG LTD. MR. LARRY YUNG: THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF MARUBENI CORPORATION, MR M. YOSHIDA: THE CHAIRMAN. LILLEY CONSTRUCTION CO LTD. MR L. ROBERTSON: THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PAUL Y LTD. MRS THERESA LAU AND THE GENERAL MANAGER OF THE TUNNEL COMPANY. MR VICTOR LEUNG.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS UNVEILED A PLAQUE OUTSIDE THE BUILDING AND WAS LATER SHOWN AROUND THE COMPUTERISED CONTROL ROOM WHERE MR. LEUNG GAVE A BRIEFING ON THE WORKINGS OF THE TUNNEL.
THE PRINCE OF WALES LEFT BY CAR FOR THE LAM TIM MTR STATION WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION. MR. HAMISH MATHERS. PRESENTED THE MTR’S OPERATIONS DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR MR DAVID BARRACLOUGH. THE OPERATING MANAGER MR. ROGER KYNASTON AND LAM TIM STATION MASTER MR. Y.L. YEUNG.
THE ROYAL PARTY TRAVELLED BY ESCALATOR TO THE CONCOURSE LEVEL WHERE MR. MATHERS PRESENTED THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS. MR. DAVID NENDICK: THE MTRC1S FINANCE DIRECTOR. MR. ROGER MOSS. THE LEGAL DIRECTOR AND SECRETARY, MR. LEK TURK. OPERATIONS DIRECTOR DESIGNATE. MR. BILL DONALD AND THE PROJECT DIRECTOR, KUMAGAI GUMI CO LTD, MR. Y. MATSUMOTO.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS UNVEILED A PLAQUE COMMEMORATING THE OPENING OF THE EASTERN HARBOUR RAIL CROSSING AND THEN BOARDED A SPECIAL TRAIxN IN WHICH HE TRAVELLED FROM LAM TIN TO QUARRY BAY IN THE DRIVER’S CAB. .
HE LATER BOARDED A NORMAL ISLAND LINE TRAIN ON WHICH HE TRAVELLED TO ADMIRALTY STATION FROM WHERE HE LEFT BY CAR FOR LUNCH AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
/67.......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER. 8. 1989
- 67 -
PRINCESS OF WALES MEETS RED CROSS YOUTH
* * * * *
THE ACCENT WAS ON YOUTH WHEN THE PRINCESS OF WALES OFFICIALLY OPENED THE NEW HONG KONG ISLAND DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE RED CROSS AT THE SOUTHORN CENTRE. WAN CHAI. TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE PREMISES FORM ONE OF THREE DIVISIONAL HEADQUARTERS SERVING THE RED CROSS YOUTH OF THE HONG KONG RED CROSS YOUTH AND WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE HONG KONG ISLAND DIVISION WAS ESTABLISHED IN THE 1960S BUT HAS ONLY JUST ACQUIRED ITS OWN SEPARATE HEADQUARTERS.
THE NEW HQ HAS A TOTAL OF 277 SQUARE METRES (2,980 SQUARE FEET) OF FLOOR SPACE. IT INCLUDES FOUR LECTURE ROOMS. TWO STAFF WORK ROOMS. A CONFERENCE ROOM AND AN EQUIPMENT DEPOT AREA FOR THE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT LOAN SERVICE.
WITH A DAILY DROP-IN RATE OF 120 PEOPLE.THE NEW HQ PROVIDES AN ESSENTIAL BASE FOR ADMINISTERING. COORDINATING AND PROMOTING TRAINING. SERVICE AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE 2.600 YOUTH AND ADULT MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND DIVISION.
ON HER FIRST OFFICIAL ENGAGMENT OF THE DAY. HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WORE A PRIMROSE YELLOW AND NAVY SILK SUIT. CONSISTING OF A YELLOW JACKET WITH NAVY LAPELS, CUFFS AND SKIRT TRIMMED WITH GILT BUTTONS. AND NAVY SHOES WITH BLACK PATENT TIP. DESIGNED BY CATHERINE WALKER OF CHELSEA DESIGN.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES ARRIVED AT SOUTHORN CENTRE BY CAR FROM HMS TAMAR AND THE SECRETARY ROYAL VISIT. MR. PETER HARVEY. PRESENTED THE PRESIDENT OF HONG KONG RED CROSS. SIR RUN RUN SHAW AND THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT AND CHAIRMAN. DR. T.C.CHENG.
ON THE SIXTH FLOOR OF SOUTHORN CENTRE SIR RUN RUN SHAW PRESENTED RED CROSS DIRECTOR MRS IRENE Y.L. CHEUNG. TREASURER MR IAN HARRIS. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (YOUTH AND WELFARE) MR ERIC AU., SENIOR YOUTH OFFICER (HONG KONG ISLAND DIVISION) MR ADRIAN LEE AND BRANCH SECRETARY MR THOMAS SIN.
THE HONG KONG ISLAND DIVISION IS RUN MAINLY BY VOLUNTARY RED CROSS MEMBERS. THERE ARE ALTOGETHER 61 VOLUNTARY STAFF AND LEADERS. HEADED BY THE SENIOR YOUTH OFFICER. MR LEE. TOGETHER WITH FOUR FULL-TIME WORKERS THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR RUNNING THE 62 UNITS OF RED CROSS MEMBERS ON THE ISLAND.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS SAW A DEMONSTRATION OF FIRST AID TECHNIQUES BY SOME OF THE MEMBERS AFTER WHICH MR ERIC AU PRESENTED PRINCIPAL YOUTH AND WELFARE OFFICER MISS CHRISTINE FANG AND SENIOR STAFF OF THE DIVISION.
/THE PRINCESS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 68 -
THE PRINCESS OF WALES WAS THEN SHOWN A DISPLAY OF PHOTOGRAPHS AND CHARTS DEPICTING RED CROSS YOUTH AND WELFARE ACTIVITIES.
AFTER THE RED CROSS YOUTH CHOIR SANG THE RED CROSS YOUTH SONG HER ROYAL HIGHNESS UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE.
BEFORE SHE LEFT BY CAR FOR HMS TAMAR. HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WENT UP TO THE CROWD OF PEOPLE WHO HAD LINED THE PAVEMENT TO WELCOME HER. AND SHOOK HANDS WITH MANY OF THEM.
-----0-----
PRINCE VISITS THIRD UNIVERSITY SITE ******
THE PRINCE OF WALES LEFT A MESSAGE FOR POSTERITY AT THE SITE OF HONG KONG’S THIRD UNIVERSITY TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE DEPOSITED A TIME CAPSULE DURING HIS VISIT TO THE CLEARWATER BAY SITE OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE TAKING ITS FIRST STUDENTS IN 1991.
ON HIS FIRST OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE FIRST FULL DAY OF HIS FOUR-DAY VISIT TO THE TERRITORY. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS FLEW TO THE UNIVERSITY SITE BY’ HELICOPTER.
BEFORE TAKEOFF FROM HMS TAMAR THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES. MAJOR-GENERAL PETER DUFFEL. PRESENTED THE CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE HONG KONG. CAPTAIN P.DALRYMPLE-SMITH RN. AND THE COMMANDER ROYAL AIR FORCE HONG KONG. GROUP CAPTAIN D.J.HAMILTON RUMP RAF.
WHEN THE WESSEX HELICOPTER OF 28 SQUADRON RAF LANDED AT CLEARWATER BAY. THE PRINCE WAS RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR ROYAL VISIT. AIR COMMODORE VIVIAN WARRINGTON, WHO PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COUNCIL. SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG.
THE PRINCE TRAVELLED BY LIGHT VAN FROM THE LANDING PAD TO THE FUTURE ENTRANCE TO THE UNIVERSITY WHERE SIR S.Y. CHUNG PRESENTED THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE HKUST COUNCIL. MR. CHENG HONG-KWAN: THE VICE-CHANCELLOR. PROFESSOR CHIA-WEI WOO: AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. MR. GORDON MACWHINNIE.
DONATIONS BY THE RHKJC ARE LARGELY FUNDING THE BUILDING OF THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS.
SIR S. Y. CHUNG OFFICIALLY' WELCOMED HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WHO RESPONDED.
/HIS ROYAL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 69 -
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS DEPOSITED A TIME CAPSULE AND OFFICIALLY LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE UNIVERSITY.
THE TIME CAPSULE CONTAINS A MESSAGE TO THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY OF THE YEAR 2039. IT ALSO CONTAINS TODAY’S (WEDNESDAY. NOV 8) EDITIONS OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE NEWSPAPERS. MICROFILM OF THE UNIVERSITY PLANNING COMMITTEE’S REPORT. A VIDEOTAPE INTRODUCING THE UNIVERSITY’ AND COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS.
FOLLOWING THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY THE VICE CHANCELLOR. PROFESSOR CHIA-WEI WOO. PRESENTED THE PRINCE WITH A COMMEMORATIVE ONYX BLOCK ON WHICH WERE INSCRIBED IN GOLD LETTERS THE WORDS INSCRIBED ON THE FOUNDATION STONE.
SIR S.Y. CHUNG THEN PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CAMPUS PLANNING AND ESTATE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE. DR. CHAN NAI-KEONG: THE CHAIRMAN CONDITIONS' OF SERVICE COMMITTEE. MR STEVEN K.L.POON; THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB. MAJOR-GENERAL G. H. WATKINS. AND THE PRO-VICE CHANCELLOR (ADMINISTRATION AND BUSINESS). MR. I.F.C.MACPHERSON.
THE PRINCE WAS SHOWN A MODEL OF THE PROPOSED UNIVERSITY AND SIR S.Y. CHUNG PRESENTED THE PROJECT CONTROLLER. MR. W.J.GREIG AND PROJECT ARCHITECTS MR SIMON KWAN AND MR PETER HUGHES.
THE PRINCE SPOKE WITH GROUPS OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. POTENTIAL UNDERGRADUATES AT THE UNIVERSITY. BEFORE LEAVING BY CAR FOR THE EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL.
-------o---------
HONG KONG GETS ROYAL PRAISE ♦ * * t ♦
THE PRINCE OF WALES TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DESCRIBED AS "HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE BY ANY STANDARDS" HONG KONG’S GOAL OF PROVIDING HIGHER EDUCATION FOR ONE IN FOUR STUDENTS.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS SPEAKING AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
HE DESCRIBED THE CEREMONY AS "A SIGNIFICANT MOMENT FOR HONG KONG AND FOR THE PEOPLE WHO ARE ITS FUTURE - THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL BE EDUCATED IN WHAT WILL NO DOUBT BECOME ’STATE OF THE ART’ SURROUNDINGS".
/HIS ROYAL .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
70
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CONTINUED: "AS AN EXPERIENCED PRACTITIONER IN THE ART OF STATING THE OBVIOUS. I NEED HARDLY INFORM YOU THAT HONG KONG IS AN INDUSTRIAL. COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE. FAMED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED OVER MANY DECADES HAS BEEN BASED UPON THREE INVALUABLE RESOURCES - YOUR GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION. A FINE NATURAL HARBOUR - BUT. ABOVE ALL. THE INGENUITY AND DETERMINATION OF THE INHABITANTS. THERE CAN BE NO MORE IMPORTANT INVESTMENT THAN DEVELOPING AND IMPROVING THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO ALL. TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG CAN MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY. AS IT HAS THOSE OF THE TWENTIETH. AND I RECOGNISE THE NATURE OF THOSE CHALLENGES THAT YOU FACE .
"TODAY’S CEREMONY' MARKS JUST SUCH AN INVESTMENT. TO DISCOVER THAT HONG KONG’S THIRD UNIVERSITY IS TO BE BUILT WITH THE HELP OF A GENEROUS DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY' CLUB HAS COME AS A REVELATION TO AN HONORARY MEMBER OF THE BRITISH JOCKEY CLUB! CLEARLY. IT WOULD SEEM THAT I AM RUNNING MY ONE HORSE IN THE WRONG COUNTRY! BUT THIS NEW UNIVERSITY WILL PROVIDE SOMETHING OF A COPING-STONE TO THE BROAD EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM THAT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED HERE. NINE YEARS OF FREE AND COMPULSORY EDUCATION NOW PREPARE HONG KONG’S CHILDREN EITHER FOR HIGHER STUDIES OR TO ENTER THE WORKFORCE THAT POWERS HONG KONG’S REMARKABLE ECONOMY."
THE PRINCE OF WALES ADDED: "FOR THOSE THAT GO ON TO HIGHER STUDY. THE GOAL REMAINS A PLACE IN HONG KONG’S UNIVERSITIES. COLLEGES AND POLYTECHNICS. DRIVEN BY THE DETERMINATION OF PARENTS TO OBTAIN BETTER EDUCATION FOR THEIR CHILDREN, AND FUELLED BY THE NEEDS OF AN EVER MORE SOPHISTICATED ECONOMY. THE DEMAND FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN HONG KONG HAS, I AM TOLD. RISEN DRAMATICALLY.
"THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS THEREFORE MADE THE IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION ONE OF ITS MAIN PRIORITIES FOR THE COMING DECADE: THIS MUST SURELY BE A WISE DECISION - FIRST OF ALL TO PROVIDE THE TECHNICALLY-SKILLED WORKERS AND MANAGERS THAT HONG KONG NEEDS TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE INTERNATIONALLY' AND, SECONDLY. TO GIVE THE RIGHT SORT OF OPPORTUNITIES HERE. IN HONG KONG, FOR THE KIND OF ACADEMIC AND INTELLECTUAL FULFILMENT WHICH PEOPLE WILL OTHERWISE BE COMPELLED TO SEEK OVERSEAS.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS SET ITSELF AND THE COMMUNITY AN AMBITIOUS TARGET: TO PROVIDE FIRST DEGREE PLACES FOR ABOUT A FIFTH OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP BY 1995. WHEN HIGHER DIPLOMA COURSES ARE INCLUDED. THIS MEANS THAT ROUGLY A QUARTER OF ALL STUDENTS WILL GO ON TO SOME FORM OF LOCAL HIGHER EDUCATION. SUCH A GOAL IS NOT ONLY ENCOURAGING -IT IS ALSO HIGHLY IMPRESSIVE BY’ AN STANDARDS.
"IN LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A NEW UNIVERSITY TODAY. EVEN IF THEY MOVE MY STONE SOMEWHERE ELSE AFTER I HAVE GONE. WE ARE ALSO LAYING A FURTHER FOUNDATION TO ENABLE HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE TO DEVELOP THEIR TALENTS AND POTENTIAL TO THE FULL. IN ORDER TO PRODUCE THE LEADERS OF COMMERCE. INDUSTRY. THE PROFESSIONS AND THE PUBLIC SERVICE THAT HONG KONG WILL NEED IN THE YEARS TO COME.
"IN THIS SENSE. WE ARE BUILDING FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
"THIS UNIVERSITY IS A VITAL PART OF THE COMMUNITY’S COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG’S FUTURE. I WISH THE UN IVERSITY. .AND ALL ASSOCIATED WITH IT. EVERY SUCCESS - AND I HOPE THE RACING INDUSTRY WILL CONTINUE TO THRIVE TOO!"
- - 0 - -
/71
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
- 71 -
PRINCE OFFICIALLY OPENS EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING
******
THE PRINCE OF WALES DESCRIBED THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AS ONE STEP FORWARD IN HONG KONG’S DETERMINATION TO BUILD A BETTER FUTURE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE TUNNEL TODAY (WEDNESDAY). HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS SAID THE CEREMONY MARKED AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN HONG KONG'S PLANS TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE ITS ECONOMIC GROWTH.
HE ADDED: "IN MANY WAYS THE TUNNEL IS A SYMBOL OF HONG KONG ITSELF. IT HAS BEEN VERY MUCH AN INTERNATIONAL ENTERPRISE: THE FRANCHISE TO BUILD THE TUNNEL WAS GRANTED TO THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY. A COMPANY FORMED BY BRITISH. JAPANESE. CHINESE AND LOCAL INTERESTS. THE CONTRACTORS. ENGINEERS. SUPPLIERS AND CONSULTANTS WHO JOINED FORCES TO COMPLETE IT COME FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
"THE FACT THAT WE ARE OPENING THIS TUNNEL MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS AHEAD OF A VERY TIGHT CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULE IS LITTLE SHORT OF REMARKABLE FOR SUCH A COMPLEX ENGINEERING PROJECT.
"IT CERTAINLY MAKES A CHANGE FROM THE HOSPITAL I ONCE OPENED IN THE UK FOR WHICH MY GRANDMOTHER HAD LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE TWENTY YEARS BEFORE."
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CONGRATULATED THE NEW HONG KONG TUNNEL COMPANY. THE CONTRACTORS. ENGINEERS. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. AND OTHER AGENCIES ON A SPLENDID ACHIEVEMENT.
HE CONTINUED: "THIS IS THE LARGEST SINGLE TRANSPORTATION PROJECT UNDERTAKEN BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR SO FAR IN HONG KONG’S HISTORY. IT IS ALSO ONE STEP FORWARD IN HONG KONG’S DETERMINATION TO BUILD FOR A BETTER FUTURE. I UNDERSTAND THAT PLANNING FOR A THIRD CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE HARBOUR HAS ALREADY BEGUN. THE AIM IS TO COMPLETE IT BY 1998.
"WHAT HARD-PRESSED TRAVELLER ON HIS HARBOUR FERRY LESS THAN TWO DECADES AGO WOULD HAVE VISUALISED IN THE VICTORIA HARBOUR AREA THREE MAJOR ROAD TUNNELS. AND AT LEAST TWO RAIL TUNNELS. WITHIN TWENTY-FIVE YEARS?
"I AM DELIGHTED TO HAVE ARRIVED FOUR MONTHS EARLY IN ORDER TO DECLARE THIS EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING OPEN."
-------0---------
/72........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
- 72
PRINCE AND PRINCESS LUNCH
WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS
t ♦ * * *
AFTER A HECTIC MORNING SCHEDULE ON THE FIRST FULL DAY OF THEIR VISIT TO HONG KONG. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES WERE ENTERTAINED TO LUNCH AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE BY THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON. AND LADY WILSON TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ALSO ATTENDING THE LUNCH WERE 140 EXECUTIVE AND COUNCIL MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS AND THEIR SPOUSES.
LEGISLATIVE
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES
ARRIVED AT GOVERNMENT
HOUSE
SEPARATELY HAVING OFFICIATED AT DIFFERENT
FUNCTIONS IN THE MORNING.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON PRESENTED MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNOR'S PRIVATE OFFICE TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES.
THOSE PRESENTED INCLUDED THE PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR. MR CLINTON LEEKS: ASSISTANT PRIVATE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR, MISS MARGARET FONG: THE SENIOR PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO THE GOVERNOR. MISS JENNY BEST: THE SOCIAL SECRETARY. GOVERNMENT HOUSE. MISS KATIE COOPER: THE ASSISTANT SOCIAL SECRETARY, MISS TERESA LI: THE SENIOR PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE PRIVATE SECRETARY. MISS ANNE KNOWLES; THE HOUSEKEEPER. MISS ALISON BROWN: THE DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY. GOVERNMENT HOUSE. MRS VIVIAN TAM AND THE PERSONAL SECRETARY TO THE ASSISTANT PRIVATE SECRETARY. MISS JAMIE SIU.
AFTER LUNCH THE PRINCE OF WALES LEFT BY CAR FOR CHUK YUEN HOUSING ESTATE IN KOWLOON WHILE THE PRINCESS OF WALES RETURNED TO HMY BRITANNIA.
-----0-----
PRINCESS OF WALES MEETS SERVICE FAMILIES t * t t t
THE PRINCESS OF WALES CHATTED WITH WIVES AND CHILDREN OF BRITISH SERVICEMEN WHEN SHE TOOK A SHORT WALK THROUGH HMS TAMAR ON HER WAY TO HMY BRITANNIA TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS RETURNING TO THE ROYAL YACHT AFTER ATTENDING A LUNCH AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE GIVEN BY THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON. AND LADY WILSON.
ON ARRIVAL BY CAR AT THE MAIN GATE OF HMS TAMAR, THE PRINCESS OF WALES WAS RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PROTOCOL. AIR COMMODORE VIVIAN WARRINGTON. WHO PRESENTED THE DEPUTY COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES. BRIGADIER G.G. ARNOLD.
/HE IN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 75 -
HE IN TURN PRESENTED THE CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE HONG KONG. CAPTAIN P. DALRYMPLE-SMITH AND THE COMMANDER ROYAL AIR FORCE. GROUP CAPTAIN D.J. HAMILTON RUMP. RAF, AND MRS HAMILTON RUMP.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS. ACCOMPANIED BY THE SERVICE COMMANDERS WALKED THROUGH THE GROUNDS OF HMS TAMAR ALONG A ROUTE LINED WITH DEPENDENTS OF BRITISH SERVICEMEN STATIONED IN HONG KONG.
DURING HER WALK SHE PAUSED TO TALK TO SEVERAL OF THOSE GATHERED TO GREET HER AND RECEIVED SEVERAL BOUQUETS OF FLOWERS FROM THE CHILDREN.
-----0------
CHUK YUEN FAMILY HAVE ROYAL VISITOR * * * * *
IT FAMILY. BUT HIS FAMILY
IS NOT EVERYDAY THAT A PRINCE DROPS IN ON A KOWLOON THAT IS JUST WHAT HAPPENED TO TAXI DRIVER LAI HOK-YUNG AND WHEN THE PRINCE OF WALES VISITED THEIR FLAT TODAY
(WEDNESDAY).
THE VISIT WAS PART OF HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS’S TOUR OF CHUK YUEN ESTATE.
HE CALLED AT FLAT NO 3510. WAI YUEN HOUSE. CHUK YUEN NORTH. THE HOME OF MR. LAI HOK-YUNG (44). HIS WIFE LEUNG YUK-CHUN (41). THEIR 15-YEAR-OLD SON LAI CHUN-SING AND DAUGHTER LAI KA-MAN (10).
THE LAIS ARE JUST FOUR OF THE 25,500 TENANTS OCCUPYING YUEN NORTH. THEY HAVE BEEN LIVING IN THE FLAT SINCE MAY THIS WHEN THEY’ MOVED FROM LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE AS A RESULT HOUSING DEPARTMENT DEVELOPMENT.
CHUK
YEAR
OF A
MR. LAI OWNS HIS OWN TAXI. BYr DRIVING ON THE DAY-HIRING THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DRIVER FOR THE NIGHT SHIFT, $5,000 A MONTH.
SHIFT AND HE EARNS
HIS WIFE. MADAM LEUNG YUK-CHUN. EARNS & 1.000 A MONTH AS A PART-TIME AMAH AT A CLUBHOUSE IN SAN PO KONG.
SON1 LAI CHUN-SING IS STUDYING AT THE KWAI TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHILE HIS SISTER LAI KA-MAN ATTENDS CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL.
CHUNG GOVERNMENT
THE WONG TAI SIN
DURING HIS 10-MINUTE STAY. THE PRINCE OF WALES CHATTED THE LAIS AND ASKED A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FLAT IN WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN LIVING FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS.
/THE PRINCE.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
7^ -
THE PRINCE, IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST. SIGNED TWO FIRST DAY COVERS FOR THE CHILDREN OF MR AND MRS LAI. HE ALSO HAD A CUP OF CHINESE TEA "KUK BO”.
BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS PRESENTED WITH A PICTURE BY THE FAMILY.
FOR THE PRINCE OF WALES HIS CALL ON THE LAIS WAS PART OF A 40-MINUTE TOUR OF CHUK YUEN NORTH AND SOUTH. TWIN ESTATES WHICH ARE HOME TO THOUSANDS OF LOCAL FAMILIES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY. SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE PRINCE OF WALES WENT TO THE ROOF OF WAI YUEN HOUSE FROM WHERE HE HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF CENTRAL KOWLOON. KAI TAK AIRPORT, VICTORIA HARBOUR AND THE HONG KONG ISLAND SKYLINE.
AT THE ROOFTOP LOOKOUT THE DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR. Y.L. PANG. PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD. DR. LEE YUK-KWAN, THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN OF YUNG YUEN HOUSE. MR CHEUNG SHING-FU AND SENIOR HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WAS BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMMES IN CENTRAL KOWLOON. INCLUDING THE CLEARANCE OF KOWLOON WALLED CITY. AND ON THE WORK OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, DR. S.B. REED. BRIEFED HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS AND REMEDIES IN1 THE AREA, AFTER WHICH THE ROYAL VISITOR DROPPED IN ON THE LAIS.
WAI YUEN HOUSE IS ONE OF EIGHT OF THE LATEST TRIDENT 3 BLOCKS OF 33 STORIES EACH AT CHUK YUEN NORTH. THE FIRST WAS COMPLETED IN 1987 AND THE LAST AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR.
THERE ARE CURRENTLY 25,500 TENANTS IN THE ESTATE AND THE TOTAL POPULATION WILL BE ABOUT 32,000 WHEN IT IS FULLY OCCUPIED.
FROM THE ROOFTOP HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS DESCENDED BY LIFT AND USED THE FOOTBRIDGE OVER CHUK YUEN ROAD TO VISIT CHUK YUEN SOUTH.
COMPLETED IN THREE STAGES BETWEEN 1984 AND 1987. THIS ESTATE CONSISTS OF SEVEN BLOCKS OF VARIOUS DESIGNS TOTALLING 6.644 FLATS.
THE POPULATION IS ABOUT 25.000 WITH A HIGHER THAN AVERAGE PROPORTION OF ELDERLY AND SINGLE PERSON UNITS AS A RESULT OF THE POPULATION MOVEMENT ARISING FROM THE KOWLOON CENTRAL REDEVELOPMENT.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WALKED THROUGH THE COMPLEX WHICH FORMS THE HEART OF THE ESTATE. A FOUR-STOREY COMMERCIAL CENTRE. SERVED BY LIFTS AND ESCALATORS. WITH A WIDE RANGE OF SHOPS, SUPERMARKETS. RESTAURANTS AND 180 MARKET STALLS.
FROM THE SHOPPING COMPLEX HE LEFT BY CAR FOR THE CITY POLYTECHNIC. .
- - 0 -------
/75........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 75 -
PRICE, VOLUME MOVEMENTS OF EXTERNAL TRADE IN AUGUST
******
THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 3 PER CENT AND 26 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF 1989 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING THEM TOGETHER, THERE WAS AN OVERALL INCREASE OF 16 PER CENT IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. IMPORTS ALSO INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
THE GROWTH IN THF 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 3 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, WHILE THOSE OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 1 PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO IMPORT PRICE INDEX) ROSE BY ) PER CENT.
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED, EXCEPT FOR SOME SELECTED COMMODITIES FOR WHICH SPECIFICATION PRICE INDEXES ARE AVAILABLE.
COMPARING THE MONTH OF AUGUST 1989 WITH AUGUST 1988, THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 17 PER CENT. HENCE, TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND REEXPORTS TOGETHER, TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY 9 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS. IMPORT VOLUME ALSO INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC-EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 3 PER CENT AND 7 PER CENT 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 AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
AS CAN BE SEEN FROM TABLE 1, THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF SOME COMMODITY GROUPS DECREASED IN AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988.
THESE INCLUDED RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (-38 PER CENT); METAL MANUFACTURES (-27 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-22 PER CENT); FOOTWEAR (-22 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-18 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-10 PER CENT).
NEVERTHELESS, INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILE FABRICS (+22 PER CENT): ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+15 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+13 I'ER CENT); CLOTHING (+7 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+5 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+4 PER CENT).
/PRICES OF .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
76 -
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988.
THESE INCLUDED METAL MANUFACTURES (+14 PER CENT); TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (+10 PER CENT); TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+9 PER CENT); DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+4 PER CENT); TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+4 PER CENT); CLOTHING (+3 PER CENT); TEXTILE FABRICS(+2 PER CENT) AND RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+2 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-2 PER CENT); METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-2 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-2 PER CENT). DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES OF FOOTWEAR REMAINED UNCHANGED.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS DECREASED BY 3 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEA AND COFFEE; WHEAT AND FLOUR; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS AND ANIMALS OF THE BOVINE SPECIES.
INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR; FRUIT AND SUGAR.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT. THE COMMODITY ITEMS WITH MORE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES INCLUDED CLOTHING; ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND FOOTWEAR. DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR PASSENGER MOTOR CARS AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES REMAINED UNCHANGED IN AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988. SOME COMMODITY ITEMS RECORDED INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME. NOTABLY CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS; YARN OF MAN-MADE FIBRES; AND RAW COTTON.
DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE NOTED FOR SILK FABRICS; PLASTIC MOULDING MATERIALS; WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK; AND PAPER AND PAPERBOARD.
IMPORTS OF FUELS INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS IN AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY. THE IMPORT VOLUME DECREASED BY 1 PER CENT IN AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988. THERE WERE DECREASES IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF TEXTILE MACHINERY: TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY. INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORT VOLUME OF OFFICE MACHINES AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
/COMPARING THE .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 77
COMPARING THE IMPORT PRICES IN AUGUST 1989 WITH THOSE IN AUGUST 1988. ALL END-USE CATEGORIES SHOWED SOME INCREASE: FUELS (+12 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+6 PER CENT); CAPITAL GOODS (+4 PER CENT); FOODSTUFFS (+3 PER CENT): AND RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+2 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE. UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FOR AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988 ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.
AS DEPICTED IN TABLE 3. THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FUELS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY BY 228 PER CENT. WHILE THOSE OF CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS ALSO INCREASED, BY 36 PER CENT AND 11 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THERE WAS NO CHANGE IN THE VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS OF FOODSTUFFS.. WHILE THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT.
PRICES OF RE-EXPORTS OF ALL END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED IN AUGUST 1989 COMPARED WITH AUGUST 1988: FUELS (+14 PER CENT): RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES (+7 PER CENT); CONSUMER GOODS (+6 PER CENT): CAPITAL GOODS (+6 PER CENT) AN1 FOODSTUFFS (+5 PER CENT).
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE AUGUST 1989 ISSUE OF THE “HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. GPO BUILDING. CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND NOVEMBER 11 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: CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY PRINCIPAL COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP
COMPARING AUGUST 1989
WITH AUGUST 1988
UNIT
VALUE
VOLUME
COMPARING JAN-AUG 1989
WITH JAN-AUG 1988
UNIT
VALUE VALUE VOLUME
% % %
CLOTHING 10 3 7 8 0 6
TEXTILE FABRICS 25 •> L. 22 10 * 10
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -7 4 -10 12 •> •u 10
/TEXTILE MADE-UPS ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 78 -
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED
ARTICLES RADIOS OF ALL 14 9 5 -8 7 -14
KINDS ELECTRONIC -37 2 -38 -42 1 -43
COMPONENTS 13 -2 15 20 -5 27
FOOTWEAR -22 * -22 -16 1 -17
METAL MANUFACTURES METAL ORES AND -17 14 -27 4 12 -7
SCRAP 10 -2 13 22 2 20
WATCHES AND CLOCKS TRAVEL GOODS. HANDBAGS AND 2 -2 4 3*3
SIMILAR ARTICLES DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL -10 10 -18 -12 5 • -15
APPLIANCES -19 4 -22 -23 6 -27
ALL COMMODITIES 33* 633 * INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
TABLE 2: CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING AUGUST 1989 COMPARING JAN-AUG 1989 WITH AUGUST 1988 WITH JAN-AUG 1988 UNIT UNIT
VALUE VALUE % % VOLUME VALUE VALUE VOLUME % % % %
FOODSTUFFS t 3 -3 10 3 6
CONSUMER GOODS RAW MATERIALS AND 22 6 15 30 5 24
SEMI-MANUFACTURES 2 2 * 15 3 11
FUELS 20 12 7 39 7 29
/CAPITAL GOODS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 79 -
CAPITAL GOODS 3 4 -1 19 3 15
ALL COMMODITIES 9 4 5 20 4 16
» INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
TABLE 3: CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY COMPARING AUGUST 1989 WITH AUGUST 1988 COMPARING JAN-AUG 1989 WITH JAN-AUG 1988
VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME % VALUE % UNIT VALUE % VOLUME %
FOODSTUFFS 6 5 * 7 6 *
CONSUMER GOODS 44 6 36 47 5 40
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES 4 7 -2 21 8 13
FUELS 272 14 228 142 3 135
CAPITAL GOODS 18 6 11 40 6 31
ALL COMMODITIES 25 7 17 35 6 26
* INSIGNIFICANT, I.E. LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
-----0-----
HK WILL EMERGE AS MAJOR PLAYER: STI t * t ♦ ♦
ONE OF THE
EMERGE AS A
FOR TRADE AND
HONG KONG WILL NOT ONLY MAINTAIN ITS STATUS AS LEADING INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRES BUT WILL ALSO MAJOR PLAYER IN THE ASIA—PACIFIC REGION. THE SECRETARY INDUSTRY. MR JOHN CHAN. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT A COCKTAIL RECEPTION OF (HOLDINGS) LTD, WHICH HAD RECENTLY FORMED A PARTNERSHIP COMPANY OF THE SAISON GROUP OF JAPAN.
THE WING WITH SEIYU,
ON A
THE RECEPTION WAS HELD TO INTRODUCE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SAISON GROUP. MR SEIJI TSUTSUMI.
/MR CHAN.........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 80 -
MR CHAN SAID THE NEWLY FORMED PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SEIYU AND WING ON WAS A VERY IMPORTANT ONE BECAUSE IT WAS THE FIRST TEAM-UP OF JAPANESE AND HONG KONG DEPARTMENT STORES.
“BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY. THE ENTRY OF THE SAISON GROUP INTO HONG KONG IS YET ANOTHER PIECE OF CONCRETE EVIDENCE OF JAPAN’S STRONG CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.” HE SAID.
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG AND JAPAN HAD BEEN HAVING A CLOSE TRADING RELATIONSHIP FOR A LONG TIME AND JAPAN WAS NOW HONG KONG’S THIRD TRADING PARTNERS AFTER CHINA AND THE USA.
"OUR TRADING RELATIONSHIP HAS KEPT ON GROWING: IN 1988. OUR IMPORTS FROM AND EXPORTS TO JAPAN ROSE BY 29.3 PER CENT AND 20.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.” HE SAID.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT JAPANESE INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG HAD ALSO INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY. NOT ONLY IN TERMS OF THEIR SHARE IN TOTAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG BUT ALSO IN TERMS OF THEIR DIVERSITY.
"IN 1988. 27 PER CENT OF TOTAL FOREIGN INVESTMENT IN OUR MANUFACTURING SECTOR WAS FROM JAPAN. MAKING IT SECOND ONLY TO THE U.S. WHOSE SHARE WAS 34 PER CENT.
"IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR. SOME OF THE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS. SUCH AS THE EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING AND TATE’S CAIRN TUNNEL. HAVE BEEN UNDERTAKEN BY CONSORTIA WITH JAPANESE INTERESTS,” HE SAID.
MR CHAN ALSO STRESSED THAT HONG KONG WAS A STAUNCH SUPPORTER AND PRACTITIONER OF FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE.
"WE WELCOME FOREIGN INVESTMENTS. BE THEY IN THE INDUSTRIAL. FINANCIAL OR OTHER SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY." HE ADDED.
------0 ------
GOOD PROSPECTS FOR PARTNERSHIP OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT AND HK INDUSTRIES ******
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR ANDREW LEUNG KIN-PONG, IS CONFIDENT THAT THE PARTNERSHIP OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT AND HONG KONG INDUSTRIES WILL WORK EVEN BETTER AS HONG KONG MARCHES ON.
ACCORDING TO MR LEUNG, IN THE FISCAL YEAR 1988 ALONE, HONG KONG GAINED THE LARGEST SHARE OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN ASIA, ALMOST DOUBLE THAT FOR THE COUNTRY IN THE SECOND POSITION.
SPEAKING AT AN INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM IN HUA HIN, THAILAND, MR LEUNG SAID PROXIMITY AND OTHER TRADITIONAL LINKS WERE SOME OF THE MORE OBVIOUS REASONS FOR JAPAN’S SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG.
/’’HOWEVER, DESPITE..........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 81 -
"HOWEVER. DESPITE HONG KONG’S UNCERTAINTIES. JAPANESE INVESTORS HAVE ALSO BEEN ATTRACTED BY ITS FREE AND DYNAMIC ECONOMY AND ITS MANY EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES.
"THE PARTNERSHIP OF JAPANESE INVESTMENT AND HONG KONG INDUSTRIES IS A CONCRETE EXAMPLE." HE SAID.
QUOTING FINDINGS OF THE LATEST SURVEYS OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT. MR LEUNG SAID JAPANESE MANUFACTURERS CHANNELLED 36.5 PER CENT MORE FUNDS IN 1988 TO ACQUISITIONS OF FIXED ASSETS IN HONG KONG THAN IN 1987.
"BY THE END OF 1988. JAPAN’S CUMULATIVE MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG STOOD AT US$89.". MILLION, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 27 PER. CENT OF THE OVERALL TOTAL. UP FROM 21 PER CENT IN 1985.
"JAPAN IS NOW THE SECOND KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WHICH ACCOUNTS FOR 34 PER CENT."
LARGEST OVERSEAS INVESTOR AFTER THE UNITED STATES OF MR LEUNG SAID.
IN HONG AMERICA.
HE NOTED THAT TWO SIGNIFICANT TRENDS HAD EVOLVED IN RECENT YEARS IN RESPECT OF JAPANESE MANUFACTURING INTERESTS IN HONG KONG.
ONE IS A DRAMATIC UPSURGE IN INVESTMENT IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY, REFLECTING JAPAN’S GROWING CONFIDENCE TN HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO MANUFACTURE TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE PRODUCTS OF HIGH QUALITY.
THE OTHER IS THE INCREASING NUMBER OF JAPANESE FACTORIES INVOLVED IN THE LINKAGE INDUSTRIES.
"JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN THE LINKAGE INDUSTRIES BRINGS THE REQUIRED EXPERTISE TO HELP IMPROVE THEIR QUALITY AND OUTPUT. THEREBY ENHANCING THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THESE INDUSTRIES AND OTHERS SERVICED BY THEM." MR LEUNG SAID.
TURNING TO THE IMPACT OF RECENT EVENTS IN CHINA, MR LEUNG SAID HONG KONG'S MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS HAD EMERGED LARGELY UNSCATHED.
"WHILE SENTIMENTS HAVE NO DOUBT BECOME MORE CAUTIOUS, SOME SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENT DECISIONS TO INVEST IN HONG KONG WERE ANNOUNCED AFTER THESE EVENTS.
"ACCORDING TO NOMURA RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL. THE OUTLOOK FOR THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IS STILL FAR BETTER THAN IT WAS IN THE 1982-84 PERIOD BEFORE THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION WAS SIGNED." HE SAID.
ON MAJOR GOVERNMENT PLANS TO TAKE HONG KONG THROUGH 1997 INTO THE 21 ST CENTURY. MR LEUNG STRESSED THAT THESE PLANS WERE SET AGAINST TWO CRUCIAL ROLES OF HONG KONG THAT HAD EMERGED AS A RESULT OF ITS INCREASING ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE IN THE WORLD.
ONE WAS AS A REGIONAL CENTRE FOR TRADE, FINANCE AND COMMUNICATIONS WHILE THE OTHER AS A GATEWAY TO CHINA. HE SAID.
/"OVER THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
82
"OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. HONG KONG’S TRADE WITH JAPAN. TAIWAN. SOUTH KOREA. SINGAPORE AND THAILAND HAS GROWN AT AN ANNUAL RATE OE 35.5 PER CENT IN MONEY TERMS. SIXTY PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE IS NOW WITH ASIA AND AUSTRALASIA."
IN ADDITION, HE SAID. MANY MULTINATIONALS HAD CHOSEN HONG KONG AS THEIR REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS.
AS FOR CHINA. IT HAD BECOME HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNER. MORE RECENTLY, HONG KONG HAD BEEN ACTING AS AN IMPORTANT CHANNEL FOR CHINA’S IMPORTS. MR LEUNG SAID.
"BESIDES. MANY FOREIGN COMPANIES HAVE BEEN USING HONG KONG AS A BASE FOR MANUFACTURING INVESTMENTS IN CHINA.
"SUCH INVESTMENTS WILL CONTINUE TO DEPEND ON HONG KONG AS A REGIONAL MANUFACTURING AND SUPPORT CENTRE." HE SAID.
MR LEUNG ALSO TOLD PARTICIPANTS THAT HONG KONG’S TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WAS BEING REINFORCED TO ASSIST INDUSTRIALISTS IN MOVING TOWARDS HIGHER-VALUE-ADDED AND MORE KNOWLEDGE-BASED AND CAPITAL-INTENSIVE PROCESSES.
APART FROM THE NEW TECHNOLOGY CENTRE WHICH WOULD BE ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR NEW AND SMALL HIGH-TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES TO GROW THROUGH PRODUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. MR LEUNG WAS PROUD TO MENTION THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CENTRE IN THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY.
"WITH A GRANT OF USS 13 MILLION. THE INSTITUTE WILL CARRY OUT RESEARCH INTO TELECOMMUNICATIONS. CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS, ELECTRONIC DEVICES, ARTIFIIAL INTELLIGENCE. SATELLITE AND SPACE COMMUNICATIONS." HE SAID.
-----0-----
HONG KONG TO ATTEND PECC MEETING
*****
LEAVE FOR NEW
OF THE PACIFIC AUCKLAND FROM
A FOUR-MEMBER DELEGATION FROM HONG KONG WILL ZEALAND LATER THIS WEEK FOR THE SEVENTH MEETING ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE (PECC) TO BE HELD IN
NOVEMBER 12 TO 15.
SET UP IN 1980. PECC IS A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION WHICH SEEKS TO DEVELOP CLOSER CO-OPERATION ON TRADE AND ECONOMIC POLICY ISSUES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
AT PRESENT, IT CONSISTS OF 15 MEMBER COUNTRIES. HONG KONG WILL ATTEND AS AN OBSERVER.
/"OUR INTEREST
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
83
"OUR INTEREST IN PECC LIES MAINLY IN THE AREA OF TRADE POLICY." THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY AND LEADER OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION. MR MICHAEL CARTLAND. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"AS A SIGNIFICANT TRADING ENTITY ACCOUNTING FOR 2.2 PER CENT OF TOTAL WORLD MERCHANDISE TRADE. AND GIVEN OUR STRATEGIC POSITION IN THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING ASIA-PACIFIC REGION. HONG KONG SHOULD DEFINITELY HAVE A ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM." MR CARTLAND ADDED.
MR CARTLAND NOTED THAT HONG KONG’S TRADING LINKS WITH ECONOMIES IN THE REGION HAVE BEEN STEADILY EXPANDING.
"INTRA-REGIONAL TRADE AS A PROPORTION OF OUR TOTAL EXTERNAL TRADE HAS GROWN FROM 46 PER CENT A DECADE AGO TO 60 PER CENT TODAY." HE SAID.
ATTENDANCE AS AN OBSERVER AT A MAJOR PECC MEETING AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN THE WORK OF PECC AND ITS VARIOUS TASK FORCES AND STUDY GROUPS ARE PREREQUISITES FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP.
INDIVIDUAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND ACADEMICS FROM HONG KONG HAVE ATTENDED MEETINGS OF THE PECC IN THE PAST. HOWEVER, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN INVITED TO SEND A DELEGATION WITH OBSERVER STATUS.
PARTICIPATION IN PECC IS TRIPARTITE: DELEGATIONS CONSIST OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN A PERSONAL CAPACITY. BUSINESS LEADERS AND ACADEMICS/PROFESSIONALS.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DELEGATION ARE MR MATTHEW CHEUNG KIN-CHUNG. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE: MRS ELEANOR LING. DIRECTOR OF JARDINE PACIFIC LTD AND MEMBER OF THE TRADE ADVISORY BOARD: AND DR LIU PAK-WAI. SENIOR. LECTURER IN ECONOMICS. THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
-----0--------
MID-YEAR EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE UPDATED » * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS UPDATED ITS MID-YEAR EXPENDITURE AND REVENUE FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR. BASED ON ACTUAL FIGURES TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"IT IS NOW EXPECTED THAT THERE WILL BE A SOMEWHAT LOWER OVERALL SURPLUS OF ABOUT $10.2 BILLION COMPARED WITH THE ESTIMATE OF $11.5 BILLION," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"EXPENDITURE IS NOW EXPECTED TO BE HIGHER THAN ESTIMATED LARGELY BECAUSE OF HIGHER CONSTRUCTION COSTS OF CAPITAL WORKS AND ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ON THE ACQUISITION OF LAND.
/"REVENUE FROM ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 84 -
"REVENUE FROM TAXES AND INTERNAL REVENUE IS ALSO EXPECTED TO EXCEED THE ESTIMATE AS THE ECONOMY CONTINUES TO PERFORM WELL," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE POSITION COULD WELL CHANGE BEFORE THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DELIVERS HIS BUDGET SPEECH. PARTICULARLY AS THE LATTER HALF OF THE YEAR SEES THE COLLECTION OF MOST OF THE REVENUE FROM TAXES AND THIS SOURCE IS SUSCEPTIBLE TO CHANGES IN THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE.
- - - - 0 ----------
GOVT OFFICIALS MEET IVORY WORKERS REPRESENTATIVES » » * » »
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) MET REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE HONG KONG IVORY MANUFACTURING WORKERS GENERAL UNION TO DISCUSS WAYS TO HELP WORKERS AFFECTED BY THE BAN ON THE IVORY TRADE IN FINDING NEW EMPLOYMENT.
ATTENDING THE MEETING WERE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT. LABOUR DEPARTMENT. AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
UNION REPRESENTATIVES WERE TOLD AT THE MEETING THAT WORKERS WHO WISH TO ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS IN OTHER TRADES CAN RECEIVE FREE AND FULL-TIME VOCATIONAL TRAINING FROM THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL'S TRAINING CENTRES. THEY WILL BE GIVEN A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE DURING THE TRAINING PERIOD.
THE COUNCIL IS CURRENTLY OPERATING A NUMBER OF SHORT-TERM COURSES ON ELECTRONICS, TEXTILES. PRINTING. PLASTICS AND SEAMANSHIP.
ON COMPLETION OF THEIR TRAINING, COURSE MEMBERS WILL BE RECOMMENDED TO PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS FOR EMPLOYMENT WHERE SUITABLE VACANCIES ARE AVAILABLE.
ALSO, THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED A SPECIAL REGISTER TO ASSIST IVORY WORKERS SEEKING NEW EMPLOYMENT. JOB-SEEKERS FROM THE TRADE MAY APPROACH ANY OF ITS 16 BRANCH OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY FOR REGISTRATION.
ENQUIRIES ON EMPLOYMENT OR PLACEMENT OF JOB VACANCIES CAN BE MADE ON THE LES HOTLINE AT 3-7355527.
MEANWHILE. WORKERS MAY SEEK ADVICE FROM THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ON THEIR ENTITLED BENEFITS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
-----0------
/85........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8, 1989
85
DISTRICT FESTIVAL TABLE TENNIS EXHIBITION MATCH
*****
RESIDENTS OF WONG TAI SIN WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO WATCH LEADING TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS FROM GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG IN ACTION ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
AN EXHIBITION MATCH BETWEEN THE GUANGDONG AND HONG KONG TEAMS. ORGANISED AS PART OF THE CURRENT DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WILL BE HELD AT THE CHOI HUNG ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL IN SAN PO KONG. IT WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM.
THE GUANGDONG TEAM COMPRISES OUTSTANDING YOUNG PLAYERS WHO HAVE WON PRIZES IN MANY EVENTS ON THE MAINLAND. WHILE THE HONG KONG TEAM IS FORMED BY TOP LOCAL PLAYERS YUEN PING-KIT, CHAN LEUNG. CHAI PO-WAH AND CHAN DAN-LUI.
BOTH CHINA AND HONG KONG RANK HIGH IN THE INTERNATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CIRCLE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE NOTED.
FREE TICKETS FOR THE MATCH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFIOE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-222261.
DB TO DISCUSS LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PROPOSALS
**♦!*♦
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION’S URBAN RENEWAL PROPOSALS FOR THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE CORPORATION WILL EXPLAIN THE ARGYLE STREET/SHANGHAI STREET SCHEME AND IMPROVEMENTS TO SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND SOY STREET WITH THE AID OF A MODEL.
IN VIEW OF TWO SUSPECTED ARSON CASES OCCURRING AT THE SAME NIGHTCLUB IN MONG KOK IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS. TWO MEMBERS. MR YIP KAM-CHIU AND MR SHAM TAK-ON. WILL ASK WHAT ACTIONS THE POLICE HAVE TAKEN TO PREVENT SIMILAR CASES FROM OCCURRING IN FUTURE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING. WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM. FIRST FLOOR. 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. KOWLOON.
/86
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
- 86 -
DB STUDIES PROCESSING OF SMALL HOUSE APPLICATIONS ♦ ♦ * * * *
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL RECOMMEND AT A MEETING ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10) THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD SIMPLIFY PROCEDURES IN PROCESSING SMALL HOUSE APPLICATIONS AND IMPOSE A TIME LIMIT ON EACH STEP.
MEMBERS WILL PUT FORWARD A PROPOSAL FOR SETTING UP AN APPEAL COMMITTEE TO DEAL WITH APPEALS BY APPLICANTS WHO FAIL IN THEIR SMALL HOUSE APPLICATIONS.
THEY WILL ALSO CONSIDER TWO APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1989 SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL FOR THE ELDERLY AND FOR THE ERECTION OF LETTER BOXES FOR 70 FAMILIES AT PIK SHUI SUN TSUEN IN HANG HAU.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING. WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10) IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 34 CHAN MAN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
-----0-----
DB COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER FUND APPLICATIONS ♦ * ♦ t t ♦
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE WILL CONSIDER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDS FOR ORGANISING RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE COMMITTEE’S FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND A REPORT FROM THE NORTH DISTRICT ARTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE USAGE PATTERN OF MAJOR RECREATIONAL VENUES IN THE DISTRICT: THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE DISTRICT IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER; AND THE ATTENDANCE RATE AT CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS IN THE NORTH DISTRICT TOWN HALL.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S RECREATION AND CULTURE COMMITTEE TO BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM. JOCKEY CLUB ROAD. FANLING.
-----0-----
/87........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
87
TEMPORARY FERRY.SERVICE FOR TSING YI *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT A TEMPORARY FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN TSING YI AND CENTRAL WILL BE INTRODUCED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10) TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE MODE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FOR COMMUTERS DURING THE PARTIAL AND FULL CLOSURE OF THE TSING YI SOUTH BRIDGE FOR REPAIR WORKS.
THE FERRY SERVICE WILL CONTINUE UNTIL TRAFFIC HAS RESUMED NORMAL UPON THE COMPLETION OF THE BRIDGE REPAIR WORKS EARLY NEXT YEAR.
DOUBLE-DECK FERRIES ON THE EXISTING SERVICE BETWEEN TSUEN WAN AND CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED TO CALL AT TSING YI PUBLIC PIER EN ROUTE DURING THE MORNING AND EVENING PEAK HOURS FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
THE SCHEDULE OF THE TSING YI FERRY SERVICE IS AS FOLLOWS:
* MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. MORNING PEAK HOURS DEPARTURE TIMES: FROM TSUEN WAN : 7.50 AM. 8.15 AM. 9.25 AM FROM TSING YI : 8 AM. 8.25 AM, 9.35 AM
» MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS. EVENING PEAK HOURS DEPARTURE TIMES: FROM CENTRAL : 5.35 PM, 6.20 PM. 7 PM
(THIS SERVICE WILL NOT PICK UP PASSENGERS FROM TSING YI TO TSUEN WAN).
THE SERVICE WILL NOT OPERATE ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS. SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
THE FARE IS $3 FOR ADULTS AND $1.80 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12 YEARS OF AGE PER SINGLE JOURNEY.
AT THE SAME TIME. KMB ROUTE NO.43B AND GMB ROUTE NO.88A WILL PROVIDE FEEDER SERVICE TO THE TSING YI PUBLIC PIER DURING THE SERVICE HOURS OF THE FERRY.
- - 0 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ON HK ISLAND *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10). NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL. WAN CHAI AND NORTH POINT.
THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL FROM A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH POTTINGER STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
/AT THE
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1989
AT THE SAME TIME, THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TAI WONG STREET EAST IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH QUEEN’S ROAD EAST TO A POINT ABOUT 55 METRES TO THE NORTH WILL ALSO BE MADE A 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS TO FACILITATE CABLE LAYING WORKS.
IN NORTH POINT. KING'S ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN COMFORT TERRACE AND A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES EAST OF OIL STREET WILL BECOME AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREAS.
- - 0 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON CITY ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 10), THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST EASTBOUND TO DEPARTURES CIRCUIT IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS BAN ZONE.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES. EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE PROHIBITED ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY.
AT THE SAME TIME. ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 3.3 METRES IN HEIGHT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FLYOVER 24 HOURS DAILY.
THE FLYOVER WILL ALSO BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE. ALL MOTOR VEHICLES. EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR GOODS AND PASSENGERS.
IN ADDITION. THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST EASTBOUND TO DEPARTURES CIRCUIT IN THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
ALL CYCLISTS. PEDESTRIANS, LEARNER DRIVERS AND GOODS VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE FLYOVER.
- - 0 -
/89
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 8. 1989
89
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN EASTERN STREET
♦ ♦ * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDA? (NOVEMBER 10). THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF EASTERN STREET IN SAI YING PUN BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND HOUSE NUMBER 1A WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD AND DRAINAGE WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-----0------
LONG VEHICLE BAN IN POTTINGER STREET t * t » *
AM ON FRIDAY
WILL NOT BE CONNAUGHT ROAD
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAI I'ROM 10 (NOVEMBER 10). VEHICLES EXCEEDING’ SEVEN METRES LONG ALLOWED TO ENTER POTTINGER STREET IN CENTRAL BETWEEN CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
THIS MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROADWORKS.
-------o---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL.: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER ?, 19-^9
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
A ROYAL OPINING FOR CONVENTION CENTRE......................... 1 PRINCE PAYS TRIBUTE TO HONG KONG'S RESOURCEFULNESS .......... 3 PRINCESS OF WALES VISITS THE ELDERLY ........................ 5 REGIMENTAL VISIT BY ROYAL COLONEL-IN-CHIEF .................. 7 PRINCESS OF WALES SEES POLICE IN ACTION ..................... 8 THEN MUN ON DISPLAY FOR ROYAL VISITORS ...................... 10 PRINCE OF WALES SEES THE OLD NEW TERRITORIES ................ 11 PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ENTERTAIN ON BRITANNIA.......... 1? PRINCESS OF WALES BIDS FAREWELL TO HONG KONG ................ 1? ROYAL TOUR ENDS WITH WESTERN WALKABOUT....................... 1^ SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ROYAL VISIT TO
WESTERN DISTRICT.............................................. 15 GLOBAL FREE TRADE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE ECONOMY.............. 15 INCREASED SPENDING ON SOCIAL WELFARE......................... 17 GOVT DECIDES NO CHARGE FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES ............... 18 DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REZONING OF LAND USE................. 19 MISFIRED FIREWORKS WARNING .................................. 19 KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL TO START ON SATURDAY ............. 20 SOUTHERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY ........................ 20 CLEANLINESS DRAWING COMPETITION IN SHAM SHUI PO ............. 21 READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS ................. 22 ROVING EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT LAWS ........................ 2? ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN SHEUNG SHUI TO BE CLOSED................ 2J URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSING YI ................................. 24 PLB BAN ZONE IN KWAI CHUNG .................................. 24
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
1
A ROYAL OPENING FOR CONVENTION CENTRE
******
THE PRINCE OF WALES COMPLETED A ROYAL CONNECTION WITH THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE WHEN HE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE CENTRE IN WAN CHAI TODAY (THURSDAY).
JUST OVER THREE YEARS AGO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE CENTRE DURING HER VISIT TO HONG KONG IN OCTOBER 1986.
THE FIRST STEEL BEAM OF THE PROJECT WAS LAID AT THE SAME TIME AND THE $2.5 BILLION CENTRE OPENED ON SCHEDULE, JUST OVER TWO YEARS LATER, ON NOVEMBER 25, 1988,
SINCE THEN IT HAS MADE HONG KONG A FOCAL POINT FOR LARGER INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS AND CONVENTIONS.
ON THE THIRD DAY OF THE ROYAL VISIT, THE PRINCESS OF WALES WORE A SILK DRESS WITH STRAIGHT ROYAL BLUE SKIRT AND WHITE BODICE WITH SHORT EGDE TO EDGE WHITE JACKET AND ROYAL BLUE COLLAR AND CUFFS AND ROYAL BLUE SHOES, DESIGNED BY CATHERINE WALKER OF CHELSEA DESIGN.
THE PRINCE OF WALES ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRINCESS, ARRIVED BY CAR AT THE MAIN ENTRANCE TO THE CENTRE WHERE HE WAS RECEIVED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, DAME LYDIA DUNN, WHO PRESENTED THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HKTDC, MR JACK SO.
THE CHAIRMAN AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PRESENTED HKTDC MEMBERS MR WONG PO-YAN, MR HARI N. HARILELA, MR JACK TANG, MR DENNIS TING AND DR PHILIP Y. WONG.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES TRAVELLED BY ESCALATOR TO THE CONVENTION HALL WHERE DAME LYDIA AND MR SO PRESENTED MR CHENG YU-TUNG, WHOSE COMPANY, NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT CO LTD, DEVELOPED THE CENTRE AND WHOSE FULLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY - THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (MANAGEMENT) LTD - RUN IT.
ALSO PRESENTED WERE THE PROJECT CONSULTANT AND CHAIRMAN OF C-FIN PROJECTS LTD, MR NORMAN THOMPSON; THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF NEW WORLD DEVELOPMENT LTD, MR HENRY CHENG AND THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE CENTRE, MR GEORGE BLANEY.
AS THE ROYAL PARTY ENTERED THE CONVENTION HALL THE BAND OF THE 1ST BATTALION, THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S ROYAL REGIMENT (BERKSHIRE AND WILTSHIRE) PLAYED THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.
DAME LYDIA MADE A BRIEF SPEECH OF WELCOME AND INVITED THE PRINCE OF WALES TO ADDRESS THE AUDIENCE.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THEN UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE SCULPTURE ENTITLED "CONVENTION" BY AWARD-WINNING, HONG KONG-BORN SCULPTOR ARIES LEE, WHO IS NOW BASED IN JAPAN.
/THE PRINCE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
2
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES PROCEEDED BY ESCALATOR TO THE UPPER EXHIBITION HALL TO SEE THE SHOWCASE 89 EXHIBITION.
THE SECOND SUCH ANNUAL EXHIBITION TO BE STAGED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, SHOWCASE 89 HAS ATTRACTED MORE THAN 200 EXHIBITORS, COMPARED WITH 125 LAST YEAR.
IT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING LOCAL CONSUMPTION OF HONG KONG-MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS AND TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR LOCAL BUSINESSMEN TO TEST THE MARKET POTENTIAL OF THEIR PRODUCTS.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WERE THE FIRST OF SOME 150,000 VISITORS OVER SIX DAYS WHO WILL BE ABLE TO SEE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF LOCAL PRODUCTS INCLUDING HIGH FASHION, FUR GARMENTS, JEWELLERY, WATCHES AND CLOCKS, TOYS, GIFTS AND ELECTRONICS.
■ LAST YEAR’S EXHIBITION ATTRACTED 120,000 VISITORS AND TURNOVER TOTALLED HKS17 MILLION.
AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE EXHIBITION DAME LYDIA AND MR SO PRESENTED THE DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HKTDC, MR FRANCIS LO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR MARSHALL CORAZZA, AND ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, OPERATIONS, MR DENNIS YAU AND MR ANDREW MA.
THE ROYAL PARTY PROCEEDED TO LEVEL FIVE TO VIEW THE BRITAIN IN HONG KONG EXHIBITION.
ORGANISED BY FAIRS & EXHIBITIONS LTD OF LONDON FOR THE GOVERNMENT’S DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY, THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION IS DISPLAYING THE BEST OF BRITISH MANUFACTURING, SERVICES AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY.
AMONG THOSE TAKING PART ARE INCHCAPE PACIFIC GROUP, WHICH HAS TAKEN MASSIVE FLOOR SPACE TO DEMONSTRATE ITS SERVICES AND HIGH-TECH EQUIPMENT, BRITISH TELECOM, CABLE AND WIRELESS, BRITISH AIRWAYS, THE BRITISH TOURIST AUTHORITY, LEYLAND DAF, GLAXO, IC1, THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK AND THE ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND.
ON THE ROYAL PARTY’S ARRIVAL THE DIRECTOR OF PROTOCOL, AIR COMMODORE VIVIAN WARRINGTON, PRESENTED THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, MR PETER HEAP.
THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER PRESENTED HIS DEPUTY, MR C.C. HAYWARD; THE CHAIRMAN BRITISH OVERSEAS TRADE BOARD, SIR JAMES CLEMINSON, WHO IS VISITING HONG KONG ESPECIALLY FOR THE EXHIBITION; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BRITISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND CHAIRMAN OF GLAXO (HONG KONG), MR NEIL MAIDMENT; THE MANAGING DIRCTOR OF FAIRS AND EXHIBITIONS, MISS VIRGINIA KERN AND HER EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT, MISS WENDY SANDERS.
AFTER BEING ESCORTED AROUND THE EXHIBITION BY MR HAYWARD THE PRINCESS OF WALES LEFT THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE FOR CHAK ON HOUSING ESTATE, KOWLOON, WHERE SHE VISITED THE HELPING HAND CARE HOME.
/THE PRINCE
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- 5 -
THE PRINCE OF WALES TOURED ANOTHER EVENT BEING HELD IN THE CENTRE, THE BRITISH EDUCATION EXHIBITION.
HONG KONG SENDS MORE STUDENTS TO BRITAIN THAN ANY COUNTRY tN THE WORLD ACCORDING TO BRITAIN'S DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND SCIENCE.
THE 1987/88 ACADEMIC YEAR SAW 7,180 HONG KONG STUDENTS IN BRITAIN, 70 PER CENT OF THEM TAKING UNDERGRADUATE COURSES. THIS FAR EXCEEDED THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
AFTER HONG KONG THE MAIN SOURCES OF OVERSEAS STUDENTS IN BRITAIN WERE: MALAYSIA (6,566), USA (5,114), SINGAPORE (1,977), NIGERIA (1,664) AND CHINA (1,074).
TO HELP HONG KONG STUDENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING STUDYING tN BRITAIN THE BRITISH COUNCIL IS HOLDING THE BRITISH EDUCATION EXHIBITION 1989 ON NOVEMBER 9-12.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS ESCORTED ON HIS TOUR OF THE EXHIBITION BY THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER, MR HEAP, WHO PRESENTED THE DIRECTOR OF THE BRITISH COUNCIL, MR JULIAN DAVEY, WHO, IN TURN, PRESENTED THE BRITISH COUNCIL’S EDUCATION COUNSELLING OFFICER, MR GEORGE O’BRIEN AND THE DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID LEE.
THE PRINCE OF WALES CUT A RIBBON TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE EXHIBITION.
AFTER SPENDING NEARLY TWO HOURS IN THE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS LEFT BY CAR FOR HMS TAMAR.
-------o----------
PRINCE PAYS TRIBUTE TO * t
HONG KONG’S RESOURCEFULNESS * t ♦ ♦
THE PRINCE OF WALES PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VIGOUR AND RESOURCEFULNESS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHICH HE SAID ARE THE REAL GUARANTEES FOR THE TERRITORY’S PROSPERITY IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS SPEAKING DURING THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE SAID: "ONE OF THE REMARKABLE FEATURES OF HONG KONG IS THE EXTRAORDINARY NUMBER OF MAJOR NEW BUILDINGS AND TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS WHICH YOU HAVE CONVENIENTLY UP YOUR SLEEVE IN CASE ANY PASSING ROYAL PERSONAGES MIGHT BE TEMPTED INTO OPENING THEM FOR YOU! DO YOU SAVE THEM UP, I WONDER, FOR A RAINY DAY (ENCOURAGED, PERHAPS, BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY?) OR IS IT JUST BECAUSE THEY FINISHED EARLY? WHATEVER THE CASE, IT CERTAINLY SEEMS AS ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB PAYS FOR MOST THINGS AROUND
ARE ALWAYS
THOUGH THE
HERE, BUT
PROBABLY NOT THIS ONE."
/HIS ROYAL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CONTINUED: "IT IS CERTAINLY A TRIBUTE TO THE VISION, INDUSTRY AND EFFICIENCY OF HONG KONG THAT THIS SPLENDID ’ FACILITY IS NOW COMPLETE AND OPERATIONAL, JUST THREE YEARS AFTER HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WOULD HARDLY BE SO TACTLESS AS TO IMPART TO YOU MY VIEWS ON THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THIS REMARKABLE BUILDING - AS ONE OR TWO PEOPLE SEEM TO BE ENCOURAGING ME TO DO! INSTEAD, I WOULD MERELY DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TO A RECENT CONTROVERSIAL PUBLICATION BY AN UNKNOWN AUTHOR CALLED WALES. YOU WILL FIND IT CAN BE OBTAINED AT A MOST REASONABLE PRICE FROM ANY REPUTABLE BOOKSHOP!
"THIS CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE, THE LARGEST IN ASIA, IS VERY MUCH A SYMBOL OF HONG KONG, AND OF ITS CONFIDENCE TO FACE THE CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE. HONG KONG IS UNDOUBTEDLY ONE OF THE WORLD’S GREAT INDUSTRIAL CENTRES OF TRADE, COMMERCE AND FINANCE. IT IS VITAL TO ITS FUTURE PROSPERITY THAT IT RETAINS AND DEVELOPS THAT ROLE. THIS NEW CENTRE, WITH ITS TRADE FAIRS, EXHIBITIONS, CONFERENCES AND BUSINESS CONVENTIONS CAN ONLY ADD TO THE ATTRACTIONS THAT HONG KONG OFFERS TO THE WORLD AS A CENTRE OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS. IT MUST BE SIGNIFICANT THAT THE CENTRE WHICH WE ARE OPENING TODAY HAS ALREADY TAKEN BOOKINGS UP TO SEVEN YEARS AHEAD."
THE PRINCE OF WALES ADDED: "IT STRIKES ME THAT THIS NEW CENTRE IS VERY MUCH A SYMBOL OF HONG KONG’S UNIQUE ECONOMIC ACHIEVEMENTS AND HOPES FOR THE FUTURE. EVEN THOUGH I HAVE NOT BEEN BACK HERE SINCE MY LAST VISIT TEN YEARS AGO, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE NOT BE IMPRESSED BY THE VIGOUR AND RESOURCEFULNESS OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS CITY. IT IS THESE QUALITIES THAT ARE THE REAL GUARANTEES FOR HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
"I OFFER MY CONGRATULATIONS T* ALL THOSE INVOLVED IN THE CONCEPTION AND COMPLETION OF THIS PROJECT AND AM DELIGHTED TO BE ABLE TO PERFORM THE MOST COMPLEX PART OF THE WHOLE OPERATION, FOR WHICH YOU REQUIRE YEARS OF CONCENTRATED TRAINING AND A DIPLOMA FROM ONE OF THE LESSER-KNOWN EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS - NAMELY TO OPEN THIS CENTRE."
LATER HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS OPENED THE "BRITAIN IN HONG KONG" EXHIBITION.
-HE SAID: "BRITAIN AND HONG KONG HAVE HAD A LONG HISTORY TOGETHER AND, AT THE CORE OF THAT ASSOCIATION, HAS BEEN A THRIVING AND VIGOROUS COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP. AMONG THE EXHIBITORS TODAY ARE COMPANIES WHO HAVE PLAYED A LEADING PART IN FORGING THAT LINK OVER A VERY LOflG PERIOD.
"I AM DELIGHTED TO BE PRESENT AT THIS DEMONSTRATION OF BRITAIN’S PART IN THE TERRITORY’S REMARKABLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND TO DECLARE THIS EXHIBITION, 'BRITAIN IN HONG KONG’, OPEN."
- - 0 - -
/5
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- 5 -
PRINCESS OF WALES VISITS THE ELDERLY ♦ ♦♦♦♦♦
THE PRINCESS OF WALES SAW HOW SOME OF HONG KONG’S ELDERLY ARE CARED FOR WHEN SHE VISITED THE HELPING HAND CARE CENTRE AT CHAK ON ESTATE, KOWLOON. TODAY (THURSDAY).
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS TRAVELLED TO CHAK ON BY CAR AFTER HAVING ATTENDED THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE HONG KONG CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE IN WAN CHAI.
THE CARE HOME AT CHAK ON ESTATE IS ONE OF THE LATEST TO BE OPENED BY HELPING HAND AND CAN HOUSE UP TO 7 8 OLI) PEOPLE.
THE PREMISES WERE PROVIDED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE MAJOR CONSTRUCTION AND OUTFITTING COSTS WERE MET BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WITH A $500,000 DONATION FROM THE ZONTA CLUB.
THE THREE SEPARATE PREMISES THAT MAKE UP THE CHAK ON CARE HOME HAVE A TOTAL STAFF OF 35.
ON ARRIVAL AT CHAK ON ESTATE HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS RECEIVED BY THE PROTOCOL OFFICER. AIR COMMODORE VIVIAN WARRINGTON, WHO PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF HELPING HAND, MRS MARGARET CARTER, WHO IN TURN PRESENTED HELPING HAND’S HONORARY ADMINISTRATOR. FATHER SEAN BURKE AND ITS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. DR KALEI INN.
MRS CARTER ESCORTED THE PRINCESS OF WALES TO THE COMMUNITY ROOM FOR A SHORT BRIEFING ON THE HISTORY OF HELPING HAND.
THE EVICTION OF A GROUP OF ELDERLY MEN FROM A DORMITORY IN TSUEN WAN IN 1978 WAS THE SPUR THAT STARTED HELPING HAND. TODAY THE ORGANISATION HAS BECOME A WELL-ESTABLISHED CHARITY PROVIDING A RANGE OF HOUSING AND SOCIAL CARE FOR NEARLY 1.000 OLD PEOPLE.
BETWEEN 1978 AND 1983 HELPING HAND OPENED EIGHT TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA SHELTERS AND PROVIDED MUCH NEEDED ACCOMMODATION FOR MORE THAN 4,000 OLD PEOPLE.
IN 1983, WITH THE HELP OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT; THE ORGANISATION BEGAN TO BUILD PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION IN GOVERNMENT HOUSING ESTATES.
IN 1985, WITH THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDING HOUSING FOR SINGLE, ELDERLY PEOPLE IN ITS NEW HOUSING ESTATES, HELPING HAND TURNED ITS ATTENTION TO THE PROVISION OF PERSONAL AND NURSING CARE FOR ELDERLY NO LONGER ABLE TO CARE FOR THEMSELVES. THIS RESULTED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CARE HOMES WHICH NOW TAKE UP A GREATER PART OF HELPING HAND’S RESOURCES
/BY MARCH .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- 6 -
BY MARCH THIS YEAR HELPING HAND WAS RUNNING SIX CARE HOMES WITH ACCOMMODATION FOR 228 OLD FOLKS.
HELPING HAND., WHICH STARTED OUT AS A SMALL CHARITABLE ORGANISATION RELYING ON ITS OWN RESOURCES. IS NOW STRONGLY BACKED BY MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS.
ONE OF THESE IS THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHICH HAS INTRODUCED THE SUBSIDISED PLACE SCHEME. UNDER THIS SCHEME THE DEPARTMENT SUBSIDISES 80 PER CENT OF THE PLACES AT NEW CARE HOMES IN LAI YIU, CHAK ON AND TAI WO HAU AT THE RATE OF $1,545 PER PERSON PER MONTH.
THESE HOMES HOUSE PEOPLE IN NEED OF CARE AND ATTENTION WHO ARE DRAWN FROM THE CENTRAL WAITING LIST OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OR ARE REFERRED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
THE PUBLIC HAS ALSO RESPONDED WELL TO HELPING HAND AND LAST YEAR ITS LAISEE COOKIE CAMPAIGN, ITS MAIN FUND RAISING DRIVE, REALISED $1.4 MILLION.
FROM AN ORGANISATION OPERATING FROM A DESK IN THE FOUNDER'S HOME HELPING HAND HAS GROWN SO THAT IT NOW HAS A STAFF OF 160, HEADED BY AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR.
AFTER THE BRIEFING, THE PRINCESS OF WALES SAT WITH ELDERLY RESIDENTS AT A TABLE WHERE THEY WERE WERE WORKING.
THE CHAIRMAN OF HELPING HAND’S FUND RAISING COMMITTEE, MRS DANIELA SHANNON, AND THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE HOME, MR FUNG AND HIS STAFF WERE PRESENTED TO THE ROYAL VISITOR.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES WALKED ACROSS THE HOUSING ESTATE TO THE WING CHAK HOME WHERE SHE SAW VOLUNTEER MEDICAL OFFICER. DI! STEPHEN TSE, GIVING A MEDICAL CHECKUP TO ONE OF THE RESIDENTS. SHE ALSO CHATTED TO RESIDENTS TAKING PART IN THEIR NORMAL DAILY ACTIVITIES.
HELPING HAND’S SECRETARY, MRS JILL JAMES; TREASURER, MR DAVID MACE; ZONTA CLUB PRESIDENT, MISS JANICE CHAN AND HEAD OF SECRETARIAT, ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR N.C. SUTHERLAND. WERE PRESENTED TO HER ROYAL HIGHNESS.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE BEFORE LEAVING FOR THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT ABERDEEN.
--------0----------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
7
REGIMENTAL VISIT BY ROYAL COLONEL-IN-CH IEF ♦ t ♦ ♦ *
THE PRINCE OF WALES, WHO IS COLONEL-IN-CHIEF OF THE 2ND KING EDWARD Vil'S OWN GURKHA RIFLES (THE STRMOOR RIFLES). VISITED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE REGIMENT’S SECOND BATTALION ON BORDER DUTY TODAY (THURSDAY).
HE ALSO TOURED THE BATTALION’S CAMP AT GALLIPOLI LINES NEAR SHEK KONG AND PRESENTED A CEREMONIAL KUKRI TO THE REGIMENT’S OUTSTANDING SOLDIER.
FOR HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE VISIT WAS A CHANCE TO RENEW AN OLD FRIENDSHIP BECAUSE THE BATTALION’S COMMANDANT. LIEUTENANT COLONEL CHRISTOPHER LAVENDER. IS A FORMER EQUERRY TO THE PRINCE OF WALES.
THE 2ND GURKHAS,AS THEY ARE MORE COMMONLY KNOWN. ARE THE OLDEST GURKHA REGIMENT IN THE BRITISH ARMY, RAISED IN 1815, THE YEAR OF THE BATTLE OF WATERLOO.
IT WAS THE FIRST NON-BRITISH UNIT TO TAKE THE BRITISH IDE DURING THE INDIAN MUTINY AND ITS REGIMENTAL DAY, DELHI DAY ON SEPTEMBER 14, CELEBRATES ITS HEROIC SERVICE DURING THE SIEGE OF DELHI.
IN MORE RECENT TIMES THE REGIMENT SERVED WITH DISTINCTION IN THE MALAYAN EMERGENCY (1948-60), THE BRUNEI REBELLION (1962) AND THE BORNEO CONFRONTATION WITH INDONESIA.
THE PRINCE OF WALES FLEW FROM HMS TAMAR IN A WESSEX HELICOPTER OF 28 SQUADRON. ROYAL AIR FORCE. TO CREST HILL ON THE HONG KONG/CHI NA BORDER.
HE WAS RECEIVED BY THE COMMANDANT, LT. COL. LAVENDER, WHO PRESENTED MAJOR (QUEEN’S GURKHA OFFICER) HARI BAHADUR GURUNG. THE OFFICERS BRIEFED THE PRINCE OF WALES ON THE BATTALION’S ROLE ON THE BORDER.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMANDANT. FLEW TO GALLIPOLI LINES WHERE THE COMMANDANT PRESENTED HIS SECOND-IN-COMMAND. MAJOR R.H. COLEMAN AND THE ADJUTANT, CAPTAIN I.A. RIGDEN.
AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRESENTED THE PRINCE OF WALES KUKRI TO COLOUR SERGEANT MAHENDRA THAPA.
A LAVISHLY ORNATE VERSION OF THE TRADITIONAL GURKHA KNIFE. THE PRINCE OF WALES KUKRI HAS BEEN PRESENTED ANNUALLY SINCE 1979 TO THE SOLDIER OR SENIOR NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER OF THE FIRST OR SECOND BATTALION WHO IS JUDGED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED MOST TO THE REGIMENT DURING THE YEAR.
/THIS YEAR
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
8
THIS YEAR IT WAS PRESENTED PERSONALLY BY THE PRINCE OF WALES HIMSELF.
AT THE END OF THE CEREMONY. MAJOR (QUEEN'S GURKHA OFFICER) CHINTABAHADUR GURUNG PRESENTED THE PRINCE OF WALES WITH A PUCHA1. A NEPALI WOODEN CONTAINER FOR WINE, AS A MEMENTO FROM THE BATTALION.
LUNCHED MUN.
FOLLOWING HIS TOUR OF GALLIPOLI LINES HIS ROYAL WITH THE BATTALION BEFORE DEPARTING BY HELICOPTER
HIGHNESS
FOR TUEN
--------0----------
PRINCESS OF WALES SEES POLICE IN ACTION *****
THE PRINCESS OF WALES SAW FIRST HAND WHAT GOES INTO THE MAKING OF A HONG KONG POLICE OFFICER WHEN SHE VISITED THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE’S TRAINING SCHOOL AT WONG CHUK HANG TODAY (THURSDAY).
BESIDES SEEING MALE AND FEMALE OFFICERS UNDERGOING SELF DEFENCE AND WEAPON TRAINING. DRILL AND ASSESSMENT TESTS. HER ROYAL HIGHNESS CHATTED TO POLICE FAMILIES AND WAS ENTERTAINED TO LUNCH IN THE OFFICERS’ MESS.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES ARRIVED AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL BY CAR AFTER VISITING THE HELPING HAND CARE HOME AT CHAK ON ESTATE IN KOWLOON.
ON ARRIVAL SHE WAS GIVEN A ROYAL SALUTE BY A QUARTER GUARD AT THE MAIN GATE AND WAS RECEIVED ALONGSIDE THE DRILL SQUARE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING.
THE COMMISSIONER PRESENTED THE DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER KEITH LOMAS; THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF FORCE TRAINING AND COMMANDANT OF THE PTS, ACTING ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER BENNY NG CHING-KWOK AND CHIEF STAFF INSPECTOR ADMINISTRATION. WOMAN CHIEF INSPECTOR ROSE TONG KIT-LIN.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS SAW TRAINEES TAKING DRILL INSTRUCTION ON THE SQUARE AND OTHER RECRUITS BEING GIVEN AN EXAMINATION IN HANDLING SMITH AND WESSON REVOLVERS, REMINGTON SHOTGUNS, AR15 RIFLES AND SMOKE PISTOLS.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES SAW RECRUITS UNDERGOING PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT TESTS ON HOW TO HANDLE INCIDENTS. SENIOR STAFF OFFICER NIGEL BROOMFIELD OF THE TRAINING DEVELOPMENT DIVFSION EXPLAINED THE PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT SYSTEM TO THE ROYAL VISITOR.
/IN THIS
Thursday, November 9, 4989
- 9 -
IN THIS INSTANCE RECRUIT POLICE CONSTABLE LAW KWOK-HOI WAS BEING ASSESSED BY INSPECTOR LO CHUEN-MAN ON HIS HANDLING OF A BURGLARY INCIDENT WHILE WOMAN RECRUIT POLICE CONSTABLE FONG SAU-KUEN WAS BEING EXAMINED BY SENIOR INSPECTOR CHAN HO-IP ON HER HANDLING OF A DRUG DEALING INCIDENT.
IN THE GYMNASIUM HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WATCHED RECRUITS PRACTISING AIKIDO. THE FORM OF SELF-DEFENCE ADOPTED BY THE ROYAL 1IONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
SHE WAS BRIEFED ON THE SELF-DEFENCE SYSTEM BY STAFF OFFICER. CENTRAL TRAINING SERVICES DIVISION. SUPERINTENDENT BILL FULLERTON. SELF-DEFENCE INSTRUCTORS SERGEANTS LUNG CHUN-FUNG, LEE CHU-MING AND YUEN W1NG-NGO AND WOMAN SERGEANT LAW LUEN-YING WERE IN CHARGE OF THE TRAINING SESSION.
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS ESCORTED TO THE OFFICERS’ MESS WHERE THE DEPUTY COMMANDANT, POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT DAVID HUGHES; THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC. SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT COLIN WOOD: THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE MESS COMMITTEE (EXECUTIVE). SUPERINTENDENT PAUL CROFT AND THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE MESS COMMITTEE (St: JAL). WOMAN PROBATIONARY INSPECTOR JENNY LA) Fl'NG-HA. WERE PRESENTED.
DURING PRE-LUNCH DRINKS HER ROYAL HIGHNESS SPCLE TO STAFF \ND TRAINEES.
THE PRINCESS OF WALES WAS ESCORTED TO LUNCH BY THE COMMISSIONER AND THE COMMANDANT PTS. THEY WERE CEREMONIALLY PIPED INTO THE DINING ROOM RY PIPE MAJOR HSU YORK-FUNG.
SEATED AT THE TOP TABLE WITH THE ROYAL GUEST-OF-HONOUR WERE THE FORCE'S MOST SENIOR WOMAN OFFICER. CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT FELICIA WONG LEUNG KAM-SHAN: ACTING SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT MRS PEGGY STEVENS. CHAIRMAN OF THE JUNIOR POLICE OFFICER’S ASSOCIATION. MR TSUI WAI-CHUN; SENIOR INSPECTOR TING HUNG-KAY. WOMAN POLICE CONSTABLE LAM MING-YIN. A GOLD MEDAL WINNER FROM THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME AND WOMAN SENIOR INSPECTOR BEATRICE WOU TIEN-TCHE OF THE INTERPOL OFFICE.
THE LUNCH MENU FOR 120 GUESTS CONSISTED OF GRAPEFRUIT COCKTAIL. CHICKEN IN BUTTER SAUCE AND STRAWBERRY MELBA.
AFTER LUNCH THE COMMISSIONER ASKED HER ROYAL HIGHNESS TO RECEIVE A SILVER-PLATED. PEWTER FIGURE OF A ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE CONSTABLE AS A MEMENTO.
BEFORE LEAVING BY HELICOPTER FOR TUEN MUN THE PRINCESS OF WALES MET AND TALKED WITH POLICE FAMILIES.
SHE WAS THEN PRESENTED WITH A BOUQUET BY WOMAN RECRUIT POLICE CONSTABLE YENDI FONG SAU-KUEN WHO WAS PRESENTED TO HER EARLIER DURING THE ASSESSMENT DEMONSTRATION.
HER ROUTE TO THE HELICOPTER PAD WAS LINED BY STAFF. TRAINEES AND RESIDENTS OF THE POLICE MARRIED QUARTERS.
--------0 ---------
/1o .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
10 -
TUEN MUN ON DISPLAY ♦ t * *
FOR ROYAL VISITORS * *
TUEN MUN PUT ON ITS BRIGHTEST FACE TODAY (THURSDAY) WHEN THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES VISITED THE NEW TOWN FOR THE CLOSING CEREMONY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE ACCENT WAS ON YOUTH AS THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WATCHED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SING, GIVE DANCING PERFORMANCES AND TAKE PART IN SPORTS AND GAMES BEFORE THE ROYAL VISITORS.
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ARRIVED SEPARATELY BY HELICOPTER AFTER COMPLETING THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMMES IN THE MORNING.'
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS HAD BEEN VISITING THE 2ND BATTALION, 2ND KING EDWARD VII’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES WHILE THE PRINCESS OF WALES HAD TOURED THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT WONG CHUK HANG.
FROM THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND. WHERE THEIR WESSEX HELICOPTERS OF 28 SQUADRON, ROYAL AIR FORCE HAD LANDED, THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES TRAVELLED BY CAR TO THE TUEN MUN TOWN HALL WHERE THEY WERE RECEIVED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DONALD LIAO POON-HUAI, WHO PRESENTED THE REGIONAL SECRETARY, NEW TERRITORIES. MR ADOLF HSU.
MR LIAO AND MR HSU THEN PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG; THE CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAU WONG-FAT; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN FESTIVAL, MR CHAN TIN-SANG, THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES. MR H.H.T. BARMA AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER TUEN MUN, MR JOHN WAN.
AS A CLOUD OF BALLOONS WERE RELEASED THE TUEN MUN CHILDREN’S CHOIR BEGAN THEIR PERFORMANCE. THE ROYAL VISITORS WALKED TO THE SOUTHERN END OF THE TOWN HALL CONCOURSE WHERE THEY SAW LOCAL RESIDENTS PERFORMING AEROBIC AND MORRIS DANCING.
AT AN EXHIBITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES WERE BRIEFED ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.
THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES SEPARATELY WALKED THROUGH A CARNIVAL AND GAMES STALL AREA. PAUSING TO CHAT TO SOME OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AT PLAY.
THE ROYAL COUPLE MET LATER AT AN ADJACENT GARDEN TO SEE A COLLECTION OF BONSAI FROM CHING CHUNG MONASTERY. THERE CHIEF PASTOR OF CHING CHUNG MONASTERY, MR HAU PO-WOON, WAS PRESENTED TO THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES.
THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES LEFT BY CAR FOR THE TANG SHUI KIN SPORTS GROUND WHERE THE PRINCESS OF WALES BOARDED A HELICOPTER TO FLY BACK TO HMS TAMAR.
THE PRINCE OF WALES, ACCOMPANIED BY MR DONALD LIAO, DEPARTED BY CAR FOR SHUI TAU VILLAGE.
-----o-----
/11
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
11
PRINCE OF WALES SEES THE OLD NEW TERRITORIES t i t t t
FROM VISITING TUEN MUN, ONE OF HONG KONG'S NEWEST TOWNS, THE PRINCE OF WALES TODAY (THURSDAY) TRAVELLED A FEW MILES BY CAR AND CENTURIES BACK IN HISTORY WHEN HE VISITED TWO OF ITS OLDEST VILLAGES, SHUT TAU AND SHUI MEI.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS VISITED SEPTUAGENARIAN MADAM TANG MOK YING AT NO 35. SHUI TAU TSUEN. A VILLAGE WHICH PRE-DATES BY CENTURIES THE FOUNDING OF MODERN HONG KONG.
MADAM TANG’S FAMILY ARE PART OF THE TANG CLAN WHOSE ANCESTOR TANG FU-HIP SETTLED IN THE KAM TIN AREA IN 1105 AD. (OR, ACCORDING TO THE CHINESE CALENDAR ABOUT THE SECOND TO FIFTH YEAR OF SHUNG NING ERA OF THE EMPEROR OF FAI CHUNG OF THE SUNG DYNASTY).
THE TANGS HAD A CLOSE BLOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SUNG EMPERORS AND TANG FU-HIP'S GRANDSON MARRIED A SISTER OF THE EMPEROR GAO ZUNG.
TODAY THE TANGS ARE ONE OF THE FAMOUS CLANS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TWIN VILLAGES OF SHUI TAU AND SHUI MEI ARE PART OF THE KAM TIN HEUNG (OR GROUP OF VILLAGES) OCCUPIED BY THE TANG CLAN,
THE PRINCE OF WALES ARRIVED BY CAR FROM TUEN MUN ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR DONALD LIAO POON-HUAI, WHO PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR. TAI KUEN; THE DISTRICT OFFICER YUEN LONG, MR ROBIN IP; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KAM TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR.TANG CHI-LEUNG AND VILLAGE REPRESENTATIVES MR TANG KWOK-CHAI, MR TANG KAM-LEUNG AND MR TAM TIM-KAU.
THE ROYAL PARTY BEGAN THEIR TOUR OF THE VILLAGE AT THE TANG CHUN-YUI KUEN CHI ( OR ANCESTRAL HALL). BUILT IN THE HONG HEI ERA (1662-1722) OF THE CHING DYNASTY IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE THREE SONS, CHUN, YUI AND KUEN, OF MR TANG HUNG-YEE, THE GREAT GRAND ANCESTOR OF THE TANG CLAN.
IT WAS BUILT IN AN AUSPICIOUS PLACE WHERE VILLAGERS BELIEVED IT WOULD BRING GREAT PROSPERITY FOR THE CLAN.
IT WAS THE MAIN ANCESTRAL HALL FOR THE INHABITANTS OF THE VILLAGES OF SHUI TAU. TAI HONG WAI. CHI TONG TSUEN AND KIT HING WAI.
THE HALL, NOW USED FOR LOCAL CELEBRATIONS, HAS IN THE PAST BEEN USED AS A TUTORIAL SCHOOL AND A MEETING HALL.
IT WAS REDECORATED IN 1980, BUT MOST OF THE ART AND CRAFT WORK. OF WHICH THE VILLAGERS ARE JUSTLY PROUD, REMAINED UNCHANGED.
/HIS ROYAL .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9» 1989
12 -
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS THEN ESCORTED TO THE TANG CHING-LOK CHI ANCESTRAL HALL IN SHUI MEI VILLAGE. THE HALL WAS BUILT BETWEEN THE END OF THE MING DYNASTY AND THE BEGINNING OF THE CHING DYNASTY (APPROXIMATELY 1640-1644 AD) BY THE GREAT-GRANDSONS OF TANG CHING-LOK WHO DIED A VERY WEALTHY MAN.
IT WAS THE ANCESTRAL HALL OF SHUI MET. WING LUNG WAI. KO PO, KAT HING WAI AND CHI TONG TSUEN VILLAGES WHO USED IT TO WORSHIP THEIR ANCESTORS AND FOR THE TRADITIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF PORK TO MALE DESCENDANTS AT FESTIVALS
IT WAS ALSO USED AS A COURT AND A SCHOOL AND IS NOW USED AS A PUBLIC MEETING PLACE.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS CALLED ON MADAM TANG AT NO 35. SHUI TAU. THE HOUSE IS BETWEEN 100 AND 200 YEARS OLD AND IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TRADITIONAL NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGE-TYPE ARCHITECTURE. THE ROOF WAS BUILT OF TILES IN A SLIDING DESIGN IN A STYLE KNOWN IN CHINESE AS THE "PYRAMID ROOF OF TILES.
THE HOUSE OWNERS. MR. TANG CHI-FAN AND HIS FAMILY, LIVE MAINLY IN ENGLAND, WHERE THEY ARE IN BUSINESS, AND KEEP THE HOUSE FOR THEIR VISITS TO HONG KONG. IT IS OCCUPIED BY MR TANG CHI-FAN’S MOTHER MADAM TANG MOK YING. WHO IS OVER 70 YEARS OLD AND WHO IS BEING CARED FOR BY HER YOUNGEST SON, MR. TANG YAN-MAU AND HER DAUGHTER-IN-LAW, MADAM TANG KONG YUN-GUI WHO LIVE NEARBY.
DURING HIS BRIEF STAY IN THE HOUSE, THE PRINCE OF WALES SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE CHINESE COOKING UTENSILS. HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS SIGNED TWO FIRST DAY COVERS FOR THE TANGS.
BEFORE LEAVING, THE PRINCE OF WALES WAS GIVEN A LUCKY PACKET (LAI SEE) CONTAINING TWO CHINESE COINS ISSUED DURING THE ERA OF EMPEROR QIANLONG OF CHING DYNASTY.
THE PRINCE OF WALES CONTINUED HIS WALK THROUGH THE VILLAGE DURING WHICH HE WAVED TO THE VILLAGERS ALONG THE ROUTE AND GREETED THEM IN CANTONESE "NEI HO MA?" (HOW ARE YOU?). HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS LATER VISITED THE SO LAU YUEN OR HALL, BUILT IN THE CHING DYNASTY (1614-1911) AS A PRIVATE STUDY HALL. IT WAS LATER USED AS A SCHOOL AND FOR THE PRACTICE OF KUNG FU. IT WAS ALSO USED AS A COURT WHERE VISITING MAGISTRATES SETTLED VILLAGE DISPUTES.
IT IS NOW USED AS A VILLAGE MEETING PLACE AND AS A VENUE FOR PARTIES AND LOCAL CELEBRATIONS.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS BRIEFED ON THE HISTORY OF THE HALL AND SAW EXHIBITS OF OLD FARMING EQUIPMENT.
THE PRINCE OF WALES LEFT SHUI TAU BY CAR FOR BORNEO LINES IN SHEK KONG WHERE HE WAS MET BY THE COMMANDER ROYAL AIR FORCE GROUP CAPTAIN D.J. HAMILTON RUMP, RAF, WHO PRESENTED THE OFFICER COMMANDING 28 SQUADRON, SQUADRON LEADER G. R. EVANS, RAF.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS LEFT IN A RAF WESSEX HELICOPTER FOR UMS TAMAR.
-------O ---------
/13........
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 9. 1989
- 13 -
PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ENTERTAIN ON BRITANNIA ♦ * ♦ * *
AFTER THE HECTIC SECOND FULL DAY OF THEIR VISIT TO HONG KONG THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ENTERTAINED 180 OF THE LOCAL CITIZENRY AT A DINNER AND AT A RECEPTION ON BOARD HER MAJESTY’S YACHT BRITANNIA THIS EVENING (THURSDAY).
THIRTY GUESTS WHO JOINED THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES FOR DINNER REPRESENTED SEVERAL WALKS OF LIFE AND OCCUPATIONS IN THE TERRITORY.
THEY INCLUDED A FASHION DESIGNER. A CONSUMER REPRESENTATIVE, ACADEMICS. A BROADCASTER. BASIC LAW DRAFTERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS.
AFTER DINNER THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES ENTERTAINED 150 GUESTS AT A RECEPTION ON THE ROYAL YACHT.
LATER IN THE EVENING THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES AND THEIR GUESTS WATCHED FROM THE DECK OF THE BRITANNIA AS THE BAND OF THE ROYAL MARINES GAVE A DISPLAY ON THE JETTY AT HMS TAMAR.
THE BAND DISPLAY IS A FEATURE OF ANY ROYAL VISIT IN WHICH HMY BRITANNIA IS INVOLVED.
THE LAST SUCH DISPLAY WAS GIVEN DURING THE QUEEN'S VISIT IN OCTOBER 1986.
-----0-----
PRINCESS OF WALES BIDS FAREWELL TO
* ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
AT THE END OF HER BUSY VISIT TO HONG WALES LEFT THE TERRITORY FOR LONDON TONIGHT CATHAY PACIFIC FLIGHT CX 251.
HONG KONG
KONG THE PRINCESS OF (THURSDAY) ON BOARD
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS TRAVELLED FROM HMS TAMAR BY CAR TO HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WHERE SHE WAS RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON, AND LADY WILSON.
AT
THE DIRECTOR
THE AIRBRIDGE TO THE PLANE THE GOVERNOR AND LADY ----------------------------- - ‘ WARRINGTON
OF PROTOCOL. AIR COMMODORE
GOVERNOR'S AIDE-DE-CAMP, LEAVE.
SUPERINTENDENT
V.L.
GILES
RUSSELL,TOOK
WILSON, AND THE
THEIR
FLIGHT WAS HER LADY-LIEUTENANT COMMANDER
ACCOMPANYING HER ROYAL HIGHNESS ON THE IN-WAITING, VISCOUNTESS CAMPDEN AND HER EQUERRY, PATRICK JEPHSON, RN, AND MEMBERS OF HER HOUSEHOLD.
-----0-----
/1U .......
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 9. 1989
"1U
ROYAL TOUR ENDS WITH WESTERN WALKABOUT
*****
THE PRINCE OF WALES’S FOUR-DAY OFFICIAL VISIT TO HONG KONG WILL END TOMORROW (FRIDAY) WITH A WALKABOUT IN WESTERN DURING WHICH HE WILL VISIT CHINESE MEDICINE AND DRIED SEAFOOD SHOPS.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL SAMPLE CHIU CHOW TEA AND EXPERIENCE SOME OF THE SIGHTS. SOUNDS AND SCENTS THAT MAKE UP ONE OF THE OLbfeST PARTS OF HONG KONG.
THE WESTERN WALKABOUT WILL BE A SHARP CONTRAST TO HIS FIRST OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT OF THE DAY, A VISIT TO THE JAGUAR CAR EXHIBITION IN THE LANDMARK.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL TRAVEL FROM HMS TAMAR TO THE LANDMARK BY CAR ACCOMPANIED BY THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER IN HONG KONG. MR P.W. HEAP.
THE NEW CARS ON SHOW WILL INCLUDE A SOVEREIGN 4.0 SALOON, A DAIMLER. AN XJS CONVERTIBLE, A JAGUAR 2.9 LITRE AND AN XJS 3.6.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE DES VOEUX ROAD ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON.
MR HEAP WILL PRESENT MR CHARLES MACKAY, CHAIRMAN OF INCHCAPE PACIFIC: MR STUART ROBINSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE JAGUAR HONG KONG; VISCOUNT ERRINGTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR INCHCAPE CHINA LTD; MR ROGER PUTNAM. SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR OF JAGUAR CARS UK AND JAGUAR CARS UK'S AND DIRECTOR OVESEAS SALES, MR NIGEL HESLOP.
FROM THE LANDMARK THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL TRAVEL BY CAR ALONG DES VOEUX ROAD TO AN AREA KNOWN AS THE NAM PAK HONG, WHICH HAS BEEN A BUSINESS CENTRE SINCE HONG KONG WAS FOUNDED AS A TRADING PORT IN 1842.
THE NAM PAK HONG IS A CLUSTER OF SHOPS ALONG A FEW NARROW STREETS OCCUPIED BY BONHAM STRANDS EAST AND WEST AND WING LOK STREET IN SHEUNG WAN.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL CALL IN THE SHOP OF CHIU KWONG LEE CO LTD WHERE THE MANAGING DIRECTOR. MR CHIU KWONG-HOI WILL OFFER HIS ROYAL VISITOR CHIU CHOW TEA AND EXPLAIN SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL MEDICINES ON DISPLAY.
THE PRINCE ’OF WALES WILL ALSO VISIT THE SHOP NEXT DOOR, PAK CHEONG TONG. OWNED BY MR TSANG SAU-YUEN.
THE PRINCE OF WALES WILL WALK ALONG BONHAM STRAND WEST TO DES VOEUX ROAD. AN AREA KNOWN FOR ITS DRIED SEAFOOD SHOPS. AND CALL IN AT ONE OF THEM, FOOK SHING.
AFTER HIS HOUR-LONG STROLL THROUGH WESTERN, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WILL LEAVE BY CAR FOR HMS TAMAR WHERE HE WILL BOARD HMY BRITANNIA.
AT 1 PM THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON WILL BOARD THE BRITANNIA TO BID FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS BEFORE THE ROYAL YACHT SAILS AT 2 PM AT THE END OF THE FOUR-DAY ROYAL TOUR.
- 0 - -
/15......‘
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ROYAL VISIT TO WESTERN DISTRICT t * t 1 t
BUS AND TRAM PASSENGER'S ARE ADVISED TO NOTE SERVICE CHANGES ARISING FROM THE VISIT TO WESTERN DISTRICT BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.
TRAMS WILL OPERATE NORMALLY UNTIL 9.30 AM BUT FROM THEN UNTIL ABOUT 12 NOON TRAM OPERATION BETWEEN MARKET AND CENTRE STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
BUS SERA ICES WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED FROM THE EASTERN END OF DES VOEUX ROAD WEST BETWEEN 8 AM AND 12 NOON, AND BUS PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO READ NOTICES ON BUS STOPS FOR DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL SERVICE DIVERSIONS.
------0 - - - -
GLOBAL FREE TRADE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE ECONOMY t t * t t t
AS PAST DEVELOPMENTS HAVE CLEARLY SHOWN, GLOBAL FREE TRADE IS THE BEST POSSIBLE FOUNDATION ON WHICH TO BUILD THE FUTURE ECONOMIC PROGRESS OF HONG KONG, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON FOR THE PRESIDENTS OF THE OVERSEAS HONG KONG ASSOCIATIONS, SIR PIERS SAID HONG KONG WAS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO FREE TRADE AND THE MULTILATERAL TRADING SYSTEM EMBODIED IN THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.
"OUR OPEN MARKET POLICY APPLIES TO TRADE IN GOODS, FINANCIAL AND OTHER. SERVICES, AS WELL AS INVESTMENTS IN INDUSTRIES," HE SAID.
HONG KONG, WITH ITS STRATEGIC LOCATION, HIGHLY EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND SOPHISTICATED COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK, OCCUPIED A PLACE OF IMPORTANCE IN THE INCREASINGLY PROSPEROUS ASIA-PACIFIC REGION, SIR PIERS NOTED.
"THIS RELATIONSHIP IS PARTICULARLY RELEVANT IN VIEW OF HONG KONG'S UNIQUE POSITION TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS CHINA'S OVERALL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
"WITH OUR LONG EXPERIENCE AND PROVEN EXPERTISE IN TRADING AND OUR KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF CHINA. WE HAVE A LOT TO OFFER TO WESTERN TRADERS WHO ARE KEEN ON DEVELOPING THE POTENTIALLY VAST CH I NESE MARKET . " HE S A 11).
SIR PIERS TOLD THE OVERSEAS VISITORS THAT THE IMPACT OF RECENT EVENTS IN CHINA ON OUR ECONOMY HAD BEEN TEMPORARY.
/"THE FUNDAMENTAL
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- 16 -
"THE FUNDAMENTAL ATTRACTIONS OF HONG KONG AS A PLACE FOR BUSINESS AND INVESTMENT REMAIN UNSHAKEN." HE SAID.
CITING EXAMPLES OF NEW INVESTMENTS, HE SAID FIVE CONSORTIA BID FOR THE LARGEST SITE EVER SOLD IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT TOWARDS THE END OF JULY AND IT WAS A CLOSE CONTEST WON BY A BID OF US$350 MILLION.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE WAS THE SECURING OF A US$1.35 BILLION LOAN BY THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL TERMINALS TO CONSTRUCT TWO NEW CONTAINER TERMINALS. THE LOAN SYNDICATE INVOLVED U.S., JAPANESE AND HONG KONG INTERESTS.
THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER FOR THE FRANCHISE TO BUILD AND OPERATE THE WORLD’S BIGGEST CABLE TELEVISION NETWORK IN HONG KONG BROUGHT TOGETHER CODTTEL OF BELGIUM, U.S. WEST AND HONG KONG INTERESTS WHICH WILL BE INVESTING US$700 MILLION IN BUILDING THIS SYSTEM.
"OTHER MAJOR INVESTMENTS INCLUDE A US$15 MILLION SEMI-CONDUCTOR ASSEMBLY HOUSE WITH EUROPEAN AND SINGAPORE INTERESTS, A US$21 MILLION JOINT VENTURE INVOLVING THE BRITISH ICI GROUP, MORE THAN US$10 MILLION TO BE PUT IN BY THE DAIDO CONCRETE COMPANY TO EXPAND ITS PRODUCTION FACILITIES TN ONE OF OUR INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AND THE SETTING UP OF A MANUFACTURING AND SERVICING COMPANY BY THE NEC CORPORATION IN HONG KONG FOR THEIR PERSONAL COMPUTERS, DISK DRIVES AND PRINTERS," HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, APART FROM MAINTAINING A SOUND TRADING FOUNDATION, WAS TAKING CONCRETE STEPS IN THE CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT OF HONG KONG’S INFRASTRUCTURE TO MEET FUTURE NEEDS.
THE DECISION TO REPLACE THE EXISTING AIRPORT AT KAI TAK WITH A NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WAS PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGY FOR A MASSIVE EXPANSION OF OUR PORT AND AIRPORT FACILITIES TO COPE WITH HONG KONG’S RAPIDLY GROWING ROLE AS ENTREPOT AND REGIONAL HUB, HE SAID.
"THE TOTAL INVESTMENT, WHICH WILL COMPRISE BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE MONIES, IS ESTIMATED TO BE IN THE ORDER OF SOME US$16 BILLION.
"WE ARE CONFIDENT THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN BOTH THE REGIONAL AND THE GLOBAL ECONOMY. THERE ARE TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR INVESTORS IN HONG KONG," HE SAID.
"MEMBERS OF THE OVERSEAS HONG KONG ASSOCIATIONS, ALL OF WHOM HAVE CLOSE BUSINESS CONNECTIONS WITH HONG KONG, HAVE ACTUALLY EXPERIENCED THIS FIRST HAND.
"THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT YOUR ASSOCIATIONS WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN FURTHER STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC TIES BETWEEN YOUR COUNTRIES AND HONG KONG. WE WELCOME AND TREASURE THESE RELATIONSHIPS AND WE HOPE THAT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO GROW TO OUR MUTUAL BENEFIT," HE ADDED.
-----o------
/17 U.UM
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 9. 1989
INCREASED SPENDING ON SOCIAL WELFARE
THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $5,000 MILLION FOR WELFARE SERVICES IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR IS IMPRESSIVE BY ANY STANDARD. THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG. SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SUM ALSO REPRESENTED A RISE OF ABOUT 26 PER CENT OVER THAT IN THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR. SHE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG SOUTH. MRS WONG EXPLAINED THAT THE SUM COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF WELFARE SERVICES INCLUDING THOSE FOR OFFENDERS, YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ELDERLY, FAMILY WELFARE. REHABILITATION. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY PAYMENTS.
IT ALSO COVERED CAPITAL AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, INCLUDING SUBVENTIONS TO 157 VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT SPENDING ON SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES HAD RISEN SIX TIMES OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE IN TOTAL GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE OF ONLY FOUR TIMES IN THE SAME PERIOD.
MENTIONING THE CHANGES IN THE SHARING OF THE OVERALL GOVERNMENT BUDGET AND TN RELATION TO GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) IN THE LAST DECADE. MRS WONG NOTED THAT IN 1979-80 SOCIAL WELFARE ACCOUNTED FOR 4.6 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING WHICH IN TURN REPRESENTED ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF GDP.
AT PRESENT, IT HAD GRADUALLY INCREASED TO 6.3 PER CENT OF TOTAL GOVERNMENT SPENDING WHICH REPRESENTED 16 PER CENT OF GDP.
SHE SAID: "THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT OUR RATE OF ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE PAST DECADE HAS PRODUCED A HIGHER STANDARD OF LIVING FOR OUR COMMUNITY, WITH CORRESPONDINGLY HIGHER SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS AND EXPECTATIONS.
"IN KEEPING PACE WITH THESE CHANGES, WE HAVE THEREFORE WITNESSED THE STEADY DEVELOPMENT OF A DIVERSE RANGE OF WELFARE SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
"THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES DEPEND ON BOTH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE ECONOMY. AND THE GOVERNMENT’S OVERALL BUDGETARY SITUATION AS WELL AS DEPARTMENTAL PRIORITIES.
"ALTHOUGH RESOURCES ARE NOT UNLIMITED, THE PUBLIC’S . EXPECTATIONS TEND TO GO ON INCREASING.
"FOR THIS REASON, THE DEPARTMENT HAS TO, WITHIN THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE, PLAN AND SET PRIORITIES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY."
/MRS WONG
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- 18 -
MRS WONG SAID THAT MORE THAN 85 PER CENT OF THE PRESENT RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WENT ON YOUNG PEOPLE, THE ELDERLY. AND REHABILITATION AS WELL AS FAMILY WELFARE. AND THE FIRST THREE FIELDS HAD ENJOYED A SHARP RISE TN PRIORITIES.
"THIS SHIFT IN EMPHASIS HAS BEEN NECESSARY AS THE PUBLIC IS NO LONGER SATISFIED WITH BASIC SERVICES.
"DEMANDS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES HAVE BECOME MORE SOPHISTICATED. MATCHING THE DEVELOPMENTS OF SOCIETY ITSELF." SHE SAID.
ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT. MRS WONG COMMENTED: "WE NEED TO SET OUR SIGHTS HIGH, OUR SHOULDERS TO THE WHEEL AND OUR FEET ON THE GROUND.
"IN THE YEARS AHEAD) WE WILL NOT ONLY CAST OUR VISION TO THE YEARS AHEAD BUT ALSO CRITICALLY RE-EXAMINE OUR PRIORITIES AND STRATEGIES TO ENSURE THAT THE LEVEL OF OUR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES REMAINS IN TUNE WITH THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S SOCIETY."
-----0-----
GOVT DECIDES NO CHARGE FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES
******
THAT, AS
AT PRESENT,
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED
SHOULD BE LEVIED FOR AMBULANCE SERVICES, INCLUDING NON REMOVALS, AFTER CONSIDERING THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE
NO CHARGE -EMERGENCY AMBULANCE
SERVICE REVIEW STEERING GROUP.
OF AMBULANCE
WHEN THF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL CONSIDERED THE REVIEW
SERVICES IN 1^7, ADVISED THE REVIEW STEERING GROUP TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF CHARGING FOR NON-EMERGENCY REMOVALS AND TO REPORT BACK, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
THF REVIEW STEERING GROUP HAS EXAMINED THE QUESTION OF ABUSE AND MISUSE 01 AMBULANCE SERVICES, AND CONDUCTED '1HREE TO COLLECT STATISTICS ON NON-EMERGENCY REMOVALS, Ebi EC IALLY INVOLVING HOMES FOR THE AGED AND PRIVATE HOSPITAL SAID.
THE
SURVEYS THOSE
ESTABLISHMENTS,
HE
HAVING EXAMINED THE PRESENT ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST CHARGING, CONCLUDED THAT NO CHARGE SHOULD BE INCLUDING NON-EMERGENCY REMOVALS.
AMBULANCE THE REVIEW LEVIED FOR
SERVICES AND THE
STEERING GROUP HAS AMBULANCE SERVICES,
THE FIRE
MISUSE OF
SUGGESTED THAT
MONITOR THE
GROUP HAS FURTHER SHOULD CONTINUE TO AMBULANCES, AND TO DRAW UP ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF, MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF AND SOCIAL WORKERS FOR
THE STEERING SERVICES DEPARTMENT
GUIDELINES
FOR AMBULANCE NON-EMERGENCY
REMOVALS.
-------0 --------
/19
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS REZONING OF LAND USE ♦ t * ♦ t
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMITTEE OF THE TURN MUN DISTRICT BOARD WILL REZONING OF LAND USE IN AREA 16 AT ITS MEETING
DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT
DISCUSS THE PROPOSED TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
rHE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED BY THE TUEN MUN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WILL MEAN THE RELOCATION OF A POTENTIALLY POLLUTING INDUSTRIAL AREA A AY FROM MAJOR RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE FUTURE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
IHE MEETING WILL DISCUSS \ PAPER CONCERNING THE EFFECTS OF EXHAUST GAS EMITTED FROM ROAD WASHING VEHICLES ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND ON VISIBILITY.
IHE COMMITTEE WILL XLSO LOOK INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING ADDITIONAL RAMPS TO THE TWO FOOTBRIDGES LINKING SHAN KING ESTATE TO THE INDUSTRIAL AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW I FRIDAY) IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONFERENCE ROOM. THIRD FLOOR. TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT OFFICES. TUEN HI ROAD, TUEN MUN.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
------0-------
MISFIRED FIREWORKS WARNING * ♦ t t t
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED NOT TO TAMPER WITH UNKNOWN OBJECTS FOUND ON BEACHES OR ALONG THE COASTAL AREAS.
A TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FOLLOWING A DISPLAY OF FIREWORKS OFF THE COAST OF TUEN MUN THIS EVENING. SONE MISFIRED SHELLS MIGHT BE WASHED ASHORE ALONG THE COASTAL AREAS OF TUEN MUN AND SOME MIGHT REACH OTHER BEACHES IN THE TERRITORY.
"THE BALL-SHAPED FIREWORKS COULD CAUSE GRAVE INJURIES TO NEARBY PERSONS IF SET OFF." HE WARNED.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY IF SIMILAR OBJECTS ARE SEEN ON BEACHES. AND NOT ATTEMPT TO TOUCH THEM.
THEY CAN ALSO CONTACT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S MINES DIVISION ON TEL. 3-7332356 OR 3-7332358 FOR THE REMOVAL OF SUCH OBJECTS.
-----0------
/20........
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
KWAI TSI NG SPORTS FESTIVAL TO START ON SATURDAY *****
THE MONTH-LONG KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL WILL. KICK OFF WITH A SOCCER. TOURNAMENT BETWEEN WOMEN TEAMS FROM GUANGDONG, TAIWAN AND KWAI TSING DISTR ICT ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11) AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES. MR ADOLF HSU: DISTRICT OFFICER. MR PAUL TANG: DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR LEE WING-TAT: AND EXECUTIVE MEMBERS OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL ALSO FORM A TEAM TO TAKE PART IN A HALF-HOUR FOOTBALL MATCH AGAINST A TEAM OF DISC-JOCKEYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE KWAI TSING SPORTS FESTIVAL TO BE HELD AT THE KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND (NEAR KWAI FONG MTR STATION) ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 1.30 PM.
- - 0 - -
SOUTHERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY
*****
SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO FUN, GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT AT A CARNIVAL AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IN WONG CHUK HANG ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
THE FOUR-HOUR CARNIVAL KILL START AT 1 PM. IT IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH-LONG SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL, AND WILL INVOLVE GAME STALLS, ARTS AND CRAFTS STALLS. AND A VARIETY SHOW.
THE VARIETY SHOW WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY FILM AND TELEVISION ARTISTS, INCLUDING L0 HOI-PANG. A SONG REQUEST PROGRAMME TO BE HOSTED BY DISC JOCKEY YU SIU-KEI, SINGING BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR, AND A TAEKWONDO DEMONSTRATION BY MEMBERS OF THE WESTERN JUNIOR POLICE CALL.
A TOTAL OF 16 GAME STALLS WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE CARNIVAL BY THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREA COMMITTEES. GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
/IN ADDITION
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- 21
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE DEMONSTRATIONS BY CRAFTSMEN OF HOW TO MAKE GRASSHOPPERS AND RIBBON FLOWERS DEMONSTRATIONS IN CALLIGRAPHY AND PAPER-FOLDING.
ARTISTS AND AS WELL AS
OTHER ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE PALM READING, PORTRAIT SKETCHING AND CHINESE CHESS DEMONSTRATION STALLS.
ADMISSION IS FREE. TICKETS FOR STALL GAMES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE AT ABERDEEN CENTRE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES IN STANLEY VILLAGE ROAD, WAH FU ESTATE AND LET TUNG ESTATE.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-540271.
------0-------
CLEANLINESS DRAWING COMPETITION IN SHAM SHUT PO * ♦ t » ♦
THE SHAM SHUT PO DISTRICT BOARD’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN WORKING GROUP IS ORGANISING A DRAWING COMPETITION ON NOVEMBER 26 TO PROMOTE CHILDREN’S AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE MAPLE STREET PLAYGROUND FROM 1.15 PM TO 1.55 PM THAT DAY.
IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS -- THE JUNIOR SECTION FOR THOSE AGED UNDER 10 AND THE SENIOR SECTION FOR THOSE AGED BETWEEN 10 AND 11.
APPLICATION FORMS \RE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICE AT 37 39 TONKIN STREET AND ITS SUB-OFFICES. THE FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE NOVEMBER 20.
PARTICIPANTS SHOULD REPORT TO THE ORGANISERS AT 1 PM ON NOVEMBER 26. THEY WILL HAVE TO BRING ALONG THEIR OWN DRAWING AND COLOUR MATERIALS, WHILE DRAWING PAPER WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE ORGANISERS.
A PRIZE PRESENTAITON CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON THE SAME DAY. TO BE FOLLOWED BY PERFORMANCES BY YOUTH GROUPS.
GAMES STALLS WILL ALSO BE SET UP AT THE VENUE TO DRIVE HOME CLEAN HONG KONG MESSAGES.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
22
READING AWARD SCHEME FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS * * * * *
THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS C.H. KONG, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON SECONDARY 1 TO 5 STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE 1990 READING AWARD SCHEME HELD BETWEEN DECEMBER AND MAY.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT THE OFFICE OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MRS KONG SAID THE READING AWARD SCHEME AIMED TO HELP STUDENTS TO DEVELOP GOOD READING HABITS AND IMPROVE THEIR LANGUAGE SKILLS, AND TO PROMOTE THE USE OF LIBRARY RESOURCES.
THE 1990 AWARD SCHEME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE BOYS' AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AND THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO READ NO FEWER THAN 10 BOOKS INCLUDING AT LEAST THREE ENGLISH AND THREE CHINESE BOOKS DURING THE PERIOD OF THE SCHEME. THEY HAVE TO COMPLETE A BOOK RECORD FORM AFTER READING EACH BOOK AND WRITE A REPORT IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE ON ONE OF THE BOOKS.
MRS KONG SAID SECONDARY 1 TO 3 STUDENTS IN THE JUNIOR SECTION OF THE CONTEST SHOULD SEND IN AN ESSAY TYPE REPORT IN 400 TO 700 WORDS, WHILE SECONDARY 4 AND 5 STUDENTS IN THE SENIOR SECTION SHOULD SENT ONE TN 700 TO 1,000 WORDS.
TROPHIES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WRITERS OF THE THREE BEST BOOK REPORTS IN BOTH THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH CATEGORIES OF THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR SECTIONS AND THEIR RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF EACH CATEGORY WILL ALSO BE AWARDED BOOK COUPONS OF $2,000, $1,500 AND $1,000 RESPECTIVELY, WHILE 10 OTHER STUDENTS WHOSE REPORTS RECEIVE HIGH COMMENDATION WILL BE PRESENTED BOOK COUPONS WORTH $300 AND CERTIFICATES OF MERIT.
CERTIFICATES OF MERIT WILL ALSO BE PRESENTED TO ENTRANTS WHOSE BOOK REPORTS ARE COMMENDABLE.
STUDENTS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES TO THE LIBRARY SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT BEFORE MAY 25 NEXT YEAR. ALL ENTRIES WILL BE ASSESSED BY A PANEL OF JUDGES AND AWARDS WILL BE PRESENTED IN JULY NEXT YEAR.
MRS KONG SAID AS IN THE 1988 AND 1989 CONTESTS, THE WINNING BOOK REPORTS IN THE 1990 CONTEST WOULD BE PUBLISHED AND DISTRIBUTED TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR REFERENCE.
IN 1988, A TOTAL OF 25,000 STUDENTS FROM 186 SCHOOLS TOOK PART IN THE READING AWARD SCHEME. THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WHO TOOK PART IN THE 1989 CONTEST WAS INCREASED TO 27,000 AND THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS TO 194 .
ALSO ATTENDING THE PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY WAS THE GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE BOYS' AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MRS JUSTINA LEUNG.
- - 0 -
/23
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1989
- 23
ROVING EXHIBITION ON t t t t
EMPLOYMENT LAWS *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL STAGE A MOBILE EXHIBITION IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO PROMOTE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF EMPLOYMENT LAWS.
ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS PROMOTION UNIT, THE EXHIBITION IS AIMED AT PUBLICISING AMONG Till'. PUBLIC THE' PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND THE STATUTORY ENTITLEMENTS OF WORKERS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL DESCRIBE, IN SIMPLE LANGUAGE AND INTERESTING CARTOONS. PROVISIONS IN THE ORDINANCE OF INTEREST TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. THESE INCLUDE REST DAY, STATUTORY HOLIDAY, PAID ANNUAL LEAVE. SICKNESS ALLOWANCE, MATERNITY PROTECTION AND END-OF-YEAR PAYMENT.
IT WILL ALSO FEATURE A QUIZ ON EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION WITH A LUCKY DRAW FOR SUCCESSFUL PARTICIPANTS.
LABOUR DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL BE ON HAND TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ON EMPLOYMENT AND LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL FIRST BE HELD AT THE EMPIRE CENTRE IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST FROM TOMORROW TO SUNDAY' I NOVEMBER 12), BEFORE MOVING TO BUTTERFLY" ESTATE IN TUEN MUN FROM NOVEMBER 17 TO 19 AND CHEUNG HONG ESTATE ON TSI NG YI FROM NOVEMBER 24 TO 26.
OPENING HOURS YRE FROM 9.30 AM TO 5.30 PM.
-------0---------
ILLEGAL STRUCTURE IN SHEUNG SHUI TO BE CLOSED t t t » *
CLOSE AN
58 SAN FUNG DEMOLISHED
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS' SEEKING TO STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OVFR FLAT A, SECOND FLOOR, SHEUNG SHUI. NEW TERRITORIES SO THAT II CAN BE DANGER. TO THE OCCUPIERS AND TO THE PUBLIC.
ILLEGAL AVENUE, WITHOUT
ISSUED
THE CLOSURE FORMS PART OF AN EXERCISE UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE
IN
TO
ENFORCE AN ORDER
SEPTEMBER REQUIRING
THE
DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURI.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A TIN DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 8 NEX'I YEAR WAS PART OF THE STRUCTURE TODAY (THURSDAY).
CLOSURE ORDER
POSTED ON A
FROM THE SHA CONSPICUOUS
IT IS EXPECTED THAT DEMOLITION WILL
START ONCE THE CLOSURE
ORDER IS OBTAINED.
-------o---------
/2U........
THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 9. 1989
- 24 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSI NG YI t t * * t
TH) TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11). THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF ROADS IN TSING YI WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY:
* A SECTION OF THE ACCESS ROAD AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE TSING
YJ ESTATE BUS TERMINUS BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TSING LUK
STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 70 METRES WEST OF THE SAME
JUNCTION: AND
* A SECTION OF THE ACCESS ROAD AT THE EXIT OF THE TSING YI
ESTATE BUS TERMINUS BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH TSING LUK STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 60 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED DUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
------0--------
PLB BAN ZONE IN KWAI CHUNG t t t t *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 11). THE SECTION OF WING SHUN STREET IN KWAI CHUNG FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ROAD 25/2 UNDERNEATH TSING TSUEN BRIDGE TO ITS JUNCTION WITH KWAI HEI STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS BAN ZONE.
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES. EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE \REA 21 HOURS DAILY.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-8428777
FRIDAY, 'NOVEMBER 10, 19*9
................CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRINCE OF WALES’ GOES WALKABOUT IN WESTERN...................... 1
PRINCE OF WALES’ VISITS A HONG'KONG LANDMARK ................... 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON ....................................... 3
DECISION ON NATIONALITY PACKAGE STILL AWAITED: CS .............. 3
CONSULTANTS SOUGHT TO PREPARE CHEK LAP KOK AIRPORT MASTER PLAN .....................................................
INVESTMENTS IN MODERN MACHINERY AND 'PRODUCTION METHODS NECESSARY . I................................................... 5
MORE JOBS’FOUND’FOR’DISABLED PEOPLE ............................ 7
WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING’STUDY COMMISSIONED .................... 9
1.6M VOTERS ON GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL .......................... 9
. ........ . i::; REMEMBRANCE DAY ON SUNDAY ..................................
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED .............. 12
CANCER THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN HK........................ 18
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS PLAY SIGNIFICANT ROLE.................... 19
TWENTY-TWO LIFE SAVERS HONOURED ............................... 20
LAW UK DECLARED AS HISTORICAL BUILDING ........................ 21
FACTORIES FINED FOR DARK SMOKE EMISSIONS ...................... 22
/VENTILATION OF.......
VENTILATION OF FACTORY CANTEENS PUT UNDER CONTROL............... 23
MALAYSIAN DELEGATION CALLS ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE .... 24
j^EP HK CLEAN CARNIVAL IN EASTERN DISTRICT ..................... 24
KEEP HQNG KONG CLEAN RALLY FOR YOUTHS .......................... 25
WAN CHAI CAMPAIGN FOR ELDERLY STARTS TOMORROW ................. 26
MOCK DB MEETINGS TOMORROW IN SHAM SHUI PO.......A''............. 26
TICKETS FOR LYRICS COMPETITION'. STILL .AVAILABLE .............. 27
ROAD SAFETY QUIZ PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW .......... 28
CROSS COUNTRY MARATHON IN TSUEN WAN ON SUNDAY................... 29
MORE FESTIVAL ’ACTIVITIES FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS ........... 30
VITALITY PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN YOUTH. -------....... 31
AMS RECRUITMENT DAY IN EASTERN ................................. 32
CONTROL OF NEW ANTIBIOTIC ................................... 33
MUSICIANS ARRIVE FOR YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL ............... 33
CONSTRUCTION OF SEWER, DREDGING WORKS PROPOSED ................. 34
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY............. 35
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI YING PUN ................. 36
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 10. 1989
PRINCE OF WALES GOES WALKABOUT IN WESTERN t » * * t
THE PRINCE OF WALES SAMPLED CHIU CHOW TEA AND EXPERIENCED SOME OF THE SIGHTS. SOUNDS AND SCENTS THAT MAKE UP THE MORE TRADITIONAL HONG KONG WHEN HE WALKED THROUGH WESTERN AND VISITED CHINESE MEDICINE AND DRIED FISH SHOPS TODAY (FRIDAY).
FOR HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS. WHO HAD JUST VISITED A JAGUAR CAR EXHIBITION IN THE LANDMARK, HIS WALKABOUT WAS A TRANSITION FROM ONE OF THE MOST MODERN TO ONE OF THE OLDEST PARTS OF HONG KONG.
HE VISITED AN AREA KNOWN AS THE NAM PAK HONG. WHICH HAS BEEN A BUSINESS CENTRE SINCE HONG KONG WAS FOUNDED AS A TRADING PORT IN 1842.
THE NAM PAK HONG IS A CLUSTER OF SHOPS ALONG A FEW NARROW STREETS OCCUPIED BY BONHAM STRANDS EAST AND WEST AND WING LOK STREET IN SHEUNG WAN.
THE NAME LITERALLY MEANS "SOUTH AND NORTH FIRMS" AND REFLECTS THE WIDE SCOPE OF BUSINESS IT HANDLES. STRETCHING FROM BEIJING AND TIENTSIN IN NORTH CHINA TO COUNTRIES IN SOUTH-EAST ASIA. THE FIRMS IN THESE OLD STREETS HAVE ACTED AS COMMERCIAL INTERMEDIARIES BETWEEN CHINA AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA. OVER TIME THEIR TRADE HAS EXTENDED TO EUROPE. AMERICA AND MOST PARTS OF THE WORLD.
THE NAM PAK HONG ASSOCIATION WAS FOUNDED IN 1868 IN BONHAM STRAND WEST. AIMED AT PROMOTING MEMBERS’ WELFARE AND MARKET PROSPERITY.
THE UNITY AND SOLIDARITY SHOWN BY THE HONGS IN THOSE DAYS STILL EXISTS TODAY WITH METHODS OF BUSINESS STILL RELYING VERY MUCH ON TRUST AND PERSONAL INTEGRITY.
ON ARRIVAL AT SHEUNG WAN HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS WAS GREETED BY MR. DONALD LIAO. SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. WHO PRESENTED THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (HONG KONG AND KOWLOON). DAVID LAN AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN). MR STEPHEN FISHER.
THE PRINCE OF WALES SAW SOME OF THE HERBAL AND OTHER NATURAL MEDICINES THAT HAVE BEEN STOCK-IN-TRADE OF SHOPKEEPERS IN THE AREA SINCE ITS EARLIEST DAYS WHEN HE CALLED IN THE SHOP OF CHIU KWONG LEE CO LTD WHERE THE MANAGING DIRECTOR. MR CHIU KWONG-HOI OFFERED HIS ROYAL VISITOR TO TRY AND TASTE SOME KOREAN GINSENG AND CHIU CHOW TEA. MR CHIU ALSO EXPLAINED TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS SOME OF THE TRADITIONAL MEDICINES ON DISPLAY.
IN THE SHOP MR DAVID LAN PRESENTED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD. MR. AMBROSE LAU HON-CHUEN. AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHIU CHOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. MR. LIU LIT-FOR.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS HAD FURTHER INSIGHT INTO CHINESE MEDICINE WHEN HE VISITED THE SHOP NEXT DOOR. PAK CHEONG TONG. WHERE MR LAN PRESENTED THE OWNER. MR. TSANG SAU-YUEN.
/THE PRINCE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
2
THE PRINCE OF WALES DES VOEUX ROAD. AN AREA KNOWN IN AT TWO OF THEM, FOOK SHING PRODUCTION LTD.
THEN WALKED ALONG BON. AM STRAND WEST TO FOR ITS DRIED SEAFOOD SHOPS. AND CALLED HO IHK) LTD AND THE FORTUNATE SEAFOOD
AFTER HIS HOUR-LONG STROLL THROUGH WESTERN, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS LEFT BY CAR FOR HMS TAMAR WHERE HE BOARDED HMY BRITANNIA.
AT NOON THE GOVERNOR AND LADY WILSON BOARDED THE BRITANNIA TO BID FAREWELL TO HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS BEFORE THE ROYAL YACHT SAILED AT 2 PM AT THE END OF THE FOUR-DAY ROYAL TOUR.
-----0-----
PRINCE OF WALES VISITS A HONG KONG LANDMARK ♦ ♦ ♦ * t
JAGUAR CARS WHICH HAVE BEEN IN THE NEWS WITH TAKEOVER BIDS LATELY, CAME IN FOR SOME ROYAL ATTENTION WHEN THE PRINCE OF WALES VISITED AN EXHIBITION OF JAGUAR'S LATEST MODELS AT THE LANDMARK.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS TRAVELLED FROM HMS TAMAR TO THE LANDMARK BY CAR ACCOMPANIED BY THE BRITISH TRADE COMMISSIONER TN HONGKONG, MR. P.W. HEAP, WHO ACCOMPANIED THE ROYAL VISITOR ON HIS TOUR OF ONE OF HONG KONG’S MOST POPULAR SHOPPING CENTRES.
COMPLETED IN 1983. THE LANDMARK IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SUCCESSFUL COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES. A 47-LEVEL DEVELOPMENT CONSISTING OF TWIN 42-LEVEL OFFICE BLOCKS, GLOUCESTER TOWER AND EDINBURGH TOWER, AND AN ADJOINING FIVE-LEVEL OFFICE AND RETAIL BUILDING. LANDMARK EAST, IT HAS A FIVE-LEVEL. SKYLIGHTED RETAIL ATRIUM AT ITS CENTRE.
THE ATRIUM. A POPULAR MEETING PLACE WITH HONG KONG’S SHOPPERS, WAS THE VENUE FOR THE JAGUAR CAR EXHIBITION VISITED BY THE PRINCE OF WALES.
THE NEW MODELS ON SHOW INCLUDED A SOVEREIGN 4.0 SALOON, A DAIMLER, AN XJS CONVERTIBLE. A JAGUAR 2.9 LITRE AND AN XJS 3.6.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE DES VOEUX ROAD ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING THE PRINCE OF WALES WAS RECEIVED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON.
MR HEAP PRESENTED MR CHARLES MACKAY, CHAIRMAN OF INCHCAPE PACIFIC: MR STUART ROBINSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE JAGUAR HONG KONG; VISCOUNT ERRINGTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR ItNCHCAPE CHINA LTD; MR ROGER PUTNAM, SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR OF JAGUAR CARS UK AND JAGUAR CARS UK’S DIRECTOR OVERSEAS SALES. MR NIGEL HESLOP.
THE CAR EXHIBITION IS JUST ONE IN A SERIES OF COMMERCIAL, MUSICAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS REGULARLY HELD AROUND THE ATRIUM'S SPARKLING FOUNTAIN.
/THAT ATRIUM’S
FRIDAY, NOVIMBER 10, 1989
- 3 -
THE ATRIUM'S RETAIL AREA IS THE HOME OF MANY FAMOUS INTERNATIONAL NAMES IN FASHION AND ACCESSORIES AND OTHER RETAIL TENANTS INCLUDE AIRLINES, RESTAURANTS AND A 930 SQUARE METRE (10,000 SQUARE FEET) SUPERMARKET.
WELL-KNOWN AS THE ATRIUM HAS BECOME, IT IS JUST A SMALL PART OF THE 113,500 SQUARE METRE (1.2 MILLION SQUARE FEET) OF PRIME COMMERCIAL, CENTRALLY AIR-CONDITIONED SPACE IN THE LANDMARK.
-------o----------
GOVERNOR TO VISIT LONDON *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, WILL VISIT LONDON FROM NOVEMBER 15 TO 17.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE VISIT IS TO BRIEF THE NEWLY APPOINTED FOREIGN SECRETARY, MR DOUGLAS HURD, ON THE LATEST SITUATION IN HONG KONG, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN ADDITION. THE GOVERNOR WILL MEET THE MINISTER OF STATE WITH RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG, MR FRANCIS MAUDE, AND HOLD DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE. HE WILL ALSO CALL ON THE HOME SECRETARY, MR DAVID WADDINGTON.
SIR DAVID WILL LEAVE HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 14 AND RETURN ON NOVEMBER 18.
--------o----------
DECISION ON NATIONALITY PACKAGE STILL AWAITED: CS
**»»»»
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT YET HAD A MINISTERIAL DECISION ON THE CONTENT OR THE TIMING OF THE NATIONALITY PACKAGE. THE CHIEF SECRETARY. STR DAVID FORD. SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OPENING THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED EXHIBITION. SIR DAVID SAID: "BUT WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THE SORT OF PACKAGE WHICH I OUTLINED IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPEECH WILL BE SOMETHING NEAR THE EVENTUAL PACKAGE WHICH COMES BACK FROM LONDON."
"WE'VE HAD THE VISIT FROM THE TEAM FROM THE FOREIGN OFFICE AND THE HOME OFFICE. BUT THAT IS ONLY AT OFFICIAL LEVEL. AND I MADE REFERENCE IN MY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SPEECH TO THE RECOMMENDATIONS WHICH WE HAD MADE ON BEHALF OF THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATION." HE SAID.
/ASKED TO ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
4
ASKED TO COMMENT ON REPORTS THAT TWO MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE ALLIANCE FOR DEMOCRACY WERE REFUSED ENTRY TO HONG KONG. SIR DAVID SAID: "ALL 1 CAN SAY IS THAT WE ARE WORKING WITHIN OUR LAW IN THAT WE ARE ENTITLED AT ANY STAGE TO REFUSE ENTRY TO ANYONE COMING TO HONG KONG WHO DOES NOT HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG."
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT HE WOULD NOT COMMENT ON INDIVIDUAL CASES.
"THERE IS A DIFFERENCE IN OUR LAW. BETWEEN LOCAL GROUPS WHO WISH TO SET THEMSELVES UP AS A SOCIETY OR AS A BUSINESS AND PURSUE A POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND A GROUP WHICH COMES FROM ABROAD.
"THERE IS. UNDER THE LAW. STRICTER CONTROL OF PEOPLE WHO WISH TO COME FROM ABROAD TO INDULGE IN POLITICAL ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG REGISTERING UNDER THE SOCIETIES OR THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE." SIR DAVID SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ACT WITHIN THE LAW IN ALL SUCH CASES.
NOTING THAT IN EACH INDIVIDUAL CASE. DECISIONS WERE MADE ON THE MERITS OF THE CASE. THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID THERE WAS NO BLANKET POLICY AFFECTING PEOPLE COMING INTO HONG KONG.
-------0----------
CONSULTANTS SOUGHT TO PREPARE CHEK t t t » *
LAP KOK AIRPORT MASTER PLAN *
THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST IN A CONSULTANCY TO PREPARE A MASTER PLAN FOR THE NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK.
A NOTICE INVITING SUCH EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID ALL NECESSARY STEPS WERE NOW BEING TAKEN TO ENABLE THE: NEW AIRPORT TO BE OPENED IN EARLY 1997.
"THE MOST PRESSING AND IMMEDIATE TASK IS TO FINALISE THE AIRPORT MASTER PLAN AND LAYOUT AND TO UNDERTAKE RELATED ENGINEERING DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDIES," HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY RECEIVED A WIDE RANGE OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FROM MAJOR INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL FIRMS AND CONSORTIA INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE AIRPORT PROJECT.
"THE PURPOSE OF TODAY'S GAZETTE NOTICE IS TO PROVIDE A FURTHER OPPORTUNITY FOR FIRMS WITH THE APPROPRIATE SKILLS TO EXPRESS AN INTEREST IN UNDERTAKING THE MASTER PLAN CONSULTANCY."
/HE POINTED .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 5 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT SEEKING DETAILED PROPOSALS AT THIS STAGE.
"AN EXPRESSION OF INTEREST NEED CONTAIN ONLY A STATEMENT OF THE FIRM’S RELEVANT EXPERTISE AND PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE IN DEALING WITH THE MATTERS TO BE COVERED BY THE MASTER PLAN CONSULTANCY.
"IN VIEW OF THE TIGHT TIMETABLE SET FOR THE OPENING OF THE AIRPORT TN 1997, CONSULTANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE CONSULTANCY VERY QUICKLY AND HAVE THE NECESSARY SKILLS AND RESOURCES TO DO SO.
"THEY WILL NEED, INTER ALIA, TO REVIEW AIR TRAFFIC FORECASTS, FIX THE RUNWAY CONFIGURATION AND RECLAMATION SIZE, DESIGN THE AIRPORT LAYOUT AND TRANSPORT INTERFACES, CARRY OUT A COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT STUDY, AND PRODUCE AN OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WITH COSTS," HE SAID.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION BEFORE NOON ON NOVEMBER 24 THIS YEAR.
"THE GOVERNMENT WILL THEN DRAW UP A SHORTLIST OF POTENTIALLY SUITABLE CONSULTANTS WHO WILL BE ASKED TO SUBMIT DETAILED PROPOSALS FOR CARRYING OUT THE CONSULTANCY ON THE BASIS OF A PRELIMINARY BRIEF," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"WE EXPECT THE CONSULTANCY TO START WORK IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1990 AND TO LAST NO MORE THAN 18 MONTHS.
"IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT WILL PROCEED URGENTLY WITH ALL NECESSARY LAND ACQUISITION, GAZETTAL PROCEDURES AND PRELIMINARY WORKS ON SITE," HE ADDED.
--------0 ---------
INVESTMENTS IN MODERN MACHINERY AND ♦ » t » »
PRODUCTION METHODS NECESSARY ♦
HONG KONG’S CLOTHING INDUSTRY, WITH ITS GOOD REPUTATION AND CONNECTIONS ESTABLISHED OVER THE YEARS, WILL STILL BE ABLE TO HOLD A POSITION THAT COUNTS IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
"HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING COSTS AND HIGHLY COMPETITIVE OVERSEAS MARKET, CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE INDUSTRY IN THE LONG RUN WILL DEPEND ON WHETHER IT CAN MOVE TOWARDS DIVERSIFIED DEVELOPMENT, PRODUCE HIGH VALUE-ADDED PRODUCTS OF GOOD QUALITY AND FIRST CLASS DESIGN AND TAILORING, MEET MARKET DEMANDS AS WELL AS OPEN UP NEW MARKETS," HE SAID.
/MR CHAN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1?89
MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CONFERENCE ON THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY.
HE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO COPE WITH CHANGING NEEDS WHICH WERE IN THE MEANTIME GETTING MORE AND MORE COMPLICATED, LOCAL MANUFACTURERS SHOULD INVEST IN MODERN MACHINERY AND PRODUCTION METHODS TO INCREASE LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY, SHORTEN DELIVERY TIME, HANDLE SMALL-SCALE PRODUCTION AND IMPROVE ON QUALITY.
MR CHAN, HOWEVER, POINTED OUT THAT INVESTING IN NEW MACHINERY AND PRODUCTION METHODS WAS NO EASY DECISION.
"MANUFACTURERS SHOULD CONSIDER CAREFULLY WHICH SYSTEM WILL BEST MEET THEIR DEMAND. BOTH MANAGEMENT AND STAFF SHOULD MAKE CONCERTED EFFORTS TO ENSURE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE NEW SYSTEM TO ACHIEVE THE BEST EFFECT POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
MR CHAN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL SUPPORTIVE ORGANISATIONS HAD TRIED THEIR BEST TO HELP.
"THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL HAS RECENTLY SET UP A TEXTILE AND APPAREL DIVISION TO CO-ORDINATE SERVICES CURRENTLY PROVIDED FOR CLOTHING MANUFACTURERS AND TO DEVELOP NEW SERVICES.
"THE COUNCIL ALSO JOINED HANDS WITH THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY TO SET UP A CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATION CENTRE TO DEMONSTRATE TO MANUFACTURERS THE OPERATION OF MODERN SYSTEMS IN COMMERCIAL SETTING, TO INTRODUCE AND PROMOTE OTHER RELATED TECHNOLOGY AND THE ADVANTAGES OF ADOPTING NEW SYSTEMS," HE SAID.
HE ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT COMPANIES AND MACHINERY SUPPLIERS WHO MADE THEIR FAIR SHARE OF CONTRIBUTION BY PROVIDING A USEFUL TECHNOLOGY AND SERVICES.
THE CONFERENCE, ENTITLED "THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY IN THE 90’S: TECHNICAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS", IS STAGED TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR MORE THAN 300 TECHNOLOGY VENDORS AND USERS TO DISCUSS THE SOLUTIONS TO VARIOUS TECHNICAL PROBLEMS AND INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IN THE APPLICATION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR INSTITUTE (HONG KONG BRANCH), THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL, THE TEXTILE INSTITUTE (HONG KONG SECTION), AND THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 10. 1989
- 7 -
MORE JOBS FOUND FOR DISABLED PEOPLE t » » » »
SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAMME. THE NUMBER OF DISABLED PEOPLE WHO HAVE OBTAINED EMPLOYMENT WITH PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS HAS INCREASED 10 TIMES FROM 113 IN 1980 TO OVER 1.100 IN 1988. THE CHIEF SECRETARY. SIR DAVID FORD. SAID TODAY <FRIDAY I.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE "EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DISABLED" EXHIBITION AT NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSTM SHA TSUI. SIR DAVID SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALSO PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT PART IN PROVIDING EMPLOYMENT FOR THE DISABLED. AND OVER 3.200 HANDICAPPED PEOPLE WERE MEMBERS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
"THE OBJECTIVE OF OUR REHABILITATION PROGRAMME IS TO ENABLE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO DEVELOP FULLY THEIR CAPABILITIES.
"TO THIS END. WE HAVE SOUGHT TO PROVIDE THE HANDICAPPED WITH GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT WHICH REPRESENTS A CONCLUDING STAGE IN THE REHABILITATION PROCESS." HE SAID.
SIR DAVID SAID AS HONG KONG BECAME A MORE PROSPEROUS AND ADVANCED SOCIETY. THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLACING INCREASING EMPHASIS ON REHABILITATION FOR THE DISABLED TO HELP THEM ATTAIN THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE DEGREE OF INTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY.
"IN PROMOTING THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME. WE HAVE WORKED VERY CLOSELY WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED IN TERMS OF MEDICAL CARE. COMPASSIONATE HOUSING. BOARDING HOMES. REHABUS SERVICES. SPECIAL EDUCATION. VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND SHELTERED WORKSHOPS.
"IN RECENT YEARS. WE HAVE ALSO MADE PROGRESS WITH TRAINING IN SPORTS. AND I AM PLEASED TO SEE THAT THE HONG KONG TEAM HAS BEEN DOING VERY WELL IN THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS." HE SAID.
SIR DAVID NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN SUGGESTIONS TN THE PAST THAT HONG KONG SHOULD CONSIDER LEGISLATING FOR THE COMPULSORY EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED IN THE FORM OF A QUOTA SYSTEM.
"WE BELIEVE. HOWEVER. THAT EMPLOYMENT SHOULD RELATE TO WORK AB I LITA AND HAVE ADOPTED THE POLICY OF PROMOTING VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND ENHANCING THE AWARENESS OF EMPLOYERS THROUGH PUBLIC EDUCATION AND VOLUNTARILY PARTICIPATION.
"THE POLICY HAS BEEN EFFECTIVE PROGRESS." HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY THANKED THE PRIVATE SECTOR ORGANISATIONS WHICH REHABILITATION PROGRAMME.
AND WE HAVE MADE MEASURED
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THE
HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE
/THE EXHIBITION, ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 8 -
THE EXHIBITION. WHICH HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. WILL RUN UNTIL NOVEMBER 16.
IN HIS ADDRESS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY. THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. MR TONY HAMMOND. SAID DISABLED PERSONS WERE ABLE TO UNDERTAKE SUCCESSFULLY A WIDE RANGE OF JOBS FROM THE UNSKILLED TO THE PROFESSIONAL LEVELS WITH THE HELP OF SUITABLE VOCATIONAL TRAINING AND APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL AIDS.
MR HAMMOND SAID THE PROVISION OF A SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR THE DISABLED HAD LONG BEEN RECOGNISED AS A MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF HELPING THEM TO COMPLETE THE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION PROCESS SUCCESSFULLY.
THE OPERATIONAL PHILOSOPHY OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION. HE SAID. WAS BASED ON THREE MAIN PRINCIPLES:
* FIRSTLY. DISABLED PERSONS SHOULD ENJOY EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE ABLE-BODIED TO PERFORM SUITABLE WORK.
* SECONDLY. EMPLOYERS SHOULD BE FREE TO TAKE ON DISABLED WORKERS OF THEIR OWN CHOICE AND DISABLED PERSONS SHOULD LIKEWISE BE FREE TO ACCEPT JOBS OFFERED AS THEY CHOSE.
* THIRDLY. IN SELECTIVE JOB-MATCHING. EMPHASIS SHOULD BE PLACED ON THE WORKING ABILITIES OF DISABLED PERSONS RATHER THAN ON THEIR DISABILITIES.
’’BUT THESE PRINCIPLES WILL BE MEANINGLESS IF THEY ARE NOT ENDORSED BY THE WORKING COMMUNITY AND REINFORCED BY EMPLOYERS* READY ACCEPTANCE OF DISABLED WORKERS." HE STRESSED.
OBSERVING THAT PREJUDICE TOWARDS DISABLED PEOPLE WAS PRESENT IN ALMOST EVERY COMMUNITY. MR HAMMOND SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS TRYING TO CHANGE THIS NEGATIVE ATTITUDE BY ORGANISING A VARIETY OF PROMOTIONAL ACTIVITIES ON A REGULAR BASIS.
"I VERY MUCH HOPF THAT. AS A RESULT OF THIS EXHIBITION. EMPLOYERS WILL BE APPRECIATIVE OF THE WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED AND WILL GIVE THEM A FAIR CHANCE TO SHOW WHAT THEY CAN DO." HE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION. WHICH IS BEING HELD FOR THE FOURTH YEAR AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA. IS OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 6.30 PM UNTIL NOVEMBER 16.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE DIFFERENT EMPLOYMENT AIDS ON DISPLAY. THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO DISABLED PERSONS AND THE VARIETY OF JOBS TAKEN UP BY THEM IN VARIOUS TRADES. PARTICULARLY IN THE COMMERCIAL AND SERVICES SECTORS.
THERE ARE ALSO LIVE WORK DEMONSTRATIONS BY DISABLED WORKERS. MOCK JOB-MATCHING BY COMPUTER AND A COMPUTER QUESTION-AND-ANSWER QUIZ ON UNDERSTANDING DISABILITIES.
-------0---------
/9 .......
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 9 -
WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING STUDY COMMISSIONED
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT HAS COMMISSIONED A CONSORTIUM OF CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT A 15-MONTH FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR THE PROPOSED WESTERN HARBOUR CROSSING.
THE $17.7 MILLION AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED TODAY (FRIDAY) BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF HIGHWAYS. MR KWEI SEE-KAN. AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONSORTIUM, MR RICHARD GARRETT.
THE CONSORTIUM WHICH INCLUDES MAUNSBLL CONSULTANTS ASIA LTD. ACER CONSULTANTS (FAR EAST) LTD. PARSONS BRINKERHOFF (ASIA) LTD. PYPUN-HOWARD HUMPHREYS LTD AND THE MVA CONSULTANCY. WILL COMMENCE WORK LATER THIS MONTH.
MR KWEI SAID THE STUDY WOULD IDENTIFY THE MOST SUITABLE ALIGNMENT AND CROSS-SECTION OF AN IMMERSED TUBE TUNNEL CROSSING THE HARBOUR BETWEEN THE PROPOSED WEST KOWLOON RECLAMATION AT YAU MA TEI AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
"RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE MADE AS TO THE MOST SUITABLE INTERCHANGE ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE TUNNEL AND THE EXISTING AND PLANNED ROAD SYSTEMS AT THE LANDFALLS." HE SAID.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE TUNNEL. WHICH FORMS THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF THE NEW ROUTE 3. IS PLANNED TO COMMENCE IN 1993 FOR COMPLETION PRIOR TO THE OPENING OF THE NEW AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK ON LANTAU ISLAND IN EARLY 1997.
THE STUDY WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT’S EASTERN HARBOUR CROSSING SECTION WHICH WILL BE RETITLED WESTERN HARBOUR LINK SECTION. UNDER THE DIRECTION OF MR JOHN MICHAEL TURNER WHO WILL BECOME THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER/WESTERN HARBOUR LINK.
-------0---------
1.6M VOTERS ON GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL ♦ ♦ * » t
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE
WHICH CLOSED ON SEPTEMBER 30 HAS
ANNUAL VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE
ATTRACTED 22,661 NEW APPLICANTS.
THIS IS OFFSET BY A DELETION OF 31,911 ENTRIES DUE TO DEATH, EMIGRATION AND LOSS OF CONTACT, RESULTING IN A NET REDUCTION OF 9,350 ELECTORS.
THE REGISTRATION FIGURE NOW STANDS AT 1,594,698, WITH 1,023,606 IN THE URBAN AREAS AND 571,092 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/WITH CONTINUED .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
10 -
WITH CONTINUED MOVEMENT OF POPULATION FROM THE URBAN AREAS THERE WAS A NET LOSS OF 11,339 ELECTORS TO NEW TOWNS AND DEVELOPING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION FROM TODAY (FRIDAY) TO NOVEMBER 20 AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION.
"ELIGIBLE PERSONS WILL HAVE UP TO NOVEMBER 20 TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS FOR INCLUSION IN THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS," A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION SAID.
ELECTORS ARE ALSO URGED TO REPORT ANY CHANGE OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. FOR NOTIFICATIONS MADE BY DECEMBER 11, THE CHANGES WILL BE INCORPORATED IN THE FINAL REGISTER FOR PUBLICATION IN JANUARY 1990.
- 0 -
HK CONCLUDES CULTURAL AGREEMENT WITH JAPAN * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT IT HAS CONCLUDED A CULTURAL AGREEMENT WITH JAPAN FOR IMPLEMENTATION DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
UNDER THE AGREEMENT, THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT WILL PROVIDE UP TO 41 MILLION YEN (ABOUT HKS2.27 MILLION) TO THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FOR THE PURCHASE OF TEACHING AND AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT TO STRENGTHEN ITS JAPANESE STUDIES PROGRAMME.
THE AGREEMENT WAS CONTAINED IN NOTES EXCHANGED BETWEEN THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER. MR K.Y. YEUNG, AND THE JAPANESE CONSUL-GENERAL IN HONG KONG, MR YUKIO SATOH, AT A SIGNING CEREMONY HELD TODAY IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
AI,SO PRESENT WAS THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, PROFESSOR CHARLES KAO.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, MR YEUNG NOTED THAT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAD IN THE PAST RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE JAPAN FOUNDATION AND THE JAPAN EXPOSITION COMMEMORATIVE FUND FOR THE PROMOTION OF JAPANESE STUDIES.
"THESE FUNDS HAVE BEEN USED TO GOOD EFFECT," HE SAID. "HOWEVER, JAPAN WOULD LIKE TO PROMOTE JAPANESE STUDIES MORE EXTENSIVELY HERE.
"TODAY, THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT HAS GENEROUSLY MADE AVAILABLE A FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL SUM.
"WE WARMLY WELCOME THIS AGREEMENT. THERE ARE GROWING LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND JAPAN IN MANY FIELDS - IN TRADE, INVESTMENT AND IN TOURISM.
/"IT IS ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
11
"IT IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE IMPORTANT TO HONG KONG THAT WE SHOULD CONTINUE TO PRODUCE GRADUATES WITH A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF JAPAN AND THE JAPANESE LANGUAGE."
Al.SO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY. MR SATOH SAID: "IT IS MY TASK TO PROMOTE FURTHER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE PEOPLES OF HONG KONG AND JAPAN AND I HOPE THAT THIS GRANT WILL SERVE THIS PURPOSE."
PROFESSOR KAO WELCOMED THE AGREEMENT AND SAID HE WAS VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE GRANT FROM THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID IT WAS FURTHER EVIDENCE OF THE CONTINUING INTEREST OF THE GOVERNMENT OF JAPAN IN SUPPORTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF JAPANESE STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY.
"THE ACQUISITION OF THE MODERN TEACHING AND AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT WOULD ENABLE JAPANESE STUDIES TO BE TAUGHT MORE EFFECTIVELY," HE ADDED.
------0-------
REMEMBRANCE DAY ON SUNDAY * » t t
THE REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
WREATHS WILL BE LAID BY HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES: THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON; THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES. MAJOR GENERAL PETER DUFFELL: THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR TI LIANG YANG; REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS; COMMONWEALTH COMMISSIONERS; THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR GERRY FORSGATE: THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, AND CHAIRMEN OF DISTRICT BOARDS.
THE CEREMONY WILL START AT 11 AM AND WILL END AT ABOUT 1 1.30 AM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS POSITION WILL BE SET UP TO THE WEST OF THE CENOTAPH.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE ENTRANCE ONE OF
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BUILDING FACING STATUE SQUARE BY 10.15 AM
SHARP TO COLLECT BADGES FOR ADMISSION TO THE CEREMONY. GIS OFFICERS
WILL BE ON HAND TO ESCORT THEM TO THE PRESS POSITION.
PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS AND TV CAMERAMEN SHOULD NOTE THAT TELEPHOTO LENSES MAY BE REQUIRED.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE CEREMONY MAY BE SUBJECT TO SECURITY CHECKS.
- 0-----------
/12........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
12 -
EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS FOR SEPTEMBER RELEASED t * ♦ * *
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN SEPTEMBER 1989, AT $96,885 MILLION. GREW BY 7 PER CENT TN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, ACCORDING TO THE DETAILED FIGURES ON THE VALUE OF TRADE TN SEPTEMBER 1989 RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY 2 PER CENT TO $19,542 MILLION IN SEPTEMBER 1989. HOWEVER, RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT TO $80,435 MILLION. THUS BRINGING TOTAL EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1989 TO $49,977 MILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 8 PER CENT OVER SEPTEMBER 1988. OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT TO $46,908 MILLION.
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE IN JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1989. AT
$838,946 MILLION, INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988. OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED BY 5 PER CENT TO $163,928 MILLION, WHILE RE-EXPORT INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT TO $254,788 MILLION. THUS, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20 PER CENT TO $418,716 MILLION. IMPORTS INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT TO $420,230 MILLION.
COMPARING SEPTEMBER 1989 WITH SEPTEMBER 1988, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE NETHERLANDS. THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND CHINA DECREASED BY 18 PER CENT, 17 PER CENT. 8 PER CENT. 7 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TAIWAN. JAPAN AND SINGAPORE BY 38 PER CENT, 9 PER CENT AND 7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA. THE LARGEST MARKET, SHOWED NO CHANGE.
IMPORTS FROM CHINA, THE USA AND TAIWAN INCREASED BY 23 PER CENT, 21 PER CENT AND 6 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VALUI TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1989 OVER SEPTEMBER 1988. HOWEVER. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, SINGAPORE. JAPAN AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DECREASED BY 24 PER CENT. 17 PER CENT. 12 PER CENT. 10 PER CENT AND 8 PER CENT RESPECITVELY.
RE-EXPORTS TO THE USA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, CANADA. THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY. SINGAPORE. JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS IN SEPTEMBER 1989 OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1988. BY 19 PER CENT. 46 PER CENT, 45 PER CENT, 33 PER CENT, 28 PER CENT. 22 FER CENT AND 17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA AND THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA DECREASED BY 12 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1989 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988. THE MARKETS WITH SIGNIFICANT GROWTH IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCLUDED TAIWAN (+22 PER CENT), JAPAN (+21 PER CENT), CHINA (+19 PER. CENT) AND SINGAPORE ( + 15 PER CENT).
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CANADA AND AUSTRALIA ALSO INCREASED BY 9 PER CENT AND 5 PER CENT IN VALUE TERMS. HOWEVER, THOSE TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY. THE NETHERLANDS AND THE UNITED KINGDOM DECREASED BY 4 PER CENT. 3 PER CENT AND 2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE USA SHOWED NO CHANGE.
IMPORTS IN JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1989 FROM ALL MAJOR SUPPLIERS INCREASED IN VALUE TERMS COMPARED WITH THOSE TN THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN IMPORTS FROM ITALY (♦33 PER CENT). CHINA (+32 PER CENT). TAIWAN (+22 PER CENT), SINGAPORE (♦22 PER CENT) AND THE USA (+16 PER CENT).
OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF COMPARISON. RE-EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY. THE USA. CANADA, THE UNITED KINGDOM, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN AND SINGAPORE INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN VALUE TERMS. BY 57 PER CENT, 50 PER CENT, 47 PER CENT, 46 PER CENT, 41 PER CENT, 34 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. INCREASES IN VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE ALSO RECORDED FOR CHINA AND TAIWAN. EACH BY 20 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 SEPTEMBER 1989 WILL BE RELEASED IN EARLY DECEMBER.
THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1989 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988. NOTABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR. CLOTHING (BY $3,659 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT); OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1,118 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT); TEXTILES (BY $1,076 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT) AND ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $841 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $1,141 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $454 MILLION OR 4 PER CENT).
TABLE 2 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS ARE SUMMARISED IN TABLE 3.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1989 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988, INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF IMPORTS WERE RECORDED IN ALL MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE MORE NOTABLE ONES WERE CLOTHING (BY $9,632 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT): TEXTILES (BY $9,089 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT); TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $6,964 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT); AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $6,840 MILLION OR 34 PER CENT).
/HOWEVER, DECREASES ........
I
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
14
HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS, AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $1,742 MILLION OR 11 PER CENT): AND RAW HIDES. SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $228 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT).
TABLE 4 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR
COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS TO HONG KONG’S 10 MAJOR MARKETS ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 5.
COMPARING JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1989 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1988. NOTABLE INCREASES IN THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $10,304 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT); CLOTHING (BY $9,725 MILLION OR 56 PER CENT): TEXTILES (BY $7,329 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $6,521 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT).
HOWEVER. DECREASES WERE RECORDED FOR ARTIFICIAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS. AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS (BY $1,020 MILLION OR 14 PER CENT): AND RAW HIDES, SKINS AND FURSKINS (BY $135 MILLION OR 21 PER CENT).
TABLE 6 ILLUSTRATES THE CHANGES IN RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS.
DETAILED STATISTICS ON TRADE VALUE BY COMMODITY AND BY COUNTRY ARE PUBLISHED IN TRADE STATISTICS REPORTS.
THE SEPTEMBER 1989 ISSUE OF THE "HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS SUMMARY" WILL BE ON SALE AROUND NOVEMBER 15 AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. GPO BUILDING. CONNAUGHT PLACE. CENTRAL. AT $9.50 PER COPY.
A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT. "HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE", WITH DETAILED ANALYSES ON IMPORTS. EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER 1989 WILL BE AVAILABLE AT END-NOVEMBER AT $17.50 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT FRENCH MISSION BUILDING. 1 BATTERY PATH. HONG KONG (TEL. 5-8428802) AND ENQUIRIES ON TRADE STATISTICS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. 5-8234915).
/TABLE 1: .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
TABLE 1: MAJOR MARKET DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) 10 MAJOR MARKETS
SEP 89 OVER SEP 88 (%) JAN-SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP OVER JAN-SEP (%) 89 88
U.S.A. 6.832 ♦ 52.061 *
CHINA 3.693 - 2 31.963 ♦ 19
F.R. OF GERMANY 1, 182 - 7 11,443 - 4
U.K. 1,185 - 17 10,811 - 2
JAPAN 1.305 + 9 9,591 ♦ 21
CANADA 520 ♦ 4,761 + 9
SINGAPORE 516 + 7 4.267 4 15
NETHERLANDS 336 - 18 3,479 - 3
AUSTRALIA 349 - 8 3.104 4- 5
TAIWAN 398 ♦ 38 3,063 4- 22
♦ DENOTES LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
TABLE 2: DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION SEP 1989 (HKD MN . ) SEP 89 OVER SEP 88 (%) JAN-SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP OVER JAN-SEP (%) 1 89 ' 88
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6.528 + 7 51.291 4 8
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES. TOYS. GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 2,464 — 17 20.867 - 5
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES, OPTICAL GOODS. WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1.754 ♦ 2 14,285 4 5
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 16 -
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY. APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRIAL PARTS THEREOF 1.509 - 1 13,310 4 4
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS. MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1.470 4 13 12,269 4 10
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 1.384 - 16 11.984 - 4
TABLE 3: IMPORTS FROM 10 MAJOR SUPPLIERS
MAJOR SUPPLIER SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) SEP 89 OVER SEP 88 (%) JAN-SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP 89 OVER
JAN-SEP (%) 88
CHINA 17,811 4 23 142.979 4 32
JAPAN 7,517 - 10 71.239 4 8
TAIWAN 4.097 4 6 38,400 4 22
U.S.A. 4.376 4 21 35,097 4 16
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 1,838 - 24 19.845 4 7
SINGAPORE 1.610 - 12 16.258 4 22
F.R. OF GERMANY 1,023 - 17 10,299 4 9
U.K. 985 - 8 9.801 4 4
ITALY 698 4 1 7,595 4 33
SWITZERLAND 655 - 3 7,051 4 7
TABLE 4: IMPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISION SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) SEP 89 OVER SEP 88 (%) JAN-SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP OVER JAN-SEP (%) 89 88
TEXTILE YARN. FABRICS. MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 5.907 4 13 54.230 4 20
/ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 17 -
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY.
APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES. AND ELECTRICAL PARTS
THEREOF 4.610 - 7 42.703 + 14
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING
ACCESSORIES 4.451 + 45 31,772 + 44
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS
AND EQUIPMENT 3,418 * 29,175 + 31
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED
ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY
CARRIAGES. TOYS. GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 3.641 +29 27.231 +34
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. OPTICAL GOODS.
WATCHES AND CLOCKS * DENOTES LESS THAN 2.256 0.5 PER CENT 1 21,638 + 12
TABLE 5: RE- EXPORTS TO 10 MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKET SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) SEP 89 OVER SEP 88 (%) JAN-SEP 1989 (HKD MN.) JAN-SEP OVER JAN-SEP (%) 89 88
CHINA 8.114 - 12 78,346 + 20
U.S.A. 7,412 + 49 51.787 + 50
JAPAN 2.089 + 22 16.359 + 34
TAIWAN 1 .253 + 4 12.160 + 20
REPUBLIC OF KOREA 977 - 2 10.008 + 14
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 . 130 + 33 9.356 + 57
SINGAPORE 918 + 28 7,993 + 29
U.K. 908 + 46 6.615 + 46
AUSTRALIA 528 + 17 4.220 + 41
CANADA 515 + 45 3.946 + 47
/TABLE 6: .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 18 -
TABLE 6: RE-EXPORTS OF THE MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY SEP SEP 89 JAN-SEP JAN-SEP 89
DIVISION 1989 OVER 1989 OVER
SEP 88 JAN-SEP 88
(HKD MN.) (%) (HKD MN.) (%)
TEXTILE YARN. FABRICS. MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3.645 + 22 31.727 4- 30
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY BABY CARRIAGES. TOYS. GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS) 4.750 4- 47 30,343 4- 51
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 3,882 4- 62 27.065 4- 56
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY. APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES. AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF 2,765 — 1 24,882 4- 24
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2.519 4- 24 19.579 4- 50
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS. EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES. OPTICAL GOODS. WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1.110 4- 22 9.715 + 34
-------0----------
TIH LEADING CAUSE 01 DEATH IN ME . ♦ t * .
Till' SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T. II. CHAU, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT f XMUEfi VAS THF LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH IN HONG KONG, ACCOUNTING FOR ABOUT 30 DEI? 'ENT OF Till TERRITORY’S TOTAL MORTALITY.
o\ER Till PAST DF< ADE. THE NUMBER OF DEODI.F WHO DIED OF CANCER IN HONG KONG HAS INCREASED FROM 5,978 IN 1978 TO ft,177 IN 1988." HE SA I D.
MI? CHAI WAS SUI Al.ING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE U.I.C.C.
REGIONAL VORIiSIIOU ON ' ' ANUI I.' EDUCATION AT THF WORKPLACE’ .
/MR CHAU ........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 19 -
MR CHAU POINTED OCT THAT MANY CANCERS DETECTED AND TREATED AT AN EARIY STAGE AND THAT PREY ENT XBI.E.
WERE
SOME
CURABLE WHEN
WERE LARGELY
HE; STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF AN ENHANCED ( \NCER EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN HELPING TO LOWER THE MORTALITY RATE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THIS DISEASE. XND NOTED THYT THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY HAD BEEN WORKING HARD TO PROMOTE < AN(’ER EDUCATION.
"LN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. AFTER A REVIEW OF STRATEGY. THE SOCIETY DECIDED TO TAKE Illi MORI AGGRESSIVE' APPROACH OF BRINGING THE MESSAGE DIRECTLY TO WHERE TUI. PEOPLE LIVE AND WORK THROI GH A SERIES OF ROVING EXHIBITIONS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND FACTORIES." HE SAID.
'MANY PEOPLE SELDOM TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO SEEK HEALTH MESSAGE." HE SAID.
MR ( HAU SAID Till THREE-DAY REGIONAL WORKSHOP WOULD PROVIDE AN IDEAL OPPORTUNITY FOR Till SHARING OF EXPERIENCE AMONG DELEGATES. AND A FORUM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF VIEWS AND KNOWLEDGE.
- 0----------
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS PLAY SIGNIFICANT ROLE *****
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS WHICH LIE OUTSIDE THE MAIN STREAM OF THE LOCAL EDUCATION SYSTEM HAVE A VERY SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO PLAY. THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION. MR Y.T. LI. SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS WENT A LONG WAY IN SUPPORTING THE CONTINUED PRESENCE IN HONG KONG OF A NON-CHINESE AND EXPATRIATE COMMUNITY WHICH HAD CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO MAKING HONG KONG THE MAJOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL CENTRE THAT IT WAS TODAY. MR LI SAID.
THE DIRECTOR WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1989 CONFERENCE OF THE CENTRAL EAST ASIA REGION COUNCIL OF OVERSEAS SCHOOLS. AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL.
APART FROM ENRICHING AND ADDING TO THE DIVERSITY OF THE LOCAL EDUCATION SYSTEM. HE SAID INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS ALSO HELPED TO RELIEVE THE PRESSURE ON THE PUBLIC SECTOR OF EDUCATION IN THE PROVISION OF PLACES FOR CHILDREN INCLUDING CHILDREN OF RETURNED EMIGRANTS. WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND LOCAL SCHOOLS DUE TO LANGUAGE. CULTURAL BACKGROUND OR OTHER REASONS.
"AT A TIME WHEN HONG KONG IS SUFFERING FROM A BRAIN-DRAIN PROBLEM. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS CANNOT BE OVER-EMPHASISED." HE SAID.
/CITING THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
20 -
CITING THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AS THE EXAMPLE OF THE GENERALLY KNOWN "INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS". MR LI SAID IT WAS ONE OF TWO SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG WHICH OFFERED AN AMERICAN TYPE OF EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN PLANNING TO PROCEED OR RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES.
OTHER INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS ALSO OFFERED CURRICULA DESIGNED FOR SPECIFIC NATIONAL OR LINGUISTIC GROUPS.
THESE INCLUDED THE GERMAN-SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, FRENCH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL. HONG KONG JAPANESE SCHOOL. INDONESIAN SCHOOL. NORWEGIAN SCHOOL AND SEVERAL OTHERS.
"THERE ARE ALSO SCHOOLS OPERATED BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION (THE ESF SCHOOLS) WHICH PROVIDE A BRITISH TYPE OF EDUCATION PRIMARILY FOR CHILDREN WHOSE FIRST LANGUAGE IS ENGLISH." MR LI SAID.
MR LI NOTED THAT. AT PRESENT. ONLY THE ESF SCHOOLS WERE SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND ALL THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS WERE OPERATED AS PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
TO THIS END. HE SAID. THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A DIRECT SUBSIDY SCHEME WITHIN THE NEXT TWO YEARS OR SO UNDER WHICH PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT SATISFIED THE REQUIRED CONDITIONS WOULD BE GIVEN A GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY ON A PER CAPITA BASIS.
"IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM IN HONG KONG. WE WOULD WELCOME APPLICATIONS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS," MR LI SAID.
--------0 ---------
TWENTY-TWO LIFE SAVERS HONOURED t * * » t
TWENTY-TWO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WERE COMMENDED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THEIR COURAGE IN SAVING 54 PEOPLE FROM DROWNING.
THEY WERE EACH PRESENTED THE RESCUE STAR. THE HIGHEST HONOUR FOR WATER RESCUE, BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR LAWRENCE LEE.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB (HKLGC) IN REPULSE BAY. DR LEE SAID THE COMMUNITY WAS PROUD OF THE LIFE SAVERS* SELFLESS AND GALLANT ACTS. "THEY HAVE SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR US ALL." HE ADDED.
THE ANNUAL AWARD WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1962 TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN LIFE-SAVING OPERATIONS AT SEA. SINCE THEN. 787 PEOPLE HAD RECEIVED RESCUE STARS BEFORE TODAY'S CEREMONY.
/THIS YEAR .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
THIS YEAR RESCUE STARS WERE AWARDED TO THREE FISHERMEN. TWO PRIVATE CITIZENS AND 17 LIFE GUARDS FROM THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (RSD). THE OCEAN PARK. THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE AND THE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL.
ONE OF THE RECIPIENTS, MR CHEUNG WAH, A FISHERMAN, WAS NAMED LIFE SAVER OF THE YEAR AND WAS PRESENTED THE TIEN HAU TROPHY.
ON JANUARY 13. MR CHEUNG BRAVED ROUGH SEAS TO RESCUE 10 CREW MEMBERS FROM A SINKING SHRIMP TRAWLER WHICH CAUGHT FIRE OFF SHANTOU IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
AS MR CHEUNG WAS AT SEA TODAY. HIS FATHER RECEIVED THE AWARD ON HIS BEHALF.
ANOTHER FISHERMAN, MR CHENG AH-FOOK, RISKED HIS LIFE IN SAVING EIGHT CREW MEMBERS FROM A GILL NETTER WHICH SANK IN WATERS SOUTHWEST OF THE LEMA ISLANDS IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.
MR CHUNG KUEN-HONG AND MR WONG KAT-LEUNG. BOTH RSD LIFE GUARDS AT LIDO BEACH IN CASTLE PEAK. RESCUED NINE PEOPLE AND SEVEN PEOPLE RESPECTIVELY DURING THE SWIMMING SEASON THIS YEAR.
THE HKLGC PROVIDED VOLUNTEER LIFE GUARD SERVICES ON 5.500 OCCASIONS AT BATHING BEACHES. SWIMMING POOLS AND VARIOUS WATER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY SOCIAL BODIES, AND A TOTAL OF 735 PEOPLE WERE SAVED FROM DROWNING.
THE CLUB CONTINUED TO PROMOTE YOUTH PROGRAMMES WITH 5,700 PEOPLE PARTICIPATING IN ITS SWIMMING COMPETITIONS, POSTER DESIGN CONTEST, PARADES AND TRAINING SESSIONS ON LIFE SAVING, CANOEING AND ACUPRESSURE.
"THESE PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES NOT ONLY CONSTITUTE VERY MEANINGFUL WORK. BUT ALSO ARE VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COMMUNITY. I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THE CLUB FOR SUCH EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENTS.” DR LEE SAID.
- 0 - -
LAW UK DECLARED AS HISTORICAL BUILDING ♦ ♦ t * »
LAW UK. AN OLD VILLAGE HOUSE IN CHAI WAN. WAS DECLARED A HISTORICAL BUILDING TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE ANTIQUITIES AUTHORITY UNDER THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE.
SITUATED ON A SITE BOUNDED BY CHAI WAN ROAD IN THE WEST AND KUT SHING STREET IN THE EAST, THE ”UK” (MEANING HOUSE) WAS ORIGINALLY OWNED BY A FAMILY BY THE NAME OF LAW. AND IS THEREFORE KNOWN AS ”LAW UK” .
/A TITLE
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
22 -
A TITLE DEED DATED THE 32ND YEAR OF THE EMPEROR QIAN LONG (1768) WAS SAID TO BE RELATED TO THE PROPERTY. THIS WOULD SUGGEST THAT THE HOUSE WAS MORE THAN 200 YEARS OLD.
UNTIL THE LATE 1940’S CHAI WAN WAS A FARMING AREA WITH SEVERAL LONG-ESTABLISHED HAKKA VILLAGES WHICH HAVE SINCE BEEN CLEARED FOR DEVELOPMENT. NOW LAW UK IS THE ONLY ONE OF THE ORIGINAL VILLAGE HOUSES LEFT INTACT IN CHAI WAN.
THE HOUSE ITSELF IS A TYPICAL MEDIUM-SIZED HAKKA-STYLE STRUCTURE WITH A MAIN ROOM. SIDE ROOMS STONE FOOTINGS AND GRANITE DOOR-FRAME, AND A TILED ROOF.
IN VIEW OF THE HISTORICAL INTEREST OF THE HOUSE. THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED TO RESUME THE BUILDING AND CONVERT IT INTO A FOLK MUSEUM, WHILE THE SURROUNDING AREA WAS RESUMED AT THE SAME TIME FOR DEVELOPMENT INTO A REST GARDEN. BOTH OF THESE WILL BE MANAGED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
RESUMPTION AND CLEARANCE OF THE SITE TOOK PLACE IN 1987. RESTORATION OF THE OLD HOUSE STARTED LAST YEAR AND HAS BEEN COMPLETED.
PROPERLY RESTORED IN THE TRADITIONAL LOCAL STYLE, LAW UK IS AN ATTRACTIVE BUILDING AND AN AUTHENTIC EXAMPLE OF EARLY HONG KONG VILLAGES.
------0-------
FACTORIES FINED FOR DARK SMOKE EMISSIONS » ♦ * * ♦
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION DEPARTMENT (EPD) TODAY (FRIDAY) REMINDED ALL FACTORY OWNERS TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN AND OPERATE THEIR FURNACES AND CHIMNEYS TO PREVENT DARK SMOKE EMISSIONS.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT A FACTORY IN TSUEN WAN HAD BEEN FINED A TOTAL OF $12,500 FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DARK SMOKE OFFENCES AND A DYEING FACTORY IN KWAI CHUNG HAD BEEN PENALISED $8,000 FOR ONE OFFENCE. THE PENALTIES WERE IMPOSED IN THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY ON WEDNESDAY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAXIMUM FINE UNDER THE PRESENT AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (SMOKE) REGULATIONS WAS $5,000.
THE PENALTY OF $8,000 IN THE SECOND CASE HAD INCLUDED COURT COSTS OF $3,000.
IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS. FIVE OTHER CASES INVOLVING EMISSION OF DARK SMOKE CASES WERE HEARD IN THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY. CONVICTIONS WERE ENTERED IN ALL CASES AND THE FINES IMPOSED. INCLUDING COSTS. EXCEEDED $5,000.
/THE SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 25 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAGISTRATE HAD REMARKED THAT THE PRESENT MAXIMUM FINE APPEARED TO HAVE LOST ITS DETERRING EFFECT AND THAT THE COURT WOULD TAKE A SERIOUS VIEW OF SIMILIAR REPETITIVE OFFENCES.
AT PRESENT. THE SPOKESMAN ADDED. THE EPD WAS CONSIDERING PROPOSING AMENDMENTS TO THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL (SMOKE) REGULATIONS WITH A VIEW OF TIGHTENING THE DARK SMOKE EMISSION LIMIT AS WELL AS RAISING THE MAXIMUM FINE FOR THE OFFENCE.
THE AIR CONTROL GROUP OF THE EPD HAD BEEN MAKING GREAT EFFORTS IN THE CONTROL OF AIR POLLUTION IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI TSING DISTRICTS SINCE THE DECLARATION OF THE TSUEN WAN-KWAI CHUNG AIR CONTROL ZONE IN JANUARY 1987. THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
LAST YEAR. A TOTAL OF 97 CONVICTIONS WERE ENTERED FOR DARK SMOKE EMISSIONS WITHIN THIS AIR CONTROL ZONE. THE FINES IMPOSED RANGED FROM J1.500 TO S5.000.
-----0------
VENTILATION OF FACTORY CANTEENS PUT UNDER CONTROL t » « » *
THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) ORDER 1989 WAS GAZETTED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO INCLUDE FACTORY CANTEENS IN THE LIST OF SCHEDULED PREMISES UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE.
"THIS WOULD PUT THE VENTILATION OF FACTORY CANTEEN PREMISES UNDER THE SAME STATUTORY CONTROLS AS OTHER SCHEDULED PREMISES LIKE RESTAURANTS. DANCE HALLS, FUNERAL PARLOURS, CINEMAS AND THEATRES, UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND MUNICIPAL SERVICES ORDINANCE AND THE VENTILATION OF SCHEDULED PREMISES BY-LAWS MADE UNDER IT," THE HYGIENE ADVISER OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH. DR MOHAMED ALI. SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT THESE CONTROLS WERE NECESSARY TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH AND TO ENSURE FIRE SAFETY WHERE A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WERE GATHERED IN A CONFINED AREA FOR CERTAIN ACTIVITIES.
"PREVIOUSLY. VENTILATING SYSTEMS OF FACTORY CANTEENS. NOT BEING SCHEDULED PREMISES, WERE CONTROLLED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND THE BUILDING (VENTILATING SYSTEMS) REGULATIONS MADE UNDER IT. THEY SERVE MAINLY FOR THE GENERAL PURPOSE OF ENSURING FIRE SAFETY IN SUCH BUILDINGS WHERE VENTILATING SYSTEMS ARE INSTALLED.
"THE AMENDMENT ORDER WHICH COMES INTO IMMEDIATE EFFECT TODAY REQUIRES ALL FACTORY CANTEENS TO MEET THE SPECIFIED VENTILATION STANDARD OF PROVIDING AN AMOUNT OF 17 CUBIC METRES PER HOUR OF OUTSIDE AIR PER PERSON INSIDE THE CANTEEN," HE SAID.
/THE VENTILATING........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
THE VENTILATING SYSTEMS WOULD ALSO BE SUBJECT TO COMPULSORY ANNUAL INSPECTION.
"OFFENDERS ON CONVICTION ARE LIABLE TO THE REVOCATION OF LICENCES OR A MAXIMUM FINE OF 85,000 AND THREE MONTHS' IMPRISONMENT.
"HOWEVER, A GRACE PERIOD OF 12 MONTHS WILL BE GIVEN TO EXISTING FACTORY CANTEEN LICENSEES TO ENABLE THEM TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS," DR ALI SAID.
MALAYSIAN DELEGATION CALLS ON DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE * * * * »
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, TODAY (FRIDAY) RECEIVED MEMBERS OF THE MALAYSIAN NATIONAL WELFARE COUNCIL WHO ARE ON A THREE-DAY VISIT IN HONG KONG.
THEY EXCHANGED VIEWS ON THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
WHILE IN HONG KONG, THE DELEGATION VISITED A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS AND FACILITIES RELATING TO SOCIAL SERVICES.
THE GROUP IS ONE OF TWO OVERSEAS DELEGATIONS VISITING HONG KONG TO OBTAIN FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON THE TERRITORY’S SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WHICH HAVE TAKEN A GREAT STRIDE IN THE PAST DECADE.
EARLIER IN THE WEEK, ANOTHER DELEGATION COMPRISING SEVEN OFFICIALS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT ALSO CALLED ON THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
- 0 -
KEEP HK CLEAN CARNIVAL IN EASTERN DISTRICT » * « * *
A THREE-HOUR CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD IN VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO PROMOTE THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN BY PROVIDING FREE ENTERTAINMENT TO YOUTHS.
THE HIGHLIGHT WILL BE A VARIETY SHOW WITH PERFORMANCES BY POP SINGERS MISS GINA LAM. MR ENGLISH TANG AND MR HUI CHI-ON.
THE CARNIVAL HAS BEEN CO-ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
/IT WILL
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1?89
IT WILL START AT 2 PM. OFFICIATING AT ITS OPENING WILL BE THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG; AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR CHAN CHI-SUM; AND URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR MAN SAI-CHEONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN YOUTH CARNIVAL ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) AT THE VICTORIA PA*K FOOTBALL PITCHES NOS. 4 TO 6. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- - 0
KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN RALLY FOR YOUTHS ♦ » t ♦ ♦
MORE THAN 400 YOUNGSTERS FROM KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT WILL ATTEND A RALLY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
THE RALLY. JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD. THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL. WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND.
PERFORMING AT THE RALLY WILL BE THE KOWLOON CITY CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND POPULAR SINGERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN YOUTH RALLY WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE ARGYLE STREET PLAYGROUND. OPPOSITE TO THE SUNG WONG TOI GARDEN.
- - 0 -
/26
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 26 -
WAN CHAI CAMPAIGN FOR ELDERLY STARTS TOMORROW ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CARE FOR THE OLD CAMPAIGN WILL START TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING WITH A CANTONESE OPERA NIGHT IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI.
THE CAMPAIGN, WHICH IS HELD ANNUALLY IN THE DISTRICT, WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS BENEFITTING SOME 2,000 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
A LUNCH ON A FLOATING RESTAURANT, A PICNIC, A VEGETARIAN FEAST AND A CHINESE BANQUET WILL BE HELD FOR THE ELDERLY DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD.
OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PETER MANN; POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR MICHAEL PREW; AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MRS PEGGY LAM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CARE FOR THE OLD CAMPAIGN TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 7 PM IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM IN WAN CHAI.
-------0 --------
MOCK DB MEETINGS TOMORROW IN SHAM SHUT PO ******
FORTY PEOPLE FROM THE SHUM SHUI PO DISTRICT WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS IN TWO MOCK DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THE FUNCTION HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION AND IS SPONSORED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD.
IT AIMS TO ENABLE PARTICIPANTS TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND TO HAVE A GREATER SENSE OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
DURING THE MOCK MEETINGS. PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN DISTRICT BOARD PAPERS FOR REFERENCE. DISCUSSION WILL FOCUS ON THE COMPREHENSIVE CLEARANCE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS IN THE DISTRICT AND A REPORT ON ANTI SMOKING PROPOSALS BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH.
/THE MEETINGS........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 2? -
THE MEETINGS WILL BE CHAIRED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS MR CHAN CHEE-SING AND MR TAM KWOK-KIU. THEY WILL GIVE THEIR COMMENTS IN A REVIEW SESSION AFTER THE MEETINGS.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE. BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE. HOUSING DEPARTMENT, COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH. AND HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH WILL ATTEND THE MEETINGS TO ANSWER QUESTIONS RAISED BY "MEMBERS".
OFFICIATING AT THE FUNCTION WILL BE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR TAI TUNG-NGOK. AND DISTRICT OFFICER. MR ALAN FUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MOCK SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS TO BE HELD FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE HOLIDAY INN GOLDEN MILE HOTEL. TSIM SHA TSUI.
A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 3.45 PM DURING WHICH THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR TAI TUNG-NGOK, WILL ADDRESS THE PARTICIPANTS.
-----------------------o------- TICKETS FOR LYRICS COMPETITION STILL AVAILABLE ♦ * t t * *
A LIMITED NUMBER OF FREE TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE FINALS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT’S CHILDREN LYRICS COMPETITION WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) EVENING.
THE TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE'S THREE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES AT HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING). AND IN BELCHER’S STREET, AS WELL AS AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE. 36 WESTERN STREET.
THE DISTRICT’S YOUTH CHOIR, THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR, AND TWO TVB CHILDREN'S PROGRAMME ARTISTS, MISS LEUNG WING-LAM AND MR WONG CHI-YIN, WILL BE GUEST PERFORMERS IN THE ANNUAL COMPETITION WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
AFTER TWO SESSIONS OF AUDITIONS, 18 CHILDREN FROM THREE SOLO GROUPS AND 41 OTHERS FROM SEVEN ENSEMBLE GROUPS WILL COMPETE IN THE FINALS.
PART OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL. THE CONTEST HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
/WINNERS WILL .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 28 -
WINNERS WILL BE PRESENTED PRIZES BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR STEPHEN FISHER, THREE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR LAI KWOK-HUNG. MR PETER LEE AND MRS IRENE LEE, AS WELL AS BY OTHER GUESTS.
EVENTS IN THE THIRD WEEK OF THE FESTIVAL INCLUDE THE ’’CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OUR HOME PROJECT” AT FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY: "CARNIVAL ON THE THEME OF DEMOCRACY" AT FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY: "KITE-FLYING DAY" AT TAI O MUN, SAI KUNG. ON SUNDAY: AND A "HONG KONG AWARENESS COURSE" AT CARITAS YOUTH CENTRE, SHEK TONG TSUI, WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NOVEMBER 15 AND 30.
-----0-----
ROAD SAFETY QUIZ PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW ******
A CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) TO PRESENT PRIZES AND SOUVENIRS TO THE WINNERS AND SPONSORS OF THE ROAD SAFETY QUIZ WHICH WAS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE 1989-90 ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE QUIZ WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND HONG KONG DAILY NEWS, SING TAO JIH PAO AND SING TAO WAN PAO TO REINFORCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE SAFETY CODES FOR DRIVERS, PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (TRAFFIC) OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE, MR CHING KWOK-KOO.
FOLLOWING THE PRIZE PRESENTATION, OFFICERS FROM THE POLICE ROAD SAFETY SECTION WILL INTRODUCE A NEW ROAD SAFETY EDUCATIONAL VIDEO PRODUCED FOR THIS YEAR’S ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE 10-MINUTE VIDEO FEATURES FOUR DRAMATISED ROAD ACCIDENT CASES INVOLVING CHILDREN TO HEIGHTEN THE AWARENESS OF THIS GROUP ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY. THEY ARE REMINDED OF THE SAFETY CODES TO BE OBSERVED IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC SITUATIONS.
THE VIDEO WILL BE SHOWN AT THE ROAD SAFETY EXHIBITION CENTRE AT 31ST FLOOR, UNITED CENTRE, QUEENSWAY; THE ROAD SAFETY PARK TN SHA TIN AND ON THE ROAD SAFETY BUS. IT WILL ALSO BE USED AS AN EDUCATIONAL AID BY OFFICERS OF THE ROAD SAFETY TEAM DURING THEIR VISITS TO SCHOOLS AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
/ALSO ATTENDING .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
“ 29 -
ALSO ATTENDING THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND VIDEO PREVIEW WILL BE AN ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, MR Y.C. YEUNG, REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. POLICE ROAD SAFETY OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ROAD SAFETY QUIZ PRIZE PRESENTATION AND VIEW THE NEW ROAD SAFETY EDUCATIONAL VIDEO TOMORROW (SATURDAY). THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 3.45 PM IN THE TANG ROOM. FOURTH FLOOR, FURAMA HOTEL, CONNAUGHT ROAD. CENTRAL.
------0-------
CROSS COUNTRY MARATHON IN TSUEN WAN ON SUNDAY * t ♦ » ♦
ABOUT 150 RUNNERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE UTH TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL CROSS COUNTRY MARATHON ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
THE 14-KILOMETRE RACE WILL START AT 9 AM AT TSING LUNG TAU IN TSUEN WAN AND FINISH AT THE TAI MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL, MR CHUNG WAI-PING, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE STARTING CEREMONY.
DISTRICT OFFICER. MR WILLIAM SHIU, AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR CHAU HOW-CHEN, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE TWISK MANAGEMENT CENTRE OF THE TAF MO SHAN COUNTRY PARK AT 10.30 AM.
THE MARATHON IS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH-LONG SPORTS FESTIVAL. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS WILL BE TABLE TENNIS AND MARTIAL ARTS DEMONSTRATIONS BY TEAMS FROM CHINA AND A BOXING COMPETITION.
AN AEROBIC DANCE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING AND AN ARCHERY COMPETITION AT THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
PROGRAMME LEAFLETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
/THE SPORTS .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
THE SPORTS FESTIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE FEDERATION OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION. THE BUDGET FOR THE FESTIVAL IS ESTIMATED AT OVER Si MILLION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS FESTIVAL CROSS COUNTRY MARATHON ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
TRANSPORT TAKING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE STARTING POINT AT TSING LUNG TAU WILL LEAVE THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AT TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING AT 8.30 AM.
------0-------
MORE FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS
A NUMBER OF DISTRICT FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD IN WONG TAI SIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
THESE INCLUDE A SPECIAL TELEVISION PROGRAMME. A JOINT KINDERGARTEN GAMES DAY. A SOCIAL DANCE CONTEST. A CANTONESE OPERA SHOW. VARIETY SHOWS. A DISTRICT LONG RUN. A GUANGDONG-HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS EXHIBITION MATCH AND A TRADITIONAL CHINESE CRAFT SHOW.
TOMORROW. ATV-HOME CHANNEL WILL INTRODUCE THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT AND THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL IN ITS "MORNING LIVE WAVE" PROGRAMME. THE PROGRAMME WILL BEGIN AT 6.45 AM.
ABOUT 360 KINDERGARTEN PUPILS WILL TAKE PART IN A JOINT KINDERGARTEN GAMES DAY AT THE CHOI HUNG ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL IN SAN PO KONG. THIS EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM.
A SOCIAL DANCE CONTEST WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM AT THE CHOI HUNG ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL. WHILE A CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMED BY WELL-KNOWN ACTOR LAW KA-YING AND ACTRESS TSE SHUET-SUM WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL IN KOWLOON TONG.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS FOR THE DANCE CONTEST AND TICKETS FOR THE CANTONESE OPERA SHOW AT 320. 340. AND 360 ARE AVAILABLE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
THE LAST EVENT FOR TOMORROW IS A CIVIC EDUCATION VARIETY SHOW AT TSZ CHING ESTATE. ADMISSION TO THE SHOW. WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 7.30 PM. IS FREE.
/SUNDAY’S ACTIVITIES .......
FRIDAY, NOVDffiER 10, 1989
SUNDAY’S ACTIVITIES WILL BEGIN WITH A DISTRICT THAN 150 ATHLETES WILL START OFF AT 9 AM AT FEI NGO SEVEN-KILOMETRE RUN WILL FINISH AT JAT’S INCLINE.
LONG RUN. MORE SHAN ROAD. THE
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CHINESE TRADITIONAL OPEN AT 2 PM AT THE CHUK YUEN ESTATE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX.
CRAFT SHOW TO
LEADING TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS FROM GUANGDONG WILL COMPETE
AGAINST TOP LOCAL PLAYERS AT AN EXHIBITION MATCH TO BEGIN AT 7 PM FREE ADMISSION TICKETS
THE CHOI HUNG ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL. STILL AVAILABLE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE
AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
PODIUM
ALSO BEGINNING
OF THE PHASE 2
AT 7 PM. A VARIETY MARKET OF CHOI WAN
SHOW WILL BE HELD ESTATE.
ON
AT
ARE
THE
IN THE
CLOSES
MORE CULTURAL. NEXT TWO WEEKS ON NOVEMBER 26.
RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES WILL BEFORE THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT
BE
HELD
FESTIVAL
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE ABOVE EVENTS OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
------0-------
VITALITY PROGRAMME FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN YOUTH ♦ ♦ ♦ t ♦
A CENTRAL AND WESTERN "YOUTH VITALITY SHOW”, SUPPORTING THIS YEAR’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN, WILL BE HELD AT THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK IN SAI YING PUN ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) AFTERNOON.
THE SHOW WILL COMPRISE TELEMATCHES, COLOURING AND DRAWING COMPETITIONS AS WELL AS PERFORMANCES BY SINGERS TSOI LAP-YEE AND TO TAK-CHEE.
ALL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE SHOW, WHICH WILL RUN FROM 1 PM TO 4.30 PM.
THE EVENT, INTENDED TO REMIND THE YOUNGER GENERATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING THE TERRITORY CLEAN, HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN A CEREMONY BEGINNING AT 3 PM.
/AMONG THE .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
52 -
AMONG THE OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL BE THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR AMBROSE LAU; ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS MONICA CHAN; URBAN COUNCILLORS, MR CHAN TAK-CHOR AND MR CHOW WAI-KEUNG; AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR PETER LEE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN YOUTH VITALITY SHOW AND PRIZE PRESENTATION AT THE KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK IN SAI YING PUN ON SUNDAY.
THE SHOW WILL BEGIN AT 1 PM AND THE PRIZE PRESENTATION WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM.
-------0----------
AMS RECRUITMENT DAY IN EASTERN ♦ ♦ ♦ *
THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES WILL HOLD AN EASTERN DISTRICT RECRUITMENT DAY AND A PASSING OUT PARADE ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12).
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE RECRUITMENT DRIVE’S OPENING CEREMONY AND INSPECT THE PARADE.
THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM AT THE MORETON TERRACE PLAYGROUND, CAUSEWAY BAY.
A DISPLAY OF FIRST-AID EQUIPMENT AND PICTURES INTRODUCING THE ACTIVITIES OF AMS WILL BE STAGED AT THE VENUE. THOSE INTERESTED IN FIRST AID SERVICE CAN APPLY FOR ENROLMENT AT THE SITE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICES RECRUITMENT DAY AND PASSING OUT PARADE TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) AT MORETON TERRACE PLAYGROUND, CAUSEWAY BAY. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 11 AM.
-------0---------
/33........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 33 -
CONTROL OF NEW ANTIBIOTIC *****
A NEW ANTIBIOTIC CALLED "ENRAMYCIN" WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL UNDER THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR.
THIS MEASURE IS CONTAINED IN THE ANTIBIOTICS (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 1989 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
"IT IS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT WITHOUT EXCEPTION ALL ANTIBIOTICS SHOULD BE CONTROLLED AS THEY ARE POTENT SUBSTANCES WHICH MAY PRODUCE HARMFUL EFFECTS AND RESISTANT BACTERIAL STRAINS UNLESS USED PROPERLY," A HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH SPOKESMAN SAID.
"ENRAMYCIN" IS A NEW ANTIBIOTIC WHICH HAS BEEN DEVELOPED SINCE THE LIST OF ANTIBIOTICS WAS LAST REVISED IN 1987 AND SHOULD ALSO BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL.
UNDER SECTION 4 OF THE ANTIBIOTICS ORDINANCE, ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONS ARE ALLOWED TO SELL, SUPPLY OR ADMINISTER BY WAY OF TREATMENT ANTIBIOTICS LISTED IN SCHEDULE 1 TO THE ANTIBIOTICS REGULATIONS.
"ANY PERSON WHO CONTRAVENES SECTION 4 COMMITS AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $10,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR 12 MONTHS,” THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- - 0-----------
MUSICIANS ARRIVE FOR YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL
*******
TWO RENOWNED MUSICIANS FROM THE UNITED STATES. MS XIAO HONGMEI AND MR IVAN CHAN. ARRIVED TODAY (FRIDAY) TO TAKE PART IN THE 1989 HONG KONG YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE.
MS XIAO WON THE FIRST PRIZE IN THE GENEVA INTERNATIONAL MUSIC COMPETITION FOR VIOLA IN 1987.
SHE HAS ALSO APPEARED IN A NUMBER OF RECITALS AND PERFORMANCES WITH ORCHESTRA IN SWITZERLAND. BELGIUM. ITALY. GERMANY. JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES.
MR CHAN. X VIOLINIST. WAS A MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND THE HONG KONG YOUTH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FROM 1977 TO 1980.
IN RECENT YEARS. HE HAS GIVEN PERFORMANCES IN THE UNITED STATES WITH SUCH LEADING ORCHESTRAS AS THE DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, THE CONCERTO SOLOIST CHAMBER ORCHESTRA OF PHILADELPHIA AND THE FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.
/DURING THE........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
DURING THE FESTIVAL PERIOD. THE TWO MUSICIANS WILL GIVE DEMONSTRATIONS AND PERFORMANCES IN THREE CONCERTS TO BE STAGED AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL. THE APA DRAMA THEATRE AND THE SHA TIN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM ON NOVEMBER 12. 18 AND 19 RESPECTIVELY.
THEY WILL ALSO CONDUCT A SERIES OF VIOLIN AND VIOLA MASTER CLASSES AT THE MUSIC OFFICE’S MUSIC CENTRES ON NOVEMBER 13. 15 AND 17.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FESTIVAL CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 5-283257 .
-----o-----
CONSTRUCTION OF SEWER, DREDGING WORKS PROPOSED
******
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO GRANT A WAYLEAVE TO A TUEN MUN LANDOWNER FOR CONSTRUCTION OF A SEWER FOR THE DISCHARGE OF TREATED EFFLUENT.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE SEWER, WITH A DIAMETER OF 250 MILLIMETRES, BE LAID WITHIN AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 480 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED BETWEEN BEAULIEU PENINSULA AND PEARL ISLAND.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO INTENDS TO DREDGE WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,355 HECTARES OF SEABED FOR MARINE SAND AT SOUTH TATHONG CHANNEL TO PROVIDE FILL FOR RECLAMATION.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS AFFECTED WAS DESCRIBED IN NOTICES PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
ANY PERSON WHO CONSIDERS THAT HE HAS AN INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT IN OR OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY SUBMIT A WRITTEN OBJECTION TO THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND LANDS ON OR BEFORE JANUARY 9 NEXT YEAR.
THE NOTICE OF SUCH OBJECTION SHOULD DESCRIBE THE INTEREST, RIGHT OR EASEMENT OF THE OBJECTOR AND THE MANNER IN WHICH HE ALLEGES HE WILL BE AFFECTED.
- 0-----------
/55........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
- 35 -
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
* * t *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 12) TO FACILITATE THE SERVICE AT THE CENOTAPH IN CENTRAL.
THE ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE TEMPORARY CLOSURES OF THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS:
t JACKSON ROAD BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CHATER ROAD, AND EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH BETWEEN QUEEN'S PIER AND HMS TAMAR WILL BE CLOSED FROM 8 AM TO NOON;
» CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND BETWEEN EDINBURGH PLACE WEST AND EDINBURGH FLACE EAST WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10.50 AM TO 11.30 AM;
* HARCOURT ROAD FLYOVER AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WESTBOUND BETWEEN IIARCOUL‘1 ROAD A D 1C1 HOUSE STREET WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10.28 AM TO NOON:
> (HATER ROAD BETWEEN PEDDER STREET AND JACKSON ROAD AND ICE IlcISL STREI T Bl TWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT LOAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT EXCEPT FOR IHOSE VEHICLES REQUIRING ACCESS TO THE MANDARIN HOTEL.
THE FOLLOWING DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FROM 8 AM TO NOON UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED:
* EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EDINBURGH PLACE WEST, EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST FROM 10.50 AM TO 11.30 AM.
ALL BUSES AND HEAVY VEHICLES WILL USE THE NORTHERN LANE WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE QUEEN'S PIER CONCOURSE AREA.
» WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON HARCOURT ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED SOUTH TO COTTON TREE DRIVE. VEHICLES WISHING TO PROCEED FURTHER WEST WILL BI DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
» EASTROUND TRAFFIC FROM THE ADMIRALTY MTR STATION WILL BE PERMITTED TO TURN SOUTH ONTO TAMAR STREET AND THEN TURN LEFT TO QUEENSWAY.
» VEHICLES BEARING A MANDARIN HOTEL LABEL WILL BE PERMITTED TO ENTER CHATER ROAD FROM PEDDER STREET AND THEN TURN NORTH TO THE SERVICE LANE ADJACENT TO THE EAST SIDE OF THE HOTEL.
IF NECESSARY THESE. VEHHXrs Wil.', Al;sO BE PERMITTED TO PROCEED SOUTH ON ICE BliP^E STREET TO REo'.IN' ACCESS’ TO THE SERVICE. LANE. y
t DURING THE/ CLOSURE of CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL EASTBOUND Bl EUI I N F/. INBURGH PLACE WEST AND EDINBURGH PLAUE BAST FROM 10.50 AM TO 11.30 AM, EDINBURGH PLACE CENTRAL WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND,
/VEHICLES LEAVING .......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1989
36
VEHICLES LEAVING THE STAR FERRY MULTI-STOREY CARPARK WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EDINBURGH PLACE CENTRAL, QUEEN’S PIER AND EDINBURGH PLACE EAST.
ALL PARKING SPACES IN JACKSON ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 12.01 AM TO MIDNIGHT AND THOSE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 12.01 AM TO NOON. MOTORCYCLE PARKING SPACES IN EDINBURGH PLACE NORTH WILL ALSO BE CANCELLED BETWEEN 12.01 AM AND NOON.
THE TAXI STAND IN EDINBURGH PLACE WEST WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO 11.30 AM AND WILL BE RESITED TO THE EASTERN SIDE OF CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THE GREEN MINIBUS TERMINI FOR ROUTES 1, 1A, 3, 8, 9 AND 22 IN EDINBURGH PLACE EAST OR EDINBURGH PLACE CENTRAL WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM TO NOON AND WILL BE RESITED TO THE NORTHERN SECTION OF CONNAUGHT PLACE.
CMB ROUTES 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, 13, 15, 23A, 40M, 61, 64, 70, 75, 80, 81M, 90, 97, 260 AND 780, CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE 103 AND KMB ROUTE A2 WILL BE DIVERTED DUE TO THE SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN 8 AM AND NOON.
GREEN MINIBUSES ON ROUTES 1, 1A, 3, 8, 9, 22 AND 28 WILL ALSO BE DIVERTED BETWEEN 10 AM AND NOON.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN SAI YING PUN
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI YING PUN ON HONG KONG ISLAND FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM ON FOUR SUNDAYS (NOVEMBER 12, 19 AND 26 AND DECEMBER 3) BECAUSE OF TELEPHONE CABLE LAYING WORKS.
CENTRE STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC WITH ACCESS FROM DES VOEUX ROAD WEST.
VEHICLES ON CENTRE STREET NORTHBOUND HEADING FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL BE DIVERTED VIA DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND WILMER STREET TO JOIN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE TERMINUS FOR CMB ROUTE 91 IN CENTRE STREET WILL BE RELOCATED JTO EASTERN STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX RGrf) WEStT'^X^
ALSO, THIS Bl'S ROUTS ON ITS SAV .'LING PUN BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, WESTERN STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND EASTERN STREET. V
EASTERN STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST ^ND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE MADE A 8 AM TO 11 PM URBAN CLBARWA’i AND ALL PARKING SPACES ON THIS ROAD SECTION WILL BE SUSPENDED DURING THIS PERIOD.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 19&9
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMITTEE FAVOURS SYSTEMATISED BUILDING MANAGEMINT ........... 1
GREATER DEMAND FOR SERVICES FOR ELDERLY....................... 2
PUBLIC URGED TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY........................... 3
COLLECTIVE EFFORT URGED IN MEETING NEW AIRPORT GOAL........... 5
NEED FOR EYE PROTECTION STRESSED.............................. 6
YOUTH CENTRES PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE............................. 7
MOCK DB MEETINGS PROMOTE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT................ 7
PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS TO OPEN ON MONDAY..................... 8
TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE REMAINS OPEN............................ 9
CARNIVAL IN SOUTHERN TOMORROW................................. 10
YAU TSIM DB AND TTC MEET ON MONDAY............................ 11
KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL PROGRAMME TO BE ANNOUNCED............ 11
ENVIRONMENTAL THEME FOR NORTH DISTRICT CARNIVAL............... 12
ACAF MEMBERS VISIT SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE................. 13
PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY ZONE IN CHEUNG CHAU....................... 14
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 11. 1989
1 COMMITTEE FAVOURS SYSTEMATISED BUILDING MANAGEMENT
ONE OF THE MAIN TARGETS OF THE PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE IS TO BRING ABOUT SYSTEMATISATION OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT. THE COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN. MR CHUNG PUI-LAM. SAID AT A BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR IN SHAM SHUI PO TODAY (SATURDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD, THE SEMINAR WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 100 LOCAL RESIDENTS AND OFFICE-BEARERS OF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS (OC’S).
IN EXPLAINING THE SYSTEMATISATION OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT. MR CHUNG SAID AN EFFECTIVE MEANS TO IMPROVE BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS WAS TO STIPULATE SOME BASIC PROVISIONS IN DEEDS OF MUTUAL COVENANT (DMC).
WITH THESE OVER-RIDING PROVISIONS, THE EFFECT OF UNFAIR PROVISIONS IN EXISTING DMC’S WOULD BE MINIMISED.
HE SAID HIS COMMITTEE HAD PROPOSED THAT AMENDMENTS BE MADE TO THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING (OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS) ORDINANCE. AND SUGGESTED THAT THE PROCEDURES FOR FORMING OC ’ S BE SIMPLIFIED.
BOTH OWNERS AND OCCUPANTS ALIKE SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN OC’S WHICH IN TURN SHOULD BE EMPOWERED TO MANAGE THEIR BUILDINGS ACCORDING TO THE DMC.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE AIM OF SYSTEMATISATION WAS TO RETURN THE ’’SUPREME POWER OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT AUTONOMY” TO THE OWNERS OR THE OC. THIS WOULD ENSURE THAT RESIDENTS WOULD LEAD A PEACEFUL AND COMFORTABLE LIFE AS WELL AS PROTECTING THEIR GENERAL INTEREST.
A GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR. MR CHENG WAI-TAT, TOLD THE SEMINAR THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT WOULD OFFER MORE ASSISTANCE TO DISTRICT BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEES.
HE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT WAS REPRESENTED ON THESE COMMITTEES AND OFFERED EXPERT ADVICE ON MATTERS RELATING TO BUILDING STRUCTURE, DRAINAGE. UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND ENGINEERING MATTERS. HE ADDED THAT STEPPING UP SUCH ASSISTANCE WOULD BRING ABOUT BETTER RESULTS IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT WORKS.
MR CHENG POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO IMPLEMENTING A NEW URBAN RENOVATION SCHEME. THE FIRST STAGE OF WHICH COVERED 38 BLOCKS TN SHAM SHUI PO.
THE BUILDINGS WERE CONSTRUCTED IN THE 1950’S AND THEIR STRUCTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS WERE POOR. ORDERS WERE ISSUED TO OWNERS IN AUGUST THIS YEAR REQUIRING THEM TO IMPROVE THE BUILDINGS.
/MR CHENG.......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1989
2
MR CHENG POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT HAD OBTAINED THE APPROVAL OF THE FINANCE BRANCH FOR INCREASING THE STAFF OF THE DANGEROUS BUILDINGS SECTION BY 30 OFFICERS TO TIGHTEN MONITORING WORK ON BUILDING STRUCTURE.
HE SAID THE TERRITORY HAD BEEN DIVIDED INTO 28 AREAS. WITH EACH TO BE SERVED BY A TEAM FROM THE SECTION.
OFFICERS FROM THE SECTION WOULD CARRY OUT REGULAR SITE INSPECTIONS TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS. DANGEROUS SIGNBOARDS, DAMAGED DRAINS. OR DECAYING CONCRETE. REPAIR ORDERS WOULD BE ISSUED TO OWNERS IF NECESSARY.
OTHER SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR WERE A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTE OF HOUSING MANAGERS (HONG KONG BRANCH). MR MOK CHI-HUNG, WHO SPOKE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN BUILDING MANAGEMENT; AND COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION OFFICER, MR YUNG CHI-LEUNG. WHO EXPLAINED IN DETAIL THE PREVENTION AGAINST CORRUPTION ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS.
-------0---------
GREATER DEMAND FOR SERVICES FOR ELDERLY
*****
IHE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE. MRS ELIZABETH WONG. TODAY (SATURDAY) CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO RESPECT THE ELDERLY AND TO PAY ATTENTION TO THEIR NEEDS.
SPEAKING AT A CANTONESE OPERA CONCERT FOR THE ELDERLY ORGANISED BY THE ENDEAVOURERS, A VOLUNTARY AGENCY, AT THE CITY HALL. MRS WONG SAID HONG KONG HAD A GROWING AGED POPULATION, WITH ZOO 000 PEOPLE OVER THE AGE OF 60.
DEMAND FOR ELDERLY SERVICES IS NOW GREATER THAN EVER AS LIFE EXPECTANCY GETS HIGHER."
SHE POINTED OUT THAT WORK COULD BE DONE AT THREE LEVELS.
"FIRST OF ALL. WE SHOULD CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AROUND US TRY TO UNDERSTAND THEIR FEELINGS AND NEEDS.
AND
"APART FROM MEETING THEIR MATERIAL NEEDS. FOR THEIR FEELINGS." SHE SAID.
WE SHOULD ALSO CARE
MRS WONG SAID FAMILY MEMBERS SHOULD TRY TO PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE AND SAFE HOME FOR THEIR ELDERLY MEMBERS AS WELL AS SHOWING SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT.
THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE SHOULD ALSO PLAY A ROLE BY PROVIDING SOCIAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY. SUCH AS SOCIAL CENTRES AND DAY CARE
/"THIS WOULD ......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1989
5
"THIS WOULD ENABLE THEM TO CONTINUE TO LEAD A HAPPY LIFE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THEY ARE FAMILIAR WITH." SHE SAID.
THE ELDERLY SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY LIFE. MRS WONG ADDED.
TN A SEPARATE FUNCTION TODAY. THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WORK OFFICER (HONG KONG), MR KWOK NAI-SIK. ALSO SPOKE ON HOW PEOPLE SHOULD TREAT AND RESPECT THE ELDERLY.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE "BETTER COMMUNICATION FOR A BETTER TOMORROW" DAY ORGANISED BY THE QUEENSWAY JAYCEES, MR KWOK SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO THE VIEWS AND SHARE THE EXPERIENCE OF THE ELDERLY.
"XT THE SAME TIME. WE CAN EXPLAIN OUR VIEWS TO THEM." HE SAID.
"THIS KIND OF TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION HELPS REDUCE THE CHANCES OF UNHARMONIOUS FAMILY RELATIONSHIP.
"FURTHERMORE, WE SHOULD ENCOURAGE THE ELDERLY TO MAINTAIN AN ACTIVE SOCIAL LIFE AS THEY COULD FIND SATISFACTION IN GETTING ALONG WITH PEOPLE FROM THE SAME GENERATION SHARING SIMILAR EXPERIENCES." HE CONTINUED.
"THEY SHOULD ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOCIETY AND THE WORLD."
BY BROADENING THEIR PERSPECTIVE. THE ELDERLY WOULD FIND IT EASIER TO ACCEPT OTHER PEOPLE’S VIEWS. HE SAID.
PEOPLE SHOULD ALSO SUPPORT THEIR PARENTS IN PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. BY ACCOMPANYING AND SHARING WITH THEM. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES COULD BE ENHANCED. MR KWOK ADDED.
------0--------
PUBLIC URGED TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY *****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD HELP IN PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY AND IN REDUCING ROAD ACCIDENTS TO THE MINIMUM. THE POLICE DEPUTY DIRECTOR (TRAFFIC). MR CHING KWOK-HOO. SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING XT THE ROAD SAFETY PRESS QUIZ PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY. MR CHING SAID THAT AS THE ROAD CONDITIONS WERE CONGESTED AND BUSY. THERE WAS THE NEED NOT ONLY TO CONVEY ROAD SAFETY MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC. BUT ALSO TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY CONTINUOUSLY THROUGH DIFFERENT CHANNELS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR THE FIRST THREE QUARTERS OF THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 393 FEWER ACCIDENTS THAN IN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1988. A DECLINE OF 3.2 PER CENT.
/THE PRESS .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1989
k
THE PRESS QUIZ. JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE AND HONG KONG DAILY NEWS. SING TAO JIH PAO AND SING TAO WAN PAO, WAS HELD IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER TO REINFORCE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF SAFETY CODES FOR DRIVERS. PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS.
THE QUIZ HAD RECEIVED A FAVOURABLE RESPONSE FROM THE PUBLIC AND OVER 4,000 ENTRIES WERE COLLECTED FROM THE OPEN GROUP AND THE STUDENT GROUP.
NUMEROUS SPONSORS HAD DONATED ATTRACTIVE PRIZES FOR THE QUIZ WHICH DEMONSTRATED EXTENSIVE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN SUPPORT OF THE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN.
THE PRIZES INCLUDED CASH COUPONS FOR AUDIO VISUAL EQUIPMENT, CAMERA BAGS AND FILMS. FOOD COUPONS. BALL PENS AND GIFT VOUCHERS.
GUESTS AT THE CEREMONY WERE GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO PREVIEW THE NEW ROAD SAFETY EDUCATIONAL VIDEO FOLLOWING THE PRIZE PRESENTATION.
THE 1 O-MINUTE VIDEO PRODUCTION FEATURED FOUR DRAMATISED ROAD ACCIDENT CASES INVOLVING CHILDREN.
THE VIDEO. AIMED AT REMINDING CHILDREN IN EVERYDAY TRAFFIC SITUATIONS OF THE SAFETY CODES TO OBSERVE IN THE PREVENTION OF FATAL ROAD ACCIDENTS. WAS INTENDED TO HEIGHTEN THE AWARENESS OF THIS AT-RISK GROUP ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY.
THE VIDEO WILL BE SCREENED TO VISITORS TO THE ROAD SAFETY EXHIBITION CENTRE IN UNITED CENTRE, BIST FLOOR, QUEENSWAY. ROAD SAFETY PARK IN SHA TIN AND THE MOBILE ROAD SAFETY BUS.
IN ADDITION. IT WILL BE USED AS AN EDUCATIONAL TOOL BY OFFICERS OF THE ROAD SAFETY TEAM DURING THEIR VISITS TO SCHOOLS AND YOUTH ORGANISATIONS.
ALSO ATTENDING TODAY'S CEREMONY WERE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER. MR Y.C. YEUNG. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. ROAD SAFETY OFFICERS FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE. AND MEMBERS OF THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE.
-------o ---------
/5........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11. 1989
- 5
COLLECTIVE EFFORT URGED IN MEETING NEW AIRPORT GOAL
******
THE SECRETARY FOR WORKS. MR KENNETH KWOK. THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING CALLED FOR ALL PARTIES IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TO ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF OPENING THE NEW AIRPORT BY 1997 AND IN PROVIDING PORT FACILITIES FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE EXPANSION.
SPEAKING AT A DINNER RECEPTION HOSTED BY THE INSTITUTE OF QUARRYING, MR KWOK SAID OF THESE PARTIES: "YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL CONTINUE TO BE INVALUABLE AND. KNOWING THE WAY YOU HAVE CONQUERED THE CHALLENGES BEFORE. I AM CONFIDENT THAT YOU WILL MEET THIS BIG CHALLENGE IN THE FUTURE WITH EVEN GREATER SUCCESS."
THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCED LAST MONTH THE DECISION TO BUILD A NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK WITH AN AIM OF HAVING THE FIRST RUNWAY OPERATIONAL BY EARLY 1997.
ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. MR KWOK SAID THE METROPLAN LANDSCAPE STRATEGY. WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR, PROVIDED THE POLICY SUPPORT FOR REHABILITATION OF QUARRIES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
ALREADY. THE PROPOSALS FOR THE REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF SHEK O QUARRY INTO A MARINA PROJECT HAD BEEN AGREED IN PRINCIPLE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND WELCOMED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD. HE SAID.
"DETAILED PLANS ARE NOW BEING DRAWN UP BY THE QUARRY OPERATORS." HE SAID.
SIMILARLY. MR KWOK ADDED. AT ANDERSON ROAD IN KOWLOON. WHERE PERHAPS THE LARGEST VISIBLE SCAR COULD BE SEEN ACROSS THE HARBOUR, THE SITE WOULD BE REHABILITATED IN DUE COURSE AT THE END OF THE QUARRYING OPERATIONS. AND LANDSCAPED TO BLEND IN WITH THE NATURAL HILLSIDE.
"THIS APPROACH TO OUR URBAN QUARRIES ACHIEVES THE OBJECTIVE OF MAINTAINING A VALUABLE SOURCE 01 QUARRYING MATERIALS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WHILST AT THE SAME TIME RESTORING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT AFTER THE EXTRACTION IS COMPLETED." MR KWOK SAID.
-------0---------
/6........
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 11. 1989
NEED FOR EYE PROTECTION STRESSED **♦**■»
MOST EYF INJURIES CAN BE AVOIDED IF THE PUBLIC ARE PROVIDED WITH SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE ABOUT EYE PROTECTION AND ADOPT APPROPRIATE PREVENTIVE MEASURES. THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR. MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE EYE-CARE SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION 1989. MR HAMMOND NOTED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HANDLED 3,772 COMPENSATION CASES FOR EYE INJURIES AT WORK LAST YEAR.
"MOST OF THESE INJURIES WERE CAUSED BY FLYING OBJECTS, CORROSIVE CHEMICALS AND WELDING RADIATION, AND MANY COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED IF PROPER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS HAD BEEN OBSERVED." HE SAID.
MR HAMMOND SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ORGANISED PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES ON EYE PROTECTION ON A REGULAR BASIS.
"TO MINIMISE THE NUMBER OF CASES OF WORKERS SUFFERING FROM SUCH ACCIDENTS. THE DEPARTMENT HAS ENACTED A SET OF REGULATIONS FOR THE PROTECTION OF EYES." HE ADDED.
HE DESCRIBED THE EXHIBITION AS "A MEANINGFUL EVENT".
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS. THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THF NEED TO PREVENT FYE INJURIES AT HOME. IN SPORTS AND AT WORK.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY. THE DIRECTOR OF HEALTH, DR S.H. LEF. POINTED OUT THAT EYE INJURIES CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS WERE ON THE INCREASE. AND THAT THEY WERE MAINLY DUE TO FAILURE TO TAKE DUE CARE AND NEGLIGENCE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES.
DR LEE STRESSED THAT THE CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH HAD BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN THE PROMOTION OF VARIOUS FORMS OF HEALTH EDUCATION ON EYE CARE SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1978.
"HENCE. IT HAS JOINED HANDS WITH THE FEDERATION OF SOCIETIES FOR THE PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN LAUNCHING THE CAMPAIGN ONCE AGAIN THIS YEAR." HE SAID.
DR LEE ALSO PRAISED THE EXHIBITION FOR ITS EMPHASIS ON THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF WORKERS. EMPLOYERS AND THE GOVERNMENT IN PREVENTING EYE INJURIES. BESIDES PROVIDING INFORMATION ON EYE SAFETY LEGISLATION. EYE INJURIES AND THF IMPORTANCE OF PROMPT MEDICAL ATTENTION.
--------0 ---------
/7........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1989
7
YOUTH CENTRES PLAY IMPORTANT ROLE » * * t *
THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING YOUTH CENTRES IS TO PROVIDE YOUNG PEOPLE WITH A VENUE FOR COMMUNITY AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THEIR HOMES AND SCHOOLS.
THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAU. SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE CHINESE YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION’S CHUK YUEN CENTRE, IN WONG TAI SIN.
MR CHAU SAID IT WAS HOPED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE GOOD USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH CENTRES.
THEY COULD ALSO CULTIVATE THEIR VARIOUS INTERESTS, DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL AND LEADERSHIP ABILITY AND ENHANCE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF AND CONCERN FOR COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. HE ADDED.
"THROUGH VARIOUS FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION ACTIVITIES, THE YOUTH CENTRES SEEK TO PROMOTE BETTER COMMUNICATION AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN FOR A HARMONIOUS AND HAPPY FAMILY LIFE.
"FURTHERMORE. STAFF AND MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH CENTRES OFTEN JOINTLY ORGANISE SUITABLE ACTIVITIES TO MEET LOCAL NEEDS."
MR CHAU NOTED THAT SINCE THE CHUK YUEN CENTRE BEGAN OPERATION IN MAY THIS YEAR. THE MEMBERSHIP HAD RAPIDLY INCREASED TO MORE THAN 1.900 PERSONS, AND THE DAILY NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IN ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE CENTRE AVERAGED 250.
"THIS SHOWS THAT THE CENTRE IS VERY POPULAR AMONG THE RESIDENTS AND THAT THE EFFORTS OF THE CENTRE’S STAFF HAVE BORNE FRUIT," HE SAID.
------o--------
MOCK DB MEETINGS PROMOTE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
* t t t »
FORTY TEACHERS. SOCIAL WORKERS AND STUDENTS TODAY (SATURDAY) GAINED AN INSIGHT INTO THE OPERATIONS OF DISTRICT BOARDS AT MOCK DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS ORGANISED BY THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT COMMITTEE ON THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION.
SPEAKING AT THE MEETING. THE DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR TAI TUNG-NGOK, SAID Till' EVENT WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING PARTICIPANTS TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES MORE IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
/HE SAID
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1?89
- 8 -
HE SAID DISTRICT AFFAIRS HAD BECOME INCREASINGLY DEVELOPMENTS IN SOCIETY. AND NOTID THAT Till DISTRICT SCHEME HAD BEEN INTRODUCED IN 19«1 TO INCREASE OPPORTUNITIES OF PARTICIPATING IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
COMPLEX WITH ADMINISTRATION THE PUBLIC’S
AT THE SAME TIME. THE SCHEME ALSO SERVED AS X MEANS TO GAUGE GRASSROOT OPINIONS. ENABLING Till GOVERNMENT TO BETTER SERVE THE PUBLIC. ESPECIALLY IN THE CO-ORDINATION OF INTER-DEPARTMENTAL EFFORTS IN MEETING DISTRICT DEMANDS.
"THIS IS THE REASON WHY DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE COME INTO BEING." MR TAI POINTED OUT.
AFTER BRIEFING PARTICIPANTS ON THE WORK OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI EXPLAINED THAT THE BOARD WAS A VENUE FOR ENHANCING CIVIC AWARENESS. AND A FORUM THROUGH WHICH THE PUBLIC COULD DISCHARGE THEIR CIVIC OBLIGATIONS.
MR TAI URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE MORE CONCERNED WITH THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES.
HE ALSO HOPED THAT THEY WOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO KEEP THEMSELVES ABREAST OF LATEST POLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS. AND TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AT ALL LEVELS.
PEOPLE: SHOULD MAKE USE of THE EXISTING CHANNELS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS AND TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT AND DISTRICT BOARDS. HE SAID.
DURING THE MOCK BOARD MEETINGS. PARTICIPANTS ENTHUSIASTICALLY EXCHANGED THEIR VIEWS ON A COMPREHENSIVE CLEARANCE OF UNAUTHORISED BUILDING WORKS AND THE PROPOSED ANTI-SMOKING MEASURES PUT FORWARD BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH.
THEY ALSO LISTENED CAREFULLY TO ANSWERS GIVEN BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM Till SHAM SHU1 PO DISTRICT OFFICE. BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE. HOUSING DEPARTMENT, HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH AS WELL AS THE COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH.
------0 ------
REDDER STREET UNDERPASS TO OPEN ON MONDAY t » * » » * t
THE HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT ONE LANE IN THE WESTBOUND TUBE OF THE PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS IN CENTRAL WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT ONE LANE IN THE EASTBOUND TUBE WOULD BE OPENED SOON.
/'"ME OPENING........
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1?89
- 9 -
’’THE OPENING OF THE UNDERPASS WILL ALLOW THROUGH TRAFFIC TRAVELLING ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL TO PASS UNDER THE PEDDER STREET JUNCTION IN FREE FLOW CONDITIONS, WITHOUT HAVING TO STOP AT THE TRAFFIC SIGNALS.
"THE REMOVAL OF THIS THROUGH TRAFFIC FROM THE GROUND LEVEL ROADS WILL ALLOW THE ADJUSTMENT OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS SO THAT MORE TIME WILL BE GIVEN TO CROSS TURNING TRAFFIC. AND ENABLE THE GROUND LEVEL ROADS AT THE JUNCTION TO BE RECONSTRUCTED WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION TO MOTORISTS,” HE SAID.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE GROUND LEVEL ROADWORKS ADJACENT TO THE UNDERPASS RAMPS. THE SECOND LANE IN EACH TUBE OF THE UNDERPASS WOULD BE OPENED.
"THIS WILL OFFER FURTHER RELIEF TO BOTH THROUGH TRAFFIC USING THE UNDERPASS AND TURNING TRAFFIC USING THE GROUND LEVEL JUNCTION." THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE $78 MILLION PEDDER STREET UNDERPASS IS 280 METRES IN LENGTH. AND HAS DUAL TWO LANE CARRIAGEWAYS.
THE UNDERPASS WAS DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WAS SUPERVISED BY CONSULTING ENGINEERS PETER Y.S. PUN AND ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF OF HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT, AND CONSTRUCTED BY KIER HONG KONG LIMITED.
THE COLOUR SCHEME IN THE UNDERPASS WAS DESIGNED BY ATELIER CLER. A FRENCH CHROMATIC SPECIALIST.
THE NON-ROAD AREAS ABOVE THE UNDERPASS WILL BE LANDSCAPED.
-----------------0------- TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE REMAINS OPEN ♦ * t ♦ ♦
THE TSUEN WAN POST OFFICE LOCATED AT 407 CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL NOT CLOSE DOWN TODAY (SATURDAY) AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED. A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"CUSTOMERS WILL THEREFORE BE ABLE TO' CONDUCT THEIR POSTAL BUSINESS AS USUAL AT THIS POST OFFICE," THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0----------
/1O .......
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 11. 1989
CARNIVAL IN SOUTHERN TOMORROW ♦ * t ♦
A CARNIVAL. OFFERING MORE THAN 20 GAMES AND (RAFTS STALLS IN ADDITION TO A VARIETY SHOW. WILL BE HELD FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT RES I DENTS TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE FOUR-HOUR DISTRICT FESTIVAL EVENT WILL START AT 1 PM AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND IN WONG ( HUE HANG. ADMISSION IS FREE AND TICKETS FOR STALL-GAMES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE VENUE.
A CEREMONY TO MARK THI OCCASION WILL BEG IN AT 2 PM. OFFICIATING WILL BE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER. MRS MAUREEN CHAN; DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR HUI YUNG-CHUNG: ('HAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MRS SO ('HAU YIM IINU: AND CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE’S CARNIVAI WORKING GROUP. MR POON SHUN-KWOK.
THE VARIETY SHOW WILI FEATURE PERFORMANCES RY FILM AND TELEVISION ARTIST 1.0 Hol PANG AND OTHER POPULAR SINGERS. A SONG REQUEST PROGRAMME TO BF IIOS I J D B\ DISC JOCKEY YU Sil KEI. MAGIC SHOWS. AND A TAEKWONDO DEMONSTRAT I ON BY MEMBERS Ob Till WESTERN JUNIOR POLICE CALI..
WINNERS ni THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SONG CONTEST AND THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR OF THE DISTRIC’I Will ALSO PERFORM AT THE SHOW.
XPART FROM IB GAME STALLS, THERE WILL BF A NUMBER Ol ARTS AND CRAFTS STALLS ON MAKING "GRASS HOPPERS" AND RIBBON FLOWERS. AND ON CALLIGRAPHY AND PAPER-FOLDI NG.
OTHER ATTRITIONS WILL INCLUDE PALM READING. PORTRAIT SKETCHING AND CHINESE (’HESS DEMONSTRATION STALLS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES UM INVITED TO (’OVER Till' SOUTHERN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CARNIVAL TO BE IIILD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IRON 1 PM TO 5 PM AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS (.ROUND IN WONG CHUK HANG.
A CEREMONY TO MAKI. THI Off \S ION WILI BEGIN AT 2 PM.
/11
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 11. 1989
11
YAU TSIM DB AND TTC MEET ON MONDAY * * * * *
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 13) IMMEDIATELY AFTER A REGULAR MEETING OF ITS TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE.
AT THE SPECIAL MEETING, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 4 PM. REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION WILL BRIEF DB MEMBERS ON REDEVELOPMENT STUDIES ON YUNNAN LANE AND THE AREA BOUNDED BY SOY STREET, KANSU STREET. NATHAN ROAD AND FERRY STREET.
AT THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE MEETING, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM. SEVERAL PROJECTS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE DISCUSSED.
THE PROJECTS, SCHEDULED TO START IN LATE 1990, WILL INCLUDE SETTING UP A TRAFFIC GYRATORY SYSTEM AT MIDDLE ROAD AND THE WIDENING OF SALISBURY ROAD AND CANTON ROAD.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THE NORTHWEST KOWLOON TRAFFIC STUDY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH MEETINGS. WHICH WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE. SECOND FLOOR, 190 NATHAN ROAD. THE TTC MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM. AND THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 4 PM.
- 0 - -
KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL PROGRAMME TO BE ANNOUNCED *****
MORE THAN 30 EVENTS HAVE BEEN LINED UP FOR THE THIRD KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL FROM MID-DECEMBER TO EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE OPENING CEREMONY IS SCHEDULED FOR DECEMBER 17.
THE FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD. DISTRICT OFFICE. DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION AND REGIONAL COUNC1L WITH A BUDGET OF ABOUT 9500.000.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES FOREIGN AND LOCAL MOVIES. CHINESE OPERA. TRADITIONAL FOLK DANCE. MODERN DANCE. DRAMA. CHINESE ORCHESTRA PERFORMANCE. AS WELL AS PUPPET AND MAGIC SHOWS.
/THE ORGANISING
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1989
- 12 -
THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 13) TO ANNOUNCE FULL DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME. DATES OF TICKET BOOKING AND A CONCESSIONARY TICKET SCHEME.
PRESENT WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG: KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICER. MR PAUL TANG: AND DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR LEE WING-TAT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 11.30 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 13) AT THE LOTUS ROOM. ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL. TSIM SHA TSUI EAST.
------0-------
ENVIRONMENTAL THEME FOR NORTH DISTRICT CARNIVAL
* * * » t
A CARNIVAL. ORGANISED IN SUPPORT OF THIS YEAR’S WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY AND THE TERRITORY-WIDE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN. WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON AT THE FANL1NG RECREATION GROUND.
IT WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 2 PM TO 5 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION. WALLBOARD PAINTINGS. GAMES STALLS AND PERFORMANCES BY A CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND DANCE TROUPES.
"THESE ACTIVITIES ARE ALL AIMED AT BRINGING HOME TO NORTH DISTRICT RESIDENTS THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT AND KEEPING IT CLEAN." A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISING WORKING GROUP SAID.
HAVING THE THEME OF "BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT IN NORTH DISTRICT". THE EXHIBITION WILL COMPRISE COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF SCENIC SPOTS AS WELL AS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE DISTRICT.
ABOUT 300 STUDENTS FROM 14 PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT TOOK PART IN THE WALLBOARD PAINTING EXERCISE.
BOOKMARKS. PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS. SOUVENIRS AND GIFTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS AND VISITORS.
THE EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD. WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE BOARD AND THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
/OFFICIATING AT .......
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1989
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR RAYMOND PANG: NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER. MR WILLIAM HUI: FIRST VICE-CHAIRMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK. MR LIU CHING-LEUNG; CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE. MR PANG HOK-TUEN: AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD'S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE. MR LAW CHAK-TONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CARNIVAL TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE HELI) AT 2 PM.
- - 0 - -
ACAF MEMBERS VISIT SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE » » » * *
MEMBERS OF THE AQUACULTURE SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SPENT THE MORNING TODAY (SATURDAY) SEEING FOR THEMSELVES OPERATIONS OF THE LOCAL MARICULTURE INDUSTRY.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (FISHERIES) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, DR CHRISTOPHER LEE. MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE. INCLUDING CHAIRMAN MR ANDREW WONG AND VICE-CHAIRMAN MR SO MOON-CHEUNG. VISITED THE SHAM WAN FISH CULTURE ZONE IN THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES. ONE OF THE 28 DESIGNATED FISH CULTURE ZONES UNDER THE MARINE FISH CULTURE ORDINANCE.
THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE CURRENT SITUATION OF THE MARICULTURE INDUSTRY AND THE AFD’S CONTINUED EFFORT TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL AND EXTENSION SERVICES TO HELP MARICULTURI STS IN INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY.
MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT THE TOTAL MARICULTURE PRODUCTION IN 1988 AMOUNTED TO 3,280 TONNES, VALUED AT S222 MILLION.
THEY ALSO LEARNT THAT A GOVERNMENT-COMMISSIONED CONSULTANCY STUDY TO CONDUCT AN OVERALL REVIEW ON MARICULTURE HAD STARTED THIS MONTH AND WOULD TAKE SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
TO GAIN MORE FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON AQUACUI,TURE OPERATIONS, THE GROUP HAS SCHEDULED A VISIT TO FISH PONDS IN YUEN LONG LATER THIS MONTH.
/1U
SATURDAY. NOVEMBER 11. 1989
14
PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY ZONE IN CHEUNG CHAU t * » t «
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT IN ORDER TO ENHANCE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, THE SECTION OF CHURCH ROAD BETWEEN CHEUNG CHAU RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AND OUR LADY OF FATIMA CHURCH ON CHEUNG CHAU WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR DAILY PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY ZONE FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 13).
SUBJECT TO A DIRECTION GIVEN BY A POLICE OFFICER IN UNIFORM OR A TRAFFIC WARDEN IN UNIFORM. THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE SHALL GIVE WAY TO A PEDESTRIAN WITHIN THE PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY ZONE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I___________________ ____________________
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PRINCE OF WALES, GOVERNOR LAY WREATHS AT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY..................................................... 1
WAN CHAI DISTRICT FESTIVAL WELL RECEIVED.................... 1
ICAC DELEGATION OFF FOR SYDNEY CONFERENCE................... 2
MORE TRADERS JOIN DISKETTE SUBMISSION SCHEME................ J
PUBLIC FORUM ON MID-LEVELS ROAD CORRIDOR ................... 4
WINDY, AND LOW RAINFALL IN OCTOBER.......................... 5
RENOWNED MUSICIANS PERFORM IN YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL .. 8
POSTER, SINGING CONTESTS TO COMBAT DELINQUENCY ............. 9
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORKS REPORTS ...................... 10
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS ............ 11
CHINA PLAYERS TO COMPETE IN FESTIVAL MATCH.................. 11
INTERFERENCE TESTING OF NEV/ RTHK FREQUENCIES .............. 12
2A-H0UR WATER ENQUIRY HOTLINES IN SERVICE................... 12
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSIM SHA TSJI ........................... 15
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN YAU MA TEI
15
SUNDAY. NOVEMBER I 2. 1989
1
PRINCE OF WALES. GOVERNOR LAY WREATHS AT REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONY
THE PRINCE OF WALES. AND THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON. LAID WREATHS AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE THIS (SUNDAY) MORNING TO HONOUR THOSE WHO HAD GIVEN THEIR LIVES ON ACTIVE SERVICE.
THE SOLEMN CEREMONY MARKING REMEMBRANCE DAY BEGAN AT 11 AM WITH THE FIRING OF A GUN AT HMS TAMAR WHICH SIGNALLED THE OBSERVANCE OF TWO MINUTES’ SILENCE.
AT THE FIRING OF A SECOND GUN. BUGLERS OF THE 2ND BATTALION SECOND KING EDWARD SEVENTH’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES (THE S1RMOOR RIFLES) SOUNDED THE "LAST POST".
WREATHS WERE ALSO LAID BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE. SIR TI LIANG YANG: THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES. MAJOR GENERAL PETER DUFFELL: REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS: COMMONWEALTH REPRESENTATIVES: THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL. MR GERRY FORSGATE; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL. MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG: AND CHAIRMEN OF DISTRICT BOARDS.
THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY LAYING OF WREATHS BY SERVICE COMMANDERS, AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION, SERVICE UNITS, COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS. EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS. SOCIETIES AND OTHER BODIES.
------0 -------
WAN CHAI DISTRICT FESTIVAL WELL RECEIVED
RESPONSE FROM WAN CHAI RESIDENTS TO THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT FESTIVAL WAS ENTHUSI AST IC. AND THE VARIOUS EVENTS ON THE PROGRAMME WERE WELL RECEIVED. THE DISTRICT OFFICER. MR PETER MANN. SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE FESTIVAL CLOSING CEREMONY HELD IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM. MR MANN SAID THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AIMED TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS AND CONTRIBUTE IDEAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
"WAN CHAI RESIDENTS HAVE REMONSTRATED FULLY TN THE FESTIVAL THEIR ACTIVE NATURE AND A KEEN SENSE OF CO-OPERATION." HE NOTED.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY. THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. MR ALLEN LEE. SAID THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL HAD FOSTERED A BETTER. UNDERSTANDING OF THE DISTRICT AMONG RESIDENTS AND ENHANCED THEIR SENSE OF BELONGING AND ALSO HELPED PROMOTE THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY BUILDING.
/NOTING THAT .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
2
NOTING THAT THE DISTRICT HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT CENTRE FOR CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE TERRITORY. HE URGED RESIDENTS TO CONTRIBUTE TO MAINTAINING THE VITALITY OF THE DISTRICT.
ABOUT 30 EVENTS. INCLUDING CULTURAL. RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES. WERE OFFERED TO THE 200.000 RESIDENTS IN WAN CHAI DURING THE FESTIVAL WHICH BEGAN ON OCTOBER 18.
THE MOST POPULAR EVENTS WERE A "MUSIC BUS PARADE". "DISCO NIGHT". EXHIBITIONS OF HISTORICAL PICTURES OF THE DISTRICT. AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARTISTIC PERFORMANCES.
THE BUDGET FOR THE FESTIVAL WAS ABOUT $700,000.
THE CLOSING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A DEMONSTRATION OF* CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS AND RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS BY ATHLETES FROM GUANGDONG PROVINCE WHO WERE INVITED SPECIALLY FOR THE OCCASION.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CLOSING CEREMONY WERE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MRS PEGGY LAM: CHAIRMAN OF THE WAN CHAI FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MR RAYMOND CHOW: AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBER. MR CHAN YING-LUN.
-----0-----
I
ICAC DELEGATION OFF FOR SYDNEY CONFERENCE I
I
THE COMMISSIONER 01 THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION. MR DAVID JEAFIRESON. AND THREE SENIOR ICAC OFFICIALS LEFT FOR SYDNEY LAST (NOVEMBER 11) NIGHT TO ATTEND THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE.
HF WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS. MR JIM BUCKLE: DIRECTOR OF CORRUPTION PREVENTION, MR TONY SCOTT: ANI) DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS. Ml? LEUNG CHIN-MAN.
BEING HOSTED BY THE AUSTRALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL. MR LIONEL BOWEN. THE SIX-DAY CONFERENCE BEGINS? TODAY WITH THE THEME OF PLANNING STRATEGIES TO COMBAT AND PREVENT CORRUPTION TN THE 1990’S.
MR JEAFFRESON WILL DELIVER A KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON "THE IMPORTANCE OF A THREE-PRONGED ATTACK ON CORRUPTION AND AN ASSESSMENT OF ITS EFFECTIVENESS" TOMORROW.
THE COMMISSIONER AND THE OTHER ICAC DELEGATES WILL PART IN SEPARATE PANEL DISCUSSIONS ON VARIOUS TOPICS.
ALSO TAKE
/OTHER SPEAKERS .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
OTHER SPEAKERS AND COMMENTATORS AT THE CONFERENCE WILL INCLUDE GRAFT-FIGHTERS FROM THE UNITED STATES. SINGAPORE, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE NETHERLANDS. MACAU. MEXICO. PUERTO RICO. PAPUA NEW GUINEA AND THE UNITED NATIONS.
THE CONCEPT OF AN INTERNATIONAL ANT I-CORRUPTION CONFERENCE WAS FIRST CONSIDERED AT AN INTER-AGENCY DISCUSSION ON ANTI-CORRUPTION WORK HOSTED BY THE ICAC IN HONG KONG IN LATE 1981.
THE FIRST TWO CONFERENCES WERE HELD IN THE UNITED STATES IN 1983 AND 1985. THE THIRD. HOSTED BY THE IC AC IN HONG KONG TWO YEARS AGO. ATTRACTED MORE THAN 250 DELEGATES REPRESENTING 72 ORGAN ISA TONS FROM 32 COUNTRIES.
THE SUCCESS AND VALUE OF THESE CONFERENCES HAVE GAINED BROAD INTERNATIONAL ATTENTION. THEY SERVE TO STIMULATE THE GLOBAL EXCHANGE OT EXPERIENCE AND METHODOLOGY IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION. AND FOSTER INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AMONG AGENCIES FROM ALL PARTS OF THE WORLD.
---------------------0-------- MORE TRADERS JOIN DISKETTE SUBMISSION SCHEME t * ♦ ♦ ♦
WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1 THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT HAS OPERATED A DISKETTE SUBMISSION SCHEME TO PROVIDE TRADERS WITH AN ADDITIONAL OPTION TN SUBMITTING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS ON MICRO-COMPUTER DISKETTES.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SCHEME IS TO FACILITATE TRADERS IN PREPARING TRADE DECLARATIONS IN A MORE ACCURATE AND EFFICIENT WAY THROUGH THE USE OF COMPUTERS.
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHEME. MORE AND MORE FIRMS HAVE ADOPTED THIS METHOD IN LODGING Till IR IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS.
BY THE END OF OCTOBER, OVFR 2l<) FIRMS HAD ALREADY PARTICIPATED IN THE SCHEME AND SUBMITTED SOME 61.000 DECI.ARATIONS UNDER IT.
ACCORDING TO TRADERS USING THE GOVERNMENT’S SOFTWARE OR A SOFTWARE DEVELOPED IO Till MSI L\ IS WITH COMPARABLE FEATURES. Till Y HAVE REDUCED SIGNIFICANTLY THEIR TIME SPENT ON PREPARING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS.
FOR EXAMPLE, ONE: PARTICIPATING FIRM SUBMITTING MANY DECLARATIONS SAID IT HAD CUT BY MORI THAN HALE Till TIME SPENT ON DECLARATION PREPARATION WORK.
/MOREOVER, AS .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 198?
MOREOVER, AS THE SCHEME ENABLES THE COMPUTATION OF CHARGES AND CHECKING OF DECLARATIONS BY COMPUTERS AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S COLLECTION OFFICES, QUEUING TIME HAS BEEN GREATLY REDUCED.
IT TAKES. ON AVERAGE, LESS THAN FIVE MINUTES TO PROCESS 100 DECLARATIONS CONTAINED IN ONE DISKETTE.. WHEREAS IT TAKES ABOUT HALF A MINUTE TO PROCESS ONE DECLARATION UNDER THE MANUAL SYSTEM.
TRADERS SUBMITTING DECLARATIONS IN LARGE NUMBER HAVE FOUND THE SCHEME OF PARTICULAR CONVENIENCE TO THEM.
TO JOIN THE SCHEME. TRADERS ONLY NEED A MICRO-COMPUTER SYSTEM (WITH HARD DISK AND PRINTER) WHICH RUNS ON MS-DOS OF VERSION 2.0 AND HIGHER.
FOR TRADERS WHO HAVE NOT YET COMPUTERISED THEIR TRADE DOCUMENTATION WORK. THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE AVAILABLE USER FRIENDLY SOFTWARE TO HELP THEM IN PREPARING IMPORT AND EXPORT DECLARATIONS USING MICRO-COMPUTERS AND AT THE SAME TIME PRODUCING OUTPUTS THAT MEET ALL THE FORMAT REQUIREMENTS SPECIFIED BY GOVERNMENT.
THE SOFTWARE. TOGETHER WITH THE OPERATION MANUAL. IS NOW AVAILABLE AT $110 PER SET FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. 18TH FLOOR. WANCHAI TOWER I. 12 HARBOUR ROAD. WAN CHAI.
TRADERS SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR COMPANY CHOP IN THE COURSE OF PURCHASING THE SOFTWARE.
ALTERNATIVELY. TRADERS CAN DEVELOP THEIR OWN SOFTWARES TO JOIN THE SCHEME SO LONG AS THE OUTPUT FORMATS OF DECLARATION CONFORM TO THOSE SPECIFIED IN A GAZETTE NOTICE (GN 3747) ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 4. 1988.
ASSISTANCE IS BEING OFFERED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO TRADERS INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SCHEME. A NUMBER OF SEMINARS AND DEMONSTRATIONS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR SUCH PURPOSES AND MORE WILL BE HELD.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 5-8663196.
------0--------
PUBLIC FORUM ON MID-LEVELS ROAD CORRIDOR * * ♦ * ♦
MID-LEVELS RESIDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PLANNED IMPROVEMENTS TO ROAD NETWORKS IN THEIR DISTRICT AT A PUBLIC FORUM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 14) EVENING.
THE FORUM TO BE HELD IN ROOM 14 16. HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 road. JSStral wm EOCUS ON the engineering investigation for IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MID-LEVELS EAST-WEST ROAD CORRIDOR.
/SPEAKERS WILL
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
- 5 -
SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSULTANT ENGINEERS FROM PETER Y.S. PUN AND ASSOCIATES AND MVA CONSULTANCY. MR HUGH MCBRIDE AND MR JOHN SPIERS RESPECTIVELY, AS WELL AS A HIGHWAYS DEPARTMENT SENIOR ENGINEER. MR MAK WAI-PUI.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE (TTC). MR LAM KIN-LAI, WILL GIVE BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE PROJECT.
THE TALKS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.
A DECISION TO ORGANISE THE FORUM WAS MADE AT A TTC MEETING ON SEPTEMBER 6. WHEN THE FEASIBILITY STUDY WAS FIRST PUT TO THE DISTRICT BOARD FOR CONSULTATION.
MEMBERS GENERALLY FELT THAT MID-LEVELS RESIDENTS SHOULD BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PLANS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PUBLIC FORUM ON THE ENGINEERING FEASIBILITY INVESTIGATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MIDLEVELS EAST-WEST ROAD CORRIDOR. IT WILL BEGIN AT 7 PM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 14) IN ROOM 1416. HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD. CENTRAL.
------0--------
WINDY. AND LOW RAINFALL IN OCTOBER t ♦ t ♦ t
OCTOBER WAS RATHER WINDY WITH THE TROPICAL CYCLONE STRONG WIND SIGNAL NO. 3 HOISTED ON THREE OCCASIONS AND THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL HOISTED ON FOUR OTHER OCCASIONS. ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S MONTHLY REPORT RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY).
THERE WERE ALTOGETHER FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES TRAVERSING I HI-NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH. HOWEVER. THEY ALL PASSED WESTWARDS. TO THE SOUTH Ol HONG KONG WITH THEIR MAJOR RAINBANDS STOPPING SHORT OF THE SOUTH ('HINA COASTAL AREAS.
AS A RESULT. THE TOTAL RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH AMOUNTED TO ONLY 15.2 MILLIMETRES, A FRACTION OF THE NORMAL FIGURE OF 121. 2 MILLIMETRES.
THE TOTAL RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STOOD AT 1.884.1 MILLIMETRES. WHICH IS 13 PER CENT BELOW THE NORMAL AMOUNT OF 2.164.7 MILLIMETRES FOR THE SAME PERIOD.
/THE MONTH ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
- 6
THE MONTH OPENED WITH TYPHOON BRIAN CROSSING THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON AFFECTING EASTERN CHINA. UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF BRIAN. THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG DURING THE FIRST TWO DAYS OF THE MONTH WAS CLOUDY AND WINDY WITH LIGHT RAIN.
BRIAN MOVED AWAY AND LANDED OVER NORTHERN VIETNAM ON OCTOBER 3. BUT THE WINTER MONSOON MAINTAINED A STRONG EASTERLY AIRSTREAM OVER THE COASTAL AREA OF SOUTHERN CHINA.
WINDS MODERATED ON OCTOBER 4 AND THE WEATHER GRADUALLY IMPROVED OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
WITH MODERATE WINDS AND PLENTY OF SUNSHINE, TEMPERATURES ON OCTOBER 6 CLIMBED TO A MAXIMUM OF 30.9 DEGREES, THE HIGHEST FOR THE MONTH. WINDS TURNED NORTHERLY ON OCTOBER 7 AND THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY DROPPED WITH TEMPERATURES ON A GENTLE DOWNWARD TREND FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
MEANWHILE, TYPHOON ANGELA HAD MOVED INTO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND ITS WESTWARD PASSAGE TO VIETNAM BROUGHT CLOUDIER WEATHER AND A TRACE OF RAINFALL ON OCTOBER 8.
WINDS TURNED EASTERLY AND INCREASED IN STRENGTH ON OCTOBER 8. STRONG WINDS PERSISTED UNTIL THE MORNING ON OCTOBER 10 AND BRIGHTER WEATHER SET IN DURING THE AFTERNOON.
WHILE THE COASTAL AREAS OF SOUTH CHINA ENJOYED A FINE DAY ON OCTOBER 11, TYPHOON DAN SWEPT ACROSS SOUTHERN LUZON AND ENTERED THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. CLOUDY AND WINDY CONDITIONS PREVAILED THE FOLLOWING DAY AS DAN MOVED TOWARDS HAINAN ISLAND.
STRONG EASTERLIES SET IN ON OCTOBER 12 AND WERE PROLONGED BY THE WINTER MONSOON BEFORE EVENTUALLY SUBSIDING ON OCTOBER 14. FINE WEATHER THEN RETURNED AND PERSISTED FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
DURING THE EVENING ON OCTOBER. 16. A COLD FRONT CROSSED THE SOUTH CHINA COAST AND BROUGHT STRONG NORTHERLY WINDS AND A FEW THUNDERSTORMS TO THE OFFSHORE AREAS. THE LOCAL WEATHER BECAME NOTICEABLY COOLER DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
A FURTHER REPLENISHMENT OF COOL AIR ARRIVED FROM THE NORTH ON OCTOBER 19 AND BY THE FOLLOWING MORNING. TEMPERATURES HAD DROPPED FURTHER TO A MINIMUM OF 19.1 DEGREES, THE LOWEST FOR THE MONTH.
APART FROM SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHT RAIN DURING THE PASSAGE OF THE COLD FRONT. THE DRY CONTINENTAL AIR BROUGHT BASICALLY FINE WEATHER TO HONG KONG DURING THE PERIOD OCTOBER 18 TO 20.
WITH THE APPROACH OF TYPHOON ELSIE. THE WEATHER TURNED CLOUDY AGAIN ON OCTOBER 21. HOWEVER. ELSIE HAD A SMALL CIRCULATION AND MOVED WESTWARDS ACROSS THE SOUTH CHINA SEA WITHOUT CAUSING ANY NEED TO HOIST TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS IN HONG KONG.
/LOCALLY, WINDS ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
LOCALLY. WINDS ONLY INCREASED MARGINALLY AND FINE WEATHER RETURNED QUICKLY ON OCTOBER 22.
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE OVER SOUTH CHINA. FINE WEATHER PREVAILED FROM OCTOBER 23 TO 28. HOWEVER. STABLE CONDITIONS AND INCREASING MOISTURE IN THE LOWER ATMOSPHERE GAVE RISE TO PERIODS OF HAZE AND POOR VISIBILITY FROM OCTOBER 25 TO 28.
A WEAK SURGE OF COOL AIR FROM THE EAST BROUGHT CLOUDINESS AND PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN EARLY ON OCTOBER 29. CLOUDS BROKE DURING THE DAY. FINE BUT HAZY WEATHER THEN PERSISTED TILL THE END OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE MONTH OF OCTOBER. NO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. A THUNDERSTORM WARNING WAS ISSUED ON OCTOBER 16. THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON OCTOBER 7 AND 8 AND YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED FOR OCTOBER 6 TO 10, 14. 15 AND 20 TO 22.
A TOTAL OF SIX TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL DATE AND TIME OE HOISTING DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
TYPHOON 1 SEPTEMBER 30 OCTOBER 1
BRIAN 5.1 0 PM 3.45 PM
OCTOBER 1 OCTOBER 2
3.15 PM 12 NOON
WINTER. STRONG OCTOBER 2 OCTOBER 4
MONSOON MONSOON 12 NOON 9.45 AM
TYPHOON 1 OCTOBER 6 OCTOBER 7
ANGELA 8.50 PM 9 PM
3 OCTOBER 7 OCTOBER 9
9 PM 9.45 AM
W1NTER STRONG OCTOBER 9 OCTOBER 10
MONSOON MONSOON 9.15 AM 10.05 AM
TYPHOON 1 OCTOBER 11 OCTOBER 12
DAN 8 PM 5 AM
OCTOBER 12 OCTOBER 13
5 AM 6.30 AM
WINTER STRONG OCTOBER 13 OCTOBER 14
MONSOON MONSOON 6.30 AM 12 NOON
WINTER STRONG OCTOBER 19 OCTOBER 20
MONSOON MONSOON 8.30 PM 9.45 AM
/THE MONTH'S........
t
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 1?, 1989
- 8 -
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM
TOTAL BRIGHT SUNSHINE
195.4 HOURS
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
13.86 MJ/SQUARE METRE
15.2 MM
56%
73%
27.3 DEGREES CELSIUS
25.1 DEGREES CELSIUS
23.4 DEGREES CELSIUS
19.7 DEGREES CELSIUS
129.2 MM
NORMAL WERE:
14.5 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
1.98 MJ/SQUARE METRE BELOW NORMAL
106.0 MM BELOW NORMAL
4% MORE THAN NORMAL
1% HIGHER THAN NORMAL
0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
0.1 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
0.7 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
0.4 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
29.7 MM BELOW NORMAL
-------0---------
RENOWNED MUSICIANS PERFORM IN YOUTH STRING MUSK’ FESTIVAL
* t t t t
THE BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE OF TWO RENOWNED MUSICIANS FROM THE UNITED STATES. MS XIAO HONGME1 AND MR IVAN CHAN. XT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL TODAY (SUNDAY) WON APPLAUSE FROM OVER 1.000 LOCAL YOUNG STRING PLAYERS.
THE PERFORMANCE WAS ORGANISED BY THE MUSH’ OFFICE AS PART OF Till PROGRAMME OF THE INTERFLOW CONCERT WHICH RAISED THE CURTAIN ON THE 1989 HONG KONG YOUTH STRING MUSIC FESTIVAL.
ALSO TAKING PART IN Till CONCERT WERE NINE STRING ORCHESTRAS KEI WAN PRIMARY SCHOOL STRING ORCHESTRA. HONG KONG MUSIC INSTITUTE YOUTH ORCHESTRA. ST STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ COLLEGE STRING ORCHESTRA. ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE STRING ORCHESTRA AND FIVE ORCHESTRAS FROM THE MUSIC OFFICE.
PIECES PRESENTED BY THE YOUNG MUSICIANS INCLUDED TELEMANN’S "CONCERTO POLONAISE". TSCHAIKOVSKY’S "SERENADE FOR STRINGS" AND WARLOCK’S "CAPRIOL SUITE FOR STRING ORCHESTRA”.
/THE MUSIC ........
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
PRESFNTPn qopvLtd RAT0R °F THB MUSIC 0FFICE' MRS AGNES ALLCOCK, c,THm^T^r„SOUVE R PENNANTS to the representatives of orchestras at the commencement of the concert in I OF THEIR SUPPORT OF THE FESTIVAL.
THE FOUR RECOGNITION
IT's FTrMTEnIvU™ STRING FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE ON NOVEMBER 7v'ir>FJM?T7EA' COURSE- A SERIES OF MASTER CLASSES BY MR OFFICE’S MUSIC CeJ?res°NGMEI <VI°LA’ WILL BE C0NDUCTED AT
19. DURING IVAN CHAN THE MUSIC
THE CHAMBER
THE CLIMAX OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE
AND THE I'ESTIVAL CONCERT DURING WHICH THE TWO GUEST ELITE STRING PLAYERS OF THE MUSIC OFFICE WILL PRESENT PIECES AS ROSSINI'S "SONATA NO.2 IN A MAJOR SAINT-SAENS’S "CONCERTO IN B MINOR NO.3 FOR VIOLIN AND STAMITZ S ’CONCERTO IN D MAJOR FOR VIOLA AND ORCHESTRA
MUSIC CONCERT
MUSICIANS AND SUCH CLASSICAL FOR STRINGS", ORCHESTRA" AND
THE TWO CONCERTS WILL BE HELD AT THE APA I IN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM AT 8 PM ON NOVEMBER 18
DRAMA THEATRE AND SHA AND 19 RESPECTIVELY.
.nHCKETS F0R THE TU'° CONCERTS AT $10 AND $20 EACH AT ALL URBT1X OUTLETS. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE
ARE NOW
MADE ON
-----------------------0-------- POSTER. SINGING CONTESTS TO COMBAT DELINQUENCY ♦ t * * t
THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE IS ORGANISING A POSTER DESIGN CONTEST AND A SINGING CONTEST WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF REMINDING YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS.
"THE THEME OF ENTRIES IN THE POSTER DESIGN CONTEST SHOULD AIM AT ENCOURAGING YOUNGSTERS TO ABIDE BY THE LAW, NOT TO BREAK IT." A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID.
POSTERS SHOULD MEASURE 38 CENTIMETRES BY 58 CENTIMETRES, AND PARTICIPANTS CAN SUBMIT MORE THAN ONE ENTRY.
THERE WILL BE TWO SECTIONS — ONE FOR STUDENTS AND ONE OPEN.
THE THREE MAIN WINNERS IN THE OPEN SECTION WILL BE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS OF $1,000, $800 AND $500 RESPECTIVELY. THE PRIZES IN THE STUDENTS SECTION ARE WORTH $500. $300 AND $150. THERE WILL ALSO BE PRIZES FOR OUTSTANDING ENTRIES.
ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BEFORE DECEMBER 8 TO THE YAU TSIM DISTRICT OFFICE AT 190 NATHAN ROAD. ITS TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-OFFICE AT 40 CARNARVON ROAD, OR THE ACTIVITY CENTRE OF THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AT 33 SALISBURY ROAD.
/THE SINGING .......
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
10
THE SINGING CONTEST IS OPEN TO ALL AMATEURS WHO HAVE NOT WON A PRIZE IN A SIMILAR EVENT,
AN AUDITION WILL BE HELD IN DECEMBER, AND THE FINALS WILL BE STAGED AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE ON FEBRUARY 4.
ATTRACTIVE PRIZES AND TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE THREE MAIN WINNERS AND TO THE PERSON WHO GIVES THE BEST STAGE PERFORMANCE. >• '
ENROLMENT FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICE AND THE 1 AU MA TEI JUNIOR POLICE CALL AT 182 CANTON ROAD, AND SHOULD BE RETURNED BEFORE DECEMBER 8.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON BOTH CONTESTS CAN BE OBTAINED BY TELEPHONING 3-681908 OR 3-322716.
-------o ---------
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WORKS REPORTS
* * * t *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD'S WORKS PROJECTS COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS A NUMBER OF PROGRESS REPORTS ON WORKS PROJECTS IN DISTRICT AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE REPORTS COVER BUILDING, PUBLIC HOUSING, ENGINEERING PROJECTS, AS WELL AS PROJECTS BEING URBAN COUNCIL.
HIGHWAY AND OTHER
UNDERTAKEN BY THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD'S WORKS PROJECTS IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM. SECOND FLOOR, NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 2 . :!(> PM.
TO (OVER THF MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE TOMORROW (MONDAY)
MEI FUNG COURT. 7-11 NAM
-------o----------
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1989
11
FUNDS AVAILABLE FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS * * * t *
RESIDENTS’ ORGANISATIONS AND LOCAL BODIES IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR SUBSIDIES FROM THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD TO ORGANISE FESTIVE ACTIVITIES DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THE COMMITTEE WOULD SET ASIDE ABOUT $66,000 FOR SPONSORING NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS IN THE DISTRICT’S SEVEN AREAS.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO CALLED ON ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT TO APPLY FOR SUBSIDIES FOR CARRYING OUT COMMUNITY BUILDING PROJECTS.
THESE CAN BE DISTRICT-BASED CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL OR SPORTS EVENTS, SEMINARS, SURVEYS AND EXHIBITIONS, AND SHOULD BE AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY SPIRIT, AND SOCIAL COHESION.
FOR OTHER INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES, INTERESTED PARTIES MAY REFER TO THE GUIDELINES ON APPLYING FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
COPIES OF THE GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE COMMITTEE, MISS LEONIE MONG, AT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, SECOND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, ABERDEEN CENTRE.
THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS DECEMBER 5.
---------------------0------- CHINA PLAYERS TO COMPETE IN FESTIVAL MATCH *****
TWO OUTSTANDING YOUNG BADMINTON PLAYERS FROM FUJIAN PROVINCE WILL BE PLAYING AGAINST YOUNG LOCAL PLAYERS NEXT WEEK.
THEY ARE MR WONG HING-TAT (19) AND MISS CHONG LING (18), BOTH OF WHOM HAVE WON MANY PRIZES ON THE MAINLAND.
THEY HAVE BEEN INVITED TO TAKE PART AT A TOURNAMENT, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 19) AT THE CHOI HUNG ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL AS PART OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
LOCAL PLAYERS PARTICIPATING AT THE TOURNAMENT WILL INCLUDE WONG WAI-LAP. CHENG YIN-S1K. CHAN SIU-KWONG, TSUI MEI-SEE, CHAN WING-KIT, NG LEUNG-WAH, CHOW KIM-MAN AND SHUM MAN-KIN.
FREE TICKETS TO THE TOURNAMENT ARE AVAILABLE AT THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFFICES.
TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON 3-222261.
------0-------
/12......
SUNDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 1989
- 12 -
INTERFERENCE TESTING OF NEW RTHK FREQUENCIES
******
A SPECIAL TEST FLIGHT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE EARLY HOURS OF TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 14) TO ENABLE RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT RTHK’S NEW VHF/FM BROADCAST TRANSMISSIONS TO BE INTRODUCED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH THE EXISTING RADIO NAVIGATIONAL FACILITIES.
THE NAVIGATIONAL TRANSMISSIONS ARE MADE IN ADJACENT FREQUENCIES FOR THE GUIDANCE OF AIRCRAFT LEAVING OR APPROACHING HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT THE FLIGHTS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN 2 AM AND 5.30 AM WHEN THERE WERE NO BROADCASTS ON THE EXISTING FREQUENCIES AND NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT FLIGHTS WERE SCHEDULED AT KAI TAK.
HE SAID THE TEST FLIGHT. WHICH WILL INVOLVE SEVERAL FLY-PASTS OF LESS THAN TWO MINUTES EACH, IS TO BE CONDUCTED BY A SPECIALLY INSTRUMENTED JET AIRCRAFT OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
DURING THE TEST FLIGHT RESIDENTS IN CERTAIN AREAS IN THE TERRITORY WILL EXPERIENCE VARYING DEGREES OF AIRCRAFT NOISE.
THESE ARFAS WILL INCLUDE THE SOUTHERN TIP OF TSING YI. MEI FOO SUN CIIUEN. SHAM SHU1 PO. KOWLOON TONG. KOWLOON CITY, KWUN TONG, HENG FA CHUEN, LEI KING WAN, TAIKOO SHING, CHAI WAN. SHEK O. STANLEY AND LAMMA ISLAND.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT FOUR PRELIMINARY TEST FLIGHTS BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE HAD ALREADY BEEN CARRIED OUT LAST MONTH.
-------0----------
24-HOUR WATER ENQUIRY HOTLINES IN SERVICE »**♦»«
INFORMATION ON WATER THE TELEPHONE ENQUIRY
MEMBERS OF' THE PUBLIC MAY NOW OBTAIN ACCOUNT MATTERS ROUND THE CLOCK BY CALLING HOTLINES Of THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
AUTOMATIC TELEPHONE ANSWERING MACHINES. WITH PRE-RECORDED MESSAGES ON WATER ACCOUNT INFORMATION. ARE OPERATING ON THE HOTLINES 5-8900221 <12 LINES) AFTER OFFICE HOURS.
THE INFORMATION COVERS COMMON CAUSES FOR HEFTY BILLS. CHANGE OF CONSUMERSHIP. CLOSING OF ACCOUNTS AND REFUND OF DEPOSITS.
THE HOTLINES WILL BE MANNED BY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT DURING OFFICE HOURS. THEY WILL BE CONNECTED TO THE ANSWERING MACHINES AUTOMATICALLY WHEN ALL THE LINES ARE ENGAGED.
/-»?..........
SUNDAY. NOVEMBER 12, 1989
- 13 -
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN TSIM SHA TSUI » » « ♦ »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 14), CERTAIN SECTIONS OF CANTON ROAD IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS.
THEY ARE:
» THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CANTON ROAD. FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KOWLOON PARK DRIVE TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION (FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY).
» THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CANTON ROAD, FROM A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH KOWLOON PARK DRIVE TO A POINT ABOUT 235 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION (24-HOUR DAILY).
» THE KERBSIDE LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CANTON ROAD, FROM A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH AUSTIN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 115 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION: AND THE SECTION OF TRAFFIC LANE IMMEDIATELY TO THE EAST OF THE VERGE AT THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CANTON ROAD OUTSIDE CHINA FERRY TERMINAL (FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY).
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-------0 ---------
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN YAU MA TEI » t * » *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 14). CERTAIN AREAS IN PARKES STREET. YAU MA TEI. WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
THEY ARE:
t THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PARKES STREET BETWEEN NANKING STREET AND JORDAN ROAD: AND
♦ THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF PARKES STREET BETWEE\t JUNCTION WITH JORDAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 15 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
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
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS FIRST HOMES IN NEW TOWN ...................... 1
HK'S DEMAND FOR SCIENCE, ENGINEERING GRADUATES CERTAIN TO
GROW ...................................................... 2
MORE RESOURCES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION........................ 4
TFT .A EXPRESSES REGRET OVER CHIEF CENSOR'S DEATH ........... 5
TRADE DELEGATION TO ATTEND MINISTERIAL MEETING IN TOKYO...... 6
HKQAA GOVERNING COUNCIL HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING ............. 7
COUNCIL HOPES FOR EARLY PASSAGE OF BILL...................... 8
MOST ACCESSIBLE BUILDINGS FOR DISABLED DECLARED ............. 9
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED................... 10
JUNE SALARY INDEXES FOR MANAGERIAi/PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES ... 13
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR SECOND QUARTER............ 18
HK GRAFT-FIGHTING APPROACH RECOMMENDED AT CONFERENCE......... 20
FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE ARTS IN KWAI TSING ...................... 22
WATER STORAGE FIGURE......................................... 22
ROYAL VISIT SOUVENIR STAMP SHEETS STILL AVAILABLE ........... 23
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE IN TA KWU
LING ...................................................... 23
NOMINATIONS FOR AWARDS CLOSE ON FRIDAY ...................... 24
CANTONESE OPERA DAY FOR THE ELDERLY.......................... 25
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF FEI TSUI ROAD .................... 25
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KING'S ROAD RECONSTRUCTION.......... 26
WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI ..................................... 26
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
GOVERNOR OPENS FIRST HOMES IN NEW TOWN t t ♦ ♦ *
HOMES FOR 22,000 PEOPLE IN TSUI LAM RENTAL ESTATE IN TSEUNG KWAN O WERE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID WILSON, TODAY (MONDAY).
THESE PEOPLE WERE THE FIRST OF ABOUT 80,000 WHO WOULD BE MOVING INTO PUBLIC RENTAL AND HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS IN THE NEW TOWN --PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS JUNK BAY — OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, THE GOVERNOR SAID.
BY THE TURN OF THE CENTURY THE NEW TOWN, WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED, WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR 400,000 PEOPLE.
’’PHASES ONE AND TWO OF THE PROJECT, WHICH ARE ALREADY UNDERWAY, WILL PROVIDE HOMES, SCHOOLS, CLINICS, GARDENS AND SHOPS FOR 300,000. THE GOVERNMENT IS INVESTING SOME $13 BILLION IN THESE PROGRAMMES,” THE GOVERNOR SAID.
DESCRIBING THE OPENING OF THE TSUI LAM ESTATE AS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE FOR TSEUNG KWAN O, THE GOVERNOR SAID HONG KONG COULD BE “RIGHTLY PROUD” OF THE NEW TOWN PROGRAMME.
“NEW TOWNS HAVE PROVIDED A MORI' MODERN AND BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR NEARLY TWO MILLION PEOPLE. SOME TWO-THIRDS OF ALL THESE PEOPLE LIVE IN HOUSING BUILT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
"THE TSUI LAM ESTATE WHERE WE ARE TODAY IS ONLY THE LATEST OF A LONG SERIES OF MAJOR HOUSING AUTHORITY PROJECTS,” HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT TOO, PLAYS ITS PART, DIRECTLY INVESTING LARGE SUMS OF MONEY IN SITE FORMATION. TRANSPORT LINKS AND OTHER SUPPORTING SERVICES.
THE PARTNERSHIP HAS WORKED WELL. THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS Ob THE GOVERNMENT AND THE HOUSING AUTHORITY MORE AND BETTER SELF-CONTAINED COMMUNITIES COULD BE CREATED, WITH COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT FOR THOSE WHO CHOSE TO LIVE THERE.
THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS STRUCK BY THE MANY CHANGES WHICH MARKED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN — A TUNNEL LINK TO KWUN TONG ABOUT TO BE COMPLETED: HUNDREDS OF NEW HOUSING FLATS BEING BUILT, AND THE RAPIDLY CHANGING Sil API OF THE VALLEY SHORELINE.
HE SAID MUCH HARD WORK HAD GONE INTO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ESTATE. AND CONGRATULATED Till HOUSING AUTHORITY ON ITS IMPRESSIVE TRACK RECORD IN PROVIDING NEK HOUSING AND IN REDEVELOPING ITS OLDER HOUSING UNITS.
I AM SURE THAT THE NEW COMMUNITY HERE WILL QUICKLY REAL SENSE OF NEIGHBOURHOOD AND IDENTITY.” HE SAID.
DEVELOP A
/WELCOMING THE .......
MONDAY, NOVIMBER 1J, 1989
- 2
WELCOMING THE GOVENOR, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, SIR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THE HISTORIC OCCASION REPRESENTED "NOT MERELY THE OPENING OF THIS ESTATE BUT THE FORMAL OPENING OF A NEW TOWN" .
TSEUNG KWAN O IS NOW FIRMLY ESTABLISHED AS THE NEWEST NEW TOWN AND, WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE TUNNEL TO KWUN TONG AND THE EASTERN HARBOUR TUNNEL IT WOULD BE A FEW MINUTES BY BUS RIDE FROM KWUN TONG AND ABOUT 20 MINUTES FROM HONG KONG.
"INDEED IT IS MUCH MORE ACCESSIBLE THAN MOST OF OUR OTHER NEW TOWNS," HE SAID.
"THE AIR IS CLEAN. IT IS A NEW ENVIRONMENT AND IN THE COURSE OF THE NEXT FEW YEARS AS THE TREES GROW UP. TSEUNG KWAN O WILL BECOME A SHOW PLACE OF OUR HONG KONG ACHIEVEMENT IN HOUSING AND COMMUNITY BUILDING. INDEED IT IS ALREADY ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TOWNS AMONG FAMILIES APPLYING FOR HOUSING." SIR DAVID SAID.
HE SAID THE INDEPENDENT HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS TACKLING ITS REPONS I BILIT IES WITH RENEWED VIGOUR.
THE REVIEWS AND RESEARCH NOW BEING DONE BY THE AUTHORITY INTO HOUSING THE ELDERLY, THE SANDWICH CLASS. THE ROLE OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THE EXTENSION OF HOME OWNERSHIP AND OTHER MATTERS WOULD ENABLE THE AUTHORITY TO MAKE ITS FULL CONTRIBUTION TO THE STABILITY AND HAPPINESS OF THE COMMUNITY. HE SAID.
AFTER OPENING THE ESTATE. THE GOVERNOR, ACCOMPANIED BY LADY WILSON AND Till' DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR PANG YUK-LING. VISIT TO THE TSUI LAM ESTATE BAPTIST KINDERGARTEN AND VIEWED AN EXHIBITION OF MODELS AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE TSEUNG KWAN O DEVELOPMENT.
SOME 500 GUESTS ATTENDED THE CEREMONY. INCLUDING MEMBERS OF HOUSING AUTHORITY COMMITTEES. DISTRICT BOARDS. MUTUAL AID COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS.
-------0 ---------
HK’S DEMAND FOR SCIENCE. ENGINEERING GRADUATES CERTAIN TO GROW ******
HONG KONG’S DEMAND FOR GRADUATES WITH A SOLID GROUNDING IN SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IS CERTAIN TO GROW AS THE TERRITORY MOVES INTO THE ERA OF MORE ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID WILSON. SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER OF THE SCIENCE FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. SIR DAVID STRESSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISED THE GROWING ROLE PLAYED BY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN HONG KONG'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
/"IF HONG .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
- 3 -
"IF HONG KONG IS TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS CENTRE. AND ONE OF THE GREAT TRADING TERRITORIES OF THE WORLD, WE MUST MAKE USE OF ALL THE NEW IDEAS AND PROCESSES NEEDED TO SUSTAIN OUR ECONOMIC SUCCESS.” HE SAID.
NOTING THAT INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY WAS ONE KEV AREA IN THIS REGARD, SIR DAVID SAID THE COMMITTEE ON SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY HAD BEEN EXPLORING THE POSSIBILITY OF APPLYING ELECTRONIC DATA INTERCHANGE FOR TRADING PURPOSES AND THAT THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO COMMISSIONED IMPORTANT CONSULTANCY STUDIES ON HONG KONG’S NEEDS IN THE SUPERCOMPUTING FIELD AND THE POTENTIAL FOR A BIOTECHNOLOGY INDUSTRY.
"THEIR APPROACH IS, AND MUST BE, TO FIND WAYS IN WHICH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY CAN BE APPLIED IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
"WE ARE NOT A SOCIETY THAT CAN AFFORD TO STUDY IN SPLENDID ISOLATION FROM THE CHALLENGES AND DISCIPLINES OF THE MARKET PLACE," SIR DAVID SAID.
"THE GOVERNMENT TOO WILL DO ITS BIT .
"WE BELIEVE, RIGHTLY. IN MINIMAL INTERFERENCE IN MARKET DECISIONS. BUT WE ALSO WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THOSE WHO MAKE THE DECISIONS DO SO WITH FULL ACCESS TO THE MOST MODERN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY," HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT THEREFORE HAD GIVEN BACKING TO THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND TO THE SETTING UP OF A TECHNOLOGY CENTRE TO STIMULATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES BY HONG KONG BUSINESS.
"IF WE ARE TO BE UP TO DATE BOTH ON RESEARCH AND APPLYING RESEARCH TO INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE WE MUST HAVE A STEADILY INCREASING SUPPLY OF WELL-EDUCATED YOUNG RECRUITS.
"THE SHIFT WITHIN BOTH THE MANUFACTURING AND SERVICE SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY TOWARDS MORE ’BRAIN-INTENSIVE' WORK AND HIGHER VALUE-ADDED OUTPUT MEANS THAT OUR POLICIES ON SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INDUSTRIAL SUPPORT, AND EDUCATION AND MANPOWER TRAINING MUST REMAIN FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE TO RAPID CHANGE." HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR EXPLAINED THAT THAT WAS THE BACKGROUND TO HIS ANNOUNCEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST MONTH THAT THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO MORE THAN DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST DEGREE PLACES BY 1995, FROM SEVEN PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP TO 18 PER CENT.
"THIS IS A CONSCIOUS AND DELIBERATE INVESTMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF A SKILLED WORKFORCE IN HONG KONG TO MEET FUTURE ECONOMIC DEMAND.
"I AM SURE THAT THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE WILL HAVE A MAJOR ROLE TO PLAY IN THIS," SIR DAVID SAID.
/SIR DAVID .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER ♦ 198?
4 -
SIR DAVID DESCRIBED THE HKU SCIENCE FACULTY AS AN EXAMPLE OF THAT WELL-KNOWN HONG KONG PHENOMENON : RAPID AND SUCCESSFUL GROWTH FROM SMALL BEGINNINGS.
’’THE SHEER SIZE OF THE FACULTY TODAY - NEARLY 1.000 UNDERGRADUATES - IS IMPRESSIVE.
’’BUT. MORE IMPORTANT. THE FACULTY HAS KEPT UP WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN BOTH ITS UNDERGRADUATE AND RESEARCH PROGRAMMES.” SAID SIR DAVID, CITING THE EXAMPLE OF THE NEW TWO-YEAR MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAMME ON ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
’’MUCH OF THE CREDIT FOR THESE RECENT INITIATIVES MUST GO TO YOUR DEAN, PROFESSOR POON. AND HIS COLLEAGUES. AND TO THE LEADERSHIP PROVIDED BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR. DR WANG,” SIR DAVID SAID.
’’THE FIRST 50 YEARS OF THE FACULTY HAVE SEEN REMARKABLE CHANGES AND GREAT ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG. THE NEXT 50 YEARS WILL SEE FURTHER CHANGES AND ALSO, I HOPE, EVEN GREATER ACHIEVEMENTS.
"THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY AND SOCIETY IN THE NEXT HALF CENTURY PRESENT AN ENORMOUS CHALLENGE TO THE FACULTY," THE GOVERNOR SAID.
------0 -------
MORE RESOURCES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION * * ♦ t * t
THE GOVERNMENT WILL STRENGTHEN THE DEVELOPMENT OF EDUCATION IN THE TERRITORY BY DEVOTING MORE RESOURCES ON THE YOUNGER GENERATION, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR DAVID LAN, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
ADDRESSING THE CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB HIOE TJO YOENG PRIMARY SCHOOL’S GRADUATION CEREMONY, MR LAN POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED TO SUBSTANT IALLY INCREASE THE NUMBER OF FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES.
"IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT STARTING NEXT YEAR, FIRST-YEAR, FIRST-DEGREE PLACES WOULD BE INCREASED FROM ABOUT 7,000 TO ABOUT 15,000 IN 1995.
"THIS INCREASE WOULD GIVE A TOTAL OF 67,000 TERTIARY PLACES IN 1995, ENABLING ABOUT 25 PER CENT OF THE RELEVANT AGE GROUP TO RECEIVE TERTIARY OR POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION,” HE NOTED.
/TO AVOID .......
MONDAY, NOVIMBER 1J, 1989
- 5 -
TO AVOID A POSSIBLE FALLING OFF IN STANDARDS AS A RESULT OF MASS EDUCATION, MR LAN CONTINUED, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PROVIDE SECONDARY 7 CLASSES IN ALL TYPES OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND INTRODUCE A PHASED PROGRAMME OF CONVERTING SENIOR PRIMARY CLASSES TO WHOLE-DAY OPERATION.
ANOTHER MEASURE WAS TO RAISE THE STANDARDS OF BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGES FOR TRAINING UP ADEQUATE MANPOWER TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE TERRITORY’S VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL PROJECTS AND TO ENSURE ITS CONTINUED PROSPERITY AND STATUS AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADING CENTRE, HE ADDED.
-----o-----
TELA EXPRESSES REGRET OVER CHIEF CENSOR’S DEATH
*»»»»»
THE TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AUTHORITY (TELA) TODAY (MONDAY) EXPRESSED DEEP REGRET OVER THE DEATH OF THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF FILM CENSOR, MR PIERRE LEBRUN, WHO DIED OF A HEART ATTACK YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING, MRS LILY YAM. SAID: "MR LEBRUN HAD WIDE EXPERIENCE IN FILM CENSORSHIP AND HE WAS GREATLY RESPECTED NOT ONLY WITHIN TELA BUT ALSO IN THE MOVIE INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
"HE MADE A PARTICULARLY VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE REVISED FILM CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM INTRODUCED A YEAR AGO.
"ALWAYS DEDICATED AND WILLING TO HELP. MR LEBRUN’S ADVICE WAS FREQUENTLY SOUGHT BY HIS COLLEAGUES AND HIGHLY VALUED. HE HAD A WARM AND FRIENDLY DISPOSITION AND WAS VERY WELL LIKED AND LOOKED UPON AS A FATHER FIGURE IN THE DEPARTMENT.
"WE HAVE LOST NOT ONLY A COLLEAGUE BUT ALSO A VERY GOOD FRIEND."
MR I,EBRUN JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS CHIEF FILM CENSOR IN 1973. HE IS SURVIVED BY HIS WIFE. A SON AND A DAUGHTER WHO ARE NOW IN CANADA.
-------o----------
/6........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
6
TRADE DELEGATION TO ATTEND MINISTERIAL MEETING IN TOKYO t ♦ * * t
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR JOHN CHAN, WILL LEAD A DELEGATION OF SENIOR TRADE OFFICIALS TO TOKYO THIS WEEK TO ATTEND AN INFORMAL MINISTERIAL MEETING.
THE MEETING, SCHEDULED TO TAKE PLACE FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 15 TO 17), IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF INFORMAL GATHERINGS OF TRADE MINISTERS FROM CERTAIN COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WHICH ARE ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN THE GATT URUGUAY ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE MEETING IS BEING HOSTED BY JAPAN AND WILL BE ATTENDED BY DELEGATIONS FROM 24 MEMBER STATES OF GATT, INCLUDING USA, THE EC COMMISSION AND SOME MEMBER STATES, CANADA, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, SWEDEN, MEXICO, KOREA, AND THAILAND.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRADE DEPARTMENT SAID THE MEETING WOULD OFFER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS INFORMALLY ON THE URUGUAY ROUND OF TRADE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE MINISTERS LAST MET FORMALLY IN MONTREAL IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO CONDUCT THE MID-TERM REVIEW OF THE URUGUAY ROUND.
"IT IS EXPECTED THAT THERE WILL BE A FRANK EXCHANGE OF POSITIONS BETWEEN KEY PLAYERS IN THE THREE BROAD GROUPS OF MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING THE GATT SYSTEM, MARKET ACCESS, AND NEW AREAS. THIS WILL FACILITATE PROGRESS IN THE NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT HONG KONG WAS PARTICIPATING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SUCH INFORMAL MEETINGS AT THE INVITATION OF THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT.
"WE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO PARTICIPATING IN THESE TALKS WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO CONTRIBUTE FURTHER TO THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS," HE SAID.
THE OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN THE DELEGATION ARE THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL OF TRADE, MR MICHAEL SZE; HONG KONG’S PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE GATT, MR KEITH BROADBRIDGE; AND THE CHIEF HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE REPRESENTATIVE IN TOKYO, MR LEE LAP-SUN.
-----0-----
/7........
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 13, 1989
- 7 -
HKQAA GOVERNING COUNCIL HOLDS INAUGURAL MEETING * ♦ « » *
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG QUALITY ASSURANCE AGENCY (HKQAA) HELD ITS INAUGURAL MEETING TODAY (MONDAY).
THE GOVERNING COUNCIL IS APPOINTED TO MANAGE THE HKQAA WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP AS A NON-PROFIT MAKING AGENCY FUNDED BY GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION.
SPEAKING AFTER THE MEETING, CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNING COUNCIL, DR JOHN LO, SAID THE PRIME OBJECTIVE OF THE HKQAA WAS TO UNDERTAKE ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS OF MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN HONG KONG, WITH A VIEW TO MAKING APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT FOR THE AWARD OF ACCREDITATION.
"UNDER THE SCHEME. GOVERNMENT RECOGNITION WILL BE CONFERRED ON MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH ADOPT QUALITY PRODUCTION AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS CONFORMING WITH INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE." DR LO SAID.
"THE STANDARDS BEING ADOPTED ARE BASED ON THE ISO 9000 SERIES OF QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARDS." HE ADDED.
IN ITS FORMATIVE YEARS. HE SAID, THE AGENCY WOULD RECEIVE CONSULTANCY ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM’S BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION (B8I) WHICH HAD MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE OPERATION OF THEIR QUALITY SYSTEMS ASSESSMENT AND REGISTRATION (QUASAR) SCHEME.
HKQAA'S CHIEF EXECUTIVE (DESIGNATE). MR LIONEL WOOD. WILL BE VISITING THE BSI IN DECEMBER THIS YEAR TO FAMILIARISE HIMSELF WITH THE OPERATION OF THE QUASAR SCHEME.
DR LO SAID THE AGENCY WOULD ALSO NEED TO RECRUIT AND TRAIN ASSESSORS TO UNDERTAKE THE DETAILED EXAMINATION OF COMPANIES SEEKING ACCREDITATION.
HE SAID THE ASSESSMENT OF THE FIRST GROUP OF FACTORIES WAS EXPECTED TO START IN THE LATTER PART OF 1990, WITH THE FIRST ACCREDITATIONS BEING AWARDED THEREAFTER.
DR LO SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE QUALITY MANAGEMENT ACCREDITATION SCHEME FOR MANUFACTURING COMPANIES WAS ONE OF THE THREE INTERLINKED AREAS OF ACTIVITY IN THE QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME ENDORSED BY TIIF INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE OTHER TWO AREAS WERE THE ENHANCING OF THE EXISTING QUALITY SUPPORT SERVICES PROVIDED RY GOVERNMENT AND THE LAUNCHING OF AN ONGOING QUALITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AIMED AT MANUFACTURERS.
THESE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS REPRESENTED MAJOR GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES IN THE PURSUIT OF QUALITY IN 01 R MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AND THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG PRODUCTS.
-------o ---------
/8........
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 13. 1989
- 8 -
COUNCIL HOPES FOR EARLY PASSAGE OF BILL
THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS COUNCIL HOPES THAT THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 WILL BE PASSED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE DATE SO AS TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE COMMENCEMENT OF REGISTRATION FOR THE VARIOUS PROFESSIONS CONCERNED.
THE NEWLY APPOINTED CHAIRMAN OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS COUNCIL. PROFESSOR TAM SHANG-WAI, SAID THIS AT A MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL WAS INTRODUED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JANUARY.
HOWEVER. ITS PASSAGE WAS HELD OVER FROM THE LAST LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION IN VIEW OF DEBATE OVER A NUMBER OF ISSUES RAISED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE BILL. INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF DOCTOR'S REFERRAL.
PROF TAM SAID THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS COUNCIL HAD GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION TO THE ISSUE OF DOCTOR'S REFERRAL AT ITS MEETING HELD LAST FRIDAY.
”IT IS THE VIEW OF THE COUNCIL THAT IN NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES. A MEMBER OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL PROFESSIONS, EXCEPT OPTOMETRISTS, SHOULD ONLY TREAT PATIENTS REFERRED FROM A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER,” HE SAID.
’’HOWEVER. WE CONCUR WITH THE PROFESSIONAL BOARDS THAT THE REQUIREMENT OF DOCTOR’S REFERRAL SHOULD BE PROVIDED IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE RESPECTIVE PROFESSIONS. AND SHOULD NOT BE MADE A MATTER FOR LEGISLATION.”
HE SAID THE COUNCIL HAD. AT THE MEETING. ENDORSED THE FINAL VERSION OF THE CODES OF PRACTICE FOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPISTS. PHYSIOTHERAPISTS AND MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGISTS PREPARED BY THE VARIOUS BOARDS.
’’ALL OF THEM CONTAIN A REFERENCE TO THE REQUIREMENT OF DOCTOR’S REFERRAL.” PROF TAM SAID.
”WE THEREFORE DO NOT SEE A NEED TO HAVE IT STIPULATED IN THE LEGISLATION AT THIS STAGE WHICH COULD BE INTERPRETED AS A MISTRUST OF THE SELF-REGULATORY ROLE OF THE PROFESSIONAL BOARDS.
’’FOR EFFECTIVE HEALTH CARE AND IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF PATIENTS. THERE SHOULD BE A PARTNERSHIP OF EXPERTS IN THE HEALTH CARE FIELD.”
-----0-----
/9........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
9
MOST ACCESSIBLE BUILDINGS FOR DISABLED DECLARED ♦ » t » *
THREE BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN DECLARED TO BE THE MOST ACCESSIBLE FOR DISABLED PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
THE BUILDINGS ARE IN SHAM SHUI PO, CENTRAL AND TAIKOO SHING.
RESULTS OF THE DESIGN AWARD OF THE MOST ACCESSIBLE BUILDING FOR THE DISABLED WERE ANNOUNCED AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR PETER CHAN.
"THE SCHEME WAS WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC,” MR CHAN SAID.
A TOTAL OF 27 NOMINATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE FOUR CATEGORIES IN THE AWARD SCHEME WHICH WAS ORGANISED IN JUNE BY THE ACCESS AND TRANSPORT SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE REHABILITATION DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE. IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.
"THE AWARD SCHEME WAS ORGANISED TO PROMOTE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE SPECIAL ACCESS NEEDS OF DISABLED PERSONS FOR INTEGRATION AND ALSO TO ENCOURAGE PROPERTY OWNERS. DEVELOPERS AND ARCHITECTS TO INCLUDE BARRIER-FREF FEATURES IN THEIR DESIGNS.” MR CHAN EXPLAINED.
THE FOUR CATEGORIES WERE: REHABILITATION INSTITUTION. PUBLIC NON-RES I DENT 1 AL BUILDI NG. PRIVATE NON-RESI DENTI AL BUILDI NG, AND PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING.
THE AWARD IN THE REHABILITATION INSTITUTION CATEGORY GOES TO THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND’S ROYAl HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CENTRE FOR THE BLIND AT 248 NAM CHEONG STREET. SHAM SHUI PO. THE BUILDING WAS DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTS OF DESIGN CONSULTANTS.
THE URBAN COUNCIL'S SHEUNG WAN COMPLEX AT 345 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. HAS WON THE AWARD IN THE PUBLIC NON-RESI DENT I AL BUILDING CATEGORY.
THE THIRD WINNING BUILDING PHASE II AT 18 TAIKOO SHING ROAD, PRIVATE NON-RESIDENTIAL CATEGORY. TUNG AND PARTNERS.
IS THE SWIRE PROPERTY’S CITIPLAZA
WHICH HAS WON THE AWARD IN THE THIS BUILDING WAS DESIGNED BY WONG
HOWEVER. NO AWARD WAS MADE IN THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AS ONLY ONE BUILDING - HENG FA CHUEN - WAS NOMINATED. ADJUDICATORS CONSIDERED THE BUILDING MERITED A COMMENDATION EFFORTS MADE IN PROVIDING GOOD ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED.
CATEGORY
AND THE
FOR THE
PRIZES AWARDED IN RESPECT OF THE THREE WINNING BUILDINGS INCLUDE A TROPHY. PLUS A CERTIFICATE OF MERIT FOR THE ARCHITECT AND A CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION FOR THE PROPERTY OWNER.
IN ADDITION. A SUITABLY ENGRAVED PLAQUE WILL BE AFFIXED TO EACH BUILDING.
/MR CHAN.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
10 -
MR CHAN SAID ALL SUBMISSIONS ENTERED WERE JUDGED ON CONVENIENCE. INTEGRATION. INNOVATION. USEFULNESS AND TRANSFERABILITY.
THE JUDGING PANEL COMPRISED DISABLED PERSONS, ARCHITECTS AND PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE ASSESSMENTS WERE HELD IN TWO STAGES, INCLUDING ONE ON-SITE.
MR CHAN SAID THAT, OVERALL, PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THE AWARD SCHEME HAD BEEN GOOD, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THAT THE MANDATORY ARCHITECTURAL PROVISIONS FOR DISABLED PERSONS IN NEW BUILDINGS AND IN THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS HAD ONLY TAKEN EFFECT FROM AUGUST 1985.
THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AND AN EXHIBITION RELATING TO THE BEST ENTRIES WILL BE HELD EARLY NEXT MONTH AT THE NEW WORLD CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI.
-----0-----
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
*****
FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989 COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER. ACCORDING TO SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) B'. THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IN GENERAL. FIRMS IN THIS SECTOR EXPECT A RATHER STABLE BUSINESS OUTLOOK IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989 ALTHOUGH THE EXPECTATIONS OF FIRMS IN INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES VARY.
FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTERS ARE USUALLY MORE ACTIVE SEASONALLY.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. FIRMS IN THE TEXTILES. PRINTING AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED A STABLE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER WHILE FIRMS IN THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED A MODERATE IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS.
REGARDING THE BUSINESS PROSPECTS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, FIRMS IN THE WEARING APPAREL. PRINTING, ELECTRONICS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES EXPECT AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WHILE FIRMS IN THE FOOD. BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO INDUSTRY ANTICIPATE A STABLE BUSINESS SITUATION.
FIRMS IN THE REMAINING INDUSTRIES (INCLUDING THE TEXTILES. PLASTICS, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY AND APPLIANCES AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRIES). HOWEVER. EXPECT A DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
/FIRMS IN
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
11
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR EXPERIENCED A STABLE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER IN CONTRAST TO THE EXPECTATION FOR A DECLINE IN BUSINESS RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS ROUND OF SURVEY.
AS REGARDS BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER. CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN GENERAL LOOK FORWARD TO SOME IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS.
AS FOR THE DISTRIBUTIVE AND CATERING TRADES SECTOR. FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE. RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS SECTOR EXPERIENCED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER WHEREAS HOTELS REPORTED A DETERIORATION.
IN REGARD TO THE BUSINESS EXPECTATION FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER, FIRMS IN THIS SECTOR ANTICIPATI A FAVOURABLE BUSINESS OUTLOOK.
IN THE OTHER SERVICES SECTOR. WHILE BANKS AND FIRMS IN THE TRANSPORT. STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION SERVICES RECORDED AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THE OTHER FIRMS (WHICH INCLUDE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES! EXPERIENCED A STABLE BUSINESS SITUATION.
AS REGARDS BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER. WHILE BANKS AND FIRMS IN THE MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS SERVICES ANTICIPATE AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER. THE OTHER FIRMS IN THIS SECTOR EXPECT A STABLE BUSINESS SITUATION.
ABOUT 1.000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES FORMING A CROSS-SECTTON OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY. THE SURVEY. THEY WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS
AND BUSINESSES. PARTICIPATED IN EXPERIENCES AND
EXPECTATIONS. AS WELL AS THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS THEY FACED.
SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR AND SHORTAGE OF LABOUR GENERALLY REMAINED A WIDESPREAD PROBLEM FOR FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND THIS SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR. FIRMS WERE AFFECTED BY SHORTAGE OF SKILLED AND GENERAL LABOUR. PRICE COMPETITION FROM LOCAL FIRMS IN HONG KONG AND HIGH WAGE RATES IN THE THIRD QUARTER. THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO PERSIST IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
A SIGNIFICANT PROPORTION OF FIRMS IN THE DISTRIBUTIVE AND CATERING TRADES SECTOR AND OTHER SERVICES SECTOR WERE STILL AFFECTED BY SHORTAGE OF STAFF AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
IN ADDITION. FIRMS IN THE HOTELS INDUSTRY CONTINUED TO BE AFFECTED BY THE PROBLEMS OF PRICE COMPETITION. INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS AND HIGH STAFF COSTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
HOWEVER. THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS IS EXPECTED TO EASE OFF CONSIDERABLY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
/ON THE
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
12 -
ON THE OTHER HAND. FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE. RETAIL. IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES WERE ALSO AFFECTED SIGNIFICANTLY BY THE PROBLEM OF PRICE COMPETITION IN THE THIRD QUARTER AND A SIMILAR SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO PREVAIL IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
ACCORDING TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE A SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER. IN THEIR OPINION. THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD "IMPROVED", "REMAINED THE SAME" OR "DETERIORATED" IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1989 COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER.
THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO "IMPROVE". "REMAIN THE SAME" OR "DETERIORATE" IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1989.
THE OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED.
MOREOVER. THE SURVEY REPORT CONTAINS A SECTION ON THE BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS. AND A BREAKDOWN OF THE VIEWS pF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT. IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE. THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CAUTION AS IT IS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS' RECOLLECTION OF THE PAST AND PERCEPTION OF THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES OF THE SURVEY REPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. GPO BUILDING. CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL. AND FROM THE PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. 19TH FLOOR. WANCHAI TOWER I, 12 HARBOUR ROAD. WAN CHAI, AT $5 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 5-8234779.
0
/13........
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 13. 1989
- 13 -
JUNE SALARY INDEXES EOR MANAGER I AL/PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES * * * * *
THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A). MEASURING CHANGES IN AVERAGE SALARY LEVELS FOR MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES. AT 190.3 IN JUNE 1989. WAS 15.0 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN JUNE 1988. ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE OVERALL NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B). WHICH MEASURES CHANGES IN AVERAGE SALARY LEVELS ONLY FOR THOSE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED TN THE SAME JOB AND IN THE SAME COMPANY IN BOTH 1988 AND 1989. WAS 231.2 IN JUNE 1989. REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 21.0 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH JUNE 1988.
THESE SALARY INDEXES USED JUNE 1983 AS THE BASE PERIOD.
BETWEEN JUNE 1988 AND JUNE 1989. THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A)
FOR LARGE COMPANIES INCREASED Bl 16.6 PER CENT AND THAT FOR MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES BY 14.6 PER CENT. AS REGARDS THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B). THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES WERE 22.2 PER CENT AND 20.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THESE DIFFERENCES TN SALARY INCREASES AS REFLECTED IN THE TWO INDEXES WERE LARGELY DUE TO THE EFFECT OF LABOUR TURNOVER OVER THE PERIOD CONCERNED.
THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) AND NOMINAL SALARY INDEX IB) FOR JUNF 1989 ANALYSED BY THE MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTORS OF COMPANY ARE SHOWN IN TABLES 1 AND 2 AND CHART 1.
BY DEFLATING THE NOMINAL SALARY INDEXES BY THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. THE REAL SALARY INDEXES ARE OBTAINED TO MEASURE CHANGES IN THE PURCHASING POWER OF THE AMOUNT OF MONEY EARNED. THE OVERALL REAL SALARY INDEX (A) STOOD AT 124.3 IN JUNE 1989. REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 3.7 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1988. THE OVERALL REAL SALARY INDEX (B). ON THE OTHER HAND. STOOD AT 150.9 IN JUNE 1989. REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 9.0 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH JUNE 1988.
BETWEEN JUNE 1988 AND JUNE 1989. THE REAL SALARY INDEX (A) FOR LARGE COMPANIES INCREASED BY 5.1 PER CENT AND THAT FOR MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES BY 3.3 PER CENT WHILE THE REAL SALARY INDEX (B) FOR LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES INCREASED BY 10.2 PER CENT AND 8.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
BOTH SALARY INDEXES (A) AND (B) ARE DESIGNED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MEASURING CHANGES IN SALARY LEVELS. HOWEVER. BY CONFINING TO THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO REMAINED IN THE SAME JOB AND IN THE SAME COMPANY TN 1988 AND 1989. THE SALARY INDEX (B) ONLY ACCOUNTS FOR SALARY CHANGES DUE TO GENERAL INCREMENT. MERITORIOUS INCREASE AND GAIN IN SENIORITY. ON THE OTHER HAND. THE SALARY INDEX (A) TAKES INTO ACCOUNT EFFECTS OF LABOUR MOBILITY AS WELL.
/THE RATE ......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
14
THE RATE OF INCREASE IN THE SALARY INDEX (B) IS USUALLY HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SALARY INDEX (A) BECAUSE THE SALARY INDEX (A) INCLUDES THE SALARIES OF NEWLY RECRUITED AND NEWLY PROMOTED EMPLOYEES. WHO TEND TO BE PAID COMPARATIVELY LOWER SALARIES THAN THOSE ALREADY IN THE SAME RANK.
AMONG THE MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES COVERED IN THE SURVEY. IT WAS FOUND THAT 62 PER CENT OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO PROFIT-SHARING BONUS. MOREOVER. 38 PER CENT WERE ENTITLED TO HOUSING BENEFITS OF SOME KIND AND 78 PEP CENT TO PROV1DENT/RETIREMENT FUND OR PENSION. IT WAS ALSO FOUND THAT 79 PER CENT OF THEM WERE ENTITLED TO GUARANTEED YEAR-END BONUS.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTING THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF SALARIES AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT) SINCE 1984 TO MEASURE CHANGES IN SALARY RATES FOR THE MANAGERIAJ. AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES.
EMPLOYEES OCCUPYING TOP POSITIONS IN MANAGEMENT ARE NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE OF DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING DATA FOR THEM. LOWER LEVEL EMPLOYEES ARE ALREADY COVERED IN THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF WAGES, SALARIES AND EMPLOYEES BENEFITS AND THEREFORE ARE ALSO EXCLUDED.
IN THE SURVEY. ONLY EMPLOYEES WORKING IN COMMON OCCUPATIONS OF MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LEVELS ARE COVERED. BOTH LOCAL AND EXPATRIATE STAFF ARE ENUMERATED. A SAMPLE OF 200 LARGE AND MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES WAS SELECTED FOR THE SURVEY. ALL THE LARGE COMPANIES IN THE SELECTED ECONOMIC SECTORS WERE SELECTED IN FULL WHEREAS MEDIUM-SIZED COMPANIES WERE SAMPLED RANDOMLY FROM EACH OF THE FIVE ECONOMIC SECTORS.
IN THE SURVEY. THE SALARY RATE IS DEFINED TO INCLUDE. IN ADDITION TO BASIC SALARIES. ALSO COST-OF-LIVING ALLOWANCE. GUARANTEED YEAR-END BONUS. COMMISSION AND TIPS AND OTHER GUARANTEED AND REGULAR BONUSES AND ALLOWANCES.
OTHER ITEMS WHICH MAY CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE TOTAL PAY PACKAGE OF EMPLOYEES AT THIS LEVEL SUCH AS PROFIT-SHARING BONUS AND HOUSING ALLOWANCE ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF THE SALARY RATE.
HOWEVER. STATISTICS ON FRINGE BENEFITS ARE SEPARATELY COMPILED. THEY ARE EXPRESSED IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGES OF EMPLOYEES INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY ENTITLED TO THEM.
DETAILS OF THE SALARY MOVEMENT. AVERAGE SALARY RATE FOR MAJOR OCCUPATIONS AND STATISTICS ON EMPLOYEE ENTITLEMENT TO VARIOUS FRINGE BENEFITS. TOGETHER WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE METHODOLOGY. ARE PUBLISHED IN A "REPORT OF SALARY AND EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - MANAGERIAL AND PROFESSIONAL EMPLOYEES (EXCLUDING TOP MANAGEMENT)".
/COPIES OF .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1?, 1989
COPIES OF THIS REPORT ARI' AVAILABLE AT S25 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE. GPO BUILDING. GROUND FLOOR. CONNAUGHT PLACE. CENTRAL.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SALARY INDEXES CAN BE DIRECTED TO THE WAGES AND LABOUR COSTS STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 5-8234746 OR 5-8234747.
TABLE 1: NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) ANALYSED BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR FOR JUNE 1989
( JUNE 198.3 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (A) % JUNE CHANGE 89/JL’NE 88
MANUFACTURING/ELECTRICITY. GAS & STEAM 184.2 ♦ 12.2
BUILDING A CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES 182.0 ♦ 14.0
WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES 198.2 ♦ 13.8
TRANSPORT. STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION 168.7 ♦ 16.0
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE 209.9 ♦ 19.1
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 190.3 ♦ 15.0
» ALL INDEXES ARE ROUNDED TO ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
PERCENTAGE CHANGES FOR JUNE 1989 OVER JUNE 1988 ARE
CALCULATED FROM INDEXES ROUNDED TO ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
/TABLE 2 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
16 -
TABLE 2: NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) ANALYSED BY MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR FOR JUNE 1989
(JUNE 1983 = 100)
SELECTED MAJOR ECONOMIC SECTOR NOMINAL SALARY INDEX (B) % CHANGE JUNE 89/JUNE 88
MANL’FACTURING/ELECTRICITY, GAS & STEAM 219.3 + 18.3
BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION AND RELATED TRADES 233.5 + 22.4
WHOLESALE/RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES 237.4 + 22.1
TRANSPORT. STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION 208.7 + 20.1
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE 24 4.1 + 20.5
ALL SECTORS ABOVE 231.2 + 21.0
» ALL INDEXES ARE ROUNDED TO ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
PERCENTAGE CHANGES FOR JUNE 1989 OVER JUNE 1988 ARK
CALCULATED FROM INDEXES ROUNDED TO ONE DECIMAL PLACE.
/CHANGE OF .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
17
Change of Nominal Salary Indexes (A) & (B)
by economic sector,June 1989/June 1988
Nominal Index (B)
Nominal Index (A)
C&SD. Nov 1989
-------0---------
/18...............................................
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
18 -
INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR SECOND QUARTER
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989, AT 123, WAS 2 POINTS OR 1.7 PER CENT ABOVE THAT FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS COMPARES WITH THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF 3.8 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989. THE AVERAGE GROWTH RATE FOR 1988 OVER 1987 WAS 6.0 PER CENT.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1989, THE INDEX SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 1-1 POINTS OR 12.8 PER CENT. THIS INCREASE WAS A SEASONAL PHENOMENON DUE MAINLY TO THE LARGER NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS IN THE SECOND QUARTER OVER THE FIRST QUARTER WHEN MOST OF THE MANUFACTURING WORKERS HAD THEIR LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
INDUSTRIES SHOWING THE LARGEST PERCENTAGE INCREASES IN PRODUCTION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1988 WERE: MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL (+28.0 PER CENT): CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+13.6 PER CENT); NEWSPAPER PRINTING, JOB PRINTING AND OTHER PRINTING (+10.9 PER CENT); TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) (+9.3 PER CENT): AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+6.5 PER CENT).
ON THE OTHER HAND, SEVERAL INDUSTRIES REPORTED DECLINES IN PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1988. AMONG THEM WERE: PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-12.6 PER CENT): WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS, AND FURNITURE AND FIXTURES (EXCEPT PRIMARILY OF METAL) (-9.6 PER CENT); FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS. EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT (-9.4 PER CENT): RUBBER PRODUCTS (-)•:. 5 PER CENT); AND BEVERAGE (-7.4 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1989 WITH THAT IN THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT BEARING TN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, ALMOST ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES SURVEYED REPORTED INCREASES IN PRODUCTION.
THE MORE SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES: PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+34.2 PER CENT); TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) (+31.5 PER CENT); BEVERAGE (+21.5 PER CENT); AND CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 1+19.0 PER CENT).
IN RELEASING THESE FIGURES. A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IS PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE CHANGES OVER TIME OF LOCAL MANUFACTURING OUTPUT IN REA), TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS. THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
A TABLE SHOWING CHANGES IN THE INDEXES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN GREATER DETAIL IS INCLUDED.
/MORE DETAILED
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
- 19 -
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE "REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION. SECOND QUARTER 1989”. WHICH IS ON SALE AT S3 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GPO BUILDING. CONNAUGHT PLACE. CENTRAL OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, 19TH FLOOR. WANCHAI TOWER I. 12 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ON TEL. 5-8234832.
INDEXES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION BY INDUSTRY GROUP
<1986=100)
INDUSTRY GROUP INDEXES FOR 2ND QTR. 1989 PER CENT CHANGE OVER
2ND QTR. 1988 1ST QTR. 1989
FOOD 111 0.0 + 0.9
BEVERAGE 113 -7.4 + 21.5
TOBACCO 154 *2.0 + 3.4
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT KNITWEAR AND FOOTWEAR 108 + 1.9 + 6.9
TEXTILES (INCLUDING KNITTING) 117 *9.3 + 31.5
PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS 196 + 6.5 + 34.2
NEWSPAPER PRINTING. JOB PRINTING AND OTHER PRINTING 152 ♦ 10.9 + 12.6
CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS 125 + 13.6 + 19.0
RUBBER PRODUCTS 97 -8.5 -11.8
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 90 -12.6 + 16.9
NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS 112 -0.9 + 4.7
BASIC METALS 143 0.0 + 15.3
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, EXCEPT MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT 125 -9.4 + 6.8
MACHINERY, EXCEPT ELECTRICAL 192 + 28.0 + 14.3
/CONSUMER ELECTRICAL
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
- 20 -
CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS 133 *0.8 + 2.3
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PARTS, ACCESSORIES AND MACHINERY 160 *1.3 *8.1
PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT. PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS. WATCHES AND CLOCKS 128 -1.5 *17.4
LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (EXCEPT RUBBER. PLASTIC AND WOODEN FOOTWEAR I 125 -3.8 *11.6
WOOD AND CORK PRODUCTS. AND FURNITURE AND FIXTURES (EXCEPT PRIMARILY OF METAL I 85 -9.6 *1 .2
TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 1 13 -5.0 + 6.6
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. NOT ELSEWHERE CLASSIFIED 123 -3.9 + 7.9
ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES 123 *1.7 *12.8
-----0-----
HK GRAFT-FIGHTING APPROACH RECOMMENDED AT CONFERENCE t ♦ * i r
HONG KONG’S THREE-PRONGED ATTACK AGAINST GRAFT WAS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED TO DELEGATES ATTENDING THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPT ION CONFERENCE IN SYDNEY TODAY (MONDAY).
THE COMMISSIONER OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON. ADVOCATED THIS APPROACH AS ONE OF THE BEST STRATEGIES IN TACKLING THE PROBLEM WHEN HE DELIVERED A KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON THE IMPORTANCE ON THE THREE-PRONGED ATTACK ON CORRUPTION AND ITS EFFECTIVENESS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT IF THE PUBLIC AND ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WERE TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE ORGANISATION THAT CARRIED THE GRAFT-FIGHTING RESPONSIBILITY. IT MUST BE 'INDEPENDENT OF THE REST OF THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE- POL ITI CAL SIDE OF THE GOVERNMENT. AND OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
/’’AND IF..........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1}, 1989
- 21
"AND IF IT IS TO HAVE ANY HOPE OF SUCCESSFULLY INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION. IT MUST HAVE ADEQUATE POWERS IN LAW TO INVESTIGATE WHAT ARE INVARIABLY VERY DIFFICULT ALLEGATIONS."
MR JEAFFRESON NOTED THAT BOTH THESE PROVISOS CARRIED WITH THEM CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES.
THE ICAC IN HONG KONG WAS CONTINUING TO BE UNDER FAIRLY HEAVY ATTACK FROM SOME QUARTERS IN RESPECT OF THE POWERS IT HAD IN LAW TO HELP WITH ITS INVESTIGATIONS. HE SAID.
"WE THINK THESE POWERS ARE THE MINIMUM WE NEED TO HAVE SOME CHANCE OF SUCCESS WITH INVESTIGATING ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION. OTHERS THINK THEY ARE EXCESSIVE IN TERMS OF HUMAN RIGHTS."
ON WHETHER HONG KONG WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ITS OVERALL ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGY IN THE 1990’S. THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT ACCORDING TO PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS HE HAD NO DOUBT THAT THE PUBLIC GENERALLY DID NOT WANT TO SEE ANY WEAKENING OF THE ICAC’S CAPABILITY TO TACKLE CORRUPTION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS PROVISION IN THE BASIC LAW, WHICH CHINA WAS DRAWING UP FOR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION. FOR THERE TO BE AN INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
EARLIER IN HIS ADDRESS. MR JEAFFRESON SPOKE BRIEFLY ON THE HISTORY AND FORMATION OF THE ICAC.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED TO THE DELEGATES HONG KONG’S THREE-PRONGED ATTACK -- INVESTIGATIONS OF ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION. EDUCATING THE PUBLIC AGAINST CORRUPTION AND TO REPORT ANY SUSPICIONS OF IT THAT COME THEIR WAY. AND CORRUPTION PREVENTION.
OVER THE YEARS. HE SAID. FINDINGS OF INDICATED THAT THE PUBLIC CONSIDERED THAT STEADILY DECREASING PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
PUBLIC OPINION SURVEYS CORRUPTION HAD BEEN A
"IN PARTICULAR THE NUMBER OF RESPONDENTS WHO CONSIDER THAT THERE IS CORRUPTION IN MOST GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAS DECLINED DRAMATICALLY."
BUT THEY PERCEIVED THE BUSINESS SECTOR AS HAVING MORE CORRUPTION THAN IT USED TO. HE ADDED.
MR JEAFFRESON IS ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WITH THREE SENIOR ICAC OFFICERS: THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS, MR JIM BUCKLE; DIRECTOR OF CORRUPTION PREVENTION. MR TONY SCOTT; AND DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS. MR LEUNG CHTN-MAN.
THEY WILL TAKE PART IN SEPARATE PANEL DISCUSSIONS ON VARIOUS TOPICS WITH GRAFT-FIGHTERS FROM DIFFERENT COUNTRIES INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES. THE UNITED KINGDOM. THE NETHERLANDS, MEXICO, SINGAPORE, PUERTO RICO. PAPUA NEW GUINEA. AND ALSO FROM MACAU AND THE UNITED NATIONS.
/ABOUT 230 .......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1989
- 22
ABOUT 230 DELEGATES REPRESENTING 80 ORGANISATIONS FROM 30 COUNTRIES ARE ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE.
THE THEME OF THE SIX-DAY CONFERENCE WHICH BEGAN YESTERDAY IS PLANNING STRATEGIES TO COMBAT AND PREVENT CORRUPTION IN THE 1990’S.
IT IS BEING HOSTED BY THE AUSTRALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND ATTORNEY GENERAL. MR LIONEL BOWEN.
-------0---------
FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE ARTS IN KWAI TSING
*»*»**
RESIDENTS OF KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE VARIOUS EVENTS IN THE THIRD KWAI TSING ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 17 TO JANUARY 4.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MR LEUNG KWONG-CHEONG, SAID AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY) AROUND 30,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE 32 EVENTS IN THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME.
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ON DECEMBER 17.
THE FIRST PROGRAMME WILL BE THE SCREENING OF A LOCALLY PRODUCED FILM DEPICTING THE LIVES AND ASPIRATIONS OF SIX YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN LARGE CITIES IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION.
OTHER. EVENTS INCLUDE CHINESE OPERA, FOLK DANCE, MODERN DANCE. DRAMA, CHINESE ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCES, PUPPET AND MAGIC SHOWS. AND FILM SHOWS.
COPIES OF THE FESTIVAL PROGRAMME, LEAFLETS AND FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE AND SUB-OFFICES.
THE FESTIVAL HAS BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE KWAI TSING DISTRICT BOARD. KWAI TSING DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION, KWAI TSING DISTRICT OFFICE, THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE GROUPS. THE BUDGET IS ABOUT S500.000.
-------0----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURE * * * *
SIORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 61.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR. 360.636 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 244.963 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 41.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
------0 ------
/23........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1989
ROYAL VISIT SOUVENIR STAMP SHEETS STILL AVAILABLE * * t # t
A LIMITED NUMBER OF ROYAL VISIT SOUVENIR STAMP SHEETS WHICH REMAINED UNSOLD AT SOME POST OFFICES WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT $5 EACH ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 15). A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SOUVENIR SHEETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING THREE PHILATELIC OFFICES: GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RELEASE OF ROYAL VISIT SPECIAL STAMPS LAST WEDNESDAY HAD BEEN A GREAT SUCCESS, AND THERE HAD BEEN AN OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR THEM IN MOST POST OFFICES.
”A LIMITED NUMBER OF SOUVENIR SHEETS REMAINED UNSOLD AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS AT SOME OFFICES," HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
DB COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS WATERCOURSE MAINTENANCE IN TA KWU LING ♦ ♦ ♦ r * t
THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WILL DISCUSS THE MAINTENANCE OF WATERCOURSES IN TA KWU LING AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
MEMBERS WILL ALSO CONSIDER REQUESTS FOR MINOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT WORKS IN THE DISTRICT. THESE INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAIN SHELTER. THE ERECTION OF VILLAGE NAME PLATES, AND IMPROVEMENTS TO AN OPEN SPACE AND A VAN TRACK.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE REQUESTS FOR LOCAL PUBLIC WORKS. AND PROGRESS REPORTS ON SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AND VILLAGE LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE NORTH DISTRICT
BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE TO BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE. JOCKEY CLUB ROAD. FANLING.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
- 0 -
/?A
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13. 1989
NOMINATIONS FOR AWARDS CLOSE ON FRIDAY t ♦ ♦ t ♦
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (MONDAY) REMINDED RESIDENTS THAT NOMINATIONS FOR THE DISTRICT’S 1989 OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS AWARDS CLOSES ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17).
ANY PERSON AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 30 WHO LIVES. STUDIES OR WORKS IN THE DISTRICT MAY BE NOMINATED FOR THE AWARD IF HE OR SHF HAS A GOOD RECORD OF COMMUNITY SERVICE.
THE ASSESSMENT CRITERIA ALSO INCLUDE A PERSON’S KNOWLEDGE OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS. ANALYTICAL ABILITY AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORK.
THE AWARD SCHEME IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DISTRICT’S YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF THE FIRST YOUTH FESTIVAL IN DECEMBER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AWARDS AIMED AT GIVING FORMAL RECOGNITION TO YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY, AND PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR THEM TO BUILD A CARING AND RESPONSIBLE COMMUNITY.
THE TOP THREE WINNERS WILL EACH BE OFFERED AN EIGHT-DAY STUDY TRIP TO SINGAPORE IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR IN ADDITION TO A TROPHY.
SEVEN OTHER OUTSTANDING CANDIDATES WILL EACH BE AWARDED A J500 BOOK COUPON AND A TROPHY.
SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE INVITED TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW BY A PANEL OF FIVE ADJUDICATORS ON NOVEMBER 29.
THE ADJUDICATORS ARE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH. MRS ROSANNA TAM: EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GARY YEUNG: DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN. MR SHUM (HOI-SANG: CHAIRMAN OF THE D I STR I CT ’ S YOUTH R.E< RIAT I ON CO-ORD I NAT I NG COMM I TTEF , MISS SUN FONG-CHUNG: AND CH AIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON YOUTH FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES IN Till DISTRICT. MR WU TING-PANG.
NOMINATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS THREE SUB-OFFICES.
- 0 -
/25
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 13, 1989
25
CANTONESE OPERA DAY FOR THE ELDERLY t * t I ♦
A CANTONESE OPERA DAY FOR THE ELDERLY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE WONG TAT SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE AS PART OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM. ADMISSION IS FREE.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TN THE DISTRICT WILL PRESENT CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS TO HUNDREDS OF ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE FUNCTION.
THE OPERA DAY WILL PROVIDE THOSE ELDERLY PEOPLE WHO LOVE SINGING CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE SINGING EXPERIENCES AND TO ENTERTAIN AN AUDIENCE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CANTONESE OPERA DAY FOR THE ELDERLY OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL. IT WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE. 104 CHING TAK STREET.
-----0---------
TEMPORARY NIGHT CLOSURE OF FEI TSUI ROAD ♦ ♦ i i ♦
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FEI TSUI ROAD NEAR THE ACCESS ROAD TO HING WAH ESTATE IN CHAI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC INTERMITTENTLY BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM DA HA FROM WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 15 TO 18) BECAUSE OF FLYOVER WORKS.
DURING THIS PERIOD. FEI TSUI ROAD WILL BE OPENED AT 15-M1NUTE INTERVALS AND IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES.
-------0---------
/26........
MONDAY. NOVEMBER 13, 1989
- 26 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KING’S ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TO FACILITATE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF KING’S ROAD, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 15) FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS.
ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT BUSES AND THOSE REQUIRING LOCAL ACCESS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM JAVA ROAD ONTO TONG SHUI ROAD SOUTHBOUND.
IN ADDITION, ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING RIGHT FROM TONG SHUI ROAD ONTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND.
CENTRAL-BOUND CMB ROUTE 16 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA JAVA ROAD, KAM HONG STREET AND KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND BEFORE RESUMING ITS NORMAL ROUTEING.
MOREOVER, VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM ENTERING TONG SHUI ROAD SOUTHBOUND BETWEEN JAVA ROAD AND KING’S ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME. THE EXISTING TRAM LANE ON KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH TONG SHUI ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 90 METRES TO THE EAST WILL BE LIFTED.
-----0-----
WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI ♦ * ♦ ♦
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 15) TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY TO FACILITATE A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY JORDAN ROAD. CANTON ROAD. SHANGHAI STREET. KANSU STREET. INCLUDING PAK HOI STREET. SAIGON STREET, NING PO STREET. NANKING STREET, BATTERY STREET AND RECLAMATION STREET.
-------0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO PRESS FOR GENEROUS PACKAGE FOR HONG KONG...... 1
1988 OVERSEAS INVESTMENT GROWS BY 24 PER CENT............. 2
ACHIEVING BETTER UNDERSTANDINGS A MAJOR CHALLENGE ........ 4
UNEMPLOYMENT, UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JULY - SEPT .... 5
EIGHTH MEETING OF PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY ......... 7
11 QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA ............................. 9
PROPOSED COMPOSITE INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE BUILDINGS ........... 9
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER TO RETIRE AFTER 55 YEARS' SERVICE...... 11
RELICS UNEARTHED AT LUNG KWU TAN EXCAVATION .............. 11
ARTS FESTIVAL FOR EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS ............. 12
MUSICAL TREAT FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS ................. 15
DB TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORT SITE................. 14
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON NEW EXHIBITION SERVICE CENTRE . 14
TEMPORARY SWITCH-OFF OF RTHK FM FREQUENCIES .............. 15
WINNERS IN ESSAY COMPETITION RECEIVE PRIZES .............. 15
HAWKER AND RETAILER FINED FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS .............................................. 17
MORRISON HILL POST OFFICE RE-OPENS ON MONDAY ............. 18
HK JOINS WORLD STAMP EXPO '89 ............................ 18
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF ................. 19
LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES TO ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL DESIGN CONTEST .... 19
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS ........................... 20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR MOVEMENT OF PLANE................. 21
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 14. 1989
GOVERNOR TO PRESS FOR GENEROUS PACKAGE FOR HONG KONG
* ♦ t t t
THE GOVERNOR. STR DAVID WILSON. SAID TONIGHT (TUESDAY) THAT HE WILL BE PRESSING FOR A GENEROUS PACKAGE FOR HONG KONG ON THE RIGHT OF ABODE ISSUE WHEN HE MEETS GOVERNMENT MINISTERS IN LONDON.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT. STR DAVID SAID THIS WOULD ENABLE US TO KEEP IN HONG KONG SOME OF THE KEY PEOPLE TO ENSURE THAT THE TERRITORY KEPT GOING BOTH IN TERMS OF THE ECONOMY AND THE GOVERNMENT. .. _
ASKED TO COMMENT ON COMPLAINTS FROM CIVIL SERVANTS THAT THE PLANS WOULD GIVE MORE PLACES TO PEOPLE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR. THE GOVERNOR SAID : "WHAT WE NEED IS A BALANCED PACKAGE. WE NEED TO COVER ALL SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY."
"OF COURSE. WE HAVE A CONCERN FOR PEOPLE IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE. THEY’RE ESSENTIAL FOR KEEPING HONG KONG AS A WHOLE GOING. BUT WE’VE GOT AN EQUAL CONCERN FOR OTHER. PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY." HE SAID.
"WHAT WE WANT IS A BALANCED PACKAGE/* AND AS I WAS SAYING EARLIER. WE WANT A GENEROUS PACKAGE AS WELL. AND THAT’S WHAT I SHALL BE ARGUING FOR." HE ADDED. • •
SIR DAVID ALSO DESCRIBED UK PRESS REPORTS THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WAS ONLY WILLING TO OFFER A MAXIMUM OF 150.000 PASSPORTS TO HONG KONG PEOPLE AS HIGHLY SPECULATIVE AT THE MOMENT.
ANOTHER ISSUE THE GOVERNOR WILL BF DISCUSSING WHI LI IN LONDON IS THAT OF THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE.
SIR DAVID SAID THAT THERE WAS A NEED. DURING THE WINTER PERIOD. TO GET IN PLAUE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ORDERLY RETURN OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT REFUGEES TO VIETNAM UNDER ACCEPTABLE MONITORING CONDITIONS.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON A UK NEWSPAPER REPORT THAT BRITAIN HAD GIVEN A SECRET PROMISE TO PEKING THAT IT WOULD MAKE NO MAJOR CHANGES TO HONG KONG’S POLITICAL SYSTEM BEFORE 1997. THE GOVERNOR SAID: "THAT ALLEGATION THAT THERE WAS SOME SECRET AGREEMENT IN 1984 IS ABSOLUTE NONSENSE. THERE WAS NO SUCH SECRET AGREEMENT."
SIR DAVID SAID THE PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT TO LONDON WAS TO MEET THE NEW FOREIGN SECRETARY. MR DOUGLAS HURD. AND THE NEW HOME SECRETARY. MR DAVID WADDINGTON. AND TO BRING THEM UP-TO-DATE ON HONG KONG VIEWS ON MATTERS THEY WERE DEALING WITH.
/’’THEN I..........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1?89
2
"THEN I WILL. AS USUAL. TAKE THE CHANCE TO MEET WITH OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN OFFICE. AND 1 WILL BE MEETING SOME MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND THI HOUSE OF LORDS WHO ARE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN HONG KONG AFFAIRS. ' HE \DDED.
THE GOVERNOR’ WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON SATURDAY
.’NOVEMBER 18).
HE WAS SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY LADY WILSON. AND THE CHIEF SECRF.TARY . S 11.* D AV I D FORD .
------0-------
1988 OVERSEAS INVESTMENT GROWS BY 24 PER CENT * t * * I
OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES GREW BY 21 PER CENT LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST SURVEY REPORT RELEASED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY).
ANNOUNCING RESULTS OF THE SURVEY AT
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR T.ll. BARMA. SAID IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AT
A PRESS CONFERENCE, THE TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT THE END OF 1988 HAD RISEN
TO $26,172 MILLION -- 24 PER ('ENT HIGHER THAN IN 1987 AND DOUBLE THE FIGURE RECORDED AT SEPTEMBER 1984.
MORE THAN
THE 1989 SURVEY OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT TN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF SURVEYS UNDERTAKEN ANNUALLY BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TO ASSESS THE LEV El AND TYPE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN MANUFACTURING.
THE SURVEY 1 DENT IFI ED 605 MANUFACTURI NG COMPANIES WITH OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN 1988 COMPARED WITH 593 TN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
MR BARMA SAID Till UNITED STATES CONTINUED TO BE THE LEADING SOURCE OF INVESTMENT. CONTRIBUTING 31 PER ('ENT OF TOTAL OVERSEAS INVESTMENT.
"JAPAN. CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM REMAINED IN SECOND, THIRD AND FOURTH PLACES. WITH 27 PER CENT. 11 PER ('ENT AND NINE PER CENT OF TOTAL INVESTMENT RESPECTIVELY.” HE SAID.
"HOWEVER, JAPAN INVESTED MORE IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES IN 1988 THAN ANY OTHER INVESTING COUNTRY AND, IF ITS PRESENT RATI OF INVESTMENT CONTINUES, IT MAY SOON CHALLENGE THE UNITED STATES IN THE FIRST PLACE." HE ADDED.
MR BARMzY SAID Till MAIN AIM OI THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S INWARD INVESTMENT PROMOTION PROGRAMME WAS TO ENCOURAGE OVERSEAS INVESTORS TO INTRODK 1 TO HONG KONG. THROUGH THEIR INVESTMENTS. NEW OR IMPROVED PRODUCTS . PROCESSES . DES 1 GNS AND MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES .
/"THE SURVEY .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 5 -
"THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE ENCOURAGING IN THIS RESPECT." HE SAID.
MR BARMA SAID 242 COMPANIES WITH AN OVERSEAS INTEREST. OR IO PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, WERE JOINT VENTURES WITH LOCAL PARTNERS. A FORM OF CO-OPERATION WHICH PROVIDED A GOOD OPPORTUNITY FOR TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
"IN ABOUT 40 PER CENT OF THE COMPANIES, STAFF HAVE BEEN DEPLOYED FROM THE PARENT COMPANIES OVERSEAS TO PROVIDE GUIDANCE OR ASSISTANCE IN AREAS SUCH AS COMPANY MANAGEMENT, OPERATIONS, AND RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.
"THREE HUNDRED AND THIRTY COMPANIES. OR 55 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL, REPORTED THAT THEY EITHER HAD LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE OVERSEAS PARENT COMPANY. OR HAD RECEIVED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE OR HELP IN ACQUIRING MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT FROM THEM," MR BARMA SAID.
HE SAID THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED THAT OVERSEAS INVESTORS HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TRANSFER OF ONE OR MORE TYPES OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. ESPECIALLY IN THE ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES.
THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY OF GENERAL APPLICATION TRANSFERRED WERE MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS, TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN SYSTEMS AND MATERIAL REQUIREMENT PLANNING SOFTWARE SYSTEMS.
IN INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES. OVERSEAS INVESTORS HAD BEEN INVOLVED IN THE TRANSFER OF SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY (SMT), MULTI-LAYER PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD. AND APPLICATION SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT (ASIC) DESIGN IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY: COMPUTER AIDED ENGINEERING (CAE) PACKAGES IN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS AND AUTOMATED ASSEMBLY IN THE ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY; PROPRIETY QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS IN THE CHEMICAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY: AND REAL TIME DATA COLLECTION IN THE TEXTILES AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY.
MR BARMA SAID THAT DESPITE THE IMPACT OF RECENT EVENTS IN CHINA. 62 PER CENT OF THE RESPONDING COMPANIES CONSIDERED THE MANUFACTURING INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT IN HONG KONG TO BE FAVOURABLE.
"MOST COMPANIES COMMENTED FAVOURABLY ON HONG KONG'S BANKING AND FINANCIAL FACILITIES, INFRASTRUCTURE, GOVERNMENT ECONOMIC POLICY, BUSINESS LAWS AND REGULATIONS. CORPORATE TAXES AND REGIONAL LOCATION." HE SAID.
TWO HUNDRED AND TWENTY-TWO COMPANIES HAD PLANS TO EXPAND THEIR PRODUCTION. SIXTY-THREI COMPANIES PLANNED TO INTRODUCE NEW PRODUCTION PROCESSES AND 89 WERE DEVELOPING NEW PRODUCTS. HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE SURVEY REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
- 0
/4
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 4 -
ACHIEVING BETTER UNDERSTANDINGS A MAJOR CHALLENGE K » t t ♦ *
ONE 01 THE MAJOR CHALLENGES THAT HONG KONG EACES DURING THE 1990'S IS ACHIEVING BETTER UNDERSTANDINGS WITH CHINA BASED ON MUTUAL TRUST. THE SECRETARY 1’OR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MRS ANSON CHAN. SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE ASIAN BUSINESS EORUM, MRS CHAN SAID THAT FOR
THE GOOD OF HONG KONG, IT WAS IMPERATIVE THAT WE LEARNT TO MANAGE OUR
RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR FUTURE SOVEREIGN POWER.
"THE LAST FEW MONTHS HAVE BEEN A TRYING AND SOBERING
EXPERIENCE FOR US ALL BUT IT IS TIME TO PUT THAT BEHIND US AND TO GET
ON WITH LIFE," SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT A PROSPEROUS AND STABLE HONG KONG WAS, HAD BEEN, AND ALWAYS WOULD BE IN THE INTERESTS OF CHINA. *
CURRENTLY HONG KONG AND CHINA WERE EACH OTHER’S MOST IMPORTANT TRADING PARTNERS AND HONG KONG WAS CHINA’S MOST IMPORTANT SOURCE OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND EXTERNAL INVESTMENT, SHE POINTED OUT.
"THIS DOES NOT, HOWEVER, MEAN THAT THERE IS NOT SCOPE FOR US TO IMPROVE OUR RELATIONSHIPS,” SHE ADDED.
SHE SAID THE AMBITIOUS PROGRAMMES ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE.
"OUR INNATE GOOD SENSE. OUR UNDAUNTING SPIRIT, PRAGMATISM AND * RESILIENCE HAVE SEEN US THROUGH PREVIOUS TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. THEY WILL DO SO AGAIN," SHE SAID.
TURNING TO THE ROLE OF HONG KONG AS A MAJOR REGIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE, MRS (HAN SAM- THAT SINCE THE MID-1970’8, EXPANSION IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY, FINANCIAL INNOVATIONS AND THE GLOBAL LIBERALISATION OF FINANCIAL MARKETS HAD ALL FACILITATED THE GROWTH OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR.
"THE OPENING UP OF ('HINA’S ECONOMY HAS PRESENTED ADDITIONAL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES FOR HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND HAS ALSO ATTRACTED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS FROM ELSEWHERE TO OPERATE IN HONG KONG.
"NOTWITHSTANDING COMPETITION FROM OTHER FINANCIAL CENTRES IN THI REGION. SUCH AS TOKYO AND SINGAPORE, THE PROSPECTS FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECTOR ARE ENCOURAGING," SHE SAID.
"WE SHALL NEVERTHELESS NEED TO KEEP A WATCHFUL EYE ON DEVELOPMENT ELSEWHERE TO ENSURE HONG KONG CONTINUES TO REMAIN AN ATTRACTIVE AND COMPETITIVE REGIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE," SHE POINTED. OUT.
/MRS CHAN .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
5 -
MRS CHAN POINTED OUT THAT IN MANAGING OUR AFFAIRS OVER THE NEXT DECADE IT WOULD BE ESSENTIAL NOT TO DEVIATE FROM THOSE POLICIES THAT HAVE SERVED US SO WELL IN THE PAST.
"IN ESSENCE THIS MEANT: REMAINING A STAUNCH SUPPORTER OF FREE TRADE AND FREE ENTERPRISE, NONINTERFERENCE BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR - EXCEPT WHERE ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, MAINTAINING A FIRST CLASS INFRASTRUCTURE, MAINTAINING LOW CORPORATE AND INCOME TAXES. AND SUSTAINING THE PROGRAMME RECENTLY ANNOUNCED TO EXPAND EDUCATION AT THE TERTIARY LEVEL TO MEET THE DEMAND CAUSED, NOT ONLY BY EMIGRATION, BUT BY THE CHANGING STRUCTURE OF OUR ECONOMY IN WHICH THE SERVICE SECTOR IS GAINING PROMINENCE," SHE SAID.
---0------
UNEMPLOYMENT. UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS FOR JULY - SEPT
THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE REMAINED AT A LOW LEVEL. WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE DECLINED FURTHER DURING THE PERIOD JULY -SEPTEMBER 1989.
THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT INDICATE THAT THE TIGHT LABOUR MARKET SITUATION CONTINUED.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1989 WAS 1.4 PER CENT. WHICH WAS THE SAME AS THAT FOR APRIL - JUNE 1989 BUT WAS LOWER THAN 1.6 PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER.
THE DECREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR EARLIER IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN JULY - SEPTEMBER 1989 WAS ESTIMATED AT 37,500, COMPARED WITH 38,600 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1989 AND 13.800 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1988.
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 1989 WAS 0.6 PER CENT, WHICH WAS LOWER THAN 0.8 I ER CENT FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1989 BUT WAS Illi SAME AS THAT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1 988 .
THE DECREASE OF 0.2 OF A PERCENTAGE POINT BELOW THE PRECEDING THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF' UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR JULY SEPTEMBER 1989 WAS 17,100, COMPARED WITH 22,800 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING JUNE 1989 AND 15,400 FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDING SEPTEMBER 1988.
/CONSISTENT WITH .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 6 -
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-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY.
THESE PROVIDE AN EARLY INDICATION OF THE LATEST UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION.
THE PROVISIONAL SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR AUGUST - OCTOBER 1989 WAS 1.1 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 0.7 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS SURVEY COVERED A QUARTERLY SAMPLE OF SOME 14,000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 51,000 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 1LO.
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 1989 WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GPO BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, CENTRAL, AROUND DECEMBER 20 AT $10 PER COPY .
--------0----------
/7........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
EIGHTH MEETING OF PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY »»«»»*
THE PROVISIONAL HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (PHA) REVIEWED THE PROGRESS OF PREPARATORY WORK ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY (HA) BY APRIL 1, 1990 AT ITS EIGHTH MEETING TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AFTER THE MEETING, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PHA, SIR S.Y. CHUNG, SAID THAT ACTIVE DRAFTING WORK OF THE PHA REPORT IS NOW IN HAND.
"THE REPORT WILL CONTAIN THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE PHA ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE END OF THIS YEAR."
THE REPORT WILL COVER SUCH MAJOR ISSUES AS THE AUTHORITY STRUCTURE, NEW HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT, THE FINANCING OF HOSPITAL SERVICES, THE STATUTORY POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE AUTHORITY, THE INTEGRATION OF EXISTING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, THE NEW TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR HOSPITAL AUTHORITY STAFF AND SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE TEACHING HOSPITALS.
SIR S.Y. EMPHASISED THAT THE PHA CAN ONLY MAKE BROAD RECOMMENDATIONS IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED TIME FOR DELIBERATIONS. SUBJECT TO THESE RECOMMENDATIONS BEING ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE HOSPITAL AUTHORITY WHEN SET UP WILL DEVELOP IN MORE DETAIL THE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE PHA.
SIR S.Y.. WHO IS ALSO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PHA STAFFING COMMITTEE, SAID THAT THE DRAWING UP OF RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE NEW HA TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE BASED ON THE CONSULTANTS' PROPOSALS IS NEARING COMPLETION AND THEY WILL CERTAINLY BE INCLUDED IN THE PHA REPORT.
THE NEW TERMS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON A DATE TO BE SPECIFIED FOR THE TAKEOVER OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS BY THE HA. THIS DATE WILL BE SOME MONTHS AFTER THE FORMAL ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HA, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE IN APRIL 1990. SUBJECT TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION.
"UNTIL THE TAKEOVER BY THE HA, THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS WILL CONTINUE TO BE RUN BY THE HOSPITAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS RESPECTIVELY AND EXISTING TERMS AND CONDITIONS WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY TO STAFF.
"THERE IS THEREFORE NO QUESTION OF THE NEW TERMS BEING INTRODUCED ON THE FIRST DAY WHEN THE HA IS ESTABLISHED BECAUSE THE EMPLOYERS OF HOSPITAL STAFF WILL REMAIN THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITAL BOARDS AT THAT TIME."
THE NEW HA TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE WILL REQUIRE A NEW PAYROLL SYSTEM TO BE DEVISED FOR THE FUTURE AUTHORITY. THE PHA IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING THE DESIGN OF A NEW SYSTEM. INVOLVING EXPERTISE FROM THE TREASURY AND OUTSIDE FIRMS.
/THI8 IS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 8 -
THIS IS ONLY BUT ONE OF THE MANY DETAILED IMPLEMENTATION ISSUES WHICH THE HA WILL NEED TIME TO WORK OUT BEFORE IT CAN TAKE OVER THE PUBLIC HOSPITAL SYSTEM.
THE CONSULTANTS ENGAGED TO VALIDATE THE PHA HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE NEW HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR PUBLIC HOSPITALS HAVE COMPLETED THEIR ASSIGNMENT.
DURING THE CONSULTANCY. BRIEFING SESSIONS WERE HELD WITH HOSPITAL STAFF. THE RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSED NEW HA HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE WAS GENERALLY FAVOURABLE.
VARIOUS SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS OF THE NEW SYSTEM WERE MADE BY STAFF AND WERE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT BY THE CONSULTANTS IN PRESENTING THEIR FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PHA.
"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT STAFF ARE GENERALLY RECEPTIVE TO THE IMPENDING CHANGES WHICH ARE MEANT TO PROMOTE THE EFFICIENCY OF THE HOSPITALS AND TO IMPROVE PATIENT SERVICE." SIR S.Y. SAID.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN A PHASED MANNER INVOLVING A NUMBER OF HOSPITALS IN BATCHES SPREAD OVER SEVERAL PHASES LASTING THREE TO FOUR YEARS. CAREFUL SELECTION OF THE FIRST BATCH OF PILOT HOSPITALS IS BEING MADE.
CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN COMMISSIONED TO DRAW UP THE NEW PERSONNEL REGULATIONS AND PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL SYSTEM.
THE ASSIGNMENT IS DUE TO START LATER THIS MONTH AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FOUR MONTHS’ TIME. THE PA CONSULTING GROUP HAS BEEN ENGAGED FOR THIS CONSULTANCY.
"AS THE FUTURE AUTHORITY WILL BE AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY SEPARATE FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE. A NEW SYSTEM OF PERSONNEL REGULATIONS AND PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL IS NECESSARY.
"AS IT IS INEVITABLE THAT A MIXED STAFF SITUATION. CONSISTING OF CIVIL SERVANTS WORKING IN THE HA, HA EMPLOYEES AND FORMER SUBVERTED HOSPITAL STAFF RETAINING THEIR PREVIOUS STATUS. WILL EXIST FOR SOME TIME AFTER THE HA IS SET UP. THE NEW SYSTEM TO BE DRAWN UP SHOULD NOT DEVIATE TOO MUCH FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE MODEL SO THAT DISPARITY IN THE TREATMENT OF HA STAFF ON DIFFERENT TERMS CAN BE REDUCED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE." SIR S.Y. SAID.
"THERE WILL BE FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES AT A LATER STAGE FOR HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT AND STAFF TO BE MORE FULLY BRIEFED ON THE PHA’S RECOMMENDATIONS." HE CONCLUDED.
-------0----------
/9........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
11 QUESTIONS ON LEGCO AGENDA * * ♦ * ♦
MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL ASK A TOTAL OF 11 QUESTIONS AND CONSIDER SIX BILLS AT THE COUNCIL'S MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
TWO BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY ARE THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
SECOND READING DEBATES ON FOUR BILLS WILL BE RESUMED, AND EACH BILL IS THEN DUE TO GO THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND BE GIVEN A THIRD READING.
THEY ARE THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES BILL 1989, THE RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS BILL 1989. THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989, AND THE HOSPITALS, NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
- - 0 - -
PROPOSED COMPOSITE INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE BUILDINGS
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS ENDORSED THE CONCEPT OF COMPOSITE INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE BUILDINGS TO CATER FOR THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE INDUSTRI A). SECTOR IN HONG KONG.
THE CONCEPT IS DEEMED NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE INCREASING DEMAND AMONG INDUSTRIAL FIRMS FOR MORE FLOOR SPACE TO BE SET ASIDE FOR MANAGEMENT. ADMINISTRATION. DESIGN. QUALITY CONTROL. STORAGE AND OTHER QUASI-INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES WHICH CANNOT BE ACCOMMODATED IN NORMAL COMMERCIAL OFFICE BUILDINGS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS TREND WILL CONTINUE, RESULTING IN THE NEED TO GIVE FLEXIBILITY IN PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR BOTH INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE PURPOSES.
A TOWN PLANNING BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID SINCE THE COMPOSITE INDUSTRI AL-OFFICE BUILDING CONCEPT IS A NEW ONE. ITS IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE REGULARLY MONITORED AND REVIEWED. INITIALLY, ITS APPLICATION WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THE EXISTING METROPOLITAN AREA, THAT IS, HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN.
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAD REQUESTED THE TOWN PLANNING OFFICE TO CONDUCT FURTHER STUDIES TO IDENTIFY APPROPRIATE SITES TN EXISTING METROPOLITAN INDUSTRIAL ARRAS FOR SPECIFIC REZONING FOR INDUSTRIAL/OFFICE USE.
/MEANWHILE, APPLICATIONS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1U, 1989
10
MEANWHILE, APPLICATIONS TO BUILD COMPOSITE BUILDINGS ON INDUSTRIAL SITES CAN BE CONSIDERED ON MERITS THROUGH THE PLANNING PERMISSION SYSTEM.
INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE
THEIR INDIVIDUAL
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAD CONSULTED VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATIONS AS WELL AS RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTES BEFORE ENDORSING THE COMPOSITE INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE BUILDING PROPOSAL.
"THE PROPOSAL HAS GAINED GENERAL SUPPORT IN VIEW OF ITS FLEXIBILITY IN MEETING CURRENT ACCOMMODATION DEMAND OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WITH RESPECT TO THE BOARD'S CURRENT GUIDELINE TO PERMIT WITHOUT PLANNING APPLICATION AN INDUSTRIAL FIRM TO USE UP TO 30 PER CENT OF ITS USABLE FLOOR SPACE IN AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING FOR ANCILLARY OFFICE PURPOSE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THIS "30 PER CENT RULE" WOULD NOT BE APPLICABLE TO THE PROPOSED COMPOSITE INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE BUILDINGS.
HOWEVER, IT WOULD STILL BE ENFORCED IN EXISTING BONA FIDE INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS TO PROVIDE CONTROL AGAINST ANY UNWARRANTED INFILTRATION OF NON-INDUSTRY-RELATED ACTIVITIES INTO SUCH BUILDINGS.
UNDER THE PROPOSAL OF COMPOSITE INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE BUILDINGS, EVERY UNIT SHOULD BE DESIGNED. CONSTRUCTED AND MADE SUITABLE FOR BOTH INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE USES.
TO SERVE BOTH PURPOSES, THIS NEW TYPE OF BUILDING MUST COMPLY WITH ALL THE RELEVANT BUILDING REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO BOTH INDUSTRIAL AND OFFICE BUILDINGS. INCLUDING FLOOR LOADING, COMPARTMENTATION. LIGHTING VENTILATION, PROVISIONS OF MEANS OF ESCAPE, AND SANITARY FITMENTS.
MOREOVER, THERE SHOULD BE SEPARATE ENTRANCES AND LIFT LOBBIES FOR BOTH GOODS AND PASSENGERS IN THE COMPOSITE BUILDING.
PARKING AS WELL AS LOADING/UNLOADING FACILITIES FOR GOODS VEHICLES WITHIN THE BUILDING, INCLUDING VERTICAL TRANSFER OF GOODS, SHOULD ALSO MEET THE STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
PERMITTED ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL-OFFICE BUILDING WOULD BE RESTRICTED TO THOSE RELATED TO INDUSTRIAL AND QUASI INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS. WITH THE EXCEPTION OF HEAVY AND NOXIOUS INDUSTRI AL OPERATIONS.
OWING TO FIRE SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS. GENERAL COMMERCIAL USES SUCH AS RESTAURANTS AND SUPERMARKETS WOULD NOT NORMALLY BE ALLOWED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, DR PETER PUN, WILL EXPLAIN DETAILS OF THE PROPOSAL TO MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA TODAY (TUESDAY) AT HIS FOURTH FLOOR OFFICE, IN MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL. THE SESSION WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM.
- 0 ----------
/11 ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
11
CHIEF FIRE OFFICER TO RETIRE AFTER 35 YEARS’ SERVICE ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦
I
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR JOHN MARCH, TODAY (TUESDAY) PRESENTED A SOUVENIR TO CHIEF FIRE OFFICER TAM YUK-FAN WHO WILL BE RETIRING SHORTLY AFTER 35 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
MR MARCH PRESENTED THE SOUVENIR ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT AND MR TAM’S COLLEAGUES AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE FIRE SERVICES HEADQUARTERS IN TSTM SHA TSUI RAST.
MR TAM YUK-FAN IS AT PRESENT HEAD OF THE HONG KONG COMMAND. BORN IN 1932. MR TAM JOINED THE FIRE SERVICES AS A SUB-OFFICER IN _1954 AND WAS PROMOTED TO STATION OFFICER IN 1962. HE WAS PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER FIVE YEARS LATER AND DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1975.
MR TAM ROSE TO THE RANK OF SENIOR DIVISIONAL OFFICER IN 1980 AND DEPUTY CHIEF FIRE OFFICER IN 1985. HE REACHED HIS PRESENT RANK IN 1987.
HE WAS AWARDED THE COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE IN 1976 AND THE QUEEN’S FIRE SERVICES MEDAL THIS YEAR.
DURING HIS LONG SERVICE WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR TAM HAS SERVED IN VARIOUS OPERATIONAL AND FIRE PROTECTION FORMATIONS IOF THE DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS AWARDED THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES’ COMMENDATION FOR FORTITUDE. DEVOTION TO DUTY AND DISREGARD OF HIS PERSONAL SAFETY IN A SPECIAL SERVICE IN 1967 AT THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY IN TO ,KWA WAN WHERE A PERSON WAS FOUND TRAPPED INSIDE A WATER SEALED GASHOLDER.
------0 -------
RELICS UNEARTHED AT LUNG KWU TAN EXCAVATION ♦ ♦ » * * »
A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT RELICS HAVE BEEN UNEARTHED DURING THE RESCUE EXCAVATION AT LUNG KWU TAN IN TUEN MUN SINCE WORK STARTED EARLY LAST MONTH.
IT IS ESTIMATED THE RELICS WOULD DATE BACK TO THE LATE NEOLITHIC PERIOD. AND SHED LIGHT ON THE PREHISTORIC PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE RELICS INCLUDE ARTISTIC OBJECTS SUCH AS POLISHED QUARTZ RINGS. COARSE CORDED POTS AND A WIDE RANGE OF STONE IMPLEMENTS SUCH AS HAMMERS, GRINDING STONES. CRYSTAL FLAKES AND SPLITTERS.
/ALSO, A ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1U, 1989
- 12 -
ALSO, A POSSIBLE LATE NEOLITHIC BURIAL HAS BEEN REVEALED INITIALLY, AND IT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. OTHER RESCUE EXCAVATIONS ARE IN PROGRESS.
THE EXCAVATION IS BEING CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH AND THE INSTITUTE OF CHINESE STUDIES OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE DIRECTORS OF THE EXCAVATION ARE THE CURATOR (ARCHAEOLOGY) OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE, MR S.T. CHIU, AND THE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHINESE STUDIES, MR TANG CHUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A MEDIA VISIT TO THE LUNG KWU TAN EXCAVATION SITE HAS BEEN ARRANGED ON THURSDAY (NOVERMBER 16) MORNING. AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THE UNEARTHED RELICS AND THE EXCAVATION.
A PRESS COACH TAKING THE MEDIA TO THE SITE WILL LEAVE MIDDLE ROAD. NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH HANKOW ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI, AT 9.30 AM SHARP.
AN INFORMATION OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN THE VISIT.
-----0------
ARTS FESTIVAL FOR EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS ♦ ♦ ♦ * t
EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS WILL BE TREATED TO A VARIETY OF CULTURAL PROGRAMMES DURING A TWO-WEEK ARTS FESTIVAL FROM SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 19) TO DECEMBER 3.
THE FESTIVAL WILL OPEN ON SUNDAY WITH A CARNIVAL IN VICTORIA PARK WHICH WILL INCLUDE A CHINESE PAINTING EXHIBITION. CALLIGRAPHY DEMONSTRATION, FLOWER ARRANGEMENT AND HANDICRAFT, AND A VARIETY SHOW.
OTHER FESTIVAL EVENTS WILL BE SCREENING OF A JAPANESE CARTOON FILM, ENTITLED "TOTORO”, TO BE SHOWN ON NOVEMBER 25 AT THE GOLDEN HUNG KAI THEATRE, AND A CONCERT BY THE 70-STRONG EASTERN DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE ON NOVEMBER 26.
FOR CANTONESE OPERA LOVERS, THE WAN MAN OPERA TROUPE WILL GIVE A PERFORMANCE IN THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE ON DECEMBER 2.
/THE FESTIVAL........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
THE FESTIVAL WILL CLOSE WITH A CONCERT BY THE LIM KEH HAN PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA AT THE DR SEAKER CHAN MEMORIAL HALL ON DECEMBER 3.
EXCEPT FOR THE FILM SHOW, ADMISSION TO ALL EVENTS IS FREE. Tickets are now available at the eastern district office on the GROUND FLOOR, 880-886 KING’S ROAD.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL IS BEING JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE. DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WITH SPONSORSHIP FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
-----0-----
MUSICAL TREAT FOR WONG TAI SIN RESIDENTS » ♦ » t ♦
MUSIC LOVERS IN WONG TAI SIN WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO ENJOY PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17).
THE ORCHESTRA WILL GIVE A CONCERT AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN । HUNG HOM IN SUPPORT OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE, THE CONCERT, BEGINNING AT 8 PM. WILL (FEATURE POPULAR FOLK SONGS.
TICKETS AT $10, $20 AND $30 ARE ON SALE AT URBTIX OUTLETS. 1 1
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONCERT BY THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA AT THE KO SHAN THEATRE IN HUNG HOM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17). IT WILL BEGIN AT 8 PM.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 14 -
DB TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT OF AIRPORT SITE t ♦ t ♦ *
SIX MEMBERS OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL RAISE QUESTIONS AT THE BOARD’S MEETING ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16) ON FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE KAI TAK AIRPORT SITE FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE NEW HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT CHEK LAP KOK
THE BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCAT IO? POLICY AND THE PROVISION OF CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE TO KWA WAN NORTH AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.15 PM ON THURSDA (NOVEMBER 16) IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, 141 KAU PU I LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
-----0-----
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON NEW EXHIBITION SERVICE CENTRE t * t * ♦ t t
THE INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S NEW EXHIBITION SERVICE CENTRE IN THE DISTRICT AT THE COMMITTEE’S MEETING ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16).
A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE TDC WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO BRIEF MEMBERS.
ALSO, THERE WILL BE A PRESENTATION ON THE USE OF COMPUTER IN.. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AT THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD’S INDUSTRY. COMMERCE AND AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE TO BE HELD N THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16) IN THE DB CONFERENCE ROOM, 13TII FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
-------O---------
/^5........
TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 14. 1989
- 15 -
TEMPORARY SWITCH-OFF OF RTHK FM FREQUENCIES *»*♦»»
THE FM FREQUENCIES OF RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL I I SWITCHED OFF BETWEEN 8.10 AM AND 11 AM ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
(NOVEMBER 16 AND 17) TO ENABLE THE POST OFFICE TO CONDUCT NEW RAD] )
FREQUENCIES TESTS. A SPOKESMAN FOR RTHK ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
"THE TESTS ARE TO FACILITATE THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW
WAVE-LENGTHS WHICH WILL COME INTO OPERATION AT MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY
DECEMBER 3.
"THE CHANNELS TO BE AFFECTED ARE RADIO ONE (FM 92 AND 93). RADIO TWO (FM 94 AND 103). RADIO THREE (FM 101). RADIO FOUR (FM 91 AND 100) AND RADIO FIVE (FM 96 AND 105)." HE SAID.
TO MARK THE COMING INTO OPERATION OF THE NEW FM FREQUENCIES. RTHK WILL HOLD A "NEW WAVES NITE" WHICH WILL START AT 11.15 PM ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 2) AND LAST UNTIL 1 AM ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 3).
THE SECRETARY FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE. MR AUGUSTINE CHUI. WILL BE THE OFFICIATING GUEST OF THIS SPECIAL PROGRAMME TO BE BROADCAST ON RADIO 1 AND 2. DETAILS OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
---O------
WINNERS IN ESSAY COMPETITION RECEIVE PRIZES
TWENTY-ONE WINNERS IN THE LOCAL ROUND OF THE ROYAI. COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY ESSAY COMPETITION 1988-89 RECEIVED THEIR PRIZE: FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR Y.T. LT, TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR LI SAID THE CONTEST -WAS ORGANISED ANNUALLY TO PROMOTE AMONG STUDENTS THE USE OF TH : ENGLISH LANGUAGE AS WELL AS A KNOWLEDGE OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
THIS YEAR, THE HONG KONG CONTEST ATTRACTED 110 ENTRIES FROM 11 SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
"IT IS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THAT ALL ENTRIES WERE OF A VERY HU I STANDARD AND THAT THE PARTICI PAT 1 NG STUDENTS DISPLAYED MUCH THOUGHT AND CARE IN PREPARING THEIR ESSAYS," MR LI SAID.
"HONG KONG STUDENTS COMPETE WITH SOME 4,000 SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM OVER 40 OTHER COMMONWEALTH TERRITORIES, MANY OF WHICH ARE PREDOMINANTLY ENGLISH-SPEAK I NG.
/"RECORDS SHOW .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 16 -
“RECORDS SHOW THAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE ALWAYS EXCELLED THEMSELVES IN THE LONDON-BASED INTERNATIONAL CONTEST AND THEIR NAMES HAVE ALWAYS APPEARED ON THE LISTS OF MERITORIOUS AWARDS."
AMONG THE 21 ENTRIES SELECTED TO COMPETE IN THE LONDON-B, R) CONTEST, HONG KONG STUDENTS WON TWO SPECIAL COMMENDATIONS, FOUR HI )H COMMENDATIONS AND TWO COMMENDATIONS.
MR LI SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT LOCAL STUDENTS WOULD MAINTAIN
THE GOOD RECORD IN THE COMING YEARS.
WINNERS IN THE LOCAL COMPETITION WERE AMOUNTING TO £6,250 DONATED BY THE HONG KONG ^-COMMERCE.
AWARDED BOOK PRIZES
GENERAL CHAMBER OF
THE FIRST PRIZE OF $1,000 IN CLASS A FOR CANDIDATES AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 18 WENT TO JENNIFER TSANG CHIU-CHUN OF DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL. SHE ALSO EARNED A ROUND TRIP TO KUALA LUMPUR AND $2,000 SPENDING MONEY DONATED BY THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN HONG KONG.
THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES OF CLASS A WENT TO ALICE CHAN
SAU-WAI OF SACRED HEART CANOSS1AN COLLEGE AND ESTHER TSANG OF ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE.
WINNERS TN CLASS B FOR STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN '14 AND 15 WERE KAISER FUNG KAI-SZE OF QUEEN’S COLLEGE (FIRST PRIZE), AMY NG OF DIOCESAN GIRLS’ SCHOOL (SECOND PRIZE) AND AILEEN WONG TSANG-YU (THIRD PRIZE).
IN CLASS C FOR STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 12 AND 13, REGGIE LT OF ST MARY’S CANOSSIAN COLLEGE WON THE FIRST PRIZE, WHILE CARMEN LAI OF MARYMOUNT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND LUNG EN-TING OF ST PAUL’S CO-EDUCATIONAL COLLEGE WERE AWARDED THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES RESPECTIVELY.
THE WINNERS IN CLASS D FOR STUDENTS AGED BELOW 12 WAS ALBY “-TSANG OF DIOCESAN PREPARATORY’ SCHOOL, FOLLOWED BY GENEVIEVE CHAN HOY-WON OF ST STEPHEN’S GIRLS’ PRIMARY SCHOOL AND MICHAEL CHAN OF DIOCESAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL.
THERE WERE ALSO CONSOLATION PRIZES TN EACH CLASS.
ALSO PRESENTING PRIZES TO WINNERS AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR HARRY GARLICK, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL COMMONWEALTH SOCIETY IN H> KONG, MRS OPHELIA CHEUNG-MACPHERSON.
-----0-----
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 17 -
HAWKER AND RETAILER FINED FOR USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS »»*»»«
A VEGETABLE HAWKER AND A FRUIT RETAILER WERE FINED $1,000 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY AT THE WESTERN MAGISTRACY TODAY (TUESDAY) AFTER THEY PLEADED GUILTY TO THE CHARGES OF USING INACCURATE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS.
THEY WERE PROSECUTED BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT UNDER THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR.
THE COURT HEARD THAT THE TWO CASES HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AFTER COMPLAINTS FROM CUSTOMERS AGAINST THE DEFENDANTS WERE RECEIVED.
ON JUNE 21 THIS YEAR. OFFICERS OF THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT AN INSPECTION IN THE VEGETABLE HAWKER'S STALL AT CHUN YEUNG STREET MARKET, NORTH POINT.
AS A RESULT. A SET OF CHINESE STEELYARD WAS SEIZED AND REFERRED TO THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY FOR EXAMINATION.
SUBSEQUENT EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE READING OF THE WEIGHING INSTRUMENT WAS 25 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHT OF THE GOODS.
IN THE SECOND CASE, OFFICERS OF THE BUREAU INSPECTED THE FRUIT RETAILER’S SHOP ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF 6-9 CANAL ROAD EAST. HONG KONG ON JULY 14 THIS YEAR.
THE OFFICERS SEIZED FROM THE SHOP THREE SPRING BALANCES WHICH WERE SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY FOR EXAMINATION.
TEST RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE HIGHEST ERRORS IN THESE WEIGHING INSTRUMENTS RANGED FROM 18.9 PER CENT TO 96.7 PER CENT. IT MEANT THAT THE READING TN THE BALANCES WERE 18.9 PER CENT TO 96.7 PER CENT IN EXCESS OF THE ACTUAL WEIGHT.
THE CHIEF TRADE CONTROL OFFICER OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT. MR ANDREW WONG. SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 72 COMPLAINTS ABOUT WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DURING THE INITIAL ID-MONTH IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD OF THE ORDINANCE.
"OF THESE COMPLAINTS. 39 ARE NOT SUBSTANTIATED, 30 ARE SUBSTANTIATED AND THREE OTHERS ARE STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.
"AS FOR THE COMPLAINTS WHICH ARE SUBSTANTIATED. WRITTEN WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO 19 TRADERS. FOUR TRADERS HAVE BEEN PROSECUTED AND SEVEN OTHER CASES WERE EXPECTED TO BE BROUGHT TO THE COURT IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
/"THE WEIGHTS .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1U, 1989
- 18 -
"THE WEIGHTS AND MEASURES ORDINANCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $20,000 PLUS SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT," MR WONG SAID.
IF ANY PERSON WANTS TO MAKE ANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT MALPRACTICES IN RESPECT OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. HE MAY CONTACT EITHER THE TRADING STANDARDS INVESTIGATION BUREAU OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 3-7146146) OR THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
COMPLAINTS MAY ALSO BE MADE TO THE DUTY OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON 5-8523185 AFTER NORMAL OFFICE HOURS.
-----o-----
MORRISON HILL POST OFFICE RE-OPENS ON MONDAY
*****
RENOVATION WORK AT THE MORRISON HILL POST OFFICE IN WAN CHAI HAS COMPLETED AND THE OFFICE WILL BE RE-OPENED FOR BUSINESS ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 20), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE MORRISON HILL POST OFFICE IS LOCATED AT 28 01 KWAN ROAD.
AI.L POSTAL FACILITIES PREVIOUSLY OFFERED AT THE OFFICE WILL RESUME NORMAL OPERATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID.
-------o----------
HK JOINS WORLD STAMP EXPO ’89
*****
THE POST OFFICE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE WORLD STAMP EXPO '89 IN WASHINGTON, USA.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, COMMEMORATIVE COVERS AFFIXED WITH A SET OF "HONG KONG PEOPLE" SPECIAL STAMPS AND CANCELLED WITH A SPECIAL POSTMARK WILL BE PUT ON SALE AT $11.50 EACH FROM FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17) AT THE FOLLOWING PHILATELIC OFFICES:
GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE POST OFFICE, PEAK POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, GRANVILLE ROAD POST OFFICE, AIRPORT POST OFFICE, AND SHA TIN CENTRAL POST OFFICE.
--------0 ---------
/19........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14. 1989
19
MUSIC OFFICE RECRUITS PROFESSIONAL STAFF
THE MUSIC OFFICE IS RECRUITING FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN GEHU/BASS GEHU AND MUSIC PROMOTION.
QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL ENTER AS AN ASSISTANT MUSIC OFFICER II WITH A PAY SCALE BETWEEN $7,815 AND $12,725 PER MONTH.
APPLICANTS FOR THE AMO II (GEHU/BASS GEHU) POST SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED MUSICAL TRAINING IN AN ACCEPTABLE INSTITUTION. CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC OR HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS’ RELEVANT EXPERIENCE IN AN ACCEPTABLE PROFESSIONAL PERFORMING GROUP OR ACADEMY. DIPLOMA AND DEGREE HOLDERS MUST BE MAJOR IN GEHU/BASS GEHU.
APPLICANTS FOR THE AMO II (MUSIC PROMOTION) POST SHOULD BE GRADUATES OF THE HONG KONG CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, THE ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS OR THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE: OR HAVE A DEGREE IN MUSIC FROM A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY; OR POSSESS LRSM, LRAM, LTCL, ARCM, LGSM, DRSAM, GRSM, GGSM. GRNCM OR EQUIVALENT.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ON G.F. 340 AND FORWARDED TO THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER (PERSONNEL AND GENERAL) OF THE MUSIC OFFICE, RECREATION AND CULTURE BRANCH. 25TH FLOOR. WANCHAI TOWER I. 12 HARBOUR ROAD. WAN CHAI NOT LATER THAN NOVEMBER 20.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE ON TEL. 5-8235340.
-----0-----
LAST CALL FOR ENTRIES TO ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL DESIGN CONTEST
RESIDENTS WISHING TO ENTER THE ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) ARE TODAY (TUESDAY) REMINDED TO SEND IN THEIR DESIGNS BY TOMORROW (NOVEMBER 15).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID SO FAR MORI. THAN 300 ENTRIES HAD BEEN RECEIVED.
THE CONTEST, ORGANISED WITH THE SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTION OF $100,000 FROM THE ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS, WAS HELD TO LOOK FOR AN ANTI-DRUG SYMBOL TO COMMEMORATE ACAN*S SILVER JUBILEE NEXT YEAR.
"SUBJECT TO THE FINAL DECISION OF THE ORGANISERS, THE WINNING SYMBOL WILL BE USED ON VARIOUS SOUVENIR ITEMS FOR. DISTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC NEXT YEAR." THF SPOKESMAN SAID.
/ALL ENTRIES ........
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
20
ALL ENTRIES MUST BE AN ORIGINAL DESIGN BY THE PARTICIPANTS AND SHOULD NOT BE AN IMITATION OF ANY REGISTERED SYMBOLS.
THE DESIGNS (25 CM BY 25 CM) SHOULD BE MADE IN ONE OR TWO COLOURS WITH A WHITE BACKGROUND ON A DRAWING PAPER.
IN ADDITION TO A TROPHY, THE TOP THREE WINNERS OF THE CONTEST WILL EACH BE AWARDED CASH COUPONS OF $5,000, $3,000 AND $2,000 RESPECTIVELY.
THE ENTRIES SHOULD BE SUBMITTED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY POST TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION AT 23RD FLOOR, QUEENSWAY GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CENTRAL, NOT LATER THAN TOMORROW. RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 30.
-------O----------
AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ANOTHER AUCTION OF SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 18) AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL. THE AUCTION WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM.
A TOTAL OF 40 SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL RE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING.
THEY ARE:
EB8882 EC8 ED 133 EC2168
ED986 ED688 EE3233 EC881
HK1931 EE3228 ED983 EE14
CY99 ED932 HK72 EE7773
ED386 5201 ED8898 EE1283
EC8836 ED286 489 EB6 7 8
ED5 ED3833 EC866 ED2398
EE229 ED899 BG1313 ED890
EE6388 E1)2628 EE201 EE3306
EC 1 1 8 EB3 CC2223 EC1622
SUCCESSFUL RIDDING. BIDDERS MUST PAY BY CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE
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 .......
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1989
- 21
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.
I
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE COMING AUCTION WILL BE THE 144TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
------0-------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT FOR MOVEMENT OF PLANE » * ♦ * ♦ *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL RE IMPLEMENTED ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 16) FOR TRANSPORTING A DC-3 PLANE FROM THE TSIM SHA TSUI EAST PROMENADE TO THE HONG KONG SCIENCE MUSEUM VIA SALISBURY ROAD WESTBOUND, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH (NORTHBOUND) AND GRANVILLE ROAD.
THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SALISBURY ROAD BETWEEN THE U-TURN SLIP ROAD ADJACENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE AND ITS JUNCTION WITH CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 4 AM AND 6 AM.
TRAFFIC ON SALISBURY ROAD WESTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED TO HONG CHONG ROAD NORTHBOUND VIA THE U-TURN SLIP ROAD AND ALL SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC IN MODY LANE WILL BE DIVERTED TO SALISBURY ROAD EASTBOUND VIA AN ENFORCED LEFT TURN.
THE SECTION OF GRANVILLE ROAD BETWEEN SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD AND THE SLIP ROAD LEADING TO THE GRANVILLE SQUARE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6 AM TO 7 AM.
THE FOLLOWING TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH ONCE THE DC-3, WHICH WILL BE TOWED BY A TRACTOR, ENTERS THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD:
THE LEFT TURN FROM SALISBURY ROAD SOUTH (NORTHBOUND) WILL BE BANNED AND CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH (NORTHBOUND) WILL BE PLANE ENTERS GRANVILLE ROAD.
EASTBOUND ONTO CHATHAM ROAD ACCESS TO THIS SECTION OF PROHIBITED UNTIL AFTER THE
ALL TRAFFIC APPROACHING THIS SECTION OF CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH (NORTHBOUND) WILL BE TEMPORARILY STOPPED UNTIL AFTER THE PLANE HAS PASSED THROUGH TUI PARTICULAR ROAD JUNCTIONS. THE ROAD WILL EE RI -OPENED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES . • • • BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL -MEETING :
AIM IS FURTHER .IMPROVEMENT OF EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS .. 1
. • • • *
STAMP DUTY. AMENDMENT BILL INTRODUCED.......................... 2
ACTING AG REPLIES TO CRITICISM OF TRUSTS BILL.................. 5
TIME FOR BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO STUDY NEW LAW .................. 5
STEP TOWARDS. BETTER PROTECTION FOR CONSUMERS ................. 7
RECOGNITION.OF TRUSTS BILL ’HAS DEFECTS’ ...................... 8
RECORD NUMBER OF VISITORS TO OCEAN PARK ....................... 9
PERIOD FOR .MAKING AMENDMENTS EXTENDED ....................... 10
FUNDING UNLIKELY FOR SOME YEARS".............................. 11
GOOD CONDUCT EXPECTED OF UK IMMIGRATION STAFF ................ 11
NO EVIDENCE ,QF .FALL-IN-OVERALL AIR POLLUTION ............... 12
FURTHER WORKING PARTY ON CHINESE LANGUAGE IN COURTS .......... 1J
POLICE UPHOLD PRINCIPLE OF FREE PRESS ........................ 15
TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED ............. 16
UNLEADED PETROL EXPECTED IN 12 - 15 MONTHS ................... 17
DEDICATED LINE NOT MANDATORY FOR FAX MACHINE.................. 18
TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR TIN SHUT WAI RESIDENTS................. 18
VIETNAMESE ACCOUNT FOR SMALL PERCENTAGE OF HOSPITAL USE .. 19
SPECIAL JOB REGISTER TO ASSIST IVORY WORKERS ................. 20
FOUR BILLS PASSED............................................. 21
/CIVIL SERVICE .......
CIVIL SERVICE PROVIDES CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES................ 22
SWD EXPERIMENTS OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE PROJECT................... 23
'GOVT ENDORSES RECOMMENDATIONS ON SIXTH FORM POLICY............. 24
HK SHOULD HAVE ROLE IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION......... 26
___.......■
HK HAS PROPOSED GATT ANTI-DUMPING CODE........... .I.. .7....... 28
(
PAC HEARING NEXT WEEK......................................... 29
DECREASE IN.AVERAGE TAR YIELD OF CIGARETTES .................... 29
11,000 VISIT .EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED........ JO
LAND DEVELOPMENT -CORPORATION PROJECTS ON DB AGENDA............. JO
DISTRICT FESTIVAL CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION ................... J1
FOUR GOVERNMENT. LAND LOTS- TO LET BY TENDER ................... J2
TEMPORARY RE-ROUTEING OF'DOUGLAS STREET IN CENTRAL ............. JJ
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN WATER STREET IN WESTERN .......... JJ
i
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS -AT AIRPORT ............................... 35
URBAN CLEARWAY -IN SHAM SHUI PO................................. 3^
LANE CLOSURE ON TUEN- MUN ROAD................................ 34
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
1
AIM IS FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OF EFFICIENCY, EFFECTIVENESS t » t t t t *
THE AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE (AMENDMENT) BILL SEEK TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL.
HIGHLIGHTING THE SALIENT PROPOSALS, SIR PIERS EXPLAINED THAT CLAUSE 3 OF THE BILL REQUIRED A MEMBER OF THE SERVICE TO CARRY HIS WARRANT CARD AT ALL TIMES, SO THAT HE WAS ALWAYS ABLE TO ESTABLISH HIS IDENTITY AND PROVE HIS AUTHORITY IN EXERCISING HIS LAWFUL POWERS OR DUTIES.
’’THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE EXISTING SECTION 17 PROVIDES THAT A MEMBER WHO IS OFF DUTY SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE ON DUTY WHEREVER HE ENCOUNTERS CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH WOULD REQUIRE HIS INVOLVEMENT IN HIS OFFICIAL CAPACITY,” HE SAID.
SIR PIERS SAID CLAUSE 7 INTRODUCED A PROPOSED NEW SECTION 17 BA, WHICH PROVIDED MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE WITH GENERAL POWERS OF SEARCH AND EXAMINATION WITHOUT A WARRANT.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE ENFORCED 19 ORDINANCES WHICH HAD THEIR OWN SEARCH AND SEIZURE PROVISIONS.
’’DURING ROUTINE CHECKS, MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE ARE NOT NORMALLY EXERCISING POWERS UNDER ANY PARTICULAR ORDINANCE.
”AS A RESULT, AN OFFENDER CAUGHT AT ONE OF THE CHECKPOINTS MIGHT HAVE A LEGAL DEFENCE TO ANY CHARGE SUBSEQUENTLY BROUGHT.
"TO ENSURE THAT THIS NEW SEARCH POWER IS LIMITED IN SCOPE, IT IS INTENDED THAT THIS POWER MAY BE EXERCISED ONLY AT ENTRY OR EXIT POINTS, OR WHERE CARGO IS STORED PRIOR TO COLLECTION,” HE SAID.
SIR PIERS ADDED THAT THE PROPOSED NEW SECTION 17BB GAVE OFFICERS NOT BELOW THE RANK OF INSPECTOR THE POWER TO REQUEST PRODUCTION OF A TRAVEL DOCUMENT.
’’THIS WILL ALLOW MORE SENIOR MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE TO ASCERTAIN A TRAVELLER’S STATUS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ENFORCING ANY STATUTORY POWERS,” HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0-----
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 2 -
STAMP DUTY AMENDMENT BILL INTRODUCED *****
THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989, WHICH SEEKS TO GRANT STAMP DUTY RELIEF FOR TRANSACTIONS WHICH INVOLVE THE BORROWING AND LENDING OF HONG KONG STOCK FOR THE PURPOSE OF SETTLING A LEGITIMATE SALE, WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PIERS JACOBS, SAID THAT UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION ANY PERSON WHO BORROWED OR LENT STOCK WAS REQUIRED TO PAY STAMP DUTY AT THE RATE OF 0.3 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF THE STOCK FOR EACH TRANSACTION.
"THE TOTAL STAMP DUTY PAYABLE FOR EACH COMPLETED STOCK BORROWING TRANSACTION, INCLUDING THE RETURN OF THE STOCK TO THE BORROWER, IS THEREFORE 1.2 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF THE STOCK.
"THIS IS THE SAME DUTY AS THAT PAYABLE IN RELATION TO TWO OUT AND OUT TRANSFERS OF STOCK,” SIR PIERS SAID.
EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL, SIR PIERS SAID THE SECURITIES REVIEW COMMITTEE POINTED OUT IN MAY LAST YEAR THAT STOCK BORROWING WAS A WELL-TRIED AND INTERNATIONALLY USED METHOD TO RESOLVE TEMPORARY SETTLEMENT PROBLEMS.
"THE COMMITTEE WENT ON TO RECOMMEND A CONCESSION ON STAMP DUTY FOR TRANSACTIONS WHICH WERE USED AS A MEANS OF EXPEDITING SETTLEMENT," HE SAID.
THE RECOMMENDATION WAS ACCEPTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, SIR PIERS, SAID NOTING ALSO THAT HE HAD INDICATED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT HE WOULD INTROUDCE A BILL PROVIDING FOR THE EXEMPTION FROM STAMP DUTY OF SPECIFIC STOCK BORROWING AND LENDING TRANSACTIONS.
HE SAID THAT SINCE STOCK BORROWING EXPOSED THE LENDER TO RISK AND IMPRUDENT STOCK LENDING UNDERMINED MARKET INTEGRITY, IT WAS NECESSARY FOR SUCH TRANSACTIONS TO BE PROPERLY CONTROLLED.
"IT IS INTENDED THAT THE STATUS OF 'APPROVED BORROWER’ AS DEFINED FOR THE PURPOSES OF THE CONCESSION SHOULD IN GENERAL BE RESTRICTED TO MEMBERS OF THE STOCK EXCHANGE, AND THAT AS APPROVED BORROWERS THEY WOULD BE REQUIRED TO KEEP RECORDS AND FURNISH RETURNS RELATING TO THEIR STOCK BORROWING ACTIVITIES." SIR PIERS SAID.
THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND THE STOCK EXCHANGE WERE CURRENTLY DISCUSSING THE ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF A PROPER REGULATORY SYSTEM FOR STOCK BORROWING ACTIVITIES.
"IF THIS BILL IS PASSED ITS PROVISIONS WILL NOT BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION UNTIL A SYSTEM OF CONTROL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED," HE SAID .
/TURNING TO
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
TURNING TO THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, SIR PIERS SAID CLAUSE 3 WHICH SOUGHT TO AMEND SECTION 19 OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, PROVIDED FOR THE EXEMPTION OF STOCK BORROWING AND STOCK RETURN FROM STAMP DUTY AND SET FORTH THE CONTROLS AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK NECESSARY TO MAKE THE SYSTEM WORK.
CLAUSE 4 SOUGHT TO ADD A NEW SECTION 58A, WHICH WOULD AFFORD ANY PERSON, AGAINST WHOM THE COLLECTOR OF STAMP REVENUE INTENDED TO INVOKE CIVIL SANCTIONS, AN OPPORTUNITY OF GIVING AN EXPLANATION TO THE COLLECTOR AS TO WHY SUCH ACTION SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE STOCK EXCHANGE OF HONG KONG, THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES COMMISSION AND THE JOINT LIAISON COMMITTEE ON TAXATION HAD BEEN CONSULTED, AND HAD ENDORSED THE PROPOSALS.
"THE FULL YEAR COST TO THE REVENUE IN 1990-91 OF IMPLEMENTING THESE PROPOSALS HAS BEEN ESTIMATED TO BE SOME S40 MILLION," HE ADDED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------o-------
ACTING AG REPLIES TO CRITICISM OF TRUSTS BILL t » » * «
THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON FRANK STOCK, GAVE A POINT-BY-POINT REPLY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO CRITICISMS MADE BY THE HON PETER H.Y. WONG AGAINST THE RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS BILL 1989.
MR STOCK SAID IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL THAT IT HAD FIRST BEEN CONTENDED THAT IN A COMMON LAW JURISDICTION WITH RULES OF EQUITY, THERE WAS NO NEED FOR THE HAGUE CONVENTION. IT WAS FURTHER CONTENDED THAT IN JURISDICTIONS WITHOUT COURTS OF EQUITY, THE CONVENTION WOULD NOT ASSIST.
"I THINK IT MIGHT BE HELPFUL IF I. WERE TO REMIND MEMBERS OF THE PURPOSE OF THE CONVENTION AND OF THIS BILL BY QUOTING THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF GREAT BRITAIN WHEN HE MOVED IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL FOR THE RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS ACT 1987, WHICH IS LARGELY IN THE SAME TERMS AS THE BILL NOW BEFORE US," HE SAID.
HE QUOTED:
"’THE PURPOSE OF THE CONVENTION IS TO ESTABLISH COMMON PRINCIPLES BETWEEN STATES ON THE LAW OF TRUSTS AND TO DEAL WITH THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUES CONCERNING THEIR RECOGNITION........ TRUSTS ARE NOT, IN GENERAL, A CONCEPT FAMILIAR TO CIVIL LAW COUNTRIES. THEIR SYSTEMS OF LAW ARE NOT DESIGNED TO ACCEPT THAT ONE INDIVIDUAL MAY HOLD ASSETS ON BEHALF OF ANOTHER. TO GIVE AN EXTREME EXAMPLE, AT PRESENT IF THERE ARE TRUST ASSETS IN A FOREIGN CIVIL LAW JURISDICTION, AND THE TRUSTEE INCURS DEBTS IN HIS PERSONAL CAPACITY, THE ASSETS OF THE TRUST ARE LIABLE TO BE SEIZED TO MEET THE DEBTS INCURRED BY THE TRUSTEE.
/"IT WAS .«......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, "’989
"’IT WAS TO AVOID THIS AND OTHER DIFFICULTIES THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM PROMOTED THE NEGOTIATION BY THE HAGUE CONFERENCE OF A CONVENTION WHICH. IN EFFECT, ALLOWS US TO EXPORT TO CIVIL LAW COUNTRIES, FIRST THE CONCEPT OF A TRUST; SECONDLY, OUR RULES LAYING DOWN THE LAW WHICH GOVERNS SUCH A TRUST, AND THIRDLY, THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH IT SHOULD BE RECOGNISED. THE CONVENTION WILL THUS PRINCIPALLY BE Ob' BENEFIT TO THE COMMON LAW COUNTRIES SUCH AS ENGLAND AND WALES.'"
OBVIOUSLY, FOR ENGLAND AND WALES WE SUBSTITUTED FOR THE PRESENT PURPOSES HONG KONG, MR STOCK SAID.
"PERHAPS WE MIGHT PAUSE TO REFLECT THAT IF WE HAVE IT AS WRONG AS IS SUGGESTED. BY REFERENCE TO THE SPEECH OF THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF THE DAY, WE ARE IN ILLUSTRIOUS COMPANY INDEED," HE NOTED.
MR STOCK SAID THIS EXPLAINED THE UTILITY OF THE CONVENTION FOR COMMON LAW COUNTRIES. FURTHERMORE, THE COURTS OF THOSE CIVIL LAW COUNTRIES WITHOUT COURTS OF EQUITY WHO WERE PARTIES TO THE CONVENTION WOULD BY VIRTUE OF THE CONVENTION RECOGNISE AND ENFORCE TRUSTS TO WHICH THE CONVENTION APPLIED, HE SAID.
IT HAD BEEN SAID THAT A TRUST WAS INAPPROPRIATELY DEFINED IN THE CONVENTION AND THE EXAMPLE WAS GIVEN OF A CUSTOMER ENTRUSTING HIS SUITS TO A DRY CLEARNER.
"BUT IN SO DOING, TITLE TO THE SUITS DOES NOT STAND IN THE NAME OF THE DRY CLEANER AND THE RELATIONSHIP DOES NOT THEREFORE HAVE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUST UNDER ARTICLE 2 OF THE CONVENTION," MR STOCK SAID.
THE NEXT CRITICISM WAS THAT THE EXISTING TRUST LAW WAS REPLACED BY THE CONVENTION.
"I GATHER THAT THIS ARGUMENT PROCEEDS UPON THE PREMISE THAT THE ENACTMENT OF THE RILL WILL SIGNIFICANTLY AFFECT SUBSTANTIVE DOMESTIC HONG KONG LAW BY PROVIDING A COMPREHENSIVE CODIFICATION OF THE LAW OF TRUSTS WHICH WILL REPLACE ALL EXISTING TRUST LAW." MR STOCK SAID.
"BUT THAT ARGUMENT IGNORES THE PROVISIONS OF CHAPTER II OF THE CONVENTION TO WHICH THIS BILL GIVES THE FORCE OF LAW.
"WHILST IT COULD BE ARGUED THAT ARTICLE I OF THE CONVENTION IS AMBIGUOUS IF READ IN ISOLATION, CHAPTER II OF THE CONVENTION MAKES IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THE PHRASE ’THE LAW APPLICABLE TO TRUSTS’ MEANS THE LAW BY WHICH THE TRUST IS GOVERNED, AND THAT THE CONVENTION DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE STATMENT OF THE LAW ITSELF.
"THE CONVENTION SPECIFIES UNDER ARTICLE 6 THAT A TRUST SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAW CHOSEN BY THE SETTLOR SO THAT. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A SETTLOR EXPRESSES A TRUST TO BE GOVERNED BY ENGLISH LAW THEN IN ANY CONVENTION COUNTRY, THE APPLICABLE LAW OF THAT TRUST WILL BE ENGLISH LAW.
/IN THE ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1?» 19®9
- 5 -
IN THE CRITICISMS WHICH HAD BEEN LEVELLED THERE WAS THEN REFERENCE TO A SUGGESTED CIRCULARITY.
"I GATHER THAT THE ARGUMENT IS THAT WHETHER THE CONVENTION APPLIES DEPENDS UPON IDENTIFICATION OF THE PROPER LAW. BUT THAT THE PROPER LAW CANNOT BE DETERMINED UNTIL IT HAS BEEN ASCERTAINED WHETHER THE CONVENTION APPLIES.
"THE SCHEME OF THE CONVENTION IS FIRST TO IDENTIFY THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A TRUST. IF THESE PREVAIL. THE CONVENTION APPLIES. ONCE THE CONVENTION APPLIES, THE RULES FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER LAW ARE THOSE SET OUT." HE SAID.
MR STOCK SAID THE CONVENTION HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE BAR ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY, THE HONGKONG BANK TRUSTEE, AND ALL WERE IN FAVOUR OF ITS EXTENSION TO HONG KONG. NONE OF THESE BODIES HAD VOICED THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED TODAY.
HE ADDED: "I SHOULD ALSO REPEAT THAT THE BILL IS LARGELY IN THE SAME TERMS AS ENGLAND'S RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS ACT 1987.
"AGAIN WHEN MOVING IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL FOR THIS ACT. THE LORD CHANCELLOR OF THE DAY SAID THIS: 'THE CONVENTION WILL THUS PRINCIPALLY BE OF BENEFIT TO COMMON LAW COUNTRIES SUCH AS ENGLAND AND WALES’, AND A LITTLE FURTHER ON: 'THE BILL WILL INVOLVE LITTLE CHANGE TO THE SUBSTANCE OF EXISTING LAW IN THE UNITED KINGDOM. IT WILL HOWEVER SERVE TO CLARIFY A NUMBER OF ISSUES WHERE OUR EXISTING LAW HAS NOT YET BEEN FULLY DEVELOPED’."
-------o----------
TIME FOR BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO STUDY NEW LAW * » » » »
THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL. THE HON FRANK STOCK, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES BILL 1989 WOULD NOT, IF ENACTED. COME INTO EFFECT UNTIL DECEMBER 1 NEXT YEAR.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL. MR STOCK SAID THIS WOULD ALLOW TIME FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY TO STUDY THE LEGISLATION AND TO AMEND THE CONTRACTUAL DOCUMENTS THEY USED IN THEIR DEALINGS.
HE SAID HE APPRECIATED THE DESIRE TO ENSURE THAT CONSUMERS WERE GIVEN SUFFICIENT PROTECTION AND HE UNDERSTOOD THE CONCERNS EXPRESSED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN RELATION TO THE ABSENCE OF A DEFINITION OF THE TERM "SECURITIES".
"HOWEVER. CLOSE CONSIDERATION OF THE MERITS OF DEFINING ’SECURITIES’ IN THE BILL REVEALED POTENTIAL DIFFICULTIES IN ATTEMPTING TO DO SO.
/"ONE PROBLEM .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
"ONE PROBLEM WAS THAT AN EXHAUSTIVE DEFINITION WOULD BE DIFFICULT SINCE BANKS AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS CONTINUALLY CREATE NEW TYPES OF SECURITIES DOCUMENTS.
"ANOTHER WAS THAT A RESTRICTIVE DEFINITION MIGHT UNDERMINE CERTAIN BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS." MR STOCK SAID.
HE SAID THE ADMINISTRATION CONCLUDED THAT THERE WAS MERIT IN LEAVING THE BILL AS IT WAS. THUS GIVING THE TERM "SECURITIES" ITS EVERYDAY MEANING.
THIS APPROACH WOULD ALSO ALLOW THE COURTS TO FOLLOW UNITED KINGDOM JUDICIAL PRECEDENTS.
"FURTHERMORE. WE ARE NOT AWARE OF ANY DIFFICULTIES THAT HAVE ARISEN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM THE ABSENCE OF A DEFINITION IN THE UNFAIR CONTRACT TERMS ACT 1977 OF THE TERM 'SECURITIES’.
"WE SHALL. OF COURSE. KEEP THE MATTER UNDER REVIEW AND SHOULD ANY PROBLEMS ARISE ONCE THE ORDINANCE HAS BEEN ENACTED AND BROUGHT INTO EFFECT. WE WILL BE PREPARED TO RECONSIDER THE POSITION." HE SAID.
MR STOCK SAID HE ACKNOWLEDGED ALSO DR IP’S CONCERN OVER THE EXCLUSION OF INSURANCE CONTRACTS FROM THE AMBIT OF THE BILL.
"THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERS THAT EFFECTIVE SELF-REGULATION IS A BETTER SOLUTION THAN LEGISLATION TO THE PECULIAR PROBLEMS OF INSURANCE CONTRACT LAW.
"IT IS NOTEWORTHY THAT THE LEGISLATIVE ROUTE HAS NOT BEEN FOLLOWED TN THE UNITED KINGDOM. INSTEAD. A SELF-REGULATORY FRAMEWORK HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED AND HAS WORKED WELL.
"I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT COMMENDABLE EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE LOCAL INSURANCE INDUSTRY TO DEVELOP PROPOSALS FOR SELF-REGULATION AND AN INSURANCE CLAIMS COMPLAINTS BOARD IS EXPECTED TO BE ESTABLISHED SOON.
"THE ADMINISTRATION IS CLOSELY MONITORING DEVELOPMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THE INTERESTS OF POLICY HOLDERS ARE PROTECTED. I CAN CONFIRM THAT IF SELF-REGULATION FAILS TO ACHIEVE ITS OBJECTIVE. THE ADMINISTRATION WILL CONSIDER MAKING LEGISLATIVE CHANGES TO CONTROL INSURANCE MATTERS." HE SAID.
0 --------
/7........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 7 -
STEP TOWARDS BETTER PROTECTION FOR CONSUMERS ******
THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES BILL 1989 IS A PIECE OF LEGISLATION WHICH WII?L ENABLE HONG KONG TO MOVE ONE STEP FORWARD TO PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION IN LAW TO CONSUMERS. DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING TN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL. DR IP SAID THE LEGISLATION WAS TECHNICAL AND COMPLEX, AND SHOULD BE GIVEN THE WIDEST PUBLICITY BY THE ADMINISTRATION WHEN IMPLEMENTED.
AS THE CONVENER OF THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP WHICH STUDIED THE BILL. DR IP SAID THE AD HOC GROUP HAD MADE REFERENCE TO RELEVANT LEGISLATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WHEN SCRUTINISING THE BILL, AND ALSO CONSIDERED SUBMISSIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATION FROM INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS.
ONE OF THE KEY ISSUES CONSIDERED BY THE AD HOC GROUP WAS THE PROTECTION AFFORDED TO CONSUMERS UNDER THE PROVISIONS IN THE ARBITRATION CLAUSES.
DR IP SAID THE PROVISIONS WERE NOT CLEAR AND ACCORDED LESS PROTECTION TO THE CONSUMER THAN THE UK CONSUMER ARBITRATION AGREEMENTS ACT 1988.
THE BILL PROPOSED THAT PROTECTION WOULD BE PROVIDED TO A CONSUMER IN THAT HE WAS NOT BOUND BY A CONTRACT TERM REQUIRING HIM TO SUBMIT A DIFFERENCE TO ARBITRATION UNLESS HE HAD GIVEN WRITTEN CONSENT "AFTER THE DIFFERENCES HAVE ARISEN".
TN COMPARISON. THE UK ACT ONLY DEPRIVED THE CONSUMER OF PROTECTION IF HE CONSENTED IN WRITING TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ARBITRATION CLAUSE "AFTER THE DIFFERENCES TN QUESTION HAVE ARISEN".
DR IP SAID THE AD HOC GROUP HAD SUGGESTED THAT THE SHOULD BE AMENDED ACCORDINGLY ALONG THE LINES OF THE UK ACT.
CLAUSE
SHE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE AD HOC GROUP WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED XBOUT THE PROPOSED EXCLUSION OF INSURANCE CONTRACTS FROM THE PROVISIONS AS INSURANCE CONTRACTS HAD ALL ALONG BEEN AN AREA OF CONSIDERABLE DISPUTE BETWEEN INSURERS AND THE INSURED.
SHE SAID THAT THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION WAS OF THE VIEW THAT LEGISLATIVE CONTROL SHOULD BE APPLIED TO INSURANCE CONTRACTS.
HOWEVER. THE ADMINISTRATION SUGGESTED THAT AN EFFECTIVE SELF-REGULATION SYSTEM WOULD BE A BETTER SOLUTION TO THE INSURANCE CONTRACT LAW THAN LEGISLATION. AND THAT THE PROPOSED PACKAGE FOR SELF-REGULATION OF THE INDUSTRY WOULD BE FINALISED FOR IMPLEMENTATION IN MID-1990.
/ALTHOUGH THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 8 -
ALTHOUGH THE AD HOC GROUP WAS IN FAVOUR OF THE INCLUSION THE INSURANCE CONTRACTS. IT AGREED TO GIVE THE INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITY TO IMPLEMENT SELF-REGULATION UNDER THE MONITORING OF INSURANCE AUTHORITY. FOR ITS EFFECTIVENESS. DR IP SAID.
OF
AN
THE
DR IP ALSO SAID THE AD HOC GROUP HAD CONSIDERED WHETHER THE TERM “SECURITIES” UNDER SCHEDULE I SHOULD BE DEFINED. WITH A VIEW TO LIMITING EXCEPTIONS AND THEREBY PROVIDING GREATER PROTECTION TO CONSUMERS.
AFTER DISCUSSION WITH THE ADMINISTRATION. THE AD HOC GROUP HAD AGREED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO CONTEMPLATE A SATISFACTORY DEFINITION.
-----0-----
RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS BILL ’HAS DEFECTS’
*****
THERE WERE MANY DEFECTS IN THE PROPOSED RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS BILL 1989 AND IT WAS LIKELY TO CAUSE LOSS AND EXPENSE. THE HON PETER H.Y. WONG TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL. MR WONG SAID THAT A TRUST SHOULD BE AN EQUITABLE OBLIGATION ENFORCEABLE ONLY IN A COURT OF EQUITY.
HE LATER VOTED AGAINST THE BILL.
MR WONG SAID: “WHERE THERE IS A COURT OF EQUITY. A TRUST WILL BE ENFORCED WITHOUT THE NEED FOR ANY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION BY FORCE OF THE ORDINARY PRINCIPLES OF EQUITY. WHERE THERE IS NO COURT OF EQUITY HAVING JURISDICTION. AN EQUITABLE OBLIGATION CANNOT BE ENFORCED.
“IN RELATION TO A TRUST PROPERLY SO CALLED, THERE IS NO NEED FOR THE CONVENTION IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE THERE IS A COURT OF EQUITY, AND IN JURISDICTIONS WHERE THERE IS NO COURT OF EQUITY, A CONVENTION CANNOT MAKE AN EQUITABLE OBLIGATION ENFORCEABLE, UNLESS IT ALSO ESTABLISHES A COURT OF EQUITY IN THAT JURISDICTION WHICH THIS CONVENTION DOES NOT PURPORT TO DO.”
MR WONG WENT ON: “THE CONVENTION PURPORTS TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM BY DEFINING AS A TRUST, SOMETHING WHICH IS NOT A TRUST, AND THEN PURPORTING TO MAKE RULES RELATING TO THESE NON-TRUSTS WHICH IT CALLS TRUSTS.”
CONFUSION WAS HEAPED UPON CONFUSION BY CLAUSE 2(3) OF THE BILL, HE SAID.
/"IF THIS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 9 -
"IF THIS IS GIVEN ANY MEANING IT IS ONLY CONSISTENT WITH THE WHOLE OF THE EXISTING TRUST LAW INCLUDING SEVERAL HUNDREDS YEARS OF CAREFULLY THOUGHT OUT DECISIONS OF COURTS OF EQUITY BEING REPLACED BY A FEW PROVISIONS IN AN OBVIOUSLY QUESTIONABLE CONVENTION," HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE RESULT COULD BE DISASTROUS, BUT WAS UNLIKELY TO FOLLOW. BECAUSE IF THE MATTER WAS PROPERLY ARGUED, A COURT WAS LIKELY TO HOLD THAT NO RATIONAL MEANING COULD BE GIVEN TO THE CONVENTION OR THIS LEGISLATION.
ACCORDING TO MR WONG. THERE WAS ANOTHER PROBLEM IN ARTICLE 2 OF THE CONVENTION, BECAUSE ON EXAMINATION THAT PROVISION WOULD BE SEEN TO BE CIRCULAR AND ILLOGICAL.
HE SAID THAT IF ITS PURPOSE WAS TO IDENTIFY WHAT WAS THE PROPER LAW OF A TRUST THEN IT DID THIS BY DEFINING A TRUST AND THEN STATING WHAT LAW GOVERNED THE TRUST.
"BUT THE DEFINITION OF THE TRUST REQUIRES ONE TO ASCERTAIN THE PROPER LAW OF THE RELATIONSHIP.
"IF THE PROPER LAW HAS BEEN DETERMINED THERE IS NO ROOM FOR ANY OPERATION OF THE ARTICLE FOR DETERMINING THE PROPER LAW AS THAT HAS ALREADY BEEN DETERMINED.
"IF IT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED. THEN IT CANNOT BE SAID THAT THE RELATIONSHIP IS A TRUST AS DEFINED IN THE CONVENTION. AND UNTIL IT CAN BE SAID TO BE SUCH A TRUST THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONVENTION DO NOT APPLY AND THF CONVENTION HAS NO OPERATION." HE SAID.
-------0---------
RECORD NUMBER OF VISITORS TO OCEAN PARK *»»***
ABOUT TWO MILLION PEOPLE, INCLUDING 590,000 FROM OVERSEAS, VISITED OCEAN PARK IN THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 1989, WHICH IS THE HIGHEST ANNUAL ATTENDANCE SINCE THE PARK WAS OPENED TO THF PUBLIC IN 1977, THE HON RONALD ARCULLI SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ARCULLI SAID THE ATTENDANCE REPRESENTED OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURES.
OCEAN PARK CORPORATION, MR A SEVEN PER CENT INCREASE
"THE OPERATING INCOME ALSO REACHED A RECORD LEVEL OF J160.3 MILLION. INCLUSIVE OF INTEREST AND DIVIDENDS FROM THE OCEAN PARK TRUST FUND, THERE WAS A SURPLUS OF $38.5 MILLION," MR ARCULLI, WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE OCEAN I’ARK CORPORATION BOARD, SAID.
HE SAID THESE EXCELLENT RESULTS HAD ENABLED OCEAN PARK TO FUND NEW ATTRACTIONS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC, INCLUDING THE IMAGINATIVE MIDDLE KINGDOM DEVELOPMENT WHICH WAS DUE TO OPEN IN JANUARY.
/"THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
10 -
"THIS IS BUT ONE EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF OCEAN PARK’S COMMITMENT TO PROVIDE A WORLD-CLASS RECREATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX FOR LOCAL AND FOREIGN VISITORS AT AFFORDABLE PRICES," HE SAID.
MR ARCULLI SAID THE PROVISION OF NEW ATTRACTIONS WHEN CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS HAD RISEN SHARPLY PROMPTED OCEAN PARK TO SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT IN JUNE LAST YEAR OUTLINE PROPOSALS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CARPARK AT THE LOWLAND AND THE TAI SHUE WAN SITE.
THESE PROPOSALS, IF APPROVED BY THE GOVERNMENT, WOULD PROVIDE OCEAN PARK WITH A NEW SOURCE OF INCOME. THEY ALSO HAD THE ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGE OF ALLOWING VISITORS ACCESS TO INDOOR FACILITIES.
"WE HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD GIVE SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION TO THESE PROPOSALS SO THAT WE CAN PROCEED WITH FURTHER PLANNING AND STUDIES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE," HE SAID.
-------0----------
PERIOD FOR MAKING AMENDMENTS EXTENDED *****
A MOTION ON THE PERIOD FOR AMENDING SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION. IN THIS CASE THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (EXEMPTION) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1989, WHICH WAS GAZETTED ON OCTOBER 13. WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE ORDER PROVIDED FOR NEW CONTROL MEASURES CONCERNING THE POSSESSION AND EXPORT OF ALL IVORY FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. AND WAS LAID ON THE TABLE OF LEGCO ON OCTOBER 18.
UNDER THE MOTION. THE 28-DAY PERIOD FOR AMENDING THE RELEVANT SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION, WHICH WOULD HAVE EXPIRED TODAY. HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 6.
THE MOTION WAS MOVED BY THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG UNDER THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE.
MR TAM SAID THE AIM WAS TO ALLOW MORE TIME IN FINDING A FEASIBLE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM FACED BY IVORY TRADERS AND WORKERS.
HE SAID AN EXTENSION WOULD GIVE A LEGCO AD HOC GROUP FORMED TO STUDY THE ORDER MORE TIME TO CONSIDER SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED FROM IVORY TRADERS AND WORKERS AND TO DISCUSS THE RELEVANT ISSUES WITH THE ADMINISTRATION.
--------0----------
/11
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15, 1989
11 FUNDING UNLIKELY FOR SOME YEARS *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS UNLIKELY TO BE ABLE TO FUND. FOR SOME YEARS AT LEAST, THE PHASE III URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF TSEUNG KWAN O, THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING. ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS WAS BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT NEEDED TO INVEST HEAVILY IN THE PORT. AIRPORT AND ELSEWHERE.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNG ON WHEN THE GOVERNMENT WOULD IMPLEMENT PHASE III OF THE TSEUNG KWAN 0 DEVELOPMENT, MR BARNES SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS LOOKING AT THE POSSIBILITY OF TAKING ON ITSELF THE REDEVELOPMENT OF TIL' KENG LENG COTTAGE AREA TO PROVIDE HOUSING FOR SOME 40,000 PEOPLE.
HE ADDED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE EASTERN SIDE OF TSEUNG KWAN 0. INCLUDING AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE. SHOULD NOT BE AFFECTED AS IT WAS EXPECTED TO BE FUNDED FROM OTHER SOURCES.
-------0----------
GOOD CONDUCT EXPECTED OF UK IMMIGRATION STAFF
******
THE UK AUTHORITIES HAVE POINTED OUT THAT BRITISH IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND HEALTH AUTHORITY PERSONNEL ARE EXPECTED TO OBSERVE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF CONDUCT WHEN DEALING WITH THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SELINA CHOW. WHO ASKED WHAT ACTION THE ADMINISTRATION HAD TAKEN IN RESPONSE TO A RECENT PRESS REPORT REGARDING ALLEGED ROUGH HANDLING OF HONG KONG STUDENTS ENTERING THE UNITED KINGDOM THROUGH GATWICK AIRPORT.
MR BARNES SAID THAT NO COMPLAINT RELATING TO THE ALLEGED INCIDENT HAD BEEN RECEIVED. AND THE UK AUTHORITIES HAD EMPHASISED THAT ANY SPECIFIC COMPLAINTS WERE INVESTIGATED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AS A RESULT OF AN APPROACH BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER. A FEW DAYS AFTER THE NEWSPAPER REPORT. IT HAD BEEN ASSURED THAT:
- THE UK DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WAS REVIEWING STAFFING LEVELS AT GATWICK TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME: AND
- IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND HEALTH UNIT WAITING TIMES WERE Al,READY MUCH LESS THAN THEY WERE IN SEPTEMBER
/MR BARNES
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1p, 1989
- 12 -
MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TRIED TO OBTAIN THE FACTS OF THE INCIDENT FROM THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE AND THROUGH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON. DRAWING ON THE USUAL CONTACTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM SUCH AS THE TELEPHONE ADVISORY SERVICE. THE CHINESE COMMUNITY. STUDENT BODIES AND SO ON.
"DESPITE THE PRESS REPORT IN SEPTEMBER WE HAVE RECEIVED NO COMPLAINTS EITHER IN LONDON OR HERE IN HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
MR BARNES EXPLAINED THAT THE PRESS REPORT MAINLY ALLEGED TWO THINGS: LONG WAITING TIME FOR IMMIGRATION AND MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS. AND RUDE TREATMENT OF HONG KONG STUDENTS AT GATWICK.
THE REASONS GIVEN BY THE UK AUTHORITIES FOR THE DELAYS WERE:
- THE LARGE NUMBER OF RETURNING AND NEW STUDENTS IN SEPTEMBER.
ALL ARRIVING WITHIN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME:
- THE BUNCHING OF FLIGHTS FROM HONG KONG IN THE EARLY' MORNING: AND
- THE STAFFING LEVELS AND FACILITIES OF THE IMMIGRATION CONTROL UNIT AND IN THE HEALTH CONTROL UNIT WHICH WERE SET TO COPE WITH NORMAL PASSENGER NUMBERS RATHER THAN EXCEPTIONAL PEAKS .
------0 -------
NO EVIDENCE OF FALL IN OVERALL AIR POLLUTION t » » * *
THERE IS NO EVIDENCE FROM GOVERNMENT MONITORING STATIONS THAT THE OVERALL LEVEI. OF AIR POLLUTION HAS ACTUALLY FALLEN. THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING. ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS, THE HON GRAHAM BARNES. SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS WAS IN SPITE OF SOME 6,000 GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS TO FACTORIES. 600 LEGAL NOTICES AND OVER 1,000 PROSECUTIONS INITIATED SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE IN 1983, HE SAID.
MR BARNES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHENG HON-KWAN ON PROGRESS IN REDUCING AIR POLLUTION BY FACTORY EMISSIONS, SINCE THE ENACTMENT OF THE ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, MR BARNES SAID, THIS WAS NOT TO SAY THAT THE SIX YEARS WAS TIME WASTED.
"AIR CONTROL ZONES HAVE BEEN DECLARED, AIR QUALITY OBJECTIVES HAVE BEEN SET AND NEW REGULATIONS TO CONTROL AIR POLLUTING INDUSTRIES MADE. ALL ACTIONS PRE-REQUISITE TO CONTROL UNDER ANY SYSTEM OF ENFORCEMENT.
/"THERE HAVE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
''THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN LOCAL SUCCESS STORIES IN ADVICE-GIVING AND LEGAL ACTION AND THE MONITORING SYSTEM HAS BEEN IMPROVED, WITH 10 AIR POLLUTION MONITORING STATIONS NOW OPERATIONAL COMPARED WITH FOUR IN 1983,” HE SAID.
BUT ABOVE ALL, HE SAID, II’ WAS MOST UNLIKELY THAT THE ADMINISTRATION WOULD NOW BE IN A POSITION TO JUSTIFY APPROVAL OF REGULATIONS TO RESTRICT THE SULPHUR CONTENT OF FUEL OIL TO 0.5 PER CENT IF IT WERE NOT ABLE TO SHOW THAT A SYSTEM OF LICENSING. PROSECUTION AND APPEALS CONCERNING INDIVIDUAL FACTORIES HAD FAILED TO PRODUCE THE REDUCTION IN POLLUTION LEVELS NEEDED.
’’THIS IS THE SINGLE PIECE OF ACTION WHICH WILL REDUCE AIR POLLUTION LEVELS MOST.’ HE ADDED.
- 0 -
FURTHER WORKING PARTY ON CHINESE LANGUAGE IN COURTS t ♦ ♦ ♦ t
THE JUDICIARY HAS FORMED ANOTHER WORKING PARTY TO CONSIDER THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE EARLIER ON THE GREATER USE OF CHINESE IN COURTS, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON FRANK STOCK. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE WORKING PARTY’S REPORT WAS EXPECTED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, MR STOCK SAID IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON SO CHAU YIM-PING ON WHETHER THE WORKING PARTY ON THE GREATER USE OF CHINESE IN MAGISTRATES COURTS HAD COMPLETED ITS STUDY AND WHAT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WERE.
MR STOCK SAID ON JANUARY 15. 1987. THE THEN CHIEF JUSTICE APPOINTED A WORKING PARTY TO CONSIDER THE EXTENT TO WHICH GREATER USE COULD BE MADE OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE IN COURTS AND COURT PROCEDURE, AND TO MAKI RECOMMENDATIONS ACCORDINGLY.
“IT LOOKED AT ALL COURTS, NOT JUST THE MAGISTRACY. IT SUBMITTED A REPORT IN JANUARY 1988.” HE SAID.
THE WORKING PARTY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT EACH LEVEL OF COURT HAD A DIFFERENT NEED. AND ACCORDINGLY IT MADE SEPARATE RECOMMENDATIONS IN RESPECT OF EACH COURT AND TRIBUNAL.
IT ALSO DEALT WITH DOCUMENTS USED BY THE COURTS, AND URGED THAT PRIORITY BE GIVEN TO ENSURING THAT ALL DOCUMENTS CONCERNING COURT PROCEEDINGS. OR OTHERWISE USED OR ISSUED BY THE COURTS, BE BILINGUAL.
IN ADDITION, THE WORKING PARTY MADE CERTAIN RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE PRIORITY TO BE ACCORDED TO TRANSLATING LEGISLATION.
/"THE QUESTION
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 19&9
14 -
"THE QUESTION POSED TODAY MAKES PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE MAGISTRATES COURTS. ALTHOUGH, AS I HAVE SAID, THE REMIT OF THE WORKING PARTY WAS WIDER THAN THAT,
"PERHAPS I MIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF THIS ANSWER RESTRICT MYSELF TO THE PRINCIPAL RECOMMENDATIONS IN RELATION TO THE MAGISTRATES COURTS.
"IT WAS UPON THE GROWING USE OF CHINESE IN THESE COURTS THAT THE WORKING PARTI PLACED PRIME IMPORTANCE BECAUSE THESE COURTS REPRESENT THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM AT ITS POINT OF MAXIMUM CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC. AND BECAUSE THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNITY SPEAK CHINESE," MR STOCK SAID.
HE SAID THE WORKING PARTY RECOMMENDED THAT AT THE OUTSET OF PROCEEDINGS THE MAGISTRATE, EACH LAWYER AND ANY UNREPRESENTED PARTY, SHOULD MAKE AN INITIAL CHOICE OF LANGUAGE WHICH EACH WOULD RESPECTIVELY SPEAK DURING THE PROCEEDINGS.
IT ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT. SAVE IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, ALL DOCUMENTS IN EITHER LANGUAGE BE TRANSLATED PRIOR TO THE PROCEEDINGS AND THAT DOCUMENTS IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN CHINESE OR ENGLISH SHOULD BE TRANSLATED INTO BOTH OF THOSE LANGUAGES PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
FURTHER RECOMMENDATIONS INCLUDED WERE THAT THE MAGISTRATE BE PERMITTED TO CHOOSE THE LANGUAGE OF THE RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS. AND THAT THIS LANGUAGE SHOULD BE THE OFFICIAL RECORD; THAT THE BRIEF JUDGEMENT OR VERDICT SHOULD BE RECORDED BILINGUALLY AT THE END OF THE RECORD; AND THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN APPEAL, THE PARTY SHOULD BE ENTITLED UPON APPLICATION TO HAVE A TRANSLATION OF THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE PROCEEDINGS.
OTHER TRIBUNALS AND COURTS WERE CONSIDERED. THESE WERE THE SMALL CLAIMS AND LABOUR TRIBUNALS, THE CORONERS COURT, THE IMMIGRATION TRIBUNAL. THE DISTRICT COURT. THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL AND THE SUPREME COURT.
MR STOCK SAID: "ALTHOUGH THE REPORT FULLY RECOGNISED THAT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD REQUIRE. AMONGST OTHER THINGS. AN INCREASE IN THE RECRUITMENT OF SKILLED INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS TO THE JUDICIARY. AND ALSO AN EXTENSION OF THEIR TRAINING PROGRAMME. IT DID NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESS THE QUESTIONS OF COST AND RESOURCES. WHICH QUESTIONS FELL OUTSIDE ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE.
"IN 1988. THEREFORE. A SUB-COMMITTEE WAS FORMED TO CONSIDER THE PRACTICAL CONSEQUENCES AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS.
"IT COMPRISED MEMBERS OF THE JUDICIARY AND WAS ASSISTED BY OFFICERS OF FINANCE BRANCH. THIS SUB-COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THAT THE RECOMMENDATIONS RELATING TO THE LOWER COURTS COULD BE IMPLEMENTED RELATIVELY SIMPLY BY MANPOWER INCREASES. LARGELY OF INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS, BUT THAT THE HIGH COURT PROPOSALS WERE MORE COMPLEX.
/"CONFINING ITSELF
WEDNESDAZ, NOVEMBER 15. 1989
"CONFINING ITSELF TO THE LOWER COURTS, THE SUB-COMMITTEE WAS OF THE VIEW THAT THE WORKING PARTY'S RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD ENTAIL EXTRA WORK IN RELATION TO PRE-TRIAL AND POST-TRIAL PERIODS, COMPREHENDING IN PARTICULAR TRANSLATION OF DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE, PLEADINGS, AND LENGTHY JUDGEMENTS. AND TRANSCRIPTS OF PROCEEDINGS FOR APPEAL."
FOR THESE EXTRA FUNCTIONS. THE SUB-COMMITTEE CALCULATED THE REQUIRED INCREASE IN INTERPRETERS AND TRANSLATORS FOR THE MAGISTRACY IN A RATIO OF THREE NEW POSTS FOR EVERY TWO COURTS. IT ESTIMATED THAT EXTRA TYPIST AND CALL1GRAPHIST POSTS WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED. THE ANNUAL RECURRENT COST WAS CALCULATED AT *19.6 MILLION. HE SAID.
ESTIMATES OF POSTS REQUIRED WERE ALSO MADE FOR THE DISTRICT COURT AND THE SMALL CLAIMS AND LABOUR TRIBUNALS. THE TOTAL COST FOR ALL COURTS CONSIDERED IN THE EXERCISE (EXCEPTING HIGH COURT, AND CORNONER’S COURT HEARINGS WITH A JURY) WAS ESTIMATED AT *39.7 MILLION, OF WHICH STAFF COSTS WOULD BE *33.94 MILLION. HE SAID.
QUITE APART FROM THE FACT THAT EXPENDITURE ON SUCH A SCALE WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY CURTAIL THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR OTHER AREAS, VERY REAL DOUBT HAD BEEN EXPRESSED AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF SUFICIENT PERSONS POSSESSED OF THE SKILLS ESSENTIAL FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS, MR STOCK SAID.
“1 AM ADVISED THAT IN VIEW OF THIS PROBLEM IT WAS FELT NECESSARY TO FORM ANOTHER WORKING PARTY WHOSE JOB IT IS TO CONSIDER FROM A PRACTICAL POINT OF VIEW WHICH OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MIGHT BE IMPLEMENTED GIVEN THESE QUESTIONS OF COST AND OF THE AVAILABILITY OF SKILLS." HE SAID.
-----o-----
POLICE UPHOLD PRINCIPLE OF FREE PRESS t * » » »
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE HAS ALWAYS UPHELD THE PRINCIPLE OF A FREE. INDEPENDENT AND RESPONSIBLE PRESS. THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY. THE HON GEOFFREY BARNES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
"THEY HAVE NEVER DELIBERATELY SOUGHT TO INFRINGE UPON OR TO RESTRICT THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS. NOR IS IT THEIR INTENTION TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE." MR BARNES SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON MIRIAM LAU REGARDING THE RECENT SEIZURE BY THE POLICE OF VIDEO TAPES FROM TWO TELEVISION STATIONS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IN EXERCISING POWERS UNDER THE POLICE FORCE OR ANY OTHER ORDINANCE, THE POLICE AIMED TO ENSURE THAT ANY ACTION TAKEN WAS LEGAL AND JUSTIFIED, HAVING REGARD TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION, RULES OF EVIDENCE AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SITUATION ITSELF.
/"IN CONSIDERING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
16 -
"IN CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION BY THE POLICE FOR A WARRANT, A MAGISTRATE WILL BE MINDFUL OF THE NEED TO PROTECT THE CIVIL RIGHTS OF THOSE WHO MAY BE DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY POLICE ACTION ON THE ONE HAND, AND THOSE OF OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE OTHER.
"BEFORE ISSUING THE WARRANT THE MAGISTRATE HAS TO HAVE REASONABLE CAUSE TO SUSPECT, UPON THE OATH OF THE APPLICANT, THAT A DOCUMENT, ARTICLE OR THING MAY THROW LIGHT ON THE CHARACTER OR ACTIVITIES OF A PERSON SUSPECTED OF AN OFFENCE," MR BARNES SAID.
MR BARNES SAID IT WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR HIM TO COMMENT AT THIS STAGE ON THE DETAILS OF THIS PARTICULAR CASE AS THE MATTER WAS SUB-JUDICE PENDING COURT HEARINGS NEXT MONTH.
"HOWEVER, I AM INFORMED THAT THE WARRANT IN THIS INSTANCE WAS ONLY SOUGHT AFTER THE REJECTION BY THE TELEVISION COMPANIES CONCERNED OF REQUESTS TO ALLOW INVESTIGATING OFFICERS TO VIEW THE VIDEO TAPES," HE SAID.
AS REGARDS AMENDMENT OF THE POLICE FORCE ORDINANCE TO BRING IT INTO LINE WITH THE UK POLICE AND CRIMINAL EVIDENCE ACT OF 1984, MR BARNES SAID THAT IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION WAS INVITED TO EXAMINE, AMONGST OTHER THINGS, THE EXISTING LAW AND PRACTICE GOVERNING THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE POLICE IN RELATION TO ENTRY, SEARCH AND SEIZURE, AND ARREST AND DETENTION.
"IN PARTICULAR, THE COMMISSION WAS INVITED TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO WHETHER THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE POLICE AND CRIMINAL EVIDENCE ACT OF 1984, AND THE CODES OF PRACTICE THEREUNDER. SHOULD BE ADOPTED IN HONG KONG, WITH OR WITHOUT MODIFICATION," HE SAID.
-----o-----
TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS BEING CLOSELY MONITORED
*****
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL. THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ARE EMPOWERED BY LAW TO GIVE DIRECTIONS TO THE TWO RAILWAY CORPORATIONS ON ISSUES OF PUBLIC INTEREST, INCLUDING SAFETY AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, MR LEUNG SAID THERE WERE DETAILED PROVISIONS IN THE LEGISLATION TO ENSURE THE CORPORATIONS FULFILLED THEIR STATUTORY DUTIES.
THE ENFORCEMENT OF THESE PROVISIONS WAS MONITORED BY THE TRANSPORT BRANCH. ASSISTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WHOSE STAFF WERE IN CLOSE AND REGULAR TOUCH WITH BOTH RAIL MANAGEMENTS, HE SAID.
/ON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 17 -
ON THE QUESTION OF BRINGING THE TWO RAILWAY SERVICES WITHIN THE SCRUTINY OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC), MR LEUNG SAID A DISTINCTION SHOULD BE DRAWN BETWEEN RAIL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN GENERAL AND RAIL MANAGEMENT.
HE SAID THAT MANAGEMENT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT-APPOINTED BOARDS OF THE TWO RAIL CORPORATIONS AND THE TAC'S INVOLVEMENT WOULD DUPLICATE THEIR ROLE.
"THE BROADER ASPECTS OF RAIL SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE OVERALL TRANSPORT STRATEGY ARE ALREADY TAKEN CARE OF BY TAC." HE SAID.
SUBJECTS DISCUSSED BY THE TAC IN RECENT YEARS INCLUDED THE EFFECTS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PEAK HOUR CONGESTION FARE ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, SERVICES AND SAFETY OF THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM. AND CURRENTLY DETAILED COMMENTS ON THE GREEN PAPER. INCLUDING FUTURE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENTS. THEIR TIMING AND ALIGNMENTS, MR LEUNG SAID.
-----0------
UNLEADED PETROL EXPECTED IN 12 - 15 MONTHS * * » t *
UNLEADED PETROL IS EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG IN 12 TO 15 MONTHS. THE SECRETARY FOR PLANNING. ENVIRONMENT AND LANDS. THE HON GRAHAM BARNES. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PAUL CHENG. MR BARNES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS AT PRESENT DISCUSSING THE SPECIFICATIONS OF THE FUEL WITH OIL COMPANIES.
AND THE ESTIMATE OF 12 TO 15 MONTHS WHICH ORIGINATED WITH THE OIL COMPANIES. IS THE TIME WHEN WE EXPECTED THE GRADE OF PETROL TO BE CHOSEN AND ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR ITS SUPPLY." HE SAID.
MR BARNES ALSO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLANNING TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO ENFORCE CONVERSION AND COMPLIANCE OVER A PERIOD.
HE EXPECTED TO RECEIVE A DETAILED PROPOSAL ON THIS MATTER SHORTLY.
-------0----------
/18........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15. 1989
DEDICATED LINE NOT MANDATORY FOR FAX MACHINE * ♦ ♦ » ♦
ASSURANCES WILL BE SOUGHT FROM THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY THAT IT WILL TAKE ACTION TO ENSURE THAT SUBSCRIBERS UNDERSTAND THAT A DEDICATED TELEPHONE LINE IS NOT MANDATORY FOR A FACSIMILE MACHINE. THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MRS CHAN SAID THERE WAS NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT FOR A DEDICATED TELEPHONE LINE TO BE USED FOR A FACSIMILE MACHINE. NOR WAS THIS A REQUIREMENT UNDER THE TELEPHONE COMPANY’S OWN CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
’’THE GOVERNMENT HAS UP TO NOW RECEIVED NO COMPLAINTS OR PUBLIC COMMENT INDICATING MISUNDERSTANDINGS ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER A DEDICATED TELEPHONE LINE IS REQUIRED FOR FACSIMILE MACHINES.
"I AM GRATEFUL THEREFORE TO DR IP FOR BRINGING THIS MATTER TO MY ATTENTION,” SHE SAID.
DR IP HAD SAID SOME MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE UNDER THE WRONG IMPRESSION THAT IT WAS MANDATORY FOR THEM TO APPLY FOR A DEDICATED LINE FOR A FACSIMILE MACHINE.
- - 0 - -
TRANSPORT SERVICES FOR TIN SHUI WAI RESIDENTS
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION IS PLANNING TO RUN BUS SERVICES FROM TIN SHUI WAJ NEW TOWN TO YUEN LONG AND HUNG SHUI KIU BEFORE THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT (LRT) SYSTEM IS EXTENDED TO THE NEW TOWN, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT. THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAI CHIN-WAH, MR LEUNG SAID THAT IN YUEN LONG AND HUNG SHUI KIU THE PASSENGERS COULD CHANGE TO OTHER MODES OF TRANSPORT.
HE SAID THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY WOULD ALSO OPERATE FOUR NEW EXTERNAL BUS ROUTES FROM TIN SHUT WAI TO TSUEN WAN AND SHAM SHUI PO WHERE PASSENGERS COULD CHANGE TO THE MTR OR TO BUSES FOR OTHER DESTINATIONS.
HE ADDED THAT GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES WOULD ALSO BE INTRODUCED.
"ALL THESE SERVICES ARE PLANNED TO TIE IN WITH THE POPULATION INTAKE AND WILL BE EXPANDED AND IMPROVED AS PASSENGER DEMAND INCREASES,” HE SAID.
/MR LEUNG
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 19 -
MR LEUNG ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE MONITORING THE SITUATION CLOSELY TO ENSURE THE TRAVELLING NEEDS OF RESIDENTS OF TIN SHUI WAI WERE ADEQUATELY CATERED FOR.
ON THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE OF LRT EXTENSION TO TIN SHUI WAI, HE SAID THAT WHEN THE KCRC WAS FIRST INVITED TO TAKE ON THE LRT PROJECT. IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT THE FULL NETWORK WOULD BE BUILT IN STAGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENTS, LEADING TO THE EVENTUAL COMPLETION OF THE VARIOUS REGIONAL EXTENSIONS IN THE MID-1990’S.
"ACCORDING TO THE PRESENT PROGRAMME, POPULATION INTAKE IN TIN SHUI WAI NEW TOWN WOULD START IN DECEMBER 1991.
"POPULATION IS ESTIMATED TO BE AROUND 16.000 BY THE END OF 1992. BUILDING UP EVENTUALLY TO OVER 135.000 BY- THE END OF 1996," HE SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID THE KCRC WAS CONDUCTING A DETAILED STUDY TO ASCERTAIN THE IMPLEMENTATION DATE OF THE LRT EXTENSION TO TIN SHUI WAI IN THE LIGHT OF MORE ACCURATE POPULATION PROJECTIONS AND A MORE IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF LRT PATRONAGE GROWTH AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.
------0-------
VIETNAMESE ACCOUNT FOR SMALL PERCENTAGE OF HOSPITAL USE ******
IT WOULD SEEM FROM AVAILABLE EVIDENCE THAT THE VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE AND REFUGEES (VBP AND VR ’ S 1 ACCOUNT FOR ONLY A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE OVERALL UTILISATION OF PUBLIC HOSPITAL BEDS AND CASUALTY SERVICES. THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON T.H. CHAU, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON NGA I SHIU-KIT, MR CHAU SAID THE USE OF HOSPITAL FACILITIES BY THE VIETNAMESE WAS NOT KNOWN TO HAVE ADVERSELY AFFECTED THE AVAILABILITY OF SUCH SERVICES TO LOCAL RESIDENTS OR CAUSED SERIOUS DELAYS TO LOCAL RESIDENTS SEEKING TREATMENT.
HE GAVE STATISTICS KEPT BY THE FOUR REGIONAL HOSPITALS. NAMELY, QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL. PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AND PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL. ON THE NUMBER OF VBP AND VR'S ADMITTED IN 1988 AND 1989 INTO ONE OF THESE HOSPITALS.
ACCORDINGLY. THE TOTAL NUMBER OF HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS IN 1988 WAS 400,099 AND OF THESE, 2.965 (OR 0.74 PER CENT) WERE VBP AND VR’S.
FROM JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR. 5,870 VBP AND VR’S (OR 2.1 PER CENT) WERE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL AMONG THE 279.279 HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS.
/AS FOR........
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
20
AS FOR THE NUMBERS ATTENDING THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY ( A&E ) DEPARTMENTS AT THE FOUR HOSPITALS, MR CHAU SAID IN 1988, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF A&E ATTENDANCES WAS 600,178; OF THESE, 3,368 (OR 0.56 PER CENT) WERE VBP AND VR’S.
FROM JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THERE WERE 7,007 VBP AND VR ' S (OR 1.45 PER CENT I ATTENDING A&E DEPARTMENTS OUT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF 484.110.
HOWEVER. THERE WERE NO AVAILABLE STATISTICS TO IDENTIFY THE NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE ADMISSIONS AND ATTENDANCES THAT WERE DUE TO INJURIES SUSTAINED IN FIGHTING OR UPON CONTRACTION OF DISEASE, MR CHAU SAID.
"NOR HAS IT BEEN POSSIBLE IN THE TIME AVAILABLE TO IDENTIFY VBP AND VR ADMISSIONS OR ATTENDANCES AT ALL PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG," HE ADDED.
-----0------
SPECIAL JOB REGISTER TO ASSIST IVORY WORKERS * » » » »
THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (LES) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS OPENED A SPECIAL REGISTER TO ASSIST IVORY WORKERS WHO MAY WISH TO TAKE UP ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT. THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON ANSON CHAN. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IVORY WORKERS COULD APPROACH ANY OF THE 16 LES OFFICES FOR ASSISTANCE. MRS CHAN SAID IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON TAM YIU-CHUNGs
SHE SAID THE BAN ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE TN IVORY. IMPOSED ON HONG KONG BY THE INTERNATIONA). COMMUNITY, WOULD CAUSE DIFFICULTIES TO BOTH IVORY TRADERS AND WORKERS.
"STAFF OF' THE LES ARE ALREADY CANVASSING SUITABLE JOB VACANCIES FROM VARIOUS TRADES AND INDUSTRIES.
"IN ADDITION. THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE WILL ADVISE THE WORKERS OF BENEFITS DUE TO THEM UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE AND WILL ASSIST THEM IN RESOLVING PROBLEMS WHICH THEY MAY HAVE WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS IN RELATION TO WAGES. LONG SERVICE PAYMENTS OR SEVERANCE PAYMENTS ON REDUNDANCY." SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID IN CASE AN EMPLOYER WAS UNABLE TO PAY BENEFITS DUE TO HIS EMPLOYEES. AS A RESULT OF INSOLVENCY, THE WORKERS AFFECTED WOULD BE ASSISTED IN APPLYING FOR RELIEF FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND.
/"AS FOR .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 21
"AS FOR IVORY WORKERS WHO MAY SEEK RETRAINING THE GOVERNMENT WILL ASK THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL TO ARRANGE SUITABLE COURSES.
"THE COUNCIL ALREADY OPERATES A NUMBER OF SHORT COURSES WHOSE GRADUATES ARE IN GREAT DEMAND. THE VTC MAY HAVE TO EXPAND THE CAPACITY OF THESE COURSES OR MODIFY THEIR CONTENTS TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF THE CARVERS.
"SOME ADDITIONAL FUNDS MAY WELL BE NECESSARY TO FINANCE THIS PROGRAMME THOUGH WE DO NOT ANTICIPATE PROBLEMS IN THIS REGARD." SHE SAID.
-------o---------
FOUR BILLS PASSED
* » *
FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY WERE THE CONTROL OF EXEMPTION CLAUSES BILL 1989. THE RECOGNITION OF TRUSTS BILL 1989, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989, AND THE HOSPITALS. NURSING HOMES AND MATERNITY HOMES REGISTRATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989.
A MOTION ON EXTENDING THE PERIOD FOR AMENDING SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION. IN THIS CASE OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) (EXEMPTION) (AMENDMENT) ORDER 1989, WAS PASSED.
IN ADDITION. TWO BILLS WERE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
THEY WERE THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989 AND THE STAMP DUTY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1989. DEBATES ON THESE BILLS WERE ADJOURNED.
-------o ---------
/22........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15. 1989
22
CIVIL SERVICE PROVIDES CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES
THE CIVIL SERVICE PROVIDES A RANGE OF CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE SEEKING A CAREER. THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL. MR FRANK STOCK. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE CIVIL SERVICE CAREERS EXHIBITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
"THE TERM CIVIL SERVICE IS ONE THAT TENDS TO CONJURE UP PICTURES OF THINGS THAT ARE DRY AND STAID." HE SAID.
"THE TRUTH IS THAT THE OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE: OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHALLENGE. FOR GREAT DIVERSITY OF EXPERIENCE AND OF COURSE FOR SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC."
MR STOCK SAID HE WAS DELIGHTED THAT THE EXHIBITION WAS PRESENTING A FORUM OF INFORMATION FOR YOUNG STUDENTS TO HELP THEM MARSHAL THE FACTS SO THAT THEY COULD BETTER ASSESS THEIR FUTURE CAREER PATHS.
"WE WILL I HOPE CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE OUR YOUNG TO VIEW HONG KONG AS A PLACE OF IMMENSE CHALLENGE AS WELL AS A PLACE OF OPPORTUNITY BOTH FOR INDIVIDUAL CAREER AMBITIONS AND SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY." HE SAID.
MR STOCK SAID THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THE THREE GOVERNMENT LEGAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS - THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S CHAMBERS. THE REGISTRAR GENERAL'S DEPARTMENT AND THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT - WERE PARTICIPATING IN THIS EXHIBITION.
"IN MATTERS OF CAREER GUIDANCE. THE BURDEN IS SQUARELY UPON US TO PROVIDE INFORMATION TO THOSE WHO WOULD CHOOSE A CAREER. PARTICULARLY TO THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE."
IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY. MR STOCK SAID THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN MAKING A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT TO WORK OUT WAYS OF ENCOURAGING LOCALISATION IN THE DEPARTMENT AND CERTAIN MEASURES HAD BEEN WORKED OUT TO ACHIEVE THAT OBJECTIVE.
"IT'S PERHAPS TOO EARLY TO BE CERTAIN ABOUT IT BUT THE SITUATION OF RETENTION OF OUR COUNSEL SEEMS TO BE IMPROVING AND I’M VERY HOPEFUL.
"THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT WE RUN A LEGAL DEPARTMENT WHICH IS LARGE. WHICH COVERS A VERY WIDE AREA OF LEGAL EXPERIENCE.
"THE DEPTH OF EXPERIENCE IS QUITE EXTRAORDINARY AND I’M VERY HOPEFUL THAT MORE AND MORE YOUNGSTERS IN HONG KONG WILL REALISE THAT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GAINING VALID LEGAL EXPERIENCE. INTERESTING LEGAL EXPERIENCE, ARE GREAT." MR STOCK SAID.
/ON WHETHER .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1$, 1989
- 25 -
ON WHETHER THE DEPARTMENT WAS SHORT OF STAFF. MR STOCK SAID THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT PARTICULARLY SHORT OF STAFF AT PRESENT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ACROSS THE CIVIL SERVICE AS A WHOLE. LARGE NUMBERS OF VACANT POSTS HAD BEEN CUT RECENTLY AND THIS HAD HAD ITS EFFECT ON THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AS WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS.
HOWEVER. IN A DEPARTMENT OF ABOUT 250 LAWYERS. THERE WAS ALWAYS A TURNOVER OF STAFF "SO THERE WILL ALWAYS RE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNGSTERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN A CAREER IN LAW TO JOIN US." MR STOCK SAID.
AS FOR THE WHITE BILL ON THE BILL OF RIGHTS. MR STOCK SAID MUCH HARD WORK WAS BEING DONE AND HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE TARGET OF PRODUCING A WHITE BILL BY THE END OF THE YEAR WOULD BE MET.
A TOTAL OF 28 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE TAKING PART IN THE TWO-AND-A-HALF-DAY EXHIBITION WHICH IS BEING HELD AT THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
-----0------
SWD EXPERIMENTS OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE PROJECT ♦ ♦ t ♦ ♦
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS EXPERIMENTING A PROJECT ON OCCASIONAL CHILD CARE SERVICE WITH A VIEW TO ELIMINATING THE RISK OF HAVING YOUNG CHILDREN LEFT UNATTENDED AT HOME. THE DEPARTMENT’S REGIONAL OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES EAST). MR CARLOS LEUNG. SAID THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE KWONG FUK CHILD CARE CENTRE RUN BY THE NEW TERRITORIES WOMEN AND JUVENILES WELFARE ASSOCIATION. MR LEUNG SAID THE SERVICE AIMED AT PROVIDING SHORT TERM DAY CARE FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND SIX WHOSE CARERS HAD TO STAY AWAY FROM HOME OCCASIONALLY DUE TO SUDDEN ENGAGEMENTS AND VARIOUS COMMITMENTS.
"THESE COMMITMENTS MAY INCLUDE SUDDEN ILLNESS AND HOSPITALISATION. ESCORTING FAMILY MEMBERS FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, VISITING SICK OR IMPRISONED FAMILY MEMBERS. OR DEATH OF FAMILY MEMBERS AND RELATIVES." HE EXPLAINED.
MR LEUNG SAID THE PROJECT WAS BEING IMPLEMENTED IN TWO PHASES IN WHICH A TOTAL OF 15 DAY NURSERIES WOULD PROVIDE 105 PLACES.
"PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT HAS STARTED ON NOVEMBER 1. THE SERVICE IS NOW BEING PROVIDED IN THREE NURSERIES IN KWUN TONG. SHAM SHUI PO AND TAI PO.
"THE SECOND PHASE WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH WITH 12 MORE NURSERIES JOINING TH! SERVICE. THEY ARE WIDELY DISTRIBUTED IN THE TERRITORY. IN WAN CHAI. TSING YI. MONG KOK. KOWLOON CITY. WONG TAI SIN, SHA TIN, TUEN MUN, YUEN LONG. KWAI CHUNG, EASTERN, TSUEN WAN. SOUTHERN AND NORTH DISTRICTS.”
/NOTING THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
24
NOTING THAT THE SERVICE WAS AVAILABLE WITHIN NORMAL HOURS OF DAY NURSERIES. MR LEUNG SAID RESIDENTS USING THE SERVICE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $20 FOR HALF-DAY AND $40 FOR WHOLE DAY SERVICE, IN ADDITION TO A $4 MEAL CHARGE PER DAY.
HOWEVER. FAMILIES IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY MAY APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
"CHILDREN WHO ARE SICK OR MENTALLY DISABLED ARE NOT COVERED BY THE PROJECT." MR LEUNG SAID.
"AS THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN EACH NURSERY IS LIMITED, REGISTRATION OR REFERRALS WILL BE ON A FIRST COME. FIRST SERVED BASIS," HE ADDED.
-------0---------
GOVT ENDORSES RECOMMENDATIONS ON SIXTH FORM POLICY
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER HAS ENDORSED THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE WORKING GROUP ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION FOR IMPLEMENTATION SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE WORKING GROUP WAS ESTABLISHED IN AUGUST 1988 TO CONSIDER HOW THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION. SOME OF WHICH HAD BEEN MODIFIED IN RESPONSE TO PUBLIC COMMENTS. SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN ITS REPORT, THE WORKING GROUP ADDRESSED THE MANY PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL ISSUES INVOLVED IN IMPLEMENTING THE GOVERNMENT'S POLICY ON SIXTH FORM EDUCATION WHICH WAS FIRST ANNOUNCED IN MAY 1988.
"THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED THE WORKING GROUP’S RECOMMENDATION THAT CHINESE-MEDIUM ADVANCED LEVEL (A-LEVEL) COURSES SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE AS EARLY AS 1990. WITH THE FIRST CHINESE-MEDIUM A-LEVEL EXAMINATION TO BE CONDUCTED IN 1992," THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
"THIS MEANS THAT SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE TRADITIONALLY OFFERED A SIX-YEAR SECONDARY COURSE WILL NOW BE ABLE TO OFFER THE FULL SEVEN-YEAR PROGRAMME LEADING TO A-LEVEL EXAMINATIONS IN CHINESE. THE LAST HIGHER LEVEL EXAMINATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN 1992.
"ADDITIONAL A-LEVEL COURSES TN PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FROM 1991 ONWARDS, ENABLING PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, WHICH AT PRESENT PROVIDE COURSES LEADING ONLY TO THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION. TO OFFER SIXTH FORM COURSES."
/THE GOVERNMENT .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 25 -
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ENDORSED THE WORKING GROUP'S RECOMMENDATION THAT THE INTERMEDIATE LEVEL (I-LEVEL) COURSES SHOULD BE RENAMED AS ADVANCED SUPPLEMENTARY LEVEL (AS-LEVEL) COURSES.
SUCH COURSES ARE NO LONGER "INTERMEDIATE" AS THEY WERE INTENDED TO BE IN THE ORIGINAL EDUCATION COMMISSION’S PROPOSAL. AS THE EXAMINATION IS NOW TO BE TAKEN AFTER TWO YEARS OF STUDY RATHER THAN AFTER ONE.
IN ADDITION, THESE COURSES ARE CONCEPTUALLY VERY CLOSE TO THE AS-LEVEL COURSES NOW BEING OFFERED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, WHICH ARE INCREASINGLY WELL KNOWN AND ACCEPTED OVERSEAS.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT AS-LEVEL COURSES WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE IN 1992, WITH THE FIRST AS-LEVEL EXAMINATION BEING HELD IN 1994 .
"TO ENSURE THE BROADENING OF THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM, A NEW AS-LEVEL SUBJECT. LIBERAL STUDIES, WILL BE INTRODUCED AS A CORE SUBJECT IN THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM. A MODULAR APPROACH WILL BE ADOPTED IN SYLLABUS DESIGN TO GIVE SCHOOLS A VARIETY OF TOPICS TO CHOOSE FROM.
"TWO ADDITIONAL AS LEVEL SUBJECTS. NAMELY, USE OF ENGLISH AND CHINESE LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, ARE ALSO TO BE CORE SUBJECTS IN THE SIXTH FORM CURRICULUM. THE AIM IS TO IMPROVE THE LANGUAGE SKILLS OF SIXTH FORM STUDENTS," HE ADDED.
VARIOUS MEASURES HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THE SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SIXTH FORM POLICY.
IN THIS REGARD, THE CHINESE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE HAS EMBARKED ON A PROGRAMME OF IDENTIFYING AND REVIEWING REFERENCE BOOKS WRITTEN IN CHINESE SUITABLE FOR USE IN A-LEVEL COURSES; AND HANDBOOKS WITH TECHNICAL TERMS IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH FOR VARIOUS SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN THE SIXTH FORM HAVE BEEN PRODUCED FOR THE USE OF TEACHERS AND WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY SCHOOLS SHORTLY.
IN ADDITION, THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY HAVE ENDORSED THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NUMBER OF NEW SUBJECT COMMITTEES AT THE SIXTH FORM LEVEL. BOTH THESE AND EXISTING SUBJECT COMMITTEES WILL BE PREPARING THE REQUIRED SYLLABUSES.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THE TIMETABLE FOR THE CHANGES RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING GROUP WILL BE ADHERED TO.
"SCHOOL AUTHORITIES HAVE BEEN ADVISED THAT, IN CONSIDERING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THEIR SCHOOLS, THEY SHOULD TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THEIR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE NEEDS AND ABILITIES OF THEIR SIX-FORM STUDENTS.
"THEY SHOULD FEEL FREE TO CONSULT THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE." HE SAID.
-------0 ---------
Z26........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15. 1989
26
HE SHOULD HAVE ROLE IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION
******
HONG KONG. AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMY. SHOULD HAVE A CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE AND A ROLE TO PLAY IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION. THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY. MR MICHAEL CARTLAND. SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE SEVENTH MEETING OF THE PACIFIC ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION CONFERENCE (PECC) IN AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND. MR CARTLAND SAID HONG KONG BELIEVED THAT PECC WAS AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND, REGARDLESS OF HOW OTHER COMPLEMENTARY DISCUSSIONS MIGHT DEVELOP. THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE A NEED FOR THE VALUABLE ACADEMIC AND BUSINESS CONTRIBUTION THAT PECC PROVIDED.
"WE STAND READY TO PARTICIPATE IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION." HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND SAID HONG KONG HAD PARTICIPATED IN TASK FORCE WORK AND ATTENDED THE MEETING AS GUEST OBSERVERS.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S MAIN INTEREST IN THE ACTIVITIES OF PECC WAS IN THF. AREA OF TRADE POLICY.
"GIVEN HONG KONG’S EXTERNALLY-ORIENTED EXPORT-LED ECONOMY. IT IS INEVITABLE THAT WE HAVE A STRONG INTEREST IN MAINTAINING AND STRENGTHENING THE OPEN WORLD TRADING SYSTEM." HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND SAID THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S MERCHANDISE TRADE HAD GROWN RAPIDLY DURING THE 1980’S TO REACH USS127 BILLION IN 1988. REPRESENTING 2.2 PER CENT OF WORLD TRADE IN GOODS AND MAKING HONG KONG THE 11TH LARGEST TRADING ECONOMY IN THE WORLD.
"A MAJOR DETERMINANT OF HONG KONG'S SUCCESS HAS. WE BELIEVE, BEEN THE PURSUIT OF NON-INTERVENT ION 1ST FREE TRADE POLICIES.
"THERE ARE NO BARRIERS TO TRADE. NO TARIFF. NO EXCHANGE-CONTROLS: WE ARE OPEN TO INWARD AND OUTWARD INVESTMENT FLOWS AND HAVE A COMPARATIVELY UNREGULATED ENVIRONMENT FOR TRADE IN SERVICES." HE SAID.
MR CARTLAND SAID ALL OF THIS HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE FLEXIBLE AND ADAPTABLE NATURE OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WHICH ADJUSTED READILY TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE SAID HONG KONG’S ECONOMY WAS IN A CONTINUOUS STATE OF ADJUSTMENT IN RESPONSE TO MARKET DEVELOPMENTS. COST FACTORS AND CURRENCY MOVEMENTS.
IT HAS DEMONSTRATED AN ABILITY TO DEVELOP COMPLEMENTARITIES AND A DEGREE OF INTER-DEPENDENCE WITH OTHER ECONOMIES TO THE BENEFIT OF THE REGION AS A WHOLE." HE SAID.
/"AS MUCH.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
27
"AS MUCH AS 78 PER CENT OF HONG KONG'S TRADE IN GOODS IS WITH MEMBERS OF PECO AND THE MAIN SOURCES AND PRINCIPAL RECIPIENTS OF HONG KONG'S INWARD AND OUTWARD INVESTMENT FLOWS ARE REPRESENTED IN THIS MEETING." HE ADDED.
ON THE URUGUAY ROUND NEGOTIATIONS, MR CARTLAND SAID HONG KONG'S HIGHEST PRIORITY IN THE NEGOTIATIONS WAS TEXTILES AND THE RELATED AREAS OF SAFEGUARDS.
HE SAID HONG KONG FIRMLY BELIEVED THAT THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) SHOULD BE PHASED OUT AND THE TEXTILES AND GARMENTS SECTOR BROUGHT WITHIN THE SCOPE OF STRENGTHENED GATT DISCIPLINES.
HE SAID IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR ALL CONCERNED TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST THE REPLACEMENT OF THE MFA BY NEW AND MORE INSIDIOUS FORMS OF PROTECTION SUCH AS THE EXTENSIVE AND INDISCRIMINATE USE OF ANTI-DUMPING.
"IT IS ALSO A PREREQUISITE THAT THERE BE A CLEAR SAFEGUARDS AGREEMENT PROVIDING FOR THE APPLICATION OF GATT-CONSISTENT MEASURES ON A STRICTLY NON-DISCRIMINATORY AND MOST FAVOURED-NATION BASIS." HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON SOME OF THE POINTS RAISED EARLIER AT THE MEETING, MR CARTLAND SAID THE LINKING OF TH! HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE U.S. DOLLAR WAS NOT DONE FOR TRADE POLICY REASONS.
"IT WAS DONE AT A TIME OF LOW CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG IN 1983 TO ARREST A RAPID SLIDE IN THE VALUE OF THE CURRENCY WHICH HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN FREE FLOATING.
"THE PEG HAS BROUGHT STABILITY TO EXCHANGE RATES. THE ECONOMY HAS ADJUSTED TO THE PEG AND SPECULATIVE DEPOSITS HOPING FOR IT TO CHANGE HAVE EVAPORATED.
"WE HAVE NO INTENTION OF CHANGING IT." HE SAID.
IN RESPONSE TO THE ECONOMIC FORECAST CONTAINED IN PECC'S PACIFIC ECONOMIC OUTLOOK. MR CARTLAND SAID THE FORECAST ABOUT THE ECONOMIC SITUATION IN HONG KONG FAILED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE STEADY RECOVERY THAT HAD TAKEN PLACE IN RECENT MONTHS.
HE SAID THE PROPERTY MARKET IN HONG KONG REALISTIC LEVELS. HAVING LOST SOME OF THE EXCESSIVE THAT WAS EVIDENT EARLY IN THE YEAR.
HAD ADJUSTED AT SPECULATIVE HEAT
"BANKING BUSINESS IN HONG KONG IS BEING CARRIED OUT NORMALLY. EXPORTS CONTINUED TO SHOW POSITIVE GROWTH IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
THE FINANCIAL SYSTEM. STRENGTHENED BY REFORMS INTRODUCED SINCE THE OCTOBER '87 CRASH. HAS SHOWN NO SIGNS OF REAL STRAIN. THE EXCHANGE RATE, THANKS TO THE U.S. DOLLAR LINK, HAS REMAINED STABLE.
"THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE INTERRUPTION IN THE FLOW OF GOODS TRAFFIC ACROSS THE BORDER.
"UNEMPLOYMENT REMAINS AT 1.1 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER WHICH IS VIRTUALLY FULL EMPLOYMENT." HE SAID.
-------0 ---------
/28 .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 28 -
HE HAS PROPOSED GATT ANTI-DUMPING CODE
*****
HONG KONG HAS TAKEN TH! VERY POSITIVE STEP OF PROPOSING. IN THE CURRENT URUGUAY ROUND N1 iQTIATIONS. THE STRENGTHENING OF THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT) ANTI-DUMPING CODE.
THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR T.H. BARMA, SAID THIS AT THE OPENING OF THE INTERSTOFF ASIA 1989 TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR BARMA SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS A STAUNCH SUPPORTER AND PRACTITIONER OF FREE TRADE PRINCIPLES AS ENSHRINED IN THE GATT AND IT DID NOT CONDONE GENUINE DUMPING. WHICH WAS AN UNFAIR TRADE PRACTICE CLEARLY DEFINED IN THE GATT.
NOTING THAT ONE OF THE PRODUCTS BEING OFFERED IN THE •EXHIBITION WAS DENIM, HE SAID HONG KONG WAS CURRENTLY PLAGUED BY A SPATE OF ANTI-DUMPING PROCEEDINGS ON ITS PRODUCTS. AND, UNFORTUNATELY, DENIM CLOTH WAS ONE OF THE PRODUCTS BEING TARGETTED FOR ANTI-DUMPING ACTION.
"WE IN HONG KONG ARE MOST PERPLEXED AND PERTURBED BY SUCH ACCUSATIONS OF DUMPING," HE SAID.
MR BARMA POINTED OUT THAT THE LATEST ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES APPEARED TO BE TINTED WITH PROTECTIONIST SENTIMENTS.
"IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE TRADING WORLD SHOULD GUARD AGAINST THE USE OF SUCH MEASURES AS NEW BARRIERS TO TRADE." HE SAID.
ON HONG KONG’S GARMENT INDUSTRY. MR BARMA SAID THE TERRITORY WAS NOW THE WORLD’S THIRD LARGEST GARMENT EXPORTER AFTER ITALY AND KOREA.
OVER THE YEARS. HONG KONG GARMENTS HAVE ATTAINED A REPUTATION OF HAVING INNOVATIVE DESIGNS AND HIGH QUALITY," HE SAID.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT HONG KONG, BEING AN OPEN ECONOMY, FREE OF TARIFF OR NON-TARIFF BARRIERS. HAD ALWAYS BEEN INTERESTED IN EXPANDING ITS MARKETS AND BUYING MATERIALS FROM THE BEST SOURCES ALL OVER THE WORLD.
THE CHOICE OF HONG KONG AS A VENUE OF THIS EXHIBITION IS THEREFORE MOST APPROPRIATE." HE ADDED.
OVER 200 FABRIC MANUFACTURERS FROM 23 COUNTRIES ARE TAKING
PART IN THE INTERSTOFF ASIA 1989 EXHIBITION.
-------o ---------
/29 .......
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15. 1989
- 29 -
PAC HEARING NEXT WEEK * t ♦
AN OPEN HEARING OF THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WILL BE HELD NEXT WEEK FOLLOWING THE TABLING OF THE REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE REPORT IS ON THE ACCOUNTS OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31 AND THE RESULTS OF VALUE FOR MONEY AUDITS.
THE HEARING WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON THURSDAY. NOVEMBER 23. THE MORNING SESSION WILL RUN FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.45 PM, AND THE AFTERNOON SESSION FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM.
CONTROLLING OFFICERS WILL APPEAR BEFORE THE COMMITTEE IN RELATION TO POINTS MADE IN THE REPORT.
-----0-----
DECREASE IN AVERAGE TAR YIELD OF CIGARETTES * * ♦ * ♦
THE AVERAGE TAR YIELD AMONG THE 106 TOP BEST-SELLING CIGARETTES IN’ HONG KONG HAS DECREASED BY 1.3 PER CENT TO 14.8 MG/CIGARETTE COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE OF 15.0 MG/CIGARETTE IN THE LAST ANALYSTS. ACCORDING TO THE LATEST (13TH) SIX-MONTH REVIEW OF TAR AND N I COT I NT YIELDS OF CIGARETTES RELEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
FIGURES FROM RECENT SURVEYS SHOW A CONTINUED DECLINE IN THE AVERAGE TAR YIELDS OF CIGARETTES.
NO ‘HIGH TAR" CIGARETTES I THAT IS THOSE WITH A TAR CONTENT OF 29 MG AND ABOVE) WERE FOUND IN Till PRESENT SURVEY AND THE NUMBER OF BRANDS OF CIGARETTES CLASSIFIED AS ’’LOW TAR” CIGARETTES INCREASED FROM 20 IN Till LAST SURVEY TO 25 IN THE PRESENT SURVEY.
"THE RESULTS SEEM TO CONFIRM THE TREND OF CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR LOW TAR CIGARETTES.” A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
"BUT LOK TAR CIGARETTES ARI’ STILL HAZARDOUS TO HEALTH,” HE ADDED.
ON I'HI OTHER HAND. THE AVERAGE NICOTINE YIELD OF CIGARETTES HAS RISEN BY 3.2 PER CENT TO 1.29 MG/CIGARETTE WHEN COMPARED WITH 1.25 MG/CIGARETTE IN THE LAST SURVEY.
"NICOTINI IS ADDICT1VI AND CREATES DEPENDENT’! ON TOBACCO.” THE SPOKESMAN SAID. WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE INCREASE IN NICOTINE YIELDS IN TWO CONSECUTIVE SURVEYS.”
/THE HONG
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1989
THE HONG KONG COUNCIL ON SMOKING AND HEALTH HAS PROPOSED. IN ITS PACKAGE OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO Till GOVERNMENT. AN IMMEDIATE CEILING OF 1.2 MG/CIGARETTE FOR NICOTINE AND 18 MG/CI.GARETTE FOR TAR.
"A GOVERNMENT DECISION WILL SOON BE MADE ON THIS RECOMMENDATION IN THE LIGHT OF OPINIONS EXPRESSED DURING A PUBLIC CONSULTATION EXERCISE CONDUCTED EARLIER THIS YEAR."
A FULL REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S FINDINGS HAS BEEN IN THE LATEST EDITION OF ’’CHOICE" MAGAZINE.
PUBLISHED
-------0----------
11.000 VISIT EXHIBITION ON EMPLOYMENT OF THE DISABLED
MORE THAN 11.000 PEOPLE HAVE VISITED AN EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO INTRODUCE THE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND WORKING ABILITIES OF THE DISABLED.
OPENED LAST FRIDAY. THE WEEK-LONG EXHIBITION IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S SELECTIVE PLACEMENT DIVISION AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI UNTIL TOMORROW (THURSDAY). OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 10 AM TO 6.30 PM.
VISITORS WILL BE ABLE TO SEE HOW DISABLED PEOPLE ARE PLACED IN OPEN EMPLOYMENT AND TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR POTENTIAL WORKING ABILITIES.
THE EXHIBITION ALSO DEPICTS THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING. JOB ASSESSMENT AND EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT.
THERE ARE ALSO A DISPLAY OF DIFFERENT EMPLOYMENT AIDS AND EQUIPMENT SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO HELP THE DISABLED AT WORK, JOB-MATCHING BY COMPUTER, A COMPUTER QUESTION-AND-ANSWER GAME BOOTH AND LIVE WORK DEMONSTRATIONS BY DISABLED WORKERS.
-------O----------
LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION PROJECTS ON DB AGENDA
♦ * t * t
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL DISCUSS THE STUDIES AND PROJECTS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE LAND DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (LDC) AT ITS MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE LDC. MR ABRAHJM RAZACK, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
/MEMBERS WILL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 198?
- 31
MEMBERS WILL CONSIDER A PAPER ON THE REVISED LAYOUT OF THE PLANNED PARKLAND AND INDOOR GAMES HALL ON THE WESTERN RECLAMATION.
THEY WILL ALSO EXPRESS VIEWS ON THE VARIOUS OPTIONS FOR THE FUTURE USE OF THE FORMER WEST:KN MARKET BUILDING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN ROOM 1416, HARBOUR BUILDING, 38 PIER ROAD, CENTRAL.
-----0-----
DISTRICT FESTIVAL CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION *****
A CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBIT!* N WILL BE HELD IN WONG TAI SIN. BEGINNING ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17). AS PART OF THE CURRENT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
ORGANISED BY THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE UNTIL NOVEMBER 21 (TUESDAY). IT WILL THEN BE MOVED TO THE WONG TAI SIN COMMERCIAL CENTRE ON NOVEMBER 22 BEFORE CLOSING ON NOVEMBER 24.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ENABLE RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR DISTRICT WHILE FOSTERING A GREATER SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG THEM, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE EXHIBITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS, ONE ON THE PEOPLE’S RIGHTS AND THE OTHER ON THE PAST. PRESENT AND FUTURE OF WONG TAI SIN.
THE "PEOPLE’S RIGHTS” SECTION WAS PRODUCED BY THE LAW SOCIETY OF THE UNVIERSITY OF HONG KONG. THE PRESENTATION HAS WON THE OUTSTANDING AWARD IN THE 1988-89 CIVIC EDUCATION ACTIVITIES PROJECTS COMPETITION ORGANISED BY THE CIVIC EDUCATION COMMITTEE.
THROUGH THE PHOTOGRAPHS AND CARTOONS ON DISPLAY, RESIDENTS WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND THE LAWS OF SOCIETY.
THE SECTION ON WONG TAI SIN WILL INTRODUCE THE HISTORY OF HOUSING AND TRAFFIC MATTERS IN THE DISTRICT. THEIR PRESENT SITUATION AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS.
/AN OPENING .......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15. 1989
AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY AT NOON. OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, MR ALBERT LI; CHIEF HOUSING MANAGER FOR HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON CENTRAL. MR CHOI KEI-WONG: AND PRESIDENT OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE. MR CHOW WING-TUNG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 1989 WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT FESTIVAL CIVIC EDUCATION EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT NOON ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17) AT THE LOK FU _ SHOPPING CENTRE.
-----0------
FOUR GOVERNMENT LAND LOTS TO LET BY TENDER
* t t * »
THE BUILDINGS AND LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF FOUR SITES ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TWO LOTS AT AP LET CHAU WEST. MEASURING 5.538 SQUARE METRES AND 5.756 SQUARE MITRES RESPECTIVELY. ARE TO BE USED FOR THE OPEN STORAGE OF TENANT'S GOODS AND INCLUDING MOTOR VEHICLES.
THE TENANCIES ARE FOR ONE YEAR. RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
A 2.550 SQUARE-METRE LOT IN AREA 1. TSING YI ISLAND. IS FOR OPEN STORAGE OF TENANT’S GOODS (EXCLUDING STORAGE OF CONTAINERS).
THE TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS. RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THF OTHER LOT IS IN AREA 3. TSUI LAM. TSEUNG KWAN O. AND HAS AN AREA OF 1.359 SQUARE METRES. IT IS FOR A PUBLIC CARPARK.
THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR. RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS FOR THE FOUR SITES IS NOON ON DECEMBER 1 .
_--------o -----------
/33........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15, 1989
- 33 -
TEMPORARY RE-ROL’TEING OF DOUGLAS STREET IN CENTRAL * ♦ * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17). DOUGLAS STREET BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY CUL-DE-SAC WITH ACCESS FROM DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
THE RE-ROUTETNG WILL LAST FOR ABOUT 10 WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK.
-------0---------
TEMPORARY URBAN CLEARWAY IN WATER STREET IN WESTERN
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY I NOVEMBER 17). THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF WATER STREET IN WESTERN DISTRICT BETWEEN CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY ROUND-THE-CLOCK.
THIS MEASURE WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR WEEKS TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORKS.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
-------0---------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT AIRPORT *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17). THE SECTION OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WHICH LINKS THE FLYOVER LEADING FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST EASTBOUND WITH THE EASTERN END OF DEPARTURES CIRCUIT WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE. ALL MOTOR VEHICLES. EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.
AT THE SAME TIME. THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY FOR GOODS VEHICLES EFFECTIVE 24 HOURS DAILY ON THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF THE DEPARTURES CIRCUIT WILL BE EXTENDED WESTWARDS FOR ABOUT 14 METRES.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE. ALL GOODS VEHICLES. EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT. WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS AND GOODS.
-------0 ---------
/?*»...........
WEDNESDAY. NOVEMBER 15, 1989
URBAN CLEARWAY IN SHAM SHU] PO t t * * »
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 171. THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF MEI LAI ROAD IN SHAM SHUI PO BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH NASSAN STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 40 MFTRFS NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED AN URBAN CLEARWAY FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
NO VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS THERE.
- 0 -
LANE CLOSURE ON TUEN MUN ROAD tilt
THI TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THAT THF THREE TRAFFIC 1ANES OF THE TUEN MUN BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF TUEN MUN ROAD NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH TSUEN WAN ROAD WILL BE PARTIALLY CLOSED IN TURN FROM 8 PM ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 17) TO 8 PM ON NOVEMBER 25.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE ROAD MAINTENANCE WORKS.
CLOSURE OF TWO TRAFFIC LANES WILL ONLY BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE NIGHT TIME (8 PM TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY). ONE TRAFFIC LANE WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE REST OF THE CLOSURE PERIOD.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-8428777
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GALlANTRY AWARDS FOR J MEN IN AIRPORT RESCUE.................. 1
"INSURANCE POLICY" FOR HK PEOPLE WELCOMED: SIR DAVID FORD ... 2
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN MANUFACTURING AN IMPORTANT CHALLENGE . J
DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS ENHANCE HK'S POSITION: TSAO............. 4
GOVT TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS ...................... 5
HONG KONG TO HOLD MAJOR YOUTH FESTIVAL ....................... 6
HAPPY HOME IMPORTANT IN RAISING CHILDREN: LADY WILSON......... 3
HEALTH EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL ............................... 9
877M TO IMPROVE DRAINAGE IN NORTHWEST NT...................... 10
PERCUSSIVE PILING NOISE CONTROLS TAKE EFFECT TOMORROW ........ 11
MARGINAL DECLINE IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ........................ 11
WORKING GROUP ON ELDERLY COMMUNITY EDUCATION BEING PLANNED .. 1J FINALISTS SELECTED FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS' AWARDS ............... 14
DISTRICT FESTIVAL BADMINTON MATCH ............................ 15
SPECIAL DB MEETING ON BUILDING DEMOLITION .................... 16
COMMUNITY NEEDS WHOLE RANGE OF TALENTS ....................... 1?
1989 HK ANNUAL DIGEST OF STATISTICS ON SALE................... 17
DB COMMITTEE TO BE BRIEFED ON PROGRESS OF CONTROL SCHEME .... 18
FAMILY FUN DAY IN STANLEY ON SUNDAY........................... 18
FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION SCHOOLS PRAISED................... 19
NEW EMPLOYMENT OFFICE OPENS IN KWAI CHUNG .................... 20
DEPT OF HEALTH REGIONAL OFFICE ON MOVE........................ 20
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN ............................ 21
URBAN CLEARWAYS IN KWUN TONG, KCWLOON CITY ................... 21
NIGHT CLOSURE OF UNDERPASS IN HUNG HOM........................ 22
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989
GALLANTRY AWARDS FOR 3 MEN IN AIRPORT RESCUE
*****
THE QUEEN HAS APPROVED AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY AND BRAVE CONDUCT TO TWO FIREMEN AND A CIVILIAN WHO TOOK PART IN THE RESCUE OPERATION FOLLOWING THE CRASH OF AN AIRLINER AT HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT ON AUGUST 31 LAST YEAR.
THE QUEEN’S GALLANTRY MEDAL HAS BEEN AWARDED TO FIREMAN LI TIM-SHING AND TO FIREMAN LUI TAK-WAH.
THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR BRAVE CONDUCT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO MR WONG KWAI-LEUNG, WHO WAS A PASSENGER ON THE CAAC TRIDENT JET.
THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED AT ABOUT 9.20 AM AS THE JETLINER WAS LANDING AT KAI TAK, ON A FLIGHT FROM CANTON. IT WAS CARRYING 11 CREW AND 78 PASSENGERS.
THE AIRCRAFT PLUNGED INTO THE KOWLOON BAY NULLAH WITH A FIRE IN THE TAIL SECTION, WHICH CAME TO REST ON THE SEAWALL. THE FUSELAGE SECTION JUST FORWARD OF THE WINGS RUPTURED AND THE NOSE SECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT WAS SUBMERGED.
FIREMAN LI TOOK AN ACTIVE PART IN RESCUING THE OCCUPANTS OF THE CRASHED AIRCRAFT. AT THAT POINT IN TIME, THE FIRE IN THE NO. 2 ENGINE IN THE TAIL SECTION WAS STILL BURNING AS IT COULD NOT BE REACHED BY THE JETS FROM THE FIRE APPLIANCES ON LAND. THE FIRE POSED A SERIOUS THREAT AS IT COULD HAVE TRIGGERED AN EXPLOSION FROM THE SPILLED AVIATION FUEL IN THE VICINITY.
FIREMAN LI TOOK A HOSE LINE FROM THE SHORE AND SWAM TO THE AIRCRAFT. WITH THE HELP OF A COLLEAGUE HE MANAGED TO CLIMB UP THE VERY HOT AND SLIPPERY REAR FUSELAGE AND SUCCESSFULLY EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THIS WAS A MAJOR FACTOR IN THE RESCUE OPERATION AND FIREMAN LI SHOWED EXCEPTIONAL COURAGE AND SKILL.
MEANWHILE, FIREMAN LUI. HAVING HELPED TO RESCUE TWO PASSENGERS TRAPPED IN THEIR SEATS, ATTEMPTED TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE SUBMERGED COCKPIT.
THIS WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT BECAUSE THE PASSAGE TO THE COCKPIT WAS OBSTRUCTED BY SHARP DEBRIS, WIRING AND OTHER WRECKAGE, AND THE ALMOST TOTAL LACK OF VISIBILITY IN THE MURKY WATER. IN ADDITION. THERE WAS THE EVER PRESENT RISK OF EXPLOSION FROM THE BURNING NO. 2 ENGINE.
FIREMAN LUI EVENTUALLY MANAGED TO ENTER THE COCKPIT AND RECOVER THE SIX CREW MEMBERS WHO HAD BEEN IN THE COCKPIT. ALL SIX WERE DEAD.
/TO WORK .......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989
2
TO WORK IN THE CONFINED SPACE OF THE COCKPIT IN CONDITIONS OF NO VISIBILITY, FIREMAN LUI HAD TO HOLD HIS DIVING HARNESS AND AIR SUPPLY IN ONE HAND. IN SO DOING HE DISPLAYED CONSPICUOUS COURAGE AND SKILL AS HE COULD HAVE BEEN TRAPPED AT ANY TIME BY WRECKAGE OR HIS BREATHING TUBE CUT BY THE SHARP DEBRIS.
MR WONG HAD MANAGED. AFTER THE CRASH, TO OPEN AN EXIT DOOR AND ASSISTED SOME OF HIS FELLOW PASSENGERS FROM THE AIRCRAFT. THEN, DESPITE INJURIES SUSTAINED IN THE CRASH. HE HELPED SEVERAL MORE PASSENGERS TO SWIM ASHORE.
BY STAYING IN THE VICINITY OF THE AIRCRAFT WHEN THERE WAS A HIGH RISK OF EXPLOSION MR WONG SHOWED BRAVERY AND PUBLIC SPIRITEDNESS OF A HIGH ORDER.
------0 - - - -
"INSURANCE POLICY" FOR HK PEOPLE WELCOMED: SIR DAVID FORD *****
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WARMLY WELCOME ASSISTANCE FROM OVERSEAS COUNTRIES IN GIVING HONG KONG PEOPLE THE RIGHT TO ENTER THOSE COUNTRIES BUT ALLOWING THEM TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG, THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR. SIR DAVID FORD SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SIR DAVID WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG ARTICLE NUMBERING ASSOCIATION.
"I THINK THE MORE PEOPLE WHO ARE ENCOURAGED TO STAY HERE IN HONG KONG AND WORK FOR HONG KONG BUT HAVING SOME INSURANCE POLICY THAT ENABLES THEM TO LEAVE, IF THEY FEEL THEY HAVE TO, THAT WILL IN DEED HELP HONG KONG’S CONFIDENCE. AND CERTAINLY WE WILL ENCOURAGE OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO SOMETHING ALONG THOSE SAME LINES AS WE HOPE THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO DO SHORTLY," HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON A US PROPOSAL TO INCREASE ITS IMMIGRATION QUOTA FOR PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, SIR DAVID SAID THE QUESTION OF WHETHER OVERSEAS COUNTRIES SHOULD INCREASE THEIR IMMIGRATION QUOTAS WAS A MATTER FOR THE COUNTRIES CONCERNED.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT IN ANY WAY TRY TO INTERFERE, HE ADDED.
SIR DAVID DID NOT THINK THE CHANGES WOULD INCREASE THE BRAIN DRAIN PROBLEM IF PEOPLE WERE ALLOWED TO STAY HERE BUT WITH THE RIGHT TO ENTER SOMEWHERE ELSE.
"OF COURSE, IF THE IMMIGRATION QUOTAS ARE INCREASED ON A NORMAL BASIS, THAT COULD IN DEED PULL MORE PEOPLE OUT OF HONG KONG," HE NOTED.
ASKED IF INCREASED IMMIGRATION QUOTAS WOULD IRRITATE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, SIR DAVID SAID: ”1 DON’T THINK THERE ARE ANY INDICATIONS AS IT WOULD TN ANY WAY IRRITATE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT. CERTAINLY WE HAVE NO SUCH INDICATION."
------o--------
Z3.....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1989
3 -
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT IN MANUFACTURING AN IMPORTANT CHALLENGE * * * * »
THE 1990’S WILL BE AN EVENTFUL DE